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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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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