"Again!" Crao's usually quiet and gentle voice was very different as he watched Grayson and Cy. It was stern, bordering on harsh. The elf and young man did as demanded. Fists slammed into trunks of trees. Two large oaks, in fact. Grayson stood in front of one, Cy in front of the other. The two students moved almost perfectly in sync. The command was repeated a few more times. Each time, Cy and Grayson punched into the trunks of the trees. Each hand was used alternatively.

Crao observed the pair. He watched how they attacked, made sure their form was correct, and that they were actually exerting some force into the blows. "Arm straight, Cyrail!" Crao's words were spoken in that same stern tone. Cy grimaced. They'd been at the training for a while. His knuckles were bleeding and likely would bruise. Crao had made him promise he wouldn't use his magic to heal such wounds. Crao made it very clear that Cy needed to appreciate the work he was putting into learning.

Grayson had a look of determination on his face. He continued to strike in a rhythm. He wanted to be sure he could protect Amelia. It wasn't just her he wanted to protect. Their child that was on the way. He had to be strong for both of them. The young man was still very frightened at the thought. He was to be a father. He could hardly be considered an adult merely by age alone, let alone maturity. Grayson had, however, promised himself that he wouldn't allow the fear to control his actions. He loved Amelia. He knew she was scared as well. Grayson's determination left his expression. His thoughts distracted him.

Crao was fully aware of this. The lack of bark crunching from Grayson's blows had turned the older man's attention away from Cy. Grayson's fists struck the bark in a dull, weak manner. Crao moved as swiftly as he could toward Grayson and barked words at him. "Grayson, focus!" Crao's dark eyes stared at Grayson's face. The young man was snapped from his thoughts.

"Y-yes, sensei!" The crunching of bark resumed shortly afterward. Time passed. Crao had an idea of how long he wanted them to perform that certain activity, but he hadn't told them. He wanted them both to feel pain and frustration. There was a specific reason for that. Emotion had no place in combat. He wanted to see how they'd fight after such rigorous training. He'd had them do other things that day. Meditate for an hour, followed immediately by form and stance practice, among other things. It had been a long day, all in all. The sun was still in the air, but Crao knew it wouldn't be for much longer.

The time for their first test was this day. They had been training under Crao for a few weeks and he needed to gauge their progress. Their form, their striking power, their ability to act rather than think, and the ability to push thoughts away in order to do so. "That's enough!"

A few drops of sweat fell from Cy's face. He lowered his arms. They were sore, his hands were sore, really most of his body was. Grayson let out a deep breath and stepped away from the tree and over toward Crao. Cy followed shortly afterward. The frustation was obvious in the elf's expression. He often had a hard time controlling his temper. Crao knew Cy had courage. That was of no doubt. He'd seen the elf's actions firsthand during their run in with the sky pirates. His patience, that was severely lacking. Crao knew that from the beginning. He noticed Cy was beginning to learn a little, but not much.

"We are going to do one last thing today. You are each going to spar me." Both Cy and Grayson lifted their eyebrows at Crao's words. The latter's nearly touched his bandana. Crao stepped into an open area away from the trees. It wasn't far, only a few feet away from where the three had been to begin with. Cy was ready, itching to spar with Crao. Crao knew this and it was why he made Cy wait.

"Grayson, you're first. Come here." Crao's voice was gentler, but still held a tone of command to it. Grayson did as he was told and stepped near Crao. Before he could even settle into a stance, Crao's right fist struck him soundly in the chest. Grayson stumbled backward, but he did not fall. Crao didn't wait. He moved fluidly into a strike with his left palm. Grayson, having regained his balance, stepped toward Crao and swung his right arm up to displace the attack away from his person. It made Crao smile, just a little. It didn't stop him from continuing to attack however. He spun in a quick motion and brought his right elbow into Grayson's back. It was hard enough to send the young man to the grass.
Cy was simply watching. Waiting for his chance to go after Crao. His dark eyes were slightly narrowed. His hands clenched into fists.

"All right, Grayson. Get up." Crao lowered his arms and backed away, into a neutral stance. Grayson did as he was told and groaned along the way to his feet. "You must be prepared for someone to attack you at any time. Always be on your guard, Grayson. You never know when you might have to act."

"Yes, sensei." Grayson bowed slightly to Crao and then moved away. He went to lean against the tree he'd been punching as Crao looked to Cy.

"Your turn, Cyrail."