He didn't say anything.  He bowed to her and resumed his stance.  He held his stance with his left arm behind his back and his right hand extended, fingers closed like a knife, pointing to her.  He thought of his teacher in the far east, and his lessons.  He remembered being just like this girl, full of pride and so sure of himself and his abilities.  He remembered his look of shock and awe as he saw the temple monks on his travels fighting fiercely with nothing more than their bare hands.  They were generous, but strict instructors.  Mistakes were punished then corrected.  This led to those who disliked pain, to make fewer mistakes.  He did not doubt she was well trained but she was only trained in one way of fighting.  He hoped this new style would trip her up and give her pause.<br/><br/>He was dressed in his tunic and pants with no armor.  He felt light and nimble.  Hopefully her clothes and heavy weapons will slow her down and tire her out.  He chuckled as he remembered his teacher facing off against him in the same manner, and how exhausted he was after an hour of swinging his sword and hitting nothing but air.  He took several deep breaths and went through the motions he was taught, waiting for her to attack.  All he had to do was go through the motions.  If she attacked or not didn't matter.  Either she will get bored and quit, attack and become exhausted, or get frustrated and quit.  He would not lose.<strong>"I am ready to understand you better Shield Maiden."</strong>he said as he locked eyes with her.  His face was calm and tranquil, and conveyed no clues to his plans.