[Daltina Outskirts] Eaves of the Maevewood

[Mizushin Junzo]

TS: 3rd Cycle of Ponutis, Era II of the Celestine Mandate, Era XIV Post-Fractum

Junzo breathed in the fresh air of the forest, his eyes closed for a moment as he enjoyed the natural scent of the place. For today, and for the next few days, he'd be taking Arken out into the nearby forest of the Maevewoods. There was of course a reason for this, which the young noble would be finding out soon enough.

When he finally gets here. Junzo frowned slightly, and turned around, leaning to peer at the direction of the city as he sat on his horse. The animal made a whuffling sound at his motion, adjusting slightly to his rider's motion. "Arken! Quickly now, we've got no time to lose." He called out behind him, then turned his attention towards the nearby trees.

His appointment with the rangers of Daltina was supposed to be somewhere nearby. Mizushin took his ride a bit deeper into the forest, just a short distance from where it ended and turned into the narrow grasslands that separated the eaves of the Maevewood from the city proper. The sounds of the forest surrounded him, and he listened carefully for sign of the person they were to meet.

[Arken Lancaster]

Arken couldn't imagine what kind of training would force them to have to go all the way out into the woods but the noble could tell that his teacher was about to bring up his training to a whole new curriculum.

Holding the reigns of his horse tightly Arken did his best trying to steer his horse but the black beast of burden just wouldn't respond to him as he wanted it to. Given the option the young noble would have rather walked to the meeting place, but since his teacher had paid for the rental fee of his horse he didn't have the heart to refuse.

"There he is." Arken could see his teacher stopping and it seemed to him that the thelyri was waiting for something - or someone.

Arken urged his mount towards his teacher's and with a little - or a lot of effort on the noble's part it finally complied and came to a halt just beside Mizushin.

The young noble's gaze shifted around them. In his eyes, there wasn't really anything special that could be used for training. Arken then considered that this was training for combat in the wilderness but he thought that came much later into the training - did it?

Arken glanced at his teacher, his eyes gleaming with excitement at the prospect of some advanced level training. "So tell me, what exactly are we supposed to do here?"

[Mizushin Junzo]

The thelyri simply looked at Arken with an enigmatic smile. "Oh, you'll find out soon enough." He offered no other explanation, although he did dismount from his horse. The thelyri appeared to be listening and looking around him. It was like this for a moment, when a faint rustle caught his ears. A split second after that, a shadow dropped behind Arken and a figure tapped the young nobleman's shoulder, quicker than he could react, and certainly before he could do anything, the figure would have moved away and finally into the open.

"Ah, there you are." Junzo said simply, as if unsurprised by the ranger's appearance. The sea-elf's senses had managed to catch the ranger's presence just before he made his move. "I assume that they told you of your task?" The thelyri stood, relaxed with his hand resting over his sword's hilt.

The ranger was dressed in a cloak with a shade that seemed to be green with brown splotches, which was quite suited for the forest. His clothes were of shades of woods, and his gear were colored in the natural colors of the Maevewood. "Yes, they did." The man, for his voice gave it away, stood at about six feet high, and looked fairly lean. He pulled back his hood, showing his face to the two. Dark brown hair and hazel eyes were his features, and a look that was youthful yet worn from a long experience in living in the Maevewood.

Junzo nodded agreeably. "Good. This here," he gestured to Arken, "is Arken Lancaster. He will be whom you'll be helping me to train for a few days. I suppose things will be quite simple. We'll be teaching him how to fight in a place such as this forest." He paused here, adding, "But I'm sure you'll be much more adept at that than I am." The ranger was clearly more experience in combat in this sort of place than Junzo was, though by no means was Junzo a novice. "I am Mizushin Junzo. And you are?"

The brown haired man had been relatively silent until this question. He cleared his throat, "Well met. The name's Holt Maevin." He gave each a nod in recognition, not much more than that. Junzo hardly noticed, he wasn't paying the man to be an example of social niceties. "So, I s'pose we should get to it?" Holt looked over to Arken. "Your, ah...teacher here, tasked me to do one thing basically." The ranger shrugged and put the bow that had been bound and carried on his back, along with a few other smaller travel gear, on the side against a nearby tree. "That'd be fighting. You and me, right here in these woods."

The thelyri made a pleased sound, then mounted his horse as Holt began talking to Arken. "Good luck Arken, I'll be in a bit later. For now, I'm going to take Feanen for a bit of a ride and get some practice in with my riding." Junzo told the youth when Holt had finished explaining. "I'll be near, easily within shouting radius." And at that the sea-elf moved off and started to pace his mount through the trees, weaving through it all at a pace that would best be described as a trot.

Holt had taken out his weapons in the meantime, a pair of knives whose blades were just shy of a foot long. They gleamed in the light, well-used and polished. The man took up a stance before Arken, well used to having done so many times in the past. "All right boy, you ready?"

[Arken Lancaster]

The noble could sense the impatience in this ranger's voice. Perhaps Holt had better things to do, whatever it was Arken definitely not going to make this man wait. Time was money, in this case it was literally so.

Arken promptly dismounted from his ride and secured it to a nearby tree, after which he turned to face his would-be adversary. Holt Maevin carried himself with the ease and bearing of a true ranger and would definitely prove to be a powerful opponent, moreso in his niche. While the young noble doubted that Holt would take this match seriously Arken felt a feverish desire to perform. This was another opportunity, he would definitely learn much from this duel. Plus there was that added element of danger, and as unwarranted the emotion was Arken couldn't suppress the excitement that his imminent fight was giving him.

"Sorry to keep you waiting master Holt." he started. "I am Arken Lancaster, it will be a pleasure fighting with you."

The boy bowed and drew his swept-hilt rapier out, it's blade-point hovering in front of him as he assumed a Lado Favorecido stance, a prelude to a solid Estocada, a lunge that he hoped would force this man into a defensive once the duel starts.

"If you think I can handle it, don't hesitate to take this battle up a notch. While I know you're the better man I wish to be treated with the same respect I will give you."

Arken was aware of how long that speech was, and maybe it was unnecessary. But he did not want this ranger to take it easy on him just because he was a noble, often times peasants in Daltina did and while he did not know the protocol of rangers when they talk to nobility he wanted to show this man that he meant business.

"En Garde!" he barked, his frame suddenly relaxing in preparation for a strike.

[Mizushin Junzo]

What Arken mistook for impatience was simply the man's efficient way of speaking. When one was among the slowly dwindling guard that protected the further reaches of Daltina's lands, one didn't easily come to social discourse very well. Yes, your master just introduced you, weren't you listening? Holt suppressed his mild annoyance. The youth was probably feeling a bit excited or nervous. Probably both.

Holt carried his twin blades in a reverse grip, with the blades of his long knives aligned with his forearm, pointing opposite his thumb. His head bobbed side to side, his form shifting easily on the ground. At Arken's call of 'En Guarde!' he sprung quickly into action. The man's left shot forward, a spark of steel showing that he'd quickly punched the rapier downwards, with the aid of his knife. Already his right was drawing back, ready to deliver a punch with his knife that would end up cutting into Arken's face or neck.

A short distance away, Junzo observed the beginning of the fight, an amused observation on his face. "Oh, not bad." He murmured, then suddenly found himself brushing away some low-lying branches that were in his path. "Mmm." He should take more caution with his riding, he reflected, and tugged Feanen away from that spot as he circled Arken and Holt from afar.

[Arken Lancaster]

Arken could barely follow the man's nimble movements. The ranger had forced the young noble into the defensive with just his initial strike and already Arken was berating himself for having allowed his opponent to knock his weapon downwards. It took no genius to know that Holt was definitely well versed in the art of combat. It was obvious that if a neophyte like Arken had any chance at all he would have to start making huge gambles. There was no room for hesitation in this battle, he would have to put pressure on the ranger or it would be all over before it began.

Instead of retreating as what the ranger was probably expecting Arken charged forward in what appeared to be a reckless lunge. But in reality, he had taken a precaution, he had positioned his blade in such a way that it would prevent the ranger from attacking him with his left-hand weapon. At least for awhile.

Now his chief concern lay in the coming strike from Holt's free hand. And then it hit him, this was exactly like the stunt he had tried to pull of on his teacher only brightenings ago. The ranger had pulled back his right hand to multiply the force behind his following blow, but that sacrificed execution speed. If you can't do something fast, then don't bother doing it at all. It was a fundamental rule that he had put into heart and maybe, just maybe it was a rule that a more experienced fighter like Holt forgot from time to time. Perhaps it was overconfidence in his skill, it could have been that that the ranger was rusty but there it was, a window of opportunity.

Planting his left foot into the ground Arken propelled his knee forwards aiming for the man's stomach. If successful he would be able to send the man staggering backwards, otherwise he would have a new mouth carved into his neck or face.

[Mizushin Junzo]

Arken's charge might have worked better if he'd had more space in which to execute it. But as it was, the two fighters were too close for him to move forward and replant his left foot to execute the knee attack he'd intended to make. It did however make Holt's right hand attack strike off-target, which was not exactly a good thing in itself. With a grunt, Holt shifted his punch, opening up his right side to attack if Arken had been in a place to do so, to ensure that the young noble didn't get the full impact of his blades.

As it was, Arken saw his move bring him close then put his face straight into the impact of a gleaming blade which suddenly shifted in angle. A flash of steel filled his eyes as the strike made contact, then a sudden shove from Holt pushed the young nobleman to the side, sending Arken off balance but still standing. Holt himself looked relatively the same, but glowered at the Lancaster with a more relaxed guard.

A trickle of blood flowed down Arken's temple, a slight cut making its self felt just above his forehead on his right. Not to mention that he now had a jagged cut into his hair, strands of it floating down to the forest floor. Holt shook his head once. "Careful with the tricks you're trying to pull. Might work on another fencer like you, but you're playing into my hands if you think you can pull one up on me at my range." He raised his left here and made a 'come hither' gesture with his fist.

"Care to try again, kid?"

[Arken Lancaster]

"I'll be sure to remember that, sir." said the noble as he re-assumed his previous stance, only this time he was keeping all his joints bent, ready to move at the slightest notice.

Holt had definitely held back there and it was a tactical error on the youngster's part to go with such an overly aggressive strike. Granted it was downright stupid to attempt a counter-attack that didn't play with his strengths but still, it was his nature. In a battle like this, hesitation was a sin. He couldn't afford to allow the tempo of this match to fall into Holt, he needed to set the pace.

Arken's wound stung mildly but it would serve to remind him of his mistake.

There was simply no way, at least at his level, for his rapier to contend with a knife at that close-range. His opponent had shorter weapons and that made him much faster, but at the same time it compromised range.

His eyes narrowing into two small slits, Arken shifted his feet right in front of the left so that his opponent couldn't capitalize on his vulnerable side. This time he made sure to make some room between him and the ranger as he readied himself for a second strike. He knew that his enemy would easily be able to block any oncoming attack and launch a counter-attack at any given time. The problem was, Arken needed to know which hand was this man's dominant hand so he would know which dagger to look out for.

Without warning Arken lunged forward once more, but this time his rapier came speeding towards the ranger's thigh. In all appearances it was a textbook Estocada but the lunge was far more than that. This time he wasn't after blood but knowledge. He probably wouldn't hit Holt, the ranger would be easily able to block him but that was his intent. He could simply glide back afterwards he learned what he wanted from the battle and it would take a simple motion of the wrist to bring his rapier forward once more should the ranger choose to pursue him.

It sounded good in theory.

I wonder how this works in practice...

[Mizushin Junzo]

Holt kept light on the balls of his feet, shifting easily on the forest ground. He kept alert of Arken's moves, knowing well the reach of a rapier. He'd fought against such and similar weapons often enough before. Noting Arken's eyes narrow, Holt knew that a move was coming. He kept his eyes on the fellow's body, his arms and legs, checking for the shifts that would show the Lancaster's move.

The lunge towards his leg was quickly parried by a smack by Holt's left dagger, a jab downwards that sent the blade's point off target. The ranger slid back and began circling Arken, shifting from side to side, and showing alternatively his right side forward, then his left. It would appear that the man was quite comfortable fighting with either side, but then again, it could also be a trick. It would be Arken's call for the moment, as Holt held off on his attacks.

[Arken Lancaster]

Arken considered the man's actions but he felt that he needed further confirmation, to find out which hand this man's dominant one was critical to this duel. There was only one way he believe he could find out though, it would be difficult to discern which one was more developed, not while he was moving but...

Wherever the ranger's reactions were faster, that had to be where he was strongest.

Arken stepped out of his stance and joined the ranger in his dance, now he too was circling around with the noble, careful to take note of the environment as he moved about. He had almost forgotten about this factor of the duel, the ranger would be perfectly at home fighting here. On the other hand the noble needed to take extra caution as not to trip on a stray root or vine. The young Lancaster took note of how the ranger had deflected his strikes, always his weapon's bearing was forced downwards. He needed to deliver faster strikes that would be more difficult to intercept, this match wasn't a battle of power after all. It was more about finesse. Shifting his grip on his blade's hit, Arken suddenly closed in on the ranger and with his feet still moving side-ways he flicked his wrist sending rapier towards the ranger once more. Only this time it came in a flash of steel that was almost a blur.

Arken didn't like it though, to sacrifice power for speed. Holt was definitely pushing him for sure.

[Mizushin Junzo]

The two began to pace each other, both slowly circling each other as they sought to either draw in another attack or to launch one. Indeed, another aspect of this training was making itself felt: terrain. Junzo himself had forced himself to train in such places often enough, from the sands of Arium to the forests of Natura, and even to the islands of Demios. He'd fought on varying terrain and had learned. This was what he wished also to impart to Arken, training that allowed a warrior to survive and become more aware.

The flash of steel that darted out from Arken was indeed quite quick, and Holt's reaction came only because he was on guard and at the ready. At this time it was his right that lashed out, knocking the blade off target with blinding speed. It was hard to tell, but between the strikes of his left and right, it seemed as if it was his left that was less controlled. The power of the strike regardless, left a ringing sensation that shot up to Arken's wrist.

Holt took the offensive now, after the strike that sent the rapier off, smoothly pushing forth into Arken's range with a confidence that showed his experience. Holt's steps felt like the rushing of a forest, a thud as his left foot pushed into the ground, giving him the foundation to launch a lunging right straight at Arken's arm.

[Arken Lancaster]

Arken's eyes snapped wide open from the speed of the ranger's reaction time. But there it was, the blinding speed that could only come from the man's stronger arm. While he wasn't a hundred percent sure of his guess, he would place his confidence in his assessment. The ranger's attacks were faster with his right blade, Arken would keep that in mind.

Of course, this knowledge didn't come without it's price. His rapier had once more been sent off course.

Damn!

Holt was coming for him and Arken's right wrist, while it would surely recover in a few seconds that didn't necessarily mean that he would be able to move the rapier in time to parry the oncoming blow. Gritting his teeth, the young noble's left hand tensed, as tasteless as he thought it was he reached out from behind him, gripping the handle of his ornamental dagger, bringing it into play.

The noble was far from confident with his skill in the dagger, but he needed to parry this critical blow or lose the battle doing so. Arken swung his torso to the right, giving his left arm the much needed speed to parry at the cost of balance.

He knew that he would probably block the attack, and his main-gauche would probably be left without a weapon however, first things came first and blocking was the priority.

Wait a second...

It then struck him, since he was taking a big gamble anyway, might as well raise the stakes. The Lancaster boy's eyes narrowed once more as he willed his right hand to move. If things should work as planned his right arm would move a heartbeat after his left-hand parry. He prayed that his right hand would cooperate, the attack could force the ranger to side-step or retreat. It didn't matter what the ranger tried, as long as it bought him the precious seconds he needed to recover completely.

[Mizushin Junzo]

Arken's move was indeed surprising, and while not quite catching Holt off-guard, it was enough to deflect his strike. The dagger struck, but was sent spinning off from Arken's grip into the nearby forest, ending its path as it struck the ground. Arken's spin and gamble was the clincher however, or would've been had the young noble been able to control his motions better. His fine control over his balance and grip, while somewhat better than before, was still lacking it seemed.

But it was enough to cut into Holt's uniform, the weapon scratching the light steel armor that the ranger was wearing beneath. As he leaped away, Arken caught sight of his glancing blow on the ranger's right side, a scratch some inches long. Holt eyed Arken at this point, "Hmph." A soft sound escaped the ranger's lips. After shaking his arms and his shoulders he settled back into his stance, breathing deeply. The way the man held his knives seemed to be a bit different this time around.

[Arken Lancaster]

Arken couldn't believe what had happened, his flimsy counter-attack had actually connected? He watched the ranger jump backwards, suddenly aware of the more serious glint in Holt's eyes. Normally he would have felt terrified, or at the very least threatened but the feeling that was making his heart beat skip wasn't that of fear, far from it, he was feeling elated. Holt was finally starting to take the young noble seriously!

However the real battle starts now...

He had won his precious seconds, but now his left hand was aching. Arken knew that he wouldn't be able to use it for the duration of the match, at least not effectively. It was also no secret that he had probably exhausted all his tricks, if he had any more to use he would have to improvise.

Quickly re-assuming the Lado favorecido stance, Arken once more exposed his armed side to the ranger. Once more the noble resumed his dance, his feet following an imaginary circle that revolved around the ranger. For now he would observe for patterns in the man's attack. Holt was, after all an experienced fighter. Naturally the ranger would have a few signature attack patterns that he may fallen into. If fencer could memorize those he would then be able to predict most of this man's attacks.

Maybe...

Relaxing his joints once more, the noble brought up his rapier in the direction of his opponent and in the same breath he performed a textbook Timbre. A feint that doesn't demand the fencer to actually attack, but instead it is a simple stomp of the foot that appears to be the prelude to an Estocada.

[Mizushin Junzo]

Indeed, Arken had won his precious seconds. But in return, he seemed to have a more dangerous opponent unveiling himself. The ranger paced slowly to match Arken's circling, keeping the young nobleman in front of him. The youth stomped, a feint. But in the moment before that, Holt had noticed the lack of commitment in Arken's upper body to the attack, and took advantage. It all happened in a split second, the ranger's move.

He moved quickly forward and struck Arken's blade again, but instead of simply punching it away, he moved his right blade to lock it up. He swiveled the blade to the side, Arken's left, and raised it out of the way. The sudden move was executed flawlessly, leaving the youth no time to react except reflexively stepping back. Holt pressed on hard however and forced Arken back, his fist drawing back suddenly and the flash of steel filled his gaze.

The young man fell back onto the ground at that point, the wind of a cut passing over his head. It was hard to tell, but from his point of view it had seemed that Holt had actually been trying for a blow to his head. From the point of view of Junzo, who'd finished his bit of riding, it was indeed a dangerous strike, but the path would've led away from Arken's head.