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]

Sabres? Heavy hitter, aren't you?

[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.

[routemistress]

Oh, I 'ad mine made for me, they're lighter'n the standard Polish cavalry sabres. The two-handed thing were new, but I always like learning.

[deadliestviper]

Bring them up! I'd love to see them.

[burnmythoughts]

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

[deadliestviper]

It'd be my pleasure.

[forsaken_queen]

I'm interested.

[deadliestviper]

I thought you might be.

[themissingpiece]

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

[onlysurvivor]

[Biggest grin he can muster because pointy things!]

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

[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.

> spam with sabres

[routemistress]

[She doesn't answer; she just gets changed (neon-pink tiger-print leggings and a cotton tank top with Deadpool's logo emblazoned on it), fetches her sabres out of the bus and heads up to the gym to show off her pointy toys.

The sabres are actually 1790s vintage British officers' sabres, though they seem lighter than they should and they're a lot less worn than a blade that old has any right to be.]

'Ere we are, Bea love.

[deadliestviper]

[How can you not love pointies?]

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

[Private because reasons]

[themissingpiece]

Maybe. I need to get better with blades before I leave here. I have something I need to do.

[He turns his head a little and draws a finger along thin matching scars on each cheek. The blade went in one side and out the other.]

[onlysurvivor]

A pleasure.

My daggers are glass but I can switch to something more familiar if you like.

Now's a good time, I presume?

> sabres and katana

[deadliestviper]

[When Iris arrives Bea has put down the bokken for her own sword, always within reach although she doesn't wear it at her waist. The moment Iris presents her sabres she leans it against the wall with a breath of admiration, reaching out hesitantly to examine one.]

May I touch?

[Private because reasons]

[deadliestviper]

[Bea's gaze flicks from one scar to the other and she cants her head. Arkin's lucky the blade wasn't aimed two inches further or he'd all but have lost his jaw.]

How'd it happen?

[deadliestviper]

Likewise.

Bring what you feel comfortable with. Glass may not hold up well against steel, but I'd like to see what you have.

> sabres and katana

[routemistress]

[That's kind of adorable, and it makes Iris smile as she hands one over. They have been decently looked after, but Iris has never been the kind of weapon fangirl Bea is.]

'Course, sweetheart. I 'ad 'em made when I were working undercover in Lithuania, just before the wars kicked off.

[Private because reasons]

[themissingpiece]

The other guy brought a knife to a fist fight. I left mine in his leg.

> sabres and katana

[deadliestviper]

[They've obviously been taken care of, which is why Bea is careful not to touch the blade and takes the sword reverently by the hilt.]

Nice grip. [Turning, she tests the weight and takes a low practice swing, the way she would if fighting from atop a horse.] Did you ever fight there?