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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on May 27, 2007 12:31:12 GMT -5
I looked at Ambre's moves. They weren't so awkward, as they lacked assertion. I didn't as much as chuckle. "Not bad, but not good enough. Go back, and do it again. Make sure one of your feet is always touching the ground. You need stability for this exercise. And don't be so afraid to hurt me, Ambre. It's only wood, and a bruise never killed anyone. I will parade it, anyways."
As I said it, I held the stance, my sword down, but ready to parade.
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on May 28, 2007 0:29:29 GMT -5
Nodding with determination I didn't quite feel, although I did feel silly, I slid back the few steps I had come and tried again, weighted leg, sword leg, and this time I thrust with my full weight behind it.
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on May 28, 2007 0:35:10 GMT -5
"It's better." I said as I dodged the hit, taking one step back. "Don't go anywhere, just do it again, and aim for the heart. Don't be concerned about hurting me!" I said a bit louder, wanting her to get some thrill of excitement. This time, I would hit back. Maybe a little taunt would make her warrior come out, I thought.
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on May 28, 2007 1:15:32 GMT -5
I moved to strike Julie again, the sun hot on my brow. "Believe me," I started with a smile, "I'm getting less and less concerned for your welfare." I gave her a wink and then lunged aiming for her heart, sword out and level in my hand.
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on May 28, 2007 1:22:05 GMT -5
At her strike came at me, I moved my sword and countered her, our weapons forming cross on the ground. "You shouldn't be concerned about your opponent. You'll have plenty of time to like me and be my friend later. For now, just loose patience, and take it out on me," my smile was a little evil. Oh, how I wanted a fight !
I took a step back, and told her, "Do it again. Tap into that dark place, and strike. If you don't hit, I'll counter attack," I threatened her.
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on May 28, 2007 3:31:50 GMT -5
It was odd, this was odd for me. Certainly I got angry, but not for very long, and I was content to not have a little evil place deep inside me. I mean this was fun and all, but I didn't want to be a fighter. I wanted to know how to use a sword better, not learn to be the best, I was guessing Julie wanted the later. I had no pride to defend, like my brothers had, which had driven them to be better.
All I had was me, and all I wanted was to be happy and to find adventure. Adventure that didn't necessarily need a weapon.
I tried my best anyway. Withdrawing my weapon from the cross, I raised it. I gave another quick and direct thrust, while aiming and putting my weight behind the weapon, I watched for her movements in case she decided to block or parry.
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on May 28, 2007 9:18:44 GMT -5
Ambre's thrust was powerful and fast, and it struck be on my left side. I felt the impact of the wooden sword on my ribcage, and let out a small gasp of surprise and pain, immediately followed by a roaring laughter.
"I knew you had it in you. I won't let my guard down next time, though!" I exclaimed merrily, as I thrust my sword with a light move in a semi circle, hitting her just below the knee in an impact which could hurt with a sharp blade, but would barely tease her with the blunt practice weapon.
I took a step back, and told her, "that was good. Are you ready to parry or would you like to try attacking again?"
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on May 29, 2007 1:52:20 GMT -5
I gave Julie a wry smile, before she hit me with her sword, and my knee bent further unexpectedly. My eyes widened in surprise, and I took a sharp intake of breath to my lungs. I wished I'd been paying more attention. I balanced myself, and became once again steady and grounded in my first fighting stance, but it had taken effort I would of rather not expended.
Sliding my front foot in a half circle, pivoting on my back leg I turned my body with it and I slid around to face her keeping my stance in case she decided to whack me again. "Parry please."
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on May 29, 2007 7:59:58 GMT -5
I chuckled at Ambre’s antics. She had some talent. She lacked agressivity, but that could be fixed if she willed it.
“Perfect.” I lifted my sword in a fighting stance, and aimed at her side, in a hit that would not really hurt if she took it, but that required some quick thinking on her part. I thought she could do it.
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on May 29, 2007 21:11:18 GMT -5
I had learned from my previous mistake, and had been watching Julie. I seriously didn't think bruises at my first fete would be a good idea. Bringing my sword around to my side I twisted it to catch Julie's blow. It was just enough to deflect it, but just barely and not enough to hold her sword. Her sword glanced off mine and greatfully, away from my side.
She was stronger than I was and had I not already been in a fighting stance I was fairly certain I would of fallen even if I had deflected it. "Aren't you going to show my the promper methods, or is me being a rag doll more fun?" I said mildly, a smile playing at the corner of my lips.
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on May 30, 2007 1:55:47 GMT -5
I smiled. "Good - your instinct to protect yourself did take over. It's what all this is about, you know."
I dropped my weapon, and walked over to her. "Ambre, you are learning as is. Besides, I needed to test you a little first." My hands on hers, I straightened her hold, modifying the way she gripped the weapon. "Here, you need to hold it this way, and keep your wrist rigid. You arm is doing all the work, not this gentle articulation."
"We'll do it, again, very slowly, and I want you to not be worried. This is practice, not combat, and I will not hurt you."
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on May 30, 2007 11:16:54 GMT -5
"I don't think you'll hurt me, but I dare say that if I find a lover during the fete, I'll look quite bruised if I keep letting you in my guard." In said as I inspected the way she had moved my fingers around the grip of the sword, and studied it, trying to remember if I had need of it later. Glancing up, I readied my stance, "Again then?"
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on May 30, 2007 14:10:14 GMT -5
I stifled my own hurt at the mention of lovers, as a powerful image of Jonas' embrace overpowered me. "Don't worry, the worst that can happen is that they'll get the wrong impression and mistake you for a lover of Mandrake." I paused. "That wouldn't be very good. I'll make sure not to bruise you, then. No need to worry about bruising me, though," I added.
I walked back, picked up my weapon, and took a stance. "Yes, again. Come at me, I will parry and counterstrike, you parry and counterstrike, and so on. No need to go fast. The interest is to practice your footwork, your grip, and your aim."
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on May 30, 2007 21:11:42 GMT -5
I laughed. "I'm not sure how many lovers I'll be seeing myself." I was hopeful, but I had really never gotten far in the affairs of boths. Or sure I'd played the games, and and experimented, but the act of love had never come about, and I was just as happy about it. I wanted someone who I really liked, and was interested in to be with. I hadn't found anyone like that yet, but maybe the fete would turn my luck about.
I slid forward towards Julie, trying to maintain a defense postion. When I got close enough to strike I did so, aiming for her center chest. She parried my wooden blade quickly and I lost a few seconds steading myself in the counterstrike. Our weapons crossed. This time my weapon held, and hers didn't glance off. I was watching her, it was her turn to counterstrike and I was watching her movements while trying to maintain mine.
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on May 31, 2007 1:32:29 GMT -5
As she said so, I smiled sadly an instant. “I’m hoping for some entertainment, but not lovers.” I parried in a swift move, and blocked her counterstrike.
I held the cross for a moment, teasing Ambre with a wry grin. I eyed her an instant, and whispered, “That’s my girl.” Then immediate disengaged my weapon with a quick step back, thrust forward, aiming at her chest, though the distance such that I would only graze her jacket.
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on May 31, 2007 12:47:52 GMT -5
I lifted my weapon to parry, my arm was jarred painfully even as a glancing blow, as it struck her weapon and I gritted my teeth against the pain. Sliding backwards and out of her grip, I moved forward again striking towards her abdomen. "I'm hoping for a little fun at the fete." I said breathlessly.
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on May 31, 2007 13:27:42 GMT -5
I parried, allowing however my weapon to simply glide off of Ambre's with a soft thud. I took a step back. "Need a break?" I gestured to Nicole to bring the water I'd packed in the saddle bag.
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on Jun 1, 2007 1:36:32 GMT -5
I glanced up surprised. I hadn't even realized Nicole and Brian had arrived yet. Now looking I saw Nicole smiling and Brian outright grinning. He had been true to his word, and hadn't laughed or said a word in jest.
I supposed that this meant I needed to be more aware of my surroundings. I nodded simply and followed Julie over to Nicole who held the jug. "Yes Please."
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Jun 1, 2007 1:44:21 GMT -5
My mind was heavy with thoughts of the Fete to come. Would I allow myself to be with someone? Bayard and Jonas both had taught me some, the first, that adepts are lovely bedcompanions, and that such activities were of the mystical kind. Jonas, that bedding someone could also mean loosing them. I yet hat to make up my mind on my own expectations.
"You're better than you said," I said as we walked over to Nicole. "I guess all this teasing affected your confidence." I gave a nod, and Nicole handed the jug to Ambre. "How was the little trip here ?" I asked Brian with a smirk.
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on Jun 1, 2007 21:12:53 GMT -5
I laughed at what I thought was a joke about my skills, before realizing it wasn't and then I just gave a small smile, taking the jug from Nicole and taking a swig of the jug.
Brian turned his grin on Julie. "Quite pleasent. Nicole tells good stories," he winked at Nicole. "Thank for making sure Adrienne is in one piece here. Her mother would hang me up to dry. Not as fun as it sounds."
I held the jug out for Julie, in case she was as thirsty as I had been.
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Jun 2, 2007 2:39:27 GMT -5
I chuckled. "Now worries, Brian. I would love to see you hanging on a clothesline one of these days, though," I replied amusedly, taking the offered jug. I gave Nicole a teasing look, "Now what stories are you going about telling?"
She blushed, "Nothing, Julie." I gave her a confused look and took a long sip of water.
Returning my attention to my new friend, I made a comment I'd been itching to express. "Ambre, your mother sounds like quite the terror, is she as fierce as your retainer, here, seems to think?""
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on Jun 2, 2007 18:06:45 GMT -5
I gave a quick smile thinking about my mother. I generally liked her even if she had put me in dresses. There was a little of her in me, and I thought that had helped some of my more tom boyish causes as a child.
"I think she might be able to beat you with a sword." I winked at Julie. "She's not bad, she just has high standards. She wants the best of me, and she wants to make sure I'm ok. She's a mother and I'm her only girl. I'd say it's easier to be with her than against her though. There are many people who would quell in her wake, but she's fair." I looked Julie over, picturing my mother in her clothes, something I'd never seen. " I think you'd like her. She was more like you. Weapon wielding and adventure seeking. She had less restraints of lineage than I do. No court for her, more time for travelling."
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Jun 2, 2007 18:16:22 GMT -5
I smiled widely. "I guess I would love to meet your mother, then. She sounds much better than Brian's depictions," I gave him a wan smile. "Don't worry, retainer or not, I kind of like you, and will not repeat your words. But you should be careful." Turning to Ambre, I told her, "You are lucky. Parents are to be cherished," my heart aching at the thought of my father's solitary hailing.
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on Jun 2, 2007 23:34:43 GMT -5
Brian laughed at my Julie's comment. I knew he loved my mother well, but he knew better than to question her or go against her wishes. If she wished me safe, then it was ill advised of him to fail in his duty. My mother wasn't one for not being observant or not completeling a task well.
I tilted my head and smiled. "I am lucky. My parents love me and have only wanted the best for me, even if I disagree sometimes. What of your parents? Are they in court?"
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Jun 3, 2007 6:55:48 GMT -5
"No, they are represented by Kendrick. Our mother died when I was eight years old. I only have fleeting memories of her. Our father stays back home, running the place and such." I left the rest unsaid, the painful thought of losing another parent looming on me. Saying it would only make it more real. It was ironic, how I was eager to push that truth down my brother's throat, yet to say it to someone else was a painful thing.
In turn, I asked, "What of your father? Your mother I heard plenty about, but not of him...."
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on Jun 3, 2007 13:45:53 GMT -5
"I'm sorry to hear about your mother." I said as shse paused and I was glad she changed the subject. I hadn't really ever dealt directly with death and anything I could say about it, wouldn't come from experience of understanding. "My father is back in Siovale running the Rocaille holding. He's pretty much the opposite of my mother." I smiled wryly. "He is very intelligent and continuely seeks knowledge, he is gentle and soft spoken. I true Comte of Siovale." I was smiling but on the inside my heart was burning as I thought about him. Oh how I missed him so! I had been closest with him.
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Jun 3, 2007 14:54:37 GMT -5
"He sounds like a lovely man," I said softly as I took another swig of water. Holding it out to Ambre in case she wanted more, I asked, "Well, have you had enough, or are you willing for some more? If not, I had a mind to go up that oak, if you'll care to join" I pointed to the tree up the neighboring hill. "That's valid for the both of you as well," I told Nicole and Brian, my eyes glittering with amusement at the thought of Nicole coming up the tree.
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on Jun 4, 2007 2:13:07 GMT -5
I glanced at the oak and my eyes lit up with amusement. I still climbed trees in Siovale, although I took care to make sure my mother never found out. Water forgotten about I looked at Julie. "Tree I think, last one there is a Skaldi's wolf pelt, skinned and all!" I yelled out as I took off running towards the oak. There were hills in Siovale and this one was minor compared to what I was used to. My legs felt good to be stretched instead of crouched, and I found myself with a new burst of energy.
Not looking behind me to see if anyone was following I grabbed the lowest branch of the tree when I arrived and hoisted myself up on the first branch. I found my next foot hold and a brace for my hand. Shifting the pressure of my limbs evenly between the two holds I began the vertical climb upwards laughing.
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Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Jun 4, 2007 8:32:18 GMT -5
I followed Ambre's lead, and broke into a run, gaining enough momentum to hop and gave a small swing on the branch, my body chiming up the tree in a spider-like fashion. This was much easier than Kendrick's willow in the City, but Ambre had a good head start, and I could only keep up with her, climbing to the sound of her laughter.
It was communicative, and I laughed as well, and in hindsight, I would notice I had done so withough giving a thought to the willow, Bayard, and my first kiss. I felt happy and free. This was what I needed, really.
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Post by Adrienne Ambre de Rocaille (D) on Jun 5, 2007 1:14:42 GMT -5
Latching on with one of the higher branches I gave Julie a look and a smile. "What do you think eh? Nice view, and better yet there is wind up here!" I turned my head to watch Brian escorting Nicole slowly over towards us. I doubted they'd be climbing. "So this fete and coronation... there will be a lot of people there. I feel like I'll be overwhelmed. Aside from you and Nyx, I don't know anyone yet. It's quite different then what I'm used to. I've never been out of sorts really, I've always had my friends."
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