The sun was nearing its peek when Durno'Ven came upon, what one would consider, most out of place on the Salquedor Grasslands. It was composed of a large building, massive really, surrounded by an area where many people could test their own agianst others. "This looks like an interesting place," spoke Durno'Ven. Many others were already out, looking for a sparring match or just to observe. The ringing of metal on metal could be heard in the light summer air. Durno'Ven moved closer, much closer than he would have in most situations, so that he may get a much better look. Towering over many of the other sepectators, he was able to make out much of what was going on. Men pitted agianst each, spear verses sword, hammer verses axe, archers shooting their arrows at well padded targets. "Goddess of Life," muttered Durno'Ven, "how long has it been since I have battled for the sport of it instead of to take lives?" By nature, Durno'Ven would be calling men out, boasting of his power, such were the ways of the half-fiend. Alas, Durno'Ven had turned away from such a wicked taint and embraced the Goddess of Life and her teachings. By force of habit Durno'Ven started to scan the crowd, looking for those who could be a threat. Nothing agianst anyone, he thought, but half-demons are not welcomed in most places. Keeping his cloak tight around him, and never letting his left hand stray away from his katana, Durno'Ven Watched. After a few moments, he relaxed, and allowed himself to enjoy what was unfolding in front of him, secretly hoping that someone would make a polite challenge towards him.

Now, this is my kind of place.

So thought Lyon as he viewed the training grounds, watching men and women battle each other, improving their skills. The sound of metal against metal was familiar to him, and hearing something he could recognize relaxed him. He watched the many fighters slash away, some of them skilled veterans, others looking as though they had never picked up a blade. His own body was tempted to take the forms of sword-play, to lose himself in mindless battle. It was what he knew, how he lived. And in order to survive, he had to perfect it, improve his skills so that he could keep on living in this harsh world.

His hand went down to the long sword at his side, closing around the hilt. He pulled it out with one smooth motion, and took it in both hands, thinking over the forms he had learned. He worked his way through them alone, not having to use his mind to recall them, for his muscles remembered for him.

"I wonder if I could find any opponents here...," he wondered aloud. He glanced over, and noticed an amazingly tall man standing there, watching the action playing out around him. There was no way he was human, or any other normal race. Lyon then noticed his eyes.

They're red...and he's so tall...a half-demon, like me? He must be more affected by that side than his human half.

The man had a katana, and seemed to be hoping for a sparring partner. Lyon hesitated. Such a tall adversary might be difficult to overcome. Yet, he needed practice against all types of enemies if he wanted to be successful as a mercenary. Plus, height would be just as much a disadvantage as an advantage. And it would be interesting to match blades with another half-demon, if he was one.

"Hey," he said, approaching him. "You seem to be wanting a challenge. I would be interested in sparring with you. What do you say?"

"Hey, You seem to be wanting a challenge. I would be interested in sparring with you. What do you say?" Came a voice from behind Durno'Ven.

He turned around to see what looked like a normal human with shoulder lengh brown hair. The mans blue eyes stared at him while he awaited an answer. Durno'Ven quickly took an measure of the man issueing the challenge. He looked young, but he was well built and carried himself like a soldier. He was much shorter than Durno'Ven, but then, most people were. Hight does give me a big advantage thought Durno'Ven.

Durno'Ven reached up with his right hand and pulled back his cloak. With his hood removed, all would be able to see his obvious taint. The red and black markings around his eyes and ears were obvious now. A slight breeze blew through the area and his long hair was thrown about, giving him a fan like mane.

"Well," said Durno'Ven with a smile, "it would be rude to turn down a challenge." Durno'Ven prayed that this man was not just out to take down someone who seemed strong. When he sparred, it was for the sport of it, not for blood or honor.

Durno'Ven drew his katana, holding it in his left hand. Most people got thorwn off by facing someone who could use a weapon in either hand. The sunlight caught on his blade, reflecting the light so that it played around him. At least today you will not have to be wetted with blood, thought Durno'Ven.

"What are the rules of engagment, sir?" asked Durno'Ven, "it is only polite that the challenger pick the rules, most anything is fine by me."

Lyon's eyes widened as the tall stranger pulled off the hood of his cloak, fully exposing his face. Any doubt he had had about his race instantly faded. This man was half-demon, and heavily influenced by the taint of demons. He wondered how the man was able to travel about, seeing as how many people had a grudge against the race. Lyon himself realized how fortunate he was to have the appearance he did. The only thing that could give away what he was was his eyes, which very rarely changed to red.

He watched as his new opponent pulled out his katana, holding it in his left hand. Lyon grimaced. Yet another advantage the man had. He was used to fighting foes that could only use their right hand.

"The rules of engagement?" Lyon asked, frowning. "So long as both of us exercise self-control, and don't do any permanent damage, I'm good. Basically, try to keep your sword off of my skin, and I'll do the same. The winner is whoever disarms his opponent or gets him at swordpoint." A thought came to him, and he quickly included, "Oh, and no magic."

Drawing his longsword, he walked to an open space, and breathed a few times, readying himself and thinking quickly. The man was so large, he would have incredible strength behind his attacks. Lyon's best bet was to hope the half-demon overdid a stroke, opening himself up, and then Lyon could sidestep and get the point of his sword on his adversary's throat.

He turned sideways, making himself a smaller target, pointed his feet forward, gripped his longsword in both hands, and slanted it upwards slightly, pointing forward like his feet. Now that he was ready, he nodded to the man. "What's your name?" he asked. "I prefer to know the name of my sparring partners. Mine is Lyon." He tensed, awaiting the man's answer, and for the battle to begin. He honestly didn't expect to win, but he could do his best to make this an enjoyable fight for the both of them.

Durno'Ven saw the mans eyes widen as he pulled back his cloak. Durno'ven was honestly suprised that he man had that much self control. Many of the people standing around them began to back away, feeling the tension of a fight, even if it was a friendly one.Durno'Ven also noted the mans look when he saw that the katana was being help in his left hand. Well, thought Durno'Ven, this is one advantage that I have over this man.

"The rules of engagement?" asked the man with a frown. Durno'Ven grimaced, it had been so long since he had a civil fight that he just was not used to the idea. "So long as both of us exercise self-control, and don't do any permanent damage, I'm good. Basically, try to keep your sword off of my skin, and I'll do the same. The winner is whoever disarms his opponent or gets him at swordpoint." said the man. "Rules sound good to me," said Durno'Ven, thinking that this would be much harder to do than it was said. Considering that Durno'Ven's biggest advantage was his strengh, he would be limited so as not to injure his opponent. "Oh, and no magic." the man added shortly after Durno'Ven spoke. He nodded, magic had no room in battles of the sword. The man's suggestion was a good one considering that many who had the demon taint were capable of unleashing unholy destructive energies.

The man drew his blade and moved to an open space. Durno'Ven followed, the excitement of a battle flowing through his veins. Durno'Ven stopped about ten feet from the man, giving himself room to manuver. He took no pleasure in killing, and neither did his holy Goddess, but he loved a good fight. The man turned on his side, presenting Durno'Ven with an even smaller target. Durno'Ven frowned, this man knew what he was doing and he was limiting the advantages that Durno'Ven had due to his superior hight and weight.

"What's your name?" asked the man, much to Durno'Vens shock. Many people did not care to hear the name of a bastard half-demon. "I prefer to know the name of my sparring partners. Mine is Lyon." Durno'Ven liked this man, he had honor it would seem, and he was generous, offering the closest thing to friendship that Durno'Ven had seen in a long time. "Well met Lyon, my name is Durno'Ven. Lyon, I would like to thank you for not being as discriminating as so many others are. I expected someone to challenge me to the death, but you come and offer a fair duel. May this be a good fight for the both of us." said Durno'Ven before he got into his fighting stance.

Durno'Ven did not expect to win this. The man knew how to cover his disadvantages, something that Durno'Ven regularly exploited. He got ready, his right side leading while he held the katana with his left pointing towards his opponent, as if to scewer him. Durno'Ven nodded and waited a few seconds to let Lyon know that the fight was under way. As quickly and controlled as he could, Durno'Ven shuffeled foreward and stabbed at Lyon, turning his body as he did so that his sword side would be facing his opponent if the attack missed and so he could properly defend himself.

"Well met Lyon, my name is Durno'Ven. Lyon, I would like to thank you for not being as discriminating as so many others are. I expected someone to challenge me to the death, but you come and offer a fair duel. May this be a good fight for the both of us."

Lyon was surprised at these next words. He hadn't expected gratitude. He had no reason to be discriminating against this man, for whom and what he was was no fault of his, nor did he believe it anything to be ashamed of. He also couldn't understand why he would want to harm this man, for he had no reason to desire so. He was not his enemy, just someone against whom to test himself. Men were fools to hate what they did not understand. Just because someone looked frightening did not mean they were evil at heart. He did not bother to say this though, for the battle had begun, and it was foolish to speak during a fight.

Gripping his sword, he watched carefully as Durno'Ven moved towards him, his sword pulled back with his right side leading. From the way his opponent was holding himself, it seemed a thrust was coming, and Lyon prepared for it. A slow and careful start, eh? Lyon thought quickly. It's a smart move. He's keeping himself defended, probably until he knows my style and feels comfortable enough to open himself up. As the stab came, Lyon quickly stepped to the side, moving right instead of left, which he normally did. This was to put his foe at a disadvantage; Durno'Ven's left side was exposed due to the thrust, and he would have to swing at an awkward angle in order to defend himself. He pointed the tip of his sword down towards the ground and swung up towards the large bulk of the half-demon, bracing his arms and legs so as to jump back when the attack was parried and Durno'Ven countered the move.

Durno'Ven watched as his carefully placed stab flew right past his intended target. Good move, he thought, moving to my left. Durno'Ven understood this tatic, but it did not make it any easier for him to compensate for it. By moving to Durno'Ven's left, Lyon had opened him up for an broad attack that left little room to manuver and little time to set up the proper parry. A parry would put Durno'Ven at far to great of a disadvantage. Instead, he pivoted back on his right foot, moving his left side back, leading with a downward diagonal slash that would force Lyon to retreat or end the battle in a stalemate.

Swinging his sword upwards, Lyon watched as Durno'Ven pulled himself back, swinging his sword down at him. He hadn't expected this, it was surprising move. He jerked his moving blade back to prevent it from smashing into the other’s weapon, jumping backwards at the same time. He knew how continuing the attack would have ended: the blow would have been successful, but he himself would have been defeated as well. A draw, this early? he thought, smiling slightly. That would be no fun. This guy is too good for me to waste an opportunity to fight him.

His foe’s blade whistled down where he had been a moment before. Lyon carefully watched the half-demon, putting his sword up in front of him in a defensive way. And here comes the interesting part , he thought. Never once taking his eyes from his opponent’s sword, he began to circle around, moving left this time.

He really wasn’t the type for this sort of move. He preferred to move in close and fight in close quarters, but this particular warrior was unpredictable. He was so large and powerful that Lyon couldn’t possibly hope to defeat him by matching strength with him, so his only choice was to make use of the large, open plain upon which they fought. With the right maneuvering, he might force Durno’Ven into an unfavorable position. If Lyon didn't watch himself, though, he might do that to himself. It was a very difficult situation.

He’s good. I have to be careful.

Durno'Ven watched as Lyon moved his sword away and backed up, smiling slightly. He is quick, thought Durno'Ven, and an extreamly good fighter, I will have to be more careful with him, I don't want to waste this match. Lyon started circleing around Durno'Ven, moving to his right this time.

Durno'Ven followed suit with Lyon circleing around to his left, grabbing his katana with both hands. He carefully aligned the blade so that it was foreward facing, at the correct angle for a powerful stab. I have got to sell this for him to go for it, thought Durno'Ven, not to metion how low I have to get.

With three quick steps, he closed the distance between Lyon and him. He threw an overexagerated stab, and pulled it up short. Pivoting on his right foot, and letting go of his blade with left hand, Durno'Ven went into a spin. Dorpping low to the ground, Durno'Ven switched the side of his blade, making it so the dull side would it first, if at all. He was prepared for safety, dropping down to his knees as he spun around. He knew how this move would leave him agianst such a skilled opponent, near defenseless. He had a smile on his face when he came around, knowing that the man whom he was dueling with was an exceptional fighter, and that only made it more interesting.

As Lyon crab-stepped left, Durno'Ven followed his lead and started moving in the opposite direction. He tensed, ready to swing or side-step, whichever would be necessary. He watched as his adversary took up his blade in both hands and pointed it forward, towards him, looking as though he was about to make another stab. Don't mess up this time, Lyon told himself. It looks like this might be my chance. He waited for the large half-demon to make his move.

He didn't have to wait long. Durno'Ven took a few quick steps towards him, his long legs making the strides swiftly cover distance. He threw a stab at him, which Lyon had seen coming. Now!, he said to himself in his head. He moved his left side back, so as to avoid the strike, at the same time swinging upwards, intending to make it the final move. Before the stab had even reached where had been seconds before, however, it stopped, Durno'ven pulling it back. "What in blazes...!?" he said aloud, as the swordsman spun around, at the same time dropping down onto his knees, causing Lyon's sword to fly over it's intended target.

Blast...! he thought in his head. Durno'Ven came around from his spin, his blade coming with him. In the few milliseconds that Lyon had to think, he realized there was nothing he could do. Trying to hold back the giant's incredible strength with his own sword would be pathetic, and he didn't have room to avoid the swing. In moments, the blade would reach his throat, pinning him at "swordpoint". That had been the rules...and it seemed that Durno'Ven would be the victor. Lyon had lost.

"What the blazes...!?" Durno'Ven heard Lyon say over his own anxiety of the battle. Lyon had not seen the move coming, shown by his sword arching over Durno'Ven's own blade.

A thought came to Durno'Ven right before the battle was over. I can't stop this swing, he thought. Before doing the move, he had expected a counter, a block, Lyon moving, anything, but now his katana was moving to fast, his momentum to great for him to stop with one hand on the sword. Even with his blade turned, the amount of force he had behind the blow would still possibly cause serious harm.

Acting on instinct, Durno'Ven throught all of his weight towards his left, kicking out with his right knee. The moved launched him spinning arch, landing him about a meter away from Lyon. The manuver left him dazed, on his back, but still facing Lyon. Durno'Ven smiled and said, "Thank the Goddess. That was a close call."

((OOC: This post is ridiculously late, but my computer has been having problems. Sorry.))

Lyon hadn't realized the force that had been behind Durno'Ven's attack. He Hadn't expected that the half-demon might have trouble stopping the blow. He was barely missed as his foe executed a wild maneuver that caused him to end up on his back. Lyon couldn't help showing a smal smile. It looked so strange, such a large person lying on his back like that. He walked over to him, and bent down next to him.

"In any case," Lyon said, "you win. I couldn't have stopped that slash, it would have done it's intended job. Really, that you were able to stop it shows your skill. Self-control is very important...I have no problem with admitting defeat to such a powerful fighter." He held out his hand to help Durno'ven up, before pulling it back, realizing how foolish this would look. He must weigh over three hundred pounds, so there was no way a little man like himself would be of any aid. Backing up, he sheathed his sword, and said "This was an excellent test of my limits. I have a very far way to go in my training, and I need to be more aware of feints, such as the one you just used on me. I shouldn't act on impulse..."

Lyon was slightly dissapointed in how quickly he had been defeated. He was not angry for losing, he just realized how lacking his own skills were. The little exchange of striking and dodging they had just had couldn't have lasted more than a few minutes. If he was that careless in a real battle, he would end up dead way sooner than he would like. Of course, most enemies weren't seven feet tall, but that was no excuse.

((OCC: Sorry for how long this took. Work and school are killers.))


"In any case, you win. I couldn't have stopped that slash, it would have done it's intended job. Really, that you were able to stop it shows your skill. Self-control is very important...I have no problem with admitting defeat to such a powerful fighter." said Lyon to Durno'Ven while the giant was on the ground.

Lyon came over and held up his hand out as if to help Durno'Ven. Durno'Ven could not help but laugh. It was a friendly gesture for sure, but Durno'Ven doubted that Lyon could lift him without some major effort. Before Durno'Ven could wave off the help Lyon backed away, looking some what embarrassed, and sheathed his blade. Lyon then spoke saying, "This was an excellent test of my limits. I have a very far way to go in my training, and I need to be more aware of feints, such as the one you just used on me. I shouldn't act on impulse..."

Durno'Ven arose from the ground and dusted himself off, for there was quite a bit of dust from a man of his size handing in the dirt. He was sorry to hear his opponent say such words, Lyon was a good fighter, he just wasn't expecting such a big man to try such a ridiculously daring move. "Don't be so hard on yourself Lyon, it was a great fight and I am glad to have met someone with your skill and honor. In a real fight I would never try that move. It has far to many openings for an opponent who wants to kill you to exploit. If it is any consolation, I was not expecting to be able to pull that off, I am getting to old," Durno'Ven laughed, "three centuries is a long time, so I imagine that I have seen a few more battles than you. I am amazed that you fight so well for one who has not had centuries to perfect your skill, so I had a slight advantage in experience, but in terms of skill you blow me away like a heavy wind."

Durno'Ven offered a hand. "I would be pleased if we could meet agian someday Lyon. It was a pleasure to have shared this day with you."