(Untitled)

[leftthecradle]

The sun is setting over the Milliways lake. The air is crisp and cold, and snow covers the ground in a thick blanket. However, there is a large circle of ground where the snow has been cleared away. In the midst of it, there is a person wielding a metal pole in some type of martial arts form

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[leftthecradle]

There's a smile as he finishes the form.

"I believe that is why I brought this with me," he says with a laugh. A hand dips into his robes and pulls out a small cylinder which he tosses to the boy. "Since your arm is healed, it is past time for your first denn'na lesson, Traniee Danny."

A wink. "Though I think we'll leave flycatching with chopsticks until later."

[leftthecradle]

He doesn't deign to answer the first question. But the second...

"Whichever is more comfortable for you," he says. "Eventually, I intend to see you proficient in either form, but the first lesson is the very basics: operating the pike itself, proper stances and blocks."

[leftthecradle]

He walks over to stand next to Danny.

"Like so...it's all in the wrist motion."

A twist-shake and the staff extends. He collapses it once more and demonstrates again. "Until you get the hang of things, always do it with your arm extended well away from your body. The pike expands at a terrific force. You do not want it ramming into your leg...or face."

[leftthecradle]

"But you may want to keep that in mind for the future," he suggests. "There is a story about a Ranger in ancient times who, when captured and disarmed, managed to trick his captor into knocking himself out with the pike that way."

Loa nods in satisfaction. "The same motion to close it. Let's try it again."

[leftthecradle]

Loa grins approvingly. "Yes, gullibility of others can be a potent weapon. Well done. Now, for the basic stances..."

This takes somethat longer, but most martial artists will find the footwork very familiar. After all, with a basic humanoid form, there are a limited number of positions that provide the best combination of balance, protection and maneuverability.