(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?

[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?

( 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?

[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. ]

( video. )

[feigns]

How do you expect to adequately defend yourself if you're incapable of the feelings associated with it?

[ not entirely serious; he's seen her defend herself, after all, and he knows that she has (will) train with the lightwoods. ]

( video. )

[likeboudica]

[ a pause. ] You said I could be like Boudicea. She fought, did she not.

( video. )

[feigns]

I've said many things. [ a shrug. ] I'm not curious about what I said or what I think, I was more curious about your thoughts.

( video. )

[likeboudica]

[ curious about her thoughts. tessa smiles a little, though she quickly turns serious again. ] I simply think that I should have the ability to defend myself, and with more than a vase that was at hand. I wish to learn so that I mustn't rely on others. I know that Mortmain and his army of clockwork men are not here, but— he may arrive here, or even if he does not, this place is not without its dangers.

I wish— [ with more conviction: ] I want to learn. I needn't be a warrior for that.

( video. )

[feigns]

[ he pauses, attention shifting to his hand for a moment. ] And what would you say if I mentioned that you scarred me? [ she hadn't; it had been nothing but a scratch, really, and his hands were scarred enough that he doubted he'd have noticed one way or the other.

mildly: ] I hope you won't ask a Lightwood.

( video. )

[likeboudica]

[ a beat, her expression shifting from worried at first into suspicious as she peers at the screen. ] Did I truly?

Why should I ask a Lightwood? Leaving aside that to my knowledge, none of the Lightwoods are in the City.

( video. )

[feigns]

[ he hums non-committally, holding his hand up to the camera. ] See?

—A pre-emptive concern.

[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. )

[likeboudica]

I do not, as a matter of fact. [ There are too many scars there, and the quality of the video is not well enough to make out anything more detailed than that. ]

( video. )

[feigns]

Then you'll have to trust me, and be thankful that I didn't demand recompense.

( video. )

[likeboudica]

[ Lifting her chin. ] Or perhaps you shall have to be thankful that I did not leave more of a scar.

( video. )

[feigns]

And if you had, I truly would have demanded reparations of some description in response to my disfigurement.

[wouldnotkindly]

[He considers this for a moment, then nods.] That makes sense.

If you ever do find yourself in a situation like that, though... You really have to be willing to fight for your life. [Speaking from his own experience, of course.]

( video. )

[likeboudica]

I hardly could have known you were coming to my rescue.

[likeboudica]

I would rather fight for my own life than know that others are risking — or giving — theirs to protect me. [ Her face darkening briefly with those words. ]

( video. )

[feigns]

That's no excuse.

( video. )

[likeboudica]

I rather think that it is. I should be proud to have taken what measures I could to protect myself, truly.

( video. )

[feigns]

Are you sure you don't want a near-endless supply of vases, then? Everyone has a speciality.