Video; Mourn the Past, Strengthen the Present

[oathshackledbird]

Last month, I posted to the Network asking for those who would be willing teach others how to fight--both with and without powers--to contact me. Many of you were willing to share your talents with those who needed them, and I thank you very much for that.

[Diarmuid smiles and bows his head for a moment before continuing.]

However, aside from a few people who I have already helped find teachers, I haven't really heard from anyone who would like to take advantage of the skills that have been offered. I understand that many of you have probably already found teachers amongst those who you know. For those who still might be looking, I thought that I would post a list of those who offered their services so you can take advantage of them should you ever wish to.

I will warn you, though, that most of these people are battle-hardened warriors and do not pull their punches. If you take them up on their offers, please be prepared to work your hardest. They will expect no less and those who you are fighting for deserve no less.

Here is the list. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Since I know most of the people on the list, if you are unsure who you should contact, I will be glad to direct you to a teacher.

Teacher List:

Diarmuid Ua Duibhne: Teaches armed and unarmed combat. Spear and sword focused. Duel-wield specialty. Can teach all levels of fighters.
Mayu: Armed Combat. Axe focus.
Cerberus: Teaches armed and unarmed combat. Knowledgeable with almost all weapons. Specialty in modern weapons.
Saber of White: Teaches armed and unarmed combat. Sword specialty.
Aleph: Teaches armed combat.  Knows melee weapons.  Sword specialty.
Sir Lancelot du Lac: Teaches armed and unarmed combat. Specialty in non-traditional weapons.
Ken Amada:  Teaches armed combat.  Specialty in spears and improvising weapons.
Enoch: Skilled in the use of slings. Also skilled in making them.

If anyone would like to be added to the list, please feel free to let me know. Also, let me know if you would like the information listed by your names altered in anyway or wish to be removed from the list.  This list isn't a static thing by any means.

On a sadder note, for any of you who knew Mami Tomoe, it has come to my attention that she has been sent home. I know she was close to many people. She left me a cookie recipe and since Riki has given us such a good selection of food this month, I can think of no better way to honor her memory than to bake some of the sweets she made so well. Anyone who would like to join me is welcome, though, I cannot guarantee my cookies will be anywhere near as good as the ones she made.  I--

[For a moment it seems like Diarmuid will continue, but after a few seconds, he just shakes his head and ends the feed.]


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(OOC: If anyone would like to meet up with Diarmuid in the kitchen to try making those cookies, feel free to tag your response with Action, Kitchen and cooking shenanigans can be had!)

Comments

[oathshackledbird]

[Diarmuid doesn't argue Waver's decision. He really has no right considering how badly things have gone for him so far, but as his friend brushes him off, his face grows steadily redder.]

Waver...you're getting flour in your hair...and on your clothes...and...

[fionnuisce]

It isn't going to kill me. Don't worry about it.

[Waver laughed softly, giving a dismissive shrug before turning to take the cookies out of the oven--he was reasonably sure that had been long enough, and they did look alright...]

[oathshackledbird]

[No, of course it won't kill him, but that's not what Diarmuid is worried about. He's worried about how badly Waver will hurt him if he finds out that Diarmuid thinks he looks cute with the flour in his hair and on his face.

Best he never finds out. Good thing the cookies are there to distract them.]

How are they? They don't smell burnt.

[fionnuisce]

...They look alright, actually. Doesn't necessarily mean that they are, but it's a start.

[oathshackledbird]

And nothing is burning!

[Diarmuid pauses, paling slightly since he feels like he might have just jinxed them.]

Quick, turn the oven off before that changes...

[fionnuisce]

Oh, right-- [He reached over to turn it off, glancing back at the cookies.]

...So who's going to try them first?

[oathshackledbird]

[Diarmuid gives the cookies a critical look. He's actually surprised at how...normal they look.]

We could try them together...

[fionnuisce]

If that's how you want to do it, I suppose it's not a bad idea.

[oathshackledbird]

[Diarmuid laughs, reaching to pick a cookie up off the pan.]

Hey, at least if they are terrible we will suffer together?

[fionnuisce]

It's only fair, considering we did the rest of it together.

[Waver picked up one as well half-expecting it to sprout legs and run off.]

[oathshackledbird]

Well, you did most of the work. I just made the mess. On three?

[Diarmuid gives his cookie a look before counting down and taking a bite.]

It's not too bad! What do you think?

[fionnuisce]

I'm not dead, so that's a point in our favor. Actually, it isn't terrible.

[oathshackledbird]

Something tells me that might have more to do with Mami's skill in recipe writing, than our skill in baking.

[Diarmuid takes another bite of his cookie.]

No insult to you of course, but I'm guessing whatever skill you have was just enough to balance out what I don't have. You saw the mess when you came in here. Your maid has done a remarkable job of cleaning up, by the way.

So...is this when she decides to go psycho on us? The cookies are made, things are cleaned up, and there is a light at the end of the tunnel?

[fionnuisce]

She's been...strangely cooperative lately. I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop.

[oathshackledbird]

[Diarmuid looks warily at the maid.]

Does she take bribes for good behavior? We have a whole tray of cookies here...

[fionnuisce]

I am more than reasonably certain a familiar made of liquified metal can't eat anything. Maybe that little anomaly didn't translate to this place, or maybe I've just gotten better at controlling it.

[Beat.]

More likely, though, is that she'll wait until the worst moment to fuck me over.

[oathshackledbird]

Well, it's good thing I'll be there to cover for her lapse then, right?

[Diarmuid winks at Waver and then finishes the cookie he's been eating.]

So, since they aren't deadly, what do you want to do with these? You did most of the work. It should be your choice.

[fionnuisce]

They were your idea. I'd just as soon give them to you.

[oathshackledbird]

[A mischievous twinkle enters Diarmuid's eyes.]

A courting gift? You're so kind...

[fionnuisce]

Wh--n-no! Don't get any stupid ideas, what's wrong with you?!

[oathshackledbird]

I'm teasing you, Waver. Really, you should be used to it by now.

[His grin widens.]

Besides, you should be honored. If you're the one courting, that means you're the man in this relationship...

[fionnuisce]

Th-that..this is...how does this even qualify as a relationship?!

[oathshackledbird]

[Diarmuid shrugs.]

Because I said so?

[fionnuisce]

That is hardly a specific qualification!

[oathshackledbird]

Who needs specific qualifications? This isn't science or magic or alchemy, Waver. Specific qualifications don't apply here.