Stroll Through the Green(Veryan)

[Dante Grixis]

Dante stood at the base of the hill that housed the stocks and gallows. It was otherwise a beautiful place, trees ringed the edge of the area and the grass, though cold, was still green. The trees had a small layer of snow upon them from a few nights before when it had snowed, and it looked like it might snow more. The sky was a grey overcast, the clouds hanging ominously low.

Dante gazed up at the stocks from under the hood of his cloak. He pulled it tighter around his cold body as he though that his last minutes might be spent here. He had an accord with the Prince that if he won the battle he would have amnesty, but if what he believed about the Royal Family was correct the wouldn't honor that.

He checked to see that his blades were still attached to his belt. He was dressed for battle, he was on his way to begin another arduous day of training when he had gotten side tracked at Hagmoore. The past several days of his life were spent in constant training, even if he hung he would defeat Arthur. His limbs were constantly sore and the few nicks he had gotten from his sparring ached but he knew he couldn't take a day to rest.

He started walking away still wrapped up in his thoughts. As he glanced back towards the gallows he bumped into someone. He apologized and continued on his way. The boy he had run into seemed lost and he paused for a moment before turning back to him.

"Do you need directions to somewhere?" He asked.

[Veryan Lithônion]

How can someone define that awkward situation where you walk randomly at leisure after a hard day’s work and then get utterly lost? Despite Veryan’s sudden finding of his elemental powers and Merlin’s assistance, as with everything, he did not have that reach yet to be constantly in contact besides there was not much he could do with the elements when it came to venture into unknown territory, especially when he was new to Camelot.

True, he had made friends with the gypsies that resided in the woods and had come to know the land better than he used to but that still meant the city in itself was rather new to him and any wrong turn could bring him too far form home or relatively close.

And that was exactly what happened.

He cursed under his breath as he placed his hand at the hilt of his sword, Harbinger, the red-glowing sword never left his side and his dark cloak covered his face and he constantly made sure the hood would cover his face, especially when sudden cool breeze hit against him and he tried to appear as if he was not lost though surely anyone could tell he was, he was walking in circles!

That was great!

He kicked a pebble on the ground and then watched it roll as he suddenly came to realize where he had come to arrive to in his utter foolishness. The stocks and gallows, a sudden unpleasant feeling reached his heart as well as his stomach and he felt the sudden urge to leave for he had never been in such a desolate and heart-breaking place before.

And though the nature that surrounded the place was surrounded by nature and covered in icy snow, which made it somewhat pretty to behold he felt that made things even worse for his connection to nature was such that he could always tell what the spirits of the woods communicated constantly and this place was so gloomy it was as if he could hear the screaming of the convicted and the grief and overwhelming sorrow of their family and friends.

His body was beginning to sweat and after running a hand through his face he quickly began to run away from death’s scene trying to avoid his connections with the elements and break free from the voices of those who went through torment and certain death.

He obviously did not look where he ran toward and in a mad attempt to enter the woods and leave that place of death and destruction he bumped into someone who was surely not looking where he was going. He fell heavily to the ground at the moment his body hit with the hooded figure’s and then his hood removed from his face. He would have complained otherwise but he was somewhat glad this had happened for he had managed to break free form the magic bond for now, he simply nodded ad he looked up at the man and then slowly stood up but then again the man addressed him again.

"Do you need directions to somewhere?"

Unsure as if his words meant trouble or the simple fact of talking to a stranger he happened to find in such desolate bits of the great mythic City of Camelot he ignored his thoughts and simply muttered annoyed with himself, “I’m afraid I am still new to the city ad got lost…” Looking at the man he seemed like a warrior, his hardened body could give in his extensive training and his rough voice spoke of the man’s inner conflict. Who could this hooded figure be? Yes the elements only spoke of anger and thirst to revenge, he wondered what could have made this man so encouraged to lean more on that side of his persona.

[Dante Grixis]

Dante extended a hand and helped the boy to his feet. It seemed to Dante that when he arrived in Camelot he was the first of many newcomers. In his current position though he knew the town like the back of his hand, having spent months here exploring and living. When his hand came into contact with the boys he felt a strange, etherial pulse run though his limb. He let go of the boy once he was on his feet and looked at his hand with his dark eyes, still concealed by his hood.

The boy was a mage he decided. He had met a good number of them lately. He shook his head as the sensation in his hand passed and looked back to the boy. He spoke in his usual Spanish accent, though it was diminishing slowly from being around so many English speaking people. "Where do you need to go?" He asked.

Somewhere in the distance a bird sang. He turned his eyes in it's direction as he waited for the boy to respond. Perhaps he needed to take a short break from training, if nothing else a break from the hole in the wall that the Brotherhood members called their hideout. Perhaps after finding out where this boy was going and directing him in the right direction he would head to the pub. Or perhaps the boy could accompany him.

He had deprived himself of the things he enjoyed since his training had begun. He hadn't been to any of the bars he frequented or had the pleasure of any real human contact in days. His mind became set on putting his training off for a few hours. He knew he could beat the Pendragon at his current state, now it was just a matter of keeping his skills.

He looked over the boy for a moment. He was shorter than Dante by a small bit and probably a couple of years younger. There was a blade hidden under his cloak. Perhaps he wasn't a mage, but a warrior like himself. He decided the pulse he had felt was not magic but his strained muscles acting strangely. Before his mind could move on to a different thought the boy began to speak, and Dante listened.

[Veryan Lithônion]

The moment the man extended his hand to help Veryan up he noticed how the man looked at his hand it was as if he sensed something. Would he know he was a mage? Well more than that and eventually simply training to become one but well that was going far off form the topic here. How could a normal person sense that? Or perhaps he had more to himself than meets the eye, surely he would find out eventually, maybe…

He still wasn’t a master of his abilities so he needed to be careful just exactly how he moved around this man for surely if anyone knew he was but learning they would take advantage of him and he was not prepared to stand his ground just yet, besides being new he did not fully trust just anyone he met. Strange folk were said to walk Angliaterra and that he trusted to be true for he had met strange people indeed recently. “Thank you,” he said weakly and then fixed his cloak and dared not look behind him at the horrid spectacle his mind had undergone but minutes ago.

He noticed how the man seemed to struggle within and the elements of the earth resonated his doubts, was he intrigued or meeting another or was he simply thinking that perhaps he thought Veryan to be what he truly wasn’t? Truth be told he was intrigued about this character, who could he be? And why was he walking in such desolate lands? He did not seem to be English though for there was more to his character than just his physical attributes of a warrior, well time would tell perhaps he would surprise Veryan once he knew who he was and what he fought for.

"Where do you need to go?"

So he really wasn’t from around there was he? Neither was Veryan and though they surely were not form the same country it sort of relieved him and made him consider that perhaps this man would be more inclined to help him once he knew Veryan wasn’t English either.

“I take it you are not a Briton? Your accent sounds from another country yet not far off Brittany yet I have never heard it before.” He smiled and then said, “Why did you leave your country?” He then realized he was deviating the topic and simply ran a hand through his short golden hair before he said, “I don’t mind, take me anywhere away form this infernal place.”

There was a hint of sorrow in his eyes and though he did not see his face he knew that his feelings were right, maybe he trained too hard or someone expected far too much of him that he did not realize he was only working yet not living. Could it be Veryan was developing his skills further on? He decided though to be less obvious and try to used them as little as possible for this ma sure knew how to sense magic when he saw it.

[Dante Grixis]

Dante nodded though it appeared as a slight shift of the hood he wore. The hood usually confused people but of late it had become even more important that he conceal his face where guards might tread. "I'm heading to the Ram, I'll buy you a drink." He said and began walking in the direction of the tavern.

"No, I am from Spain." He replied and quickly began thinking of a lie to conceal the true reason that he had left. The boy was following a few paces behind as he spoke. "I left because I had seen enough of my country, I wanted to see what other places in the world were like. I hopped on a ship and ended up here." That last part was truth. He had no idea where the ship was going to land when he got on.

The real reason that he had left was that he was a very wanted man. One botched assassination put him inches from the gallows and the organization he worked for sent him away so he would be safe. It seemed in Camelot he was as far from safe as he could get.

"And you, you sound like you're from somewhere west of this land." He said over his shoulder to the boy. They had left the Green and were back in the town. They were but moments from the Ram where a warm fire and good drinks awaited them. Dante nearly shook in anticipation.

[Veryan Lithônion]

The man seemed reasonable and though Veryan did not trust easily in a stranger he felt he would just for the time being, that is until he knew he could really trust him or had to evade his company. He noticed a slight movement of the head though surely he preferred short conversations Veryan could tell there was a lot going on in his head the moment he asked him questions and there was a slight possibility he would answer the truth and help Veryan make up his mind about him and there was also the possibility that he would lie in order to hide a dark past.

"I'm heading to the Ram, I'll buy you a drink.”

Veryan smiled and said, “Thank you.” It was true that he was somewhat impressed for the fact that he barely knew Veryan and he was already conversing with him and inviting him for a drink, that was most welcoming but he was still unsure, there was a certain darkness which seemed to surround the man, perhaps he was making a fuss out of nothing and had to start thinking that not everyone was after him. He then strolled alongside the man again, if he missed him he would surely get lost… again…

He sighed, “I guess it is hard to know your way when there are soc many twists and turns…” he meant for the small streets that separated the centre where the pub stood, he would not have been able to find his way through so many small streets which looked alike. In fact it was somewhat frustrating, he would have to spend a full day inspecting the streets and then draw a map until he knew his way in Camelot.

"No, I am from Spain."

Spain… thought Veryan for a moment and did come to recognize the country next to Bretagne. He smiled and said, “I have heard stories about that land, and they say it is much warm and cheerful though I would not know.” Perhaps he was talking too much but there was a king of cheerfulness about Veryan, certainly when he was in good company it shone but when meeting people it would tend to be collected and somewhat repressed for he still did not know the customs and traditions of these lands.

"I left because I had seen enough of my country, I wanted to see what other places in the world were like. I hopped on a ship and ended up here."

Veryan looked at the man intently for a moment, “I take it you like adventures then.” He could tell the man had thought long before he answered and though Veryan ignored if the man had spoken the truth he knew also that one had to respect another person’s silence or at least that was how things went in his homeland. He wondered what this man had seen and lived for it seemed to be a deal lot.

"And you, you sound like you're from somewhere west of this land."

Veryan smiled, the warrior did not fully trust him and vice verse they seemed to be alike in many ways. He then ran a hand through his golden hair before he said, “We lived in Cornwall for many years, then my family though it best to come to Camelot being blacksmiths they thought our work would be better valued here, who knows, but I somehow like it for I have never seen a place like this.” Part of it was true, he was eager to journey to Camelot and to show his work to the world, but it certainly wasn’t the only reason they had left Camelot, for his life was at sake, they were looking for him and he knew not his enemy so he could not know if he could fight him or them. Beside she wasn’t entirely from Cornwall, but form the land they left which was sacked in war and grief.

[Dante Grixis]

Dante smiled. "Yes Spain was beautiful. Not nearly as cold as here either." At the mention of adventure Dante's grin widened. Adventure was his first true love. "You could say that." He replied, but the happiness in his voice was evident. Ever since he was little he liked to go for long walks in the woods and as he got older he traveled to the far corners of Spain. Granted his profession forced him to travel but he didn't complain.

Dante nodded at the boy's story. "A native to England then." He said as he pushed the door to the Ram open. The strolled up to the bar and ordered two ales and sat down at a table and motioned for the boy to sit. He took a gulp of the ale. It warmed his cold body and relaxed his tense nerves. He gently placed the glass on the counter and pulled his hood off. "I'm Dante by the way."

[Veryan Lithônion]

“Yes Spain was beautiful. Not nearly as cold as here either."

Veryan smiled at the thought though he hoped he would be able to stay in Angliaterra for as long as possible. The only land he wanted to travel to now was home again, and one day he would revenge, till then he had to contempt himself with the life he was given and make sure his pursuers did not find him. Perhaps that was the reason he did not simply trust his origins to the first stranger he came across though this man seemed honorable and certainly not up to any mischief… at least not against Veryan.

He then added, “It is hard getting used to this weather though I love the moorland and the land looks so fertile and emerald green, I have to admit I have taken a like to this country.” He was perhaps too sensitive but ever since he gained power to communicate with the elements his love toward nature grew immensely.

"You could say that."

Veryan smiled for he seemed to have made the man smile and rather cheerful at the mention of adventures, it was a common trait to them for he also loved undertaking adventures that was perhaps why his situation of being a wanted young man where he came from did not consume him or torment him entirely for he liked the thought of having someone to face sooner or later and knowing there was destiny awaiting him the moment he wished to turn and hold his hand.

Perhaps the man felt the very same way; maybe he had fled his land for someone looked to destroy him. For life is so precious though Veryan could not avoid thinking of his people and how they must constantly undergo torture, death and the words of treatment in order for his enemies to find someone to reveal Veryan’s whereabouts and for that he felt uncomfortable and guilty for sometimes he considered giving himself to those who wished to kill him and be done with the torment inflicted upon others but that would not stop them, no, they would keep on enslaving his people.

"A native to England then."

He sighed though did not show discomfort, “You could say that,” he really did not enjoy lying, especially when it came to things as obvious as the fact that he was not form this island; but no one could e annoyed at him for that, he ignored how people behaved here and certainly had few friends and strangers we not the most encouraging font of loyalty and secrecy though hopefully the man did not catch the hesitant answer Veryan granted him the moment he picked his own glass and looked at the liquid ever so intently.

"I'm Dante by the way."

Truth be told he had never drank any kind of alcoholic beverage though certainly there was a first time for everything, he was quite impressed at the fact the man trusted him as much as to remove the hood that concealed his identity and then introduced himself. He then said, “My name is Veryan, I can tell, forgive my boldness, you are a well trained warrior and I confess my abilities are not that great with my sword.” He felt rather ridiculous by saying this but he then added after taking a small sip of the ale, “I know we know not each other as much as to find confidence in words but, could you teach me? Perhaps then we would not lie to each other and find trust within our very eyes.” He could feel the fresh liquid burning down his throat as he swallowed one more sip.

[Dante Grixis]

He turned to the boy and a small smile formed on his lips. "You're quite the observant one." He replied and took a sip of his drink. "A man in my position would be wary to take on an unknown trainee, but if you were to tell me who you are currently affiliated with we may be able to strike an accord." He said.

The boy was as mysterious as Dante. They both had something to hide. Dante was worried that the boy might be a mage or a knight sent by the King to kill him before the upcoming deathmatch between Dante and Arthur. The idea of fighting someone unknown was interesting though. It would help him in his skills as well by teaching this boy, he would be reviewing basics that were important to fighting and formed the foundation of his technique.

Once he found out who the boy was working for he would decide weather or not to teach him. He feared that they may not get to train much though as the fight was soon, and Dante did run the risk of dying. Even if he won he was skeptical that the Pendragons would hold up their end of the bargain. He took another sip of ale and waited to Veryan's answer.

[Veryan Lithônion]

Veryan knew well just how bold his words had been and rather too exact for he knew the man hid something from him but at the same time so did Veryan. It was a tricky situation and without knowing Veryan was placing himself in the middle of Camelot’s havoc though he did not mind much he had been living in a turmoil of problems all his life and surely if he ever came to realize it, eventually, he would find a way out or at least try to fight it. But now all that was stood before him, a man foreign to this land and somewhat to his own, just like Veryan so what harm was there to befriend him? Surely that way they could talk about their homelands and one day perhaps invite each other? Once peace reined the land once again.

"You're quite the observant one."

Veryan noticed the man’s faint smile and alongside his word sit made Veryan grin cunningly for few would expect an apprentice blacksmith to be that cunning though he obviously owed great part of that to his work for it allowed him to know what kind of man stood before him simply by looking at the weapons, their characteristics and shapes as well as the armor or even the way a man stood. Though he certainly had this new ability to connect with the elements of nature it was mainly his practice and skill what made him that smart. He took another sip of his ale and then turned to look at all sorts of strange people that entered the pub.

Some were hidden by the thickness of their dark cloaks and others entered and sat at the bar asking of another drink and gossiping with each other of the latest news of the land and though he was not interested in whatever they could be saying it was then when one of them began to talk about a certain Thalion, Veryan turned to look back at Dante though he knew Thalion was his father and they were probably talking about his blacksmith skills which made him proud though they were also talking about the family, they mentioned Veryan though they did not disclose the young man’s name but merely stated he had an apprentice son. His attention was brought back by Dante’s words and he listened carefully and analyzed them as much as possible.

"A man in my position would be wary to take on an unknown trainee, but if you were to tell me who you are currently affiliated with we may be able to strike an accord."

He thought for a moment and though he had an answer in mind wondered why he was so interested in Veryan’s alignment, though he certainly had none yet he thought that honesty here was crucial and so he leaned his elbows on the table and said looking into Dante’s dark eyes, “Either your position or mine we are both strangers and you would agree with me if I stated that I am also undertaking the risk of asking an unknown man to train me, but perhaps that could give us a safer ground to begin with.” He then added as he placed the glass back on the table and leaned on his elbows, “Concerning affiliation I know not what you could be talking about since I am new to Camelot, but I shall grant you the truth for this your question, I have no affiliation as of yet, I am not well informed in the happenings of this City.”

Hopefully this would render the man enough information for now to trust him and accept to train him though se could sense there was a shadow in his eyes, was he in trouble? Was there something awaiting this proud yet strong man? Though he was curious he did not show it for he trusted that once they began training and he could then craft something in gratitude for the man then they could come to fully acknowledge one another and find trust enough to hide no secrets form each others. A kind of friendship yes, but one only for them both to enjoy, one as secret and mysterious as them both.

He then looked at his cloths and thought that if he managed to make a coat of mail, a light one, he would be able to put it on underneath his clothing and it would render him protection, oh many could ask how he knew he had no coat of mail on but being a blacksmith had its advantages. Plus he could take a look at his weapons and see if they needed some touches here and there.

True, the man looked old enough to be his elder brother but who said friends were limited by age? He then smiled at Dante and added, “That would also allow me to look at your weapons and perhaps refine them or fix any imperfection…”

[Dante Grixis]

"I thank you for the offer, but my blades are in the best shape I could ask for." He replied with a small smile.

Dante mulled over the boys answer as a full glass of ale was placed in front of him. He was silent, thinking and slowly sipping at the drink for a few minutes. They boy did seem to be telling the truth, but he couldn't be sure. Even if he was a knight sent to dispose of him, Dante could easily kill him. He had killed enough of Arthur's knights already anyway. And him having an apprentice might be beneficial. Perhaps he could entice the boy into joining the Brotherhood, he could aid Dante in his missions. Henry was his partner in crime, and always would be for sure, but having another assassin at his side would be good.

After several minutes of examining his options he spoke. "I will train you. I will warn you, it won't be easy, I will train you as my master trained me. You will go home sore everyday, but in the end you will have some of the best skills with a blade that most people can imagine." He rose from his seat. He had been going to train, so why not start now. "Come with me." He said and began to leave the tavern, pausing to pull up his hood before turning out the door.

Dante led Veryan through the winding streets of Camelot into the slums. The streets were full of trash and the whole area had a foul smell. It was the place that he had come to call home in Camelot. He led him to a small house and opened the door and went into the basement. He opened a non-desrcript door and they entered the Brotherhood headquarters. The first room was a great hall that acted as a training area. Several pairs of men sparred in the center of the room. When Veryan entered the whole place fell silent. It was unheard of to bring an outsider to the Brotherhood.

"He's with me." Dante said, his voice echoing off the bare walls. Nobody dared to question him, he was one of the most notable members of the organization. He walked to the center of the room and cast his cloak aside and took off his weapon belt. He grabbed a training switch off the wall. It was a sword length pole with a whiplike apparatus on the end. He would use the training staff, he would let Veryan use his blade. It would be a while before he could land a blow on Dante.

"Well come on then." Dante said to Veryan, everyone in the room turning to look at him.

[Veryan Lithônion]

OOC: Awesome post!

IC:


"I thank you for the offer, but my blades are in the best shape I could ask for."

Veryan grinned at the man’s answer and finished his drink, he could tell by that many things, one being that the man was proud and conceited yet considerable and knew how to take a person’s words, for Veryan normally disliked talking to people he knew not for he could not be sure they would take his words for what he meant to say rather than what they wanted ton interpret and that most of the time would end badly. He could well remember what happened last time he was trying to be cordial, he had been this close to being forced into a duel for the slimy tricks and contortions of his words by the very person he was talking to alongside others in a gathering.

He silently watched as the bar attendant approached the table and removed Veryan’s empty glass while he allowed Dante to think things over for a while; he used to be told stories about how dreadful and scary pubs could be especially in the middle of the night but surely it wasn’t that bad, surely there were some who would be so drunk would fight one another but if you minded your businesses surely there was nothing to fear or scarcely anything…

For a moment he wondered what Dante could be thinking for he looked so absorbed in himself that surely even the busiest person in the world would hold his thoughts and do all tricks within the realm of magic to access Dante’s thoughts but still Veryan then turned to look at him once again as he seemed to make up his mind about him and his words would tell whether he would be a Master and Veryan an apprentice and perhaps even friends or close to brothers. He held his thoughts though for both of them would have to reveal each other’s secrets in order to become good friends and he wondered if he would be able to trust Dante as he did with Selphia.

"I will train you. I will warn you, it won't be easy, I will train you as my master trained me. You will go home sore everyday, but in the end you will have some of the best skills with a blade that most people can imagine."

Veryan smiled and then said, “I know the meaning of hard work for a forge is no easy task but I shall honor your teachings with discipline, work and perseverance and will strive to be as good as I can become, I will not fail you.” He finished as he stood up when Dante told him to follow him, Veryan was perhaps no noble nor a person with great knowledge in weapon mastery but he was brave and tenacious and when he proposed to reach a goal he would not stop until it laid in his hand and such determinacy could bee seen in his silver eyes as he pulled the hood to cover his face once again.

He then followed Dante toward the slums of the City and it was then to his great astonishment he was introduced to the harsh realities of the mythic city of Camelot. Where the nobles enjoy the greatest of al richness and eat with no fasting while others live in the most deplorable of conditions. He could see that despite this entire people lived content with their position though other snot so pleased… He wondered if the King knew of this and if he was planning to ever solve this issue…

Following Dante he did not mistrust him by now, in fact he believed his words to be true and so he silently walked, no questions asked, and opened the door behind him making sure no one followed them, there was a mysterious aura about this place though and as he closed the door behind him was amazed at how well hidden things were in this place. The moment he entered through the strange hidden door Dante opened, Veryan became aware of the strange place he brought him to train, was he part of this?

"He's with me."

There seemed to be a lot of noise when they entered though suddenly everyone’s eyes were upon him and he felt the urge to pull the hood to cover his face even more as he found the strength to follow Dante as he stood in his defense and then followed him swiftly and removed his cloak fastening his black leather gloves and then taking his sword by the handle and then getting used to the blade’s weight. He then turned to look at Dante and then took his words as if he meant for him to try and attack him and so he did, he leapt forth aiming to Dante’s right side feeling the weight of the sword though he knew not much of handling them he was strong and confident for being a blacksmith had its advantages and being able to wield any weapons was one of them for he worked on them and normally practiced with them to make sure they were well done and needed no alterations or the like.

[Dante Grixis]

Dante took a small step back and knocked the blade to the side and quickly retaliated by slapping Veryan in the face with the staff. Several of the men laughed but a look from Dante silenced them. "Your swing was too wide, it leaves you exposed if you don't hit the mark."

Dante took a step forward toward Veryan and said "Try it again, this time use a little less power and a little more finesse. You have to use a blade like an extension of your own arm." Dante took a step away and motioned for a random Brother to approach. "Like this." He said and held the staff at the ready like a sword and quickly, smoothly swing it towards the man and slapped him in the side. The man yelped and jumped back.

"You want to swing hard enough to kill, but not so hard that you can't change the momentum of the swing should you need to." He turned back to Veryan. "Try again."

[Veryan Lithônion]

Oh yeah…

Veryan was a true shame when it came to fighting with others but simply because he practiced on his own, at tender age with no guidance or advice and it would be hard for him to get used to this new structure but he was eager to learn and the laughter of the men did not bring him down nor made him lose concentration, his eyes were fixed upon his Mentor, Dante, and his ears were only to grasp his advice and instructions, all other sounds were gone as he concentrated in every single movement the man presented or expected.

For one thing he knew well about fighting was that a man must never loose contact with the eyes of the attacks for then it is easier to guess the next blow or at least see it coming. His eyes did not blink even once and though the air seemed rather closed in this room he felt not hot nor cold, perhaps he was simply warming up but he truly did not mind much, thee were always ways to ignore the body when it came to extensive and rough training and once he was strong enough then he would be able to know his body better and, in many ways, come across a better part of himself.

"Your swing was too wide, it leaves you exposed if you don't hit the mark."

Veryan merely ran a hand through his face in order to relieve the pain and blink so that his eyes were once again upon Dante’s a she ignored the annoyance of the men who simply laughed without considering they surely were even worse than Veryan when first taught on how to fight. He analyzed Dante’s words and memorized his remarks with a nod.

”Try it again, this time use a little less power and a little more finesse. You have to use a blade like an extension of your own arm… Like this."

He silently looked at Dante as he showed him exactly how he wished Veryan to start the attack and repeated his words mentally remembering to make it less strong and perhaps control the movement of his feet and the inclination of the angle to be a less marked one. Once the man yelped the other laughed at him and then he walked back to them and scorned them for being so daring but they still laughed at him anyway. Veryan’s attention moved back to Dante as he spoke once again.

"You want to swing hard enough to kill, but not so hard that you can't change the momentum of the swing should you need to… Try again."

“I shall keep that in mind,” he smiled and then moved forth with less strength this time and closing the angle aiming to Dante’s side and becoming aware this time of the movements of his hands in an attempt to try and parry a counter attack should Dante render him one. His senses were more awake by now and the men seemed eager to watch how this training session evolved. He wondered how many weapons he would be able to master once his training was complete; he smiled cunningly and then placed his foot around Dante’s left leg in an attempt to make him lose balance at the same time he attacked.

[Dante Grixis]

Dante quickly evaluated the attack and began to parry. He flipped his staff around and thrust it downwards putting it between him and Veryan's blade. He caught the subtle motion of Veryan attempting a takedown maneuver and grinned slyly to himself. The boy was good, willing to try anything to win. He liked that about him. But it wouldn't work this time.

Dante slammed a shoulder forward into Veryan's chest, something he imagined the boy didn't foresee, sending him slightly off balance and with a step forward it sent Veryan sprawling to the ground. He helped him back to his feet and said "Good idea with the takedown, but you never want to do it unless you are completely sure that you can knock him down with it. Otherwise, you've just seen what can happen." Dante smiled at him. The boy did seem to learn quickly, his second attempt was much better than the first and he imagined that the next would be even better. "Try again."