Less than common roots (Casper)

[Cale Fletcher]

"I've made a deep enough mark on you for provoking that question wouldn't you say?" Cale cocked her head with a self satisfied smirk sitting on her features. "But it's true enough that it isn't deep enough for me to be satisfied. I'll have my rest once my name is carved deep enough into stone that scholars are learning about me."
         She deflated a little at the reminder of her arrogance. "I talk big because though the bullies may be stronger, I have the upper hand in intelligence and moral strength. Then again, there's also my speed. If the fight had been anywhere but the tower I would have ensured victory by way of retreat. Sixty ways to run away are better than five to attack." 
             She eyed Casper's bulk. "Although having the advantage of being able to wrestle enemies into submission would be useful. Any chance you'll tell me the basics and theory of 'this is how you stab'?" She sighed and kicked a smooth pebble out of a crack in the worn road. "Actually, just an overview of where to hit someone to immobilise them would be helpful. Besides the obvious places of course."   
               She made a face, deeply regretting being unable to kick between her assailants legs when she had a chance. "Not that it would have been helpful in that situation," she grumbled, thumb pointed back at the tower the scene had taken place in, "I had my back turned to him, which was such an stupid move I have half a mind to hang myself." She ran a hand through the loose hair hanging in her eyes. "In any case, I can't do away with myself just yet. Not when things are just getting interesting anyway. Still have to make my way into those dusty archives don't I?"

[Casper]

She disregarded the contempt with which he spoke to her with and simply found a way to come up with cleverer retorts than he. It was true that he was never much of a rhetoric expert, though he never expected to get verbally pummeled by an adolescent girl. Still, his irritation at this fact was accompanied by genuine amusement. She was one of few that he didn't make enemies with upon the first few minutes of their meeting, and was clearly not intimidated by his abrasive attitude. He found her brutal honesty rather refreshing compared to all the other lying bastards that littered his world. He grinned rather broadly when she expressed a will to fight. It was all he could do not to laugh outright, but he figured this girl deserved at least some of his respect. Though, How could she possibly expect a person like Casper to have the capacity to teach someone? She was much too engrossed in this city's school system, he figured, and probably assumed that everyone she met was either a student or a professor. "Hm, bassics and theory of 'how to sstab'... Well. Have you ever tried jabbing ssomeone with a sharp object? I hear that yieldss fantasstic ressultss. " He finally let out a roaring laugh when she spoke of 'obvious' places, no longer able to hold it in. After he deemed his little outburst lengthy enough, still snickering slightly, he replied, "You are right about that. If you're going to hurt ssomeone, turning your back on them iss not the way to do it." He was still bearing a toothy grin, but it was no longer one of mocking, at least not for now. For now, he'd enjoy the fact that he was actually fond of someone for the first time in a long while. "Sscrew dussty archives. You know, even ssomeone as sscrawny as you can learn how to defend yoursself. Then maybe you can go out and ssee with your own eyes, whether the books ever had any truth to them."

[Cale Fletcher]

Cale started at his laughter before joining in. A bit defensively, she added, "Hey, I could at least give someone a minor injury! I think." She made a face at her own lack of ability. "Well, new goal in place then! Out into the world I go, at least until I can jab something and come off with less injuries than it." The words were out before she thought them through, but she still held firm. After all, she was sure she could do it in time enough. 
      "Books are fine if I ever need to know the theory of things, but reality tells a harsher tale. I've had quite enough of being coddled, I imagine." Cale spoke with new conviction, and smiled up at him. "Thank you Casper.  I had quite an," she searched for the proper word, "intriguing time because of you. I hope the wind blows in your favour."  She bit her lip, thinking of anything else that needed to be said. "Thanks again for the rescue and the inspiration. I believe I shall need to invest in 'something sharp' to jab others with." 
    She began to turn to walk on before stopping. "Oh, and whatever dive you're staying in, I suggest you find a better one. I've never seen someone look as sick of Zeltiva as you seem to be." She began to whistle, an off-key barrage of sour notes, and started walking once more.