Gerhard and Elizabeth - Training

[Elizabeth Severn]

The metallic, rhythmic sound of the stone on her blade was almost soothing, in a strange kind of way. To Elizabeth, that sound met getting ready for her favorite thing. Combat. Admittedly, today was only supposed to be training and she wasn't actually allowed to purposely kill anyone, she was still going to enjoy it immensely. Anytime when she got to hit someone was a good time.

Honing the edge of her longsword down the a razor edge had taken the a good chunk out of her time. Elizabeth had been sitting, waiting, for the batter part of three hours. She rose before most of the other soldier so that she could get her few chores done at the stables before heading up to the field. Of course, she was going to have to go back and finish her work later, but at least she had gotten a head start.

Engrossed in the task of sharpening her blade, Elizabeth paid little attention to the people emerging onto the training ground around her. She was perched on one of the fences, her sword across her knees. Her only visible artier was her customary leather boots and long tailored leather jacket. Later on the sun would be very sting and she would have to take off the jacket, but for now it was cool out and the thick leather was warm and comforting.

Elizabeth remained in her own little world of stone and metal, right up until she heard a familiar voice that she had not expected this morning.

[Gerhard Raeddegson]

Making his way to the training grounds, Gerhard shrugged, adjusting the shield slung over his back. As he walked out into the yard, he quickly took in his surroundings. The yard was almost deserted at this time, but still a few early risers were present. Gerhard had hoped to find a sparring partner, not wanting to simply spend hours practicing against a training dummy.

Scanning across the coutyard, he noticed a figure sitting alone. As he made his way closer to her, the sound of the rhythmic grinding was clear. Obviously, she was honing a blade. Not a good time to surprise someone, not that Gerhard was really adept at sneaking anyhow. Seeing who she was, his smile spread right across his face. Stepping forward, he yelled out and and charged.

"Elizabeth! Gods lass, it is you!" Rushing over, he grabbed her in arm and pulled her off the fence into a bear hug, almost forgetting the sword she held. Squeezing for a moment before letting go, he stepped back and looked at her. Stepping back, and noting the sword she had been honing, the grin on his face spread even further.

"Well, lass, I'd been hoping to find a sparring partner for this morning. So, kiddo, you remember any of what we taught you when you were younger?"

[Elizabeth Severn]

Without much time to react, Elizabeth felt herself being squeezed into the bear hug. At the time it was not at all amusing. Her eyes were probably popping out a bit, and when she was finally let go she gasped for breath. Trying not to wave her sword around had taken a lot of effort. After all, she had heard who it was. That voice could not be mistaken.

Finally turning to see him, Elizabeth grinned broadly. "Gerhard! By the Gods, you're going to break me if you do that again!" Sliding her sword back into the scabbard on her belt, she clapped a hand to his shoulder, still grinning. "I'm not one of the big boys, eh? If you crush me like that, I will break."

[Gerhard Raeddegson]

Still smiling ear to ear, Gerhard returned the gesture, putting a large hand on Elizabeth's shoulder. "Ah, lass, don't tell me you've gone and gotten soft living here? You can hold up to a lot more than a hug. Remember, I know your father, and your grandfather. I know the stock you come from, and there's not a weak one among ya. Besides, I've seen ya fight, lass, so don't go playing frail and fragile with me. That may fool others, but I don't buy it."

Stepping back and giving her a good once over, he continued, grinning. "Now, speaking of seeing you fight, I see ya remember how to look after and care for your weapons, but can ya remember how to use them? After all, a worthless piece of dung of a weapon in trained hands is still a far cry better than a prize blade in soft untrained hands. So, feel like showing me that you still haven't lost your touch?"