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+---- Thread: [Training] Past the event horizon (/showthread.php?tid=11699)
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Past the event horizon - Maea - 07-10-2025
[say]"Are we really allowed to be here?"[/say] Trailing her gaze around the outline of official looking buildings, Maea clutched the strap of her shoulder bag in both hands while trying her best to ignore the many uniformed individuals that moved around them. A scent of dragon lingered over the exercise fields, reptile mixed with sulphur and something slightly charred, and mingled with that of seasalt and food. Noon was only an hour away, and somewhere within the sprawling complex, chefs worked hard to feed Stormbreak's finest.
Despite her own apprehension, Shii was having a grand time flitting about the field, and kept urging her to come look at this and check that out. It felt strange to be in this place without Liam. These cobbled pathways, those arched gates and tall windows would be familiar as a second home to the former dragoon. A half of his life had been spent here, and her stomach clenched at the reminder that their time together still measured in seasons, not years. There was still so much she didn't know...
But as delving into his past life wasn't why she'd wanted to come, the petite ancient turned back to Noe. [say]"I appreciate this, you know. It's a bit of a strange request, right? But Dygra said it was necessary..."[/say] Slinging the bag over her head and offering it to the young woman, she would find the armored dress within lighter than the long skirts and velvet fabric suggested.
RE: Past the event horizon - Noe - 07-10-2025
[say]"Oh, yeah, totally!"[/say] Noe chirped, practically skipping along as she waved to this Dragoon or that, most of whom had known her since she was small - the benefits of a mother who'd risen in rank here, and a brother who now held the title of captain. It helped, too, that she was the engineer who had helped to refresh the training grounds not so very long ago. [say]"It's not, like, closed to the public, or anything, but most people who aren't Dragoons don't have a need to come in. But as long as we don't get in the way, we can use this section over here for training."[/say]
It was still strange to be back home - though not half so strange as Noe might have expected it to be - especially with the absence of the Tower looming over the city. While the girl still wasn't sure she'd stay long-term, it was kind of nice to be back, now that the city was decidedly less violet-hued.
[say]"Hey, who are we to argue with the gods?"[/say] Noe said, shrugging as she accepted the bag. The armored dress that she pulled out was lighter than she'd expected, but pretty. Noe gestured towards a changing room behind them. [say]"So, I'm supposed to wear this while we spar, right?"[/say]
RE: Past the event horizon - Maea - 07-10-2025
[say]"Okay good. Don't tell anyone, but people in uniform make me nervous for some reason."[/say] She grinned with glittering eyes at her young acquaintance, mostly joking but also not entirely. There had only been volunteer guards around market places and taverns where she grew up, no army to speak of because there simply weren't enough people around for it. Most had been too busy surviving to cause trouble - and when guards and soldiers became more abundant, they often adhered to factions she didn't particularly feel good about. But she'd met Koa a few times, knew that Ronin had captained the dragoons for a time, and between Liam, Zavien and Kaisel, her perspective had started to widen enough that entering into the Dragon's Nest felt more interesting than intimidating.
As to the dress, she nodded. [say]"Yeah. It's enchanted to function like armor - you'll see. I hope it fits - "[/say] Sizing Noe up and down, Maea thought it should. They were of a height, and while Maea might be a bit thinner in her bone structure the difference shouldn't be significant. With its high collar and narrow, plunging decolletage, the sumptuous velvet fabric lined with crimson silk that peeked out at the slits on either side of the front panel, it was a dress suitable for grand halls and ceremonies - speaking to the slightly eccentric and occasionally wishful thinking of its owner, who never hesitated to drag it through the dust of training fields, forests and battle.
Waiting for Noe to change, the ancient spent the time stretching. Tension had settled into her shoulders at some point and she made a point of rolling out both until subtle cracks of adjusting ligaments sounded, offering immediate relief. Feeling underdressed in the black, high-waisted and wide-legged trousers she preferred when not clad in her dress, and a plain white shirt cut for swordplay, she noticed herself walking as though to compensate for long skirts that weren't there - and sighed. Maybe it was a good thing to train without it. Breaking habits, and all that. She still looked forward to slipping back into the garment; at this point it felt like a second skin.
Type: Grey | Style: Defensive | Level: Upgraded
Valair Armour | A beautiful black dress lined with crimson, stronger by far than it appears. This item blocks physical damage. Requires a 3 post cooldown between uses.
RE: Past the event horizon - Noe - 07-10-2025
Noe snickered at that, understanding completely. She'd always been on the right side of the law, but there was something about being raised by a Dragoon mother that meant she'd never been able to avoid trouble. [say]"It'll be our secret,"[/say] she promised. [say]"But only if you don't tell my brother that I've been wandering Caido alone. He's been a little protective lately."[/say] Not that she could blame him, after everything that had happened.
Taking the dress into the changing area, Noe quickly donned it, admiring the cut and colors in a mirror on her way out. Spotting Maea loosening up, she rejoined the Ancient with a grin. [say]"This is gorgeous,"[/say] she said. [say]"Which god made it? I want one. Is it rude to copy you?"[/say] Not that the girl really cared - maybe she could get a version with a little more color to it, given that she tended to gravitate away from black.
The girl began a series of stretches that she knew more from yoga than from fighting, though she assumed they would loosen her up the same way. [say]"Oh! I should probably warn you, I'm a lousy fighter."[/say] Noe grimaced. [say]"So, you know - even with the armor, maybe try to go easy on me."[/say]
RE: Past the event horizon - Maea - 07-10-2025
[say]"Deal,"[/say] Maea agreed easily. [say]"I don't think I've actually talked to Koa, so the risk is minimal anyway. I usually run into him when trouble crops up somewhere."[/say] Fighting void creatures, mostly, or passing him by during social events. He had a cute dragon - and that was the extent of her knowledge of him.
To say that Noe looked good in the dress was an understatement. Whistling softly through her teeth, the ancient nodded with approval. [say]"Yes, absolutely do! You look stunning. The dress itself is actually from a tailor in the Hollowed Grounds - the magic is all Dygra. So, yeah. Hope you're not squeamish about blood."[/say] Should she tell her that the fabric was soaked to the core of every fiber in it? Mh. Probably best not to.
At least she didn't have any trouble with going easy on her. [say]"We can take it easy,"[/say] Maea promised. [say]"Hang on, I'll get us some gloves and pads."[/say] Darting off to a nearby storage shed, she returned a few moments later and handed her the pads. [say]"Let's take turns - I'll punch at the pads, and you hold them steady. Don't try to push back, or you'll hurt yourself."[/say] Ensuring Noe held the pads properly, she took up a stance and raised the padded gloves up in a guard position. [say]"Ready?"[/say]
She began slowly, counting to three as she aimed left, right, left hand at the pads. If it looked like Noe was keeping up, they could speed up.
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RE: Past the event horizon - Noe - 07-11-2025
[say]"Yeahhhh, that sounds about right,"[/say] Noe said, sighing dramatically. Of course Koa would pop up wherever there was trouble. That was just who he was. [say]"Just, do me a favor? He's... been through a lot lately, so... if you guys end up in trouble together, maybe try not to let him get in too deep?"[/say] It was a lot to ask of someone she didn't know very well, but this was her brother. Gods knew he needed someone to watch his back.
At Maea's low whistle, Noe preened impishly, shooting her new friend a grin. But at the mention of blood, the grin gave way to a confused look. [say]"I mean, I'm not a huge fan, but I don't faint at the sight of it or anything,"[/say] she said. She was about to ask why, but then decided that maybe it was better not to ask.
With gloves and pads distributed, Noe held up the pads for Maea, concentrating on not trying to push back and simply absorb the slow blows. Once she'd found her rhythm, she nodded to Maea, inviting her to go faster if she'd like.
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RE: Past the event horizon - Maea - 07-11-2025
The request took her aback. Koa had seemed perfectly capable last time she saw him, slugging undead with skill and intent as magical fire and cutting wind lashed the Burrows. She didn't know what help she could be to someone like that... but she nodded slowly all the same. [say]"I'll try,"[/say] she promised. [say]"Hopefully things will become quieter soon though - let's hope it won't prove necessary."[/say]
Blinking innocently back at the quizzical look she was given, Maea didn't elaborate. The girl would find out what she meant if ever she paid the dark goddess a visit.
Settling into a rhythm, the slap of gloves against pads consumed her thoughts. When she saw that Noe was keeping up, Maea added another set of punches - up left, up right, down left, down right and finally a light jab towards Noe's stomach, just so she could get a feel for how the armor worked.
[say]"You good?"[/say] she checked, rather enjoying the exercise even if it didn't exactly strain her. [say]"You'll get to take revenge in a moment!"[/say] a few more rounds, then they could trade equipment and leave Maea to guard.
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RE: Past the event horizon - Noe - 07-13-2025
Yes, yes, Koa was capable, but he was also too brave for his own good and sometimes a tiny bit stupid. It was probably unnecessary, but knowing that someone out there would be watching his back made Noe feel better about him taking risks. She'd lost their mother already; she had no desire to lose her brother, too.
The steady rhythm of punches was calming, once Noe got into the swing of things. She held the pads carefully, trying not to push back against Maea but also trying not to cede much ground with each swing. She was so focused on the pattern of punches that the light jab towards her stomach took her somewhat by surprise, and rather than blocking it with one of the pads, she took the punch squarely upon her torso.
She'd forgotten, for a moment, that she was wearing armor, and where she'd expected the blow to knock the breath from her lungs, she scarcely felt a thing. [say]"Oh, wow,"[/say] she said, impressed. Beautiful and functional - now that, she could get behind. [say]"That's awesome!"[/say]
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RE: Past the event horizon - Maea - 07-15-2025
Noe's approval of the armor had the pale ancient feel rather proud, if her answering grin was any indication. Backing up to let her catch her breath, she indicated they should swap equipment, and began peeling off the gloves. [say]"Nice, isn't it? Unlike most armor that declares what it, you don't expect a dress to provide much protection, right? That's why I chose it. If people are going to underestimate me anyway, I just have to lean into it."[/say] The effect would perhaps have been even better with frills and lace and a flirtatious attitude, but there was a limit to how far she would go.
With the pads now on her own hands, Maea widened her stance and raised her arms up, ready for the second round. Vaguely aware that Shii was coming back from their exploration, the majority of her focus remained with Noe. This was more fun than she had expected; both seeing her armor worked by an opponent, and the teaching element to their spar that she wasn't used to.
3/4
RE: Past the event horizon - Noe - 07-17-2025
[say]"Honestly, I never thought of anything being armor except... well, armor,"[/say] Noe replied with a smile, slipping her hands from the pads and handing them over to Maea. [say]"But it's totally awesome! I'm definitely stealing the idea."[/say] Maybe something brighter than the black dress she currently wore, but hey, no shade at Maea's style.
Noe took a moment to secure the gloves, then squared up with Maea. Her punches, when they came, were less sure than the Ancient's had been, starting off slow and wobbly. Left, right, left, right - but at least her stance was decent, thanks to her brother's teachings. Still, after a few rounds, the girl began to settle into the rhythm and grew more confident. [say]"I like that the dress is lighter than normal armor,"[/say] she commented, grunting as she threw another punch. [say]"It's super easy to move in."[/say]
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RE: Past the event horizon - Maea - 07-20-2025
Aside from offering sporadic encouragement and instruction to hit the pads more towards the center, for the most Maea let her young friend figure out the rhythm on her own. Once they settled into a good pace, it became a workout for herself as well; it wasn't a series of movements she did very often and even with plenty of stamina to pull from, her back and arms were soon feeling the strain.
[say]"You're doing great,"[/say] she told Noe approvingly. [say]"It's quite the difference, isn't it. I'd say the only downside is that you gotta wear the same garment at all times... On the flip side though, you're always prepared for a fight."[/say] And there was plenty of room to complement the dress with other items; pauldrons, vambraces, perhaps a good pair of seven-mile-boots – the options were endless.
Blocking the increasingly heavy punches with the pads, she had them going for a few more rounds before calling a halt. By then her breath had become a bit rough, and a satisfying sheen of sweat spoke of enough effort being put in to let her sleep well that night.
[say]"How are you feeling?"[/say] It was telling that the girl had done this before, or at least something similar. Not wishing to run her ragged though, the loreseeker let Noe set the pace and decide when enough was enough.
4/4
RE: Past the event horizon - Noe - 07-20-2025
It seemed that Noe had just settled into a rhythm when she began to tire, her muscles unused to being worked in such a way. It wasn't necessarily that the girl was weak - she was used to the physical labor of building things - but that she wasn't a fighter. And those skills were very, very different to learn and perfect. Still, Maea's encouragement boosted her confidence, and when she managed to hit the center of the pads through an entire set of punches, she threw up her hands in victory.
Chest heaving with the effort it had taken to get it right, Noe waved off Maea's question. [say]"I'm fine,"[/say] she panted, although with how out of breath she was, she certainly didn't sound fine. Lifting her arms over her head, Noe took a few forcibly deep breaths, trying to calm her aching lungs. [say]"But maybe a small break would be good."[/say]
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RE: Past the event horizon - Maea - 07-22-2025
[say]"Of course. I'll find us something to drink."[/say] Guided by her companion, Maea strolled off towards a gurgling fountain, simple in appearance yet perfectly placed. Slaking her thirst and splashing cool water over her face, she returned with a dripping waterskin and handed it to Noe, quietly grateful for the stamina she had developed over the years of travel.
[say]"It shows you've trained before,"[/say] she conversed amiably while the woman rested. [say]"You could get really good if you wanted to... But perhaps that's enough for one day. I wouldn't want to run you ragged."[/say] Crouching down to sit on her heels, she held out a hand for Shii as the wisp returned to her. It wound itself around her fingers before settling down upon her palm; quietly content to simply be near her.
RE: Past the event horizon - Noe - 07-22-2025
As Maea wandered off to find a drink, Noe stretched out her arms. Pulling one across her chest with the other, the girl winced faintly at the pull of muscles that hadn't been worked in quite this way for a long time. By the time she'd shaken out her arms, Maea had returned with a full waterskin, which Noe accepted with a word of thanks. Tipping it up, she poured some into her mouth - careful not to touch it, in case Maea was sensitive to sharing - before handing it back.
[say]"It's been a long time,"[/say] Noe admitted, swiping the back of a hand across her mouth. [say]"I haven't trained properly since... before I was infected, I guess."[/say] And even then, it hadn't been much of a habit. Perhaps that would need to change, if she was going to be exploring on her own. [say]"You really think I could get better?"[/say]