iris message

[unstinting]

[Alcuin's grateful for one of the powers he inherited from his mother, for once- at least he doesn't have to show the whole camp how hard he's been crying. He looks as pretty as ever, but his aura of calm and happiness has been replaced by one of intense purpose.]

I need to learn to fight better than I do. Sword, dagger, bow and arrow, hand to hand- I need to improve my skills. Would anyone be willing to tutor me? I'll owe you a big favour.

Comments

[unstinting]

[Alcuin picks up concepts quickly. The physical side will probably take longer, but he can get the theory in a snap.]

Yes, I know that much at least.

[notagraveman]

That's a start.

[He gives Alcuin an appraising look up and down. ]

Are you going to get fussy if you mess up those clothes? 'Cause I think the easiest thing is to learn how to roll and such first. Then we can work on lashing out while you do so.

[unstinting]

[Alcuin crosses his arms and gives him a flat look in return.]

I wore these to work in, not dance in. I don't mind getting them messy.

[notagraveman]

[He shrugs, unconcerned at the flat look. It was a sensible question to ask]

Then on the ground with you. One knee down one up. [He drops down, demonstrating what he's describing.]

Best is to get used to dropping down into this position almost reflexively, but form's more important now. You'll roll onto the shoulder same side as the knee that's down. Full somersault, like a little kid, then come up on your knees again, ready to repeat. [he demonstrates, then stands]

Might take a few tries to get it right, but it becomes second nature pretty quick.

[unstinting]

[Fair enough, especially considering how many children of Aphrodite get about their clothes. Alcuin just has more important things on his mind right now.]

I think I can manage that.

[He goes down on one knee smoothly. Fortunately, like other demigods he has a certain measure of agility. It's not too hard to get the hang of the move.]

[notagraveman]

[Mercutio watches with both a critical and an appreciative eye. Critical for form, and appreciative of the other's obvious grace. ]

Not bad, but best to do it a bunch more times.

[He watches Alcuin roll quite a bit more, making adjustments here and there, until finally he's statisfied.]

Y'think if I randomly shouted 'roll!' at you sometime tomorrow or something you could do that perfectly?

[unstinting]

As long as you don't do it while I'm holding something.

[He straightens up and stretches.]

I think I've got that move down.

[notagraveman]

[He laughs]

Good, good. I'd say next step would be to learn to do it standing, but that'd just be boring right now. So how 'bout we add the attacking part?