With my lack of knowledge, I was at quite a loss. All I knew of the world was Ala Mhigo and Abania Gyr, as well as parts of the Shroud that lay near the border. My entire world revolved around the Monastary and honing my body with daily training. As such, I traveled with a merchant group to Gridania, in hopes of expanding my horizons and to seek out information of the J tribe of which my Mother and I were connected to.
My first step, of course, would be finding a way to acquire funds for necessities. After all, I knew little of the Shroud, and aside from hunting beastkin I had little ways of acquiring food. As such, I joined the Lancer's Guild to satisfy several of my needs at once.
Now, one might ask 'Why would a Fists of Rhalgr trainee seek out the Lancer's Guild?'.
The answer is sadly quite simple. It was the only martial guild in the area that would allow me to expand my horizons and still fight face to face with my enemies. Rhalgr's symbol, aside from the falling meteor, is a staff. While there are some Fists who also take the path of Black Magic to broaden their potential, those who do not learn how to fight with pole weapons in order to honor Rhalgr as well. Whilst fighting with a Spear is different, it is still a similar enough concept that I could adapt relatively well to it. The Guildmaster was quite understanding of my plight, even when I spoke of my origins, though he did not know the location of the J tribe either. Even still, he told me that by improving myself and gaining reputation, I may be able to find what I seek. A waymarker in my Path. Accepting his wisdom, I trained earnestly with and without the spear, diligently doing the tasks asked of me and properly testing my mettle against the foes required of my standing.
Looking back on it, I was too serious of a child.Â
Likely seeing this too, the Guildmaster went out of his way to forbid me from training once a week, going so far as to tell me 'If I did not gain a mark from the Orphanage showing I played properly, I would not be allowed to train with a spear again.'
It was an odd case. I understood punishment and diligence, but I lacked what the Guildmaster perceived as a proper childhood. I understood right and wrong and how things had two sides... but lacked knowledge of the games children usually play. Whilst I did not understand HOW the Guildmaster could prevent me from training if I focused on it, Mother had taught me to respect my teachers. So, once every seven days, a new waymarker was placed on my path... to 'Play as children do'.
Lacking in proper knowledge of this, I spent time simply observing them. If I recall correctly.. at the time the children were dancing in order to make an Elezen girl laugh. Was laughing such an important thing? Still, it was a diligent effort of the group, yet the child did not smile. I did not know any dances, but I knew something similar. Nodding to myself, I moved to stand in front of the girl and clapped my hands hard to get her attention. The girl jumped slightly and looked at me, wondering what I was doing along with the rest of the children... before I let out a proper warcry and began performing one of the katas of the Fists of Rhalgr.Â
It was likely quite odd, watching a child move in this way within Gridania, but I did my best. When I finished, I let out a breath and knelt down, watching the girl curiously. While she did not laugh or smile, she did look curious at me as I stared back. Nodding, I stood up and walked forward, placing a hand on her head in a soft pat, not unlike what my Mother would do to me in the past. "Good, you are not sad anymore." Glancing at the other children, I tilted my head to one side as they still just stared at me oddly.Â
"Does this count as playing?"
I did not understand why the girl broke out into laughter at that time, but in the end they taught me a few games. I earned my marker after making a promise to come 'play' again. I did not yet understand why my footsteps felt lighter, though the Guildmaster seemed satisfied after saying 'That is a good smile.'
And thus, my horizons broadened in unexpected ways. I am sure my Mother would have been proud.
My first step, of course, would be finding a way to acquire funds for necessities. After all, I knew little of the Shroud, and aside from hunting beastkin I had little ways of acquiring food. As such, I joined the Lancer's Guild to satisfy several of my needs at once.
Now, one might ask 'Why would a Fists of Rhalgr trainee seek out the Lancer's Guild?'.
The answer is sadly quite simple. It was the only martial guild in the area that would allow me to expand my horizons and still fight face to face with my enemies. Rhalgr's symbol, aside from the falling meteor, is a staff. While there are some Fists who also take the path of Black Magic to broaden their potential, those who do not learn how to fight with pole weapons in order to honor Rhalgr as well. Whilst fighting with a Spear is different, it is still a similar enough concept that I could adapt relatively well to it. The Guildmaster was quite understanding of my plight, even when I spoke of my origins, though he did not know the location of the J tribe either. Even still, he told me that by improving myself and gaining reputation, I may be able to find what I seek. A waymarker in my Path. Accepting his wisdom, I trained earnestly with and without the spear, diligently doing the tasks asked of me and properly testing my mettle against the foes required of my standing.
Looking back on it, I was too serious of a child.Â
Likely seeing this too, the Guildmaster went out of his way to forbid me from training once a week, going so far as to tell me 'If I did not gain a mark from the Orphanage showing I played properly, I would not be allowed to train with a spear again.'
It was an odd case. I understood punishment and diligence, but I lacked what the Guildmaster perceived as a proper childhood. I understood right and wrong and how things had two sides... but lacked knowledge of the games children usually play. Whilst I did not understand HOW the Guildmaster could prevent me from training if I focused on it, Mother had taught me to respect my teachers. So, once every seven days, a new waymarker was placed on my path... to 'Play as children do'.
Lacking in proper knowledge of this, I spent time simply observing them. If I recall correctly.. at the time the children were dancing in order to make an Elezen girl laugh. Was laughing such an important thing? Still, it was a diligent effort of the group, yet the child did not smile. I did not know any dances, but I knew something similar. Nodding to myself, I moved to stand in front of the girl and clapped my hands hard to get her attention. The girl jumped slightly and looked at me, wondering what I was doing along with the rest of the children... before I let out a proper warcry and began performing one of the katas of the Fists of Rhalgr.Â
It was likely quite odd, watching a child move in this way within Gridania, but I did my best. When I finished, I let out a breath and knelt down, watching the girl curiously. While she did not laugh or smile, she did look curious at me as I stared back. Nodding, I stood up and walked forward, placing a hand on her head in a soft pat, not unlike what my Mother would do to me in the past. "Good, you are not sad anymore." Glancing at the other children, I tilted my head to one side as they still just stared at me oddly.Â
"Does this count as playing?"
I did not understand why the girl broke out into laughter at that time, but in the end they taught me a few games. I earned my marker after making a promise to come 'play' again. I did not yet understand why my footsteps felt lighter, though the Guildmaster seemed satisfied after saying 'That is a good smile.'
And thus, my horizons broadened in unexpected ways. I am sure my Mother would have been proud.
I walk the Path of Benevolent Destruction.
My Strength will shatter bonds, limitations and barriers, so that others may walk and grow in my wake.
And at the End of my Path, I pray Rhalgr allows others with strength greater than my own to continue to branch my Path with their own.
Until all may freely grow and walk without fear of Destruction.
To all who stand in my way...
Rhalgr's Peace be with you as you become yet another stepping stone in my Path.
My Strength will shatter bonds, limitations and barriers, so that others may walk and grow in my wake.
And at the End of my Path, I pray Rhalgr allows others with strength greater than my own to continue to branch my Path with their own.
Until all may freely grow and walk without fear of Destruction.
To all who stand in my way...
Rhalgr's Peace be with you as you become yet another stepping stone in my Path.
