(New City) Sunn Monastery

[Labyrinth]

OOC: Originally by Salsa and Kwiksylver, edited by Labyrinth.

Sunn Monestary
Teaching the Art of Ataa and the way of peace:

The morning air was clear and quiet along the peaceful streets of New Zinn’Sunn. A light, crisp and crisp breeze brought a lingering “Hei’yitss!” For those that heard the now-familiar cry had just walked past a newly built wall of stone and marble that stood high on the northern hills, keeping out most of the prying eyes that sought a curious glance or look of the recently built monastery within a new Zinn’Sunn.

A well-crafted and scrolled iron gate that was locked against the peak of the night’s moon and unlocked before the first rays of the new day’s sun rose, now stood open and inviting. When entering the main grounds it was like entering a whole new world. One of peace and harmony could with the balance of man and nature. Lawns that were well maintained lay at the feet of magnificently groomed trees such as cypress, oak, cheery blossom, and weeping willows. Broken shards of crystalline streams flowed to and from wondrous fountains of carved marble, centered in small ponds filled with colorful koi.

Off to one side of the main path gently erupts another, smaller trail that weaves into a beautiful garden filled with lush plants and exotic flowers. Small, secluded benches rest here and there along the trail, each sitting to a view of enchanting delight as well as crimson clad gardeners tending to their early morning labour.

“Hei’yitss!”

Came the shouting cry of several crimson-clad students mimicking the fluid movements of their instructor out in a fair-sized open field opposite of the gardens. They all moved in sync with one another while performing some complex but graceful manoeuvre that their crimson and gold instructor guided them through. “Hei’yitss!” came another explosion of breath and sound from the students as they all moved as one, oblivious to all.

The main building itself looked much like early Kemite construction – a fact that was deceptive given its recent date of building. Large stone walls began from the foundation but melded with gleaming dark wood to a tiered roof made of red-clay tiles. Though only a single level in height, its size was massive, made even more so by the outstretched patio of that same dark wood that completely surrounds the structure. Several, smaller buildings, perhaps bungalows built in the same fashion, sit unobtrusively in the back, behind the main building.

Inside, through great double doors carved in the likeness of both dragon and griffin on either side, comes a peace and harmony that matches the monastery’s outer lawns. Within the lobby its walls and floors glow almost golden from the oiling and polishing of exotic woods such as teak and mahogany. Decorative statues of mythical creatures in rearing or aggressive postures line the walls gracefully. Each statue carved from the purest jade found. Each statue also sat on a pillar of silver-veined marble of the purest black as well. Large paintings done with eloquent brush strokes hang counter to the statues, each representing Zinn’Sunn during more ancient times. More powerful times.

“Thwack!”

The sound could be heard echoing throughout the whole of the lobby. Its source vibrating from a room centered in the back, behind a large, cherry wood desk where a beautiful elf sat. She seemed to be reading something about five interlocking rings. Behind her there was no wall and yet, only the muffled sounds of two people sparring could be heard, as if some sort of glass covered the wall so as to show the prowess of the monks. Inside was a young human boy who couldn’t be older that 15 or 16 years of age. He stood motionless against his opponent, that of a muscular Pantheri wielding a broadsword. Both where dressed similar save where the Pantheri wore crimson, gold was added to that of the boy’s uniform. That and the boy held no weapon of any sorts.

The Pantheri moved. Moved with the speed and grace inherited by his race and enhanced by the skills of much practice. As the Katta swung the blade in an overhead blow meant for the boy’s head, fully committing to the action, did the boy move, or rather flowed into action.

The boy lifted his hands and pivoted at the same time, catching the wrist and hand of his opponent in one fluid motion while moving towards one side of the Katta. With a deft manoeuvre and the shifting of hips and legs that seem to all come together as one single move, the Katta could only follow the boy’s desire and moved much like a puppet on strings, the boy’s strings. Another move and shift and the Pantheri found himself flipping up and over onto his back. His sword no longer in his hands but pointed at his throat by the boy who held it casually at his mercy.

With a smile and a nod the boy lowered the point and offered his opponent and student his other hand to help him up. The Pantheri grinned back and took it; coming up and taking the now offered weapon back in hand where they repositioned themselves once again...

“He’s very good isn’t he.” It was a statement more than a question. The voice coming from the lovely elf woman at the desk. She put down her book and in a singsong voice that could make a man weep or grin; she spoke up with a devastating smile.

“The master believes that young Ethan there will become the youngest ever to hold the title of master. Should that we be so fortunate. But then, we are in fortunate times are we not friend? I am, well...I am called Lileth here. How may I serve you best this fine day?” He points to a table to his left.

[Miyka'el Baine]

Timestamp: Fall, Era XI PF

It was still rather early in the morning when Miyka'el arrived at the gates of the Monastery. The morning air had a crisp feel, a perfect day for training. “Hei’yitss!” was the sound Miyka'el heard as he walked up toward the front doors, leading to the lobby. He stopped only momentarily to look at the side path leading to the garden.

Even as a child, Miyka'el dreamed of being able to attend the Monastery. The way of peace was one core ideal that the Darui'Torek believed in. He even wondered if this was where all Darui'Torek began their training. Miyka'el had only the clothes on his back and the few crowns he had got from selling every thing his father owned. But even this money was to be split between his brother and sister. Leaving only 800 crowns to spend on training and equipment for the journey to...to where? Miyka'el hadn't thought about who he would search for first. “Hei’yitss!” The sound broke his thoughts.

"You must focus." Miyka'el told himself. He reached the front enterence, leading to the lobby. He opened the door and stepped in. He had never been in the Monastery before, but it was marvelous. Every inch of the lobby shined brightly, not a speck of dust covered any of the ornaments or floor and counters. Miyka'el watched the young boy, impressed by his skills.

“He’s very good isn’t he.” It was a statement more than a question. The voice coming from the lovely elf woman at the desk. “The master believes that young Ethan there will become the youngest ever to hold the title of master. Should that we be so fortunate. But then, we are in fortunate times are we not friend? I am, well...I am called Lileth here. How may I serve you best this fine day?” she points to a table to her left.

Miyka'el smiles and replies, "Serale, I wish to train in the Monastery. To learn the Art of Ataa and the way of peace." Miyka'el starts to walk toward the table. He keeps a mindful watch around the lobby, but always seems to be drawn to the sparring match with Ethan and the katta.