Slow and methodical was a good approach to paperwork, but a bad approach to sparring, as it turned out. His strike mostly missed, barely grazing his co-ruler, but at least he didn't lose his balance in the attempt. Flora bounced up again and the Tidebreaker inclined his head in acknowledgment of her gaining the point on that exchange. His lips twitched towards a smile at her taunting, and he began to shift slowly to her left, pacing through the water at a sedate pace.
"I will try harder," he promised solemnly, eyes twinkling as he paused to give her a partial bow.
And splashed water at her again with both hands, this time with better timing of his kick to be screened by the splash. He managed to get his leg up higher this time, aiming a rough approximation of a side kick if you squinted real hard and didn't worry about what angle his toes pointed at her left hip.
"I will try harder," he promised solemnly, eyes twinkling as he paused to give her a partial bow.
And splashed water at her again with both hands, this time with better timing of his kick to be screened by the splash. He managed to get his leg up higher this time, aiming a rough approximation of a side kick if you squinted real hard and didn't worry about what angle his toes pointed at her left hip.
