Nodah's eyes narrowed into a squint at Desdemona's words, recognising a prideful tone. [i]If she imagines me easily vanquished in battle, mightn't it serve my interests better to play the image?[/i] he thought, removing the squint in exchange for a wane grin, and bowing his head. [color=00aeef]"May he, or she,"[/color] he agreed. 

[color=f49ac2]"After you have confirmed the opponent whom you will be facing, please make your way over to the designated training rooms. Be sure to have your identification necklaces ready - they will need to be scanned in order for you to proceed."[/color] Nodah waved a hand forward. [color=00aeef]"After you,"[/color] he said, and waited for Desdemona to begin moving first before he fell into loping step beside her to the training rooms. 

They came to the quickly-growing line for the doors. Nodah stared at Desdemona, molten hazel eyes peering down at her, assessing. When they were at the front of the line, Nodah gestured for the demon to step through first, before he promptly followed, only to find himself alone in a hallway that seemed to lead on for eons. [i]If I were to walk this path,[/i] he thought vacantly, [i]where might I find my journey's end?[/i] He scanned his student identification, the miniature eagle pendant winking dully in the dim light. [color=6ecff6]"You may proceed, Nodah Listig."[/color] The walls of the far-stretching hallway dissolved to give way to a room that seemed suitable for combat, and Nodah stepped in, looking around to find Desdemona already in the room. 

He closed the door behind him, and it slammed with finality, dissipating as well. [color=00aeef]"It appears nothing lingers long here,"[/color] Nodah said to no one in particular, walking the edges of the room, fingers forming depressions in the foamy walls that bloomed full with passage of time. Would the same hold true of the feuds and bitter defeats they stood to conceive here? He turned on his heel abruptly, to face Desdemona. [color=00aeef]"You seem intent on winning,"[/color] he said, indicating Desdemona's competitive streak. [i]It is as shallow as the oceans[/i], was his wry thought. [color=00aeef]"I take it you came to Rosewood with ambition in your heart."[/color] A [i]Why?[/i] dangled precariously from the tip of his tongue, but he clamped his mouth shut before it could fall between him and Desdemona. Prod a vessel too relentlessly, and you risked it imploding. Nonetheless, the unsaid question invited her to answer.