The Empress and the Knight

[Nimue Stormson]

An entire night passed, Nimue resting as comfortably as she could, before the dawn was soon to rise. One of her servants had entered her chamber, telling her of the time, before the Empress pulled herself out of bed and ordered for both a bath and breakfast to be prepared.​

​

After being fed and washed Nimue had dresses into something less regal that usual. Only leggings and a tunic, with a pair of gloves on her hands. All the jewelry from her hair was taken out, all the makeup washed off her face, and her hair tied into a single bun. It was clear she knew how to dress for training in combat, no need for skirts and the like to get in the way.​

​

She exited her room, some servants awaiting her, before she ordered for some to gather training equipment for the lessons and another to fetch [member="Asterion"] to have him meet her at one of the large landings in the castle. All separated while only one, a girl, followed Nimue up to the landing itself.​

​

It was a stone platform that had forty feet of open space in a circular shape. The morning sky was cloudy, the streaks of red from the sun beaming past the trees and mountains on the horizon. The wet morning air had made some areas moist and cold but it was all bracing for Nimue, an endurance she knew she had to deal with for this training. ​

​

The servants soon returned with weapons and dummies to train with. Some were wooden and others were metal. Swords and axes and spears were all ready. As they set up Nimue looked out to the horizon, her arms crossed, before awaiting her teacher’s arrival.​

 

[Stephanie Swail]

The servant woke Asterion, and gave him the time to come round, change and prepare for the day ahead. Asterion usually would be up and around, but being in a rather comfortable bed with warm surroundings, it had eased him into a rather satisfying slumber. However the surreal evening before came back to his mind, and he took his time to go over what had been said and what was expected.

Taking a succulent apple from the fruit provided in his room and carrying his lightsaber hilt in his hand, Asterion followed the servant minutes later down the palace and out to the rear, where a winding path through a very decorative garden brought them to a large landing. The space was vast and the planet before them provided the perfect backdrop – rich, morning colours, a faint mist and a fresh smell in the air.

When the servant hung back, Asterion casually ate his apple, looking around at the historic set-up and walked over to where the Empress stood, now looking far more human and normal without her royal attire. His black and silver armour contrasted to her earthy colours.

”Good morning.”

He crunched the fruit and looked up at the mist rolling over the mountains.

”Nice place you have here, your Highness.”

[member="Nimue Stormson"]

 

[Nimue Stormson]

The sound of his voice made Nimue turned, seeing [member="Asterion"] still having his breakfast, and smiled. It was good to know he was still here, still intent on teaching her. And hear part of her thought he would find this a waste of time and leave in the middle of the night. Glad to see half of her could be wrong.​

​

When he mentioned how nice the view was she turned back and said “My late husband loved waking up this early. He always said that the morning air had some underlining inhibiter within, making warriors all the stronger when they practiced and fought.” She looked back to him and asked “Do you Sith have some similar means of training based on the wheather?” After whatever answer he gave she pointed out “I hope the equipment is sufficient enough. Not as advanced as I’m sure you Sith have, as I’m sure, but it should do fine.”​

 

[Stephanie Swail]

Glancing between her and their view, Asterion crunched and actually enjoyed a moment of peace and almost normality.

”I trained in all weathers, all times. Baking sun, cold snow, hard rain – you name it. It hardens your skin, steels your resolve and turns your body into a machine to withstand the most deceptive and dangerous enemy you’ll face – nature.”

He didn’t comment about her late husband. To him it just meant fewer headaches to allow him to focus on her.

”Equipment is irrelevant when it comes down to it. I’ve seen warriors bring down ships from the sky with a wave of their hand. Controlling and understanding the Force can allow you to do great things.”

Walking in front of her, still eating the apple, he ignited the crimson blade with a loud snap-hiss and dragged it along the stone floor, kicking up smoke and small flame. He then deftly swung it and took the head clean off a dummy, leaving nothing but a headless, smoking body. Killing the blade, he turned and walked back.

”It all comes down to where and how you attack – one strike will be enough to take down your enemy, but for those with a lightsaber, your spears and shields will do nothing to stop them, remember that.”

Giving her a smart smile, he slipped the last bit of rosy skin into his mouth and ate hungrily.

[member="Nimue Stormson"]

 

[Nimue Stormson]

Nimue kept her gaze on the horizon as [member="Asterion"] told of his training. From the sounds of it he’d been through a lot, something that was made clear the moment she met him. A hardened resolve from training under the harsh conditions would toughen more than just the skin.​

​

Then came his talk of how the Force would allow her to do great things. At mention of being able to take whole ships out of the sky she turned to him, seeing he was indeed telling the truth. The idea of being able to do that on a whim had both scared and excited the Empress. Holding power like that would make her a ruler to be feared for sure; not that she’d use it on her own people.​

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It was then that she jumped at the sight of the weapon the Sith wielded. A lightsaber. She’d never seen a more magnificent weapon before. Pure light concentrated into a blade that, as Asterion demonstrated, could cut through anything without stress. Her green eyes fixed on the crimson blade of energy as he swung it and chopped off the dummy head. Even as it was turned off she watched the light skin back into the hilt.​

​

Looking back to him, still an aghast look on her face, Nimue said “Amazing…. You mean there’s nothing that can defend from that? Not stone or steel or any metal at all?”​

 

[Stephanie Swail]

He started to nod, but then changed his mind.

”Well, nothing is perfect. A rare ore known as Cortosis can resist the energy of a lightsaber, but with enough contact the blade will eventually cut through, but in battle you’ve not got time to keep hacking away. You’ll be dead.”

Holding the hilt with the Force, he raised it from his palm and held it before the Empress, noting her expression like a child seeing something fantastical for the first time.

”Only those tuned with the Force can really wield a blade effectively, because the slightest error and you can take your own limb off. It serves as an extension of your body when you attack – it’s clean, powerful and graceful”.”

Asterion reached up and took it from the air.

”So, do you want to show me what you can do combat wise?”

[member="Nimue Stormson"]

 

[Nimue Stormson]

Seeing the hilt fly about the air wasn’t anything too fantastic for Nimue. She’d been able to do that when she was a child, a basic ability in magic/ the force that anyone in Effekt born with it could use. But the fact that it was still the hilt of a lightsaber, one of the most powerful weapons anyone could use, was something that still shook her to the core.​

​

She snapped back to reality when he told her to show what she learned. Nodding the walked over to the stands of training weapons the servants brought before trying to choose one. Given her choices, and what she knew to use already, Nimue had chosen a training single-handed blade before stepping aiside. She gestured to [member="Asterion"] to choose one if he wanted, since it was clear they couldn’t train with his saber when she had none.​

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Once he had what he had NImue ran over to the opposite side of the landing, indicating she was ready. With both hands on the hilt Nimue waited until the Sith was ready. After that she wasted no time and charged, her sword overhead as she tried to bring it down on his shoulder.​

 

[Stephanie Swail]

Fixing the hilt to his belt, Asterion followed Nimue to the stands and looked at them all – various lengths and heights, some to penetrate, some to slice and some to hack. All primitive but equally nightmarish.

Following suit and taking the blade, a good balance in weight but heavier than the lightsaber, Asterion moved to the opposite end of where Nimue stood and beckoned with his hand for her to attack.

Angling himself to the side, he watched, eyes moving slightly to take in their view again as he heard her begin to run, the blade overhead ready to come down on him. Asterion didn’t even look as he raised his left hand and brought the Force around them to his palm and emitted a large blast of energy that would send her back in a clumsy and hard fall to the ground.

The second he emitted the blast, he amplified his speed and was on her, blade angling down to her naval and teasing gently just above the clothes she wore.

”Sorry Empress. You’re dead.”

He gave her a small smile.

[member="Nimue Stormson"]

 

[Nimue Stormson]

When the blast had hit her Nimue didn’t know if she should feel stupid for having not seen it coming or cheated on the grounds that [member="Asterion"] attacked with the force. She thought this was about combat, not using the force during combat. But then again she didn’t know how Sith and Jedi fight, so it could’ve been common for them.​

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With a hard thud she landed on her back and groaned while arching herself. By the time she looked up she could see Asterion over her with the blade pointed down. While he smiled she gave an annoyed look.​

​

“I didn’t think you would use the force.” She said, picking herself up. “I thought this was about using weapons first.”​

 

[Stephanie Swail]

Reaching down to help her up, he didn’t react to her obvious irritation. It amused him.

”The Force can be a weapon in battle. Rule number one; observe your surroundings with the Force. Open yourself up to your opponent to feel their thoughts and read their actions. In a battle, your enemy will not play fair Nimue. Remember that.”

He started back across the yard. At the other end, he nodded at her and she came again. This time he didn’t use the Force – he didn’t need to.

Feigning a stance to defend, the moment she came near, Asterion simply lurched back and swept out with his boot to tangle with her feet as the momentum of her blow came down where he would be. She went over again, this time on her front. The sword clanged out of her grasp to the stone.

”The moment you came at me, your blade was high and your focus was obvious. I read your attack and had plenty of time to use it against you. Predictable.”

He looked at her.

”Comfy down there, sweetheart?”

[member="Nimue Stormson"]

 

[Nimue Stormson]

Once she was on her feet Nimue dusted herself off while [member="Asterion"] told her about minding her surroundings. In truth the way the Effektian’s fought was more a matter of brute force. Sure there was though involved, but it was more tactical and a matter of how many strong men you could throw at an enemy before they were overwhelmed. Effektians were, after all, tough as nails and honored death in battle.​

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Still given what the Sith told her Nimue kept it in mind before attacking again. She tried the same move only to be tripped up and wound up head over heels in the air before hitting the ground on her back yet again. She groaned more while the sword flew from her hand. Everything felt a little dizzy before she looked up to hear the smart-aleck comment from Asterion.​

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With a little annoyed grunt she said “You’re lucky I’m not the tyrannical sot. Or else I’d have you beheaded for that.” After that she got up and said “And for the record, it’s Empress. Or at least Nimue. Those other nicknames won’t be tolerated.” ​

 

[Stephanie Swail]

This time, the Sith let her get up on her own. When she did, he looked over both shoulders and then back to Nimue. A finger pointed at his chest.

”Sorry, are you talking to me?”

Stepping closer, he turned the finger and jabbed it into Nimue.

”Listen, sweetheart, you want me here, right? You dragged me away to teach YOU, right? You’re not my Empress, I don’t even know you and I’ll call you what the hell I want. Don’t try and threaten me because I’ll take your head clean off your pretty little shoulders before you even open that mouth to cry out in terror. You don’t like the way I do things? Good luck.”

With a clang, his sword fell to the ground and he started off back down the large yard. He knew it wouldn’t last long before pride swelled up, especially in one like her.

[member="Nimue Stormson"]

 

[Nimue Stormson]

When he’d jabbed her finger at her Nimue was shocked and angry at the same time. How dare he do that to her. She was the Empress, and even if he was an outsider he should’ve known better. After that it was all the matter of him braiding her and saying how she would need to play by his rules or not at all.​

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So much of Nimue wanted to call for his execution then and there. Even as he started walking off she knew with a word the guards would be on him and he’d be done. But then, to her humility, she knew she wasn’t going to have another opportunity like this. And why let her men die fighting one foe when they could be dealing with others?​

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“FINE!” she called to get him to stop. “I’ll concede to your wishes….but I’m not going to let the sweetheart thing go!” After that she walked back and picked up her blade before saying “Now let’s damn well continue….please.”​

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[member="Asterion"]​

 

[Stephanie Swail]

Hearing her shout, Asterion turned his head slightly but kept on walking.

”Don’t concede to anything. Good luck with your toy soldiers and whatever tat you have here to play with. See you in the real world, sweetheart.”

He held his hand up and saluted to her without even looking, heading over to the stone steps leading off the yard and back towards the palace.

If he just aggravated the Force that she held inside…maybe, just maybe, it would come out without her thinking.

[member="Nimue Stormson"]

 

[Nimue Stormson]

After that he was still walking away from her? Nimue was growing more aggravated with him to where an aggravated growl came out of her mouth, something she hadn’t realized until later on. Her hand was trembling from anger, even as he gave the coy little salute before trying to run out on her like that.​

​

Suddenly Nimue felt a boiling sensation as she ran after him. Her speed had been increased to where she zipped right around and in front of him in almost the blink of an eye. She didn’t seem to notice, however, as she was still angry at [member="Asterion"] .​

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“You don’t walk out on the Empress like that! Now get back and that ring and start training!” she yelled before holding her hands out as if to hold him back from walking farther.​

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Instead she wound up unleashing a force push that would surely knock the Sith warrior back a little. By this point she calmed, shocked to see what she’d done and realized where she was. She had a look that was more confused as to what she did. Had she really just done that, attacked with the force instead of just using it to make things float?​

 

[Stephanie Swail]

Asterion smiled as he felt the tremor in the Force come from behind, and Nimue was soon enough in front of him, a mic of anger and frustration. With her palms out, Asterion felt the energy push out and hit him enough to make him stop, his left side being hit as if he’d been punched.

Looking at her, he nodded.

”The Force can be a powerful ally and help enhance your movements and thoughts, and fuel your muscles and reactions. You didn’t try to do it, you just DID it.”

Turning to the yard, Asterion clapped his hands twice and walked the distance to where his sword was.

”Ok. No rules because in battle there are none. I will not use the Force. Come on Come fight me, sweetheart.”

That should be enough get the girl flared up and focussed.

[member="Nimue Stormson"]

 

[Nimue Stormson]

Still a little taken aback by what she’d done Nimue looked at her hands, which were still gloved, as [member="Asterion"] had told how the force was just something to use and not think on. It surprised her to know that her emotions could help fuel it like that. If this was what she was capable of on her own, with enough training she could be more powerful than half the warriors of Effekt.​

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When the Sith told her he’d not use the force, only to call her ‘sweetheart’ again, she was obviously annoyed by it. She drew her practice blade and ran towards him, this time trying a right-side sweep to his him in the ribs. Failing that she’d try to follow up with a jab at his shoulders before trying to make for his neck. If it did hit it would hurt but not cut or slice, the weapons were made for this sort of training afterall.​

 

[Stephanie Swail]

Asterion was ready when she came and did all but avoid the hits, except the one in the neck which hit with a dull thud under his cheek. Whether he let her have the hit or not was something only she could decide.

"Good, quick and precise strikes - one two three - keep your opponent moving; wear them down."

He walked behind Nimue and kicked her boot a little with his to move her forward, and arched her back slightly.

"Keep your posture firm but light so you can move if needed, be it backwards, forwards, left right. Your back should stay firm to drive strength through to your blade."

Walking back around, he nodded.

"Go again. This time I will defend each attack, but don't stop pushing to get me."

He tapped his fingers under his eyes.

"Look me in the eye when you fight - let the Force concentrate on the rest to guide your attack."

[member="Nimue Stormson"]

 

[Nimue Stormson]

He’d taken all the hits to his armor, something Nimue didn’t count on. She thought he would defend but, as it turned out, this was part of his training. She stood still as he circled before he kicked and moved her body into a better position. His talk of staying firm yet light was an interesting technique that she did keep in mind.​

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The warriors of Effekt knew their strengths and used it to their advantage. And given how big they were they only relied on brute, full-frontal strength to overpower enemies. In all honesty they may have been too big to be both firm and light at the same time.​

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After [member="Asterion"] told her to attack again she nodded, even to where he told her to keep looking him in the eye. As she did she did feel a little twinge. His gaze was so burning it was almost like he could see right through her. Despite this she took a deep breath before advancing, keeping he form as he’d said.​

​

She started with a sweep for his left before following up with a complete turn of her body to try and swing at his right if it was open enough. Then she made for a few more jabs and swings for his arms and legs, hoping to keep him off-guard long enough to follow up with a thrust straight for his chest. He’d told her to not let up, so she was trying to keep his body as occupied as possible.​

 

[Stephanie Swail]

He tried to keep his Force sense away from the strikes, as it would keep his own reflexes attuned rather than depending on the Force ability. She was rigid in movement, but strong in power.

"Be careful not to move over the whole body - focus on a certain point and work on that."

Asterion stopped her and held her arms up with the sword.

"If you keep one part of their body and mind distracted, it leaves another open for you to strike."

He jabbed at her ribs with his fingers. Releasing her, he stood back.

"Defend yourself now, Empress."

Twirling the blade around, Asterion moved in a circular motion and went for a basic left/right/left pattern, with his footing deceptive and unpredictable so she wouldn't always expect the expected.

[member="Nimue Stormson"]