hadriel | video;

[ When Wash appears onscreen, it's obvious he's upset over something and trying and failing to hide that. Although he's got his helmet off for the sake of the video he's still wearing the rest of his armor, the grey metal reflecting a bit of sunlight. Anyone looking closely will notice a splatter of blood on his shoulder that he missed when he cleaned himself up for this, and his hair is still mussed from the helmet. Really, he should have taken the time to go home and change and make sure he looked presentable, but. He's not exactly thinking things through well right now. No, he just knows that Kyna wouldn't want him to withdraw like everything in him is screaming to do, and that training himself to exhaustion will be much easier with help. So here goes, before he loses his nerve. He'll keep it short, don't worry. ]

I need sparring partners. The monsters aren't enough of a challenge. I don't care if you've got armor, or what weapons you want to use, just that you won't hold back. And there are probably a dozen offers like this already but if anyone wants to learn to fight, that's sorta what I was in charge of back home. I'll take as many people as are interested, I just really need to keep busy right now.

[ He starts to lower the phone to turn it off, because awkward as that felt at least it's done, but the pile of monsters he's killed catches his attention. They shouldn't go to waste. ]

Oh. Right, uh. I guess if anyone wants monster meat, I've got a ton here.

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Don't think sparring with me would be a fair fight, but I could learn. I mean, I'd like to learn.

[She looks at him for a few moments longer, then, her eyes narrowing just a little bit. Julie doesn't know this guy very well, not yet, but he isn't exactly managing to hide that he's not feeling his best.]

Um... are you okay, Wash?

You could get there. Most of the women I've known back home could beat the shit out of me. I'll teach you.

[ It's something to do, and he does like Julie. She'll be a good student, he thinks. But then she asks if he's okay, and. Well, he's always been a really shitty liar. ]

...I'm fine.

[His expression is carefully neutral.]

Send 'em my way too, if you get any takers.

[Ephemera isn't going to suggest that they try sparring. That wouldn't end well.]

Great. Just tell me when and where and I'll be there. Um, as long as I'm not in the clinic.

[Squiiiiiiint. Her lips twist slightly.]

... You sure you're fine?

[ Fine. He can share students. But what he's really looking for is a good fight, and one's right in front of him. It's a terrible idea. They shouldn't go there. ]

You're not gonna take the opportunity to fight me?

Whenever you're free. Probably indoors is better, I feel like I'm already getting a sunburn and I've only had my helmet off a few minutes.

[ Julie plz. He's quiet for a long moment, weighing how hard she's going to push. If it's even worth the bluff. ]

...someone left.

[That all sounds fine, and she'll let him know when she has the time for it, but it feels like there's something more pressing to talk about.

Had he told her to drop it, she would have, but he doesn't, so...]

... someone important to you?

Don't think that'd be a good idea.

[ Yes, though he hadn't intended to form any connections here in the first place. It had just sort of happened and he'd lost his will to push her away pretty early on. So of course he'd lose her. He gives Julie a terse nod. ]

I probably should've known better.

[ It would probably be easy enough to goad the other soldier into it. He shouldn't. This is someone who actively wants him dead most of the time. ]

Why not?

[There's something off about Washington. Ephemera can't quite place it. He frowns.]

You fucking know why.

[Julie understands. She hasn't been trying to make connections here either - she's been trying to make sure she keeps it in mind that this place is temporary - but... things just don't work out that way, do they?]

You... want some company, maybe?

You think you'd actually try to kill me? I thought you were working on your control.

[The fuck is wrong with Washington?]

Thought you didn't like taking stupid risks. I'm not the only one who can fight here.

[ SO MUCH. ]

You are the only one with armor, though. And the only one who already wants to beat the shit out of me. So come try.

[ She's being nice. And he just did this for Margaery himself, but when it's him who's upset it feels different. He hesitates. If he were giving her a lesson it'd be easy, something to focus on besides how shitty he feels and how angry he is at himself for feeling shitty. ]

I'm not very fun right now. Or ever, depending on who you ask.

[ It's a weak joke but he's trying! ]

Don't need entertaining.

[She shrugs one shoulder. It's not an offer for her, and the way he tries to joke about it is... kind of sweet, in its own way.]

You can show me some moves, if it makes it easier.

[There's something uncomfortable about this moment, the feeling that Ephemera has missed something or just isn't seeing the situation from the right angle. Sharkface would have lunged for Washington's throat the first chance he got, no invitation needed. But it's different now, they're supposed to be different. Aren't they?]

You actually looking for a sparring partner? Because it sounds like you're angling for a beating.

[ Hmm. If she's not expecting anything, then. He nods again. ]

Sure. Let me get back and out of my armor... can you meet me at spire one?

[ Wash goes quiet. Stops trying to bait Ephemera for a moment. He should know. They were sort of friends, after all... ]

Kyna's gone. I need a fight.

[Nod.]

Sure. Uh, what should I wear? Something easy to move in, right?

[.....fuck. He wavers, wanting to ask if Washington is sure. If he's really fucking sure. But there's no point in asking that. He already knows.]

Okay. Yeah. We can fight.

Yup. Just be comfortable.

[She shows up at the spire in short order, wearing some loose cut-off trousers and a sleeveless top, her hair tied back and secured in a bun at the back of her head. Julie may have next to no knowledge in hand to hand combat but she seems to know how to best prepare for it.

He said at spire one, so she waits outside, kicking small stones out of her way as she paces slowly back and forth.]

[ They shouldn't play with fire like this. It's asking for trouble. If things got real, Sharkface was a match for Carolina. He's not sure if he trusts Ephemera's control or is just being self destructive... the former sounds better. He'll go with that. ]

I'm out past the colosseum.

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