Ibix is somewhat surprised at the sneaky move, holding her in place, and defends by again blocking and absorbing the blows.  As even the greatest of mountains can be worn down in time, so can the mightiest exalted body.  Ibix aches, and she can feel herself wearing down; this fight is nearly decided, but she refuses to show it.  Ignoring the pain and growing sluggishness of her body, she kicks the foot holding hers down up, throwing Ollap off-balance for her strike, she has to land this one or the fight will be over.  Her body is already slowed by the attacks she withstood, and it will not get better before the match ends.<br/><br/>"Such earthly concerns as money should be beneath the Order, however, parents pay handsomely for the tutelage of their children at the Cloister.  A slight increase in charge would easily cover any such costs.  And the noble dragon-blooded should gladly pay for such instruction, it is more valuable than what they charge even now.  By the same token, skilled workers can be hired to cope with the adjustment in finances as well, creating more employment for the lower castes.  Perhaps I can not address every problem involved, I am not a mathematician, but it should not be difficult for one trained in such matters.  My reasoning is sound."<br/><br/>Her strike aimed at the off-balance Ollap follows the idea of what is commonly termed a "suicide strike."  Putting the entire weight of her body behind a leap, she comes down with an elbow strike at Ollap's chest.  Should she connect, she will pull the punch enough to avoid breaking bone, but the strike is designed to at the least render an off-balance enemy incapable of continuing the fight.  The downside being that it leaves her entirely open to a counter in the event she should miss.  It is a calculated risk, but with her endurance waning, a reasonable one.