(( There's a particular rhythm in what Ouyang would teach his conscripts and recruits, and when he would teach them. After all, there's no point in trying to learn to fight from horseback if one isn't already a capable rider. Or inept with their weapons. Riley's learned enough swordsmanship to not pose a serious danger to himself or a horse. But he'd need to learn archery before trying that from horseback. ))
(( When Riley arrives, Ouyang is waiting for him. Actually waiting, not out practicing on his own. Since this is his pupil's first time at his household's new home, Ouyang -- who has learned some shred of manners from Runyu -- had decided he should show the Fae around first. ))
[Sword in hand, Riley comes trotting up. He's learned that one of the best ways to warm himself up before his lessons with Ouyang is to jog a little bit on the way there. Which he's definitely done and he smiles brightly when he sees his teacher, waving to him and coming forward to offer one of the polite bows to him.]
(( Ouyang bows his head in greeting. There's a vague hint of a smile on his lips when Riley comments on his new home. With a wave of his hand, he gesture for the Fae to follow. ))
[Right away, he trots after him, taking in everything at once. Somehow this feels even more homely than the last place they were. He feels so comfortable here right away.]
(( It certainly isn't as grand as their previous home in terms of the grounds, but it's enough for the three of them living there. Ouyang guided Riley around, introducing him not only to the training grounds, but showing him the stable with its little house for his bird attached to it, and the house he, Runyu, and Yanyou share. ))
I hope you don't mind me saying this but I love this place even more than your old one. This really feels...like a home. Like there's only love found here.
(( Hearing that warmed Ouyang, but it would be hard to tell from his outward expression. It only shows in his eyes the contented swish of his tail. Damn that thing betraying his feelings like that! ))
It feels that way to me, as well. This is our home, not a place in someone else's.
I'm really happy for you both. Thank you so much for showing me around. You didn't have to but it means a lot to me that you'd let me see your heart like this.
[Because that's what this place is to Riley. Their hearts on display.]
(( This home is very much a combination of all who live here, a collection of the things that matter most to them. Ouyang simply nods his head once, though he feels a warmth in his chest at such high praise. ))
They go through their usual sword exercises before Ouyang adds a few new items to the routine. He finds it's always better to build on a solid foundation and, as he's not dragging Riley off to war at any given moment, he feels more comfortable taking his time. After that, he begins to show him archery: how to hold the bow, how to notch the arrow, how to focus and take aim.
Several hours pass before, covered in sweat from the exertion, Ouyang calls their session complete. But before he dismisses Riley completely, he pats the sword the Fae gave him. ))
[He's so sweaty and panting now. But something that both of them are likely to notice is how he doesn't pant as hard anymore. And he even still has energy after. Because even when he's not taking his lessons he's still practicing what he's been taught, even during that time when they had to take a break.
Right now his fingers ache from learning the bow but he fully plans to get himself a bow so he can practice that now too.
Ready to go, he pauses at the comment about the sword. And then his face lights up.]
I'm so glad. I was really admiring yours and so I wanted to get one commissioned in your style. So I drew out the style I wanted and figured out the measurements to get them to the smith.
[Riley nods and then trots over to his bag. Pulling out his sketchpad he flips to the pages. On one he's carefully drawn out Ouyang's original sword and figured out all the measurements to get the lengths and widths right. On the other page is all the stages of he design right up to the final product.]
I gave a bigger version of the picture to the smith and had all the measurements written on it too.
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Oh but wait! What else can you teach? I'd love to learn more from you.
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(( There's a particular rhythm in what Ouyang would teach his conscripts and recruits, and when he would teach them. After all, there's no point in trying to learn to fight from horseback if one isn't already a capable rider. Or inept with their weapons. Riley's learned enough swordsmanship to not pose a serious danger to himself or a horse. But he'd need to learn archery before trying that from horseback. ))
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Wow, this is your new home? It's beautiful.
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I will show you around.
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[Right away, he trots after him, taking in everything at once. Somehow this feels even more homely than the last place they were. He feels so comfortable here right away.]
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It feels that way to me, as well. This is our home, not a place in someone else's.
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[Because that's what this place is to Riley. Their hearts on display.]
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Come. Let us get started.
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[Immediately, he bounces after him to go to the training grounds. His sword isn't even unsheathed yet and it's already bright orange with excitement!]
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They go through their usual sword exercises before Ouyang adds a few new items to the routine. He finds it's always better to build on a solid foundation and, as he's not dragging Riley off to war at any given moment, he feels more comfortable taking his time. After that, he begins to show him archery: how to hold the bow, how to notch the arrow, how to focus and take aim.
Several hours pass before, covered in sweat from the exertion, Ouyang calls their session complete. But before he dismisses Riley completely, he pats the sword the Fae gave him. ))
This is a fine weapon. I thank you for it.
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Right now his fingers ache from learning the bow but he fully plans to get himself a bow so he can practice that now too.
Ready to go, he pauses at the comment about the sword. And then his face lights up.]
I'm so glad. I was really admiring yours and so I wanted to get one commissioned in your style. So I drew out the style I wanted and figured out the measurements to get them to the smith.
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You designed this?
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I gave a bigger version of the picture to the smith and had all the measurements written on it too.
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