For Valor and Honor - Aarcus' Training

[ShiffDrgnhrt]

For the last few months, Aarcus has been seen practicing his sword work before anything else.  In the morning he sends time in prayer, before his usual work out.  In the evenings he hicks up to the hill that overlooks Fort Llast, to the training grove, to pay respects to those buried there and to practice.  At night he prays again and practices by the light of the moon and stars, before reading from a certain book given to him by Lance Stargazer, before bed.

[Lance Stargazer]

Toughts of Chivalry by Linus Swordshiner

Well, the way of the blade is not something to be taken ligthly, Everyone can pick a sword and use it to kill, yet the true swordman knows that there is more beyond that , there are the armony of things, a true swordman knows why he is wielding that blade, he has a goal set on his mind, he knows himself and accept his boons and flaws.

First , What does the blade says to you? why do you want to persue this path?

there are dangerous turns over the road, Its not an easy path, if it were easy, everyone could achieve it. The blade, each of them are just an extension of yourself, a tool used to achieve your goals, your dreams. you have to make the blade to carry those beliefs.

Faith is a powerful force, they can move mountains with no effort, and can make an army stand against a much superior force, Its something to acknowledge, and something to respect. Faith comes in a wide way of terms.

The true swordman has faith, faith in his dreams, and his beliefs, he knows himself and know what he believe , that strive him forward. Listen to the voice of that faith, because the true swordman has faith in his skill, his ability, his speed and his resolution, There is a living force to be taped from that faith, he does not a person fighting for what he believes. He is what he believes.

Also, I Linus swordshiner, I've found solace in Toran's words, he gave sense to my life, as I intend to put sense into you the reader, there are power in his faith, he is mightly and mercyful, and some of his knights are able to pull the trail of that faith even beyond words and deeds, they are living proofs of their power. I am a warrior and have achieved a lot in my life, but next to what He can do for the world its nothing.

Just think young reader, What would be if both faiths could merge into a blade, Its a tricky road, but I am sure that it can be achieved. If you consacrate your life to his service as a knight in his name does, but at the same time make your confidence on yourself his might to use.

Just think on the posibilities . Just think of the Might you'll do on his name.

*The small shrine is feels peaceful to be there, There is an eerie feeling as the wind blows and moves the installed dumies for training just beside the big blue roses garden , there is the mark churned over a tree, And a note over it.

Ten times the same spot, keep the shield high as you do it. Remember that the tree won't hit back. But the true enemy will, Focus on the objective and strike with all your might, but don't let anger fill your mind.

If you feel the frustration going up, rest Because a strike made in anger might hit the foe, but will miss the objective

Be well Aarcus. May his holy light shine on your path

Lance Stargazer

[ShiffDrgnhrt]

Reading the note left for him, he smiles, and takes his practice-sword from his things, resting Toran's Spirit on the shrine as he starts to again practice hitting the mark...

His aim is inconsistant, a sign of his general inexperience.  He practices until his arms hurt, before retaking his true sword and praying at the shrine.

[Lance Stargazer]

*Some days after Lance aproaches towards the shrine and examines the marks on the tree, with critic eye he looks at all the strikes over the tree. with a small smile he prepares a dummy and do a couple of marks buring them over the shoulder of the dumie and the other upon what would be the right rib of it,

He then moves towards the graves and pay his respects , then waits patiently for Aarcus to show, siting in deep meditation*

[ShiffDrgnhrt]

Aarcus returns to the grove to find Lance waiting, and goes to join him in meditation.

[Lance Stargazer]

Once the meditation is Over Lance looks at Aarcus and smile*  

I've seen that your training has been progressing, acording to the marks on the tree.  but I've come to see the progress you have made, I installed those dumies, for giving you more training space.

-Other than that , I've come to practice with you, and to evaluate your development this far.

-Once we done with the strike practice, we have still to work over the grip and your posture. a good standing is the prime base for any fight, if you lose the balance, you've lost the battle at the start.

* Lance stands and instructs him to do the same, he ask Aarcus to show his stance again, as was trained before, with a critic eye Lance looks over the points of balance and the weak spots on the defense stance, but he nods with in agreement to his own toughts.

The knight start to show the basics of the grip, and how to use the secure grip to strike faster adding momentum to the swing, the training goes slow at first , but the speed is gained as the hours pass *

[ShiffDrgnhrt]

Aarcus follows Lance's instructions as best as possible, holding his shield in positions to test his balance.  After a few hours, Aarcus finds that holding the shield close to him, but not hugging it against him, suits him best.  Though he still has things to learn from experience, he seems confident with his stance for the time being.

Later, Aarcus spends his time trying to perfect his sword work, focusing on his grip as per instructed by Lance.  He does not seem to understand at fist, gripping the blade either too tight or too loose.  It takes him a while to get used to the proper grip.

[Lance Stargazer]

*Some days after, the usually calm spot in the mountains seems to be filled with energy as two of men, are seen practicing on the dummy for hours.

At the end of the day, the student rest with a smile that shows some satisfaction as the Master is seen praying over the small shrine before go to rest in the tent

*Lance does anotions on his book*

He is getting there. The first step he is learning, the crane is learning to fly .

*he then closes the book and goes to sleep ..





// Special Thank you to Mixafix for the sertting up

[ShiffDrgnhrt]

With Lance's help, Aarcus is slowly learning a new way to fight, different from his original style.  Learning to use his sword and shield as extensions of his body, as opposed to just tools of war, is hard for the middle aged warrior, but as he progresses, his old habits fade and new ones are replaced.

Taking leave of his duties in Fort Llast, he hikes back up to the hill to practice his stance and form, as well as rehearsing the strikes and blocks taught to him by Lance.  On his own, he even imagines the practice dummy fights back, striking in combination with blocking.

At night, Aarcus rests at the shrine before returning to Fort Llast, thinking to himself about something Lance said...  "A sparring partner?  I hope he does not mean himself.  Toran's strength is evident in him, as I've seen how he hits the dummy when teaching...  But who else?  There are of course always new choosens being trained at the Temple, but I have not been formally allowed to train with the Paladins...  Who could he mean?"

[Lance Stargazer]

The life force. The spirit within

I've asked periodically,  what is what make you fight?  what are your motivations and why do you fight? Well This has a purpose of course.

This question is really important, because the true swordman must be able to know himself, in order to know everything else , how do you expect to learn or to understand the world around you. If you are not able to measure what you can do on the world, your limits and reaches ?

Know this young swordman, that the most powerful weapon does not compare itself to the conviction of the warrior, the sword is just that a weapon, but what is the sword without the arm that moves it, its nothing , just a piece of metal , but what is the arm with the sword?

the sword and the arm would make it wonders in war, but what would be the objective of this, The true swordman knows when its worth to fight, and becuase of this knowledge, he is able to put his spirit and convictions on the blade, With that how could he lose ? Projecting his very beliefs over the metal, tapping on his life force , believing in the cause of each strike.

That is what make the diference between a warrior and a master, Everyone can fight a fight, but only the true swordman knows when its worth it.

~Linus Swordshiner

* the next time Aarcus arrives to the Shrine, he'll find a new note over the dummy*

* The next exercice will take time, its hard , but practice will get you there,  

Again 10 times, remember that the movement must be fluid, to be able to hit two times in the same movement, remember the grip and the stance

May Toran be with you Aarcus

Lance Stargazer

[ShiffDrgnhrt]

Aarcus spends more and more time at the shrine, following the directions of Lance.  His recent adventure with Champion Stormhaven, her brother Samuel, and a Toranite mage named Richard, has helped him to better accept the Path set before him by Toran...

"I may not be a Paladin, but my sword-skills are Toran's gift to me.  I will do all I can to ensure this gift is not wasted...  but perfected..."

He takes the sword crafted specifically for his new style and goes through his drills.  After a few hours he practices on the dummy, spending an hour trying to hit the same spot ten times in a row...

Hours later, tired and exhausted, he kneels at the shrine to pray, thanking Toran for his skills with the sword, and for crossing his path with his teacher, Lance Stargazer, and the opportunity to learn it created.

[Lance Stargazer]

- Bored you say Lance? - Linus said with playful tune .

- Yes Master, I don't see why i have to hit the dummy as far as you say. so many times, When I learn to figth for real ? - The young initiate said to the old man

- Lance, Lance, Lance - Why are you so eager to fight? , what drives you? - Do you have enemies coming to kill you this night?  Do you have a maiden to rescue from the claws of evil tyrants?  A land to protect ?.

- No, Master - The young Lance said simply with a tone that betrayed impacience and naiveness.

*the master smiled at him* - Lance what would you do if you would have that situation this night? , Or lets say. In two years , this very night in two years?

*the young man smile and said * I'd give my best to defeat them Master Linus, My sword would be pierce them , because Toran is with me. I have to be as my father remember? I want to be a hero as he was ..

- Linus stood and drew up the sword towards his pupil - Well show me what you got then, hero -

*Lance looked at him hessitantly, he drew the wooden sword and the wooden shiled , asumming the crane position, he measured the old man stance,  Linus was resting without his guard , leaning his sword on his shoulder with a smile *

*As the event unfolds Lance moved towards one side doing a sidestep and a feint,  Then threw a stroke towards the man weaponless arm. In a flash of ligth, the blow got stopped and the young man laid in the floor , Linus sword near his thoath *

- Learn this well young one, the boring training you have called today, will save your day in the future , you saw the opening, I concede you that, but you were not certain of the moment and the blow, you have to feel the strike Lance , let the blade guide you, Let it be an extension of your arm and to dance with you, you failed by a milimeter, you know why? *as the old man removed the sword and extend his arm to help him raise *

Because I was not fast enough ? - Lance Replied.

Because you lack the practice to strike at the precise moment, you saw thru the defense, in your mind your enemy had fallen, a shame your body did not answered to your desires.  Well I am sure your mind would understand your body was not enough exerciced because you were bored .

*The old man lowered his blade and returned to his sitting position,- Now let me see how you strike that very same spot, 10 times to both sides,  I know you can, hero .. Go for it .*The old man said finally with a cheerful smile *

- This conversation can be found over the book of Linus as Aarcus pass it and reads from it, learning the theory of the practice he is taking

*Aarcus would find a new note over the dummy *

From this point Aarcus we'll return to the first step of our training.  then times the same spot, but you'll be blind fold *

I'll see you soon to check on your progress  

May Toran watch over you Aarcus

Lance Stargazer.

[Lance Stargazer]

The light of the great Leader

*the mature warrior is seen laid down on the soft green weed a small straw dancing in his mouth, he raises his sight from time to time to his young student , The Rodhemian young boy , with no other family than his teacher and Toran.

The young initiate is seen kneeling, his eyes closed and his breathing calm.

The old warrior raises to sit smiling, he takes out an orange and throw it towards Lance hitting him in the chest, the young man opened his eyes and gasping he leans back a bit, putting his foot on the floor assuming a defensive posture.

Linus Gave him a frown.

-So easily your concentration is Broken Lance?-

*The young man just looked at him then towards the orange , laying his knee down to the floor -  I am sorry Master it would not happen again -

- Yes I am sure of that, Leave that alone for now , Its time to eat, I don't want you to die of inhanition.

- But Master you said i would be need to be meditating for eight hours straight, With this disturbance I have to start over again.

- Oh yes.. I said that. But i never said when , did I? - *Linus hit Lance on his head with the wooden sword with a strong but gentle pat * - Now stop being that stubborn and come and eat something. -

- Yes Master , and I've told you a lot of times that I am not Stubborn - The student replied - I am perseverant.

-Lance , Lance , Lance, Perseverant doesn't mean you have to do things as they are told always, you are man on your own, It would be a failure to wait for Toran the solve the life for you, he'll be behind you, but its you who have to do the deed, He'll be there for when the deed is not achivable by you own, then he'll act acording to the plan, of that be sure, But don't expect him to come and give you food when you can get that on your own.  -

Don't misunderstand this, I know he's with us, right at this moment he's watching us and taking care of us, he protect us from harm and enlightens us to do this place a better place, What I am trying to say with this is , to think of how can you make his work in a more efficient way.

Remember taht our deeds and reputation are a two fold blade, Our deeds and responsabilities fall into us, and at the same time since we are doing the deeds on his name, we have to be cautious in what are we getting into.  Toran is about love, Lance, the love to this land , that is why we protect it.

I am sure that the priests have already spoken this to death to you, isn't it?

*Lance would lower his head a bit *

- No, Master, the priests did not allow me took so many classes there, Its strange, In there i feel welcomed, I feel like a light guiding me and bathing me in the most pure feelings. yet, the looks I see there, Some of them, i just don't know.

I over heard in class some of the other initiates to have called me the "tainted" one. I am not tainted.. how could I be?  I am the son of a hero, isn't it? *raising his head a bit*

*Linus stopping from eating looked at him with concern *

- Lance It does not matter, right now, It does not matter who your father was or who wasn't, Do you feel yourself tainted?

*the young one shakes his head slowly *

-Then worry less about words and put your hands into deeds, Let your deeds speak to you, Let your actions speak for the man you are, not the man you are tought to be,  Deeds will be your face to the world, who could claim you to be tainted if you keep your heart virtuous.

*smiling * Lance you can reach where I cannot, I've done a lot on my own, and a lot of things I am not proud of. And you my boy are already training to become a knight of his light, don't you see the implications of that?

If you learn the style and then keep your heart true who knows, you might be choosen, yet you must keep yourself humble on this , remember that is not your choice, I've seen it once, A man so pious, that Toran's presence could be felt as he entered a room. I've tried to feel that presence myself my student, but now I know I will never be able to, I trust too much in my own skill you know.

You pray and I see how you do it, Its amusing to see you really.

Wirh all this I am trying to say.. Learn patience Lance, Learn to see the right moment to do things, If duty demands it, we should act swift, but if not. . sometimes learning comes form time and understanding, you serve no one starving and dying in your training, which means you can do the meditation after the eating.

*Linus smirked a bit * Which is now.. So back to your meditation , lazy one.. *he pat his head with the stick again as Lance finishes the last piece of chicken *

-Yes Master * Lance glared a moment to Linus , but swirfly put in order the traveling dishes, and returned swiftly to the meditation *

// This is another extrept of the Book Written by Linus Sworshiner

[ShiffDrgnhrt]

For the past months, and perhaps year or so, Aarcus has trained in the hills overlooking for Llast with his sword, reading the book Lance gave him with earnest.

"I believe it is time I return to service...  I have been away for too long..."

[ShiffDrgnhrt]

Valor:
"Those who follow Toran shall show determination in facing great danger and show the strength to do what is right by the Hand of Virtue."

Empathy
"Those who follow the Great Leader must try to see the world through the eyes of those they help."

Conviction
"Hold firm in your belief in the Conducts of Toran."

Humility
"The Great Leader never overestimated his importance in life. Do not see yourself as above anyone."

Sacrifice
"Be ready to give of yourself in time, in labor, and if Toran wills it, in life’s blood."

Honorable Combat
"A Toranite does not strike from behind."

Restraint
"There can be no valor and no honorable combat without control."

Humility and Restraint.  I struggle with these Virtues still.
I do no know why I find it hard to uphold these virtues, but I know where I struggle most with them: Among the chosen of Toran, among his Paladins.

I believe it is bitterness that poisons my attitude.  They are so blessed to have Toran guiding them in life, to have a share in his power, to wield that power to uphold what is good and right in Layonara.  And yet I have never felt that power, except through the blessings of Master Stargazer and others.

I still do not know what it is I lack.  Could it be Humility and Restraint?  Could it be I am still too proud and yet still unable to control the bitterness I feel?

Perhaps that is why...  Perhaps that is why I am not favored by him.

I have much to learn, still.  Toran, thank you for helping me understand my failings.  I ask only that I learn these lessons quickly, before I succumb to pride and my lack of control.

[ShiffDrgnhrt]

I have once again forgotten my restraint.

I was in the field with Master Stargazer and Champion Stormhaven, among others, recently.  In fact, ever since the ominous signs to Toran's faithful I have been doing whatever I can to help.  Seems the Champion has a great task ahead of her, one that will shape the future of our Church, it seems.  

Never the less, I have once again forgotten one the the Conducts of Virtue.  We came upon a small village on Corsain, one that seemed peaceful enough.  The town was quite clearly the home to Toranite faithful but the 'priest,' if I dare even refer to him as such, that was instructing the people was nothing more then a greedy charlatan, milking the poor people of their hard earned money.  And then asking them for their children!

I could hardly contain the rage I felt as this was all revealed.  And when Dagan, a sorrowfully misguided Toranite dared to insinuate that the Champion was a Corathite...  I struck him across the face.  I'm glad I got better control of my feeling when the townsfolk started asking about their children.  I very much wanted to smite that charlatan, Alavin.

The Champion assigned me to guard duty at the Citadel when we arrived.  She said I was not to ask any questions, and do exactly as I am told.  

A good chance to work on my self discipline.

[Lance Stargazer]

**Several months has passed , the war at Belinara have been called to those willing to serve alongside the ranks of the faith, one day a messenger arrives to look for Aarcus.

Aarcus.

I need your help on this time of need, Come to see me to Fort Llast when you are able , I won't be here long, Its important.

Yours in Toran's light

Lance Stargazer, knight of Balance in Toran's Service ,

[ShiffDrgnhrt]

Aarcus swung the axe with all his might, inflicting a deep wound in the tree.  It felt good to put all that angry energy toward helping the Martiner's.  The war left them without many men to help tend the fields, much less chop firewood for cooking and warmth.  Even after the long ride from Port Hempstead, Aarcus was boiling with anger, so much so he felled two small oaks and plowed half a field before midday.  He had not even begun to feel tired until he was almost through felling a third tree.  Pulling the axe from the wood, he set the head on the ground and leaned on it, panting.  " that old man for upsetting me so.  I should have conducted myself better than that."  The elder Lucindite Protector had said many things that upset the young man-at-arms, but it hurt more that he was goaded into trading blows in words with him.  He felt like an undisciplined youth, full of pride and empty of sense.

When he felt a hand on his shoulder, he nearly turned and swung the axe at Old Man Martiner.  He apologized many times for being so jumpy, despite the old man's claims everything was alright.  "Men are allowed moments of fear, son," he had said.  "Even noble servants of Toran."  Aarcus smiled at that.  "Now come inside and eat.  The Missus thinks you've been working too hard and prepared a nice pie for you."

The pie was nice, in fact.  Though it was not as rich as some of the pies he's had at Master Stargazer's table, it was finely made, with care put in to shaping the crust.  He was happy to have been asked to their table, yet, some thing gnawed at him.  "Were they thanking me for helping them because they are grateful for my efforts?  Or are they just being courteous?  Do they really want me here?"  When he lay in the cot they have had set aside for him in their meager barn, he asked himself those questions many times.  "If I were a priest or druid, capable of calling the rains, or encouraging the seeds to take root, would they only care that I was doing those things?  Or would they just be happy someone cared enough to help?"

[Lance Stargazer]

*On the dawn of one day after the first month of work, a rider seems to be approaching to the farm, a man in simple traveling blue clothes, riding a white horse, no insignias or standards with him, he unmounts as he finally reaches to the farm and smiles looking at the man working hard in the morning *

- Hail there , Aarcus - The man shout, as he removes his hood, the face of the knigth in gold and blue shows , with a smile looking at his student working *

- I've come to see how you are doing - *he extends him a closed box* - I've heard good things on your performance, Are you doing aliright? - *he smiles at him and awaits for him to answer, as he looks over the farm with a surveying eyes *

[ShiffDrgnhrt]

Aarcus looked up at the friendly face with a smile, wiping sweat from his brow.  It had been a busy day, chopping fire wood and repairing a stone wall, but he was glad to be busy.

"Ah, Master Stargazer.  It has been a while." He smiled and shook the knight's hand, then embraced him.  "I am doing well here.  The Martiner's are very good folk, and I am glad to have been able to help them."