(no subject)

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

Elaine is in the bar, after a long weekend of being...well, not in the bar.

But she's here now, and in her regular gown, drinking beer and eating fish and chips. Tartar sauce is an amazing culinary invention.

She's humming an ancient tune between bites and also is reading. She's reading The Art of War again.

Sun Tzu said: The good fighers of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy.

She's highly distractable today. She might also still be aching from last Friday's lesson with Spike. Come talk to her!

Comments

[mortisbelle.livejournal.com]

"All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when we are able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must appear inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy beleive we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near." The voice is low, soft and wispy, and east european accented.

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

Elaine looks up. "It seems you know the gentleman who has written this book. Good even...I do not believe we have met. My name is Elaine Le Blanke."

[mortisbelle.livejournal.com]

"not personally, but I did read his works. it sounds much better in the original." The figure nods. "I am Serena."

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

"Ah, well...I am afraid I have only just learnt to read English, and it would be a bit beyond me to begin with Chinese at this late date. I am from Astolat, in Britain...where are you from, Serena?"

She does not ask why she shrouds her features. That would be rude.

[mortisbelle.livejournal.com]

"Prague, in central Bohemia." Hood moves in a nod. "Languages are one of the most useful knowledges one could have."

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

"I speak only a little court French and know some Latin. My education had been quite neglected before I came here."

[mortisbelle.livejournal.com]

"I speak most germanic and slavic languages, english, latin, turkish, arab, greek, persian and a few others. Master Garinol took good care of my learning."

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

Elaine nods, impressed. "He must have. You must come from a time when women weren't resricted in their learning, then."

[mortisbelle.livejournal.com]

"much the opposite. I come from the year 1,141. women who are as learned as I am, are often dragged to the stake, as witches. the church fears those too wise."

[gil-whimple.livejournal.com]

"Hello, Miss Elaine." Gil beams at her. "I haven't seen you for ages. You look very fit."

He grins at her meal. He loves a woman with a healthy appetite.

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

"Good even, Gil. Yes, it has been a long time since we've talked. And how are you these days?" She beams at him pleasantly.

[gil-whimple.livejournal.com]

"Busy," he says. "There are so many customers now. but we have extra staff in the kitchen, which is always good." He smiles. "So what are you doing these days - when not reading, of course."

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

"Oh, I am doing many things. I'm taking swordplay with Alanna...and I'm also learning Jeet Kun Do with Spike. I'm also doing my drawing and generally keeping busy."

[gil-whimple.livejournal.com]

"Jeet Kun Do?" Gil tilts his head. "What's that then? Sounds a bit like a dish with noodles."

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

Elaine giggles. "It's a form of martial art, from China, Spike says. I had a lesson on Friday, and I am still aching...but it's interesting and great fun."

[gil-whimple.livejournal.com]

"Martial art, eh? I think I'd probably prefer your drawing," Gil admits, "Though it's handy to know how to use a blade effectively."

A sword is just an oversized bread knife when all's said and done.

"Are you thinking of going somewhere where you might need to defend yourself?"

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

She smiles at his first comment. "No...but it's something I've always wanted to learn, really. And sometimes this place can be quite dangerous, as well...upon occasion."

[skjaldmeyjar.livejournal.com]

Svava will definitly say hi to Elaine. (Well, not 'hi' exactly, because that's one bit of modern language that just hasn't stuck into her vocabularly. But you know what we mean.)

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

Elaine smiles. "Good even, Svava. And how do you fare tonight?"

[skjaldmeyjar.livejournal.com]

"I'm doing decently well, thank you. And yourself, Elaine?" Svava peers at the book with a bit of puzzlement. Art and War are two completely different subjects in her mind.

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

"I am well. I ache a little bit from a martial arts lesson on Friday, but I am well. Won't you sit down?"

[skjaldmeyjar.livejournal.com]

Svava takes a seat, looking at Elaine curiously. "Martial arts? Is that like war and art?" She motions to the book.

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

"Well...It is an art, rather like swordplay, which is sometimes considered an art...this is an ancient Chinese treatise of warfare. Jeet Kun Do is a form of defense using only one's hands and body. Difficult, but enjoyable."

[skjaldmeyjar.livejournal.com]

"Hands and feet... like brawling, then? No weapons?" Svava grins slightly. Then she nods. "The swordswork I can see- particularly those drills that Alanna's taught us. Some of the foot work would be like dancing, I would guess."

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

"It's not...exactly like a brawl...it's more...well. It's graceful. It's rather hard to explain."