Aegis inhaled slowly.
She lifted a cheap rapier she'd bought in Rosevale, testing its weight. A few feet away, Rosanna watched with that half-smile that usually meant she was about to make Aegis's life difficult.
"Not bad," Rosanna said, circling slowly. "Your stance is almost correct."
"Almost?"
"Your back foot needs to be another inch to the right."
Aegis adjusted.
"Better. Now—how will you open?"
Aegis wasn't sure. The ghost queen looked relaxed, hands clasped behind her back, but Aegis knew better. She'd seen Rosanna move when she wanted to.
[Fuck it. When in doubt, go hard.]
She charged.
Rosanna sidestepped at the last second. Aegis's blade whistled through empty air.
"Predictable."
Aegis spun, slashing horizontally. Rosanna leaned back just enough that the tip missed her by a hair.
"Better, but you're telegraphing."
"G-Got it." Aegis launched an Aether Whip at Rosanna's legs while thrusting high with the rapier.
