2nd of Eleasis 1491, Shipboard on trip to Pelagia

    2nd of Eleasis 1491,  

Shipboard on trip to Pelagia 

Chapter 1:  Nevil and Inman Start Their Day

Nevil’s eyes opened again. One of a dozen or more times that night. Even with the warmth of Inman's nearness, her body ached and her mind weighed heavily after the brush with death the day before. Boz and Atalaya...  Nevil stirred, breathing deeply and rolling to see Inman laying on his side, watching her wake, his arm still over her.  "You didn't sleep well.  Body or mind?" he asked. "Both," she admitted.  "Mmm," he nodded.  Boz must still be alright.  Atalaya did not wake us. No doubt she hasn't rested well in her watch. I should get up and tend to breakfast so she can have a break."  Nevil went to rise to the day, but Inman kept his arm over her and shifted his weight above her.  "Rest, I can handle breakfast and check on Boz." He kissed her gently and she relaxed again into the bed.  

Inman stood.  Walking to the chest at the end of the bed, he slipped on shirt and tucked himself into relaxed breeches.  Nevil watched him, the way the light of the rising sun made his skin glow warm, how it threw shadows over his taunt form, highlighting his muscles along his thighs and shoulders.  Damn, this is a nice way to wake.

Inman caught her gawking and he grinned knowingly, locking eyes on her from the foot of the bed.  His eyes were bright and warm. I've never known him to be a morning person. He's spoiling me this morning. She smiled at the realization and that was enough to bring him near again. He leaned over her, an arm on the bed. "Just one more, before I go," he purred.  Then he kissed her softly again before excusing himself.  "You are spoiling me," Nevil conceded just as he opened the door.  "No more than you deserve," He retorted.

Inman peered around the common room. The room was still, except for the sound of a slight scraping and rolling sound.  A ship's cat was batting something under the table and chasing after it.  Finding no one as yet, he made his way to the galley to light the stove and start the most important element of a breakfast.  Coffee.  

Chapter 2:  Atalaya and Vasilya, Dawn

Atalaya shifted uncomfortably in the chair that she had drawn up close to the bed.  Light was starting to filter in through the rough glass of the port hole, indicating the start of a new day.  Her gaze turned back to Vasilya. The slight rise and fall of his chest reassuring her that he slept.  Her hand reached out once again to rest lightly on his pulse points, wrist and neck.  Reassured by the steady pulse she wiggled around in the chair yet again, and began stroking Llywillan.  The cat’s soft purring vibrated through his body.  He lazily batted Atalaya's hand and then arched his neck indicating exactly where he wanted her attention.  Atalaya unconsciously adjusted her hand to the indicated spot as she continued to watch the sleeping man.  

She had performed her nightly meditation and physically felt better.  But it had not restored her spirit as it usually did.  The vision of Vasilya floating unconscious in the water, and then slowly falling through it until he rested on the bottom of the hag’s lair on the broken bones of her previous victims had repeatedly circled around in her thoughts throughout the night. The panic she had felt when she had been unable to effect a Cure Wounds spell on him and when Inman’s attempt to Dispel a Curse had not provided a cure had washed over her again and again as the night wore on.  Only the steady breathing and the steady pulse beneath her fingertips had allowed her to push it away for a time.  

She pulled out a Goodberry from her pouch, slowly turning it around in her fingers.  “How had this simple little berry brought him back?  Was it the berry?  Would the Cure Wounds spell have worked once he was out of the water?  Or a different type of healing spell?”  Eventually she returned the berry to her pouch and continued to watch Vasilya.   “Ah Vaz, that was too close.  I almost lost you.”  In the deepest parts of her heart the plaintive cry of “I can’t lose you.  Not yet,” resounded.

As the sunlight slowly brightened the room Atalaya began to hear sounds from the galley and common area.  Opening the door, and with the smell of brewing coffee detected, she made her way towards the galley.  Expecting to see Nevil, she was surprised to find Inman at the stove pouring himself a mug of coffee.  Finding a mug for herself she waited for him to finish before reaching for the coffee pot.  “Good morning Inman.  You seem ready for the new day,” she greeted him trying to appear more cheerful than she felt.

Chapter 3:  Atalaya and Inman, Discussing Vaz’s Near Death

Inman leans on the counter, holding a cup of coffee in one hand while he studies Atalaya.  "Magie, didn't sleep well. Her muscles are sore from healing and her mind weighs heavily."  He looks carefully at Atalaya, "I can't imagine that you slept well either."  Sliding her the sugar bowl. "I've got breakfast. You should rest, if your meditations are incomplete."

“Thank you.  You are officially in charge of breakfast then.”  After a moment, searching for the sugar and milk she picks up the milk container and sniffs it.  Deciding that it had best be used up this morning, pours a good amount into her cup, turning the coffee to a light tan color. “I’m awake and did complete my rest, although it was a rough night.”  Atalaya measures several scoops of sugar into the milk and coffee and stirs it. 

Then stoically, but with the most sincere concern in his eyes, "Boz scared us all yesterday.  I know you have only been paired a few months. Having been in plenty of combat by Magie's side, I understand the visceral toll it takes when seeing your beloved fall. Especially the first time."  He sets his coffee down on the counter; an offering of his full attention.  "If there is something on your mind, I'd understand... and Maggie would too. She's in bed, but decent, and probably still awake, if you would find her better counsel.”  

He smiled, "otherwise, I was thinking hash, bacon, and eggs, and those potatoes and onions will not cut themselves.”

Sipping on her overly sweet concoction, she looks into Inman’s eyes.  “It isn’t any easier the second or third time either.  But that is the first time a Cure Wounds hasn’t helped to heal him.  What do you think, Inman?  Was it the Goodberry that brought him back?  Would he have responded if I had forced one into him in the water?  Or was it that we had gotten him out of the water and then tried to heal him.?”

Inman pauses, contemplating.  "I have heard of spells that can take a man to the brink of death and hold them there for another purpose." He sips from his cup. "I am guessing that healing was not going to be effective until the caster broke concentration or was killed. The spell was still working on him."

"If there is anything the War College taught me, it's that very few things kill so subtly in one stroke.  So, as long as the body remains, you work the problem and never stop trying until you exhaust all options."  

“Good advice.  I should have known that, but in the moment all I could think of was that he wasn’t responding.”  After a moment she added, “And that I wanted that creature very very dead.”

"Combat happens so quickly. It's hard to know a perfect course of action in the few seconds it lasts. Considering everything, I think it went as well as it could. She... it... was a hard foe and we worked the problem as a team.”

Atalaya finished her coffee and rinsed the mug.  “Just keep that for me.  I’ll want more when breakfast if ready”  

“Nevil invited me to join her morning meditations.  I’m thinking today would be a good day to do so.  You said she is in her cabin?  I’ll just see what her plans are for this morning.”  

Atalaya stepped around Inman and knocked on the cabin door. 

Chapter 4:  Nevil and Atalaya, Making Plans

Nevil is heard through the door, "Come in."  Atalaya cracks the door to see Nevil snuggled up in bed, on her side, facing the door, her hair in a loose braid. Upon seeing Atalaya, Nevil is immediately concerned and sits up.  "Is it Boz? What's wrong?”

“No, Vaz is fine for now.  He’s sleeping and hopefully getting stronger.  He slept through the night and was still asleep when I left.  Llywillan is keeping watch over him at the moment.”  Atalaya enters the cabin and closes the door behind her.  “Inman said that you didn’t sleep well.  Are you okay?”

Nevil looks instantly relieved. "Oh, thank Eldath."  Nevil relaxes back under the blanket.  She gestures for Atalaya to come near and sit.  

Nevil nods, "I had trouble falling asleep and I kept waking. It was rough yesterday." I haven't been that scared in battle in a while.  "Between Boz and some of the hits I took, it was a hell of a way to sober up after the peace of Midsummer."  

Nevil smiles, "Did you really come to ask me about my sleep or is there something on your mind? 

“Well, I know you took several really bad hits yesterday.  I wanted to check on that.  To make sure you were healing well.  We both tend to think about others rather than ourselves as far as healing is concerned.  So yes, I really did want to know if you were okay this morning.”

            Looking Nevil over, at least what she can see of her face, Atalaya notices that she does seem more tired than she usually does in the morning but sees no signs of acute pain.

Attempting a stern look, she held out her hand and waited for Nevil to finally give in and bring her arm out of her blankets and place it in her hand.  A smile formed on her lips as she felt Nevil’s pulse.  It beats steady and strong.  “Well that seems well enough.”  

“Inman is getting breakfast ready this morning.  Are you planning on meditating this morning?  And if so, may I join you.”

           Nevil perks up at the thought of morning prayers with Atalaya. That is exactly what I need. "Fresh air and sun sound perfect."  Nevil slides her legs out from under the covers and kicks them over the side of the bed.  “Perhaps on the foredeck again?”  Nevil stretches, sitting on the side of the bed, taking time to loosen and assess her condition.  Oh, my leading thigh and shield shoulder are still sore and tight. Grappling with that hag... At least I took the brunt of her physical attacks.  Boz… must be exhausted today.  Can't stretch that away.

As Nevil stands and makes her way to the chest at the foot of the bed, she walks stiffly and fingers her shoulder, massaging its depths. "I might have to work some of this soreness out, maybe Cirilli would like some sparring today?  Has she done much work against a shielded or dual wielding opponent?"

Atalaya watched Nevil as she moved around the cabin, her gaze assessing the stiffness of her movement.  Not seeing any obvious signs of undue pain or limited motion, “I’m sure she would like to try.  If not, I’m willing to spar with you, if you would like.  I get a lot more practice with my bow than with sword work.  It would be good for me.  

As Nevil pulls out clothes for the day, "Will you be joining me like before or in your own way?  Do you think Cirili would like to join us?”

Chapter 5: Sorrow and Inman

Sorrow shuffles over to the table and pours himself a cup. He sits down across from Inman. "Talked to Boz a bit," he grunts, keeping his voice low. "That business with the...I dunno what she was...entity...was how she starts turning the merrows. He thinks he remembers some of it. Had dreams last night." He took a long, unhappy slurp of coffee. "Those weren't normal merrows. Those were probably mostly captives from the pirates. And some luckless sailors." His face is pinched with tension. "She turned them. I heard what you said about the 'brink of death' magic. He was in a sort of stasis. Probably as long as his lungs were full of water. She was holding him there." 

Chapter 6: Atalaya and Nevil, Morning Meditations

Atalaya sank down into one of the chairs around the little table in the room.  “However you like.  If you aren’t up to narrating through the meditation today, I can certainly use the form I’m familiar with.  And I think going up on deck would be excellent.  As Nevil dressed, Atalaya pulled a leather square out of her pocket and scrutinized it carefully.  She turned it around in her hand several times testing the feel of the leather and the protective finishing oils she had worked into it.  Deciding that it was indeed ready, she held it in her hand, waiting for Nevil to return her attention to her. Her thoughts randomly switched between her concern for Vaz and the memory of Sossheni giving her the leather focus she still used.  It had been her 10th birthday and she had been so excited that year to go on their annual birthday excursion to see the Hamadryad.  Pulling her own focus out, she compared the two pieces.  Pleased with her work, she returned hers to her pouch and waited for Nevil to finish dressing.  

Nevil, anticipating some morning sword work, slides into a tunic, long slender breeches, and high boots.  So much for sleeping in. It's going to feel good to stretch mentally and physically though.  Inman will forgive me.   "I was thinking of making it individually guided this morning. It may be more palatable for Cirilli, should she decide to join us."  She walks toward the table near Atalaya, where her prayer cloth and a vial of holy water rests. She looks at Atalaya, “Shall we?”

Atalaya looks up at her.  “Yes.  Cirilli was still asleep when I walked through the common room.  At least, her door was shut and I heard no sounds coming from the room.  But she has been really worried about Vaz and I had a hard time getting her to leave our room last night.  Before we go up,” she added, looking at the object in her hand, “I finished this for you last night.”  Atalaya hands Nevil the prayer focus she had been working on the day before.  

Nevil takes the braided leather with reverence and carefully notes its craftsmanship.  This is no simple gesture for Atalaya.  There is deep meaning here. "This came out very nicely, Atalaya.  Thank you."  Nevil pulls Atalaya into a warm hug and smiles widely. "Well, we should dedicate this token today. I've been needing something more rugged." Nevil takes her prayer cloth and holy water for the dedication. She gestures for Atalaya to lead the way. “Are the others done too?”

“They are.  Vaz would have slept through anything last night, including someone working at an anvil.  It gave me something to do while I watched over him.”   Atalaya stands and follows Nevil out of the room and up the stairs greeting the windy morning with a smile.  The sun sat just above the horizon. The squawking gulls that were flying over the ship caught her attention for a moment.  As they flew out of sight she looked around the deck.  Lonnie was manning the helm while Kyle and Rogelio were adjusting one of the sails as Lonnie called out directions to them.  “Let's head to the forecastle deck.  It seems to be quieter there this morning,” Atalaya said to Nevil.  She made her way up the stairs and headed towards the very front of the boat.  Standing along the rails she looked out. Seeing nothing but waves and the slowly moving clouds above them, she turned to Nevil.  “How about moving into the corner across from where the stairs come up.  There will be a little protection from the wind there.”  Atalaya made her way along the side of the boat to the corner and sat down with her back resting against the wooden half wall.  As Nevil sat next to her she pulled out her focus token and held it lightly in her hands, running a finger along the braided edge as she waited for Nevil to ready herself.  

Nevil breathed deeply of the salt air. It doesn't matter where I am; fresh salt air reminds me of home.  She sat and drew near to Atalaya's side, facing the front of the ship. Nevil wrapped her prayer cloth over her wrist and fist nearest Atalaya; the tail of the cloth trailed in the wind. The token is held on the cloth in her open hand between them.  Nevil looks to Atalaya, "Do you want to dedicate it with me?  It seems appropriate but... it is a prayer and not a meditation."  I'm a little nervous.  What if it doesn't work?  

Atalaya looks at the token resting on Nevil’s stole.  “I made this for you.  If you wish for me to help you dedicate it I will.  But you will have to tell me what you need for me to do.  I am not familiar with such things.  But Mielikki and Eldath are as sisters.  And as a sister and friend I will do what I can.  What must be done to prepare for you to dedicate your focus?

"To be honest, I don't know the script for this one.  It may not work.  This is normally something done at a holy place by a cleric."  Nevil looks down at the token.  "But it feels right to try. I would think that the Still Mother would understand the need. And our relationship is... unorthodox already."  Nevil smiles, "So let's try, It's not like we are going to curse it." 

Nevil holds the token on her naked open palm. "Through balance in all things, stillness returns. Let us bring her endless peace within ourselves and into the world around us."  Nevil raises the token to eye level, Mother of Endless Stillness, Protector of Life, Goddess of Mercy, grant us the favor of your ear." 

Nevil places the token in her palm wrapped with the prayer cloth.  She opens the vial of holy water awkwardly with her teeth.  Then slowly dripping the water over the token.  The water rolls off the oiled token and dampens the prayer cloth. "Water is life. We ask you to consecrate this token." Nevil tucks the vial in her lap and then wraps the cloth one more time over the token. Then she offers the hand to Atalaya. Atalaya takes Nevil's hand with the token between their palms. 

Nevil smiles warmly and looks to Atalaya. "It was made by the hands of one of your sister's servants, as a gesture of sisterhood, to be a symbol of your grace and in your service."  After a moment of silence, Nevil closes her eyes, "Mother we pray, in our own ways, for your favor."

As Nevil finishes her spoken prayer, Atalaya lifts her heart to her own goddess.  “Mielikki, sister to Eldath, incline your sister’s attention to her devoted servant and ask her to hear Nevil’s prayer.  Let this bit of leather be a symbol that strengthens her bond with her goddess, the Still Mother.  Thank you, Milady, for your grace.”  After completing her prayer to Mielikki, Atalaya cups her hands and blows gently into them.  Bringing them over the leather piece, she makes a gentle upward toss with them, opening her hands to release the breath.

After several minutes, Nevil gently squeezes Atalayas hand and waits for her release.

After finishing the holy sign, she takes Nevil’s hand again and squeezes it gently.  Then she looks at Nevil for guidance as to what to do next. 

Nevil looks back at Atalaya blankly, then laughs.  “I have no idea if that worked. But we gave it our best.  Still want to meditate?  I feel like I kinda stole your time.”

“What do you feel in your heart?  I think that you have certainly set this apart from the ordinary in your own eyes.  There is power in the symbology of an object.  You have dedicated it to the Still Mother.  For you, even if for no one else, this is now a holy thing.  It is what you see and feel it to be.”

Releasing Nevil’s hand Atalaya adds.  Yes, I would still like to meditate for a bit.  Will you join me? Or do you wish to head back downstairs?”

Nevil unwrapped her hand and fingers the token. “This is special, but without her favor and a focus she has granted, her grace will not flow through me.  It feels right, but I'm going to have to try it later to see.”

         Nevil looks excited again.  “Yes, please guide me.  I am very interested in your technique.”

“Well since you use water imagery, my technique as you call it, will be much easier for you I think.”  Atalaya reaches into her pouch and brings out her token.  Looking at it and running her thumb over the leatherwork, she takes a deep breath and orders her thoughts.  Lifting up another silent prayer to Mielikki, she asks for the words she needs to explain something that is more a doing than a thought out process at this point.

Atalaya takes a deep breath and begins, “What I do is different from your prayerful meditation.  But not so different I think.  Relax and listen to my voice and let it guide you.”  She watches Nevil.  “Just relax.  Say a short prayer to your Still Mother if you want.”  Atalaya waits for Nevil to begin to relax.

“What I want you to do now is to really look at the token I made for you.  On the back side are symbols of a warrior, the crossed swords.  But they are interwoven with your stole.  It binds your force of arms to your goddess.  On the other side is Eldath’s symbol; a waterfall that flows into a still pond or lake.  It is meant to remind you of the Still Mother and how she brings the turbulence of your life to a place of peace.  A place where you can find balance and a place where you can then meet the world as it is and find your path through it.  That’s right, follow the water into the pool.”

“Now let your finger glide over the symbols on the token.  Follow it with your eyes while your finger traces the marks I made in the leather.  The design was cut into the leather and then hammered into the images you are feeling and seeing.  Let the cuts and bruises you feel plunge over the falls and be at rest in the still calm pool.”  Atalaya grows silent as she watches for Nevil’s response to her guidance.  

“Let the water wash away your pains and as it does, reach out and find the spot within the pool where you can rest and be supported by the water.  You must seek it out for yourself.  It is a spot where there are no waves to push you around, it is where the water cradles you within its power.  It is a place where no matter if you are sitting or standing or lying down you are connected to the core of this world.  For me, that spot is where the roots of the tree I sit in reach deep down into the earth and entwine themselves with the rocks so that my tree cannot be swayed by the storm winds or tumble should the earth quake.  You will need to find your own spot.  Perhaps deep down where the water tumbles its rushing river into the stillness of the Mother’s lake, where all the waters are still and quiet and unmoving.”  Let that place stabilize you.  Hold you.  Comfort you.  You may close your eyes as you search for it.  …  Let yourself rest in its strength.  Have you reached that place?  Tell me where you are.  What do you feel?”

Nevil smiles and relaxes easily down a familiar path. Her breathing quickly becomes shallow and slow.  Don't anticipate, let Atalaya lead...  "a river, floating stationary, in small eddy, with water lightly up-welling from the bottom."

“Very good.  Your center is a place for healing and resting.  Rest there.  Feel the water hold you as your Still Mother would hold a small child.  Safe.  Secure.  Feel the peace of this place flow over you.  As the waters brush past you they carry away the aches and pains you woke with.  Yes, let go of the pain and let it float away in the water.  Breath in and out.  Slow and steady.  That’s right.  Let the water wash over you.  It takes your hurts away.  Breath in and out.  Slow and steady.  Let your mind rest and  just listen to your heartbeat.  ….  Good… Now as the water washes over you it is bringing you strength.  It fills your lungs with strength as you breathe in and out.  Slow and Steady.  It fills you with its calm and gentle strength as you feel it wash over you.  Let the water bring you strength and wash away whatever hurts you have.  Hurts of the body.  Hurts of the spirit.  The water is so gentle.  It is warm.  You are safe within the arms of the Still Mother.  Feel her strength as the water fills you.  Feel her love as it fills you.  Feel her healing as it fills you.  Breath in.  Breath out.  Slow and steady and easy.  When you are full, I want you to open your eyes and see the beautiful world that is around you.  Slow and Steady.  You will know when you are full and ready to come back.”

Atalaya’s voice slowly drifts off and she sits there waiting for Nevil to return to her awareness of her surroundings.  

 After a moment, Nevil opens her eyes and smiles. This is why Mielikki and Eldath called themselves sisters. The corners of her eyes water. She chuckles, "For a minute I thought I was back in Triboar with Tyrn."

Nevil's smile could not be bigger. "It makes me very happy to know you feel the world this way.  Our ways are the same, just with different descriptions."

Nevil leans back, "I have stolen all your time and will pray silently while you have time for yourself. Thank you for sharing with me this morning.”

“You are welcome.  The descriptions are different.  I hope I was able to find imagery that worked for you.  I follow the roots of an ancient ash tree deep into the earth to find my center for rest and healing.  But the process is the same.  And in leading you, I found a peace of my own.  Spend some time in prayer if you wish.  I’m going to see if Inman has gotten our breakfast prepared and check on Vaz.   Atalaya returns her token to her pouch and stands up.  Taking a moment to steady herself and find her balance on the moving ship, she then made her way off the forecastle and across the main deck to the stern stairway.  As she descended the stairs the aroma of cooking eggs, bacon, and hash filled the stairway.   

Chapter 7: Atalaya and Vaz: Giving Him A Token

Treading softly as she entered the cabin she immediately searched for Vasilya.  The chair she had spent the night in was still pulled up beside the bed.  Sitting down in it she reached for Vasilya’s hand meaning to check for his pulse.  When her hand touched his, Vasilya turned his head and opened his eyes.  

A sleepy smile softened his face and he blinked languidly. "Hi," he said. "There is a sight I like to see first thing." He turned his hand to intertwine his fingers with hers. "I feel much better. Just needed some sleep. I dreamt too much last night, so needed to sleep in. Is it late? I smell coffee."

“Inman has made breakfast for us.  It’s not that late actually.  Nevil and Inman are up but I haven’t seen anyone else yet.  But, I was topside with Nevil for a bit.”  Atalaya is looking him over, searching for any signs of lingering after effects of the previous day.  Seeing nothing more but tiredness in his eyes, Atalaya sighs in relief.  “I’m glad to see you awake.  It was a long night and you were so restless.  I was worried.”  With her other hand she smoothed back his hair.  “I have something I made for you.”  Atalaya opened her pouch, searched through it and found the token she had fashioned for him.  Releasing her hand from Vaz’s, she cupped the token tightly in her hands for several long moments.  “Here, this is yours.”  Atalaya opened his hand and placed the token into it, closing his fingers around it.  “Perhaps it will help you while you learn to control your psychic abilities.”

Boz opened his hand and looked at the token intently. "It's beautiful," he said, hauling himself up to a sitting position. "The Drabarni said a focus would help practice. You made this?" He looked up at her, smiling. "Thank you. I love it. I love you." 

Atalaya turned the token to the side with Selune’s symbol embossed on it.  “This is Selune’s symbol.  At least as well as I can remember it.”  Quickly she flipped the token over and guided his finger over the embossing.  “Here is a short sword, to represent your strength and skills in fighting.  These small rectangles around the sword represent your tarot cards.  I didn’t know if there would be a preferred number of cards to use so I just made what easily fit around the sword.  I’m glad you like it, Vaz.  And I hope that having a focus will make your psychic work easier.”  “It better make it easier for him.  I die a little each time he has one of those massive headaches when he tries to force his powers.”  She leaned over and kissed his forehead.  “Come on love, it’s time to get up and check out what Inman has prepared for us.  While you need to rest today, you also need to eat.”  

Atalaya stood and found Vaz’s pack.  Stopping her automatic response of tossing it to him, she returned to the bedside and gently handed it to him.  “I’ll let you dress.”  With a smirk she added,  “Call if you need help getting to the table.”

Vasilya laughed.  “I think I can make it that far, ‘Laya.”

Atalaya headed into the common room, checking to see who had made it out of their cabins.  The smell of coffee and bacon drawing her towards the table.  Inman had set the coffee pot on the table, along with a platter full of scrambled eggs and bacon strips.  A second serving dish was full of hash.  Atalaya sank down onto the bench and reached for the coffee.  

Chapter 8:  Breakfast Conversations

Nevil spent a few minutes with her new focus after Atalaya left.  Rubbing her thumb over its carved relief, clearing her mind, and feeling the breeze on her skin. Thank you mother, you've lifted me in unexpected ways.  You have filled my life purpose and a new family. I am your grateful servant. She sat feeling humbled and connected to her new life.  Then she stood to greet the risen sun once more before going below.

Nevil ducked below the timber at the last step of the stairs, eager to see the makings of breakfast.  Is that... oh, please be his hash and eggs. When Nevil's sight cleared the room she found Inman placing a steaming cup on the table.  Sorrow looked up from his seat behind a plate, with a nod of morning's greeting.  She returned the gesture on her approach.  Oh boy, he looks too innocent after what we did yesterday.  Nevil drew near behind Inman, her hands around his waist, her face half buried in the back of his shoulder, to peer over at the breakfast offerings.  Does he remember this is my favorite?  "This looks and smells really good.  Thank you." Then whispering for his ears only, "I am beginning to think you're up to something with this level of spoiling."

Atalaya sat enjoying her second mug of coffee that morning.  After several sips she turned to the breakfast offerings with enthusiasm.  Scooping a generous portion of the hash and the eggs and grabbing several strips of bacon that she placed on her plate she looked around the room with interest.  As Cirilli made her way to the table she scanned those in the room.  “Where’s Boz?”  Her face clouded with tension, “Is he… is he okay?”

Atalaya patted the bench next to her.  “Come and sit down here, Cirilli.”  She watched as Cirilli crossed the room to where she was sitting.  “Vaz is going to be fine.  He’s up and getting dressed so that he can join us for breakfast.  He’ll need to rest today but he is going to be fine.”  

Cirilli’s hand reached out and clutched Atalaya’s hand.  “You’re sure?  He’s going to be okay?”  Although she often seemed older and fully in control of her emotions, at the moment Cirilli looked exactly like the youngster she was.  

Atalaya turned so that she faced Cirilli directly.  She opened her arms and Cirilli threw herself into them.  “Ah Cirilli, it’s okay.  Vaz is going to be just fine once he has rested.  Yesterday was really scary, but he has come back to himself… and to us.  He just needs some time to regain his strength and to let his body fully recover from the shock it was given.”  “And if I keep telling myself that, I might just start to believe it too.”  Her hug loosening slightly she stroked Cirilli’s back, trying to soothe away her distress.  

After several minutes Cirilli pulled out of Atalaya’s arms and sat up.  Reaching for the eggs she looked around the table and noticed everyone’s eyes on her.  Squaring her shoulders, she said defiantly, “I’m okay now.  Don’t look at me.”

Nevil and Inman both sit while Atalaya comforts Cirilli.  I hope Atalaya doesn't mind me saying this... "Cirilli, you’re old enough now that if something was that serious with your family, we would not hide it. And if something was serious, we'd fight like hell together."  Nevil grins while looking at Atalaya, "speaking of which... Cirilli, if Atalaya does not have other studies for you this morning, we will be practicing forms on deck and sparing.  If you would like to join us.  I need a good sweat to loosen my soreness.  And I want to see how good you both are without a bow.  Interested?  Do you have leathers or padding?

“You and Atalaya are going to practice?  And you want to practice with me too?”  Cirilli’s mood rapidly shifted to one of excitement and her face showed her eagerness as she turned towards Nevil.  “I have armor.  Atalaya got it for me.  And I have a wooden practice sword too.”  Turning to Atalaya, “It’s been awhile since we have been able to practice together.  I would love to practice with you and Nevil.”  

Atalaya shifted her attention to Nevil.  “Did you keep the pell you set up the other day?

"I did, however I also have two training swords, and learning forms with a partner is more effective."  Careful, I may be over stepping.  She is not my ward. "My grandfather began teaching me when I was younger than Cirilli.  Today, I would teach her the same way; wood swords and practice padding."

"Beyond today, we should discuss at some point." Nevil's expression is warm as her eyes pass between Atalaya and Cirilli carefully weighing her thoughts.  Her eyes, however; betray her face.  A hardness of conviction and concern breakthrough. It is dangerous to coddle her in the ways of combat.  We are already in the thick. I would teach her the way the master taught me... though softer because she is young.  It would be appropriate to pass her ways down.

“Well, I have my new studded leather armor and my original leather armor, but the padded armor I first practiced in was the Greenleafs’.  I don’t have that with me.  Can I use either of those?”  Cirilli asked, looking anxiously between Nevil and Atalaya.  

Atalaya shot a look at Nevil and then turned back to Cirilli.  “Padding is better for practicing, Nevil is right.  It provides you with some protection.  But it also allows you to feel the blows and know where they landed.  I didn’t realize that we never got you any of your own.  We’ll remedy that at our next port.  For today…” she gazes at Nevil again and catches her eye. “I think you can use your old leathers.”  

“Is that alright with you Nevil?”  

Nevil grins and looks excited, "Yes, that will work." She turns to Cirilli, "Then after breakfast dress accordingly. We are going to see what you've learned to do with steel." As Nevil's smile lessens and becomes half hearted.  I never got to train my girls. They would have been the right age about now.  Then looking down to her plate she remembers the hash and begins to eat it with renewed spirit.  She looks at Inman and smiles almost to her ears. "Today is going to be fun.”

Cirilli turns her gaze to Atalaya, “Really, I can do this?  You’ll let me train with Nevil?”  

Atalaya takes in the fire that is blazing through Cirilli’s eyes and notices how she starts stuffing her breakfast into her mouth and swallowing with little care whether or not it has been chewed.  “Yes.  I think it will be an excellent idea to practice with Nevil.  For both of us.  I seldom use a shortsword and it will be good for me to practice as well.  And for you, to practice with someone who is as skilled with melee weapons as Paladin Nevil will be much better for you than learning this from me.  Bow work, tracking, survival skills and when you are ready for it, the use of a longsword and longbow… these I can and will teach you.  But even with these skills it is good to learn from any who are willing to teach you, for they may well know things that I do not.  There is always more to learn.”  Then leveling a warning glare at Cirilli, “But first you eat, and preferably without choking yourself.  Slow down child.  There is time.”  Atalaya watches Cirilli, as she tries to contain her impatience and to slow her eating.  

Nevil chuckles at Cirilli's excitement, “and don't over eat.  If you retch on me, the lesson is over.”

“One other thing, Cirilli.  Be sure to check your armor carefully before you put it on.  It has been a while since you used your older armor.”

“Oh I will, Atalaya.  I will.  Both Joan and Cerdan always told me the same thing.  To check my armor when I took it off and when I put it on, every time.”  

Nevil eats slowly, amused by Atalaya's fussing, “Don't worry I will not draw blood.  Looking with seriousness to Cirilli, “but you will feel it. It's not play. It's work. You will not be as excited next time.”

Cirilli grabbed for the hash platter and spooned some more onto her plate.  “And that we should drink a lot of water while we are practicing, especially when it is hot, like it is now during the summer.”

Nevil grins, in one ear and out the other. She'll learn to listen.

“Yes, we will all need to do that.”  Holding Cirilli’s gaze she asked, “And did they teach you to stretch before your practice?”

Cirilli sighs.  “Yes.  And they told me why.  I don’t like it. I’d rather be learning new stuff, but… I’m guessing you won’t let me start without doing any stretches, will you?”

“That would be correct, my warrior.  There is no need to risk tearing or straining a muscle for a practice.  And yes, I know that frequently before an actual fight there is no time to do stretches,” she says, still holding Cirilli’s eyes with her own.  “But, remember, you were most likely doing something physical beforehand that will have helped to prep your body for the work of fighting.  When we are practicing, there is no reason to place our bodies at that type of risk.”

Atalaya reaches out and tousles Cirilli’s hair.  “We have a long trip to Candlekeep.  There will be plenty of time to practice your swordsmanship while we travel.  And hopefully places that we can work on your swimming.”

Vasilya walks into the common area and notices the coffee pot, picks it up and tests the level of warmth to the pot.  Shaking his head he starts to head toward the galley but Sorrow stops him with a gentle touch to his sleeve and a knowing look.  “Give it here.  I can take care of that for you.”  Sorrow removes the pot from Vasilya’s hands and holds it in his for a couple of minutes and then hands it back to him.  “That should take care of it.” 

Vasilya smiles his thanks and carefully tests it again.  Smiling, he fills a mug and sits down next to Atalaya and whispers in Gurrish, “Thank you again for the token.  Now, what trouble are you causing in here?”

Atalaya feigns astonishment. “Trouble?  Me?  Surely you jest.”  She starts filling his plate with the cooled eggs and hash.  “Actually, we were talking about getting in some fighter practice this morning.”

“Good to see you Boz.  I'm afraid, I'm the instigator this time.  If you're feeling up for some sun, it may be entertaining to watch.”  Nevil looks to Inman, “Some other day, you too should sharpen your blade work.  I wouldn't mind a good spar like the old days.  I just can't take everyone today.  Girls only I'm afraid.”

Vasilya turned to Atalaya, “You are planning to fight Nevil?  This I have got to see.”

Atalaya broke out laughing, “Fight her?  No way.  Practice and spar with her.  Yes.  And we are going to work with Cirilli.”  

“And if you ask Nevil very nicely, she might just make her special outdoor hammock for you to lie in while you watch us.  Some time resting out in the open air and sun should be healing for you.”  Atalaya turned to Nevil, “What do you think?  Will you put your hammock back up for Vaz?”

Nevil agreed. “Of course, however; depending on how good Cirilli is, I reserve the right to break between.  Nevil gives Atalaya an obviously flirtatious reply, “I want to give you my full attention.”  Inman laughs and teases, “Peacemaker my ass.  I see some things haven't changed.  A good fight always got your blood going.”  Nevil leans into his ear, “you best hope I have energy for three rounds today.” Inman smiles quietly.

Atalaya eyed Nevil with mirth competing with concern.  “Perhaps it would be better for you at least.”  Turning to Cirilli, “I think your guardian is going to be regretting the fact that she has not kept up with her swordwork.”

“I think I best check my armor.  Come on up when you want Vaz.  We’ll find you a place to rest and watch.  No practice for you today.”  Atalaya started to stand, but then sat back down, gave Vaz a thorough kiss and said in Gurrish, “Iubit, Me mangav tut”

Atalaya picked up her plate and mug and headed to the galley to scrape them off and place them with the other dirty dishes.  She then made her way back through the common area and back to her cabin to put her armor on.  

Cirilli slid along the bench until she was close to Vasilya.  Giving him a big hug she whispered into his ear, “I’m glad you are okay today.  I was really worried.”  Gulping, she added, “I love you too.  I don’t want anything to happen to you.”  Then she jumped up and ran to her room to get ready.

Chapter 9:  Cirilli’s Fighter Practice

Nevil relaxed with her coffee for a moment.  The sounds of preparations and energy on the ship had the same feel as the giddiness of preparing for Midsummer.  Though that may have been entirely Cirilli.  Nevil stood to help pick up breakfast and  Inman rose beside her. "If you help me clear the table, I'll get the rest." After helping Inman and wiping the table down, Nevil grabbed several items and headed up the stairs, lugging the pell over her shoulder like a body. She dropped the gear by the mast; the pell, her shield, two shortsword-length fire-hardened wooden sparring sticks and a wineskin of water. She returned below deck and entered her room for a time.

Atalaya pulled out her armor and carefully looked over each of the pieces checking for any loosen straps or weakened areas of the leather.  This constant submerging ourselves into the salt water is hard on the leather.  I  oiled this last night, but it needs another coat today.  Her mind wandered back to when she was just slightly older than Cirilli and she attended practices with the other elven children training in sword use.  Their instructors seemed to follow some rotation that only they understood and Atalaya wasn’t ever quite sure who was going to be teaching them on a given morning.  It was often Bithyra, one of the town guards or Master Raloris.  Returning to that time in her life she could remember thinking,  “Either way, I’m going to have to work hard this morning.  Both Master Raloris and Bithyra require us to focus all the time during practice and demand perfection in the execution of the forms.  Maybe we will be able to spend most of the morning at the pells and in sparring.”  Atalaya shook back into the present, ever thankful for the intense lessons of both Bithyra and Master Raloris.  She could now see that her time with Master Elaria had been much easier having already learned many of those lessons at a younger age.  

Donning her leathers, she picked up both her shortsword and Amaurea, the Master’s longsword.  We need to get more training gear.  More swords and padded gambesons.  Well, Cirilli has one wooden shortsword and Nevil said that she had a couple.  That will do for today.  I think I’ll pick up a variety of practice weapons in the next town with a garrison.  Someone there will surely make practice weapons for their training.

Atalaya made her way to the deck and noticing Nevil’s pile of training items, placed her swords with them and then headed to the poop deck to talk to Annie.  

“Annie, we are planning to use the main deck to get in a little training and practice.  Should the crew need access to the sail, either get my attention or Nevil’s and we will stop so that the crew can safely move through the area.”  Annie nodded.  “Will do.  The winds have been steady so far this morning and the sea is relatively calm.  Good morning to practice.”

Nevil returned from below wearing her padded light gray gambeson over a tunic, with tight breeches tucked into high leather boots.  This is going to be fun.  I'm going to earn every ounce of sweat that bleeds through this padding.  

Cirilli was vibrating with eagerness to get started and was already at Nevil's side. "Cirilli are you warmed up and stretched?"  Nevil asked. "Yep all stretched." Cirilli replied.  Nevil approached placing a hand to cup Cirilli’s neck. No heat, no beat. "Three trips to the crows nest and back.  No shortcuts Cirilli."  Cirilli moved to unstrap her armor. "No ma'am, the armor stays on," Nevil instructed. "learn to work in it."   Yep, I am already repeating the Master’s sayings. I wonder if these sound familiar to Atalaya.  

Cirilli grabbed the mainstay and proceeded upward while Nevil hung the pell and then helped Inman string the cargo net between the hatch cleats and the belaying pins of the mainstay.  

Boz, Inman, and Sorrow appear at the top of the stairs, blinking in the sunlight. Boz sees the hammock and happily settles himself into it, sighing with pleasure as the warmth of the sun seeps into him. Sorrow sits down on a barrel next to him, resting his chin on his hand.  Inman takes a seat and gets comfortable.  

Atalaya, her eyes on Cirilli as she clambered up and down from the crow’s nest made her way to the corner near the water barrels, taking her swords with her.  The girl is as fearless as a squirrel as she scampers up and down that mast.  Well, I always looked for the highest tree to climb.  Finding Nevil’s gaze shifting between Cirilli and herself, Atalaya grinned at Nevil.  “So, it looks like you are channeling Master Elaria today.  Take care, she is a quick learner.”

Nevil half smiles, “She is in all of us.  It's just through me in this moment.” I could never be half that of the Master.

When Cirilli had completed her task and was visibly breathing harder, Nevil turned to her, "Good, now show me your hands." Cirilli raised them and Nevil inspected their durability.  The girl has done work. No gloves needed. 

Nevil checked over her armor, looking for gaps, loose straps, and other ill fittings. This will do.  "Alright take some practice with the pell while I warm up too.  After several minutes Nevil had broken a sweat performing two rounds of calisthenics and stretches in her padding.  Cirilli is clearly enjoying giving the dummy hell.

"Cirilli you ready?" Nevil hardly got the words from her mouth and Cirilli bounded over.  "Grab your sword," Nevil instructed while she inspected the grip of her sparing stick.  "Listen closely. No hits to the head. Every other body part is fair game. Honor first, we aren't here to hurt each other." Nevil looks her clear in the eyes, "Do you understand?" Cirilli nods.  "I have to hear it," Nevil said in a calm tone. "Yes," Cirilli answered with joy.  Nevil walks a few steps away and points her stick to the ground. "Well, let's see what you've got."  

Nevil lowers into a broad one handed swordsman's stance.  Her forearm tucked directly behind her blade, her body turned sideways to her foe, making everything fall in line behind the plane of her sword.  Nevil inspected Cirilli's stance as she closed the distance between them.  That's decent. She's had competent training on basic form.

[Baseline, Cirilli ac 13 leather,  HP 28; Nevil ac 13 padded  HP 56]

Cirilli closes the distance eagerly and attempts a playful probing lunge toward Nevil who deflects simply. With a small movement, Nevil guides the force of Cirilli's blade down the length of her own.  Changing directions of her blade and stepping forward such that Cirilli has clearly over extended in her zeal. "Ah, careful," Nevil says, highlighting her untaken opportunity to repost with control over Cirilli’s flank. 

Cirilli wisely and quickly recovers distance from Nevil, however; in her retreat, Nevil quickly slaps Cirilli's blade testing her hand position on the hilt.  Crilli is startled but retains her blade. She has the correct grip.  Poor form and the leverage would have forced her to drop her blade. Nevil slyly smiles but Cirilli does not seem phased.

round 1

Cirilli (HP 28) atk1 - 11 fails to hit

Nevil (HP 56) performs a weapon beat to test appropriate grip placement.  cirilli str check 17 succeeds.

Cirilli squares, then closing the gap rapidly again, she swings, telegraphing her intentions with movements too large.  Nevil blocks with a downward stroke to the side, her blade again pivoting after connection, sliding the length, pushing Cirilli past, controlling the attack while striking downward to strike Cirilli’s thigh. Nevil watches Cirilli’s eyes.  It's the first solid hit she's taken and Nevil only finds determination and building awareness.  There we go. Dig. Focus.

Round 2

cirilli (HP 28) atk2 - 8. fails to hit

Nevil (HP 56) atk1 - 16  4 dmg 

Cirilli grinds a foot and raises her stance a little bit, such that Nevil is a little distracted and does not notice the slight lean before she launches again. Cirilli’s blade slides past Nevil's, and hits hard and uninhibited against her opponent's side. Hell ya, now that's a hit.  Come on little warrior.  How far can you be pushed.  Nevil shows no reaction to the blunted hit.  Cirilli looks very pleased with herself and looks to Atalaya for approval.

Atalaya struggles to maintain a calm expression as she notices Cirilli’s break in concentration.  Nevil will correct that.  Keep silent and let her control the lesson.  She did make a good hit that time though.  

Nevil taunts Cirilli to raise her emotions. "Do not look to her for approval. The battle is here and if that’s your best child, you should stick with bows."  Focus through it Cirilli.  Come on girl.  Cirilli flushes with anger, her pride injured, insulted in front of the two people from whom she desperately seeks approval.  She is no longer playing. Nope, it's going to eat you alive. “Focus through it Cirilli.”

Round 3

cirilli (HP 24) atk3 - 22  7dmg

Nevil (HP 49) attempts taunt persuasion check - nat 20, 27total. Cirilli saving throw wisdom 12 fails, very angry

Cirilli is seething.  Let her hit.  Can she vent and control it now that anger appears?  Cirilli charges, her blade lowers from her lunge and casts another solid and competent blow into Nevil's chest. Cirilli does not notice the pulled defense and fails to recognize an opportunity to cool her emotion.  Her focus is locked on hitting Nevil again. Cirilli screams a guttural call for revenge, turning as she runs through the hit, her blade swings around again.  Nope, her rage is winning and it's a trap.  Time to break her out.  

Nevil catches Cirilli’s blade in the meat of hers, the sweet spot of strength and control a third of the blade above the hilt.  In one swift movement, Nevil rotates her blade in its position of advantage and swings with a circular motion to sling Cirilli’s blade from her hand and across the deck.  Cirilli scrambles to gain it again. "No emotion Cirilli, you lose focus.  Or learn to use it better. shake it off and come again."

Round 4

Cirilli (HP 24) atk4 - 15. 6 dmg

Nevil (HP 43) attempts blade throw atk 24 vs dex check 13. succeeds blade lost across deck 

Atalaya keeps her focus on Cirilli and Nevil as they continue their practice as she begins her own stretches.  She methodically works through each of the muscle groups and then repeats the sequence.  She’s letting her anger get the best of her.  I know that Joan has tried to get her to face and conquer it, but so far she hasn’t been able to control it.  Perhaps Nevil will have better luck.  She needs to be able to control it, or she is always going to be vulnerable against opponents who will use it against her. 

Cirilli picks up her blade with a huff and turns to face Nevil, still hot in the head.  Nevil stares Cirilli down, "Calm your mind or you will suffer in battle."

Cirilli charges unformed in anger. Oh, Cirilli, you battle yourself. Nevil easily blocks again with a downward guard and side steps her feeble attempt. "Dig hard and find stillness," Nevil warns with a raised firm voice as Cirilli stumbles past. She is not listening. 

Cirilli whips around to defend her blind spot that Nevil has claimed. Her blade swings wildly to block the attack of opportunity she has given. Atalaya forgive me. But when she turns, Nevil has taken a long step back to create room to raise her blade, with arm outstretched, to Cirilli’s throat.  Nevil is nearly motionless, just standing there, as Cirilli lunges.  

      Cirilli sees the blade and moves to block and repost correctly, pushing her arm forward in a roll to the side, but with a simple flick, Nevil’s hand dips the blade below Cirilli’s block. Cirilli runs directly into Nevil's still blade, taking a strike between her collar bones from her own movement forward. 

Cirilli is stunned, processing what happened, as Nevil holds firm to her neck. "You threw yourself on my blade in rage. Control yourself before all other things."  Cirilli pauses, blinking, staring down the stick, feeling the pain at the small of her neck, swallowing hard, "You barely moved.  Show me again" she said calmly. Atta girl, learn little fighter.

Round 5

Cirilli (HP 24) atk5. - 8 fails

Nevil (HP 43) attempts to disengage atk 18 4 dmg succeeds. Cirilli passes intelligence check 18 to learn how.

Atalaya picks up the third wooden sword and quickly joins Nevil and Cirilli.  “I’ll be Cirilli in that last pass.”  To Nevil she adds, “Tell me when to pause so that you can show her what happened and what would have been a more appropriate action.  Atalaya stands still, waiting for Nevil’s response and not making any direct eye contact with Cirilli. “Half speed?” she adds.

Nevil nods to Atalaya thankful for the assistance. Nevil turns to address Cirilli after what should be her most important lesson. "Firstly, and more importantly, Cirilli, do you see the danger of anger and distraction?  It is a waste to have anger smother your raw talent. You've been practicing and it shows, but you have to master your mind to be great."   

Cirilli bristled for a moment, glaring at Nevil.  Slowly she mastered her anger, her stance softening and her stressed breathing slowing to a more normal pattern.  “I need to be “great”.  I’m never going to be a pawn again.”  Taking a deep breath, “Please show me how you did that.”

Nevil relaxes, but still with a serious tone. "I will show you the trick. It is helpful against untrained foes. Master this and I will teach you how to counter it.  Meanwhile, if you find a swordsman that counters your attempt... run."

Nevil gestures for Atalaya to raise her stick. Nevil moves very slowly to attack. "Atalaya, a simple block with tip positioned for repost please." Atalaya slowly taps Nevil's blade lightly making contact. Nevil rolls the blade under again then lunges forward to strike while controlling Atalaya's blade. Nevil disengages and turns for both to see her hand grip. "release your back three fingers during the hold then grip firm and push forward rolling out with tip centered."  Nevil re-engages with Atalaya to show the slow movement several more times. 

Nevil disengages from Atalaya again, "Now show me, Cirilli.  Slowly."  Cirilli and Nevil square to each other and perform the maneuver again and again.  "Faster. Again. Faster. Again. Small circles.  Follow through." Cirilli's stick strikes and rubs throwing little circles of control and deflection.  "stop focusing on the blade.  Feel it with your hands while finding a target to hit with your eyes. Follow through. Faster! Hit me! That's not a hit!  Good! Again! 

Then as fast as it was, Nevil pushed through Cirilli's attempt to disengage the blade and hit her square in the sword shoulder. Cirilli looked surprised.  Nevil shouted, "why are you standing there? RUN.  I'm not teasing.  Cockyness kills. Ten laps around the ship!"  Nevil laughs at the eagerness of the young student. Nevil rubs her arm where repeated hits over and over as a target for Cirilli's blade fell.  

 "After that Cirilli, take a break. Before lunch, I expect fifty lunges with a steel blade into the pell.  Practicing disengages with various repost angles.”  Nevil turns to Atalaya, "She's good but raw. She needs to learn to meditate." 

Round 6

Cirilli (HP 24) atk 16. 8 dmg Nevil’s block disengaged by Cirilli too proud

Nevil (HP 35) atk 24. 4 dmg 

“She starts those lessons this afternoon,” Atalaya agrees as she picks up Cirilli’s practice sword.  “And a few lessons about respecting her blade.”  She watches Cirilli as she scampers up the stairs onto the poop deck and heads towards the back of the ship.  

Chapter 10:  Atalaya and Nevil Spar

“And now it is our turn.  You remember the katas Master Elaria pounded into our heads?  At least she did during my time w ith her.  I’m going to work through those as a warm up.  Feel free to correct my form, it’s been awhile since I’ve worked through the shortsword dances.  Then let’s spar.”

“I'm afraid Inman is the one you would want for that. He's the bladesinger.  The master built on the formal style I already knew when we met.  I did not practice those forms in detail.”  It would be good to perform them together for the Master.

“But I have seen them enough to have memorized them.  I am in no shape to make corrections here.” Nevil smirked before gesturing to Inman,  “I could use some humility.” As Inman approached,  “we are performing the short sword katas.  Want to join, for old times sake?”  Inman grinned, “you know I do.”

Atalaya places the wooden swords back to the area near the water barrel and picks up her short sword.  Looking at Nevil she adds, “The water isn’t going to drink itself.  You’ve been working, you should drink something while I warm up.”

Nevil shook her head, “I can not until Cirilli is done running.  Students first.”

Atalaya walks into the open area and measures her space with her eyes as she moves into a loose but formal position. Bows to the memory of Master Elaria and shifts into the starting position of the first kata.  Centering and controlling her breathing she makes her first block and moves into a first strike.  In her head she hears the Master counting out the moves as she begins the dance of movement and sword strikes.  She works through it slowly and then repeats the kata at speed.  As she ends she bows again to her memory of the Master.  

Looking up at Nevil and Inman she asks, “Are you going to join in the second kata, or do you want to correct me?”

Nevil joins Atalaya quickly.  Inman smiles half lost in memory.  “No corrections this time, this one is symbolic.  We are her students together today.” He walks over to take a place. “Lead us.”

“For the Master then.”  Taking a quick breath to settle herself she checks her space.  “Space yourselves.”  Atalaya watches as Nevil and Inman position themselves into a receptive stance and with appropriate space between everyone.  “On the count, the Second Short Sword Kata, (she then gives the formal name in elven.)  Bow.”  Atalaya again makes reverence to the memory of her Master.  “One”  She moves into a fighting stance, raising her sword to block a descending blow.  “Two”  She steps to the side and parries another imagined blow. “Three.”  Atalaya continues to count out the steps of the kata as she moves through the dance with Nevil and Inman totally in step with her.  Blocking out the sounds of the sea and the call of the birds flying overhead, Atalaya continues through the sword dance, calling out each move.  At the end of the sequence, she calls out. “Finish.  Bow”

Atalaya closes her eyes and focuses on her breathing, bringing it back down to a more restful rate.  I can remember doing this with Ivar and Macterah outside the Master’s home.  We should have asked Ivar if he wanted to join us.  Recovering, her eyes open and she looks over at Nevil and Inman.  “For the Master” she says again.  

As she looks for Cirilli, she sees that the crew are standing along the railing of the forecastle deck, having stopped their duties to watch the sword dance.  As she turns to Vasilya she sees his eyes boring into hers, wonder on his face.  She walks over to him and gives him a little wink.  “You want to join us next time, Iubit?”  “Don’t forget to drink water while you are out here.  It’s hot today.” 

"Oh, yes," he says wryly. "it is." he raises an eyebrow. "Yes, I would. It seems I missed a great deal not being your Master's student."

As she makes her way back to Nevil and Inman, Cirilli rejoins Nevil, her breath coming in gasps.  “What was that?  What were you doing?”  She looks between the three adults, waiting for an answer. 

Nevil wipes tears from her eyes. Inman also looks red eyed but stoic.  Nevil answers, "a prayer of remembrance." Inman adds, "a connection to family found." He draws Nevil to his side with an arm around her waist. 

Nevil pulling the teacher out again, "If we keep training, you will learn it too." The style is different but knowing many styles will make you stronger. Inman glances at Atalaya before asking, "Why did that one call to you?”

Atalaya goes still for a moment, hearing Inman’s question.  “The easy answer to that question would be because it is the second kata and I had just finished the first.  Master Elaria wasn’t as strict about doing the katas in order as my first instructor, Master Raloris was.  Actually for him I should have worked my way through all 8 of the katas before I stopped.  He felt that each built on the one before it and that you increased your strength, concentration and endurance by completing them all.  But, the second kata was special to Master Elaria and if she was going to find fault with my performance during my first weeks I studied with her, it was during this kata.  Many a slap of the sword I felt as she corrected my stance and movements.  Correcting the errors then helped me to prevent making them in the latter katas.  My stances were better and I had learned to correct the movement errors much faster.   

Cirilli’s eagerness shines in her face.  “You will teach me how to do that?  It was so … so beautiful.  Will you show me now?”

Atalaya turns to her, “Not today.  But this afternoon you and I are going to work together.  It is time that you start learning how to meditate.  It is past time for that.  My father never allowed me to touch a sword  until I had the basics of meditation mastered.  He had me start working on that when I was nine years old.”  Atalaya gently reached out and turned Cirilli’s face to meet hers.  “It will help you in the situation you found yourself in with Nevil earlier.  Get some water, so that your teacher can have some and then I think you still owe her some time on the pell.” Atalaya turns to Nevil, “Or do you want her to watch our sparring before she finishes up at the pell?”

      Nevil looked to Cirilli, “It is her responsibility to complete the assignment.  Failure to do so has a cost.”  I will count every stroke at a distance. I still have no idea how the Master knew at times, but I would get caught shorting everytime I tried.  Nevil handed Cirilli some water, “Anyway, it would be too hard not to watch and your practice needs your full attention.”  

        Nevil sips the water considering her approach with Atalaya. She's fast and precise. I'm half spent and at a disadvantage with her speed and armor.  She watches Cirilli take her water and find a seat near Boz. Two unknown trainers, her father, and the master… this is a warrior.  I would be foolish to believe I am teaching anything.  No, full effort with her. 

       Atalaya notices Nevil sizing her up already.  Nevil's mind is already in the game, her face is warm but her eyes are already watching, intense, and focused. “Single practice short swords, same rules, no pauses, to yield?” Nevil asks Atalaya. “Or are you feeling spicy?” Nevil follows in rough flirtation.

      Inman raises a brow overhearing on his return to the net hammock. Climbing near Boz and laying out, he softly says, “strap in brother, we are about to watch our women.”

Atalaya meets Nevil’s eyes.  “Yes, same rules and fighting until one of us yields.  And no magical assists.”  She walks over to Vasilya and hands him her ioun stone and a ring.  “Keep these safe for me, please.”  She returns to Nevil.  “And the sparring is confined to this deck.  Cirilli, you need to sit with Vaz or go up to the poop deck and watch with the rest of our audience.”  What else?  She’s good.  Trained by an ex sailor, the Master, Seraphina and who knows how many others.  She’s probably used to using her shield for defense, but adapted well while we were underwater to not having it.  And she handles the motion of the ship as if she was a sailor herself. 

“I will not use my ability to mark you as a target.  This is just a training exercise, both for Cirilli and for myself.   And you?  Have you anything you need to remove?”  

Nevil nods, "fair terms." Nevil picks up the second practice sword gripping firmly and swinging it to stretch her shoulder with its weight added.  She quips playfully, "You have to hit me to break anything." 

Atalaya picks up one of the practice swords and shifts it in her grasp, getting the feel of the grip and the weight of the sword.   Stepping back she looks at Nevil.  Are you ready?”  Smirking, she adds, “If I think about this for too long I may just chicken out.”  Seeing Nevil’s look of disbelief, Atalaya outright laughs.  “Okay, you got me,” checking the space around them a final time she moves into an on guard stance.  “I’m ready whenever you are.”

Then making distance away from the gear pile and into open space, Nevil stops to salute Atalaya with her sword and with all seriousness, "I am not fooled to think you will be easy. Bring your best, I am not holding back."

Nevil (HP 35)  AC 13,  Initiative 19

Atalaya (HP 65) AC 17  Initiative?

"Hot," Boz says to Inman. "I dunno about you, but this is kind of doing a little something for me.

Inman chuckles to himself a bit. "Yeah." 

      Atalaya returns Nevil’s salute and drops back into a ready stance.  Her focus on Nevil blocks out any awareness of being watched by her friends.  

    As all learned swordsmen start with a new opponent, Nevil and Atalaya both keep their distance, edging the proximity of the blades' reach.   They both offer enticements to the other by loosening their guard or popping their blade or toe forward imitating the initiation of a lunge.  Both hoping the other will take the bait and over extend or fall short. But neither is enticed. 

Cirilli asks Boz and Inman, "Why are they not attacking each other?"  Inman laughs and whispers to Cirilli, "when there is no urgency, swordsmanship is a game of patience and endurance.  Nevil is at a disadvantage having sparred with you.  She's tired and hoping she can conserve energy by playing defense. But Atalaya knows this and is going to force Nevil to continue to spend more energy by patiently waiting for her to attack."

She's right to draw this out.  Let's get this going. Nevil closes the few inches that kept the dance at distance, then lunges forward toward Atalaya. Who easily blocks. [atk roll 11. fails] I didn't expect to make that hit.  Closing the distance gave her lots of warning. At least we are in it now.

She’s ready to play.  Alright, can I entice her to drop her guard a little and believe she has the upper hand?  Atalaya makes another feint and then tries a for a slice to Nevil’s off side and stumbles slightly as the ship makes a larger than normal dip as it crashes through a larger than normal wave.  Her shot goes wild and she struggles to regain her balance.  [atk roll 8, fumble.  fails]

Nevil catches Atalaya with her arm and steadies her until the wave settles.  "No cheap shots here."  The boat settles and the two square at distance again.  

Nevil stalks forward again, stepping forward and backward in small steps, changing the increment and pace of her steps to hide the launch of attack.  With a lunge seemingly to Atalayas shoulder, Nevil bends her wrist at the last minute and hits Atalaya's leading thigh. [Atk 25, dmg 7, Nevil HP 35, Atalaya HP 58].

Atalaya barely notices the blow to her leg, her concentration focusing on Nevil’s movement and trying to time her swing with the ship’s movement this time.  She makes a few feints and then seeing an opening strikes with the flat of her blade on Nevil’s left upper arm.  A sly smile at the hit crosses Atalaya’s face for the briefest of moments as she readies herself for Nevil’s next attack. [atk 25, dmg 10, Nevil HP 25, Atalaya HP 58

Damn, that one stung flat bladed.  

"Nice hit Atalaya.  Clean form."  Nevil smiled.  Hoping to catch Atalaya off guard, Nevil charges.  Atalaya blocks downward with speed and strength, she steps aside as Nevil misses her lunge and runs past. Shit, shit... While Atalaya's movements were shockingly quick, Nevil is able to correct her footing (dex check) and spin to face and block Atalaya's potential counter strike. [atk 16, dex check 19 pass, Nevil HP 25, Atalaya HP 58]

Atalaya pivots to keep Nevil in sight as she runs past, planning to rap her on her backside, but Nevil recovers so quickly that she has to change her shot to Nevil’s leading leg.  Again, using the flat of her blade she connects with a solid blow.  “Come my friend, you can do better than that.” Atalaya returns to a ready stance waiting to see what Nevil will do next.   [atk 17, dmg 9,  Nevil HP 16, Atalaya HP 58]

Vasilya pulls Cirilli into his side, his arm around her waist as she sits next to him watching Atalaya and Nevil battle each other.  After several passes Vasilya begins commenting on the fight, instructing Cirilli.  “Watch them, Cirilli.  There is much to learn from what they are doing.  They are both capable of making more than just one attack at a time, but they are testing each other.  Looking for weaknesses.  And Atalaya is getting used to the ship’s motion, I think.  The ocean is not a place where she has done much fighting, and especially not with a short sword.”  After another pass he says, “See, she is steadier now.  But they are both still getting the feel for the other.  Do you note that they are trying to taunt and distract each other, but neither is letting the words of the other get under their skins.  Neither would let the words of another distract them from what is important at the moment… from the fight.”

Nevil is starting to show signs of fatigue. I need to stall to catch my breath...  "You have me at a disadvantage.  Outside of the confines of today, I'd say we would be a pretty even match. But you are fast... I mean really fast."  Time to stop playing around.  

Nevil lunges, Atalaya successfully disengages the blade, Nevil counters changing the blade's angle of attack. The blades tangle at disadvantageous angles for both. They push apart, passing each other and changing sides. Nevil does not wait to allow Atalaya to regroup, she presses a wild second attack.  Atalaya anticipates the maneuver and easily blocks.  Shit... I'm going to lose this. [atk 12 miss, 8 miss, Nevil HP 16, Atalaya HP 58]

As Atalaya blocks Nevil’s last attack she shifts slightly to the side hoping for an opening on Nevil’s other leg.  As she starts her blow the ship again plunges deep through another wave.  Shit, I lost count of the wave rhythm.  Go with the motion and get back in balance.  Atalaya takes a couple extra steps as she recovers her balance, ending up at Nevil’s side.  She makes a backhand strike as she reverses the motion of the blade, connecting with Nevil’s side.  [attack 8 fumble, dex save 16, attack 19, dmg 10.  Nevil’s HP 6, Atalaya’s HP 58]

Boz, points with a light gesture of his hand, “Nevil's in trouble, she can't make contact with Atalaya. She is going to have to try something different to have a chance.  Inman adds, "Look there it is.”

Nevil is breathing hard.  Sweat soaks through her gambeson in spots.  Might as well finish with a bang. Nevil changes her sword position to one at waist level and reversed behind her.  It's a form for slashing weapons.  The first one will miss but I should get an open hit.  Nevil lunges forward as Atalaya strikes down to block an obvious upward strike. Nevil powers through the block, indeed unable to hit Atalaya, but she now has blade control. She spins, pushing Atalayas blade outward, rolling Atalaya's arm almost around her shoulder as she reverses grip and turns in to gut slash Atalaya as she runs away to make distance again.  [atk 9 miss, atk 17 dmg 6, Nevil HP 6, Atalaya HP 52]

Inman leans in to whisper to Cirilli, “that kind of risky move only works once.  Most good swordsmanship is not that dramatic. So don't get wild ideas. Nevil has lost and she knows it.”

“Pretty,” Atalaya manages to say as she breathes through the sting of the blow landing on her stomach.  She dances back a bit, recovers her arm position and looks for another shot.  Judging the roll of the ship she makes a quick lunge and returns the favor with an equivalent slash to Nevil’s gut. As she takes a step back she reverses and tries a backhanded slash to the stomach again, just missing as Nevil steps back and out of the way of her blade.  [atk 13, dmg 6,  atk 12 miss, Nevil HP 0, Atalaya HP 52]

Atalaya turns to regroup to find Nevil still bent over catching her breath.  She holds a hand up, “That last one got the best of me.  I yield.”

Atalaya lowers her sword and walks over to Nevil.  “That was a good round.  Next time we will spar before you work with Cirilli.”  She looks over where the others are watching.  “Shall we go answer Cirill’s questions?  I’m sure she is going to have some.”  

Nevil is catching her breath and unbuckling her gambeson as she speaks, "Cirilli is almost as quick as you are.  Your technique is better suited to her nimbleness than mine.  You, Boz, or Inman would make better teachers for that style. However, I can drill her and offer challenges against shielded, armored, or alternate weapon types. Next time we split her in sparring.  I want more energy left for you.”

Atalaya wipes the sweat off her forehead.  “You really made me work for that yield.  And I can see the Master’s hand in your fighting style.  I'm sure she was watching us today.”  

Nevil smiles, placing a hand on Atalaya’s shoulder, “Yes, and I imagine she was proud.”

Atalaya takes Nevil’s sword out of her hand and carries it with hers as they make their way first to the water barrel for a few sips of water and then over to the hammock where Cirilli, Vasilya and Inman are sitting.  

Nevil takes several long drinks of water, then she removes that damp padding.  Her tunic is soaked with sweat and clingy against her curves. Nevil follows behind Atalaya.  Nevil is focused on Cirilli.  

Cirilli watches and Atalaya and Nevil walk over to their waiting friends, her eyes darting between the two fighters.  Not able to remain still any longer she dashes out towards them hugging first Atalaya and then Nevil.  “That was awesome, but why did you stop?”

Nevil laughs, “Fights do not last long.  When your life's on the line, you have to give every action your best effort.  It's exhausting.”  She pats Cirilli’s shoulder, “You'll learn soon enough.”

     “And do not forget she both worked with you and performed a kata before our match.  Next time she and I will spar first, and then she will give you your lesson.”

Atalaya is rotating her shoulder that Nevil had caught up in her last spectacular effort as she crosses the deck.  Her eyes are sparkling with the suppressed glee as she searches for Vaz’s reaction to the match.  

Inman is watching, clearly thinking. His eyes are shining. "You should both know," he says, his mouth curling into a smile, "I can see her in both of you. The Master. She's here, plain as we all are. She would be so proud of you both." 

Sorrow nods. "Yeah. I concur. By Bel, this brings me back to that summer."

Smiling, Boz nods with respect at Atalaya. "I am proud to watch you teach Cirilli. I don't often get to enjoy watching you fight. It's like dance."  

Chapter 11:  Atalaya’s Katas

          Atalaya rummages through the bag of holding to find an old tunic that had been irreparably slashed during a fight sometime in the past.  Using her dagger she cuts off a strip of material.  She tied it around her forehead, the green material contrasting with her red hair.  At Vaz’s raised eyebrow she responds, “I have at least another 6 katas to perform before I rest.”

     Reaching out her hand to Vasilya, “My stone and ring, please.”

      As Vaz returns the items, Atalaya returns each to their rightful place.  “My thanks for keeping them safe, Iubit.”  Taking  a few more sips of water, Atalaya picks up her own short sword and returns to the open deck.  Centering herself she begins the first moves of the third kata.  Soon she is lost deep in the movements of the sword dance and memories of her earlier training.  As she moves through each of the dances her footing becomes more certain as she becomes more in tune with the ship’s rhythm. 

      

Inman, Nevil, Boz, and Cirilli watch Atalaya's forms.  "She's beautiful," Nevil speaks in awe.  Inman and Boz simultaneously reply, "Yes she is." Inman looks at Boz with a nod of respect.  Cirilli giggles. 

As the forms progress, Inman studies her with increasing intensity and it begins to make Boz a little uncomfortable. Inman's hand unknowingly brushes through the air in front of him as though it's passing through water.  "The weave moves with her.  Do you see that?" Nevil and Boz look closer, unable to see what Inman suggests.  "I wonder if she knows... she could easily learn bladesinging,"  Inman calmly states while continuing to watch her.  Boz and Nevil look at Inman with shock. 

With her final bow to someone only she can see, Atalaya releases the memories that had flooded over her during the sword dance.  The forest glade of her childhood practices fades away and she sees the ship again.  The ocean breeze is felt as she turns her face into its cooling fingers.  She staggers a bit as she sinks to one knee, breathing hard.

Atalaya sways with the ship’s movement as she holds the half kneel position for several moments.  She lets the breeze cool her flushed face as she allows her breathing to normalize.  Slowly sinking down into a heel sit, she places her sword before her and places her hands on her thighs in a resting position.  She remains still as she takes a few moments to recover from the dance.  Her thoughts are pulled back to the glade but rather than Master Raloris’ face, she sees a shining unicorn jumping, kicking and twirling in a dance of its own.  Atalaya’s face glows as she silently bows from her heel sit position, her forehead resting on the deck, her arms reaching outwards.  

       

      As Atalaya sank to her knees Cirilli struggled to get out of the hammock.  “What’s wrong?  What’s happening to her?  I need to help her.” 

         Vasilya’s arm snaked out and held her back firmly but gently.  “I’m not sure, but we need to stay here.  She will call for us if we are needed.”  

“She's still breathing deeply, it looks like prayer.” Nevil speaks softly.  “I think she is connecting with something deeply.” Nevil looks to Cirilli, “You will soon learn the connection between the physicality of forms and meditations or prayers.  Give her time.”

It takes Atalaya longer to return to the ship’s deck this time.  She remains unmoving for several minutes before Vasilya notices her beginning to push back up into her heel sit position.  He stands, waiting for some indication that whatever had just occurred was over and for a sign from her that he could approach her.  Finally she picks up the sword and makes her way towards them.  As she does Nevil perceives a dimming glow around her head and shoulders that disappears before she makes her way over to them.  As she nears them, they notice that her stride becomes more energetic and her posture straighter and more at ease.  

As Vasilya releases his hold of Cirilli’s arm she pulls away and heads towards Atalaya.  “What was that?  Are you okay?  You should come sit.”   

Atalaya startles a little when Cirilli starts to speak.  She holds her hand out to her ward and beckons her closer.  Giving her a hug she confides, “I think I need some water.  Will you get that for me, please.”

Almost before the words left her mouth, Cirilli raced across the deck to the water barrel and filled the dipper with water to bring to Atalaya.

Atalaya closes the distance to the hammock where her friends were watching her and stands there, looking slightly dazed. 

  Nevil goes to Atalaya's side and guides her to sit. "Something special happened, Inman saw the weave move, I saw something divine just now... what is working in you sister? That's more than just katas." Nevil asks while she takes Atalaya's sword and begins working to remove the leathers.

“I don’t know.  I remember starting the katas and moving from one to the next and when I finished the last one I saw the practice glade outside of Olaescoa.  And I put down the sword.  The next thing I remember is walking towards all of you.”  Taking the mug that Cirilli offers her, she takes a long swallow.  “Thank you Cirilli.”  

“It felt good to perform the katas again.  It has been too long since I spent any time with them.  I should probably perform the longsword katas now, but I’m not certain I can right now.”  Looking over at Cirilli, “And I think that someone has yet to finish her assignment for this morning.”  She shrugs out of the armor as Nevil unfastens each piece.  

       Nevil listens and carefully considers Atalaya's response.  Then turning to Cirilli, "Yep, hit the pell, so we can all clean up and rest before lunch." Nevil waits for Cirilli to scamper off and she begins to silently count strikes.  With Cirilli away, "I don't know if anyone else saw it, but your head and shoulders were glowing with, I believe, divine energy." One. "I think you should spend some time with Mielikki today and seek her counsel." Two. "Something works in you that you seem to be unaware of." Three. She looks at Atalaya and Boz, "Have you ever had an experience like this before?" Four.

Atalaya picks up the water dipper that Cirilli had brought her and drinks the last of the water in it.  Five.  Finally Atalaya begins speaking haltingly, as if trying to piece memories together into a new order.  “After Master Elaria sent me back to my father and the High Forest, Six, I continued to train with Master Raloris.  Seven.  We should have made her run the decks a couple more times, She would have cooled down while she watched.  Eight.  And she didn’t stretch or prepare herself before starting the pell work.  Well, she’ll learn.  Nine. 

Master Raloris often spent the whole training session just drilling us on the katas.  Ten. He believed that besides the benefits the katas provide in being able to perform the strikes at full speed and force, the endurance and control they taught, Eleven, that they also were a form of meditation.  Sometimes he would make us start with our off hand, Twelve, and move through all 8 katas and then perform them in reverse order.  Thirteen.  Then repeat the process with our main hand.  If he called the count and was correcting our movements we would be at it for something more than two hours.  Fourteen.  Although if he called them, we usually had a short break when we switched hands.  When there were fewer of us present he might start us out, but then we continued at our own pace, but didn’t stop between hands. Fifteen. That usually took less time.  But this was when he wanted us to reach a meditation state.  Sixteen.  I felt like I was nine years old again.  I just couldn’t seem to get to where he wanted me to be. Seventeen.  After this morning I think that might have been because I could never let motion into my visualization of reaching my center.  Eighteen.  But guiding you this morning through your meditation using water imagery and finding my own center while you found yours, Eighteen, was enlightening.  Perhaps that and then performing the katas while on moving water helped me find the state Master Raloris was trying to bring us to.  Nineteen.  As I completed the last several katas I was deep in my wooded glade, reaching into my center, but with movement and freedom that I have not had before.  Twenty.  

Atalaya stops as she continues to review what she remembered of the last half hour.  Twenty-one.  She’s getting tired.  After my final bow to the Masters, I don’t remember anything until I started walking back here to you.  Twenty-two.

Atalaya hears Vasilya as he sits down behind her and pulls her back against him.  Gratefully she relaxes her body, allowing Vasilya to support her.  Twenty-three. 

[insert Vaz here]

        Casually leaning against the ship's rail, Inman smiles. "I know exactly what you're describing.  It is the step before I move the weave and bend it to my purpose when bladesinging."  Inman smiles, you have the talent to be a bladesinger, but it appears you are more strongly called to the divine."  

Nevil looks very pleased.  Thirty. "I am so happy you found growth today.  Don't overdo it physically to chase this state.  That will come in time.”  Thirty-one. walking Cirilli through it again this afternoon will take you back to basics as you become the Master." Silence at the pell.  Nevil looks up toward her student.

Cirilli stands swaying slightly as she stares at the pell.  Slowly she raises her sword again to hit the pell.  Thirty-two.  The strike is clumsy and her arm drops back to her side rather than making any attempt to actively disengage.  While she retains her grasp on the sword, she does not raise it again.  Her left hand reaches over to massage her shoulder and upper arm although her gaze does not leave the pell.  After a minute or two she moves back into stance and swings again at it, this time making an effort to perform a disengage.  Thirty-three. 

Nevil measures her approach.  She has seventeen strikes left.  More than I would have hoped.  Seeing Cirilli is struggling and not wanting to disable her with soreness tomorrow.  "I see you're digging deep.  How many do you have left? 

Are your strikes effective in this state?  And if this was a battle, what options do you have? 

Cirilli lowers her sword, but doesn’t drop it.  “I have made 33 strikes.”  She seems to struggle a moment before saying, “That means I have … 17 more to make.  And no, they are not effective.  I can hardly raise my sword to hit the pell.  If I was in battle I wouldn’t be able to block anything effectively.”  She turns towards Nevil.  “What could I do?  Maybe I could yield, depending on who I was fighting.  I could try to run, but really, right now I am too tired to be able to get very far before someone or something would overtake me.  I could… hope that someone sees that I need help.  I… I could do my best to block and hope for help.”

Nevil nods while listening, giving her full attention.  Good girl.  No shortcuts.  "Good, an honest self-aware assessment." Nevil continues, "Other than choosing not to fight, this moment is the most important.  When you have to find a way to save your own life."  Nevil lightly pokes a finger into Cirilli’s forehead. "This is why you must stay clear in your head."

Grimly faced, "Unfortunately, no one is here to save you today."  Nevil looks around, "Other options..." Nevil points to the crows nest, "you could pick an advantageous terrain and rest, to then reengage."  Nevil points to Cirilli’s non-dominant hand, "you could work your other hand and make it stronger."  Then Nevil raises an eyebrow and grins, "or you could negotiate a price."  

"The choice is yours little warrior.  Live to fight another day.”

Cirilli has been listening intently to what Nevil was saying, her brow furrowed in thought.  After a couple of moments she nods and shifts her sword to her left hand.  “Am I climbing up and down to the crow’s nest after I finish my strokes?”

Nevil nods, “Seventeen more on your left and you are released for today. Well done.”

Cirilli nods and turns to face the pell.  She raises her sword and moves back into a ready stance, thinks about it and then switches her forward leg.  Glancing at Nevil briefly, she refocuses on the pell and makes an awkward strike and disengage movement.  “One,” she counts as she returns to stance.  “Two,”  and she swings again at the pell, attempting a backhand strike and disengage.  Her brow furrows again as she recognizes the poor form of her strike and recovery.  “Three,” she strikes again at the pell.  “Four.”  She continues on doggedly attempting to move into a rhythm of strikes but struggles with each blow.  … “Fifteen… Sixteen… Seventeen.”  She lowers the sword and turns towards Nevil.  “I have completed my 50 strokes Nevil.”  She stands there waiting for a response from Nevil. 

Nevil warms from the stoic teacher, "Cirilli, not a bad first lesson.  I'm proud of you."  With a playful smile, "how about we do something nice for Atalaya? As today's Victor she deserves a prize."  Cirilli perks up.  

Chapter 12:  Bathing on Deck

"Let's flip the half barrel over."  Cirilli and Nevil over turn the wide half barrel and slide it by the stairs.  The unusual move has drawn the attention of others.  Nevil speaks to Cirilli while she begins to fill the half barrel with the summer's sea water. "Go grab the soap, a cup, and towels."  

When Cirilli returns Nevil has half filled the basin.  Cirilli looks confused, "why not just jump in?" Nevil grins, holding her newly made holy symbol, "because if this works, it will be fresh water."  Nevil holds the leather focus and whispers words while running her empty hand over the basin.  She draws a handful of water to her mouth.  It worked! (if not Nevil can go get her stole.) I think it should work! Look how much care and devotion went into it. So sure!

 Unfolding a towel and offering the end to Cirilli, "We can offer some privacy holding this up.  "Atalaya, the winner goes first. Come clean up, you'll feel better.”

     Atalaya looks over to where Nevil and Cirilli have set up their makeshift tub.  Looking around at the open area Atalaya sighs.  What I would give for a forest lake or river.  This is going to be a long voyage.  Goddess help me, I am going to be so excited when it is over.  Loosening Vaz’s arms that are still around her, she stands and looks at her soaked and smelly tunic.  “I guess there is no choice here.  I’ve got to get clean.  It’s time for you and Inman to go below and keep Sorrow and Ivar busy.”   As she says this she glances up to the poop deck where she sees both men talking to Annie who is at the ship’s wheel.  “Okay, I need to amend that.  You are going to take Ivar and Sorrow below deck and keep them occupied.”  Cupping his face for just a moment, Atalaya picks up her pack and heads over to Nevil.

      

Nevil looks to Atalaya knowingly, “It’s not ideal, but it is fresh water. and we gave you first dip as today's champion.”  Seeing the men descend the stairs, Inman carrying the weapons and Ivar shouldering the pell, Nevil and Cirilli held the towel up for Atalaya.  “Also worth mentioning, the new prayer focus worked.”

“I’m glad it did.”  Atalaya dips her fingers into the water and tastes it.  “It is fresh.  But I saw you pulling up bucketfuls of salt water.”  She looks shrewdly at Nevil.  “Is this what you meant by the focus working?” 

Nevil smiles, "exactly, the Still Mother has accepted our consecration of the token as a holy symbol through which she allows me to draw energy for spells and rituals.  In addition to my stole it will be with me always, and proudly so."

   “I should have helped, but Vaz wouldn’t let me up.”  Scanning the decks again, Atalaya shakes her head.  “No privacy on a ship, I guess.  She rummages through the pack and pulls out some clean clothing.  Ducking behind the screen the other two have made with a towel Atalaya quickly strips off her clothing and makes her way into the barrel.  Squatting down to keep as much of her body covered with water as she can, she holds her hand out to Cirilli for the soap and cloth she is holding.  The water is pretty cool, but after that workout it feels good.  Atalaya quickly cleans herself, feeling refreshed as she rinses the sweat off her body.  Seeing the cup that Cirilli is holding, a look of longing comes over her.  Quickly reaching up to undo her braids she works the hair free, trying to keep it contained and out of the breeze as she does so.  “I’ll take the cup now.”  

Taking it, she dumps cupfulls of water over her head, wetting the hair that remained out of the water barrel.  “You didn’t happen to save a few buckets of fresh water to rinse soap out of our hair did you?” she asks before actually taking the bar of soap to her hair. 

Nevil pointing, “Two, though that only goes so far. I recommend a pre-rinse.”  Nevil shrugs, “I never said it was perfect.  It costs a full spell for a clean tub.  So don't get used to this level of spoiling. But seeing that we will be at sea all day… We can afford the luxury, or we can double up and offer it to others too.”

“A pre-rinse is going to be a necessity.  Okay, let’s give this a try.”  Atalaya rubs the bar of soap in her hands, trying to get a coating of the slippery stuff onto her hands and then begins working it into her scalp.  Turning her back to the towel screen, she stands up and gathers as much of the soap on her hands again as she can and works it down the length of her hair as far as she can.  Then dunks herself under the water and scrubs as much of it out as she can.  Surfacing, she shakes the water out of her eyes and stands again.  “I think it would be best for me to get out of the barrel, and then use the cup to pour some of the clean water.  If I lean well over the barrel it will catch the water for the next user.  It might not get all the soap out, but it will get out the sand and salt from yesterday.” 

After carefully climbing out of the barrel, she does just that.  Using only a few cups of water her hair retains some of the soap, but feels so much better than previously that Atalaya hardly notices.  “I do hope you brought more than just that one towel.”

Nevil looks around "Actually, It looks like just these two and I have to get a change of clothes. This was a spontaneous idea." Nevil shrugs, "I guess when you hop out, Cirilli and I can grab a few things below." 

Atalaya reached for the extra towel and quickly dried herself.  Slipping on her tunic as quickly as she could.  Feeling much more at ease now that she was mostly covered, she reached for the rest of her clothing and in minutes was fully clothed again.  Taking the now wet towel she gathered her hair in it, twisting it and flipping it up into a turban.  

“Who is next?  Shall I go get some more towels for everyone?”

Nevil pours all the water back in the tub. "Probably, Cirilli worked hard today."   She whispers words of purification and waves a hand over the tub.  The water clears and the small bubbles of lather and suds disappear. "Alright, a plan. Atalaya is on towel duty, Cirilli and I will grab a change of clothes." As Cirilli runs below, Nevil turns to Atalaya, “it's a luxury, but I also didn't want poor Cirilli to have to attempt meditations with sweat and salt itching from today.” Then Nevil walks below to retrieve some clothes.

Atalaya was glad to see Cirilli moving so quickly.  It’s good to know that she is able to recover so quickly from the workout today.  I’m sure she will be sore, but getting clean will certainly help.  The Master’s hot tub would be so nice right now.  But this is a very good alternative.  Grasping the strap of her pack she hefted onto her shoulder and headed down the stairs.  Dropping the pack onto her bed, she searched through the chest at the end of the bed and pulled out the two towels from under the few articles of clothing she had placed there.  Thinking about the towel screen she grabbed a blanket from the bed.  That would be much larger and provide better cover.  Making her way to the common room she asked all those present, “Anybody have any towels to lend to Nevil and Cirilli?”  

Ivar’s head came up as soon as Atalaya spoke.  “Yeah, there are some in the captain’s chest.  I’ll get them in a moment.  First, what was that out there?  We practiced katas with the Master.  I remember that.  But what you were doing out there was a totally different kettle of fish.”  Ivar shook his head, a little of his earlier amazement still present.  “I thought we were comrades and friends.  Where did that come from?”  Taking in her towel wrapped hair.  “I bet you are missing Master Elaria’s hot tub about now,” he smirked as he walked back to his cabin.  When he returned, Atalaya could see three or four towels piled in his hands.  “Payment for these is fair warning the next time you plan to practice.  I want a front row seat.”

Atalaya laughed as she added his towels to hers.  “We’ll get these back to you.  As for watching practice… well you have to be awake and out of your cabin in time if you want to see it.  You and Sorrow seem to have been partying pretty hard since we found you again.”  With another chuckle, she winked at Vaz and made her way back up the stairs to the bathing nook.

Nevil walked through the lower deck's common space,  passing through the galley to the cabin she shared with Inman.  The aroma of garlic and onions hit her before she turned to find, Sorrow slicing thin strips of meat. Inman looked over into a pot scraping and folding its contents. Oh, that makes me hungry already.  Judging by the smell, he was likely braising vegetables to prepare the base of a vegetable stock for something later in the day.  Nevil playfully, "I see you're staying busy."  Inman, retorted "well if we are not allowed on deck..."

 "Smells great, what is it?" She asked.  

"A secret," he replied with a sassy lift of a brow.  He dumped a pitcher of water into the pot for dramatic effect.  The room exploded with smell as the glazing lifted off and set the broth base. Sorrow chuckled.  "You are too much," Nevil laughed, turning to enter the cabin. What is he up to?

Nevil entered the cabin, to find her equipment cleaned and stowed.  She dug through her pack to find clean clothes. Then hearing Inman approach, she turned.  "You cleaned my gear too?  You don't have to do that."  

Inman, grinned drawing closer. "I know, but if our chores are done... we can play later."  

Ah there it is… “play”.   Oh I can play… but “our” chores.  I have forgotten what it is like to have a partner. 

"You don't have to do it all any more," he murmured.  

Nevil lingers as she walks by. "A man that cooks is sexy as hell."  

Inman watched her intently, "I'm counting on it."

Nevil warmed with the thought as she went to the top deck.

Atalaya heard the sounds of the ship’s crew as they busied themselves with the sailing of the ship.  After a couple of moments she also heard the sounds of footsteps pounding up the stairs.  Cirilli hurried over to her a pile of clothes hugged to her body.  “Sorrow and Inman are cooking something for lunch.  It smells so good.”  Cirilli sat down next to Atalaya.  “I suppose Nevil gets the next bath, right?”  

“Yes.  As your instructor today, she waited to drink any water after sparring and working with you until you finished running your laps around the ship and could drink something yourself.  But for bathing, yes she gets the next bath.  I’m sure she will be up directly.  You won’t have to wait long and I have plenty of towels for the two of you.  And look, this blanket will make a much better screen.”

Cirilli fingered the blanket.  “Yes, that will be a much bigger screen.”  Cirilli becomes somber and asks, “What really happened after you finished your fight with Nevil?  Are you going to tell me or am I just supposed to pretend nothing happened?”

Atalaya leaned forward and reached for her hand.  “Honey, I don’t really know what happened.  I finished the short sword katas, and yes, we will be teaching you to do those when it is appropriate for your training.  I do know that I was very very focused during them.  And that I grew more focused with each kata I completed.  I talked to Nevil and Vaz about this while you were working at the pells.  I had another Master who believed very strongly in the importance of practicing the katas as a form of meditation.  I think I finally did what he tried to facilitate when I was learning from him.”

As Atalaya grew silent, Nevil’s footsteps could be heard coming towards them.  “There she is!  Let’s get this blanket ready for her, Cirilli.”

Nevil saw the blanket and felt bad that Atalaya's privacy curtain was the size of a hand towel by comparison.  "Oh, that is a much better idea."  Nevil sets down her clean clothes, "Let's finish this and go relax. Inman is working on something good for lunch."  

With the curtain in place, Nevil disrobed, took her hair down, and stood in the tub, pouring the water over herself several times, working the soap into her hair and all over. "Cirilli, your lessons with the Greenleaf's show."  Then she knelt to get as much of her hair in the water as possible.  Dumping water repeatedly over her head with one hand, she worked her hair with the other until most of the soapy feel had left. "Also, I am proud of how well you did today. You too Atalaya.  I think it was a productive session all the way around." Then with the one clean bucket of water she stood and slowly poured it over her head for a final rinse.  Naked on the open sea after a good sweat. Goddess I love my life.  She felt new.  Then quickly changing into clean clothes, she purified the water again and changed places with Cirilli.

Flinging off her clothes, Cirilli steps into the makeshift tub, submerging completely to get her hair wet.  Grabbing the bar of soap, she quickly scrubs herself and then begins to tackle her hair.  Finding her shorter locks much easier to deal with than Atalaya had hers, she lathers them.  Reaching for the cup she prepares to pour the clean water over her head.  

“Duck under first and rinse out as much soap as you can first,” advises Nevil.  Remember, there isn’t all that much clean water.”

“Oh, right,” Cirilli replied as she sank under the water one more time.  Wiping the soapy water out of her eyes when she surfaced again, she reached for the bucket with the clean water in it.  Wincing as she started to lift the full bucket above her head, she set it down again and reached for the cup.  Still feeling pinches of pain as she raised the cup overhead, she switched it to her left hand and then poured it over her hair.  Deciding it hurt less to use the left hand, she completed the task using that hand.  

Grabbing a towel, she eased out of the barrel and began drying off.  “What are we doing this afternoon?  Will we reach a port?”

Atalaya looked over to Nevil, exchanging glances with her.  “Well, Annie didn’t think that we would reach Stamfort until sometime this evening or maybe even tomorrow morning.  She said that it would depend on the winds.”  

Atalaya looked inward briefly and then turned her gaze back to Cirilli.  “You remember my speaking to you about meditation after we took the survivors off the Tamarind?  I believe that it is time for you to start that training.  It is a skill that Rangers find very helpful and is a part of our early training.  When I was under Master Elaria’s tutelage I learned that not only Rangers learn the skill.  She taught it to all her students if they came to her not already knowing it.  Looking again at Nevil.  “I think that you will find that Nevil will also require you to learn it.”

Cirilli’s turns to find Nevil.  “Really?  You also think that I need to meditate?”

Nevil takes all the sweat saturated work clothes and rinses them in the barrel.  twisting and working them together to scrub and circulate the water as best as possible. Then she stops at Cirilli's question to emphasize the seriousness of her answer. "Without question.  I believe Atalaya's father and the Master are correct.  It is a requirement for good martial and ranged arts.  It is too easy to get killed otherwise." Then she rings the items out and lays them in the sun.

As Nevil lays down each clothing item, Atalaya places something heavy on top of them to keep them from blowing away in the wind.  “We need a clothesline and some heavy duty clothespins.  I’ll add that to our shopping list.”  

Returning her attention to Cirilli she asks, “Did you pick up a small item to be your focus as I asked you to?”

Cirilli looks down at her hands, her facing turning red.  “No.  I forgot.”

Atalaya starts silently counting to 10 in common and then elvish.  Remembering that Cirilli has only been with her for a few months, and much of that not actually in her presence.  And also remembering that nothing in her life before the cult took over Parabor did anything to prepare her for becoming a Ranger or warrior of any kind.  

“It is important to remember tasks given to you by your instructors if you wish to progress in your training.  For this trip, Nevil is your weapons instructor and I want you to accord her the respect and attention that position commands.  But I am going to instruct you in the ways of the Ranger’s meditations.  I believe this type of meditation will be more in line with what will resonate for you.  Nevil  meditates also, of course, but her method is more based in the worship of her goddess, and I think that you are not at a point in your life that would make this practical for you.  We will begin about an hour after we finish the meal.  Do not overeat.”

Cirilli nods as Atalaya is talking.  “Yes.  I really do want to learn everything I need to be a ranger.”  Her eyes lower again and she adds hesitantly, “But you aren’t going to teach me to use the sword?  I thought you said that you would teach me to do those… ah…katas.” 

Atalaya shook her head.  “No Cirilli, I didn’t say that I wasn’t going to ever teach you the sword.  I said, for this trip Nevil would be your weapons instructor.  A person can have many instructors in their lifetime, but only one instructor per subject at a time.  It becomes too confusing if two people are telling you differing methods to use at the same time.  There are many styles of fighting that you can branch into once you learn the basics.  Nevil can teach you the basics and things related to her style of fighting.  When you have learned what you can from her and we see where your talents lie, the determination as to who should guide you next can be made.  And before you start learning the katas, you need to learn the basics of meditation.”

“Now, I think we should finish cleaning up here and then see what those smells from the galley are.  I’m hungry after our workout this morning.”

Nevil nods along with Atalaya's words, a silent confirmation of their truth.  "If Atalaya taught you all your lessons during this trip, you would start to drive each other crazy.  You'll need a break from her, just like you'll need a break from me."  Nevil gestures to Cirilli to help her dump the last of the water in the tub and to secure it inverted, back where it was stored. Then the three gathered items and went below.  

When they entered the common room, Sorrow was setting the table with bread, fruits, and cups of water.  "Lunch will be set by the time you're done primping."  

Nevil walked through the galley to get to her cabin.  Her long damp hair and fresh look drew Inman's eye. Nevil's gait slowed at the sight of Inman. He was wearing a smock, dusted with flour, slicing thin ribbons of dough.  The scent of the vegetable broth had taken a more meaty and savory aroma.  Sorrow brushed past to ferry bowls of sliced boiled eggs and thinly sliced lightly charred meat to the table.  What in this realm is he cooking? 

Nevil dropped her boots by the door.  Then she went to her pack and pocketed her bag of nightcap.  This will help with the tightness. Then she brushed out and loosely tied her hair before returning to the galley. Inman had just dropped the last handfuls of noodles in the simmering pot and stirred the contents for good measure.  Nevil tried to glimpse inside the pot but Inman playfully maneuvered his body to block her approach. "Don't even think about it," he scolded.

Chapter 13:  Lunch

Nevil pouted, then inspected the two kettles on the stove.  Inman advised, "one's water for tea the other coffee.  They can probably both go to the table."  Nevil smiled, you're a saint.”  Nevil picked them both up and went to sit.  She poured a cup of nightcap to steep and relaxed, waiting for the others.

Cirilli makes her way into the common area and stops to look at the foods that Sorrow is placing on the table.  Snitching a chunk of the golden melon she continues towards her room seeing her armor, short sword and practice sword placed in her room, she puts them away.  Sitting on the chest in her room, she begins to brush out her hair.  After spending several minutes on that, she puts the brush away and smelling the delightful aroma from the galley, makes her way back to the common table. 

Atalaya does not hear Vasilya talking with the others as she descends the stairs.  Heading for her cabin she opens the door to find Vasilya sitting on the bed, running his fingers over the token she had given him that morning.  He looks up as she enters the room, a smile lighting up his face as he sees her.  “At last you come back to me, woman,” he purrs, using a fake foreign accent.  “I have been waiting for you for hours,” he continues.  But then he breaks down in laughter as he reaches out for her.  In his own voice he continues, “Come here.  I’m bored and need some entertainment.”

Atalaya shakes her head in amusement as she sidesteps his reach and dutifully puts away her weapons that Sorrow had placed in the room.  The armor she leaves out to clean after the meal.  Searching through her bag she finds her hairbrush and only then returns to Vaz.  She tosses him the brush and quips, “If you are so bored I’ll put you to work.  You can brush this tangled mess out.” 

“Come here then sweet.  I would be glad to have a task.  No one is letting me do anything today.  Sorrow wouldn’t even let me cut up a few pieces of fruit.  ‘Go rest’ is all that I have heard.  I’m rested, so …”  His voice peters out as the brush becomes stuck in a large tangle.  He carefully disengages the brush from her hair and rethinks his attack.  Starting at the ends, he begins brushing again, carefully detangling each clump of twisted hair as he works up towards her scalp.  “What did you do?  This is a mess,” he asked.  

“Nevil created clean fresh water for each of us to bathe in.  So I took the opportunity to wash all the salt and sand out of it from yesterday. And to wash the sweat out also.”

“That sounds like a nice trick.  Did she use a cantrip or a spell slot to do that?” he asked.

“ I believe that it was several of her spells for the day.  She says that she can’t do it often but felt that since we are just supposed to be sailing today, that she could spare the spells.”  

Vaz continues to work on her hair until he has it brushed through.  “Now what?  Do you want it braided?”

Atalaya shakes her head.  “It needs to dry more before I do that.  If I braid it now it will still be wet in the morning.”

“Let’s see about lunch.”  Taking his hand she assists him to stand up, and they walk out to the main area, following the aroma of cooked meats and vegetables. 

Nevil sat at the table where Sorrow sat a stack of bowls and turned back to the galley.  Nevil passed the bowls around when Cirilli came briskly by and sat.  "What are we having? I'm hungry."

Nevil poured a cup of nightcap, "If I had to guess, we are in for a treat.  Inman cooked it for my girls once.  Something called Fo?"  Inman came in carrying a big pot and set it on the table, his back bowed against the weight. "It's pronounced Pho and there are a bunch of ways to do it.  This is the style popular with the College."  He ladles noodles, vegetables and broth into a bowl, then garnishes with the roasted meats, egg, and herbs. Then squeezing a lime on the top he hands it to Cirilli. "It felt like a special day of many firsts.”

Cirilli looks into the bowl and takes a deep sniff.  “This smells good.”  Placing it on the table and reaching for her spoon she looked up at the others around the table.  They were all watching her.  Inman’s eyes twinkled and he stage whispered, “You are supposed to eat that.”  She glanced up at him and then around the table as he added, “Here I slaved over a hot stove for hours and you won’t even try the delicious and nutritious meal I prepared for you.”

Atalaya saw a mischievous gleam flash across Cirilli’s face and then, as quick as a flash, she reached into the bowl, grabbed a noodle and tossed it at Inman.  “Oh yes, you slaved for hours over this while you sat in that hammock with Boz watching my lesson with Nevil, and then watching Atalaya and Nevil fight, and then watching the katas.”  Not able to keep up the fierce demeanor she broke into laughter.  Dipping her spoon into the rich smelling soup she brought it to her mouth, stopping dramatically just short of her mouth she made a big production of smelling the broth again.  Glancing around the table she placed the spoon into her mouth and her face lit up.  “Oh, this is really good,” she immediately scooped up another spoonful of the soup.  Around her she heard the others chuckling.  

“I’m glad you like it,” Inman replied.   He worked his way around the table, filling each person’s bowl with the Pho.  

Atalaya brought the bowl to her face, her face smiling as she breathed in the smoky spicy aroma.  Placing it on the table in front of her,   she waited for Inman to serve the others.  Once everyone was served, Inman returned the pot to the stove and joined his friends at the table.  

“So, what’s going on this afternoon?” he asked.

After eating several spoonfuls of soup, Atalaya responded, “This is really good.  I don’t think I have ever had something like this before.”  After thinking for another moment, she added.  “I’m cleaning armor and then giving Cirilli her first meditation lesson.  Not sure what anyone else is going to do.”

Nevil watched the group try the unusual meal.  Inman added, “Atalaya bring me your armor after lunch, I have a cantrip for cleaning.”

Atalaya gives Inman a long considering look.  She glanced at Cirilli briefly and then turned back to Inman.  “Thank you.  All the salt water it has been exposed to recently has been rough on it.  If you can get all the salt out of it, I would really appreciate it.  I’ll leave it out in my room.” 

Nevil slurped up noodles and savored each bite.  It is as good as I remember.  Nevil was gathering noodles awkwardly into her mouth when Inman turned to her anticipating an answer regarding her afternoon plans. She swallowed. Then fingering the rim of her tea cup, she teased, pretending not to notice that he was studying her. "I haven't given it a thought. Are you doing anything I might be interested in?”  

Inman raises an eyebrow and smirks. His eyes dart toward Cirilli for a split second before returning to Nevil's teasing face. "Maybe you can tell me. Later."

After listening to the plans of the other adults sitting at the table, Atalaya turned to Cirilli.  “You need to care for your armor.  Check it for signs of weakness or need for cleaning or oiling.”  With a glance at Inman, “No shortcuts.  And if you are not sure, you should ask for help determining what is needed.  I still have some of the bruise cream that Macterah made for us if you need it.  It’s in the opened healing kit, if you need it.  In the chest in my room.”
“I’m fine,” Cirilli asserted.  “I don’t need anything.”

“As you wish.  I’ve already made use of it.” she smiled at Cirilli.  “Just remember that you will be practicing again tomorrow.”  Cirilli looked a little uncertain as she nibbled on a piece of fruit.   “Then around 3 o’clock, you are to find me for your meditation lesson.  Once your care of your armor is completed the afternoon is yours until 3 o’clock.  Do what you like unless Nevil has a task she needs for you to do for her.  

       Nevil was only half paying attention, lost in her own imagination and subtle flirtations, “Mmmm, tasks for Cirilli…No, not until tomorrow.”

[End]