OPEN

[burnseternal]

WHO: Saint Walker and YOU.
WHERE: In every Porter City to make sure imPorts of every city have access to some good old fashioned meditation!
WHEN: Throughout March.
WHAT: As per this post, Saint Walker is offering meditation lessons -- people tagging in needn't respond to that post to participate, however. All of my starters will be geared towards meditation classes, but if you want to play out anything else, feel free to PM me or PP me at feygasm!
WARNINGS: None anticipated.



A: HEROPA

[Heropa is, in truth, where Saint Walker prefers to give his lessons. Not because he lives there - to commute between cities is but a trifling thing - but because it features a quiet, peaceful beach ideal for meditation. While it's possible to meditate no matter the locale, it's always easier for beginners to have nothing but the sounds of nature and Saint Walker's harp to distract them from their task.

Saint Walker is easy enough to spot on the beach, as blue and alien as he is, but even if he goes unnoticed, he's got an eye out for any of his potential students coming towards him. He floats in mid-air, legs crossed and hands resting gently on his knees as he surveys his surroundings.

Even if you're not here for meditation classes, there's certainly no harm in saying hello.]

B: NONAH/MAURTIA FALLS/DE CHIMA

[In the absence of a nearby beach in the remaining Porter cities, Saint Walker has located nearby forests for meditation purposes. It may not be as sunny and warm as Heropa, but the air is clean and fresh, and Saint Walker knows that there's a small river - more of a creek, really - not so far away that they may use to their advantage. To prevent others from getting lost, he lingers at the entrance of the forest, hands wrapped around a thermos of green tea he had made at home, large enough to provide cups for anyone who may decide to attend his lessons.]

C: WILDCARD

[Want to do anything else? Go to the library? To a cafe? Catch him flying about town, or playing his instrument publicly? Just let me know, and I'll be happy to write a starter for you, or respond to one made for me!]

Comments

heropa!

[helpline]

[ The Doctor simultaneously looks out of place and right at home on the beach. He's dressed a bit low key for the Doctor today (black coat over a black jumper) and his slacks are definitely not beach attire...but at the same time, he's wearing his sunglasses, the wind's blowing his hair every which way, and he's taken off his shoes to feel the sand beneath his feet. As he spots Saint Walker, the Doctor walks over, giving the alien a small wave in the process. ]

Lovely day, isn't it? Hopefully nice weather's grand for aligning your chakras or whatever we'll be doing.

[burnseternal]

I'm afraid that your chakras will remain woefully out of line. Some of my other students speak about them at length, but I'm afraid the idea has rather escaped me, [Saint Walker says with a grin, though he doesn't bother lowering himself to the ground as he would in different company; the Doctor ought to be well used to him floating everywhere by now, after all.]

Nice weather is certainly a positive. It is so much more helpful to focus on one's senses in comfort, after all -- assuming that you enjoy the sunshine. Please, have a seat.

[helpline]

The idea's escaped me as well, [ The Doctor idly responded as he sat down, fanning out his coat tail behind him, as it lay on the sand. ] I've meditated before for a whole host of things, but never my chakras. I'm sure there's no hope for them.

[burnseternal]

Ah. Let us begin with that, then -- how is it that you are used to meditating, and for what purposes? And, it bears asking, for what purpose would you like to meditate today?

[He does change his methods depending on the person, of course, and he hasn't the faintest idea what the Doctor wishes to get out of this little session. Some peace, Saint Walker suspects. His brain is a busy place, and men with busy minds tend to wish for them to still, if not only for a moment.]

[helpline]

Clearing my thoughts, mostly, [ the Doctor can't help but muse. ] I've told you before of my memory problems, how there's someone I should care about but I can't remember her. Maybe if I clear my mind and just focus solely on her, it'll help me put the pieces together easier.

[ He does indeed have a busy mind, which he thinks is part of the problem. He should know this person. He should know her face, she had to be important to him. And yet...nothing. ]

De Chima

[quaerit]

[ When Gansey heard this was the location of choice, he couldn't have been happier. He loves being outdoors, particularly in green places. Hills, grasslands and particularly forests have an association with his hunt for Glendower. His friend Adam's interaction with the forest Cabeswater has left him with feelings of wariness, but he still feels connected to that place. He still enjoys going there, sitting in it - preferably when it's not at its most violent.

But he does go. The forest outside De Chima reminds him of Cabeswater. Also Virginian, the two have some basic flora and fauna in common, but of course, this one lacks Cabeswater's magic. That means it also lacks the aspect that makes Gansey wary, so really, this is the perfect combination.

When he approaches, he looks content enough. He's resplendent in a bright yellow polo shirt and chinos, and his jacket is looped over his messenger bag. He looks like someone who already wishes it were summer, as though he could encourage its approach just through his clothes. He also smells strongly of mint, given that he's currently chewing on a leaf. Finding Walker, he stops, and lets his hands slide into his pockets. ]

Hello. I hope I'm not late. You picked a nice area, I'll give you that.

[burnseternal]

Hello, Gansey! [Saint Walker inclines his head in greeting, smile as bright as ever as he gestures for him to waste no time, and to follow him deeper into the forest.] It is good to see that you have made it. Come -- if you believe it is nice from this perspective, then I assure you that you will find what you will discover within breathtaking. It is, I think, easier to meditate when separated from the mechanical noise of the city.

[Sometimes, Saint Walker doesn't know how those who don't meditate are able to stand the city. There's so much noise, so much bustle! Even in the dead of the night, he can still hear the buzz of the city, can still breathe in smoke and the air of a thousand other people. He's content enough in the city, but nature is where he's truly comfortable.]

[quaerit]

[ Gansey follows willingly. Before he’s even seen the spot that Walker has in mind, he knows that he’s right. The city has too many distractions. It’s impossible to be peaceful there, and that’s what’s at the aim of all this.

Gansey is not, honestly, sure how easy it will be. His mind always feels restless, but he is determined to try. ]

I quite agree. I’m very fond of this forest. I come here quite often. You could say it reminds me of home; all it’s lacking is the mountains.

[ Those are further to the west. ]

[burnseternal]

Your home sounds beautiful. There is something quite extraordinary about mountains, regardless of the locale you find it in; they are as majestic as they are dangerous, I find.

[He still remembers hearing Mogo's voice, feeling the ground rumble beneath his feet: climb.

A story for another day, perhaps. He stops once they reach a small creek, and he pauses, listening to the way the water bubbles its way through the rocks, whisked off to some unknown destination.]

We will stay here! [He announces, then tilts his thermos in Gansey's direction.] Would you like some tea?

[After all, it's always good to put someone at ease before asking them to focus their energies towards a new and often intimidating task.]

Nonah!

[lightandglory]

[It's a noble sentiment, waiting at the edge of the forest to prevent people from getting lost in it... but it doesn't stop L'Arachel from getting lost on her way to it. Suffice it to say, she arrives a little late.

She doesn't appear the least bit bothered by this, however, beaming brightly and waving at Saint Walker as she approaches.]

Aha, so here you are! Hello again!

[burnseternal]

Hello, L'Arachel! It is good to see you again!

[Even if, truth be told, Saint Walker knows that teaching L'Arachel the art of meditation will be a difficult task, if not only because meditation requires one to admit their shortcomings, to admit where they have difficulty, and how. If one refuses to express such things, teaching them is a long, winding path indeed.

Fortunately, Saint Walker is blessed with a bounty of patience that likely far exceeds that of L'Arachel's previous teachers, and he has the perk of not regarding L'Arachel as royalty, as one who somehow has dominion over him. As far as he's concerned, they are equals.]

Please, [he says, gesturing for her to follow him,] come with me. We will retreat deeper into the forest before beginning.

[lightandglory]

Yes, of course it is!

[L'Arachel is, obviously, quite oblivious to whatever misgivings Saint Walker may harbour about her ability to learn meditation. No, in her mind, this is going to be a wonderful leisurely outing. A little stroll in the woods, the novelty of trying something she hasn't tried before, and pleasant company; what better way to spend some free time?

And she's certain she'll get the hang of things very quickly. This is a spiritual pursuit, after all, and there are very few people more spiritually attuned than she is!

She follows with a spring in her step, smiling all the while.] Certainly! What better place to seek the divine than in nature's embrace? Oh, it's so beautifully poetic!

[burnseternal]

It is indeed the most fitting place for it. Nature itself has its own, unique heartbeat, and one that I find makes meditation to be far, far easier for beginners. It is possible to meditate anywhere, of course, but it is certainly most pleasant to do so surrounded by organic life.

[It doesn't take them long to arrive at their planned destination. It's a bit of a trek when one takes hills into account - and the time Saint Walker takes to patiently brush any hanging worms out of the way to place them delicately back onto branches before he or L'Arachel barge into them - but their destination is a beautiful place indeed, with a bubbling creek framed by trees just gaining their first blossoms.]

Here we are. Before we begin, would you like a cup of tea? It is best, I think, to be in a relaxed state before beginning meditation.

Heropa

[enucleation]

[ kaneki was told by Skullman about this meeting, and it's true that he and Saint Walker have spoken about meditation before but Kaneki wasn't convinced because he isn't sure it'll work (in fact, he believes it'll make things worse). However, as Walker was not the first person to suggest meditation to Kaneki, he decides to give it a try; why not? He has nothing to lose. And if his head does get louder? Well, nothing new there; of late, Kaneki's head has been a huge mess.

So he does come and while the beach is cliché, he won't be judging yet.

When Kaneki spots the other, he approaches with a smile and a small nod of his head ]

Hello, Saint Walker.

[burnseternal]

Good afternoon, Ken Kaneki, [Saint Walker says, inclining his head towards him with a smile, and gesturing for him to come closer. He hadn't spoken to Saint Walker's open invitation for meditation lessons, but he cannot imagine that he's here for any other reason. Nevertheless, he does take the time to make sure.]

It is good to see you! Are you here for instruction in meditation?

[enucleation]

[ Kaneki approaches when he is told to ] Just Kaneki is fine. [ that's what he is used to being called, though he wouldn't mind being called Ken either. ]

I am. A friend told me about it and sort of suggested me to come by. [ though Kaneki hasn't seen Skullman anywhere, it's not as if they came together. They simply shared the desire to find some peace and the meditation subject came up, thus Saint Walker came up as well ]

How have you been?

[burnseternal]

I have been well! Please, sit, [he says, gesturing down at the soft sand in front of him. They may as well get into position, after all.]

Or, at least, well enough considering the circumstances. I am the first to admit that they have been less than ideal, thus my initial offer to assist others in unpacking their burdens. And you, Kaneki? How have the recent events been on you?

De Chima

[protects_the_small]

[Kel had found herself retreating to the edges of the forests more and more in the past few days, the noise and concrete of the city itching at her in ways she couldn't describe properly. Even so, she takes her time getting to the arranged spot, knowing from the video that her host would be....odd-looking. And trying to steel herself for it.

So it is with a firm smile and wave that she greets Saint Walker when at last she sees him]

Well met!

[burnseternal]

Keladry, is it?

[Saint Walker doesn't return her wave - his hands stay firmly tucked behind his back - but he greets her with a chipper smile and a deep, almost formal incline of his head.] It is good to meet you in person, sister. It is always preferable, I think, than behind a screen. Do you expect a companion to join you today?

[He remembers her query into group lessons, after all, and he certainly doesn't mind waiting.]

[protects_the_small]

[Kel meets his nod with a slight bow of her own, though she's a bit startled by 'sister']

Likewise...And no, I didn't, though from the response I saw I rather expected more here on their own.

[burnseternal]

Many who engage in meditation do so in order to combat deeper personal affairs of the heart and soul. I will not know until I meet them, of course, but those who require further help on that end typically enjoy the privacy of one-on-one sessions, for which I cannot fault them.

[Individual lessons provide a greater chance for him to focus on one individual, after all. He gestures for Keladry to follow him as he steps deeper into the forest, meticulously stepping over branches as he guides her inside.]

Please, follow me. While we walk, I must ask: for what purpose do you come to me for meditation lessons? Do not be shy; there are no wrong answers.

Maurtia Falls!

[beneathbluerafters]

[ It's a well-known fact that cats are masters of guilt-tripping, and Teekl had the technique down to a fine art. The argument that had ensued after Saint Walker's network post ended in a chilly silence between cat and witchboy (although the silence was much sulkier on Klarion's end), and it had only defrosted once Klarion admitted that maybe, just maybe, the alien had a point about meditating and learning to calm himself down. He didn't really believe it, of course, but meditation had the potential to be useful for focusing his magicks, and if it didn't work, then he'd get to prove Saint Walker and Teekl wrong at the same time!

Klarion stood at the edge of the forest, both hands stuffed into the kangaroo pocket of his hoodie sweater. He breathed wisps of steam into the air as he glared down at Teekl, who had decided to keep warm by snuggling up inside the sweater with his head poking out the neck. ]

There, we're here. What more do you want, you obstinate creature?

[burnseternal]

For you to engage in meditation, I imagine! It is good to see that you have decided to come, Klarion. And Teekl... [He inclines his head towards the cat rather than Klarion, though he doubts that Klarion particularly minds.] I do appreciate your assistance in this endeavor, and will no doubt be calling upon you later today.

[Animals are excellent tools for meditation. If Klarion can keep Teekl in his lap and use his familiar as a grounding point for calming himself, Saint Walker fully intends on making use of it.]

We will not be meditating here, however. Please, Klarion, follow me deeper into the forest.

[beneathbluerafters]

Don't encourage him, he's a furry turncoat whose stubbornness is only rivaled by his contrary nature.

[ The cat makes a deep rumbling noise inside the sweater, and flicks an ear at Walker in greeting. He's more or less in your corner for this one, buddy. Anything that will help Klarion not blow his stack and get arrested again is worth a shot, and Klarion already uses the cat as a grounding point for his magic, meditation shouldn't be too far off base. ]

How deep are we going? It's not exactly warm out here.

[burnseternal]

Oh, I would not be so harsh on him. I am sure he has many qualities to recommend him -- and that you two must have quite a lot in common to have remained companions for so long! We are not far, however...

[He glances towards the forest, then towards Klarion.]

Your comfort is my priority. It is important that you remain comfortable and relaxed throughout meditation, or else I fear that it will not have the effect that it ought to. If you wish to fetch a coat from home, I am more than happy to wait.