video; unseelie

[unafraid]

So I know a lot of people probably have a lot of training under their belts already, routines they have no interest in changing, and the last thing anyone wants to hear is a new kid asking more questions, but- [ she shrugs ] Here I am.

For whatever reason, the monarchs decided to take me from right before I was about to start my formal training. [ a beat ] Formal in the sense that I was about to be someone's second. A total bad-ass literally told me I would start my training "tomorrow", but- [ then those sTUPID IMPS HAD TO GO AND- okay, not getting mad about the imps again. moving on. ] I've learned how to use a knife, and I've learned a lot of combat movement, stealth, the basics. But I never got much time to practice. So that's what I'm asking for now - people who want to practice.

New people, probably, but people who know what's useful and what's not in a war like this would obviously be good too. People who have a lot to learn, but won't be afraid to get hurt and mess up, then get up and try it again. People who won't shove my inexperience down my throat, but won't go easy on me either. I don't need to be babied, I need to be taught. [ another pause ] No magic, not yet. I get it, we need to learn it, but I need to know my way around a blade before I try figuring out any of that crap.

Which means I need a weapon of my own. Mine, not something borrowed. I know I can't fight a war with a small blade, but I don't want a sword either. [ not yet ] I want something more like a machete. Anybody know where I can get my hands on something like that? I'll work for it. Whatever it takes.

-- And that's it. Let me know.

Comments

video; private

[unafraid]

What else is there? Besides throwing a punch, or shooting an arrow. Do they have firearms here?

[badmedicine]

Huh, that's an interesting question. [ And he actually does seem interested in the problem of firearms. ] It would take little more than gunpowder and a tube to fire it out of.

[ He'll wave a hand, as if dismissing the topic shift. ] I was asking if you were solely interested in training with a bladed weapon, at the moment.

[unafraid]

Honestly? Yeah. I know there's more to being a warrior than being able to handle a weapon, but that's my step one. That's where I want to start.

[badmedicine]

I see. Then I would be of no help to you.

[unafraid]

No? What kind of training do you have?

[badmedicine]

Unarmed combat. I chose to specialize instead of diversify.

[ His tone doesn't seem to indicate any feelings of superiority over either choice. ]

[unafraid]

So... your plan is to punch the first person that tries to stab you, or light you on fire with magic?

[badmedicine]

There are ways to fight against an armed opponent, but magic is trickier. Not that you would have more luck with a knife against someone trying to light you on fire.

[unafraid]

You can if you kill them faster than they can- do magic.

[ "cast a spell" sounds soooOO lame ]

[badmedicine]

It's always easier when they must chant, isn't it? [ Chant spells, that is. ]

But I would argue that faster is relative.

[unafraid]

I think it's pretty straight forward when it comes to whether or not a person could focus on lighting someone on fire with a blade in their chest.

[ but yeah Octavia has zero experience with magic sooo ]

[badmedicine]

If you manage to get the blade into their chest, and make it a killing blow.

[unafraid]

That's the goal, yeah. [ but this is more Grounder mindset leaking out now ] Every strike should be a killing blow, when it comes to war. Your enemy is likely doing the same.

[badmedicine]

Not that you can always anticipate success.

[ Aim for the killing blow, but have a backup plan. ]

[unafraid]

And fearing failure gets you nowhere.

[badmedicine]

Who said anything about fear?

[unafraid]

Self-doubt can be just as bad as fear.

[badmedicine]

You continue to read what you want into my words.

[unafraid]

[ shrug! ]

When I hear someone talk about the worst case scenario, the possibility of failure, I think of self doubt. Self doubt is the fear of failure.

[badmedicine]

It's amazing how quickly you turn having a contingency plan into self doubt and fear.

[unafraid]

Why else have a contingency plan? You should just make sure the first one will get the job done.

[badmedicine]

If you insist.

[ He's given up on it. ]