Training her Fencing

Hanging upon one of the walls of Alice's rooms was a silver saber, a gift from a local lord for her recent birthday. The morning sunlight shimmers off of the hilt of the weapon, casting a myriad of colors across the room. With purposeful steps, the princess reaches for the saber, pulling it off it's rack and taking it into her hand. The heft of the weapon felt nice in her hands, and Katherine was right, sometimes her knight won't always be with her. A dagger was situationally useful, but simply having this on her person would make any attacker think twice.

It wasn't entirely uncommon for highborn ladies to be carrying around weapons, though most did so merely as a fashion accessory. Alice could count the ones who knew how to swing a sword on one hand, and fewer still could do so with any semblance of skill. She wasn't conceited enough to believe she could master the art of dueling in just a day, but hopefully what she learns today can be of use in buying precious seconds if she was actually attacked.

From her window, Alice could see knights and other highborn sons of nobility in the training grounds behind the palace, wooden swords clashing as they drilled over and over. She was no expert, but she could see a sense of complacency in their movements. The times of peace have dulled their instincts, it seems. Still, it wasn't like she could find any better tutors. Before she could step outside though, Katherine stopped her with a gesture.

"Not in that dress," the maid says with a huff. "Could you imagine how much effort it would take to get it clean if you end up tumbling in the dirt, or god forbid, spill blood on the fabric? You'd best change into something more appropriate for the occasion, Alice."

"Ah, that's a good point," the princess muses as she turns to her wardrobe, considering her options. There was her standard attire for travel, which was comprised of tight leather pants and matching tunic. Form fitting and reliable, and can take a beating too if it comes down to it. Then there was the green, one piece dress, with a belt to clinch at the waist. Far less bulky than her usual outfits, and more than enough mobility for her swordplay. {if Leotard = True}Finally, her eyes drifted to the corner, to the newest addition to her wardrobe. The leotard "armor" that general Kurtis had so generously given her after their last meeting. Surely not, right? {endif}