[i]"But you know what they say, let bygones be bygones and all that. I've never been one to hold a grudge. Just put the sword down and I won't report you to the Segaso police for assault with a deadly weapon.[/i] 

For a moment, this actually seemed like a good idea. The sword quivered ever so slightly as she considered his words. Despite her eagerness, and the potential threat he posed, there was no solid reason to strike. She had little fear of the Segaso police; the long history of peace and respect between the law and her family would play in her favor. But tainting her honor was another matter. Whoever this man actually was, Amie had to admit he was a smooth talker, and he might have won her over if he had finished speaking. But he hadn't 

[i]"I know rich folk like you believe you're above the law, but please remember the time period you live, Miss. I've done no wrong, while you've out right threatened my life like some sort of sociopath. I'm sure the authorities would just love to hear about this, not to mention the company that invited us all here."[/i]

Her head twitched and a scowl passed over her face. He was either intentionally or unintentionally taking things in the wrong direction again, and she had half a mind to believe it was the former. The tone of voice, the smile, even his posture showed a very serious lack of respect, and that is something the Jane family does not tolerate. The noblewoman in her rose up again in retaliation, and the sword returned to steadiness. Even now, though, she had no grounds to strike, and indeed it seemed as though he would leave without another word. But he didn't.

It was instinct, really. He had intended to move directly and deliberately within, and past, striking distance. She might have taken issue with the smug look on his face or the string of soon-to-come insults, but neither mattered so much as his actions. Without a word, Amie lept forward in a forward parry, feet forward, torso curled, offhand raised, and sword outstretched. The point rested perfectly still at level with the bare throat of the man (if he was a man), not half a foot away. Already her mind was drawing on her countless hours of training in preparation for a follow-up strike, tracing patterns in the air for slashes, thrusts, and blocks, along with offensive and defensive movement. A supernatural element was at play; at the very least, her foe could manipulate himself into other shapes. The golden coat of arms, hidden by the crossguard, glowed gold as she prepared to call on an armament. 

And still she could not bring herself to strike. He was, after all, unarmed. But his distance from the swordswoman was, whether he knew it or not, an informal challenge to combat. Further still, infringing on the honor of nobility is a feat not easily forgiven. He was a single step or insult from justifying her actions, and for a third time the entire confrontation could have ended without incident, had he finished speaking. But he hadn't.

[i]"Now do us all a favor, your craziness, and put the sword down. You're getting just a little bit old for cosplay, don't ya think?"[/i]

That would do. Without missing a beat, she raised her chin and responded in her coldest voice. [color=aba000]"Know your place, beast. You have slandered my status as nobility, my competence with a blade, and the honor of my family. Never has one done such a thing without reprisal. You are heretofore challenged to a duel. May you use your skill in battle rather than your tongue..."[/color]

She lowered her head and cracked a wicked smile. [color=aba000]"For I am inclined to remove it from between your teeth."[/color]

The tension was interrupted by the reappearance of the man from before, who inched his way towards them, each hand pointing palm-forward at either of them. There wasn't enough room to fit between the two, so he held his position and spoke up.

[i]"Okay, easy - you guys are going to be living at the lodge together, both of you, so can we just have a do-over with introducing yourselves, please?"[/i]

Her eyes widened, and the smile was immediately erased. A wave of discomfort (perhaps even nausea) washed over her. On one hand, it was a relief to be informed that the other party was already known and apparently not a threat. The danger posed to herself and her comrades had not been there in the first place, it seemed. On the other, it was a disappointment to be rid of a proper fight. But the prospect of engaging and killing a man (which is what he was) in the middle of a negotiation was poor behavior, and she would be hard pressed to explain why an occupant was no longer present when she returned to the Lodge. It was with a snarl of frustration that Amie sheathed her sword, returning it to its place by her side in a fraction of a second.

[color=aba000]"Very well. I will retract my challenge,"[/color] she replied, quickly folding her arms behind her back to block the coat of arms as the glow faded away. She gave Jaiden a harsh glance. [color=aba000]"It would do you well, young man, to mind your tongue and know your place. You have made your stance on my person and heritage very clear. Do not do so again."[/color]

Amie took a very deep breath and introduced herself for a second time. [color=aba000]"As the gentleman opposite us requests, I am Lady Amethyst Jane, baroness. You may address me as Lady Jane, or Lady Amethyst, though I highly recommend the former in the presence of my assistant. He is considerably more formal than myself."[/color] With great reluctance, the baroness extended her hand. Traditionally one would kneel before taking her by the hand, but she was prepared to accept that she would be fortunate if the man even returned the handshake.