Solo [The Gideon Combat Arena] Sweat & Swords

[Septimus]

Winter 2nd, 512AV

It was freezing and early in the morning with the sun slowly rising, covered by a gloom of clouds indicating possible snowfall sometime soon. It definitely was the right conditions for it seeming as how Septimus had observed this in previous years this time around. Needless to say, the weather wouldn't stop her from improvement as she had orders to follow. There was more to come and she had a feeling deep down in the pit of her gut.

Septimus had met up with Jerrad again yesterday on Founding Day, somehow bumping into one another again. During that time, they had grabbed a bite and discussed a few things, went over their goals, their priorities, with Septimus leaving out she was a Kelvic as she had heard from Calia they weren't exactly the best to be around here. She also needed to watch herself and heed the warnings, though she had already begun with that as well. Nevertheless, Septimus and Jerrad had scheduled a time and place for them to meet again with a friendly sparring match as well as a few good lessons.

This time and place was at the seventh chime at the Gideon Combat Arena in which Septimus was now approaching. Jerrad was beside her, walking and rambling on about a few good messed up swords he had ran across, but of course Septimus was barely listening and simply nodded and smiled when the time was right. The large and muscular man then changed his subject several times only to change it back to the deformed swords in which he was now explaining why they had been deformed.

Jerrad was about to continue on until Septimus pointed out that there was the arena, gleefully. It wasn't that Septimus was annoyed by his continuous talking but rather the fact that she was anxious to train and get there. Jerrad instantly hushed as they approached the large stairs and pillars that well averaged over her height, even if you stacked her up twice or even thrice. As they began up the stairs, Septimus noticed a bulletin board with scheduled tournaments and took a mental note. There was no tournament today, but she would love to see one sometime. Perhaps this is why Jerrad had scheduled it?

They came to a set of large doors in which Jerrad held open the door for her and she walked in. The foyer was well decorated and beautiful, but much more than she had expected. Then again, she probably should've expected more with this being Riverfall and all the beautiful sites she had seen so far. They passed through a door or two then finally came to where the Akalakan warriors got ready for tournaments. With this being just practice and it not being an actual melee or the like, Septimus knew they wouldn't be using these rooms. Jerrad had led her down to the actual arena floor after they had passed through another door. The sandy pit reminded her somewhat of the beach they had previously practiced on.

[Septimus]

Jerrad dropped his broadsword and shield as well as waterskin then signaled for her to do the same. Septimus followed his lead by putting her equipment a few good feet over from herself. Jerrad nodded at her then cleared his throat. "All right, before we begin practicing we of course have to stretch."

But Septimus was already ahead of him and had already begun stretching. By the time he had finished his sentence, Septimus was on the ground doing lunges to stretch her legs. To be more precise, they loosened her thighs up best. Septimus' gaze was directed up to Jerrad with a friendly smirk and Jerrad just shrugged it off with a friendly smile. Septimus had beaten him to it and he knew it.

Jerrad began doing his own stretches while Septimus did the ones she was accustomed to. After the lunges, Septimus began quadriceps and brought the top of one foot at a time all the way back to the front of her thigh. She did this with both legs, one at a time, until she felt her legs were loose enough. Then the Kelvic began an arm stretch in which she pulled the tip of her elbow with her other hand behind her head. She repeated this with the other a few good times to the point she was comfortable with it.

Septimus did a few more quick stretches then stood up and Jerrad soon followed closely behind.

"So what are we working on first?"

Jerrad looked at her with a questioning eye then picked up his shield and broadsword. "Well first off, we're gonna see where you're at. So I'm gonna say a small sparring match. Just to judge your current level and see your consistency. That being said, you won't have your ass handed to you this time." They both chuckled for last time it was pretty close and they both knew it.

Septimus picked her shield and broadsword up from the sandy ground then secured the shield on her left hand. She then firmly held the broadsword in her right hand, testing the balance, then waited for Jerrad to do the same. Once they were positioned, Jerrad gave a nod of his head and the duo began the spar. Circling one another, Septimus managed to stay in the Triangle Stance the entire time. Then she struck quickly and angled her shield upwards to screen. But Jerrad knew what she was doing and did a counterattack. Septimus came underneath to strike with her sword, but Jerrad used his shield, jumped, and tore it away from her chest providing an opening in which he could strike.

However, Septimus soon realized what he was doing and realized she had made an error.

[Septimus]

Septimus, however, realized this far too late and by the time she tried to bring her sword up to block his attack, the point of the blade was already a centimeter at minimum from her chest. A smirk was played upon Jerrad's face and they both dropped their weapons away from one another's targets. Septimus' hands were slightly sweaty as she grasped her weapons tighter.

Then Jerrad spoke "Alright, that shield, right there, is what's gonna either make or break you. You have to consider all the possibilities. Including the fact that the shield can always be taken away with the right move and a bit of force. You've got to analyze and pay attention quicker." He pointed to his eyes then did a quick swipe with his hand.

"If you see something like that about to happen, you jerk that shield away and come forth with your sword quickly to the legs. Lose a limb, lose another battle weapon. I could've just killed you had I been trying. Would've been a shame, a waste of work. Don't let everything you've been taught go to waste." He took a large breath "Do not let your teacher's breath become wasted because of a foolish mistake. Make them proud, make them feel honored to have worked with you."

Septimus looked down then swallowed hard with a nod. She wasn't the worst, but she was nowhere close to the best in any way.

[Septimus]

Jerrad swallowed then cleared his throat "I think, for starters, that we need to work on your reflexes fighting wise. They're not exactly weak, they ain't exactly strong if you get what I'm hitting at here. They need to be strong, and if you ain't working on that you ain't doing yourself a favor, that's for sure. One thing's for certain, if you ain't got any desire to go forward, you won't push yourself and you will get killed. But I reckon that ain't nothing you need to worry about. You've got will power. More than I've seen a lot of people have, and it's obvious you sure as petch ain't giving up."

Jerrad shrugged then glanced at Septimus and then he stared at the ground. Septimus narrowed her eyes trying to figure him out. There was no doubt that he was thinking. The question was, what was he thinking about? Something to do with reflexes, that was for sure. Septimus cocked her head slightly to the side as she tried harder to understand. She was even considering dropping her weapons for a small second. However, her thoughts were soon altered to the polar opposite as Jerrad kicked some of the sand up towards her face. Septimus quickly grasped her shield and cast it in front of her to try and keep the sand from coming into contact with her skin. More importantly, her eyes. Nevertheless, small grains still struck her face.

"Damn it! What the petch, Jerrad!?"

Septimus quickly tried to recover as she realized what it was. Without vision, it would be a losing fight for her. She blinked a few good times and wiped her face on her sleeve quickly before he could come at her. However, with her small amount of experience, Jerrad was quicker and came faster than she was prepared for. She quickly felt another shield come crashing up against hers with a great deal of force. Still trying to recover, she pushed back against his strength. Septimus took her sword and came underneath with another swipe. He jumped it and used the momentum to throw his body further against his own shield which, in the end, put more force against her.

There was a quick let up and Septimus could hear chuckling from behind her shield. However, it was a gloating chuckling but rather a teasing chuckle. Septimus just shook her head then looked up at Jerrad who was looking at her with a look and a slight tut-tut. "You have to be quicker and you have to analyze quicker. Expect the unexpected and quickly run through all scenarios in your head. Answer your own questions, even if you have a hundred explanations that don't match up. You'll be able to match your actions quicker."

[Septimus]

"Another thing, learn your opponent. His first moves are likely to be repeated. Quickly memorize signs and what they indicate." Jerrad took a few steps back and looked at Septimus in the eyes. She quickly followed his advice and began trying to predict what he was going to do. He had his weapons grasped firmly in his hands and his body was in an offensive position. She instantly thought of several things he might possibly do.

First, he could be about to come charging with an attack with both weapons. Second, he could possibly come in and attack with his shield, tear mine away, then use his broadsword and strike. Third, he could use his weapons to kick up more sand then attack while my vision is obstructed. Fourth-

Septimus didn't exactly have any time to reach that fourth thought for her third one proved rigorous. She saw the attack coming and deflected the sand soaring through the air quickly with her shield. She then pulled her broadsword into striking range then came in with her shield. There was still a bit of dust in the air from is own attack and she used this to her advantage. If he couldn't see, he couldn't see her. She charged with her shield ready to hit Jerrad where ever it made contact.

Jerrad on the other hand, took his shield and rammed into her charging shield. He barely budged and Septimus jumped back slightly to regain her footing. Once stable, the Kelvic kicked sand up at him then shielded her body from his direction. She then angled it upwards towards him so she could swipe with her sword. Jerrad threw his shield on the ground, away from Septimus, then grabbed hers and jumped before she could come underneath and hit his legs.

There was a flaw to this, however, for he had waited too long and Septimus' sword barely missed his ankle. Actually, it more than likely would've cut it had he not reached down with his own sword to attempt to block it. Jerrad pushed back against her shield that was now coming up. He regained his footing quickly then smiled, picking up his own shield.

[Septimus]

"Alright, you're learning. That's something you'll have to do every single time you have an opponent. And to protect some of my secrets from you, young miss, I'll leave it to be something you have to work on yourself. For now, we'll continue with your main weapons. And you want to become skilled enough to take on another person in real time by the end of winter? It might go off a little bit into Spring and maybe longer. Unless, of course, you train vigorously. Nevertheless, it can be done."

Jerrad went to resume position but Septimus just stood there looking at Jerrad with a perplexed expression. Jerrad looked at her with a questioning eye for a bit. Then he seemed to have an idea or explanation even. "Wait a second," he said "Septimus, what day are the Knights heading out?"

"That's the problem, isn't it. I think its sometime in the Spring, the beginning I'm sure."

Jerrad, of course, sighed then looked at her "I reckon we got some training to do then, don't we." With this, Septimus nodded. The Kelvic grasped her weapons tighter and got into her Triangle Stance. The fact she was almost pressed for time was now weighing in on her. She had a goal and even though she had the entire season to reach it, there would always be interruptions.

[Septimus]

Jerrad got into his stance and with a nod of her head they were at it again. Jerrad was, as always, going a lot easier on her than he could have been but it was enough. His sword clashed against hers and she blocked with her shield. Jerrad was pounding her shield with his own and would occasionally make it obvious that he was about to come across with his sword.

When this occurred, Septimus would take her own sword and block it. Jerrad came across with his shield and tore hers away from her again and came down upon her with both his shield and sword at the same time. Septimus ducked and leaped then proceeded to roll out of the way all in a quick and fast movement. Jerrad stopped his weapons from hitting the ground and Septimus quickly stood up once more. She had successfully managed to dodge his attack using her acrobatics.

"Impressive, Squire. Didn't know you knew Acrobatics." Jerrad had his eyebrows raised and was getting into position. Septimus raised her eyebrow then looked at him with her head cocked to the side slightly.

"Don't call me Squire. That's name's limited to few and you ain't on the list," Septimus continued with a joking smile "Anyways, I haven't done a lot of it recently."

"Yeah, well you petching need to! You don't let that crap go to waste, use it to your advantage!" Jerrad stepped back again and got into stance, Septimus repeating the same. "Use it this time, Septimus. Do that again."

[Septimus]

The sword was growing more familiar as she worked her way with it. Septimus tried to picture the broadsword as an extension of her arm. Of course, this extension was metal and wouldn't be cut off into a bloody stump when it made hard contact with another blade. Jerrad was ready and tightened his grip on his own broadsword then brought his shield back into view. Back into the melee.

Once ready and in her stance, Septimus positioned her weapons accordingly. She felt the balance of the finely crafted sword's blade and the slightly decorated hilt working together as it had done so so many times before. The sword was beginning to be an object she took pride in. It was her father's weapon that had full potential if only she worked with it. Right now she was still a novice and probably looked like an amateur who slightly dabbled in the art. But with work, it could be a quick and deadly snake. A snake with a double edged blade and a basket hilt that protected her hand.

However, it was only an item. An item that could be broke and would need to be replaced with a newer version or either refurbished. Septimus knew it was silly to grow attached to an inanimate object. Needless to say, she found it something she wasn't ashamed in the least bit to hide. Strange or not.

Jerrad was in stance and Septimus soon mimicked the same. Her stance was firm and ready to go when it was time. Jerrad gave Septimus an unsure look and Septimus was quick to spot his foot moving to kick up more sand out of the corner of her eye. Septimus blocked the oncoming attack with her shield then came at Jerrad with it. She would use it to ram him and also impair his vision. Septimus would then take her sword and swipe again.

Jerrad, on the other hand, backed up towards the side so Septimus could see him. He had dodged and avoided her attack. Following what he said about using her acrobatics again, Septimus jerked back, using her legs to catch and cushion the impact of the momentum and dug her right foot into the ground to change course. She lunged for him with her sword and shield again. Jerrad knocked her sword away with his shield and Septimus' shield never made contact with him. Instead, Septimus was sent in a quick stop. She knew what she had done and waited for Jerrad for confirmation.

"People change course and do what's called a feint attack. Especially when they begin to understand your attacks and style. Change it up sometimes and switch. Be unpredictable. That's what will keep them on their toes and they'll be so caught up trying to figure out what's happening next they forget what's going on now. Otherwise, you're dooming yourself to waste energy that you can use to end the fight. In blood or in a spar."

Septimus nodded her head then brushed off sand from her pants. She pushed a lock of golden hair from her face and placed it behind her ear. Her sapphire blue eyes were directed back to her starting area where she soon assumed position. When she arrived and was ready, they darted to Jerrad who was already good to go.

This time , Septimus took change and came at him first without a warning. She didn't want to be on defense. Defense meant the other was pushing at you and you had to defend. Septimus was looking for any sign of him moving out of the way to dodge the attack but it never happened. He took his shield and took the force head on, probably using his body to absorb the shock in some way. His shield was also angled upwards and he was bending down slightly so the force was less on him.

I'll have to take a leaf from his book, she thought.

Jerrad came around her shield with his sword and caught Septimus off guard. She did exactly what he told her not to. Let her guard down. Jerrad did another familiar move and grabbed her shield with his to tear it away once more. Septimus brought her sword up to prevent his from coming near her. Then she jerked her shield out of the grasp of the other. All in one motion, Septimus recovered her balance then lunged forward again with her shield. Instead of driving him back like previously, she decided to hammer against his shield repeatedly. She then pulled her shield back and stopped blocking with her sword. Using an old technique, Septimus cut at his shield with a proper turn of her wrist. Never hack.

Septimus pulled away from her attack, but Jerrad was just getting started. He had planned it all along. Take a few, give a lot more back. He grasped her shield with his, tore it away, then swooped around. Septimus found herself with a broadsword's blade at her neck and it wasn't hers. Jerrad had her like a criminal would a hostage but, of course, there was no threat to be killed. Nevertheless, Septimus knew she was in defeat. She would never give in, though. Not that easily. She had been taught differently.

Just as Jerrad was about to let her go, Septimus took her sword and drove upwards beside her throat and the blade. With a thrust, Septimus tried to drive her shield in the same motion to block any other attacks from his sword.

However, Septimus was subdued once more when Jerrad took his own shield and struck her's down. Jerrad also then came back around and shoved her down with it, in which Septimus then was sent back down into the dirt, facedown. She was being held down by Jerrad and it was apparent that she wouldn't be getting up by thrashing about.

Staying put for a while, Septimus let out her own "feint-attack" and let out a fake sigh of defeat. She waited a second then used some of her unarmed combat to grad Jerrad's leg and quickly pull him off of her. It didn't go as planned, but she did manage to knock him off balance. Septimus quickly rolled over on her back to jump up but was soon face to face with the point on his sword. Jerrad was smiling "You stay true to the saying 'Never let them take you alive' don't you?"

"I ain't one to give in. The weak give in. The weak are also the first to die." Jerrad grabbed her hand to pull her up from the ground and they both collected their weapons. As Septimus went to pick up her sword Jerrad spoke again "It's been a good run, Miss Septimus."

The Kelvic's eyebrow drew together as she bent up, sword in hand, as he continued. "I've gotta work with some other people for the rest of the season and then some. I've been requested by several and as you know, I've been busy. That being said, I'm not sure we'll ever be speaking again after this."

The session was over and with a nod from Septimus, the two soon found themselves outside of the entrance once more. Tired and sweaty, just like a good workout and training session should be. "I'm sure I'll be back, Jerrad. Sooner or later, anyways. Of course, no promises." He held out his hand and Septimus took it to shake. However, instead of a hand shake, a friendly and respectful kiss to her hand took its place. It was no more than an act of him being a gentleman. "You are not like most women, you defend yourself. You do not ask for pity. You stay strong to your code. I respect that."

"Thank you. I really appreciate the training." Jerrad nodded then smiled "Try not to get yourself killed, alright?" Septimus nodded, a smirk on her face. She turned away only to hear him say "Good luck, squire."

[Limey]

Skill and Lore Rewards Skills Lore Bodybuilding 1 Discussing Plans For The Future Shield 3 Loosening Up Observation 2 Training Spar: Just A Tester... Acrobatics 2 Apply Prior Knowledge... If Not Successfully Sword 1 The Will To Win Blind And Helpless Expect The Unexpected Feint Attacks No Goodbyes... Just Good Luck Additional Notes : A nice little training thread, and a poignant enough ending, too. Good work. Any questions or queries, please PM me.