Ways of the Spear [attn; Locke]

[Avyra]

Avyra listened, nodding as he explained how to breathe in a headlock. She would need air, obviously, to make it out of a bind.

Her stomach clinched when he explained that they were going to get started and that he was going to put her in a headlock. She really wasn't ready! He didn't explain how to get out, only how to breathe.

Incredible.

She gave a small squeak as he wrapped his arms around her throat. She struggled, angling her chin towards his elbow so she could breathe and think. In an actual battle there would be no time to think. But she could weigh her options for now.

She could reach his face if she really wanted to, but she didn't want to actually tear out his eye. So she thought some more, eventually deciding that he deserved a swift kick to the shin with her heel. She continued to struggle, trying to possibly wiggle out and run away.

[Locke]

Terric

Terric stooped behind Avyra preparing to place her in a headlock. He was aware of how nervous this part of the training was making her but, he was also aware that this would help her break free of those nerves. Sometimes the only way was to overcome something was to simply do it. He reached around her with his right arm, pressing his forearm against her throat. His left arm went over her shoulder, bending at the elbow so he could place his hand on the back of her head. He completed the lock by pinning his right hand in the cook of his left elbow. It was rather amusing just how far he had to stoop to actually grapple her. That might serve her well one day.

She let out a squeak and began to struggle, grabbing his arm. Even though he knew he had given her the tools to escape, he was prepared to let go if she was having trouble breathing. Once she managed to get her chin into the crook of his elbow, he let out a relieved breath of his own. Whatever happened now, she wouldn’t suffocate. She reached for his face but hesitated for some reason. Instead she kicked him in the shin. It was harder than he had been prepared for. It would most likely leave a bruise, but it wasn’t one of the techniques he wanted her to demonstrate. “Try that again, but this time,” he said in a calm voice, “Don’t just kick my shin, stomp on my foot but drag the side of your foot down my shin. You don’t have to go full force, this is just an exercise.” In many situations, she would have to do more than just stomp on his foot, sometimes an elbow to the ribs or an assault on the face was required. He would explain that later but this was practice, no use getting them both bloodied, he would let go once she performed one of the maneuvers.

[Avyra]

“Try that again, but this time don’t just kick my shin, stomp on my foot but drag the side of your foot down my shin. You don’t have to go full force, this is just an exercise.” His voice was calm, reassuring. Almost as if to say Hey! Don't worry, its only me. I won't hurt you. You can do it! She felt so weak and powerless; Avyra knew that he could probably feel her trembling as she fought. She didn't like it. She just couldn't escape. Giving a weak cough, she tried to wiggle free once more but failed. It took her a moment to remember what Terric had told her. Kick and drag down, stomp on his foot. She kicked outward, dragging her heel down to step on his foot.

[Locke]

Terric

Her foot connected with his shin and she stomped down. Harder than he’d expected. He would never admit it but this would have been a good time for Wetlander boots. Alas, he was barefoot. Her tiny foot dragging down his shin and stomping his foot didn’t hurt in the traditional sense. It was however, extremely uncomfortable and a rather off putting sensation. Shocking enough that most people would flinch giving their opponent room to break free.

Terric stepped back releasing her. He had had his shins scraped hundreds of times in training doing exercises just like these, but that didn’t make it more enjoyable. He steadied her waiting for her to catch her breath before continuing the lesson. “That’s an effective move, because people don’t grow muscles on their shins. Even the shins on a big man like Danos al’Sheen are just nerves and bone under a layer of skin. You did a good job. Remember this if you’re ever grabbed from behind but you can’t free your arms. Follow it with an elbow to the ribs if you have to. Before we move on, I want you to tell me in your own words, what you did right and what you did wrong.” She only made one real mistake, in his opinion. She panicked. In a real fight, those precious seconds could have cost her her life. Thankfully, that was the point of training. A safe environment to face fear and build skills that would help her in the real world.

[Avyra]

When the iron grip around her neck released, Avyra gave a sigh of relief, turning to face Terric. Her eyes were wide, and she was trembling still. She looked so... afraid. Her breaths were raspy and quick, and she was rubbing her neck. After a moment, Terric began to explain why the move was effective, telling her that there was no muscle on the shin, only bone and nerve. "Before we move on," he finished. "I want you to tell me in your own words, what you did right and what you did wrong.” Avyra swallowed a lump in her throat, rubbing her neck some more. "I was able to breathe." She paused. "But, Light, Terric! I was so scared! I knew you were strong, but you don't know how strong someone is until you're trapped and can't get free! If that had been a real fight..." She paused, voice breaking slightly. "I'd be dead. You could have snapped my neck without trying." She didn't sound angry, nor did she raise her voice. She sounded winded, and still very, very frightened.

[Locke]

Terric

Terric nodded, yes she had remembered to free her air ways. In many ways, that was the most important part of the exercise. He decided this wasn’t the best time to mention that the purpose of that hold was to restrain and potentially suffocate, not to break necks. Instead he addressed her fear. “I understand that you’re afraid now, but that’s the point of training. Nobody is truly fearless, well maybe some fools are.” He placed a hand on her shoulder and squeezed. He fixed her gaze with his and said, “Bravery doesn’t exist without fear. You are doing fine. If you aren’t up to continuing today, we can see if the kitchens have any extra desserts. If you are, we can work on escaping more grapples.” If truth be told, her size made this part of the training extremely difficult. Many holds were meant to be used on opponents of a similar size. Instead of bending over to perform a traditional submission hold, most opponents would probably opt to simply reach down and grab a hold of her arms or loose clothing or hair. This sloppier technique meant she might have a better chance of escaping but it also meant he had to change his lesson plan a bit.

[Avyra]

Terric softened his voice, bending down to her height as he gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “Bravery doesn’t exist without fear. You are doing fine. If you aren’t up to continuing today, we can see if the kitchens have any extra desserts. If you are, we can work on escaping more grapples.” Avyra only nodded, trying to stop shaking. "I... we could just go to the kitchens. I'm not sure I could do it again today. Tomorrow or the next day, maybe, but not today." She just needed to calm down a bit. But he was right, it was better to face her fears now than to face them in a real fight. Where she actually had a chance at dying. She let him lead the way, trotting after him to keep up with his stride.

[Locke]

Terric

As they walked, Terric donned his shirt and jacket. He looked down at Avyra and thought to himself in amusement, I think I’m more familiar with the way the hair on top of her head parts than her actual face. Her size presented an interesting challenge for combat training. So far he had focused on teaching her fundamentals and defensive technique. He hadn’t done too much in terms of teaching her how to take the fight to her enemy. He thought back to her panic earlier. Was he going about this training the wrong way? Was he moving too slowly? Should he be harsh with her like Boden or some of his other trainers? No, this wasn’t Choosing week. This was just time spent between friends. Time that might save her life one day. He really wanted to teach her right. Maybe if she had a sparring partner her size, then he could teach her a wider variety of skills.

“Avyra, what is it that you want to learn? I’ve taught you how to stand, and you’re learning how to move between stances. If you think you’re up for it, next time I can teach you more about blocks and dodging.” The walked a few steps in silence, “It’s just, sometimes you seem like nothing can discourage you and you’ll put up with anything, and other times you shy away from violence. I just want to know if I’m doing the right thing. So tell me what you want to learn and we’ll work towards it.”

OOC: This feels disjointed but then again, I should be asleep

[Avyra]

“Avyra, what is it that you want to learn? I’ve taught you how to stand, and you’re learning how to move between stances. If you think you’re up for it, next time I can teach you more about blocks and dodging.” She nodded, but she could tell that he wasn't through talking. In truth, she didn't know what she wanted to learn from him. She just wanted to learn. “It’s just, sometimes you seem like nothing can discourage you and you’ll put up with anything, and other times you shy away from violence. I just want to know if I’m doing the right thing. So tell me what you want to learn and we’ll work towards it," he continued after a small pause. Shaking her head, Avyra looked up at him. "Its not your fault. You're doing fine. Its me who should be ashamed." She paused. "I'm actually a bit frightened of fighting you. Not because you're Aiel or anything like that." She was quick to add the last sentence. No, she wasn't scared of him just because he came from the Three Fold Land. "You could break my arm rather easily, or just toss me with one hand across the sands. It is a bit unnerving to face somebody who you don't even come up to ribs with." Last time she did, she ended up with her own ribs being cracked and bruised. "As for what I want to learn," she continued. "I'm not too sure. It kinda depends on what you want to teach." She paused. "Yeah, I'm not sure what I want to learn. How to defend myself, maybe. Show everyone that I'm not some tiny little girl and that I can fend for myself." She almost spat the last part.

[Locke]

Terric

A thought occurred to him, as they walked. He had been thinking like an algai’d’siswai, not a future Gaidin. He had overlooked the Flame and the Void or the Ko’di as it was traditionally known. In the months since his spar with Danos al’Sheen, he had done his best to make the Void second nature. It did not always hold but he had learned a lot. Any fear Avyra would feel during a fight with a larger opponent would be fed to the Flame. The fundamentals he had drilled into her would be as natural as breathing.

They made their way around the side of the Tower, to the back entrance to the kitchens. He turned to her, “I think I have something you would like to learn. It’s probably worth teaching you the concept before we move to more active parts of training such as attacking and blocking. It’s called the Ko’di perhaps you’ve heard of it from the Asha’man or Gaidin. It’s the Flame and the Void. It is a way to center yourself and fight without emotion or even thought. You become more aware of yourself and your relationship to your surroundings. For a true master of the Void, the warrior and his opponent practically become as one. If you want I can try to teach you this.” As they neared the kitchens, Terric could smell something sweet mixed in with the savory smells of meats and roasting vegetables. He figured that Dedrik Stavanos, the Illianer pastry chef, was making a batch of something delicious.