Practice and Preparations (Att: Tristan, Algeric, and Ivron)
(OoC: I've been in touch with Ivron.)
Richard was nearly ready to leave his responcibility at the Tower and go start righting wrongs in the world. There were too many things goign on, and he lacked the man power to do much more then send out a man or two to die and the rest to defend the Tower.
He had gotten no reports back from Carhien, but the one Warder he had sent, who's bond had stayed back fortunatly, was still alive. It was unexplainable, but it seemed he was still in the city proper.
Sheinar was preparing for battle in the spring, and that was looking less and less hopeful, and Manetheran was still causing trouble, apparently having handed over the Aes Sedai to the lesser tower.
Pushing himself away from the desk, he moved out to start teaching his star pupils. And moving Algeric into a brush up class. It was vital to have the man out, as the impending events needed everyone at their best.
************************************************
Damien was definitly no better looking after his days in the training ground. A shattered nose had left his face looking flatter. Seven fingers were swollen, and countless scars addorned them. He grinned at his "trophies."
Master Richard had called for a special training session, and Damien came out again. He was ready to use everything he had. Another month, and he would be the best here.
He swore it to himself, taking a bit of his blood to make the oath.
Aran Alandar M'Hael Black Tower OL
Posts: 106
(12/7/06 10:45 am) Reply
Re: Practice and Preparations (Att: Tristan, Algeric, and Iv
Algeric stood at the edge of the yard, watching the young students training in pairs. His mind cast back into the past as he watched, remembering his first days here. His cloak fluttered in the breeze as he watched, flowing through shades of green,browns and greys so that it blended with the trees and sky behind him.
The ringing of sword on sword pulled at Algeric's heart, he longed for battle to be doing something, anything. He hoped that chance would come soon. He saw a small cluster of Aes Sedai off to the side watching, perhaps looking for a future warder. That too was a sore point with Algeric. No bond for him yet, he was not the type of warder who was allright with that situation. He hoped that situation too would one day be remedied.
For the time being it was enough to be here, to be a warder was his dream after all. He had wanted it from an early age. He had dim memories of telling his father as much when he was still small enough to sit on his fathers lap...
Aran Alandar
M'Hael
Bonded to Niamh
Algeric Mingowa
Gaidin
Raekal RP Admin Band OL King of Manetheren
Posts: 267
(12/9/06 1:56 pm) Reply
Re: Practice and Preparations (Att: Tristan, Algeric, and Iv
OOC: Just two points. 1, did anyone else notice that the thread below this one's last post is 6/7? and that the last post on this was 12/7? lol.... kinda ironic =D and 2, so WHERE IS HE, eh Rodgin??
IC: Tristan glanced up at the building before him. In the weeks past here, he had learned a lot about the sword, and how to use it, but still.. he wasn't good enough, and he knew it. He needed to be better. He needed to be stronger. He needed to be faster. He needed to be the best the Tower had to offer so that he could face Ranine, and take him down. He had to, for Sophia, for her family.. for all of Cairheinin. Word had spread to the Tower about the man now, and the Tower was beginning to watch his movements with concern; he was a danger, and had some sort of dangerous ally to move so quickly and so powerfully across the countryside.
He walked forwards, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword easily. His eyes, dark with intent, sought out the few faces he knew around him, and the others that he didn't. Hopefully, something more would come from this. Something great. "Tristan, reporting as ordered, sir."
(Raekal Dunshain) -- First Stormleader Asha'man Bonded to Brenna Selanos (Saker Mandell) -- King of Manetheren (Seia Vron) -- Asha'man (Tristan Du'saa) -- Gaidin in Training (Kerin Lizaile) -- Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah
Ivron Silverrus Andor's first
prince of the sword
Posts: 24
(12/12/06 9:28 pm) Reply
Re: Practice and Preparations (Att: Tristan, Algeric, and Iv
"Thats it lad, rember your strikes will always carry more strenth when you attack from the high guard." Ivron commented in a rare bestowment of praise to his class of new recruits. Deftly moving his practice sword to the students now unprotected chest he added in a less enthusiastic tone, "More strenth but at the cost of good defense."
A stalky young trainee,Saldaean from his features, stepped forward and nervously asked, "Lord Silverrus, If I may be so bold, would a soldier not be better suited to press the attack in this instance?"
"What is your name trooper?" Ivron asked, a sly smile crossing his face.
The nervous young man looked from side to side judging the expressions of his peers and strode forward closing the distance between Ivron and himself to two spans. "My name is Kyle."
"Well then, Kyle, first thing is first." "My name is Ivron, and as Master Fadora simply loves to remind me, I am not a lord here." "As for the ansewer to you question I will show you the value of a good defense." "Young man choose three others and bring them forward."
The young Saldaean cautiously made his way through the throng of trainees, looking over faces, and hesitantly choosing three of the more solid looking students.
Speaking in a loud voice in order to be heard by the entire group of thirty plus students Ivron once again turned on his lecturing voice and said, "If the light should shine on you and fortune smiles upon you and you some how find youself in the good graces of not only Master Fadoa but also an Aes Sedai a few of you will might.....might become warders. As a warder your sole purpose in life will be.........................the DEFENSE of your Aes Sedai. Turnign, Ivron now faced the group of four trainees and nodded to Selek, the warder supervising his instruction.
Selek waved a dismissive hand and several trainees, not previously in attendence, whisked forward bearing cloth covered practice swords and buckets of red paint. They soon coated all the practice swords and distrubuted them among the soon to be combants.
"No need to worry lads I dont plan to harm any of you, however I want you to come at me with every ounce of skill you possess." "The paint will show us all why a good defense is paramount."
Selek moved from his position in the shade of a sprawling willow tree, to the rear of the group, and stood firmly between the two groups, casting Ivron a warning glance." "Very well, just rember the purpose here is not to prove skill but to learn form."
Ivron accepted the paint laden practice sword form the young lad to his left and hefted it, testing its balance, and assumed the void. The single flame that spelled his only sanctuary and his certain doom arose in his mind. It consuming all emotion and brought all aspects of his senses into sharp focus.
The foursome charged at him employing four different styles and methods. The first raised his sword in a vicious overhead chop and recieved a thin red slash of paint across the back of his shoulders and Ivron easily side stepped the attack and lightly tapped his sword to the mans back as his momentum carried him past. The second struck first with a driving lunge and followed with what would have been a short snap kick to Ivron's knee but fell short as countered. By judging the man's foot work Ivron predicted the move and deflected his opponets blade down so hard the young lad lost his grip and ended up tripping over his own sword. The third and fourth attacked in unison and actually worked together. However every swing, every thrust, every lunger was easily defeated by Ivrons superior defense. On and On they came, each time earning a red stain on their cloths as Ivron countered their attacks and lightly tapped them with his sword.
"Lads always judge your enemy, find his weakness." His words died as the four charged once again. Again he easily parried the unskilled attacks and darted outside of the circle the four were attempting to form around him.
Then the unthinkable happened. The void collapsed. His concentration failed and Ivron felt as if he could barley move. His vision narrowed and for all his attempts at regaing discipline he could only see one thing.
Across the practice yard A slender woman clad in the traditional white dress and serpent ring of the accepted stopped to reclaim one her white slippers along the grey stone path. As she dawned the slipper Ivron caught her eyes. THOSE EYES! Large deep pools of the purest green, they contrasted shparply with her pale skin and darkly curled cascades of silky brown hair. Captivated was not quite the word that skittered across Ivron's babbling mind, this was more akin to being dumbstruck.
Speaking of being struck. Pain flared sharply all over Ivron's body as the practice blades of all four of his oppenets landed home. Horizontal Lines of red now decorated his chest and back only to be joined by a pair of vertical lines on his shoulders and right leg. The force of the blows knocked the wind from him and he staggered to his knees grunting with pain. All of those hits would leave healthly bruises.
The class erupted in laughter as Ivron's face fluched in embarassment.
The laughter was silence however by the words of the Red clad Aes Sedai who had been leading the green eyed accepted down the rough stone path. Speaking to the accepted but obviouly loud enogh for the entire class to hear the red sister spat and conjected, " You see kyreida, this is just an example of why we of the red never seek to employ men out causes. They, like these common ruffians, are vile and unfit to lead anyone. Let alone channel the one power."
Ivron's temper snapped. Regaining his feet he whirlled about and yelled, "Spill your curses elsewhere woman, I for one am no commoner, and of all people I would expect an Aes sedai to harbor perhaps the smallest amount of respect for good men who come here with the intent of swearing an oath to fight, bleed and die for you!"
********************************************************************************************
After the third week ok mucking stables in full plate and mail armor,sun up to sun down, Ivron had finally developed a rough routine. He was rarley botherd by the weight or the cumbersome straps and buckles integral to the armor. Truth be told he didnt really notice it anymore. Only two things filled his now humbled mind: The Final Test of the Gaidin.........and tthose piercing green eyes.......................
Ivron Silverrus Andor's first
prince of the sword
Posts: 25
(12/12/06 9:29 pm) Reply
Re: Practice and Preparations (Att: Tristan, Algeric, and Iv
OCC:
1. sorry I forgot to spell check
2. tristan and rodgin lets do this!
Re: Practice and Preparations (Att: Tristan, Algeric, and Iv
Damien watched as the others assembled for this special training session. Sadly, at least for Damien, the two young lordlings who had been his downfall were back. He couldn't help but smile at the smell of horses though. Ivron's folly had become well known to all the trainees.
There were several others there that Damien had sparred with in the past. Not a single man could compete with his blade work. It was a good feeling. Except for the Warder and Master Fedora, no man here was Damien's eaqual.
****************************************************
Richard gathered all the trainee's around him, speaking up so they could be heard.This was a day many of them had been waiting for, they just didn't know it. He hoped they would prove themselves and rise to the occassion.
"Everyone grab your practice swords," Richard belowed over the babble, quieting the nervouse voices. "You have two minutes to find the matching numbers on the hilt of your practice blade and discuss strategy. This is going to prove that teamwork is paramount, but knowing your own abilities is better. Now go."
"Algeric," Richard said, catching the warder's attention. "There is a blade there with your name on it. You don't get a team, but mobs of those less skilled then you should be a good practice for you."
**************************************************
Damien swiped up a blade with ease, taking off from the rack, keeping a sharp eye on blade hilts who bore the number one like his. Much to his dismay, the two lordling's joined him. He almost spit in disgust.
"Well, teamwork it is," Damien muttered under his breath. "I don't work as well in a team as you two do, but I'm not one for losing. I'll take a flank. That is my only "contribution" to our strategy as I don't know anything about it. I leave that to you two."
Raekal RP Admin Band OL King of Manetheren
Posts: 280
(12/13/06 8:59 am) Reply
Re: Practice and Preparations (Att: Tristan, Algeric, and Iv
Tristan picked up his practice sword, noting the number on the hilt with unease.. and pride. Perhaps "1" meant something.. but then again, it was probably more along the lines "will be the number 1 group to fail".. so he couldn't keep a smile on his face for very long.
And it vanished completely when he saw who else was in his group. Ivron he had no problem with. Having seen Ivron's little... adventure the other day from a distance, his level of respect for the man had actually risen. He still didn't know much about the man, other than he was Andoran, but that he could tell by his look and preferred style of armor and dress. But there was an aspect about him that spoke of honor and respect and everything else that made a good man... good.
"Well, teamwork it is. I don't work as well in a team as you two do, but I'm not one for losing. I'll take a flank. That is my only 'contribution' to our strategy as I don't know anything about it. I leave that to you two."
Tristan winced at the man's words. So tactless. "And with an attitude like that, you're very likely to get all three of us 'killed'," he snapped. "There's a point to everything Master Fedora does, and this exercise is more than likely to point out that we can't let our emotions rule us in combat. Sure, we may not like each other, but it's up to us to keep our friends, and therefore ourselves, alive. Understood? So if you don't watch my back as well as I watch yours, both of us are going to end up in some stupid lecture, when I could be working with this damn blade, trying to save my future. Now. Ivron. What do you think we should do?" He let out a slow breath. It was all fine and dandy to say not to let your emotions rule you.. but all Tristan really wanted right now was to get this thing over and done with.
(Raekal Dunshain) -- First Stormleader Asha'man Bonded to Brenna Selanos (Saker Mandell) -- King of Manetheren (Seia Vron) -- Asha'man (Tristan Du'saa) -- Gaidin in Training (Kerin Lizaile) -- Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah
Ivron Silverrus Andor's first
prince of the sword
Posts: 26
(12/13/06 9:51 pm) Reply
Re: Practice and Preparations (Att: Tristan, Algeric, and Iv
Ivron didnt bother to hide the near snarl that covered his face following the realization that he would be teaming up with that foul mouthed wrech, Damien. His mood lightened however as Tristan's wince and sharp choice of words seemed to silence the lout for a time.
Following their last encounter with Damien, Ivorn had gained a more than passing respect for the young cairhienin lord. Tristan had, in fact, even been so kind as to teach him a select few of his some-what lavish sword stunts. Further, the two had discussed on several occaisions various subjects ranging from battlefield tactics to logistics. None of these conversations lasted long nor drifted to topics outside of warder training. however, Ivron found the young man possessed of a keen intallect. Moreover, he possessed a burning drive to attain perfection.
Two out of three was not bad, not great, but not bad. Ivron's mind raced to find a solution. Most battles were won or lost before the first blade slid free of scabbard, or so Maligant had taught him in his youth. What we need is...........a distraction, something........ unconventional. A sly smile crept across Ivron face. Not even Damien's short-sightedness could mess this up.
"Tristan, I have an Idea..........................."
Re: Practice and Preparations (Att: Tristan, Algeric, and Iv
Damien frowned and the lordlings. The scar across his left eye made his whole face seem to crease when he did. As little as he wanted to work with these two, they were better then the alternatives. No one else had broken his nose.
"Just offering what I thought would be my best ability," Damien said softly, his anger well masked under his calm words. "Now, lets here this plan. As I said, I'm not much for losing."
He had to give it to them. He may not like them personally, but other then the Warder who was coming into play alone, they were the best three on the field. He hoped everyone else here knew that as well.
Ivron Silverrus Andor's first
prince of the sword
Posts: 27
(12/20/06 12:08 am) Reply
Re: Practice and Preparations (Att: Tristan, Algeric, and Iv
Gathering the other two close,as to avoid being overheard, Ivron spoke in a low voice, "Master Fadora is obvioulsy attempting to test our teamwork, our small unit leadership skills and perhaps even our wits. Listen, none of us are fool enough to believe that Master Fadora is going to march us to the parade field, line us up in squads, blow a whistle and watch a chaotic infantry battle. No, that would not be his style. He is going to spring a trap or have a hidden group of warders attack from hiding or something to that effect. Rember, his goal is to teach us and a barbarian slugging match would do nothing of he sort. I propose that we throw a suprise to Master Fadora's planned suprise for us. My tutor as a child taught me that there is a counter to every tactic and a counter to every counter. To counter infantry you simply ride them down with cavalry. Seeing as we will not be facing archers or pikemen, I believe that would be the position of the highest advantage. When Master Fadora gives the signal to engage we break, fall back and dash for the stables. Damien, you will be our vanguard. Considering that you like to fight alone that would serve us all best. You are to fend off any followers and once inside you will hold the doors as Tristan and I prepare the mounts. We should only need a few minutes. By the time we charge to parade grounds the battle should be in full swing and most of the fighting will of been done for us. The remains of the broken squads should be simple to mop up from atop horses and the battle will be ours."
An enthusistac smile split Ivron's face, "If one can not prepare the field of the battle the next best alternative is to prepare the battle to take place on the field. What say you?
Re: Practice and Preparations (Att: Tristan, Algeric, and Iv
Damien almost laughed. Almost. The man was a geniouse. He had just won Damien's utmost respect. As a man from a long tradition of cavaliers, there was no way to argue the tactic.
"Ivron," Damien said, his scar creased face breaking into a genuine smile. "You'll have your time to get the horses. By the creator himself, I'll give you all the time you need."
Raekal RP Admin Band OL King of Manetheren
Posts: 281
(12/23/06 4:17 pm) Reply
Re: Practice and Preparations (Att: Tristan, Algeric, and Iv
Tristan blinked. He hadn't quite realized when he had asked Ivron to come up with their little plan that he would actually come up with a plan. He looked around him at the others, who were eyeing the different groups with mixed looks. They didn't know exactly what to expect. Most of them were probably expecting soemthing resembling a sudden brawl, and were envisioning themselves out-performing not only their teammates but everyone else around them. Tristan never expected that. He never wanted to outperform anyone, anyone but Ranine, thta was, but he realized for the first time that he would outperform most of them. His dedication to excellence and perfection was paying off, slowly.
"Ivron.. if you really think that we can pull this off, I'll be right behind you the entire time." He forced a smile at Damien. "And I wouldn't want anyone else making sure we got those mounts, either. I trust your word as solid truth."
(Raekal Dunshain) -- First Stormleader Asha'man Bonded to Brenna Selanos (Saker Mandell) -- King of Manetheren (Seia Vron) -- Asha'man (Tristan Du'saa) -- Gaidin in Training (Kerin Lizaile) -- Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah
Re: Practice and Preparations (Att: Tristan, Algeric, and Iv
Damien gave the Carhien lordling a smile and a nod. Pulling out a blade, he gave it a few test twists and spins, warming up for what could be his finest hour.
"My only request is, if you can, go bareback, and, um, get me one too. I'd hate to have all this work and miss out on the fun."
Smiling at the two of them, knowing the three of them must have looked like they wre sharing the worlds biggest joke. It was then that the two minutes was up. Master Fedora barked a command that the fighting was to commense and several teams leapt into the fray straight out.
"Come to me for death," Damien yelled out stepping forward, knowing it would gain attention to him. He heard the racing footsteps of the lordlings behind him and he knew it looked like he had been abandoned.
Today was a good day.
(MERRY CHRISTMAS!)
Ivron Silverrus Andor's first
prince of the sword
Posts: 30
(12/26/06 5:07 pm) Reply
Re: Practice and Preparations (Att: Tristan, Algeric, and Iv
Sparing no time for a reward glance to observe the effect of Damien's thunderous bellow of challenge Ivron broke out in an all out run. The Stables lay several hundred paces to the north of the tree lined parade grounds. The field was now choked with trainees, all gloating at the chance to show their blade skill and set a definite pecking order in terms of martial prowess. The hopefull warders in training boasted not only to the warders but also to the small flock of sisters and accepted lining a large white stoned balcony some twenty paces above their still forming ranks.
"Fools," Ivron spat as his long legs made short work of the distance seperating the crowd of hopefuls and the Large stone outline of the White Tower's northern stables. In a flash Tristan passed him running so fast it appreared the young cairhien's feet never touched the drab off white colored paving stones beneath his booted feet. Without slowing Ivron burst through the half open double doors and franticly scanned for the cross bar. Locating it an instant later Ivron heaved the beam into place across the preset brackets jutting from the door and its frame.
Chest heaving Ivron came to a complete stop, eyes covering the expanse of the thirty or so stalls located within. The mounts within were not what he expected. The horses ranged in color form jet black to a sandy shade of light brown. They all were of good stock,expertly groomed and were unusually large. Some Ivron estimated were a good nineteen or more hands high at the shoulder. A sudden pang of caution shook Ivron as realization dawned on him. These were not the steeds common to the soldiers of the watch or even the small brigade of calvary the tower maintained, these were the warders mounts. He was about to steal a warder's horse! The implications swirlled in his mind. Well, perhaps just borrow it, he reconciled. After all what more could they do to punish him? He had already been reduced to mucking stalls, scrubbing filthy pots and pans with the novices and filling every available guard shift possible. there simply was no more time in a day further chores. Unless....
A sharp word from Tristan brought him out of his short daydream and he hefted the dark cavalry style saddel Tristan had brought from the nearby tac room. He hastily laid the saddle blanket atop A huge dark brown warhorse he had selected from the line of stalls and lifted the saddle in place. Quickly dawning the bridle over the steed's head and mouth Ivron led the great beast out of its stall and expertly cinched the straps and girth, securing the saddle in place. Letting the reins hang in place alerted the exceptionally trained animal to stay in place while Ivron dashed to assistTristan with his own "borrowed" mount. In moments the Two noblemen had the three stallions saddled and ready.
Following a short trip into the tac room Ivron raced to his horse tossing tristan one of two a long wagon driver's whips spanning almost eight feet in lenth. In a show of mock chivilary Ivron smiled and sopke with an exaggerated bow, "Sir Tristan, Your lance my lord."
With a smile at his attempt a humor Ivron spurred the great steed forward. The beast reared up and crashed through the flimsy wooden doors, its rider alternating between shouting encouragement and battle-cries.
Raekal RP Admin Band OL King of Manetheren
Posts: 285
(12/29/06 6:36 pm) Reply
Re: Practice and Preparations (Att: Tristan, Algeric, and Iv
Tristan turned after Ivron, letting the man get a bit of a lead as he watched Damien for a moment, making sure that he would be able to hold. Running left him feeling weak, as if he couldn't handle it, like he was running away, but knowing their plan, he knew it showed superior intellect. But to miss the sharp sting of battle itself... he shoved such thoughts away. He wanted only to kill Ranine, and save Sophia.
He burst into run, running as fast and hard as he could, zipping past Ivron in the process, skidding to a halt as they entered the stables. He jumped over a railing, nearly knocking over a stable attendant who looked at the pair of them with wide eyes. "Who the-" he began.
"Sorry. I'm sure you won't mind if we borrow a couple mounts for a moment. We'll return them, you have my word." Tristan smiled, and grabbed a saddle. "Ivron!" he yelled, and hefted it in the man's direction as he grabbed a second. Damien had said he wanted bareback, so Tristan neglected a third, running to his own mount of choice, a slightly smaller tan mare, who was fierce-spirited, her black nostrils flaring as Tristan approached.
After comforting the horse and saddling it quickly, he swung up onto it's back, grabbing the reins of Damien's mount. He would let Ivron's larger and stronger mount lead the charge, let the infantry break under his weight before coming in with his smaller, lighter, faster one. He caught the tossed "lance" with a smile and slight laugh, and then they were heading out, bearing back down on those that had thought they had ran.
He smiled as he came even with Damien, a few others scattering away as Ivron ran through. He tossed the man the reins. "Bareback, as you wanted!" he called, and spun the "lance" over his head to smack into a man's ribs who was coming at his unprotected flank. He went down with a heavy "OOF" and didn't immediately move. Tristan smiled as he hurled it at a second man, the point striking him in the chest and pitching him backwards. He pulled free his sword and spun it lightly in his hand, feeling the welcome and worn hilt. This would be fun....
(Raekal Dunshain) -- First Stormleader Asha'man Bonded to Brenna Selanos (Saker Mandell) -- King of Manetheren (Seia Vron) -- Asha'man (Tristan Du'saa) -- Gaidin in Training (Kerin Lizaile) -- Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah
Ivron Silverrus Andor's first
prince of the sword
Posts: 31
(1/19/07 10:35 am) Reply
Re: Practice and Preparations (Att: Tristan, Algeric, and Iv
The rag-tag remnants of the now mostly broken squads of infantry broke easilly under the mounted charge. Most choosing to flee long before the trio could closed the distance between them. Only those too slow to escape or still engaged in combat received the attention of Ivron's 'lance." Sharp cracks of the whip against flesh soon prompted screams of pain across the courtyard as Tristan and Damien's own "lances" joined the pitched battle.
To Ivron's dismay the battle lasted only moments. His weak smile of victory was soon replaced with a somewhat tired looking scowl as thoughts of returning to his stable mucking dutys returned.
willing the unpleasnt thoughts away Ivron shifted his reins and the great steed snorted loudly as the pair joined Tristan and Damien in forming a precise mounted rank before the raised dias where master Fedora stood watching the spectacle.
"The field is our this day. The retreat of you forces will go unharassed as will the unarmed tending of your wounded," Ivron stated in well rehearsed tradition.
"Um, one question Maste Fadora if you wil permitt me." "Was the purpose of this little skirmish to teach us something or to parade us and our swordplay in view of those sisters," Ivron ended a little more sharply than he had intended and deftly raised his "lance" up in the direction of the throng of sisters and acepted now openly staring at the unexpected out come of the conflict.
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