[Shinyama Pavilion] The Kiss of Steel (Akari Ishida)

[Emeric]

Timestamp: 31st of Summer, 511AV Participants: Emeric, Akari Ishida Purpose: Training & First Meeting Status: Closed It was shortly after the twentieth bell when Emeric found himself outside the Shinyama Pavilion. A great, tiered tower which pierced the sky as Emeric approached, looking keenly at the top - where visitors were not allowed. Though usually the Shinya would train in private, in combat, projection and meditation - in the height of summer, some of the acolytes took to practicing their various techniques in the stone grounded space outside of the Pavilion. It wasn’t the first time Emeric had found himself passing through; to watch the esteemed order in action, though tonight had the air of something altogether more serious. There was a pair sparring by the foot of the tower, both moving at incredible speeds and in near silence. Emeric focused on their faces and watched the implacable features, each the picture of focus. In previous visits he had usually seen a few not being entirely serious, using the time to unwind as much as anything. Even as the sky was bathed in the orange glow of the setting sun, the acolytes that were dotted about the area were all working as hard as they could, and trying as hard as they could to make it seem like they weren’t. The Lhavitians, in general, came up far short of Emeric’s stature - most every acolyte around was of Lhavitian birth, with the distinctively darker skin and black hair, and the softer features than many others in the realm. Emeric noticed at the edge of the courtyard, a small number of Shinya patrolling to make sure nobody would appear who would disturb the next generation of their city’s protectors. His eyes were drawn to a pair who were sparring in a darker corner, at half speed it appeared, but with the precision and fluidity that made Emeric certain they could handily beat him in a fight. One wielded a Dao sword, extremely similar to Emeric’s own Falchion but with less of a tapered edge. The other had a much finer blade, straight and almost a foot long. Emeric had seen it frequently being carried by the Shinya he’d encountered, but hadn’t yet found a name for it - nor seen it in action. His gaze travelled cleanly through the scattered numbers who were practising, and then he saw what had them all on edge. In the doorway of the Pavilion was a man, who Emeric knew from description, but had never before seen. Though it was difficult to mistake him, as he seemed to exude an implacable sense of tranquillity as he surveyed the acolytes before him. The deceptively simple face, with well trimmed beard and careful eyes did nothing to hide the Shinsa’s status. All the acolytes were clearly aware of his presence and trying to impress him, or at least find cause to seek his council and learn from him. Atanu Tan’Kima looked carefully at each of the acolytes in the area, spending many chimes studying each one. Even those who were still upon the ground, measuring their breathing and touching their minds. When he had surveyed all he turned and disappeared from view, all the acolytes relaxing somewhat with his gaze turned away. Emeric too, seemed to relax, not noticing the figure who seemed to slide into being beside him. He took a moment to look across and see ever more clearly the man at his side. “Shinsa,” He said quickly, bowing his head in the manner of deference among the Shinya. “I meant no offense, I came only to observe and learn.” The revered man made no attempt to respond, instead looking into the distance ahead, seemingly analysing the empty air in front of them. “If I have broken the rules of the Shinya, forgive me. I will leave.” Emeric said, trying to match the mans thousand yard stare. Though the man didn’t offer in any form an intimidating presence, Emeric still found himself feeling entirely unworthy in the mans immediate vicinity. TimestampMessage me if you want to change the timestamp.

[Aspen]

Atanu Tankima had been working with the new Acolytes for most of the morning. The group currently in the courtyard were the most recent additions to the ranks of the Shinya, the cleanest slates as it were. As he studied the pupils individually, he would never speak, never interrupt them in any way. The concentration of a Shinya was something that should not be broken, and so he would only speak with them after they had finished practice. Sometimes he would never speak with them at all. The man he was standing next to now was not an Acolyte, much less a Shinya. He took a chime or so to respond, as was his nature. "No offence made, no rule broken." He continued to gaze ahead as if he were seeing something interesting in the air before the pair. "You may stay. However please do not disturb them while they practice." A man of few words, that was all the Shinsa had to say. He moved, with surprising grace, over to a Shinya keeping watch over the Acolytes and uttered a few quiet words. The Shinya glanced at Emeric and nodded once to Atanu. The Shinsa then moved away, heading back into the Pavilion.

[Akari]

OOCTimestamp is fine. Just bear in mind that Akari has only been an Acolyte for a short amount of time (her acceptance date was around the 15th), so she's probably not as polished as some of the Acolytes Emeric has seen before.

The air around the courtyard of the Sinyama Pavilion was unusually filled with noise. The sounds of blades clashing rang loudly as various pairs of Acolytes sparred round the edges of the space. Their faces showed deep concentration; neither wanted to relent to the force of the other. A few more of the Acolytes were grouped loosely in the centre of the courtyard, seemingly in deep meditation.

One such individual was Akari. A young woman, her long dark hair pulled back into a high ponytail, was seated at the edge of the group, her blue Acolyte attire crisp and clean. Her eyes were closed and she was unmoving – even her breathing was barely visible.

Akari was completely unaware of the goings on around her. The clashes of the sparring Acolytes around her were nothing more than whispers; the gentle breeze touching her hair not even registering in her mind. She felt almost as if she were floating, the air around her filled with absolutely nothing. It was a blissful feeling, and when her eyes flickered open to see the courtyard, a small smile graced her mouth.

She stood in one swift, fluid motion, and let her eyes roam the courtyard. The Acolytes not meditating were all locked in practice, so she would have to wait till one ended, or until one of her fellows completed their meditations. Her gaze fell on the Shinsa, and a subtle and respectful nod of her head was given to him. He was standing next to a man she did not recognise. He wasn’t anyone from within the Pavilion, she could tell that. However, it was none of her business, so she quickly moved over to a space at the edge of the courtyard.

A scabbard was secured round her waist, and she unbuckled it before pulling out the Tantõ that had been sheathed within, before placing the scabbard on the ground. The sword was light and familiar in her hands- the twelve inch blade and decorated wooden hilt almost an extension of her own arm.

She swung it a couple of times, stretching out the muscles in her arm and regaining a sense of the blades sweeping motions. She then proceeded to move as if she were sparring, her partner that of an invisible man. Her motions were quick and light as she stepped sideways before flicking the Tantõ out before her. Since there was no opponent, her blade cut through the air with no resistance, and she could pull it back under and round again to repeat her actions.

Sparring with no partner could be just as advantageous as a real practice. It let one gain an uninterrupted sense of the weapon they held. Akari could easily move forward with her sword, feeling the length of her extensions and the scope of her swings. It was as if she were dancing, moving in neat, quick circles with the sun glinting of the polished metal blade.

After several long chimes, she let her arm drop back to her side. Akari reached up and pushed stray strands of hair from her face before glancing around her. The duels were still in progress, and it seemed that the Acolytes meditating were still deep in their own minds. She sighed and tapped the flat of her blade against her leg. There was only so much solo sparring one could do before they wanted to test out their moves for real.

[Emeric]

Emeric found himself in a quiet reverie at the small interaction; Atanu Tan’Kima was widely regarded as one of the most influential people in the entire city. The ringing of steel on sword brought his attention back to the acolytes in training, and the gaze of one particular acolyte who had just risen from her meditations. Her eyes lingering on the retreating figure of the Shinsa, and only briefly glancing in his own direction. She was fairly typical of the people of Lhavit, long black hair and the darker skin, the shorter, lither figure than most other humans he’d met. She darted away towards a quiet space at the edge of the courtyard, and Emeric too moved around to a simple bench grown from the skyglass so distinctive within Lhavit. He pulled his own sword off of his back and placed it beside him, sidling as far back on the bench as he could. His knees still protruded several inches from the edge, so he wasn’t entirely comfortable - but it would do. The girl he’d seen earlier cast her eyes around the courtyard, falling upon the various pairs or, in some cases, groups of acolytes who were sparring together. He followed her gaze and noted himself, some who even used another sword common amongst the Shinya, the long, thin blades with the subtle curve. Razor sharp and quick as any he’d seen. Emeric turned his attention to the lone girl, and noted how she placed the scabbard upon the ground and drew her own short sword out into the cool air. With nobody to spar with she opened her mind and began moving the blade in long, languid motions. He knew the advantages of just swinging a sword around, getting a feel for its weight and speed. Indeed, simply playing around with the blade would give her a keen feel for the balance of the weapon - which could then be applied to real combat against another blade. She turned with the blade, following it as she cut through the air and sliced the sunlight – sending flashes of light across the courtyard and even catching Emeric’s eyes at one point causing him to grimace and shut his eyes abruptly. Still she spun, and Emeric’s eyes fell to the girl’s legs - following the body, which followed the blade. It looked pretty, but he knew that she left herself entirely off balance as she stretched and spun the sword silently. Her control of the blade almost completely outstripped his own ability, but her control of her own body seemed to let her down. As she spun around in one final flourish, he pulled his knee up beneath his chin and watched keenly. The girl cast her eyes around the courtyard looking once again at the acolytes she had seen before, still deeply involved in their sparring. From Emeric’s experience, he knew that many would stay locking blades for hours to come - their own form of combative meditation. The Shinsa had asked him not to disturb them while they practiced, but she seemed to be waiting for someone to commence practicing with. She sighed audibly and let the blade fall limply in her hand, Emeric remained gazing at her - trying to catch the girls eye and somehow ask without asking whether she wanted someone to practice with.

[Akari]

Akari debated returning to meditation. Or perhaps she could even head inside for some projection practice. The astral magic was her weakest point at present. She had no problem once she had detached whatever body part they were meant to be practicing with, it was the actual act of removing it that she found tricky.

An odd sensation crept over her then, the hairs on the back of her neck rising. Slowly, she turned, sweeping her gaze over the area to her left. On a bench the man she had seen earlier was watching her. His posture was curious – not many people tucked their legs up while they were seated on a bench. She wasn’t sure, but it almost appeared as if he wanted to ask her something.

Akari looked back over her shoulder. The Shinya overseeing them appeared to be in a heated discussion with one of his fellows, so she returned her attention to the man. Sword still hanging limply at her side, she began to make her way over to him. She wasn’t usually one for approaching strangers, but he seemed to want something.

As she neared, she tried to form a mental image of him. She could tell he was tall despite him being seated. When he stood he would tower over her 5’2” frame. He was definitely not from Lhavit. She had decided that earlier and she was doubly sure now. Perhaps he was a traveller, someone just passing through.

She stopped a couple of steps from him and paused before she spoke.
“Um, hello.” It was an awkward greeting for sure. “Is there something that you need? If you are looking for something, or someone within the Pavilion I would be more than happy to take you.” It never even crossed her mind that he might be the one who wanted to help her. She fiddled with the fabric tied round the hilt of her sword as she waited for his reply, her deep chocolate eyes, flicking from his amber ones to various points in the courtyard.

[Emeric]

“You’re skill with that blade is impressive,” He replied, in a more cryptic fashion than he’d have liked. The girl barely stood above him even in his seated state, and as he rose she seemed to sink into the ground. The pavilion still rang with the clash of steel, and bubbled with the hushed conversations taking place all around. Emeric tried to remain as quietly respectful as he could when he spoke, though he was often quiet anyway. “But you leave yourself vulnerable in how you move your body.” He said, catching her eye as he spoke. He realised as he was speaking that he had forgotten all the formalities expected of him when she approached, and had launched instead into his thoughts directly. Hoping she wouldn’t take offense, he carried on. “I hope I didn’t perturb you, I only meant to study and learn from the Shinya here. Do you require someone to practice with?” He asked, panning his eyes across the courtyard and noting the distinct lack of available sparring partners for the Lhavitian before him. He picked his sheathed sword up from the bench and held it loosely in his left hand. The fingerless glove of his right hand stretched forward in a gesture of greeting, “I am Emeric.” He said, bowing his head in the Lhavitian fashion as well.