And then Marth became the Old Spice Guy

[aestheticemblem]

Who: aestheticemblem and You!
When: [Forward Dating a Little] 11/18/2011
What: Impromptu jousting? Seriously, Marth is training horseback. And generally just showing what makes him such a capable leader.
Where: The Stadium
Warnings: AND THEN HE FOUND ALL THE BODIES OH NO No.

Comments

[shootgeodudes]

Rhys was on one of his frequent walks around campus, taking in the world. He made a stop in to the stadium, to check up on who might be training. My what rippling muscles that man has.

From his place in the stands, he saw a lone man on horseback practicing flow and attacks through a messy field. Moving closer to the stage, he called out. "A bit of a static battle, is it not?"

[aestheticemblem]

Marth's attention turned onto Rhys. And he realised he saw the most beautiful creature he'd ever seen before. He hadn't seen him before and if there was one thing the emperor needed, it was to fill the roster of people he was acquainted with to the very brim, as though he were tipping a chalice off.

He forced his steed to turn and controlled the movements of the magnificent animal with the heels of his boots. As he grew closer to Rhys, he maintained a tight grasp on the hilt of his sword. "A static battle? Not in the least," he began. "One should be able to imagine the movements of the enemy. However, perhaps you would like to join me, good sir."

[shootgeodudes]

"Why imagine," He laughed, moving towards the north side of the arena. "When you can have the heat of battle around you?" He took position above the arena, at the edge of the seats. "The mind is good for many things, the spirit for more. But aren't there some things the body needs to experience to understand?"

[aestheticemblem]

"I never claimed my plan would be flawless. At times, we cannot all have what we would like. Consequently, we must make do, sometimes, with what we have. To require too much would bring us steps back, rather than make progress."

He watched Rhys carefully, unsure of whether he should classify him as friend or foe. There were few in the academy Marth had truly disliked and if first impressions spoke anything, he heard wisdom in Rhys' voice. "You sound as though you have a recommendation, or perhaps that you wish to participate. In other words, to create this 'heat of battle' as you have put it."

[imwrightalways]

Phoenix was casually taking a walk around campus when all of a sudden, he thought he stepped into a Renaissance fair. Yes, there was a very effeminate knight, dressed to the nines, riding atop a white horse with his sword in hand. Either this was some sick dream or it was a Renaissance fair.

Or.. it was just this school with all of its weird people and talking animals and whatnot. By now, Phoenix should have just known to expect a man convinced he was from the medieval era riding on his well-groomed horse. Still, he couldn't help but stare oddly. That was a beautiful horse, though, Phoenix had to admit.

He didn't want to disturb the man, so he stood by and watched as the knight tackled his obstacles.

[aestheticemblem]

It was a Renaissance fair.

Marth probably could have gotten far too easily distracted with his training. It wasn't even as though to do such a thing in his free time was unheard of. He simply often did so away from the eyes from the others. It was his first time using the stadium, which he mainly did for the sake of the Hands and what they chose to offer. If he set it up accordingly, he could put any number of obstacles he'd wanted to and eventually he'd get to that point.

Perhaps a bit later.

His attention mid-turn of his blade turned onto Phoenix. He knew who the man was. Even knew him by name. But Marth wasn't a student of political science any longer. He had been once upon a time and it hadn't lasted long when he found out what kind of person Robotnik was. His posture straightened and he lifted his eyebrows at Phoenix.

"What brings the professor out this way?" Marth asked, curiosity tinting his tone.

[imwrightalways]

Phoenix had been mesmerized watching the knight gallantly ride across the field, swiftly maneuvering through the obstacles like a professional. He wasn't sure exactly why this man had to train for what looked like a jousting tournament, but it was still interesting. He had magnificent skill, and he looked so natural upon that beautiful horse.

So, when the man began speaking, it took Phoenix by surprise.

"Oh!" Phoenix responded, "I... Was just taking a walk when I saw you here."

He wanted to investigate the stadium, truthfully. He had heard interesting things about it, almost making it sound like one of those science fiction "Holodeck" types of things.

[aestheticemblem]

Marth smiled a bit sheepishly. He supposed he did look a little out of sorts. Many people came to the academy and didn't expect to find a prince who was so very rigid about how he carried himself. Marth had very little intentions of ever hiding his nobility. He saw no reason to. He still didn't, even in the face of Phoenix's vaguely bemused expression. Or what Marth interpreted as bemusement.

"I see." He gestured over to the other horse, free and available for the taking. "I do not suppose you have half a mind to join me?" And his offer was a kind one, no malice behind it whatsoever. But then, the emperor had very little reason to put venom in his voice. After all, he was simply brushing up on his skills.

[princeangel]

Jeff wasn't usually one for visiting the stadium. Normally he avoided it like the plague along with the weight room. Yet today, he could hear the neighs of horses and the sound of hooves upon the ground. Curiosity got the better of him so he decided to take a peek.

He watched Marth practice, more impressed by the prince's control over the horse than by the use of weapons. It had been a long time since Jeff had ridden a horse, but he recalled enjoying the experience nonetheless. Truly an activity for the upper class. Jeff did notice the second horse, but didn't want to interrupt Marth's training just yet.

[aestheticemblem]

Marth, more than often in Akaneia, had taken to his feet, rather than a steed. But in the four plus years he had gone, whether he was in the academy, or his homeland, his abilities had considerably improved. Of course, if they hadn't, he would have been the slightest bit concerned. But they hadn't. Consequently, he took only a few more moments of losing himself in his graceful actions before he turned his attention onto Jeff.

"You should have said something," he began kindly. "I would not have made you wait."

[princeangel]

Shaking his head, Jeff slowly approached Marth. "I didn't want to break your concentration. Sorry for not announcing myself earlier."

"You're..." he paused, searching for the right words, "very skilled at this." Jeff motioned vaguely with his hands, but whether he meant the horses or the weapons or the set-up stadium as a whole, it was difficult to tell. "I presume this sort of training is common where you come from." Marth was nobility, after all.

[aestheticemblem]

"It imperative that I am capable of handling all varieties of situations, including those which may every now and then break my concentration," he replied with a smile.

Marth sheathed his sword and brought his horse closer to Jeff before pausing beside the blond. "Where I come from, we cannot be too prepared for what we may face in the future. My home was wrecked by war more than once. Although I am away from it, my people could only benefit more from my training. It is mostly for their sake, and the occasional times here."

By which he meant the most recent murder. They couldn't be too safe, after all.

[lightstone_hero]

"You're quite a good rider." Hilda's been watching for some time now - her eyes mostly on the horse and how well trained it was. While she didn't feel comfortable with the idea of saddle and reins seeing that she normally rode her own Zebstrika without such things, she was able to put that aside to marvel at the performance that she was watching.

It really was something else.

[aestheticemblem]

Marth had been so locked into what he was doing, that hearing Hilda's voice nearly sent him toppling from his steed in surprise. He straightened his posture hastily, as though to cover up any potential embarrassment. Then with the careful maneuvering of the gallant beast he rode, he turned to give her a look over.

He had passed her perhaps once or twice before, but he had not known or met her personally. With as much care as he could muster, Marth helped himself down from the saddle of his horse after sheathing his sword. In a matter of moments, he closed the distance between the brunette and himself.

"Miss, you are too kind," he replied naturally with a smile.

[punchvolcanoes]

Speaking of dragons coming out, there was one now! Sasha's wings moved against the air as she landed close to him, hopefully not scaring the white mare too much. Sasha stood near, watching, giving him a small wave with her tiny hand if he looked into her direction.

[aestheticemblem]

While his horse spent a few moments in surprise, Marth was able to calm her down rather easily. Evidently a bond of trust between the two had been created in his time at the academy - or so he would have said to anyone who inquired. A smile planted itself easily into his features when he took note of Sasha.

His free hand lifted and he lowered his sword as to not appear frightening. "Good day to you, Miss Sasha! I see you appear to be faring quite well. What brings your lovely visage to my obstacle grounds?"