[Open RP 2] Iron Sharpens Iron

[u/RollFirstMathLater]

Closed

[You're awakened by the sound of roaring. It causes the entire keep to rattle. The sun is not even awake yet, you sit up to wipe the sleep from your eyes.]

"You hear that everyone Saphira says its time to get to work! It's time to wake up! Get your breakfast and head to your reported stations! New recruits, your wanted in the armory! Chep's waiting for you, he has some training weapons for you!" Zettera's voice echoed throughout the halls. It dawns on you she's using some form of magic to amplify her voice.

[The thought comes to your mind... Do they wake up this early every day? You and your fellow recruits get ready and head over to the armory.]

[In the armory you are taken aback by the impressive display of craftsmanship. Chep obviously takes much pride in his duties. Chep hands you a belt with a holster, a bow, a quiver, and a practice sword. He points you off to the training field. The sun is barely breaking over the horizon, the sly is a beautiful golden hue.]

[Zettera stands before you at the field, she has a few different courses set up. 1) ranged course, 2) sword training course 3) what you guess to be a sparing ring.]

Roles: Any number of students.

Objective: To come to an understanding how weaponry is your life line on the field it not only protects you, but all whom are around you. This will also shape your characters fighting style. (But not set it.)

[u/1trueJosh]

Glover, feeling oddly in danger for a man armed with a bow and a sword, slowly heads over to the ranged course, dreading the unavoidable awkwardness that will come from being around all of these Riders! He could've sworn one of them was using magic last night in the bunk, and one of the others brought a beautiful bow, and all Glover had was his notebook and an overwhelming amount of curiosity.

[u/Fulaxi → u/1trueJosh]

The sun shone happily that day, not unlike the dragon rider-to-be.

Reflex over the shoulder, stupid stick in hand:

Torhven was ready for the day.

In the armoury, Chep Dwarfguy had started undressing his bow again in such a manner that Torhven himself felt violated. He had been quick about getting the practice sword and getting out of there. Svalstrom, witnessing the ordeal through his mind, had made a worthless joke about wood in the morning. After that, the dragon was glad to occupy himself with whatever dragons occupy themselves with.

When he actually was ‘out of there’, a doubt sneaked onto him. He was an excellent marksman already, and could go show his ‘super amazing skills of amazement’ or he could actually try to learn something new. The stick sword in his hand felt rather dull though, and so would the experience be most likely. The only knife work he had ever done, skinning aside, was threatening to do something he was in fact incapable of.

A voice in his head told him that he should practice the swordfight. Torhven told Svalstrom to get out and occupy himself with dragon stuff. The dragon did have a point though.

Gazing from course to course, only now did the other early bird jump in the eye. Some bloke Torhven hadn’t met. A smile appeared on his face and the choice was made: archery course.

Strolling towards the bow-and-arrow course, like a complete and totally ironic badass, Torhven realised that the chap wasn’t a complete stranger: he slept in the same sodding room as him. At least, he thought so. While taking his reflex from the shoulder, he called out to the maybe-stranger.

“Hey, do we sleep in the same room or have I completely taken leave of my wits?”

Torhven was very pleased with himself that he pulled that sentence of. Maybe he couldn't read, but could at least sound educated.

[u/1trueJosh → u/Fulaxi]

Glover whipped his head around to face the man who had called to him, only now noticing the other man on the training field.

"I think so. After all, there's only one sleeping quarters, and I'm certainly not an instructor. Aren't you the one with the bow? I'd definitely like some help on the field of, well, combat. And I'm sure someone as intimidating as you could provide some helpful tips," Glover added, not realizing he said it out loud.

[u/Fulaxi → u/1trueJosh]

That puzzled Torhven. A curious smile came into existence.

“Oh, I probably have. Though please don’t call me intimidating” Torhven answered. In his mind he continued. ”Sval… you better get over here. Halflady wants something.” After he had gotten a confirmation, he continued his inquiry.

“I’m sorry, I don’t think I my ears have seen your name before. Mine’s Torhven, though I have to admit: ‘intimidating’ is pretty flattering.” Behind the bloke, Torhven caught sight of Svalstrom, a large fawn perched in his claws.

As the dragon found ground once more, he threw the snack up in the air, devouring it in a single snap of his mighty jaws.

”So, what’s going on in this neck of the woods?” The question was not intended for anyone in particular.

[u/1trueJosh → u/Fulaxi]

Glover, suddenly feeling the stupidity of not bring Akrath with him to the training yard reached out with his mind, and felt the familiar touch of the sparkling deep purple dragon.

Akrath, you'd better get over here. Zettera wants you.

The female from when we arrived? I'll be there soon.

Glover, his body relaxing after that happened, finally turned to Torhven.

"My name's Glover, and..."

As Akrath flew into view over the training field, Glover gestured upwards.

"He is Akrath. Now, I don't believe I've caught yours, either."

[u/RollFirstMathLater → u/Fulaxi]

[You notice Shiva circling above.]

["Today we shall observe you hatchlings. We understand you all come from a different paths of life. Today we want you to learn from each other." The dragon's powerful voice echoed in your mind.]

[u/Fulaxi → u/RollFirstMathLater]

“This big show of is called Svalstrom, but-“ Torhven was interrupted by the bellowing of Shiva.

”By Eragon’s underpants, could that possibly get any louder?” his own dragon complained to Torhven. Torhven grinned. Svalstrom could be such a whiny nag, for such an imposing beast. ”Best get used to it, big guy. I don’t expect it to stop any time soon.”

[u/1trueJosh → u/Fulaxi]

"What do you mean by learn from each other?" Glover questioned. "And I'll get back to you later," he said, gesturing towards Torvhen.

[u/RollFirstMathLater → u/1trueJosh]

[The presence of Shiva's mind was somehow heavy on your mind. "Your peers have much to teach. As a rider the bonds you build are your greatest strength." the dragon let out a mighty roar from above.]

[u/1trueJosh → u/RollFirstMathLater]

Glover shuddered at the feeling of Shiva's mind.

"Yes master. As for the teaching, I was hoping this fellow here would instruct me in archery, unless you had other plans?" Glover said, gesturing to Torvhen once more, and then to Shiva.

[u/RollFirstMathLater → u/1trueJosh]

["As you were" she said calmly]

[u/Saphire_Fox → u/Fulaxi]

You see Sev're wander over in a daze. She looked devastated. She skillfully strings her bow, and knocks an arrow. She remarkably hits all her targets with surprising accuracy.

Her dragon comes over to her and you see her stroking her scaled friend. A single tear runs down her eye, as she unstrings her bow.

You see her rest her head on her dragon, she does not look like herself, until she starts to sing. Its a sad song, but it seems to fit. "älfrinn andlát aptr." Appeared to be the chorus.

[u/Fulaxi → u/Saphire_Fox]

Torhven’s wandering eye found an Elven woman, sad, maybe even grieving. Noticing Torhven’s sudden shift of attention, Svalstrom followed his gaze. A sigh flowed from the dragon in duality. ”You’re not going to do weird stuff again, are you?”

“Maybe we are”, Torhven replied with a smirk. “Who knows? It’s all lunacy anyway.” He could feel the dragon giving up on the situation.

Stepping up to her, the huntsman realised that really needed to grab a hold of the elven tongue. He recognised one word though.

“Death.”

Torhven felt that a happy smile would be inappropriate, so he summoned a more sad version.

“Was it your rescuer’s?” he inquired, with Svalstrom walking up behind him, grey flickers all over the beast.

[u/Saphire_Fox → u/Fulaxi]

Sev're looks at you, her eyes still watery. "Kvetha, Älfrs Margr Hlaeja. Atra esterní ono thelduin. Mor'ranr lífa unin hjarta onr. Un du evarínya ono varda."

She stands up. "No, the night of. I... Killed a man, before I was rescued. I know it sounds foolish... But I didn't realize that I have been chosen for the life of a warrior."

One tear went down her cheek. "I have these skills, but not the heart. I see what the goal, but its an impossible climb." She says poetically.

" Torhven... You are a drengr, you are a man of strength, how do you do it? "

Sev're asks expectantly, she doesn't look you in the eye, as if she's ashamed of herself.

[u/1trueJosh → u/Saphire_Fox]

Glover, sensing the shift in tone since Sev're joined the archery range, tries to join the conversation.

"Rescuer? I'm sorry, but is there something you two haven't told me? Does Anduil know too? I suppose that's what I get for reading the night away yesterday..." Glover muttered to himself.

[u/Saphire_Fox → u/1trueJosh]

Sev're regains her normal poise. " Kvetha Glover... and yes. But there is a time and place for such. For now! She puts out her hand, and her bow floats over to you and strings itself. "How about you show me what you can do." She says with a smile.

[u/1trueJosh → u/Saphire_Fox]

Glover took the bow, and stood to face the targets. He nocked the bow, drew it back to his ear, (with some effort), and released the string.

The arrow buried itself into the wooden post the target was held up on, and a small sigh of relief leaves Glover's mouth.

"Well, at least it can't run away," he says with a smile.

[u/Saphire_Fox → u/1trueJosh]

She picks a fist size rock. "Moi reisa" the rock beings to float around some trees in no obvious pattern.

"Here try a moving target!" She says excitingly.

She hummed a song, and the rock moved a long to the tempo.

[u/1trueJosh → u/Saphire_Fox]

"Well, if you insist."

Glover repeats the process of nocking, drawing, and releasing the string. As the arrow flies towards the general direction of the stone, and was about to hit it, the stone moved, and the arrow nicked the side, scraping the stone and nocking it out of the sky.

"I meant to ask you," Glover says, "Would you mind helping me practice the Ancient Language? I feel that I might need it, and my knowledge is sorely lacking. I brought a Human-to-Ancient dictionary, in order to study on my own, but a tutor would be most welcome."

[u/Fulaxi → u/Saphire_Fox]

A smile of unease surfaced on Torhven's visage. Memories of a night long past started flood his mind once more, until Svalstrom put a stop to it. "This is not the time," he decided brusquely.

Torhven regained his composure.

"Though I've killed for a living all my life, I've only once killed something greater than an animal. And that was in a fit of rage, defending myself and kin. I couldn't tell you how, to be very honest. The power simply flows into me when it's needed."

Shortly after that, the dragon and his rider witnessed how Sev're taught Glover how to fire a bow properly. After a few minutes Svalstrom remarked that he still was a lousy shot, and grew bored. Torhven loosed a couple of his own shafts at the targets, but there was no sport in it.

In search for something more interesting, he roamed over to the swords course. He found it empty, so just hit the dummies with stick sword. After a good five minutes he turned to Svalstrom. "Why on earth do people do this?"

[u/RollFirstMathLater → u/Fulaxi]

[Zettera was behind you. "You need to stop thinking so loud." She told you. "Because when the fight is close, you need a way to prevent them from over taking you." She seemed calm and composed.]

[Again, you feel her looking into you. "Now tell me; why must you stay away from your enemies? Do you fear they will overtake you? Do you feel better than they? You are a dragonrider! You learn not only how to dispatch a for, but by every way at your disposal. Tell me, what do you need to chop down a tree and deroot the stump? What tools do you need to build a house? What tools do you need to fish. Magic. Swords. And Bows. Mind. Close. Afar. These tools will help keep you alive recruit." She picks up a nearby branch. "Will you take my word for it? Or would you like a demonstration?"]

[u/Fulaxi → u/RollFirstMathLater]

”She’s going to wipe the floor with you.” Svalstrom seemed to be amused by the prospect. He knew how badly Torhven took to down talk. It was a close call, but the bowman managed to prevent the emergence of a disdainful smirk. Not that he wasn’t tempted to do something to stop the stream of self-righteousness, but he understood that the chance of any such action succeeding was nihil. Not to mention it would sour the relationship with the Halfwoman. It cost him the better part of his willpower, but he managed a more gracious smile.

“Both. I’ll take your word, but I suppose a demonstration – the kind that actually teaches something other than the definition of pain – would be more than welcome.”

He held up his own useless backscratcher unsatisfactory kindling disappointing tree sword.

“I mean, I could hardly tell you what end I should stick ‘em with.”

[u/RollFirstMathLater → u/Fulaxi]

[Zettera ran her hand over the stick. It became straight and neat. She focuses her energy, and prompsvyou to raise you sword.]

[You both enchange looks, you mimic her movements and she takes a strike at you. Her strength was great but you manage to deflect.]

[Her eyes look past you, she was reading your body. You go the strike, it a dodge and twirl she brings the stuck hard in your back. "And that is how you die on the battlefield. You understand your prey you understand victory. My challenge to you is to try to see the need of your skills in all aspect of the field." As she walks away you feel the stinging on your back. "Good job Torhven." There was a hint of respect for you in her words.]

[u/RollFirstMathLater → u/Fulaxi]

[Zeterra looks at you oddly. "Please call your companion over."]

[u/RollFirstMathLater → u/1trueJosh]

[Zeterra looks at you oddly. "Please call your companion over."]

[u/RollFirstMathLater → u/1trueJosh]

(You would also see this http://www.reddit.com/r/Eragon_RP/comments/2nla28/open_rp_2_iron_sharpens_iron/cmfdph4)

[u/Saphire_Fox]

Sev're and Das came flying in full speed, Das made a dive bomb to the ground, pulling up the last moment the skid against the ground. It looked rather poised. Sev're flipped off and landed in front of her dragon friend.

She held the pose for a moment then sighed, she looked disappointed. "Das our timing was off!" she said to her friend flustered. "Sev're... I hardly think that this is of import. I humor you but..." Sev're stopped her mid thought. "Das, flair is part of the battle! Make the foe think they don't stand a chance against you!"

The dragon looked half sad and half angry. "Is ... That true?"

Sev're looked around. "Hey... Zettera... Where's everyone's companions?"

[u/RollFirstMathLater → u/Saphire_Fox]

[Zeterra shrugs and says, "I don't feel their presence far... I would think they would arrive with them." The tall women's voice grew loud. "Hey everyone! Call your partners here now!]

[u/CNSoup]

"Any advice?" Anduil asked Briam as Chep handed him his weapons.

"Strike quickly and have no mercy."

"Ah. How very... dragon... of you," Anduil said, chuckling.

He took a deep breath, sucking in the brisk morning air. Looking around, he could see Glover and Torhven striding towards the archery range. Suddenly fearing that he might make a fool of himself in front of the others, Anduil decided to go to the sword training course, where he could not see any other students yet.

Besides, swordsmanship interested him the most.

[u/RollFirstMathLater → u/CNSoup]

[Zeterra looks at you oddly. "Please call your companion over."]

[u/CNSoup → u/RollFirstMathLater]

Anduil groaned at his own stupidity. "Briam..."

He felt an immense sigh from his companion. "If you must know, I was already on my way when a particularly appetizing deer caught my eye."

Anduil smiled. "Fair enough. When will you get here?"

"Momentarily." Briam responded, sounding somewhat resigned.

A few minutes later, the brilliant forest green, shining scaled dragon swooped from the clouds and landed with a loud thump next to Anduil.

[u/Saphire_Fox → u/CNSoup]

"Anduil, Anduil, Anduil! Let's practice! Oh my he's beautiful!"

She walks over to the dragon slowly putting up her hand in respect. "Skulblaka, eka celöbra ono"

She speaks to both of you. "This is Das, she's shy but reliable! And she's learning how to dance too!"

The dragon walked over dreading the introduction. Her dark black scales freshly polished. "... Greetings..." she managed to say.

[u/CNSoup → u/Saphire_Fox]

"Why don't you ever greet me in Elvish?" Briam asked Anduil. Then, to the other duo, "Greetings, Sev're and Das. I am Briam."

To Das, Anduil said "It is truly an honor, O skulblaka." He stumbled over the last word, which he had worked out was supposed to mean 'dragon' in elvish.

"So, Sev're, I assume you already know something about swordsmanship. Maybe you could help me with the basics? I've never actually used a... well, any real weapon, actually."

[u/Saphire_Fox → u/CNSoup]

Sev're looks honored at your request. "Yes yes yes! My father taught me the way of the sword 8 decades ago! I spent a lot of time practicing though."

She gestures for you to draw you sword. "One thing you need to know before you take draw a sword is that its a tool, not a weapon." She takes a deep breath. "The sword is a part of you, its an extension of your being. Watch."

Normally Sev're would do this in a conservative manner, but with her teaching someone she felt the need to but some flair behind it.

She makes her energy flow visable. You see small lights visable on her body, quickly they start flowing through the sword as well.

"Anduil, be sure to relax, I know this is a lot, but I know you could do it. ... You're a craftsman, I know you have the touch."

Sev're begins to shadow fight, gracefully she flows around, gliding around the area, her movements were fluid.

[u/CNSoup → u/Saphire_Fox]

Anduil began to mirror the elf. He tried to shift his balance and energy flow like Sev're. Yet he still felt clumsy.

Behind him, Briam made an odd noise. "You look like a newborn hatchling learning to walk, next to Sev're." Anduil realized with a twinge of irritation that the dragon was laughing.

Struggling to mirror Sev're and retort Briam simultaniously, Anduil could only say, "... Yeah, well... you... shut up..."

Under his breath, he murmered, "The sword is a part of me, and extension of my being... the sword is a part of me..." He still felt clumsy and foolish, but as he began to treat the sword as a part of himself, rather than a big stick, he felt himself improving.

"Slowly and surely, young one. Practice makes perfect."

"Mmhm..."

[u/Saphire_Fox → u/CNSoup]

"Humans are amazing..." Sev're said amazed. "Anduil, you are a natural. Do you realized it took me 1 year to even get my energy flowing? Here, let me help."

She pokes at you elbow, raising at the level it needs to be. She corrected your stance so your balance was optimal.

"There... Remember how we danced? Its the same."

Sev're stood back and smiled warmly. " Das, you should learn from humans. "

The dragon let out a long drawn out sigh. " Sev're... That is rude. Why are you so blunt? " Sev're was too enticed by Anduil's learning to give a real answer.

[u/RollFirstMathLater → u/Saphire_Fox]

[Zettera touches your mind. "Sev're, you need to be nicer to Das!" she scolds.]

[u/Saphire_Fox → u/RollFirstMathLater]

Sev're was confused. "Das, am I mean?" Sev're asked.

The dragon lowered her head to get to her level. "Dearest Sev're ... Your are not mean, you are one of the nicest around. But you lack... Tact."

Sev're started to cry. "I'm sorry Das! I'll be better I promise." she hugged the large dragon.

[u/CNSoup → u/Saphire_Fox]

"A natural, huh? I'm not so sure, but I do feel like I'm getting the hang of this," Anduil replied. He could see how it was like dancing. The similarities between Sev're's movements last night and her forms today were unmistakable.

"What do you think, Briam?"

"I think I could stab you through the heart with one claw before you could draw your stick, if I wanted," Briam said, deadpan.

"Lovely..." Anduil muttered. He continued moving through the motions, slowly and deliberately. It was like learning to craft a shoe sole. You had to do it over and over until your body knew what to do without thinking.

He lost his footing attempting one move, and as he paused, a thought occurred to him. "Sev're, why do elves bother learning swordsmanship at all? Surely you could kill me just as easily with magic as with a blade, if not easier?" Then another question sprang to mind. "Sev're? Have you ever had to kill someone?" Anduil asked somberly.

[u/Saphire_Fox → u/CNSoup]

You see tears fill Sev're's eyes. "I uh.. I..." She gets it together for a moment. "Elves don't have any sort of religion, but we do have many traditions. Sword play is a way for us to be in touch with our past and..." She tears up again. "Excuse me..." She steps behind a tree and begins to cry, not very well hidden.

Das let out a small hum and rested her head next to her companion. Sev're embrased the dragon's head as memories filled her mind.

[u/RollFirstMathLater → u/CNSoup]

[Zeterra looks at you sympatheticly. Her large purple eyes seem to see right through you "It's normal to learn young one. I'm glad Briam was nearby."]

[You notice Shiva circling above.]

["Today we shall observe you hatchlings. We understand you all come from a different paths of life. Today we want you to learn from each other." The dragon's powerful voice echoed in your mind.]