Reynard and the
elven guard met in the center of the sand pit. Both circling each other, waiting for the other to make the first mistake. This was a moment that would effect the beginning motions of the fight. The first strike and the last always made the biggest difference. This fight would be far from easy especially with the fact that Reynard truly had no reference for where his skill lay in comparison to his opponents. Regardless of his worries however there was only so much time he could spend thinking about fighting without actually doing it.
Reynard had an idea as to how he wanted to open the fight, he wanted to land the first strike and set the tone for the rest of the fight as well. As they were circling Reynard purposefully stumbled, he did this as a way to lure in his opponent. If Mace though Reynard was vulnerable there was no doubt as an experienced fighter that he would capitalize on the opportunity. Reynard was counting on Mace wanting the first strike just as badly as well as the man looking down at Reynard and his background. He was counting on being underestimated.
Thankfully Mace took the bait and dashed forward bringing his blade down in a diagonal arc. Reynard had already prepped his body to move out of the way and the sand slowing Mace's movements helped give him the time to do so. The blade came far closer to Reynard's face than he would've like, the sand not being kind to his agility either, but he managed to get out of the way in time bringing his own blade up from the ground towards his opponents chest. Mace pivoted his body out of the way to avoid most of the blow but it still grazed him, cutting a shallow wound in his shoulder.
Reynard knew he could only get away with that kind of sneaky move once, Mace was no doubt smart enough to realize he shouldn't be underestimating Reynard. They circled each other again but only for a few paces before both short forward, their blades meeting in the middle. The held this position for but a moment before both brining their blades back for another swing.
This became a fight of endurance. They clashed blades over and over again, a parry followed by another, each landing only surface level cuts before going on the defensive themselves. It was a true back and forth of swift and strong blows, swords clashing off each other sending the sound of metal on metal out to those watching.
Reynard was counting on his skill as well as his endurance. Keeping pace with his opponent while not over exerting himself. He hoped his stamina was superior, after years on the road and many many
battles in between destinations Reynard had become quite adept at managing his energy during a fight, he counted on Mace not having the same practice.
After 2 minutes of back and forth it became obvious who was running out of breath first. Although Mace was certainly a skilled fighter he didn't have the same experience and need for stamina training that Reynard had. In a war of attrition Reynard would rarely be the loser. Mace lost his balance after his most recent swing, this time being slow enough for Reynard to quickly parry the attack, sending the sword out of Maces hand and kick out at his leg, forcing him to one knee as Reynard quickly brought his blade to his opponents throat, stopping just short of drawing blood.
Mace knew he was beat though he didn't much like it. He raised his hands in surrender and Reynard once again sheathed his sword, both men breathing heavily after the draining fight.
"Alright you win. Head out that door, good job." He said begrudgingly, shaking his head in disappointment at his loss.
Reynard nodded his head in respect and walked through the door that Mace had pointed to, ready for whatever may lay beyond.