fandomhigh | Hitting Things With Big, Sharp Sticks; Friday, Third Period [07/19].

"Last week," Gladio said, "we talked about a lot of the basics of sword work, had some time to sort of play around with some different sizes and styles to get a feel for it, and also try a few standard moves and stances. Now, we're going to put some of that together with a few basic fighting techniques against each other.

"Now, we've got a really wide range of experience and skills in this class, so some of this is going to be really rudimentary for some of you guys, but I still want you to really focus on it and treat it like it's a new skill for the first time. A lot of times, when we're doing something often, we lose track of some of the mechanics on those little things that we believe to be second-nature by now. Really focusing on them is a good way to sharpen thing back up and fix any little bad habits that may have been developing in the meantime. And if you haven't done it in a while, it's a great way to bring those good habits back. And once I go over the instructions, I want you to find a partner and give it a try. We've an uneven number, so I'll be happy to jump in there myself. Try to find someone who matches closely to your own experience level, though. I've no doubt you more experienced swordsmen'll help out our newbies, but I don't want anyone feeling too overwhelmed, and I want this to be a collective learning experience, you know?

"So, today, we're going to learn about a simple overhead strike from above, the defensive tactic to counter it. Then, a counter to the counter, and then two different methods of a strike to perform if your opponent, instead of countering your initial attack, takes a defensive maneuver instead.

"We'll go over the techniques, practice some of the moves on your own as I lead you through them, and then partner up and try to recreate them, taking turns on who has the first attack. If you start to feel you've got it down pretty well, feel free to try other approaches if your sparring partner is comfortable with that, otherwise...practice makes perfect. It might be boring and repetitive, but it's helpful in building up muscles and muscle memory so that, in the moment of a real attack, you can think fast and let your body to most of the work on its own."

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"I just feel like I'm slacking if at least half my class isn't whining or complaining."

But at least Jon had Prompto's lack of constitution on lock, and Gray could probably fit into Noct's need for constant napping pretty nicely!

"Although I'd be surprised if you'd ever be in that half," he admitted, and not even because Nell would probably keep some of complaints to herself, too.

Nell was not a whiner or a complainer in general and just her sheer joy in being free to do these things made that sort of thing even less likely.

"I could pretend if you want," she offered and twisted her mouth into a pout.

"It's so hard and now I'm all sweaty and look, see I'm getting a bruise right here. And here too!" she mock whined, then grinned at him.

And that's when Gladio discovered that Nell could pretend all she wanted, because no matter what, it wasn't going to br the same, and he couldn't pull being a complete and total hard ass on Nell like he would with the guys.

In fact, all he could do was laugh and utterly fail to give her a sympathetic pout right back. "You poor thing," he said. "Probably more bruises than just that, too. Maybe you need someone to give you a good, thorough check."

Edited 2024-07-19 15:42 (UTC)

"I know," she said with a wicked twinkle in her eye. "I think I'm bruised everywhereand I'll probably need someone to kiss them all better."

"Mmm." Gladio hummed with his thoughtful, decisive nod. "That's probably true. You know, you were working so hard out there, too, that it might not be a bad idea for you to take it easy, on the way home. Maybe have someone carry you, just to be safe."

"If only there was someone who could do that," Nell teased. "But maybe wait till we've gone down the stairs at least."

"Well, you're in luck," Gladio assured Nell with a grin. "I happen to know a guy. I think you'll like him. Real handsome, big and strong. Kind of cocky, though, but who can really blame him?"

His grin softened a little, though, slightly more serious, as he added, "You did do a great job out there, by the way. It's nice seeing you take to it so enthusiastically, you know?"

It definitely hadn't passes his notice, anyway, how much had change in the time that he's known her, especially in sparring with a male partner without even a second thought about it, even laughing as they got ready to engage in the exercises.

Nell grinned at him. "I'll take him. I like him just like that."

She blushed a little and grinned. "Thank you. I was kinda nervous but he was awful kind."

Hitting Things With Big, Sharp Sticks; Friday, Third Period [07/19].

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