" I swear... "

[Lady Adel de Blakeland]

Lady Adel de Blakeland
•WINDSTORM CASTLE•
...is somewhere in the castle...

ALL: She had been absentmindedly wandering around the Castle grounds, going over places that she had already discovered. In all likihood there was much more to explore, but there were corridors that alluded her, corridors that did not look as though it were her business she should be walking down, not to mention dimly lit stairwells! But she never felt uneasy in the Castle, well, perhaps that was a lie... on some occassions she had, like the time when she had not long arrived and well, the rest is history and needs no mention. It was only now that her mind seemed to snap to it, and begin to focus. " Oh, I must 'catch up' with Mae " she said aloud to her, using the term that Mae used about 'catching up', again, it must be either a commoners term or a Barbarians...that is to say, Northern Folk, Barbarians is what she called the Scots within the walls of her mind...though she had almost slipped up once. Stopping briefly, she stared off into the distance of the hallway, at the end was the entrance to the Hall. Maybe this day she could avoid an uncomfortable run-in with anyone, her days often turned into disagreements and arguements as of late. Smoothing her hands over the white lace dress that Mae had brought her, she continued her trek towards the Hall.


Dorian Hawkmoon
Nightfall's Bane
Windstorm Castle/RPO

•GREAT HALL•
...is within the Great Hall...

ALL: He stepped silently into the Hall, heading for the sideboard...another frustrating round of visits with his "eyes & ears"...still no word of this supposed plan to kidnap the Queen...nothing more than whispers on the wind. He would actually be glad it this entire rumour turned out to be no more than a very bad joke, but he was not one to take chances...not when it was Edfeils life in question...reaching the sidwboard, he fills his tankard and mulls over his next move...

Lady Adel de Blakeland
•GREAT HALL•
...is within the Great Hall...

ALL: It had to be addmitted, there were quiet desperations building in the very core of her soul. There was nothing for her to cling onto. Before her Mother had 'died', she had been the fall back, the one to keep her line when they had contact with one another. Yes, her Mother had been the hope that things could be better, but she was wickedly ripped away. And then there had been Jenkins, a man she sometimes treated as a doormat rather than a friend, something that she now realised he had been all along. He had voluntarily taken himself out of her life, to sacrifice his own in the name of justice. Indeed, she definately need to find something to drag her back to reality, she was slowly slipping into uncontrolable ways, ways that would in the end be the death of her....if she kept it up, that is. Ah, she still had to fix things with that rum lover, but she hadn't seen him yet and hoped to find him soon. Breezing into the grand Hall, her feet carried her swiftly into the centre, for some reason or another and her baby blues that was in the habit of searching the Hall, did just that. There was no one that she knew here, that was, until her gaze settled on Sir Hawkmoon....ahhhh, she had disappointed him also, how could she smooth things over for a ...was it coming up for a third time?? Pondering over her next move, she stared across at him silently.

Dorian Hawkmoon
Nightfall's Bane
Windstorm Castle/RPO

•GREAT HALL•
...is within the Great Hall...

ALL: He would not turn, but the deep and oddly quiet voice would be directed to her..."'Tis no polite to stare, Adel..."
Dorian Hawkmoon
Nightfall's Bane
Windstorm Castle/RPO

•GREAT HALL•
...is within the Great Hall...

ALL: ((throws a "t" to that no))

Lady Adel de Blakeland
•GREAT HALL•
...is within the Great Hall...

Dorian HawkmoonNightfall: When he had addressed her as such, her heart almost leapt up her throat and out of her mouth. Why did she feel so concerned about finding acceptance from this man? Why did she feel dread every time she disappointed him? These were emotions that she did not understand, nor would she try to pick them apart and question it, for fear that truth might be hidden behind the answers. But she couldn't help but smile, had he already forgiven her for the little 'hiccup' some nights....many nights ago?? " Of course, you are correct Sir. I apologize " came her quick response, and she soon after began to approach him with silently placed footfalls, no doubt he would still detect her coming though. " How are you on this fine day.... Dorian? " the smile broadened when she had called him by his name, but deep inside she nervously waited to see how he would react to her calling him of his name again. It was unlikely he would have an issue with it, it was her who seemed to think everyone else would.
Dorian Hawkmoon
Nightfall's Bane
Windstorm Castle/RPO

•GREAT HALL•
...is within the Great Hall...

Lady Adel de Blakeland: He would not look to her as she would have expected him to...thre were many adjustments that wold have to be made withen her if she chose to accept his "proposal" She had obviously been raised with what he considered to be outlandish and senseless prejudices...skewed notions of the way that the world truly operated. This world was the domain of man, and it would be by man's hand that it was shaped. Man had the choice to be either good or evil...and that choice often entailed the performimg of acts that seemed evil at first glance....killing was evil, but the death of one to safeguard the many....yes, that was a more than acceptable exchange. She had clas bariers that needed to be torn down and rebuilt....and perhaps she may even learn the true meaning of love....not the courtship ritual that men and women shared...but REAL love...the kind that would spur you to offer up youe own life to spare one that you cared for..."Well, I suppose...I laid a proposal on the table for you to consider some time ago....have you given it the thought I asked you to give?"

Lady Adel de Blakeland
•GREAT HALL•
...is within the Great Hall...

Dorian HawkmoonNightfall: The smile dropped somewhat, when she received not even a flicker of his eyes in her direction to acknowledge further her presence before him. In a feeble attempt to correct this, she positioned herself more so infront of his person, the smile growing once again, he cannot miss her now. Plus, he hadn't seen her lovely new dress!! Of course she would fish for opinions from others on her new attire. But their brief encounter this day just got serious, and she nodded her head....but just in case he didn't see her, she answered verbally also. " Oh yes, I have given much thought to the discussion and proposal that you put forth to me. " It was true, between the moments of madness she had been having the last couple of...well, who knows how long now, she had thought hard about which path she should take. And she definately needed a path to walk on, his opportunity was one that would give her a 'friendly' nudge or knock of guidence onto the right path, at least this is what she had reasoned. Taking a deep breath, because there would be no going back after the next words came out, she exhaled her sentence: " And I have decided to accept. If you feel that it is something that you can still accept? " ah, she'd taken the control away from herself in asking that question, and almost kicked herself for doing so, but it was true. Maybe he had doubts?? Maybe he just wanted to see if she was willing to learn, but was not yet ready to take those steps. Time would tell, well, his response would tell actually.

Dorian Hawkmoon
Nightfall's Bane
Windstorm Castle/RPO

•GREAT HALL•
...is within the Great Hall...

Lady Adel de Blakeland: Only after she spoke her words of acceptance wold he look to her...he certainly hoped she had given that answer a GREAT deal of thought, for she as truly putting her destiny in his hands. She had youth on her side, but little else...that...would change. Setting down his tankard, he nodded to her...."Come with me, then..." and made his way to the garden exit...

Lady Adel de Blakeland
•GREAT HALL•
...is within the Great Hall...

Dorian HawkmoonNightfall: Both her brows raised and her eyes lit up when he finally acknowledged her standing there. But it was short lived, for they were to be off on a walk-abouts. Hmm, what now she wondered, as she followed quietly behind him, her beautiful white lace dress flowing behind her. Keeping up with his pace, she headed onwards, apparently towards the gardens? Oh well, she would soon find out where they were going, until then she actually managed to keep it stoom.

Lady Adel de Blakeland
•GREAT HALL•
...is within the Great Hall...

Dorian HawkmoonNightfall: (( oops, cockney slang sneaking into that post.... keep it stoom = keep her mouth shut** ))

Dorian Hawkmoon
Nightfall's Bane
Windstorm Castle/RPO

•GARDENS•
...is somewhere in the gardens...

Lady Adel de Blakeland: Deliberately shortening his stride so that she does not have to run to keep up, he leads her silently along the pathways...this is to be a start of a new life for her...a new purpose. The path will be difficult...he will push her to her breaking point and beyond...he will destroy her, then raise a new Adel from the ashes of the old....but she is still a woman, and it is right that this be done in a pleasant setting. After a few moments, he stops before an ornately decorated trellis...the scene of a wedding some years ago....not a wedding in the conventional sense, but a wedding of sorts for her....today, another will become wedded to the blade...

Lady Adel de Blakeland
•GARDENS•
...is somewhere in the gardens...

Dorian HawkmoonNightfall: Because he was purposely moving a slow pace, her short legs had no problem following in his wake, though she did not attempt to walk along side him...not because she didn't want to, but he was leading the way afterall. It was only when he came to a stop near the trellis that she came closer to him. A fine brow slowly began to arch, and her eyes searched over the the decorated specticle before her, uh, had she just misunderstood his proposal, she began to think. At this thought her heart began to increase rapidly in its beats, she had already accepted!!! But though she was confused on the inside, her exterior was cool as a cucumber. " What is this? " she asked as casually as she could, her hand making a lazy gesture towards the object they now stood before. It was pretty damn obvious what it was, but that was not what she was asking, and she didn't think he would give her a smark remark answer....that's something she probably would have done at the shoe been on the other foot.

Dorian Hawkmoon
Nightfall's Bane
Windstorm Castle/RPO

•GARDENS•
...is somewhere in the gardens...

Lady Adel de Blakeland: He turned to face her, and for a moment, he was not the man he is now....a younger man, breast swelling with pride and love as his Father invested him as a Prince of the Realm. So many years past...another lifetime entirely. Perhaps he even appeared regal as he faced her, perhaps not....just a slight pang tugging at his heart as he would have performed the same ceremony one day....but that had never come to pass. "It is a pleasant place....full of beauty and love. Weddings were held her in older times...this single place most embodies Windstorm...no matter what, the beauty has always been here...and always will be. I thought it appropriate that you begin your new life in a place such as this..." He nodded to her solemnly, drawing the ancient broadsword....the voice not a shade louder, no harshness within it.....but the tne was unmistakenly commanding..."Kneel, Adel de Blakeland..."

Lady Adel de Blakeland
•GARDENS•
...is somewhere in the gardens...

Dorian HawkmoonNightfall: There was a look in his eyes that she hadn't seen before since arriving here, and it only proved to unsettle her further. A place where weddings took place, he says?! That all familiar nervous laugh slipped past her lips and sounded out. What had she just accepted too?? He had kept referring to it as a proposal as oppose to an opportunity, oh dear Heavens above, this was no trick, surely? But all those worries melted away and were replaced with a new set of concerns when he drew the large sword from his scabbard. Eyes inspected the sharpness of the blade from a pace or so away, was it sharpened or blunt...it looked more like for bludgeoning purposes to her untrained eye. Maybe she had finally narked him off enough that he just couldn't take it anymore!! For some reason, her brain couldn't piece together the pieces of the obvious puzzle, the man had stated what he had intended, but she had all but forgotten. Now he wanted her to knee, in her new white dress?? And she might protest, but she didn't feel in the position to do so. A faint smile found her lips, and she did as he asked, lowering herself carefully down onto her knees and touching down on the softness of soil below her.

Dorian Hawkmoon
Nightfall's Bane
Windstorm Castle/RPO

•GARDENS•
...is somewhere in the gardens...

Lady Adel de Blakeland: Hw watched closely as she went to her knees, both sensing and seeing the disquiet within her...this was a ceremony more ancient that any her could know...the same ceremony that he had gone through when he pledged to the Blademaster. He brought tthe massive rune covered blade to a position with the flat of the blade facing up, point extended towards her..."Place your left palm to the top of the blade, the right palm to the underside...guide the point 'til it rests over your heart..."

Lady Adel de Blakeland
•GARDENS•
...is somewhere in the gardens...

Dorian HawkmoonNightfall: Had he gone mad?? Of course, she had never seen such a ceremony before, the ones that she had heard stories about were much less threatening. The sound of her heart was drumming loudly in her ears, almost deafening it was, and had near drowned out the sound of Sir Hawkmoon's voice. Indeed, that rapidly pulsing heart was threatening to rip through her chest if she didn't calm herself down. But with that said, she still carried out his instructions. A small hand slowly reached for the blade, the delicate skin of her left palm came in contact with the smooth coolness of the blade. In much the same fashion, her right hand took its place underneath the flat of the sword, and with carefully considered movements, she drew the tip of the sword towards her heart. Well damn, now she was wondering if she was the one to have gone stark raving bonkers, was it fear driving her to perform such an act or absolute trust for the man with the sword, it remains to be seen. The tip of the sword was now pressed lightly up against the fabric of her dress, she could feel the pressure touching the softness of her skin below, one single movement from him now and she could be a goner.

Dorian Hawkmoon
Nightfall's Bane
Windstorm Castle/RPO

•GARDENS•
...is somewhere in the gardens...

Lady Adel de Blakeland: He waited for her to comply, and was more than a little surprised that she did so with only a slight bit of hesitation. Few knew his ways, or understood them...they only saw the results of his handiwork...the skill that years had honed to a razor's edge in him. This was a serious to him as an oath...a marriage vow...a contract signed in llifeblood..."And so you learn trust...for at this moment your life is mine to take....or give. My word of death lies in my blade, resting against your breast...my word of life is Windstorm..the Queen....the home that could be yours for the asking. Give to me your oath, let your heart choose your words for you....but choose them carefully, understanding that if you betray those words, I will end you...without remorse or hesitation. Will it be death....or life?"

Lady Adel de Blakeland
•GARDENS•
...is somewhere in the gardens...

Dorian HawkmoonNightfall: Oh great, words were never her strong point, not the right words at least. Normally she would ramble on without first thinking through what she had said. But it was funny how the tip of a blade that could easily pierce past the flesh and rip the heart apart changed the perception on things. Loyalty was something of importance to her, she held it dear to her heart, but she had never been given the chance to show such a side of her, for those that she had remained loyal to were fleeting in their own lives, gone before she could lay any foundations. It was clear that she was thinking this one through, not because the words couldn't come easily and with honesty, but rather a fear of expressed emotion. " An oath I do take. I swear upon all that is good in this Earth that I shall not bring harm to anyone of this Home. That I seek solemnly to be a part of it, to do my part...what ever that shall be... to seek approval and not disappoint nor harm those within...be it physically or with words. Indeed, I feel so strongly that I would never want to betray those of the Castle or the people who live the borders... and so I choose life, but if I should so stumble and bring shame and dishonour to the Queen, and yourself and more.. then I will choose death and it is your place to take my life for not speaking truthful on this day. But that day will not come, I sweat whole heartedly " nods slowly, pressing her hands harder against the flat of the blade, waiting to see what he would make of such words, she had certainly poured out a lot, shown some true emotion for once in her life.

Lady Adel de Blakeland
•GARDENS•
...is somewhere in the gardens...

Dorian HawkmoonNightfall: I swear...not I sweat****
Dorian Hawkmoon
Nightfall's Bane
Windstorm Castle/RPO

•GARDENS•
...is somewhere in the gardens...

Lady Adel de Blakeland: The words were spoken, the oath given...he would have his first apprentice since Lan...he could only hope that she would be half the student that he has been...but life often surprises pleasantly..."You must obey me in all things....never question my orders, or methods of training you while your apprenticeship endures...if you accept, let your hands fall to your side and say..'I will, Master' "

Lady Adel de Blakeland
•GARDENS•
...is somewhere in the gardens...

Dorian HawkmoonNightfall: That was right, he wanted her to call him Master. Some nights ago she had explained to Mae that Master was not to be seen as a harsh cruel term, or something that was derogatory to the person who was speaking such a title to another. No, it was a humbling experience, one that proves trust in a Teacher. Yes, it was just another term for a Teacher, she told herself. The word Master had been corrupted over the years, this was true, but thankfully she did not have such a view. Hmm, she was taking this all very seriously, which was a good thing, it was something that needed and she knew it. Releasing the pressure from the sword, she allowed her arms to loosely drop down to her sides. The tip remained against her chest though, until he saw fit to remove it. " I will, Master " it had been said, and it wasn't as hard as it may have seemed. The words were spoken loud and sincerely, which was a good sign.

Dorian Hawkmoon
Nightfall's Bane
Windstorm Castle/RPO

•GARDENS•
...is somewhere in the gardens...

Lady Adel de Blakeland: Only when she called him Master did he remove the blade from her breast...just the barest trace of a smile touched his lips as he sheathed that archaic blade...."Rise....my young apprentice..."

Lady Adel de Blakeland
•GARDENS•
...is somewhere in the gardens...

Dorian HawkmoonNightfall: Even though she was entering a world she didn't fully understand, she would try her best to prove worthy to her new Master. But she still had a long way to go before she fully comprehended, because as she found her feet, her eyes instantly dropped and looked at the dirt marks that had formed on her beautiful white dress!!! Well, hopefully she could get the stains out, otherwise she would never forgive herself for ruin a present from her friend, a friend she had so far managed to keep. Not wanting to make a big deal about it at this time, those, she lifted her gaze and flashed him a smile. For once, no words came spewing from her mouth, she was silently content, a secret sense of excitement for this new journey was building inside her.

Lady Adel de Blakeland
•GARDENS•
...is somewhere in the gardens...

Dorian HawkmoonNightfall: at this time those = at this time though** ((*wonders about her brain sometimes*))

Dorian Hawkmoon
Nightfall's Bane
Windstorm Castle/RPO

•GARDENS•
...is somewhere in the gardens...

Lady Adel de Blakeland: Hmmmmm...peering at the stains on the white dress.....come to thnk of it, he had never seen her wear anything but black...and those almost too snug for her own good trousers....this must be something new for her, perhaps one that she had just not chosen to wear yet. He had to admit that it was a rather becoming colour on her...hoping the dress wasn't ruined. He closed the distance between them so that he could hand her two items...a small pouch, and what appeared to be a large silver coin...

Lady Adel de Blakeland
•GARDENS•
...is somewhere in the gardens...

Dorian HawkmoonNightfall: It was quite ironic that she had wore white on this day, again someone had definately had a hand in this and had been leading her in this direction. White was often seen as purity in most cultures, but it also was a symbol of loyal love, new beginnings. How fitting for this day. An expression of bafflement washed over her features when he held out the two items, which she duly took from him. Taking little interest in the pouch, her attention was mostly drawn to the silver coin...typical. Flipping it this way and that way, she inspected it for its worth? Possibly. " And these are for Master? " getting into practice calling him as such, it was best to get into the habit right at the beginning, so that there were no slips later on. Putting two and two together, she placed the silver coin into the pouch, and then squeezed it within a clenched fist, which dropped to her side. Again, her eyes found him.

Dorian Hawkmoon
Nightfall's Bane
Windstorm Castle/RPO

•GARDENS•
...is somewhere in the gardens...

Lady Adel de Blakeland: As she had chosen to address the "coin first, it would be seen that it held twimages on either side...on one would be the image of a hawk in flight...the other would hold the image of a moon in full bloom...had she inspected the pouch, she would have noted that it contained a very modest amount of gold..."What appears to be a coin, is a thing that will tell many that you are under my protection. Many will know it's meaning and render you aid, should you need it. It also states that anyone that offers you harm will deal with me....personally. The pouch contains your monthly stipend. I suggest you spend it wisely. As for your weaponry and other accoutrements during training....I shall see to that."

[Lady Adel de Blakeland]

" Come at me Bro!! "

Dorian Hawkmoon
Nightfall's Bane
Windstorm Castle/RPO

•.•
((acting as a storyteller))

Lady Adel de Blakeland: The guard, having seem the Lady walking along the corridor, went to her to deliver his message..."Pard'n me miss...Sir 'awkmoon wants ye in th' pits, straightaway, 'e said, ma'am..."


Lady Adel de Blakeland
•WINDSTORM CASTLE•
...is somewhere in the castle...

ALL: Ah ha, she had seen the Guard coming from a mile off, but he hadn't come to play peek-a-boo, but to deliver a brief message. " The pits you say... " her words trailing off, she had only just seen a fight take place there between two peasants a night or so ago, it had been enjoyable to watch. Maybe she was going to go view some tactics, pick up some pointers. " ...very well, thank you Sir " she finished, and then went on her way, heading for the sparring pits.


Lady Adel de Blakeland
•SPARRING PIT•
...is within the sparring pit...

ALL: It was not a place she visited often, in fact, the other night was the first time she had gone to the sparring pits. So along the way she had to stop a guard and ask just which way to go. Eventually, she came striding towards the sparring pits. Attentive eyes surveying the immediate area, but she didn't think anyone was going to jump out this time, because she had been asked to come here for a reason. Each step drew her ever closer to the pits edge.


Dorian Hawkmoon
Nightfall's Bane
Windstorm Castle/RPO

•SPARRING PIT•
...is within the sparring pit...

ALL: He waited patiently for his student to arrive...knowing hr as he did, it was most likerly going to take the guard he's sent some time to locate her...and she'd probably take her sweet time getting there...but that was all good, for now. He spent the time watching watching the guards go thru their training regimens...admiring the job Dieter had done with their training. Dieter was a man far more suited to the task of taining, due to his own formal training in his order. Dorian's own training had been on a much diferent level and scale...


Lady Adel de Blakeland
•SPARRING PIT•
...is within the sparring pit...

Dorian HawkmoonNightfall: It would be hard to miss someone like Sir Hawkmoon in the open, he was a big fellow afterall, and once her eyes had locked onto him, she swiftly approached. The day had gone smoothly, so she was in a fine mood, for once. What with settling her 'misunderstandings' with a number of people, she no longer have need to worry about those souls. And now she had been given a chance, a chance to prove herself, and being that she was quite a loud and determined character, she was going to go all out to prove what she could do...what ever that may be, and put not a single foot wrong!! " Greetings Master " she chirps cheerfully, coming up along side him. " You requested my presence? " a smile finding her lips, as her eyes sweep over the pit before them.


Dorian Hawkmoon
Nightfall's Bane
Windstorm Castle/RPO

•SPARRING PIT•
...is within the sparring pit...

Lady Adel de Blakeland: Though there was a fait amount of noise in the pits, he had been listening for here...for the telltale light step that would announce a woman...and knowing that there was only one woman that would have a reason to be seeking him here..."I did..." sweeping his hand towards a rack filled with practice swords...."Select one of a size and weight that is comfortable for you..."


Lady Adel de Blakeland
•SPARRING PIT•
...is within the sparring pit...

Dorian HawkmoonNightfall: Both eyes lit up with delight, finally, she was allowed to touch a weapon again within the Castle grounds!! Not to say that she had an obsession with weapons as such, but when one is denied something it spurs them on all the more to want that possession. " But of course " came her quick reply, her movements were that much quicker as speedy feet carried her to the rack, giving the impression she wanted to get to a sword before he had a change of heart...not that that was likely. Examining the swords on offer, she looked to each one. Every so often she would grasp one by the handle, and then wave it about carelessly to see how she felt with it. And at one point, she even brought the flat of the blade against her leg, to compare thickness!! Only a woman. In the end she decided upon one that was quite light in weight, which would allow her wrist flexibility, the length being longer than her own arm. " I want this one " she said, as though she were going to claim it, for good! Making her way back over to Sir Hawkmoon, she held the sword loosely down at her side, the tip threatening to drag along the ground.


Dorian Hawkmoon
Nightfall's Bane
Windstorm Castle/RPO

•SPARRING PIT•
...is within the sparring pit...

Lady Adel de Blakeland: He watched with a seemingly bored expression on his face as she went about the task of selecting a weapon. It took her a few moments, but finally she had decided on one. He turned to face her, arms folded over his chest...."About time....now.....try to "kill" me..."


Lady Adel de Blakeland
•SPARRING PIT•
...is within the sparring pit...

Dorian HawkmoonNightfall: " Kill you... " at first she sounded absolutely mortified at the mere suggestion, imagining that it might just rain arrows in her direction if she did indeed try to kill him. But it was as though someone had pulled a lever, as it registered in her mind, perhaps a blonde moment? " Oooh -kill you-. " giving a knowing nod now. But as she began to raise the mock sword, she stalled and asked: " Are you not going to try defend one's blows? " noting his casual pose with his arms crossed. Pausing before taking a next move, not wanting to make it unfair for him.


Dorian Hawkmoon
Nightfall's Bane
Windstorm Castle/RPO

•SPARRING PIT•
...is within the sparring pit...

Lady Adel de Blakeland: He arched a brow to her, but did not change his stance or position..."Was there a part of that you did not understand?"


Lady Adel de Blakeland
•SPARRING PIT•
...is within the sparring pit...

Dorian HawkmoonNightfall: Did he just mock her intelligence?? A frown tugged down her brows, causing an ugly crease across her forehead. The nerve! Well, if he was going to be like that, she would take great pleasure in bringing him down, the bigger they are, the harder they fall. Of course, she did not have much skill with the sword, she had been given a few pointers and lessons, her Mother had seen Jenkins provide as such. If any weapon was her choice, it would be throwing knives, but she would not mention as such right now, just do as was asked of her. He had not stated any limits nor rules, so she assumed she could come at him any way she pleased. The first thought that ran through her mind was to blind him with some dirt on the ground... but she didn't think he would take too kindly to that and it was a dirty move, plus, she would make the assumption that she could only use the sword at this time. Lifting the sword, the tip now pointed skywards and she brought the hilt close to her chest, more looking like she was defending herself than anything else... she was hesitant to whack out at him. But without much warning, she side steps swiftly and in a semi-circle, bringing her behind him. Rising the sword aloft, she brought it down as heavily as she could towards his left shoulder... of course, it was a bit of a stretch seeing as the height differences.... so, she was a back stabber, hopefully that wouldn't reflect badly on her. And as she brought the sword down with great force, she screamed out: " Raaaaa " apparently a battle cry of some kind?


Dorian Hawkmoon
Nightfall's Bane
Windstorm Castle/RPO

•SPARRING PIT•
...is within the sparring pit...

Lady Adel de Blakeland: A master at the study of body language, his eyes were neither on her head, nor her hands, but centered to her chest....basic Warrior 101.....ther were a number of counters and moves he could have used, but as she moved to her left, he spun quickly counterclockwise to keep her in his line of sight, stepping back as the sword cut nothing but air, and he was left facing her...."Poor choice, it would seem..."


Lady Adel de Blakeland
•SPARRING PIT•
...is within the sparring pit...

Dorian HawkmoonNightfall: The tip slammed down into the ground when it completely missed its target, he had spun and stepped back before it could even make any sort of contact. This absolutely infuriated her that she had failed to connect. But for now, she managed to keep her cool, there had only been a slight flicker of anger shown in her eyes. Not allowing the disappointment to get to her, she straightened her posture and stepped back two paces, so they were now three paces apart from one another and facing square on. Tightening her jawline, she swapped the handle into her left hand, she responded with. " One purposed that to happen... " not wanting to meet defeat in the wrong move taken. Eyes ran the length of his body, if she missed again, it was not going to be a pretty sight...that temper would definately flare and make itself known. This time she charged directly at him in a straight line, feet pounding heavily and with great speed, bringing the sword upwards and swinging it downwards and at an angle, with the intention to slice from his right collar bone all the way down across his stomach and finally to his left hip.... if it were to hit and they envisioned the mock sword to be real, it would be a near fatal strike. This time she did not cry out, just made some various grunting sounds.


Dorian Hawkmoon
Nightfall's Bane
Windstorm Castle/RPO

•SPARRING PIT•
...is within the sparring pit...

Lady Adel de Blakeland: Again, she allowed her anger to get the better of her. Still calmly reading her body language, the shift of her weight as she raised the sword, telling his it was to ba a diagonal slash downward, the point of impact intended to be his right shoulder, he shifted his right foot a half pace back, shifted the weight to the ball of the foot...again pivoted counter-clockwise...once more causing the blade to slice through nothing but air....waiting for her momentum to carry her forward...swiftly transferring his weight to his left foot as she passed slightly, he raised his right foot and plated it squarely to her rump...and shoved...


Lady Adel de Blakeland
•SPARRING PIT•
...is within the sparring pit...

Dorian HawkmoonNightfall: Because she had accelerated and had great confidence that this time she could not possibly miss, she had no time slow her momentum down. As soon as he moved out of the way, she went hurtling forward and if there had been any hope by some miracle that she could recover and stop herself from falling flat on her face, those hopes were dashed when Sir Hawkmoon planted his booted foot against her rear end and gave a forceful push. Loosening her grip on the sword, she dropped it before she could land upon it and her hands came out infront of her in an attempt to stop herself kissing the ground. It paid off, her palms came into contact with the ground and she avoided hitting her face by inches. Without wasting a single second, she pushed up from the ground and went racing towards him. How DARE he!!! There was fire in her eyes and she now had the intent of getting her own back. " How dare you touch me in such a region! " she shouted, a vein pulsing at the side of neck as she came at him, apparently she was going to try come at him bare knuckled now and without a weapon. Bending her elbows, she brought them back and then forward, trying to shove him directly in the chest....and even if she did manage to land her palms against his chest, it probably would even cause him to rock back on his heels, not even a little.


Lady Adel de Blakeland
•SPARRING PIT•
...is within the sparring pit...

Dorian HawkmoonNightfall: probably would even = probably wouldn't even***


Dorian Hawkmoon
Nightfall's Bane
Windstorm Castle/RPO

•SPARRING PIT•
...is within the sparring pit...

Lady Adel de Blakeland: had he been someone else, he would have laughed at her, allowing some perceived slight to anger her to the point where she couldn't even think...ah well, she was here for a lesson, and a lesson she was getting. As she brought her hands to make contact with his chest, his own shot upwards, palms facing each other, driving between her arms, moving them apart , bringing the backs of his hands in contact with the insides of her forearms and forsing them to spread wide, stepping in to her as her forward momentum brought her chest against his...a quick shift of his weight to his left foot, moving the right to plant it just behind her left leg...at the same time, he moved his hands to the back of her head, forcing her to look up at him...and briught the crown of his head forward sharply to crash against the bridge of her nose...the hands move to the shoulders and a firm push and the aforementioned rump would be sent hard to the ground.....stepping back and once more folding his arms over his chest, looking down at his very dazed "opponent"...."So...what have we learned today?"


Lady Adel de Blakeland
•SPARRING PIT•
...is within the sparring pit...

Dorian HawkmoonNightfall: The rate of her heart had increased dramatically, small beads of sweat had begun to make an appearance across her forehead and arms, not so much due to the exertion of trying to hit him and more to do with the growing frustration and anger. Indeed, her mood had shifted from being one of light heartedness to sheer rage. This was unacceptable, how could she have missed so many times, he must be cheating...somehow!! In her mind, there was no other explanation. Even though she knew well that she had limited experience and knowledge of 'sword play', she couldn't stand to be bested, at anything! And so she had a constant drive to keep going until she landed at least one hit, no matter what. When she was upon him, what followed next was far too quick for her to register, and seeing as she had practically given herself on a plate to him, there was no getting away from the coming onslaught. Of course she had seen his head coming towards her, but what could she do to stop him?? The next thing she knew is she saw a brief flash of whiteness, before she was on the ground again. Instantly, her hands went to her nose as the pain spread throughout, crimson blood streamed from her nostrils. Her head was spinning, doing short little circles. Cracking open her eyes, she stared skywards, but she was unable to focus. Sir Hawkmoon's words may as well have just been a mumble, because she couldn't quite register a thing at this time, other than she had just been attacked! It took time to come around, but she still had the instinct to squirm around helplessly and every so often kicked out blindly from where the assault had come from. For some reason, she wasn't crying, though her eyes were certainly watering. After along moment of silence, other than the odd groaning, she screamed: " My faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaace!!! " seeming more concerned with how this would make her look, as oppose to the throbbing pain.


Dorian Hawkmoon
Nightfall's Bane
Windstorm Castle/RPO

•SPARRING PIT•
...is within the sparring pit...

Lady Adel de Blakeland: Another would have pitied her....or helped her to her feet...but he was not someone else. Training often involved pain...and bloodshed. If this had been a real battle, she would have been fortunate to only have had her back broken....he could have easily snapped her neck. An opponent would have shown her no mercy, and neither would he...."Never....lose....control..."


Lady Adel de Blakeland
•SPARRING PIT•
...is within the sparring pit...

Dorian HawkmoonNightfall: The blood was now running down her throat and caused her to choke, removing her hands from her face, she began to cough and splatter. Already dark circles started to become visible around her eyes, it was going to leave some nice bruising. Rolling onto her side, she shook her head in a pathetic attempt to focus her eyes. Opening her mouth wide, she was panting heavily, for some reason trying to get in as much oxygen to her lungs. Allowing herself some moments to recover, as best as she could, she eased herself onto her stomach and then bent her knees coming up onto them with care. If she rose to fast, she definately would be hitting the ground again. The dizzy spells still refused to cease, come on, look at the size of him to her!!! In time, a great deal of time, she came up into a standing position and her back was to him. Spinning around ever so slowly, she met his eyes level with her own. Building up a nice amount of blood in the back of her throat, she sent her gob towards him, spitting in his direction at high speed. Ewww, not very lady-like at all. But unfortunately, even the ball of blood spit missed its target!! Damnit!! It had landed a inch away from his boot. There were no words spoken by her, she was just staring him, maybe she could beat him in a staring competition?? Shoulders were rising and falling as she breathed heavily, desperately trying to stop herself from attacking...or failing to attack him...again. Bringing up her arm, she wiped the sleeve of her arm across her nose and glanced at the smear of redness against her pale skin. " Did you break my nose? " she asked, as calmly as possible. There was no way of telling, she could feel her nose throbbing and could see the blood with her own eyes, but she was no physician, he had a better sight than she did.


Dorian Hawkmoon
Nightfall's Bane
Windstorm Castle/RPO

•SPARRING PIT•
...is within the sparring pit...

Lady Adel de Blakeland: He looked to her with no trace of emotion painting his features...was he angry...or upset? Not in the slightest. There had been nothing personal in his response to her actions....it was a training lesson and no more. She was far too haughty and full of the wrong kind of pride...he planned to change that. It was probably bot the last time he'd injure her, but then some people were VERY hard-headed....a light shrug of his shoulders as he responded...."Most likely. It will heal in time. Dead, does not..."


Lady Adel de Blakeland
•SPARRING PIT•
...is within the sparring pit...

Dorian HawkmoonNightfall: Narrowing her eyes in on him, she pointed a threatening finger in his direction. " You shall pay for that, mark my word " her words were dripping with a mixture of promise and anger. Oh, she had fighting words alright, but apparently she was all mouth... at this stage. The finger pointed at him for what felt like an eternity, her hand was shaking with rage, but she made no attempt to go at him again... it would not be wise to try anything, while he was looking. " Sleep with one eye open " she warned, that cockiness making a comeback. Was she crazy??? Possibly, but there were just words of anger. The blood was dripping down onto her tunic at this point, she would have to stem the bleeding soon. " I do hope you have your guard up when you are not looking " and yet still, the banter continued, only it was not playful. " You shall wish you had never laid a single finger on me " lifting her chin, it was a pose of arrogrance, something she had done before with him. Nodding her head, without another word, she turned and went to leave...apparently forgetting that this was a lesson and he was her Teacher. Which is easy enough, seeing as she just had the stuffing knocked out of her.


Dorian Hawkmoon
Nightfall's Bane
Windstorm Castle/RPO

•SPARRING PIT•
...is within the sparring pit...

Lady Adel de Blakeland: He simply shrugged and allowed her to go..."Have that nosed looked at...and then you can pack and be on your way...Luck be with you"


Lady Adel de Blakeland
•SPARRING PIT•
...is within the sparring pit...

Dorian HawkmoonNightfall: The man caused her to stop dead in her tracks. Perhaps knowing that it would do so, pack up and go?? Pack up WHAT and go WHERE?? What ever pain or anger she was feeling was overtaken by dread. To an onlooker, it might seem quite amusing, for these emotions that she was now feeling had more of a potential to make her cry than the headbutt she had just received that broke her nose. The puffed up pride that she exhibited only made things worse for her. It would be a good three to five minutes before she turned and began to walk back towards him. Reminding herself and only recalling now that she had made an oath to the man, one that she did not intend on breaking, if she could help it. 'A word given' meant much to her. Approaching him slowly, she came to stand before him, about two paces away...just in case he tried something, then again, she probably wouldn't avoid it even if she wanted. With her arms hanging loosely down at her sides, she stared down at his boots, admitting defeat, this time. Hopefully he wouldn't humiliate her further by making a remark such as " Can I help you? " or " Back so soon? " Instead, she just stood there and said nothing, waiting to see if he spoke or not...if he didn't, she wasn't sure what she'd do next.

<to be continued...>

[Lady Adel de Blakeland]

Dorian Hawkmoon
Nightfall's Bane
Windstorm Castle/RPO

•SPARRING PIT•
...is within the sparring pit...

ALL: ((continued from yesterday))


Dorian Hawkmoon
Nightfall's Bane
Windstorm Castle/RPO

•SPARRING PIT•
...is within the sparring pit...

Lady Adel de Blakeland: He stood imapssively, watching as she stopped dead in her tracks...stood there for a few moments...then turned as if all the air had left her and walked slowly back to where to he stood. She appeared to be humbled, but he was taking no wagers on that. It was going to take a great deal of work and patience to change that attitude of hers and mold her into more than she already was. KNowing that, he also knew that most of the effort was going to have to come from her...a person cannot change unless they truly wish to. "Was there more you wished to say?"


Lady Adel de Blakeland
•SPARRING PIT•
...is within the sparring pit...

Dorian HawkmoonNightfall: Oh, he'd put her on the spot, she didn't know what to say really. All she knew was she didn't want to leave and she wanted to continue onwards, learning what ever he could teach. For long while she had kept her eyes on his boots, but it was only when she decided to speak that she lifted her gaze and met his. The blood from her broken nose was still dribbling from her nostrils and over her lips, so when she went to speak, droplets of blood flung forward. " Where did I go wrong? " she asked, showing a willingness to learn from what ever mistake...mistakeS ...she had made. And her voice was relatively calm, but there was still that hint of 'I'm going to mess you up when I can' tone behind her voice. But truly, she hadn't felt anger when first setting out to attack him, so she had not been blind sighted by rage at the very beginning of the lesson...which in the end resulted with her getting hurt, as oppose to 'killing him'.


Dorian Hawkmoon
Nightfall's Bane
Windstorm Castle/RPO

•SPARRING PIT•
...is within the sparring pit...

Lady Adel de Blakeland: It was a simple question, on the surface...but not so easy a question to answer in a way that she would understand..."The simplest way tgo explain is that you lost control ...through truly, you never had it. Your attack was poorly thought out and delivered half-heartedly. It seems you neglected to consider that I would not just simply stand there and allow you to strike me. Then you allowed anger and frustration to consume you and dictate your actions...making it very easy for me to goad you into a rash attack that had no chance for success. You allowed emotion to take you over. Anger has no business in a battle....it clouds the judgement. You will learn to be coldly dispassionate...calculating....calm...or you end up in a grave."


Lady Adel de Blakeland
•SPARRING PIT•
...is within the sparring pit...

Dorian HawkmoonNightfall: Of course, she could back chat him and argue her point of view on the matter and how she thought that he was wrong and her moves were just fine, but how would that help? The fact she was the one standing here with a broken nose and he wasn't, kind of proves his words to be correct. While she considered his words, she grasped the hem of her tunic and leant forward to wipe the fabric across her nose and try to mop up what she could. " Then what could have possibly been the right move? It would not have mattered how I approached you, we are in an open space... " one of her hands sweeps across infront of her, just to illustrate this fact " ....and you would have seen me coming at every single angle, no matter which way I decided to go. " Well, that was quite reasonable and it held some truth too, she thought!


Dorian Hawkmoon
Nightfall's Bane
Windstorm Castle/RPO

•SPARRING PIT•
...is within the sparring pit...

Lady Adel de Blakeland: He asked her but a single question in response to her own..."have you ever played chess?"


Lady Adel de Blakeland
•SPARRING PIT•
...is within the sparring pit...

Dorian HawkmoonNightfall: Does a cow moo? Is what she wanted to say in response, but didn't want her pretty face messed up anymore than it was. " Yes, I have been known to dabble " neither letting on if she was beginner or advanced in playing the game. But she had read books on the very game, and the history of how the game actually came about... not a mere game it would seem. But this was no history lesson, so she gave her short response and that was that. Holding his eyes in her own, she said no more and waited to see what he might say. Though the fact she was clued in on chess, she had a slight nagging feeling of what he may say... but she could be wrong.


Dorian Hawkmoon
Nightfall's Bane
Windstorm Castle/RPO

•SPARRING PIT•
...is within the sparring pit...

Lady Adel de Blakeland: ""Good....I would hate to waste a perfectly good explanation on one that had no idea what I was referring to. Now then...chess...a game of strategy played upon an open board. No hidden places to strike from, no secret moves to deal a winning blow. Each opponent clearly see the other and the moves they make. A game of chess is not won by the moves themselves, but by the thought and preparation that goes into those moves. The opening gambit...your fifrst attack...designed to test your opponents knowledge of attack and defense...one must be several moves ahead of their opponent, seeing in the minds eye all the possible retaliatory moves and attempting to predict how the opponent will react. A strong attack, falling back to defend, strategically offering up a piece to weaken and narrow the opponents choices of a countermove. Always thinking ahead, staying ahead of your opponent...anticipation...reaction....until the opponents king has been mated. Game over. So it is in battle...in a duel...and the same could be said for life itself. An error in judgement can cost you the match....or your life."


Lady Adel de Blakeland
•SPARRING PIT•
...is within the sparring pit...

Dorian HawkmoonNightfall: By Joe she got it! But it made her sick that he was so right and that she hadn't first thought it through long enough... she had put SOME thought into attacking, but obviously not enough. Ah, she felt foolish now, so much so she wanted to laugh out loud at her own misfortune. There was only a slight twitch at the corner of her lips, threatening a smile, but apparently she hadn't rid herself of all her pride and she didn't want to show him that in actual fact she had grown to respect the man just that little bit more now.....even though at the back of her mind, she was still thinking he'll get his up and commence for breaking her nose, she had promised afterall and breaking a promise is a big no-no. Nodding her head slowly, she would of course let him know that she had understood. " That makes sense " was all she would offer at this time, but she had soaked up the information and stored it away for when it would be needed again. " Then I shall get you next time " apparently her misplaced confidence had not taken a hard enough knock as her noggin had. The tip of her tongue ran along her lip, the taste of the blood made her pull a face and she had to ask: " Was it really necessary to break one's nose though, Master? I dread to think what I look like at this moment and how others shall judge me. " Right, so she was still worried her looks, that much was as clear as day.


Dorian Hawkmoon
Nightfall's Bane
Windstorm Castle/RPO

•SPARRING PIT•
...is within the sparring pit...

Rhyssia D'more: Well...perhaps she was not a completely lost cause after all...it seemed that she had understood his analogy...and now he would offer another. "What happens when you put your hand into a flame?"


Dorian Hawkmoon
Nightfall's Bane
Windstorm Castle/RPO

•SPARRING PIT•
...is within the sparring pit...

Lady Adel de Blakeland: ((snags...cradles...punts to you))


Lady Adel de Blakeland
•SPARRING PIT•
...is within the sparring pit...

Dorian HawkmoonNightfall: Surely he did not think she was THAT stupid?? But she would go along with it, either way. No point in arguing his ways of teaching, he had said not to question him. And sometimes, explaining in the most basic to terms often had a bigger impact than going into massive details. " Your hand will get burnt, of course " she said matter-of-factly, because well, it was fact...proven.


Dorian Hawkmoon
Nightfall's Bane
Windstorm Castle/RPO

•SPARRING PIT•
...is within the sparring pit...

Lady Adel de Blakeland: Nodding..."And what does one learn from that?"


Lady Adel de Blakeland
•SPARRING PIT•
...is within the sparring pit...

Dorian HawkmoonNightfall: Again, she had the urge to laugh and this time she gave into temptation and gave out a hearty laugh. " Not to do it again, Master? " a fine brow quirks, there could be no other answer, could there? Well damn, she could kick herself...


Dorian Hawkmoon
Nightfall's Bane
Windstorm Castle/RPO

•SPARRING PIT•
...is within the sparring pit...

Lady Adel de Blakeland: The faintes hint of a smile brushes across his lips..."Precisely...pain is a most effective teaching aide....wouldn't you agree?"


Lady Adel de Blakeland
•SPARRING PIT•
...is within the sparring pit...

Dorian HawkmoonNightfall: Hmm, she wasn't going to agree with that one because it might just open the flood gates and she'd end up drowning in her own blood!! But nor was she going to question his methods. Instead, her shoulders lifted and fell lightly.... there a certain sulkiness about that movement, and he'd probably catch on that it was her way of 'dealing' with the fact she had been wrong and had to learn from the mistake made. Yes, she had a hard time admitting she was wrong!! " What next? " she dared to ask...now that she had comprehended most if not all that he had said...and taught on this day so far.


Dorian Hawkmoon
Nightfall's Bane
Windstorm Castle/RPO

•SPARRING PIT•
...is within the sparring pit...

Lady Adel de Blakeland: "perhaps that should be enough for one day...at least anything of a physical nature. I had thought you were a bit more advanced, but I erred in thinking that. No matter, there are other things to be learned...more subtle in nature. Learning to dance the blades is not something one does for fun and excitement....it is truly a way of life."

[Lady Adel de Blakeland]

A Lesson Learnt

Lady Adel de Blakeland
•GARDENS•
...is somewhere in the gardens...

ALL: It was so difficult breathing through one's mouth alone, it leaves one's mouth dry as cotton and not to mention this yucky 'cling' to her tongue, it was hard to explain. And this is why she found herself in the gardens, surely the scents of the blooming flowers would find her taste buds? Of course, she would be missing out on the many different variety of smells. How long would it be until her nose would go down and reset? Grumbles to herself at her own thoughts, if there is any long term damage and/or crookedness, Sir Hawkmoon would be in for a world of hurt once she sharpens her senses and can take him on. Wandering contently through the garden, the tips of her fingers play over the colourful flowers, her sense of touch seemed magnified since she could no longer smell at this time....hmm....that got her to wondering... if she were to lose her sight 'for a while', would this mean her sense of hearing would increase tenfold?? A small smile found her lips, she might just put that theory to the test soon....with the help of someone. Yes, yes!! If she could come back with this extra ability, she could find favour and approval in Sir Hawkmoon's eyes, this thought delighted her!


Lady Adel de Blakeland
•GARDENS•
...is somewhere in the gardens...

ALL: Keeping to a gravelled path, she squinted her eyes and listened carefully to the way her boots crunched down as her full weight would bare down against the ground and there was a faint sound of scattering when she would lift her foot and place another step. Hmm, Sir Hawkmoon did not know it, but she was learning another lesson through having a broken nose, she was determined to carry her theory now. Though she still currently had her eyesight, she focused in on her hearing as best as she could. Coming to a complete standstill, there was a distinct grinding sound, alerting her that her footing was had come to a halt and the weight of her body was settling into the grains of gravel below. There was a look of absolute concentration on her face, it was a new found world for her, one that was teaching her the art of detection. Lowering herself down into a crouch, that grinding sound seemed to spread outwards, the canal of ear and the tiny hairs inside seemed to twitch, telling her that the position of the person....which at this current time was her....had changed. Even the leathers that she wore made a light scrunching noise. " How peculiar " she said aloud, but really it wasn't all that strange, it was just that she had never taken the time to stop and 'listen' in on one sound alone. For awhile, she remained crouching.


Lady Adel de Blakeland
•GARDENS•
...is somewhere in the gardens...

ALL: It was fascinating to her. Sweeping her hand towards the ground, she scooped a handful of gravel and clenched her fist, enclosing the small stones within. Narrowing her eyes, she could hear the surface of the stones scratch against one another. " Hmm... " lifting her hand high, she tilted her hand at an angle and released her grip, sending the stones plummeting back down to the ground. Of course, she would need to practice this little ability that she had discovered more, but she was betting if she put in enough effort, she could near about count each one of those small stones just by the mere sound and weight at which they fell and hit the ground, bouncing lightly and then settling. " ...interesting " she finished, before springing back up to stand straight. Blue hues scan across the immediate area, to see if anyone had been watching, and they had not, which was a good thing.


Lady Adel de Blakeland
•GARDENS•
...is somewhere in the gardens...

ALL: And so it was decided, the first chance that she got she would find someone who could give her a helping hand in an experiment. Of course, it would have to be someone who was willing to listen to her and not argue...and someone who wasn't as skilled as Sir Hawkmoon either, not that it mattered much, for what she had planned the person would simply be assisting her. And hopefully this attempt to find news ways to increase her chances in 'battle' or 'sparring', would please Sir Hawkmoon and nothing else. Walking down the path, she continued on her way now, feeling quite good!