[Sanctuary] Work it Out! (Vanator)

[Elem Bree]

Elem felt like he had stretched enough, so he simply stood and observed as Vanator knelt at the bundle. He was glad that the Drykas was in agreement on his choice of weaponry, also wishing he could have seen the older man in such a compromising situation involving his wife. Elem imagined his own mother pointing a spear at his own father during one of their classic arguments. It brought a similar smile of memory to his own lips.

When Vanator stood and tossed the pole, Elem was ready for it, gripping the wood and admiring it. It made sense to work with something that would mimic the movements of a spear, without the dangers of stabbing himself or his tutor. Watching Vanator, he held the pole out, his center finding itself easily. At once, Elem could see a parallel in his teachings from Morkal. "Ah, yes. I am familiar with this idea. My boxing trainer at the Tuvya calls it finding your center. I had no idea it applied with weaponry as well. I might be able to learn this faster than I originally thought." He was pleased and his face showed it.

Still, Vanator knew what he was talking about as well, so he followed the instructions, placing his feet apart and mimicking the stance. " I guess I should have mentioned that as well. It has a lot to do with my desire to train and exercise. Oh! While I am thinking about it, do you think we could construct some kind of boxing dummy in the Armory or maybe one of the barns? Having one to work with here would save me plenty of time. I could also practice more often." Elem had a thought that made him snicker audibly.

"Not like I plan to have a fistfight with a Zith. But there are plenty of non flyers that might have a time with me.".

[Vanator]

When Elem mentioned taking fist fighting at the Tuvya, Vanator's eyes brightened. "Yes, excellent, the basic concepts are the same, balance, defending yourself, looking for opportunities to strike." He held the short stick in his hand like a weapon. "And of course, we can set something up so you can practice your punches." The Zeltivan was serious about improving his strength and ability to defend himself. Vanator was beginning to wonder if there was a limit to the man's enthusiasm.

"Alright, now, hold the weapon with two hands, as if you were to thrust it. We both know that is the basic strike with a spear. Bend your knees a bit, so you are able to move more readily." Vanator crouched slightly, arms out slightly in a combat posture.

"Now, strike at me, take a step forward as you do, don't lean. Leaning compromises balance, and if blance is lost, what else is lost"? He quizzed his student.

[Elem Bree]

"Sweet.", Elem responded to the idea of having workout dummies on site. He was already imagining painting faces on them and then punching that paint off. He watched as Vanator held the stick in his hand as if it were a one handed weapon. Elem liked this idea, as it would probably be more common to face a foe with a weapon like that. Most people didn't bother with spears and poles and the like. Taking the longer pole in two hands, he turned it so it pointed at Vanator, ready to thrust.

His knees bent and he found his usual center, pleased already with the extension the pole would give him. His eyes traveled to Vanator's bicep and forearm which held the weapon and then to the Drykas' face and eyes as he spoke. What was he up to? he wanted to learn, but he also was always learning by observing the movements the other made. Not observing cues of Morkal's put your ass on the floor.

Taking the instruction and his own version of cues, Elem did thrust the weapon forward. However, he also put it right toward the weapon arm itself! No weapon means no injury to himself. It would also greatly inhibit what the older man was asking for. "Your feet!"

Too many times had he eaten straw mat for not paying attention. This was grass and stone. Not so soft.

[Vanator]

Vanator watched as Elem settled into a battle stance more comfortably than expected, further evidence that the Zeltivan was learning from an Akalak warrior. The healer was not as defenseless as Van was led to believe. Shame on him for making such an assumption.

Vanator watched Elem closer now. At first, the Drykas expected the man to do what anyone who picked up a pointed stick would do, jab at the gut or heart, and he readied his body to block such a strike. But at the last moment, Van saw the healer's eyes dart to his weapon hand, and the horseman narrowly sidestepped the end of Elem's pole as it was thrust past his bicep. Vanator's left had shot out, laying hold of the longer stick.

The Drykas' smile grew wide, showing strong white teeth. "Elem Bree, there is a warrior inside you! Rendering an opponent unable to wield their weapon, or 'defanging the snake' is a very legitimate tactic. Excellent. Remember also, when you strike, draw your weapon back quickly, strike with jabs. Otherwise, your opponent will grab the haft of your weapon, and then you are hobbled." He demonstrated by shaking the the stick they both had a grip on before letting go.

"Now, lets see what your instincts tell you to do." Vanator did not give Elem warning, wanting to test the man's natural sense of defense. He swung the stick in his hand as if it were an ax, in a wide arc towards Elem's head. If the healer was unable to stop the strike, Van would pull it just short of hitting his skull.

[Elem Bree]

Thrust denied! Well, Elem didn't really expect to make contact, but he was happy that he had caused Vanator to sidestep him. His words came with an equally wide grin from the Zeltivan. For a man who was raised in literal fields of combat to say that a warrior lived within Elem was a great honor. His instruction made sense. Jabs. The pole was an extension of his arm and he would not throw a punch so slowly and leave his arm out to be grabbed like that. Best ot remember to jab with the spear. Even the pole could cause damage if there was enough strength behind it.

The lesson being taught when Vanator grabbed the stick was not lost on Elem. He had chosen the longer weapon and while it was an extension and kept the foe at bay, it also gave more weapon to grab or otherwise disarm. "A stronger grip might help in that case? I suppose it depends on what kind of weapon you were using." His thoughts painted various implements of murder into the Drykas' hand, from his beloved ax to a sword to a club. Once the pole was released, Elem returned to his stance, though his mind was still trying to imagine the plethora of weapons that could be menacing him.

Fortunately, Vanator used the word instincts. Elem knew too well that when Morkal used this word that a punch might be flying at his head at any moment. His body snapped into posture just as the weapon his trainer swung slid toward his head. His natural instinct was to move his head the other direction. His whole body followed suit, the shaft of the imaginary spear coming up to block the weapon. Unfortunately, Elem was not used to the new center that the extra range of motion brought and he overdid it, throwing himself to the ground. With a solid thud, he rolled over until he was on his back, laughing.

"My instinct is throw myself on my back, apparently. We'll call it Helpless Turtle. Sheesh!" Still laughing, he used the pole as a prop to stand himself up, bringing it back into position. Just because he was a good sport didn't mean that he would relax. There could be another attack at any moment, after all.

[Vanator]

Elem's reaction to Vanator's strike was quick, and he brought the pole up to block. That is what the Drykas was looking for, but he did not expect the man to end up on the ground. Vanator joined in the laughter, glad the man was not discouraged and able to laugh at himself. "Not bad, you blocked with the weapon, which is what you want to do if you can't evade. The balance thing you will get quickly." When Elem stood again, Van dropped his stick and held out his hand.

"Let me see the pole for a moment." Taking the longer pole, he held it like Elem had, for a forward thrust. "Let me show you something, when I thrust, grab the pole." Van jabbed at Elem with the pole, deliberately off to his side, so he could easily dodge it. When the man seized hold of the pole, Vanator did not try to pull it away. Instead, he took a long step forward until he was close to Bree. He let go of the pole altogether, one hand sliding up to wrap around the back of Elem's neck, the other snatching the dagger tucked in the back of the belt and brought the tip to the Zeltivan's neck.

"The spear, or ax, or sword, are tools. Its a good thing to remember not to focus your effort soley on them." The dagger lowered, the hand behind Elem's head moved to tap the man's forehead. "This is the weapon. If someone grabs your spear, you have options. If you can rip it free, take it, but don't get into a deadly tug of war over the tool, examine your situation, let it go if you can make the kill another way."

Van stepped back, handing the pole back to Elem. He had a question, a favor to ask. The Denusk just wasn't sure until now of whom to ask it. Kavala was busy, Iris was so secluded, and Seriff had so many pursuits of his own. Having got to know Elem a little better, the Zeltivan seemed a good candidate. Vanator tucked the dagger back into the sheath at his back and crossed his arms over his chest.

"Elem, would you be able to teach me a little medicine? I know very little, I have had to field dress wounds before, but if I knew even a little about first aid or treating sickness, I would have the ability to help do even more around here." Kavala's brother had found a wealth of knowledge at the Sanctuary, not only in the small library, but in the diverse people that have gathered under its roof. His life was renewing, and the veteran Drykas wanted to expand who he was, beyond the limits of his grassland history.

[Elem Bree]

Standing, Elem took the advice from Vanator, nodding as he handed the pole over. Balance was something that had to be learned from the body, much like the new muscles he was developing. As he grew and changed, he suspected many things would become new and then become practiced and learned, thus becoming second nature. Such was the essence of training. The pole was thrust at him, obviously in a manner for him to grab it, which Elem did. Elem jerked a little at the motions that Vanator did, finding himself at the tip of a dagger in an instant. He could tell that it was a practiced maneuver and would be an instant kill at full speed,though he did not jerk with the blade at his throat.

Relaxing a bit once the dagger was moved away, Elem agreed with the statement. "I understand. My instincts wanted me to pull you toward me once you had the pole and punch you square in the face. Glad I didn't, since your reactions are quick and practiced." Elem's would be as well, eventually. he had to train that hidden warrior within to react as well as act. he took the pole back and planted it firmly in the soil, holding it like a staff as he listened to Vanator's plea.

"I'd be more than happy to show you, Van. Is it alright if I call you that?" Elem's mind already began to work at the idea of being the teacher instead of the student. It would be a satisfying prospect to help someone else out and give back, since he had learned so much already from his colleagues and compatriots. "I am going back to the Tuvya tomorrow, but we can get together in a few days if you like. I am honored to be able to share my knowledge with you, since you are gracious enough to show me your combat expertise. Do you know anything about grappling? It occurred to me when we were tied up that my boxing won't help me inside arm's reach. I could probably use some help there too."

Without so much thinking, another instinct occurred, this one not of the combat variety. Elem's hand came out toward his new friend, palm extended. "I think we can learn a lot from each other, Van. I am glad to have a friend here who is a man and shares my interests."

[Vanator]

When Elem explained what his instinct was when Vanator grabbed the 'spear', that is, to punch Van in the face, the Drykas nodded. "No, thats actually good. Same concept, hitting me in the face would still be better than wasting energy fighting over the spear."

Vanator smiled when Elem agreed to return the favor with some medical training, and offered his friendship. The Drykas had realized that the staff had not really warmed up to him. That was his fault in large part, having been rather sullen and keeping to himself most of the time. When Kavala suddenly announced his role last night, her brother sensed some trepidation, or at least reluctance in the other residents. They were nice, but he was still an outsider, older than them, a stranger who had been given authority, having only Kavala's word that he was capable of such responsibility. The Drykas understood he would have to earn their respect. Even from the younger Denusks.

It was time, though, to get to know them, to truly become part of Sanctuary. Elem, a kind soul, would be the first to become his friend. "Thanks Elem, to be honest, I could use some friends. I love my sister dearly, but, like iron sharpens iron, a man needs other men to better himself...sometimes to just share a drink!"

Vanator took a step back when Elem asked about ground fighting. "I have had no training in grappling, other than a few harmless brawls, and just goofing around. Kashik was quite a wrestler." The grasslander winked and grinned. "I would imagine the same school that teaches boxing would also instruct in grappling and ground fighting." The Denusk took a moment to make another recommendation. "I would also suggest you take some time to do some target shooting with one of the crossbows from the armory, since you already have some experience with it."Trial by fire more like, since Kavala had thrust one in his hands during the Zith attack and compelled him to use it. "We have a target you can set up for that. Also, you may have seen the padded practice pole set up Top. Feel free to take one of the spears from the armory and spend some time practicing attacks on the pole. And anytime you want a practice or sparring partner, let me know. If I cant help teach you something, I will let you beat on me until you figure it out! Oh, and I will work on a boxing bag for you too."

Taking the poles, Vanator tossed them aside. The men had talked more than Van had planned, but that was alright, today was as much about getting to know Elem as it was to get him started in fitness. The Drykas hoped the short session would motivate Elem to continue working on his physical fitness, and pursue more arms training. Van would help him all he could. "As far as keeping in good shape, If you would like, we could start a morning routine, just some push ups and sit ups. Maybe Serrif could as well, he had invited me to join you two on your morning runs. Now...why don't we drop and do another set of twenty push-ups?"

[Jackalope]

Elem

Award

Skill	XP Earned	Lore Earned
Running	+1	Basic Pushup Form
Observation	+3	Crunches vs Situps
Bodybuilding	+2	No Use in Cheating
Socialization	+2	Basic Warmup Stretches
Short Spear	+2	How Kavala and Van Came to be Related
		Basic Combat Stance
		Avoiding Getting Hit By Falling Down
		Making Sure You Keep Your Options Open
		Making a Friend

Santa

Award

Skill	XP Earned	Lore Earned
Bodybuilding	+1	Teaching the Basics
Teaching	+4	Giving a Basic Workout Regiment
Observation	+2	The Denusk Pavilion Lives On In It's Own Way
Socialization	+2	Instructing Combat Stances
Dagger	+1	Using a Dagger as a Backup
		Making a Friend

Witty Remark Here

Entertaining read, you two. Van, I didn't award you any axe because you're far too skilled to get anything out of a wooden stick treated as an axe. Looking forward to watching you guys continue to improve yourselves! No one will be able to mess with the Sanctuary. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your grade, please send me a PM and we can figure it out.