Beginning

I was born west of the holy grove surrounded by the beautiful peace and tranquility of the forest. My earliest memories are of the gong of the temple I grew up in. Raised by the monks my brothers and sisters were trained to in the ways of the balance, I was a willing participant, but I was not one who was motivated by combat. From an early age, I learned to defend myself against extreme odds and deal with overwhelming circumstances. No matter the weather my fathers and older brothers would train us in the art of war. We would practice our forms and chant our prayers to bring harmony within our soul. In the summer time various travelers would come to our temple for our martial arts demonstrations and to participate in a tournament for children and adults. I was selected to represent our temple. I was pitted against a giant among giants. This minotaur dug her hooves into the ground and charged wildly at me. I utilized my ability to strike like a leopard and blocked her attacks. We battled and battled finally leaving the minotaur stunned clutching her chest spent with rage. Unlike some of my brothers and sisters they loved the roar of the crowd, but I saw little point in these actions. Leaving the minotaur close to death left me with an empty feeling. I remembered in one of our scriptures of a land far to the west, where men and women fight with honor, courage and respect. In this moment I knew I must find these people and learn more about their ways and culture. I want a higher purpose than fighting for sport.