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[wipedclean]

[The soldier is usually pretty stern, intimidating, all that jazz, but right now he's downright grumpy. And... snarly. Clearly he's not in a good mood.]

Why. The fuck. Are these fucking fireflies everywhere?

[Speaking of, here's one fluttering against his shoulder right now. His hand slams down on top of it, squashing it. He growls.]

They are getting in the way and they are making Steve forget he has to eat. Is there a way to stop them other than crushing them one by one?

Comments

[wipedclean]

[He's quiet for a long moment.]

I don't know.

[Another pause.]

I would like... to learn to use a sword better.

[He's good with knives, daggers. But swords, not as much.]

[barbarus]

[ And that would make it easier? Damen lifts his eyebrows.

It might. Discipline and training helps Damen to work through a great deal, when less than pleasant feelings are pushing at him. He values that. ]

Train with me, then. When I know your skill, I'll see if there's something I can teach you.

[ Damen is the best swordsman he knows, but he's dealing with an assassin here. That's not a threat he'll underestimate. ]

[wipedclean]

[He nods. Training would help. Training would keep his mind off of impossibilities and paradoxes. Training would help him stay here and now.]

Thank you.

[barbarus]

[ A careful nod. ]

Whatever helps.

Do you have a sword? The armoury here is well stocked, and the blades well made. You'll find something to suit you there.

[wipedclean]

[He nods again.]

I've been there. I haven't chosen a sword yet.

[barbarus]

[ Damen nods. He’s actually glad. ]

I could help with that, then, if you like. Choosing the right weight and balance is important. So is your own strength. Are knives what you prefer?

[ It’s all too easy to slip back into these practicalities. ]

[wipedclean]

Yes. I'm very familiar with knives. I've handled swords before, but not to the same extent.

[barbarus]

We can work with that. If you can use a knife, it's a good start.