Marco uses his free time to practice his swordsmanship in the courtyard. He practices with a dummy flour sack filled with feathers and stuffing on a pole.practicing draws and jabs, lunges, overhead swings and a variety of side-slashes. After this, he takes a stroll in the streets with his sword at his side, looking for a capitol guard.
After a short walk, he notices a guard leaning up against the wall, eating an apple. "Now's my chance!" Marco walks up to the man eagerly, as the man looks up from Marco's shoes, over the sword to his side and to his face.
The soldier stands up suddenly from his relaxed position and sets his right hand upon the hilt of his sword. "You there, halt!"
Marco stops, holding his hands in front of him. "What? Wait, oh no this is a mistake. I just wanted to talk with you. Nothing more."
"What do you want?" the soldier asks, loosening up, but not entirely letting his guard down.
"Well, I am currently a clerk for the Capitol, but I am looking to join the Capitol Guard. My uncle was a swordmaker, and a teacher." Marco slowly moves his hands down to his belt, where he unfastens the scabbard from his belt buckle, and holding the scabbard in his right hand, hands the sword to the soldier, who takes the blade out to inspect it. After he inspects it for a few seconds he sheaths it and hands it back to Marco.
"Your uncle was a good craftsman. Do you need anything else?"
"Oh, yes, well I was meaning to ask what I need in order to join the Capitol Guard."
"Go to the recruitment office at Imperius Central and talk to a recruiter. I'm just a regular, so I can't help you."
"Okay, I will. Thank you!"
"Alright bye." The guard resumes his relaxed position and fruity snack.
Marco begins his walk back to his house. The sun is lowering in the sky. "Alright. This is your chance, Marco! No more paperwork and that annoying little brat Benito!"
Poll