(no subject)

[oneman_onevote]

The present, it has often been said, is as good a time as any.

Therefore, it is soon after his return from Venice that Havelock Vetinari makes his way to and knocks discreetly on Nita Callahan's door.

Comments

[oneman_onevote]

Havelock doesn't resist, letting her shift his position.

"Yes. Speeded up a little, obviously."

[nita_callahan]

"Obviously."

She takes a step back and returns to a ready position.

[oneman_onevote]

"Watch the centre of weight. It may betray where your opponent will move."

He shifts, faster, and thrusts again.

[nita_callahan]

She retreats, catches his blade, and half-turns so that he'll go past her.

[oneman_onevote]

He nods, following the path.

"That works well. Make sure you keep any weapon I am carrying away from you."

He mimes a quick punch with his free arm to her side.

"Hopefully you will be moving fast enough to remove that possibility, but it is as well to be wary."

[nita_callahan]

She ducks aside.

"Right."

[oneman_onevote]

Havelock almost-smiles at her.

"Then we can try adding a few other techniques."

He steps back to continue the lesson.

[nita_callahan]

They work for about an hour, Havelock quietly correcting Nita's form as necessary. By the end of the lesson, they're moving at a reasonably fast pace -- though not exactly at a realistic fighting speed.

Finally, Nita steps back from another exchange of blows and shifts her dagger to her left hand, shaking out her right.

[oneman_onevote]

He nods at her, knife vanishing confusingly - possibly up a sleeve, possibly not.

"You're good at this."

[nita_callahan]

"Thanks." She gives him a slightly out-of-breath, pleased smile. "You're a good teacher."

[oneman_onevote]

He shrugs.

"It's simple enough. Though I chose not to use the, ah, competitive method of teaching."

The one where you pass if you survive your lesson.

"Shall we head in?"