the_lioness | (no subject)

Elaine hurries out to the field with her sword at her side. "Good day, Alanna! It's going to be good working with you again."

Yes, it will. *There's a hard edge to her gaze and voice that isn't there normally. She's tense, anxious to get on with it, much like a horse that has not had a good gallop in far too long.*

Spike had the right idea, I think. Would you like to run around the lake before we start? Limber up a bit?

Elaine nods and unstraps her sword from her waist, stretching a little. "That sounds good. I hope you enjoyed that lesson with Spike."

I loved it. *Her smile comes easily now.* Swords will always be my first love, but there is something truly exhilarating about winning a fight with your bare hands.

*She watches Elaine for a moment, doing a few quick stretches herself.*

How are you feeling?

"I am quite well. I've not seen Spike for many days, but he often leaves the bar and I am sure he will return," Elaine says confidently.

*Alanna nods.* He missed the majority of the chaos then. Ready? *Smiling grimly, she starts running.* I've not had a good training session in days.

"Aye, it has been a long time for me, as well." They start running around the lake. "You've been quite busy."

Yes, I have been quite busy ever since I returned from my week away. Now, you've been busy too. You seem to be doing a good job, Elaine. I'm sure Bernard appreciates you greatly, and I'm just glad you enjoy it.

*She stops talking, concentrating on keeping her breathing even. Feet pounding, she starts thinking back over the last few days, and her pace increases in proportion to the wave of frustration that washes over her. Heels strike the ground, faster, faster, Svava's face as she said goodbye to Archie, the ground crunching under our feet, the air of numb horror that hung over the bar yesterday, that body... Before long, she's running as fast as she can.

She has no illusions over the fact that she is indulging her own self-pity, but better here than elsewhere.*

Elaine can keep pace with Alanna, and stays running beside her, silently. She thinks she knows, a little, how she is feeling. It's been very stressful.

*It is, all things considered, a rather quick trip around the lake. Alanna casts her a grateful look as they slow and return to their former spot.*

Sorry. *She starts to stretch.*

"It's all right. It has been a few very difficult days."

*Alanna doesn't respond. She doesn't feel she has to.* I wish Archie would come out. Sparring might do him good. Here, catch.

*She tosses Elaine her sheathed sword and draws her own.*

I don't have as much time as usual today, so let's get to it.

Elaine nods and unsheathes her sword. "Right. Which drill should we start with today?"

Whichever one you feel challenges you the most, I think. You pick. *She grins and sweeps her sword around in a side cut.*

Elaine nods and mentions the one that they did last, and bows to Alanna.

*Alanna quirks an eyebrow. Not an easy one, to be sure. She's proud of Elaine's choice. Bowing in return, she clears her throat and gets into position. As she starts the drill, she tries to rein in her excess energy and make the moves more fluid, but it's not of much use. She moves jerkily today, but with an assurance that makes it quite obvious that one landed blow would be deadly indeed.*

Elaine is a little bit out of practice, but she is still able to counter Alanna's moves, though with not as much finesse as Alanna herself. Still, she moves well, though a little instruction may be needed here and there. She's getting stronger.

Be careful with your footing on that butterfly sweep.

*Alanna starts to hum. Badly. Eventually, she begins to sing. Extremely badly. The crass words are as horrible as her lack of talent.

Even a second's distraction could spell death in a fight. She watches Elaine carefully.*

"Aye."

Elaine wrinkles her nose at the lyrics, but maintains her concentration as much as she can.

Such sights the Princes never did see...

*Alanna sees an opening and thrusts, snaking her sword around Elaine's and sending it flying.*

Not bad. You lasted longer than I thought you would. Horrible song, isn't it? *She grins.*

Elaine grins, panting. "Disgusting," she laughs.

*She retrieves Elaine's sword and hands it over with a smile.*

How is your man, my friend?

Elaine takes the sword from her, hefting it in her hand. "He is well. Happy, and I keep him so as much as I can." She grins.

I'm glad to hear it. *Without warning, she lunges forward, arcing her blade up and and down, forcing Elaine to block an overhead blow.*

She realizes it a little late, but still just in time to counter.

Tricksy. Elaine should be on her guard a little more.

*Alanna nods, backing off and circling Elaine. Time for Elaine to attack. She adjusts her grip and assumes the guard stance.*

Elaine usually attacks from overhead, so now she comes in from the side, trying to vary her moves a little. It takes a lot of thought and she's concentrating utterly.

*It's a good blow, and Alanna parries. Spinning sideways, she counter attacks with a forceful swing. Her grin looks mighty satisfied.*

Good, good. You're getting inventive.

Elaine doesn't reply to this, and concentrates. She'll say thank you later.

She learned one lesson tonight.

*Alanna smiles, feeling much more relaxed now. She steps in, showing Elaine how to lift her sword and catch Alanna's, forcing it past her.*

And Elaine pays attention and does the move to as much perfection as she can manage.

It's been good to work at this.

*Wiping the sweat off her forehead, Alanna bows.*

You are doing well, Elaine. I think perhaps I'm going to ask another knight to spar with you for our next lesson. Different techniques, you understand.

Elaine bows back. "Of course. That makes sense. I'll be happy for the challenge." She grins.

Good. *Alanna sheathes her sword and points to the bar.* I should probably get back inside, but thank you. I needed this.

And so did I. I thank you. We should get together and talk when we're not sparring." She grins.

*Alanna laughs.* Indeed. Take care, Elaine. I'll look for you soon.

*She trots toward the bar, stopping once to call out.*

And if you want, I can teach you the rest of that song!

Elaine laughs. "But then I might remember it at inopportune moments!"

She waves. "Good night, Alanna!"