Closed We Both Benefit In Most Terms (Sayana)

[Ferrin Al'Mandrikan]

Spring, 516AV, 35th | | Bronze Woods + Alyasas' Caves

Though, with spring in turn at a seasons round. The table turns slowly. Slowly as if it were a snail trying to turn and manipulate a sundial that has very limited movement. The Kenashian had a sudden emptiness that swelled up within him. Even with his training and his discovery that he has an uncle that serves for The Order. Ferrin had a high level of shock once he found out.

Lately, Ser Xervos had been merely training him for days on end like a current flowing through its river at high velocity. Yes. His legs were numb just a bit, but his arms grew slightly tensed.

Fortunately, today he has the day off. And with the training given the Kenashian, Ferrin had only wished to train in the things he wished to train in. Like, perhaps c Unarmed Combat. Or maybe even dagger weaponary. Still, it wouldn't hurt, would it. A few days prior. There was a peculiar message pinned up on the bulletin board. And the person who pinned it upon the wooden fracture asked for fifty gold Mizas. In return for something that could benefit the oneself.

Ferrin figured that he could get to know this mysterious person. And why such an odd place of meeting. The Alyasas' Caves. Certainly, it was a place to be kept alone from, but he had a feeling that something might happen out of the wrong. His pouch filled with coin jumped as he trekked through the woods familiarising himself with the surroundings. His longbow and quiver at hand. His short broadsword sheathed. And the Kenashian managed to borrow a suit of leather armor that was swathed under his hunting cloak that he had had for awhile since he left home.

Today had sort of felt like leaving Kenash. Though, without the official state of leave. Not far was he, from the Caves. The winds knipped at Ferrins face and numbed it a bit, but only the wind had chilled his facial physique. His cheeks blushed with a brightened pink hue and his glossy blue eyes merely twinkled against the light that shown by Syna.

With the tree branches that swung gently and the leaves that brushed ever so lightly against those very branches that swayed. Came along the vivid detailing of the intricate woodwork of mother nature and her works of art that were painted upon each and every abstratical prospect that displayed before ones eyes.

The final steps of reaching the caves had arrived. And Ferrins hand grew a slight tremor. He managed to control it with strapping his quiver about one of his shoulders. Opposite where he would have his bow held by his hand. Ferrin was now a few yards away from the entrance and now pulled out a coin purse held with an amount of fifty golden Mizas. Though, he hadn't known why he had had the nervousness within him. "You've posted on the board... Or someone did. I'm looking for some training. More plausible training per say. I have the coin for payment. Perhaps we could work a few things out?" Said the man as he jingled the coin purse in front of him by the tightened strands of string that roped the purse about and kept it well protected from falling out. He had put away his longbow over his other shoulder adjacent of the quiver. One of Ferrins hand rested upon the pommel of his short broadsword, prepared for anything that might lunge at him."If your hurt... I can go fetch a healer. If needed. But there is something else isn't there. Why would one be alone here?"

Ferrin Al'Mandrikan

[Sayana]

She had carefully avoided the Aylasa caves for the first few days after posting her notice. In her mind, it spelled a trap by the knighthood if they were cautious about such things. Even though she had phrased the offer innocently, there was still a hint of mischief in the words and she didn’t particularly want to get on the wrong side of an investigation.

Nevertheless, she set out on the 35th to see if anyone would be intrigued by the offer, or at least someone who hadn’t been so intensely eager they had already gone to visit. The wind whipped through her long brown hair as she rode her white mare along the road. She soon veered off to follow the forest trails and wound her way along the river before finally reaching the caves. She was cautious at first, and approached carefully on foot moving from tree to tree to keep out of sight. While it was hard scouting from the ground. She could only see so far through the dense trees and her lack of height didn’t help much. But she used her ears and at last she determined that there was no trap set up for her. Probably. She found a comfortable place to rest her horse and unsaddled it after she tied it loosely to a tree.

Before getting too settled, however, she got started on her persona. Not knowing when someone could potentially show up, the Eypharian pulled out a small mirror and a goodly portion of khol, and began applying a dark black band to her face. Slowly she worked upon her skin and paid particular attention to her eye lids so that it was a smooth and solid bar of darkness. Even though her eyes were merely brown, instead of a pure black, she hoped that the band alone would suggest Chaktawe decent. As she finished with the makeup, she paused to think of a name. A name… a name…

Suddenly she heard rustling within the trees and a distinctive footstep followed by a clank of metal. Petch! Someone was coming already! While she wasn’t directly at the mouth of the cave, she wanted to be somewhat ready if they actually were here regarding the bulletin notice. Her horse was situated a fair bit off to the side and out of view, and fortunately the rocky hillside was not so steep here. She abandoned any additional touches to her makeup, and with all six hands she did up two hasty braids, one on each side of her face. They were rather skinny but they gave her a ‘tribal’ look. The rest of her hair she mussed up and then quickly scrambled up the hillside in which the Aylasa caves were integrated within. Her black robe obscured her additional hands but while reaching for various indents and ledges in the rocks, she cheated and used her mids and lows just as much as her highs. There was a lot of scrambling and one close call as a chunk of rock broke from under her grip, but she finally spotted a small boulder she could hide behind while being situated just above the cave’s entrance. Kneeling and hoping that her makeup was still reasonably in place, she took a quick glance to see someone approaching, before ducking behind her meager bit of shelter.

As his voice rang out clear in the quiet woods, there was no doubt that someone had in fact come. And someone who was curious about her written message too. A grin twitched to her face, but she forced herself to remain hidden and hear him out. There was a jingle of coins, and although she couldn’t see the pouch, it hinted at his sincerity. Of course, the might all be coppers but she could always check to be sure before agreeing to anything. But what if he was a squire or knight, sent to weed her out?

She kept still and didn’t dare peek out until he seemed to be finished. “But there is something else isn’t there. Why would one be alone here?” Time for the first test, to see if he truly was alone. From her place above the cave entrance, she drew one of her throwing daggers. For a moment she showed revealed her hooded face from behind the boulder and whipped the dagger hard but true at a tree trunk a few feet away from the man. It sank into the soft bark with a thud, blade in first. Whether he responded to the ‘attack’ or not, she watched the darkened trees for any movement. There was none.

“It seems that you really do come alone,” Sayana spoke in a low but strong voice, echoing through the clearing. Or that he brought friends who were horribly incompetent.

“You seek training to grow your power and skill?” She spoke again with an air of mystery. Swiftly she stood up from her hiding place and with a swoop of black fabric she jumped and landed on the ground before him, her knees bending low to brace herself from the impact. In her high hands were two medium sized daggers, while her other arms were hidden within the black robe she wore. The hood had dropped from her face and her bronze skin and black band were clearly visible.

“My name is Ishtar, of the raven clan.” At last a proper name had come to her and it felt fitting to speak it. “But tell me, are you of the knighthood? They do not treat my race kindly and I avoid the city when I can. Prove to me that I can trust you, and then I might take a look at the coins you bring.”

Other than her initial throw of the dagger, she made no further move to attack. Her weapons were held in a defensive manner in case he got any ideas of his own but she seemed willing to hear him out.

[Ferrin Al'Mandrikan]

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The winds lightly knipped at Ferrins face as his hood had been pulled over by both hands. The coin jingled as they rested within the tied up pouch of leather. The mystery had been solved for the oddness that had confronted the Kenashian of whom would lay beyond the Alyasas' Caves. Did Ferrin come alone? Was there someone who had somehow followed him? He hadn't believed so... But, as he turned his head and body about whilist he scanned the woods. A thump, a noise relinquished where a blade would thwack against the wood.

It was a familiar noise to be of hearing. But, the dagger that had struck one of the trees near the man had had made him only flinch less than a timid child who hadn't even been grown through maturity as of yet.

Ferrin felt intended to learn and yearn the ins and outs of each and every tactic that revolved around any manner of weaponary. Most particularly with the training in a certain level of a newly infused combat that could be introduced to the man. The woman's voice was strong and low in volume, she had a sense of confidence that blended warmly. But, Ferrin had a peculair perspective of her tone.

"Yes... It appears that I am alone. And what about you. No traps that this can be, right?"Asked Ferrin as he clung tightly to his pouch of Fifty gold. Good, thing that he had left the rest at his apartment, there fully concealed away from any intruders. The leather armor that Ferrin borrowed from the Grounds, itched at his sides as the leather just only pecked at his waist.

Training, I do seek. For that I presume you can improve on my capabilities?"Asked Ferrin as he took one hand tolift off his hood to unveil his face. His face was tanned mostly. He worked up the tanned hue whilst working down in Kenash when he was a little younger. With his family. Helping around the city to at least earn some extra coin here and there. Maybe even assisted with the farming of one of the Dynasties. Glossy blue eyes gleamed against Synas' light as one would gaze upon his visage. Black curled hair completed most of the head portion. Though, a bit bushy perhaps he should tend to it sometime.

Ishtar? Of the Raven Clan? Would that mean that this woman was either Drykas, or... Benishiran? Unless the Benishirans do not have significant clan families. Or pavilions like the Drykas people do? Something hadn't appeared quite strange in a way. Though, her hood had had practically concealed most of the woman's gentle abode. Though, the most distinctive thing that one could tell from the woman for the fact that she is a female was her voice and the volume... Pitch. The tone. The tone most particular.

"My name is Ferrin. For what reason why would the Order dispose your race. You seem of the normal to me. If I am part of the Order, it wouldn't make me no less similar than them. I'm not to judgemental."Said the man with a weary smile."For what brings you out here. Surely, the Order hasn't been to offending with you around in their city." "And coming alone wasn't enough to prove of this trustworthyness between us. Are you hiding something?"Questioned Ferrin as he solemnly looked at Sayana.

"Alright... What shall I prove?"Sighed Ferrin as he loosely grasped the pouch whilst his hands had began to sweat. It was odd, definitely seeing this woman with a peculiar tone with her words as she had spoke gently. It was surely odd and strange indeed. Ishtar was her name. What was her race, and what was she hiding? And such an odd location to be at; The Alyasas' Caves. Ferrin hadn't Hunted much near the area, but he at least knew of its whereabouts.

"Why here?"

Ferrin Al'Mandrikan

[Sayana]

He didn’t seem to flinch much at the dagger, and although he sensed the potential for a trap, he didn’t make any moves to mitigate such. Then there were his words. He appeared to strive for elegance in his wording but was just under the mark.

“Why here? I find the city itself rather suffocating as well as oppressive. I can hardly walk a few paces without getting stared down by a knight.” She spoke with a hint of annoyance to her tone. It was an exaggeration but there were still many knights on the streets. “Here I can speak with freedom. I could ask you the same question. Why here when you could hone your skills at the training grounds or someplace else within the city walls?”

She let the question hang for but a moment before continuing. “As for proof…” She paused and then a smile curled upon her lips. “I’d like swift answers to the following questions.” By this point she did not see Ferrin as an immediate threat and relaxed her daggers to hold near her sides. “What is your name? What is your profession? What do your duties consist of? Who do you report to? And what is your favourite colour?”

The first question was meant as a baseline. The others were ones in which she would watch carefully to see if Ferrin deviated from his more comfortable baseline. And the last… partly it was for fun but she wondered if he’d react with nervous laughter or something more relaxed and genuine.

While she waited for answers, she caught his blue eyes with her dark brown ones. The band of black across her face covering her eyes was quite striking even against her caramel skin. She began reaching within herself for that tingle and thrill of magic. Slowly but forcefully she drew upon it like spinning thread and wove a tightened knot seeding it with feelings of guilt. Guilt. She hadn’t thought of it prior to this moment but it felt exceptionally right for weeding out the truth. She focused in on the uncomfortable feeling. Guilt and wanting to feel free of it. As she caught his eye again, she pushed the tangled knot of djed outwards to him, to slip into his aura and spread its discomfort.

Should he prove to be a knight or squire, she doubted that he would have enough strength to ignore the pervading guilt and still lie. And even if he did tell the truth, she hoped he might elaborate on more in attempt to release himself of the uncomfortable feeling that guilt provided.

While she performed the hypnotism, her finger tapped softly against the hilt of her dagger and for a moment she wondered whether she should let him know what she was hiding. No. No, that was the magic getting to her.

[Ferrin Al'Mandrikan]

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This woman... Ishtar, how would her race be disliked by the Order? What kind of means would those who contribute to their arms in military stare down someone like this woman? And drove her out to the woods... What kind of character was this Ishtar? And how did she end up being aloof and relaxed with all of it... Was she relaxed? It had felt like it, as the responses came through Ferrin managed a weak smile as he clung loosely to the leather pouch that contained the secretive gold mizas. In count there were indeed Fifty. And Ferrin had insisted on counting them out this morning before he meant to infuse the coins with his hunting trip. That he had not officially planned to take a part in.

"Exactly, what is your race... If you do not mind me of asking."Asked the Squire politely. The insignia of the Windoak had been engraved onto the leather armor, smacked down right in the center of the leather piece of work. And the words of spoken freedom, out here? Surely you can speak of casual speeches in the city, but what would the Order actually do to its locals? How would they overrule their critical statements? Would they trail them all if they would ever offend the city; or even the peace of the city? "Sure, sure. The walls can be quite overwhelming. That is why I enjoy to hunt. Especially here in the woods."Said Ferrin with a wry smile.

With the answers that Ferrin had had asked prior to the woman's. Ishtar had spiraled back and ricocheted her own fired arrows. To many at once had sprung through his head. "My name is Ferrin..."A peculiar sensation of moderate guilt trailed through the upwards of his spine and tingled as if something had etched through his mind. He had grown slightly confused, but figured that he should answer the questions and did not know of how to respond to it. So he had kept at it with the answering. "Now... I am a Squire..."Ferrin said slowly.

"I am just a Squire. Nothing formal, I don't do much besides a few portions of training and tactics..."Replied Ferrin. The man couldn't keep his eyes off of the woman before him, but he had still knew of his surroundings. Ferrin had rested one of his hands on one of his sides as he still clung lightly to the pouch of coin with his other now sweating hand. Who does he report to? His Uncle? Ser Xervos Al'Mandrikan. A Knight? Would he tell his patron of today, or keep it as a secret, between him and this Ishtar character that the Order seemingly does not trust. Why for, would they not trust her? Is she from Ravok? Or allied with the dark forces of Mizahar? What was her intention in all of these interrogative inquiries? What?

"I report to Ser Xervos... Why do you ask?"Replied Ferrin a bit cautiously. Though, the sensation of guilt tingled more so as he scratched his dark curled hair with his open hand. He awkwardly met Sayanas gaze with his blue eyes and smiled oddly. His longbow still frolicked around his shoulder as the bowstring had rested upon one of his shoulders and his quiver rested over the opposite one. The last question seemed less difficult "Orange, like the orange of the horizon when the sun was about to set. It commonly relaxes me and I'll feel at ease because of its warm glow..."Said the man as he had taken his pupils and viewed what might be within the woman's cloak.

Was she hiding anything?

What was this woman's intention?

Ferrin Al'Mandrikan

[Sayana]

Sayana did not answer any of his questions until he had answered hers. A squire. Part of her wanted to just scrap the whole meeting and state quite bluntly that she would not train a squire. However, he seemed honest, otherwise why else would he state he was a squire after her words of dislike to the knighthood. He also seemed curious and adventurous. One thing that stuck out to her was the way he had stated his profession with the word ‘now’. Was he a new squire?

She shifted slightly on the balls of her feet, half expecting for a team of knights to show up despite them not having shown their faces earlier. Her eyes scanned over him once more, his blue eyes, the bow attached to his back, the small coin pouch in his hand, the symbol of the oak on his leather armor. Yes, definitely a squire of the knighthood. However, he might pose a useful opportunity and if nothing else, a challenge.

“I am Chaktawe. My race, that is.” Sayana finally answered and began walking across the small clearing in front of the cave. She had seen him staring and it would not do for him to garner too much information. She had been standing still for too long and the movement would at least help to distract him from her appearance. She stepped over to the tree and yanked her dagger from it. With her back turned to him, she slipped the throwing dagger into her robe to sit with the others so that once again she simply had the two medium sized daggers in her visible high hands.

“You’re a squire but you’re new, aren’t you?” She asked as she turned to face him once more. “Have you lived in Syliras for a long time? I’ve lived here long enough to hear of things, learn things, that the knighthood doesn’t want people to know. So I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt.”

She gave him a wry smile then pointed a dagger in the direction of the coin purse he held. “So you want to train? Toss the gold this way and we can begin. I’d like you to try to hit me with your best shot.”

Should he follow her instructions, she would pocket the gold then bring her two daggers up at the ready in a slightly crossed position. However, if he reached for his bow and arrows instead, she’d probably make a dash for the cover of the forest knowing that she’d simply have to duck behind a tree for protection.

[Ferrin Al'Mandrikan]

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A Chawktawe? It's obscured that the Order dislikes Ishtar's race. But, after all, they allow a Zith. And when Ferrin had lived in Kenash through his prior years. Many Ziths did not have a very good reputation in Cyphrus. Ferrin had always wanted to avoid the Sea of Grass for that reason only. Because he didn't want to be enslaved by a crazy flying melancholic creature. Though, Ferrin had been trying recently to abide those fears that he has and yearn to start anew guideline to befriend at least the Zith in Syliras.

But, to be watched heavily as a Chawktawe by the Order. That does not seem to be right. There must be more to this mysterious character that stood before Ferrin. Something very peculiar about the way she leans on things to gather specific information. And if Ferrin backed out now, what would this lady do to him? She appeared to have some skill with her daggers. And if she had thrown one of them, she must have multiple beneath that cloak of hers.

Was she some sort of criminal that Syiliras had wanted in ropes? Tied and brought to justice? What had she done... To many questions. Just to many. Ferrin had been over thinking it. Of course. But, how should Ferrin go about with Ishtar's business? How? She seemed to have some sort of trust with Ferrin. But, it felt like she had wanted to know more. And also this woman was hiding a lot more secrets beneath that cloak, or it felt like it. What secrets was she hiding?["A Chawktawe? I do not see why the Order has anything against your race..."Said Ferrin awkwardly.

He lifted his hand that was once resting on the pommel of his blade and dragged that hand through his hair. He felt some sort of shyness and layed his hand beside him again, but still clung to the leather pouch with his opposite hand that contained the Fifty Mizas. Ishtar had asked him if he was a new Squire. Should he tell her the truth; and if he did which path would she take if he was a new Squire? A hostage? A prisoner? After all, she had said that she knew things that the Knighthood does not want others to know. What kind of person is she exactly?

"I guess you can say that I am new..."Said Ferrin with a weary smile and he teaterred with his heels as he leaned on them awkwardly from side to side. It was presented to be an uncomfortable posture. One of which that Ferrin had recently discovered when he was nervous.

The Chawktawe woman had came back with more questions. This time to ask of how long he's been in Syliras. How shall he go about this answer? In truth, he'd been here for about a few seasons now. But, what should he say if he wanted to keep his residency a secret. If he'd lived here in Syliras for his life that would mean Ferrin would have family... And if Ishtar wanted to ensure some sort of compromise she would know some information of his life. But, fortunately his family live all the way down in Kenash... Or that was until he met his cousin from last season was it? Alferic? That seemed roughly about right.

Was Ferrin over thinking of this as well? Was he judging this woman by what she had done. If she had done anything wrong? All she was is that she is another being. Just like Ferrin, with morals and values all alike. If Ishtar was to trust him... And Ferrin was to trust Ishtar. And Ferrin needed to protect those he cares about... Even Jade. Sure, she's been living with him for the most of winter and fall. Or however lo ng it had been. And Ferrin had just encountered a new family discovery. He has an uncle who is a Knight. And there are friends that he lomginly cares for as well. If so helped him Gods he would give out there locations Ishtar could kill him on the spot where he was.

The winds knipped playfully at Ferrins face, but it hadn't bothered the man much as he was engrossed with his thinking."I've been here in Syliras long enough to grow adapt to it."Was the response that Ferrin had said. It was a moderate one. And it wasn't as vague as Ferrin thought."What kind of things do you know exactly?" Said the Squire curiously. He eyed Ishtar with a peculiar gaze and smiled awkwardly at her. Though, most of the awkwardness was uncomfortable for the man. "Yes I do wish for more training." Of course she wanted the gold. She would start with having Ferrin toss her the gold. So, he followed. The man tossed the leather pouch so Syana could catch it with her hands. She would simply pocket it. And then she drew out her two daggers. Ferrin lied down his longbow and quiver quickly, but carefully as he then sheathed out his short broadsword.

Ferrin smiled dully as he rushed up and took a low leveled swipe at Syana, if she had ever so deflected the attack, Ferrin would jump back and swing at her opposite side. If how ever Sayana would be able to defend the attack he'll try his best to thrust... After all Ferrin wasn't a novice with his blade, but he hadn't face a figure with duelwielding before. So Sayana would possibly defend against those attacks. And this time, he wasn't wearing the metal armor. So whether or not that was good or bad, it had gave Ferrin a small confident boost to his stamina.

Ferrin Al'Mandrikan

[Sayana]

“There was a time, last Spring if I recall, in which svefra flocked to the city in numbers you wouldn’t have imagined.” Sayana spoke as if recalling a distant memory. “There must have been hundreds and many with their own ships in the harbor. But… the reason for their gathering was not one of celebration. They had been wronged. Wronged by the city, wronged by the knighthood. And they sought reconciliation. Eventually the knights gave in, but the sea folk had to come in by the masses before anything was done.”

By the end of her tale, the coin purse had been tossed and she pocketed it discretely. She watched as he set down the bow and readied his shortsword. He would have the longer reach, but she suspected that she was still faster.

As the first swipe came at her, she leapt backwards. His forwards rush was clear and the moment he aimed low she knew it would be awkward to block with a dagger. He seemed to have something similar in mind as he backed up right afterwards. The next swing came higher up and she raised her right dagger to meet it with a clear ring of steel. When he thrust again, she brought her left dagger up in an arc. Instead of simply deflecting it, she carried through with the motion by applying continuous pressure against the blade attempting to push it completely to the side. If successful, it would open him up so she could do a second thrust with her free left.

“And this is when a second weapon would come in handy,” she stated as she purposefully fell short of stabbing him in the torso. She swiftly broke away from the engagement and took several steps backwards, now with her back to the darkened caves.

“Now if you can defend against even half my attacks, I’ll tell you more about the svefra and what they endured.” With a light grin, she approached with sudden intensity. She first lunged with her left dagger aiming for his side. However, it was mostly to draw out his blade in hopes he would block. Her right dagger would then come down sharply towards his arm, but the flat of the blade first in attempt to give him a good slap but not a true cut. They were, after all, just training.

Her next attempt would involve waiting just long enough to see if he would attack and then trying to block his sword and catch it between both her daggers. Normally she might try to surprise him with a third or fourth dagger at that point, but due to her current disguise she’d have to be creative. Once she had somewhat caught hold of his sword she would press forwards then aim a solid kick towards his stomach.

“Even if you don’t have a second weapon, your hands can be dangerous too.” She spoke and only after she had said so, did she realize that she hadn’t been keeping track of his free hand.

[Ferrin Al'Mandrikan]

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Before, Ishtar had told of her race as Chawktawe. Now as the woman progressed throughout her tale of her races' history. She had relinquished a piece of information that had been hidden. Why? So now she is a Svefra? What is she really? "From your detailed story, I can partially understand. Why would one want to make efforts to hide who you are? After all, they do allow a Zith to be a Squire."Said Ferrin with a cautious smile. His fear of befriending a Zith. At Cyphrus they were known to be dangerous and exuberant with their activity.

Ferrin had swung at her with the first strike, and with that Ishtar had leaped aback. Ferrin stepped carefully backwards. And smiled weakly. His left hand open. His short broadsword grasped the hilt with a sweaty hand. The winds that brushed over cooled Ferrin a bit, he wasn't sweating because of the movements. It's what Ishtar had been keeping hidden for all these chimes. It eagered the man. And he wondered if there were others out here and perhaps coming alone would be a harsh mistake, wouldn't it?

Ferrin swung again, only to have his strike to be intercepted with one of Ishtar's dagger. She swung with a vivid arch and sustained enough pressure on the blade that it held Ferrin and his grip at a certain point. Ferrin thought for a moment. He had his open hand. His left hand. And Ishtar had her second blade. But, if she were truly Svefra, would she then have multiple daggers?

Ferrin quickly withdrew his blade, just as he had done so, Ishtar had explained how a second weapon would become handy. The blade of her second dagger had just missed his torso, as it had appeared to be a purposeful gesture. Ferrin stepped back, loosening the grip on the handle of his short broadsword.


"It hadn't been as bad yet."The Svefra woman engaged with another attack
Well, from what Ferrin assumed whilist she had moved upwards. From what Ferrin noticed she was going to use both daggers. One swipe with her left came swiftly abrupt. Ferrin had seen this coming, or assumed it. Ferrin jumped back and avoided the first swing, he seemed to have avoided the second attempt from Ishtar while her other dagger had missed where Ferrins left arm would've been.

Ferrin then stepped up, swung his sword vertically downwards, but would only stop just above her head. But, his plan had a slight flaw, as it was defended with both blades. One and two. What was she going to do now? As the two kept the pressure on the blade. He hadn't realized, but just as he had, he'd been pushed back with a thud by Ishtar's foot. A low groan had come out of the man. As he stepped aback and sighed. A few breaths were knocked out of the Kenashian as he stepped aback and reconciled his thoughts. "Yes, do you have to kick so hard?"Asked Ferrin with a rasped breath.

OOCSorry for the long wait haven't been feeling 100% lately.

Ferrin Al'Mandrikan

[Sayana]

With the kick to his stomach, she watched as he staggered back. Sayana smiled briefly at his comment. “Do you want my training or not?” She retorted back with a tease. “Sometimes it’s the examples that really strike home.”

She took a few steps back to give him a breather and continued with her earlier tale of the svefra. “As for the svefra, they endured numerous slights from the knighthood. Unfair trading bargains, vandalism to their ships, and even being driven from the city. Now the knights didn’t initiate these crimes, but neither did they side with the svefra until things escalated.”

Despite her thought out arguments, he still appeared suspicious. Was it her disguise? Or that she was now talking about svefra rather than chaktawe? “Of course, I’m chaktawe, not svefra. But the knights don’t treat the people of the desert much better and I have to be constantly looking over my shoulder when I’m in the city.”

The black robed woman began to slowly circle Ferrin until she had her back to the entrance of the caves. With a quick glance behind her, a brilliant idea popped into her mind. “Have you done much fighting with just your hands and feet? What about fighting in the darkest of nights where you can hardly see two feet in front of you?” With a mischievous smile she darted for the cave.

“Punches and kicks only. So sheath your sword and I’ll sheath my daggers.” She called back as her boots clacked onto the stones of the caves. The sounds within echoed loudly and she didn’t have to go very far before it started to get dark. Very dark.

Light still streamed in from the cave entrance but as she slowed her pace, she moved to press her back against the cavern wall and wait for him to join her. She held her breath where she stood, and as promised she carefully sheathed her daggers. In the dim light she could see vague shadows, but her hearing would serve her much better. If he approached her hiding place or if she heard any footsteps come her way, she would attempt a punch in his direction. But due to the darkness it would be clumsy and quite likely to miss.