"No need."

Surprise attack in limited space. Opportunities for creativity are restricted. This is a benefit. Forward lunge, turn on opposite hip. Throw right hook toward jaw. Momentum counters momentum, doubling force. Natural motion of attack carries zone out of now-shattered range of wild opening blow.

"I am simply faster."

Seize wrist, following turn of hip. Twist toward opponent's back using arm as a fulcrum. Small step forward, opposite hand on back of head. Sweep leg, guiding upper torso in grip, drop to floor. Knee on back. Hold.

"Well. This is certainly strange. The last time we met as I recall you demonstrated remarkable combat acuity. Not only was your form precise and worthy of copying, you understood within a single exchange that further dueling was pointless. I have you written down in my notebook and everything as a woman of intelligence and talent."

Secondary lunge inevitable. Shift weight to twist arm, stop short of dislocating shoulder. Press knee into center of back and apply full weight. Press her to the ground again, more forcefully this time.

"By comparison this is the work of a starving dog. What could have... aha."

Eclair releases her assailant and lifts her up onto her feet. As she turns, her tail flicks the leg of the stool/battering ram/makeshift shield and knocks it up into the air, if only slightly. She extends her leg behind her and juggles it until the legs are properly facing the floor, and sits her new guest down on it even as it clatters onto the floor. 

She takes three steps toward the kitchen. She makes no even vague concessions toward her own defense. This is no longer a puzzle of battle. It's not a fight of any kind, even if she's attacked again: it's is a mystery.

"Owing to the... spectacular nature of your entrance, I would estimate I have between seven to ten minutes before a local response reaches this place. As such I must be gone before then. So you will forgive me if I skip straight to the conclusion without offering supporting suppositions."

While she says this, she prepares a cup of green tea. There's being in a hurry and there's being [i]rude[/i], and one is not an excuse for the other.

"Princess Heron is gone, isn't she? She has left Thellamie entirely and will not be returning. That is the reason for your... downturn, is it not? How long has this been the case?"