#t:i'm gonna punch this rock until my head feels better

[amitieos]

She snorts - actually snorts with laughter and the most surprising part is that Elincia isn't even remotely embarrassed as she throws her head back and laughs. Linus' hearty response tickles her. Normally the idea of someone shouting at her students, much less tossing them around, would horrify her. Yet in Linus' capable, if not chaotic, hands, she can imagine at least half her class having a right hoot. His teaching style might not be for everyone but it was certainly effective.

Even her own stance is firmer, more focussed. His instructions help her draw on her physical strength more than the usual finesse and dexterity she tended to lean towards.

"As long as you let me join these classes too," Elincia quips, before erupting into cheers as Linus sends his fists flying into the rock face. It buckles under his assault, not quite collapsing just yet. She doubts it will withstand much more however. "That was incredible! Don't worry though, I'm not giving up either!"

Roll d20: 3, 15!

Unfortunately she pulls her first punch, still expecting the impact to cause pain to lance through her arm. There's no hesitation with her next strike though and whilst it might not be quite as earth-shaking as Linus' prior attempt, it's a fair showing and something to be proud of.

"Yeah, I've just got to shake it off! Um... I don't know what I'm trying to prove though," Elincia takes pause for a moment. A few years ago she had a lot to prove and mostly to herself. These days however, she mostly feels content in herself. "I suppose there's always room to improve oneself though. The more I train, the more I learn the better I can protect what I hold dear."

She turns to Linus, smiling brightly. Grateful for his help in crystallising her desires and hopes. His bright personality and burning passion make her feel like she can do anything. She wonders what dreams he holds precious; knows deep in her heart he can make them come true. Not that such a gregarious gentleman would ever have to do so alone.

"Let's both promise each other, no matter what hardships, we shall keep trying our very best."

I'm Gonna Punch This Rock Until My Head Feels Better

[amitieos]

"Really? I can think of a few of my own students who would love to take your classes. There's a great deal to be said about your hands-on approach to learning," it is however a relief to hear her own classes are appreciated too. She watches him take a swing at the rock himself and if she didn't know any better, she'd worry he was going easy on her. The obvious competitiveness in his eyes and the frown he wears say otherwise though. "You know what, I might just take you up on that, Linus."

She intends to buy him a drink anyway, in thanks for helping with this. Still, this can decide who pays for the second round.

Roll 2d20: 9, 4... womp.

"I'll take another shot then, though don't think I'll take it easy on you just because you complimented me," Elincia teases, adjusting her stance once more. She swings her fists but continues talking to Linus amicably. "Pegasus for me. Not that I wouldn't want to work with a wyvern too but Chrysaor was my great grandmother's pegasus. We're rather attached to one another. He used to carry me around with the collar of my clothes between his teeth to keep me out of trouble!"

One punch barely grazes the rock and the other fumbles entirely. She groans, shoulders slumping and looks at Linus sheepishly. Perhaps it had been little more than beginner's luck after all.

"I didn't do that on purpose. Unfortunately." Elincia says with a sigh. There's little more she can do however than pick herself up and try again. "Guess I need a little more practice. A certain elderly gentleman in the stables would never forgive me for giving up."

"I hope you wouldn't either. You've been a great teacher, deserving of a committed student I should think."

I'm Gonna Punch This Rock Until My Head Feels Better

[amitieos]

Linus tightens the strap for her and she tests them, flexing her fingers as much as she possibly can within the gauntlets. There's just enough give whilst keeping her hands firmly in place. Elincia stretches her wrist out as straight as she can and locks it in place.

"Thank you, Linus. Okay so, straight wrists and a focus on my lower body. Glad I didn't wear heels today," she laughs, adjusting her footing. Elincia attempts to mimic Linus' confident stance, hips wide and feet firm on the ground. It feels unusual, to root herself so solidly to the ground when she's at home in the skies. "It's harder to use your lower body for power up in the sky! It feels... odd to be doing this but I'm sure plenty of practice will make it second nature over time!"

"I always tell my students they can master anything they want with enough willpower and patience. So I can't let them down."

She faces the rock, taking a deep breath and tries to ignore the fact she feels more nervous than facing down her foes on the battlefield. There she's confident, composed - there she knows what needs to be done. A sword in her hand is comforting but these gauntlets are brand new and alien to her. Elincia turns her head to look at Linus for reassurance, a thin, tense smile on her face. It's okay. A poor performance here isn't letting him down, it's laying the ground work for further improvement. Elincia feels her feet on the ground, keeps her stance wide and firm before pulling back her fists and driving them into the rock with all her might.

Elincia punches the rocks, roll d20: 19, 16

Perhaps it's beginners luck but she manages to land two solid punches to the rockface. The force of her blows creates a hairline fracture, a weakness to target next time. She jumps in the air, forgetting her lessons for a moment before turning to Linus, grin wide as she grabs his hands.

"Wow, you're an excellent teacher! You'll be coming for my job soon, Linus!"

I'm Gonna Punch This Rock Until My Head Feels Better

[amitieos]

"Linus, how lovely it is to see you! Haha, you're quite right, I've never tried anything like this before, but it looks incredibly fun!" Breaking boulders with just your fists as tools - a challenge unlike any other she'd faced. Would brute strength alone be enough, or were careful, precision strikes more effective? Elincia wasn't quite sure where to start, thankfully she'd been lucky enough to bump into an expert like Linus. "I know it's a competition but... could I bother you for a few pointers? I'm honestly not sure if I've even put these gauntlets on correctly."

Her face flushes a shade or two darker, out of her element like this. Books couldn't teach everything of course, but perhaps she should have researched the basics before signing up for such an event. Caspar had made it look so easy, although of course she understood an expert could make anything look deceptively simple.

"Actually, I have another question. Feel free to laugh! I realise it sounds quite silly but where exactly should my thumb be when I make a fist?" Elincia flexes her hands into fists a few times, testing both positions with the hint of a frown on her face. Neither felt natural and throwing punches had never been on the curriculum growing up. "I assume this is what a fish feels like when plucked from the river! I'm going to do my best though, at least I can breathe unlike our metaphorical piscine friend."

@justicefanged

I'm Gonna Punch This Rock Until My Head Feels Better