Thorn really did enjoy the beach behind the castle and he worked it into most of his own personal exercise lessons.  Running in the surf and swimming were both excellent exercises for staying fit.  He’d already enjoyed a nice swim, the blue and black of his fur appearing a bit darker when plastered down more from the water.  

Thorn held Stormsong in his mouth, the greatsword was huge and of course, weighed quite a bit due to that fact.  Thorn took a step forward, swung the sword, frozen for a second to check his balance.  He stepped back to where he had started, pulling the sword back in closer as he did so.  Each time he stopped to consider his pose and motion.  This wasn’t a fight after all, this was where you take time, practice, and make sure everything is right to the smallest details.
Thorn loved his present given on their birthday, it wasn’t just a weapon but a rare special one and there was a beauty to it.  The shine of the metal, the citrine gem within, and the blade's dark ivy leaf pattern all blended together to make something as beautiful as it was deadly.  Best sword ever!


"Thorn Carpathius"

After he had finished up with his gardening for the day, Solaire headed down toward the beach with Dovleac in tow. He had learned very quickly how much the capybara loved the water and he didn't know if that same rule applied to ocean water or not, but he figured it was worth a shot! As they reached the sands he noticed his older brother at one end of the shore line, making big swinging motions with his sword. "Woooow..." he said softly, watching Thorn train for a minute. He, of course, knew that his parents and many of his older siblings had some of the Carpathian steel weapons and it wasn't his first time seeing Thorn with his sword, but he had never really realized just how big his sword was! It was definitely bigger than their father's at the very least and way bigger than their mother's dagger.

Dovleac was a pretty independent guy anyway so the capybara quickly separated off on his own to stand in the waves as they washed up on the shore so Solaire walked over to where Thorn was making partial swings with his sword and pausing over and over. "Hey, Thorn!" he greeted with a grin, looking at his brother curiously. "What're you up to?" He knew he wasn't quite old enough to get a weapon of his own yet, but he would be soon and he very much hoped he got one as cool as Thorn's!

"Solaire Carpathius"

Thanks to a horrible accident with Dusk back when they were both younger, Thorn was always sure to pay attention to others who might be around when he practiced with his blade.  When Solaire showed up Thorn lowered his sword, placing it carefully on the ground for a moment, one paw lightly placed on the hilt.  It wasn’t like he thought Solaire would go for it, he just made a habit if the sword wasn’t in his mouth, on a sheath, or in his room, then Thorn planned to keep physical contact with it.

“Hey Solaire,” Thorn greeted with a grin.  It was nice having younger siblings, he loved all of his family and little brothers gave him a feeling of wanting to be protective of them.  “Just practicing.  If you don’t practice and get better every day you’ll start to get worse at any skill.”  Thorn was devoted to training, it would be impossible to be the best if he didn’t train.

“What about you?” Exploring other lands, training, and working Thorn realized he hadn’t given enough time to spend with his siblings to get to know them better.  A nibbling of guilt poked at him but it was ignored for the moment.  He’d make time for this sibling right now.

"Thorn Carpathius"