Preperation to Depart

[Gurtir(#30678)]

Even as the sun rises in the East, men of Ithilien and other soldiery types arrive at the Training Ground of Minas Tirith. Leading the men of Faramir is a Ranger, known to many as Gurtir Carmayar. Though he is known to be still under the care of the Healers, he walks easily, giving no sign of whatever wounds they still tend to.

\"Alright, men.\", the Ranger calls out, \"You new recruits, pick up the wooden swords and prepare yourselves for some leaps and running..\", he pats a Master Scout on the shoulder, and the man proceeds to organize this.

\"You who are healing, stick with me. We will take it light with the dummies. I don\'t want any injuries getting worse. This is just to keep ourselves on the move.\", heading to the rack to get a wooden longsword, the Ranger leads the way.

[Ceredir(#1394)] For one of the Scouts there is a moment of hesitation, as Ceredir rotates an injured arm, testing it. He grunts slightly--there\'s some pain left, apparently--then he follows Gurtir.

[Gurtir(#30678)]

As Gurtir passes by Ceredir, he takes a look at the Scout\'s frown of pain and tells him, \"Take it easy. Don\'t burst any stitches. This is just a last preparation before we leave for Osgiliath.\" he pauses then in thought, \"Though, Ceredir, if I recall it well, you are quite good with the dagger, aren\'t you?\"

Hanomir stifles a yawn as he approaches Gurtir and Ceredir, as tired as he has been ever since he returned to Minas Tirith. He hasn\'t been sleeping while, but he isn\'t going to let that stop his preperation for returning to Osgiliath. All his injuries were pretty much healed now, as he escaped the battle luckier than most. But he took full advantage of the leave, hoping he would be able to get more sleep, but it didn\'t work.

He performs the salute he was taught as he approaches Gurtir, and says quietly, still trying to show no sign of his weariness, \"Good morning, sir.\"

Hanomir also nods slightly to Ceredir.

[Ceredir(#1394)] \"Yes, sir....why is that?\" Ceredir gives the Ranger a puzzled look as he reaches for a wooden sword. \"And the stitches are healed. My arm is just sore from getting used to using it again with a sword.\" The Scout gives Hanomir a nod, as well. \"Good to see you.\"

[Gurtir(#30678)]

\"Because that\'s already a melee weapon.\", the Ranger tells Ceredir, heading to where the dummies are now that he got his wooden sword, \"Not a very good one, at least not in battle. But I was still wondering, are you acquiented to the bow? We need good archers and if the enemy approached you, you could use your dagger to free yourself and seek a new firing position. The sword could be worked with later.\"

He then turns to Hanomir, acknowledging his salute with a nod, \"Good morning. Get your weapon and let\'s get the rust out of our joints. I want to depart after noon.\"

[Combat(#13388)] Gurtir draws a finely crafted longsword from its impecable white scabbard, making it shine beautiful and terribly.

[Ceredir(#1394)] Ceredir hesitates, wooden sword in hand. \"All right...\" He shrugs and puts the sword back. \"Though it takes years to master the bow, sir, and I am rather...old for that, no?\" He half grins.

Hanomir replies to Ceredir, \"Indeed.. Good to see you also..\" He manages a weak smile, before turning back to Gurtir, nodding, \"Yes sir.\" He glances over to the wooden sword, and picks one up, adjusting himself to the weight, before swinging it gently, though not close enough to hit anyone. Although he is not looking forward to departing again at noon, it means he has no more chance of resting.

COMBAT - Wielded: Longsword

[Thaladel(#7905)] Thaladel is out on the training ground, shifting his full weight onto his healing right ankle. It\'s not so bad. Spotting his friend, he walks over to where Gurtir and Ceredir are standing. \"Scout,\" Thal greets with a quick smile. Then, to the other man, he nods, \"Ranger Gurtir.\" In a low voice, he says, \"Sir..I realize now is not the ideal time, but who knows how long the battles will continue? So I simply wished to tell you that I thought on your words. You were right. My quarrel ought to be with the house of Bragollach.\" Thal holds his wooden sword at his side, ready to practice now that he has said what he needed to.

[Gurtir(#30678)]

The Ranger considers Ceredir\'s words, \"It depends on the man. In one year you could become quite an excuse for an archer, if you practiced hard. But really, it is up to you. If you are more confortable with sword, stick to it.\"

\"Let\'s see a couple of swings, Hanomir. Twist your waist, that\'s where the power must come from. If you just use your arm, it will strain you too much and not carry as much strength.\", Gurtir points the dummy with his chin and then exemplifies, a slash with controled speed sent to where the head of a man would be, \"But take it easy.\"

Afterwards, Gurtir turns to the new arrival, Thaladel, regarding the man with inexpressive eyes, \"You have spoken.\", he gives one sharp nod, \"Let us now see your actions.\"

\"Feel free to join us. We leave for Osgiliath after noon.\"

Gurtir attacks Straw Target Dummy with his Longsword and mildly wounds it!

[Ceredir(#1394)] \"No....\" Ceredir answers slowly, \"I will try the bow. I think you are right.\" He heads to a different rack, returning with a bow and a few arrows. A nod of greeting is given to Thaladel, though Ceredir then blinks. \"Bragollach?\" he frowns. \"Why Bragollach?\"

[Gurtir(#30678)]

Gurtir glares at Ceredir, \"First try bending it, get to know the weapon. In Osgiliath you must ask a Master Scout for further instructions on stringing and unstringing.\"

Hanomir nods slightly at the instructions, and turns to face the dummy, imagining an orc, before attempting a swing with the instructions he was given, twisting his waist.

You blindly attack Straw Target Dummy with your Longsword...

[Combat(#13388)->Hanomir]

Your attack against Straw Target Dummy mildly wounds it!

[Thaladel(#7905)] Thal looks at his friend after the Ranger has spoken. \"Bragollach..because of what that horrible man threatened to do to Nella. The Ranger here encouraged me to have..words, with Sir Elenur, about what he wanted to do to my sister. And I\'ve decided that Gurtir was right. It would be cowardice to just let such hostility toward Nella go unchecked.\" Finally, Thal raises his sword, waiting to attack the dummy after Hanomir is finished.

[Gurtir(#30678)]

\"That is it.\", Gurtir tells Hanomir, examining the man\'s motion and hit, \"Just don\'t get emotional on fighting a piece of straw. I want to see control and technique. Not sheer strength. That any weaponsmith can give me. I want soldiers.\"

He then turns to Thaladel, narrowing his eyes, \"I encouraged you to do nothing.\"

[Ceredir(#1394)] Ceredir grunts as he draws back the bow. \"Better that I should start with a lighter draw and work up to this, I should think.\" He stops to unstring the bow and make it a bit easier to draw, giving Thaladel a look of some surprise. \"I see...well I should...\" That is unfinished at Gurtir\'s words and teh Ranger\'s look.

Hanomir nods briefly, slightly embarrassed at the man\'s words, \"Sorry, sir.. At least it will help me to hit..\" He then glances to Thaladel, confused at their discussion, before stepping backwards to allow him to have his turn at attacking.

[Gurtir(#30678)]

\"It is a piece of straw, Scout. You would surprise me if you missed.\", the Ranger turns at Hanomir\'s reply, \"Which you just might do, hacking at it like this. You most have utmost control when attacking, least it steals you of your balance or open your guard too much.\", he attempts another hit at the dummy, again controled, with speed fitting the purpose of the healing trainment.

Gurtir attacks Straw Target Dummy with his Longsword and mildly wounds it!

[Ceredir(#1394)] Finally satisfied with the draw of the bow, Ceredir now carefully selects an arrow and nocks it to the bow. He manages to draw the string to his cheek, not to the ear, aiming at the target. The Scout -should- be out of the way of the other men, but with beginner archers, one never knows. \"Firing!\" he calls out as a warning.

[Thaladel(#7905)] Thaladel looks back at the Ranger. \"Yet you reprimanded me- told me I was a coward- for doing nothing when that man insulted my sister. By doing so, you encouraged me to take action.\" He shakes his head, then walks toward the straw dummies raises his sword to attack one of them, taking out his frustration on it.

Hanomir immediately feels stupid at his first comment, blaming his weariness for his failure to use common sense, and merely says weakly, \"Yes sir.. It would help me to hit with more skill, then.\" He tries to hit it again, determined to do it properly this time.

[Gurtir(#30678)]

\"Do not allow me to steal your glory, boy.\", Gurtir tells the Man at Arms, to whom he now looks at, \"I spoke what any other man would have. Just as you start to earn my respect you go ahead and destroys it by speaking words of a pawn, string puppet?\", he shakes his head, watching the Man at Arms train in silence. His only comment?

\"Take it easy. We leave to Osgiliath after noon.\"

[Gurtir(#30678)]

Afterwards, Gurtir glances at Hanomir, to see his attack.

You attack Straw Target Dummy with your Longsword...

[Combat(#13388)->Hanomir]

Straw Target Dummy dodges your attack.

[Straw Target Dummy(#13588)] Hanomir missed the target completely.

[Ceredir(#1394)] Ceredir sighs as his first arrow misses. He pulls several more arrows out of his arrow bag and sets them on the ground in front of him, slowly drawing the bow and aiming deliberately for the target to practice.

[Thaladel(#7905)] Thaladel continues to attack the straw dummy, laying into it rather hard with his wooden practice sword. Little bits of straw float gently down through the air. \"Not a pawn,\" he mutters, irritated at the ranger, hitting the dummy again.

[Gurtir(#30678)]

\"Men! Away from the dummies!\", Gurtir calls now to the men of Ithilien, \"Pair up now. Let\'s practice attacks and defenses. DON\'T hit yourselves for real. I want to see technique and speed. Remember we will soon leave for battle. I want everybody as fit as they can be.\"

\"Hanomir, help me give the example.\" after these words, the Ranger gives the scout a moments to understand what will happen, adopting a guard position... and then breaking out of it, a thrust sent towards Hanomir\'s chest with just the precise strength to tickle, not harm, should it indeed land.

Gurtir attacks you with his Longsword!...

...and he hits! Ouch!

[Gurtir(#30678)]

\"Man at Arms.\", Gurtir tells Thaladel meanwhile, \"Feel free to pair up with Scout Hirdonen, if you are done discussing your relationship with the dummy.\"

At this, said Hirdonen comes to stand by Thaladel, a light limp betraying his agility. He offers the Telpekhor a nod, \"Shall we?\"

Hanomir withdraws from the dummy he has just poorly attacked at the command and turns away to face Gurtir. He listens to the instructions, feeling wearier by the second.

He is taken by surprise as Gurtir tells him to help give the example. He raises his wooden sword too light, and the blow hits his chest, causing him to stumble back ever so slightly, but it didn\'t hurt. It is only his weariness that prevented him from standing his ground.

He grits his teeth in annoyance and sends a blow at Gurtir\'s stomach, with the same force as the blow that hit him.

You attack Gurtir with your Longsword...

[Combat(#13388)->Hanomir]

Your attack against Gurtir mildly wounds him!

[Thaladel(#7905)] Thaladel only gives Gurtir a glare before he nods and follows orders. \"Alright.\" The Telepkhiri lad agrees, flashing a quick smile. He faces his training partner, Hirdonen, and raises his sword.

[Gurtir(#30678)]

Just as Gurtir turns his face back from Thaladel, Hanomir\'s wooden sword touches his belly. With a nod at the Scout for his success, the Ranger slashes at Hanomir\'s arm, \"See? No strength required. Just agility.\"

Hirdonen also raises his sword, as he sees Thaladel will indeed fight him, and already prepares a slash ta the Man at Arms\' ribs.

Gurtir attacks you with his Longsword!...

...and he hits! Ouch!

[Ceredir(#1394)] By the archery targets, Ceredir has finally hit the arrow twice. He walks to the target, reclaiming the arrows, then turns to watch the sparring.

Hanomir sways slightly on his feet as he draws back his sword, nodding at Gurtir\'s words. He tries raising the sword to deflect the attack but it hits, causing him to drop the sword. However, he catches and stabs forward again, hoping this movement made it look like the mistake was deliberate.

You attack Gurtir with your Longsword...

[Combat(#13388)->Hanomir]

Gurtir dodges your attack.

[Thaladel(#7905)] Thal does not try to dodge the scout\'s attack, for he is moving too fast. Thal only has time to bring up his wooden sword to try to block the blow that\'s aimed at his ribs.

[Gurtir(#30678)]

Gurtir sidesteps Hanomir\'s stab, also bending his body ever so lightly away from the other\'s weapon. Following the motion, he sends his sword towards the side of the man\'s shoulder, \"Stay sharp!\"

Hirdonen grins as Thaladel blocks his blow and tries again, a backward step taken before he attempts a stab.

Gurtir attacks you with his Longsword!...

...and he hits! Ouch!

Hanomir mutters something under his breath as Gurtir dodges and soon feels the attack hit his shoulder. He doesn\'t respond to the command, but withdraws slightly, preparing himself for the next attack. After remaining defensive for a while, he attacks again with a very slight slash towards the chest.

You attack Gurtir with your Longsword...

[Combat(#13388)->Hanomir]

Gurtir dodges your attack.

[Gurtir(#30678)]

It takes Gurtir but a step backwards to deny Hanomir\'s attack. Then after a step forward, he thrusts at the man\'s chest, \"I want you to focus, Hanomir.\"

Hirdonen grunts as Thaladel hits-- though it\'s not out of pain, more than some amused frustration. Describing a wide arch with his sword, he tries to slash at Thaladel.

Gurtir attacks you with his Longsword!...

...and he hits! Ouch!

Hanomir almost lets the blow hit his chest, closing his eyes in irritance as he stumbles back again, trying to force away the weariness as he reopens them, his vision blurred for a few seconds. Gurtir\'s words echo in his mind as he grits his teeth and swings again, maybe with a bit too much force. But in his current wearied state, that won\'t do much extra.

You attack Gurtir with your Longsword...

[Combat(#13388)->Hanomir]

Gurtir dodges your attack.

[Gurtir(#30678)]

Indeed, the stregnth behind Hanomir\'s blow does not make a difference, as Gurtir dodges it again. \"Enough\", he says, raising his hand for peace and nodding in respect to his opponent.

\"Alright, men! That will be enough. Stretch some, get cleaned up, get your things ready, eat.\", Gurtir calls out, \"As soon as I stop seeing my own shadow, I want everybody assembled, ready to leave.\"

Hanomir remains staring ahead as his attack again misses, disappointed with his own performance. He rubs his eyes, trying to rid himself of some of the weariness, before turning and placing his sword back on the rack, turning away too quickly, knocking it to the ground with a clatter.

He freezes in his step, rolling his eyes before replacing the sword again, leaving the arena without a second glance at anyone.