After the initial exchange, both fighters grew more cautious, their blades dipping and rising in calculated arcs as they circled each other with half-measured steps, while testing the other for flaws.
Neither was willing to make the first reckless move, but when even after thirty seconds of half-hearted lunges and feints, Leo refused to show any real aggression, Veyr's patience finally wore thin, as he lunged forward with a sharp thrust aimed at Leo's stomach, deliberately leaving his neck exposed in hopes of drawing out a counter.
*CLANG*
Leo intercepted the thrust with one hand, his dagger angled low and tight against his forearm, the force bracing through his wrist as he fell for the bait and tried to counter with his free arm, only to be caught completely off guard when Veyr snatched that very arm with a whip-quick twist that nearly dislocated the elbow on contact.
*Step*
