The New Winds

With everything that happened last night, Mai decided to prepare to do a little training. Hopefully, someone would come along and join her.

That Phoenix sensei had told Dao that the security was a matter for the governor, but he took it upon himself to do a little bit of a wander around in the early morning and spotted a student by themselves.

That can't be a good idea, he thought, stepping into the training area before noticing the student was the priestess he had met before in the library.

"Mantis-sama, are you here alone?" Dao asked, curious if his observation was right.

Mai bows. "Togashi-san. I'm just looking for someone to aid me with a little defensive training."

"Well after what happened last night, I applaud anyone who is preparing themselves in case more attacks should happen." Dao offers the priestess a bow of respect.

"Will I suffice as a partner?"

Mai gives a smile. "Absolutely. I would appreciate it, Togashi-san. There are practice weapons over there. Or do you plan on using your fists?" She thought Togashi use their fists. They are monks, right?

Mai will take a Defensive position. TN 24

D8 Tiger: Initiative: 4d10o10k3 19

Dao picks up a pair of tonfa, gripping them tight to his forearms.

"I have practised my unarmed skills often while here Mantis-sama. If you don't object I'd like to expand my focus a little."

D8 Tiger Initiative - Attack stance: 5d10o10k4 38

With the temporary advantage, he lunged at Mai, but the Mantis stood strong against the assault.

D8 Tiger Round 1 Staves/Agi TN24 1CR damage: 5d10o10k4 15

Dao came at her faster than she expected. Mai jumps to the side, watching the Dragon's stave. She let's a brief smile, but she knows not to get overconfident.

Stance: Defensive

"Your footwork is excellent." Dao commends his opponent as he tries again, still attacking with speed and precision rather than power.

And this time he finds a small chink in her defenses rapping her across the upper arm as he surges past her.

D8 Tiger Round 2 Staves/Agi TN24: 5d10o10k4 28
D8 Tiger Round 2 Damage. Keeping 1: 4d10 26 Keeping 6

Mai hissed. "Thanks." She refused to rub her arm. She will avoid the next one.

Continues Defensive Stance: TN 24

He thought that his opponent would've had enough by now, but her stoicism and stubbornness amused Dao and he grinned as he came at her again. This time even more intensely as he attempted to charge straight through the maiden and bowl her over.

D8 Tiger Round 3 Staves/Agi Full Attack 2 CR Knockdown TN28: 7d10o10k5 43 Exceptional success used for damage
D8 Tiger Round 3 Damage. Keeping 1: 5d10o10 22 Keeping 6
D8 Tiger Round 3 Opposed Strength: 4d10o10 12

Mai grunts as she takes the hit, but she manages to not get down. She then laughs

"OK. I think that's enough." She bows again. "Thank you. I didn't expect that last strike."

D8 Tiger: Strength: 3d10o10k3 15

Dao rubbed his shoulder a little after bouncing off the young woman.

"I didn't expect such strong resistance." He admits with a smile and a dip of the head in acknowledgment of Mai's skill.

"So many people here are defying my expectations. It is no surprise you are near the top of the class Mantis-sama."

"Thank you, Togashi-san. As a Mantis, keeping my balance is important."

"I guess it is. I think I'd like to see the sea from one of your ships some day, is it as beautiful as they say?" Dao asks as he sits down on the floor cross legged.

Mai joins him. "Very beautiful. The sandy beaches. The ocean water. I haven't seen much of the Empire, yet, but they are the most beautiful lands I have seen so far. What about the Dragon lands?"

"They make your shins hurt." He replied honestly with a cheeky grin. "But there's something peaceful and serene about the snowcapped mountains. They can be harsh and deadly, but that just makes you appreciate them more."

"That sounds very different, but also very pleasant from the Mantis lands. I think I would like to see them one day."

"Well I hear that all the students here are expected to go on to take part in the Topaz Championship, if you do well there, you're pretty well on the fast track. I hear lots of the winners become magistrates, that might help you to see more of the Empire?"

Mai nods. "That would be nice, though I have been given thought about this. When I came here, my plan was always to take to a ship. Maybe one like my brother that goes to the Ivory Kingdoms. But I've been giving it thought. I may request something else that will certainly take me traveling, though I don't know where."

"Oh, Mantis-san already has plans for her future? Most intriguing." Dao asks as he tries to subtly (in his mind) coax out more information.