Adrian's attacks were a blur, but every blow he dished out my sword was there to match it. The duel had been dragging on longer than many of the other ones I had fought in and people had started to crowd around the fence.

Over time Adrian's attacks had become more ferocious and brute, and I soon found it difficult to keep up. I sidestepped a hit, swinging my sword at his midsection. He parried the blow. It's not possible. This isn't possible! I swear his sword was on the other side of me! I thought defiantly.

My opponent took my moment of surprise and flicked my sword out of my hand, landing it on the opposite side of the ring. I looked from my weapon to Adrian, my mind going a mile a minute. The match wasn't over yet, I wasn't defeated. I've still got a chance.

Adrian twirled his sword, smiling darkly. "If you're not too sore, we can go for a drink after I win." he chuckled. My face reddened with both embarrassment and anger.

I lunged at him, drilling my shoulder into his stomach and wrapping my arms around his waist. He was knocked off his feet and his sword out of reach. I scrambled for my own blade, whirling around to point it at my defenseless opponent and earn my point.

However, Adrian was now rising from the dirt. My window of opportunity was closing, it was now or never! I dove forward, aiming at the cloth heart on his armor; these were to indicate where the match winning point cold be taken.

It seemed as if time had slowed. Adrian was turning his head towards me, his arm moved with a jerk. A flash of black, a shadow almost. We both remained in our spots, breathing heavily, our faces dripping with sweat, and our swords together.

Adrian and I glared into one another's eyes, unable to muster the wont or energy to move, let alone strike. The crowds had quieted down to a nervous mutter. The air was thick with intensity. The only other sound was our great heaves of breath and the laughter of the fair on the other side of the field.

Third Person Omniscient

"What are you doing Simona?" Gilia whispered to herself, eyeing the two knights. The silence was making the dwarf squirm with anticipation.

"They're at a stalemate, I think." Daran commented. Ciaran shook his head. "There's no way. Adrian is too quick, and Simona has spent all of her energy. If she tries something, he'll parry it. If he strikes first, she might be able to roll away. Either way, she won't last long."

Gilia glared at the swordsmith. "At least have a little faith in her!" she scolded.

The trio's attention was pulled back towards the inside of the fence. Both of the fighters were stirring.

Simona's P.O.V

Adrian shifted, moving to get up. I braced myself for another burst of attacks. The dark-haired boy held out his hand, offering to assist me off the ground. I looked at him suspiciously.

"Just take my damn hand!" he sighed impatiently. I set my hand in his, stilling holding my sword firmly in the other. Adrian lifted me off the ground and smiled, almost benignly. It made my insides turn over.

"You fought well. Maybe next time we face each other, we'll have all our power and energy to give. Instead of facing off after fighting all day, like this." he shook my hand. I didn't know what to say. What could I say? 'Gee thanks, you fought well too! Loved that part where you tried to killed me, especially!'

I instead cleared my throat and attempted a more subtle approach.

"Er- thanks. You're quite the opponent. I'd hate to meet your blade in a battle to the death." I tried smiling sincerely and nodded.

"Truce?" Adrian raised his eyebrows. Nervously, I glanced down at his sword which was loosely clasped in his hand at his side. "Alright, truce." I agreed.

"This duel is a draw!" Adrian announced, adding to me "For now."

The crowd around us was filled with groans of disappointment and hearty cheers. We exited the ring, disappearing into the masses of people. The first to greet me was Gilia, who seemed like she had found the treasure of Durin itself.

"You did good!" she exclaimed, hugging my legs. "You could've taken him, though!"

I grinned, lifting my gaze to see Daran and Ciaran; the eldest of which was looking contemplative and grave. Daran pumped his fist into the air enthusiastically. "You were great! I was sure you had a forty-nine to fifty-one chance of winning!"

"Wait- forty-nine!? Why not fifty fifty!?" I frowned.

"For a man of his size, Adrian is extremely swift and agile. He had the upper hand during most of the fight." the boy explained.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm spent... Let's get a drink." I exhaled, ruffling Daran's hair and draping my arm over Ciaran's shoulders.

Woo, my wrists HURT. I've had them resting on the edge of this laptop for ages!

I hope yo guys enjoyed this chapter, despite the long wait. I'm still trying to get back into the swing of things. Hard to balance social life, good grades, extra curricular activities, hobbies, and enough sleep.

Luckily, break is coming up and I'll have an hour or so of creative time between family commutes and plans with my father and brother.

Another thing! Leaving reviews is a good way to support an author and leave helpful suggestions! It also helps notify the writer that the story is still enjoyable and is worth the time spent writing it.

You know it's coming...

TOODLES!

~SloTurtle