A Peaceful Morning (Blythe)

[Serrif Von Chatlyn]

10th of Summer 511AV The morning was breaking gently. And for the first time he was coming out of sleep steadily. He didn’t dream, no he just remembered falling asleep and then waking up. He expected at first to come awake in the cage…but he didn’t he was here. He awoke in his tent. Finally able to put everything away. He had fallen asleep and was actually feeling refreshed. He hadn’t noticed just how tired he was until he laid down and decided that if he were to venture back to the slave camp…well there was nothing he could do about that. But instead he dreamt of nothing. Darkness likely because his body didn’t have the energy to form any vivid dreams. He woke and could hear the waves crashing on shore. He was literally elated that he woke up here; and had ventured nowhere else. As simple and childish as that was there was indeed good reasoning behind it. His every thought before sleep had been about what he would do if he was back at that slave camp. But all that worry and anxiety still couldn’t keep him from sleep. And sleep he did. A smile crossed his face as he then walked down to the start of the beach sand. He find Konti Isle’s sand was indeed something he planned on enjoying. The sun itself was again just about to pull up over the horizon. He knew because of all the nights he had spent away awaiting it. He knew what the earth was like just before rebirth. Right before the sun gently came up and graced the earth with its wonderful rays. He knew this meant that his day was just about to start. But where to first thing in the morning? He pondered. Lym could definitely use him; but Ildin likely wanted to see him as well. He could get in some training in the Suvai Pavilion to center himself and then move from there to lunch then the Temple. That seemed like it would be a good series of events for him. He stretched some and then decided it was time to set everything into motion for the day. After all nothing was going to get done if he didn’t set into motion. He found that by starting at first light he got much more done than he would ever have thought. It was also more of a habit than anything else. He had been waking before first light for so long that he really didn’t know how else to function. Sleeping in was not something he did. Not even when sickly tired; his body would not let him. His foot falls were on cobblestone now; a feeling he had learned to enjoy over time. The reasoning was simple. The cobblestones felt good on his bare feet. His feet were so large that unlike most who would feel the cobblestones as a nuisance he felt them a different way. They were almost soft and forgiving for him. Maybe this was all a mindset issue or maybe to him it was more than the truth. His paradigm stayed though. To him things were a little different. Everything was a little different. He appreciated this isle almost more than anyone else; and for good reasons as well. He had plenty to be thankful for; and all of them due to this isle. He couldn’t see himself leaving it now…not for a long time. He was finally regaining strength in his limbs as well as finally beginning to figure out what was going on with him. He was close he could indeed feel it. The pavilion came into view. He smiled. None seemed to be here this early. But he knew this to be a lie from experience. He knew some of the Mistresses were here. He knew without a doubt that Ildin was indeed here…somewhere. But as to exactly where he didn’t know. Maybe a few students would be here today. Or maybe he would see someone he knew. A familiar face would make things nice for him. Maybe he could drop in on a lesson or practice some with someone. Konti seemed to have a certain affinity for him. Maybe it was because he was male; a fine specimen of a human male at that. He was tall, above 6 foot which made him rare in his race. His body was slim and becoming more fortified by the day; he was strong easily able to protect anyone. And his body was scarred, indicating that he could and would persevere through anything. But his personality was kind, loving and indeed somewhat frank. Leaving little up to the imagination when it came to what he was really thinking. He wasn’t sure how that was valued among the Konti just yet. He entered and looked about. He didn’t see anyone. And Ildin hadn’t left him any instructions. So instead he decided to meditate. Maybe center himself a little before the day turned hot. It was summer after all. He sat down and sat in the lotus position; the same position that Blythe had shown him once. Closing his eyes he began to center himself. Picturing the ocean he began to relax. He could feel the breeze as it rushed over the lake and into the open pavilion. He continued to breathe gently. Inhale…exhale…inhale…exhale. Every breath measured as he took in the beauty.

[Blythe]

As she walked across the balk that led to the suvai pavilion, Blythe pulled her hair back into a loose ponytail. Her sandals clicked after each of her steps, ramming themselves into the back of her feet before they were forced back onto the ground; producing a soft thudding sound as she walked along the wood. Her long white dress swished around her feet, reproducing a ripple effect much like the waves of the sea crashing into the shore. The sun shone down on her pale skin, causing the scales that lined her forehead to sparkle a pale pink. "My it's a lovely day," she whispered, as she reached the end of the balk, and the front entrance to the pavilion. Blythe paused for a moment by the door, and gently pulled off her sandals, before walking inside. It was quiet, nearly empty, save for someone meditating in the corner. Blythe smiled weakly, as she began to step forward, across the bamboo reed matts to where the wooden practice katanas were kept. As she walked, her feet would stick to the matt, each time they were pulled off the ground, they made a gentle scratching sound, which she hoped would not break the man's meditation. Perhaps if you step slowly, you won't make quite so much noise, she told herself as she slowed down her pace, and reached the side of the stack of wooden swords a few moments later. Blythe picked a sword off the top of the stack, and took a few steps back, towards the center of the matt. She slid her right hand up towards the top of the hilt, while the left rested two inches or so below that. Her fingers curled around the wood, pressing the hilt into her palms; her thumbs pointed upwards, towards the blade. She placed her right foot behind the left. They were approximately a foot and a half apart. Her right foot was pointed towards the right, the left forward, so that together, they formed a ninety degree angle with her body. Blythe placed all of her weight on her right foot, allowing it to feel as though it were being dragged into the ground. Slowly, Blythe lifted the blade until it dangled over her head at a forty-five degree angle, the tip of it extending into the air behind her. As she lifted the blade, her arms formed a small window, which she used to peer through. Just look under your wrists, she told herself, vaguely remembering when she was taught this particular stance, but not the name of it. And when you are ready, bring your blade down on your opponent... Slowly, Blythe brought the blade down, in as straight a line as she could manage. The blade whooshed through the air, slicing it cleanly, before she stepped forward with her right foot, bringing it in front of the left. As she did so, she lifted the blade back up as rapidly as she could, in a line that ran up diagonally, slightly to her left. Blythe's eyes sparkled as she stepped forward with the left foot, bringing it a few inches closer to the right. While she moved, she swung the blade downwards and to the right, cutting the air rather forcefully for someone with a peaceful nature. The movement of her wooden blade was so swift that Blythe stumbled, tripping over her own feet, and onto the floor, with a loud thud. "Ouch," she muttered, as the wooden blade fell from her hands and onto the matt. You really should be more careful, she told herself as she lazily rubbed her aching back side before glancing over at the man in meditation. He did seem so very familiar. Hopefully I didn't disturb him, Blythe thought as she leaned forward, ignoring the dull, shooting pains that lingered in her back, and wrapped her right hand around the hilt of the blade. Her fingers pressed into the wood; sweating a little. Falling after so little time was always embarrassing, even if it appeared as though no one was around to watch you stumble...

[Serrif Von Chatlyn]

Serrif slowly began to focus some more. Every passing moment didn’t seem to last long when he was at pace. So he would have to watch how much time he spent here. He was sure Lym would want him to spend too long. But he thought some early morning meditation would do him a lot of good. He needed to center himself before the start of the day. It was something that brought him peace and readied him for the day. He wasn’t sure what he was to do on this day. But clearing his head definitely helped him prepare for it. The day arranged itself slowly in his mind. Every piece came together one by one. He would get his training and meditation in this morning. Then just after sunrise he would go and check in with Lym. There he would stay until maybe nightfall. And when the night came he would then maybe study some or head back to his tent. It was still depressing that after all this time he still lived in a tent. He saw the elaborate homes some of the Konti lived in and he longed for a place to call his own. Not a tent, no’ more like an actual house. Something with walls. Granted he wouldn’t be able to move the home quite as easy as he was with his tent. But he also knew he would like an actual house. He wouldn’t get rid of the tent though; you never knew when you would need to venture out. And that was really very true for him as well. He wasn’t really sure if he would spend the rest of his life here with the Konti. Sure he couldn’t see any reason in the near future why he would leave; but committing the rest of his life to a single place seemed a bit of a stretch for him. He listened to the breeze, it gently came into the pavilion and rushed about. He could smell the moist water laden air from the lake. He nodded internally with approval. He did love it here. The suns rays were gently warming him as well…but something didn’t belong. He quickly searched with his senses. What wasn’t right? Something was out of the ordinary…That…sound, faint scratches a good distance away. They sounded to come from the room. Yes the echo and the way the wind carried it…the source was inside the pavilion. But it stopped. He didn’t open his eyes. He used this more as a test exercise for his senses than anything else. Now what conclusions could he draw when he wasn’t using his sight? Whomever they were they had a light frame. As he believed that this person had indeed found a way to silence their steps, a larger individual wouldn’t have been able to do this easy. This individual was also a morning person; as the sun was just beginning to come up. They were likely Konti, or female to say the least; mostly assumed because he hadn’t seen another male since he had gotten here….something he hadn’t really noticed until just now. He listened again. Nothing for a few seconds perhaps this person was gone? That was a possibility, however it was unlikely. He listened more intently and began to slowly isolate things he knew were normal. The gentle wisp of the wind was isolated and set aside. He would pay no more attention to it for now. He then focused in a little more. Still hearing nothing. He focused harder isolating sound by sound that was normal for him. The lulling of the lake, the whipping of the curtains all normal; and all set aside. Again he was now searching for anything out of the ordinary. THERE…He thought he heard something. It was faint and hardly there at all but he did indeed hear something. YES there it was again, but this time it was accompanied by something like a footfall. Someone was practicing. By the sound of the movements made he would have to guess Katana. Since the only two bladed weapons taught were Katana and Suvai. And movements by Suvai would be more frequent as well as likely more silent. No the sound through air of a Katana was definitely distinguishable from that of the Suvai. Then another swift movement and what sounded like a stumble, accompanied by a thud on the floor. Yes; that was a fall. He opened his eyes slowly to see mostly if his senses were correct. And well they were... She was there, a Konti woman practicing Katana. With the way she was laid out on the floor he couldn’t much tell who she was. But she had come here early to practice. And well stumbled at the same time. That usually happened when someone overextended themselves. He would know. When she looked his way he remembered just who she was. But maybe distance was making it difficult for her to remember who he was. Odd, there were plenty of Konti on the isle and he could still discern them from each other. He wondered why he seemed so foreign to her. He did notice that from the length of look she gave him that he likely did still seem familiar to her. That was hopeful. He was sure she would likely be embarrassed if he approached her; but maybe she would feel just as bad if he just went back to meditating treating her like a nuisance. He did the polite thing and smiled some. The smile was gentle and warming, he took to his feet and maybe that would give him away to her. He wasn’t sure how many males his height she had met on the isle before. His strides were purposeful closing the gap between them. Maybe he would see a spark as she remembered who he was. Or maybe he would let her guess a little while longer. For now though he would just observe as he closed the distance. “Good to see a familiar face Blythe.” He said smiling, maybe his voice would cause her to remember? He hadn't seen her for some time now.

[Blythe]

Blythe could hear footsteps coming towards her. Oh dear, it looks like we have gone and ruined someone's peaceful meditation, she thought, as a shadow appeared over her. She smiled uneasily as she got to her feet; and found herself peering into the familiar face of a man. Blythe's eyes narrowed a bit, and then widened, Ser. Her grip tightened around the hilt of the wooden blade, as her right arm fell to her side. She could feel the tip of the blade dragging against the matt as she stared at him in silence, it had been so very long... Blythe shifted her weight from her right to her left foot rather uneasily, hoping to buy herself some time before she was forced to reply. Several beads of sweat appeared on her brow, causing her skin to listen, even thought it was not so bright within the pavilion. "Well hello Ser," Blythe began, "it has been quite some time, hasn't it, since we last saw each other?" There was a slight pause as the Konti flashed a delicate smile, causing her facial features to light up a bit. Her lavender-colored eyes passed up and down over his body, he looked so much better now, so much fuller; so much more alive. "How have you been doing? What have you been doing?" Blythe asked, as she took a half a step back to get a better look at him. "You appear so much healthier... have you found your niche after all?" There was a slight pause as Blythe waited for Serrif's answer; as her skin began to redden. She was blushing a little bit, suddenly embarrassed now that she had realized her mistake, now that she had realized that she was acting rather rudely. "You were meditating before, weren't you? You must have had your concentration broken when I fell... I am so very sorry," she muttered, as she glanced uncomfortably down at the ground between them. She lifted the katana forward, towards him, as delicately as she could, so that it may provide some sort of explanation for his interruption. "It seems as though nothing ever gets any easier with the blade. Even if you practice and practice, you never seem to develop the grace of your teacher..." Blythe's voice trailed off as she looked up again, and into Serrif's eyes. "Do you find it to be the same with you?" Blythe asked. "You were studying under Ildin before, weren't you? The last time we spoke, so many moons ago..." He looks so much better now, not so very frail, Blythe thought, maybe Ildin is still working with him, and helping him to grow strong; and slightly less awkward. Maybe he could teach you something, maybe he will offer to help. Or at least, give you a few pointers or something. Blythe sighed, or maybe he won't. You did run away from him once... why should you expect him to stay with you now?

[Serrif Von Chatlyn]

Instantly he could tell she was beating herself up about something. Her uneasy smile that crossed her lips told him this, that and the way she looked at him as he got closer to her. He wondered just why he seemed to be causing her anxiety. But as he watched he saw the very moment when he finally registered with her. He saw her wonderful lavender eyes widen and her features lit up. He did love to see Blythe happy. For one reason or another she always seemed a little down every time he met her. He didn’t know why this could be; but he wasn’t about to pry either. It would be extraordinarily rude of him to do so. She was right about it being a good time since they had seen each other. He hadn’t forgotten how she looked, but he had forgotten her voice. It was good to hear it again. But his presence seemed to still cause her to be a bit uneasy, he saw the way she shifted her weight before she spoke. As if she was buying herself time or something of the likes. Ildin had been working him hard; as would be expected. She had merged so many aspects of hardening together that he was having no trouble falling asleep…when he decided to let himself sleep. He would always find himself a bit sore. But it seemed Ildin had found just the right schedule for him. His body had reacted well and fortified itself easily. He noticed the difference in the way he felt. His body didn’t feel like such a burden anymore. He didn’t feel tired either during the day; his nutrition was right as well. He had been fishing almost all of his food from the seas, allowing him to flourish with the seas gift to him. What was most noticeable was his chest. His rib bones weren’t as visible as they had been in the past, especially since muscle was layering itself on him. “Yes it has been too long indeed. I’m working for Lym in the Temple now. Mixing all kinds of things with her. She does all kinds of experiments and I assist her.” He smiled as well. She was appearing happy to see him. But he could never really be sure with her. She commented on how healthy he looked; and well he agreed with her. He was just now beginning to feel much better. After a season of recovery he found he was finally beginning to know what it felt like to be well. “I wish you knew how I felt, the difference is incredible. And you Blythe.” He paused with a smile as he remarked, “look just as beautiful as ever.” She’d likely blush at that and stare at the ground trying to discount the remark but he would let it stand as it was. For it was the truth. Her skin reddened, blushing some. Just as he thought she would. Maybe he had flattered her; or maybe she was embarrassed from her fall; both were possibilities. He saw her facial features change a little; just over so slightly as thoughts began to travel through her mind. He didn’t know what these thoughts were but he knew they were there. The changes were slight and only lasted for a few seconds; everyone did them even without noticing that they had. Maybe if he paid closer attention he would begin to pick up on these things a little better with time. That would indeed be something that he could use to his advantage later. Her next words indicated that what he had seen indicated that she had thought she had acted improperly; even though the events that happened weren’t her fault at all. Her eyes fell to the ground between them, something she did when she didn’t want to look in his eyes. Something she did when she was a little ashamed. She explained herself and to tell the truth he needed no explination. He laid a calming hand on her shoulder and spoke. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made blunders worse than that.” A sincere smile on his face as he then smiled and spoke some more. ”Although I have found that you have one key advantage over me, you have plenty of time to develop the skills of your teacher, whereas I do not. I suppose that is one reason Ildin pushes me so hard.” It all was beginning to make more sense to him now. With a hand on her shoulder he could feel how hard she was working. How far she was pushing herself to be better. He knew how frustrating it must be not to see results; or not to think you were having results. But he knew she was getting better, he just knew it. “I’ve found that practice doesn’t make perfect, but it helps. Half the battle is mindset.” He put some space between them then spoke again. “Tell you what, let’s practice some and maybe we will learn something from each other.” He walked over and took a practice weapon identical to Blythe and turned around. ”What say you?”

[Blythe]

Blythe felt the palm of Serrif's hand on her pale flesh. She could feel his fingers wrapping around her skin; his nails just beginning to press into her, but stopping, as though he knew how much it would hurt her if they went any further. His hands felt so very warm; yet calloused, as though he had been working to hard of late. Or perhaps it was simply that they were a man's flesh; and not that of a woman. Surely his touch couldn't be as delicate as hers? Although, his was bound to be far more reassuring... she found it reassuring. A small smile crossed her lips, "thank you Ser," she said, as her eyes began to sparkle rather pleasantly. It was as though the sun were reflecting off the surface of the sea when she looked up at him again. Perhaps he has finally found it in his heart to forgive, Blythe thought, as she looked at him. For that must have hurt for such a long time. It's unfortunate, to have felt the need to do such a thing to him, when he has been nothing but kind and supportive. There was a slight pause, after all, he carried Keyta all the way to the temple when she injured her leg all those moons ago. "It's likely we've all made worse blunders than that," Blythe commented, her voice coming out rather quietly, at little more than a whisper. "And you shouldn't talk like that Ser, you never know how long anyone has to learn anything. Or even if they will maintain their drive to keep on going; to keep on learning." There was a slight pause as Blythe followed Ser with her eyes; was he really going to help her train? "If you'd like to practice together, we can. Just strike up a stance, and we can get going," she said, her voice a little stronger now. She took a moment to change her position, as she waited for Ser to do the same. Her right foot was about a foot and a half in front of the left. Her right foot was pointed towards Ser, while the left was turned towards the wall, so that together, they formed a ninety degree angle with her body. Her right hand was wrapped around the top of the blade, the left two inches below that. Her thumbs had been curled into the rest of her fingers, and the blade was held out over her knee, no more than a few inches in front of her face. The tip of the blade was facing up, towards the ceiling; cutting her body in half. All of Blythe's weight was on her right foot. "Whenever you are ready Ser, feel free to attack," Blythe instructed, her eyes never leaving his.

[Serrif Von Chatlyn]

He had found it to forgive her. He was hoping that his actions spoke this; because he wasn’t sure if he could just come right out and tell her. He wasn’t sure what the results would be there. So instead he wanted to show her they could still be friends; he would always remember that she walked out on him. But he wouldn’t hold it against her. He figured she had a reason for doing so. Even if he didn’t know it; nor ever understand her reasoning. There was a part of him that wanted to hold a grudge against her. But he valued her friendship; and holding grudges wasn’t healthy. He already had one grudge against those who harmed him. Against those who had poisoned him for all those years and harmed all those other innocents as well. He had never practiced with a katana before. He didn’t know quite how to use one effectively; however he did know hand to hand. And he figured he could use these skills in conjunction with his lowly katana skills as well. Maybe then he would stand a chance against Blythe. She had been under the care and practice of a Mistress who actually knew a thing or two about the weapon and its use. He had never received any formal schooling on any weapon except the bow. Meaning he likely wouldn’t stand a chance against her. But there was hope for him yet. He knew if he was careful enough and maybe aggressive enough he could stand a chance. He nodded some in response and watched her stance. Unsure what to do next. He mirrored her stance and faced her. It was somewhat clear that he didn’t know what he was doing. However he was still confident; maybe he had something up his sleeve that he was to surprise her with. He stretched some to loosen up some. When finished he looked again to her. Ready but he was assessing her current position. His hands were on the blade but one was just slightly looser than the other. He figured with one hand he could beat back her sword enough to make an opening for him to really gain some footing. But he wasn’t exactly sure about this. However he was pretty sure that he could overpower her with brute force. But again he didn’t want to underestimate her strength; never underestimate a Konti. They were beautiful but he knew that there was indeed more to them than met the eye. He found that her stance for this spar was much the same as his stance was for the bow. Planted feet into the ground and your weight easily evenly distributed across them. Seemed like there were a good many of things that used this planted stance as a base. He figured he would have to make a move sooner or later. The distance between them was only about five or so feet. Enough for him to suddenly close especially with his height and body build. He had one advantage he was just now coming to notice. He had a farther reach than she did. However this would only help him so much. He made a move to counter him. His swing was high against her left side. He figured she would likely counter him but he could move from there.

[Blythe]

Serrif looks so very uncomfortable, Blythe thought, as she watched him attempt to mirror her stance; her movements. Doesn't he? There was a slight pause as Ser seemed to finally get it; or at least; think he had. He isn't so graceful, either. But then again, he probably hasn't ever been taught how to use a katana. Although he may have seen one before; admired their movements... they are so very graceful-looking, when wielded by a skilled swordsman. By one that seems to dance across the matts, as opposed to stomp over them; flatten them beneath their step. There was another slight pause as Blythe waited for Serrif to move. They're so very beautiful, in the right hands... It seemed like only seconds later that Serrif was coming towards her. As swiftly as she could, Blythe stepped forward with her right foot, and brought her wooden practice sword forward. She twisted it to the side, so that the tip of the blade was on the same side as her left shoulder. Within a few seconds, she heard a satisfying wooden click, and a slight, downwards force on her arm; signifying that her blade had met with Serrif's. Signifying that she had blocked his attack. "Oh come now Serrif, is that the best you can do?" Blythe asked, her tone as playful as the wide smile that crossed her lips; the gentle gleam in her lavender-colored eyes. As she spoke, Blythe pushed upwards on the blade, doing her best to force Serrif's away, especially now that her wrists were beginning to hurt from having to twist the blade in her block. Always a strain, her mind whispered, as she stepped forward and to the left, bringing her blade in a diagonal line, downwards and to the right; towards her hip. Assuming Ser didn't move or block Blythe's attack, she may rake the sword across his chest. OOCSorry this is a short, blah post. Most of my combat ones are...

[Serrif Von Chatlyn]

OOCThat’s fine mine are usually unusually short as well She was indeed right in her assessment of his situation. He wasn’t comfortable with the Katana. He didn’t yet understand the elaborate art that was a katana duel. They were indeed graceful when wielded by a skilled user. He had seen such dances as performed by those that practiced. It was beautiful, but only when performed by a skilled bearer…which he was not. No, he merely understood that he was to help Blythe train. And help he would. He would be much better helping her train hand to hand, or maybe ranged; which were extremes of each other. But one had to cover their bases. His movements would be graceful but nowhere near where Blythe was, he wasn’t stomping but at the same time he wasn’t dancing either. It was that middle ground between the two; but still leaning toward unskilled more than skilled. She had blocked his initial attack, he had anticipated that much. She wouldn’t hand this training session to him and he knew that. Her smile was met with a wink as he spoke back. “Just getting started.” With that she then moved to push Serrif’s blade away from hers, when she would notice that Ildin had indeed been strength training Serrif. He was much stronger than she remembered. But his lack of skill caused her to be able to slip her blade away from his. She stepped away then made her move. He was new to this and he knew that this was likely going to not end in his favor at all. He swung his blade to his side stepping to the right away from her swing. He brought his hands up and the blade toward the ground. He felt her blade meet his and he nodded. “Harder than I first thought.” He was a little distracted looking into her eyes. He wasn’t sure why her eyes drew him in but they did. Maybe in a way he still wished things had worked out between them. That she would open up to him rather than push him away. That he still didn’t hurt from her, that something down inside him still didn’t ache from what she did. He had trusted another since her. But he hadn’t seen her since their little lunch out on the town. It had been a long long time. And he was starting to wonder if she had left him and moved on. Just like Blythe had; only she wasn’t physically present and Blythe was. His mind came around just about the time Blythe made her next move. His left side was open; she could easily place a hit just above his left hip if she so desired.

[Blythe]

Blythe's smile widened. "Obviously," she replied, a playful glimmer in her lavender-colored eyes. She wasn't much better than Serrif; just slightly more graceful. It was apparent she held a very basic understanding of the katana- how it was used, all the basic fighting stances, how to attack and block... whereas, he did not. Even so, she still liked to tease him for it. They were friends after all, or at least, acquaintances, so a little light teasing was acceptable, wasn't it? Click, their wooden pressed into each other. "It can be," Blythe whispered, only mildly surprised that he had managed to block her attack, considering she was expecting him to simply move out of the way. After all, it was far easier, especially when you were first learning. When their blades met, Blythe instantly pulled hers back, and took a half step backwards, away from him. His left side is open for an attack, her mind whispered, as she shot forward swiftly, bringing her blade with her. Her right leg was placed far before the left, as she forced the blade straight out. She leaned into her right foot, bending the leg at the knee, while the left was far more straight, dragging behind her. If she placed the lunge properly, the tip of her wooden blade would fall just above Serrif's left hip, assuming he did not block her or step away. OOCAnd it gets worse.