Sixth Psalm [Video]

[takemysword]

[Lia is looking much better today. Dressed in a tunic and leggings, hair pulled back, and not appearing as though all the life has been drained out of her.]I would like to extend an invitation to all the women who do not know how to handle a blade...all the children as well. I would very much enjoy teaching you how to handle a sword or daggers...

Comments

[video]

[princely_calyx]

[Well, that got Utena's attention. Not the sewing part, obviously.]

I know how to use a sword a bit. [And is taking lessons with a man who might not like her taking lessons with someone else.] I'm interested in the daggers part. And maybe some extra practice with another swordswoman. [True, she can practice with Olivier as well but hey, all the experience you can get, right?]

My name's Utena Tenjo. Think you can fit me into your schedule?

[video]

[takemysword]

Of course.

[As though her schedule is busy.]

When would be the best for you? My name is Lia de Beaumont. A pleasure, Mademoiselle Tenjo.

[video]

[princely_calyx]

["Mademoiselle", huh? That's...French. Interesting.]

Um, well, I work at the noodle shop during regular business hours [For a restaurant which means 11-11, depending on the crowd.] and I have kendo lessons twice a week early in the morning on [insert some days here.] but other than that my mornings are free. Could that work?

It's a pleasure to meet you too, Miss de Beaumont! [Wait.] I mean, Mademoiselle de Beaumont. [She bows a little and smiles. Princes should always greet ladies properly.]

[video]

[takemysword]

Mademoiselle Lia is what I am used to...but of course Lia is just fine as well. [Since she isn't at court and doubts any pageboys will come looking for her. She gives another little dip in response.]

The morning will be fine. I am up at dawn for prayers, but any time between then and when the flower shop opens, if I work that day. It should give us at least a couple of hours.

[video] [private]

[bedsidemanners]

Ill?

[A nod, maybe a mild flash of hesitancy.] We have a fair amount of medications at the clinic. I'd be glad to get you something for that.

[video] [private]

[takemysword]

I was waiting for you to suggest peppermint or ginger tea.

[Oh right. Medication. She knows about that now.]

Whatever you would suggest. I thought I might visit the clinic...tonight.

[video] [private]

[bedsidemanners]

That's so banal. But I could always brew some up.

Of course. You're more than welcome to come over.

[video] [private]

[takemysword]

In your expertise it does not work then? Or had you rather simply drug me to the gills?

[Amused look his way.]

Tonight around seven? I will bring dinner.

vidya

[therainbowking]

[He looks thoughtful for a moment or two before he finally responds.]

I know how to handle a blade, but I am not as good as -- I would like. Sparring would be a welcome thing, I think, if you do not mind it.

vidya

[takemysword]

Of course not, monsieur. I would welcome the challenge. I believe we are having sparring sessions early in the morning, after prayers. But I am also available in evenings.

vidya

[therainbowking]

Whenever is more convenient for you, my lady.

vidya

[takemysword]

Anatole certainly does boast a crop of accommodating gentlemen.

[She smiles at that. Better over accommodating than overtly spiteful.]

Morning then, if it suits you, monsieur. An hour or two after sunrise. After skill level has been established we might fall into more familiar patterns.

video. skdfjk oh god im sorry

[reddenedrage]

Men are always going to win, period. Better to just give up now and trade your armor for aprons.

Video

[takemysword]

I can thoroughly tromp both my brother and lover and half the King's knights. I don't believe any of those men won by virtue of having a penis.

[And you won't either, Michael!]

Besides, my lover looks much more attractive in an apron.

Video

[reddenedrage]

Maybe those men weren't real warriors, then!

[ She'll have a hard time convincing him... ]

Who's your lover? Some prissy guy, probably.

Video

[takemysword]

My brother trained with the same sword master I did.

[But Maximilien...well she can't really argue that he does much fighting. Save with the Psalms and even then it's kind of just heads exploding.]

He is-

[And why does she almost want to taunt him about Raphael? Bad Lia. No croissant.]

Maximilien Robespierre. A member of Le Secret Du Roi. Fully capable of defending himself.

Audio

[wristsniper]

You shouldn't treat women like they're any different. It's about training and discipline, not body parts. Tell a woman she's weak, and she'll act like it.

If you want assisstance from someone with my kind of skill, I'll offer it. I've never lost a duel.

Audio

[takemysword]

Women are, in many cases, inherently different. I trained with a master swordsman for most of my life but if we are in a pull-up contest I will still lose. Why not alter your own set of skills and teach others how to best play to their body type and that of their opponent?

I will be sure to keep you in mind. I believe those of us with some skill are meeting shortly after dawn to practice.

Audio

[wristsniper]

Keep underestimating yourself. You're holding yourself back. I'll teach technique, but I won't be anyone's personal encouragement unless they earn my respect.

...Practice?

Audio

[takemysword]

Experience has taught me what I am capable of, mademoiselle. I can keep a squad of male knights in line but it is not by arm wrestling them into submission.

[And she's thinking of Maximilien, who she could probably actually beat at arm wrestling and who rarely handles a sword.]

I do not believe there will be advanced students for you and I hardly wish to bring in a personal cheering squad. The goal is to improve, but it is also not to crush spirits.

Practice sessions. Sparring. After matins.