<<OOC>> arcangel is splitting the party, then? Can cope with this.
Hamilton says "Hmmm..." Thinks back from what little she knows of the family tree. "That's possible."
Hamilton says very, very quietly, "Do you know there are three Men in Black looking for you, cousin, dear?"
<<OOC>> Hamilton says "and I don't mean the SJG kind... ;>"
Leo goes pale. "Um. Yeah." He looks around. "Are they here?"
Hamilton says "Not that I've seen. I encountered them at a candle store in the mall."
Hamilton says "I thought your picture looked familiar, but wasn't sure at the time."
Leo looks a little more relaxed. "Oh. Okay. At least I ought to be safe here..."
Leo says, "I had some of mom's stuff. She had a few graduation-announcements from relatives, for here. It... seemed like a good place to go, when I had to leave home."
Hamilton nods. "Well, after this class, I can take you to see someone that may be able to help you. Her name is di Ordo.
Leo looks a little distressed. "Is she a, um, relative?"
Hamilton says "Not that I know of."
Leo says to Hamilton, "Oh. Um. And you trust her?"
Hamilton shrugs. "She seems very dedicated to helping her students. I first encountered her showing Mallory to his room."
Leo shuffles, putting his hands in his pockets. "Oh. And, um, you don't feel funny around her? Like, I dunno, like she's watching you all the time when you're not looking?"
Hamilton pages: Have I gotten any weird 'noises' around Tarot or anything?
You paged Hamilton with 'Not that you've noticed, no.'.
Hamilton says "No,I don't."
You paged Hamilton with 'Mallory... Mallory is a little weird, but you've not heard any noises around him. Yet.'.
Hamilton pages: Not even when he blipped?
You paged Hamilton with 'Not even then! You saw that he moved -- just very _fast_. Too fast, really. A little creepy.'.
Hamilton pages: Ah. I see...
Leo nods. "Well, okay. If you're sure she's, well, okay."
You paged Hamilton with 'Like he was on serious DX-boosters. O;>'.
Hamilton says "As sure as I am of anything around here, yes."
Leo nods, sighs, and scuffles along next to Hamilton. "Did the guys looking for me say anything about me?"
Hamilton says "Just that you were wanted."
Leo hangs his head. "I suppose that's something."
Hamilton considers this new-found cousin. "Well, there's wanted and wanted..."
Leo tries to smile. It doesn't come out well. "Yeah, well. They're not the cops, so that's something."
Hamilton nods. "Indeed." She resists prying just at the moment. It will come...
Leo says, "Um... Have you ever, um... heard things? That nobody else heard? I mean, we're cousins, so maybe..." He shuts himself up, obviously with force of will.
Hamilton quirks an eyebrow. "What sorts of things?"
Leo says, very low, "Like, well, music."
Tarot pages: BTW, may I assume that Tarot has some idea of the basic concept of Grigori/Children of Grigori, even if she hasn't personally yet run into any?
You paged Tarot with 'That data is data she'd have been able to access, on celestials.'.
From afar, Tarot nods. Figured. Just wanted to be sure.
Long distance to Tarot: arcangel grins. "Quite a detailed discussion of them, really, for a Choir Outcast and presumed dead. Interesting, the data the Archangel of Information collects."
Tarot pages: How noble of her, to engage in such theoretical research.
Hamilton considers and nods. "Once in a while, yes. I heard it at that candle store the other day, in fact, just before I encountered your MIBs."
<<OOC>> Hamilton wonders how many people are going to be shocked by this revelation... ;>
Leo swallows. "Yeah. Yeah, I'm not surprised."
Hamilton says "Father hums snatches along with it once in a while. But only when working in the lab."
Leo's face relaxes, and he grins. "Yeah. Mother did that too, some, before she died. Usually when she was out planting stuff in the garden."
Hamilton smiles. "It's good he didn't get out much."
Leo wipes at his eyes. "Yeah. Mother didn't go places much, either. We had a little house, up in Vermont."
Hamilton notes the eye wiping, but pretends she doesn't. "And was it because of her you left?"
Leo says, low, "Well, after she died... I was kinda a ward of the state."
Hamilton says "Ah. I see. As I would be if father were to... pass on."
Leo says, "I mean, they looked for my dad, but it's not like he'd stuck around. They couldn't find him."
Hamilton considers whether her father could get custody. Would be an interesting legal case, she's sure.
Hamilton nods as if she knows all about Leo's absentee father.
Leo trails along, hands behind his back. "Do... do you believe stuff like secret government projects and stuff?"
Hamilton shrugs. "I believe the government sometimes does things behind the public's back, using some more acceptable facade to cover their real research. The Manhattan Project... the Philadelphia Experiment... One merely has to look at the history. But, they think they do it for our own good."
Leo nods. "Yeah. They would. But, well, if you're one of the projects, I bet you'd think otherwise."
Hamilton says "I'm quite sure that would be true. Indeed, I suspect they often lie to themselves about their motives."
Leo kicks at a pebble. "Yeah. Dunno. But..." He looks up at Blaine, face strained. "I think that's who's chasing me. Because I can hear stuff."
Hamilton considers this quietly. She, after all, can *also* 'hear stuff'. "Well, I believe due to the... unusual nature of this college that students are safe from such outisde authorities for the most part."
Leo says, "Some of the stuff mother had -- it seemed like this place might be... different."
Hamilton points to someone who is quite obviously an Elf. "It is different."
Leo eyes the pointed ears. "Wow. Vulcans." The pointy-eared person groans, pulls her headband down, and jogs quickly away.
You paged Hamilton with 'Gimme a roll. Just for grins. I'll tell you what it is if you make it.'.
<<GAME>> Hamilton rolls the d666 and gets 3 4 CHECK: 2.
<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 5 4 CHECK: 4.
<<OOC>> arcangel tsks.
Long distance to Hamilton: arcangel just smiles.
<<OOC>> Hamilton says "Guess not."
Hamilton eyes Leo. "That was an Elf."
Danica Building looms ahead.
Leo says, "Um, I dunno. I don't think they hang around..." His voice trails off and he twitches, as if he wanted to grab Blaine by the shoulders. "They're _safe_ here??"
Hamilton nods to the building. "Here's my class."
Hamilton looks at Leo perplexedly. "Of course they're safe here... other than the odd WUSE or alchemical experiment gone awry."
Leo says, "No, no, I mean... I mean..." His voice trails off. "I thought they got hunted. By, like, government agencies or something."
Long distance to Hamilton: arcangel notes that Blaine may know that she can summon lower-level elves...
Hamilton pages: Yeah, but he doesn't need to know that... ;>
Hamilton says "They're not hunted here."
Leo swallows. "Then -- then they can't hunt us, either?"
<<OOC>> Tarot says "Come talk to the nice kind Ms di Ordo. She will make everything okay."
Hamilton shrugs. "I would expect not. Which is why you should see about signing on."
Leo nods. "Yeah. Yeah, I should. I really should." He grimaces. "Except I've got no money."
Hamilton says "Well, there are a number of scholarships and financial aid packages. Don't give up just yet."
<<OOC>> Hamilton wonders what courses besides Law 101 and Earth 101 she got stuck with...
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Whichever ones you want."
Leo nods. "Do... do you think that the teacher you were talking about would know about those?
Hamilton says "I expect she knows some, at least."
Leo relaxes in a slump. "That's great. That's just great." He grins. "Should I come to your class, or do you want to meet out here after class?"
Hamilton considers whether he would be noticed in her lecture. There's a lot of students, so probably not. "Why not join me. Act like you belong there."
Leo grins. "Okay. I can do that."
<<OOC>> Tarot ponders the reaction of Jude when Leo walks into the class.
Hamilton leads Leo to her Law 101 class.
<<OOC>> Hamilton grins.
<<OOC>> arcangel ends off Leo/Blaine here, because having Leo and Blaine and Jude in the same class is too good to pass up, and she needs to get Jude for that one.
<<OOC>> Tarot covers her eyes.
<<OOC>> arcangel smirks.
<<OOC>> Hamilton says "Hehe."
<<OOC>> Tarot says "At least Blaine knows where Tarot's office is now."
<<OOC>> Tarot says "So you can make a run for it if necessary. ;)"
<<OOC>> Hamilton says "Yup."
<<OOC>> Hamilton says "Of course, I don't think Blaine knows Jude's in her class or she wouldn't bring Leo there-- she heard part of Jude's report to the triad, including the bit about Leo."
<<OOC>> arcangel grins.
<<OOC>> Tarot grins.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Though Jude never used Leo's name."
<<OOC>> Hamilton says "Right. But I believe he IDed him by the picture, which Blaine will assume is the same one she saw."
<<OOC>> arcangel nods.
**************** **************** **************** ****************
**************** **************** **************** ****************
**************** **************** **************** ****************
Mallory starts to offer his arm to Raven, then smoothly turns it into a gesture of 'thataway'.
Raven_D starts to take Mallory's offered arm, then just swings her arm in an unusually wide arc.
<<OOC>> arcangel cracks up.
Mallory hasn't noticed any other students going about the campus arm that way, you see.
Mallory says "So, how did you come to this university, Mademoiselle? Did your father send you?"
Raven_D smiles slightly. "Not likely. My father wanted me to go to some podunk college in California. 'Pepperdine' or something. This place had a better art program."
Mallory says "Ah."
Raven_D says "How about you?"
Mallory smiles, a tad ironically. "I was sent, and although somewhat unusual, I believe I'm beginning to find it not altogether unpleasant."
Raven_D says "Your father sent you?"
Mallory says "Not father. The one who is responsible for me."
Raven_D blanches visibly, even under the makeup. "You lost your parents, then? Oh, Mal, I'm so sorry..."
Mallory says "You need not be sorry, Mademoiselle. I never had proper parents, at least not such as you would call them. One cannot miss what one has never known."
<<OOC>> Mallory does not miss heaven. not not not not. Not by the Serpent's Least Scale.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Was Mallory ever _in_ Heaven?"
<<OOC>> Mallory says "No. And one cannot miss what one has never known."
<<OOC>> arcangel grins.
<<OOC>> Tarot chuckles.
Raven_D turns and hugs Mallory. "I'm still sorry."
Mallory blinks, and hugs back. He murmurs, in that soft high tenor of his, "Your sympathy is appreciated, Mademoiselle." His body is surprisingly slender, little wider than Raven's, even.
Raven_D continues the tour. "So where did you grow up?
Mallory smiles. "Here, and there. Most of my initial education was in France, of course, although I've travelled some. And yourself?"
Raven_D grumbles ever-so-slightly. "Nebraska."
Mallory says "Nebraska? I am not familiar with it."
Raven_D brightens. "Although," she says, "I did go to Mexico once!"
Mallory nods. "Ah, yes. The Spanish col... you speak Spanish, then?"
Raven_D says "It's north of Kansas and right in the middle of nowhere."
Raven_D says "No, I don't. A little Latin, and that's it."
<<OOC>> Hamilton says "Gee, you mean they don't speak Latin in Latin America... ;>"
Raven_D says "So, Mallory... um..."
Raven_D notes that we're walking by that WUSE building...
Mallory says "Yes, Mademoiselle?"
The smoke is no longer streaming into the sky, but there is a distinct scent of it in the air.
Mallory has dug out his class list, and is comparing building numbers.
Raven_D says "How old are you?"
<<OOC>> Hamilton says "hehe. Now THAT's a question!"
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Evil question. Hee."
<<OOC>> Hamilton says "He's a Balseraph. He can handle it... ;>"
<<OOC>> Raven_D says "He _is_? O_o"
<<OOC>> arcangel snickers.
Mallory smiles and says, "I'm told I look young for my age, although to be honest, I haven't gotten about very much in the past few years. No doubt it will all catch up with me in the end, though."
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Fast talk ho."
<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 4 4 CHECK: 1.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Well, that makes it, but barely, and a lousy check digit."
Raven_D nods. "You do look young. You look..." She pulls out one of the only foreign words she knows. "You look bishonen."
Mallory says "If I seem older than I should, you may credit my traditional education. The kind everyone complains that they don't give any more."
Mallory blinks. "Bishonen?"
Mallory's blue eyes have that artless look to them again, genuine confusion. "I'm not familiar with the term."
Raven_D says "It means beautiful man. I used it wrong."
Mallory says "Ah"
Mallory bows, quite formally. "My thanks, Mademoiselle, for the appellation. Though I should hesitate before I would compare myself to your beauty."
Raven_D
Raven_D's flush is visible through her makeup.
Mallory smiles. "In any case, I am relatively new to this country, so if I find your customs a bit unfamiliar, I beg your pardon in advance."
Raven_D says "What customs?"
Mallory says "Ah. Well, there seems to be a preponderance of darker colors. I am used to more colorful fashions."
Mallory says "Not that black does not have its place, you must understand. It is not uncommon back in France."
Mallory . o O (Particularly what with the large number of funerals these fragile humans have.)
Mallory says "I merely prefer somewhat more colorful garb."
<<OOC>> Hamilton sees a trip to the Mall coming... ;>
Raven_D says "Well, I... it's a..."
Raven_D doesn't know what to say.
Mallory says "It's custom, no doubt."
Raven_D says "For some of us, yes."
Mallory nods. "That suffices as an explanation. As you can see," He indicates his tight (very tight) jeans and grey t-shirt, "I am attempting to adapt."
Raven_D nods. "You're doing a very good job." She keeps nodding for several seconds.
Mallory smiles again, his ice blue eyes twinkling. "Perhaps you might allow me to attempt to adapt your wardrobe at some time. You have such lovely blue eyes. The occasional lighter color of dress would set them off beautifully." At that, he points more or less thataway. "I believe the next class is to be held there."
Raven_D nods. "Maybe we could do that..."
Mallory says "I should count it a great privilege."
Raven_D whispers, "So would I..."
Mallory walks thataway with Raven. "So, your other classes. Should we be on watch for buildings containing them?"
Raven_D checks her schedule. "I've got one in that building... History course."
Raven_D grimaces. "Stupid GenEds."
<<OOC>> Mallory doesn't suppose his course and Raven's match?
<<OOC>> Raven_D says "Of course they do."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "History? Sure. Take the same one. O:>"
Mallory says "Ah, you're interested in recent European history, then?"
<<OOC>> Hamilton says "Gothic period of European history... ;>"
Raven_D says "It's got some great religious debate tangled up in it. I'm looking forward to that."
Mallory says "Ah. You are religious, then? Or philosophical, although I'm told it often amounts to the same thing."
Raven_D says "I never got the chance to be. My parents are Catholic. I want to explore as much as I can now."
Mallory smiles. "Quite brave of you. The Church does not generally approve of overmuch exploration."
Raven_D says "The church can go ... um, I mean... I don't really talk to my parents much anymore."
Mallory nods. "It's difficult, being in conflict with one's Elders. As you gave me your sympathy, perhaps you would accept some of mine?"
Raven_D smiles a small, small smile at Mallory.
Mallory takes Raven's hand and, although he was assured that this was uncommon among students, gently lifts the back to his lips.
Mallory says "On to more pleasant subjects, perhaps?"
<<OOC>> Hamilton says "Woohoo the Goth SCORES!"
<<OOC>> Mallory says "With a Balseraph. Lucky her. };;;>"
<<GAME>> Raven_D rolls the d666 and gets 4 4 CHECK: 4.
<<OOC>> arcangel just rolls around laughing.
Raven_D swoons at Mallory's gesture.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Quick, Mallory, catch!"
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Ah, would that be swoons as in gasps slightly, that ever so pleasant sound, or actually requires catching?"
<<OOC>> Raven_D says "Actually requires catching."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Your beauty has undone her!"
<<OOC>> Tarot just giggles.
Mallory steps lightly around Raven, and catches her, clasping the young woman to him to prevent her falling over.
Raven_D blinks to wakefulness, realizes where she is, and nearly swoons again.
A pigeon swoops overhead, landing a few feet away and watching the pair intently.
Mallory says "Ah, let me help you to that bench."
Raven_D nods assent.
Mallory supports Raven over to the bench, holding her quite snugly.
The pigeon bobs its head, walking over to keep within sight of the pair. Perhaps it is hoping for crumbs.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Ah these youngsters. No stomach for romance."
<<OOC>> Raven_D says "No, just no exposure to it. ;)"
<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 2 5 CHECK: 6.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Finally."
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Oh, wait, that's a per fail on the pigeon. Feh."
<<OOC>> arcangel chuckles. "What were you trying to perceive about it?"
<<OOC>> Mallory says "That it was more than an average pigeon, much as the cat and the gull were."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Looks like a pigeon, Mallory. Though a rather tame one."
Mallory says "Take slow, deep breaths, Mademoiselle. I assure you, you'll come to no harm."
Raven_D nods and does so. "I know," she says quietly. "i'm just not used to... that kind of treatment.
Mallory says "That's quite all right."
Mallory says "May I bring you something to drink?"
Raven_D says "I think I'll be okay..."
Mallory nods.
Mallory says "None the less, take as long as you need, and then perhaps it would be best if we returned to Monty Hall."
Raven_D nods.
Raven_D gets up slowly.
Mallory stands up with Raven, holding one of her hands in his, in case it becomes necessary to catch her again.
Raven_D squeezes Mallory's hand and starts walking.
<<Scene Stop>>
************************************************************
<<Scene Start>>
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Although it would be taking advantage of the Mademoiselle to descend to corporeal intercourse after only the first swoon."
<<OOC>> arcangel groans at the pun.
Mallory escorts Raven back across the campus, towards Monty Hall.
Raven_D is escorted, still carrying the bag of books.
Mallory asks, "Are you certain the books aren't too much of a burden?"
Raven_D says "I've got them, but thank you."
Mallory says "As you wish, Mademoiselle."
Mallory stays reassuringly close, just in case Raven swoons again.
Raven_D smiles up at Mallory.
Mallory smiles back, although his manner manner can only be described as solicitous, but formal. He does not take liberties.
Raven_D drats silently, but keeps smiling and walking.
An ice cream truck chimes its way along some other street, its music innocent and summery.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "I think you can move us along quickly enough to Monty Hall, unless you want to throw another curve in there."
Monty Hall rears its tall and not-particularly-aesthetic form ahead of the pair.
Mallory starts getting a bit twitchy around the edges as he gets closer to the building. Perhaps this has something to do with the elevators.
<<OOC>> Raven_D wonders what sort of security system the buildings here have. Keypad? Card-swipe?
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Security system?"
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Not much."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Keys, generally."
<<OOC>> Raven_D says "What about the main entrance, though?"
<<OOC>> arcangel says "After dark, there's usually a campus security person around the area."
<<OOC>> Raven_D says "Ah."
Raven_D opens the door and holds it for Mallory.
Mallory chuckles. "I believe custom dictates that I be the one to hold the door, Mademoiselle."
Raven_D grins. "I think custom also dictates that you be the one to carry the books, Mal.
Raven_D says "Go on in, and let _me_ be nice to _you_."
Mallory bows slightly. "As you wish."
Mallory preceeds Raven into the building. He is not unaware that, were Raven actually about to swoon again, she would probably not be so, ah, perky.
<<OOC>> arcangel points out the good view to Raven. O;>
<<OOC>> Raven_D is well aware of it, thank you. >:)
<<OOC>> arcangel admires with, then. O;>
Raven_D follows Mallory and takes his arm again.
Mallory automatically links his arm with Raven, as he's busy looking at the elevator, with no small amount of Trepedation. Three times in one day, by the Serpent.
The doors of the elevator sit quietly, like the maw of some metallic Djinn, waiting for the button-push that will open them.
Raven_D looks at Mallory. "I don't think I can make it up all those stairs..."
Mallory is tempted to offer to carry Raven, but, curse it, is no longer strong enough.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Not quite, nope. Hee."
Mallory nods to Raven and, without comment, reaches out and gingerly presses the 'Up' button.
Raven_D waits for the elevator to open.
The button lights up. There is a grumbling noise, like a Calabite stirring in its sleep, from behind the doors. The lighted numbers above the elevator flicker downwards.
Eventually, the lights hit the bottom, the grumbling stops, and a second later, the doors shudder open like a black-gummed maw...
Assuming the elevator doesn't have teeth, Raven steps in.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "No teeth are apparent."
Mallory accompanies Raven into the elevator as well.
Mallory is fairly sure that nothing too untoward will happen with a human in the elevator, but isn't positive.
Mallory presses the button for the thirteenth floor.
After another moment, the doors close, cutting off the sight of the safe, stable lobby. The elevator creeps into motion.
<<OOC>> Raven_D wonders if they're alone in the elevator.
*ping*shudder* *ping*shudder* *ping*shudder*
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Yup!"
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Lucky yous!"
Raven_D leans up against Mallory.
Mallory shivers very slightly. And probably not at Raven leaning close, although the timing is as such.
<<OOC>> arcangel . o O (How forward!)
*ping*shudder* *ping*shudder* *ping*shudder*
Mallory continues to old his arm in Raven's, with another delicate little shudder in time with the elevator's.
Raven_D takes Mallory's hand and squeezes it. "Don't like elevators?"
Mallory says "In the general sense, the seem quite convenient."
Mallory says "Particularly for these tall buildings."
Mallory says "In the specific sense... no."
Mallory carefully watches the floor indicator.
The floor indicator climbs.
The elevator does not start to plummet to the ground, or have the walls start folding inwards. There is an odd squealing noise as it pauses at the 13th floor, though, and the doors open to display that the elevator is perhaps an inch and a half lower than the floor of the 13th story.
Mallory looks down, and says, "Watch your step, Mademoiselle."
Raven_D nods and steps gingerly out of the elevator.
<<OOC>> arcangel loves this elevator.
Mallory follows close after, not wanting to give the elevator too much time with him in it, alone.
The elevator doors close, black-gummed, just after Mallory's heels leave it. There is a squealing noise, and it grumbles away.
Mallory clears his throat, and says, quietly, "Apres vous, Mademoiselle Raven."
Raven_D walks to her room and unlocks it.
Mallory stands outside Raven's room, and smiles. "Will you be all right from here, Mademoiselle?"
Raven_D says "I'd prefer company, if you don't mind..."
Raven_D tosses the books on her bed - low bunk - and smiles winningly.
Mallory says "Ah."
Mallory smiles. "If you do not think Mademoiselle Blaine will mind overmuch."
Raven_D grins. "Oh, I doubt it.
Mallory says "Very well."
Mallory enters, and looks about for a chair.
The room is about half again as big as Mallory's. There is room for two beds, a desk, and some beanbags...
Raven_D motions to the bed, closes the door, and opens one of her drawers.
<<OOC>> Raven_D had assumed they were bunk beds - hence the "low bunk" - but okay. :)
<<OOC>> arcangel figures that bunk beds are pretty useful, whether you bunk or not.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Extra flat space."
You paged Raven_D with 'The spider is... absent, methinks.'.
Mallory settles into one of the chairs, almost sinuously. "If you would like to lie down for a bit, I can get you something to drink. Tea, perhaps."
Raven_D eeps and looks about.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Percep roll, Raven."
<<GAME>> Raven_D rolls the d666 and gets 1 2 CHECK: 6.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Whoa."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Wow."
<<OOC>> Raven_D says "The dice gods love Raven. Maybe she should be a Pagan Soldier in service to Gambling or Luck..."
You paged Raven_D with 'Well, look right under Mallory's chair there. Just next to the desk. At the exact point where you'd have to crawl under things to catch it...'.
Raven_D walks over to Mallory and genuflects before him.
Mallory raises an eyebrow.
Raven_D then dives under the desk and starts shuffling about.
You paged Raven_D with 'The spider waves a furry foreleg and scuttles away at top spideyspeed.'.
Mallory starts to say something, then stops before he actually says anything. Instead he leans back, and watches Raven with interest.
Raven_D acks quietly and scoots farther under the desk.
You paged Raven_D with 'The spider, annoyingly, heads for under her bed.'.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Agility roll, Raven?"
<<GAME>> Raven_D rolls the d666 and gets 6 3 CHECK: 3.
<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 1 6 CHECK: 5.
<<OOC>> Raven_D says "I should have said nothing."
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Hmm. Another failed per roll."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "You're just Perception-heavy, obviously."
Mallory waits, perhaps a minute longer, and asks, "Is there something you require aid with, Mademoiselle?"
You paged Raven_D with 'The spider is in _the_ most inaccessible corner of the room, under her bed. It almost seems to be waving a foreleg at her mockingly.'.
Raven_D gets out from under the desk and slides under the bed instead.
You paged Raven_D with 'The spider starts climbing up the wall.'.
Raven_D reaches out to the wall.
You paged Raven_D with 'The spider pauses and tries to walk around her hand.'.
Mallory says "Mademoiselle?"
Raven_D tries to grab without hurting.
You paged Raven_D with 'The spider is grabbed, and waves all its legs, trying to escape.'.
Mallory sighs, and finally gets out of his chair, and bends down to look under the bed.
It would seem that Raven is trying to grab something away from the wall, at the farthest corner of the bed.
Raven_D slinks out from under the bed, stroking a frantic spider.
The spider wiggles its forelegs pathetically.
Mallory stands, then sits back down. "An arachnid?"
The furry tarantula stops waving its forelegs and sits on Raven's hand. It seems to be sulking.
Raven_D says "Yeah. Spider."
Raven_D strokes it soothingly and goes to put it back in its box.
Mallory says "A very large spider, in fact. I don't believe I've seen the like."
The spider tries to jump out of Raven's hand, rather than go back in its box.
Raven_D says "She's a tarantula. C'mon, girl, it's a nice box... full of nice toys for you to play with.""
Mallory says "Ah. A tarantula. A pet of yours?"
The spider scrambles helplessly, but it is defeated by opposable thumbs.
Raven_D nods as she closes the box. "I like spiders."
The spider prods at the lid hopefully. Then it subsides, sulking again.
Raven_D looks sad. "I'd prefer a black widow, but then I couldn't play with it."
Mallory says "I see. I have never met anyone who kept spiders as pets. Some doctors of natural law who were known to keep specimines for observations but none as pets."
Raven_D says "They're just as common as snakes now."
Mallory has not, it should be noted, so much as raised an eye at the thought of a large, hairy spider loose in the room.
Raven_D looks at herself in the mirror, all dusty and grimy, her makeup kind of smeared.
Mallory says "People now keep snakes as pets as well? Will wonders never cease."
Mallory looks at Raven appraising herself. "Perhaps I should retire to the hallway, Mademoiselle, while you perform your toilette."
<<OOC>> arcangel | Mallory . o O (Like keeping one's Band-mates locked up. Which is often not such a bad idea...)
Raven_D blinks at Mallory. "People have been keeping snakes as pets for years. Even in France, I bet."
Mallory says "Dogs were to be preferred, the last time I had any reason to notice."
Raven_D says "Well, you can't really keep a dog in a dorm room."
Mallory looks around. "No. The room is not even large enough for a good sized kennel."
Mallory says "Alas."
The spider kicks at the bottom of the box, grumpily.
Raven_D slips her tank top off nonchalantly and looks for another shirt in one of her drawers.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Is Raven wearing anything under the tank top?"
<<GAME>> Raven_D rolls the d666 and gets 3 6 CHECK: 2.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "I don't think that's going to succeed..."
<<OOC>> Raven_D says "Yeah. Black lacy bra."
<<OOC>> Raven_D says "Nor do I."
You paged Mallory with 'Raven betrays a certain amount of nervousness, which she is trying to conceal.'.
Raven_D keeps shooting furtive glances at Mallory - over her shoulder or in the mirror.
<<GAME>> Raven_D rolls the d666 and gets 6 2 CHECK: 3.
Mallory shuts his eyes politely. "Mademoiselle, perhaps your recent swoon combined with your excitement about your pet has made you overwrought. In all good conscience, I should wait in the hallway."
You paged Raven_D with 'Which was this roll for?'.
<<OOC>> Raven_D says "Ouch. No asking Mal for help picking, then."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Awww!"
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Women are seduced. They do not seduce, except perhaps indirectly."
Raven_D takes a black sports bra and green tank-top out of her drawer. "No, stay, please."
Mallory gets up and, by touch, exits the room without further fuss. As the door swings gently shut, his voice slips through the crack. "I will just get us some tea. Back in but a moment."
<<OOC>> arcangel pauses. "Ah, Mallory, _where_ are you going to get tea from?"
Raven_D takes her bra off and changes quickly into her new clothes, tucking the tank-top into the fatigues.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "A gentleman is not unprepared. If his baggage includes his standard gear, there will be tea, salt, sugar, a small container of jam, plus plates, knives, wine and water glasses for two, plus a small fry pan and a kettle, all in one of the smaller bags."
<<OOC>> arcangel applauds!
<<OOC>> Mallory says "As well as tea cups. Milk, alas, will have to be done without. As will lemon. Well, she does not act particularly english."
The stairs are where Mallory left them (or perhaps an inch or two to the left).
Mallory ascends the stairs with grace, returning to his room, unlocking the door, and entering. With appropriate caution.
His room is still there, and it does not seem to have been gone through by anyone in his absense.
Mallory checks through his equipment, wondering if he still has the camp stove, or at least its modern equivalent.
In Mallory's equipment, he has... a strange thing that appears to be a glass pitcher, in a frame of a strange material, and with a snakey tail coming out of it's back. There is a bit of paper folded into the pitcher.
Mallory opens the paper and peruses it.
It would appear to be instructions for this ... coffee maker.
Mallory says "Ah, coffee. Most excellent."
Mallory reads the instructions quickly, but thoroughly. Particularly the parts about electricity and its dangers.
You paged Mallory with 'Assume that out-of-date equipment has been replaced by modern dorm-room stuff.'.
Mallory gathers such things as would be required for both coffee and tea, placing them into a flexible cloth bag.
Mallory takes the bag, and goes looking about the floor for a source of water. The water fountain is located without too much difficulty, and the correct button to press soon thereafter.
Mallory fills the water reserve, and returns to the thirteenth floor, knocking lightly on the door. "Mademoiselle Raven?"
Raven_D opens the door, smiling. "Come in, Mal."
Mallory smiles back. "Naturally. I have brought something to warm the water, if you have a plug to lend." The coffeemaker is held in one hand, the bag in the other.
Raven_D says "Of course." She points to an outlet next to the desk. "Right there."
Mallory says "Either coffee or tea is available, according to your preference."
Mallory says "Although I am sadly short of milk and lemon."
Raven_D says "Tea would be wonderful..."
<<OOC>> Raven_D says "(Per roll?)"
Mallory sets the coffee maker in the desk and, following the instructions he read before, he carefully puts a tea bag into the filter area, sets the filter in securely, plugs the 'tail' into the wall plug, and then pushes the 'on' switch.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Ah, one must love instructions written as if people had never seen a coffeemaker before."
<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 4 1 CHECK: 2.
<<OOC>> Mallory even makes his INT roll.
Mallory only has to reverse the plug once, not having noticed the whole narrow plug/thick plug thing.
Raven_D locks the door behind Mallory, then plops down into the beanbag.
Mallory smiles at Raven, but gets distracted as the coffeemaker issues forth several odd noises, a bit of steam, and warm tea begins to spill into the class container.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "BTW, did Raven fix her makeup, or just remove it?"
Raven_D closes her eyes and sniffs.
<<OOC>> Raven_D just removed it. Maintained the eyeliner and lipstick, though.
Raven_D scoots over. "Want to sit down?"
Mallory ponders this. The bean bag chair does look comfortable enough, although somewhat awkward to drink tea in.
Mallory says "After the tea, perhaps. I wouldn't want to jog your elbow and spill tea in your lap."
Raven_D says "I doubt you would." She reaches up and tugs at his hand. "C'mon, sit."
Mallory looks bemused, and sits.
Mallory says "As Mademoiselle commands."
Raven_D scoots to make more room for him, then leans against him.
Mallory accepts the leaning amicably enough. "I trust you're feeling better now?"
Raven_D says "A bit, yes."
Mallory says "Good. Do let me know if you're feeling unwell, though, and need to lie down."
Raven_D says "I will." Her voice has softened. "I will...""
Mallory smiles. "I believe our tea is prepared."
Raven_D opens her eyes slowly. "Okay."
Mallory stands, retrieving cups and saucers, sugar, and spoons from the bag, placing them on the desk. "How did you come by your pet, if I may ask?" He pours the tea carefully into the cups, to just the right height, and asks, "Sugar?"
Raven_D says "No, thanks. I got Spider when I came here... sort of a present to myself for getting away from my family."
Mallory nods. He hands over the cup of tea, along with a napkin.
You say "Your relations with your family are somewhat strained, then?"
Mallory adds a half spoonful of sugar to his cup, and stirs gracefully, the spoon making a pleasant chime against the porcelaine.
Raven_D sips the tea. "Somewhat. They didn't allow me any freedom at all. Now that I'm at IOU, I can do whatever I want...
Mallory says "Ah. No chaperone, then?"
Mallory settles back into the regular chair to sip his tea, and so that he might sit across from Raven, a better position for chatting.
Raven_D shakes her head. "And I like it better that way. No more hoop skirts and bodies..."
Mallory says "Hoop skirts and bodices?" He looks bemused. "I had not seen either on university grounds."
Raven_D nods. "I was exaggerating, really... my parents were very strict about what I could and could not do and wear.
Mallory says "Ah. So how did you make your escape to this place, then?"
Mallory's tenor, almost alto, voice is smooth and light. Amused, but interested, even sympathetic.
Raven_D giggles. "I showed them IOU's impressive credentials."
Mallory says "Oh? And they were not concerned about the... unique aspects of the university?"
Mallory sips his tea elegant, holding his teacup just so.
Raven_D says "I'm not sure they _knew_ about the unique aspects of the university."
Raven_D sips somewhat less elegantly.
Mallory says "Very clever of you. And your friend, Mademoiselle Blaine? You knew her before attending here?""
Raven_D says "No... we met the first day. I requested this floor, I think she got assigned here."
Mallory says "The thirteenth floor?"
Raven_D scoots the beanbag closer to Mallory.
Mallory says "Many would think it unlucky."
Raven_D nods. "Yeah, but I wanted it that way... I figured people would think that, and figured that anyone with a personality unlike mine would move out as soon as possible. The school and the building do have a certain reputation to maintain, after all."
Mallory chuckles. "As you are no doubt aware, I am new to both the school and the building. What is this certain reputation?"
You paged Raven_D with 'The building sways in high winds?'.
Raven_D says "IOU has a reputation for being creepy... Monty Hall has a reputation for being creaky. And, of course, you never know what's behind _any_ of the doors, regardless of number...""
<<OOC>> arcangel sings a bit of Hotel California.
Mallory mmms. "I'm fairly sure that behind fourteen ten is my room, although I'd certainly grant the point where the elevator is concerned."
<<OOC>> Demiurge | The elevator door opens, and Uriel steps out. "Thirteen hundred years stuck in there... is this Heaven?"
<<OOC>> Raven_D laughs!
<<OOC>> arcangel scribbles a note to herself.
<<OOC>> Mallory says, drily, "I would not be surprised."
<<OOC>> arcangel plots to introduce Mallory to the ArchDean's elevator.
Raven_D nods.
Mallory says "So your pet and your funereal dress are in keeping with the hall's reputation?"
The spider scrabbles at the lid hopefully, making little shuffy noises.
Raven_D grins. "You could say that."
Mallory says "Mmm. So if one were to resort to more colorful clothing, it would not be in keeping with the spirit of the locale?"
Raven_D says "Oh, it would. You never know what to expect on this campus... and who'd expect that of me?"
Raven_D sips.
Mallory smiles. "Ah, so having one's own style is appropriate, then."
Raven_D nods.
Mallory smiles. "Then I will not feel the need to confine myself. My thanks, Mademoiselle."
Raven_D smiles to match his. "Of course!"
Mallory looks about the room for a clock. He's not sure if he has another class or not, but it wouldn't do to miss too many on this first day of arrival.
Mallory does have a lot to catch up on, and the young Mademoiselle's honor to think of.
There's an alarm clock on the desk.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "An old fashioned type, one would hope."
<<OOC>> arcangel . o O (Does anyone _not_ have a digital?)
<<OOC>> Raven_D says "It's digital... blue LED."
<<OOC>> Mallory's RL watch and two of his clocks are analog. Only the alarm clock is digital, and that because it listens to the atomic clock time broadcasts.
<<OOC>> arcangel grins!
Mallory looks at Raven's clock curiously, then, excusing himself, pulls out his class sheet.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "GM's perogative as to whether or not there are any pressing classes or other matters."
Raven_D finishes off her tea and sets the cup on the desk, then stands up.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Fencing, perchance?"
<<OOC>> Mallory says "As Milady GM would have it. He's certainly not going to miss out on fencing."
<<OOC>> arcangel votes for Fencing.
<<OOC>> Demiurge covers her eyes.
Mallory tucks his class list away, and sets down his teacup.
<<OOC>> Raven_D says "Fencing's cool, but Raven's going to want to watch. ;)"
<<OOC>> arcangel remembers her fencing classes, and all those guys with great legs.
<<OOC>> Raven_D grins at arcangel.
<<OOC>> arcangel figures Mallory has 10-20 minutes to get to class, perhaps?
Mallory stands as well. "Alas, Mademoiselle, I must go. I have my first fencing class in but a little while, and I would hate to be late to the salle. Might I leave my things here, and retrieve them later this evening?"
Raven_D smiles. "Of course." She extends her hand to him.
Mallory takes the hand and bows slightly. "A pleasure." He doesn't kiss her hand this time. One must make allowances. Besides, if she swoons again, he'll be late.
Raven_D smiles and shakes his hand gently. She then steps in and hugs him.
Mallory blinks in surprise, but hugs back. Somewhat stiffly.
(The spider sulks and plots its rival's downfall.)
Mallory extricates himself from the hug, not without a certain grace, and smiles. "A pleasant day to you, Mademoiselle."
Raven_D says "Have fun fencing, Mal."
Mallory smiles more broadly, and with relish. "I fully intend to. Your pardon, Mademoiselle."
Mallory unlocks the door, and steps out.
Raven_D says "Of course."
Mallory closes it behind him.
<<OOC>> Raven_D drops back out of paradigm for a while.
Mallory is halfway up the stairs to his room before he even breathes a comment to himself about young ladies without chaperones.
<<OOC>> arcangel giggles.
Mallory unlocks his room and enters, intending to search his things for what might be appropriate fencing attire. A gorget at the least.
<<OOC>> arcangel ponders. "Would the equipper have given him fencing gear? Or is he going to have to deal with the student equipment?"
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Depends on the equipper's orders. Mallory is fairly relaxed about some things, and downright chivalrous with others. He is, however, absolutely fanatical about his fencing equipment."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Then he probably will find a fencing bag with a helmet, jacket, foil, and glove. Perhaps the nice white tights as well."
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Ah yes, *tight* tights."
<<OOC>> arcangel waggles her eyebrows.
Mallory opens the cylindrical containers carefully, disgorging modern sabers, foils, and epees, all of very high quality. He sniffs slightly, "Mere toys. Still, the steel appears to be good." He slings them over one shoulder, taking the bag with the other (and a shrug about the oddness of the clothing, although the mask is telling).
<<OOC>> arcangel bets good, friction-happy shoes are in there as well.
Mallory has the practice foils, as well has his proper dueling sword, all in the cylinders for safe transport.
Mallory exits, locks the door, and then, alone at last, dashes down the stairwell to the ground floor.
The stairwell gets more and more well-used the lower he gets to the ground.
A few students wave as the climb, or as Mallory passes them going down.
Mallory waves back, or nods, looking quite cheerful, almost bouncy, you might say.
Mallory is not in that dratted elevator, is off to do what he loves, and managed to maintain at least a faint whiff of respectability with Raven, this time at least.
EDG_ has disconnected.
The class would appear to be at the Heasded Gym, just past the Botany building.
Mallory walks quickly and with purpose to the gym.
The Botany Building would appear to be built half-into a hillside, and there are numerous trees growing on it and next to it.
Within the Gym, there is an entry room with stairs leading up and down to either side, and two pairs of double-doors in front of him.
EDG has arrived.
Mallory looks at the botany building, and mutters, "Novalites..." Still, his mood is far too good to quash, and he goes into the gym building.
There is already a faint clashing of metal against metal from beyond the doors.
Mallory opens the doors with due caution, and looks in.
(In grand D&D tradition, we will start with the static elements of the room.) There is a large expanse of polished wooden floor, with obscure lines drawn upon it. There is a raised stage at the far end of the room, which seems to have been boarded up, and a pair of double doors to either side of it. There are large, frosted windows on both of the long walls, to either side of Mallory. There are strange bottomless nets affixed to the walls, as well -- four of them.
There are several humans wandering around, some coming in and out of the double-doors at the far side. The ones coming out seem to be holding masks and dressed in white jackets, carrying gloves and practice swords.
And the ones standing around are watching as another pair duel in the center of this long room.
Mallory says "Ah."
Mallory watches the duel without moving.
Mallory is particularly interested in the technique of the fencer, and to see if things have changed so very much.
Both duellists are wearing white jackets, tight white pants, those laced shoes, and masks. One has a pony-tail of thick, dark hair coming from beneath the helmet. They pose, obviously assessing each other, exchange light taps, then dash at each other, the dark-haired one parrying the other, and bringing the saber down on the other's helmet. They both back off and salute.
Mallory hmms.
Mallory walks after the round.
Mallory walks closer after the round.
The loser pulls off his helmet and tucks it under his gloved arm, extending his ungloved left hand. The winner also doffs the helmet. _Her_ helmet...
<<OOC>> Demiurge says "Arcangel, you are cruel."
The participants shake hands, and the loser heads off to the side of the room, where a bag of gear awaits him.
<<OOC>> arcangel bows.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Guilty as charged."
Mallory pales slightly.
The woman fencer goes over to the stage and hops up, next to a pile of papers, which she seems to be consulting. "Intermediate Fencing 315 starts in five minutes," she calls out, her voice echoing in the room. "Gear is just inside the door there," she adds, waving her hand at the double-doors where students are going in and out.
Mallory can also see that there are some four or five female students. One, with an off-center pony-tail and light lavender pants, is doing stretching exercises rather pathetically.
Mallory turns his gaze to one of the others dressed in white. "Pardonnez-moi. I would like to speak to the Master of the Salle, as I am registered for this course. Would you be so kind as to point him out?"
<<OOC>> Mallory says "ah, sorry. Was trapped behind lag."
<<OOC>> arcangel grins. "Does Mallory want to do that anyway? Hoping against hope?"
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Yes, since perhaps that is his assistant."
<<OOC>> Mallory says "The Master tending to teach rank beginners (to give proper grounding) and advanced students."
The youth so addressed points to the woman on the stage. "Ms. Dimetri, over there."
Mallory says "Ah. Thank you."
Mallory walks over to the woman, his good mood rapidly slipping away.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "How old is this woman?"
<<OOC>> arcangel says "She looks in her mid to late thirties."
Mallory stands in front of the woman, and sets his bag down. "Madame Dimetri?"
Ms. Dimetri looks up and blinks at Mallory, assessing him intently -- though not with the, ah, somewhat glazed expression of many people. "Yes?"
Mallory says "I am Mallory Bernlack. I am assigned to this course, although perhaps there has been a mistake."
Ms. Dimetri blinks and consults her papers. "Ah, yes. The late addition." She holds out her hand. "Pleased to meet you. What's the potential mistake?"
Mallory takes Mme Dimetri's hand politely, bowing slightly. "You did say Intermediate Fencing, did you not?"
Ms. Dimetri blinks and raises her eyebrows as Mallory does not do the expected handshake. She reclaims her hand gracefully enough, though. "Intermediate Fencing, yes. There weren't enough people to have an Advanced course this semester." She grins. "I'm hoping I can instill enough love of the sword that we get enough advanced students for next semester!"
Mallory's mood darkens a bit more. There must be several thousand students, and not enough to hold one advanced fencing class?
Mallory says "I see. Are there any advanced students in the class?"
Mallory says "Besides myself, naturelment."
Ms. Dimetri nods. "I think there's three of you now. Should have been four, but Jim graduated." She sighs.
Mallory says "Very well. I will go change. Thank you, Madame."
Ms. Dimetri nods. "Changing rooms are in the basement, or you can find jackets and stuff in the back room there." She waves vaguely behind herself.
Mallory says "I have my own equipment, thank you."
She blinks at his equipment. "Oh. Great!" She seems genuinely pleased.
Mallory says "I shall return momentarily."
Mallory retrieves his bag, and almost stalks out of the room, down to the changing area.
Ms. Dimetri nods and goes back to her papers.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "So, any luck finding the changing rooms?"
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Or are there any more gross indignities you wish to inflict upon my poor being before I begin to fence."
<<OOC>> arcangel kicks lag in the ankles.
<<OOC>> arcangel idles to feed the yelling cat, since she's lagged anyway.
There are, in the basement, a pair of changing rooms, represented by "Men" and "Women" along with strange icons made of circles and triangles and rectangles. Changing is easily accomplished.
The changing rooms are more like restrooms, showers, and a locker room, but hey.
A few other humans are also changing into street gear -- perhaps a previous class.
Mallory takes a minute to puzzle out the strange gear. Quite fortunately, zippers were introduced to him since he came out of Trauma. Velcro, on the other hand, is something of a revelation.
As is the strangely rigid codpiece, although its function is appreciated.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Mallory is wise -- most of my fellow students skipped the codpiece."
Mallory wraps himself into the tight white garment, leaving off the shoes and helmet for the moment.
Mallory had noticed others wearing helmet and shoes only on the gym floor. He uses the lighter athletic shoes to walk back up to the salle.
Many of the students he passes pause and admire Mallory.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Not that there's _too_ many of them -- but enough to go ooo and ahhh."
Mallory walks into the gym. He's slender, his hair tied up, and his chest covered by the thick jacket that hides development even on buxom women. In short, he looks like a girl, and a very pretty one at that. It's the face and those slightly prominent hips. Pity he didn't notice that on the way up. Instead, he walks with an almost predatory confidence.
The students in the salle are lining up in rows facing the stage, without helmets and swords, apparently preparing to do some warmup exercises. Ms. Dimetri is starting to call out last names.
Mallory doesn't really need to stretch, but it is good form. He quickly changes his shoes, securing the new ones to his feet. They're surpringly good in fit, with excellent traction.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Mallory is getting looks from everyone in the salle, of course. Some jealous ones from the women, some attracted looks from both genders..."
Mallory sets his foils and helmet in a safe spot, and begins to warm up. Unlike the other students, he doesn't stretch, merely does a set of extremely old fashioned warm ups.
<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 2 1 CHECK: 2.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Ah, and I finally make a Per roll."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Yay!"
<<OOC>> arcangel says "What doth Mallory Perceive?"
Mallory notices the various looks of attention, but assumes that people are admiring his obvious knowledge of the art, rather than his looks.
<<OOC>> arcangel laughs.
Ms. Demetri reaches Mallory's name, and calls out, "Bernlack?"
Mallory stops, and looks up. "Present, Madame."
Ms. Demetri nods, and calls out the next name.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Oh, bloody hell. She's a Cherub of the Sword, isn't she?"
<<OOC>> arcangel says "She doesn't look Cherubic."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Strong features, but not the thick-set vessels such creatures prefer."
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Hmmm."
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Well, not so bad then."
When she gets to the end -- and there are a few silences -- she says, "All right. Most of you remember me from Beginning Fencing, but for those of you who're new, I'm Mona Dimetri. We're going to start off with some exercises..."
Mallory watches the others, to see what the skill of these studens is.
<<OOC>> arcangel skips over the boring stuff. A lot of moving back and forth, mirroring Mona with retreats and lunges.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Most of the other students are more beginners than intermediate, to Mallory's eye. They're slow. They have stiff, awkward poses. They're _slow_."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "There are maybe a half-dozen who show promise."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Mona, on the other hand, is lean, limber, and obviously skilled."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "The style is more... stylized, probably, than Mallory is used to."
Mallory mirrors Mona with effortless ease, acessing the changes to the style that have occurred over the years. Yes, they're slow, naturally. And they seem to assume that they'll be permanently in line.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "More a sport, less something to save or take a life."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Some of them get very out of breath in the middle of the exercises, too."
Mallory is reminded of more than a few dissoulute young noblemen who barely knew how to sit properly with their swords, much less use them.
<<OOC>> arcangel racks her brain for remembering her intermediate course more.
Mallory concentrates on the few who show promise. And, of course the leader of the class. A few matches taken from her, and he'll be leading this motley crew properly, vessel or no vessel. Indeed, perhaps his vessel will work to his advantage for a change, these rabble are so used to being led by a woman.
Mallory won't even need to hurt her, much less kill her, in all liklihood. Most excellent.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "One of the more promising students is a tallish, zaftig woman herself. Another is a short, wiry man with an overbite, obviously one of the advanced students. A promising intermediate is a tall lefty, who needs to work on his speed, but has a definite advantage of reach."
<<OOC>> Demiurge just snickers at Mallory's Plans For Conquest.
Mallory finishes acessing the others, and quickly becomes impatient for the actual matches to begin.
Mallory thinks that if it's a sport, there will likely be rules. Rules are important in a sport, if not a true duel where honor and skill dictate the outcome.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "After practice, there is review of feinting and ripostes -- where the teacher goes down the line and allows the students to score touches on her. She appears to be assessing the skill and speed of the various students."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "And then, _finally_, students are paired up. The four advanced -- the zaftig woman, the short man, another man with a short ponytail, and Mallory -- are paired off against each other. Mallory, as luck would have it, gets the woman."
Mallory awaits instructions.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Ms. Dimetri calls out the instructions -- five exchanges each of the demonstrated feint, and then everyone can free-fence. She'll prowl and make comments."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Those who want to keep practicing the move can, of course, do so."
<<OOC>> Mallory says "I assume everyone is practicing with helmets on."
<<OOC>> arcangel nods.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Yah."
<<OOC>> arcangel skipped boring parts. Sorry. O:>
Mallory slips his helmet over his head, and again spends a moment to acquaint himself. It's hell on the peripheral vision, but since everyone appears to be going in line, that matters not.
Mallory lines up, almost casually en garde. "Apres vous, mademoiselle."
The not-very-good-but-enjoying-herself girl with the off-center pony-tail seems to have gotten the pony-tail just perfectly aligned to go between the back-support of the helmet and its left side.
Mallory's opponent goes en garde, a bit more stylized, with her far hand held high.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Shall we gloss over the practice moves, and get to the free fencing?"
<<OOC>> Mallory says "One for practice, then to the free fence."
Mallory holds his sword up slightly, so that the woman may practice the feint.
She does so, a bit stiffly as she extends her arm, waiting for Mallory to make the parry so her blue-tipped blade can dart under his.
Mallory parries as expected.
Her blade darts under, as per the move, tolerably fast for a human, and she moves into the lunge.
Mallory lets himself be touched, as is to be expected.
Mallory says "Touche'. And if I may?"
She steps back and nods, going to en garde again.
Mallory extends, almost without effort, quick enough to press her to parry in a hurry.
She makes the parry quickly.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "A bit tidier than Mallory might have expected of a woman, but nothing out of the ordinary. These mortals are so slow..."
Mallory 's swortip dives under the parry, brushing past her guard to touch. Mallory's extention is greater than she might expect, and were this a real duel, she'd be dead. It's not, so it is merely quite sudden.
Mallory's blunted blade goes *thwock* against her chest.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Evidently she is lightly armored beneath her jacket!"
Mallory retracts almost before he hears the sound of the touch, pulling out of her sword range, back en garde.
Mallory says "Bon. A vous."
The woman pauses. "Nice!" she says, admiringly.
Mallory says "Merci, Mademoiselle."
The woman says, "My turn on the practice now?"
Mallory nods.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Now we may skip to the free fence, unless the Fencing Mistress has any comments to make. };::>"
<<OOC>> arcangel will gloss over the rest. "She's got a good flow and stance -- for a human. Moves like a dancer."
During the practice, Ms. Dimetri pauses and watches Mallory's technique, her eyes narrowed.
Then she moves on, and they go to free-fence.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Would Mallory like to make a Fencing roll, to see if he's picked up the rules of the sport sufficiently to not do something sensible-but-against-the-rules?"
Mallory spends the first part of free fence defending. This body is about as tall as his last, with the same reach, but is rather thinner. He needs to adapt.
<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 5 5 CHECK: 5.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "That makes Int+Fencing quite easily, or Pre+Fencing."
<<OOC>> arcangel nods. "Mallory can pick up that they're apparently doing foil, which has touches only counting on the torso, from the way his opponent is attacking."
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Mal's going to much prefer Epee and Saber, methinks."
<<OOC>> arcangel is not surprised.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "He also gathers, from the way there's a pause as one the other intermediate pair backs away from the other, that running off the back of the narrow strip is not done."
Mallory hmmms.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Also, circling isn't proper. They are, indeed, on rails."
Mallory parries, and ripostes. Again. Again.
And scores touches, causing his opponent to go off-guard and "reset," as others do when touches are scored on them.
Mallory is like a snake stretching in the sun, flicking its tongue about to catch the local scents. Parry and riposte. Again. Defense to offense.
Mallory, unlike during practice, neither does not allow himself to be touched.
After one particularly nice touch, even by Mallory's standards, the woman shakes her head. "Wow. Can you teach me that move?"
Mallory smiles behind his mask. "An you wish it, Mademoiselle."
She says, "Please!"
Mallory stops, and shows her the parry and riposte. Just enough to prevent the opponent's sword from touching, no more, and the sinuous extension underneath, to the very heart.
She tries it, competantly enough, though without the backing of his speed.
On the strip of salle nearby, the small, wiry man apparently drops his guard, his sword held wide. His opponent lunges and he dodges back, sweeping his blade up and shoving the other foil away, then scoring the touch. A very flashy move.
Mallory smiles. "You show promise, Mademoiselle."
From afar, Demiurge wonders if Danny is signed into this class. ;)
Mallory ahas. That one. Yes.
Mallory can do flashy as well, if required.
The woman smiles. "Thanks! I'm Janice, by the way."
You paged Demiurge with 'Alas, not yet.'.
Mallory says "Mallory. Enchante'."
Janice says, "Enchanted," and smiles, behind her mask. She seems, however, a touch puzzled.
Janice . o O (Is Mallory an exchange student, or a SCAdian?)
Mallory goes en guarde, waiting for Janice to do the same.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Exchante student is not quite the appropriate term, for no human in his right mind would wish to be exchanged to Hell."
Janice does so, and extends her blade almost imediately, inviting a beat of her blade to send it off-guard.
<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 4 5 CHECK: 5.
<<OOC>> arcangel snorts. No Divine Interventions here!
Mallory takes the proffered blade, tapping it lightly to the side, and lunging, with something akin to his normal speed.
<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 3 6 CHECK: 2.
And the touch is Mallory's!
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Mallory is going to be able to remain untouched quite easily, though she does come close once or twice -- mostly because Mallory is watching the small, wiry guy do his flashy move _again_."
Mallory fences with the woman until time is called. He finishes adjusting his style to his new vessel, and picks up any remaining rules as can be divined from observation.
After a while, Ms. Dimetri comes back and suggests that Mallory and Janice swap with Jay (the small man) and Todd.
Mallory steps back, and doffs his helmet. Underneath, his beautiful brow is barely touched by sweat. "Of course, Madame. Janice, it was a pleasure. We shall fence again."
She takes off her own helmet, a good deal sweatier. "You bet. Maybe I'll be able to touch you someday!" She offers her ungloved hand -- it seems to be traditional to shake them, regardless of gender.
Ms. Dimetri suggests, "Mallory, you and Jay, I think..." Her tone is contemplative.
Mallory says "As you wish."
Mallory slips on his helmet again, and steps to the line.
Ms. Dimetri nods and drifts away to correct the lavender-pants'ed girl's pose.
Jay does a flashy salute with his blade, standing very straight, and puts his helmet on, dropping to en garde quickly.
Mallory lifts his own blade, again with that almost negligent form. No flash, only smooth movements.
Jay stays en garde, apparently waiting for Mallory to commit himself so that his style can be studied.
Mallory waits, patiently. Clearly Jay prefers to defend. Therefore he shall be forced to commit to attack.
Jay waits a full thirty seconds (unless Mallory moves before then.)
Mallory waits twenty nine. Until Jay is just winding himself up to attack. Then he strikes at full speed, feint and lunge.
<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 4 1 CHECK: 2.
<<OOC>> Mallory whuggles his Balseraphic Resonance.
<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 1 2 CHECK: 3.
Jay is fast, and turns his tap at Mallory's blade into an attempt at a parry -- but his blade goes wide as Mallory's comes under, and Jay's blade only taps Mallory's when Mallory has bent it slightly on Jay's chest.
Jay says, "Hmm," in a slightly nasal tenor.
Mallory steps back to his line, falling back to position.
Jay does so as well, and his pose is much more guarded.
Upon the nods of 'ready' from each, Jay waits a few seconds, then does a stamping advance, obviously trying to spook Mallory.
<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 1 1 CHECK: 6.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Would Mallory care to Dodge?"
Mallory holds his ground, with a stop thrust.
<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 6 5 CHECK: 2.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Mmm, he may have touched me."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "I think he did, with that combo."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Mallory probably got in his stop-thrust -- but his blade was tapped off-line for that instant necessary for Jay to get the 'legal' touch."
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Fair enough."
Mallory shakes his head, slightly disgusted with himself. "Touche', Monsieur."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "They'd both be dead or wounded, if the steel were live. O:>"
Mallory decides he finds this line confining, and makes further adjustments.
Breathing a bit heavily, Jay nods. He seems a touch pleased with himself, of course.
Mallory falls back into guard position. At the first hint of Jay's nod, he comes like lightning.
<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 2 6 CHECK: 5.
<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 2 1 CHECK: 3.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Better."
Jay _almost_ makes the parry in time -- but not quite. "Touche'," he says, easily enough.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Mallory can gather that Jay is really very good. Just not good _enough_."
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Should I be rolling for resonance effect as well? I believe that does really awful things to his dodge rolls."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "It's an automatic subtraction, Mallory."
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Ah, very good."
<<OOC>> Mallory still fails to understand IN combat mechanics.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Lots of die-rolling and waving and shouting, I think."
Mallory smiles. Better, but not good enough.
Mallory steps back, lifts his sword, and nods.
Jay tries the stamping advance, but dodges back in anticipation of the stop-thrust.
Mallory instead drops his sword, much like Jay did earlier, and then brings it up in a mirror of that flash move, to knock Jay's sword aside and thrust.
<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 2 6 CHECK: 4.
<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 6 4 CHECK: 3.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Ah, I am quite the reptile bastard today."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "You are!"
Jay comes in to try to get the touch, bringing his sword up to avoid Mallory's sweep -- but not getting it back in line quickly enough. He is well and truly touched.
Jay says, "Ooof! Touche'." He rubs at his chest a little.
Mallory acknowledges with a nod, dropping his sword, and stepping back to position.
Mallory says "Encore?"
Jay chuckles and nods. This time, he drops his own blade in the flash-move, stepping backwards slightly.
Mallory is smiling behind his mask. Smiling a very unpleasant little smile.
Mallory flicks his sword out, waiting for the move, and then to the side, so that the block is thwarted, and strikes home.
<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 2 5 CHECK: 3.
<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 2 2 CHECK: 3.
Jay is just not _quite_ fast enough.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Despite his blessed luck with the dice..."
Behind Mallory, Ms. Dimetri clears her throat.
Mallory steps back, lowering his sword.
Ms. Dimetri asks, "Would you like to spar with the teacher a bit, Mallory?"
Mallory says "I would, Madame."
Mallory turns to Jay, offering his hand.
Jay doffs his helmet and shakes Mallory's hand, nodding in a friendly way.
Mallory's voice is high and clear, with a slight edge that could be an accent. Perhaps.
Ms. Dimetri has her helmet and glove, and her foil.
Mallory leaves his helmet on, and instead steps back to his line.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Make a Perception roll for me, Mallory..."
<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 1 1 CHECK: 2.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "CLOSE!"
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Ah, a second perception roll made, sort of."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Mallory -- she's got a talisman on her. Her glove."
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Hmm. Do Eth Shields work against talismans?"
<<OOC>> arcangel says "No -- talismans affect the wearer."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Skill granters, or skill boosters."
Mallory nods slightly, at the glove. Well, her place as fencing teacher is explained, at least. "En garde, Madame."
Ms. Dimetri nods, then puts her helmet on and goes en garde. She asks, "Do you want Jay to signal?"
Mallory says "Whichever is according to the rules of the salle, Madame."
Ms. Dimetri says, "For a more formal bout, a referee gives the command to fence."
Mallory nods, sliding into guard position. "Very well. If you please, Monsieur Jay."
Jay raises his hand. "En garde," he says, a bit superfluously, but Ms. Dimetri settles her stance a little, acknowledging. Jay pauses and steps away. "Fence."
Mallory feints, lunges. All speed, with a hint of flare.
<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 3 3 CHECK: 3.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Hmm. That's my third triple digit roll today."
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Darn near my fourth."
<<OOC>> arcangel admires and scribbles a little.
<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 6 6 CHECK: 5.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Ow."
<<OOC>> arcangel recovers from the close call.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Clearly she should have brought a better amulet."
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Talisman, whatever."
<<OOC>> Mallory says "I have my close calls, you have yours."
<<OOC>> arcangel grins, and figures numbers.
Ms. Dimetri dodges -- _BARELY_.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "She has a very nice talisman, thank you."
She ripostes!
<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 1 2 CHECK: 3.
Mallory parries the expected riposte coolly.
<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 1 1 CHECK: 5.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Roll me a 'Dodge'?"
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Oh, very nice!"
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Give me a Fencing-skill + Perception roll, Mallory."
<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 6 1 CHECK: 3.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Well, that makes it, at least."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Her darting backwards and parry was supernaturally fast -- her attack was not."
Mallory hmms.
She pauses, obviously waiting for the next exchange.
Mallory steps back, as if to recover, and awaits a second strike with a stop thrust.
Ms. Dimetri comes in cautiously, jouncing slightly on her heels, and makes as if to tap at his blade.
Mallory meets the tap, still awaiting the true attack.
Ms. Dimetri extends her blade into line, so close to his own blade that she is obviously baiting him to parry -- so she can circle under his hand.
Mallory begins to parry, and instead aborts it to a thrust.
<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 1 6 CHECK: 4.
<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 3 3 CHECK: 6.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Better."
<<OOC>> arcangel compares these and the moves.
The touch is Mallory's first -- but he realizes that their blades did not scrape, and she was in line. By the sport-rules, the touch is hers.
She says, "Touche'."
Mallory says "Likewise, Madame."
Mallory begins to dislike these rules.
Ms. Dimetri says, "Another round? Or would you prefer sabre or epee?"
Mallory steps back to the line.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Which is the entire body?"
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Epee."
Mallory says "Another round, then Epee, if you please."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Saber is the whole upper-body, and strikes with the edge count."
Ms. Dimetri nods. She goes back to the line. Jay says, "En garde."
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Ah, then replace epee with Saber. Mallory likes to use the whole sword."
<<OOC>> arcangel replaces.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Saber-jocks. Yeesh. O:>"
Mallory waits for the attack this time, as long as need be.
Jay pauses, steps back, and says, "Fence." Ms. Dimetri also waits, lightly shifting her weight.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "phone."
<<OOC>> Mallory waits.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "work phone."
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Ah, I'll wait for a while, perhaps."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "reassures an editor."
<<OOC>> arcangel is back.
<<OOC>> Mallory believes he has deduced that this entire salle seems to prefer a defensive posture.
<<OOC>> arcangel thinks it likely.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Allow me to fix that."
<<OOC>> arcangel grins.
Ms. Dimetri extends her blade, with a smooth gesture that suggests she knows he hates the rules.
Mallory suddenly raises his sword above his head, and begins 'running' straight at Mme. Dimetri. In reality, he's actually doing a sort of high-knee shuffle, each step going forward only a little, and from the side it looks quite odd. From directly in front, it looks like he's running full tilt to strike his sword at her heart.
Ms. Dimetri bounces back, bringing her foil out of line to parry.
Mallory feints, and strikes.
<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 6 1 CHECK: 5.
Ms Dimetri tries to back away and parry.
<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 6 6 CHECK: 2.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "That would be 'no'."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "That would."
The touch is Mallory's, firm and clear.
Mallory withdraws a few steps, and bows. "The sabre, Madame?"
Ms. Dimetri bows in return. She turns to Jay. "Can you get mine out of my bag?" He nods and heads off.
She steps forwards a bit. "More than... natural talent?"
Mallory says "I assure you, Madame, inborn potential and hard work only."
Mallory says "And a very great deal of practice."
Ms. Dimetri says, "I don't doubt the inborn potential. I'm impressed by the hard work and practice."
Ms. Dimetri says, perhaps a touch carefully, "Do you number the practice years in decades or centuries?"
Mallory doffs his helmet, and merely smiles back at Mme Dimetri. "A gentleman never tells, Madame." His color is up, cheeks flushed slightly, with a delicate sheen of persipiration that some people like to call a 'glow' when they're being either gallant or facetious.
Mallory, in short, looks stunningly gorgeous. Particularly if you didn't hear the 'gentleman' part.
She pulls her own helmet off, so her raised eyebrows show to best effect. "Ever since you were knee-high to a grasshopper, eh?"
Mallory says "Well put, Madame. Your pardon, I must retrieve my sabre."
Ms. Dimetri says, "Mm-hm." She nods, to indicate he can go.
Mallory walks over to his things. He carefully cases his foil, and then pulls out his sabre.
Jay has fetched back a pair of sabres for Ms. Dimetri to choose between.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Perception roll again?"
<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 5 2 CHECK: 4.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Made if it involves the fencing skill. Failed of not."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "That makes it."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "One of the sabres is a talisman. It was created by someone with white-feathered wings. It adds to the sword-skill of its holder."
Ms. Dimetri takes the other, mundane, practice blade.
Mallory hmmms. A Soldier, yes.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "The untaken talisman is a _very powerful_ talisman."
Mallory thinks this place is lousy with them.
<<OOC>> arcangel grins.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Ah, but who does she owe allegience to!"
Mallory returns to the strip, sabre in hand.
Mallory is quite relaxed now, breathing a bit deeply, but that's all. He puts his helmet back on, and takes his position.
Ms. Dimetri goes to the strip, holding her own. She pauses beside Mallory and murmurs, "Do you need a run-down on the standard US rules? Or shall this just simulate first blood?"
Mallory says "Simulated first blood, I think. Let's give everyone a show, as they've been so polite."
Mallory assumes that everyone in the salle has been riveted on their little competition.
Ms. Dimetri smiles. "If we move over a little, we can abandon the strip, too."
Mallory says "Ah, excellent."
Mallory says "Around that large circle in the floor there?"
Indeed, most of the class are watching their teacher and this lovely student.
Ms. Dimetri nods. "That circle will do fine. Is it a hard line, that stepping out of will disqualify us? Or is it merely a suggestion?"
Mallory says "Merely a suggestion, I think."
Mallory says "The last match has satiated my appetite for formality, at least for the day."
Ms. Dimetri smiles and puts on her helmet. "Well, we'll see if I match up to any of my ancestors, won't we."
Mallory nods, smiling, and settles his helmet.
<<OOC>> arcangel yargs. "I need to idle a moment. The cat is yelling at me and wont' go away till I follow him."
<<OOC>> Mallory says "OK."
Ms. Dimetri heads for the circle, calling out, "We're doing SCA-style, first touch counts. Stand clear, everyone."
Mallory makes a few shadow feints, testing his shoes on this surface, then stands to guard.
Mallory finds them a bit sticky. Well, no kicks then.
Ms. Dimetri rolls her shoulders, gives herself a shake that seems almost boneless for a moment. As she stands to guard, she asks, "Shall we have Jay start the match?"
Mallory says "S'il vouz plait."
Demiurge has disconnected.
Ms. Dimetri nods to Jay. "Call it and step back." There is a hint of excitement and steel in her voice.
Jay nods, looking from one to the other. "En garde," he calls. He waits a beat, then, "Fence!"
Mallory sweeps in on a shallow arc, merely aiming to engage and fall back in a different direction, to see how his opponent deals with the lack of line.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Or, in short, even if he could take first blood, he wouldn't."
<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 6 2 CHECK: 5.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Lucky for her."
She holds her ground, this time, parrying and riposting.
<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 5 5 CHECK: 3.
<<OOC>> arcangel curses IN mechanics for not having good fencing rules!
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Lace and Steel would be so much nicer, I agree."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Which, alas, I've never seen. *sniff*"
<<OOC>> Mallory has a copy, alas without the dueling cards.
<<OOC>> arcangel will simply compare rolls in the exchanges, she thinks, against the appropriate values. "Does that sound fair?"
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Fair."
<<OOC>> arcangel nods.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Counting resonance and talismans, of course."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Bingo!"
<<OOC>> arcangel writes down some target numbers to keep herself honest. O:>
Neither is touched in this first exchange.
Mallory sweeps in again, this time aiming to press his opponent back slightly, collapsing the defense before withdrawing.
<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 4 3 CHECK: 6.
Ms. Dimetri moves forwards, meeting his blade with her own and trying a bind.
<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 6 5 CHECK: 2.
Mallory manages to free it, driving her back a few steps. As he withdraws, she goes on the attack, slashing low for his thighs.
<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 4 4 CHECK: 6.
Mallory skips back, out of the way of the slash.
<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 1 4 CHECK: 2.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Not good."
The very tip of her saber grazes his leg.
Mallory stops, and puts up his sword. "Touche', Madame."
She pants slightly, also stopping and dropping her blade. "I got lucky, Bernlack. And it's not much of a 'scratch.' Do you want to continue?"
Mallory looks around the room.
The rest of the class are, indeed, watching with interest. One pair are trying to pretend that they're actually free-fencing, at the far end of the room.
Mallory nods. "D'accord. Allons-y. Jay, if you please."
Mallory falls back to guard position.
Jay steps up, as Ms. Dimetri goes back to her half of the circle. "En garde. Fence."
As usual, Dimetri hangs back a shred, waiting for him to come at her.
Mallory crashes Mme Dimetri's defense again, this time concentrating on that glove, rather than on the rest of her body. It helps her defend herself. Does it defend itself?
<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 2 1 CHECK: 5.
<<OOC>> arcangel eeps at that CD.
She tries to take his attack on the hand-guard, bringing the blade of the sabre around to cut at his helmet.
<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 4 3 CHECK: 4.
Mallory's blade is a straight slap from her knuckles to her elbow, though some of its force is deflected by her attempt to parry. An instant after, the flat of her blade taps him on the shoulder as she nearly drops her blade.
Ms. Dimetri hisses in pain or frustration, recovering her grip and standing down.
Mallory puts his blade up again, and steps up, waiting for the judge to make the call.
Mallory steps back, that is.
Ms. Dimetri takes her sword in her other hand and shakes the touched one out. "Touche'," she grits out, probably restraining other comments.
Mallory says "Are you injured, Madame? If so, I apologize."
Ms. Dimetri pulls her glove off and rolls up her sleeve, inspecting the red welt that runs up her arm. "It's only a bruise, I think. Thank you."
Mallory's voice has gone from that almost insouicant tone to one of obvious concern.
Mallory doffs his cap, and bows. "The first touch was yours, however. I yield."
Mallory does nothing of the sort, of course, but gallantry requires such things.
Ms. Dimetri bows in return. "Very well. Though I think you got first _blood_." She wryly displays the elongated bruise.
Ms. Dimetri says, thoughtfully, "I obviously need more practice."
Mallory says "You did quite well. Your ancestors would no doubt be proud."
<<OOC>> Mallory says "And lucky you, you don't get to ask them about it today."
Ms. Dimetri smiles wryly. "I'll have to talk to them about it later."
Mallory says "The fighting style is quite different when one need not worry about the line, you would agree?"
Mallory says "Not oversoon, I hope."
Ms. Dimetri nods, waving for everyone else to go back to their own practices. "Oh, don't worry, I'd phone or email. And yes, sport versus bloodsport is quite different."
Mallory says "If the salle has a bandage, I would be quite happy to wrap that for you. Perhaps some soothing ointment as well."
Ms. Dimetri eyes her bruise. "I think it'll be all right. The jacket's fairly tough. Besides, it wouldn't do to monopolize a student like that. There might be accusations of favoritism from those who didn't understand. Mind if I get a drink of water, though?" She nods her head towards a strange, blocky contraption on the far wall, beside the double-doors Mallory entered from.
Mallory smiles. "Rather, I shouldn't wish to monopolize your time. By all means."
Mallory stands away, and goes to return his sabre his bag.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "That's right. Don't let the demon tend to your wounds."
Ms. Dimetri heads off, talisman glove in her helmet, helmet under her left arm, saber in her left hand.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Why? What would he do?"
At the blocky thing, she presses a button and leans down to drink from the resulting fountain.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Why, nothing malevolent at all. It was a fair wound, sustained in honorable combat."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Ah, well. Who knows how they're training people these days."
Mallory thinks the blocky thing in the gym is of better manufacture than the blocky thing on his floor at the residence. At least it rattles less. Perhaps the water is colder as well.
Mallory stows his sabre, and begins to take down his braid. It wouldn't do to let it dry in its current state.
Ms. Dimetri takes a fairly long drink, then heads back across the salle floor, making comments to some of the other students about keeping their guards up or keeping their blades in line.
Mallory pulls out a brush, and begins to brush out his long, blonde hair. Which looks far too full and glossy to have been tied in a braid all afternoon, but you know what they say about Balseraphs and good hair.
Janice and Todd are fencing together, while Jay attempts to teach the girl in the lavender pants how to counter his flash-move. Ms. Dimetri works her way around to stand next to where Mallory is brushing out his hair.
Mallory looks just gorgeous doing it, of course. Such a slender figure, with that lovely hair.
Mallory is, of course, almost totally unaware of this, his mind on the brushing, but more on the fencing.
Ms. Dimetri watches him, in between watching the rest of the class. "I hope they sent you enough shampoo to go with all that hair. It'd be a pity to cut it." Her tone is... cautious. As if she were tapping his blade to test his defenses.
Mallory mmms? "Why should I cut it? A braid fits well enough under the mask." The issue of shampoo is ignored.
Ms. Dimetri says, "Sometimes it's hard to care for one's hair when one's busy. You're listed as a freshthing, right?"
Mallory ripostes. "Several of your students show a good deal of promise. Their style, however, is too defensive. Jay, in particular, is too reliant on that flash parry, and should take the fight to his opponent more cleanly. Janice as well. She's to big a target to just stand there.
Mallory says "Ah first year student, yes."
Mallory says "And I've a good deal of practice with hair care. Particularly with neither moustache nor goatee to worry about."
Ms. Dimetri says, "Whereas you're a bit weak in the defense, if someone happens to avoid your first attack -- or you toy with them too much." She contemplates the students.
Mallory chuckles. "Touche', Madame." He looks amused.
Ms. Dimetri says, "I suspect that my trainer was perhaps more defense-oriented than yours, as well. Different styles." She smiles. "I'll have to work on my attacks."
Mallory says "Well, we've the entire term to test one another."
Mallory says "At the very least."
Ms. Dimetri chuckles. "So we do. And you're right -- Jay's usually better than anyone else here, so he amuses himself with flash-moves, and Janice is operating more on talent than practice. Do you want to help me train them?"
Mallory says "If only to provide more competition, most certainly."
Ms. Dimetri smiles. "Good. I can use the assistance. And the practice."
Mallory says "Who was your teacher, if I might inquire?"
Mallory finishes brushing out his hair, and lets it hang loose.
Ms. Dimetri says, "The one who taught me the most was called Obadiah." She seems to be watching Mallory intently now.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Hmm. Anyone I know?"
<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 6 4 CHECK: 5.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "That's probably a 'no'."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Indeed, but that's a rather... suggestive name."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "It's that -iah. There are so many angels who translate their names that way..."
Mallory nods. "Was he the one who gave you your sword, as well? The good one, not the practice sabre."
Ms. Dimetri's smile widens, close-mouthed. "Actually, yes. And the glove."
Mallory nods. "I was not going to mention it, but yes, the glove as well."
Ms. Dimetri's says, "It seemed appropriate, to have a more equal match of skill."
<<OOC>> arcangel strikes a 's.
Mallory lets the implication pass that if she'd used the sword as well it would have been more than equal.
Mallory says "Of course."
Mallory says "Do you often take lessons from him, then?"
Ms. Dimetri says, "Not recently, unfortunately. He doesn't entirely approve of my lifestyle choice."
Mallory says "Oh? What a pity. Whatever one's other disputes, they should not affect the salle."
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Outside of it, on the dueling ground, it's a different issue."
Ms. Dimetri says, "He was rather upset when I took this job. He thought I'd do better to run a private salle, off-campus." She waves around them. "Rather than share a basketball court and try to drill a little discipline into a bunch of hobbiests who want an easy credit."
Mallory says "Ah."
Mallory says "Well, I, for one, am glad that you and your hobbists are here."
Ms. Dimetri says, thoughtfully, "He almost accused me of selling out..." She twitches her eyebrows at Mallory. "Oh? Someone who might possibly be a challenge on a good day?"
She indicates herself, at the latter question.
Mallory brushes his fingertips over his leg, where he was grazed before. "Our styles are sufficiently different that we might learn from one another, Madame. And without challenges, how might one prove one's own skill?"
Mallory looks over at Jay, who's over-using that flash move again. "And, if nothing else, perhaps we might conspire to break your student of his more blatant habits."
Ms. Dimetri nods. "He'll certainly get a bit humbler. And perhaps I'll have some new tricks to show Obadiah if he condescends to visit."
Mallory says "Perhaps you'd be good enough to introduce him."
Ms. Dimetri says, "If I did that, the pair of you would be outside the walls in five minutes flat."
Mallory raises an eyebrow. "You think we would not get along?"
Ms. Dimetri says, "It's a fifty-fifty chance, I admit."
Mallory smiles beatifically.
Ms. Dimetri raises her eyebrows again. "You're lovely and you know it. Try not to distract the women in the class."
Mallory says "If you find any to be overly distracted, just let me know. A few times up and down the strip should do wonders to concentrate their minds."
Ms. Dimetri sighs. "Some of them, maybe. There's one in the beginner's class..." She shakes her head. "I think she's only there to ogle guys' legs. She was _so_ disappointed to find out I was the teacher."
Mallory says "If they insist on pretending interest in our 'sport', they should at least have the decency to pretend well. I would have the common courtesy to do the same if this were an embroidery class."
Mallory's voice doesn't drip contempt. Quite.
Mallory says "The one in the lavender and the ill fitting jacket?"
Ms. Dimetri sighs. "Well, there's always the chance she'll get interested after a while." She looks up. "Isabelle? No -- she's in it for the sport, though she doesn't practice enough. She's content enough being mediocre, I guess."
Mallory looks over at Isabelle, with an appraising eye.
<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 2 5 CHECK: 3.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Hmm, tolerably appraising, at least."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Appraising her skill?"
<<OOC>> Mallory says "And anything else that comes to mind, yes."
Isabelle doesn't have enough raw talent to allow her not to practice -- and she obviously doesn't practice enough to polish what aptitude she has. She's got an occasional flash of speed and doesn't horse around on the strip, though. The jacket is too baggy to show off much else, but her legs are all right, and her face was attractive enough (he remembers from before she put the helmet on).
Mallory says "Very well. With your permission, Madame, perhaps I might help to sharpen her focus?"
Ms. Dimetri says, "If you want." She pauses, musing. "She'd probably be vicious if she had the strength for an axe."
Mallory pauses. "Well, we are both fortunate, then."
Ms. Dimetri says, "Oh?"
Mallory ties his hair back in a simple ponytail, eschewing the braid for a moment. It streams down his back in a golden waterfall.
Mallory says "That she does not have an axe, nor the strength for it."
Ms. Dimetri says, "Ah."
Mallory takes his first foil, and seats his helmet back on his head.
Ms. Dimetri will escort him over, to perform the teacher-approved swapping of fencing partners.
Mallory strides across the floor, interrupting Isabelle in the middle of a lunge. "Non! That will not do. This is not a game, Mademoiselle. And even if this is now a sport, it is still a serious one, as Madame Dimetri and her arm would no doubt tell you."
Isabelle gives Mallory an obscure _look_, then glances past him to Ms. Dimetri. Then she straightens up. "It was short," she agrees.
Mallory says "First, your grip is sloppy. You are holding a foil. Not a club with an edge, and certainly not an axe. If your opponent were more skilled, you would not even touch him."
Mallory says "Now, en garde. Let me see you hold it properly."
Isabelle shifts her grip, then goes en garde. Her static pose really isn't that bad, though she isn't as bent-knee as, say, Jay manages.
Mallory examines the grip. "Shift you thumb slightly, you're lacking control at the point."
Isabelle shifts her thumb, bobbing the foil slightly to test the control.
Mallory raises his sword. "Fingers there, and there. Do not press so hard, you will tire your hand."
Isabelle mutters something about violins, under her breath, and adjusts obediently.
Mallory says "Good. Now lunge."
Isabelle lunges. It's not as deep as it could be, and she's giving it away with her arm-extention before she moves her feet -- though that's probably how the sport prefers.
Mallory says "Again, and this time don't tell your opponent what you're going to do first. You're not asking his permission, you're trying to put a sword in his heart."
Isabelle says, reasonably, "If I don't get the extension out in time, he'll stop-thrust me." But she tries it again, quicker.
Mallory says "And if you do, he'll know where to parry. Do it quickly enough, and he'll do neither."
Mallory says "Bien. Again, just so."
Isabelle works on it again. She's still leading with her arm, to Mallory's eye, but it's at least a little quicker.
Mallory says "Better. Now, ten more times, quick as you can, but make sure you recover properly. Precision counts."
Isabelle takes a deep breath and starts into the ten times. She doesn't really have the stamina to do it quickly _and_ precisely. Overall, she seems to favor precison.
Mallory says not a word until the tenth lunge.
Mallory will notice that somewhere, she's learned not to lunge deeply. It's as if she's constantly unsure of her footing.
Mallory says "Arret."
Isabelle pauses at the tenth lunge and looks at Mallory, head tilted slightly, but in a loose en garde position.
Mallory puts down his helmet, and stands in front of her, on the line. "Again. Lunge to hit me."
Mallory goes en garde.
Isabelle settles herself, bending her knees a bit more deeply. She does a lunge -- fast, and actually a little deeper than the practice lunges.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Not much faster than the practice ones, but definitely trying to do as he'd asked."
Mallory stands just ever so slightly out of her sword range, and then a bit. He neither parries nor dodges, just letting the tip of her sword fall short of his chest.
Isabelle straightens back to en garde.
Mallory says "You are short, Mademoiselle. Now."
Mallory strikes back, a much deeper lunge than hers, and a clean touch.
His foil-point goes *thock* against her chest.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Armored, definitely."
Mallory straightens. "You have no confidence in your feet."
Isabelle nods, grimacing behind her mask. "I know."
Mallory puts up his mask. "You must. You have not the power of a man, and I think you will find your speed can be easily overmatched. If you wish to compete, you must make up for it in precision and skill. This begins with your stance and your grip.
Isabelle sighs, faintly and a little rueful, then goes into en garde again, obviously trying to immitate Jay or the others with better stances."
<<OOC>> arcangel baps a stray " from elsewhere.
Mallory stands en garde. "Lunge, again. Show confidence in your footwork. What power you have will come from there."
Isabelle kicks off in a deep lunge, her arm a little slow this time as she concentrates on her footwork. At the very fullest extension of it, she wobbles and touches the ground with her left hand -- but the tip of her blade touches Mallory. >(If he held still for it.)
<<OOC>> arcangel says "(If he held still for it, rather.)"
Mallory does hold still.
Mallory says "Touche'. Better, although your balance is not good."
Isabelle works herself back to her feet. "Yeah," she says, with a touch of amusement.
Mallory says "That can be fixed."
Isabelle says, "With practice."
Mallory says "With practice."
Mallory says "You will require much of it."
Isabelle nods.
Mallory says "More than this one hour, thrice a week course can provide, if you wish to develop any notable skill."
Isabelle sighs. "Don't I _wish_..."
Mallory says "I will speak with the Madame. My free time is my own. If I wish to spend it tutoring others in the blade, no one may speak against it."
Isabelle says, with a touch of uppity-ness, "You're assuming that I don't have a full class schedule, plus auditing a class."
Mallory says "I assume you might wish to become a proper fencer. If you do, you might attend such meetings as I am able to arrange. If not..."
Mallory shrugs eloquently.
Mallory says "Regardless, I will teach any who should attend regularly."
Isabelle says, "Actually, I mostly need to know enough to write it plausibly. I'm not good enough to do this for a living. But if I can scrounge up some time. Where are you holding it?"
Mallory raises an eyebrow. "Write about it? Are you another Dumas, then?"
Isabelle says, "I wish. Not yet."
Mallory says, dryly, "Well, perhaps you will get the specifics better than he managed."
Mallory says "Another ten lunges, and then cool yourself properly."
Isabelle grins. "Right." She goes back to lunging, obviously trying to get the footwork better.
Mallory watches Isabelle do her lunges, then, when she is finished, strolls about the rest of the salle, doing similar bits of criticism.
Mallory will note that Isabelle doesn't really have a 'proper cool-off' -- she's obviously got some of the theory, but little practice. He'll also notice that Ms. Dimetri seems to be always within earshot of him.
Mallory lets this tall, gangly fellow alone long enough to correct Isabelle's 'cool-off' technique, and returns to the tall one. "You. You have the height of a belltower. You should know how to use it properly."
The tall fellow gives Mallory a look that suggests that he's not entirely sure about this "belltower" comment. From the corner of his eye, Mallory can see Ms. Dimetri hiding a grin.
Mallory holds out one arm, hand held just so. "You have," he mocks every so slightly, "the arms of one of those creatures found in the Jungles of africa. While I won't make any assertions about how this affects your beauty, it does give you an advantage on the strip, which you are utterly failing to make use of."
Ms. Dimetri seems to have her hand over her eyes now, and is definitely grinning. The tall fellow says, "Uh-huh," in a non-committal way.
Mallory looks around for the sortest student in the class.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Shortest."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Either Jay or one of the other female students. (Not Janice or Isabelle -- both of them are relatively tall.)"
Mallory beckons over Jay, then.
Jay comes over jauntily enough.
Mallory says "First, I will show you how you fence. Then I will show you how you *should* fence, given your relative height."
Mallory puts down his helmet, and goes en garde. "Bien, Jay. A feint and a lunge. Minimal flash, if you please."
Jay puts his helmet down and does as requested. He does, actually, have quite good speed and point control -- which is what permits him to do the flash, no doubt.
Mallory parries and ripostes, but his style is quite different, almost cramped. It's quick enough, and the technique isn't bad, but it's as if he's fighting in a body two sizes too small.
Jay makes the expected parry, though not overly quickly. He seems to be working on figuring out what Mallory's trying to demonstrate.
Mallory counter attacks, but, as before, his lunges come straight in, on a medium or low line, with little use of the high position.
Mallory lets this go back and forth a few times, attack and counter attack, always mimicing the tall fellow's style.
Jay gets into the swing of this, starting to take a bit of advantage of it here and there.
Mallory ignores the advantages of a taller man fighting against a shorter one, and fights 'straight up' as it were, until one or the other of them gets a touch. It does not matter who.
The tall fellow watches this, obviously not seeing half of it, quite.
Mallory calles 'Arret!'
Jay halts, standing down.
Mallory says "Now, again, but with a technique better suited to your size."
Mallory goes en guard, his sword held higher now.
Jay mutters, "Uh-oh." He asks, "Slow? Or full speed?"
Mallory says "Full to the first touch, then half, again, to show what actually happened."
Jay nods cheerfully, and goes en garde -- and defensive.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Want to roll to see who gets first touch? Or simply figure Mallory's going to get it?"
Mallory comes in on a nasty high line, making full use of his reach advantage to get more extension. If Jay even tries that flash move, he'll get a point in the helmet.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Oh, roll. Stranger things have happened."
<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 1 4 CHECK: 5.
<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 5 4 CHECK: 5.
<<OOC>> Mallory thinks Mal's average attacking CD has been a 5 so far.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "That's on the dice. When you add in his 'auto' bonus, it's more like a 7-8."
<<OOC>> arcangel grins, works on the pose.
After a few quick exchanges, Mallory executes a high feint, making Jay parry high -- but as Jay's sword moves up, Mallory's has circled around, and as Jay's moves down... Mallory's point is bent upon Jay's chest.
Jay steps back. "Touche'."
Mallory nods.
Mallory says "Again, slowly."
Mallory waits for Jay to set up, and goes through the exact same attack, but at half speed, assuming Jay will mimic his earlier movements.
Jay goes through the final exchange, slowly, and the same movements. He's clearly done this sort of example before.
Mallory says "Arret. Thank you, Monsieur Jay."
Mallory looks back at the tall fellow. "You begin to understand?"
Jay nods, and stands back, giving a salute with his blade.
The tall fellow frowns thoughtfully. "But won't going high let them get under my guard?"
Mallory says "You are thinking defensively again."
The tall fellow looks mildly confused -- but interested.
Mallory says "You must be aware of your guard, of course, but if you go low you play to their strength. They do not expect to fight high, and they will not be so practiced as you. *If* you practice."
The tall fellow nods. "I practice," he says.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Poor Mallory. Just think -- if he were a Seraph, he'd _know_ if that were true or not!"
<<OOC>> arcangel . o O (Well, maybe not with his current Perception.)
Mallory says "If you stand back and hope to counter, you merely attempt to defend the greater territory against a more concentrated attack."
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Feh."
The tall fellow nods. "More aggressive. High line."
Mallory says "Were I to fight you, I should attack immediately and get inside the range of those great, ape-like arms of yours."
Mallory says "Close in, they will only get in your way."
The tall fellow snorts. "I've noticed."
Mallory says "D'accord."
Mallory looks over at the clock on the wall. With luck, this is a more normal, analog clock.
The tall fellow looks mildly confused. Apparently they are not taught much French in this class...
The clock is, indeed, nearing the end of the class. Some people in shorts and very short-sleeved shirts are coming in and waiting at the far doors. A couple are bouncing a large brown ball on the floor. Some of the fencing students who were closer to those doors are already starting to take off their helmets and head for the room where the student equipment is apparently kept.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "And it's analog."
Mallory flicks his hand towards the door. "You may go. I will speak to Madame about a more regular schedule for private tutoring."
Ms. Dimetri makes a stifled noise, then clears her throat. "Okay, break, everyone," she calls loudly.
Mallory turns back to Mme. Dimetri. "So, is it possible to schedule this room, or perhaps some other, for daily exercise?"
Isabelle and Janice, it would seem, have their own bags by the wall, as they go and put their foils and helmets away. So does Jay, and the tall fellow. Then that batch of students head down the stairs to change.
Ms. Dimetri says, "It might be. Here, let's get out of the way of the basketball players."
A brown ball goes bouncing past.
Mallory says "Ah."
Mallory escorts Mme Dimetri over to his bag, then.
Ms. Dimetri says, as they walk, "You'd have to talk to the people with the schedules. Mr. Byrne's the one you'd want to see, in the office upstairs."
Mallory says "I will do so."
Mallory secures his foil, then takes off his hat and gloves.
Ms. Dimetri adds, "He's the Team coach, too. So don't try to get anything away from the football players."
Mallory says "Are there any limitations on student associations here? Prescriptions by the authorities? Loyalty oaths, or the like?"
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Student Riots? In Paris? Never heard of such a thing."
Ms. Dimetri says, "Not officially. Some of the Greek houses might do that, and a few of the dorms, but otherwise?" She shrugs. "Unless you mean... _intimate_ associations -- I suggest you read your student handbook regarding those."
<<OOC>> Demiurge laughs.
Mallory looks slightly put out. "I am looking for an informal salle, madame, not a harem."
Ms. Dimetri seems amused. "You don't have to _look_ for the harem?" She sobers herself. "All right. Just making sure. I think you can arrange one, though they may have some insurance and liability issues if I'm not present for it. There's always outside, though. The Scadians take over the Avaunt Gardens occasionally, and I haven't heard that they've had problems."
Mallory says "Are there many of them, these scadians?"
Ms. Dimetri wabbles one hand back and forth. "Maybe a couple dozen, who are students. Another dozen or so who are in the surrounding areas." She pauses. "Do you know what a Scadian is?"
Mallory unties his ponytail, brushing his hair out again.
Mallory says "Alas, I do not."
Ms. Dimetri says, "They're members of the SCA. Society of Creative Anacronism. The short form is that some of them dress up in very old-fashioned outfits, including armor, and the fighters bash at each other with boffer swords periodically."
Mallory says "Intriguing. What is a 'boffer' sword?"
Ms. Dimetri says, "A padded practice sword. Around here, it's usually piping and foam padding, wraped with duct tape."
Ms. Dimetri says, "Your speech patterns are going to have some people thinking you're one of them."
Mallory says "Hmm."
Mallory says "Ah."
Ms. Dimetri leans on the wall. "They're very into courtly behavior, most of them."
Mallory shrugs. "I should perhaps meet them, then, to see if this will pose a problem. Swords wrapped in tape, you say? Not proper fencing then. Something more old fashioned."
Ms. Dimetri nods. "Broadswords and shields. Some of them use foils or sabres, though. I suspect it will be obvious when they have an event. They might have meetings at the Student Union or Student Confederacy, too. I don't keep up with them much, but a lot of the interested students take fencing..." She shrugs.
Mallory nods. "I will have a look. Thank you, Madame."
Mallory says "The Anachronism part should be amusing, certainment."
Mallory says "And, until next time, good day."
Ms. Dimetri says, "You're welcome. And you'll probably either hate them, or have some fun. Good day." She steps back and gives him a little bow before heading for the stairs.
Mallory chuckles. He picks up his back, and walks leisurely towards the changing room.
<<OOC>> Mallory wonders how many students will be surprised which room he goes into.
In the men's locker room, there are a few of the fencers, and indeed, they look at him with startlement -- except for Jay, who just nods to himself thoughtfully and gives a salute-wave as he heads back out.
Mallory ignores them, and proceeds to strip down and change.
Mallory waves to Jay, however.
After a moment, most of the others in the locker room go back to their own changing of clothing, with only a few sneaking peeks at Mallory now and then.
<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 1 6 CHECK: 2.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Mmm?"
Mallory fails to notice the peeks. Those who do peek will notice that, yes, Mallory is very slender with a fairly feminine build. But without his clothes on, he's definitely male.
Mallory puts on his 'regular' clothing, including the oddly brief underwear, packs up his things, and goes.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Do we want to RP arranging for the room, or want to OOC it?"
A few people -- not fencers -- come in and change into shorts and loose shirts. They stare more than the fencers.
<<OOC>> arcangel can do either.
<<OOC>> Mallory thinks your log is long enough for the moment.
Outside the room, Isabelle and Janice are sitting on a bench, talking. Isabelle notices Mallory and grins. She tells the other woman, "Told you so."
<<OOC>> arcangel chuckles.
Mallory slows to a stop. "Mademoiselles."
Isabelle says, with an atrocious accent, "Monsieur."
Mallory chuckles, albeit with a trace of irony. "You were unsure?"
Isabelle says, "Not after I realized you didn't have hubcaps." Janice looks faintly embarassed.
<< GAME >> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 1 5 CHECK: 4
<< GAME >> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 1 2 CHECK: 4
Mallory says "Hubcaps?"
Isabelle says, "Chest protectors."
Mallory chuckles. "Ah, I understand. No. Any appearances to the contrary."
Isabelle smiles. "It's the hair. Bad enough to be jealous of a gal who's got hair like that..."
Mallory smiles. "Merci, Mademoiselle."
Isabelle says "De nada." Then she stands up and collects her fencing bag, a backpack, and a purse, hanging them about herself with practice.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Do not hate me because I am beautiful... ;)"
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Why should they hate you?"
Mallory says "Au revoir, then."
Mallory walks up the stairs and out, a slight lilt in his step betraying his general satisfaction with the class. (And giving him an intriguing sway about the hips, but never mind about that.)
Isabelle says, "Fare thee well," and executes a casual bow, then trundles up the stairs, her off-center pony-tail bouncing on her left shoulder.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Ah, ladies first, then."
Janice just waves, "Bye," and heads into the women's changing room as Mallory leaves.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "She had to get to class."
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Of course."
<<OOC>> arcangel could close here, especially since the administrative areas of the gym are not ones she's familiar with.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "OK."
<<Scene Stop>>
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You say "Has Mallory guessed who/what gave the fencing teacher her talismans?"
Mallory says "Some angel, likely of the Sword. White wings, so probably not a Malakite. Possibly a mercurian."
Mallory says "Or a Seraph partially manifesting celestial."
arcangel chuckles.
You say "If Mallory would like to make an Int roll with a decent CD, he might be given a bit more data."
<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 1 4 CHECK: 4.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Hey, there's a decent CD."
You say "It's something a Baalite might know, yep."
You say "Sword's Mercurians are very very good at Dodging."
Mallory nods.
Mallory is unsurprised.
Mallory says "It would also explain her sword technique."
You say "Yup."
Mallory almost hisses. "No no no. Don't be afraid to attack. It's not like you're trying not to hurt your opponent."
arcangel chuckles.