Serpentis Family/Erik Eyolf/The Lion and the Dragon
Roleplay from Ryu Hinamoto
Since Ryu arrived to Sirion all he did was struggling in war its delicate matters. Of course that every battle he fought kept his swordfighting skills intact.
He fought many times side by side with Erik, and he knew he was a splendid swordfighter, skilled agile, as every elf with a wonderfull dexterity, a little bit exagerated on his moves but still a great fighter.
After years of war, peace reigned over Sirion. The Samurai spent a couple of years meditating and always keeping his swordfighting skills but was Ryu the best swordfighter? He always considered himself good, but he never dueled anyone or participated in any tournament. As a child Ryu fought almost everyone in the lands of the lion, he even managed to get a draw against the current Akodo General at the age of 16.
The only person that stated to be the best swordfighter in Sirion was Erik, and nobody denied so it was a matter of challenge him and prove who was the best.
The sunset was set, it was time. Erik had an amazing white marble room with a lot of space to perform a duel. Ryu arrived alone, he saw Erik but didnt said anything. Erik was with his servants preparing himself. He put his shinning armor and unsheated an explendid elven sword.
Erik: "Are you ready?"
Ryu: "I was born for this, im always ready, im waiting for you"
Erik charged ahead swirling his sword fast and with precise moves. Ryu was surprised as he didnt expected Erik to charge him in that way, but he assumed it was part of his strategy.
With his sword still sheated, Ryu evaded the blows waiting to find Erik's weak spot. Ryu has always been a magnificent Iaijutsu dueler, and he never hesitated in using his technique against Erik. A fast swing from the right to the left, left Erik's right body part undefended. Ryu unsheated his sword hitting his right flank in a blow that Erik felt.
Both fighters separated a little bit, and Ryu could saw Erik grabbing his stomach. Ryu charged this time and Erik evaded efficiently all his blows but it was a matter of time... Erik coudnt counter Ryu's moves.
Erik: "Enough my friend, the duel is over, congratulations."
Ryu: "Indeed Erik, great duel, thank you for this."
This time, the oriental lion beated the Silver Dragon, but Ryu knew that this was one of many duels. As Ryu was heading towards his horse, his name was called.
Erik: "Hold on Samurai, i have a gift for you"
Ryu: "What is that?"
Erik handeled a painting in which he could see a Lion facing a Dragon. (OOC: http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs27f20081297/7/Lion_vs_Dragon_by_My_World_Order.jpg)
Ryu: "Thank you my friend. I will head towards Karbala to discuss something with Romul, perhaps we can share some sake when i come back"
And so Ryu mounted his horse and started his journey towards Karbala.
Roleplay from Erik Eyolf Serpentis
Erik was rarely anxious as he was that day. The servants had inspected the room for hours. He had relaxed his body with a beautiful geisha who served him since his days in Trinbar. Just to get in the mood. A goblet of wine to warm his dragon's blood. Erik thought to choose the katana. He might not be the best swordsmaster, but he was diverse in his curiosity. He also had been training with the Sultan's scimitar. But in the end he remained with one of his twin blades. It was always a pleasant satisfaction meet his old friend. The squire finished to dress him with a silver armor. A carapace of overlaid pieces of steel polished with sand until shine under the moonlight coming through the arched windows. Two servants lit the torches. He won a draconian aspect.
Erik Eyolf: "Are you ready?"
Ryu: "I was born for this, I'm always ready, I'm waiting for you"
It was only a moment, but Erik had thought carefully about the nature of his opponent. He could not use the tricky moves assigned to lesser opponents. That was not the Ryu's style as well. Erik would never take a defensive posture and hardly a challenger would take this stance. Agressive. Ryu would be aggressive. But he should have assumed that after so much meditation the Samurai would be conservative and will just exploit his weaknesses. An important thing he didn't consider.
That duel had a special flavor to the elf. The Silver Dragon knew no fear. Despite the elven sword, Erik tried to surprise his opponent with a style he had learned watching him. A show of respect. He charged with a sequence of three accurate and powerful blows. His feet advanced at each tranversal great blow from up to down against Ryu. The samurai recognize the style and the Erik's attempt to surprise him. At the end won the more refined style. The katana slid out of its sheat and sparked against the silver armor. That blow would leave a nice bruise and a deep scar in his armor.
After that Erik was forced to retreat. Just as he advanced, his feet were retreating after each blow. His armor was light and even some good years older, he was still more agile. An almost drunk agility. It was with this first reflex that he evaded the first blow still felling the pain. The next three consecutive blows died against the elven blade. The Silver Dragon realized he couldn't find an opening for the counterattack at that point. He retreated with a large step and lowered his sword.
Erik Eyolf: "Enough my friend, the duel is over, congratulations."
Ryu: "Indeed Erik, great duel, thank you for this."
Erik was happy after the duel. Ryu's victory was providential. If Erik had been victorious against the great General, Sirion would have to stand against a new attack of his immense ego. While Ryu walked to the horse, Erik looked at the deep cut in his armor. That was an exceptional sword. After the beautiful gift, the Duke of Avamar laughed at wil.
Erik Eyolf: "Karbala. Another competition? In this I will give you the advantage. I'll take out this armor and take my horse. I you find you on the road. We have to talk."
