Brother Galen and Sidi.

Monastery


Brother Galen


Sidi

This message was last edited by the GM at 19:09, Thu 22 Nov 2007.

She flounced into the scooling room with a pout on her face, because she'd been having fun playing with the kittens in the stables when time for her lessons came around. She hadn't wanted to come right then, but she knew Galen would be disappointed in her if she was late. She flopped on the cushion by the table where the scrolls were and looked sulky. So, where was Brother Galen anyway?

   Brother Galen watched his royal pupil from just outside the door.  She seemed restless and unlikely to be interested in the lesson he had planned on ancient Arnish history. He looked at her dirty knees, hair askew and a stray piece of straw hanging from her rumpled clothes.  It was obvious she'd been playing among the livestock again. Shaking his head he walked quietly into the room, his orange robes rustling quietly as he moved with graceful, unhurried strides.

   "Greetings your royal Highness, are you ready to begin?" He asked, knowing she was not, but patient enough to wait on her response.

She saw her friend and mentor enter and tried to settle down. She smiled at her friend, and tried honestly to be a good girl...she really didn't try to get into trouble, it just happened. She didn't tell him how she was getting lessons in unladylike activities. She hid her blistered hands so he couldn't see them.

"Yes Brother Galen. I am ready. What do we learn about today? Art? Music? ...history?"

She didn't really like memorizing dates and boring details, but Brother Galen could really tell the stories so well, she enjoyed them emensely.

Sitting down cross-legged across from Sidi, Brother Galen smiled as he gazed into her eyes with seemingly infinite calm. A smile curved the corners of his mouth, crinkling the smooth olive skin around his almond eyes. Folding his hands in his lap, he looked down at the ancient scrolls, spread out on the desk, his breathing soft and constant.
   "I had planned on a lesson about the founding of the Empire, the eariest days, but it can wait I think. We might do something different today, little Emperess, if you would like? First however, I am most curious to know...how are the new kittens   in the stables faring?" 
This message was last edited by the player at 22:30, Tue 02 Oct 2007.

She lit up like a new sun when he asked about the kittens, because she loved cats, and the kittens were so cute and fun to play with! She wiggled with excitement as she answered his question, and smiled brightly.

"Oh! They are so cute Brother Galen! They are starting to explore now, and pounce each other, though they are still shaky on their legs, and their eyes are still blue! But you can tell they will change soon. I just adore them, they are so precious! I wish I could have one in my room."

   Brother Galen listened attentively, his face lighting up with unabashed joy as the young Empress described the kittens in such detail that there was no doubt in him how much she adored them. It was wrong to deny her such simple pleasures and, not for the first time, he found himself questioning the wisdom of her imperial advisors, though he would never dare to speak such treason aloud.  In spite of everything they might say, their professions of concern for Sidi's 'well being', the most dangerous things in all her realm, in Galen's opinion, were her advisors.
   "Well, he mused. "I have been rather concerned about the number of rats I have seen here at the monastery.  I think it might be wise to adopt a few cats in order to keep the vermin to a minimum. IF you tell me what is preoccuping you today and was important enough that you would be late for my class."
   
This message was last edited by the player at 20:27, Wed 03 Oct 2007.

She gave him a wry grimace, knowing she wouldn't have gotten away with hiding things from her friend and mentor. She sighed softly and laid her closed fists on the table.
"I was practicing at the salley. I talked...er...taunted the General into teaching me how to defend myself."

She tried to look contrite but wasn't really ashamed she'd got the General to teach her. She'd tried to get her advisors to allow her to be taught self defense before, but they'd been horrified.

   Raising an eyebrow, the monk regarded Sidi with a stern look. He knew her advisors would be beside themselves if they knew. She kept her young hands closed, he was certain, to hide the blisters that had probably begun to form.  Brother Galen tried to keep from laughing as he imagined Minister Aquintus face should he happen to see Sidi sporting the calluses that were the mark of the common soldier.
   Nodding sagely, Galen replies. "Well, it is a reasonable desire to wish to defend yourself, and speaks well for your sharp mind, my dear Empress. I have not seen you training, and I shall say exactly that should anyone inquire, PROVIDED that you can answer a simple question for me."
   Folding his hands and closing his eyes for a moment, he composed his thoughts then looked to her with that intense expression she knew well.  Clearing his throat he spoke softly:
  "You are on the road one day, your gladius by your side, when you are set upon by a ragged man with an equally ragged spear. He has the appearance of a man half starved and desperate; you are certain you can best him easily.  The man demands your purse of gold and silver or he will attack without quarter, shaking his spear in your direction to emphasize his intentions. What action do you take to deal with the man?"
   Brother Galen grew silent, steepling his fingers and gazed intently at his pupil, awaiting her reply.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:20, Thu 22 Nov 2007.

"Well, of course, if he's starving...I'd offer him my food and my water or whatever I had on me if he'd put down his weapon. And if he did that, I'd give him some money and offer him a job of some sort...IF he put down his weapon. I still wouldn't trust him very far, but I would try to help him. Only if he wouldn't listen, wouldn't put away his sword would I offer him harm, or defend myself. I do not see myself as a warrior Brother Galen. I want to be a wise leader, not a rash one."

She looked up at Galen to see what his reaction would be.

    The delighted monk tried very very hard to keep from showing his pleasure at her reply, but he simply couldn't help himself and, after a moment, a broad grin stretched across his handsome features. His head inclined towards her as he bowed, after the manner of his people to one who was respected.
   "You ARE wise, young Empress, wise beyond your young years. I know men three times your age who could not have answered that simple question as you have. I will say nothing of your training. As well, there may come a time when you are without a weapon and in peril. It might be wise if you know how to defend yourself without weapons as well as with them. Perhaps, when you come to see our Temple's new pets, you may accidently overhear such teachings or even see them being performed.  Who is to say what knowledge you might acquire without my knowing? You are, after all, my BEST pupil." He winked at Sidi and smiled, his almond shaped eyes crinkling at the corners.
   " I believe that is all the time we have today for your lesson, Empress.  It has been a privilege, as always to be a part of your instruction. I look forward to seeing you again as soon as time permits." Getting down on his knees, he hugged her tight, sad as always, that she had to go, but knowing it was as it must be. He kept their parting formal though no less sincere, he truly loved her as much as he was allowed to. He promptly reminded himself that she was almost always watched by someone, even here at the Temple her guard was not very far away. "Namaste your Royal Highness,"he said smiling to her.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:11, Thu 22 Nov 2007.

She impulsively grabbed Galen in a mighty hug back, for she loved her mentor as much as she would have loved her own father had he still been alive. Galen was the one true friend she had who she felt loved her for herself and not because of the power she had, or what advantage they might get from her.

"I love you Brother Galen! You are my one true friend here in the Palace! Promise you will always be my friend?"

   Brother Galen surprise quickly turns to joy as Sidi wraps her arms around his neck. Gently he enfolds her in his own muscular arms, sleeves sliding down to his elbows and snuggles with the Empress, taking the moment to let her know that he loves her like a daughter. Hearing her earnest whispered words he responds softly so that only she can hear his heartfelt reply.
   "I love you, Sidi, with my whole being, body, mind, and spirit. You are the daughter of my heart and I am honoured to call myself your teacher and friend. I shall love you all my life and my friendship and strength will always be yours."
   With a final snuggle he reluctantly releases her and smiles reassuringly. "I look forward to seeing you tomorrow, Your Royal Highness.  Don't be late." he adds with a wink.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:08, Tue 06 Nov 2007.

Sidi left the monastery with a thoughtful expression upon her face. She marched quite deliberately toward the palace. It was almost time for the Public Court, so she had to hurry to dress for that.

She entered the palace and hurried toward her quarters, followed by her ever present guards and guardians. Once inside, she dismissed her advisors and had her servants help her bathe and dress, then sat down for a brief meal. After eating, she allowed her Official Robes to be placed upon her shoulders, took her minor septor then headed toward the Massive hall.

She was surrounded by advisors and servants as soon as she left her quarters. Sometimes she felt like a parade followed her almost everywhere. She sighed heavily as they opened the massive ironclad wooden doors before sweeping into the room taking a seat upon the throne upon the dias there.

   The Temple of Enduring Truth, with its distinctive oriental style, stood like a symbol of serenity as Crow and his escort walked through the well tended monastery grounds, along the cobbled pathway that lead to the impressive main sanctuary. A set of steep, narrow steps climbed up to the ornate main doors, warded on either side by ferocious looking statues that seemed to be a cross between a roaring tiger and a loyal hound. Sitting outside on the top steps, a lone, middle-aged monk in safron robes sits cross-legged, playing plaintively upon a long bamboo flute. As the pair approach the sitting monk, he calmly removes the flute from his lips and places it lovingly in his lap. Then he looks up to the novice and his companion Crow, and a huge smiles spreads across his face.
  "Happily your path has lead you back, young novice, and we rejoice at your return. I see also that you have found a most curious wanderer to share your journey."
   Turning his bright almond eyes towards the stranger, his enthusiastic smile never dimming. "You are welcome here, Wandering Crow. There is no evil in this place, unless a man bears it with him when he enters, so you may be at peace. What strange fortune brings you to our temple?"

Crow's eyes wandered the temple grounds, taking in the sight of the well tended and peaceful scenes.  He already felt at peace once he stepped into these grounds as though his life was no longer in danger.  His ears picked up the distinct melody of a long bamboo flute and his mind wandered for a bit as he walked up the steps, following closely behind the novice monk.

"Hello to you too... Brother Galen, is it?  Thank you for welcoming here," Crow returned the smile and bowed at the waist with his right fist against his left palm.  With a goofy smile on his face, he said, "I can tell because I feel at peace already.  Still... nothing is without evil just like nothing is without good.  It's simply a matter of which is the more dominant force."

Finding it hard to converse with someone sitting down, Crow dropped down to sit on the step just below the one Brother Galen was sitting on.

"Anyways... I was arrested for not having a job, but Empress Sidi decided to give me a job as a bard," Crow explained in an enthusiastic manner.  "She asked me accompany the caravan to Valkandis and to record everything that happens on the trip... so she sent me to learn how to do this from you."

   Brother Galen listens attentively as Crow briefly relates his story. The novice monk looked as if he would interrupt at Crow's addressing the Grand Master so simply, but a meaningful glance was enough to cause the novice to swallow any protest. In truth, though he was the temple Grand Master and the head of the order, he disliked titles and preferred to be addressed simply as brother, or Master when the need arose. Inclining his head towards the white robed novice, Brother Galen bows slightly, his hand together, adressing him quietly.
   "I am grateful for your service, young initiate, you may go and join your novice brethren in prayer." He watched for a moment as the young monk bowed deeply to him, and then to Crow, before obediently continuing on up the steps to the temple doors and out of sight. Slowly, his movements graceful and unhurried, Brother Galen's piercing soft brown eyes regarded Crow once again.
   "You have told me a small part of your tale, Wandering Crow, at least the part that you wish me to know.  It will be my honour to instruct you in the ancient bardic arts, as the Empress wishes, though it is clear to me that you have the heart of a warrior.  There is a steel in your glance that belies the guise of a carefree traveller. You are no stranger to death, that much is certain. I wonder if you can be comfortable with a lyre in hand, when your spirit calls out for a sword?"
   Steepling his fingers to his lips, his expression one of deep thought, he finally asks, "Are you familiar with Arnish letters, reading and writing them? Can you play any instruments?"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:30, Fri 23 Nov 2007.

"I'm very grateful to have you teach me the bardic ways.  As for why I'm a bard instead of a warrior, I have no right to call myself a warrior while my training is incomplete," Crow replied with a crooked smile.  His thoughts flashed back to the image of late leader of his mercenary group.  A second later and his thoughts returned to focus.  "In truth, my spirit calls out for two swords... and a 7-string zither... or a guqin as it's commonly called.  Do you know of it?"

   Galen listens as Crow answers, then nods thoughtfully. "I am familiar with the instrument known as the guqin, young wanderer. It is much played in my homelands and each of the seven strings carries a meaning, as do all the the materials from which it is traditionally fashioned. As for the two sword style, the ni-to-ken style, this too is known to me, though I do not have the time needed to teach such to you, nor would I without the Empress consent of course."  He smiled then, as if some fair memory flickered through his mind.
   "Come, I shall teach you the Arnish letters, and proper methods of recollection.  We have little enough time and much to learn." Standing up, he walks down the stone steps and off the the east, leading the way behind the temple to an elaborate garden. Ancient blossoming cherry trees stood like sentinels surrounding a rainbow of wildflowers overflowing onto the simple cobbled pathways. An intricately carved fountain of grey stone nestled in the heart of this paradise. The statue at its center was of a kneeling boy and girl, from their hand the water gently flowed into the stone basin. Around the base were deeply etched letters.
   Looking over his shoulder to see if Crow is following he nods approvingly and adds. "Your journey, as  warrior, a poet, or a man, is never complete. To know this is the beginning of wisdom, Wandering Crow."

This message was last edited by the player at 22:44, Mon 26 Nov 2007.

"Though you may had heard of the two-sword style, the kind I'm thinking of isn't exactly very common practice... anywhere.  Have you heard of a man who could wield two Zweihanders at the same time?" Crow, of course, was referring to the leader of the mercenary team.  Though unheard of, the merc leader was able to handle the two large swords with relative ease.  Of course, Crow never intended to perform such a feat, but it was nice to think about.

As they walked down the stone steps and off to the east, Crow's eyes were drawn toward the water fountain and the statues upon it.  He stared at the letters at the base of the fountain for a moment before turning his attention back toward Brother Galen.

"No need to keep calling me Wandering Crow.  Crow's just fine, you know," Crow grinned while following Galen.  "Of course a journey doesn't end... but it can start.  That begs the question... does a bird's journey begin after leaving the nest or when it looks out toward the sky?"