Log; complete

[naoto-two.livejournal.com]

When; Dec 30
Rating; PG-13 (violence)
Characters; Naoto [naoto_two] & Percival Fraulein [gegnet]
Summary; Naoto and Percival have a friendly spar in Xanadu.
Log;

Naoto had not used her katana since her return to the City nearly a month before. All of her training had been for that final moment when she would avenge her parents' deaths, and now that said moment was past, the woman had no real use for the sword. But it was a part of her now, just as her scar was a part of her, and her master's coat which she refused to part with. She might as well not let her skills and sword rust.

The woman sat waiting on a stone bench not too far from the sakura tree that was still in bloom even in the dead of winter. She checked the placement of her weapons again: her katana slung at her shoulder in its case, its partner knife secure at her belt, and her scarf -- yes, she used that in combat as well -- wrapped loosely around her neck.

The minutes ticked by.

Comments

[gegnet.livejournal.com]

It was a different kind of sparring than he was accustomed to. Knights were heavy and sturdy, no were near as agile as this woman he was fighting. Though if he’d been in armor even if the strikes connected he’d barely be scratched, it wasn’t the kind of fighting suitable for the wars in his home world.

Giving her a thin grin he deflected the blow, brushing it to the side. Percival wasn’t an aggressive man by nature but as a cavalry leader one learns to charge and charge well. He aimed a slash at her smoothly, though he was aiming to hit with the flat of his blade rather than the sharpened edge.

[ooc; we'll just pretend they're impressive instead of confused :D]

[naoto-two.livejournal.com]

He was fast, she admitted, but not nearly as fast as she was. Her city was no place for lethargy, because the faster one moved, the higher the chance of survival. She conceded she was no match for Percival in strength, which she could gauge through the force of his blocks, but strength alone did not win swordfights.

Naoto blocked the oncoming blow, then swiftly stepped towards him. Every swordsman had a certain space within his reach not readily accessible with a sword, usually directly in front of him. The woman entered that space and aimed a slash at his neck, planning to stop short before her blade could touch skin.

[gegnet.livejournal.com]

Percival leapt back quickly but sprung again as soon as his foot touched the ground. The tip of the blade came pretty close, though the former knight had no fears. He’d sparred with Borus for many years. And Borus was the kind of person that could take off your head with a thrust if you weren’t careful. “Quite a fierce swordswoman you are, you almost remind me of Lady Chris,” he commented idly even as they exchanged rapid strikes and fended off each other admirably.

[ooc; compy died for a few days, so sorry for the slow tag. And uh I hope it's okay I did the :insert generic battle STUFF: bit if not I can change :3]

[naoto-two.livejournal.com]

Naoto was impressed. She knew few swordsmen who could keep up with her, and she was grateful for the chance to spar someone new. His strength, however, was not a match for her speed, and she nimbly dodged his heavier blows, skirting around to beside and behind him to find openings in his defense.

"Lady Chris?" the woman inquired as she parried a blow. "A fellow knight?"

[gegnet.livejournal.com]

The clash of the metal rang sharply in the crisp air. He'd only worn rather light clothing but any chill that might have settled in his bones had been chased away by their spar. They were well matched for a spar despite the difference of fighting style.

Percival dodged and parried as well as she did but her mobility overall was superior to his. And while he had the advantage in terms of strength it wasn't all that noticable in their blows. It wasn't as refined as dueling but Percival was glad for that, he was in no mood to follow codes and formalities.

"Much more than a fellow knight," he replied fondly. He hadn't seen his captain in almost a year now and missed her dearly. "The only lady who I swear myself to."

[ooc;...er how many more tags of psuedo sparring should we do? 8D;; Call it a draw? Or should someone actually win?]

[naoto-two.livejournal.com]

They crossed swords again, and Naoto struggled against Percival's greater strength. Her boot heels dug into the snow.

"I see. It must be nice, to have men respect you for being a woman." She remembered what it was like in her own city, back in her world. She was a skilled swordsman, but few people believed her until she actually fought and won against them.

She took a step backwards, yielding. They had been sparring for a while now, and her continuous use of dodging was wearing down on her stamina. "You're a good swordsman, Percival," she acknowledged with a smile. "I don't think I could keep up with you if this duel went on any longer."

[gegnet.livejournal.com]

"Lady Chris was an exception, the only female knight. Though I have great respect for many of the women fighters I've met," he replied as they pressed on steadily. "You included, Naoto," he continued as they broke apart.

Percival offered a formal bow, in acknowledgement. Honestly though if she had been aiming to kill it would have been a very different fight. Percival's strength and stamina were perhaps improved compared to even during the Second Fire Bringer War. Farm work and riding on a daily basis had trained him better than the idle duties that the knights usually fulfilled.

[ooc; works for me :3;; Sorry if I rushed you...just dueling is not my strongest skill :D;;]

[naoto-two.livejournal.com]

When he bowed, Naoto wasn't quite sure what to do. Should she bow back? She dipped her shoulders forward a bit, hesitantly. She wasn't used to having people be courteous to her, let alone any formalities.

"It was a pleasure sparring with you." She sheathed her katana and picked up the bag she carried it in. "After a bit of training, let's have another one."

[gegnet.livejournal.com]

"A pleasure for me as well," he replied, ever polite. Percival slid Zukenft back into its sheath.

"I would enjoy another one," the former knight agreed with a smile. A formidable opponent. And something about her did remind him of Chris a lot. "Though perhaps I'd enjoy your company even without crossing swords," he invited vaguely. Borus was here in the city, and he loved the blonde's company, more than just his company really, enough to drive him insane. It would do some good to make other acquaintances.

[naoto-two.livejournal.com]

The woman allowed herself a wider smile. "I would like that. There's not much to do at home, and I'm afraid I don't have many friends here though I've been away from my world for four months now."

Slinging the bag around her shoulder, she tilted her head in farewell. "I'm free most days, so just let me know when you wish to meet again."

[gegnet.livejournal.com]

Percival waved faintly in response, "I shall definitely take you up on that gracious offer."

[ooc; ...end? :3;;]