Timestamp: 50th of Summer
Kelski and Dess had discussed it early on. While the establishment of the Demesne and the Meraki was going well and in relative safety, the number of potential threats were increasing. Dess took on the responsibility of getting the able bodied of the settlers and guildmembers who did not have formal defense training or ability to a state of readiness. Readiness both against an overall attack on their home, as well as a more nefarious, personal attack against the individual. While Dess would give lessons in basic self-defense and unarmed combat, hopefully others among them trained in arms will help teach the use of weapons.
Dess selected a few of what he considered the most vulnerable among them to join him at the beach. The sparring ring in the proposed practice grounds was not ready yet, so they would meet at the beach. Lynneah and Darcee knew the most basic concepts from being or living with the Damazar. The Ember and Keesha were as well, but they were young enough to benefit. He'd wish Mercy had been taught earlier in her life, unfortunately, she had become a victim. Dess invited her specifically. Darcee would look after Caitlyn while Mercy participated. Lastly, Ebon was kind enough to agree to help Dess as a sort of living practice dummy.
Once the small group reached the beach, Dess directed his three students where to stand. He wore a pair of cotton pants and an untucked shirt, but had removed his shoes before they walked out onto the sand. He had advised the lion Kelvic and the girls to dress in similar comfortable clothes. Ebon carried a sack of feed at Dess's request.
"Thanks for coming down here with me today." Dess offered with a smile. He knew all three of the learners pretty well, Ember from birth, Keesha since she was a child and Mercy since Kelski had brought him home to the Gem. So Dess didn't feel a need to be formal. "You know there is good reason for us to be wise and ready. Today, I just want to go over with you some basic things to protect yourself, whether you are over in Zeltiva, out in the woods or even around here." He began. Ebon stood close by, ready.
Ember was already distracted, staring at a train of ants moving across the sand. Dess smirked. He knew the Kelvic youngster would be a challenge. She was a mouse after all, and had a need to move almost constantly. "Bug..." Dess quipped, using his nickname for his best friend's daughter.
"Huh? Oh...." The girl looked up, big eyes meeting Dess's and then delivering the toothy smile that could slay her adopted uncle. She giggled a bit.
"Really, what I would want you to do is to avoid danger in the first place." Dess started. "We aware of your surroundings, even in a place you feel is safe. When you walk, walk with your head up. Look around you..all around. Not just straight ahead. Glance behind you now and then. Pay attention. The danger from a common thug is can be avoided by showing you are on the watch. He is a coward looking for easy prey. Someone walking with their head down who isn't wary is easy to sneak up on. Someone who is alert is not as tempting a target. So look and listen.
"Like when dad was busy writing a scroll and you sneaked up and dumped a bucket of cold water over his head?" Ember interjected with excitement. "Boy, was he mad." The Kelvic mouse giggled again.
"Um...yeah, kind of like that." Dess laughed.
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