The Tourney at Ashford

The man-at-arms did have things to attend to later this day, a bit of practice of sorts. still he wasn't satisfied with only that, so before his meeting with the mystery knight he made his way to the sparring circle. Hopefully Derrick would be able to find someone to act as a opponent, he wasn't quite sure who might show up though.

There was someone there, though he was not likely what Derrick had in mind. An unarmored boy was going through a series of practice strikes with a sword. He clearly had some training, but he was still young. A dog laid nearby, watching.

Aye, someone that young would not really do as a partner, still the young man watched for a few moments before he spoke up. "Getting in some practice?" He asked easily as he approached closer, his leather armor making almost no sound.

"Oh! Umm... yes. But, I can step aside, if you'd like the space." the boy offered, after stopping to look up at the man. The dog was quickly on his feet and moved to his master's side. "My name is Desmond. Desmond Terrick."

"No need for that, Milord." Derrick offered simply, I just came by to see if anyone was around and wanting a spar. You're free to practice all you like. At the introduction He dipped into a polite bow. He didn't know who the Terrick's were, but that wasn't really surprising. "A pleasure to meet you, Milord. I'm Derrick a retainer of House Algood."

The boy dipped his head. "If Erreg were here, I'm sure he'd be happy to spar. Or, Walder. Or, Allard. Or, Reynard. Unfortunately, it's just me and Walder."

"That's alright really, I'll be sparring a bit later anyways." He frowned slightly, another dog called Walder, as well as a person. "sure seems you know a lot of Walders though. I'm starting to believe it's a popular name."

He gestured towards the sword. "Have you been training long?"

"It's a popular name for the Frey's." he shrugged. He nodded when asked about his training. "Over a year. My father has been teaching me. And, Erreg helps me practice."

"Ah, Good to hear." His father had taught him quite a bit as well. "Perhaps I could help you practice? If you like?" He'd need a bit of practice of his own with teaching people in the future, and the lessons with Lady Cassana just felt different.

Desmond nodded again. "I'd appreciate that."

Hefting his shield and practice sword, Derrick stepped into the ring. "Why don't you show me what you got Milord. I'll see what II can help with." With that he took a stance and waited, letting the young man show his how good he was.

Desmond waved Walder off after the dog shifted into an aggressive stance. With his own practice sword, the young Terrick swung, testing Derrick's defenses.
D2, EA, practice swing at Derrick: 3d6 11

Derrick took the blow on his shield letting it slide away from his body. "Well struck Milord, seems your father has been teaching you well." He offered as he waited for the boy to strike again. "Planning to a knight in the future?"

"That could be fun." He struck again. "But, i don't know if I'll have time."
D2, EA, practice swing 2 at Derrick: 3d6 11

"Oh? A lot to learn to become a lord then?" That was the only reason Derrick could think of. the boy's father would likely be ruling the family for some time yet after all. It was a quick sidestep that dodged the boy's blow this time, and Derrick nodded in approval. "Very good, but you need to watch me better, look for the small movements. That blow might of hit someone in heavier armor, but not so many that wear lighter armor."

"It feels like all I do is study." He feinted high and swung low to test the man's balance. "There's all of the training, too."
D2, EA, practice swing 3 at Derrick: 3d6 13

It was closer then many of the other blows, but the young solider was able to get out of the way by a slim margin, maintaining his feet and his balance. "If it's any help I spend most of my time practicing and exercising when not on duty. It's not a lot of fun mind you, but it has a purpose."

"Have many friends or siblings back home?"

"All of my sisters." he replied, pausing for a moment. "What do you do to train?"

"How many sisters do you have?" It was a innocent enough question, the young solider really just curious about it. "Lots of things. I run, swim, lift stones, spar, climb trees. Really anything I can think of to improve myself."

"Have any suggestions?"

"Six. Rowena, Wylla, Joyeuse, Walda, Shirei, and Ryella." he explained. "I do some of those things. Walder and me hunt a lot. I also help Erreg with the falcons and I go on patrols with father sometimes."

"That's quite a few of them." He would never remember all those names though, so he simply didn't try. "You enjoy hunting as well then?" He asked as the practice continued on, Derrick giving what pointers he could. "Or does it serve some other purpose/"

"Father says it keeps our skills sharp." he shrugged. "But, I do enjoy it, whether with Walder or the falcons or just with my bow."

"I should do more of it, but I find it hard to find the time." The young solider had work to do quite a few hours of most days after all. "Perhaps I'll have to try and spend some time while I'm here hunting." He mused, reminded a bit of the invitation he had received from the young lady earlier.

A frown crossed his features for a moment. Derrick really didn't know why she thought he would enjoy watching her flirt with her suitors.

"There's fishing too, but that's not the same." Desmond continued to practice various strikes against the man, oblivious to his frown or what it might mean. "A lot of my time is following father around, watching what he does."

"I did that a bit when I was younger... when I was old enough to stay out of the way at least. I suppose a lot of boys are the same in the regard." You didn't learn by just sitting around after all. "Have you considered doing any fishing in that river they have here?" It might be a good way to pass the time...