Coan Bryland ; the ferelden noble (coan) wrote in thedas,
When their blades met, he almost lost his balance, but he held on to the hilt of each blade tightly enough that the reversal of momentum didn't send him reeling. In that quick moment that they stood there with their false weapons joined, Coan wanted so badly to look over at his young friend to see the expression on his face. Was he enamored with how well his young lord was doing? The female squire was not an easy match, a lesson Billy had just learned himself. Coan was still on his feet, and the obviously deserved a little praise. He knew, though, that any distraction could change the situation as quickly as his glance would move to Billy. So he did his best to keep his focus on the fight and not being prideful.
Then she moved to attack - he should have expected it but he was still taken by surprise. His momentum already lost, he needed to reorient himself before he could launch his own counter attack. Defense wouldn't do - not for Coan. He hated being on the defense - he didn't feel like he was big or strong enough for it, much less than adequate in comparison to his current partner. He wasn't nearly as small as he used to be, but his current physique lent itself well to the quick attacks fighting with two blades allowed. Not wanting to give her anymore time to think - and she having already attacked - he moved quickly to her side to dodge her blow.
As he moved, Coan caught a glimpse of Billy from the corner of his eye. His face was covered with his hands, though he seemed to be peeking out between two separated fingers. His mind was everywhere now. Was he doing that badly? He couldn't have been, he wasn't flat on his backside yet. When he was done with Ronain, Reed was next, solely for making him paranoid.