Scenario:Baotorda and Bridgette - Lessons from a Veteran Knight

Lessons from a Veteran Knight

Baotorda is giving Bridgette some sword training, but she soon gives up. During a break, he prepares her a Little Skyfarer's Lunch, but she announces she cannot eat it. Baotorda questions the prudence of admitting defeat before even attempting a challenge, causing Bridgette to reflect on her bad habits. She eats heartily before launching herself back into training with renewed purpose.

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Bridgette: Pant... Pant... Here I... come!

Bridgette: Yah! Huff... Pant...

Baotorda: That won't do. Your strokes are crooked. Focus, Bridgette.

Bridgette is receiving sword training from Baotorda.

Both once belonged to the Lumiel Order of Holy Knights, but they only met each other in person a short while ago...

One day, as she cleans the Grandcypher deck, Bridgette spots a familiar figure and stops dead in her tracks, the soapy rag falling from her nerveless fingers.

Bridgette: Oh my! You're... Baotorda, of the Lumiel Order of Holy Knights, aren't you?

Baotorda: Yes... And you are?

Bridgette: My name is Bridgette. I joined the order, but had to resign under certain circumstances!

As Baotorda is taken aback by this rather abrupt self-introduction, Bridgette explains her situation in detail.

After he has listened, Baotorda seems persuaded by her story and gives his own in turn.

Bridgette: I can scarcely believe that someone like you would withdraw from the order as well...

Baotorda: I do not regret the decision. I merely remained true to my principles.

Bridgette: Goodness! J-Just as one would expect from an officer of your caliber. Yes, indeed!

Bridgette: Um! I'm rather ashamed to ask this of you when we've only just met, but... Would you be willing to train me?

Baotorda agrees, and training begins.

Bridgette: Urgh... I think I've reached my limit... I can't possibly lift my sword again...

Baotorda: Hmm... You do realize you've only made five sword strokes so far? You should aim for at least a hundred...

Bridgette: Guh? A h-hundred? I could never manage that! Impossible!

Seeing Bridgette tremble as if in terror, Baotorda lets out a small sigh.

Baotorda: Honestly...
Very well, then. Let's take a break.

Vyrn: Geez... You hit a wall pretty fast, didn'tcha?

Bridgette: Oooh... I know. I'm disappointed in myself too. But limits are limits. I just don't have the strength that other knights do.

Lyria: Aw... Cheer up! Baotorda's preparing a meal for us! It's sure to be delicious!

Vyrn: Well, you're right there. No point in lookin' back in regret when we can look forward... to food!

As the group waits impatiently, Baotorda appears with food in hand.

Lyria: Wow! It looks so good!

Bridgette: Huh? Wait... Is it just me, or is mine a little... different from everyone else's?

Baotorda: It certainly is. For you, I've prepared a Little Skyfarer's Lunch.

Bridgette: Umm... "Little Skyfarer," you say?

Lyria: Hm? Don't you like Little Skyfarer's Lunches, Bridgette?

Bridgette: Erm... Well, no, but more to the point, I'm... I'm already nineteen years old...

Bridgette: This is rather embarrassing... In fact, it's too embarrassing... I c-can't bring myself to eat it... Impossible...

Baotorda: Hah... Nothing to be embarrassed about! This is Captain Charlotta's favorite meal, I'll have you know!

Bridgette: Huh? Captain Charlotta's favorite, you say? But... The captain is even older than I am...

Baotorda: That's true. But a person is free to eat whatever they please. Just as you're free to decline this dish.

Baotorda: However... I'd question the person who declares something "impossible" before even attempting it, wouldn't you?

Bridgette: !

Baotorda: Through admirable hard work and perseverance, Captain Charlotta overcame the disadvantages presented by her small stature.

Baotorda: I'm sure there were many around her who mocked her, and deemed her goals "impossible." Yet she was able to take the seat of captain.

Baotorda: That is what comes of attempting the impossible, and persevering until it becomes possible.

Bridgette: ...

Baotorda: That is why Charlotta commands both of our respect, and why you wish to fight alongside her.

Bridgette: Yes, I... Yes, that's right.

Baotorda: You understand your own abilities better than anyone. That is how you can judge what is impossible for you.

Baotorda: That judgment is invaluable. But I believe you are too ready to disqualify yourself from certain endeavors, without even attempting them first. Don't you?

Bridgette: That's... That's true. I'm ashamed to admit you're right.

Baotorda: Heh heh. The ability to recognize your own bad habits is the first step toward improvement.

Baotorda: And by the way, my motives in making you this lunch were not pedagogical.

Baotorda: This food is full of nutrients, perfect for building up your basic strength.

Baotorda: And for someone of small stature like yourself, the Little Skyfarer's Lunch provides just the right quantity. It's the logical choice.

Bridgette: I understand! Then I shall take on this culinary challenge! And I most certainly won't utter the word "impossible"!

Bridgette appears to ready herself, then digs into the lunch before her.

Bridgette: Oh my goodness! This is so good! I mean... It's absolutely... delectable!

Baotorda: Heh heh... Once you're finished, we'll take a short break. Then it's back to training.

Baotorda: The same rigorous training you said was impossible earlier.

Bridgette: Oh, absolutely! Yes, sir!
Om nom nom... Delicious!

Smiling gently, Baotorda watches over Bridgette until she finishes the Little Skyfarer's Lunch.

Afterward, the two train together, and Bridgette surpasses her earlier record.

Bridgette: I've done it! Seven strokes! Seven sword strokes in a row!

Vyrn: Really? That's amaz... ing?

Vyrn: Hold on, just seven? What the heck!

It seems like the future in which Bridgette can fight alongside the captain she so admires is still a ways off.