Disclaimer: I don't own anyone in here besides Kaylen.
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Chapter Five

Each opponent had fell into his or her normal combat position, Kaylen being low to the ground, with both hands holding her blade, and the man of the South kept his legs planted shoulderwidth apart, with his left being half a foot behind his right, and his blade, held in both hands, extended comfortably out. For the first few moments, they simply looked at each other in silence, each observing their opponent's movement. The man had less agility in his movements than this elf, but greater strength was on his side. Kaylen's blade was larger, though, meaning that his would move the fastest. However, the man gripped his blade only loosely with his left hand, as if he were used to holding a shield. This was most likely, but it meant that his blade would be easier to knock out of his hands than hers would. Both waited for the other to strike first, but Kaylen had a very specific reason for waiting. She was timing him, silently, on how long he could last before striking out.It was some time before he did, impressing his opponent greatly.

The first strike was an upward stroke, swung from the elbow (as opposed to the shoulder), out towards Kaylen's right arm. This was blocked by a downward beat parry, knocking the man of the South back a foot or so with the force behind it. Feaelen struck out then, in relatiation, a light jab towards the meat of her opponent's shoulder. The man saw this coming just in time, parrying her blade to his left side. She reacted quickly, raising her arm for a downward slice at his chest, which was blocked by the man's blade. The way he blocked made the blades together seem a cross, but she took advantage of the opportunity and swung her sword so that it dipped under his and made a slash across his chest. The dark-eyed man dodged this by quickly flinching backwards, and while doing so, attempted a slanted slash from above. Kaylen defended herself by beating his blade to the side with her own, and pushing it downwards, causing him to back away slightly once again.

The actions in the match then quickened, making the duel itself seem as though it were a starlit dance, each person in it moving with poise, and above all, much experience. The moonlight glinted off of the two blades as they were moved through the air, and the dancers were so well matched in skill that one would have thought them close partners. Throughout the entire match, however, only two things stayed constant. The glittering of the moonlight, and the dark grins that stayed fixed on the two fighters' faces.

It ended some half an hour later, when (by pure luck and good timing) Kaylen found the perfect openning being presented to her. Her opponent's sword had been out to his side, and tilted downwards as a result of a blow of his being parried strongly downward by her blade. She beat it again, then took a step forward while turning so that her back was to him. She used the handle of her sword as a hammer, and knocking the hilt of his forward firmly, knocking the sword completely out of his hand. He, as an instinct, bent to retrieve it, but was reminded a moment later by a strong backwards shove that Kaylen's body lay now between him and his blade. This shove knocked him over on his back, and quickly a foot planted itself in the center of his chest, the feeling of a blade tip sliding up to rest ever-so-lightly against his throat. It was then that the dark grin left his face, replaced with one of bewildered defeat.

Before he had the chance to voice an objection to her keeping him pinned against the ground with her foot, she spoke to him, her voice sharp, the tone of an instructor, as well as that of a student and warrior, present in it.

"You have an impressive amount of skill will a blade. Where did you learn it?"

His voice escaped into her ears, a deep and very masculine, cultured tone. Judging by that alone, she guessed that he was no normal member of the guard, but more like a captain.

"All skill that I have in swordplay was taught to me in Minas Tirith, though I see here that it may need improving."

"Nothing about your swordhand needs improvement. Only your timing." With this, she removed her foot from his chest, and held out a hand to help him up. He grasped it tightly, but he did not stand up. Instead, the dark grin returned to his face, and with all his might, he pulled on her arm. His plan had succeeded, and she came tumbling down on the ground with him. He rolled then, ending up on top of her, straddling her abdomen and reaching over to retrieve his sword. He grinned down at her, holding the sword close to her throat.

"I was also taught that one should never be off guard in the company of a foreign and unknown people." He said, chuckling lightly afterwards.

"Now," he continued, "I shall remove the weight of myself from your body. But before that, lady, I would have your name."

Kaylen scowled slightly. She was not used to being the one with the disadvantage, nor was she used to being the one on the ground. She gave him a steely look.

"Gkaian, though many in the realm I dwell in would call me Feaelen."

"Gkaian." He repeated, disregarding the name that others gave her. It was strange, and seemed unfitting for such a person, but then, not all names fit those that they were given to. He leaned backwards, shifting his weight to his feet, and getting up, taking his sword with him. His opponent stood shortly afterward, picking her own blade up from where it had fallen (she had dropped it when she had been pulled to the ground) and sheathing it.

"Yours?" She asked. His back was before turned to her, but he turned back to look at her, not quite understanding her statement.

"My what, lady?"

"Your name. Will you let me know it, or are you so secretive that you do not dare tell it?" She seemed to jest with this, but the irony of the statement hit her deeply.

He smiled politely. "Certainly not, as I keep no secrets." In this he lied, but it was a lie oft told, so no harm was done.

"I am Boromir, son of Denethor."

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One of my better chapters, I should think. Review if you'd like.