• Closed • Red Redoubt

[Rynata]

Arc 718, 5th of Saun

The past few seasons had taught Rynata that there were indeed dangers in this world. She had been under the impression that she understood this well, before she had stepped off her family's ship and well after. After all, it wasn't very flattering to think of herself as a spoiled and naive child. However, recent events had convinced her to change her views on that matter. There were threats and threatening people of whom she couldn't begin to understand. Those that wouldn't think twice to put a blade or bolt through her or one of her allies. Those who hurt others without even meaning to.

During the attack in Ymiden, Rynata had been a part of facing down such dangers but she had handled herself just barely. Trudging along the bank of a stream, her heart sank as she envisioned what would have happened to her had she ended up on either of the islands alone. Without her fellow team members and the Elements, she would have been lucky to face a quick death.

This was why she was looking for the Flame Troop Outpost, today. Rynata remembered the bright badges on the Elements that day and had reasoned it was as good a place to start as any. She needed to learn how to hold her own in case she ever found herself in a similar situation. If not for herself, then for those counting on her to ward off danger for just another moment or two. Since she had developed a certain distaste for medical work, Rynata supposed preventing such injuries in need of a medic was the more practical route. If she could help it, she wasn't going to be the desperate girl trying to bring a dead man back to life in a sea of blood, anytime soon. It had been the only thing she could do then, as Sephira and Rey'na held off the enemy, but it hadn't been pleasant.

Reaching the Command Post, Rynata took in the burst of color that was the entirety of the structure and slowly walked up to the entrance. Already, guards along the front of the building had their eyes pinned on her movements and especially the two blades at her side. A tremulous smile coming to her lips at the thought of them considering her a viable threat, Rynata did her best to seem as innocent and harmless as possible.

"Hello!" she called out a little early so as to avoid any soldiers jumping to ill fated conclusions. "I was wondering if the Elements provided any martial training?"

The interaction did not go as well as she had hoped, but not so badly that there was any harm done. The guards stood as a wall in front of the entrance and refused to budge. They informed her politely, but firmly, that she should head back to the town proper and speak to the administrative office to see about getting herself into a training position. They seemed quite determined not to budge, and Rynata only had one trick up her sleeve that might convince them otherwise. She didn't like to name drop, but if it saved her from being buried in the backlog of the Element's office, then it would have to do.

"My team captain from the blockade reconnaissance. Sephira, yes? Is she not here at the moment?"

[Sephira]

Redwood Redoubt was without a doubt the most private and secretive of the Element’s command posts. Few were permitted past the entrance; even other branches of the Elements would have a hard time getting past the guard at the door or the inscrutable Ms. Reid at the reception desk.

Rynata was having a rather difficult time getting past those particular barriers herself. The young woman was tenacious though and it was because of that tenacity that she wasn’t immediately turned away. The guards turned to at look at each other skeptically.

“You went to Ishllar? To deal with the black ships?” One of them said with a crass chuckle. “A little girl like you, I’ll eat my boots if that were true lady.”

A set of footsteps emerged behind the two men before coming to a sharp and decisive halt.

“Then you better get a fork and knife, I hear that leather is rather tough, Element Janson.” A female voice replied icily.

Sephira stood behind the two men with her arms crossed and her brow knitted together in irritation. Her face brightened noticeably at when she glanced over at Rynata.

“Special Assistant.” The second guard uttered in shock.

The mage brushed past them to take Rynata by the arm and escorted the young woman toward the entrance of the Redoubt. As they passed by the guards the woman leaned in toward the guards to whisper something to them that Rynata could likely hear.

“The next time this woman comes here, you gentlemen are to give her whatever she needs. She’s done more for the people of this island than you could ever imagine.” With that the Special Assistant swiftly escorted her teammate inside the doors of the building.

The interior of the lobby was modest but well-appointed with bright cedar walls, a nearby reception desk along with hallways that led off from an attached rotunda.

“Sorry about that, those two are morons.” She said crisply with a scathing look back toward the entrance that the two guards were stationed at. Sephira took a moment to look over Rynata. The young woman appeared much the same as she had when they had last seen each other. Although she was less frostbitten and had far fewer bruises. That day on Ishllar and later on Faldrass had been a bittersweet one for Sephira but Rynata had been a constant source of support. She had helped keep the team alive which was something that Sephira would be eternally thankful for.

“So, what can I help you with?” Sephira asked, looking at Rynata inquisitively with a faintly raised brow.

Dialogue|Thoughts

[Rynata]

“Well, yes. I did...” Rynata trailed off, standing in front of guards who seemed quite content in not believing her story. Sporting a rueful smile she shrugged. One of these days her unassuming figure would come in handy. Not everyone had to be as intimidating as a Sharkin Shark.

Her salvation came in the form of the rather stern looking team captain herself as she emerged from behind the two soldiers. Rynata’s eyes lit up when she saw the familiar face come to her defense and watched in amusement as mere words sent the men scrambling. Allowing Sephira to guide her forward, Rynata flashed a small smile at the guards and gave them a quick salute. However, it was soon her turn to be flustered as she overheard the other woman’s high praise of her. It was certainly not unwelcome, but considering the reason she had come here, it was hard to stomach without blushing just a little.

Entering the command post alongside Sephira, Rynata looked about the place curiously, eyes trailing further down the distant hallways. It was interesting to lay eyes on the post where some of the Elements supporting them on the day of the mission had regular access to. She imagined it wasn't usually a place they allowed citizens in.

"Not at all," Rynata said smilingly, looking back at the captain. "I suppose I should have planned that out a little better, but it was an on the spot decision to come here. I remembered the other Fire Elements on Faldrass that day, and well," she trailed off, piecing together her next words. Looking down at her fingers knitted together, Rynata started off again, this time with resolve in her voice.

"I'd like to get some formal training, if that's possible. Martial training, defense training, I'm not particularly experienced there, so I wouldn't know what that would entail. But I want to be prepared for next time," she said, referring to the enemies they faced. "I did what I could on the mission, and even though I know what happened to Nalin and Amaris was beyond our team, I still couldn't help them. Not enough, anyway. There was just too much blood and not enough time." Rynata unlaced her fingers and tucked her hands behind her back. "So next time, if at all possible, I'd like to be able to protect my friends before it ever got to healing and Immortals," she finished with a sad smile.

Had she joined the other team to Faldrass, Rynata didn't think it would have changed much. In fact, she might very well not be standing here totrial. However, there was always the future to worry about and other people to be placed in danger.

"There may come a time when you or Rey'na aren't around to do the fighting," she said, nodding in appreciation to Sephira. "In fact, I'm sure of it. So even if it's less fighting and more protecting, I'd like to at least know what I'm doing."

[Sephira]

The mage listened as Rynata explained her desire to learn a bit about self-defense. The young woman had a good head on her shoulders and wanted to ensure that she could take more direct actions the next time she was put in a situation like that found on Ishllar. Rynata had been invaluable that trial. The Element medics had told Sephira that Hookor would have likely died had the woman not put the tourniquet on him when she did. She had not only saved one of their team members had but also helped in attacking the slaves when they had drawn their bows.

“Of course.” Sephira replied, looking just a little impressed that Rynata was interested in acquiring some martial training. Some people never had the stomach for combat, but clearly the woman was made of sterner stuff than the guards outside had given her credit for.

“If you like I can show you a few things to-trial and after I’ll speak with Samantha about setting you up with a proper teacher.”

The Special Assistant’s face darkened when Amaris’s name was brought up. The man had died after enduring heavy wounds and confronting the Immortal of Death. The godling had taken Amaris with him, regardless of the pleas for his life by the others assembled there. There was simply nothing that could be done, so Sephira had resolved herself to simply move forward.

“I regret what happened to Amaris, he should have never gone on that mission.” The mage said somberly. There was truth and a little anger in her words. If anyone was at fault then it was the Elements for assigning the councilor to lead the Faldrass mission.

He never should have been there in the first place.

“But that’s in the past now, best we move on.” She said tightly before waving Rynata toward a nearby double door that led off from the central lobby. The soldier pushed open the doors and inside lay an expansive indoor gymnasium with windows facing out toward Sweetwine woods. There were several circular rings painted on the floors in one section, designed to play host to duels and training sessions with blades. Within the gym were only a handful of other Flame Troops. The few men and women that were there didn’t bat an eye at Sephira as she took Rynata over toward the nearest ring. There was a rack that held several wooden practice weapons. With a single motion the woman unclasped the sheathed saber from her belt and set it on the rack before trading it out for a somewhat matching wooden sword. The practice weapon mimicked Wyvern’s size and weight well enough for her to use it with ease.

“I’m more familiar with a light sword or saber myself.” Sephira said with a serious tone before she experimentally flourished the practice weapon in her hand. “Feel free to use what you like and we will go from there.”

Dialogue|Thoughts

[Rynata]

If she wasn't mistaken, Rynata thought that Sephira seemed a little surprised. Training civilians probably wasn't the norm for this outpost. However, the team captain seemed to accept her request readily enough. She even offered to pass her along to a proper teacher so she could continue.

"Thank you. That would be very kind of you," Rynata said as she followed the other woman across the lobby and through the double doors. Together they stepped through the entrance, leaving behind the heavy ghost of their dead companion.

Taking in the large gymnasium, Rynata blinked a couple times to get used to the sight. It was such a clear space with a cooling view of the woods. She'd never thought something like this could be created indoors. Glancing at the other men and women busy in their training, Rynata followed the Flame Element, a little lost, to one of the sparring rings. She set down her own gear and looked down the rack holding all the training equipment.

Rynata nodded, "I usually have a dagger, but I've also touched on swords before. Well, mostly in theory. Not in a real fight."

She picked out a one-handed mock blade and turned it around in her hand. It was heavier than the play fighting swords she had used in her childhood, of course, but the grip was a similar feel.

"I'd instictually rather not face down a full length sword with just a knife, so I assume there's some tactical truth in that. I'll go with this one," the sailor said, holding up her choice weapon which was slightly shorter than the one Sephira had taken up. She stared a little apprehensively at how gracefully Sephira seemed to handle her own practice blade. It reminded her a little of whenever she faced her brother Korim with a blade in his hand. However, the difference was the deadly serious expression on the woman's face whereas Korim would have been smirking triumphantly. Honestly, Rynata didn't know which was more comforting.

Leveling the blunt blade at her would be opponent's chest height, Rynata tested out the engarde position she remembered. Sword arm slightly relaxed without tension in the shoulders and one foot placed in front of the other. Hopefully her guard was covering all her corners. Her free hand slightly back and out of the way, but there to provide balance and support in the duel. She looked at Sephira questioningly, curious as to what the team captain had to say.

[Sephira]

“There is an advantage to everyone weapon.” Sephira said when Rynata explained why she was choosing a mock longsword. “Daggers are faster than swords, and swords are faster than most axes and other large weapons.”

The mage hefted the small light practice weapon in her hand. She always preferred smaller swords for their speed and agility. Her forte was speed and precision, not brute strength.
“Good.” The woman commented when Rynata chose a simple starting stance. The Element gestured toward the other woman’s feet, making a small adjustment and tapped her on the back of the knees to indicate that she needed to relax her stance slightly.

“Always keep your stances simple. Anything more than that is dancing rather than fighting.” She said with a smirk and something of a scoff.

“Combat is about efficiency; moving faster and more cleanly than your opponent. Now stand at the ready.” She added before settling into a slight crouch, bending her knees slightly and holding her mock saber out to the side in her right hand, just a good foot away from her body. The blade was angled just to the left of Rynata.

“When fighting with a sword, you must consider what you blade is designed for.” The woman sharply breathed in before stepping forward, taking a wide lunge as she brought her sword up before swooping it overhead and into a sweeping slice that aimed for Rynata’s right shoulder. Sephira halted before allowing the blow to connect. This had merely be a demonstration, rather than an outright attack.

“A curved weapon like this is designed for slicing, and causing damage over a wide area. It’s swift and quick to cause pain. But it does not have to be lethal if the wielder knows what they are doing.” She inclined her head toward the more traditional straight bladed longsword that Rynata held.

“A weapon like yours specializes in puncturing armor and making lethal strikes with a single puncture. You can execute slices with it, but it’s made for ending confrontations in only a couple moves.” The mage nodded before taking up her starting stance again just like before.

“Like I said, there are benefits to every type of weapon.”

Her muscles tensed as she settled into her faintly crouched form and her blade was held out to the right once more.

“Once you understand the weapon you are facing, then you can begin to unravel your opponent's tactics and decide when to advance and when to retreat. You know that my weapon is slightly faster than the one you choose, so it’s likely that I will take the first opportunity to advance and close the distance between us. That means you need to prepare to block or parry.” The soldier said, arching her bow as she nodded for Rynata to prepare herself to block her attack.

Sephira advanced with two swift wide steps. The mage moved slower than she normally would have in combat, but she still wanted to ensure that the other woman was being pushed to her limit, so it wasn’t too terribly slow. There was a deadly seriousness to the entire affair. Sephira knew that Rynata could one day face another situation like they did with the black ships and this training might just prepare her for it.

The Element repeated the same attack from earlier that the young woman had already seen. She crossed diagonally across the sparring pit before sweeping her sword in for a slice toward Rynata’s shoulder.

“And block!” she commanded.

Dialogue|Thoughts

[Rynata]

Shifting accordingly to Sephira’s instructions, Rynata listened carefully to the other woman’s teachings.

“That’s funny. I always thought sword fighting was a little like dancing,” she said, smiling playfully and giving a wholly unnecessary but dramatic flourish with her off-hand. “Except I suppose the fighter is trying to throw off or find weak spots in their opponent’s rhythm.”

She understood the part about efficiency. It was hardly impressive to be stabbed through the heart because one had been too busy painting frilly lines with their weapon. However, like dancing, combat featured a series of instinctive tempos that a good duelist learned to recognize and take advantage of. While dancing centered around a partner’s collaboration within that rhythm, it seemed to her that combat was a competition relying on it.

Returning to her stance, Rynata watched as Sephira made sweeping cut at her right shoulder. Her own weapon wavered toward a right parry before she realized that her instructor only meant to act out an attack. However, it helped her to understand the line of the oncoming blade. The angle of the practice sword and wielder's wrist was clearer in a demonstration than it might have been in a real attack. That meant it was easier to estimate where the blow might land.

"So, it's important to understand the wielder's ability and purpose through the type of weapon they carry," she said, adjusting her grip on the practice sword. "I haven't figured out what might be best suited for my tactics yet, but I think the heavier blades would be more of a disadvantage to use in my case."

Rynata nodded to show that she understood the tactical differences in the two blades they were using and readied herself as Sephira stilled in preparation for an actual attack.

The attack was much faster than Rynata could have imagined, even though she was prepared for it. The distance between them evaporated in less than a heartbeat and the blade was already sweeping toward her shoulder. She heard Sephira's voice ring out at the right timing for her to execute a parry, and Rynata let her own blade swing up to protect her right side.

The two weapons connected with a satisfying crack, and the weight of the blow reverberated slightly in her arm. For the most part it appeared that Rynata had been able to protect her shoulder. However, she seemed to have made an unconscious and half-hearted retreat from the attack, leaving her stance awkward and off balance.

[Sephira]

The Flame Element smirked slightly at Rynata’s comment that she had always considered fighting to be a bit like dancing.

“If it helps you understand combat, then yes it’s a bit like dancing, at least until someone is bleeding out on the floor.” Sephira remarked sardonically.

They both slowly moved through the initial demonstration of the attack. Rynata was a bit jumpy and quick to block demonstrative blows but it at least implied her eagerness to learn.

When the young woman mentioned that she would likely be ill suited for heavier weapons the mage nodded affirmatively.

“I’d agree, you are quick and light on your feet. I’d suggest something no larger than a longsword for you personally. Take advantage of your body, rather than putting it at a disadvantage.”

The two then engaged in their first exercise, a simple but important practice in prediction and blocking techniques. Sephira made no effort to hide the direction of her swing, she telegraphed her intentions clearly and directly the blow toward Rynata’s shoulder. There was a sharp crack as the two practice weapons met sending faint reverberations up her arm and into her shoulder. The Element steadied herself by sliding her right foot back slightly and angling it to handle the impact.

“Good.” Sephira spoke with the twitch of a smile alighting on her lips. She relaxed her stance and withdrew her weapon to let it hang limply at her side.

“Excellent block, however it’s rare for combat to be ended in a single maneuver. You remember the battle on Ishllar? That was a complex situation. There were multiple combatants and members of our own team who were non-combatants. It was important that we thought ahead to ensure our own survival and the survival of our team members.”

Sephira fidgeted with the grip of her sword. “We were lucky that trial, it could have all gone very differently if any of us had made a single poor decision.”

The woman sank down into a simple stance as she prepared to engage Rynata in another exercise.

“Just remember, there is nothing wrong with turning around and running if it means that you will survive.”

Sephira engaged in another series of slow practice swings, giving Rynata time enough to see her incoming attacks and either parry or block them. It would take more than a single session to get Rynata comfortable with handling her weapon and reacting to an incoming blade. But this was at least a start.

Off Topic

So sorry for the insane delay. If you want to continue please do, however we can end this here if you want to send me your knowledges.

Dialogue|Thoughts