[Antinous Grounds] A New Opponent Emerges! (Xalet)

by **Jaelyn Baroth** on August 11th, 2011, 7:37 pm

Thankfully her wild thrust with the spear paid off, and Jaelyn was able to stabilize her stance again as Xalet seemed to change tactics. For a moment she wondered what advantage he gained by moving to her shield side, as it was her best defended side, but then she realized he was most likely concerned about her spear. So far he seemed to be more of a close fighter, with his short blade and kick, and so keeping him at range was to her advantage.

Jaelyn cautiously started to turn so she could strike again at Xalet before he closed, but her caution combined with his superior speed meant she could not make it in time. Switching her focus to defense she twisted her shield to try and block both his gladius and shield with it. She partially succeeded, managing to catch both on her shield, but Xalet's strength allowed him to press forward and get inside the range where Jaelyn's spear could strike well.

Knowing that Xalet would likely push his advantage in his proximity to strike Jaelyn kept her focus on defense, ready to parry or block with her spear or shield if she could get it free, and began to cautiously feel her way backwards. If she could get a couple steps back smoothly that would give her the space she needed to strike properly with her spear.

by **Xalet** on August 12th, 2011, 5:22 pm

Xalet had experience, but he also lacked a veteran's experience. Most students in this range typically fell to one extreme of combat or another. Either they defended and constantly waited for their opponent to advance, or they charged in with everything they had. The akalak was definitely a charger, most likely attributed to his people's warrior heritage. As he felt Jaelyn moving rearward even slightly he knew it was time to try and create an opportunity to land a strike of his own.

The more they went back and forth, the more Xalet knew the inconsistencies in his form would be revealed. The more mistakes he would make. The more chances for Jaelyn would present themselves which she could take advantage of. Jaelyn was perfect for a warrior, Xalet felt. When she struck, or when they butted shields he felt the weight behind her. She wasn't feather light nor petite of build. She kept a good grip on her weapons and had the muscular endurance to keep her shield aloft in a strong defensive position. "This is quite enjoyable, I will come here more often." Xalet mentioned quickly, preparing his body for quick forward movement.

As unsteady as the ground was, Xalet came to feel that advancing was superior to retreating. Sliding his front foot forward his body was brought down low, almost like a crouch. From there his rear leg forced him forward while his shoulder pressed against the inside of his large shield. From that position it was clear, he was going to attempt to utilize his size and throw all of his weight forward in an attempt to bash Jaelyn clear off of her feet!

by **Jaelyn Baroth** on August 17th, 2011, 8:36 pm

"Indeed it is," Jaelyn replied with a faint smile to her voice and face in response to Xalet's words, "You are a good training partner Xalet."

Focused as she was on defending against a blow with gladius or foot Jaelyn was caught off guard by Xalet's rush. Already moving backwards on her own the large Akalak slammed into her with strength and speed, managing to lift Jaelyn's feet off of the ground despite the additional weight of her protective armor. A brief, stomach turning, moment she was in the air, and then she crashed down onto the rough and uneven ground caused by the stones. The shock sent her spear clattering away, but the strong metal of her armor kept her from suffering much else.

For a brief moment Jaelyn stared up at the sky through her helmet, and then as her mind caught up with what had happened she quickly grasped her training sword and withdrew it. No killing blow had been landed by either of them yet, and so the spar was still going as far as she was concerned. With sword in hand she pushed herself up into an awkward sitting position with her shield prominently placed between her legs for protection. It was certainly not the best position to fight from, but it was better than being flat on her back.

by **Xalet** on August 18th, 2011, 3:10 am

Xalet could feel the weight of something solid in front of his shield. Beneath his helm his breath escaped past his lips in a quick puff, oxygen exiting his lungs just as his body forced Jaelyn's up and back. A shield charge was a dicey move against a readied opponent, but when it landed it had a weight superior to any weapon blow Xalet could possibly attack with. He could hear the planks of his wooden shield creaking as they were forced to move a body covered in metal plating. Still, they served their purpose well enough.

Lowering his shield slightly to better understand Jaedyn's position, he saw her drawing her sword and beginning to move. A quick recovery, very suitable for a competent warrior. Typically as directed by his code of honor Xalet would never strike a downed foe, but it seemed Jaelyn was anything but helpless upon the ground. Not only that, as squire's they would be required to learn how to defend themselves in less than optimal positions, on the ground included.

With that spear out of the way Xalet knew it would be a close battle now, just the kind he enjoyed the most. "Prepare yourself." he gave fair warning as he stepped in, bringing his left foot far forward and drawing his shield arm back. Holding his sword up to not get in the way of his strike, he brought his right foot up from the ground hard and fast, looking to deliver a round kick. Though the strike was not typically used by Xalet, at this height he felt he could keep the follow through below the waist. What he didn't predict was the effect the rocky terrain would have on his stance. Though he put everything into his kick, he felt his balance breaking down as his center of gravity shifted to far to the rear.

by **Paragon** on December 15th, 2011, 6:20 pm

Jaelyn :

Xalet :

I found a few extra skill uses than you put in your request, so I added those in too. As Tactics isn't listed in the official skill list (though we can still add it if necessary) I've given you tactical lore's instead. Great combat scenes, looks like you were cut short which is a shame - if you have ANY questions or concerns about this grading, don't hesitate to PM me.