Sunrise Training

[Margrett]

Margrett stood at the town main gate, rubbing her eyes and watching the sunrise. She hadn't slept well, for various reasons, but she'd be damned if she showed the recruits that. She waited for them, facing the sunrise.

[Tallia]

Tallia wandered through town, happy that she had found a place to sleep the night prior. Upon her exit, she spots Margrett in front of the town gate, and heads over for a little chat, tapping Margrett upon her shoulder...

[Margrett]

She turned, expecting Venom and Kerag, but saw instead an unassuming Cathian.

Oh.

She cleared her throat.

Sorry. Thought you were someone else. What can I do for you?

She blinked, cocking her head.

Do I know you? I feel like we've met.

[Tallia]

Tallia's eyes fell away from Margrett's gaze as she struggled to use her words.

"Y... yes... well, no... I've... only seen you a few times... um..."

Clearing her voice and striding forward with confidence, she didn't have the option to lose this last chance.

"Will... will you allow me to join the guard? I... I promise I will fight with the best of my ability! I've even had a little training, see?"

She reflexively unsheathes her sword, putting it out on display, and wildly strikes the air with rapid precision. Just as quickly as she drew, the sword returns to its sheath. Coming closer to Margrett, she takes to one knee to show her utmost respect.

"P...please... At least... consider it..."

[Margrett]

Margrett raised an eyebrow.

Get up, hun, you're embarrassing yourself.

She regarded the girl for a moment, trying to decide if she was mentally stable enough to screw around with. In the end she decided against it.

We're going on patrol once the others get here. Join us and gods willing we'll see some action. If something happens you can prove yourself. If not I'll sic Kerag and Venom on you and we'll see how long you last.

She smiled a little.

Sound good?

[Tallia]

She slowly rose from the ground, giving a slight smile and a hesitant nod. She had only hoped that this would go smoothly. Suddenly, a shocked expression crossed her face, and she reeled back embarrassedly.

"I... I'm sorry... I didn't... give you my name... That's... usually customary... isn't it...?"

Breaking herself away from her embarrassed state, she places a hand over her chest and bows to Margrett.

"I am Tallia Felestine. I've... tried seeking an audience with you in the past... but, that had been proven... rather difficult... Thus... my sudden appearance before you..."

[Margrett]

Margrett chuckled, a little put off, but gave Tallia a hand.

Officer Mikael. Margrett. I...I didn't know I was that popular. You were tying to find me?

[Tallia]

Again, her gaze faltered against Margrett's eyes as she knew she could not have known her thoughts about her...

"W...well... it's more like... I really wanted to join the guard... And... I had heard whispers about your tales... It... inspired me a little... So, that's when I decided... I wanted to fight alongside you... that's... that's all..."

Given her options, she had to allude the truth a bit longer, but this made it no less embarrassing for her. She concealed her face with her palm as it glowed a beet-red in response to her misguided words.

[Margrett]

Margrett was silent for a moment, blankly regarding Tallia. The corner of her mouth crept up in a smile.

You're adorable.

She laughed, shortly but honestly.

I'd like to hear those stories later. Where do you come from, Tallia?

[Tallia]

The abrupt question threw her mind a bit off balance. Unable to ignore such a direct question, she took a slightly more serious look as she stared into Margrett's eyes and answered.

"I've... I've come from Metgrouhl..."

She fell silent and stared back at Margrett.

[Margrett]

Margrett froze. The smile on her face stayed but her eyes grew a little distant and cold.

Metgrouhl, huh? I've...been there. Good country. Good...good people.

The stare Tallia gave her unnerved her, so she looked away and took a deep breath in. She changed the subject.

Right. While we're waiting, let's see what you have going for you.

She backed up a few paces, spreading her arms.

Hit me.

[Tallia]

Tallia exhaled sharply, thankful that Margrett did nothing else to pry further in her past. She only hoped this would keep her off her trail until further notice. Concentrating on her last words, she drew her sword as steadily as she possibly could at the moment, which is to say, not very, and assumed her battle pose. Shaking the thoughts out of her head, she forced herself to calm. Breathing deeply, she tighten her grip on her sword.

"H...here I come...!"

She charged forward, clearing doubt from her head and reinforcing her various battle experiences.

[Margrett]

Margrett pulled her hammer from her back as Tallia charged, blocking her sword on its haft. She nodded, a little impressed. The girl was strong for her size.

Very good. That's good. A little less hesitation. Try again, and this time don't be concerned about hurting me.

[Tallia]

Tallia eagerly returned her nod, pleased that she had garnered some praise.

"All right..."

Gripping her weapon, she quickly stepped close and produced a quick, but strong stab with her sword.

[Margrett]

That was a lot faster than she'd anticipated. She dodged, the blow glancing off her armor. She laughed once.

Wow. Alright. You're a bit faster than I thought. Let's see if you can take as well as you give.

She smirked and shot the butt of her hammer towards Tallia, swinging it sideways.