Tavaar - 18th Edition

I probably should have included this last bit on yesterday's post. After Shello left Tavaar, Tavaar had a talk with Sashwa and debated about chasing after him. Sashwa convinced her not to. It would only make Shello think he was in charge of the relationship.

She waits an entire week before going to West Village to talk with Shello. Shello is still pouting(and sporting a black eye he received at Khaiu's hand) and Tavaar leaves him to pout. Shello transfers to North Village. He does not come to Gahrem for the bonfire. Tavaar doesn't enjoy the bonfire and even hands the two boys she is courting to other girls. She needs to decide about Shello.

Formatting: Text notes; Text narrative; Blog notes.

The next few days were a struggle as she debated about going to North Village. Late on Fruday she finally decided: she would go to North Village and actively seek to win Shello. Having made a decision, she felt better. Then, shortly before the evening meal, Sashwa entered her room. She looked distressed.

“What is it?” Tavaar asked.

“The village newsreader just arrived.”

“And?”

“Shello.”

Tavaar’s heart jumped.

“What about him? Is he hurt?”

“No. He’s being courted by Klarissa.”

Time takes a jump now. It is tournament time the following year.

She told herself it (Klarissa courting Shello) didn’t matter, but the truth was it did. The ensuing winter months were bitter, but not because of cold. Life seemed to be against her, and she fought back by training harder. When Amaris came she was determined to get past Khaiu and once again face Shello for the championship. But that was not how it played out. This year the draw pitted her against Klarissa, not Khaiu. She felt a sense of pleasure to take on Shello’s lady. Now she would show him his mistake, and make this girl pay for taking him.

Tavaar’s battle with Klarissa turned out to be memorable, and for years after it was spoken of with awe and disbelief. They both struck viciously to begin the battle, and both quickly paid the price for their rashness. Simultaneously, their weapons partially struck home – but not to the head. There were only two ways to win a mock battle: strike one’s opponent on the head, or knock them to the ground. Blows to arms, knuckles or body did not count, though with steel any of these wounds might be enough to kill. Tavaar believed she had the advantage, at least early on. Then she realized Klarissa was merely biding her time, letting Tavaar waste energy on fruitless assaults, so Tavaar altered her strategy to force Klarissa to use her own energy. She knew Shello was watching and it galled her to know he would not be cheering for her. This helped with her energy and drive, but it did nothing to help defeat Klarissa’s defenses. Much as she hated to admit it, Tavaar had to concede that Klarissa was good. Very good.

They fought for what began to seem like forever, neither able to gain any kind of clear advantage. They had shared the same instructor in Khaiu, and it showed in their strategies. Tavaar was able to recognize each maneuver Klarissa made right from the go, so she believed she was protected. Twice, both women enacted identical moves, winning blows to the body but not the head.

Time continued.

Tavaar’s arms hurt. Klarissa’s must, too. They were about the same height and build, and apparently possessed equal stamina. In truth, they were quite equal, which made their fight drag on and on and on. It was probably the duration of the fight which exposed the flaw in Klarissa’s strategy. There was nothing wrong with her skill: that was beyond question. But she had choreographed her strategy, which allowed her to flow with ease, much like a dancer who performs miraculous moves, long rehearsed. There was a pattern, albeit a long one. Tavaar followed it from beginning to end twice to make sure. It took at least ten short turns to complete, but it was definitely repeating. Now the question was to determine the weak point in the dance and strike when it arrived. It would soon be over.

The move Tavaar chose to act against was actually a favorite of Khaiu’s. He had taught it to all of them. Klarissa had certainly paid close attention to it for it was in five places within the sequence. But in one place she would be more vulnerable, where the move followed a more difficult one. Tavaar waited patiently, not letting on her confidence was increased. On cue, the move came – and she struck like a viper.

Her surprise was multifold. Not only was Klarissa not where she should be, but there was a tremendous pain in the back of Tavaar’s head. She had lost. How?

She turned in fury to see Klarissa walking away. It was tempting to rush forward and hit her. It was what she felt like doing, but Tavaar kept her peace. There was no honor in being vindictive. Klarissa had won fairly. Tavaar stood patiently, allowing Klarissa’s family and friends to congratulate her – a group with included Shello – and then she walked forward to offer her own. All the while she walked Tavaar could not help but consider the fight and how it had ended. Klarissa knew! There could be no other explanation. But how could she have known? Unless – she had been waiting for it. But that was not the way Khaiu taught.

It was when she reached Klarissa that Tavaar learned the truth. Klarissa’s strategy had not come for Khaiu: it had come from Shello. He had helped Klarissa design the choreography, deliberately making it long and deliberately setting up the place to end the battle. He knew Tavaar would pick up on the pattern, despite its incredible length. But it had had to be long. Anything shorter would have screamed trap. He had fought them both and knew they were equal. He expected the fight to go long (it had lasted nearly a full turn - a new family record). In fact, he was counting on it. Shello had arranged for Klarissa’s victory, and that hurt more than anything.

Tavaar embraced her opponent and kissed her. She congratulated her on her victory and then turned and left the training fields without speaking to anyone else. She walked home, not following the road, but going cross country through the forest. When she arrived at home she went to her room, tossed her weapons to the side, undressed, lay on her bed and cried herself to sleep.

I don't know if did it on purpose, but it seems that every time Tavaar is distressed emotionally, she redirects her feelings to her clothes and sheds them like a bird molting its feathers. And then she sleeps. I didn't pick up on this until just now, I think. It's useful information.

From this time forward Tavaar is less discreet regarding her behavior with boys. She does nothing no other girl is doing. She is just less concerned over who's aware of it. The result is, her reputation suffers. People assume her private behavior exceeds her public. Chief among her accusers are her brother, Pulich, and Sashwa's brother, Wharmin. But she has yet to give up on Shello.