54th Fall 511AV
He had no idea how long he had been asleep but he knew when it was time to wake. His internal clock always seemed to bring him awake at the same time every day. He had gotten used to waking before the sun. When he saw the sun come up over the endless ocean something inside him just felt at peace. Much like the ocean itself. The sounds of the waves crashing on the seashore washed away his pain and sorrow. The same things he felt but never really showed. But he felt like the women here still knew; like somehow each one of them were like Blythe and able to just see into his past. This thought worried him because he didn’t want anyone to see his past. It was part of him even if he didn’t want it to be. But it was what gave him drive, what helped him determine his morality and direction.
He prepared himself much like he had the previous day but only this time he had been instructed to instead drop the armor and bring his daggers and harness. She seemed to have some training planned for him. As usual he dressed and then headed out to the center of town. There off the beaten track was the single trail that led to the Suvai Pavilion; a trail he was going to miss deeply. Eventually he would come to the balk and like always he crossed it to the first floor of the Pavilion. It was a calm morning in all, the sun still hadn’t come up but it was casting fire across the horizon for all to admire. It was quite a sight, and one he wouldn’t soon forget. He had seen it so many times that he had it etched into his memory so he could call on it anytime he wanted and bring himself peace. He looked out and noticed the orange and red colors cast across the horizon. It cast wonderful light on the building both inside and out. He noted the wind and walked into the first floor of the pavilion. It was a nice morning like so many other mornings in Mura.
He couldn’t actually ever remember a bad morning in Mura. Sure there were storms but even they brought with them a sense of peace and tranquility. Even if they battered his tent and sometimes woke him with their thunderous claps. He didn’t mind, Mura was a peaceful place where he had found himself…even if he couldn’t call this place home. Even if he was leaving it Mura would forever remain inside him. These places, breath taking sights and beautiful people would forever hold a special place in his heart. He needed Mura more than anything, and like a savior it had pulled him from the ashes and gently brought him back to strength. Mura was like a mother for him, she had nurtured him back to strength. Mura was also a father to him because he had taught him how to love again. Mura was also a teacher it had taught him what he needed to know so he could survive in the world beyond Mura. This isle was forever part of him, even if he wasn’t here in person part of his spirit and heart would forever stay here among these people. He knew he would come back one day.
Emerald eyes scanned the pavilion and he didn’t see his Mistress anywhere. So he went out on the porch that overlooked the lake. It was beautiful; he wished he had a painting of it or anything that pictured this wonderful place for him. But he had his mind and that picture would never fade or get erased. The mornings light cast a wonderful array of vibrant colors like fire across the waters mirrored surface. The lake was always so calm and serene. He breathed in deeply and closed his eyes, and he swore he could still see the lake in his mind’s eye. He observed it gently and the fact that the lake was only inches away only helped him envision it more. He could hear it as the wind skirted over the surface. The sun basked his skin in it’s wonderful light bringing a long wonderful smile to his peaceful face. He decided to sit and just listen to the world around him; maybe help center himself before training with Val’mera started.
It was almost like he had lost himself there on the first floor of the Suvai Pavilion. The world around him melted and the only thing that cut through it was Val’Mera’s voice as she spoke to him. But for now she was standing only a handful of feet away from him as she watched. It seemed Ildin had taught him plenty about centering himself. Her question was really more of how he applied it to his life and studies. He seemed disciplined but she wanted to test him and see what he was made of. Ildin’s skills were a little impersonal, but there was nothing impersonal about a dagger in someone’s chest. Unlike Ildins teaching Val’Mera knew that her skills when used would have bloody results. And she knew he would have to use them, he would see the life drain out of someone; but he would have to bring this rage and power into focus. She could train him to be unbelievable force in combat. But how he used these skills was again up to him. But he would need these skills regardless. She watched him closely and she saw his body grow lax, she nodded and then gently dropped a practice weapon in his right hand.
“Stand let’s start.” Serrif opened his eyes as she spoke and he felt the familiar weight of the training dagger in his hand.
“You will have to learn to integrate hand to hand combat with your dagger to survive out there. But you will also have to learn to center yourself and keep your mind about you in combat. For if you do not you will make hasty decisions that could and will likely cost you your life.” She put a few paces between them as she then waited for Serrif to meet her on the floor.
It was interesting to see the man meditate. She could tell he had lost himself in the peace and serenity, it was in his stature. His entire body had relaxed his shoulders had rolled down and his head was lulling with the wind. He hadn’t really been paying attention to much else but the serenity. She watched him for a few moments and well it seemed he had taught himself how to create his own peace; which wasn’t difficult in Mura. But she wondered if he would be able to do the same once he left this place and headed out into the world. Her student was walking toward her now, time to teach.
He was ready for another day, especially after meditating some beforehand. He stretched some and then waited for her to start. “Your body has natural hard points, it is time you learn how to use them in conjunction with your dagger. So tell me what are your hard points?” She asked waiting for a response from her pupil.
He had never thought of his own bodies natural hardpoints before. He never really had a use for them but now when he was being questioned he ran through a list. His elbows were definitely two points, then his knees, heels, and well after that he wasn’t exactly sure. “I can think of a few, elbows, knees and heels. After that I’m unsure Mistress.”
She nodded and then moved close to him as she then held out a hand for him to meet. He set his hand in hers and she then felt the bone at his wrist just before the hand, the Scaphoid. It was a particularly strong and very dense bone that was right before the hand. Most never considered it in combat because it was manlier to simply punch someone. But that bone was very strong when compared to the relatively delicate bones in the rest of the hand. “This bone is very strong, and quite dense. If you really hit someone with it you can do a considerable amount of damage.” She pulled her hand back and let him feel the bone himself for a little.
“You can spar with a partner maybe tomorrow. But today is about technique, and you are with me.” She saw her pupil nod and stretch his muscles out a little.
Serrif knew he would need to mix unarmed combat into his dagger style if he wanted to be any good in defending himself. His style as of now was far from elegant and was quite rough. He needed practice and some guidance; which was one reason he was glad he was here with this new Mistress. She was a little rough around the corners but her teaching methods were hands on. Allowing his mind to really absorb the lessons and see the practical value in them easily and quickly. Which was important because he only had a limited amount of time here before he headed out for Riverfall then Wind Reach after that. Val’mera readied herself and then with a nod she moved in to push the attack on her pupil.
