Become one with earth [Solo]

”Please don’t tell Henrex about this. Please… I don’t want him to worry needlessly…” Yoriko cupped the tea in both hands, attempting to alleviate the heated pain it brought to the cuts on her hands. “Whatever this training of yours is… I’m sure it’s for a good cause. But I would suggest taking it a little easier on yourself if your intent is to prolong this training for any amount of time.” The elderly man offered words of encouragement, doubling up with a suggestion of caution. “While it isn’t much, I can offer you a warm bath and some clean clothes to use while you’re here. And don’t worry, I won’t tell Henrex about it.” The elder winked his recognition. The last time she’d been here she’d rushed out without so much as a thank you for the hospitality. And yet here he was still being kind to her despite that. he truly was a considerate and caring person. ”Thanks. I appreciate this. And I’m sorry for running out like I did last time. Things got a bit… Complicated…” Yoriko sulked, thinking back on her emotions at the time. “Don’t worry about it. I fully understand the issues plaguing you.” He smiled, giving Yoriko a knowing wink which sent the girl into a deeper, guarded fit of embarrassment.

“I’ll prepare the bath and a guest bed for you to rest your head in tonight. By the looks of it you’ll need some medical attention so after your bath, do seek me out. I’ll help you dress up some of those injuries of yours.” He offered his place and assistance for Yoriko. ”Thank you… I owe you one for this.” Yoriko sipped the rest of her tea and accepted his more than generous hospitality. It was more than she could have hoped for from someone who’d only met with her once before. Once her tea was finished, He guided Yoriko to where the bath was. Left to her own care while in the bath, the girl stripped off her tattered clothes and rinsed herself off before entering the actual bath. Even rinsing was painful as warm water washed away grit, grime, and blood. Flowing over and through her still fresh wounds. Yoriko winced each time she poured the water over herself. She really had overdone it for her first day… A couple of days spent resting before continuing the training would probably be the best option…

The bath proved more painful than she’d anticipated. More so even than the rinsing process. What soap she used, stung wretchedly as it permeated the cuts on her body. But even so the bleeding from them was thankfully minimal now. After the bath, Yoriko wore the clothes he offered for her to use and aided in the dressing of her injuries, applying a salve to the deeper and more severe lacerations. As for sleep, it came quickly and easily. Yoriko's exhaustion from the day’s exercise was felt far more readily from the moment her head hit the pillow upon the borrowed bed. ”I really should pace myself more carefully… Too much too quickly and I could really hurt myself…” Yoirko yawned, not daring to turn over lest she inflict more pain on herself from yet more cuts. While her wounds were dressed and soothed by the salves and ointments the man had applied, Yoriko wanted sleep now more than ever and to avoid agitating more serious injuries even more than she had to. Staring up at the unfamiliar ceiling, There was something about it that reminded her of the first morning waking up in this new world. It had been a new experience, much like this one. Life, at least productive life, was all about new experiences. Before she could move on she would complete this training. Certainly she had the motivation and the determination to see it through, just like all the other challenges she’d faced up till now.