#StudentBlogger: Swords in the Moonlight – A short story
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Swords in the Moonlight
Jade lay on her cool, silky bed, eyes squeezed shut. She tossed and turned endlessly, trying in vain to fall asleep. One tanned leg kicked up as she turned on her side, mumbling softly to herself. Her blanket twisted around her ankle, unbeknownst to her. She turned yet again, and this time, she tumbled to the ground with a startled yelp. Her eyes flew open as she propped herself up on her arms. She knew that she would be facing another sleepless night, one of the many she had experienced in the past month.
A shaft of moonlight peeked through the slight gap in the thick, blood-red curtains. She got to her feet, moving to close it. Her breath caught in her throat when she saw what lay beyond it, as it always did.
The training fields. A wave of nostalgia hit her with a strong force.
Whirling blades of bronze and steel. The soil beneath bare feet. Gusts of wind pushing through soft brown hair. The harsh clang of metal.
She sighed as she raised her hand to the cloth, moving to cover the painfully tantalizing sight. Once, she had been free to train with her twin swords to her heart’s content, from dawn to the late hours of the night. She had been far younger than, perhaps nine or ten summers old, yet her memories of the place were as sharp and clear in her mind as if the events had occurred the previous day, rather than nearly five years past. As she had gotten older, her duties had piled up, suffocating her until she could barely breathe under the heavy burden that had been placed on her young shoulders.
There was no longer time for fun and games, no picnics in the courtyard, nor sword fighting in the field. Of course, it had not normally been this bad, but the situation with Shadowdale had worsened. Its relations with Zodiia were… unstable at best. Her father had, albeit regretfully, started training her to rule the kingdom earlier than he had planned to do, in hopes that his daughter could perhaps even out the workload, which was proving to be far more than he alone could handle.
While Jade was not averse to helping her father, the small, selfish part of her greatly resented giving up her childhood and freedom. Oh, how she longed to hold those weapons in her hands, to run amuck outside, rather than sit in some stuffy council room.
And yet…why couldn’t she? There was nothing stopping her now, and it would certainly be better than uselessly sitting around, waiting for sleep that would never come.
The idea, fantastical as it was, steadily began to take root in her mind, and before she could weigh the logic of such a thing, she had already made her decision.
She padded soundlessly towards her door, creaking it open to take a quick peep into the hallway. She took special care to ensure that she was not seen by the guard who took the night watch, patrolling up and down the corridor at an even pace. The good thing – or bad thing, depending on how one looked at it – about patrols, was that they were perfectly timed and coordinated, right down to the second. One only had to watch for the gaps in order to sneak out, and it would not differ any other night.
Jade took a quick glance at the old grandfather clock down from across the hallway. The hands showed half-past-eleven. She silently withdrew her head, grateful. There truly could not have been a better time to go about her business without disturbing anyone, and without being disturbed by anyone.
She slipped on one of her spare riding breeches, grimacing at the rough material. It was one of the few pants she owned, so she would have to make do. Jade still failed to understand how everyone- or at least, a fair amount of people -expected princesses to wear gowns and not much else. She did not particularly mind the gowns, but she did find it constricting to wear them every minute of the day. After all, she could only take so much inconvenience, and if there was one thing those gowns were made for, it was not functionality.
Forgetting her discomfort, Jade felt a rush of thrill engulf her as she carefully opened her window. It creaked as she slid the protective mesh to the side. She winced. One would have thought a king would keep the doors and windows of his home more well-oiled.
With mounting trepidation and excitement, Jade climbed out and inched towards the end of the sill, before dropping down to the balcony below it with practiced ease. It had been a while since she had last done this, but it was nice to see that she had not lost her touch. She had used the window for many purposes over the years- whether it was sneaking into the kitchen for a late-night snack, pretending to be a spy, or simply for the thrill of it. It was harder of course; she was taller and heavier. She misjudged the height of the jump several times, often losing her footing. But Jade did not let that deter her.
She kept going. Inching, sliding, jumping. She worked slowly and rhythmically, soon finding her form. It was not long before she reached the bottom, setting one foot down, then the other, onto the soil of the gardens. She exhaled softly at the soothing feel of the rich, loamy earth beneath her bare feet. The pleasant aroma of flowers was in the air, instantly calming her racing heart. There was something about the outdoors that always made Jade feel peaceful, comfortable, and right at home.
Snapping herself out of her reverie, she walked down the paved path, making her way towards the field where she had trained as a little girl.
That was when she heard it. A soft, almost imperceptible thud. Jade Stopped dead in her tracks, looking around warily. Her heartbeat wildly in her chest as she searched for the source of the noise.
Perhaps this was not the best idea.
Panicking now, she turned to hurry away from the gardens, out of the shade and into the moonlight, somewhere where she could see better. It made her feel somewhat safer, but not much.
” Going somewhere, Princess?” came a deep, rumbling voice. Jade jumped ten feet in the air. She whirled around, terrified, as she came face to face with her pursuer. She could have cried with relief when she realized who it was.
“Don’t scare me like that, Aiden!” she whisper-yelled at her personal guard. Aiden. Not a kidnapper, not a Shade, not some malevolent spirit. Aiden. Her protector, her friend. Slowly, breathing evened out.
Aiden raised an eyebrow. “Like when you just scared me to death when I realized that the very person that I was supposed to be guarding wasn’t in her bed, where she should be?” he retorted evenly. He was beyond furious. How could his charge have been so careless with her own safety?
“What if it was not just me, your guard who only has your well-being in mind? What if it was someone who meant you harm? You could have been killed!” he seethed.
“Or do you not remember that Dark Pixies can infiltrate the palace?”
“I do remember,” she said quietly. How could she not? Her brother had been taken by those monsters inside the palace. Nearly four years later, the event still rankled in her. Ashamed, she stared down at her feet. The palace may have grown better fortified since then, but it was not without its risks.
It was only then that Jade realized the magnitude of his anger. Even when he was annoyed with her, he stayed calm, cool, and collected. For as long as she had known him, he had only ever lost control once. Which meant that he was positively enraged.
“I am sorry.” She whispered. Aiden only nodded curtly. “I will be escorting you back to your room now.” He said firmly, holding her arm and pulling her in the direction of the castle, gentle yet strict.
Jade bit her lip as she was dragged along like a misbehaving toddler.
“I am barely two years younger than you are. You don’t have to treat me like a child,” she muttered.
Aiden stared back at her; bright eyes boring into hers. “Then stop acting like one.”
“I just wanted to be free… just for one night. Free to walk the earth and feel the wind. Is that so much to ask?”
Aiden pursed his lips. He wanted to reprimand her for her lack of judgment. But then, as he looked into her wide, wistful honey-colored eyes, he had to remind himself that she was only fourteen, a girl who had been forced to grow up too fast. He relented.
“Well, next time you feel like going on a midnight stroll, at least take me with you. I do not mind being woken up in the middle of the night if it keeps you out of trouble,” he said, crossing his arms over his broad chest.
Jade nodded and fingered her riding shirt, still feeling considerably guilty. Aiden’s sharp eyes caught the movement, before glancing down and noticing her breeches. He narrowed his eyes into slits.
“You’re not just going on a midnight stroll, are you?” he asked suspiciously, his analytical and skeptical mind going through the various possible reasons a princess would want to wear roughly made riding clothes.
Jade rolled her eyes at his typical adult-like behaviour, sniffing out and putting a stop to mischief instead of joining in. But then, acting older than he was might have had a role in securing him the position of a guard in the first place. Indeed, she was glad for it, for Aiden was one of the most hardworking, faithful, loyal, yet dangerous guards that she had ever known. He was better than men twice or thrice his age, and there was no one else Jade would rather trust him with her life. Or her secrets.
“I was planning to get some sword practice in,” she admitted. “It’s been years.”
Aiden’s eyes widened. “You know how to fight?” he asked, slightly shocked. He had pegged the younger girl as many things, but a sword fighter had, admittedly, not been one of them.
Jade nodded shyly.
“But I’ve never seen you train,” Aiden said. It was not a question, but Jade knew that he expected an answer all the same.
“Yes, I haven’t been training. Not since…” her voice broke. Aiden nodded in understanding.
“The Dark Pixie infiltration. You were otherwise occupied.” Jade nodded once more.
Aiden’s brow furrowed as he did the calculation. “You were only ten.”
“Yes.”
They stood in uncomfortable silence, before Jade broke it hesitantly.
“Would you like to join me? I could use a sparring partner.” She said softly, fervently hoping that the stoic guard would concede to her request.
“I have no objections,” Aiden replied flatly, his voice betraying no emotion at all. But before he could mask it, Jade saw the spark of excitement in his eyes. While many things about her guard were still a mystery to her, Jade was sure that she could get a basic read on his emotions. A slow grin spread across her face.
” Last one to the field is a pile of dragon dung!” She yelled, aware that she was being quite loud, but could not really bring herself to care if anyone had heard her. She took off, knowing full well that Aiden, a trained combatant who ran frequently, would have far more stamina, therefore surpassing her, but she enjoyed it all the same.
Upon arriving at the courtyard -Aiden first, Jade panting behind him- they took up their favorite blades. Aiden looked on in pleasant surprise as she chose a familiar pair of twin short swords from the rack, while he himself unsheathed his broadsword from the scabbard at his waist.
They dropped into basic fighting stances and began to spar. It was slow, hesitant at first. Aiden aimed his blows carefully in order to avoid harming his opponent. Jade fought haltingly as she tried to remember the familiar swings and steps she had not performed for a long time. Soon, however, the awkwardness fell away, as did the hesitance. The moves became fluid, strong. A graceful, deadly dance. Jade’s body hummed in contentment with every step she took among the grass and mud. Her veins buzzed with energy, brimming with power. Elation spread through her, temporarily lifting away the burden she bore. She was floating. Their blades clashed time and again, two pairs of feet dancing to a song of rhythm and steel.
By Nivedita Kasi,
Grade 9A, Ekya School, JP Nagar
Explore more
Shanthi Sivaram / April 03, 2024
The Power of Learning with Intent: A Guide to Purposeful Education
In a world brimming with information, the art of learning has evolved beyond the mere acquisition of facts. Learning with intent, a deliberate approach to education emphasises quality over quantity, depth over breadth, and purpose over passive absorption. It’s about cultivating a mindset that transforms knowledge into meaningful action and empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of the modern age effectively.
At its core, learning with intent involves setting clear objectives and actively engaging with the subject matter. Whether exploring a new language, delving into scientific principles, or honing a creative skill, intentionality infuses each learning endeavour with purpose and direction. As Albert Einstein aptly said, "The only source of knowledge is experience." This quote amplifies the importance of active participation and hands-on learning, highlighting that true understanding arises from deliberate engagement with the material.
Furthermore, engaging actively with the material is paramount. Embrace challenges and embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth. This proactive approach not only deepens your understanding but also cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for success in any field.
Moreover, learning with intent emphasises relevance and applicability. Seek out opportunities to apply newfound knowledge in real-world scenarios, bridging the gap between theory and practice. By contextualising learning within your personal or professional sphere, you enhance its significance and utility, making it more likely to stick.
In conclusion, learning with intent is a transformative approach that transcends traditional notions of education. By setting clear objectives, engaging actively, prioritising relevance, and fostering a growth mindset, individuals can harness the full potential of learning to achieve their goals and thrive in an ever-changing world. So, embark on your learning journey with purpose, and let each lesson propel you towards a brighter, more fulfilling future.
By Sweta Pradeep Rao
Senior English Educator
Ekya School JP Nagar
Shanthi Sivaram / April 02, 2024
Gadget-free Summer Break
With summer vacation around, I urge parents to explore various ways to facilitate children to make healthy choices during their vacation time.
Last week, when we asked our Early Years to visualise their characters and create a story, most of them came up with stories about ghosts and monsters attacking others. When we had conversations about what gave them this idea, we understood that these story ideas emanated from their online games. While gaming per se develops specific skills and requires focus, it also stifles the imagination of young children. Since it is visually appealing, children tend to remember those images in their heads all the time.
I often see parents providing very young children (1 year to 3 year olds) with gadgets as the means to keep children engaged and entertained. I see children watching phones in the waiting areas of clinics, hospitals, school lobbies and banks.
This brings us to a fundamental question “ Should children be engaged by parents all the time?” Not necessarily. What is likely to happen if children were not handed over gadgets at the waiting lounges? What would they do? Some of them may cry, some may throw a loud tantrum, and some may crib. If parents show resilience and allow children to settle down themselves, they will soon find ways to keep themselves engaged. Likewise, during summer vacation. What if this is a “no gadget” vacation and parents do not take up the responsibility to engage their children? What would children do? How can parents show resilience here and facilitate children to make healthy choices? I leave the readers with this thought for this summer vacation.
Mathangi R,
Head of School,
Ekya NICE Road.
Shanthi Sivaram / April 02, 2024
The Eye of the Storm
In the hushed embrace of an Indian evening, our journey began, a symphony of anticipation orchestrated by the hum of jet engines and the flutter of boarding passes. The promise of adventure beckoned from distant shores as we boarded our flight bound for the United Kingdom, our hearts aflutter with dreams of far-off lands and newfound horizons. But as we soared through the velvet sky, a foreboding shadow loomed on the horizon, a harbinger of the chaos that was soon to unfold. In the blink of an eye, the tranquil serenity of our airborne sanctuary was shattered by a deafening crack, a burst of purple lightning that danced across the heavens with an otherworldly fervour. The air crackled with electricity as the plane shuddered beneath the force of the storm, its metal frame quivering in defiance against the tempestuous onslaught. And then, in a heart-stopping moment of sheer terror, the heavens unleashed their fury upon us, casting our fragile vessel into a maelstrom of chaos and uncertainty. The sky darkened to a shade of ominous charcoal as the winds howled with a primal ferocity, tearing at the wings of our faltering craft with savage intent. The cabin was awash with panicked cries and frantic prayers as we clung to our seats with white-knuckled desperation, each passing moment stretching into eternity.
And then, as if mocking our feeble attempts at control, the plane tilted almost 180 degrees, its nose plummeting towards the earth with a sickening lurch. Time seemed to stand still as we hurtled towards the ground, our fate hanging in the balance as the world spun wildly out of control. But just when all hope seemed lost, a glimmer of salvation emerged from the chaos, a beacon of light amidst the encroaching darkness. With a mighty roar, the engines surged to life once more, their thunderous symphony drowning out the cacophony of the storm as we clawed our way back from the brink of oblivion. As the storm clouds parted and the sun cast its golden rays upon the horizon, we emerged battered but unbroken, our spirits buoyed by the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity. And though our journey had been fraught with peril and uncertainty, we emerged from the crucible of the skies stronger and more resilient than ever before. For in the crucible of adversity, we discovered the true measure of our strength, our courage, and our unwavering determination to defy the odds and chart our course through the tempestuous seas of life. As we touched down on solid ground once more, I couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the world around us, a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human soul.
Arjun Narasimhan Kuppuswamy
Grade 8C
#ArtistsAtEkya: Book Review – Naruto
MY DRAWING OF NARUTO UZUMAKI
Hey everyone! I decided to give my critical point of view on an anime. Most of you might be wondering what an anime is, right? Well, Anime is a style of Japanese film or show which is hand-drawn and animated in the computer originating from Japan typically aimed at both adults and children. It isn’t a common form of entertainment for people of other countries, but it is a very important part of the animation and television industry of Japan.
The anime I have decided to write about is ‘Naruto’, which is a manga as well as an anime. It was released in 2002 and concluded in 2007.
I WON'T RUN AWAY ANYMORE. I WON'T GO BACK ON MY WORD. THAT’S MY NINJA WAY!
- Uzumaki Naruto 
‘Naruto’ revolves around the life of a young, hyperactive, and mischievous boy named Naruto Uzumaki. He is the son of the previous Hokage of a village named Konoha which was formed a hundred years ago. He was believed to be an outcast by the people of his village as he was assumed to be a monster because a demon fox resided in his body. His parents, Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki died on the same day as he was born due to the release of a Nine-Tailed Demon Fox which also destroyed the entire village massacring the innocent lives of people. The same demon was sealed off into Naruto’s body by his father to prevent further damage after which he departed. People assumed Naruto to be the cause of all the death and destruction caused and avoided him at all costs. They were unaware of his parents' identity. Children were not allowed to play with him, so he spent a childhood filled with desolation and despondency.
Though he was resented by the society, the Hokage at that time admitted Naruto to an academy where children of the same age started off with their ninja[1] training coupled with studies. There he faced a tough time as people would not come near him at all, and people bullied him and even asked him to do certain illegal activities to be his friend in return, and Naruto did do it as he was desperate for a companion, which is totally expected and understandable. But there was just one boy who never went along with the common thoughts of people. He made friends with Naruto and even helped him make new friends. His name was Shikamaru Nara, and he proved to be an amazing, reliable friend of Naruto for many years and he can be considered as “Naruto’s backbone”. Naruto also found his rival there, an arrogant boy named Sasuke Uchiha. Naruto was part of a team that included his rival, Sasuke Uchiha, a girl named Sakura Haruno with Kakashi Hatake being their sensei. This anime has a beautiful plot with a lot of history and its timelessness is what makes it all the more beautiful.
The one thing I like about this spectacular story is character development. Naruto wasn't born a genius or a talented ninja, he was unskilled and disrespected by most of the people of his village, yet he overcame a lot of hardships and ended up as one of the strongest ninjas in the world. When he was a child, he was a troublemaker as he wanted all the attention, but as he grew up, he turned out to be a very respected and wise person. His life goal was to surpass the previous Hokage and become one himself, and the audience got to see how the little boy grew up to live his dream. At the beginning of the Naruto anime, Naruto is portrayed as a monster by marking his entry with eerie music and grim background pictures, but in the end, his entry is portrayed as a grand celebration with the flourish of trumpets.
Second thing the anime taught me is the importance of friendship. The anime beautifully shows us how friendship is the best kind of relationship between people.It teaches us many other valuable life lessons like team work, dedication and believing in oneself. Actually, I think the most important thing the author is trying to show all of us through just one character is that criticisms should never affect our aspirations and one should always believe in themselves. Naruto was told by almost everybody of his village that he will never become a hokage as he is irresponsible, impotent and unskilled. Did he let all this dirt fall on his ambition and life goal? NO! He told them to wait and watch with a confident smile, and proved each one of them wrong. I think it is overall an amazing accomplishment by the author to portray so many messages in one story which inspires each one of us in various ways. “Naruto” also has a lot of backstory, and the history and connections between different characters are in the most interesting way, which made me take interest in history generally as I thought establishing links between different people can be an important part of our lives. Wholly, I would like to say the anime taught me a lot of life lessons and has alerted me to be prepared for anything, and to always believe in myself and my dreams!
By Rhea Murali
Grade 10A, Ekya School JP Nagar
#StudentBlogger: From Zero to Hero – Autobiography of A Tissue Paper!
It was 25th March 2020. I have etched this day in my heart for it has created history in the world of tissue rolls! It all started on the morning of 25th March, in the Dunzo mart. At first, it was a normal day and when I say normal, I mean the same boring day as always.
I was sitting on the shelf in the health and hygiene section with my other friends, waiting for someone to come to me with a warm smile and say: “Hello!” instead of ignoring my presence and dumping me into the cart. I still do not understand how such tall, chubby, plumpy human beings can turn out to be such impatient ones, buzzing like bees and darting in the streets!
It was 10 AM and I was doing my daily work, sulking at one corner with no rush of excitement at all! However, by 12 PM, I saw there was a sudden rush in the mart. People were pouring in like zombies. Literally a scene of a stampede! To my surprise, all of them were rushing towards the health and hygiene section. I heard someone asking the storekeeper for tissue rolls. Holy Moley! They were all running towards me! I was clueless as to what was happening. However, I really wanted to go to someone’s house. I dressed nicely; neat as a pin. I tried to hug and embrace the fresh air to appear clean and fresh. I sat in a very fashionable way of attracting everyone. However, one thing I still did not understand as to why there was a sudden change in human behaviour. I just wondered whether they all developed a new genetic disorder that altered their likes and dislikes!
I saw old, young, man, woman, police officer, student everyone sprinting towards me. Oh jeez! The look on their faces was just so entertaining to watch!
They were anxious, stressed, and were giving importance to me. I was seriously getting all emotional. I was just a commodity; not an important one in anyone’s life until today! Now I have become a VIP! I know I clean their waste, but still, they treat me as a waste! However, suddenly I became the center of their attraction. Oh my God! I just felt like a celebrity, standing on a high pedestal with all the spectators taking my photo. Oh, the flash in my eyes was just like a beam of light from heaven. It was like a dream come true! My heart started singing.
People were fighting for me. I was a hero, a saviour for them and they would cease to exist without me! I started to catch everyone’s attention and I actually was on news channels, social media, Tik Tok, Instagram, everywhere! I was in the limelight! There were tears in my eyes but I could not cry at any cost and hurt myself, ultimately being a disgust to the others. You know, “wet and weird”! I met this woman, who was so generous that she not only took me with her but my entire family of seven. We were all lucky that she took the whole family and we did not have to worry about suffering from separation anxiety and homesickness. I sat in her car, listening to the radio that was playing in the background. There was a radio announcement that the entire nation was going to lockdown due to a pandemic, COVID-19, caused by a coronavirus. This virus was a deadly one. Maintaining hygiene was keen to keep the disease at bay, as good hygiene means being strong and healthy. People were advised to use me to clean their hands and nose frequently. They had to wear masks if they had to go out to buy essential commodities. Now I realized why there was a commotion at the mart.
Mom, who was sitting next to me in the car, told me that once her grandmother had told her a story where people in the West had experienced a similar situation .yeah, it was the Spanish flu!
Well, after listening to everything, I had a mixed feeling in me. First, I was proud of myself for being a hero! It was just awesome. I felt I received the most precious, sacrosanct gift of honour, the golden sun-kissed olive branch! However, at the same time, I felt stressed after listening to the deeds of the murderer, Corona.
I just felt sorry for the others who might be crying at home looking at the photo of their loved ones, killed by corona. All my feelings were popping like popcorn! Within a week, this world declared my entire species as the hero! We were the frontline warriors, ready to sacrifice our lives for keeping the human species hale and healthy.
I heard similar stories from my cousin in the US. The woman, who took me with her, placed me on the kitchen shelf and every day I used to see her watching Instagram, chitchat on WhatsApp and video call her friends who shared similar stories. I could see the videos where my mates had become heroes! This COVID-19 may have been a slash on my human friends but for me, it was a game-changer. I knew I was losing my life bit by bit every day, but I was happy sacrificing my life and saving the world! I was going to be a martyr!
I know I have created history as a tissue roll for not cleaning peoples’ waste but keeping them safe from COVID-19! I am a saviour, a hero, an unsung hero of the world! I am T007, signing off from the kitchen!
By Shraavya P Hande
Grade 8A, Ekya School, JP Nagar
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