Competition & Skill [Open]

[dragon_of_wei]

Characters: Cao Mengde, Sun Ce, Delita Heiral, Susan Sto Helit, Manfred von Karma & [OPEN]
Content: After declaring he is in the mood for a challenge this evening, Commander Cao Cao decides to duel four challenging opponents to make this an interesting night to remember!
Setting: Top Deck of the Victoria II
Time: Early evening [Sunset]
Warnings:

Comments

[nohoppityskip]

The selection of practice weapons on the ship was quite impressive. Susan, because she had done sport, on occasion, at school, was used to fighting in a skirt--but forewent petticoats and the like for a pair of trousers underneath her topskirt. Not that anyone would be likely to find out for themselves.

As she emerged in the fading sunset light, her hair had already arranged itself in a more proper bun that was usual even for it, all without pins or ties--as was usual for her hair, not that anyone noticed. In one hand she carried the practice stave she'd procured in the armory, leaning on it lightly as she watched the major and Mengde's bout.

[dragon_of_wei]

After testing his Wrath of Heaven against the might of Sun Ce's blade, Cao Cao was more than willing for a change of pace. The first bout turned out to be rather interesting, the commander now sporting a few minor scrapes and bruises from the spar. He had to admit that he was fairly impressed by Sun Ce's skill even if he hardly finds himself capable of respecting that flamboyant brat. The eldest son of Wentai is certainly a worthy enough adversary for Cao to be concerned about. If the two were to cross blades again, it would certainly not be in a friendly bout.

"Ah, Susan..." He gave a smile over towards the white haired woman, noticing the practice stave within her seemingly delicate hands. "I see you have found something suitable." Cao certainly did not look tired at all, perhaps he conserved most of his energy for his later spars.

Sheathing his sword, Cao reached for the wooden boken that leaned against the side of railing. "I suppose we should get this started?" He asked politely while mentally hoping he does not injure the

[nohoppityskip]

Susan ran a hand along the fine grain of the staff. "It will do, for this," she told him with a smile. True, it wasn't her grandfather's scythe of legend, with its blade so fine the very air sang as it was cut, nor a good solid poker. But if there was one thing Susan could do, it was swing sticks.

"Yes, lets." She was pleasantly surprised he had agreed to spar with her, instead of demurring with evasive protests. Because of that, and a lack of female sparring partners or sportsmates since leaving school, Susan was quite pleased at this evening's exercise.

Stretching her arms as he picked up the boken, Susan kept herself ready to drop into a defensive stance on a second's notice.

[dragon_of_wei]

Smirking lightly as he gazed at Susan, Cao Cao had a feeling he would not be disappointed by her even if they were using practice weapons. Raising the wooded sword towards her, the strategist already knew it would be up to him to make the first strike. Judging by the very few women opponents he battled in the past, most of them like to not to draw the first strike but rather to counter with a swift strike after his blade connected with theirs. Cao will to be quick upon his feet after charging at her, quick enough to avoid her counterattacks flawlessly.

Striking at her with a quick slash, the spar between the two of them began. Cao Cao was almost thankful that he was not using a sword now, the boken felt much lighter within his hands than his steel blade.

[nohoppityskip]

The staff felt comfortable in her hands as she swung it, the blocked blow vibrating her hands and rubbing on callouses she hadn't even remembered were there. She smirked right back at Mengde. This would be fun, for both of them, probably.

Susan would have made the first move, had he not done so. Easily, she parried the blow, using the rebound to make a quick sweeping strike aimed for his shins. She didn't expect it to land, it was early in the fight, after all. Falling back into a defensive stance after the strike, she waited for his next blow, leaving her offense for later.