Footwork is a foundational basis in martial arts but also in fencing, regular practice for a few minutes a day, is mandatory as this kind of sword art, though looks as simple as taking a step forward and back, is not all that, the rhythm, synchronization and flexibility of your legs and foot needs a constant and regular honing of the body, Lu Yan thought as his body positioned ready to lunge while Rafer, on his side rattled on about the importance of footwork.

"The essence of fencing footwork is all but one, which is control." While talking Rafer did some demonstrations as a guide for Lu Yan to learn and not neglect his footwork.

"You see practicing your footwork allows you to make a rough estimate of the distance between yourself and your opponent. A bout in fencing may or may not conclude in a single cross of swords, as this fight practice speed and accuracy having a solid foundation of your leg movements gives you an advantage from your opponent. But this is not all, observing your enemy's stance will immediately gives you hints of what his move will be, thereafter enables you to decide how in a matter of seconds can you defend or counter him."

Fencing movements exhibits linearity as Lu Yan propelled his body forward and backward in a quick thrust repeatedly, he was currently practicing his footwork with Rafer, as despite being a great warrior in the past that doesn't automatically make Raghnall's rigid and slow body into something flexible and fast, don't mind the techniques drilled into his mind this body can't keep up with even a fraction of it. Thus leads Lu Yan back to square one, the very beginning which is practicing the basic footwork.

The only thing he laments is that this particular sword art limits his movements, unlike wushu wherein his moves are limitless, divergent and unpredictable. But due to this constriction, his speed and accuracy are honed to the limits. And with that, his afternoon sword art lesson comtinued, with Rafer's loud voice echoing within the training ground

"Hold your weapon as though your holding something fragile! Don't hold too tightly, make your wrist movements as flexible as a woman's! Move! Faster!"

This routine of Rafer shouting while Lu Yan executes thrust, parries, riposte, disengage, coupe and envelopment continued without break for 3 hours. Then after, Rafer halted Lu Yan's movement causing him to pause and relax his body, sweat rolls down from his temple to his neck disappearing inside his wet shirt, taking up huge gulps of air, Lu Yan questioned "What is it Sir?" lifting his head towards Rafer at his side.

"We're taking a break, young lad." Rafer answered while motioning to the maids to bring some stools and refreshments for them. Lu Yan shrugs and bowed his head slightly while breathing in and out rapidly, looking down his tired and numb hands, he drops his rapier to the ground and leaned down to massage his pained legs.

Rafer on his side, shows a satisfied gloating expression obviously happy to have an eager and talented student to teach, he is very much looking forward to lengths of what Lu Yan can reach in the future.

A/N:

Fencing 101

Lunge: A thrust towards your opponent, extend your sword arm and engage your opponent with a stab or slash.

Parry: A defensive move aimed at blocking or deflecting an opponent’s attack with your blade.

Counter-attack: An attack made in direct response to your opponent’s attack.

Riposte: An another form of counter-attack. Unlike the standard counter-attack, a riposte follows a successful parry of your opponent’s attack rather than a direct launch into the attack.

Tight Grip: degrades the accuracy of point placement, since the arm will then move with the wrist and displace the point.