032 VIDEO LIST FOURTEEN

[deadliestviper]

[Nothing strange here: when the feed clicks on Beatrix is in the gym, bokken in one hand. She turns the hilt over in her hand as she speaks, as if getting a feel for the practice weapon. She's still covering one eye with a patch but the cuts on her arms and chest from the Creed encounter are fading into purple scars, and despite the injuries she looks none the worse for wear -- even cheerful.]

How many of you use swords back home?

They're favored in my world among certain classes. Carried with at least one sidearm, of course, because there's no sense in sacrificing range for elegance. Contrary to popular belief you can live by the gun and the sword, but it's usually only career killers who do.

Not since Lakeside have we had a good swashbuckle, and I want to remedy that. For any inmate who wants to spar, I've got access to practice weapons. For any warden, come on: let's play with sharp things.

Comments

[routemistress]

I never did a lot till I come 'ere and took up with Wade, Bea love, but I'd like to keep me 'and in. All right by you?

[deadliestviper]

Not a problem. He fought double-handed with katana, didn't he? Do you use the same technique?

[routemistress]

Aye. Mine are sabres, but I did pretty much pick it up off 'im. Not as good, obviously, but I 'ave fun trying.

[burnmythoughts]

[Jean's eyes linger on the scars, just for a moment. They match the jagged pink lines the mark her upper arms.]

I haven't used swords much, but I'd like to learn.

[deadliestviper]

[A fact that does not go unnoticed by Bea. In fact it's part of the reason she replies as she does.]

If you want to practice, come on by. I'd be happy to run through some drills with you.

[burnmythoughts]

[An earnest, immediate smile.] I'd love that, thank you.

[forsaken_queen]

I'm interested.

[deadliestviper]

I thought you might be.

[forsaken_queen]

Are you as good with a sword as you are with a ranged weapon?

[themissingpiece]

I'm better with a gun than a sword but can you teach me? Seems like something worth knowing around here.

[deadliestviper]

If you'd like. There might be other people on board better suited than I am, depending what kind you'd like to learn.

[onlysurvivor]

[Biggest grin he can muster because pointy things!]

I could use the practice. My name's Kelsier by the way.

[deadliestviper]

[How can you not love pointies?]

Perfect. I'm Beatrix, and I haunt the gym.

[fearcutsdeeperthanswords]

I don't need practice weapons. But I could show you how to water dance.

[deadliestviper]

And what exactly is water dancing?

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[theantiaya]

What is so significant about a length of blade that it is found preferable over other, more efficient means of battle?

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[deadliestviper]

History and technique. Traditionally swordsmanship is practiced as an art as well as a method of battle, requiring serious study and dedication. In some cultures it's seen as the most elegant weapon a warrior can use.

That said, of course a blade isn't appropriate for every situation. Every weapon has its strengths.

[tentacruelest]

Any man worth his mettle should be able to swing a sword and poke an enemy full of holes.

[deadliestviper]

[It does occur to her to point out that he isn't quite, strictly speaking, a man. But then, neither is she.]

I assume that's experience talking.

[darknessb4me]

I do.

[deadliestviper]

I know.

[impure_tale]

It's been years -- former military and all -- but I am not untrained.

[deadliestviper]

Have you thought about picking it up again?

[breathoflight]

I must admit, I find it surprising to hear that anyone from a more modern world would still have an appreciation for the blade.

[deadliestviper]

It's as much a symbol of status and achievement as it is in any older culture. At least in my world.