Portraits in Violence (Mehrin's Combat Assessment) (Attn: Roan)

[Quibby]

Minutes seemed to turn into months as Mehrin and Captain Ferria circled each other. Since his only solid strike in the duel there had been several quick skirmishes, each ending with the two stepping away and reassessing. And she still hasn't slowed, the Deathwatch grumbled.

Probably that 'flame and void' thing that they used to harp on about.

You should try that.

Last time I did, you stepped in and broke a man's arm in three places, his collarbone, and crushed his face. And it was only a spar!

I stand by my suggestion.

Shut up.

Mehrin closed again rapidly, swinging upwards from the outer edge of his reach, then trying to drive the pommel of his weapon into the joint between Captain Ferria's shoulder and neck. He knew it would completely miss before he even began, but he had to try. He was at the end of his little dirty tricks that carried little risk, and he was still a step behind the younger woman. We're not going to win this, are we?

Not without taking a chance.

... We're not going to win this.

Mehrin's next strike went wide, a misstep on his part that he barely recovered from. Captain Ferria was too good to make a simple mistake against. Eventually, she would capitalize on it. Breaking away, Mehrin ran his hand across is brow, wiping sweat out of his eyes and breathing heavily. It had been a decent spar, enough to make anybody weary. Weary people made mistakes that got them killed. It took less effort to kill a weary opponent.

Both Mehrin and the Deathwatch hoped that Captain Ferria would capitalize soon, would come in for the kill soon.

It would be difficult to keep making these mistakes and openings look anything but genuine.

OOC: I am so terribly sorry. Combination of (literally) running out of usable dirty tricks in my collection and a bunch of unexpected RL BS. At this point, Mehrin is simply looking for even the slightest chance to do something that might give him an edge, no matter the risk involved; he's out of options.

[Roan]

Riahana Ferria

If the Gaidin managed to land the blow as desired, Ria likely would have found herself at the Infirmary with a not-too happy husband attending her wounds. Mehrin, though, advertised the move such that the Gaidar Captain had no trouble shuffling her feet so she side-stepped the blow. He was skilled with his weapon, of that there was no doubt, but the Gaidar had speed on her side. Some might say she had youth on her side, but she knew better than to underestimate one’s elders in combat.

Given the initial side-step, as Ria watched the man’s strike go wide, she saw her chance. With another side step, and twist of her wrists, the Gaidar Captain took advantage of the opening of her opponent and thrust her sword into his open mid-section. It would likely have been a killing blow on a field of battle, as it was, it would leave a nasty bruise. “Touch, and end,” she announced as she took a step back to disengage.

The Gaidar Captain studies the man with a critical eye, “You have skill with that two-handed beast of a weapon. It’s clear you are a veteran to it and how to wield it. There are those in the yards who aspire to learn the two handed style of swords, and if you have the patience and are willing, your tutelage to them would be welcome.”

For the first time since they engaged, Ria used the back of her sleeve to wipe away sweat from her brow. Her breathing was heavier than normal, but nothing to suggest she was in anything but prime shape. “I consider your evaluation complete, and will be sure to mark you down as a Veteran with the two handed sword. The rest of the day is yours, Mehrin Gaidin.” She offered him a bow before moving off to attend her own business.

OOC: This verifies that Mehrin Gaidin has been evaluated and awarded 4 points in sword. Submit this last thread to claim your Weapon Skill Points, Quibby.