|
Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Oct 25, 2007 14:31:11 GMT -5
A week or so before the L'Envers wedding Eventually, I got around to arranging the garden, with several grumbles from the staff, and a promise that it was only for the afternoon, and that it would be all restored in the same night. Cajoling, coaxing and seducing also came in handy, and we had a nice sparring space in the end. I'd picked up Ellette at Dahlia, allowing us to banter and catch up on events before we trained, and so we arrived at the Townhome to a set up that was near perfect for our training. "Do you need to change?" I asked Ellette as we walked in the entrance of the house.
|
|
|
Post by Ellette nó Dahlia (D) on Oct 25, 2007 14:42:35 GMT -5
Julie showed up at Dahlia with her carriage and I was more than happy to jump in with her. With the upcoming wedding I was restless and needed something more engaging than House chores.
I looked around the estate as we walked in, it was very nice. I commented as such and when Julie asked if I wanted to change I nodded a yes. I had some leather clothing in the bag I was carrying. It was not full on armor, but it was better than everyday clothing and less likely to tear.
|
|
|
Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Oct 25, 2007 15:16:46 GMT -5
"Here, follow me," I said, and then and there was Nicole, and I smiled, "Nicole, this is my friend Ellette. Can you show here to the guest room, please?"
Nicole smiled in a very friendly fashion to Ellette, and said, "If you'll follow me, please?"
|
|
|
Post by Ellette nó Dahlia (D) on Oct 29, 2007 0:41:51 GMT -5
I nodded and started to follow Nicole to the guest room, but not before giving Julie a warm thanks.
I quickly changed in the room. I looked around at the over all decor momentarily but I did not want to keep Julie waiting or disrespect so I did not gawk. Beside, I would be lieing if I said that I did not anticipate the spar.
I left my things piled neatly on a night stand and let Nicole lead me to where Julie wait. Iwth a smile that was both friendly and challanging I said, "I am ready."
|
|
|
Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Oct 30, 2007 21:02:51 GMT -5
While Ellette got ready, I was off to the garden, knowing Nicole would lead her back there when she were ready. The space had been vacated, and my sword was well cleansed and ready. For myself, I was already dressed to spar, as usual, in breeches and a shirt – the corset, I didn’t bother with this time – I wanted full comfort.
“Well…” I replied, grinning. “I see that, soldier,” I teased. “Did you want to have a drink before we start ?” I had made sure goblets and a pitcher of spring water were out on the terrace, but it would have been poor manners not to ask.
|
|
|
Post by Ellette nó Dahlia (D) on Nov 1, 2007 23:55:07 GMT -5
I looked over to the pitcher of water and glasses. In truth I was ready to start and not thirsty at all.
"Only if your thirst," I said. I then took on a fight stance, though I was not in the right place to start a fight and with a smile said, "otherwise I'm ready to test those skills."
|
|
|
Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Nov 2, 2007 12:28:19 GMT -5
"Wonderful !" I replied enthusiastically. "But not here, of course, silly girl !" And with that, I jumped off the terrace a long jump, and landed crouching on my feet. I reduced the crouch just enough to be in fencing position, my side only showing to her, my sword extended, and with my spare hand, I made a grinning, beckoning gesture.
I was getting excited at the prospect of a good brawl.
|
|
|
Post by Ellette nó Dahlia (D) on Nov 2, 2007 18:21:34 GMT -5
I watched her jump off, she moved well and I was impressed. I waited until she had her stance and then I moved to the edge. I made a show of bending over without taking my eyes off of her and crossing my arms to grab the knives I had stowed in their usual spot. I then stood and held them in a slightly defensive manner before breaking the stance and jumping off the terrace myself and landing about 10 feet away from the tip of her sword.
I stood in a defensive stance, one foot facing her with both hands up. I was more than ready to test out my skills and to learn what Julie had. It would be interesting to see if I could hold off a long blade with my two short ones.
|
|
|
Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Nov 3, 2007 15:49:06 GMT -5
I let out a whistle of appreciation for Ellette's tumbling, rotating on my stance to keep facing her. I had reckless athleticism - but she had grace, even in the art of fighting. I was impressed - and tried to keep that off my mind, lest it distract me from the spar.
She was visibly waiting for me to have a go at her, and so with a swift advance of my forelegs, I danced up to her, taking a stab at her shoulder, though I made sure to give an inch's way. I had no desire to wound her.
|
|
|
Post by Ellette nó Dahlia (D) on Nov 4, 2007 14:22:05 GMT -5
I saw Julie advance and I shifted my weight slightly in according to what I perceived her move to be. In truth fighting was strongly based on your ability to predict the person's next move and your ability to keep them from doing the same.
She went for my shoulder and I tilted down and away, bringing one of my blade's up in habitual response. I heard the ringing of a blade against blade and realized that I had missed the sound a little. The ringing of a perry well put, though it was not a good sound if you were making the attack.
I twisted slightly, using my arm in an attempt to bring her sword down and set her off balance. In truth controlling a sword with a dagger was not an easy feat and I had to concentrate hard for it. I brought my other arm around in a ready mode but also defensive.
|
|
|
Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Nov 5, 2007 0:44:48 GMT -5
Ellette was showing me something interesting – she was ambidextrous, and that demanded attention I wasn’t quite able to give – to split my focus between fighting her parry, and preparing to dodge her second hand was a challenge I hadn’t quite anticipated.
The choice I made, in the blink of an eye, was to focus my strength on the sword to make sure I wasn’t disarmed, while disengaging. This made me force just a little, and with a deft move of the feet, I was out of range, but panting just a little.
Ellette wasn’t as tall as I – and she proved an agile opponent. That made it rather difficult to touch her. I was out of reach for now, and I kept a defensive stance, ready for her retaliation.
|
|
|
Post by Ellette nó Dahlia (D) on Nov 5, 2007 19:45:56 GMT -5
Julie pulled away from my attempt force on her sword and before I could attempt my counter attack. The force I had put on her sword swung through until that hand was behind me and I had brought my other in front. I used the swing to launch myself forward and toward Julie. I had to think quickly about my attack since I was not trying to actually impale her.
I kept one hand at mid torso so that I could use it to fend off any attack she might offer. With my other hand I stayed low, though I was planning on bringing it high. I would bring it near her neck and shoulder if I could, though I would not risk going close enough to scratch her.
As I drew close my daggers drew closer together, they made a cross of sorts, one set up to go up and forward and the second to block a sword.
|
|
|
Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Nov 6, 2007 15:22:44 GMT -5
She used my strength - one trick I'd been told to be aware of before by the retainers on the Estate, but I'd never seen in action, not directed at me, at least. I grinned as she lurched forward, noting the clever use of her daggers.
I wasn't quite sure what she would be doing - and with the sword, there was a very real risk of injuring her. The only thing I could think of doing, in that instant, was parrying with steel, basically blocking her way as I dodged and kept myself out of harm's way.
But the time it took for me to make up my mind, was enough for her to be in range, and the dagger was close to my shoulder. "Shall I give you my purse?" I teased, though it was more a compliment than anything else.
|
|
|
Post by Ellette nó Dahlia (D) on Nov 6, 2007 19:45:06 GMT -5
I couldn't help the smile of accomplishment that broke on my face as my knife went where I had intended. Julie had blocked me well enough and if I had been going for damage in her chest she probably would have stopped me there.
I backed up, taking my daggers away from her and hanging them to my side, though not completely relaxed in case she wanted to continue the spar, "you may keep your purse," I told her and then added with a wink, "if I had wanted it I would have taken it already."
|
|
|
Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Nov 7, 2007 17:31:18 GMT -5
"How cocky," I chuckled, amused that she took so well my teasing. "Maybe I'm easy on you, though," I added cockily.
I braced, and without warning, I charged, bringing my sword as close as I could to neck level, though I did keep a clean distance, not wanting to decapitate my new friend.
|
|
|
Post by Ellette nó Dahlia (D) on Nov 7, 2007 23:16:21 GMT -5
I started to fold my arms in a mock stance of defiance at Julie's jest when I saw her run at me. I started to bring my knives up defensivly though without much thought, reacting on impulse. I heard a blade ping across her sword but her force still brought the sword over my shoulder. I leaned back slightly, but it was a pointless move. The sword was not at my neck after all.
I leaned down and moved myself away from her sword, though the move had already been sucessful. Even in a spar it was not something I just casually stood by. My heart pounded a little for it, but I was glad for the rush. I had relaxed to soon, but in this situation it was a small error.
"Very nice," I said, "now we are even, one on one, should we break the tie?" I did not make a move toward her but this time I kept my wits about me a little more.
|
|
|
Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Nov 8, 2007 17:00:28 GMT -5
"But of course," I replied, grinning for my success. It was a bit of a sly move, I admitted - something I'd picked up from the spars with Jonas, a while back. Never let you guard down, he'd told me after his wooden blade had hit my chest right where the heart lies.
I'd not forgotten the teachings of my old love, and I waited patiently for Ellette to come at me, giving her an incline of the head, in invitation to retaliate.
|
|
|
Post by Ellette nó Dahlia (D) on Nov 8, 2007 23:14:52 GMT -5
Julie indicated that she wanted me to come for her. I decided to oblige, but I would need a different move. I doubt the same one would work on her twice.
I started to circle her, I moved with some speed but I didn't run. It would keep her moving and possibly pull her off balance. Unless she chose to simply try to guess where I was. I at least still had a nack for silent steps. It does help when one is small and light.
|
|
|
Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Nov 9, 2007 8:25:30 GMT -5
Ellette was going around me in circles, her pace rapid and her body easily angled. Again, I noted how graceful she was, how lovely her pace was set. I kept my eyes on her, observing her as I could, keeping a defensive stance, my blade her shadow.
She was rather light, I noted, and it was a wonder she seemed so strong. I guessed, in my heart of hearts, it had to do with what she bore inside her.
|
|
|
Post by Ellette nó Dahlia (D) on Nov 9, 2007 14:15:14 GMT -5
I circled a little more, wanting my next move to be a guess and hopefuly not obvious. I then planned my attack. This time I would go lower, I may rip her shirt but I figured she wouldn't wear any favorite clothes to a spar, or I at least hoped not.
When I was ready I ran for her, ducking myself a little but keeping my blades high to not give off my attack to much. I aimed for her left side but made sure if I snagged anything it would only be a small piece of her shirt.
|
|
|
Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Nov 9, 2007 16:11:01 GMT -5
It was rather fast, and I had time to jerk my body to the side, though a strand of white linen ripped with a creaking sound and a gust of fresh spring air filled my lower part. I laughed, giving Ellette a hit on the dagger, and said, "Well you certainly have a knack for speed. I need to learn that from you, lest someone undress me completely during a spar, one of these days..."
I put myself at ease, and gave another cocky grin. "Up for more, or do you wish for a respite?"
|
|
|
Post by Ellette nó Dahlia (D) on Nov 9, 2007 17:31:19 GMT -5
I heard the satisfying sound of Julie's shirt rip though it was soon followed by her sword on my dagger. I moved around to face her and laughed at her comment. "Perhaps I can teach one of your lovers," I said with a wink.
I was enjoying myself very much, and in truth I could probably spar all day, the excitment pushing me farther than I should probably go. I took a deep breath and tried to gauge my body but I was still ready to go.
I tilted my head slightly and said with a challanging smile, "I don't know, it would depend on rather or not you were to tired."
|
|
|
Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Nov 10, 2007 17:08:25 GMT -5
I chuckled. I trained daily - I strived on physical exertion, really. And after this little spat, I wasn't even close to short of breath; it would take much more to exhaust me. "I'm good to go for quite a long while," I replied with a grin. "I may out stay you, you know... well me, not my shirt," I added with a hearty giggle.
I braced, and said, "What of you? Ready to exert some more?"
|
|
|
Post by Ellette nó Dahlia (D) on Nov 11, 2007 2:10:18 GMT -5
"I guess we shall see who will outlast who," I said, "though I do have to admit that being able to stretch my legs in this manner is a great relief. I am able to spar on occasion at Dahlia but usually they all run off after I defeat them." In truth I couldn't say that I defeated every single person I had ever spared with at Dahlia. But, I wanted to egg Julie on a little.
I started to move around slightly, testing my feet under me and keeping the feeling of lightness. "I am more than ready."
|
|
|
Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Nov 11, 2007 3:09:38 GMT -5
"Wonderful," I replied with a cheeky grin. "An enduring opponent is a worthy opponent," I added, sincerely pleased with the situation beyond words. In truth, I had been looking for a good practice partner in a while - and Ellette was proving to be all I had hoped to find, and more.
She was circling, and I kept eyes on her, bracing, keeping my footwork light. My sword was held without hesitation. I wondered where I would strike, kept my eyes ready for an opening.
|
|
|
Post by Ellette nó Dahlia (D) on Nov 11, 2007 15:56:34 GMT -5
"Yes, that she is," I said referencing Julie more than myself. I switched sides, putting my left forward instead of my right, showing that when fighting I was fairly ambidextrous.
Both of us were more on cue and more geared in general for the fight. THe thought set my blood through me at a quicker pace, my excitement strong as ever.
|
|
|
Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Nov 11, 2007 17:14:02 GMT -5
She switched hands, and it was enough for me to know that she would be more than a worthy adversary – but a challenging one. I had never mastered the art of fighting with both hands, and even now, I could not have used my left hand had I wished to – it was still too tender for any exerting effort.
I changed my angle to accommodate the new challenge she set forth, but it was rather strange – I would have to aim at her back, rather than her front this way. Nonetheless, I would soldier on. This was something worth learning a lesson for.
And so my attack was swift, and I aimed to return a scratch at her leather armor. I didn’t hesitate, I didn’t flinch – but I kept my movement controlled enough, that it would stop short of piercing the garment.
|
|
|
Post by Ellette nó Dahlia (D) on Nov 14, 2007 0:08:10 GMT -5
Julie kept her previous stance and then lunged at my back. I wouldn't have time to turn around and perry it the natural way and so I did the only other thing possible. I ducked slightly and ran forward. I thought I felt something at my back but I decided not to dwell on it. Instead I continued my move and ran around bringing myself face to face with Julie again.
I thought quick and decided a risky move. I would try to see if I could disarm her. I would have to time it just perfectly in order for it to work. I ran toward her, keeping my low stance and my guard up. When I was close I aimed one dagger for the top of her sword blade and with the other I aimed for her wrists. I had to use the handle and part of my fist, since a blade in this move causes serious damage.
I aimed for her sword, testing my skill in a most difficult move.
|
|
|
Post by Julie Deveroix (D) on Nov 14, 2007 14:12:26 GMT -5
The touch of my blade was just as I calculated – a small graze, not even enough to break her leather doublet. I was glad to see my analysis of her openings was correct, but she was quick, and within seconds she was at my face, heading for my weapon.
A thread of worry knitted itself in my mind – she was so close to it, removing the blade without hurting her was going to be a challenge. And so I moved again, taking a step back, causing our blades to grate with a painful sound. She could have done it – but it was a risky, risky move. It wasn’t said that she wouldn’t destabilize me though. I needed to take another step away, before my blade was out of her grasp.
|
|
|
Post by Ellette nó Dahlia (D) on Nov 15, 2007 21:38:30 GMT -5
As I brought up my blades she moved back, instead of hitting the back of her wrist with the handle of my blade I hit the underside of her blade with it. I saw the blade come near my fingers as she moved back and I quickly moved my hand away and instead used my force to push her blade away from me to help prevent her from retaliating.
|
|