"Thank you." Isabelle whispers, as she lowers her sword.

She looks around the arena as the Emberlight's drive drops to a low burn. Watching the random drift of debris or the silver flitting of her drones as they navigate their way back.

"And I don't mean just for yielding. I mean, for both the advice and the help." she takes a deep breath, stilling her shaking hand once again.

"You're right that these fights are about understanding. I feel like they all teach us about ourselves, in ways we could never anticipate. I ... hope I managed to return the favour a little. And I'm sorry I didn't get to understand you better ... perhaps next time. Or maybe outside the arena, if our paths cross again."

With that, she sheathes her sword and bows formally. It's possibly something that might be laughable if it weren't so sincere.

"Thank you ... I mean it.

And with that, she guides the Emberlight back towards the hangars. She has plenty to think about ... again. Before the next battle.

And the one after that - which will come whether she wins or loses.