The Amell Legacy: Transgressions

[Carver Amell]

"I can't," she whispers, taking half a step back. "I-- I can't, I'm not -- I'm not allowed to--"

[Haliel Lightsong]

"Why not? Everyone should be able to defend themselves, from noble to urchin, child to elder."

[Carver Amell]

"Please," she whispers, eyes filling with tears, as she takes another step back.

[Haliel Lightsong]

"Please what, Miss Carol?" Lightsong asks softly, lowering the blade to her side. "I wish to help, but I cannot aid blinded from the trouble."

[Carver Amell]

Carol looks at her twin, silently begging her to explain.

[Bethany]

Beth is studying Carol intently, lip caught between her teeth. "Do it, ma'win," she whispers. "Mother will be upset but... you want it. You deserve something for you, something you want. Do it. I'll figure out... whatever needs to happen to make it okay."

[Carver Amell]

Carol swallows, looking down at her feet. She takes a deep breath, then lifts her head, reaching to take the sword. 

It feels so nice in my hand.. just right for my grip, and heavier than I expected.

[Marian Hawke]

Bells watches from a few steps away, one hand over her mouth, the other clutching Hunter.

[Haliel Lightsong]

"Not bad. A little higher up- there, just like that. Now match my stance," Lightsong says, using one hand to lift her vestments a little so Carol can see how she's positioning her feet. "How does that feel?"

[Carver Amell]

Carol shakes her head, but mirrors the stance, holding the sword firmly in both hands. 

[Haliel Lightsong]

"No, just the one hand. It's a longsword, designed to work with a shield," the paladin explains, then wrinkles her nose. "Well. Some us another weapon in their off-hand but I've no skill at such."

[Carver Amell]

Carol hesitantly lifts her left hand off it, hefting it gently with her right hand. 

[Haliel Lightsong]

"There you go. It can take a bit to build up your hand and wrist to control it well, but going one handed gives you a great deal more flexibility. A worthy trade off for the power two hands can grant, at least in my opinion." Lightsong studies Carol for a moment, circling around her temporary student. "Turn your toes in a little, left foot. Very well done otherwise for an absolute novice. Your dance skills perhaps."

[Marian Hawke]

As Carol does her best to follow Lightsong's instructions, Marian slips near to Beth. "I won't tell the Mistress," she says quietly, watching them. "I don't know about them but she won't find out from me."

[Bethany]

Beth stiffens, then forces herself to relax. Donna won't say anything, not after I covered for her afternoon tryst with Williams. Donalds... I'll have to work on that. "...thank you," she says carefully, staring at Marian out of the corner of her eye so she doesn't have to look away from her twin. "Why?"