It's the eye of the tiger, it's the thrill of the fight. [Closed]

[gaveupfeeling]

Who: Ledah Rozwelli and Miles Edgeworth
What: Polearms training
When: 7 PM, January 8th
Where: The park
Rating: PG-13 for training with weapons.

Ledah arrived at the arranged spot a few minutes ahead of schedule, bringing with him not only his customary lance but a halberd as well - Edgeworth had wanted something more dangerous than a lance to try, and a halberd was available at the weapons shop. He waited quietly for Edgeworth to arrive, keeping a watchful eye out for his approach.

Comments

Pictures of his normal lance could be helpful here, BTW.

[truthsnomiracle]

"Of course," Edgeworth responded, finding that very proposal comforting in a way that more social sorts might not understand. "Do you have a recommendation as to which weapon to try first?"

[gaveupfeeling]

"You were in search of a weapon with a more dangerous end than a normal lance? The halberd will suit you, but is more difficult to wield. I would begin with the standard lance."

[Ledah's lance would be essentially something like this, as his usual weapon is fantasy-shaped.]

[truthsnomiracle]

Edgeworth nods; he had suspected as much, but didn't want to rely on his suspicions alone in a situation where his expertise was inferior. As such, he took the lance first. Given its handle, it was clearly the type intended for one-handed use, so while he first took hold of it with both hands, he was quick to try removing his left and simply holding it by the end. His wince at the strain of his failed attempt to keep the tip from falling to the ground instantly was slight, but not undetectable.

[gaveupfeeling]

"Adjust to its weight first. There is nothing you can do with a weapon if you are not comfortable holding it, and you must be able to move it where you want to or learning where to move it will be pointless."

This was Ledah's first time teaching, so he started with the basics.

[truthsnomiracle]

"Understood," Edgeworth responded as he hunched down to more easily pick the middle of the weapon back up. It seemed long enough to make one-handed wielding difficult, so despite its design he doubted that he would be able to use it that way anytime soon. His attempt had, at least, brought to his attention the need to strengthen his wrists in particular if he was going to seriously pursue a weapon at all...

Edgeworth shook away his thoughts of the future quickly, remembering the need to concentrate here and now. He then took on his best attempt at a battle stance that seemed to fit this kind of weapon, standing sideways with his feet apart while holding most of the weapon ahead of him at waist height, as though to intercept a charge.

[gaveupfeeling]

"Good. Better, at least. You won't be able to use a long weapon like a lance one-handed until your strength has increased."

Ledah appraised his stance. "How will you dodge someone if you are standing in that position?"

[truthsnomiracle]

"Would that not depend on the vector of attack?" Edgeworth asked, unruffled.

[gaveupfeeling]

"It would, but for now I just want to see you try to move fluidly starting from a standing position."

Ledah was also unruffled. It was very hard to ruffle him, in fact.

[truthsnomiracle]

The fact that they were outdoors in the winter made the proposal of dodging risky -- but then, it would be necessary to be able to act in unfavorable conditions in real combat. As such, Edgeworth didn't hesitate for more than a second before taking a single step backward while thrusting the lance forward lightly in an attempt to dissuade his imaginary attacker from following.

[gaveupfeeling]

"Good. Now, try dodging to the side."

Both sides had space, but the right was more favorable for continued movement. Ledah was aiming to see which one Edgeworth would choose.

[truthsnomiracle]

Edgeworth did indeed favor the right, though his sidestep was less smooth than his step backward. Likewise, his counterattack directly to the right was more awkward than the one aimed forward, in part because he didn't manage to steady the lance quickly enough after re-aiming it.

[gaveupfeeling]

"You were correct in choosing your right side, but you need to keep your lance steady. Return to your original position and try your backwards dodge, immediately followed by your dodge to the side."

Fluid motion was key.

[truthsnomiracle]

Edgeworth gave the trouble he had with the sideways dodge some thought as he took the few steps back to where he started. Perhaps repositioning the lance and thrusting was a bit too much to ask all in one move, particularly at his level.

With this in mind, the prosecutor returned to the stance he was originally in, dodged backward with a forward thrust as before, but turned the swing of the weapon to the left itself into an attack as he dodged right... and slightly forward in the process of trying to avoid stepping on his own right foot.

[gaveupfeeling]

"Better. Good."

And so they continued to keep training for a long time, until Edgeworth was tired and could train no more.

"Would you like to move on to the heavier weapon next time, Edgeworth?" he asked, indicating the other polearm.

[truthsnomiracle]

"Given the difficulty I had with the lance, I suspect that a halberd in particular might prove difficult to handle due to its drastically altered balance point," Edgeworth admitted while pulling at the collar of his coat to let some of the heat out. "However, I would be remiss if I dismissed it entirely before trying."

[gaveupfeeling]

"I agree on both points. When would you like to schedule your next training session?"

Ledah pulled out a planner and pen. He'd gotten one after seeing Edgeworth's, actually. It seemed useful.

[truthsnomiracle]

Edgeworth did the same without comment; he had no reason to suspect that he'd inspired the purchase, after all. Rather than readying it for writing immediately, however, he put both implements in one hand, then dug out his handkerchief with his now-free one in order to wipe away sweat from his brow before it had a chance to freeze.

"I propose the same time next week. Sundays are among my least likely days to be intruded upon."

[gaveupfeeling]

"Very well. Same day, same time. That should suit us both."

Ledah marked down the appointment in his planner.

[truthsnomiracle]

Edgeworth put his handkerchief back in the inner pocket he kept it in, scribbled his own note in his organizer, then finally offered a bow to Ledah in appreciation.

[gaveupfeeling]

Ledah bowed in return. "It has been a pleasure to teach you, Edgeworth."