A Painful Acqaintance, attn. Dante and Rasheta

[Visar Falmaien]

It had been three days as a Tower Guard.  So far, it had gone fairly well in Visar's opinion.  Some of the restrictions which he had had as a trainee had been lifted, and he certainly did not hate his new shift partner, Dante.

 

They hadn't said too much to each other yet, and Visar didn't know the man very well, but he was certainly easy to get along with so far.  They both decided it would be a good idea to get to know each other better, and what better way than to match their skills in a friendly spar?

 

And so one early afternoon, Visar arrived at the training yards, with longsword in hand and dagger sheathed at his hip.  He was armored in his customary helmet and mail hauberk, in addition to some mail gauntlets, and padding on his elbows and legs. Visar was of the opinion that it never hurt to wear a little extra protection, especially since they would be sparring with blunt steel now.

 

As Visar waited for Dante to get back from lunch, he stretched, and did a few cutting and thrusting exercises with his long sword.  He went through his mind what he might face with Dante.  Visar knew the man wore a single-handed cutting sword, yet he didn't know much about what Dante's style was like. The man was bigger than he, so Visar knew might have trouble grappling with him up close, especially if the man was skilled there.  The man's sword arm was longer, too, so he might be able to get the all-important first strike in sooner than Visar.  The only advantage Visar knew he had was a stronger strike with a primarily two handed weapon, and the fact that he could cut with his back edge at angles awkward to defend.  But that alone could not guarantee his victory.  He would have to do his best and see how well they both fought.

 

Ah, here he comes.

 

"Dante! How was lunch?"  Visar asked.  He had not eaten much, himself, since he did not want to vomit anything up after should this sparring turn out to be intense.

[Sangreal]

Lunch was... well... everyone liked the food apparently but Dante found himself struggling with the calm nature of it. He liked spices.. peppers and pepper corns, garlic, parsley, he just didnt understand why people wouldnt indulge a bit. He even started carrying around a small pouch of spices. When he saw Visar waiting for him on the yards he had to almost rip his arm from an Aes Sedai who wanted to "Talk" to him. Lately quite a few had been warder hunting.

 

"Dante! How was lunch?" Visar said. Dante gave a face like there was a nasty taste in his mouth and a so so movement with this hand. His smile quickly returned and he even emptied half a water skin on the spot in his mouth to emphasize the point and the other half on his head to keep him cool for the duel.

 

He was wearing some leather armor that fit tightly but was broke in enough to not restrict his movement as much. He figured they would start with dull steel but brought a lathe in case it got too hot. He held it up to explain it to Visar. "In case its gets too hot in the armor we can switch to lathes and throw off our shirts and armor. Unless you are afraid those sausage sized nipples you have might poke someone in the eye?" He said with a smile. Humor was the only way to pass time when you are standing at a wall looking at nothing all day.

[Rasheta Ardashir]

OOC: You two amuse me greatly that's all i'm gonna say *ggls*

 

IC: Rasheta was bored, she had little to do within the tower today and she was feeling a little more like her old self. Maybe she had taken to much of what Sandre had told her to heart. She needed to move on from Adrian's death and she would she would start today by going and seeing what she could of the warder yard. She had meant to earlier but she had instead run into Visar a young Tower Guard trainee, when she had tried to go again she had been requested to attend the ceremony of Visar to be raised to the position of tower guard. Today though she would make it there and see what she could see. She dressed in her best and left her hair down and grabbed one of her lighter green shawls with less fringe and left the Tower proper.

 

Rasheta came out to the warder yards and let herself look over everyone. She remembered that when she had first come here she had felt apprehension now though she felt only a bit of sadness and an intrest in what was going on. She noticed then that the Tower Guard Visar and the young man Dante appeared to be getting ready for a spar she made her way toward them to watch. She smiled at them both when they noticed her and she added tossing her hair over her shoulder. "Don't mind me continue with what you were doing." She was going to enjoy this if nothing else.

[Visar Falmaien]

(ooc: sausages? really?...  ::)

 

"In case its gets too hot in the armor we can switch to lathes and throw off our shirts and armor. Unless you are afraid those sausage sized nipples you have might poke someone in the eye?"

 

Visar guffawed at that, and was going to try to find an appropriate retort, but his words died when he noticed Rasheta Sedai walk over.  Such words would not be appropriate around an Aes Sedai.  So they were going to have an audience?

"Don't mind me continue with what you were doing."  she said, to try to put them at ease, but Visar still felt nervous.  He didn't want to make a fool out of himself in front of an Aes Sedai.  And so, he would have to do his best to try to win.

 

"Nough banter.  Let's get going already, pretty boy," he growled at Dante.

 

They saluted briefly with their steel, and Visar stepped forward in a stance, threatening a thrust with the point of his sword.  It was a decent defensive position, to be sure, and could intercept just about any cut or thrust that came at him, but Visar didn't plan on staying in it for long.

 

They stayed just out of range for a few moments, trying to weigh each others' weaknesses, before Visar plunged in to attack, feinting a thrust high at the face, and cutting low from his right, a back edge undercut blow to Dante's hip.  From there, Visar could twitch back to a powerful vertical blow at Dante's head if he could continue striking.  With any luck, Visar could keep his enemy's sword too busy defending himself to hurt him, but he also knew he risked much charging in with his opponent's advantage in reach and strength.

[Sangreal]

(OOC: Yes...really)

 

When Visar came in sword high Dante was less interested in figuring out what he was up to then the element of surprise that his own skills would provide. He came in fast with his scimitar point down at forehead level to be able to block or parry any move aimed on the left side of his body then turned into an eruption feet, fist, knees, and elbow. Visar was not exactly slow to respond however and Dantes attack turned the duel into a contest of foot work since neither had been able to land a blow solid enough to bring a victory.

 

Dante admired how much the fight almost resembled a dance. He was sorely tempted to alter his moves slightly enough for Visar to defend himself in steps that would look like a ball room dance but decided against it. (He likely wouldnt know what he was doing anyways.) It really wasnt a funny joke if the person you play it on didnt get it. Instead they stay locked with Dantes hand on Visar's wrist that held his sword and Dante's arm trapped and locked in Visar's other arm. Visar had already applied his weight on Dante however and slowly Dante felt himself being forced to the ground (Oh no, this is not going to happen.) he thought.

 

As he struggled to push Visar back up he heard trainees call out cheers to Visar. "Get him Visar! Hes weakening!" to which Dante replied "No...Im...not!...Its his breath!"

 

The look on Visar's face and the grin on his own would be a priceless memory.

 

Moving under Visar's arm almost sent Visar to the ground but Visar's sword almost took Dante in the head. As both took their stances again for another go despite the contest of strength that would quickly wear anyone out Dante's face took on the most non serious look he could muster. "Your a really great dance partner Visar. I had a really lovely time."

 

The trainees thought it was funny. Dante did too even though that duel would be a loss for him.

 

Taking on his usual grin he went back towards Visar with his mid guard and a side stance.

 

OOC I will modify this later to bring more detail to the moves for you.

[Visar Falmaien]

(ooc: I'll work with what you have, it's ok.  I'm gonna go with the "too serious" approach to contradict Dante's "not serious enough" mannerisms)

 

As Visar came in, he was surprised that Dante wasted no time in closing, striking as well as seeking grabs.  Almost overwhelmed, Visar did his best to strike up close with various parts of his weapon, in addition to checking the blows with his off hand when he had the chance.  But before anything hit they were in a vicious lock, the kind his instructors tried to warn him against getting into with larger persons.

 

Dante managed to get a grip on his sword arm, so Visar closed in to try to get a bind with Dante's other arm, in attempt to turn him off balance.  Only, the man was larger and much more difficult to throw, and Visar was struggling to not be thrown himself.

 

Visar growled at the cheers for either of them and tried his best to ignore them.

When did this turn into an event for entertainment?!

No one would be cheering if this was a real fight, he thought.  At best it was distracting.

 

But what was worst was that Dante kept trying to turn everything into a joke.  And those gathered around obviously found it funny.  Visar openly scowled at another comment, and they reset, neither having landed a killing blow.

 

How much will I have to knock him senseless so he can focus on fighting me instead of laughing at me?  he thought, already beginning to feel infuriated.

 

The next round, Visar cared nothing but to strike his opponent in a place where it would hurt.  They struck at each other, until finally, Visar thought he saw an opening.  As he thrust towards Dante's chest, his helmet shuddered under a decisive blow from above.  He saw Dante stagger back as well, indication that they would both have killed each other instantly.

 

They reset, Visar adjusting his helmet.

 

The next time they clashed, Visar hit Dante with a vicious cut on the collarbone, yet Dante had managed to land an extremely painful blow right in the side of the ribs with his scimitar.  Visar staggered back, completely winded.  After a moment's pause, Visar nodded that he could keep fighting.

 

Visar growled audibly, and spat for effect.  He hated double hits.

They reset again, blood and adrenaline pumping through their bodies.  This Dante is really getting to me!

 

Visar charged again, intent on closing and showing Dante that no matter how much bigger he was, he could go straight to the ground like the rest of them.

[Sangreal]

Dante quickly found that his tendency to joke around was definitely getting to Visar. (Finally... I know he has a temper, how did he resist this long?) As they found themselves both pretty much equal in skill he began to work out other tactics. As far as fighting with the hands went he had a advantage and presented a way of fighting that not many were used to. He decided it was time to go to ground.

 

As they reset and Visar came in again Dante deflected the attack and shoulder slammed Visar into the chest to put him on his back. In a fluid motion he followed Visar as he fell back and tried to attack with his scimitar. Visar deflected that even though he was on his back and Dante allowed him to push his blade away as he came down on top of Visar elbow first. It turned into a flurry of grabs and twists and both sought the ground advantage. Visar's body came up for only a moment and like a snake Dante moved around him to get behind him. He twisted Visar's arm and with a pop from it came a grunt from Visar. As Dante had Visar's neck which would have been a win, he felt the point of steel at his own gut. (Another damn tie...oh well... where did he pull that dagger from anyways?)

 

As he released and pulled back he asked Visar "So did my joking around make you mad?" Visar's look was all the answer he needed "Good... I will be more serious when you learn to control your temper. Its dangerous to let that go unchecked." He walked up and held out a hand to shake Visar's hand. "You fight well Visar. I am proud to be your partner."

[Rasheta Ardashir]

After Rasheta had spoken about the two young men continuing the spar and to ignore her they did. At first it seemed as though they were a little nervous but they lost that seemingly after a few swings of the practice sword. She didn't mind that some of the other trainees were crowding around her and watching the spar, some calling things to either Visar or Dante. Rasheta shook her head smiling at some things said and then the speaker blushing and apologizing to her. She was a Green she wasn't unaware of how men were around other men. She ignored the other recruits and focused her attention on the two young men, she shivered as she watched them. They were good and both reminded her in a way of her dead warder, she wasn't going to cry here she wasn't! She steeled herself and brushed her hair out of her face. She could tell the two were done so she walked toward them pulling her shawl closer around herself, when she got to the young men she surprised even herself by saying in her sweetest voice.

 

"Does the winner wish a kiss?" She looked up at them from under her lashes and smiled. Inwardly she couldn't believe she had done that. She knew she would hear about this later from the other greens but at the moment she was going to do this and enjoy it. She saw confused looks on the men's faces so she added with a laugh "Or perhaps you would both like one?"

[Sangreal]

Dante's confusion over the offer was obviously apparent. Any trainer standing around would have seen that Visar was the clear winner. (From our first meeting I think I gathered this Aes Sedai doesnt want anything to do with me.) Looking over at Visar it suddenly occurred to him what was going on. (Oh I see now.. more power to you Visar. She offered it to both in case I won.)

 

"Visar was the winner Aes Sedai." he said with a smile and a hard pat on the back for Visar to nudge him towards her as he took a few steps back and pretended to be casually watching the activities of the yard.

[Visar Falmaien]

(ooc: sorry for the delay!)

After a flurry of steel, Visar and Dante went to the ground in a vicious tumble of elbows and knees.  Dante soon assumed a dominant position, twisting his arm in an extremely painful position.  Visar grunted, but reached with his free arm to his dagger, managing to draw it and stick it at Dante's gut.  Finally, Dante released his arm, and Visar was able to breath a sigh of relief.  He tried to flex his shoulder and winced, feeling as if his arm had been yanked partially from its socket.  He'd have to see the infirmary about that to make sure it was alright.

 

They both managed to stand.  "So did my joking around make you mad?"'

 

Visar glared, acknowledging that it had made him rather perturbed.  Dante had done that on purpose?  Visar felt half a fool for falling for that.

 

"Good... I will be more serious when you learn to control your temper. Its dangerous to let that go unchecked."

 

That made a lot of sense, he realized now.  He would have to keep that in mind.

"You fight well Visar. I am proud to be your partner."

Visar nodded his thanks for the compliment.  "You're not too bad yourself, Dante.  I'd hate to fight you for real with sharps.  Not sure either of us would survive that encounter.  Best we stick to fighting as partners, aye?" he finished with a wry grin.

 

Rasheta Sedai approached them.  Oh yeah, she was watching us!  Visar fully expected some comment about using more restraint in sparring, and was surprised when she offered to kiss the winner.

 

Visar was rather confused.  Both of them had 'lost' most of the time they had fought.  There had been no clear winner.  Yet before he could voice any objection, Dante half shoved him forward, claiming he was the winner.

 

After a moment's hesitation, Visar felt a rather insane notion. Hey, why not!  It's not every day you kiss an Aes Sedai!

[Rasheta Ardashir]

Rasheta watched Dante shove Visar in front saying he had won. She wasn't surprised that Dante didn't take the offer himself. He probably had more then his fair share of woman after him. She turned her full attention on Visar and saw a look of surprise cross Visar's face. She smiled inwardly and then leaned in close to Visar and gave him a light kiss on the lips. She smiled at him and stepped back, "You fought well, I hope to see you fight again sometime."

 

Rasheta turned then and left the training yards wondering if her preformance today would get the rumors spreading about her to quiet. She hoped so, she did wonder why she even cared if Dante had other women falling all over him or not. She wondered if it mattered if Visar did and then stopped herself from that train of thought, something best not thought to long about.