amusingbox | Alford and Joscelin [Amat Setting]

Alford and Joscelin [Amat Setting]

[Alford had spent nine days upon the island already and the thin leather cord of a collar around his throat was pressing with more determination. It was humiliating and cruel, but as he gritted his teeth and swung his impressive blade through the air it was not himself he was concerned with but the others he'd met or heard on the odd "network." There were women and some even younger than he was.

He was in an open space, careful to be away from others as he practiced with the sword. Since his arrival he had been unable to unleash it's full potential, and the frustration showed clearly on his face. With each cut his breathing grew a more labored and his brow more furrowed.]

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[Joscelin had greeted the other swordsman on his arrival, giving him the details on the island- he'd garnered quite a good impression of him. He was making his way to his usual practice area when he saw that Alford had already taken it- well, it was a very good place to practice.

He leaned against a tree to watch, not wishing to interrupt.]

[There was a great deal of power behind his thrusts, but his speed was diminishing as his lungs had to work harder pulling in air from the restricted throat. Still, he showed no sign of stopping.]

Work!

[Joscelin sighed. It looked like Alford was wearing himself out to no purpose- might as well say something and perhaps distract him, or help.]

Is something wrong, messire Alford?

[He had grown so focused on the training he had no heard the other man approach. It was also a credit to Joscelin's light step, he was certain. The young would be hero turns to him, letting the sword point fall low so as not to threaten.] Mister Verreuil...

[Alford frowned, realizing what the other man must have seen was not up to his usual standards.] I am having some difficulty with my sword.

I had guessed that. What seems to be the trouble? Perhaps I can be of service.

[He glances over the other man's body, resisting the urge to frown at the state of his collar. It was tight enough that he was sure it wasn't helping with anything. Though that was likely outside of his purview- it was doubtful Alford would want his assistance with it.]

[While he felt a flicker of doubt at that, he also welcomed any sort of aid and this man had been kind and generous with him upon his arrival. It was also clear to him he was speaking with a fellow swordsman. His trust came easily.]

It is no ordinary sword. It is known as a great holy sword and was passed down to me by my father. It contains powers, but I [the frustration shows as he continues, hating even to admit it] have not been able to access that power here.

Ah. I am afraid that such magic powers as that do not function here on the island- whether they are inborn or present in your sword.

[He must have missed that part of the explanation, and perhaps Alford hadn't seen any guides- he never thought of it himself, being entirely mundane.]

[Alford frowned further.] I was told a person's magic would be restrained with the collar. I did not realize the same was true of objects that wear no such binding.

[He released a breath, but it sounded strangely shallow.] I had some reason to think the problem might have been with me and not the sword.

I think that many people find devices or items with strange property don't work here either. It is simpler to say it is the collars, but perhaps it is not entirely correct.

[He gives him a small, but reassuring smile.] It is no fault of yours, messire.

[Alford bows his head in gratitude.] You have come to my aid a second time since my arrival. Is there anything I might do for you?

If you would be willing, perhaps a sparring match? I always enjoy new partners.

[He could use the workout, though he knows Alford will be at a disadvantage with his collar.]

...though perhaps not today.

...It is true I would not be at my best today. [He tips his head down for a moment, feeling a pinch of embarrassment and not wishing it to show. He would not be in top form with the collar set so securely and not with the practicing he's already done. It was more straining than it should have been due to his frustrations.]

I would still welcome it. I wish to spar with the best. It hardly seems a returned favor when I would have asked you with time. [He manages his first smile of the conversation. It softens his expression and highlights his youthful features.]

[Joscelin bows with his arms crossed over his chest.] You flatter me, messire. I would not name myself the best, not on this island. There are many who equal my skill, at the least.

[He hasn't been beaten in a while, though.]

Still, I do not require any other repayment. It was not a difficult manner to assist you with.

I would like to spar with them as well. I might trouble you for names. I suppose addresses are replaced with the odd talking stone. [Code for communication device.]

Jaime Lannister is a frequent partner of mine. [IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE.]

And yes, it is more convenient to communicate with the device than sending letters.

Jamie Lannister. I will remember the name. My thanks.

[He nods.] I have noticed there do not seem to be any letter-carrying birds in flight here. And fewer horses than I would have suspected.

You're quite welcome.

[He nods.] Most people just walk- I know a man with a few horses, but they're hardly necessary here.

I have always walked. I think you miss too much when you ride by so quickly, and I have much to learn.

Aye, it's quite possible that you do. I often walked at home, though for long distances it was more practical to ride.

[He hesitates, hating to bring up such a personal topic, but really... sometimes newcomers to the island do require a nudge.] I realize this is terribly familiar of me, but your collar will begin to cause you great discomfort soon, if it hasn't already. You should find assistance.

[That comment brings a flush of color to Alford's cheeks one may not usually expect from a swordsman.]

I have... [He trails off before responding honestly. He is an honest man after all. Novice in some things. Flawed in others, but honest.] been putting that off despite the importance.

It is unwise to put it off too long. [Joscelin keeps his voice carefully neutral.] If you wait long enough, you can do yourself an injury.

It is an awkward topic. I did not expect...

[He tries to take a cleansing breath, but of course that too is made difficult.]

I have spent my life trying to be the sort of hero my father was. It did not leave time for...personal interests.

[Not that he felt nothing if a beautiful woman looked at him or when Conrad smiled in his direction. He simply hadn't acted on it.] I'm not certain how to go about it now.

Believe me, I have only the utmost of sympathy. When I arrived here, I had expected to remain chaste for the rest of my life- it did not make things easy.

[He smiles faintly.] One can ask on the network, or go to Mao- though that does cost money- or to Lend A Hand, to meet someone in the same straits.

You wished to remain that way? [This surprises Alford. His is not a world where there are such oaths.] You have no interest in men or women? [The question is out before he can hold it back.]

I'm sorry, that was too personal. [He blames it somewhat on the nature of the conversation.]

Ah, not at all. I was a priest, sworn to it- it was not that I had no interest, only that I wished to keep my oaths.

[He shrugs.] Events transpired differently, I suppose.

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/tempted to say this is the future and Jos is less prudey

Your temptations are welcome here!

bwahaha