Duck and Weave

[Otomo Nobuko]

She took another deep breath and swung at Ichiro, showing decent form on the first two swings and, perhaps, the glint of understanding some of what had been shown them earlier on the third. Still, his defense was impregnable for someone of her lack-pf-skill. Outside of raw luck, anyway.

Puffing out air in heavy breaths, she nodded decisively, "Yes, I think you have this down. Or as well as one such as I can aid you. Let us clean these up and then you can try to help with my forms. I need to do two more 'reps' of the exercise sets to be deemed having done enough for a beginner."


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OOC
D3 Serpent Jiu (Improvised)/agil: 2#2d10 14 6
D3 Serpent Jiu (Improvised)/agil Void for Skill: 3d10o10k2 13

[Utaku Ichiro]

Another deep bow respecting both her station and her role as a sparring partner, "Thank you again, Otomo-sama. You have good form, the courtiers in the Capital won't know what hit them." Another flash of a grin then he moves to join her in her exercises.

The young man's own form is flawless and he helps adjust hers here and there, without touching of course, with good humor and only the odd teasing joke.

With the clinging dampness of the rain one cannot even tell if he broke a sweat or not by the end of the session.

(Fluff Athletics: Strength for form - double exceptional, stamina for endurance - exceptional)

[Otomo Nobuko]

It was all well and good that Ichiro did an exceptional job of guiding her on her forms, because while she clearly understood what she had to do, she was only barely doing it properly. And she certainly couldn't keep up, having to take long breaks in between the different exercises. Her stamina left a lot to be desired. But she didn't stop trying! And considering her position in life, that counted for a lot.


When they were finally done and closing on the hour, she stood warily and bowed to Ichiro, "Thank you, Utaku-san. I am certain that with time, this will get easier as all things that take practice do. But today, I believe I need to rest some before our afternoon classes."


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OOC
Fluff rolls!
D3 Serpent Ath/Strength; & Ath/Stam: 2#2d10o10k1 9 3

[Utaku Ichiro]

He nods, "Those of us expected to be warriors have been training since children. You are doing quite well for only a few days of practice, Otomo-sama. You will get better yet, do not doubt it."

[Otomo Nobuko]

"I don't expect I shall have a need to keep up with much of this," she admitted, shrugging, "But it has been enlightening to the trials a great number of samurai must endure to become worthy bushi. I will endeavor to remind myself how much work it is when I have entered the courts and am given a yojimbo to act in my honor until such time I am wed."

Nobuko smiled at Ichiro, "You and Moto-san have both been very kind to me, Utaku-san. As has your fellow family woman. I had not had dealings with any Unicorn before this, only words uttered by others as to what to expect."

[Utaku Ichiro]

Another soft laugh, "I can just imagine. I hope you are not too disappointed that no uncouth barbarian swooped down on their mighty steed to steal you away into the night."

[Otomo Nobuko]

"Not at all! I have no desire to fall prey to such romantic ideas the poets would write about," she laughed softly, both hands coming up to cover her mouth.

A few moments later, she continued shyly, "However, Moto-san did offer to teach me to ride. I hope to return his generosity with a gift. Utaku Nesrin-san said that your clan finds frogs to be lucky. Do you think Moto-san would appreciate a frog? I caught one this morning I could give him. But perhaps something he does not have to care for would be preferred?"

[Utaku Ichiro]

"A frog is considered lucky indeed, especially if it has swallowed a koku... though I don't know how one knows that without cutting it open which doesn't seem very lucky for the frog...." He shakes his head, "But, yes, that would be a good gift. Either that or something else which has brought you luck. Though be sure to tell him how it did bring you luck since it loses its luck if used again for the same purpose. So a lucky arrow should not then be fired again."

[Otomo Nobuko]

"Ah, no... I was thinking perhaps an origami piece," she clarified, blushing slightly. "...of a frog. In case he did not feel it would be good for him to care for the life of the frog I caught."

[Utaku Ichiro]

"Ah, yes, that seems like a good option as well."

[Otomo Nobuko]

"Then I shall present both to him and let him choose," Nobuko said, looking pleased. "Thank you for your help in this matter, Utaku-san."

[Utaku Ichiro]

"Of course, Otomo-sama, you're welcome. It's the least I can do for your assistance."