Word: Inscape

 

inscape

[ in-skeyp ]

noun

1. the unique essence or inner nature of a person, place, thing, or event, especially depicted in poetry or a work of art.

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Ben sat as still as he reasonably could. He also tried not to think as much as he reasonably could. He failed at both tasks. All he could think about was how meditation was supposed to be the easiest part of the process. 

“Your mind is wandering again.” Came the calm voice of his teacher. How she could tell that was beyond him. Then again, he probably wasn’t being all that subtle. 

“Yeah, sorry.” Ben replied. There was little point in hiding his lack of success. “I just don’t see what the point of this is. I know what you told me, sure. But why? I’m here trying to learn how to swing a sword, not sit around and stop thinking.” 

His teacher came and sat next to him. It once bothered him that she never told him her name. Now that he had gotten over that, it bothered him how she never used his.  

“That is because you have yet to truly understand. The Three-Part Blade is more than just a method of, as you say, swinging a sword. It is a method of connecting mind, body and soul. A bridge between them that will allow you to do things you never dreamed possible. And the first step is the bridge between body and mind.” 

“And to do that, I need to, what was it? See my inner self and discover my true essence. You told me that. But I don’t get what that even means. I mean, I already know myself. I’m the one person I actually do know well. Which means this whole manifestation thing is pointless.” 

She raised an eyebrow. “Pointless? Is that what you really think?” 

He nodded. She sighed and stood. 

“I suppose that is partly my fault.” She said. “I keep forgetting that your background is so different than others I have met. I should have started with a practical demonstration of what can be achieved with the Three-Part Sword, and the unity of body mind and soul. I will not show you the full power though. Only the result of completing the unity at the most basic level.” 

She took a few steps back and drew her sword. It was a fine weapon; Ben could tell that much. He did not know what kind it was though, but it looked similar to those he saw in Chinese martial arts movies, although the tip was more rounded than those. She held it out to her side and took a deep breath. 

The air around her shifted. Her eyes flashed, changing from their normally cool blue to a vibrant silver. And a figure appeared behind her. It looked like an angel with wings made of swords. Jutting from the figure’s forehead were two antlers, with a loop of silver string between them. It was wearing a sleek, silvery outfit that hugged its body, and was clearly made for battle, if the armored segments were any indication. 

Although the figure did not move, Ben could tell it was dangerous. And not just because of the sword-wings. It radiated a quiet power that threatened to cut apart anything that came close to it. He found his breathing becoming fast and shallow, and a deep part of his mind wanted him to hide. 

“This is my Essence Manifestation. The true form of my inner self, brought out and made tangible.” His teacher said. “Doing this is the first step. The first stage of the Three-Part Sword. Once you can do this, your training will truly begin.”   

“And for that I need to do the whole meditation thing?” 

“Yes. That will be the first step. Once you can meditate properly, I will show you how to fine your Essence. Then you must learn it. Understand it. Know it in every way. And that will complete the connection between your mind and body.” 

“And after that?” 

“Then comes body and soul, then mind and soul. And finally, all three.” 

“And then, uh, that?” He pointed at the sword angel.  

“Correct.” 

Ben took a deep breath and swallowed a lump in his throat. “Well then, I’d better get to work, huh?” 

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Okay, so the word isn't refering to any mystical martial arts stuff, but that's where my mind went, so that's what I wrote.