The Three Musketeers (IN EDITS)

Chapter 13

CHAPTER 13

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"When defending yourself, you must be aware that your opponent will look for your weaknesses, so before we begin, why don't we work out what our weaknesses are," Arianne stood facing Violette in the cellars of the palace, both armed and ready to train.

Most nights were spent here, ready to train and perfect their skill, and Arianne usually came when Violette was not in the mood. It meant very little sleep and the fatigue was affecting Arianne's attention during her daily work and the maids were noticing.

Each girl closed their eyes and thought about what one thing about them was, that someone could use against them.

Violett's agility. She wasn't as flexible as Arianne who could perform backflips, splits as well as high kicks with no problems whatsoever. For her, however, she struggled when it came to kicking the enemy away or moving around without being seen.

Arianne was naive. She underestimated situations and would often find herself in trouble. Musketeers were supposed to stay away from trouble and prevent it. Her height gave her an advantage and her agility and speed were excellent due to her many years on the run, but she never correctly judged situations, endangering her life often.

They opened their eyes slowly and Arianne smiled. "Naivety. I underestimate situations."

"Agility," Violette replied. "I'm not as flexible as you." Arianne sighed as Violette frowned. "Did you just want us to feel bad about ourselves or was there a point in this?"

"Agility..." Arianne surveyed the training room as an idea came to mind. "Well...we'll do an exercise that involves you balancing heavy objects while objects are being thrown at you..." She explained and Violette frowned.

"Wait, what?"

Arianne walked over to a barrel, dragging it to where she stood. "Agility is in balance, not just flexibility. I'll show you..."

Arianne climbed onto the barrel and balanced one leg, the other going out behind her and her arms stretching on either side. She was still, focusing on one point. "Put weights in my hands..." Violette obeyed, handing Arianne a bow and some arrows in one hand and a sword in the other. Her perfect stillness and the straight line of her body were unmatched but unaware to Violette, she had had years of practice in perfect posture.

"Now...throw things...light things..." Arianne warned as Violette tossed things over and under Arianne but she didn't falter or fall. Their distractions didn't bother her.

"That is impressive..." Violette marvelled.

"Thank you!" Arianne dropped everything and stood up straight with a single swipe of her leg as she jumped down. "Balance helps in agility so get your balance in line and agility will come naturally..."

Violette nodded and stepped up on the barrel. "Focus on something ahead of you and do not break that gaze." Violette obeyed, staring at the wall in front of her as she slowly lifted her left leg. She lost her balance a few times, but eventually got her balance, her leg pointing out straight behind her as she made her body as straight as possible. Her arms were straight out on either side of her as Violette refused to lose her lock on the point ahead of her.

Arianne handed Violette a sword in one hand and a shield in the other and Violette didn't falter and Arianne was impressed. "Let's play catch..." She said and started tossing things around and over Violette who didn't fall, despite a few tilts here and there.