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 Posted: Thu May 06, 2010 3:53 am
Academy Student
{An Eye for Beauty} ¤ Met a girl today.
{A Matter of Hat} ¤ I was robbed!
{Debates and Dogs} ¤ What an aggravating day...
{Cais vs Kotone) ¤ It got worse...
{August ORP} ¤ What an odd day...
{Cais vs Dumb Drunks} ¤ Cais gets hit on by the wrong crowd.
{Bonds of Brothers} ¤ The brotherly union of Cais and Nam suffers a blow.
{Cais vs Nam} ¤ Cais fights his brother and finally accepts his place as a Noble Retainer.
Fighter
{Graduation} ¤ Cais grows into a fighter, but what happens next? (Coming Soon)
{The Calm Before the Storm} ¤ Never felt anything like it.
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Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2010 10:58 pm
 {Entry 1} :: {An Eye for Beauty} :: "I met a girl today."
I can still feel her alluring stare. As I scrawl it down the image burns deeper into my mind. Her radiant eyes and wonderful hair... but perhaps I am getting ahead of myself again?
It started as any normal day working in in the storefront. As usual we had a plethora of Lunarians filling the front, seeking either small glass trinkets or making orders with my father. A typical weekday at home. Or so I had thought. While stocking up the shelves with more bottles and ornaments I caught the eyes of a stranger to our store.
At first the pink hue I had caught a glimpse of looked to be the reflection off of a piece my sister had made days prior but with a concentrated look I found it to be a girl. Curiosity got the best of me and I managed to sneak that way to find her. I could tell immediately she was unlike any of the Lunarian girls I had encountered before.
The encounter was a decent one, though filled my my mumblings. Good fortune was on me though, as my father soon intervened and led me on to the fact that she was of a Noble family. Ecstatic at the idea that the family connection could possibly bring us closer, I nurtured a conversation of small talk as she admired one of my mother's hand-crafted mirrors. I could see it in her eyes how badly she wanted it. Though continuing on with what my father put as "the haggling cycle" it seemed to only sadden her. How could I bear to see that?
Somewhat forcefully, which upon this reflection I think may have not been the wisest approach, I managed to persuade her to take the mirror as a gift. Though she protested, I'm glad she accepted it. Even if I'll have to work many hours to replace it for the value, I believe it was worth it to start our friendship. She even decided that we can spend some time together.
After she had left I decided to ask my father some advice on the entire matter. At first all he could do was smile, muttering about how I was becoming a man. Eventually, around the dinner table, I managed to get some advice about girls from him. Though my mother and sister silently shook their heads he went on to explain the best ways to talk and act around family and even what proper ways I should go about "courting" (his words, not mine) her. It was a bit too much for me to handle so I took the advice in silence and mulled the thoughts over while chewing over a chicken dish.
I'm still not sure if I'll take his advice or not. Usually my father is wise and strong but with girls... He wouldn't understand I think. Regardless, I'm looking forward to this meeting.
Nilgün... I look forward to getting to know you better. 
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Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2010 6:00 pm
{Entry 2} :: {A Matter of Hat} :: "I was robbed..."
I've never been so distressed, at least never when it came to taking a leisure stroll down main street to assist myself in the clothing department. Normally I prefer to have mother buy my clothes; it makes it less embarrassing on both ends I imagine. Today was different though, I wasn't going to wait to replace the tattered socks. If I had, she would have known the abuse they had gone through and that would be a different mess of problems entirely. But I digress.
Upon making my way into the store it seemed pleasant enough. There was a large display to rummage behind where I could be unnoticed. I took refuge there while rummaging through the socks. I must admit I should have just grabbed the first pair and run with them, but there was no telling that I'd be stripped of my hat moments later. It was a shock and I immediately took to looking for the culprit.
After some tense moments I found her. Yes, her. Though her appearance was that of a sweet girl it was a quick determination to see that she was anything but. At first my hat was in the hands of a child but it was quick work to determine that the girl was the actual culprit. One thing I was always taught was that the guilty should always make up for their crimes; this was no exception.
For a while she tried hard to avoid her responsibility but with some harsh words I managed to get her to finally confess and retrieve my stolen property. It wasn't a pretty picture. I've never seen someone so scatter-brained. It was like watching chickens run around after a fox sighting. All I could feel was shame. I still can't believe someone like that bested me. After a long ordeal I finally retrieved my hat, hearing little of her apologies. I didn't want to see her or deal with her again, not after that.
Even the prospect of going into the shop ever again dwindled as I left the premises. Who would want to spend their time at a shop if that's where thieves enjoy picking out their victims? I can't let it happen again. I'm nearly tempted to sew my hat to my hair in case of a secondary conflict of this nature. I vowed then and there to not let anyone best me when it came to my clothes. With those thoughts in mind I continued on my way, not taking a single look back.
I was looking forward to getting home originally, but after blowing some steam through walking I decided some exploring of the outer city might calm me down. Rather than walking home I took a detour towards one of my favorite streets. One simple thought poking at the back of my brain... shopping is something I won't be attempting again. Once I was further down the road I was glad to be on my way, looking to blow further steam. But wishing things to happen and having them happen are two different things...
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Posted: Thu Aug 19, 2010 8:04 pm
{Entry 3} :: {Debates and Dogs} :: "What an aggravating day..."
I can't say that my hand is exactly steady while I scrawl this down. After having a long argument with my father (mentioned below) I managed to escape up here to reflect on meeting a new enemy. A new LEGION enemy. To even think about him infuriates me, I have to hold back from cursing loudly.
The day had begun like any other. Father has been working diligently on a job for what he calls a "well paying customer". Normally that is code for the rest of us not to question it, and that is completely understandable. Some day I'm sure he'll allow me to work on a big job with him, my only complaint about his busy lifestyle today was that I was asked to carry out a favor. A shopping favor.
Of all of the idiotic favors to ask of me, shopping has never been a strength I've possessed. Even through my protests though he was firm. He even gave me the name of one of his merchant connections to visit to get the needed supplies. I knew of the man he spoke but had never talked with him myself. Reluctantly I agreed and set out the trek towards the outskirts of town.
None of this is what caused the aggravation, that didn't start until I reached my destination. The farmer himself was useless when I asked about the product. All he told me was it was in the shed and made a gesture towards it. My original thought was to gather more information but he walked away, apparently with more on his mind than my simple questions. Shrugging away the man's obvious preoccupation I wandered into the shed.
To my dismay there was nothing set out that looked to be what I was searching for. The entire place was unorganized with odd bits and ends. I managed to make sense of the sty and found a few bushels neatly packed together of exactly what I was looking for. I couldn't help but feel elated... Then he entered.
I'd never seen him before, this fighter. He looked to be well trained from first glance but I was more interested in what he had to say. Not but two seconds through the door and he asked what I was doing with his corn. Truly a genius way to begin a conversation. Likewise with his remark I gave mine and we proceeded into an argument. I can't remember half of his retorts but one thing that stood out in my mind is that he was accusing me of stealing. Not to mention HOW he was going about it.
He had a bow, I remember that much. Not just for show, he seemed to know how to use it. Just before our altercation could continue we had a surprise visit from a beast. With gleaming jaws and mangled fur, it took the shape of a dog, or rather what appeared to be a dog. In a split second I reacted, after some muttering from the self-righteous one. After a short scramble I ended opposite of the room as the unnamed Lunarian, watching in amusement as the idiot managed to suspend himself above the beast with hay bales. Yes, hay bales.
My amusement died out quickly as the moron toppled to the floor and made a mad dash for my position. I heard the beast snarl as it's jaws clasped, though it missed and he stumbled up onto a wobbling work table, hissing out insults. I felt he should feed himself to the dog for a quick escape. It seemed reasonable at the time, being he was the bigger of both of us and obviously the better choice for a meal of a starving pooch.
I failed to get a response past a dirty look from him while he drew his arrow and pulled it back, killing the dog in a single hit. Though relieved his arrogance pushed him to react to me and he managed to get a good grip on me and hold me against my will, suspended in the air. I can't say I enjoyed the feeling, he was a brute and was only showing off his strength while threatening my life.
I stayed as calm as possible with taking the threats saying little outside of what I felt a brute like him would want to hear. After shoving me into a wall, which hurt, he allowed me to go. Quickly he gathered up the bushel I had collected earlier with two others and asked my name. Reluctantly I gave it to him, seeking his in return... Jianyu, what a joke. The guy is nothing but a bully, seeking to steal something which is not rightfully claimed by any one person.
I have half a mind to find him again just to tell him so. It infuriates me to no end that these soldiers for the Legion get to strut the streets and throw their weight around. I'm tired of taking it. The only thing I have to fear from him is his accuracy with arrows, otherwise I know if I had the chance I could beat him.
After coming home, and only moments ago, I had to retell this story to my father who not only scolded me for letting the grain be stolen out from under me, but scolded me for losing yet another altercation with a Legion. I honestly had tried after the fighter had left, searching high and low but with no results. I left as quietly as possible and without alerting the owners of the shed to know of what transpired there. I left this out of what I told father, but his wrath is still the same.
Tomorrow I'm being dragged back out there to get what I set out to get with my father at my side. Though he doesn't approve of me losing he does want his business deals to stand even through me. I have bigger things to worry about though, like this pretty boy fighter. I don't ever want to see him again, but in case I do I want to be prepared. This isn't the end of this, I'm sure. No one makes a fool out of me like this and gets away unscathed. After all, I am a trained Noble.
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Posted: Thu Aug 19, 2010 8:08 pm
{Entry 4} :: {Cais vs Kotone} :: "It got worse..."
How could I let this happen? I have never been bested once by a girl before this point, but now to be bested twice in two separate scenarios with the same girl? I'm beside myself. To explain; the ordeal in the store wasn't my last run in with that ditzy girl, though I am even more adamant now to never see her again.
After I had left the situation I went for a longer-than-usual walk home. Oddly enough, it was a behavior I learned by watching Nam, and his anger simmering. It was working until I passed a vacant lot on one of the side roads. A wind had picked up and it was nearly nightfall, I wasn't even looking for a fight but I heard her voice on the wind. Immediately I knew who it was and seeing her just spiked my bad mood once more. Hadn't she had enough?
It was clear that she was not an outgoing type by how she clung to her clothes as she spoke softly. I wasn't even sure what she wanted, but it just adding salt to the wounds of humiliation. I was about to walk away when I heard it on the breeze. "...Fight!" she said. I couldn't believe my ears. And how could I not have that reaction? Though it seemed to work in my favor to right the wrong done to me in the first place. So thus I accepted her offer, and I even warned her of my fighting prowess. She didn't hear it but pressed onward.
I was thoroughly unaware that she had a staff... and not even just any staff, one that she already had some magical abilities with. The first blow was hers and a strikingly terrible bruise on my face was what I got from it. Then the battle was really on, I can't even remember how long it lasted... Needless to even write down, I managed to get in some wonderful hits, serving her with blow for blow.
Through the stabs of pain resonating from my wounds I managed to keep her off of me. It wasn't until I was knocked down (I swear it was just because my foot slipped...) that I had to finally stay down. What a fiasco. To be bested by a girl twice in a day is just... impossible. I'm still in disbelief that something like this could have happened at all, especially to me of all people.
I still can't fathom it, trying to think over every painful detail of the battle. I don't accept this; I even had to lie to my own parents about the bruising. Calling it an accident with a door. I can NEVER allow this to happen again, especially from the likes of a girl. And what's worse is to think of the humiliation my father could face if anyone ever found out about his son being beaten by a girl. Like today I'll have to hide that truth from them until I can redeem myself. Perhaps it's living a lie for a while, but it won't have to be for long. I swear it.
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Posted: Thu Aug 19, 2010 8:10 pm
{Entry 5} :: {August ORP} :: "What an odd day..."
Today began as a disaster. Typically I begin my walk to the Academy directly after finishing my breakfast. However, thanks to my mother allowing Hein to prepare the family meal all on her own I was late. Not only late but slightly nauseated. Nothing against Hein, but I'm not sure she knows how to lay off the spices. I didn't even have time to complain to her though. After swiftly wolfing the food down I sprinted my way across town. I managed to BARELY make it to the Academy in time for first classes. To my surprise, and rather dismay, the main hall was crowded with some new students.
While trying to trudge my way through them I slipped through a small opening of a rather talkative bunch and fell flat on my face. Taking little time to explain myself I went towards class. Trtuh be told my curiosity got the better of me and I warily trudged that way, looking back to the chattering group. They all looked to be nervous; a nostalgic reminder of my own first day. I decided to help them in any way I could by pointing out the building used for cooking lessons. With that I continued on my own way towards the Historical buildings, only to be disappointed. The notice read that the room would be used for other purposes. Another damper on what I had assumed would be just a normal day.
Grudgingly I made my way to the Cooking lesson and took up a seat by the same group I had tripped my way through. If anything they appeared to have some knowledge of cooking and might be willing to offer help to those of us that are challenged. It was pleasant enough at first. Mingling and learning about each other. The lot was very well mannered with a few being somewhat timid. Several knew a bit about cooking and as I struggled with the asparagus and cutting they took time out to assist me.
In the world of cooking I have to admit I'm TERRIBLE. Hein and Mother often shoo me out of the area entirely to make sure I can't mess anything up. Though at this point I was figuring that even I could outdo Hein at her overly spiced breakfast I knew that certain skills were just... beyond me. In one of the few moments where I'm not leaping to get through something I took the time to listen to my new peers and prepare the food slowly.
A creeping sensation was at the back of my head while this continued though. The Academy is never known for it's silence. There's sparring lessons and weapon demonstrations, but while I sat in the class attempting to cut garlic a thought occurred to me; why was the outside so quiet? I'd never known a day outside of a rainy one where the outside was so still. Regardless of that fact I continued. There was a small interruption as one of our local clumsy boys lit himself on fire. I remember shaking my head and muttering. All of that was quickly forgotten though with the sound of a large explosion.
The sound sent a shock wave of silence over the entire class as we all nervously looked the way of the blast. It was a tense few moments until myself and a few of the others crowded around the door, the front man of our group taking a peek outside to see what might have caused such a big explosion. Though everything seemed normal there was an appearance of masked strangers prowling outside of the room. It didn't make sense; a normally neutral ground all of a sudden being bombarded by strangers and explosions? It was boggling.
During a long period of talking among ourselves, I myself giving some expert advice, we decided that action towards either finding help or finding what caused the explosion. It was also decided that if we split we would split in two groups. One of three and the other of two. That all sounded nice in theory, but I wasn't sure it would hold up if we really got attacked. Slowly we spread out into the outside, watching carefully for any movement while making our way to the site of where the explosion sounded to have come from.
Through this slow process we barely managed to make it anywhere before one of the masked strangers moved to our side, stopping me in my tracks while it gauged us. I remember seeing the long shining of it's weapons while quietly trying to alert the others. Before my eyes the threat was quickly disposed of by the voice of a rather obnoxious fighter I had the displeasure of meeting. Listening in through the yells from afar he seemed angry, but to our surprise the masked men stopped, taking off their masks while one with a loud voice explained that it was a test of the Academy Students in case of a real emergency.
The entire ordeal turned back into a normal day after that. With the normal pace of student lessons resuming. It bothered me. Though I admit to being a tiny bit skiddish the idea of a fight excited me, only for it to end before anything could really start. What a terrible end to day that began the same. The only solace I took of the day was being able to meet some new people and perhaps evens started a friendship with some of them.
I didn't bother explaining any of this when I got home though. Once home I kept thinking of the portion of cooking lesson while staring at the kitchen. Though as typically I was shooed away again I was happy to have learned something. I might actually decide to continue those lessons at a later date, provided something better doesn't come along. I wonder if any of those students will come back for a second day. Maybe we'll be able to learn together.
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Posted: Fri Aug 20, 2010 2:42 am
 {Entry 6} :: {Cais vs Dumb Drunks} :: [SOLO BATTLE]
Shimmering from the fleeting rays of the sun glimmered endlessly over the water near an abandoned dock. Like many days prior to this one, Cais was happily scavenging the shallow shelf of the sea where the rickety dock stood for rare sands to use in his glasswork. It was a calming experience which he enjoyed. Taking another scoop of sand near the base of the dock he clasped down the lid to his glass jar and tied it back to his waist with a dark rope. Kicking lightly towards the surface he breached underneath the fading sunlight, taking in a deep breath and smiling lightly. It had been another successful endeavor.
Taking an arm he pulled himself delicately onto the rotting wood, sitting on one knee while he readjusted the rope around his jar. Later he would leave the sand to dry out and then he could heat it to create glass. The idea comforted him, especially with the crazy antics he'd encountered lately. Beside him was a pile of clothes with his shirts, socks, shoes and hate laid out nicely from before he had jumped into the water. Grabbing a hold of his shoes he slipped them on his feet, taking notice of the sunset. "Crap," he uttered, standing quickly. Unlike most days, Cais didn't feel like running the risk of running into a fight this time.
Grabbing his hat and shoving it over his soaking hair he quickly gathered the rest of his clothes and held them tightly, staring back off the sea to the dying breath of the setting sun. To take Main Street now would be terrible. Though people left the streets at dusk, those who stayed out would likely be prowling the streets in search for blood. Cais shuddered, he didn't have time to think about it, or time enough to even slip a shirt on. Clutching his clothes tightly to his chest he decided quickly to stick to the back roads. Sure it would take longer to get home, but it would be worth it to make it there unscathed.
Time was against him, however. Trudging up the city street Cais had lost sight of the sun completely. It was also uncharted territory in his head. Had he gotten turned around in his wish to get home without incident? A sigh escaped his lips. "This is just perfect." His sulking mutterings were cut off with a shout from down the road. "I don't care how much money you have to throw around, I won't have your lot disrupting my customers a moment longer!" A boisterous voice broke out. Looking down the road Cais stopped momentarily to observe the scene before him. From the outer area of what looked to be a worn tavern he noticed a small crowd gathered at the entry while a large, scarred Lunarian holding tightly to the grip of an axe stood before a group of soldiers.
The soldiers wobbled slightly under the man's voice, one in particular nearly fell over, but pointed back at the man in a belligerent manner, "Now you lissen here sir, Imma paying customer and a soldier and I deserve respect."
"No one deserves respect, they EARN it. Now scram!" The large Lunarian took a step forward, "And I better not see you near my establishment again.!"
The group huddled near the entry moved back, the belligerent Lunarian also moving alongside them. Cais could hear muttering of curse words as they began down the road. It took very little observation to tell the belligerent one was completely drunk and the others were slowly going along the same way. Before him the road narrowed and they were heading in his direction, it left him little options for how to sneak around them. This should just be avoided. Cais thought, rolling his eyes and sticking as far to the side of the road as possible.
As the group of fighters moved towards him he could feel his heartbeat pick up, thumping loudly in the silence of the fast approaching night. Above him the pale color of the new evening was darkening. He quickened his pace and looked away as he skated by the group swiftly. The group appeared to not have noticed him as they continued, laughing loudly and patting each other on the back. To Cais it seemed idiotic, especially since they had just gotten kicked out of a Tavern. All he wished to do was to put as much distance between himself and them as possible.
Nearing a fork in the road Cais smiled, happily noticing a familiar rooftop in the distance. Home. He nearly skipped forward in elation. CRACK! Cais skidded to a halt as an arrow smashed into a stone wall nearby, clanging against the hard surface and rebounding off into the distance.
"HEY! PRETTY THING!" The belligerent Lunarian called out. Taking a look back Cais noticed the entire group moving toward him steadily, bows held tightly in their clutches. He paused and looked back, shocked. "Pretty thing? he muttered loudly. Before he had time to react they were on him, crowding near him with large grins. At the front of the pack was the belligerent Lunarian, grinning with a glint in his eyes.
"Think a nice thing like you can walk past us like that without turning some heads? I wouldn't take you for the bashful type." He hiccuped loudly and wiped his mouth clean of dribble with a sleeve of his uniform. "You should come with us, it's not safe on the street for your kind."
Cais was dumbfounded and glared back to him, "My kind?" Though he was sure it was the level of alcohol in his system, Cais was not one to quickly forgive for insults of that nature. Especially when he wasn't even sure WHAT the insult was to begin with.
"Don't be that way about it." Another of the group said.
"Yeah, just drop what you've got there and we'll be your escorts for the night. Whaddya say?" He went on.
"Escor-" Cais stopped, his eyebrows coming together. He finally understood and the thought of it disgusted him. "You have me mistaken, I-"
"Now stop playing koi," the Lunarian said, his voice becoming rigid. In a flash he shot out a hand and took hold of Cais's arm, pulling him roughly. "We just want to have some fun while we have down time, and in case you didn't see we're a little down on luck."
What little patience Cais had kept a hold of was lost and he pulled back defiantly. "Damn it, will you just listen! I'm not a girl!" he shouted, glaring back towards the whole lot of fighters.
There was a silence and then Cais heard a "shink" sound as steel rubbed against sheath. With firey eyes the Lunarian glared back at him, the anger showing brightly through his drunken body. "You lied to me?" He hiccuped, "Temptress!" He rushed forward with his sword and missed as Cais sidestepped him.
"Temptress? Are you loony?!" Cais exclaimed with a sharp annoyance in his voice., keeping a hold on his clothes. This was the first time, outside of his father on RARE occasions, he had been this close to drunkards. Cais was already done with it.
Turning quickly the soldier flashed a look of ferocity. "Do you even know WHO we are? I'm not going to let you make a fool of me or my platoon." He pointed his sword up to him. "We are Legion soldiers. Trained fighters, respected warriors and feared!"
"You also can't tell a man from a woman." Cais put in, taking a few steps back as he heard the sound of the swords once more. Looking around the soldiers he swallowed. Not only had he run into a group of drunkards, he had run into a group of angry LEGION drunkards. Feeling a rising tension he looked to his escape route. Still open, he thought, taking another step towards it. "ANGH!" The sound escaped his throat as he felt a searing pain on his arm. Looking to it he saw liquid running from his arm and dripping down onto the road.
Luckily the arrow shot from one of the soldiers had only scraped his arm, cutting him rather than getting stuck in his arm. Cais stood still, staring back at the group as they moved in closer. Panicked he took another two steps away, eyes darting from one to another. He counted nine of them in total, far too many to fight if it came down to it. Had they truly been that offended? He wasn't at fault, after all, they had been the ones to follow him and mistake him for a girl.
"You see what I mean now?" The leader spoke again, smirking with delight as he moved in. "My squad won't allow themselves to be made fools of."
"So you attack me?" Cais blurted out with a dangerous glare.
"Don't act so innocent." Another one spoke out, sounding far more sober than the others. "Even we can tell you're somewhat trained. Are you a Noble? Sent out here to lure us into an ambush no doubt."
Cais was unamused. Their logic was convoluted to say the least, he couldn't follow the flow of thoughts that led to the conclusion. Sure, he was a Noble, but not even he was stupid enough to knowingly walk into a group of Legion soldiers. He swallowed hard. "I'm not here to lead you anywhere, I'm just on my way home. Honest." He said sincerely.
"So you are a Noble then."
"What? How do you figure?"
"You didn't deny it."
Cais stared, clutching tighter to his clothes. His bare back made him feel vulnerable and the chill of the night wind on his still soaked body stiffened every joint. This was not any way to have to fight for his life, and that fear of having to was hanging low over his head. He didn't bother to comment with a retort, two more steps and he turned to run. He felt a woosh near him and fell backwards as one of the Lunarians closed in on him with a dagger. Cais narrowly escaped it, rolling over and jumping up.
Another twinge of pain scraped past his leg while an arrow sailed by with grace. The adrenaline in Cais kept him moving, though he wasn't fast enough. He heard a shuffle of steps then stopped, gasping as a stab entered his arm. Punching forward with his other fist he pushed the assailant away and grabbed the small dagger, pulling it out and tossing it aside. "Fine," he said, taking in a few deep breaths while the warm liquid rolled down his arm. "You want a fight, you've got one."
All he could hear was a cackle of laughter. "You think you stand a chance? Good luck." The leader took to his sword with grace, staring Cais down.
Cais set his clothes down and put his fists up, paying little mind to his throbbing wounds. With his adrenaline up it was a minor setback, at least in his head. His body was slowly weakening under the gaping cut of the dagger, but he didn't bother to wrap it for sake of time. With a quick movement he made a swift kick to the stomach of one of the more drunk soldiers. The action was met with a swift kick from another in the group causing him to roll on the hard road. In a split second he was back to his feet, dodging an arrow from the right and sliding back towards his pile of clothes.
In a blind fury the other eight moved in against him. Sweat poured from Cais's brow as he gazed at them, eyes wide with fright. In a flurry of steel and flesh Cais was cast aside, blood dripping down his body and welts from fists reddened on his bare skin. He sat up slowly, staring back at the group while the leader moved towards him, sword with a point at him.
"Well now Noble, who has who humiliated?" he said with a smug grin.
Cais was breathing heavily, but glared back at him. "Nine on one isn't really a fair fight." He took another breath in. "I'm not so much humiliated just..." The sword drew closer.
"Your next words may be your last." It was said darkly, with a sharpness to it as his eyes found Cais's.
It was in that moment Cais saw it, that glint in his eyes screamed one thing; a lust for blood. It have never been about humiliation or disgrace, these barbarians had merely used that as an excuse. They were drunk, they were agitated and the opportunity they had been looking for to use their drunken angry was found in Cais. This epiphany stopped Cais in all motion, save for a pleading glance to the fighter at the end of the sword. No matter what words he spoke, he knew what the next action would be. A simple thrust of the blade and it would be over. Granted Cais could make a dodge from the blade, but he figured a flurry of arrows might fly at him.
It was agonizing to think about. Unknowingly Cais wrapped his fingers in the rope around his waist, deep in thought. Was this how it was to end? A spark of genius rushed over him while his hands rubbed over the jar at his side. Not wasting any further time by talking he grabbed hold of his jar and slammed it into the side of his head, ducking down and running to his clothes.
Surprised by the glass in his face the Lunarian swore loudly, holding his now open wound dripping all over his face. "GET HIM!" he shouted. Cais was already at his clothes and taking off down the way. He heard the frenzied steps behind him but sprinted as fast as he could. The voices faded but the arrows followed close to his heels. Though he could feel the new lesions on his skin burning and the welts quickly darkening to bruises he kept at sprinting speed, nearly tripping through the streets until he reached a familiar neighborhood.
Not stopping to take a second look back he raced through the residential area. He had only that single goal to get back to his house. As he turned a corner he heard another loud woosh from overhead. Though he had left the soldiers in the dust he assumed they had begun to fire wildly, he cursed loudly. He had managed to miss getting hit by one but he could only imagine what, or whom, they could have possibly hit. "Stupid murderers." He muttered, skidding to a stop. Jumping forward up the steps his hand grasped a familiar wooden door. With little effort he flung it open and slammed it behind him, sliding down against it.
Heart pounding he sat against the door to regain himself, reaching an arm idly up he shoved the iron lock into place. "Unh." He let out a soft sound and grabbed the stab wound, holding tightly for pressure. Now feeling the pain as his body calmed he felt lucky to escape with his life. Though admittedly he was frustrated with his lack of skills, he couldn't feel too terrible with the fact he had survived. With a strong heave he brought himself to his feet, staring towards his bedroom window on the second floor. Not only was he bleeding with soon to be scars and bruised, he would also have to explain to his parents what mess he had gotten into.
With a deep sigh he limped forward. It was a profound sense of loss. For his jar, for his abilities... for the Nobles. He clenched his hand while the warm liquid rolled down it. "I'm not letting myself lose like this again." He muttered, placing the bloody hand on the door to the housing area. Taking in a deep breath for courage he slid it open and took a step over the threshold and into the waiting questions of his family.
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Posted: Tue Oct 12, 2010 1:45 am
 {Entry 7} :: {Bonds of Brothers} :: [SOLO RP]
A warm night had Cais tossing and turning under his covers. Sweat poured from his body and he coughed lightly under the stress of the temperature. Even with every window wide open in his snug room he could only feel the heat sinking down, choking him under his blankets. Eventually he gave in to the heat and opened his eyes slowly, sitting up and cradled his head in his hands, wiping the sweat from his brow. Damn this heat, he thought, sliding his legs over the side of his low futon. He let out a sigh of relief as the cooler air touched his skin. It relieved him, but that was not entirely comforting as now sleep was eluding him.
Normally the Lunarian could get himself to bed with ease and remain as still as a log for hours on end. Not tonight. Groggily he stood and stretched upwards, his back cracking cheerfully to be re-aligned. Cais thoroughly enjoyed the sensation. Relaxing his arms he stood silently in his pale gray sleep shorts. His hair resembled that of a wiry brush, messy and un-tameable due to hours of tossing and turning in his sweat soaked bed. He yawned and remained still standing next to his bed. "Now what?" he muttered to the darkness.
Below him he could hear his father's snore and from across the hall his sister's loud breathing. How can they still be asleep? It left him very little options outside of just standing silently or sitting silently. Both options bothered him, as neither assisted with escaping the heat. He paced lightly but stopped in an instant, glancing at a glass piece perched in his window he had never had the drive to finish. It shimmered wickedly in the moonlight, the light hues of pink and blue dazzling of the half-formed body. It frustrated him to stare at it and he turned away angrily. Cursing to himself, he moved towards his bedroom door, the furthest spot from it.
It had been a while since he worked on a piece with such enthusiasm. Too long. he thought, grabbing a light gray vest and sliding it on, tying it at his waist to keep it closed. Slipping into his shoes he carefully slid his door open, stepping out quietly into the empty hallway. Closing the door behind him he tip-toed his way down the lacquered stairs and out to the front door quickly. Only the sounds of the house and the distant snoring from his parent's room filled the humid air. Two more steps and he slid the door open and made his way out to the porch, closing the door behind him tightly.
Distant crickets could be heard chirping wildly. Cais took a deep breath and walked past the family well, smiling towards the workshop. Finally. he thought, moving to open the door. Behind him he heard a loud screech of a barn owl which directed his attention upwards just in time to see it flutter away into the distance. It was an alluring sight under the pale moonlight and Cais smiled again, appreciating the simply beauty of it. Averting his gaze back to the small courtyard of the family household and stopped suddenly. Blinking, he took a step away from the workshop.
A flickering light in his brother's private room was bouncing wildly. Approaching the corner of the main house he turned, staring into the back corner where his brother resided in his exile from the rest of the family. Cais rarely caught a glimpse of his brother in the daytime, let alone in the middle of the night and awake no doubt. It was a strange notion, though he himself was awake, that his brother would be bothered by the heat since his room on the ground was significantly cooler.
Cais furthered his approach but stopped abruptly within three feet of the room. He heard a voice. Is Nam talking to himself? A chill went up his spine as not one, but two other voices joined his brother. He had seemed to come in on a conversation, but for what purpose and to whom he wasn't aware. Taking a sit on the outside porch, slowly as to not make a sound, he sat in silence, listening in.
"...so you've got three?" a foreign voice rang out.
The shadow of his brother shook it's head. "Four. And twelve swords."
Weapons talk? Cais thought, watching the room intently.
"That's a good amount." The second strange voice replied, "When?" it inquired.
"They'll be finished in time. Available for use in any way you'll need."
Cais shuddered, was he selling to customers?
"You work quickly, but efficiency is what we need. Weapons of substandard quality do us no justice. They need to be precise." The first spoke out, with a stern voice.
There was a silence then Nam spoke again, "My work is exemplary. It's not a mere hobby. My life and beliefs go into every piece I make. I would not offer my services otherwise."
Cais continued to stare as he listened. What do they mean, precise?
"We do not doubt your ability or your loyalty, we simple cannot afford mistakes in this matter. Lives will be in the balance."
Lives? Cais nearly spoke the word aloud, but refrained. This wasn't sounding like a normal weapon's deal. And if it wasn't, what was it?
Nam nodded. "Those lives are in good hands. I will have the shipment ready and to exact specifications, including the modifications. We'll have the upper hand. The weaponry will only be the finest to suit them."
Nam used the word "we" which startled Cais. Nam had no friends that Cais could remember which he would bring to the house. He could barely his ears. Was Nam in troube? Was he in a gang?
"Your assurance is bold and I honor your word, but your skills will have to speak for themselves." The first said, clearing his throat. "Otherwise, you have a fortnight to complete the order. Do you understand? Error is not acceptable."
"I will see to the delivery myself. Not a soul will know." Nam's voice grew darker, which caused Cais to cringe.
"So certain. Once you begin you can't stop. You know the consequences." The second chimed in.
"Once my hands completed the first blade I was prepared for any consequences that might come my way." Nam said curtly.
"As long as you are aware, then there shall be no further discussion on the matter. Remember who these weapons are for. These are trained men, not your average ruffian with a sharp stick. They will appreciate your work as a blacksmith in making those weapons."
"And I am elated to have that appreciation."
There was another pause among the conversation and Cais could hear their breathing slow. Suddenly the second voice's tone dropped to near inaudible, speaking lightly. "...drop....midnight...alone..." Cais could barely make out the words. "plan...involve you..." Annoyed at his own lack of understand he slowly moved closer, the candle inside flickering against with the warm breeze. He had severely misjudged his own weight and a loud scraping sound was heard as his foot dragged across the wood. Reeeee.
In a split second the candle was out and Cais heard one of the back doors slide open quickly, thrust with anger. With the same speed and thrust as the door he took off, fleeing into the safety of the workshop, shutting the door and ducking under a work table. Pounding wildly, his heart went a-mile-a-minute. Sweat soaked his body and he tried his best to control his breathing. Outside the courtyard was silent and still while tense moments passed. He imagined getting found, possibly even getting hit by a stray arrow shot into the dark. He curled in on himself, hiding his face.
Ten minutes passed, and then twenty. He dared not move. If his brother was involved with a gang he was sure they wouldn't appreciate him snooping. Twenty-eight minutes and Cais slowly released his head, glancing out from the table and into the darkness. He had heard no doors and no windows open, making it impossible for anyone to have entered the workshop. He let out a small sigh of relief as his trembling subsided. It had been nearly a half-hour and nothing had happened.
Maybe I can make it back to the house. He thought, taking a knee out from under the table. A sudden slide of the door stopped him and he curled back, holding his head and uttering a prayer loudly in his mind. Someone was in the room with him. Continuing to tremble he attempted to control his breathing. The room was still save for light footsteps resonating through the room. Cais could not remember a time he had been so frightened. the teenage Lunarian was not accustomed to such emotions, not since being a small child anyways. A few tense minutes passed while Cais huddled under the work table, eyes clenched shut, holding his head. When nothing happened his head rose slightly. "Mm." The light sound echoed under the table. He flickered his eyes and moved to open them.
A hand shot out from the dark and touched his back lightly. His eyes shot open and he darted forward, tripping over a bucket of tools and landing knees down onto the hard floor. Turning quickly he punched upwards into the air in a panic. He crawled backwards quickly, not finding any surface to actually punch, then hit the nearby wall with his back. "NO!" he shouted, swinging his arms around wildly.
"Cais?" a familiar voice said while a hand, which had escaped Cais's flailing, was placed calmly on his head. Blinking, Cais stopped and looked up into his brother's face. "Nam..." he said, moving away from his hand. "I'm sorry!" he yelled. "Shh." Nam said, his dark crimson eyes shining in the pale light, "Come on. We have a lot to discuss." He held out a hand to assist him. Cais blinked and sighed, there was no use in arguing with Nam. He was bigger, faster, and for what Cais could determine, wiser. Taking Nam's hand he felt himself lift with ease. Frowning, he looked up at his emerald haired brother. "I guess we do." he said, rubbing an arm nervously. Nam nodded, "Follow." he put simply, making his way out of the workshop quickly. Cais followed quickly with his head down.
Soft candlelight illuminated from Nam's room. He slid open the delicate door and motioned Cais inside. Slipping off his shoes Cais entered, crawling to the square meeting table at the center of the room and taking a seat on a small cushion. Closing the door behind him, Nam moved to the table, sitting across from Cais. A single pale candle was lit and placed overhead in a simple paper lantern. Cais fidgeted while sitting on his legs. It reminded him of many reprimands given to him by his father, though Nam didn't appear to be angry in the least bit. He appeared emotionless to Cais, and that perturbed Cais more than if he had been angry.
"So... uh." Cais began.
"Couldn't sleep?" Nam asked, staring at him.
Cais nodded slowly. "It was too hot in my room."
"It was always good for holding on to heat."
A silence filled the room. Cais stared, biting his lip slightly. "Look, Nam..." he started.
"Cais," Nam said, leaning forward over the table. "I need to know what you heard. Exactly what you heard. You've no idea what will happen if you don't tell me." His voice was stern, his eyes unmoving from Cais's position.
Cais blushed in embarrassment, staring down at the table, cringing lightly. "Well, um..." Cais began, his fists clenching slightly. "It started with weapons..." Cais then began on explaining everything he had heard, his eyes watching Nam for the occasional reaction, though there was none to be had from his stoic brother. It took more than a few moments to explain, but Cais uttered every phrase he had heard it. When he had finished, he looked at Nam with curiosity and ended with, "That was everything."
Nam stared, peering closer to him. "You're sure that's everything?" Cais nodded assuredly with force. "That's all." A sudden wave of relief washed over Nam's face. "Good." Nam said, turning his attention away from Cais and looking down at the table. "You really had me worried."
Cais felt confused, but far more frustrated. Good? Worried? What was he getting at? "Nam, are you in some sort of trouble?" Cais said, looking back to his big brother. "Is it a gang? Are you being blackmailed? If you're in trouble I can help you. I'm sure even father-"
"Cais, stop." Nam said, loudly. "The less you are aware off, the better things will be. I am in no danger and in no way need assistance, especially not from father. No one else can know of what you've heard, it's best to forget you ever heard it."
"But-" Cais protested.
"Not a soul, Cais!" Nam glared at him, his eyes darkening. "By eavesdropping you've already caused enough harm. As stated, forget this even happened."
Cais sat silently, staring back towards Nam with defiance in his eyes. "Nam."
Nam shook his head, "Cais, I-"
"No, Nam! If you need help, you know I can help you. Just tell me what's going on! Who are you making weapons for? Why is the quality so important? What happens if you fail? I'm not a child anymore! Telling me I should forget only makes me more curious and wonder what on earth my own brother could be caught up in that he can't even trust his little brother with the truth!"
It took a moment for Cais to settle and Nam remained silent as he calmed, the only movement being a flicker of the candle burning above them. The he took a deep breath and sighed, his head hanging lower as he looked to the volatile teen. "You are correct."
"How so?" Cais inquired, scooting closer to the table.
"It's true, you're not a child anymore." Nam said, "You've grown a lot and you're capable of so much. You're older and wiser. Which is why I should tell you, so you can understand." Cais sat in silence, stunned at the words of his brother. Nam blinked, looking at him carefully. "I will explain myself, but you must swear two things to me first, as a brother."
Cais swallowed, "Alright."
Nam nodded. "The first is that you do not say a word to anyone regarding this incident. Not to mother, not to father, not to Hein and not even in your prayers."
"I promise." Cais said with a nod.
"The other," Nam paused, "this is extremely important Cais. Do not react or retaliate in any regards to what you will learn. About me or about it."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Swear it Cais!"
"I swear, as your brother, as your blood, I shall not speak of nor retaliate against any which is spoken." Cais recited, remembering the many promises he made as a child under the same rules. This must be something heavy.
Satisfied, Nam stood abruptly, moving to his mattress. Unearthing it he took out a long shining blade and made his way back to the table, setting it across it delicately and retaking his seat. He took in a deep breath. "Cais, are you aware of the unrest in Lunaria? The two forces who use night as their cover for battle?"
Cais stared, "You mean the Noble Retainers and the members of the Legion? Yes, I'm aware." His face was pale.
"So you know the sides, but do you know any further complexities surrounding that?"
Cais shook his head.
"Naturally." Nam said, motioning to the sword before him. "This here is a symbol of that, a constant struggle. It is a tool of an ongoing war between those who want change and those who uphold old ideals. But this sword in particular won't be just a symbol."
Cais sat, dumbfounded. "Nam, what are you trying to say?"
"This sword will soon know the taste of blood, Cais." Nam said, darkly. "It too shall join the struggle, the civil war, and it shall do so in the hands of well trained fighters."
"So you're making weapons for the fighters?" Cais asked, "But isn't that a good thing? You know father has certain connections, you know where he stands. If that's all, I don't see the big deal." Cais smiled towards him. His big brother was supplying weapons to fighters, weapons they desperately needed. Through the praises in his statements, Nam had sat silently, growing grimmer.
"You misunderstand me." He put bluntly. "Cais, I don't accept ideals handed to me by others."
"Hm?"
"Father's ideals, the families', my friends'. My beliefs are my own"
"Okay?" Cais said, confused.
Nam shook his head slowly, "All of our lives we've grown up closely connected with Noble families and the Noble retainers..." He trailed off only to suddenly stare directly into Cais's gaze, a hardened look on his face. "This weapon is to go into the hands of a capable Legionnaire fighter."
Cais nearly choked on the air in the room. "P-pardon?"
Nam looked back to him, sternly. "I believe in holding the nation as is. I am loyal to it, I am part of the Legion, Cais. One of very few outside contracted blacksmiths. I work to serve their goal... my goal."
A cold silence filled the stuffy room while Cais stared blankly to his brother, a vacant expression on his face. His throat grew dry and there was a warm sting of liquid rushing to his eyes. "You..." he started, weakly. It took many tense moments for the young Lunarian to calm himself, regaining his composure, then looked to the older Lunarian again.
Nam remained silent, moving to comfort his younger brother to comfort him from his despair. "Cais, I-"
"Betrayer." Cais said sharply, "How...could you? Nam, I can't even... believe..." He shook in his anger, his eyes desperately trying to fight back the stinging tears. Nam watched, his eyes comforting for what his touch could not, but kept his distance. "'This isn't just... nnh..." Cais stared back to him. "This isn't just pursuing another profession Nam. Don't you realize that? This is treachery against your family, against your friends." His eyes could no longer do battle and the tears began to fall heavily. "Against me!" He was crying now, nearly sobbing with tears of frustration streaming against his cheeks. "So then those men, they were Legionnaires? You brought Legionnaires into our home?!" He was shaking with near hysteria.
"Cais, calm down." Nam said, reaching out a hand to touch his head comfortingly. With a quick jerk Cais was away from him, Nam's solemn eyes looking onward, watching his his brother's rage continued. "Tell me why." He said, sharply. "Why take their side?
Nam remained motionless, then opened his mouth for a reply. "It's what I believe in Cais. Serving Lunaria, preserving what we do, our way of life. I want to help defend that by any means necessary." His eyes narrowed. "I'm done living as our parents do. I have seen both sides and can no longer ignore the brutality brought on by the Noble Retainers. That's my belief, not our parents."
Cais was beside himself in confusion, in a state beyond words. The world around him was falling apart. The big brother he had always known, whom he had grown with and learned with, who, even after choosing to pursue a career as a blacksmith, Cais had remained steadfast in caring for. He was now further away from Nam than he had ever been before. Cais shook his head in utter defiance against him. "I can't believe that! he shouted, "How can you possibly expect me to just accept that answer?!"
"Cais, I understand your frustration."
"How can you?! Nam, this isn't you! I know you and father were on bad terms, but to do this just to spite him..."
Moving to his side swiftly, Nam placed a hand on his shoulder, looking down into the teen's distressed eyes. "Cais, you need to listen to me, none of this was done out of spite. Not towards father, not towards the family, and especially not towards you."
Cais stared back, swallowing as more tears fell from his eyes. "Nam..."
"I had to figure out my beliefs for myself. I couldn't let father's beliefs become my own without finding my own reasoning behind it. I chose not to blindly follow and that let me to realize that I don't agree with those beliefs. None of that means that I've stopped caring about my family, but I will do as I must to protect those beliefs."
Cais took his words in and looked at his brother's eyes. He hadn't been this close to Nam in a long while; seeing him like this, talking to him; it was all a nostalgic feeling. The emotions from years passed building inside of him. It gave him a shallow feeling of comfort, but didn't change the facts of what he'd just learned. With a heavy sigh, Cais wiped the tears from his face and moved Nam's hand from his shoulder.
"So that's it then? That's your last words on the matter?"
"I'm afraid so."
"I won't tell mom or dad. Cais said, standing and looking at Nam, his eyes unmoving. "If they find out they'll be heartbroken. Especially mom. She still cares about you Nam, even if father doesn't like her paying you mind."
"And for that I thank you. I know that there are ill feeling towards me and that they must think poorly of me in some regard, but that has never stopped me from caring."
Nam's eyes found Cais's again, then Cais turned away, heading towards the door.
"Cais?"
"Yeah?"
"I know you're not in a good place right now, but I encourage you to take my advice."
Cais blinked, turning his head back towards him. "What advice"
"Think for yourself. Don't blindly follow a system of beliefs. Understand why you care about it and make those beliefs truly YOUR beliefs. Find out what you believe in, what you hold dear... and fight for it."
Cais remained motionless, taking the words in and looking back to the door. What I believe in. "Yeah, I'll do that." he muttered, then slid the door open with a loud thud. "Good night.." With a step down Cais was on his way back through the heated air within the house and towards his room, now with a heavy burden on his chest, pulling him down. "What do I believe?"
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Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2011 3:44 pm
{Entry 8} :: {Cais vs Nam} :: [SOLO BATTLE]
The night felt arid as Cais perched up in his windowsill, watching as the clouds swept over the moon. It was tonight, he was sure of it. There was a cloud cover coming in from the west. If not tonight, then never, he thought, looking down at the empty street. It was silent and slowly becoming darker. If his brother were to move his wares, tonight would be perfect.
Brother. The word stung to think of. How could his brother betray him? It had been many a night since the incident with Nam but everyday that went by only proved to further hinder Cais and drive more anger down into his very core. Nam had told him to find what he believed, but in that quest he had only grown to resent his brother further and further. Happy memories from yesteryear had since disappeared from his memory and now only the knowledge of his brother as a member of the Legion reigned supreme in his mind.
"I won't let you do this Nam, I won't let you help them." Cais whispered as a pale lantern light flickered across the street. He waited, watching silently as the silhouette of his brother moved across the wall nearest the house, rolling a small cart quickly behind his trail. It was now or never. Jumping back into his room Cais discreetly, but quickly made his way down the steps and onward to the corner of his house, peering around to see the light trailing away.
He had to be quick to catch up to him, but aware enough not to stray too close to his brother's location. It would be tricky, but well worth it in the end if he could stop the weapons from being delivered. With a deep breath he took after him, hugging closely to the wall. It was a risky operation, should Nam discover Cais following him he would surely change tactics which could get dangerous. As Cais thought, his brother would probably be trained which meant it could get hairy and quickly.
Cais wasn't particularly harmless himself, but in a straight fist fight he was sure he would lose. That was why he had packed away his cutting tools in case such a situation should arise. He was no good with a sword or knife in it's own right but when placed between his fingers he could get a good claw in with a fist. Though he would also sustain damage, since the blade would press back with any force to his bare hands. He hoped it wouldn't come to that... he prayed it wouldn't come to that.
Nam moved quickly, maneuvering through the streets with precision as he took an erratic path back towards the docks. Midnight was nearing and as Cais could recall that was about the time of the meeting. He would have to catch him off guard somewhere before he hit the docks. At the rate from where he was going there would only be one place for a decent confrontation to take place. It was near an open field where several houses had burned down in a large fire and the land deemed unsafe.
The adrenaline in his system was high as he caught sight of the cart being dragged again, Nam ahead of it with lantern out, diligently walking towards his destination with no sign of stopping. He neared the field and Cais took in a deep breath. His heart was racing, could he really confront his brother with this? How would he take it? There was no choice if he didn't want the weapons to end up in Legion hands. He shook his head as his fists curled into tight balls. Look forward, not back. he thought, moving into a sprint. There had to be a stand, and this was it.
Nam turned slowly when he heard the sound of running. Who would be up and around the field at this time of night? He reached for his sword in anticipation but halted his attack when he saw a familiar green hat appear in the darkness. "Cais?" he said, softly. Cais skidded to a stop to face him, his eyes narrow and fists balled.
"Nam. Looks like I finally caught up to you."
"Shouldn't you be at home and asleep?" Nam asked, a puzzled look on his face. "Why are you all the way out here? Go home." He said with a stern look in his face.
"I'm not going to let you do it." Cais said boldly, holding his arms out as if to protect an imaginary person. "I'm not just going to sit back and watch you help them, Nam. I might not be an active believer in what side I'm on, but I know where I don't stand."
There was a silence as Nam glanced him over. "You can't be serious." he said, a near smile coming to his lips. "Cais, this is my calling, it's what I'm meant to do. I know you're young and you don't understand things like this but-"
"You're wrong!" Cais said with ferocity. "You make the assumption that just because I'm younger I don't understand about political struggles or duty or anything like that. I know that if you give those weapons to the Legion terrible things are going to come of it. And I swear I'm not going to let that happen." He slowly reached into his pockets, placing the small cutting tools between his fingers in both hands, pulling them back out. It was not meant as an initiation of a fight, but rather to intimidate.
Nam, however, was not easily intimidated and rather raised an eyebrow in response. "Are you serious that you wish to fight me over this, Cais? You have any idea what they'll do to you if they know you tried to stop me? Or if they don't get this shipment? I don't have time for this, you obviously haven't thought this through enough."
"Maybe not." Cais said with a small shrug. "But I'll be damned if I let you go Nam!" Time for talk was over as he moved into a low position, rushing to him.
Nam was taken aback and pushed away from the cart, drawing his blade and swiping it to halt Cais's advance. "Cais-!" he managed to get out before Cais was upon him. With a quick strike towards Nam he managed to scratch at some of his clothing, leaving precise slices in the shirt. Nam moved back quickly, taking a glance to his shirt and back to the young fighter. "If this is how you want it Cais... so be it." he said, lifting his sword against him.
Another silence came between the two and Cais moved in again for another blow, only to be blocked by the steel of Nam's blade. He felt the blades against the inside of his fingers rub against the tender skin and cringed, moving in for a secondary blow quickly. Nam was just as quick to block, taking a strike of his own. Cais was barely fast enough to move out of the way, feeling a small slice open on his arm.
The fight high was getting to him and he left little time to recover as he charged again, striking with both hands against Nam, feeling the contact of skin as he twisted away. There was a fury behind Nam now as the sword came down nearly on Cai's leg. There was a weakness to his strikes though, as Cais could tell. Perhaps he wasn't taking this serious enough?
So far Cais's blows had done little but tear at clothing. He knew if he wanted to get anywhere with this fight he would have to get a decent strike in, but would he be able to? Nam reacted quickly to the twist, grabbing his scabbard and striking Cais's side with it, forcing him to reel away into the ground.
With a roll the young Lunarian was back to his feet, ready to strike once more, but Nam was on top of him, grabbing towards him with a free hand. Cais rolled again, his hat falling from his head as his hats shot out, blades pressing against sword and moving back into his hands, into his flesh. He let out a small yelp and moved back, shoving himself forward into Nam.
The sound of the exchange of steel could be heard throughout the field as the two fighters continued their blow for blow fight. Cais could feel the sweat pouring down from his forehead and he breathed heavily. Things were not going well. Nam was far better trained and had the years of experience that Cais was lacking. Suitably trained, Cais could stand a chance but not like this, not when the fight was an endurance game rather than a fight of skill. Cais was not meant for endurance, he knew that. Nam was larger and better equipped for long term battle.
I have to end this soon. he thought, breaking through another blow of Nam's. Several small cuts were open on his body, but nothing major had been hit. Cais knew his brother would not aim to kill him though, and he took that to his advantage as Nam's hands swung overhead with his sword coming down. It was an odd maneuver though and Cais looked at it questioningly as it came down. It was as if he was aiming with the hilt of his sword...
Cais blinked. Did Nam aim to knock him out with the sword? He couldn't let that happen. Taking one deep breath he took a mad dive towards him and with fists out began swiping at him erratically, getting a hit in anywhere it could go. Nam cursed and grabbed his chest, a crimson color staining his shirt. "C-Cais!" he shouted, growling loudly towards him. Cais was not going to allow himself to be distracted, not this time. He jumped at him, turning and smashing his elbow into Nam's temple. It was a precise blow among the many brawling motions he had made during the fight.
Nam was instantly down, sword knocked from hand and blood soaking his shirt. Panting, Cais stood over him with a look of disbelief. He, the younger and so called weaker brother had beaten the older and stronger one? It was a shock to his system and there he stood for a long time as he stared down at his knocked out opponent. Opponent. That word felt right.
It was then Cais stared down at his own hands which dripped small drops of blood from the cuts he had sustained by using the cutting tools so foolishly. He hissed as he removed them delicately and shoved them back into pockets. What was he going to do now? With solemn eyes he stared back to Nam fallen in the street. It was an odd feeling, though not one of being content. He had beaten his brother and stopped the shipment, but now what was there? It had been a feud fueled over betrayal, but he still felt that sickening hatred.
With a complacent sigh Cais grabbed his hat and threw it on the cart, grabbing the splintered handle and pulling it along, heading towards the docks. "This is the only way." he said aloud as he neared the edge of the water. "To make sure he can't get these." There was a pause as Cais glanced to the brightly colored hat he had always worn. From a young age he had loved that hat, adored it and wore it with pride. In the presence of his brother, classmates, family... It was a key to his past. Cais frowned. What use was there to dwell on the past now? Family, the one thing he knew to always be true, had fallen from him. The memories had faded. With a swift kick he shoved the cart in, the weapons sinking immediately to the bottom of the sea floor while his hat floated before sinking into the dark abyss.
The deed had been done, but Cais felt more lost than found. He looked back to the moon as he had often done for answers but found no sign of it, only the dark clouds that had been building up from before. Captivated by the movement of the clouds rolling in the sky, Cais stood for what felt like hours staring at it. There was something inside of him that he felt resembled the seemingly endless darkness of the clouds. As the blood fell from his fingers he came to realize it. This was his purpose, this was his calling, this was his destiny.
Cais began the walk back slowly, taking another route back to the house in hopes of avoiding anyone. There was a smile to him this time though and as he slipped back into the covers of his bed he closed his eyes with one last thought. Cais: glassblower, diver, fighter...
...and Noble.
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Posted: Thu Aug 25, 2011 2:40 am
{Entry 9} :: {Graduation} :: [SOLO RP]
Coming Soon!
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Posted: Thu Aug 25, 2011 3:00 am
{Entry 10} :: {The Calm Before the Storm} :: "Never felt anything like it."
When Cais got home he did his best to contain his joy. For all he knew he was in heaven, a glorious warmth unlocking an inner elation he had been lacking as of late. thumping up the stairs he managed to escape waking his sleeping family and opened his door quietly, closing it shut and making sure it was locked and secure. Grinning as he went, he slipped off his apron and hung his weapons on a hook near his bed. With a stretch he grabbed for the nearest candle and moved excitedly towards his desk. With a quick flick of a match it was lit and he began to tremble.
Drawing up his stool he sat and grabbed a wayward piece of parchment and began to scrawl words across it as they came to the jittery boy:
I can barely contain myself. It's been a long time since I've put ink down concerning my own thoughts but the occasion calls for it. After so long hurting I think that it's finally happened - I've found someone that I can care for. I can honestly say it's the happiest and most relieved I've been in a long while.
She's the kindest person I've ever met, and I'm not scribbling that idly, and one who can speak to spirits to boot. Sara. I'm never usually this emotional when I write but for now it's right where I want my emotions to be. She has done so much for me already and tonight proved my suspicions of how I felt about her. I think it could possibly be that elusive "L" word that has yet to find it's way into my life. But it's only our first date so I can't be too certain. I'll have to wait for the next one (though for this I am even more impatient than usual). I think I'll make her something special in return for her gift...
Cais yawned and set his quill aside on that note, rolling the scroll up and slipping it intp a hidden cubby hole carved into his bed frame. It was there he stashed many reflecting notes about events - if for no other reason than to not forget it. Another yawn escaped and he stretched upwards again, letting out a happy groan. With a smile he blew out the candle and made his way to his low-set bed.
Peeling out of his clothes down to his usual sleep wear he flopped down into the cushion and pressed his face down into his favorite feather pillow. From the window beside his bed moonlight poured into the small room and he soon found himself in a daze from it before closing his eyes to shield from it. "Sara" he muttered before allowing the sweet kiss of sleep to find him. That night he dreamed better than he had in months albeit one disgruntling sound of a storm in the distance.
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Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2013 8:21 pm
{Entry 11} :: {Cais v. Van} :: The Aftermath
Blood dripped from his shirt as Cais finally came into view of his house. The bandages given by his attacker were sloppily dressed over his shirt as he turned the old iron key in the door to the family pavilion. He'd entered from the residence side away from the shop or workshop lest his father catch him if he had stayed up to work as he often did.
Gasping for air the young Lunarian struggled with blurred vision to reach the door of the living space. As many nights he had easily entered and exited his home, climbing up and down the stairs to his room with not a single notice from either his parents or sister. In his head, he was still capable - still as stealthy and together as any other night. His body couldn't be further from the truth as the door creaked open with a thud against a wall.
A bloodied hand grabbed forward to catch it but his body fell to the ground and he began to crawl his way towards the stairs. A loud hiss escaped his mouth as he fell short, his head falling onto the floor with deep gasps. Pain seared through his body and he began to shake. Cais was so wrapped up in his struggle to make it upstairs he had failed to notice a pair of bright, pink eyes looking down from the top of the stairs with lantern in hand.
Hein has been sleeping soundly in her room, dreaming of her Academy exams which were soon to come when she had heard the door slam. It was abrupt and she had sprung up quickly, taking to the lantern in her room and lighting it. Wrapped in a robe she'd wandered down the hall and now was staring at her brother writhing on the floor in agony. "Cais? CAIS?!" She nearly dropped the lantern as she ran down the stairs, bending over his body and grabbing at an arm and turning him over.
Cais groaned, his eyes meeting those of his concerned sister. It was the last person he had wanted to see. "Hein, g-go back up stairs, I can handle this on my own." His words were slurred and he saw her wince at their uselessness. Unknown to Cais, the flinch had less to do with his mumbling but rather the appearance of his parents who had begun the descent down the stairs to see the commotion.
"Cais!" He heard his mother's voice and let his head drop in the way to see her. It was not often he saw his mother with her hair down in less than her usual collected self. "Mother..." He croaked, before turning his eyes back to the larger figure in the room. Dinh's eyes were not of concern but remained stoic as he stared at the broken body of his son. He was calm and merely looked back at the two women. "Bach Yen, go fetch some bandage cloth. Hein, go to the bathhouse and prepare it. " He ordered. The two women looked at each other but nodded, moving their separate ways, hurried with purpose.
Cais met his father's gaze and managed to push himself up to lean against the stairs, turning his eyes from the smouldering gaze given from his father. Dinh had moved, staring down at Cais as he lit a nearby lamp to get a better look. Silence passed until he let out a pained grunt. "What have you done?" He asked, his darkened red eyes piercing through Cais.
"I didn't do this to myself, father." Cais retorted, grabbing towards the stairs but stopping as he felt a pop in his shoulder. With a hiss he grabbed it, looking back to his father with a shamed look.
"Yes, you did Cais." His father's tone had grown sharp. "I bet you think yourself clever, going out every night with-" He grabbed Cais's gauntlet, ripping it free from his hand and holding it up menacingly. "These things." He threw it into a nearby wall with a growl. "And you think all of that has gone unnoticed?!"
What was he hearing? Cais blinked, nearly choking on the words. He gritted his teeth and grabbed at the wound on his chest. It was a strong hand that grabbed him that pulled him back as he noticed his apron move and his shirt come down. His father was angry, it was far too easy to tell, but the concern had made him move. Cais slapped at a hand, pulling back. "Don't pretend you don't know." He said, avoiding staring down at his injured body.
"That is precisely what I mean!" Dinh said with a roar which seemed to shake the house.
Cais's anger was surging though the pain had subdued his movements. "Don't worry yourself about it, it's my life, it's my choice." He said defiantly.
It was like being kicked by a horse as his father's hand thumped the side of his head and he growled, staring back with a red mark over the left side of his face.
"Insolent whelp!" His father cried, moving down and looking him in the eyes. "Look at you Cais, just look at yourself!" He continued. "Every night risking your life, and for what?!"
Cais's eyes seemed to be on fire. "How can you ask me that?! You know what's it for!" he glared at the ground. "Every night at the dinner table, every time you meet with your friends, when you send money to the effort, with every waking breath you believe it... YOU KNOW DAMN WELL WHY!" He said, meeting his eyes again.
Instead of hatred his father's eyes seemed pained while anger coursed through them. "Your life is not something that is worth that Cais. Don't throw it away like your brother did."
"I will never be like him. At least I still believe in what my family believes." He spat, trying to pull himself up further. "What I believe."
"Your brother threw his family away, Cais!" Dinh glared at him. "Regardless of sides or war effort, he threw them away and you too are throwing us away every time you go out there! Not only that, but you put us in danger when you are in danger, DID YOU EVER THINK ABOUT THAT?"
Cais shuddered under the words.
"You never think anything through! And now, you need to tell me everything, exactly what happened tonight."
"But it's my burde-"
"NOW, CAIS!"
With a sigh, Cais painfully began to explain the night's events with his head low. "...you're right, I don't think." He said, when he finished. "I was helping, the best I could, doing what I thought was right." He banged his head backwards, staring into his father's hardened face.
"And this girl...?" Dinh said, though he had calmed some the fierceness of the paternal family leader still shined through.
Cais felt his eyes begin to water against his will and he couldn't even look at him anymore. "She was a patron here a while ago, maybe a few weeks ago." It was all crumbling too fast. "...She knows who I am and where I live." His body was shaking, all his secrets becoming exposed. "So the Legion.."
"Will come to our door." His father said without batting an eye. "And they will ask you questions, may even sit on our house for a while." A sharpness went through his body. "Exactly as I had feared would happen." A disappointed look was on his face.
Cais couldn't stand to look any longer and had closed his eyes, fighting back tears. "I-"
"You don't think!" Dinh had risen to his feet, his shadow over Cais. "You're reckless, you don't think about others, you seem to think violence is the only way to support your beliefs and you're still so damn naive, Cais."
He expected to be hit again, but instead felt his body picked up by the calloused hands of his father. The fighter opened an eye and stared, his father's eyes had become glossy as well.
"But that is what makes you who you are, and I can't stop that." He said, calmly as he began walking towards the bathhouse on the property. "There will be more time for talk later and many other things you'll need to learn. I am not happy with you and won't be, your mother was almost in hysterics and I'm sure your sister may scold you worse than I - but you are in no condition for me to lecture for hours." He had calmed, though Cais could feel the poison of disappointment and anger seeping through his demeanor.
"Father..." Cais said, his eyes blurring with darkness. "I just wanted-"
And he was out like that, with no more words to be spoken, just a hatred towards his loss and what had become of it. In his darkened state a single thought there remained, and despite his family and his father's words it had nothing to do with them.
I'll make you pay for this, Van.
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Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2013 10:05 pm
{Entry 12} :: {Aekichi} :: [SOLO RP]
Cais was stuck.
He could leave the house as he wanted sure, make his deliveries and wander when he had free time - that was all for certain - but his father had taken his weapons for a few days as Cais needed to heal. Even through his protesting they had been locked away and he knew his father meant it when he said they would not be returned to him until he could move better.
The strain of the bandages impeded his movements and left him walking slower than even some of the elderly Lunarians he passed on his outing. The first two days he had spent in bed and the following two had spent in the shop with his sister and tending to the fires in the workshop. On this fifth day he was determined to get out of the house so he'd left even before breakfast to get in some alone time without his mothers' worries, fathers' lectures or sisters' fussing.
If only the weather had permitted to give him a beautiful day. Clouds rolled over the sky and the rain had soon begun to fall. Cais was thankful only that he was wearing one of his winter outfits seeing as his other was torn and bloodied. Bach Yen had taken it to fix but it left Cais feeling foreign as he the long sleeve outfit scraped against some of his bruising.
As it began to pour harder he was fine in letting the water roll down his face, wetting his hair. Brisk as it was, at least it was honest and true fresh air. Taking in a deep breath he wandered upwards on an empty street where water was rushing through the deeply cut gutters. It was a decent incline which led up into the richer parts of the Imperial City. It was all humdrum to him as his mind was filled with words and regrets.
It was in this state that a distant mewling of sorts came rising over the sound of rain on the stone street. Cais stopped in his tracks and tilted his head, listening for the faint sound once more. Again it came, but sounded as if in a tunnel. Moving steadily he stopped, until a burbling sound came with a loud cry from up the hill. His eyes could barely make it out, but a small water-drenched creature was coming down towards him.
Cais moved to defend himself before realizing it wasn't coming at him but was being careened down the street by the forces of water in the gutter. It mewled loudly, reaching for any surface but falling short to anything. He stared, then moved into action as he began to run towards it despite the injuries. Bandages began to split as he dunked down near the water, grabbing at a creature and forcefully pulling it from the irrigation trap.
Something on him had begun to bleed again and his face shrunk in due to the pain. In a moment he was back as his hunched body straightened and he stared down into his hands. Trembling in his hands a small kitten huddled against his hands, soaked throughout. "Well I guess today is lucky for you, isn't it?" He said, moving it closer to his body.
The kitten was still shivering, but neither looked at him or meowed. It was on further inspection Cais noticed the crimson color of blood soaked into some of its fur and stared at it in horror. "Oh crap." He said, looking around. Not a single soul lay on the street. Cais fidgeted. This was something for girls, or mothers - he knew nothing about caring for animals. In a sort of panic he begin back home, clutching the animal close to his body.
It didn't take him long to get back home but he could feel the movements of the kitten slowing as he managed to make it up the stairs back into the warmth of his room. Water dripped from his body as he panted for breath. The kitten was placed on the bed and Cais wrapped his blankets around it, rubbing the warmth of them into the small creature.
Strange as it was, there seemed to be true concern in his eyes as he removed the blankets from the now-white puffball. Fur a complete mess, two small blue eyes looked out and stared up at the Lunarian. Though drier, it continued to shake and backed away from him. "Easy now." Cais said, grabbing some of his bandages from a nearby table. The cat so weak from trying to not drown seemed too tired to fight him as turned its body looking for the source of blood.
Across its leg was a large gash which appeared to be not from another animal, but from sort of weapon. Cais's eyes went narrow as he began to wipe it down before wrapping it. A sharp meow erupted and he felt the useless biting from its small teeth on his hand. Ignoring it, he managed to tie the bandage before drying the kitten down once more. It cried out, rolling over in his bed before finally settling miserably next to his pillow.
A small smile formed on his lips as he sat on the bed, reaching over a hand. The kitten stared, frightened at it but didn't move as he began to pet it. A moment of petting and it seemed to calm in his hand, reaching its head against his palm happily with a weak purr. It had all happened so fast and now Cais was staring down at something he had saved. Not ruined, not fought, but saved - and all on his own.
For the first time in a long time, Cais felt himself genuinely smile as the kitten seemed to fall into a deep sleep. At least for that moment, he was happy and content.
-------------------------
...But no one had told Cais how hard it was to care for pets, cats especially.
The next morning had come fine, only for Cais to find his bedding torn. The kitten was limping, but fully capable to jump over his things, knocking everything over. "Nnng." He said, grabbing the small bundle of fur and staring at it. "You didn't go in here, did you?" He said, looking around. All he could see was his window ajar. "At least there's that." He said, staring down into its bright blue eyes as it mewed, licking at his nose. Cais grinned. "Well you're smart, I'll give you that."
It mewed again, and louder with a gurgle. Cais blinked, staring at it. "Oh." The kitten fidgeted, breaking free and moving to the door, scratching at it. "Hungry." Cais said with a yawn, standing and opening the door.
It was an idiotic thing to do as the kitten was off in a flash down the stairs and into the living room. Hein had taken to eating her ramen while working on a painting and was thoroughly unaware as the kitten jumped over into her work. "HEY!" Cais swallowed and managed to get down the stairs. "Here kitty-"
It was too late.
Sitting in the ramen bowl on the floor the kitten had taken to chewing on the soft noodles. Blackened paw prints scattered the floor and Hein's dress as his younger sister stared angrily at black ink smeared over the painting. "CAAAIS!" She called. Nervously he picked the kitten up as it purred, rubbing against his cheek. "Sorry Hein... it got away from me."
"First of all, don't call HER an it. Secondly, if you're going to keep a pet you better know how to care for it and CONTROL it!"
Cais blinked. "Her? ....Pet?" He stared at her as she licked the last noodle off of her fur with a happy purr. "Well I hadn't intended to keep her but..." Cais stopped, holding onto her with both hands.
"Well if that's the case, why when I went to wake you up she was in your room. On your pillow?" Hein was still annoyed, but grinned from ear to ear. "You even had a smile on your face." She adding teasingly.
Cais blushed, placing the kitten on his shoulder and it clung, happy enough to rub her face against his neck. "I guess... Well regardless, if I DID want to keep her hat would I do?"
"Start with a name. Then go from there."
Cais blinked again, staring at the small white kitten. "A name." His parents had often wanted him to get a pet, father had always spoken of dogs and his mother wishing he would take to a rabbit or other such creature. He'd never seen the point in it, especially when he had witnessed others losing their animals and crying over their long lost companions. Why should he take in something to care about when it only made for something else to lose?
Clearly he wasn't completely ready for it, he imagined he wouldn't be for a long while, but at least for now even with her clear-cut mischievous nature that the kitten had taken to him and Cais had taken to her.
After a moment. "Aekichi." He said, holding onto the kitten and looking her in the face.
"Your name is Aekichi."
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