Returning to Ulster....

[Lady Ashina Mal'orhe Kansior]

adam_masou: *She had fallen asleep at midday. He had been content to let her sleep for as long as she needed to. He wanted her wounds to heal. He had multiple reasons for it, of course, but the primary being he did not want her to feel the pain he was supposed to have felt. Ban sat beside him, lashing his tail back and forth as Adam sat on a large rock overlooking the bed of soft moss and grass Ashina had made for herself. The sun was just beginning to go down and the forest was lit up with the gold and orange of the sunset. A beautiful sight indeed. Ban did not seem to notice. The tiger grumbled, not looking up at the beast master as he spoke almost in a lecturing tone to him. "You can't just keep letting her stay out here." The tiger said bitterly to him<c>*

adam_masou: *<c>"Why not? She likes it out here." Adam replied in the tiger's voice. Ban snorted and ran a rough tongue over a dirt patch on his paw, taking great pride in his luxurious orange and black coat. "Since when have you cared what people like? She doesn't belong out here. This is our home not a tourist center." Adam simply folded his arm over his knee and rested his chin on the meat of his forearm with a smile, his eyes never leaving Ashina. "It's just one person Ban. She's a druid... She's ok out here." The tiger looked up at him and narrowed his big golden eyes. "What is this? So soft all of a sudden." he paused before a vicious, toothy grin spread over his feline features, "You're fond of her, aren't you?" He almost laughed, or at least would have if he could have<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> Adam looked down sharply. "No!" He protested. "It's not like that. I just find her interesting." He paused, his features growing more serious for the moment. "It's been a long time since I've been with my own kind, Ban." The tiger gave a grunt. "It's been a long time for me as well, you don't hear me whining about it." Adam chuckled and scratched the tiger behind the ear. "Some things never change, do they buddy?" He paused a second before looking down at Ban again. "So what would it take for you to respect her?" Ban looked up with another toothy smile and whipped his tail around some more. "You know what." Adam hissed slightly but smiled. "You're such a hard nose." Ban shruged, muscle rippling beneath his coat. "You know you want to."<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> Adam had to admit, he did very much want a spar. If that was what it was going to take. It was a fairly common rite of passage in the animal world. Your worth garnered by your abilities and your drive. He would have to make it an even fighting field though, no magic, no tricks, just bare hands. Then again, he didn't want to do it if she wasn't at her full health. For the time he could only wait for her to wake up. Ban just snorted and crossed one paw over the other. "You're getting too soft, monkey tamer."<fin>*

ashina_kansior ....slowly, Ashina stirred from the recesses of the dream, her mind clinging to the hope of tomorrow even as her body refused to retain it's state of slumber a moment longer. She yawned, eyes still closed, and a simple smile fit itself into her relaxed expression before she grunted and then stretched. Arms lifted over her head, the fingers twining together as if one arm pulled the other up to greet the sunset. For once, she didn't wake drenched in her own sweat, dreaming of blood and mayhem. A frown knit her brow at the unusual state.<broken>

ashina_kansior .. She was used to fear and confusion, and to wake to something different was odd. She sniffed, eyes still closed, and could smell not rot or decay. She had entered another world altogether when she fell asleep, and then her mind recalled events of the day and previous night. She sat up, glancing around quickly in an attempt to locate Adam, and spotting him nearby with Ban, she allowed her mind to ease and slowly lay back once more. A soft sigh escaped her lips to mingle with the sweet, evening air. She knew that this idyll could not last for much longer. <broken>

ashina_kansior ... Soon enough she would have to force herself back to the Kingdom and give explanations to the Queen for her absence. Deciding that she had had enough rest, she rose then, her old grace back to it's usual self. A full day of sunshine and now the wounds were nonexistant. In their place remained the simple pinkish abrasions against her fair skin. While still tender, they would no longer exist after an hour or two in the forest. The trees would heal her if she so chose to walk among them, and silently they began to whisper to her, offering their own well wishes for her health. <broken>

ashina_kansior: She looked to her boots, still sitting beside the river, and she shivered slightly. When she put them back on, it would be to return to what humans termed, "the civilized world." Fine dresses and hair dressers, parties and balls, soirees and teas, and most repulsive of all, gaudy jewelry and face paint. In a moment of anger, she kicked the leather, as if by doing so she could destroy the world from which she had come, and immediately she was remorseful, turning wary eyes to Adam, "Sorry. That was rather childish of me." <fixed>

[Lady Ashina Mal'orhe Kansior]

adam_masou: *The tiger gave another snort and laid its head over its paws with a knowing smile and Adam, without looking at him, sent a light kick to his ribs to tell him to be quiet. She looked better... much better. More color had returned to her face and her hands and she seemed to be moving without any pain now. He assumed that the healing properties of the forest had done their work. He had to wonder, however, was it because of what she was or because of what this place was? Or perhaps a combination of both? If what Fuyuki told him was true and this really did used to be ancient Maryuudo grounds perhaps that is why she healed so fast. And that would explain the barrier around the Heart of the Forest. And the Heart itself. He had been tempted <c>*

adam_masou: *<c> once or twice while she was sleeping to ask when she woke up if she would travel there with him and help him identify what to him was clearly magic around the Heart, but each time a voice inside his head firmly told him no and that he must keep that secret well hidden from everyone. Even Naavah was not ready for its secrets. Ban was right, this place was hallowed ground, not a tourist attraction. He could not break the rules he so stringently enforced, even for one of Nature's children. A sigh as he looked down at the tiger who was obviously ignoring the two of them. Perhaps Ban was right and he was becoming a bit soft around the edges, but then, she had healed him. Saved his life was too strong, he would have made it, it simply would have taken <c>*

adam_masou: *<c> him much longer than it had her. All the same, she had made a sacrifice for him. "You seem angry." It was his strange way of asking her what was wrong, as he rarely even had the directness when dealing with people he actually more than tolerated to be so blunt. Ban was getting restless and finally could stand no more of the pleasentries. With a tiger like snarl he got up, lashing his tail, obviously having made a flippant remark to the beast master before turning and stalking off into the now fading forest beyond them. Adam said nothing but narrowed his eyes and folded his arms back over his knee, propping them up and glaring off at the feline as his form faded into the dusk. He opened his mouth to say something back, but<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> He held his tongue for whatever reason and just shook his head, looking down for a moment at the grass.<fin>*

ashina_kansior ...Ashina shrugged lightly at his question. Or so she assumed it was a question formed as a statement. She didn't think he'd understand what it was to be constantly surrounded and yet, so alone in the mind and heart. Then again, perhaps he would. Her actions were merely a reflection of the pent up anger that resided deep within her, but, she rarely gave vent to it and still didn't understand what it was about Adam that made her comfortable enough not to hide such a show of emotion. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...She decided that it would do no harm to simply state her reasons, and, if nothing else, she could always leave if embarrassed beyond endurance. "I know in my mind that I'm not helpless against any weapon or glib words that human or beast alike can throw at me. But, at the same time, I am helpless to my own humanity." Let him pick through the riddle. If he could understand her words, then he could understand her feelings and there was no need for her to elaborate. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...She watched Ban huff off, wondering at the tiger's actions but not voicing her own opinion. For some reason Ban reminded her of a woman. He had mood swings and more often than not tried to hide behind superficial growls that really weren't all that threatening most of the time. Briefly she considered offering the tiger some choclate to ease his cramps and she chuckled to herself at her own thoughts. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...Well, there were more serious things afoot than the simple moodiness of a tiger. She sat on her rump then, rather hard, and winced slightly as her tailbone connected with the solid earth. Lower lip was tucked between ivory teeth as she reached back to rub the sore area and then she merely sat, waiting for Adam to respond to her cautious answer. <fixed>

[Lady Ashina Mal'orhe Kansior]

adam_masou: *He looked up as she responded, still slightly on the defensive from the tiger's accusations to him. What did Ban know about it, anyways? Maybe he was simply jealous. He did get that way, especially when Fuyuki had first started becoming a part of the inner circle, and he was rather hostile around Naavah as well. Maybe he was just worried about losing his best and most trusted friend. Still, did he really have the right to judge Adam the way he did or question his motives with Ashina? The parting comment had him riled to say the least. Though he did have a point. If Adam allowed one person here he would soon start to allow others and slowly but surely the taint would spread. They were not Maryuudo, were they? Then maybe Ban was right<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> Maybe they had no place here. Alliances. What was he thinking? The tiger's grown echoed in his head. "We don't need anyone but us." Adam truly believed it for a long time. What was it that made him go to Ulster, present himself and prostrate himself infront of that royalty the way he did? Show weakness infront of this girl? Was his need for companionship from his own kind that strong that he would stoop to such things? He had been fine until now, he would be fine without them too. He was studying her for long moments after she spoke with all this running through his mind. "Alone in the midst of a crowd." He said with a bitter edge in his voice as if to relate that he knew exactly how she felt. But there was more. She was vulnerable to her<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> human side, the side that felt things and needed things, just as his was. It was a feeling he often wrestled with, the feeling that he was somehow incomplete on the inside because there was no way to seal off that nusaince of a desire. Either deny his human side and fall to the beasts, or forget his people and join the "real world". Damned if you do, as they say. The same applied to Ashina. Let her stay without trial, or send her packing to a place he knew very well she didn't want to go back to. He had offered to go with her, but he knew the bug had gotten her now. It had bit down and taken a chunk out. She would get restless if she stayed in Ulster too long among people always wanting her attention, ball room gowns, politics and all of the complications humans had brought on themselves

adam_masou: *<c> Was there a middle ground? He looked back to the deerpath that Ban had retreated down and then back to Ashina. "He's upset about you. He doesn't trust you being here for so long." A pause. "I can't say as I really blame him. This is our home after all, and humans are not suppose to roam as they please here... but you gave me reason to put a small amount of trust in you. Trouble is, the rest of them won't be able to unless they see you're worth it to tolerate." He breathed a sigh, all of a sudden not wanting to go through with this. Tests. Why did she need to be tried and tested? Why couldn't they accept her for what she was? Then again, they had all been deceived and hurt before, hadn't they... and there were rules, rules couldn't just be bent when he felt like it<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> What kind of ruler would that make him? Maybe it would get some of her anger out. Maybe it would scare her off completely... He didn't know. He was now almost ashamed of his own way of life to ask her. Wasn't there another way?<fin>*

ashina_kansior ..Ashina regarded Adam now with interest. She knew that he understood her own worries and fears. There was nothing like human companionship, but at the same time, humans were rarely worth the time it took to convince them of a brief moment of their time. Her one and only friend continued to be Kahlan. The others were merely acquaintances. She held no special kinship with anyone else and no one else could even understand. Perhaps even Kahlan was immune to understanding. After all, she had Shaine now didn't she? And with marriage came children. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...Perhaps Ashina had sought Adam with ulterior motives after all. Perhaps the fear of losing her friend had caused her to cling to the beastmaster because of his communion with nature. He, like she, longed for human companionship and didn't understand why when life could be complete without it. A soft sigh escaped her as she wrestled with her thoughts, recalling the four trials of Druidism that had succeeded in creating in her that which she strove to protect. They had been drawn out and intense tests that at certain points had made her wish she had never gone through. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...And yet, she now had that which she had longed for since she was a child, and now she gave up everything for her powers. Humans would use her powers to manipulate mankind and beast alike, abusing that which she possessed. She could be a destructive weapon if she ever gave herself completely away to another person, be it as a lifemate or a close friend. For that reason, Ashina had nurtured her solitary nature, for the most part just avoiding others and using the persuasion of fear whenever necessary. <broken>

ashina_kansior ... Now, she awaited Adam's proposition. She wasn't sure how she knew that he was planning a proposal, only knew that she knew it for certain, and while the details may be unattainable, the simplistic emotion of anxiety was written in bold script all over his aura. <fixed>

[Lady Ashina Mal'orhe Kansior]

adam_masou: *He had her attention then, didn't he? This could go one of two ways- either she would be completely eager to fight, to get it out of her system, or, she would become frightening of him and the tentative friendship would be over. Well, no pressure of anything. He wasn't planning anything big, no duel to the death, nothing that would even leave either one of them with more than a few bruises... but it still had to happen. After all, how could he trust her unless she agreed to it? He wasn't like other men in regards to females. He would strike one, if it were necessary. He wasn't abusive, but he would fight them and treat them as an equal only if they deserved it from him. In that regard, he was more animal than human. Perhaps it was uncivilized, he didn't much care<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> Ban, on the other hand, seemed to have a different idea of how the fight would go. He knew, if provoked enough Adam would go full out. He also knew the result if Adam went full out. Ban had faced him down that way before... slipping down those muddy banks into the river on that dark, moonless, raining night. He could barely see Adam but for the glow of his eyes. So unstable and dangerous, so... unpredictable, so feral. The tiger had great respect for that man. Not this one, this soft shell who willingly invited the enemy into his home. Rather, into -their- home. Feeling wounded, he crept from the underbrush he had been watching the exchange from, apparently more interested in it than he had earlier let on. Skulking, he circled the two silently, tail whipping back and forth<c>*

adam_masou: *<c>A growl came from him, low and threatening as he looked to Adam, standing behind Ashina. "Coward." Adam stood up and snapped back in the tiger's language, his own snarl just as threatening. Though she could not understand them, it was clear that a standoff was occuring. "My decisions are my own, Ban." The tiger's eyes flashed. "Rules are rules. You can't let her stay at your own whim. She fights, or she goes." Was it an ultimatium that he had issued? Perhaps it was. Neither man nor beast wanted to fight each other again, but Ban would make it happen until he felt the rules were implimented fairly. And he knew the others would come in on his side. Adam knew this as well, and in the back of his mind he knew it was wrong to remove Ashina from their subject.<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> The tiger walked forwards, facing up, head lifted to lock eyes with the man. "Do it." He growled. Adam clenched his fists in anger, but spat out "Fine!" A slip. He spoke in English. Ban, satisfied, looped around and stood behind him, eyes on Ashina, watching with a malicious sort of smile on (if tigers could even have those). Adam snapped his head back up to her, a feral stare, but just beyond it, a look of regret for what he had to issue. "They won't accept you until you go through the trial." He said numbly. He swallowed hard. "You have to fight me to earn their respect." Silence hung for a moment as they stood in the fading light. "Nothing serious, just a spar, to prove your ability and your intentions. If you stay and fight, it means your reasons are..."<c>*

adam_masou: *<c>"... worth the risk of taking on their leader. No magick, no tricks, just hand to hand combat. The first to land a 'killing blow' wins. That is to say, a shot to any vital organ, you as if using a sword or a dagger, myself as if using my.. gifts." He said, motioning to kill zones over his chest and abdomen. "Heart, lungs, stomach, throat, or head. Front of back it doesn't matter." Ban licked his whiskers, he was going to enjoy this. Adam was stern, stoic, but somehow it looked as though he did not want to have to go through with the ritual at all, regret a shadow over his features. But rules were rules... weren't they.<fin>*
ashina_kansior ...Ashina regarded the two in silence, watching the silent struggle for control that each sought. Or perhaps control was too strong a word. In any even, no matter what the arguement between them was, she somehow knew that she was the source and Adam confirmed her suspicions when he told her of the trial. Another trial. There always seemed to be tests and rituals to complete in this world, and yet, Ashina had learned that if she must go through a trial, the reward was even greater than if she had merely been handed something. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...She rose to her feet, staring down at her bare feet as if pondering the question gravely. In truth, her mind had already been made the moment Adam's authority within this forest had been called into play. She understood rules, having to follow the strictures of society when she was in Ulster, and this was no different. Perhaps in situation, but not in essence. She sighed softly, and then looked to Adam, the question in her eyes hiding the vulnerability regarding it's answer, "And if I lose? Am I banished?" <broken>

ashina_kansior ..She knew that without her magick she was a formidable opponent, but her combative skills weren't what they should be. She always carried her dagger as a threat to any who would look at her weaponless demeanor and decide that easy pickings lie in that corner, but never once had she used it. Within the sanctuary of Ulster, she had never been threatened, her position too high in the Queen's favor to even be considered a target for any ill intentions, but here, she was no one and that was why she adored the West Wood. <broken>

ashina_kansior ..Here, her worth would be determined by her skill. Here, it didn't matter if she fought barefoot as she was. If she must fight for the opportunity to remain, so be it. Determination gleamed in the emerald depths of her orbs then, and she awaited his answer. Regardless of the results of the outcome of the battle, she would follow through. A thought entered her mind then, and she cleared her throat, slightly embarrassed by her next statement, but deciding that for the purpose of democracy, it must be made, <broken>

ashina_kansior .."If we are to do this, you must not allow any thoughts of the bond we have shared to enter your head. Treat me as you would a stranger who fought for the right to remain. The others would not be satisfied with less. And if I lose, I will suffer the consequences, no matter what they may be." The thought of banishment did nothing to help her vulnerability,but in the end, if those were the rules they should be followed to the letter. Adam could not make an exception for one useless girl and maintain the respect of the animals. This she understood because Kahlan had faced many of the same situations. <fixed>

[Lady Ashina Mal'orhe Kansior]

adam_masou: *Ash she warned him not to treat her as a friend, he cracked a slightly disturbing smile. "I wouldn't do anything less." He said, raising his hands up to a defensive position. When he was a small boy he had learned from his grandfather hand to hand self defense, almost akin ot that of the ancient Korean kado techniques, only for the of his own people. Since then he had never once in his life weilded a weapon other than as a tool. "If you lose, you won't be banished. You are not judged as my opponent but as your own person. And I have already made up my mind about you, so you have nothing to fear from that, either." A thought occured to him then... perhaps she, who relied primarily on magic and weaponry, would be at a disadvantage against him even<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> If he did not use any of his learned gifts. That could be easily remedied. "I must warn you, I have only ever fought hand to hand combat, and I know nothing of your skills in battle, but ... There are certain parts of my gifts that I cannot help but use because they are now a part of me. If you wish it, I will use one skill... if I mimic a bat, I will be blind the entire fight. I will only be able to locate you using their location system. Other than that, you have my word that this will be a straight battle." Another dry smile cocked on his face. "So don't hurt me too badly." He thought that maybe his offer had come off as giving her a type of 'head start'. He did not want to sound condescending, but the truth of the matter was he was far stronger and far faster than <c>*

adam_masou: *<c> normal human beings, and his senses were far better enhanced. Though his eyesight was not at all what it should be, night was coming, and in the twilight he could see just as well as if it were broad daylight It was quite the unfair advantage if she was being given a chance to prove herself against him. Speed and strength were what determined hand to hand battles. He knew, however, as long as she gave this her best effort, the outcome did not matter at all. Had this been a real fight, given her magical abilities, he was more than certain she would take him in battle, though, perhaps here the forest would deny her the strength she needed to use such power and even the playing field for him. He could not be certain and frankly, he didn't want to be.<fin>*

ashina_kansior ...Ashina nodded, and assumed a position of defense for the moment. Legs shifted slightly, parting enough that should he decide at any given moment to strike, she would be firmly planted in place, able to take the first blow at least. The leaves rustled as the trees in the forest called out to her, sending their strength to her aid, but with a simple tilt of her head, she declined the offer and the wind rose and then died, spreading her dictate to the Wood. <broken>

ashina_kansior ..The master had given his consent once before, and as this was a spar, the trees would have lent the strength of their roots and age to her own, but unfair advantage was unfair advantage and she made it a point to let it be known that no aid would be accepted in this spar. Now that she was certain that banishment would not be enforced, no matter the outcome, her confidence grew in bounds, and she almost delighted in the idea of simple spar. <broken>

ashina_kansior ..If nothing else, it would use unspent energy. Ashina was rather awkward with physical confrontation, having never accepted Daos's offer to teach her on various occassions, and so she contemplated her first move with careful deliberation. Assuming from his stance that she would take the first action, she stood regarding him momentarily, suprise the only offensive idea that came to mind. All things considered and weighed in her mind now, she brought her legs together again, slowly taking the time to adjust to position. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...It was easy enough to lower a man to her level, but hoping to keep the fight as clean as possible, she quickly discarded the thought of kicking him in the nether region. She made her move then, one of simple technique that was meant to just get things started. Her right foot moved backward, the knee bending slightly, and then she pushed it forward, her weight balanced on her left leg as her foot was sent toward his stomach. <broken>

ashina_kansior ... Her hands were useless for now, and she simply held them in a defensive position, the elbows bent and the forearms firmly against her chest, hopefully blocking him from immediately knocking the wind from her and ending the fight before it began. <fixed>

[Lady Ashina Mal'orhe Kansior]

adam_masou: *As long as fighting blind wouldn't be necessary, he smiled, arched a brow, and awaited her first move. His legs were a little more than should width apart, left leg back and straight, his right leg front and bent so that he couldn't see his bare foot under his knee. Hips and shoulders faced straight forwards. A good stance. If struck in this position, he was unshakable. Though the blow would hurt, he would not be moved and he was ready at any time to chamber a kick from his hind or front leg. His fists stayed up over his abdomen, his right was cocked back already in a chamber mode to throw anything he needed to from his midsection, the left was up and straight from the wrist down in a locked position to the elbow, effectively blocking and punches between the <c>*

adam_masou: *<c> Solar plexus up to the middle of his sternum. And so she came at him, smile cocked on her face. This was going to be fun. A front kick, no surprises there- As she rushed and sprung with her foot at his mid section he used the moment to move himself into a better position. He was fast at it, too. Damn fast. Immediately as she came at him, expecting a frontal attack his weight shifted onto his back leg, bending it and centering his weight over it, his front foot barely touching the ground. As soon as her leg chambered the kick by raising the knee he moved. Spinning on the ball of his left leg (the back leg) he narrowly missed the assault by shifting himself to the left of her position. As her leg came on the followthrough and kicked into the space his body had been<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> His right leg spun with his body. As his own leg came in the followthrough he countered his weight. Still centered from the hip down over his planted left leg he leaned his body to the ground and the right spinning leg came up. In a normal scenario he would have aimed his heel for her temple, but just incase she didn't catch it on the follow through, he flexed his foot ensuring that the point of impact would be the flat underside of his foot instead of the heel, to the side of the head where it would do little more than rattle her and knock her backwards, as he had enough momentum from the spin to knock her clean to the ground had he not purposefully pulled it. He was not trying to give her an advantage, but simply make sure that this stayed a spar<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> and a friendly one at that, not a war game or a battle. Hurting her was not the intent. His execution, however, of the spinning crescent kick was flawless, practiced many times over as a child and apparently maintained into adulthood. So called for its spin and crescent shaped follow through, it could be a devestating attack if used at full force on an unwitting opponent, but difficult to manuver and keep balance with for the attacker. Apparently, he had no problems with either of the latter.<fin>*

ashina_kansior ...She was obviously a fish out of water when it came to this sort of physical brutality, the kick a mere statement of that fact. However, she wasn't dissappointed with the miss, but rather, interested in being a part of the knowledge of how he defending his kingdom. Unused to such a situation, she saw out of the corner of her eye that his intention had turned toward kicking her in the head. Slightly shocked for a moment, she hesitated too long in her calculations, and even as she fell to the dirt, his foot made the impact against the side of her head. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...Her head snapped to the side, her ears ringing as if mocking her for the mistake, and she rolled to her back, more than a little annoyed at her own lapse. Her left leg remained immoble, her right bending at the knee and brought up to her chest. She wasn't quick in the standards of the animal kingdom, and even less so in the standards of humans. She merely lashed out now, her mind intent on connecting the flat of her foot with his thigh. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...She shoved forward with all of her strength, the muscles flexing for the impact. Her lower back was lifted from the ground as she did so, the force of the kick enough that the momentum would simply jerk her entire body along with it, and the upper back was scooted along, inching her body up slightly. <fixed>

[Lady Ashina Mal'orhe Kansior]

adam_masou: *A slight frown crossed him as his foot made contact with her head, glad that he had infact flexed the point of impact and not used his heel to strike at her. He didn't expect her to be expert. As she went sailing to the ground his leg swung around and his counter balance kicked in, raising his body to lower his right spinning leg back to touch the ground. It made the slightest contact as the toe brushed the ground, the back leg bent once again, all his weight centered on it to provide with a better chamber, more power. The right hand returned from it's mid block to the 'cocked' chamber position at his waist, the other hand in a blocking position across the solar plexus horizontally, locked at the wrist bent at the elbow to allow for shock.<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> His right leg was not loose, but unlocked and ready for her kick, though he was not. Her kick thrown from the ground which had originally intended to nail his left thigh was now faced by his right thigh and hit its mark, foot sinking into the flesh of his upper leg. Pushing off the right leg, switching balance once again to a front stance on impact he winced and jumped back, landing in a half crouch leaving his weight equally centered over both legs though the right was still leading, the left in the back. Both legs were bend, his back arched, left hand now chambered, fight forward with the palm facing out waiting to catch any stray fists or feet that came at him. Time to switch strategies, that was what the switch in stances were for. Anyone who was well versed<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> in sparring techniques could see that he had taken the lesser hit and the opportunity to put himself into a grappling position. He smiled ever so slightly, happy to see that although he had first strike, it had not done enough to deter her. This is what he wanted to see from her. Battle, no matter how casual, brought out prominent personality traits in people more often than not. Determination and... was that a hint of pride? Even out of her element she had not shown fear. Even when she had not expected a clear victory, or perhaps a win at all, she had accpeted the challange and stepped up to take it. She kicked hard, too. His thigh throbbed a little, but with each pulse of pain from it the more his respect grew for her<fin>*

ashina_kansior ...Obviously not well-versed in any techniques that did not include magick, she failed to notice much more than the fact that her foot had connected, something that boosted her ego slightly. Unsure of why he didn't strike at her, she flattened her right palm to the ground, her right side being dominant. Fingers curled slightly in the dirt as her weight was balanced upon the heal of her hand, and she shoved hard, pushing herself up slightly. <broken>

ashina_kansior ..Her body turned to the side, as knees bent upward and feet moved quickly to take up the brunt of her weight. Now that the soles were flat against the earth, the hand was removed and the muscles of her back came into play, spine straightening as she rose once again. Her breathing, while not coming in gasps and pants, marked the physical exertion of the spar and it's effects upon her. She wasn't out of shape, but neither was she used to such demands on her body. <broken>
ashina_kansior .. Her chest rose and fell in deep breaths as she turned toward him once more, bringing him back into her line of vision, and dirt clung to the back and front of the shirt and clothes she wore. Her temple, where the kick had connected, was marked by more dirt, and the side of her cheek held the same telling signs, as if she had been rolling in the stuff. She stood now in a casual pose, unsure of what was expected of her. <broken>

ashina_kansior ..Right foot was parted slightly away from the left, her weight balanced on the heels of her feet and the toes, and arms hung limply at her sides as she attempted to momentarily regain her breath. Giving up the effort, a final deep breath was executed and then she charged at him, dust kicking up from beneath her feet as the weight was pushed against the ground. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...Muscles in her legs flexed and contracted in time with her movements and then she paused from the running, knees bending and then straightening as she pushed against the ground, using the force to catapult her body toward him. Her arms formed a semi-circle, and her right shoulder was braced for the expected blow. If all went as planned, she would simply tackle him to the ground. Perhaps it wasn't the best move, but at least it was something. <fixed>

[Lady Ashina Mal'orhe Kansior]

adam_masou: *She would understand in a moment why he had not attacked her on the ground. There was never any shame in taking a lesser hit when it meant putting yourself in a better position. Attacking her on the ground meant flailing arms and feet, and risk to her person at taking more hits to his sides or abdomen, as well as more room for slips he never afforded an opponent in battle, no matter their skill level. As she charged him, he did little more than smile. Excellent. Better than he could have hoped for. She charged, leapt, and he drew his right leg back to his left, raising up on his toes and snapping himself up straight as he turned to move out of her way. Subtle movements always worked best. Leaping back from an opponent simply put you that much farther away<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> from victory. Staying close meant the ability to get off a few shots, which was exactly his intention. As he spun his body he moved his right arms out and around to come up in an "L" shape, locked from the elbow up and positioned to block in a way that would connect with her sternum when she crossed his line of position. He turned his body again as he did this, his right leg scooping around in the dirt, toes never leaving the ground as they made a "C" shape on the ground. His left arms came down to position itself just beyond the leg, straight out from his body. He leaned forwards, all his weight on the front leg.<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> As he felt her connect with his arm he gave a powerful shove with the flat underside of the arm against her chest, that by all rights of physics should have sent her backwards from the push. However, what was behind her happened to be his leg which he had positioned far enough out from him that it practically wrapped around her right leg. He was trying to trip her? If she did infact fall backwards over the well placed leg there was another surprise waiting for her. The left arm was stretched out for a reason- to catch her and break the fall. Again, there was a reason for this. Now he literally would have the upper hand. If she fell back onto the arm, his now free blocking hand, the right that had pushed her over would raise up above his head<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> Now it was a striking hand. Fingers would splay as though claws and he would move to strike her by raking them over her throat in a "killing blow". Trapping her within his arms would ensure little movement of her arms and effectively immobilize the right arm which would be sufficiently wedged between his body and hers. He had watched well and seen her lunch, strike, and get up all on her right side, which he now assumed to be her dominent and made sure to pin it in his manuevers. What would happen in the instants to come... "death" or something else, was up to her reflexes<fin>*
ashina_kansior ...Ashina was suprised as her forward motions were halted midleap, and her breath rushed out in as the force of her own momentum took over and continued even as she was halted. Her upper body fell backwards, and her balance was upset as she fell to the ground. Preparing herself for the upcoming pain of hitting solid earth, she was again startled as she was halted by Adam, things happening so quickly she had no time to think. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...His embrace was solid enough, that even the slightest of struggles would be controlled and she panted heavily now, trying to heave air into her lungs and finding that it would never be enough. She lay there momentarily stunned but was quick enough to realize the need for a struggle. She relaxed as she fell into the grip, her body becoming dead weight in hopes that if nothing else, she would manage to cause him to lose his grip on her and she could fall to the ground and freedom, but such was the situation that her hopes were unfounded. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...She watched, as if in slow motion, the right arm was raised and the fingers were curled, and she knew then that it was useless to resist. She simply lay within the confines of his arms, waiting and anticipating the final movement that would end this farce of a battle. She had made an attempt an lost, and that thought in mind she promised herself future lessons with Daos and hopefully a better rematch against the Master in future. <fixed>

[Lady Ashina Mal'orhe Kansior]

adam_masou: *Her body went limp, but his arm and upper leg still supported her as fingertips gently brushed over her throat. He said nothing, only smiled. It was not a smile that read with haughty or arrogant thought behind it, more of a beaming smile that said he was glad she had accepted his challenge. Of course, he also knew that had they both the extent of their full powers his chances of even having landed a hit on her was nothing. She would have crushed him. He was not a wizard, and he thoroughly distrusted them for magics did not settle well with him. Ashina's powers were different... they drew on the power nature offered her, not on what she could take or create of her own accord. Gently standing her to her feet he let go and backed off a few steps<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> Taking his time to retie the bandana he always wore to force his hair back up out of his face again. Ban, who had been watching the entire time, huffed in annoyance at what he viewed to be a fairly anticlimatic and short fight. If only... the tiger thought to himself. If only blood had been shed. With prey so easily within his grasp, would Adam been able to control his urges? The tiger had hoped perhaps no. He was not a cold blooded beast, simply a traditionalist. He did not want Ashina or any other human within this forest's border, especially not one that would make Adam grow this soft of heart and who might be a threat to the time he often spent with the beast master. Frequent trips out into the human world meant they might soon lose<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> their leader and protector. The forest would be lost without them. Regardless of prior actions, after watching intently and speaking to Fuyuki, Ban knew that Adam belonged here. If any human being on earth belonged in this forest, it was Adam Masou and no one else. This was his home now... he couldn't just up and leave it. Could he? Ban flicked his tail back and forth and laid a head down in defeat. Adam was watching this from the corner of his eye. He would have a talk with Ban later... he had a feeling he knew what was on his mind. As for Ashina, she had faired well. She was strong of spirit, determined in the face of adversity, and willing to risk everything if she truly felt she had to. He could tell from her choice of manuevers<c>*

adam_masou: *<c>What was more, was that she had proved now that he- and this place, were a high priority. That they were all worth such a risk, worth the pain and the bruises and teh slight chance that someone could have been seriously hurt. He knew who was watching, and it was more than just Ban. A call on the wind, a screech over the airs, and he looked up with a smile in the moonlight. Fuyuki. He was glad to hear the voice of the hawk once more. As a slightly chilled breeze swept over the valley, the smells and sounds he had been missing during the fight reminded him pleasently of why it was he loved this place more than life itself. Why he was willing to fight so hard to keep it safe for his animals, and why all of the blood that had been shed on this soil<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> had been well worth the price. He looked back down from the even entracing moon to Ashina once more. "How do you feel?" He had to make sure she wasn't hurt. He had tried very hard not to hurt her at all, though he was afraid the kick to the head had slightly rattled her more than he intended it to. He had to respect her now... that strength and drive, and on the inside of all of it, the right reasons for them. She had her heart in the right place, and for now, he was more than happy to accept her for what he now saw her as.<fin>*

ashina_kansior ...Ashina felt the brush of his fingertips over her throat and it was a signal that the end had come. A few simple moves and she had been defeated. For some reason, she was glad it had ended this way. It proved to her more than anything else could have that Adam had the ability to protect that which he was in charge of. As she was placed back on her feet, she breathed deeply of the night air, a slow smile spreading across her features as the wind carried the message of the forest. They were congradulating her. This was in odds with the outcome of the spar, but she was amused nonetheless. <broken>

ashina_kansior ..The trees and the wind were directly linked to the animals, and so what they knew, so did the Wood. It was odd how the powers of Adam and Ashina meshed together to become one. She spoke to the wind and the water, the fire and the earth, and the plants accepted her. Adam spoke to the animals and they accepted him. It was then she decided that she preferred her powers to those of Adam. Trees rarely refused her company in any situation, considering their lack of companionship. They had each other, but none to tell them what occurred just over the horizon and beyond their small circle of existance. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...The animals, however, could roam and see the wonders of the world, and each had his own opinion of how things should be. Momentarily she lost herself in the thought, her eyes taking in the sights and smells around her, before she managed to get a good look at her clothes. It was then she realized that she was very dirty. A gentle chuckle emitted itself as she thought of attending Kahlan in such a state, and in no rush to correct the problem of the dirt that clung to her, she simply returned to a sitting position on the ground, her fingers twining together as her legs crossed, and resting in the gap between the appendages and the ground. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...Her raven tresses, now tainted with the light brown of the dust, gleamed oddly in the moonlight, and blew around her in discord, their unbound mass becoming more tangled with each gentle caress of the wind. Ashina didn't worry with it however. She simply lifted her face toward the tender onslaught of the wind, it's soft touch upon her flesh more satisfying than any a lover could give. Soon, however, Adam interrupted the solitary state and the gentle conversation with his own concerns. <broken>

ashina_kansior ... Ashina regarded him mischieviously, knowing that she could play off of sympathy if she so chose in that moment, but deciding instead to be honest, "Nothing more than my pride and my backside. Both will heal in time." Again, she chuckled to herself. She couldn't recall a time when she had been more happy. It shocked her that even though she was battered and bruised, she would rather smile than complain of discomfort. There was none to be found in the company of Adam and his followers or the forest they lived in. <fixed>

[Lady Ashina Mal'orhe Kansior]

adam_masou: *Was this the end, then? She would leave now, go back to the Queen and the court and the rest of the world he did not know and dared not to touch with bare hands. He leaned against a tree then, unnoticing the rough bark on the bare flesh of his back. His smile faded into a slightly twisted frown. And what would he do? Sit and wait for her to come back for a visit, he supposed. He had his taste of human contact, and like a child given just a bite of candy, he already wanted more, and something in him felt ill at the thought of her leaving. She was happy here, wasn't she? That meant she would come back, wouldn't she? Or would she expect him to go with her? He would, of course, if she asked him to. Ulster both fascinated and disgusted him at the same time<c>*

adam_masou: *And the people in it, none did he trust, other than a small part of him in Kahlan. The armor, the weapons, the walls, the noise. It all felt so unnerving, like a big cage full of landmines, and he without the map to where they were hidden. Of course, his behavior within the walls of Ulster was probably less than satisfactory to the people in there... so perhaps it would not be such a good idea for him to go back with her. He would only be an emabarrassment, wouldn't he? He wouldn't want to put that kind of mark on her social presence. He would be laughed at, rejected, maybe even provoked. Without Ban and Fuyuki by his side he was jumpy and unpredictable in the human world. Not here where he was calm and in control.<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> The forest seemed to give a wistful sigh along with him. It was so old, knew so much. How much had it told Ashina, he wondered? Even he did not know its origins. Perhaps it had whispered its secrets to her, its very beginnings as a mystic place of the Maryuudo natives that was linked to their bloodline, a place where nature was preserved and where the prince of a lost tribe now made his home. This forest knew more about Adam than he did, as well. This truly was his home. He knew little, however, and only that he felt right here, but was forever searching something or running from something else. Perhaps this was contact with his own world. Looking up to her once more he spoke quietly. "I suppose you would be needing to go back soon."<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> a pause and a small smile. "The Queen will get worried if you stay out here too long. She barely knows me."<fin>*

ashina_kansior ...Ashina sensed the change in Adam. It wasn't that she was connected to him through supernatural means really, but, a lifetime of reading emotions of others to tell her what they were really thinking came into play even when she wasn't making the attempt. Something had unsettled him, although she wasn't sure what it could be. She knew that sooner or later she would have to return to Ulster. The thought of abandoning the kingdom to its fate and remaining in the forest had entered her head, but, she felt guilt at the prospect. <broken>

ashina_kansior ..Kahlan, after all, was her closest friend. Such ignoble thoughts didn't sit well in her mind. A soft sigh escaped the lips of Ashina and the wind carried it into the forest, still offering the trees the thoughts of the Druidess. They didn't understand her preoccupation with Adam any more than Ban understood Adam's with her. Humans were an unpredictable lot in general, but these two, who had the ability to know and understand to nature that surrounded them were cast into an entirely different genre, and when they strayed from their normal path, it was considered a great mystery. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...Ashina knew what had to be done and did it most of the time without complaint, but these last few days had been sort of a reprieve. It was then that Adam made his statement and it was as if he had read her mind. The Queen, of course, knew that Ashina could handle herself and wouldn't worry on that account, but the fact that Ashina had shirked her duties to be with Adam would cause speculation to grow in the Queen's mind. That was simply something that the priestess was not prepared to face. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...She didn't want to weigh her feelings for Adam right now, although she knew that somehow he had managed to number himself among the few she would call "friend" without hesitation. She trusted him, but not to the point that she could allow him to sneak into her heart unexpected. People changed when confronted with a power such as Ashina held, and she wouldn't see herself used for ill-gotten gain. While she understood that Adam had no use for material things, there was the forest to consider. He would do what he must to protect the forest, and if it meant using the Druidess for protective purpose, she didn't doubt that he would. <broken>

ashina_kansior ..Such a catastrophe would be fatal to Ashina. She would bear the brunt of the consequences and Adam would be no worse for the situation. Another soft sigh and then her head was tilted forward in affirmative response, "Yes. I must go back. Would you like to accompany me? I know that the Queen will speculate on my disappearance, and I'd rather not be faced with all of the explanations alone. I will speak to her, but it would be nice to have a companion to offer support." She knew what she asked of him even as she said it and a refusal, while it might hurt, would be understood. <fixed>

[Lady Ashina Mal'orhe Kansior]

adam_masou: *He was stunned to say the least. Lips parted but no words came forth. Ban raised his head. He had been so long with humans in that filthy little cage in that traveling circus that he learned to understand some of their speech, if not the majority of it. To be sure he was a smart animal, and he felt himself like kin to Adam in his most feral state- both of them a mix of the two worlds unified together in a strange and poetic sort of joining that made the world a little less painful to live in. "Well ... I... I would like to... but..." He stammered slightly. The tiger looked to him and snarled "No you wouldn't! What are you thinking? Ahote, honestly!" Adam did not seem to hear him, and the woods around her would swoon slightly, almost laughing at her<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> and teasing her in some way. Adam was a slight shade of pink. "What would the queen say? And... I have no... I mean... well look at me." He motioned to his lack of clothing, dirty exterior, and general unkept look that stated more than clearly for itself what an upset it would be if she brought him to court like that. Though thoughts traveled to Lucemedia where he had been offered free clothes and board if he ever so choose. Perhaps if he made a stop there first. "Is there any way that I could possibly meet you there instead? I have ... business..." His mind was reeling. Human beings... mingle, mix, go visit... for pleasure? What a foreign concept. Fuyuki was looking down on him from a treebranch. Ban turned his head away, to angry to look at the beastmaster<c>*

adam_masou: *<c> "You'll regret it." Was all the tiger had to say. The hawk gave him a sharp look and then called down to Adam. "We'll be fine here. Don't worry." He was telling Adam to go? Not to worry? True, Ban could more than handle the forest... and it was just one night... He could get himself a fresh pair of clothes and meet her in Ulster in a matter of hours, couldn't he? He looked up to her sheepishly. The decision was hers<fin>*

ashina_kansior ...Ashina regarded him thoughtfully, ignoring the taunts of the forest. She knew what had thrown them into such an uproar, but, she was who she was and who were they to judge her decisions. Angrily, she sent forth a harsh whisper, and immediately chastised, the trees calmed, their clamoring now drifting into silence as Ashina's promise of wrath rained upon them. She would never harm a tree, of course, but there were other ways of making her point. If she chose, they would simply be forced to break the connection with her, unable to experience Ulster through her as they had asked on a previous occassion. <broken>

ashina_kansior ...Such a harsh threat was made simply to let them know that she controlled her own life and her decisions were her own. They understood this, their wisdom ancient, and silently they implored her to go to the heart of the forest. She knew, somehow, that if she obeyed they would take control of her and force her to do their bidding, but Ashina refused the softly whispered pleas, and again, offered a warning. With this more recent threat, they grew silent, and left the Druidess be. She silently allowed her eyes to peruse Adam's dress. <broken>

ashina_kansior ..She found nothing wrong with his natural state, but, she was not a normal being within Ulster. Now, however, she forced herself to view him through a courtiers eyes, and realized that it was simply unacceptable that he travel with her in such a state. While she would have preferred that he be able to walk the streets buck naked if he so chose, it was not to be and so she nodded at last, deciding that his compromise was for the best, <broken>

ashina_kansior .."Yes. I can understand what you mean. Unfortunately, I too must clean up before presenting myself among the followers of the court. I'll bathe in the stream before my departure and I'll return your shirt to you after my own is washed and returned to my body." Of course, there would still be speculation about the blood stains that wouldn't be removed from her own garment, but, she wasn't overly concerned with it. The cloak, for the most part, would hide much of the damage and if she could manage to make it to her room and hide the thing away before Kahlan caught her, she could be returned to a state of pretty bird with fine plumage in a gilded cage before anyone even found out. <fixed>