Intermediate Training in Rapier as a Daltina Ranger

[William Forrester]

TS: Morning of the 1st Cycle, 12th Brightening of Ponutis, Era II of the Celestine Mandate, Era XIV Post-Fractum

William had so very much to learn that most swordsmen did not for the use of a rapier was much more a delicate use than most other weapons of choice. The rapier was a flimsy sword for beginning users for they knew not the grace in the loose metal and the fine delicate handling needed to make it a truly deadly weapon. Rapier users were graceful in steps for often they did not block against heavier weapons, instead they dodged and manuevered, using the many positions to assist in their advantage in combat to strike from so many different directions.

Entering the Daltina Ranger facility he was met immediately by a tall lithe man like himself, with deep red hair with streaks of silver running through it. Pulled back in a ponytail the man had a light beard as well, and wore no armor. His hands were pulled back behind his back, clasped with one another, and certainly awaiting him. The man quickly recognized him as his trainee, which William found quite odd for they had never met before, maybe it was the rapier at his side that gave it away. "Greetings William," the man said with such an odd dialect to his voice, William certainly did not recognize it.

"You may call me Sebastian as I will call you William, there will be no formalities here between us." There was certainly something very odd about the man, he was pretty cocky, but it was only noticeable by another cocky person understanding it. "Follow me and we shall begin your training, it will last for 15 brightenings and at the end you will test your new skills against me. The training may be interupted by requirements of the Daltina rangers for either mine or your services in accordance with the terms of membership." William realized that he hadn't said a single thing at this point, but then again he had never had the opportunity to really speak.

Exitting the building Sebastian led them to the training grounds, all training took place under the sky, and thus anyone passing by could watch the trainees being taught. Many were in the courtyard at the same time, trainers with students and nosey people either just nosey or interested in joining taking time to watch. Stepping into a large single marked in the dirt Sebastian finally turned and walked backwards to the center, studying William's walk? William found it all quiet odd. "Now, we both know you know the basics of sword and a rapier for a Forrester to not know how to use a sword at your age at all would truly mean us Daltinians are doomed."

So the man did know a few things about him and either knew from experience or had done some background checking on his family. "I will be teaching you everything you need to know about the four core thrusts and the core basic blocks of a rapier swordsman. Now draw your sword and get into stance."

With his right leg back against his left perpindicular William placed his right hand upon the hilt and drew the blade from its sheath. As he did he stepped forwards with his right foot, gliding it just above the ground until he was centered and his right foot was set a good distance apart so that all the correct angles were worked out. Knees slightly bent he was rigid, but his feet remained light on the ground and he could spring in any direction were it necessary. This was a fighting stance taught till he could take the training no more by one of his father's oldest and one of the best armsmen.

Looking over the stance Sebastian walked around making adjustments where they were needed. "Do not extend your sword arm so full, bend it more....good, and your stance is not perfect, different than most students at your training, but good for now. Your stance will adapt with time as you train, fight, and increase your abilities with the rapier."

After he had fully walked around, kicking out one leg alittle further and pushing William's back forwards slightly so it was more straight he stood and looked at his new student. Withdrawing his own sword he took no stance, "Now your real training will begin."

[William Forrester]

Tossing William a hat of dark green with a sharp tip at the end Sebastian watched as William had barely caught it before it fell to the ground. And, it was good he had or Sebastian would have given William the worst embarrassment any fellow practioner of El Viatre could receive. Sebastian had actually not knowledge of William's own knowledge of El Viatre or he would have discovered his student was totally unaware of the art and had obviously gotten intial basic training from someone who had no knowledge of the art as well. "What is this goofy hat for?" William should have chosen his words much better.

"Goofy? How dare you insult me in such a way and your fellow practioner's of El Viatre. It is the finest dance one could ever learn and you mock it and myself. Seems you need a lesson my boy." At this point William was more than just alittle confused and before he even knew what was going on he watched as Sebastion reached behind and lifted a similar red hat and placed it upon his head, a very ugly yellow plume rising above it. What in the world? Unfortunate for William he had blinked for only a moment for when he opened his eyes again he saw a rapier hitting his own, twisting in the air, and then sent flying from his grasp and come crashing to the ground.

Stunned and incredibly confused William looked at his hand and then at Sebastian. "Your mother was a legless cabbit and your father a drooling orc." Following his comments he laughed and waived his own rapier in the air in the direction of William. In response to this whole spectacle William said absolutely nothing, he simply looked at the man absolutely dumbfounded. Finally, as he leaned down to pick up his sword he heard the sound first of a blade flying through the air before there was a loud smack on his rump, followed by his very loud and painful yelp. Lurching forwards he had not even been able to grab his sword as he stood up and placed a hand on his bum and rubbed it, as if that lessened the pain even a fraction.

"Never, ever, insult the hat. Let that be your first real lesson."