[Training] Beneath the Dragon's Wing

Aurelia

The ban on Abandoned had been lifted, a testament to the shifting tides of Caido's political landscape. Yet, a lingering unease clung to her as she passed beneath the watchful gaze of the marble dragons, their sentient eyes scanning her for any trace of forbidden power.

Her footsteps echoed in the cavernous archway, a solitary sound amidst the grandeur of the city's entrance. The air hummed with a subtle energy, a blend of magic and ambition that permeated every stone and whispered from every corner. Aurelia's senses tingled with awareness, her instincts attuned to the city's hidden rhythms.

Her destination was clear: the Dragon's Nest, the heart of Stormbreak's military might. Here, amidst the clash of steel and the roar of dragonfire, she hoped to find a sparring partner, a chance to test her newfound skills and hone the power granted by Safrin's blade.

With a determined stride, she navigated the labyrinthine streets, her gaze drawn to the towering guard towers that marked the Dragoons' domain. The training grounds lay before her.

Aurelia paused at the entrance, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword. A flicker of doubt crossed her features, a fleeting reminder of her past failures and the weight of expectations that had once burdened her. But she quickly banished those thoughts, replacing them with a steely resolve. She was here to learn, to grow.

With a deep breath, she stepped onto the training grounds.

So leave me and tell me what I already know
That I trialled and I failed and it's good to let it go

I'm bringin' sexy back
Them other fuckers don't know how to act

As a Senior Officer (or something, I guess?), Koa knows all the Dragoon - which means he also knows when it's a non-Dragoon who walks into his Nest. He's just getting ready for his own round of training when word reaches him of a stranger at the gates, and being the gentlemanly host he is, he of course makes it a point to go and say hi.

Even dressed casually as he is, he cuts a striking figure. Loose black pants taper below his knees, showing off toned calves; his sleeveless black shirt is embellished only with a silver dragon pin. He's got his boxing wraps in place and is tugging on his second brace when he reaches the dark-haired woman. "Hi there!" the young soldier calls, raising up his hand. His smile is warm, but there's caution there, a guardedness that's newly brought by the darkness settling on the world.

Pulling to a stop, Koa extends his hand for her to shake. "Koa Carpenter. Welcome to the Dragon's Nest. You come to train, or...?" Or to spy? he tries not to think, not to let himself fear. If only they'd gotten the ring finished, he thinks. It sucks, the not knowing who is friend and who is one of them.

Koa Carpenter

If that's your girl, better watch your back
'Cause she'll burn it up for me, and that's a fact

Aurelia

Aurelia's gaze swept over the young soldier, her discerning eye noting the details beneath his casual attire. His lean physique, hinted at beneath the loose black pants and sleeveless shirt, spoke of disciplined training and a life dedicated to physical prowess. The silver dragon pin, a symbol of the Dragoons, glinted in the sunlight, a reminder of the unwavering loyalty and courage expected of those who bore its emblem.

Young, she thought, but there's a strength in his eyes.

His warm smile, though tinged with a touch of caution, disarmed her. It was a welcome contrast to the coldness she had expected, a reminder that kindness and compassion still existed in this world, even amidst the encroaching darkness.

As he extended his hand, Aurelia returned the gesture, her grip firm and steady. Her own hand was weathered and scarred from years of... well, simply trying to survive against all odds.

"Aurelia Murlow," she replied, her voice carrying a quiet confidence that belied the simple tunic and worn leather boots she wore. The sword given to her by Safrin was strapped securely to her back. "And yes, I've come to train. Specifically, I'm looking for someone to help me with my sword work. If that's... allowed, of course." She wasn't a Dragoon, and she wasn't sure about their policies regarding non-Dragoon training. But this was probably one of the best places she could go to learn.

She met his gaze, her own eyes framed by sun-kissed strands of unruly hair. A spark of curiosity flickered within them. Koa Carpenter, she repeated the name in her mind, committing it to memory. He seemed eager, earnest, perhaps even a touch idealistic. A far cry from the hardened warriors and jaded veterans she had encountered in her past.

"I recently acquired this blade and, although I've had some practice on my own, I'm far more familiar with hand-to-hand or throwing daggers. Any chance you'd be willing to spar with a newbie? Maybe show me a few tricks?" She offered a hopeful smile.

So leave me and tell me what I already know
That I trialled and I failed and it's good to let it go

I'm bringin' sexy back
Them other fuckers don't know how to act

The name rings some distant bell that Koa can't quite place, history lessons and a general awareness of public events dampened by youth and time. "Anyone is allowed to train here, so long as you do so in good faith," he smiles before releasing her hand, clearly somewhat impressed by the firm shake. "The Dragoons don't discriminate- well, not anymore," he corrects, trying not to wince.

Stepping back with a nod of his head, Koa lets his eyes drift down to the sword, taking in what he can of its make and virtue. "I'm more hand-to-hand as well, but happy to pass on what little I know. May I?" he asks, holding his hand out for the blade. "My mom was a master swordswoman. Taught me a couple things."

Koa Carpenter

If that's your girl, better watch your back
'Cause she'll burn it up for me, and that's a fact

Aurelia

His correction of 'not anymore' had her smiling softly. "Right..." she murmured in agreement.

He asked to see the sword and, at first, Aurelia hesitated. She wasn't sure if she liked the idea of handing it over to someone she'd just met but, well, how can one ask for trust if one isn't willing to give it first? 

With a nod, she pulled the elegant blade from its homemade sheath and held it out for him to examine as he saw fit. Along the blade were the beautiful etchings of stars and other such cosmic entities.

There was a playful twinkle in her eye as she watched his expression. She would wait to tell him who made it, wondering what he'd have to say of it first.

"I'm glad that Stormbreak has changed its policies about the Abandoned," she remarked, "it feels like only yesterday that people were at one another's throats over race. It was... unnecessary." To say the least. Not that she wanted to get all political on him or anything, but he seemed like a nice guy anyway.

"So, what do you think?"

So leave me and tell me what I already know
That I trialled and I failed and it's good to let it go

I'm bringin' sexy back
Them other fuckers don't know how to act

Koa takes the blade with appropriate reverence, letting Aurelia set it upon open palms. Critical and quiet he eyes the sword, assessing its balance between his hands, raising and lowering to check the weight. It's a good point of focus as the hybrid pries deeper into difficult topics - a door you opened, Koa my boy, so suck it up. "It was a necessary change," the young man agrees diplomatically, trying very hard not to get defensive at the perceived slight on Stormbreak's past. It's one thing for him to criticize his homeland, but for a stranger he doesn't know?

Well. Patriotism isn't always a logical thing.

Swords are a much, much easier topic. Wrapping his hand around the hilt, the young Dragoon turns from Aurelia and takes a step away before trying out a few experimental swings. The metal sings as it slices air, a wonder of craftsmanship and beauty. "This is a damn good sword," Koa declares, almost reluctant to have to offer it back to its keeper.

With one last inspection of the star motif metal, the young man hands Aurelia the sword. "I'd definitely love to see it in action - especially if you're willing to give me, like, fifteen to suit up," he adds with a grin. "Blade that good and I'd want to actually put some armor on. Pretty sure even an accidental swipe would make ribbons of my skin."

Koa Carpenter

If that's your girl, better watch your back
'Cause she'll burn it up for me, and that's a fact