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* Loria is on the roof-garden, setting the beds up for replanting. She's wearing a dark blue housedress and is kneeling in the dirt, looking slightly annoyed. * Kevil opens the door and looks around. "There you are!" He smiles and walks over to her, looking around at the flower beds. "You have been busy... We *are* going to hire a gardener, n'shava..." * Loria brushes a lock of hair out of her face, leaving a dark smear of dirt across her forehead. <Loria> I thought I'd just get started... <Kevil> ::grins and leans down to brush the dirt from her face:: Whatever you wish, love... Where are we going to put the roses? <Loria> ::looking up at him:: I don't know... I couldn't decide. The atrium is prettier, but maybe they should go in the Master garden <Kevil> ::considers:: Trellises in the master garden, perhaps, flanking the apple tree? <Loria> ::nods:: That might be nice. You know, there's a seedling out there already. I almost pulled it up, I thought it was a weed. <Kevil> ::blinks:: So soon? I thought they would be dormant at least a few months... ::eyes her with a grin:: There is not something you should perhaps mention, is there? <Loria> ::laughs:: Not yet... <Kevil> ::chuckles, then lets out an exaggerated sigh:: Ah, well... Perhaps we should try harder. <Loria> ::sticks her tongue out at him:: <Kevil> ::grins and leans down to kiss her:: So... What is it you are doing now? <Loria> I ::moving some soil around:: am getting this flower bed ready to plant. <Kevil> ::crouches next to her:: So I see. What kind of flowers shall we have here? Or are you not planning so far ahead? <Loria> ::laughs, sitting back down on her heels:: No, I'm not planning so far ahead... I have... ::thoughtfully:: I have been worrying, and trying not to worry. <Kevil> Worrying? Ah, your quest. ::he strokes her hair with a smile:: Did you not command me to cease worrying over just that thing? <Loria> ::dangling her garden spade lazily in one hand:: Advice. So much easier to give than to listen to... <Kevil> ::chuckles, and picks up a clod of dirt, crumbling it back into the box:: Such rich earth... <Loria> ::nodding, looking off into the distance, her eyes cloudy and far away:: <Kevil> ::looks at her for a moment, then puts his hand under her chin, gently turning her face towards him:: N'shava? <Loria> ::blinking, she looks up at him:: I'm sorry... I was just... sort of drifting. <Kevil> ::smiles faintly:: To where, I wonder? <Loria> ::shaking her head:: Just away... <Kevil> ::sighs mournfully, addressing an earthworm:: Already she tires of me, and dreams herself away... <Loria> ::laughs, brandishing the spade at him:: No, not at all... I am dreaming myself away, not you. <Kevil> ::grins, dodging the spade:: But you do not take me with you? Cruel, Lori-love, to leave me languishing here... <Loria> ::taking his hand:: You? Languish? Why do I doubt that, my heart... <Kevil> ::raises his eyebrows as he strokes her cheek:: You doubt? Why would I not? <Loria> ::changing the subject:: What did you want to plant, Kevil? I can't seem to think of anything. <Kevil> ::sits beside her, looking at the beds musingly:: Well... I thought I would leave a great deal of that up to the gardener. I had mentioned before, those vines with the purple flowers that smelled so sweet... But other than that... ::he shrugs:: Pretty things. <Loria> ::leaning back again:: When did you... what were you like, when you went on your first adventure? <Kevil> ::blinks once at the abrupt change of subject:: My first adventure...? ::ponders:: If you assume my first adventure was our... not-altogether-successful attempt to rescue Aylin, I was crazy with fear and anger. <Loria> ::tracing a line in the dirt:: I... feel a little crazy, I think... <Kevil> ::slides an arm around Loria's shoulders, pulling her gently to lean against him:: Crazy, how, n'shava? <Loria> ::swallowing:: I'm afraid... and I don't even know of what. Master Bjorn, he... he says that I'm like a skittish horse... <Kevil> Ah... ::holds her a little tighter:: There is no shame in being afraid. I was not given so much warning, before I was called upon. There was only Kevil, the Bard, and suddenly: need arose, and there was Kevil, the unwilling adventurer. ::he kisses her hair:: I have no doubt that Master Bjorn longed for adventure from his first breath. <Loria> ::taking a ragged breath:: He... he threw me out of lessons... ::she rubs her eyes with the back of her hands:: Says he has no more to teach me, until I can learn not to be afraid of myself. <Kevil> ::tenses briefly, then relaxes, though when he speaks his voice is tight:: A man of little patience, Master Bjorn... ::he strokes her hair for a moment:: You need not return, if you do not wish it, n'shava. Your brother and his friends will be here in a few days, I think, and Master Lotho has agreed to teach you the knife. It would be sufficient for this quest, I should think - it is unreasonable to expect you to master *two* weapons in so short a time, d'va? <Loria> ::crying:: I... I wouldn't hit him back, Kevil... that's all... I... <Kevil> Shh... ::holds her tighter and strokes her hair, whispering soothingly:: <Loria> ::sniffles:: I don't know what I'm doing wrong. <Kevil> Well... ::considers:: Why would you not return the strike? Do you know? <Loria> ::in a flat voice:: Because I could see it. As if it had already happened. I stood there, and he was insulting me. And then, in a flash, I could see what he would look like, if I hit him in the head. And I just... froze. <Kevil> Ah... ::he nods and strokes her hair:: Very disturbing, yes... I assume you had successfully practiced against inanimate targets? <Loria> ::nodding:: Mostly, yes. And... I defend well, mostly. <Kevil> That is good. Lori-love... I will be with you, d'va? If you can but defend yourself, then I will do what is needful. Only... If you stood against a true enemy - not Master Bjorn and his insults, but some person, some thing with an intent to harm you - and I was not there to protect you... ::he shivers:: I hate nothing more than seeing those I love in the path of danger. <Loria> I just don't know... I don't know that I can... <Kevil> ::hugs her tighter:: Shh... It is only to your credit that the thought horrifies you. And there are those who think naught of the result, and then quail and flee from their first true combat, d'va? No one knows what they may do, until the test is before them. <Loria> ::swallowing:: There's no way to practice it, either... I can't just go out and hit some random stranger... <Kevil> No. No, you can not. ::he kisses her hair:: This is why Master Bjorn offers himself as a target - he is a master of the craft, d'va? You are as likely to actually hit him with true harm as... as I am to touch Lisl when we spar. ::he grins crookedly and kisses her hair again:: <Kevil> ::considers:: Though to that... Lisl might consent, to be target for you. In the unlikely event that you hit her - she heals before your very eyes, d'va? <Loria> ::shudders:: Not with the knife... <Kevil> No. Not with that knife. But a practice-knife, yes. With the mace, yes. <Loria> ::faintly:: Maybe we should ask her? <Kevil> ::nods:: If you are willing to try it, we will. <Loria> ::leaning on him:: It can't be any worse than it is now, can it? <Kevil> ::nuzzles her hair with a sigh:: It could be a great deal worse, n'shava. But let us talk to Lisl. <Loria> ::nodding:: All right... * Kevil stands and offers Loria his hands to help her up. * Loria stands up, putting her spade down and brushing off her hands. <Kevil> ::looks down at his clothes:: I will change, too, in case she feels it has been too long since she has abused my person. <Loria> ::smiling a bit:: Should I put my armor on? <Kevil> ::considers:: Well, bring it with you. *She* has trained fighters before; a task at which I am distinctly *un*qualified. How should I guess what she will wish? <Loria> ::nodding:: All right. ::touches his arm lightly:: Thank you. <Kevil> ::looks down at her with a somewhat weak smile:: No thanks are needed, n'shava. The thought of you facing danger terrifies me... The thought of you facing danger untrained makes me crazy with fear. <Loria> ::shakes her head:: I was about half afraid you'd laugh at me. <Kevil> ::blinks, then turns down the staircase toward the bedroom:: Laugh? At what should I laugh, love? <Loria> ::shaking her head:: I don't know... you just... ::twisting her hands:: You seem so... calm, when we were on the ship. And with the raiders... * Kevil stops at the bottom of the stairs and turns, so her face is nearly level with his. His face is serious. "I have trained since I was six years old, n'shava, and killed my first raider when I was eighteen. And if I had not been berserk at the time, I might have faltered and allowed his comrades to kill me." He touches her face. "I have had twenty-odd years, n'shava, to learn how to face danger with a straight face." <Loria> ::sighs:: I don't have that much time, do I? <Kevil> No. ::he wraps his arms around her, though he is still serious:: Nor are you required to face your quest with a calm face, n'shava - much less a calm heart. You are only required to face it with what bravery you can muster. ::he kisses her gently:: Which I know is not inconsiderable. <Loria> ::returning his kiss:: I don't feel very brave. <Kevil> ::smiles:: In truth, n'shava: Neither do I. * Loria eyes him, her face expressing doubt in his veracity. "You don't?" <Kevil> ::takes her hand and leads her toward the bedroom:: Of course not. Should I? <Loria> ::shrugging:: I don't know... you always seem very brave to me... * Kevil releases her hand as he opens the door to the bedroom and heads for his wardrobe. "I have never felt less brave in my life..." He drops his selected clothes on the edge of the bed and pulls off his shirt. "And yet I stand in awe of your courage." <Loria> ::blinks at him:: In awe? Of me? ::her voice is faint:: <Kevil> ::pulls on the slightly ratty shirt:: Certainly. It was not *I* who defied a goddess, n'shava... ::sits on the edge of the bed to remove his boots:: <Loria> ::shaking her head:: I wasn't thinking... It just happened... it was over before I even knew what I was doing... <Kevil> ::smiles at her:: *I* faltered. <Loria> ::packing her leathers in a backpack:: All right... I'll take your word for it... <Kevil> ::grins and quickly changes his pants:: Good. Ask Lisl, if you will not believe me - bravery and courage have nothing to do with lack of fear, but only the heart to continue in the face of fear. ::he pulls his boots back on and stamps to settle his feet into them:: <Loria> ::stuffs her helmet into the pack:: I don't know what I hate worse... fighting or this stupid armor... ::slings the pack on:: I'm ready. <Kevil> ::laughs and offers Loria his hand:: The armor, I should think, by a handsbreadth margin. ::he winks:: * Loria takes his arm, sighing. "Probably..." * Kevil chuckles and kisses her hair as he escorts her out of the house and down the street. - - - - - After a walk through the city - - - - - * Kevil leads Loria up the path to Ellesmere. "Now, if only she is *home*..." * Lisl sits on the back porch in the unseasonably warm late winter sunshine, her feet up, drowsing. * Loria pauses at the doorway, her hand tracing a pattern in the air, then she knocks. * Lisl cracks open one eye. * Lisl sighs, putting each foot down with a thunk before getting to her feet. <Kevil> ::looks down at Loria and suddenly grins:: You have dirt on your face, still... ::he reaches up to brush it off:: <Loria> ::blushes:: Oh... I should have washed my face, I guess. <Kevil> ::chuckles:: It adds charm. * Lisl glances at the clutter of stretch-frames blocking the way to the front, and sighs. With a shrug, she disdains walking through the house, instead vaulting the porch rail and trudging around to the front of the house. <Loria> ::laughing:: There's nothing charming about having a dirty face. <Kevil> ::grins:: Nonsense. It is very charming. In fact, if you- ::looks around as Lisl rounds the corner:: Good afternoon, Huntress! <Lisl> Ah... Loria, Kevil. ::puts her finger to her lips:: Don't knock. Nach is... grumpy. Abby's grumpy. It's not pretty. <Kevil> ::grins:: Horror, in truth! <Loria> ::raises an eyebrow:: <Lisl> ::rolls her eyes:: You're not living with them... I'm glad I shifted out to the old lady cottage. <Kevil> ::more seriously:: Lisl, we have need of your expertise and... unique abilities, if you have somewhere we can talk without disturbing the house...? <Loria> ::smiles hesitantly:: I'm sorry if we've come at a bad time... <Lisl> ::nods:: Sure, I was just... ::grins:: Well, to be honest, I was just napping a bit. ::beckons:: C'mon... back lawn. There're some trees... it's private enough there. ::raises an eyebrow:: Depending on what you have in mind... <Kevil> ::gestures at his somewhat tatty clothes:: Sparring. <Lisl> ::raises the other eyebrow, taking in Loria's clothes as well:: Both of you? Am I mediating some sort of lover's quarrel? <Kevil> ::laughs as he follows Lisl:: I will let Loria explain. I am here only for moral support, d'va? * Loria blushes, looking at the ground. "No... I... Master Bjorn threw me out of lessons." <Lisl> ::grinning a little:: Ahhh, I don't get to beat on you? ::turning to Loria with surprise:: He *what*?? WHY? <Loria> ::making a face, she speaks in almost a whisper:: I wouldn't hit him. <Lisl> ::snorts:: Wouldn't hit him? With *his* mouth, I should think it would be a pleasure. ::muttering something that sounds like "crusty old" at the beginning and trails off into what one would sincerely hope are other languages towards the end:: <Kevil> ::grins at Lisl:: My sentiments exactly. <Loria> ::scuffling her foot:: I just... I couldn't do it. <Lisl> ::frowning a little, studying Loria's face, her voice unexpectedly gentle:: Why? <Kevil> ::puts a hand on Loria's shoulder:: Lisl will laugh at you no more than I did, n'shava. <Loria> ::looking away:: I... I don't want to hurt anybody. <Lisl> Mm. Tarri said the same thing... ::grinning a little:: Tho' you always could have hit Bjorn in the head, nothing to damage *there*.... * Loria recoils, her whole body showing revulsion. <Kevil> ::tightens his hold on Loria's shoulder, and looks at Lisl:: She understands the damage the weapon will do, Lisl. <Lisl> ::nods, looking somewhat ashamed:: I apologize, Loria. I didn't mean to make light of it. <Loria> ::angrily brushing at her eyes:: This is so *stupid*! <Kevil> And *I* can not countenance the idea of her facing combat without having ever sparred against a living opponent. ::he makes a wry face:: Thus, the compromise: Should she slip past your guard, you heal... <Lisl> But... think of it this way... Bjorn's an experienced warrior, and his job is to teach you. He knows the risks, and he's capable of defending himself. And he's mad because he knows you can't learn without experience of your own. If he sent you out there with nothing but pellwork under your belt... ::her voice softens, and she glances apologetically at Kevil:: You'd die. <Kevil> ::closes his eyes, nodding:: And so we come to you. <Lisl> ::looks at Kevil with a nod of understanding:: Ah... I see. ::smiles a little:: Part of why I offered in the first place. <Kevil> ::opens his eyes again and half-smiles at Lisl:: And I have new forms my mother taught me, as yet unpracticed in a ring of combat. <Lisl> ::grins:: Ahhh, so I *do* get to beat on you, then. * Loria drops her pack on the ground, then kicks it angrily. "I hate this. I hate it." <Kevil> ::shrugs:: If it will be to Loria's benefit. <Lisl> ::nods:: Of course you do, Loria. You're an intelligent woman. You recognize that bashing something over the head isn't the best way to make an argument... and it's not the best use of your talents. However... ::opening the back gate, leading them through it, and closing it behind them:: Nach seems to think there's some reason for you to learn, and Kevil and I both, I think, would rest easier knowing you can-- and *will*-- defend yourself if you need to. * Loria sighs. "I know... I know." <Loria> ::she kicks the bag again, knocking it a good two feet away, spilling her helmet onto the ground:: * Kevil looks at Loria sympathetically, then glances at Lisl pleadingly. "I will... work on my own, nearby. Call if you wish my assistance, d'va?" He looks at Loria again, then moves off toward a far corner of the yard. * Lisl picks up Loria's helmet, and holds it out to her. "You don't have to do this. It's still your choice. But... you *can't* choose to go on this quest of Nach's, and *not* be prepared for it. That's just foolishness, and I know you're better than that." * Loria sighs again, putting her helmet on. "Help me with this?" She starts to pull her leathers on, grimacing. * Kevil begins stretching, slowly bending and twisting to loosen his muscles and joints. * Lisl nods, and helps Loria arm herself. <Loria> ::picks up her mace:: Now what? * Lisl shucks out of her vest, tossing it to the grass a little ways away and holding out her arms. "Hit me. I want to give you one square hit, first, just so you know what it'll do to me." <Loria> ::closing her eyes, she takes a few deep breaths, trying to calm herself:: Lisl? <Lisl> Yes? * Kevil lowers himself slowly into splits, then puts his hands over his head and leans backward until his palms are on the ground behind him. Slowly, he pushes himself off the ground and into a hand-stand, then swings his legs over to touch the ground again. <Loria> I... ::the hand holding her mace trembles and she clenches her teeth, almost willing her tremors to stop:: <Lisl> ::her voice very soft:: Loria, I've been alive nearly 400 years. I've been dropped from heights, I've been mangled by demons, and I nearly got eaten by a dragon. Twice. Pain's an *old* friend. But nothing... NOTHING... hurts so much as seeing a friend die. Please... hit me. * Kevil begins to move, his hands and arms moving almost too slowly to see at first, then slowly increasing in speed. * Loria nods, swallowing, her eyes opening. Unspilled tears glitter in her lashes. She takes a step back, raising her mace. * Kevil is moving as if he's dancing more than fighting, feet and hands moving in smooth arcs, faster and faster... * Lisl stands still, braced for a blow, a golden glitter in her eyes where the sun strikes them. <Loria> ::stepping forward, she swings sidearm, the mace whistling through the air as she brings it up hard against Lisl's chest:: * Lisl grunts as the head of the mace strikes her body with a meaty thud and the quieter splinter of ribs. She recoils a step from the inertia, gritting her teeth, disengaging the mace from the crushing wound in her chest. Her hand brushes over the bloody dent, plucking her ripped shirt clear of the wound as if she were brushing away flies, and the wound covers over and fleshes out again in the blink of an eye. * Loria gags, turning on her heel and retching noisily into a nearby bush, then collapses on the ground, shuddering all over. * Lisl gasps a little, taking a second breath more easily as her ribs knit and going to comfort Loria, holding her hair clear of her face and rubbing her back. <Lisl> Shhh... I'm fine, Loria... it was a good stroke, but no harm. Shh... breathe.... * Kevil is moving almost too fast to follow, spinning and flipping like an acrobat. He twitches once at the sound of Loria's mace impacting Lisl, and again when Loria gags, but doesn't interrupt his dance. * Loria turns to Lisl, catching her in a fierce embrace. "Oh, Lisl, what am I doing?" <Lisl> Shhh... ::stroking her hair:: You're learning how to survive, Loria. You've done it before, you're strong... this is just... different. Here... ::catching one of Loria's hands, and bringing it to touch the hole in her shirt, and the healed flesh underneath:: No harm. <Loria> ::shivering:: I'm sorry... <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: I wish I could protect you from this, Loria... but to try would only hurt *you.* Don't be sorry. ::squeezing her a little:: Just grit your teeth, and practice. * Kevil begins to slow again, sweat beading his forehead. * Loria takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself. <Lisl> ::quietly, still stroking Loria's hair:: You've been doing well in your pellwork, it shows. Bjorn's right to be proud of you... and mad at you for holding back from more. Come on, I know you can do it... <Kevil> ::Moving slowly again, Kevil bends forward into another handstand, then lifts one hand and balances for a moment before dropping into a roll that brings him to his feet.:: <Loria> ::sniffles:: I'll try... * Kevil walks up, his breathing a little fast, and sits next to Loria on the ground. "Look at it this way, n'shava: The worst is over." <Lisl> ::rubbing her back and helping her stand:: You'll *do.* I know you. Is there anything I can do to make this easier on you? <Loria> ::shrugs:: I don't know... I just feel... dirty. <Lisl> ::grins a little and reaches out to rub a smudge of dirt off Loria's nose:: You *are* dirty. <Loria> ::snorts:: I was out in the garden, trying not to think too much... <Kevil> ::grins:: You want to see *dirty*, you should see the tricks Lisl uses on *me*. ::he grins at Lisl:: <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: If you were attacking me with malice, Loria, or attacking from behind, I could see it... but you're just practicing. I agreed to this, and I know what to expect. You've no reason to feel guilty, really. * Lisl sticks her tongue out at Kevil. <Kevil> ::grins wider:: <Lisl> Ha. If you think everyone you're going to fight will fight honorably, bard, you've got another think coming. ::grins:: I'm helping you, really. <Kevil> ::snorts:: I think illithid fighting is about as dirty as it comes. <Lisl> ::snorts:: true. <Loria> ::gets to her feet:: I'm sorry I'm being a baby... ::wipes her eyes and straightens:: <Kevil> ::re-positions himself on the ground and smiles up at Loria:: Would it help if I promised to baby you when we return home? * Loria sticks her tongue out. "Hush, you." <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: You are *not* a baby, Loria duNache. You're a decent person, and not one with a head for killing. ::glancing at the house:: And if you want to convince me not to go up there and give Nach a *big* piece of my mind for doing this to you, I'm afraid you're going to have to beat me silly. * Kevil looks like he's about to protest Loria's dismissal, but sighs and shrugs instead. <Loria> ::sighs:: I'll... I'll do. ::shakes her head:: All right? <Lisl> ::nods and stands, offering Loria a hand to help her to her feet:: All right. Come on, then... * Loria follows Lisl a bit away from the bushes, settling her helm a bit more firmly on her head. <Lisl> ::eyeing Loria speculatively:: Do me a favor. ::takes a few steps back:: Take a few practice swings, so I can see how you fight. I don't want to wind up hurting *you.* * Kevil leans forward, watching Loria intently. * Loria nods, then goes through her forms, her moves strangely timed, as if she's listening to music in her head. * Lisl watches Loria carefully, nodding. After a moment, she knits her fingers together and reaches both hands over her head, leaning back in a stretch with a crackle of spine. "Alright, enough." She drops into a fighting crouch, holding her hands out from her sides, and beckons. "Come." * Loria steps forward, bringing her weapon up, and swinging towards Lisl's arm. * Kevil watches closely, his face a frozen mask of concentration. * Lisl ducks and dodges to the side, the mace flying harmlessly over her head by several inches. "Again." * Loria grunts, her feet flickering gracefully over the ground as she moves closer, following through with another side armed swing - a feint - she whirls, bringing the mace over her arm, swinging to the other side. <Lisl> ::grinning and dodging again, the diamond-shaped leaves of the mace head just grazing the fabric of her sleeve:: C-cut... very good, but you telegraph it... tuck in and snap the elbow a little more. <Loria> ::flips the mace smoothly in her hand, then attacks again, swinging several quick, hard blows:: * Lisl dances backward, moving smoothly, grunting a little as the last blow catches her high on the shoulder and dislocates the joint. "Good one!" She rotates the shoulder, grunting again as the shoulder settles back into place with a pop. * Kevil smiles faintly and nods. * Loria flinches, then sets her jaw, a pale light flickering out of her amulet. She presses her attack, seeking weak spots in Lisl's defense. * Lisl lets her left arm hang "dead," circling around towards Loria's off-side as she draws out the attack. She ducks under a swing and darts in to drop a light punch on Loria's stomach, taking a blow to the back in punishment. "Oof. Good, but light." <Loria> ::gritting her teeth:: I was off balance. If I'd hit you harder, the momentum would have taken me off my feet... <Kevil> ::grins:: Too used to fighting acrobats, Lisl? <Lisl> ::grinning a little:: Explain that to the goblin who just took a strip out of your middle. Drop your center a little, move more on the balls of your feet instead of planting yourself. <Lisl> ::glancing sidelong at Kevil and chuckling:: I'll deal with *you* later. Wait your turn. <Kevil> ::grins and bows as elegantly as he can manage for being seated cross-legged on the ground:: <Loria> ::swinging, her breath whistling through her clenched teeth:: That depends. Are there more goblins? I'd rather have one knife wound then twenty if I fall down. ::feints, then aims a blow at Lisl's knee:: <Kevil> ::laughs:: Point to Loria. <Lisl> Good point... remember, though, every wound's going to slow you down. ::grins:: Glad to see you think about it, though. ::ducking out of the way, getting a painful scrape across the calf instead of getting her knee shattered:: Oooch. ::tumbling to the side, coming up again behind Loria:: * Loria whirls, her face suddenly void of emotion as she swings her mace down, hard. * Lisl looks surprised, jerking her head to one side so the mace comes down with a solid crunch on her "wounded" shoulder. * Loria twists, raising a foot and planting it in the middle of Lisl's chest, kicking her over. * Lisl goes down with a crash, her body tensing mid-fall but relaxing again just before she hits the ground. * Loria takes a step towards Lisl, the mace still held at the ready. * Kevil nods once. * Lisl lies still for several seconds before sweeping out with her "uninjured" leg to hook Loria's ankle. * Loria attempts to jump, but stumbles, bringing her mace down to strike at Lisl's chest, putting the momentum of her fall behind it. <Lisl> OOF. ::jerks as the mace lands full-force on her rib cage, crushing the bones. With one hand, she pushes the mace clear of the injury as the wound closes over and heals, and taps the other hand against the ground.:: I give, I'm dead. The monster is vanquished. <Loria> ::dropping her mace, she rolls over, her face pale:: What about *this* monster? ::she puts a hand to her chest:: * Lisl twitches as, with a crackle, the bones reknit. "Ow." She lies on the ground, looking at the sky. "It's so much easier not to get hit..." * Lisl lifts her head. "What? Loria, you did fine. You kept your head, you used your training." <Loria> ::covering her face with her hands:: I could really kill someone... I really could. * Lisl rolls up to her knees, wrapping her arms around Loria. "Yes, you could, if you had to. But... that remorse is your saving grace. Don't ever lose that, and you'll have nothing to fear." She drops her head back, looking at the sky again. "Not like me." * Kevil pulls his knees up and rests his forehead on them, shaking just a bit. <Loria> ::softly:: I wish I was like you... <Lisl> ::shakes her head slowly:: No, you don't. Believe me, Loria, you don't... ::turning her head to look at her, her eyes distant:: I know it must hurt... but... not caring... *wanting* your enemy's pain... that's *far* worse. <Kevil> ::without looking up:: Only if you're not *really* a monster, Lisl. * Loria tugs on the end of her braid, swallowing. "This is so much harder than I thought it would be." <Lisl> ::smiling humorlessly, turning her head back up to the sky:: Right... right. <Loria> ::takes Lisl's hand, pressing it to her cheek:: *You* are not a monster... I know it. <Lisl> ::tilting her head, looking at Loria again:: Keep reminding me... I need the reminder, every so often. <Lisl> But... ::smiling a little:: As someone who's been dancing on that line before... you've got a long way to go, Loria, before you're anywhere close. <Loria> ::smiles tightly:: I'll... try not to dwell on it. <Kevil> ::still not looking up:: Good. I am a monster long before you are, n'shava. <Loria> ::tentatively, she crawls over to him, dropping back to the ground near him:: Kevil? Are... are you all right? <Lisl> ::snorts:: You've got a ways to go, too, Kevil, no fear. ::sighs, lifting her legs overhead and flipping to her feet:: <Kevil> ::looks up and touches her face gently:: I hate seeing you in pain, n'shava. I wish... ::he sighs and shakes his head, then smiles at her:: You fought very well, love. I am proud. <Loria> ::looking at him:: What cannot be cured must be endured. I will survive. <Lisl> ::pursing her lips, narrowing her eyes a little as she studies Kevil:: Proud, and sick to death that she has learn it at all... <Kevil> ::looks over at Lisl with a faint smile:: Something like. <Lisl> ::nods, offering a hand to Kevil:: Come on... let's give Loria a rest, and give you a go. <Kevil> ::nods and kisses Loria's forehead before accepting Lisl's hand up:: * Loria nods, looking at him. "Good luck, my heart." <Kevil> ::grins at Loria:: She is not so forgiving with me, I fear... <Lisl> ::grins a little:: You've been doing this longer. <Loria> ::biting her lip:: Don't hurt each other. <Kevil> ::smiles at Loria as he stretches:: If I can *touch* her, I count the day a good one... <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: Just enough to keep him honest, Loria. Don't worry. <Lisl> Ah, c'mon... I've already been "killed" once today. She slowed me down for you. ::grins:: * Kevil drops into a crouch, bouncing lightly on the balls of his feet, his eyes fixed firmly on Lisl's. He grins. "But I am old and slow, recall." * Lisl chuckles as she mirrors his stance, starting to circle smoothly to his left. "Old. Slow. Right. I'll make a note." <Kevil> ::grins again, then his face falls expressionless as he, too, circles left:: * Loria pulls her knees up, resting her chin on her crossed arms, watching intently. <Lisl> ::turns her head slightly, her eyes not leaving Kevil's as she calls:: Stretch out a little, Loria, before your muscles freeze up. <Loria> ::nodding:: Yes, Lisl... ::groaning a little, she gets to her feet, reluctantly doing squats:: * Kevil circles for a moment, then lunges - not into the leaping attack Lisl is familiar with, but a dervish-fast spin, ending with a kick aimed at her ribs. <Lisl> Whoa! ::dances back, the foot missing her chest by barely an inch before she slaps it away:: Now *that's* new.... <Kevil> I said I had new forms to practice, did I not? ::he smiles thinly:: <Lisl> ::her musing tone at odds with her intent eyes:: That would work well with a cloak to provide a distraction... ::taking a darting step forward to throw a punch at his solar plexus:: * Kevil twists out of the way of her punch, aiming an almost casual return toward her neck that has more to do with keeping her attention than actually making contact. As he finishes the twist, his foot hooks her ankle and lifts. * Lisl raises a hand to parry the shot towards her neck, suspecting a trick within a trick, and stumbles as his foot kicks her ankle skyward. "Ack! You sneak!" She rolls into the motion, pushing off with her other foot into a backspring and flipping over neatly to land on her feet again. * Kevil grins briefly, and begins circling again. * Lisl shakes her head as she lands, grinning, and dives forward, planting her hands just short of Kevil's position and swinging a kick at his head. <Kevil> ::crouches to duck under Lisl's kick, then springs up while she's still recovering the leg, using her shoulders as a springboard to flip over her:: <Lisl> Ha! ::her hand darts up to catch his ankle as he sails overhead, bringing him up short with a jerk as she spins to face him again:: None of that now. * Lisl glances sidelong at Loria. "Gotta watch these acrobats. They're tricky." * Loria shrugs, grinning, and she bends over to touch her toes. * Kevil flails as he falls, and hits the ground with a distinct "thud" and gasps as the air goes out of him. "Damn it, one day I will catch you off-balance enough to claim that kill." * Loria flinches sympathetically, watching Kevil with worried eyes. <Lisl> ::grins:: One day. Not today. ::reaching a hand down to help him back to his feet:: <Kevil> ::takes several deep breaths before accepting Lisl's hand:: <Lisl> Again? <Kevil> ::nods, still breathing heavily:: Give me a minute. * Loria finishes stretching, unlacing her heavy leather tunic with obvious relief, tossing it in a heap on top of her helmet. <Lisl> ::nods:: Take your time. ::rolling out her shoulder and jerking her head to one side, cracking her neck:: * Kevil takes a few more deep breaths, then leans forward to put his palms on the ground and stretches his back one vertebra at a time. * Kevil straightens and nods. "Again, then." * Lisl nods, and settles into a fighter's crouch again, beckoning with her hands. "Show me what else your mother taught you." <Kevil> ::laughs lightly as he drops back to his crouch:: My mother taught me *all* of it, Lisl. * Kevil circles right, narrowing his eyes as he watches Lisl's face. <Lisl> ::grins:: Ahh, what? I haven't taught you to watch your feet, yet? ::feinting right:: <Kevil> If I have to *watch* my feet, I do not belong in the fighter's circle. ::stepping closer to her to counter the feint:: * Lisl spins suddenly, driving an elbow towards his gut. * Kevil steps into her spin, twisting slightly to take the half-force elbow in his ribs, grunting at the impact. As she slams into him, one leg wraps around her waist almost lover-like, and then he bends backward, planting his hands firmly on the ground and flipping his legs over, pulling her with them. * Lisl plants her hands over her head, saving her skull from the ground and matching his flip with one of her own, bringing her knees up to trap his leg against her stomach as she turns the flip into a somersault. * Kevil laughs shortly and pulls sideways as he lands again, using his greater mass to foul her and roll free. * Lisl rolls to her feet, grinning. "Trying to make Loria jealous? You're not my type." * Loria blushes, looking away from the fight briefly. <Kevil> ::laughs again as he comes to his feet and begins circling again:: You are the one who asked for the exhibition... Half a sinew less reflex... <Lisl> ::grins, muttering:: Exhibition, not exhibitionist, Alani... I grant you, a slower opponent would have gotten a good rap to her skull for her troubles... ::stepping in again, her fingers hook-like as both hands arrow for his neck:: <Kevil> ::spins out of the way with another version of the dervish-kick, this one aimed to kick at her hands:: * Lisl grunts as his flying foot whacks into her wrist with the dull snap of breaking bone, drawing her other hand in to trap the leg and dig her hooked fingers into the nerve at the back of the knee. * Loria winces, squinting her eyes nearly shut. <Kevil> ::gasps in pain and jerks his leg instinctively back, unbalancing himself:: * Lisl spins, wincing again as the bone in her wrist crackles, and stiff-arms him backwards. * Kevil falls to the ground and rolls, coming up balanced on the good leg, watching her warily. * Lisl shakes out her hand, eyeing his leg with concern. "You alright?" <Kevil> ::puts weight on the leg tentatively, then stands a little more firmly:: Mostly. As soon as the feeling comes back entirely. <Lisl> ::nods:: Sorry, should have pulled that one a little more... ::flexes her fingers:: <Lisl> That dervish kick's effective, when it hits... <Kevil> ::grins faintly:: It took me half a day to convince my mother to teach me. She was *most* displeased by the deterioration of my form. <Lisl> ::raising her eyebrows as she starts circling again, slowly:: Deterioration? With all the sparring we've been doing? Piffle! You're in better shape than when we started. <Kevil> ::grins and nods, echoing her circle, still stepping a little gingerly on his leg:: Yes, but she felt I had become... sloppy with certain of the forms. Too much fast sparring, not enough slow discipline, you see. * Loria flops down on the ground, laying over on her back and looking up into the sky. <Lisl> Ahhh... ::nods, smiling a little:: Yes, that I can see... I'll have to show you Mother's meditation exercises, that should keep her happy... * Lisl pivots, swinging a kick at Kevil's midsection. <Kevil> ::shrugs:: She had of me my promise to practice the forms both slow and fast, every morning, before she agreed to teach me the spinning kick. ::he steps back and catches her foot, pushing it up over his head:: * Lisl continues the momentum of her kick, her arm shooting out to land a punch on the side of Kevil's head, pulling its strength at the last moment. * Kevil grunts acknowledgement of the punch, then sweeps her foot clear of the ground, tightening his hold on the one ankle and twisting it. <Lisl> ::her chin takes on a stubborn cast for a moment, as if she's minded to let him twist it 'til it breaks, but she relents and turns away from the hold, giving in to the pressure:: <Kevil> ::As she turns away, he swings a fist toward her neck, pulling back fractionally to graze the skin just before contact:: * Lisl nods her head, acknowledging the hit, and breaks off. "Good one. You haven't gotten a solid hit on me like that in awhile." She grins. "Although I wouldn't have held it against you if you didn't pull it. I've planted you often enough, you earned it." <Kevil> ::laughs breathlessly and steps back, relaxing out of fighting stance:: Well... The punch to the head should by all rights have done the trick, but you know how hard-headed I am... ::he grins at her, still panting slightly:: <Lisl> ::chuckles:: It would take more than a knock to the head to dissuade you, I think. <Kevil> ::grins and walks over to sit next to where Loria is lying.:: All done, n'shava... * Loria is sound asleep on the ground, her hands tucked under her head. <Lisl> ::grins, and shakes her finger at Kevil:: You should stretch out, too, you know. Leg all better? <Kevil> ::looks down at Loria with amusement, then looks back up at Lisl:: We are boring, I think... ::he nods:: Fine now, yes. And I will stretch down, though I had in mind a hot bath, once we got home... <Lisl> ::chuckles:: Of course you did. ::looks down at Loria, her smile tender:: She's had a hard day... <Kevil> ::nods, looking down at Loria:: I hate to wake her. But I do not think I can carry her home... ::he sighs and strokes her cheek softly:: N'shava? <Lisl> ::shrugs:: I can, if it comes to that... * Loria jerks away, her eyes opening as she catches his wrist, twisting away. She stops, blinking in confusion. "Kevil?" <Kevil> ::looks mildly concerned:: Yes, n'shava... ::he touches her cheek again:: Dreaming again? <Lisl> ::frowning:: Nightmares, still? <Loria> ::shaking her head:: You startled me. I'm sorry. <Kevil> ::smiles faintly:: Nothing to be sorry for, love... Lisl and I have finished beating upon one another. Ready to go home? <Loria> ::nodding:: All right. Are you both still alive? <Lisl> ::chuckles:: Mostly. <Kevil> ::grins:: It seems so, yes. <Loria> ::getting to her feet, she stretches, yawning:: Sorry I fell asleep. <Lisl> Not a problem. Actually... ::grinning:: That's another good warrior trait. Being able to grab sleep wherever you are. <Loria> ::nodding:: Kristo uses that as his excuse too. <Lisl> ::laughs:: Excuse? ::grins:: Well, you're not supposed to be able to *catch* him napping.... * Kevil picks up Loria's pack and slings it over his shoulder, then holds out his hand to Loria. "Ready to go, n'shava?" <Loria> ::laughs:: He sleeps like a rock. <Lisl> ::shakes her head, still grinning:: *Bad* warrior trait. <Loria> ::takes Kevil's hand, then turning to Lisl:: Should I come back to practice with you, or... should I go back and try again with Master Bjorn? <Lisl> Up to you. Bjorn can certainly teach you more about mace... but if it makes you uncomfortable and you still can't hit him, I'd be happy to take your punishment. <Loria> ::clenching her jaw slightly, a tick forming in her cheek:: I think I should try with him once again. If nothing else, I... feel like I need to prove something... to him, maybe, or just to myself. <Kevil> ::looks at her with a faintly worried expression, but doesn't say anything:: <Lisl> ::nods:: Good girl. Remember... he may be a bastard sometimes, but he *does* know what he's doing. He's not going to let you seriously hurt him. <Lisl> And if you still have problems with it... ::gestures to the lawn:: You know where to find me. <Loria> ::nodding, she hangs her mace at her hip:: Thank you, Lisl. <Lisl> Any time, Loria. ::giving her a quick hug:: Luck to you. <Loria> ::smiles warmly:: I'm glad you're around, Lisl... <Lisl> ::grins:: You make me glad to *be* around. ::adding another squeeze:: Thank you, Loria. * Loria turns to Kevil, then, taking his arm. "Should I lean on you, or you on me, my heart?" <Kevil> ::laughs and kisses the top of her head:: We shall lean on each other, as proper partners. |
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