The morning after Alexis has shared the mantra and symbol of the Inner Watch, Rask wakes with renewed focus. He recites his daily prayer to Raiden and adds the mantra of the Inner Watch at the end.
His exercises are efficient, powerful, precise. His physical and mental existence aligned like never before.
When he is done, he catches Alexis and Ca’armine’s attention and approaches them.
“Brothers, ‘in the spirit of ‘We begin with ourselves,’ I have had an insight I would like to share with you. My path has been driven by a need for vengence for Thater, recently I have been focused on Shasharak, I believe in part because of my anger at being Dominated by his shadow in the round room of lightning. Even without the Black Blade, I have a weakness for anger and rage. I pray to Raiden that my anger be righteous and not pull me from my Path. I share this recognition of my weakness and ask you aid my in guarding against it. Thank you for all your guidance and support, up to and after this moment.”
Rask bows his head and offers a prayer of gratitude to Raiden.
Ca’armine surprises his fellows, by laughing! “Rask, my friend, you need to find a pool and look in your eyes awhile, and see who is looking back at you! I know the black blade was a strong negative influence on you, but turning away from that blade, was also the beginning of turning away from the part of yourself that worshipped anger and craved vengeance.
The man I see now, has replaced those emotions, with a commitment to finding peace in Raiden’s teachings!
You fight with blunt weapons when you can. You disable without killing. You find ways to achieve the objective without unnecessary violence. These are all huge leaps forward in your character!
Raiden is a warrior and a protector– and so are you. Vengeance is not your path, not anymore! And now that we are in a new time and place, you have even more opportunity to recognize the path you are on, is a more peaceful one.”
He looks to both of his comrades, smiling, and extends his arms. “You are my brothers in Raiden, and my brothers in arms!”