Aurelia
hear those bells ring deep in the soul
chiming away for a moment
chiming away for a moment
Before they continue their practice, Aurelia pauses at the questions. Initially, she wants to say that there isn't a way. The only way to stay sharp is to have a real combatant to fend against, to attack. But... she doesn't want to deter the woman from proceeding, improving, and succeeding with whatever it is her goal may be.
"You can, but it won't be the same," she cautions, explaining, "on your own, you can focus on getting stronger, faster - work on your reflexes. Practice maneuvers and techniques you know, keep them fresh. That will help." She relaxes a bit and then offers, "you can always come and find me. I... am lacking in a proper sparring partner myself. We can arrange to meet again, if you want." Her gaze is uncertain and lacking in confidence suddenly, not knowing if that's something the other would be open to.
But once more, indeed, they head straight back into the flames. Aurelia is ready, always. Whether she looks it or not, she's been trained to such a degree that even if caught off guard, she might recover. She hopes that she might inspire that readiness within this girl, too.
When her circling is matched, there's a brighter glint to her eyes; there's approval there, though she won't comment on it. They're in the fight now. There's no room for words and heart, only the edges and angles.
When the other woman lunges for her, Aurelia doesn't meet it to block. No, she needn't. There is plenty of space around her to utilize, and her teachings won't be so predictable still. Instead of countering the attack, she flinches back. The knife swipes through empty air, the tip barely nicking her clothes. It's normal. Fights like this can go on for a long time without a single hit being landed.
In retaliation, however, Aurelia jumps to one side and drives her own dagger forth. It's an attempt to claw across the outside of the woman's shoulder as she passes like a shadow.
"You can, but it won't be the same," she cautions, explaining, "on your own, you can focus on getting stronger, faster - work on your reflexes. Practice maneuvers and techniques you know, keep them fresh. That will help." She relaxes a bit and then offers, "you can always come and find me. I... am lacking in a proper sparring partner myself. We can arrange to meet again, if you want." Her gaze is uncertain and lacking in confidence suddenly, not knowing if that's something the other would be open to.
But once more, indeed, they head straight back into the flames. Aurelia is ready, always. Whether she looks it or not, she's been trained to such a degree that even if caught off guard, she might recover. She hopes that she might inspire that readiness within this girl, too.
When her circling is matched, there's a brighter glint to her eyes; there's approval there, though she won't comment on it. They're in the fight now. There's no room for words and heart, only the edges and angles.
When the other woman lunges for her, Aurelia doesn't meet it to block. No, she needn't. There is plenty of space around her to utilize, and her teachings won't be so predictable still. Instead of countering the attack, she flinches back. The knife swipes through empty air, the tip barely nicking her clothes. It's normal. Fights like this can go on for a long time without a single hit being landed.
In retaliation, however, Aurelia jumps to one side and drives her own dagger forth. It's an attempt to claw across the outside of the woman's shoulder as she passes like a shadow.
feel your breath course frankly below
see life as a worthy opponent
see life as a worthy opponent
