Visar squinted through his slightly narrowed vision, trying to avoid any direct gaze at the blinding summer sun.  Even though he was in sweltering mail armor with padding underneath, he did not mind the heat quite so much as the glare.  He was used to sweating, and was used to heat and humidity far worse than what Tar Valon seasons could throw at him.  But at least back in Tear there was almost always cloud cover and rain on days like this.

 

He reminded himself that he no longer cared about Tear.  Only here and now mattered.  He had been most fortunate to be given a place here, despite his crimes.  Speaking of the here and now, here came his partner for guard duty, just on time.  The man was very tall, especially compared to Visar's height, and Visar could see a small shock of blond beard.  He wondered where the man was from.  Andor?  Shienar perhaps?  Visar had never been to either place, so he wouldn't have been able to tell the difference most likely.  The man carried a short bow in a case sticking above the back, and a quiver at one hip.  He had two slightly curved swords, a short one and a long one, at the other hip.

 

They're pairing me with an archer today?  How odd,he thought, though mixing differently armored men, or mixing men and women for that matter, was certainly not that uncommon a practice in the Tower Guard as it might have been in other places.  Visar was armed with his long sword at his left hip, his dagger on his right, and he carried a long ash staff that was almost twice as tall as he was.  He might have had his lance with him, but orders on bridge were to detain those that resisted search or arrest with non-lethal force; the staff was better for that purpose.

 

Visar lifted his helmet's visor, giving the newcomer a casual salute.  It was only when he was closer that Visar vaguely recognized him.  He's in my squad, isn't he?  Funny, I haven't talked to him yet.  I don't even know his name!  This other man was not known for talking that much.

 

The other saluted in turn, and they stood at their post, watching the inflow of traffic coming across the shining bridge.  The midday sun's glare reflected harshly off the white surfaces.

 

"They love to switch things around on us, huh?" Visar remarked sarcastically, trying to fill the silence with something, even banal smalltalk was better than nothing.  "Feels like the Light is quite literally trying to Blind us today," he muttered, bemused.  He then trailed off with a nervous glance to his tall companion.  You never knew who might be offended by swearing or mocking the Light, even though he was only half serious.  At least Visar was not anywhere near the Whitecloaks.  He suspected he would not last a minute without one of their overzealous members trying to take his head off for some perceived blasphemy or other.

 

"So where are you from?" Visar asked, openly asking about what he wondered earlier.

  The day started just like any other, training in sword work and swimming laps at the lake before breakfast.  But then he'd seen a newly posted update to the duty roster that sent him running to the room he shared with Dene.  He'd been a Tower Guard for only three months or so and this was the first time such a change had occurred, it had found him completely unprepared and he balked at the thought of being found that way ever again.  He'd been given the day off according the original schedule and was looking forward to working in the forge, only just received permission from the Commander to finish his smith training a week ago.  But the new schedule had him working all day, and not just serving duty on the wall as he had before but serving instead on one of the many bridges into Tar Valon, a new duty post for him.

  As usual he decided to forgo any armor, trusting his skill in the dance of blades, and his ability to flow like the water he sought to emulate, to keep him safe.  The armor would merely hinder his movements and he nearly always went without it.  Instead he dressed in clothes that would free his limbs to move as he needed instead of impeding them.  He wore black pants that were well-tailored but still provided plenty of room for movement and a bold blue vest, loosely tied.  Truth be told, what with his freshly shaved head and preference in clothes he tended to look more like a dock worker than a Tower Guard.  But he was okay with that, especially since he rather enjoyed being underestimated.  Besides, if authority was needed he was well practiced at piercing people with his eyes and commanding both their respect and obedience.

  Not sure what duty on the bridge would entail he decided to bring all of his weapons with him.  This though presented him with a minor dilemma as he debated on how to carry his arms so that they were easy to access and yet comfortable to wear.  He decided to wear both swords, his katana and wakizashi, on his left hip and his quiver of arrows on his right.  He strapped the two bands of throwing knives onto his upper arms and slung his bow over his shoulder still in its case.  Over it all he wore the red Tower Guard cloak, straightening with pride when as he fastened it on.

  He preferred to be early everywhere he went but with the change in schedule he only made it to his post just in time.  As he approached he saw another young man waiting clad in a full mail suit, a sword at one hip and a dagger at the other, leaning on a long staff nearly twice his height.  When he lifted his visor to salute Shawn thought he recognized him from the squad he'd been assigned to when he earned his cloak, but he couldn't place the man's name.  So he simply saluted in return and hoped the day didn't drag on too long.

  After a few minutes watching the crowds in silence his partner for the day made a valiant attempt at small talk.  Unfortunately for them both Shawn was never comfortable with such pointless discussions and replied with noncommittal grunts only.  But he was not rude, and so when asked a direct question he replied with honesty, or as much honesty as he was ready to share with a relative stranger.

 

  "So, where are you from?"

 

  "Well, I've no idea where my family is from but I was raised by a blacksmith and his wife in a small town on the shore of Amadicia.  What about you, where are you from?  Oh, by the way, I know I've seen you around but I don't believe we've been properly introduced as yet.  My name is Anwashawn Ellasser, but feel free to call me Shawn, most people do."

"Well, I've no idea where my family is from but I was raised by a blacksmith and his wife in a small town on the shore of Amadicia.  What about you, where are you from?  Oh, by the way, I know I've seen you around but I don't believe we've been properly introduced as yet.  My name is Anwashawn Ellasser, but feel free to call me Shawn, most people do."

 

Visar was surprised from such a lengthy reply, and did not get a chance to say where he was from before Anwashawn introduced himself.  He gathered himself, and held out a hand to shake.  He noticed two things being closer to his fellow guard.  The man wore no armor, which seemed rather foolish to Visar, and he had the most piercing blue eyes that Visar had ever seen.  Those are almost scary! he thought, with no wish to be scrutinized suspiciously by them.  He kept his gaze lower when he talked to him.

 

"Name's Visar Falmaien, you can call me 'Vis'.  I hail from Tear," he said, with no intention of going into that in any detail.  Shawn might seem friendly, but Visar did not want to risk giving away too much information too soon. He changed the topic to something in the present.  "Strange, I've never been on duty with you before, even though we're in the same squad I think.  They change the schedule for you?"

 

Visar added, slightly concerned about having to run a complete rookie through the steps, "You're not new to bridge duty are you?"

  Shawn grinned inside at his partner's reaction.  It was the same for nearly everyone the first time they saw his eyes up close and were pierced by them.  Actually, some never got over it and were stunned into silence every time or simply refused to look at him.

 

  "Strange, I've never been on duty with you before, even though we're in the same squad I think.  They change the schedule for you?"

 

  "You're right, it does seem strange.  But then, I've only been a guard for about three months and the squad's pretty big, I'm sure there are others I haven't worked with either.  And yes, they did change the schedule, otherwise I probably would have arrived before you as I prefer to be early for everything.  I was supposed to have the day off but instead I find myself here."  Shawn looked around with a bemused expression, nervous since he didn't know what to do yet reluctant to show it."

 

  But Vis must've seen it anyway because he then asked, "You're not new to bridge duty are you?"

 

  Shawn chuckled and replied, "Is it that obvious?  Yes, this is my first time.  You don't mind explaining our duties here for me do you?"

"Is it that obvious?  Yes, this is my first time.  You don't mind explaining our duties here for me do you?"

 

Visar breathed out, almost a sigh of frustration.  But he realized, as he scanned the bridge again, that there wasn't much else to do than talk about things, even if it was explaining the duties, most of which were just common sense.  There weren't usually a lot of people coming or leaving at lunch time anyway.

 

"No I don't mind." he said, suddenly meaning it.  Bridge duty was a very boring job most of the time, and it helped to relieve the boredom just to talk about it.  Besides, Shawn seemed a friendly enough guy; there was no reason to be reserved towards him.  Visar began explaining things.

 

"On normal days like this one, we just monitor traffic coming on and off the bridge.  Policy is to greet people, be friendly; throws people with less than friendly motives off I find.  While we should keep an eye out for anyone that looks suspicious, like someone clothed too heavily for this time of year, or concealing a crossbow or sword that has no business owning one, most people are armed with at least a knife or a staff so only put a hand on your weapons if our lives or the city's security are genuinely at risk.  If there are carts or other cargoes, we check their papers, ask them a few questions to make sure they are who they say they are.  If they seem suspicious about it, we inspect what they've got, make sure it's nothing illegal.  If there's a suspicious person, again, we draw them aside a little, isolate them, and ask them a few questions.  They turn out ok: we let them carry on.  If they don't, we arrest them and take them to the Tower for further questioning.  If they resist arrest or try to run..."

 

Visar brought his long staff up and then down hard against the white surface of the bridge, making a startlingly loud sound.

 

"Then things get interesting," he continued.  "But don't expect that sort of excitement. Almost all of the time, it's just greet and let people carry on.  Crime is thankfully rather rare in this city, but it does happen, most of the time right under our noses, so keep your wits about you.  Occasionally there will be notices posted on the gatehouse as to suspects or missing persons.  Ah, here we go, practice for you."

 

Visar nodded towards a small group heading double file across the bridge.  He smiled at the two couples and let Shawn greet them and ask them where they were going.  They seemed dressed for the hot weather, and moved purposefully but not furtively. They said that they were going to a well known inn to check in, and then they were going to meet their friends in South Harbor for supper before turning in, and going about their business on the morrow.  When they had moved past, Visar nodded to Shawn.

 

"That's pretty much how to do it.  Good job."

 

Time passed all too slowly, and traffic to and from steadily increased as it got closer to sundown, when they would shut the gates and let only those with permits through.  An hour after sundown, the night's shift would relieve them.  There had been only one person concealing a weapon, but he had been a little apologetic (not overly so), willing to relinquish it for his stay in the city, and cooperated otherwise, so he was let on his way.  The hours were not quite as bad with someone to talk to in between people, though.

 

After the gates were closed for the night, Visar turned to his partner on watch.  "Well I'd say that was a fairly typical day.  Boring, isn't it?  So Shawn, what do you study at the Tower mostly?  Are you more of an archer or a swordsman?"

  Visar explained bridge duty succinctly and they spent the rest of the day faithfully filling their role as Guards.  Mostly it seemed to be a simple matter of making their presence known.  Most people were in awe enough of the Tower and its guards to need no more than the simple reminder to stay on their best behavior while in the city.  Shawn would have liked the chance to get to know his duty partner a little better but as they day wore on they were busier and busier trying to greet everyone that came to the city.  Eventually night passed and the gates were closed.  Not long after that the night shift arrived to relieve them and Shawn and Vis started the long walk back to the Tower.

 

  Visar turned to Shawn and said, "Well I'd say that was a fairly typical day.  Boring, isn't it?  So Shawn, what do you study at the Tower mostly?  Are you more of an archer or a swordsman?"

 

  "Well, I am proficient enough with the bow, but I mostly just have it for when the situation might call for it.  But that doesn't really happen too much around here; light, I use my throwing knives more often than my bow.  No, I'm more of a swordsman than anything, though I prefer the term sword-dancer as that's really more what I do.  My training has centered on flowing through the forms as swiftly and freely as water flows through the river; never being where my opponent expects, but always where there is an opening to weaken him.  I may not always have as much power in a single strike with either of my swords than you might with that longsword, but I will seek to get a great number of strikes quickly and together they will do much more damage than just one stroke of your sword."

 

  Shawn grimaced embarrassedly and shrugged, "Or at least, that's the goal.  I'm nowhere near as proficient yet as I'd like to be but what I've said is the ultimate goal of my continued training.  But I have a question for you.  How can you ever hope to maneuver when you're wearing that heavy armor?"

"Well, I am proficient enough with the bow, but I mostly just have it for when the situation might call for it.  But that doesn't really happen too much around here; light, I use my throwing knives more often than my bow.  No, I'm more of a swordsman than anything, though I prefer the term sword-dancer as that's really more what I do.  My training has centered on flowing through the forms as swiftly and freely as water flows through the river; never being where my opponent expects, but always where there is an opening to weaken him.  I may not always have as much power in a single strike with either of my swords than you might with that longsword, but I will seek to get a great number of strikes quickly and together they will do much more damage than just one stroke of your sword."

 

Visar smiled at his partner's eager description of his style and philosophy.  Some of it sounded very effective, but Visar had never liked the term "dance" applied to anything martial.  When someone attacked for real, with full savage strength and commitment, there was often no time for anything to be done gracefully or serenely dance out of the way.  He hesitated replying back though, not sure whether it was such good idea to get into an argument with Shawn.

 

"Or at least, that's the goal.  I'm nowhere near as proficient yet as I'd like to be but what I've said is the ultimate goal of my continued training.  But I have a question for you.  How can you ever hope to maneuver when you're wearing that heavy armor?"

 

Visar laughed, and finally took the bait.  "This?  It's not that heavy; I train in it often.  While I might tire more quickly and move a smidge slower, I'm getting used to it. Besides, I think it's best to have some protection around the vitals; neither an Aes Sedai with all her powers nor the best swordsman in the world can stop a stray arrow.  I'd rather not take that chance.  Though honestly, this stuff does not breath well; if summer here were as hot as I remember in Tear, I'm sure I would cook or sweat to death in it!" Visar laughed.  He kept half an eye on their road.  They weren't traveling quickly, but they would be at the Tower soon enough if they kept up a good conversation the whole way.  He started explaining the advantages to his style as he perceived them, though he knew he was a long way from perfecting it.

 

"As for my style, however, the armor suits me just fine.  I don't need to maneuver much other than an occasional void and counter. With my weapons at different ranges of close combat, I am trying to learn how to equally keep opponents at bay and close in to defeat them, but seeking a bind is the key, especially with my sword.  If my blade touches yours, I will ideally be able to sense your intentions, and can react accordingly to your pressure, whether weak or strong, much faster than I would relying on my vision.  The longsword is quite fast and versatile a weapon in its own right, I think: I can use two hands or I can use my off hand to aid in grappling; I can strike with either edge, thrust with greater precision, and use the crossguard and pommel to my advantage at the bind.  But again, you might be able to void and counter one blow effectively, and my skills at defense are not as good as my offense.  I'm working on that, trying to find a balance between the two.  Closing in with a dual-wielding opponent such as yourself is risky, I know, but with some protection from a second strike, which I have, I might have a chance. But who could say for certain which of us might win?  I'd be more than willing to spar you with blunt or wooden weapons if you'd like to find out."  Visar said, grinning eagerly.  He added more sincerely, "Of course I hope we might use our styles together as comrades rather than waste our lives fighting trying to kill each other to prove a point.  I'd rather have a good friend to watch my back than a rival."

  They were nearing the Yards but, since Dene was on duty tonight, Shawn had nothing else to do and the conversation was engaging so he was not worried about cutting things short.  "I too would rather gain a friend than a rival.  We need to be able to trust and depend on one another if we are to work together to protect the Aes Sedai.  If we're going to be working together often we should probably try to develop some tactics that will employ the differences in our fighting styles as a way of offsetting each others weaknesses.  But then, I don't really know enough of your unique fighting quirks to come up with any.  Perhaps a sparring session or two would be a good way to learn more about each other's styles."

 

  By now they were back home in the Yards.  As they walked Shawn's stomach rumbled loudly.  Laughing at himself he pointed toward the mess hall, "Want to see if they're still serving dinner?"

 

 

 

OOC: I'm up for sparring if you are but I've never tried to rp a spar and I'm a little relcutant to since it seems impossible to do so without controlling the other person's character.  But, I'll need to do it for the Blademaster ceremony in a few weeks/months so practice might do me some good.

(ooc: I'm up for a spar too, I think I'll add in a bit about the smithing stuff so we establish that relationship too.  Don't worry about rping spars too much, I'd just ask you for your permission to do certain moves, and I'm ok with taking a few hits; just something we give feedback to each other ooc, I find that works pretty well with spars)

 

"I too would rather gain a friend than a rival.  We need to be able to trust and depend on one another if we are to work together to protect the Aes Sedai.  If we're going to be working together often we should probably try to develop some tactics that will employ the differences in our fighting styles as a way of offsetting each others weaknesses.  But then, I don't really know enough of your unique fighting quirks to come up with any.  Perhaps a sparring session or two would be a good way to learn more about each other's styles."

 

"Aye, I could use practice against a dual wielder myself.  I'll take you up on that challenge.  Are you free tomorrow morning?"

 

Visar paused, thinking he had heard a low rumble.  He glanced up at the sky, thinking it was distant thunder at first, until Shawn pointed to the mess hall and asked about dinner.

 

"That was your stomach?!" Visar asked, then laughed loudly.  "Sure, in a minute.  I was going to check the armory first to have them resharpen my sword; it's got a few small nicks that need to be smoothed out and it's getting a tad dull by the tip.  I don't trust doing it myself. I'm afraid I might sharpen it too much and take too much off.  Wait, do you work in the armory?  I think I remember seeing you in there before..."

  "Yes, I do work in the smithy.  And its a good thing for you that I do because all of the others are probably long gone by this time."

 

  Shawn veered away from the mess hall and toward the smithy, content for now to wait for dinner.  "Yeah, I was raised by a smith and I'd just finished my apprenticeship when events led me here."  Even after all this time Shawn was still forced to pause and collect himself when he thought of those dark days that had changed his life so drastically.  "So, when my days as a Trainee were over and I had a little more free time to myself I sought permission to return to the forge and finish what I'd started.  Now, in addition to my guard duties and mentoring duties and continued personal training, I spend what time is left available to me working to perfect my craft."

 

  By now they'd reached the doors to the armory and Shawn led his new friend past the rows of assorted weaponry to the forge in the back.  "I'd hate to spend time getting the forge heated up when we've dinner to get to, but then, I shouldn't really need it for this."

 

  Shawn poured a bucket or two of water into the barrel under the whetstone and slowly poured another bucketful on top as he turned it.  "Now, let's see this sword and find out what needs to be done to it."

Visar thanked the Light that he could get this done tonight and didn't have to waste time tomorrow, though he was starting to become hungry himself.  Shawn explained how he had been in the smith business before going to the Tower, and had gone to work in the smithy here too.  Visar couldn't think of a more useful skill for a warrior to have; many fighters had almost no knowledge of the intricate craft of making and repairing the tools they needed to depend on for their lives; conversely, quite a few smiths did not know the subtle difference between 'light' balance and durability that most clients sought in their weapons.  Having the two mindsets in one person meant that Shawn could possibly be the man to go to for sword concerns.

 

As they arrived at the smithy, which was located just behind the armory, technically in the same building, Visar noted with dismay that everyone had indeed gone early for the night.  Light, the forge had even been doused!  Hopefully it would not be needed for the quick repair job that Visar hoped had to be done.

 

He drew his sword slowly from its scabbard to show Shawn, inspecting it himself to make sure he had gotten his diagnosis correct.  The sword had a grip for two hands, though it was lightly balanced enough for one handed use, and as a whole came up to his chest bone (about 46" long) when set vertically on the ground.  Unlike the Tairen sword that Visar had stolen from Tear, and no longer had in his possession, this sword was plain gray steel, with a double fuller running a third of the blade from the hilt.  The balance was rather close to the hilt, only a few inches up the blade.  As they lit a few extra lamps to see better in the room, Visar could now see some of the wear and tear of use; the tip was indeed dulled in some places, and there were a few shallow, minor nicks along either edge.  He did not often use the sword in training other than for solo practice; that would have ruined it for sure, not to mention possibly killed someone.  Occasionally he did test it against targets to work on his form for cutting and thrusting, usually a wooden dowel with mats wrapped around, or to simulate human flesh, an unwanted  part of a pig or lamb from the butcher's.  There had been that one time where I was attacking an armored target... Visar thought with a wince.  Other than that, the sword stayed in its scabbard most of the time, though Visar did practice drawing it more often than was necessary.  Perhaps the test cutting and the drawing combined attributed to the dulling near the tip, which was the only part of the blade that Visar tried to keep razor sharp.  The rest was sharp enough to cut with enough force, but dull enough to grip the blade for maneuvering closer.

 

"Think you can give it a good touch up?  Or will it need to wait for another day?" he asked, very much concerned.  It would not do to waste a good sword, especially one that had barely been used for real yet.  He had only just finished paying off the Tower for his equipment, and he didn't have much left to afford anything more.

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