xp_logs | Doug and Korvus: Christmas Swordplay (Reply)

Doug comes to see Korvus after everyone opens presents. They discuss the Nandaki and swordsmanship.

Korvus had participated in Christmas gladly with the people who had stayed at the mansion. The talk of the haul, without a doubt, was a surprise gift from Lilandra in India. Although the Rook'shir line was branded as traitors and their wealth confiscated, The Nandaki was immune to the scorn (previously unbeknownst to Korvus) due to its religious significance. While perfectly capable of carrying the sword, even though it weighed over fifty pounds by his best guess, hanging it on the wall for display or carrying it for use seemed very unreasonable. Even with his strength, such a large khanda was too unwieldy and so he stood a few feet from his bed looking at all that remained of everything other than him that was Rook'shir as he tried to decide what to do with it. Packing it away seemed insulting but he didn't have any other ideas.

Doug had been there for the gift-giving, and seen the huge sword unwrapped by the young Indian. The sword had definitely intrigued him, as he'd gotten the impression that there was a fair amount of family history involved in the gift. And the sheer size of the blade had...well, he admitted it gave him the littlest bit of 'sword envy'. Not that the Asgardian broadsword he favored was exactly small, but even it was dwarfed by the fifty pound khanda.

Still, the gift seemed like an opportunity to get to know the newer student, and so he'd packed his scabbard and sword in the trunk of his car and headed out to the mansion. And now, here he was, and he knocked on the door to Korvus' room, the point of his sword resting on the floor.

Leaving the sword on the bed, Korvus moved to answer the door. He recognized Doug from earlier in the day. "Good afternoon."

"Hello," Doug greeted him, remembering Korvus' tendency towards formality. "I was intrigued by the gift you received, and thought I would offer either some help in learning how to use it, or a sparring partner if you already have experience." He indicated his own sword.

Korvus stepped back and motioned for Doug to come in. "I am trained. Unfortunately this weapon was designed to be an oversize show piece for military ceremony. Even with my strength it is too heavy, particularly in the blade, to be used effectively."

"Ah," Doug said, an understanding but somewhat disappointed noise. "The craftsmanship is amazing," he murmured, stepping closer to look at the blade.

"It is meant to be a replica of the sword used by Vishnu, Nandaki. When it was forged it was taken very seriously." Korvus moved to look over it as he explained. "I am a direct descendant of Rohan Roopak Shiar who used it during the fall of the British Raj. It is priceless. I did not know it still existed."

"May I?" Doug made a gesture with his hand toward the sword. It was only polite to ask before touching another man's sword. When Korvus nodded, he placed his hand on the blade and closed his eyes, as if he could somehow borrow Adrienne's power and feel the weight of history
in the sword. He opened his eyes again and smiled. "It seems a shame it is not built for use, with your strength it would be a perfect match," he observed.

"I concur. It is magnificent in both craftsmanship and cultural context. I suspect the first Rook'shir was capable of using it due to a mutation, something unheard of at the time, and that is why it has a mythical history." Korvus offered in explanation. If it was too heavy for him to use, certainly no one could train to use it effectively without some soft of aid.

Doug nodded. "Well, if you should decide you'd like to learn how to use a sword, even if it's not that one, I'd be happy to train with you and teach you the things I've learned."

"I would appreciate someone with whom I could practice. It would be dishonest of me to not inform you that I am gurukkal in Kalari Payat. It is primarily a martial art of weapons; only senior students are instructed in unarmed combat." Korvus shared. He believed a lie of omission was still dishonesty, clearly.

"Ah!" Doug made a delighted noise of approval. "I wasn't sure whether you had had previous training or not, and I didn't have any idea on how to politely ask." Having a new sparring partner was always a plus, because they would inevitably bring something new to things, and test and stretch skills in ways that others might not.

"I always appreciate direct inquiry." Korvus assured him. "I do not have the resources for sparring equipment but perhaps I can find some that will suffice for a loan soon so that we may practice."

"If I can help with finding a vendor or anything, just let me know," Doug told the younger man with a smile. "In the meantime, I think I will go see if Kurt wants to do some sword work," he said, picking up his weapon again. "It was very good to meet you, Korvus."

"It was good to meet you as well Doug." Korvus said with a smile. "I am glad to know there are other swordsmen about."