tvk | [005. Voice/Action]

[VOICE]
It seems that my absence was poorly timed. And yet I can't help but wonder why it is that we're brought into this place or why some of us manage to disappear while the rest continue searching for answers or for a way back to their countries, and yet they remain. Would any of you be willing to discuss these matters at length? I realize that, especially for those who have newly arrived, the situation can be disorienting, but perhaps if we all came together and shared our experiences with this place, it might be possible to draw some conclusions.

I realize that not everyone here prefers to work as part of a team, but I sincerely believe that to make any progress at all, it will require the cooperation of each and every one of us.

[ACTION]
[With classes over for the summer, Natalia's out practicing well into the morning, making use of the fields to practice with a bow. (Perhaps she shouldn't be here at all, but she doesn't see why anyone should mind. She isn't hurting anything.) She sets an arrow, pulls the string back tight, and lets it fly. Sometimes her arrows hit the target, and sometimes they fall short or soar past. She only has about two dozen to work with, and so after she has depleted her quiver, Natalia walks across the lawn to gather them together again before repeating the process.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Asch is sitting by, watching her practice. He's been quiet since he arrived -- he's not even sure she knows he's there. Still, he has a faint smile on his face as he watches her, content just being in her company.]

[It's true that Natalia didn't notice Asch's arrival, nor has he made the slightest sound to distract her, but she does realize after a while that she's being watched. Maybe it's simply that she's grown to expect him to be somewhere nearby - a rather dangerous expectation, since there's no telling when either of them might cease to be here.]

[After she's run through a few more cycles of gathering arrows, she stops to peek in his direction.]

Do you think I've improved at all?

[Asch snorted faintly.]

Considering the last time I saw you practicing, you were this high -- [He held his hand out to about waist level.] -- and wielding a bow bigger than you were, I'd say there was definitely an improvement.

[She giggles softly, although this really doesn't answer her question.]

Yes, and I believe you were quite fond of waving that wooden sword around. But what I meant was my fighting ability. We've been in battle together several times since then, against those monsters that appear during the Dark Hour.

Suppose I was one of your soldiers. [She's obviously looking for an honest critique.]

[There was no way in hell he would ever let Natalia be under his command, but he wasn't about to say that out loud. He put on a thoughtful look as he circled around her.]

I would say you had a long way to go. Your fighting is sharp, but you still have much to learn.

[He paused then, a bit of a humored look coming to his face.]

Especially about taking orders from others.

[Natalia adjusts the bow against her shoulder and folds her arms, watching him.]

I've only recently found myself in a position where I'm the one receiving orders. [Matter-of-factly. Though, to be fair, she really should have been listening to the others' advice instead of pushing them along before. She knows that.]

[Well it's not as if Natalia could ever manage such a thing without talking back anyhow. What she really wants is to find out what else she might do to prepare herself for whatever's to come. And to help the cause, of course; she's not giving up on that one.] Is there anything else?

[Asch smiled faintly, resting a hand on her shoulder.]

Just keep practicing. Every night you go out, you only get better. Don't give that up.

Asch...

[She smiles, grateful for the support.] You're right. I certainly won't be giving up. Which reminds me, what are you doing here?

I just happened to be walking past.

[...five miles out of his way. Yeah, he fools no one.]

[Oh, Asch. Even Natalia has to catch on at some point. There isn't much reason for him to be passing by the school grounds. However, she'll accept this answer graciously.]

Then it's a good thing we crossed paths with one another. I was just considering taking a break for brunch. Would you like to join me?

I think I can spare some time for that.

[So he said as if she were dragging it out of him. Really, though, he was happy she asked.]

[005. Voice/Action]

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