Knock at my door, only to turn over soft groan escaping my lips figuring I was hearing things. But again the knocking came, sitting up blinking trying to get my focus back. Again the knock came, slipping out of bed stumbling for the first few steps my body still asleep. Using both hands feeling around being sure I had the door knobs, pulling the doors open the cool air hitting me in the face. Rta stood half dressed in his training uniform, grinning.
R- "Are you ready for your first day?"
I laughed confused and groggy, looking around no one was awake the sun hadn't even came up yet.
K- "Are you serious? This early?"
R- "Yes. Now to find something for you to wear. May I?"
K- "Uh sure."
(Using a former reviewers advice, still open for them. Thank you again)
He stepped inside looking thru my things, it didn't bother me any not like I had anything to hide. Plopping down on the corner of my bed as he went thru my things, shaking his head at everything piece of clothing I had. Once he was finished not looking satisfied at all. "None of your clothes will do, you will have to borrow my mothers old training uniforms. Stay here." He ordered quickly leaving the room, shrugging my shoulders laying back on the bed. I sighed in bliss closing my eyelids, barely 20 seconds and rta was back tossing clothes over me. "Why are you sleeping do you want to train or not? Put these on, see if they fit." Uncovering myself I pointed towards the door, glaring at rta. "I am not changing my clothes until you leave!" Trying not to sound to grouchy, but he got the gest leaving closing the doors behind him. Looking at the clothes I had not seen any like them before. These were a two piece kimono designed, including all the same shade of light pink. On the back was the vadum symbol professionally stitched. "I hope I fit into them.." Hearing rtas voice from behind the doors, "Are you ready?" "Almost give me a minute." I needed to get ready but it was hard not to admire these clothes. Removing my blue dress, hurrying to fetch the top piece of the uniform easy to place on like a jacket. The long sleeves reached to my wrists, buttoning from the bottom up the collar fitting snug against my neck. The buttons were hidden by an overlap of the fabric, which was a nice touch. Reaching for the pants, slipping them on almost falling over twice managing to get them around my waist. The draw strings were made to last rough to the touch tying them into a bow, overlapping my top over the pants. Finishing off placing my headband around my head into place. The first word that came to mind when I saw myself in the mirror. "Awesome." Admiring the uniforms perfect fit this must of been how small his mother was when she wore these. The pants snug against each leg flaring out slightly around the ankles, running the palms of my hands against my stomach I was ready. Opening the door rta almost fell forward about to knock but he stumbled back watching his head raise and lower checking the uniform. "As I thought perfect fit. These will have to do till you manage to have your own uniform made." Before he managed to leave reaching for his arm he stopped looking at me with his head turned his eye piercing thru mine. "I wanted to say thank you for doing all of this, and I will do my best to make you proud." "Hm.. We will see how long you last." Was all he could muster up before gently removing his arm from my grasp leading the way. I followed as he took me thru the estate, lanterns were lit lighting the sand garden. The sounds of running waterfall from a nearby family pond, the horses could be heard in the distance waking up for the morning running around playing. Rta simply found an open area on the sand sitting down on his knees, his hands pressed together like he was praying. I followed sitting near him on my knees as well, pressing my hands together. Rta began to explain "This has been the way of the sangheili for many generations, the way Kaidon Levu Mdama had taught me. This action is what the call meditation, do you know what that is?" I thought for a moment before I spoke not wanting to sound stupid, but I remembered catching my levy meditating in the same way one morning when I couldn't sleep.
"Is it like a prayer?" Shaking his head tilting his head back looking up at the barely visible stars. "Meditation is where your mind becomes one with your body, it can clear the mind of stress and anything that may block certain chi from fully circulating thru the body. Chi is the energy believed that it powers the body, any great warrior knows of this and uses this. Once you have mastered your chi completely, meditation is used less and less you can decide not to use it anymore unless you become conflicted. You must remember this and do this every morning, if needed you can use it thru the stressful times of life. Do you understand?" I nodded and he continued "To start you clear your mind, of any and all thoughts. Sit up straight, keeping your head level do not move what so ever. There is also no talking, completely relax your body. You will know when you have entered this meditation when you listen to your hearts beating. Feel every part of your body, from the nerves, to your bones. You will eventually feel the energy passing thru you. Taking deep breaths thru the nostrils and exhale thru your mouth. Once you feel the inner peace nothing can distract you thru this ritual. It is useful in combat keeping your mind clear, and keeping your stamina. Start now, we will start training after you made it thru your first lesson."
Concentrating listening to his words, it was so hard to find this inner peace he spoke of. The sounds of nature distracted me wanting to just watch and observe, but if I wanted to start training I have to do this. We sat for hours, the feel of the sun against my body basically was like a clock the warmer the weather became the later it was during the day. I could hear footsteps and whispering amongst the workers and the mistress of vadum. Needing to find a way to drone out the sounds of the sangheili people, animals, nature itself. My stomach began to growl shaking my head denying my body nourishment, soon the air became cool chills ran thru my body. Ignoring the pain of my knees, my hair began to tickle the sides of my neck from the small cool breeze. Hearing a familiar voice levy placed his hand onto my right shoulder shaking lightly. "Little one, I think that is enough for today do you agree Prince Rta?" Opening my eyes he was still next to me the entire time, nodding his head before standing up bowing towards us and left. I sighed feeling like a failure yelling out forcing my body forward using my arms to rest my head above the sand mumbling. "Levy I can't do it, it's so hard!" Lowering his hand he gently coaxed me to get up on my feet, in a reassuring tone.
"Little one you can't expect to learn something in a day that takes months to master. I believe in you, your a fast learner." Looking up at him with tears in my eyes I had my hearts set on accomplishing the impossible. "I want to make my family proud of me." His hands raising my head locking eyes, he wiped away the tears that had escaped, pressing his lips against my forehead. "We are already proud of you little one, do you realize you sat here trying your best to accomplish this. Others would have given up, but you no. Your like your grandmother she never gave up either. You will get it do not worry, now go wash up and get some food in your stomach. More training tomorrow run along now. Nodding I didn't dare disobey him, releasing his hold on me dragging my feet. My stomach began to growl even louder the maids have already prepared the bathing room entering they helped to remove my clothes. Stepping into the granite natural hot spring the warmth of the water soothing against my sore knees. The steam rose leaning back the ripples pushing the flower petals away from my person. The doors slid open hearing multiple footsteps entering placing trays of food along the side of the bath. My mouth watered smelling the different meats, fruits, and vegetables peeking thru lowered eyelids. They shot open as I crawled over towards the edge, grasping a fork there was rice with chicken and broccoli. Stuffing my face pressing my body against the edge, barely catching my breath I hadn't realized how hungry I was. Now thirsty gulping the entire glass of water, once finished I stayed a few minutes longer in the tub letting the heat of the water help me start to digest. "Excuse me, can I have a towel and my robe please I am ready to get out." One of the workers bowed hurrying to gather what I asked for. Looking up the stars were shining bright, so beautiful they were and the planets nearby which were close enough to see by eye not machine. Standing I exited the tub drying myself off with the towel leaving my hair to dry last. Seeing her about to leave taking the empty tray of food, I spoke up quickly. "What time is it?" "M'lady I believe it is 10 pm exactly." "Oh, thank you." Placing on the Mdama robe which was of course mine over laying the pieces tying the belt loosely the robe reached all the way to barely touching the floor light blue in color. Leaving the room careful not to disturb anyone sleeping, the sleeves of my robe completely hid my hands the way the robe fit hid my legs and feet as well as if I was basically floating across the floor. Up the stairs taking my time zoned out I had bumped into what felt like a wall. Close to falling back the person grabbed my arms holding me from falling. Blinking I saw karo had a hold of me, he made sure I had my footing again. "Be careful there, you must really be out of it training with my brother. He's really serious guy." "I am so sorry, oh yes but he is very helpful. How is your schooling?" I smiled now at the top of the stairs leaning against the railing karo rested his elbows against the top of the rail standing next to me. "It is going fine thanks for asking. I hadn't realized how good of a teacher your grandfather is. He makes things uncomplicated if that makes sence, heh." Puckering my lips quickly in a agreement, while nodding. "Oh yes it does make sence. He is the best.. I mean to me he is." Karo stood for a moment before excusing himself. "Well m'lady I will let you rest, your going to need it. Good night." I watched karo heading down the opposite side of the halls, with a soft smile I continued towards my room. Relieved to see my bed, pushing the thick blankets out of the way I jumped in literaly covering myself up. My hands fell back against the top of the pillow and I was out, a soft snore could be heard leaving my person.
Hearing the familiar voice rta behind the door, as they knocked gently. "Wake up, it is time." "Alright I will be there in a moment." Yawning as I sat up sliding my legs over the right side of the bed pushing myself up onto my feet. My clothes laid neatly folded ready to wear, letting the robe slip off my shoulders to fall onto the floor. The cold morning air attacked my skin sending chills thru me in waves. Wasn't long before warmth could be felt once again placing on the top, bent over sliding one foot at a time thru the pant sleeves. Tying the string around my waist covering the knot with my jacket. Opening the doors, my headdress in hand placing it above me letting it slide into place the diamond positioned right in the middle of my forehead. Rta was not around this time to escort her to the courtyard, instead she found an apple resting on the railing before her room. Grasping the luscious fruit, digging her teeth into it's sweet, tarty flesh tearing away a good mouthful chewing slowly. She took her time making her way downstairs, already having the apple already stripped to the core. Rta stood facing me with his arms crossed, he had done his training ahead of time. Sweat glistened off his body the view of his chest rising and falling. Making his abs flex more visible and hearing his breathing similar to a beast after it had attacked his prey.
Siting down onto the soft sand, in the position I was taught before lowering my eyelids looking up in rtas eyes. "Thank you for the apple." He nodded as I let my eyelids close, trying to find my inner peace. Exhaling through between my lips I knew I was still not ready to find it just yet, but I wasn't going to give up.
And I didnt for a week straight I still could not find what rtas had explained. Rta decided to let me have a break early I stood bowing before I took a walk around their home. Levy still was teaching karo, my hope was starting to fail. Already 3 weeks have past I didn't have much time to waste, I decided to try again this time near the pond. Sitting on the soft grass pressing my palms together in a prayer, my eyes closed waiting. Waiting for something to happen, instead I had fallen asleep sitting up. My hands now in my lap as my head dropped, something touched my shoulders moving me abit.
Waking up seeing it was the mistress, I turned in her direction lowering my body till my head almost touched the ground. "I am sorry mistress I had foolishly fallen asleep, were you in need of me? I thank you for letting me use your clothes!" She laughed shaking her head "No child, I have been watching you everyday. I am here to help you find what your looking for. And you are quite welcome dear." Relaxed slightly still burdened by failure, the mistress raised her hand pressing her palm lightly against my cheek. "It is not as hard as you think, I had the exact same trouble as you do now." Now the feel of shame from unable to hold back a tear from the head mistress. She stood up careful not to wrinkle her beautiful blue and red kimono, helping me to my feet she guided me towards the waterfalls. The sound of running water was calming, seeing the fish play in the ripples the waterfall made. Resting her hands on my shoulders she hunched over slightly. "Keila I am going to teach you how I found my inner peace. Notice the waterfall see how the water has a clear path to run through? What happens if I placed my hand in it's path?" Watching her she stepped out from behind me placing her hand in the path of the water, nothing but drops could be seen seeping thru cracks to find it's way to the pond. "The water can't get thru." In reply she nodded "Yes very good, now picture the pond as yourself, the waterfall represents the travel of chi in the body. Somewhere you are blocked from finding the inner peace you seek. Assume the mediation position." "Yes mistress." Replying quickly getting onto my knees, pressing my hands together closing my eyes once more. "There are only a few reasons why your chi is blocked, you think too much on the future hurrying to make it come true. Or you are afraid, maybe too stressed. So listen to the sound of the waterfall, picture it as your blood flowing thru your veins. the pond is your body." She became quiet kneeling down herself watching my every move. Tilting my head back slightly picturing the waterfall was my blood thru my veins. A quiet inhale of breath as I felt something new, all the thoughts, fears, and goals vanished. And all was left was calm, my body felt weightless like floating in air. Was this the inner peace I have been trying so hard to find? The noises of my surroundings vanished. Except for the sound of my hearts beating in a slow rhythm, almost like I was outside of my body able to feel from the inside out. My spiritual body became one with my physical body, opening my eyes inhaling turning to see the mistress smirking. I smiled feeling complexly revived in a way like I could stay up for hours on end before crashing. "I did it, I found my inner peace. Oh thank you mistress thank you!" I couldnt help myself throwing myself into her lap hugging her tightly. Raising her hands she chuckled stroking my hair holding me close against her body. It felt great having a mother figure who actually cared about my well-being, enough to help me succeed in life. Maybe coming here every year for two months wasn't such a bad idea. Our moment was over when karo approached us greeting his mother. "Good news mother, I have passed yet again." She released me slowly as we both stood I smiled seeing levy behind him patting the young males shoulder. "Levy I did it, I finally did it!" He laughed knowing that I would run into his arms he held onto me tightly lifting me up in the air with ease. "Very job well done little one, both of you!"
"congratulations m'lady." Karo bowed politely, nodding in return. "And same to you karo." "Well little one let us celebrate with a large feast." Levy tightened his grip around me, the mistress nodded in agreement. "Why yes, I will have dinner be prepared soon."
Later that night everyone sat on over stuffed pillows as seats arranged around a large dining table, there was barely any room for anything from all the different food. Everyone was laughing having a good time, even the serious rta giving his brother karo a hard time. It was great time for friends and family to be together. Levy and I had an eating contest, we were seeing who could eat the most plate fulls. He won by 5 plates still going, in total he ended up eaten 10 plates of food, as for me only 5. Once the fun was over, it was time for bed I had a long day ahead of me. After excusing myself from everyone, hurrying into the bedroom I was quick to jump into bed after putting on my robe. Wriggling under the covers making myself comfortable, I began to think what would rtas have in store for me tomorrow. Not taking long to pass out, being more worn out then I thought.
In the morning the normal knock of rta being sure I was awake. Everyday it become easier and easier to wake myself up not mattering how sore or tired I was. Getting dressed I decided to put my hair up into an upside down bun long lengths of hair hung at each side. Wearing my head dress of course always was the last thing to place on. Heading out the doors peeling an orange, being sure to suckle the juices escaping the fleshy fruit. Eating each slice before tossing the peeling out to the wild birds who were quick to retrieve the peel. Rta nodded already starting his meditation, I was confident remembering the advice the mistress had told me. Taking me only minutes to find that weightless feel again, it was so addicting not wanting to leave. But knowing I had to we stayed like this sitting side by side for 2 hours. The sun fully risen rta, gently nudged my arm he stood looking down at me. "Alright time to run, hope you can keep up." Confident in myself he started off in a sprint heading thru the pastures, jumping the fences with ease landing with grace. I watched for a moment, then followed taking me a little more effort to jump the fence seeing how short I was. Once on level ground I almost caught up just a few feet behind, so far this was easy. Us sangheili are born with high stamina able to run our bodies for hours. But that all changed seeing rta change direction he headed down a steep hill which shown a trail leading towards a beach. Panting it was becoming harder and harder to keep up, he had obstacles on the trail he would use to jump or flip over. He was amazing really, some were so high I had to find a way around or travel under. Running along the sand was the hardest part, your weight would make you sink having to use more effort to stay above and not sink. Pulling your weight even more, my legs began to burn feeling weak. But I wanted to prove I could do this, pushing myself to catch up sweat rolling down my body which began to ache. "He hasn't even shown any sign of tiring. He is a machine."
I had zoned out some how mentally able to follow him hearing his voice crack thru my thoughts. "Keep up, your slowing down!" It was so hard to even talk panting so hard, but I managed. "What do you expect, I just started!" Thinking inside my head was I really going to let him show me up, I need to run faster push myself. "Common keila, faster.. I can do it.." Remembering my meditation, zoning everything out. I concentrated on my body, following rtas form ahead of me. Managing to push myself till I could almost reach my hand out to touch him. Soon as he glanced over I saw the surprised look in his eyes, and as if he had a boost took off faster. Only making me want to keep up even more and I did seeing the house ahead, we took the same path having to jump the obstacles again to get back and my knees wanted to give out so bad. Felt like forever before he stopped hunched over his hands on his knees to get a breath. I stood panting my clothes soaked from sweating, if my hearts had wings they would of jumped out of my chest they were beating so hard and fast.
Rta stood up heading towards the courtyard, rolling my eyes forcing my legs to walk. They felt like I had bricks tied on each foot, managing to follow. I wasn't going to give in, his voice snapping me out of my daydream. "Alright... Now for the fun part. Working your lower body has been done for today and by the way we ran 10 miles and you kept up good. Now to work the upper body and mid. Lay on your back." I had no problem with doing just that before I could plop down he had placed a large blanket enough for two to share. So sand wouldn't get into certain uncomfortable places, resting on my back his hands began to room down my thighs bending my knees being sure my feet were flat on the sandy ground. Watching him my head followed now he scooted closer to my head resting his right hand on my knees, using his freehand to help me sit up till my nose touched the edge of my knee.
"Keep your hands behind your head, now keep them there. Try to do an even 200." Letting go of me I stopped looking at him like he was crazy. "Are you serious?" Ignoring my question he began to do his own like someone was doing it for him with such ease. Watching for a moment laying back flat, you could see how much training he put into this his abs shown even more. Already he had passed me by 12, 13, hurrying to catch up closing my eyes I counted. 10, 12, 13 etc. I didn't stop using the meditation as before trying my best to ignore the exhaustion and pain my stomach felt. Loose hair began to stick to the back of my neck we were on an even 125, 126, 127 still going, and we didn't stop of course he didn't he was used to this torture. Stupidly I kept up with him even past 200 it was a contest who would stop first, and I was losing to the point I did falling back flat. I couldnt move. Rta moved his head facing forward he kept going, as I watched counting for him 230-248, 249-325, 326 -450.
He was at his limit around 616 losing count myself. And still he had energy to jump to his feet, as for me I felt like I was overweight having to force myself to my feet. I was wishing inside that it was over, but no, no of course not he saw the agony in my face when he come back handing me some water. Taking quickly gulping down every last drop as he did the same, one of the male servants took our glasses. Licking my lips which were already dry, rta widened his stance holding fists at waist level. "Follow my lead after watching me, you will need complete concentration, grace and balance."
Nodding I understood watching him widening his stand his legs muscular structure shone years of training and control, holding fists at waist height. His whole persona completely changed his eyes shown a cold side of him, sending chills thru my body. His mandibles began to spread breathing thru his nose and exhaling thru his mouth. Raising his fists slowly like he was put in slow motion, forcing his right hand palm facing out, his left followed once at same length. Retracting his right hand making a fist placing his right at waist level once more. Holding his left hand out his upper body turned to his right, only to turn facing forward raising his right into place lowering his left hand making a fist shifting his upper body towards the left. His movements were amazing, not once did his body shake, flinch or even budge besides the movements of every trained muscle in his body. Keeping his feet into place in a comfortable wide stance, his knees bent even further repeating the movements 4 times over lowering his each time. Once satisfied how low he squatted he began to start over except instead of lowering he rose each time. And still not even a twitch was seen, it was as if he was all mechanical. Once his knees became straight lowering both hands to waist level making fists his elbows jutted back noticing how defined his shoulder blades were. Biting my lip, I became nervous for a moment I thought he was done. Again I was corrected, raising his hands keeping them flat his right raised, palm facing down stopping at chest level, while his left lowered palm facing up stopping just at his lower waist. As if he held a large ball in his hands, he moved his hands sliding them across the curvature of the invisible ball again like slow motion and with grace turning his body towards the right. At the same time raising his right leg knee bent turning on only his left leg, lowering his right once completed an 80 degree turn. Reversing his movements raising his leg once again to lower back into place, his hands switched places still feeling the curved surface of the ball raising his left leg turning his body another 80 degree turn lowering his leg. He shown excellent balance and hand-eye coordination. It was amazing really I had no idea how intense the training could be, and he did this everyday I respected him for that. Repeating his movements except he shrunk the ball to just his hands were just 4 inches apart keeping them the same length on every turn and switch. I began to realize that it was like he was fighting an oppenant an invisible one, that's what his eyes read. And I would hate being the one he had to go against. Suddenly he switched gears, his speed increased by 50% barely able to keep up with his graceful movements not once did he lose his balance. Exhaling lowering his hands palms faced down, forcing them back making fists stopping them at his waist against his elbows stuck out. His eyes softened removing himself from position tilting his head side to side smirking. "You think you can manage?"
I chuckled shaking my head "No way. But I will try.". "I will help you go ahead." He stood right next to me, swallowing hard I felt nervous exhaling thru my mouth. Closing my eyes to concentrate, rta began to give advice which was a big help. Making fists as he did placing them at my waist rta placed his hands on my body straightening my back, pressing his hand between my shoulder blade correcting my stance. Raising my right hand palm facing my invisible enemy, Rta guided my body every step of the way running his hands down my arm raising or lowering when needed. My posture had to be perfect, I felt my body shaking from exhaustion and lack of grace that was needed. But being my first time I needed to learn the movements. Switching hands now forcing my left hand out palm facing away from me, "Good posture still shakey." Keeping my eyes closed continuing to turn my upper half in the exact same way he did, rta kept his body pressed up against me from behind. He was alot of help helping every part of the way running his hands along each part of my body keeping me in the correct posture, the hardest part was having to bend my knees repeating the movements from before. Becoming embarrassed I felt my legs began to shake, rta pressed his hands against my stomach reassuring me he had me. "You will not fall, keep going do not stop." He was quick to reward me on how good I was doing. Nodding my head this was so much harder then it looked, id rather be running another 4 miles.
Now ready for the second fighting stances, shifting my weight one side to the other readying myself. Shaping my invisible ball between my hands, starting with my right leg being raised shifting my body towards the left. My leg shook unable to control the muscle spasms I was going thru, but rta helped me carefully lower my leg back into place. Shifting towards the other side needing even more help with my left leg, the further I went more exhausted I became. I felt sweat trickling down my legs and body, my clothes completely soaked. Not once did my eyes open afraid I would fall over and not get up, trying to keep the mediation lessons in mind it helped slightly. Rta ran his hands over mine helping me keep the shape of the ball which was much smaller then before restarting my movements over. whimper escaped my lips, having to close my mouth tightly not wanting to show how weak I was. Once finished he released me, stumbling back I couldn't hold myself up anymore. Rta was quick to catch me keeping me standing, he bent over lowering his left arm pressing my knees from behind forcing them to buckle. Now carrying me, he took me in the cooler part of the estate. Letting me rest on a bench motioning for some servants to help, "She needs water and to cool off, Keila you did great we will take a break tomorrow. Your going to be really sore, we will start the day after." I couldn't talk still panting, rta patted my head leaving the area to go cool off himself.
Levy turned around the corner seeing I was exhausted covered head to toe in sweat. Seeing they were trying to cool me off, careful to push them aside he picked me up taking me into the bathing area. "Your body is stiff already, Rta shouldn't have pushed you this hard." Grasping onto levy's robe shaking my head. "No.. It was my fault I became competitive. Please don't yell at him." He nodded lowering me into the cooler part of the spring, my body completely stiffened as the cool water-soaked thru my clothes slowly cooling my body. He began to remove my clothes one by one being sure that I was under the water enough no one could see me nude. "I am very proud of you little one, no one could take that much training on their first day." He continued to rub me down every limb, my body slowly going limp feeling relaxed. His compliment made me feel good inside it was worth it. "Levy, I am going to be hurting in the morning aren't I?"
Letting out a laugh still rubbing me down he nodded, "Oh yes you are. But it's worth it in the end." Laying my head back against the edge of the bath a few of the servants began to take over the rub down having to sit in the bath with me. Of course they too were females while levy sat up, drying his hands before he removed the head band after. Forcing myself to sit up, crawling towards the hot side of the bath my muscles slowly began to loosen up allowing me to become agile once again. I stayed in there for a few hours before getting enough energy to get out, having a robe quickly thrown around me. Levy waited for me to leave, leading me to a guest room where I sat on one of the comfortable sofas. A tray of food, and plenty of water was brought to me seeing it was dumplings and rice. My craving of food didn't stop me from devouring everything on my plate, including drinking all of the water that was put in front of me. I felt so much better afterwards having a full stomach, levy sat next to me forcing me to lay against him. It was nice to feel another warm body against yours, helped soothed the muscles. It didn't take long for me to fall asleep grasping onto levy's robe not wanting to let go. He was gentle rubbing the side of his head against mine his way of showing affection, kissing the side of my head he had picked me up. Only too carry me to my room, tucking me in I barely moved only an exhausted whimper could be heard sleeping soundly thru the rest of the night.