There are some very simple ways to take Parry to Legendary in 3 hours. If you follow those instructions and don't gain anything, you may want to commit suicide. Sometimes gains get unstuck when you die.
Update: since all the parry skill gain posts have fallen out of this forum, I'll repost the instructions here:
1) Make sure you have skill points available. If you don't then set an unwanted skill down.
2) Arm yourself with a weapon you have no skill in. Make sure that skill is pointed down.
3) DO NOT use a shield unless you also have bushido
4) Wear a suit that has no DCI on it. Make sure all pieces are repaired (up to 255 if possible).
5) Locate a farm where you can find lots of rabbits and sheep. My personal favorite is on the island just NW of Jhelom.
6) While in War Mode. Agro at least 8 sheep and rabbits. Don't let them get close to you or you will kill them. Just let them all chase you around until you have all 8 following you, then head to the middle of the farmyard and toggle out of war mode.
7) The gains will come relatively fast and the damage very light. If you have alot of HP Regen stuff, you won't even have to bother healing yourself.
Because this works so fast, I wouldn't even bother buying skill up to 30, but you can if you want to save yourself about 5 minutes.