exsilium | >> text

[If text had a tone, this post would carry a hint of uncertainty despite the writer's efforts to be forthright and calm. But it doesn't; only the chosen words matter, and that's why Maria has opted for this method of communication.]

Where I'm from, writing down one's thoughts and expecting any kind of reply without sending a letter through a courier would be considered mad. Even after being here for a while, it still feels as if it should be, although being here at all seems even more so—and if that's the case, we're all mad together.

I was born in England and didn't think much of it when I left, but I didn't imagine it would ever be reduced to this state. Yet for all the strange things I've witnessed since arriving here, seeing so many women brought to fight a war is one of the most startling. Such a thing would never be condoned in my time. It may be one of the only things I can approve of here.

And at least our 'hosts' have been considerate enough to offer us ways to stay occupied. I doubt most people are given the opportunity to train with weaponry after being spirited away unwillingly.

[There's a pause before she types more, slowly hunting and pecking, as she suppresses a wry chuckle. Certainly none of her previous captors had stood for such a thing.]

If anyone reading this is skilled with a sword, I could use a practice partner in one of the training rooms. My name is Maria.

[action!
option a! come spar with Maria. fighting style's not so important. got a blade? it's all good.
option b! bump into Maria on her way back from training. she'll be slightly sweatier but generally satisfied.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I'm here in the city for the next week, roughly. Should you care to train, let me know. Swords happen to be my specialty.

[Hi, favorite undead bro.]

I should have guessed they were. I must say, of all the 'modern' weapons I've seen here, I still prefer a cut of steel.

[o y hello earth sis]

I feel much the same. I never had much skill with other weapons, but a sword and shield I took to like a duck to water.

My father taught me.

You're lucky. My father scolded me whenever he caught me with a weapon in hand. My brothers thought it amusing enough to secretly instruct me for a time.

You had good brothers. If my own sister had any inclination toward weapons, I'd have taught her. I have no doubt my father would have approved.

For a while. Eventually we all grew up and they didn't understand why I refused to loosen my grip on a sword.

What was she interested in, then?

Bickering with me and hoping to marry into a noble family.

[He's laughing.]

She had a good mind for business- she would take care of most of the money affairs for the farm, and she liked to read, as well.

She sounds like quite a reasonable person, though I'd caution her on the marriage. But I may be biased in that respect.

I don't think she put an honest effort into trying to marry. Made fun of me a lot for the same thing, though. So did near about everyone.

Didn't want to leave them, and didn't want to marry when war was brewing.

I did marry, and in my experience four years as a soldier was preferable to four years as a wife.

[Someone needs to teach him emoticons.]

I think I'd feel much the same as a husband.

[She wouldn't recognize them anyway.]

More and more you reveal yourself to be a kindred spirit. Sometimes I wonder if we really didn't come from the same world.

[gurl u know u want a smiley face.]

I'm surprised, as well.

Do you go on missions often? I should, soon. I'd like to have someone with me, if you'd like to. I don't know what they're offering now, but I'm sure we could find something suitable.

[That's a comma and half a parenthesis]

Only what they've required of us so far. I haven't felt the urge to be the good soldier for those who ordered my loyalty, but I suppose it would be a way to pass the time.

I'll see what I can find, then.

You take care of yourself, Maria. I'll let you know when I find something.

Please do. I could use a change of routine.

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