To Both Courts - Video

[athousandcurses]

[Grainne appears on the locket, looking fairly put together, but here and there hints she is actually a little flustered.]

I... I am not sure how to ask a complete stranger, but perhaps this will do in lieu of an introduction...

My name is Grainne for those of you whom I have not yet had the fortune to encounter. I hail from a land called Eire. My reason for calling is this; I wish to learn the ways of a warrior.

[She pauses, her eyes off the locket for a moment, and takes a breath.]

I... I am looking for a teacher. I am not very suited to physical prowess and I know practically nothing about fighting, but it has become a truth for me that some offensive skill in this world is better than nothing at all.

I also wish to extend my magical abilities. I have minor skill in curses and potions already, but those things are not as suitable for defending or attacking.

If there is interest, I can make arrangements to trade for such training, if you wish.

[With a sigh and a look of relief, she closes her locket. It's done, now all she needs do is see what happens.]



[OOC: When Grainne says she's not suited, it actually means she is pretty darned terrible at it. She will likely frustrate any weapons teacher she has and probably stab them by accident, JUST WARNING YOU.]

Comments

[athousandcurses]

A warrior is supposed to know the use of several different weapons and to use the terrain to his advantage. I would not turn away knowledge or skill offered.

[topmodel]

How graceful are you--no. How dedicated can you be?

[athousandcurses]

[Grainne raises an delicate eyebrow at the mid-sentence backtrack and the question.]

I have spent a little over a year living off the land and being pursued by men that I could have easily stopped if I had acceded to their demands. ...though it could be said that was just sheer stubbornness.

[topmodel]

Stubbornness will do. Though training the body is useless unless a woman is willing to train her mind as well.

[athousandcurses]

That is a rather strange thing to say. A woman trains her mind from the day she is first born.

[topmodel]

Yet only a few can train themselves to maintain both strength and beauty simultaneously. Most lean one way or the other.

[athousandcurses]

Beauty...

[Grainne considers this for a moment, her face not giving anything away, though it is obvious by her silence that something disturbed her.]

I believe it is possible for anything, though be it beauty I give up, it's a sacrifice I would gladly make.

[topmodel]

You don't have to give it up. No one has to, though people think they must.

[a pause, as she looks through the rest of the replies to this post.]

But you've received so many other offers that I wouldn't want to be redundant.

[athousandcurses]

Tis true, but as shardbearers there are many realms and many ways of doing things amongst our number. I would be honored to learn something from you nonetheless, if I may. If you wish me to learn from the others first, I shall.

If not, perhaps I have something that would be of use to you. I have a feeling there is time yet in this place.

[topmodel]

[she folds her hands and considers this. obviously she can't ask for the full commitment that would be required to really train her -- someone would have to dedicate their body and soul to that work -- but there are a few things that come to mind.]

Of course you may learn from me. It would be something like supplementary lessons, something that complements what else you might know. You're going to be quite well rounded by the time all of us have given out knowledge.

[athousandcurses]

I understand. And I very much hope so. It will take a great deal of effort to find a way home where they claim none exist and I know not what path that may yet take.

[topmodel]

So your end goal is to bloodlessly leave this war, miss? Sensible of you.

[athousandcurses]

I do hope for that. The war is... it is not my war, but war or not, I was taken from my children, so it is to them I wish to return.

[topmodel]

You have children?

[said in the tone that implies "but you're young", at least to her eyes.]

[athousandcurses]

Aye. My oldest is in his fifteenth year, but my little ones are just beginning their seventh.

[topmodel]

You have a remarkable complexion for a mother. Is that rude of me to say? [and she laughs like it was nothing.] In any case, then anyone with half a brain would support you in finding a way out, and so do I. With enough determination, anything is possible.

[athousandcurses]

[Grainne laughs lightly, not offended at all.]

That would be from the Tree of the Woods of Dubhros. I feasted on the berries when I was a girl and it had life restoring properties. I am well into my third decade.

And... I thank you, both for your support and your kind words. That is what my husband says. Never to give up.

[topmodel]

It's true. Even when plans fail and it seems like the world around you is harsh and unforgiving, will is what sees you through to victory. Roses retain their magnificence even after a storm -- why couldn't we do the same?

[athousandcurses]

Yes! That is it exactly! This world is so harsh... but the sweetest flowers bloom in the harshest places. I remember that from a story I heard when I was young.

My lady, I'm afraid I have been neglectful. What may I call you?

[topmodel]

June May. Please, tell me your name as well. I don't want to not know who I've made a promise to, after all.

[athousandcurses]

It is Grainne, if you like.

[topmodel]

Grainne. Really, I'm glad to meet you.

I have one last question, if you don't mind: are you fond of flowers?

[she doesn't want to wear something like hyacinth near someone who might find the scent overwhelming. a terrible weakness, but something they were without the method to currently fight.]

[athousandcurses]

It is a pleasure to meet you, June May.

[Grainne smiles at the question.]

Yes. They are some of my favorite things in the spring time. Heather, most of all.

[topmodel]

A flower of good luck. You have a fine taste.

[the smile is returned.]

Please, just tell me when you have enough free time that you'd like to begin, and I will come to see you.

[athousandcurses]

It is... it has guided my husband and I through many troubled times.

The holidays may have me a little busy, but after I relocate to the Station I should have plenty of time!