Long Lost Leaves

[Aikanáro]

It was not until they were far enough from the others to guarantee that their conversation would be private that Tabrîl answered. 'It is for us now to see that this group is kept from harm,' she explained. 'I know the way to guard a camp such as this, but it is not something one can do alone.' She went on to explain to Nami the system she intended to set up between them and any others that were both capable and willing, to have at least one at all times patrolling their borders and to ensure those busy with other duties were adequately provided for. Tabrîl spoke in her usual abrupt manner, but it was clear that she was familiar with this sort of procedure and assumed Nami was too.

'You spoke rightly,' she added, once her plans has been set out, 'to say there is no shame in this sort of duty. In truth, there is honor in it, even if it is unlikely to bring glory. Yet there is something else I would discuss with you.'

She stopped then, stepped in front of Nami and turned to face her, and addressed her in softer tones. 'I do not share your fear of the tunnels, and so I will not claim to understand it. But this I would have you know: fear is distraction. And for a warrior such as you are, such as you would be? It can prove itself a costly distraction indeed.'

Tabrîl was uncertain whether this would mean anything to Nami, she was uwindi, after all, but she went on, 'It is necessary that you forget your fear, that it pass over you. You cannot hold in mind both fear and true focus, one you must let go of.' The reasons behind Nami's apprehension were unimportant to her, but the effect it had upon her was not.

'It is not my concern,' she added, 'whether or not you go underground. You are perhaps more useful to me here - but not if you cannot forget these worries of yours, as that will lead only to inattention and error. You asked for my assistance with blade technique, but I tell you this must come first.'

This was more than Tabrîl had said since meeting up with the company, and she felt more than a little uncomfortable, to speak to this strange elf this way. She could guess how one of her own people would answer her, but uwindi were unpredictable, and she knew her advice might not be listened to, or even taken in the spirit in which it was intended.