Blades or Fists? (Serrif)

by **Blythe** on April 4th, 2011, 12:46 am

Spring 10, 511 AV

Blythe was standing barefoot on a bamboo matt. She was only two feet away from her sparring partner- another Konti woman, a little younger than she. The woman's hair was tied up in a tight ponytail, which swung back and forth with each of her delicate steps. Blythe's hair was fashioned in the same way, although after having practiced katana for so long, several strands had escaped from the pale blue ribbon, and now clung to the edges of her pale face. Several salty beads of sweat had lined it long ago, and now, even with the thin trickle pale light that came in through the windows and open door, the Konti seemed to glow. Each wore a long white dress that fell around their feet in a tumbling mess of cotton cloth. Their wooden practice blades were raised before them, crossed together as they caught their breath. As their arms shook from the effort of having to hold on a little longer, the blades clicked together from time to time.

Blythe watched her opponent's chest rapidly rise and fall out of the corner of her lavender eyes. "Are you ready Blythe?" her opponent, a woman by the name of Fleur asked. Blythe nodded, "ready." With that, the two woman pulled their swords out to the right, and then back into each other. When they clicked together again, the two took a step apart from one another. The two circled each other cautiously for several moments, as Blythe did her best to block out the sound of the other students fighting- muffled footsteps on bamboo matts, shuffling of feet, clicking of practice swords. After a few seconds, Fleur lunged for her. Her right foot crept forward, while the left hung back and braced her body. Her right arm stretched towards her, the blade was merely an extension of Fleur's arm. It was coming directly for Blythe's heart.

Quick as a very tired cat, Blythe twirled out of the way, just in the nick of time. She missed, her brain laughed as her sword spun outwards from the side of her body. Fleur quickly returned to the starting position, and raised her wooden blade to meet Blythe's. Click. Fleur pushed Blythe's blade away, before stepping back, and swinging her blade around in a wide arc. Blythe raised her blade to meet Fleur's, click. The two stepped away from each other again, and seemed to stare each other down. Isn't it funny how all of Kariha's students develop a little portion of her in their use of the craft? Take Fleur for instance, she has the dance-like quality of Kariha's moves down, and her sizing-up stare. And you, Blythe, well, you have a clumsy ballet-like quality to your steps. Blythe rolled her eyes as her opponent stepped forward, and began to wave her sword rapidly from left to right. Each time she did, Blythe would raise her sword to block, and take a half step back. After a few steps, her back pressed against that of another Konti woman, who was also in the middle of a practice match.

Blythe peered over her shoulder at the other woman, "sorry," she said, as she turned to face her opponent again, and took a step forward. Within a quarter of a second, the tip of Fleur's wooden blade had pressed into the middle of Blythe's chest. "Touche," the girl said as she took a step back. Well that was a fair move, Blythe thought as she continued to step forward, a little closer to Fleur, and a little farther away from the pair she had just bumped into. The girls seemed to size each other up again as they returned to the starting position and crossed their blades. "Ready?" Blythe asked as the sound of hands clapping reached her ears. Blythe lowered her blade and looked over her shoulder, wondering where the sound had come from.

Blythe's eyes darted back and forth over the suvai pavilion. "What is it?" Fleur asked no one in particular when she couldn't figure out what the fuss had been about. "There is someone at the door," Blythe whispered, as she noticed a shadow lining the edges of the door frame. She turned around to face it, and awaited someone with slightly more rank than she to speak with whoever it was that had just arrived.

OOCThis is me trying to sneak in some katana exp. >.<

by **Serrif Von Chatlyn** on April 4th, 2011, 2:15 am

Serrif woke in the morning again refreshed as much as anyone could hope to be. His body still ached from the intensive sessions that Mistress Ildin had him gauntlet through. He hadn’t seen her, only the weights that she had him bare through the beach. He obeyed without question and was already reaping the benefits. His mind and his pas no longer haunted him at night. He was able to leave all that behind him. His nights were of deep dark sleep; he dreamt of nothing instead of something. Which was a welcome change indeed compared to what was the norm for him before all this. His body had begun to change as well. He had been eating fish he could catch and what vegetables he could afford. This fuel into the furnace that Ildin had him burning leant to fast changes in his body. Most of which were still even visible under the clothing he wore. He slipped on a pair of baggy black pants and a short sleeved black shirt that buttoned up the front. He had found that he cooled himself by leaving the top half of the buttons undone. He really had to get himself better clothing for this weather.

In all his body had filled out; looking much healthier now. His legs were beginning to build lean compact muscle quickly as were his arms and chest form the hours of bow practice. His demeanor was much more calm and collected than before. He wasn’t as nervous and it seemed like he had finally found his place here in Mura. There were even rumors that this man was seeking his first gnosis mark at the temple. He had become a herbalist there and was offering his healing skills to the masses. But again all this only rumor. But these rumors got even more interesting when they referred to him and Mistress Ildin. Rumors had it she was really testing this man; pressing her mind to find how to really press his body to the edge. It seemed she had finally met her match; a pupil she couldn’t break or push to the edge. Again all only rumors. But sometimes rumors were very much true; and were validated by behavior.

Serrif found himself walking toward the Suvai Pavilion early in the morning. His feet followed one by one toward the first floor of the pavilion. He wondered what the Mistress had laid out for him to run with today. She always seemed to lay it right inside the first floor against the wall. He knew what was his and the rest of the women here knew not to touch what Ildin laid out for her pupil. Serrif walked inside and looked right along the wall as he entered. Those emerald eyes knew what they were looking for. And they found just that. A backpack and a few rough sacks next to the bag. Well looked like he would be weighted down rather heavily today.

It was then that something caught his attention off to the left on one of the training mats. Seemed that practices were being held here as they always were; but for some reason he found himself intrigued by a certain match. He watched easily able to observe because he stood several heads above that of the Konti women around him. His emerald eyes followed and he saw someone he swore he knew. Yes…that was Blythe. He knew her. Now what was she doing here? Although she could ask him the same question; doubtlessly the Mistresses all knew of each other’s pupils. And being that few if any ever came under the teaching of Ildin he was likely a lively topic of discussion around here.

He watched in amazement with the two women. Blythe had obviously learned a great deal here. Her antics were well placed and her ever step seemed measured. But her politeness got in her way and it was that sudden lapse of attention that caused her a loss to her opponent. A good display nevertheless of her prowess. He did indeed enjoy watching her spar with the other woman. Although he must admit the last spar he had left him tasting blood in his mouth. Seemed some practiced a little harder than others. Some a little more violent than others; but in general they were all more gentle than a spar with many other people of different races. Which was an interesting topic to him; seemed Ildin was the only one that really pressed the envelope of physical training. He even without thinking had begun clapping a little. He stopped and then nodded to Blythe. It was then that her attention was caught. He didn’t need to motion because he had her attention.

He moved figuring Blythe was indeed busy. He moved to shoulder the backpack and the sacs that Ildin had left for him. He gauged their weight and indeed they were far heavier than what he had been used to at this point. He sat them back on the ground. It was a little too early for this. He would like it far more to watch Blythe. Or perhaps practice archery; the morning was indeed young. He figured it would be best to watch Blythe and offer some support to her. He moved to watch and then with a friendly nod and a gesture pointed back to Fleur as if to say ‘eyes on the target’ hopefully his appearance hadn’t cost her another blunder against her opponent. Whatever the outcome he was glad he could be here to see what Blythe had learned; he figured it was about time she picked up a weapon and made herself familiar with it.

by **Blythe** on April 4th, 2011, 2:45 am

When no one spoke to the newcomer, Blythe's lips curled into a frown. Well that is not exactly what one would consider polite, Blythe thought as she noticed two emerald colored eyes. "Serrif? Is that you?" Blythe called, as she quickly turned to Fleur, and offered a slight bow of her head. "Please do excuse this interruption," Blythe muttered as she tip-toed around the rows of sparring Konti women, careful not to get caught in the middle of anything. When she had reached the doorway, Blythe leaned her practice sword up against the wall.

"It is you Serrif," Blythe said with a slight smile. Her eyes seemed to sparkle as her eyes took him in. He seemed healthier looking than she remembered, not quite so thin and sickly looking. As though he had eaten a lot more of late. "How have you been?" she inquired. "You look, well, good." She noticed the pack that was leaning up against the side of the wall out of the corner of her eye. "Is that for you Ser? Or are you merely delivering it?" Blythe tilted her head to the side. The edges of her cheeks were lined with a pale pink, and the scales atop her forehead seemed to sparkle as she awaited her answer.

"If you came for that bag, you don't have to take it right away do you Ser?" Blythe asked. "You could always stay for a little, right? Watch the other women finish up their practice, and perhaps, take part in a short meditation and cooling down period with them." Blythe's smile widened. She really liked that idea, and thought the other woman, as well as herself could use a male in the group. They saw so few of them, after all, on the Island.

Blythe extended her left hand towards Serrif. Pale fingertips wrapped around his wrist. "Come on, it'll be fun." There was a slight pause. "Don't worry, we don't bite. We're not vipers or anything," she giggled, as she gave his arm a little tug before turning around. She grabbed the wooden practice blade from its resting spot up against the wall, and held it tightly in her right hand. Her knuckles growing paler than usual with the force.

Blythe was still tired though, from the fight, so her tug probably felt like that of a child trying to get their father to come along with them. "You have to meet everybody Ser, they're quite nice," Blythe said, her voice sounding all the more excited. "They'll be happy to meet you too." The girl gave another little tug. "The girl without a partner is Fleur. She was sparring with me before you came along. But don't worry, she is pretty tired too, and the class is just about to end anyway. We just need to stretch and stuff," Blythe explained as she took another step into the pavilion. "We can go back to that section of the matt to finish up, ok?" she called over her shoulder. Hopefully we're not being too forceful.

by **Serrif Von Chatlyn** on April 4th, 2011, 6:36 pm

He was glad to see that Blythe had such a positive reaction to him. It had been awhile since he had seen her and he had been wondering where she had gone. Seemed she had taken up the art of katana. And with a good amount of understanding too. She had practiced a fair amount it seemed and well it was interesting to see her wield a weapon; a graceful one at that. He could see her eyes almost literally sparkle as she looked to him. A smile crossed his face as he nodded to her. She inquired about how he had been and he answered each question when the time was allotted.

“I’ve been well; the pack is for me but I can take it later.” He answered as he then took in her next line of questioning.

She wanted him to come with her and meditate. Well not just her but it seemed like that was the idea anyway. A good meditation sounded like a proper and nice idea to him. Could help him cool his senses and really take in the morning as well. He looked all around and saw only women. And well for once he wasn’t bothered by that. He had actually gotten quite used to being the only man he really ever came in contact with. And these Konti women; their very presence seemed to soothe him. That feeling was multiplied when he thought about the isle itself. It was peaceful and alluring. He had found himself at peace here. And he wouldn’t mind joining. He felt her fingertips wrap themselves around his wrist. She coaxed him further even though no further allure was needed. He merely nodded and moved with her.

He nodded and watched her move back to the sparring mat. “I’ll be waiting for you.” He said as she moved across the floor to meet her partner.

He wondered innately. If he even had a chance with Blythe; he wondered this only because he couldn’t help himself. She seemed to like his presence well enough. And well he did enjoy hers as well. But there was the whole ageing issue. He would grow old eventually and well she would continue to look young for many years. She would be well and he would grow sick with age. He wasn’t sure how Konti women handled mates but when they were human he could only imagine they didn’t last long; well for the women that was. His life was short in comparison to hers. He wondered this and then another thought crossed his mind. Something that was solidified when one of the many women on the mat shot him an alluring motion; were these women really interested in him at all? It didn’t occur to him until just now that he may actually be somewhat of a rare treat for these women. He hadn’t seen many if any other men on the isle. And he was one of the newest arrivals; and likely a very interesting arrival as well.

He wished to become part of this culture; and that usually meant marriage to a local as well. But Konti women from his short understanding didn’t usually marry. But they still had children; he wasn’t sure even if the women knew who their children’s fathers were. And even if they did the fathers likely weren’t alive as of now. Was there a way to know if a Konti was yours? He pondered that for a little while longer and until the class ended and Blythe came and got him. Or motioned to him.

by **Blythe** on April 4th, 2011, 7:36 pm

Blythe let her hand fall from Serrif's wrist. "Are you sure you only wish to watch?" Blythe inquired. "You are more than welcome to help us cool down, or join in the meditation if you'd like." Blythe waited only a moment for Serrif to reply, before walking over to Fleur. "If you change your mind," Blythe called over her shoulder, "then feel free to jump in."

When Blythe reached her sparring partner, she placed her right foot in front of the left. Her toe was pointing upwards, so that it was going in the same direction as her body, and was pointed towards her opponent. Her left foot, she kept maybe six or seven inches behind the right. The foot was turned to the side, so that it was facing the wall. Together, the feet formed a ninety degree angle. Blythe's blade was held out before her, as was Fleur's. The blades were pointed upwards, towards the ceiling, and remained at least a foot ahead of each of their owners. Their arms were bent slightly at the elbow, and the blade rested almost directly in the middle of their owner's shoulders. The blades crossed, click.

"Ready Blythe?" Fleur asked, as her eyes narrowed and her muscles seemed to tense. "Ready," Blythe said. Rapidly, the girl began to move her left foot. At first, she brought it forward so that it was planted in the matt six inches to the left of the right. When she did, she brought her wooden blade around, and whacked Blythe's. As soon as she had, the girl twisted around, and whacked the blade from the other side. The girl continued to twist and turn and strike in this manner, until she had repeated the process about fifty times. As soon as she had, Fleur stopped, and resumed the starting position. "Your turn Blythe," Blythe nodded, as she stepped forward with her left foot, and swung at Fleur's blade. Click! As quickly as she could, Blythe twirled around to swipe the other side. Click! And back around, over and over again, click, click, click until the number fifty had been reached.

When Blythe was done, she returned the starting position, and bowed her head to Fleur. Fleur did the same. When she had straightened up again, Blythe asked, "so should we meditate?" Fleur nodded as she folded herself into the lotus position. She placed her wooden blade on the floor in front of her. Blythe did the same. Both girls placed their hands on their knees, palms facing up. "You can follow my lead if you'd like," Blythe said. Fleur nodded, as each closed their eyes.

"Begin by breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth. Slowly, in through the nose, out through the mouth. Allow yourself now to hold in each breath for as long as possible, to allow it to fill your lungs, before you let it out with a satisfied sigh," Blythe began. She took another breath in through her nose, and held it for five seconds. When it had sat in her lungs long enough, Blythe let the cool air out through her mouth with a sigh. She repeated the process three more times. She was beginning to feel relaxed. "Very good, now take a moment to notice which of your bones ache. Which of your muscles are sore. Concentrate on each of them while you continue to breath deeply."

It was an easy question for Blythe, her entire body ached. She still had a ways to go before she developed enough muscle, and enough endurance to go through a lesson without feeling like her entire body was about to fall apart. The arms and the legs were the worst though- for the legs needed to support the body, and the arms needed to move the blade to attack and defend it. "Now that you have realized where the pain lies, continue to breath slowly in and out. Let yourself relax."

Blythe continued to simply breath in through the nose, and out through her mouth for another ten seconds before she said. "Now, simply observe how your body feels. Take note of how your muscles feel. What led you to make the judgment that they are sore. What led you to believe your bones ached. Is the pain within them sharp? Is it a stabbing pain? Does it simply feel as though they have been stretched too much?" Blythe whispered as she took a moment to do her own inventory. The muscles in the back of her neck felt tight, as though she had been hunched over. Everything in her upper back, and her shoulders felt like it was knotted up. Her feet felt as though they had turned into bricks, which dragged her feet into he floor. Her arms were experiencing a sharp, shooting pain from time to time, although her fingers tingled. Were they losing feeling? Blythe wondered as she continued to breath.

"Now, although no one wishes to experience pain, it is important to learn how to accept it as little more than a fact of life. We shall feel pain, but we shouldn't allow our pain to consume us," Blythe said. "Now take a moment." Blythe paused. "A moment in which you allow yourself to accept the pain you are in, both physically and emotionally. Allow this to be a learning experience, although this to be a time for you to grow. Allow everything to simply be."

Blythe stopped talking. This pain is natural. This is simply an after-effect of your work out. With time, you will feel less and less as your body grows. It will hurt less and less as you continue to condition it. As you continue to practice the use of the katana. There was a pause. It may hurt now, but it will not hurt forever. The pain will fade away, and become little more than an unfortunate memory.

"We accept the pain," Blythe whispered. "We accept the pain, we accept the pain of today..." Fleur whispered the words along with Blythe for several minutes, until Blythe changed the tune. "We don't have to do anything other than be. We accept the pain, we accept ourselves." Although Fleur said nothing, she nodded in response to Blythe's words. Blythe was silent for several moments. "Now, just let yourself relax, let yourself breath."

Blythe's chest rose and fell steadily as she continued to breath evenly, in through the nose, out through the mouth. In through the nose, out through the mouth. "Just accept the time being for what it is, and breath." Blythe continued to hold in each of her inhalations for five seconds, before letting them out with a sigh. When she had inhaled and exhaled another five times, she said, "now consider your pain again. Consider your ability to alter it." Blythe paused for a moment. "Think about it. Where exactly is the pain? Is it in your neck? Your shoulders? Your back? Your arms? Your hands? Your chest? Your legs, or your feet? Is it simply all in your head?" Blythe gave herself another moment to think. Darn it, the pain is all over the place.

"Now imagine that the pain you feel, that each area of your body that it touches, feels cool," Blythe continued. "Not enough to make you shiver, but cool enough to provide you with some level of comfort." Blythe paused. "Allow this feeling to wash over you," Blythe whispered, as the back of her neck grew cold, and slightly more stiff. Perhaps you are over-doing it a bit there.

Blythe smiled weakly. "Now imagine the cool feeling fading away as you continue to breath in and out." Blythe took in another breath, and then let it out. "In, and out, in and out," she whispered over and over again. After several minutes of relatively quiet breathing, Blythe continued the meditation. "Now how does your body feel? Is it more relaxed? How about your mind? Is it calmer, devoid of the urge to fight?" Blythe asked. "Just enjoy this feeling while it lasts." Blythe continued to breath in and out, "and remember you can take it with you during the rest of your day."

Blythe breathed in and out three more times, "now, begin to bring your body back to its normal state of being. Move your arms and your legs," Blythe instructed, as she began to wiggle her arms. "And then open your eyes." When Blythe opened hers, she blinked several times in order to get her eyes used to seeing again. Fleur's eyes were still closed, but they only remained that way for a few moments.

"Thanks for leading the meditation Blythe," Fleur said, as they both sprang to her feet.

"You're welcome," Blythe replied as the girl walked past her and towards the door to the pavilion. Several of the Konti women had left during the course of Blythe's meditation, but a few still lingered. Some were still cooling down, but most were now in a deep meditation.

Blythe smiled as she looked around the pavilion for Serrif. When she spotted him, she said, "so are you ready to go? It looks like class is over now."

OOCSorry this post is exceedingly boring... it's very konti-esque though.

by **Serrif Von Chatlyn** on April 5th, 2011, 12:07 am

“I’ll watch you spar. When it comes time to meditate I will join.” He responded as he let her to off to her partner.

His mind turned through everything and he closed his eyes slightly and was able for the first time to dull the noise around him. Focusing on what was going on ‘inside’ himself. There was still a battle to be had. Seemed that the healers had not gotten rid of all the poisons that coursed through his body; or maybe it was just because his body would forever be damaged by what had been done to him. Either was really a possibility. He stretched some and took a deep breath. He centered himself and then slowly opened his eyes coming to with the world rather abruptly. He saw that the women were finishing up and he was going to keep his word to Blythe. He moved over and followed Blythe’s lead with nothing more than a nod.

He sat in the lotus position mirroring the two women. He figured there had to be something to this. He opened his mind and decided he would indeed take place in this at the fullest extent. He breathed deep and fully feeling his lungs fill with air. His pulse lowered and his demeanor focused and calmed down. The feeling of serenity gently washed over him little by little. He refrained from smiling or laughing when Blythe asked him to focus on what ached. He couldn’t put a real word to how his body ached and moaned. Every bone felt like it was bruised and his mind had been put to the test again and again; but he had risen victorious. Which was likely why Mistress Ildin continued to push him again and again. But he rather enjoyed pushing his limits and then finding that limits were really only a mental thing. Yes there were indeed physical limitations; but they were far past what people believed their limitations were.

He breathed in through his nose for a good ten seconds. Blythe asked him to observe how his body felt. Honestly he still felt weak. But he was far stronger than he had been. His mental fortitude was there; however his physical fortitude was still lacking. But he was getting there. He was working tirelessly on shaping and building his physique. His muscles ached, a sign that he was indeed making progress. His back muscles felt tense as well, as if he had been carrying a great load over several miles, his legs felt tense as well. His chest ached some but again from the constant workings Ildin had paced him through. He had just woken up and he already felt like this? He had pushed himself hard past consciousness; he remembered losing it all and still he had not pushed past the oar marker Ildin had laid out for him. The weight was great. But he stood and finished; he wouldn’t fail.

His mind drifted and all there was…infinite darkness and Blythe’s gentle voice lulling him…instructing him. He slipped and his pulse was almost that of slumber. Blythe guided him gently through it all. Pain was something one had to accept; to push past. Pain is only temporary. His mind told him as he drifted. Pain is natural, pain is growth. Without pain, there would be no suffering, without suffering we would never learn from over mistakes. To make it right, pain and suffering is the key to all windows, without it, there is no way of life. Pain is what separates those that succeed and those that fail. He wouldn’t fail and as such he would not let pain rule him. Or even interfere with what he was to do. He was determined to do several things before he passed on from this life. And to do them he would have to master pain.

Serrif relaxed and his body became lax. The parts of his body that ached felt cool. And temporarily he felt it all leave him. His mind continued to drift. It was shocking how powerful his mind was in aiding him right now. But he had done things like this before. How else could he survive this long? How else could he have escaped the slave camp with the wounds he had endured? He remembered vaguely the escape. It was hazy and well he remembered seeing things that made little to no sense at all. Likely the poisons interacting inside his body; but the visions were so vivid. But they made little to no sense to him. Maybe he needed to see someone who could interpret visions. Well he was in the perfect place for that wasn’t he?

He gently began moving his limbs as he came back to reality, sitting there on the mat as directed by Blythe. He came to gently instead of abruptly. Which was indeed a good thing. If he came to shocked it would likely cause him all kinds of trouble. He opened his eyes about the same time as Blythe did and he was looking directly into her wonderful lavender colored eyes. He just looked into them for a few moments. There was someone who understood who he was. She understood more than stories could ever tell anyone else. She had ‘seen’ what happened to him; but she had only gotten the cover story of the novel of his life in the camp. There were still darker chapters to unravel; those he would indeed leave alone. He would do everything in his power to prevent those from coming up. If what she had seen before was horrific…these chapters could be her unraveling. Tearing away her mental fabric of sanity and humanity.

He nodded to her indicating he was indeed ready to go. He stood and offered both of the women a hand up. If either of them decided to take the hand offered was another decision entirely. Serrif then made his way over to the backpack. He shouldered it on his back and then belted the two bags to the pack as well. It was going to be an interesting time on the beach indeed. But he wasn’t going to fail Ildin…No he was going to prove that he was worth her time. She was pushing him for a reason. Whatever this reason was he was learning to master pain and his body simultaneously.

“Lead the way Blythe.” Serrif said as he would indeed follow her wherever she went for the time being.

by **Blythe** on April 5th, 2011, 1:40 am

Blythe followed Serrif outside the doors that led into the pavilion, she watched him strap the bag that had been left there onto his back. "Are you sure you have everything?" Blythe asked as she took a step past him, and towards the white balk that led away from the training center, and out over the Silver Lake. "Or do you need another moment?" she called as she reached the balk's edge. When Serrif told her to simply lead him wherever she wished, Blythe took it as a sign that he was ready.

"Alright then, why don't we go to the beach?" Blythe called, as she walked out across the balk. A muffled thud could be heard after each of her delicate steps. "It is such a nice day, certainly we shouldn't spend it all inside," Blythe commented as a slight mist washed over her. It must have come from the lake, Blythe thought as she continued on her way. When Blythe reached the edge of the balk, she stepped down and onto the shores of the Silver Lake.

"Do you know what this lake is?" Blythe asked Serrif as she walked around the side, searching for the narrow path that would lead away and towards the main part of Mura. She waited for a moment before replying, "this is the Silver Lake, a gift to Avalis from her lover Laviku. It is the source of the Island's vision water." The girl giggled. "It can do a great many things for people, although, it seems to present far more questions than it answers." She was thinking almost fondly of that day so many moons ago when she had drunk of the water and a woman came to her, to speak of Fawn. It had taught her little other than life was a confusing mess that one must attempt to navigate. It taught her that nothing was ever clear; and in some ways, fate was as vague and uncertain as the cards.

Blythe had left her explanation purposely vague. She wanted to spark Serrif's curiosity; perhaps then, he would one day go and explore the lake's secrets for himself. When they reached the winding path, Blythe followed it along until she reached the city center. "Now all we have to do is go to the beach from here," Blythe commented. "It won't be long." It seems like we always wind up there when we meet.

Blythe was silent for a few moments as she continued north. "So do you still live on the beach Serrif? Or have you found another place to stay?" Blythe inquired. Her legs were feeling heavy now from all the work she had been doing that day, although the rest of her body felt light. It was a strange sensation: half of her felt as though it was floating, while the other half felt like it was being dragged into the center of the earth. Her heart was pounding wildly in her chest, and her throat felt rather dry. She wished she had brought her things along, so that she may pull out her waterskin and take a drink. Oh well, you can rest and catch your breath as soon as you get to the beach.

Blythe walked along silently for a few more minutes. They had finally reached the edge of the beach, and the girl could feel the sand sinking into the space between her toes. "Well here we are," Blythe whispered as the sun's golden rays delicately kissed her forehead. Her scales were sparkling a pale pink in the light, causing her to appear somewhat otherworldly. Uncertain of what to do, she simply smiled at her companion, and let the sun pass over her. Maybe he had some sort of idea as to what they should do.

OOCI apologize for yet another blah post.

by **Serrif Von Chatlyn** on April 5th, 2011, 2:46 pm

“I agree would be such a shame to waste a beautiful day indoors.” He said as he followed her across the baulk. The same mist washed over him and directed his attention toward the lake. He thought of all the mysteries it had to hold. He hadn’t ever asked any questions about the lake though. He hadn’t really thought of it as a mystery until now. Yet another thing on his agenda to find out about.

“No Blythe, I have no clue about the lake. Only that it is full of water and the Konti respect it dearly.” That was honestly all he knew. But the Konti women respected all kinds of things; especially life. He listened intently to Blythe’s response and took it all in piece by piece.

The lake was a gift to Avalis from Laviku. It seemed from what Blythe said that it granted visions of some kind; if you drank the waters. He had never heard of this vision water before but he could only imagine what they could do. He agreed with the notion that the waters could create far more questions than they could answer. He had enough questions himself that he wanted answered he didn’t need any more at this time. He didn’t need any ‘new’ visions to try and decipher among all of the other turmoil that was forming one hell of a maelstrom in his mind. But he had learned to sort it all out and put it nicely away where it belonged. But that didn’t stop them from breaking out every now and then. One thing was sure in his mind he definitely didn’t need any new information that he couldn’t decipher running around free in his mind at the time being.

“An interesting gift, perhaps I will go and explore it one day. But not today.” He said as they reached the winding path that exited at the city center. He smiled it did always seem that they somehow ended up at the beach whenever they met. Not only Blythe, but Eisi, and Keyta as well. Strange but he did indeed spend most of his time there. The beach had honestly turned into his home. He knew it well, the feel of the sand and the ebb of the wind. He knew what to expect and when to expect it. All that and the fact that the waters were a key source of food for him. He didn’t have much but what he did have he planned on keeping for a time when he needed it.

“I do still live on the beach. I really do love it there.” His legs were growing tired as well; but he figured if Blythe would push on so would he. Just like when he carried Keyta to the Temple. His body had grown a good bit more filled in since then though. He found himself not struggling as much even though the weight he carried now was greater than that of the Kelvic girl. He was in far better physical shape, thanks to Ildin and her constant pushing of his limitations.

They finally reached the beach and well it seemed like Blythe expected him to know what to do. Honestly he had not a clue in the grand scheme of things but he did know an easy thing they could do. With a muffled thud he slipped the backpack off of his shoulders and set it in the sand. He would make his little venture up the beach later. The wind kicked a little and the light sand blew across the beach. A perfect day for just a little lounging around. He undid the buttons on the bottom half of his shirt and then walked out toward the water.

“Come now. I am willing to place a bet that the water is just perfect.” He said as he turned around to face Blythe while walking toward the water. He then pulled his shirt off his shoulders and rolled it up. He found that if he rolled the shirt up it wouldn’t get blown away in the wind. He laid it in the sand and then continued.

It was now that Blythe would get a good look at the ‘new’ Serrif. It seemed he had indeed been building muscle and mass since she had last seen him; and fast at that. Underneath the scarring she could see tense fortified muscles beginning to form. And they were more pronounced because his body before all this had almost no fat to hide it all under. So when he build muscle it showed easily. Looked like someone had been busy. The truth was Ildin had worked him hard. Tiring him out every day relentlessly. And the benefits of this were easily visible. He was growing stronger with relatively little time. He noticed it himself and the truth was he liked it. He liked feeling strong again; he had forgotten what that felt like. His entire life that he could remember until now he had been powerless. And at the mercy of someone else’s whims; that was no life. He was now in charge of his own life. His own new beginning here in Mura. And he was going to make the best of it.

Serrif started into the water and could feel the cool water gently chill his legs. Indeed a wonderful feeling first thing in the afternoon…it was afternoon now right? Another thing he noticed was time held no real significance to him here. It didn’t in the slaver camp either but he lived day to day. What ‘time’ it was really didn’t dictate anything in his life right now. He just did things when he needed or wanted to. That was it. That kind of living appealed to him right now. He was gathering himself for his plans in the future. He was readying himself to become part of this culture. And in his mind he was doing a pretty good job at it. He had befriended locals, gotten trained by a well-respected Mistress, and he still planned to offer his services to the temple. In all he believed he would and could be accepted quite well by these people. He honestly wasn’t sure what else he could do besides marry a local. But that posed some interesting circumstances.

by **Blythe** on April 5th, 2011, 3:49 pm

Blythe laughed. "The water is almost always perfect Serrif. That is not a bet many would be willing to take," she commented as the edges of her face became red. It was the second time she had seen him without a shirt, and this time, she felt, he looked far better. Far more muscular, far more filled out. Simply healthier despite the numerous scars that still lingered on his skin.

A few beads of sweat still lingered upon the Konti's brow. Blythe wanted to follow him into the blue-green waters that surrounded the Isle, but she didn't want to expose herself to him. Note to self: next time you go to the beach, wear a dress that is any color but white. Blythe silently watched Serrif walk up to the shoreline. The sand she stood upon was filling the spaces between her toes, it was so strangely warm and inviting. "Well, maybe we can only let the water touch our toes. There is no harm in that, right?" Blythe whispered as she began to walk towards the shore.

Blythe reached it within twenty paces. She could feel the wet sand sucking her feet below ground, as the crashing waves swirled around her feet, calling her out to sea. The water was cool, refreshing, the way it had always been. She wanted to step deeper into the ocean's depths along with Serrif, but she didn't want him to notice her- how the scales lined her entire body, how pale she was, how thin. How she seemed to be a human at times, and a fish at others. She wasn't particularly ashamed of her body, per se, as much as she didn't think a human would understand. Especially one who was new to Mura, and the Konti way of life. A human, who she assumed, was likely half her age, or less.

The woman smiled weakly, "you were right, the water is rather nice," she whispered as she watched him out of the corner of her eye. There was a sorrow there, a strange longing, and a quiet understanding, an acceptance of who Blythe was, and who Serrif is. Blythe took another half step into the water, and then another. The water lapped around her legs, only an inch or two above her ankles.

It was scary for Blythe, to think that he may like her. How old she was in comparison to him. How much more she must know than he. After all, she was old enough to be the boy's mother. A mother... Fawn... Instantly, a large portion of the Konti woman shut off. Why must she always come to mind at the worst of times? Blythe wondered, as a rather large wave knocked the woman over.

Blythe fell through the air, her eyes growing wide, before her body landed in the water with a loud splash. The water lapped around her, engulfing the backside of her dress. The occasional salty speckle of water reached the top portion however, giving the dress a strange spotting effect. Instantly, Blythe curled her knees into her body, and locked her arms around them. So much for remaining proper, Blythe sighed. Hopefully he doesn't pull you in.

by **Serrif Von Chatlyn** on April 5th, 2011, 7:36 pm

Serrif continued into the waters until the water was a little past his waist. Which in all reality wasn’t that far past Blythe. That was when he saw something happen…She became distant, almost like the time she had seen his past. But this time it wasn’t nearly as violent looking ; and lasted a rather short period of time. It was now that he realized she was wearing that white dress. She needed to start carrying a bag with another dress in it. The amount they kept running into each other and then going to the beach was startling. And to his memory she had always been wearing a white dress. A bad idea; since she seemed so shy and almost ashamed of her own body.

He couldn’t understand how she felt about herself. How could she be ashamed of her body? As far as he could tell she was beautiful, even for a Konti. And he had indeed seen plenty of Konti women in the town center and all. Maybe she was shy and discouraged because she was older than he was. It was possible that she was well over 60 and he couldn’t tell. That fact however didn’t startle him as much as intrigue him. Seemed the Konti women stayed beautiful and youthful no matter their real age was. He pondered this just as the wave clobbered Blythe back into reality rather rudely. He watched her fall backwards and in his mind he felt sorry for her. She had gone off into her own little world only to be rudely awakened by a wave bludgeoning her back. He swam over to her and offered her a hand.

“Perhaps this wasn’t the best of ideas. I apologize.” He would help her back up and then walk back up the beach and grab his rolled up shirt. He handed it to her.

If she decided to wear it she would notice it was a rather long shirt and would cover all the way down almost past the top of her thighs. Making her ‘decent’ again.

“We need to see about getting you a dress that isn’t white. Then let me keep it so that you can have it when we decide to go to the beach from now on.” He suggested as he took a seat in the sand and motioned for her to do the same. It was a good suggestion. That way she would always have it when they went to the ocean. After all his tent was only a few feet from the entrance to the beaches. Sure it wasn’t a mansion but it was something.

“I think I am in love Blythe…with Mura. It’s really a wonderful place. I don’t really see why any would ever leave it.” He KNEW that would get a response of some kind out of her. He only hoped he didn’t throw her into a fit of some kind. He found himself having to be rather careful around her. She was his first long contact here in Mura. She knew who he was; what he had been through. But she still didn’t know what he was capable of; nor what his long term plans were. And honestly those were still being worked out in his head. Those plans changed almost daily with his mood or how things were going.

But Mura wasn’t all he thought he was in love with. He really did hide his affections for Blythe well. He didn’t know what to make of this woman. She seemed to be interested in him. But in ways that were almost contradictory. He was still trying to get a good grasp of all of this. Seemed Konti women, or some, were elusive. He closed his eyes and laid back in the sand; peace enveloped him.

“This is almost a magical place Blythe. I can’t even begin to put words to it all.” He felt the suns golden rays gently wash over his water pearled body. He felt the water start to dissolve and leave behind the salt.