Log View

Source	Contents
Misa	It's a strange sort of thing, the places one might meet a friend or acquaintance. Coincidences abounds in this odd Creation we inhabit- surely there's no other cause, certainly not. So it is that Misa walks quietly through the hallways of the Arena's staging area- her main sword through her sash and two others held loosely under one arm as she moves through the halls. One could be forgiven for thinking she's in a hurry, with the focused look on her face. Then again, those who know her might know her face is just Like That. So perhaps it's not so surprising to 'Elena' when the foreign woman slows to a halt as she draws near to her, head tilting with a curious sort of look. "I had not thought you to be competing- had not seen you in any matches," she muses by way of greeting.
Nine Roads Alani	There's a flicker of surprise across 'Elena's' features as she halts her own brisk, purposeful walk in the other direction. Not that all that much of her face can be seen under the deep hood of her battered, much-loved grey cloak. Still, the even white teeth of a grin is visible enough. It's not quite the easy, friendly grin she had back at Misa's dojo, perhaps, but honestly, it's not precisely unfriendly either. She folds her hands partly in the opposite sleeves, with part of her hands visible at her waist, thumbs touching. A very monklike pose, honestly, not quite what 'Elena' was doing outside the city. "Huh," she murmurs, the surprise evident in her voice. "I admit, you're not what I expected to find here, but perhaps that's my failing." She chuckles dryly. "Fate works in mysterious ways, I guess. I caught a couple of your fights, by the way, and I guess I'll just say I'm glad I fought you -before- you learned some of that."
Misa	Misa quirks a brow, glancing behind her a moment. "No? Am I out of place? I was under the impression this was still the staging hall for tournament purposes," she muses- not with any particular tone or inflection. She considers the sight of Elena a moment before smirking ever so slightly. "Well, if we are discussing the only fight I think might have merited a scene in a novelization... -most- of that I was quite capable of already. I was perhaps not as resilient then as I am now, but otherwise..." she shrugs it off. "I am certain you would do well once again, if needs were."
Nine Roads Alani	"I'm sure it's fine," Elena replies with a knowing grin. "There's so many warriors here, what's one more? Besides, while I'm a bit disappointed our fights apparently don't merit novelization, I can at least say I've improved a bit since we last fought as well. I'm sure you're not interested in any extra sparring during a tournament, but I'd be up for testing our skills again at some other time." She sighs, seemingly genuine. "Part of me really wishes I could have joined, but there's always something in the way. At least I can watch and hopefully learn something. Your fights have definitely been eye-opening!"
Misa	A simple nod from Misa. "I would always welcome a proficient partner with whom to improve," she says, similarly earnest in her tones. She sets the paired short blades down against the wall for the moment. "As for the tournament... indeed. I suspect the sheer... borderline invulnerability of some of these final competitors may prove the end of this particular run of mine, given the approach I am taking. But it will at the very least be an interesting engagement in all cases. I am, after all, no giant or lion in unbreakable armour."
Nine Roads Alani	Elena nods knowingly in reply. "In part, that's what would have gotten me too, I think...less about being unable to penetrate defenses, and more about being unable to maintain a real hold. I use a lot of leglocks and throws, and while I -do- have training dealing with people that big and strong...I'm not sure there isn't a batter way to defeat them than trying to win at their own game." She chuckles quietly. "On the other hand, I've had a chance to speak to both of them, actually, through an acquaintance named Silk. Friendly enough fellows, actually, even if I have to get a crick in my neck to not stare at their pecs." She chuckles at the rhyme. "That said...now that you've mentioned it, I'm thinking about it all over again. That -was- pretty nice armor. Do you think someone might think that Raullaur fellow is an actual Anathema?"
Misa	"I think in a city like Great Forks there is simultaneously all the more likelihood for people to claim Exaltation in someone they are impressed by, and all the more opportunities and possibilties for the sight in question to -not- be that," says Misa with a shrug. She glances over her shoulder again for just a moment. "Though truth be told, I am certainly aware of an exalt or two in the area- beyond the local dragonblood, Amethyst, who fought in the tournament. Most things are possible- especially in a city so disinclined to immaculate doctrine."
Nine Roads Alani	There's a slow nod from Elena. "Well, yeah. It's not lost on me that they're going to head to places where the Hunt can't or won't reach." She eyes Misa thoughtfully. "And I'm not the kind of person who would ever try to get their attention, lest you wonder. Then again, I'm sure there's one or two in the crowd as is. Maybe that Tepet I had a chance to talk to the other day. He's...awful unexcited to be here for someone who's apparently always here. Or maybe he just bets on the fights professionally."
Misa	"Or perhaps just one of those sorts that is at their happiest when having a miserable time," suggests Misa with some light amusement. She shifts her foot back and to the side, turning slightly to rest her back against the wall of the hallway rather more out of the way, glancing about another time. "But, well- I suspect that even if you have concerns about that lot, you would have made rather short work of most of the earlier rounds of this event. Unearned confidence, it seems, does not come in shorter supply when one's limbs remaining intact is on the line."
Nine Roads Alani	At this, Alani's grin turns both fully amused and fully knowing. "Oh, trust me, Misa, I know a few martial artists, of course. I mean, every single one isn't absolutely convinced they can never lose? But a hell of a lot of them are. They see confidence as a weapon, of sorts, against despair. And I can see that, but you don't need me to tell you what the price is. The overconfidence and machismo drives me nuts some days." She chuckles and shakes her head. "But look at the other end of the spectrum. You. You're quiet, you don't make waves...heck, I'm a bit surprised you were all right with showing off here. But we've all seen your skill now." She laughs a bit and then sighs. "Man. Would have been nice. I think I could have beat a few of them, yeah."
Misa	"I..." Misa begins, frowning ever so slightly. She shakes her head a little. "Truth be told? I simply... don't much care for crowds. They have ever left me ill at ease, even in ones I know I could escape from or dispatch in hardly a moment." She upturns her palms a moment with the admission, glancing off another way for the time being. "And, well... there are yet things I do not admit to or show, even here. Though- you are certainly correct. I enjoy taking risks now and then, but behaving as if there -is- no risk? Somewhat... surface-level."
Nine Roads Alani	Elena's smile turns sympathetic, and she nods in understanding. "Mmm. That's familiar, believe me. Not me personally, I end up taking crowds -with- me, if I ride slow enough." She laughs quietly. "If my horses will let me. They're pretty spirited. I wonder where they get -that- from?" She laughs, louder this time. "A failing on my part, you see. I know quite a few people, most especially my sifu, who preach that I should calm down and stay in the background all the time. And to be fair, they've got a point. If I didn't think they did, I'd be in the tournament, after all." She leans back against the opposite wall, facing Misa, her hands still clasped but in a far more casual way. "Seems to me that you not liking crowds is more than just not wanting to take risks, though, isn't it? That may not float my riverboat, but that doesn't mean it's inherently wrong. Not everyone wants fame or glory or to be cheered on, and that's fine. Just know this: You can relax, and enjoy yourself a bit, and still be on the lookout for danger. You're fairly perceptive, aren't you? For me, it was very much a part of my training. Trust in that, trust in yourself to see the threat before it appears, and maybe you'll be able to enjoy yourself every once in a while while not having to let your guard down."
Misa	"Oh, to be clear, I am plenty capable of enjoying my time. It is simply something that adjusts the scales, so to speak, on what is enjoyable. Hence not often drawing overmuch attention- simply more pleasant in other circumstances." She exhales gently, glancing down a moment at the two blades against the wall. "But, I do have places to be. On the subject of enjoyment- do please feel free to stop by my present abode sometime for a sparring match- perhaps even a few of them. It is hardly a fine place for entertaining guests but there is that, at least."
Nine Roads Alani	Elena smiles fondly as she levers herself up from leaning against the opposite wall. "Hey, that's all right. I'd be happy to come and spar again--I have a new technique or two as well, after all, and they're not much good if I can't practice against skilled opponents. And if I want to be entertained as a guest, I'll stop by the Chateau. I don't enjoy coming to your dojo because of the quality of your fine china." With that, she offers Misa a respectful bow, and begins to head past Misa, in the direction she'd initially been heading. Of course, that's further into the maze-like warrens of passageways beneath the Arena, but who's counting?
Misa	Misa chuckles faintly. "Indeed- being so far out of Great Forks proper, it seems prudent to favour durability over social impress," she notes on the comment about her teaware. "But, do be well- perhaps I'll see about finding someone to expand the place with more of a guest quarters rather than barely enough space for myself and a few students for when people are stopping by as such." She shakes her head with that, leaning down to pick the set-aside blades back up. "Do take care not to get lost," she says with an amused note in her voice as Elena wanders off- and she returns to her original course in turn, quite shortly back to her face just being Like That.