The Pull of the Blade (ATTN: Riahana)

[Prew]

“I do not doubt your words, Gaidar, it is no surprise to hear that some might surpass you, though I doubt there are many. After all, many of the best swordsmen are warders which speaks highly of the training here,” Prewtez replied, “And I am honored to have you as a mentor.” He made a slight bow then moved into a stance.

He decided it would be best to try the unusual next. Assuming The Creeper Embraces the Oak as Riahana took The Lion on the Hill he began to slowly circle her, watching as she held her weapon in a high guard. With a sudden burst of speed he flowed into Lightning of Three Prongs, thrusting forward to draw her guard then slashing to the right.

OOC: As Riahana mentors Prewtez in the sword I'll be getting some practice writing a combat scene. Please feel free to offer suggestions if needed!

[Roan]

Riahana took note of the Drin's form as he executed his move from his circling guard position. While his form was good, execution of Lightning of Three Prongs was slow. She parried using Falling Leaf, moving her blade in sweeps from left to right to parry each of his strokes. The flat of her practice blade struck Prewtez' with his initial thrust, and then his slash to the right.

She spoke as she parried, "Speed and finesse are critical when it comes to this kind of blade. You have one edge, which means a different fighting style to what you might be used to. Some say it is a dance of deadly grace with this blade and the sword forms you wish to learn. There is a rhythm to it, and you will be able to transition seamlessly from one form to another if I do my task justice."

The Gaidar Captain's parry allowed her to get inside the Drin'far'ji's guard, and she wanted to test what he might do. She easily transitioned into a horizontal chop, Cutting the Clouds. In a full on battle, she would have put her full strength behind the blow, but she did not need a reputation for breaking the ribs of those in the learning ranks, thus put enough power to leave a definite bruise if Prewtez did not manage an effective counter.

[Prew]

Prewtez realized he had two disadvantages in this spar, not only was his opponent more skilled but he was also fighting with an unfamiliar weapon, but one he definitely hoped to master.

The speed with which the Gaidar parried both of his strikes should not have surprised the Drin, he had already observed the quickness of her forms, but for her to speak so calmly as she did so proved how much he could learn from this woman. Prewtez could not respond to her comments as his mind was too busy attempting to come up with an answer to her next move.

As she transitioned into Cutting the Clouds he attempted to parry her chop by bringing his sword up vertically in a blocking position while stepping back, executing Willow Embracing the Breeze and trying to gain some space between himself and her blade.

OOC: I’ll leave it to you to decide if he was successful or the recipient of a nasty whack to his side.

[Roan]

Few swordsmen liked having their opponent within their guard, and Riahana was not surprised when the Drin' attempted to use Willow Embracing the Breeze to try and get distance. She could tell he was used to wielding a blade, and used to the dance of battle. He was more skilled than most who came into the yards as a Drin, though he had a long way to go to earn the Heron he longed for. So did she, for that matter.

Ria countered with Black Pebbles on the Snow to parry his strike and used precise footwork to stay within his guard. She then took a quick step to the side and landed a sharp blow to his side. . .enough to leave a bruise but not so much to break bones. "Footwork is also critical. As I mentioned, this is a dance, in its way, and the more precise your footwork is, the better speed and finesse you will have," she explained as she went to the guard stance of The Swallow Glides to the Branch. Her blade was held diagonally, and the tip was pointed towards Prewtez. "The Heron Wading in The Rushes is one of the best forms to help with footwork. When you move through your sword forms on your own, it is one you should practice at length. While it is not a good one to use in a spar or combat, it will prove critical in improving precision of your footwork, and speed."

The Gaidar Captain smirked and gave a little shrug, "And. . .as important as it is to know the sword forms and move from one to another without hesitation, it is also important not to forget to use everything at your disposal to win whatever battle you are engaged in. Having said that, to rely on dirty tricks is dangerous. Rely on skill first, but if a trick gives you an edge against your foe, use it to your advantage."

((OOC: I think we can probably wrap up after another response or two. ))

[Prew]

Prewtez d’Grayson grunted in pain as the Gaidar’s practice sword delivered a blow to his side. Had it been a real blade he would have been in desperate need of an Aes Sedai’s healing. As it was, he knew it would leave a bruise, but the pain would serve as a reminder of just how much he had yet to learn.

“I did not recognize the form you employed when delivering your blow,” he grimaced at the reminder of his letting her inside his guard. “But I understand your emphasis on the importance of footwork. While I have practiced some on foot, most of my actual use of the sword in combat came from the back of a horse.”

He followed her advice and took up the stance for The Heron Wading in the Rushes, pivoting on his back foot as he lowered the sword from his shoulder while slashing horizontally.

“Ah, I see how this can indeed help improve my footwork and speed,” he admitted, “I shied away from practicing it for the very reason you stated, it’s impracticality in combat. I now see that was an error on my part.”

He raised an eyebrow in surprise when she added her combat about dirty tricks.

“Yes, Riahana Gaidar, in combat we used anything that might help us be the ones to walk away from battle still alive. But I did not think it would be proper while sparring. You have given me much to ponder as well as much to practice. I am grateful to you for the gift of your time.”

He smiled, his gratitude showing on his face. before adding, “Might we spar again in a few days? I should like to judge if my practice will lead to improvement by again testing myself against a swordsman of your caliber.”

OOC: That should be close to wrapping it up, eh?

[Roan]

Riahana smirked, "Dirty tricks while sparring aren't appropriate, no. I mention it because there are a number of us who train in the Yards who forget that in a real battle, our opponents will use whatever means they can to dispatch us. . .and we should not get so caught up in our sword forms that we are caught unaware and unprepared."

Placing the tip of the practice sword on the ground, the Gaidar Captain continued, "Meet me in one week's time. I know for me, each lesson I had with those who were my betters took closer to a week of practice and contemplation before I felt as if I was partially competent in the new lessons learned. Be warned, though, not all of our sessions will focus on sparring. While it is a good assessment of skill, it is not the end all, be all for learning sword forms.

"We will have some sessions where our focus will be moving from one sword form to another. We can use practice swords for such sessions, though having your own blade would be prudent so you can get used to the balance and weight going from one move to the next," Riahana explained.

While the Gaidar Captain had given pointers to many in the Warder Yards, Prewtez would be the first she would actively train and mentor with the sword. She felt a deep sense of responsibility. . .his skill would be dependent on what she could impart on him, along with how much effort he put in to practicing what she imparted. A moment of realization came to her, and she cocked her head, "Have you managed to procure a new blade to replace your bastard sword? If nothing else, the quarter master at the armory might have something you could use unless you wish to buy your own."

((OOC:Very nearly done. Feel free to close it out after your reply. Well done.)

[Prew]

“A week’s time. Yes, Riahana Gaidar, I hope to show improvement by then. I have set aside time to practice upon rising in the morning and before retiring in the evening,” he replied. Along with his classes and chores that left no time for socializing, but he hadn’t come to the Tower to make friends. He had left those behind. Aside from the Accepted in the gardens and the Soldier in his unarmed combat class he had interacted with none but his coworkers in the stables and his superiors.

“I look forward to learning all I can from such a master swordsman as yourself and I trust I won’t disappoint you,” his entire focus was on acquiring the skills needed to become a worthy warder. He hoped to prove that what Leala Accepted had foreseen in him was true.
As the Gaidar asked about a blade he realized this was something he had not yet considered.

“There is a blade I saw in the armory, one similar to yours but not nearly as fine. That should be adequate until I can find a proper swordsmith. I haven’t had time to explore the city, nor am I sure Drin are allowed to do so.”

Yes, he would trade in the bastard sword for the single edged blade that had caught his eye on his tour of the armory. That would put a finish to a part of his life that was now just the past.

With a bow and a promise to meet again in a week’s time, Prewtez took his leave of the Gaidar Captain. Realizing he had missed his assigned time for chores, he marched himself to the Mistress of Training’s office to confess his error and receive his punishment.

Only later, as he mucked stables, did he discover who had agreed to mentor him in the sword. A stablehand casually mentioned having seen him spar with the Gaidar Captain.

Burn me! It couldn’t be just any gaidin or gaidar, but the bloody captain herself!

Prewtez wasn’t sure whether to be honored or intimidated by such knowledge, then realized it was a bit of both. Well, he decided, it would just add more motivation to become a swordsman of whom the Gaidar Captain could be proud!

OOC: Thanks for the lesson! Will further training be via a new thread or simply assumed to take place? You can PM the answer if you like.

[Roan]

Riahana watched as the Drin headed off to continue with his day. She couldn't help the small smirk, as she remembered what it was like to be of the learning ranks, and how intimidating it could be to spar with someone who was fully raised. She didn't mind giving her time, and in fact quite enjoyed mentoring those who wished to learn more about bow or saber.

Drin'far'ji Prewtez knew how to handle a blade, and while the single edged weapon might be new to him, along with some of the sword forms, he showed talent. If he practiced as he said, then he would improve quickly in due course.

OOC: This post certifies that Drin'far'ji Prewtez has been evaluated for 3 Skill Points in Sword. Use the URL of this post in your Weapon Skill Form in order to have your earned Skill registered.