"Oh, so [i]that's [/i]how it is!" replies Isabelle, grinning as she parries another swing of the spear. It's impossible to keep the teasing lilt out of her voice as she processes this new information.

"So, what stage are we talking about here - checking her out every time you two work together? Long-distance pining? Or have you two kissed yet?"

She pays attention to the Ginger Tiger's movements here, seeing for which guess is the one that causes it to slip up. Not because she cares about the fight ... she just [i]really wants to know.[/i]

"Seriously though, I'm glad to hear you've got someone like that. In your life." she continues, blade sparking from another strike. Parry. Lunge. "I mean - I know just how lonely it can get ... in a tournament like this, it takes you away from other things. Your life ends up in this ... cycle of preparation, recovery and the next match. Over and over."

"Finding someone you can just [i]be [/i]with. Who you can share a coffee with on a hard case or a difficult project. Who supports you, gives you an outlet. Listens. Whose presence is just ... comfortable. Or maybe comforting is the better word? I don't know."

"That's pretty special. So, if she's still out there, think about how you can get to her."

Isabelle twists out of range of a slash.

"You should really ask her out, if you haven't already."

Her manoeuvring jets blast white fire as the Emberlight sidesteps and leaps forward.

"The response might surprise you - in all the good ways."