2nd of Cylus, Arc 718
Redwood Redoubt's gymnasium was fairly busy that day, with pairs of Flame Elements practicing together in the multitude of sparring rings. The sound of wooden practice weapons clinked and snapped loudly, echoing throughout the large wooden chamber. Sephira strode through the gym to an empty training ring that was the furthest from the other practicing Elements. As always the woman kept a wary distance between herself and those she did not know very well. This trial however she was far less worried about her comrades opinion on mages as she had no intention of using her craft. Today was all about refining her swordplay and combat stances. Her master Elias had focused less on proper sword form with her instruction, and more on the use of Rupturing. It would be a refreshing change to practice like a normal Element today.
Walking over to a nearby table adorned with several wooden practice weapons Sephira carefully unbuckled her own sword and swapped it out for a much safer alternative. The wooden weapon did not match Wyvern’s dimensions perfectly, but she did not require a perfect facsimile for her training.
Hefting the lighter wooden weapon the mage took a moment to slouch off her telltale crimson coat and set it aside. Moving to the center of the ring Sephira stepped into a basic guard stance, with her sword set at hip level with its point angled upwards. This was about the extent of her knowledge on stances; it was effective and allowed the swordsman to protect their sword arm and shoulder. Returning to this position was easier than other more complicated guard stances, but the protection was limited.
Without a word Sephira stepped forward, raising her weapon to block an imaginary opponent before stepping back to return to her previous stance. It was hard to get an impression of what an actual block would feel like since she was practicing alone, but Sephira was a little paranoid about asking for someone to join her that she was not familiar with.
Her inner thoughts were interrupted when a haggard voice spoke up from behind her.
“Need a partner?”the words were said as more of a statement than a question.
Nearly stumbling back in surprise Sephira turned behind her to see an Element with graying hair watching her from the edge of the ring. The man was only a few inches taller than her, but his grizzled beard and brow made him intimidating enough to the young woman.
“I’m fine.”She replied hastily, making move as if to return to her solo training.
“You aren’t gonna learn anything doin it that way.” He said gruffly, walking toward the table of weapons to choose a longsword that was slightly longer than her own practice sword.
“Um...no really I’m good.”The mage said with a frown crossing her features. Sephira furrowed her brow at the stranger as he took up position opposite her in the ring.
Walking over to a nearby table adorned with several wooden practice weapons Sephira carefully unbuckled her own sword and swapped it out for a much safer alternative. The wooden weapon did not match Wyvern’s dimensions perfectly, but she did not require a perfect facsimile for her training.
Hefting the lighter wooden weapon the mage took a moment to slouch off her telltale crimson coat and set it aside. Moving to the center of the ring Sephira stepped into a basic guard stance, with her sword set at hip level with its point angled upwards. This was about the extent of her knowledge on stances; it was effective and allowed the swordsman to protect their sword arm and shoulder. Returning to this position was easier than other more complicated guard stances, but the protection was limited.
Without a word Sephira stepped forward, raising her weapon to block an imaginary opponent before stepping back to return to her previous stance. It was hard to get an impression of what an actual block would feel like since she was practicing alone, but Sephira was a little paranoid about asking for someone to join her that she was not familiar with.
Her inner thoughts were interrupted when a haggard voice spoke up from behind her.
“Need a partner?”the words were said as more of a statement than a question.
Nearly stumbling back in surprise Sephira turned behind her to see an Element with graying hair watching her from the edge of the ring. The man was only a few inches taller than her, but his grizzled beard and brow made him intimidating enough to the young woman.
“I’m fine.”She replied hastily, making move as if to return to her solo training.
“You aren’t gonna learn anything doin it that way.” He said gruffly, walking toward the table of weapons to choose a longsword that was slightly longer than her own practice sword.
“Um...no really I’m good.”The mage said with a frown crossing her features. Sephira furrowed her brow at the stranger as he took up position opposite her in the ring.
Dialogue|Thoughts
