video; @damen

[goldcuffed]

[The video clicks on to the face of a young man with dark olive skin and unruly dark curls, damp from a shower. It's strangely unfocused, and shifts around for a moment before he realizes how to hold it best to get the right angle - he clearly isn't used to technology like this.] Is this- Yes, the flashing light means 'recording'... [He mumbles to himself, eventually setting the device down on a table in front of him.

When he smiles, it's brightly, pleasantly.] Hello. I'm Damen, I'm... newly arrived, within the last couple of weeks, as many others are, and I admit I am not quite used to this city yet, nor all it has to offer. Back home, I'm a soldier, but here...

I keep remembering when I was young. I cheated once, when my tutor was to test me on my history lessons. My friend Nikandros gave me all the answers beforehand, so that we could go to the training yard sooner. My tutor was very impressed with my knowledge, but my father knew immediately. I could never trick the King.

He said to me, Damianos- [And here, he says something gravely in a language that has similarities to Greek, in the nouns and verbs, though a different grammatical structure. After, a translation,] Only a fool pretends to know what he has the opportunity to learn.

[His smile takes on a slightly sadder note, but he banishes it quickly.] So, I am searching for a combat instructor and sparring partner, one who can teach me the things that my world has not yet discovered. There are so many weapons here I do not recognize, and I'm sure techniques I have never seen before. I am no beginner, however, and so I would prefer someone experienced. You will be adequately compensated for your time. Thank you.

Comments

voice; @j.wick

[adiuvio]

I'm a specialized combat tactics and firearms instructor for the Perimeter Guard. I'd be open to teaching a civilian in my free time, provided they have previous combat experience.

You said you were a soldier. Was that on reserve, or have you seen action?

[goldcuffed]

[Oh, someone working with the perimeter guard as an instructor. That is fortuitous, honestly - it means, presumably, he at least knows how to teach, and won't just try to goad him into a street brawl like certain other respondents.]

I have seen action, yes. More in the past few months than I would have cared to otherwise, but I took my first command at seventeen and have been on the field when needed since. I promise you, I can keep up. [There is a certain arrogance to it, but also earnest sincerity that says he doesn't know how to do anything but tell the truth.]

I wanted to join the Perimeter Guard, actually, but... Well, I thought it ill-advised, considering I haven't caught up with what's considered modern here.

[adiuvio]

That makes sense. It's always best to know what you're up against. Never go into a fight unprepared.

What's your schedule like?

[goldcuffed]

Yes, exactly. I don't exactly anticipate having modern weapons used against me, everyone I've met so far has seemed quite kind, but I don't want to be the one in the dark. [It's always a bad position to be in, to be the one with the least knowledge in any given situation, and people seem to take for granted the things that still baffle him.]

It varies quite a bit, my shoots are usually in the late mornings and early afternoons, but I generally have a bit of freedom to move things around to fit your schedule.

[adiuvio]

Let's do an early morning. We've got a lot of ground to cover.

Bring a water bottle and wear something comfortable. You're going to break a sweat.

[goldcuffed]

Just name the time and place, and I will be there. [It sounds promising, covering a lot of ground and 'you're going to break a sweat'. You can practically hear the wide smile in his voice, the tinge of excitement. He's an eager and enthusiastic student, at least.]

I look forward to it!

[adiuvio]

I'll drop you a line.

[ He's amused. ]