[Despite the years Joshua dedicated to learning how to fight (not many, comparative to his brother and other, actual soldiers, but still), he hasn't gotten rid of all of his bad habits.]
[He left himself open. Again.]
[Sure enough, he has to clench back a yelp as his opponent's blade glances against his side, catching mostly layers of thick fabric but still managing to bite into his skin.]
[But he presses forward, used to pain and dampening it with purpose. He'll just have to remember to heal himself when this is all done (he definitely won't regret ignoring it later).]
[It's also clear that this shadow has him all but completely bested when it comes to swordplay. That unfamiliar style combined with blazing speed makes for a challenge Joshua hasn't time nor energy to study and overcome. It's all he can do to defend against any oncoming blows until he can regain his footing.]
no subject
[Despite the years Joshua dedicated to learning how to fight (not many, comparative to his brother and other, actual soldiers, but still), he hasn't gotten rid of all of his bad habits.]
[He left himself open. Again.]
[Sure enough, he has to clench back a yelp as his opponent's blade glances against his side, catching mostly layers of thick fabric but still managing to bite into his skin.]
[But he presses forward, used to pain and dampening it with purpose. He'll just have to remember to heal himself when this is all done (he definitely won't regret ignoring it later).]
[It's also clear that this shadow has him all but completely bested when it comes to swordplay. That unfamiliar style combined with blazing speed makes for a challenge Joshua hasn't time nor energy to study and overcome. It's all he can do to defend against any oncoming blows until he can regain his footing.]