Smiles are contagious.
Up to this point, Zavien has been proud of his ability to hold his own. He gives the credit to his larger stature, sure that if Anju wanted to hurt him, he'd already be flat on his back. Even as he pushes through her strike, he notices the incredible skill that she possesses to persist against his strength. As she stands, he attempts to continue with his advantage, pressing her further.
Apparently that is a costly mistake. The kick to his abdomen is hard and throws him stumbling back in surprise. His abs block a good portion of the attack, but it still takes his breath away, sinking deep into his gut and forcing it into his throat. Zavien sets his jaw in a strained groan, a short cough breaking through his clenched teeth. He lunges back to gain some distance, holding his sword up to ward off further attacks for a moment.
It's the first landed blow of their spar and he knows that he'll be reminded of it every time he laughs, yet he smiles at her, enjoying the adrenaline of the fight. What could he say? She'd seen an opportunity and taken it. He should have been paying closer attention to her legs. With a painful chuckle, he nods his head in respect. "Nice hit." And then he proceeds to sink back into his stance, guarding his stomach a little closer.
Apparently that is a costly mistake. The kick to his abdomen is hard and throws him stumbling back in surprise. His abs block a good portion of the attack, but it still takes his breath away, sinking deep into his gut and forcing it into his throat. Zavien sets his jaw in a strained groan, a short cough breaking through his clenched teeth. He lunges back to gain some distance, holding his sword up to ward off further attacks for a moment.
It's the first landed blow of their spar and he knows that he'll be reminded of it every time he laughs, yet he smiles at her, enjoying the adrenaline of the fight. What could he say? She'd seen an opportunity and taken it. He should have been paying closer attention to her legs. With a painful chuckle, he nods his head in respect. "Nice hit." And then he proceeds to sink back into his stance, guarding his stomach a little closer.
Zavien
