027 [Voice/Action]

[mountain_sage]

Everyone, I will be training at the barracks, should you need me.

[Should anyone decide to bother the sage, they will indeed find him at the barracks, swinging a rapier at a stationary dummy. However, his form is terrible. He's gripping the weapon wrong, he's swinging harder than he should for such a light weapon, and he's swinging at the wrong angles. Plus, he stumbles from the momentum of each swing. And the dummy he's trying to attack hasn't even been touched yet. But it's all right. With enough practice, he'll eventually get the hang of it. Or will he?]

Comments

[Action]

[flameschanged.livejournal.com]

[That seems to cheer him up.]

So I can still return with my brother some day?

[Action]

[mountain-sage.livejournal.com]

Yes. Someday. Until then, keep your chin up.

[One would just need to have faith.]

[Action]

[flameschanged.livejournal.com]

[Ikki nods.]

Yeah! I would be a weak cry-baby if I cried for this when there's a way out! I've to be strong.

[Action]

[mountain-sage.livejournal.com]

[Such an eager spirit, just like Ewan.]

Indeed. Nothing will come by giving in to despair. I'm glad you understand, Ikki.

[Action]

[flameschanged.livejournal.com]

What's despair?

[You lost him for a second there, sorry.]

[Action]

[mountain-sage.livejournal.com]

Despair is misery or depression. Sadness or hopelessness. It is a negative emotion that prevents people from achieving their goals.

[Action]

[flameschanged.livejournal.com]

Ah!

[There were still some complicated words there but he got the idea.]

Then no, it's no good to let that win even an inch of attention!

[Ikki looks around now.]

Why are you here, Saleh?

[Action]

[mountain-sage.livejournal.com]

I'm here to practice my swordsmanship.

[Which is bad. Really bad.]

[Action]

[flameschanged.livejournal.com]

You are a swordsman? Are you strong?

[Action]

[mountain-sage.livejournal.com]

Actually, I'm quite new to the sword, but I have always wanted to learn.

[Action]

[flameschanged.livejournal.com]

Hmmm... Can I watch?

[It's not as if he has anything better to do now that he knows his brother isn't here and he won't be able to go back on his own.]

[Action]

[mountain-sage.livejournal.com]

Hmm, very well. Stand clear.

[Because swords are very dangerous, especially in the hands of a magic user.]

[Saleh takes the rapier in hand once again and swings it awkwardly. But no matter how hard he tries, he just can't seem to hit that blasted dummy.]

[Action]

[flameschanged.livejournal.com]

[Ikki stays far enough to not be in danger, so long as Saleh doesn't decide to change swordsmanship for throwing darts with swords. Unfortunately the kid has even less idea that Saleh regarding fighting so he doesn't find anything odd in the adult failing some times. He said he was new with it after all. He will surely start hitting the dummy in a few more practice swings, right?]

[Action]

[mountain-sage.livejournal.com]

[Saleh pauses, holding the blade out towards the dummy for a moment before pulling it back. He takes another wide swing, completely missing the dummy again, but the momentum throws him forward, stumbling right into the dummy, knocking it over.]

[The sage stands to catch his breath.]

That was rather exhausting. I think that's enough for today...

[Action]

[flameschanged.livejournal.com]

[Ikki will approach again once he hears that.]

When did you start practicing?

[Action]

[mountain-sage.livejournal.com]

Merely a few hours ago.

[Like a total n00b.]

[Action]

[flameschanged.livejournal.com]

[Ikki frowns a bit, considering this piece of information and what he has seen before he smiles.]

If that's the case I'm sure you'll be really strong when you have trained more. You already seem good!

Except that the dummy kept dodging. But if you had gotten it, it wouldn't have stood a chance.

[Nodding sagely. Let's ignore that this kid has no idea about swordsmanship, but from his point of view it did look good. Better than what he would do.]