84th of Frost, 119th of Steel
The Trail to Freedom, Part II
Leliana and Arangyl woke earlier that morning than usual, roused by the nickering of their pack horse. She was notably sore after her first day handling a sword followed by a long hike through the mountains. As they crawled out of their tents to investigate the commotion they found that he had become entangled in his line but made quick work of freeing him and setting him back out to graze.
Fully awake now and with no reason to return to their bedrolls, they packed away their tents and went about making breakfast. Lily fetched fresh water while her father tended the fire, and soon they had an acceptable spread--as far eating on the road went. When they settled down by the warmth to eat and drink, Arangyl continued his lectures from where he'd left off before.
"There are universal principles everyone should follow when training swordsmanship, or in combat," her father explained as they drank their morning tea by the campfire. "The most basic goal is to deliver the ending blow without receiving one yourself. Simple enough, but simplicity is often overlooked or even overshadowed by showmanship." She nodded as she took another sip and he continued. "The most important components I want to focus your initial training on are physical conditioning, mental fortitude, deception, confidence, rhythm, intimidation, timing, distance, and specifically caution."
"All of these have to do with learning how to use a sword?"
"If you want to use it well, yes. It translates to more than just utilizing a blade though. These principles can be applied to all weapon work. You just so happen to be learning it first with the longsword. Most are timeless and self-explanatory principles, but some of them require a mentality that take years to train. Other are simple tricks that can give you an edge over your opponent. Battle and war is chaotic in nature, and most plans don't survive first contact with an enemy. By keeping core techniques in mind, you're more likely to succeed and therefor survive."
"Physical conditioning will come naturally with practice and proper handling. You mustn't train by yourself because it will create bad habits and poor technique if allowed to go unchecked--at least until you are competent and I'm confident in your abilities. Although, even then it's best to train with someone at least your equal so you may continue to develop."
"What if there's no one to help me?"
"One should always take it upon themselves to seek out the company of new peers and teachings for a fresh perspective. I can't imagine you'd have trouble finding someone no matter where you go, especially while we are in Atinaw."
"What else?"
"Awareness is key. Not only awareness of your surroundings and your enemies, but also of yourself. Remaining calm in a fight can be the difference between life and death. We will begin daily meditation in the mornings and evening when we have the time. After our tea of course." Leliana grinned from behind the rim of her cup.
"Being deceptive--this may seem dishonorable to some but fighting fair is the surest way to get yourself killed. Some cultures frown upon it, others not so much. For the most part, foul play should always be expected. Never think your opponent won't stab you in the back, because if they have the chance they probably will--and you should too."
"On that note, timing and distance is very important. It sounds simple, but striking at the right moment and being close enough or far enough away is a skill all its own. If you're out of reach of reach of your opponent that can save your life, but it saves theirs as well. You have to be able to decide what the right proximity is depending on the kind of opponent you're fighting. If they have a knife or dagger, the length of your sword is an advantage. If they have a crossbow, you had best get closer. Knowing this will come with experience."
"What about rhythm?"
"Ah yes. Rhythm can be very complicated. You need to have a flow to your movements, and that only comes with more--"
"Practice?" she interjected and he smiled indulgently.
"Yes. Practice, and plenty of it. You must be careful though. Being too predictable and falling into a repetitive pattern is the bane of a swordsman. If your opponents can read you, I assume you know what that outcome could be."
"I can imagine."
"Not everyone can predict their opponents rhythm though. Each opponent is going to be different. That's why you must be cautious. Never be timid, but have enough common sense not to underestimate your enemy. Have confidence in yourself, but never be overconfident. Many a mouse have slain giants. Don't make the mistake of assuming you are the behemoth. Also, don't assume that you are a mouse. Don't let intimidation make you hesitate."
"Everyone attempts to intimidate the lesser opponent. If you can overcome the fear and uncertainty, it will help you maintain a clear mind and focus. Do you understand?"
"I believe so," she conceded. It seemed straightforward, and like he had said would just take practice.
"Are you ready to begin?" She nodded. "Fetch your sword and come with me." Arangyl led her to the fringe of their camp and summoned his blade. Watching him do so stirred a curious sense of excitement in her belly as she pulled her own weapon from its scabbard.
"There are eight basic angles of attack when you are cutting. Straight down, straight up, diagonally down to the right or left, diagonally up the right or left, and horizontally from the left or right. There are other possibilities, but ultimately they are variations of these eight angles. This includes thrusts, which are relatively simple." He slowly walked her through each one, arcing his blade in the motions as he listed them and she followed carefully, trying to mirror the steps.
"Arguably the best way to win is to take every opportunity to go on the offensive than waiting to counter your enemy's attacks."
"Like with the element of surprise?" she asked sheepishly and her father grinned despite himself. She had sprung at him almost immediately when given the sword yesterday, and although he was worlds ahead of her in skill it had managed to throw him off balance.
"Yes. Like with the element of surprise... Although I would have rather you had been patient during our first lesson and thought about your actions, in a real fight that is the proper though process to have." Her cheeks flushed.
"I guess I was being a bit overzealous."
"A bit." The words were softened by the smile on his face.
"How long did it take you to master your weapon?" Now he chuckled.
"I wouldn't consider myself a master despite my many years. I have applied myself to many endeavors over the course of my lifetime, and had numerous hobbies. I would more so consider myself a jack of all trades, though a master of very few indeed. Some people have the desire to dedicate themselves wholly to certain arts and skills. I never found I had that urge. That could change--Gods willing I still have many years left to pursue my interests."
"How old are you?" It might have been a rude question to anyone but her own father.
"I will soon see 183 years come the beginning of Glade. Your brother, he is nearly 100 years old now."
"Will I live that long?" This was a much more uncomfortable question, and it showed by her father's expression. He looked immediately more somber.
"No one could say for sure how exactly your mixed heritage will impact you. I can say that you will surely live longer than any average human--given no complications along the way, but by how much, I cannot guess."
"Hmm," she hummed, examining the blade in her hand thoughtfully. "I'll try to make the most of it, either way." When she looked up at her father he was smiling again.
"I hope beyond all hope that you do."
The Trail to Freedom, Part IV
The Trail to Freedom, Part II
Leliana and Arangyl woke earlier that morning than usual, roused by the nickering of their pack horse. She was notably sore after her first day handling a sword followed by a long hike through the mountains. As they crawled out of their tents to investigate the commotion they found that he had become entangled in his line but made quick work of freeing him and setting him back out to graze.
Fully awake now and with no reason to return to their bedrolls, they packed away their tents and went about making breakfast. Lily fetched fresh water while her father tended the fire, and soon they had an acceptable spread--as far eating on the road went. When they settled down by the warmth to eat and drink, Arangyl continued his lectures from where he'd left off before.
"There are universal principles everyone should follow when training swordsmanship, or in combat," her father explained as they drank their morning tea by the campfire. "The most basic goal is to deliver the ending blow without receiving one yourself. Simple enough, but simplicity is often overlooked or even overshadowed by showmanship." She nodded as she took another sip and he continued. "The most important components I want to focus your initial training on are physical conditioning, mental fortitude, deception, confidence, rhythm, intimidation, timing, distance, and specifically caution."
"All of these have to do with learning how to use a sword?"
"If you want to use it well, yes. It translates to more than just utilizing a blade though. These principles can be applied to all weapon work. You just so happen to be learning it first with the longsword. Most are timeless and self-explanatory principles, but some of them require a mentality that take years to train. Other are simple tricks that can give you an edge over your opponent. Battle and war is chaotic in nature, and most plans don't survive first contact with an enemy. By keeping core techniques in mind, you're more likely to succeed and therefor survive."
"Physical conditioning will come naturally with practice and proper handling. You mustn't train by yourself because it will create bad habits and poor technique if allowed to go unchecked--at least until you are competent and I'm confident in your abilities. Although, even then it's best to train with someone at least your equal so you may continue to develop."
"What if there's no one to help me?"
"One should always take it upon themselves to seek out the company of new peers and teachings for a fresh perspective. I can't imagine you'd have trouble finding someone no matter where you go, especially while we are in Atinaw."
"What else?"
"Awareness is key. Not only awareness of your surroundings and your enemies, but also of yourself. Remaining calm in a fight can be the difference between life and death. We will begin daily meditation in the mornings and evening when we have the time. After our tea of course." Leliana grinned from behind the rim of her cup.
"Being deceptive--this may seem dishonorable to some but fighting fair is the surest way to get yourself killed. Some cultures frown upon it, others not so much. For the most part, foul play should always be expected. Never think your opponent won't stab you in the back, because if they have the chance they probably will--and you should too."
"On that note, timing and distance is very important. It sounds simple, but striking at the right moment and being close enough or far enough away is a skill all its own. If you're out of reach of reach of your opponent that can save your life, but it saves theirs as well. You have to be able to decide what the right proximity is depending on the kind of opponent you're fighting. If they have a knife or dagger, the length of your sword is an advantage. If they have a crossbow, you had best get closer. Knowing this will come with experience."
"What about rhythm?"
"Ah yes. Rhythm can be very complicated. You need to have a flow to your movements, and that only comes with more--"
"Practice?" she interjected and he smiled indulgently.
"Yes. Practice, and plenty of it. You must be careful though. Being too predictable and falling into a repetitive pattern is the bane of a swordsman. If your opponents can read you, I assume you know what that outcome could be."
"I can imagine."
"Not everyone can predict their opponents rhythm though. Each opponent is going to be different. That's why you must be cautious. Never be timid, but have enough common sense not to underestimate your enemy. Have confidence in yourself, but never be overconfident. Many a mouse have slain giants. Don't make the mistake of assuming you are the behemoth. Also, don't assume that you are a mouse. Don't let intimidation make you hesitate."
"Everyone attempts to intimidate the lesser opponent. If you can overcome the fear and uncertainty, it will help you maintain a clear mind and focus. Do you understand?"
"I believe so," she conceded. It seemed straightforward, and like he had said would just take practice.
"Are you ready to begin?" She nodded. "Fetch your sword and come with me." Arangyl led her to the fringe of their camp and summoned his blade. Watching him do so stirred a curious sense of excitement in her belly as she pulled her own weapon from its scabbard.
"There are eight basic angles of attack when you are cutting. Straight down, straight up, diagonally down to the right or left, diagonally up the right or left, and horizontally from the left or right. There are other possibilities, but ultimately they are variations of these eight angles. This includes thrusts, which are relatively simple." He slowly walked her through each one, arcing his blade in the motions as he listed them and she followed carefully, trying to mirror the steps.
"Arguably the best way to win is to take every opportunity to go on the offensive than waiting to counter your enemy's attacks."
"Like with the element of surprise?" she asked sheepishly and her father grinned despite himself. She had sprung at him almost immediately when given the sword yesterday, and although he was worlds ahead of her in skill it had managed to throw him off balance.
"Yes. Like with the element of surprise... Although I would have rather you had been patient during our first lesson and thought about your actions, in a real fight that is the proper though process to have." Her cheeks flushed.
"I guess I was being a bit overzealous."
"A bit." The words were softened by the smile on his face.
"How long did it take you to master your weapon?" Now he chuckled.
"I wouldn't consider myself a master despite my many years. I have applied myself to many endeavors over the course of my lifetime, and had numerous hobbies. I would more so consider myself a jack of all trades, though a master of very few indeed. Some people have the desire to dedicate themselves wholly to certain arts and skills. I never found I had that urge. That could change--Gods willing I still have many years left to pursue my interests."
"How old are you?" It might have been a rude question to anyone but her own father.
"I will soon see 183 years come the beginning of Glade. Your brother, he is nearly 100 years old now."
"Will I live that long?" This was a much more uncomfortable question, and it showed by her father's expression. He looked immediately more somber.
"No one could say for sure how exactly your mixed heritage will impact you. I can say that you will surely live longer than any average human--given no complications along the way, but by how much, I cannot guess."
"Hmm," she hummed, examining the blade in her hand thoughtfully. "I'll try to make the most of it, either way." When she looked up at her father he was smiling again.
"I hope beyond all hope that you do."
The Trail to Freedom, Part IV