"Where did you get that weapon? I've seen one before, but I thought that it was a once-in-a-lifetime thing." Asked Mehrin Dreyik paused before answering, his thoughts drifting back to his childhood training and one of the few memories of his grandfather and his quarterstaff. The memories of his grandfather were painful like those of his parents. All of which had died in service to their King...Dreyik would be the first of his line in 5 generations that wouldn't. His throat suddenly becoming dry as he responded.

"My grandfather was master of the quarterstaff he began showing me it was I was but a child. My father disagreed saying he wanted me to use the sword. But the staff felt right to me. My grandfather was killed in battle when I was 10. He was up against 3 men and had felled them all so he thought but one of the men he thought he had killed wasn't quite dead...I guess the man and rocks on his head and stabbed my grandfather in the back." Dreyik took a breath. "When my father had come back from the battle he told me the story and asked for my staff. About a week later he came back with it and the staff had 2 blades on its ends. He said the staff is your weapon but make sure it always does the job its intended to when in combat."

Dreyik was lost in thought for a moment before smiling. "So after that I began training with the bladed quarterstaff. My father was a very practical man. Always finding solutions to mistakes or problems I guess. Hopefully along our trip here me and Master Rodan," Dreyik said putting his arm around the boy "Will continue to learn from you so we can do the same, Master Mehrin." Looking at Rodan he smiled again and said. "The most important thing you need to remember Master Rodan is that in real combat the only thing that matters is staying alive and defending what's right...no matter how that's achieved." He hoped that that would soothe Rodan's notion of honorable combat...he needed to know that it wouldn't matter if he was dead or failed to help his cause or comrades.

Awww it felt good to be heading back into civilization. It had been awhile since Zander had a chance for a leave. And he had decided to had back to Andor his homeland. It felt good not to have to "babysit" any new flaming recruits. Camelyn was as big and busy as ever. But that didn't matter he needed a strong drink, some beautiful women and maybe some dicing or a good ole fashioned fight. Being a Sargent in the Band was a good life and Zander was one of the few that a grown accustomed to the battlefield and its horrors. Some men were merchants, some blacksmiths and some were hawkers...Zander was a soldier, a fighter and he was good at it.

As Zander strode into the city he noticed a boy handing flyers out, A Grand Opening of the Haus of Three it read. A new bar. "Well, well" Zander said smiling looks like I might find some fun there. He made his way through the town to the bar and strode in. The place was already alive and well. The first thing Zander noticed was the beautiful women dancing on the tables and he knew he was at the right place. Removing his cloak and adjusting his 2 short swords he headed to the bar. And walked up to the woman behind the bar. "Hello beautiful I need a room for the night." Zander said smiling with his half grin. " And then a meal and some drinks...I need a bloody bath I smell like a flaming trollic." Zander winced it spite of himself. He probably should watch his tounge but the woman just smiled and showed him to his room. Zander watched as she swayed her way up the stairs and led him to his room.

Zander bathed and trimmed his beard short. And combed his hair. He put on some clean clothes and left his swords in the room but strapped his knives on. Zander wasn't really planning on trouble but somehow his mouth always seemed to find it. Brushing his hair out of his eyes he made his way out of the room and back downstairs. The music was lively and so where the women. Walking to a available seat Zander watched as one of the serving girls came over and he ordered a meal and a pitcher of ale....Zander was sure it was going to be an interesting night...

As Dreyik washed the blood and dirt from himself he smiled to himself. Rodan was upset at the punches and kicks thrown during his and Mehrin's sparring. But hopefully he had listened to Mehrin. That man knew fighting and without doubt killing like very few others Dreyik had known. Mehrin would make a fighter of the boy he knew it. Throwing his shirt on he watched as Rodan came over to him, "You managed to hit him a few times, Dreyik! That was so brilliant of you!" "That kick he did was really low, though. I didn't know warriors used such dishonorable tactics. You never hear about that in the stories.". Dreyik could help but like the boy. He was so enthusiastic full of life and youthful thinking. "You will learn much from Master Mehrin, Rodan, we both will. But remember one thing in an actual fight my boy your opponents are trying to kill you...you must be ready for anything and to do anything." Now you look famished and so am I" Dreyik said playfully pushing the boy ahead of him after Mehrin's waved them over to eat with them. The meal was horrible but Dreyik was used to such meals though he was sure the biscuits capable of passing as rocks.

Sitting down eating his meal he looked over at Rodan and could see the exhaustion in his eyes but he was trying to hide it. "Hopefully Master Rodan you realized the importance of Master Mehrin's lesson on footwork and balance cause without mastering those traits a fighter's life is a short thing." Glancing up at Mehrin he said "That's a very impressive weapon Master Mehrin, are you versed with most weapons?" Dreyik knew the man was or had been Military but Dreyik was one to respects one's privacy and anything Mehrin wanted to share he would when and if he wanted to. Dreyik was starting to like the man. He could tell he was in a wounded soul but he showed the boy affection in his own way. And he didn't strike Dreyik as the type of person that was in this just for the money. Dreyik picked up his lute and he started playing it quietly waiting to see where the answers to his questions would lead them, if anywhere. For the first time in awhile Dreyik felt comfortable...and keeping his memories of his past away with more then a smile.

OOC" Fighting the urge to plunge the vicious spike on the pommel of his flamberge into Dreyik's face...YES!!! AWESOME!!!

Spitting the blood out from his mouth Dreyik started circling Mehrin...Light Illuminate me he was good and not fighting at his fullest. Dreyik knew that he was not going to get the better of this tilt but that wouldn't stop him from trying. As in all fights you had to use your strengths to your advantage and not play against your opponents. Mehrin had the strength, skill and experience advantages without doubt. Dreyik knew he had to use his speed and agility and go against the fact that Mehrin was always at least 2 steps ahead of him. Dreyik fainted left with a low strike which Mehrin easily blocked, then reversing his grip on the staff Dreyik pivoted around and brought his blade up trying to knock Mehrin's blade up and following through with a kick to his mid section. Mehrin had anticipated his move and arched his blade and moved to the side and hit Dreyik's ribs with the flat of his weapon as his kick glanced harmlessly off the side of him. As Dreyik winced he rolled back and nipped up to his feet. He then launched into an all out attack no matter what he did. Arching, sweeping straight or feint Mehrin had the answer. Dreyik had taken some solid hits and knew he'd be sore tomorrow but still that didn't deter him.

Mehrin was explaining the fight to the boy and still fending Dreyik off. He didn't even appear to be sweating though the sweat was starting to pore down Dreyik though he wasn't tired. He had been on the battlefield before and had trained with some very good fighters but none at Mehrin's level. Dreyik knew he could learn things and as they engaged he made sure that he wasn't making the same mistakes. Trying to shore up openings Mehrin had hit before or not to try things that weren't working a second time. Their weapons clashed...the only other sound was Mehrin talking to the boy. The rest of the group were just watching. Dreyik tried to attack at a relentless pace mixing up attacks, trying feints even using some jumps and spins but Mehrin's weapon and he were one. Dreyik launched into another attack lunging forward then at the last second planting his blade between Mehrins feet for a trip and rolling foward to use it as a trip though the move did knock Mehrin slightly off balance the flat of Mehrin's weapon hit him squarely on the back knocking him to the ground.

After a quick moment Dreyik got up as Mehrin stepped back and again took his stance. "Perhaps I should be listening as to you along with Rodan Master Mehrin." Dreyik said smiling "nothing short of you having a heart attack is going to work for me." Dreyik smiled and grabbed some more dirt the ground and rubbed his hands together. He planted his feet and waited. "Are you ready for your beating to continue Master Mehrin?" Dreyik said playfully. But that grin on Mehrin's face removed the humor from Dreyik's words....that and the fact Dreyik and landed one hit while his own body bore many...

Appropriate Band song I think:

I have a TG too if you guys are looking for more people.

The Great Southern Trendkill-Pantera

Good stuff we need more Banders here!! I also have a Freebooter..along with my `politically correct and polite`Bander....If your looking for people to RP with let me know!!! PS: Sgt Zander wants to start a Tab at your new bar...lol

Wow that makes The Band a whooping 3 members....lol Great to see another Bander!!! If/when you get your Bander approved we do have a Rp going to kidnap the Daughter of the Nine Moons...(and as Band protocol requires cause a little havoc along the way). Talk to Quibby if your interested. And first (all) rounds on Quibby...hehehehe

Dreyik set the lute down and met the man's stare. Mehrin's eyes burned with intensity. Carefully setting the lute back in its case Dreyik stood up and removed his shirt. "Your one standing order for this duel: kill me." Well Dreyik thought there's no chance of that happening but hopefully he won't be disappointed. Stabbing the Bladed Quarterstaff in the ground Dreyik reached down and grabbed some dirt and rubbed it in his hands. They were sweating...not with fear but intispation. Mehrin's weapon was imposing and a like size to Dreyik's own. The grin and Mehrin's face was a little unsettling but Dreyik matched with own of his own though his were never meant for the same purpose. Dreyik spared a galnce over to Rodan and he was itching with excitemnt and exhaustion. he was going to get to see Mehrin in action for the first time...

Mehrin hadn't moved and stood ready. Dreyik stood up and pulled his weapon from the ground. Dreyik asumed his stance and nodded to Mehrin that he was ready. And in the blink of an eye launched into his attack, faking a verticl strike Dreyik then reveresed and tried a sweep to knock Mehrin over but his flamberge was there to meet the strike and Mehrin extended a kick into Dreyik's gut knocking him backwards. Dreyik allowed the momenteum to take him over and turned it into a roll and sprang back to his feet. And began a straightfoward series of attacks. It felt good to engage in sparring with someone except that Dreyik had never fought against anybody this good. The 2 weapons smashed together as both men began to work into a rythem. Though Dreyik was no longer on the offensive but the defensive. It was taking everything to try to keep Mehrin's weapon from hitting him. It seemed like hours but in reality and only been a few minutes and Dreyik knew that Mehrin was holding back, gauging him...seeing his worth.

Dreyik knew he had to try something as Mehrin's strike knocked Dreyik's weapon up and sweeping around caught him in the back knocking the wind out of him. Again Dreyik allowed the momentum to carry and he rolled and instead this time he butted his Quartstaff into the ground and pushed off of it using his body as a weapon and landed a kick off of Mehrin's face that probably would have knocked a normal man half sensleless. But Mehrin's smile just widened and Dreyik knew things were about to go very badly for him...

If your looking for training or an RP I have a FB that can give you a hand. If your interested let me know.

In This River by Black Label Society....tribute to Dimebag Darrell from Pantera/Damage Plan...reminds of buddy Corey who died 16 years ago gone but never forgotten buddy!! It's a beautiful song.

Dreyik couldn't help but laugh though not where the boy could hear it. That boy had two left feet...and maybe two left hands as well. He had the balance of a Trollic on a high rope. From the look of things Mehrin was obviously gauging what the boy had learned so far, which by the looks of things was nothing at all. But the kid had determination and a good teacher. The first thing the kid would need to do though was learn how to balance. "Set your feet before your strike." Dreyik mentioned quietly as he walked by the boy. And sat by the fire. He sat down and began to sharpen the blades on the ends of his quarterstaff. Watching intently both the boy and Mehrin. That man knew what he was doing even though Dreyik could tell the other guards just thought he was tormenting the boy.

"Perhaps if we have the time Master Mehrin you could show me a move or two. I've always admired swordsmanship though I haven't quite be able to pick it up myself." Dreyik said casually. "I'd hate to not be sharp if we are attacked along the road to Kandor." Dreyik could see the boys light up briefly though exhaustion was taking its toll. Dreyik just shook his head as he could tell that the excitement was to see Master Mehrin in action but then again so was Dreyik. Dreyik remembered something that his father had told him. "Always learn from better fighters if you yourself want to become better." Dreyik had always believed that his father was one of if not the best he had every seen....Dreyik thought Mehrin may put that assumption to the test.

Dreyik hauled out his lute and began playing quietly. The lute always relaxed him as his father used to play for him for timing while he was training. But Dreyik always played his mother's favorite song. It reminded it of her and of better days...Hopefully Dreyik thought there will be better days ahead.

Preferably something where there's some action involved!! Wanna increase my WS and meet some peeps and give my big shiny sword a chance to remove some dust...lol

Training...training...and more training...lol!! Like to get some more training or a chance for some action. Any interest?

Dreyik couldn't help but laugh as the boy flew into the trough. Though normally jovial it had been the first time Dreyik had laughed in a while. It had been a long road from Murandy...from his parents death. From Murandy he traveled to Camelyn where he had served in Mercenary group but their disregard for law and human life meant a bad parting of ways. From there he had joined on as a merchant's guard for his current employer joining along to bring payment back from a shipment that they had brought to Camelyn. It had been a good trek without incident. Now they were heading to Kandor with the merchant's son and this Mehrin. Anyone who knew anything about fighting could tell the man was dangerous but something told Dreyik that the man seemed broken or torn about something. And that this boy was going to try his patience which in itself would be worth the journey.

Dreyik walked over to the boy and helped him reassemble himself. "Well Rodan you should be very impressed with yourself. You just proved to be the first boy who could fly." He said ruffling the boy's hair. "Don't worry," Dreyik said looking back to the Merchant smiling. "your boy is in great hands. Mehrin just thought he was thirsty." "Master Mehrin," Dreyik said walking over to the man arms draped up over his head resting along his bladed quarterstaff before setting into the ground beside him and extending his hand to the man. "My name is Dreyik Zantos, pleasure to meet you. And please my landing in the through would be much less graceful then young Master Rodan's." Dreyik flashed his most sincere smile at the man. Hoping to defuse any tension that there might be.

"Do you have a plan for the route we will take to Kandor my friend?" Dreyik has waiting to gauge the man's reaction.

Hey just wondering if possible to get my old TG reinstated? Any help would be great!!

http://drpsw.wikia.com/wiki/Slade_Draken

Hey just a thought but if your looking for more people I could have Dreyik as one of the merchant's guards accompanying you to Kandor. Im down with humor and the removal of intestines as well....lol!! Let me know if its cool or not!!

Dreyiks Bio: http://www.dragonmount.com/forums/topic/41863-approved-freelander-bio-for-drayik-wk-ccd/

I could be one of the guards the merchant hired in Andor and I've traveled with him to Cairhien. Thoughts?

Leaving Murandy and he was heading towards Andor.