Closed Windmount Bashing (Ferrin)

[Imellion]

15th of Spring, 516 AV

Horse riding. It had been a long time since she had done true riding, not since, well, since she had been rescued, and she had certainly never done it in plate armor that she now wore and weighed her down. She had no idea how she would ride in such a thing. Yet the principles remained always the same.

She waited as Sera Lynia led out a horse that seemed mild enough and trotted up to her, free of saddle and tack. Imellion looked over to her patron who gave a small nod and gestured to a nearby set of tack, already picked out for her before stepping away from the two.

"What's her name?" Imellion asked after several moments of studying the horse.

"Moonstreak," Lynia answered, leaning on her cane. "A good horse, given that I recall you have prior experience with riding. Get to it again." The older woman smiled, lighting her face up with warmth. "It'll do you good."

Imellion returned the smile, feeling the tension in her body ease up. Moonstreak. That was a beautiful name, elegant and fast. Not quite what the horse looked like, but what did she know?

First she had to know the horse so she gently moved forward to the horse.

"Hello, Moonstreak," She whispered, "My name is Imellion. We get to ride together today."

The horse nickered and Imellion paused as the horse studied her. She had always liked horse's eyes. There was such a deep warmth to them. Not like other eyes that had stared at her before. Moonstreak shook her mane and took a few steps forward.

"Good girl," Imellion whispered again, moving to close the distance and then once in reach, rubbing the horse's flank, leaning into the animal. Moonstreak reached over and nudged Imellion who giggled unexpectedly. This was a good feeling. "Ready for some training?"

Moonstreak whinnied, and Imellion went back to the tack, going over the pieces. It had been a great deal of time since she had seen all these pieces and she gave Sera Lynia a quick look.

"Saddle first," Lynia said softly, gesturing to the saddle blanket and larger-than-normal saddle that sat next to it, "She's already been groomed."

Imellion gave a grateful nod and hurried over to the blanket, hefting it in both arms and returning to Moonstreak who stood patiently and went to throw it over the mare's back.

"A little further forward," Sera Lynia added, still watching, "Then shift it back."

Imellion adjusted and set the blanket up higher and then pulled it down, nearly having to stand on tiptoes to reach all the way to the other side. Then she went back for the saddle, bending to grab it and then hauling it up. It was heavier than she had expected and of a design she had never seen before, with a higher back and front than normal.

She lugged it back to Moonstreak and took a deep breath before heaving it up and over the horse's back. It landed, from what Imellion could see, fairly heavily, but the horse didn't seem to mind.

"Move it back a hand-width," Sera Lynia called out again. Imellion nodded and pulled the saddle back over the blanket before turning to look at the older woman, who nodded. This next part Imellion remembered.

She took each of the girths, moving gently around the horse and tightened them down before pushing to get Moonstreak to move a few steps, forward and back, and went over the girths once again.

Then onto the bridle. The complicated part, Imellion thought, staring at the number of straps. Her patron chuckled and stomped over to help her sift through the pieces.

"Reins first," The woman said, holding out a bundle of longer leather pieces, "Then the noseband and bit, then place the rest over her head."

Imellion nodded, staring at the various parts and tried to keep them all straight. She took the parts of the harness and walked back to Moonstreak, who still stood patiently, flicking her tail. First she placed the reins over the horse's head and laid them across her back. She paused there, holding her breath. Nothing disastrous occurred, so she let out a breath before moving to place the bit along Moonstreak's mouth. The horse took it without any difficult and Imellion moved them to bring the rest of the bridle up and over Moonstreak's head before tightening everything down.

She stepped back to inspect her work and then turned to Sera Lynia, who nodded.

"Mount up," The woman said, moving to a wall and lifting a dummy spear and practice shield. Imellion's borrowed training sword was already on her waist. Imellion stared at the horse, who suddenly seemed to grow a great deal taller and stepped up.

The motion would essentially be the same. She knew that much, but the weight would be so different. She tilted her head and then just shook her head. She was in plate armor. What could possibly go wrong?

Imellion reached up and grabbed the pommel in one hand, and then set her left foot in the stirrup, and partly jumped and partly pulled herself up, aiming to swing up into the stirrup.

It didn't work. She had underestimated the weight of the armor and for a moment, half-hung there before falling to the ground in a clatter of metal. She lay stunned for a few moments, trying to catch her breath. It hadn't hurt. Well, not much. She picked herself up again and shook her head.

She replaced her foot in the stirrup and grabbed the pommel with both hands, flexing her legs farther down for a bigger jump. Then she sprang up, clutching at the pommel and trying to drag herself up, scrabbling to get her legs over saddle.

It took several long, undignified moments, but she manage to pull herself upright into the saddle, still swaying unsteadily before she grinned at Lynia, who handed her the spear and shield.

"Now we wait for the other squires."


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[Ferrin Al'Mandrikan]

Timestamp

A Knight and his Squire strolled through the streets of Syiliras. Footsteps thumped in unison. The commoners talking here and there as the two pass. The wondrous city amazed Ferrin in many ways, and his pathway of choices had led him to what he had wanted for a career. Though, with all of the hard work already put into it, things would only get more difficult. "You ready m'boy?"The Knight asked his Squire, Ferrin. Ferrin was the name of this squire whom stood side by side with his patron; but not only was Ferrin a squire of his, but as well as his nephew. And things had happend more so with a surprise than a formal coincedence. If any.

"Yes ser. I um... Guess."Ser Xervos had introduced many things to the Squire and yet the young Kenashian is still in training. And he is still trying to endure the plated armour enforced upon him. Which was what he's wearing now. Ser Xervos, wants the Kenashian to learn quickly. But, at a more steady pace if affordable. Synas light shown across Mizahar horizon warmly and holy like. Birds had been perched on top of every other building that one should come across."I'll be introducing you to a new stallion today. And I want you to practice more with your riding. I'm fully aware of your horse, but it's not as big as the Knightly mares."The Knight said without a look towards his Squire.

So, Ferrin can't ride Cyprus today. But, would he be able to after his training for the day? Perhaps? Maybe. Not so sure."Could I still take a visit to see my mare Ser. He's been dying to see me." Ferrin asked formally, but as his uncle did; Ferrin kept his outlook on the streets more than his patron beside him.

The two took another turn. And Ferrin waited for an answer from his patron who seemed to be pondering his answer."I assume that you can see him. Whence where finished with your training for the day."

A bell later.

With a bells' walk underway. The two managed to find themselves at the footholds of the Windmount Stables. One of the care takers Serena Windmount. She came "Training I presume? Need a stallion Ser Xervos... Oh... Ferrin right? Would you need Cyprus?" Serena asked as she gingerly closed the barn door behind her. Ferrin shook his head "No thank you Se-"With a wave of Ser Xervos' hand, Ferrin stopped his thanks. But, Ser Xervos was about to speak now."Aye, good morning Serena. Yes, I am requesting to take out one of our stallions. Ferrin may be able to see Cyprus, but after the training. " Xervos replied with a slight smirk.

Serena nodded with her golden hair that flapped almost wildly. "I think that I have a good mare for your squire here. Just give me a few chimes. Alright?" The Knight smiled and nodded simply. After a few chimes of waiting. Serena had retrieved a Tiaden Warhorse. Needed for war specifically, obviously.

"It's stunning." Ferrin said almost in awe. Serena lured the mare closer to the two by its reins and gently pulled it through. Serena smiled and the horse knickered. It's dark colored coat and muscular frame. One could say it can outmatch Cyprus, but he isn't a full war horse. And Ferrin doubts that the armour that he's wearing won't be to comfortable with the heavy metal over his back.

"His name is Irving."Serena said as she stopped just before the two with the horse at a mini knickering phase. But, it stopped as Serena brushed her hand lightly across the mares neck."Ferrin how about you go grab a saddle over there. And you can prepare to ride him."Ser Xervos said as he waved his hand to Serena. Fortunately, there were a few squires already there training. But, most of them were just getting prepared on their mares.

It took almost a few more chimes for preparation with the saddle. Eventually, Serena had grown eager and decided to help Ferrin finish the preparations. Ser Xervos stood impatiently, and smirked a slight cocky grin as if Ferrins problems with the saddle had amused him. "About time. Now mount up on Irving and let us be off. I also want you to find yourself a spear and a shield. We'll be learning how to joust."

Ferrin mounted up, his armour clinked and rubbed against his clothing as he did so, mount up it was."Alright Ser Xervos. Very well."With a half of mile or so trekked Ferrin seemed to be gettt somewhat comfortable with Iriving, though he gripped the reins tightly as he was not good at riding horses. Even though, he had had Cyprus for awhile. He still can't manage the profession.

"Thank you Irving good boy." Ferrin said gently as he brushed his hand over the mares neck soothingly, but he gripped the other hand on the rein as he still didn't feel to subtle with the horse riding thing. The horse whinnied and Xervos ignored it, but Ferrin continued the petting.

He eventually stopped as his hand had begun to sweat and he returned to grippt the reins. And just as he did, the two reached the arena. "Unmount. You can go get your gear near a rack over there. And it seems that we aren't the only ones up as early." Ferrin strapped on a shield and found a blunted spear with its tip only blunt and the blade rusted. No wooden tools? It seemed that everyone else was wearing their armour as well and fortunately Ferrin had all his gear on him including his helmet. He came back within a few chimes and mounted up on Irving again.

"Now, it's best we should find yourself an opponent."The two scanned the squires and Ferrin had a few hardships with trying to sustain ontop of the mare and tried to not fall off of the back of the Warhorse. The stallion almost knickered in amusement. And one could see a smirk over Xervos' visage.

"There. Perhaps we could ask her Knight to train with you she seemed prepared enough."Ser Xervos said apprehensively. He walked over to Imellions. Xervos asked the Knight respectedly at Sera Lynia."Excuse me. I am Ser Xervos Exavier Al'Mandrikan. Knight. I'm asking permission for your squire to train mine. If you'd like?"Ser Xervos asked with a slight bow of his head to express a form of formality and awaited a response as he lifted his head up. If she would agree, Xervos would have Ferrin take up position opposite of Imellion."My Squire's name is Ferrin. Ferrin Al'Mandrikan. Son of Thorin."

Credits go to Aislyn

[Imellion]

Imellion led Moonstreak out along the field, walking her back in forth as a warm up, trying to juggle shield, spear, and reins on top of keeping her balance in the armor. She tended to sway more than she would have preferred, and she kept gasping for breath as she found herself leaning over one side.

The hooves clomped against the tufts of grass and Imellion turned, as much as she could, when someone spoke to her patron. It was another knight and squire, with the squire mounted with spear and shield like herself.

Sera Lynia pivoted from where she had been standing and returned the other man's bow with one of her own, hands still clutching her cane.

"Ser Xervos, it is an honor to make your acquaintance. I am Sera Lynia Vysel, and I believe such interactions between our squires would benefit the both. What did you have in mind? I was to train my squire upon the quintain, but with two, perhaps a mounted spar is in order?"

Imellion stiffened in surprise and Moonstreak took a few quick steps, knocking Imellion off balance in surprise. She clutched the pommel and held herself in place until the mare settled down.

Sera Lynia gave her a bit of a raised eyebrow and Imellion blushed beneath her helmet. Her emotions had spooked the horse. She took a deep breath, pushing away at the anxiety crawling up her insides. She knew horses, had been raised around them, and ridden them before. Yes, that had been a while ago, but she should have known better. Moonstreak settled down, flicking her tail back until Sera Lynia gave a slight nod.

Imellion patted the horse's neck. One obstacle overcome. Now there was just the spar. She had sparred on foot, so she could spar on horseback. It would just be very different. But, she could manage.

Lynia studied the two squires and tapped her cane, looking to the other knight,
"Perhaps in the mass style, but on a lesser scale."

The mass form? Imellion kept herself still, listening, trying to picture what Lynia wanted her to do. Was it not a joust? These were not jousting lances of the types she had seen earlier, but designed to mimic weapons for battle.

Lynia began speaking again, gesturing towards an area of the field near one end of the ring.

"I think if they try first to land a hit upon the other," She continued after a pause, gesturing for Imellion to move up towards her, "Like in a battle, it would be beneficial before we release them in squadron level tactics. Do you agree?" She asked, turning to Sir Xervos.


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[Ferrin Al'Mandrikan]

Timestamp

Ferrin tapped his heels lightly at the sides of the mare he rode upon. With a whine, the horse trekked at a casual pace towards Ferrins' patron. Ser Xervos, the Knight. As Irving, the warhorse trotted over with the male on his back, Ser Xervos nodded and grinned a modest grin with pleasure. "It is a delight honour to meet you as well Sera Lynia Vysel."Said the Knight as he cocked his head to see his squire behind him sitting uncomfortably on the saddle that rested lazily on top of the mares back. "Ah... Ferrin why don't you come and say hello to the nice women here."Ferrin nodded awkwardly as he grasped onto the reins of the saddle which was probed about the mares head.

The horse nickered as it stopped before the Knight with a sigh. And now Ferrin spoke,"Glad to meet you both."Ferrin said simply as he smiled at the two with another moderate nod of his head bowing ever so slightly adjacent about his chest. Ferrin slowly rose his head up and grasped on the reins as Irving moved his largely built abode. "Cut it out." Ferrin thought to himself. "This horse will definitely cause a scene." Thought the Kenashian as he let out a low quiet sigh. "Oh... I see Ms. Sera Lynia. I presume that we can arrange a sparing match between the two squires before us. A mounted spar with definitely suffice. Would you prefer though a spar? Or a small jousting competition?"

Asked the Knight as he sat rotted in spot patiently his lips loose and his visage even and calm. The middle aged man and his curled hair swayed with the wind as if the hair was to big for the Knight. Well, the question seemed as of late, but Ser Xervos nodded as he might have had not heard of what Sera said before. "Oh... My apologies. I believe it would be alright if we can do an original mounted spar. Abide what I said before. It was just a misinterpretation. Ferrin get ready. Now."Ordered the Knight as he gestured calmly towards the end of the arena opposite of where Imellion would be positioned.

Ferrin nodded. And wavered his hand awkwardly as Irving carried him along to the opposite side of the arena. If considered it to be one. Ser Xervos turned back to Sera Lynia as Ferrin readied himself. "So. How should we go about this?"Asked the Knight soothingly.

Ferrin gripped on the reins a bit tightly, but he still let his legs loose around the sides of Irving. Awaiting his mark to start the duel.

Credits go to Aislyn

[Imellion]

15th of Spring | Windmount Stables

Imellion sat, perhaps stiffly, in her saddle and watched as the Knight moved next to Sera Lynia to watch and the squire, Ferrin, moved to the other end of the small arena. She tilted her head to watch the other squire who seemed to be having some difficulty with the horse, which perhaps could be expected. His horse was larger than hers, certainly. Perhaps even one of those true warhorses.

"Glad to meet you both," Imellion heard Ferrin say and she hefted her shield in salute, thinking of an answer.

"And of yourselves, Ser Xervos, and Ferrin," Imellion answered, trying to pitch her voice to carry across the field. Hopefully they would be able to hear her.

Clouds drifted overhead, blocking the sun, and Imellion let out a small sigh of relief. That was a pleasant change from the heat the sun could carry, especially when wearing armor.

"So. How should we go about this?" Ser Xervos asked, and Sera Lynia leaned on her cane, considering. After several moments she tapped it on the ground.

"I believe points shall be awarded for strikes," Lynia said after another moment, "One point for blows to the limbs, five for the torso, and ten for the head. Do you think a score of ten is high enough for squires. Imellion has had little experience with mounted combat, and your squire seems likewise. Sound like an honest exercise?"

She gave a curt nod to Imellion who nodded and dropped the visor on her helm. It clanged shut and she squinted to peer through the gaps. It was difficult, but she could do it. Oh, how she hated this style of helm! The words she heard of light armor companies grew more and more appealing, at least partially for a desire for something that was not so heavy. But until she was given that ability, she would train in full plate. Moonstreak took a few eager steps forward, which Imellion nearly lost her balance at, but clenched her gauntlets around the reins, anchoring her.

Unfortunately, it also confused the poor horse, who began turning sideways to follow the perceived commands in rhythm with the girl's off-balance swaying. Imellion leaned forward, shield knocking against the saddle and gripped the pommel until she was steady. It took a moment, but soon, she was sitting still atop the saddle and the horse settled down. Imellion took a deep breath and sat upright once more, clutching the reins in the same arm as her spear.

That, however, was awkward, and she switched to hold the reins in her shield arm. Better, but that still limited mobility and she stared down at the reins and shield to try and decide how to use them in conjunction. She had a faint idea, although it would be rather difficult.

Sera Lynia coughed, rather violently, and then cleared her throat. "If the terms are acceptable and both combatants are ready, begin!"

Imellion nodded and looked across to the other squire and then nudged her horse forward, first to a walk, and then into a canter. The speed was rather intimidating and she jolted up and down, trying to keep everything under control.

This was hard, more so than she had anticipated, but she kept her seat. Now she just had to decide what to do with the rest of her limbs. She tightened her knees on Moonstreak's flank, and to her surprise, it made her feel more secure.

"Use your knees, not the reins!" Sera Lynia called out, "You've not got three hands!"

Imellion blinked in surprise. That was understandable and not something she had considered, although it call the one squire to mind. What was his name? Aventis! Yes, that was it. He had lots of arms.

She dropped the reins across her lap and worked with her knees, giving nudges left and right, which Moonstreak responded to. It was graceful, even dance-like, and Imellion felt something blossom inside her. It was beautiful, being able to ride.

But a spar was in order and she gritted her lip in concentration, lifting both spear and shield as she moved down the arena, watching for Ferrin's movements, assuming he would make a similar response.

Textbox by Aydel

[Ferrin Al'Mandrikan]

Timestamp || Location

"Common""Others Speaking"

"Well, then Ferrin. Get ready. I believe these points break things up evenly. A ten point win... Feasible."Said the Knight as he looked over to where Ferrin had halted the warhorse, Irving."Alright. Ser."Said Ferrin and he lightly rasped the reins and tapped the both of his heels lightly against the mares sides. The horse knickered and wandered to the opposite side of the jousting arena. Well, for what it was at the moment.

"Remember, Ferrin. Keep head at low and your spear leveled and gripped heavily. Just because Imellion is a woman does not mean she is not dangerous. Trust me." Ushered Ser Xervos as he trekked towards the horse. The Knight patted the great warhorse and whispered something to it. And the horse knickered in what seemed to be of disgust.

It was Ferrins very first mounted spar. And it had had appeared to the Kenashian that this was Imellions first as well. She seemed to have as much as a difficulty staying on whilist Ferrin had his small fear of riding horses. For the fear, the man didn't know why he had one. It just occurred to him. He wouldn't say that it was dramatic enough to discuss it as a certain phobia though, it had almost been viewed that way.

"Sera Lynia is your squire prepared? Ferrin is at the ready. On three, or go? You can have the opportunity to begin this first round at hand."Said Ser Xervos as he trotted back towards the Knight in command of Imellion. Ferrin waited patiently for the command to begin for he was ready to start. Once the match would begin Ferrin would take his spear with his right hand and try his best with aiming for Imellions chest. Though, the man has no skill what so ever with the spear, and let alone the horse back riding and shield. He just hoped that Imellion had just as much as skill as Ferrin had. Perhaps.

[Imellion]

Sera Lynia paused a moment, and then said "On go, I believe, and thank you for the honor." She stepped away from the small arena, raised her arm, and then dropped it. "Begin!"

It was at that point that Imellion began her advance, while peering through her helm to see Ferrin advance towards her. He didn't have the graceful confidence Imellion had seen in the full knights. He almost seemed even more uncomfortable than she did. That gave her hope. Perhaps it was a spar she could actually win.

As she cantered, she saw him charge straight for her, spear and shield raised. Imellion bit her lip and leaned forward against the horse's neck, trying to brace herself as it seemed she stared straight at the point of his spear.

She felt her pulse begin to quicken as they drew closer, hooves thundering along with her heart within her ears. Something stirred, and she realized she was excited. She and Moonstreak pounded forward, with Imellion suddenly realizing she had no desire to take a direct spear thrust, so she tried to pull for the reins, only then realizing she wasn't holding them. Then she pressed with her knees to bring her horse a little to the right, putting her shield between her chest and Ferrin's spear.

Then she nudged further and brought her horse farther to the right, cantering almost at a slight diagonal to him and lifted her spear to hold it overhand. It was awkward aiming it that way, instead of tucked under her arm. The point swayed and bounced with the horse's movement and nothing Imellion could do held it steady. Or at least in the general vicinity of where she thought Ferrin would end up passing her.

As they drew closer, Imellion caught herself holding her breath and forced herself to let it out again. Then they were close together! Imellion lunged out with her spear, aiming to lean across and tag him. Her thrust went wide, while she felt her shield shudder under the impact of his own. She splayed backwards, but grabbed onto the pommel.

Moonstreak cantered on, twisting about in confusion until Imellion pulled herself upright again and re-centered herself. Perhaps he had the right idea with that method.

She wheeled Moonstreak around and slowed her to a walk, patting her neck, which the horse responded to with a whinny and shake of her neck. Imellion smiled, and the horse scraped the grass with her hoof.

Imellion waited for Ferrin to be ready and prepare himself for the next run, before shifting. Now this was getting exciting indeed. She felt so energetic and alive, as if some fire was fueling her.

Textbox by Aydel

[Ferrin Al'Mandrikan]

Timestamp:15th of Spring 516av
Location: Windmount Stables

SorrySorry for having the wait be so long... Been busy with a lot of stuff and school has recently been making things difficult.

Ferrins' muscles tensed up so hard that Ferrin figured they were going to get sore by just having them tensed let alone the bashing and the clashing of the spears and shields. It was surely exhilarating the horses cantering almost towards each other spears poised at ones chest. The thought of it being insane just thrilled Ferrin and sweat began to beat down on him as he motioned the Warhorse around, steadily and carefully. Irving, he loved to go fast so it seemed and Ferrin had a difficulty with maintaining the grip on the reins with his shield hand whilst it, the shield, was also strapped to his arm. Securely, fortunately for him. He had a smile over his face and blood totally rushed through his veins that outlined his cheeks. They almost grew a whole new different colour with this sort of excitement.

Sadly, though, he wasn't very good with horseback riding and he didn't know how long he could ever possibly keep this charade up. If he can ever do so. He relaxed his muscles and remembered that he can allow the stallions to do most of the manipulation of controlling where and how to move. After the third spar, Ferrin and Imellion cantered around the arena. She seemed to be waiting for Ferrin to prepare himself. The Kenashian sighed. He almost wished that this shouldn't continue anymore since he didn't want to cause any pain. Or, have any pain caused to him either. Ferrin lowered the spear so he could do a quick examination with it while he halted the mare at a stop. He mostly kept his gaze on the spear, so far just a few chisels, but the tip hasn't been to seriously damaged luckily.

Ferrin prepared himself for the next on coming canter. He breathed in a relaxing sigh and loosened his grip with his legs, but kept them with a little enough grip to keep him steady on the horse. He grasped the rein with his left hand which held his shield. Leaning forward on top of the mares neck, he grasped his spear with a hardened hold. Surely, things can't end up bad. Right? Ferrin tapped the sides of the mare lightly and whipped the rein to get the horse moving in gear. Imellion started to move and well, and it would be soon for the weapons to make contact.

Ferrin lowered his spear and aimed for Imellions chest, whilst he kept his head low, which would possibly be a disadvantage since his face would be sort of covered by the mares hair. Within a few ticks, Ferrin closed his eyes as the spears made contact and was quite unsure of what he had made contact with, but he could feel his shield thrust back into his chest and Ferrin grunted lightly, but coughed with a smile as the two passed each other. He smiled lightly as worry stretched over his face as he countered around Irving and readied himself. He nodded towards Imellion hoping that she had the same experience.

My Words Others Words My Thoughts

[Samuel Longwell]

Grading Complete Please edit your grade request thread so that it's obvious that it's been graded. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions/problems with your grade. Name: Imellion XP Award: Horsemanship 3 Observation 1 Socialisation 1 Riding: Horse 4 Weapon: Shield 1 Weapon: Spear 1 Lore: Mounting in plate armour is hard Learning mounted combat Shield Points: +1 Patron +2 Training Name: Ferrin XP Award: Horsemanship 1 Socialisation 1 Riding: Horse 4 Weapon: Spear 2 Weapon: Shield 1 Lore: Learning mounted combat Shield Points: +1 Patron +2 Training Notes: Ferrin, just a note on your horse vocabulary. Mare refers to a female horse and stallion refers to a male horse. Therefore the two words are not interchangeable. Apart from that I enjoyed the thread! I hope you enjoy your grades.