The Brotherband's Sister

Swordmaster

When the crew awoke, to see Ingvar and Alexandria laughing and chatting together, they could tell the girl was settling in okay. She constantly peppered Hal with questions about his favourite subject, the ship. He was glad to oblige and tell her all about things to do with navigating, ship building, and ship naming. And low and behold, she had her uses.
" That's not fair!" A loud yell rang around the ship.
" Yes it is!" Another answered.
" Is not,"
"Is so,"
" Is not,"
" Is so,"
Finally Hal noticed that Ulf and Wulf, who were in the midst of coiling ropes, were yet again arguing. Hal was about to tell Ingvar to throw one overboard when someone else beat him too it.
" Excuse me boys, but, what are you doing?" Demanded Alexandria curiously as she stepped up to talk to them.
" Sorry Alexandria, but Ulf is being unfair and hogging the rope coiler!" Wulf grumbled.
  " No I'm not, he's snatching it from me," Ulf argued back.
" Boys, let's just calm down shall we? Now Wulf, you do understand that coiling a rope does not require a rope coiler, it just makes it easier. It would be just as simple to just coil the rope around your arm," Alexandria pointed out.
" But, my arms will get tired," Wulf grumbled.
" Well then why don't I stand here with my arms out and you can wrap the rope around them," Alexandria offered.
Wulf looked at her in surprise but a smile lit up his face.
" Thank you Alexandria," He thanked and began to coil the rope.
" Call me Alex," Alexandria offered.
" Well then I will, Alex," Wulf chuckled.
Both twins stopped arguing and the crew watched open mouthed in surprise. No one EVER got them to stop arguing so easily and without more bickering. Thorn smiled in her direction.
" Thank Gorlog someone can deal with them!" He said appreciatively.

Later that day, Thorn assembled the crew for weapons practice, and as they sparred together, he went over to Alex.
" We found you with swords strapped to your back, can you use them?" Thorn asked curiously.
Alex shrunk under his stare but nodded.
" I.........I think I can," Alex mumbled.
Thorn shrugged and called over Hal.
" Okay, Hal, you and Alex soar since you both sword fight," Thorn ordered.
Hal smiled slightly and started the bout, he went easy on her as she clumsily blocked his strokes, uncertain of what she was doing.
" Just let your instincts take over if you can't remember," Hal advised.
Alex nodded and closed her eyes much to Hal's horror as his swipe kept going. He thought she was a goner, when with her eyes closed she blocked his swipe easily. He stared shocked as she snapped open her eyes and went on the offensive, slashing and hacking faster than he could react. He barely blocked and felt himself been beaten backwards by her double sword attack, that had him guessing her strokes as they came out of nowhere.
" Woah, woah, woah, stop! I need a break!" Hal puffed, dropping his sword in surrender.
Thorn had watched the entire time and saw the practiced ease of a swordmaster in that girl.
" Where did you train?" Thorn asked incredilously, coming over to them.
" I don't know," Alex mumbled apologetically.
" Well wherever it was, it was good!" Hal answered with a laugh.