[i]Well this is already not going how I planned,[/i] is what went through James's head as Iava stepped right into the stone outcropping he occupied. He backed away from it's entrance as he did so, and moved around to the side to follow her circling. He thought, stupidly he supposed, that he would be picking fighters out of the small crowd left behind. He should have known there would be at least one person psycho enough to volunteer before he could have the chance. What's more, it seemed the warrior had already agreed to a team up with the two other women in the crowd. As if he already wasn't taken by surprise, THIS was certainly unusual.

        James was no misogynist. He had sailed with women and served under a female captain. Yet it was still a strange sight to see [b]three[/b] of them all showing up to the same pirate crew. Not only this, but by the looks of things they were three women more than willing to fight. How interesting, and unusual indeed. James had never expected to be the face for outlaw inclusion, but if they passed his test he would certainly welcome the feminine perspective aboard his new ship. He would have to make sure not to underestimate them, first.

       "Surely you would allow a man to draw his weapons?" He said, splaying out his empty hands to either side to show her his palms. Then, a split began to form near his wrist. Two stark white, spiked poles began extending from them. They grew until they were about three feet each. Small beads of blood ran down them leftover from the splitting of his skin. 

      Then as he dual wielded the things he crouched into a more full fighting stance. One he held forward ready to parry, while the other stayed poised by his head ready to attack. He curtly nodded at Iava, his eyes telling her he was now ready for her advance. In his peripheral vision he stayed aware of the two other women, and stayed about halfway from that entrance towards the back wall. Getting cornered this early would mean a swift death, especially with whatever ranged attacks that blood mage may have. 

       He was already formulating counter strategies based on what he already knew. In all of them, he would have to tire out Iava. No way a warrior of this caliber was going to let him take his attention off her. If he didn't pressure her hard enough, he would end up being picked apart by her support. This meant an aggressive and fast paced approach. If he could get her to slip up, he could deal some meaningful damage to her or one of the others. Now the question was how, and when.