Some would certainly get the whining, defiant scowls, and proud reluctance to absorb their teachings, but Tal had heard the stories about the Sword and his respect for the folk hero kept him on his best behavior.
Besides, he'd watched Deimos working out when he'd first arrived at the Barracks, and knew better than to challenge the warrior at his current pitiful skill level.
Tal's brow furrowed at the suggestion of torque, nodding slowly in understanding but turning over in his head how best to apply it the next time. More from the hip...? Or from the heel...? It was a line of thinking that cut off as Deimos spoke again, setting up for another demonstration. The courier's grin made another brief appearance as he watched this display more confidently. When it was his turn, he stepped up and again echoed his teacher's stance. He knew the basics of the backhand, it was clear as he stepped into it, aiming for the shoulder since the head was becoming a challengingly small target at this point.
His aim was good, and his technique was passable; he'd done it before, though seemed a little out of practice. What was missing from Tal's backhand was the strength to really carry it home. The blade bit into the target with a satisfying thunk, but failed to penetrate very far and Tal scowled at it before trying again -- to similar results.
Besides, he'd watched Deimos working out when he'd first arrived at the Barracks, and knew better than to challenge the warrior at his current pitiful skill level.
Tal's brow furrowed at the suggestion of torque, nodding slowly in understanding but turning over in his head how best to apply it the next time. More from the hip...? Or from the heel...? It was a line of thinking that cut off as Deimos spoke again, setting up for another demonstration. The courier's grin made another brief appearance as he watched this display more confidently. When it was his turn, he stepped up and again echoed his teacher's stance. He knew the basics of the backhand, it was clear as he stepped into it, aiming for the shoulder since the head was becoming a challengingly small target at this point.
His aim was good, and his technique was passable; he'd done it before, though seemed a little out of practice. What was missing from Tal's backhand was the strength to really carry it home. The blade bit into the target with a satisfying thunk, but failed to penetrate very far and Tal scowled at it before trying again -- to similar results.
