Deadly Beautiful (SuperCorp Medieval AU)

Part 40

The one where we're all tired and over-working ourselves

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Kara attacked her duties with fervor. She had a gift for instruction and teaching Lena didn't expect from the former gladiator. She was patient and gentle with her twenty or so students, but still ferocious when sparring or demonstrating on one of the straw dummies. Despite her own duties, Lena tried to take at least a moment out of her day to observe. Her own responsibilities took up the vast majority of her days now and left little time for her and Kara to spend together.

Lena's work was all-encompassing. She talked with Alex and James regularly about changes in the style of government she hoped for. Lena shared what she knew about the current politics of the court, a layout of the castle, and other such details. James and Alex took copious notes. She was beginning to put together what they were planning and adjusted herself accordingly to help. Lena thought using a portion of Lex's own plan against him was brilliant and poetic justice to boot.

Lena did miss Kara, however. She had gotten used to the security as well as Kara's easy going manner. Still, Alex, James and the others had insisted as long as she stayed within the limits of the town, she would be safe. It made her a little anxious, but Kara seemed to trust them, so she did as well. It was comforting when she woke up in the mornings, there was always some sign Kara had been there and had slept beside of her.

A favor of some kind would be left on the pillow next to her, a steaming mug of tea would be on her bedside table, or even just a soft hint of Kara's scent on the sheets. All of these little things, which on their own might not mean much, but added up to this warm feeling that wholly encompassed Lena's heart.

Kara missed her princess as well. Those feelings only spurred her on, however. Lean was the reason she was working so hard. When Kara looked back, if it had not been for Lena, she would probably have still been stuck in the gladiator life. Even she knew her winning streak could not have lasted too much longer.

Kara had also discovered she enjoyed teaching these young men and women to fight. Alex had procured a rather sizable armory, presumably with the winnings Kara had sent to her at every opportunity. They now had at least one of every type of sword Kara had ever seen or heard of. She had never gotten to try her hand with a sic before, but now she worked with the weapon at every opportunity.

The first portion of the blade was approximately the length of her gladius' blade before taking a sharp right-hand turn into an 'L' shape. From what Kara had gathered the purpose of the weapon was to get behind a shield and deal damage to the exposed flank, shoulder, or arm of the opponent. While somewhat unwieldy, Kara found the weapon interesting and as always, wanted to become proficient in any weapon she could get her hands on.

Maggie Sawyer joined Alex, James, and Lena on the tavern balcony where they stood watching Kara train and the small force running through their drills as Kara had assigned them.

"I caught the tail end of that fight with Kara. You got farther than most and I have seen a good number of her fights. Did you train as a family or did it come naturally to all of those with the Danvers name?" Maggie asked, dark eyes sparkling.

"I... learned the hard way. I realized early on, no one would ever fight for my little sister as I would, and...I had not made much of an effort with her myself when she first came to our family. I felt as though I needed to make up for ignoring her, and I already had a chip on my shoulder." Alex explained wistfully. "I ended up starting this crusade on her behalf. When I met James, who shared my ideals and told me about the younger and kinder Luthor sibling, I knew I had to try to overthrow Lex Luthor."

"Experience...the hardest way to learn anything." Maggie said in an understanding tone. "I have fought the vast majority of my battles with my words."

"You have done well for your queen, Maggie. I have heard much about your work from those you have sent our way and from Lord J'onn." Alex replied, her tone earnest and respectful.

"Thank you, Alex. That means a lot." Maggie smiled softly back at her. Alex found she was fascinated by the way those deep dark eyes sparkled. She had never seen anything like them.

"This break has been really nice, I was beginning to feel as though that little room was all there was left of the world." Lena groaned as she stretched her legs and shoulders.

"Take five. Drink some water and stretch those muscles. I want you all to <em>run</em> when I come back." Kara bellowed before jogging up to the other four council member and smiling up at them.

"Hello, love." Kara said as she wiped her forehead with the back of her hand. She didn't have eyes for anyone besides Lena.

"Hi, Kara." Lena chuckled back. "You are all looking good out there."

"Thanks, Lena. Good to know you are looking." Kara winked and jogged back to where their proprietor had water ready for everyone. Lena found herself blushing a deep red. Alex fanned her with one hand, a horrified look on her face.