Edge of the Knife [Shoki]

[Shoki]

Another day, another trip to RMW with little notice. Hedara did not hope to make this a habit. Still, the southern Weyr seemed to welcome everyone well enough so that she never felt like she was imposing on them. Still as she looked down on the Weyr, she felt out of place, like she shouldn't be here. She would not be deterred though. Ever since rescuing A'mir and Sayurith it had weighed on her mind that she would have to be better to protect people in the future. So, as Temperanth had so gracefully reminded her, there was a northern leader well known for her skills in combat. So she would ask.

Temperanth, if you would ask.

Of course. Wait a moment. The Ice sought out the White dragon, who was well known to those of the north with her color. They were lovers of history and stories, and he and his rider were featured prominently in the ones they knew. Chronossenneth, my apologies if you and yours are occupied. However, Hedara would like to speak with Nai, can that be arranged? Temperanth was circling about the Bowl, casually going down to land. Hedara was examining the Bowl, looking at the colors therein. It all looked so much more welcoming. Still, there were issues everywhere, both here and at home. She sat up properly as the Ice touched down, before sliding off, taking a long bag holding two items inside. Of course there were issues. There was one very particular one, which was why she had come. Well, if the woman was busy, she could always speak with Rilora. She hoped that would not be the case. So for the moment the blond woman waited by her dragon, briefly enjoying the warm weather in comparison to her home. Hedara took her comfort where she could find it.

[Shoki]

Alright. Chronos it is. We shall come presently. Temperanth angled her head toward Hedara and nodded slightly. She started off with the bag hanging over her shoulder, the Ice following. As they walked she took a look at the direction they headed toward quietly looking at the environment again. It seemed like the people could wear much lighter clothing most of the year. It made her and her warm long sleeved shirt and pants seem a touch out of place. Still, it wasn't quite uncomfortable yet. Hedara focused on this for only a moment and then placed her attention on the way to meet Nai.

Eventually Hedara found herself in a room with training dummies, a sort of straw floor and an elderly woman with long white hair. Hazel eyes went to the rack of weapons easily, since her mind went that way. There was a fine selection. Of course in a place of honor, there was a spear, something that looked lovely. She gazed at it for a time, but she could hardly see it properly from where she stood, from the doorway. Still, she shook it off and spoke clearly to the woman. "Greetings. I am Hedara Lune. Forgive me if I have interrupted your training." She observed that the other dragonrider looked so very white and clean. Appropriate for her dragon she supposed.

Temperanth on the other hand had gone to greet Chronos in person, trying not to be particularly noisy as she went to sit next to the White dragon. The Ice was content, obvious from her eyes, and settled down nicely. What lovely weather. It was sunny, but mostly it was warm. Temperanth had to enjoy the chance to enjoy the warmth now, since she would be back at the cold soon enough.

[Shoki]

Hedara was mildly surprised at the invitation to have some Halk, but smiled quietly. Well, it did sound nice. "I will have to take you up on that. Thank you." She walked in a little ways, trying to get a better feel of the place. It was a nice space, one where the fact that it was empty did not deter one from entering. She stopped at what she would call proper conversation distance, and continued standing. She actually looked completely comfortable standing, which made sense, since she liked to be able to move around. Nai got to the point quickly though. She could respect that.

"I was wondering if I could trouble you for advise. I have...an opponent who I would like to be able to beat. He's very, very good with a sword. What weapon is best against tall and quick opponents?" She looked at Nai, but her awareness was on the weapon racks. Nai was a very skill combatant. Hedara was glad that she would not have to fight against her for the same reasons she had to beat that man. Well maybe she wouldn't have to. But she never let herself be anything less then prepared.

A manner of draconic chuckle escaped Temperanth at Chronos' words. For pure weather, I would take this place any day. The Ice relaxed, enjoying the sunbeams on her hide. Give me a little time and you won't be able to get me to leave. Her voice was light, pleased to have some relaxing company. As the White spoke of Ice Stone Weyr the whirling of her eyes slowed and she looked more contemplative. Well, how to speak of that. It has been a sight more unpredictable then usual I do admit. Still, I believe things are going as well as they can be. Enjoying your time here I hope?

[Shoki]

Hedara accepted the mug of Halk, taking a single sip. Tasted good to her. As the question was mulled over by Nai, she went to the weapon racks and Hedara followed observing the weapons she pulled and spoke of. She was the first to admit that weapons with a longer reach were generally foreign to her. The things she learned about self defense held best in close range, or rather only out to where a sword could strike. She was tall, for a woman, but it meant that there were still plenty of men with a natural advantage. So she looked on the unique weapons that were pulled. As the spear was extended to her, she shifted the cup to her left hand and took the spear with her right, taking the chance to look at it closely. Good range, and this was a nice one, but she wasn't sure if it was what she was looking for. The smaller sword was nice, but she expected that her broadsword would be better for her for longer, if only because she knew it better. All of it would be moot if she learned it quickly but it was still something to think about. The other two, which were a lot smaller weapons intrigued her but was less sure about them. She would have to think about that. When Nai brought out three short sticks, she was confused. What did one use the extra stick for? But when it was released, the weapons possibilities could be seen. Interesting. She weighed the spear in her hand again and then moved to the table and placed it with the others, giving a moment to think of a proper answer for Nai.

"It would be a fight. I can see no situation where it could be called a dual." Hazel eyes gazed down at the weapons, though it looked more like she was looking through them rather then at them. "I am not sure if I need to fight him, but I need to be able to beat him if it comes to that." Hedara straightened the bag over her shoulder before speaking again, this time with some steel behind her voice. "He has done harm to a Queen and her rider. That was the first time we crossed blades. I do not doubt he intends such things again. This time I intend not to let him get so far. Besides, I only caught him off guard because he did not expect me to be so bold. It will not happen again." As much as she liked to think she was really good, experience was worth more then being spry. Ignorance was dangerous. Maybe she could use that to her advantage.

Temperanth looked amused at the joke, a little chuckle escaping her again. It is both here and there. Unique things that some take as ill omen and others as not. Hedara finds that she would disagree with anyone if they came to complain about how the Weyr is doomed. Ah, but I do not explain. there have been some interesting children born. A lovely little male Silverlight, and a ... She paused, knowing how some from the Weyr who were older felt about such things, but then went on with it. Quiet Chrome. Some worry about my sons. Temperanth obvious didn't seem to find them worrying. She had clutched them of course, so it could be viewed that she was a touch biased.

[Shoki]

Hedara waited while Nai brought the mixtures back, which she got immediately interested in. Such interesting things poisons. She imagined it was a far sight easier to make them in the jungles of the southern Weyr then it was in her own home. She heard some tales but nothing solid. Still, she suspected she was the wrong sort of person for these. However she imagined that if Sk'ar had these on his arrow points it would be much better. That would make a powerful combination. Perhaps she would bring that up. So her attention shifted to the powders in bags. Spice mixtures? Interesting indeed. She could well see how they could be used, especially if she was disarmed. A perfect way to abuse the thought that she was helpless. She knew her way around fighting without a weapon, so it would be quite useful. Hedara looked up when Nai spoke again, refereing to what she was thinking. Oh, yes, she had forgotten to verbalize what she was thinking about. She did that sometimes, it was easier to think then talk. She took the bag off ehr shoulder and leaned it against her leg, giving a good look at how long it was. It was obviously holding a weapon, since it was long and thin. Actually it held her practice sword and her 'useful' sword.

"You have a very fine set of weapons, and a most interesting set of poisons. I have interest in these powders for myself, and in that most peculiar three-section staff." She took another sip of the Halk mulling over things. It wasn't a bladed weapon, but if she didn't miss her guess it could be used for reaching and also when the enemy was closer. That versatility caught her attention.

Temperanth nodded as Chronos spoke. You have much wisdom, and it is a shame that so many other dragons do not posses it. Ah well, troubles come and go, we shall push them down again. The Ice's tail flicked back and forth as a wistful look came over the dragoness. I pray not. These people do not have dragons, though they wish harm to some. The prefer to stay where dragons of my size cannot go. I suppose it could occur, but I doubt it very much. Temperanth would rather be standing back with strategy for others rather then in the fray herself. Hedara did not share that view at all. Still, she could not stand idly while others were in harms way. Neither of them could.

[Shoki]

Hedara watched as Nai grabbed a key for the powders. Once she was given it she took a brief glance at it. She would have to take time to study this. Just before she went to sleep and when she woke up would be good. The pouches were small enough that she could wear them most of the time if she wanted to. It would give her a feel for the weight that way. She took the key and slide it into a pocket of her bag, securing it so it would not move from that spot. "Thank you for your generosity."

Hazel eyes were locked on Nai as she preformed the routine. The older rider's motions were expert. In motion, she could see how the staff was both a simple concept, and a complicated weapon to use. She watched both the movements Nai was making, and how it influenced the weapon. The end portions had an almost entirely free range of motion, which could be used to one's advantage, if they could control it. It was a lovely thing to see in motion, most weapons had a sort of dance like quality when done right. Still, she wasn't quite done with her observation when Nai finished her practice, though it was quite impressive. When Nai moved her attention to her bag Hedara nodded briefly. She could not really put down the sword, but moving into other weapons could give her flexibility. Of course a sword was a great boon to have in a fight anyway, provided you used it well. Hedara had actually been thinking of forging another sword, one slightly different in nature. Perhaps Nai would be interested in the one she was currently using.

"Thank you for your help in this matter. I would be grateful for your help sharpening my sword skills." She placed the bag on the now empty table, and removed the two swords from her bag. Her practice sword was older, still completely functional. Her actual sword was built slightly different from most broadswords, as it was wider in its blade. Of course it was, it was a gift from two parents worried over their daughter. It was a more defensive sword. The scabbard fit it well, which was quite important as well. Now that she wasn't holding anything she turned back to Nai, looking somewhat more pleased then in her conversations on why she was here.

"Where would you like to begin?"

We have done such. We have some good Whers and handlers that accompanied us last time. They were infinitely helpful. As for it being tolerated, well, there is a reason that neither me or Hedara are sure if we will have to fight. Our Kingriders are clamoring for a chance to bring these people down. Temperanth looked comforted that there were such people helping. Still, something about the Ice seemed to indicate that she would have her anger out in full for these people. Mothers could be like that, and Ice seemed a mother to her Weyr.


(Mmm, weapon demos....)