Camp Preparations [Attn: Dedicated Felix Kal'Sarak]

[Sean]

For Valadin studying the Dedicated begin their nervous preparations was journey back to simpler days. Orders were given from above and while there was responsibility laid upon one’s shoulders the weight of it did not demand a reformation of identity. No doubt all of them aspired to rise to the Cord and eventually begin their various pursuits towards the goal resisting the Shadow. None would be more true to that path than those that joined the Green.

Thoughts towards Kal’Sarak turned Val’s gaze towards the young man. War seemed part of the young man’s nature. Somehow while maintaining the outward appearance of civility, the impression that of lion stalking prey was insistent whenever those brown eyes fixed upon anyone.

Still feeling lively despite the exertions of the meeting, Valadin approached the gathering of Dedicated, his approach calling attention to those that maintained awareness of their surroundings. Good. Paranoia may be what keeps them alive through all this.

“Greetings, Asha’man,” one of the young men said to him, his nose narrow and vulpine in its shaping. The accompanying salute instigated an involuntary glower from Val; being reminded of the stars branded upon his shoulder would not encourage any good will from him. Nevertheless the address was returned with in kind, if the tone was a bit clipped.


“As you were,” Val ordered more generally.

Though they returned to their task it was clear that the mood changed among them. The shuffle of shifting clothes and the intense scrutiny with which every weapon was checked spoke to where the mind of his men rather than any amount of respect they believed they were paying him. Biting back a scathing reprimand Val continued to move among them for a while longer, observing their habits and assessing their focus before the farce could be stomached no longer.

“All of you,” he growled impatiently, “Follow me.”

Expecting no delay in their compliance, he led them to the woods beyond the camp. A sentry gave the procession a curious look only to have the unvoiced questions stalled by the severe stare Valadin angled in his direction. No one needed to know the business of the Grey Tower outside of those whose loyalty was tied to such. And you believe this counts you as well?

After traveling a far enough distance that the camp’s illuminating light lost some of its brilliance to the night, Val ordered a halt. Trees sprouted in every direction they looked. It would have been the perfect place for any ambush if the enemy had needed to resort to such tactics. Unlikely given the overwhelming force, but this presented opportunity to divine the state of the Dedicated. The coming day would prove difficult and their strength would prove vital towards the goal of living through initial contact.

“Many of you volunteered for this mission because you were asked by someone you respected or you believed there was some ideal worth fighting for. A few might have come simply out of curiosity…to find out what you can do.” No one replied to statement; there was no expectation that they would. Every man was moved by his own motives…Val had learned that early and quickly in his life. As a commander his duty was to ensure that there was no disillusion as to what waited for them when they were in the thick of it. Motives or no, they would have to fight to survive…or die.

“What your reasons—selfish or noble—if you don’t have the power to fight then tomorrow will see an end to every dream you ever had.”

Now anticipation shone in the faces of some. It seemed his intent had become clear to those paying attention. Their eagerness made him hopeful. “Study well the Weaves I show you…they’re weapons that will keep you alive tomorrow. Do not seize the Power unless I tell you. I don’t expect mastery…I do expect dedication.”

It was foolish revealing that channeling men would be among the opposing force, but readying the Dedicated was more important than the element of surprise. Roughly seizing the Power, Valadin rid himself of the lingering excitement after the struggle for dominance. “Combat with the One Power begins and ends with destroying your enemy’s Weave or stripping away their access to the Power.”

In short order Valadin Wove Spirit, the Flow transparent to mind’s eye as it struck out towards an imaginary Weave just above the heads of the Dedicated. “Like any blade, its sharpness not size that wins the duel. Earth and Fire are tougher to cut, but there is a chance you can alter your Cutting Weave like so.”

Again a Flow of Spirit took form, but this time a touch of Fire was added augmenting the Weave’s edge. Strength played a role in how effective the Weave was…and in this the enemy likely held the advantage so he did not burden the Dedicated with this knowledge. Better they fight with all they have in futility than to cower in fear. Through the Void it was clear to see that training needed a more tangible association. For some reason picking out Kal’Sarak from the others was easy, “Dedicated Kal’Sarak, come forward!” Val called.

Taking position across from the Dedicated Valadin found himself struck by the feeling that this was a man made for warfare. “Rather than me showing you simple Weaves…show me what you can do Dedicated and see for yourself what it is to face the One Power in battle.”

Note: Alright so this is more or less a spar with the One Power…Val will show some Weaves that Felix can learn and use easily, but keep in mind it shouldn’t be too easy. Also…let’s try not to completely murder each other…or anyone else. You have permission to channel, but don’t kill anyone—or try not to anyway.

[Felix]

Felix Kal'Sarak

The Andoran army had set up camp while preparations were made for the battle to come. The regular soldiers sat their tents and other supplies in the same camp as the Grey Tower men but kept their distance from the group of powerful men.

Felix felt a mix of exhilaration and nervousness for the battle to come. He could feel the mood in the air it was tangible. Nervousness and fear permeated the soldiers surrounding the group.

As he prepared he tried to emulate the alertness of the Gaidin he had seen so often back at the Tower. He was born for this, he had nothing to fear. He was Malkier and he would be Green! Battle was in his blood. He took a tad bit too much enjoyment from the feeling of a successful weave let loose to cause chaos. He would be good at his job though.

His focus was on the Asha’man that would be his commander in the coming battle. He trusted this man with his life and would follow him to the spine of the world if asked. He was his leader for the moment and one of the Greens he looked up to. A thought passed through his mind of an old saying his father had told him years before. You must trust and follow your superior, if they are worth the rank they will pull you from the fires of the pit and you will live to fight another day. The Asha’man looked to fit that description.

Asha’man Valadin led the group of Dedicated out past some silently inquisitive camp guards and into the woods past the light of the camp.

“Many of you volunteered for this mission because you were asked by someone you respected or you believed there was some ideal worth fighting for. A few might have come simply out of curiosity…to find out what you can do.” The Asha’man stated matter of factly to the group of Dedicated.

Felix listened to the statement and his mind went to the honor he had felt when asked to accompany the group on their mission. He thought of the anticipation leading up to the departure and the fanatical pleasure he got when he thought of the battle to come.

The Asha’man demonstrated some defenses to enemy weaves, blades of spirit to cut the weaves the enemy threw at them. He showed them a basic spirit blade and then a more advanced blade with fire weaved into it to give it the extra strength to help cut fire and earth weaves.

The demonstration was short but the lesson had not sunk into his companions. Felix was surprised when he was called forward to help demonstrate the technique for the group.

He walked in front of the group and faced the Asha’man down with determination on his face. He fed his nervousness and his exhilaration into the flame in the void and seized Saidin. The world came into focus and his blood boiled. The effort to control the source was getting more natural to Felix, not easier never easier but natural just like the instinct to grasp the source.

He began with the easiest weave of his strengths and formed two pillars of fire and air directed at the head of Asha’man Valadin. The weave started to braid together but before the lightning could strike a bladed thread of spirit cut the pillars apart. The weave collapsed as if it was parchment and it was sliced with a sword.

Felix took a step back in shock, he never knew his weaves were so vulnerable. He took a deep breath to steady himself and began weaving his next weave, a fireball. He formed the ball of fire threads and air threads. It appeared above his open hand but before he could propel it towards the green Asha’man it was sliced.

He would have to try harder if he was going to even finish a weave. At the speed he weaved he would have to have the dark one's luck to get a shot in.

He grasped multiple thin threads of hot fire and wispy air and wound them as fast as he could into two different small balls of fire. He would have to try to beat him with quantity more than quality now if he was going to get past the blades of spirit. He had been practicing making more than one weave in the past year since he had finished his class on battle weaves. He had yet to master the technique but he could at least form multiple weaves with his power elements Air and Fire. Anything involving Water or earth would take all of his concentration.

Exhilaration flowed into the void his concentration had lapsed on the void while he focused on the weaves. He let the emotion push him to greater speed and after the third attempt of weaving the two balls he let on fly towards the Asha’man. All others were cut to shreds but one smashed into a tree next to the man Felix faced. Trickles of sweat flowed down Felix's body as he focused on the one power.

[Sean]

The heated air of every near-miss stunk like a thick summer’s day around the Grey Tower forge. Already scorch marks gave rise to tongues of flame as Valadin studied the Flows emanating from the Kal’Sarak’s center. The threads of Power were mainly of Air and Fire—a specialty it appeared for the Dedicated despite many his many misfires remained determined to exercise Weaves only using these elements.

A sharpened Flow of Spirit Cut through another incomplete melding of Air and Fire. Fireballs sailed through the night some flickering from existence as Val’s Cutting Weaves ripped the Flows apart while others he simply avoided. It was another lesson; waste not what you can save in battle.

The Void shivered as the Fury gave an jubilant howl, its bloody desires vying to dictate the ebb of the exchange.

It’s the danger, Val realized detachedly. Kal’Sarak was nearing exhaustion, his Weaving slowing as time went on. The sense of menace remained strong in the young man, but it now to Valadin its brilliant power had dimmed to a flicker of what it had been at onset of the demonstration. Splitting a Cutting Weave into twin fine points resulted in the dousing of two more floating balls of fire. “Know your limits,” Val instructed to the other Dedicated, no sheen of sweat on his brow. Pride inspired a burst of energy from the intrepid Dedicated for the young man brought Air and Fire together in an all too familiar Weave that stilled any further discussion.

A lance of cold fire lashed out towards Valadin. Seeing the crawling light brought back memories of the Blight. The earth ripped about as destruction rained down from the heavens and the dying bellows of the Shadows deformities rang loud in his ear. Back then he had been a Dedicated and unprepared for the display of Saidin’s potential. He had grown. Now he was Asha’man.

Complex Flows of Air and Fire coalesced smoothly into an invisible barrier that neutralized the lightening. Even after the Weave had faded from sight, its afterimage burned brightly to Val’s mind. Finally it appeared Kal’Sarak’s onslaught paused granting opportunity for the next lesson.

A Flow of Spirit, struck directly at the Dedicated’s core; at the Source. The connection between the One Power and the channeler was strong, but not so much as it had been. Valadin brought the Shield down hard and without mercy though he refrained from idle distraction as the struggle continued. Even the smallest error and Felix could forever be Severed from the Power.

Valadin could almost perceive the surprise and subsequent panic that would begin to poison the other man’s mind. Will-driven, the Shield forced bit further into the connection. Beads of perspiration now glistened on Val’s forehead as his eyes never left the Dedicated.

“Shielding a man is easier when he’s not already Seized the One Power,” he grunted. “It becomes contest of strength Shielding an already channeling man.”

Kal’Sarak, despite the apparent lack little experience with Shields, provided difficulty despite their rank lending truth to his instruction. Now Saidin’s storm consumed Val, his only refuge the Void which centered him and the Flame which kept the Fury at bay. For even now in the tumult of the struggle the urge to win, even the cost of another’s life was strong.

“Force the Shield back with Spirit!” Valadin called out to the Dedicated, his expression strained.

The night stood still around them. What embers lingered did not feed their hunger on the twigs and leaves littering the forest floor; not yet. Now it was a struggle transcending the physical.

Note: Sending over a PM with a heads up.

[Felix]

Felix Kal'Sarak

Felix wove fireball after fireball in an attempt to get past the weaves of spirit and to land a shot on his commander. His intent was never to harm but to show his eagerness to fight and his skill with the weaves he used. As the minutes passed he showed his speed at the weave, it became more familiar with each throw. His lack of endurance showed as sweat dripped down his forehead, the challenge was wearing Felix out.

He attempted to throw the Asha’man off balance by weaving another lightning bolt on him. The man seemed surprised by the weave but wove a barrier of Air and Fire to stop the bolt before it could hit home. Shame floated on the edge of the void. If Valadin was not as quick at Channeling as he was then he would have died by that strike.

Felix stopped his onslaught, at the rate he was going he was not going to come out on top and he was just gonna weave himself into collapse. He needed a new strategy. The lull lasted mere moments before Felix was cut off from the source. Valadin had woven a shield on him in his distraction.

Felix lost his hold on Ko’di from the shock. He stumbled backwards, he had not felt this loss in a long time, in years. The shock brought memories of shame to the forefront of his mind. He had attempted to hold too much of Saidin when he first learned to channel and almost burned himself out but a quick thinking Asha’man had saved him with a shield before he could take in more of the One Power.

The lose of the source was always a jarring experience, the world lost focus. Before he could see the soot from the fires in the air, now the world was a dull existence.

He pushed against the barrier between him and Saidin he could feel it but could not get a hold on the tide of power, he felt like he was hitting a brick wall.

“Force the Shield back with Spirit!” Valadin called out to the Dedicated

Felix looked up at the Asha’man, not quite understanding. He saw the strain of holding the shield took on the man. Felix just stared at Valdin with a blank look as he struggled against the force blocking him.

He would not be controlled, he would not! He pushed with his consciousness against the flat surface in his mind, he would break the barrier! No one would make him weak again!

He struggled for minutes that felt like hours, he slammed his mind against the wall over and over. After some time he stopped and felt around for a chink in the wall, he found one small crack and focused his efforts on that single point. Again and again he railed against it. The other dedicated watched silently as the pair stared intently at each other so focused that the world faded away around them.

His efforts became more frantic as the minutes passed by until he hit the shield one final time and the weave shattered into a million pieces. Felix did not know if he had succeeded or if Valadin had let him through in an effort to continue the lesson. He suspected that Valadin had dropped the shield. All he knew was that he would be prepared if the Asha’man attempted to shield him again.

After the brief period of shock passed Felix dove into the source and filled himself. His blood boiled like never before and the world became clear. He saw the leaves floating on the air and the drops of sweat on the opposing man. A brief thought passed his mind of a carriage driver controlling his team of horses. He wove three thin cords of air and swung them all at the Asha’man. He did not let a second pass between swinging the cords and pulling spirit from the source and forming a crude version of the shield that held him before. He pushed the shield at his mentor physically and mentally.

[Sean]

There was no denying that it was there. Layered by the thin veneer of control offered by the Void. It hid behind a commander’s wish to marshal the troops for the imminent battle.

Joy. Release…savagery.

Saidin pulsed with the rich exhilaration that came in response to mortal danger. Valadin knew it was unbecoming for an Asha’man to indulge the notion and even dangerous for a channeling man to acknowledge it, yet denying it was a lie he could not tell to himself whether he was bound by the Oaths or not.

Kal’Sarak was instinctive Val realized as Flows of Air tore at him just as an improvised Shield impressed itself upon his connection to the Power. Laughter almost overtook the senses as his body called upon the endless hours of combat training endured over the years. The Flows struck the ground with brutal force, sending a spray of dirt gouting into the air just as Val’s roll carried him to one side. His ears were still ringing when he rose to his feet, but the pain only nourished the slowly rousing desire to fight.

The Dedicated’s Shield though simple was not easy to break through. Yellow ribbons floated on the wind as ribbons of Air raced with deathly speeds. Is this boy really trying to kill me?

Rather than inspiring concern, the thought encouraged further excitement nearly stirring the Fury into wakefulness. Cutting down the incoming barrage of Weaves with precisely split Flows of Spirit at the last moment inspired a reaction from the observing Dedicated. They had been all, but forgotten in the midst of the struggle.

The momentary lapse was nearly costly as now Air and balls of fire filled the momentary gap in concentration, the Shield pressing the advantage ever further. Valadin pushed back the Shield with a Weave of Spirit and Air, a combination Garyas had deigned to show him on a whim while they were still Dedicated. The Ghealdan was always innovative when it came to Weaves for Battle and Val was grateful to have been his benefactor.

Saidin roared forth in a tidal wave of power and the Dedicated’s face showed obvious signs of strain. Finally the chance that Val had been waiting for appeared. At last the Flows of Air and the hail of Fireballs began to slow. Wasting no time to consider the repercussions Val was barreling forward, the warmed air stimulating an even layer of sweat on his skin as Weaves narrowly missed slamming into him. Those Weaves that could not be dodged where cut down.

Felix was just recovering his bearing when Val was upon him. The Dedicated was of similar height if not a hair shorter; to his great misfortune.

Valadin mustered from the seemingly bottomless well of the Power, his limbs burning with the force of it flowing through him. He managed to split his Weaves before, one Flow becoming two or even three upon an occasion, however Weaving entirely separate Weaves was something he’d never been foolish enough to attempt…until today.

Four Weaves separate Weaves of Air exploded into existence, the colored ribbons becoming a net as the rushed to restrain the Dedicated arms and legs. Valadin could feel his mind tearing as the Power surged unforgivingly, the demand of the exerted power stretching him beyond his limit. I should stop, he thought, but the torrent of molten fire searing his innards refused to adhere to his feeble plea.

Outwardly Val struck towards Felix’s temple, a short open palmed blow that would leave no permanent damage yet provide enough distraction to break their stalemate.

Note: Advantage in Weaves and combat training. Look forward to seeing how you get out of this one, mate.

[Felix]

Felix Kal'Sarak

Exhaustion was the only way to describe how Felix felt. He was sapped of most of his strength. The weaves he threw towards Valadin were getting weaker with each throw. His weaves of air smashed the ground and were slashed away with spirit. The Spry Asha'man rolled away from the ribbons of air and he forced back Felix's shield with a delicate weave of spirit and air. A thought dawned on Felix as he watched the counter-weavesThat was what he had meant about push it away with spirit

He would have to continue the onslaught so he continued to barrage the man with fire and lightning, most cut down with spirit and some dodged. The Asha'man moved quickly towards Felix with a spark in his eye. Fear rose in him at the approach, he had no skill in hand to hand combat and he doubted his sword would be very helpful against Valadin.

He took no chances and unsheathed the blade as the man approached. He held it ready to slash at the unarmed man. Weaves of air flew towards Felix, he panicked and jumped back falling in a vain attempt to dodge the attack. He slashed with his blade and used it as a conduit upon which his spirit weave flowed to slash through the two weaves aimed at his arms. His legs were snared by air and the mans arm flew towards where his face had been moments before. Luck was on his side, if barely.

The air flew out of his lungs and he dropped the sword when he hit the ground. A deep hate flared in his mind, he was bested. He wanted nothing more then to strip the skin from the mans body for the humiliation. The dark emotions and thoughts passed before they could even be fully recognized by Felix. His better, his mentor and commander had taught him many lessons in the fight. He would have to be better to fight back.

He pulled the Void around him self and plunged head long into the river that was Saidin He filled himself to bursting. His blood burned and froze at the same time and felt like he would be ripped down by the torrent that invaded his body. He wove a weave of yellow ribbons of air together and pushed the man back physically and mentally, he pushed with all of his might hoping to throw the man far back.

He sat up and pulled the ribbons next to his body, they rose like serpents on his sides, poised to strike.

[Sean]

The body warned that the limits of the flesh were fast approaching, yet heeding caution was always a difficult thing when the Power surged through the veins.

Valadin’s thought were sharp and felt that nothing escaped his notice. The Weaves of Air, feeble and crudely shaped as they were deflected with countering Flows of Spirit and Fire woven deftly with little effort. It was the mental retaliation that had struck home with unexpected force. It was as Val’s attention was split between Cutting the Flows of Air that raked ground and space to claw at his body while fending the Flows of Spirit working on his mind that a warm satisfaction suffused his senses.

Earth and stone were erratically thrown in all direction forcing the spectators to distance themselves from the dueling channelers. The air was thick and heavy as the One Power reached its zenith within both men. Kal’Sarak was strong and would grow to become a fine Asha’man. Valadin was able to objectively that, yet the delight at his own strength—the knowledge of the Power he wielded being capable of overcoming those of another was intoxicating. A smirk rode his lips as he strode through the tempest around him, Weaves of the One Power colliding around him though none were able to break through the buffer of Air and Spirit that dividing into fine Flows aimed at the weakening assault.

By the time Val was upon the Dedicated the sheen of sweat glistening with moonlight and a haggard, desperate look has cast its shadow over the once stoic features. He is strong. The thought resonated within the storm of Saidin and could be heard over the howl of the Fury within.

The light of resignation was absent from the bested Dedicated’s eyes. To the contrary despite the gradually dulling menace Valadin felt in him, the young man maintained the appearance of one poised on attack. Wisps of heated air rose in a curtain between the faces of the men as they eyed each other.

Perhaps it was the Fury momentarily seizing opportunity to slake its lust for violence or it may have been the defiance obvious in Kal’Sarak’s bearing. Whatever the reason, Valadin struck of sudden blow to the chest. If Felix had been prepared for such an attack then it was clear that the body was lagging far behind the mind. In the moments the fierce looking young man turned his mind to recover his balance Weaves of Spirit came together at Valadin’s behest; the Power within him still vying against better reason to be released to its fullest extent. A Shield of Spirit slammed into place feebly opposed largely in part due to the other man’s distraction though whether the boy’s strength would have been enough to begin with was a dubious predication at best.

“You’ve fought well. There’s no need for you to take part in this evening’s training,” Valadin calmly stated. His throat was raw after the exertion though he hadn’t yelled overly much; or hadn’t been aware of it. Motioning at two other recruits who ambled forward in quick, nervous steps he instructed that Dedicated Kal’Sarak be returned to camp and put under the watch of the other Asha’man.

There was more Valadin wanted to say. Lingering bloodlust tightened in his breast as he turned toward the waiting flock of Dedicated with a visage of stone. If all of them could be like Felix then this foolish affair might not have been as hopeless as it originally seemed. Optimism is ever the precursor to despair in war. Prepare them and ready yourself for the fight. That is what’s required of you.

“Select a partner and form up!” Val barked.

Note: It’s not over unless you want it to be over, but I figure if we can end things here we can proceed with the actual battle…as delayed as it has been. Just PM me if you think otherwise.