A stiff breeze blew across a clearing in Azaacar's Embrace. Flower petals rode the breeze, floating and spinning like a playful dance. The leaves of the trees rustled in hushed tones while their fruits lent the fragrance to the swirling pleasantness of the breeze. The lush grass swayed below, and birds enjoyed their aerial antics high above. In the middle, there was Marley, deep in meditation. He floated several feet off the ground, cross-legged with his hands resting on his knees as if he were sitting on an invisible platform. A blue aura shone around him as if he were in the middle of a single flame. Electricity crackled around him, like tiny lightning bolts wrapping him in power. His face was serene and relaxed, almost as if he were asleep. Jarka approached him slowly. As she neared, Marley opened his eyes and stepped his bare feet on the ground as if he were getting up from a chair. He greeted his mentor with a warm smile and brief bow of his head. Jarka returned his smile as she studied him. His physique had changed, he was much more toned and muscular, but what she was looking for, what she saw, was the way his energy had transformed. When he first arrived, Azaacar's energy within was like a well at the core of his being. It took effort for him to pull it up and use it. Now, it permeated his entire being. It flowed unencumbered through his entire body, giving life and power to every cell. He had truly become one with The Old Power.
Jarka gave a satisfied nod. "You have come far, young one." A mischievous grin spread across her face. "Now let's see what you can do." Her attack was swift and sudden, barely perceptible to a normal person. A few days ago a blow like this would have caught Marley off guard and square on his jaw. This time, Marley simply lifted a hand and the punch stopped inches from it with a flair of blue energy. Undaunted, Jarka launched a flurry of attacks at lightning speed. She came at him hard and fast, from many different angles. Each attack was deflected by a barrier of invisible energy, with Marley only having to move his hand. Jarka stepped back and launched herself high into the air with a twist and a flip, bringing her leg around for a heel strike. Marley clenched his fist then shot his open palm toward her, releasing a burst of power that sounded like a shot of compressed air. The blast caught Jarka in mid air and sent her flying. She twisted her body as she fell and landed softly on her feet with a wide grin. "Very good child!" She said, sounding like she was truly enjoying herself. She stepped forward, swinging her arms, shooting energy blasts from her hands at marley. The first few he dodged, shocked at the mini craters each one left as they impacted the ground. The next few he blocked or deflected with energy blasts of his own. They circled each other, getting closer and closer, shooting and deflecting energy blasts of increasing intensity. Just before they got into melee distance, Jarka clapped her hand together and pulled them apart. A line of energy connected her hands then shifted into a long single edge sword.
Marley's eyes widened when he saw the feat and quickly mimicked the motion. The sword he produced was a long double-edged sword, but the construct was jagged and unstable, flickering in and out of existence. "Focus!" Jarka yelled, studying him intently. Marley took a deep, steadying breath, his energy sword solidified, looking like it was simply made of blue steel. Jarka gave him a curt nod then came at him with full force. Sparks flew as their weapons clashed. Instead of the clanging of metal on metal, the weapons made a sizzling sound as if someone were throwing water on hot rocks. Their swordplay was fast and fierce, a lightning fast dance of deadly swings and parries mixed in with melee strikes. Marley was surprised at himself for being able to keep up with the ancient warrior. Only a few days ago a casual swing of her hand would have sent him flying. Here he was fighting her to a near stalemate. At that moment, their swords crossed and locked in place as each warrior tried to overpower the other. They strained against each other for a few seconds before Marley had an idea. He suddenly unsummoned his weapon, throwing Jarka off balance, then hit her square with a blast of energy that sent the woman flying. She regained control of her fall and turned her momentum into a series of back handsprings. The moment she gained her footing she released a wide heavy beam of energy that caught Marley in his chest as he was rushing to close the distance. His legs were flung out from under him as the beam struck him. He landed hard on his back, slid, then flipped over his head landing with a thud on his belly.
Jarka walked over to Marley and plopped on the ground next to his body. "Thought you had me, didn't you boy?" Marley coughed and spit out a mouthful of dirt. He rolled on his back and lifted his hand holding his thumb and forefinger close together while he took his time catching his breath, Jarka threw her head back and laughed loudly. "I will admit, you did good, boy. But you will have to work for several more lifetimes before you have a chance at beating me." Marley smiled as he let his hand drop. He may not have won this clash, but he was impressed with his own progress. As if reading his mind, Jarka spoke again with a little less mockery in her voice. "That being said, your progress has indeed been impressive. I have not seen this level of mastery in many, many generations. You just might be ready." Marley sat up to look his teacher in the eye. "Ready? For what?" Jarka's smile dropped, her face becoming stern. "To begin your mission."
Before Marley could ask any follow-up questions, Marcus came jogging up to the pair. "Teacher, Young Master! Urgent news!" "Beefcake!" Jarka had taken to calling Marcus this during their training. She was impressed on a certain level by his massive size, but saw it as completely unnecessary, because true power comes from Azaacar. At the same time she found the large man pleasing to look at. She laughed heartily as she watched him suddenly turn bashful, as if he were a small child. "That never gets old! Spit it out big boy! What's the news?" Marcus quickly composed himself. After spending so many years alone in the Old Woods, being hit on and teased by an ancient spirit was not something he could easily get used to. Although, it was not exactly unpleasant. "Yes, Marley, a report just came in. Lastirk is dead. Greyson has taken over as King."
Marley was dumbstruck. He didn't know how to feel, or what to think. He sat there for a long while looking confused. He turned his gaze on Jarka who simply nodded and told him to take his time. Being completely unaware of Greyson's scheming, Lastirk's death came as an utter shock. She had been terrible, on so many levels, but for all intents and purposes, she was his mother. Whatever else she had done, she raised him, she taught him and had given him the best of everything. He was who he was, because she was who she was. He couldn't cry for her. He didn't feel bad. He couldn't even find it in him to pray to the Rednasi pantheon for her soul. She was with the Lord of the Seven Hells, and probably giving him a hard time. Marley lifted his head and spoke her name, one time, with all the respect he could muster. Suddenly, the second part of the report hit him, Greyson was king. All at once he realized what that meant. Greyson never had any love for the natives. He always used the most derogatory terms when referring to them. He felt their only purpose was to serve under the heel of the Empire. Lastirk had allowed them, at least, the most basic of dignities. Greyson would treat them like street animals. Lastirk respected their strength. Greyson would exploit them until he achieved his goals, or until they died from exhaustion. It was very clear what Marley had to do. His eyes met Jarka's gaze.
"What were you saying about my mission?"