[Action]

[lunarborn]

[While most of the village's bustling has been to accommodate the needs of those who've been chosen to battle outside the barrier, Cecil has internalized the opposite. The Malnosso have seen fit to pit his best friend against the third party that murdered him so viciously before, and Cecil's not handling it as well as he might. Housemates might notice a rekindled fighting spirit in the patriarch who'd become willing to set down roots.]

[And though in the past few months Cecil has been casual about his training, today the bit of forest he's chosen for his training is alive with the sounds of his grunts and the oddly melodic noise of a sword swung with purpose. Settling down will just have to wait.]

Comments

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

[Rydia's not handling Kain's imminent departure that well, either. Worried about his fate and aggravated that she won't be able to fight alongside him, the summoner has been restless and taking to channeling her frustration at the barracks. That and helping out at the Welcome Center means that she hasn't been around as much as usual.

Cecil's attitude hasn't gone unnoticed, though. She's been meaning to talk to him more outside that awkward apology and so takes a break to go find him. It takes a while, but she eventually hears something up ahead while walking in the forest and goes to investigate.

When she catches up, Rydia doesn't interrupt the paladin. She stands off to the side, watching quietly.]

[lunarborn.livejournal.com]

[It's been some time since he's trained like this, gentle face hardened and analytical. When there's movement off to his side, it catches his attention immediately, though it's a beat later before he actually lowers his sword.] Rydia. Good morrow.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

[She crosses her arms, leaning against a tree.]

You too, Cecil.

[A glance to the sword.]

I was wondering as to the source of that vigorous-sounding workout.

[A small smile, as it's good to see him take his training more seriously again.]

[lunarborn.livejournal.com]

[He nods at the smile instead of returning it.] I've been reminded of our purpose here.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

You did seem...different earlier, even though I couldn't stay to talk then.

[She's quiet for a moment as that smile fades. No point in pretending that this isn't about what's coming.]

We shouldn't be separated, none of us. It isn't right.

[lunarborn.livejournal.com]

We'll be reunited when Kain returns. [There's no "if" in that statement.]

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

[Rydia nods, not about to dispute that.]

I wish he didn't have to go without us, but I'm sure they have safeguards against anyone trying to join that's not on their list.

[A slight pout. Guess what she would do, if it was possible.]

[lunarborn.livejournal.com]

As am I. I've got no intention of being inhibited by those safeguards.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

[She raises an eyebrow.]

You're going ahead anyway? Hm. It's worth a try.

...I've been pondering the same, but I want to see what they have set up, first.

[lunarborn.livejournal.com]

It doesn't matter what they've set up. I won't let him die again at their hands.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

[Small smile. At least Cecil understands.]

He better not. If I can, I'll go too.

[lunarborn.livejournal.com]

[He understands completely. Now if only he was played by someone who was decent at replying.]

No. You'll stay here.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

[She shakes her head.]

That didn't work back at the Lunar Whale, and it won't work now. I doubt we'll be able to go anyway, but you won't stop me from trying.

[dragoon-pride.livejournal.com]

[Kain heads off to the forest looking for Cecil. He's been obsessively training all along anyway, but wants to keep at it to be in the right state of mind. So he follows the sounds Cecil's making to find his location.]

[Once there, Kain approaches, spear in hand and a determined expression on his face.]

[lunarborn.livejournal.com]

[He nods quietly in greeting to Kain before sliding seamlessly into a frontal attack. Having never really trained with Kain after his voice was taken, he's not entirely sure how to properly banter with Kain, deciding instead to forego it entirely. His sword could greet Kain's abdomen, though the swing is controlled enough to be stoppable should Kain not properly defend.]

[dragoon-pride.livejournal.com]

[And it's impossible to write or throw flashcards at an opponent while in the midst of battle, so verbal communication will definitely wait for now. Kain moves to counter. He deflects the sword and then thrusts his spear forth.]

[lunarborn.livejournal.com]

[The spear is met with a thrusted shield scraping along its side to effectively push it away, his frame moving with the momentum from his deflected thrust, turning to take a swipe at Kain's other side instead.]

[dragoon-pride.livejournal.com]

[Kain leaps aside, just barely evading that sword swipe. He springs up into a Jump next, soaring high above. Then he speeds downward, spear poised to try and impale Cecil.]

[lunarborn.livejournal.com]

[He's seen the Jump a million times before, but that doesn't help much with dodging it. He dodges enough to spare vital organs from the pointy bit of Kain's attack, but accepts the tackle for the chance to strike again at a closer distance, careful to use the broad side of his sword to stave away the Lethal.]

[dragoon-pride.livejournal.com]

[Kain swings the spear in to meet the sword with a heavy, but swift motion. He half smirks, rather impressed to see that Cecil isn't making this too easy. Then makes another thrusting attempt, trying to drive Cecil further back with the long shaft of his---- (hahahaha long shaft) --- weapon.]

[cladinthedark.livejournal.com]

[Golbez watches his little brother go through the motions of his training with a critical eye. After some time, he steps out to talk to him.]

There's anger in your swordplay today, Cecil.

[lunarborn.livejournal.com]

[Cecil grunts at the interruption, aggressively sheathing his sword.]

It's merely swordplay.

[cladinthedark.livejournal.com]

[He folds his arms.] As you say.

Your resolve has been strengthened as of late, it seems.

[lunarborn.livejournal.com]

They've sent Kain off to be slaughtered.

[cladinthedark.livejournal.com]

Mmmm... I heard. But as I see it, the greatest danger he'll face out there is himself.

[lunarborn.livejournal.com]

I intend to go with him.

[cladinthedark.livejournal.com]

[He's reasonably certain that's impossible, but he won't say so out loud, since... well, it hasn't been tried before, has it?] He could certainly stand to have you with him.

[lunarborn.livejournal.com]

And he shall. I won't fail him again.

[cladinthedark.livejournal.com]

[His only response is a quiet nod, then he steps away a few paces, his posture thoughtful.]

The enemy... you recall their tactics and abilities, yes?

[lunarborn.livejournal.com]

But of course I do. It's foolish that they leave their wings exposed.

[cladinthedark.livejournal.com]

Well, those are rather difficult to conceal, you must admit.

[lunarborn.livejournal.com]

It's helpful to have a target so large.

[cladinthedark.livejournal.com]

Their style is designed to protect them, though. You'll need a way to take them by surprise.