[ Cisco wanders down to Kibo early on Friday. She's not dressed in her Zangyaku uniform, has opted instead, for something more casual -- dark, slim jeans and a near-sheer tunic top, comfy shoes; a cloth bag slung over one shoulder and a purse in her other hand. A handful of the senior Whisperers are already preparing their space when she walks in, slipping off her flats by the door and bowing to them in greeting as she comes in.
She seeks out the girl assigned to Yulia, asks to speak with her for a bit and after a customary exchange of greetings through traded haiku, the Reynardi explains what it is she needs. When she is finished, the girl bows, her expression caught between oddly grateful and quietly worried that she'd failed in her assignment, but Cisco reassures her that it's perfectly alright, explains in a handful more verses ( she needs to practice, it's been awhile since she did this regularly ) that the Russian girl is a case best approached in a more... unconventional fashion.
When Yulia finishes morning sparring with the Brands, she can come wander over -- Cisco's outside, she's left today's training in the care of two senior Whisperers ( one boy, one girl ) because she's decided she'll be mentoring the Bladian from hereon. ]
Four steps-- worn by chance and circumstance. Above, always that moon.
[ Looking over now, killing her cigarette in that tin she always keeps on her. ] Good morning, Yulia.
[ She's mostly settled into routine, now. Wake up early, do a bit of warm-up, breakfast, morning training, lunch, and then the rest of the day was dedicated to training with the Whisperers. Unless, of course, they had an engagement, which Yulia sometimes wishes was the case.
It isn't that she was not enjoying training with the Whisperers. Just the way they communicated mostly through poetry that baffles her. It definitely isn't her strong point. The first time she tried, almost everyone in the class gave her a dark look for speaking three lines about snow and a rather morbid death (she couldn't help it, really). Her partner couldn't look her in the eye for a day after that, and she feels sorry for her. And for herself.
Which is probably why she just stands awkwardly in front of Cisco, who should probably be inside the hall teaching and not waiting out here. For her, presumably.
That's when her heart sinks and she frowns. She just knew that poetry would get her in trouble. ]
[ Oh, she remembers that. Actually thought that while the imagery was rather dark, it was a nicely put together verse -- and an interesting choice of subject to offer up during training, considering her initial impression of Yulia being incredibly tight-lipped about her past.
It flew over the heads of the others, it seemed. And that was fine, as far as the Reynardi was concerned. What mattered more, was touching base with the Bladian to check to see if she'd been aware of that.
She offers a cigarette, pats the space beside her. ] Come sit by me.
[ Not answering that question just yet -- she wants to observe the girl a little longer. ]
[ Well. There is that, by Whisperer Standards, at least. ]
I dunno, [ have a light shrug ] maybe you're just looking for your rhythm.
[ She's still a dancer at heart, after all, it was Kasumi Aoi's request to have her teach the batch of Whisperers who she'd gotten know back in 2012 that had paved the way for her to choose this particular Division.
[ Ah. So this was a self-assessment. She finishes her cigarette, throws it away properly before answering. ]
Alright, I suppose, all things considered. I am not used to these things, and... I like that challenge. I like to learn.
[ Of course, most of her thought processes on these lessons were "Now, how do I use this new skill to my advantage and hurt/maim/kill someone better?" No one has to know about that, really. ]
[ There's a twitch of the brow when she notes the perfect arc that the cigarette makes when the Bladian tosses it. ]
You've got good aim. [ There's a smile playing on her lips. She's heard the stories ( and seen it personally ) about how Kalika is when it comes to "idiots who don't know the meaning of throw it away properly."
But that's all she's going to say on the matter. For now. ]
It's good that you think that way, then. [ She straightens, hands stretching above her head a little, the gesture reminiscent of her other self, the fox. ] Most people don't like new things and prefer to stay within their comfort zone. [ Settling back down now, and looking over a smile in her eyes. ]
[ She shrugs at Cisco's comment on her aim. ] Practice. [ And she's had years of it. You Changing Breed are all the same.
She leans back on her hands, looks at Cisco. ]
I was like that before. Afraid to try something new. But I had to learn to survive on my own. [ A Grendal-controlled Russia isn't good for 11 year old girls. ]
[ And she's looking right back, features neutral, but pleasant. ]
Then I think you'll do just fine. [ A small smile now. ] Zangyaku is all about effort, and the drive behind meeting whatever challenges you face and showing those challenges that you can take them.
[ A pause, at that. ] So. I have a proposal for you.
[ A small, somber smile plays on her lips. She's been wondering about her own personal investment in the War Hounds ever since she and Cen flew back from Tokyo.
Kaz is easy: he reminds her so much of herself that it's second-nature to reach out to the boy. It helps, she supposes, that Neeka's grandson has since sought her out and opened up to her about things that run parallel to her own personal experiences.
With Yulia, it's a little bit more indulgent. ]
Remember when we first spoke?
I was on the lawn with Aidan before Rethe came along and I walked over to join you.
[ That's a good look on you, Bostova. You should smile more.
She kills her cigarette on her tin; lights a fresh one up. ]
No, I didn't. [ She's filing that away as well, calibrating how to go about your training. Anyway-- ]
Remember how I said that one of my best friends was a Bladian? [ Her talk with Deirdra had given her things to think about -- things she hadn't had time to think through while occupied during the latter part of the Darkest Vigil; things she'd shelved once they'd hit the Armistice at Blaece and she, Cen, her kids and everyone else could finally take time to breathe. ]
I was talking about Lars Hartzler.
[ There was Hikaru, too. But... she can get to tha at another time. ]
He was the other Bladian in the Rockin' Rollas. And my second really good friend from that blade.
She's watching the embers on the edge of her cigarette now, and when she speaks again, it's soft and sad: ] Yeah. He did.
[ She takes a puff; gently exhales the smoke and watches it dissipate into the air. ]
I never got to help him, though. Or to say goodbye.
[ She'd learned about Lars' passing two weeks after coming home and finally after settling in as best as she could. She'd gone around, had mustered the courage to seek out Henry only to learn that Lars had passed away, and all the events that had led up to that passing.
Funny how she'd always thought that they would have a longer run. He'd been the one to tell her after all, that once they won the fight with Nyx ( not 'if', but 'when', his exact word choice at the time ) they would all live long and happy lives.
She lifts a hand then, fingers curled, to her lips.
Deirdra was right. She still carried the guilt of it. Sure, she'd made her peace, and she also ensured that part of her hunter's earnings went to funding the hospital down in the Visayas -- Lars' dream, given the kind of doctor that he had been. ]
[ She pauses to look at that hand on her shoulder, and then smiles when you give her words back to her. ]
It's a hard thing to do, though. Isn't it?
[ Lifting her cigarette now to her lips, the faintest tremor in her fingers before she takes a steadying puff. ]
They hit his dream. Grendel, I mean.
At the end of Nyx, he told us about the hospital he wanted to set up, one that wouldn't care what conspiracy or compact you were from. [ Her voice goes soft. ] If you needed help and they could give it, their doors were always open.
You'd think we would be safe. That this country wouldn't feel it as much. But they hit the hospital, and... he would have gone into Rapture for that if it weren't for Hikaru's interference.
[ Falling quiet now, looking back down at that cigarette. ] I'm just glad that Miriam and the kids turned out okay after that. But I still miss that idiot.
[ Her shoulders shake a little, but she takes one very deep breath and gets herself back together. ]
I think, [ She starts, leaning back on her hands on the steps. She looks at Cisco, head tilted just slightly to block the bright sunlight. ] it is only natural for you to feel that way because you cared a lot for him. For them.
And besides. [ If the blue of her eyes were cold before, it's even colder now. ] Grendal doesn't discriminate. They destroy anything, everything they get their hands on. [ Of course she knows; she's seen it happen so many times. ]
[ The ice in her gaze melts into a mix of fear, sadness. She looks away, releasing a breath that makes her shoulders shake. ]
It wasn't easy, you know? The first few years after Zangyaku, after the Blade King drove Grendal away from my town. Sometimes I would still wake up, thinking that it would be the day they take me away.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Waking the Dead 2.0 | 8 June 2014, Kibo
[ Cisco wanders down to Kibo early on Friday. She's not dressed in her Zangyaku uniform, has opted instead, for something more casual -- dark, slim jeans and a near-sheer tunic top, comfy shoes; a cloth bag slung over one shoulder and a purse in her other hand. A handful of the senior Whisperers are already preparing their space when she walks in, slipping off her flats by the door and bowing to them in greeting as she comes in.
She seeks out the girl assigned to Yulia, asks to speak with her for a bit and after a customary exchange of greetings through traded haiku, the Reynardi explains what it is she needs. When she is finished, the girl bows, her expression caught between oddly grateful and quietly worried that she'd failed in her assignment, but Cisco reassures her that it's perfectly alright, explains in a handful more verses ( she needs to practice, it's been awhile since she did this regularly ) that the Russian girl is a case best approached in a more... unconventional fashion.
When Yulia finishes morning sparring with the Brands, she can come wander over -- Cisco's outside, she's left today's training in the care of two senior Whisperers ( one boy, one girl ) because she's decided she'll be mentoring the Bladian from hereon. ]
Four steps--
worn by chance and circumstance.
Above, always that moon.
[ Looking over now, killing her cigarette in that tin she always keeps on her. ] Good morning, Yulia.
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It isn't that she was not enjoying training with the Whisperers. Just the way they communicated mostly through poetry that baffles her. It definitely isn't her strong point. The first time she tried, almost everyone in the class gave her a dark look for speaking three lines about snow and a rather morbid death (she couldn't help it, really). Her partner couldn't look her in the eye for a day after that, and she feels sorry for her. And for herself.
Which is probably why she just stands awkwardly in front of Cisco, who should probably be inside the hall teaching and not waiting out here. For her, presumably.
That's when her heart sinks and she frowns. She just knew that poetry would get her in trouble. ]
Is this about the other day?
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It flew over the heads of the others, it seemed. And that was fine, as far as the Reynardi was concerned. What mattered more, was touching base with the Bladian to check to see if she'd been aware of that.
She offers a cigarette, pats the space beside her. ] Come sit by me.
[ Not answering that question just yet -- she wants to observe the girl a little longer. ]
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After taking a drag, ]
What is this about?
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[ Smiling kindly. Noting the choice of distance and chuckling softly. ]
Yulia, I don't bite. [ And okay, ] You're not in trouble.
You did a lot better than I did back when I first started.
[ Lighting up a fresh cigarette now: inhale, exhale. ]
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[ She's quiet again, just smoking her cigarette and listening to Cisco go on. And then... she looks at her curiously. ]
I have my doubts about that. Everyone says I am too... [ vague wave of the hand ] rough around edges.
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I dunno, [ have a light shrug ] maybe you're just looking for your rhythm.
[ She's still a dancer at heart, after all, it was Kasumi Aoi's request to have her teach the batch of Whisperers who she'd gotten know back in 2012 that had paved the way for her to choose this particular Division.
Back to Yulia now. ]
How's your first week going so far?
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Alright, I suppose, all things considered. I am not used to these things, and... I like that challenge. I like to learn.
[ Of course, most of her thought processes on these lessons were "Now, how do I use this new skill to my advantage and hurt/maim/kill someone better?" No one has to know about that, really. ]
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You've got good aim. [ There's a smile playing on her lips. She's heard the stories ( and seen it personally ) about how Kalika is when it comes to "idiots who don't know the meaning of throw it away properly."
But that's all she's going to say on the matter. For now. ]
It's good that you think that way, then. [ She straightens, hands stretching above her head a little, the gesture reminiscent of her other self, the fox. ] Most people don't like new things and prefer to stay within their comfort zone. [ Settling back down now, and looking over a smile in her eyes. ]
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She leans back on her hands, looks at Cisco. ]
I was like that before. Afraid to try something new. But I had to learn to survive on my own. [ A Grendal-controlled Russia isn't good for 11 year old girls. ]
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Then I think you'll do just fine. [ A small smile now. ] Zangyaku is all about effort, and the drive behind meeting whatever challenges you face and showing those challenges that you can take them.
[ A pause, at that. ] So. I have a proposal for you.
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At the mention of the proposal, she tilts her head. ]
What is it?
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[ The faintest dip of the head. ] I hope this is fine by you.
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[ It's not that she isn't fine with this, but she's curious. Cisco doesn't have to go out of her way to do this, but she is. ]
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Kaz is easy: he reminds her so much of herself that it's second-nature to reach out to the boy. It helps, she supposes, that Neeka's grandson has since sought her out and opened up to her about things that run parallel to her own personal experiences.
With Yulia, it's a little bit more indulgent. ]
Remember when we first spoke?
I was on the lawn with Aidan before Rethe came along and I walked over to join you.
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You came up to me asking for a light. [ A tilt of her head, and gives Cisco a smile. ]
Pretty sure you didn't need it, but you asked anyway.
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She kills her cigarette on her tin; lights a fresh one up. ]
No, I didn't. [ She's filing that away as well, calibrating how to go about your training. Anyway-- ]
Remember how I said that one of my best friends was a Bladian? [ Her talk with Deirdra had given her things to think about -- things she hadn't had time to think through while occupied during the latter part of the Darkest Vigil; things she'd shelved once they'd hit the Armistice at Blaece and she, Cen, her kids and everyone else could finally take time to breathe. ]
I was talking about Lars Hartzler.
[ There was Hikaru, too. But... she can get to tha at another time. ]
He was the other Bladian in the Rockin' Rollas. And my second really good friend from that blade.
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Mm... You told me he felt guilty. About not being able to... help you.
[ She remembers that from their conversation a few months ago. ]
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She's watching the embers on the edge of her cigarette now, and when she speaks again, it's soft and sad: ] Yeah. He did.
[ She takes a puff; gently exhales the smoke and watches it dissipate into the air. ]
I never got to help him, though. Or to say goodbye.
[ She'd learned about Lars' passing two weeks after coming home and finally after settling in as best as she could. She'd gone around, had mustered the courage to seek out Henry only to learn that Lars had passed away, and all the events that had led up to that passing.
Funny how she'd always thought that they would have a longer run. He'd been the one to tell her after all, that once they won the fight with Nyx ( not 'if', but 'when', his exact word choice at the time ) they would all live long and happy lives.
She lifts a hand then, fingers curled, to her lips.
Deirdra was right. She still carried the guilt of it. Sure, she'd made her peace, and she also ensured that part of her hunter's earnings went to funding the hospital down in the Visayas -- Lars' dream, given the kind of doctor that he had been. ]
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Comfort isn't her strong suit, but... ]
Maybe you should follow your own advice.
"Don't let your guilt eat you."
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It's a hard thing to do, though. Isn't it?
[ Lifting her cigarette now to her lips, the faintest tremor in her fingers before she takes a steadying puff. ]
They hit his dream. Grendel, I mean.
At the end of Nyx, he told us about the hospital he wanted to set up, one that wouldn't care what conspiracy or compact you were from. [ Her voice goes soft. ] If you needed help and they could give it, their doors were always open.
You'd think we would be safe. That this country wouldn't feel it as much. But they hit the hospital, and... he would have gone into Rapture for that if it weren't for Hikaru's interference.
[ Falling quiet now, looking back down at that cigarette. ] I'm just glad that Miriam and the kids turned out okay after that. But I still miss that idiot.
[ Her shoulders shake a little, but she takes one very deep breath and gets herself back together. ]
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And besides. [ If the blue of her eyes were cold before, it's even colder now. ] Grendal doesn't discriminate. They destroy anything, everything they get their hands on. [ Of course she knows; she's seen it happen so many times. ]
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When she speaks again, she's looking down at the cracks on the ground. ]
Who did they take?
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[ The ice in her gaze melts into a mix of fear, sadness. She looks away, releasing a breath that makes her shoulders shake. ]
It wasn't easy, you know? The first few years after Zangyaku, after the Blade King drove Grendal away from my town. Sometimes I would still wake up, thinking that it would be the day they take me away.
I still had nightmares, even at Jotunheim.
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And now?
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