(Untitled)

[livebytheclub]

Alexander wakes up with a mild head ache and watery memories of the previous evening. More comes back to him as he reads the note on his bedside table. Well, he's made his desires clear and he's spoken to the relevant parties. All he can do now is make his best decision

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[fallenpips]

Soon after, Isadore appears, dressed in her usual training attire: long-sleeved shirt and yoga pants. Though it may be noted that instead of wearing her hair back in a tight bun at the nape of her neck, she's chosen to simply pull it back in a ponytail and let it hang.

She approaches unarmed, certain he'll tell her if there's training planned, if she's overstepped the lines and needs to arm herself. But for now, she simply presents herself to her King with a low bow. "My liege."

[livebytheclub]

He's dressed in loose cotton, already sweating lightly from an intensive regimen.

"Well, I'm not your liege yet, but I've asked you her to talk about that."

[fallenpips]

"I'm under your protection and living on your holdings. Semantics." She waves a hand to dismiss that conversation, looking at him expectantly. "What did you wish to discuss?"

[livebytheclub]

Dutiful but not subservient. Still speaking her mind. The best kind of subordinate. Well, best to get everything into the open.

"The terms of your admission into the Clubs. Entry at rank of 2. No challenges for a minimum probationary period of six months...but full welcome and membership.

I don't enjoy imposing those conditions, but they'll minimize internal security concerns and should smooth the transition."

[fallenpips]

She blinks, listening to all of the terms and thinking about them carefully. Six months was a long time--June. It would be hot and sticky, then.

"I accept, your Majesty." Offering him a very low bow, as is proper of a Two to her monarch.

[livebytheclub]

He takes her shoulder and raises her upright.

"Let me say personally that I am very happy you're here."

That's followed by a completely informal embrace.

[fallenpips]

That catches her completely off-guard. First she tenses, not even sure what's going on. Then she realizes...it's a hug. And she moves her arms to return the embrace, sighing.

"I should have come sooner. I'm sorry."

[livebytheclub]

He pulls her back to to look at her.

"You're loyal and consistent from what I've seen. You wouldn't be the same if you'd deserted, nor could I welcome you as I do now."

[fallenpips]

"I am honored to receive your welcome, your Majesty. Were there any particular duties you had in mind for me as a Two of your Suit?" Even if he had none in mind, she intended to work as hard as any Two. Perhaps in the scullery, or somewhere else where volunteers for honest work were rare.

[livebytheclub]

He nods, thinking along the same lines. It wouldn't be appropriate to treat her as if she held a higher rank. However some duties follow competence rather than number.

"We'll be seeing to that. I know your skills are not insubstantial. There'll be time."

[fallenpips]

"Of course you know my exact level of skill--you're among the few people who sees it clearly. Will I be allowed to continue training with you?"

She's feeling out the exact limits, not certain what would be prudent in her current position.

[livebytheclub]

He laughs. Surely she should know better than that.

"I'd be disappointed if you didn't. Everyone is free to train with me - everyone among my people...and I favor you among them. In fact, that's why I summoned you here."

[fallenpips]

"Oh?" She looks at him, a sincere smile beginning to grow on her face. "Not just to tell me I was welcome to be a Two in your Suit?"

[livebytheclub]

"Not just. Shall we?"

[fallenpips]

"Armed or unarmed?" She steps back to begin stretching out, going through her warm-ups slowly and methodically.

[livebytheclub]

He's already warm, but begins to work out his shoulders, lest the span of their conversation give him time to stiffen.

"Let's see how you've adapted to the deerhorns. We'll start unarmed, then do the same drills with them."