Racing!

[Asfaloth]

Shawn awoke extra early to run through his usual morning fitness routine. Today was special. No, he wasn't getting promoted, nor was he doing anything special. No, today was special for the simple reason that it broke the routine of training that he'd been going through.

 

Today instead of the usual hours spent going through forms under Corin's watchul eye, or shooting arrow after arrow at targets across the Yards, he would be doing something fun. Oh it would be hard certainly but it would be fun as well. Today he and Corin would be competing in a very unusual race against Lyv Tylin, the former Mistress of Trainees, and Raniel Arosho, a trainee like himself.

 

When he finished his exercises Shawn went to the mess hall for a light breakfast, and then went to the back corner of the Yards where he was set to meet the others. This course was to be a very challenging competition. He chuckled to himself as he thought, it was going to be even more challenging than the other pair could guess as he and Corin had stayed up late last night altering the course. They had a bit of a surprise in store for the former Mistress and her mentee.

[Robin]

Ran sat in the mess hall. He was joining a good breakfast as he would need it. Today was the day of a little race. He and his mentor would try to win from another mentor and mentee couple. It was promised to be good fun. He really wanted to win and he was sure he could win as he and his mentor were sure a good couple. They'd meet at the back corner of the yards, but Ran had plenty of time as he had gone to eat in time.

 

After he had finished his breakfast he absent mindedly walked to the place where he had to go. He felt excided and hoped he could win from Shawn and his mentor Corin. Lyv and he were good, but could they beat the other team? That was what he was going to find out later that day.

 

Ran Arosho

Tower Trainee.

[Guest Celes]

The day of the race, she and Ran had prepared for this and Lyv was determined that they could win. He was getting stronger and since their little practice in the water she had found that he did not mind getting wet, nor did he mind facing a challenge that was a little breathtaking. She had not dunked him on purpose the last time they went for a practice round just the day before, she had merely shown him that he could stay under water and not panic and he had succeeded. They would make it through this race and she would support him in the effort of swimming, even if she would be on the other side already when he got there.

 

Lyv waited for the rest of the team to arrive near the river, she had done her routine near the river and had done some mental preparation. She was not just here to win a race against the fellow guard and his mentee, but she was also most experienced in the water and would have to be extra mindful that the current would not play up and ruin their fun. Corin appeared to be grinning as he came up to her and handed her a strap of some kind, pulling on it a little she found it to be quite strong. “What’s that for?†she asked him and he explained that she was to be tied to Ran during the race. Had her trainee not mentioned that? Lyv stared at Raniel and nodded, “Yes, yes of course he has, no problem,†as cold sweat broke out in her neck. They had not practiced this together, she had shown him how to run and swim in the low water, what was this new trick? After the spar of hand to hand combat, they would have to be strapped by their legs and swim together? A little shaky, Lyv tried to come of as if she did know this was part of the deal and tried to stop going over what other surprises she might run into today.

 

Lyv Tylin

Mentor to Ran

[tismeb4u]

The constant sound of water lapping at rock and earth as it made it’s rapid passage along a channel in the ground worn by the years of it’s gentle caress filled his ears. A peaceful reminder of the world around him; the twinkle of a rising sun felt more then seen against eyelids closed in meditation. Today was the big day Shawn and he had been planning on for the past week. Shawn had secured a race with a fellow trainee and his mentor. A mentor Corin was most pleasantly pleased to find out was Lyv. From the onset of that knowledge Corin had assisted Shawn in creating a modified course they would race together and one of its modifications was directly related to the company they would race against.

 

His mind returned her familiar voice in soft mischievous tones to him, â€Tree Monkeyâ€. A nickname she had received somewhere in her past, a nickname she had tried to pass to him as he had hung there upside down from that bloody rope while they tortured him with those branches. A grin of pleasure spread out over his face; stood out against the blankness the rest of his face offered. Today they had a surprise for them, a surprise that made Corin both filled with immense happiness and great pride. Shawn’s added plan to the swim would indeed make this a very happy day for Corin. Lightly a thought floated up about struggles and drowning, but he pushed it aside. She was too strong alone for either of them, but that strength would ensure her mentee stayed afloat.

 

The snap of branches in the distance brought his eyes open; the memorizing sparkle as the sun kissed the waters ripples begged him to return into himself. He allowed it’s pull only a moment before rising and heading back toward the start were the gathering of people had already begun. Nodding quickly at Shawn, he passed him and headed to the redheaded guard with the smile still plastered to his face. The momentary look when he pulled the cord from behind his back and handed it to her was almost enough in it’s self.

 

After a quick run through of it’s purpose, and more enjoyment to start then he expected from a simple race, he returned to talk in quiet tones with Shawn to ensure everything was ready. The boy was becoming very skilled in many of his lessons; strategy ranking among them. With his confirmation that all was ready there was nothing left but to start the race which meant it was time for the two trainee’s to prove their hand to hand skills.

 

 

Corin Danveer

Tower Guard

Mentor to Shawn

[Robin]

OOC: I really have no idea if this is what I'm supposed to do. :) As I've never RP'ed a duel I'm wondering if it's ok. Let me know if it isn't.

 

When Ran arrived he saw the others already waiting. "So, are you ready to win Lyv?" He asked his mentor while laughing. "That's what we're going to do right?" Ran hoped the would win, but he knew that he and his mentor had to do a good job to win, as their opponents were strong as well. The srart of the competition was a battle. Ran was excited about that. The loser and his mentor would have to wait fifteen seconds before they could start.

 

Ran held his Lathe in his right hand and stood in front of Shawn who held his one up. They were about to start the duel. It was waiting for the first person to start. Ran tried to remember everything he had learned from Lyv, and all the other people who had trained him. He tried to remember what he had arelady learned about his concentration and this technique. It was like all duels, but this one was just a bit more exciting. Exciting as Ran really wanted to win. But so was Shawn. Both Mentors were standing at the side waiting for their Mentees to begin. Waiting for them to begin so they could encourage their own Mentee. Because they would want to win as much as the Tower Trainees wanted.

 

Ran opened with Unfolding the Fan. Shawn was prepared and blocked it and quickly answered his attack. The battle was relaxed, as far as you can call a battle relaxed, in the beginning. They were both trying the other, they were looking how far they had to go. Very far. Sweat came from Ran's face, the lathes were hitting eachother in an attempt to hit the other trainee. Ran used The Kingfisher Takes a Silverback but it got blocked by Shawn who moved to The Grapevine Twines to disarm Ran but it failed. Ran knew he had to come with something good soon or he would fail. Which would mean they would start 15 seconds later than the other couple would. He heared Lyv shouting from the sideline but couldn't understand what she said. He concentrated on his opponent, not on his Mentor.

 

Ran Arosho

Tower Trainee

Lyv's Mentee

[Asfaloth]

It felt weird to be holding only one sword, but Ran was the one that brought them and he didn't know Shawn used two. That was ok though, Shawn practiced daily with individual swords as well as two in tandem, just not usually in spars. Normally he only used single swords in practice, he was used to the extra options having a second sword had his disposal gave him.

 

The spar itself was going well though. He had tried once already to disarm his opponent but Ran had succeeded in blocking the attempt. They were getting nowhere with this duel, they seemed to be evenly matched. At least like this they were, Shawn was at a disadvantage having to work with a different style of moves or he knew he would have won by now.

 

Then Shawn got an idea. Ran was right handed, like most swordsman, and like most swordsman he expected his opponent to be as well and worked his forms to that side. Disengaging for a moment from the other trainee Shawn switched the sword to his left hand. All of his practice with dual swords had made him equally capable with either hand, but he was guessing it would surprise Ran.

 

A few more years of training here in the Yards and the tactic wouldn't have worked on Ran, but as it was he saw a quick look of shock come over his face before they began again. A few minutes later Shawn tried The Grapevine Twines. This time it worked like a charm, sending Ran's sword flying across the sand.

 

Shawn grinned but tried not to gloat. "Nice match, we should practice together some more some time. Give me a minute to catch my breath Corin and then we'll start."

[tismeb4u]

Corin let the comforting sounds of wood meeting wood in a violent dance wash over him. After so many years in the yard the sound was a part of him that he missed when sent out on trips with Aes Sedai as they flittered about the world doing what they believed to be good. Some of those, Corin questioned in his mind. But even he was no longer foolish to voice all of those concerns to the sisters themselves.

 

The trainee's seemed to be evenly matched as the dance swayed back and forth between them with neither making any real gain. Shawn was doing well but the boy was not thinking about the whole dance. He maintained the lathe and it's movements in his right hand where it had started. He was getting strong with both, but Corin had never thought to test his strategy should he find only one in hand. MisDirection was a path Corin followed with love and devotion; he had thought the boy would have picked up at least some of the basic thought patterns from him.

 

When he finally disengaged Ran and moved the lathe to his left a broad smile split Corin's face. Now he was beginning to think like a soldier, to see advantage and use it. In time he would be able to make the transition more fluent but the effect was still there as shock momentarily touched the face of Ran. He leaned closer to Lyv, "care to wager on the duel’s outcome?" but before he could finalize the reward for the bet Ran's lathe skidded across the dirt toward them.

 

"A pity, perhaps next time," he winked mischievously at Lyv before moving to collect Shawn. It was time to get moving and he wanted to put some distance between them and the other team. "Give me a minute to catch my breath Corin and then we'll start." With out letting the look slip on his face Corin mentally made note to adjust Shawn's routine and stress his endurance more. A single duel was no reason to be sitting around. The Tower need strong guards who could last in a battle to protect the sisters, he was still young but Corin was not going to let up on him until he passed from his care to the commanders. Sisters lives could be at stake, sisters he now knew as more then faces and shawls.

 

Corin Danveer

Tower Guard

Shawn's Mentor

[Asfaloth]

After a moment's rest Shawn gathered two of the leather straps. The first he secured to his left ankle and the other to his left wrist. Then he secured them fimrly to Corin's right ankle and wrist. This would surely be a challenge but they'd practiced each of the obstacles of the race in just this manner in the days leading up to the race and had even spent several hours tied together to get used to working in tandem.

 

Shawn checked to see that the other pair were securely fastened to each other and ready to go after the fifteen seconds. He fed the wave of relief that came over him at winning the spar into the Spring to help him focus better. The head start was nice but it did not secure victory by any means, there was still much to go in this race.

 

Signalling Corin they set out on the first leg of the race. They weren't able to go as fast as Shawn would prefer and Shawn looked back to see their competitors starting off just as they reached the twelve foot high wall, the first obstacle they'd have to traverse.

[Guest Celes]

Lyv watched as Ran defended himself against Shawn and made notes of what she could practice on with him. It was actually a very good idea to do this challenge, because now she could see him in action. And there was something other to gain aside from winning the spar. This added element might help drive Ran to his full potential and Lyv was interested what that would bring. Of course, so it would for his opponent who won the spar by a quick tactical move that Lyv had to applaud him for. Though she did so in thought, for about two seconds, then walked up to Ran and asked him how he felt about the match. They had a bit of time, as Shawn asked for a quick pause, and Lyv was keen on seeing what Raniel would have learned here. He was out of breath, but found himself soon after and they tied the straps as Lyv listened to what he thought of the spar.

 

“I’m impressed, you may not have won, but you showed me what you learned so far and from your analysis I can tell that you were in the spar with mind and body, which is important,†Lyv felt the strap around her wrist and wondered why she had signed up for this again. “Now let’s go beat them on the obstacle course,†she grinned over at Corin, he had tried to wager on the match, was there some old grudge hidden behind that grin of his? She was not sure, though she remembered hanging him up by his ankles from a tree along with Rosheen. That was so many years ago, he must have forgotten, pranks were like the air the guards breathed, they were a means of relaxation and fun that helped them focus and concentrate when they needed to. A prank was always retaliated with another prank however, that was the unspoken rule of the game, yet Lyv and Rosheen had never openly shown themselves as a Green Sister had freed the trainee before they could help him down. Maybe this was Corin's retalliation, she would have to wait and see but found herself a bit more careful now.

 

They reached the wall and Lyv’s mind focused back on the game at hand. She and her trainee, Ran had to get over the wall and make it to the other side in one piece. They would have to use each others strength and trust each other fully to get over it. The other two were already close to the top as they were ready to start on the wall. Lyv realized that they may have had a little more practice, seeing as they instigated the challenge. She pulled on her arm and felt Ran on her right, he looked determined and she nodded. “Go ahead, I’ll follow your lead. Get us up there!†she said and flashed a grin. This was not too bad, he was stronger and a good head or two taller than she was, so they still had a fair chance of winning this. As long as he was not afraid of heights, which Lyv was not due to her training on the waterfall, she forgot about the height for a moment and concentrated on the wall. Ran would make the first move and she would follow him blindly, this was his match but they would win it together.

 

Lyv

[Asfaloth]

They'd made it over the wall somehow and finished the rest of the run as well. The wall was harder than Shawn had expected but they'd made it and now it was time for the swim.

 

This was Shawn's own addition to the race and he was proud of the challenge it represented. Proud, and thankful that it was his surprise to Ran and Lyv and not the other way around. Having known it was coming gave he and Corin the oppurtunity to practice together in the days preceeding the race.

 

When they finished the run they dove into the water without hesitating. Unfortunately, they're timing was a little off and instead of a dive they ended up with something that much more resembled a bellyflop. Recovering, Shawn could feel the pain radiating out from where he'd hit the water. He looked over at Corin, made eye contact, and started to swim.

 

They'd worked out the rhythym they needed the day before and quickly fell into it. Each moving their outside arms and then the inner ones they were hardly slowed at all by the straps holding them together.

[tismeb4u]

Corin pondered on how well the boy would handle the added pressures of the race as the cord bit into his skin slightly. They had trained several times tied as this, but there had been no chasing competitor, no pressure to stay ahead and remain there as they were pursued through the course. This would be the true test; even for him it would be a test of patience with the boy’s present skill level and his desire to see victory over a friend. With the boy’s nod they were off at a quick run toward the first wall. This would set the mood for the remainder of the course. “Steady controlled pace,†he voiced the reminder to the air around them as they found their initial rhythm.

 

Arriving at the wall Corin was almost caught off guard as Shawn attacked the climb aggressively but was able to find a match to his movements once they were away. “Good work, you are focusing well,†he looked back to see the other team arriving at the bottom as his hand grabbed the top. It proved to be a bit tricky under the rush of adrenaline to time their leg swings over the top, but neither fell so he counted the movement a success as they slide down the ropes on the far side to the ground. With good solid earth beneath their feet they set out at a hard pace again trying to create distance between the teams. He had stressed how key this would be with Shawn in there practice, now was not the time to add unneeded pressure to the boy in reminding him just how good a swimmer Lyv was.

 

The cold water of the swim length washed over him as they fell into it. A fluent dive was what they had been striving for but in the heat of the race a mixed splash of arms and legs was the result. Bobbing to the surface he noted Shawn’s determined look and they set out in the rhythm they had planed. It was by no means an aggressive pace; controlled, smooth and steady, something they could both work in. Shawn seemed to be a good swimmer, Corin could hold his own but he would never say he was strong at it. Their competition on the other hand was another story. Lyv he new was a very strong swimmer, the boy he could only guess at. He had a good build and a great teacher so it was possible that he was more then familiar with the water. The lack of concentration on his part broke the rhythm and jarred their arms briefly, before Corin adjusted back to his mentee’s pace and stole a quick backward glance. He had hoped to be at least halfway through the swim part before their competitor’s made waters edge. As it was he gauged them nearing the one-third mark instead. It was going to be interesting to see if they could keep any distance between them now that both teams were into the swimming leg.

 

 

Corin Danveer

Tower Guard

Shawn's Mentor

[Robin]

Ran got some hints about the battle from Lyv. The duel was still fresh so it was the best time to go through it, and talk about some issues Lyv had. After both Trainees had gotten back to breath again they had to go to the course. Now the real race would start. Lyv and Ran would start 15 seconds after the other team, as Ran had lost the duel. "We can catch those 15 seconds back up." Ran said to Lyv who nodded. They had to catch up, they both wanted to win very much.

 

The other two were almost over the wall when Lyv and Ran arrived at it. It now relied on team work to get over the high thing whil being strapped to one another. They had to help eachother, especially if they wanted to be fast. Ran got up first and helped Lyv. They menaged to get over the wall. How they excactly had done so Ran didn't really know. It was a race there wasn't much time to think about things. Only a long run left before they would reach the water in which they were going to swim. A good obstacle as Lyv was very good in swimming. Ran wasn't as good as he had still some issues with water, but together with Lyv they perhaps would be able to beat the other team. Ran saw that the other team had already entered the water when they still had to reach it. They both Ran as fast as possible while being strapped, but they got in something on Shawn and Corin. They got close to eachother now and it was time for the swim.

 

Ran Arosho

[Asfaloth]

Eventually Shawn and Corin reached the halfway point of the swim. This was marked by a wall that they had to dive under. As they came up on the wall they made eye contact to get their timing, took a deep breath, and dove. Kicking for all they were worth they were under the wall and back to the surface in no time. The rest of the swim went relatively well, and Shawn was ever so grateful they'd worked out a rhythm together during practice.

 

At the end of the swim they climbed out onto two logs spaced just far enough apart for them to stand seperately with the straps holding them together. This would prove even harder than the run at the beginning whad as, just with the swim, timing was crucial. Another difference was that falling off the logs meant walking back to the beginning of the log to start over, not something Shawn wanted to do.

[Guest Celes]

OOC: I'll try to post more often but life is taking a big chunk of time up and I'm sorry I kept you waiting.

 

IC:

 

With the strap around her ankle tying Lyv to her mentee, she had to calm herself and tell herself that this was a mere exercise. This was not a game that she had to win at all cost, but she did want to. For Ran was a good student who worked hard and even though she had noticed that Shawn had a bit of an advantage on her trainee, she could tell that Ran did his best and gave all he had.

 

“Come on then,†they jumped into the water and started to find a pace to swim at. Ran was not afraid of the water and even though his head dunked a few times as they swam, he kept going. Lyv tried not to be in his way too much, being smaller than her trainee she could allow him more room. It went better than she had expected and they managed to find a suitable stroke to swim in.

 

Then there was the wall they had to dive under, Shawn and Corin had just went under and Lyv looked at Ran who nodded. He was ready and so was she, they dove and she pulled him along a bit as she was afraid he might not go deep enough and hit his head trying to get up again. He did not do so and Lyv found herself at the other side, smiling with pride and setting of for the rest of the swim.

 

They arrived at the other side for the next test. They had to cross the logs and Corin and his trainee were already moving ahead of them. Lyv wanted to catch up and looked over at Ran if he was ready. She was panting a little from the effort of swimming like that in a team and the worry of him not making it. But Ran seemed fine and so she pointed him to the logs, “Lead the way!†and concentrated on their next task.

 

Lyv

[Robin]

It was difficult for Ran to swim in the same speed as Lyv was swimming as she was way better trained in the swimming than he was. But he kept up, though he got pretty tired. Diving under the wall was pretty scary, but as much as Ran wanted to win he gave his best. When he got from under the wall he swam up as fast as he could so he could take a very deep breath and continue the swimming. When the reached the end of the swimming track he saw that his opponents weren't that far ahead of them. Only a little.

 

After the swimming they had to go over the logs. "Lead the way." He heared from Lyv while she nodded her head. "The fortune help me." Ran mumbled back and started to 'lead the way'. After climbing on it turned out to be a lot easier for Ran than he had suspected. He concentrated and it just went well. He didn't dare to look to Lyv to check if she was doing as good as he was because he was afraid to loose his concentration and that could mean falling of, something Ran wanted to prefend.

 

Ran Arosho

Tower Trainee

 

OOC. not my best post but you'll have to do it with this..

[Guest Celes]

Ran kept up and Lyv followed him over the first log, she was glad that he took up her comment about leading the way. This was his trial more than it was her own and it was good that he took some lead in this, after all he was not a new trainee and would over time become a guard, someone to lead his own training and his own progress.

 

As they reached the rope they had to climb, Lyv’s mind traveled back to training with Neroin for Path of Water. The rope run was his favorite, after the city rooftop run, he had made her practice alone on the rope run and when she had tried out before him, she had failed miserably. Even after a lot of practice, to fail was good exercise and she had learnt from the experience, the bruises and the hurting of her muscles were just a price to pay.

 

Lyv was not paying close attention not heir opponents and when she did, she found they were about to pass Corin and Shawn. They still had a chance of catching up and even winning, this through made her very happy and she pushed forward just as Ran reached the top of the rope, they moved forward to run along the logs at a height of 25 ft as fast as they could and started on the run. Lyv and Ran had not practiced running tied together and she was worried about their feet getting in each other’s way but somehow, the small heads off on their opponents gave her team a burst that she had not expected.

 

Ran’s feet moved quickly and Lyv pondered quickly about teaching him some of her own training in Path of Water. He was fast and agile enough, but her pondering lead her out of her concentration and Lyv’s foot got tackled, taking Ran down with her. The other team was right on their heels and passed them over the logs as Ran scrambled back on his feet, leaving Lyv no choice but to follow and try to run along again. Her ankle started to throb, but she could still run on it and expected it not to get much worse. They reached the end of this course and Lyv cursed herself for not placing her feet down neatly. She and Ran had to make up for lost time again and she only hoped they could as they reached the wall.

 

Lyv

[Asfaloth]

Shawn was confident he and Corin were going to win. Here they were on the final leg of the course and still had a considerable lead. They had lost some of it to Lyv in the water but they were still several seconds ahead when they started on the logs.

 

Then they came to the rope. Shawn was more then capable of climbing a rope and he knew Corin was too but it seemed they had been a bit overconfident by not practicing this part as they had others in the course. Individually Shawn had no doubt they could have made it up very fast but unfortunately they seemed to have two different methods of climbing. Two methods that did not stack up well when tied together.

 

They were barely halfway up the rope when they fell, and Shawn was saved from a painful fall by the simple fact that he was tied to Corin. When they fell Corin's faster reflexes had allowed him to regain the rope with his free hand. Shawn fell a few feet and then with a jerk that made him fear for Corin's shoulder he was brought to a sudden stop. Shawn regained the rope, climbed up to where his mentor waited and then they continued on with more concentrated communication.

 

By the time they reached the next set of logs the other two had passed them and now had a lead of their own. Shawn passed Corin a look that spoke volumes of dedication and they put on extra steam to catch up.

 

When Lyv and Ran stumbled he spared them a glance to see that they were alright and then took advantage by running past them to the wall. All that was left now was a repell back to the ground and they would win.

[tismeb4u]

The speed at which Lyv could cut through the water still amazed him as Corin stole a brief look back over his shoulder. The other team was in the water and working well together, athough the boy did not have half the grace that Lyv displayed as her body seemed to cut effortlessly through the water. But for the time being they were behind Shawn and himself. A place he very much wanted them to remain in.

 

Watching his mentee from the corner of his vision Corin had to admit the boy had grown a lot since he arrived; since that day in the alley outside the wall at the foot Sirayn Sedia. So much had changed since then, the wheel's weave of the pattern never ceased. The frail boy seeking purpose and a place was becoming more then Corin though he would evolve into. It was his first mentee and he was just now beginning to get a glimpse at how much potential these boys who arrived at the yard could reach.

 

So easily it seemed one could forget about the difference the yard's had made in there own when they scrutinized one under their charge. Still he was Corin's first and in a way they were both learning together. The rope appeared before them and a grin broke out on Shawn's face. He was a good climber from what Corin had observed during his training. With the lead they still held they should have no problem finishing before Lyv and Ran; still Corin worked to keep himself from driving Shawn harder. This was his race, his challenge to win or lose not Corin's against Lyv. He still did not completely understand why so deep inside he felt the need to win against her. It had started out as an opportunity to repay a past debit; still he was sure there was more to it. Could it have something to do with the title she once wore?

 

Time seemed to suddenly come to a screeching halt as training and instincts took control of his mind; the void closing in over him. He watched as the boy's hand came free of the rope; Shawn's body crashing against his own and the sudden sensation of falling. Where once the sinew cording of rope had pressed to the palm of his hand only air now caressed it. He had let his mind wander during the race and in the process missed what had happened to cause Shawn to fall; in the process taking him with. With eyes focused sharply in the dark calm that held him internally; eyes found the thin line of hope accelerating along his field of vision. His free untied hand reached out and collected the line; muscles in fingers, palm, and arm working together to grip the rope. It's rough corded surface bit into the calloused surface of his hand and burned at the flesh there as their decent slowed and stopped. A twinging pain filtered on the outside of the void's surface of unseen glass. The tied hand closed on the cord that bound him to Shawn as his body tensed in preparation of the jarring that would soon follow.

 

He felt the twisted surface of the rope slip further in his hand as the cord between them went taunt; muscles and tendons stretched to capacity, the sudden draw felt as if something tried to separate his arm from his torso. An explosion of pain like an illuminator's night flower crashed down on the void but it held. Arms and shoulders seemed ablaze with sharp burning pain as Shawn dangled briefly from the cord. They were not so high up the fall would kill them. But their chance of finishing the race would be greatly diminished if they did.

 

It took Shawn only moments to collect himself and find a firm grip on the rope once more. As he came up to the height Corin still held, he looked as if to address him, but Corin nodded to the boy to continue and began to follow once more; pain radiating from his arm with every movement. Pain only heightened by the caress of disappointment as he watch Lyv and Ran start out on the logs ahead of them. The slip had cost them the lead and perhaps the race.

 

With a look of sheer determination and dedication on his mentee's face Corin lept out onto the first log with Shawn. He was happy to be free from the rope; tentatively nursing his arm as they worked their way across the logs one by one. When Lyv and Ran stumbled elation mixed with concern danced pain around his minds focus as he worked to stay with his mentee and look back at their competitors to ensure they were not injured. Satisfied there was no major damage he returned his attention fully on the task at hand; ignoring the pain that spidered across the smooth surface of the void as he followed Shawn leap for leap across the logs.

 

The arrival of the wall came with a mix of emotions; elation that the end was near, rejoice they maintained the lead still, and anguish at the thought of having to use his arm again. He was sure he was in for a trip back to the infirmary once again. Only perhaps this time he would not have the same bedside company to have to explain his action. He could see no reason why she might take an interest in the events of this race. That said, it meant he had a 50 50 chance she would not take notice. Pain once more bloomed brilliant like another night flower opening in the sky as he slipped over the edge and his arm took his bodies weight. The boy had done well, he would have to compliment him once this was over if he was still conscious.

 

Corin Danveer

Tower Guard