xp_logs | Thursday afternoon, Kylun and Clarice (Reply)

Clarice happens upon Kylun, meditating in the gym; they talk about the current crisis, which because it's Clarice segues into talk about swords. She proceeds to be rude, but not unforgivably so, and is then disappointed, but not completely.

The gym was quiet, which was what Kylun wanted; the hue and cry after the missing students was just as it should be, just as it would have been if it had happened at the monastery, and he intended to help in any way he could . . . but it was staggering, so many people moving so quickly after his time alone. He needed a small space of time in which to center himself again, and so he had gone to the gym, deserted now while the mansion's residents found more important things to worry about than their physical fitness. He had sat, finding a comfortable position, and turned his focus inward in the meditation he had practiced for as long as he could remember.

Clarice wandered by the gym, for once not heading to the fencing hall to practice. It wasn't that she couldn't concentrate on her forms, she didn't want to. Not while her friends were who-knows-where. Peeking inside, she saw Kylun sitting, facing one wall. She hadn't yet met him, although he was no longer the newest person at the school.

Kylun cocked his head, listening, then glanced over his shoulder. "Hello . . . Clarice, yes?"

"Oh, hi! Yes," she sputtered, mentally kicking herself. She knew better than to interrupt someone when meditating or whatever, "I didn't mean to bother you."

Kylun smiled. "I will live. But you--are you well? You had friends among those taken, didn't you?"

"Everyone did," she replied, shrugging. "We'll get them back. We have to."

Kylun nodded. "Your resolve does you credit, though I must confess I wish there were more to do than wait." He quirked a smile. "Zz'ria tried to teach me patience, but I fear I was a disappointment, in that area if not, perhaps, in others."

"Patience and I are barely passing aquaintences," at his slightly puzzeled look, Clarice explained, "I hate waiting. I can sit for hours sewing or practicing fencing, but I hate being so useless!"

Kylun stretched out into a more normal seated position, leaning against the wall. "Last night, Jane was considering asking the other remaining students to organize and assist the teachers . . . has she spoken with you about this? It is something to do, at least, and something helpful."

"I saw her post," Clarice told him, sitting down in the gym, "It's a good idea. I'm staying with Paul right now, Delphine has adopted me," she grinned thinking of the silly little cat, "I just wish the students could have a more active role. Not that there seems to be much for anyone to do right now."

"I remember feeling much the same, at your age. Waiting is among the more difficult disciplines. Is there something I can do to help pass the time?"

Someone was actually offering to entertain her? That was...different. "Can I see your swords?"

Kylun smiled. "I suppose so."

Reaching over his shoulders, he unsheathed the swords, then balanced them across his outstretched palms for Clarice's inspection. They were straight, single-edged, and obviously very sharp; the hilts were plain, leather-wrapped for a firm grip, and the only decorative concession were slender leather tassels hanging from the pommels.

Clarice carefully took one before scooting back and standing up. With some concentration she held it in front of her and took a few careful swings. "Amazing balance," she told him, giving it back, as careful as she had taken it from him. These were not play toys. "You don't find swords like this anymore."

Kylun raised an eyebrow, and resheathed the swords when Clarice gave the other one back to him. "I would be very surprised if you had found swords like this anywhere." His voice remained level as he continued. "And where I trained, it was considered very rude, when it was not simply dangerous, to handle a warrior's weapon without first asking permission. I could not have expected you to know this, and so I forgive you, but please remember in the future."

Clarice flushed crimson, embarassed. "I'm sorry. I..." she paused, unsure how to phrase her explanation, "When I asked to see them, I meant more than just 'look at them'. I won't do it again. They are really beatiful though."

"I did say I forgave you. Customs are different here, and I have much to learn." He paused, slightly uncertain. "But when I said it might be dangerous, I meant . . . that I do not know all that these swords might do, and while I cannot imagine anything of Zz'ria's harming an innocent . . . it seems wisest to me not to test matters so precipitously."

"They're magical then?"

"You might say so. 'Empowered' might perhaps be a more accurate term; I am not entirely sure what you mean by 'magic'--that word seems to encompass a number of traditions."

Clarice considered this, "I don't know what I mean by magic either, I don't think. Magic is what Amanda does, except it could be considered science too...I don't know. How is it empowered?"

"That . . . is a private matter; I am sorry. . . . You said, I think, that you were learning the sword yourself? What discipline?"

"Fencing. It's a sport, not really a fighting style. I fence foil and sabre mostly, but some epee too. They're all tipped so you can't slice someone open," Clarice looked lovingly at his swords, "I'd love to learn to actually fight with them though. Shiro's been teaching me how to use a katana, but it's been crazy around here."

"That seems to be a permanent condition, at this school," Kylun observed wryly. "I have seen a katana, although we did not use them at the monastery--when well-made, those can be fine blades indeed. The others . . ." He smiled a bit sheepishly. "I am afraid I am unfamiliar with Western styles."

"It's okay. Like I said, it's a sport, not a useful way to defend yourself. Well, except sabre sometimes," Clarice paused, unsure of how Kylun would take her question, "Um...would teach me how to use a sword? I mean, in battle."

"I do not know if Professor Xavier would think it appropriate . . . and did you not just say that you already had an instructor? More than one master, more than one style, at a time can be . . . confusing. You would, I think, be better served mastering the styles you have already begun to study before picking up a new one." He smiled gently. "That was not a 'no,' although I realize it sounded like one. Simply . . . not yet, although I am honored by the request."

"Oh," she said quietly, looking at her feet. "Okay."

She stood up, giving one last look at his swords, "I better let you get back to meditating."

"Clarice--" Kylun reached up to touch her arm as she turned away. "As your teacher is one of the missing ones, I would be glad to help you keep your skills sharp until his return. I do not know the style he is teaching you, but for a spar I need not. And I would be grateful for the opportunity. You are not the only one who dislikes feeling useless."

"Really? Thank you!" Clarice smiled, turning to hug Kylun, "Let me go get my stuff!"