New Tricks

Training began as expected. Jiyn squaring up against Alexis showed how much their experience differed vividly. Each time Jiyn would approach, she would adjust accordingly. Each time Jiyn would go to strike she'd parry or side step it as if the fight was choreographed before hand. And every time Jiyn left himself exposed, she left him a reminder of exactly where he left himself open. They both came to the conclusion that a short sword-dagger combo would suit him the best. Even if the duel wielding itself threw off some of his personal tactics, he felt the benefits of the knowledge and fundamentals Alexis blessed him with.

On the other hand, Jiyn didn't think what he had to teach Alexis was going to make her a better fighter but it could help her turn a tide in battle one day. "I wouldn't show this around your new knight friends. They might get the wrong idea." He showed her where he hid the knives in the belt that held up his sheathe and on bands inside of his sleeves. "I used to hunt bounties back, back in Mizar." Jiyn quickly checked Alexis' expression to see if he believed him. "Most of the time the pay was higher if you brought them back alive. Which I preferred to do, personally." He showed her how he used the blades as distractions along with non lethal ways to debilitate the enemy. Aiming for thighs, armpits, and the occasional hand if you were lucky.

During a food break, Jiyn sat next to Alexis while pooling as much bread, meats and cheeses his coin could allow them. Knights and other recruits would smirk and joke to themselves seeing the bruised and warn Jiyn next to a comparitively put together Alexis. Each time they commented, he'd offer a duel between them and Alexis. Conveniently they all had something to do.

"Do you worry about the intent here at all, Alexis?" Jiyn spoke up suddenly. "I can't imagine a colony of runaways are going to treat the natives... properly." He tapped the side of his ale in thought.

"When it comes down to it, you think they're going to make us conquer this whole continent? Where else would they get the land for all the recruits they promised, right?"