rukhgate | 01 ★

[One hundred and sixty six. One hundred and sixty seven. One hundred and sixty eight. The rhythmic tip-tap of shoes against the cobbled floor barely echoed among the noise of the courtyard of birds--sometimes students, too--overhead, and those calling to one another. Germany's rope slapped against the floor occasionally as she skipped for the past hour. Her uniform was abandoned not far, discarded after-hours for ease of practice.

Her back was starting to ache, however. She'd never felt the strain of her figure before arriving her. Now her back ached liberally with exerted effort. If anything was an incentive to get out of here and where she belonged, getting rid of back ache was a good one as any.]

One hundred and seventy. One hundred and seventy one. [She muttered to herself, resisting the urge to wipe her damp fringe off her forehead. Perhaps she could get two hours out of this before figuring out what to do about food for the evening.

The thought was just about distracting her from those who stared as she exercised.]

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[Zhang Liao had just finished his usual exercises of the day and was rounding off his training with a run around the academy. The physical ache he was feeling both surprised and shamed him; he hadn't struggled with his drills since he was a private in the army, but with his Qi blocked he couldn't access any of the strength he normally had. He was suspicious that more than his Qi was gone, that the forces that had brought him here had stolen more of his power than he had originally realised, but there was no use complaining and moping. Besides, the repetitive motions here comforting in a strange way; going about his daily routine, albeit with lower stamina and endurance than before, he could establish a sense of normalcy and slowly ease into life at Magnoshutatt.

A stab at his side brought him out of his musings and he silently cursed the bastards who had sought to torture him by bringing him to the Academy in such a weakened state.

His own footsteps established a rhythmic pattern as he pushed himself forward, determined to return home at any costs. It was as he passed a courtyard that he happened to glance up and notice another woman, carrying out a strange exercise with a piece of rope. Curious, he slowed down to a jog on the spot to watch; skipping has yet to be invented in 2nd century China]

Two hundred. [Germany declared with satisfaction, relaxing her knees as she stopped ever so slightly before reaching to brush her short hair away from her face. She had time, perhaps, for another two hundreds before heading back inside.

Patting her pants for her water thermos, she groaned as the empty pocket reminded her it was yet another thing that was left at home. The gesture was distracting for a moment until her attention alighted on someone watching her. Germany nodded at the man in acknowledgment.]

[He nodded back; he's not sure which salute to use with this woman, so this simple gesture will have to suffice for now. After a few days at the academy he's starting to learn more about the different cultures and he's come to realise that not everything as it seems. He's gotten off on the wrong foot with some other students and has been reprimanded for it, to his shame and shock. It would be better to take things slowly, learn more about her (and the exercise she was carrying out) so he could figure out the correct way of addressing her.

Stopping his jog for the time being, he brought his hands together and made a simple salute. Not deep enough for respect, but polite enough for new company. Perhaps a bit too much respect for a woman, but with her build and the fact that she was carrying out training, he wouldn't be surprised if she turned out to be another one on the martial path.]

Pardon me for interrupting your training, my Lady.

Not at all. You approached just as my round was over. I'm merely resting. [The other students had kept an arm's length between classes and after hours, not that it was a source of any particular grief to Germany. She found it made going about her day a more practical and productive affair. Still, the gesture of acknowledgment was comforting.]

I apologize you had to see me in less than my usual form, and under-dressed, as well.

It is easier to train when one is unburdened by armour, especially after the forces that kidnapped us have taken some of our strength. I find for myself that I am unused to this weather as well; I am a Northerner, and I have yet to experience such fierce sun in my life.

[He himself has taken off his own armour; the weather is a lot hotter than what he's used to. For a Northerner he feels his skin is burning.]

May I enquire as to your method of training?

So we were kidnapped? Everyone else I have met here seems to be under the impression our stay was to be... Pleasant.

[As if reading his mind, she brushes the hair back off her face. That water would be a nice idea right now.] Skipping rope. It strengthens your shoulder and arm muscles. It also keeps your heart in shape. [Coiling the rope loosely, she offers it by the handle.] You should give it a try.

The administration of this school desires us to stay here. While they do not appear to be behind the abductions, they have made no move to assist us home. It will be up to all of us to find a way back.

[He takes the handle and looks at it curiously, before glancing back to her.]

How would one use this..."skipping rope"?

A neutral force. That's smart of them, but it doesn't invoke my trust in them.

[Spreading her arms in demonstration, Germany straightens her back.] Swing the rope in an arc before you and try to hop so it would swing in a perfect circle. Keep the weight on the balls of your feet.

I agree. It is strange that they would accept all that has happened with a wave of a hand, an enrolment, and a smile as well. I feel they know more about this situation than they are claiming, but without evidence I have no case.

[He imitates her position and does as she says; skipping with a straight back is no problem, but trying to keep up the steady and quick beat that she had been doing when he first saw her is something that's going to need practice. He mis-times his first skip and is rewarded with a slap of the rope to his shins.]

Don't look down. [Germany advises, stretching her own sore legs.] Jump only when you bring your wrists down.

[He nods and tries again, paying close attention to the movement of the skipping rope. One, two, three...that's all he can manage before the skipping rope hits the back of his legs.]

It is not as easy as it first appeared, but perhaps all I need is practice. Thank you.

[He hands the rope back to her, before he brings his hands together and salutes her with a slight bow.]

I apologize. I have not made the proper introductions. My name is Zhang Liao.

All things need practice. [she shoves the looped rope into her belt before saluting in reply.] Klara Beilschmidt, but I'm more known as Germany. A pleasure to meet you.

Well met, Master Germany.

[The switch to Master came from the obvious conclusion that she seems to be another fellow soldier. But just to check, he will ask her.]

You seem to be a woman of the army. May I enquire to your rank, if it is not confidential information?

01 ★

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Sorry, I'll try to reduce the tl;dr

It's alright!

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