[Temple of the All Gods] Yahal Talkin' To Me? (Sutekh)

[Xalet]

Xalet couldn't claim to be as philosophical as some Akalak's. Most of his training was physically testing, although there were certain texts he was required to read in order to have intimate knowledge about Syliras, it's people, and the Knighthood. The thought of receiving a horrible injury was not appealing. Xalet had gotten his fill of cuts, bruises, abrasions, and even some fractures during his time as a squire. He was lucky his frame was built like it was. Xalet was far from wispy, and no where close to frail. Generally when something hit him, be it a blunted blade or the fist of an opponent in his unarmed training, his outer muscle absorbed some of the force before it got to anything vital. Muscle bruised, but it was no where near as bad as breaking or rupturing something important.

The squire's eyes seemed to wander around for a moment, as if looking for some more direct signature left behind by Yahal. Did Yahal exist in all those things, light and butterflies included? His brow furrowed slightly as he struggled to see it. Perhaps it took practice, and a closer relationship. As far as Xalet was concerned different Gods required respect all the same, even though those which were considered dark and evil required just enough respect to be cautious of them. Xalet would always be true to the Lady Priskil, but if Yahal could help him become a better Knight he would embrace him as well.

"If I had to relate what Priskil does for me as a squire..." Xalet thought about it a moment, drawing his hand away from Sutekh and pacing as he pondered, only to say, "Priskil is less like a trainer, and more like a general. My Sergeant, the other Knights, and squires help me to get stronger with skill and technique, but Priskil gives me faith in my direction, the will to overcome my hardships, and the courage to face my fears. It is her presence that inspires me, though it is difficult to describe. I have seen the doubts brought forth by a cunning and cautious mind washed away with faith and determination just from the Goddess's words."

"But..." he paused for a moment, only to continue, as if something had finally registered within him about the different divine entity he was speaking of with Sutekh, "...then, if I could understand Yahal as well, I could gain an even greater potential as a Knight." Every Akalak sought perfection, whether it was physical, mental, or spiritual. "Is this right?" he stopped in his pacing and turned toward Sutekh, that Akalak desire within him rising, making his blood quicken.

[Sutekh]

The comparison of Priskil to his trainer made Sutekh worried; how would he be able to take care of an Akalak? They were huge, strong, and just.. naturally warriors. How would he able to correct something as big and as strong as an Akalak? Sutekh's eyes looked over the bulge of muscle on the squire's arm for a moment and was not visibly intimidated by that size, it was more than just bulk that made someone the victor. While Sutekh was leaner, he had the force behind his punch to make sure that when it hit the target, it hurt. The city of Sylrias was a different place for Sutekh, as there was a lot of protection in the city and every nook and cranny was observed. Was watched. Was patrolled. He couldn't simply perform the same corrections like he could before; in the desert it was far easier to let nature take care of the excess that Sutekh couldn't correct on his own. In a city it's a different matter completely, as that city had rules and watchful eyes, eyes and rules that they believed were the correct way. To not unbalance the place that he has called home, Sutekh thought otherwise than his usual method of correction with Xalet. Before Sutekh's thought of other ways in which he could help Xalet's soul, it was as if Yahal himself had intervened and shown just a glimmer of light into the young squire's mind. That one word, that one "but" made Sutekh smile a warm and genuine smile as he stood there with the squire by the fountain in the quiet and cool garden. Sutekh could feel the warmth of Yahal's presence in his mind, body and soul and couldn't help but reach out his hand and reach up for the squire's shoulder, giving it a momentary squeeze at the thought of Yahal entering his mind and making him a better knight. "Yes, I believe that is a course of action I can assist you with. I may not be the best in regards to teaching you swords or how to fight with your hands," Sutekh held back the smirk in every regard, only smirking in his mind at that comment, "But I can teach you how to instill you with the goodness of Yahal. He would be able to help you and to enrich your life with ways you would have never have imagined before." He pulled his hand back from Xalet's shoulder and slipped it back in his robes, adopting the same strong posture that he always had, "Perhaps in turn you could do something for me. That favour, unfortunately, is nothing I can think of for the time being. But I am sure that there is plenty that a young squire of the Sylrian Knights can teach to an old priest like me. What sort of skills have you learned as a squire? I know very little of the skills of a squire, other than simply placing all my knowledge under one generic field - the field of combat."

[Xalet]

If there was one thing Xalet was, it was diligent. He wasn't the fastest or the strongest. He certainly wasn't the smartest or most cunning. The Akalak had a remarkable work ethic however, and applied it to just about everything. Even when the tasks were menial and other squires might believe them to be a waste of time, Xalet performed what was asked of him to the best of his ability. His Patron had always said that hard work was rewarded, while laziness was ultimately it's own punishment. He still had yet to understand this concept fully. Little did he know his days as a squire wouldn't always be filled with such peace.

Xalet's skills were fairly focused, as the Knights were a militant organization. They carved out their place upon Mizahar with strength and steel. They were trained and equipped for war, although certain squires and Knights trained a bit more flexibly, such as reconnaissance or magic. The mystic arts held no interest to Xalet, they were dangerous and untrustworthy. The Akalak felt it offered too much manipulation upon ones self and the environment, and for power of that magnitude the cost was certain to be great. Perhaps more than any one man could bear.

"It is true, we are all trained for combat. I train in a 'traditional' sense. I keep away from magic, so I do not apply myself toward the Mage Knights. Shield and sword, the crossbow, horse handling and riding, and unarmed combat are my focus's. My Patron is very strict on bodily health and overall conditioning as well, so she has me perform strength training at every opportunity." Of course that wasn't all. Xalet had some understanding of law, society, and history as well, they were just secondary pursuits compared to the refinement of his physical and martial capabilities. His Patron knew where Xalet's strengths lie, even better than he did himself. It was just a task of making him understand those strengths and eventually forcing him to cope with his own darkness. The same darkness he found himself constantly repressing, constantly combating. He did not understand that darkness, and hypocritically, just as he could not understand why other's hated or feared him simply because they did not understand the Akalak burden, he hated and feared that darkness.

"If you wish I would be happy to share any of that knowledge with you. The clergy of Syliras are very important." his words were honest enough. Were he in a different position Xalet could see himself as a divine inspirer himself perhaps. Sharing knowledge of the faith of the Radiant Lady herself, which he already did on occasion. Of course he was also quite exited to 'enrich' his life with the spirit of Yahal as well. If the Knights could find it to trust in Yahal, Xalet had no reason to question that very motive. "What must I do?"

[Sutekh]

The explanation that Xalet had for himself and his training made Sutekh think that he was nothing more than a meat shield. They weren't training the squire in any form of magic that could make him stronger, make him better at what he does. They want him to be able to lift heavy things and swing his sword with great power. As an Akalak, wouldn't he able to do that himself without any help from the training? From what the Benshira knew of the dark coloured men of Riverfall was that they seemed from birth able to fight, and fight well.

"Strength training is very important, yes, but so is taking advantage of every tool at your disposal to ensure your survival. Do you think Benshira would not take advantage of something so simple, for example, their headscarves, merely because they were told that it would be better to simply hide all day during the sun? Benshira take advantage of everything the desert has to offer in order to survive. It is not feasible to remain inside our tents during the intense heat of the sun. The cold of the desert nights is just as dangerous as the heat of the sun. Therefore, you must ponder what you feel safest with: your mark of Priskil and your strong arms and experience with sword and shield, or combined with those skills some use in magic to further keep you away from harm.

"Yahal's mark enhances my skills," Sutekh said as he glanced up to Xalet, keeping his eyes locked with his. "I am not simply a pushover in combat without his mark, however, but with it I am so empowered that I could take on two fully trained knights if I was required." He gave a light laugh, one that made the weathered flesh around his eyes crease, showing the priest's age. "Not that I would do anything to upset the Knights, of course. Just using them as an example."

With the squire's training in unarmed combat, Sutekh wondered if he would be able to further his skill with the Akalak. There was nothing wrong with advancing oneself as much as one could grow; perhaps the squire, upon seeing the power of his mark, may soften his stance on magic. But if the Patron didn't see fit for an Akalak to learn magic, his cause may already be lost.

"Do?" Sutekh asked softly. "If you are concerning yourself about what you can teach me with your skills, then I suggest you may teach me the way a knight fights. Teach me the way that you wield your fists when your sword and your shield fail you." Sutekh settled his gaze in front of him calmly as he exhaled softly.

"Weapons and shields will ultimately fail you. When you are stripped of armour, sword, and shield - what is left? A body. A man. Your body should never fail you."

[Xalet]

There was one other thing that Xalet had neglected to mention. Or perhaps, it wasn't so much neglect, but instead a lack of knowledge about the final perfection of an Akalak. He only knew of the concept by name, and believed he understood part of it, the perfection of the mind, the body, and the soul, which would bring to an Akalak great power and skill. What Xalet had failed to realize was the concept involved both minds, bodies, and souls of the two halves, both light and dark. When both halves understood one another completely and essentially became one, they could fight together simultaneously. It was the most fearsome and perhaps least seen Akalak ability, the potential to have two entities in one body working in complete unison.

"I'm still learning. Yahal's ability seems to be one of these tools." his first statement was his admittance that he was still young indeed, and had a great deal of experience yet to absorb. Even if magic could fill in the gaps and provide tools to lessen his potential weaknesses, he still seemingly refused to accept it, "But magic is not one of the tools I will use. he shook his head lightly. He had enough problems with the darkness hiding inside of him. Watching, waiting for it's moment to come out and tarnish the things he worked for. With the possibility of over-giving and being driven mad through magic, Xalet knew better than to take advantage of apparent power when it was dangled in front of him.

"It is my plan to perfect my skills completely. Then, perhaps my sword and shield will perform even against magic. It will take time, and I will work hard for it." as he spoke his eyes wandered briefly down to his armor, thinking about how fragile it could be against the most powerful magic. By the same token, Xalet understood the talent of weaponmasters, whom performed feats of skill that would be completely impossible compared to the typical practitioner. They preformed magic, so to speak, but with no potential for losing themselves to the gluttonous lust that magic gave to men.

"I can show you. All squires personalize their combat arts slightly, but the basics are the same. Just tell me when, and I shall." Xalet seemed fairly decided in this. He had no hesitance in aiding a clergyman, especially if he himself was going to be aided in return with the knowledge of Yahal. Magic was one thing, but the gifts of the Gods in the form of Gnosis was completely different. Unlike the manipulation of ones Djed there was no hidden cost for that power, or at least nothing that Xalet knew of beyond following the tenements of the God in question.

[Sutekh]

 
The squire was indeed still learning, and that meant that he was still open to seeing the true way of Yahal instead of having Priskil in his heart, too. Though the latter problem would be one that Sutekh would have to think about for some time before he could come up with a logical and persuasive way to convince the young squire of his mistake and the dreadful influence that the goddess had on his mind and his soul. If only Sutekh could tell him the mistake he made, so he, too, could live every day with the glory of Yahal!

"Perhaps one day you will see the benefit of adding magic to your arsenal. The day that comes, you know I will be do my part in trying to impart on you that gift. Though I know very little magic myself, but I would do my best to help you attain the knowledge you seek. There are those in this city that would love to teach a young and smart squire."

Sutekh remained quiet about the fact that Xalet thought that brute strength could stop the forces of magic. He had seen on numerous occasions the effect of magic against one that had no idea what they were dealing with, and they were utterly destroyed by those magics. It was something that Sutekh counted on, to a degree, as they were unable to comprehend how Sutekh had the strength, power and speed that he possessed. The tattoos in his hand helped explain it to those that knew of the power of that Gnosis and to others, well, they didn't matter to Sutekh.

When he looked back over to Xalet he caught that weary glance to his armour and to the the look on the Akalak's face. There was a dialog going on in his mind that Sutekh was not privy - to be a fly on a the wall inside that squire's mind! Sutekh had heard of the darker side of Akalak's - their dual nature - and wondered just how this squire was coping with something so dark hidden inside of himself. Sutekh heard stories in which certain Akalaks had utterly failed in keeping their two halves whole and were destroyed when one tried to assert dominance over the other. Sutekh had no such worries - his mind, body and soul were perfect, the byproduct of Yahal.

"We shall meet tomorrow, if your patron would give you leave to teach a priest your combat and your skills. I am not sure how your patron will feel in regards to bestowing that knowledge upon me, but I do trust that it is a meeting that we will be allowed." He glanced up from the gaze at the squire's armour and looked up to his face with a smile. "Does that work for you, young squire?" 

[Xalet]

Magic one day? There was little chance in that. Xalet and Xuphim had little in common, but they both disliked magic. It wasn't to be trusted, and worse yet it disallowed full control over oneself. Potentially. That was quite a gamble to take. Did you roll the dice and hope for a seven? Ultimate cosmic power was very alluring, but how many times could you roll before you got snake eyes? "Indeed. One has sought to teach me Reimancy on more than one occasion." he replied. He had seen Reimancy now on several occasions, and saw both it's overt appearance during use as well as it's destructive power. Wielding the elements was a respectable ability, but something about the elements seemed more like one was just borrowing their power, and not so much bending them to their will.

The squire had no problem with the clergyman's request. He had no doubt his Patron would have no qualms with it as well. As a religious sort herself she felt the same respect toward those that respected the Gods as much as Xalet did. Her training regiment was strict, but often had leeway with how and when it was performed. Very often was the Sergeant busy as well, so there were many times where she could not accompany her squire in his training. So long as he was progressing and maintained his integrity that seemed good enough for her.

"I will clear it with the Sergeant, but I do not believe there to be any particular problems. I know of now specific tasks I am undertaking at this time, besides progressing in my overall studies and combat arts." the Akalak responded, turning from where he stood to more fully face Sutekh. Every man and woman deserved to understand the discipline and focus of the combat arts, but Xalet couldn't help but wonder Sutekh's own reason for requesting aid from the squire. It was a trade easily perused, but what use did a priest have for combat? No matter, tomorrow it was. "Very well then, I begin as the sun rises fully above the horizon. I will meet you here. Until then, I will take my leave."

With his final words the Akalak bowed his head slightly in recognition to the man, his heart excited at what he had learned thus far. The touch he could find with Yahal could allow him to further his skills and become an even more valuable asset to the Knighthood. In that pursuit, Xalet could ask for no greater a reward. Little did he know of the hidden motives Sutekh had beneath his questions and requests. Xalet was, in the end, still young as an Akalak, and highly impressionable.

[Paragon]

Xalet : Xalet Skill XP Reward Observation +1 Meditation +1 Philosophy +3 Teaching +1 Rhetoric +3 Investigation +1 Persuasion +1 Lore: Sutekh (acquaintance), Basics of Yahal, The Promise of Yahal's Touch Other: N/A Sutekh : Sutekh Skill XP Reward Observation +1 Teaching +3 Philosophy +3 Rhetoric +2 Persuasion +2 Lore: Xalet (acquaintance), Basics of Priskil, Telling of Magical Benefits Other: N/A Interesting thread, and fantastic thoughts and dialogue from both of you. Looks like Xalet is heading down an interesting road - if you have ANY questions or concerns about this grading, don't hesitate to PM me.