Warrior in Training }{ Open

[Summerchika]

Ainutsa let out a breath and focused on her blade before her. Hoping her necklace would not interfere, she summoned the quiet power within her. "Dark blade, I call to thee!" she whispered urgently, filling her voice with power. The blade shot up from its place by the tree trunk and flew into Ainutsa's hand.

She cursed quietly, "Ouch! To much force!" Ainutsa lectured herself in place of her old, deceased grandmother.

Focusing again, she bent her legs and let out a "sh" breath. Closing her eyes she felt the forest's energy around her and let it fuel her concentration. Bird songs, squirrel's chatting, leaf's rustle; none a distraction, but rather a beat - a tune. She began slowly to work through the routine her adoptive parents had taught her. Slowly only at the beginning; it grew faster as she spun through the moves.

"Side, back, twirl quickly! Enemy behind! Don't be careless! Slash down! Sideways dodge! Duck, pivot, plunge! To the side! Careless again! Pay attention!" thoughts such as these filled her mind in sync with the forest's rhythm. Though focused as she was, her thoughts dwelt not on things outside the forest's rhythm. A mistake.

[cordana]

The road to Tamasha brought Cordana right in the middle of Selkia Forest. It is not the route the merchants take because of the dangers in the forest but the dark elf wasn't bothered by that. She preferred the viridian areas of Selkia. Partly because she enjoyed the nature, but mostly because it was least likely that Cordana would encounter other people.

Although luck wasn't on her side it seemed. When walking through the thick plant growth she heard the clashing sound of a sword and the heavy breath of a person. Cordana turned towards the noise and slowly she was walking towards it. Through her spectral vision she could see that the other person was a normal girl, another elf it seemed. Although because of her demonic appearance nobody recognized Cordana as a dark elf anymore. She stood behind the girl and with a heavy cough made her presence known.

[Summerchika]

"Focus and control. Precision. A poker face. Balance. Endurance. Reflexes. Awareness." Ainutsa thought as she began to swing her sword from a rather awkward position that required almost all of those things. Then a cough sounded behind her and she jumped horribly.

"Oh!" she exclaimed, trying to turn around to face the disturbance with her sword in front of her but in actuality tripping over her own feet and falling. She stuck her hand out with her sword at the last minute and used it as leverage to flip over and land facing the direction she had wanted to be in the first place. Too late, she held her sword out in front of her with both hands.

"That was adventurous." she muttered to herself. "I didn't even see-" She looked at the person who had just appeared behind her, and her sentence caught in her throat. The woman who stood in front of her was.... scary. Really scary. Ainutsa almost fell over again in shock because of it. The weird glow behind the cloth that covered the woman's eyes made her seem like a demon. But that wasn't the only thing that stopped Ainutsa's sentence.

Enemy? Maybe? No.... The woman's posture and, well her presence reminded Ainutsa so much of her deceased grandmother, which was the very weird thing.

"My grandmother isn't like her at all! So why..." Ainutsa blinked a couple times and looked closer. Nope nothing about her is like old grannie. Ainutsa decided. So this brought to question the woman's appearance. Ainutsa new enough sense, though, to not comment. Ainutsa knew her silence spoke enough of her shock and fear so she tried to make up for it.

"Um, hi Sorry, didn't see you! I didn't even sense you at all!.... oh. That means I failed." Ainutsa cursed herself in her mind. Stupid! She not only failed at training but also at her little apology to the scary woman.

[cordana]

Raising an eyebrow at the very acrobatic performance of the young girl in front of her. It seemed she was practicing her swordplay and was trying to take in mind about every discipline there is at the same time. Which resulted into an acrobatic act of tripping and, luckily not this time, injuries.

The girl looked at Cordana with the usual eyes filled with shock. She got used used to it and besides Cordana knew her appearance gave a rather disturbing first expression. Still, it didn't take away the fact that constant glaring was a little annoying. With a little act of frustration, the tip of Cordana's tail started to swipe from left to right with slow and wide movements.

Slowly Cordana crossed her arms. Although the clumsy apology would enrage other persons, she remained calm. The dark elf got used to it that her appearance throws people off their guards. "It's alright." Cordana finally said. While keeping looking at the girl she crossed her arms. "Practicing this deep in Selkia is dangerous. Especially when you aren't that skilled." She said an a serious tone. It's not that Cordana wanted to feel the girl bad about her skills but she just wanted to warn her.

[Summerchika]

Ainutsa smiled a little apology, again. Heavens, what's wrong with me today?? she asked herself. Ainutsa liked to think that she was good with a sword. True, she was better with her bow, but that was a natural thing for her. Still, she had been practicing sword play since she was... well since she was found.

I'm not that bad am I? she question herself. Then she remembered her little stunt just barely. "Oh dear." she muttered. "I'm not this clumsy usually, really." Then the first thing the woman said registered to her. "Dangerous? Oh goodness. I may be young , but I've lived here my entire life." Ainutsa replied, a little annoyed by the patronizing way she was being addressed. "If I was in a village, then yes, maybe that warning would apply." Ainutsa hadn't ever been in a village. She had always looked at in from a far, but never felt the urge to go into its depths. That was a truely scary thought.

Ainutsa stood straighter and let her sword arm relax a little and lower. She felt the forest around her and let the familiar calm overtake her. How in the world would I be in real danger here?! Ainutsa thought a little haughtily.

[cordana]

"I see then." Cordana nodded in acknowledgement. The little smile that had appeared on the girl's face gave Cordana a slightly warm feeling. It was such a long time ago anyone smiled at her, even slightly, that she feared she would've forgotten how it looked like. Such is the life of an outcast.

Cordana then saw the questioning look on the young girl's face. It seemed she was quite confident in her swords play. She didn't had anything against it. It was good for the youth to feel confident. Only that way the could grow Cordana believed.

"I am willing to believe that for your age your skill with the sword is admirable but creatures roam the dark parts of these woods. And sometimes they come to the more common part of the forest to feed." The variety of monsters she had encountered here were widespread. Although they posed no real life threat to Cordana herself, they were to travellers.

[Summerchika]

The woman's compliments made Ainutsa feel a little shy, but also a little happy. Ainutsa hadn't talked to anyone but the animals for four years, so her judging of personalities was probably very off, but Ainutsa began to like this scary, demonic woman. Ainutsa smiled a bit more, until the woman talked again of dark creatures.

A frown appeared on Ainutsa's face as she thought about what the woman had said, then she shook her head a little. "If the creatures here are dark, then so am I! Who are we to judge their intentions? They are merely here to survive! Just as I am!" Ainutsa replied, a little unhappy. She loved the animals here, and everything about this forest! She had traveled it enough in the last four years to know its many secrets and to learn that in it there are many more mysteries that should not be discovered.

"Besides, I don't stay here all the time. The forest is my home, not just the 'common place'. If anyone needed a guide through this forest, I could give them a tour!" Ainutsa stopped her rant and considered what she had said. She sounded so... proud!! It made her feel like gagging.

"I'm sorry I sound so conceited. I really love this forest! Despite the darkness in it, it is my home." Ainutsa apologized, not liking how childish she sounded. She knew anger did nothing. She had learned that long ago. It is probably the influence of another person. she thought, coming up with an excuse for herself.

[cordana]

People tended to draw themselves away from Cordana, Her appearance made sure to let that happen yet this girl however didn't seem to be affected in the slightest way. Perhaps it was of the young girls solitude in the woods? Anyhow Cordana found it to be a pleasant change for a while.

A feint smile appeared on her grim face and she sat down, with her legs crossed. "Please forgive my rudeness, young one. I didn't want to insult your home." Hearing that word brought her back to her past, for a small moment but Cordana wasn't a person that lived on the past. "It is not the beasts that dwell here that I try to warn you off. But the darker ones that are lured by the forests magical energies." Because of Cordana's spectral sigh she could see the streams of magic in the whole of Valear but nowhere else are they so thick then in this forest.

"It is good to see that a persons takes such care for the place they live. Being proud of it and accepting the negative sides isn't conceited." With her left hand Cordana made a motion to the girl to sit down. "It shows of great concern. I haven't had a home for a very long time." It was silent after that for a while till she spoke again. "My name is Cordona Sarayn. What is yours?"Last post for tody^^ Going to sleep now. -

[Summerchika]

Ainutsa blinked and considered what the woman had told her. Dark ones drawn to the forest because of it's mysteries and powers? Yes, she knew of this. The animals had often spoke to her of it and the trees told many stories of such people, but Ainutsa had yet to confront such people alone. "Yes, I suppose there are such people." she replied, thinking a little more of it, then putting it to the side. That was something to think about around a fire.

Taking the invitation to sit, Ainutsa sat down next to the woman, facing her so it was easier to talk. The patronizing speaking was done with, and the woman had complimented her again! It had been a long time since she had been complimented by someone other than the animals and it made her feel so warm! And the woman's name was pretty too!

"Cordana?" Ainutsa tried the name on her lips. "... I like it! It's so... noble sounding!" Ainutsa exclaimed. "I am Ainutsa." Her name sounded foreign spoken aloud. She hadn't heard it in such a long time... It felt even stranger to tell it to someone! Somehow, though, it made her happy.

Now, Ainutsa found herself full of questions. "So... you're a traveler? What's it like outside the forest? I've thought about going outside recently. A year ago I wouldn't have ever dreamed of leaving, but.... The animals tell me stories and I can't help but wonder... " Oh, wait, is it rude of me to ask so much? Probably. Ainutsa, think before you talk! she scolded herself again and gave a little apologetic smile again.

[cordana]

Nodding at the girls understatement that there are such people, Cordana took of her sword from her back and laid it next to her. "Sadly enough there are such people. I tend to run into them quite often." Slowly she laid her hands in her lap and looked at the young girl.

The fact that she took Cordana's invitation was a bit suprising for the dark elf. Normally people would be frightened and wouldn't even think about sitting down next to her.

When Ainutsa told that her Cordana sounded noble, it made a smile appear. "That is the first time I have heard that. Back in my birthplace they certainly don't think off it as a noble name. Thank you for the compliment." It also seemed that Ainutsa was happy to talk to someone. "Your name also has a nice sound to it." Cordana said.

Then the numerous questions started flowing in. Altough the young girl apologized Cordana had no problems with them. "It's alright." She comforted the girl. "I'll gladly answer your questions." She swiped some dust from her pants. "Yes, I am some sort of traveller. Now outside the forest are many things. There are mountains, lakes, deserts and the most magnificent of all is Tamasha. The largest city of Valear. Never else can you find such a vast collection of different people, wares or cultures. It doesn't matter wich road you take, you'll end up in Tamasha sooner or later." Cordana said.

[Summerchika]

Eyes widening at the places described by Cordana, Ainutsa's spirit flipped with anticipation and excitement. She had often gazed upon the mountains and the city's outline when she lived near there. She had been to Lonea Lake many times, of course but the desert was something entirely new to her! And of course, she had never been to any of these places and the thought of exploring them gave Ainutsa such excitement, it was hard to contain. And now Cordana was describing these places to her and she felt absolutely ecstatic!

"Yes! I gaze at the mountains often!" Ainutsa excitedly replied, leaning forward. "I've seen them from the tree tops, but only from far away. The mountains are huge and I cannot see beyond those, but I see that large mountain the animals tell me was once dangerous. They warn me of that one. But the one I'm afraid of is the city you speak of! Tamasha...." Ainutsa whispered its name and thought of its outline she gazed at sometimes after recovering from training. "Is it really so big? It looks small from far away, but the hawks tell me otherwise. They fly over it often. It seems so... alien! In a way, it frightens me to no end, but... it also intrigues me!" Ainutsa ended in an excited whisper and leaned forward, as if she was telling Cordana a dear secret.

"And the desert! I've never seen such a thing! Is it hidden by the mountains? Is that why I don't know of it? Oh! A desert is almost completely devoid of water, right? My grandmother spoke of it, but I thought she was surely joking!" Ainutsa's mind filled with all the possibilities that were being uncovered. It felt as though her very spirit would fly out of her body for the excitement Ainutsa was feeling at this moment.

[cordana]

While telling about the places that could be seen in Valear Cordana could see the excitement in Ainutsa's eyes. It was like a child that was sitting on her grandparents knee, listening to its stories with a look filled with awe. Almost it appeard as the young elf was instantly dreaming away.

Then Ainutse started telling, about the lands she could see from the Selkia Forest. The dangerous mountain she mentioned was most likely Blaze Mountain, an old vulcano. Eventually she started about Tamasha. "Well, it looks small because it is a rather long distance away from here but when close-by it is gigantic. But you don't have to be freightened. If you need to find something or someone, there is the best place to start."

Now Ainutsa started about Dermun Desert. "Yes, in the desrt as good as no water can be found and is very dangerous for beginning travellers. Those who are not weary of where they place their feet, are those who don't survive long. Every inch of sandcan hold a suprise; Either pleasant or unpleasant." the fiery orbs looked at Ainutsa. "Now may I ask why you are here, Ainutsa? Unless you rather won't." Cordana was curieus how a young elf ended up living in the forest, with the only company being the creatures here and the trees.

[Summerchika]

True, Tamasha sounded great and even though Cordana told her it wasn't a place to be afraid of, Ainutsa's interest in the city didn't spike anymore. She didn't need to find anyone. She nodded silently, thinking of something she might possibly need from the city.

Ainutsa's ears perked up when Cordana started telling of the desert. "A desert!" Ainutsa almost squealed in delight. An idea sprang to her mind at the mention of the desert's dangers. I'm sure it's dangerous, but perhaps that is what I can look for in the city? I person to guide me across! Ainutsa was about to say this aloud when the wonderful, scary-looking Cordana asked her why she was in the forest.

"You've told me all about things I asked for. It's only fair if I return the favor, though it nearly as interesting as the things you have been telling me!" Ainutsa warned Cordana. Ainutsa stayed silent for a bit, thinking over how she could best answer Cordana's question.

Thinking she had an adequate answer, Ainutsa told her story, hoping that she wouldn't let her emotions over come her. "I've lived here my whole life. I don't know my birth parents, but I was found by a couple who raised me in a small village here, in the forest. It was really small; only a few people camping out. The group moved a lot. When I was eight, my adoptive parents died and I fell behind the group. An old lady who had been with us stayed behind with me and raised me until I was fourteen. Then she disappeared. I don't know where she went, but I don't think she still lives; she was really old." Ainutsa tried not to think of that day. "That was four years ago. I haven't left for fear of abandoning the only place their memories reside, but... I think it is time for me to move on." Ainutsa told Cordana, looked right at her cloth that covered the glow. "That's why I've asked you so much! I think I'm going to travel and learn more. That's what grandmother would want me to do" Ainutsa explained.

[cordana]

When Cordana was telling about the desert she noticed that Ainutsa could hardly restrain her excitement. It was already clear that she was already dreaming about it, travelling trough the sand. Inwards Cordana sighed. She caused the birth of another youthful traveller. In her heart she hoped that Ainutsa wouldn't be reckless.

When Cordana asked Ainutsa why she was in the forest, the dark elf immedieatly felt regret. It seemed the topic was rather painful and would liked to be avoided. Yet ti was said now and Cordana couldn't take back her words. She was happy to see that Ainutsa was trying her best to answer Cordana's question.

When the young elf started her story Cordana was listening very closely. It seemed, just like herself, Ainutsa knew how it was not having a home. Still it was different. Ainutsa her home was taken away, Cordana was rejected by her home. Eventually Ainutsa said she wanted to travel. The dark elf expected as much. "As long as you honour their memories, it is alright for you to go everywhere." Cordana said to the young elf. "I hope I was of great service to you, Ainutsa. Our conversation was enjoyable." She said with a smile. "It is good to see that some people aren't afraid of my..." The dark elf was thinking which word she could use to describe herself. "...different apperance." Cordana finished her sentence. Inside she was euphoric she could talk to someone without that person backing away in fear.

[Summerchika]

"Yes, I think so too!" Ainutsa replied joyfully when Cordana spoke of honoring her caretakers' memories. Relieved, and a little excited, Ainutsa leaned back on her hands. Looking up at the sky and thinking about the places she could go now, Ainutsa almost didn't hear what Cordana spoke next, but the words' meaning was hard to miss.

Bringing her eyes down from the tree tops, Ainutsa looked over at Cordana. Her eyes went through Cordana's appearance again quickly and sighed. She leaned forward again. "In truth, the first time I saw you, my heart almost jumped out of my chest!! But then again, when I saw my first grizzly, I was scared out of my mind too!" Ainutsa smiled at the memory. Then she said seriously, "Actually, for a bit there you reminded me of my grandmother. She was scary when she got mad!!" Ainutsa emphasized the word "scary", eyes getting wide. "But she was kind too. And selfless." Ainutsa added. "Besides..." Ainutsa went on in a careless tone, "I think having a tail would be the greatest!" Already grinning, Ainutsa found it hard to keep back a little giggle.

Then she thought a bit more about Cordana, and her curiosity won out over her better judgement... again. "Cordana... can I ask you another question? This time, you don't have to answer..." She hesitated. "Why do you have a tail?" By "tail" Ainutsa meant Cordana's fearful appearance, but she couldn't bring herself to be that blunt. She liked Cordana and she didn't want to lose the first friend she had made in a long time by offending her.