Yeah…you need to know that I have never fought with a sword, had fencing lessons AND I did no research for this story. So if you have fought with a sword (Wow! Really?), have had fencing lessons (Very cool!), or have done research on fencing/swords…you win. You know more than me.

A Case of Nerves

Chapter 2

"And how does a Hatter know how to handle a sword?" Alice giggled as the adorable man in front of her took offence to her question.

"I am a Hightopp lass, all my clan noe how to fight." Hatter cleared his throat and shook the accent away with a flick of his head. "Knew how…but when you are surprised by a Jabberwocky…" Apologetically, he smiled and moved to lay down one blade.

"Your stance is very important. It sends a powerful message to your opponent." Without hesitation Hatter moved to Alice's side and spun her about so that he was pressed behind her. Lifting the sword out with his right hand he placed his left upon her hip, holding her closely to him.

All Alice could do was struggle to breathe. Their closeness had been so sudden that she wasn't really sure how it had happened. Surely she should focus on what he was saying. Something about thrusting?

"Really, my dear. Your arm needs to thrust the sword out. Strong and straight." Hatter couldn't understand why she wasn't following his direction. Did she truly not want to be the champion? Even after what Absalon told him…what the compendium showed…she needed to accept her fate even if they were all a figment of her imagination. Slowly he took a step back from her, defeated. Who was he to force her into something that could get her hurt…killed…damaged…

"Hatter?" Alice had almost fallen backwards when he moved away. She hadn't been listening and it seemed to have hurt his feelings. Good going… "I'm sorry Hatter. Really." She closed the distance between them and placed her hand over his, over the hilt of the sword. "I'm focused. Show me."

The sparks that fluttered through his hand, nae – his whole being – at her touch was overwhelming. Swallowing thickly, Hatter smiled shyly and turned her about once more. Only this time when she pressed against him, his thoughts flittered about, touching on some very inappropriate topics.

As she accepted the blade from him and took her stance, it allowed both his hands to ghost over her frame. Holding her hip with his left hand, digging his fingers in ever so slightly to have her move one way or the other. His right hand sliding down her arm, holding it firm, feeling her muscles flex under his bandaged fingertips. Her breathing was quick, no doubt nervous at the thought of holding her own against the Jabberwocky.

"Good." He giggled as his voice broke slightly. "Nice and strong. Now moving forward." Hatter moved his arm around her waist and slid his right leg against hers, nudging it forward slightly. "You lunge quickly, using your weight to force the sword forward."

Alice was concentrating so hard on NOT thinking about how his body pressed against hers that it seemed to be the only thing she could think about. It was a good thing his arm was around her waist because she felt a powerful weakness as his leg brushed against hers. She mimicked his movements precisely and after some time, began to feel comfortable with the sword in her hand. He had taught her some basic moves and released her, much to her disappointment, to gather the second sword.

Thank goodness she had been a quick learner because Hatter was in a terribly aroused state as he reached for the second sword. Setting his hat aside and shrugging out of his coat, it had become awfully warm in her room. All of the closeness and brushing and lunging and gripping…it was too much for him to bare. Sure, he had admired her beauty, her muchness shone forth and drew him in. But the physical thoughts in his head…every time the dear girl said 'thrust' he grew dizzy. Had this been the best idea?

"Now we shall spar." He stood across from Alice and gazed at her delicate frame for a second too long before continuing. "I will move slowly in attack and you choose which movement you think is best to deflect the attack."

Alice nodded and licked her lips in anticipation. As he moved forward she stepped in kind, followed the blades direction and blocked his advance. Over and over the same movements until Alice felt weary with sleep and giddiness began to take over. Not paying attention to the Hatters next movement, Alice stepped into his frame instead of away, tangling her feet with his. With surprised looks, they tumbled to the floor, giggling together in a heap. Alice laughed as she tried to move, her arms sore from all of the practicing, and just collapsed against the Hatter's chest.

Their noses bumping against each other, Hatter laughed at Alice's failed movements and moved his hands to her waist in an effort to be helpful. It was only when his eyes locked with hers that his voice died away and he froze underneath her.