If I hadn't made me

[cutting_edgex23]

It's a cool day, and a little damp, but not cold.

Even if it were, that would not prevent X from going through her exercises. Currently she's working on different springing passes, fighting an invisible and imaginary opponent of some stripe.

She does a lot of bouncing between rocks. And flips.

This is punctuated by short, brutal striking patterns, designed for maximum efficiency.

Or so one would suppose.

Comments

[howtoactfereldan]

It's another bad night. Cullen can now admit it to himself: he finds the lake here soothing. Good for his focus. Helpful with his temper. So on the bad nights -- here he is.

Instead of the quiet peace of the Caribbean inlet, he finds -- something fascinating. As best Cullen can tell, what the woman is doing resembles the descriptions he's read of the Orlesian Harlequins.

It's so astonishing -- he's never seen a Harlequin at work, though he's always wanted to -- he stops and watches, heedless of manners.

[cutting_edgex23]

X keeps going until the wind shifts, and Cullen's scent is brought toward her very clearly.

It's less distracting than interesting, and she has been at her work long enough.

So she stops, head tilting as she turns to regard Cullen in turn. Then she moves toward him, quick and economical and utterly silent.

But since he can see her, hopefully that is okay.

"Hello."

Beat.

"You are not very new."

[howtoactfereldan]

It's okay, though his posture does change a little: stance widening, center of balance adjusting.

"I -- apologize. For interrupting your practice."

Not very new at what?

[cutting_edgex23]

She shrugs, one-shouldered and quick.

Her voice is flat and a little raspy, lacking all affect.

Her face is essentially expressionless, as well.

"You did not. I did not have to stop."

[howtoactfereldan]

And Cullen has some familiarity with those tones, doesn't he.

(She's lacking the scar, though. And he's never heard of one training as a warrior -- )

"It appears I've disturbed you nonetheless." Far more formal, now. "I can take my leave, if you'd like, and trouble you no further."

[cutting_edgex23]

"No. I do not mind talking."

Beat.

"Even if I am bad at it."

She tilts her head a little, studying him for several long seconds.

"I am X."

[howtoactfereldan]

Cullen nods -- and takes his time about it; it's not quite bowing his head. Not quite. "I am Cullen. And I worry that I might be very forward, but -- "

He gestures out to where she was working.

" -- that was -- quite impressive."

[cutting_edgex23]

She does not necessarily look pleased, but the set of her shoulders relaxes a fraction.

"I am very good at what I do."

It's only the truth.

[howtoactfereldan]

"That is... very evident."

A hint of a smile.

"You prefer melee combat, I take it?"

[cutting_edgex23]

"I am capable at a distance. With weapons."

This, too, is truth.

"But close-quarters combat is why I was made."

[howtoactfereldan]

Why I was made? he thinks.

Then could she be --

"If I may ask, serah -- "

This is a bad idea.

(Cullen is shifting from foot to foot, now, looking a little uncomfortable.)

"Are you Tranquil?"

Surely Ysalwen would have mentioned it, if there were Tranquil here?

[cutting_edgex23]

"X. Not serah."

That is her mother's name. Well. Sarah is, and that is what it sounds like to her.

"I do not know what Tranquil is. I am a clone. And a mutant."

And a weapon. But that goes without saying.

(Right?)

[howtoactfereldan]

"I -- "

Oh dear. Cullen looks more mortified than uncomfortable.

"Serah -- we use that -- it's a word meant to confer respect. I apologize."

[cutting_edgex23]

"Oh."

She absorbs that.

"It is what I should call you? Instead of Cullen."

Sometimes it is safest to check.

Especially when someone else is uncomfortable.

[howtoactfereldan]

"No! Maker, no. I -- I shan't use it, if that's your preference."

A sigh. "Look -- X -- I found your skill impressive, and wanted to say so. That's all."

[cutting_edgex23]

"Oh."

She is silent for a second.

Then, a little awkwardly --

"Thank you."

Beat.

"You fight, too?"

He holds himself like someone that does, at least.

[howtoactfereldan]

Cullen brightens a little.

Nods.

"Yes. Longsword, mostly. Preferably with a shield, though I'm also comfortable without."

[cutting_edgex23]

"I have a sword," X offers, after a moment. "I have used it before."

Beat.

"But I am best with my claws."

Another, longer pause.

"You spar?"

[howtoactfereldan]

Rather stupidly, Cullen says:

"Claws?"

[cutting_edgex23]

X bites her lip, very briefly.

"Yes."

She holds up her left hand.

snikt

He probably cannot see the blood that stains her black fingerless gloves.

(She wears them for a reason. Okay, two reasons.)

[howtoactfereldan]

Cullen's eyes are approximately the size of dinner plates.

"That's..."

-- how long can he struggle for a word?

"...quite impressive," he finishes.

" -- and yes! Yes." He rubs the back of his neck. "Yes. I spar. It's an important part of our training regimen."

[cutting_edgex23]

"It is useful," she allows, resheathing her claws.

Quickly.

"There are many people here. That like to spar. If you are looking."

Beat.

"New skills are useful, too."

For everyone involved!

[howtoactfereldan]

Cullen's eyes gleam a little.

"Indeed," he agrees. "There's someone here -- well. She has need of learning the sword. We've been working together. But I admit, I should like the chance to see what others might do."

Not to mention it might make Ysalwen quite happy to see someone put Cullen on his arse. (She might even sell tickets.)

[cutting_edgex23]

"I am not very good with the sword," X allows, after a moment. "Comparatively."

Beat.

"But I do not mind getting better. Or engaging in hand-to-hand. Or hand-to-sword."

Another, longer pause.

"But I will not use my claws for that. Your sword would not survive. Or your armor."

[howtoactfereldan]

"I will take your word for it," Cullen says immediately. "Armor's hard enough to maintain as it is. -- where I'm from, there are highly skilled combatants who move like you."

He gestures out to the field again, vaguely. "And I'd certainly not give up an opportunity to learn to better defend myself against their attacks."