2017-07-08: Hone Your Mind
- Log: Hone Your Mind
- Cast: Riesenlied, Noeline, Hiro
- Where: Lacour
- Date: 8th June 2017
- Summary: In return for his assistance, Riesenlied offers a swordsmanship lesson to Hiro while Noeline and Ruby watch.
<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.
Hiro receives a short missive some few days after his meeting with Noeline and Riese -- unlike the one before, it's a lot less ambiguous and simply reads:
'I'd like to speak to you about swordsmanship, from what I observed during our flight prior.
The Adventurer's Guild has a training hall that we can use, if you are interested. -Riese'
It is perchance a little worrying, given the condition of the winged metal demon earlier -- but perhaps the Tournament has made her feel like she should offer something in turn for his assistance before he inevitably came face to face with his rival Leo once more, whether within the halls of the arena or outside.
The winged woman is waiting inside the hall, her hands placed at her chest as she closes her eyes and faces a window in seemingly tranquil meditation when Hiro arrives.
<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.
Noeline is also waiting, of course - though whereas Riese stands in tranquil meditation...
... well, the 'Crimson Noble' has never been particularly big on the whole idea of meditation, nor is she exactly the tranquil sort. She /is/ waiting, though, and clearly doesn't want to interrupt the winged woman's moment of peace - something that has been truly rare, as of late, and that she's quietly thankful for. So instead she's sat atop one of the pillars that dot the training hall, a slim volume of some kind held open by one hand as she leafs through it. [OOC] Maya Schrodinger immediately summoned away for evil Maya Schrodinger has left.
<Pose Tracker> Hiro has posed.
Hiro still has burns in places he didn't know existed. The healers tended to him, but shen he shows up at the adventurer's hall.
Well for one thing he's sans shirt from the waist up.
And all of that skin is red. Really red. It looks like he's been out in the sun too long, angry erythema all over his body, some areas are encircled with bandages, where the worst blisters. He looks better than he did after the fight yesterday at least. Riese may hear his footsteps as he enters the hall, but that's the first thing she sees. "Hey Riese." He holds up a hand, waves. "Glad you're doing better." Then looks up, starts as he sees someone atop a pillar, "Whoa Noeline! Didn't see you up there!" A few seconds pass then- "You and Leo really like being on top of tall things don't you?"
He rolls his arms, "So it was kind of a rough match." "KINDA a rough match?" Ruby calls from just outside the room before she flies in. "Hiro you're supposed to be resting up!" He comes almost face to face with her, eyelevel. "Uh, she offered me a swordsmanship lesson Ruby. There's no way I'm gonna pass /that/ chance up."
<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.
There's a very silent wince from Riesenlied as she looks towards Hiro, placing her hand to her cheek. She still looks rather subdued, but... it's a better sight than how she was when Hiro first ran into her days ago, when she was effectively a shell of her former self. "That... is how she is, yes," she remarks softly, squinting. "I was not present for it, unfortunately... if it is not a good time, though, we could reschedule?"
She tilts her head. "I wanted to offer my gratitude and grant something in return for what you've done for us. ... both during our escape, and with the Holy Berry too..." she pauses, and then reassures Noeline, "I won't need to exert myself overmuch, it's all right..."
============== <* Lacour - Adventurer's Guild Headquarters *>==========
The Adventurer's Guild Headquarters in Lacour is the largest outpost of its kind on the continent. In theory, it reports to the central headquarters in Guild Galad, but for all intents and purposes, it controls and coordinates all Guild activities and outposts throughout Ignas more or less independently.
Located in the western half of the castle town, the Headquarters occupies a three-story building far from the chaos of the Market District. The first floor is a receiving and processing area, much like a bank, devoted entirely to the receipt, posting, and paying out of Guild contracts. The second floor is rarely seen by anyone who does not work there - the employees of the Guild responsible for sending and receiving messges from outposts across Ignas. The third floor is occupied by the Guild's local head, a woman few can name and fewer have seen.
BGM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJ0Idh3dz3g
==== < Players >----------------------------------
Name Arleph Ardan Hiro Noeline Riesenlied
==== < Exits >-----------------------------------
==== <O> Out to Lacour - Market District
==================================================================
<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.
"--oh, my," notes Noeline first and foremost over the top of her book, because of course she does; her second look down at the bright red boy is more appraising, and rather honestly surprised. "... I do rather see Ruby's point," she notes after a moment, and perhaps there's the slightest tone back there of honest praise. "At the same time, you are much like Riese - I very much doubt we could stop you from pushing yourself if we tried."
"I like to consider it an important part of my character," she decides in reference to Hiro's question; she seems content up there, at least, her legs crossed as she easily maintains her balance. "Though, to be quite fair, it's more the chance to drop on someone should it be absolutely necessary."
She suits her actions to her words a moment later, dropping lightly to the ground to lay her free hand on Riesenlied's arm. (The book continues to be held expertly in one hand, though it's probably doing horrible things to the spine.)
The vampire has remained very affectionate to Riese, even as her own confidence slowly rebuilds itself; she huffs softly, and nods her head. "Just be careful. I will keep watch, of course, just in case. ... we have not used it yet, mind you," she adds towards Hiro, talking of the Berry. "I thought it might be best to let you know, in case of future need."
<Pose Tracker> Hiro has posed.
Hiro listens to Riese's offer for rescheduling, "Huh?" He then starts to sort of gesticulate with his arms in a dismissive gesture, "No way! You think I'm gonna pass up a lesson with an expert like you just because I'm a little burnt up?" "A LITTLE?"
"I know you're worried Ruby, but I need to do this. We're facing people like Leo himself now... you think I can hold him off with a few wind tricks and teaching myself how to use a sword?" Ruby glowers at him, but eventually relents. "Finnnneeee!" And then she looks up at Noeline, "Ugh! I hate that you're right! Don't compare him to her though!"
Hiro just sort of gets this little grin instead, "I dunno Ruby, I take it as a compliment." You shouldn't! "Though I've got a long way to go to get up to her level." "UGH!" Ruby flies upwards to take her place on a pillar across the room from Noeline.
"And hey you're welcome. I'm just glad I was able to lend a hand..." He starts walking in and Ruby calls down, "Fei found out by the way that you gave it to her!" Hiro stops walking, looking suddenly nervous, "Whoa he did? I guess... you told him." He doesn't seem mad since he was going to tell him anyway, "Uh... was he okay with it?" "Mostly!" He winces, then takes a deep breath.
"Alright. I'll talk to him about it when I see him again." His eyes fall upon Riese, "Do you want to use training swords for this or... real blades?"
<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.
Riesenlied's smile is bashful as she says, "... I can profess to not be an expert. Certainly I have a lot of experience, but it is piecemeal and cobbled from various styles I've absorbed over the many centuries..." she says, so very readily, like living centuries alone wouldn't give her a leg up. She places her hand to her chest to say, "I'd... like you to use the weapon you would use in a real fight."
She breathes rather shallowly for a moment, to centre herself.
"It won't be a rigorous lesson, don't worry. I do not know what kind of lessons you've had from others, but... I am not the style to work you to the bone and exhaust you. It isn't physical training that I am after, but..." her eyes narrow.
"It is one of form, fundamentals and discipline. I want to see the philosophy within your arte, Hiro. When I watched you and Leo duel so very briefly, I could see it from each of you..." she pauses, her eyes closing. "And I know you've that good heart. So let me point you to the right way... spoken as one who's refined a non-lethal art with the sword for many years, now. Because I have no doubt, after what you've said to Mister Leon and Miss Lily... that you will need that control over your blade in order to bridge reality with your convictions."
Her voice has regained its confidence, in this moment. This is the heartful Riesenlied that the two of them know, someone who can inspire with her words and poise. [WATCH] Sheriff Star has disconnected.
<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.
Noeline steps away from Riese's side, giving the winged woman some space as she takes centre stage. The spy doesn't hop up back to her perch just yet - but her cackle is certainly pointed in that direction as she sighs Ruby's glower and immediate string of huffy noises. "Well, really. I do have some experience with that sort of person. It isn't usually all that hard to pick them out at fifty paces, hm?"
The Crimson Noble pauses, her eyebrows raising ever so slightly - and then she chuckles to herself as she flicks out some of her hair. "I imagine that Fei will understand. In fact, we have spoken to him a few times during our stay here - and made something of a peace with him, if a slightly uneasy one." She paces to one side, instead, leaning up against Ruby's pillar with a light hum and folded arms, voguing for all she's worth. "Not out of animosity, but concern. Quite a pacifist, that one, hm?"
She quiets, though, as Riesenlied begins to deliver her lesson; the black-haired demon does nothing more but glance to the side to watch her, but the respect she holds for the other woman is suddenly and absolutely obvious.
<Pose Tracker> Hiro has posed.
Hiro wobbles a hand, "Experience is the best teacher though isn't it?" As he looks upon Riese for confirmation. "I mean if I kept swinging a sword at a dummy maybe I'd get better- but it was no substitute for fighting a sandshark for the first time right?" He considers and, "They have those on the Blue Star right? Anyhow point is, you have way more experience than I do."
Unsheathing his sword, Riese would soon see that it's got scorch marks, and even though it's brand new, the edge looks- off somewhat, despite recent sharpening. "Really need to pick up a new one from my sponsor... that guy I fought kind of warped the edge." But philosophy? Hiro considers that for a moment, as Ruby pipes up, "The philosophy of Blaze Dragon's Flash Fang-" Hiro puts a hand over his face as he holds the sword, palming it as he slowly draws it down, "It's not really called that Ruby." "-it so is! You're just upset you couldn't translate much of that old book! Anyhow the philosophy is-" Continuing to rub his face he finally interrupts mildly, "She didn't ask for me to explain it. She wants to see it. And from what she's saying... she's got a pretty good grasp on how I feel about it already."
He holds the sword at a low guard, giving Riese a determined look, "So please show me how to control my blade better, so I can make those convictions a reality."
Meanwhile Ruby looks down upon Noeline, "Well I'm not a pacifist like he is, but I don't have to be to hate war like he does. Even a war to end wars. Even a war for peace. The two of us agree on a lot of things..." "So you made a friend Ruby?" "HIRO! Back me up here!" "Well... they already know how I feel. There's no use to keep saying it over and over. I'm not gonna browbeat them with it."
<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.
Riesenlied has a tender chuckle with a nod, as she looks towards Hiro's weapon. She places a hand to the hilt of her own sword, and slowly draws it. It's a fairly thin blade, something between a rapier and an arming sword -- a side-sword, if you were to be accurate, with a wire guard and a lengthened ricasso upon which she holds onto it. She wields it with her left hand, apparently her dominant one. "I admit I have no name to my style either. Maybe someday, we both will give them a name."
There's a faint breath again, as she bows her head. "Then, allow me to test you."
The winged woman slowly steps forward, then darts into Hiro's range -- the way she tests him is methodical, first presenting him with a sample of various forms of basic strikes from common Filgaian styles that she's seen. She can't profess to be a master of any of them, but the assimilation of their basic lessons makes her quite adept at testing the gaps in what she believes is a more self-taught, instinctual style. Low, high, low -- feint, feint, parry, riposte...
She has an eye not only on his sword arm, but also his footwork and to get a sense of how keenly he keeps a surrounding eye on his environments -- the way she moves, she attempts to control the space, to subtly direct him with feints that are easily dodged but may lead him to a corner if unaware.
<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.
"I would not say that he hates war," Noeline tilts her head in the direction of the dragon, with a light and ever-so-slightly thoughtful smile. Rather than stay leaning on the pillar, she has at some point summoned Strife to her side, the spherical robot beeping and whirring a little as she uses it as a mobile stand, leaning upon it with her folded arms as she watches the training go down.
"It is rather more as if-- he dislikes conflict in general for whatever the reason, it would seem to me. He got quite upset with Riese threw herself into diplomacy in the middle of a heated battle, for instance, simply because he would rather someone break off from a fight completely rather than put themselves in danger to try to prevent it."
She pauses for a moment, then frowns quietly to herself. "I can't say that I agree, but I also cannot say that I /disagree/, to be quite honest - after all, I have spent a great deal of my time on Filgaia preferring to simply dance away from such things without a care. Perhaps I'll have a firmer thought on it all after a bit more rest, hm?" she chuckles. She and Riese still look kind of ruffled, all told, but the both of them certainly look somewhat better, as well.
Her eyes flick towards the match, mind you; after all, she is a metal demon. Some things are kind of coded in.
<Pose Tracker> Hiro has posed.
"It has a name! A good one!" Ruby protests and Hiro ignores because he knows that's not the name. Since Ruby changes it /every single week/ and it's always about Red Dragons.
And then Hiro is tested. He doesn't have a shield today, or armor. So it's all swordwork. Fortunately for him he'd learned to fight more and more without the handicap of a shield as of late. Holding onto it with one hand, he parries the first few blows in a way which seem like he's not having to expend too much effort.
But quickly he's pressed by Riese's ever-shifting swordwork. Low, high, low. He has to switch from high to low almost frantically there and grip with another hand... Then feint, he backsteps, feint, he twists his body to the side just in case, trying to resquare his stance, before he goes on the offensive with what he thinks is opening. Riese parries it pretty easily. And then she breaks the brief bladelock with a riposte that almost strikes home with him. He backpeddles into a stumble as he's pressed by it.
As he recovers... "This is rough without armor. So many more openings I wouldn't normally worry about as much..."
His footwork isn't entirely sloppy, but it's not refined either, it definitely shows that he's almost entirely self-taught. At the very least he's quick on his feet, and a little clever. He may not be the biggest thinker for everything else but he's got good battle instinct. This time he starts high-high-low. "Kind of feel like an amateur up against you."
He parries a blow- and then he shifts sword hands to his off-hand. It's a weaker arm, but not so much weaker than the added momentum from pivoting around might allow him to surprise her.
Meanwhile Ruby chats up Noeline. She's actually not that heated, but she does listen, then pose a question, "Well wouldn't you hate conflict too if you thought your actions killed a whole town? I mean he didn't mean to... but it still happened. And he's not a bad guy, so it weighs on him. Maybe he was worried Riese was going to get herself killed by doing that."
<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.
Riesenlied doesn't have her entire set of equipment either -- not the shield that Cetiri has fashioned for her at a time when her left arm was wounded gravely, so, she too is only relying on her swordwork. Her eye is locked on his the entire time they engage, someone who's used to only using the periphery of their vision to keep a scope on things while having their attention focused on their opponent -- and what they seek to do.
She has a smile as she pauses at that first break, though. "Armor is indeed a boon. It is good that you came without, that you may be more aware of how your body moves in tandem with your sword... neglect your body, and you neglect your blade in turn."
Hiro's reaction times and quickness may very well outstrip Riese's, something she compensates with confidence and a lack of hesitation in the way she moves. It's with grace, not speed, that she moves. High, high -- she feels that there's a story to each of his blows, and it's when he switches to a low stance that she's suddenly stepped into his space to flatten her palm against his off-hand's wrist to halt that movement. She read the trick, it seems.
"... you greatly remind me of when I started out," she admits, stopping the flow of movements after that exchange. "I, too, was self-taught... only picking up a discarded sword to fend ourselves against the various beasts and brigands that we would encounter in the Northern Steppes."
She gestures. "When you're self-taught, experience dominates." She makes a slow gesture to mimic a motion that Hiro made earlier. "It's easy to not realise it. You start to rely on certain tricks over others through your battles -- the thought of 'it's worked well in the past' begins to prevail. You must have had a lot of experience against the beasts of Lunar too, if I imagine?"
There is a pause. "But where a manuever works against certain kinds of opponents, it may not against another -- and that is what I saw in your battle against Leo. That off-hand manuever... it was clever, and it could have paid off handsomely. But it was also risky and overreaching. You must always have an answer for how you will recover if your trick fails."
<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.
"Hmmh... well, I suppose that's true - I certainly can't say that I felt a great deal of pride after everything that went down in Adlehyde," Noeline chuckles to herself rather ruefully, tilting her head lightly to one side. "And he did point out that that was exactly his worry. Still..." she trails off, then shrugs one shoulder.
"I suppose all that I can say is that is not what I expected - no more or less than that. At the very least, it was a pleasant change after a rather disastrous week," she adds as her sour expression over the ruined city melts away to a lighter grin.
Her eyes flick back towards the sparring session, musing over it for a long moment. "Your boy has a good instinct, hm? And a reasonably quick mind, to be able to pick up on some of those movements. ... he's perhaps a little prone to mild panic, mind you," she snickers softly.
"Something like this is far more suited towards Riese, rather than myself. It's hard to imagine," she absolutely lies through her teeth, her smile picking up in mischief as she glances towards the little dragon and makes the conspiratorial comment: "But I'm actually rather a terrible teacher."
<Pose Tracker> Hiro has posed.
Hiro sort of grins as Riese read the trick. He didn't really expect it to prevail but he wanted to try /something/. He switches hands and takes a step back with an easy flourish that he must imagine real to life heroes do all the itme. But then Riese starts to talk and he shifts to listening rather than acting. "Yeah." He admits, once she mentions tricks that work over and over might not always, "When I fought Berserk... I figured, okay he must rely on strength more than anything. So I did what I always did, just leapt at him with my blade held high."
He grimaces at the memory, "He kinda, sorta... knocked me half-way across Adlehyde. I didn't even get a chance to hit the ground before he launched me. He knocked me right out of the air." The memory is an embarrassing one. "Honestly I'm surprised I lived. I think a lot of my techniques came from fighting monsters rather than people... monsters aren't really thinking opponents. They're kinda relying on instinct. They're not capitalizing on you so much when you overreach."
He takes a long breath exhales, "Guess I gotta get smarter about how I go about it in a fight. I mean I can't protect anyone if I can't protect myself right?"
And Ruby grimaces when Noeline mentions Adlehyde, "That's different anyhow! You and Riese didn't kill any civilians or I wouldn't be here and I bet Hiro wouldn't be either. And well... Fei's a good kid. Just like my Hiro. I wish he'd learn to forgive himself." But as Noeline mentions the fight again Ruby looks back upon it, Of course he is! We used to train some together you know! I imparted /all/ of my wisdom and tactics unto him so we could work as a team."
Ruby of course acts like she's the greater member of this unit that is Hiro and Ruby. And in some ways perhaps that's true. "Oh yeah? I bet you could teach him a few things- like how to stand on tall things and look totally full of yourself. Oh wait! That's not a lesson he actually neeedsss~" Ruby teases as she rolls over onto her back from her perch and looks down at Noeline, sticking her tongue out at her.
<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.
There's a faint wince from Riesenlied, and a chuckle. "That's right. And that's the same thought your opponents will have too -- they're trying to protect themselves so they can make it to the next battle... of course, it isn't to say you should ignore your instincts. Sometimes, the greatest insights are those that come in the most desperate moment, after all."
She steps back and holds her blade up again, before nodding. "I've known Berserk for a long time. He's fought so much that it's become second nature to him. Fighting is as natural as breathing to him... and that is what makes him such a dangerous opponent. His strength is one thing -- but his unbreakable confidence and single-minded stride powers him through a mission just as much." She lowers her head. "You and I both can learn a lesson there. There's only so much distraction that we can let into ourselves before it fouls up our combat ability."
She proceeds again, at a slightly more gentle pace. This time, it isn't a measure of testing him, more than she's guiding his movements. "Try just using your feet this time -- not every blow is one you have to parry, when you consider your spacing against your opponent's." Thrust, thrust, strike -- she's leaving small gaps and openings inbetween to see if he'll pick up on them.
<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.
Noeline huffs in clear amusement to the dragon above her. "Well, of /course/. After all, if he wants to go up against that White Knight, it does rather seeem like it's a technique he'll have to learn to use if he's up for beating Leo at his own game." She flicks out her hair at the same time, rather prideful as she lightly smirks.
--and loses that smirk a moment later, her eyebrows rocketing upwards as her attention is dragged towards Hiro. "More than that, do not respond to an opponent wielding overwhelming strength by 'doing what you always do'!" she blurts in genuine astonishment, her eyes wide as she chips into the lesson and this time steps forward a little, closer to the melee. "Honestly! To think of going up against Berserk so bluntly!"
She isn't exactly chipping into the lesson, so much as just kibitzing from afar - though when she watches the next exchange her brow lightly furrows, as if she's thought of something to add afterwards.
<Pose Tracker> Hiro has posed.
Hiro listens to her talk about Berserk. He knows Berserk's philosophy all too well. Berserk made it abundantly clear when he pummeled him out of the sky. Taking a deep breath though, he grudgingly has to admit that he can at least admire the Metal Demon's skill, if nothing else. "Does he treat you- either of you the same way he does Zed?"
Hiro asks seriously and he hopes it isn't the same way. Before- "Heh that's a good lesson." He starts to move back in the general flow of battle, taking Riese's advice as he does. The first few blows they exchange, he tries to parry the thrust and commits the first time, but doesn't the second as he stops mid-parry, twisting sideways instead. Then trying to circle towards her flanks as she strikes and he ducks down low, bringing his blade from low to high across the midline.
Ruby listens to what Noeline blurts out and sort of snaps back, "Well don't blame him for that! He was having a hard time! Althena's Guard attacked him /while/ we were battling Berserk. Berserk was seriously wrecking the town and this- this crazy martial artist guy... thought Hiro who was trying to help out was the Greater Threat."
"Yeah... basically there was a pause when I was fighting Corwynt and well I saw a moment where I thought I could help everyone out Berserk was attacking. I thought coming from his blind spot would be enough." He winces again at the memory, before looking sidelong at Noeline, "I underestimated him and really paid for it."
But the fact that he's looking away, maybe Riese can capitalize on this to illustrate the point in 'so much distraction.'
<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.
Riesenlied shies just a little as she responds, "... yes, he rather does. He thinks very little of the Tainted as a whole," as she watches his technique. There's a parry, and a twist -- his strike comes from down low, from what would be a good angle -- but Riesenlied pushes herself aside and halts the blade's advance with her sheath, of all things. "Good job on that, and the follow-through. You didn't unbalance yourself this time."
She listens to the story of how Corwynt ambushed them in the middle of the fight with Berserk, however... and then-- gestures with a flick of her wrist, moving to bring her blade to point to him. "... you were open," she gently reminds. "It may seem unsporting, but errants thoughts have a way of sneaking into battle -- Adlehyde was only one such example, with that man. Always keep in mind the big picture, so that you aren't lost trying to put one fire out after another. You've allies to help manage the situation."
There's a faint thought and a moment of recognition. "Speaking of him, though... when we were with Miss Avril, at Gounon, Noeline -- was that the very same man?" She pauses, then gestures to have Hiro start up the exercise again. "Once more. You're doing well -- I think you more needed the refresher, honestly. Your instincts are very sharp." One, two, a strike... and then they proceed from there.
<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.
"I do my absolute best to make sure I remain far away from him at all times," notes Noeline, and if there's something odd about her voice it's the way that all the joking lilt has been sucked out of it for just an instant. Her expression is hard, her brow furrowed. "... it would probably be fair to say that he embodies that which I do not want our kind to become."
She lets it go, though, and shakes her head with a theatrical air as her hand comes to her forehead, talking more to Ruby rather than Hiro. "Honestly... I know I admire humans for their unpredictability, but a decision like that is perhaps a little too reckless, don't you think? For that matter, exactly what kind of person decides that another human is a greater threat than Berserk in full flow?" she grumbles, planting her hands on her hips as she shakes her head. "Some of Althena's followers certainly are possessed of a rather rigid frame of mind, it seems to me."
It sounds like the disapproves - not so much of the actual 'attacking Hiro' part so much as the sheer devotion involved.
"... actually, I suppose you are right, come to think of it, if that was his name," she adds towards Riesenlied after a moment's thought, nodding her head slowly. "He seemed sensible at the time, or at least reasonably capable in helping us through the place. I suppose that speaks to their faith, if they can turn around so abruptly in tone."
<Pose Tracker> Hiro has posed.
There's a look on his face that's something like sympathy. And yet he doesn't offer it other than a simple, "That's horrible. I'm glad Siegfried treats you... better at least." That's given grudgingly too. Like he didn't want to admit Siegfried had good qualities but he was better than Berserk.
He grins when she compliments his attack. But then when he's looking away. Suddenly there's a blade pointed at his face. And he takes a quick step back, almost stumbling over his own feet. But once she makes it clear her intent he grins again, "Heh. Guess I'm pretty easily distracted. Good way to illustrate your point."
As Riese mentions he needed the refresher, "Yeah I train with Jean all the time, but she's not a swords expert. She's a martial artist. That served me well in my last fight but I think my next opponent tomorrow..." He gets caught up in the press, the flow of the back and forth between them. The one, two- strike. It's like a dance, and he lets Riese lead for a while, before trading off in it. "...uses swords like I do. So I really needed this."
Ruby at once notes to Noeline, "Don't blame you- at all. He's kind of the worst." Ruby hasn't met Uncle Al.
Ruby sort of giggles nervously though while Noeline calls out Hiro for his recklessness, "Tell me about it. Personally I advise him to be /way/ less reckless. Like fifty percent less. But then again it was his recklessness that made him decide to help your people that day wasn't it?" And then, "Ugh. Tell me about it. Like Leo just doesn't let up on being like LUCIA is the greatest threat to humanity ever and his followers are no better. Something bad happens- Lucia did it! The dinosaurs all up and died? It was Lucia! Someone assassinated the President? Also Lucia! Why can't they just see she's a clueless girl that we're all trying to help out?"
But then when Riese mentions that they've met the guy and Noeline confirms. Hiro stops the flow of battle for a moment. "Be real careful around that guy if you see him again. He's a good guy and all deep down I think, but... he's also a real zealot. Maybe even moreso than Leo himself. He regards himself as like some hammer of Althena's faith or something, meant to smite all their enemies."
<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.
"... Lord Siegfried is but one reminder to me of how people are complex, and that we often try to simplify them," Riesenlied speaks honestly, and from the heart. "Because on one hand, I cannot condone the wrath and hatred he has for humanity, and the vengeance he wreaks upon this world. But on another, there is genuineness in how he has taught me, seen value and offered a hand to me where others were willing to omit us from their annals. I earnestly can say I would have long been forgotten and left for dead were it not for him. I consider him a close friend, Hiro... and yet, he is unforgiveable in many aspects."
There's a deep breath for a moment, and then there is a nod. "I will be happy to give you more instruction when the time allows. I know what it is like -- you need someone who is familiar with the intricacies of the weapon..." She lets the blades dance between them for a moment. "And I do as well. Even after a few centuries, my training yet still continues."
They continue until the conclusion of their second movement, and there's a soft breath as Riesenlied begins to look a bit more weary. "... good. I can note some improvement in the way you're moving between engagements. Keep those in mind... and good luck with your next battle. I'm a bit embarrassed to admit, but I'm rather worn out by now... I'm still recovering from all that has happened."
There's a pause, and even the four hundred and twenty year old demon has to ask: "... what's a President, Ruby?"
<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.
It's proably best for all involved that Noeline doesn't comment on what she thinks of Siegfried; her own feelings are probably not as pure as Riesenlied's, not to mention that it's probably fair to say that Noeline isn't even quite sure of what her thoughts actually are. It's one of those facets of her relationship with the other Hyadeans that she's avoided for some time, and prefers to avoid still - it's a lot easier to be certain of how she feels on a smaller scale, and act on that.
Instead, she bows her head lightly towards both Ruby and Hiro's warnings, her eyebrows lightly raised. "Certainly... we'll do what we can to keep our eyes open and keep watch for him. I can only assume he either didn't recognize Riesenlied, or else Althena's ire hasn't quite fallen upon us just yet. Whichever it is-- well," she mutters, and her face almost grimaces. "I suspect we're quite lucky, either way. Neither Riese nor I were in much of a state to fight that day."
That kind of begs the question of what exactly they were doing in a ruin in that condition, mind you...
When Riesenlied starts to flag, Noeline pushes off from her perch, letting Strife bobble around in a grumpy sort of circle as she strides forward to catch the other woman's arm and help to steady her. "If you would like... I'm sure there's a few things I could teach you, as well," she offers lightly - but there is definitely a mischievous light dancing in her eyes. "I cannot even begin to claim that the style I have to offer is as elegant and refined as Riesenlied's, but with your speed, perhaps it might be of some use to learn how to improvize well."
A beat.
"--surely some kind of evil vizier," she adds as she flicks out her hair with supreme confidence born of absolutely nothing. "They're always getting assassinated."
<Pose Tracker> Hiro has posed.
It's so strange listening to Riesenlied speak of Siegfried like that. He grew up on tales where the good guys were true heroes and the bad guys were the worst of villains. His Grandfather tried to tell him it wasn't quite so simple as that, but he didn't know until he met Leo... a good guy who was just mistaken. And then he encountered the Hyadeans...
He sucks in a breath from his nostrils, as if he were trying to loose the grip on whatever hatred he felt for the guy but it wasn't so easy. It just wasn't.
He wondered how much harder it must be for Filgaians who grew up on tales of them as boogeymen despoilers- when they didn't even have the personal experience of watching a Hyadean cut down someone they loved. Would the people of Adlehyde have hated them if they'd tried to talk peace, rather than bringing them to their doorstep ... Sadly he thinks so.
"Sometimes I wish things were simpler." He finally says to Riese. "But that's the child in me talking. The one who grew up on old stories on writing wrongs. If things were simpler- we wouldn't be doing this. We wouldn't be on speaking terms." A breath shudders in his chest, "And I wouldn't want that at all."
Shifting back into a more relaxed stance, he nods- breathing hard from even the brief session, "Well if I find someone like that... I'll see if they're the kind of person I can send your way..." Part of him thinks of Sorey, but he knows at the same time Sorey would never teach him right now... the two of them would be arguing throughout any training sessions even if they could.
Hiro smiles as he catches her breath, "Well thanks for the refresher. And hey that's nothing to be embarrassed about, truth is I'm kinda winded too... and my whole body feels like Ruby set it on fire." "Hmmph- as if! My burns would be /way/ worse than that!"
Hiro looks towards Noeline and... he nods when she talks about the state they met Corwynt in. Althena's Ire hasn't quite fallen upon them yet. That brings something to mind. After a moment he speaks up... "Back when I fought Leo, there was a point where our blades were locked and it was like he was indulging me for a moment..." He looks uneasy, unsettled as he says, "... and he asked me if I'd seen Adlehyde. He told me the corruption needed to be /burned/ out of it."
He looks between the two of them, "Now I don't know what he meant- but I don't think it was something so simple as him talking about the invasion and you two. The Guard is up to something- and right now I can't go anywhere near Adlehyde to see what it is." He shrugs, "Neither can the two of you I imagine- but if you hear anything about what they're doing... I'd appreciate it."
Ruby gives this long sigh as Noeline flirts with Riese "You two and your forepl-" And then Riese asks who the president is. "E-Eh why are you asking me?!"
Unfortunately as it's Working Designs, the knowledge to answer that statement faded the moment the word was spoken.
Ruby sort of sits up on her hind legs and starts illustrating with her pink pawsies. "Well you know-"
She points at Noeline, "-right that! They're an important guy that everyone hates. Sort of like a Prime Minister. You know like that guy- you know the one Bart wants to blow up- Shakhan!"
<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.
It's a good thing that Strife pulls up when she does, because Riesenlied overestimates herself just a bit and has to lean on the ARM as a momentary dizzy spell gets the better of her. "Thank you," she gratefully speaks of the little bobbly ARM with the hat, before looking towards Hiro.
She does wonder if Sorey could help illuminate some facts for her. K.K. and Ragnell have both been better tutors for her Resonant sense and her phenomenon of light than she ever could've thought possible... though from what she's learnt so far, desperation and need have been the greatest inventors.
"... we all have that feeling sometimes," she speaks of his desire that things were easier. "But it is when we see people for how complicated they are that we begin to truly understand them. Enemy or friend, the willingness to do so has been a strength to me."
But on the topic of Presidents, Riesenlied has an 'ohh' of note, nodding towards Noeline and Ruby. "I see... it must be a difficult position. Quarter Knights are no different, really... they hold their position through force and power." She chuckles weakly.
"Ah, and if you'd like to spar, Noeline-- do feel free, but I think I'd like to lie down soon..." she says to Noeline. She rubs at her forehead. "And thank you, again. Even if we did not use the Holy Berry, that you offered it to us means a lot to me..."
<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.
Noeline is there to catch Riesenlied the next moment, letting out a breath as she lets the other woman lean against her. Rather than Strife. Huff huff. Noeline, do you really need to be jealous of your own ARMs?
"... I am not about to spar with you when you're this tired out, nor Hiro when he's nursing a dozen wounds," she huffs for a moment; for all that she's still being quiet and affectionate, there is at least a fire back in her eyes as they get a chance to rest. "As I said, I suspect I'm not nearly as nice or pleasant when it comes to being a teacher as you are."
She pauses, her brow furrowing slightly as she takes on Hiro's warning. "... I wonder... if I were to make a guess right now, based on what I already know of them, I would assume he means Adlehyde's nature. Filgaia's people are survivors, and rather headstrong at the best of times, and I don't doubt that Althena's kind would somehow take offence in some fashion. But... Adlehyde is already battered. Would he truly wish to snuff that light out, after--..."
She lapses into thought for a moment, then tilts her head, almost thinking aloud to herself. "If we follow the course of events thus far, I assume his plan would involve using his leverage in Adlehyde, not to mention the power vacuum. It is relatively simple politics - sweep in during a populace's time of need, give them support, earn their trust, then build upon that to take control."
Just like the Veruni, she notes, and ticks a little mental checkbox.
"... I will see if I can contact the Princess. She is-- likely to have already left the area, I suspect, but it couldn't hurt to make sure." Noeline isn't sure if she's headed west or east. Either is likely to be rough going, but somehow the spy suspects that won't stop her. "She is a /remarkably/ proactive individual."
"For now, however... I should see Riese back safely, I suspect. And you should--" pause "--perhaps some ointment? At least a /shirt/, really now," she huffs.
<Pose Tracker> Hiro has posed.
Hiro can only agree when it comes to understanding them. He wishes he could understand Lucia, or Jean... or even that guy he fought in the arena, the Man in White. Why did he look at him like a wolf about to snap his jaws when he offered his hand to help him up? Why was the confident Drifter Hunter so terrified? "Maybe one day it'll be a strength for me too..."
But then Noeline says that and he shifts uneasily yet again, "He wouldn't just because... I mean, the people of this world don't even know Althena /exists/ with how much of its history is lost... he can't blame them for that... he wouldn't..." And then he remembers what Corwynt said about faith and being on a world like this, "...dangit Leo." He murmurs.
He knows Leo is a good guy. He knows it, but at the same time... he makes it so difficult. "Anyhow please do. She kind of ran off before I could talk to her about it- back when Lucia woke up."
Noeline however calls out the shirt, or lack thereof, "H-Hey I mean... I tried! It just hurt too much! And my body is only burned from the waist up..." Whereas Ruby titters, "I dunno. I kind of likkkeee him like this."
It's impossible for Hiro to get any redder than he looks at rest right now, and yet somehow he manages. His cheeks are burning like a glowing forge. "R-Right. Shirt. Ointment... put them on A.S.A.P..." "Oh where's the rush?" "SO! A-About those healers I'm supposed to go to for another round of treatment! Thanks again for the training Riese but I really should get going-"