Milliways 6th Birthday Party Post

[necessary_child]

There is a group - well, more of a sort of rabble - of people playing kickabout on the expanse of green behind the bar. Goalposts have been marked out with the traditional piles of jumpers, more or less equally spaced

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[a_lioness]

Alanna stops by on her way to the stables and spends several quiet moments in contemplation.

While she can deliver a very effective kick, she simply can not imagine not being allowed to use her hands, even in sport.

Brow wrinkled, frowning, one hand resting on her sword hilt, she watches the game and decides she much prefers black to pink.

[52_dropoff]

"Interesting sport, isn't it?" He figures that it's likely they don't have it wherever or whenever this swordswoman is from.

[a_lioness]

Without looking over Alanna asks, "Why can't they use their hands? It would be more effective."

To be fair, she finds jousting rather inane as well.

[52_dropoff]

"It would be simpler. Probably too simple. Anyone can pass a ball. But to kick it with precision? Or to use your head? That takes a certain skill. It's about as close as a sport comes to using martial art disciplines." He really means it, though there is a hint of irony in his voice.

[a_lioness]

"...use your head?"

She tilts hers.

"My deportment masters used to strenuously suggest I use mine, but I don't think this is what they meant." She glances at him with a small smile. "Do you play?"

[52_dropoff]

"Not really. I get my exercise in other ways. But it's one of the few sports I enjoy watching." Though only on occasion.

[a_lioness]

"What other ways?" she asks curiously, not at all concerned that this might be rude.

[52_dropoff]

No one will ever offend Charlie by being curious.

"Martial arts of many varieties, and jogging, and yoga."

[a_lioness]

She nods at 'martial arts.' Approvingly.

Less so at 'jogging.'

But the last merely inspires a confused "...yoga?"

[52_dropoff]

"Ostensibly a relaxation technique, but it's also a way to increase flexibility, if done right. A good supplement to other things.

"I take it you practice the martial arts?" She does seem martial.

[a_lioness]

"Is it like meditation?" she asks with some wariness.

Numair makes her meditate.

It helps more than she's willing to admit, when she does it right.

"A bit. We have something called Shang where I'm from. My ninja friend tells me it's not unlike the disciplines he has studied." A small smile. "I traveled for a time with the Shang Dragon, and he taught me rather well."

[52_dropoff]

"Ninjitsu might be one of the few disciplined my teacher didn't pass on to me. It might be one of the few that he didn't know." Though Charlie wonders about that.

"And yes, yoga is meditative too."

[a_lioness]

"Ah."

Alanna doesn't make a face, but she almost looks like she'd like to, until the action on the pitch catches her attention for a moment.

"I believe I'll keep to my sword drills," she says at last, smiling.

[52_dropoff]

"I trained a little in swords. It didn't really take. And I never thought it was suited to urban combat." He watches a rather good save in the black net.

[a_lioness]

"I made it take," she tells him, a bit dryly. "Oh? Why not?"

There are certainly many tight spots in the lower city better suited for knives, but she's curious what he'll say.

[52_dropoff]

"No room to swing a sword in the alleys. And too much chance you'll hurt a bystander. Granted, that can happen with fists and feet, but those aren't as likely to open a major artery."