For David: Training yard

[livebytheclub]

[Alexander is engrossed in his daily training regimen, all the more intense for the recent re-emergence of the Spade King, a duelist of some repute. Today he played the greatsword and halberd, whirling each through a series of traps, sweeps, hacks and piercing lunges. He enjoyed the power and control of a two-handed weapon. It put him more at easy

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[spysinspades]

[David had decided to take Alexander up on his offer to spar. He did need to practice - tighten up skills left to decay while he healed - and by sparring while he was at his weakest, Alexander would likely underestimate him at a later time.

He brought a four with him - one of his loyal spies, of course - to act as a witness should Alexander try anything... untoward. His excuse was to have an attendant, however.

They would settle something today. He couldn't have someone so blatantly against him and his court left to their own deices. He wouldn't let his people be left under the uncaring, power-hungry hand of his wife again. The first time had almost led to a collapse as it was.

Stepping into the training yard, David watched Alexander quietly for a few moments, observing his sword work. Heavy-handed though he seemed in politics, he was well versed with the weapon.]

[livebytheclub]

[Spotting the Spade King and attendant - which he read "friendly witness" - Alexander stilled his blade in the midst of a complex sequence]

"Welcome David, King of Spades. I am pleased to see you have accepted my invitation."

[His courtesy is only partly show. He is a spirit at home only on the battlefield, and the training ground serves well enough. He never hated one man he killed in battle, however necessary the demise had been nor how vile he might have found the foe as anything but a soldier. Here he can regard David with the jovial nature of an opponent, hated enemy or otherwise]

[spysinspades]

How could I refuse after such a kind offer?

[Most of David's courtesy was feigned]

You seem to have the best training yard to be found in the Deck.

[livebytheclub]

"Few things are more critical than a sharp edge on mind, body, and blade. Our holdings have reflected that for generations. But tell me, good King, are you mended adequately to exert yourself here?"