video | un: ouyang

[theatrics]

(( The face on the screen wears a severe expression that does little to mar its prettiness. ))

I require a horse and a bird.

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[theatrics]

The training grounds at the Manor should suffice.

[dragonrising]

Then I will walk there now. Give me just a few minutes.

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(( And in about five minutes, Ouyang is there. He probably should take this more seriously and wear his armor but it's not like either of them are actually out to hurt the other. ))

[dragonrising]

[Runyu arrives wearing some of his usual white robes. He doesn't look at all ready to train or to fight but he's not about to change either. He smiles at his lover then comes closer.]

What is the first part of the test?

[theatrics]

(( A single brow lifts. Of course, he's not worried for Runyu. Ouyang knows his own skill and how to control it (when needed). He's also certain that any son of a noble family has basic proficiency in certain martial arts. Not to mention Runyu's magic. So while he's confident in his own abilities, he is wary. ))

Swordsmanship. Have you a weapon?

[dragonrising]

[Summoning a sword to his hand, Runyu holds it up. It's beautiful to be sure. Something made for royalty. He hasn't held one in over five hundred years but he finds the weight of it doesn't frighten him when it's being held like this.]

Will this do?

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(( A stunning weapon, expected of Runyu's status. Ouyang's eyes brighten at the sight of it and a smile curves his mouth. He draws his own weapon and takes a fighting stance. ))

Yes. I believe it will.

[dragonrising]

[He'll have to make sure that Ouyang gets to have a closer look at it later. For now he feigns a look of surprise.]

Oh. We're starting now?

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(( Ouyang doesn't answer in words. Instead, he charges. If Runyu wants to pretend he knows nothing, he'll have to prove that to Ouyang. By not giving him too much time to think, he hopes to see Runyu's true mettle. ))

[dragonrising]

Ah. So we begin.

[Runyu brings up his sword to block the charge, letting the momentum carry him back a few steps. It's been so long since he was last in combat. And at that time...

He prefers not to think about it as he holds his defense.]

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(( Ouyang's focus is intense. There's an economy to his movements, wasting no energy on unnecessary flourishes or showing off. Indeed, his attack is relentless, bordering on brutal. He isn't about to give Runyu an opening if he can avoid it. ))

[dragonrising]

[At first it seems like Runyu is at a disadvantage. He's being pushed back, he's only on defense, his hold on his sword seems weak. But then they get him backed against a wall...

And in a sudden motion he ducks to let Ouyang's sword strike the wall instead as he sweeps behind him to switch to attack. The hold on his sword is stead now and his movements flow like water. Dangerous yet fluid.]

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(( A satisfied smile rests on his lips when he swings around to take the defensive. He's pleased that his instincts were right. For once in his life, he'll feel no shame in losing; after all, it's a god he's fighting. ))

There he is.

[dragonrising]

[Runyu just smiles a little as his motions push Ouyang toward the wall. However, he doesn't provide the same escape he used moments before as he moves to pin his lover.]

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(( He couldn't look more pleased. Dark eyes shine bright and the grin remains on his face, even as he utters those most hated words: ))

I yield.

[dragonrising]

[Runyu smiles wider now and leans in to press a kiss to his lips before stepping back.]

I was never the warrior like my brother. But most Immortals can fight to some degree at least.

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(( He nods in understanding. Runyu strikes him at the more scholarly sort, but he'd suspected a great deal of skill in his combat. Nevermind why he opted not to become a warrior, Ouyang wouldn't change anything about his lover. ))

But how is your archery?

[dragonrising]

I haven't touched a bow in a very long time. I doubt I'll be any good.

[There is mostly truth to that statement at least. It's been thousands of years since he last held a bow. So he is likely to be rusty. Just...rusty in the way of the Immortals rather than Mortals.]

[theatrics]

We'll only know if you try. Do you have a bow, as well? If not, you're welcome to use mine.

[dragonrising]

I do not. I would have to create one. It wouldn't take long but if you would like me to just use your own then I can.

[theatrics]

(( Ouyang retrieves his bow and quiver and offers them to Runyu. Given that he rarely, if ever, lets anyone else touch his weapons, it's definitely a sign of his trust and affection for the dragon. He takes another moment to set up a target a good distance away. Once he returns to his lover's side, he looks down the path to the straw target. ))

Show me your posture.

[dragonrising]

[Bowing his head in thanks, he takes the bow with respect. It feels strange to hold the bow but he doesn't let that bother him as he takes the proper stance and holds it so that way Ouyang is able to see it. He's sure it has flaws since he's trained but now actually an archer. Still, he's sure it's better than most.

Besides, it does mean he can have that posture adjusted which he's not bothered by in the least. Quite the opposite.]

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(( Not bad for someone who claims to be out of practice. Ouyang steps behind Runyu, laying his hands on his shoulders to adjust their position, then nudging his elbow a little higher. ))

Take your shot.

[dragonrising]

[Ah. That feels better. Not only the adjustment but having Ouyang so near. He smiles as he relaxes, lining up his target. They're not in combat so he doesn't rush himself. Only when he's ready does he let the arrow fly true for the center of the target.]

Mm. Xufeng would have buried that arrow deeper...

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(( Ouyang frowns. Not because the shot was bad, it most certainly wasn't. It's the comparison. If Runyu were one of his soldiers, Ouyang would tell him to strike to be more like Xufeng. And yet... There must be a reason that Runyu isn't like his brother. In his eyes, there is no need to compare. Runyu is not, first and foremost, a warrior. And he wouldn't have Runyu any other way.

He takes the bow and notches an arrow, letting it fly to hit dead center, splitting Runyu's arrow. ))

Why do you diminish your successes?