[OOM] The Dragonfly.

[stuck_mynock]

Atton's sat on some boxes, swinging his legs. He's given Guppy a wooden sword.

"So, show us what you can do."

Comments

[stuck-mynock.livejournal.com]

Atton follows, sword making patterns in the air as he feints and slashes.

[will_scarlett]

Will applauds, "Ye're na dead yet."

[guppy_sandhu]

Guppy takes another few steps back.

"Can we take a time out please." he says, "I need to ask a question."

Plus he's out of breath. Unfit Guppy is unfit.

[stuck-mynock.livejournal.com]

Atton flicks his sword about, wiping it off (though the lack of anything on it suggests this is more ritual or habit than anything else) and sheathing it.

"You did well. Didn't die, which is better than when we started," he says, heading back toward the boxes. He's not out of breath at all, it seems. "Go on."

[will_scarlett]

Will tosses him a bottle of water,

"Drink that."

[guppy_sandhu]

Guppy takes a swig.

"Okay, when I block, what do I do next? How do I swing back without, like, unblocking?"

[stuck-mynock.livejournal.com]

"Okay. Attack me again, and I'll show you," Atton says, drawing his sword.

[will_scarlett]

Will relaxes again, Atton's doing a good job of teaching Guppy.

[guppy_sandhu]

Guppy does so, slowing down when the sword gets near Atton so that Atton can show him in slow motion.

[stuck-mynock.livejournal.com]

Atton shows him, very slowly, blocking the sword, twisting and pushing it aside, and using the opening made to stab at Guppy's stomach. He stops before he would actually hit Guppy.

They repeat the exercise a couple of times. Sometimes Atton bears the sword down, cuts at Guppy's arm (without touching) and then slashes him. Sometimes he blocks, pushes the sword away, slides past and slashes Guppy's back. The varieties are many.

Eventually he sheaths his sword.

"Counter attacks are important. If I'd been going at full speed during our spar, I would've looked to use that to keep you always on the defensive. Counter attacks help that."

[will_scarlett]

"Oh aye, need to be thinkin' 'bout yer counter attack e'erytime."

[guppy_sandhu]

Guppy nods.

"But I, I mean you, wouldn't be standing still."

[stuck-mynock.livejournal.com]

"Yes, Guppy, that's why you need to get the sword out of the way and then very quickly strike. Remember, if you're striking, even if they get the sword back towards you, they kinda have to block. They might try to dodge, but you need t'be faster."

[will_scarlett]

"Aye, speed will keep ye alive."

[guppy_sandhu]

Guppy nods.

"I don't know how long I could keep that up for. How do I disarm someone?"

[stuck-mynock.livejournal.com]

"Cutting off their hand works pretty well. Or just slashing it. Alternatively, if you're in a sword lock, twisting and wrenching it away with enough force that they can't keep a hold of it."

Beat.

"Sometimes they will try to cuddle you. You must shun them if they do, like I shun Will," shoving Will, "else it'll lead to only pain."

[will_scarlett]

Will just laughs and shoves Atton back,

"Isna too 'ard to learn 'ow to disarm."

[guppy_sandhu]

"Why would they cuddle me?" Guppy asks, flicking the sword experimentally.

[stuck-mynock.livejournal.com]

Solemnly: "Because you are a very cuddly person."

[will_scarlett]

"An cause Atton's weird. Works better if ye're usin' yer wrist like this."

Will stands up to show Guppy.

[guppy_sandhu]

Guppy copies.

"So basically, until I improve my stamina, I need to disarm as quickly as possible."

[stuck-mynock.livejournal.com]

"Well, s'always a good idea anyway."

[will_scarlett]

"Aye, ye'll get the trick soon."

[guppy_sandhu]

"I still felt very close to death."

[stuck-mynock.livejournal.com]

"Well, we'll practice. After you've had a shower and me and Will have made food, I mean."