capeandcowl | 003; accidental video

Entry tags:

charlene "charlie" bradbury | n/a

003; accidental video

[There's nothing to show what turned the comm on. Charlie's several feet away, standing in what looks like a fighting stance. A rapier appears in her hand, the length shimmering in metal, the hilt inlaid with a golden grip. She'd call it gaudy if she looked at it, but she doesn't. She lashes out, instead, slashing at the dummy, striking from all sides in an inexperienced and dangerous frenzy of attacks.

She curses when the blade nearly flies out of her hand, catching it by the fingernails. A downward swing drives it against the dummy's shoulder. There's a crackle of electricity before it explodes into flame.]

Frak!

[She glances back, and sees the comm. The moment her eyes lock on it, it turns off.]

ooc: Charlie's just exploring her three abilities - sword conjuration, electric shocks, and tech-based interfacing. ^^

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[Staring into the screen, though it's unclear whether she's surprised at the scene on the viewscreen or just the viewer itself. She hesitates a little before speaking, almost as if she's not expecting the person on the other side of the screen to be able to answer.]

Are...you in need of assistance handling your weapon?

[Maybe it's the girl on the other end - or the hesitation in Saber's voice - but for once, Charlie doesn't feel too defensive when faced with it.]

Can you use one?

[A slight nod]

I must admit the blade is much smaller and lighter than what I am accustomed to, but I am capable of wielding any bladed weapon.

[Pauses for a moment in consideration before she speaks]

If you would like, I am willing to instruct.

Really?

[She hesitates a moment, then drops the blade. It disappears, and another comes in its place - this one so heavy she practically falls over.]

Indeed.

[While she's surprised by the weapon swap, it's a mild surprise closer to curiosity.]

Are you a magus? I have heard of tracing abilities before. However...

[And as Charlie goes down, she adds]

...it would be best to choose a weapon you are more comfortable with.

[She drops it, and it disappears.]

IT's the port. I can conjure any sword.

I just can't use them.

[There's a flicker of realisation at mention of the Port]

I see. A useful ability...but I can understand how it would be frustrating.

[Pauses, thinking]

With that being the case, it would be best to train with more than one style of weapon. At least, once you are comfortable handing one.

Really? You can teach me?

[She wants to learn. Though she's been a little cautious of most of the interest expressed...

Of course, Saber's the first girl to offer.]

I can.

[She needs to be more sociable, now that she's not locked into a war where everyone's a potential enemy, though the faint smile hints that she just enjoys things like sparring.]

Is there a particular location you would prefer? I regret that I am not entirely familiar with this city as of yet.

Edited 2012-12-29 19:33 (UTC)

There's a park?

[Charlie's been keeping mostly to herself, as well. She doesn't like being out of her element this badly - though she's finally starting to adjust...]

That will do nicely.

[Then it belatedly occurs to her that she should introduce herself]

Forgive my lapse of proper manners...I am Saber.

Charlie.

Are you free?

I am.

[Looking thoughtful again]

I can be there within a few minutes...will that be enough time?

A few minutes? [She hesitates half a moment, glancing down at her wrinkled tee-shirt, before remembering it's just for a spar...]

Perfect. I'll see you there.

[Another faint smile; there are fewer things she likes more than practising her art.]

Agreed. I shall meet you presently.

[She'll head to the park, then, taking a deep breath. When she's among the trees, she'll conjure up a lighter sword.]

[True to her word, it doesn't take Saber long to reach the park. She hadn't liked the fact that she could no longer dismiss Excalibur at will -- housing it within a plain wooden scabbard affixed to her belt -- but a knight simply did not go anywhere without his sword.

In spite of her careful composure, she's pleased at being useful again, and her slight smile doesn't fade when she arrives. It wasn't too difficult to identify Charlie after she'd conjured a lighter sword.]

Well-met, my lady. Shall we begin?

[Charlie fidgets, sword in hand as she tries a few practice swings. She still hasn't gotten the hang of it, and suddenly? The idea of getting embarrassed in front of the pretty Saber isn't so appealing.

She jumps a little when she hears the woman.]

...Ready as I'll ever be.

Edited 2012-12-29 21:58 (UTC)

[Saber gets right down to business, studying her stance.]

First, you must ground yourself.

[She bent low in her knees, dropping into an en garde stance.]

Keep your weight on the balls of your feet, with your back straight. That way, you can shift quickly when you need to move.

[She demonstrates by moving a few steps forward and back quickly, finishing with a sidestep.]

[She watches Saber, bending her knees, and dropping into something that bears a passing resemblance to Saber's stance.

She shifts, trying to copy the woman's moves - mangling it, but managing to stay upright. An accomplishment so far as she's concerned.]

I-I'm not very athletic.

[Saber nods her approval.]

A good beginning...one cannot expect to become a master immediately. The goal is to become comfortable, so that moving this way becomes natural, not unlike walking.

[She pauses for a moment; Saber was normally reticent, but being able to share her art made her a little more chatty.]

This is the foundation of swordplay, footwork. There is much one can do with precise movement.

Right. I can... do this. [She takes a deep breath, resetting her stance a little closer to what Saber had shown her.]

Just like walking, right?

It will feel strange for a while...the key is to practise until it becomes second nature.

Due to our unique circumstances, however, I shall move on to the next point. Now, adjust how you hold your sword. The weight of the blade must be counterbalanced...

[She draws Excalibur, holding the grip with one hand close to its guard and her right arm extended, the blade parallel to the ground.]

Think of the sword as a lower part of your arm. Your hand is the joint, as the shoulder is for the rest of your arm.

[She doesn't mince words.]

This will be the most difficult part; strengthening the arm. Even the weight of a light blade will take its toll in battle.

[She swallows a little, looking at the other woman's sword.

She shifts, trying to hold hers similarly. Her hand begins to shake almost immediately, though, as she tries to hold it parallel to the ground.]

Got any recommendations? Me and upper body strength don't exactly got along...

[She paused briefly, tapping her chin]

Many of the exercises my tutor assigned me would be too strenuous at this point, I should think. But there is one...

[She extended her right arm again with her blade once more parallel to the ground.]

Hold your arm out like this, keeping the blade as steady as you are able, but be sure not to lock your elbow. Maintain this posture for a minute, then change and do this with your left arm. After a fortnight, try to hold it in this manner for five minutes.

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Video--action?

Action it is!

Action! (Woo.)

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