Madam_Jade

@Kratesis: "We fell," she answered, "The two of us. Together. On the bridge, he held on for life, and he held on to me as well. I severed the line. He made me. Only fitting that we would die together. But when we hit the water... and the darkness closed in, and I felt death take its hold... I awoke. He had carried me to shore. I know... I know that his altruism is a facade, but... I had no strength left to fight. The man who took my life from me rescued me from certain death! Can you imagine the shame I must carry because of my failure?! The shame I must carry because of his triumph?!" She turned and buried her fist in the wall. "CAN YOU?!"

@Kratesis: "The last time I did battle with him... the man I plan to kill... the first time I ever faced him. I thought I was prepared. I WAS prepared. He and his allies were defenseless as we closed in from all side, but... when it came down to the two of us, one fighting for survival, the other, for retribution... I insulted the memory of those he took from me." Her eyes drifted shut as she whispered mournfully, "I failed."

@Kratesis: "What?" asked the serpent, glancing back at the girl over her shoulder.

@Kratesis: "I have more discipline than you realize." she replied, turning her back to the girl, "Pardon me if I do not view condescension as a reasonable guide."

@Kratesis said:

@Madam_Jade: 'I shall, when ye master the elementary.' Once more cruelly playing on the young serpents anger and rage, taunting her, although not out of malice for once.

"I crawled down into the darkness," Jade snarled, "I climbed to the highest peaks, I spilled my own blood, all to learn my skills, because no one was going to hand them to me. I have only what I was born with, and unlike some, that is not a blessing." She looked the girl up and down, eyes burning with resentment. "You do not dare talk down to me because I had to work for my strength, and I will not beg for it from the likes of you."

@Kratesis: "Spare me the elementary." she replied viciously.

@Kratesis: "I have sought all possible training with my weapon." she said, brandishing her yumi, "And I have trained my entire life to ensure that I am never left dependent on one strength. An archer is a fool to depend only on her bow."

@Kratesis: "Superior technique. Superior technology. Superior speed. Superior strength. Superior intellect."

@Kratesis said:

@Madam_Jade: Looking up to the serpent of the east Kratesis simply nods in acceptance. 'When should ye be ready to start?'

"Whenever you want me." she replied, feeling an icy creature slither down the length of her spine.

@Kratesis said:

@Madam_JadeAway elsewhere in the monastery Kratesis simply goes about her customary tasks. She will be available if Jade wishes to speak with her again.

Jade took perch in the rafters high above, looking down on the young woman until she finally spoke, "You win."