A knight's resolve

[stupidhonor]

[1]
Ha! Hyaah!

[After dealing a lethal blow to a practice dummy, Sielje puts down her weapon. The knight is sweaty but for once, seems content. And the weapon in question is not her usual sword, but a long rod. A practice spear.]

Yes, I did not forget. I still have the arm for this.


[2]
Ahem. Do not misunderstand, it is not my intent to request my work done for me.

But there must be a better way to do this.

[Sielje is covered in paint, a large brush in her hand. In the background, her handiwork - a beginning of some kind of shape forming on a large mobile suit shield. A shape painted by hand, as half-empty cans littering underneath betray.]

I know there is a device of sorts for this kind of... purpose. But I know not how to operate it, and...

[She glances at the mess, embarassed.]

Comments

1

[rekindletheflame]

[Nearby, a certain Kijin watches Sielje's form with curious eyes. After watching quietly for some time she picks up one of the many foam covered training swords as Sielje delivered the finishing thrust. She waited for a bit, letting Sielje regain her breath before walking up to the knight.]

Would you mind if I asked for a small sparring match?

[stupidhonor]

I would certainly mind not.

But, is this the weapon you wish to use? A polearm has advantage of reach, perhaps I should wield one of those flimsy fake swords as well.

[rekindletheflame]

Don't worry about it, I've had plenty of experience going up against people wielding polearms.

[She twirls the flimsy sword in her hand once to show that she was fine using it.]

Ready when you are.

[stupidhonor]

If you say so...

[Sielje is unsure about fighting clumsy Kijin, however...]

Then, here I go!

[She stabs the practice spear forward, holding it in a steady and universal grip.]

[rekindletheflame]

[In the blink of an eye Astara's expression changes from a playful one to a much more serious face. As the spear pierces forward towards her Astara takes a surprising step forward, swinging the blade towards the shaft of the spear to deflect it away from her. The tip of the rod whizzes past some of her hair, inches away from hitting her face.]

That was close, now then my turn.

[Astara then grabs the hilt of her own weapon with both arms, pressing the weapon down to drive Sielje's spear into the ground before sliding the blade up along the shaft towards the knight's arms and chest.]

1

[fourth_rider]

[Fyra only arrives to observe the last part of Sielje's training session. She stays quiet for a bit though, until...]

...Will that help you when you face Ishin again?

[stupidhonor]

It... may. The fight will not be made any easier, but there are advantages to using this kind of weapon. And advantages is what I need.

[fourth_rider]

I...

I do not wish to see you in the state you were in after that fight.

[stupidhonor]

I too, do not wish to see myself like that.

Will using a different weapon allow me to triumph over Ishin? ... Almost certainly not. I try and I try, but he is not like most people. If I were to face him in another duel, I would lose again.

It seems I am forced to rely on others. But it means not that I intend to do nothing myself.

[fourth_rider]

...That is good.

You are also helping yourself.

2

[majestic_keiki]

For painting? There are programs for computers and tablets you can use for that...Or are you just trying to paint the shield?

[stupidhonor]

Not the whole of it. Just a part...

Ah, but I did make sure I am allowed to do that. I am not taking for myself a rare piece of armor or anything as such.

[majestic_keiki]

I was just wondering what kind of device you needed...I should probably have paid more attention when I toured that mobile suit factory to raise morale. I would have known what you'd need to paint it properly. I think some kind of spray painting with special paint.

[stupidhonor]

No, that is alright. You would not have known me to ask back then... and I do not wish to be a burden who only asks others for knowledge, anyway.

...

Why would touring a factory raise morale? Did you sing something inspirational?

[majestic_keiki]

...

No. But I'm famous, everyone in my team is and the military sold us as heroes to build civilian morale. I was just there to show that the military cared.

2

[lostamigo]

Not knowing how to use a machine to do this, I can understand. But...

Don't you know what a paint roller is?

[stupidhonor]

A what?

[lostamigo]

[Daniel picks up one from the top of a nearby steel barrel and hands it over to Sielje.]

[stupidhonor]

Ah. A roller.

[Sielje pokes the circular part, making sure that indeed, it moves.]

For paint. Of course.

1

[a_monetized_mind]

[Jen watches from the side of the gym.]

Hey, you're pretty good at that.

[stupidhonor]

Ah? Jen, there you are.

[Sielje glances, surprised.]

I had my share of practice with the spear. I am no master but you could say I know how to use it, yes.

[totallyhonest]

It's big. Are you planning to paint the whole of this thing?

*Grace says as she look at the shield.*

[stupidhonor]

No, not all of it. I only need to paint something on it.

[totallyhonest]

Hmm... still way to big to just paint it manually with brush though. Question, is the design that you have in your mind complex?

[stupidhonor]

Not very... this image was never a sophisticated one.

And I noticed. Some may have managed to do it with only a handheld brush, but...