video | username: pearl

[beyourrock]

[Pearl was a little apprehensive at first to go ahead about this. But when she thought about it, this would be beneficial to many people here. Especially for people who were not used to missions, or even fighting for that matter.

Swallowing hard, Pearl lifts her head and sets her 'communicator' on a rock in the outskirts of the city. Out of harm's way. Once it was perfect, she starts.]

Greetings everyone of ALASTAIR. My name is Pearl, and I wanted to offer my assistance.

[In her hand, it looks to be a sword, held confidently. She bows in greeting to the jewel, shifting awkwardly. This was so different than what she's used to. Heck, she didn't know if it was even working.

Behind her, another 'Pearl' comes up behind her, with a sword as well, about to strike her over the head with it. But in one swift movement, the opposing Pearl falls to the ground, flickering. Pearl lowers her arm, the sword having penetrated the hologram, which fizzles out of existence altogether.]

I have experience when it comes to swordsmanship, and as well as experience with the use of a spear. I wanted to gather if there would be any interest for some training. We all come from many different backgrounds, myself included. I want to make sure everyone has a chance to defend themselves.

For now, I'm gauging interest. Also, if anyone else is interested in hosting some training as well. I don't... mean to be the 'head' of any group. I merely wish to help where I can. This would help immensely for what might be on the horizon for us.

If anyone has any questions, please let me know. And if you wish to speak to me in person, I'm just on the outskirts here.

Comments

[norse]

This is Mjolnir.

[ The smile is returned, just as the hammer falls out of sight at his side. ]

More than a little something. A mighty warrior from my home also wields the sword, she would chastise me where I stand for not taking up your offer. I can only hope you will forgive me, my lady.

[jamminshield]

That's how I know you'll do great!

It's gonna be a lot different to teach even more people. Ooh, you should see if they'll call you Sensei!

[beyourrock]

S-Sensei? Like from your movies?

[She shakes her head.]

I'm not anyone's... sensei.

[beyourrock]

Mjolnir. Hm, it's very unique.

[Pearl laughs lightly and shakes her head before bowing it slightly.]

It's quite alright, sir. People have their own preferences. Sometimes sword fighting isn't for everyone! But it seems as though you can handle yourself with Mjolnir.

[jamminshield]

Yeah! Like... the guy who taught Lonely Blade.

You're totally like a sensei! You're really cool and wise and nice, and you teach all kinds of cool moves just so people can be better... That sounds exactly like a sensei to me!

[beyourrock]

[She offers him a weak smile. furrowing her brow, but shakes her head.

You're just a Pearl.]

You're too kind, Steven... Have you been settling in alright?

[jamminshield]

[He keeps smiling right back.

You're Pearl.]

Ehhh, I'd say I could always be kinder for you, Pearl!

But I'm doing alright! Really. [He looks away for a moment, a bit of a flicker in his smile, but then he refocuses with a smile.]

I've been making a lot of nice new friends, a-and it's a pretty cool place to live! It... does look like there's still a lot of work to do, though...

[norse]

That it is. [ Except not, perhaps. If there's a wholly different Loki here then it stands to reason his not-quite brother's version of Thor has a similar hammer and that makes him feel weird, so he moves on. ]

Yes, she and I trained for a great many centuries until I proved myself worthy of her. I hope to remain so for a long time. Does your blade have a name, Lady Pearl?

[perma_banned]

[Pearl was speaking to him as if he were a regular person, but Ban wasn't certain he could ever be one. Sinners were meant to pay penance, even if they would never be forgiven and those sins would never vanish.]

My lessons wouldn't be anythin' you folks would take pride in. As a knight, I'm pretty shoddy~.

[babbylon]

[Gilgamesh lives for the challenge, for pushing boundaries. Pearl has found a fair match in this regard; when she runs, he runs, too, and every strike at every angle is met with its equivalent. He has no doubts he could brutalize her if he so pleased, that he could summon forth a surge of strength to overcome her, but that isn't the point here.

No, what they were making here was art. The art of battle, of fair play. Step left, duck right. Aim up, block down. They are an admirable sight and even if her sword is plain, even if she is plain, he thinks her lovely all the same.

Gilgamesh grins and takes a daring swipe, just shy of her legs.]

It seems I have an excellent teacher to thank for that.

[beyourrock]

[She matches his every movement, her smile growing more confident, even feeling herself try different tactics, only to be met equally. A stalemate of sorts, but it has her adrenaline skyrocketing. Pearl carves into the air elegantly with slight flicks of the wrist, long strokes with her arms, meeting his blade with her own each time. A bit of sweat appears on her brow even as she continues.

Her eyes widen as his sword reaches out for her legs. Misjudging the distance, she hops backwards, to gain a bit of distance between them, and twirls on the tip of her foot, balancing effortlessly before she rests her feet both flat on the ground.]

Oh please, I haven't done much. [She's a little out of breath, rubbing the sweat from her brow with the back of her hand. She sighs, almost dreamily.] I haven't had a duel like this in a long time.

[beyourrock]

[Pearl looks down at her sword and shifts her hold on the handle, flexing her fingers.]

I actually don't have one for it. I have a few others like this actually. And I typically use spears in battle. But I do find it amusing that humans have names for inanimate objects.

[She doesn't mean this offensively, she is genuinely amused. Pearl is unfamiliar with the idea of naming objects. It was endearing to say the least.]

[digophelia]

I shall. Thank you, Miss Pearl.

[norse]

Asgardian, [ he gently corrects her with a smile, ] from Asgard. Forgive me, these comms have me forgetting my manners when I would have otherwise introduced myself: Thor Odinson, son of Odin All-Father.

To my credit he named my hammer, not I.

[ Odin had the right, after all.]

[beyourrock]

A pleasure to meet you, Thor.

Asgardian?

[She blinks, furrowing her brow in confusion. Was that a subspecies of human? Or... a title for some kind of human. He looks human to her.]

Is Asgard a planet of some sort? Different from Earth?

[babbylon]

[Who knew a mere pearl could match him this way? Of course, he'd argued from the start she wasn't just a pearl. Every gem had a unique cut and its own special shape, just as all treasure had its own appeal. And it is appealing, watching her twist and turn and dance with him. They could go on like for quite a while.

They could, or Gilgamesh could make it decidedly more interesting. He surges forward again, but this time his opposite hand makes a grab for her waist. It is not threatening, quite the opposite, dipping her low and bending her back as the tip of his blade lies poised at her throat as if to take her life. Not that it would.

He has only a boyish wink to offer her by the end, by way of apology.]

Does this mean I win?

[A+ Charisma strikes again.]

[norse]

One of the Nine Realms, part of Yggdrasil the World Tree. This ... must mean little to you, Lady Pearl. Asgard is a fair land, that of the Aesir — those whom the people of Earth once called gods.

[ Which is the only description anyone truly gets on board with. ]

[beyourrock]

[That was. Very unexpected.

Pearl dips back, to avoid the blade but realizes her back is being supported and she looks up at Gilgamesh with wide eyes. She swallows, her neck almost nicking the blade before she lifts her free hand to gently edge the blade down and away from her neck. Her face has a bright blue hue to it, but she tries to brush it off, frowning.]

I wouldn't say that. This was a teaching session after all!

We can consider it... a draw. Yes.

[babbylon]

A draw.

[Gilgamesh looks prepared to argue the point, but then thinks better of it and lets her go with a laugh. He stands back again, sword disappearing and hands clasping behind his back, and appears the very pinnacle of innocence. Just a handsome young man engaged in nothing surreptitious at all.

But Pearl should know by now it's very much a ruse. This man was only ever up to mischief.]

I shall accept that. Thank you for the lesson, Pearl.

[For her, a little bow of his head. He'll remember this.]

[beyourrock]

[Pearl stands up straight and dusts herself off with a small huff, her bright blue blush fading gradually. She steals a glance up at Gilgamesh before she dismisses her own sword, straightening out the non existent creases in her shirt.]

What was all that flattery for, hm?

[babbylon]

Flattery?

[Cue poker face. And when you're 5,000 years dead, you've got time to make it a good one.]

I'm not certain I understand...

[beyourrock]

You know exactly what I mean!

[She bristles visibly and jabs a finger in his direction.]

What you did at the end there! I... It--! [It was something she wasn't used to. then again, she could be making a big deal out of nothing. She crosses her arms stubbornly and looks down at the oh so interesting ground, dimly lit by the torches nearby.]

Nevermind.

[babbylon]

[Blink, blink, pause, and then...]

Oh. It's because I fancy you.

[...maybe it wasn't nothing after all. Though Gilgamesh seems no more or less fazed than before, standing there like a saint.]

[beyourrock]

I...

[She blinks owlishly and glances back up at him, suddenly feeling like she's been put on the spot.

And then she laughs, a nervous edge to it as she waves her hand dismissively.]

Oh please! You're kidding, you barely even know me!

[babbylon]

You're treasure. I have always known you.

[He looks serious about this... it's also the truth, just brought about by a very bizarre sort of logic only a King would ever understand.]