Hale watches his opponent silently, mimicing his moves before looking to the stands, an angry glare cast to the royalty before he crosses his blades slightly, closing his eyes faintly as he takes a half-step back into a very rare defensive stance, most uncommen among commoners, and even moreso among nobles.<br/><br/>The style which his stance came from was rarely taught to anyone outside of royalty. A gentle flowing aura seems to come from Hale's form as he prepares himself for battle, knowing well that he would have to fight to survive this bout.<br/><br/>His ears flick gently as he hears Hannibal's words, calling out after him. "You may salute them, but I will never bow my head to that scum!"