[Flashback, Sunset Falls] Don't Forget to Fall

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Stretching northward along the coastline of the Suvan Sea, the Cobalt Mountains are the home of the Bronze Wood, numerous ruins, and creatures both strange and fantastical.

[Flashback, Sunset Falls] Don't Forget to Fall

Postby Rhuryc on August 1st, 2010, 8:22 am

13th Day of Spring, 505 AV

"Your father never saw the purpose in combat." The elder soldier spoke with a husky tone, his rasped throat torn from an old scar. "But you're my responsibility, whelp, so you'll do well to defend yourself."

The falls were magnificent. The quiet hue of the vibrant waters was a sight so awesome that poets dreamed of such inspiration. Set beneath an afternoon sky of blue, the sun left a cascade of brilliance for all to behold, polite in its offerings to the denizens below. When one compared the glorious day to the cool, swift breezes that shook the budding trees and renewed natural spirit it was as if the gods had blessed this land with a celestial nature. Birds called for mates in a beautiful chorus, set against the fresh smells that spring brought in its wake. Such an image could satisfying artists to come for many a century with a myriad of colors and scenes that could still any mind.

Rhuryc did not have time to marvel. A lesser form next to his uncle, the young boy made for a queer spectacle. His clothing was dirty, ruined from the trek, and his hair was all a mess, long enough to hide the stubble that dotted his chin and block his vision. For a moment he wished that the man had not come on this trip. Surely his purpose was not one Rhuryc would enjoy, marred as it would be in lessons and, worst of all, pain. Physical stress that the boy had come to hate, if not fear. Already he knew what was in store. The imposing man that had accompanied Rhuryc had already produced two wooden shields and a set of dull, iron blades. Training, as Tristan put it, was his ticket out of a normal life. A mundane life. A life that Rhuryc very much did not mind.

"Come on, then. Tyveth does not want his chosen sitting on their asses." Tristan spoke with the typical irritation in his voice. He tossed one of the blades to Rhuryc and followed it with a shield, the result of which ended in a loud clatter and a grumble from the teenager.

"Really? Chosen by Tyveth? I didn't think you brought any ale with you, uncle." Rhuryc quipped with his own attitude. A remark that he would soon regret. The man smirked and raised his weapons just as soon as Rhuryc had armed himself. The action that followed took the boy by surprise. Stationed as was he was on the side of the pool's shore, up a bit of distance on a few rocks, he figured he was safe. How wrong he was. A sudden flurry of movement from Tristan caused Rhuryc to panic and in the course of the next few seconds he felt a shield slam into his own, the force knocking him off his feat and sending him tumbling into the water.

"Boy, I will teach you respect whether you like it or not." Tristan spat.
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[Flashback, Sunset Falls] Don't Forget to Fall

Postby Rhuryc on August 1st, 2010, 8:46 am

"You're wasting time." The rasped voice was like a demon's laughter.

Rhuryc gritted his teeth as he pulled himself to the shore. Of course his uncle would not aid him as he flailed in the waters, striving to not lose his armaments and to, simultaneously, not drown. Never mind the fact that he could not swim. At all. No, he was fine. He had swallowed quite a bit of water but he had, after some effort, managed to keep himself alive. He would have to see how long that would last. With a grunt, Rhuryc lifted himself off and took in a deep breath, ignoring the soaking wet clothing. At least he was clean now. Sort of. He hefted both the sword and shield up and, much to his dismay, caught some movement from his peripheral. He turned just in time to find iron as it struck his arm. Pain seared across his flesh from the blunted impact, that which he had not been prepared for.

"Pay attention!" Tristan yelled, "An enemy will show you no mercy!" The clack of wood on wood echoed across the falls as the former soldier sent his shield forward to be met by his student's. A heavy push sent the boy back and the two of them disconnected just long enough for Rhuryc's eyes to well up with potential tears. His arm was wracked with pain. Holding the shield was almost torture. Yet he had no time to console his wounds. Tristan charged the short distance and lead with an over-hand swing, his sword slamming into a now-dented wooden shield.

"What the hell are you doing?!" Rhuryc called out, confused. "Are you going to even tell me what to do?" The boy felt himself waver as Tristan's shield caught him in the side. The force of the impact sent Rhuryc to the ground where he rolled over his own weapon and ended with his face in the dirt. He coughed violently and struggled to regain a semblance of reality. What just happened?

Tristan backed off for now. There was no use in killing the boy. "Use the shield for defense. Use the shield for offense. Use the sword for defense. Use the sword for offense. Don't let me hit you. Satisfied?"
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[Flashback, Sunset Falls] Don't Forget to Fall

Postby Rhuryc on August 1st, 2010, 9:47 am

"No." Rhuryc hoisted himself from the ground. The moment he was standing he assumed a hesitant, frightened poise, the shield held close to his body as if it was his last bastion of defense. Only because it was. At least this time he expected the attack. The sword came at his head now and so Rhuryc raised the shield high, almost attacking the blade as he knocked it aside. Wrong move. He underestimated his uncle's strength as the man pushed forward, his own wooden slab impacting the boy's chest with a sickening thud. Rhuryc stumbled backward and gasped for air. He dropped his weapon and grabbed at his body, too distraught to even think. Was this what death felt like?

What came next was worse. He felt something behind his calf and without warning his balance was gone. The sweet sensation of pain returned and the boy realized he was on his back. From his new position he stared up, the shadowed form of his uncle blocking his gaze from the sky. For a moment he wanted Tristan to snap his neck, maybe toss him into the pool, but his release never came. Instead he was left to stir in his thoughts, those of which were able to pierce the veil of duress.

"Stand proud. Never show your opponent how weak you are. They will exploit it. Your shield always remains high, upright, your sword at the ready." Tristan took a few steps back. He knocked his blade against the edge of his shield and waited, patiently. "Get up. I didn't say you could rest."

Rage replaced pain. His countenance aflame with anger, Rhuryc pushed himself off the ground. He could feel his heart beat as he reached for his armaments, the adrenaline pounding in his veins. With a lowered shoulder the boy charged his uncle, shield held out in front while the sword trailed behind. There would be revenge. He would force the man to drink from his shame and would look at him from above while he lay in defeat, staring up from his back. Rhuryc could feel his moment of victory. Each step brought him closer, he would best this old fool and send him back to Syliras with his chin ducked to his chest!

Or not.

Rhuryc's eyes widened in fear. Tristan moved aside and took his blade with him, sweeping about and slamming the weapon into the back of the boy's knee. The shock was enough to stumble the charge and Rhuryc found himself on one leg, facing forward without any idea of just what was about to happen.

"Good. You have some spirit, at least, but emotion only gets you killed, whelp.'" Rhuryc never even felt the blow as he hit the ground, unconscious.
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[Flashback, Sunset Falls] Don't Forget to Fall

Postby Rhuryc on August 1st, 2010, 10:06 am

His body ached. Perhaps it was the pain that woke him, or the smell of food, whatever it was Rhuryc knew he was in bad shape. His eyes opened to a haze of confusion. Was he dead? No, he could hear the falls in the background behind a crackling fire. His head pounded as he sat up. That only made it harder to determine what happened. His uncle happened, of course. No doubt the man had swung at the back of his head and knocked him unconscious, but for how long was he out? The sun was down - a good indicator, and his stomach growled with a vicious desire to feed. Before he could take in the full brunt of his surroundings Rhuryc was provided with a bowl of what could only be described as slop. Stew, maybe.

"Evening." Tristan's rasp cut through the fire like a knife. Neat trick, that. "Eat that. It will sooth your head." For once the man was willing to show some compassion. Maybe he felt regret at the harsh behavior of his lesson. Most likely not. Tristan was a tough man. Regret was not a word he knew.

Rhuryc followed orders. He was too dazed not to. Without utensil, he lifted the bowl to his lips and began to sip the liquid, ignoring the hot flavoring as it burned down his throat. Silence punctuated the supper where neither Rhuryc nor Tristan uttered even a single word. They sat on opposite ends of a small fire, a pot suspended over the top with what must have been some kind of boiled rabbit inside. Whatever it was, it was food. They ate and Rhuryc exchanged the occasional glance with his uncle, confused on what he was supposed to feel. Here the man seemed almost human.

"What did you mean, chosen of Tyveth?" Rhuryc's light baritone shattered the silence. That was all he really remembered from their engagement. Silence followed the question and for the longest time Tristan sat in contemplation. Finally, after what seemed like hours, he spoke.

"Your father never believed it. Nor did our father." Tristan set his bowl down and leaned in, his elbows brought to rest on his knees. "This sword," He illustrated the subject by patting the weapon he kept on his waist at all times. "This was given to our ancestors long ago by the very hand of Tyveth himself. It's where our name comes from, Naravane, the very name of this here weapon." The scrape of metal on leather interrupted Tristan's words as he unsheathed the blade. Plain and unimpressive, Naravane was apparently no more than a shoddily constructed bastard sword. Fit for a soldier, perhaps, but not the chosen of a god. "S'hard to believe. You don't, I can see it in your eyes, but Tyveth does not grace his sons with god-like weapons of infinite power. Remember that, boy, true power comes from within. Courage, honor. All the skill in the world is useless without them."

Rhuryc frowned. His uncle may have been crazy, but somewhere in that body there was a heart.
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[Flashback, Sunset Falls] Don't Forget to Fall

Postby Rhuryc on August 1st, 2010, 10:28 am

14th Day of Spring, 505 AV

"Good! Now, lean into the strikes before they hit, interrupt the motion!" Tristan spoke as he raised his blade into the air and brought it down with his full power. Rhuryc could swear he felt his shield splinter as he defended himself from the strike. His muscles ached, but he did not care for a repeat of the day previous. His breathing heavy, Rhuryc reset himself, doing was his uncle told him. He dug his left heel into the ground put his right foot forward, his weight set back until the moment of impact, in where he leaned into the blow and raised his shield in protest. Fortunately his uncle had allowed him to forgo the sword in the spirit of training, allowing him to trade off arms when one hurt too much to use. Sweat covered his body and bruises his flesh.

Strike. Block. Reset. Strike. Block. Reset. Rhuryc felt the rhythm of the assaults as they came, his body set in a never ending sway of motion. His current arm was numb, a blessing in disguise as he felt little pain when Tristan brought his sword down. Strike. Block. No sound? Rhuryc appeared confused for a brief moment before he felt a solid impact on his back. He yelped and stepped forward. A snap brought him around to face his uncle and he glared at the man, fearing that this would happen.

"Never grow complacent. Be aware. If you lose focus, you lose your head. Again! Block!" Tristan yelled and stepped forward. He brought his sword down and felt the satisfying crunch as the weapon hit wood and was buffeted away. Yet this time he did not let up. The man pushed back and with his greater strength forced Rhuryc to put all of his weight into his lean. Devious as he was, Tristan forced the shield upward and raised his foot and slammed his heel into Rhuryc's lower abdomen. The tell-tale cough of defeat accompanied the motion. Tristan watched as his nephew withdrew and attempted to regain hold on of his breathing, the pain clouding his ability to act. For a moment he considered a brief allowance of pity, but that defeated the purpose of the training, didn't it?

The sword came back. In a desperate flurry Rhuryc flung the shield around and bashed the side into the blade, it's course knocked far from his body. Relief washed over his form. Finally, a reprieve. Brief however it may have been. In his stupor the boy remained incapable of an impenetrable defense and so Tristan's fist found it's mark. At first he spun. The end of the motion was met with the ground yet again, a friend Rhuryc found to be a common visitor these days.

"Did you think it would be easy? Get up. You haven't earned a rest yet."
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[Flashback, Sunset Falls] Don't Forget to Fall

Postby Rhuryc on August 1st, 2010, 10:46 am

"Your shield is also a weapon. If given a choice between your sword and your shield? Always the latter." Tristan spoke between impacts. He took his own shield and thrust the wooden frame forward. The clack of wood at high velocity screamed across the falls as both shields met in contest. Only brief moments passed before the next assault and both men found their arms to be weakening, albeit Tristan less than his companion. Both would lean back, set their feet, then snap forward, shields sent from their collective left where they collided and bounced off one another only to repeat the process again and again. Time was no matter of concern. In fact, neither could remember where the sun was when they began. Perhaps only seconds had passed, minutes maybe. However long it felt like centuries for Rhuryc.

The entire day passed without Rhuryc's hand even so much as grasping a sword. In truth he was not sure he could even hold the weapon let alone swing it. Another loud clack brought him back to reality and the boy reset himself, focusing the best he could on his uncle's movements. The slightest irregularity and Rhuryc would spring into action, prepared against some kind of underhanded assault. Already he was conditioned to respond. At first with fear, then with action, the steady barrage of pain was the best teacher of all. Still, he could not help but fall into a pattern. Strike. Reset. Strike. Reset. He found a strange music in the action, a sound that, if collected, would form some kind of march. A battle hymn.

Somehow Rhuryc found strength. He thought himself to be too tired for such action. His muscles ached, his head pounded, but in a single moment of clarity he felt a rush. With the next set Rhuryc brought his weight around with a reckless abandon. He mustered every ounce of his strength and spun, his shield colliding against it's sister with the force not unlike that of a bull. A sickening snap replaced the usual sound and Tristan quirked a brow. The man looked over his own shield and glanced down at the two, neat wooden pieces that lay at his feet.

"Well done, boy. You've broken your shield."

Was that a compliment? Rhuryc almost smiled, but found that he was in no such state of safety. The boy prepared himself as Tristan's shield came around and whipped him in the arm, one that Rhuryc had placed there to prevent the inevitable strike at his side. He had saved himself the fall, sure, but he was not so sure he would be able to use that arm again. Tristan's foot came next and Rhuryc found himself too slow, too tired, to react. The contact sent him stumbling back onto the ground where he decided he would stay for some time. Not that he had a choice. The boy curled himself up into a ball as he dealt with the pain, tears streaming down his face as he silently cried.

Hell, he decided, had come for him.
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[Flashback, Sunset Falls] Don't Forget to Fall

Postby Rhuryc on August 1st, 2010, 12:24 pm

17th Day of Spring, 505 AV

Rhuryc awoke with an unceremonious flail. The sudden introduction of water to his face was refreshing, if abrupt. He jolted up right and his eyes flew open, both sober and cognizant within the breadth of a moment. At first he was not so sure where he was, but once his muscles started to ache the boy was quick to recall his hell. No doubt Tristan had already been up for an hour yet, preparing the next exercise in pain. With a grumble, Rhuryc roused himself from his oh-so comfortable bedding (the collection of which was a pack for a pillow and a rock to prop his back up against) and stood, his legs wobbling as he did. The elder man had no need to speak. Instead he just started off at a swift jog with Rhuryc behind him, trailing just a few feet away.

These often ended on the ugly side of bad. The length was undetermined, most likely whenever Tristan felt Rhuryc had enough, and the boy found himself out of breath the entire way. Just yesterday he had spilled the contents of his stomach into a friendly bush. His legs burned with each step. his knees ached. Even his chest was tight, all of it designed as Rhuryc's own, personal hell. Tristan reminded him to breath, in through the nose, out the mouth, all of it made simple. At least here, during the small routines around the falls, Rhuryc did not have to worry about a sudden, unsuspecting attack.

Until now.

He did not see the rock until it was too late. Clipped in the shin, Rhuryc was unable to adjust his momentum and went spiraling into the ground. In such a state he was at least able to finally get a good view of the local fauna. Beautiful, really, the myriad of plant life complimented the rich soil in a harmonious passion one could only find in nature. Even the grass smelled fresh! Wonderful. From here he could appreciate the natural surroundings his task master had chosen for training. Maybe one of these he could return and learn to appreciate it. Maybe, he imagined, if he were to survive.

"Focus." Tristan said before he started off again. Rhuryc grunted and pushed himself up, stumbling to his feet as he began his jog for a second time that day.
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[Flashback, Sunset Falls] Don't Forget to Fall

Postby Rhuryc on August 1st, 2010, 5:05 pm

"Your sword and your arm are one. As your blade is your right, your shield is your left." Tristan spoke before he swept his body about, one foot leading as his blade came around, the flat of which connected with Rhuryc's shield. "You are the weapon, not your arms." The soldier's words were punctuated by the grunts of his opponent. Both moved in a never yielding display of ferocity, shield knocked against shield as blades crossed in a desperate effort to taste the flesh of their target. "Strike with the intent to kill!" Rhuryc was sent back as Tristan sent a kick to his center, forcing him back. "Never hesitate!" Tristan pushed forward. Sword locked against sword as he struck, Rhuryc only just able to defend himself. The man leaned forward, his head coming to rest between the crossed iron. "And most importantly, mind your feet."

Rhuryc blinked. Tristan gave the boy a slight push and the rock behind his ankle did the rest of the work, tripping him over the edge of the falls. The tell-tale splash of Rhuryc's fall was followed by a nefarious laughter, such as that could only belong to a beast from the very bowls of darkness itself. By now Rhuryc assumed that his uncle pushed him into the pool whenever he started to smell. The water, as usual, was refreshing, but as with the times before the boy found himself flailing as he attempted to keep both his armaments while shifting his way toward the shore. He wanted to set in the water for some time, to soak his aching joints, but last time that was attempted Tristan had started throwing rocks at him. Big rocks.

"You're going to kill me." Rhuryc said as he hoisted himself back onto solid ground. He pushed himself onto his back and laid there, content to stare up into the sky. Were those clouds? Grey. It was going to rain.

"Last time I checked you were still alive, boy." Tristan's cold voice accompanied the man as he made his way down the side of the falls. "If I'd wanted you dead I would just kill you." The logic was sound, if blunt. His boots hit the ground next to Rhuryc's head and the boy knew his reprieve was over. "Now, stand up." Easy enough. Rhuryc rolled onto his stomach and pushed only to have the air drawn from his lungs as a leg seared into his side. The boy devolved into a coughing fit, blood staining his lips.

"I said stand up."

Rhuryc stared at the ground beneath him. He regained control of his body and grabbed a handful of grass, doing what he could to push the pain from his mind. Another game. A test. He was sick of the deceit, the under-handed assaults. What kind of honor was that? Where was the courage Tristan spoke of? Nowhere. It was all just talk, more rambling for a tired drunk. Rhuryc grit his teeth and drew his hands in, once more pushing himself up. The foot came back and the boy felt it impact his abdomen. He fell again. Once more. Rhuryc flexed his arms and lifted his weight. Perhaps he was naive. Or just stupid. Or neither. When Tristan's leg came back around Rhuryc threw his weight to the side and lashed out, grabbing the man's foot. He twisted and pulled in and watched as his elder fell.

"I'm. Trying." Rhuryc stammered between clenched teeth.
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[Flashback, Sunset Falls] Don't Forget to Fall

Postby Rhuryc on August 1st, 2010, 5:51 pm

The crash of thunder cut through the rain as it fell in droves. Scattered lightning as the only illumination the pair found while they squared off beneath the darkened sky. Wet, cold, and miserable, Rhuryc was on the defensive again. The rain would have been a good mark for a break. In a sane world, anyway. Tristan only used it as an excuse to push harder. No contact, at least, instead Rhuryc was poised near the very top of the falls, his sword and shield in hand as he stood almost perfectly still. Moving, as Tristan put it, would be bad for his health. Not only were the rocks beneath his feet slick, but the elder man had taken the entirety of their gear and attached it in various way to Rhuryc's body. Standing was not a problem. Standing still with an extra sixty pounds that weight down tired, sore joints was a whole other endeavor.

The boy swore he heard his bones creak. His legs were shaking. His feet hurt. His body wanted to crumple into pieces. With time, that just might have happened. So far, though, Tristan had yet to pull any other stunt. Yet it was only a matter of time. Whenever he grew complacent it was then that the man struck, ready with something that caused pain. Lots of pain. Not this time, though, Rhuryc was ready. So much as he could be.

"Duck." Tristan's voice seared through the rain, clear even over the roaring thunder. How the hell did he do that? What more, what was he supposed to duck? Rhuryc felt the rock as it hit his chest, the first one small, yet nonetheless painful. Now he was supposed to dodge projectiles? On slick rocks? When he got down from here he was going to kill the man in his sleep, but for now he concentrated on his balance. The second stone was larger and thrown greater precision. If he moved too much he would lose the gear, so instead he hoisted his shield up and blocked the object, sending it far off course. Another came, this time from behind? With no time to react Rhuryc took the hit and focused on his balance, ignoring the pain in favor of remaining upright. One more. He moved his shield again and felt the impact buffet harmlessly away.

The action paused. What was the angle? He would not be lured into another false sense of security. No. Not this time. Despite the weight, he was determined. Eyes narrowed and alert, Rhuryc kept up his surveillance with an iron will, an unyielding sentry that sat with his head held high. Darkness may have fallen early that day, but his dedication was unwavering.

Meanwhile Tristan lounged beneath his hastily erected lean-to. He occasionally poked at his fire as he roasted his lasted catch, the smell of which was hidden behind the rampant weather. Every so often he would toss a rock in Rhuryc's direction, sometimes lobbing it, sometimes hurling it with dead on accuracy. Food, entertainment, and relaxation. Good day.
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[Flashback, Sunset Falls] Don't Forget to Fall

Postby Rhuryc on August 2nd, 2010, 10:02 am

22nd Day of Spring

Rhuryc hated the morning. Sure, waking was part of it, his muscles another, but the worst remained the exercise. Ever since that day on the top of the falls Tristan had outfitted Rhuryc with most of their gear and, despite dwindling supplies, the collection was a considerable addition to his weight. With his slowed pace not only did the laps take longer, but Tristan took the opportunity to test the boy in various ways. This particular morning Rhuryc found it productive to keep both his sword and half-annihilated shield in hand. Already the man had struck one, darting out of the bushes like a wild animal. He attacked like one, too, assailing Rhuryc before he retreated into the fauna. Really, Tristan appeared quite silly in his actions, but the price of ignoring him was one the boy remained unwilling to pay. Pain, simply put, hurt.

The crunch of his boots muffed the sound of the falls in the distance, each step bringing snapped twigs and other wilderness phenomenons. Once he even heard the hiss of a snake - no doubt he had angered it in some fashion; maybe it was working with Tristan - but he summarily ignored the environment, focused as he was on the inevitable presence of his wayward teacher. His breath heavy, Rhuryc stopped for just a moment to catch up with himself, his shield lowering in concordance with his shoulders. As usual, this proved near-fatal.

"Hah!" Tristan's body slammed into the boy's. Rhuryc was on his once again and was slow to stand. The weight was enough to keep him down permanently, but he had no such luxury as time. The dulled iron blade of his enemy came down with a reckless abandon and Rhuryc found his own in contest, the swords meeting for a brief moment as they clashed and sent the other off its mark. The boy kicked at Tristan's shin and used the distraction to roll aside, just quick enough to avoid the edge of a shield before it impacted his chest. Using his own shield as an aid, Rhuryc hoisted himself off the ground and spun about, his sword following the motion in a wild, furious swing at Tristan.

Iron slammed against wood. The return was swift as Tristan's blade seared through the air and Rhuryc responded in kind, his shield placed between the object without a moment's hesitance. Another swing. Two. Three. Rhuryc grunted at each strike, his weapons involved in a series of parries that kept his body from any immediate harm. One last clatter echoed through the woods as shield connected with shield, the two men pitted against each other in a battle of sheer attrition. Rhuryc was the first to fall. Pain shot up his leg and his knee buckled. His body followed and Tristan used the victory to 'end' the conflict, the shield used as a cold reminder of what happened when Rhuryc lost.

"You're getting better at least, boy. Maybe I'll let you fight a child soon. That should be up to your standards." Tristan's laughter plagued Rhuryc's ears as he spat up his blood. Old bastard.
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