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Post by Ezra Windward on Mar 26, 2024 22:09:44 GMT -5
As Ezra’s shoulder connected with Gerhart’s abdomen, but the feeling of defeat again washed over him as he realized that they were not falling to the ground. Ezra continued to push with all his might and he even appeared to be gaining a little ground, but even this effort was quickly quashed with a swift strike to his back, landing him face down onto the ground.
As Ezra rolled to his back so that he could stand again, he was quickly met with the wooden blade held by Gerhart. It was over. Defeat.
Ezra sighed in disappointment and let his muscles relax as he lay on the ground. He considered the young ranger’s words, “Why do you want to be a better fighter?” Ezra couldn’t help but notice there was a seriousness that wasn’t there before. It was somehow intimidating and yet reassuring at the same time. Ezra felt as though the look was an affirmation that he had earned the right to have a serious conversation with the warrior who had so easily bested him.
Ezra slowly lifted himself to a single knee as he continued to ponder the question. He knew the answer clear as day, and yet it sounded childish even to him. Thoughts of his trip into Sol City flashed into his mind. He leaned over and grabbed the wooden sword that he had flung in a reverse grip and used it to help him to his feet by sticking the blade end into the ground. Memories of those ruffians bullying the shopkeeper flooded into his mind. He could still see the fear on the older man’s face and feel the fear creeping up his own back from that day. As Ezra lifted himself to his feet, he stood tall and met Gerhart’s eyes with a same seriousness. The knight with the shining armor, polished blade, and braided red hair rushed to the forefront of his memory. He could still see the serious, yet kind look in her bright green eyes; the confident and noble pose she struck that shot fear into the hearts of the ruffians; the light from the sun shining down and glistening off her armor and shield that had been polished to perfection.
“I want to be a better fighter…” Ezra paused for a moment as if still trying to find the right words to explain his dream to this near stranger, “So that I can become a Knight. So that I can protect people… Just by being there.”
Ezra puffed his chest out slightly as he said the words. Where there was once embarrassment, he felt himself filling with pride as he spoke the words aloud. His goal was true, and there was no shame in that.
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Post by Ser Gerhart Stanislav on Mar 26, 2024 23:07:34 GMT -5
"That's a lot better than how I started." He laughed and patted Ezra's shoulder. "I just didn't wanna die."
Gerhart holds a grin as he motions for Ezra to follow him as he took a seat on a bench beside the fighting ring. He rested his hands in his lap as he looked over the dust of the now disturbed ring. Is this what it was like training people to be better fighters? It was a strangely fulfilling moment even if he wasn't sure how to proceed.
"These scars?" He tilts his head a bit to show the claw marks down his cheek and neck. "I was a kid, like a kid kid when I got those. Werewolves attacked our village and I along with a lot of other kids lost everything. I had a similar feeling after that...wanting to protect my friends."
His smile fades a bit as he looks down at his hands. It still wasn't easy thinking about those days. No food or shelter, just a handful of kids trying to hold each other together and survive. It wasn't exactly easy, though life rarely is.
"I found pair of knives one day...some bandit dropped them or something. I picked them up and thought I could protect everyone with them...Let me tell you I got my butt kicked plenty." He lifts his head to look at Ezra with a grin.
"But I've been told I'm too stupid to die~ plus...now I have things to really live for. It didn't come without a lot of loss though. Lotta broken bones over the years, lotta just injuries in general...everyone one of those is a pretty good lesson though....Like today. Next time you see someone out there with two swords? You'll know how to handle it better right?"
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Post by Ezra Windward on Apr 7, 2024 23:20:53 GMT -5
His chest deflated as Gerhart patted him on the shoulder and laughed.
“I just didn’t wanna die.”
So simple, yet a perfectly real reason to want to know how to fight better. No… A real reason to NEED to know how to fight better.
Ezra followed Gerhart’s direction and sat down beside him on the bench. He too looked out at the dusty arena that they had just been practicing in. He saw his tracks in the dirt, circling and crashing. None of the footprints in the sand were recognizable footwork from the stances and techniques Ezra had been taught. That was the point, he thought to himself as a grin appeared on his face.
Ezra sat and listened to Gerhart’s story of his past and of how he came to be the warrior that Ezra had just fought. He looked intently at Gerhart as he listened to the story, but when it was finished, he let his gaze fall to the dusty ground. There was a lot to ponder and a lot to digest with what Gerhart said. Broken bones and injury led to lessons learned…. Perhaps it was time for Ezra to stop wandering aimlessly and training, and start actually putting the skills he had learned to use in helping people. It had been a while now since he had actually taken on a quest. A sudden flash of being in the darkness of the Marsh Flats came to him. He looked down at his hands and he could see them covered in the blood of the man who’s life he had taken on that day. A chill ran down his back and his stomach turned. A cold bead of sweat fell down his cheek, but when he blinked the blood was gone.
He shook his head to throw the thoughts from his mind. No. He was stronger than that now. It was time to continue his journey to Knighthood and make a difference to people. It was time to move on.
Ezra blinked a few times before turning back up to look at Gerhart.
“Thank you for all your help and advice. It really was helpful to me.” Ezra smiled warmly before continuing, “And thank you for sharing your story. I’m glad you made it through all those broken bones and injuries because it made you into the warrior that was here today and lend a hand to a newbie like me.”
Suddenly, the smile faded from Ezra’s face and a rush of embarrassment washed over him, that was evident from the wide-eyed and startled look on his face. “I uh… I don’t think I actually caught your name.” Ezra managed to get out before continuing with an outstretched hand, “I’m Ezra.”
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Post by Ser Gerhart Stanislav on Apr 8, 2024 19:20:08 GMT -5
"I don't know if I would call myself a warrior." He grins and gives him another pat on the back. "We all start somewhere, don't think too hard about today. My advice would be don't think too hard at all, but that's why I probably got injured so much."
He laughs again, "Form and stances help, don't get me wrong. I've recently started to actually train and think about how to fight, not just go on instincts like I usually do and I've gotten better...still a long way to go, but that practical experience matters. When push comes to shove, doesn't really matter how you win a fight so long as you win right? Sure you may have to kick someone in the groin or bite their hand, but whatever keeps you alive, keeps you there to protect people."
Gerhart's one face looks a little shocked before immediately becoming a grin again as he takes the hand with enthusiasm, "Gerhart. If you're ever in Moonglade, stop by, I have a pretty nice house there. Enough space for guests at least."
He grins as he stands again, holding out a hand and both swords he set aside start to wriggle before flying over into his hands. A little flourish and they are tucked into their sheaths.
"And if you ever need help again, just ask...whether its a spar or just talking to....It's really hard being an adventurer, but having friends helps. Join the Fighter's Guild if you can, Shaa's the best teacher I can think of. He REALLY knows how to fight."
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Post by Ezra Windward on Apr 8, 2024 21:34:22 GMT -5
Ezra settled and relaxed as he listened to the last bit of Gerhart’s advice. He smiled brightly at the prospect of meeting up with him again in Moonglade. “I’ll do that.” Ezra responded to Gerhart’s invitation to his home. “And I’ll do that too.” Ezra chuckled as he responded to Gerhart’s final statement to reach out if he was in need of help again.
“Thanks again for all your help Gerhart. I’ll keep working and I’ll get into the Fighter’s Guild. It’s just another step toward Knighthood!”
With a nod, Ezra walked over to where his longsword still lay stuck in the ground. He pulled it from the ground and sheathed it. He turned to Gerhart and gave one final smile and a wave before turning and walking toward the entrance to the training arena.
As he walked out of the Academy and back toward the Docks, Ezra was lost in thought about everything he had learned. He reflected on the lessons of being unpredictable and less rhythmic and rigid in his techniques. He thought back to the lesson of thinking less and reacting more and of the true lessons coming from experience and sometimes even pain. Some of Gerhart’s parting words rung out to him, “When push comes to shove, doesn’t really matter how you win a fight so long as you win right?” “Whatever keeps you alive, keeps you there to protect people.”
Ezra knew he had more work to do. He knew that more skill would be needed for him to join the Fighters Guild. And even more skill and experience would be needed for him to achieve his dream. He left the Academy feeling refocused and energized toward his goal. It was time for him to begin his adventures anew. It was time for him to gain that practical experience that he so evidently lacked.
As he reached the edge of the docks, Ezra looked out over the water. The sun was just barely touching the water off on the horizon, shedding a yellow-orange light across the low point of the sky. As the sky climbed upward away from the setting sun, it grew darker into shades of purple and navy blue. Not a cloud could be seen in the sky. The scent of salt and wet sand could be smelt on the air from the ocean and a light dusting of mist could be felt on his face as waves crashed against rocky shores nearby. Ezra stared out at the horizon as the sun slowly ducked behind it. The look on his face was one of steel-eyed determination, and the grin he wore showed a confidence that sometimes lacked before. He was ready.
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