The open field was quiet, broken only by the soft whisper of grass bending under moving feet as the wind passed through it in gentle waves.
Kevin rolled his shoulders once, loosening them, and lifted the wooden sword into a relaxed guard. Across from him, Natalie raised her shield, stance firm and balanced, her weight centered evenly on both feet. No signals were needed, no countdown or warning. They moved at the same time, instincts guiding them.
Kevin stepped in first, his front foot sliding forward with control, the sword angling toward her shoulder in a clean, straightforward line. Natalie didn't rush or flinch. She shifted back half a step and turned her shield just enough to meet the strike. **Thock.** Wood met reinforced leather, the impact clean, contained, and deliberate rather than forceful.
"Good angle," Kevin said as he pulled back smoothly, already circling to his right without breaking rhythm.
