The training was brutal, but it had to be. The king was gaining ground on the whole realm, and they knew he would get impatient soon. They knew they had days or weeks if they were lucky before the fight would go down, so they trained as if there was no tomorrow. There was no guarantee there would be a tomorrow.

Trinity took her first two days of training rather lightly, learning the stances and basics of fighting. How to stand properly where you won't topple over when wind hits you, but where the legs were not too far apart so the opponent could swing them out from under you. She learned to fight with staffs, knives, swords, and fists. Takeo keeping calm throughout all of it. Even when she tripped over her skirt.

"Ughhhh!" Trinity yelled, "This damn skirt keeps getting in my damn way!" She was flustered. She had fallen numerous times during training whenever Takeo knocked her down, but her skirt was becoming more of a hazard than a friend. "I'd much rather just take it off." She growled.

Takeo laughed, "I mean I'm not against it and it may be a good distraction for your enemies, but I would personally not recommend it." Takeo strutted over to her and offered her his outstretched hand, "Again, I wouldn't mind." He smiled.

Trinity gripped his forearm and he yanked her up. "Seriously though, you don't have any pants I can borrow?" 

Takeo shook his head. "None that would stay up on you anyway. I don't think we're what you would call the same size." He motioned to his waist and he was right. Where her hips were flat and tiny, his were broad and full. She had looked for too long. He laughed, "Find something you like Trin?" He wiggled his eyebrows.

She huffed, "You wish. Save it for someone who's interested."

Takeo let out his jingly laugh again. "It's getting dark, princess. I think we can call it a night."

"No, one more go." She turned and picked up the staff she had been using. "I'm still too clumsy with this thing. As long as we have light, I can fight." She took her stance, "Bring it, Takeo."

He walked towards her slowly, then grabbed her hand and forced her to lower her staff. "You've been training dusk to dawn for four days now. Take some rest. We have time." he gave her a sheepish smile.

Trinity shook her head. "You know I can't. I have to get stronger, faster. I have to be better, Takeo. This town, these people are counting on me to fight and I can't be the one who lets them down. I have to at least pretend to be their princess and it would be nice if I can achieve that." 

Takeo grasped her jaw, forcing her to look him in the eye. "You are string. You are brave. You will be better. You are their princess and you will be there for them until you can't fight anymore. You can't fight if you are tired. You can't push yourself too much. Go to bed." He let go and began to walk away towards camp.

Trinity was speechless. He had made suggestions about their training, but had always listened to her. He had never given her orders like this before. Though, as much as she hated to admit it, he was right. She had trouble keeping her eyes open since her adrenaline ran out. She wanted so much to help, but she couldn't do it if she was half asleep. She looked towards the wall bordering them and the village. "I'll help soon." She whispered under her breath before jogging after Takeo.

When Trinity got back to her tent she found a needle and thread resting delicately on her pillow. She huffed and smiled before getting to work.