[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.