A Witch's Tale IC

[NeoSeraphi]

Facia looks a little disappointed. Seems like she was really excited to meet someone else who was adopted.

"Sure...I guess..."

[Diachronos]

Rachel slowly pulls her bangs aside, revealing the amber-yellow eye hidden behind them. "My mother was a green hag."

[NeoSeraphi]

Facia stares at her for a moment. "...Wow. So...I guess you never knew her then?"

[Diachronos]

Rachel shakes her head and quickly moves her bangs back into place. "No... I was left on my father's doorstep when I was a newborn."

[NeoSeraphi]

Facia nods. "Did he ever talk about her?"

[Diachronos]

"Only once, when I asked him how I was born. He doesn't like thinking about her since she'd deceived him into sleeping with her, and nearly killed him after."

[NeoSeraphi]

Facia nods seriously. "I won't tell anyone. I promise."

[Diachronos]

"Thanks... it's hard enough getting to know people without them thinking I'm going to curse or eat them."

[NeoSeraphi]

Facia smiles and changes the subject.

"How do you feel about...girls?"

[Diachronos]

Rachel blinks. "What do you mean?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Facia smiles. "You know. Do you prefer the company of men, or of women? Do you have a taste for the sapphic pleasures of life?"

[Diachronos]

Rachel's face turns beet-red. "O-oh, uh... I-I never really thought about it...

[NeoSeraphi]

Facia sighs as she glances across the room at one of the junior girls. "Women are so much more beautiful. I can't help myself. Whenever I see a girl I like, a shiver runs down my spine."

[Diachronos]

Rachel looks down at her food, afraid that she'll say or do something stupid if she meeys Facia's gaze. "I hope you find someone who makes you happy."

[NeoSeraphi]

Facia smiles. "That's very sweet of you. And I hope you find someone who won't judge you for who you are or how you look."

The friendly smile of the boy who bumped into her last week flashes in her mind.

[Diachronos]

"Thanks, Facia."

[NeoSeraphi]

Lunch ends. There are several clubs open today, any of which Rachel can go visit. Or she can go work for Schultz again. Maybe Mr. Ferrerus is still in his office...

[Diachronos]

Rachel sticks with her original plan, and heads for the fencing club's meeting spot.

[NeoSeraphi]

When Rachel arrives she finds the fencing club has just started practicing. A few boys have put on their suits and masks and are parrying epees in the middle of the floor, while Lance appears to be directing them. He makes a few suggestions and adjustments.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the room, Felicia is helping a few girls do laundry, polish weapons, prepare snacks and drinks and make spreadsheets of sparring partners.

Will Rachel practice fencing or work as a support staff today?

[Diachronos]

Rachel takes a deep breath and approaches Lance.

[NeoSeraphi]

Lance turns to her. "Oh. Hello Rachel. How are you today?"

He's still pretty bruised up but his face is healing.

[Diachronos]

"I'm doing alright. Are you feeling any better today?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Lance nods. "So, what do you think of the fencing club?"

A few of the guys call for Lance to join them. He touches his sheathed blade with a look of hesitation on his face. "I'll be over in a minute, guys."

[Diachronos]

"It looks like it could be fun." When he gets called over by his friends, she gives him a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. You'll do great."

[NeoSeraphi]

"Of course I will. I'm the best," Lance replies. Rather than the kind of arrogant bravado she expects to hear from someone as popular and skilled as him, he sounds a bit tired and worried.

One of the other boys comes over and shows Rachel how to wield a rapier. She gets an idea of what she should be doing with it. She learns a few simple thrusts and the basics about a fencing stance, but she doesn't think she'll be able to get Lance's attention until she masters the basics.

[Diachronos]

Rachel does her best to get a grasp for fencing, but it's hard to do when the closest thing to a weapon she's ever held is a kitchen knife. I'll have to learn how to use this properly...

[NeoSeraphi]

When Rachel finishes up her practice, she glances over at the sparring mat.

Three boys are laying on the ground, panting and staring up through their masks in shock.

"He's an absolute demon..."

"So fast...I never even saw that attack coming."

"This has to be some kind of magic..."

Lance lowers his rapier. "The only 'magic' here is practice! You all think you can compete with Hell's Gate Prep if you fight like this? If I don't see any improvement on Friday, you three are on the bench."

They groan. "Yes Captain..."

[Diachronos]

Rachel smiles when she sees Lance standing over the other three boys. He seems to have his confidence back, at least, so that's good.

She continues practicing, waiting for a chance to speak to him alone.

[NeoSeraphi]

After practice, Lance comes to check on her. "How are you doing?"

[Diachronos]

"I'm doing alright. Still getting the hang of holding a rapier..."