sirenspull_logs | In the light men were crossing over lone shadows

Who: Namine and Open
When: Sunday February 12, afternoon
Where: A frozen Versaid Lake, Sector 6
Summary: Namine's been curious about some of the more simple winter sports. It's time to learn how to skate!
Warnings: N/A

She wasn't exactly sure why she was going to do this, aside from idle curiousity. But after hearing more than enough talk about winter sports at school, mostly complaints about skiing and the lack thereof of mountains to ski off of, and seeing a few channels on the TV featuring different kinds, she got a little too curious and too interested.

At least skating looked at seemed easy, especially for a rather inactive and non-physical person like her.

After on a bench on the side and putting on the skates she managed to rent from a hockey shop, Namine stared out onto the frozen lake. She was nervous of course, never having done this sort of thing before even on her own. But it wasn't like the kinds of sports they played at school, and she really did want to try some new things.

It just takes baby steps, like what she's doing on the skates to get to the edge of the frozen lake. Gotta keep trying new things.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Retsu enjoyed the lakes, even when they were frozen. There was just an inherent beauty in the scenery, a certain stabilizing calmness to it all. She visited the lakes often on her free time, whether she desired solitude or engaged in conversation.

Versaid wasn't particularly crowded today, which was fine; she never came out here with any expectations. But she did notice the girl taking tentative steps toward the frozen lake, trying to balance on skate blades.

For the moment, Retsu stopped just to watch. As unsteady as the girl appeared and with the amount of focus she seemed to be exercising to stay balanced, she didn't want to startle her into a tumble by speaking out of nowhere.

Just one or two steps more and she'll have reached the edge of the lake. This was awkward and she wobbled terribly before placing one foot on the ice, and then the other.

And it went from awkward to just plain weird on her part. Even the slightest movement on stepping from the lakebed onto the frozen water set her forward in a way she wasn't expecting. Namine's heard people talk about how it's like walking, but when she tries to step, she ends up losing her balance on the thin blade and falls backwards.

She doesn't exactly have much pride to be bruised by. But ouch, ice is a lot harder than it looks.

Poor girl. Her first time trying to skate, probably. In that vein, why had she come here alone, with no one to guide her? Most would have brought a friend, at the least.

Retsu stepped beside the girl, crouching slightly and offering her hand. "Excuse me. Would you care for some assistance?"

There was no condescension or pity in her voice. It was a simple question, asked out of genuine concern.

Naminé, like everyone when they fall, was trying to politely rub her back to ease the stinging pain when Retsu approached. She wasn't necessarily scared, although the idea of being watched unnerved her a little. But it was a public place just like any other. It was just so quiet.

Hesitantly, she began to reach out to the woman's hand, but just stopped slightly above. She had no real way of knowing how to get up with the stiff boot of the skate and thin blade. So Naminé's smile was a bit thin and unsure.

"I... wouldn't mind. But, I don't want to make you fall."

She smiled and gently took hold of her hand. "You needn't worry about me falling."

Retsu pulled Namine to her feet with surprising smoothness for one of more petite frame as herself. Shinigami were, after all, typically stronger than they looked. "Bend your knees slightly, legs shoulder width apart. It will help you balance."

It certainly was easier to stand with someone to hold onto. Her knees still shook, but without looking up, Namine nodded and tried to do what she was told.

"Have... you done this before?"

"I have, though not since I have been in this city."

She should, sometime, actually. It was hardly an excess for her if she decided to purchase a pair of ice skates. And it was something that she could do in the open air during the winter months, where she didn't have that luxury with rock climbing at any point in time here.

Retsu didn't let go of Namine's hand yet. If the girl needed someone to steady her for a few moments, she would provide the support.

"I assume this must be your first attempt?"

She doesn't let go of her hands. Not until she knew she would be okay. Normally, Namine wouldn't cling onto a stranger like this, but right now the worry and slight fear of falling down and the determination not to was overriding any social anxiety she usually has.

It still causes her to look up and then down, flushing just slightly. "I-it is. There's not a lot of ice or wintry things in the world I'm from."

Retsu offered a reassuring smile. "All of us have a first time for any activity we do. There is no shame in it. That you wish to try new things speaks well for you."

It didn't take someone with her her level of perception to see that this girl had serious self-confidence issues. Had she ever had a reassuring presence in her life, someone to encourage her? Retsu had no way of knowing, and that was far too personal a question to ask upon a first meeting.

She inclined her head politely. "My apologies. I've been remiss in introducing myself. My name is Unohana Retsu."

Namine dipped her head back down, but there was a shy smile and a slight flush to her cheeks as she did. At this point, she's learned to try and adapt to new things for survival, although it was still pretty hard.

She felt stable enough on her own feet now, though she was just standing and not moving around. Slowly, she loosened her grip on Retsu's hands until she was letting go entirely, and Naminé looked back up at the woman.

"My name's Naminé." Another shy and bashful smile came along. "Thank you for letting me hold onto you."

The words weren't empty in the least; many were those who floundered by remaining set in their ways. It took courage to try something new, something out of one's bounds -- even if it was something so simple as deciding to ice skate.

She continued to smile as Namine slowly but surely released her hand. Good girl, being willing to stand on her own.

"A very lovely name. And you are quite welcome." After all, she could not in good conscience have just left her to falter on her own. "If you would not object to my continued presence, I could teach you the basics of skating."

Nevermind that she currently wore no skates herself. She could still offer instruction.

There was a light flush across her cheeks. She didn't really think a name was supposed to be pretty when you couldn't even choose your own name. It was just something to identify you. But she still mumbled a thanks.

"It's nice to meet you, Unohana." Proper naming conventions from different cultures are still something she's a little lost on. Namine shook her head, a shy smile coming on. "I... wouldn't mind. Unless it's too much trouble." Or if she was busy and just passing through. There had to be a way for her to figure out all the motions and nuances all on her own.

In the light men were crossing over lone shadows

Awww, so cute, Namine!

She tries XD

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