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RESPITE GUARD TRAINING GROUNDS - MIDDAY
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Ninell is, for once, not wearing his usual noble-ish outfits, nor is he dressed in his armor though he's carrying his halberd. Instead, he's currently dressed in a much more traditional set of clothing, exceptionally unarmored, though breathable and loose, with bright and vibrant colors and designs adorning the fabrics. He's currently in a relatively large space cleared out specifically for long weapons practice, and he has several dummies set up around him, and its with a certain fluid grace that he marks targets one after another with his halberd, sometimes one-handed for reach, and other times two handed for power. If not for the fact that he's carrying a weapon of clearly deadly intent, one might almost mistake it for a dance.
Calgwen arrives at the Training Grounds in the midst of Ninell's practice. He is bundled up a little, wearing something akin to a winter overcoat, although the fabric is not quite so thick. With his wings draped over his shoulders and down his back, he watches the Sergel perform his practice in awed silence.
Ninell starts getting a bit more intense as his practice draws on, using the butt end of his halberd as often as he does the bladed end. Eventually, he wraps up his exercise by cleanly slicing through the post keeping a dummy upright, knocking the dummy into the air with a solid whack by his halberd's haft, then bisecting it with a fluid follow-up swing.
Calgwen gasps slightly at the 'death' of the dummy, then clears his throat to cover the embarrassment. As Ninell's exercise comes to an end, he applauds lightly. "Forgive the spectating, dear friend, but that was quite a show!"
Ninell hums curiously, then turns towards the clapping only to smile upon seeing Calgwen. He dips into a bit of a bow at the applause, then goes to meet up with him at the edge of the practice area. "Hello there, Calgwen. There is no need to apologize, though I do hope it was at least entertaining to watch. If not, then I should be the one apologizing!"
Calgwen chuckles, lowering his hands. "Quite entertaining! I had no idea your skill was anything more than utilitary. But if all the warriors of your culture can perform similarly to you, well, I would not want to anger you or any of your brethren."
Ninell chuckles and taps the butt of his halberd against the ground for a moment. "Knights are defenders of the realm. I do what I can to keep myself and my halberd sharp, but I much prefer diplomatic resolutions." He shrugs as he goes to set his halberd down at the bench he's got his things spread out on, "But for those times diplomacy does not work... well, we have that. I am nowhere near the most skilled of my kind, I will say, but after Eukune's unification, I think many of us would prefer less bloodshed."
Calgwen grins, walking alongside Ninell as he settles his things, "Hear-hear, Ninell. I've always preferred finding a solution that benefits all parties. I am not much of a warrior myself, but I do fancy myself as skilled in the arts of diplomacy and business."
Ninell nods as he picks up a towel to wipe at the sweat that was accumulating at the tips of the hair around his neck. "It is a skill set that has served well, now that we are not as willing to engage in wars. To resolve a difference with words rather than metal is a powerful thing."
Calgwen nods, "I quite agree. Sarn was relatively peaceful in my recent absence, which I'm always happy to awaken to, but I arrived in Aephix in the wake of the conflict with the Saur." His face falls, and he shakes his head. "Bad business that, but you certainly have seen the fallout. You had that trip out to survey the ruins yourself. I should perhaps take a flight out there myself, but haven't built up the nerve. I'm afraid I have a rather weak constitution when it comes to such violence."
Ninell hums as he recalls his trip out to the crater left in the wake of Yzzayt's awakening and subsequent departure. "Well, if it is of any comfort, the signs of violence wrought by blade and arrow are very, very few. Most of it was buried amidst the rubble of the dragon bursting out from beneath the mountain." He pauses, then decides to add, "And... should you wish to pay respects, there is a shrine of some manner near what I assume to be the main road leading into the place. It was recently built as well, according to the one who escorted me that way."
Calgwen brings a claw up to his chin, thinking, "I worry it would seem disingenious... but I wish to do something more. Perhaps I shall take the time. But ah! I did not wish to seek you out to discuss such dour subjects. I had a more curious thing to ask of you."
Ninell takes a few moments to fold the towel back up and toss it back onto his things. He looks back at the drake with a curious expression. "Oh? Of course, Calgwen. What do you wish to ask?"
Calgwen ruffles his wings slightly, a sign of awkwardness. "Pardon if I am overstepping my boundaries, but you have been making the acquiantensce of one 'Aelia Croise', yes? Now, I don't know the nature of your relationship, that's not my place to pry, of course. But... I recently met her at her new business, and left rather... baffled."
Ninell tilts his head at the mention of Aelia, then nods. "Ah, yes. I know Aelia, and I do indeed spend some time with her. Though... baffled? Why might that be?"
Calgwen sighs, "She's a native of Sarn. A popular dancer. Her disappearance had made quite a stir, enough that I heard about it upon waking up. I don't wish to pry on her reasons either, but with her opening a dance school, I saw a business opportunity. I introduced myself, offered to invest in her studio, with a desire to be a silent partner... but she refused. She seemed interested, but almost... sad that she was rejecting the offer? It left me quite confused."
Ninell hums quietly, thinking. "Mmh... she has been a bit reluctant to commit to a lot as of late due to... certain things that have been troubling her. If you are intending to be serious about the investment, even with the issues she believes may cause minor problems in scheduling and such... I could speak with her and see if I can persuade her."
Calgwen chuckles quietly, "I would like that, but only if you feel comfortable doing so. I'd heard that you two had been working together to some degree, but little more than that." He considers a moment. "Ninell, I am not a warrior or a knight. But I am good at business. And when I come into a new world, a new city, I like... to leave my mark. I think Respite Falls should have a place for escape... theater, dance, music. That performance company young Enver performs with could have a place to call home. Aelia could teach there as well. It feels like a way I could improve this city for generations to come..." He blinks, clearing his throat again. "Forgive me. I'm a bit passionate on these projects, once I find them."
Ninell nods at Calgwen's statement of the two working together. "We are indeed working together in a way, as I am trying to see what I can do to help her with the issues that are troubling her at the moment. I suppose I may be something of a confidant to her, so... perhaps I could help her realize the opportunity. That said, I understand. We all wish to leave a legacy of some sort wherever we may go, and this is your method. It would be good for both the townsfolk, as well as Aelia, considering, if this dream could be realized."
Calgwen sighs, but turns it into a laugh. "It is, yes, and I would certainly hope so. Her rather certain refusal gave me pause..." He nods to Ninell, "There is no need to tell me anything, if she has confided in you. But if there's anything I can do to help, consider me at your disposal."
Ninell smiles at Calgwen. "Then... perhaps in due time, my friend. As of right now, Aelia is still trying to settle into a routine, but having a friend like yourself to rely upon would be a boon, I think." He thinks, then nods, "Though... I do imagine you might come to learn from her about these problems anyway, since they may impact the investment in some manner."
Calgwen: "If she is willing, I will listen, and try not to judge?" He smirks at Ninell, "Your skill at combat is quite beautiful. Does your homeland have recreational dance as well?"
Ninell is a little surprised by the question, but nods. "Oh, um... yes, we do. Dances of all sorts are a way to express stories and similar, or a means to just enjoy some music after a long day. Of course, celebrations and festivals are a prime opportunity to dance, as well."
Calgwen chuckles, patting Ninell on the shoulder, "Given the level of talent that Ms Croise is said to have, and the skill you displayed here today, I believe if you two were to do a performance together, you would awe the entire town."
Ninell gets a slightly bashful smile at the compliment, and he's likely blushing a little under his thick fur. "Well... perhaps Aelia would. I would probably have to practice before committing to anything that is not a dance from Eukune."
Calgwen laughs a bit, his suggestion meant perfectly seriously, and it's unclear if he's actually implying anything, or just doesn't quite notice Ninell's reaction, "You're too modest! You should ask Aelia to teach you! She does seem rather enthusiastic about teaching, at the very least."
Ninell hums and nods. "I may, at that. I do have a lot of free time at the moment, since my duties are to just remain stationed here in Respite while waiting for further orders from the monarchy."
Calgwen rubs his chin, "Ahh, and so you find yourself a bit adrift, hm? I would offer you a job at the manor, but I doubt we have any role fitting your particular talents. I feel you would be wasted as a door guard."
Ninell chuckles at the thought. "Perhaps a little. I do appreciate the consideration, of course, but I am - at the very least - comfortable in my current situation. Though, should I be here long enough that I need to hire myself out, I shall be sure to let you know first, Calgwen. I am no stranger to being a guard among nobility."
Calgwen grins, "There's not a lot to do, I think, unless you'd wish to be one of my fiance's maids. Rondelethia does have rather high expectations of her maid corps."
Ninell smiles. "I am unfortunately uncertain if I would be able to make the uniform work, assuming the staff are required to wear one. But no, I am afraid to say that I may not have the requisite skill set to be a part of your fiance's wait staff."
Calgwen nods, "Oh, I was not suggesting such, merely stating that she keeps them rather busy. I would assume your current outfit is from your homeland as well? I've not seen the like, before."
Ninell looks down at his clothing and nods. "It is, in fact. It is rather typical of what we wear while out and about, when we are not doing anything formal, or working. I find it to be perfect for practice as well, though some of my colleagues prefer more form-fitting clothes while practicing."
Calgwen appraises the outfit. "It's simple, but seems comfortable. I shall have to find my way to Eukune someday and commission such an outfit someday. I am a bit of a collector."
Ninell takes a moment to eye Calgwen a bit, mentally comparing his body shape to his own, then nods. "With how close you are to my height, I could see a similar outfit working well. Of course, the wings may get in the way without being specially crafted for such... unless you would prefer to walk around without a shirt, which is not unheard of."
Calgwen 's wings stretch out behind him, then settle back upon his shoulders. "Without... a shirt? I'm not so sure I would be comfortable as such. But ah, when in Sarn, or in this case when in Eukune, as they say."
Ninell chuckles as he takes a moment to admire Calgwen's wings, before shifting back to his face. "Yes, with most of Eukune being forested, and rather densely so, the humidity can make even a loose shirt like this uncomfortable to wear. Not to say that we do not appreciate modesty, of course, but nature may force our hand at times, with regards to dress."
Calgwen smirks, touching the breast of his suit, "Sarn culture is to overdress for any occassion. But I just enjoy the clothing. Every suit is a memory to me. A place visited, a person met."
Ninell smiles and dips into a short bow. "Then, in that case, should you ever get the chance to visit Eukune, we will see to it that you get a well-crafted set of clothing in our style to suit your tastes."
Calgwen chuckles, and returns the bow. "I will look forward to it. For now, I shall simply thank you for letting me bend your ear with my concerns for Ms Croise."
Ninell twitches one of his rather large (and fluffy) ears at that and grins. "Quite all right, Calgwen. I will see what I can do to persuade Aelia to help with this endeavor, because... well, between you and I, Aelia and I already agree that the dance studio idea was an inspired one on her part."
Calgwen smiles as he rises back up. "I quite agree. It is what drove me to offer her the partnership. Thank you, as well, for any words you might speak to her on my behalf."
Ninell nods and lightly pats Calgwen on the shoulder. "Then I will try my best to present your case well."
Calgwen returns the pat before giving Ninell a firm handshake, and the two part ways for the afternoon, with Calgwen feeling a bit better about his potential chances in gaining Ms Croise's aid in making his dream a reality.