y'know, guys
its really as easy as
"*y character manages to deflect x characters blade.* *y character brings his blade back, closer to himself, moving to slash at x characters side.* *x character brings his blade up to parry y characters blade, but is still offset when y character deflected his blade. Being a bit late, x character still manages to hit y characters blade, albeit a second two early. Suffering a non lethal cut against his chest*" now you've got a nice scar to show off, you have your character's life, you can go through the rp process of healing ( which is VERY fun, let me say ) and all that fun stuff.
Not
"OMG GOTTA GO INTO THIS FIGHT WITH A CRIPPLED LEFT ARM, SUN IN MY CHARACTER'S EYES, A SORE FOOT AND COLD SO I'LL LOSE"