A gathering of Squires. [Solo Flashback]

[Izlude]

Summer, 505 A.V. Religious studies was something Izlude found himself consistently fascinated in, a moment when he could ask questions and besides the usual combat training that Ser William made a point to excessively drown him in, it remained his favorite subject of his Squiring. Currently, he was situated in front of an old book, seated upon a dusty wooden bench and watching while Ser William paced back and forth before him, explaining Sylir, the history of Syliras and the significance of the Windoak. To Izlude, it was a fabled, distant thing. Something unreachable and a living symbol of what he was to become. Often he would visualize it sitting atop a hill, clad in glorious sunlight while overlooking the Suvan Sea like a primordial judge of unparalleled authority. “This is why we serve the Windoak Izlude. It is what is left of Sylir and his ideals and standards live on through it.” Sauntering left to right; Ser William walked over to a small pedestal with a book atop it and closed its pages, signifying that today’s lesson was coming to an end. For an hour or so he had discussed with his Squire information on the various Gods worshiped, their history and what their sphere of influence was. “So, one day, Ser. When I am to be Knighted, I will see the Windoak?” Izlude’s eyes were beaming, alive with excitement at such a possibility. “You will, and it will be your most glorious day.” There was a moment of silence as Ser William seemed to imagine that day himself and then, with a smile, he turned back to Izlude and abruptly changed the topic. “Come on now, it’s still early and we have a great deal to do. You are to train with your fellow Squires.” As quickly as he had switched the conversation, Ser William turned and began to walk out the door and Izlude followed suit. “More swordplay Ser?” There was a hint of dissatisfaction in his voice. It seemed like that was all he had been doing lately and he had the bruises to prove it. “Now Izlude, nobody ever became a Knight by complaining. Now hush.” The cool breeze of the refreshing outdoor air hit Izlude’s face while they emerged into the all-familiar courtyard, already ablaze with the clamor of wooden swords slamming against on another. He’d sigh, disgruntled and turn to Ser William. “I’m ready Ser.” With a slack posture portraying disappointment, he walked slowly over to a rack of training equipment not far off, retrieved a wooden longsword and shield and fixed himself up with the equipment. “Izlude Vane! Step up to the circle. You’ll fight soon!” One of the Knights observing the Squires yelled out and obediently, he did just that, standing next to a bunch of his peers, all whispering amongst themselves. He had no interest in them and downplayed them as childish idiots and gossipers. After a small moment when one of the Squires had ruthlessly pummeled another into the dirt, his name was called yet again. “Step up!” His mind raced, recalling tactics and strategy he had studied under the guidance of his patron Knight while he stepped into the circle, clenching his wooden sword with a vice-like grip. His opponent across from him, a brutish young lad with a mop of blond hair and dirty strewn across his face would smile menacingly and attempt to intimidate him. “Ready to eat the dirt also?” Izlude retorted and raised his shield. “Are you ready to taste your own blood?"

[Izlude]

With a heart full of apprehension, he watched with uncertainty as the boy in front of his pounded his wooden sword against his own shield, hunching over in a combat-ready stance and cautiously walking closer towards Izlude. His palms began to sweat nervously and he tightened his grip around the hilt of his sword for good measure. Both of them had locked eyes and began to circle around on another, giving Izlude a chance to size up his opponent. He was a large boy for his age, probably two inches or so taller than himself with a much larger girth. After watching him just moments earlier, he concluded that he didn’t rely so much on technique and instead favored abusing his large size and strength. Technically because of the nature of how he fought, the boy should prove to be a very beatable opponent, but still, his unrefined style frightened him, if even just a bit. “Well come on Izlude! Are you going to spend all day staring at me behind your shield?” He goaded him and then spat in the dirt. “I guess I’ll just have to beat it out of your hands!” The large boy took a quick step forward and raised his sword high into the air while the crowd encompassing the both of them watched intently. On reaction, Izlude pushed his heels into the dirt and raised his shield, deflecting a powerful blow that rang throughout the bones of his left arm. As his opponent’s sword made contact with the splintered surface of his shield, he swiped it to his left and created a small entry point at his competitor’s right side before taking advantage of this small window of time, springing his sword forward and smashing it into his ribcage; a successful blow. The boy didn’t cry out in pain though, atleast not exactly how Izlude expected and instead seemed to become angry. He didn’t say a word, but a foreboding look of menace in his eyes which rained down on Izlude was all too obvious. It didn’t help much to remove his skittish facial expression and nervously he swallowed his own saliva. “You think that hurt you little worm?” To the Knights surveying the training exercise, it was only two boys bickering, but to Izlude, he felt like prey about to be hunted by an animal.