Working Off Cake (Three Horses and an Ass TP)

Training Ground
The training ground of the Tirith Imladhrim is a broad, verdant lawn, stretching a hundred paces in any given direction.

The southern half is dedicated to the practice of archery, the great skill of the Eldar: there rests upon the southeast corner a multitude of targets of a bullseye design. At the other corner--the southwest corner--is the firing line, and also a barrel of practice arrows. Through the center of the field running east-west is the meadow path east is the bright guardhouse, and to the west is the armoury complex. Another path runs southwards to the Imladris stables. At the northern end of the field are many dummies of straw, fit to practice bladework upon past them tower many trees, a thick forest. Rising above all are the cliffs of the valley wall, looming to the north.

Almost in the middle of this field, though a little further toward the north, is an immense rosebush. Thickly limbed, the thorns on the branches are long and sharp-looking, discouraging any sort of trespass onto the ground claimed by the rosebush.

Contents:
Nauthcel
Gwendion
Menelglir
Straw Dummy
Archery Targets
Obvious exits:
 North leads to Guard House.
 South leads to Wheat Fields.

============== Lord of the Rings Calendar ==============
IC time is:    Late Morning < About 11:15 AM>
IC day is:     Tuesday
IC date is:    January 3
Moon phase:    Waxing Gibbous
Earendil:      Gil-Estel is not visible.
IC year is:    Third Age 3049
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RL time:        Fri Jan 22 18:45:17 2010
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[Nauthcel(#19666)]
        Over the distant mountains to the east, Anor begins her ascent into the sapphire sky bringing golden beams to the land of Arda. Within the Valley, the morning greets Nauthcel as he trains in the field, his longsword Lothwin gleaming red in the new light. His ashen eyes seem to focus on an unseen enemy with his contenance revealing focus and concentration.

[Gwendion(#24427)]

"Ho! Neal! Care for another?"

Gwendion voices sounds from a distance, arm raised in greeting, as he and his squire step onto the verdant lawn. They both are dressed in kind with their order, which is to say for war, helmed with blades at their hip.

As he approaches, he continues, "The luxury of this place needs to be squeezed from our bones. Or at least, from my Squires," his grin for the Squire, while not unkind, speaks to the certainty of a hard morning ahead.

[Menelglir(#17324)]
More likely to be seen of late with his nose in a book and a cake of plate next to him, Menelglir walks by the Knight, his grimace at the man's words not hidden by the helm that he wears. "I suppose so," he sighs, looking over toward Nauthcel as if to size up his possible opponent.

[Combat(#13388)] Nauthcel puts on Leather Shield.
[Combat(#13388)] Menelglir puts on Studded Leather Shield.

[Nauthcel(#19666)]
        The din of the voices draws Nauthcel out of his trance and it takes a moment for him to realize that he is the one whom they speak to considering the name called is only common among acquaintances. As his grey eyes focus on the approaching men, a small grin curves his worn lips. He calls back, "I welcome such a challenge. I have heard that men of the South are talented swordsmen." Stretching out his shield arm, he relaxes and readies himself for the duel.

[Menelglir(#17324)]
"Too much cake," the Squire mutters under his breath before he crosses the rest of the grounds to the Ranger. He loops his left arm through the straps of his shield, then draws his sword, looking warily at Nauthcel's own.

"I fear I am not fit for this at all, but we go across goblin-ridden mountains in winter, and soon. So...now is as good a time as any to try to get my feet underneath me."

[Nauthcel(#19666)]
        "That is a very good idea for the High Pass is very dangerous," replies Nauthcel as he spins his sword around absent-mindedly. Setting his feet into a defense stance, he says to the Squire, "It has been some time since I have had to wield a weapon against an opponent. Attack when you are ready."

[Menelglir(#17324)]
"All right then," Menelglir says, putting a hand up to adjust his helmet. "Will you accompany us, then?" he asks, then starts a slow circle of the Ranger, looking for an opening.

And seeing one, or thinking so, he lunges forward, careful to try the strike at Nauthcel's leg using only the flat of his blade.

Menelglir attacks Nauthcel with his Longsword, but Nauthcel parries the attack with his Longsword!

[Nauthcel(#19666)]
        The ring of steel on steel resonates in the training field as Nauthcel raises his weapon in defense of the attack.

He then says, "I may, though I have not made a decision yet. There may be other things requiring my time. What path do you plan on taking home after the mountain?" As he redirects the blade by sliding it down his own, he spins around and brings his own sword in an arc with the flat side aimed toward the thigh of the Squire.

Nauthcel attacks Menelglir with his Longsword and mildly wounds him!

[Gwendion(#24427)]

"Keep your elbow from falling!" Gwendion shouts even as the Squire's blade deflected away. For now, he keeps his own blade sheathed, starting a slow pace around the pair, "Do not watch the blade, watch his hands and his body. A arm has no power without the power of the torso behind it."

He frowns, ignoring the conversation between the pair, "I fear, it is clear, you have had the last of the cake!"

[Menelglir(#17324)]
"The Anduin," Menelglir answers, trying to bring his own sword down to block the blow to his thigh. Too late, but while the Ranger's blade is down, his own seeks to hit at the man's exposed torso, the Squire's shield up to offer his own defense at the same time.

"No more cake?! We're only here a few days more and then it's starvation in the wilderness again!" he protests, distracted.

Menelglir attacks Nauthcel with his Longsword, but he misses by a handspan.

[Gwendion(#24427)]

The Knight can but only widen his eyes in rage at the question of the squire.

[Nauthcel(#19666)]
        "What are your plans for when you draw near to the Golden Wood? I hear your people have stories of that place," says Nauthcel after he spings back and out of reach of the weapon. While the Squire seems distracted with thoughts of cake, the Ranger leaps forward and swings for the torso of the man. "I am sure the elves may give you some to take with you on your journey, if that is your concern."

Nauthcel attacks Menelglir with his Longsword, but Menelglir parries the attack with his shield!

[Menelglir(#17324)]
More than anything else, Gwendion's sudden anger distracts the Squire, who looks, wide eyed with some fear, at the Knight. "I only meant..." he struggles when the Ranger starts to move again.

There's a clatter of steel on wood as Menelglir's shield comes up, this time blocking the blow. He takes advantage of the close range of the Ranger, bringing his sword down for a blow toward the man's head.

Menelglir attacks Nauthcel with his Longsword and mildly wounds him!

[Gwendion(#24427)]

"Yes, more of that! Less of the other!" comes the Knight's heated reply.

And then, under his breath, "Damned cake."

[Nauthcel(#19666)]
        Nauthcel receives a firm conk on the head as he lets his guard down for a moment. Shaking his head to dissolve the pain, he focuses on his next assault. With the Squire's weapon high, he aims for the side of the left knee. As commentary comes from the Knight, he suppresses the mirth that builds up in him.

Nauthcel attacks Menelglir with his Longsword and mildly wounds him!

[Menelglir(#17324)]
A predictable response: The Squire grins broadly at Gwendion's praise and at the man's muttered words, though with his sword high and his shield pressing toward the ranger, he isnot able to block the attack to his knee in time. Instead he sends the flat of his own blade toward Nauthcel's shoulder.

Menelglir attacks Nauthcel with his Longsword and mildly wounds him!

[Gwendion(#24427)]

"This is like watching my grandparents struggle over the last pice of an apple tart! At least pretend you can use your..." the Squire's blade connects, and Gwendion's words pause, "Oh... Bravo again."

And now to Nauthcel, the Knight asks, "Be careful, Lord Neal, you are edging towards embarassment with thrice times having a touch," he mood becoming lighter, he laughs after the comment.

[Nauthcel(#19666)]
        Nauthcel's visage winces as the metal makes contact with his shoulder. He moves his shoulder around for a moment to relax it as he seeks out an opening in his opponent's defenses. The words of the Knight only bring a small grin to the Ranger as he moves in for another low blow to the right knee this time. He then says, "It would seem that I have grown lax with my own training."

Nauthcel attacks Menelglir with his Longsword and mildly wounds him!

[Menelglir(#17324)]
"Ow...." Menelglir hisses under his breath as the blade slaps against his knee, but he is quick again with a return, flat slapping toward the Ranger's hip. "You should come with us," he says. "We need blades."

And then, momentarily between blows, he frowns at the Knight. "Your -grandparents-?"

Menelglir attacks Nauthcel with his Longsword, but he misses by a handspan.

[Gwendion(#24427)]
Gwendion shrugs, drawing his own blade, "Bragollachs have a reputation, do they not?"

And with little else to explain, he closes in on the Ranger, "But if he is to come, perhaps he would oblige a true test?"

[Combat(#13388)] Gwendion puts on Ring Mail Armor.
[Combat(#13388)] Gwendion puts on Metal Helmet.

[Nauthcel(#19666)]
        Once again, Nauthcel moves out of the way of the sword before jumping forward quickly and aiming his own weapon for his opponent's shoulder. He raises his shield in defense as he says, "You seem to have enough good swordsmen among your group to provide adequate protection." The Knight then comes toward him leading the Ranger to remark, "Let us see what I can handle."

Nauthcel attacks Menelglir with his Longsword and mildly wounds him!

[Menelglir(#17324)]
"Bragollachs!" Menelglir mutters, swiping at the Ranger's attack with his own sword and missing. He steps, back, though, saluting Nauthcel with his sword before he sheaths it. "This," he says, "I'd like to watch."

[Gwendion(#24427)]

The Knight opens his mouth, perhaps to correct the Squire in his meaning, but he says naught, turning his attention to the Ranger.

Gwendion's drive is a slower pace, testing the Ranger. He swing the blade in a wide arc, and while his strength is not held back, it is also presented openly.

Gwendion attacks Nauthcel with his Longsword, but he misses by a handspan.

[Nauthcel(#19666)]
        As the Squire steps back to watch, Nauthcel turns his attention to the Knight. His grey eyes monitor the movements of the blade until, at the last moment, he dodges the weapon. Taking no time to ponder his next attack, the Ranger swings his sword toward the opposite shoulder as to where his opponent had started his attack. To Menelglir, he remarks quickly, "I believe we were going to see my skills set against two opponents."

Nauthcel attacks Gwendion with his Longsword and mildly wounds him!

[Gwendion(#24427)]

Surprised or no, it is impossible to tell as Gwendion's face loses all emotion save concentration. The blade clips his shoulder, his own movements too slow to deflect it. But no reaction is sought from the Squire nor words spoken. He pushes harder now, stepping towards the Ranger with a swift swipe towards the midsection.

Gwendion attacks Nauthcel with his Longsword, but he misses by an arm's length.

[Menelglir(#17324)]
"Two? At once?" Menelglir grins at the challenge, readjusting the shield on his left arm and stepping back into the fight. He wastes no time, lunging toward the Ranger, perhaps a bit recklessly so, aiming for the man's forward leg.

Menelglir attacks Nauthcel with his Longsword, but he misses by an arm's length.

[Nauthcel(#19666)]
        Nauthcel begins to move like a lithe dancer, the blades of both men dodged in graceful steps the lead him in the end to be facing the Knight. Having landed a hit to the shoulder previously, he now directs his next arc toward the left knee of the older man.

Nauthcel attacks Gwendion with his Longsword and mildly wounds him!

[Gwendion(#24427)]

A strike to the knee can cripple a warrior and Gwendion deflects the blade away from it to have the tip of the blade catch him in the thigh. He swings wide again, attempting to force the Ranger back, into the blade of his Squire.

Gwendion attacks Nauthcel with his Longsword, but he misses by an arm's length.

[Menelglir(#17324)]
Catching the eye of the Knight and noting his movements, Menelglir stands ready, flat of his blade aimed firmly for the Ranger's midsection.

Menelglir attacks Nauthcel with his Longsword, but he misses by a handspan.

[Nauthcel(#19666)]
        The steel of the two men pass near to the Ranger but do not prevail in touching him as he continues to weave between the blades. Alternating to face the Squire now, Nauthcel swings his longsword in the wake of Menelglir's weapon with the target being the hip of the Southerner.

Nauthcel attacks Menelglir with his Longsword and mildly wounds him!

[Menelglir(#17324)]
A twist to the right isn't enough to get the Squire out of the way of the Ranger's quick moving blade, but Menelglir does try to aim his next blow to the back of Nauthcel's leg, aiming for the back of his knee.

Menelglir attacks Nauthcel with his Longsword, but he misses by a handspan.

[Gwendion(#24427)]

The Ranger's back towards him for a moment and Gwendion takes his chance, opening himself to retaliation, but offering the Ranger a wicked strike in return, dropping the flat of the blade from on high down towards his shoulder.

Gwendion attacks Nauthcel with his Longsword, but he misses by an arm's length.

[Nauthcel(#19666)]
        From both directions the blades swing leading Nauthcel to tuck and roll. As he rights himself and turns, he now has both his opponents before him. The defensive stance is held for a moment before the Ranger stands up straight and lets out a burst of laughter. With a grin on his visage, he says, "That was great fun. I haven't had such a challenge in some time."

[Gwendion(#24427)]

A strong breath is caught and then Gwendion answers, "You are a man of great skill. It is a shame you cannot follow us back to press our fight against the East and its minions, but I know your oath and the war you face here holds you to your tasks."

[Menelglir(#17324)]
Once again, Menelglir steps back, saluting the Ranger with his sword before he sheaths it and pulls his helm off his head, his hair sweaty beneath.

"Thank you." He smiles.

[Nauthcel(#19666)]
        "When you choose to depart, please alert me and I shall make the decision at that time if I will join you. It has been some time since I traveled over the Mountain," says Nauthcel as he takes a moment to consider the option. He then asks, "How is it that you plan to travel back? On horseback or by foot?"

[Combat(#13388)] Nauthcel takes his sheath in one hand and slips his longsword Lothwin into it.
[Combat(#13388)] Gwendion unwields Longsword.
[Combat(#13388)] Nauthcel swiftly draws his longsword Lothwin from it's sheath.
[Combat(#13388)] Menelglir slides a finely-crafted longsword back into its sheath, the metallic hiss of metal faint but still audible.
[Combat(#13388)] Menelglir takes off Studded Leather Shield.
[Combat(#13388)] Menelglir takes off Studded Leather Helmet.
[Combat(#13388)] Menelglir slips his Studded Leather Armor off.

[Gwendion(#24427)]

"I think we move by foot to a people called the Borening, I believe. And then from there we will find a boat and sail the Anduin back home." He manages a smile, "Or so is the plan."

[Nauthcel(#19666)]
        Nauthcel nods in understanding as he says, "So you seek the assistance of the Beorning. They are very skilled guides who will not lead you astray. I have traveled with them before." After a moment of thought, he asks, "And the boats? How do you plan to obtain them?"

[Gwendion(#24427)]

A glance to the Squire then back to the Ranger, "It is our hope, that uh Lord Elladan, our guide, will have the answer to that. Truly, we know nothing of those people or that land. But, we are quite able on the seas and should do well enough with anything that can float."

Another hesitation, "I hope."

[Menelglir(#17324)]
"Sir..." Menelglir says, interrupting conversation between Knight and Ranger. "I'm going to have the elven smiths put an edge on my sword before we leave. I can take yours as well?' he gestures, offering. And if Gwendion assents, he will head off to the smithy.

[Nauthcel(#19666)]
        "I shall speak with Lord Elladan and see what he has in mind. From what I have heard from those who have traveled the same route as yours, horseback or walking tend to be the primary means of travel," says Nauthcel as he continues to ponder the possibilities. As the Squire excuses himself, the Ranger gives a wave as he says, "Take care and I enjoyed our duel."

[Gwendion(#24427)]

Assenting, Gwendion gives his sword to the squire, answering the Ranger, "We have steeds, it is true, but I would guess the pass too treacherous for them. But if not, then mayhap we will ride instead. It would be preferred. Quite simply, there are main rivers and all flow in the direction of our travels. It is my hope to find one to carry us home quickly. We have been gone overlong and men are not prone to patience in crisis."

[Nauthcel(#19666)]
        Nauthcel's gaze focuses on a distant point before he says, "Heed this warning about travel by water: you are prone to attack with little defense. Making yourself so vulnerable would not be a wise choice in this time of darkness." Letting in and out a slow breath as grey eyes now focus on the Knight, the Ranger finishes his discussion with the man by remarking, "But, that is a decision that you must make with your people. I am but a wanderer of the lands. Farewell." He then turns and makes his way back toward the Last Homely House, mind clearly full of many thoughts.