Preparation and decisiveness... two qualities that many would attribute to good leaders, and they certainly don't hurt when you're traveling alone either. So when the footsteps near, and you leap out of the shadows to make your strike, your movements are clear and precise...<br/><br/>And thankfully, they pass well over the head of your small ally. Also thankfully, the woman's control over her blades is enough that she is able to stop her counter-strike before the heavy, curved blade of a kukri finds its way into your flesh.<br/><br/>"V-Valen!?" The woman steps back, obviously confused. "H-how in the nine hells did you get in fron..."<br/><br/>With a frown, the woman stops mid-sentence... and suddenly, you notice her take a much, much more defensive stance. IN her hands, her two blades seem to gleam hungrily... as if they're ready to lash out at any moment.<br/><br/>"How do I know you're really Valen? There's no way you could have gotten ahead of me that quickly, especially not in a straight hallway..."