[Action/Open] If patrols were meant to be peaceful, they'd be called Peacetrols.

[iamthatis]

Who: Matthias and anyone who'd want to join him on a patrol! Or might happen to bump into him. Or is actually giving his patrol some purpose.
Where: Around Union
When: 1/17, Evening
What: Just another day in the life of a Sword.

[If there was one thing that Matthias had learned, it was never to curse a boring night on patrol. The only company he'd had for the past hour had been the constant, stiff chill of the wind that drew his cloak closer to him and the constant chattering of Basil as he hopped to and fro ahead of him. If there was nothing going on, it meant that at the moment, things were at peace; no vandals to corner, no miscreants to discipline, no Pokémon rampaging up from the Old City...a truly calm and enjoyable evening where he could delve a little deeper into the realm of his own thoughts.

He'd never thought it possible...but true as truth, he'd heard Martin's very own message over the Warp Band network! Of all things, his hero was back and alive!

It filled his heart with joy, as well as a renewed font of determination. Now instead of doing the memory of Martin justice in his actions, he had the chance to do justice by the man himself...no small feat in the mind of Matthias, but a challenge he refused to shy away from. A small, confident smile crossed his face as he gave his staff a small tap on the ground to get Basil's attention, gesturing for the Buneary to join him as he took a seat with his back to a wall; an invitation the Pokémon took with gusto as he bounced over to Matthias eagerly, watching the young man draw a metal thermos from underneath his cloak.

The smell was an instant hit of recognition; Methuselah had paid Matthias a visit today, and the second cup of Tomato Basil Soup he handed to his friend was all the confirmation the Buneary needed before digging in. Matthias himself sipped at his cup slowly, looking up at the moon and stars above through the steam rising from his food.]

I wish all evenings could be like this Basil...perhaps if we work hard enough, they can be.

[His mumbling caught the attention of Basil, prompting him to look up from his meal for only a second to give Matthias a happy look and a few fast nods...but he was quickly back to his food, making Matthias chuckle as he returned to his.

A lofty goal, maybe...but weren't those the best kind?]

Comments

[iamthatis]

[Matthias was always happy to see a friendly face and he returned the nod with a smile and a small wave...but then something hit him. That hair...and a spear...could that really the woman the cadets all told stories about?]

Um...Miss? If you have a moment, might I have a word?

[He said, pulling himself up to his feet. If she was who he thought she might be...well, she deserved at least the respect of him being upright when he addressed her.]

[aerial_ace]

[ That was strange, did he need something? Cordelia stopped, looking over her shoulder before turning to face him. She didn't recall doing something wrong, although if she had he would likely be much more stern. ]

Of course. Can I help you?

[iamthatis]

Are you...perchance, Captain Cordelia? ...Formerly, I mean.

[It was a simple question, but that brought up the more difficult question of how he'd have been able to tell this just by sight alone. Rumors were fairly prevalent in Union after all.]

[aerial_ace]

[ Captain. She hadn't been called that in a long time. It was a bit nostalgic, but at the same time a bit awkward being called that, especially considering why she left. Still, she was impressed that he could pick her out; was she really so distinct-looking? ]

I am. What gave me away?

[iamthatis]

Well...there's tales among the Swords of a woman with hair of fire and a spear that couldn't be matched in battle! It's an honor to meet you!!

[Ah folk heroes...aren't you just tickled pink by what people are saying about you?]

[aerial_ace]

[ Oh, was that what this was about? People were still spreading those stories around? Cordelia did her best not to wince at the thought--they probably talked about how inflexible and hard to deal with or relate to she was as well. She had heard what was said. Still, he made her sound like some fantasy woman. It was a little embarrassing. ]

I wouldn't go that far. I was only a Sword, much like you. I went on the same patrols and had the same duties that you do.

[ "Was" being the operative word. She was in her Rangers uniform at the moment, after all. ]

[iamthatis]

R-right...my apologies.

[He was quick to deflate at the notion but...he'd definitely only heard good things coming from people. How she was strong and fearless in the face of adversity, definitely someone worth looking up to.

But, savior above, where were his manners? He shook the fog from his head and produced a cup from his pouch, filling it with warm soup and holding it out to Cordelia. Nothing fought off the bite of a cold night like Methuselah's soup!]

W-would you care for some? I have plenty and it's rather cold out...

Sorry school and Kickstarter business kind of ate me ;o;

[aerial_ace]

[ He was a bit like a puppy, and Cordelia found it difficult to really think ill of him. If he was going by what he was told, and if those were the rumors that were being spread (Savior knew why anyone would think so highly of her, she put her boots on one foot at a time like anyone else), what reason did he have not to believe him.

But all right. She had been in his shoes at one time as well, and had someone she admired take her under her wing. It wasn't the same thing of course, but harm what would sharing a bit of food together do? Robin might wonder where she got off to, but he would understand. Probably. ]

I was just heading home, but I suppose that a brief detour wouldn't be amiss.

No worries, work did the same to me XD

[iamthatis]

[He nodded, handing over the cup to her. Even if it was too dark to see, the smell coming from the soup was rather strong and even that alone seemed enough to get a small warmth going in the bones; a rich blend of tomato, cream, basil, garlic, and even a few bits of potato could be seen floating around. Just the right kind of meal to fend off the cold of the season and sit in the gut for a while for fullness.]

I would hope not, I'd feel awful if I was holding you from anything important...I was just hoping I might ask a few questions of you, if that's alright.

[aerial_ace]

[ She took it, holding it in her hands and using the cup to warm them. The smell was strong, but not at all in a bad way, and it made it hard to wait until it cooled before taking a sip. His question served as a good distraction from that. ]

Questions? What sort of questions?

[iamthatis]

Well...this is kind of embarrassing but...my instructors always told me that if I was having trouble with something that I should seek out someone with further knowledge than my own. I've...been having some trouble navigating my staff in combat as fluidly as I'd like to...and since I noticed you wield a spear, I was wondering if you might give me a few pointers?

[After all, the only thing that separated a spear and a staff was that one of them had a pointed end. Hopefully she might be able to at least give a few tips or tricks that might help him more effectively control his weapon.]

[aerial_ace]

[ She takes a sip of her soup, pausing, then taking another quickly thereafter. It was surprisingly good. ]

Staves and spears are often weighed much differently, so your stance varies significantly. The way that they are wielded is much different as well.

[iamthatis]

O-oh...yes, quite right, my apologies.

[Well, that was one way to get him to look embarrassed. Way to look like a run-of-the-mill greenhorn.]

[aerial_ace]

[ ...Why did she suddenly feel like she just kicked a Lillipup? Cordelia took another sip of soup, letting the warmth wash over her. ]

That being said, if I were to observe you during practice, I could probably help at least somewhat. It would hardly replace the need for a teacher, but I may be able to steer you in the right direction.

[ Also coax you over to the spear side. Spear > staff any day of the week. ]