Day 43 of winter, 511AV
It is early in the morning, 4 squires are sitting together for breakfast the first of their two free meals in the day. Demlin is among them eating his portion thinking about what he should do for training this week. This group of young men got together and spoke each morning as they ate. Usually they all decided on sword training or occasionally to go out on a ride. Demlin decided to voice his opinion for the day's training.
"I think today we should focus on putting our skills together, practice sparring on horseback perhaps?".
At this idea he scraped the last food out of his bowl, and waited for a response out of his friends.
"Well, I have already decided me and James are going to get in some shield practice, we have been focusing so much on everything else we need it." Said Caine.
Caine was a large man, very stout and short being only 5'4'', This put him at a height disadvantage against his sparring buddy's. James was the next shortest but at a more normal height for humans, he was of a thin build yet lean and muscular and was 5'7''. Caine and James got up going to dispense their bowls as they made it for the training grounds. The remaining squire's were Demlin and Jedel, who was about equal with Demlin's build his only difference being his light blonde hair which was much shorter and his skin being of a much lighter color, almost pale.
About half an hour later Demlin was suited up in his plate armor which he had over a chain mail so that he could take a good beating during training. Borrowing a medium size horse from the stables, he began fixing the saddle already on the horse to make it straighter befor he jumped on, locking his legs in the straps. Both men ready they decided to do some warming up riding before they pulled out their blades. Lightly Demlin got his horse to begin trotting around the field they had chosen for their exercise today. At first he horse was a bit resistant to get moving and would occasionally turn it's head to show that it did not feel like working hard, but eventually gave up and started just taking Demlins orders. The horse started lightly running, Demlin pulled the reins to the left, and then the horse began turning right, keeping this as a subtle turn Demlin practiced until he had the horse going in a large circle, as if he were to be circling an opponent. Now he drew his sword, getting used to the balance of the long sword while attempting to ride a horse. It was given to be hard as a first try and he kept leaning into the side of his sword arm confusing the horse to do a harder turn then he expected, but Demlin caught himself and straightened his back. Looking over at Jedel, Demlin noticed he was having a bit of a harder time getting his horse to cooperate. It was slightly amusing but eventually his partner was ready and came over next to Demlin.
"Ready to try this?" Jedel asked politely
He was eager to start the exercise it was a new challenge, And these men loved challenged they worked hard to reach new heights every day, something new was always welcome. Demlin nodded Aye, let us begin And at that theyre horses galloped away from eachother, turning around to face eachother.
Demlin began moving first, closing in in his partner, and as he passed by he swung his sword for Jaled, but his horse began to move away not wanting to get that close to the other horse at its current speed. This caused Demlin to swing at thin air. He would need to control the horse, make it stay near his opponent if he was to do this right. Trying a second time he focused more on keeping the reins straightened so that his horse would keep on a straight path. This time he succeeded at keeping the horse straight, and this time both of the squires were riding at each other. As they passed they heard the sound of iron on iron, they bladed had col-lashed and this force sent Demlin to the side of his saddle holding on to his horse for hopes he did not fall off the horse. His opponent on the other had maintained perfect balance, doing a quick turn around coming at Demlin again. This time Demlin was not ready as he felt a blade across his back knocking him off his horse.
"Come on you can recover from a hit faster then that! Jedel said jokingly, hoping for a response out of his friend. Well I will get you this time" Demlin exclaimed confidently.
He was not going to end it at one fall from his horse, that he was positive of. Grabbing his horse, Demlin quickly hopped back on, this time clipping his saddle better to his legs, raising his sword and kicking the side of his horse to get a reaction, he charged forward at his friend, this time as approaching to the right of his opponent did a risky maneuver, but because the other horseman was not moving it could work in his favor. Demlin pulled the reins to his right, forcing the horse to the left in a quick right angled turn, as he passed the front of the other horse he swung his blade in an arc from above his head downwards. Jedel grunted raising his blade to parry Demlins but knowing he was not ready he ducked and pulled the reigns of his horse on accident, the horse jumped on two feet, but it ended up saving Jedel for the horse moving forward on two legs rammed into Demlins horse knocking it off balance and just barely escaping the collision he trotted away to turn around and look at Jedel.
"Well, looks like your balance is a bit better then mine, but how was that hit!" Demlin yelled.
Jedel gave a nod of confirmation showing he was impressed with the move, but then felt at his arm. The training was definitely effective, they were both beginning to be sore and put to the test.