trans_9 | Be Prepared (Singing Hyenas Optional) [ Open ]

Sokka had found himself an open spot in the city that seemed it would do perfectly for what he needed it for, and then set to work. He laid his weapons out in the grass and sat, considering them. Sword, spear, knife, war club, boomerang, shotgun, and a newly acquired semi-automatic handgun. He let his hands drift over them a moment before he picked up the spear. It had been a bit too long since he'd really practiced with that, best to stay sharp and focused. He raised the weapon into a guard and set off into a series of lunges, thrusts, parries, and ripostes; advances and retreats against an imaginary opponent. The young man ended with a final thrust, then dropped the weapon back onto the grass, taking in a few deep breaths before picking up his boomerang and jamming it into his belt, then drew his sword. This was good.

When he practiced he didn't have to think about anything. Not Katara and her willing submergence into a strange and foreign culture. Not Aang and the Nightmare King. Not Kelly and...whatever was going on with her. Just the sword and the footwork. He slid forwards into a neat lunge, dropped and turned it into a down downwards slash before it merged into a rising jab with the point, mind focused solely on remembering everything he had been taught. Probably why he didn't hear anyone who approached.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"A good form, good sir," Khel commented, exiting the shadow of a nearby building to approach Sokka. After speaking with Sheeana and hearing of Katara's 'proud warrior brother', the undead paladin had sought him out to observe the young man's skill with a blade. He was not disappointed, and even bore other weapons that he hoped Sokka might have some interest in. Each was set down on the ground in turn, as the death knight silently offered to show his own world's weaponry to the dark-skinned lad.

"I am impressed, milord Sokka," Khel continued, "and thy attention to multiple weapons speaks well of thy versatility. Praytell, dost thou always utilize a two-handed technique with thine blade?"

Okay, this creeped him out a bit. Skeleton guy talking to him about weapons and techniques. But...he seemed friendly anyway. He shrugged, trying not to look too put out by the fellow's strange appearance.

"Uh, sort of. I learned both and I can fight in a one handed style as well, but I feel more comfortable with the two-handed. But..." He flips the blade up into a high guard, balancing neatly on one foot, his free hand held out in front of him a guarding gesture before he begins the rhythmic flow from stance to stance, attack to guard to parry and riposte.

"Fascinating. Then thou art indeed Sokka, elder brother to the Lady Katara? It is on the suggestion of her teacher that I have sought thee out, good sir." Reaching to the ground, Khel drew his own sword, raising it for Sokka to see. Like Sokka's sword, the blade was black, though it was dull rather than reflective. It was far longer, too, with a wide hilt.

"Anymore, I wield a bastard sword, though as a Paladin I am trained in hundreds of weapons more. Over the millennia I have been able to practice and perfect my craft, the art of the Paladin. I have sought thee out to ask thee something."

"Yeah, that's me. Sokka of the Southern Water Tribe." He frowned, eying the Death Knight with some skepticism. If Katara's teacher had told him to come talk to Sokka, that meant...something. He wasn't sure yet, but he didn't quite trust the Bene Gesserit yet and anybody coming on their recommendation was to be treated warily.

"What is it you want to know?"

"Pax, my friend, peace," Khel assured. He knew that look, those tones -- Sokka doubted him, probably as an extension of the death knight's association with the Bene Gesserit. He lowered his weapon, raising his hands in a gesture of peace.

"Milady Katara was the first person aboard this ship to treat me with kindness and not malign me as some horrific mo ster. I wouldst sooner destroy myself than harm her, or thee. I hear thou art restless, as many are aboard thus vessel. I come to ask a favor, and perhaps offer thee something as well.

"I have been thus way for thousands of years, dead but unable to die. It is ... torment. I do believe, however, that this war shall finally grant me the chance to be at peace. For that reason, as the sole remaining member of my brotherhood, I realize I must pass on the art of the Paladin.

"I wish to teach thee, and help thee further thy skills as a swordsman, if thou wish it."

"Hm..." He scratched his head, considering this offer. He did need someone to teach him more about swordsmanship. So that could work out. But at the same time, he still didn't know the guy, no matter what he said about Katara and so forth.

"I'd be interested in learning more about the sword, but...uh...can I get back to you on the 'Paladin' thing? I don't even know what a paladin is and I'd need some time to think about."

"Perhaps I can explain what a paladin is for thee, so thou art not under a misapprehension as thou consider this offer."

"Well...what's a paladin, then?"

"A Paladin," Khel began, "is a swordsman who stands for what is right. They are a symbol for people to look up to, for they defend justice, protect the oppressed, and ever shall they stand in the path of evil. Paladins in turn aspire to the heroic ideals to which people ascribe of them, and to which they in their faith and strength ascribe to themselves.

"A Paladin is a mighty warrior, and yet the sword is not their only strength. A Paladin also is a mediator, a man or woman of intellect known as much for diplomatic abilities and compassion as they are for unrelenting skill in the field of battle. Powerful Paladins can even utilize weak spells, divine powers granted for faith, diligence, and fortitude.

"A Paladin is forbidden to lie, cheat or steal. They must always protect the weak and innocent. A Paladin's sword is an extension of his or her heart. To bloody the sword unnecessarily is to bloody the heart, and this is a stain that rarely can be cleaned. While a Paladin must support and obey the law in most circumstances, he is also compelled to stand against laws he feels are unjust, oppressive, or evil in execution.

"This is a general description, as some of my teachers explained to me. I was hardly older than thee, only a stripling of fifteen when I joined the Paladins. I never regretted it. I know that to look at me is to see a nightmarish monster of bone and dark magic, but I assure thee: at my heart, in my soul, I remain the Paladin I once was, and hold true ever still to these ideals."

Be Prepared (Singing Hyenas Optional) [ Open ]

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