28th Ymiden 716
“Thank you,” Rafael said when, after some deliberation, Elyna agreed to take him udner her wing until Malcolm would return. He didn’t exactly look forward to cleaning stables and failed to see how it would make him a better knight, but he nodded regardless. “I’ll stay at the barracks,” he confirmed.
Elyna’s sudden departure made him wonder if he reeked or had somehow caused her any offence. He considered asking Malcolm, but thought better of it. So far, the man seemed forthright enough to outright tell him if he’d made a mistake. Or perhaps it was some kind of test…
He made no objections as Malcolm started doling out the first few pieces of advice. It sounded reasonable, but also concerning. He knew nothing about archery. The first few lessons would undoubtedly be complete failures. He certainly hoped Malcolm didn’t want to begin any shooting practice now, or he might be severly disappointed with the results. “I’ll do my best,” Rafael said quietly.
Fortunately, Malcolm opted to give him a chance to shine. His knees shot up against the table in his eagerness to get out of his seat and grab his sword. Once he’d done so, he followed Malcolm outside. Heart pulsing, he unsheathed his blade, still dulled since the tourney in Warrick, and took up position opposite to Malcolm. He savored the reassuring weight of his sword in his dominant left hand.
The knight choose to equip a shield in addition to his blade, making it that much harder for Rafael to try and break through his defense. On the flip side, shields tended to slow one’s ability to turn quickly and with a bit of luck he might manage to maneuver towards Malcolm’s unprotected back.
Gripping his blade tightly, Rafael raised it above his head and widened his stance. At first sight it might seem to only expose his gut, but he could strike down any attack with a punishing downward strike. On the defense, Rafael began to circle Malcolm, aiming to get the sun at his back. He hadn’t forgotten how the sun had been used against him during the tourney, and though it didn’t shine nearly as brightly now, it would still be an advantage. Rafael kept on the defense, biding his time. He wanted to test Malcolm just as much as the knight wanted to test him…
Should Malcolm charge, Rafael would attempt to strike down the first attack with a downward strike. Any attack after that he would attempt to dodge by sidestepping or leaping backward.
Elyna’s sudden departure made him wonder if he reeked or had somehow caused her any offence. He considered asking Malcolm, but thought better of it. So far, the man seemed forthright enough to outright tell him if he’d made a mistake. Or perhaps it was some kind of test…
He made no objections as Malcolm started doling out the first few pieces of advice. It sounded reasonable, but also concerning. He knew nothing about archery. The first few lessons would undoubtedly be complete failures. He certainly hoped Malcolm didn’t want to begin any shooting practice now, or he might be severly disappointed with the results. “I’ll do my best,” Rafael said quietly.
Fortunately, Malcolm opted to give him a chance to shine. His knees shot up against the table in his eagerness to get out of his seat and grab his sword. Once he’d done so, he followed Malcolm outside. Heart pulsing, he unsheathed his blade, still dulled since the tourney in Warrick, and took up position opposite to Malcolm. He savored the reassuring weight of his sword in his dominant left hand.
The knight choose to equip a shield in addition to his blade, making it that much harder for Rafael to try and break through his defense. On the flip side, shields tended to slow one’s ability to turn quickly and with a bit of luck he might manage to maneuver towards Malcolm’s unprotected back.
Gripping his blade tightly, Rafael raised it above his head and widened his stance. At first sight it might seem to only expose his gut, but he could strike down any attack with a punishing downward strike. On the defense, Rafael began to circle Malcolm, aiming to get the sun at his back. He hadn’t forgotten how the sun had been used against him during the tourney, and though it didn’t shine nearly as brightly now, it would still be an advantage. Rafael kept on the defense, biding his time. He wanted to test Malcolm just as much as the knight wanted to test him…
Should Malcolm charge, Rafael would attempt to strike down the first attack with a downward strike. Any attack after that he would attempt to dodge by sidestepping or leaping backward.
