the_last_resort | (no subject)

Who: Grainne, Open
What: A day in the life of a retired Servant. Running errands, skeleton bashing, turning in bounties and general kerfluffles. See prompts!
When: Month 12, Day 13
Where: Around Blackway
Notes & Warnings: TBA

#1

Skeletons seemed fairly easy these days. Grainne practiced and kept her skills sharp, using the skeleton's weak points against them. She actually felt like she was getting good at hunting, though some enjoyment of that was mitigated by the fact most of it wasn't her doing, but the Servant abilities granted to her.

Her feet were silent where she padded on the grass, barefoot, enjoying the silky feeling beneath her skin. It made her feel closer to the wild, and lifted her spirits where nothing else could these days. It was quite a walk around to the other side of the town, but she had lost count of the trips she had made already.

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#2

When the day came, and the numbers of skeletons went down, Grainne turned toward the security office to turn in the few bones she found and collected. Money had no real value to her except for a few curiosities here and there, but she saw no reason not to collect it for some rainy day occasions, or new clothes.

She waited her turn, as usual, for someone to come and record her bounty, hoping they wouldn't mind a short chat. It might be the nostalgia she had earlier running through the area outside of town, but she felt a little lonely today.
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#3
Whoever had volunteered her for the race may as well have given her a mouse to ride on. The large cat that's supposed to serve as her mount was the most obnoxious, contrary creature she had the misfortune to meet. They may as well have given her a mouse. She hadn't been thrown... yet, the cat could move when he wanted to, but when she rode he just sat down.

Rubbing her rump, she walked into the gardens, wishing they had at least gotten a decent saddle for the beast. Cheetah, she remembered, as she sat down on a bench.

The gardens were a nice spot, though she didn't spend as much time as she used to in there, and that was very intentional...

Anyone who passes by the rose plants may notice that some of the blossoms have been mangled into a petaly pulp, and a few telltale petals may stick to Grainne's skirt and shoes...

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#4

[Need a particular prompt? Have something we need to finish off? Pick this one!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"I guess. It's really just some modified martial arts, so it shouldn't be that hard." She tilted her head towards the other end of the path. "Wanna keep going a bit more?"

Once they began walking slowly, Jade continued. "You'd had to start off learning really basic moves that aren't good in combat, then move onto more complicated stuff. You ever studied anything like that? Karate, tai chi, anything?"

Walking along, Grainne looked around for more skeletons as she considered the question. "We did not have those forms of fighting. I tried, a little, to learn what the warriors did when I was still a child, but it was boring and painful, so I am afraid I did not remember much."

Not that Aillil when he had been alive hadn't tried, or Diarmuid either when they were on the run. It seemed like physical fighting was just a thing she could not grasp.

"It's not that similar. People in the military have a whole different way of fighting, from what I've seen." Hyllian soldiers favored strength over all other attributes, and her only advantage over them was her speed.

"Not every type of martial art is good for fighting, but it's pretty handy for avoiding attacks."

"Yes, there are many different styles even amongst the warriors." She at least remembered that from what she knew, after how many people came to visit the High King. "I will try yours, if you would teach."

"Sure. I could do that." She wasn't sure how good of a teacher she would be, but it couldn't hurt to try. "Maybe we can start with meditation, since I think that's a big part of my style. At least, that's how I see it."

Grainne smiled. "I am looking forward to learning. Meditation sounds like a wonderful way to start. Is there anything I could offer you in exchange?"

"Well, uh..." she stopped walking and crossed her arms. "The smart thing to say would be to pay me for lessons, but it's for something I do everyday." Unlike photography or exploration, this was not something clients requested for back home.

She finally shrugged. "I dunno. Is there something you'd like to give me?"

Grainne drifted a bit before she stopped and thought on the request. What could she give in exchange? There seemed little useful skills she could offer.

Except...

"I could make a protective charm for you when you go exploring." That seemed as good as anything, and useful at least.

"A charm?" She had no idea how that could work, but who was she to refuse a gift? "Sure, that could work."

A smile lit up Grainne's face, excited at the prospect of learning something new. "This will be fun! Thank you, Jade! I will try to be a good student."

If only Jade knew Grainne was planning on making breakfasts to go with those training sessions...