Thread: A Rose in the Snow (heartlesskitten x Rivine)

Riyana put on the padded armor, similar to what Dallin would have her and his lads dress in when they practiced. Same as the wooden swords and practice spears. Squatting down, she picked up a sword, checking the balance, it was heavy and more club like than a blade but it would do. Tomis selected a sword as well, grinning widely as he gave it a few swipes. Cason grumbled as he searched through the pile, finding a spear. It reminded him of the pitchforks he had wielded before at a bandit or two that dared try to rob from the stable, whatever was there was for his taking not theirs. He shot a glare at Brydan who stood with his real sword and dagger on his belt and the redhaired recruit returned the icy glance. She was not going to spar with him, it would be too much trouble. She stood next to Tomis who was nearly a head taller than her but she found him much more agreeable and eager as she was to prove himself. She listened attentively when Vorian spoke, he reminded her of the lords and knights she had known only with his black gear, handsome features, and vivid lavender eyes he was rather striking. Riyana found herself wondering what he must have done to end up here, certainly he must have come from a world even more privileged than her own. Her mind was brought back to the task at hand when he had them divide up and begin with basics. Riyana looked at Tomis and struck at him, catching him in the upper arm. The taller boy winced and frowned, lifting his sword up defensively. Well, you just got your arm lopped off. Better move faster next time, she taunted, a brief flicker of amusement before she remembered to keep her face neutral and reminded herself to shut up. This was not Dallin she was playing with who would remind her of the gruesome real injuries and deaths that occur in fighting. The master at arms for the Rysells took much glee in taunting his young student and reminding her it was not a game. She caught Tomis swing and countered it with ease, he was strong but very green. The went through basic motions and from what she could see not many had skills above using the pointy end the right way. Feeling confident, she battled back against the city lad, backing him up until he slipped in horse shit and went down to one knee where she put her wooden blade against his throat. Dead, Riyana whispered in her husky voice. Cason jabbed at the older man who was his partner. He was in his mid twenties and little distinguished him but for his crooked nose that had broken badly at one point or another in his life. The bruised boy came at the man who only called himself Cam who also used a spear. They smashed each others fingers more often than not and neither one landed a strike on the other. Riyana sparred with Tomis and each time she beat him back until even the good natured grin left the boys face and he fumed with frustration. A small smirk played on her lips and there was satisfaction in her bright blue eyes that she could beat any man among the recruits. Dallin would say it was a rather empty victory but it made her feel good none the less. Spinning the wooden sword in her hand she raised her eyebrow at Tomis who once again dragged himself up from the mud. He was filthy and his knuckles bled from being rapped with the wooden sword and a welt rose on his cheek where he had failed to block her strike. She regretted that one but he should have blocked it. All the while she shot glances at Vorian, to see his reaction to her skills.