Fencing Practice (Invite Only)

**Terri Nutkins** · Oct 18th, 2014 01:36 PM

Her wounded pride subsided as the other spoke their words but it was Nightfall's quiet instruction, his guidance that helped her the most. She can't ever recall dancing with the man, even at her own wedding, which was understandable. He had been hurting and rather than intrude, Terri had left him alone.

Perhaps, in hindsight, Terri should have been more of a friend than she had been.

With absolute focus, the redhead lunged again, not wishing to disappoint the man who had given her away.

Again, she missed.

Another Miss

**Falstaff** · Oct 19th, 2014 07:21 AM

Falstaff tugs at his collar, seeing Neil instruct Terri so . . . intimately. Remarkably, his touch seemed to improve her performance, rather than hinder it. He doesn't know how she's not distracted when he is and he's not touching anybody! Anyway . . . words. He's not deluded about his presence being unnecessary now . . . still, one must go through the motions. "Wow . . . already better than before. Stick with it. You're going to get it. I feel it." Or he feels something. She can't fail with so much talent and support. It's very emotional.

He doesn't need to tell the other two to do their bit--these folk already had their own flow going . . . and Falstaff, he's riding the wave.

**Coco** · Oct 20th, 2014 03:25 AM

Hmm, even with Neil's intriguing brand of instruction it seemed that Terri still wasn't quite able to hit her mark. Perhaps she simply wasn't motivated enough.

"Better certainly, but still not good enough. Would it help you if I stood still, Terri? Perhaps I should put the foil down? Or, no, maybe you just need a wider target! Sir Falstaff might better accommodate you there! Except, I'm sure he's happier being an observer so that he might admire your form." A wink was thrown to the balding gentleman. Her use of him was quite rough, she had to admit, but he seemed like the sort to take it in stride and laugh it off, so she paid it little mind. She turned back to the fiery haired squirrel, hoping that her temperament was fitting with her appearance.

"Is that all you have, Terri? A finely honed form? Or do you have the will and the skill to put steel on target? Allez! Strike me, damn you! And should you feel like giving up again then we'll have to move on to me testing your defenses."

**Nightfall** · Oct 20th, 2014 12:52 PM

Nightfall gave the Wasp a Look.

It was a look that teaching wasn't about winning or stroking one's own foil: that it required patience, compassion, and yelling 'Try Harder' without instruction accomplished nothing.

It also said he was contemplating slicing off her antennae inch by inch.

It's amazing how expressive mimes can be.

"Close your eyes," he said, looking back at Terri. "Concentrate on your form. On that line. You're not learning to hit Coco, you're learning to lunge properly. Speed and power will come with that."

**Terri Nutkins** · Oct 20th, 2014 01:39 PM

"Thank you," Terri gave Falstaff a smile, showing her appreciation of his words even if he was a strange little man, at least he was attempting to guide her. Perhaps in a different way to Nightfall, sure, but the Fairest was someone truly unique. Not even Terri could read him if he didn't want her too.

But Coco...she was just being mocking, and perhaps disrespectful. Certainly, Terri was no longer the Dread Lady of Sacramento, and perhaps would never be so again. Still, she had seen more in this city and been on as many Ash Runs than anyone she could think of; Marcus and Rick being the exceptions. She knew how to hold her own if she had to.

Right now, Terri wished she had her slingshot in hand and the mortal wasn't around. Then, Coco and Terri would have a true show of just what defence is all about.

Breath. Calm down. Listen to Neil.

Blue eyes closed, Terri pushed the annoying Dancer from her mind. Rather than aiming, Terri focused on that point where she the tip of her foil would finish from where it started; the straight line from A to B, the same way she would when she practiced her parkour.

Eyes snapped open. Terri lunged. The tip of the foil grazed Coco, barely. It was certainly an improvement.

The look on Terri's face was not. A glare that could wither foliage and stiffen the body. Literally.

1 suxx vs Dodge of 6

**Falstaff** · Oct 21st, 2014 12:36 AM

"Bravo!" Falstaff drops his foil to the ground, applauding loudly. Failing for other words, he repeats himself. "Bravo! You have high standards for yourself, I'm sure, so allow me to offer you an objective outside perspective: you learn quickly; you've done well. If you progress at this rate, given your natural ability, you may soon be instructing Neil and taunting Coco."

Falstaff passes out the waters Martha had brought, offers a toast. "To the reunion of friends, and the meeting of new ones." This, the high point of their session seems a proper positive end note. "I hope we shall do this again sometime; I'm eager to learn from you all." The ladies in spandex help his desire as well.

One month, to the day, today. Thanks for the great scene! Turned out way different than I imagined--losing Martha; gaining Coco and Neil. Happy with how it turned out. I think Terri has a solid basis for learning 'Thrust' now too.

**Coco** · Oct 22nd, 2014 02:55 AM

"Aha! There, you have your mark! Well struck, lady Terri," Coco trumpeted, before lowering her blade and bowing in acknowledgement of the feat, and seemingly oblivious all the while to the hostility directed her way.

"It's rather amazing how well the body can move when it has impetus, no?" she asked, slipping her mask off to reveal an ebullient smile. She accepted the water from Falstaff and took a healthy swallow, clearly congratulating herself on a student well taught. Eventually, the congratulating was done and she turned to the 'instructor' of the day.

"Yes, thank you, Sir Falstaff. When we meet next, we should have a bout! Would make for excellent fun."

**Terri Nutkins** · Oct 23rd, 2014 01:17 PM

"Thanks for your help, Falstaff ," Terri said, gliding easily over to the shorter, portly man and giving him a hug and a peck on the cheek. Even if he was a little weird, he had been a good help to her.

At least he had got in contact and had been willing to go with the flow.

Turning back to Coco , the look in her eyes had vanished and Terri gave the Fairest a grin. She had learnt how to hide her true feelings not long ago now. Ok, she may not be as good at it as Nightfall , but selling genitalia at the Fleshmarket helped to cover her emotions.

"I'm going to hang around to tidy up," Terri said, looking towards Nightfall. "Got time to catch up?"

Thanks for the scene guys. 'Twas amazing!