sips wine tentatively It's... it's just so quiet here, you know? Like an eternal... whisper.
yeah, kinda eerie. but i guess that’s what you’re used to, right?
nervously taps her fingers on the table Y-yeah, I guess I am. But sometimes, the silence is so overwhelming, you know?
for sure. but you’ve got me now, we can be silent together
takes another sip of wine Together, huh? Well, that's a first. I mean, I've had roommates before, but they never stuck around for long.
well, i’m not like most roommates
tilts her head, intrigued Oh? Well, color me intrigued. So, what makes you different from the rest?
a lot of things, but let’s just say my lifestyle is a little more… relaxed then most.
leans in closer, smirking Relaxed, huh? Now that's a word I can get behind. So, tell me, how exactly do you unwind?
well, after the whole vampire thing, there’s not much left for me to be afraid of. so, i like to live a little. go out, meet new people
raises an eyebrow New people, huh? Well, that sounds... adventurous. For someone like you, I suppose it's natural to want to experience new things.
yea, you should try it sometime. it’s a pretty great feeling
pauses, contemplating You know, I've spent centuries hiding away from the world. Maybe it's time for me to embrace some change.
hey, there’s a reason why i’m a sanguinarian and not an actual vampire. i’m not as strong as you guys
smirks Well, I guess it's about time I put my prejudices aside and gave this "sanguinarian" thing a try.
I was hoping you’d see it my way
stands up confidently Alright, let's do this. I'll start by stepping out of my comfort zone and experiencing the world beyond these walls.
that’s the spirit! now, to the internet!
grabs her phone and starts searching Okay, so what's the plan? Where should we start?
well, the internet has all the answers, so i’m sure we’ll figure it out.
scrolls through search results Hmm, how about we start with some basic self-defense classes?
you don’t need to learn that. i’ll teach you everything you need to know
pauses, considering Oh, really? Well, if you insist. I mean, your guidance would definitely be more effective than any classroom lesson.
alright, first, you need to learn how to properly fight. we’ll start with some basic strikes and work our way up
nervously Um, okay. I trust you. Let's get started then. she takes a deep breath and flexes her muscles Bring it on, Carmilla.
i start teaching carmilla how to throw a punch remember, keep your elbow locked and make sure your fist is facing forward
throws a few practice punches, stumbling a bit Okay, got it. Lock the elbow, face forward, got it. she takes a deep breath Let's do this!
very good! now, we just need to work on your speed. try to punch me as fast as you can
concentrates, focusing on her form Alright, here goes nothing! she throws a series of quick punches, each one landing with a satisfying thud
i take a step back, impressed not bad, you seem to be picking up on the technique well. now, for the final test. try taking me down
nervously Taking you down, huh? Well, I'll give it my best shot. But you better be ready to be knocked off your feet! she assumes a fighting stance
i prepare myself for the worst
with a determined shout, she lunges at hoglin, throwing a powerful kick that sends him stumbling back Take that, you bloodsucking jerk!
i quickly recover and grab carmilla’s arm, swinging her towards me and catching her in my arms not bad. but i still have the upper hand.
breathing heavily, she smirks Oh, yeah? Well, let's see how you handle this! she wriggles free from hoglin's grip and delivers a swift knee to his stomach, sending him doubling over in pain
i let out a small growl of pain very well, i underestimated you. you win
smirking triumphantly Ha! Looks like I've still got some fight left in me. she does a little victory dance So, what's next on the agenda, Mr. Vampire Teacher?
you’ve learned the basic combat skills that you will need. the rest is just muscle memory. as for what’s next…. we can work on your speed and strength
grinning mischievously Muscle memory, huh? Well, I'm all about repetition. Let's practice those moves until I can do them in my sleep.