Build the first safe duel

0:00–14:00, especially level and item windows after a clean crash or an enemy key spell is unavailable

From the first wave through the first tower pressure, establish whether the lane can be played around Vital access or must be farmed through safer spacing. Trade when the enemy walks for a last hit and your wave is not fighting for them; use Q to touch the target or reposition, then leave before their full answer. Keep Riposte for the enemy's actual disabling or burst threat rather than spending it for routine damage. If ahead, crash waves before recalls and build a controlled side position. If behind, take XP and safe CS, avoid extended trades inside a larger enemy wave, and wait for their key spell to create a real window.

Lane

Make the wave create the duel

If the first waves let you contest the lane without entering a losing minion trade, use Q to threaten the enemy's last hit and shape the wave toward a controlled position. If the enemy wave is larger or the opposing jungler is unseen while you are pushed, take the safer CS and crash before recalling rather than forcing a Vital trade.

With Fiora

• If Fiora is creating side pressure, use the opposite side of the map to establish a real timer: shove mid, secure safe vision, or prepare the objective she is drawing the enemy away from. Do not start a losing 4v5 while she is visible in the side lane; wait for the enemy answer or take the space they have left open.
• If Fiora is approaching a fight with Grand Challenge available, help her reach a target by threatening the enemy's escape route rather than taking the first engage yourself. If she enters after enemy control is used and allies are within one screen, follow the target she has selected; if she is still split-pushing, keep the team posture defensive until her pressure forces a response.
• If Fiora is behind, give her access to safe side waves and avoid demanding that she front-line for an objective. If she has Teleport and the next objective is more than a minute away, help establish the side wave and vision that lets her threaten a flank; if Teleport is down, keep her near the safer side of the team instead of asking for a deep split.
• If Fiora is ahead and two enemies move to stop her, immediately check whether the opposite objective, tower, or jungle entrance can be taken without a coin-flip. Her lead matters when the team converts the enemy's answer, not when she is left alone to chase a second kill.
• If Fiora is fighting in the center of your formation, protect the time she needs to reach Vitals while avoiding accidental displacement of her target. When her Riposte has been used, cover her retreat or finish the target only if the enemy's remaining control cannot turn the exchange.
• If the enemy team is grouped and Fiora is waiting on a flank, hold the formation until she has a visible entry angle. A delayed engage is useful when it lets her enter after key control is spent; a blind engage before she arrives can turn her side pressure into an unrecoverable 4v5.