Closed Alex-ception (A.Ross)

[Alexander Faircroft]

12:23
20th Summer 516AV
Training grounds

Description "Alex Common" Alex thoughts "Myrian" "Fratava" "Others"

Early morning was often the best time to stand apart from the crowd, at least if training was on the calendar. However at some time past noon, that was when Alex stepped onto the training grounds. Encased as usual in the dented and rust spotted steel practice armour that had saved his bacon more times than enough. He brought his sword, his shield and his dagger with him. Alongside the hidden throwing daggers over his person. One in each greave, one in each bracer and another hidden just beneath the faulds of his right side tasset. Always good to have a backup if things turned south.

Alex sat on one of the benches awaiting his training partner. Someone he knew only in a few passing meetings prior. Still though his his memory was correct. Ross was a man who liked to underestimate his opponent. Eyes closed he sat still and in what little shade the colonnade next to him offered. Planning. Strategy, and tactics. Observe, learn, counter and win. His sword propped up between his hands as his fingers laced over top of them. Eyes closed his calmed his mind, pushing all else out of it. He exhaled slowly. A basic form of meditation that NBivel had taught him. He’d found it useful for not only helping with his Auristics, the “ Sight beyond sight” as he’d dubbed it, but with prepping before training, his mind absorbed information faster when it was calm and this was an excellent way for him to calm his mind.

As footsteps approached he spoke calmly but sharply rising to meet the owner of them.
“You’re late.” He gave a small smork as the soft winds rolled through the grounds, his eyes opening to show this time he wasn’t going to be playing around, nor was he injured. He was ready and able, he just hoped that Ross could hold his own. And that he could glean some more techniques.

[Alexander Ross]

Alexander Ross A soft yawn escaped from Alexander's lips as he walked out onto the training grounds, his muscles feeling quite loose from limbering up a few minutes prior to heading out of the squire dorms. The weather was quite nice at the moment, it didn't seem too hot or too cold. Of course, it would obviously get warmer as time passed on. Even more so with the young man being fully-clad in his thin, freashly-polished steel armor. He almost never polished the damned thing, thinking that it would make him seem like one of those type of people who try to impress by flashing new-looking armor. In reality, Ross didn't care if anyone was impressed with him. However... it did have a few dents and dings, along with splotches of dried blood which could have lead to rust, and he wasn't having any of that. Apparently, he was supposed to meet Alexander Faircroft at the training grounds for another sparring session. Ross didn't know what it was, but something about the younger Squire bothered him just a bit. At their first sparring session, he mentioned that he believed Ross thought he was... stupid, for lack of a better word. Of course, Ross didn't believe this at all, but never said anything in response. If he thought that way, then he might as well just let him keep thinking that way... until he was proved wrong, of course. If anything, the fact that Croft was able to down him while injured in less than a minute or two just impressed Ross. Having a chance to spar with the Squire again also filled him with determination, and he vowed that this time he would not let the sparring session end so easily. He was going to take into great detail every single movement Croft made, no matter how slight or sudden. Faircroft had heard his footsteps approaching and acknowledged him with a simple two-word greeting. One that he had heard too often, and known so well. "I noticed." He replied with a slight shrug, his armor clinking and creaking in response to the movement. "I see you're feeling better, now. That's good."

[Alexander Faircroft]

Description "Alex Common" Alex thoughts "Myrian" "Fratava" "Others"

“Much.” A shirt and sharp response all Ross would get out of Alex before he drew his blade. The thicker longer, and undeniably heavier sword weighed in his hand with a firm resoluteness of purpose. Alex’s eyes square on Ross. A cool and calm glare followed him lifting his shield up to cover his torso. The stance similar to before but a much more aggressive stance. A combination of positioning teachings from Imass and Greyheart. His two tutors on how to act.

“Ross, don’t go easy. Else you’ll get hurt.” Finishing his swords and allowing Ross the time to get into stance Alex shifted his footing slightly to harden and firm up his stance. His sword angled towards the ground for an upward slash. His shiedl tipped marginally forwards to line up a potential counter and strike to the torso. And if at any point he needed it his daggers littered his body on top of the very visible handle of the one strapped across his waist. Alex learnt very early on that having the ability to adapt is by far more important than having a plan in place. Still it never hurt to have a basic one in place.

“Also Ross.” Just giving him something to mull over and begin a tactic of mental warfare. “I saw what happened later in the season with Archies training session. I also heard what he said to you.” A confidant smirk and a hardened look. Trying to give Ross the feeling that he could listen to something and gain the upper hand from that alone. If that seed of doubt took hold, the repercussions could be devastating. Which is exactly what he wanted, to cut down on his having to predict his opponent’s moves and just stick to analysing what he was doing. How the strikes were angled, how his feet shifted with each move. The smallest changes to see through a feint and a true strike.

[Alexander Ross]

Alexander Ross Alex showed no outward reaction towards Croft's short and harsh response, or even the cold glare that followed afterward. The only thing it made Ross think is that the young Squire was in no mood to joke around or delay, which was completely fine. Ross wasn't either. It felt like most of his fights he took part in, he never took them too seriously unless his life was on the line. That was going to change here and now, and silently swore to himself that he would at least leave with fewer bruises than normal. Ross took his own stance with practically no delay, and his face practically devoid of emotion. He raised his sword so that the blade rested across his right shoulder, while raising his shield in front of him so that only his eyes showed from the other side, glaring with a strong sense of determination that had not shown since the first day he had decided to join the Order. He placed his feet shoulder-width apart and bent his knees a bit, telling himself that there would be absolutely no way he would lose his balance. This stance would be a little bit more ideal, considering that Faircroft's own blade was angled more toward the ground for a strike upwards. All it took was a swift motion to counter just about any attack Croft would throw at him. At the Squire's statement, Alex only gave a simple nod in response. "Don't plan on it." He said lowly. Faircroft's last comment did make him think for a second. However, it didn't get him in the way that Croft was hoping for. Alex's mind played back everything Archailist had said to him and Ferrin that day, and he thought deeply on it. Yes, the way the Pycon addressed him was quite harsh, but rather than it effecting him negatively, he allowed himself to think deeply on what was said. Use the terrain around you to your advantage, take into account your opponent's knowledge... and don't make mistakes. Almost immediately, Ross swung his blade for a quick strike at Alexander's ribs. He had already anticipated that it may be blocked, so once he had finished executing that strike, he immediately dipped as low as he could to take a swipe at the lower portion of the Squire's calf. The gloves were off. This was Alex legitimately trying to win.

[Alexander Faircroft]

Description "Alex Common" Alex thoughts "Myrian" "Fratava" "Others"

An opposite effect was still an effect. The sudden sharpness in his confidence was something that Alex took not as a warning but as a show of self-assurance. He grinned. A grin of overbearing nature, one that spoke not of kindness nor understanding but of cold distance. Like a noh mask the smile seemed almost out of place. Leaning forwards and crouching slightly his face became framed by his now longer hair.

The sharpest motions were often the ones that spoke of falsehoods. As Ross struck out with his blade towards Alex’s torso he shifted his blade across to guard low. His arm upside down and strained from the force of the swords impact upon his own one and the angle of the grip. Instead of straining He stepped in reducing the distance between them and moving his shield arm like a battering ram, using the pointed edge to strike towards the break in the armour just above the taste and below the breastplate. Offence. Force him into a position he can’t respond from. The worse the spot he’s placed in the easier it is to counteract any strikes he may make. Pressure them, push and attack. Don’t leave an opening you can’t cover.

A Lesson from Imass he’d blended with one from Greyheart, and sprinkling in some of the ferocity he’d seen from Irathia he charged head long into the danger. In so close it was in theory, his disadvantage using a blade as big as he did. Instead the tactician in him could see a path where others could see drawbacks. If his shield strike missed he’d draw his blade up and feign a sharp thrust with it, mid-way through he’d grip the end of it with the chainmail laced gloves of his and twist his upper torso into a guard and pommel strike at Ross’s sword arm aiming at the elbow to force him to drop the sword. A neat trick which involved using his defence to propel his attack and increase the damage of the impact.

Alex wasn’t the same naïve green horn that had joined back in fall of five fifteen. Instead he was now hardened and sharpened. Even his eyes were faster on the uptake. He could feel the strain in his body, and within him a seed of anger had begun to grow into a much stronger force. An anger at himself and one that he tried to channel against whoever was in front of him. Today’s unlucky participant would feel the fury and the weight behind the blows of someone who carries the wills and lives of those he’d failed. And a weight it would be.

[Alexander Ross]

Alexander Ross Ross was indeed a bit frustrated, however, he never allowed himself to outwardly show it, aside from a simple blink as both of his attacks were deflected almost too easily. The frustration that welled within him was easily stamped out, though, and quickly drained away. It was only the very beginning of the sparring session, so it was only right that he shouldn’t be able to land a hit straight away. One of the main things that Ranqor has taught him was that patience is key in solving almost anything. And one notable thing about Ross was that he had a lot of patience. Ross was able to quickly recoil after his attack, just in time to feel the blunt force of Croft’s shield against his own. Ross took a step back to avoid being knocked off balance by the blow, and quickly snapped up his sword arm back behind his shield just before Croft’s second attack could make contact. If it had been successful, then there was no doubt that Croft’s heavier sword would have caused Ross to drop his own weapon. No use in making things more difficult than they already were. Purely out of reflex, Ross used his shield to knock the Squire’s sword to the side, while also leaping back in an attempt to gain a bit of distance. One other thing Ross had on his side was a very basic grasp on how to use his feet, and a bit of acrobatics. He landed firmly, but had to quickly reposition his feet back into the same solid stance he was once in previously. Ross had always been a more defensive fighter than offensive, which worked rather well whenever he carried a shield. He used these few split seconds to think carefully about his next move, watching Croft closely while retaining his stance from before. Aside from the bandits he’s hunted, almost every opponent Ross has gone up against has had a shield of some type. The only way to get past a shield is by forcing the other to open up… which Ross couldn’t figure out for the life of him how he should go about doing so. Ranqor used a rather small, rounded shield during training sessions with him, but had never thought to ask about just how to get around one other than simply attacking and blocking. Ross immediately began to push any doubts he had in his mind, and tried to remain optimistic. During every training session, he had developed a habit of knowing he would lose even before he did, which would only lead to him feeling lethargic throughout the whole ordeal… something that even Ranqor took note of and tried to get him to fix. Immediately, he tried to focus on how he could get Croft to lower his guard. He could try to take a swing at the Squire’s shield arm, and get in a few hits while he recovers… but that would possibly leave him open for attacks as well, should he get careless… which Ross was prone to. Or he could use his own shield to try and knock Croft’s away, leaving his torso open for one or maybe two strikes. However, that would also mean that Ross would be unable to use his own shield to defend any counters that Croft might have in store. Or perhaps if he was lucky enough, Ross could use his acrobatic skills to maybe dance his way behind the Squire. Then again… it was only based around luck whether or not he would be successful. Then an idea came to him. If he could manage to lock shields with the other Squire, then he may just be able to use his own momentum against him. The only problem he would have is managing to execute his attack before Croft manages to figure out what he has in mind. He stepped forward and moved to bash his shield against Croft’s, hoping that his plan will work. If not, then he’ll have to use a different strategy to get the younger Squire to leave himself open.

[Alexander Faircroft]

Description "Alex Common" Alex thoughts "Myrian" "Fratava" "Others"

A successful block held as much weight as a successful strike. It meant that things were going well. Just as Alex blocked Ross’s own strike; he had blocked his. Looking at the two it was clear Ross had more experience and a slight edge there however Alex had lived in a world of trickery and death. A world where not thinking several steps ahead often lead to the demise of himself and everyone around him. He could see the planning in the other squire’s eyes. Trying to sift through possible actions and cause something to happen. The initial clash had revealed nothing to each of them that they didn’t already know. Apparently at least.

Alex knew that Ross was fond of low strikes and had made a point of blocking there. However it appeared to Alex that Ross knew that Alex favoured using his sword as both an offensive tool and a distraction for his sharp punches. Slipping back as Ross moved to get out of the encounter zone Alex had seen the small leap and the shaky but stable landing. Enough to let him know that even in full plate Ross was agile enough to leap in the armour. Instead of his aggressive stance Alex shifted back into his much stronger and well versed defensive stance. Shield infront of him, body turned to the side eyes just peering over the shield edge guarding his throat and the flat of his blade resting atop the top of his shield.

Alex began to slowly circle around Ross. Using small steps to help make it confuse his opponent’s eyes. To falsify them into thinking he was dead on when he wasn’t. Still it wasn’t much of a tactic but it was one Alex had used to fruition in the past. Coupled with that Alex had a fair chunk of experience against all manner of shields. Imass’s huge round shield, Imellions small kite shield, Irathia’s square shield, Even a couple of tower shields. There was no resolute way to get behind them with each having it’s own pros and cons. However Alex didn’t focus on that instead he spent time learning his own shield. The shape making it better to deflect than block. The angled tip making it an excellent pointed weapon where as a larger shield would be better for bashing.

Mulling these offer in his head his bastard sword lifted upwards as Alex stepped in and to the side slowly. Gradually covering the distance. The small motions hopefully enough to confuse the senses. His own sword was perfect for some specialty uses. Long enough to be used double or single handed. Heavy enough to be an excelling bashing weapon as well as cutting. And sometimes that’s all that was needed. A heavier swing than the opponent could muster to block. A weighty strike that could cause more impact than their shoulder could take. It was clear to Alex now that Ross’ arm could take a single handed strike from him without buckling. However what about a two handed full arc swing?

Sometimes a little advantage was necessary to be sacrificed in order to win. A small smile crawled across his features as he slid his blade further forwards angling it so that if needed his shield arm could snap towards his blade grab hold and add to a two handed swing. Alex wanted Ross to close the distance so he waited and anchored himself down. The slow movements now glacial in pace.

[Alexander Ross]

Alexander Ross By this time, Ross had already figured that Croft knew he favored the lower strikes, and could see that the Squire would be concentrating more on blocking there as well. This would mean that Ross would have to abandon that strategy for a bit, and continue searching for another opening that he could exploit. Being a more passive fighter, it shouldn’t be all that hard for him to find one. All he simply had to do was wait until Croft attacked, or if he was lucky, continue to watch him carefully until he revealed an opening himself. Ross had plenty of patience for both the former and the latter, and therefore would be looking forward to either one. Ross took in deep breaths, and slowly exhaled in an attempt to keep himself from growing too exhausted. Already he was sweating beneath his heavy plate armor, and his heart was pounding heavily within his chest from how hard he had been concentrating. As he waited for Croft’s next move, he had already calmed down well enough that he felt more focused than before. He studied the other Squire’s defensive stance carefully, and immediately began to plan how he would get around it… or even through it, if need be. Even with how focused he was, he just barely noticed the other Squire attempting to circle around him, taking small steps in an attempt to make it less inconspicuous. If Ross had been any less focused than he already was, then he might have missed it by a mile. With a sly grin that was not visible from behind his shield, Ross carefully followed and made sure that Croft stayed in front of him. As Croft stepped in and began to close in the distance, Ross began to wonder where and how he would attack next, and how he should respond. As soon as Croft threw his next strike, an idea immediately came to Ross’s mind as to how he would respond. The attack that Croft was throwing at him was a powerful strike, one that could do serious damage if Ross didn’t block. However, it would also do serious damage to the Squire’s shoulder and shield arm if he blocked it full-on, given how heavy the taller Squire’s sword was compared to his own. Immediately, his defensive instincts kicked in, and he acted on it. Evade and avoid, and use your opponent’s own momentum against them. That was the way Ross defended himself even long before he had joined the Order. As Croft’s sword came sailing down towards him, Alex immediately dipped to the side out of reach of the blade, before swinging his shield as hard as he could to knock the blade aside, rather than taking the blow full-on. He also aimed near the base of the blade, so that if it actually made contact, it would have either knocked Croft’s entire arm to the side or even knocked the blade from the Squire’s grip if he was lucky. He didn’t stop there, though. By this time, Ross had danced his way onto Croft’s left side and a bit behind him. Wasting no time, he immediately delivered two swipes to Croft’s elbow, the one holding up his shield. As soon as he would deliver both strikes, he would step back again and resumed his previous stance. He had to get behind one of Croft’s main defenses, which was his shield. In order to do that, he planned on taking out the Squire’s shield arm. If that arm received enough damage, then Croft wouldn’t be able to hold it up for much longer.

[Alexander Faircroft]

Description "Alex Common" Alex thoughts "Myrian" "Fratava" "Others"

Tiptoe. Edge. Millimetre by millimetre. Closer, closer. As Alex drew in on Ross he noticed the squire had cottoned onto his plan. A simple strategy but it was something that told him more than he wanted it too. Ross was more observant than he wanted to let on. As his swing tore through the open space streaking towards Ross he evaded it. If you have to dodge it’s dangerous. Those words rang through Alex’s head as he felt the blow carry through and then with the momentum of Ross’s shield pushed into the back of the blade carrying him further along the strike and not offering him the time to recover.

Alright so he’s finally gotten serious. Alex carried on the strike However instead of releasing grip of the sword with both hands held on tighter. Alex twisted into the blow following on with the momentum. Adding the power of the strike close to the cross guard to the twisting motion. His feet relaxed their grip and shifted and sifted through the sands, to help him with the next move. He used the full whirling motion to whip around and meet Ross. Ross still held the favourable position. A flanking stance with a full angle of attack. Though at this distance Alex had a severe advantage. “I’ll tell you what I told Poppy. ‘Get entangled with a stronger opponent and you die.’ ” A sharp glare escaped him as he leered at Ross. Time moving in slow motion in his head.

The moment Ross lifted his arm to strike out at Alex’s own shield arm, he lashed out using the edge of the shield. The thicker steel biting into the bladed edge of Ross’ sword. Following that up Alex pushed off of his rear leg using the running posture for explosive speed he’d learned off of Imass to close the gap between them. Hoping to drive his shoulder into Ross’s chest and knock him off balance. As Ross’s attention was focused on his arm and his shoulder in the distance Alex whipped his sword around and took a low sweep at Ross’s knees aiming to sweep them out from under him. To knock him completely off balance. Alex’s means of attack was his means of defence, and his means of defence he’d learned could become a means of attack.

If Ross Leapt back out of this flurry of close range blows Alex would take a moment to breath and speak calmly. “You had to dodge. I was told by my patron that. ‘If you have to dodge it means the attack is dangerous.’ You dodged, so it’s dangerous for you to take a full power swing from my blade. Do you wish for me to discard it? Go for a weapon which gives you the edge? Perhaps that would set us on equal footing?” Goading his opponent. A subterfuge tactic but one that worked. Whip up ones nerves into a flurry of anger and strike at the weak spot they present.