Shared Innocence [flashback] Arianni & Satu

[Satu]

58th Day of Summer 505 “Again!” Satu grunted, breath labored. “Try again!” They had been heavily into the forms for over two bells now and both women were tired. Latti’s attack came once more, and Satu attempted to block the swirling violence using her dual wield. Her left suvai lifted to deflect Latii’s weapon from its original path, and the other shifted to trap it between its prongs. Twisting her strong wrists and forearms, Satu hoped to send the weapon out of reach, but with a sorrowful exclamation, she saw the only weapon to be sent flying was her own. “Once more, I would try!” She called to Latti, her practice partner. A river of sweat ran down her back as she stooped to pick up the elusive and slippery weapon while Latti was bent over, hands on her knees, trying to catch her own breath. “Satu! We have been at this all morning, for Avalis’ sake, let us break now!” The Konti smiled with good humor. “Just once more,” Satu promised, laughing. “Now come at me again… Pretend I am a treacherous Human! One who would keep you from sweet Mura!” And she settled into her form with bent knees, her weapons raised in an engagement stance. She did not wish to stop, she never wanted to. Yet, her muscles protested with each fiery movement of the suvai, as she struggled to deflect the attacks her friend threw at her. This was beauty! In Satu’s mind, no other teachings compared to the fluid, dancelike movements of the suvai. Nothing else besides dance could garner her attention for any length of time. Latti retorted, “I rather see you as the crazy Konti who would keep me from my rest!” The flurry of movement exhilarated her, and her eyes shone in the midst of it all. Strike and parry, dance away, dance away. Satu flowed with Laviku’s weapons of the sea. And as blond haired Latti lunged for her ribs, Satu spun, and avoided contact as she brought her own suvai up, one at a time to Latti’s Heart, each in its own attack. Suddenly, Satu stopped. Both women knew instinctively, the fight was finished. It ended there, without bloodshed or fuss, otherwise had she continued, it would have been a disabling attack upon her friend. But what reason was there for needless violence? Never would she see a cause for that! Satu stepped back, smiling as did Latti. “Are you satisfied now, Satu?” the girl teased, but she knew Satu would be back at practice again tomorrow. Satu only winked her answer back, she was not satisfied... Retiring to the practice bench to gather her belongings, Satu waved goodbye to her friend who feigned stomach complaints from lack of nourishment. “Go!” Satu waved to her good-naturedly, “Go!” Weary, but content, Satu sat and wiped her flushed face and arms with a soft, white cloth. Looking out over the practice floor, she felt the loud hum of the multitude as it swelled with conversation and the striking of weapons. Groups of Konti women in varying degrees of grace and deadliness filled the Pavilion. Satu closed her eyes tight. Their collective emotions reverberated against her Heart in an unending, hypnotic sensation. How similar it was to the comforting noise of her whirling and madly spinning suvai. So special was this place to her! Giggling sounded behind her on the audience benches and caused her to look up and around. A younger Konti, smirking, pointed and Satu followed the line of sight to a group of girls she had not seen before in the Pavilion. They lacked the muscle tone and self confidence of the more experienced practitioners, but Satu could not detect what had set off the laughter in the first place. Once more, dabbing the thin towel against her skin, Satu watched the group to see what they would do next.

[Arianni D'Sorn]

The practice of the suvai had always been encouraged among the Konti to keep themselves fit. Even those whose focus was not of the physical – traders, artisan, scribes and the like – were encouraged by peers and family to practice the art of the god-gifted weapons. They were a peaceful people, it was true, but even ones such as they needed some knowledge on how to defend themselves, to protect them and theirs from the harshness of the outside world if they ever found themselves outside of their fair city. And so there was suvai practice, one of the foremost arts of self defense taken up by the Konti. Arianni found herself in the Training Pavillion that day after much prodding from her mother, where she was to “learn to at least hold the weapons in your hands without dropping them”. Though disliking the strenuous activity, the young Konti still obeyed to please her mother. Going to the Pavillion was as far as she would allow herself to do willingly, however. Upon arrival, Arianni had immediately sought out those who, like her, found weapons, and even just overly exerting themselves with physical activity, an alien sensation. She had instinctively homed in on the group, like a bee to nectar-filled flowers, knowing with just a glance at their awkward postures and wide-eyed stares that they were individuals just like her. Their small group had settled to one part of the pavillion, occupying one of the benches as they watched the others practice, waiting to be instructed what to do or hoping that one of the more experienced martial artists would take them under their wing. Even then, Arianni had set herself slightly apart from them, keeping at the back, her head bowed low and her pale, dirty blond hair covering half her face, keeping the right side of it in shadow. She did not partake in the nervous whispering and discreet pointing of the other maidens in her group as they observed the numerous sparring matches currently on-going among the regulars of the Pavillion. Beneath lowered lashes, her eyes still darted here and there, taking in the entirety of the place, noting who was present and if she knew them, and hoping nobody noticed her in return. It was not to be, however, for it was hard not to take note of their small group - they stood out like a sore thumb, with their steady breaths and dry skins against the labored breathing and sweaty bodies of the Konti in practice. Because of this they often became targets for ridicule by the more brash and outspoken among those present, being picked on and jeered at for their lack in skill in the art of the suvai. Sometimes though, the ribbing they endured were just out of plain meanness. Such as now. Arianni had divined the girl's intent even before she joined her circle of friends in toweling off and drying their sweat-drenched hair. Seemingly younger than her, the girl pointed at the group Arianni was with one haughty finger, accompanied by a comment she could not hear from her position. But she did not have to know the words to know their contents, for the ensuing laughter, mean-spirited and directed at her group, told her everything. Arianni drew away, edging herself even father from the group and tried to make herself very small against the separate bench where she was sitting at. She hoped she would not be singled out today. Why couldn't she just be at home or at the library, penning scrolls or practicing her magic? Her mother, Avalone, had said the art of the suvai would teach her discipline and control that she could apply to her practice of voiding, but she knew the whale bone weapons strapped to her side would remain untouched today. Again. She only had to endure an hour or so of jeers and lightly barbs words from the clique of giggling girls on the other side of the Pavillion before she could leave and go about what she wanted to do. It was so much easier to be alone.

[Satu]

A stream of colorful emotions played easily among the new girls. They led, one into another as Satu observed their patterns, like tinkling piano keys the feelings sounded, and retreated, only to reappear and play in the next closest Konti girl. After Satu’s workout, her body and mind were fatigued, so the little spectacle occupied her sleepy thoughts for a great many minutes. Until the girls behind her began to laugh, then different, sorrowful emotions dragged along the line of beginners. Satu revolved to face the mean-spirited fighters behind her. “Let them be! They are nervous enough, besides they can hear you! Please, do not upset them further!” Hers was the voice of reason amidst the unjustness of the others. It was not right to be so uncaring! Satu could not understand the touch of cold, hardness that froze her Heart momentarily. She only wanted Peace. The HeartSeer turned once more to look at the new girls and her distant blue eyes narrowed. One had edged away from the group, and almost folded in upon herself. Even among the Konti, she appeared non-descript. Did she try to hide? Satu was puzzled by this… Hiding in the Pavilion? The HeartSeer had never found the need to hide here, or to cower from action. This was a place of refuge and release! She wanted the other to feel that comfort too, for Misery wafted off the girl. With one backward, stern glance, Satu took her things and moved down the benches. The suvai fighter was numbered among the taller Konti, and her long, smooth legs stretched out in front of her, crossed at the ankles as she sat. The Konti had already lowered herself next to the isolated girl when she asked pleasantly. “May I sit?” Misery! It wafted in the air between them, grey and suffocating. Her Heart went out to the girl! And Satu bent forward at the waist, hands on her knees, and tried to see her face. It was concealed from view by dirty blonde hair, and the shy girl did not return Satu’s gaze. Gently, Satu reached out to tuck strands of the blanketing hair behind an ear. “Don’t let them antagonize you, or concern you… they are acting like the worst of the other races! We are not all like that here in the Pavilion.” She said, sympathetically. “And you are here to learn too! It is best to jump in, and not to think too much upon it… You do seem to be a thinker.” Satu was not a thinker in the usual terms, she held more regard for action and movement than traditional study. Of course the girl would want to practice! Satu thought, why would she not? “I will help you,” she offered, knowing the girl needed guidance to become accustomed to the new blade, and before the girl’s inhibitions hindered her further. She had started so very late with her training, it was a pity. “This way no one will tease you,” she laughed, “or at least not so meanly. We often give friendly jabs to one another, you will get used to it. Here,” she pointed, indicating the large space around them, “here, there is no hiding; everything is out in the open. You will learn in time.” Satu assumed, the girl would be coming back with the rest of the group until she was proficient in their native weapon. To help instill a bit of confidence, Satu took the girls arm in her own to assist her up, “We can practice right over there, in the corner! Oh, won’t this be fun!”

[Arianni D'Sorn]

She heard one of the more experienced fighters chastise the group of antagonists and Arianni's gaze quickly flicked at the individual, her mismatched eyes taking in every detail of the other girl. She was tall, much taller than Arianni certainly, with a body possessed of lithe grace and agility. Toned muscles rippled with each confident movement, defining a figure that was both feminine and warrior-like, the startling contrast lending a certain appeal to the girl. They seemed almost the same age, this girl and Arianni, though her confidence made her seem much more mature and worldly. When the girl shifted her gaze once more to her group, Arianni's eyes returned to their usual place on the floor once more, her hair falling down in front of her face as she bowed her head. She had hoped not to garner any more attention from anyone else. The teasing and ribbing from the other girls did not bother her, to be truthful about it, as long as they made no move to single her out from her group. She willed herself into a tiny ball as she pulled her knees up to her chest to hug her legs. Maybe no one would notice her if she kept herself very, very small. Her wish was for naught, for no sooner had she invoked it in her head, a pair of bare feet came into view before her. Arianni knew without looking up that the girl who had told off the other girls had come to speak to her. She had come to her specifically, picked her among the other girls who knew next to nothing about wielding the suvai, to talk to her. Why? Perhaps she'd just come to tell her everything's all right now, and then she'll go away. Maybe. But no, the girl asked to sit beside her! Arianni felt she was already lowering herself upon the benched before she asked the question but it was still a nice thing to do. What a polite gesture! Arianni offered a weak nod and shifted her position to make even more space for the other girl. When the other girl moved to touch her hair, Arianni's eyes shot up. Their gazes met, her greenish blue and demon red ones locking with the other girl's sapphire orbs. If she was disturbed by the sight of Arianni's mismatched eyes, the other girl did not show it. She merely offered to help her accomplish what she came to the Pavilion for in the first place: to learn and practice suvai. The girl was insistent but gentle with her words. She even took Arianni's hand to help her up. Arianni wanted so much to resist, to just sit around and let time pass her by, pretending she did do some practice and telling her mother as much when she returned home. But the other girl was so kind. She chatted with her as if they had been friends for a long time. Her words were genuine and true, filled with honesty of her intent to aid Arianni in any way she could. The magnetism of her personality was too great and Arianni found herself allowing the girl to pull her up, finding the feel of the other's firm but gentle grip reassuring on her arm. “Alright,” Arianni could only say meekly as she allowed herself to be led by the other into one corner of the Pavilion.

[Satu]

Satu urged the girl out on to the practice floor, “You will become used to all this in time,” the suvai fighter promised. Resistance coursed though the girl, but Satu, good naturedly ignored it. Nerves, Satu thought, and with a little practice those jitters would be behind her. The girl was timid and meek, but underneath the hesitation her Heart was soothing to Satu. Calmness resided there; Satu’s HeartSense felt it, and appreciated it, even amid the jumble of conflicting emotions coming off the other practitioners. A strange need to assist the beginner surfaced again in her. “I will guide you…” Satu realized she did not know the Konti’s name. She tried to catch her eyes with a smile, “I am Satu. You can find me here most days. After your basic lectures with the Suvai Mistress, just come to me when you are finished. And we can practice. The forms may seem dull at first, but this is where the excitement builds. And you’ll actually get to practice instead of just listening!” Satu’s excitement grew as she remembered the happiness she found when the suvai came into her life. It would be the same for this one, the Konti just knew it! Satu ducked her head down and tried to snag the girls eyes with her own. When she had found them, Satu asked politely, “Are you familiar with the beginning stances?” the look on the girl’s face wasn’t terribly convincing. “Let’s do this differently then!” Determined not to let her get discouraged she added, “Don’t worry, we will review them, but in a new way…” In her enthusiasm, Satu put an arm around the girl and gave her a squeeze. She felt her whole body tense beneath her. What a skittish little bunny! Satu thought, poor thing. It made her want to help all the more, and the Konti had a feeling traditional methods would not work on this particular Konti. “The suvai is not tedious, or hard. I promise! I would not do it otherwise! This is to be enjoyed, not worked at! You will feel uplifted when you learn to wield them properly. Don’t think of it as work. Or control or discipline, as others would urge, it is Art. Art in movement, and form, and grace.” If only she could see it as Satu did! “Take out one of your suvai,” Satu instructed while she watched the girl retrieve the weapon. The beginner looked decidedly uncomfortable with the bone in her hand. Satu waited for the girl to lose the suvai in her weak grip. It was also possible she would crush it, her knuckles were so tight! The hand placement was all wrong and Embarrassment spilled over. “Your grip is rough and loose at the same time…” Satu observed. “Hold it like…, no. Let me show you.” And Satu cradled the girl’s hand within her own two. Softly, yet firmly, Satu pressed the other Konti’s palms and fingers into the correct placement. Her hands radiated warmth, and feminine strength. “Hold the suvai like it is your Love. Your life! Hold it loosely so the Love can breathe, but with a gentle firmness that makes it wish to stay by your side.” At least, that was how Satu imagined it to be, she truly experienced a lover’s embrace in every dance of the suvai she practiced. And she thought it might be like this to take a lover. She had not had one yet, but someday, maybe when she was older. “Now, close your eyes, and feel! Never forget, Laviku speaks to you, through this bone of the sea…” She paused, her breath slowed, “the rhythms of the ocean reside in it and flow in it still. And it flows in you too.” Satu opened her eyes to look upon the girl. “That is what you should seek when you practice the suvai, or your forms. And when you dream at night of the suvai’s embrace… let it be like that...”

[Arianni D'Sorn]

Confident without being arrogant, encouraging with gentleness rather than insistence, the girl who introduced herself as Satu easily convinced the timid Arianni to leave her comfort zone and make an attempt at actually practicing the suvai. Her jovial and enthusiastic mood was catching; Arianni found herself smiling at the girl's words. She offered her own name in return, shyly ducking her head and lowering her eyes as she did so. The girl Satu would not be deterred, however: every time Arianni's gaze went to the floor, she was there to bring them back up to look at her. She did not even flinch at the sight of girl's eerily red eye. Arianni felt herself treated like a friend, an equal. It was a first for the socially inept girl, and she tried her best to please the other, the same way the girl please her with her words. But this was suvai they were talking about, and it was certainly a hard topic, and activity, for Arianni to grasp. When Satu asked her if she knew of the beginning stances, Arianni's cheeks turned a light shade of crimson. “I-I know a bi...bit of it,” she stammered. Her ears rang at the discordant untruth she had just uttered. Her own mother, Avalone, would have been so shamed had she heard her daughter say that. The older Konti had been adamant that she learn the fighting art rather than focus on her magical tendencies. Perhaps that was why Arianni had been more than a little obstinate when it came to taking up the suvai. The girl drew one of the whale bone weapons, the set a gift from her mother, her fingers wrapped knuckle-tight around its hilt. Even in her inexperienced eyes the grip seemed ridiculous. She looked like she was just about ready to brain someone with it. But it was the only way she knew how to hold the blade. Truth be told, she had never practiced using it outside her sessions with her mother when she was younger. Beet-red now, Arianni lowered her gaze once more and muttered, “This was a bad idea...” But as before Satu was there to assist her. The experienced fighter did not laugh at her incompetence or ridicule her at her sorry attempt at wielding the trademark weapon of their race the like others had done earlier, she merely came over, with her soothing words full of honesty and openness, to show her the proper way to hold the blade. Her touch was not like the manic and impatient hand of her mother, desperate for her daughter to learn the suvai, but was soft and gentle, like a potter's hand shaping clay into a beautiful vase. Arianni listened to Satu as she spoke of how the suvai was to be held, and she sensed the fighter's complete belief in her own words, her treatment and view of the instruments very personal. Almost how she herself viewed Voiding. Satu spoke about holding her weapons like she would a lover, and Arianni blushed deeply at that. She knew not how to make friends, let along know how to be with someone she would share passion with! Besides, she was young still, there was time for that later on. She would learn of such things eventually. But Satu... perhaps the experienced fighter meant treating the blades like one's constant companion, a dear friend. Yes, that was it! Just like how Voiding was for her. Perhaps the weapons might speak to her as well, like how the vast darkness did, sometimes. Even now she could hear it calling out to her... Distracted by her true calling, Arianni's hand trembled and the suvai fell from her grasp, the whale bone weapon almost nicking her newfound instructor. Embarrassed, she dove to catch it but in her awkwardness, stumbled halfway to fall towards Satu instead.

[Satu]

Leaning in, Satu strained to hear the girl’s name. It was spoken so faintly, she was unsure if she had heard correctly. “Arianni? Yes? It is Arianni…? Such a pretty name,” Satu reassured the girl and cooed, “…like a beautiful song.” Arianni seemed Distracted. She had listened when Satu had instructed her on the hand positions, but now the HeartSeer could feel an ungrounded quality of Heart lifting and fluttering about. Satu looked around for the cause, but she only saw the normal rituals of the Pavilion, sparing matches, instructions and groups of students in various states of combat. Nothing really to give a Konti girl any trouble… Her gaze returned to Arianni and her vividly colored cheeks, she was already Embarrassed and Distracted, and they had barely even begun. Satu’s Heart expanded in concern for her new friend. Too polite to ask, Satu could only wonder what had made the girl so timid. And then Arianni accidently dropped the suvai… Perhaps the girl’s grip was poor, or her palm sweaty or simply her mind’s distraction got the best of her. But whatever the cause, the whale bone fell in slow motion from her hand, spinning downwards heavily as an uncaring gravity pulled it towards the practice mat. Very near to Satu’s thigh it fell, fortunately Satu was able to jump away, and only the pommel of the rounded handle bounced against her leg. Arianni’s emotions spiked and flailed against the Konti. Satu was not surprised, given the state of her Heart earlier. But then Arianni, trying to retrieve the weapon, stumbled into her. Satu’s arms flew up to catch grab the novice’s upper arms to keep her from toppling completely over. Embarrassment! Filled the space between them, but this time Satu did not feel it. Her eyes had caught Arianni’s, and Satu stared into them, still holding onto her arms. First the blue, and then the red, before she returned once more to the blue. If there were spirited tales told about Arianni’s eyes, Satu had not heard them. If she had, she would not have listened to the mean-spirited gossip anyway, as so often idle gossip was wrong. And it was not the color that held her, but something else. Some indefinable beauty that compelled her to gaze longer, and the HeartSeer unaware of her forward behavior did not notice the passage of time. When she finally took to her senses a moment later, she let her hands fall, and said with her voice a little huskier than usual, “First lesson… if the weapon falls…, let it!” And she laughed lightly, yet merrily. Suddenly, Satu wanted to be elsewhere with Arianni, outside of the confines of the normal Pavilion routine. And besides, the girl was too wound up to learn here! “I have an idea. Will you trust me? And follow me?” Satu questioned, even though she had already assumed a positive response would be forthcoming. “Come with me! And on the way, you can tell me all about yourself! Would you mind? Besides, a change of location should do you good… Perhaps the others will think we are sneaking away!” Satu joked, for no one was sure to care about the comings and goings of another pair of Konti girls.

[Arianni D'Sorn]

Mortified by her own clumsiness, Arianni froze as she lost her footing and fell forward, bracing herself for impact against the girl who was nice enough to offer her help and guidance in learning the suvai. She closed her eyes in embarrassment, already picturing in her mind what would happen next: after their collision, Satu would come to realize there's no hope for one with such seemingly poor motor skills that she would just give up rather than endure the frustration that would follow at teaching someone like her. Or perhaps the suvai fighter would laugh at her awkwardness, just like everyone did. If so, Arianni would not take it against the experienced practitioner; she would understand. She really was not meant to wield the whale bone weapons, and nobody ought to waste their time teaching a failure like her in the art of using them! Strong but gentle hands held her up and helped her keep her balance, however. Arianni's eyes shot open, to find that Satu was so very close to her, the fighter holding her by the shoulders. Rather than draw away, the fighter had reached out to keep her steady, preventing her from embarrassing herself further by causing a scene. Their eyes locked and Arianni found herself lost within the other's azure orbs... no, that wasn't the word for it... She found herself comforted by Satu's gaze as it held her, holding her up, supporting her, just as her hands did. The color of a perfectly still sea on a clear day, the other's eyes were like Laviku's embrace as they engulfed her, taking her in without drowning her in their depths. Arianni thought their gazes would remain locked forever – she wanted it so! – but Satu broke contact eventually. The timid girl found that she liked seeing herself within the other's eyes. Her reflection in them seemed much better than the reality they beheld. Satu's tone had changed when she spoke next and Arianni though the other girl was mad at her, until she realized that it was yearning that colored the other's voice. She wanted them to leave, to go somewhere else so that she, Arianni, could concentrate on learning. Was Satu so very eager to impart the knowledge of how to use the suvai? Perhaps so. Arianni knew she would gladly accept whatever her new friend wanted to teach her. “I – yes, I do. I mean, I will follow,” she said, stammering through her reply. They left the crowded Pavilion soon enough, and Satu, seeming to understand Arianni's discomfort with the presence of other people, led her away from the oft-used pathways and instead made them take shortcuts and empty trails. The girl knew not where the other would take her but for some reason she could not explain, she did not mind. She knew that she could trust Satu, her truth sense had indicated that the blue-eyed girl would not lead her astray. And so she followed, without question and doubt in her heart. At Satu's insistence, Arianni spoke about herself, tentatively at first, her replies short in words as she struggled to overcome her timidness when around the friendly Konti. She spoke of the simple life she led with her mother, explaining that they lived in a small cottage by the seaside, away from the city. Not knowing how Satu felt about magic, Arianni did not mention her passion for learning the art of voiding and glyphing. Instead she spoke of mundane things, like her favorite book, or what flower she liked to pick during the spring. Always though, her words trailed back to her mother. Eager to form some sort of connection with Satu despite their difference in interest, Arianni mentioned how her mother was a great suvai fighter as well. “She-she teaches suvai too, but only to the daughters of the prominent families... I-I think! She never goes to the Pavilion. Perhaps you know her and she has taught you? Her name is Avalone.” She looked up at the taller girl, hoping for an affirmative response. “You-you have the same grace. It's beautiful.” Suddenly realizing that she might have said too much, that she was trying too hard, Arianni's gaze drifted down to the ground once more, her cheeks flushing. As she shuffled along beside Satu, the timid girl tried to empty her mind, pointedly taking note how interesting it was that the dust of the road never touched seemed to sully their sandaled feet.

[Satu]

Satu led Arianni down quiet and unobtrusive pathways. How easy it was to believe she had known the girl longer than the hour she actually had. The HeartSeer decided they had known each other before in one of their past lives. It was more likely to be a multitude of past lives, for Satu felt so at ease with the girl. And being near to the sweet Arianni, Satu discovered something about herself as well. She liked to lead. Especially if it meant that someone like Arianni followed her, with trust nestled comfortably in her Heart. It touched Satu deeply, that the girl followed without question. A new sensation tickled at her awareness, but Satu did not yet realize what it was. She was young and unaware and still considered a child by Konti standards. What did she know about the differences between compassion and friendship, and something much stronger, or passionate? The Heart colors swirled hypnotically as something new began to stir, the sensations tickling her awareness. Arianni talked, quietly and softly, and at times Satu had to lean down to hear. But Satu did not mind, she only listened all the more intently, hanging on the girl’s words. A house by the sea! Satu could picture Arianni there, leading a simple, honest life with her mother near the crashing waves. How peaceful it all sounded, quiet and reflective, like this girl… And then Arianni talked of her mother Avalone, who was considered one of the better suvai practitioners in Mura. How interesting it was that Arianni was only now learning the Art at this late age at the Pavilion, while her mother taught the prominent girls elsewhere. Satu’s HeartSense showed that Arianni was proud and in awe of her mother, but … something else was there too. She could not decide, Resentment or Annoyance? The two emotions flickered back and forth, Satu wanted to study them, but she did not want to offend her new friend by looking at her so intently. “Avalone? I know of your mother. She is considered an accomplished suvai wielder. You are lucky to have her expertise near! I would so love to meet her one day! But no, dear Arianni!” Satu exclaimed, “Your mother would not have taught me! Mine is not a prominent family, not at all!” And instead of being embarrassed or upset by the fact, Satu only laughed. “And I for one am thankful! I would not wish the responsibilities that went along with such an honor!” She was thankful, for it allowed her to move unnoticed by many Konti, and in this way she could practice what she truly loved – the suvai, and not what was deemed necessary by others. “I mainly practice at the Pavilion, except for today, with you…,” and Satu trailed off. Where was her head? But she continued, “My mother Jasmal is a dancer, an Artist of movement. Originally I thought I would follow in her footsteps, in dance… until I found the suvai.” Satu touched Arianni’s arm intimately, and willed the girl to understand, “The suvai changed my life. Maybe it will also change yours…” And Satu delighted with herself, threw her spirited arms out wide and announced, “We are here! This is where we will practice!” It was a beautiful spot in the park; full trees partially blocked their view of the other visitors, while flowers and foliage perfumed the air around them. The grass rolled sweetly away, and fine sculptures could be seen a short distance from where they stood. Satu wasted no time in directing Arianni into practice, “There is more privacy here. It will be easier to concentrate. Now start with the Beginners Stance, and let it merge into the full Beginner’s Forms. Once I see how you do, we can decide where to go from there!”

[Arianni D'Sorn]

Arianni found conversation with Satu to be easy, the other girl's words resonating beautifully against her senses. There was no deception in the suvai fighter's words, only strong belief and conviction in what she was saying. And there was passion as well. Everything came out vibrant from the lively girl, like the music of songbirds during a spring morning. It soothed Arianni's soul and put her at ease. There was a quality about Satu that tugged at her, a natural charm that could not be replicated by the best of speakers. The girl knew that no lie would ever spring forth from her new friend's lips. She smiled, enjoying the company and appreciating Satu's effortless effort in developing their relationship from mere acquaintances to something deeper. It was an offer of true friendship; Satu was giving without asking for anything in return. She did not judge her for her shortcomings. Given time, Arianni felt that their relationship would blossom to something more profound that any sisterhood. She would not turn such a thing away if given the opportunity. As she shared things about herself, things Arianni did not think she would have shared to any other stranger she had just met, the girl received in turn the same from Satu. She was truly passionate about her art, and the way she spoke of it made Arianni think that suvai must not be as bad as she thought it out to be, if Satu could associate it with dancing. And so when Satu asked her to take on the Beginner's Stance, she did so with zest, eager to please her new-found teacher. Her stance was sloppy, of course. Her feet were spaced too far apart, her weight not evenly distributed, and they way she held her weapon was still awkward. But there was a new quality to it now, one that was missing in her previous practice sessions, even with her mother: there was spirit. Arianni was into what she was doing. And she had Satu to thank for it, for the other girl made suvai practice seem not as a chore, but as something to be enjoyed. So different from her mother, who viewed knowledge of fighting with the suvai similar to knowing how to hunt – a tool to be used for survival. “Thank you again for doing this for me,” Arianni said shyly, not noticing that she was not stuttering anymore. She met Satu's eyes and, while blushing deeply, she regarded her fellow Konti steadily, holding her gaze far longer than she ever had on any other person. “I appreciate this very much.” And then she executed as instructed, going through the Beginner's Form with a familiarity she had never displayed before. She still made mistakes, lots of them in fact, in her awkward stance and wavering grasp on the intricacies of the delicate weapon's movements. But Satu was always there to catch her in her failings, correcting an improper hold of the suvai here or adjusting a misaligned positioning of the limb there, never forcing her into the steps but gently easing her into them with both her words and her touch. Arianni began to smile again, happy with her performance despite how tired the exercise made her.