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The Kemite's dark eyes then drifted downwards, and fixed on the eldritch Karvaaka that hung at the legionnaire's side.
"You wear a blade in the style of the eastern Imperial warriors. Tell me, Cyrus Marius, are you familiar with this blade's use?"
The young soldier nodded evenly in response,
"Yes, I was trained by the Imperial Legions out of Aelyria Prime, and further schooled in the Thibalt method of dual-sword fencing by the Jaedaxian virtuoso, Jaques Douveau."
Hiro smiled warmly again, and he crossed his arms before his narrow chest as he continued to lean casually against the tree.
"The famed Imperial Legions and a Jaedaxian fencing master? I am certain the knowledge they imparted to you was both valuable and wise." The man's nature was unlike many warriors the young soldier had met; he was poised and polite, and entirely in control of himself, and a feeling of peace and serenity eminated from him, rather than the aggression one might imagine. "If you wouldn't mind me asking, why then did you visit the Darui'Torek pagoda, and request a teacher in the art of the katana?"
Cyrus' lone azure eye then drifted down much as Hiro's had, and came to rest on the Kemite's magnificent katana. The weapon, so unlike the spartan, utilitarian arms of the Legions, was as beautiful as it was deadly. Silken wrap over pearlesque rayskin, gleaming gold against a blackened steel tsuba, the sword was obviously of the highest quality, a masterpiece of craftsmanship and artwork.
The soldier's gaze then returned to the Kemite's smiling countence.
"Because, I would know what you have to teach."
"That is a good answer." Hiro's smile had broadened, and he seemed to positively beam with pleasure. "A very good answer."
The Kemite then looked around at the throngs of people that navigated the Tortoise District, his dark eyes flicking from one face to another as his expression became thoughtful and contemplative.
"We can not begin our lessons here, the display would not be appreciated by the weary eyes of these fair travellers. If you would still learn from me, Kenshi, then seek out the solace of the Garden of a Hundred Pools. Arrive before the sunlight, meditate on why it is that you seek this knowledge, and I will find you."
Cyrus' eyebrow rose at the strange word, and he spoke as the diminutive Darui'Torek was turning to depart.
"Kenshi?"
Hiro looked back over his shoulder at Cyrus and smiled broadly again, his dark eyes warm and friendly as they held the young soldier in their gaze.
"It means student; student of the sword."
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