Stronger Than A Hollar

[Imass]

Ser Imass' face turned towards anger when the squire asked him to spar in a round-a-bout manner. For some reason, little things that Alexander did annoyed the proud Akalak to no end. The Knight had just sung an old and sacred tune; words that had kept him sane while he was locked away in the dungeon, but Faircroft did not show the slightest regard for them at all. The Squire showed much competency and skill in the warrior arts, but his mind seemed to be completely off. Imass couldn't understand it, but he was the most peculiar squire in all of Sylira.

"Do not ever ask me to spar in such a manner ever again, Squire," Imass said in a low, rumbling tone and piercing yellow eyes. Stepping towards the young man, he barred his teeth and spoke very slowly, attempting to get through to him, "The Blade is Sacred. The only way to have a true conversation with a man is through martial combat. You do not understand this now, but no words are needed to have a Tyveth-Blessed conversation. If you want to spar, merely draw your blade. We are Warriors first,"

Imass spat and waited to see if Alex was going to draw...

[Alexander Faircroft]

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

Seeing the bubbling rage dawn upon Alex’s face at the mere inquiry as to why they’d brought weapons. Alex had siomply thought they were just in case of any wild beasts or foreign creatures attacking them out in the wilderness during the climb. Now though a small fear dawned in the back of Alex’s mind, half worried that the infuriated Akalak would toss him down the cliff in a manner akin to what he’d done with the stairs Alex took a subconscious half step backwards. Though as the Akalak spoke about never asking for a spar that way again… Wait. Did Imass think that Alex was asking for a spar so high up with such little room for manoeuvring and footing?

The words he spoke held meaning and enough for Alex to know they weren’t born out of the intensity of a moment but the dedication to a life and a craft. A Tyveth-blessed conversation. Alex watched Imass step closer. Behind the stark yellow eyes Alex wasn’t sure if it was insanity or devotion driving him at this point.
“Ser. I didn’t mean to offend I was merely inquiring if we had needed the blades at all.” He spoke with a tone that tried to dispel the misconstrued comment. Though Imass was having none of it. With a long sigh Alex reached to his side drawing the bastard sword from its sheath with a long slow hiss. If words won’t reach him perhaps a language he fully understands will.

Alex swallowed dryly, unsure of how to act. He held his blade in front of him along a diagonal line across the front of his body. The tip of the blade at his left shoulder the guard and handle sown just infront of his right hip. His feet positioned for mobility and stability. He led with his left foot. Contrary to most other swordsmen who lead with their dominant foot. A long while back near the start of winter he’d learnt from one of the knights in the training grounds that twisting into a swing with his sword granted it more power. Due to this Alex also had his boy on a slight angle to Imass so that the blade could act as a shield as well. Sword a few inches away from his chest he held his stance. From what little Alex knew of the Akalaks they were often far stronger than they actually let on. So Alex couldn't go up against Imass in a contest of strength. He needed speed and technique to carry the day here. Basics first, fancy crap after. Words from Greyheart that resonated within his head. Something told him he should have pressed the advantage and that Imass would have. Leaving no room for him to react but that wasn’t how Alex acted, he right now wanted to speak with his sword. The only language he hoped would get through to Imass.

The difference between them was clear as day. It was the novice versus the veteran. The squire versus the knight. The tactician against the powerhouse. My money isn't on me here... The Moment Imass had his sword drawn and settled into stance Alex brought the tip of his bastard sword sailing across the expanse, pulling back with his left hand on the hilt. His stance unmoving just the sword shifting in a diagonal sharp, short, quick, slice.

[Imass]

Ser Imass looked onward as the Squire drew his blade and got into a popular stance; it seemed he was concerned with both offensive and defensive capability. He led with his left foot which was something Imass hadn't seen in awhile from him.

The Knight drew his blade slowly and silently, yellow eyes locked onto his opponent. Leading with his right foot, he was relaxed in his stance. He let his arms hang down, tension only his grip. He positioned the hilt next to his leading knee; the blade angled down towards the ground.

Faircroft threw a stab the moment the Blue Warrior got into his stance. The Akalak leaned his upper body backwards to dodge the strike. He did not respond with an attack, but instead shifted backwards five yards.

"Rude... Anxious.." The Knight rumbled an explanation intensely, trying to teach Faircroft the meaning of his action, "Feel the blade,"

Slowly, he widened his stance, not moving the position of his sword. He waited for Faircroft's next move.

[Alexander Faircroft]

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

His attack wasn’t countered or parried or even blocked like he assumed it would be. It was dodged. If it’s dodged it means it’s dangerous. Alex reset hiss stance now raising his blade higher keeping the tip at the same level he raised the blade horizontal across his shoulders. His left shoulder pointing towards Imass. The stance Imass had taken was. Orthodox but open. Almost inviting Alex to attack. Thankfully the strike hadn’t given him too much of an issue and had given him breathing room.

Imass held the stance blade low whilst Alex’s was high. Both presented a pair of in built openings wide glaring faults in the stance that held open to the opponent. Inviting an attack and forcing an exploitative attack. Alex had seen and used this technique enough times to know when he needed to be careful. Especially against someone as seasoned as Imass. He spoke calling his attack rude and anxious. It may have been rude but it was calculated and paced. Alex held an even passive expression. Now he stepped forwards slowly holding the stance but attempting a slow advance. Alex’s eyes weren’t focused on the blade as much as they were on Imass himself. Watching for any false positive of an attack.

Feel the blade? Alex shifted his grip slightly for better grip and comfort in the hold. Lessening the likelihood of being disarmed. He exhaled slowly, each potential angle was being measured in his head and each strike was open to a variety of counters and attacks. Live steel. No armour. No shields. “Training” didn’t get much more dangerous than this. Each step was measured and paced as he close the distance. He could feel the seat from the anticipation of the clash soaking into the wrap of the blade. Imass held the advantage of range with a similar weapon. Only a few inches of distance but it was more than enough to let him know he had a bigger danger zone. Standing just outside of it Alex held. He lowered the blade a gain to line up with the centre of his body Angled forwards. The tip aimed at Imass. He wasn’t going to attack. No they were going to play the waiting game. And knowing Imass’ personality as well as he thought he did by this point. Imass wasn’t one to wait long. Preferring to take action. Whilst Alex took the slower paced approach.

[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: Alex XP Award: Endurance 3 Climbing 2 Bodybuilding 1 Logic 1 Planning 2 Running 1 Investigation 1 Persuasion 1 Weapon: Bastard Sword 1 Tactics 2 Lore: Self: Feel exposed without armour Memories in the silence. Imass: Has unreasonable expectations. Following orders even when you know better. Tactics: Patience works well against the impatient. Rewards: +1 Shield Point for training Notes: A good thread, a shame that it never got finished. Imass if you do come back and sort out your seasonal expenses then I will be happy to grade this for you. Enjoy your grades.