Freshly brewed tea... Motoko remembered a time when she had tea with Sanae in the morning after practice.  The training was hard on her as a child, especially to her hands and fingers.  One time, when she was around seven, the hot cup of tea was too painful against the blisters on her fingers so she dropped it... breaking it to pieces.  It was a part of Sanae's favourite tea set.  Motoko was afraid that her Sempai would be angry at her, but Sanae simply smiled, collected the pieces, and fetched another cup, this time with a small piece of cloth.  The young swordswoman gratefully accepted the bowl of tea and sipped it carefully.  Once she was done with it, she closed her eyes and smiled serenely.  "That was delicious, Brother Galen... I mean... Grand Master.  Thank you."

Her eyes flickered back open once she realized that Galen was standing up again.  She had a look of puzzlement at the sight of the two bundles and wondered what they were for.  She didn't really know what to say after Galen explained that they were gifts, but she accepted one of them when it was offered to her.  She blinked curiously at the monk, then glanced off to the side to see Crow's reaction.  Following her companion, she unwrapped the bundle to see what was inside.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:10, Fri 30 May 2008.

   Anu entered the Temple kneeling before a modest shrine speaking an ancient prayer for peace and harmony that was eluding him this night. It was simple an enemy defeated the honor of the Empress upheld." Why does peace elude me? Have I not fought well, did I not do as honor required?"

    The question was not for the gods but to himself, he knew he had done as honor and protocol decreed, but the feeling of a great and unforgivable mistake haunted him, was it possible that the gods had not judged him in the right, had they abandoned both men leaving it to chance or skill to win or lose?

   He found his way to the baths, scoured himself with a mixture of herbs and minerals to remove the sweat and dirt of the battle wincing as the bruises objected to any touch. Gathering a bundle of long reeds mixed with fragrant herbs and dipped in opils he found his way to a meditation chamber and kneeled stripping and casting aside his filthy clothing.He began to recite a mantra seeking peace and used the bundle of reeds to flog himself the pain and sting of the herbs and minerals forcing him to focus on the discomfort not the swirling thoughts in his mind.
  Pacing his wwords to an acient rythym he scourged himself lightly to center his thoughts and force his mind to forget himself and still itself. Pain of the body easing the pain of his soul as he sought to bring his body into obiedience and his mind to give up the futile thoughts of self, past and future, only when self was defeated and only the present was seen could he hope to center himself.

   The practice was not one he felt any pride in but he felt his loss of center required more than simple meditation, and in truth he felt that the self punishment was deserved for the foolish spectacle after the duel. As he sough peace and inflicted a punishment no one would inflict on a captain of the guard he sought the fleeting specter of peace that taunted and eluded him.

   Bowing, Brother Galen beamed.  "You are most welcome of course, young Crow.  It brings me joy to give this to you."    He watched with almost childish glee as Crow unbound the cloth to reveal a beautifully guqin, fashioned of  dark banyan wood.  A startling green and gold oriental dragon coiled across its surface and the strings were of a golden hue as well, all but one, which was more bronze to the eye.  "This was fashioned by the blind musician Kojo Mazahige many years ago.  He was my sensai, and it was from him that I learned to play from my heart.  I hope that it will be good company for you on your journey.  It is as unique as Mazahige himself, but you will discover its qualities in time I suspect.  That is, if you will accept my humble gift?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:54, Sat 14 June 2008.

   The Grand Master watched Motoko very carefully as she opened her bundle.  Slowly a black chalcedony sheath gleamed in the warrior woman's hands.  Beautiful, intricate painted cherry trees wreath around the outside of the gracefully curved sheath, framing the striking silver kanji that name the blade hidden within.  The hilt of the katana was bound in red leather.  Set into the pommel is a ki-rin holding a pearl of silvery white hue.  A matching shorter blade, the wakazashi, accompanied the first, together they made a masterfully crafted daisho.
    "I believe you, Motoko, will appreciate these swords.  They were the last ones ever created by the Master smith, Hansho.  The steel in each of these blades has been expertly folded over a thousand times, a skill now lost to the Ikoshan weaponsmiths.  He named the swords Shohenji 'One Thousand Answers.'
and its companion Tadashi 'Righteous Anger.'  If you will honour me by accepting them, I am certain they will serve you well." 
   Galen bowed to Motoko, his hands folded together respectfully and waited her reply.

"I'm... honoured, Brother Galen," Crow replied as he carefully picked up the guqin with both hands.  He admiringly studied the impressive craftsmanship that went into the instrument.  He could tell that Mazahige put all of his heart and soul into the instrument just by looking at it.  He wanted to accept it, but he hesitatedly asked, "Are you... are you sure?  This guqin must mean a lot to you.  Are you sure about giving it away to me?"

   Galen's response was quick, though carefully considered, as always.  "Most certainly, Crow the Bard.  My joy is in giving this to you.  My memories of my sensai will not be lessened because I do not have his guqin.  He would want his instrument to be played and treasured for the wondrous music it may produce, in the hands of a true musician.  I believe you will cherish it, even as sensai Mazahige did.  In this way, I may honour his memory by offering this to you.  Yes, I am sure I wish to give this to you and would be truly happy if you would accept."  The Grandmaster smiled gently as watched Crow fondly caress the exquisitely crafted instrument.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:55, Sat 14 June 2008.

"Grand Master... even though we've only met each other tonight... you'd entrust such a... treasure... to me?" Motoko asked as she stared shockingly at the two blades before her.  She closed her eyes for a few seconds, then opened them again.  It was then that tears started rolling down the sides of her face.  Taking the swords, she held them close.  "My Sempai... she also had a sword that was made by Hansho.  To be able to use the same kind of sword as her was something I could only dream of... but... thank you.  Thank you, I would be honoured to accept them and I promise to use them well."
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:56, Sat 14 June 2008.

"....." Crow turned to look at Motoko just in time to see the tears rolling down her face.  Then young bard wasn't entirely sure what brought that on, but understood how much Sanae-Sempai meant to her.  With a gentle smile on his face, he wrapped his right arm around her shoulder and pulled her close.  "Brother Galen... we would both be honoured to accept these gifts you have so generously given to us."

   The Grand Master nodded with approval.  Seeing the Kensai's grateful tears moved him deeply.  He gazed into Motoko's shining eyes and gave her a reassuring smile.  "How long we have known one another matters not, brave warrior in training.  What is important is that our paths have come together, and we are both richer for it.  I believe, Motoko, that this daisho could not be in better hands.  You understand the value of that which you have been given, and that alone, would make you worthy of them.  You do your Sempai great honour by guarding her Imperial Majesty's royal bard.  At least I can help you in this small way, to protect him on his journey.  I will hold you to your promise to take care of Hansho's legacy.  When next we meet I expect to see your daisho and Crow safe."
   He heard Crow address him and bowed as Crow thanked him. "You are both most welcome, Crow the Bard.  When you return to this temple, bring me the gift of wisdom, and I shall be well content.  Now, it grows very late, and you will both have to be up early to join the caravan, which leaves at dawn.  Nang Li'en has already prepared the guest house.  Good night to you both, and as my people say: may you have peace in your heart and fortune in your steps.  Namaste."
   Brother Galen pressed his folded hands to his forehead, then his mouth, and finally his heart as he bowed, bidding them both good evening.  He knew they would have a very long road ahead and many travails lie before them.  He looked up into the heavens as a few stars winked down through the wisps of cloud veiling the moon.  A trace of sadness lingered in his heart, not because they must say farewell, but because he knew, instinctively that this journey would change them both and he would never see them again as they were now.  Silently he prayed for them.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:48, Sat 14 June 2008.

    Anu rose form his meditations returning to the baths and cleansing himself again. Once again He used herbs and oils top treat his many bruises and cuts. His mind had not cleared , and he still bore a heavy wieght on his mind. Never had victory seemed so hollow as defeating a man who fought so well. He wondered the stone halls of the Temple the gardens and unchanging rythyms iof the temple no comfort.
    His childhood had been spent in these halls in it he had learned discipline, dedication and to accept and embrace the life before him. Here the collar on his neck and the ownership marks on his flesh had meant nothing, the monks had given him no different treatment thasn the free born and noble. All were equal in, structured sometimes difficult routine of the temple. They had given him dignity,a sense of honor, and a chance to find a path that led further than a nobles stables. now that peace and harmony was lost. Something dark nagged at his heart, something akin to dread.

   The young novice monk starts as he sees the guardsman kneeling in the shrine before the statue of the Goddess of Healing and Mercy, Kwan Yin.  With his hands in the long sleeves of his white robe, he steps forward, bare feet making no sound on the polished wood floor.  He stops a respectful distance from the stranger and waits silently until he is noticed.  Then he bows deeply and smiles amiably.
   He speaks slowly choosing his words, Arnish being a foreign tongue to the monk. "Hello?  I am Nang Li'en.  Welcome to the Temple of Enduring Truth.  What brings you to our humble temple, Captain Anu?"   

  " I sought to regain my center Brother, I thought familiar surroundings would help."Anu stood and bowed, his expression troubled, but his stance relaxed as he spoke. His reply matter of fact giving no hint of emotion." I did not mean to disturb anyone, I simply..."

   Anu paused and nodded his head slightly.  "Wished to meditate and hoped to gather my wits before departing on my assignments.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:39, Tue 17 June 2008.

"Thank you for wisdom, Brother Galen.  I will be sure to repay you with my own once I get back." Crow bowed as he thanked the Grand Master.  The young bard stood up and as he did, he noticed the trace of sadness through Galen's eyes.  "Good night, Brother Galen.  I'll see you in the morning before we head off to the caravans."

With that, the young bard turned around and headed off to the guest house.

"Brother Galen... I... I mean... Grand Master... I believe our meeting was more than just a coincidence.  My Sensei once spoke highly of a monk he met in a temple he described not unlike this one.  It was also in Arn.  I know not if this temple is the very same or if the monk he spoke of was really you, but..." Motoko paused for she was unsure as to why she was telling Galen all this in the first place.  Speaking of it helped calm her tears, though.  "He was known as the Double-Sword Demon-Slayer."

Standing back up again, Motoko placed the swords back in the bundle so that they would be easier to carry.  She gathered them into her arms and held them close to her body.  Even through the clothe she could feel the greatness and worth that the blades represented.  She wasn't carrying ordinary weapons... that much she knew for certain.

"These swords... I will treasure them.  With these swords, I will protect those most important to me, including Crow.  I know not if our paths cross again, but... when they do, we should share a drink together," Motoko smiled before turning around and following Crow to the guest house.  "Good night, Grand Master."

   Brother Galen listens to all that Motoko says, his eyebrow arching as she mentions the venerable tatsujin.  It had been a very long time since Galen had spoken with the legendary Kensai.  Yet the name of Nibai-ken Oni-kira-sama was known to every Ikoshan, and feared by those who had stood against him.
   His technique, the Onikirakenjutsu was exquisite and deadly.  Yet it was very dangerous, not only to his enemies, but often to allies alike.  If Motoko was his student, then that explained much of the anxiousness he had felt since meeting the eager swordswoman.  She had a great trial ahead if she were to master such a perilous jutsu.
   He let none of his troubled thoughts slip as she thanked him and promised to protect young Crow.  Smiling greatfully, he nodded to them both as they said their goodbyes and headed off to the guest house.  He was glad he had given her the Hansho blades now.  She would need them more than he had realized.
   He walked silently from the garden.  He needed to collect his thoughts and to meditate on the revelations of this evening.

   The novice monk bowed to Captain Anu and smiled thoughtfully. "Yes, Captain, this is good place for, how is it said?  To find the center.  You are welcome here, long as you wish.  I am sure GrandMaster Galen will approve.  May you find what you seek, and have peaceful dreams.  Namaste."

   As Nang Li'en exited the temple quietly, his face lit up in surprise as he saw Master Galen walking up the path.  Quickly he came before the Brother Galen and bowed low.  Keeping his head down, he spoke softly as the Grand Master acknowledged him with a nod.  Whispering, Nang Li'en spoke to his Master of their  guest in the temple.  Brother Galen listened, then bid the novice good night, then made his way to the temple...

  Anu bowed deeply in honest respect to the Monk, He stood and began to slowly run through an effortless, flowing series of movements his hands held as if he were holding a ball of delicate porcelin between his hands allowing his body to flow and move qith a graceful, relaxed poise as he let his mind empty itself and embrace the quiet serene energy of the Temple. the technique was not one of strenght or power, it required him to relax his body and move freely the kata had no other use than to relax and empty his mind, no master taught it and it came from within.

   " No chains bind the soul, except those we place apon them,"
           No pain exists except that we choose to feel
           No shame, no humiliation except that we chose to feel.
           The soul is free, the spirit is free, only the body wears
           chains."

The mantra was not some great revalation of the masters, they were the words of a common servant who worked in the kitchens many long years ago.

   The Grand Master bowed in response to his former student and folded his hands inside of his wide sleeves.  Though he watched Anu's graceful motions as he moved through the beginning steps of the T'ai Chi Chuan kat'a, he would not meet the Captain's eyes.  He did note, with a smidgeon of pride, that Anu's technique was exquisite, flowing from one position to the next with ease and fluidity of one long practiced in the ancient art.
   "Your are not in harmony,said Brother Galen quietly, his eyes glistening in the candle light.  "Though your mind is focused, your soul is troubled, and so your body betrays your inner conflict for all who know how to see.  Why have you come, Anu?"

This message was last edited by the player at 03:20, Fri 27 June 2008.

 A little kitten tagged along after Crow as he left, scampering along chasing his lose tie on his soft boot. When Crow reached the guest house, the kitten scampered up crows leg and back, his sharp little claws leaving tiny scratches all the way! When he's done, he's sitting on Crow's shoulder, purring in his ear, and chewing on a lock of hair, his little eyes bright and shining with bravery and mischief.

  Anu slid gracefully into a proper stance and bowed to his Sensei. His eyes were low, his head bowed as he faced the only man he would bow his head to without promting.

  " I do not know Sensei," Anu spoke after a moment" I did as I thought i must to fulfill my duty and satisfy the call of honor.
   Anu looked up with a pained expression on his face. But in contest with the Man I found I was mistaken, and I feel I have shamed myself and failed my Empress."

   How could I have not seen that the Mercanary was more than he seemed.

   Grand Master Galen listened silently as Anu replied to him, then shook his head sadly. 
   "You did what you must do to satisfy the call of honour and your duty to your Empress?  At what point did Her Imperial Majesty suggest that her honour was impugned?  Do you truly believe that She would wish for such petty strife between her own legionaires?  You chose to challenge and fight him Anu, it was your choice to do so, you were not ordered by anyone to defend the Empress' honour.
   What is the difference between a fighter and a warrior?  It is simply this:  The fighter seeks to master others, the warrior seeks to master himself.  The one who masters others may be strong, but the one who masters himself is a thousand times stronger.  To allow your emotions to direct your actions is unwise, for that is the path to disharmony.  Your spirit, mind and body should act always as one.  When passion alone governs you, there is discord.  There is a place for emotion, but it must be tempered by reason, Only in this way can the warrior know that his actions are his own.
   To fight to protect another or oneself from harm, is right, and so I have always taught you.  I also taught you that to use your martial abilities to threaten or bring harm to another without cause is selfish and vain.  You have a responsibility to use your knowledge to help others, not to bring injury.  Meditate on this truth while you journey to far lands. When you can tell me the true purpose of the Xiaolin warrior, you may then return to this temple."
   Bowing to Anu, he turned from him, so that Anu would know he was displeased, and so he would not see the hurt on his face.

 The words cut deep and true; no sword had ever left such a painful wound. The truth cut quick and left it's mark in the sou.  Anu could not deny these words. And in truth he knew them before they were spoken.  Only his pride had resisted the truth, seeking to justify his loss of control and prideful actions as something rational.

  In truth, he had compounded the wrong by seeking to justify it. To make a mistake was one thing but to justify it, to lie to one's self to defend it was a greater error. His pride had grown too large, his acomplishments to numerous, he had not humbled himself or sought to maintain his own internal honesty, in the years since he had left the temple for the barracks. In his success, and the accolades of others, he had began to believe their praise and indulge his pride when he should have been humble. This was no act of simple loss of control it was a symptom of something far worse.
   He bowed to Brother Galen's back, offering respect even if it was not seen. He would not return to the temple until he was worthy of his Sensei again.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:32, Wed 02 July 2008.

Bump

Brother Galen sat outside, on the spacious monastery porch, sipping from a small porcelain cup, and silently appreciating the morning breeze.  As always, he had come out to greet the sunrise, and then spent an hour meditating.  Now he was simply appreciating the delicious tea Nang Xi had made earlier. It was probably some of her best.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:14, Fri 04 Nov 2016.

Motoko arrived at the temple, bright and early in the morning.  No time was specified, but she thought it prudent that she dealt with this while the sun had only just risen.

"Brother Galen," The swordswoman greeted the monk at the porch, just as he was finished meditating.  In all probability, if not for this appointment, she probably would be doing something similar right now.  "Good morning.  The Kensai you mentioned last night.  Is she here right now?"