Scrapping For Mizas (Aliara)

[Mirian Jade]

69th of fall, 514 a.v
roundabout noon

There was a nip in the air when Mirian stepped out of the Aquillar Hot Springs, a nip that was made doubly painful by her wet skin and hair. It wasn’t exactly a winter chill, though, and it was something that she was willing to endure; it wasn’t every day that she visited the springs, after all, and the feeling of sheer cleanliness was wonderful enough for her to weather a bit of wind.

She had set off for the springs almost immediately after waking up, deciding that she wanted a bath when she had felt dirty before she’d even done anything. Why not? It was something she could afford now. Something she could afford easily.

She wasn’t exactly looking for subtlety at the springs, so she’d pulled the shortsword onto her belt for her journey. True, she didn’t exactly know how to use it, but it wasn’t like anyone else would know that. Generally, anyone with a sword on their hip was less likely to be hassled, and on the off-chance she was challenged… well, she’d brought her knife, too. Just in case.

The bath itself had been long and luxurious; she’d paid for a private room, brought her own soap and had nearly fallen asleep, she was so comfortable. She’d never had a private bath before. When she’d finally dragged herself out, dried herself off and made her way out of the place, she was feeling fresh, clean, and more relaxed than she had in a long time. She had food at home. She had money enough to get by for a long while. Her immediate troubles were gone now, and it lifted a tension from her shoulders that she hadn’t been fully aware existed.

She didn’t head back towards Sunberth, though. Not yet. The hills around Aquillar rolled around coaxingly, beckoning in a way that Mirian had never had the mind to appreciate until now. Why, she could go for a walk if she wanted. Just like that. No worries. Nothing to stop her. No stress over whether or not she’d eat before bed today; that problem no longer mattered.

For today, she could afford to breathe.

Smiling slightly to herself, Mirian pulled her shawl tighter around her shoulders and set off into the hills.

[Aliara Cantrell]

Aliara had grumbled and cursed her way home. Some old bat had wanted her to take a letter to her son on the otherside of town and when Aliara said she wasn't a courier that old lady had said then she wasn't needed! Aliara had turned up on time wasted a bell being briefed only to be told to go away, she didn't have forever to give an old bat how would probably drop dead with the next season change.

Slamming the door to her house Aliara was so angry she was fuming, so much that when her tanned cheeks were turning red. Biting her lip, Aliara growled and pulled her cutless out from beneath the cupboard and felt the weight. She felt powered when Aliara held the cold steel in her hand. Her fingers closed around the hilt and she gave a quick short jab. Hitting the imaginary Assailant in the stomach. Smiling Aliara slide the cutless into her scabbard and began digging in a draw for her Kuri, Thats what would make her happy, a good day out in the hills practising her skills.

When Alaira had gathered all the necessary weapons, of which took her longer than expected, she braided her hair so it wouldn't get in her way and headed out. The streets were busy with people hoarding food and thieves taking advantage of the exchange of coin. Aliara had been the same, for a couple of days she had actually bought enough food for a few people but when realising her stupidity gave it back to the vendors and got her miza’s back.

As the buildings began to thin Aliara felt her her heart losing a certain weight of the pressure of being an adult. In these hills she forgot about paying upkeep or even paying for food, It was just all about her dancing and weapons. She often balanced on tree branches out here, this was actually the first time in a while that Aliara had trained her skills. The kuri was an odd weapon but Aliara liked it, it seemed like something a dancer would have hidden up her skirts. Aliara wasnt very good at it yet but she would learn.

Finding a nice quiet spot, Aliara unsheathed her cutlass and in one long sweeping blow, she shifted into her fighting stance. Shoulders relaxed and her feet shoulder width apart she started with simple drills, A little voice in her head telling her what to do.

Step forward, jab, step back, half turn, step forward, jab, spin all the way around and sweep. Remember to keep your head down Aliara!

As she continued her normal regime her training began to get harder and more energetic. After All she could use a cutlass and Aliara had to push herself to learn anymore.
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[Mirian Jade]

After a few minutes, the wind became less painful as it stole the moisture from her body and left her somewhat drier than the had been before. It was still a bit uncomfortable, but Mirian could feel that in a few more minute, when she was completely dry, it could become pleasant if she let it. The air was crisp and fresh, rolling in from the wilderness rather and giving her something infinitely better to smell than the endless stink and filth of the city.

A flock of crows wheeled above her, turning and plunging amongst themselves in playful games that Mirian didn’t have the inclination to try and figure out. Her world was, for the moment, peaceful, and she let herself enjoy it to the fullest.

It was another few minutes of walking before Mirian heard the telltale shnk of metal on leather, causing her to halt in her tracks. Her mind whirled, immediately jumping to the worst scenarios; bandits? This close to the city? It was possible. Thieves? A thug? Any other one of the hundreds of bad situations that could come after that noise?

No, she had to calm down. Mirian took a breath. There were no sounds that followed, no growls or threats of violence, no… wait. That, there; the faintest echoes of grunting and huffed breaths, the kind one made when they were putting forth effort. They sounded female.

Intrigued, and with her fear fading, Mirian cautiously turned her path towards the source of the noise. It was just on the other side of that hill, and it became louder the farther she traveled. Moving as cautiously and quietly as she could, taking care to step on dirt and moldy grass where the least noise would be made, Mirian snuck around the base of the hill until she caught sight of the object of her curiosity.

The woman was young, not possible any older than Mirian herself. But where Mirian was bronze-skinned and dark-haired, this woman was pale and fair, and beneath her clothing slid the telltale slopes of muscle and tendon. She had a curved sword in her hand and was in the process of swinging it about, movements measured and deliberate in what could only be practice.

Put more at ease than she had been before, but not so easy as to introduce herself right away, Mirian took up a stance of observation. She watched the woman’s movements silently, but she didn’t exactly take steps to hide herself; if the woman turned around, she would surely see Mirian standing there.

[Aliara Cantrell]

The sun glinted wickedly off of the cold steel of her cutlass, it was calming to see her sword sliding through the air, jabbing forward with skill. Smiling Aliara slowly relaxed, rolling her shoulders she rested the hilt on her open palms and began to even her breathing again. Sheathing her sword Aliara cracked her knuckles and turned around.

There was a woman standing there watching Aliara train, a little concerned Aliara perched her lips and raised her eyebrows. The woman in front of her was only slightly shorter than Aliara but was almost the opposite to Aliara, the waves of the women's hair was a rich brown whereas Aliara’s was a sandy sunny blonde, the woman's skin was so much darker than Aliara’s she began to wonder whether the woman was from the south.

“Hello?”

It was awkward and Aliara didn't know how to react, pulling out her kuri she began to fiddle, doing small slices in the air. It was a small weapon, easily concealed it was alway Aliara’s last resort. hidden in her boot she would grab it if she couldn't get to her beautiful Cutlass. Flipping it slowly between her fingers she began to get a feel for the small elegant weapon, A thought dawned upon Aliara, The weapon remind her of the woman standing before her.

“Nice hair, smooth looking…”

Frowning Aliara cursed herself for making such a stupid a comment. Rubbing her temple with her spare hand Aliara decided to just be straightforward, it was awkward to turn around and find someone just staring at you. Aliara had no idea how long the woman had been their and that scared her a little. Taking a step forward Aliara slipped the Kuri into her boot and offered her hand.

“Aliara Cantrell, excuse the sweat you caught me practising, are you lost?”

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[Mirian Jade]

It was a few moments before the woman took notice of Mirian. She turned, paused, pursed her lips, took a breath, then…

“Hello?”

Mirian smiled and dipped her head. “Hello.”

Neither of them seemed inclined to immediately continue the conversation. Mirian resolved to not be the one to speak next, so she settled comfortably where she was and waited for the paler woman to make the first move.

The woman in question pulled out a knife, causing Mirian to arch an eyebrow. The woman’s movements seemed more concerned than anything, but still… it was a bit unnerving.

“Nice hair,” the woman finally said. “Smooth looking…”

Mirian blinked. If she had had to guess the next words out of the woman’s mouth, those would certainly not be on her list. Her hair? What was this woman talking about?

Finally deciding to cut through the discomfort that had begun to permeate the air, the woman slid the knife back into its home and spoke frankly.

“Aliara Cantrell, excuse the sweat you caught me practicing, are you lost?”

Mirian chuckled. “Me? No, I’m not lost. I was just taking a walk, and then I heard you… practicing. I came to watch.”

Mirian dipped her shoulders in something resembling a small bow. “Name’s Mirian. I don’t often get to see swords out unless I’m running from them, and that doesn’t usually allow for a proper view of form.”

Then, out of the blue, Mirian had an epiphany. Blinking once, twice, then glancing back at this Aliara Cantrell, the halfbreed allowed a small smile to light up her face.

“Say there, love, what’d you say to an easy ten mizas? Show me how to use that sword and knife, and the money’s yours.”

[Aliara Cantrell]

So the woman wasn't lost and looking for directions she was just standing there watching aliara.. That was slightly creepy but Aliara tried not to focus on it. Smiling politely she listened to the words the lady spoke, Mirian, that was a pretty name for a pretty woman, Aliara smiled.

Brushing the hair out of her face Aliara considered Mirian’s offer, Teach someone to use a weapon was going to be a little difficult, Aliara was a terrible teacher, however 10 gold miza’s just to teach a lady a few tricks was a bargain. Aliara wondered whether she could even start something like this part time if she got better at being nice to people.

“A lesson? would this be an ongoing thing or just for today?”

Raising an eyebrow Aliara realised it was a stupid question, it was more of a question of what she wanted to learn. just how to stab other people? or have the sword as a normal part of her body, one world be one or two lessons and the other, well..

“Actually stupid question, do you want to just stab stab people or be a swordswoman?”

Rolling her shoulders Aliara jumped from the heels of her feet to the balls, it was more acrobatics then stab stab but her skill helped her some time to time. Studying the landscape and the woman in front of her Aliara decided that to teach Mirian that she wouldn't give her a sword straight away, after all her sword was her favourite and her source of income. Another factor was the fact she barely even knew the woman, why give her a sword if it meant leaving you with a simple kuri?

kicking up the grass Aliara began to ponder how to teach someone, would they spare with sticks or would she go the cruel way? Aliara didn't even know that the woman was capable of so maybe that was the first step....
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[Mirian Jade]

The woman’s hesitance was apparent, although that wasn’t exactly surprising. The two had never met before, neither knew anything about the other and they were discussing the use of deadly weapons. That was why Mirian had offered a full ten mizas, which wasn’t exactly a small amount of money. With any luck, it would be enough to lure a lesson out of the pale swordswoman.

It was enough for her to consider it, at least, and to put voice to that consideration. She put forth a question of her own, and Mirian shrugged in response.

“I suppose getting any more lessons would depend on how this one goes, hmm? I know enough about knives to keep myself from getting shanked, but a sword’s a bit more than a knife.”

To drive her point in further, Mirian pulled the shortsword free of its scabbard and into the open air for Aliara to survey.

“This here’s what I’ve got to keep myself in the city’s good graces, but I’d be a liar if I didn’t admit that it was a bit… unwieldy in my hands, if you get my drift?”

Mirian was a bit uneasy admitting weakness to someone she didn’t know, but she was careful to avoid mentioning that she had another weapon on her as well––a weapon she was more proficient with. If this Aliara decided that attacking the halfbreed was in her best interests, Mirian would at least have a line of defense.

With the sword on display, Mirian fished three mizas out of her pocket and tossed them at Aliara.

“Consider that a down payment. You can have the rest when we’re finished.”

[Aliara Cantrell]

She caught the coins and bit into one, felt real, shrugging she poured the three miza’s into her shoe and smile. Aliara was surprised by the short sword however it also showed her that the woman didn't exactly know how to hold it correctly she tsked. Aliara closed the distance between herself and Mirian, brushing her hair out of her face she pushed back Mirians shoulder so that she stood straight on.

“Okay so before you can even think about stabbing someone you need to stop it from breaking your bones or pulling a tendon. You're probably going to feel like a childs doll, but doing this will help me establish what i have to teach you.”

Stepping back Aliara watched Mirian to see whether or not the wait of her stance was going to hurt after staying like that for bells on end. Biting her lip Aliara went back to Mirian and fixed her wrist so it was facing the right way.

“Okay so this is a strong stance, great for Attack.”

Aliara stood back again and drew her cutlass, the steel blade hissed in excitement as it was released from its scabbard. Aliara had never taught someone before and she was struggling on how she was to teach something that she rarely thought about. moving her body into the same position, Aliara closed her eyes and inhaled deeply.

Feeling her sword in her hand Aliara smiled, it was a relaxing feeling, just to tune out and train her muscles to be better than they were with each passing season Aliara felt stronger and stronger.

“Mirian, follow these movements”

This is wasn't the best way of teaching but it was the best way that Aliara knew how, moving slowly so that Mirian could follow Aliara opened her eyes and jabbed out, it was a simple move but it was enough to start with. The simple fluid movement of her shoulder as she twisted her arm so the blade turned sideways. Looking up Aliara waited for Mirian to attempt the same movement.
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[Mirian Jade]

Aliara caught the coins in the air, then brought one to her mouth to bite. Huh. Mirian had never actually seen someone do that before. Did that even help in differentiating counterfeit money from real?

Apparently satisfied with whatever information she had gleaned from putting the miza in her mouth, the swordswoman slipped the money into her shoe and made a disapproaving sound at Mirian’s posture.

The halfbreed tensed when Aliara stepped forward, but her sword was out and her teacher’s was not. That put her at an advantage, and that advantage was what eased her mind when hands appeared on her shoulders, pushing her back, correcting the arch of her spine.

She was standing straighter now, shoulders back, but it left Mirian feeling… exposed. Usually, if she was in a fight, the thief would hunch and bring her weapon in front of her to keep her stomach protected, but if this was what Aliara had to teach her then she couldn’t think of much else to do but play along.

Approving of her new stance, Aliara took a step back and drew her sword. Mirian’s grip tightened around her own. But there wasn’t any aggression in the paler woman’s gaze, only relaxation; the swordswoman turned, bidding Mirian to follow her movements, and very slowly extended the sword to jab at an imaginary opponent.

The halfbreed nodded and did the same, slowly sending the point of her shortsword into the air in front of her, safely away from Aliara. No, that was too low, even from the point of view of someone who’d never been in a swordfight. She had, after all, been in a number of fights without swords; she knew how tall the average person was, and if she’d just stabbed someone then the wound would have been somewhere in the hip.

A deep breath. Try again.

The second stab was higher, and Mirian tried to aim in the general direction of the stomach and chest area. That was a good place to stab, right? It was with her knife, at least. It stood to reason that a sword would find good purchase there, too.

[Aliara Cantrell]

She started off terribly but Mirian was smart enough to correct herself and try again. Smiling Aliara watched her form and stretched her muscles. She could make this training a lot harder if she wanted to, Aliara could simple have Mirian attack her…

“Very good, shall we try another one?”

Slipping back into the same stance Mirian was in she demonstrated a slicing movement. Her hand tight on the hilt Aliara slowly dragged her sword from shoulder to hip bone. the blade of her cutlass glinted in the sun and Aliara continued the movement a second time taking a step forward in between. To Aliara this all came naturally however she did worry this would be wreaking havoc on Mirians untrained muscles. After Aliara watched Miriran she decided they would work on footwork.

Turning back to Sunberth Aliara brushed a few strands of hair out of her face and began to wonder if other towns had as many people with skills in weapons as Sunberth did. Aliara turned back to Mirian and sat down.

Stretching her legs out in front of her she lent over and began to stretch her leg muscles by grabbing her toes.

“Tell me when you wish to stop,”

Looking up at her student Aliara studied her stance and they way her muscles twitched from use. It was interesting having someone to teach, to pass on knowledge that Aliara had learnt, yet no matter how interesting it was she couldn't help but think Aliara was terrible at it. Moving into a different stretch Aliara touched her hands behind her back and inhaled deeply 1… 2… 3… and out. Aliara could feel her muscles relax as she continued to focus herself.

“You’ll have to stretch before the next part.”
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