Techniques & Flying Sticks

[Anulia of Amora]

Momento #1: NEVER SCARE ANULIA WHEN SHE HAS A STICK

Anulia of Amora - Mid-day and the birth of the new lady of skye, found many traveling back and forth to visit her when they could, or at least those close to the duke and duchess. Anulia had much to thank them for and would not have missed coming to see the child for the world. Most of the morning had been visiting her and Aohdan before she was taking up moments in her old room within the castle to change and find some time to herself. After finding the old viking ship, Anulia's nightmares had not lessened, but increased greatly. Waking up with beads of sweat on her brow and body, she was slowly losing her small sense of peace and her fight to remain so happy all the time. Dressed in a skirt that looked as if someone had taken a blade and shred it from waist to mid calf and a leather vest that covered all save her arms, she moved bare foot through the castle. In her hands, two thick sticks were smoothed down, decorated in dark colors and symbols, were as long as her arm and only a few inches thick in design. A technique would be practiced today, knowing that the training room would be open with most of the men away at war. Sure enough, when she entered the vast training area of cool dirt and pillars as high as the sky (or so they seemed to be to Anulia's eyes), she found it empty and without anyone inside. Each stick was taken in one hand as she moved to touch the dirt with her small bare feet, welcoming the coolness and moving towards the middle. Dark eyes closed, as she waited for the beat of drums in memory to come back to her and play inside her head. Moments ticked away before she rose the sticks in her hand, then began a dance that was both graceful and perhaps to many of these lands, strange. Long braids as thin as her fingers whipped around her form as she moved slowly at first, dancing her feet along the dirt to kick up dust, then moved to swing the sticks about her. Quickly to the left, then to the right, before they were slapped together to make a loud noise that echoed in the large room. Changing up her pace, she turned the dance into a fight against invisible forces, swinging the sticks and dodging attacks before swinging low to take out a invisible knee cap, then high to hit a face not there. Once more, it turned into a dance, sending the 5'3 woman frolicking about in circles before she dodged another hit not seen and swayed as if she were a flower in the wind.

Nathan Renquest - And while the soldiers away? Scholars would play. Or so it would seem largely in this case. Nathan had, so far, been busying himself working for the Lady Hotaro, darting in and out of the castle, nose-deep in books to look for some snippets of knowledge that may be of some use to the woman. It meant a lot of work, with little time to indulge himself. So... if he could be blamed for wandering perhaps a little close to the hallowed courtyards where soldiers were trained--with various weapons still in their racks, well, one could perhaps be forgiven for indulging in academic curiosity.--which was a fancy way of he was checking them out when nobody was looking. Oh it started innocently enough--circling a row of spears, perhaps, curiously. Maybe picking up a sabre from one of the many racks, feeling its weight in his hand, all strictly for reasons of knowledge, of course. Perhaps he'd even take a few idle practice swings (which were clumsy and inefficient by any warrior standard). Without eyes on him, well, that's when imagination took hold, at first. He adopted a combative stance (off-center, an exaggeration of a pose based on fiction) taking a few stabs with a wry grin. Then the noise interrupted him--scuffling on the ground. Immediately panicking and trying to find a place for the weapon again on the rack resulted in some clumsy rattling and threatening to knock them all over, and was quickly aborted. The end result was, blade in hand, Nathan would try to look both as small as possible and go to investigate--but whatever he was expecting, Anulia wasn't it. His eyes widened first out of shock--what the hell was she doing? but quickly gave way to a sort of deep, awe-like reverence, and the young scholar found himself admiring the woman's grace, completely caught up in it. Incredible... the thought passed, unbidden

Anulia of Amora - Any noise that had been moving about in another room, was not heard, perhaps because the drums in her head were much too loud to really focus on. Still dancing, she moved in a circle, before the sticks went out to swing, swing, then she dodged again making her braids swing about her form before she lowered herself to the ground in a crouch, then stood back up to dance around the unseen enemy with a shuffle of her feet. The sticks were slapped together as the beat in her own head moved faster and faster, making her dance quicker until it looked more like a fight. Soft grunts and sounds of gasp were heard while the dirt was kicked up more, creating a strange fog of dust around her as she moved. Sticks moved so quick they were but blurs and the guards on her ankles and wrist to prevent her scars to be seen were creating strange symbols as the more bright laced colors of greens and yellows stood out among her dark attire. The slits of her skirt flared and swayed about her, trying to keep up but showing all of her muscular, short legs bare to any on lookers. Just as the dance and movements because too fast, she paused, holding one stick over her head and the other about waist level. Her large chest heaved as dusty air was sucked in while she waited for her hearts beating to calm a bit. It was then, she noticed a pillar she had not seen and turned her head to the side to see it was not a pillar, but a male. Quickly, Anulia yelped as her eyes saw the male in the shadows of the room and out of reaction, she threw one of the sticks towards the figure, sending it zooming into the air and straight for it chest level.

Squire Lucius - It was always unexpected to see those not aligned with the military in the training grounds. In fact, Lucius was even surprised to find himself here. Lately, since his brief break and return from the war, he had been an aid to his father in the smith shop about the town. That was the reason for his errand today. Over his shoulder in the large sack were sheathed blades to place in the stands within the weaponry--which was not far and adjoined to the training grounds. Even though winter was slowly fading away, it was still cold and the brown cloak was his saving grace. When you were not working in front of a heated forge, the chilled air was obvious and frosty. The short sleeved jerkin made of leather held the pale linen tunic close to his frame, the sheathed sword crafted by his father belted over his shoulder and held close to his waist with the belt. Lucius had just finished setting the swords up when he saw the backside of a male heading toward the training ground. It wasn't uncommon, so Lucius paid no mind to it...that is until he heard the yelp of a woman. Snapping his head upward, Lucius arched a brow and quickly dropped the sack. A large hand curled around the grip of his sword to not only keep the weapon still and from tapping against his leg wildly, but as a precaution should he need it. Lucius rounded the corner, the ends of his cloak whipping in rushed movements as he slid a bit on the soles of his boots, but not long after he saw...Anulia? She flung something...was that a stick?! Booted feet touched dirt as dark eyes turned to the unknown male with a stick flying at him

Nathan Renquest - Several curious things happened in that instance. The first, of course, was Nathan completely panicked. he was so enthralled by the woman's art, having never seen such a display of grace and combat... that he was as surprised as she was that he took notice, so caught up that he didn't even really find a place for himself in his head. That shock gave way to complete alarm as the wooden rod was sent hurtling, end over end, his way. To that, Nate gave out a sound halfway between a yelp and a scream, and in complete instinct.. ducked. This would have been the worst thing he could have done--it put the once-chest level rod now head level, but as it happens he was so shocked and off balance that he in fact completely lost his balance and toppled over--the rod missed by *inches* and collided with the pillar beside him, a loud whip-crack giving quite the convincing impression of the rod impacting with his skull as opposed to merely grazing his hair and giving him quite a shock, and the young scholar fell almost boneless to the floor, clutching his head as an afterthought, almost feeble in his defense. If that wasn't bad enough, he nearly impaled his own foot in desperation, and the blade, freed of his hand without any control, went end over end with a CLANG, cutting through air he occupied a minute before falling aside with a clatter. When the dust finally settled, well... Nathan was completely uninjured, but that's not what the scene gave the impression of. Carefully opening a single eye, perhaps expecting angels and choirs to be the view.. carefully uncoiling and trying to retain some sense of dignity.

Anulia of Amora - Anulia might be a woman who held the happiness of a child and she might have some skills or perhaps sense to keep her alive, but she was not a combat trained woman as the men were here. She could startle as easy as the next common person, more so when there was a shadowy figure after what she had seen and the changes had come from those sights. How unexpected was the yelp and scream mix that came from the shadow? Enough to startle and spook Anulia again before she saw movement, the shadow moving down with it's head. She was sure the stick would hit it, but then dead weight must have given way, because the figure moved and she saw traces of a face she knew as it went down. The stick bounced off the pillar, creating a loud noise. Nathan!? Moving quickly with her other stick in her hand, she went towards him. That was when she heard another, or her eyes shifted to see the figure and saw Lucius. Worrying her lower she looked back to Nathan and crouched down by him, pressing her free hand out to touch his shoulder. ``Nathan! Are you okay? I am so sorry! You scared Anulia.`` Though..she must have scared him with the sounds that came from him. ``Lucius...help me please. I think Anulia has hurt Nathan, her friend!`` She was so spooked, she was talking like she use to, referring to herself as the third person. More then likely, she was crushing Nathan's manhood under her delicate hand.

Eirian Apollus - The places a woman went were dictated by her sex more often than naught, or her profession. Necessity too could lend a new destination on a journey of the unexpected. The tiny woman was lost in the sea of giants on the way toward the area. Throngs of soldiers, tall, wide men hardly noticed the woman who's hands took up the hems of the garment worn. Blue-grey wool was worried over smooth white palms.

Claramae St. Laurence - Claramae: "Come, m'lady. This way."

Eirian Apollus - A companion's voice called her from the momentary pause. "There was a time that saw me daily 'pon such places, giving water and food to the men as they worked. I did not think such a place would steal my breath." The companion was taller by but a few inches, making each woman's stature slight to one another, diminuative against others.

Claramae St. Laurence - "The world has been quite different for a length of time. It has different meaning now." Lady St. Laurence followed just a length of tiny foot behind that of Eirian's, with both in the company of Master Voltaire. Whom guarded whom in the traveling trio?

Eirian Apollus - For once the lady of great gowns was in homespun fabric, breeches with a bodice who's leather length split about the legs, so it gave the illusion of a skirt. Brown hair was tied back, at her waist was a sword, an unusual attire but more expected of her than the sword beneath the waist sash of Eirian. In coming to see that her skills remained honed, they passed Anulia at her work. Eirian paused, watching her favored, beloved friend as one watches a dancer, or artist, with the same reverance for her own crafts. The spell was shattered when she screamed, projecting the tools of her efforts out and towards the head of a man who ducked. She laughed in spite of herself!

Danae Galanos - All the while, it was the woman ranger, the copper skinned Greek that simply watched all others from the darkness of the shadows that hid her form well. Propped up against one of many pillars, arms crossed, and a single shoulder bracing the weight of a well defined and well shaped body. Long dark strands of raven hair gathered into a partial braid, the rest allowed to move freely. Cloak shielded the cotton and leathers of the observant woman and would only step forward to have her presence known as Anulia moved to help the young man to his feet, while keen eyes of icy blue hues spotted Lucius as he came into view. By then, Danae was moving behind Anulia and her friend. She squatted to begin with, then kneeled on one knee, letting a hand come to grasp the man under his bicep, the other at his wrist. As she moved to stand to her full height, she pulled him along with her. "First rule, never duck, side step... gravity works against us, not with us." She said with a smirk. The woman was doing everything she could to hold back laughter after seeing all of this before her, moments ago.

Squire Lucius - Curious indeed. Lucius had not expected to stumble upon this scene. It seemed that not only Anulia gave out a wail of surprise, but...the man did! Lucius was stunned as the rather comical scene unfolded and while the man did miss the projectile, it was anything but graceful. A laugh rose up in him, but he held the composed expression well as he stared, glacing from Anulia to the man who knew the meaning of 'get down'. It wasn't until Anulia asked him for help that Lucius nodded dutifully and came jogging over toward poor Nathan and offering a hand to help the man up. Nathan was not the only one to suffer an embarrassment in training, Lucius had his share as well, which was probably why Lucius was not so quick to laugh...though he felt it rising. ``I think he'll be fine Anulia...he certainly has quick reflexes!`` Lucius replied, glancing to Danae as she came to offer her helping hand as well. Together, they would right poor Nathan right side up. ``Sometimes, however, it is better to duck. At least he has the instinct to move at all!`` Which some people would have froze and been knocked off their feet by the blow! His hand released the grip of his sword and instead patted Anulia's shoulder. Talk and voices of others caught the squire's attention, making Lucius glance over his shoulder and spot two faces he knew not. Arching a brow, he said nothing, though he did give a polite nod and smile toward the two women

Nathan Renquest - Nathan's retained dignity lasted about a minute. There was a flurry of footsteps, a frantic series of call from the ever mysterious Anulia, more shuffled footsteps, the subtle sensation of being leaned into and than.. what can only be described as a horrible crushing sensation that bulged his eyes, the kind of pain that didn't even hit at first, just a sensation that something bad had just occurred followed by the wish that he was actually unconscious, which lent the image that Nathan had indeed been hurt--considering he was both red faced and just shy of whimpering, well, Anulia could be forgiven for thinking that--as well as the fact he seemed considerably unsteady when lifted the ranger and Squire in turn, the small bookish scholar grimacing at smirking assessment of his little performance. And in a curious, hoarse response, he somehow managed to take away what little admiration any of them had by adding, meekly. "A...Actually.. I... just sort of lost my balance." and considering he was currently in a bit too much pain to worry about wounded pride, well... it was the least he could do. the poor lad cleared his throat slightly and tried to make his apologies, a curiously clipped tone. "I... am sorry about all that. Didn't mean to..." startle you and get a stick tossed at my head might have been how the sentence was finished, but frankly he was too embarrassed to go on.

Anulia of Amora - Now that she was not deep in her practicing, she could hear the others around her, pauses and a soft bit of laughter. It was as if the walls themselves were laughing at the scene that played out. Anulia had not meant to scare Nathan or hurt him and to see him curled up like that, she thought the worse. Now, he was moving and Danae was seen along with Lucius helping him stand. Anulia's hand placement was at best, the worst place to be, but she moved it as soon as Nathan was tugged upwards. It was when he apologized after the well given advice from both parties was out, that Anulia smiled wide and yanked Nathan into a fierce hug, pulling his frame tightly against her own to crush him with little arms. ``I am so glad you are okay!!`` The smell of flowers moved from her and oils that she used to keep her skin from being ashy looking, before she released him, but not without a soft peck on his cheek! ``I would have been...what is the word...well not happy with Anulia had I hurt you.`` Eyes glanced to the others, before seeing Eirian and company. A soft smile was given to her dear friend and she would have rushed over, had to not been worried about Nathan still.

Eirian Apollus - From the epitome of grace to a scene right from the scene of a band of players, Eirian watched it unfold before her eyes. In honor of humility towards fellow man, her eyes turned as he was helped to his feet so the extent of witness held less impact.

Claramae St. Laurence - Claramae, on the other hand, watched the entire thing unfold from the launch of weapon to the aftermath where the scholar nursed his wounded pride. "At the very least, Master Renquest is quick. Quick of wit, quick action." It was not said aloud, though the memory wouldn't soon leave her mind.

Eirian Apollus - The trio moved from a point of observation to be in the mixture with the people gathered about Nathan. The Artisan hadn't the pleasure of his acquaintance, nor that of the other man, but if he kept company with Anulia than surely he was of a good sort. Once close enough Eirian would cant her head to all whom gathered, smiling. "Good eve. I hope your friend is well?" Slippered feet crossed the space to stand near them, waiting to see what would come

Danae Galanos - Those eyes lifted from Nathan, to Anulia and then to Lucius. "Well, I meant more along the lines of side stepping when something is coming at you veritcally, not horizontally..." She said with a grin as the trio seem to right the young man. Her grip on him lingered, though not in the sense to be uncomfortable in any fashion, not intentionally at least. Danae continued to hold to him until he would tell her he was able to hold his own weight, though with his leaning and shifting a time or two... Danae wondered. With only the one hand now holding him, her eyes moved back to Nathan. She smiled, and if one paid close attention, be it him or the others, they could see she was very well of on the verge of bursting into laughter. This was so unlike Danae and apparently something or someone had made a huge impact or affect on her. Her gaze drifted to Lucius and she grinned. "It's good to see you again." Eyes then moved to Anulia. "You as well." And then she looked back to Nathan. "Pleasure to meet you... I'm Danae.. " Merick was in the background now. "Commander Danae." He said, not letting her forget that just because she was in a new land and under a new sovereign, that she still held in high regards to him and many others. The copper skinned woman then looked to see another trio join them and the woman greeted them all with a nod and smile.

Squire Lucius - Lucius felt for Nathan, knowing that a less than graceful performance in the presence of others was...well embarrassing. He himself had been unhorsed by a wooden dummy in training for the jousts! Chuckles slipped out and the soft smile remaind on his features as he released Nathan, seeing as Danae had a good hand on him, though when he stumbled a bit, Lucius arched a brow and lifted a hand just in case. Typical Anulia to be her 'friendly' self, he thought to himself as he watched a woman he had much admiration for squeeze Nathan. Lucius smirked, the hand resting back on the hilt of his sword casually. If Nathan thought he would escape without Anulia touching him...he was wrong. Lucius now knew better. Dark eyes drifted toward Danae and he dipped his chin reverently to the infamous commander. ``Likewise, my lady.`` Habits died hard, especially for the simple squire. Oh! Manners and introductions. He was getting better at socializing, thanks to Anulia here. ``Lucius.`` He said, glancing to the unknown women still, that shyness still lingering as he nodded once more, dipping his head to them respectfully. Did he have to say his name again even though they were here when he spoke his name? He didn't think so...wouldn't that be a bit...redundant? He didn't want to sound foolish and join Nathan's embarrassment after all

Nathan Renquest - Well, from one form of embarassment to another. Just as he was regaining his balance, he was nearly thrown off it by the particularly exhuberant hug by Annulia, one of those curious hugs that made one all too keenly aware of certain virtues of feminity, well, sufficed to say he did not grow any less red at the lady's kiss. "Oh, oh it's quite alright, really, my fault." How it was his fault was a subject of some debate, but thankfully the eyes would eventually wander off him, catching the round of introductions with a hurried bow. "Ah, a pleasure. Nathan Renquest, I'm a Scholar." he passed another modest smile Anulia's way to forestall any further fear or discomfort on her behalf. Despite the fact he had been put momentarily in the spotlight he had about a thousand questions for her about what he just saw, but they'd have to wait. He pointed, somewhat awkwardly to one of the halls. "I was just on my way from the Scholar's hall. I ah...just, thought I'd take a look..."

Anulia of Amora - Compliments and words of wisdom went flying from every direction, even making Anulia look from one person to another, trying to give each a smile before the greetings came along. Turning to Eirian, she laughed gently. ``He seems fine, just startled like myself.`` Nathan introduced himself, which was for the better since Anulia was kind of all over in her head. Oh yes! Introductions! ``Hi Danae, Lucius. Yes yes, this is Nathan. Danae is a warrior woman.. Lucius is a soon to be knight! You and him would make great friends because you both are similar in thinking...Oh and this is Eirian and Claramae. Eirian is a Artisan! Um..Claramae...a...ah..`` One could see she was struggling with remembering what the woman did. ``Amos...Ambassador!! Yes that's it!`` Looking to Nathan with that beaming smile, she spoke about his venturing. ``I wander too! It is alright as long as it is with innocence I believe. Did you come to spar Nathan? Or practice? Want to practice with me?`` Wiggling her curvy form between people with light 'forgive me's said here and there, she reached for her other stick and picked it up to twirl it about. Before looking to Danae and Lucius with the thought crossed her mind. ``Oh! You are back...is the war over then?`` Yes she was happy to see them, but these wars confused her.

Eirian Apollus - Anulia had the introductions well underway, with exuberant heralds and fascinating results! Still, Eirian did not find it hard to keep up with the excitement of her friend for in the fields of the isle they had chattered for hour after hour. Upon the mention of her name, she canted her head, with Claramae doing the same. "Good evening, Nathan, and Lucius, a pleasure to meet you. Commander, it has been too long."

Claramae St. Laurence - Turning over her shoulder, Claramae would bid the party greetings "Good eve, Sir Squire, Mistress Anulia, Master Scholar, to you as well, Lady Ranger." The custom of shared social intimacy by use of given name was one that Lady St. Laurence accepted but never put to practice very often. "May I introduce Master Voltaire, just yon." The silent figurine melded with a pillar, offering his bow before sinking back to his watching place. News of the war could be had then, an interest to one and all for not a single vocation was absent in being effected by the war. "My Lady, may I?"

Eirian Apollus - Nodding her ascent, the sash at her waist was undone and the sheathed blade their given to Claramae so it would not be a burden as they remained still

Danae Galanos - Danae, finally let her grip on Nathan lessen and then remove completely. "Nathan Renquest, Scholar..hmm" She said in reply as if thinking but really, taking it to mind and filing it away to memory, knowing that in time, it would be needed again. Anulia did well in the way of introductions and found it a little humorous when she added that Danae was a warrior woman. Merick, Danae's second in command would come up behind her and kept silent for the time being, though nodded to each of those gathered and gathering in silent greeting. Upon the arrival of Eirian and Claramae, Danae would close a fist and move her arm so it was diagnolly across her chest. After all, Eirian was the wife to her once King of Avaria, Apollo. After her salute, Danae gave a shake of her head to Claramae. That woman always insisted on addressing her as Lady. That drove Danae crazy as all get out, but refrained from correcting her, knowing it would do little if any help at all. With Anulia's twirling of stick however, Danae stepped forward, smirked and hands reached out to still them with a shake of head. "Be careful Anulia, we don't want you hurting someone else with sticks... like you did with poor Aman-ud-Din." Poor man... he had suffered enough and then had Anulia beat him across the chest with her stick... small log... whatever, in any case it just added to the mans injuries. After a moment, Danae released her hold, still smiling and stepped back. Hands now moved to her hips as she would grow quiet and let the others talk a moment while she observed.

Squire Lucius - A scholar? Surrounded by books of all sorts? The idea of being a scholar had crossed his mind as occupation, but such would be so long and tedious, not to mention his dream of knighthood was far too strong to bend to the passing thought of burying himself in books. ``With hope, at least.`` He said in regards to Anulia's words of him as a soon to be knight. Lucius hoped that he would be soon, and for more reasons than one these days. He always wanted to be a knight, slowly, he was getting his dream fulfilled. More introductions went about, and dark eyes turned back to Eirian and Claramae, trying to associate the name with the face for future reference. Hopefully he would remember such unique names. For a moment, his eyes lingered on Claramae. ``Oh, you need not call me Sir Squire..Just Lucius.`` He was not a knight yet, and 'sir' was a title for knights and men above him...like his father. Eyes glanced to Anulia, but he shook his head. ``Alas, not yet. Though I pray it is over soon...I would like it to end quickly.`` And hopefully he would survive as he was doing well thus far in remaining a whole man

Nathan Renquest - The sentiment that Lucius was to be a knight had caused a mild amount of surprise on behalf of the Scholar, and he passed Lucius a vageuly awestruck look. In many ways, the pair of them were a mirror. Nathan himself harbored many dreams of the hero and knight, all bravery and fair maidens, but for Nathan, there wasn't much choice in the matter--life reared as monastic scholar meant didn't lead itself quite the same opportunity so, for Nathan, he'd thrown himself into the work. So when he was greeted with Lucius--caught the subtle sign of an inqusiitive, keen intellect, a meek demeanor, well, he was struck with a faint amount of admiration, despite the talk of war. So what next? Well, perhaps he was merely looking to retain some of his lost dignity. Perhaps he was trying to impress Anulia, or perhaps he was trying to impress his own mirror, but he'd forestall the taking of the weapon from Danae's hand. "No, no, it's alright. I don't mean to brag, but I'm.. not totally unfamiliar in the aspects of swordplay--I'd be happy to indulge her, if she'd like." Of course, any thoughts he had of any regained pride might melt away at the fact that he had agreed to spar with the slip of a girl, but he hadn't exactly thought that far, a giddy, impulsive reaction to what was happening around him. He'd start to fish around for an analogue of some kind of sabre or simiar fencing blade--he'd been 'trained' alright,but perhaps trained in combat was an exaggeration.

Anulia of Amora - Anulia blushed slightly at the words of Danae. She had not meant to beat Aman, she was only trying to save him! Looking to the male that was introduced, Anulia spoke up a light ``Hi!`` before her attention was on Lucius and a hand (the one not being held by Danae) was placed on his arm, pushing the stick against him. ``All in due time Lucius. I was right about the other. Don't loose faith in my words now.`` A small tease before she leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek as well. Eyes drifted over the others before Nathan agreed! Yay. Moving out to the dirt, she told him to place the sword elsewhere and out of the way, then gave one of her sticks over. ``Then maybe the rest of you would like to spar a bit too!?`` Excited and full of wide smiles, one would think she was about to play a harmless game. Anulia was not a gloater. ``Take is easy on me Nathan, I am not a skilled warrior.`` Was he? She did not know, but people could surprise you and she never took that for granted. The stick came up quickly, making a slice motion so the air around it created a noise. ``Come to me Nathan. Strike where you can.`` She did not know if Nathan could block well, so she made him the attacker.

Eirian Apollus - Eirian however was not adverse to the informal. Salt-of-the-earth against elevated seasonsings, if you will. "You were very graceful, Anulia, twas a wonder to watch. Akin to a dance of sorts." The sword she carried had been kept in Claramae's hands as the party listened. The invitation to spar was not one to turn away. Indeed, the practice of honing what skill she had was why she had come with Claramae. Still, the unmovable face of St. Laurence would have expressed an uncertainty (if it moved beyond anything save placid) given she kept in her company her superior's wife. Turning her head to watch the exchange of Nathan and Anulia begin, at a sidelong glance she kept a look on Danae , "What have you found on the skill of the people thus far, Danae, Lucius?" the other recieved glance of sapphire hue as head shifted just so.

Claramae St. Laurence - "Begging your pardon, good Squire." The correction of herald was taken, though the liklihood of his Christian name on the English woman's lips was a far day away. "An excellent question, indeed." Claramae interjected, coming to stand on the opposite side of the Lady Ranger

Danae Galanos - "Lucius is right. The war is not over yet... only one of many battles." She thought a moment, knowing how easily confused Anulia could get. "Battles are like... smaller wars... they are a series of fights that will lead us up to a large fight... the actual war itself." She said, hoping it would help the young woman understand it better. The icy blue hues drifted here and there as she watched Anulia be so affectionate with her friends. That was something she admired in the woman.. to be so open as that. Perhaps in time, Danae would learn to be better in that itself. Normally, the invitation to spar would never be turned down, however, tonight would prove to be differnt. Oddly enough, the female Greek warrior wasn't feeling her best. She was tired of course, and perhaps feeling a little under the weather. Despite it all, she still managed to smile occasionally, listen carefully, and nod at times to let the others know she was still with them even if her mind had her drifting elsewhere at times for however brief it might be. "I agree... very graceful... much like what myself and my people once did." The two women seem to have a lot in common, yet both were very different in other aspects. A look to Eirian and Claramae as the Ranger seemed confused for a moment. For which people did they reffer to, their own or that of their foes? "Our men are well prepared, so much so... I believe the English were and will be in for quite the surprise." There, both were covered, just in case. Danae lingered for only a few minutes before she found herself bidding the others good night. "Please, excuse me for the night. There are some things I need to see to and people I need to visit." She said. "I do hope to catch up with all of you again soon. Lady St Lawrence... you and I must talk soon. As their is some business that we need to discuss to which a mutual friend of ours is sure to join us on this as well." She smiled, bid them all goodbye, and like a cat in the night, she moved off, disappeared into her surroundings just like that.

Nathan Renquest - So much for getting a break. The stick was like nothing he was used to: Too thick, too heavy. Though he tried to play it off as casually as he could (which given that he was still clad like hoity-toidy noble), he was painfully out his element. So Anulia gave him the invitation to attack, and he'd take it--but whether or not he made any good with it was another matter. Everything he'd learned being from books, he'd actually completely telegraphed his attack, nodding once and actually slashing the air once, twice experimentally--before he could build a little momentum. He than charged and swung, with all his momentum going forward. So not only would even the most inexperienced soldier know exactly where he was swinging, but he was totally committed to the attack. In other words, Nathan wouldn't be impressing anyone.

Anulia of Amora - The compliment would not go without a wide smile given to Eirian and a ``Thank you`` to both her and Danae before her attention was once more on Nathan. Oh..an explination..one Anulia heard, but war and battles were all confusing to her, for it all seemed a bit senseless. Hearing Danae was leaving, she gave a soft.``Bye Danae!`` Before focusing. Nathan was all full of heart as he charged and Anulia was impressed. With a big smile, she quickly did a dance to side step him before slapping her own stick down against the softest part of his body she could find and that which would cause less injury. His rump. WHACK, went right across the cheeks before Anulia was facing his back and waiting again.

Nathan Renquest - Well that was distressingly easy. the poor boy hopped half-heartedly to get out of its path but failed miserably. He put on a painfully sheepish smile than, belying the utter embarassment that was being humiliated. So perhaps not quite so impulsive. at least capable of learning from mistakes, he'd approach a might more cautiously now, but went to the opposite extreme--he was too busy looking for openings, not enough actually utilizing them. A threw a few half-hearted swings, a few of which had no other purpose than to be blocked, before one obvious stroke saw him again over-extending and being off-balance in weight. It really was rather like watching a child sword fight, and anyone who had any illusions that Nathan would someday be a great warrior probably wasn't going to keep that long into the fight.

Anulia of Amora - Anulia was not so canty and one hit, she even took to help build confidence as it smacked her arm nice and soundly. When his efforts pressed on, that was what showed it was all heart in this. Dancing along, she laughed playfully as she dodged a few of his swings and tapped him more gently on the arm once when she saw an opening. His off balance way, made her not bounce all over so much, as he seemed to have trouble keeping up. While Nathan looked like a child trying to sword play, Anulia looked like a child trying to play tag or some such. ``Nathan, don't try so hard, focus more on blocking, let's reverse.`` This time, Anulia came at Nathan, slower as she swung the stick towards his right, then his left, then right in a pattern he could follow. Not too fast, not too slow. ``Do you read books on this?``

Nathan Renquest - "Uh... yes. Yes. a little." Nathan responded, a bit awkwardly. Asking him to not try so hard was a bit tricky for someone who couldn't do anything but think. At her request, he'd try and work back to blocking each blow, deciding to follow along in what was quickly becoming more of a choreographed dance. for what little credit could be given, Nathan did adapt well--ironically as soon as he found himself in awkward position his body would force him to catch up and he'd parry one of her blows, albeit a little clumsily. Reflexes, if nothing else, were not one of Nathan's problems. He even managed to smile once he thought he was getting the hang of this properly, looking positively exhilarated in expression.

Anulia of Amora - Trying to teach more then humiliate, she went slower, so he could see where she was coming from. Others seemed to go silent, either watching or perhaps making judgements of their own at the moment. ``You are doing well Nathan! Don't think so hard..`` she tried to inspire him. When he seemed to be getting the hang of it, Anulia increased her speed and waited for him to catch up to that, slowly moments by moments until they were moving faster and Anulia was actually stalking after Nathan, swinging her stick faster so they were making the noise echo throughout the training hall. Finally Anulia went perhaps too fast and got too eager, shifting lower to smack his leg and then his arm before swinging her stick low to press along the back of his knee cap

Nathan Renquest - Part of the problem for Anulia was that Nathan was, if nothing else, fairly quick. Either because of her advice or simply because things were moving too fast for him to analyze--or a combination thereof, he was doing quite well, so so far at least. but reflexes, quick thinking and dexterity only got you so far! *thwack, thwack* the sticks cracked against one another.. but at her last strike he reacted to the wrong move, mis-stepped... and ended up flat on his back again, the 'weapon' falling away with a clatter and muffled grunt. Despite the fact, he laughed, the excited, awkward laugh of someone who knew he was completely outclassed--by Anulia, no less, which probably meant that he was hopeless, as far as he was concerned. "...Okay... maybe I should re-read some of those techniques..."

Anulia of Amora - Pausing in her swings, she swirled the stick about once and laughed after hearing Nathan's own one. It was charming and nice to hear. Had she ever heard him laugh before? She could not recall. ``Perhaps, we both can read them over and learn together.`` Looking towards the pillars, she noted that others had vanished before looking back to Nathan. ``Without eyes on you, you seem to light up Nathan. One can not help but notice your shy approach to things, but you did well!`` She meant that compliment. ``That is enough for today. You might get some bruises as is.`` Reaching out, she waited for the stick to be returned to her. ``Nathan, will you have duties on the morrorow? I would love for you to come by the Briar, we can have more bread!``

Nathan Renquest - Nate chuckled good naturedly, taking the woman's hand, blushing faintly at the observation from the woman that had so recently bested him in single combat. "Maybe. you know typically duels like this are meant for the hand of.. fair miaden or honor or something similar. Not quite sure what happens in this context though. " he was just bantering, proving her point without really realizing it, before his face flushed a little bit, as the poor girl actually went so far as to pity him, encouraginmg him while at the same time watching for bruises, drawing to his feet an returning the stick. "Uh, a few, but I should have time. I'd love to stop by." he flashed a sheepish smile her way. Perfect opportunity anyway. He had so many things to ask her about what he saw!

FINITE

[/font]