Bastian - Chapter II - Awakening the Wolf

[Bastian Fate]

C II - Entry I,

 

Long ago, I was told a story. It's an ancient tale, and it goes roughly like this...

 

A grandfather is speaking to his grandson, and says "Within each one of us there is a battle between two wolves."

 

"One is evil. It is anger, jealousy, greed, inferiority, resentment, lies, and ego. The other is good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, humility, kindness, empathy, and truth."

 

The grandson ponders this, before replying, "Grandfather, which wolf wins?"

 

The grandfather says simply, "The one you feed."

 

This tale has truth to it, to be certain. Recently, while travelling along the road I came across a small camp. The woods surrounding this path were dark and looming, and seeing firelight was welcoming, so I decided to introduce myself.

 

Upon approaching the small campsite, I met a single man. He was old, and wise, and had the appearance of a wolf and a man combined; his face was a wolf's head, his legs digitigrade, and his body covered in wolf's fur. He was playing a strange melody on a small flute when I approached, and didn't show any signs of stopping when I stepped into the firelight.

 

I waited for a moment before sitting down. I waited a bit longer, listening to the enchanting melody. There was something familiar about this Lupine, as though I had known him all my life.

 

Eventually, during a short pause in his music I spoke up and said, "Well met, good fellow. You play the flute well."

 

At that he stopped playing, and smiled at me. "Do you believe we've met before?"

 

I was a little caught off-guard by the question. "I'm not certain. You do seem familiar to me."

 

At this his smile brightened, his silver eyes gleaming in the firelight. "So you are not entirely unconscious of yourself." He stood up, and continued, "Bastian, I am the wolf, Nin."

 

An old legend from my village told of the Great Wolf, Nin. He was said to be the father of all wolves, a guardian to all Lupine spirits. You might think that I'd have been shocked and unable to believe this man was such a character from ancient myths, but the certainty in his eyes was impossibly strong. This was Nin.

 

I stood, and asked how he had known my name. He had been keeping watch over me. I asked why he revealed himself now. He said it was because I was ready. I asked, "Ready for what?"

 

He sat, and motioned for me to sit also. I did. Taking out from his travel bag a small pendant carved like a wolf's head, he said "You are adult now, though you may not feel it. You are ready now to awaken the good wolf within you." He smiled again. "And I shall guide you in uncovering your true spirit." He held out the pendant to me, but as I reached to grab it, his form shifted, and he was suddenly pure wolf, leaping away into the trees. He paused and looked at me, the pendant wrapped about his paw,  and I began to chase after him.

 

That is how I acquired my new mentor. And so begins a new Chapter.

- Bastian's Journal

 

Chapter II - Awakening the Wolf

 

My name is Sebastian Woodland; most people call me Seb, but as an adventurer, I go as Bastian. You can call me whichever you want! As you can see I wrote up a bit of a story here, I figured to keep myself (and other readers) entertained, I'd add a little fantasy story update as often as I can when I post my updates. Also, I love writing and don't do it enough, so this is a good excuse to get a little creative every now and then!

 

Despite writing the story and stuff I can't keep track of my stats, that feels like too much for me to worry about for me personally. However, I am keeping track of my level!

 

Honestly, the story didn't give away much about what I actually want to accomplish, I got pretty carried away in the fantasy aspect of it   Below is my new 6 week challenge!

 

Current Main Quest:

• To connect more with my body, and increase my energy levels and flexibility.
• To become stronger, and increase my stamina.
• Specifics:
  • Comfortably touch my toes with straight legs
  • Regain my ability to run for a long time: 1hour
  • Within the next few months, build up enough strength to do 10 pushups (no knees and no breaks inbetween; this would be amazing for me, I've never been able to do it yet)

 

Nin's Steps

1. A wolf eats well. I will take a different approach to changing my diet this time: I get an A+ for not eating any chocolate, candy, cakes, icecream, or similar sugary things in a week. Each occasion which I have one of these things brings down the grade by 1 grade.
2. A wolf is flexible and knows it's limits. I will do my stretches routine every day of the week.
3. A wolf has strength. I will do my workout routine every second day.
4. A wolf is agile. I will run for at least 10 minutes each day I do not workout, barefoot style.
5. A wolf's spirit is calm and collected. I will practice guitar every day for at least 5 minutes.
6. A wolf is a wanderer. This Challenge I will climb mount Finlayson at least once, as I missed it last challenge (a local, semi-treacherous mountain   ) to re-connect with my ranger Spirit.

 

 

Side Quests:

• Finish making the armour pieces for my Commander Shepard Cosplay by the end of the Challenge - I still haven't done it
• Upload a video of me playing music of some sort to Youtube
• Finish reading The Wise Man's Fear

 

 

Weekly Grading

Monday --> Sunday

1. No Sugar:                _/0
   A+: 0, A: 1, B: 2, C+: 3, C: 4, C-: 5, F: 6+
2. Stretches:                    _/7
   A+: 7, A: 6, B: 5, C+: 4, C: 3-2. C-: 1, F: 0
3. Workout:                      _/3
   A+: 4, A: 3, B: 2, C+: 1, F: 0
4. Runs:                            _/3
   A+: 4, A: 3, B: 2, C+: 1, F: 0
5. Guitar Playing                            _/7
   A+: 7, A: 6, B: 5, C+: 4, C: 3, C-: 2-1, F: 0

Challenge Grading

 

Grading will be done each Sunday. Good luck everyone!

[naarasleijona]

Love the story, you've got me totally hooked!  Love your goals too.  Tagging along to see how it all goes!  

[Bastian Fate]

C II - Entry II,

 

I followed the old spirit for a good couple of hours into the night, but at each turn he was one step ahead of me. I ran for the first half hour or so, then began to walk, before finally giving up. I sat myself down on an old, fallen log, staring out into the darkness around me. My eyes had adjusted but still, it was difficult to see.

 

I pulled out something to eat from my pack, and pondered how difficult it had been to decline the baker's offer of cake and chocolate from the afternoon. I had stopped by a small Imperial town, hoping to gather Intel and some much needed supplies. In the end, my willpower was strong enough. I considered how I had been able to restrain myself and was momentarily satisfied, despite losing track of Nin.

 

I heard a twig breaking to my right, and saw Nin perched on a large, low tree branch. He cocked his head to one side, before darting away through some bushes. I pushed past them, creating a much larger ruckus than was usually accepted by the rangers. 

 

Past the bushes, I could see a faint light in the distance, illuminating some of the trees. I followed, with Nin nowhere in sight. Shortly, I arrived at the small camp, another single tent. This time, however, I recognized the tent, and the woman sitting by the fire. It was my companion, Kat!

 

We greeted each other, and spoke merrily of our travels. Kat was one of the Catfolk, in many ways similar to Nin with her half feline, half human appearance. We had been friends for what feels like eternity, and always happened upon each other, frequently enough that it could only be explained by fate. I stayed that night in her camp, but didn't see any sign of Nin.

 

And of course, I told her of Nin. Few others would have believed me, but I knew, more sure than anything, that I could trust her.

 

​In the morning, we made breakfast together, and traveled to a nearby lake where we swam for an hour or so. Simply staying afloat in the water was difficult for me, certainly worthy of an exercise. At one moment, while desperately attempting any kind of swimming except the doggy paddle, I noticed across the lake, a shimmering blue spirit of a wolf. It was another of Nin's forms, and he simply nodded approvingly before vanishing. I wasn't sure what it meant, but I knew it was better than shaking his head, and I could tell that going swimming was providing a good workout.

 

The next day or so I spent with Kat. We explored, we trained, we laughed and joked. It was a good time. I brought out my guitar and she her harp, and together we practiced our own songs. It was a wonderful set of days, but I saw no more of Nin. In the end, Kat had to leave on important business, and I was obligated to return to my home village to help my brother pack, for he was taking his cart and moving to a nearby village the next morning.

 

I'm afraid that's all I can write tonight, my hand grows tired and my mind weary.

- Bastian's Journal

[Bastian Fate]

Report Card - Week 1

1. No Sugar:                2/0
   B
2. Stretches:                    4/7
   C+
3. Workout:                      1/3
   C+
4. Runs:                            4/3
   A+
5. Guitar Playing:                            7/7
   A+

Overall grade Week 1: B+

 

Next week's goal: B+! That's been my goal for a while now. Lets bump it up to A-, that's my new goal!

[KatalAnka]

Great work my dear, keep it up :3

[Bastian Fate]

Thanks Raven for the encouragement, and thank you Kat as well! :3

 

C II - Entry III,

 

The past day I was hit with a slow dizziness, and at one point a startling dizzy spell. I hadn't seen Nin since swimming in the lake. This concerned me, but more immediately, I wasn't feeling too well. I decided it safest to return home, and after all, it was my mother's birthday. Our family gathered together and celebrated, though throughout the day I found it difficult to convince myself to perform any of my tasks. Even the day before I had felt a strange weariness sweep over me. 

 

I managed to entertain myself with guitar-playing and my brothers, and a day earlier spent some time with Kat. Now, today, I sit with my lunch. The vague dizziness is about me, so faint I could almost convince myself to get up and begin more training. But I feel unsure of myself... wait - I can see Nin!

- Bastian's Journal

[Bastian Fate]

C II - Entry IV,

 

Nin stood before me, all wolf, materializing from a shifting blue spirit form. After that, he changed shape again, appearing as the half-man, half-wolf I had first seen him as. He spoke "It is time for me to train you."

 

I simply nodded, not knowing which questions to ask first. We began a workout routine, I was demonstrating to him what I could do. First a warm up, jogging on the spot, then squats, pushups (I had to lean against a rock at an easier angle for the last 2 of 10), then dumbbell rows. After the dumbbell rows, I faltered, my vision spinning. I was experiencing a relatively intense amount of vertigo.

 

I heard rustling in the leaves beside me, and Nin vanished. Out from the bushes came Kat, as I sat on the floor trying to steady myself.

 

"Are you alright?" She said smoothly, a hint of concern in her voice.

 

"Kat! I've been experiencing dizziness for the past few days, on and off, as you recall. I just began a training session, only to be hit with a noticeable bout of vertigo." I looked around hazily, the dizziness ever so slowly fading. "Nin was here."

 

Kat looked around at the relatively empty surroundings of my camp. "Perhaps I scared him off."

 

"Perhaps," I said.

 

Kat turned to me, saying "You should go to the nearby village, the clerics there may diagnose you. We need to know if it's serious."

 

I slumped a little. I had just begun training once more, only to be stopped by an unknown ailment. I admit it was frustrating, but I knew Kat was right, and was glad to have her support. I stood up slowly when the majority of the vertigo had faded. "I admit, it's better to be safe."

 

"It always is when dealing with one's health. I do not joke about these things." She helped me up. I smiled at her, thanked her, and we began heading east to the temple of Amordi, god of silver.

 

They told me I have an inner ear infection. I'll be taking things easy for the next few days or week, but hopefully I'll still get some of my objectives completed.

- Bastian's Journal

[Bastian Fate]

https://youtu.be/G0UH-5I3jZA

 

I completed sidequest 2!

 

C II - Entry V,

 

The following days Kat and I trained together. I managed to workout once, avoiding any vertigo. The ear infection seems to be leaving me almost entirely.

 

I spent much of my time practicing my guitar, which I believe helped me heal. Kat played her harp, together we practiced and made music.

 

In two days time, Kat and I plan to venture further into the forest then I have ever gone. We won't be able to bring much with us, but I feel prepared for the journey nonetheless. However, I am bothered to say that Nin hasn't returned. I fear I'll never be able to predict when he will return, or what his purpose is. And what of the pendant he held? I can only hope that soon he will show himself again and explain himself, but I fear that will not happen for a long while.

- Bastian's Journal

[Bastian Fate]

I'm adding another sidequest: Complete the "Legends Card Deck" (a project I started literally years ago and has just been wearing me down ever since) by next Friday.

 

I forgot to update in a while, so I'll be posting both last weeks grade and this week's grade. Unfortunately I've been so preoccupied with other things I've let this challenge slip a little lower on my priorities list than I would like... There are still three weeks to go though!

 

Report Card - Week 2

1. No Sugar:                2/0
   B
2. Stretches:                    3/7
   C
3. Workout:                      1/3
   C+
4. Runs:                            3/3
   A
5. Guitar Playing:                            7/7
   A+

Overall grade Week 2: B

 

Report Card - Week 3

1. No Sugar:                3/0
   C+
2. Stretches:                    2/7
   C
3. Workout:                      1/3
   C+
4. Runs:                            1/3
   C+
5. Guitar Playing:                            7/7
   A+

Overall grade Week 3: C+

 

Next week's goal: A-, that's my new goal! 

 

I'm going to arbitrarily add that if I complete the card deck, I get an extra A+ to add to Week 4's outcome, if I don't I get an extra F.... the stakes are high!

[Bastian Fate]

C II - Entry VI,

 

Journals can be difficult to keep up with. These past weeks have been difficult I must say, but things are looking up! I just finished a short album of music for a play of sorts, entitled "Cerulean", which has just begun touring.

 

Aside from that, I've gotten back on the ball with my challenge. I worked out two days ago (with one day of rest), continued to practice my music, and have avoided extremely sugary foods so far this week. And, Nin appeared again. He came before me in spirit form, and told me finally of his little game.

 

"You must awaken the wolf in you. Once you can catch me, you will have succeeded, and the form of the wolf will be yours to command. But you will know then to use it for good only. This..." he held up the pendant of the wolf's head, "will be yours when you catch me, as a symbol of your awakening."

 

Of course, I chased him. But I could not catch him, I grew tired too quickly and lost sight of him, and my speed was just too slow. I hadn't the strength to climb over rocks and fallen trees quickly enough. So here I am, about to begin my training again.

- Bastian's Journal

[Bastian Fate]

C II - Entry VII,

 

After the workout, Kat and I joined up to practice our stretches. I contemplated what Nin had said... I would need more than strength and flexibility to catch him. I would need endurance, and quickness too. There is much for me to do.

- Bastian's Journal

[Bastian Fate]

I actually completed the card deck project which I started 3 years ago, which means I can actually get stuff done and it also means I get an extra A+ for week 4!!!

 

Report Card - Week 4

1. No Sugar:                0/0
   A+
2. Stretches:                    4/7
   C+
3. Workout:                      2/3
   B
4. Runs:                            1/3
   C+
5. Guitar Playing:                            4/7
   C+
6. BONUS: Card Deck                 1/1
   A+

Overall grade Week 4: B

 

Next week's goal: A-, that's my new goal! I've got 2 more weeks to get it!  

[Bastian Fate]

C II - Entry VIII,

 

Kat and I had regrouped after a dangerous few days apart on our own separate quests. I had slept in foreign lands in my travel clothes for two nights, gone hungry from sparse food, and neglected to shower for far too long. On top of it all, I had obligations to stay up late, and discomfort enough to stay up later, leaving me tired, and I was hit with what some call an abdominal migraine for two days. All in all, it was a challenging couple of days, and admittedly I failed to workout or stretch or run in that time. I even neglected to play guitar, which is strange for me.

 

Needless to say, when I returned from my journey I was exhausted and disoriented. It took me a day and a half with Kat before settling back in place and I slept more than usual to make up for what I had lost. However, just yesterday while Kat and I walked on through a forest, we decided to stop putting off our training.

 

We ran to a small, familiar glade and there we did push ups, squats, and planking. It wasn't a complicated or even full workout, but it was a workout nonetheless and we made a conscious effort to do it, despite both feeling rather run down. And you know what? Afterwards, both of us, though physically tired, felt more awake and prepared and settled.

 

I will catch Nin, just you all wait.

- Bastian's Journal