Tichondrius opened his eyes at her voice, and saw that Hoshi was ready to defend herself. He smiled, and nodded approval, and like she guessed, struck. A chain-linked dagger flashed out, sliced away two symbols from her apprentice's braid, and he pulled it back, unfolding his hand to reveal a snake and a chain. "Congratulations. You have mastered the aspects of speed and accuracy. Now, on to your next stage. You may pick your own staff, or use this,"he said, indicating the elm and silver staff. Picking up the oaken one, he waited for her to make her choice.
Once she had done so, he took up a ready position before her. "Now, follow through with my movements," he instructed. Tichondrius began moving through the motions his grandfather had shown him, moving smoothly from one to the other, striking and dodging with theatritical care and slowness.