[PP - F22] Chasing redemption at the Shirajishi-ryū Dojo «Katana Skill Acquisition»

[Ariel - The Crowned Lion 0]

Ariel sat by the water, her line cast, but her attention flickered between the calm surface and the little lioness, Kimba, who had now taken it upon herself to test Hanzoku's resolve. Ariel couldn't help but smile softly at the scene. Kimba’s playful nature was a constant source of amusement, but this time it seemed like even the small feline couldn’t break Hanzoku’s trance.

With a flick of her wrist, Ariel felt a tug on her fishing line. She braced herself, reeling it in with a smooth, practiced motion. The fish fought briefly, but soon enough, Ariel pulled it from the water—a sizeable catch, its shimmering scales reflecting the light as it wriggled in the air. She chuckled, admiring the catch for a moment before setting it aside.

Meanwhile, Kimba, perplexed by Hanzoku’s unshakable focus, stared back at Ariel as if asking for guidance. Ariel gave the little lioness a small shrug and a grin as if to say, "I guess he's just that focused."

But Kimba wasn’t satisfied. She batted at Hanzoku one last time, with more determination, the soft paw on his forehead barely earning a flicker of response. With a soft huff, Kimba trotted back toward Ariel, her mission to distract the meditating man officially unsuccessful.

Ariel laughed softly as she reached down to give Kimba a gentle pat on the head, her silver eyes glancing back at Hanzoku with a hint of admiration. He had done it—found a place of deep peace that even Kimba's antics couldn't disturb.

As she set her line once again, Ariel wondered if she should try something a little louder next time. Perhaps tossing a pebble again or… something less friendly.

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ID# 225789  CD: 9 (7 +2)  LD: 8 (7 +1)

+1 Material / Total: 4
Fishing(+10 EXP): 229/299

Edited September 18 by Ariel - The Crowned Lion

[Hanzoku 0]

Lost deep in his meditation, the distractions of the little lioness don't even register, and instead he is focused on the slow flow of sound as he breaths in and out, punctuated by the slow thump of a drum. 

Thump-thump. it beats slow and sure, marking the passing of moments, even as they are in themselves meaningless.

Thump-thump. The rush of liquid flowing through closed channels, circulating endlessly in a closed circuit.

Thump-thump. Bellows push air in, and after a long moment release the spent air, to draw in new oxygen. And endless process of fueling a fire.

Thump-thump. The three work in harmony, breathing in the peace of the world around him, circulating it through his body and then letting it flow outward, carrying with it worries and concerns.

Thump-thump. Nothing more and nothing less existed than this endless cycle. The fire of the sun, the breath of the air, the coolness of water and solidity of the boulder beneath him,. The four elements surrounding that of life. The endless cycle.

Thump-thump.

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ID: 238084 | LD: 15 + 3 = 18 vs 8 = Deep Meditation

Edited September 30 by Hanzoku