Completed [The Bronze Woods] Friendly Sparing (Clemens Kos)

[Arden Whitevine]

28th of Winter 514, just outside of The Bronze Woods

It had been a few days since Arden had met Clemens, they had agreed to meet up again because he was going to teach her some sparing moves. Arden couldn't lie, she was truly excited to see her friend again, especially since the first encounter was merely by accident. The wound in her leg had healed well, just a small scar remained, light pink and slightly raised, every time she touched it a small smile spread across her face. Arden was waiting inside her cabin for Clemens to come by, since she wasn't all that familiar with the woods, it would help if she didn't try to find a nice clearing on her own. Knowing her, she would get lost and that wouldn't be fun for either of them. She strapped the small sword onto her back, she thought about it for a while and wondered if she should bring the small shield with her as well. Guess that's a question Arden would have to ask him once he arrives. Pacing around her small cabin she waits, patience wasn't something she was good at either. She walked over to a shined piece of metal on her wall, since she hadn't bought a mirror yet, this metal did a fair job. Arden touched her softly tanned cheek, before running her hand threw her brown hair. She sighed and went to sit at her table, she hated waiting. As each minute went by she tapped on the table, her slender fingers drumming an unknown beat. As side from the taping she watched her door in silence. She slumped in her chair, abandoning the drumming. Her thoughts went back and forth, should she go or stay. Wait for Clemens or go find him herself. Arden sighed heavily, oh she didn't know what to do. Today was just a really exciting day, then it hit her. "I need to pack some provisions." She jumped up and nearly knocked her table over. She ran over and grabbed her side bag. She threw in a few herbs that would help in case of an accident, then she walked over to her small ice box. Since she had separated her rations into small leather bound bundles it was easier to just grab two and toss them into the bag also. "Geez Arden, almost forgot to pack stuff." She sighed heavily again, shaking her head. She had never been this forgetful before.

[Clemens Kos]

Being lazy is not a blessing, but a curse. Sometimes, like this day, was one of these days. The man was lying on the bed, with his legs and arms extended to form an X, letting his limbs hang over the slightly too small bed. Not that he minded. His mask was pulled of his face, and his vambrace was just now re-attached to his armor. He knew he had to go somewhere, because he promised to go, but just a minute more wouldn't hurt anymore. He recently finished eating, and was now lazily watching the small black rat Nibbles running over his chest, and nibbling on the crumbs he still had left from his meal. It was an enjoyable sight watching how someone else was so thorough at cleaning. His unarmored, and ungloved right hand was extended, rubbing a finger against the thin fur with a smile on his face. Finally after a while, he managed to sleep well. No more nightmares about giant swords and squirrels, which was following him for more than a week now. That's the main reason he actually offered the spar in the first place. He needs to get better at defending himself, or he'll end up dead. Dead, or in chains. Neither of those options seemed like something he'd enjoy. So he was going to fight with that girl he recently met. That's always fun. After all, she was friendly, and as he has come to understand, kind of cute. Why shouldn't he spend some more times with such a person. "Sqeak!" He heard coming from the rat that was currently curled around just above his belt, nibbling the last of the crums he managed to find. This gift he recieved always managed to make him smile. Something he usually doesn't manage to do. But here, being able to not be bothered and able to not be alone, he could relax. Now all that he needed to more, is close his eyes, and enjoy the quiet. ..."Squeak!" Or not. One knows that this is a sad state of affairs, if the pet rat is more responsible than the master is. "I know, I know." He muttered out, more like talking to himself than the rat. He usually had these talks, using the pet to serve as his coinscence. Like now, he used it as an excuse to scold himself of being so lazy. Finally, he decided to raise from the bed, and walk up to the corner. He leaned the halberd on his shoulder, and ran the dagger into it's scarrab on his waist. All that was left to do, was pull up the mask, and collect the keys from the table. Sooner rather than later, he had left Nibbles alone in the locked room, and made his way out of the city, to meet up with his new friend who was probably already waiting for him. Now being day and the path clear, he realized he didn't need all that long to get to their rendezvous location. The next thing he remembered, was standing infront of the door, his plated arm being lifted up, and delivering a few knocks against the wood to reveal his arrival. As he waited for the doors to open, he went with his hand through his hair, whom he actually bothered to get in line for this situation, so it didn't look 'all' bad. Where he still looked like some mass murderer, at least he had a pinned smile on his lips underneath that mask. He was happy, after all. Not usually did he get to met a friend.

[Arden Whitevine]

Arden’s head snapped up as she heard the short knocks at the door. “Took you long enough,” She said with a laugh, getting up and opening the door. Arden stood looking at Clemens, a dark navy dress over brown leggings, cinched at the waist with a black belt, it all fitted nicely. Her brown leather boots up to her knee, the small leather strap of her sheath crossing over her chest. “Morning,” She smiled. Grabbing her side bag and her coat she walked out of her cottage and closed the door. “So where are we headed to today?” She asked, de-tangling the lose waves of her hair. Since her leg had healed, she had no problem putting weight on it any more. Seeing as their last encounter all he did was carry her. But if she hadn't injured herself, accidental of course, a friendship would not have been made. Arden looked up at the tall man, she really didn't notice his height until recently. She felt short, her five foot height seemed to barely reach his shoulder, but then again, he was standing on a higher spot then she was. “I was thinking maybe a small clearing. I think there’s a small one near the watch tower, or Pavi lake.” The weather had warmed slightly, a bit of the ground was visible under the snow. Considering the weather it could either snow or rain at this temperature. Maybe the lake wouldn't be a good idea, some unwelcome critters could spell disaster. Especially if a large wild cat comes. She gave a small shiver at the thought. Arden has yet to encounter such a creature, in Avanthal it was mostly snow leopards, but they barely came close to the holds. In Syliras, there was all kinds of harmful animals. Anyway, Arden always felt that she talked to much, whether it be friendly chatter or rambling from shyness. Arden went to say something else but stopped herself. Instead of continuously interjecting she would stay silent and just wait patiently for her friend to respond. She hated it when she rambled on. So instead she played with a purplish-brown strand of her hair, twirling it around her slender fingers, watching it curl before letting it fall back into place. She looked at him again and something caught her eye, a crumb. She laughed to herself, it seems that he was unaware of it, so she for herself, she would see how long it would take him to notice.

[Clemens Kos]

Was greeted, like how they departed, with a smile from the Vantha. Now, if he didn't know any better, he'd guess that the woman infront of him just got a new dress, or something akin to that. Quite a comical, yet egotistical thought followed, as his mind decided that that was probably because she was meeting him, and not because maybe she needed more wardrobe. It was simply better to think that way. Whatever it was, however, made him think about investing some money in more variety for his own closet. Money was so hard to come by, after all. A disapointing turn of events, even though he wasn't used on actually buying things for himself to begin with. First, his parents did, and then the slavers threw some rags in his direction every so often. Looking at this quite more tidy person infront of him made him think about his own choises. He had to try really hard to prevent a sigh from escaping his lips, as he didn't want to actually put her in a bad mood, simply because he was overthinking everything again. So, what he did, was simply lift his free hand up, and offer a wave, with his wrist moving from side to side, acompanied by a nod of his head. "Good morning. Sorry for being late, but I had to feed my pet before I left. He gets cranky." What he said wasn't really a lie, then he did come in late because of the rat, and said animal was also eating. Probably a bad idea to say he's late because lying in bed felt like such a great idea. "I suggest nowhere too far. We don't really need a lot of space, anyways. The lake...Eeeh, probably not. Let's just walk in a direction, and find a spot that looks suitable. After all, you're probably not going to have the luxury of picking the battlefield if you're attacked." He explaiend further, recalling his own ambush a few days ago. His eyes did trail over her person, however. Her new addition seemed interesting enough. The sword which was still in her sheet looked quite smaller than the halberd he was carrying, even though it was probably faster because of it. He hummed, as he motioned to the south, and began to walk at a slow pace, easy for her to catch up with him. His own weapon was resting against his left shoulder, being lazily carried by it's own weight, with only a hand placed there to prevent it slipping, and accidently cutting something, or someone with it. He didn't really think or plan of fighting with the assassin's dagger. It's very purpose was to inflict gaping wounds which were difficult to mend, and he simply didn't want to do that to his friend. Even though there was still the risk of being hurt. He looked at her, and nodded. "First thing's first. Let's try not to kill each other just yet, hmm? Minor injuires are fine. They heal quikly. But do be careful none the less, alright?" He commented as they walked, seemingly being much more better at a conversation this time around. After all, it wasn't a stranger in his hands he was trying to talk to, but someone he knew from before.

[Arden Whitevine]

Arden quickly caught up with him, and nodded to his words. Of course the goal was not to kill each other, and yes, minor wounds could occur. Most likely to him, see as she had never wielded a sword before in her life. He was also right about the lake, now she was thinking that they would just walk for a while before he pulled his sword on her. Smirking at the thought, she might run the other way if that happened. She walked methodically beside him, the belt buckle at her waist clicking softly with each step, and with each step she felt the ground squish under her boots. He looked the same, same mask, same hair if not maybe a little longer, same dark coat and vambraces. As for her, she had gotten the dress for this outing. Arden’s mind thought of the pet he had mentioned, she wondered what it could be, a burly dog perhaps, maybe a bird of prey. “What kind of pet?” She asked after some silence and distance. She was still unsure of where they were going but they were going somewhere. Arden started to kick some snow as they walked, sending wet chunks of mush into the air, sometimes they hit her arm or chest and she’d brush it off, other times she noticed that some had hit Clemens. Being twenty never stopped her from acting like a child at times. Maybe she would get a pet she thought, but the training could be difficult, as much as she loved animals she didn’t know if it was worth it. Arden pulled at the strap on her chest. She really didn’t know now to use this sword. “I think, before we even get into sparing, you’ll have to teach me how to use a sword properly.” She gave a nervous laugh. “I really don’t want to harm myself or others. Plus I don’t think I brought along enough herbs for any major wounds.” She grimaced at the thought. Maybe she should have brought more along with her, but it’s too late now. The best that she would be able to do is put unfrozen moss on the wound and tie it with braided tall grass; it would keep it fairly clean until they reached her cottage again. And this time she plans on not getting injured. Arden thought about that stray crumb again and giggled, she was surprised he couldn't feel it moving as they walked. A single piece dirt would drive her crazy if she could feel it.

[Clemens Kos]

The two were walking, making their way to a small clearing infront of the two, with the woods starting to spand on the right, and a crossroads near-by. Fact was, it was dangerous finding a place that would be really away, because here, any stray patrol or tradesman could notice them, which should be enough to get any unwanted attention off their trail. "I've got a rat. Named him Nibbles." He explained, nodding as he did so. Even though he was wearing a mask underneath, mentioning that little rodent made him smile. Even though he has gotten odd looks before, if he decided to bring the little guy down for a drink into the tavern. People were wrinking their noses, and frowning. He knew they simply though of rats as some vile, filthy creatures that live in mud and dirt, but that didn't bother him. His little friend never smelled, is always clean, and probably acts much more tamed than any stray cat or dog. However, he simply didn't know how his little friend would react to this news. She'd probably thing both the owner and the pet of something filthy. After all, he was still wearing the same thing, even though cleaned. His smile did fade, however, underneath his mask, hoping that that wouldn't be the case with this conversation. He disliked to be judged. Slowly, he came to a stop, walking only so far to find a few rocks on the ground, covered by a faint amount of snow. Reaching down, his glove would skim across it, pushing it away and leaving him with a pretty nice chair. Turning around on his heels, and planting his behind on the rock, he finally released the halberd, placing it on the ground, and leaning it against his lap, so that the sharp edge was facing towards him. He didn't want to shove the blade in her face, after all. That would simply be ill mannered and probably not a good idea, as he remembered the meeting of the two, and the bleeding leg. He hoped that isn't going to repeat itself today. It was a quite sunny day, given the circumstances and the time of year, so if would be sad if one would to sour the mood with a missing finger, or two. that thought in itself made him somewhat frown, as he remembered his own missing finger, which was hidden under the material of his glove. That was a story for another time. "One thing before we begin, Arden. I'm not a knight, so I hope you wont expect any detailed instructions. I'll simply tell you what I've witnessed, and experienced by myself." He needed to say that. He was in no way good, or skilled. All he had was experience in losing. "The whole thing is simple. Stick them with the pointy end." Was his whole explanation. "You'll hold your sword by the handle, and keep the blade away from you. If someone gets too close, you try and whack them with the edged part. Don't bother stabbing, yet. I don't think you're fast enough to warrant a hit. Use the whole side, and you'll probably hit something." His tutoring seemed as good as it can get, as he chuckled to himself. Finally, he decided to stand up. "Oh, and. if you take a swing, careful with how much force. If you hit something hard the sword with shake, so keep a firm grip."

[Arden Whitevine]

Arden stopped beside him, pulling her leather sheath and placed it onto a small snow mound beside her, then she removed her bag, placing it down beside the sheath. "Rats are cute. They are not as filthy as people seem to believe. Well not all rat species anyway." She said, shifting her weight from one leg to the other. She toyed with the hilt of her sword. "I just hope I don’t hurt you at all." She gave a half smile, pushing snow around with the toe of her boot. "And you sure a patrol won’t see us. They might get the wrong idea with the sparring. And I took you as a mercenary actually. You don’t look much like a knight." She gave a small to him. She unclipped her sheath and pulled at the hilt and brought out the thin, light sword. For the first time since she had bought it, she weighed the sword in her hand. It was balanced fine, like a fine knife. "So I just make sure to stick the pointy end at my attacker?" With that she laughed and back up a few paces. "Shouldn't be that hard really." She brought blade up so that it was level with her waist. "Might as well get started, only way to learn is by doing right." With one hand on the hilt and the other hand tucked her hair behind her ears, her eyes turned a mischievous red-purple-blue shade, mixed like a tri-coloured marble. A smirk played on her lips as she stared at him. With all that he was wearing it might weigh him down, that could be ideal for her anyway. "Maybe after this we could have more tea." She circled around him, tapping his leg with the flat side of her blade. She knew enough what was dangerous about a sword, considering they are close to a knife blade. Then she circled back to where she began. Laughing as she went on, getting louder and more joyful as she waited for him. She crouched to the ground and smiled mischievously, she touched the snow make a very thin layer of ice between them. A visible line now on the ground. "Ice reaving can be fun sometimes." She laughed and touched the small slightly raised mark on her collar bone, slightly paler then her skin, her eyes sparkled at the joy of learning something new.

[Clemens Kos]

"You think? I'm happy to hear." He replied, finding it amusing she didn't bash his little Nibbles with screams of disgust. After all the comments he got, hers made him slightly happier. She was right, after all. It wasn't a dirty animal by itself, but it needed to be to survive. If it can survive without, it doesn't need to be. Simple logic, which proves itself every time he comes back home into his little room, and it does not smell. Or if it does, it's not because of the rat but the neglection of cleaning duties by Clemens himself. Funny, really. The rat was probably cleaner than he was. And then it just hit him, from out of the blue. He should get a bath sometimes soon. He wrinkled his nose from underneath the mask, wondering how much money that would cost him. Getting the water together was a pain, specially in winter. Spring and the such, was easier. The lake or a river were welcoming, if one was careful not to be robbed in the meanwhile. He should just get some once he gets back to the tavern he was staying at, before he becomes the rat people think his pet is. Even more filthy. Clemens simply reached for his halberd, wrapping his hands around the wooden shaft. One hand near the bladed end, and one at the middle of his weapon. The blade itself pointed at the woman infront of him, and the head rested somewhere bellow his left shoulder. He simply watched as she began to circle him, looking down as the broad side of the sword connected with his leg. At that time he even noticed the crumb that was on his chest, quickly releasing his weapon to flip it off his self. He quietly wondered if she perhaps didn't see that. Disapointing, really. Forgot to even clean himself up before meeting his friend. With a sigh, he returned the grip of his weapon, and nodded. "Tea sounds fine. If I'll have fingers to grab the cup." He said in a teasing motion, before he swirled the weapon he had in his hands, letting the blade draw an 8 in the air infront of him, before he slammed the butt of the shaft into the ground bellow. He didn't really know what this ice reaving was, and simply tipped his head to the side as he watched her kneel down and touch the snow. Did he get something in his eyes just now, or did he completely miss the thin line of ice? It should of been there before, he guessed, as something like that simply can't appear from thin air. Confused, and warry, as he didn't know how to respond. "Huh? Ice reaving? Like...Ice carving? Sculptures, or?"

[Arden Whitevine]

“I wondered when you would notice the crumb.” Arden stood up and winked. “At birth each Vanthian receives a gnosis, a snowflake. It varies in size and shape like all snowflakes. Ice reaving is the gift given by Morwen when we receive are gnosis, it helps us live in the cold.” She stepped back and smirked, the light catching her tri-colour eyes. “I'll tell you more about it, if you teach me more about sparing.” She pulled back her hair and tied it up in a high pony tail. The loose waves cascading down her back. “I can tell you a lot about Vantha people.” Arden stepped lightly behind the line she made on the snow. The it was close to noon now, so the sun was drifting in through the trees. The light danced across her face, sparkling in her eyes, and shining across her sword. A smile playing across her lips, “Gonna cross the ice?” Arden relaxed in stance, tipping her sword down, she waited patiently. In her mind Arden knew that she would have to remove the ice, she always corrects what she changes once the use of the purpose is no longer needed. She also felt the weight of the sword ache in her arm. She was not a highly muscular girl, like most Vantha, she was slim in nature. The sword was more that what she was used to carrying. Arden pushed a stray hair off her face, lifting her sword again."You're so funny Clemens. I'm sure you'll have enough fingers left." She laughed at the thought.

[Clemens Kos]

Listened, but it didn't really make a lot of sense. It did however sound like some spiritual gibberish, which he really didn't want to bother with. If it was like that, and this Morven is a god she listens to, then he decided to drop the whole subject on the spot. He didn't need to know any more than she just told him, simply because talks like this sometimes turn really sour. With friends bashing each other on the head because their god is better than everyone elses. He didn't need that. Or, he thought he didn't need that. So what if his friend was able to summon ice with her fingers. Even though that sent a shiver down his spine. That's a crazy thought in itself. He wondered what else she could do that she wasn't telling. And just like that, he decided it's best not to wonder that. His mind was known to wander places it shouldn't, and a creepy picture with Arden throwing fire at him because he asked too much was something he didn't need to see. He violently shook his head, as if forcing himself to forget of such a thing, and focus on the task at hand. The two were about to spar. And if one wants to learn how to defend himself, one should know when to act. Clemens nodded to himself, delivering a kick to the shaft of the halberd, which caused the butt to be send forward. Within the same motion, he reached to grab the wood with both of his hands, and lead the blade into another eight-shaped swing infront of him, before he finally took his stance, with his left foot shifting forward slightly, resting the majority of his weight on that leg. With a slow, and with a big wind up on his halberd, he decided to take it slow, at first. "First of, you need to see what weapon you have, and one weapon the other one has. So you know if you need to parry, or deflect, or simply run away from a fight. My weapon is a lot heavier, so I suggest you don't go and try to deflect it. Parry it instead." His instructions were clear enough, at least for his own standards. Simply thanks to the reach, and the weight of the weapon it would be a lot easier for him to overpower the woman, if she decided to lock weapons. After the wind up, he came at her with a diagonal swing, aiming at her weapon, and not her as a person, simply to minimize the actual damage that could happen if she did a stupid move. His muscles were tensing, however. Doing this like he was doing it, slow and steady, was a bigger strain on his muscles. He felt his legs trying to keep the aditional weight up, and his hands that were working on keeping his weapon balanced, and in his hands. His fingers wrapped tightly around the halberd, strong enough to not lose it mid swing, and lob it somewhere dangerously. He didn't say it, but he liked the fact he had someone to spar with. Someone to train with. He wanted to become better. Stronger. Able to defend himself. And not be humiliated, as he was before.