It was a miracle! Hiiko survived without being decapitated! Although every muscle in his body coursed with pain and a dull heat both in tune with his racing heart it seemed. Their was no room to half ass any training given, even if it was just a run. After a sigh of relief Hiiko dropped to his knees on the plush grass that spanned the training field before falling to his back. His injuries were only slight, a chip over his eye was no big deal. Hiiko was more concerned about the arrows, how the hell was he supposed to dodge one of those things, much less at full speed? As he lay sprawled out his eyes rolled back while he prepared to run his hands over the welts left trailing his ribs. [color=#999999][i]POKE.[/i][/color] like lightning, Hiiko sprang to his feet -- more so from surprise than anything else. To his right a kneeling Mel, battered and bruised much the same as himself, grinned sadistically from jabbing Hiiko's side.

     [color=#8bd3fb]"WOMAN! Dont sneak up on me like that."[/color] His hand rested on his chest, his heart slowly calming down from his frightened scramble. Mel helped Hiiko to his feet in time for the appearance of Xan, Kale, Ryun, and....Rue? Ralph? Riki? Mel could never quite remember the young squires name, she had made it a habit to steer clear of him -- well, mostly everyone. Subconsciously Mel scooted closer to Hiiko, tucking herself behind the farmer. As well as she could anyways. With the run out of the way the recruits would be allowed a weapon of their choosing. Something she hadn't given much thought honestly. Mel wasnt keen on the idea of having to overpower someone in close quarters combat, or outmaneuver them. The throbbing lump on her forehead could attest to that. [color=#8bd3fb]"What are you going to pick?[/color] Hiiko nudged Mel snapping her out of her train of thought. [color=#999999]"You will have to wait and see."[/color] Her answer as vague as her conviction on what weapon actually suited her. 

     The pair approached the weapons rack together, Mel struggling to raise the greatsword that was closest to her and Hiiko darted straight for the hammers. After a few attempts at raising the hefty blade Melethiel decided something a bit more light was in order. Knife like maybe? That would force her to be even closer in combat, the decision would drive her mad. 

     Hiiko, however, fell in love at first sight. Without a second thought he yanked a warhammer from its resting place and swayed under its weight. A moment was spent getting acquainted with its sheer size and healthy weight against his shoulder. But how would he know its real strength without testing it. Now was as good a time as any in Hiiko's mind. A grunt escaped his lips when he hoisted the weapon as far above his head as the boy could manage. With an audible woosh the weapon came barreling down into the dirt before him. The thud upon impact was music to Hiiko's ears, it reminded him of home. However the recoil of using such force reverberated through his arms and shook all the way to the top of his head. This was definitely the weapon for him.

     Satisfying as his solo spar had been, embarrassment gripped Hiiko immediately after. The hammer was stuck. Topsoil dirt and rock seemed to suck the weapon in as Hiiko strained to pull at its handle. His effort was for naught. [color=#8bd3fb]"A pint of ale for any man who can free this blade from it's stone!"[/color] Hiiko's chuckle was cut short upon a glance in Xanatos' direction. by the scowl forming on his face Hiiko could tell the Quartermaster was none too pleased.