Story 2: The monk master

Ayanna barged through the sun-lit hallways of the temple, passing befuddled servants and attendants of the monastery on her way towards the central sanctum. The dusk light fell in between the pillars upon her bronzed skin and short black hair, and the light breeze that blew across the low mountainscape upon which the monastery complex rested gently tussled the tabard of her monk robes. A relatively tightly fitted black top with a high neckline outlined her fit, lean half-elven frame and ample bosom, and extended down her waist into a flowing tabard, while wraps covered her arms from wrist to elbow, and a tightly bound red sash held the tabbard and her loose khaki slacks in place as she strode to the double doors that hid the circular chamber and gravelpit where the master of the order trained, meditated and tested her pupils.

Ayanna tensed her fists, breathed in deep and felt her Ki, her spiritual energy, coursing strong. When directing her Ki through her strikes and punches she could achieve results common folk could only dream of, and lay an enemy flat on their back in but a moment. And Ayanna was keen on proving her worthiness to the master and finally get the promotion up the hierarchy she deserved.

She pushed open the double doors. The sound echoed back to her from the domed room beyond. She stepped inside, closing the doors behind her, and walked with confidence to the edge of the sunken sandpit filling the central space. There she saw a figure sitting with its back turned towards her, sitting in a meditative pose. The person wore similar attire to Ayanna, except the sash was a pure white, and her light-brown hair was bound into a tight ponytail. ”She doesn’t look all that intimidating from here..” Ayanna thought to herself, “... we look almost the same. I don’t see why everyone’s so in awe of her.”

Ayanna cleared her throat: ”Master Ilya! I am overdue my promotion, and I have come to prove myself!”

Master Ilya was silent for a moment, before slowly getting up and turning around, revealing an elven face with fine features. She did not take a martial stance, but merely stood there, and beckoned Ayanna towards her with a wave of her hand.

”Then show me what you’ve got.”