#earthrunes

Temerity trains with fierce consistency, trying herself against Dame Claire

August might have a bias and root for the Liam

August is also dressed for a combat workout, and observes the training closely.

Indeed, he's not alone in watching, Sir Ivory, pale as the asbence of shadow, watches as well

Temerity is fierce, and, belying her mouse nature, is the more agressive of the two fighters

August watches the different styles.

Claire works the shield, and is more tactical. She has economy of motion. This makes her a better long term swordswoman, but Temerity has the chance of getting a good shot in early so... there's a balance

Privately, August is interested in the outcome.

Of course, Temerity's assertiveness works against her as after a probing stroke, she THINKS she sees a weakness and brings home the second follow up...

only to discover it is a feint, and the Ailil locks Temerity's sword arm in her shield, and strikes with her own sword at same sword arm with a follow up by the thigh

"Blast... shall be much harder to fight without two limbs..." Temerity fusses as the practice blade makes two marks

"Is that your way of yielding?" Claire inquires. Had this been a real fight, she'd have won

"'Tis but a scratch." August murmurs to himself.

Ivory near him turns, and looks surprised and amused at what he thought he heard

"Nay... I never yield. Rather, I shall buy you a drink and celebrate our mutual growth as warriors" Temerity grins

Claire laughs "Granted. Though the drinks here are free" She reminds

"All the better" Temerity says as they disengage "My lord Truthbranch. Lo I have been felled by a dragon. Most humbling"

"It was an honorable fight."'

"Thank you, Baron" Claire says "Temerity has often beat me, so it was gratifying to get one over her."

A gentle smile. "You are both well balanced together."

"Heh" Temerity beams at the praise from both "A mouse knows her worth, but it is good to hear others sing it too . I still hope to take Pennons in Melee, Joust, and Cornhole"

"I suppose it's coming up, isn't it?"

"She speaks of Pennons even when it's Spring sometimes" Ivory points out

"Pennons is much beloved among all mice... it sates our appetites for good food, good works, and blood " Temerity insists

"Ah."

"And Blood" Claire nods then turns to August "Well, Father in law of mine, will you be competing? Your sword play is decent and has gotten better"

"No, I think not. That is, I won't compete. I would agree that my combat skills have improved."

"If you insist, my lord, then I shall carry the banner of Truthbranch Bannerhouse into the fray!" Temerity says "I alone.... with Sir Ivory, your wife, Dame Leonora... your wife....probably your boggan squire... oh, did I mention Dame Coradel? All into the fray!"

OOC I don't think all those are part of the bannerhouse? My understanding was that the bannerhouse is seperate but related to the Barony. Of course she's a pooka....

OOC: She's a pooka. But I believe most had joined up?

OOC: I'll have to look it up later, but for now feel free to assume Pooka ese

OOC Ok!

"Ah. Yes. Indeed."

"I knew it.. an honor, my Lord" Temerity puffs up

"Now you've done it, Father in law" Dame Claire mmms "She's going to be calling herself the Champion of the Bannerhouse"

August gives a small shrug; it was inevitable.

"Oh Dame Claire what a marvelous idea, in my humlity it had never occurred to me" She puffs up proud

"Well." August observes "I should continue with my drills."

"Shall we take our turn at it, Baron?" Ivory offers himself as a training partner "or did you wish to drill alone?"

OOC Remind me of Ivory's position and a little backstory? I don't remember and I'm on the phone....

OOC: Sure. One of Paler's brood, a 'brother' of sorts to Zara. Sidhe of House Liam...his mother raised him fortunately for him

OOC Ah! Thank you!!

August nods. "I'd be honored." and he enters the sparing ring.

Ivory has become quite the warrior, but would call Temerity his better by a notch

August's own skills are still modest, but he manages to avoid stabbing himself most of the time.

Indeed, Ivory's testing blows, opening are meant to evaluate August as they spare "You used to be slower to react"

He nods, not wasting breath or attention.

Ivory nods, respecting that... his testing blows done, he tries a more serious thrust

August dances back and parries.

The blow is avoided, but dancing back does allow his opponent to press