The lancer was indeed taken back by Azi's sudden rush into battle right after claiming a preference towards pacifism, but the surprise was by no means enough to falter him. Azi's opponent stepped back and waved his lance before him like a quarterstaff, taking a defensive stance with the butt of the spear pointed at the bard, and the weaponized end resting flat against the outside of his right thigh. He maintained the reverse wield and began strafing to the right to circle around Azi's charge. If Azi continued forward, the lancer would end up due behind him.