(OOC: Thanks for the edit - you know who you are!)
Mists hung in the valley slowly burning away under the heat of the morning sun. The green of summer was fading from the valley replaced instead with reds, browns, oranges, and yellow. The summer heat had lost her power leaving the roaming breeze with a cool bite. Trees whispered in the ancient tongue one to another. Birds flew overhead but in a migratory pattern rather than the lazy drifting of summer. The song of insects faded into the memory of summer.
With the trickling of the brook nearby, carefully cultivated to sprinkle its song in a winding path over smooth multicolored rocks, the moment of meditation grew from one breath to the next. A small pavilion stood sentry by one of the curves in the brook, shaded from the overhead sun of the day but open to rays in the early morning and late evening. Inside this pavilion on the brick floor sat Hisui in a traditional meditation posture, his eyes closed. Dark hair was loose around his shoulders. His body was bare, the cool of the morning causing his skin to be chilled although the approaching sun would soon bring warmth. It was in these moments that he felt the closest to peace.
Except for those moments he shared with London. A gentle touch, a sharp strike, kisses and more .. how could he not feel alive when in London's presence? London caused Hisui to wish for a way to be gone from the responsibilities he had and escape for a time into being just a man with another of like spirit. It was not often that Hisui had entertained such thoughts and then, not lately. His escapes had been only to the Rev, to push his body and further hone skills gained under years of harsh tutelage. He often saw the others who came, saw them fight and fought against them. London was one of those. An opponent who was nothing more than grunts and fists in a pit and nothing more.
Yet now there was something more. A kiss in the ring given as a taunt had caused Hisui to think of the one who had beaten him that night. And then the following day an encounter that seemed destined for more fists yet had not gone entirely that way at all. Well, it had but there were other aspects that were surprising. But then again, it was all that he was to have for London left. Hisui had not fully expected London's attention at the reception for the winner that he hosted. The day had been one of interesting revelations after another and in the end London had stayed.
Hisui had not found time to meditate in the days to follow. The trip came where London was the one on display. Hisui watched him fight and was able to offer care following the event. London had done well. Eventually they found their way back for a rest before the next round of fights. London had needed to see to some things that did not include Hisui. He did not enjoy the prospect of London being gone yet it was just and right that London take care of his responsibilities. Only in fulfilling those could London be then free to return. If he took too long, Hisui was not against sending someone out for him to see to his safe return. In fact, he might even see to it himself. The thought of carrying London back caused a smile to touch his lips and then his eyes to open.
The sunlight stretched across the valley, the fog almost burnt away entirely. Hisui drew in a breath then stood. He moved with economy of motion and a predators deadly grace out of the pavilion and down the rock path back to the small dwelling he chose to use when peace and centering were in order. Perhaps he would bring London here. Eyes swept the sparse interior, thoughts of what could be done there flickering through his mind. Hisui dressed in simple garments then drifted to the door, leaning against the frame. Solitude was peaceful but it was not solitude that Hisui wished to have.
Yes. London needed to hurry.
Mists hung in the valley slowly burning away under the heat of the morning sun. The green of summer was fading from the valley replaced instead with reds, browns, oranges, and yellow. The summer heat had lost her power leaving the roaming breeze with a cool bite. Trees whispered in the ancient tongue one to another. Birds flew overhead but in a migratory pattern rather than the lazy drifting of summer. The song of insects faded into the memory of summer.
With the trickling of the brook nearby, carefully cultivated to sprinkle its song in a winding path over smooth multicolored rocks, the moment of meditation grew from one breath to the next. A small pavilion stood sentry by one of the curves in the brook, shaded from the overhead sun of the day but open to rays in the early morning and late evening. Inside this pavilion on the brick floor sat Hisui in a traditional meditation posture, his eyes closed. Dark hair was loose around his shoulders. His body was bare, the cool of the morning causing his skin to be chilled although the approaching sun would soon bring warmth. It was in these moments that he felt the closest to peace.
Except for those moments he shared with London. A gentle touch, a sharp strike, kisses and more .. how could he not feel alive when in London's presence? London caused Hisui to wish for a way to be gone from the responsibilities he had and escape for a time into being just a man with another of like spirit. It was not often that Hisui had entertained such thoughts and then, not lately. His escapes had been only to the Rev, to push his body and further hone skills gained under years of harsh tutelage. He often saw the others who came, saw them fight and fought against them. London was one of those. An opponent who was nothing more than grunts and fists in a pit and nothing more.
Yet now there was something more. A kiss in the ring given as a taunt had caused Hisui to think of the one who had beaten him that night. And then the following day an encounter that seemed destined for more fists yet had not gone entirely that way at all. Well, it had but there were other aspects that were surprising. But then again, it was all that he was to have for London left. Hisui had not fully expected London's attention at the reception for the winner that he hosted. The day had been one of interesting revelations after another and in the end London had stayed.
Hisui had not found time to meditate in the days to follow. The trip came where London was the one on display. Hisui watched him fight and was able to offer care following the event. London had done well. Eventually they found their way back for a rest before the next round of fights. London had needed to see to some things that did not include Hisui. He did not enjoy the prospect of London being gone yet it was just and right that London take care of his responsibilities. Only in fulfilling those could London be then free to return. If he took too long, Hisui was not against sending someone out for him to see to his safe return. In fact, he might even see to it himself. The thought of carrying London back caused a smile to touch his lips and then his eyes to open.
The sunlight stretched across the valley, the fog almost burnt away entirely. Hisui drew in a breath then stood. He moved with economy of motion and a predators deadly grace out of the pavilion and down the rock path back to the small dwelling he chose to use when peace and centering were in order. Perhaps he would bring London here. Eyes swept the sparse interior, thoughts of what could be done there flickering through his mind. Hisui dressed in simple garments then drifted to the door, leaning against the frame. Solitude was peaceful but it was not solitude that Hisui wished to have.
Yes. London needed to hurry.