002 ♛ video

[superieure]

[ Monet is seated, one leg crossed over the other, arms folded, lips curled into a smile, immaculately dressed as always, regarding the camera with a critical eye. In front of her is a chessboard, all set out for a game. She’s chosen black, so white faces the viewer. ]

I require an opponent.

Comments

[duelkatana]

[Leonardo had taken care not to watch her other game over the network; in a real battlefield situation, knowing your opponent's method of attack is invaluable, but in a game like this it kind of spoils the fun. He's both surprised and pleased to learn that she's easily the most aggressive player he's ever matched up against - she snatches a couple of his pieces before he sets up his line up properly, and more than once he's forced to revise his strategy completely.]

[It's one of the longer games he's played, but it's a learning experience, and moreover, it's fun. Finally, after turning his strategy around at least seven times, Leo sees the opportunity he'd been holding out for.]

Qg3... and, if I'm not mistaken... [He pauses, a grin slowly creeping into his voice.] Checkmate.

[superieure]

Checkmate indeed.

[She's not even the slightest bit upset. She had fun.]

Same time next week?

[duelkatana]

[A rematch? Leo pauses in his answer for several moments, because he's not quite sure whether to accept the offer or not. On one hand, he still likes to keep as low a profile as possible, and showing up weekly on the network would hardly be conductive to that; on the other, she was an excellent opponent, and it's a good excuse to unwind and have fun while still keeping his skills sharp.]

[He'll have to throw in a few extra measures for privacy in the future, but as long as he's careful, it should be okay. Hopefully she won't mind encrypted games.]

Same time next week.

[superieure]

[She nods, and if she were capable of it, she'd have a cheshire-cat grin on her face.]

Monet St. Croix. Enchantée.

[Look at that they're both named after painters.]

basic encryption;

[duelkatana]

[Whoops, so about that encryption? Leo quickly applies the standard console version to his feed, though he tries to be subtle about it.]

Actually... we've met. [his voice is a tad sheepish; ordinarily he probably wouldn't even bother revealing this, but he somehow has the feeling that she'd eventually figure it out herself anyway. Never underestimate a good chess player.] "N.T.," I think it was.

[It's not any cooler now, Leo.]

55% encryption;

[superieure]

[Monet ups it as much as she can. She's no Rictor when it comes to encrypting her network conversations, but for now this will do.]

[She laughs, surprised, and this definitely counts in his favour. She'd enjoyed their previous talk even if she didn't get a name out of him then, and the fact that he's now agreed to play chess regularly with her is a victory.]

I go by "M". [Which is totally cool, ok.] What does yours stand for?

55% encryption;

[duelkatana]

[ahahaha]

You could... call it a family name. [Of sorts.] Sorry about all the secrecy; I like to keep my head low.

[He's noticed the increased encryption strength, too. That's kind of her. And it also means she's good with technology, which is another point for her.]

55% encryption;

[superieure]

It's not a problem. [As long as he's not actively trying to harm her or her friends, he can be as discreet as he likes.] Do you have a more usual first name, Monsieur N.T.?

55% encryption;

[duelkatana]

I wouldn't say it's usual...

[He trails off thoughtfully. They're under a filter, after all, and she's given her name to him - not to mention they've had a sparring session of its own kind. It would only be decent to give his name in return.]

...but you can call me Leonardo.

55% encryption;

[superieure]

Well then, Leonardo, I'll see you next week.

[A small nod, of appreciation, before she cuts the feed.]