[Provincilia-Lions HQ] Opening eyes & ambitions (Milo & Alexis)

[Liselle Vampyler Sapientia]

Fourth cycle of Junctior, Autumn, Era XIV

Standing in the training hall, Liselle waited for her two guests of honor to arrive. Clad in her training garb, which included black leather pants, black shirt and elven tracking boots, Liselle thought about what she wanted to accomplish that brightening. It was a cleverly disguised ruse most certainly, but one that had a point…

…a point that the boys would soon realize.

With the elven longsword at her hip that Motito had gifted her at her wedding, she simply waited.

[Alexis Sapientia]

Alexis Sapientia was the Imperial Minister of War, which meant that he did not leave his office lightly, particularly on workbrightenings such as this, what with the impending war in the Sherian and a host of other martial duties to fulfill. Such interruptions in the course of his work were normally dealt with by a lower functionary, or a higher-ranked factotum, or by a classic gaze that others in the Imperial Ministry of War had soon began calling the Sapientia stare.

No carriage, this time. He'd had quite the rosyun, of course, back at home in the Palais Lumiere, before heading off to the Ministry and the brighteningly intelligence briefing conducted by a Cencoris of the 26th Imperial Shields, which he'd commonly called the morning news. After that, a nice missive from his wife, which was unusually curt, and, as always, to the point.

Meet me in the training yard at the Black Lion Headquarters after morning meal.

Well, that was that. One didn't second-guess one's better half, especially if she was Governor of the Principality of Prime. Even Imperial Regents went at her call, as it seemed, in this case. After all, as they said in the Legions, the general's wife was the general's general.

Clad as he was, with his own all-black uniform, black knee-high riding boots, with a trailing sable leather greatcoat, so did he show himself to his wife.

Part of the uniform, of course, was a typical Imperial Longsword, common to all legionaries. With a long, single-edged blade with pointed tip, a dark-metal T shaped crossguard edged in red, with the crest of the Empire on the cross of the guard, it made for good bladework, thrust in the chest of an orc, it did.

Aligning the blade in between his eyes with a swift two-second movement that brought the tip of the blade back facing the ground, in the classic cavalryman's salute, so did he bid Liselle Vampyler-Sapientia, fair greeting, before sheathing it yet again in its crimson leather scabbard.

He didn't want to say it, but as his ceruleans took in her full form - clad as she was in black and leather pants - Alexis Sapientia couldn't quite deny the fact that his wife looked particularly fetching today. The smile he gave her was typical Alexis, teasing and serious, at the same time.

[Milo L'Evienne]

Somewhat curious itself that a piece of correspondence had been delivered to Milo in private apartments by Mrs. Stromb herself, before he’d so much as finished his morning meal. Even more curious that Nana chortled on walking away, and having carried out her appointed task. Nana never chortled. Well, there was the time he’d stumbled clumsily at her side while crossing the Imperial Forum on his way to the Ministry of Justice, but still these instances were few and far between.

And the note, well, how bad could it be? He was the lord of the Realm after all, the supreme and ultimate authority…No one would dare…Ahh, he’d thought and noted the signature, added the note’s dual recipient. He might feign a bellyache? A matter of grave importance worthy of receiving his immediate, and personal attention…Say, in Arakmat?

So it was that a candlemark later after a kiss from Nell and under Sir James’ thoughtful input he was dressed in brown fitted leathers and soft boots…dashing, Mrs. Dandybrale had remarked, and armed with a rather ornate falchion forged by and gifted him by Argonox Arkdun sometime past…which was promptly replaced by the aforementioned Sir James with the finest of longswords, it bearing both the Imperial seal, and the official seal of the OBR in its design.

He’d even had a little warm up against an unseen apponent in the gallery while waiting for his carriage, to which Sir Pious dryly observed under his breath that while His Most had most certainly received his practical weapon’s training from an honest to goodness expert in the field, his general style had most probably been influenced by his time on the stage, if judging by a rather theatrical flair in his way of moving.

Nonetheless, the Imperial carriage arrived at the appointed time and Milo then strolled in accompanied by Sirs James, Pious and Rolf…and not to be left behind at any cost lest they miss the excitement, Barrett and Gwygwin. So arrived, longsword stored in its black leather scabbard and strapped low on his hip he found the other half of the equation having already arrived ahead of him and quirked a curious brow at Alexis before letting eyes settle on their hostess. ”You think she’s still mad at us?” he whispered aside, and smiled, then nodded a good morning at his lady Governor and Thane.

[Liselle Vampyler Sapientia]

Liselle watched both the men arrive, nodding a greeting to them as she beckoned them to follow her to the training arena. There waiting for her was her own personal guard, Brennan. He too was decked out in leather training clothing and armed. Sir James wouldn’t have to worry…having been informed of the purpose of the meeting long before Milo ever received the summons.

Liselle was good at ironing out details.

Smiling at Brennan, Liselle turned to face the two men and assembled Rosemen…as well as having a sneaking suspicion that several of Milo’s regular companions and employees would soon arrive to witness….well….she’d get to that.

“ Alexis…Milo…you are here because the fact that neither of you knows even the most basic information regarding the art of longsword bothers me to no end. I happen to be in the position to help you so that’s what I’m going to do. First however, a demonstration.”

Grinning, she turned to face Brennan again, lowering her head in respect to her opponent.

Milo and Alexis were in for one hell of a show.

OOC: I’ve asked GM Striker to assist me in this demonstration by npc’ing Brennan. I’m sure he’ll post soon.

[Milo L'Evienne]

Whatever the answer to his question might be, clear enough that his lady Governor and friend was up to something, and even Sir James was as stone faced as ever in response to a curious lift of Milo’s brow. Then again, the Knight was rarely anything but the sort of fellow that kept his impressions to himself and the fact that whatever was planned, had been orchestrated well before he’d received that note over Rosyun, assured him that the Knight was indeed a master of his craft.

So along with Alexis he followed, Sir James and Pious along for the stroll and not surprisingly, Barrett and Gwygwin trailing behind in their wake. Of course, standing next to his Minister of War and surrounded by a number of others, while he’d been so far unable to predict the exact reason for the summons, save that it involved the use of blades, a slow smile of revelation spread across his face in response. He knew already Liselle’s talent with a blade, at least to what extent he’d witnessed previously. Of his, well…the politics of running an Empire did take up a good deal of his time after all.

Still, he’d argue, because it’s what he did best, despite his admitted lack of experience with a long sword. ”So that’s what you’ve been up to is it?” he asked, though he grinned while asking, and wondered had Alexis known any more than him of these plans. ”I’ll admit that the extent of my knowledge with a long sword specifically has it that the pointy end goes in the other fellow, but my weapons of choice are the falchion, a set of tossing daggers and my fists…” None of which he'd been seen training with recently of course, and though not admitted, thought at least from two members of the peanut gallery, both tall Eunesian and a mage wearing a raspberry beret.

[Alexis Sapientia]

"Mad at us or not, I've known better than to argue with a woman while she's holding a sharp blade, My Lord Regent," said Alexis somewhat hesitantly, a small grin marking his face.

It was while eyeing this spectacle that a memory suddenly came to the surface, that of him having a slightly relaxed grip on the very familiar hilt of a sword...it was in Taralon, eras ago...and he'd all decimated a tree.

"If you choose to play with such a toy," he'd said, his expression becoming serious again. "...you might wish to consider learning to use it properly. Even if a career as a soldier does not appeal and you wish a more peaceful life, continuing such a life can often involve being able to defend yourself from threat. A good blade can be helpful in that, but only if you can use it passing well."

He pursed his lips at that, subconsciously saluting, yet again, before sheathing the Imperial Legiosn longsword back into its scabbard.

Hannas Darkblade, may the gods take him into their keeping, had spoken very eloquent wisdom for theat brightening, long before this attack on his wife.

Keeping his own counsel, so did he stand there, paying strict and close attention. Time to see how things were really done in the real world, away from all the theories and conjectures of the policymakers.

[Striker]

Long raven locks flowed over the elf’s shoulders as he bowed to the Imperial Regent and the Imperial Minister of War, both of whom, he admitted, were accepting Liselle’s criticism with more dignity than expected considering the content of her chiding. Of course the Commander of the Black Lions was firmly aware of the intimacy shared between the three individuals, and it was a heartwarming sight to witness firsthand. With the travesty that had befallen the Governess in recent times, it was good to see her at her old self again.

Waiting for the Lady Sapientia to prepare herself, Brennan moved towards the open floor where he returned a deep and cordial bow to her. Although the Commander was not the Governess’s personal mentor in the combative arts, he’d witnessed her prowess often enough to understand that her skill, despite seldom being openly displayed, would dazzle the eyes of the session’s onlookers. Contrary to traditional belief, the Governess of Prime was far from a novice with the blade.

“Milady.” Brennan replied, reaching to his side and extracting the fine long sword from its sheath. His leather gloves squeaked as his fingers curled methodically around the handle, and his eyes gleamed as he spread his feet apart and adopted a stance that, in some circles of Zinn’ka, would have been identified as the forward stance.

Maneuvering the sword’s lion-embroidered hilt in front of his face in reverence to the Governess, the elf nodded again before extending his weaponless hand in front of him and holding the sword further back. When Liselle signified that she was prepared to commence the duel, he advanced with any elf’s natural grace.

A quick step would bring him within striking distance, the likes of which he shortened considerably when his long sword launched forward at Liselle’s nearest shoulder in a stream of shining silver.

The demonstration had begun.

[Liselle Vampyler Sapientia]

Brennan was Liselle’s personal guard…and head of the organization that she helped create. They worked closely together on a daily basis but at the end of the day, he was foremost her friend. He had taken the attempt on her life very hard and seemed to be trying on a daily basis to make up for it. Liselle, however, understood that he couldn’t plan for everything…and had tried to dissuade him from taking the event so personally. They argued about many things but it was because they cared for one another that the arguing even took place.

He didn’t want to see her suffer again.

Giving him a smile and a nod, she twirled her sword in her hand and made herself ready.

Liselle saw his opening move, which was typical of Brennan. He always opened with a center stance. It was in stark contrast to her stance, which was always a side stance, giving her opponent the least amount of area to strike. He was coming forward at her and instead of backing up, she held her ground and brought her sword under his, pushing it up and away from her. Continuing on with her motion, she spun and brought her sword back around, aiming for his midsection. That was something that was very important at the lower levels: Learning that fluid motion was more constructive to good sword work then not. It took time to be graceful though.

She would teach them..it was the least she could do..

[Alexis Sapientia]

It was a little curious to note that it was she who was teaching them how to wield a sword, considering the fact that the latter were among the highest-ranking officials of the Imperial forces. Then again, she was the (to his knowledge) highest-ranking official who'd been injured in the line of duty, so there was a certain gravitas to her little request, then.

Alexis' eyes took in her form - always something the young husband liked doing - graceful and yet potent, light and yet strong. Oh, yes, she could most certainly hold her own in a fight (Alexis knew that much), with him slightly cringing on remembering how she'd all but scared the both of them out of their wits, and in the Imperial Regent's own offices, at that!

Leaning slightly against the hilt of his Imperial Longsword as its tip pierced the ground, so did Alexis focus, temporarily setting aside the fact that it was his wife on performance, and trying to imprint her moves and her style in his mind.

They'd undergone this at the Imperial Naval Academy at Portshire a few eras ago, but in the course of all that time, he'd all but forgotten. The concepts were still there, probably. It would be up to him to profess it, later on.

As he stood there, so did he continue to watch, observe, and wait.

[Milo L'Evienne]

There was no question that the lady Governor, Thane and not the least of which a valued friend was a force to be reckoned with. He’d witness as much prior as well as having a shared experience with his Minister of War and friend beside him that had made the concealed escape corridor from his office in the palace a mighty tempting alternative. Not to mention that she filled out a pair of training breeches quite nicely…though he would not…mention it, being a strictly scholarly observation after all and nothing more. While his hand rested on the hilt of his borrowed longsword and Sir James and company stood back to observe, he offered a nod to the ever watchful and devoted Brennan just prior to the proceedings, then observed closely as the dance began.

It was true that while he’d engaged in proper lessons in the use of a falchion, much of his footwork and style had been developed on the stage…in a world where dramatics were the order of the brightening, over the top drama in fact in some cases given that he’d been cast into a romantic swashbuckling role more than once. It meant he was quick on his feet, graceful and fluid in his movements but as Sir Pious had eluded to earlier with some amusement, it did mean that the art of subtlety was not quite what it might have been otherwise.

Old habits died hard when new ones were practiced too seldom for too few opportunities but if Liselle and Brennan were bent on teaching him, then he was game to learn. And quite honestly, he’d seen his itinerary for the brightening before having been informed that all had been cleared away instead. Suffice to be said there were far worse ways to spend a brightening than this, and this, he imagined would be more than enjoyable, it would be enlightening as well.

[Striker]

Liselle’s sword intercepted Brennan’s mid-air, redirecting it upwards and out of harm’s way. The elf commander conceded a satisfactory nod while he instinctively backpedaled, for he was firmly aware that the Governess of Prime was not easily moved. She possessed a solid stance, one tempered and perfected by more training and experience than most of the Black Lions could boast of.

Distancing himself from Liselle as she continued with her seamless charge, Brennan’s astute orbs followed the trajectory of Liselle’s blade as it curved around and scythed at his belly. Whereas some preferred to parry, the Commander of the Black Lions had always favored evasion as it conserved on energy –not to mention it was merciful on the hands.

Seconds before the Governess’s weapon found its mark, the elf commander spun around in the opposite direction of Liselle’s incoming sword. With dazzling speed, his long sword dipped underneath the woman’s horizontally slicing blade to steal a glancing blow at her unguarded leg. Of course the Governess of Prime had seen (and been on the receiving end) of far hastier attacks, but adept timing and precision had ways of blurring the disparities.

The tip of Brennan’s sword sailed dangerously close to Liselle’s nearest leg, and she only had a fraction of a second to respond before her tightly fitting breeches soon exposed even more of her shapely thigh. Despite the intimate relationship between the elf commander and his superior, it was self-evident that theirs was a serious dance of steel, one that neither was taking lightly.

[Liselle Vampyler Sapientia]

It was true…Brennan and Liselle worked closely together…and their fights in the halls of the official offices throughout the city were almost legendary. His protective streak and her issues of being lorded over with extra armor and fussiness were certainly areas of contention between the two…but when it came down to it, they knew that in the other’s shoes…they would do the same thing.

The two were truly matched when it came to the blade. Brennan’s sword started its swipe towards her leg and the young women just had to grin, jumping out of the way quickly and letting the sword hit only air, spinning and catching his sword on the other side of the swing when it was beginning its upward arc, using that inertia of the hit to propel her into another spin, backing away from him a bit and getting a little room between the two.

“ Trying to disrobe me in front of the Regent and Minister of War, are ya now? Shame on you Brennan.”

Grinning mischievously at him, she went another direction with her attacks, sweeping low with her leg, trying to catch him off guard.

[Alexis Sapientia]

Fascinating, truly, the speed in which the action unfolded before his very eyes. For a moment, there, Alexis had forgotten that it was his wife that was in the face of danger, but she managed to acquit herself quite well. Such skills, of course, she did not display at home, and while he took in every detail, memorizing the same in his mind (with his fingers a'tingling, at that as they beheld the pommel of his blade), so did he recall how the parry, the cut, and the thrust of the sword was performed, as his mind contemplated in the same quick second how exactly it was to counter that. No sport for the dull-witted, surely, lest one was in favor of a missing limb, or two.

His lips pursed as he contemplated the procedure. The sword was not the sole weapon one had, of course. Legs, fists, and arms could likewise be brought into play - but only just, lest one forget that blade could very easily slice into flesh as it did other inanimate objects. Yet the sword was used to protect, first and foremost, after all, and Alexis kept this in mind as he observed the two have at it as they did.

Magnificently stunning, as she always was, most especially in anger...Alexis Sapientia couldn't quite remove the grin from his face as he gazed at his wife with pride.

The black leather trousers she wore fit her quite well.

[Milo L'Evienne]

Oddly enough and under the most remarkable circumstances, it wouldn’t have been the first time the Regent had seen the lady Governor in her knickers but of course, this was no time to mention it. And in fact, nor did he anticipate such a time would ever occur nor pass his lips. Still, a semblance of a wry grin flickered across his face and put an amused sparkle in his eyes but for a fleeting second or three before minding the more serious business of learning a little swordplay.

This was no stage combat either and by a far stretch, he’d won the adulations of his drama coach for his theatrics when wielding a blade, not so much a few months later from an honest to goodness weapons’ master for his sense of high drama. Sir James in fact, if not Barrett as well, were likely of a similar mind that their Regent might could learn a thing or two. Similar to his Minister beside him, movements were studied, postures and techniques similarly so and some, not so dissimilar from his own training long ago. Not that he’d had much practice truth told given he’d taken more with tossing his daggers.

Suffice to say, the pair at swordplay definitely had his attention. </