Post by The Stranger on May 5, 2008 21:46:30 GMT -5
Tristeza’s days in Braavos came to fit a certain regimen after a few months, which consisted of stately events, private time with the Sea Lord, and his children, and training; in afternoons, she often spent time with Lord Villisander Meatrios, learning the ways of political intrigue—he brought her on errands to deal with reports from various spies, and let her observe their dealings. He also tutored her in a more classical way, recommending histories for her to read, that would demonstrate various types of intrigue, and the success had by sundry Lords and Ladies in their own peculiar situations; she also learned from the failures of the past. This lesson often consumed hours of her day, but she found it interesting to a point where she dreaded its conclusion.
Though that sentiment was not simply because she enjoyed the work, but rather also because Villisander’s lesson was almost always followed by a lesson with the Water Dancers, who trained her in the ways of the sword. She knew how to wield a blade, with a good knowledge and experience in the art of knives; particularly daggers, but she often departed from her lessons with the Water Dancers bruised, and cut in more places than she would have liked to consider, and sore over her whole body. The lessons emphasized stamina and agility, which was a definite positive, as she was far less capable in the western fashion of swordsmanship which favored strength and force over speed, or stamina, or agility.
Still, they were an energetic lot, who were not bothered by seeing her fall or bleed. After several weeks, she could hold her own against a single opponent, when he slowed his movements slightly, and allowed her a split extra second to decide her next move.
Lord Acheas Polliver was the man with whom she worked most often; they had grown friendly, but he drove her hard to improve her skill; he was a ruthless teacher who maintained a philosophy that pain would teach a man (or a woman, in this case) what to do, or what not to do better, than a simple explanation.
“You can tell a child not to go near the fire, but most will have to be burned before their temptation evaporates completely,” he told her, before he stabbed her forcefully between her third and fourth ribs for yet again blocking too high.
Results:
Tristeza advances to Expert Intrigue
Tristeza advances to Expert Swordsmanship
Though that sentiment was not simply because she enjoyed the work, but rather also because Villisander’s lesson was almost always followed by a lesson with the Water Dancers, who trained her in the ways of the sword. She knew how to wield a blade, with a good knowledge and experience in the art of knives; particularly daggers, but she often departed from her lessons with the Water Dancers bruised, and cut in more places than she would have liked to consider, and sore over her whole body. The lessons emphasized stamina and agility, which was a definite positive, as she was far less capable in the western fashion of swordsmanship which favored strength and force over speed, or stamina, or agility.
Still, they were an energetic lot, who were not bothered by seeing her fall or bleed. After several weeks, she could hold her own against a single opponent, when he slowed his movements slightly, and allowed her a split extra second to decide her next move.
Lord Acheas Polliver was the man with whom she worked most often; they had grown friendly, but he drove her hard to improve her skill; he was a ruthless teacher who maintained a philosophy that pain would teach a man (or a woman, in this case) what to do, or what not to do better, than a simple explanation.
“You can tell a child not to go near the fire, but most will have to be burned before their temptation evaporates completely,” he told her, before he stabbed her forcefully between her third and fourth ribs for yet again blocking too high.
Results:
Tristeza advances to Expert Intrigue
Tristeza advances to Expert Swordsmanship