[Faust D'Rinishad]

A grin flickered across the Prince of Har’oloth’s lips as Kalenel imitated his stance, one that had served the Vysstichi Lord for over a century. Despite the effectiveness of the traditional position for dual wielders taught at the Fitness and Bones Training Facility, it was not a technique suitable for everyone. Ambidexterity was imperative for success, and the unfortunate truth was that not everyone possessed it.

Luckily, though, Kalenel was blessed with the Haya-given knack for warfare that all Vysstichi wielded.

To the former thief’s credit, his blade met Faust’s in a resounding clash that resonated throughout the room. Praising Kalenel with a small smile, Faust’s opposite sword locked against Kalenel’s other seconds later. The two dark elves, it seemed, were locked in a momentary stalemate.

But that is exactly what it was, momentary.

Pushing into Kalenel so that the thief would be unable to withdraw his swords and return to a neutral position, the Vysstichi Lord’s crimson eyes met his student’s. “Good! I’ve not seen anyone block that on the first try in decades.” Faust’s congratulations were short-lived, however, as that smile of his transitioned into something more, something playfully devious.

“But as much as balance is important, so too it is critical that you never trap yourself…” Winking quickly, Faust pushed forward again, more so to press Kalenel backwards before the Prince of Har’oloth suddenly dipped low, tucking his swords by his sides as he swept Kalenel’s legs out from under him.

It would not be a painful fall, but rather a lesson to be remembered.

“Never allow an enemy to tie up your swords, and if he does, do not hesitate to relinquish one. You must never be fully dependent upon both weapons as there are many ways to win a fight. And as much as two weapons can be advantageous at times, so too can they be equally limiting.” Nodding again, the dark elf bade for Kalenel to rise to his feet.

It seemed that the duel was not yet over.