Description: The beach isn't the best place to be on a cold January day, but it does have it's advantages. Where else do you find a modern day French nobleman?
The tropical little pseudo-paradise of Sound Beach isn't exactly warm and inviting today. It's in fact rather chilly, with a sharp decline in tourists and beach-goers. Nevertheless, the overcast day still sees some people meandering along for no more reason than the sounds of the ocean.
As for Vince, he's come here to keep true to his sensei and himself - to continue refining his art. The young noble, dressed in his rather dated attire, stands off by himself in a corner of the beach. Some might consider it lonely, were it not for the fact that he seems a little engrossed in what he's doing. The only thing really nearby is a large bird - a falcon of gray with black, opaque eyes, perched upon the end of a beached paddleboat. Though it watches the surroundings in silence, the fact that a falcon is present is odd enough. Include with that the strange, almost wispy aura surrounding it, and the unique bird of prey is just plain strange.
But as for the captain of Pacific High's fencing team? He stands silently by, shoulders square and back straight. His swept-hilt rapier is currently free of its sheath, the handle held gingerly between his two gloved hands, the tip of the blade puncturing into the sands softly. The teenager's eyes are shut, seemingly at peace - in truth, completely focused on 'sensing' and 'feeling' the world around him. Strangely enough, a steady breeze seems to be concentrated in his vicinity, swirling in a gentle manner. Closer to Vince, the breeze has taken a more visceral form, swirling in a steady, smooth vortex around him and into the sky, drawing the swordsman's cape into the air like a banner, and ruffling the feather in his hat.
This was a terrible idea. Going to the beach in January? It seemed like it might have potential at first, especially with people at school saying it could be rather fun. But Kaida has found that walking the lonely beaches in cold weather just isn't for her. Her problem is likely that she decided to do it alone, but already her opinion of this activity is tainted. It's cold, it's boring, and there's an immanent threat of sand getting into her shoes; not her idea of fun.
At least one of those three problems goes away once she wanders into the location where Vince is having his commune with the forces of nature. If his choice of clothing wasn't reason enough to pay him some attention, the fact that the wind is swirling around him in that particular manner certainly is. The falcon is also of some interest. What's a bird like that doing here? Kaida's certainly never seen one quite like that before, and the almost spooky aura around it makes it a special kind of curiosity.
And yet Vince remains the more interesting of the two, the young swordswoman finding her gaze drawn to him. It occurs to her after a moment that what she's doing could constitute staring, but it only takes her a moment to decide that doesn't bother her. It's quite likely that she'll be felt as well, slowly integrated as a part of the scenery herself as she nears, and certainly exuding her own presence, if not as obvious of one.
The flow of the winds around him... it almost feels as though the chill mixed with the essence gives it a color. Of course, this is only in Vince's mind - but he can feel it a little. It's a mildly vivid experience, and though he knows somewhere in the back of his mind that he needs to hurry back to Strolheim, he feels particularly attuned out here. Nothing but nature surrounding him... What his sensei said about listening to the world is starting to make sense.
But that's when there's a peculiar feeling invading the tranquil flow of energy around him. It feels a bit like a ripple, or a redirection - either like someone dropping a pebble into the stream that is the magic of the world, or a shape forcing the winds to curve slightly. It's not profound, really, and he probably would have missed it, were he not so entrenched in this sensory exercise.
Vince's icy blue eyes open gradually. As they do, the ethereal cyclone dies down until it's only become a gentle, pervasive breeze surrounding the vicinity. His cape lowers behind his back, feather's extensions just barely ruffling. his head turns in one direction, and finding nothing there, it turns in the other. This time, he spies a girl.
For a moment, he doesn't know whether to look embarrassed, surprised, or upset at the intrusion. So beyond this evident mixture of emotion, all she gets immediately is... a blink.
The falcon, meanwhile, shifts its footing at the edge of the boat. The wispy, smoky aura becomes more dense, more engulfing around the bird as it observes.
Perhaps, Kaida realizes after it is already too late, she should have done her viewing from a greater distance, so as not to disturb the oddly dressed young man in his exercise. For one such as her it was fairly obvious what it was that he was up to, and it should have occurred to her that her presence would not be one so easily missed when there's literally no one else around. The past is over, however, and there's nothing she can do to make up for that, so she'll simply have to forge a new path forward, without regret.
So she walks a little closer, remaining mutually silent, her own face showing slight curiosity. As the winds die down her focus goes for a brief moment to that falcon, which looks more and more out of place by the moment. But she can't speak with the falcon, so she has only one choice- to speak with Vince.
Tragic, isn't it?
"I've never seen anyone around here dressed like that, before." She takes a step and a half closer, and almost appears to start over with a non sequester. "Those winds, you were channeling the worlds chi, were you not? I apologize for interrupting your meditation, I didn't realize I might upset you until I was already too close."
Vince, given a few moments, starts to glance along with her eyes. Just as he takes in the peripheral of the falcon, it dissipates into nothingness - an almost literal puff of smoke. The only difference is that it is more akin to silv'ry vapors merging with the air.
When his gaze returns to her, it's in tandem with her opening statement. Vince's lips purse a bit together, forming a tiny line over his face. This is definitely nothing new for him! In fact, it's expected to some degree. So in all honesty, he's biting back a bit of laughter. When she asks her question, Vince simply shakes his head with a soft smile. "Fear not. These things often happen, and if my focus is to improve, it would involve filtering through the presence of others."
To summarize more easily, he says, "You're fine," with a gentle raise of his hand.
The vanishing falcon is definitely a surprise to her, so much so that she actually blinks, rubs her eyes, and looks again to make sure they aren't deceiving her. What could that possibly have been? She's sure she wasn't hallucinating... She'll have to think on that, later. But for now there's Vince to attend to. Listening to his words she looks back to him again. "I see. I'm glad I wasn't an inconvenience too you, in that case."
Looking somewhat relieved she moves to within a reasonable speaking distance, a few feet away from him, and then makes a hand motion down at the rapier, with its blade there in the sand. "This is yours, I presume? The odds of running into another sword user in such a remote location like this seems rather slim. Especially one who also seems to know how to manipulate the forces of nature to such a degree." After a moment of hesitation she simply asks bluntly, "What type of swordplay do you practice?" She's going to feel silly if it's just a prop.
Her confession gets a warm smile and nod of his head.
Vince's gaze then lowers to the elegant blade propped between his palms. "It is, yes. One of a kind, forged by the master craftsmen of the LaRose family strictly for my use. It is a LaRose rapier - a treasure, in any regard." His gaze lifts to the girl again, catching sight of the wooden swords at her hip. He doesn't comment on those just yet, however. Rather, he allows her to guide conversation still for the time being. "You are most magnanimous," he says with another bow of his head, feather a-bob. "I'm still learning to better harness the flow of energy around me, though. The... 'magic', as my sensei has put it. It was something I've been able to do for a long time, but one can always improve."
Especially when one starts to fear one's own power.
Her final question draws a proud smile from the swordsman. "You're interested in swords, mm? Rose Dansant is a form of rapier fighting, fencing."
"So it is your personal sword, forged for that very purpose. It must be a real treasure to you, if that's the case." Studying it for a moment, she doesn't notice him looking at her swords, which are a matched pair of bokken, especially obvious to someone familiar with swords. "Magnanimous? I wouldn't go that far, I'm simply giving credit where credit is due. I can ascertain by your ability to harness that energy that you must be a fairly competent swordsman if you've put as much time into training that as you have with learning to improve your chi."
Kaida gives him a smile, "Yes, very interested. I am a practitioner of the Crescent Moon Sword Style, and I'm always intrigued to learn about the similarities and differences between my style and others. That yours is a form of fencing would mean it must be quite different from my own."
"One merely seeks to improve upon their passion," Vince says with a faint tilt of his head, acknowledging the compliment.
Her final comment, however, earns a soft snicker. Not a mocking sound, but rather bemused. "I would warn you, m'lady, to be wary of the word 'fencing'. To fence is to play blade against blade - not strictly a weapon form, as one may 'fence' with a rapier as easily as one may 'fence' with a saber." A well-natured, teasing smile plays on his lips briefly. "But to wager that Rose Dansant is quite different from your studies would most likely be very true, if by no other merit than shape of the weapon." Vince tips his head towards her, gaze falling to the bokken again. "Thicker swords suggest either reckless hacking and swinging, or more of a 'circular' style of play. My guess is towards the latter. Is that right?"
The snicker gains Vince a quirked eyebrow from her, and the warning procured earns him an odd look, and a shrug. "I was simply repeating your own words. If you find them offensive or incorrect you should choose them more carefully." A hand lifts and casually brushes some stray hair behind one of her ears, making sure that it's only the braid that remain in front of it. "Yes, that's correct. I believe that's what inspired the words Crescent Moon to be chosen; not only in the shape of a katanas' blade, but also the nature of the swings." Kaida then nods towards the well fashioned rapier of Vinces', "From what little I know of rapiers they are more suited to stabbing than cutting, though I believe both swords require just as much speed of handling."
"I was drawing a synonym," Vince excuses casually.
"More effective at stabbing and piercing, to be certain. Cuts, however, can be made. It's simply a matter of finesse and expertise on such things." Vince upturns the rapier, letting the sunlight glint along the steel. "The cutting edge comes more from the weight of the blade and the thickness. Clearly, a rapier is not weighted properly for a pendulum effect, 'erego slashing about is rarely useful."
The rapier adjusts its height, angling more towards her. It is, however, a non-threatening gesture - merely indicative. "Katanas, as you seem familiar with them, have weight along the blade, along with a greater width. It emphasizes slashing, but weakens piercing. Either can do the opposite - it's only a matter of how effectively."
The rapier upturns, setting the tip back into the sand.
"I'm sure this occured to you before, at least to some degree. But now hopefully rapiers don't seem entirely one-dimensional." An amiable smile follows this, and both hands set over the pommel of his upturned weapon.
"Yes, you are correct in that. Slashing would have been a better term to use than cutting, that blade does look like it could cut through skin easily if it was attempted." Kaida examines the weapon when it's held towards her, gauging the feel and weight of what it must be like without laying a hand upon it. "Yes, a katana is much thicker than this, especially towards the back. They can be very effective when proper technique is used. I imagine it would be possible to stab with one, though I wouldn't see it as advisable except as an act of desperation."
The rapier placed back into the sand she returns her gaze to Vince, "Not one-dimensional, no. I am sure your sword could be used to the same degree as mine, given the proper training and talent. I would also imagine your own would be exceptional, if a weapon was forged for your use alone. That is not a common practice, especially for a sword intended for ceremony alone."
"Oh, the curve of a katana's blade would make stabbing and thrusting all the more difficult," Vince surmises. "But again, this is why we center our styles around the weapon's advantages."
A couple fingers play fondly over the silver pommel of his sword, traving the edge. "Every member of the LaRose family, upon mastery of Rose Dansant, is presented with a unique sword designed to suit them perfectly. From the balance to the length of the blade," he reflects. "The sharpness of the edge varies, admittedly..."
Those icy blues lift suddenly. "But what of you? Those hanging on you look to be made of wood."
"As would the grip used when wielding a katana. Stabbing is hard to recover from when done properly, and if done improperly you open yourself to being easily disarmed." Kaida watches the familiar way the blade is touched, and she smiles a little when he speaks of how his family is bequeathed with the weapons. "I see. That would make you a master of your family style, then. For that I would congratulate you; it must have taken many years of hard training to accomplish."
Attention is drawn to her bokken, and she nods to him. "They are wooden, yes." She reaches down and slowly draws one of them, holding it easily in a one handed grip and allowing him to look at it more closely. For a training sword it's well crafted, made of a dark wood, a lacquer giving it some sheen. "My katana are at home; I choose to carry these in their place," she explains. "I do not use real katana except in training unless I intend to attack with deadly force. A katana is a tool created for that purpose, and I refuse to wield them against others unless I am both willing to do so. It's my opinion that doing otherwise would be a dishonor to them."
"I had the privelege of being born a LaRose. Therefore, my studies into swordplay began the moment I was capable of holding a foil." Despite how arduous and perhaps even a little ridiculous this may sound, Vince says it with such a nostalgic, listless expression and tone of voice...
Though his attention returns abruptly to the green-haired girl. Her explanation draws a pleased smile to his face, and he nods curtly. "I sincerely agree. A blade should never be drawn against a foe undeserving of its full wrath. For me, the sake of honor and justice are reason to bring this out - for the LaRose rapier is, in fact, a part of the person to whom it was craft. It is no more divorced from their natural body than their hand or foot. However, drawing blood is not to be taken lightly. Therefore, outside of these situations, I primarily use either a foil or the sheath of my rapier."
"Is that so? Your family sounds like a noble one, having such rich traditions as those. I believe my father would have been very happy, if he had had a son such as you, who treats such positions with the respect they deserve." Kaida seems placed at the easy acceptance of her explanation, "So you understand, then. It seems we have much more in common than I would have guessed at first glance. Despite the difference in swords we both understand their gravity. I am impressed."
At her notations of his family and were he her father's son, Vince's cheeks tint a slight rosy hue. "Ah.. you are too kind, m'lady."
His rapier is lifted again, though this time set along the palms of his hands horizontally. "The prestige of carrying these personal extensions has been heavily watered down through the ages," he comments. "The respect a person must have for the weapon is immense, if they are to ever use them to their fullest capacity. I suspect you understand this as well as I, for as you say, we appear to have a fair amount in common."
His gaze flickers from the glinting steel in his hands to her face, and a grin edges over his lips. "Similarly, I wager the traditionalists of my family would take a shine to you easily. You acknowledge the responsibility, as well as the honor, of holding something like this. Though perhaps your compunctions to draw steel may not -exactly- mirror mine, few truly do. What matters is that you apply wisdom to your choices - your philosophy."
After a beat, Vince's grin turns more into an intrigued smile. "And to think, I've not yet even learned your name."
"I can understand how that would become the case. A family can grow very large after only a few generations, and not every member would take to the family tradition as well as others, even if their training were compulsory. I think it would be a sad thing, to be the sword of a person who saw me as a mere novelty, or symbol of their status." Kaida tilts her head and makes a dismissive hand motion, "But then their sword would likely be made to fit their expectations, and could be ceremonial by nature itself, if I understood you correctly."
She smiles lightly and gives a small bow of her head when he reciprocates the possibility of fitting well with the others family. "Yes, I don't expect others to hold my philosophy as their own. My own sister draws her blade against others, and to spar; as does my father, my sensei, and I do not hold fault with either of them for that. But for me to do the same, believing what I believe... That would be wrong, even if I am seen as weak of will because of it. "
She then takes her wooden sword and slides it back into place at her hip before offering a bow to Vince, "Please forgive me for not introducing myself earlier. My name is Kaida. Kaida Inoue."
Vince nods appreciatively. "You have. Very perceptive of you. They knew me and my values, so my blade was designed specifically to be an extension of myself. The conduit from which these values may be expressed to others - forcefully, when necessary." This said, of course, casually.
"Few of my family actually draw steel against others," Vince admits. His gaze falls back to the rapier in his hands. "Many have gone to the Olympics, where they wield foils. Their rapiers remain at their sides, just in case... and they've all - everyone in the family - has learned the art of Rose Dansant. It's merely a matter of practical use." His gaze lifts to Kaida again. "I hardly view your hesitations as weak. I find your reluctance to be more..."
Vince considers his wording, gaze shifting aside briefly.
"...admirable. It demonstrates an authentic care and respect not only for life, but for your blades."
As her introduction is given, Vince adjusts his footing - right foot before the left, right heel touching the sand with the toes inclined. He holds his sword gingerly about the hilt in his left hand, as his right hand sweeps the hat from his head. This is tucked to his chest as his upper-body dips in a low, elegantly rehearsed bow. "Vince LaRose, my lady, at your service."
Kaida inclines her head, "Yes, I understand now more of what you meant. Your rapier must be not only a personal treasure, but as you say, an extension of your own body. It reminds me of one of our legends, here in Japan. Did you know that for a Samurai, his sword was said to contain his very soul? And it was meant in a very literal sense, as well. His sword was to be an extension of his very being, perhaps even the most important part." She smiles a little, "You can understand why the penalty for touching his sword without permission was death, enacted immediately."
Done romanticizing one of the 'admirable' qualities of ancient Samurai, listens to the details of his family, nodding with due reverence at the mention of Olympic achievement. To his compliment she bows her head in a fairly deferential way as acknowledgement. "I thank you, both for your kind words, and your acceptance."
She's a bit taken aback by the elegance of the bow, hurrying to quickly give a deeper one herself, suddenly feeling her original one was not enough. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Vince LaRose."
Raising from the bow, Vince laughs softly and sets the hat jauntily atop his head again. "Vince will do, please! I've not taken office of any kind yet, nor have I married! And enchanted, Miss Inoue."
Now upright once more, Vince sets about sliding his blade into its sheath properly. As he does so, he reflects, "I can understand where they would feel so strongly about it. I, too, feel very much akin to it - the rapier is that which binds the LaRose family together, one to each. It is from where our ability to serve, lead, and act stems. It is, in essence, our life... even for those who do not draw the weapon." He lifts his head again to look at her, brow furrowed. "I suppose that's a little hard to understand. Maybe mentioning that absolutely everyone who becomes a part of the family must master Rose Dansant would help emphasize the importance of our art and blademastery. And with that, husbands and wives marrying into the family."
Vince's head turns aside just a hint, giving Kaida a curious look once more through the corners of his eyes. "What of your family? The Inoue clan seems to be entwined immovably with the sword, so what mandates do they hold?"
She straightens back up, and then inclines her head to his words, "Very well, Vince, but in that case I must insist the same. Kaida is fine." She takes in his words on his family and nods, "From I could sense that while speaking to you. Your swordsmanship is something you and your family hold very dear to themselves. I am not surprised that for something as important as that everyone is required to learn. I am sure it is taught just as fervently as the history your families blades have carved out for itself" The only real surprise that shows on her face is when he says that those marrying into the family are required to do the same, though it isn't something she comments on.
"The Inoue Clan... My father has told me that we are descended from Samurai, though it is not known what class, or for whom our ancestors fought. We have, unfortunately, fallen from any nobility we may have once had. I know not how many people once practiced our Crescent Moon Sword Style, but I know that of this moment the answer to that would be exactly three. My father, my sister, and myself. The only title I can claim hold to is that of a citizen of Japan, but that is, at least, something I can claim proudly."
"One needs only three things to claim to be fulfilled as an individual - claim to family, to home, and to one's beliefs." Vince lifts his shoulders in a small shrug. "That's how I feel about it, at least."
Finally, Vince moves a little closer to her. By this point, the breeze that was manifesting itself as an 'aura' around the vicinity has dissipated into something completely natural. No longer is the swashbuckler guiding or influencing the winds.
"Only three study your form, though?," Vince asks. "Do you prefer it that way...?
Kaida nods her head, but seems to frown just the slightest bit at those three things when they're stated, though she doesn't move to dispute those in any way. "To be honest with you? No, I do not wish it. It has been, for some time, a style passed from one generation to the next, at least in terms of who can lay claim to the supreme title of it's Master, and everything which that entails. But also we have sought to teach others in the ways of swordsmanship. Our form, as you put it, is not one of secrecy."
Kaida is silent for a few moments, a look of thoughtfulness crossing her features as she debates something internally. "I suppose there is no reason to hide it. In recent times, we have had a very hard time finding anyone to study under us, which led unfortunately to the loss of our family dojo. With no students the burden was simply too much, you see. At the moment I see very little choice but for it to remain a the knowledge of three." She looks at Vince rather directly, now. "So as you now know, my 'home' is lost to me, for the time being. Though that is something I intend to rectify as soon as I possibly can."
The mild frown is noted, but Vince can't really place his finger on why that is. She knows her beliefs, her morals - she's demonstrated that by telling him of her reluctance to use live steel. She has a home, Japan, of which she's proud. And she has a home with her family.
Or so he thought.
The definition of home went deeper than superficial, it seems, and when she reveals it, the young noble looks a little surprised. Then, promptly, ashamed. His head bows and turns aside. "I spoke out of turn. I apologize. I didn't mean to highlight a difficult time in your life." His right hand lifts to rub over the back of his neck sheepishly. "Do forgive me. I had thought that it was a bit like Rose Dansant, in that the teachings and techniques are heavily guarded to all but family."
"I accept you apology, though it is not something that is required of you. I don't make secrets of my struggles, and there is not a way you could have known without asking. I take no insult at your words. In effect, it is simply something that I must overcome. I am perhaps uniquely affected, but there are plenty of others who have been forced to move as children." Kaida gives a little smile, "To be quite honest with you, I am unsure how much of my families sword style would be considered secret. My father has never had students other than my sister and myself, so there wasn't reason for anything to be hidden. There likely are some techniques that are not intended to be taught to others, but I imagine that any uniquely gifted students would be able to prove themselves worthy of such knowledge, in any case."
On a more mirthful topic, Kaida smiles once more to Vince. "You might better understand now my comment on how my father would have appreciated a son such as you. Not only are you honorable and diligent, but you are also male. The sword style is, of course, intended to be passed from father to son." Looking slightly amused she finishes the thought, "And my dad was blessed only with a pair of daughters."
Vince simply nods at her acceptance. He doesn't feel particularly cheerful about it, but she's not hurt or any such thing. So that much is good. Though on her more joking comment, she draws his gaze again and smiles wryly. "He'll have to make due with a daughter equally skilled and diligent, then," he notes.
"I'm sure he will be no worse off than if he had a son. As well as that he's done an excellent job in training my sister and I, as well making sure we're devoted to his cause. I honestly doubt he could have pulled that off any better than he has. Luckily for him we were both interested in swordplay in the first place, or he could be in a lot more trouble when it comes to finding a successor." Kaida gives a little laugh, "But the failures of hereditary inheritance are well known by all. Your family, unlike mine, seems very well off when it comes to the survival of family traditions. Even if many don't take them to heart as you have, with a large family there is little doubt that at least one will with each passing generation."
"-My- prospective child certainly will," asserts Vince resolutely. "Though a family that's built upon Rose Dansant would be doing itself a great injustice and dishonor to not actively train and teach its methods to all members. Our livelihood is wrapped around the rapier, you could say."
Vince comes to a stop just in front of her, and he tilts his head slightly. Icy blues study her for a moment before saying, "I must confess, I did not expect to find discussion like this for my return visit."
"Yes, I understand. And with each family member being trained in your Rose Dasant, when one comes along who will practice with the same fervor as you there will be no lack of those able to train them, correct?"
A gentle nod of her head is given when he tilts his head and speaks again, "And I did not expect to find interesting conversation simply by coming to the beach. In fact, I'm not sure what I expected to find coming here other than sand, water, and wind, but I'm glad I found something better."
A small smile traces over Vince's lips, and he nods as well. "I had meant only to meditate on my surroundings before leaving for Germany. But I'm glad the winds ushered you over. This has been nice, Kaida. A much needed break from how things have been."
Kaida smiles back, "Then I am glad that my interruption has served some purpose. Whatever it is that has been causing you trouble, I hope they can be quickly resolved. It was nice speaking with you as well, Vince. I hope that we can speak again sometime."
Being put with a group of people that hold literally nothing in common? That's a trial. Then to fend off attempted murder? Oh, indeed, 'trouble' is just the start of it. Vince quietly reflects on this after she speaks, and he grins, despite himself. "I sincerely hope so, too."
He then hesitates a moment in consideration.
"If you have business in Germany any time soon, come find me. I'm currently staying in Castle Strolheim. Otherwise... I attend Pacific High here in Southtown."
"Business in Germany? I don't imagine I would have business there anytime soon. I unfortunately haven't been able to make a habit of traveling extensively. But Pacific High, you said? I'll keep that in mind. I happen to go to Taiyo High, if you ever wish to look me up." Kaida gives a polite bow, "Thank you for your time, Vince."
Vince's eyes widen at the mention of Taiyo. A quick clearing of the throat and averting of his gaze is enough to get things under control, however. "Taiyo. I see! Well, perhaps I'll make another diplomatic venture there soon." The last one seemed to go well, as he recalls. Surely by now no one is sore about his one and only Neo League match.
A look is stolen back to her, and he cracks a small smile. "A pleasure, Kaida. Au revoir."
With that, Vince begins to ease back a few steps. Once a fair distance away, he turns to walk off the beach, cape drifting behind him.
Kaida gives a curious look at the eye widening, wondering how that school in particular would get such a reaction. She sees it as fairly normal herself. "I'm sure you'd be quite welcomed in a venture such as that." Having already given her bow she simply smiles again, "Have a good day." She also turns, heading the other direction up the beach, towards an exit that will bring her closer to home, wondering about the young nobleman and his interesting choice of clothing as she goes.
Log created on 16:46:59 01/23/2009 by Kaida, and last modified on 15:38:50 01/24/2009.