Zelgodis frowned, holding back a sigh.<span style="font-style: italic">So much for that idea.</span>Perhaps he shouldn't have put so much faith into one idea. After all, magic users were typically more intelligent opponents, he should have anticipated such a draw back. "Unfortunately, your assumptions are also correct," Zel said, bowing his head just slightly. "How will you even the playing field?"<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">A substitute,</span>Zel thought, examining the woman.<span style="font-style: italic">He'll have me duel this woman rather than himself.</span>The woman did have a rather... uncanny resemblance to Sigrun, but the look in her eyes told him she was much more dangerous. Things had just become more complicated.<br/><br/>By the sound of things, this woman would not allow the duel to be won unless she fell... permanently. Killing people wasn't on his list of things to do today, but he may have to make an exception here. If it had been someone else, he would have just aimed to knock them unconscious. His blade had no back... Perhaps the hilt? But that wasn't an option anyway. This woman clearly knew how to use the weapon in her hands.<br/><br/>"I accept the condition of your stand it," Zelgodis said, raising his sword into a ready position. "If she fails in your place, the same conditions apply." He would have to be more careful now. In the hands of a master, a weapon could become much more dangerous. He still doubted whether the weapon could pierce him, but in this situation, he wasn't going to be taking unnecessary chances.<br/><br/>"Must you die for the duel to be mine?" Zel asked the woman, "Miss..."