[So Claude's going to be like that, huh? Fine with Felix. He prefers not to hang back too much anyway; he's not surprised that the archer would.
His advance is swift and steady, but measured; this is no headfirst charge. Claude will find him a relentless, highly focused, and vicious fighter, not at all averse to stepping outside the standard forms to land a hit or break a standoff. He dodges and parries in equal measure, but his dodging never takes him too far from where he was if he can help it. He can switch hands relatively effectively, which helps him be unpredictable, and perhaps most importantly, he's fast. Which is good, because Claude is, too.
Felix can't tell which of them has the advantage in raw strength - at least, until his Crest activates to put much more weight behind a blow. And it's a Major Crest, so it activates often. But Felix doesn't count on his Crest in his technique; it's just gravy.]
(For all of his lightheartedness about practice, he's more skilled than he lets on. He catches Felix's sword with his own and parries, striking back now that Felix is close. While he certainly doesn't match Felix's strength (especially when his Crest activates), he makes up for it in skill. He's the type that takes advantage of every opportunity he can get.
He tries to keep a distance when possible and if they're ever close enough to strike, he attacks where he can. Interesting, he thinks, when Felix switches hands. He'd been hoping to put him at a disadvantage by disarming his better side but it looks like it'll take more than that. Even more interesting, perhaps, is that Felix isn't the only one that can use both hands.
While Claude has been favoring a one-handed technique, one that matches the traditional style of the ruling class that usually uses a single-handed rapier, he suddenly switches to his other hand. His hits are stronger this time and Felix is smart enough that he'll be able to realize that Claude had been using his less dominant side for their first half of the fight. Just one of his many tricks to lure his opponent into a false sense of security against him.
He's able to hold back some of Felix's attacks like this but in terms of strength, he'll never be able to match him. His greatest advantage is his speed and Felix has him matched there. Byleth calls out to Claude, reminding him to raise his arms or to not give up too much ground. He's the one getting the advice. He's the one that needs it the most in this match and he tries to rise to it each time. He tries and he does.
When Felix comes down at him with a heavy strike, catching his blade on Claude's and pinning him in place, it looks like he might have to yield...
... Claude kicks out his leg, aiming his foot right for Felix's shin. He might be a noble but he's not above fighting dirty to win. If he can trip Felix, he'll immediately move to strike him with his sword in turn.)
[Felix was prepared to be bored by this match, but it becomes apparent quickly that Claude actually does know what he's doing. Interesting... Felix doesn't think much of his hit-and-run tactics--in a real battle, drawing a close-quarters fight out like that just gives you more opportunities to die, a lesson most archers never learn because they don't have to--but he's quick, he fights intelligently, and he's not afraid to do whatever it takes to win.
Maybe there's something worthwhile in pairing up with Claude after all.
Still, Felix has the advantage in both strength and stamina, and he wields his sword like it's an extension of his arm. He's not prone to lowering his guard just because he thinks he's close to victory, but he does expect this to be the end of the match. It takes him by surprise when a sharp pain shoots up his leg and drives him stumbling to one knee with a clipped, wordless shout; instinctively, he lifts his sword to parry whatever might be following that kick.
He looks up at Claude between their crossed blades and gives him a smirk.]
So you do have some fight in you after all, Riegan.
[This is a bad position to be in, though, so Felix simultaneously shoves upward with his sword and swings a leg out in an attempt to sweep Claude's feet out from under him in return.]
(He sounds amused, pushing back against his blade. He knows better than to try to overpower him. The best he can do is try to pin him down and limit his movements, making it easier to predict his next.
Felix is a brawler. He could make a swing for him while he's close but even with his strength, Claude's two handed grip would put him at an advantage. He would be most likely to use his dominant hand...
Not many opportunities to strike back with his sword. Felix could knock him back. He's strong enough. But that would just drag things out even more. Dangerous to risk when there's that chance his own Crest of Riegan might kick in, providing that boost in stamina he needs to keep going. Would Felix consider that? He wonders...
If he was in Felix's position, he knows what he would do. He would do the exact same thing he did a moment before. Aim for the legs, trip up his opponent, throw him off his balance--
Felix's leg moves and Claude leaps. Of course, this means he gives up his footing, and it's enough for Felix to push him back mid-air with the counter force he's already been applying to keep him off. Maybe against the amateur mercenary or the average brigand, it would be enough to avoid his next move but Felix is skilled. He's fast. He's a practiced. Now is the best time to really catch Claude, before he can land and catch his bearings again.)
[The instant Felix feels the pressure against his blade give way, he's shifting his weight onto the leg he tried to sweep with and pushing forward. This practice sword doesn't have enough heft to it to do what Felix needs to do before Claude regains his footing, so he turns his lunge into a tackle, throwing his entire weight behind it to bear Claude down to the floor. As soon as they land, Felix whips his sword around to hold the blade to Claude's throat, as though it were steel.
It's Felix looking down this time, and his smirk turns self-satisfied.]
(He's only just touched the ground when Felix comes barreling towards him. Of course, he isn't enough to stop him and he finds himself tumbling, landing on his back. He manages to catch himself with one hand behind him and starts to get back on his feet, pushing himself up with sword in hand to keep going but
He freezes, practice sword at his throat.
His eyes flash, like he would absolutely keep fighting if he could he can recognize when he's caught.)
... I yield. (He settles back on the ground, holding up one hand to sign defeat,) You win, Felix.
(And like that, the fight is gone from his eyes and he lets out a loud, dramatic sigh,)
Ye-ouch! Did you have to hit me that hard?!
(He's rubbing his back. Did he land on a stone or something? And his arms feel like jelly after taking so many blows.)
[Felix rarely makes eye contact with anyone when he's talking to them, but here in the training grounds with a sword in hand, he doesn't hesitate to meet Claude's gaze. He sees the flash there, the unwillingness to lose - very familiar, and very much not what he expected from Claude.
...and then he's complaining, back to his usual ridiculous self, but Felix isn't quite as fooled anymore. There's more to Claude than meets the eye, he's sure of it.
He pulls his sword back and gets to his feet, instinct telling him not to turn his back on Claude despite the spar having ended. Never turn your back on an opponent. Especially not one as clever as this one. Instead, he just steps back and gives Claude an unimpressed look.]
Stop whining. I told you I wasn't going to go easy on you.
That doesn't mean you had to go all out in our first match.
(He helps himself up. He's never been one to really ask for help or rely on others. He can stand on his own. He doubts Felix would trust him if he asked, anyway.)
A Major Crest is no joke...
(So that's what it's like to have one used against you? He has to think of a way to counter that.
Byleth comes over to check on them to which Claude replies that he's fine. He's just all jelly after their match. She makes some critique on their footwork and form, following up with that she'd like them to practice together again and make it a regular thing if they'll allow it. The two of them could benefit from studying each other's styles.
Claude grimaces, rubbing his arm in response.)
Yeah, sure.
(He can't really say no to his dear professor, afterall. It's up to Felix to decide if he wants to do the same.)
What? That's exactly what it means. I always go all out. Neither of us learns anything otherwise. You'd better not have been holding back.
[He shrugs at this talk of his Crest. It does nothing if he isn't skilled enough to put it to good use. It's a secondary concern for him, although he does acknowledge that his foes have to contend with it. That's just another reason for Claude to train harder.
Felix listens carefully to Byleth's critiques, and perhaps surprisingly, doesn't protest or even look disgruntled when she assigns them to regular training together. He just nods.]
Agreed.
[He turns to Claude, then.]
You like to pretend you're a beginner, but you're not. And you like to complain about training, but I saw it in your eyes. You wanted to keep going. To win.
(He had to use his dominant hand, pull out some tricks... there really wasn't much chance to slack off and hide his ability. If he hadn't spent so much energy just trying to not get hit, he probably would have opted for a more direct and aggressive strategy against Felix instead. Actually, he should have done that from the beginning. He should have known better but he's been able to get by for so long with mostly speed and just enough skill, he'd fallen back on the usual strategy,)
... I guess I miscalculated.
(No further explanation there. Ah, but now Felix is coming at him verbally and while he isn't wrong, Claude isn't going to admit to any of that. At least buy a guy a drink first.)
More like I didn't want to get hit again. You almost got me in the face! (He brings a hand to his cheek, rubbing it as if just thinking about what could have been hurts him,) What would I have done then? It's my second best asset, right after my mind, you know!
Hmph. Maybe you should calculate less and train more, then.
[Felix doesn't know what he means by 'miscalculated,' but he doesn't particularly care, either. He's more interested in coaxing that other Claude back out again. Next time won't be experimental, on Felix's part - next time, he'll know what to expect, and put Claude down faster.
(Felix doesn't know yet that Claude is much too unpredictable for that kind of certainty.)
He gives Claude a flat look and then turns to put his practice sword away.]
Playing stupid doesn't suit you any more than it suits Sylvain. You have a hunger to fight, there's no point in denying it. I'll find out what it is.
(Always thinking ahead, thinking about his advantages and disadvantages, the different ways a situation can go, and picking the path that works best. They say the quickest path is a straight line but he knows sometimes it's better to take the winding one; the path that can be changed depending on the journey.
But that's not how Felix is. He prefers to walk a straight and direct path which is something Claude can respect. It's not a bad thing, he thinks, it's helped Felix read him fairly well, after all.)
Not at all. (Well, not quite. He wouldn't really describe his willingness to fight as hungry,) Why, I'm as gentle as a deer.
(Heh.)
Speaking of deer, you should read up on the Golden Deer sometime. You might learn something. If you don't like reading, I'm sure someone would be happy to explain.
(Like how despite being gentle creatures, the Golden Deer have protected Leicester since time immemorial, and one should always be careful because deer are fast, strong, and their antlers are sharp.
... But he wonders if Felix will even bother with that. Well, it's his loss.)
That's fine in practice. But in the middle of battle, you won't always have time to calculate everything. You need the ingrained muscle memory, too, or you'll be caught off-guard.
[Felix arches a brow at all this pointless dissembling, and then blinks.]
If you're telling me to learn more about our classmates, I assume the Professor will tell me anything I need to know about them. But if 'someone' would be happy to explain, then be that someone. If there's something you want me to know, just tell me. I'm not doing research for your amusement.
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[So Claude's going to be like that, huh? Fine with Felix. He prefers not to hang back too much anyway; he's not surprised that the archer would.
His advance is swift and steady, but measured; this is no headfirst charge. Claude will find him a relentless, highly focused, and vicious fighter, not at all averse to stepping outside the standard forms to land a hit or break a standoff. He dodges and parries in equal measure, but his dodging never takes him too far from where he was if he can help it. He can switch hands relatively effectively, which helps him be unpredictable, and perhaps most importantly, he's fast. Which is good, because Claude is, too.
Felix can't tell which of them has the advantage in raw strength - at least, until his Crest activates to put much more weight behind a blow. And it's a Major Crest, so it activates often. But Felix doesn't count on his Crest in his technique; it's just gravy.]
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He tries to keep a distance when possible and if they're ever close enough to strike, he attacks where he can. Interesting, he thinks, when Felix switches hands. He'd been hoping to put him at a disadvantage by disarming his better side but it looks like it'll take more than that. Even more interesting, perhaps, is that Felix isn't the only one that can use both hands.
While Claude has been favoring a one-handed technique, one that matches the traditional style of the ruling class that usually uses a single-handed rapier, he suddenly switches to his other hand. His hits are stronger this time and Felix is smart enough that he'll be able to realize that Claude had been using his less dominant side for their first half of the fight. Just one of his many tricks to lure his opponent into a false sense of security against him.
He's able to hold back some of Felix's attacks like this but in terms of strength, he'll never be able to match him. His greatest advantage is his speed and Felix has him matched there. Byleth calls out to Claude, reminding him to raise his arms or to not give up too much ground. He's the one getting the advice. He's the one that needs it the most in this match and he tries to rise to it each time. He tries and he does.
When Felix comes down at him with a heavy strike, catching his blade on Claude's and pinning him in place, it looks like he might have to yield...
... Claude kicks out his leg, aiming his foot right for Felix's shin. He might be a noble but he's not above fighting dirty to win. If he can trip Felix, he'll immediately move to strike him with his sword in turn.)
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Maybe there's something worthwhile in pairing up with Claude after all.
Still, Felix has the advantage in both strength and stamina, and he wields his sword like it's an extension of his arm. He's not prone to lowering his guard just because he thinks he's close to victory, but he does expect this to be the end of the match. It takes him by surprise when a sharp pain shoots up his leg and drives him stumbling to one knee with a clipped, wordless shout; instinctively, he lifts his sword to parry whatever might be following that kick.
He looks up at Claude between their crossed blades and gives him a smirk.]
So you do have some fight in you after all, Riegan.
[This is a bad position to be in, though, so Felix simultaneously shoves upward with his sword and swings a leg out in an attempt to sweep Claude's feet out from under him in return.]
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(He sounds amused, pushing back against his blade. He knows better than to try to overpower him. The best he can do is try to pin him down and limit his movements, making it easier to predict his next.
Felix is a brawler. He could make a swing for him while he's close but even with his strength, Claude's two handed grip would put him at an advantage. He would be most likely to use his dominant hand...
Not many opportunities to strike back with his sword. Felix could knock him back. He's strong enough. But that would just drag things out even more. Dangerous to risk when there's that chance his own Crest of Riegan might kick in, providing that boost in stamina he needs to keep going. Would Felix consider that? He wonders...
If he was in Felix's position, he knows what he would do. He would do the exact same thing he did a moment before. Aim for the legs, trip up his opponent, throw him off his balance--
Felix's leg moves and Claude leaps. Of course, this means he gives up his footing, and it's enough for Felix to push him back mid-air with the counter force he's already been applying to keep him off. Maybe against the amateur mercenary or the average brigand, it would be enough to avoid his next move but Felix is skilled. He's fast. He's a practiced. Now is the best time to really catch Claude, before he can land and catch his bearings again.)
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It's Felix looking down this time, and his smirk turns self-satisfied.]
Do you yield?
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He freezes, practice sword at his throat.
His eyes flash, like he would absolutely keep fighting if he could he can recognize when he's caught.)
... I yield. (He settles back on the ground, holding up one hand to sign defeat,) You win, Felix.
(And like that, the fight is gone from his eyes and he lets out a loud, dramatic sigh,)
Ye-ouch! Did you have to hit me that hard?!
(He's rubbing his back. Did he land on a stone or something? And his arms feel like jelly after taking so many blows.)
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...and then he's complaining, back to his usual ridiculous self, but Felix isn't quite as fooled anymore. There's more to Claude than meets the eye, he's sure of it.
He pulls his sword back and gets to his feet, instinct telling him not to turn his back on Claude despite the spar having ended. Never turn your back on an opponent. Especially not one as clever as this one. Instead, he just steps back and gives Claude an unimpressed look.]
Stop whining. I told you I wasn't going to go easy on you.
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(He helps himself up. He's never been one to really ask for help or rely on others. He can stand on his own. He doubts Felix would trust him if he asked, anyway.)
A Major Crest is no joke...
(So that's what it's like to have one used against you? He has to think of a way to counter that.
Byleth comes over to check on them to which Claude replies that he's fine. He's just all jelly after their match. She makes some critique on their footwork and form, following up with that she'd like them to practice together again and make it a regular thing if they'll allow it. The two of them could benefit from studying each other's styles.
Claude grimaces, rubbing his arm in response.)
Yeah, sure.
(He can't really say no to his dear professor, afterall. It's up to Felix to decide if he wants to do the same.)
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[He shrugs at this talk of his Crest. It does nothing if he isn't skilled enough to put it to good use. It's a secondary concern for him, although he does acknowledge that his foes have to contend with it. That's just another reason for Claude to train harder.
Felix listens carefully to Byleth's critiques, and perhaps surprisingly, doesn't protest or even look disgruntled when she assigns them to regular training together. He just nods.]
Agreed.
[He turns to Claude, then.]
You like to pretend you're a beginner, but you're not. And you like to complain about training, but I saw it in your eyes. You wanted to keep going. To win.
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(He had to use his dominant hand, pull out some tricks... there really wasn't much chance to slack off and hide his ability. If he hadn't spent so much energy just trying to not get hit, he probably would have opted for a more direct and aggressive strategy against Felix instead. Actually, he should have done that from the beginning. He should have known better but he's been able to get by for so long with mostly speed and just enough skill, he'd fallen back on the usual strategy,)
... I guess I miscalculated.
(No further explanation there. Ah, but now Felix is coming at him verbally and while he isn't wrong, Claude isn't going to admit to any of that. At least buy a guy a drink first.)
More like I didn't want to get hit again. You almost got me in the face! (He brings a hand to his cheek, rubbing it as if just thinking about what could have been hurts him,) What would I have done then? It's my second best asset, right after my mind, you know!
(Yeah, he's definitely going to play this off.)
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[Felix doesn't know what he means by 'miscalculated,' but he doesn't particularly care, either. He's more interested in coaxing that other Claude back out again. Next time won't be experimental, on Felix's part - next time, he'll know what to expect, and put Claude down faster.
(Felix doesn't know yet that Claude is much too unpredictable for that kind of certainty.)
He gives Claude a flat look and then turns to put his practice sword away.]
Playing stupid doesn't suit you any more than it suits Sylvain. You have a hunger to fight, there's no point in denying it. I'll find out what it is.
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(Always thinking ahead, thinking about his advantages and disadvantages, the different ways a situation can go, and picking the path that works best. They say the quickest path is a straight line but he knows sometimes it's better to take the winding one; the path that can be changed depending on the journey.
But that's not how Felix is. He prefers to walk a straight and direct path which is something Claude can respect. It's not a bad thing, he thinks, it's helped Felix read him fairly well, after all.)
Not at all. (Well, not quite. He wouldn't really describe his willingness to fight as hungry,) Why, I'm as gentle as a deer.
(Heh.)
Speaking of deer, you should read up on the Golden Deer sometime. You might learn something. If you don't like reading, I'm sure someone would be happy to explain.
(Like how despite being gentle creatures, the Golden Deer have protected Leicester since time immemorial, and one should always be careful because deer are fast, strong, and their antlers are sharp.
... But he wonders if Felix will even bother with that. Well, it's his loss.)
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[Felix arches a brow at all this pointless dissembling, and then blinks.]
If you're telling me to learn more about our classmates, I assume the Professor will tell me anything I need to know about them. But if 'someone' would be happy to explain, then be that someone. If there's something you want me to know, just tell me. I'm not doing research for your amusement.
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(Ask? Who's asking?)
I'd be happy to explain over lunch some time. In fact, I'm free right now.
(Is he... trying to get rid of Felix or actually teach him the history of Leicester? Who knows.)