[hr][center][i][H3][color=00ffff]Shieldmaiden[/color][/h3]Victoria van Dyne[/i][hr][b][Color=00ffff]Location:[/color][/b] Foam sword fighting
[B][Color=00ffff]Skills: [/color][/b]None used[/center][hr]Well, that was a bunch to unload. Victoria was initially taken a bit aback by the outburst, but it was a blessing in disguise, as she could learn so much more about people when they were out of their comfort zone than when everything was hunky-dory. Also, her choice of pretend-nationality could not be more handy right now, although she made a note to only react to what Zari said, and not to her robot companion. As Zari retook her stance, Victoria did the opposite, standing down.

[Color=00ffff]"First of all, I am sorry. I was berating myself for that spectacular failure. I was not trying to insinuate that I failed because you held some unfair advantage, but because regardless of what advantage you hold, I should not have let that happen. If I worded it poorly and made it sound like I was a sore loser, I apologize."[/color] she started.

[Color=00ffff]"However-"[/color] she took a breath, pointing to the sign at the stall, [Color=00ffff]"-the sign says 'sword fighting', not 'olympic fencing' or what have you. The way they taught me here, fighting with a sword involves more than just wielding a blade, but also grappling, and footwork, and scaring the opponent among others. It's not that I don't care, or disrespect you, but I never fought or even sparred in any other manner than full on, so how was I supposed to know you've had a different rule set in mind?"[/color]

[Color=00ffff]"Look, we're going to have to live with each other for at least a year, so I'd rather clear any issuess that come up between us. So I'll admit: I don't understand the point of it. I have dedicated myself to one thing only: To protect mankind from those they can't protect themselves from, and everything I do is to serve me on that path. To you, this may be a sport. But to me, this is [b]my purpose in life[/b]. If someone who [b]is[/b] stronger than me comes up later, what good would training with some limitations my opponent won't abide by do me then? They would turn me into a pretzel, and then stomp on a couple dozen civilians on their way to breaking the bank, because I was concerned with honor, and proper form, rather than... well... neutralizing the threat."[/color]

She took the weapon off off her forearm and offered it to Zari, [Color=00ffff]"If that's not what you want to do, I understand, and I'll get out of your way so you can go have fun doing what you like to do. And, believe it or not, I may be smart, but that does not translate into people skills, quite the opposite, I'd say. So please, if you have any other bone to pick with me, now or later, talk to me? Chances are I don't even realize that what I say or do is grinding your gears."[/color] she sighed, as that seemed to be happening quite frequently.