#anywhere

"Your stance is wrong" The Baron says.

Adelaide sighs, and changes her stance "This feels unlady like"

"A woman who is good with sword and art can decide what is lady like, and if pierce a man who is rude enough to deem otherwise" Rostislav says "Allowances are made in battle that would not be made on the ball room"

"I'm going to get sweaty" She grumbles . The Baron is infuriating, she outranks him, for she is a countess too, but he seems unfazed and unintimidated

"If you do not, I will know you have been slacking" He says "Besides, you know the old phrase: Nobles do not sweat, they perspire" He looks over her form "Steady the wrist"

She holds the rapier up so

"Why did you pick the rapier" he says

"It seemed more refined" She answers "More classic, and perhaps suited to my frame"

"Perhaps, or... perhaps you know it is lighter than some. Now, hold the position."

She does, and finds the rapier getting heavier she grunts.

"It grows heavier, yes? TO lift? A small thing. To hold? That is a true test of strength. The rapier is not just about looking pretty, it is about speed, precision, and often forgotten, stamina" The Varich walks along her, "You will work harder with the rapier than you knew"

"Do you mind, Adelaide, if I cut in?"

The Countess. Hair in a ... bun.

High boots, leggings, form-fitting leather jerkin, blouse under that.... in black and silver, of course.

And she's holding a blade; also a rapier. The scabbard is at her hip.

Her sunglasses reflect them back to themselves. One eyebrow lifts in a question.

The Varich bows

Adelaide says "Please"

She nods to both, and steps into the ring. When Adelaide is clear, she nods to Baron Rostislav and then salutes him. Then goes enguard.

Rostislav nods, "Exccellent form, excellent. Adelaide, the Countess has assumed the classic position, the French style, of course, which lends itself so much better to defensive preparation than Italian..." He assumes a position as well, "And we would meet like this."

"There's an Italian style?" surprised is the younger Eiluned

"Florentine." She specifies, watching Rostislav.

"Indeed, but we are creatures of the dreaming, and the swash of the buckle, the flash of the blade... it takes those mortal lessons and makes it truly magical. Gwydions and Fiona will claim they are the greatest warriors, the Daireann will scoff at that, as will the Aesin, do not let House intimidate you, Countess Adelaide. Do not let others define what you make of yourself. Rather, learn the forms, and from there, make them work for you" He says then to his liege "My liege, shall we begin a small demonstration?"

"Please." Dryly.

And the 'fight' begins, testing testing... Akanthea knows that Varich grow more dangerous the more they observe, but his methods also allow young Adelaide a good example of the foundation, and in that the Baron is proving a good choice as Adelaide's fencing master. A testing thrust, not as committed, nor as powerful as a lunge

Ack, Flee the Dread Sovereign

She riposts.

And attacks; a formal exchange of moves. Physical chess, really.

Indeed, move and counter move, thrust and parry, as his blade deflects her own "One blocks with a sword, one deflects with the rapier, as a rule, though one one must use strength over grace, the hilt" a push as he and the countess lock blades for a moment

Adelaide gapes wide, watching a woman she thought of as a ruler first, a sorcereress second, and a warrior not at all suddenly move with such speed and prowess is akin to watching a swan grow eagle talons.

And then.....

Rostislav finds himself bowing. Overcome by the lady's rank and majesty, he has no choice but to surrender.

And he does, admiration on his face.

Adelaide's eyes, already wide, seem to drink it all in with wonder "But.. oh, of course, you were not bound by the.."

She rests her blade on his shoulder casually, and looks at Adelaide.

"no rules wer given, were they?" SHe says

"Assumption is the mother of defeat" The Varich says putting his blade away "Well played, Countess"

She nods agreement and sheathes her own blade.

"But , the Gwydions shall say I cheated if I try that' She says "I know they will"

"Gwydions will say many things. Will that changes you, or what you have done?"

"No, it won't" She says "But it might make settling matters linger on"

A faint shrug. "Well. Thus is it always."

"Then I need only learn the basics, and continue to focus on my arts?" Adelaide says hopefully

"Baron. Please instruct her." With a smile, and she departs.

The Baron bows again "With pride, your Excellency." then he turns to Adelaide "need only? Slapdashed and half assed? No, little one, such does not become you nor your station and you well know. Now, the position! you have had two fine examples now."

Adelaide sighs, steadies herself, and draws her rapier getting 'the position' right the first time ,this time.

The Countess departs... suitably dewed.

Ravishingly so.

And a childling goes to her lessons. Pleased to find the ballet helps.. at least a little.

(End scene)

"Sure, I know what you want" The Silverhaired man says with a sparkle in his eyes. His hands moved skillfully along as he practiced his craft. Never once did he look down,
as if he knew where every thing was from memory, and perhaps he did.

The young woman looked at him raising a slender brow "SO help me, if you tell me you have a nephew or son I just have to meet..."

A deep laugh came up from him, "Certainly not. An attractive young lady like you would be a worthy prize for any fellow, but you don't want to be a prize. You want to find a prize. And I speak not of a man, but of something wondrous you never knew you sought before. Your life is boring, bland, and dry..."

"Hey" She said offended, more because there was truth to it than the familiarity involved. So things had been a bit dull, "I'm doing well."

"Oh yes, some do handle lives of quiet desperation quite well" The bartender set down her glass.

She savored it, "Okay I'll bite...what do I need?" And the world began to spin, colors seemed to deepen, the sounds of the bar grew older, more primal, the click of the pool table in the corner took on the sound of clashing steel. The fire place's contents went from low embers to licking flames of green that took on the shape of dragons in flight and unicorns in a run. She glanced down at the gauntlet on her wrist.

"You need a quest," The bartender was different to, "You need... an adventure! Welcome to the place where you can take your first step."

The warrioress remembered who she was, what she was, and she slammed what had been delicate glass but was now a tankard, "Yes!" Oh the job she was in, she hadn't relized it had undone her... "I... thank you."

"If you really want to thank me, let me tell you of this little quest I have for you, someone needs aid and I think you would do.. just fine. Help them, bring me back the story, and what prizes you find are yours. Fair trade for the drink?"

"If I end up coming here for more trades like that?" The changeling woman smiled.

"I'll start a tab" he grinned.

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