video | both courts

[cerebral]

[It's been two days since Charles had regained feeling in his legs again. The note pinned on his door had been vague and at first he'd thought it was another trick, or something temporary. Since then he'd been slipping by invisibly using his telepathy when possible in order to avoid attention while he made sense of the change. Acceptance was still an ongoing process.

But he'd also started to think about contingency plans, which is why he's making his first appearance on the network.]

I'm not exactly equipped for life in this land. Where I'm from, we haven't used horses to get around in seventy-odd years and nobody learns archery or how to swordfight anymore except for sport. It's a bit of a disadvantage, given the circumstances.

So. I need teachers. [The irony of being the pupil for once is not lost on him.] And if you've met me, and you're wondering how - well. That issue seems to have been taken care of.

[He drums his fingers a few times on the table from nervous energy and gives a quick smile. But moving on - ]

In another matter altogether, I would be grateful if anyone would be willing to share with me what magic is like in their world since it's woven into everyday life here and seems to vary so much. It's a new concept for me but I'm interested in learning more if you have the time and the patience.

Comments

[cerebral]

To be fair, I don't get into fights very often. [Just the Cold War and changing the future.]

[As for the other part of what Reyna says - ] Ah. [It would be something like that.] Those are impressive qualifications.

[endurecer]

You've gotten into enough of them that you know how to throw a punch. [ Unless someone else taught you those, which begs the more important question of why in that case. You know, Cold War and changing the future don't exactly lend themselves well to that. ]

It's required. [ Her tone is a bit proud despite how she downplays the qualifications just a bit. ] You might be able to find better— but there's no guarantee they're used to teaching novices.

[cerebral]

Sometimes the occasion calls for it. [That's gonna be great if anyone in particular is stalking him.]

Novice. [He gives an incredulous laugh, even though it's true.] I've gotten a few offers, but I'm interested in getting in as much practice and as much tutelage as possible. You wouldn't mind if I had other teachers? Only it wouldn't be right to put a monopoly on any one person's time.

[endurecer]

But not often enough to call yourself a boxer. [ Her lips upturn just a bit in a smile before she shrugs. You're a novice to her, Charles, she's just calling it like it is. ]

As long as you're not coming to me right after one of their lessons, I don't mind. But falling asleep with a sword in your hand doesn't end well. [ Is that a joke or it it speaking from seeing someone do it? We just don't know. ] It's better to learn how to defend yourself multiple ways in case you find yourself in a situation where— being inventive is a difference between being dead and getting out alive.

[ She pauses for a moment. There is no delicate way to put this. ] Are you in the Seelie court?

[cerebral]

Oh God no, I was thinking every day, or every other day. I'm not as fit as I once used to be. [Were you ever really Charles, grey tracksuit montage aside.] I can explain more in person if we're going to be seeing a lot of each other.

[He can't help but notice the way she words it.] I am. Is that a problem - ? Or are you thinking more for convenience.

[endurecer]

[ There's this moment when it looks like Reyna is going to say something incredibly rude because it's honestly the first thing that comes to mind when he says tht he's not as fit as he used to be. But she knows it's better to be diplomatic in some situations. And really no one should make fun of people not being in shape. Not everyone can be a demigod. ] I'll hold you to that, just so you're aware.

[ Basically, you're going to have to explain more later. Sorry, Charles you've doomed yourself. ] Not all. It was more of a convenience question. [ A pause. ] And I may have had to rescind my offer if that wasn't the case.

[cerebral]

[Charles isn't sure if that pause means certain opinions towards the other court or not, being really kind of terrible at reading people without his telepathy (and sometimes with, let's be real.) He let's it pass for now.]

Well then, I'm living in the castle for the moment, so that will hopefully cut down on the trek to and from lessons.

[endurecer]

[ Old habits when it comes to enemies and not being their friends, Charles. Even if the whole— situation is just weird in general. ]

That makes it less of a trek and more of a trip down to the Ward. Make sure you send me a message when you want a lesson. Gives me a chance to do other things between our lessons. And between my own training.