Rangers: Training Grounds

[Arnyn]

Hyandaner Arnyn Dealedwen
Sparring with Captain Pele Alarion
@Pele Alarion

Relieved that Pele would not countermand her choice to move into the barracks, Arnyn smiled faintly as her sword made contact with the chainmail on Pele's hip. "Sleep is crucial," she agreed. "Perhaps it would be too much to hope that you willl sleep a bit better knowing I am close by? But you never know," Arnyn said with a grin. "If anything, I can try and tire you enough to ensure you sleep soundly through this night, at least!" And at that, she quickly stepped forward to engage the Captain again, this time with a flurry of attacks.

They continued in this vein for a while, until they both had a good idea of where the Captain was at. As Pele and Arnyn agreed to wrap up the sparring session, they listed their conclusions and discussed their next steps.

"Well," Arnyn said at the last. "I am glad we did this today." She raised an eyebrow. "Even though you stupified me with your question there. I guess it is time for me to walk you back to your guard. Like I promised him." Watching Pele's expression, a half grin broke through Arnyn's expression. "Sorry."

***


Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Training Recruit Trastion Leithor
@Rillewen
New day

She was still popping some grapes into her mouth as she approached the archery range. Given that she would expect nothing less from herself than she expected from Trastion, she was wearing the summer gear she would wear when going on a mission where melee was to be expected. Despite the heat, Arnyn wore all black; something she had always preferred when it came to her official equipment, unless the mission required something else by its very nature.

Her armor thus consisted of a lighter-weight gambeson, her leather cuirass with the hidden steel plates, the leather neck guard, pauldrons and layered rerebraces, the hardened leather vambraces with one steel plate underneath, thin fingerless leather gloves (which helped keep a grip on her sword hilt if things got bloody), knee-length supple leather boots and hardened leather greaves. She'd left her mail behind for the reason she'd explained to Trastion the last time.

She'd taken a light-weight hooded cloak with her, simply because that could always come in handy somehow when going on a mission, but she'd rolled it up around the bedroll strapped to her back with a long piece of rope. Attached to that bedroll was a pack about the same size as the bedroll itself. A different strap, over her other shoulder, secured her quiver and shortbow.

She wore her longsword, dagger, throwing knives and a pouch on her weapons belt. Two more pouches were attached to the strap holding her small pack and bedroll.

Trastion was already there, she noted as she absent-mindedly ran her single long blonde braid through a circle of her thumb and index finger. When he spotted her, she raised a hand in greeting, and once she'd reached him, smiled. She was pleased he was already here, and that he looked to have brought most if not all that she had requested.

"Hello," the Lieutenant began cheerfully. "So tell me, what did you bring today?"

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Recruit Trastion Leithor
Archery range

Looking up, Trastion smiled when he saw Arnyn approaching, and waved in return. One of his straps was being difficult, causing a little delay, but he finally got it straightened out, and stood with the leather case in one hand. "Good afternoon, Lieutenant, and congratulations... a bit belated on that, but I didn't get a chance to speak to you after the meeting." He greeted her, smiling. "I've brought everything you said to bring, far as I can recall." He answered. Before she could chide him for a vague answer, he continued, "My sword," He placed a hand on the hilt, "Armor," a wave of his hand toward the leather cuirass, bracers, and other pieces he was wearing, "Pack of supplies," It still lay on the ground, but he motioned toward it, "and bow and arrows. I was about to assemble that." He explained.

Unfolding the case, he revealed three separate parts of a bow, along with about half a dozen arrows. Each of these featured two green and one brown feathers for the fletching, a smooth, pine shaft, and metal broadhead tips attached to the ends. Each arrow was just under three feet long, to fit perfectly inside the case. He took one of these from its place and held it out to Arnyn, so she could look it over while he took a moment to fit the pieces of the bow together. After securely locking the arms of the bow onto the handle piece, he unwound a coiled bowstring, and braced the bow against his leg to get the bow strung. By the time he'd finished, he held a recurve bow in his hand. "Will this work for training?" He inquired, offering the bow for her to examine next. He waited quietly to hear how she would respond.

[Arnyn]

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Training Recruit Trastion Leithor
@Rillewen

Her cheerful expression seemed to echo Trastion's as he greeted her and she nodded in appreciation of his congratulations. It was true that there had been no time for him to speak with her right after her promotion at HQ, since she had followed Pele into her office right away in order to suggest extending an invitation to Mourgan as well. Her smile faded at the recollection of the meeting which had followed then, but seeing as she could not talk about it to anyone who had not been in that office without shaming Pele's trust, Arnyn firmly shot the door on that memory. Instead, she chose to recall the moments before that meeting, including Trastion's enthusiasm at HQ. "Thank you," was all she said in regards to all that. "And I should hope so," she said in response to his claim he'd brought everything she'd told him to, moving on without any wish to pay further attention to her recently obtained rank.

When he said he was about to assemble something... right after mentioning his bow... she had to admit to surprise. Upon seeing a three-part bow; basically a center piece and two removable limbs, she slanted her head thoughtfully. When he gave her an arrow, she glanced at it only briefly, most of her attention going to the bow., since that was where it all started. When he asked if the bow would do, Arnyn hesitated momentarily as she gauged his stature, size and then the three-part-bow.

Perhaps it would be better if she showed him, rather than told him. But...

"First things first. Follow me," she said, walking towards one of the lanes. She adopted a casual stance. "This lane is at 50 yards. Please shoot your arrows." She wanted to get an idea of his technique and precision first.

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion
Training Recruit Romeran
@Romeran

“Counterbalance, yes, in some ways, and measured, controlled movements so that you feel that you could stop at any moment and change the direction,” Pele said, adjusting her stance a little so that she was more relaxed, though always at ready. “Else you would overcommit, and an opponent can catch you and use it against you, or you could stumble, or fall.”

Pele watched each movement Romeran made, seeing that he nearly perfectly executed what she had done before. She nodded in satisfaction; her trainee was very observant, and even if he was just imitating what she had shown, it was a good beginning to build later improvisation of his own on.

“So far, so good,” she commented, as she watched him approach her with his long steps. While Pele saw that Rome was simply very focused on executing each movement perfectly, her muscles tensed slightly when he was about to thrust his weapon towards her. Without as much as a warning, she flicked the tip of her sword up and raised her arms just enough to meet his sword and push it to her left and away from her after contact. A slight smile touched her lips, as she wondered whether Romeran would be able to maintain his balance when his flow of movement was disrupted.

~~~~~~
Sparring with Hyandaner Arnyn Dealedwen
@Arnyn

“Never know indeed,” Pele chuckled softly. “I might sleep, and then again I might start singing in the middle of the night to distract you once you do move in.” As she made the comment, it gave her just enough time to reset and prepare to meet Arnyn’s attacks.

In general, the length and intensity of their session left Pele feeling pleasantly tired, what with the added weight of the full kit she had on her, and she thought that it would surely help with the quality of sleep. And, while she was doing better than in their previous sparring, Pele still found that she was not doing as well as she would have wanted to. Yet, perhaps, this time it had to do more with her mental condition rather than physical.

“It was good, and tiring,” Pele agreed with Arnyn’s evaluation, and added: “Though I doubt I’ll be able to come up with many such questions for any other following sparring sessions.”

At the mention of the guard, the Captain could not help but roll her eyes, and then laughed softly. “I’m sure, he’ll be glad to see me returned in one piece,” she said. “Else the King would have his head.”

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Recruit Trastion Leithor
Archery range

After assembling the bow, he looked at Arnyn, curious what she was thinking. After their first training session, Trastion had figured out that the woman wasn't an easy person to read. He put his pack on and picked up the case containing the remaining arrows, and followed her to one of the lanes, as she had said. Glancing down the lane at the target, he nodded slightly. "Fifty yards, sure."

Standing with his feet parallel, fairly close together, he put the arrow on his string and raised the bow. Then he hesitated, eyeing the broadhead tip on the end, wondering if they wouldn't get stuck in the target. But, he decided not to question his instructor, and drew the string back, arms and shoulders tensed slightly. Taking a few seconds to aim, he let go, watching the arrow spiral through the air, and land in the target; low, and slightly off to the right of where he'd aimed. "Would you like me to shoot all of them now?" He asked, glancing over to Arnyn.

[Arnyn]

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Training Recruit Trastion Leithor
@Rillewen

She watched his stance and posture, and his question distracted her. "Yes, all of them. I want to gauge your current skills, and see what your grouping looks like." She slanted her head, considering the case he was using for this bow and these arrows. Too precious to him to expose to the elements, or simply habit? She took a gamble. "I wouldn't worry, Trastion. If these arrows carry some significance to you, you can always have the arrowheads replaced at the armory if necessary. The smith should be happy to oblige."

When he had shot the rest of his arrows, Arnyn took the recruit closer to the target to take a good look at his grouping. She didn't comment as such, just looked at the arrows and then at Trastion. "What do you think?" she asked.

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Recruit Trastion Leithor
Archery range

Shrugging, he took another arrow from the case, thinking carefully about how he actually did feel about these arrows. He hadn't actually given the arrows themselves a lot of thought, aside from the fact that they were the only arrows he had. He'd had them for several years.. since he first started learning archery as a kid. And they'd come with the bow, as a set. "I was mostly worried about tearing up the target, with the broad head tips." He explained. "Or...well, getting them stuck and not being able to pull them out easily, too." he added. After taking the other five shots, he followed Arnyn to the target, and looked at the arrows. After the first shot he had tried to fix his aim, so that shot went to more to the left. The next two were progressively a tiny bit higher, but also veering to the left, one barely hit the target, it was so close to the edge. The fifth had ended up too high and too far to the right, as he tried to fix his aim, and the sixth had missed the target entirely as he tried too hard to correct his aim.

All in all, there was no actual 'grouping' to speak of. Studying the placement of the arrows, Trastion shrugged. "I think I need to work on my aim." He answered, unsure exactly what answer she was fishing for. A little embarrassed at the poor shooting he had just demonstrated, he ventured beyond the target in search of the stray arrow, trying not to feel too frustrated. That was why he was here... to fix it. And since it had been a long time since he'd had anyone around to help him improve his aim, he was quite glad for Arnyn's presence here. Maybe she could offer some sort of advice for how to shoot better, and not miss quite as much.

The arrow hadn't gone all that far beyond the target, and thankfully hadn't buried itself into the ground. Though, it was difficult to spot the green among the grass, he was fortunate to spot the pale shaft gleaming among the blades of grass, and carefully extracted it from the ground. "I..uh...used to have more of these," He mentioned, returning, and wiped some sweat from his brow with the back of his hand. "But, you know.. hunting and such.." He shrugged, leaving it to the imagination what had become of the rest of the arrows, over time. Already, the heat was starting to get to him, but he didn't comment. The leather armor was quite warm, and with the midday sun beaming down on them, he was sure he would be drenched in sweat by the time they'd finished here.

[Arnyn]

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Training Recruit Trastion Leithor
@Rillewen

She let his comment about the arrows go; it was the comment about his aim she was more interested in. "Your aim, not yet. Take your arrows, and come." She waited for him to retrieve all of his arrows and then walked back to the spot Trastion had shot his arrows. Arnyn took her bow from her back with one hand and pulled an arrow from her quiver. "Take your shooting stance and nock your arrow."

She waited for him to do so, and watched him carefully. "Draw," she said. "Do not release. Alright, now watch me."
Arnyn mimicked him. "Now... I'm doing what I could see you do. Does this look like what you've seen archers do?" Whether he knew or not, mattered little, since she only left a small pause before continuing. "If I fire a shot standing like this..." She aimed, remembering the tensing of his shoulders and trying to do the same. She wasn't sure what other muscles he did or didn't engage, so it wouldn't be the same per se, but still. Arnyn released her arrow, which ended up in between the center and the edge of the target, off to the right. "Now, if I correct my stance..."

"For example, the feet. Your feet need to be further apart. Think about shoulderwidth, or slightly wider - depending on what feels more stable to you. Me, I feel best with my feet slightly wider than my shoulders. You know you've gone too far when you feel undue strain in your legs. Strain anywhere is wrong." As she spoke, she showed Trastion what she meant, before returning to her own usual width.

"I'm not sure what you were doing with your knees, but you should keep them straight if you weren't already. Not locked, not bent. Straight. The same goes for your back." She leaned into the bow. "Not like this." She leaned away from the bow. "Nor like this. Straight. No bending forward or backward with your back either. Straight is a key word for your archery stance. Straight like an arrow: straight legs, straight back, straight spine. And - straight shoulders. You align your shoulders with your bow arm. When you draw, you pull your shoulders back. Straight bow arm, too - again, don't lock your elbow, but don't bend it either. Straight. Neck: not forward, not backward - straight. Your head - level. Your mouth - closed Upper teeth on lower teeth. All of this helps to reduce strain on your joints and muscles, reduce fatigue and to improve your own, because by doing these things you will use the same anchor point again and again. By doing these things you can be consistent. And the more you shoot from the exact same position, the more you learn about your aim from this position and the better you can correct it according to factors like distance, wind, rain, what have you."

She took aim again and released the arrow, which ended up in the center of the target. She shot five more arrows for a total of six, as Trastion had done, and then they went to retrieve them. They had ended up in a tight cluster in the target's center, to the point where three arrows were damaged by others. Arnyn removed her arrows and they went back to their starting point again. "Shoot your bow again, Trastion. One arrow at a time." She waited for him to shoot one, and tapped her bow against his back. "Straight in all ways. No leaning." After the second arrow, she frowned slightly. "Not so tense in the shoulders. You don't tense up before you release your arrow. You just pull back the arrow, you don't get ready for any impact or anything. Shoulders pulled back, not up. Never up. One line with your bow arm." After shooting his six arrows, Trastion would find that his results had already improved, just by changing his stance. Arnyn smiled one of her faint smiles. "How does that feel?"

Then she held out her hand, asking for his bow with a silent gesture. Once he handed it over to her, she held out her own bow for him. When he had accepted it, she pulled an arrow from her quiver and handed it over. "I want to show you something else. Nock and draw that arrow with my bow," she said simply. "To the point that feels natural to you in your corrected stance. She waited for him to do so, as one of her faint smiles once again mastered her expression. "Now aim and release."

"And... How does that feel?"

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Recruit Trastion Leithor
Archery range

After getting the other five arrows from the target, Trastion followed Arnyn, curious what she would tell him to improve his shooting. At her instruction to prepare to shoot again, he paused and leaned five of the arrows against a post, within reach, before preparing the sixth on his string, and held it there. It wasn't all that hard, and so he froze with the bow drawn back as he usually would do. Looking over at Arnyn, he tried to look at the way she was holding the bow, thoughtful. Years ago, he had been given instructions on how to shoot, had even spent a long time practicing, but that was years ago. And he'd had many other things to think about since then.

Furrowing his brow as he thought back, Trastion tried to recall some of those lessons, and what he had seen of other archers. He'd not paid a great deal of attention to that... at the time, it had been more interesting to get through the lessons and go play. Now he was wishing he'd paid a little more attention. "I'm not sure," He admitted, but watched as she corrected the stance, and proceeded to explain what things he ought to fix. He shifted his feet, and tried to remember that about everything being straight, like the arrow. Keeping that in mind, he tried, although immediately it seemed that he must not have had his back straight enough, as he felt her bow tap him. Trying not to get frustrated by the various things he needed to work on all at once, he took each shot slow and carefully, and smiled slightly after seeing the improvement. "It feels better," He answered, smiling slightly. "Might take a little time before I can take on that posture easily without having to think about all of it, but I can see how it made a difference."

It was therefore, a bit surprising, that she apparently had yet another thing to correct. Trastion was curious as he handed over his bow, and in turn, received hers. After a brief examination, he glanced at her with slight surprise when she handed him an arrow and said to draw it. He wasn't sure what the point of this might be, but did as instructed. The first thing that he noticed was how much stronger her bow seemed than his. He was used to his, so never really thought a lot about it. But when he went to draw the arrow back with this one, it gave surprisingly more resistance. Once the arrow was released, he watched it zip through the air into the target. Though it ended up higher than he'd been aiming for, he was a bit astonished by the increased power. Eyes widened slightly, Trastion glanced down at the bow, then at the arrow in the target. "...Wow." He uttered in reply to her question. Glancing at her, he grinned. "I guess you can shoot arrows much further with a bow like this?"

[Arnyn]

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Training Recruit Trastion Leithor
@Rillewen

The Lieutenant nodded. "Yes, we will shoot many arrows together before you can do it all at the same time without correction. And then you will shoot many, many more by yourself before it becomes natural. But as you do this, and also after it becomes natural, you will find your aim and you will perfect it." She smiled. "That is, if you spend enough time at it."

When he had used her bow to shoot one of her arrows, she looked pleased, although she did not elaborate. His reaction contented her as well, and her eyes glinted when she looked back at Trastion. "Further - yes. More accurately - yes. But most of all: more effectively." She tapped her leather cuirras. "There is a reason we wear armor and that our enemies do the same. Armor protects very well against most arrows. If you were to use your bow against armor..." she shrugged. "Versus mine... You would see a large difference in effect. The arrows matter too. You are using broadheads; they are terrible against mail, for example. You need arrowheads that are much finer at the tip to penetrate the rings, and which then widen up to pull that ring apart and puncture through."

Arnyn gave him an apologetic look. "So, while you can certainly keep your own bow and arrows for recreational use, you will need to pick up a better suited bow and arrows at the armory for your rangering. You need a bow appropriate for what you will be using it for, and one appropriate for the strength of the archery muscles in your back - which is, mind you, not the same as your arm strength. You will need to work up to the draw weight of my bow, even, for example. You shouldn't shoot too long with mine, because I do not want you to strain your muscles too much and injure the muscle by overworking it. Waiting for such an injury to heal takes time, and I would rather you work up to the right draw weight. Such an injury might also come back to haunt you later, something else I would like to avoid."

She raised an eyebrow. "Want to take my bow for a spin at the 100 yard lane?"

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Recruit Trastion Leithor
Archery range

Listening to his instructor, Trastion nodded slowly, looking thoughtful. "My arrows are meant for hunting," He acknowledged. He glanced thoughtfully at his bow, considering all that Arnyn had said. "It's the only bow I've ever really used," He shrugged. "I never gave much thought about whether I should use any other... it seemed like it worked well enough, so.." He had liked how nicely it fit in with his gear, and was easily carried, and out of sight, until he needed it to hunt, and then it was nice to have. Even if he had struggled to shoot anything, he'd managed to get by when necessary.

So now, he had a few things to pick up from the armory, next chance he got. Which would likely be tomorrow, he decided, unsure how long this training session would last, but there was supper to consider, and by then the armory would likely be locked up for the night, he figured. Although, he hadn't actually checked what sort of hours the place kept. Also, he decided, it might be more practical to have a quiver like Arnyn's, rather than keeping them in a case with the bow like he had always done. That would also take some getting used to, but all of this gave him a good feeling. He felt that he was making some progress, and getting more skillful at things, already.

Putting those thoughts aside, Trastion focused on what Arnyn was saying about his back strength versus arm strength, and not injuring his muscles. "Right," He nodded slowly, trying to remember all of that. It occurred to him that the push-ups she'd had him do before would probably help to strengthen the muscles used for archery, and smiled at the thought of that. "What draw weight should I ask for, when I go to the armory?" He wondered, trying to remember what the one he had was. If he'd ever been told, he had long since forgotten. Or perhaps the armorer would be able to assist him with that.

As she asked if he'd like to try out the 100 yard line, Trastion glanced at Arnyn in some surprise. Twice this distance? That would be interesting to try. "Yeah, sure!" He grinned. He wondered if he'd be able to hit the target, or if it would be difficult to get the aim right for such a further distance. He was fairly certain he had never managed to shoot an arrow that far before.

[Arnyn]

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Training Recruit Trastion Leithor
@Rillewen

She smiled and gestured for him to follow her to the 100 yard lane as she gave his question some thought. "Your current bow feels like a... 20 or 25 - at the most. I would recommend a draw weight of 35, considering you are not starting out as a novice at least, and if I can trust you to listen to my instructions and not overwork your back muscles on your own. If you do not trust yourself to listen to me even when I am not with you to tell you to stop, take a 30." She turned to him and looked him directly in the eyes. "This is important, Trastion. And I am leaving it up to your own judgment and self knowledge. 30 or 35, it is your call. Your responsibility." For a moment, she held his eyes with hers. Then she looked at the target, and stepped back, holding out her hand to indicate the lane and then offering him another one of her arrows.

"The 100 yard lane. Remember. You keep everything straight as an arrow. But not tight. Arrows are straight but not too stiff, or they would veer off target every time." She wondered if he had ever had lessons in that regard, but decided it was less important for now. They could get into that later, or in case he asked more details. "Go ahead." She pulled three more arrows from her quiver. "You can shoot four in total. Do the first one for fun, no thinking, not even about posture. Just shoot. Try to maintain the right posture and adjust your aim where you find it necessary for the next three."

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Recruit Trastion Leithor
Archery range

Eager to try shooting at a distance much further than any he had yet managed, Trastion followed Arnyn with the bow in hand. Her answer was reasonable, just like any he'd come to expect from her. "Yes ma'am," He answered with a smile, curious to find out how his shooting would change, now that he was returning to some lessons, and upgrading to a stronger bow. Her next words, in such a serious tone, made him pause and pay closer attention. "Yes, of course. I understand," He nodded, trying to convey that he was taking it seriously.

Then they moved on to actually shooting, and he smiled as he accepted the arrow. "Straight," He repeated under his breath, once out loud, but many times in his head as he took his stance, trying to be conscious of how his posture was and how tensed or relaxed his muscles were. Until she said to shoot the first one without thinking. With a slight nod, he put it on the string, drew back, and fired with only a brief moment to aim. Unsure exactly what to expect, he watched the arrow soar off across the lane and then lost sight of it as it dropped a little quicker than he expected. Slightly disappointing.

For the next one, Trastion took his time making sure that he had the correct posture, trying to aim higher. The next two were slightly easier to remember the posture on, but getting them to actually hit the target was difficult at this distance. The last one might have actually hit it, but he couldn't tell from here. Still, that was a definite improvement from before, and this was twice the distance away! He wondered how far a 35 lb bow could shoot, then glanced at Arnyn, a little puzzled about something she'd said earlier. "How could it damage my muscles, by the way?" He wondered. Not arguing, just curious. "It's just like any other exercise, isn't it? Like the push ups?"

[Arnyn]

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Training Recruit Trastion Leithor
Archery range
@Rillewen

She gave his question some thought as she was looking off into the distance at the target. She gestured for Trastion to hand her back her bow and gave his own back to him. "It is more complicated than just your muscles, actually. Since you're asking, I'll explain it more. It is not like doing push ups per se." She took a moment to think how to go about explaining it. "If you are approaching your limit with push ups, you just can't push yourself up anymore," she drawled, still thinking. "But with a bow... You can strain your muscles, your nerves, your tendons - both from training too much, or training too intensely - which happens all the easier with a draw weight that you aren't ready for. And those strains can turn into chronic injuries." She looked at Trastion with a smile. "And you are far too young to be bothered by one of those. It is hard to avoid some kind of chronic injury down the road, but let us agree to minimize the odds of contracting one."

"You could strain one or more of the muscles, nerves and tendons in your shoulders, elbows, forearms, hands, wrists and even your neck. And you don't always feel a strain coming. One wrong move, one move too many..." She shrugged as she withdrew an arrow from her quiver and nocked it. "When you learn to shoot with a heavier draw, you need to learn to properly distribute that weight into the muscles of your back. If you take it all with your elbow, or the wrong way in your shoulders and back, it will lead to injury all the faster. A push up is a push up. You position your arms and legs right and hold your body straight and you push up and down. There is no more technique to it. Archery is much more subtle, more complicated." She fell silent as she drew the arrow, aimed for just a moment and released. She knew it had hit, with the experience of years and years of practice. "And then I haven't even mentioned shoulder injuries. Every time you shoot, you use so many parts of your shoulder. All of those muscles and tendons need to gradually get used to more draw weight. You don't use those in the same way for much else than archery." She nocked another arrow, aimed and released, followed by two more in rapid succession.

Then she looked back at her recruit, raising an eyebrow. "Want to go check it out? You go and retrieve our arrows. I will wait here." She did not want him to feel embarrassed if neither of his last two arrows had hit the target.

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Recruit Trastion Leithor
Archery range

Swapping bows back with Arnyn, Trastion listened curiously to her talk of possible injuries and such in the neck and back that could come from practicing too long, not the same as how he'd gotten his arms so sore from doing the push-ups, in that first training session. "If these injuries happen over a long time," He tilted his head thoughtfully, trying to make sense of it. "Then how can you be sure that it's caused by that, and not something else?" He didn't doubt that she knew what she was talking about, but was curious how she knew this.

As she spoke further about shoulder injuries, he watched her shoot a few arrows. "There's definitely a lot more to it that I never realized." He mentioned thoughtfully. "Hopefully I've not done any damage to anything, all the years I've probably been shooting wrong," He laughed, half joking. Once Arnyn had shot a few arrows, she suggested that he went to retrieve them. Trastion glanced down the lane, toward the target. It was a long walk to get there. "Is this a trick?" He joked, leaning his bow against a post. "I'll be back." He grinned and set off at a jog toward the targets.

After a bit of a hunt for some of the ones he could only assume were those he had shot, he lacked only one. Gathering the ones from the target, he headed back, more slowly, scanning the ground. The one had to be somewhere along the way. He guessed it was probably the first one, since it hadn't gone very far. Finally, after a bit of difficulty, he spotted the fletching half-hidden in the grass. It was further to the right than he had expected, but he soon recovered it and brushed off any clumps of dirt or grass that stuck to it. Returning to where Arnyn had remained, Trastion offered all of the arrows back. "Found them all." He reported with a smile.

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion
Practicing skills, summer (open to any bored Rangers)

One of those few days had come when Pele was not adhering to her usual daily plans. She had managed to ignore the relentless sunlight streaming in through her window and had slept in and started her day well after breakfast, rather closer to the noon. It had surely helped that she made sure to have a day off duties.

After a meal of whatever she could find in the mess hall, Pele had set off for the training grounds at a leisurely walk. She did not mean to be away for too long, and the day was already very warm, so she had decided on a type of training which would not require heavy armour and equipment. Yet she had opted to have a light leather jerkin over her long-sleeved shirt, and a pair of bracers to protect her forearms. However, she did not have her sword with her, though she had a plenty of other sharp blades available – a dagger at her belt, and a set of five throwing knives arrayed in a sheath secured on her right thigh. The small pack she had with her held such essentials as water, snacks, and a healing kit she carried with her nearly everywhere.

Once she had made her way out of the city after a few stops to converse with some acquaintances here and there, Pele chose to jog a few laps on the oval track on the grounds instead of choosing her usual route along the wooded trails.

A few refreshing sips of water later, the Captain took to warming up her joints and muscles more properly, paying special attention to her upper body. She began with the neck, at first leaning her head towards her right side and then to the left for the count of thirty, then she turned her head to look right and left, and then proceeded to slow rolls from one side to the other letting her chin nearly touch her chest in the process. As she worked through these exercises, Pele instinctively observed the surroundings, taking note of any other Rangers training nearby, and even any birds as far as she could see.

Then she moved on to shoulder rolls, doing those for quite a few times until she felt the tenseness leave. Next, she stretched out her arms, at first making small circles with the wrists back and forth, and gradually making the circles bigger, until she ended up rotating her whole arm forward and back from the shoulder.

As she worked on her forearms by flexing the hands up and down from the wrist, and then clasping her hands together for wrist rotation, she looked over the training grounds to choose a likeable spot to continue with actual training with weapons. Directing her steps towards one of the straw dummies, she still worked on her finger flexibility, closing and opening fists quickly, and then simply shaking out her hands.

[Arnyn]

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Training Recruit Trastion Leithor
Archery range
@Rillewen

"The injuries are typical to archers. And you feel them ache the most when you use your bow. Luckily, I do not speak from personal experience, but part of why I have been able to avoid it is that I have known a few archers who've sustained a strain, and it scared me to see how they took a very long time to recover and never really regain the ability to shoot for a more extended period of time, unless the conditions are absolutely ideal. Just go up to the Houses of Healing and ask them - they will tell you exactly what they see as the most common archery injuries. Over time, healers come to know these things - and they warn the leadership of them so the leadership, in turn, can warn unsuspecting and enthusiastic youngsters such as yourself." She raised an amused eyebrow.

When Trastion said he'd hopefully not damaged anything over the years, she nodded pensively. "I hope the same, although the odds are smaller considering the more limited draw weight of your bow and assuming that you were not really shooting for hours on end?"

"Not a trick," she grinned at his question. While the recruit went to retrieve the arrows, Arnyn drank from the water she had brought and considered a number of things as she watched him from a distance. She returned his smile as he returned to present her with her arrows. "Thank you, Trastion."

She took him to the 20 yard lane next, and had him shoot his own six arrows at the target again, using the correct stance. When he was about to shoot his sixth and last arrow, she had him pause. They had focused on his stance before and during the draw of every arrow. "Now tell me everything you do as you take your stance. Everything you need to think of. Tell me what makes a good stance. I need to know if I can clear you to practice by yourself, after you choose your new bow."

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Recruit Trastion Leithor
Archery range

He should have put his pack down before going for a jog down the archery lane. A hundred yards... it was a long way to jog, but while carrying all his belongings, wearing all the armor? Trastion grabbed his canteen and took a drink, then tried to find a portion of his sleeve peeking through the leather bracer, so he could wipe the sweat from his forehead. He managed, but it felt like the sweat had already begun to accumulate again almost immediately. Trying not to think about it, he nodded slightly as he listened to Arnyn. It made sense, what she was saying about how she knew these things, more sense than it had made before she explained.

"No, I never spent hours shooting," He assured her. "I don't really remember how much time I was supposed to practice, before. Seemed like ages, but... I'm sure it wasn't more than half an hour." He thought for a moment. "That was a long time ago. I mostly used the bow for hunting, anyway." He shrugged. "So, not usually more than a couple of arrows fired at any given time."

Adjusting his pack up a little higher, he followed her to another lane, and looked. "Ah, that looks a little more like the distance I'm used to shooting from," He mentioned. As he focused on getting his stance correct, he was pleased to find notable improvement with his aim, though it was still as good as he would've liked. As he was about to take the sixth shot, he paused when Arnyn had him wait, and thought for a moment at her question. "Feet have to be shoulder width apart," He answered. "Knees straight.. but not locked. Back straight.. arm straight, everything's straight.. like an arrow." He tried to think if he'd missed anything. "Head level, don't tense up before shooting. Shoulders pulled back, in one line with the bow arm," He was fairly sure he'd covered everything, but glanced at her questioningly to check. "Did I forget anything?"

[Arnyn]

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Training Recruit Trastion Leithor
Archery range & Obstacle course
@Rillewen

She watched as he spoke and assumed his position. Arnyn walked a half circle around him, then eyed his expression thoughtfully when he gave her that questioning look. Then she gave him a half grin. "Yes. To keep your teeth together and your mouth shut." She nodded with approval. "Loose your arrow, Trastion. Then retrieve them all. We will work on your anchor point next."

They practiced not only assuming the same position, but also using the same anchor point. Arnyn helped Trastion figure out what point felt best to him, based on his past experience and what he felt was comfortable, all in combination with the proper posture.

When he had retrieved his arrows one more time, she told him to put them - and his bow - away. "Right then. A 30 or 35 bow, tops. I'm also giving you permission to practice without me if you want to. In a week, we will revisit this. Time for something else."

The heat of the day hardly seemed to bother her as she strode away, despite the slight sheen of sweat on her brow. Arnyn took Trastion back to where they had started their first training session a few days ago - one of the obstacle courses. She took another swig of her water, eyed the sun and then her recruit. "Right. Time for some good and proper exhaustion." Her calm expression was invaded by veiled amusement. "Which one of us should go first?" she asked, a sparkle in her dark brown eyes.

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Recruit Trastion Leithor
Archery range

"Teeth, right." Trastion nodded, wondering why the teeth part even mattered. But he didn't question it, and tried to remember all of these things as he released his arrow. Next they went over anchor points, and that was something he remembered from when he first started learning to shoot. He nodded, letting Arnyn teach what she wanted to teach him, and didn't comment when she told him something he already knew. After a while, the training seemed to be wrapping up. Trastion thought that meant they were done for the day, though he was slightly surprised they were done so soon. Until she said that it was time to move onto something else. Oh. They weren't done, he realized.

After packing his bow and arrows away, and putting the case with his bedroll as before, he put on the pack again and took a long drink from his canteen before following her. He glanced around, recognizing the obstacle course from before. "Ohh, this again." He realized, then paused. Good and proper exhaustion? He was already hot from the armor, and he hadn't even done very much besides shoot arrows. Other than that jog down the shooting lane earlier, of course. Glancing over the course briefly, he hid a smile as he heard her question. "Ladies first, of course." He answered with a proper bow to the lady in this case, and straightened back up with a grin.

[Lantaelen]

Abrazimir Dimaethor
@Pele Alarion

The training grounds for the Rangers was fast becoming a second home for Abrazimir. An escape from sea-ward duties, it was a place for him to plant his feet on solid ground and practice the martial arts of sword, spear, bow, and other weapons to various levels of competency. Of strength and stamina, he was no stranger to it, his upbringing as a scion of impoverished nobility having instilled in him a strong work ethic from his early youth. He laboured in the fields, on ships, and journeyed by foot and horse through the vast interior of Gondor. Now it was time to transform such raw strength into a finely pointed needle of skill and ability.

He was always armored to the fullest. It was necessary, especially with his long term goal of becoming one of the fabled Swan Knights of Dol Amroth, to become accustomed to heaving and wearing such equipment to the point where it felt like a weightless second skin, allowing him to march, patrol and most importantly fight without it wearing on his endurance. It was a long road to perfection and every hour and day mattered. He wore a heavy coat of chain mail, covering from neck to forearm and down to his knees, atop boot-tucked trousers and a plain tunic. And upon it, the leather fittings common for rangers. It pricked and irritated his flesh all over, but he endured it, because to slack could be that thin line between surviving an encounter with the enemy…or not.

Today’s topic of practice was…maces, and bearded axes.

The mace was easy to learn for Abrazimir. He had the muscle power for it’s simplicity. The technique was not in slashing and hacking, but in the sheer kinetic force delivered by a blow to any part of an armored form, which could be accomplished by any manner of hammering at one’s opponent. It didn’t need to connect with flesh. Even through armor, the momentum and drive could harm the wearer and defender, maybe even discomfort or break bones. The bearded axe was where his focus lay now. The technique he was trying to perfect was the agile art of hooking the downwards, bearded angle of the axehead over the hem of a shield and wrestling it away from a foe, leaving them undefended and vulnerable to further attacks by himself or an ally.

Most of the time he felt like he was doing an elegant form…of chopping wood. Yet the pillars of the Argonath depicted Isildur and Anárion bearing such axes. Surely there must be merit to such a weapon.

He was working with the various straw dummies around the field, where he had strongly hooked a shield to one of the fake arms. Abrazimir was simply practicing the form of hooking the axe above or along the sides of the shield and yanking it free with determined force. But it was no real-live practice, which is where the realest experience was always gained. He had been focused upon it for almost a hour when another approaching the dummies and he glanced over, seeing it was Captain Pele Alarion.

He grinned, wiping sweat from his brow, pushing his helmet a little up over his brow. ”Hail Captain, well met.” He greeted courteously, as he had been raised. He raised his axe and leaned it over his shoulder. ”Any word or news from above?” Any fresh orders? Or was it a day of leisure, by which he meant a day to practice and prepare for when there would actually be orders.

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion with Abrazimir
@Lantaelen

Pele had been sizing up the dummy she had chosen and had set her mind on working out a detailed training plan, so she was slightly startled when Abrazimir spoke even though she had noticed him being nearby, not that she had properly recognised him behind all that armour. Her fingers brushed lightly over the hilts of her throwing knives, as she turned towards him.

"How's it going, Abrazimir?" she returned the greeting, smiling slightly, and more so at the contrast between them. He was all decked out in full armour which made him look even bigger and ready to take on even a raging bull if one happened to escape from one of the farms and run into the training grounds, while she had only minimal protection and was more prepared for mobility and speed. "No orders for the time being," she shrugged lightly. "Suppose it can be seen as a good thing."

Her attention shifted from the dummy she had chosen for herself to look at the one she had distracted Abrazimir from working on. "Axes, hmm. At least all the poor dummies have not been hewn up in pieces yet, I see," she chuckled glancing back at him. "All good skills though."

As if it was a natural part of their conversation, Pele reached for one of her throwing knives, raised it up to her shoulder and with a seemingly careless flick of her wrist sent it flying towards the dummy, and the blade got embedded in the dummy's head which was not fully covered by the shield.

"Have you been here long already?" she asked, shifting and sending another of her knives for the dummy's right shoulder. "I usually prefer early mornings but was slow to start today."

[Lantaelen]

Abrazimir Dimaethor

”It goes well, Captain. How do you fare?” He replied with a grin, eyes drifting to take note of her throwing daggers. He nodded to the lack of orders, for now, and silent prayed for something to wear off the monotony of drill and exercise. Or maybe he shouldn’t. There might come a time when there could never be a pause or quarter in the fighting. He should appreciate this.

At her comment, he brought the axe forward, gazing down at it. ”Never hurts to try something new. Come on, I am not that savage to our straw friends here. They’ve taught me a lot.” He laughed at the joke. Yeah, he hacked and destroyed his fair share of practice dummies. He always made sure to clean up or put them back together in some usable state. But anyone could wreck a straw dummy with an object, blunt or bladed. The real trick was learning the techniques to do it precisely and quickly. And hopefully he got the technique down for pulling a foe’s shield away from them. But dummies don’t fight back.

There was a dry thud as one of Pele’s thrown knives found it’s mark, sinking deep into the head. Abrazimir watched, eyebrows piqued. Not bad.

”Hour of calisthenics, hour of this.” He explained to her. ”Yourself? I usually prefer late mornings myself.” Who didn’t like to sleep in? It was probably an area of discipline he could do better on.

Another thud resounded as Pele found her mark yet again with a knife. ”You think he’s sufficiently dead by now?” He joked, knowing of course the entire purpose of the exercise was to be able to successfully hit the vital and weak points on a foe. Turning back to his own target, he watched her throw another knife, then glanced at his axe. A wild thought in mind, he gripped the axe handle with both hands, reeled it back over his head, and flung it towards his target, watching as the weapon spun arduously over and over, until it collided with the target, and took a thick chunk of straw out of it. The axe clattered off to the side after the impact.

”Huh.” Abrazimir noted thoughtfully. ”Guess the technique’s not the same.” He grinned towards her, before moving to pick up his weapon and adjust some of the straw back into place. Why would he ever have need to throw his axe? Combat brought forth all sorts of peculiarities though. ”Care for a spar? I would love to try my hook-and-pull technique on a live opponent, one that’s mobile and capable of fighting back, than our friends here.” He jerked his thumb at the dummies.

[Rillewen]

@Pele Alarion @Lantaelen

Recruit Trastion Leithor
(Area where Pele and Abrazimir are)

He was definitely learning a lot from Arnyn, despite his prior training. Most of which he had apparently become quite rusty on. The obstacle course was becoming slightly familiar, after going through it with Arnyn, and on his own a few times. Yet, Trastion had still not seen all the areas of the training grounds. He'd seen some paths going off into the woods, and was interested in checking those out, and there were other areas for practicing different skills, and he was quite curious to explore. So, aside from simply wanting to get some extra practice in with things he'd been through with Arnyn, Trastion came out first thing in the morning to get better acquainted with the training grounds. He brought his pack along, as well as a new bow, leaving the takedown one in the chest in his room.

After a short while spent at the archery range, the recruit could no longer contain his curiosity about those woods, and set off down one of the wooded trails. It turned out the small forest was a bit bigger than he had expected, and after what felt like a few hours, the young man's stomach got the better of him. He paused to rest and eat some lunch. Thank goodness he'd brought something to eat. After his meal, he tried to make a guess about what time it might be, but could only figure it was nearing noon. Shrugging, he set off again, enjoying the peace and solitude out in the woods. Eventually, however, he heard some sounds like maybe there were people somewhere ahead. Following the trail, he came out of the woods at last and saw that he had apparently made a loop or something.

The training dummies were not far away, and he saw a couple of people over there by them. And one of them had an ax, Trastion noticed. That was one of the weapons he hoped to learn to use! Intrigued, he set off toward them, and as he got closer, recognized one of them as Captain Alarion. The other was heavily armored, and he couldn't tell from here if it was anyone he knew yet. Trastion only had on, over his regular clothes, a leather jerkin and arm bracers to protect from the bowstring. His sword hung at his side, the bow and quiver on his back with his pack. "Hello captain!" He called out to greet her, heading toward them with a smile. For all that he had enjoyed the peace and quiet in the woods, he was also glad to have found his way out without getting lost, and to have people around now to talk with.

[Arnyn]

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Training Recruit Trastion Leithor
Archery range & Obstacle course
@Rillewen

She smiled at his bow and reply. "Of course."

"Seeing as the sun is high in the sky, temperatures are very warm and we are fully equipped, one of the most important things is..." Trastion looked at her almost as if she was asking him a trick question. Arnyn raised an eyebrow.
"Drinking water?" he asked.

The Lieutenant nodded, pleased. "Spot on. I'm sure this is nothing new for you. But it is important to think about the water you are sweating out. We need to take in more than we lose. Even the lesser symptoms of dehydration, like headaches or dizziness, can be the deciding factor in battle." She made eye contact with Trastion. "It might be the difference between landing a stroke and missing one, or blocking a killing blow versus letting it past your guard." She took her canteen from the larger pouch on her weapons belt and drank a considerable amount. "I have this canteen with me and a water skin in the pack on my back. It's a lot of weight to carry, unfortunately, but... it is what it is. Summer gear or not, the gambeson is warm, especially in the sun. Then the leather... and my color of choice does not help, I've been told," she laughed. "Point being, always take enough water with you when going on mission. Endangering your comrades by depleting their own supply will not gain you any favors."

She approached the beginning of the obstacle course. Her bow strapped back to its place on her back with the quiver, she was armored and carrying her typical weapons. Then there was the bedroll, the pack, the pouches. "With everything on my back, but especially with the longsword on my belt, I will need to take much more into account than running through the course without them. Obviously." Arnyn looked back at Trastion and flashed him a grin. Then she was off.

The beginning of the course did not require a different approach, it just meant she would have all the more weight trying to pull her down from the horizontal poles. Much like the last time they had been here, she pulled herself up and crossed her ankles over one of the poles. The weight of all her equipment made it more challenging, and while her fingerless gloves also helped her grip, she hardened leather greaves on her chins were slightly encumbering. At the end of the obstacle, she once more uncrossed her ankles and let her feet and legs down to find the crossbeam. Turning around to face the next obstacle and finding her balance was different, with the added weight on her back and her weapons belt. The two pouches on her chest did not outweight the weight on her back at all, so she needed to compensate for that in her stance. It did not seem hard for her - but then again she did make a point of training in full gear like this regularly. And was it not so that the better someone was at something, the easier they could make it look?

The hurdles would also require adjustments. Whereas the previous time she only needed to take care that the sword strapped to her back cleared the hurdles as well, now she had extra weight, the size of the bow on her back and a longsword at her hip. The low hurdles required her to basically drag herself over the ground now, so everything on her back would fit underneath. And for the high hurdles, she took more of an approach-run to then jump over it, her right hand on the hurdle and thus propelling her lower body over it with her feet to the left, her left hand on her sword pommel to keep the sword up so it wouldn't bang against the hurdle.

She swiftly ran over the balance beam and gained momentum to make her way up the angled wall. Once again, she had to take the longsword at her hip into account and her shifted point of balance. She put both hands on the top of the wall and put her left foot to the left of her hands first, then used the three point base to turn and swing over her right foot and fluidly dropped down the other side.

The extra weight was no gift at the monkey bars, but she did not let it show as she moved from one bar to the next. A drop of sweat annoyed her as it rolled down her nose while climbing the tall ladder to the top. She then came down on the other side as swiftly as she could.

The rest of the obstacles, including the stumps where you needed to step or jump from one to the next, presented no issues either. She paused at the final rope climb. Her breathing was deep, but she made sure it wasn't coming too fast. She looked up the rope for a moment, then gritted her teeth and climbed up in one go. She took another rope going downward at an angle to get back to the ground instead of jumping off, not wanting to jump from that high with all of her gear on.

As she walked back to Trastion, she wiped the sweat off her face with the back of her hand, and made a face. "How did I do? You're next."

[Romeran]

Ranger Recruit Romeran
Studying under Captain Pele
@Pele Alarion

So focused had Romeran been when attempting to copy the captain's maneuvers that he hadn't even realized quite how close he was coming towards her as he did so. Romeran hadn't thought to account for the length of his strides compared to hers and had positioned himself equally far apart and the Captain had already come fairly close. As a consequence, Romeran was taken entirely by surprise when the captain parried his incoming thrust. The clang of the blades itself was the first thing that Romeran noticed, even before feeling the inertia of his sword as it pushed him off balance. Luckily, he was able to recover quickly enough, brining his sword in a sharp arc out in the direction the captain had parried and then back towards the center line to return to a low guard. Simultaneously, Romeran took two shuffle steps backwards to create some space between himself and the captain.

"My apologies captain!" he added hastily and sincere deference. "I suppose I did not account for the additional space that my strides might have taken" he added, not in excuse but at least to demonstrate he was aware of his mistakes even as he had made them. "I will be more cautious in future" he said, bowing his head slightly. It wasn't that he had really put the captain in any serious danger, as the captain had demonstrated she was more than capable of deflecting his unintended attack. Nevertheless, it was poor sparring practice to come so close to your partner without warning in a drill which did not call for it and Romeran felt no small amount of embarrassment for being so reckless. He was glad at least that the weapons were training blunts and not sharp, he could imagine it would have been an even graver error in that case.

After a pause, Romeran took several shuffling steps backwards, mimicking how he had been instructed before. He alternated between shuffle steps back, keeping the same foot forward, and longer steps back, one leg behind the other. It still came rather awkwardly to the recruit, but he was beginning to get a feel at least for keeping his balanced centered, he could appreciate the drill for that at least. One he had arrived at the opposite side of the beam from the captain again, he returned to a defensive position with his strong foot, his right foot, back and at a medium-high guard, awaiting further instruction from the captain.

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Recruit Trastion Leithor
Obstacle course

The question almost seemed like a trick one, to Trastion. Because, of course water was the most obvious answer. But it was so obvious that he almost gave a different answer because it seemed like she must be looking for something less obvious than that. He'd been drinking from his canteen a lot already, just during the archery practice, and he was already well aware of how necessary it was to keep plenty of water on hand while out hiking or camping. It was one of the first things to look for when picking out a camp site. So he was pretty glad he decided to go with that for his answer, although it almost seemed like a silly thing to even ask. But then again, he had forgotten to bring any to the first training session, so he could kind of understand her asking such a thing. He nodded periodically as she talked about how important it was, how it could mean the difference between this or that, and so on. He'd heard it before but it was an important thing to remember. "Yeah, I came prepared today." He grinned back at her, then watched her take off.

While he watched her go through the course, he took several sips of water from his canteen. Partly because he was so hot and thirsty, but as a bonus, it would also lighten his load marginally. He had been rather impressed by how well Arnyn did the first time they trained here, but now, seeing her with the pack, sword, armor, and all that... he was amazed to watch her go through it so...flawlessly, it looked like. He was sure he wouldn't be that good. He'd struggled just to get through it without any gear. But he'd try his best. When she returned, he was tempted to applaud but managed to refrain from it. "Is that pack filled with feathers?" He asked with fake suspicion, and grinned. "You did amazing, Lieutenant. It didn't look like you were encumbered at all." He laughed, slightly reluctant to start his own run through the course, but it was his turn now.

At least she hadn't made him do any pushups first. While he had done some this morning in his dorm, his arms had had time to recover by now and weren't so sore. After wiping the sweat from his face, he set off, starting with the poles. He was used to climbing rocks, or trees, with a pack on, but not with a sword on his side, and wearing armor. That changed things a bit. As soon as he tried to cross his ankles over the beam, he slipped off and fell down onto his feet. He had half-forgotten that he had on the leather greaves, until they interfered with his being able to hang onto the pole. He sighed, a bit embarrassed to have failed so quickly, and tried again. Feeling that he was about to slip off again, he tried to fix it but without success. The third time he managed to hook his feet around each other, a bit awkwardly, but it worked and kept him from slipping again. Feeling the sword, pack, bedroll and other gear all swinging uncomfortably from their straps as he hung like that, Trastion carefully worked his way down the length of the pole, halfway worried that the sword would end up falling out of its sheath or something. But all stayed put, thankfully, and he finally dropped down to the ground at the end of the pole, heaving a sigh of relief.

Now he had to deal with the other obstacles. He approached the hurdles next. As he tried to duck under the low one, he groaned as he felt the pack abruptly halt his progress. Backing out, he tried again, lower, and this time only brushed his pack on the underside of the hurdle. Next he paused, considering the other one. He had a sword on his side, and he wasn't used to that. He took a deep breath, trying to mentally gauge how high he would need to propel himself up, to get over it. Taking as much running start as he could, given the space, he did as Arnyn had done, with one hand grabbing the beam to help push himself over. Just as he was thinking he had cleared it, he grimaced to feel that the tip of his sword's scabbard had gotten bumped, but thankfully it didn't catch on anything. Letting his knees bend with the impact of landing, he continued onward to the balance beam. This was a bit harder; he had to take his time with that. The weight of the sword mostly threw him off, hanging on one hip while the other had no added weight to counter-balance it. He'd have to figure something out to solve that problem in the future, but at last he reached the end of the beam.

Going up the slanted wall wasn't so hard, but the sword tried to trip him up a little as he was trying to turn to go down the other side. Trying to move it out of the way, he nearly lost his balance at the top, but managed not to fall over (due to the weight on his back) and dropped down to the ground. He nearly stumbled from all the weight on his back, and took a couple of seconds to check that the sword was secure, and then wiped the sweat from his palms with a quick rub onto his clothes, before jumping up to grab the first monkey bar. Closing his eyes for a moment, he told himself he was just climbing a tree, higher and higher, so he had to hang on... if he fell, it could be deadly, he told himself. He swung forward, carefully, and caught the next bar, the weight of all his gear trying to pull him down. Another swing forward, and he could feel his hands growing sweaty again. Letting go with one hand, he quickly wiped it across his thigh before grabbing the next bar, and did the same with the next hand. Making slow progress, he continued on in that way before reaching the end, and sighed in relief as he dropped to the ground again.

It was definitely a LOT easier without gear, he decided. And all of this gear was much more difficult to deal with than just a pack, which is what he had been used to carrying back home, when he might set off on some random adventure in the woods. Pausing to take a quick drink of water, he hoped it wouldn't count against him. Then he pressed on to the next obstacle. The tree stumps weren't that hard, except for the smallest ones. He nearly lost his balance a couple of times, teetering on the small stumps which could only hold one foot, and learned to try and jump swiftly to the next one that was larger, where he could take a moment to regain his balance. Soon he was arriving at the last obstacle, the rope. That shouldn't be a problem, he thought with a relieved smile. Although, he decided not to be too quick to judge, remembering he had on armor that he wasn't used to, and a sword he wasn't used to.

Jumping as high as he could with all the added weight, Trastion caught the rope with both hands and let the end wrap around his leg, before trapping it there with his other leg. He paused, testing to see how the greaves affected that, and had to pause to redo how it was wrapped around, before he was satisfied. Thankfully the sword didn't get in his way this time, but, naturally, he made slower progress up the rope than he would've without any added weight. Some sweat from his brow was trying to get into his eyes, and he shook his head a couple of times to try and get rid of it, without success. By the time he finally climbed over the edge, he was climbing with his eyes closed, and found his way onto the platform by feel. Pretending that it was a cliff and he had just reached the top, he pulled himself over the edge, to safety, before wiping the sweat away, and rubbed his eyes, which were slightly burning. He took a drink from his canteen, then poured a little in his cupped hand and rubbed them again, hoping the water would wash out the sweat, and ran a hand through his hair to push it back, away from his face, in the hopes that it would prevent further issues like that.

After doing all of that, Trastion had had a chance to catch his breath, and debated whether to jump down, as he had done before, or to climb down as he had seen Arnyn do. Glancing at the sword on his side, he had a suspicion he knew why she had chosen the latter, and decided to follow her example. Climbing down was much easier than climbing up; he only had to be careful not to descend too quickly, and give his hands rope-burn. But, at last, he rejoined Arnyn, feeling fairly exhausted already. "Somehow, I have a feeling I didn't do that great." he admitted with a slightly embarrassed smile. "But, I tried."

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion
With Abrazimir and Trastion
@Lantaelen , @Rillewen

“Aye, it is always good to learn new skills,” Pele agreed with Abrazimir’s comment since she herself tried to practice something new as often as possible, or at least such skills which she did not often use.

“I greatly enjoy an hour or so before the sunrise or just around it,” she spoke thoughtfully, sending another knife on its way. “Came out to do some knife work. And… as long as one remains standing, I don’t consider him dead.” Pele laughed and sent the last of her knife set at the dummy. Abrazimir sending his axe flying took her somewhat by surprise, and she raised an eyebrow at it. “Smaller axes are meant for that purpose, you know,” she chuckled.

Heading over to the dummy Pele retrieved all of her knives and slid them back in their sheaths and looked with some interest at Abrazimir. “A spar? I would have to armour myself up from the supplies here on the grounds if we do. I came out here equipped lightly, so… wouldn’t want to end up bruised and battered from the effects of your techniques.”

Pele then turned slightly towards the voice at hearing the greeting.

“Trastion!” she responded. “Spending your days here as a good aspiring Ranger should, I see. This is Abrazimir.” She made sure that the two knew each other’s names at least.

Training Recruit Romeran
@Romeran

“You do have long legs,” Pele said, her blue eyes glinting merrily. “Though at least you did not fall off the end,” she added when Romeran had retreated back along the beam. Even though Pele made light of it, she appreciated the seriousness with which her trainee viewed the mistake though it had not resulted in anything awful.

For a while the Captain observed Romeran’s stance contentedly, and then offered: “What do you say to us giving it a go until one of us is forced off the beam? Now that you have found that you can actually balance yourself well enough.”

Considering this a sufficient warning of her intentions, Pele than ran a few light steps along the beam to approach Romeran and then flicked the tip of her sword up in a controlled thrust towards his face as she came to a stop with her right foot forward. She looked tensed and ready to adjust her actions to either press forward with the attack or retreat.

[Lantaelen]

@Pele Alarion @Rillewen

Abrazimir Dimaethor

The most he could do was give an apologetic chuckle over his failed axe-throw. Yeah, smaller ones definitely would have suited that purpose much better. He shrugged to the Captain’s playful lecture. ”I think it’ll be my preference to keep my weapons in hand." To his request of sparring, Pele explained she would have to suit up in proper kit and that was wise, as no matter how disciplined or trained two warriors could be, there was always a chance of injury when practicing with real weapons.

”Come, Captain. When have I ever caused you bruises and battering? …not of the mind?” He added with a teasing grin. He was sure there had been some days or moments where, when he had been a more fresh faced recruit, he probably caused some frustrations with his amateur behavior at the time. He did try his best to be a good soldier. ”But yeah, if it’s not too much trouble. You can only improve by challenging those greater than yourself and who knows better than the Captain herself?”

A newcomer approached and hailed the Captain. Abrazimir did not believe he had met this fellow, whom Pele referred to as Trastion. He did look bloody familiar but the Dol Amrothian could not quite place where. Or how. Pele introduced Abrazimir and he bowed his head, arm upon the chest in a friendly Gondorrian salute. ”Well met, Ranger.” He greeted with a smile, resting his axe up and over his shoulder. ”I was just asking the Captain here if she’s up for a sparring match but if you’re willing, we can have a general melee.” Their primary enemies tended to swarm and swamp upon them, so it was wise to know how to fight and fend off multiple attackers. They could rotate and take turns doing 2-on-1 challenges perhaps.

[Rillewen]

@Pele Alarion @Lantaelen

Recruit Trastion Leithor
(Area where Pele and Abrazimir are)

He grinned back at Pele. "Indeed, if you can call hiking 'training'. Though I did do some training before enjoying the woods." He shrugged with a grin, then turned his attention toward the other guy, as Pele introduced him as Abrazimir. Trastion paused slightly, the grin fading to more of a polite smile. "Well met," He returned quietly as he copied the salute. "Though I'm technically still 'Recruit', not 'Ranger'." He corrected him, with a brief glance toward the captain before looking back at Abrazimir, eyeing the man thoughtfully. He couldn't help wondering if this was more than a coincidence, and was careful not to allow himself to show any sort of alarm at encountering someone else from the Belfalast area. First Ilisys, now Abrazimir? Did he know? Would he recognize him, Trastion wondered, a little nervously.

As Abrazimir spoke of sparring and general melee, Trastion thought for a moment, hesitating. "Um, I'm not sure how well I'd do against either of you," He admitted, glancing from him to Pele, and back. "I'm um, pretty new to all of this, but I could try?" He explained to Abrazimir, then motioned slightly toward the ax the other man had in his hand. "I was sort of hoping to learn a bit about axes, maybe.. to use against enemies, rather than trees." he added with a grin. "I um, planned on picking that as a third weapon choice, but so far I've only had a few training sessions with a sword, and with archery." He wondered if Abrazimir was thinking of using actual weapons, or the practice ones, because he wasn't sure he'd want to go against this guy with real weapons, knowing he would be far more experienced than Trastion. He was either a knight, or practically one, Trastion wasn't sure since he hadn't kept up with any of that stuff in the last couple of years.

[Arnyn]

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Training Recruit Trastion Leithor
Obstacle course
@Rillewen

His question about the feathers made Arnyn laugh. "I wish," she said, amused. As for his compliment, she felt he was exaggerating. She had been very encumbered and she had taken longer than she would have liked. She smiled when he moved to the beginning of the course and started off. Arnyn walked along with him as he progressed through the course, watching the recruit trying to account for the added bulk and weight of his weapons, armor and other gear such as his pack.

When he'd finished and approached her, she frowned at his words. "What do you mean, you have a feeling you didn't do that great? Wasn't this the first time you did something like this with all of your gear?" Arnyn took a deep, thoughtful breath. "You need to get used to the way your equipment and supplies change your center, your balance and the way you take up space. What you called amazing only came to be through endless repetition. I should say that for your first time it's commendable that you made it through without tripping or taking a dive into the dirt."

She smiled. "I'd consider picking up some gloves as well, when you're at the armory for that bow. It will improve your grip." The Lieutenant waved her right hand at the course. "In addition to your archery, I also want you to practice this. Practice without any gear, practice with just your weapons, practice with just your armor, and practice with full gear and supplies. You need to know how to move and how to balance yourself in all of these configurations. And you need to be strong enough and have enough stamina to carry it all through all kinds of situations, and the obstacle courses help you prepare for that too. First you practice on perfecting your technique for every obstacle. Then you try and improve your time. Don't limit yourself to this course, either. There are others to... enjoy." She flashed Trastion a quick grin before her expression sobered and she raised an eyebrow.

"Quite a bit of homework. Therefore, we will revisit your archery in ten days, and the obstacle course in two weeks." She wanted to give him enough time to work at it and improve. She could evaluate his progress next time and go from there. "I would advise you to train daily, but alternate your focus. One day you can focus on your archery, the next you can focus on the course. That does not mean you cannot shoot a few arrows on the day you focus on the obstacle courses, but don't exert yourself at both skills on the same day. If, on every third day, your muscles tell you to take a break, then do so: take a day of rest. Then start over. My proposed timing will give you at least three sessions with the bow before we train together again, and four sessions with the obstacle course. As for sword training or other weapons training, use your best judgment. Listen to your body. You can also learn a lot from watching others spar. In ten days, we will combine the bow and the sword. For a proper sword session."

With an assessing look at Trastion, she paused. "Unless you have any questions or objections?" she asked, genuinely wanting to know. "As for the rest of today's session, I am curious as to which supplies you packed exactly. I told you to come prepared for a mission where melee was to be expected. So, what did you bring?"

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Recruit Trastion Leithor
Obstacle course

Trastion was a little surprised by her response, having not really felt as if he'd done all that great. He shrugged slightly at her inquiry. "Well, yes and no," he answered. "It's the first time I've done this with.. all this, the armor and everything. But I've done stuff similar to this with my pack, before. Climbing trees, rocks, hopping over rivers, that sorta stuff." He took a drink of his water, noticing it was getting a little low by now. "The armor is really what threw me on most of it." He grinned though, pleased to hear that he'd done pretty good for his first time through with all the gear. "I went through the course a couple of times since our last training, too. But not with all this stuff." He added.

The suggestion of gloves was a good one, and he nodded slightly, making a mental note to find some of those. There seemed to be a lot of things he needed to get, and to learn, and he wondered how much more he'd have to learn. But it was exciting, just the same, to be doing this at last. "Right," he grinned back at Arnyn. "So try out all of the courses, with gear, without gear, and with just a pack.." He wondered how tiring that would end up being. "Alternate days for archery and the courses," He repeated with another nod, trying to make sure he didn't forget any of these instructions. Take a break if he needed it, every third day. That was a relief, at least, that he could do that. Perhaps he'd get a chance to explore more of the training grounds then, and maybe he could get someone like Mourgan or Unalmis to come out and train with him sometime for sword, or anything else they wanted to do.

Pausing to think when she asked if he had any questions (or objections), he then shook his head slowly. "Nope, nothing I can think of." He assured her. "Certainly no objections, and if I think of any questions I assume I can come find you later, if it can't wait until our next session." He smiled, then hesitated when she asked what he had in his pack. That question caught him a bit off guard, and of course the moment she asked, his mind went blank about what gear he was carrying.

"Uh," He paused to think about that. "I can't remember everything that's in there," He admitted, frowning thoughtfully. "For melee, I brought the sword, and wore the armor. But in my pack... I've got rope, some climbing tools, you know.. hooks and spikes and strap-on cleats, things like that. A small ax, pulleys, and...oh. I do have gloves," He realized, having forgotten all about them since he used them primarily when climbing. "Then, I think I've still got a few food supplies left in there, a couple of tin dishes," He thought for a moment. "I have a change of clothes in there, and some stuff for colder weather." He mentioned, having left the clothes which were currently muddy back in his room. He ran a hand through his hair, thinking. "There's a few bandages, for just in case... a fire starting kit... a whetstone," What else? He scrunched up his brow, trying to think what else he had in there. "I should have a partial bar of soap still left, um, there's a cloak wrapped up with my bedroll... I can't think if there's anything else," He shrugged. "I'm sure there's a few things I've forgotten to mention, though." It had been a little while since he went through his stuff to see what all he had, but he usually found whatever he needed when he wanted it, or else went without if it turned out he didn't have that item after all. "That's all the stuff I own."

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion
With Abrazimir and Trastion
@Lantaelen , @Rillewen

“I would not be able to prove in court that you have given me any bruises,” Pele laughed at Abrazimir’s statement. “Though I have received a plenty enough in training to decide that it is better to receive less rather than more.”

With a thoughtful frown she looked from Abrazimir to Trastion and back again, considering the options for training that would provide some benefit for all of them now that they were all here.

“Well, suppose we could figure something out in relation to doing some activities, and you could see what you think of axes, Trastion,” the Captain eventually said. “I’m heading for the storage facility to find some suitable armour. You two should come along as well: Trastion to gear up, and Abrazimir – I want you to pick some axe with a blunted edge instead of this one.” While she was quite sure she could handle herself well enough while dealing with real weapons, she was of no mind to place a recruit under risk of serious injury.

Without any further delay Pele turned around on her heal and set off for the large shed across the field with the track for running expecting the two men to follow her. She pushed the door as wide open as she could to let in enough light for them to see what they were doing and immediately headed for the stash of armour.

“There better be something that fits me,” she commented, sorting through gambesons until she found one with good padding and more or less fitting to her size. Slipping into it she looked at the collection of metal cuirasses next and found that most were too large for her. Picking one of the smallest, she lifted it towards the light to inspect it. “Hmmm…” was her conclusion, as she put it on and with some effort took to fastening the side straps. She could bet that the piece of armour had added weight, for training purposes, to be sure. It was far heavier than any of her usual equipment.

“Anything you two can find among these well-worn treasures?” she asked, moving on to choosing a helmet and a pair of metal greaves. At least she had her own gloves with her to assist in good handling of weapons. And speaking of weapons, she had to find a good blunted short sword and a shield. Looking at the options, she chose a wooden shield of a rectangular shape the top edge of which reached up to about her chest level.

[Arnyn]

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Training Recruit Trastion Leithor
Obstacle course
@Rillewen

She was pleased to hear that he had gone through the course on his own for a number of times in between their sessions. Unprompted. A smile flashed across her face. Good. This told her that he did not simply want to be good at this, but that he was also willing to put in the work.

The Lieutenant listened to his verbal list of supplies, nodding every so often. When he finished by saying that was everything he owned, this surprised her. Combined with the things he had and had not said concerning the matter of setting out on his own... it distracted her for a moment. She looked at Trastion with a look that would be difficult for him to decipher. When words came in response, they were spoken softly. "I see." She was glad that, as a Ranger, he was housed and fed properly in the barracks. There was not much she could say without possibly pushing him for more information or perhaps bruising his ego.

"If you only brought your canteen for water, that is not enough when going on a mission," she began quietly. "You probably know or would have assumed as much, but still." She smiled at him. "It is my job to make sure that you are prepared. Water - and food, as well. Sometimes supplies can be brought along on a mission, on a pack horse, a cart, wagon or boat - what have you. But not always. It's worth knowing before you pack." She tapped the pouch on her belt. "I have a canteen in one of my pouches, but also a waterskin in my pack. It is heavy, but unfortunately we need a lot of water while moving and especially when fighting. So, when going out for a mission... Even if you are only bringing a day's worth, which I generally do - assuming I can fill up my supply somewhere along the day, it takes up space and weighs you down." She cleared her throat. "So a water skin is worth the investment, if you do not have one of your own."

"Depending on the mission and expected conditions, it is wise to bring a wool blanket besides your bedroll. Wool works well against rain, and with that rope in your pack you can use the blanket and two well-placed trees or one well-chosen tree branch to make shelter." Part of her figured he might have done something like that before, since he had run away from home, but he hadn't mentioned anything. "You've never done this?" she inquired, not sounding judgmental or even surprised, but simply wanting to know.

[Lantaelen]

@Pele Alarion @Rillewen

Abrazimir Dimaethor

The young lad Trastion expressed some doubts about sparring with older warriors such as Abrazimir and the Captain, but the older Dol Amrothian man just gave Trastion an encouraging smile. ”You could certainly try, otherwise it’ll be a thing of doubt forever. And believe me, even if your doubts are founded, there is no greater way to better yourself than to practice with those more superior of skill. We’ll make a regular terror of you.” Abrazimir assured him, having been in a similar state of mind when he first began training with any sort of weapon. He’d been knocked in the sand enough times. Each was an opportunity to profit from and learn.

Both Trastion and Pele had concerns about the axe. Certainly, he should find one more blunted and less dangerous. He affirmed his assent with crisp military posture, straightening up and clicking his booted heels together to come to attention in acknowledgement of the Captain’s suggestion, before heading for the armoury shed with the others. Like on military parade, he copied his gait and step with theirs, like they were marching. He was already properly geared up, so his only real task was to find an appropriate weapon. He would girt himself with a training sword, and a small buckler shield to fit over his left forearm. More to practice movement with the added weight than for actual use.

He did search among the various axes lined up, testing the sharpness of each with a light swipe of his finger. The oldest one seemed the safest, the metal older and more likely to shatter than pierce a strong shield. He shouldn’t be swinging that hard to begin with. ”Take this into the woods and the trees would be the most safest.” He commented on it’s durability in jest, hoping it met the Captain’s expectations. He would be careful to batter shield and defense only, and refrain from direct hits even on armored limb and torso.

”I am pretty well garbed as it is.” He said to Pele’s query about finding any qualitative pieces. Being an impoverished noble from the coastlands, he could pay out of pocket to maintain some of his personal gear, to a degree. He’d be happy to loan some of it too. ”Do pick yourselves a sturdy shield. I would like to practice the hook-and-pull with my axe. And it will give you opportunity to learn how to defend against it, what to expect and how to maneuver.” He waited by the door for the two others to finish prepping, Abrazimir resting his hands atop the axehead, planted on the floorboards.

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Recruit Trastion Leithor
Obstacle course

He waited, a little unsure what to make of her silence for that few moments. And the look she was giving him was also a bit unsettling. Had he packed wrong or something? Perhaps he'd left out something obvious that he should have mentioned? Maybe she thought he should have left the heavy climbing gear in his dorm? Trastion thought quickly while he was waiting to her how she would respond, and when she did at last, he gave a slow nod of understanding. Water, of course. That had never been that big of an issue for him, because he and his brother never ventured further than where they could easily find water. Of course, since leaving home, he'd come to learn that wasn't always possible, but those early camping and hiking trips had prepared him for that. As well as some of his brother's gear. "I don't have a waterskin," He answered hesitantly, "But I did forget to mention the other canteen in there. I forgot to fill it though." He admitted.

The next thing she mentioned was a wool blanket. He got a slightly puzzled look as she mentioned it, but after a moment came to a conclusion that cleared up the puzzlement. He waited until she had finished before giving a small nod. "Yes... I guess I should know by now to specify things like that with you," He grinned slightly, realizing his mistake there. "When I said 'bedroll', I just assumed everyone carried wool bedding for those. So yes, there is a wool blanket as part of the bedroll. And when I said winter stuff... that included woolen garments..." He added, before she could nitpick about that. "I've done some camping, and plenty of sleeping outside. I'm sure there's still plenty I could learn about that, but I do know a little bit, at least." He shrugged and smiled, wondering if there was anything else.

[Rillewen]

@Pele Alarion @Lantaelen

Recruit Trastion Leithor
(Area where Pele and Abrazimir are)

It seemed he was going to be gearing up, and with a curious look toward the captain, Trastion followed her to the equipment shed. He and Arnyn had gotten practice swords from there, before, but now he saw there was quite a lot of armor in here as well, and he stared at the collection as the captain pulled some out, wondering why he'd had to go his first training session without any, simply because he'd assumed(correctly!) that there would be some here. He held back a sigh, shaking his head slightly in amusement before picking up a helmet that had rolled up to his feet. What should he put on, though?

Taking a glance at the two who were with him, he thought carefully. Thinking it less likely he would be recognized as himself if he downplayed his knowledge, he decided he probably better not take any chances with such a close neighbor who might start thinking he looked familiar. Trying not to let himself grow nervous, he messed with the strings inside the helmet to try and adjust the padding inside, but seemed to have trouble with figuring out how it worked. Though he could tell the helmet would be a little too big for him, he pretended not to realize this. "How um, how do you make this thing fit?" he wondered, figuring it shouldn't seem at all out of place for him to not know how to use the helmet, considering he'd just stated that he was new to all of this. Also this was not a part of the gear he'd been issued at the armory.

Abrazimir made a joke about the ax he'd picked out being safe for trees, and Trastion gave a grin back to him. "You could still use it to split firewood," He pointed out, having done that often enough to know. He stopped himself adding anything about the different types of axes that would be used for chopping down a tree, versus splitting up logs for a fire, or any other lumbering tasks. That might not be the best idea, he realized. "Anyway, I bet the trees still wouldn't like to see you carrying that, sharp or not." He shrugged, grinning. "I heard a rumor that there were some sort of tree warriors fighting orcs near Rohan during the war... not sure if that was a myth or what, but I'll bet that was an interesting sight to see!"

[Arnyn]

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Training Recruit Trastion Leithor
Obstacle course
@Rillewen

The Lieutenant grinned when Trastion said he should know to be specific with her by now. Yes, he should, but it was amusing that he verbalized it. Some ideas started forming in her mind when he said he knew a thing or two about camping outside, but that he was sure there was still plenty for him to learn. Arnyn smiled. "I know just the Ranger to teach you the rest of it." She could do it herself, but getting to know more Rangers would be good for Trastion, and the Ranger in question could probably use something to keep busy. She would check with Pele, and with the man himself. The way she saw it, it was a win-win. "I will first make sure my idea is feasible and then set you two a time and place."

She looked up at the sky to judge how late it was. On the grounds, you could not hear the hourly bells from the White City. It was time to wrap up their time together today, which also meant it was time for something else.

"Trastion," she said, a different quality to her tone that would make anyone curious as to what she might say next. She sounded serious, and concerned. And also slightly evasive, if he would be able to tell as much. "Before we part." She fell silent as she regarded him a moment longer and then looked down to take a small leather pouch from the larger one at her belt. "We made an agreement last time that I would not press you for information you were not ready to share and that I did not necessarily need for your training. That I would want until you were ready or able to tell me." Her brown eyes looked back at him, not shying away from his blues. "I want you to grant me the same courtesy now." She held out the small pouch, offering it to him.

"I want you to have this. And I want you to carry it on you, hidden from sight, at all times." Her voice lowered and she tilted her head down slightly as she continued to look at him. "At all times, Trastion. And if for some reason your vision starts to blur, or you get a strange rash, or you notice you're starting to slur your words... or if you experience any one of these symptoms along with a sudden headache... and especially if you realize you are seeing things that aren't there..." She watched his expression. "Eat what is in this pouch. Immediately. It will lift the symptoms and save you from anything worse. You must speak of this to no one. Promise me you will do this."

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Recruit Trastion Leithor
Obstacle course

"Oh?" He looked curiously at her, wondering who this other ranger might be. He had met several, but with most of them it had only gone as far as meeting them. And then there were a few he hoped to keep it that way, lest they recognize him... but then there were probably several whom he had yet to meet at all. The idea of getting to go camping as part of his training was quite exciting, since he enjoyed doing just that sort of thing. "I can't wait." he grinned, then took a drink from his canteen, which was getting a little low by now.

Arnyn's next tone gave him pause, and he tilted his head as he put the cap back on his canteen. What was she going to say now? The words she had spoken, and the tone she'd spoken them in, had him concerned... was she about to say that she had to revoke their agreement.. that she needed to know something he had no want to reveal? He waited, feeling his stomach knot up a bit as she proceeded, and slowly relaxed somewhat as she explained that she wanted the same courtesy in return, now. Confused, but equally curious, Trastion gave a slow nod as she continued, passing him a mysterious pouch. He took it, glancing down at it, then back up at her. Blue eyes showed puzzlement, but he didn't vocalize any questions. A slight shake of the pouch told him there were was something small inside. Little pebbles? No, something edible, he realized as Arnyn continued to explain that it was something to eat. He opened the pouch quietly and peeked inside. He wasn't sure he'd ever seen anything quite like it, but it resembled a bean or seed or nut of some sort.

Was this some sort of thing all Rangers had to carry, or was this a unique situation? Studying the little pouch a bit more carefully, Trastion listened silently as Arnyn described some rather alarming-sounding symptoms, and his frown grew deeper as she went on. That sounded... like some sort of antidote to poison, he thought curiously. That set his mind racing. Did she know something about his situation... which even he didn't know? As far as he was aware, poison wasn't his stepfather's way. But then, he couldn't be sure what he'd do, since his original plans had been altered. The possible implications of Arnyn giving him some sort of poison antidote, or whatever it was, left his mouth feeling dry. He wanted to ask many things, but even if he could've made his voice work right then, she had requested that he accept this without questions. Swallowing past the dryness in his throat, he glanced up at her. "All of them, or just one or two?" He wondered, which seemed an acceptable question, and not intrusive into whatever secret this involved.

[Arnyn]

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Training Recruit Trastion Leithor
Obstacle course
@Rillewen

He looked confused. Of course. Who wouldn't be? And his eyes may as well have been question marks on a piece of parchment. When he spoke, however, the question was not one she had expected. He had listened to her. And he had granted her request. Part of her was surprised. Another was proud. She was honored that he would trust her in this, and glad to see he had make progress when it came to not just hearing what she said but actually listening.

Something about his expression gave her concern, though. Could it be that she had scared him? Arnyn could have facpalmed herself for not thinking she might do just that. You didn't order someone to carry a poison antidote with them and not scare them. And maybe he was reading even more into this than he should - given the things he was so afraid to tell her. The Lieutenant's mind raced as she tried to think it all through in just a few heartbeats.

Arnyn took a step closer and took a hold of Trastion's hand, the one with which he was holding the small pouch with the beans. "One of them if the symptoms are very light; such as just a headache combined with slightly decreased vision or a bit of a rash. The odds of that happening are very small, I would say. More likely, if it should happen, and I am not saying that it will - simply that it might - you will need to eat two beans. Only if the symptoms come very suddenly as well as very heavily, take three. If you are unsure, err on the side of a bean too many rather than a bean too few." There were only three beans in the pouch, but those should save him from incapacitation or death if he was targeted for some reason.

"Now, Trastion. I need to emphasize the importance of you not speaking of this to anyone. Only me. And if absolutely necessary, the Captain. Do not speak of it to strangers who you think know so little of our affairs that it will not matter. Do not speak of it to other rangers, even. Not to senior rangers nor to fellow recruits. Nor to friends. Whethger you trust them or not needs to be irrelevant. No allusions, nothing. This is very important." A pause, as she drew a breath. "I should also say this has nothing to do with you personally, if that is something you are wondering about. The situation that is causing me to give this to you, is entirely unrelated to you. Yet I am giving this to you regardless, because..." Because she could not imagine him being anyone else than who he had shown her to be. And because she did not want anything to happen to such a wide-eyed, young recruit, who had apparently been confronted with too much darkness in his short life. "Because it is my job to look after you."

She squeezed his hand. "Promise me, Trastion." She had not missed he had not promised yet.

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Recruit Trastion Leithor
Obstacle course

The answer to his question was logical enough, he had to admit. But then, he didn't have a clue what he might be dealing with.. if these beans ever came to need to be used. He had no idea what was going on, but it was definitely very serious. "Right.." He answered at last, trying not to let his thoughts spin too far out of control. "One, two, three, depending on how serious... got it," He nodded slowly, and looked up from the bag at Arnyn, meeting her gaze with his own. This, whatever it was, was not something to take lightly. He gave another little nod, this one accompanied by a slightly puzzled look, but he didn't ask. "I promise." He frowned, wishing he could know more.

What was going on, exactly? Was this something in relation to him? Was she in danger? Or did she think that he might be, because of her? He had so many things that he wanted to ask, but couldn't. And, realized, that was probably the same way that she felt, knowing he had some secrets that he couldn't talk about. It was difficult, stifling the questions that wanted to pour out of his mouth, but he refrained. He couldn't ask her anything, even if she hadn't requested that he not. He might be a lot of things, but he wasn't a hypocrite.

Arnyn's next words, however, assured him that whatever it was, it had nothing to do with him and his own problems. In a way, that was both a relief and troubling, all at once. The fact that there was, potentially, yet another threat hanging over him that he couldn't even know about.. that was a little terrifying. But at the same time, he felt relieved to know at least his own personal troubles were still that; personal. And secret. Closing up the little pouch, Trastion slipped it into a pocket, deciding he would figure out a better, more secure and hidden location to keep it, later. "I promise, not a word. Not even a hint." He repeated, trying to make it clear that he understood the gravity of the matter, even if he didn't know what it was all about.

[Arnyn]

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Training Recruit Trastion Leithor
Obstacle course
@Rillewen

He seemed to understand, and Arnyn was content. She let go of his hand and smiled as she stepped back. Another ranger was starting the obstacle course, and Arnyn enjoyed watching how others chose to tackle the obstacles. "Good," she said, her eyes on the ranger at the course while she spoke. "And if ever you are in doubt of anything..." She pointed at herself. Her gaze returned to Trastion for a moment.

"You know," she said casually, "life can be a lot. But when we have people to stand by us, it doesn't get to be too much." She forwent the formal goodbye, and simply raised a hand instead even as she began to walk away. "I'm here." Then she turned and headed for the exit. Sometimes it was good to simply offer assistance but not wait for a reply, especially when people were not ready to accept any help. At least you'd offered... and the offer could settle in their minds. And when they really needed it, they would know where they could go.

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Recruit Trastion Leithor
Obstacle course

Trastion met her gaze, still wondering what all of this was about, but kept his questions to himself, respecting the lieutenant's request.Whatever was going on, his promise seemed to satisfy her, and the ultra-serious moment seemed to pass. He watched her look off in the direction of another ranger going through the course, and let out a slow breath, feeling slightly more relaxed, though there was nothing really different; whatever the threat was, it still existed, and he still didn't know what it was.

Arnyn's casual tone as she spoke next, was almost deceptive, as her words carried more weight than the tone suggested. He gave a small nod in answer, still trying to wrap his head around everything else. And then she was heading off with a wave of farewell. He was almost surprised, having thought she might be about to launch into some other topic. Turning those words over in his mind, he remained quietly where he stood for a moment as she set off to leave. Looking down at the bag of mysterious beans, he thought for a moment before stuffing it back in his pocket. "Lieutenant..?"

He hesitated as soon as the word left his mouth, and rapidly decided against whatever impulsive thing he'd considered saying. With a slight hesitation, he thought fast to find something else to say, instead. "Are you.. heading to the mess hall? Cause, if you are, well, I might as well keep you company on the way... that's where I figured on going next." He mentioned with a smile, after jogging to catch up to her, figuring if they were going the same way, it would be a little pointless to separate. He'd end up shadowing her or something, and that'd just be weird. Besides, it occurred to him slightly belated, that whatever this whole poison stuff was about, if Arnyn was in some sort of danger, it might be safer for her if she didn't walk back alone. Not to mention that it might be nicer to have company for the long walk back, for both of them.

[Arnyn]

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Training Recruit Trastion Leithor
Obstacle course
@Rillewen

She turned her head to cast a look over her shoulder when Trastion addressed her, and found he was catching up to her. Arnyn smiled faintly as she looked ahead once more. "Yes, I am," she replied happily. "And I appreciate the company."

Thinking what she could ask him that wouldn't pertain to his past - which was harder than it sounded, she walked toward the exit with Trastion beside her. "So what have you been up to in your spare time? Making any friends?"

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion
with Abrazimir @Lantaelen and Trastion @Rillewen

"I'm sure the trees in our training grounds would be happy not to be cut down," Pele laughed, when she looked at the axe Abrazimir had chosen instead of the previous one, and then examined the wooden shield she had picked to see if it would hold up even to blunt strikes. Perhaps it would do at least for some time. She only smiled and did not comment on tree warriors in Rohan, the story she half believed and half did not.

When Trastion had questions about the helmet he was fumbling with, Pele left the shield aside and turned to take the said helmet out of his hand.

"Are you telling me you did not get a helmet with your equipment? If not, you better make sure to visit the armoury for one," she looked at the recruit while she righted the straps. When she held it up to return it to Trastion, her practiced eye informed her that it would be way too big for him, so instead she searched through the well-worn collection of helmets to pick one she thought would more or less fit on his head. "Here, try this on," she all but tossed it to him. "It's not easy to find well-fitting stuff here, but it can do in a pinch when you've come prepared for activities not requiring heavy armour."

Deciding that it would go faster if she helped the recruit find some appropriate stuff, she went through the stacks of chainmail and cuirasses and bracers, picking out something that she thought would fit on Trastion. "Well, there's this maille shirt and a plate set, if you have a preference, or - you can even try both if you don't mind feeling heavy, encumbered and hot. Let's have you sorted and head out into the open for a bit of axe and shield swinging."

[Lantaelen]

@Pele Alarion @Rillewen

Abrazimir Dimaethor

Both made playful jests about his not-too-sharp axe, which he supposed was preferable to them being worried about its potential danger in a sparring match. He had no intention to put it to any wood, mostly for the same rumors that Trastion made. Tree warriors fighting orcs near Rohan during the war… Abrazimir had heard something of the sort, in idle chatter among the soldiers after the Pelennor and before the Black Gate. ”With all the other myths that came to light during that time, I don’t see why this would not be true either.” He pointed out to the younger man. Something else though was bothering about Trastion.

Before he could put his curiosity into queries and remarks, the Captain descended on the younger man in regards his armor and helmet, or lack thereof. Abrazimir stood by idly and tried not to seem too keen as Pele adjusted the man’s equipment like a doting mother, causing a half-grin to spread on his lips. Oh, he didn’t miss those days. He had to instinctively check if his armor was all properly secured and fastened on his frame. ”Try both.” He suggested to Trastion after Pele walked him through the armor types. ”Learn to become accustomed to it’s weight and the effect it’ll have on your mobility and movement. That’s what the Training Grounds is for after all, so you don’t have to learn first hand in the field against orcs or pirates.” He concluded with a morbid grin, as might be shared by veterans of such shared dangers. Plus, being more heavily garbed, Abrazimir wouldn’t have to pull the strength on his axe swings…too much.

”I say, judging from your manner of speech, fighting pirates and corsairs might be more your experience. You sound like a man from the coastlands. Belfalas?” Abrazimir then posed to the younger man, thinking he did sound familiar in a way. Belfalas was a large fiefdom however and it’s not like he knew everyone but did have a good idea of where settlements and certain clans and families sprang from. Trastion sounded like one. In any case, if they were all prepped, he was ready to walk onto the field and start the proper test and spar.

[Rillewen]

@Pele Alarion @Lantaelen

Recruit Trastion Leithor
(Area where Pele and Abrazimir are)

He glanced up at Pele as her assistance was slightly unexpected. He hesitated at the question. "Um, well. Yeah," he answered, a bit awkward. "But, it's a leather one, and made different." he added, quite honestly. "I think that must be an older style or something, or.. I don't know." He ended with a small shrug, then caught the other that she had selected for him. He studied it for a moment, then watched in surprise as she went further in her helpfulness, selecting more gear for him than he'd expected. "Oh, Captain, I didn't expect you to.. I mean, well, thank you." He hadn't really intended to inspire such a reaction from the captain, but it was certainly kind of her to do it. Her inquiry left him uncertain though about which sort of armor he preferred. "Uh.." He looked from the plate to the maille, hesitating about making a decision.

Abrazimir's comment then made all thoughts of armor fly right out of his head. He caught his breath, barely managing to not tense as the man guessed him to be from Belfalast. How..? He had thought he'd managed to lose the telltale accent, and had made efforts to try and talk like the locals of his most recent environment. But perhaps two years away from home was not enough time. After exhaling in an attempt to calm the anxiety that had sprung into his stomach, Trastion turned, giving Abrazimir a questioning look despite. His heart was racing, trying to gauge whether the man had guessed more than his accent. "Belfalast?" He hesitated, and gave a small shake of his head. "Sorry, I've come from Lamedon, sir." He answered, trying to take a little more care not to fall into older habits of speaking. "A small village called Stonecrest. It's mainly occupied by quarry-workers and their families, a little ways northeast of Calembel." He explained. "I... guess I'll try both?" he decided, taking Abrazimir's suggestion as he turned back to Pele, mind racing. "I got all leather gear from the lady in the armory, though. So... this is different." He picked up the plate cuirass. That brought back memories from his youth, practicing with another two, gearing up and..often fighting a certain person over the better practice gear. He tried not to think back on those things, and focused instead on looking ahead.

"Are there many pirates and such in Belfalast?" He added, with a glance back to the man. "You might be the first ranger I've met who is from there, though I have heard there is another..." He left it at that, deciding not to name the other he'd heard about. "It must be nice, living near the coast, going swimming whenever you like." He mentioned with a small laugh. Though he couldn't help wondering whether this man was the sort to even go swimming in the ocean. While he'd lived further inland, there was a river on his family's land, and that was most certainly put to use as a place for swimming. Despite repeatedly being told not to by his mother.

Once his armor was all sorted, Trastion stood for a moment to feel the weight of it all. More memories, some he'd rather leave behind, but he couldn't help the memories slipping back. That was why he had chosen leather, as opposed to plate, when he made his selections at the armory. Picking up one of the dull axes that had been pulled out for this practice session, he ran a hand through his hair, then grabbed a shield. "Ready... I think. If I can move in all of this, anyway," He added with a half-grin.

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion
with Trastion @Rillewen and Abrazimir @Lantaelen

"Well, the sooner you are all set, the sooner we can get to actual sparring," Pele shrugged, a smile in her blue eyes. She watched for a while to make sure Trastion would figure out and don the armour properly, and then picked up the shortsword, testing its balance once more as she considered if it would satisfy her. The practice weapons were by no means perfect, and she decided she'd just make do with this one instead of going through the whole collection.

While she did not really participate in the conversation when Abrazimir questioned Trastion on his place of origin, she stored the information away just in case it might come in handy. And when she saw that they were all more or less ready, she headed out into the open.

"Right. So let's see about swinging those axes, swords, and shields," she stated, and laughed quietly. "And you better do move, Trastion, else you'd end up knocked over easily."

Seeing no reason to go too far from the storage shed, Pele took a stand on a grassy patch, planting her feet shoulder-width apart to make sure she was well balanced, covering herself up with the shield, and peering over its edge at the two men. "C'mon then!" she challenged, raising the sword slightly over her right shoulder, prepared to either attack or defend depending on what the other two would do.

[Lantaelen]

@Rillewen @Pele Alarion

Abrazimir Dimaethor

Belfalast? Sorry, I’ve come from Lamedon, sir. Huh. Not the first time Abrazimir had been wrong, but the similarities this man bore with another face he had seen around Dol Amroth and home were uncanny. He didn’t question the rest of the story, for while Abrazimir had not spent much time in Lamedon, he certainly had heard of the major settlements that Trastion mentioned. ”Ideally, there are no pirates in Belfalast. But some do slip through our nets.” He replied to the young man’s inquiry of his own home. ”Yes, there are a few rangers that hail from the coastlands. My kinswoman is one, perhaps the other you might have heard about.” He just shrugged, leaving the name unspoken. He was sure she didn’t want him mentioning her name to strangers, though she did build up for herself quite a peculiar reputation. ”It is certainly a treat to swim. But even the waters have their limits for what a man can reach and see. The land is much more fulfilling.”

He gave an apologetic smile to the Captain when she spoke up, having delayed the training for discussion about origins and homelands. Pele took up a defensive position and dared the two men to come at her. The Swan Knight couldn’t help but smile, hefting his axe, buckler shield attached to his left forearm. It had been a while. ”Defend!” He shouted in warning, as he reeled back and aimed his axe right to the center of Pele’s shield, letting her have a taste of his strength. He battered it twice, before raising his own shield and simply shoving into hers, before backing up a pace and moving into a defensive posture himself. He gave a quick glance towards Trastion, making sure he had ample room to defend against a joint initiative by these two.

[Rillewen]

@Pele Alarion @Lantaelen

Recruit Trastion Leithor
(Area where Pele and Abrazimir are)

Trastion gave a small nod in reply to the mention of pirates. That much he had already known, or at least it was true a few years ago when he was last there. "Ah, yes, that's probably the one I heard of." He agreed vaguely, preferring to avoid such topics for now. Smiling faintly as the man of Belfalast replied about swimming, he started to mention his own enjoyment of the forest, but thought better of it. It seemed they were moving into the training, so he fell quiet after ensuring that the straps on his armor was properly secured.

Standing back for a moment, Trastion stood back Abrazimir lunged toward Pele with an attack. He hesitated, slightly unsure what the plan was exactly, but attacking his captain somehow didn't seem like the best plan. Instead, he decided to go after Abrazimir, for now. He tested the weight of the ax in his hand, waited for a second until he saw Abrazimir glance his way, then rushed toward him with an attack of his own. Even in his youth, he hadn't spent much time practicing with ax fighting, but had plenty of experience using them on wood, and so used the same sort of methods he might use when swinging at a tree. He would probably get some correction later, but for now he made a genuine attempt at an attack, fully expecting it would get blocked, and watched out for a counter-attack.