In the light men were crossing over lone shadows

[rewritethesky]

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.

Comments

[calm_tempest]

"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?"

[rewritethesky]

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."

[calm_tempest]

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."

[rewritethesky]

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."

[calm_tempest]

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.

[rewritethesky]

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.