Morning Light II [Solo]

by **Serrif Von Chatlyn** on November 3rd, 2011, 10:54 pm

53rd Fall 511AV

Another morning, Serrif stirred to find himself in the same place as always. Under the canvas roof of his makeshift home. He was getting tired of this but he knew there were also many more nights of this ahead of him. Especially if he was leaving Mura heading out into the unknown. It wasn’t frightening to him, but his mind did spin in circles trying to think about everything that could happen. It was only natural for him to be a little anxious. He remembered what the outside world was like; well partially anyway. But he also knew that there had to be other places like Mura out there. Other places of safety and refuge for him to find. The sun hadn’t even come up over the horizon yet and he was well awake. A curse of sorts but the truth was far greater, he was having nightmares again. Sometimes they shook him violently awake and other times they just woke him. He really didn’t have a choice as to what happened to him it all seemed to be up to shear chance than anything else. But he did have one comfort in all of this; he knew that he wouldn’t be tortured by the beautiful women of Mura any longer. He wouldn’t be their playthings any longer. Which in a way was a comfort, but he knew that he would always miss the beauty here.

It was now that Val’Mera’s instructions rung in his mind. He was to come to the pavilion today wearing his armor; the entire set along with all of his collected weapons. It was a strange request but one he knew she had a reason for. Maybe she wanted to know what he had acquired for his journey? That was a possibility. And maybe she just wanted to know how well he had prepared himself for this, again a possibility. He figured he would humor her and he stepped from his tent and stretched a little before he started dressing himself fully. His bottom layer consisted of plain black clothing, a long sleeve shirt and baggy pants, simple was sometimes best. Then on that he wore his scale mail top and chaps. They weren’t heavy and provided a decent amount of protection for him but if faced with any heavier weapons like axes or hammers he needed something more. That was why he had bought the breastplate and back. They were solid steel and would help absorb any really heavy weapons, they were also a first line of defense against arrows or crossbows.

The breastplate and back did take a little bit of a struggle to get on but eventually they were on and he then moved to the next few items. He reached into the tent and grabbed his custom weapon harness with his daggers attached to it. He loosened a few of the belts so that it would still fit over his armor and then put it on. Just like he anticipated it fit perfectly. Placing the daggers exactly where he needed them to easily draw them in a sticky situation. He grabbed his belt and attached his gladius scabbard to it and then slipped the ornate gladius into it. He also attached the front loops of the dagger harness to it as well. He then felt his body and made sure everything was as it should be. He moved a little and nothing really seemed to bunch or bind, which meant in his mind everything was good. As the final step he picked up his gauntlets and slipped them into his backpack. But that wasn’t every weapon he owned…

He looked in the tent and saw his climbing quiver. It would be a shame to leave it here especially when his best weapon right now was his longbow. So he decided he would bring it with him. He took the climbing harness and looped the top strap through his belt buckle so it would dangle near his thigh. He then fixed the belts and all so they would hold the quiver tight to his leg. He opened the top of the quiver and placed all his arrows he owned into it. It was about now that he noticed he would indeed need more arrows. So he made a mental note that he was to pick some up later. He fixed the top of the quiver shut and then picked up his bow. He was ready for a day of training now. This was every weapon he planned on wearing on him while on the road. Just like this, maybe she wanted to critique him? That was a good possibility.

Centering himself he threw on his black cloak and began his walk to the Suvai Pavilion. It was a cool morning, so he wasn’t sweating to horribly. Although he was pretty sure that would change once his Mistress started training him some more. The cool ocean breeze helped wick away the heat and he appreciated that. Because is body naturally had a pretty high temperature. So he assumed that traveling in winter would be exactly his kind of thing. He wouldn’t be uncomfortable and he wouldn’t mind wearing the armor. There was only a hint that the sun was coming up, that was the horizon lit afire by the incoming sun. It was always something wonderful to watch for him. Reminded him in a way that the past was the past and today…well today was whatever he decided to make it good or bad. Like a rebirth of sorts. But it was a rebirth that he didn’t mind at all. It was refreshing to know that every day was something new bringing new challenges to his mind.

by **Serrif Von Chatlyn** on November 3rd, 2011, 10:56 pm

He continued to walk and was catching some Konti attention. Well there was a good reason for it, he was dressed like a mercenary. Armed to the teeth with a well chosen assortment of weapons and armor when most Konti only carried a Suvai with them. So he stuck out but this was what his Mistress had asked of him so he was going to do what she wanted. She had a reason no matter how foreign it seemed to him. There weren’t many Konti out right now, and he couldn’t tell if the looks were good or bad; it was always so very hard to read Konti emotion. They seemed to politely hide it behind a mask of perfection….a very beautiful mask of perfection. That was what he believed threw many people off, how could something so beautiful be flawed? It was a question that many minds just cast away in doubt and answered with ease. But he saw things for what they were. And he knew that while this place wasn’t perfect it was close. People were people, each with their individual flaws and essential emotions. You could try and hide it, but you wouldn’t ever really last too long.

He continued on his way to the pavilion by now not really caring what looks he got from the women. He was doing as he was asked and that was it. So as he got closer to the balk he began to notice that he wasn’t going to be alone today. Well it wouldn’t just be him and the Mistress. No he saw two figures on the first floor, one of them easily identifiable as his Mistress wearing her black bodysuit again. But the other, well she was just another Konti wearing a white dress lined in blue. He had never seen her before now and well he wasn’t quite sure what she would really be doing here. But he knew that the Mistress had obviously wanted her here for one reason or another; so he would just go along with it for now. As he approached the mistress smiled and nodded, he had done as she asked.

She seemed somewhat pleased with what he had selected for himself, he had done well…or rather K’Sien had. She was after all the best smith on Mura and the only one. She did good work, as was evident in both the craftsmanship and the artistry exhibited in the armor he wore; as well as the weapons he carried. They were true works of weaponcrafting genius. She had captured Serrif’s mind and soul almost completely in those daggers, a true gift from Avalis. Val’Mera walked to Serrif and inspected him.

“Very good, I see you chose to pick a good medium between heavy and lighter armors. Even layered them which will help protect you from a decent amount of projectile weapons.” She then poked at his hands. “Only thing is you may want to get some arm protection.”

“I did Mistress, here.” he said as he took off his backpack and then drew out the two cold iron gauntlets. He fixed them to his arms and hands and then looked back to his Mistress. She nodded.

“Cold iron will protect you well, and getting them toothed was also a good idea, will help catch blades for you and you can use them as weapons if need be.” She pulled on the armor in a few spots to test how it fit, and while not being form fit it was close enough. She was actually somewhat amazed that what he needed was in stock. But there were plenty of surprises in life. So she took a step back and looked him over again.

“It is good to see that you acquired these items alone, I was afraid I would have to take you to K’Sien myself. But I see you have taken care of the needed items.” She looked to the unknown woman then spoke again.

“This is your training partner for today her name is S’tash. She is a rather skilled Katana wielder and has agreed to help you train. I will watch and critique you. The lesson today is actually quite simple; you need to learn to fight against different weapon types. Because I highly doubt your enemy will be wielding daggers.” She took a practice dagger and threw it to Serrif.

He reached out and caught it then looked to his opponent. She was an average sized rather thin looking Konti. She held in her hand a wooden practice katana. And he could tell by the way she held it that she was indeed more than confident in her skills. Which made him a little uncomfortable with his. He knew she was better than him in this. So he knew he would have to think outside the box to stay alive. But in the end he would learn, even if it was the hard way. The Mistress was here to train him and prepare him for the outside world. This was the purpose of all this. They were investing themselves in him so that he would come back alive to them with the information they needed. It was like his own Konti Call. Only his was handed down by the Konti leadership. But he knew that he would leave eventually, and in his mind sooner may be better than later. So he nodded and held the dagger in his hand while he nodded again to his partner.

The Mistress interrupted. “Now the object is to dodge and block taking as few critical hits as possible here. A critical hit ends the round Serrif, we will go for three rounds then we will see from there.” She said as she stepped back and watched the events unfold before her.

Serrif noted on himself what he called his ‘hard points’ what he thought he could use to his advantage. He believed if need be he could block somewhat with his bracers. And he knew that his breastplate would take slashes from a katana type weapon but a pierce would be harder to shrug off. He also knew that he could block with his dagger and counter with his fist. But the object wasn’t to kill his opponent…but it was to survive. So he nodded to his partner and it started.

She moved toward him and she went for a sideways hit at his left side. He waited for her to make her move and he then jumped back missing the swipe at him. Stepping forward again she was likely going to try for another go at him. Turning around she stepped forward for another assault on him. This time a pierce aimed at his chest. He shot out and beat the side of the practice weapon with his gauntlet, something that he did almost instinctively. But it was indeed effective for what it was. Having half of his arm and the back of his hand armored was proving to indeed have its advantages. It opened up all kinds of opportunities for him as far as blocking and such.

by **Serrif Von Chatlyn** on November 3rd, 2011, 10:57 pm

Val’mera watched and nodded. It seemed like this man had assessed his equipment fairly. K’sien only made and sold the best to her clients. And Serrif had picked out very good pieces for himself. The gauntlets covered a little of his forearms as well; allowing him some interesting play when blocking and evading blades. And it seemed he was just beginning to figure out all the possibilities of his equipment. And how could she honestly expect him to have a good grasp of it? HE had only likely purchased it within the last day. Just the fact that he was on top of things like he was showed her that he indeed wanted to get himself prepared. Which was good because he would need to be put together for the journey ahead of him; the journey wouldn’t be easy.

S’tash didn’t stop and well Serrif didn’t expect she would. She swung high as if she wanted to put the practice blade on the side of his skull and in response he bought his body low ducking to avoid it. He could hear it slash through the air over his head as it passed over. Her attacks were getting much more deadly and the force behind them was multiplying. One thing was for sure any of the hits that landed were going to sting a great deal. Was this supposed to be practice? He was starting to think that he was going to have a good offence if he wanted to have any defense at all. He would have to throw her off her spearhead in order to survive this one. She was decisively fierce, and the more he assessed her movements.

He had seen Blythe use some of the same techniques as this woman. So he had some idea of what was coming when she pivoted again at her hip. She was bringing another hit about hip level. He planned in his head a somewhat elaborate series of events. He was going to evade her blade again then take the fight right to her. He watched for the blade as it came around and then jumped back only a few inches. The tip whizzed past his chest and when his feet found the ground again he simply rushed her outright. Somewhat surprised not suspecting the man to make such a movement S’tash wasn’t exactly sure what to do. But before she knew it she had been tackled to the ground her weapon pinned to the ground by his hand on her wrist to prevent her from lifting the practice weapon to strike him. And the practice dagger was sitting pressed against her throat designating that he did indeed have her.

Serrif had tackled her with all his force and put her on the ground flat, her arms had fallen somewhat flat but he knew she would try and strike him if she got the chance. So with his left arm he grabbed her right wrist which was holding the practice weapon. He pinned it to the ground so she couldn’t move and then straddled her chest. She would be pinned to the ground and he then brought his right arm quickly up to press the practice weapon against the soft flesh of S’tash’s neck. He made sure to do this quickly before she used her free arm to try and prevent him. He didn’t want to turn this into a wrestling match. No he wanted violence of action here. Quick decisive movements in battle. And he succeeded, mostly because he was stronger and larger than this Konti. He almost felt bad for her.

Now this was indeed a very interesting turn of events for S’tash. Val’mera nodded her head. Her student had either made a very rash decision or he understood her rules and how to work around them. She hadn’t said he couldn’t be the one to deliver the killing blows, and she said nothing about him not being able to press the assault. Or, he had figured out on his own that the best defense in some circumstances was indeed a good offence. Either way it appeared that Serrif wasn’t going to go down easy by any means. He was here to train and learn something, and he didn’t get anything by not giving this his all. He wasn’t here to skate by, it was clear he was indeed here to excel.

Val’mera spoke to Serrif and his sparring partner. “Indeed you have done well. Now two more rounds.”

Serrif stood and offered his hand to S’tash to help her on her feet again. Her chest was likely pretty sore from being tackled like that when he was wearing armor. But she took his hand and pulled herself up. She smiled only for a moment at him as she centered herself and then began thinking about what she was to do now. He was obviously larger and stronger than she was. So she would have to out maneuver him and place the hits where they really hurt. She stretched some and Val’mera spoke again.

“Whenever you are ready.”

Serrif nodded at S’tash and she nodded back, indicating again that they were both ready to begin again. He got his footing and like that she was coming for him again. He held the practice dagger in his right hand and well he knew that this time she likely wouldn’t hold back any. And he was at a distinct disadvantage here. Her weapon had far more reach than his. Allowing her to keep a farther distance from him. He would have to be agile to survive. But that was difficult when wearing armor. But that meant he would just have to try harder to evade her blows.

by **Serrif Von Chatlyn** on November 3rd, 2011, 10:58 pm

He watched her carefully as she brought up her weapon to deliver what he thought would be a downward slice to his neck area. He knew what his defense for such a blow would be, or he thought so. She did as he expected bringing a very punishing blow down toward his shoulder and neck. He used his dagger to block the blow holding it horizontally he then pushed the blade away and placed a kick to the side of her forward most exposed leg to maybe take it out from under her. She had underestimated the reach of his legs and his hit landed but it didn’t force her leg from under her but it did shake her base as she stumbled a little and then caught her balance again. She was obviously slightly peeved but she centered herself again. She hadn’t struck out yet and she was going to really press him before she let him just walk away.

Serrif readied himself and watched her again carefully. She looked as if she was really plotting something in her head. He readied himself knowing that she would likely land a hit now. It appeared that she was just getting to know his form before now. This wasn’t good, because she now knew what he was made of. She was toying with him and now that she knew him she could try and defeat him. But was this really the case? He didn’t know but he was ready for her next frontal assault. He had no idea what it would bring but he knew she was likely going to be precise in how and when she struck. Was she really as skilled as he first thought? Unsure he gave her the benefit of the doubt for now.

She circled him slowly waiting for an opportunity of some kind. She had both of her hands on the Katana as she walked around him like prey. And Serrif was beginning to feel like prey. Like she was hunting him. But sometimes the hunters became the hunted. Tables turned quickly in battle, all it took was one well planned counter and your enemy could be yours. Knowing this he kept his patience about him; knowing that opportunities would present themselves as they came. He only had to be aware enough to see and act on them accordingly. So he continued to watch and assess her; working things out in his mind.

A rush, she came close and jolted forward closing the distance to place another stab at his chest he countered with his dagger. He heard the click as their weapons met and she then stepped forward quickly again before Serrif had time to really assess what was happening. She was indeed quick on her feet, much faster than he was. And he didn’t have the presence of mind to act fast enough. She whirled around and brought a strong stinging sensation to the back of Serrif’s skull. The pain ricocheted in his skull and sent him almost crippled to his knees. He didn’t feel the injury because he knew it hurt like hell. He breathed evenly trying to shake the very direct painful hid S’tash had delivered to the back of his skull. That ‘practice’ weapon was tough. He swallowed hard gathering his strength as he breathed evenly. That was indeed a very dirty hit. In reality he never would’ve survived that hit if it was a real weapon. But best to learn now…than be dead.

Val’mera watched and she almost cringed when Serrif caught that hit in the back of the head. She examined him from afar to make sure he wasn’t bleeding. And well he wasn’t. But the hit brought him to his knees composing himself; like she thought it would. The hit was extremely hard especially for a Konti to deliver to a training partner. But hard hits prepared the body for what was to come. Although from what Ildin told him the man could shrug off decent amount of pain. And well she would just have to see what he did next. Most would call it off after receiving a hit like that. She knew he had to be a little dizzy from that, maybe his peripheral vision had faded a little, he might be seeing stars. He was learning the hard way; but she didn’t have the patience or time to teach him any other way. She had a week and a day to teach him, that was it.

Serrif’s head was spinning as he tried to bring his senses to center again. He felt a little sick from the hit as well…no telling where that came from. His vision had darkened some from the sheer force of the practice weapon beaming him on the back of the skull. He was trying to compose himself and he knew that was one point for her indeed. He was trying to bring himself to a point where he could stand again but he was failing, he just needed some time. S’tash watched and wondered if she had put him out of commission or not. Any of her normal sparring partners would be out after that, but he seemed a little bigger and harder than her normal partners.

Serrif breathed evenly and eventually his vision returned to normal. The stinging of the hit was still on the back of his head but he knew it wouldn’t go away easily. It would take time and likely a treatment from Lym before it felt better. And likely a few days of laying off of it. He sighed and rose to his feet. He was ready again, as long as she didn’t place another hit on the back of his head. That would sure piss him off beyond belief. His eyes met hers and a challenge was issued. It was last point and they were tied. He wasn’t going to hold back on her and he knew that she wasn’t either. One of them was going to win this match and the other would fall behind by one point. And he had decided that it wasn’t going to be him. Val’mera wanted to see vicious?

by **Serrif Von Chatlyn** on November 3rd, 2011, 10:59 pm

He nodded to her with a smile, this unnerved her a little. He had stood, brought himself to his feet and basically told her that it was on. He was going to really let her have it. But what did he honestly have up his sleeve now. She wasn’t going to hold back on him and she knew neither was he. This was going to be a hell of a final point to get. So there they were two students trying to walk away the victor. He watched her carefully again picking her movements apart knowing her basic movements now. He knew she was skilled beyond him and he would have to struggle to meet her on her level. He would have to throw her off her game in order to score this last mark.

She approached placing what was again a shoulder slash. He knew he could counter it but he figured he would take another route entirely. Mirroring what he had just learned from S’tash. He countered with his dagger in his right hand and then took the offensive. He stepped forward quickly with his left foot and placed himself facing her again. Quickly he reached out with his left hand and gripped her shoulder hard. Then with a twist of his hips and pulling with his arm he forced her body over his left leg tripping her. But as she fell he managed to bring the tip of the practice dagger onto her chest several times before she hit the ground. She would land on her back and she knew he had indeed killed her in battle. This round belonged to him.

Val’mera was surprised he had done this well. It seemed he had indeed learned something from her previous session. He was advancing and taking this training seriously. It seemed he understood that the balance of life and death hung in his skills and knowledge. Which was sometimes difficult to get people to understand, especially Konti. But this man seemed to understand this truth quite well. Which was likely the reason he was pushing himself so hard. She admired that and now understood what Ildin had spoken of when she said this man was willing and able to push his boundaries. She nodded as Serrif helped S’tash up.

“Good, very good. S’tash you are free to go. I have some things to tie up with Serrif.” With a bow S’tash put away her weapon and headed out leaving them.

“You show ferocity in battle Serrif, but you need to learn to channel it…or it will channel you to do it’s bidding.” She said as she nodded.

“I understand Mistress.” He said as Val’mera then continued.

“You must fight for the right reasons, center yourself never striking from anger. Because if you do your enemy will use this against you and strike you down. I am proud that you didn’t do this today and kept a clear mind. It shows me you have much promise.” She took the practice dagger from him and set it aside.

“That is enough of practice, let’s learn something practical.” She said as she drew one of her own ornate daggers. “Draw one of yours and put it in your dominant hand.” Serrif was startled somewhat were they about to spar with actual daggers? He didn’t feel ready for that but he hoped that the Mistress understood what she was doing…otherwise one of them could end up dead.

He nodded and then from his weapon harness he drew the dagger on the left side of his chest. It slid easily out of the sheath and fit his hand perfectly as a custom weapon should. It had a long stiletto inspired six inch blade that came to an extremely sharp point. The other details weren’t important as Val’mera nodded and looked the dagger over. The kind of dagger often determined the kind of fighting one did with the weapon. With a blade tip like that piercing strikes would be extremely deadly and the blade would easily drive deep into the intended target; even through most leather or padded armor. The blades were also made of Isurian steel, meaning he could block almost any blade against his effectively as long as he could twist out of its way as well.

“I am sure you know that dagger was meant to pierce, know this if you slash someone they will likely walk away from the fight, but if you stab them with those daggers. Death will claim them quickly; all you will have to do is wait for a small amount of time as they bleed out.” She walked a little closer and motioned for him to hand her his other dagger.

by **Serrif Von Chatlyn** on November 3rd, 2011, 10:59 pm

He did as she asked and she held it in her hand noticing the extreme amount of craftsmanship. It was indeed a well forged and put together blade. They would serve Serrif well for any enemy he faced. “Yes, if you draw these daggers you best intend to kill Serrif.” She said as she handed it back to him to put back in its scabbard.

“I will teach you what you need to know, as long as you promise me the same thing you did Ildin. That you will use this only in defense.” She said looking to Serrif seriously.

“I promise Mistress.” With that said she nodded and then began instructing him.

“There are a few soft points you will want to know. The first is the neck.” She said tapping him in the nape of his neck. “…there is no muscle there and if you strike down into that area you may sever very important blood supplies killing your target quickly.” She then looked him over and then tapped areas on his two legs on the front.

“Also here there is another major blood passageway that is relatively shallow. Slash it and they will bleed quickly. Also if you can get between the ribs that blade will drive right into any major organ, they will die eventually. But if you strike the heart…then they are truly finished Serrif.” She gauged his reaction as he stood there. And was somewhat surprised.

He seemed to be taking all of this information rather well. Adding these notes to his mind as he soaked in the knowledge she provided him with. All because he knew one day he would have to use it all in a situation of life and death. And if he had to use them he would likely have to defend his life by taking another. A fact that he hadn’t been faced with yet. But he knew that it was coming one day; and he would have to be prepared for it. Only his skills would save him from the inevitable. Skills that Val’mera was helping him sharpen.

She nodded then stood beside him. “Now follow me through these motions and I will critique you.” She said as she then began a series of movements involving her dagger.

She first stepped forward and made a thrusting move. He would note that the dagger blade was slightly angled up as if she was making a move for going between the rib bones. It was now that he was beginning to understand just how deadly that movement could be. All her precious organs were harbored inside the ribcage. If you could get your lade between them then they were fair game. She made the simple movement a few times then turned around waiting for him to do the same. He nodded and then made the movement once.

He stepped forward and then with a stab forward he shot the dagger out and stabbed an invisible target. He held the position as Val’mera spoke. “You will want to angle the dagger up more aiming more for the heart; your daggers have the blade to tap the heart if you strike right.” She said as she then had him reset and try again.

He noted her criticism and then struck out again. This time angling his blade up slightly more and inward as well. He knew the heart was toward the center of the chest, and he knew his dagger could indeed reach it easily with its pointed tip. It was now that he began to really think about how he would handle all this. But he knew when the time came he could and would draw the life from someone. Because he wouldn’t fight for a trivial reason. And if he found something to fight for he had best be ready to die for it as well.

Val’mera nodded and then spoke. “Again.” She said as she observed his form. He seemed to understand what he was training for. His form was good and he would develop his own fighting style the more he practiced. But she hoped in a way he wouldn’t ever have to watch the life drain out of someone. But she also knew the time would come eventually. It was her job to see to it that he could take the life quickly and effectively. That way he could defend himself against any enemy and drop them one by one quickly. When you had daggers as your weapon the trick was delivering quick and decisive hits to weak points. Otherwise you would falter and fall in combat.

He reached out and struck again and he could almost imagine the dagger piercing between the ribs and being driven at a slant into the heart. He knew this would empty it of blood instantly and kill the person much like a deer. He knew this and accepted the fact that if he struck out at anyone it would be to kill. Not to wound. Because if he attacked them in the first place it was to defend himself or another who needed it; he resigned himself to killing blows only. He couldn’t carry on a battle forever; and the faster he brought the other party down the better. He knew this.

“You are going to have to familiarize yourself with your daggers, you haven’t handled them before and they were crafted for you specially. They will never feel the same to anyone but you. And only you will ever know what they are capable of.” She said as she was admiring his drive to perfect himself. She knew there was much more progress they could make, but for now he was doing well. Only a few more lessons and she would have herself a trained competent pupil…who she would release to the wilds.

“Do me a favor today and to see Merit at Waterfall Fabrics. Have her make you a bodysuit, I have a feeling it will serve you more than well.” She said with a smile as she imagined just how much fun Merit would have with this man. She knew the suit would have to be made for him, but then again every bodysuit had to be made for the wearer. Oh what fun Merit would have. “It will keep you warm during your travel since you will be traveling during winter.”

“I understand Mistress, I will do that today before she closes shop.” He continued to practice some more lunges until the mistress dismissed him. After that it was off to see Lym at the temple to see what she had in store for him today.

by **Serrif Von Chatlyn** on November 3rd, 2011, 11:02 pm

Requests :

by **Archelon** on December 21st, 2011, 8:39 pm

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