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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Rhialto" data-source="post: 2707234" data-attributes="member: 630">Weel:[sblock]Heading back to the barracks, Weel is surprised to pass a group of forty or so individuals dancing in a large field.  Well, 'dancing' might not be the right term--they instead cycle between various positions in a flowing, graceful manner.  One three-quarters the group carry greatswords--the other seem to be completely unarmed.  As they exercise, one of the unarmed one chants ritually.  "I am--a ship upon the sea.  I am the sea that carries the ship.  I am the sea where dwells the shark.  I am the shark who lives in sea...."  A banner showing a black hand waves over them.As Weel passes them, he is surprised to see Ritter Helm arguing with a tall Aguiran woman carrying a greatsword on her back, standing away from the others."--And I think you should recall what we paid you for, Kithera!" bellows Helm."We were paid to fight for your 'Emperor', and to die for him--and that is exactly what we did," notes Kithera.  "In great numbers, I may add."Helm peevishly crosses his arms. "So much for the legendary 'Society'..."  Glancing over he notices Weel, and stares in shock.Kithera glares at him.  "Even we are only as effective as the leaders we follow.   Why--"  Noticing Helm's silence, she follows his gaze.  "Who's that?"Helm coughs.  "One of the new recruits."  He bows.  "Master Weel.  Lady Kithera and I were just discussing certain matters of--military discipline."  Both manage a rather embarassed glance at each other.  "I hope you are enjoying youself here."[/sblock]Izara:[sblock]The steady voice of Chanter Rel rings out as the Society of the Slaying Hand, both Fist and Sword, goes through their paces.  "I am--a ship upon the sea.  I am the sea that carries the ship.  I am the sea where dwells the shark.  I am the shark who lives in sea...."  Izara listens to the old sacred Chant, losing herself in it, as any good Janissary would.  Despite the distraction.This week's exercise had gone perfectly well--until Ritter Helm had come to complain to Lady Kithera about how little the Society were doing.  Izara frowned.  Didn't the fool realize how vital their practice was?  Apparently not, as they'd all spent the last ten minutes listening to him recycle old complaints.  "You were given a great deal of money, your damn, black Slaying Hand, and I think you should recall what we paid you for, Kithera!" he bellows."We were paid to fight for your 'Emperor', and to die for him--and that is exactly what we did," notes Kithera.  "In great numbers, I may add."Smiling to herself, Izara turns back to focus on the Chant.  "I am a bird upon the wind!  I am the wind that holds the bird!  I am a wind that moves the grass!  I am the grass the wind moves!  I am the grass the sword does cut!  I am the sword that cuts the grass!  I am--the sword that spills the blood!  I am the blood, spilt by swords.  All are me!  All I see!  All these things are me!"Glancing over, Izara notices that a young man has approached Helm and the Lady, and is apparently talking with them.  Well, at least they're talking with him.[/sblock]</blockquote>

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