Spar with the Kingsman

The regular practice had gone on for the few hours it took each morning leaving most sweaty but exhilarated. At least Gabriel was after such and the prospect to be tested by Lazare after his duties of the lists were seen to. He was over to pour water over his head as well bare chest. The tattoo displayed of snaking lines along his back easily seen as he no longer tried to hide it, nor his transformation around ones he became comfortable with. Black lines separated by untouched skin down along his spine. A couple red ones near his shoulders. Fewer lines than what seemed to multiply if the wings lifted to the full twenty foot span. Once done cooling off, he noted the others had vacated the field except himself, Lazare and Aiden. A twitch of a smile reflected thoughts he was ready to eat some dirt or if lucky, as Mo stated, he might not, instead holding his own better than most.

This was not de Beauvais, the sword was not his specialty. Carno was not Cairns, hand to hand was still a challenge. de Vimeure and his archery talents were not needed at present, which would work well for this particular King's Man. Yet, the heat of the morning beat heavily upon the stretch of field along with those who remained. Lazare wiped the palm of his hand along the back of his neck, a cant of head taking in Gabriel just down the green from him. Since Three of the Four practiced first with the King this morn, Lazare had some time to rest, but the day remained stuffy and, even with the slight breeze offered at just the right moment to ease that heat, the best of the challenge may come in managing to adjust to what nature demanded as well as what man may.

Aiden grinned at Gabriel as he watched his friend then looked toward Lazare. "I hope the two of you don't mind me staying to watch." He had eaten his share of dirt when it came to the King's Men. Cooling off would come later when he headed to the lake.

He gripped Aiden's shoulder, "wish me well at least," knowing well the reputation of all the King's Men. Each with specialities but all a notch above the rest. Except the kings from what went about on it. This was his opportunity, so he viewed it, to become better. He was over to Lazare, empowered sword sheathed at his left hip, brother to the one he wore as well Aiden. "If there is still time, I am at your disposal," which included whatever choice of spar the King's Man preferred. Gabriel was honing his abilities in all areas so there was not really a preference. Fisting his hand against his chest over his heart in all due respect.

Lazare had placed the sword gifted to him by Andrew upon a stone bench, taking to his side instead a simple sword more suitable for practice. "There is always time, Gabriel." He lifted his head once the sword and sheath was 
fastened securely at his side, looking to the man. "and it remains to be seen which of us is to be disposed of." He chuckled, rolling first one shoulder and then the next as he prepared. Lazare had spoken earlier with von Rundstedt and had secured this segment of time for some enjoyment, that being a bit of an exertion via the skill of Gabriel. His sword arm crossed over his chest in the same manner Gabriel had, returning the respectful gesture. "Do be gentle, eh? I'm an aging man." Lucky for him! As long as he was still aging, he was still breathing! A good thing to do considering the alternative.

"Of course I wish you well." He returned the clasp to the shoulder in kind, grin reappearing. "And that the dirt is not too gritty." He moved over to one of the benches though he didn't sit. He placed a foot on the bench, using his knee to rest his arms. As much as he enjoyed sparring with the King's Men, even if he didn't do more than hold his own, he enjoyed watching them spar with others.

As Lazare prepared himself, he took off the empowered sword to set on the bench near the King's Man's and refastened the one he used in practice to his left hip. Only time the empowered one was to be used was in those who had like in practice or what they were designed for in defense of the lands. Gabriel slanted him a dark eyed glance, dip of his head had it coming more from beneath his brows. "I can hope you will have pity on me in not disposing of me this early in my life." Knowing well the man had greater skill for his years and gifts but the light tone spoke on him going along with Lazare's words in jest. He was around as well moving to a cleared area away from the benches, a roll of his shoulders before his right hand crossed, good grip of the sword's hilt to draw it out. It had a nice tone to it, one he had made by the young Rhett Shawnesey of recent. His skill in craftsmanship matched his father's. It was a beautiful sword with a Celtic styled hilt intricately done that honored the blade. He crossed it over his chest in like fashion. "I have the instincts that you are older but wiser as well skilled, Sir Lazare." That touch of a smile as he stepped back, left leg braced behind the right in a distance of two feet apart. The sword held at an angle it could lift or dip in how Lazare started the spar.

"Ah, you wound me already!" Lazare laughed, joining the man on the field as he spoke of the age difference. "To benefit Heathfield, Gabriel, and those we serve and protect." Lazare braced himself, angling his sword just slightly, and then with a rush of wind which swept over the field, past the two men, on to Aiden, Carno followed the motion and his weapon sliced the air toward the younger man.

The rush of air had him blinking briefly in surprise and he chuckled. A glance toward the barracks had him taking note of some of the squires watching. They'd likely stay as long as they could before duties called.

The sun glistened down on the two men, rolling off the sheen over bronze skin. The wind was unexpected in such a gust, although refreshing. It had him bracing his stance more as his sword lifted to meet in that clang of steel against steel. The impact gave weight to Lazare's strength and very strong the man was he found. Unseen by him but felt was the barely lifting of those points of tattoo for the surprising gust. A natural instinct to bring them about in the course of danger. Except in that split second it was only the wind and the tips laid back against his skin. It was minute but one with a keen eye might just catch that slight oddity. Some passed it off as an illusion for the sheen and sun upon skin than what it really was. His sword slid up Lazare's in a press forward to guide it off and away while rounding back down that would normally be a strike to his shoulder, in battle it would be to disable the other.

Lazare had not left himself open for such a strike, even as Gabriel pressed forward, Carno was spinning away from any possible blow, their swords meeting with an impact that could vibrate the bones of most men. Both hands gripped the hilt as the movement of bodies and weapons continued upward in an arch of skill. Three knives were tucked within their sheaths at Lazare's side, two on the left, one on the right, and though he would have normally dropped his left hand at this point to snatch out one of his chosen weapons, both fists remained tightly on the sword instead. Gabriel was no novice to training, and the man's strength was a match for Lazare's, so for now, it would be swords alone that marked the combat of skill. This One of the Four gave a forceful shove, separating the swords in the air and aiming his own blade back around toward the waist of his opponent, twisting the hilt at the exact moment so that the flat of lethal weapon would make contact instead were it not blocked.

The clangs sounded, biting into the air with even small sparks set off upon impact. He too was gripping the sword with both hands or lose it for the man's strength. Gabriel was strong as the well tone muscles flexed as needed, rolling at times in swift movements precisely executed. It took all his concentration and well tested his skills honed so far to keep up and not leave openings. A time or two, the hit near brought him to his knees but the well placed stance was the only thing not having him eating dirt, so far. He could feel the fire in arm and shoulder muscles in a workout like never before. Dark eyes held the intensity of one that didn't give up. The drive strong in the ancient breed that had mingled with the present man. Months ago before the transformation, he would have been long down in the dirt but still getting up for more. There were points where the tattoo tried to lift from his skin as he barely swung around to angle his sword down at his side so the two clanged broadside but knocking him a few steps away. Sweat ran down his temples along his cheeks but it was only that deep set drive that kept him going, barely drawing a breath as he prepared for the next onslaught. Dirt clung to sweat in areas where it had risen up and settled. Knees slightly bent, chin dipped in determination as the sword was still held with both hands at an angle in front of him. He knew enough not to even take that split second to wipe the sweat from his brow.

Gabriel was not the only one to fight the paths of sweat which their labors brought about. It stung Lazare's eyes, he could taste it on his tongue while he smiled. Sweat and grit and dust and grime, there were far more pleasurable tastes to be sure, but none more satisfying when sampled during a well-fought spar. Their efforts sang out over the field, metal against metal, a grunt of contact, a growl of energy. He was cloaked in perspiration and to that clung the earth which had braced an avoidance roll or two. Too blasted hot! While he warded off yet another of Gabriel's mighty blows, his right hand released the hold on the hilt and swept upward, palm to the sky, then that same palm pressed forward, bringing behind the motion a gusty assault of air which nearly lifted even Lazare from the ground. Unprepared, another man may very well meet the force of it on his back! But, ah, the feel of that shift of air would help Lazare with the heat! Swaying from the energy expended with this spar and now the force of air, both hands clamped back down on the sword to prepare for the next onslaught. Not even a fraction of a second passed with that demand for air, that which he commanded at will, but enough time for that offer of cooling wind.

He mentally blocked the searing fire in muscles used, to demand more of them; pushing all to their limits. This was what he had hoped for, not the usual spars that honed movements but honed his body as a whole. His heart beating at a heightened pace with the draw of air in the much needed oxygen to keep going. The first gust of wind may have been a surprise but not the connection of its origin realized. This blast was more than nature at work but through Lazare as he was hit not only with the wind but realization. Not so unprepared as survival instincts would have it and the wings sliced out instantaneously. Almost a mind of their own just as one would brace a foot when pushed or arms and hands flying out to break a fall. Instead of spanning out the twenty feet or so, they cupped as air pockets, lifting him up so fast he near lost the sword. One hand losing grip but the right held fast to it. Feathers as black night glistened under the intensity of the sun, the red patches tipped in gold along his shoulders shone like torches set afire. Raphael's teachings had come in handy lifting him so and into a barrel roll that took him arched up a good ten feet and over Lazare to land on his feet behind the man six feet away. Only hitch, as wings disappeared in that instant, he was facing in the opposite direction. In that split second he swung around with his other hand coming in grips with the sword again. Any sweat was temporarily dried from his skin. Eyes had gone sky blue from near black and stayed that way for such energy Lazare gave off coupled with his own hidden skills in reaction. Lazare might find that little surprise when he turned for the blue was as the sky and far different than the normal coloring. Gabriel had yet to discover exactly why and of what use. Presently it was on this other part of him still emerging. It had the connection to the stars at night that had been fascinating him of late without realization nor control.

Very little surprised Lazare. He had been in the service of the Black Griffin for too long to be taken unawares often. But, but! When this man sprouted wings and shot into the air, Lazare stepped back, his sword dropping by his side, completely unprepared had the onslaught continued, to watch in amazement as the winged-one arched in the air above Lazare's head to land behind. He followed him with his gaze the entire way, the tip of his sword scraping the ground's dirt as he turned to watch him land. He didn't even bother to lift his sword as Gabriel spun around to face him again. "Impressive." He spoke under his breath, but no doubt Gabriel would hear him. "What can you do with this?" His smile sparked with genuine curiosity, as did his eyes, as just a moment's thought brought about a whirlwind of air, a decent funnel, sucking up a bit of dirt and debris as it swung around Lazare to pluck up Gabriel for a possible aerobatic show of skill.

Things were getting interesting now. Aiden turned and settled on the bench, elbows on his knees as he leaned forward.

Seeing the turn of the spar, he had barely sheathed his sword in time as he started for Lazare for his words. What better way to show him but take him for a flight? He had taken a couple of women but now a greater weight to see if he could carry another man. It was then with the whirl of wind, funnel style, that the wings were once more out and he grabbing onto Lazare, hooking his arm up and under the man's armpit and shoulder. All swirled around them but with an arched strong flap of wings, he shot up through the swirling wind to take them above it. In time he would find that if Cole gave him a big enough electrical jolt, he would shoot like a bullet, hopefully high enough he didn't crash into anything. Here, it was the norm as great wings spanned out that they could glide. With Lazare's skills they could glide a very long time! "The earth looks much different from up here." Aiden looking about the size of an ant as he lifted higher still. They could see the lands laid out, mountain ranges far beyond those normally seen. Rivers like ribbons and in some areas strange markings that could only been seen from this height. Lazare was much heavier but after flying carrying others then weights, his arms were more up to the task. His wings had not been a problem. "Did you know there are ruins beneath the lake?" Something that was not seen from below but had been on a clear day in the sky.

Lazare would later think back and hope that Karl von Rundstedt wasn't watching any of this from the castle's higher windows. At the moment, however, that didn't even enter his mind as he experienced the man's winged strength for
himself. He nearly lost his breakfast. Gabriel may be accustomed to the sudden ascent, that whoosh of movement that shot them upward. Lazare...was not. Gabriel may enjoy the birds' eye view, having been born to fly as he was. Lazare was not! In fact, the King's man had his eyes tightly squeezed shut, hoping that the queasy threat of upheaval would ease. Hearing the comment about the ruins, Carno laughed. "At the moment, Gabriel, I care not one wit about the ruins of the lake and hope only that I do not ruin my britches!" He chuckled, still not opening his eyes, though part of it was to make sure he kept the current beneath them to support both their weight in the air as much as to fight the waves of nausea. "I yield to your greater skill, Man. I yield. And unless you wish me to christen Heathfield with that which churns in my gut, best you plant my feet firmly back upon the earth!" The humor in his tone mixed well with the growing respect he had for Gabriel. "Gently." He demanded, suggested ... ah, well pleaded!...still chuckling with the sight they must be, the two of them locked arm to arm, with Lazare dangling like a worm on a hook.

He started to laugh when Gabriel and Lazare lifted into the sky, watching as they went higher and higher. Leaning back, he watched and waited patiently. He was considering too, how such an ability would work against an enemy. More than likely scare the daylights out of them!

It was with Lazare's comment that a dipped glance took in the man's eyes squeezed shut. Hopefully he would appreciate the comment next in the light given, not all that unlike the man he held in great respect. "Shall I drop you off here then?" Jesting as it came with a laugh in wake of Lazare's. He realized the man was not good about heights. The less he needed to flap his wings, the more energy was conserved and so used the current set by Lazare to gradually descend. Circling motion which tipped them to one side. He talked on the way down, more to keep Lazare's mind focused there than the tilting descend. "Know I am at your service if ever a need arose to get you out of a predicament." Like him getting stranded high up on some ledge or needed to get across some chasm to the other side without incident. He was at the kings' disposal, all of them, as was put forth to them when knighted by Peter. Luckily he had honed skills at this point, unlike the first number of attempts, in utilizing his wings in a way they spanned up and out, down and back up in a fast pace as they closed in on ground. Easing him to his feet that split second he gained his and the wings slicing away back into the lines of the tattoo look on his skin. He even kept the arm and shoulder lock until felt Lazare had his balance before releasing him and stepping away. "I hope my skill can be used."

Lazare, unlike his usual chatty self, remained silent until his feet touched down. Even then, he was grateful that Gabriel had not released him, his knees nearly buckled with the returned weight, and he bent to place a hand to his knee, his head and shoulders leaned forward. He canted his head to look over to Gabriel. "Had I your skill, Man, I'd be using it all the time. See that window yon?" He gave a slight motion of head in the general direction, though he dared not move much just yet. "That's de Beauvias', imagine what torment could be applied had I the wings as you!" And the Dragon would never catch him! "I'm sure the crowns will use your skills on many occasions, Gabriel." He straightened, offering over a hand to him.

Both were safe on the ground and he stood, moving over to join them. You and Sir de Beauvias would be in conflict all the time." He watched the King's Man a moment to make sure he was steady before looking at Gabriel. "Now you know you can carry equal your weight."

"And I for one am glad of it." Lazare chuckled through his words.

He looked to where indicated as a chuckle couldn't be helped. Bird on a skewer if he ever tried that. He heard on the confrontation between Vincent and Trevor as there were witnesses to it of the field that day, only related to others under the kings. "It would be like the story of a father and son with wax wings flying too close to the sun." Singed feathers would give a stench, he was sure! Turning back to Lazare "I am honored by your words but I will not let them go to my head." He knew what ego did to a man especially skilled. One of the things he admired in the men here he looked up to, they didn't have that kind of destructive ego. His hand was met with a firm shake as he would divert talk on himself to Aiden. "Has Aiden shown you his newfound skills of late? Something that rivals mine for certain." Dark eyes shifting from Lazare to Aiden, "as you are honing yours also."

"Ah?" Did Lazare take a step back? "Rivals that?" Even as he spoke, he was walking away just to take up the sword which was dropped when he was whisked away.  But he returned, slipping the sword back into its sheath.

He grinned, giving a shake of his head. "I don't fly." He held up his hands as he answered, reassuring Lazare. "My abilities have to do with shadows and using them." He wouldn't dare attempt to make wings, knowing he'd likely end up in a heap on the ground. "I've learned to create a net from them, as well as some shadows that have a living appearance. Some actually are alive." Meaning his two familiars since the wolf could now be called the same as Jewel. "And I can see through their eyes." That was the newest he had learned. He cut a glance toward Gabriel briefly before dark eyes were on Lazare once more.

The last comment had brows lifting, "you can see through their eyes?" That was new but certainly held a lot of possibilities to it. "I could fly Jewel up to Vincent's room put her through an open window." Of course if Vincent ever found out, then the games would really begin! It would not be unlike the ones here to get into such mischief in challenges on another level, challenged in return which brought out new abilities or they discovered their limits.

"Care you not for this Jewel at all?" The good humor continued, the practice sword was set aside and the empowered one returned to its rightful place at his hip. "I need a drink." Exhausted from what had transpired and excited with the possibilities he now heard of, Lazare looked between the two men with him at present. He reached for his discarded shirt and tossed that over his shoulder. "And a good, cold swim." A grin marked his features. "And I would like to hear more of what you both are bringing to the Innis crown."

"Jewel would have to agree to it." The cat, like all cats, was quite independent. "I think we both would be glad to share." He looked at Gabriel to be sure of that. "Drink, swim and talk." He was becoming a bit more confident of his own abilities, and perhaps he would introduce both men to the wolf.

Cole arrived, carrying a jug beaded with moisture and the fingers of his other hand were decorated with mugs. As he approached in time to hear Lazare, he chuckled quietly, "The drink I can provide. The swim, you're on your own."

"Not only the Innis crown but Heathfield's. A swim sounds good but perhaps we can round our way by the Thistle and the back door to the kitchen, get a basket of food. I become ravenous when expending enough energy." Stalling then as Cole arrived. "Your timing is impeccable, Cole!" He certainly was thirsty to start. He too exchanged the regular sword for the empowered one, Shirt on as the other was strapped then over his shoulder. He found a way to keep it safe while swimming, the empowered one out of harms way. He'd fling it up to stick into the trunk of a tree way up, or fly putting it there if no one was around, then just call it to his hand later when leaving.

His smile could not spread any wider hearing Cole and bearing witness to what the man possessed. "That it is, Cole, and it's even good to see you." He nodded toward the jug, then looked up to Cole. "Especially so, considering."

"A life saver indeed." He grinned as he clapped a hand to Cole's shoulder then stepped back. "Gabriel was demonstrating his wings to Lazare."

To that, Lazare grunted.

Offering each a mug in turn, a brow rose at Aiden's words. "Demonstrating, or did he take you flying, Sir Lazare? He's been wont to do that lately, picking people up and from what I hear, dumping them in the lake." The jug was uncorked in preparation for pouring four mugs' worth of its contents.

He tried not to laugh but there was no hiding the smirk that came with a dip of his head. Eyes averted to gaining a mug and whatever the jug contained to drink. Didn't matter what it was as long as it was cold. He only muttered one comment, "at least I didn't pick him up cradled in my arms." That sight they would never live down. Such was all right for a lass.

"Mmmph, aye, well..." Accepting his mug with a nod of gratitude. "He made me realize how very grateful I am to have eyelids." Up went the mug, down went the cool liquid.

After accepting a mug, he started to drink but nearly choked when he heard Gabriel and Lazare. "I think he took you higher then he had anyone else."

The jug contained a kind of root beer, cool but not too cold as he poured liberally, listening to the discussion. "Should I be glad I've been spared?"

There was that but he had to. The funnel made was that kind of large. Dark eyes shifted between the three and they were spared the grin as he lifted the mug to drain. Slowly of course as anything presently would feel cold enough.

To that Lazare just nodded, grinned, drank some more.

"Couldn't see much from down here." He chuckled, shrugging slightly. "But I'd say Lazare handled the surprise well." Then again, he hadn't seen the man's eyes were closed!

Cole had the feeling there was more to the story, but wasn't sure he wanted to ask as he glanced amongst the faces. "Does this mean you're done for the day and intend to retire to the lake?"

"I would love to see both of you spar Lazare at another time." Knowing well they had enough for this day as far as sparring went. "Perhaps you could demonstrate your usage of shadows, Aiden?" Knowing well he was not so timid in doing so in front of others he knew at this point and Jewel came around as she pleased it seemed.

"Aye, I would." He looked at Cole and nodded. "I believe so. While I didn't take part in the spar today, this morning left me with the desire to spend the rest of the day there." And if they could coax a basket of food from Hazel to take along, all the better. Maybe two!

They'd need one for Gabriel alone. Better make it three. "It's warm enough to do so... even if it does look like a storm might be coming." A grimace as he looked up and over his shoulder to the single, looming dark cloud that seemed like it might be following him. "Or maybe it's just me."

At this point they would need two baskets considering he could probably eat half of one alone. The mention of a storm had him looking to the sky in the direction Cole looked. Brows furrowed slightly in thought. "You've done this before, predicting the turn of weather or at least approaching storms." There was not really enough to indicate one coming at this point but many would roll in fast and just as fast continue onward.

Lazare drained the contents of his mug and hooked it to his thumb. "To the lake then, to wash off this grime." He followed Cole's look to the before mentioned threat, but he shrugged. "Is there any woman that is predictable? Least of all Mother Nature. Let's make the most of it while we can, eh Men" He scooped up the extra sword which he would deposit with any squire he passed along the way (or else take it with if none made themselves available) and Carno was headed to the lake.

The cloud drew his attention briefly but it was Lazare's words that had him nodding. "No, there are none, and that lovely lady surely would agree." There was a young squire there, tending to the grounds and he accepted the mug with a grin. And would take the others as well.

Cole decided to say nothing further on the matter but follow the others to the lake, carrying his mug and the jug, stealing a glance over his shoulder at the cloud.

He had all his gear plus the mug still in hand until that was handed to the squire also. They would make that quick stop for the fortitude of food packed in two baskets or even three, depending on how much Hazel had to spare. He was in Lazare's wake as they headed out. Very content with the results, ones never expected and far exceeded any expectations going into this spar.

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