This is a log recorded by Ravenwyr on approximately the first of August just north of Minas Tirith for a training session with Corporal Japhin. After the brief work out between the two men they lapse into a discussion on recent events and future plans...
Anorien: North of Mount Mindolluin
The towering walls of the city of Minas Tirith loom high above you, making you feel small and insignificant compared to the grandeur they hold. The winds from the north buffet the walls terribly here, whipping around you and causing you to pull your cloak ever tighter. All around you lie the plains of northern Gondor, and far to the north, you can just make out the tops of the southern Misties. Behind you lie the White Mountains, cold and still, secretive. And to the east...you shiver as your eyes turn eastwards for there, much closer than you had imagined lie the mountains forming the border of the Dark Lands. Perhaps you should seek safety within the walls.
The Sun settles in Her bed as the Moon shines forth and brings the stars with him. Evening lanterns are lit, bathing the land with pools of light.
Contents:
Japhin
Obvious exits:
West and South
Ravenwyr chuckles and glances around again, "I didn't mean to interupt your exercises... but I supose I can possibly offer some advice though I am no longer offically an arms instructor for the Guard." He sighs, glancing north and westerly, "I used to come up here all the time on my off duty hours to watch the herds... " He glances back to you, "Of course, I wasn't married then."
Japhin follows Raven's gaze and takes a deep breath through his nose, "Indeed... Indeed. How stand things with your wife? Was she well looked after? I had friends that I asked to look in on her, but..."
The slim man nods, focusing back on you from his wandering thoughts, "Yes, Lynn and the children are thankfully well. I had them sent to Dol Amroth after the trial." Raven's mouth twists bitterly, "We have just returned to bring them home, back to our house. I supose I'll be looking for a job." He shrugs, "But enough about me. Shall we spar a bit? I could use the practice as much as you." He smiles thinly, drawing his blade.
[Combat(#13388)->Ravenwyr] Wielded: Ravenwyr's Longsword
l japhin
Before you stands a man in his late thirties in the dress of a sailor/merchant: loose pants, baggy shirt, and a broad brimmed hat. At his side he carries a sword, but it looks to hung up to be of muc use for any quick need. At his other side he carries a wierd shapped dagger of some sort. Though his face is generally normal in shape and feature, it seems commonly in flux from smile to suspicious scowl.
Carrying:
Leather Armor Japhin's Longsword Japhin's Dagger
Japhin nods in acquiesence, "As you wish..." Japhin leans down and spreads his legs, backing up a bit. Holding his sword at ready, he suddenly stands straight, "Remember me when you get to looking for a job. There are several which I may offer for which you are well qualified... Including some you know not are mine to give." He smiles and nods, returning to his defensive stance.
Ravenwyr blinks, having been getting settled into a warmup position to begin a few stretches before they begin but pauses, "Excuse me?" It takes a moment for him to perhaps catch your meaning and then he scowls, "If you are refering to what I think you are.... I am most likely -NOT- interested." Wyr takes a breath, then makes himself look off at the horizon, ignoring you a moment while he quickly stretches to warm up. He's somewhat stiff in his movements, obviously out of regular practice.
After a short time, Raven stops and faces you, granting you a nod that he's ready to begin when you are. He stands still, observing you, blade held ready. He does not give you his normal salute with the bared steel.
Japhin shakes his head and chuckles, "I know not what you think I'm offering you... Just... don't be afraid to ask me what I got, eh?" Seeing that Raven is ready, he grimaces. Crouching down, he wavers a little from side to side. Suddenly he shoots forward, leading low. At the last second, he brgins it upward and then in.
Japhin attacks you with his Longsword!... ...and he misses!
The lean man leaps back, having been prepared to meet your low incoming manuver but shies off at the last to turn aside and bend so that your blade thrusts up just missing his ribs. Ravenwyr actually smiles something more of a relaxed smile, "Now that's a nice little trick." He chuckles, his right side presented to you and left hand with blade but Wyr hesitates, realizing his training with a shield is a liability without one... so he stays well back as he switches his stance to present his left, blade on guard to block in place of the lacking shield. He seems to favor his right leg, of course... cane lying discarded in the grass. He does not move fast except when you came close, careful of his footing. Because of this, perhaps his sudden instep might take you by surprise as one moment he is back, the next he blatantly steps right into your personal space and makes to tag you on the colar with his blade's tip.
Japhin drops to the ground rapidly and rolls to the side. Standing, he eyes Raven and nods. His face is sweaty, but his eyes are direct and determined. Returning to a defensive stance, he waits...
ARB: Japhin has "passed" on his turn to attack.
Ravenwyr backs off a step, watching you and keeping his eyes on you, blade up.
As the two men slowly circle, Wyr moves in again but fakes. He appears to go for your left, keeping his own right leg back where you can't easily tag it, and makes a thrust for your shoulder again - but he drops the tip sharply instead to slap the flat of the steel for the inside of your left thigh.
You attack Japhin with your Longsword...
[Combat(#13388)->Ravenwyr] Japhin dodges your attack.
Ravenwyr nods, never taking his eyes from yours, voice low, "Good... you are paying attention. I might be used up, but I have a few tricks too." He smiles.
Japhin quickly steps aside as Raven attacks. At Raven's words, he raises his eyebrows. Twisting his arms he brings his sword around behind him, over his head, as he brings it back around, he brings it straight towards Raven's blade, attempting to bring his blade to bounce off of it and into Raven.
Japhin attacks you with his Longsword!...
...and you parry his attack with your Longsword!
Ravenwyr makes an arc with his own blade to deflect the power of your blow out and down... harmlessly and without even appearing to jolt his arm, "I don't reccomend glitter yet. Your too raw. Just con-" He steps in again, taking advantage of the closeness of your body to reach out with his right hand and make to slap you barehanded as a distraction, "trate on basics." as his own blade comes up along the inside of your belly... he seems mindful of not wishing to harm you, though.
You attack Japhin with your Longsword...
[Combat(#13388)->Ravenwyr] Japhin dodges your attack.
Japhin takes advantage of Wyr's kind hesitation and twists around so as to attempt to come behind his opponent. As he comes around the last time, he goes low and holds his blade out, attempting to go for the legs.
Japhin attacks you with his Longsword!...
...and he hits! Ouch!
ARB: You've been injured for 18 hp's by Japhin's attack...
...you have 62 left. Please RP this injury accordingly.
Ravenwyr spins accordingly as you move swiftly around him but he's off balance well too far to his right for his bad leg. His eyes just barely go alittle wide as he stumbles, his own steel flickering out low to try and block but doesn't catch your blade fast enough as it slides up against his boot and into the flesh just below, then up the backside of his knee and thigh a short distance before breaking free into air. The man hisses, sucking in a breath and falls into the grass with a curse.
[Combat(#13388)->Ravenwyr] You forego your chance to attack.
You say, "Damnit, that hurt!" he bares his teeth as his face colors. Wyr struggles to sit up, very annoyed, "Valar cursed leg."
[Combat(#13388)->Ravenwyr] You train Japhin in longsword and he learns quickly.
Japhin's eyes go wide and he drops his sword, "Oh my..." Ripping off his shirt, he goes to Wyr and tries to tie a bandage around the gash, "Hmmm... I guess I need to go get a healer... Oh... I can't believe I did that..."
[Combat(#13388)] Japhin tends to the injuries on Ravenwyr.
[Combat(#13388)->Ravenwyr] Japhin attempts to treat your wounds...
[Combat(#13388)->Ravenwyr] Your health improves...a full day's rest since being wounded works wonders.
Ravenwyr tries to push the other man away from his leg, embarassed, "I'm just an idiot, don't fuss so like a woman." He scowls, grimacing as he tries to get his blade around to use as a lever to stand if Japhin lets him, "I'll be fine. Just a little cut. It's nothing... I'm just long out of combat." Wyr frowns, putting a hand out to your shoulder with a strong grip as he hauls himself up, "Gett'n too old for this."
Japhin backs away and nods. He frowns slightly, "Your wife will have my neck whether you call it but a scratch or not." He chuckles without smiling, "Ahh... well..." He sits Indian style and looks at his lap. After a moment, he says, "May I speak with you about something?"
[Combat(#13388)] Japhin unwields Japhin's Longsword.
Ravenwyr gives up his attempt to stand since you sit down beside him in the grass. He sheaths his blade after wiping it with your shirt you offered. He then draws a very familar looking boot knife to cut a start in the fabric to tear it, "I need a minute to do something with this... " his dark greyish eyes flicker to yours, "Speak your mind." He slips the raven headed dagger back into his left boot even with the blood right there above that hidden scabbard. He begins to bind the painful cut, listening.
Japhin nods and continues looking at the ground, "Excuse me for asking, but I must hear the words from your mouth. Despite all that has happened, you are loyal to the Steward, are you not?" Japhin picks up a stick and digs a little at the earth in front of him.
Ravenwyr's hands stop their stub fingered movements as he looks at you a long moment without saying anything. Then he looks away over the whispering spring grasses, "I don't know." After a breath he goes on, voice very low and soft, "I was before. Now I'm not sure... but my Oath was sundered. I'll not take it again."
Ravenwyr adds bitterly, looking back at Japhin, "But -I- was not the one to break it."
Japhin nods in his place and continues digging... He squirms a little, and seems uncertain what to say.
Going back to his biding, Wyr looks from you to his left leg, wrapping the torn cloth snugly around it, then tying it to itself with experienced hands, not too tightly. He sighs, skimming a stained hand through his silvered hair, "I'm not certain what you or anyone else would expect me to say, Japhin. How can I serve in good faith when -twice- now those to whom I had sworn my service and life too, have turned upon me?" Raven looks towards the west, a faint dark smuge that is the nearest herd along the green before the receding purple hue of the mountain chain.
Ravenwyr adds softly with with a hint of steel to his tone, "I have alot of anger."
Japhin nods and purses his lips, "Yes... yes... I guess I can understand that. Let me ask you this then. Are you loyal to what is best for Gondor? Note that I spoke nothing of its rulers." This time he turns to look at the man... to examine his reaction and eyes.
Ravenwyr shrugs with a helpless sort of motion, "Of course. This is the land of my father and where I'd still prefer my children to live and grow... they are Gondorian. I don't wish anything else for them if I have the choice." He frowns, "I've been to Umbar enough to know I do not want them to grow up in that place." Saying this though, Wyr blinks at himself and presses his lips into a thin line, thinking on that as he looks at the grass their exercises had trampled down.
Japhin blows out and looks back at the ground, "Nor I. I too have visited that land now and liked not what I saw. I wish that Gondor may never become part of that land..." He looks to the east, "Nor that one... "
The man looks back at you, "You do know, don't you, that Umbar was founded by past Kings of Gondor? They were once of your blood as much as anyone. It's my mother's people of the tribes who share no kinship to Gondor... yet they ironically wish no wars, only survival." :refuses to look or acknowledge your gesture to the east. Ravenwyr refuses to look or acknowledge your gesture to the east.
Japhin waves his head from side to side, "Not by Gondorians was it founded, but by those before them, but it is true. So it is often though. Races of Brothers hate eachother and fight long wars." He digs at the dirt some more, "I fear for Gondor. I wonder sometimes how long we shall stand. I wonder at the decisions of those in charge. Yet... I will fight for Gondor, for those to whom I've pledged my oath, until the end... Or the King cometh..."
Ravenwyr frowns and looks away again, at the grass and the mountains that go off into the distance to who knows where, "If the King returns." He shrugs, "I won't live to see it, so I guess I care less than I once did. But maybe my children will. If it will bring an end of some kind against the terror of the east, then I'll take that hope to my grave for them." Wyr is quiet a moment, "I inherited some lands, a title of sorts, from Darbian's line when Tinnian's family found out that I was his son. If Ithilien is ever freed, then maybe my son ... and Rhiforath, or their children will really have a home of their own." The ex-Officer glances after his cane, wondering where he left it.
Japhin chuckles grimly, "Indeed... I hope there is a Gondor for him to return to..." Shaking his head he says more resolutely, "Nay, I shall not be so despondent. Gondor will stand for him to return to. And he will return. Such negative thoughts give only into the wishes of the shadow." He looks at Wyr tightly, "Can you deny it?"
Ravenwyr looks back to you after he carefully gets to his feet with a pained expression, then shrugs his shoulders, "I told you, I guess I don't care anymore." He turns away, looking for his cane and limping somewhat.
The man finds his cane and with some akwardness, manages to pick it up without falling on his face. He straightens and keeps his back to you so you can't see the pain or stiffness he feels. Raven mutters to himself, "I'm too tired to fight anymore. I just want to be left alone... with my family." He turns as if to start back on the long walk to the city.
Japhin blows out and nods. Standing, he walks a little away, towards the mountains. Turning, he looks at Wyr, "Do me a favor friend. When you start caring again, call me." With that he begins walking towards the mountain paths.
Ravenwyr pauses to look back at you but says nothing. After a moment he turns away again and continues back.
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