[Tasad R'rowl]

Tasad ate his lunch quickly, but did not eat a lot. He knew from experience that eating too much would have him vomiting on the ground before too long. The elf was pushing him hard and he wanted to meet the challenge to the best of his ability. His pride would allow nothing less.

Returning to the training field Tasad went to where Icewind was standing and growled," I'm ready to resume training."

Icewind turned and said,"Good, take this and put it on."

'This' turned oiut to be a set of plate, commonly worn by the Serpents. Like the weapons and shield it was weighed with lead and was a heavy burden, but one that Tasad bore with just a slight grunt. After adjusting some straps and getting it settled onto his frame he turned to Icewind and saw the elf was similarly armored. With a grin Icewind said," Now, we run!"

And run they did, in full battle armor with shield strapped to their arms. Around the field they went, and up onto the battlements that encircled the field. Then into the obstacle course, with Icewind setting the pace, seemingly hardly out of breath, while Tasad soldiered on, panting heavily and wishing he could drop down and die.

After what seemed like an eternity, although couldn't of been for more than an hour, Icewind called a halt and after allowing the katta to get some water returned to training, this time taking him to a circular area filled with sand," Now, we are going to perform the same drill that we did earlier, in full gear, but we are going to do so without the stakes. In this excercise you may move in any direction that you wish, except out of the circle, understood?"

Tasad growled an affirmative and both combatants assumed a ready stance. Icewind called the start of the excercise and Tasad moved forward to meet the elf's charge with his shield. With a resounding clang the two met in the middle of the circle, and started fighting in earnest. Icewind led Tasad around the circle, constantly striking with sword and shield, making the katta think as he moved. Although he had been training a short time Tasad learned quickly and so fewer of the elf's strikes made it through his guard and one or two more of his actually struck the elf.

Finally the contest was again halted when Icewind expertly tripped Tasad onto his back, ending the match. The sun had sunk low and as the elf helped the katta up he said," You have done well today. I have pushed you hard and you have risen to the challenge without complaint or quibble. Stow your gear and go get some rest, we will continue our training tomarrow."

Tasad cleaned his gear and replaced everything in it's proper place and headed for the barracks, tired and more sore than he had been yesterday. A good meal and sleep were what he needed and he would get them shortly. Watching from the window of the Training building Icewind watched him go, already planning tomarrows training in his head.