We Fight Against Each Other Who: Two Students of the House of Learning Where: Par Vollen When: 9:08 Dragon Summary: An afternoon break from lessons turns into a battle when two young Qunari, dreaming of being warriors, clash and then bond. Rating: K Status: Complete
The Student observed the world around him under lidded eyes, the courtyards was full of other Students who were training their minds. Tactical strategies were carved into the earth with Students standing over them planning the next step. Logic puzzles lay sprawled in the soil as Student fought against each other. All around the small Student battles were taking place, everything a struggle to be better, better than your brothers and better than yourself. Always striving to improve, to be the absolute best.
This Student was not fighting with his many brothers but meditating, training his senses. Heavy eyes took in each of the Students, taking in weaknesses and strengths in one fell swoop. So young but already a promising learner the Student knew he must know all there was to know about his competition if he wanted to be the best. Learn from your opponents. The priests drilled it into their heads and the Student would not forget it and so he watched his rivals, learning from them.
The pounding of footsteps caught his attention and he swept his eyes over to the archway into the school. His older brothers had been released from their lessons and were finally joining them. Some started their own logic training tests and other looked on at the younger Students, observing and offering their advice.
The priests encouraged intermingling, they said that all could learn from one another and that it was important for those who knew more to impart that knowledge onto those who were more ignorant. They said that your brother’s strength was your strength so you must aid them or become weak. Help and support your brothers so that the whole may be strong, cover their weakness with your own strength and you would never fall.
Breathing deeply the Student continued his meditations, sensing the life around him. His brothers were warm and glowing, full of life, but hidden under their presence the Student could sense more. He could feel the birds above him flittering in the branches, even the small beetles crawling across the trunk at his back. A sudden whooshing noise distracted him and he tilted his head to observe the interruption.
Off to the side, hidden by a low wall was an older Student swinging a training sword, going through his forms. Interest peaked the Student raised himself to his knees and continued to watch. He knew this Student, had watched him before, admiring his dedication to his practice and the skill he displayed with his weapon. His brother was a promising learner and would likely be tested into a high position.
Making up his mind the Student slowly rose to his feet and toddled over to the hidden nook. One hand resting on the low wall he observed his brother more closely, he was a few years bigger than him and was much more graceful with a sword than the Student.
The smaller Student was descended from a long line of military ranking Qunari,and likely to earn a place there himself but he was still small, only a recent addition to the House of Learning. He had entered into the House only a few years ago after leaving the crèche but he was a fast learner and was quite skilled with a practice blade for his age.
Making up his mind he stepped out from behind the wall. Clearing his throat he bowed low to his elder brother, showing the proper amount of respect. Raising himself back up he stood straight and proud looking his brother in the eyes.