Michael
"I did. Great guy. Not one of those old guys."

*Seeing Machi's tail wag, she stopped stroking her ears and began to stroke the fluffy tail instead, making slow, flowing movements.*

"Faster than you've ever seen. If we spar, I'll only use one blade."

*Ling would smile at Machi's blushing. Oriates were adorable.*
Robert
"Ah, that's quite lucky, as I understand."

*The Oriate smiled, and scooted a little closer, letting Ling stroke her fluffy tail. She was a bit envious of the Macen's training, admittedly. She found it all, really impressive and interesting too.*

"I think that'd be the most fair way we could spar, and maybe someday I'll be good enough to face both blades."

*She said, and her smile grew as she noticed Ling's smile, oblivious that it was because of her blush.*
Michael
"Perhaps. Fire's ferocity can sometimes overcome Wind's swiftness."

*Soon, Ling found a way to stroke Machi's ears and tail at the same time. It was so warm and soft...*

"Maybe, maybe. I would certainly enjoy seeing how fire magic pairs with swordsmanship."

"On another note. Earlier you looked at your blade almost with remorse. Does it have special meaning?"
Robert
"We shall see who knows their blade better, when we spar for sure."

*She leaned into Ling a little more at the strokes. She sighed softly and happily.*

"I find it pairs well, personally."

"Well... This blade is older than me. It's my father's. After he died, I... Kept it with me. And well... I'm not exactly skilled at keeping it in good condition, he never taught me sword care before he passed."

*Speaking of her father, made the Oriate tense a little, though she shook it off, after a moment.*
Michael
"I see. I'll teach you. Once we have enough materials, that is, how to clean and sharpen it. Dont want to use water in the middle of a desert."

*Ling would look outside, and her tone would turn pouty.*

"Is it *Still* This hot?"

*She would come back inside, taking another drink of water.*

"We should only leave at night, when it's cool. I made that mistake."

*Ling would take another look at Machi's blade, admiring it.*

"It's certainly beautiful."
Robert
*She nodded, thinking.*

"Yeah, I doubt desert water would be good... Yeah, once its cool we can get back to travelling. Should be careful though of over-exherting ourselves, even at night."

*She blushed a little, at the compliment to her blade, and looked at the sand.*

"W-well thank you, I try my best, to take care not to damage it anymore than I have to."
Michael
*Ling would give a nod.*

"All blades can be repaired, polished. It's really the quality of the blade that affects the performance. Of course, you still want a clean blade."

*Ling would stop stroking Machi, laying down on the ground or cot if there was one.*

"Well, if we make a nightly journey, we should probably rest in the day, no?"
Robert
*The Okamimi would nod, thinking.*

"Yeah, that's true."

*She frowned a little with Ling stopped stroking her ears and tails. She shifted a little, nodding. She was glad she had a spare cot for Ling, and stretched a little.*

"Yeah, we probably should. Its going to be a bit odd, resting in the day though I think."
Michael
*Ling would let out a small yaw, using her silk aketon as a sort of pillow.*

"Yeah. It's going to be weird. Just think of it as a really long nap."

*Ling would close her eyes, waiting for night to fall.*
Robert
*She nodded, and laid down, letting off a yawn of her own. She started up at the the tent's roof.*

"Yeah, rest well."

*She said, thinkin for a moment before closing her eyes.*