Clash of Commanders(Alexander Faircroft)

[Garland]

Cam reeled back but Garland was ready for the feedback. He was glad he wore a helmet, it was a weapon in itself, and if he could add a sharp horn to his own helm, it could be a deadly weapon.

Luckily for Cam, that wasn't allowed and Garland didn't really have time to fashion a horn on his helm. As Cam reeled back, Garland threw another shield bash and as Cam staggered more from the impact and pain, Garland aimed his axe at Cam's hand.

Alex may have fancy twirls and tactics, but Garland had brute force, tenacity, and instinct. Well to be fair, Alex had just as much or even more tenacity than Garland.

They were different people, but they had equal footing for the most part, but Alex was pushing ahead in all aspects. Garland simply struggled to keep up sometimes, but when life gives someone like Alex for Garland to overcome, he'll petching find a way to overcome it.

As Garland hit Cam's hand hard, the older man screamed in pain dropped the sword. Garland raised up his boot and kicked him to the ground.

"Cameron has been eliminated." Sera Shorty called out. So far, everything seemed even. The gusts of wind had been an annoyance before, but now it was starting to pick up. That was when Garland felt something hit him square in the stomach.

Sylvia had her hands outstretched, beads of sweat pouring down her face, keeping up the wind barrier from arrows, and blasting Garland with constant gusts didn't even deter him. Only her strongest concentrated ball of air gave Garland pause.

If it was a fireball, Garland would be dead right now. Garland looked over to Sylvia, the rage before subsided to concern. Sera Shorty saw it too. "Sylvia, you're overgiving! Step down!"

Sylvia was always the wise one, but even she can misjudge her limits from time to time. She was about to protest, but she felt her own body weakening and the sweet whispers calling to her.

She pulled out her dagger and dropped it to the ground.

Garland sighed, glad he didn't have to raise his blade against a friend. Now he had Alex to worry about.

With the wind wall gone, Narick had clear shots all around, unfortunately Alex was rushing was towards Narick, and Sylvia's blast just knocked the wind out of Garland for the moment.

"Gahhh!" Dig deep!

Garland rushed towards Alex with renewed vigor, hoping to catch up to Alex. Oriana was good with her axe, but against Alex and Elise, she was done.

Narick fired off arrows towards the running Alex, in normal combat, he'd be a pincushion by now, but with blunted arrows, it just slowed him down.

Oriana had her focus entirely on Elise and it was a hard battle, she was barely keeping her own axe up, the initial strikes against it were bracing. Elise was relentless with her powerful swings and attacks, blocking just took so much out of her.

Oriana could attack with her axe as well as anyone, but defense was not her strong suit, she may have gotten lucky and catching Elise off guard with her axe and having Narick follow up with a few arrows to push her back, but it was clear who the better fighter is.

Rolf was Rolf, as the battle went on, he slowly found his momentum, Will may have reach, but Rolf was stubborn and his hits were heavy, he may not hit all the time but when he did. Will could be seen to visibly shake under the impact.

[Alexander Faircroft]

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

In a split second the battle shifted again. Two more fell in the instant Alex left things. Cameron to Garlands overwhelming pressure, and Sylvia through her own over giving. Alex now had two options, throw in the towel or push forwards and power through the chaos.
“Elise! Overhand! Will hang on, I’ll be there in a second, just have an annoyance here to deal with!” Alex’s whole tone shifted, this was the Alex that not many people had seen, the one of determination and resolve. Alex pushed through moving faster than Narick could knock arrows. Thankfully that was something Al was well versed with, the timings between shots. He was after all, a counter archer.

Elise heard Alex’s words and brought her hammer over head towards Oriana and with a single strike brought the hammer down. Oriana in response brought her axe up to try and null the impact loosening her fingers lightly to reduce the shock of the blow. And in that instant Elise brought up the heel of her hammer and sent the axe sailing from her hands.
“Oriana, Eliminated.” Sera Frostfawns words cut through the air again. Followed swiftly by Alex’s own.
“Nice Job, Elise! Go help Will With Rolf I’ve got this joker.” Alex spoke as he descended upon Narick with the speed of a Tempest. A flurry of strikes which Narick fumbled to deal with using his bow to block several of them but couldn’t quite find the moments respite to draw his blade and with the rearing sound of-
“Squire Narick, Eliminated.” Alex was about to celebrate as Garland descended upon him and the words “Squire Will, Eliminated.” Alex gritted his teeth and now had to deal with garland whilst Elise dealt with Rolf. Alex was kind of hoping for a two against one finish because he knew how tough Garland was to deal with, even without his best weapon.

Elise bolted over to Rolf and now it was the two groups physically strongest male against strongest female. And the man who relied on pure instinct against the man who relied on planning. Now it was down to the wire and the two had to worry about if the other team made would finish over the oppositions.
“Some how… It always ends up between us?!” Alex smirked whirling the blade around his head and brought the forwards blade of his double bladed sword towards Garland.

[Garland]

Garland had not been able to reach Narick before Alex could and that ended up with Narick's elimination.

Garland was confident that Oriana could hold off anyone that broke through Garland and Rolf's fight, but he was mistaken, he didn't count on Elise being as good as she was or that fighting Cam took so long.

Rolf battered down Will with his strength, and he had more to spare. Rolf was a beast and then he ran towards Elise.

"Come on farmboy! Let's see what you got?"

Rolf's eye twitched when she said 'farmboy'. "YOU DARE INSULT THE SON OF A SHEPARD!" And then Rolf gave out a very... odd battle cry, almost like yodeling. Everyone paused a bit and looked over to Rolf, everyone except Garland and Alex.

"The last time we fought, you were still a wet-behind-the-ears greenhorn. I remember I won, but it was close. Look at you now. I'll be honest, I think I've got a very slim chance of winning."

Garland then lunged at Alex, full force, his axe, cutting through the air, falling a few inches short of Alex. "That doesn't mean I'm not going down without a fight." Garland then held his shield up to block any incoming blows. "And I might get lucky and the slim chance would come out on top."

[Alexander Faircroft]

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

With Rolf and Elise going at it in the back ground the hammer blows and sword strikes trading with a thunderous clap each time Alex and garland almost seemed to have a standoff for a few moments. At least until Garland swung the Axe. Then it became readily clear just how badly Garland had hamstrung himself and how far Cameron needed to go. “Thing is Garland. I’m still green.” Alex slipped the forward blade of his double ended beast behind the axe head using it to pin the Axe forwards and sweep the rear blade of it towards Garlands feet.

“Odds are Garland you’ll win this, better crop of squires. And because of your usual implacable nature you managed to get your squad to hold together despite my attacks against their morale.” Alex whipped the blade back and tried to trip Garland, using the full reach of his blade to his advantage. It was only then another noise broke through the clamour.
“Squires Elise and Rolf, both Eliminated.” Alex jumped back and away taking a moment to assess the situation. Both of them had stuck the other on the head at near simultaneous times. Knocking each other out. Meaning it was now down to the wire. And down to the commanders.

“Well Garland, looks like it’s just you and me. Let’s see how this turns out shall we?” Alex took a half step back lowering his stance and angling the blade forwards keeping the handle in parallel with his hips. Now it was a simple spar more or less to see which of the two of them could beat the other when it came down to the wire. Instinct or forethought. A simple question but in this instance it was anything but simple.

Boo!

[Garland]

Garland held on to the axe and twisted it out of Alex's sword grip, and barely having enough time to hop back, dodged the blade aimed at his feet. He berated himself for giving Alex range, the axe was for close fighting, and they were in an open field.

Alex had two long reaching weapons and Garland had an axe and two daggers. He really needed to invest in a spear or something. "Aw piss, this is gonna be tough." He muttered to himself, the one thing Garland had to Alex was defense.

His axe was a can opener for armor, if it was real that is, but it was dense and due to its short reach, had more power if Garland manages to hit anything. Alex had reach true, but if Garland could close the gap, he'd have the advantage, long reaching weapons fall short at close range.

The other eliminated team members were at the edge of their seats, while they woke up the unconscious Elise and Rolf. They didn't dare utter a noise, lest they distract one of them and lose.

"Green? Hah! I wouldn't call a man green when he easily beat two of the most senior squires! Heck I wouldn't be surprised if you manage to beat a few knights given time to think up a strategy. Speaking of strategy..." Garland rushed in, shield first, Alex was infallible in a battle, almost nothing seemed to faze him, so Garland didn't think a charging Garland would deter him much. Instead he was hoping Alex either tried counter-attack or dodge.

If Alex did try to stop Garland by attacking from the side, Garland would simply move his shield to the side, blocking any attack. But if Alex attacked Garland's sword arm, he would be in trouble.

He would try to use the same tactic he used with Ser Samuel, and block the blade with his own, but doubted Alex would fall for such a trick. If he did, then he would have an advantage by having an opening to close the gap, if not, well at least they weren't using real blades.

Garland would have a huge opening if he couldn't block Alex's blade on the side of his weapon arm. Disarming Garland would be harder though, he had a vice-grip on his weapon since he had a huge disadvantage against Alex's multiple weapons.

Alex was a Jack-of-all-weapons, Garland mainly focused on his bastard sword, without his weapon, Garland made up for it with his grit and endurance, something Alex had plenty of.

Fighting Alex was like fighting a better version of Garland, actually thinking of an elaborate strategy in a fight rather than going with his gut instinct. In many ways, Garland envied Alex's clear thinking and masterful use of tactics and skills.

And then Garland remembered if he tried to be Alex, he wouldn't be Garland anymore. This wasn't just a spar for Garland, it was a challenge to overcome his rival, he would treat this the same way he treated his fights with Arch, every time he falls, he'll get back up, faster and stronger.

If he wins, that's nice and good, he'll probably celebrate with a drink, if he losses, he'll learn more from it, and train harder.

[Alexander Faircroft]

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

Alex took the words from garland and just rolled with them. Seniority meant nothing if they didn’t work hard, and Alex had been working hard enough to put most knights to shame. He didn’t have the raw talent that most others had. Nor the innate intuition of Garland. However what he had was two things that had never failed him. Raw determination, and Intelligence. His saving graces and his only true two skills.

Alex watched for a moment, his usual patience and sharp action his saving grace. The fact Garland had a shield and Alex did not made this a significantly harder fight. However Alex wasn’t without a few tricks he’s learnt from his other weapons. Application of other methods to other weapons was often how Alex got a leg up. With Garlands shield where it was all attack from thigh to chest were completely invalid. Alex shifted his strategy at that moment. Gripping what would have been the rear blade in his right hand Alex used a technique known as half handing. Primarily used on his bastard sword for fighting in close quarters, using it on something like a double bladed sword meant he had more leverage.

Instead of swinging high and aiming for the shield he swung low, sliding his left hand down to the guard he effectively increased his range by a good two feet. And could probably catch Garland off guard for long enough to sweep his legs and drop the stronger squire on his arse. If not then Alex would most likely have to abandon the double bladed sword and snatch out his great sword damned fast. The reason he’d chosen this tactic was very simple. He wasn’t going to get Garland to drop that axe. His grip was far too strong, so that meant the only way he’d finish this was to get garland in a position where he’d have to yield. By comparison though Alex’s grip wasn’t exactly weak, but in terms of raw strength Garland was leaps and bounds ahead of him.

In the back ground Alex’s team and Garland’s team both stayed damned near silent. The only people who were willing to talk were Greyheart, Frostfawn and Catherine. The three of them exchanging words between them about the series of events that were going down. Trying to decide upon something.

Through the silence Alex too this opportunity to lead his team a little more and educate them.
“Guys! Watch closely, this is how you deal with a stronger more skilled opponent.” His words held a double meaning. Meant to give Garland a boost of confidence almost into the overconfident zone, and to help get his groups attention to learn how to deal with people who had a lot of innate power and skill.

[Garland]

Garland saw the blade coming down low, and he was charging too fast to dodge. He was going to make a fool of himself with what's he's gonna do.

Garland jumped over the blade, his momentum made him fly pass Alex and shakily land a little further away. He lost his balance for a bit but recovered when he stood up.

And then Alex did something peculiar he threw away his blade and pulled out the greatsword. A tactic that surely made Garland pause but he could see no real tactical advantage in throwing away a weapon and using a different one.

Garland watched as Alex addressed his team on how to beat a better opponent. I am pretty great aren't I? He shook the thought out of his head and got back into the fight. Don't get cocky, that's what Alex wants you to do.

Though there was a momentary lowering of Garland's guard when Alex said a complement. The knights seemed to have noticed, but the squires were watching didn't.

Alex could possibly have seen an opening, but Garland quickly reworked his defenses. His shield was the only thing that kept Alex from simply battering him down with superior skill in weapons.

Garland wasn't going to win using tactics, if he was going to win, he'd have to fight fast and hard. That greatsword was going to be a problem though. He'd fought against it before and Alex was strong enough to actually wield and swing it.

He could possibly block it, but he'd be left open and his arm will hurt. Blocking a sword of that size with a shield is just a bad idea in real combat. Garland was hardy, but the sheer weight and speed at which Alex throws his swings was impressive.

Rushing in would be a bad idea... Alex would never expect it! So Garland did just that. "Ahhhh!" Did Garland have a plan? Of course not!

Unless you count a full-frontal assault as a plan. Alex may swing fast but Garland believed he could dodge faster, and close the gap for his axe. He will most likely fail.

"He's gonna lose." Catherine said, she actually sounded quite content at what was happening. "The only reason he's been able to keep up with Alex was that he tempered tactics and instinct. He just threw tactics out of the window. Oh well, maybe Alex will do something stupid and keep this interesting. I doubt it though.

[Alexander Faircroft]

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

The leap through the sky was unexpected. Especially in the weight of the armour. Then again Garland was strong beyond most measure. However the brief window that Alex had opened sparked up the power that Alex needed to go in. Still though the switch to his great sword was a simple shift, however the idea of how Alex would or could use it he hoped would distract Garland’s attention.

A change in plan was a change in what Garland would have to deal with. The difference between the great sword and the double bladed one was simple it’s overall length was shorter by about two feet however It made up for that with a large single blade. Alex instead of trying to outwit garland met him on his own terms. Or at least that was what Alex intended to have Garland think. Angling his blade towards the floor with both hands on the grip he charged forwards meeting Garlands headlong rush with one of his own. Almost playing chicken with the stouter squire.

As they grew within range of Alex’s striking tistance he tucked his sword back in. Placing his hand on the blade, or rather where it would have been had these been live weapons. Shifting his feet he caught himself on his right foot allowing Garland headlong rush to provide Alex what he needed. If Garland struck the blade of the larger sword Alex would spin on the foot out to the right and using that momentum put all his weight into a strike on Garlands back. Hopefully knocking him off balance long enough for him to close the distance and put his dagger up to Garland’s throat. That was the hope.

In the distance with the other two Greyheart smirked.
“I’m not too sure about that Catherine, Garland is naturally skilled, so really the only thing Alex has to rely on is his experience. He doesn’t have the natural prowess that Garland possesses. However, that can also be garlands downfall as you saw. That brief moment where Alex managed to cause garland to pause with just words. Sometimes the weapon you don’t know you have, is the deadliest. And for Alex, it’s his ability to figure people out. He took a long time to get there but he’s been cultivating that skill since the incident the spring gone.” Greyheart shifted in his seat looking out over the event.
“But the only reason it worked so well here was that Garland and Alex know each other very well. So Alex can play to his weaknesses. And the only real weakness your boy has other than his lack of skill with a bow, is his lack of foresight. Beat that into him and he’ll be by far one of the strongest we have.” Now Greyheart was wishing that Alex hadn’t tried to use such a flashy over cooked move to try and win this. As that if it went wrong would be his downfall.

[Garland]

Garland saw Alex charging forward, by the looks of it, trying to tackle Garland in his own game.

Was this going to be a clash of weapons? Most likely not, Alex was smart, he'd find a way to turn Garland's own battlefield against him. Although that stop Garland's charge and and attack.

Still Garland was not thinking far ahead. He swung his axe at Alex's sword, not really focusing on Alex's movement or stance. The axe head struck true on the blade.

Garland was about to follow up with a few more swings and attacks, but instead. He received was a blow to the back, a rather heavy one. Catherine winced a bit at that. "That's gonna bruise."

Amazingly, Garland was still standing, shaken and disoriented but still standing. He stumbled forward and felt his teeth rattle from the impact. He pulled himself together and just swung his axe around him, an almost vain attempt to hold Alex back, but still an attempt, he hoped that his wild flailing movements would slow Alex down while he recovered his senses.

Garland's team just all collectively face-palmed. Catherine just giggled softly at Garland's display. "I think anyone would pause at that. I think Alex should just let Garland tire himself out, unless he wants to get hit by Garland's axe on accident."

In truth, Catherine had a fear in the fight, luckily Garland didn't have a chance of dying like his fight with Arch, but Garland did not know when you yield. If Alex placed a dagger on Garland's throat, she just hoped that Garland would yield. She didn't want to drag him off again.

"If anything, Garland's unpredictable when backed into a corner. As you said, I should teach him a bit of foresight, and work on his bow. If anything, I don't think Garland would use his bow skills much even if he were to learn them. He's a vanguard, he's on the front lines with his shield taking as much punishment as possible so his team doesn't have to."

If Garland's crazy flailing worked and held Alex back, he'd recover and simply give Alex some space and reassess the situation. If his inane waving of arms did nothing, a well-placed thrust or swing would knock Garland down with his shaky feet.

[Alexander Faircroft]

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

The fact of the matter was simple Alex was trying to play Garland like a marionette. Trying to bend his movements to what he wanted, to what he desired. However as much as the initial heavy swing had worked and almost knocked Garland flat on his rear, instead it had given him room to recuperate. The random flurry of desperate swings was enough to give Alex a brief moment’s pause. If even one of them connected with Garland’s raw power behind it Alex was going to be in deep trouble. Taking the defensive Alex stepped back a little giving the two of them some more room.

His reasoning behind it was that despite the display of the two of them, Garland was blowing his energy at an accelerated pace. Alex on the other hand was preserving his taking care to just conserve and only move when necessary. Alex shifted his weight onto his back foot wand placed the tip of his sword into the sand. Taking the brief moment between them to breathe. He could feel the creep of exhaustion welling up. Unlike Garland who’d just been taking short swings and punishment with a shield and axe, Alex had been running with a full suite of larger weapons and swinging them with full force as well. Right now if it came down to energy reserves, Alex was going to fall on his face first. However the brief respite allowed him a moment to catch a short couple of breaths.

In the distance the conversation between the two Knights continued.
“You’re right Garland is unpredictable, and we’ve just entered the phase of the fight where things are going to get messy. Alex is as you can see, noticeably worn out. Swinging weapons that large for that long is going to take it out of you. Along the same token Garland has only had the smaller axe to swing. And that shield to just hide behind and catch his breath between onslaughts.” Greyheart spoke with a firm word and stroked his chin lightly taking a moment to evaluate the situation. “Garland is a vanguard however, Alex on the other hand is a solid rear guard. He’s the one you put at the rear lines not because he can’t fight but because you can trust him to watch your arse. Now it’s coming down to the wire, wouldn’t you agree?” Greyheart smirked as a short sharp word came from Sera Frostfawn.
“They could have ended it several times. They’re just playing with each other.” Whether that was true or not was something now all three of them had consider.

Drinking down a deep breath this was going to be Alex’s last ditch effort. His hands tightened around the blade as he used a technique that Revy had shown him. Or at least used on him. Instead of using just the blade to attack Alex crouched down lightly and charged forwards laying the large blade on his shoulder and pushing the tip through the sand. He was turning himself into a battering ram with a surprise at the end. His own spin on a classic shoulder check.