Sincerity (Part One)

Neerin's pacifist stance, her imbecilic offer of gifts, and even the sword she carried-- everything corroborated her impotence. 

--and it all served to further stoke Tycondrius' ire. 

"The True Court is not your enemy," preached the lizard woman, "Accept our help."

She swung her ridiculous sword thrice more. Tycon blocked the first two and stepped in. He took an incomplete third strike while simultaneously kicking the side of Neerin's heel. 

The woman fell, but rolled backward and away. 

The creature had a surprising level of body-control, considering she wasn't in her natural form. 

"I don't want your help," Tycon said flippantly.

Suddenly, Neerin stood up straight, resting her blade on her shoulder. 

"And *you* don't want to fight me."

"I *beg* your pardon?" Tycon said, indignant by the accusation.