Completed [Training Grounds]The Clash of Metal(Aventis)

[Vanessa Lawson]

The same approach as before lead to the same effect, Aventis spinning out of her range. Now to her right, the other squire made a swipe at her arm. Having no time to dodge as she was still turning, she took the hit full on. A grunt of pain and she had turned fully to bring her blade around, but her opponent simply jumped back, seeing the next attack beforehand. The woman watched carefully as he put away what she guessed was A Rapier in favor of a Short Sword. Why would he switch? Was the only thing she thought at that moment, but she didn't dwell on it long as Aventis was charging her. He raised her arm high, sword in place as he readied for what looked like an attack. Blade now secure in her arms at her front, she prepared to deflect the blow. As such she was surprised as he spun to the left, gracefully landing behind her to strike the back of her armor. Vanessa mimicked his earlier move, spinning so she was at least out of the way, and just enough to face him. "Learn from your opponent." Her mind repeated her Patrons words. And that she would. His next move came as swift as the former, but she had no intention of falling for the same Tactics. If she was correct, he was judging her attacks based on her hands. While true she couldn't do as well with the opposite hand, she knew it was coming this time. Quickly shifting the blade to her left, she yelped as the pommel collided with her right, shooting pain up her arm. Shyke, maybe that wasn't such a good idea... Well, it was too late to regret it now, so she just went with it. Jumping back, she panted slightly. It was difficult to keep up with the man, but she was guessing she was holding up as best she could. Wasting no time, she went for a counterattack, moving forward, blade in left and made a clumsy swing for his chest with the blunt. This was going to be difficult.

[Aventis]

It was a hammer, a thief of winds, and it hurt. It hurt a whole petching lot. He was knocked back a few steps, gasping for breath, and a bit ashamed that this was not the first time this had happened in combat and it had to stop. She was clever, though, and gods did Aventis respect that. It was hard to outsmart someone in a fight, and the Eypharian knew this, perhaps better than most, and being on the other end of the gamut… It was mindbending. Being in the position made Aventis utterly respect the girl and her ability, no matter how much her attack hurt. She had tried. Hard. She had succeeded. And that was commendable.

Gripping the cloth that hung from his neck and over the spot in the lower middle of his ribcage where the pummel of the girl’s sword had struck loosely. He could breathe, but he expected a sizeable bruise there come morning.

No matter.

Smiling a bit to himself, he recognized the conundrum the girl had put him in, and he enjoyed it thoroughly. The girl had caught wind of his tactic and had put it to good use, there was no using that anymore unless as a ploy and that could be used only for using the same move in another direction. That sword. That sword had to be gone. Quickly, Aventis put a plan into motion.

Dashing forwards, Aventis faked left, took a step back while leaving his dominant foot planted as to avoid a blow, and stood back up. He made a move to grab the blade with his left hand by the pommel. Knowing that Vanessa was all too smart to let him get away with what she probably knew he was attempting to do. So he had to distract her. While his free hand was trying to control the blade, his armed hand was positioned perfectly for Aventis to elbow the girl in the collarbone roughly. After attempting the initial attack, applying enough force only to take her off guard, he raised his armed hand, forcing it down upon Vanessa’s hands, again hoping he wouldn’t break anything, and afterwards tugging roughly on the blade, hoping to free it from her hands. If this worked, Aventis would assume the advantage once again.

He hoped it worked.

[Vanessa Lawson]

A direct hit to the chest from the Raven haired woman, and Aventis took a few steps back. Tactic successful. A glint of pride flashed her face before her usual stoic expression replaced it. Now was not the time, especially since she was outmatched. A bit of a smile crossed the other Squires' features, but he recovered quickly. Now Vanessa had to think, think harder than before. She doubted he would try the same plan twice, seeing as how she had managed to find a method against it. His next move.. What could it be? It was impossible for her to plan, she had too little knowledge. And time she realized as she saw her opponent dash forward. Here he comes. A left feign left her confused for a bit until he was in range and had a grip on her blade pommel. Petch, he's trying to disarm me! In an attempt to free the broadsword, she was going to bring her knee up to meet the forearm attached to her blade, but an elbow to her collarbone left her slightly too stunned to get away from the hand that came to her fingers. Pain shot through her neck, as well as fingers, as she released her grip on the blade unintentionally. She knew a mark would be on her neck soon. Before she allowed him to do anymore damage, she took as big a jump back as she could manage, her broadsword now in possession of the other Squire. As the realization hit her something snapped. Her Fathers sword. It wasn't in her hands. She didn't like that feeling, not one inch of her was happy about it. She had to have it back. Now. Something felt a little anxious, maybe even a slightly angry. Possibly annoyed. Now she didn't care how she got it, she just wanted it back. She rushed forward, a bit quicker than before. She had slightly labored breathing, but other than that she appeared fine. Her whole demeanor had changed. She dropped onto her arms, making them numb before using them to support a swing of her right legs to knock Aventis off his feet. "I don't take to kindly to being disarmed, Squire." She said with venom, pushing herself up to her feet, she lunged for the broadsword now in the others grasp.

[Aventis]

Aventis smiled slyly, knowing now what he had to do. The young squire had let Aventis take advantage of her, and she now payed the price. Aventis jumped away from the girl, her sword now at hand, standing at a distance where he knew he could counter if she charged at him. Looking upon her, Aventis noticed that her demeanor has taken a turn. Her expression, previously radiant and pleasant, had become solemn, her warm demeanor had not become cold but it had become serious, it had become grave and urgent.

“I don’t take kindly to being disarmed, squire.” Vanessa spat at the Eypharian, a bitter contempt all too obviously expressed on her features.

She dashed, just had Aventis expected. Her sword, still at hand, was heavy, far too heavy to move as nimbly as he had before, and he had to move quick. He had the head start, using the weight of the sword to his advantage as he swung his light body the girl’s somewhat cumbersome sword to the left, just barely dodging the girl’s charge. He needed distance, he needed distance quick. He, never letting his eyes wander from Vanessa lest she make a move while he was distracted, dashed backwards to get a distance on her.

“I don’t much appreciate being taken at a disadvantage, squire.” Aventis responded. Not quite friendly, but not as absolutely cold as Vanessa’s response. Silently, he laid the girl’s sword on the ground, exaggerating his movements as to show the young squire that he meant the weapon no harm. After it was at his feet, he sheathed his shortsword, and got into the fighting stance that Utis had taught him. He held his upper two arms in front of his face, for defense, and stood with his feet at shoulder length.

“Come at me, Vanessa.”

[Vanessa Lawson]

Vanessa was frustrated that she had let him get away, but more so that she had lost her cool. After all, it was her who had stated she meant him no harm, yet after being disarmed she almost went back on her word. Aventis lay the Broadsword at his feet, sheathing his own before taking up a fighting stance. So my blade put his at a disadvantage? So that's why I was disarmed, to even the odds. She summarized. "Very well. I apologize, this is my Fathers." The young squire stated, grabbing her broadsword gently before sheathing it at her side. She took a few steps back, nodding that she was ready. This was going to be an interesting fight. Having not been taught enough in the ways of unarmed combat, she simply mimicked her opponents stance. I've not much experience for this, so my best option is to wear him out. Seemingly she had calmed down, and was back to her more collected state. She would need to be more careful. Losing her cool wasn't going to help her. Especially when she was against someone like Aventis. She charged forward, much slower than before to save some energy. She reeled her left arm back, balling her fist and twisting her torso slightly. Instead of her fist coming forward, she swung her left knee up and around, her torso twist giving it an extra boost as she aimed to get as high as possible. She quickly extended her leg so it was a full kick. Let's see your defense.

[Aventis]

“It’s fine, Vanessa.” Aventis replied, his tone relatable to “indifferent” at best. It didn’t much matter where that sword was to the Eypharian, just as long as it wasn’t up against his body. Then he had an issue. “Keep it in the sheath. I don’t feel like losing any blood today. Or fingers.”

The girl took a few steps back, preparing for the next phase of combat. Aventis raised his fists and reassured his stance, clenching his muscles tight. He hadn’t much experience in unarmed martials, and the very concept seemed daunting and alien. But stakes were low and the girl couldn’t do too much damage. From what he had seen, she had been trained elsewhere, because no matter her skill level, she was soft. Trusting. Nearly broken. The poor thing was frail.

As Aventis lost himself assessing the girl, he became unaware. He knew the girl was approaching, yes, but Aventis had gotten assured of himself and cocky. He steadied his stance, intending to meet the girl in combat, expecting exactly her facade. He prepared himself to catch her fist. He held his right arm out, meaning to catch her forearm, but the facade was recognized just a tick late. Aventis could feel his blood pound in his temples as he was blown back by the the merciless attack Vanessa had strategized had worked, and Aventis now paid the price. The tactic did, however, demand respect from the tall squire, who stood a few feet back, gingerly massaging his jaw. Nodding, he quickly and silently returned to the fight. He lunged forward, fist curled and drawn, aiming for the girl’s cheek. He knew she would block. Or, if she didn’t, she would regret it. As he forced his right fist upon her, his left soared upwards for her chin, hoping to catch her defenseless. He knew she expected offense.

That’s why he had a plan.

[Vanessa Lawson]

Seemingly she had managed to work her tactic well as her fist met the other Squires' face. She took a step away from the other before he lunged at her, his fist drawn back and aimed at her face. Vanessa watched his approach carefully, yet she couldn't see any hint of a feign. She brought up her arms to block his fist, the punch numbing her forearms a bit before she was forced back. Pain seeped through her chin and made it's way to her jaw, alerting her that she'd been hit. A bit of blood slipped from her mouth as she had bit the inside of her lip upon impact. Petch, he's strong. She took a few steps back, spitting the blood from her mouth to the ground. Vanessa cocked a small smile, her simple expression acknowledging Aventis' strength. He had got her on the second hit while she was focused on defending from the first. It was a simple tactic, one that was often used. Either way she'd have her hands full in this spar. Charging forward, Vanessa took used a clumsy quickstep to rotate behind the man before striking out her elbow to the center of his back. Hopefully she could send him forward, thereby knocking him off balance.

[Aventis]

OOCWe should probably start hinting at the relationship now. Just a quick thought. Or hinting at interest thereof. PM me with thoughts.

The attack he had made, much to his surprise, was a success. His knuckles burned with a tight aching sensation that he could only relate to hitting his mark. Ignoring the somewhat tedious sense of pride that came with his minor success, the squire quickly recognized the danger of the situation. He could not be that close to his opponent; things wouldn’t likely stay in his favor if he, himself, decided to stay close to her.

Quickly the Eypharian jumped away, weaving his arm out from under her block stance before taking his fighting position once again about three or four feet away from Vanessa. Although he had a small sense of pride that came with holding the tactical and physical advantage over his opponent, he felt a tang of guilt. Not at all for hurting the girl, no, injury was a risk taken with fighting, but as the girl spit her light crimson blood onto the ground and smiled an almost unrealistic smile at the squire, Aventis felt guilt for taking himself far too seriously. Vanessa, although having lost nearly every strategic and tactical advantage she could have possibly lost (save her armor, though that was hardly removable) and yet kept good humor. Aventis had broken and battered her, beat and attempted to break her, and all for victory over a spar in which he was supposed to learn. Shameful. Dishonorable. He could almost sense Utis’ disappointment, though he somehow felt it was intended. He was, indeed, a spectacular judge of character, though whether that was a blessing or a curse still remained to be seen. Nevertheless, the girl smiled, and Aventis couldn’t bring himself to smile back. Silently, sucking down his scruples through his dry and tired throat.

Quickly the girl swung herself around the tall squire, much in the fashion Aventis had swung himself earlier, and quickly he had to learn how to adapt. He couldn’t very well let her attack him from behind. Spinning one hundred and eighty degrees nearly as quickly as Vanessa could maneuver around him and doing his best to keep his position steady, only to be met with a quick jab from the girl, and he had barely enough time to cup his upper right hand and blunt the apex of her elbow, just able to soften the blow but not to completely block it. The force she applied was enough to cause Aventis to stumble back a step. The lanky squire bit his tongue and clenched his jaw shut in both frustration and focus, remembering that this was not a fight to be won but a fight to be fought and it should be handled as such.

[Vanessa Lawson]

Vanessa watched the squire carefully as he stepped back before she had lunged. Apparently he hadn't had enough time to block as her elbow collided with the man. Aventis had made the attempt to turn. She had caught him mid turn, but she didn't stay there for long. The man stumbled back, but the raven haired woman didn't go after him. She was panting hard, trying her best to calm her breathing. The other squire looked relatively fine, but Vanessa knew she was in no condition to continue. She had knew she was outmatched from the beginning, but it was it was clearly obvious by the state she was in. She was however proud of herself for managing to get in a few good hits before she ran out of energy. She nodded to herself and held up her hand to stop the other squire to make sure he didn't attack her again. "You win. I've got no more energy to continue." She said with a smile through deep breathes. She lowered her hands and took a step forward to extend her hand to the man. Hopefully he'd take it in a friendly gesture, seeing as the man had seemed suspicious of her in the beginning.

[Aventis]

Aventis slit his eyes at the girl, his chest pounding beneath his clothing. He wasn’t as tired as the girl he had been fighting, who looked about ready to explode, but tired nonetheless. A moment ago he would have considered calling Vanessa’s bluff, tightening his stance, perhaps attacking her. Perhaps continuing the battle. But Vanessa… She seemed honest. Trusting. Aventis should ask the same of himself to accept it from her.

Slowly, Aventis lowered his fists to his sides, his actions and thoughts weighed down with a heavy and cautious trepidation, unsure of the truth in Vanessa’s words. He wrapped his cloak tighter around his torso with his arms hidden beneath its folds, watching the girl carefully as she approached the Eypharian. It seemed harmless, benevolent, so why did his trepidation linger? Why was he still suspicious of the girl? It felt… Strange. Unnatural and alien. Being near her, that is. It gave him the strangest sense of… Of what? He didn’t quite know. It was uneasy, unnerving. It was quite possible that Vanessa was someone he’d want to avoid. But something about her made him think otherwise.

Carefully, Aventis reached out and shook the hand Vanessa had offered a moment ago. She was… pleasant. Unfortunately so. The situation had succeeded in making the squire uncomfortable within mere ticks, and the contact did little to reassure his scruples.

With the fight concluded, Aventis couldn’t help but feel surprised that Utis had not intended something less than expected, or at least had not yet revealed ulterior motives. It was… Unlike him. Of course a pleasant and welcomed turn of events, and yet here he was, feeling butterflies the size of bats in his stomach, fists sore from impact and mouth dry from loss of proper diction, not sure whether or not he actually enjoyed the sensation that came with Vanessa’s company. It was hard to tell. And while Aventis stood there with what was most likely the dumbest face he had yet to make. Quickly he realized he had been standing in the same spot for the length of his small mental filibuster gripping the girl’s hand, debating to himself the option of leaving when, in fact, he had the option to leave now. He had the option to end the encounter.

So why did he yet stay?

Under any other circumstance, he would’ve stayed, he would’ve considered this peculiar sensation of hesitance to leave and trepidation to stay that he couldn’t quite explain with common words, but now he was afraid. He feared both leaving and staying, but he feared staying and submitting to his stubborn insistence to stay. The battle was done. He didn’t need to stay. And this girl - Vanessa - was… Strange. And Aventis didn’t much want to explore the reasons of his unusual emotion, at least not with her present.

“... Thank you for… For the training, Vanessa.” He blurted, jerking his hand back from her own quickly, stepping back from her and towards the exit. “I, uh… I need to go… Go do rounds. Have a nice day,”

And with that he dashed from the area, as if a child had held the hand of his crush and was too skittish to stay and talk, rather to run and smile to himself later on. As soon as the girl was out of sight, the squire stood by himself, singular, alone, and comfortable. He held out his hand - the one that had shook with her’s - out before him, examining it closely, and all seemed in order, but he wiped the palm against his heavy cloak as he moved it back to his side. Inhaling deeply, the squire did his best to regain his calm, which was somewhat difficult. No matter. He could go on some rounds, now. He could go on some rounds and forget this ever happened. That sounds nice… Just… Forget this ever happened. Forget this ever happened…

And with that, Aventis collected his thoughts, walked forward, and forgot the girl with the raven black hair.