Some of it is coming back, and some of it is Nick letting a little of his nature bubble to the forefront, to help guide his actions. The parry is solid and Nick meets it with yet more force, though it still moves the blade away from Connor. Nick backs up again and then settles into a spot, no longer circling as he waits for Connor's move. He can keep this up all night, if he really wants to, even if he does feel like an amateur.