Burrich training thread

[Andular]

Nightsfire regarded his big student for a moment then nodded. “A battle ax it is then lad. Rangers are skilled in all weapons and I can teach you to master one with some hard work.â€

 

Leaving Burrich for a moment Nights went to the supply cabin and after a bit of rummaging found a practice battle ax with a dulled edge. Returning to the sparring ring he gave it to his student. “Until you have a good handle on your skills practice with that it will be safer for all involved.†Chuckling Nights stepped back as the Young man got a feel for the weapon and placed his own ax off to the side.

 

“The first rule to learning any weapon is to let it become an extension of your body. Slow your breathing and let the feel of the ax mold to your hands.â€

 

Giving Burrich a few more moments to get the feel of the weapon Nights waited until he was ready.

 

“Now show me what you know if its use and how to wield it properly.â€

[Asfaloth]

Burrich gripped the shaft of the practice axe, surprised that the weight was only slightly less than his actual weapon. It seemed that the two wooden blades were weighted. This made sense as the weight was one of the hardest parts to get used to with a new weapon, or so he'd been told.

 

He closed his eyes and focused on the weapon before him. he let his fingers feel even the grains in the wood as he sought to become one with the axe he held. He held the shaft in just his right hand and took a few swings left and right, then a few more on the diagonal. Switching to his left he repeated the moves before gripping with both hands and going through the same basic moves one more time.

 

Opening his eyes he looked to where John was sitting, watching him intently. "I know that the axe is mainly a chopping weapon. These few moves are all I know right now."

[Andular]

Nights watched as the big man showed him what he knew of working with the battle ax and nodded. “You have much to learn Burrich fortunately we have plenty of time to train.â€

 

Hoisting another practice ax he had brought for himself Nigths assumed a defensive stance. “When working the ax like I told you have it be an extension of your being.â€

 

Bringing the ax up the Ranger demonstrated blocking and parrying moves and a slower pace so his student could see his movements. When Burrich had successfully mirrored what he had been shown Nights speed up the movement of the blade. Shifting to an offensive stance he began to demonstrate slashing and thrusting moves designed to break an opponents defenses.

 

The two men spent the better part of they day practicing with the weapons. Burrich was a quick learner and picked up most of the moves he was shown right away. His size was misleading because his student showed he had speed as well. Their axes hummed through the air as the fought an invisible foe. Nights made sure Burrich paid particular attention to his footwork and pointed out how that could be the difference in victory or defeat.

 

The afternoon was bright and sunny and while few Rangers had entered the training grounds none remained by the time they were finished.

 

“Show me what you have learned before we call it a day.â€

 

OOC: ok just rp out your thoughts of the day. When you finish this post you will be a wolfcub and your training will be half way done. We will switch to intermediate next.

[Asfaloth]

Burrich paid careful attention to the moves as John demonstrated them. If he was to be a Ranger, as he planned, then he would need to be even more capable with weapons than the others of the wolfkin. Also, it was one of his life's goals to be recognized as a blademaster. This he would stive for with all he had.

 

Since his arrival at the Stedding he had heard countless stories of persecution even more horrifying than his own. He couldn't let that continue. He might not be able to do much for the Wanderers as they went through the howling but as a Ranger he would be in a crucial position to ensure that type of persecution never occurred here at home. Home...It was strange that he'd startd thinking of the Stedding as home after only a few days.

 

He soon lost the ability to think these thoughts or any others as the weapons work quickly took all his concentration. He lost himself in the repetition of moves, both defensive and offensive. He mimicked the moves John made as precisely as he could as they fought imaginary opponents. Soon Burrich began to gain an understanding of what John had meant. He felt like the axe truly was a part of him, just one more limb to be used as surely as the others.

 

When John finally paused Burrich realized that the sun had moved from the high position in the eastern sky that it held when they started to one much lower on the horizon. They had been at this for several hours, and Burrich was glad of his experience with the Companions that had produced endurance and stamina in his muscles.

 

“Show me what you have learned before we call it a day.â€

 

He was glad to oblige his mentor's request and went through all the techniques he had been taught that day. He went through them all in sequence slowly to show that he had the techniques down and then increased his speed even beyond what he'd done so far. Often people thought him slow because of his great size and were surprised to discover that he was fast as well. The moves were not as crisp at that speed but he was confident that would come with practice.

 

Burrich was exhausted by the end of his demonstration but he had learned much this day and was pleased with his progress.