Seeking Knowledge

Subject: Seeking Knowledge Thu Nov 07, 2013 3:48 am

Cyrad wasn't a fan of the capital. There were too many people about, and with so many people there were bound to be several criminals as well. Yet Cyrad was looking for someone rare and the best place to find this person would be at the Ba Sing Se University. He had come to the city two weeks ago and approached the building seeking out a person to help him hone his earthbending, though Cyrad also planned on scouring the library for books on earthbending in architecture. He would have liked to be already on his way by now but he had to jump through a thousand hoops to finally secure and interview with a possible instructor.

Cyrad was dressed in his best pair of pants, another baggy pocket littered pair of cloth pants chestnut brown and only slightly worn. He wore a brand new shirt, a first for him in years. He had bought it because he didn't own any other shirts that didn't have at least a single hole. His new shirt was ocean blue and fit like a tailored glove even with a special sleeve to hide his nub. Though the sleeve wasn't so necessary because Cyrad went everywhere wearing his stone arm he still thought it a nice touch.

Cyrad arrived ten minuets before his interview and rushed to the front desk. The lady there sent him into a room that was mostly plain and empty aside a window, desk and two chairs on either side of the latter. Cyrad sat in his chair stroked his beard once or twice hoping to push the rocks and pebbles deeper under the surface. Hopefully presentable he waited.

Subject: Re: Seeking Knowledge Thu Nov 07, 2013 4:28 am

Naseru & Kozue	As a teacher, Naseru was used to meeting people who wished to learn from him. As a result, he was used to interviews and lessons and the likes. his little girl Kozue,. who was not so little anymore, was usually at his side, and her presence seemed to bring smiles with her wherever she went. Naseru arrived for the scheduled interview a little more than 5 minutes before schedule, pleased to find that the man in question was already there. punctuality may not have been the most important thing to do, but it certainly helped one's first impression. Naseru was clad in a slightly less formal black suit, and his feet were bare. He was a thinner man, but that did not make him any less of an earthbender. With him was a girl in a very intricate red dress. her pale skin and black hair showed Fire Nation heritage, although her eyes, which should have been gold, were white, glazed, and nearly featureless. She was likely blind. Naseru took her hands, tracing lines into them before handing her a small handful of coins and sitting her on the floor near him. the youngster, who looked like a teenager or maybe a young adult, seemed amused enough, and so she quietly played with these coins to entertain herself or whatever it was she was doing. "Welcome." Naseru extended his hand to his interviewee. "I am Naseru Amiti Litzak; Teacher and Master of Earthbending here at the Ba Sing Se University. You are...?" He didn't mention the pretty little girl mostly because he didn't want to distract from the moment. He'd answer any questions about her though.
Mood: Happy Condition: Perfect	Link: Naseru

Subject: Re: Seeking Knowledge Thu Nov 07, 2013 4:52 am

Cyrad stood up when he saw the door open. In came a man dressed in a fine dark suit and though he wore no shoes Cyrad didn't think it strange for an earthbender to want to feel connected to the ground. Behind him came a most beautiful young girl night black hair and moon kissed skin and when he went to reach her eyes he felt a wave of pity meet him, though he let none spray on to his face. He darted his eyes downward unable to keep a gaze and admired her dress.

Cyrad's Interviewer gave the girl something that may have been a coin and she started to amuse herself. Naseru turned his attention to Cyrad so he did in turn.

"Welcome." Naseru said extending his hand which Cyrad grasped firmly with his rock limb, quite purposely mind you. "I am Naseru Amiti Litzak; Teacher and Master of Earthbending here at the Ba Sing Se University. You are...?"

"Nice to meet you Naseru Amiti Litzak, I am Cyrad Wato; traveling Smith, Bodyguard, and Earthbender and should fate smile on me today your future student." Cyrad returned in greeting.

Cyrad showed a slight social que towards the chairs before returning to the seat he was in. He had obviously noticed the lack of an introduction of the girl so he took it as a she's not part of this, leave her alone thing. Cyrad adjusted in his chair mind racing. He hadn't been evaluated in such a long time he almost forgot the thrill of it. He wondered how it would go, he had prepared a verbal defense of himself should his skill or motive be questioned and he was sure that his abilities were up to the challenge should he try to shake their foundation. But still the unknown always shook one's nerves so he waited.

Subject: Re: Seeking Knowledge Thu Nov 07, 2013 5:35 am

Naseru & Kozue	Kozue, the girl in the pretty dress, seemed very aware of the other presence in the room, despite being blind, however. the coins she was jingling seemed simple enough to her, although she could not hear them either, for eyesight was not the only thing Kozue lacked. Naseru put great effort into helping the girl stay well-dressed and well-groomed. To be dealt two harsh cards in life, he felt that she deserved to at least be admired, even if people knew of the abilities she had to recompense for the senses she did not have. Kozue had been a beautiful little baby, and was growing into a very well-developed young woman. Naseru gestured for them to sit down, also noticing the slight bit of attention he had paid Kozue. "This is my adoptive daughter, Kozue." he explained briefly, pointing to the young lady who seemed quite amused by the simple pile of coins. he loved the girl to bits, and so did not want people to think that he pretended she didn't exist. "She can't see or hear you, but she's got talents of her own. However, I can elaborate on that another time. You wish to learn the art of earthbending or metalbending from me, is it?" he would wait a moment so he would answer his question, presumably with a yes, although he wanted to know if he was seeking training for his earthbending, or if he wanted to learn metalbending (or both, perhaps). "What skills are you familiar with?" If someone had the time and money, Naseru was generally fairly inviting towards anyone and everyone who came his way. he did require a little sum of money simply because this was his job and he had two mouths to feed. "Or..." his lips curled upward slightly, "did you wish to demonstrate with me?" This was essentially an invitation to spar, as Naseru had learned that this was one of the easiest ways to evaluate one's skills. People could talk themselves up all they wanted (or the humble might talk themselves down), but ultimately, Naseru cared only about what they could show. he had given Cyrad several options, and so overall was providing a rather flexible set of options to choose from. It wasn't like this was job interview or anything quite so formal anyways.
Mood: Happy Condition: Perfect	Link: Naseru

Subject: Re: Seeking Knowledge Thu Nov 07, 2013 10:51 am

"This is my adoptive daughter, Kozue." Naseru said referring to the girl he brought with him. "She can't see or hear you, but she's got talents of her own. However, I can elaborate on that another time. You wish to learn the art of earthbending or metalbending from me, is it?"

He wanted to know more about girl but he had guessed right earlier at least for now. "Yes I do, I want to become a earthbending master in my own right. As for metal bending I've never had any potential and I'd rather keep my metalworking to smithing." Cyrad answered.

"What skills are you familiar with?" Naseru asked inquisitively.

"Well, I've been training and using my bending for years, over which I've had several teachers. My mother taught me the basics which I spent years training and building on. Later, I found another earthbender who taught me how to fight with my earthbending and combine it with my sword skills. I'm also pretty nice at designing stone huts if I do say so myself.

I can lift three times my weight in earth while still being able to throw it ten meters. I'm good at raising and lowering the ground, primarily short heights of one or two feet though my limit is a wall of sixteen feet..." He was going to continue but Naseru chimed in.

"Or..." Naseru interrupted showing a small smile "Did you wish to demonstrate with me?"

Cyrad returned the smiled. "Yea maybe that would be" Cyrad paused to find the appropriate word. "more accurate. So I assume you have a place we can go to?"

Subject: Re: Seeking Knowledge Thu Nov 07, 2013 3:07 pm

Naseru & Kozue	When Naseru had said 'another time', regarding Kozue, he meant any time, really. it could be after the interview or the spar or whenever else. He was a fairly easy person to get along with, and while he wasn't strict, he knew what to teach and how to teach it, fairly well. His way was not perfect, because everyone had a different style, and some students were more compatible with certain styles of teaching than others. it worked both ways. he mentioned his lack of interest in metalbending, to which Naseru nodded. "A reasonable stance." he smiled, "I can respect that." afterwards, he listened to his verbal resume, from which Naseru deducted that he was a rather competent earthbender--a skilled enough fellow in his own rights, but perhaps one who wished to take that final step into becoming a master. "We can do that indeed," he replied, "I have a space outside that I take some of my classes too. Also, I did not mean to interrupt you, and for that I apologize." He did not want it to sound like he was disinterested in his skills. It was just that his was a swift-thinking mind, and so it was shifting gears frequently, which had him work the way he did. Standing up, he tapped Kozue, who also stood up. She was usually fine by herself, but Naseru always felt safer bringing her along and keeping her in sight. it was just a little OCD of his. "It's out this way." he indicated, and, provided that Cyrad would follow him, he would lead him out to a wide, open arena with a stone floor--perfect foran earthbending spar.
Mood: Happy Condition: Perfect	Link: Naseru

Subject: Re: Seeking Knowledge Thu Nov 07, 2013 3:36 pm

"A reasonable stance." Naseru nodded his head several times while smiling. "I can respect that." It wasn't that Cyrad liked being praised but good manners are often a hint toward their personalities.

And after Cyrad gave his skills Naseru spoke again "We can do that indeed. I have a space outside that I take some of my classes too. Also, I did not mean to interrupt you, and for that I apologize." The Master bender showed prominent signs of politeness that increased the respect Cyrad had for a man of his rank and skill.

"No problem at all." Cyrad Said shaking his head.

Master Naseru got up and touched Kozue and she got up, Cyrad let the girl go first so it would be easier to tell if she needed aid unable to fight his inner chivalry. He followed the Master and his blind companion to a arena obviously made for earthbending practice. It was pretty large stone floored court with no obstructions.

Cyrad jogged a few feet toward the center of the court before going through a series of stretching exercises his sword trainer Deega had taught him years ago. He then got into stance and stomped and raised both fists to each side of him creating two pillars of jagged rock. He punched one with his right hand shattering the top and brought his left rock arm down removing what was left the pillar. With a single mighty kick Cyrad destroyed the one on his other side.

He returned to his bending stance and glanced at Kozue. She was a young and pretty girl and Cyrad felt bad for her, though in a competely bad person way he was almost glad she was blind. Sometimes his bending faltered when he was around pretty woman and the fact that she was both blind and deaf made him, in a way that sickened him, relived.

He turned back to face the Master. "Ready when you are Master Naseru." And when Cyrad got confirmation he acted quickly punching the ground sending up three small boulders. He gave the center a spinning back fist as he rose from the ground, he knew it would miss but instead aimed the next two where the Master went to dodge and sent both off with two swift kicks.

Subject: Re: Seeking Knowledge Thu Nov 07, 2013 4:00 pm

Naseru & Kozue	Kozue seemed to handle herself pretty well. there was no telling if she could bend or not just by looking at her, although her skin and hair, as well as her pretty little shape and features, were clear indicators that she likely came from long-time Fire Nation stock. While Naseru led her by the hand out the door of his office, as they moved through the halls and stepped outside, Kozue was walking by herself, carrying herself in a rather dignified little manner. as they got to the arena, Naseru again gently took Kozue's hand, leading her off to a far corner fo the arena where the chances of her getting smacked in the face with a boulder were practicaully zero. The girl had swift reflexes, but she didn't exactly get the blessing off Earth Kingdom durability, and so while an earthbender might be able to shrug off a rock to the body, Kozue would likely be left gravely injured if that happened to her. Her back was to Cyrad thanks to how Naseru positioned her as she sat down calmly on the ground, mostly because he didn't want to throw him off by thinking that Kozue was watching him. this was customary with most people he sparred with, since he didn't want to leave Kozue unsupervised, but also didn't want her to be a distraction. Naseru did a few stretches of his own, his bending style possessing a certain finesse to it. While he was not chucking massive boulders around, he had a certain skill to his movements, and most notably, he was very fast. "Ready." he replied after their warmups, and he got to work right away. Unsurprisingly, he dodged the first one, and swiftly reacted to the one to his right, which he had nearly dodged into. He intercepted it with his palm halfway through turning his body through the air. he spun, planting the rock back in the ground with his hand, and from this odd handstand pose, still with his spinning momentum, he pulled a slab of stone from the ground with his other hand, finishing by flipping back onto his feet a split-second later. he then separated the stone into several smaller slabs, launching them in a barrage. if he was fighting in real combat, they would likely be sharp, but he had no intention of killing or injuring (too badly) in a simple sparring match. The most noticeable thing about Naseru's style was that instead of relying on slow, powerful attacks, Naseru's movements were small and swift.
Mood: Happy Condition: Perfect	Link: Naseru

Subject: Re: Seeking Knowledge Thu Nov 07, 2013 4:21 pm

Cyrad hadn't thought his attacks were going to get through but he was amazed at how little the attack fazed the Master earthbender. He moved with speed in grace uncommon in earthbenders before attacking with over a dozen smaller projectiles of his own. Nearly a dozen stone spears sped at him, he kicked the ground bring up two columns of earth which blocked three of the spears and he managed to knock another two aside with his stone fist but two connected with his arm one grazing his forearm while another collided with his shoulder with the force that would have seriously harmed an untrained body Cyrad finally got control though and rolled backward avoiding the rest.

Cyrad realized that at a distance he was severely outmatched so he dug both of his hands into the earth and lifted the biggest chunk he could before Naseru reacted, spun around and chucked it his foe. He ran after the large rock hoping to close the distance and bring the fight to a distance where his earthbending can fight the masters footing.

Cyrad didn't see the attack but felt the sting of pain along his left side and went tumbling to the right. Finding his footing Cyrad did a quick mental body check and everything was holding up so far though his side stung slightly. He smiled as he thought to himself well at least I'm closer now. He lifted his lead foot and brought it into the ground shaking it madly. He reached out with his "real" arm trying to find a handhold while he brought his stone arm in for a strike.

Subject: Re: Seeking Knowledge Thu Nov 07, 2013 5:16 pm

Naseru & Kozue	Naseru was observant in his maneuvers, both to watch Cyrad's attacks and to evaluate them. however, that did not keep him from demonstrating his skills. Naseru had an advantage when at a range, and his swift feet and numerous projectiles often had him keeping that advantage, making walls of rocks that were difficult to weave through. He also utilized basic defenses such as rocks and walls, although he preferred his finer style when it was practical. practicality always came first over style. Naseru charged at the boulder that was thrown at him, also reducing the distance between them. It was on purpose, because while he was relatively skilled at walling people to keep them from reaching him, he did also want to see how he worked in close combat. once he felt the ground rumble beneath him, he bent a slab of rock from beneath him, elevating himself. the rumbling had it shatter as he backflipped off of it, and he spun around and launched these dulled fragments at his opponent. he kept light on his feet this time; a rare departure from the usual solid earthbender stances that most people knew. There was a time and place for those... this he knew. It just was not the time or place right now. Naseru twisted his way out of being struck by the stone arm, retaliating with a swing from a stone arm of his own--although his was formed by a collection of rocks that he simply bent around his arm to cover it as opposed to an alternative.
Mood: Happy Condition: Perfect	Link: Naseru

Subject: Re: Seeking Knowledge Thu Nov 07, 2013 5:58 pm

Cyrad brought his hands up blocking the stone arm with his forearms. A few rocks flew off from the impact and Cyrad was sent skidding away on his heels. With a short distance between the Cyrad had the time to reach one of his hands into the earth and pull out a rock spire 4 feet long that he smashed on the ground, earthbending a stone sword from the rock.

He charged forward again with renewed vigor swing his sword low at the master while at the same time sliding his foot across the ground turning it into sand. Cyrad was starting to notice his breathing now a sign of a good fight. He lept backward and clapped his hands together trying to squish the earthbender between to slabs of court.

Subject: Re: Seeking Knowledge Thu Nov 07, 2013 6:47 pm

Naseru & Kozue	upon impacting with Cyrad's forearms, Naseru's stone arm shattered, as had been his intent. he let the rocks fall down in front of him and left them on the ground for now. he jumped backwards as Cyrad pulled a sword out of the rock, and with a flick or two of his hands, took the shattered shards of his stone arm and slung it back at him. a couple of swings from the sword would likely stop them, however. Naseru took a firmer stance as the slabs closed in on him, and he thrust his arms out as they struck him. he managed to blast them away to prevent himself from becoming mulch, but he did look briefly dazed for a moment. he was smiling. he retaliated, however, by stamping his feet and bringing up two angular slabs of rock, thrusting them towards his opponent, and flinging a few rocks right above them, which moved faster than said slabs. Kozue in the meantime, seemed oblivious, as she had not even moved from the place Naseru had set her down.
Mood: Happy Condition: Perfect	Link: Naseru

Subject: Re: Seeking Knowledge Fri Nov 08, 2013 7:41 am

Cyrad struck three of the rocks out of the air like he had done it a thousand times before. He may have actually done it as striking flying rocks had been a frequent workout while learning the sword. The final one he caught with his stone hand and crushed.

The man had just punched through both slabs that Cyrad was certain he would have to flee from, he was almost stunned. "Almost" was enough, he refocused as two great mountains of earth were hurdling towards him. He may have been able to dodge but he couldn't run away when Naseru didn't, what he didn't expect were the rocks. One caught him in the eye just as he settled into his stance, he saw black and then felt pain. He instinctively bent his stone arm and protected his neck and head.

As light started to return to his eyes, the world made no sense. It was spinning and wild but it soon came to a stop, he realized he stopped rolling. A wave a pain rolled over him so powerful it was like nausea. Though he focused his breathing and it lessened, his body was durable, pain is only a thought.

He sat up slowly using one arm as a brace. "So was that enough or should we continue a bit longer?" He wasn't trying to back out but rather taking advantage of a moment to inquire.

Subject: Re: Seeking Knowledge Fri Nov 08, 2013 2:24 pm

Naseru & Kozue	Naseru did not realize how much the slabs of rock had hurt until he had tried to breathe again. it had knocked the wind out of him good, but had not really affected his bending immediately given that it was firebending, not earthbending, that relied on breathing. he stopped his assault after he had struck Cyrad in the eye. had he been an actual enemy, Naseru would have likely jetted himself forward to strike at opportune moments, but since this was a spar, he called it good. With a nod, he added. "I think that is good for the time. You are skilled." This was not a hollow compliment. He had dodged a lot of his dangerous attacks, and landed a good hit on him. the redness from shortness of breath was quite apparent on his paler skin, but he still had plenty of energy left in him. "Are you alright?" he always wanted to ask that, because teaching an injured student would be impractical. He would happily explain this if Cyrad asked why Naseru was curious.
Mood: Happy Condition: Winded	Link: Naseru

Subject: Re: Seeking Knowledge Fri Nov 08, 2013 2:45 pm

Naseru nodded and responded. "I think that is good for the time. You are skilled."

"Thank you Master Naseru, but your skill outshines mine like the sun to a star." Cyrad returned modestly.

Cyrad got up and dusted himself off. He was sore from the fight and knew he might have a shiner from the blow to his eye but nothing was really hurt. He started to walk over to the master and Naseru chimed in again."Are you alright?"

Cyrad could hear the evident concern on his voice. This man is a great man and a amazing bender He thought to himself, stunned that he could put a man on such a high pedestal knowing him so shortly

"Thank you but I'm alright. I know we both could have continued for quite a while longer yet I saw no need for us taking the chance of someone getting hurt and hopefully we'll have time for me to show you my skills at length." Cyrad spoke while throwing in the slight hint.

Cyrad waited for a reply before asking. "So I've filled out some paperwork but I assume there are final papers we have to sign and you have to tell me how much the tutelage will be."

Subject: Re: Seeking Knowledge Fri Nov 08, 2013 3:28 pm

Naseru & Kozue	"you're welcome." he nodded. "although any can ascend to my level with the right amount of time and dedication." He knew this to be true, for that was why he was a teacher. He was near the top himself, and was pleased to help bring others towards his level to the best of his abilities. "Good to know you're alright then." was his response to the results of his inquiry. "I would enjoy seeing the remainder of your skills in time." yes, Cyrad had potential, and Naseru knew it. he had met plenty of people who had not even been able to hit him, and some who couldn't even hit his defenses. however, he was ultimately slow to discriminate, and was willing to teach any level of bender, from the weakest of novices to the most budding of experts. now it was just time to finish the written formalities and other such things. "indeed. let us finish that, and we can figure out a good system for us to work with." he began to walk towards Kozue to pick her up so that she didn't get left out here as they were going to head back inside. Naseru's payment system was fairly simple, and was more of a by-lesson basis. That way, those who felt that his programs were not for them had not wasted their money, and those that wished to go far would stick around. Besides, it kept out pesky demands for refunds on ungiven lessons. x3
Mood: Happy Condition: Winded	Link: Naseru

Subject: Re: Seeking Knowledge Fri Nov 08, 2013 3:58 pm

"You're welcome, although any can ascend to my level with the right amount of time and dedication." Naseru spoke both humbly and truly.

"Good to know you're alright then." Master Naseru said when Cyrad told him he was fine. "I would enjoy seeing the remainder of your skills in time." Cyrad could see Naseru's gears twisting in his head, evaluating him.

"Indeed. Let us finish that, and we can figure out a good system for us to work with." He responded to Cyrad's question about paperwork.

Together the three of them headed back inside to do the paperwork. It was short and simple and they filled it quickly. When they started talking about money Cyrad learned that it was a pay by lesson basis so he wasn't worrying about having no money.

Cyrad pulled out his purse and put the money down for his first lesson then took a stack just as large and placed it beside the first on the table. "This stack is for my first class," He said as he slid it across the table to Naseru. "And this one if for the girl. Buy her something nice." He said sliding the other stack towards her.

"If there's nothing else that we have to take care of then I ask your permission to take my leave Master and will see you bright and early at lessons." Cyrad said standing up.

Cyrad shook Naseru's hand one last time and added. "Tell her I said goodbye." Then he left.[/color]

Subject: Re: Seeking Knowledge Fri Nov 08, 2013 4:51 pm

Naseru & Kozue	Luckily the paperwork and formalities were taken care of fairly easily. Most of them just entailed simple things like that Naseru was not responsible for any injuries in consensual sparring matches and stuff like that. With that out of the way, then there was payment. Naseru was not one to be obsessed with money, but he definitely did not mind receiving it. He was admittedly a bit surprised at the extra pile though, for he had more than enough to fit his needs, hence his own reasonably fine suit, and Kozue's lavish clothing. So, it was clear that neither one needed it. "Are you sure?" he was humble in that regard, "I do have plenty for both her needs and mine... but if you insist... then I will honor that request." he would, too. He enjoyed buying things for Kozue, mainly because he also enjoyed making her look pretty. "I will let her know." he nodded as Cyrad began to leave. he took Kozue's hand and wordlessly began drawing patterns into it that the younger girl seemed to understand. almost as if instinctively, she cocked her head in Cyrad's direction as he disappeared, even though she saw nothing. Naseru would be there bright and early the next morning for sure.
Mood: Happy Condition: Winded	Link: Naseru

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