A Meeting of the Minds (And the Occasional Pointy Object) [For Alexander]

[thediamondqueen]

The message had not been entirely unexpected. It was the standard rule-of-thumb that newly-instated Royals take the time to visit the still-ruling members of the other Suits soon after their asendance to the throne. So Rachel had hardly been surprised when the courier had come from the Court of Clubs telling that Alexander had wished to meet with

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[livebytheclub]

[Alexander did not halt mid-form. That is not the way of the training hall. When the Queen of Diamonds entered, she found him perched in a peculiar high step, left right foot lifted to knee height and right hand extended, left hand holding a long, slender blade high overhead, tip pointed toward his outstretched hand. With a rapid forward step, his blade dove like a falcon on the hunt, curling to the floor then up again, tracing a perfect circle before darting forward like a loosed arrow to end with the point extended at ankle height and the Club King holding an opposite high step. Finishing the motion, he quickly sheathed his sword and drew a light jacket over his corded shoulders. smiled and performed the bow due a card of equal station. He wondered to himself at the woman before him. What had driven a creature of her apparent cunning from these halls? More importantly, what part of her heart still dwelt here with Andrew's blood? With luck, a piece of her loyalty would be kept by the place of her birth, and so he had planned to

My apologies for the late!

[thediamondqueen]

She curtsied in response to his bow, equally respectful of his place. His form was certainly impressive, but she wouldn't show such to the man beyond what was necessary.

"It is always a pleasure to return to the place of my birth, King of Clubs. I thank you for the invitation."

Re: My apologies for the late!

[livebytheclub]

[He nodded amiably, then gestured to the opposite end of the hall]

"Would you care to join me in the far training circle? I have heard of your skill with the broadsword...[Here he pauses, separating his next sentence as an independent matter while concealing it in context] You have a reputation as being both calculating and aggressive, able to see and pursue opportunities to your advantage. I command some small regard as a swordsman myself. I thought you might find it fitting to discuss means of achieving victories here in our ancestral home"

[The far circle was reserved for the most skilled combatants and, incidentally, would put them furthest from the ears of attendants]

[thediamondqueen]

A small, somewhat humorless smile, "I have always been a woman who knows well when to seize opportunities at the appropriate time.

I have heard similar things about your swordsmanship skills, Lord King. Having such a discussion and a chance to train with you in this place would be an honor."