swordprincess | 005 [Voice/Action]

[Karla is...confused, to say the least. She didn't know who she was...but she hasn't thought about it either. She only thought of herself as just a girl, looking for her big brother. Others saw her as the Princess of Swords, a devastating warrior whose skill and beauty was talked about all over Elibe. She didn't care too much for that reputation, because she didn't care about fighting. The only thing on her mind was finding her brother.]

[But Zompano's recent takeover allowed her to become something else entirely. A wife and a mother with a family. She had to admit that she liked it while it lasted.]

[Her voice is filled with sadness and disappointment as she casually speaks into her journal.]

To be a wife and a mother, even for a short time, was...quite an illuminating experience. That's a kind of life I would have liked to live.

[At some point during the day, the Sword Princess can be found at the Battle Dome in yet another "bandits raiding the village" scenario. There are three bandits facing her now. They move in to attack, mercilessly swinging their axes at her. Karla dodges their attacks easily, as if they were moving in slow motion. And then three strokes from her sword led to three fallen bandits. The setting fades back into the usual empty room. Karla sighs as she sheaths her sword. Asch had shown her how to use the Battle Dome, but now she needs to learn how to make the scenarios more challenging.]

[Later on, she takes a break, sitting on the edge of the fountain in the plaza. She cradles her sword in her lap, stroking the smooth blade with her fingers. It's strange, having to get used to the sword all over again after temporarily forgetting her skill. As usual, she remains oblivious to the world around her. Approach her anyway?]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Nel caught the girl's statement on the journal, but she had nothing to add to it, but when she ran into her at the Battle Dome, she felt the need to say something to her then.]

That scenario hardly seems as if it was challenging you at all.

[Karla sheaths her sword as she exits the room, disappointed.]

It wasn't... [She admits it.]

I never understood the fascination with these pre-programmed enemies. They aren't a challenge because enemies aren't going to act the same way every time.

Perhaps a live person would be better for you?

I heard there was a way to make it more challenging, though. I just don't know how to do it.

A live person? It probably would be better...but I don't have anyone to practice with...

I've never bothered with the simulations. I prefer a live opponent.

[She just waits for the girl to catch her meaning.]

[But this girl might not catch her meaning, because she's oblivious like that. You'd have to be more direct.]

I see. Do you have any live opponents?

Not right now. But, if you're looking for some challenge, I'd be willing to help you. I could use some exercise to clear my mind for a change.

Hmm. If that's what you want, I'd be happy to do it.

[Smiling all pretty and innocent-like.]

[Nel rested her hands on the hilts of her daggers, her lips turning up into a wry smile.]

Before we begin, are you able to use anything aside from your sword or is that all?

[Karla rests her hand on her hilt as well.]

No...my sword is all I have.

[It's all she's ever needed.]

In that case, I will refrain from using Runology. Only my daggers.

[Nel steps into the center of the deactivated battle area.]

Come at me when you're ready.

"Runology...?"

[Some sort of magic, Karla assumes. She draws her sword, studying the other woman for a moment. Sparring with another woman is a rare thing for her. Karla takes a moment to assess her opponent. Nel doesn't look particularly strong, which means she'll be more likely to rely on speed. And that should make her more challenging than most of the men that Karla has faced.]

[Karla steps forward rather casually and then aims a diagonal stroke. It's a rather half-hearted attack, just to see how Nel would respond.]

[As a trained fighter and someone just come from a war between neighboring countries that's lasted many, many years, she's insulted with Karla's weak, ineffectual attack. In response, she jumps high, daggers sliding dangerously close to vital points as she lands behind the girl.]

Come after me for real or you'll die.

[Karla freezes as Nel lands behind her, her face darkening at the comment.]

My apologies, but I thought this was merely an exercise. I suppose I should have known better. As you wish then.

[She spins around, swinging her sword towards the other girl's midsection at near-lightning speed.]

[If Karla listened carefully, she'd hear Nel laughing under her breath as she dropped instantly to the ground.]

That's better! You should be serious about your practice. It's how you stay in shape, yes?

[The redhead rolled quickly to her side with an easy smile on her face. Her blood was pumping through her veins once more, brain free of the stupid things that had happened during the Shift and how strange the relationship with her friends had become. This was pure instinct, something she'd been doing for years. She felt natural for the first time since her arrival.]

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