trinkett | Fifth Dispatch. Practice Makes Perfect, And Perfect is Me. Action.

[It's a hot afternoon, and Effie Trinket has sneaked into the Barracks -- first checking to make sure no one else is in there.

No one is.

It's far too hot and dusty and anyone in her right mind would choose the techy comforts of the Battle Dome over this place.

This is a good thing. Effie doesn't WANT to meet anyone today. For one thing, she feels very awkwardly dressed: running shorts and a bright yellow T-shirt (yellow is a Power Color); white athletic socks with that 1970s-era striping at the top; sneakers. No heels, no shoulder pads, no wig, no makeup.

She is here -- VERY GRUDGINGLY, MIND -- to train for warfare. Her last announcement to the village brought on plenty of warnings, and even a subtle death threat or two, and at least a few people giving well-meaning advice. She can hardly believe any of the doubters who'd said the Malnosso would sacrifice her in a battle, but better safe than sorry. One never knows when the higher-ups might make a clerical error or shifting error and accidentally send a valued subject into dire straits.

The second reason she doesn't particularly want to meet anyone is because she knows none of the Luceti peons like her very much. That's fine with Effie. Eventually the Malnosso will take her into the inner workings of the organization and place her right where she belongs. Until then? Well. She can and has been staying indoors a great deal, being a bored journal stalker.

Unfortunately, this lonesome round in the Barracks confirms that Ms. Trinket is not cut out for warfare at all. It turns into hesitant prods at practice dummies with wooden swords, a lot of staring out the windows, and a frustrating turn at a punching bag.

Fighting is horrible and she's horrible at it and consequently is in a horrible mood.]

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[Kyoshi Warriors. Something about that name sends a flood of interest and adrenaline through Effie's veins. Its wildness appeals to a part of her that she has very carefully tamped down through the years.

On the other hand, it's not ladylike to be a warrior.]

I'll think about it, okay?

It's alright if you don't come, but the offer is out there if you wanted.

Now, back to this. There are some critical points on the body where you'd want to hit. [She points to them on her body.] Hitting hard isn't the object, just hitting the right spot.

[Effie finds that she likes Suki even more for her unassuming air and for not forcing the Kyoshi Warriors. Definitely likes that.]

OH. I...don't want to hit him there.

[It took Suki a second to figure out what Effie was talking about.]

Spirits no. I mean, you can, but that's a low blow and the easy way out. Hitting him here would knock him out for awhile.

Whew!

[Because honestly!]

I don't want to HURT him. I just want to...

[Hmmm. What does she just want...]

Yeah. This will just show him that you can take care of yourself. Teach him a thing or two.

This is perfect. I'm ready! Show me!

[Because Richard Sharpe NEEDED to know that about her. So did Clint. So did EVERYONE.]

[This would probably only work once, and only because it would be a surprise.

But Suki began to go over the moves with Effie. It was just a simple move: and punch to the throat and stomach. It should just stun the people, nothing more. Well, they might gasp for air, but no harm will actually be done.]

Do you understand?

Are you sure this won't hurt him?

[She understands PERFECTLY. But she still isn't sure about it.]

It'll hurt a bit, but nothing that he can't get over quickly. Basically, it's not going to leave any permanent damage.

Okay. I think I can handle that. It would seem like the sort of maneuver that's only good once.

But what if he hits me back?

Well, if you do this right, he shouldn't. It isn't like you are going to come running in, screaming sneak attack, or something. You're only doing this if he deserves it.

Right, right -- if he deserves it.

[Satisfied by this, Effie goes through the motions of the attack, trying to get them just right. They are most likely far from perfect and even executed a bit timidly. She's not a woman in touch with her warrior side.]

[It kinda shows.]

Trying adding more force behind your strikes.

[Instead of answering, Effie tries to be forceful! It works, somewhat. She tries to inspire herself by thinking of what she truly wants here: to be respected and elevated and to SHINE, at last.

This does help. Her movements at least become stronger, if not more perfectly executed.]

You're a fast learner. [She pointed out.] If you stick with it, you'll be able to take on whatever you want.

Thank you. And THAT is exactly what I intend to do!

And you know, you're welcomed to join the Kyoshi Warriors when I get it back up and running.

I'll...I'll see.

[That might require a leap that she isn't entirely capable of making yet. Someday, maybe.]

It would be different for me to do something like that.

[But wasn't all of THIS different, too?]

Different can be a good thing, you know.

[Not in Effie's experience! She stiffens slightly at that remark.]

Yes, well...like I said. I'll see. It might become necessary in the end.

[If the Malnosso mistakenly send her into battle, that is.]

Knowing this place, it's good to learn whatever you can. I'd recommend taking lessons from others at well, not just me.

[That might be taking it too far.]

I don't trust the others. Sorry.

And you trust me?

You haven't mentioned anything about poisoning me yet. You're trying to help me. So...yes. For now? I do.

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