[Shinya Pavilion] Concerns of Health

[Gilcrest]

4th Day of Fall, 518 A.V.

As required from Shinya Acolytes, Gilcrest took position at the entrance of the Shinya Pavilion. Standing by and ready to act as a guide for those wishing to tour the establishment. He was clad in the customary light blue robe, and mindlessly smoothed it over while adjusting the white sash. Pleased enough with appearances he took the time to examine the activity within the ground level. A handful of initiates busily completed chores, Acolytes watched over, and the rest was relatively empty. A few hours passed with not much change within the pavilion. Gilcrest was replaced, now free from duties, he made way to the training center.

Currently there wasn’t an open lesson being taught by a Shinya, so the training center was empty. Large enough to hold several people while training comfortably it was essentially a vast open area. Various training weapons sat in racks along the walls neatly organized by initiates. His eyes glistened in determination and his stomach tightened. Training was an obsession only quelled by exhaustion or meditation tactics. He had been known to go over his own limit from time to time, but after learning the hard way long ago, he now maintained a more matured thirst for power. Becoming a Shinya was a high honor, and it drove his ambitions.

With his feet spread just outside of shoulder width apart, Gilcrest took the position of a squat. His legs acted as a foundation for unarmed combat, a good foundation provided mobility and power for strikes. This position served as physical training for the legs, years of performance has allotted him the ability to maintain it with discipline for an extended amount of time. Drawing in a shallow breath, elbows tucked tight to his waist while clenched fists extended forward. With a quick pulse of his muscles, and an exaggerated exhale, Gilcrest punched lightly into the air with his right hand. It was important to warm his body before executing strikes at full force. Another breath of air was followed quickly by a left-handed strike of equal strength and precision.

In turn Gilcrest continued alternating strikes and progressively increased the force. This would allow the body to loosen in preparation for the rest of the practice he intended to accomplish. The escalation of force reached a steady level that allowed him to maintain proper form and the precision of movements. Executing two final strikes, Gilcrest left his elbows tight to his waist and drew in deep relaxing breaths. It was at this moment he noticed from his peripheral view someone had entered the area and was glancing in his direction. Releasing an exhale, he stood straight and made no further moves.

Gilcrest was slightly perturbed at the thought of the Acolyte that had replaced him not intercepting the visitor. He had been around long enough to know that the person wasn’t affiliated within the pavilion. Perhaps, they had only been interested in taking a peek around for themselves, as some occasionally would. Assuming that to be the proper conclusion the Acolyte released a sigh, collected his thoughts, and continued with practice strikes.