When Estel lunged, Elrond came around to his side and adjusted his stance once more.

"Again," he commanded.

Estel did as he was told.

"Good, now do that again."

Estel could have sworn his sword had got heavier throughout the lesson. Elrond seemed determined that he get this move right and Estel wondered why it mattered. When fighting orcs what difference would it make?

Estel repeated the move perfectly once more, only now Elrond parried and hit him, startling Estel.

"Where was your response?"

Estel sighed. At this rate he was never going to be as good a swordsman as Elrond.