Auron & Datura - Shield Training

[Auron Warfield]

Auron sits in his chair at the knight camp, enjoying his morning tea. Things have been calm recently, and (apart from missing Degren) Auron is content. The winter has, thus far, been uneventful.

He ponders what he shall do to keep busy for the day. Perhaps some training? Should he pray to Lord Air? Maybe mingle with the residents of town? Either way, things were shaping up to be yet another uneventful, ordinary day.

[Datura Shinso]

Datura strolls into the Knight Camp with his sword held on his shoulder. He rests it against a nearby tree and takes a seat on a stump adjacent to Auron. Saying nothing, he glances towards Auron's shield, also propped against one of the trees surrounding the Knight Camp. Coyly, he smirks as he looks away.
"So, you'd really trust that thing over heavy body armor to save your life in tight situations?" he asks, motioning Auron to the shield. The morning sunlight glistens off the glossy, blue finish of the shield.

[Auron Warfield]

"You're damn right I would. That shield has already saved my life more times than I can count." Auron puts his cup of tea down on the table, and stands up. He places his hands together behind his back - he's always found this helps him concentrate. "Heavy body armor is great for protecting you against small, insignificant strikes. But it also slows you down, and leaves you open to combos from stronger oppenents. A shield, however, enables you to block the heavy hits that would otherwise deal great damage. All while only slowing you down a small amount."

Auron catches Datura glancing at his shield once again and says, with a slight chuckle, "Why the sudden interest? Are you considering learning how to use one?"

[Datura Shinso]

"Well..." - Datura paused. "Considering what happened at that last tournament, you could say I am partially convinced of the effectiveness of a shield, rather than relying purely on body armor."
Datura rises to his feet, glancing at his full body armor suit, resting neatly next to the largest Knight Camp tent. "Would you care to show me just how effective it can be?" Datura asked, picking up Aurons shield, handing it to the Samurai.

[Auron Warfield]

Auron gives a slight but quick nod to Datura as he takes his shield. "Gladly, my friend. I'll show you a few of my moves, and then we'll see how well you can wield this shield on your own."

Over the course of the next half hour or so, Auron explains and demonstrates many of his shield tactics. He covers the basics, mostly - things like stances, how to block without losing footing, and how to counter when the opportunity arises. After he has finished, he passes his shield to Datura. "Now, your turn. You'll need this, as well." Auron picks up his one-handed sword and passes it over. "I'm afraid that large sword you normally wield will not work here. You can use my sword until we forge one of your own."

He then walks over to his tent, and acquires his larger, two-handed sword. "Now, prove to me that you've been paying attention." He says, as he draws his sword and enters a combat stance. "Defend yourself!"

.... at this moment, it occurs to Auron that the knights should, perhaps, invest in some training and sparring equipment.

[Datura Shinso]

Before Datura could even react, Auron's sword was inches away from his torso.
"I see. You're still relying heavily on your body armour, Datura." - Auron says, as he retracts his sword and returns to his readied stance.
"Right... sorry. I know," stammers Datura, who can't believe the swiftness of his trainer's strike. Auron, without warning, lunges forward for another strike. Out of pure impulse, Datura raises the shield to his torso area. The sword grazes the shield but ultimately scrapes along his chest plate.

[Auron Warfield]

"Hmph. Better, but not quite good enough." Auron says. "Let us continue."

It took several more surprise strikes for Datura to be able to react quickly enough to block them, but he is a trained warrior. Learning new combat skills comes naturally to him, and the shield proves to be no different. After an hour of grueling training, Auron believes that Datura has learned the basics. "You've got a long way to go - but that will come with further training and field experience. For now, I believe you should be fine to wield a shield about that size. Have you got a design in mind?

[Datura Shinso]

"I think I do," Datura said with a smirk, while wiping the sweat from his brow. "Something about the size of yours, but an aesthetic fitting only me."
Taking his seat on his previous stump, Datura ponders the details of his shield, imagining it in his mind. To fuse weight and shape with functionality would prove a difficult task.
"I want the shield to not only block incoming strikes, but to also aid in offensive maneuvers. I want the enemy to fear striking my shield as much as they do being slashed by my blade."

[Sponsored content]