[Afternoon, Moon 8, Armory] Pony Practice - Open

[Iuchi Rinzuki]

Rinzuki considers the options for a moment. "How about my grip? If that's alright."

[Shinjo Qulan]

"Oh, alright." Qulan made her way behind Rinzuki again, watching closely how the Iuchi held onto the bokken. She payed plenty of attention to how bent her elbows were and how far apart.

[Iuchi Rinzuki]

"I think I was holding it..." She shifts her grip around with a bit of awkwardness. "...like this, right?"

That she was once again leaning back into Qulan was probably for the sake of stability.

[Shinjo Qulan]

"Alright..." The bushi grabbed onto Rinzuki's forearms gently, making minor adjustments as needed. "Your elbows were to far apart and you need to relax your muscles a bit. Being to rigid isn't good, it could cause strain."

[Iuchi Rinzuki]

Somehow resisting the urge to blurt out 'that's what she said,' Rinzuki pays close attention to Qulan's guidance. "Your hands are so strong," she mumbles, more to herself than to the other woman.

[Shinjo Qulan]

A soft giggle came from behind Rinzuki. "I'm a bushi, it comes with the training. As do the callouses."

[Iuchi Rinzuki]

"It's nice," she giggles, glancing backwards as she snuggles into Qulan a bit. "Being held in strong arms like this. It makes me feel all nice and safe."

[Shinjo Qulan]

A blush tinged the cheeks of the taller girl. "Why, th-thank you, Rinzuki-chan. No one's ever told me that before."

Granted, I don't think I've held anyone...

[Iuchi Rinzuki]

"You need not thank me for speaking the truth." Her bokken slowly lowering to the ground as her attention shifts away from practice. An embarrassed smile tugs at her lips as she turns her attention away from the other woman. "I am finding it to be my favorite part of your lessons."

[Shinjo Qulan]

"W-well... Learning how to swing a blade properly should make you feel safer." Flustered Qulan was flustered. "And... You're really far too kind."

[Iuchi Rinzuki]

"It should," she agrees, even as the tip of her weapon omes to rest against the floor. Rinzuki takes a deep breath, and exhales it in a slow sinking of her shoulders. A few moments pass in silence as she just stands there, seemingly content to allow herself to be held for as long as Qulan allowed.

[Shinjo Qulan]

This seems a bit awkward. What if someone comes in? What is... Wait, why are we? Lady Shinjo, please give me some guidance as to what I should do about this! The Shinjo pleaded mentally, but to no avail. Finally, she took a deep breath and spoke softly. "Maybe we should take a small break, Rinzuki-chan. You seem a bit tired."

[Iuchi Rinzuki]

Rinzuki looks back over her shoulder, a look of contentment on her face. "...if you wish, Qulan-chan."

She didn't make any more to pull away.

[Shinjo Qulan]

... Well damn it. Qulan mentally sighed as she shifted, pulling away slightly. "Are you falling asleep on me?"

[Iuchi Rinzuki]

"Maybe just a bit," she admits with a soft chuckle. "That was just...very nice. Thank you."

[Shinjo Qulan]

"You're welcome." Qulan now fully steps away, relieved to be out of that awkward situation. Thank Shinjo for that momentary flash of common sense.

[Iuchi Rinzuki]

Rinzuki turns to face her instructor, the bokken held in one hand as the other smooths out her sleeveless kimono. "Thank you for the lesson as well. I am not sure how much I would remember in combat, but perhaps we could go over it again sometime?" She smiles softly as she reaches up to push unseen strands of hair behind her ear. "If you would like, that is."

[Shinjo Qulan]

"Ah! Of course, Rinzuki-chan. I am always willing to help a clan mate in any way I can." She responded with a small smile of her own, running her hand through the back of her own hair. "It was a pleasure."

[Iuchi Rinzuki]

Walking back to the weapon rack, Rinzuki carefully returns the bokken to its proper place. Once settled, she straightens and turns to face Qulan, her hands held behind her back as she watches the Shinjo with a warm smile.

[Shinjo Qulan]

Something about that embarrassed the poor girl, her face tinged with color as she awkwardly smiled back. "I... I think I might continue my own training, you are free to watch."