Brooks squared his legs up so that he was in a stable position. He lifted his right arm, his nondominant arm, so it was blocking near his face, and he positioned his left arm ready for a punch. He waited for Clay to give the signal for them to start their duel.

Clay got ready, one arm in the middle of his chest, ready to shoot to any part of his body that might need protecting. His other ready to attack. HE nodded at Brooks to signal he was ready to fight.

Brooks didn't mind going first. He had hardly any combat experience, but just enough to keep himself safe... from normal village people.

He lunged forward and swung his left fist at Wafter's side, holding his right for any defensive move he might have to make.

Clay sidestepped but the blow still caught him in the side. He caught himself and swung an uppercut at Brooks's jaw.

Brooks ducked and threw his weight to the center of Wafter's body. He used his surprising speed and agility that Slick seemed to envy (why?) to his advantage. He didn't even know how he became so fluid with his movements.

Brooks surprising move shocked Clay. He threw himself to the ground to avoid Brooks. He was surprised he hadn't frozen just there.

Must be from all the times I was hit by Nicoma for not ducking He thought to himself. He got up and turned to face Brooks, kicking out at him as he turned.

Brooks saw the shock on Wafter's face, but he pushed it from his mind; when he was in a middle of a fight, even if it was for play, he had to keep focused. He remembered that much.

Brooks snatched out his right hand, catching Wafter's foot. Brooks squatted into a more stable position and cusioned the momentum that Wafter's let had. He held it there. Simultaniously he raised his hand holding Wafter's foot and lowered the rest of his body down. He swung his own leg around and under Wafter's other leg, hoping to bring the apprentice down. Once he started to fall, Brooks would let go of Wafter's foot so he didn't twist his ankle; that was unneccesary during a play fight.

Clay didn't see Brooks foot in time. He went down with a grunt. His back bounced on the ground a little. He decided to stay on the ground, see if he could fight from there like he had seen people do.

Clay put his hands near his hips, holding he weight there. He lifted his lower body off te ground a bit and swung his legs at Brooks.

Brooks took a step back, but found he was still in range of Wafter's legs. Just as Wafter's legs came around in contact with Brooks' ankles, Brooks cartwheeled backwards, landing hard on his side. The air rushed from his lungs, and he had to labor to keep breathing.

Clay's legs flopped back to the ground. He wasn't used to moves like that and found his upper calves were hurting.

I'll feel that in the morning Clay thought to himself. He stood up to look at Brooks, wondering if the fight was still going.

Gradually, Brooks got the air back into his system and slowly rose back onto his feet. He was aware that Wafter was already on his feet, so he tried to rush the progress, which wasn't good for his body, but he had to be a good fighting role model, not a healer right now. Finally he was able to get into a stand, even though it was straight.

"Still want to fight? Or are you good for the day?" he asked, even though his voice was little more than a whisper.

"I'm good." Clay said through clentched teeth. His legs were burning, he was sure he had pulled a muscle with his little stunt.

It'll be a miricle is I can walk tomorrow! He thought to himself.

Brooks frowned, unconvinced. "Are you sure?" he asked. "I really don't want to push you to far."

"I meant I'm good for the day," Clay said. "I fight anymore I won't be able to walk back to camp."

"Oh!" Brooks chortled. "Yes, I'm pretty sure I know what you mean." He paused, remembering something his first-stage mentor taught him. "But I think before we head on back, we should stretch, so we don't end up as stiff as tree trunks tomorrow, catch my jist?"