KLACK!
KLACK!
KLACK- KLACK- KLACK- KLACK- KLACK-KAKLAK!
The brief exchange over, both fighters retreated a step, holding their weapons before them. Eyes narrowed as each took in the other's stance, searching for any weakness or opening.
For each of them, this was the toughest battle they had been in recently... and each of them were enjoying every moment of it.
One fighter was an older man, sporting a strong moustache and a pony tail in his ebony hair. He was a dedicated and loyal knight to his king and kingdom, and had been for two kings now. He was Cyan Garamonde, knight, father, and reputed to be one of the top swordsmen in the world.
His opponent was, by appearance, very different. Taller, clean-shaven, long unbound blonde hair, and several decades younger, Gourry Gabriev was nonetheless a match for the older knight.
Their battle had drawn quite a crowd. From lowly stable boy to Cyan's fellow knights, all stood in awe as the two warriors clashed. Such a display of skill, speed, and strength was a rare sight, and none dared miss it as they waited with baited breath to see which would prove victorious.
As though given some unheard signal, both fighters became still. Cyan moved his weapon down to his side, away from his opponent, as though it were sheathed. Many of the spectators gasped at seeing that stance - evidence that Cyan was preparing to use one of his devastating Sword Techniques.
Gourry's stance also changed, bringing his weapon higher. His style of swordsmanship was very different to those usually seen in Doma, so the spectators could only guess at the significance of the new stance.
For a moment, not a sound was heard. The only movement was a brief gust of wind blowing some dust across the courtyard.
Then, the warriors moved...
They moved so fast, most could only see a blur of movement. But everyone heard a sound like an explosion as the two met.
And it was over.
Both fighters remained still for a moment... and then they straightened up, smiling. Each held in their hands, small pieces of wood - not the carefully crafted wooden blades that they had been using.
And the audience was stunned again. Never before had any of them truly witnessed a battled that ended because the weapons could not keep up with their wielders.
"I thank thee for the exercise, Sir Gabriev. Thou art a true pleasure to spar against." Cyan said.
Gourry just shrugged. "You're very good yourself, you know. I don't get many fights that actually challenge me. And you don't have to call me 'Sir,' I'm not a knight, just a warrior."
Cyan just chuckled at that. "That may be, Master Gabriev, but thou hast the skill and the will to be a knight, make no mistake. Art thou certain thou dost not wish to join our Order?"
Gourry just smiled. "Sorry, but I really gotta go find my friends. As soon as the road is repaired, I have to go."
Cyan nodded, accepting that. He knew that a man like Gourry would never forgive himself if he didn't try to find his missing companions. At the same time, he had to give Gourry the option... such skill was something Doma could desperately use, with the Gestahl Empire's ever increasing aggression.
Still, Gourry Gabriev certainly made an impression, especially after the... unique... manner in which he arrived at Doma castle...
_-=^=-_
Fishing was not one of Cyan's great skills. In point of fact, if he had to rely upon his fishing skills to survive... he'd starve within a few days.
Still, it was something that his father (a poor fisherman in his own right) taught him, and something he wanted to pass onto his own son, Owain.
The sandy haired boy was nothing short of a miracle for the Garamonde. Both he and his wife Elaine were well past the age most couples have children when their son was conceived, and yet, Owain was born healthy and strong. Cyan could already see the makings of another Garamonde Knight in Owain, and he wanted to share with him everything he'd shared with his father.
Even if it was failing at fishing.
So it was that Cyan was showing his son how to cast the line, what kind of bait to use... and that it was all right not to catch anything. Because sometimes, fishing has absolutely nothing to do with fish.
So it was with some surprise when he heard his son give a triumphant yell. Seeing the boy's line taut, he reached over to help pull up his catch.
"See, Papa!" Owain said as they pulled. "See the fish I caught! It must be very big!"
Cyan chuckled - he could already tell that whatever Owain had snagged was too big to be a natural fish of the river. Nor did the river play host to large aquatic fiends. Like as not they were pulling in some garbage dumped in upstream.
Then he saw blonde hair and armor, and stopped smiling. Diving in, he grabbed the body, and could only hope that it was still a living one...
His hopes were answered as the figure coughed and mumbled, "No... No more octopus... Please... No octopus... Anything but octopus... Nooo..."
Shaking his head, he turned to his son, "The man's delirious! Quick, Owain! Go and get the healer!"
_-=^=-_
It would be two days of bed rest before the man would wake up, and they would really meet Gourry Gabriev. A young man who may not possess quick wit, but had more skill than most that were twice his age.
It was both to his credit, and too bad, that Gourry was so dedicated to his friends, especially this 'Lina' of whom he spoke often. Still, it would be several days before the road to Nikeah was able to be used again. Perhaps he could get Gourry to help teach some of the newer recruits...
Suddenly, a page ran up to him. "Sir Cyan! Gestahl forces approach! It's an army, sir!"
And like that, the peaceful times were over...
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(Posted Sun, 25 Jun 2006 00:12)
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