He moved to block, so she followed through, though perhaps she should have pulled sooner since she still landed a blow, however slight. Valdis retreated several steps, setting position, still facing him.

"It's threatened Devin, you know," she replied, "He's far too stubborn to back off, and he has certain powers he can use, but you...you are far softer. If it leveled the same threats against you, what would you do?"

It was less a test than sheer curiosity, but she glanced at his arm when he rubbed it.

"I didn't hit hard enough to do more than bruise," she said, "If that."