eachdraidh | VIDEO

[ The audio feed begins with the sound of a muted tapping. ]

Is this on?

[ He taps it again, and a young man with spiky, black hair appears. He's peering...much too closely at his locket, but eventually he leans back, the scar on his left cheek becoming visible. For those familiar with the area, the training grounds in Caer Glaem are behind him.

Satisfied that it's on, he smiles a bit. ]

Hi. [ Awkwardly, he scratches the back of his head. ] I'm sure it's pretty obvious to those of you who've been here a while that I'm new.

I've already gotten a few different versions of what's going on here so I think I should be good in that respect.

[ Oh Zack, you sweet summer child. Moving right alone, though, he has other things to say. ]

Since it's a war we're here to fight, I'd like to know if there's anyone around who'd like to spar sometime - hand-to-hand or with weapons.

Also, if there are any places you'd recommend visiting, I'd like to know!

[ A large black head nudges him roughly, and after a soft "hey!" Zack turns briefly to pet his horse's face. A large sword becoming visible, hanging on his back before he looks back at the locket. He flashes a small, sheepish smile. ]

Any tips on riding horses would be good, too. Thanks.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Hermione, for her part, looks a little sheepish as well, shaking her head. ]

Formal isn't really going to help in a real battle, is it? An actual duel, yes, but when you're out there? Bowing to people and dancing around with your weight could get you into a little bit of trouble. I'd love to learn anything you could show me, if that would be alright... I have my duelling rapier and an actual sword, too, so we can experiment.

[ Magic is definitely the best.

Absolutely. :(

Eager to learn as ever, Hermione lifts her head, almost as if she wants to grab a notepad and take references. ]

It's the same here. In my world most magical creatures aren't around in my country, but there are officials that are trained to take care of them or keep them away from people that might not be able to protect themselves. We don't have to worry so much about them attacking us when we travel, though...

[ Zack hums softly and shakes his head a little. ]

Mm...I would say it's good you know a form and have a foundation to work with, but a real battle doesn't really have rules or boundaries.

[ Not the battles he fought anyway. He smiles faintly. ]

Some things are familiar, at least. [ Monster roaming around all over, it's a day ending in 'y'. ] Is there any way I can learn more about the creatures that do live here?

[ He's sure they must be different. ]

No, it doesn't. I'd like to think that rapier duelling and magic duelling will always follow the rules, but it won't. It's a hard lesson to learn.

[ The Dullahan fight had been rough enough, magically, and trying to fight the Unseelie soldiers with her sword skills had been on the edge of too much. She needs to practice more and she knows it. ]

Oh, yes! There's a library, a very big one, and I'm sure the fairys and the librarian won't mind pointing you in the right direction. I can help show you around if you'd like.

[ The library is like her second... Third home. ]

[ Zack smiles sadly. ]

It can be if you're not prepared for it, yeah.

[ He certainly learned some hard lessons in ShinRa. ]

That'd be really great, if you wouldn't mind.

[ The last library he was in was in a creepy basement so he doesn't....like them much........ Hopefully, this one is nicer. ]

Which is why I am trying to get prepared, as much as I can.

[ She smiles in return, a sheepish thing, as she tries to strengthen herself. ]

Of course, I don't mind at all. I've been here long enough to know my way around and know the best place for us to have a bit of a research.

[ She'd tucked herself around there often enough over the last two years. ]

I hope I can help, then.

[ Learning sword techniques and getting your mind in gear for war are two different things, really, as much as they are tied together.

He waves a hand. ]

Whenever's a good time for you, I can meet you there? I'm probably going to hang around here for a little while so I can get used to my friend. [ He indicates the horse. ] It probably wouldn't be good to go on trip and fall off all the time.

[ He is joking, maybe a little... ]

We'll see! I might even outmatch you.

[ Which, um. Isn't likely to happen. But she likes to pretend.

Shaking her head, she leans back in her chair. ]

Perhaps once things are a little quieter here? We can get together and go through whatever you still want to learn and what else I can do. [ She beams. ] You'll get better and I'm sure he'll learn to really like you.

[ Zack just smiles. ]

Maybe!

[ He won't discourage her from trying at any rate. ]

Sounds goods. [ He looks a little sheepish. ] I think it's a she.

I can try, at least.

[ Not that there's any hope, but the tease is fun and it gives her a little bit of confidence. All she wants is to get to the point where people stop going easy on her in spars.

One day, she tells herself. ]

Oh! Then she. Once you get to know each other you'll be fast friends, like me and my horse.

That's the best place to start.

[ One day may not be too far off. He'll definitely do what he can to help her out. ]

I hope so! I don't know if I'll bring her to battle with me, but it should make traveling a little easier.

It took a little while for me to get used to horse riding, so I'm sure if I can figure it out you can.

[ Hermione smiles, nodding her head. ]</small If I can help at all you should let me know, okay?

Thanks, Hermione.

[ Another smile. ]

I'll do that.

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