sparring log with Chrodechild (in progress)

[trueltning_fury]

Who: trueltning_fury and nightsveilqueen
When: immediately after this thread
Where: near the dojo
What: sparring!

Comments

[nightsveilqueen]

"Ugh!" Geddoe's fist met her square in the belly, though fortunately padding softened the blow. Despite catching her off guard, she smiled, apparently pleased with his response.

She stepped back as she recovered her breath, blades held defensively, waiting for his next move.

[trueltning_fury]

Anyone who smiled after a hit like that (low-powered though it was) was someone to be reckoned with. Geddoe drew back with his dominant hand behind him, sword disguised by the bulk of his body for the moment. He hesitated for only a breath's pause before lunging in, left side leading, bringing the sword up last so that Chrodechild could not see its exact trajectory until too late.

[nightsveilqueen]

A detached part of Chrodechild's mind wondered at how Geddoe would handle Yula or Mourgent. Concealing his blade told her to be wary, and she spun around and to the side to avoid his strike as he lunged forward.

Unaware of exactly where the sword would land, it still sliced through her sleeve, but she continued to move forward and past Geddoe, dipped low, and swung the Black Blade toward the back of his knee (using the heavier, dull edge in a trip attempt, rather than slicing at his leg). She held Flash in defense of her open side while she completed her move.

[trueltning_fury]

The pass was successful, as was the strike, at least in connecting. Geddoe stumbled a little as something hit the back of his knee, and followed through. Momentum carried him a few steps away before he could regain his footing, at which point quite a bit of distance had been placed between them. He paused, panting for breath, and then lowered Wild Geese to his side.

"I don't need to see any more," he declared. "You're exceptionally skilled. Highly-trained, I'd venture to guess. We can end it here, unless you want to exercise until we both fall down."

[nightsveilqueen]

"I... don't think that's necessary. And thank you. You're a remarkable opponent," she said with a respectful nod. She rubs her belly. "I was fearing I was getting soft. If nothing, at least being brought here, I have the opportunity to re-sharpen my skills. Not that I would wish war to return to my kingdom just so I could remain in full fighting form."

"So, what next?" She sheathed her swords, though she kept a watchful eye on Geddoe. She'd had more than one training master decide to "teach her a lesson" after she'd put her weapons away.

[trueltning_fury]

Fortunatly, Geddoe was no training master, just a busy mercenary. He, too, sheathed Wild Geese and stood at ease, rubbing the back of his neck with one hand. Even that short fight in the hot sun made him sweat. "Mind telling me about your background? Where you learned your swordwork, that sort of thing."

[nightsveilqueen]

"I come from a land called Astrasia, where swordsmanship is considered to be one of the highest arts. The key technique taught is the Falcon technique, which I gather you've at least had to defend yourself from something similar before." She paused. "Astrasia is in another world, so listing my masters serves little purpose as I doubt you've heard of them. No one here seems to be familiar with world travel. But..." She paused, wondering how much she should say, feeling like it was somehow pointless to make note of her status when she was in a world where her country had no political influence. She decided she may as well tell her story, as undoubtedly it would either be mentioned or possibly even come into relevance

[trueltning_fury]

Geddoe folded his arms loosely around his middle, resting his left elbow against the pommel of his sword. "Interesting," he remarked at the end of it. "So you're another of those who've come from another world. Could be advantageous - it means you have no ties or loyalties here to get in the way." He turned as if to pace, though he only took a slow step or two. "The names of your swordmasters may not matter, but that isn't to say I have no interest in your background. After all, it doesn't matter that I've never left the Northern Continent, I still find it important to know of matters in Falena and the Islands, points south of here."

Geddoe paused, tilting his head slightly back in Chrodechild's direction. "Royalty and a fellow mercenary captain," he noted. "Will that cause us to butt heads, over differences in captaining style?"

[nightsveilqueen]

Chrodechild nodded. "I'm meaning to consult the library on the history of this world, though a living perspective would be most welcome. I'd like to understand this world better."

In response to his question, she gave him a half-smile. "Quite probably. But I think our temperaments are such we'll be able to find resolution. And as long as it's clear on who is giving orders in the battlefield, I will follow them. Arguments can wait for when the arrows stop flying."

[trueltning_fury]

"Fair enough." Geddoe acknowledged the possibility with another slight nod. "I no longer have the authority of a given rank to back me up, only the trust of those who follow me. As they call me captain, that's what I'll be to them. If that's acceptable to you, then I think we'll work fine together.

"As for the history of this world..." He started pacing again, though a slight smirk was growing on his lips. "You're in a good place for it. Budehuc has pulled people from wars across time, as far back as 309 - and it's 482 now." He stopped yet again, with his back to Chrodechild. "I myself have seen a good chunk of history. I'm one hundred and eighteen years old."

[nightsveilqueen]

"They are specifically brought from wars? That would explain the number of people I've seen who have the bearing of a warrior, if not the equipment." Her brow furrowed, but she did not voice her concerns at that time.

She started at the admission of his age. "A-are all the people of this world so long lived?"

[trueltning_fury]

"It seems that way," Geddoe replied. "I have yet to meet someone from another time who hasn't at least tangentially been involved in a major war of some kind. The locals, from Zexen and the Grasslands, had to go through one about six or seven years ago."

Breathing a sigh, Geddoe shook his head. Unlike his days with the Defense Force prior to the war, he had no need to keep secrets from teammates (including potential ones). "No. It's a circumstance of a rune I carry. I will not age or die naturally. It's something any member of my team should be aware of."