(I've received a message or three asking me to better explain Aben's fighting techniques, along with the hoof-blade. Forgive my lame explanation, I don't know proper sword-fighting terms. Allow the author to elaborate after an awesome alliteration.)
Aben Teuer is an interesting swords, er, pony. His special talent, as proven by his mark, is swordfighting. To be more specific, it is more of combat instinct itself. After all, anyone, with a lucky hit, can fell a more skilled foe or a bigger foe. And anyone more skilled can slay a larger foe, which is how Aben beat a few thugs (they just used blunt objects, while he was an instinctively good fighter. Also, he was more agile in his youth, and probably had terrain's advantage. Please don't argue that he should've lost, that battle shows his talent). In Aben's case, his talent regards combat insight; he is good at sensing where a blow will strike and if it is a fake or a feint attack. This is how he was able to hold his ground with Stab, who levitated his sword; Aben was able to tell where the levitated sword was going to attack and he blocked accordingly.
Through years of adventuring, Aben has learned how to use his weapon far greater than before. One of his favored tactics is responding to a predicted fake attack with a fake of his own, in which the opponents usually shifts to defensive, but is confused by the fake return. Then, Aben strikes either high or low, depending on the opponent's size and block stance. On an opponent without a fact reaction rate, this tactic works great. However, if the foe can predict ABEN'S fake and counter, Aben will be caught off-guard.
Aben is not entirely skilled on the offensive. He focuses more on parrying blows than striking with his own, and only does on 'perfect' moments. Obviously, you can't expect a 'perfect' moment to occur commonly. Aben is good at handling pressure, but can't really lay it down himself. I believe this is because he isn't fond of attacking with a lethal weapon or of being able to take somepony's life, after seeing the lives of his family taken away.
Twice.
The hoof-blade is an interesting weapon. It consists of a blade that extends horizontally on a hoof pointed forwards. It is mounted on a bracer on a front hoof. Think of a sword extending from the side of your arm, pointing out towards your hand. Aben is unnaturally skilled, as it was the only weapon he has ever used. The one he uses is mounted on a leather and iron bracer, and is made of sharpened steel. It was his father's, and he keeps it in good shape as it is his only memory of his family.
(on an unrelated author's note, I've used General Zoi's creator to make Aben in my free time because I was bored. Here's the code if you want to see him.
2S2S005000590F0FFFC49D0230093BF00UN1837500000021D0000000FF7FFF18107F3FCC004CB2
Accessory code: 066CC66066CC66066CC6610D0072066CC6604E8FBAFFFF8C066CC66066CC66066CC66066CC66)
Did my best to explain without spoiling what he might do in later fights...
1442964 I'm working as I can, but it's taking me a bit longer. I've got actual, not-in-my-free-time projects popping up, so I'm gonna be a bit late on resuming this.
Nonetheless, thank you for your support! It's nice to know someone out there actually reads my stuff!
1443093 Of course we read it! I found your premise intriguing from the day I found out someone was writing something like this (didn't get the story title right at first, either--what I came up with on a search was the title of the first chapter... )!
but what about cooking
1443267 Sorry, that was a brain fart on my part (rhyme!). My sister told me it means something like extended break. Again, I fall prey to trusting an older sibling...
Also, does anyone out there know of a better title? As musicluvr1974 proves, it's weird. I couldn't think of one.
And if any of you are artistic, please treat this story as an inspiration. I NEED A COOL COVER IMAGE!