[ The rapier cuts again, enough to cripple Riza's forward momentum and trigger another wince of pain across her face.
Riza strength has always been in long-range combat, in motions and actions that require time, precision, a steady hand. Her footwork in such close quarters is uneven and sloppy in comparison to Alisaie, and predictable to boot.
So even if her words are born of sickness-fueled confidence, Alisaie's prediction rings true; her blade pierces deep, first through flesh and then the wooden frame of the door. Whatever faint noise there might have been from Alisaie's rapier embedding itself in the woodwork's drowned out by a cry of pain. Pain lances through Riza's shoulder, sharp and spreading, and her usual mask of composure breaks, hurt welling up and rising up to the surface.
But it's momentary, and even if she's largely trapped she's still got use of her legs. She kicks out, less a sweeping gesture than a flat out forward kick, meant to drive Alisaie away, even if only for a few seconds.
She has no wish to fight her own housemate, but Alisaie's not leaving her with many options here. ]
no subject
Riza strength has always been in long-range combat, in motions and actions that require time, precision, a steady hand. Her footwork in such close quarters is uneven and sloppy in comparison to Alisaie, and predictable to boot.
So even if her words are born of sickness-fueled confidence, Alisaie's prediction rings true; her blade pierces deep, first through flesh and then the wooden frame of the door. Whatever faint noise there might have been from Alisaie's rapier embedding itself in the woodwork's drowned out by a cry of pain. Pain lances through Riza's shoulder, sharp and spreading, and her usual mask of composure breaks, hurt welling up and rising up to the surface.
But it's momentary, and even if she's largely trapped she's still got use of her legs. She kicks out, less a sweeping gesture than a flat out forward kick, meant to drive Alisaie away, even if only for a few seconds.
She has no wish to fight her own housemate, but Alisaie's not leaving her with many options here. ]