[When Leah arrives, she's more than a little disheveled, still panting slightly, and damp with sweat. It's not the most dignified way to appear before her king, but she had been training as she received the order to meet with him.
She knocks before entering -- a rare courtesy, and not one she'd afford to many.]
[Alexander bids her enter and waits for her to seat herself before speaking]
"I've decided we must strengthen our position in the deck. However, the other suits are on guard against me. Only those who make themselves enemies should fear, but perhaps that's how they see themselves.
In either case, we need to develop a capacity to defend our interests. Household troops may not be adequate. We require dedicated specialists. I'm making you my lieutenant in this matter. You won't be recognized as such in court, but you have my full confidence and backing."
[Straight to the point -- she appreciates that, and acknowledges it with a slow smirk. This is an honor their previous king would never have afforded her.]
I agree. If it makes them see us as their enemies? Whatever. At least we can match them.
Is there anyone in particular you've got your eye on?
[Alexander's fingers go to his chin as he takes a considering look]
"We'll have to begin a screening process. I've been considering that...I think we can agree as experienced fighters that footwork is key. You may find this outlandish - in fact it comes from my time in the outlands - but I'm considering that a well-designed dance would be as good a covert aptitude test as any. I've already tested it on Noelle of the Diamonds. The foot techniques I have will make dangerous fighters quickly. And observers none the wiser."
[He hadn't planned Noelle as a test subject, nor had she become so insignificant to him. He certainly enjoyed her honesty and openness and making a warrior is satisfying to him in all cases. But she certainly had verified his suspicions regarding training methods...and she would recognize the "dance" if she saw it...that issue will have to be addressed]
Comments 16
She knocks before entering -- a rare courtesy, and not one she'd afford to many.]
Reply
"I've decided we must strengthen our position in the deck. However, the other suits are on guard against me. Only those who make themselves enemies should fear, but perhaps that's how they see themselves.
In either case, we need to develop a capacity to defend our interests. Household troops may not be adequate. We require dedicated specialists. I'm making you my lieutenant in this matter. You won't be recognized as such in court, but you have my full confidence and backing."
Reply
I agree. If it makes them see us as their enemies? Whatever. At least we can match them.
Is there anyone in particular you've got your eye on?
Reply
"We'll have to begin a screening process. I've been considering that...I think we can agree as experienced fighters that footwork is key. You may find this outlandish - in fact it comes from my time in the outlands - but I'm considering that a well-designed dance would be as good a covert aptitude test as any. I've already tested it on Noelle of the Diamonds. The foot techniques I have will make dangerous fighters quickly. And observers none the wiser."
[He hadn't planned Noelle as a test subject, nor had she become so insignificant to him. He certainly enjoyed her honesty and openness and making a warrior is satisfying to him in all cases. But she certainly had verified his suspicions regarding training methods...and she would recognize the "dance" if she saw it...that issue will have to be addressed]
Reply
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