<div class="floatleft">(https://yt3.ggpht.com/a-/AAuE7mBViEXufNE3sOcr1sfm2PL7B4vFb6ocvHP9Cg=s240-mo-c-c0xffffffff-rj-k-no)</div>The apprentice mage tested the weight of the shortswords.  The balance of the weapons wasn't the best, but that could only be expected of training swords.  She wasn't the most skilled at dual weapons either, but she figured if Erin was going to do that, she would be at a severe disadvantage if she didn't also try.  Well, time to see if the Master Soveliss's rigorous training the past month has any returns.<br/><br/>Vanessë entered a ready stance, and hoped that she didn't trip over her dress.  Suddenly Erin rushed her; she deftly parried the first strike, then with a dancing twirl, countered-attacked, one of her weapons striking his shoulder, as both of their offhand weapons simultaneously struck the other on the wrist, causing both to drop the sword in that hand.  "ai," she winced from the blow.  But the score was 2-1; she had gotten to a good start.<br/><br/>They both stooped down to reclaim their weapons, and circled, when Erin thrust his weapon forward.  She attempted to dodge, but the weapon just barely clipped her on the thigh, his other weapon coming at her.  She parried with ease, and with a ballet-like scale, thrust her weapon forward to mark him in the belly, her back leg raised high behind her, a pose that she held for an extra second before lowering it to prepare for the next exchange.  4-2.  She had to make sure she didn't become overconfident.<br/><br/>As they circled again, seeking an opening, Erin suddenly opened up with a flurry of strikes.  She traced her own weapons in wide arcing circles, barely deflecting one strike but the other got through, landing a solid strike to her thigh, but that strike had left the young man open, and both her weapons found their mark at the same time, one of his arm, the other striking his ribcage.  With the score now at 7-3, Vanessë without pause, connected with a combo like a spinning bladed wheel, once again striking his arm and chest, but this left her wide open; both his blades striking her squarely in the chest, causing her to stagger back.  10-7.<br/><br/>Vanessë found she barely had time to react as Erin immediately used the opening to charge her.  Without time to think, she pirouetted, the blade in her main hand angled downwards, deflecting his reckless attack, the momentum of the twirl positioning her behind him.  She could almost take her time, and landed a final blow onto Erin's exposed back.  At that, she quickly stepped back to gain distance, her swords upraised in a ready position, before she relaxed and lowered them.  12-7.  Apparently she had learned something from Master Soveliss.  "I believe that I may claim the victory for this one?" she said with the faint trace of a smile on her lips.<br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Attacks</div><div class="spoiler_body">18, 19 = 2pts<br/>11, 21 = 2pts<br/>16, 20 = 3pts<br/>17, 21 = 3pts<br/>13, 22 = 2pts<br/><br/>Total: 12 points after 10 attacks in 5 rounds (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=131386)</div></div><br/>