Training A Princess
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Rena looked across from her at the Valkyrie that held a sword poised to strike, and for a moment she regretted every stubborn step she had taken to here. Practically begging one of her 'trainers' to take her seriously. The need to go to her parents and prove that the woman might train her without repercussion if Rena had actually been hurt. And then the scowling at Ragnar as he watched her go with Rota the first time. Now she was sweaty, she was tired, her muscles ached and the only reason they weren't covered in dirt as well was because it had been raining for days and they feared sinking too deeply too quickly in a unknown puddle while they rolled around to see if Rena might one day best her trainer. So for today they used one of the empty halls of Breidablik.  Now, as her chest heaved and the muscles in her arms burned she regretted begging her mother to give her word she wouldn't lash out if she were really hurt. And then kissing her fathers cheek in thanks knowing he would help her mother to keep her word. "Such a dumb move," she mumbled under her breath. Sweat was slick on her skin and her hair stuck to the back of her neck as she rolled her shoulders, bracing to go again. The slickness that coated her neck didn't stop there and her training leathers were something she could dream happily of burning after this disgusting feeling. 

"What was that?" Rota asked smiling as her own hand cut her blade sharply through the air, testing the space between them. Her dark hair was pulled back from her face, the two women couldn't have looked more different. Rotas skin was sun kissed while Rena was pale as milk. Her hair was like wheat while Rota's locks were ebony, her eyes like the ocean while Rota's like the earth. The light and dark of them at any given time might amuse Rena. Now was not one of those times. "I said it was a dumb move," and then with her free hand motioned between them, "Because im a glutton for punishment. But if I walk then I get to hear Ragnar say he told me so, and I refuse to deal with him being smug. So we keep at it." Her arms throbbed at the thought of not stopping but she refused to walk away. Even if she whined about it the entire time in her head, she wouldn't give up, not till she dropped. She breathed in and out deeply, her eyes scanning the other woman, looking for the tells, all of the little tips they had drilled into her head about how to size up an opponent. 

 

"Good," was the only reply that Rota gave her before she moved to strike. Stepping forward, quick on her feet, she pushed into Renas left side, the swing of her sword tight and fierce. The resulting clang vibrated right up Renas arm and she gritted her teeth and she parried the strike shoving forward to force Rota back. Shifting to the right and bracing herself again for another strike this time she didn't wait and instead lashed out herself. The ringing of the weapons as they smashed together was the only sound beyond the grunts of effort from either woman and the heavy breathing coming from Rena. But each time Rota moved in Rena pushed her back, and every time Rena tried to advance she was thwarted. Growling in a primal frustration she moved too widely, giving Rota an opening to swing in. Rota kicked out her leg quickly, using them to knock Renas own out from under her. Rena was on her back before she could register the air leaving her lungs. She scowled up at a smiling Rota who held her sword lazily over her breast, a single tap ending their bout. 

Rena collapsed back then letting her limbs turn soft as Rota laughed setting her own sword aside and getting water for the resting princess. "That was much much better then last time. I wouldnt put you in to fight Brynhildr yet but you arent a slouch and you are improving." Rota handed off the chalice and Rena leaned up just enough to suck down the icey water that felt better then anything ever had before in that moment. Then she flopped back and chuckled on her own just slightly breathless, "Yes id imagine Bryn would not take into account us now being cousins was a good reason to go easy on me if you said we should fight. Ill stick to this till I know at the very least I can get a blow in on Ragnar. Then ill know I've dont what I needed to do." Her breathing was slowing as she laid there so Rota held her hand out and helped Rena to her feet once she took it. "You will get there one day. Hell sooner if your parents didn't have you tending to those suitors. But we are making progress. So tomorrow Moira will come and put you through the ringer with some wilderness endurance and then ill be back to knock you on your ass again." Rota was smiling when Rena looked over so when the blonde barked out a laugh the other woman joined in.

 

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