(video)

[likeboudica]

I have [ the briefest expression of insecurity flickering over her face before Tessa straightens her shoulders and faces the camera more fully ] decided that I should learn how to fight. I cannot endlessly rely on others for protection should I need it.

There are those here that teach it, I am certain. Mr Morgan? [ A beat. ] Will, perhaps?

It is not unsuitable for women to engage in such activities. [ It starts as a question, but she changes her mind halfway through and it becomes a statement instead. These are different times, and even back home with the Shadowhunters, the usual rules of society did not apply. While they are part of what makes Tessa who she is (something she wishes to hold on to), perhaps it is time she stopped letting them hold her back. ]

Comments

( video. )

[feigns]

Of course it's not unsuitable. [ a pause, and his lips quirk. ] But I wasn't aware you were capable of such feelings.

( video. )

[likeboudica]

[ tilting her head a little in question. once (not so long ago), the quirk of his lips would have made her question her words, would have seemed too much like mockery. ] Capable of what feelings, exactly?

( video. )

[feigns]

Warrior feelings.

—That is what you said, isn't it?

( video. )

[likeboudica]

I may not be capable of warrior feelings, perhaps, but that does not mean I should not at the very least be able to defend myself, would you not agree?

[wouldnotkindly]

[Jack isn't sure what he finds off-putting about this, but it's enough to get him to respond.]

Are you sure you want that?

[likeboudica]

Quite certain, sir. [ It surprises Tessa a little, that the first reaction other than Will's to her request would be this, rather than support, though perhaps she is simply reading to much into his question. ]

[wouldnotkindly]

I don't mean to be rude, miss, but... Why? [Maybe it's just that he associates fighting with something he's only ever had to do to survive under the most dire of circumstances, but it doesn't seem like something a girl like this should consider taking up lightly.]

[likeboudica]

As I said, sir. So that I need not rely on others to defend me. I cannot hope that there will always be someone inclined and able to fight for me should I find myself in danger. [ Frowning. A little more carefully, spoken slowly as though she is considering each word: ] I suppose one may say that I wish to learn how to fight so as to be more independent, and for my own safety.

[ video ]

[ex_bloodcakedarmor707]

[Derek's been worried about her through the last few weeks. Tessa always seems like such a delicate person with this inner strength that's just waiting to bubble over. So when he hears the topic of conversation he's more than happy to oblige so that some of that inner strength can work for her on the outside too.]

Buffy and I teach classes every weeknight. And it's good, suitable, for you to want to know how to defend yourself. Especially after the desert and all those creatures.

[He looks down and messes with the device just a bit.] Sending you a file, sweetheart.

[ FILE DOWNLOAD ]

[ video ]

[likeboudica]

[ Smiling at the screen. ] Mr Morgan. I thought I remembered that you taught classes, but I was not certain whether they were suitable. I am a— [ beginner. ] I have never fought before, not truly. But I would like to learn.

[ Looking down as well. It takes her a moment to open the file. ] Thank you. Which class would you suggest I follow?

[ video ]

[ex_bloodcakedarmor707]

Starting with basic self defense is probably a good idea. And you could pick a weapon to start with too. Both Buffy and I work with beginners just as much as those who know what they're doing.

[He offers her a small grin, hoping to reassure whatever worries she might have about being a beginner. He remembers when he first started with Judo that he was pretty uncertain about it and with himself in regards to it until he'd finally earned his Yūdansha ranking.] Besides, that's the whole point. Starting from the beginning and working your way up. After you get basic self defense down, we can teach you some Judo if you feel you'd like to be better with hand-to-hand. If not, basic self defense and a weapon should be enough.

[ video ]

[likeboudica]

What weapons would you suggest? [ Frowning a little, before she allows a smile to slip. ] So far, my only weapon has been a vase. It was not, I am afraid, terribly effective.

[1charmingangel]

You would perish in modern society.

[likeboudica]

I have been living in the City for months and have not yet perished.

[1charmingangel]

You also haven't needed to change your ways to be a part of society.

[likeboudica]

For what reasons would I perish in modern society, then? What would I need to adapt to?

video;

[candothat]

You wear very large skirts. I think you would need different clothes to fight in.

video;

[likeboudica]

Yes, of course. [ The smallest flush. ] I own other clothes. I believe, sweatpants? And a t-shirt. [ And also a miniskirt and a leather jacket that she wore during a curse once, buried at the back of her closet. ] Those should be more suited I think.

video;

[candothat]

That would be better, yes. [Just trying to be practical!]

[He hesitates.] I could help you practice fighting.

[dudeimbatman]

Hello no it's not unsuitable. Someone hurts you and you kick their ever loving ass.

[likeboudica]

[ Blinking as she decodes that. The only other person who regularly uses such language around her is Faith, and Tessa at times still has trouble making sense of what is said. ]

Yes, of course.

[dudeimbatman]

'Long as we're clear on that. I'm Dean Winchester.

[whattingawhat]

Girls kick ass. It's a new motto thing. I used to have a tee shirt that said that even and yes, there's class teaching. By a girl even. me. The girl. With Derek...Mr. Morgan.

[likeboudica]

It used to be quite different; in the time I am from such activities are considered quite unsuitable for women. [ things are different, though, here in the City. times have changed, perhaps for the better, tessa thinks. ] I would like to try, though. To [ p a u s e ] kick ass.

[whattingawhat]

[Buffy has to smile at that.] I think that's totally do-able.