[Anthonius Training Grounds] A Harsh Teacher

by **Sei Tendo** on March 4th, 2014, 7:15 pm

1st of Spring, 514AV
10th of bell

Sei walked a step behind his patron Ser Erik Barker. He had been training as hard as possible, even more so with Ser Erik as his Patron. In Sei's opinion Ser Erik was just a strict teacher, but deep down he knew the Knight was helping him improve. He'd seen that just by the way he could analyze a person's stlyle just by looking at them. And the harsh lessons had taught him not to judge on appearance. He just wish he didn't have such a harsh teacher.

"Sei, we're here. Start with the usual stretches. Then I want you to start by strengthening those fists of yours. You know the routine."

"Yes Ser, right away Ser." He responded. Sei had started wearing his light studded leather armor more often than not, due to the fact he was losing mobility in his Lamellar. He carried only a small steel shield and a shortsword across his back. He knew better than to carry more, especailly since Ser Erik usually had him walk long distances very often. He always thought of Ser Erik as a strict teacher with no sense of humor, but occasionally his Patron proved him wrong.

He twisted his torso left and right before bending to touch his toes. He then bent to the left and right before windmilling his arms. Afterwards he walked over to the training posts, which were covered with rope as usual. Just like the Pit's. He hadn't had much time to go down thee lately, seeing as his training here took up most of his time.

He sighed before beginning to throw a punch with his left fist. He punched at an odd angle, which would usually get him lectutred. He then repeated the action, this time with a bit more speed and power. The second punch caused a sting in his knuckles from hitting the rope, but on the third he winced and tried to ignore it.Every day it was the same thing. Patrol the City, hike to the Training Grounds, do his strectches, strengthen his fists and elbows, then it get's tricky.

His Patron alwas planned a different step after he finished his warm ups. He was alwas wondering what it would be, even before he started his warm ups. He switched to his right fist. One punch, two--

"Harder! If I can't here your punches then it wasn't worth it." Ser Erik barked. Petch. Sei hit the training post harder, causing a burning sensation in his knuckles. He would never understand why he did this every morning. To him it was pointless. Was there anything he was even gaining by doing this? There has to be, otherwise he wouldn't have me doing this crap. He switched back to his left.

A heavy punch, but the speed was lacking. His knuckles were ablaze from the inside out. He continued. He switched to his right elbow, striking the post so a dull thud could be heard. It was painful, but hopefully nescessary. If there was a chance it would make him stronger than so be it. His elbow shot forward, but slowed a bit a the last minute to lessen the pain. This was going to be yet another long day.

by **Sei Tendo** on March 7th, 2014, 12:01 am

Sei was on his left again, striking the post so a dull thud could be heard. By now his arms felt like jelly, and his knuckles were on fire. Yet every time he got slower he was told to pick up the pace, and every few chimes he was told to punch harder. He would've complained if he didn't know that would make it worse. Ser Erik was always drilling him harder each session, but when Sei asked why he simply said it was because he reminded Ser Erik of himself. And as usual Sei was then dragged into doing work due to the fact he was taunted that he wouldn't get stronger if he quit.

"Alright Sei. Now it's time for your actual training."

"Yes Ser. What will we be strengthening today?

"We'll be sparring, and then I'll decide afterward."

Sei nodded in response, grabbed his shortsword, and fixed his stance. He spread his feet shoulder-length apart, and angled the blade tip skyward so the hilt pointed just below his waist. He straightened his shoulders and cleared his mind. He took a deep breath before stepping forward on his left to charge forward. He gripped the hilt of the blade a bit tighter, and began to withdraw it toward the right to swing towards the left.

Ser Erik deflected the blade easily, forcing Sei to take a step back. He slid back a bit, and charged forward again, making sure to keep his shoulders relaxed as not to give away his movements. He drew the hilt back past his shoulder to his left, and thrust it forward. He stepped forward on his left to flow with the motion, keeping his right back to brace himself against any counters or deflections.

Ser Erik took a sidestep to the left, and inward. His Patron thrust his blade forward, going under Sei's own and striking the hilt of his shortsword, knocking it clean out of his squires hand. Sei sighed, and went to grab the shortsword.

"Sei, what have I told you about using the proper grip? And your form, learn how to keep it. Your strikes were uneven and clumsy."

"Sorry Ser, I'm just not used to people who are faster than m--"

"No more excuses! Do you want to be strong or not?"

"Yes Ser, but I--"

"Then there should be no buts, Sei! If you want to be stronger, you don't make excuses; You do it!"

The squire pondered this for a moment, then nodded in reply. He would like - no, he would become stronger. Ser Erik was right. If he made excuses all the time, he'd never get anything done. He had always complained and put things off when he couldn't hack it, but hearing it from someone else had really put some force behind the thought. He had never thought that he was a quitter before, but he now realized it was actually true. Have I really been a quitter all this time? He didn't know the answer, or rather he knew but he didn't want to accept it. Then the realization finally hit home. He was pathetic. That was a new one. Until now, he hadn't had a problem with it, but after joining the order it just wasn't the same. Ser Erik was turning to leave, but Sei spoke first.

"Not done.."

"Speak up, will you.

"I said I'm not done Ser. I won't make excuses or quit until I've completed my goal."

He growled, determination leaked from his voice, and his eyes bore a new spark of interest. He was ready.

by **Sei Tendo** on March 14th, 2014, 8:53 pm

"Now that's what I like to hear, Sei. Let's try this again."

"Yes Ser!" Sei exclaimed, beginning his charge on his left foot. He was about to brace for a swing when his Patron made his own. The squire ducked akwardly, bending his knees before being forced to stand up and jump back. He looked at his Patron, obvious confusion on his features. In all this time as a squire, Ser Erik had never once made him dodge. He never attacked at all for that matter. So why had his Patron attacked just now? Ser Erik, sensing his confusion elaborated.

"Sei, you never once showed you were anytging but arrogant until now. I feel your ready for your real training."

Sei jaw dropped. You mean he never took me seriously until now?! The Kelvic was about to snap a remark, but he knew it was true. He was arrogant, but it was in his nature. He'd been doing it for so long he hadn't realized how bad it was until now. It was just another day with harsh words from a harsh teacher. The only difference was he was starting to underdtand the truth of Ser Erik's words. He was actually learning from his Patron. All the lessons, all the training. It was all just to make him realize his faults. Well, lesson learned.

"I understand Ser." He responded, gripped his shortsword and waited for his Patrons' okay. When his Patron had given the signal, he began to charge. He drew his sword a little to the left, and then made right for an unstable swing. He had one leg braced behind his, but his speed was off. Ser Erik sidestepped to the left, making a nice, even thrust for Sei's ribs. Jumping out the way, Sei made a wobbly thrust for his Patron's swordarm, only to have it deflected by Ser Erik's longsword.

The kelvic leaned back as a swift swing from his patron's sword headed for his chest. He backed away, noticing his breathing was ragged. Now that Ser Erik was going full force, Sei was exerting himself just by trying to dodge. And it doubled when he tried to attack, only to be avoided or have his attack deflected. He took a deep breath, opening his eye's just as his Patron began to charge. The Kelvic threw up his sword to block an incoming swing, mainly being able only to defend. Ser Erik had him running around dodging like a headless chicken. He made a crooked swing at Ser Erik's stomach, weaving around his patron as he withdrew the blade. He was almost directly behind his patron when Ser Erik elbowed him in the face.

And down he went.

Ser Erik - 1
Sei - 0

"Pay attention Sei. You could've easily deflected that."

"Right."