[ that would be a great suggestion except: ]

Have you ever tried that? It's like he has eyes on the back of his head. He always knows when someone's coming.

[ stupid gary stu protag powers. :/ but with chances of a nice spar gone and her jealousy still bubbling around inside her, she takes a seat on one of the blankets instead.

maybe she can drill this guy for info instead... ]

So how long have you been fighting with swords anyway?