Sitting, Wishing, Waiting

[Max452]

Ian sat cross-legged on the stump he and chosen. His eyes were closed as he tried to recall the day's lesson. Meditation. According to Master Roland, meditation was one of the key aspects for a Rider. It was through here, that a Rider would understand his purpose. So far, Ian didn't quite understand it, For one, he wasn't a rider (which made him feel awkward to be a class with other Riders; though he'll never admit it), and second, what good would it be to studying how grass moved or how bugs fly? True, Ian enjoyed his quiet time contemplating about his purpose and how to help unite Alageasia, but still, how did sitting around, wishing and waiting for purpose to come to you? He was taught that change happened because someone went out and changed it, not study how dew dwelt on a leaf in the morning.

This exercise was incredibly pointless! Ian stopped himself from grinding his teeth. He would get this lesson! He had to! Master Roland vouched for him as a potential Rider and grand magician and his parents hopes for him as well; he couldn't let them down. Not to mention his sister, who already seemed to be getting the lessons down with ease.

Frustrated, Ian opened his eyes and stared out into the cliff that was on the edge of the woods. He absently wondered if Ebrithil Shadeslayer couldn't think of a better name for this place besides Wood of Meditation. He scoffed lightly. He had thought this place might help, but it wasn't doing much. He again remembered his mantra: he had to become a Rider! Taking in a deep breath, Ian closed his eyes again, unlocking his mind to the world around him to study and meditate on what he saw, heard, and felt. However, he instantly recoiled his mind when he made contact with someone behind him...

[Tismri]

Teza Mae walked slowly through the forest, taking in her surroundings, both with her senses and her mind as her parents had trained her. It was so peaceful here, and yet the woods were vibrant with life. Even down to the smallest inch of dirt on the ground, there were thousands of living creatures. She did her best to remain attuned to them, without having them flood her entire being with their shouting.
She stopped and gasped as she suddenly came upon someone unexpectedly. A young man, a couple of years older than she was. He seemed to be meditating, or trying to. She hadn't really noticed him until she entered the clearing where he sat.
"Oh, ah...I see you came here to meditate, too," she said. She would have apologized for interrupting him, but as a princess, she was sorely unaccustomed to the word "sorry."

[Max452]

Ian turned his head to look behind him. He hadn't sensed danger from the mind he had sensed so didn't react in a defensive way. The young man eyed the girl that had emerged onto the cliff. "Yes. I have taken Master Roland's advice to come here." He recalled the elf's last comment before dismissing the class: You may find the Woods of Meditation a relaxing spot to free your mind. Wanting to take his lesson seriously, as he was motivated by his family and the desire to become a Rider, Ian felt it would be awkward to meditate with someone so close; he really didn't want to be a distraction for either of them. However, the words that flew out made him appear quite rude. "You can stay; I'll leave." He got out of his sitting position and motioned to leave.

[Tismri]

Teza Mae shrugged as the boy told her he was following instructions. She really didn't care for his motivations. She admired him for taking the time an patience to try meditating in the first place. Even Jason seemed to have a hard time trying to do such a thing.
She paused and stared at the brash comment that came from the young man, and her eyebrows knit together in a dangerous V over her smoldering amber eyes.
"Excuse me?" she said, her voice seething. "What did you just say to me? I will stay or go as I please, and I don't need your permission to do anything. If anyone is to be giving the orders here, it should be me! Do you even know who I am?" She crossed her arms, knowing she probably should be so furious right now, but unable to help herself. She didn't like it with people were rude to her, especially strangers.

[Max452]

Ian's eyebrow shot up, a bit annoyed at the girl's ridiculous behavior. What had he done to anger her? And of course he knew who she was. The little girl would flaunt around her status to anyone within ear shot. He, at first, had tried not to judge her, but it seemed nearly impossible with her going about her lifestyle as a Princess. The way she appeared to be high and mighty irked Ian, as he was taught that all were created equal. No man was higher than another, they only carried a bigger responsibilty toward others. Ian calmy regained control of his thoughts. Remember what Mother said. Remember what Mother said. He repeated to himself as he recalled his promise to his Mother to behave and to accept the Riders here.

He needed someone to vent to or he'll blow up at this little girl. Where was Eva when Ian needed her? She was usually the one who would say what was on her mind and would drift all attention on her, plus, she was really the only one he could talk to now that they were away from home. "Do as you please, then." Ian finally let out his thoughts after further contemplation and not wanting to further any argument with this girl, although, he didn't know he sounded even more rude.

It was hard for Ian to speak more than he needed to, as he was more of an introvert and found talking more than he needed to a waste of time. The young man had been told countless times by his twin that he needed to speak more, or others would obtain the wrong idea. Ian didn't really understand what she meant, but he did hear rumors back home that some of their peers considered him arrogant, especially toward the girls that always vyed for his attention. That had hurt. Ian never thought of himself higher than others, but everyone else thought he did nor was he interested in any of the girls back home...they were...just not for him. Inwardly shaking off his thoughts as he continued to walk away to find his twin sister. He needed to talk to her soon and perhaps, Eos would oblige him a ride.

[Tismri]

Teza Mae stood rooted to the spot, shocked by the boy's continued rude behavior. No one had ever been so mean to her before; as a princess, she was used to being fawned over and nearly worshipped. Even here away from home everyone gave her the respect she deserved.
She stared after him for a moment as he started to walk away. "Why are you being so mean to me?" she asked, attempting to hide her hurt feelings. "I didn't mean to interrupt you or anything...I was just walking by." She found herself momentarily wishing Jason was nearby, so he could teach this rude person a lesson. But then she figured, why not teach him herself?
She drew her the short sword she always carried with her while travelling and put her hand against the edge. "Be safe," she commanded it in the ancient language, recalling her mother's training in not having a certain intent in her mind while she performed the magic. She tested the blade; it still felt sharp and caused a sting, but it didn't penetrate the skin no matter how hard she sliced.
"Here," she told him, taking a fighting pose, "If you think you're man enough to insult a princess and walk away, then you need to fight me to prove your honor."
Okay, so that wasn't in any sort of official royal code, but she was mad now and wanted an excuse to fight this guy...

[Trinn]

"I'm sure no insult was intended", Eva said, walking rather quickly towards her twin. She had just finished with a lesson and had searched out her brother with her mind. His subconscious always reached her first before anyone or anything else's. Eos waited above, flying in lazy circles. The young dragon was also worried about Ian. Eva stopped at her brothers side, making her face neutral. "Remember, princess, that you are in the land of the dragon riders. Your rank only makes you our equal. No more." Eva's voice had taken on an annoyed tone, despite her efforts to remain pleasant and neutral. "Ian, allow me to introduce the young heir to the Ismailian throne, princess Teza Mae." In an effort to remain friends, Eva gave a slight bow to Teza.

[Max452]

Ian stopped his motion at Teza Mae's remark. Mean? He wasn't being mean. Was he? He turned his body halfway so he could look at the Princess. She seemed rather upset by his words. What did he do? He inwardly sighed. Did she just challenge him because she thought he was being mean? Was this what Eva meant? Did he always sound mean? He hoped not...that wasn't his intention...

"I wasn't being mean." Ian clarified, a quizzical look on his face as he turned fully to face her. She seemed rather serious about a fight. He really didn't want to...it would be bad if he hurt the Princess...he would never hear the end of it from Eva or his Mother if he harmed her. Just as he was contemplating on taking out one of his short swords, Eva's voice sang out. He turned to his twin, grateful. He really didn't want to fight. He thought he felt her coming, it was a connection they had, but was preoccupied with the girl in front of him.

Ian glanced over at Eva has she explained the Rider and Queen status. He wanted to hit her. He wasn't a Rider! She just placed him beneath her and the Princess! He'll get her for that later, but first, they had to diffuse this situation.

"I know who she is, Eva." He replied to his sister in the same tone he had used toward Teza Mae - his usual bored voice. "For some reason she thought I was being mean." He turned back to the Princess. "Was it that I did not introduce myself?" He asked, his tone confused. "If that's it, well, I apologize. I am Ian and this is my sister, Eva." He gestured to his twin. Honestly, if that was what this girl's tantrum was all about, then Ismalia had some strange customs.

[Tismri]

Teza Mae glanced at the girl who had appeared out of nowhere. She then understood, this was Eva's brother. She had briefly met the girl when the Ismalians arrived in New Doru Araeba, and had heard she had a twin brother, just like she did. Although she had no idea he would prove to be such a rude person.
She gave a rather uncomprehending blink as Eva explained status in Bromsland. "So you are saying that all the residents in this country are likened to royalty, without having been born to that title? And all others are beneath them?" She frowned and shook her head. "I feel sorry for any family you have, then, who are not Riders." She turned her attention back to Ian.
"Well, Ian?" she asked, putting her hand on her hip impatiently the way her mother often did, "Are you going to spar with me, or not? Or are you afraid of being beaten by a dainty princess?"

[Trinn]

Eva fumed inwardly. She had misspoken, and it bothered her greatly. "All I meant, princess, was that dragon riders and queens and kings are all of the same status. In fact, Dragon Riders have often held status greater than a queen or kings. Of course that doesn't mean we're going to treat those beneath us as lesser. In fact, Dragon Riders exist to help even the most lowly of peoples. That's what makes us greater than other royalty." She would have liked to say more, but she didn't want to do any more damage. She was startled a little when it seemed the princess still insisted on sparring with Ian. Eva glanced at her brother, wondering if he would be game. He wasn't much of a people person, but he was a great swordsman.

[Max452]

Ian listened with a blank face to Eva and Teza Mae's interactions, despite the burning pit that was boiling in his stomach. That little girl just insulted his family! He seethed inwardly, but his eyes were blazing, a look that threatened those that were the recipients. "Watch how you speak to my sister." Ian's voice had raised slightly. No one bothered Eva! No one! Taking on his protective side, he began to walk back to Teza Mae. "I do not care if you are Queen of the whole world! You will treat my sister with respect!" He unshealthed one of his swords, his anger getting the better of him as it usually did when his sister was threatned in any way. "You want to spar with me, Princess? Very well, then a spar you shall have." He placed a finger on his blade and dulled it quickly with a spell. He stalked passed Eva and took his stance before the Ismalian Princess. If there was one thing he learned from his Father, it was to protect family. Without another word (no surprise), Ian launched into an attack, swiping with swiftness and precision at Teza Mae.

[Tismri]

Teza Mae frowned at Eva's words. The girl didn't know anything about being royalty; what a burden it was at times, life in constant danger from nearly every angle. On top of that, trying to do what was right for the entire country, with the only help being all the idiot nobles! The reason Teza Mae admired her mother was because she managed to always do what she thought was right, despite attacks and criticism from everyone around her.
"Now you're just insulting everything my family stands for," she said, seething. "Royalty must keep in mind at all times what is best for every citizen of the country, and often one person has the burden of the entire nation on her shoulders." She knew that was very well going to be her one day, as she had been training for it her entire life, and her mother was already in that position. "And you know what? It's not all sunshine and roses. Being a princess can sometimes be the most miserable thing that ever happened to me, and I didn't even have a choice! So you know what? I make the best of it. I'm going to be the greatest Queen Mother in Ismalian history."
To the side, she heard Ian speaking to her. She didn't quite catch what he said, but she comprehended enough to know that he was about to attack her. She watched from her peripheral vision, keeping her eyes on Eva, until at the last moment she brought up her blade to block Ian's strike. Well, he was angry now. This might turn out to be fun after all, since she was fairly upset now as well.
Teza Mae ran her blade around Ian's, ducking under both of them in a flash, and disengaged the swords, aiming her blade at his lower ribcage.