Open Stupid Blade

[Banir Ironwood]

Taking both his arms he reached towards the sky, he groaned as he heard his bones make light cracking noises. Groaning gently he let his arms flop to his sides, rolling his head around twice he gave his back a final stretch then slammed his left fist into his right armoured hand. Letting his bladed fingers slowly settling over the back of his hand. Pleased that she had agreed to a spar. He didn't know much about how to use a sword, but he did know how to use weapons. As to his eyes everything had the potential to become a weapon. All you had to do was pick it up, block hits, and strike when there was an opening. So long as you knew how long it would take to swing, its weight, and where best to grip it. Nodding at Vaspira he took a few long long and deep breaths. "Its fine, if you where afraid. But if you want, to become a fighter, you have to withstand, the intimidation of, another. Otherwise half the fight, is already lost and, you may as well turn to, flee." He took a moment, this was a small lesson he had learned himself.

Though Banir was big he had gone up against opponents who where much bigger. And although this had nothing to do with sword play he still thought it would be important for her to know. With another breath he began again. "If you fight through, your fear then your, opponent lacks an, advantage. Intimidation is meant, to make themselves, seem stronger. If you let them seem, stronger then in your, head you'll become weaker." Gathering his breath again he looked at her, he hadn't addressed her lack of manners yet. Namely because to him it seemed like a response she had chosen while scared. He felt fear only to the thought of harming friends. Especially when he was lost in his rage. Then he had no control, his full force of strength was out. When he berserked he would break bones, end lives, and injure himself simply to land a single hit on an opponent. He felt a shudder crawl up his spine, and he realized it was time to get to work. Looking at his armoured arm he raised it up and looked at the bladed finger tips. He flexed his fingers then poised them, the metal rattling lightly as the sharp edges caught the sun. Looking up at Vaspira his eyes now a red with bits of happy yellow.

She said she wanted him in full force, well if he did go full force on her chances where he'd end up fighting for real. And regardless he'd have to go easy, if he didn't this spar would turn into a fight. And he wasn't looking to hurt her. Though he honestly didn't care she was a woman, to him everyone had a right to be a fighter. So long as they had the drive, the will, and where prepared to get hurt in the process. And she didn't look very strong to him, Banir's body was built for strength and fighting. He could recognize strength, Izurdin willing he had lots of strength. But what he saw on her, he doubted she could do much. However he couldn't vouch for what lay inside the Kelvic. He had yet to see if she had the will, the spirit to fight.

He kept taking his long and slow breaths, he was going to be working his body hard and fast. Preparing his body for the coming physical exertion and his little speech on rules. "Alright in this case, I'll lay down some, ground rules. Not hits to the face, or 'sensitive' areas. Next, when I say hold, you stop what your, doing. You stay silent, and listen. I don't know a lot, about sword fights, I'll admit I'm not, the best teacher for, fighting. But I can recognize, openings you can, exploit on a persons, body." He took a moment and rolled his shoulders groaning gently as the heavy armour moved on his person. "I can show you these, openings but it will be, up to you to recognize, and use them. The use of the sword, will be your problem, if you can't swing, fast enough or you, can't handle it properly. Then you'll do what, I like to call, do or die. Either learn it or, fail and lose." Not much of a teaching method but it was how he had learned when fighting with his dad. Though 'fight' was a lose word when he was really just trying to survive another fit of rage from a superior fighter.

"Here I come." Was all he said, he then leaned forward, his toes bent and launched himself at Vaspira. His arms swung on his sides, his eyes analyzing his opponent. Finding several open spots to strike he figured he'd start off with something she most likely wouldn't have seen before. Now was the time for action, he had talked a lot, even fro his average day he usually didn't talk this much. His throat was sore but still he managed to give out a loud practically feral scream of rage. Though it still remained firmly in place it would be a good chance to test the woman. See if she would flinch at the sight of a large man running at her full bore while screaming in anger. The distance was closing and fast, his right arm poised with a fist of blades, prepared for a strike to her face. Once he was in close and willing to wagered her full attention would be on the greater threat. His bladed arm he coiled his left arm back preparing for a punch to her side, right in the kidney. Chances are if she had any instincts she'd use that sword of hers to at least try to block the blades on his hand.

[Vaspira]

Vaspira was surprised when her started talking, he talked more than she would of thought he was. But he mentioned a lot of points that actually sounded a lot like her problem. She started to mull what he said over inside her head. With stand the intimidation of another, fight through your fear, She heard all that he said, but those were the main points that seemed to stick out. The Jamoura intimidate her, she tried to fight through her fear, but it had such a grip on her at times that she couldn’t. She was ashamed of this, since she portrayed herself even in human form, as a fierce confident predator. A light blush splayed across her cheeks at her own embarrassment.

She didn’t want him to see her scared; she didn’t want anyone to see that side of her. It was humiliating to show one’s weakness. She could only hope that he never used that against her. As she was thinking about these things, she kept her eyes locked on Banir’s, and they started to do something weird. The red changed somewhat, his eyes were still red with yellow flecks. That was really odd and intriguing, she must figure that out. She couldn’t help but wonder if it was magic, if so she wanted to learn it.

She abandoned her thoughts as he started talking about the fights. She put the rules to memory, no hits in the face or..sensitive..areas, and to stop when he said hold, do or die. She was about to ask him a question after she made herself remember the rules. Before she could ask though Banir’s huge body came towards her at full force, his bladed hand directed at her face. Her eyes immediately turned to little slits as she zoomed in on his movements, her body became tense for the impact.

She swung her gladius blade up, that was more of a short sword, to meet his bladed fingers. Turning a little to put her weight into it, so she did not get knocked down, hopefully. She blocked his bladed fingers, but his left arm punched her where her kidney was. The pain exploded inside her, she could not help the little gasp of air that came out with the pain of the contact, which quickly turned to a growl. Vaspira gritted her teeth, taking the pain, rage erupting inside her.

She forced her weight to try to knock his bladed fingers up, and while they were slung up in the air she would punch him in the spleen, located on his side, while having her blade hand ready in hope that it would help counterattack. Banir was intimidating when he moved to attack, not that much when he was just standing there, his height was intimidating, but when he moved in a fight one could tell of the experience his body screamed. But she tried to do what he said and fight through that, and pretend she was stronger. She didn’t know if her heightened sense would help in the spar or not though, but she would keep them open and alert just in case.

[Banir Ironwood]

Banir was a thick and burly young man. His mixed blood of half Isur granted him some amazing physical properties. Thick muscles and skin with bones far more dense than a humans. And since he had been training his body he was all the tougher for it. When Vaspira had pushed his bladed hand back he was a little surprised to feel her counter strike to his kidney. Pain surged in his side but he was quick to ignore it and even faster to react. Using that same left hand he drew it to about mid chest height on her and then used his strength to push her back. She wouldn't leave the ground with the force but he had put enough to make sure there would be some distance between the two.

With the distance Banir backed away to reassess the situation. She had done well with the frontal assault. For an armature to fighting at least, she was doing well. He wanted to test her a little more and he examined his surroundings, when he first saw it he didn't think he'd end up using it. But that dummy did have the highest chance of keeping Vaspira on her toes. He walked over to it and grabbed its base. Pulling with his might he ripped the peg from the ground. Using both hands on the base of the dummy he held it like a blacksmith's striker would hold their sledge hammer.

Quickly he started to get his foot work going, circling around Vaspira as he prepared for the next wave of his assault. Though he had no idea how to use a sword he knew how to use a weapon. And as he circled around he got the feel for the weight. Figuring this would be a weapon that was slow to swing he'd have to put a little more effort into its motions. And as the dummy of wood and straw dangled lightly he made horizontal sweeping motions with it. With an idea of how it worked he figured it was time to strike.

With this in mind he ran at Vaspira again and raised the dummy diagonally over his shoulder and brought it down with as much force as he could. The extra force would compensate for the fact it was a slower weapon. Though its actual impact wouldn't case much harm it would have enough force to push someone sideways. He made sure to use keep the dummy at a height she could still dodge, in case she wanted to run away.

[Vaspira]

Vaspira could not help but feel a little proud of her at what she done. She did not think that she could do it, but she managed it. Confidence blossomed from the pride, but was quickly poisoned by the iron blow. The pain erupted underneath her breast, making her lose her breath as she was shoved backwards. Vaspira wheezed and cough for a few seconds, as she watched him go over to the wooden log dummy, plucking it easily from the ground. Her eyes widened, thoughts ran through her head as to what he intended to do with the thick piece of wood, and how he was able to lift the heavy dummy so easily.

Banir circled her slowly; she planted her feet firmly into the ground, not giving up that easily. She remembered his words about intimidation and knew that he was using that against her now. Vaspira was angered that he knew one of her weaknesses, and was exploiting it. She could not blame him though, a person should use all they have at their disposal to defeat their foe. Though it still hurt her for some reason, as she thought him more kind hearted than that. Vaspira shrugged it off as the bulky man made of iron came at her full force, swinging the dummy in horizontal motions.

Her brain worked fast, and realized that since it was winter, there was snow on the ground, which equaled slipperiness. She ran towards the iron bull coming at her, dilating her eyes to give her an advantage. Moments before they collided she slide to the ground, sliding underneath the dummy in a limbo type fashion, with her blade raised over her face, it barely missing her nose. The blade on the other hand made contact, and some of the wood was chiseled off. Vaspira did not realize how sharp the blade actually was until a piece of thin wood hit her person. She quickly came up regaining her feeting, and not taking time to assert the situation she striked out at the back of his left knee with the sole of her foot. Vaspira wobbled a bit on her feet, since this was a new form of combat to her not waiting to see if it affected him. Quickly glancing around her ran towards some rocks, lifting one of the smaller ones up, about the size of her palm maybe weighing 5 pounds, and chunking it at the man. She was aiming for his head, but she did not know if that would make contact, since he was aware of his surroundings. Banir did say face, but he did not say the back of his head, there was a difference after all.

Vaspira quickly observed the rest of her surroundings, holding the short sword firmly in her frozen hand, lifted slightly in the air.

[Banir Ironwood]

Banir watched as Vaspira evaded his broad swing, she had done as he anticipated and had taken the opening he had provided. His body strengthened itself, his muscles flexing as he prepared for a counter attack. The dirty green trench coat lined with fur was not just meant for the winter. It was thick and hardy and unless you knew where his legs where it'd be hard to hit them from behind. However she managed to strike the back of his knee and got some of his calf, he went to a knee. Rather than stay still though he launched himself forward, he tucked his arms in still holding the dummy. Putting his chin to his chest he land more on his back, allowing him to roll forward and back onto his feet. His body primed and ready for assault. Though what came his way was not what he had expected. A rock was flying through the air, this time he could actually react as the larger and slower moving object sailed through the air. Letting go of the dummy with his right hand he reached up. This was going to be close, and very painful if he didn't catch this thing. He managed to get his clawed armoured arm up, and was spreading his fingers out. The rock neatly flowed into his grasp and he wrapped his fingers around it. His arm recoiled and the back of his armoured hand almost hit his face.

With the rock dealt with he tossed it aside, much like his own foot steps the rock made a solid thud on the ground. Even with the sheet of pure white snow covering the ground the thud was good and loud. Banir grabbed the dummy once more and charged at Vaspira. Another shout meant to intimidate, though this time it actually sounded like a little bit of real rage had seeped into it. A few feet away Banir planted a foot and swung with all his momentum, as his body quickly turned he let the dummy fly from his hands. The large wooden practice dummy flew freely spinning in a large and wide arc, Banir started off with a run again. His breath still in his regular control as his body moved in for another attack. The Surge hit him, his muscles tightened and strengthened, his breath drew a little faster, and his body could work harder. He called it the Surge, though its real identity in the world of science was adrenaline. And as it hit his system he moved in to make a solid hit on Vaspira's person. She needed to realize in a combat situation you needed to be ready for anything. And with the dummy providing a perfect and rather alarming distraction. It gave him the perfect chance to move in from the side and strike.

She was standing in the small field of rocks which meant less mobility and a stronger hazard for falling. Unless they where both careful here someone could end up with a trip to the healer. Banir had fought in winter conditions twice in the past, though admittedly once was while he was lost in anger. And he had no memory of what he did when he went into a rage. Though the other time was more a lesson and spar than anything. Though he had also walked the streets of Avanthal many times. That didn't make winter fighting any easier, all he needed to do was secure his footing. The moment she dealt with the dummy he moved in. Charging forward he brought his arm across his chest coiling his muscles he loaded it with a good deal of strength. It would be enough for a human to deal with, block or redirect. After all this was meant to spar and teach. Or at least mostly, the moment that her blade would make contact with his armoured arm he took a longer breath and spoke. Trying to be louder than the clang of metal upon metal. "Hold!" His damaged voice shouted, his red eyes gleaming back into Vaspira's blue eyes.

[Vaspira]

Vaspira watched in awe as the man threw the stone to the side, as if it were a small pebble, making a loud thud on the frozen ground. She did not have much time to react to this however as the burly man was on his feet, with the stump dummy in his grasp once more, charging her. His shout of rage shook seemed to shake the earth around her, making her flinch for only a second. Then Banir stopped planting his foot in the ground, swinging the dummy and releasing it. It came soaring at her at full force in an arc. She quickly knelt down and dodged it as it hit the stones, bouncing off and soaring off out of sight. Then the man started to run again, as soon as the dummy left his hands. Vaspira barely had time to react.

She swung her short sword up to meet the strength of his run, blocking the tackle as the blade hit the metal of his arm. Sparks flew off the contact, and slid Vaspira back a few steps, stumbling slightly at first then righting herself. She raised her hand in a small fist, ready to react, but then he screamed HOLD! and it made Vaspira stop what she was doing. The first lingered in the air for a few seconds, as she stared into his red eyes, a predators furry dancing in the depths of her blue ones her pupils becoming little slits, as the fist dropped casually to her side. The sword was still against his metal arm, and they were face to face now. She could see his breath coming out in small white puffs in the cold air; his body seemed to steam when the heated sweat made contact with the frozen air. She could smell is breath on her face and she wiggled her nose, much like a rabbit would, staring him in the eyes, trying to control the heavy rise and fall of her chest.

Yes? Vaspira simply asked, emotionless in the tone of her voice as well as her face as she stared down her prey that she was sparring with. The only other person she had attempted to train with was Ximal, but that was awhile back. She used her agility against him, but he still overcame her. These burly men had a weak spot, she knew they did. If she sparred with them longer she would discover that weakness, and she would use it for her advantage. Besides, that wasn’t mean, they were used to being superior, and it would be a nice shock for them to be taken down a notch anyways. A small mischievous smile crept upon Vaspira’s pale cold lips at that thought, as she waited for Banir to explain why there was a need to hold the progress.

[Banir Ironwood]

Banir looked down at the smaller woman before him. He was taking in his breaths quite a bit faster. The stop in their spar was a good break for his lungs to get a little rest as his breath returned back into a steady pace. Noting the fact she would have punched him before he said hold. But he wasn't shouting hold just so he could get an advantage in a fight. No he actually had something to say, making sure she kept her stance the paused as he needed to collect his thoughts into words. Expressing himself verbally was something he wasn't very good at unfortunately and as the words formed in his head he reached over with his left hand. Taking a large breath the spoke freely. "Your doing a good, job so far for, an amateur. Rather than going for, a direct hit you've, been avoiding my attacks, and striking from blind, spots. That's effective when your, opponent may be limited, by their size like, a Jamoura. However right now I, just want to say, you have a few options open."

He needed to take a pause as he felt pain flaring in his throat. As his graveled voice settled and he felt he was able to continue he did. Taking her wrist he held gently but with enough force that she'd follow his movements. "You see because I, rely on both my, weight and strength a, direct block like this. Would be very hard, for someone like, you to block. Rather than just putting, your blade like a, shield you should, focus more on redirecting, it." Taking her hand he made sure the blade was angled backward and slightly away. "You'd want two hands, for this as it, will steady your blade." Drawing it along his cold iron armour as he leaned into the blade he demonstrated how it would redirect his strike. "Fighting with a blade in, only one hand offers, you a free hand to, counter. However your defense will, suffer greatly. When in close quarters, dodging and evading, becomes far more, difficult. Alternatively, putting two hands on, your blade will increase, your defense and make, your attacks a lot, stronger. As you can put more, of your strength and weight, into a strike."

Banir stepped back and gave a slower demonstration of how his arm would come in and the deflection would assist. Then he did it again a little faster and with some actual strength behind it. Pausing on his last one with his final follow through he used his left unarmoured hand to show her a large opening on his side. Banir needed a small break but with his left hand he demonstrated how the block would quickly offer an opportunity to counter. "This is a rather, obvious move considering, I know it and I, have no training with, a blade. But still if your, up against someone or, something that only has, limited knowledge and no, real fighting experience. Then this move could, help you out a, lot. Because once you move, their attack away then, it leaves a large, opening. Like on my right, side. Aim more for above, the hip. Its where the flesh, is softer and will, cause the most damage." Banir patted his side with his left hand as he stepped back. His red eyes slowly changing as a bit of calm white crept in on the edges. Those red eyes rimmed with white stared back at her. As he caught his breath again and put his left hand under his scarf to massage his throat he looked at Vaspira. Trying to see if she understood, she looked like she did but it was always good to check. After his hand was done beneath his scarf he withdrew it to his side once more. Taking another breath he let out his gruff voice once more. "Do you understand, what I was trying, to teach you? I may have, miss communicated, on my part."

[Vaspira]

Banir inhaled a large breath before speaking, making Vaspira wonder if he was tired. She quickly answered her own question though, there was no way he could be tired just yet, it was something else and it poked her curiosity once again. Vaspira stood perfectly still, holding her stance as she listened to each word Banir spoke carefully. When he said she was doing good for an amateur she could not help the small half smile that crept on her face. Then he said she had a few options open.

He took her wrist and started to show her the movements as he spoke. He angled the blade backwards and slightly away, saying that it would have been better to redirect then block the attack, and demonstrating the maneuver. Vaspira appreciated the fact that he took the time to actual show her the move, rather than just tell her. It was easier to learn what was being said, with visual assistance. Vaspira could not help the small smile that appeared on her face, when she started to understand what he was saying. She did not think she would catch on to what he was saying so quickly, and was proud of herself for actually understanding what he was saying.

When Banir patted his side with his left hand, showing her the weak spot on people she committed that fact to memory. It was good information to know that people with so much muscle and strength actually had weak spots on their person. Sure Vaspira knew the weak spots existed, but she did not really know exactly where they were. Banir stepped back and his strange eyes changed slightly, Vaspira taking note mentally of this fact. His left hand traveled underneath that white scarf, moving in a massaging motion of his throat. Once again Vaspira’s curiosity was perked and she could not help but tilt her head to the side slightly, wondering if the man was okay. He said no face shots.. Vaspira repeated that rule in her head, as she wondered what was wrong with him, and if he needed to stop sparring. When his hand withdrew from his scarf, he spoke once more, asking if she understood what he was trying to teach her, as he may of miss communicated the lesson.

Vaspira took a step back, examining the man’s face once more, pausing before she answered. She did not mean to seem rude, but she could not help but wonder what was wrong with him. Her flaw was being impulsive and curious; it tended to get in to trouble or situations that were awkward to say the least. She knew she held these flaws, but she could not control what she said next, what she had to ask.

First, I want to know if you are alright to keep sparring? You were massaging your throat, and I do not want to keep going if you do not feel up to it. Secondly, what is up with your eyes, they keep changing slightly? Vaspira gave him a warm smile, her voice coming out like warm honey, smooth and liquid.

She cleared her throat and continued on before he had time to answer, that way if he did not want to answer the personal questions, they could be forgotten. Lastly, I think I do understand what you are saying. Although using one hand keeps the motions fluid and helps leave one hand to counter. Two hands are better used against someone… of your size and strength, because then it puts more of my weight into the block, becoming more effective. If I use two hands to block, I can jab my knee into the soft spot of the individual. Surprising and shocking them with the unknown blow, leaving yet another opening to deal yet another attack. Vaspira nodded her head, beaming a smile as she assumed that she understood what he taught her, at least she hoped that she understood.

Vaspira’s free hand started to play with the ends of her long dark hair, a nervous habit, as she cleared her throat once again casting her eyes on the ground. If you would of told me rather than showed me I do not think I would of understood what you were saying completely… So… Thank you for taking the time to actually show me. Vaspira kept her head down, playing with the ends of her hair waiting for the man standing before her, with the strange eyes and the strange white scarf to answer her back. She said a lot and asked personal questions, that she hoped would not make the man mad, or be considered rude to him.

[Banir Ironwood]

Vaspira seemed a little distracted for a while, she was walking around and staring at him. It made him feel rather uncomfortable, he was used to strangers being around him but his was. Well weird was a pretty good way to summarize it he had to admit. Looking at her his eyes turned at darker red finding this a little irritating as he kept his eyes glued to the girl. Was she taking this seriously or was she just petching with him? Regardless he was wondering if she was even listening to him. Shifting his weight slightly he tried to keep himself looking respectable or at least like she should take this a little more seriously. After all fighting was a life or death situation. You shouldn't take it lightly, it was fine to enjoy a good spar or a hard won fight. But death is always present on a battlefield. Snapping his mind to the present he looked down at the girl again, her dark locks around her face. And her feline blue eyes, definitely a Kelvic. Maybe he needed to explain it a little more thoroughly, as he understood most if not all Kelvics had trouble learning something. However when her mouth opened he listened. The first feeling he had at her sentence was a little insulting, all he did was rub his throat. Just because his throat hurts a little didn't mean he needed to sit down like an old man without breath. However what she said next was a little more hurtful.

The eyes in his head where one of the few marks to prove his Vantha heritage. One of the few connections he had to a mother he had never been able to meet. The only thing he had of her, was her eyes, the ever shifting colours that displayed emotion. The only medium to express himself to the outside world from behind his armour of hood and scarf. Though after this she did manage to remedy his feelings a little. Knowing that she wasn't just toying with him and that she had paid attention to what he had said. That rather than just moving around like a dunce she had been thinking. It also filled him with a small amount of pride and a feeling he was unused to. First that he had managed to teach a Kelvic! Pride beamed at the thought. Though the second was a feeling and not a thought, it was nice. Like a warmth in his stomach that seemed to spread. He only really felt it when he was satisfied with his hunger or he had a nice dream the night before. Pleased? That sounded right but he was still unsure. Regardless he was feeling better now, his eyes shifting from a rage reddened curious orange. To something with gentle bits of happy yellow against the usual red backdrop.

His mind focused back on her questions and her statements. He was unhappy with her second question as it came off a little rude to him. Not to mention they where in the middle of a spar and lesson. Disclosing personal information and gaining said information shouldn't be a priority right now. Regardless he would have to answer. He had talked a lot before so unfortunately she would have to live with the short answers he gave her. He'd need a drink at Garth's to soothe it before day's end. Taking a large and long deep breath he focused hard on making words into sentences in his mind. After a moment or two he was ready. Looking at her the flecks of yellow faded into red rimmed with a calm white once more. "I am fine to, continue. Do not worry about, my well being I, can take care of, that on my own." He paused for a moment letting his words sink in. Aligning his next sentence he spoke. "As for my eyes, I was born with, them. They are from my, mothers blood." Another small pause as he thought once more. Taking another long breath he began again. "I'm glad you paid, attention to me and, didn't let your mind, wonder. As for my, teaching style. I learned mostly, through doing and, seeing. I figured it, was the, best course, of action." He paused again, it was getting harder to talk as pain burst into his throat again. Closing his eyes he focused hard. He just had a little bit more to say and then he was done. Just a little bit more. Taking another breath he rolled his shoulders, the guards atop them clanked lightly. "Right, lets continue on, then."

[Vaspira]

Once again his eyes changed color, making a marvelous display of orange and flecks of yellow. This really amazed Vaspira at how he managed to change his eye color. Once his eyes came back to rest on her, they changed back to red though, making her feel slightly uncomfortable at the change. Though the way it happened still amazed her.

After a few moments of silence, Banir finally spoke to her, telling her he was fine to continue, that he could take care of his own well-being. Vaspira’s brow furrowed, she wasn’t trying to take care of him as if he were an elderly man, and she just did not want this man to become hurt in the spar. She was trying to be thankful and kind, but it obviously wasn’t getting her anywhere, so she made a note not to attempt kindness again.

He paused for a moment and then told her his eyes came from his mother. What a wondrous thing! He must not be completely human after all, like I assumed… Vaspira abandoned the thought when he said for them to continue with the sparring.

Vaspira felt like her kindness was a waste with him, yet maybe he took her questions the wrong way, so she said what came to mind before she prepared herself to spar again. ”I like your eyes. They are a wonder to me. You are lucky to have such special eyes.” Vaspira smiled warmly, then stepped a few paces away from Banir, who was ready to continue so she didn’t expect him to respond anyways.

She stood with her feet slightly apart, and her short sword held in both of her hands, she kept her body loose and fluid, ready to dance with Banir in the spar. She looked upon Banir with her feline eyes, a predator’s gaze penetrating his red one, Attack me. She was ready to learn, she craved to learn more.