Rise Up, Ting Ting, Like Glitter And Gold

A soft chuckle slips from the Aegis' lips while Fern does her best to respond to him from around her mouthful of wood. It had taken him some time to get used to talking around the sword as well, but she would learn in time. With every step she took and every slow methodical swing of her sword, Artorias sees the uncertainty slowly melt away from her features. Eyes that had once been clouded with nervousness shone with a determination. Good, she was beginning to believe in herself. He knew it was what Fern struggled with the most, and more than just teaching her a new deadly way of fighting, he was teaching her to build her own confidence in her abilities. He listened while Fern listed her pros and cons to wearing armor and fighting with a sword. The alpha dipped his head in a sagacious nod. They were common complaints for a wolf who wasn't used to wielding a weapon or wearing armor in a fight.

"We can get you your own set of armor. Make sure it's fitted and tailored to you. Something lighter weight if you prefer, but remember that more agility means a sacrifice to defense. It should feel more comfortable then, make your movements more natural and fluid," he explained. He gave a languid stretch and twist of his body to show off how his own cuirass had been tailored to fit his body so it didn't hinder his movements. "Keep practicing with the sword. You'll get used to it. A real sword is heavier than this, so it'll be good preparation for when you graduate to that. In the meantime, we practice until you are ready, and then we practice more. It will get harder before it gets easier, but the more you dedicate yourself and keep moving forward, the easier it will get."

Artorias stood up again and picked up his sword, once more rejoining the girl in the sparring ring. A gleam of mischief lit up his fiery gaze. "How about we put theory into practice?" he suggested, rolling his shoulders while he assumed his fighting stance opposite of Fern. "Come at me with those movements. Get used to the feeling of actually swinging a sword in combat." The corners of his lips curled upward into a playful grin. "Don't worry, I'll go easy on you the first time. At least until you feel ready for a real spar."

Artorias vs Fern for Training Spar
Round 0/2
Age: 1+ years
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Medium
Offensive Battle Accessory: Damascus steel sword
Defensive Battle Accessory: Reinforced leather cuirass
Companion 1: Common raven, Male - Flying - Boosted
Companion 2: Silver cross fox - Battle - Boosted
Mutation 1: Stronger teeth and jaws - Offensive
Mutation 2: Thicker fur - Defensive
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Navigator
Specialty: Weaponsmaster

"Artorias" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "Argent"