Solo To be Bigger and Better

[Banir Ironwood]

Winter 78th Mid day 512AV

Thumping his way on the ground of the Spires a large young man was on a search. Clad in a long dirty green coat dotted with heavy and thick cold iron armour in the dull light of the overcast day. The armour was a set of shoulder pads with metal coating his right arm. Ending in his clawed gauntlet kept sharp for attacking, his gleaves covering his brown boots. A hood shadowing over the top half of his face letting light only on his red encircled white eyes and a white scarf covering what his shadowed hood didn't. Brutish in appearance and with muscle that showed through even the coat. This young man had a bit of an intimidating appearance, tall and strong often made an effective combination. The stocky and heavy young man searched the forest floor, his gloved hands held slug suckle vines. Long, even, and ready for their simple purpose. He needed them for his strength training, he'd tried doing simple things like push ups and sit ups, chin ups. But he felt like adding weight to his form would help increase his strength. His objective was simple, grow stronger, get faster, become bigger and better. One of the reasons he had come to the Spires, they seemed to offer more training than other cities he had heard of. He only knew of few, but the nature of the Spires felt like the best place to start.

And so Banir Ironwood, the young half breed, had marched his way from Avanthal to the Spires to train. Which brought him to his current situation, looking around he finally found three beautiful and large rocks. Just what he'd need! Jogging over to them he took the vines and tied them around each individual rock. Making sure his meager knots where tight and would hold for at least a few bells he nodded at his work. Today's training method was simple in thought but would get the job done. Since putting on his cold iron armour a year and two season's ago he had steadily grown stronger. Gotten used to having the weight on his person and his muscles began to compensate and grow. Meaning if his body had a resistance to work against he'd be able to increase his strength by working his muscles more. Essentially it was the same as the routine he had done a while ago. But this would add more weight and prove a larger challenge for him to overcome. Although he was a fair size of muscle and height he desired more strength, a stronger body. There would be opponents in this world who would be immensely stronger than himself. If he wasn't prepared he could end up on the losing end of a fight. Even outside of simple survival and fighting, this strength could be put to use. Helping others, protecting them and even possibly stopping a fight before it began.

He had gotten distracted and needed to get underway with his training before it got dark out. Taking the free end of the vines he tied them to his chest. Making them into a harness of sorts. If he had just tied them to his limbs without care he'd only serve to cut of circulation to his legs and arms. And that would only damage his muscles, the exact opposite of his goal. With this, harness he could put a bit more of his upper body and lower body into the workout. Providing a more even work load over his body while decreasing the amount of stress only one muscle would have to deal with. Nodding as he finally felt ready he rolled his shoulders and sighed. Inhaling a deep breath he took the first step. Then he took the next, the large rocks dragging behind him. This was easy! Smiling beneath his scarf he took the next step. It took quite a bit more effort than before. Looking behind him he found the third rock had yet to actually move much. Well, perhaps he had gotten in over his head on this one. Oh well once you start its best not to stop. He began his slow walk around the inner circle of the Spires. The petals above him with the forest floor beneath his feet. Each foot step was getting harder and harder to take. Within thirty two chimes he was starting to feel sweat on his brow. He'd have left deep footprints in the ground. Had it not been for the weighty rocks dragging behind him erasing his prints in the ground. Soon he needed to take a break. Pausing he tried to keep his breath even and paced as he felt his muscles tingle. He looked around, checking his surroundings, his red eyes rimmed with white rested on something. Was there a person on the forest floor with him?

[Banir Ironwood]

No, his eyes had deceived him. Perhaps this was a little too much for him at the moment? Looking at the rocks he had been dragging for only a chime he felt a small amount of shame. Was he not a fighter? A warrior? A man of strength, diligence, persistence, and honor? By names Wysar, Izurdian, Tyveth, and Yahal he'd not disgrace himself! Admittedly he was only recently acquainted with three of the gods he named. But when he understood their domains he felt no better reason to bring them into his prayers. To use their divine names to motivate him further in his skills, morals, and goals. Which brought him to the thought he may as well offer prayer to them if he wasn't pulling the rocks. Silently he closed his eyes stood upright and put his hands atop one another. Doing his best to look at least presentable, you never knew when the gods where watching. "To Izurdian I pray, though I am only half, your child I abhor you. Give me strength to, continue onward. Down this path I have, chosen for myself. Wysar, please help me maintain, myself that I do, not falter in my, beliefs. In my training and, in my fights. For Tyveth, I seek from you, honor in my tasks, and the valor to, pursue them both, in battle and out, of it. To Yahal, I simply ask, to remain pure. Of heart and mind, so I may prevent harm, to those of innocence, and give it out to, those deserving of it."

With his spiritual need met, his limbs allowed a small amount of rest. And his mind set to the task he was ready to finish this training regiment. Making sure the vines still held strong and taunt he looked onward at the rest of the inner section of the Spires forest floor. It'd take him the better part of the bell to get one whole lap done with this. But he didn't doubt he'd be the stronger for it. With renewed vigor he took a long breath and began to march forward, his heavy cold iron greaves digging in and pushing him forward. Grunting as his body pulled the weight of the three large rocks over the slightly frozen ground. He took a moment before pushing a little harder taking long and slow breaths. Managing himself carefully, wanting to last as long as possible for this. Needing to get at least one lap around the Spires over and done with. Though as the chimes dragged on he felt each step becoming heavier and harder to take. This didn't deter him from what he wished to do. No he continued ever onward letting the sweat roll off his brow, he didn't need to stop. No not yet, he needed to push himself farther and harder. With another hefty grunt he slammed his foot into his ground and lifted off only to do the same with the next. The rocks dragging behind him slowly as soon his he was little more than half way done.

His body felt heavy and tired but this didn't deter him. Always pushing himself just a little more, just a little farther. Every time he felt his will weakening he always said no, just keep moving. And so he did, pushing the limits of his might and stamina. However at forty seven chimes he was tired and needed another break. Taking a water skin he pulled down his scarf and put it to his lips. Drinking almost greedily to hydrate himself. After several long and large gulps he sighed. His goal was still a ways away, he had managed to pull these rocks three fourths they way around the inner circle of the Spires. And while doing it he only needed to take a break twice! He wondered if people would be impressed with that. He'd add on top of that fact of the three boulders that he was still wearing his armour. But he'd been wearing this armour for more than a year now. The weight he felt upon it was hardly note worthy anymore. His body had adjusted to the heft of the armour and he could carry it a lot easier now. If he stripped off the armour sure he'd move faster and stronger a little. But not all that much, he made a mental note that he'd need to save up his money for real armour. Thoughts of thick steel covering his body from head to toe. Oh it'd be wonderful~ He wondered if he could make a special order to get it thrice as thick. For the weight mostly, he wanted that armour to be a real workout if he had it on!

With thoughts of shiny metal in his head Banir tried stretching out his limbs a little. Taking an arm in another he turned and stretched out the muscles, alternating arms every chime. He rolled his large shoulders feeling the sore joints. He just needed to go a little further and he'd be done. The silent promise to his body seemed to give it another small start of strength. He'd see to it that he'd not leave this job half done! Leaning on the vines he heard the boulders move a little. With that little lee way he began to move his heavy footsteps again. This break had been a little longer than the last but he'd make up for it. He was going to finish this weather his body liked it or not! Groaning as he put himself under strain again his legs pushed him forward while he kept his back straight while pulling. He'd be a little sore afterwards but some time at Garth's with a drink. Maybe finish up carving that mask of his and he'd be right as rain! Grunting again he managed another few feet as his footprints where erased by the dragging rocks. However he was running down and out of energy. He was so close but so tired! No this can't be happening! By Izurdin's might it shouldn't!

Frowning he realized his scarf was still down, taking it and sliding it up over his nose he felt a small surge of anger. He paused as he got an idea, he could use the Surge! Closing his eyes he thought of being in danger, of the things that forced fear into his heart. Steadily he got his heart to pump a little faster, slowly but surely he was reaching the thresh hold. Focusing more on fighting, rage, running, being beaten! His muscles surged with renewed vigor and strength, the Surge had hit him. Though he called it the Surge it was in reality just adrenaline rushing through his body. It had become a close friend of his whenever he became enraged. Only in the past few seasons he had learned and even used it outside of his enraged states. This was the first time he had actively tried to trigger the Surge without triggering his rage. He dwelt on these thoughts for a moment then began to move on. Using this burst of real strength to finish his task. He pulled harder than before, his legs pushed him faster. His goal quickly being pulled closer to him with every step. Chimes dripped away like seconds as he pulled the large rocks behind him. However his Surged strength was running out quickly. He still had a few feet to go, just a few more feet. His body was tired and aching begging to stop for a rest. No, not until he reached his goal. Pushing a little more, three feet, a few more steps! He could DO THIS! He fell down on all fours, using both his arms and legs to pull the boulders right back to where he had started.

With a tired sigh he stood up and walked around aimlessly, his muscles burning and twitching from the weight. How long had it been? Bell? Bell and a half maybe? The sky was starting to darken a little so it must have been a while. His breath came quick to his lungs as he tugged at the air for another breath. Oh he was pretty tired, he wondered if he'd even make it to Garth's? With a simple shrug he walked to a boulder and sat down. Just five chimes, he'd be down for only five chimes. Closing his eyes he put his hands to his head and relaxed for a little while. He sighed and just decided to let his mind relax as well. Doing what he could to try and clear his thoughts. Letting him just think of nothing and be empty for just these five chimes he had given himself to rest. While persistent thoughts of rage and strength remained in his mind he worked on just letting them fall out of his conscious mind for a while. Just peace and quiet remained inside himself and around him. Finding tranquility in his mind devoid of thought.

[Banir Ironwood]

Banir snapped out of his thoughts, it was a little bit darker than it should have been for five chimes. How long had he just been sitting here with his hands on his face? Pulling away and bringing his thoughts all back into his mind, trying to find some sort of way to measure how long he'd been out. Looking around he stood up, some residual soreness in his legs caught him off guard and he stumbled but caught himself. Taking off the harness of vines he left them with the large boulders. If someone took the vines fine by him, they weren't exactly hard to come by. His body now free, he began to heads towards the stairs that would lead to the first Petal of the Spires. Looking up the long steps he took a deep breath. This was probably going to be a bad idea, but if he could manage it he was sure he'd feel the worth while results when he decided to do it again. Taking a breath he looked up the stairs, a few people where walking up the steps. It only made sense considering that night was coming, and that meant all the nocturnal predators. With a shudder flying up his spine he suddenly felt all that soreness run out of his legs. Looking up the long flight of stairs he stretched his joints. Making sure his legs would make the long hike up he stairs. Taking a long deep breath he rolled his shoulders and shook out his hands. Looking up he noted the few people still on the stairs, he would have to avoid them as best as he could. Putting his right foot on the first step he launched himself upwards. His left foot pounding on the wood as he ran up the way.

He slung his heavy form up, taking his breaths slow and steady. He didn't want to over exert himself, and thanks to that little rest he took he'd be able to at least make it to the other end of the Petal. His armour barely slowed him down, the thick cold iron clattering on his form. The people above him, a few Jamoura and humans who may very well be Kelvics. The Kelvics turned around and seemed to go wide eyed in fear. Looking at them they seemed to be running away. Why where they so afraid? The Jamoura closest to hi looked behind and began to follow with the Kelvics. Why where they all running from him. Was it because there was a large predator behind him?! NO WAY! Fear crept into his red eyes, turning them slightly black as he ran faster. His heart pounding hard in his chest as he ran as hard as he could. Soon he was past the first Jamoura who seemed frightened steadily slowed down as Banir passed. The Kelvics where the first onto the Petal and where swift to try and hide somewhere. Banir followed closely behind as he reached the top, he was tired again, and so quickly too. He had given it his all to get up this high so quickly, his legs throbbed yet he was still running. Afraid some beast of the night was after him. He kept running until he tripped and fell, rather than fall flat on his face he tried to shift his large weight. Rolling onto a shoulder and landing on his arse. Still hurt but better than a broken nose.

Looking behind him he was worried some creature like a mist stalker was behind him. Only to find no one. Had they run because of him? Banir understood he was big, brutish, and unfriendly looking. But to scare even Jamoura into running? Maybe it was his eyes? Whatever it was he had probably been more intimidating because of the growing dark. After all, night is the time when the mind turned what was a little frightening, into a terror of dark. His own mind had caved into cowardice when he was running. As he focused on his physical form he felt his body taking, long and deep breaths. Overall he felt pretty good considering all the work he'd done today. Moving to stand on his feet he rolled his shoulders and started to stand up. Using his right arm to pull some more weight forward while using his left arm to push himself up he managed to stand up. With a gentle sigh he began to make his way to Garth's, it'd be a long walk, at least it'd feel like one. The soreness began to return to his limbs as he walked. Good workout so far. He just wished he could push his body farther and harder. Perhaps one day he will be able to exceed his limits. No, one day he WILL exceed those limits.

Sighing he began to walk towards Garth's, the soreness in his limbs swiftly returning. Deciding to take his time he tucked his hands into his belt and tried to ignore it. Trying to get his mind off of the issue of his legs by thinking of new ways to train and get even a little stronger. Trying to figure out new ways to push his strength further, to get faster. He wouldn't be much use to anyone unless he became better at. Well everything, since his mind wasn't too great he could only really use his body. He could just barely read common, his skills in writing where laughable at best. When it came to numbers he may as well just cave his own head in with a hammer! He was useless! If he was to be of any real use he could at least get his body tougher than Isurian steel. Stronger than a Jamoura in a full rage, faster than a feline Kelvic at full sprint. If he was like that he could even use his body like a shield and not be harmed. He could actually protect people rather than get beaten within an inch of his life. Though it was more or less a simple dream right now he would one day he'd be damn near unstoppable.

Looking up from his thoughts he noticed he had passed Garth's, turning around he made sure to pay attention this time. Managing to find the doorway to Garth's walking in he smiled slightly. Waving to both Garth and his mate as he headed for a table off by a window. Banir wasn't exactly on friendly terms with Garth, but at least he was very familiar with the large Jamoura. Banir offered only a long and heavy sigh as he reached into one of his pockets to take out the simple mask he had. It was still a little rough in some places, he also realized he hadn't properly carved the inside yet. Using his bladed claw he slowly scrapped along the inside. Peeling away a few more rough lumps he liked how the mask was shaping up. He leaned down to wipe up the shavings and dump them onto the table. He took the blade and kept lightly scrapping away the wood shavings. The metal removed another smooth layer of shavings, the sound of the wood rolling with the blade relaxed him as he sat at the table. Soon he'd be able to put a piece of leather through two small holes he can make in the side of the mask and wear it! He'd be able to take off his hood while out and about! Maybe get rid of his scarf as well! If the weather wasn't too cold at least.