[h1][center]Jo-Anne and Arus: Support Conversation Level D[/center][/h1]

 At first, it was hard for Jo-Anne to recognize the horse rider as he joined the group, but he seemed awfully familiar. Then realization dawned on her as she got closer and saw the familiar armour and sword. The Taguel managed to work herself to be right next to him before saying, “I didn’t realize myrmidons knew how to ride horses.”

Arus shrugged, “Most specialize too much to worry about other things. While mastery of the sword is an admirable goal, one skill does not a master make. I would be practically useless if I didn’t have some skill with a horse, I don’t prefer it but it is better than waiting in a wagon or being left in the dust. Though you surprised me as well, I did not know it was possible for a taguel to also be a manakete.” Arus said thoughtfully. Such a skill must be quite helpful, he imagined her taguel form would be more helpful for when speed and precision was needed and the dragon form for when more brute form was necessary, or the ability to fly.

To that the hybrid herself shrugged and replied, “It’s perfectly possible when your dad’s a taguel and your mom’s a manakete, it would be strange if it wasn’t. Though either way, I’m extremely vulnerable when I can’t use my stone, something I could probably use some shoring up in.” 

Arus nodded, having no combat skills when lacking access to a single object would be rather limiting. While Arus naturally prefered having a sword at all times he could hold his own without one. “Perhaps you don’t need more skill in that area, rather a good companion to ensure such an event does not prove troublesome. If you desire, I could make sure that you don’t suffer during your periods of weakness.” Arus said wording his statement carefully. He certainly didn’t want to sound forward, yet it seemed that such a weakness should be addressed. “Though if you seek to become more self-capable I could perhaps give some lessons in basic self-defense, of course I don’t know how much experience you have with such matters.” 

“How different could self-defense be from Taguel form? They both are weaponless states except for your appendages.” Jo-Anne answered with a smile. “I would gladly accept your offer to be a companion and to teach me self-defense. My name’s Jo-Anne by the way, we never did quite introduce ourselves properly after we put down the possible fight,” offering her hand as she finished.

Arus mentally berated himself, how crude of him to not even ensure they knew each other’s names. “My sincere apologies, I am not usually so rude. My name is Arus, I will teach you all you seek to know.” He said firmly as he accepted her handshake.