Int. Dual Wield - Olvann

[Olvann Coia]

OOC: Continued from here...
OOC2: This thread is self-modded and once done, will require approval.

Olvann marched stoically into the training room that had come to intimately familiarize itself with his sweat and blood. His previous experience here had, needless to say, been slightly unpleasant. He had expected it to be. He mentally thanked his deity this very same instructor was not his Shaaskah instructor. Markener had begrudgingly taught and accepted his innate talents as a fighter, he had taught the healer shaaskah, and now, he took pleasure in the notion that he would likely never have to face the grueling training of the irksome vysstichi again. Undoubtably, he would have been gleeful at the opportunity to get at Olvann with a blade, only a reasonable punishment for goading his son into accepting him as the training halls healer in exchange for a piece of wood floor. More than an acceptable trade… But not for Markener. Fortunately, his son had immediately taken up the training, previously impressed by the promise Olvann had showed him.

Zackner roamed about the gym, swords swinging casually around him as he imagined invisible foes slashing at him from a myriad of directions. He glistened in sweat, he had finished his own training session with his father moments prior and smiled as Olvann entered the training facility. He remembered the choice weapons of the healer, and directed him towards the ornate weapon wrack at the side of the gym. The practice swords of the vysstichi dangled restlessly; apparently he was eager to get underway. He didn’t miss the familiar glint of a set of weapons under Olvann’s cloak, noting also the armor he wore. Good… He thought, satisfied that his student was intelligent enough to wear protection and armaments wherever he went. His also noted the arrangement of the weapons, slightly confused by their arrangement, on his body. The understanding on their placement dawned on him and he mentally considered trying it out. It was certainly functional.

Olvann placed his cloak and weapons beside the wrack, taking up the familiar training weapons. "Serale." He said plainly with a smile that was returned with a similar greeting and grin. Grasping the wooden longsword and shortsword comfortably into his palms, Olvann twirled them about experimentally, immediately remembering their familiar weight. He dropped the tips of the weapons and went to place them on the ground. But before he completed the movement, Zackner simply stated, “No need to stretch.” Olvann looked at him curiously, willing him to explain. “Do you have time to stretch when someone attacks you?” He questioned logically. The simple explanation had the healer nodding in agreement and he raised himself up. “Have you been practicing?” Asked Zackner rhetorically and launched into a flurry of thrusts, jabs and slashes. Olvann lurched into a defensive stance, barely having enough time to bring his swords up to block the effective attacks. Olvann launched into a series of parries and attacks himself, and somehow managed to flash a smile at the instructor during the encounter. Just as quickly as it began, it stopped and Zackner yes his student with a small grin. “Good, I’m glad that you haven’t gotten sloppy. I have rewards for sloppiness.” And he accentuated the statement with a quick thrust of his sword into the chest of an invisible foe. Of course he knew his student was on the brink of prodigious with his blades, and knew he would have continued his study in the art while away from the training hall. His inquisitive nature and apparent unyielding thirst for knowledge had given him away the moment he had met the odd man. Perhaps one day he would surpass even himself and his father at the edge of a blade. Perhaps...

[Olvann Coia]

”Now you can stretch.” He said with a shrug, “I don’t want you injured, we’ve too much to accomplish today and a tenday after this…” He paused momentarily and continued with a devious grin, ”In the least…" Evidently, his intermediate training would be as difficult, if not more than his basic training. He truly enjoyed his time spent here however, and knew that he was only getting better with his blades. They both took a moment to run through a series of essential stretches, directed primarily to suit the needs of a bladesman. Once finished, Zackner crossed to the centre of the mat and broke into a speech, primarily directed at himself for instructional purposes, “Alright, so in your last training we covered the cross, horizontal and vertical slashes, thrusts, reversals and… anything else?” He asked, then promptly answered his own question before Olvann could. “Ahh yes, independent blade movement…” He paused. “We also went through some combination moves.” He added as an afterthought.

“Let’s start with a defensive move…” He said with a smile and began teaching. “If I were to stab at you with both blades simultaneously, what would you do?” He questioned and allowed the human to mull over the question momentarily before launching forward into the attack. Olvann attempted to parry the attack and sweep aside the blades, but found to his dismay, that with both blades attacking, he couldn’t harness the strength to knock both aside, and Zackner found a clean blow to his chest. “Exactly…” He stated and continued. “A simple block and parry isn’t sufficient, the attack is a distinct finishing move and is intended to be strong enough to resist that defense.” He backed up and stood momentarily, “Think… How could you defend against it.” Olvann considered the defense, and quite suddenly a thought came to his mind. He nodded at his instructor and received a questioning smile. Zackner shrugged and again launched into the attack. Olvann dropped his blades into an 'X'-like formation over Zackners's jabbing blades. Zackener smiled at the display, having his blades quite neatly driven to the ground. “Excellent…” It was surprising that the man could innovate such a good defense, it was practically textbook. "Now, what would the drawbacks be?" he smiled encouragingly.

Olvann shrugged, “It offers me no advantage, only puts the battle at a stalemate.” Zackner nodded. “Good, but, followed with a kick, the advantage is easily yours. Remember, use every single advantage you have at your disposal. It’s the difference between victory and lying in a pool of your own blood.” Olvann nodded at the simple observation. ”Now, A little sparring, you can show me that move.” Pushing off the balls of his feet, the vysstichi lunged forward and swept his longsword in an overhead arc and down towards the healers head in an attempt to draw a parry. Following this, he spun to the side and jammed his shortsword forward. Olvann was ready however, his intense training sessions with Markener had accustomed him to sporadic and unexpected attacks, this one had given him more than enough time to prepare.The two clashed in a torrent of wooden blades. Zackner had more training and far more experience than Olvann but the swordsman did not hold off, assured of his students ability. Olvann knew the ploy to be a distraction and shifted to the side instead of simply parrying the slash, dodging quickly out of the way to avoid the attack. A simple matter for one so distinctly strong and agile.

[Olvann Coia]

The spin attack was a risky move, but for one so well trained as Zackner, Olvann barely avoided it. The distraction had been deceiving; easily drawing enough attention away from his Zackner’s other blade. Olvann crossed his blades and used them to lock up the short sword. The battle continued, and soon both student and master were breathing rapidly. Unable to penetrate Olvann’s initial defense, Zackner redoubled his efforts and brought the tandem of striking blades to a continuous chatter. Zackner drove low into a spin and brought his blade up. Olvann had been waiting for this moment. Zackner’s blades came up exactly as planned. Olvann clasped the blades in an X-like lock that brought the blades short of his groin and kicked out at the chest of the instructor, knocking him back several feet. Olvann took no chances and returned into a defensive posture, his face contorted into a concentrated mask. The sudden grilling silence in the room was broken only by the sound of heavy breathing from both men. Zackner was smiling widely. “Well done, very well done… Incorporating your Shaaskah will make for a devastating combination”

“There are many different aspects to being a true bladesman, you must be able to read your opponent. Regard his posture, his display of emotions, and his fighting style. These are all things you will use to put him at a disadvantage. Again, use every advantage you have over him. Find his weaknesses and exploit them… That is the sign of a true warrior.” Olvann had heard this very same iteration from the man’s father. He wasn’t a warrior. He was a healer. Wasn’t he? “Foresight is the ability to understand and judge the next move of your opponent, in order to use it as an exploit. It comes naturally to you, it is something that many people have to spend many years practicing. Do not lose it for the sake of learning the textbook combinations of the blade. Innovation is key to unhinging your opponent. Undoubtably my father has taught you this; it is a common teaching of Shaaskah, an art you are well on your way to understanding. Use the blade as if it is the same art. Deceive your opponent, then kill him.” The man’s understanding of this ability was perhaps limited now, but from the evident speed of his fighting prowess, he had an innate understanding of it. In his opinion, he had been sadly mislead into a profession that did not suit him. This man was built to kill. His calm measured style spoke of a fine bladesman.

”I would also like to talk to you about your choice of weapons. While your weapons offer an unexpected advantage in a fight, since no one but a very experienced weapons master knows how to deal with two different length blades, they also offer a significant disadvantage. Firstly, you favor one arm more than the other, and so, will likely, if unchecked begin to favor one sword more. Secondly, if unchecked, you will begin to rely completely on using one arm for one blade, and the other, for your other blade. A reliance like that will get you killed. You must be able to use either arm equally as well with either blade, as not only will it offer an advantage in combat, but at times, you may find it will be in favor to switch blades in the middle of combat to further unbalance your opponent. This will make it doubly hard to master your blades. Something you should be aware of.” He paused momentarily, “Don’t worry, over the course of the next two cycles, I will press you hard, at this early of a stage, it will be easy for you to practice both ways.” Olvann was relieved at his last statement, he understood the hole in his training and wondered how much he had come to rely on his given arms to weild the weapons. The healer kept his attention focused upon the Master as he explained the numerous advantageous and disadvantageous points of dual wielding with two different sized blades. The explanation made a good deal of sense as well, and forced him to think twice about what had to learn.

[Olvann Coia]

"I understand.” He stated simply. Zack nodded and continued, “Alright, lets learn some new techniques.” Zackner’s hand shot onto his short sword, unsheathing it and throwing it to the far wall. He then unsheathed his long sword and experimentally swung it backward, finally stopping it upright and holding it with both hands.

He moved into a defensive stance and awaited Olvann, “Move into an attacking stance.” He stated and waited for Olvann to comply. “Today, we’ll learn to feint, a vital part of your ability to deceive your opponent. A feint is simply a trick to make your opponent defend an area where he believes you will be attacking from, but evidently, you won’t be. Instead you’ll hold back on the first attack and strike hard at another point." He winked at the Healer, “This will be very useful when you are fighting an opponent with one weapon. If he’s skilled, he won’t risk letting you get to close, and give you more room to skip in an out of his defenses. If he isn’t, he’ll be dead.” He said with a chuckle. “Try it.” He finished. Olvann digested the knowledge quickly and supposed it was a very valuable technique. He went through the action of distracting an imaginary opponent and then thrusting in with his other blade. “Excellent…” Zackner said with a smile, “Now try it on me.” Olvann nodded, and immediately launched into maneuver, cleanly landing a blow on the shoulder of his Master as he blocked one sword only to receive the other. “You see?” He asked and received a smile from Olvann. “It can be used in many ways, even to tip your opponent onto the ground, or draw him out of position, it’s very valuable.”

The sword master smiled and continued.

"Now, here’s a way you can throw off the attack of an opponent. This one is slightly more difficult but extremely effective in disabling your opponent. As your opponent attacks.” Zackner thrusted his blade forward slowly, giving Olvann the opportunity to try out the maneuver simultaneously during his explanation. “As my blade comes at you, position one of your blades on each side of mine. Then, catch my blade with yours by closing down on either side. If you are successful, you'll be able to turn my blade in any direction, using my inertia to turn the blade. It gives you complete control and an undefended hole in your opponent’s defense." The whole procedure was carried out in slow motion and Olvann added a strong kick at the end, pushing Zackner completely away from his blade. “Excellent!” He added, impressed with his students innovation on the technique. “Now lets try it a bit faster.”

Zackner assumed an offensive position and lunged out at Olvann, thrusting directly into his torso. As the Master's blade shot in towards the mid-section of his body, Olvann swept his shortsword upwards and the longsword downwards, allowing the Master's own weapon to drive through into his trap. Simultaneously he angled the blade upwards and away from himself harmlessly, kicking out at the master’s torso… Perhaps a little too hard and sent him flying away from his sword to leave it dangling unwielded. Zackner chuckled and grasped his ribs shortly in mock pain, though it truly did hurt. “Good. I think that enough for this brightening. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Giving him a curt dismissive nod. Olvann smiled, returned the practice blades for his own and exited the training hall. He left Zackner still nursing his ribs. The man truly would make an excellent bladesman, he thought begrudgingly.

[Olvann Coia]

Zackner was pleased with Olvann's performance the past brightening and was eager to teach him further, even after his ribs had ached the whole previous darkening and he had wrapped them tightly this brightening. Both of Olvann’s weapons were laid out for him as the entered the training facility, short sword and long sword. Zackner paced the mat twirling his short sword about, stopping briefly to stretch his out neck, legs and arms. Olvann returned, as agreed, early the next brightening. A dangerous gleam lit the human’s eyes; excitement at another day of training. Olvann bowed quickly to the Vysstichi in greeting and began a quick practice routine. Stretching his arms and legs out and bouncing around momentarily to get the blood coursing through his veins.

Olvann quickly exchanged his real blades with the wooden training blades. Zackner looked on with approving glances. This human would truly be the highlight of his day. He approached the human and stopped a couple feet away. His long slender ears were high in the air, shifting back and forth from invisible vibrations that Olvann’s ears could not sense. “We have a few things to discuss today.” Stated Zackner. “You’ve shown me a lot of promise, but there are things a skilled swordsman must learn, firstly. Less first. Measure your opponent, don’t try techniques that look fancy and are near impossible to pull off. A spin attack looks good but there is little logic in its purpose, rarely is it useful. Keep your guard up and never turn your back to an enemy in combat. Don’t do anything unnecessary, every strike, defense and movement should offer you advantage."

He stopped here, looking slightly resigned. “Secondly, I must teach you humility.”

Olvann’s eyebrows tensed momentarily as he mulled over the words. Then quite suddenly, a blow to head smashed him to the ground. Darkness enveloped him.

* * * * *

He woke up to the contrasting ebony skin and brilliant smile of no other than a very smug Markener. The weapons master gave him a familiar smirk and left without comment. Zackner moved over to the human and helped him to his wavering feet. Olvann casually ran his hands through hair and looked at his palms, wondering how he wasn’t bleeding. “I didn’t mean for him to hit you that hard… Zackner trailed off. “Can you walk?” He asked Olvann as he shook off the splitting headache before nodding and casually pushing the dark elf away. “Tomorrow then?” He said groggily, attempting to display as little weakness as possible. In truth he was resisting the urge to throw-up. Zackner nodded his head, a stone visage accepting the answer. Olvann exited the training facility shakily, only to get partway up the street before throwing-up and continuing his trek to the nearest tavern.

[Olvann Coia]

For a full ten-day, Olvann returned to the training facility of the fitness and bones, only to stretch and spar with Zackner. The incident with Markener was not discussed, and it seemed to wrack Olvann with questions every single brightening he entered that familiar room. Still he refrained from asking Zackner, assured that there had been a lesson in it that would be best disputed when the Master brought it up… If he brought it up. Humility indeed… He often thought with distaste, never had he shown an ounce of arrogance to the dark elf, yet he had still received the brutal lesson. He supposed it had had to have to come at some point. Markener hated him and probably had leapt at the opportunity to strike him down. Nevertheless, much progress was made until Olvann had the maneuvers conquered to perfection. He also learnt to wield either sword with both hands in combat, interchangeably shifting them during the middle of sparring matches. Brightening by brightening he looked more the dancer than fighter. However, he never again walked into that training facility the same, he was constantly aware of his surroundings and continuously scanning the exit for the appearance of another being. He would not be struck down a second time.

On the last of the ten-day he entered the training facility, Zackner’s voice echoed through the gym, “We shall test your progress this brightening.” He paused momentarily and pointed to the already laid out weapons slightly to the side. “Take up your weapons.” The attack began like a strike of lightning, no warning, no yield in ferocity, and faster than the strike of a coiled snake. However, Olvann had gotten very good in the last ten brightenings and was not unprepared. He smashed into the strike with the wrath and agility of likeness to Zackner. “You fell to the ground in a heap that day like a crying little girl.” The master said, a smirk decorating his face, very sure that Olvann would know what he was talking about. “When your training is complete here, I never want to see you walk through those doors again.” The reverberation of the wooden swords clashing against each other increased in tandem, turning suddenly into a great tempest of clashes, neither opponent slowing. Olvann gritted his teeth and his eyes lit with an unmistakable wrath. He’d been waiting for his master to bring this up, but never like this. His anger boiled over and he launched a countless variety of savage attacks against his master, each repelled just as forcefully. “You are pathetic” The master added with a ferocious strike. Olvann parried the attack and cut deeply into his defenses, both blades hammering in at different directions. Zackner repelled the blades again, taking a step back and basking in the torment he was causing his student. Olvann’s blood ran like a dragon’s fire through his veins, scorching his inner being and causing him to brashly strike out at the master. He was a spectacle even in this state, his body flowed serenely, covered in a light layer of perspiration, his blades worked independently but in perfect unison. Still, the master goaded him, forced him to attack. Olvann soon lost sight of everything but the opponent, the opponent who’s blood he wanted so completely. The wooden blades became steel. He wanted to cut into the black elf’s flesh. He wanted him dead. Then it happened. What he had promised himself would not happen. A swift kick to the back of the knee sent him flying backwards and onto his shoulder blades where he remained, dripping sweat from the seemingly endless battle. There he was again. Markener, looking down at him. But there was something different there. Not the look of smug vengeance. Perhaps, even… Approval. Then, just as before, the father of his master left the room without a word. Olvann's chest resumed the casual breathing of a rested man and he dropped his blades to the ground, feeling utterly humiliated.

[Olvann Coia]

Zackner took a seat beside the healer for a moment, casually laying one arm across a knee and examining the man for a quite a few silent seconds. “There are many things that make an accomplished bladesman Olvann.” He paused momentarily. And Olvann gritted his teeth in anger, sitting up and looking directly into the crimson eyes of his master. His icily jarring eyes had rekindled a with dangerous edge, “But that fate is not for a yielding student, correct?” He spat impudently, an uncommon spectacle for the perfectly mannered man. Zackner shook his head seriously, “Olvann, you show more promise than I have seen in a student within these walls for a decade, perhaps more. But that knowledge, can easily be your undoing. You fight with the lithe and blind nature of an elf, but carry the strength of a human who’s worked the blade for half his life. But you’ve still much to learn.” The master responded sincerely. ”You wish an explanation?” He added questioning. Olvann considered the question for several moments, unsure if he should just leave or listen to the master. Finally he nodded his head reluctantly.

Zackner appraised the answer of his student and finally stated, “Good.” He stood and motioned for Olvann to do the same. “The reason that my father smashed you in the head that day was because you must be aware of everything around you always, if you are to survive, no enemy you face will fight fair, this you know. You’ve been trained to fight deceptively, count on others to be trained the same. Secondly, you’ve been trained to use every advantage you have over someone. What I did today was use the advantage of turning your emotions against yourself, simply done. You are a worthy adversary when you fight with anger Olvann… But you forget the first rule of combat, be aware of your surroundings. What does it matter if you are fighting the most brilliant weapons master in the Empire if he backs you into a hole only to fall to your death. Be aware. Use every advantage you have. You listened too much to me, goading you into a focus so consuming you forgot about what you learnt when my father hit you in the skull. Every amazing fighter has fought with emotion Olvann, you will be the same, but keep it under control.” Olvann began to understand as the first word left his mouth and his respect for the teacher doubled, and then tripled. He had indeed been taught a very valuable lesson. Not one he would soon forget.

“Now go…” Stated Zackner, “You’ve completed your intermediate training.” Olvann stood up resolutely, grabbed his equipment and began to leave. He stopped at the doorway and looked back to Zackner. “Thank you my master.” He said and exited without another word. He left a smiling dark elf behind.

[Kalinda]

~Intermediate Dual-Wield Approved!~