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#Post#: 790--------------------------------------------------
Re: Starting an alternate circle: beginnings
By: Inkglitched Date: April 13, 2023, 4:49 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
After Eden watched snow go, she sat down at an open window as
Jalal began to get things settled. He put his pack down that was
filled with books and things. He knew he’d need to work on
getting lit he’s given this wasn’t the desert anymore.. though
he knew he wouldn’t be able to get Eden into a dress. As he
worked Eden noticed him busy.. and saw Adan she remembered
seeing him flinch and made a small look to see the man was
distracted enough.
She slipped out quietly, following the two and keeping her eye
on Adan. Despite how young she was- and despite the times she
had been snagged- she was good at sneaking around. She saw the
man about to turn and Hide. She made a frown with her mouth as
she dipped low to get close enough to hear what sounded like
harsh words.
It sounded like the man was telling Adan how to act, and present
himself. She saw him flinch one more time and it was enough. She
waited till the man was ahead, as Adan seemed to drag his feet
for her to reach out, and drag him in a bush to put a finger to
her lips, while covering his mouth. “That man isn’t ok, come
with me.” She said and grabbed his hand making him stay low as
she decided to sneak back to Jalal.
Jalal had heard the door to open it.”igna yes?” He asked and let
the woman in to see the basket.” Oh.. thank you.” He said to
usher her in. “Thank you for your kindness.” He said and glanced
around the room.”Eden! Come meet our guest.” He said and took a
few moments.”Eden?” The man started to check rooms.”this isn’t
time to pout and hide. Promise you’ll see your friends again!”
He said and stopped. He went over to where she was sitting
before, and looked out the window.”shit…” came out.”I’m sorry
I’m going to have to find her… seems she already ran off!” He
said with a huff.
#Post#: 791--------------------------------------------------
Re: Starting an alternate circle: beginnings
By: Minyaagar Date: April 13, 2023, 5:07 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Upon their arrival at the castle, Adan and his guardian Jarma
were informed that their meeting would be delayed, as the
Emperor's son had just returned. Jarma pretended to not mind,
and they were led to the garden to wait until they were called.
It didn't seem to please the man much that food and drink were
provided for them.
"Now Adan, when we do go in, be sure to act right, and no
slouching,"
Adan stood up straighter, nodding his head, not wanting to cause
Jarma to hit or pinch him again.
"Hmmpph..why would he send his son off with that General to go
all feral?" Jarma muttered. "Don't guzzle down your drink like
an uncouth barbarian!"
Adan felt the man's hand cuff the back of his neck a bit roughly
and flinched but knew better than to make a sound. That only
pissed the man off more.
"Ambassador Jarma? Would you and your charge come with me?" A
rather beautiful woman asked, approaching them, her fine golden
hair falling to her knees.
"Ah, of course, come, boy,"
Adan shuffled behind the man, really hoping that he'd get away
from Jarma and soon. He was shocked and stunned when someone
grabbed his mouth from behind and then he heard Eden speaking in
his ear.
He didn't want to get into trouble but had no desire to stick
around for Jarma to discover Eden. Maybe she could help him find
a sympathetic ear..and someone that could help him get placed
here with the royal family.
"Where are we going?" He whispered, flushing a bit when her hand
grabbed his.
[hr]
"You must be Jalal," Inga said softly, taking in the man's face
for a long moment. "I am quite happy to help in any way I can.
Moving her wasn't easy for me at first either, it's a lot to
adjust to. Though, having Hal on your side is helpful." She
added with affection in her voice.
She started to unpack the food while waiting for Jalal to come
back with the girl. Hearing him call all over the house, and not
getting an answer, had her growing a bit concerned. "Friends?
Let me guess, Snow is one of them?"
Inga finished with the food and then went to gaze out the
window. "Ah..the garden." She got a thoughtful look on her face.
"Let's check there first. It's easy to get lost in the garden if
you don't know your way around. With any luck that's what
happened. Children like exploring and the garden is quite
enticing, especially after living in the desert," She reasoned
as she led Jalal out of the cottage.
"Come..let's look for her."
#Post#: 792--------------------------------------------------
Re: Starting an alternate circle: beginnings
By: Inkglitched Date: April 13, 2023, 5:22 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Jalal took a breath and sighed.”you’re right.. things have been.
Different.. I’ll just have to get accustomed.” He said honestly
as he went with Igna to find the young girl.
Meanwhile Eden was having a tough time remembering just which
way she went.”my ma- my dad. He helps kids who are in trouble.”
She said with a bright soft tone. “Now shhhh, don’t wanna get
caught ag-“ she cut herself off at the last part. They continued
through the confusing garden and as they did so, they heard
voices, from one side it sounded like Jalal and Igna, the other
sounded like the boys uncle who had realized the boy had
vanished.
Eden made a face and tugged the boy realizing they were about
to be discovered, and yanked Adan toward Jalal’s direction- as
she did so she heard the man’s uncle speak harshly again, more
or less cause Adan had gotten ahead to protect her, and quickly
got in front of Adan. A resounding smack would be heard, Jalal
finally rounding the corner to witness Eden taking a slap to the
face. She held her cheek.”you’re a bad man, “ said Eden with
some hint of malice in her throat.”he won’t go with you, I won’t
let you!” She said and held Adan’s hand. She watched the hand
wheel back and waited for a second hit for it to be stopped.
”hit her again or the boy- and you’ll feel your error.” Said
jalal Cooley.”ambassador or not.” His mask was shoved up as he
gave the man a scary look before sliding it down as the man
backed up.”Eden care to explain.” She held Adam’s hand and told
him how he reacted at the port and what she saw in the
garden.”it’s not okay!!! “ said Eden.”c..can he stay with us… he
hurt my friend.. “ Eden said despite her own cheek looking red
as a cherry tomato.
“N..now” said Eden and stayed in front of Adan.
#Post#: 793--------------------------------------------------
Re: Starting an alternate circle: beginnings
By: Minyaagar Date: April 13, 2023, 6:00 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Adan was starting to realize that Eden was lost and didn't know
where she was going. He wasn't all that surprised to hear that
her dad helped kids in trouble. He didn't speak, choosing to nod
in response and trying to help her make sense of the garden and
find a way out.
He froze however when he heard Jarma calling for him, sounding
more than a little angry to have to look for him. Maybe..he
could explain and fix this whole mess. Though he was sure he'd
end up getting hit or worse.
They just happened to come out the wrong way, right in front of
Jarma's pulsating angry eyes. "Uncle Jarma..please..let me
explain," Adan begged, knowing there really was no reasoning
with the Jarma, but wanting to protect Eden from the man's ire.
He was shocked and dismayed when Eden moved in front of him,
taking the hard smack meant for him. Unfortunately for
Jarma..the whole incident was witnessed by Jalal and Inga.
Inga's eyes went dark as she moved to stand next to Adan and
Eden, she took in what the girl was saying, her mind growing
more and more determined to help the boy. She, like Jalal,
didn't care who this pompous as.s thought he was..there was no
way she was letting him do anything to Adan ever again.
After Jalal's dark words, and threat, Jarma tried to explain
that he hadn't meant to hit the girl, that she'd gotten in the
way. Inga moved in and smacked Jarma so hard, he fell to the
ground, his eyes wide and he let out a loud cry of pain.
"That's for hitting the girl, and that's," Here she paused to
kick him in the privates. "For abusing the boy! You get the hell
out before I have you drawn and quartered you..you..Balatha!"
She empathized, supplying a Hawk Woman word for something
unspeakably evil.
Adan's eyes were huge, as he watched the woman taking down his
uncle with one slap, and then kicking him in the crotch.
The sound of Eden's and Inga's raised voices had brought both
Halder and the Emperor to the balcony above the garden. "Guards,
get this man out of my sight, throw him in the dungeon," The
Emperor declared, his eyes blazing brightly.
Once the guards had dragged Jarma off screaming for mercy, the
Emperor inclined his head to Jalal, Eden, and Inga. "I extend
thanks to all of you." His eyes fell on Adan and softened,
making him gulp. "Adan Tennere, I apologize for making you wait,
If you and your friends will come in, I will speak with you
all,"
Adan nodded, feeling more than a little shocked that the Emperor
knew his name. "Yes..your...Excellency,"
He reached for Eden's hand and glanced up at Jalal and Inga.
Inga nodded and ushered the others through the garden and into
the doors. "Emperor Caltharas looks tough, but he's kind and
just. You'll be safe here," She told them.
They were met in a huge marble hallway by Halder who put his arm
around Inga's waist and greeted her with a kiss. "I love it when
you go all badas.s." He told her with a chuckle. "If I had any
idea what you were going through Adan, I would have stopped it
sooner,"
Adan was in awe of the huge castle..and held onto Eden's hand.
"I don't usually get stuck with him that much. Uh..my letter for
the emperor was in the room we were given earlier," He said,
feeling a bit nervous to not having it on him.
Halder stopped one of the king's personal guards and asked him
to grab Adan's letter. Then they proceeded into the Emperor's
office, where the man was waiting, staring out the large window.
"Please..sit, relax. I have heard from my brother about you
Jalal and how you saved his life. How can I help you and your
daughter?" The emperor asked in a gentle voice.
#Post#: 794--------------------------------------------------
Re: Starting an alternate circle: beginnings
By: Inkglitched Date: April 13, 2023, 7:06 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Eden saw how Inga was to smile big at the treatment the man was
getting, as Jalal let the woman do as she pleased; knelt by the
kids to check them both over. He gently touched Eden’s cheek.
”I’m okay..” she said before hearing the booming voice and
looking up. She instantly went shy seeing the man and felt the
hand grabbed. Eden held his hand fast as she saw the general
leave and heard Jalal talk.
”I ask for asylum.. but it’s better off you hear it from Eden as
to why she has no place to go.. mind you this is in the desert
ways as she is fully cutting herself off from her old life.” He
said quietly. They had been rehearsing a little, for her to not
be nervous. As she decided by the time they got there it be her
act of cutting what she was once- completely off. It was the
ways of the desert, but in such a way for the emperor to
understand.
Eden squeezed Adam’s hand and made a shaky breath before she
walked forward. She dipped her head forward her hair hanging in
front of her face. It was symbolizing someone of the past
talking.
“ my name is Ayla Thunder, I hailed from the fae kingdom,I have
parents and a sibling, a twin. I was…” she started and her voice
shook some as she paused.”I was abandoned in the desert.. by my
brother and father. I starved for days and essentially died.”
Eden lifted her head.
”I no longer want that life, so please call me Eden this is me
being born anew. Jalal is my father and master. All I ask for
is a home as I no longer have one, and the other is ….is…”
Jalal finished. ”unsafe. Her hair had made her a target of the
fanatics.. their priestess had found it out when her hair was
revealed. I know I can grant my services to you not only in
defense.. but as a teacher. I felt two young ones with the
ability to tune.” He said simply.
“Your son… and young Adan has potential.. that I felt.” Jalal
finished and bowed. Eden bowed after in respect and firm way.
Jalal looked at the girl with a small smile to turn his head
back in respect. ”thank you for everything.” He said graciously.
#Post#: 795--------------------------------------------------
Re: Starting an alternate circle: beginnings
By: Minyaagar Date: April 13, 2023, 7:38 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Adan was finally starting to relax some, realizing that he'd
never have to see Jarma again. He held onto Eden's hand, a bit
surprised to hear Jalal asking for asylum.
When he heard her speak, he nearly gasped out loud, realizing
who she was. He'd heard a much different version of the story
and felt horror go through him at what she'd had to go through.
It kind of pissed him off a bit, knowing how evil her family had
been towards her.
The Emperor listened silently to Jalal's request before focusing
on the young girl's words. "You will have a safe home here,
whether in the castle or in a more comfortable place. For the
man that saved my own blood; I would give you much more than you
ask for. Your request is granted..and more so."
The emperor's eyes widened at Jalal's revelation that his son
and Adan had the potential to be tuners. "Well..that is
quite..surprising and shall be celebrated. I will gladly accept
your offer of services in teaching and defense. It may be best
to focus on the three for now, in time you may be called on
more."
There was a knock on the door and the guard handed over the
letter he'd retrieved. Since it was addressed to the Emperor he
took it and opened it, reading it over carefully before looking
at Adan,
"Do you know why you were brought here?" He asked Adan kindly.
"My guardian; not my uncle, wanted me to be fostered here. To
learn what your teachers could offer. My old teacher..he
couldn't keep up with me," Adan admitted.
Caltharas chuckled at this. "Yes. You've got quite the mind your
guardian tells me. Your uncle will be sent back after he's had a
couple of weeks to ruminate over what he's done. I will send my
own message to the Fae Queen to make sure he's dealt with
accordingly. As for you, Adan Tennere. You and Eden will learn
alongside my son Prince Cal. You may know him as Snow, I hope
you all will be friends,"
Adan was relieved that he would have a place to live and took
Eden's hand again. "Thank you, your Excellency," He said
thankfully. "I think I already have a new friend," He said
giving Eden a shy smile.
The emperor nodded and moved towards the door, motioning them to
follow. "I think that concludes our business, Halder I'll let
you go for now. You should spend time with your family, as
should I. Come, Adan, and meet your new foster brothers and
sister. Jalal, Eden, please join us. You can decide if you want
to stay in the castle..or in the cottage. You will have the
freedom to come and go as you wish." He added.
Adan started to let go of Eden's hand, unsure if she wanted to
go or not. Shooting a questioning look at her and Jalal.
#Post#: 796--------------------------------------------------
Re: Starting an alternate circle: beginnings
By: Inkglitched Date: April 13, 2023, 9:10 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Eden let off a breath as Jalal sat down together, once things
came out more Eden blinked. So her friend is really smart? She
wondered. She blinked more at learning with the boys and gave
Jalal a look as he spouted in their language.”we will talk about
it later” and got up.”of course your highness.” He said to see
the boy start to let go of Eden’s hand for her to grab it
again.”that means we get to see snow again!” She shouted a bit
as she half dragged Adan, stopped, feeling jalal’s eyes.
”l..lead the way?” She said shy like.”we will use the cottage,
but I wouldn’t mind a small tour or a guide to the training
grounds. “ said Jalal before he heard some footsteps to turn.
”didn’t think we would see each other again.” Said Khali with a
grin.”ohhhh. The wise boy that sheathed his sword- “ the
seventeen year old made a noise at him.”bet I’d still win.” As
Jalal chuckled.”we can recreate the battle.. might lose an arm.”
He joked as he rolled his eyes.
#Post#: 797--------------------------------------------------
Re: Starting an alternate circle: beginnings
By: Minyaagar Date: April 13, 2023, 9:36 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Adan's head jerked to look at Jalal with a strange look on his
face. "Talk about what?" He inquired, not realizing he'd
switched to their language.
The emperor's eyebrows rose with surprise, at how easily the boy
was speaking to them in a different language. "Maybe..you'd make
a good interpreter," He told Adan with a smile.
Adan's cheeks went a bit pink when he realized he'd done it
again. He had been constantly told to not give away his gift so
easily. Then again..Adan wasn't the type for spying or
subterfuge, unlike the other courtiers he was usually around.
He was a bit relieved that Eden grabbed his hand and started to
drag him toward the door. He felt a bit sad that Eden would be
living separately, but at least it wouldn't be too far away. He
turned at the footsteps, his eyes widening at the newcomer.
"Khali could show you the training grounds, he's usually there
practicing most of the day," The emperor said with a bit of a
grin on his face. "Were you needing anything?" He asked the
young man.
[hr]
Snow was in the middle of the floor, his younger sister,
nine-year-old Lalitha and 7-year-old Tahmuras were on top of
him, trying to tickle him. He laughed, not because their fingers
tickled, but because their antics amused him. "Come on..you've
gotta be ticklish somewhere!" Lali exclaimed in frustration and
dug her fingers into Snow's leg.
"Nope..not anymore," He teased and reached to tickle her under
her neck, making her shriek and push him away. "Ha ha...gotcha,"
He teased.
He made a slight pained sound when Tahm dug his fingers in too
deep into his side. "Not so hard little buddy," He said and
pulled the boy off and gently tickled the boy's left side,
"Snow! Enough! uncle!" Tahm exclaimed, through his laughs. "I
missed you, so much," His brother sighed, relaxing his head on
Snow's leg.
"Me too. Don't go away for a long long time, okay?" Lali added,
pressing her face in close to his.
Snow felt a pang, and nodded, pressing a kiss into Lali's cheek.
"I promise I won't go away for a while. I don't think Mother or
Father would let me do that again, anytime soon," He sighed.
He glanced up when he heard the door open to the family room and
his eyes widened seeing not only his father but the girl from
earlier dragging Adan in behind her. He shifted so he was
sitting up a bit more, but didn't push his siblings off.
"Oh..hello..didn't think I'd see either of you so soon,"
Snow shot a questioning look at his father, while Litha and Tahm
moved off of him to go greet their father, with over-exuberant
hugs, that had the man chuckling. "Hello, my children. This is
my daughter Lalitha, and my son Tahmuras. This is Adan and Eden,
you'll be seeing more of them. I believe you both remember
Prince Cal-"
"Father, I prefer Snow," He interrupted and stood and brushed
his hair out of his eyes. He walked over, trying to not itch
around his starchy collar, and gave a bow to Eden and a nod to
Adan. "Welcome to the castle, Eden, Adan. If you'd like father,
I can give them and Jalal a proper tour," He offered.
#Post#: 798--------------------------------------------------
Re: Starting an alternate circle: beginnings
By: Inkglitched Date: April 14, 2023, 7:28 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Jalal’s own head whirled at the boy knowing the 500 year old
language some. By now no one but him - and Eden given he had
taught her would have known.”interesting- most don’t know a dead
language, especially not at that age.” He said honestly.”Eden
only knows after so long of learning..”
He followed the group to the children’s room, as Khali was
asking the king a few things, about what dominate hand the boy
had, and seeing how much restraint he was expected to give. His
eyes hadn’t left the red head some as he felt he knew that small
girl. Eden saw snow and smiled big. “Right? Imma stay in the
building in the pretty garden!” Said Eden with a smile. Her
cheek had subsided some from the smack she received during their
talk. Her hand slid out of Adans to look snow over and around.
He looked so different dressed like this.”you look different..”
she said as Jalal smiled some.”you will too when we dress you
up..” he started.
“No” Eden said flatly. Jalal gave a small Sorry smile.”well not
like him you’ll be dressed a bit more like the ladies and the
young girls around…” Eden said again.”No!” He rubbed his head
and apologized. Eden liked how she was dressed and seeing the
skirts meant it be harder to climb, and run. “We will talk more
later.. have some fun with your friends.. after we will have
dinner and bed.” He said with a sigh.
As he did so he noticed a small boy had gone behind Eden to mess
with the end of the tie and watched him pull.”Eden close your
eyes.” Soon as she heard that she did so, keeping those from
around the room from seeing. He gently approached the boy and
slid the mask out to tie it on her eyes.”don’t worry, I’m not
mad.” Said the man. He figured now would be a good time to touch
on it.”while we may be in different clothing our masks are
important.” He said as the boy started to look guilty.
“you didn’t know. Our eyes are important as we believe it’s a
window to the soul- we only reveal them if we have a strong
belief we need to bring forward, or if we have absolute
undeniable trust, or someone we love like your daddy.” He said
with a soft look. He gently shoved his mask up for the boy to
see as he spoke before pulling it down.
Once he was done and everything seemed fine he went with Khali
to check out the training grounds. Eden realized he forgot to
tell snow and got in his face.”you get to tune! He forgot to say
but Jalal gonna teach you!” She said excitedly. It meant she’d
beable to sit in and watch. While she was sore knowing the two
would be ahead of her, didn’t deter her from wanting to watch
others.
#Post#: 800--------------------------------------------------
Re: Starting an alternate circle: beginnings
By: Minyaagar Date: April 14, 2023, 5:12 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Adan didn't get a chance to explain his gift for languages but
decided to tell Jalal about it later. He couldn't help but give
Snow a smile when he spied him; and waved a little with his
other hand in greeting to the younger kids. Both smiled, looking
quite intrigued by him, but more so about Eden. It wasn't all
that surprising, since she had on strange-looking garb.
Snow relaxed a bit at Eden's greeting and listened as she
explained where she and her father were staying. "That's great.
You'll be really close by," His eyes narrowed, seeing the fading
mark on her cheek, but he didn't ask about it, He'd learn about
what happened later, he was sure.
Snow was a bit amused when the younger girl started walking
around him, looking over his fancier clothes. "Yeah," He said
reaching up to undo the top button of his shirt. He noticed his
father looking at him, but the emperor didn't say anything.
Adan and Snow were both a little surprised by Eden's arguing
about wearing dresses. Behind Eden, the emperor had a thoughtful
look on his face.
"Tahmuras!" Snow exclaimed, seeing his brother pulling on Eden's
mask strings. He was a bit annoyed he'd not kept an eye on his
brother, Tahmuras was known for getting into things he wasn't
supposed to.
The little boy looked a bit startled and stepped back. "I'm
sorry," He said shuffling his feet a bit. "I won't play with it
again," He promised.
He gazed up at Jalal's face and gave a slight nod at the man. It
was a different custom, but he knew that the way of the
Audorians was to respect differences.
Adan was more than a little interested in learning more about
Jalal and Eden's customs. But knew he'd have to be patient and
wait for the right time to ask. He perked up a bit when Eden
brought up the tuning and that her father was going to be
teaching them. Perhaps before or after those lessons, he might
learn more.
After living in the desert for almost a year with his Uncle
Halder, Snow had seen several people tune before. Hearing Eden
telling him that he was to be taught how to tune, Snow broke out
into a very wide grin. "That's awesome," He said and shot a
grateful smile at Jalal. "When do we start lessons? Tomorrow?"
The emperor was pleased to hear his son actually eager to learn.
"Oh..you'll have to meet the other teachers and figure out when
to schedule your lessons. Arnar and Sensei Li will be joining us
for dinner. I am sure you'll have time to discuss other things
with them as well," He added shooting a look at Eden. "They're
probably out on the training grounds right now," He said
thoughtfully.
He didn't want to broach the subject of her learning with the
boys, especially if Jalal was not wanting to do that. There
could be other accommodations that could be made for her though.
If the two men didn't mind teaching her at the cottage under
Jalal's presence, he was sure that could be done. He was the
only one that noticed the man slip away with Khali and figured
that Jalal was comfortable enough to leave her with him and her
friends for the time being.
"Children..oh..well hello there,"
Snow glanced up at his mother's voice and smiled. The woman at
the doorway had pale blonde hair, that was as nearly white as
her husband's and snow, and very pale yellow eyes. She was
dressed in a dress that shone and caught the light, casting
rainbows over the floor of the room.
She had a regal air to her, and her eyes softened when they fell
on Eden and Adan.
"Darling Tahvia, This is Eden. She and her father Jalal have
moved into Halder's old cottage. And this Is Adan Tennere, he's
our new foster son, and will be taking the blue room,"
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Eden." The woman moves forwards,
giving a welcoming smile to Eden. "I am so happy to hear you
will be close by. If there is anything else you need,
please..let me know. You can tell your father the same,"
Then she turned to Adan, who instantly gave a deep bow to her.
"Come here, Adan," She said softly.
Adan did so, though his cheeks heated from the attention. Tahvia
cupped her hands over his cheeks, drawing him closer. "As our
foster son, feel free to come to us whenever you need anything.
You will be cherished, and treated like you were always ours,"
She told him gently and then gently ran her hands down his
shoulders. "Now then...I think everyone is hungry, let's go
eat."
She released Adan and beckoned Snow to join her. Snow knew
better than to make a scene, though he was more than a little
annoyed that Adan would be in the room right next to his. He
offered his arm to his mother, who took it smiling and let him
lead her into the family dining room.
She'd decided to tone it down a bit and not overwhelm the
newcomers with eating in the great room. The family one was more
intimate and only sat ten to twelve people.
Adan moved to offer his hand to Eden, and followed after the
others, as they followed after the queen. He was more than a
little tongue-tied by the woman's kindness and how beautiful she
was.
They were all seated around the table; Eden and Adan were seated
next to Snow on one side, The emperor at the head of it; with
his wife, and the younger children seated next to her. There
were still a few empty seats; for other guests and family that
hadn't arrived yet.
"Well..let's start, the others can catch up when they get here,"
The Emperor decided. A few moments later, food was brought out
and placed in front of each person. Having talked with Halder;
the queen had the kitchen staff make foods that wouldn't be too
heavy or rich for the guests or Snow. She didn't want them
getting sick from foods they weren't used to.
[hr]
Katsu liked spending this time of the day on the training
grounds; mostly because it was deserted. He could go through his
tuning forms without anyone suspecting what it was. He'd kept it
secret for so many years; it had become second nature to not
tell others. He paused in the middle of a pose, his eyes
connecting with those of his lover Arnar's.
The man was doing his own workout. It had become their habit to
come together at the same hour to work through their moves.
Sometimes they'd even spar, with the fights being rather even
between them.
He turned to face away, and went down into splits; his spine
slowly bending him forwards, until he was inches from the
ground. Breath in, Breath out, hold, and repeat. He meditated
for a moment, feeling his body get in tune with the sky and the
storm brewing to the east. Lightning was coming.
His eyes flickered open at the distant sound of footsteps and
voices heading their way. He was up on his feet in an instant;
realizing a bit late that he and Arnar were supposed to be
having dinner with the Emperor and his family. They might have
time to clean up if they hurried. Or..not.
He caught sight of the very eager Khali as he approached, with a
stranger following behind him. Katsu's heart skipped a beat when
he recognized the mark on the man's forehead. It was much like
the one, Azhar, the master tuner had on his forehead.
"Jalal..what are you doing here?" He asked as a smile filled his
face as he moved towards the man and the younger Khali.
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