The rattle of wood followed Jarreth's motion as he tossed a practice sword back into the barrel. The hilt had been splintered from a careless user and was irrepairable. He took the damaged item and snapped it over his knee, making sure no one would mistakenly grab the sharp wood by mistake. Disinterested in cleaning up the arena, the pieces were left in the barrel, too far buried to be a problem. The container did not only hold swords, broken or whole, but rather catered to almost any interest. Polearms, blades, axes, and blunt replicas all existed in a wooden material. Jarreth had seen new students enter class with true tools of death and he was not pleased. Safety in the training ground was a necessary benefit to counteract the dangers beyond the classroom walls.

His weight shifted from one foot to the other as he turned to look back into the arena. He was early for his own class, one designed to teach combat strategy and the finer points of technique with weapons. He was glad to be familiar with most types of these items from his training in the Legion of the White Souls, since fighters in the southlands had more exotic tastes than those to the north. His own sword, Talon, was sheathed at his hip, but he had no intention of using it for the class. Watching the entrance hall, he awaited any students that heard of his class and were interested in attending.

Apparently most people thought it was a funny thing for so small and harmless looking a creature to ask for where he could become better skilled with weapons. Eventually Tock got an answer that was not solely composed of laughter. Reinstilled with hope Tock made his way for the academy of arms. Tock took in a few moments to stand in awe of the glorious Academy. He hoped he would not have much difficulty enrolling. It would be a shame it he would once again be denied the pleasure due to his size as happened with nearly everything else.

With little help from the students of the academy, Tock found his way to the outdoor arena. The small moogle had brought a weapon, the only weapon he owned, with him. It was a wooden sword. More fit to be called a toy than a weapon. Not only was it wooden, but fiting for Tock's size making it seem even more of a joke.

Tock took time to admire the wonder of the outdoor arena as well. Eyes followed the empty benches which circled the fairly large arena. His eyes stoped upon as Jarreth came into veiw. Next to Jarreth was a barrel of assorted weapons all seemingly made of wood as his own. Jarreth was apparently the weapons master of this class. He felt slightly embaressed for not noticing his precense sooner. "Are you the weapons master?"Tock asked curiously.

The clouds were particularly interesting that day; instead of a bland overcast of a single layer of the white plumes, they emanated in colonies at various points above. These collections and single clouds themselves took on shapes from past and present, stirring the mind and passing the time of the morning. He was not entirely sure he would find any students at all awaiting his first class, but that was not his job. He was placed in the Academy with the assurance that he would teach those who appeared before him; he had no reason to seek out his own students. Then a question came that made Jarreth sure he had work to accomplish.

Shifting his gaze from the sky to the wall before him, he saw nothing. To both sides off of that focal point, nothing. The voice came from below him, a small creature that Jarreth was entirely unfamiliar with. He could not hide a slight facial expression of confusion, not so much in disbelief, simply unfamiliarity. Whatever the tiny creature was, it could speak, and it was intelligent enough to ask the right questions. Strict training turned his gaze to a wooden instrument in the creature's hand, not a walking stick, but held like a sword. He immediately became glad that it was not metallic since he was unsure that a wooden dagger would have fit the potential student properly.

"That I am. Are you one to learn from a weapons master?" Jarreth asked in a serious tone.

He was inwardly eager to hear an affirmative answer, but he did not let that show in his body language or face. It would be very interesting to test the abilities of the tiny creature; those who always looked up at the world tended to possess spirit capable of towering over most obstacles.

Tock's blue eyes looked over the Weapons master who seemed not to notice where Tock's voice came from. This could have been expected as it was not the first time it had happened to Tock, but such was life half the normal size. Within the time it took Jarreth to finally spot Tock, tock had gotten a fairly good look at Jarreth. His face was weather, but it did not seem as those weathered by time alone. Jarreth's build was muscular as Tock would expect of a weapons master, though perhaps slightly more.

Jarreth showed a hint of curiosity, a thing he was acustomed to for it was showed in nearly every face he met. Some more than others and some tried their best to hide it. If Jarreth's tone were not so serious, Tock may have taken it as an insult. Instead, Tock was now excited by the man's reply. He tried his best to reply as seriously as Jarreth had asked the question, but he was too happy not to smile. He finally would be able to work on his skills with weapons.

"Yes, Sir. I am here to learn anything you have to each."

Tock wondered if there would be other students or if he had caught the weapons master at a wrong time. Either way it seemed the teacher was willing to teach and Tock was more than eager to learn.

So then, it was to be. Jarreth was glad to have assumed correctly, even though he first chose to verify the creature's purpose in the arena. It would definately be an interesting day, regardless of the low attendance. He was used to an entire fort of future soldiers standing in rank and mimicking maneuvers, but that could be done with one or many. The fact that he had not formally taught any students for nearly ten years made it better to start small. Should he show the time lost with poor lessons, it would be easier to catch with fewer under watch. Correctly explaining a task was difficult, but at least flaws were blatant if under a knowing eye. Jarreth had not grown out of practice in combat. Staring down at the creature, he evaluated its form. He could not begin to determine muscles; either they were non-existant or invisible behind the unfamiliar form. His stance was loose, not prepared for any type of assault. Rigid military training had its uses, even if it dominated habitual actions. Catching himself from calling the new student soldier, a habit that the academy warned him not to fall back into, he spoke again in his serious tone.

"Stand up straight and hold your weapon at ready, pointed diagonally forward from your hand so that it forms a proper corner between itself and your chest. I will need to know your name if we are to continue from there, but you will continue to call me sir."

The academy officials never directed him on the amount of respect he demanded from his students. The title Sir was dilute from what he was last used to being called in class, and it was the least that could be done to differentiate teacher from student. Shifting his foot outward to settle shoulder length, he stood straight and placed both of his arms behind his back, waiting for motion and response from his tiny pupil.

Tock did his best to follow Jarreth's words. He straightened his back and readied his weapon as Jarreth had instructed. He did not mind Jarrethh knowing his name, but not knowing Jarreth's. It was better than being called, hey you, shorty, shortstock, or something of the nature as Tock had been called before. He understood that calling Jarreth sir was offering a certaian level of respect, so he did not mind that either. Perhaps after the class was over he would have the honor of knowing his teacher's name.

"My name is Tock, Sir," Tock replied.

He hoped he could get by with just his first name. He did not want to have to say his last name ever again. He was not just the black sheep of the family. He was never liked by it much to begin with. He was disowned because of what he wanted to do with his life, because he did not wish to follow his father's corrupt guidance. From there Tock's life continued to be filled with hopeless failure. The one good thing he had done for the world was to remove himself from it and even that was not done on purpose. Tock could try to find a way back home, but why would he? There was nothing there for him, but here he could start life afresh and he would learn to be of more use than he had been in his home world. In time woud learn egough to defend himself well and soon would be able to defend others.

Eden was at the door way of teaching area. There he saw the great weapons master. He has heard very much about this Jarreth and wished to be instructed by him. Eden wanted to learn from the very best and from one who knew what they were doing. He saw that there was some one already there and assumed that he was late. He was still hearing distaance and could everything that was going on. Eden was not sure if he should go over and interupt the lesson so he could be in the class. He did not know if the great Jarreth would take any offense to that at all. Eden heard that Jarreth instructed the little to be called sir and kept that in mind. He did not want to mess things up between them and they have not even met.

Eden sought out to be one of Jarreth's greatest students. The common folk have told stories about this one man and it triggered Eden's interest. He wanted to be his best. He wanted to be his elite student. Eden would work hard for that status and he would work long. He would give his best efforts for that so he could have the honor of being respected by the great Jarreth and mastering the art of arms.

Eden heard that he must stand straight and point his weapon at an angle and did so. He did his best to make his wooden sword have that perfect angle between his chest and the flat side of the blade. He heard that he asked for his name and he whispered to himself, "My name is Eden, sir."

For the first try, the tiny creature had done quite well. He would forgive a few slight problems for the moment, primarily because he did not know if what he might ask was even possible. He was surprised at himself for not being more intrusive about his student's identity and race. Perhaps his time in the strange southlands had finally softened his judgement, at least in some regards. There was one issue that could be resolved, though. Reaching behind him, he grabbed onto one of the longer poles. It was a wooden quarterstaff. Using the tip, he covered the distance between himself and his student. Nudging the tiny wooden sword in Tock's hands, he made a comment.

"Very good, Tock. I only ask that you keep your sword pointed a little more toward the sky and a little less toward me. Keep up the good work and you will gain more from this class than you know."

Returning the quarterstaff to his side, he planted the butt end into the ground and held it vertically. His gaze shifted across the arena for a moment out of random desire, but he found the unexpected. Another had passed through the entrance hall and now stood as he had instructed Tock to do. Curious.

"You there, if you wish to train, join the line infront of me. Do not hide by the doorway, unless, of course, you wish to guard the entrance. Either way, I will need to know your name."

Eden could not help but smile. If all of the stories that Eden has heard from the common folk were true, then Jarreth was the man to teach weapons and arms. He had been the Cavalry Commander of the Third Division of the Legion of the White Souls. He was a man to look up to and that is what Eden did. He walked over to where the other two were with his shoulders up and with good posture. Dust would rise up from the ground as Eden made his way to the others. He saw Master Jarreth stand tall and strong as he waited for Eden. Tock stood with his weapon and practiced his stance. Eden came to the front line and stood at attention. He looked straight foward and said,

"I am Eden Botteusai, sir. It is an honor to be a student of yours, sir."

Eden could not help but smile. He had a grin on his face and now was not the time to have that. He tried to wipe it away because he thought it might give Master Jarreth a bad first impression, but he was just so honored to be a student of his. Eden was fully motivated to be the best he can be. He hoped that he would be respected by this honorable man. He wanted to be the student that Jarreth would brag about and Eden was optimistic and thought that that day might come. That day would take some work to get to, so he finally managed to get the smile off of his face and stayed at the position of attention.

Tock watched unmoving as Jarreth picked up the staff. There was no 'Tock you're doing it all wrong'. There nothing of the sort. Sure Jarreth hinted at a mistake but the man had made a compliment. If Tock were to gain more for class than former thought it would certainly seem as if infinity were added onto itself. He had high hopes and he knew not where to stop them. Tock raised his sword more to the sky, but still kept in mind everything else that Jarreth had said.

Tock was glad to hear that he was not the only one taking the class. It would be pleasent to meet new people. By the way Jarreth carried himself so far he did not seem as one who would allow students to ridicule each other. There was the question of whether he would be up to par with this new student. Tock was unsure of whether it would be acceptable to greet Eden. As far as Tock knew class had begun and he was not to speak unless spoken to. Tock did not turn his head for fear of messing up his stance. Instead, Tock glances through the corners of his eyes at Eden when Eden stood by him. He could not see much a side from part of Eden''s lower body and part of Eden's feather wings. White. What a beautiful color for wings. If only Tock's wings born whte rather than red. Perhaps it would be taken as a blessing to the family rather than an omen. Perhaps then he would not be an outsider to his own world.

"I am the only tutor for this class, please keep that fact in mind," Jarreth replied with emphasis on each word, making sure that it sunk in deep into the new student's head. His eyes scanned the newcomer, his face, his muscles, his stature. He would watch this one closely, for one reason or another. "As this is an open forum for learning, there is no particular honor to being taught. The base point is that we are both here for different reasons leading toward the same goal, so I would recommend you carry yourself seriously so that the path may be covered more quickly. Tock, for example," Jarreth added while using an open palm to direct Eden's attention, "has not moved to watch your entrance, and has not broken form. I cannot say whether he is honored or bored, but he has done what has been asked. I hope the same for you, Eden. Now, if we may continue, in the future you might want to loosen your grip on the hilt you carry, or you might exhaust yourself before any combat ever reaches you."

At least he had understood what was generally desired of him when he showed up slightly late to the class. Eden seemed eager, perhaps a little too eager. Jarreth did not know if it was for the sake of combat in itself, or something less tangible. Either way, he would have to try and weed that feeling out and dispel it. An eager soldier, for whatever reason, was prone to danger and accident. Until he could find a proper time to continue that course of interest, he continued.

"Now then, I believe it is necessary for me to state directly the purpose of today's excercise. With that, you can apply yourself specifically to those aspects that are pivitol to the knowledge I will impart. This is a lesson of combat strategy and weapon technique. I see you both have swords, this will speed the process twofold. You will learn how to strike opponents efficiently, armored or not, and understand how to tailor your own movements to avoid the same fate. You will learn that a sword can do more than slash and pierce: it is an instrument of death, an instrument as a lyre, one learned with practice but never quite perfected."

Jarreth watched both of his students to see if there was a change in their face, perhaps confusion or understanding. "I will continue the lesson in hopes that any questions will be answered within the class. Please, begin by using your sword to attack the air in front of you. I do not care what you do so long as it would harm an opponent."

Eden did not break his stance when he was in the position of attention. He only listened to Jarreth when he spoke. He did not look down at the small creature known as Tock when Jarreth pointed him out. He took in every word that Jarreth spoke of. He thought it wierd not to consider it an honor to be his student, but if that is what Jarreth wanted, then that is what Eden will have to change. He would study the art of arms and try his best to master self discipline and conduct. Eden would take this coarse very seriously and do what Sir Jarreth instructed to do. He loosened his grip on the hilt of the sword.

Eden kept a straight face. He understood what Jarreth was telling him. He kept his foward and his face unchanging. Eden did not move his sword out of the position that he had been instructed to do and he was starting to feel a deep burn with in his arms. Some time had passed from the last time Eden had moved or put his arm in another position. The burn was deep and strong. All though he was uncomfortable, he did not move. Eden would have to get used to going through this. He would run laps everyday and do some body build up and gain some more stamina for longer training.

Eden heard Jarrath instruct to strike his weapon in the air. He did not question and did what he was told. Eden did not raise his weapon over his and shoulders like most novices would, but lightly lifted it and moved the hilt so that it would come down as if it were to slice something in half. The move was swift and quick. Eden used the balance of the sword to bring it down. He used his wrists and a little bit of his elbows. The recover of the weapon was as fast as it had come down, making a little zip through the air. Eden then took his sword and brought it around to the left of his body, making the sword swing to the right and in front of him. He brought the harmful weapon back to the position it was origionaly in. He stayed in his stance and awaited the move to be judged by Jarreth. He wanted to hear all of the constructive criticism he could bear and make his moves better.

Tock was glad that his choice was rewarded in a way by Jarreth's words. He did feel kinda of bad that Jarreth didn't seem to take a liking to the new student. Perhaps he had heard of Eden before and the things he had heard were not so good. Perhaps it was simply the fact that Eden was late. It was evident that Eden knew Jarreth. Perhaps Jarreth was a famous weapons master of some sort. Indeed what a pleasure that would be to behold. After class it would be nice to talk to Eden and find out where he knew the weapons master from. It would be great if this Eden would also be good engough to be Tock's freind. He had not trully made one since he had come here, yet as desperate as he was to be loved, he knew it would be wise to choose freinds wisely. He could not call Mithranduir a true freind after meeting him for a few minutes only to be lost among an epic battle of which Tock could neither help in nor comprehend.

Tock's face did not change. A sword of course could be an instrument of death as he well knew. It was sad to see the one person who seemed to care about you slaughtered right before your eyes. Worse even to be able to do nothing in retaliation, nothing in vengence. An attempt made but only resulting in being slung back like a rag doll. Tock turned his mind back to the present. The past was gone and erased. He could not return to it and it could not follow and haunt him at least not outside of his own mind.

Tock did not have much training with weapons. The sword he carried was given to him as a mean joke, yet in still he kept it. He supposed it turned out for the better that he had. Tock's blade tilted to the left till it was paralell with the ground. It was brought slightly around the left part of his body and then he swung through the air before him making a horizontal slash. He slowed his blade down after it passed by his middle. It was done swiftly but not perfectly smoothe. He then returned his Blade to it's origonal position and awaited Jarreth's next set of instructions.

He did not nod or shake his head, an emotionless stare as the students did as they were told. Good, they followed directions well. Jarreth was not concerned with this activity as he would be with others, allowing the students to do what they felt the most appropriate action. It was his test, his way to judge where they stood in terms of skill and ability. The only true measure of a man was to fight him personally, but that was not possible in a learning environment. He had seen too many classes fall apart into simple brawls between teacher and student while at the Academy; it was pathetic. First was Eden, the taller of his two students by far. Jarreth followed the tip of the man's blade, watching it cut and slice across the air. He was not displeased, but in no way was he pleased. He would have been very surprised if he had been shocked at all, so it was expected. Perhaps only once in his time teaching did a student do what he truly wanted to see on his first try, and that student was the son of one of his most trusted companions in arms. In general, the movements were skilled and appropriate for killing, but he would have to make a few comments.

Tock followed in his gaze. The tiny creature had none of the same interests in impressing, simply swinging his sword in a horizontal slash. It seemed to lack power and control of arch, but it was not terrible. It was more than apparent that Tock had less training than the latecoming Eden, but as long as he kept up and attempted to follow all orders, Jarreth would not hold him responsible and ask him to train elsewhere and return. Staring down at his student, he considered what would be best said to help him understand. It only took a moment before he returned to his forward stare and looked between the two students while speaking.

"Very good, both of you. You have succeeded in killing an unarmed, unarmored, unaware enemy. Unfortunately, that is all that would have possibly died if you struck in the way that you did."

It was the truth, Jarreth could not lie to them. Due to low class size, he chose to speak specifically to each student, looking at them to emphasize the personalization of the message.

"Eden, you have appreciable control of your sword. This is a class of strategy, not weapons-handling. While in the latter you might excel, you have neglected the primary functionality of this course. Your sword would have cut well, as I said, against a naked man, but what if this man had a helmet and chain? What if he was taller, shorter, an ogre? While in a specific circumstance you would have been a victor, in the general application to life, you did no harm and hence have not done what I asked of you. Tock, you too neglected to ask what it was that you needed to harm. With a little practice, you might have cleaved whatever was infront of you, but that would be a very rare circumstance. This is the first lesson that you must burn into your mind: never hesitate to ask of your enemy and its weakness. Only with knowledge of your enemy can you hope to succeed. In an equally matched fight, that strategy is key to surviving. Questions?"

Eden looked at Sir Jarreth and thought to him self. He was right that Eden did neglect to ask. Jarreth made a point that made very much sense. What if the target was an ogre? What if it was taller or shorter. Eden had neglected to ask of his opponent. He would remind him self over amd over again never to do that. Though he may fail someitmes and forget, he would try his best.

Eden was happy to hear Jarreth comment on his sword control. He smiled inside and silently thanked him. Eden did not lose his gaze in front of him. He kept his face straight and on looking, listening to Jarreth's every words. Eden again noticed another point the man made. Eden did not even think of what strategy he would use to perform his move. Jarreth was right in saying that this class was strategy and technique. Eden did not even take into mind the name of the class. He had only seen of mediocre classes being taugt here at the acadamy. He saw that some weapons masters would give thier students live weapons and have them go at it. No. This class was for strategy and technique. Eden missed out on that detail.

They were given a test and Tock had failed. Tock did not feel so bad knowing that Eden had failed as well. It was not a test of skill as tock had at first thought, but a test of one's attention and point to make an introduction to Jarreth's class. It was a very good point too. Tock had half heartedly expected the class to be nothing but sparring, but this could possibly prove much more useful. Tock wondered why Eden stood in silence. There was one question that wandered about Tock's thoughts. Jarreth had not said he wanted them to redo their first task, but he not move them on to the next excercise and they not even done the first task properly. Tock did not ask the question merely because he was afarid of being wrong. Thinking things over Tock wondered why he was worried about being wrong on so silly a subject. Surely nothing bad would come from being so out of place. Tock decided to take the chance and ask. "Yes, sir I do have a question. If we are still on our first task, then what is it that we are up against and how should we properly deal with it?" Tock asked.

Jarreth stared straight into Eden's eyes as he awaited a reaction. No questions. His mouth maintained a straight line as he stood motionless before the trained swordsman. He was definately a soldier, or at least in possession of qualifying traits. Orders were taken from the air and turned into action. Loyalty and unquestioning devotion to duty were valuable assets for a commander when a questionable decision was made on the battlefield, but it also seemed to force an incapability to learn deeper strategy. Tactics were not only arrows and symbols on maps but also the only true way to increase the odds of survival against armed opponents. Jarreth was slightly dissapointed when Eden remained silent.

His head turned to look sideways and down at Tock as the small student spoke up. Wonderful, one of the two had led him forward in his lesson as he had initially hoped. Jarreth was pleased to hear the words from the tiny creature to a point where he forgave the slightly loose tone of speaking. He walked a few steps to stand in front of tock and he looked down to address his student specifically.

"This being your first task, you are up against potentially anyone and anything. Warhorses, attack dogs, men and women alike. Scarred warriors that would peer over my head with ease wielding huge battlehammers or ungrown boys with pitchforks and a desire to live through the next five minutes. Each situation requires modifications of the same strategies that I hope to teach you while you remain in this class. Do you understand?"