Ruby steadies herself on her feet, breathing heavily, grip on the training sword white-knuckle. Her head turns as if trying to look back at Valdis, but reflex has her trying look over her right shoulder. That, obviously, doesn't do her much good.

"I've been fighting ever since I was a kid. I know how to do this. I-I don't need—" She swallows, squeezes her good eye shut, breathes. "I can do this."