Private Skater Girls

[Hanna]

Location: Beach, Hakawa Islands - Dac
Time: Mid-Morning
Armor: Sparkle Velocity
Notable Equipment: Glitter Roses (2)
Objective: Teach Valmy to skate.
Tag: Valmy Tomo

From what Hanna had heard, the Hakawa Islands were quite lovely during this time of year. However, the Qilin had not come to the islands for vacation, as her work with the Contractor Corps demanded much of her time. It was only now that she had managed to carve out a block of a few days for this particular excursion—a private training exercise with a girl friend she had met during her last mission.

It had taken Hanna a couple hours to set up the course. Stretching down the length of the beach, the Qilin had incorporated both makeshift and environmental obstacles, in addition to holographic shooting targets and sharp turns.

Today, Hanna was a teacher.

And her lesson—repulsorlift skating—was finally ready. Satisfied with her work, Hanna waited on the beach for Valmy to arrive, sipping from a water canteen as she took in the coastline and ocean outstretched before her. The air was tangy with notes of sea spray, a gentle breeze carrying inland to generate a slight cooling effect. With her combat suit on, Hanna couldn’t feel all of it, but the sensation of the breeze flowing through her hair brought forth a rare smile to her lips.

This wasn’t a vacation. And yet—

Hanna exhaled slowly. She realized that this was the first time she had taken something resembling one since the collapse of the Agents of Chaos. The feeling was as unfamiliar as it was mystifying. She had fought, trained, and killed in some capacity for virtually her entire life. A daughter of the Wild Hunt, she had been molded for violence, her psychology shaped in such a way as to predispose her towards lethality and controlled aggression.

Of course, Hanna had tried to stop. She had enrolled in university to study dance. However, it hadn’t taken long for her to return to the life that she knew. Though now, rather than fighting to topple empires and regimes as she had done with the Agents of Chaos, she fought for them as a mercenary. And seeking yet more thrill from her work, she had trained herself to utilize repulsorlift skates, forging herself into an elite, high-speed killer capable of tearing through the battlefield at blistering speeds.

And now, she would do the same for another.

A sigh was coaxed from her lips. Perhaps in the afternoon, she might more fully enjoy the beach and visit one of the local resort attractions. However, now was the time for business.

And then later, pleasure.

 

[Valmy Tomo]

Objective: Learn a new skill…probably flirt a little
Location: Hakawa Islands, Dac
Tags: Hanna

Valmy had never been to the "surface" of Dac before. She had assumed it was nothing but water and floating docks that led to native underwater cities. She was a little surprised when she received a message from her fellow mercenary to meet for a lesson in repulsor-skates, she was even more surprised by the location.

Now that she had arrived on the islands a smirk formed on her lips. Training had always been done in stark military establishments, on the rare occasions that Valmy took part in them. This place gave the vibe that fun was required. Valmy began to wonder if Hanna was more than a no nonsense soldier. That thought appealed to Valmy a lot. She was very glad that she packed a bikini and some credits hearing that the destination would be a beach.

If her teacher was some plain Jane human the environment might have been a big distraction, but the little unicorn-like Hanna with all sorts of curves was sure to keep Valmy's attention. As the training course came into view Valmy wondered how many times the various obstacles would cause her to fall. Pain was sometimes a necessary part of training though. If she could learn how to rip around on the skates it would be well worth it.

Of course Hanna was waiting, sipping on a beverage, likely water, and donning the same tight fitting combat suit as she has at their recently shared mission. Some of the armaments were missing that gave Valmy hope this might lead to some fun after the lesson was complete. Now though it was time to focus on her teacher…and the lesson given.

"Hey girl," Valmy greeted casually. She was not wearing her combat suit, but rather a purple and pink sports bra and matching bike shorts. "Let me throw on some skates and then we can start with the basics. Beautiful setting you've chosen. Hope there is enough time to enjoy between training sessions," she gave Hanna a wink that suggested she wished to enjoy the beach together.

 

[Hanna]

Location: Beach, Hakawa Islands - Dac
Time: Mid-Morning
Armor: Sparkle Velocity
Notable Equipment: Glitter Roses (2)
Objective: Teach Valmy to skate.
Tag: Valmy Tomo

Slipping the canteen into her pack, Hanna turned around as her ears twitched in response to noise, a hand cautiously hovering over one of her pistols. Fortunately, the action was wholly unnecessary. The Qilin allowed herself a smile as Valmy approached, though she took in her bike shorts, sports bra, and wildly styled pink hair with a raised eyebrow.

And yet, all it took was a casually delivered ‘hey girl’ for Hanna to momentarily forget herself.

Hanna blushed, a soft, playful laugh escaping from her lips as she tucked a windblown strand of hair behind one of her pointed ears.

“Plenty of time, if you can keep up,” Hanna teased in a tone as warm as it was demure. “I packed sunscreen,” she added. “And...a few other things, as well.” The Qilin glanced up then, her eyes going wide as she took in Valmy’s uncovered hair, once more forgetting what she was going to say.

Was it something about a helmet?

Hanna blinked. Then, she smiled. A girlish sequence of giggles fluttered out from her lips as she stroked a hand through her own hair, her eyes lighting up with mischief in the process.

“It’s a relatively flat, open expanse and the sand here should help with cushioning any falls,” Hanna continued after a few moments, her gaze shifting towards the surrounding beach. “I won’t have you going that fast. Though...I would hate to see sand get inside your hair,” she added with a frown, her eyelashes fluttering in coquettish fashion.

At that point, Hanna turned, before sitting down to put on her repulsorlift skates. They were a more advanced, high-performance model than the ones Valmy had, intended solely for use by high-skilled, professional skaters—far too powerful for beginning or even moderately-trained skaters. However, their performance came at the cost of utility—specifically, the ability to walk. Designed in such a way that they closely resembled ballet boots, putting them on forced the wearer to fully commit to skating. The mere act of touching the ground at the wrong speed or angle could see the skater immediately wiped out.

After putting on her skates, Hanna spun around, dancing a few inches above the ground as she described a circle around the immediate area!

 

[Valmy Tomo]

Objective: Learn a new skill…probably flirt a little
Location: Hakawa Islands, Dac
Tags: Hanna

Valmy slowed her approach a little as she saw Hanna's reaction to her. Perhaps it would have been wiser to come to practice in armor, but the plates of Valmy's battle attire were thick and stiff. Valmy thought learning while less encumbered would be a better option. Plus skating didn't have to be a combat only activity.

"Plenty of time, if you can keep up," Hanna teased in a tone as warm as it was demure. "I packed sunscreen," she added. "And...a few other things, as well." The Qilin glanced up then, her eyes going wide as she took in Valmy's uncovered hair, once more forgetting what she was going to say.

Hanna's demeanor shifted quickly and the blush made Valmy smirk. The pink-haired human wasn't sure how shy Hanna was, but the appearance of shyness was absolutely adorable. The response to the question of having fun seemed almost like a challenge. Valmy wasn't certain she could answer it, but she would sure try. Valmy was the type to get something right away or struggle mightily. She wasn't sure which was preferable in this case. Usually she would feign awkwardness at first in physical tasks. Have the teacher need to be leaned on, literally. Requiring Hanna to be hands on in keeping Valmy's balance might not be the most intelligent thing based on their difference in size. "Is the Sun bad here? I am so bad at keeping my skin protected. My is always getting all the attention."

Valmy paused a moment, her imagination going crazy with what all "other things" could entail. Valmy wasn't much of a beach goer, and she didn't know what the rules were on Dac. Hanna's silent reactions were adding to Valmy's immense intrigue in her trainer. The series of goggles that escaped the Quilin's lips made Valmy bite her lower lip to resist the instinct to playfully pounce on Hanna and forget the skating for a bit. She was forced to bite down harder as Hanna's hand ran through her hair and that look of mischief…Oh the seemingly shy ones were the most trouble, and fun!

"It's a relatively flat, open expanse and the sand here should help with cushioning any falls," Hanna continued after a few moments, her gaze shifting towards the surrounding beach. "I won't have you going that fast. Though...I would hate to see sand get inside your hair," she added with a frown, her eyelashes fluttering in coquettish fashion.

Valmy nodded, able to get her attention onto the training, for the moment. Though the sand did look sort of inviting. "Don't worry about my hair too much, sand will merely require a quick shower," she winked suggestively at the diminutive cutie before continuing. "My hair care products weigh more than my armor and guns," she finished with a giggle.

Valmy watched Hanna begin to put on her stakes and worked on her own. She was smart enough to see there was a difference, but didn't know what they would be. A practiced skater, Hanna finished first and Valmy couldn't help but stop and watch the graceful spin and beginning skate before putting her head down and finishing the first task of the lesson. She was very glad that she was able to stand in the skates for a base position, but she wanted the lesson to start. Her athletic socks extended beyond the top of the skates to her knees, pink and purple striped. She took in a short breath and started up the skates, raising off the ground slightly, with an initial unsteadiness. Valmy awkwardly moved to Hanna's side and laughed. "You promised not too fast. I am ready to go. I think."

 

[Hanna]

Location: Beach, Hakawa Islands - Dac
Time: Mid-Morning
Armor: Sparkle Velocity
Notable Equipment: Glitter Roses (2)
Objective: Teach Valmy to skate.
Tag: Valmy Tomo

"Is the Sun bad here? I am so bad at keeping my skin protected. My hair is always getting all the attention."

“You can take care of my hair,” Hanna replied, “and I’ll take care of your skin~” She finished, her lips forming a playful, kittenish smile as she came back around towards Valmy, before moving to her side. In doing so, the Qilin gazed over Valmy's form, her eyes lighting up as she caught sight of her pink and purple-striped knee-high socks and tight-fitting bike shorts. The entire getup left her midriff wonderfully exposed, a sight which immediately told her that core strength wouldn’t be a problem!

"You promised not too fast. I am ready to go. I think."

At that, Hanna gave a sharp inhale, before exhaling. Onto the lesson.

“Now...” Hanna started, before regarding Valmy’s stance. Being that there was more than a foot separating their heights, the Qilin knew that she would have to adapt her lesson to the taller woman’s physique. There were certain benefits that came with having a low center of gravity in regards to repulsorlift skating. Those being easier balance and lower mass distribution allowing for quicker directional shifts. Still, technique was the ultimate decider, and Hanna was confident that so long as Valmy understood and mastered the necessary skills, she would soon be skating right alongside her.

“Let’s start with fundamentals.” Hanna said. “Your center of gravity is everything. When we skate, we want to be slightly crouched, with knees bent, core engaged, and arms out for balance. Like so.” She explained, demonstrating the stance for Valmy. “This is the base we will utilize to govern weight distribution, which is how we stabilize and enact turns.” The Qilin continued.

Turning towards Valmy, Hanna gently adjusted the positioning of her arms, before moving down to her core, hips, and knees.

“Arms loose, core engaged, and hips stable.”

 

[Valmy Tomo]

Objective: Learn a new skill…probably flirt a little
Location: Hakawa Islands, Dac
Tags: Hanna

Valmy's lips formed into a wide smile as Hanna stated that Valmy could help with her hair. The Quilin's long pastel purple hair was something that Valmy would very much enjoy getting her fingers on. But as she thought her eyes widened at Hanna's return offer. Was her skating teacher sly or naive? Did Hanna know where Valmy's thought would go at getting "skin care"? "Deal!" Valmy blurted out before the exchange of pampering could be forgotten.

A look down at the Quilin had Valmy thinking Hanna wasn't quite as shy as initially hypothesized. There was certainly mischief there, and as Hanna moved about her eyes took in Valmy with intrigue. This trip could end up with more than just a learned skill.

The pink haired mercenary tensed a little as the lesson started. The mercenary couldn't help but also take note of the height difference between the two. Valmy wondered if Teresa Zambrano | Darth Pellax felt as large as Valmy did now when they met. Did Hanna feel as small as Valmy had? Or were they just used to be taller or shorter all the time?

Valmy nodded at first as she understood center of gravity and balance. She had made an attempt at learning some club dances. It hadn't gone swimmingly and her teacher was not as entrancing as Hanna. Also she did learn to fight in close quarters which required balance. She listened to instructions and thought she had enacted the stance. Valmy was not exactly what one would call steady however as Hanna moved closer to correct things.

Allowing Hanna to maneuver her arms was simple and she was sure things were going well and then the Quilin's hands brushed against her abs. Muscles tensed beneath the soft touch, in a good way. Valmy could not help the gentle purr that escaped her lips. She exhaled slowly as hands grazed over her hips and moved to bend her knees a bit more to get the perfect stance. "One of three things needs to happen right now," Valmy started in a husky tone and a chuckle. "We start the lesson and I start skating, your hand moves back up my leg and we forget about skating, or I tackle you and we get a bit sandy before starting the lesson in earnest."

Though either of the other choices were preferable, Valmy decided to start moving and try to get this down quickly. Hanna's hands would do what they did. Valmy would enjoy any continued contact as she slowly pushed forward. Not looking like a young deer taking their first steps, but not looking like she was bound for skating greatness either.

 

[Hanna]

Location: Beach, Hakawa Islands - Dac
Time: Mid-Morning
Armor: Sparkle Velocity
Notable Equipment: Glitter Roses (2)
Objective: Teach Valmy to skate.
Tag: Valmy Tomo

Hanna’s cheeks warmed to a rosy pink shade at Valmy’s purr, her hands lingering just a heartbeat longer than necessary after adjusting the woman’s stance. The warmth of Valmy's skin beneath her palms sent an unexpected flutter through her stomach, which the Qilin could not wholly disguise or suppress. Instead, she surrendered to a soft giggle, her tongue darting out to wet her lips as she gazed up at the much taller woman.

“Lesson first,” Hanna murmured, her lips curving into a coy smile. “But maybe later on, if you master the basics quickly...” Her voice trailed off then, her features lighting up with equal parts mischief and coquetry. “I might show you the proper way to fall,” she finished, punctuating the tease with a breathless laugh.

Her grip steadied then, as Valmy began to move, before gently guiding the woman to a halt. “But not yet~” she chided, playful reprimand dancing in her tone. “Next is altitude control.” She continued.

Hanna shifted back into instructor mode, her voice yet retaining a melodic quality. “Hover skating isn’t wholly two-dimensional,” she explained. “You’ll normally skate less than a foot above the ground, but depending on the model of skates you have, they might be able to go up to five meters with some additional ‘play’ depending on jumps and terrain undulations.” She continued. “That said, changing your altitude is simple: all it requires is subtle foot pressure. Toe-down for ascent, heel-down for descent.”

“I want you to ascend a couple meters, then slowly come back down. I’ll be right next to you,” Hanna finished, gently placing her hands on Valmy’s hips in order to stabilize her.

“Whenever you’re ready,” she added with a soft, disarming smile and playfully batted lashes.

 

[Valmy Tomo]

Objective: Learn a new skill…probably flirt a little
Location: Hakawa Islands, Dac
Tags: Hanna

Hanna's thoughts seemed to be in line with Valmy's. The lesson would come first no matter how enticing the distractions were. And the action to moisten lips, the tone of Hanna's voice, and her infectious laugh were certainly distracting. But Valmy wanted to learn these skates. And she did have the willpower to make that happen to the best of her abilities.

As the human mercenary started to move her tutor gently coaxed her to stop forward momentum. The touch and the voice made Valmy hum in delight. But she made herself focus as Hanna explained that skating could be done at different elevations depending on the skates one wore. Valmy gave a nod of understanding even as she shifted her weight ever so slightly into Hanna's touch.

The mechanics of the third dimension of travel via skates seemed relatively simple. Putting it into practice probably not so much. "I think I got it. So first we learn the ups and downs. Then we try the course," Valmy responded with a nod of her head.

Hanna instructed it was time for Valmy to try. The pink-haired woman smiled and slowly angled her toe downwards. "I am pretty sure I could do anything with your hands on my hips. And that is definitely not a request for more freedom."

Valmy started the requested ascent. Her balance shifted just a bit while Hanna's hands were there to her straight. As she continued to rise there was a moment of significant wobbling. She wasn't sure if Hanna had let go or the gap between her feet and the ground made something shift. Maybe it was the breeze. But as she continued past the one meter height Valmy gained confidence and became more steady. At the two meter mark she shifted her eyes to lock on Hanna's, "Not saying I am ready to go pro or anything, but good right? Don't suppose going down is easier? Well…" Valmy giggled at her first thought and gave a wink before finishing with another. "Suppose nose-diving into the sand is super simple. And probably painful since I don't know how to fall yet."

 

[Hanna]

Location: Beach, Hakawa Islands - Dac
Time: Mid-Morning
Armor: Sparkle Velocity
Notable Equipment: Glitter Roses (2)
Objective: Teach Valmy to skate.
Tag: Valmy Tomo

Hanna ascended with Valmy, and as anticipated, the woman wobbled the higher she went. Still, although wobbling was a consequence of skating too high above the ground, there were also ways to mitigate it.

“The higher you go, the more wobbling you will get,” Hanna explained, her voice calm as tide pools. “You can mitigate it by relaxing your toes and heels. With skating, foot control is everything,” she added.

All the while, Hanna gently guided Valmy to a stop at the two-meter mark, hands once more lingering at the woman’s hips with feather-light assurance.

“Steady as a heliconian,” she praised, approval warming her tone. “And going down is easier, just relax your breathing and gently shift your weight to your heels. Slow and smooth.”

The Qilin paused, a playful smirk dancing at the corner of her lips.

“Though if you do nose-dive...” Hanna tapped the medpac at her belt with mock solemnity. “I’ll be your very attentive nurse, but let’s not get any sand in your mouth, yes?” Her voice dropped to a sweet whisper then, lips curling around each syllable: "We wouldn’t want to risk any cross-contamination, in case your mouth ends up somewhere else later on~" Hanna purred, her tone dripping with implication as her gloved index finger brushed along the small of Valmy’s back!

 

[Valmy Tomo]

Objective: Learn a new skill…probably flirt a little
Location: Hakawa Islands, Dac
Tags: Hanna

Valmy was wondering why one would stray from the ground on these skates if doing so limited one's stability. But as Hanna's touch ceased her ascent, she noted that there would be some advantages to traveling this high, as well as keep you above certain obstacles. Plus if you were able to master skating at heights it would be something you could use to show off in less practical applications of the skill.

Valmy tried her best to relax the muscles in her foot. Rigid was not Valmy's usual state in anything, but when a part of her tensed it was for a reason and usually did not calm easily. "Aren't 'relaxed' and 'control antithesis of each other?" Valmy remarked skeptically. Hanna's touch and warm tone however made the relaxing much easier and Valmy was shocked to find in this state she was more steady.

The mention of a butterfly made Valmy blush slightly. Even though it was in reference to hovering, it made the pink-haired mercenary feel pretty in a way that most didn't view her. Hanna explained that Valmy had been correct in guessing the descending action would be easier. As gravity took hold steadiness was likely more sustainable. The motions needed made sense and Valmy was about to put them to action when Hanna added comments.

Mention of Hanna tending to any injuries attentively suddenly made the possibility of falling much less terrible. Then she hinted at Valmy's mouth winding up in a place that transferring sand would not be ideal. "I promise to keep my mouth will stay clean through the lesson," Valmy responded with a wink as she pushed back slightly with her heels to start the downward motion. She went a bit too fast initially causing Valmy to flail her arms before slowing and regaining balance. Valmy more than ever was hoping to get to spend some time with her coy diminutive teacher after the lesson. And if her instincts were correct many many times after.

 

[Hanna]

Location: Beach, Hakawa Islands - Dac
Time: Mid-Morning
Armor: Sparkle Velocity
Notable Equipment: Glitter Roses (2)
Objective: Teach Valmy to skate.
Tag: Valmy Tomo

Hanna extended her hands to steady Valmy. However, seeing that the woman managed to regain control on her own, the Qilin offered an approving nod, a smile cresting her lips in the process.

“Excellent! That was a good use of your arms to maintain balance. Also, congratulations are in order! That was one Sky Squat.” she said, returning Valmy’s wink. “Now, take a few deep breaths and remember what I taught you.” At that point, Hanna reiterated the instruction she had given Valmy earlier, regarding fundamentals and altitude control.

“Altitude control is what separates casual skaters from elite skaters,” she continued. “Which is why I am asking you to do more Sky Squats. But this time, you are going to do ten of them in succession. 10 Sky Squats in...” Hanna paused, her combat suit feeding the time into her awareness via the Ghost Link. “Two minutes,” she finished.

“And, five, four, three, two, one, go!”

Hanna smiled. She knew that doing so many Sky Squats in a row would potentially be an extremely challenging workout, depending on Valmy’s base level of fitness. Her calves, quads, and hamstrings would be engaged as if she were doing stair-climbers. In addition, it would likely be mentally taxing. As a new skater, Valmy might need to consciously think about every micro-adjustment, whereas for Hanna it came naturally. Still, the drill served an important function in helping the Qilin evaluate the woman’s overall strength. Elite repulsorlift skating was like running marathons and doing aerial yoga all at once, and Hanna wanted to be sure that she wasn’t going to push Valmy too hard or too fast!

“That’s good! Keep going!” Hanna called out in encouragement.

 

[Valmy Tomo]

Objective: Learn a new skill…probably flirt a little
Location: Hakawa Islands, Dac
Tags: Hanna

Valmy giggled slightly at the term Sky Squat. Not that there was anything inherently amusing about it, but when the day started she didn't think there was going to be a work out portion of the lesson. While Valmy was by no means a gym rat, arms capable of wielding a rifle and defined core muscles didn't just happen by accident. She had a workout regime, even if she did not stick to a strict schedule. And leg days were not a thing for the pink haired mercenary. Legs stayed fit and trim merely by runs and combat activities. "Flapping my arms was good?" she giggled again. "I guess better than a mouthful of sand. Probably not so much during a battle though right?"

As directed Valmy took a few breaths not exactly sure what she was preparing for. It seemed like this up-down thing was important and Hanna wasn't looking to move on just yet. "Ten more in two minutes?" Valmy questioned starting to feel imaginary cramps in her feet and calves.

As Hanna counted down, Valmy nodded along and went through the process of a Sky Squat. She had only done one so how challenging ten would be was a mystery, much less adding in a time element. At go, Valmy added pressure from her toes and steadily rose upwards. She was eager to impress, but knew going too hard would only result in a face full of sand. At the two meter mark, Valmy shifted her weight and came back down towards the ground. This was repeated five times with relative ease, though Valmy had no clue how long it had taken.

It was there that Valmy heard the Qilin's words of encouragement and tried to increase her pace. Three at this increased pace had her legs growing sore. She knew she could get to the goal of ten though, as long as there was enough time. Two more less than steady ascents and two descents that felt a little bit like falls. The pink haired woman smiled as time had not been called.

"Extra credit!" Valmy called out with a laugh and she pressed forward completing two more squats, but her legs were starting to burn. She made it up for a thirteenth time, but on the way down she wobbled and ended up leaning forward a bit too far in an attempt to correct her balance. From half a meter off the ground she fell, somehow instinctively cutting the repulsors as she fell.

Valmy landed in the sand on her hands and knees. She quickly rolled to sit on her butt and looked up at Hanna while laughing nervously. "Time up? How was that fall?" She giggled again and prepared to get up.

 

[Hanna]

Location: Beach, Hakawa Islands - Dac
Time: Mid-Morning
Armor: Sparkle Velocity
Notable Equipment: Glitter Roses (2)
Objective: Teach Valmy to skate.
Tag: Valmy Tomo

Hanna silently observed as Valmy labored through the Sky Squats, her gaze widening as the woman’s muscles trembled with exertion. The Qilin’s voice cut through air at measured intervals, piping with encouragement. She knew the burn well—the fire licking up untrained thighs, the way the body rebelled against motions it had not yet learned to love. However, Valmy, to her credit, pushed through ten squats before folding at the thirteenth, her legs finally surrendering to fatigue.

“That’s time.” Hanna gave an approving nod, violet eyes glinting. “Thirteen is a good starting point. And that was a decent fall, as well,” she continued. “However, there’s always room for improvement. I can consistently hit fifty-five clean reps in two minutes, and I’ve maxed at sixty. Seventy is my next milestone.” The Qilin added with a playful grin. “When we’re done, I’m going to send you a five-day workout plan geared towards skating. We need to strengthen your lower body and core.” She finished.

At that point, Hanna turned back towards the cooler, before opening it and offering Valmy a cold bottle of water from inside.

“Now, let’s move on to the hover-glide...” The Qilin continued.

“First, remember the fundamentals. Knees slightly bent, feet shoulder-width apart with skates parallel, arms relaxed but ready, and core engaged.” Hanna began, her posture shifting seamlessly to demonstrate. “This is our neutral hover stance. You should be fifteen to thirty centimeters above the ground, low enough for stability and high enough to clear minor obstacles.” She continued.

“In order to initiate a glide, we will lean forward from the ankles.” Hanna explained, deliberately tilting forward in a smooth, controlled motion that was significantly slowed down from how she normally did it. “This will engage directional thrust. Make sure the motion is as smooth as possible, like you’re pouring water from a bottle.”

"Now it's your turn. Aim for walking speed and focus on maintaining good form. Speed will come later."

 

[Valmy Tomo]

Objective: Learn a new skill…probably flirt a little
Location: Hakawa Islands, Dac
Tags: Hanna

Valmy had a look of pride on her face at exceeding expectations until Hanna revealed what she was capable of. The pink-haired mercenary's mouth sat agape for several moments as she tried to imagine being able to do thirty much less seventy of the exercises. She finally came back to reality at the mention of working out her legs and core. She never really prescribed to workout plans, but she really wanted to show Hanna she could get stuff done.

"You are telling me that you have done sixty of those? I can't believe that, but I don't want to ask for proof. Might tire you out and I still have plans for later…Once I get the hang of this…" the clarification was serious and not out of any modesty. Valmy would have no problem coming straight out with her attraction to Hanna. She did however want to hopefully make it clear that her interest in the skates was genuine.

"Thanks," Valmy said, taking the offered water and sipping off the bottle. Hydration is important when exercising. Hanna said they would try a hover glide now. Valmy could only guess that would mean forward motion. That was where things promised to get more intense. Valmy knew she would have to take it slow in order to succeed, but that was easier said than done. She liked to go fast!

Valmy got in her stance, conflicted on wanting to impress Hanna with her form, but also wanting to feel the smaller woman's hands move her body into the right position. This time the correct form won out. She paid attention to the other suggestions and gave a nod of her head, hovering to the middle of the optimum hover altitude, or so she guessed.

"Alright.. I am ready to give this a try," Valmy said as she gave a slight lean forward starting the glide. Not sure if walking speed was what she attained. For someone who usually liked speed, Valmy managed to take a slow and steady approach to this task. She'd already fallen once trying to impress by over shooting expectations. This time she was aiming to impress with precision. She increased her pace slowly, arriving at the walking pace shortly after starting forward. She laughed. When she got good she could see lots of uses for the skates in battle. For now it was a good deal of fun, also a challenge. And a good way to spend time learning about her interesting fellow mercenary.

 

[Hanna]

Location: Beach, Hakawa Islands - Dac
Time: Mid-Morning
Armor: Sparkle Velocity
Notable Equipment: Glitter Roses (2)
Objective: Teach Valmy to skate.
Tag: Valmy Tomo

“Mhmm hmm. Sixty at my max,” Hanna affirmed, her lips curling into a playful smile. "Maybe one day I’ll show you," she added, lashes fluttering coyly. A pause, then her lips curled into a conspiratorial smile. "Though I do hope your ‘plans’ involve letting me watch you improve." The Qilin gave a soft giggle, a sound like wind chimes dancing over ice, before nodding her head as Valmy initiated her glide.

This time, Valmy’s form was flawless. Her glide came smooth, stable, and controlled. And yet, Hanna found her hand drifting onto the woman’s hip to steady her in spite of the fact that she did not truly need the assistance. The realization struck like a missed step: fingers lingering a heartbeat too long. Heat flooded the Qilin’s cheeks; she snatched her hand back, clasping it tightly behind her as if shackling temptation itself.

“Good!” The word leapt from her throat, half an octave too high. She cleared it softly, regaining her rhythm. “If you feel yourself wobbling, all you need are subtle ankle tilts to rebalance. Left skate down for right drift, right for left. Like...tuning a blaster.” Gliding beside Valmy, she focused on the mechanics, the science of motion—distracting herself from the phantom warmth still buzzing in her palm. “For stopping, lower your hover height below thirty centimeters, then lean your hips back, while keeping your chest slightly out. Shift your weight back, and...” She mimed the motion, her body slowing as if pulled by invisible reins. “Like so.”

 

[Valmy Tomo]

Objective: Increase skating ability…flirt a little
Location: Hakawa Islands, Dac
Tags: Hanna

Valmy wasn't sure if the humility that Hanna showed at her personal best if sixty sky squats was feigned or sincere. The smirk that developed on the Qilin's lips said it was at least a little flirtatious, which gave Valmy's stomach a fluttering feeling. When Hanna said she would demonstrate, Valmy's face lit up with a smile. "Util you show me my imagination will have to suffice. I certainly intend to improve. With your teaching it is sure to happen. Just not sure how fast. Might take a few more lessons after today," Valmy winked at Hanna flirtatiously. "As for letting you watch…I am hoping to keep your attention for sure."

Valmy was gaining confidence as she slowly increased speed. She knew that Hanna was beside her somehow. Hanna's hand on her hip gave Valmy second thoughts about her success. Was she not doing as well as she thought? Soon the hand disappeared. That was just as disappointing as the thought that she needed the support or correction. A disappointed grunt came from Valmy's lips as the electric sensation of Hanna's touch disappeared.

The feeling of disappointment dissipated as praise came from Hanna's lips. There was time for the pleasure of touch later. Valmy needed to focus on the task at hand. And she seemed to be doing well at this part of skating. Valmy gave a nod at the advice on how to correct balance. For the moment she was keeping upright just fine, but knowing what to do was a good thing.

Secure in her balance, Valmy looked to Hanna as she described how to stop. The pink-haired mercenary blinked a couple times in disbelief that she had started skating without learning how to stop. She supposed falling into the sand was always an option. But now she would have a better one as Hanna ran through the process. Thankfully, the Qilin explained before demonstrating. "When I stop I hope I look as good as that," Valmy giggled.

"So let's see…Sexiest pose possible brings me to a stop?" Valmy asked with another giggle. She shifted her hips back, bending at the knees and putting her ass on display. She made sure to also keep her chest pressed forward. She shifted her weight a little to drift a bit in Hanna's direction as she came to a stop.

 

[Hanna]

Location: Beach, Hakawa Islands - Dac
Time: Mid-Morning
Armor: Sparkle Velocity
Notable Equipment: Glitter Roses (2)
Objective: Teach Valmy to skate.
Tag: Valmy Tomo

Hanna’s cheeks flushed pink when Valmy performed a playfully exaggerated version of the stopping technique, before drifting to a graceful stop right into her arms. A gasp rose from her lips as she was pushed back by Valmy’s weight, nearly causing the small-statured Qilin to lose her balance. Fortunately, honed skill and reflexes allowed her to compensate, at which point she allowed herself a relieved breath as she glanced towards the woman in her arms.

“Well, I haven’t covered falling yet, but I guess that’s one way to do it~” Hanna giggled, the sound carrying a faint melody of nervous excitement. Her hands lingered at Valmy’s waist then, steadying her even though there was no longer and real danger of her falling. “Why don’t you suppose we…”

Hanna trailed off, her orchid-hued eyes catching Valmy’s gaze, the mid-morning sun reflecting in their depths. For a moment, the ambient noise of the beach fell away. The periodic splash of waves crashing against the shore, the calls of seabirds, and yet more sounds faded into the background.

“...slow things down a bit?” Hanna finished softly, her voice almost a whisper. Her fingers slid ever so slightly along Valmy’s side, a delicate but deliberate gesture. “I’ve covered most of the basics and…” Hanna paused again, her heart pounding inside her chest. “I think I like us right where we are.” She added.

After giving Valmy the chance to retreat (and hoping she wouldn’t!) Hanna tilted her chin down, then closed the space between them and offered her a gentle, testing kiss. It was soft, tentative, yet lingered just enough to make her intentions clear.

When Hanna finally pulled back, just enough to look into Valmy’s eyes again, the Qilin smiled, cheeks still rosy and warm.

“Maybe I’ll be teaching you more than just skating today.”

 

[Valmy Tomo]

Objective: Increase skating ability…and definitely something more
Location: Hakawa Islands, Dac
Tags: Hanna

The calculated stop maneuver worked out even better than Valmy had hoped. The exaggerated stopping position had brought Hanna's attention just where Valmy intended and caused the Qilin's lovely face to grow pink in the cheeks. Valmy's movement in Hanna's direction was only supposed to close the distance between them, maybe create the slightest bit of body contact.

That turned into all of Valmy's weight temporarily pushing into Hanna, who deftly caught her fellow mercenary, even with a slight loss of balance. Hanna's hand on Valmy's waist was like a jolt of electricity passing straight through the thin layer of fabric that made up Valmy's shorts. There was a sharp intake of breath from the neon pink haired woman.

Eyes met and Valmy smiled and giggled shyly. It was a strange feeling. She was usually quite aggressive when she was attracted to someone. Usually the one making moves. Yet this time she found herself putty in Hanna's hands…almost literally at the moment.

Hanna started to talk and Valmy was all ears, staring into orchid eyes hoping that the next suggestion would be as exciting as the current position. There was a slight sigh when Hanna struggled to say they should slow things down. A grin formed on Valmy's face as she started to answer the suggestion. "I am not usually good at sl…"

Before Valmy could finish Hanna's hand moved just a bit on Valmy's side. Valmy was almost never caught by surprise, always the one to jump into any situation and roll with punches, but when Hanna said she was happy right in the moment, "slow" took on new meaning and Valmy's eyes widened just a smidge.

There was no way that Valmy would move away from Hanna's intentions. As the Qilin leaned forward Valmy's eyes locked on purple lips as they puckered. The mercenary gave a pleasant sound as their lips met. Valmy had to consciously calm her own passions as she sensed a bit of trepidation in her skating teacher.

"In this area I am not exactly a beginner," Valmy hummed huskily in response to other lessons. She reached up a hand and cupped Hanna's rosied cheeks with a smile. She returned the kiss light and playful. "Perhaps we will end up teaching each other new things by the end of the day."