faderift | [Open] Blade to shackle-bearer, valiant of spirit

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[Open] Blade to shackle-bearer, valiant of spirit

WHO: Character(s: James Norrington, Alayre Sauveterre, Pel Ashara, NPC soldiers and templars and YOU.
WHAT: First Templar Training Session for Inquisition Soldiers
WHEN: 14th of Wintersbreath
WHERE: Skyhold Training Ring
NOTES: Warnings for Violence, Racism against Elves, Templars being badass.

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Norrington had told all of the other Templars that he would begin training the soldiers in direct Templar training on how to handle abominations, and he was as good as his word. He put up a list for sign-up for the soldiers, and it was filled within minutes. His own Templars came to help train the fifty-plus soldiers, and James took on lecturing duties. Explaining the differences between demons and abominations, and beyond that, spirits as best as he understood them. Informed them that no, not all mages were simply 'abominations waiting to happen'. It was a conscious choice of the mage within the Fade to make that deal with a demon, and typically? It was because the mage had lost control of their abilities through either fear or ... coercion.

Then he had each soldier run through practice drills on the best way to defend against demons, using his Templars (and any who volunteered) to walk them through step by step. Then, to demonstrate how it all worked together -- James called Templars into the ring, and took them on, sword and shield. The effect was just what he was hoping for, the men were completely rapt with attention. Which was good - he wanted for them to soak it in.

And if any of the passer-bys wanted to stay and watch? Learn something or just know how much training went into actually hunting and killing demons? Well. Visual demonstrations were always ... effective.

And afterwards ...

Afterwards, James would be hanging milling on the side of the ring - talking to the soldiers or his fellow Templars. If you wanted to speak to him, challenge him to some sort of sparring match, or just taunt from the sidelines? Now was the time.

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While Alayre had not personally joined the training, the Hero of Pharos certainly did watch. Playing the role of the spectator is nothing new for him. He's been keeping an keen eye on Skyhold as of late in hopes of seeing some progress in the Order's morale. Blessedly, things are going much smoother than he previously thought they would considering Norrington's presence. That man is nothing short of a miracle worker in Alayre's opinion. The soldiers seem quite fond of him and others seem to appreciate their newest addition to Skyhold as well.

"Quite the grand display of valor and strength, Knight-Commander Norrington." It seems that Alayre has returned to his more formal manner of speech again. The man has a habit of always referring to his colleagues only by their titles and surnames. It's a sign of respect on his part but also a touch of professional sincerity.

"I'm grateful that you've decided to take up the endeavor."

James was finishing an example of how to use the shield to deflect claws from one's face, using a shield, when he heard the other man's voice over his shoulder. He turned, sweat beaded on his brow, as he grinned over at Alayre.

"Why thank you, Knight Commander Sauveterre." He saluted with the sword in his hand, giving his companion a smirk. "I was just demonstrating how to hold off a demon's claws. It's important to know how to defend when your opponent has a weapon in both hands."

He looked back at the group of soldiers still around the training circle, "As many of you know, Knight Commander Sauveterre is one of the only Templars ever trained in dual weaponry. You could never look for a better man to learn of tricks to watch for from demons and abominations."

Alayre couldn't help but chuckle a little. Teaching their men how to deflect claws? Interesting. That is definitely a skill worth learning considering what transpired not too long ago. An abomination graced the halls of Skyhold and many were injured during the onslaught. With that potential danger in mind, Alayre certainly approves of today's practice.

"Indeed, it is." He agrees with a faint smile. "The unpredictability of combat is doubled when the enemy has two weapons rather than one." That's a fact that Alayre honestly swears by considering his method of combat. "Ah..?" Did he just accidentally get roped into this demonstration? Alayre glances towards the volunteers with a hint of surprise before looking to Norrington again.

"While I'm no abomination, I suppose I could assist with today's training." Yep, he definitely just got roped into today's demonstrations. Alayre can't help but shake his head.

It was for that precise reason that Norrington had chosen that particular lesson. After all, what better way to prepare them for the battles to come from a horror they had already faced, one that they were already dreading. To give them a defense to that? Was to give them confidence.

James gives him an oh-so-innocent smile, before gesturing him into the training ring. Why yes, Alayre, you have just been volunteered. "Thank you, Knight Commander Sauveterre. If you wouldn't mind just showing off some of the basic moves that you have learned?" He looked to the troops, "Demons and abominations are not seasoned fighters - they are simply going to look to hack and slash."

A huff leaves Alayre now that he heads towards the training ring. As much as he likes to showcase his skills with the sword, he cannot help but feel somewhat out of place here. Alayre isn't wearing his usual attire today and looks less like a Templar and more like a rogue. The reason for this is because of his fondness for fine leathers as of late and dark cloaks. Therefore, he feels a tad under-dressed for today's shenanigans but he will not deny the chance to test Norrington's prowess in combat.

"Basic moves...?" Alayre cannot stop himself from smirking a little. There's nothing remotely 'basic' about his style of combat but he will try to keep things simple. After all, he would severely hate to embarrass Norrington before his clergy of stalwart hopefuls.

He waits for Norrington to turn his attention back towards him before getting into stance. The two swords he brandish are both silvery-white blades that mirror each other in likeness. However, the Iceblade is slightly larger and longer than its sisterblade. If Norrington has done his research, he'll know to avoid the larger blade since that's the one graced with Winter's Grasp.

"Shall we begin?"

And now, it was Norrington's turn to blink. He had only thought that Alayre could show them some fairly tame dual weapons, just so they had a visual cue of what to look for. However, it looked like Alayre wanted to spar. By the murmur of interest around them, however, it looked like everyone else wanted to as well.

He had done his research, and he dipped his head into a faint bow as he moved into the circle and closed the gate behind them. The larger blade he would use the shield to block as much as possible, keeping it angled to keep the frost away from himself and towards the other man's exposed face. Alayre knew well enough to back up from his own attack.

He shifted his weight, balancing the sword and shield, green eyes narrowed with concentration, a faint smirk on his own lips. "We shall."

Did James think this was going to be your average bland demonstration? Not at all if Alayre is involved. He's been itching to cross swords with Norrington ever since he caught a glimpse if that silverite blade. A sword crafted from that grade of silver usually only speaks of the wielder's wealth. However, Alayre is more than certain that Norrington is an accomplished swordsman. After all, James Norrington is a Knight-Commander much like himself.

Oh, Alayre won't be disappointed.

"En garde!" In just seconds, Alayre closes the slight gap between them with a quick offense. Self-taught and practicing with this unique style since youth, Alayre goes in to test James's defense with a quick strike towards his left. The sister blade known to some as the Melody Moon, is a dangerously sharp sword capable of piercing the heaviest if armor. It's not hardly as dangerous as his primary blade in the terms of enchantments but its lighter and sturdy design makes it a nuisance.

This is why Alayre likes to lead into his assault using his left hand first before striking down with the Iceblade within his right.

Well they are trying to demonstrate how to fight demons - however, this might be a good learning opportunity for something else. James's blade glows in the sun, as he eyes the other man and how he moves. Yes, he's going to step in to test James's defenses, so James does the smart play.

He steps back, angling his shield up and using his other sword to slide the blow away from his body, while he calls out to the soldiers and templars, "The first thing you must know - a demon is never going to give you a chance to counter by yelling 'En Garde!' A red templar, though?"

That got him a laugh, and more focused attention. Fighting red templars was also an immediate concern - and figuring out how to defend against crazy templars? Probably something to pass along.

"Ha! A Red Templar am I?" Alayre comments as he quickly thrusts the smaller sword towards James's shield. The chuckles from the others make him smile a bit. It seems that they won't be forgetting today's lesson anytime soon. "Continue with your commentary, good ser." Alayre says as he swings the dreaded Iceblade towards that shield to test it's strength.

"I shan't interrupt any further."

Alayre wonders idly how well he would compare against a Red Templar as of now. Judging from the awed looks, it seems like he plays the role of one convincingly enough. James had yet to retaliate and that worries him somewhat. He knows the other is seasoned in combat, so maybe James is simply bidding his time.

"For the sake of this demonstration, yes." James smirked, as he parried off the smaller sword, and then he twists away again, forcing the other man to turn with both his blades. Giving James a better idea of his speed and range with those blades. He shifts the shield to the side to force Iceblade away from him - it's a good shield and it keeps Iceblade from tearing through his armor, but he knows it wouldn't last long. He goes through shields at a shocking rate.

"As you can see, Knight Commander Sauveterre's attacks are offensive - they have to be. You can parry with two blades, but you can rarely block. Be mindful of the red templars with lyrium spikes for arms - they will attempt the same tactics. Move faster, smarter, not aggressively."

And he demonstrates by shifting again, out of the thrust of Iceblade, to twist and give the other man a solid shield thrust to his back, right where he knew it would barely mark at all. He continued the twist to parry the smaller sword, pressing his own attack forward with a good rush, and a solid one-two-thrust and stab.

Alayre's range with both sword varies. The Iceblade's reach is much better than the smaller sword but that's something Alayre can use in his advantage. If he gets in close to his adversaries, they won't be able to avoid either sword regardless. It's actually detrimental to fight him in close quarters and probably better to keep him at bay. Though, Alayre does have a few tricks up his sleeve to even the playing field.

The Iceblade scrapes loudly against Norrington's shield and a hint of frost actually coat the shield briefly with translucent ice. Had that been flesh instead of steel, Norrington would've lost all feeling of his arm for a time. The enchantment within this sword is undeniably there.

Norrington's commentary wins a nod of approval from Alayre who's idly listening. Mentally bracing himself for what may come next, Alayre doesn't have time to parry against that incoming shield. It slams in against his back causing him to stumble briefly. Once he regains balance, Alayre parries the Melody Moon against Norrington's blade before using the Iceblade to slam against his sword viscously enough to throw it off course.

James gritted his teeth slightly as Iceblade slides over his shield. Honestly, he was going to have to get some sort of enchanted shield -- especially if he was going to be going against red lyrium next. He stepped away again, dancing around the man to keep him just at enough at bay, so he could clip him again with the shield at his side.

His sword was sliding off, so he used it to balance off his next spin across Iceblade, and to the other side of Alayre. Then he came in fast, for as Iceblade was still arched off, he pushed forward with his shield sending the other man back as far as he could, before tapping him on the arm with his blade.

"Remember, your shield is for blocking, but in for a copper my friends - use it as a weapon as you can."

Alayre's thoughts mirror that of Norrington's when it comes down to having a proper shield. He fears harming the other Knight-Commander, so Alayre purposely does his best not to swing with his right but rather with his left instead. This is why Norrington was able to escape his onslaught. Alayre isn't as good with his left hand as he is with his right. It's a flaw he's been working on as of late. However, none of the recruits would be able to notice and even the most keen eyes might not realize it.

Alayre was able to knock Norrington's shield back the first time as he swings with the Melody Moon. Yet, Norrington did manage to throw him off balance by using his shield to deflect the Iceblade towards the left and then bashing that shield against him. Alayre is stunned for a nonce or two, giving the other Templar a chance to tap him on the arm.

"Interesting tactic." He grunts. "You certainly even the odds quite well."

It is good both of them are using caution, because Norrington is all too aware the other man is not wearing armor and cannot take a more serious blow than a few taps. Which was why Alayre was not currently on his back, staring up the sky and wondering what happened. Fine control with a sword and shield was difficult, and Norrington had to work very hard not to hurt the other man.

"Well, one has to be willing to get interesting when one's opponent has a weapon that can freeze your innards." Norrington grunted in kind, as he carefully turned on one heel, taking a step backwards once more.

"How true." A chuckle. "I will take better care not to allow such a travesty to transpire."

Alayre resumes his stance again once Norrington takes his. Despite doing whatever he could not to injure this man, he couldn't help but want to show up James a little. Alayre has a slight competitive edge about him that only Taashath seen before in combat. The Hero of Pharos enjoys locking blades with friends and foes a bit too much for his own good. He craves battle. All of this political nonsense he's undergone thus far as agonized the warrior within Alayre. For today and only today, the mild-mannered negotiator will take a backseat.

"Shall we continue?" Alayre asks eagerly with something akin to a smirk upon his lips. "I suppose you could say I'm becoming quite fond of my role in this." He says as he presses the opposite ends of his swords together. The conjoined hilts make a slight click once secured.

"You've demonstrated well how to defend against a dual-wielding Red Templar but what of one who carries a single weapon that is sharp on two ends?" The bar just got raised.

"As will I."

Oh, Norrington has seen this look in men's eyes before. That glint of competition, the desire to best their foe. Norrington's eyes narrowed thoughtfully - he is a brilliant warrior but he always looks for all ways to victory, and not with just superior sword craft. Perhaps that is why he chose sword and shield.

"We shall ..." He watched as the other man combined the two blades together, before he called out to the men. "So the Knight Commander is now demonstrating how a Red Templar might use all of his weapons, or indeed, be a weapon himself. Always be cautious, here. You must wait for a weakness."

Alayre nods in consent when the other gives his. Norrington is a difficult opponent for him to face, especially outside of armor. He counted all the numerous times James could've severely wounded him. His footwork was a little sloppy earlier since Alayre truly wasn't in the mood for spar. However, that changes here and now.

Again, Norrington's commentary is correct. The best way to force an opponent like him is to wait for any telltale signs of weakness. This is why Alayre takes a moment to study Norrington's stance before quickly charging forward with a might thrust. The Iceblade is on the forefront here and Alayre is wielding this double-ended construct like a pole arm this time around. He strikes first with the larger blade before spinning the opposite end forward to jab at Norrington's shield.

It should go without saying that Alayre is capable of detaching the swords at will. However, it seems that he's attempting a vastly different style of combat to throw Norrington off his game.

Oh, and now the man was going to have the advantage, while James played defensive. Any move he could make would seriously hurt the other man, so he gritted his teeth and took the slams to the shield, holding it in front of him to fend off the attacks.

In this, James showed that Alayre had the superior speed, and the superior weapon. He also showed that you could stand against it, if you had the guts to do so. Determination was never something he lacked, after all.

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[Open] Blade to shackle-bearer, valiant of spirit

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