Out by the lake: Elaine's sword lesson

[the_lioness]

*Alanna stands by the lake, humming and examining a set of throwing knives. Elaine's next sword lesson is scheduled to start soon, and Alanna keeps an eye on the bar door in the hopes that George, Svava and Archie put in an appearance as well.*

[OOC: Anyone is welcome to come watch or join in. :) ]

Comments

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

Elaine beams under Alanna's praise but doesn't let it go to her head. She's going to be sparring and she needs her concentration to do this right.

[the_lioness]

Exactly, Svava. It's the only dance I'm any good at. *Grinning, Alanna moves toward Elaine.* Right. Elaine and I have done a great deal of defense work, but as I said, I want to focus on attacking today. However, the quick basics... *She lifts her sword and motions for Elaine to do the same.*

Deflecting blows is not as instinctual as one might suppose. A great deal of the time, your mind tells you to jump back, when in reality it is easier to step into the blow in order to cut off some of the power. Block with the center of your sword, and push back at the blow. Fight the reverberations.

*At this point, she waves Faith and Meg over. Without a word, she whirls and launches an attack on Elaine, ready to pull back if the other woman doesn't automatically defend.*

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

But she does, though she's a little startled. She repeats Alanna's words silently in her head as she blocks and pushes back.

It's jarring on the arms, and she'll be sore tomorrow, but the adrenaline is already pumping.

[faithful-slayer.livejournal.com]

Faith approaches, sword in hand, and watches for a moment...then turns and does the same thing to Svava, without any warning.

[skjaldmeyjar.livejournal.com]

"Look o-- behind you!" And the sound of gunshots and magic-

Seax blade up quick- it may not be a 'proper' sword, but Svava can still block- turn- and deflect- moving to bring the weapon back for a swipe and slash-

[faithful-slayer.livejournal.com]

And Faith jumps over Svava's sword - actually, jumps over Svava, twisting mid-air and landing neatly on her feet with the sword swinging for the Valkyrie again.

[skjaldmeyjar.livejournal.com]

A spin around, barely getting the blade up to deflect Faith's sword up and away. She almost brings her left hand up to draw a battle rune, on instinct- then frowns at herself, pulling back.

[faithful-slayer.livejournal.com]

Faith arches an eyebrow at her. "What's with the hand gestures?" she asks cheerfully, while swinging again.

[skjaldmeyjar.livejournal.com]

"It would have been a spell." Svava mutters, through clenched teeth-

Then a spin and block.

"However it would not be good for sparring."

[faithful-slayer.livejournal.com]

"Probably not," Faith agrees. "Just so long as you remember not to hold back in a real fight."

Silence for a minute, filled only by the clashing of swords. Then, "Ever find your bracelet?"

[skjaldmeyjar.livejournal.com]

Slayer eyes can spot the gleam of heavy gold on Svava's wrist. "Found it, yes."

"Was in a real fight." Muttered. "And I didn't." What little fighting style she has so far is the sort soldiers pick up, if they're lucky and survive their first few battles. Plain and simple, where the motive is to keep alive.

[faithful-slayer.livejournal.com]

"Good." Faith nods. "Rule number one is always 'Don't die'. anything you can do to follow that rule, do it."

[skjaldmeyjar.livejournal.com]

"'Immortal. Won't die." At least not at this moment. At Ragnarok, but whenever that is.

"Still do my best, though." Still working to keep blocking Faith's attacks, and get her own in. Svava's not holding back much by now, and her strength has been enough to hold back the straight on blocks.

[faithful-slayer.livejournal.com]

Something is a little off in Svava's footing, something probably only a Slayer's eyes could catch. It's very slight, but it's enough - Faith gets under the Valkyrie's defenses and delivers what to a human would be a crushing blow to the hip with the flat of her blade.

[balletrat]

*Meg is used to practicing on her own.

She watches what Alanna and Faith are doing, and then gamely turns and attacks a nearby tree.*

[the_lioness]

*Alanna ceases her attack on Elaine and bursts out laughing at Meg's furious attack on the tree.*

Meg! Now what did that tree do to deserve that? Come over here.

*After watching Faith and Svava for a moment, she turns back to Elaine.*

It's always better to attack than defend. Remember that. Keep your blows steady and quick, always looking for your opponent's weakness. Despite your opponent's intentions, you should look for opportunities to disarm, not stab. Stabbing might knock you off balance. Instead, step into blows and knock their blades to the side, as we discussed. Attempt to throw them off balance. Then slide your sword around theirs and twist.

*Face impassive, Alanna darts forward again, whipping her sword around and in, disarming Elaine with a deceptively simple flick of her wrist.*

Like that. Make sense? Attack me. Anyone.

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

Elaine is actually quite surprised to find her sword on the ground, and picks it up.

Then nods and attacks Alanna. Her face is an intense mask of concentration and she is watching as much as she can, to see where Alanna leaves herself open.

[balletrat]

*Meg waits intently, slipping en pointe without even realizing it, waiting.

As soon as someone is disarmed, she'll take her turn.*

[the_lioness]

*Grinning recklessly, Alanna defends in earnest, delivering the occasional counter blow to keep Elaine on her toes. The sharp sound of blade meeting blade rings through the night air, and Alanna feels better than she has in days.*

Meg? You two are sparring as soon as Elaine disarms me.

*Eventually, she begins to block clumsily, moving much too slowly for an effective defense. She crosses swords with Elaine and backs off, countering with a swift stab toward her midsection.

Exactly what she just said not to do.*

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

Elaine sees her opening and disarms Alanna, sending her sword onto the ground.

[the_lioness]

*Alanna grins.*

Excellent. It all comes down to watching for your opponent's weakness. Wait for them to make the mistake. If you have to, dodge more blows than you block so that you don't wear yourself out.

Meg? Elaine? Cross swords. Do honor to the laws of chivalry. Have fun.

*Alanna retrieves her sword and lightly rests the tip on her boot.*

Oh, and don't hurt each other.

[balletrat]

*Meg grins, a little.* I hear and obey -

*Her sword comes up, firmly. That bit she can do all right. It's the parts that follow that she has trouble with.*

[collects_ears]

George strolls over, one dagger in each hand. "May I join you, ladies?"

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

"Right," Elaine mutters, and brings her sword up, readying herself. And waits for Meg to attack.

Because she's fair that way. They both should have the fun of attacking!

[the_lioness]

*Alanna beams at George.* Of course. *All of a sudden, she has two daggers drawn too.* As long as you don't mind fighting me? These two are rather evenly matched I think.

Elaine, attack her on her left side. Go!