PM to join [Lapis Park] Hungry, Hungry...Rhinos? (Adrien)

[Aoren]

“Perhaps one day I can explain all of it.” Aoren left it at that. He wasn’t comfortable revealing the true nature of his studies quite yet. Such revelations took time and trust. Adrien’s enthusiasm was almost catching. Aoren did possess an eagerness to obtain knowledge. It was a spark that had been stoked into a roaring flame during his time in the City of Sails. Regardless, it was a subject for another time.

“Often the gods wait until we ourselves are ready in our hearts to receive their blessings before granting them. At least that is my experience. Perhaps the goddess is merely waiting for the right time?” Aoren shrugged his shoulders. He made no assumptions that he knew how the minds of gods worked. They were unfathomable beings who bore the weight of immense responsibility. It saddened him in a way.

“Are they ever tired of their burdens?” It was an interesting thought. Did a god ever grow tired? It hadn’t been something Aoren considered before that moment. Did they ever resent their duty in their immortal lives? He was drawn from his thoughts by Adrien’s announcement that he was ready to meditate. The Drykas man smiled nodding. He straightened his back, adjusting his legs to a more comfortable position. He took a steady breath thinking on a moment how he was best going to teach Adrien the basic techniques. Everyone learned a little differently. It was something that Aoren understood when it came to giving lessons. He sometimes struggled with adapting to how each person learned but the challenge of teaching was something he found he enjoyed. Aoren liked fostering other minds by helping them to understand something they hadn’t known before.

“When you are just starting out, the biggest mistake I’ve found is trying to clear your mind. That might seem a little backwards but bear with me for a moment.” Aoren reached for his djed. He decided that in order to gauge Adrien’s receptiveness to the lesson he might peer a little closer at the fabric of who the man was. Pulling the djed to the forefront of his vision he willed it to open his eyes to the outer most layer of a person’s soul. He concentrated and slowly Adrien’s aura began to come into view. At first it was nothing more than a haze but soon the curtain of the man’s aura began to rise up from his form like smoke billowing around a chimney stack.

“Position your body in a way that is comfortable to you. If that is sitting up, very well. The point is to center yourself and you aren’t going to be able to do that if you’re distracted by mild discomfort. At least when you’re starting out.” Aoren willed his own aura to bring itself into harmony with Adrien’s that he might be able to understand the information that rest there. He closed his eyes envisioning it like the braiding of a rope coming together to form a strong link. His brow furrowed slightly as he concentrated on this task.

“Don’t waste your time trying to pick out a rhythm of breathing. That will come once you have found your focus. The key is to be calm and focused.” Aoren opened his eyes and suddenly Adrien’s aura was there for him to perceive. He couldn’t make out a considerable amount of information. He wasn’t practiced enough in the magic to delve into the deepest parts of Adrien’s aura but he could catch glimpses of surface information. The flickering of Adrien’s feelings skittered across his consciousness.

“Find a memory. A pleasant memory preferably. Bring that memory to the front of your mind. Think on how that memory made you feel. Ask yourself, why did it make you feel this way?” As he asked his questions, Aoren carefully observed Adrien’s aura doing his best to infer whether or not the man was being met with any measure of success through how he was feeling. Whether calmer or frustrated either would be clue enough.

[Adrien Dair]

"Very well" he nodded the man did not mind that Aoren was being a bit secretive about what he truly studied at the university. If Adrien was to know then he would know as time passed. "How long will you be in Riverfall" he asked. Before he nodded with Aorens words about the gods blessing. "I believe you are right. I believe it will come if she wills it to be. I shall continue to praise her and walk in her light." A smile wide on his face. "Maybe sometimes we could offer up a prayer to our gods together sometime. The wind blew in the city, causing the grass to bed around them. A brief view of the path of the park. It seemed that they were alone. Adrien's eyes wandered for a moment before looking back to Aoren.

"Do they tire?" Adrien returned Aoren's question. He paused and scratched the bottom of his chin. Pondering the question that filled his mind. He could not figure the answer for sure, he had never really talked to the gods. All of his prayers had been one sided. " I can not truly say yes or no. Maybe some do but others do not? My lady Syna rest while Leth is in the sky. I can not see her ever growing tired of it. But I do not know that I would call it a burden. Perhaps others do. But the ones I know of I can not say that the would grow tired of it" he nodded satisfied with the answer he had given. "Do you ever think Rak'keli gets tired with healing? Helping those in need?" he asked. "Maybe Avalis gets tired of seeing what was? I could understand that. Not wanting to live in the past all of your life."

Adrien shook his head. He very loosely understood what Aoren meant and was ready to try. He relaxed his body. Sitting straight up, his hands resting on his knees. "A happy thought" he closed his eyes and breathed. " A pleasant memory" he mumbled under his breath. His mind instantly went to the Sanctuary. The short amount of time he had spent there and already felt more at home then he did in the city. Being around other Kelvics had made him feel like he was not alone and the kindness that others had shown him made his chest warm with the feeling of family. Kavala's smiling face appeared in his mind, and in return he returned the smile. A wide smile as his heart fluttered a bit. He drifted through his memories in the Sanctuary and held them tightly within his mind.

He took in a deep breath and then released it. "Okay, I have my memory" he said. The smile still evident on his face as he waited for Aoren's next instruction. The man had tried to keep to himself to never stand out in the city of Riverfall but one day had changed that completely. A woman had offered him the chance that few got. A place to be himself, to help and create and a family that cared about him. He could only hope that their bonds would deepen even further and the Sanctuary would stay with him till the end of his days. He had already done more their then he did by himself and he could only imagine what would come next. His heart was ready for the adventure and his mind ready for the challenges that it would bring.

[Aoren]

Aoren certainly wasn’t opposed to the idea of learning more about the gods in general. He would bring up the topic later after focusing on their meditation. Through the vision granted to him by Auristics, Aoren could see when Adrien grasped onto the memory that brought him joy. His aura practically rippled with it. There was a surge of emotion through the aura shifting to a more elated state. It brought a smile to Aoren’s face though he could tell that there were still distracting emotions on the edges.

“With that memory in mind, focus on a specific part of it. Don’t force it. Let it come naturally. Whatever portion of the memory that sticks out most to you.” Aoren took a deep breath having to concentrate on keeping a firm hold on the power of his Auristics.

“The key to meditation, I’ve found, is that you don’t force it at all. You aren’t working to clear your head but you are working to calm the thoughts that pass through it. Whether that means you empty it of all thoughts or simply focus on the task at hand that is just as effective. The trick is reaching the state of clarity and focus that meditation leads to, to the exclusion of all other thoughts.” It was something of an abstract concept to grasp. The best way to wrap one’s head around it was to experience it for oneself. Before the moment that Aoren had truly reached it he hadn’t quite grasped it himself. The Drykas man tried to gauge the variance of Adrien’s success by focusing more intently on his aura. The man’s aura relayed tidbits of information about him. He could, through that proxy, tell that Adrien was a little cold given the weather but that was to be expected. He could feel the grain of the young man’s clothes as if he were touching the fabric. It wasn’t exactly precise information but Aoren did his best to make sense of it.

“When you feel you’ve done that, just breathe. Let it flow.” Aoren released his hold on his Auristics blinking away the djed that covered his eyes. His eyes felt dry. They watered slightly as he looked away from Adrien and down to the ground. Reaching up he squeezed his eyes shut rubbing at them lightly. Isikai shifted in Aoren’s lap nudging his hand with his nose. The Drykas man smiled leaning down to nuzzle the dog fondly. Looking back to Adrien he quirked his head. He let the other man drift through his stream of consciousness as it pleased him for a few chimes before gently interrupting that focus with a question.

“When you are ready we may begin our sparring match.” He would leave it up to Adrien to decide when he was ready. The day was far from over and there was no rush. Besides, he found the young man’s inquisitive nature enjoyable. The passion for learning and intelligent manner he questioned was refreshing after being at sea around sailors for so long. That was not to say those sailors and the company he’d been with at sea weren’t intelligent in their own right, it simply wasn’t what he was used to.

[Adrien Dair]

Adrien sat there his smile painted on his face as his memories circled around his head. Her face, her eyes and her smile all of it just made him happy. He could not mask the feelings that she gave him. They had bonded a while ago and the experience had not changed how he view her, at least not in a negative way. Everything about her made him happy, he was glad to be with her. Glad to be hers as she had said on that day.

He listened to his words. "Focus" he said to himself. That was easy for him, his bondmate was usually on his mind in one way or another. He focused on them bonding in the bath togther. Things had changed for the better. He no longer felt like she was pushing him away. He could actually enjoy her company without her trying to push him on someone else. It had made a lot more of the projects he had seem more worth while. "Don't force it" he mimicked his eyes still closed. He continued to focus on her as his breathing steady and slowed to an almost sleeping like state. His mind was calm, empty except thoughts of her. He felt as is she was standing next to him. Her arms wrapped around his waist and whispering in his ear. He knew she was not there but he still felt her. He focused more on her, on everything she had said on the moment when they bonded. The emotions that had washed over the two during their moment of weakness and strength.

He felt that he was in a different state. He felt like he was there again reliving the moment. He could not her what she was saying but he knew. She had cupped his face and was claiming him verbally. Telling him that he was hers, that he belonged to her now and there was no going back.

His eyes fluttered open as he looked at Aoren. Almost forgetting he was there. He nodded and said "Right! Um.. We can go back to the Sanctuary if you would like. Probably be safer to spar there then here" he said with a nod. He grabbed his bag and motioned for Aoren to follow. The two would walk the paths of Riverfall out of the city. Making their way to the Sanctuary. Adrien had enough trust in Aoren and his own skill. He knew if the man caused trouble he could just smash his nearly three thousand pound form into the man and crush almost every bone in his body. The walked would be accompanied by small talk and small questions about Zeltiva and Aoren's staff. He would lead him down the tunnel and into the training room. Aligned with the leather mat that was on the ground. Adrien would remove his shirt and shoes, folding his shirt and placing it down on the ground next to his bag. He would then walk to the center and wait for Aoren.

[Aoren]

“You live at the Sanctuary?” It was becoming increasingly common for Aoren to associate with members of the Sanctuary. It shouldn’t have been as surprising as it was. The facility was fairly large and would undoubtedly require a large staff to maintain. His interaction with Kavala had been pleasant enough and though he had yet to move into the Sanctuary proper just yet he likely would at the turn of the season. Rising to his feet he pat his thigh motioning for Isikai to follow along. The dog excitedly followed alongside Adrien weaving between the two of them much like a dog shepherding a herd. Aoren guessed it was likely part of his instincts though he couldn’t be sure.

As they arrived at the Sanctuary the Drykas man was once again impressed with the grandeur of the structure. For all of the greatness that he had seen in Syliras and the unique experience that had been Zeltiva, Riverfall was completely different. There was a zest for vibrancy and life all around the city that simply permeated every structure in its vicinity.

Following Adrien down into the interior of the Sanctuary he was greeted to the sight of a very well maintained training room. He remembered Kavala mentioning her expectations about her staff members being fit and healthy. It made sense that she made accommodations for this to be achieved regularly. He was beginning to get the impression that the Konti woman was well prepared for any number of eventualities that life threw at people.

He followed suit with Adrien setting his staff against a wall then removed his outer robe, his shirt, boots and socks. He made his way over to the training mat rolling his shoulders and rotating his head from side to side to loosen his neck. He was looking forward to this spar. The chance to really push himself was something Aoren always looked forward to especially given the lengthy journey at sea.

“When you are ready.” Aoren took up his stance facing Adrien at an angle so that his body was less of an target to strike. He kept his eyes focused on Adrien doing his best to try and gauge his movements. Would he be the one to initiate the first strike or would Adrien? Aoren had learned that part of practicing the art of hand-to-hand combat was being able to gauge ones opponent. Aoren was by far not perfect at this but he tended to be rather observant in many regards. If Adrien didn’t initiate the spar then Aoren soon would.

[Adrien Dair]

"Live, work and love" he said with a smile. The Sanctuary had been him home all season and would continue to be for the majority of his life unless Kavala decide the two should go elsewhere. Though he doubt it would ever happen it was an interesting idea. Taking the kids and the twins and leaving the Sanctuary. He turned his eyes back to Aoren. "Where do you live?" The question was personal but with good intent. It would only be fair if he knew where the man was staying. His personality and the way he talked made Adrien interested in knowing more about him. Talking and learning from him where he could. Though if Aoren did not wish to tell him he would not mind and would not push it any farther.

Once they were ready Adrien nodded at Aoren. "Don't go easy on me now" he said as he took his stance. His body was wide with one foot behind the other. Hands up to guard his face and gut. He stepped to the side remembering what Anir said. His eyes on his opponent as he circled. He would wait to react and counter against his opponent. His strength was a sure thing but his technique lacked in many ways. He needed to better it, strengthen his technique to protect all he wished to protect. "Tell me friend. Do you have something you wish to protect? Beside's yourself and your dog. Is there someone important in your life?"

Distraction or pure curiosity Aoren could take it as he pleased. Adrien moved closer to Aoren and smile. He moved quickly twisting his hips as he brought his foot around and upward into a strike. Trying to keep himself out of range of Aoren's punches he would try and kick to keep him back and land blows upon the man. He thought of Kavala, visualizing the man in front of him as an enemy. Someone who was intent on hurting that he wished to protect. He would not hold back against Aoren nor would he try to seriously hurt him. But he would keep the image in his mind of the man as an attacker.

He would retreat after and watch the man. If he came at him Adrien would kick forward and use the mans momentum to catch him on his foot. Pushing him back and allowing Adrien to walk backwards. If he didn't Adrien would step forward again and strike with another kick. This time to the other side.

[Aoren]

“I presently live at Alements. The owner, Caelum, he is a friend and he was kind enough to open his doors to me. With any luck though I will be moving to the Sanctuary. I have been there once or twice already.” Aoren had to admit that Adrien had a very disarming nature about him. He had an easy going demeanor and his straightforward honesty was refreshing. After spending a few seasons in Zeltiva straightforwardness was very much appreciated. The City of Sails was a wonderful place but the bitter tang of politics touched every aspect of life to the point where it was frustratingly nauseating. He laughed softly at Adrien’s statement.

“As you wish. Don’t go easy on me either.” From his stance he readied himself but then came Adrien’s question. Aoren considered it. Did he have something or someone that he wanted to protect? His thoughts turned first to Caelum. The Ethaefal man had captured his attention in a way that was hard to describe. Aoren didn’t know what direction things between him and Caelum would take but he was hopeful. He then thought of Caelum’s daughter, Lillian. A smile touched his face. Yes, he had those he was growing to care for and willing to protect.

“Yes. I do.” Aoren didn’t get the chance to elaborate on that statement. Not that he would have. There would be plenty of time for talking once their sparring was finished. Adrien was moving closer. Aoren didn’t try to move away instead he braced himself. As soon as Adrien’s leg came up to kick the Drykas man in the side, Aoren braced himself. He rotated his body so that the brunt of the blow would be dispersed across a greater surface area. Aoren’s hope was to lessen the force of the blow, if only a little. It would hurt there was no doubt about that but Aoren had built up a small tolerance for pain. The other man’s leg slammed into Aoren’s side and for a moment the Drykas thought he would collapse. He had to clench his teeth but he dug the leg opposite of the side he was struck keep himself upright. Grunting Aoren rebalanced himself rushing forward.

Taking a blow to the side was most certainly going to leave some bruising but the opening it provided was something Aoren would capitalize on. Sprinting forward he brought up a fist from the side aiming to land a hit directly against Adrien’s chest. Aoren would hold back as much as was reasonable. He didn’t want to injure the other man but bruises and strained muscles were simply part of sparring. Aoren had no doubt that the both of them would be a lot tougher as a result of this fight. Before he could connect with Adrien’s chest however, the man sprung back and aimed another kick this time at Aoren’s foot. This time the Drykas took a more fluid approach. He pushed himself off to the side diving to the left, just missing the strike that would have undoubtedly left him hopping for a moment. Aoren smiled.

“Well, this is going to be interesting.” His adrenaline was beginning to kick in. Jumping up Aoren broke out into a sprint toward Adrien. He closed as much distance between himself and Adrien as he could before coming a halt resting on one foot. The other he swung in a roundhouse kick aimed straight at Adiren’s shoulder.

NoteConfusing mess of things! I had no real idea how to respond so I thought I'd wing it. Basically what you should take away from this is that Aoren just tried to kick Adrien in the shoulder.

[Adrien Dair]

Adrien nodded along, listing to his friend as he spoke. The Alements and a name that he had though he had heard before. Even if it was just in passing, it rung a bell in his mind.

Adrien smiled and said "Ah! I might just a tiny bit." Words masked with code with the man who had another form. A form that could crush Aoren if his intent was to do so. With the amount of space inside the room and the even smaller tunnels. The rhino could chase the man down and probably catch him. If he had no secrets of his own. The thought made Adrien chuckle lightly, he held such a great strength that many others did not have and that many in the Sanctuary had not experienced. Three thousand pounds of muscle was nothing to scoff at. Even if the wielder was not accustomed to battle, pure instinct could take over in a fight. A matter of life or death, or even keeping something that he claimed as his. His mind wandered around the people of the Sanctuary. They had surly seen a few different types of Kelvics within their business here. But he wondered if they had ever seen a rhino like himself. He often heard of birds, foxes and even the occasional horse. But nothing as big as he was seemed to roll into the safe haven. At least none that he knew of.

"That is good. I feel it is always better to spar if you imagine fighting for someone dear." he said. Even with sparing, just aimlessly fighting each other didn't matter. Fist against fist and feet clashing against skin could only teach you so much if there was not a purpose for it. Protection and love could be a factor, pushing one to the edge just to over come what was wrong. Even fear and hatred could do the same. Fighting for ones own life could give them the boost they needed to survive. Adrien was caught thinking as the man rushing towards him. He stepped backwards just in time to avoid the connection and kick out towards the mans legs.

Surprisingly to Adrien the man dove to the side causing his kick to sweep into the dust on the floor. Adrien pulled his foot back to him as quickly as he could manage. Trying to retake his balance before the counterattack. "It is always interesting to fight someone for the first time. Friendly or not" he said. Again the man was rushing towards him. Two things struck into the rhinos mind, but he did not have the time to think them over. Aoren's foot was moving towards his shoulder. Adrien quickly raised his arm, catching the foot against his forearm. It stung against his arm at the man stumbled backwards. He sighed, pain in the forearm was better the his shoulder. There was to much reliance for movement in his arm hidden away in his shoulder.

Adrien brought up his foot and kicked straight forward with his heel. If it missed he would step forwards once his foot touch the ground and swing out at the mans right knee.

[Ashar]

Aoren
Experience

Skill	XP Earned
Socialization	5
Teaching	2
Auristics	2
Unarmed Combat	1

Lores

Akalaks: Disciplined Order
Adrien: Disciple of Syna
Adrien: Intensely Curious
Adrien: Resident of the Sanctuary

Adrien
Experience

Skill	XP Earned
Meditation	3
Unarmed Combat	2
Socialization	5
Philosophy	1

Lores

Riverfall: Kelvic Restrictions
Isikai: Aoren’s Pet Dog
Aoren: a Well-Traveled Warrior
Zeltiva: the City of Scholars
Aoren: a Student of Zeltiva
Aoren: Disciple of Avalis & Rak’keli
Meditation: a Position of Tranquility
Aoren: Resident of the Alements

Additional Comments

I enjoyed the direction this thread took. It went from a standard social thread into something of a philosophical exploration into a lesson into a spar. A shame that it did not reach a conclusion, but I enjoyed it all the same.

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