Noisy Training

[Brian]

After leaving the dark depths beneath the keep, Nathan finds his way to where a group of about five hundred Storm-riders and 500 keep-dwellers are drilling together, under the command of Sir Erik Kethel.

[Rezantis]

Nathan pauses, and watches the drills for a few minutes curiously, to see exactly what they are practicing.

[Brian]

The idea is (from what you can discern) that the Storm-riders will use their superior reach and strength to attack, and then the keep-dwellers will either block the counter-strikes, or use the openings left by their (much taller) bretheren.  And the shortest Storm-rider is head-and-shoulders taller than the tallest keep-dweller.

[Rezantis]

Nathan looks over to Erik, as well, to see if he's actively engaged in the drilling or just supervising them - ie, could I talk to him without interrupting . . .

[Brian]

Erik appears to be supervising, with a number of his own subordinates overseeing individual groups of about twenty.  When you approach, he looks up, and then nods at you.  "Hail, friend Nathan," he says warmly, smiling.  "How does the day find you?"

[Rezantis]

"Hail, friend Erik.  And well," Nathan visibly examines himself for a couple of seconds, then grins back at Erik, "I'm pretty sure I'm not dead yet, so I guess I'm doing alright. How's about you?"

[Brian]

Erik smirks, and nods.  "I live, as does my wife.  I have decided not to mourn her while she is still living ... and we are grateful to you for your council."

[Rezantis]

"Good to hear," Nathan chuckles, "It can never hurt, I figure.  So how goes the drills?"

[Brian]

"Well," Erik says, turning to survey the practicing forces.  "The keep-dwellers are small, and weak ... but nimble.  This is as it should be -- as the records say Hadrick organized the forces when he battled here."

[Rezantis]

Nathan nods. "We can be stronger together than both apart, and all that.  It's a pity we have such little preparation time."

[Brian]

Erik grunts, and nods his agreement.  "But not all is lost," he says, gesturing to the men who are drilling together.

[Rezantis]

"Oh, hell no. We'll kick their asses anyway," Nathan notes, "I'm just griping."

There is a slight pause.

"Well, you look like you've got this pretty much this under control," Nathan continues, "do you need me to help out with anything?"

[Brian]

Erik snorts.  "We've well enough in hand," he says, shaking his head.  "You surely need your time more to yourself, after being in so many battles."

[Rezantis]

"There's always more work to do," Nathan shrugs, then looks vaguely interested as something occurs to him.

"Well, hey, I suppose we could go see how that Hunter Hunted tournament is getting along . . ." Nathan looks at Alec questioningly.

[Brian]

"It's always been a child's game, for us," Erik says, frowning.  After a moment, he shrugs, as well, and says, "But if we've time for childish pursuits, then, as has been said ... the men have nothing to worry about."  He smirks.  "Enjoy yourself, then, Friend Nathan."