Training in the Courtyard [Mission - Private]

This wasn't anything new to the princess, though it felt as though she was taking to it with an entirely different attitude. Before, this was just training. It was something she did for fun and to help defend herself if something were to ever happen to her or the royal family... but now? Now, it was something completely different. It was an art of war. It was her, giving her all, or none at all. If she didn't, then what would she gain? What would Hyrule gain? War was coming and she knew that she'd have to be prepared for when it does.

The young princess had headed down the chambers of the castle, toward the courtyard where she could train in private, practicing her technique with a sword and her abilities with magic. It had been quite some time since she had last looked at a spell book or even attempted using magic as an offense. This was going to take a lot of practice.

With her rapier at her side, Zelda immediately closed the gates to the courtyard, preparing to give her all. She didn't want anyone just waltzing in and accidentally getting hurt, after all. Taking a deep breath, her blue eyes looked about the area where the test dummies were set in place by the servants earlier in the evening so that she wouldn't have to waste time.

The wind blew in her hair for a moment as she breathed in with the breeze. Unsheathing her sword, she held it out at arm's length, looking around at the several hay-filled dummies that were surrounding her. Taking position, she immediately bolted forward from her back heel, jolting in front of the first one, immediately plunging the blade into its heart as she then ripped it out the other side, causing the dummy to fall to the ground.

That was one. One down. But if she were truly in battle, she'd need a lot more power than that. One down was barely anything compared to what Ganondorf's army would be... and those ones would fight back. She'd have to increase her casting abilities if she really wanted to do some damage. For now though, she was focused on her sword. Close range was more important - she had to know how to defend herself.

She wouldn't let the others fight and die for her without her being by their side. That's what a true leader would do. She couldn't bare the idea of the others dying for her as she stood by, cowering away in her tower. She had to do this for the peace and safety of Hyrule. Jolting forward once more, she spun around to the next set of dummies, pulling forth on her rapier as it immediate decapitated the heads of the next set of dummies.

Pushing forth with all her might, Zelda then turned herself around, facing the next set of dummies that were in play. These ones were a bit farther back, which would give her more of a running start. Quick on her feet, the princess jumped forward, Rapier at the side of her body as she quickly made the motions in front of her, slicing away at the two sacks of hay as she sped between them, hay flying everywhere.

She took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment as she wiped the sweat from her brow with her free hand, slowly turning around and facing the last set of dummies that she'd have to face before moving onto the magic course. "Looks like it's just you and me now," she murmured, chuckling lightly as she gave a small smirk. Stepping forward slowly, she made eye contact with them, contemplating her next set of attacks.

Raising her sword high up in the air, Zelda took another deep breath as she then quickly shot forward, shoving her rapier forward and piercing the dummy right in the center of its chest. She held it there for a long moment, just watching it as she continued to push forward as it bent back. Immediately, she then stepped back as she moved her hands in an upward position, causing the Rapier to then rip through the torso as it fell back, snapping the post that held it in place.

Taking a deep breath, Zelda looked around at what she achieved. Her sword skills were getting better. Sheathing the blade, she took a step forward and started to head out of the courtyard. This was enough practice for the day. She would work on her magic skills once she had gotten a bit of rest. Locking the courtyard gates behind her, she made her way to the castle doors silently.

This mission is approved. I already gave you your rewards.