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* Lisl sits across a stone chess set from Elgara'a in a shaded corner of one of Marsember's town parks. The flowers are in full bloom, and the trees have just come into full leaf-- days so perfect are rare here. A bundle of oilskin-wrapped weapons lies on the grass nearby. * Elgara'a reaches out and moves one of the white pieces, knocking over one of Lisl's pawns. * Nacheyla wanders by, skipping rope. "Oh say my enemy/Come out and fight with me/And bring your soldiers three/Climb up my thorny tree/Slide down my razor blade/Into my dungeon door/And we'll be enemies forevermore!/One two three four!" <Lisl> ::looks up with a frown:: That has *got* to be Nacheyla. <Elgara'a> Mph. It is your turn. Do not try to distract me from the fact that I am beating you, sahim. <Lisl> ::grins and carelessly moves a knight out before turning to look for Nach:: <Nacheyla> Oh! Hi! ::the rope tangles around her legs as Nacheyla drops one end to wave enthusiastically:: * Kevil strolls through the park, stopping occasionally to smell flowers and exchange greetings with passers-by. After a bit, he spots Lisl and El at their chess table and moves in their direction, grinning. <Lisl> Hey, careful, there! * Nacheyla sneaks up behind Kevil and flips her jump rope around his waist. "Gotcha Uncle Kevil!" * Kevil pretends to be extremely surprised, and then he pretends to be very dismayed, playing at struggling in the rope's bonds. <Nacheyla> ::giggles:: Hi! ::hugs him:: * Elgara'a turns at Kevil's name, holding her finger on another white piece as she turns to look. "Kevil sahim! It is good to see you! Come, sit!" She gives Lisl a grin. * Lisl rolls her eyes. <Kevil> ::grins, the strikes a melodramatic pose:: Oh, fine. Tie me up, and then do with me as you will! I am nothing more than... ::he opens one eye to peer around:: ...than a pocket for purchasing fried pastries! * Kevil produces a silver coin and points it toward a pastry vendor not far away. "Get me one, while you're at it. With sugar." * Nacheyla takes the coin and runs off towards the vendor, skipping. <Lisl> ::coughs to cover a laugh, and takes a sip from a wineskin slung over the back of her chair.:: <Kevil> ::grins and untangles himself from the rope before moving over toward the chessboard.:: Illa'azim; Huntress - I hope you are enjoying the day! <Elgara'a> ::laughs:: It is a trifle chill, but pleasant. And so *green*! <Lisl> ::grins:: Hello, Kevil. How are you? <Lisl> So El, are you going to move that piece, or hold it all afternoon? <Kevil> ::smiles:: The green is soothing to the eyes, indeed. ::he nods to Lisl:: I am well. And you? * Elgara'a chuckles, selects a different piece, and moves that instead. * Nacheyla comes back with a waxed paper bag full of pastries. <Lisl> Well enough. ::she gestures to the board, themselves, and the bundle on the grass nearby:: We're sparring. <Kevil> Sparring? ::he considers the chessboard:: First the mind, and then the body, yes? * Kevil selects a pastry from Nach's bag and bites into it carefully, trying (in vain, alas) to keep powdered sugar off his clothes. <Elgara'a> We had not intended a game of shah'taruz, but the board was here, and the day was so fine... * Nacheyla takes a jelly pastry with icing. <Nacheyla> Lisl? Miss El? ::offers the bag:: <Lisl> ...and she considers knocking me senseless on *this* field a fair exchange for my beating her up on *that* one. ::points to the grassy area:: <Kevil> ::laughs:: No need to make excuses to me! I am here myself, wandering the park like a sluggard when I should be going to market to buy new lute strings. <Kevil> ::grins at Lisl:: I may linger. I am certain it would be instructional to watch two such fine warriors. <Elgara'a> ::peers into the bag:: Fried pastries of some sort? Many thanks, this is an unexpected delight. <Lisl> What you wore them through already? ::grins:: <Nacheyla> ::grins at Lisl:: Does jump rope count as anti-pastry? <Kevil> ::smiles mildly:: Not quite yet, but of course it is only prudent to have replacements onhand, in case of a mishap. <Lisl> ::snorts:: Instructional, hm? <Kevil> If I can follow the action at all, that is. <Lisl> I think it does, yes. More if you use two ropes. <Elgara'a> ::laughs:: I am hardly up to Lisl's speed. <Elgara'a> ::bites into the pastry, a look of surprise quickly followed by one of bliss:: <Kevil> ::smiles at El:: And I am hardly up to yours, Illa'azim. I still believe, if my poor mind is capable of comprehension, I might learn some few things from witnessing the contest. <Lisl> ::snitches a pastry from the bag and scowls at Kevil:: You're just trying to learn all my tricks. I still have to spar with you, you know! * Nacheyla frowns, looking at Lisl. "I don't have enough hands for two ropes." <Lisl> ::grins at Nach:: Well, then I guess I'll have to restrict yourself to fewer pastries, then. <Kevil> ::grins at Lisl:: Huntress, I believe there are not enough hours in my day to learn all of your tricks. I should be pleased beyond measure to even score a touch. <Elgara'a> ::chuckles:: We were daily companions once for three years, my friend, and *I* do not know half of your tricks. * Nacheyla skips rope backwards, chanting another silly rhyme. <Kevil> ::grins at El, then looks back at Lisl:: There, you see? And she is a warrior true, not a pretender such as I. I believe your tricks are safe from my wiles. <Lisl> ::sly look:: Well, there *are* four of us. We could melee. <Kevil> ::glances at Nach:: Only if she changes. I do not wish to be accosted on such a fine day for abusing a child. <Lisl> ::snorts:: There are thieves in this town younger than what she looks now. ::moving another chess piece carelessly, putting El's king in check seemingly by accident:: * Nacheyla stops jumping to glower at Kevil with mock anger. "That's assuming you'd win!" <Kevil> ::smiles at Nach sincerely:: It is not. I very much doubt the purple dragons, upon seeing three adults and a child accosting each other with swords - even practice swords - in the park, are going to stop to ask who won before hauling the three adults off to jail. <Elgara'a> ::lifts her eyebrows in surprise, and leans over the board with a fierce frown:: <Lisl> Unless, of course, the child is beating the adults senseless. ::grins:: <Nacheyla> Actually, I've never used this form for fighting... well, except for some scuffles ::pulls up her trouser leg, revealing a beautiful skinned knee:: <Elgara'a> ::moves a pawn, blocking the check and putting Lisl's queen in danger:: <Elgara'a> ::looks up and nods solemnly at Nach's knee. "Very impressive." <Kevil> ::nods:: There is that. But I would still feel more comfortable, here in the open, if you would select a somewhat older form with which to fight, Lady Imp. <Elgara'a> :;waves a hand to a passing drink vendor:: Unless we simply sat and talked. * Elgara'a smiles. <Nacheyla> Well ::sighs:: I can't use my best form for fighting... despite what Xarroch says, I'm not so sure I want to be burned at the stake... Are we actually going to spar? <Lisl> ::chuckles:: I can empathize with that, Nach. <Lisl> It's up to you. <Kevil> ::shrugs:: I will abide by the decisions of others. <Elgara'a> ::studying the board idly as Lisl makes her move:: Master Kevil does not seem dressed for such activities. * Nacheyla eyes the chess board, moving her hand and counting in her head. * Elgara'a makes another move almost as soon as Lisl moves her queen from danger, swooping down on her rook. <Lisl> Hey! ::looking at the board:: How did I miss that? <Elgara'a> ::smiles demurely:: I warned you not to be distracted, my friend. <Kevil> ::looks down at his clothes:: A point... Though the pants are utilitarian enough, and the jerkin may be removed... ::he fingers his fine shirt doubtfully:: * Nacheyla grins suddenly, still eying the board... "I don't suppose I'm allowed to give advice?" <Elgara'a> But it would be a shame to blood such a fine shirt. <Elgara'a> ::raises an eyebrow:: To whom, little one? <Nacheyla> Why to Auntie Lisl, of course ::grins:: You don't need any help. <Lisl> ::grins and looks at Nach:: I wouldn't mind some advice. <Lisl> ::laughs at El:: <Elgara'a> Ha. ::gestures eloquently with one hand:: Proceed. <Kevil> ::grins at El:: The laundress thanks you for your care, I am certain. ::he glances around:: I could fight bare-chested, I suppose... ::he seems reluctant:: Or perhaps I could run back to the 'Den and change. * Nacheyla studies the board a bit longer, then whispers something in Lisl's ear. <Lisl> ::waves a hand:: Ah, we won't bother. I don't want you waving your chest around on top of everything else. You do enough damage. <Elgara'a> ::covers a cough:: <Kevil> ::laughs:: I assure you, Huntress, a chest is difficult to wave. But if you wish it, I will change. <Kevil> ::he turns to El, solicitously:: Are you well? <Elgara'a> ::blushing faintly:: Quite well, thank you. I merely felt a bit faint for a moment. ::accepts a skin of fruit juice from the vendor, paying him in silver:: <Lisl> ::grins at Nach's advice and nods, advancing her queen to threaten El's rook and knight simultaneously.:: <Kevil> Ah, well, if you are feeling faint, perhaps it is best if we do not spar. You could injure yourself. <Elgara'a> Perhaps. <Lisl> ::makes a face:: You're just trying to get out of getting all sweaty. <Elgara'a> ::grins:: Perhaps. * Nacheyla jumps rope, skipping all the way around the table and ending up back where she was. <Elgara'a> ::turns her attention back to the board in consternation, and elects to sacrifice her knight in favor of the rook. She takes another pawn. <Elgara'a> :: <Lisl> Hrmph. I *liked* that pawn. ::props her hand on her chin:: * Nacheyla whispers something else to Lisl. <Lisl> Ooh! ::grins at Nach and takes El's queen with her rook.:: <Elgara'a> Ah! Darab'! <Nacheyla> ::nods:: Okay, that's all you get... two free pieces of advice. <Elgara'a> ::scowls at Nach:: And as well, too! <Elgara'a> ::castles her king:: <Kevil> ::chuckles:: <Lisl> Hm. ::advances her rook, taking El's:: * Elgara'a scowls, and moves a pawn. * Lisl grins and starts eating her way through El's remaining pawns with her rook. * Elgara'a moves her remaining knight out of the line of fire. * Lisl takes another pawn. * Elgara'a takes Lisl's rook with her king. "Ha!" <Lisl> ::looks wounded:: The king *never* fights. <Elgara'a> ::bares her teeth in a grin:: Ah, but he does, especially when his people are threatened. <Lisl> Hmph. ::looks around the board, and moves one of her own pawns:: <Kevil> ::laughs:: * Nacheyla fidgets around the board, obviously wanting to say something and not. <Elgara'a> ::her eyes light and she swoops in with her remaining bishop. "Shah'ch'maat! Checkmate!" <Lisl> ACK! * Elgara'a leans back in her chair, crossing her arms and looking smug. * Kevil sweeps El an elegant bow. "Congratulations, Illa'azim." * Nacheyla sets the pieces back up about four moves, then indicates to Lisl what she *should* have done. <Elgara'a> ::returns the bow with a graceful hand-gesture of her own:: My thanks, effendi. ::she grins:: I could not spend so many rainy seasons cooped up in my father's tent without learning..." ::she looks at Lisl:: "chess?" <Lisl> ::nods:: Chess. But Nach, I didn't even *see* that move! <Nacheyla> Well... ::grins:: you'll recognize the opportunity next time. <Kevil> ::smiles:: I do not know the game, though I have seen similar. <Lisl> ::sounding doubtful:: Well... thank you for trying to help, anyway. * Nacheyla counts the pieces left on the board. "You only lost by three points, so it's not so bad." <Lisl> Points? But-- my king's dead! There are no royalist movements in chess! <Nacheyla> Well, no, but points are a good way to track your improvement... <Elgara'a> ::starts to return the pieces to their starting positions again:: If you wished, I could teach you, el'azim. <Lisl> Hm. Well, sometimes I win, sometimes I lose. :;shakes her head:: Right now, I'm just working on improving my patience with the game. <Kevil> ::smiles at her:: Certainly. Once Huntress Lisl has broken my body, you may bring your board and proceed to crush my mind. ::he grins:: <Nacheyla> ::indicates the four squares in the middle of the board:: This is the area you want to control... as long as you control most of these squares, you're probably winning. <Elgara'a> ::glancing sharply at Lisl:: She is breaking your-- but I told her--! ::stopping with a glower:: <Kevil> ::holds up a hand, looking surprised:: It is only a jest, Illa'azim. <Lisl> ::protesting El's look:: Hey, I said I wouldn't hurt him *much*! <Elgara'a> Ah. ::subsiding, carefully not returning Kevil's look:: <Lisl> ::looking up at Nach:: But... what do you mean by "control"? "Occupy"? "Decimate everything that enters"? <Nacheyla> Have your pieces set in such a way ::puts a bishop near one corner of the board:: that they can get to these four squares ::moves the bishop:: in one move. Or actually occupy them. <Kevil> Ma'alesh, Illa'azim... Such jests cross language barriers uneasily, d'va? <Elgara'a> ::nodding:: Pray forgive my poor confused head. It was wholly my misunderstanding. <Kevil> There is nothing to forgive. ::he smiles:: * Lisl nods to Nacheyla. <Elgara'a> ::smiles at Kevil:: You are the very spirit of beneficence, sahim. <Lisl> ::grins at El:: You're doing this to torture me, aren't you? <Kevil> ::bows again:: Your example is a guiding light I can not help but follow, Illa'azim. <Nacheyla> And, of course, you have to decide in the beginning if you're going to protect your pieces or if you're going to force piece for piece exchange... <Kevil> ::eyes Lisl curiously:: Ah? <Elgara'a> ::grins at Lisl:: Desserts to the deserving. <Lisl> ::looks at Kevil:: I told her you'd said you'd try to stop being flowery at me. <Lisl> She's been making up for it in her off hours. <Kevil> I have strived most vigilantly to restrain my exuberance, Huntress. How have I failed? <Elgara'a> ::chuckles richly:: You have not failed, effendi. Why certain berrani would choose for you to check the talents of your gifted wit and eloquent tongue, I know not. I have merely endeavored, in my poor way, to make up the loss in her deprived ears. <Kevil> ::raises an eyebrow, then suddenly laughs:: <Lisl> ::grins sourly:: She's been flowering me to death in your place. I think she thinks I'll build up an immunity or something. * Nacheyla laughs, taking out her jump rope again. <Lisl> ::studies the board again and sighs, patting Nach on the shoulder:: I have a better idea. I'll have *you* play for me. ::grinning:: In that form, of course. <Nacheyla> I can play... but that's not going to help your game... <Lisl> I could *watch* you play. ::sliding her eyes towards Kevil:: I'm certain it would be instructional to watch. * Lisl grins. <Kevil> ::chuckles:: Perhaps so. <Lisl> ::standing and stretching before moving to a chair on the side of the board:: So El, no sparring today? <Elgara'a> ::glancing at Kevil:: Well... *we* could still spar, if you wished. I admit, I wished to try a new defense against your favored weapon. But... it is so pleasant to sit and talk. ::smiling:: <Lisl> ::grins:: El, you're turning into an old woman on me already. <Elgara'a> Heh. Is there something the matter with an old woman who wishes to sit and talk with friends and have handsome serving boys to fan her and bring her drinks? <Kevil> ::laughs:: I do not ask which category I fall into, you notice. * Lisl snorts. * Elgara'a grins. "You are not a boy, sahim." <Kevil> ::chuckles:: I should think not, Illa'azim. And yet - there are no handsome serving boys to be seen. <Elgara'a> Ah. It is a lack in this impoverished country. ::grins:: I would allow you to serve in their place, but it is too chilly here to be fanned. <Kevil> ::considers the air:: Ah, but I would bring you drinks. You have but to command me... ::bows somewhat hammishly:: <Lisl> ::holds up her hands in mock-terror:: I can't escape! <Kevil> ::smiles cheerfully at Lisl:: I would willingly bring you a drink as well, Huntress. <Lisl> ::laughs and pats her wineskin:: I'm set, thanks. <Lisl> Besides, the vendors around here don't generally carry dwarven. <Kevil> Ah, well, do not say I made no offer! ::he winks at El:: <Elgara'a> Ha. And I, alas, am well-supplied also. ::holding up the small skin of fruit juice:: <Lisl> ::dryly:: Trust me, that would be my last fear. <Kevil> ::smiles:: So it seems my services are not needed. Alas. <Elgara'a> ::grins:: I will-- how is it said? Keep my options open. <Kevil> ::laughs:: You have only to speak, of course. <Lisl> ::shakes her head and stands:: You two are hopeless. So... are we sparring or not, El? <Kevil> ::stands and bows:: By all means, spar. I have errands I have put off too long, now. Perhaps I will come back through the park, and we may chat when your session is at an end, yes? <Elgara'a> You are welcome to watch, effendi. ::grins:: Did you not wish instruction? ::stands, removing her jellaba:: <Kevil> ::smiles:: Well... Lute strings might wait until somewhat later... <Lisl> ::nods to the bundle:: Pick your weapon, El. ::holding up her fists, the air shimmering silver around them and forming into her Claws:: I've got mine. * Kevil gapes in astonishment at Lisl's claws. <Lisl> We'll do this at half-speed, alright? I don't want to misjudge and skewer-- what? ::noticing Kevil's gape:: <Kevil> ::looks at Lisl's claws for another long moment, then suddenly looks at Lisl and grins:: Zoya told me you gave her the material for her manacles. She did not say you had your own. <Elgara'a> ::nods and selects a short, curved sword from the bundle, thinking a moment, and presenting her back to Kevil:: Sahim, if you couldunknot my peace bonds, I pray you? <Kevil> An honor, Illa'azim. ::deftly unties the knots binding El's sword into its sheath:: <Lisl> ::turning her wrist so that her Claws catch the light:: Well, these aren't manacles. But I gifted her with my breastplate, yes. Same metal. * Kevil nods. <Elgara'a> A thousand thanks. ::grins and steps onto the grass, pulling her scimitar and juggling it around her wrist as she faces Lisl:: * Kevil sits on one of the chairs by the chess table, turning it around so he can watch the action. <Lisl> I don't generally spar with these... but El and I have fought together enough that we know each other's moves fairly well. <Elgara'a> ::grins:: Most of them, at least. <Lisl> ::nods:: And I trust her. * Kevil nods again. "I am glad you did not surprise me with them in one of *our* sparring sessions. I would have tripped with the shock and skewered myself, no doubt." He grins. <Lisl> Heh. ::dropping into a fighter's crouch:: Like I said, I don't generally spar with this. *She* asked. ::looks at Kevil for a moment:: Generally, these don't get used unless I *mean* it. <Kevil> Va. ::he smiles, then his face sobers as he prepares to concentrate on watching the contest:: * Elgara'a tests her footing on the grass, juggles her scimitar around her wrist again, and nods to Lisl. "Ready." <Lisl> ::turns her attention back to El and nods:: Here I come, then. <Lisl> [fade to black] |
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