Galen's brow wrinkles at Crow's question. "Such a warrior leaves himself dangerously off balance in chosing to wield such awkward weapons. Dangerous he may be, but he will soon tire and then the patient foe can finish him easily. I find all of your peoples' weapons cumbersome, however. Your Zweihander or two-handed sword, is a most clumbsy thing when compared to the graceful No-dachi of my people. Yet in the end, it matters not.  For the weapon is not what is truly important, but rather the warrior who wields it.  A true warrior is perilous to his enemies, even if he wields no weapons at all."

   As they enter the garden, Brother Galen sits down on the stone bench beside the fountain.  Looking over to Crow he responds.  "Yet you ARE a wanderer, young Crow.  You are a man who wanders in search of himself.  When you realize that you seek answers in the wrong place, then perhaps your wandering will end.  As for the baby bird, what matters is not when the journey begins, but that it has. And so should we, if we are to accomplish what the Empress has commanded. When we are done you shall read to me what the message is upon the fountain.  Then we shall know it is time for you to go."  From his worn leather satchel, Brother Galen removes a tablet and stylus.
   "In the Arnish tongue the letters begin thusly," he says gently as he draws upon the tablet with patient, graceful strokes.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:37, Thu 29 Nov 2007.

"Mm-hmm..." Crow nodded along as he learnt the letters of the Arnish tongue.  He carefully watched Brother Galen's careful brush strokes as his thoughts went toward the message upon the base of the fountain.  He was pretty sure he had already seen such a message before, but was unable to recall when and where.  Now that he had seen it again, he was curious as to what it said.  Even if his final test were not the fountain's message, he would had pursued its meaning, anyway.

Though he had not learnt how to write in the Arnish language, he learnt enough of the Thestrian language to read their words with some struggle.  He had meant to learn the Arnish and Valkandish written languages, but simply could not find someone who would teach him.  Now that he had the chance, he wasn't going to let the opportunity pass him by.

   With infinite patience, Master Galen instructs the young man, gently encouraging him.  In truth, Galen is impressed by how eager and how sharp Crow can be, noting how easily he seems to master the basic concepts.  It is eminently clear to the wise monk that Crow is much more than a simple vagabond.  What strange pathways had brought him to this monastery?  He appears physically in good shape and has considerably more wits about him than he allows most to see.  Hiding his talents, like a butterfly still waiting in its chrysalis, or the morning sun lost amid the cloudy sky. And for what purpose, who could say?  Perhaps the journey to Valkandis might bring him the inner peace that had eluded him. Brother Galen hoped it would be so.
   Carefully he worked, through the afternoon hours and well into the evening, practicing each phrase, one by one, until the Master was certain that Crow understood.  He was teaching Crow much more than the use of Arnish speech.  He was showing the young man how to observe as well, showing him how to perceive truth, to ascertain what was important and worth recording, as well as how it was done.  The true path of a scholar and poet that Galen knew so very well.

   "See the cuckoo, there in the branches of the hazel tree?  AVUS, bird, AVISINUS, little bird. ARBUS, tree. ARBISINUS, little tree or shrub..." 

   Nodding approvingly as Crow spotted the grey cuckoo with the black feathered head.  He was observant and so teaching him how to look was a simple matter of training him to differentiate between what mattered and what did not.  Brother Galen was most pleased with his progress in this regard. One thing was for sure, Crow was wary, vigilant, as if he feared to miss something, as if he needed to be always on guard.
   At last, as they paused for a break of sweet pears, hard cheese, and fresh bread, along with some cool water to help it down, the teacher asked Crow directly:

   "Look carefully now, at the writing on the fountain, tell me what do you see, Crow the Wanderer?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:21, Mon 10 Dec 2007.

Crow worked enthusiastically on learning the Arnish language and found it quite easy for him to master.  Of course, he credited the ease of the learning experience to the teachings of Brother Galen.  Most of the knowledge and skills he obtained were either stolen or taught by extremely strict teachers.  This kind of situation was a nice change of pace.  When the time came to read the fountain's message, he decided not to disappoint his teacher.

"Ah..." For a split second, Crow's eyes went wide as soon as he read the words on the fountain.  Closing his eyes, he chuckled silently to himself as carefully translated the message word by word to be sure he was not mistaken.  Opening his eyes again, he enthusiastically read out the message on the fountain, "No one can see their reflection in running water.  It is only in still water that we can truly see."

   Unable to hide his smile, Brother Galen nodded to the eager young man.  "It is exactly so, words of great wisdom that you may take with you on your journey, Crow the Bard.  You have been a most adept student, there is much more I could teach you, but, if that is to be, it must wait for another day.  You have answered my riddle and so, it is time for you to depart."
   Galen bows to Crow, his safron robe rustling slightly in the early evening breeze. Straightening up he gives Crow a disarming smile. "I do have a proposition however," he adds.  "Evening is upon us, and there is room in the guest-house if you wish to stay the night.  In the morning I am going to attend the wedding of an old friend, the Lady Sadina.  She is a noblewoman and acquaintance of the Empress herself.  Her Ladyship is betrothed to a pro consul named Lord Talaric.  You are welcome to accompany me, if you wish, I would welcome the company.  Her royal Highness Sidi will undoubtedly attend, if her responsibilities permit. "
    Galen turned and began to walk up the path that lead back to the main temple.  "I leave the choice up to you," he offers as he looks back over his shoulder.  The  sun was rapidly setting and the shadows were beginning to gather.  "If you wish to stay I will have one of the novices show you where you may sleep for tonight."
   
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:20, Wed 12 Dec 2007.

"I could not had been an adept student without a teacher like you, Brother Galen.  Before you, I had no met one as patient as you who was willing to teach a vagabond like myself.  Thank you for the lessons," Crow thanked Galen in response.  He bowed to his teacher and mentor, then listened to his offer.  With a grin streching across his face, he replied, "I would be honored to attend the wedding with you in the morning.  It would be a good opportunity to learn how to act in the presence of nobles, anyway.  So... yes, I wish to stay the night.  Thank you for your hospitality."

  "You are most welcome, young Bard.  I thank you for a pleasant afternoon.  I find teaching to be most fulfilling, but a wise teacher knows that he is only as good as his students.  I will see you in the morning, Crow.  Consider all you have learned and may yet learn tomorrow as well.  May you have peaceful dreams."
   Nodding to a nearby white robbed novice, he smiles serenely as the young man approaches and bows with deep respect.
  "Nang Li'en, you will show our honoured friend, Crow, to the guest house.  See that he is comfortable and feels welcome."  Bowing once more to both young men, he quietly walks off towards the main temple as the fading sun paints the sky above with broad strokes of crimson, lavender and gold.
   Looking shyly at Crow, the novice bows and grins then says in halting Arnish, "I am fortunate to meet you, Crow.  If you will please to follow?" Pivoting on his heel, he leads the wandering bard through the garden and back towards the main complex.  To the east of the great sanctuary there is a small single story building of yellow brick, red tiled roof and a wide, painted red door with a single golden symbol on the front.  On either side of the door are small jade carved statues of strange dragon-like creatures.  At the top of the stairs, Nang Li'en pushes open the doors, revealing a large, single room, with richly decorated carpet and wood carvings on the walls.  Along the western wall are three bamboo sleeping pallets.
   "I do hope you will be comfortable here, Crow the Bard," he says humbly.

"Uh... okay!  I'll see you in the morning, then!" Crow called out after Galen before turning his attention on the white robbed novice.  Nodding his head when asked to follow, the two of them made their way through the garden and toward the yellow single storey building.

Looking with amazement at the jade statues, he reached out to touch them... but pulled his hand back when the novice opened the doors.  His attention turned toward the golden symbol on the red painted door before falling upon the room itself.  He looked curiously at the wood carvings on the wall and tried to remember if he knew what they meant.  After a while, he decided to ignore them for now.

"Thank you very much, er... Nang Li'en, right?  I usually sleep outside, so a sleeping pallet's a real treat for me," Crow grinned as he thanked the novice.  "So... about the wedding tomorrow... what are they like?  The Lady Sadina and the Lord Talaric, I mean?"

   The novice nods.  "Yes, I am Nang Li'en, thank you honoured Crow, I am happy you like the bed. It is humble, but comfortable.  We like a simple life," he says in halting Arnish.  As he hears Crow's question a puzzled look comes over his youthful features and he  ponders, seeming to search for the right words.
   "Lady Sadina is...like the still water.  Beautiful, serene, with a quiet strength...and much hidden beneath the surface.  Grand Master Galen sees her sometimes...they are friends longtime.  Lord Talaric I have not met, but he is...Pro consul...powerful man." He shrugs apologetically.  "I seldom have reason to leave the temple so I do not know so much."
   Bowing respectfully, Nang Li'en walks backwards towards the door.  "Sleep well, may you have fortunate dreams." adds the novice.  Pointing to a small bronze bell by the door he searches Crow's face, making sure he undertands.  "I will be...nearby.  If you need things, you ring this bell and I bring what you need, okay?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:40, Sat 29 Dec 2007.

"Thank you very much.  May you have fortunate dreams, too," Crow returned the bow in a respectful manner, then decided to turn in for the night.  Choosing the  bamboo pallet farthest from the door, he sat down upon and as soon as Nang Li'en turned to leave, he called out, "See you in the morning, Nang Li'en!"

With that, he lied down and went to sleep.

Bounding into the room, the raccoon glanced about in case anyone else was inside.  Once the coast was clear, the small critter made his way to where Crow was sleeping.  Curling up into a ball within the young bard's bag, the racoon closed his eyes to the morning sunlight and went to sleep.

"Yay!  It's morning!" Crow exclaimed as he suddenly sat up with his arms stretched out.  Rubbing his eyes for a bit, he glanced around while trying to remember where he was.  Once his memory clicked in, he lied back down on the pallet and stared up at the ceiling.  "Meh... so I'm a bard now, huh?  I wonder... is this really okay...?  Ah well, I'll think about it later."

With a grin on his face, Crow got up off the pallet and made his way out of the guest house.  The morning sun blinded him for a couple seconds, but he shrugged off the light and continued on his way.

"Meow..."

"Eh?" Crow blinked as he looked down and at his feet was a small kitten.  Crouching down, the young bard tilted his head and stared at the little critter.  He fished around in his pockets and pulled out small morsels of fish from his rations and placed them in front of the kitten.  After that, he got up and walked around only to notice the kitten following him.  Sighing, he turned around and picked up it up before looking around to see if he could find out where it came from.

   Smiling jovially, the white robed monk quickly approaches Crow and bows politely.  "Good morning, Wandering Crow, I see you find one of our kittens.  I hope he does not trouble you?  I come bringing you breakfast, noodles and vegetables, I hope you like.  Master Galen waits in the garden, when you finished."

"Good morning to you too, Nang Li'en.  This little guy is no trouble at all, though I would like to know where the litter is so I could drop him off," Crow replied cheerfully while still holding the kitten in his arms.  At the mention of food, the young bard's stomach started rumbling ferociously.  Chuckling a little in embarrassment, he added, "Excuse me, but I was hoping to join the other residents of this temple for breakfast.  I don't suppose that will happening though, will it?  Well... looks delicious.  Thanks for bringing it to me."

   Nang Li'en's infectious grin spreads across his face.  "Yes, the noodles are most tasty, you are welcome, it is my pleasure." The enthusiastic monk petted the tiny kitten Crow held in his arms.  "Mother cat...Master Galen calls her Neko, she live in storage cellar in the Temple of a Thousand Bells.  I can take him, if you wish, since I go that way."
   Holding out his hands, he offered the big steaming bowl of noodles and vegetables.  "We can trade," he added with a light hearted laugh.

"Sounds like a good idea.  Maybe I can go with you to see the rest of the litter?" Crow asked as he cheerfully handed over Neko to Nang Li'en and accepted the big bowl of steaming noodles and vegetables.  The smell of the food alone awoke his hunger and he found himself eating it straight away.  Between bites, he commented, "Mmm!  This is good!  Who made this?"

   Nang L'ien smiles, obviously pleased and announces with pride, "I was the one, who makes the noodles friend Crow."  The novice pets the purring kitten, then bows to the newly made bard.
   "The garden is this way, Crow.  Master Galen waits for you, come this way please?"  He begins to walk eagerly towards the great garden, his  white robe flapping around his legs in the early morning breeze.  Birds of many kinds were warbling in the varied trees of the garden, and thousands of bright flowers smiled in the growing sunshine.  It promised to be a very pleasant day, perfect for a noble wedding in fact.
   Nang Li'en beamed as he saw Brother Galen, sitting on the the edge of an ancient stone bridge that arches over a tranquil pond in the eastern portion of the garden. He had a long handled brush in hand, painting upon a silken canvas that stretched between two long boards.  Defly the Grand Master drew the hoary willow trees overhanging this area of the garden.  He watched as the wind made ripples across the water, adding a few to his painting with the flick of his brush.  Without turning around he acknowledged the novice and Crow's presence in a cheerful voice.
   "Good morning to you both.  I hope that you slept well?  The sun floats  above the mountains in the east and the day begins.  Are you ready for the journey?"
   
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:35, Fri 18 Jan 2008.

"Brother Galen!  Good morning!  I slept very well, in fact.  Thank you for asking!" Crow exclaimed happily as soon as he caught sight of Galen.  Quickly approaching his new mentor, his eyes darted toward the unfinished painting.  He was amazed at the detail and how similar it looked to the real thing.  It was one thing to just copy the image of the magnificent scenery, but it was another thing entirely to have the painting bring out even a portion of the original emtion.  Taking his mind off the painting for now, he answered cheerfully, "Ready to go and keep going till the sun drops down behind the western... er... what's to the west again?  More mountains?"

Crow blinked as he turned toward the East, even though he was supposed to face West.  Bringing a hand up to cover his eyes, he peered off into the distance to see what was to the West... er... East... wait... West?

   Grand Master Galen laughs, a rich, honest, rolling laugh as Crow's head swivels back and forth in confusion.  "What is East, what is West?  The mountains in the East are the famed Septimus Altius, the famous Seven Peaks.  To the West is a broad plain and the furious river Rhonnus, which cuts a deep channel through the Valley of Milanthar, after which the city is named.  Our way, this morning, however, lies to the north west, and we had best begin, for the journey that is never begun is the one that takes the longest to complete."
   "Let us now to Lady Sadina's, and you shall meet my dear friend.  Her hospitality is famed throughout Milath, young bard.  It might be wise, however, if your pet remained here.  Accompany us as well please, Nang Li'en."
   With that he began to stride leisurely towards the Temple Gate.
<To Sadina's Wedding>

"Of course, Brother Galen!" Crow exclaimed in reply as he followed Galen and Nang Li'en out of the Temple Gate.  He wasn't quite sure what to expect, but knew wherever he went, he'd have a fun time.  Who knows, with an event like a wedding between a Lady noblewoman and a Lord pro consul, he might just find his companion again.  As Galen requested/suggested, Crow opened up the pouch with Cooper inside and left the raccoon to go join the litter of kittens for now.

=> To Sadina's Wedding

   The temple Grand Master sat on a hewn stone bench in the middle of the garden and contemplated the ancient sugi tree who's sprawling branches swayed in the early morning breeze.  Dawn was still hours away, the stars still danced and winked like a hundred thousand fireflies whirling above.  The moon shone brightly, a faint halo surrounding her promised rain to come.  Silently, Brother Galen raised his hands skywards, breathing deeply of the floral scented spring air, then exhaling gently.  Slowly he allowed the sorrow deep within him to be released to the heavens.
   As he let his disappointment pass, he felt the peace of the night descend upon him and he slowly calmed, the visions of Anu and Cartallindo's duel fading into the  background, his tears drying at last.  Anu had been his favourite pupil, once upon a time and his accomplishments had always been a source of pride for Galen.  Perhaps, after Anu returned from his trip, Brother Galen would sit down with him and they could talk.  And, in spite of the reasons for the battle, one thing the monk had to admit.  Anu had fought well, his technique was without flaw.  Knowing this made Galen reluctantly smile, if only for a moment.
   Perhaps he might have the chance to help Crow find his path.  Brother Galen wondered about the relationship between Crow and Motoko though.  Something about the female Ikoshan kensai troubled him deeply.  As the wind rustled his safron robes, he looked out to towards the north and wondered if the young bard and his warrior companion would come...

"Oy!  Brother Galen!" Crow shouted as soon as he reached the Temple of Enduring Truths.  He waved his hand in the air for a couple seconds to get the Grand Master's attention as he made his way into the garden.  As usual, he exuded a friendly and cheerful atmosphere to everyone around him.  He noticed right away that Galen had a troubled look on his face, no doubt due to the fight between Anu and Cartallindo.  However, he decided not to bring it up and simply approach his new mentor with a positive expression on his face.

"Is this the place, Crow?" Motoko asked as she looked about the temple in wonderment.  It wasn't the first time that she had been to a temple, but she was always impressed by statues and other kinds of designs of historical importance no matter how many times she saw them.  Now that she thought about it, it had really been quite a while since she last visited a temple and paid her respects.  The last time she did was the day before she first left on her journey.  As she followed along behind Crow, she closed her eyes and allowed her other senses experience the sacred environment.

The steps beneathe her feet were foreign to her, of course, but reminded her so well of the temple steps back home.  Even outside she could pick up the smell of incense burnt every single day.  Her sharp nose also picked up the flowery scent of the garden.  Her ears opened up to the water fountain as she passed it and to the wind as it rustled by.

"Oof!" Motoko bumped into Crow's back as soon as he stopped to greet Galen.  A little embarrassed at herself, she quickly shuffled out from behind Crow to greet Galen properly.  "Grand Master Galen.  Again, thank you for watching over Crow all this time.  Though he is kind-hearted, I know that he can be quite a handful at times as well."

   With a nod and a sad smile, Brother Galen beckoned them both to him.  He rose from the bench to greet them, then indicated that they should sit on the bench facing this one.  Nearby the fountain burbled and splashed, the waters glittering as they reflected the moonlight cascading down into the fragrant garden.  All around tiny fireflies danced in the air, and locusts buzzed from the safety of the trees.  Lifting up the jar beside him, he offered them both small porcelain bowls that had been decorated with delicate floral patterns.
  "It brings so much joy to my heart that you decided to come.  Thank you for humouring this old monk.  Would you like to share some tea?  It is a fair night, and likely your last here in Milath for many months."  After deftly pouring the tea for them (if they accepted) he raises his own bowl and softly speaks.
   "May your journey bring you great fortune and great wisdom, and may you find all that you seek." Master Galen lifts the bowl and takes a deep draught, sighing happily.  Nothing was quite so satisfying to him as a cup of fresh brewed tea and a quiet night.  How he wished tonight had been a quieter one.  He had much to consider after the events of the day.  Yet he would not spoil the joy of the moment with such reflections.  He would not so dishonour his young guests, nor waste the opportunity for happiness now.  He watched them as they drank, enjoying their reactions, then stood slowly.

  "I have gifts for you both, small tokens of friendship and esteem to take with you on your journies, wherever they might lead." Kneeling he produced two heavily wrapped bundles from under the bench. "It would please me very much if you would accept my modest offerings."  He handed one bundle to each of them then stepped back waiting.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:34, Thu 29 May 2008.

Upon Galen's offer, Crow sat down on the bench and gratefully accepted the porcelain bowl of tea.  He took in the smell of the freshly brewed tea and allowed the scent alone to rejuvenate his mind.  He pressed the bowl against his lips and swallowed the drink all at once.  Bringing the bowl back down again, a beaming smile was plastered across his face.

Crow's attention shifted back up to the grand master as soon as he noticed him stand up again.  His eyes widened at the sight of the wrapped bundles.  As one of the bundles was placed in his hands, he tried to come up with the right words in response to the monk's generosity.  Instead, he decided to open up the bundle first to see what it was before coming up with the proper response.  "Wow... um... thank you, Galen.  I... don't really know what to say..."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:08, Fri 30 May 2008.