Fighting practice last night included King Marcus of Drachenwald. And let me tell you, at first sight, the reaction is "that's not a man, it's a mountain!". He's huge. I'm not a small bloke, and he has twice my body mass and a bit to spare. But he's an excellent fighter and an excellent teacher. He showed us a few "basics", and I think we got more out of it than out of all the other sessions combined. And then he set into a couple of greatsword bouts. It's the first time I've seen heavy fighting happening properly. And it was rather terrifying. I can see why the armour is absolutely necessary now, and also wonder how in hell, bulk or no, Marcus gets away without wearing a breastplate of any kind. I think, though, that I'll be headed for greatsword territory once I get to comptence with sword and shield. Council meeting tonight, wherein we'll organise, among other things, who's going to Champions of Lough Devnaree, and how we're getting there. Looking forward to that now.
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