[ And surprise again when he complimented her, that actually got the woman to turn, that serious and almost sober moment of contemplation worlds away. Swept aside with a genuinely jovial smile. ]

I'm glad you think so. So did you—

[ Shifting her weight to one side, however, she gripped her elbows in her hands, her smile turning almost challenging, punctuated with a sigh. Loaded. ]

But do you have to be so rough when you fight? There is such a thing as care and finesse you know.

[ She's a lady not a cleaver, thank you! Terrible associations aside, you really should be more careful! ]