Kyuujutsu on the grounds ((Open RP))

[elegantsamurai]

Yukimura is slightly restless from the lack of fighting around the school. As a warrior, he understands the need for practice, for keeping one's skills sharp, but has yet to find a worthy opponent with the sword so he turns to a solitary art, Kyuujutsu, archery. Those who observe will notice that his bow is asymmetrical. Those familiar with

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[maid_brienne]

Brienne's habit of late was to take a morning run by the lake. She, too, had yet to meet anyone she could spar with, and she, too, was feeling the loss.

So it was convenient for everyone that she happened to note Yukimura. At first she took him for a woman, but she realized her mistake after a closer inspection. Being an unusually tall, broad-shouldered, muscular, small-breasted woman meant that, at least where she came from, people were always mistaking her for male, so she tried to be more considerate.

She watched the strange archer land his next shot, and then allowed herself a smile and a round of applause.

[elegantsamurai]

Yukimura turned, startled a moment then bows. "Hello," he called, striding over, the bow held loosely at his side. "I am Sanada Yukimura. I don't think we've had the pleasure of meeting," he says with a laugh and a bow. "Do you shoot?"

[maid_brienne]

Brienne returned his bow. "I'm Brienne of Tarth. And I'm not much of an archer. "She indicated her sword, Oathkeeper, which she habitually wore. "The sword is my preferred weapon, actually. But I recognize skill when I see it."

[elegantsamurai]

"It's a shame I didn't bring my sword with me, then," Yukimura replies with a pout and genuine disappointment. "I've been wanting a well-skilled opponent to fight." After a moment, he brightens. "If you'll wait, I'll get it."

[maid_brienne]

Brienne grinned. "I have nowhere else to be today," she said. "I can certainly wait." This was Brienne practically bubbling over with joy, a state of affairs that was all too rare.

[elegantsamurai]

Yukimura bowed and ran off at an easy jog that still covered ground quickly.

He returned in short order, his sword at his hip, the bow returned to its storage place. He grinned at her, bowing. "Please, don't hold back," he says, drawing his sword, ready to fight. He would enjoy this, if she was any good. Her bearing said she should be.

[maid_brienne]

Brienne drew Oathkeeper. Holding the weapon, she actually managed to look somewhat more graceful than she ordinarily did. She was cautious, testing his defenses and seeking out any weaknesses she could exploit. It was kind of nice to not feel any actual pressure to prove herself, for a change.

[elegantsamurai]

Though her technique was entirely different from his own or any he'd fought against, Yukimura could recognize skill when he saw it. "You're rather good," he laughed, parrying a thrust as he did.

[maid_brienne]

"So are you," Brienne was smiling back as she countered his latest move. "I haven't seen anyone fighting the way you do before."

[elegantsamurai]

Yukimura sidestepped before answering. "I only know of one other swordsman who might be able to beat me." He caught her sword with his and pushed himself back with it. "But, every fight we've had has ended in a draw." He laughs. "I was looking forward to a fight with him before I arrived here."

[maid_brienne]

Brienne nodded. "I did well enough for myself," she said modestly. "At least, one of the most respected knights where I came from seemed to think me enough his equal." This was Brienne seriously understating things again. And for a moment she looked a little sad and lost, a moment that passed quickly as she scrambled to correct an opening Yukimura could have taken. Trust the Kingslayer to distract her even from the safety of the popcorn room.

[elegantsamurai]

Yukimura was delighted she found the opening, even if he was about to take advantage of it himself. He adjusted his own attack. "They must have very high standards where you are from or very arrogant knights if they did not see your worth," he says. His smile is more a grin. He truly enjoys a good fight and this woman gives a good fight.

[maid_brienne]

"Mostly arrogance," Brienne said in a tone that suggested she was resentful of it and yet still resigned. "Women where I come from are good for only one thing, and it bothers some people that I'm... not." Another thrust parried, and she asked, "How is it where you come from?"

[elegantsamurai]

"A force to be feared in some cases," he says, dodging. "I know an bounty hunter and a miko I would not wish to be on the wrong side of, as well as a couple of warriors. My own kagemusha is a woman." He laughs. "They are often underestimated by those who have not fought them and sometimes by those who have." He is forced to duck and dance back before pressing another attack.

[maid_brienne]

Brienne couldn't help being flattered as she moved to block his attack. She was starting to work up a good sweat, which was derfinitely a good thing. "Kagemusha?" she asked, hoping she hadn't mangled the pronunciation too badly.

[elegantsamurai]

"A body double used by members of the court," he says. "She is my stand in and therefore needs to be skilled in many arts, including swordsmanship. She is strong, but not quite one I'd fear. Well able to handle herself, though."

He stumbles on an uneven bit of ground, and his guard wavers slightly as he regains his footing.