Ideally. [Then, with a rueful smile,] Shame that this other Master's tactics give the impression that she won't negotiate nicely.

[Or maybe he could be wrong about that woman. But how else should he interpret that challenging call other than serial killer tactics? There's a reason why that story about a serial killer having their romantic interest attending two funerals exists.]

I'll keep that in mind. That said, avoiding open combat doesn't discount ambush tactics.

Dare I presume you're better equipped to handle an endurance match as opposed to a powerful burst attack?