Jian's Title

[19:50] <~Athena_Laine> It's quiet around the Metal Temple, the calm of evening surrounding it and the mountain top it resides on. Meilin Fa is, for once, not inside the large building, but rather sat on a boulder by one of the sides, the Metal Mentor in the middle of sharpening her katana.
[19:54] <Earthflame> Jian approaches his teacher slowly, pausing for a moment when he first lays eyes on her... That hesitation would never have occured before he saw her draw the sword. Now, he focuses on it from a distance, curious as to whether anything about the blade tells tale of the power that lies within it... Or whether that power lies within his mentor, and the blade is simply her focus and channel.
[21:32] ->> You are now known as Deedles
[21:49] <~Deedles> Jian can sense a power eminating from his teacher, but there is also power in the blade, it's serena and sharp, though also somewhat sad.
[21:51] <~Deedles> Meilin doesn't look away from her sword as she speaks up, still sharpening it with great care "Good evening, Jian."
[21:51] <Earthflame> He speaks as he approaches. "Good evening, Meilin. You wished to see me?"
[21:51] <~Deedles> "Yes." She glances at him finally as she smiles gently "You passed your exam, after all."
[21:54] <Earthflame> "Some of the others were unsure whether it still counted." He returns her smile as he approaches. "But if it is a test of competence and worth, then that it was even harder than usual means it was only a better proof of our skill."
[21:56] <~Deedles> "Of course it counted, there is no dispute about that." Meilin tells him softly, turning back to her katana. "As such you're now ready to get your title..."
[21:58] <Earthflame> He gives her a deep bow. "I am honoured, my teacher."
[21:59] <~Deedles> "Why? You've earned it through your own merit." His teacher tells him with an almost amused look.
[21:59] <Earthflame> "You are the one who taught me what I needed to know in order to achieve it. My mother also taught me much, but without either of you, I would not be half the swordsman I am today."
[22:00] <~Deedles> Meilin nods slowly, a soft smile on her face "Indeed, and I took that into account when I choose your title." she admits
[22:02] <Earthflame> "I will carry it with pride into the world below."
[22:04] <~Deedles> "Good." She rises to her feet before carefully sheathing her blade, turning towards her student. "From this moment onwards you are Jian, the Yin-Yang Blade."
[22:06] <Earthflame> He closes his eyes, letting the words sink into his soul, and then bows again. "By name and by nature."
[22:07] <~Deedles> "Indeed." Meilin smiles faintly
[22:08] <Earthflame> He rises again, speaking more softly. "...My mother has told me that both my past and my future wait in the world below. The place we- she came from."
[22:09] <~Deedles> "I think she is correct about that. Your path does not lie in this village..." The metal mentor concurs, jumping down from the rock to stand before him.
[22:11] <Earthflame> ...His smile turns a little sad. "I would have enjoyed working with you in the temple. Perhaps in the future, I will return and that will be my retirement... But that would be many, many years away."
[22:12] <~Deedles> Meilin's smile widens "Maybe so, though the future have a way of changing things."
[22:13] <Earthflame> "Still, one can always hope... And having something to come back to is a comfort."
[22:15] <~Deedles> "Aye, that it is. You can always come back here, remember that." His teacher tells him, reaching forward to lay a hand on his shoulder.
[22:16] <Earthflame> He hesitates a moment... And then gives her a quick hug. "...I will miss you."
[22:19] <~Deedles> Meilin holds him close for a moment longer "And I shall miss you too, Jian." she confesses
[22:20] <Earthflame> He smiles at her. "I will remember what you have taught me... And I will return, teacher. I promise you."
[22:21] <~Deedles> She nods, returning his smile "I know you will. You're strong, even if you still have a lot to learn."
[22:21] <Earthflame> "And I am strong enough to know that in many ways I am still weak. I will be careful."
[22:23] <~Deedles> "Good." Meilin takes a step back "Now ... I imagine you have things you need to do."
[22:25] <Earthflame> "Yes..." He smiles again. "I'm having dinner with Mother. I would invite you, but..."
[22:26] <~Deedles> She laughs softly "I imagine that she wouldn't be too happy about that."
[22:26] <Earthflame> Jian sighs. "Indeed... Will I see you tomorrow morning?"
[22:30] <~Deedles> "Most certainly." Meilin assures him with a gentle smile "I wish to see you before you go."
[22:33] <Earthflame> "Until then, teacher. Thank you again." Jian bows one last time.
[22:35] <~Deedles> "You're most welcome. Until then, Jian." Meilin gives him a hug
[22:38] <Earthflame> He returns it, smiling contentedly for a short while... And then he steps away. "I will see you tomorrow, then."
[22:43] <~Deedles> "Good bye." The Gentle Blade says, flashing him one final smile before she heads for the temple.
[22:44] <Earthflame> Jian turns away, walking slowly back towards his home...