"You can relax, my friend."

The question came as a bit of a shock. After all, you and Polites were in the middle of sparring - not exactly the best time for a conversation. But, well, leave it Polites to pick the most arbitrary times for a pep talk, you supposed.

He sidestepped a swing, and you could feel him watching your expression. He gave a small smile, nodding towards your hands.

"Look at how you're holding your sword. Loosen up a little."