Weapons Basic Staff || Intricate Staff Water lvl1 || Lightning lvl1 || Earth lvl1 Ice lvl1 || Air lvl1 || Fire lvl1 Health lvl1 || Life lvl1 || Wall lvl1 Repel lvl1 || Force lvl1 || Speed lvl1
Items None
Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2016 5:45 am
♥ Table of Contents ♥ ❣ Table of Contents ❣ Current Things ❣ Arima ❣ History ❣ Family/Friends/Foes ❣ Beast Companions ❣ Rps & Plots ❣ Inventory ❣ Photos ❣ Reqs
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Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2016 5:47 am
UPDATES
So far:
♥ Quest is approved! (6/28/16)
Currently: ♥ In Oba with the Lady
Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2016 5:57 am
Name: Arima Stage: 4 - Scholar Race: Earthling - Water (Albino) Gender: Girl Sexuality: That's a thing? 3 Base Traits: Shy, Quiet, Dreamer Personality: Despite the realization that Arima is indeed a Matori, the girl was raised to be proud as any Oban Noble. Due to this she was previously quite high strung and would come off brashly to those who questioned her - perhaps a bit of that was fueled even by her insecurity as she began to grow older and realized that yes she did look different from other Obans. Yet, Arima still was proud in the fact that she is the Lady's daughter and is quite knowledgeable. When it comes to discussing literature and other things that can be found in books the girl will quickly find an answer. Herbs, mathematics, stories, potions, magics, anything that has ever been recorded she may know as the Lady's personal library was quite vast. Such pride, however, still does not prepare her for the true outside world as there is much that she needs to learn. However, after learning about the truth - the fact that she was basically a slave in this society where she had believed herself a noble- the girl became more of a recluse. She would prefer to stay with her books than to even dare interact with anyone outside of the family...
It is to be noted that through her vast amount of reading, Arima has gained a significant amount of intelligence over the years, giving her an elevated vocabulary, an active imagination, and an open mind. Despite being quiet and less trusting of others, Arima still has a mind of her own and often prefers to make her own decisions. The only person she truly listens to is the Lady, as she is her mother who has accepted her without hesitation and for that the girl will forever cherish her opinions and decisions.
As it is Arima is a dreamer. Her passions and hopes allow her to conjure up images of an ideal world. The stories that she reads in her home as well fuel a passion for adventure and fantasy. Magic has always captivated her and hearing stories about spirits and other acts fill her with delight. While it is a nice escape from the reality of her cage-like situation the girl still may one day get easily manipulated into a situation by someone who takes advantage of such a pure and innocent heart. Also being a dreamer may be nice, but it may result in the girl being too confident in her own ability to fight/survive in the world (something greatly hindered in her pampered life) - hinting at another harsh lesson of reality upon the horizon.
That is if someone could steal her away from the library of books that she has retreated into. Pulling Arima out before her encounter with the Lady's relatives may have been an easy task, but now the girl is a bit more skittish of the outside world. Even now she speaks quietly and often holds her tongue whereas in her earlier years the girl may have even spoken out boldly about the things she believed in. Now she's more keen to just keep her eyes glued to a book rather than a crowd of people. So while she enjoys curling up with a book beneath the grove of trees in the Lady's private gardens venturing back outside is another story...but perhaps with time a bit of her own spirit will return and curiosity will take root once more pushing Arima to take a chance.
Her shyness, however, after being around a group of soldiers for several weeks has began to fade away. No longer haunted by the incidents of the past where she was called a slave by her mother's relatives the girl is beginning to show her bold spirit once more. Not only does she have a boldness in her step now the girl also can have a quick wit and a sharp tongue.
Description: Arima is an albino Matori and due to that is naturally a super pale version of most matori with light blue two toned coloring and almost white-yellow eyes.She still looks childlike and is very petite with delicate features and big, childlike eyes.
Her hair is white with some hints of faded blue/green with long curls that when let loose hit her lower back.
Accessories: Now that she is a healer Arima ranges in what she wears. While out in the desert it is not surprising to see her dressed in baggy pants and a loose silk top with a wrap around her head to protect her from the bright sunlight. Other days she is wearing a short, loose dressy outfit with a cloak to protect herself.
As she grows she may also keep her noble appearance and go back to dresses, but even then she is no doll - she is much more a magical woman to be reckoned with. Even if healing is her passion that does not mean she is not able to stand on her own against others after all.
She once always wore a golden collar gifted to her by the Lady - from when the Matori were still slaves as it protected her as the Lady's property at the time, even so Arima still cherished it as a valuable gift even after learning its true intent-
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Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2016 5:59 am
History
Arima had a cursed birth.
Arima never was told the pain that her mother went through in order to give birth to her. She never knew the instant rejection that his father had towards her once his wife passed in childbirth and left him with a ghost for a child. What type of sign was it to have a child not only kill their mother, but also for her to be drained of color save for crimson eyes? Not to mention that even should he keep the babe it appeared weak and almost on the verge of death itself...
It was because of his fear and superstitions that were passed between the slaves that she was tossed out. Many would have taken her for dead due to her small size and still state, but it was as the moon rose that a fateful desert breeze finally caused the chilled baby to cry out.
An older Oban of noble birth was walking around the edges of the oasis that night. Having left her guard behind at home the Lady Cyrillia was grieving for the loss of her only daughter. Sickness had taken the frail girl from her and the lady felt hopeless. Years after years she had been warned that she would lose her daughter early on, but she had lived in denial. She had fought fate tooth and nail by bringing in all the medical specialists she could find. Eventually though her daughter's lungs had finally given out as promised and she passed away in her sleep.
Hearing the cries she felt an ache in her heart that had become so numb. What was the crying? Was that the tears of her lost daughter? Delusional and still in mourning the lady ran through the sands to find the source. There tucked away in a ragged bundle was the pale figure of a baby crying out. "Did I find a ghost?" Amazed she reached out to cradle the pale creature in her arms, "What are you little one?" At her words the crying stopped and a pair of ruby eyes opened to stare at the Oban in wonder. As Cyrillia moved her hand towards the face the tiniest of hands opened to grab onto a finger. Instantly a smile lit up the baby's face and the Lady found herself in love.
Even though pale fins peeked out from the snow white hair the Lady did not care. This little girl was a present from the gods for her to find. I am no longer without a daughter. The Lady made certain to raise her Arima, her spirit, up with just as much love as she had once held for her other daughter. Not worried about Arima being a Matori Cyrillia used the guise of a slave to keep her new daughter safe.
It was fortunate for Arima that she was found by the Lady. A kind, hearted woman she stood out against the crowd and always believed in helping those beneath her. So despite having the Oban pride, the Lady used her superiority instead to bestow generosity among others. Her husband, a stern man, had never the heart to go against his loving wife after their daughter had passed. So instead of going against her wishes he allowed her to have a separate home in Jatine where she could live freely away from the high pressures of Oban society. He, himself, would retire there during quieter months of the year before returning to business in Sulburi.
Arima was never allowed to leave their home in Jatine and often due to her fatigue under the sun would willingly stay indoors. As a security the Lady placed a collar around Arima's neck as a present for one of her daughter's birthdays. Not having the heart to tell her the true reason behind the collar, the Lady watched on as Arima cherished the present and never took it off.
Books filled her life as she could rarely venture outside as the sunlight harmed her eyes and easily burned her skin. Despite fears that her sight may be affected by her strange condition, Arima has proven that she could actually read and learn writing. Her sight, miraculously, has also stayed strong - save for in the sunlight where the brilliant light easily gives her headaches.
Despite it all Arima loved life. She had a home with a loving mother and did not mind being confined to the walls of the house. The outside world was apparently a scary place and it was rare that she got the privilege of venturing outside. She was raised and taught as any noble of her age would be. In fact while she was a child the girl actually called herself an Oban several times. It made many of the Matori servants laugh to themselves, but none had the heart to break it to her. She was not truly her mother's daughter, but some strange creature that had been picked up by the mistress into their home.
Still it was a miracle. With Arima living there the halls lit up again and life was back into the house. The Lady was happy and rather than mournful she found that the bright eyed spirit of hers was full of life. "Momma, momma!" Arima would call at as a toddler before bolting down the stairs to latch onto the Lady, "Welcome home!"
When she was a bit older relatives came into the house and that was the first time her beautiful world was shattered. The Lady's distant cousins had come for an impromptu visit so Arima was out in the courtyard when the party came in. She did not understand the strange gazes or why she was being sneered at. "Who are those grumpy people?" She found herself asking.
"My relatives."
"They don't seem anything like you though."
A small laugh left the Lady's strained face, "I know."
That evening Arima found one of the Lady's cousins breaching into her quarters. He demanded favors from her and approached her with such ill intent that the finally felt fear. "Stop it what are you doing!?" Outraged she found herself flailing against his much sturdier body, "Let me go! I'm the daughter of the Lady!"
"Shut up you Matori." A sneering gaze looked into her eyes, "You aren't an Oban, you're a slave. A valuable one at that."
Arima fell back in silence. A slave, her? But her momma was the Lady...it made no sense. Hours of fighting and of listening to dirty slavers talk about her placed the puzzle together. Oba wasn't a sanctuary for the Matori like she had thought. Her mother wasn't her mother...she wasn't....Arima felt tears burning in her gaze. She was alone and scared. Was she going to be stuck in chains now?
Only a child Arima didn't understand the complexity of the world she lived in. The reasons that the Lady kept her inside and didn't get along with other Obans was simple. She wanted her adopted daughter to live a free and innocent life - something that her noble relatives would never understand. How could a Matori even be considered a daughter of such an elite noble? Even though her husband had passed on the Lady still had a rich inheritance which in the eyes of her relatives included such a rare slave as Arima. Indeed, Arima was fortunate to have been taken in by her rather than being sold as a rare prize.
Her screams thankfully alerted a few more of the Matori who lived in the great house.Their presence protected her from the male until the Lady could be alerted. Thankfully when she brought her guards there was no harm done, but Arima had passed out in a fit and was laying on the floor from all the shock... It was the next morning that she woke up in her familiar bed with the sleeping figure of the Lady leaning against the wall. Her mother was here! She hadn't been taken away by that man after all. Still the girl was broken hearted as her peaceful world had been destroyed. She talked with the Lady for hours to find out the truth and was disappointed that there was no trace of her Matori family.
Her heart was shattered to learn of such barriers that prevented her from being an Oban noble that was her mother's true daughter, but still Arima stayed strong. The Lady had taken so much care of her and obviously loved her...while she stayed here then her life would be safe. Even once the Matori were freed and the war was over the girl found herself taking more and more care of the ailing woman. She was the one always by the Lady's side to help her when her old age slowed her down. It was not uncommon either for others -those that stayed as servants in the household and didn't return to Matori or elsewhere- to find Arima with the older lady by her side as she would read stories to the weakening Oban.
And currently Arima still chooses to stay with the Lady. Even though she has a curiosity of her homeland the girl doesn't want to leave the only mother she has ever known in her time of need. Since the Lady's husband passed away while Arima was just a child, she is the only family that the Lady has left - save for those distant relatives that are held at bay, especially those who visited on that fateful day.
Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2016 6:02 am
Relations
Family: The Lady Lord Koriyan - A noble man who also serves as a healer to his majesty's army and also works with others in the noble class. When he could have enjoyed wealth and fame the man preferred to actually make use of his skills - skills which he is attempting to pass down to Arima as his apprentice.
Friends -Saraf : An Oban Knight whom Arima has grown closer with. They've had a few adventures together and admittedly she's still sorting out her own tangle of feelings concerning him.
-Leukos: A terrible flirt, but a good friend. She almost knocked him out one night when a strange creature startled them both, but later got to know him better and even saw the circus because of him.
Acquaintances -Nyko : A boy she saved from losing his arm in the market. Such a troublesome guy!
Gahiji: Crazy wildman that he was Arima did end up helping him out in the desert after their awkward duel. Foes
Her hair is long with waves of curls. Can be styled up - just keep in mind it typically reaches her lower back when loose - CC on exact design feel free to add in accessories and even use dye if you want to have her hair fade to white at the tips or so!
Her outfit should be strongly based on this design - [dress] Use dyes to make the material white like in the reference or another color that fits Arima. The corset / waist piece should still be gold.
Accessories can be CC. Possibly a circlet, some necklaces, earrings, armlets, etc... [simple idea] She also can have light makeup.
Her staff should be strongly based on the moon staff in this image. It should be full sized, golden, but the crystal colors can be altered as wanted and feel free to add trinkets / other designs. Just definitely want the crescent moon with wings as the main gem.
Magical effect! Should have some wind, light, or water inspired magical effect.
Body Type: Similar to how she is now. She's petite but with curves. Preferred Artists: Miss or Kana. Colors can be Miss, Kana, me or Tasi Style 2. WIPs: Sure
Basically her outfit colors / base design should be just like this one [Outfit] (Definitely keep the golden embroidery on the front layer). with inspiration taken from this one as well. Mainly use this second reference to get her sleeves, gloves,boots, and potentially the second layer that goes over the dress (CC on how you interpret it). [Accesories]
Staff can be like either of these - [example one] and [example 2] Same colors from her previous staff for the gemstone with whatever else you want to add in. The staff should also be full length.
Hair can be curled and pulled up like this - [hair example]
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Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2016 6:07 am
Inventory
Posted: Mon Aug 01, 2016 7:40 am
Solo 1 - Thoughts
“You’re a lady of Oba, never forget that.”
Such words constantly haunted Arima. How was she supposed to blend in with those haughty ladies? She much preferred to stay here locked up in the tower room of her mother’s home. Here the girl could scour for days through shelves upon shelves of books. Collections of fairy tales to legal writings and to even maps of their world made up only a fraction of the personal library that had been bestowed to the girl. Her ‘father’ had loved to read and because he was often estranged in the politics of Oba the master had collected information in all sorts of forms. This library had been his sanctuary and had also been his final gift to Arima.
Of course it was no surprise that the more childish books belonged solely to Arima – the lady had sent out servants to collect as many manuscripts as possible to feed her daughter’s desire for reading. “To feel the void in the world that I couldn’t truly go and explore.” Commented the albino matori to herself as she trailed through the shelves with her fingers dancing across the worn spines of books. Perhaps if she hadn’t been so enthralled by the stories she read then the girl would have realized it. Could she have been bitter back then about the true reality of her situation? That she was basically a slave in hiding? Someone who would have fetched a good price in the market at the time? At least the Lady truly had considered her a daughter even if her ‘father’ had only abided with it to please his wife. Yet, even then Arima almost was bold enough to think that he had eventually changed his mind about the Matori girl. Perhaps he even cared enough to worry about how she would deal with the outside world when the truth eventually unfolded.
“Is that why you left me with so much knowledge?” Arima pulled out one of the more ancient tomes full of previous Oban laws, written before the war and the freedom of the Matori. If she had taken the moment to read through these pages would reality have hit her then? Perhaps that was what the master had truly wanted. To give her a warning of the bitter truth…if Oba hadn’t been defeated and the lady had passed away…what would have become of her? The thought made her heart knot up. She already was traumatized by the noble who had tried chaining her once...
Even running away to Matori seemed like a stretch. She had no family that she knew of to run to. Had she not after all been left in the desert sands? “Was it a mistake to leave me?” Biting her lower lip Arima hung her head. Why had she been abandoned? Was being different such a bad thing? “I’m just slightly different…” It wasn’t like she was completely washed away from her heritage – the girl still had tinges of blue and speckles that seemingly sparkled those few moments that she did bathe in the sunlight. Even her hair, despite being a pearly white, seemingly had a tinge of bluish green to it. “I’m like a bad copy of a Matori. Whoever painted my picture forgot to truly add the colors and left me in the sun to fade away.” She chuckled bitterly, “Perhaps I truly am more of a spirit then they believe.”
Is this the way for a Lady to behave?
Once more the haunting words filled her and the girl had to grit her teeth. Always keep your head held high and don’t balk at a challenge. Surely that was easy enough in thought, but the reality however just caused the girl to sigh. If she was lucky then maybe one or two words would be distinguishable from a squeak or a murmur. This was why she stuck with the silent, proud routine. Others may gossip about her, but once she was out in public with the lady all Arima could do was keep her gaze straight and her mouth firm.
She wouldn’t speak to those ladies. Gossip wasn’t her style and the one time she had loosened up enough around another girl she had been laughed at for being such a reader. “Reading? How is that to help you? Sounds like you should just stay at home then surrounded by your silly books. Did you really think I would be interested in the hobbies of a Matori poser like you? I’m only here because my mother wishes to keep favor with the Lady Cyrilla.”
How could they all be so rude? She had read tales that ladies of noble birth, princesses especially, should approach life with a kind and gentle manner. They were supposed to live as a shining example to others and show generosity to those less fortunate…what Arima saw seemed to just be a bunch of catty women who wanted nothing more than to show off who was truly more powerful. The though made her crinkle her nose. Surely not everyone was like that.
“I can only hope.” Shaking her head the girl reached forward and pulled out another book, “Perhaps one light reading for this morning?” She had already finished her studies and her next tutor wasn’t to arrive until much later. One of the few that she hadn’t managed to chase away yet…
Still, she would have to read quickly. Her mother was up to something and Arima knew that hiding in the library wasn’t in her best interest. The Lady had been sharper about things and more insistent upon bringing Arima along with her during outings. She had been meeting several important families lately…not that she talked at all during those meetings. Like usual the girl stayed there quietly as a doll and just waited to see what would happen next. Only a faint smile or nod would reveal any conversation and even then those were just a courtesy.
But it was nerve wracking to even try contemplating exactly what her mother was planning.
So many visits to so many different families…all with some available son or other male relative.
The lady wouldn’t would she?
“I don’t want you to have to worry when I’m gone, Arima. Trust me, alright?”
“Well it’s a good thing that you’ll live to be well over a hundred, right?”
“Haha, I could only wish. Still, child I’m getting rather old and time is pressing me to think about some things…”
“Like what, mother?”
“Certain things. I won’t worry your precious self now with them, but one day I’ll explain myself to you and why we are going out so much like this.”
Oh she had a sinking feeling alright, but the girl just put on a small smile and nodded. “Alright mother.”
On the inside, however, she was crying with frustration. She didn’t want to think of the Lady passing away nor did she want to think of the future hassles that she was soon to undergo due to such worries from her mother. But what could she do? She had to obey and help the lady who had dedicated her life to helping to raise her – an oddball Matori – as her dearest daughter.
(1209 - 4 Pnts)
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Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2016 1:41 pm
Solo 2 - Thoughts (6 Pnts)
Arima’s legs were tucked up beneath her as she sat in her favorite part of the mansion – a large window seat which at the high point of the home stared across the oasis and into the desert beyond. It was from here that she observed the world often with a book in hand. Today especially she had a rather big pile spewed out around her feet below the ledge of the seat while two more books were open before her on the actual cushioned area. She had been attempting to just read and rest her mind, but the girl wouldn’t be stilled.
She was growing rather weary of this trapped life.
Sighing, Arima placed a hand against the delicate glass panes and stared out over her fingertips at the world below. While the estate was built on a more isolated area away from the busy city that she knew was only a brief ride away the girl could just pretend for a day that rather than some desert flowers and flowing waters from an oasis that a city actually was perched below. It was a far reach from reality, but if the home was only facing the other direction then she could see the city on the horizon. She had been there before and at least this time her imagination was far more accurate than before.
Before she only had these books to keep her company and tales from the servants about what life was actually like in Oba. The images that she had painted with them were far more exuberant than the reality, but that only added to her thirst for adventure. In the streets she imagined peddlers from all across the world bargaining their goods. Some days with other merchants preparing to take a load of foreign supplies back to their homelands and other days with the neighbor who just needed some silks for their daughter. A warrior even could be coming to get a gift for another – or a weapon to add to his collection of arms. Or maybe it was a boy picking up a trinket for his mother or sisters. A boy who had been at sea or in the army for months and was surprising them with a visit home. Of course he would bring gifts as well to show off his earnings and his rising status, but they only would care that he had come home to them alive and well. The thought was enough to bring a small smile to Arima’s face as the tale unfolded in her mind.
What if he had a lover?
Someone who had kept her lamp lit every night while praying to the gods for his safe return. Other times she would toss and turn in bed wondering if perhaps he had found someone while traveling and had forgotten her. Yet, even when those thoughts haunted her and tempted her to just give up and move on she would persevere. Her own family after a few months would see value in another young man coming to visit – a hopeful suitor whom they would gladly give her to if she would only say yes. He had wealth and even was handsome to look at, but he wasn’t her love. She was so dedicated to her childhood friend that she would wait many more moons on him even if she had to wait the rest of her life.
It was enough to bring a soft sigh to Arima’s lips. It was so romantic, yet such a folly. Was wasting your life away waiting on one person truly worth it? Surely for the girl it would be because at the darkest point in her life when the temptation to give in and give up was overwhelming he would come. He would stop by his family, but the first person he would truly run to would be her. She would sway into his arms and they would have their reunion before he ran home to his family. She would be behind him in secret as the rest of the family gathered around him and celebrated his return. It would be then that he would confess – while he came home for them, he truly came back to propose to his love. He finally had enough saved to get their future secured and her happy face would be the last thing he would ever desire now.
The wedding would be extravagant and there would be much celebration. For a while they would travel together as he would want her to see the same world he had saw. He would teach her a few things and she would prove quite capable of handling herself while out on the road. Later they would move to a place of their own -someplace made by them to keep their happiness contained that even with pleasant beginnings could grow into so much more, just as their love would expand. A family would thrive there as they would have children to tend to and later take care of them. Then as their adventure settled into a peaceful routine the two would fall asleep each night clasped in each other’s arms. Every morning then they would wake seeing the person they loved the most first thing – truly a day couldn’t start off wrong after that.
If they had such an easy happy after. Arima shook her head, “I doubt it.” Wasn’t reality so much harsher after all? Most likely the girl would have been swept away by another suitor and the boy would have been too ensnared in his business to even notice her disappearance from his side. They would both grow apart and maybe in the spare moments of their life take one moment to just smile briefly about their cherished past before moving on to those who were currently at their sides. It wasn’t a bitter feeling, but more of an acceptance. Their time had come and gone…fantasy tales were fantasy after all and not how life always unfolded. Though for those fortunate few it would be nice to see hope in the world again.
Arima tossed another book to the side with a sigh, “If only.” All she knew was that her mother was insistent upon trying to find her a match. Would she be like the girl who caved in eventually and just settled? She never even had her adventure yet – save for stirring some trouble in a tavern and getting lost in a festival. The memories brought a small smile and a light blush to the girl’s cheeks. “I’m sure my load of trouble was enough to cause gray hairs for him.” Not that she asked for his help! He was only there to please his mother just as she was there to satisfy her own mother. That was all – there was nothing more to their relationship. Just like her stories this was the harsh reality. She had no hopes for attaining a knight of her own like the ladies had in the stories.
“I suppose it’s time to put the fantasies away.” She had seen the reality of the city streets and it was far from teeming with heroes and knights. Rather thieves and worse roamed the shadowed alleys just waiting for their easy prey. Others would be there to take what they wanted without regard to anything else. Even if it was a woman they could take her away without her consent. Just rip her clothing and drag her by the hair…The thought brought a shiver down her spine as she rubbed her arms as if to get rid of the nasty feeling it brought. Could she be strong enough to stand against such a world?
Would she even want to?
Wasn’t it easier to just stay in luxury and enjoy her books on fantastical lives? Even the histories of Oba held more appeal than the bitter fighting that she had seen here and there. It was sad, but the histories as well seemed more heroic and noble than the true events that had unfolded in the past. “Is nothing written actually honest?” Arima shook her head in disdain. There needed to be more scholars in the world who recorded the true realities instead of romanticizing life! She had found a few before on her adopted father’s desk before he passed away, but those had quickly been hidden from her once her mother had realized that Arima had found such things. Now the girl was stuck back with her books of fables and histories and other studies.
Studies especially on home arts and being a lady. Her love for such things was attested in the sewing project laying on the table in the middle of the room. She had come here intent on finishing something like that to please her mother, but once again books and daydreams had taken her attention. It seemed even though she was trying her hardest to be willing to just listen to her mother’s pleas the girl couldn’t stop wandering in her thoughts. Nor could she simply say yes to any suitor presented so far. None of them seemed right save for…well no she had no one to love like that. Perhaps, just a hint of that other girl who kept her lamp lit for that true love seemed to linger in the Matori girl who bent down to scoop up the books in her arms. Even if it wasn’t for waiting on a man, but rather for waiting on herself to bloom it was still a hope that there could be a wonderful meaning for her place in the world.
She still had time yet to figure out her life, right? Arima could only pray that everything would fall into place eventually. She just hoped that the Lady would be willing to wait a little bit longer before throwing her at another slew of potential suitors. As tempting as it was to just lie down and live in luxury as someone’s ‘pet’ for the rest of her life Arima hoped that surely she would be worth more. She didn’t want someone to want her for her valuable ties to this family, to wealth and estate, but rather she wanted someone who would treasure her for her.
If she even needed a man. Why couldn’t she just stand on her own and find her own place? There was so much more to figure out – she just would need more time to read and reflect. Reflect upon her own spirit and her own desires for this life – something that she had never truly tried doing before. “I suppose now is always a good time to start.” Now to continue searching these shelves of books and rolls of parchments so that she could get a better gist of herself…
(1802 - 6 pnts)
Posted: Fri Sep 09, 2016 10:58 am
Solo 3 - A Push Towards Healing (6 Pnts)
Arima’s fingers trailed over dozens of dusty tomes as she walked through the darker part of the library. While the entrance area was well cared for by servants in the past and even now her father had kept many more books towards his private study – an area often off limits to many save for a select few, most who had left his services to return to Matori after the war. It was no wonder then that since his passing the area had become rather dusty and forgotten. She, herself, had taken many months to get bold enough to venture into the darkness. It was hard considering the years she had spent with the servants who whispered tales of strange things happening in the older parts of the mansion. Ghosts they said or even magic from previous owners lingered in those darker corners that had nearly been forgotten with time.
Of course this included the area of books which were only accessed through a round stairwell that led from her father’s study, both rooms which were in the back of the mansion and had been a part of the original structure. Years and fires had altered the rest, but these two stone rooms with their dark granite walls still stood. One servant even claimed that a dismissed mistress had hung herself in protest in this room before the previous master and that her spirit still roamed in search of her unrequited love. The thought sent a shiver down Arima’s spine. I don’t believe in that at all! Nope, nope… Then as a noise caught her attention the girl had to suppress a scream. Her squeak of terror was released in a big breath as she realized that it had been her dress dragging on the floor behind her, apparently it had caught on a stone and had caused the tugging sensation as well.
Raising a hand to her chest the girl took a deep breath. There was no evil master to haunt her here today or a mournful woman to badger her for love…I just need to keep repeating that and it’ll be fine, just fine. She really should have given Kioa a mouthful about spreading such scary stories! She didn’t care if the season was right for it, not at all! They could keep their spooks and such to the lower levels were the victims of the master from the creation of the mansion had festered away. The thought brought a furrow to the girl’s brow – that story did not make her feel any better!
Heading down the spiral stairs the girl had to pause as she held a lamp out before her to light the older stairway. Her father had loved his secrets, but she had to wonder why he went so far as to hide some of his collection in what used to be that very dungeon. Or even why he preferred to keep to his great-grandfather’s study, something that had intentionally been built over the dungeon so that the cruel man could hear the screams of those who disobeyed him. Arima closed her eyes and shook her head, “Stories…those are all just stories.”
Still, it was rather dark down here. Placing her hand against the cold wall the girl began to move forward until she found the first of several torches. Tipping her own flame towards them the Matori went around and lit each torch, one by one. Eventually the room was cast in a faint light that while eerie did at least allow her to see her way through the shelves. “I suppose it’s better that he kept books down here rather than the servant quarters. Talk about not getting any rest down here.” She teased lightly as if hoping to ease her racing heart through the awful joke.
What was she even down here for? Some secret tome that could hold the answers to life? Arima smiled, a faint bitter smile, as she trailed her hand through these new books. Some of them were even on rolled parchment rather than bound due to their old age. It was those that she collected in a small basket that hung on her arm. Obviously she did not plan on keeping them down here…though a desk did happen to be in the corner. Surely, no one had used such a thing – if they did then they truly were far braver than I. Thought the girl to herself as she brushed on by to continue her search of the shelves. Of course her search was rather rushed considering how her heart wouldn’t stop racing every time a shadow passed her by.
Alright, I think this should be plenty. That decided Arima hastily made her way towards the familiar stairway. Just a few more steps and she could be out in the study – something a little bit better than being in the old converted dungeon. Honestly she just couldn’t shake the feeling that something was watching her from the shadows. Surely it was just a figment of her imagination, but it was enough to keep her gaze forward and her steps quick.
Once upstairs the girl edged towards the doorway until realization hit her. What if the Lady would be upset to see her scanning the older books and tomes? The last thing Arima ever wanted to do was to upset her, especially with something that her deceased husband had cherished. “Alright then so the creepy old study it is.” Making certain the door was closed the girl opened the window so that some light could come into the room. Now she just had to decide on where to begin.
Could she even find some poultices or healing information in here?
After all the Lady had been even more sickly lately and with her recent actions, especially including trying to find Arima a husband, the girl was worried for her mother. Why does she have to act like she’s dying? Pursing her lips in frustration Arima swept a hand over the parchments that she had spread on the desk. “Alright then this one first…”
So her father had believed in studying older magics and potions. Interesting. As Arima continued to browse through the texts – of those that she could actually read- the girl focused on some with diagrams. “The heart? A glow from the heart? What is this a mage light?” Her fingers itched to try it, but the girl sighed. Who was she to have any access to powers like that? Honestly even if she did flick her hands outwards with an incantation it never seemed to work – and that could be attested to the possibility that perhaps she had tried before. After all what was more exciting than being able to control elements and fight fate with your own abilities?
It would be nice if she could do more than just creating salves, but Arima didn’t believe she had it in her. Yet, here she was scanning through all these volumes for a way to become a healer. What a funny idea…her a healer? She would have to be bold enough to face the world if she wanted to do that. “Considering my tavern visit I just don’t think it’s meant to be.” The girl scoffed at herself, “Jeez, Arima. What are you thinking?” She motioned with her hands in the air, “Let me just cast some spells and bind flesh and bone for those needing help. Just like I’m sure those in the past needed help…”
It had been hours since she had first begun her studies so the sun was gone from the skies leaving only faint starlight to light the way. To accommodate her note taking and reading the girl had placed a few candles and her lamp near the papers for light. But once she let out her frustrations about wanting to help others and her own disbelief in ability it seemed something wanted to say otherwise as a strong wind burst through the open window and whisked away the flames from all the lights – even her lamp.
“Ack!” Left in total darkness Arima clutched a hand to her chest. Where was a match or even the door? The door was locked and she couldn’t see anything in this darkness. Ooooh, was that something on the steps to the old dungeons? Heart racing the girl began to flail about, “Stop it! This isn’t really happening…” She just had to breathe! Nothing was in here with her save for some dusty old books. But as a faint breath tickled her neck -perhaps even it was just a small breeze from the open window- the girl sucked in her breath. What if the spirits of the past were after her? Had she overstayed her welcome in the oldest part of the mansion? “I’m sorry if I offended you, but please!” She held up her hands pleadingly before feeling something strange – a sensation that warmed her despite her chills of fear and spread from her chest and throughout her body.
A soft blue light filled the room as the girl stared at the glowing ball held in her hands. Was this…the mage light? The thing she had seen drawn in the one book? “No…no way?” Shaking her head Arima watched as the light faded out of sight and left her back into darkness. Of course at this point she had made her way to the door which she opened in a hurry. But it seemed still now, “Did you want me to do that?” She questioned the empty room with a raised eyebrow, “If…there’s even someone here?” Was it a sign that perhaps she was right in wanting to heal others? To learn magic for helping and healing? Not only would she heal the lady, but she would do her best to atone for the sins of the family who had adopted her.
Not that she believed in ghosts mind you!
Still just in case something was in charge of that wind….it wouldn’t be polite to just run now. “I’ll learn so that I can take care of others, especially the Matori, and make up for the greed of the Lady’s past. So please let me become strong enough to make her well again.” Whispered Arima as she glanced at the room one last time, “Thank you for the help.” In the morning she would return to continue scouring the books for any hint of herbal remedies and magical formulas to help her on this path of becoming a healer. After all what choice did she have now if even an empty room was even screaming at her to heal others?
As the door closed behind her Arima smiled softly and held up her fingers which seemingly sparkled with electricity. Perhaps all she needed after all was just a light scare to push her in the right direction….
(1811 - 6 pnts)
Sabra Knight
Feral Galaxy
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Sabra Knight
Feral Galaxy
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Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2016 6:37 am
CLASS QUEST ((In this solo Arima faces her mother's decision to attempt to marry her off - rather than choosing to run away as per her father's letters the girl decides to instead embrace her recent discovery of healing. It means going against her mother's wishes, as the lady never wanted her daughter to face harm or to be alone, but she will do her hardest to convince her that everything will be okay. After all venturing into the world is a necessity for a girl who wishes to learn all that she can about healing.))
“Have you heard?”
“Heard what?”
“The Lady’s sickness is getting worse…” A sniffle was heard amongst the many whispers that floated down the hallway past Arima’s chambers, “The poor Lady.”
“What of her daughter? Is she truly the only family left?”
“I fear for the girl. How are things going to pan out for her when the Lady passes?”
“I suppose only time will tell…”
Behind the sturdy doors a Matori girl stood with a pillow in her hands. Dripping from her pale crystal eyes were tears that streaked her cheeks and soaked her pillow. When she couldn’t help but to let out a loud cry the girl would place the pillow against her face and just let the poor thing of silk have all her tears and frustrations. It was hard not to lose it considering the circumstances. Unlike the servants who worried about losing their livelihood the girl was more heartbroken at the prospect of losing her last living ‘relative’, her adopted mother who had showered her in love for so many years. Someone who had even overlooked her strange appearance and their differences in race to see a daughter rather than another slave…
If the Lady’s true blood daughter had survived would it be different?
“Surely it would be.” Arima felt defeated as she sat there on the cold stone floor with the sole pillow in her slender arms. What could she do? Her mother had just a fortnight ago persisted in the whole continuation of marriage meetings for the girl as she wanted to see how many suitors were good possibilities. Arima shook her head at the thought. Was marrying her off really the best idea for handling this situation? Why couldn’t they go back to the days when she would play in the gardens with her mother and then lay at her side while they took turns reading to each other?
Life had been so peaceful before the threat of death began looming over them.
As she rested there against the door the girl closed her eyes against the burning pain of so many tears. In time a vague memory floated back to her, “There may be a day when you just simply wish to leave this place.” A little Arima stood with wide eyes as she followed the stern figure of the Lady’s husband down through the mansion’s corridors.
“Why would I ever wish to leave, father?” She asked quietly in confusion. This was before she realized too much about herself and the realities of the world outside. She was just a youngling after all who saw no difference between herself and her family.
“Because there will come a day that you realize that there is much more to your life than you know now.” A rare expression, if one could consider it a smile, crossed his face as he handed over a locked box to the girl, “I’m sure you’ll read plenty later as books are a passion of both yours and your mother’s, but this one will have more details and maps for you. Just don’t open it until the time is right, okay?”
“Yes, father.”
As the memory faded, Arima jerked upright. How had she forgotten such a thing? Now where had she placed the box? Pursing her lips the girl began to pace her room and started to look through shelves and drawers until finally -at the bottom of her toy closet, something long forgotten since her transition towards adulthood- she found it. Sneezing at the dust that left the box the girl shook her head and twisted the thing to the side. It was a simple code one that she had not known before, but since coming in and out of his study now knew by heart. A twist, a click, another click, and a twist before it creaked open.
“Oh.” It was a box full of information about Matori. Matorian maps rested here and the more she dug through the pages the more the girl found herself entranced. Certainly she knew who she was now, but at the same time she had always subconsciously avoided details about her true race in fear of drifting away from her Oban upbringing. “Why would he?” Frowning, her forehead creased as she recovered even more documents – some of which included reports about trying to find traces of a strange Matori baby with pale coloring. Was he trying to find her blood family that whole time?
What was this? A way for her to drift out of Oba and back into Matori? Was that truly what he had wanted this whole time? While Arima knew that the man had been more distant to her and less loving than the Lady she had at least thought he had accepted her for a time. I suppose not. He had lived with his wife’s delusion of an adopted daughter while trying to find someone to pawn her off onto in secret…her thoughts tumbled around in accusations of hurt and even some anger if not hatred. All that love she had poured into him for nothing? Had she just always been another slave to him?
Arima.
Pausing, her hand stopped at another letter tucked into the very bottom of the pile. Yes, I may have started a search at first to find someone to claim you, but do not mistake my later intentions girl. I could have easily finished this search and had away with you if I had chosen to do so. If I am still around then I can explain better, but this was to give you another choice. I know that our lifestyle is harsh and for an outsider may seem stifling. I do not wish for you to be bound by something you do not choose to do. This is so that if you ever wish….go and live freely. Live your life and do not worry about my wife – sometimes when seeking what she believes is best for another she will forget to even look at their own desires. So this….daughter…is for you. For that day when you believe all hope is lost and you do not have either of us – we are older and I will acknowledge that time takes its toll on all eventually and for the two of us that is especially so. You will have something waiting for you out there so do not think that these stone walls have to encage you forever, Arima. But no matter what you must remember that above all you are still and forever my daughter and as per both of our wishes the heiress of this house should you choose.
How unlike him. Arima smiled despite the tears that were once more freely running down her face, “I always…had you for such a strict father.” She closed her eyes and placed her head in her hands. Who knew that secretly he could have had a tender heart? Even if he had originally wanted to just caste her away the man had somehow changed his mind. It was rather touching for the emotional girl.
“But you are a fool. Why would I leave you or mother?” She shoved the letters back into the box and pushed them away from her, “I owe you so much.” But there was something in his letters that did ring in her heart. Her mother did often get lost in her own desires – this time it just happened to be seeing Arima married.
“No longer.” The girl shook her head and stood up to go and wash her face. In a few hours she would go and present her own ideas to her mother. Something that had started in the darkness of the old dungeon and continued now as she scooped the tome of healing spells and remedies up under her arms. And it would be later as she sat on the bed of the frail Lady that she would persistently repeat, “I won’t leave you mother, but I will come back and heal you.” A soft smile would light the girl’s face as she clung onto those delicate hands, “I have to leave first to find out how, but I am determined to find a remedy. So trust in me and don’t throw me away now?”
To marry her off was to throw her away. Arima didn’t want to do that. She had been sheltered for so long and refused to let the lady place her in the care of another who would do the same. Death was a part of life, but healing was also a possibility. While Arima did not wish to hide away from the Lady’s illness and forget about her it did not mean that she wouldn’t fight tooth and nail to get rid of the disease. She would find a way to help cure the Lady’s frail body and would also find a way to live her own life – especially if it could be on her own terms and not through a marriage to some stranger. It would take courage and a lot of tears, but Arima was determined to change.
And days later as she opened the doors of the manor dressed in her own traveling clothing and with a staff in her hand the girl glanced back to smile once more. I will do this mother for the both of us. She would go and venture forth away from her comfortable life so that she could face the realities and learn more about how to heal. “I’ll be back soon, don’t you worry.” And by then surely she would be the best healer ever, right? At least she could hope…
(1611)
Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2016 7:51 pm
Whisked Away, Again?
[The Path to Healing Continues (6 pnts)]
‘Quick! Get me that pitcher of water!” Arima dashed across the sandy floor of the shelter. It was far more run down than any building the girl had ever been in before, but it was far worth it for the lessons she was learning here. As the older Oban snapped at her the Matori found herself moving back and forth across the room on very tired and blistered feet – something that she had never imagined possible before. Was this what it was like to be a servant or even a slave back in the day? The thought made her shake her head. This wasn’t like that! She was learning and helping freely of her own will! She had come to this place after escorting a sickly child here and from then on had been helping here for the past few days…despite some rough patches between fights with a certain Oban healer and others the girl felt like…it was okay?
“Miss, the herbs?” Arima held out a smooth cut bowl with the bashed mixture of paste that would make any nose cringe, “I already prepared them based on what I knew.”
“You…what?” The lady shook her head before taking the remedy and sniffing at it. Surprise obviously showed on her features before she went back to working on the patient – a young boy with a bad cough. Arima was hopeful that the mixture would help to not only clear his nose, but his lungs as well. A cloth in hand also allowed her to dab at his forehead before moving on to another – an older man who had rashes across the bare skin of his body. Of course seeing a man like this in such proximity was enough to bring a flush to the girl’s cheeks, but as a healer she had to remain calm.
Just focus on helping. Forcing a smile over her nerves the girl pressed some peppermint tea leaves against the rashes before refusing the ice water that another Oban attempted to pour over the sores, “Don’t do that.” Arima’s voice was surprisingly firm as she shook her head, “It needs to be warm – a good temperature else it’ll only serve to irritate the skin further.” As she worked a light blue glow sparked from her hands and allowed the medicines to merge with the man’s flesh, dimming the previously brilliantly red skin. “There. Just remember to drink the teas they give you and to watch your health. Stress and eating the wrong foods will only serve to bring the rash back over and over again.”
“Arima!”
Gasping, the girl found herself pulled away once more. “Why do you keep doing this?” Another Oban male, slightly older than Arima with dark curly hair, glowered down to her. “He was my patient!”
“Bu-but…the remedy…” She looked up at him with wide eyes, “Yours was for normal reliefs, but since it’s chronic he needed to know a better way…”
“Galem!” The head healer snapped as she came back from the coughing patient that Arima had fetched herbs for, “Go back to your work, I’ll discipline her.”
“As you wish, ma’m.” Sneering the boy turned on his heel to walk away, “Strange lookin’ thing that she is.”
“Miss, I’m sorry.” Arima found herself being dragged away and through the hallways towards a back room where many herbs and other supplies were stored – of course it was empty as the business hours were upon them and many of the healers were working.
“Don’t.” The older lady sighed before digging through the shelves, “Why did you have herbal remedies already prepped? No one is supposed to do that before proper training. What if you were wrong, hmm?”
“But I wasn’t…”
“You could have been!” The lady snapped back at her, “Last time I checked you never answered when we asked if there were trained healers here amongst us or even someone with some training beforehand. So why act like a master now?”
“I-“ Arima lowered her gaze in shame, “I’m sorry.”
“Stop apologizing and tell me. Who are you and what do you know?” She reached out to grab the Matori’s chin and forced her to look up into her hard crimson gaze, “If you know so much why not speak up before now? How are we to know to trust you or have you step in if you don’t even speak? Someone would die before you have to gumption to even interfere!”
“I’m sorry…”
“Really? If you keep apologizing, I’ll believe those are the only words you know.”
Arima flushed as she jerked her head away from that hard grip, “I meant that I know some things, but I was mostly self-taught so I didn’t wish to speak up. It didn’t feel proper of me to do so.”
“But it felt ‘proper’ for you to interfere today multiple times without instruction?”
“I…. only wanted to help.”
“A gallant wish in a world where money drives the deed.” Huffed the woman, “Most here are trying to find fortune or favor to help out their own. Even though we heal we still require sustenance as well. Or are you above a pay? Above being like anyone down here? Where are you even from, girl?”
“I still just wish to help. I apologize for speaking up, but many times I noticed something that could have been altered or that someone was busy with another so it felt necessary to step up.” Arima found herself replying despite the burning sensation in her eyes. How dare this woman act like she was so ignorant! Was it such a crime to be here to learn and to heal? She had to look out for her own certainly! But it was not through profit of physical goods, but rather of knowledge! Knowledge of the healing arts so that she could heal the Lady and stop her from dying…
It was because of her mother that she had to be bold.
“I mean no disrespect, but I cannot sit back when I notice help is needed regardless of place.” Arima continued with a sharp gaze, “I have yet to be proven wrong and those I help seemed to be doing better. Can you complain when that means you have success here rather than failure? Who else would come to this place save for if it was promised to actually heal? If some of those mistakes were a fraud to continue business, then I will have something to say to the authorities.”
“Hah, look at her trying to say we’re frauds.” That boisterous laughter belonging to Galem came from behind, “I wanted supplies but I came to a show instead.”
“Galem!”
“No, Nydali let me talk. I may have given him herbs, but what was the problem in that? Nothing was harming him towards death – he just would have taken a few more trips here and a few more coin for healing.” Galem sneered towards Arima, “Is that what you wanted to say? I may have sneaked a few mistakes here and there, but Nydali is a true spirit who observes rules and works. You, however, seem to be some coddled fish of another Oban. You don’t even have anything Matori like about you else you’d be quieter in this place.”
Arima found her fists clutched at her sides, “You…”
“I say send her to the soldiers. She can learn a lot more there if she wants to be ‘helpful’ rather than profitable to herself and the others. It’ll give her a real dose of reality to put up with those fighters.” Galem waved his hand as if dismissing Arima, “This isn’t a place for you to play, girl. So get out of here.”
Almost as if she were saved the girl found a steady voice interrupting those cold ones, “You may see playing, but I saw talent today. Send her to the soldiers if you wish, I’ll gladly take her.”
“Lord Koriyan!” But the boy didn’t get many more words in as Arima found the much older and regal Oban male taking her hands. He stood tall above her with almost golden-amber eyes and his hair, long and almost tinged in gray, tumbled over his shoulders in dreads. Despite his silks there was an obvious stance that attested to years of fighting and toil – this man had seen many things and was not afraid to show it.
Nor was he afraid to demand what he desired.
“Come girl, you aren’t needed here.”
“Bu-but…”
Baffled, Arima found herself moving after the man. What was going on now?!
“Can I at least know where we are going?” She managed to get the question out after they stopped walking for a bit. She still didn’t even understand why, but she had started following the man out of her own free will.
“To my own healing area. I work more privately, but not in a bad sense.” The man glanced back towards her, “You’re Lady Arima correct? Of the Cyriali house?”
“Ah…yes.” Arima bowed her head, “I suppose you thought I was needing rescued, but I was there of my own will. My mother has given me…”
“I know. I spoke to her a week ago while she was being checked on.” The man smirked a bit amused at the shy girl before him, “Don’t worry. She’s doing well, but you are the one who may be worried. Starting in the morning I want you to be finished with those three tomes and I also want five of those poultices prepared by noon.” He gestured towards the more modest house that was before them, “We have orders to fulfil and I have rounds to make for helping those who stop here.”
“Wait…what?” Arima blinked, “I’m….not certain I follow.”
“You’re my help now. Without regards to the Lady I still would have noticed you for the talent. It’s actually rather convenient that I can use her to sway you, no?” He grinned, “I hope you are prepared to work towards that talent I hear so much about. You can sleep in the small room near the study – it should allow you plenty of reading space and good access to the storage. Feel free to wander as I have to head out and check on some injured men who sparred rather too heartily today.” That stated he bowed his head, “See you in the morning, Arima.”
Watching as the man left Arima just found her body falling onto the floor in confusion. After a few moments of just sitting still the Matori shook her head, “So…I guess…this is a thing?” From one mess to another? At least this man seemed intent on teaching her…that much she had gathered. If her mother knew him and if he had helped her out before then surely it was okay to trust him? I won’t have to bother with Galem either…and maybe- Her thoughts paused as her hands trailed over towards the pile of books left behind for her care, Maybe I can learn things much quicker here. A small smile lit her face. She could only hope, correct?
(1850)
Sabra Knight
Feral Galaxy
Offline
Sabra Knight
Feral Galaxy
Offline
Posted: Sun Oct 09, 2016 8:16 pm
Determination
“But Lord Koriyan I am tired of mixing just potions for you!” Rarely ever did Arima raise her voice, but after beginning the healer’s path the woman had found that it was becoming a necessity – especially when dealing with her stubborn mentor, “I’ve been here for weeks and we’ve barely touched upon the finer arts of healing. I’ve read the books, I’ve drawn the sketches, and I’ve observed you those few times operating on patients. I even can recite the nerve and the energy points common to any earthling.”
“Yes and so?”
“I want to actually experience healing. I’ve used magic before back in the clinic and I want to begin to truly focus on that. Isn’t it better to use magic on others than just checking over them and then giving them medicine?”
“You still have a lot to learn then, Arima.” The man frowned as he shifted to a new page in the journal that he was studying. In fact it was common for the man to be leaning back in his lush chair with his feet propped on the great wooden desk before him. Arima had seen this scene at least a hundred times since living with the man. Every day she was asked to bring him tea and while at first she had shied around talking to him in favor of studying and doing his assignments for her the girl was now finding it frustrating to ignore his lax nature.
“I do? Would be nice if I could learn.” Arima protested, “I feel like I’m ready to move forward. Magic or not at least let me help suture someone’s injury or set a broken limb. I’ve done those before, but I need practice. I’ve seen some of those that come to you – they’re in pain and you do wonders. But I want to learn how to do those wonders myself! Isn’t that the whole point of my agreement to become your apprentice?” She slammed her books down on his desk and actually forced the man to pull his legs away so that he could stare at her, “Just because you are my mother’s friend does not mean that you can shelter me here. I know her – if she wanted you to bide time by keeping me locked up here then that is not going to work. I’ll leave if I have to! I don’t mind trekking across Oba to find a true teacher and not some…some poser!”
The words left her mouth and she heard the gasp of a servant girl who hurried down the hallway. The apprentice was getting feisty with her mentor and the whole house vibrated with the energy of her rising emotions. Arima’s cheeks were flushed as she stared down at the man demandingly, “I won’t make anymore of those typical potions or ointments for you nor will I organize your whole inventory for the twentieth time! I want to actually practice the craft that I have decided to pick up. Don’t you understand that?”
“Hrm.” Koriyan pursed his lips as he finally closed his book, “I don’t know if I understand – rather than learning from the basics you wish to start at the top? How is that possible? Especially if a ‘poser’ is teaching you? Sounds rather drastic, Arima.”
“You…” Arima took a deep breath, “We both know that I may not be ready to take on the hardest of work, but I am ready to move forward. I want to be in a place where I am actually assisting others. There’s none of that here. I don’t want to be a healer who spends all day sleeping while waiting on some noble’s child to p***k their finger. I’m not a ‘booboo’ healer, I want to be a true mage.”
“Sounds rather bold and dangerous.” Quipped the man quietly, “Especially for a lady who has yet to see the reality of the world around her.”
“And whose fault is that?” Arima felt her temper rising, “I left home so that I could experience what the world truly offered. I need to learn to grow. Whether or not you and my mother agree is not my problem – I will go and find it myself with or without your approval. I was just hoping that the mentor who so many praise could actually fulfill my expectations of him.”
“Understandable, but can you actually handle living out of the city? What are you even wanting to do? Go into a battlefield and live there?”
“If that’s what it takes then yes!” Arima’s gaze narrowed in determination, “I need to learn how to heal so I can save those dear to me and eve if I have to learn on complete strangers then that is fine. I lived in luxury and had to escape it often with stories – stories of adventures that I now want to go on.”
“Adventures huh? Healing is a painful business with heartbreak. You won’t be able to save the day like those heroes in your stories, girl.”
“I know that.” Arima’s voice was quiet, “But that won’t stop me from trying. I will learn how to heal and I will save her, Koriyan. So please let me do that.”
“You are so determined.” The man sighed as he studied the girl before him, “If I don’t are you going to continue harassing me day and night about this? Truly I’m not fond of having some voice behind me every morning whispering demands about how I should train my apprentice.”
Arima nodded, “That voice will only be silenced when it feels like it’s being truly respected in turn.”
“Hah.” Koriyan chuckled, “She told me that you were such a polite and quiet girl – my how you hid yourself well. Fine, if you so want experience then you shall receive it. But- “ Here he pointed a finger towards her, “If you come back to me quickly after experiencing some of the hard life then I expect complete obedience. No more of this fighting over how you learn the art of healing.”
“Deal.” Arima smiled, “But don’t expect me back anytime soon, I’m not that easily deteered.”
“So it seems.” Koriyan shook his head, “Pack your bags – you’re going into the desert to where some soldiers need aid. Not a battlefield, but close enough with how rowdy that bunch is.”
Arima nodded, “I’ll be ready. You won’t regret this I promise!” Smiling she gathered her books again from the desk and bolted from the door. Finally! A true chance to expand her powers!
(1091)
Result: Arima convinces her mentor to allow her access to true 'training' and is stationed out in the deserts of Oba to act as healers to a group of soldiers.
