09/02/2000 A Novice comes running up to you with a note. She bobs a curtsey to you and states that the note is from Accepted Espiria. When you open it, it will say: Neel, Mother sending us to a farm. Seems she had a bad dream or something just like you. Talk to her about it when you can. Gaidin Salamas is going with us. Be home soon, I hope Light keep you, Espi Practice Yard, White Tower, Tar Valon Hard packed earth is ringed in by a plain wooden fence. Daily the practice area is maintained by the pounding of young men's feet, as they are ran about the yard or set to forms. Towards the left hand side of the yard the thud of arrows hitting targets can be heard. The right is devoted to racks full of practice weapons and armor. Throughout the day the harsh voices of Gaidin urging the boys to work faster, stronger, harder can be heard. At night the silence is almost eerie as only the cicadas come out to play their nocturnal commentary. A three story building is at the end of the hall, providing a place for the trainees to live. A set of iron stairs up to the door is a favorite meeting spot for some of the boys, to sit and rest when such things are granted. Often they can be seen catching a meal there, to avoid wrinkled noses and sniffs from young ladies unaccustomed to the sweat and grime they daily generate. Neelkan comes moving quickly out of the Trainee Living Area, holding something in his hand, looks like a piece of paper of some kind and doesn't even make an attempt to bow to any of the Warders in the area, as there are always many, as he quickly walks through the yard towards the Courtyard. Raeth simply looks at the boy, "It's not _that_ cold. Besides, moving around keeps you warm. And I'd expect you to wear something a bit more warmer when out doors, trainee." He shakes his head, "Either way, you'll have to deal with the cold winter as well as the hot summer." Well, that's easy for him to say, he's wearing a nice thick shirt. "Perhaps and quick lesson in hand to hand will keep you warm." By the tone, it doesn't seem like he's suggesting it. He glances over at Rhys and nods, "I'm sure we can do a lot more with you than send you to the kitchens Rhys." Rhys turns back and smiles at Raeth, having walked over towards the practice weapons. He picks up a sword, hefting it in his hand, his wrist seems stiff, his hand seems unsure, and he looks at the weapon as though it were something unfamiliar to him, but he holds onto it still. "I would hope so, is all he replies." Courtyard, The White Tower, Tar Valon Marble tiles gleam from a straight path which leads from the Gates of the Tower to the wide double doors which announce its entry point. Soft grass and well planned patches of flowers can be found to either side, with the occasional shady tree. Accepted and novices sit on stone benches, some practicing their Power to the dismay of uneasy petitioners passing through. To the side there is a stable, near the fenced entrance to the clearly visible yard where shirtless boys go through sword forms through the day. Guards take the weapons of those wanting to enter, though the Gaidin spread about the courtyard, seemingly about their leisure, look ready to pounce on any men who "forgot" a dagger at the gates. Aes Sedai pass through on various errands, some nodding to acknowledge bows or curtsies. The atmosphere is busy, but calm. Espiria reaches to put her duffel bag on the saddle, but when she sees Sal offering to do it for her and smiles and hands it over. Then is the question of ridign side-saddle in the dress she's wearing. She hmms softly, glancing over to Varcel with a bright smile before allowing Sal to help her mount her horse. "Thank you, Gaidin Salamas. I was really wondering how to ride in a dress." She chuckles, shaking her head. "I've never had to ride with a dress before." She chuckles, shaking her head. "It /will/ be nice to see that again, but..I just wish it were under better reasons than these." She sighs softly, adjusting her dress slightly and taking hold of the reins. Varcel walks his horse in a slow circle, getting a feel for the animal, before approaching Espiria and Salamas. "Gaidin, Espiria." he greets them. Salamas grins and shakes his head slightly as he walks over to his own grey warhorse and mounts up. "I am sure that everything will be fine Espiria. The Amyrlin knows what she is doing. The farm will be quite safe. I promise." He looks to Varcel and nods in greeting. "I don't think we have spent much time togeather before Varcel, but I will be happy to teach you anything I can while we're at the farm. You'll find me not a hard teacher.. just persistent." Espiria chuckles softly and glances over to Varcel. She can't help but sigh at seeing him riding his horse like that. The deep caring she has for him at that moment makes her blush brightly and she looks back to her horse to cover it. "This is a fine animal, Gaidin Salamas. Thank you for choosing him for me." She tips her head to one side glancing around to see if anyone will be coming. Did they get the messages she sent? She glances to her hand containing one more note and she really hopes that she will get to hand it off before she leaves. Moving out of the Practice Yard and paying little heed to anyone, Neelkan holds in one hand a piece of paper. Someone got his message! He shoulders right into a young trainee as he passes by and mutters a half apology as he looks around. He spots Espi getting on a horse, then lets his eyes pass over the Gaidin and Varcel. Of course Varcel. When the note said 'Us' who else did he expect. He bites his lower lip for a moment, then heads on over towards where the horses are. "Salamas Gaidin." he bows towards the Gaidin who's had time to get on his horse while he was heading over, then he flashes a grin up at Varcel and then over to Espi, "Well, looks like ya two get outta the Tower f'r a while. I know I wish I could. Stayin' on a blo--umm-- an island f'r so long gets on m' nerves." Varcel nods to Salamas. "I'll be looking forward to it, Gaidin." Heh. Not hard. Varcel's trained under *Raeth*. And *Savren*. He knows what a hard teacher is. He looks over at Neelkan's approach, and maanages a return grin for him, guessing what it must cost him. Salamas grins slightly to Varcel then glances to Espiria. "You are welcome for the horse. He should do well for you, but if you have any problems just tell me and I'll see if I can give you some tips." He turns to Neelkan as he comes up and smiles as he begins walking his horse to the gate.. he is obviously itching to be going.. Espiria glances at Neel after nodding to Sal, "Neel! Oh..good." She reaches down to hand Neel something. "Can you give this to Redd for me? I didn't have time to give it to him and we..." She glances at the others before continuing. "We need to get going if we are to make it before full dark." She smiles though, trying to not seem worried or afraid of what her going means. Moving next to Espi's horse, Neelkan reaches up to it , looking at it for a moment, nodding, "I'll make sure he gets it. Ya be careful." He glances over her for a moment, as if looking for something, then shakes his head and gives Varcel a look. One that just seems to say something without saying it outloud. One of those 'Take care of her or make you wish your mom and dad never laid eyes on each other.' That look. Varcel nods back slowly, and silently to Neelkan, taking the meaning. Not that anyone who tried to hurt her woul dbe able to do so while he yet drew breath. Salamas looks around at everyone... waiting. He says nothing though, knowing from experiance how leavetakings can be. Espiria notices the glancing around and smiles before she reaches and pats her duffel bag. "The fan is in there for the trip, but don't worry..I'll wear it once we get to the farm." She smiles, heaving a soft sigh as she glances to the other two. There is a brightening of her eyes as she looks at Varcel. Just a bit as she glances between the two. Neel and Varcel. If daggers could be trown with eyes, they both would look like pin cushions. "I..I guess we should get going. I'll be careful, Neel. I promise." She grins, placing her hand on his arm for a moment, "Take care of Redd for me...will you? He's going to be frantic that I'm gone." She leans back up into the saddle and taking a deep breath as she pulls the reins. "I'm ready. We should get going or we won't make it before full dark." Her eyes tip back to Neel again, raising a hand to wave to him. Neelkan nods to the bit about the fan, whatever that is, looking a little releaved, then takes his eyes off Varcel and back up at Espi, grinning again, "I take care of all m' friends when I can, Esp. But I promise t' look after Redd. I know how'll be with ya gone." And he won't be the only one frantic, but he isn't going to add that. He stands still as they start to head out, lifting a hand to wave as well. And there goes another /look/ to Varcel while he's at it. Varcel clicks softly to his horse, and nudges it over, falling in behind Espiria and Salamas. "I'm ready." This time he ignores the look. Practice Yard, White Tower, Tar Valon Hard packed earth is ringed in by a plain wooden fence. Daily the practice area is maintained by the pounding of young men's feet, as they are ran about the yard or set to forms. Towards the left hand side of the yard the thud of arrows hitting targets can be heard. The right is devoted to racks full of practice weapons and armor. Throughout the day the harsh voices of Gaidin urging the boys to work faster, stronger, harder can be heard. At night the silence is almost eerie as only the cicadas come out to play their nocturnal commentary. A three story building is at the end of the hall, providing a place for the trainees to live. A set of iron stairs up to the door is a favorite meeting spot for some of the boys, to sit and rest when such things are granted. Often they can be seen catching a meal there, to avoid wrinkled noses and sniffs from young ladies unaccustomed to the sweat and grime they daily generate. No can do. Sunan's at least as focused as Corain is. His confidence has also been boosted to incredible levels, and that takes him along as if he had wings... He moves out of the way with both his body and his hand, grinning. Raeth shouts, "HALT!" Expecting the trainee to _inmediately_ stop what they are doing. "Corain, your doing good. Try moving in a little faster. Sunan, i see you are quick, yet you are not _doing_ anything. Trying punching next time, trainee." He turns back to Rhys and falls into a ready stance. "Now, punching is not the only thing. There is also kicking, yet you must becareful how and when you do it. If your opponent catches your leg...well I'm sure you get the idea." Raeth waits for Rhys to get into position then swings his fists in a quick left-right combination at his face, just as he glides in close and kicks towards his inside of his left legs. Moving back into the practice yard, Neelkan is holding another thing in his hands and looking down at it irritably. He glances over his shoulders as if trying to see something back in the direction of the Gates out of the Tower, then shakes his head again, shoving the pieces of paper into pockets in his jacket. He grumbles a little under his breath. He takes little notice of anything outside of himself right now as he moves to lean against the fence around the yard, eyes narrowed in thought. He blinks at the loud voice of the Amyrlin's warder and starts to watch the training for a bit. Anything that can keep his mind of... other things is a welcome distraction. Rhys readies himself, more quickly this time, perhaps he even stands deftly on the balls of his feet, although he still seems unsure of something. Inspite of his uncertainty, he deftly blocks both right and left strikes at his head, and then jumps up in the air, lifting his legs towards his body as he vaults over the kick, landing easily, although a look of surprise on his face before he lashes out with a sweep towards Raeth's legs. Instead of jumping the sweep, Raeth grounds himself, digging his right foot to get a good hold of the ground. His left leg, bracing itself for the impact, recieves Rhy's sweep. As the two connect, Raeth brings his right legs out and goes for a hard kick just under Rhy's kicking knee. Whether it connects or not, Raeth pivotes around swinging the back of his fist towards Rhy's face. Neelkan watches the going ons with mild interest.Though he is very glad for the destraction, it isn't quite enough as he keeps looking off in the direction of the gates and pressing his lip together iritably. Rhys steps back his foot quickly, pulling it back as Raeth's foot barely misses his leg. The spinning hand races towards his head and instead of dodging, he brings up his right hand and moves to catch Raeth's blow in his arm, his muscles tensed, his movements rapid and getting more smooth by the moment, inspite of what seems to be a look of surprise mixed with concentration. Corain freezes as well and glances over at the fighting Gaidin. Raeth's blow is quickly stopped by Rhy's block. He snaps towards the man and gives him a nod. "I think you will do quite a good gaidin, Rhys. We'll just have to see later how well you do with weapons." He turns back to the trainees. "As you see, there are many possible combinations. Try mixing in punches and kicks, as well as low sweep kicks. If you manage to get your opponent on the ground, you have a quick advantage. When you are ready, you may begin." Heh. If you manage to.. oh, nevermind. Corain can't help but smirk a little. this time he'll let the other trainee start though, since he did catch the drop on him last time... or tried to anyway. Sunan makes his first move by punching toward's Corain's face (right side) with a right hook. Or so it looks. But he's faking it, and really drops down to try to kick Corain's legs out from under him, using his right leg. Watching the two trainees, Neelkan's eyes widen as he recognizes them both, but it's not his roomate and annoying adopted brother he's concerned about. He actually pushes off of the fence and starts forward, only to stop himself. He said he wasn't going to protect a certain person, so he won't. Plus, it's just training. Rhys nods once as he looks down at his hands for a moment, unsure of how he just did that, but he seems lighter on his feet now, more sure of his movements. "I didn't realize I could do those things...I don't even know how I knew to move like that, but it felt like it was natural, like I was born to it." he shakes his head once and turns to watch the Trainees. Raeth gives a half glance at Rhys, "They've must have beat you harder than I thought if you don't remember that you knew how to fight. Although you do remind me of someone. A certain trainee around here." He leaves the name unsaid and glances back at the trainees. Right fist to his opponent's right side? Well, Corain himself might have a few pointers for Sunan when this is over, but that's neither here nor there. Corain turns to the right, letting the fist fly past him and promptly grabs hold of the arm. Much as he wants to hurt -something- he's not going to let his emotions run away with him so he just pulls on the arm trying to bring it back behind Sunan's back, hopefully effectively pinning him with the sheer awakwardness of the position. If he'd noticed a certain person stepping forward he would probably grin a little more, but he's too wrapped up at the moment do so. Raeth sweeps a gaze around the courtyard, noticing Neelkan. "Trainee Neelkan. It seems you are in need of something to do. I don't like trainees watching. I like them doing something. Get over here!" Cold gaze returns to the fight. Sunan gets his arm grabbed, but his momentum is enough to pull him down anyway, so it shouldn't go the way either of them want. The added fact Corain is trying to pin the arm that he nearly pulled out of the socket (okay, a bit of an exaggeration) behind his back only increases Sunan's displeasure. Not really in a position to use his legs right now, he realizes that Corain is the betterfighter. But he is a trainee! And he can be smarter! Using what he knows of the body from Mother Trici, he aims the flat of his hand to hit a pressure point near the side of Corain's groin, left leg (not *at* the groin*). Very useful for cutting off the bloodflow to a snakebitten leg. Or giving a trainee enough pain he'll let go. Of course, the hard part is hitting it, especially when using a weaker (if not weak) arm. Neelkan works his mouth while he stands there, then grumbles, "I'm not really in much a mood f'r trainin'." He doesn't even bow, or give a title. Naughty boy. He glances over his shoulder in the direction of the gates again, narrowing his eyes even if he can't even see them really. He grumbles again, then heads over finally, still no bowing, looking at both the trainees. He watches Corain most of all, and mutters something softly under his breath. Something about a challange? And he raises his eyebrows at Sunan too while he's at it. Rhys sighs as he nods "I don't know who, or what did this to me, and I'm not sure it matters much anymore anyway...it seems as though my body remembers some things, even if my mind does not." He turn to look at Neelkan and the other trainees, "They are an interesting bunch of young men aren't they?" There is a rather squeeky yelp from the trainee as he instantly releases Sunan and leaps back so hard he falls flat on his butt. No, Sunan didn't actually land the hit, but apparently Corain is protective enough of that area that it's just as good as if he had. Corain hops up though and seems rather infuriated, "What the bloody pigs feet was that for?" They're all a bunch of cheaters! Raeth cheats, Jedan defiantely cheats and now Sunan's cheating! He whirls towards Raeth, "Isn't there like some unspoken rule about not hitting below the belt?" No? Well there flaming well should be!! Raeth frowns at Neelkan's words, granite face turning slowly to face the lad, icy gaze drilling into him. -Did he hear him correctly?- "Trainee, I suggest you get yourself over here....right....now! I am not going to ask another time." His voice is a cracked whip, and most of the trainees close by blink at the harshness of his voice. He turns back to Corain. It seems the fighting has stopped. Hmmm. "There is no such thing as cheaters when in a fight, Trainee. When in a deadly battle, _everything_ counts. This is not about honor, this is about living to protect your ward...at _any_ cost. Now since it seems to me, you have a problem with _everyone_ fighting style perhaps Neelkan can better suit your needs." He turns to Sunan giving him a quick nod and wave of his hand to stand back for the new fighters. "It is an interesting bunch. Hard to handle sometimes, but they are good trainees." He says to Rhys. Sunan immidiately leaps toward Corain as he falls, attemting to slam him on the ground and catch his throat. If he succeeds, he'll have to say, "I win." If he does not, he'll wrestle. Of course, he freezes at the Gaidin's words if not his foolish opponent's words. He'd then stand and back away, unless Corain doesn't let him get away. Rhys sighs a little as he nods to Raeth "Yes, they do seem good," as he shoots a glance towards Sunan "If a bit enthusiastic about their lessons." Neelkan reaches up and covers his mouth at Corain's reaction and looks as if he wishes to start laughing about something. At the suggestion of fighting Corain though, that all drops. He narrows his eyes at the Gaidin and then instantly says, pointing at the other trainee, "I am /not/ fightin' 'im." No way, no how. After a second he blinks and adds, "I just do not wish t' be fightin' 'im, Gaidin. I mean it would hardly be fair." This one isn't enthusiastic, though he normally is. He'll usually spar with anyone. Why doesn't he want to fight Corain? Everything counts eh? No, he doesn't care what they say, everything -doesn't- count, but it seems he's going to have to get used to this behavior. As Sunan throws himself on him he sticks a booted foot in the air to catch the trainee if he continues with the downward movment. If Sunan does indeed fall on the foot, Corain gives an upward kick to toss him off again and -then- hop up. If not Corain still hops up and backs to a safer distance away from the seemingly, in his mind, crazed trainee. He glances over at Neel, but remains quiet on the subject of fighting him.. for the moment.. though there is the tiniest of smirks on his lips... Raeth frowns a bit a sunan as he comments to Rhys, "Yes, some are a little over enthusiastic." Then a glance at Corain. "But I think that must be good." He shakes his head softly, not quite sure of the last. "You two. Stop! The fight is over." Raeth says to Rhys just before he heads over calmy towards Rhys, "If you'll excuse me for a moment." Raeth folds his arms over his chest as he looks Neelkan. "Unless you have a _very_ good reason not to fight him, you will fight him, trainee. I am not asking you, I'm telling you. It's either that, or you will be knee deep in I don't know how many nasty thing while you clean out the latrines and the stables." As an after thought, he adds, "Or perhaps tie you two together until I figure out why you don't want to fight him." Sunan tries to wrench himself in midair to the right, but the boot still hits him on the left side of his chest. Stunned by the impact right at his heart, his left side is knocked forward and he ends up landing on his back to the trainee's right, impacting his head. Stunned and dizzy, he looks like he should be in abit of pain right now, too. By this time he's discarded the coat (sorry, should've posed it earlier) and is warm at least. He's trying to catch his bearings as Corain gets up, looking not all there. Ouch. Corain snaps his head up from looking at the stunned Sunan. He was actually going to go over to help him up, but Raeth's words stop him and he gives the most intense look to Neelkan, and if I'm not mistaken there might even be a hint of pleading. Jedan steps up and puts a firm hand on Corain's shoulder. Cool eyes flicker over all of them, landing on Neelkan. An interesting fellow there. He looks back to Raeth. "I was right, wasn't I?" he asks. Completely off subject. But that's like him. Opening his mouth, Neelkan's about to yell off all the reasons he doesn't want to, but then he just clenches his jaw shut after glancing at Corain. Yeah, yeah. He caught the pleading look. He takes a deep breath and then mutters reluctently and angerly. "A'right. I'll... fight 'im." He gives Corain a glare that is worse then any he ever gave any of the women he's ever met inside the Tower, then moves over, flexing a little, "So yer just interested in unarmed combat, Gaidin?" That's what Sunan and /that Trainee/ were doing after all. Worried about Sunan? Not really. He's got other things on his mind right now, though sparring with... with... /him/ is one sure way to take his mind off them. Rhys sighs again as he nods to Raeth while he walks away, towards the two, he seems concerned for the one on the ground, but still a bit startled at their vigor in what is just a practice exercise. Raeth gives Neelkan a quick nod and watches him go. "I'm sure you know how to handle hand to hand. You two can begin when you are ready." He beings to return to where the fighting was, and walks by Jedan he tries to give him a quick and almost seemingly playful jab in his kidney arrive then whispers something to him. Blue eye roll as he looks at Sunan on the ground. "Get up trainee." he says as he returns to join Rhys. Sunan jumps up immediately on command. Aren't trainees great lapdogs? Although he still looks dizzy, he actually approaches Raeth and asks, "Gaidin Raeth, I was wondering f I could spar with you? That way I could learn from your moves?" Jedan turns and smirks to Raeth. "Of course, Gaidin." he winks. "Now... let's see here. Unarmed lesson? And you're just going to let two people at it. WHy don't you join us, Raeth?" His hand stays firm on Corain's shoulder. "All against all, free for all. Just two simple rules." Corain stiffens a little at the hand on his shoulder and glances over at Jedan. He clears his throat, and shrugs off the hand, not trying to be rude, but he's got things to do here, and... stuff... "Jedan Gaidin," he murmurs in greeting. Neelkan's glare well it makes the smirk go away, but at first he doesn't glare back. Then- oh what the heck. He mutters something about someone being scared and glares right back at Neelkan. No, these two don't seem to like eachother very much. Just practice? This is more than just practice, this is machoism, atleast for Corain. He's here.. in part, to prove himself and by the soiled trousers of Ishamael he's going to do it. He walks over to Neelkan, the glare fading to a slight smirk, and gives him a very tiny bow before stepping into the ready stance. Ok, so he should probably just go ahead and do something, since he thinks it highly unlikely that Neel'll attack of his own accord. But, for the moment he'll just wait and take his opponent's measure, not that he doesn't already have it... Jedan walks over and puts a hand on Neelkan's shoulder. "JUst a moment, Neelkan." he says, keeping the kid from attacking. And being attacked. "Raeth, sense your so interested in a fight, let's start one. All of us. Against all of us." he looks over at Corain. "Pick your enemies well, and your friends better. There are two rules." he waves over Neelkan's chest and side. "Only the chest and sides count. And once you're hit, you're out." He looks back to Raeth. "You in?" Raeth nods with a quick roll of his eyes. Well this might be much more interesting that going on with the lesson that Jedan so easily seemed to have interrupted. Yet he doesn't seem to mind. "Very well Jedan. Might as well have everyone leave with a couple of bruises." He glances at Rhys, "You in?" He doesn't ask the rest, he's assuming they'll want to join. Neelkan glares at the young trainee across from him for a long time, and doesn't even move to attack at all, standing in a defensive position instead. He doesn't seem to want to attack, for all the anger and grr he's throwing at the trainee. And the mumble of 'scared' just made it all the worse. He blinks as the Gaidin who was teaching him before says something and he listens to the rules and what he has in mind. Hrm. Sounds good. He'll just jab Corain and it'll be over with! He doesn't do anything, or drop his stance though, waiting. Rhys shrugs a little as he walks forward "I suppose so, it will be a good opportunity to test myself." he walks near to Raeth and stretches out his arms, yet it seems something about this type of activity comes naturally to the man. Corain doesn't move from the stance either, and he doesn't move his eyes away from Neel, not that he thinks he's going to try anything. But then he gets an idea. He winks at Neel and then jerks his head, almost imperceptibly in the direction of Jedan. These rules never said they have to fight eachother now... though why wouldn't they want to if they dislike eachother so much? He can only hope Corain doesn't move from the stance either, and he doesn't move his eyes away from Neel, not that he thinks he's going to try anything. But then he gets an idea. He winks at Neel and then jerks his head, almost imperceptibly in the direction of Jedan. These rules never said they have to fight eachother now... though why wouldn't they want to if they dislike eachother so much? He can only hope 'fang-boy' here will catch the hint. Considering how much taunting Neel withstood without ever really laying a finger on him though... this has just gotta work, even if, in this trainee's humble opinion, he's not the brightest star in the sky. Jedan nods and motions for them all to make a big circle. "You bow once." he says, doing so rather elobartly. "And when I say go, we go. Remember, it's all in the way you do it." he says, smirking accross the circle at Raeth. Yeah, his target is obvious. Really. Sunan standds quietly to teh side, waiting for the fiht to begin. He's stopped swaying now. He does lokma bit disappointed. This is more dodgoing than anything else. Hey! Neelkan's not stupid! But in the end he nods in acceptance and mutters a soft, "Very well." They'll worry about fighting each other if they're the last people to be it. The wink almost made him want to fight the other trainee even more. Taunting little firefly deserves to get knocked on his backside. He glances around at Jedan, and then Sunan, and then Rhys. Hmmm. Which one should he go for... Hmmmm. He glances back towards Corain after getting into the circle place and waiting to bow and go when he says go. And he still hasn't decided who to go after. He's so tempted just to put the firefly in his place. Raeth raises a brow, then settles himself across from Jedan into the circle. Twinkling eyes, my.... Granite face falls slowly across his face, although there does seem to be a bit of humor in it. He readys himself for Jedan's go. Rhys stands ready then, waiting as well. Some of the other nearby trainees look the older man over with a curious glance, which he returns with a friendly smile as he rolls his neck once, to loosen it. He stands near Raeth, noticing the looks between him and Jedan, and noting for future reference. Corain keeps his eyes on Neelkan, his gaze just as taunting as his words were the other day. He almost seems to be saying 'you don't have it in you' with his eyes. Maybe the firefly's asking for it, but that's nothing new. He places himself not facing anyone, though he's next to Jedan. It can't be a very tight circle after all if they're going to fight in it. Nope, he's leaving it a secret who he's going to go after until the last moment. Or at least he's trying to. Jedan does his bow and straightens, motioning everyone to come with him. "Go!" he snaps out, and then takes a /long/ step back, twisting out of the fight to see what happens from here. Wouldn't do to get tagged out by the two people he's trying to help. Rhys moves swiftly as a couple of younger trainees move to strike at him, obviously thinking the older man must be slower. Unfortunately for them, they are quite wrong and as they strike out at him, he deftly pushes their blows aside, to be accompanied by a light tap of his hand to thier exposed sides, not wishing to hurt anyone. As they walk away, he looks around, waiting for the next person to approach. Without taking his eyes of Jedan, Raeth bows as well, and curiously though, he does exactly the same. Although, having Rhys right next to him a quick glance is through at the man just before he exits the circle. Come here, Jedan, Jedan. Come here boy. One would think he hates the man, yet...it's really impossible to know with that expresionless face of his. Looking around, Neelkan moves into a position where he can keep his eyes on everyone. He pauses for a moment, watching Corain most of all. The firefly is asking for it after all, then moves towards Sunan quickly, a jab towards his right ribs. Once done, if it hits, he spins to turn towards the others so he can be ready if anyone decided to come at him while he was going after his roommate. Sunan seems very annoyed that he's been hit, but calmly leaves the ring. Only to be snatched up by another Gaidin for weight-lifting... Oh it would be oh so tempting to aim a jab for Neel's ribs while he's distracted, but he was the one who suggested this alliance thing, and even though these others might be perfectly fine with cheating he's still got honor to uphold. And Jedan seems to be on his side too so... Corain'll go pair off with Rhys. Neel, if you wanted to get him out of the fight, now is definately the time. He keeps very light on his feet, at least being small does give him the advantage of having less area to hit, and he keeps his arms pretty solidly in front of his chest, which leaves his sides exposed more, but such is life. Jedan moves right with Corain for Rhys. He dances over quickly, his foot coming up and slicing into a mean kick for the somach, only to stop as a faint and reaim quickly for the chest, this one almost going through before it's pulled back and reaimed for the somach, the real kick. Don't be fooled, the entire process takes bare moments to pull off. Rhys steps a quick movement back at the first, leans in, almost moving into the second faint, but actually setting himself up to move his hand down quickly to bring up a clean block of the third and actual kick, which is pushed aside, hopefully turning his body away as he strikes out with a punch. His eyes seem focused, lost somewhere else, and almost as if he's surprised at how his body is reacting to these attacks. Raeth slips back into the circle area as it breaks up, eyes sliding back and forth from his opponents. He's still not exactly sure who's on his side. Noticing Sunan out of the game , he goes for neelkan. He rushes towards him then at the last second, he ducks and spins around neelkan swinging a fist towards the trainee's back. It takes a moment for Neelkan to realize he has a Gaidin coming up at him. He was expecting Corain to take advantage of his opening after all. Corain's part of an unfair *ahem*... nevermind. He's just not fair. He steadies himself to bring up his arms in a block, but then the gaidin spins and seems to be aiming elsewhere. And what does Neelkan do? He seems to /let/ himself get hit, just briefly moving with the blow so it doesn't hurt very much. He nods his head towards the Gaidin and starts to step out of the circle. At least now he won't have to worry about fighting Corain, right? Well Jedan seems to pretty much have this under control, but as Jed's leg is pushed to the side, and his body turned (correct me if I'm misinterpreting here) Corain makes a quick hop back and aims a swift kick at Rhys' side, not a hard kick, just enough to put Rhys out of the fight if he hits. Jedan brings his foot down, but even as Corain is making his own move, Jedan does the same, spining around to bring a strong, mean wheel kick for Rhys's chest. This one will /hurt/ if it lands, and can't be blocked. Well, you can /try/ and get a broken arm for your trouble. Rhys spins into fluid, rapid motion, the kick from Coraine coming right for his chest. He slides one foot backwards, darting a hand up towards the oncoming foot. With a turn of his hand and flick of his wrist, he guides the kick in another direction, using his momentum to keep it moving. Its new trajectory is directly in the path of the oncoming wheel kick from Jedan.