He was trying. He really was. And maybe part of the listen was being able to listen while moving, while reacting, while blocking and trying to think tactically, and not losing the thread of the lecture or the arc of Deimos's sword.
But that didn't make it easy.
Tal didn't try to respond this time; quick quips or even a simple verbal acknowledgment was one too many threads to keep track of when he was trying to keep from getting hit. For once he didn't even react to the praise; no quick grins or puffing up of his chest at the approval - even if it was more perceived than enthusiastic. There was only his focus on the General's body, his feet, and eyes that darted to the sword arm that could strike without warning.
And did.
Tal was fast but the General was faster; he couldn't backpedal or cross-step sideways faster than Deimos could stride forward and suddenly the distance that had been between them--
Was gone.
But it served its purpose. It wasn't much, but the time it took for Deimos to cross the snow that Tal had put between them gave him a chance to sharpen his focus and drop the spear so he could tilt the shield against the blow. Deflection; each time the angle improved a little more, and this time he didn't neglect his feet. He cut the angle forward instead of backward, trying to step into Deimos's non-sword side and dash past to get behind the General.
But that didn't make it easy.
Tal didn't try to respond this time; quick quips or even a simple verbal acknowledgment was one too many threads to keep track of when he was trying to keep from getting hit. For once he didn't even react to the praise; no quick grins or puffing up of his chest at the approval - even if it was more perceived than enthusiastic. There was only his focus on the General's body, his feet, and eyes that darted to the sword arm that could strike without warning.
And did.
Tal was fast but the General was faster; he couldn't backpedal or cross-step sideways faster than Deimos could stride forward and suddenly the distance that had been between them--
Was gone.
But it served its purpose. It wasn't much, but the time it took for Deimos to cross the snow that Tal had put between them gave him a chance to sharpen his focus and drop the spear so he could tilt the shield against the blow. Deflection; each time the angle improved a little more, and this time he didn't neglect his feet. He cut the angle forward instead of backward, trying to step into Deimos's non-sword side and dash past to get behind the General.
