47th Summer 517AV
Morning
Morning
There was a small stretch, muscles being warmed and flexed in the growing warmth of the morning. The scent of earth rested upon her nostrils, dry within the air. It was enough that the woman gave a small lick of her lips, feeling the cracked skin beneath. A roll of the shoulders, the gloved hands pushed back the hair and the strands into a bun an lashed it in place. By all accounts this was a necessary task for one to prove themselves as a citizen in the city - show capability in a fight. It was something that left an heavy weight in her stomach when she realised. Her palms had already begun to sweat beneath the leathers, a chill racing down her spine.
Still, here she now was. Awaiting an assessment in what seemed to be an training room of sorts. The Sasaran, or whatever they called it.
Breathe. Breathe. This is not the real thing. You know you can fight. Sunberth proved you can fight. Merely demonstrate it. Scenario they said. Scenario.
"Fallon, yes?" came the thick accented voice of the Akalak. Her chin lifted in response, firmly nodding in response.
"Aye? That's I," her voice was distinctly foreign. She noticed him circling around, a sheet of parchment in one hand he read through it, the other was behind his back and out of sight. She did not interrupt him, her own hands grasped at the small of her back. The kukri hung upon her waist, the ever present weight serving as a balm to her mind - it was the chosen weapon for this instance. Facing the use of Tulwars seemed like a perilous task at present. No, small steps were needed.
"You are a... guest of Riverfall. Looking to gain through ranks quickly," she could hear him talking, moving to her left side and into her peripheral vision. She gave a small tilt of the head over, fingers flexing, "Says you aim to make business. That is true?"
"It is."
"That will be hard."
"Is that supposed to be a deterrent?"
There was an utterance of laughter then, "No. A warning."
"Then I thank you for it. But will follow forth my choi-"
Movement, it was a blip in the corner of her vision. She gave a sharp and sudden jerk away from the Akalak. Rising up onto her toes, one foot leading behind the other as she stepped away. His arm had come forth, the once hidden fist clenched around a dagger hilt as he finished the sudden jabbed movement. The rest of her continued to move, eyes narrowed hand moving to the kukri hilt and grasping it tightly. Right shoulder twisted to lead, the stance turning to one of defensive, knees bent, shoulder width apart. She watched the small curl of lips form, hand withdrawing and neatly folding the sheet. Pocketing it, she watched the comparative giant begin to limber up.
When did the test start? Just now or the moment I walked into the room?