The brutal exhilaration is taking its toll - he's relished every slam against opulent scenery that cracked it down the middle, every skillful strike that penetrated his guard - and he's not even slightly prepared. In a real fight instinct would thrust his blade through anyone who got this close, but it's one thing to know Jedao would survive that and another to really believe it in the moment.

The hit steals the last of his breath, and he's still blinking the greyness away when he realises what's happened. Both his sword and shield drop to the floor, and he shudders with the knowledge of how keenly vulnerable he is right now.

"Yeah," is all he can manage, low and rough.