[ Lorenz isn't the most skilled opponent Felix has faced—the reaction time isn't there, and neither is the muscle memory—but he's not the least, either, and right now that's enough for Felix. He's passably competent. He keeps up. Felix can clash blades with him and feel the knots working out of stiff muscles with every ring of steel, let the mire clear from his thoughts, and really, that's all he wants or needs.
If the ridiculous, stubby tail he's acquired from his ordeal starts to thrash, it's got nothing to do with him, or with the grin on his face. ]
Why settle for a badge of failure? Come on—
[ Felix rotates his blade, sending Lorenz's next blow skidding off the edge of it, and then he takes a step and a half back, throwing wide an opening. Come at him, Lorenz. ]
no subject
If the ridiculous, stubby tail he's acquired from his ordeal starts to thrash, it's got nothing to do with him, or with the grin on his face. ]
Why settle for a badge of failure? Come on—
[ Felix rotates his blade, sending Lorenz's next blow skidding off the edge of it, and then he takes a step and a half back, throwing wide an opening. Come at him, Lorenz. ]
—try harder this time.