Stroll Through the Green(Veryan)

[Veryan Lithônion]

Before Veryan could get used to this skill he just discovered which dealt with weapon mastery he realized that he could not get distracted not even one second for now he was simply training but in the battlefield he would surely be killed in the spot if he did not concentrate fully and though he admired his Mentor in this skill he had to leave the chattering and the thoughts for later and send his head in a blank so that he could anticipate to Dante’s moves.

But then it was too late once more and Dante’s shoulder sent him backwards so he fell on the heavy floor with a weak gasp and ignored the pain of his back hitting the ground for he had been warned he would have a sore body after every session so if he complain wouldn’t he become annoying even to himself? He pressed his hand on his sword’s hilt and thought that this man before him surely knew how to teach for he had so much patience, another man would have simply walked away from Veryan’s sight at the poor development of his abilities, in fact Dante even encouraged him to insist congratulating him for his new ideas and techniques.

The man did seem pleased at Veryan’s lack of simplexes and eager attempts to win o the next try, and the next, and the next. It could be said Veryan was one to persevere until he got what he wanted ant to this point he wished to be a good fighter for somehow he felt he would need it in the end. It was vague to think so but deep down inside he knew that his life would change considerably in but few besides he could not simply ignore his dreams for they were a way to foretell him of what was to come at him, to make him a better person or so he wished to think of all this.

"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… Try again."

Veryan gratefully took hold of Dante’s hand in order to stand up again and then listen to whatever he was to tell him about his last attempt and once again make mental notes not to repeat his mistakes and act as he suggested him to. He nodded and took a deep breath before he thought of another tactic to knock Dante down this time. He then relaxed his every muscle and stood with his chest before Dante and his feet not close to each other. This time, as he stepped forth he was more cautious for he was training with an expert and so he had to attach with confidence.

His feet spread and regaining balance he aimed to Dante’s left shoulder and placing his right hand on the edge aiming for the neck, he was obviously not going to kill his Mentor, he would stop once he found Dante unable to avoid the strike and at the same time he made sure he was far enough to roll on the floor or skip Dante’s staff if he was to attack him at the same time. His eyes gleamed with anticipation and the adrenaline rush to this sport and activity overwhelmed him and made him grin.

[Dante Grixis]

Dante smirked and did something unexpected. He stepped towards the blade. When it was inches from his throat he fell to a kneeling position and stabbed forward with his staff. If it connected it would slam into Veryan's stomach, knocking the wind out of him.

Dante noted Veryan's footing. It was a good stance for a dodge-roll. He was almost hoping that the boy would do it without getting hit, it would lead to another set of attacks and blocks which would be good for the boy to learn how to counterattack. If he didn't Dante would simply tell him his mistake of not moving. Most didn't move when they first learned though. They stood in one spot only using their blade. The blade skill was only half of what made a good fighter though. The other half was moving your feet. Swordplay was like dancing, you had to move with your opponent, matching him perfectly.

[Veryan Lithônion]

Veryan knew that every movement, every glance, even the feeling of the wind as they moved with greater speed, were essential to becoming a good warrior, for not only was a weapon necessary for such a man had to possess the necessary skills to be a worthy opponent to the mightiest of men. That was why he remembered that at every step he took or movement Dante was examining his abilities as well as training him. He had to focus and no matter what happened around them his concentration and eyes had to be upon Dante’s making sure he did not look elsewhere or lost the man’s eyes for those were the windows of the next move he would make, like most expect warriors.

He noticed how he smirked and for that Veryan interpreted he was doing good enough to cause a good impression on Dante assuring him of his recently found skills and was doing well enough for his first time though he practiced alone in the forge that was truly nothing compared to training properly with a weapon master. He could not help it but to grin when he noticed what Dante was about to do, trusting Veryan learned fast and could climb another step into his learning he knelt and stabbed forth.

Certainly had this been the very first thing he did when they came into the room Veryan would have stood there, staring at the staff as it hit his stomach and forced him to the ground in pain. But something deep inside him yelled at him to move, since he had made sure his legs were well placed in case he had to roll on one side and knowing he was at good distance with Dante he quickly skipped to his left dodging and parrying the staff and holding the blow with as much strength as he could master before he smiled cunningly and then knowing Dante was kneeling and would surely have less balance as when fighting standing on his feet he kicked him on the stomach and stabbed forth.

He had to admit he was truly impressed himself for having done something like that but he was glad for it meant he discovered something he could do in the future and had stepped forth as someone who learned fast and could take higher levels of teaching and surely Dante would easily recover form this being a warrior and would expect Veryan to defend himself, so he would do his best to learn with honour.

[Dante Grixis]

Dante would be lying if he said he wasn't surprised that Veryan had blocked. The boy was learning shockingly fast, faster than he had learned even. The boy would make a great warrior one day. Dante knew Veryan would be proud of blocking that attack and before Dante could think a counterattack was thrown at him.

He couldn't let the boy land this one, not yet anyway. Dante crossed his staff into the path of Veryan's blade and deflected the blow and quickly stood up and stabbed towards Veryan's chest. He would attack and block until Veryan got hit. He wondered how long the boy could keep this set of parries and attacks up before he misjudged an attack or overextended his block.

[Veryan Lithônion]

Veryan made mental notes whenever Dante made a move or aligned his staff in a particular way; truth be told he was truly impressed at how good the young man was when dealing which said weapon and he feared not teaching Veryan though he was using real weapons. He could feel his relaxed body begin to tire the faster Dante moved in attack and defense and though Veryan’s body was used to the hardships that encompassed being a blacksmith one could tell when the mind and body tired of being a hundred percent focused on an action with no rest.

He could tell Dante was impressed and rather proud of Veryan’s skills though it had to be said he would practice on his own, Veryan was glad for it meant he was doing something right though he could not let it eat his head or else he would lose focus and that as something he wished to void at all cost.

He noticed in awe how Dante quickly parried his attack and moved in a way it seemed as if he had only lifted his arm when in reality he had done many movements in less than a minute and so he tried to concentrate on his eyes once again and in sensing his staff moving forward he quickly ducked and rolled to his right feeling his body heavier than the moment he began training still he managed to stand up quickly enough and then aim toward Dante’s back thigh making sure to leave the space required for his feet to react if Dante skipped this blow and attacked once again. He took a deep breath to relax his body and recover strength.

[Dante Grixis]

Dante was impressed yet again. The boy had not only dodged his attack but had thrown a counter as well. Dante quickly jumped up, the blade swinging harmlessly under his body. He landed and pivoted his feet and while turning swing his staff hard at Veryan's chest. If Veryan did manage to block the attack it was likely that he would drop his sword from the unfamiliar sensation of impact that would run through his hand and arm. If he didn't block though it would leave a stinging welt on his chest, a necessary injury in learning how to fight.

[Veryan Lithônion]

It was true that little by little Veryan became aware of what he could do and what he should not do when facing an opponent. But he was far form being a master at it yet and so he obviously did not expect, even though he knew how skilled Dante was, he did not expect him to move that fast and easily recover from his attacks. Beside she noticed that the more he responded to his teachings the more he escalated in levels of difficulty and the more tired and less concentrated Veryan became at all that.

It had to be said that for a first class this was truly pleasing but it was not everything Veryan thought of, for fame and recognition were not in his mind, and he knew he had yet much to learn and perfect and staying focused was one of the hardest ones when the body no longer answered its owner nor did the mind stay put.

That was what happened when Dante tried something else and though he did manage to parry the blow suddenly a burning pain reached his right hand. His hands had hurt by the impact and his sword fell soundlessly against the floor but it had been something about that impact what suddenly seemed to have awakened Veryan’s sensitivity on his hand which possessed a scar and though he tried to hide it he quickly placed his left hand on to his right one though he was still wearing his fingerless gloves and knew that by holding his hand the pain would not go away it was common instinct.

[Dante Grixis]

Dante lowered his staff and stood still for a moment. He almost felt bad for injuring Veryan, but you had to be in pain when training so you could take it in battle. He put the staff back on it's rack on the wall, this training session was over. The boy looked tired, like he had just run miles, and Dante didn't want to push him too far on his first time.

"Very good. You show a lot of promise." He said to Veryan as the others retook the training floor and began sparring again. "That is but a piece of the training you could receive with this organization. Should you choose to join our ranks." He continued. Veryan would make a powerful warrior someday, and therefore a powerful ally for the Brotherhood. He reminded Dante of himself in his early days of training. Skilled, but with much to learn, and determined to do so. He made a motion for the door and began to lead Veryan out. "Let's head back to the pub." He said over his shoulder.

Dante planned on discussing the Brotherhood, and his own history, over a mug of mead. He would try to recruit the boy into their ranks.

[Veryan Lithônion]

The moment the pain was gone he felt so relieved, casting a glance toward Dante he felt the man warm up to him, in fact he could see mercy and compassion and it made Veryan feel guilty for hiding him the very reason the blow had hurt him so much, it really wasn’t the strength with which Dante attacked him, though it had been a smart blow Veryan’s body was used to harshness, but it was that scar in his hand what made it the more painful and unbearable whenever someone touched it I such a way as if to seek to harm him. Of course Dante was simply training him, he had asked for it, for Merlin’s beard!

But well there was nothing he could do now or say to prove otherwise and even if he tried to assure Dante it had had nothing to do with the blow wouldn’t that be too suspicious? Looking at his sword on the floor he felt as if it was truly no harm whatsoever to try and trust someone with his secret right? Surely Dante seemed to be a knight feared by many, especially if he trained in a hidden pace like this one, but he was a man of honor, whatever his profession, Veryan knew he would not harm him and maybe this was the real path he had to take.

"Very good. You show a lot of promise.”

He smiled and then leaned to pick up his sword and look at the gleam of its reddish blade for a moment before sheathing it in its black leather scabbard and then turn to look back at Dante as others seemed willing to do some training themselves. Though little did he expected the man to say what he would…

"That is but a piece of the training you could receive with this organization. Should you choose to join our ranks."

For a moment he felt honored the man would want him in his organization though the uncertainty and lack of knowledge made him fear ever coming across this man before him. “Thank you, I am honored a man of such skill to think so highly of me.” He then tightened his gloves and looked at the man as they began training and so heavily they attacked each other and yet defended as if they were true contestants in a life or death duel.

"Let's head back to the pub."

He nodded and followed Dante as he removed some sweat from his brow and forehead and put on his cloak once again, surely the man was not trying to harm him or enter him into a deadly organization, now was he? Not really, he could never think bad of a person who trusted him part of his life… or maybe he was wrong… his youth blinded him…

[Dante Grixis]

Dante led Veryan out into the streets. The sun was beginning to set and Dante took Veryan through the winding, landmark-less streets until the exited the Slums and entered the main part of town. As he opened the door to the tavern the sounds and smells of a bar wafted over him and Dante smiled. To him, that was the most relaxing thing after training.

He sat in a chair by the far wall at a table and motioned for Veryan to take the seat across from him. He politely asked a barmaid for two ales and she smiled and went to fetch them. "You are quite skilled for a beginner. It's a wonder you haven't already been swept up by the army." He said to the boy across from him.

Now came the tricky part. How best to explain the Brotherhood to Veryan. "You would be a very good addition to the ranks of the Brotherhood. We are an organization of... mercenaries, hired swords for the highest bidder. We are always in need of skilled men such as yourself."

The ales were set in front of him at the table and he smiled charmingly at the barmaid and handed her several silver coins. More than needed but Dante liked to tip well. He turned back to Veryan and sipped his ale. "So, what say you?" Now came the questions about the Brotherhood, and eventually about himself. They always did.

[Veryan Lithônion]

Veryan followed Dante silently through the streets wondering what it would be he was about to tell him. Perhaps he would simply state he was a good for nothing with the sword, which he would completely understand for he knew he was not talented when it came to sword fighting. However he kept silent, one thing he knew was he should never speak of what he thinks others might be thinking unless thy stated those very thoughts and so far Dante seemed pleased, in fact it looked like he was about to tell him something rather… confidential. Otherwise he would have spoken to him there and then.

He ran a hand through his forehead and then looked up at the deep blue sky, it was a beautiful day, surely he would love going for a walk sometime or going horseback riding. It was rare to come across such a beautiful day in this island and so Veryan was pleased and saw it as a good omen, somehow.

"You are quite skilled for a beginner. It's a wonder you haven't already been swept up by the army."

He smiled, so far so good, he then said, “Thank you, I feared I honestly might not be good at all for it is hard to learn when no one teaches you, sometimes knowledge serves best in practice than in theory.” He sat back in front of Dante and then suddenly heard him talk as if he wished to disclose something to him and at the same time hide it.

"You would be a very good addition to the ranks of the Brotherhood. We are an organization of... mercenaries, hired swords for the highest bidder. We are always in need of skilled men such as yourself."

“The Brotherhood?” Whispered Veryan as if he knew he had heard that name before, though he could not make up for what it stood for no remember exactly where he had heard of such thing. He then looked back up into Dante’s eyes as he spoke and then stopped. “So you are murderers and scaly wags?” There was irony in Veryan’s tone though for once he showed he was no fool either. So this was why Dante was like a shadow in the mist, and he surely disliked Arthur and the court of Pendragon. However he still felt sympathy toward the man and friendship was forming between them.

"So, what say you?"

He sighed as he thought for a moment, “If I am to join someone or some organization I must know if not everything, most things about them… and the truth about you.”

[Dante Grixis]

Dante shrugged. "Fair enough." He took a breath and began to speak. "Well, yes. We are all Dark Mages or assassins or thieves. I am an assassin. I lived in Spain where I started my profession. I was seen killing someone and had to flee. I got on a ship and it happened to land here. So I got back to work, this time with the Brotherhood." He said.

He left out most of the details of his history, but they weren't important right now. He had said enough to answer Veryan's questions, and what he said had been the truth.

"Anything else you want to know?"

[Veryan Lithônion]

"Fair enough... Well, yes. We are all Dark Mages or assassins or thieves. I am an assassin. I lived in Spain where I started my profession. I was seen killing someone and had to flee. I got on a ship and it happened to land here. So I got back to work, this time with the Brotherhood."

He was impressed at how suddenly he trusted him with his whole life even though they merely met, he placed such trust in his hands, he could easily denounce his crimes and earn merriment with the Pendragons, but someone, he knew he did not want to do that for no man betrayed trust an so he perhaps had to trust him too if he was going to be his mentor. He nodded and said, "I see, I am impressed with your language abilities, for not just anyone can learn a language foreign to his own."

He then said, "I guess I also must confide in someone when it comes to this, if I join you no one else can know, for I know not the graveness of this situation but perhaps together we could find a solution..." Was he insane? Join assassins and bandits? What was he thinking? Yet part of him wanted to, after all he was friends with the gypsies, wasn't he? He then looked at Dante deep in the eyes and slowly removed the black leather fingerless glove which protected his strange scar.

Without another thought he removed the glove from his right hand and it could be seen the ash tree of his hometown in its guild with the shape of a dragon which glowed blue light still. He revealed her the very reason of his troubles and though he knew not entirely why, he knew now he could trust him this, he was now his tutor wasn't he? Besides there weren't many men in the tavern at this time of the day so there was no risk of it.

"Anything else you want to know?"

For a moment Veryan nodded before he said, "I can tell you are a skilled warrior and a truly cunning man, there has to be other reasons, apart from the talent you see in my sword-fight, that makes you invite me to the Brotherhood." Once the man answered he already knew what he was going to answer, he would join... Why? He did not know, but it was as if a strong forced dragged him to do so.