#earthrunes

August dodges the blow. It's a powerful attack, but also over extended.

His sparring partner has gotten better, but is still no warrior

It is warm, and he has worked up a sweat.... pardon, he glows with vigor and glory.

Hume huffs, warm himself, "Darn, thought I had you"

August steps back, disengaging and indicating Hume should do the same. "Not for the first time, Lord Hume, but this might not be your forte. Mine either. You have other ways to fight but I do think it is wise to know self-defense. Armed and Unarmed."

He lowers the weapon and steps back as directed, "It's not... and yes, Baroness Coradel insists I keep in practice. Honestly, if I were to do this at Pennons I'd probably embarrass myself. "

"As would I." August agrees "But it is excellent exercise; physical chess, as it were. I meant to suggest you not neglect hand-to-hand and close-quarters fighting."

"Yes, Baron" He nods "I've been told I'm too timid on the attack, but when I do try it, I over extend. I can't seem to find the balance"

The baron tilts his head, thinking "Do you have balance or coordination challenges in other areas?"

"Well, my spine is largely chimerical, but no. I think it's more balance like... I try to get aggressive and I forget my guard"

"Why do you become agg
ressive?"

"Because I'm told I'm too timid and over compensate I guess?" He says unsure

"Something to think about."

"Do -you- feel you're too timid?"

"Probably" Sheepish "I just mm I don't enjoy fighitng"

"Oh, I don't either." August assures him and leads the way to the water cooler; the confessio isn't really news "I do believe in the Athenian model of healthy mind/healthy body and I take this as exercise with the added benefit of training. I feel it's something I should develop my skills in. But I do not have the heart of a warrior."

They both get water, and it helps. "I supose you're up on me. I only really started excercising since I came here. "

"My host...." he says softly "Played baseball and I continued that through high school. And I ride with Coradel, of course. You have challenges that I do not."

"Oh the spine, yes.. it's corrected thanks to chimerical tek but" He twists and there are clickity click sounds "I'ts never far from reminding me"

"I wonder if there are martial arts and combat programs for those with spinal conditions; I've never had to consider it before."

"Some yoga can be helpful with caution, but that's not battle related"

"I'm sure there would be more information on the internet. I know there are Wounded Warrior games among mortal service members."

"Oh " Mmm "Well, yes you're probably right. I should look into that. I wonder if Liam helps those folks. Mortal based and all"

"I would be surprised if we did not have someone involved. I can look into that angle, if you like?"

"YOu've caused me to learn to trust your house more than I would have years ago as reliable sources for intell"

"That is a gracious compliment. Thank you. Would you like to continue?" he gestures to the ring.

"LIKE? No.. should I? probably" He sighs "Let's resume. Maybe just at target dummies though. We'll at least build up endurance"

August nods agreement and together they address the manikins.

It's hard work, whaming and hammering

Slicing and dicing

August pauses to watch Hume work.

Hume seems more at ease when NOT facing a living opponent. His form actually improves

August clears his throat.

OOC What kind of blade is Hume using?

OOC: Actually, a mace 🙂

BIC: "Mm?" He pauses "yes?"

"May I ask what brought you to the mace as a weapon?"

"Well, the sword seems to require greater skill"

"Have you considered a foil? It will be more challenging at first but.... well, I have to wonder if the surgical precision might not offset your admited tendence to, ah, become aggressive and over balance."

"I tried a rapier, made me feel extra clumsy. Not the same thing, of course but still"

"Up to you of course." he demurs "I thought perhaps working only with the point of the blade, touching and returning to en-guard, might be something to practice."

"mmm "

"I thank you, Baron. Maybe I'll give the foil a chance. It can't hurt to try?"

"Certainly not the first few times." he agrees.

"Well, Baroness Coradel does make it all look easy"

A soft smile. "She does indeed."

"SOme say Dame Claire and Dame Temerity are as good or better than she, but Dame Leonora says Coradel is a masteful 'switch hitter' between bow and sword"

"Whever did she get that wrist trinket?" Speaking of the one that transforms

And (presumably) August fills him in on what he knows . August never boasts of himself, but one suspects that rule is not so rigidly enforced in praising the lady he loves, however properly

(End Scene)