The Earth Circle

[Gurok]

Gurok wanders past the Knight camp in search or Ardin, and spots him near the Earth circle.
"Ardin!- Can you Show me how to use that thing?" *points to his shield*  "I'm getting my own made, it's a bit smaller but its still pretty unfamiliar to me."

[Ardin Gallagher]

Ardin takes a few silent moments to finish praying at the Earth circle, and slowly rises to his feet. Looking down at the shield, glimmering in the evening light, he addresses the orc.

"I'm always happy to teach someone how to properly defend themselves. Normally I'd train people with lighter shields to get their bearings first, as this one is quite heavy, but given the lack of an armoury around here coupled with your strength, I suppose we can make this do,"

Ardin faces Gurok and raises his shield, adopting a defensive stance.

"See how my feet are placed, how my body is adjusted. You must always be as stable as the mountains when employing a shield, as the enemy will be constantly assailing you. Shields will stop the damaging strikes, but you can still be thrown about by the weight of their steel if not prepared. Now, for demonstration. Try and strike me with your weapon, and don't hold your blows,"

[Gurok]

alright, if you're sure... Gurok takes a few steps back and begins to swing at Ardin with her battleaxe- (5 metal)

[Ardin Gallagher]

Ardin swiftly positions the shield between himself and the incoming axe, a loud clang of steel ringing out. He proceeds to block blow after blow, explaining each movement as it happens, from the footwork involved in re-positioning and bracing for the blow to the movement of the shield to deflect each attack. Once satisfied that all the basics are covered Ardin steps back, unlatches his shield, and offers it to Gurok.

"Now it's time to see how well you've been paying attention,"

[Gurok]

"Hmm.. Well, I, Uh," Gurok stammers as Ardin passes her the shield. She quiets and attempts a defensive stance, but from her positioning, Ardin can clearly see it that looks more like she is getting ready to hit him with it.

[Ardin Gallagher]

"You'll need to calm yourself, Gurok. Having the shield like that is only asking for an opponent to strike,"

As Ardin talks, he unsheathes his sword and swings in, easily swinging it around Gurok's improper defenses and halting the blade inches from contact.

"And a strike would be the least of your worries. Had I gone for a powerful blow to the shield, you would have been knocked off your feet and overrun, strong as you may be. A shield worn as a weapon only helps your enemy. You'll be caught off balance and by the time you can react it'll be too late. Try and mirror my stance,"

Ardin mimes holding a shield in front of him with the proper footwork and posture.

[Gurok]

Gurokmimics him, how holding the shield in the correct position, but without planting her feet, or bracing herself. like this?

[Ardin Gallagher]

"Nearly. The shield is much better, you just need some adjustments to your stance,"

Ardin spends the next hour going over proper stance and helping Gurok get used to adopting these positions, to varying degrees of success.

[Gurok]

After a long while, Gurok Begins to get the footwork, Balance, and posture, all right, more often than not. frustrated, unsatisfied with her progress, but too tired to continue, she hands back the shield, thanks Ardin, and defeatedly wanders back to the inn. "We'll train again later," she says over her shoulder. "I've got to get better than this if I'm going to help defend the town."

[Ardin Gallagher]

"Noone has ever mastered a craft in a single day. You've done surprisingly well for your first day though, Gurok. We'll train more in the coming days if you wish, but I believe if you had a bit of a lighter shield you'll feel more comfortable wielding it."

Noticing the sun setting, Ardin takes a glance back at the earth circle and follows Gurok to the inn.

[Gurok]

Gurok drags herself back to the clearing. "Alright let's give this another go." Sighing, she puts her shield in front of her (incorrectly, but with a determined look. Her footwork and balance is correct however)

[Ardin Gallagher]

Ardin quickly corrects the shield.

"Alright, you seem to have the concepts down, let's get some physical training in, that should help with holding the shield,"

Ardin unsheathes his sword.

"Are you ready?"

[Gurok]

Aye aye Captain!!

[Ardin Gallagher]

Ardin starts off slowly, allowing Gurok to recall what was discussed the other night and react accordingly. As the hours pass, the strikes become faster and stronger, watching as Gurok shows vast improvement on how to properly defend herself with the shield.

"Quite impressive, Gurok. You've definitely improved. That shield still seems overly heavy on you, but if you were to get a lighter shield I believe you're quite capable of defending yourself now,"

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