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+---- Thread: [Training] train with purpose (/showthread.php?tid=10547)
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train with purpose - Zavien - 01-03-2025
The meeting place seemed inconspicuous enough. There was plenty of space to spot anyone approaching and the excuse of 'training' should be enough for any curious eyes. Either way, Zavien didn't mind being in the warmer climate for a little while, soaking up the sun like a sponge. He didn't even have to wear a third layer, making his movements easier.
Sol drifted down from the sky, scanning the broken ground for a place to perch and settling on a white skull that peeked out of the earth. It wasn't the most encouraging sight, but letting his hand brush against his water skin assured him that there was little risk of that becoming his skull.
When he spotted Sohalia approaching, he gave a friendly wave. [say]"Hi! Glad to see you found it safely!"[/say] His face was warm and bright with a smile, eyes alight with anticipation.
RE: train with purpose - Sohalia - 01-03-2025
The meeting place, while inconspicuous, gave Sohalia the creeps. The ground was dry and brittle, littered with skeletons that glistened in the sunlight. It was hot even in the midst of Deepfrost, thought admittedly not as hot as it might have been in other seasons. Sohalia had shed her coat as she traipsed across the cracked dirt, leaving her in a long-sleeved shirt and pants suitable for a training session - which was, ostensibly, why she was here.
Never mind the Super Secret Plans she had to share with Zavien. At least out here, they'd be able to see trouble coming from miles away. It made it the ideal place to discuss sensitive topics.
Sohalia waved as she saw Zavien in the distance, offering a friendly smile as she drew closer. Tarak soared overhead, unbothered by whatever was about to transpire below. He'd keep watch for them as they spoke, and then most likely let his bonded get her ass kicked. It kept her humble, you see.
[say]"Hey,"[/say] she replied as she came to a stop, leaning casually on the glaive she carried. [say]"It's good to see you. I hope you're well?"[/say]
RE: train with purpose - Zavien - 01-03-2025
Keeping the smile on his face, he waited for her to approach. [say]"I am. And how are you?"[/say] Zavien would be lying if he didn't admit to being surprised by Soh's choice of weapon. His eyes drifted to the glaive and back to her, polite curiosity twinkling in his eyes. [say]"Have you been training with the glaive for long?"[/say] Partly to make small talk, and partly to understand what he might have gotten himself into. Gods knew he'd been beaten black and blue by his share of women.
An underlying buzz laced his polite conversation, focused on the other reason for their meeting. He hadn't the slightest idea what could be so serious that they'd have to meet so secretly, but he was nothing if not a gentleman and he waited a decent amount of time before addressing the topic. [say]"Did you want to talk first, after, or during?"[/say] He didn't know her own endurance level or if she wanted to get it off her chest to begin with. It might be distracting from the spar if they waited, and he didn't want anyone getting injured.
RE: train with purpose - Sohalia - 01-04-2025
[say]"I'm well, thank you."[/say] And she was. Alight with new purpose and having recovered from her previous ordeal, this would be perhaps the healthiest Zavien had seen her. [say]"The past season or two. I had some training with a staff before, so adding a blade to the end seemed like a logical extension,"[/say] she said with a sheepish smile. It was, perhaps, a strange weapons choice for someone so averse to violence, but if recent events had taught her anything, it was that she should always be prepared. [say]"I'm definitely still learning, though."[/say] In other words, it was unlikely that Zavien would be beaten black and blue by this particular woman.
Soh fidgeted nervously with the glaive, her fingers tightening on the well-worn wood. [say]"Let's talk first, if that's okay."[/say] Better to get it out of the way, then be able to focus entirely on their training. Soh took a deep breath, suddenly nervous. [say]"I am working on a plan to retake Stormbreak,"[/say] she said bluntly. [say]"I don't want to put anyone in harm's way, so I'm not asking for help with that, per se; but I wanted to know - if I am successful, would you be interested in joining my Council?"[/say]
RE: train with purpose - Zavien - 01-04-2025
Zavien could see the fire in her eyes, a pleasant surprise that brought a smile to his face. [say]"Good."[/say] Whether his advice had anything to do with the change or not didn't cross his mind, just happy to see Soh with so much more life in her. The previous worry dissipated. She'd be just fine. Especially with the vicious glaive at her side. Inspecting the weapon, he gave his approval. [say]"Smart. It's definitely similar in mechanics, so I'm sure it's not a hard transition."[/say] The Dragoons had forced him to train with any and all weapons, so he felt comfortable offering an encouraging smile. [say]"I'll try to add some tips if I can."[/say]
But then they were turning to more serious topics. Listening patiently, his expression didn't hide the shock at her open admission. His own eyes scanned the surroundings just to reassure himself they were alone as he nodded. [say]"I'm flattered you would even consider me."[/say] Gods knew he wasn't the top of anyone's list for being the 'council type.' Running a hand through his hair, he tilted his head. [say]"Although I'm not sure I'd be the best at the whole 'politics' portion, my heart belongs to Stormbreak. Always has and always will. If you asked it of me, I would be honored to serve the people."[/say] His smile was warm and certain, not a flicker of doubt in the pride that brightened his green eyes.
Zavien's expression became more serious as he added, [say]"And if you did need help retaking your place, I would not hesitate to stand by your side."[/say] He'd said so before, but he wanted her to know that he wasn't joking. The people needed to be free of the Family, and they needed her to lead them.
RE: train with purpose - Sohalia - 01-11-2025
Even if he didn't know it, Zavien had been a key contributor to the fire in her eyes. He hadn't even known her when they'd first met, and yet he had been looking for her. When he'd found her, he'd encouraged her from day one. Soh had many people to thank for her recovery, and Zavien? Zavien was one of the first.
[say]"Thank you,"[/say] she said warmly. [say]"I definitely welcome any tips."[/say] After all, she might be proficient with the weapon, but she certainly wasn't a master, and even one suggestion might be the difference between life and death.
As for their conversation... Soh's eyes roamed the surrounding area as she spoke, trying to ensure they were well and truly alone. She didn't want to be overheard by anyone. Even people who were sympathetic to their cause were a risk; the more people who knew her plans, the more likely it was for the secret to get out. [say]"You are loyal to Stormbreak,"[/say] she said simply. [say]"That is more important than politics."[/say] After all, she herself had yet to master the political portions of her role. She was diplomatic, but there was more to it than that, and she had learned that the hard way when she'd sought to open Stormbreak to Abandoned.
She was surprised, though, when Zavien offered his help retaking the city, and she paused before responding. [say]"I couldn't ask that of you. I don't want you in harm's way because of me."[/say] Especially after Flora's death and resurrection. The Family would not hesitate to try and kill them all, and Soh didn't want that blood on her hands. She bit her lip. [say]"But... I won't pretend that it'll be easy to keep Stormbreak if we succeed. I want you to be sure. I don't know what will happen after, and it's bound to get... messy."[/say]
RE: train with purpose - Zavien - 01-13-2025
He nodded encouragingly at her words, excited to see what progress she'd made with the weapon and what assistance he might be able to provide, even if it was just practice of muscle movements. His chest puffed slightly with the pride he felt for both his knowledge and his home, smile bright and warm. [say]"I appreciate that."[/say] He just hoped when she eventually saw him struggle to read or write that she wouldn't regret her decision. Not that she gave him that impression by any of her actions.
In fact, Zavien wasn't surprised by the rejection of his offer, but he gave her an understanding smile. Shrugging his shoulders, he added, [say]"All the more reason to let people watch your back."[/say] That was the point of having support. He hated the idea of her tackling the Family alone. Again. But he also wouldn't push her to accept his help. Soh had been through enough trauma and he didn't know what her reasons were. However, he did leave her with a final bit of optimistic wisdom paired with a blinding grin. [say]"If it was easy, it wouldn't be worth the fight."[/say]
RE: train with purpose - Sohalia - 01-16-2025
Sohalia bit the inside of her cheek, her brows knitting with worry. As much as she appreciated Zavien’s devotion not only to Stormbreak but, seemingly, to her… she wasn’t sure what she’d done to deserve it. [say]”Thank you,”[/say] she murmured, offering a small smile, though her eyes were still heavy with concern. [say]”And you’re right. I just… I hate the idea of dragging anyone down with me.”[/say] And she was under no illusions. Down was most likely the direction her plans would go.
Shaking off the growing feeling of dread in her chest, Soh smiled. [say]”But speaking of fighting - now that that’s settled, let’s get started.”[/say] She sat her glance down gently, then began a series of stretches to warm up. [say]”Unless you have any questions? I’m happy to answer any that you might have.”[/say] She looked around, making sure no one was nearby to overhear. [say]”I’m generally an open book. Communication is important to me, so if you do have thoughts or opinions, I’m all ears.”[/say]
RE: train with purpose - Zavien - 01-17-2025
The concern was evident in her eyes, understandably heavy with passion for people. It was one of the reasons he was so willing to trust her despite their short time knowing each other. That kind of empathy wasn't something people could fake. It was too heavy a burden. Smiling softly, Zavien let out a hum as he nodded, absorbing her words. [say]"Hmmm... you could think of it that way... Or you could focus on giving people the opportunity to fight for what they believe in."[/say] Even if they weren't fighting for her, people wouldn't hesitate to support her cause. And if they lost their lives, or the battle, most people wouldn't regret having taken the chance to stand against the Family's tyranny, Zavien included.
The shift in topic was welcome, and the Dragoon rolled his shoulders to loosen the muscles. He could always trust training to lighten his mood. Pulling his sword from its sheath, he began swinging through a short warm-up. Tilting his head, he said, [say]"I guess my only question would be how you plan for all this to happen, especially if you're not asking people for help."[/say] Whether she wanted to share that part or not, Zavien settled into his relaxed fighting stance, indicating that he was ready to begin when she was.
RE: train with purpose - Sohalia - 01-18-2025
Zavien was right, really, and when Soh had a chance to think about it, she would find herself agreeing with him. Who was she, after all, to take away her friends' agency? Surely if she trusted them to lead alongside her, she also trusted them to make their own decisions about what they were willing to risk to get there. But after so long feeling helpless to do anything to protect her people... well, who could fault her for wanting to keep them as safe as she could?
As far as plans went, hers was admittedly shoddy at best. The young woman looked around again, ensuring they were alone, before she spoke again. [say]"I'm waiting for an opening,"[/say] she explained, lifting a foot behind her back and grasping it to stretch out her hamstrings. [say]"Are you familiar with Ronin Taliesin? He told me he's planning to strike at the Family, and if he does, if it draws the Family away, then we might be able to take it back while they're occupied elsewhere."[/say] She bit her lip, then added, [say]"It's not much of a plan, but that's why I'm hesitant to involve you yet. If we fail..."[/say] She trailed off. If she failed, she was dead.
RE: train with purpose - Zavien - 01-19-2025
Perhaps it was best that Soh was too compassionate to involve the Dragoon, but his heroic nature made it hard to accept that she didn't want his help right now. Instead, he tried to be supportive of her in other ways, listening closely to her plan - if it could be called that. His eyes widened at the name, nodding approvingly. [say]"Ronin? We've met a few times. He's a good man."[/say] Not only that, but the information Deimos had also passed to him further confirmed that the demigod was on their side (that they currently know of XD). Considering the semblance of a plan before him, Zavien tilted his head. [say]"I suppose if anyone can do it, he and his husband can."[/say] He gave her a reassuring smile as he added, [say]"Just let me know if anything changes. I'll wait for your word."[/say] As patiently as the Dragoon could manage at least.
Already feeling fidgety and restless, he swung his sword a few more times. The blade was glowing with starlight that sparkled in the sunlight, matching the glint of his eyes. [say]"Until then... let's see what you've got."[/say] Sinking back into his stance again, he gestured with his hand for her to attack first. He'd match her with whatever level she gave him.
RE: train with purpose - Sohalia - 01-23-2025
With no knowledge of what was to come, Sohalia could only plan with the information she had. Ronin had always proven himself trustworthy to her, and since she didn’t know about Sunjata’s infection, or Hotaru’s, or anyone’s except for Everest… well, she had no reason to suspect that demigods could even be infected. There was no reason to think that Ronin would be compromised. There was only the knowledge that he could fail, and that was enough to give the Luminary pause as she tried and failed to come up with a more solid plan.
In the meantime, Soh finished stretching and went through a few passes with her glaive, comforted by the familiar weight of it in her hands. When Zavien indicated he was ready, Soh was relieved. For now, at least, she could let go of the strain and stress of planning a coup and focus on something more tangible.
She settled into a fighting stance with her feet shoulder-width apart and her glaive held at the ready. It occurred to her that perhaps she should have brought a practice weapon instead of a real one; she would use have to hope that Zavien was indeed more skilled than she.
He was probably stronger than she was, so allowing him to get close to her, where her glaive would be harder to wield, would spell her doom. She’d have to keep him away from her if she wanted any shot at success. With that in mind, she took a few steps in a semicircle around him, then lunged in with her weapon, aiming for his thigh. If he didn’t block her, she’d pull back, of course, but in a real battle, taking out an opponent’s legs would give her an undeniable advantage.
RE: train with purpose - Zavien - 01-23-2025
More than ready to move on to something he was good at, Zavien gave her an encouraging smile. Although he wielded his own sharp weapon, he wasn't nervous about hurting her or getting hurt. His only target would be her glaive and he (perhaps foolishly) trusted her to control her own attacks.
When she circled around him, he moved with practiced ease, keeping her to his front so that when she finally lunged, he was ready. Soh was certainly fast, but he was too. Arcing his sword low, he pushed her glaive aside to stop the attack from hitting. As he did so, he pushed the blade up and forward, trying to throw her off balance as he moved in closer. It was both a test and a strategy to find her weak points.
RE: train with purpose - Sohalia - 01-23-2025
Soh lunged in with her glaive with a stabbing motion, but Zavien easily deflected the blow. As her weapon flashed harmlessly to the side, Sohalia followed the motion, her blade sweeping into an arc that flashed up and then down in an overhead blow that, were this a real fight, would be designed to cleave her opponent in two. As it was, Soh stepped towards Zavien as she swung, so that even if she hit him, it would be simply a bonk on the head with the wooden staff of the glaive rather than a slice through the skull.
Of course, doing so was a calculated risk, for by stepping closer to the soldier, she left herself open to a counterattack that she might not be able to block with a longer weapon. Still, she’d rather face the consequences than accidentally cut her council-member-to-be in a spar - if, of course, she even got close to making contact, which was unlikely.