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 Posted: Fri Jan 02, 2009 9:49 am
Kodah had begun his laps, he had started them with such enthusiasm and then it seemed as though he had been struck by a great weight. Ambroise observed as the limbs stiffened and his strides became jerky, he could recall the entire event himself. As a foal he had behaved in such a manner, not yet familiar with the concept of pacing oneself. Ambroise had been the same as a child, intent on going as quickly as he could until eventually he understood the words that came out of his father's mouth...
"In order to succeed, one must understand their limits," he called towards the flagging colt, ruffling his own wings as he broke into an extended trot to match the pace of the slowing child. "You must understand that speed is not always required - you move when ready and rest when required. I requested you do laps..." he spread out his wing and lightly placed it as a barrier between the foal and further laps. While he could revel in his nephew's discomfort to a point (because it was healthy for the boy), that didn't mean he wasn't without mercy and consideration for his health either!
"But I did not give you a time limit, do you understand?" he enquired softly, furling his wing against his side again as he turned his pale gaze towards the colt and raised a brow ever so slightly. "You will rest and then we shall try again..."
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Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2009 1:10 pm
Kodah only just saw the wing through the tired haze, stopping before he bumped into it. His sides heaved as his breathing slowly returned to normal, and the trembling in his legs abated some. Running around leisurely for fun sure was completely different from those lap thingies, especially when you were meant to do a specific number of them!
'I understand Uncle..' he said, with no trace of cheek this time, simply because he didn't have the energy to spare to do so. He let his legs give out underneath him and rested on the ground for a while.
'Okay.' he said after a while, getting up and stretching each thin leg. This time he wouldn't sprint, that was just dumb. He trotted off again, this time finding a pace that felt fairly comfortable and keeping to it. The tiredness crept over him again during the teens but it was more manageable, and he continued to plug on, determined to finish it this time as he didn't want to seem like a weak baby.
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Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2009 6:43 am
There was nothing better for a rabid tongue than some constructive activities. When things were no longer a game, when they took on more serious conotations, then an individual began to understand very quickly that to think first and act or talk later was more important. Granted these methods always required that the individual be exhausted the point that they couldn't spout nonsense but in principle they worked. Even if Kodah maintained his quick wit, his uncle could only hope that he would be tamed to a degree so as not to start any brawls. After all, Ambroise wouldn't be terribly impressed if he had to apologise for more families on behalf of his brother's family!
Nevertheless, once the colt had rested his fighting spirit kicked in and he made a second attempt. Taking things slowly and building to a speed that suited him, his next attempt was considerably smoother. It was easier on the eye too, Ambroise could detect the changes in gait and the rhythm that he had selected to run at. It was a lop at best, but the colt had yet to build up his fitness and Ambroise was quick to dismiss the lack of grace for that reason alone.
No - what mattered most was that Kodah was listening.
"Better," He announced as his nephew passed him midway through the laps, a small smile of approval reaching his lips to chase away his often grim expression. "Much better..."
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Posted: Fri Jan 09, 2009 5:46 am
Kodah tried to throw Ambroise a cocky 'see I can do it!' look as he was running, but it broke his stride and he nearly stumbled. Obviously being an a** wasn't compatible with running laps, and instead he nodded his head at his Uncle to show that he had heard him.
..nineteen, twenty. Kodah trotted to a halt, on tired and shaking legs. Thanks to the first failed attempt, he'd just run about 30 laps, and couldn't believe that he was this tired! Exercise never did seem the same when you were having fun at the same time.
'Done.' he coughed, fanning his sides with his winglets.
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Posted: Fri Jan 09, 2009 6:29 am
In time, Ambroise had faith that such a look could be thrown in the middle of combat. It just took practice, a little patience and it was also necessary to have your body so finely tuned that it moved on its own. While Ambroise didn't really enjoy sass and cheek, he was fairly certain Kodah would figure out how to throw his looks without stumbling in the future. May it take months or years, the uncle was all too aware that like Fenghuang - Kodah wasn't going to completely conform to his training regime. It sucked and really put a dampener on proceedings but then again...not everyone could be quite as stoic and wooden as Ambroise was!
"It is a pain when you have to take things so seriously, no?" Ambroise mused, watching his young nephew attempt to cool down. It was with this in mind that Ambroise nudged him forward a little so that he would walk, that way his limbs wouldn't lock up. "However in combat not every aspect is fun and entertaining, there are times when endurance and sheer will power persevere," he pointed out wisely. Clearing his throat, the stallion walked alongside his nephew to show that it was not out of exercise that he was making him move, it was for his own health. "That is why it is important to know your limits and to train your body so that it can move with only the slightest nudge from you."
"...If you body can move swiftly without thought then it frees up your mind to consider more important things such as strategy and tactics against an opponent -" it was here he paused and shook his head, long locks of hair tumbling down his features. "However all these words are worthless and of no concern if you have no intention of pursuing the art of combat. I know your mother sent you to me but..." he sighed softly and pursed his lips. He had exhausted the boy, drained him until he wouldn't back chat but any parent could do that. He wasn't a disciplinarian but he also didn't have the patience for half-assed students either.
"But there is no point in remaining here if you have little interest in such things. It is a waste of mine time and of yours," he smiled wrily and motioned towards the mosses near the bases of the tree near by. "Something to consider while you eat and regain your strength."
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Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2009 5:55 am
'Yes..' Kodah sighed overly dramatically, some of his old self returning as his energy was regained. He couldn't understand how he'd gotten so tired, but obviously he wasn't as good at running as his overly cocky self thought him to be. That would have to change, he wanted to be good at everything - a lofty goal for someone his age.
'Moving again?' he said quickly, too quick in fact before he realised that his leg muscles had started to cramp, and the gently walking was easing the pain.
'Can I have new legs Uncle?' he grinned, despite the twinges.
The first few words went in one ear and out the other, moving without though - didn't he do that all the time? One word got his absolute and rapt attention immediately.
'Combat?! You're going to teach me how to fight?' his body buzzed with excitement and energy, and he scurried towards the fragrant moss, gulping down mouthfuls, and attempting to talk at the same time.
'What wib you be teabing me then?' he managed round a large mouthful.
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Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2009 8:30 am
"Do not talk with your mouth full," Ambroise scolded, his brow furrowing at the sudden renewal of energy. Apparently fighting was something that child was interested in, but his uncle wasn't entirely sure if he was dedicated to such a thing. It was all well and good to leap at an opportunity but if Kodah didn't enter it with complete interest there was a problem. Oh, Ambroise would humour him and teach him accordingly but for the initial months it would be boring - more drills, more training to raise his endurance and stamina. There wouldn't be any fancy moves for quite some time and the question remained as to whether or not he would remain dedicated for that long.
...Most who entered lessons in combat often expected a quick fix. They would prep themselves for mighty spars and moves very early on, only to find that disappointment awaited them. A good teacher was not one to rush, they ensured absolute safety and Ambroise followed these rules completely. Kodah was young and in the process of developing so much of his lessons would not draw to a conclusion until he was somewhat bigger. Could he wait that long, or would he run away from it?
It remained to be seen but for the time being, Ambroise could do nothing more than raise a brow disapprovingly at the lack of etiquette. That was something he could work on to an extent, though he would prefer to put his faith in Althalus and Nivriti in regards to table manners (if he was honest). Thus, it was only when his nephew had settled that Ambroise opted to speak again, though this time it was to answer his question.
"You are not prepared to learn the art of combat at your age, but I will begin to instruct you in the underlying principles and progress into greater detail as you mature... Does that satisfy you?"
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Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2009 6:43 am
'mkay..' Kodah replied, still chewing, and swallowed a lump, feeling it go uneasily down his throat. He coughed, wishing he'd chewed that mouthful more.
Principles and progress? That sounded positively yawnsome but..there was the tantalising carrot of combat at the end of all that. For all his headstrong ways Kodah would at least make an attempt at patience if it meant he would be rewarded in the end.
'When will I be old to learn the art of combat?' he asked, still vibrating with excitement at the thought of all the things his Uncle might teach him. [
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Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2009 8:57 am
Ah, if only Ambroise could read the minds of those he encountered. Had he sensed the 'boring' response to his words he would most likely have clouted his young nephew upside the head. Alas such senses were not blessed or granted upon mere mortals and Ambroise remained oblivious to the musings. For the time being the older soquili would have to simply rely on his instincts and the ever so slight suspicion that whispered in his ear. A stereotypical suspicion, one that all sensei were aware of.... the impatience of their students and the often overwhelming lack of understanding towards the reasons behind continuous practice. It was something his own mentors had dealt with and it was necessary for him to endure the same trials. Clouting a student was not an option unless they had failed to follow orders.
Rebellious thoughts were not a refusal to take an order...
That aside, the stallion provided his nephew with a critical glance and shook his head slowly. His expression largely unreadable, he mulled over the words as though he really was considering them. In truth he wasn't in the slightest bit concerned with them. He'd predicted the query and wasn't about to provide the child with a false time scale. "You will be old enough when I say," he pointed out softly, lowering his brow and returning his gaze to the colt. "Mind and body must be of the correct age to begin - when I have noted your maturity I will teach you the more in depth moves."
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Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2009 2:19 am
Kodah sucked on an errant piece of grass that had become lodged between two of his teeth. He worked it loose whilst listening to his Uncle, and only when it was free did he reply.
It seemed that this was the answer that adults often gave children 'You'll be old enough to know when I think you are!' Why couldnt he be the judge as to whether he was old enough to do things? The thoughts threatened to spill out into words, but once glance at Ambroise's tail made his rump twitch - his Uncle was too quick with that tail, and he guessed that answering back on this point would earn him another lash with it.
'So what next?' was all he said.
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Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2009 8:21 am
Kodah was learning, the lash of a tail seemed to speak far more loudly than the words that escaped from Ambroise's lips. It was the stallion's aim for this to change though - a happy medium between both was more desirable. Oh he was aware of his nephew's youth and naivity but his mother had been right when she said that children were perhaps the most intelligent beings in existence. They learnt quickly and while they may question constantly it was all part of the process. For those who were patient with this constant pursuit of knowledge they would be rewarded, the child maturing into an individual that would make the family proud. After all - a child's behaviour was testament to the nature of one's family and what they stood for.
...Needless to say, Ambroise had many expectations towards those who aimed to represent Islagiatt. Kodah was of no exception, particularly after his father's escapades. It was true that Ambroise merely used his misunderstanding with females in the lowlands as weaponry to tease Althalus with nowadays but the fact still remained that it had been serious when it had occured. He would much sooner that such issues didn't arise again, or at least not to the extent that they had done before.
"You do more laps," he replied after a few moments and chuckled. "You have had ample time to rest, you can continue with your endurance training for the time being. When I am satisfied we will move on to something else, yes?"
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Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2009 12:53 pm
Kodah was learning..at least one lesson. Uncle's tail hurt like a..well he wasn't sure quite what it hurt like as he hadn't enough life experiences but it hurt! His mother had only lashed him with her tongue..not because she was overly soft, but because he was only one of her first sons, and there would always be a slight 'getting away with murder' factor for all Niv's children.
He wiggled a leg, the muscles seemed okay, had some bounce in them again.
'How many laps?' he asked, trying not to sound cheeky as he did so, one eye seemingly looking casually at Ambroise's tail.
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Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2009 4:54 am
"You simply keep running until I say 'stop'," The stallion replied smoothly and gave a shrug. "When I am satisfied that you have reached your limit then I will call you to a halt." He nodded curtly and motioned lightly for his nephew to get started while it was still light out. In the current weather it wasn't possible to train for quite so many hours, the fading light and the questionnable terrain made it foolish to continue unless one intended to injure themselves, their students or anything that might happen to be around them. As interested as this stallion was in honing the skill of his students he was also well aware of these dangers and consequently, would take the traditional stance.
Winter had it's issues.
Nevertheless, encounters such as these provided him with insight into the mind of his students and gave him a variety of ideas regarding activities. Training regimes were customised based on initial responses and Kodah would be no different. That being said, just because Kodah was his nephew did not mean that he would be getting away with murder - that was most certainly Nivriti and Althalus' department as opposed to his own! Still he could recognise the child's limits and when he had completed his laps that would be the 'end' of his training for today, after that Kodah would be permitted to rest and recuperate.
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Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2009 1:09 pm
Kodah gave himself a long stretch, feeling stuff click as he did so. That was a weird sensation, and he wiggled one hoof to feel a click again, grinning as he did so. He remembered himself though, and giving his Uncle a sheepish look, put down the hoof and clipped off to make more laps.
He soon got into his rhythm, just bouncing along in a manner that felt like he was exercising but wasn't too fast as to wipe out his energy in one go as he had the first time he started running around the meadow. He hummed a tune for a while but it sounded peculiar in his head because of his motion and he stopped that swiftly.
Another lap completed..Kodah started to feel the beginnings of weariness again, and snuck a peek at his Uncle wondering when this days training would end. He really wanted to prove himself ready for combat training, but he also had a great urge to find his mother and sleep next to her for about a year!
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Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2009 1:21 pm
"Cease." Ambroise ordered abruptly and with a roll of his shoulders he approached the colt and nodded. This training session had come to an end, a child could only be exercised so much before it became a strain on his health. This afternoon had been both good and bad, positives and negatives had come from the session and Ambroise was as pleased as one such as he could be at the results. Admittedly there was much work to be done but now that Ambroise was aware of Kodah's initial limits he could tailor his training to suit and to push only as much as was suitable. In time, Kodah would be just as well trained as the rest of those who had underwent this training regime.
"That is enough for today," He closed the gap between himself and the colt and extended a wing to point it towards the river that could be heard rushing nearby. Suffice to say the child had kicked up a lot of mud throughout his training and was no longer clean. Another bath was needed, another good long scrub and no matter HOW cold the weather might have been the colt would remain in the water until he was spotless. This mornings little paddle had been decent enough but the grown stallion wouldn't permit him to be so half hearted this time round.
"Now, clean your coat and then you may go home."
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