The blade was heavy, not that she couldn't hold it. Eithne was strong enough for that. But it felt odd to hold such a thing in her hand and actually think about using it. In the past a few blades had found their way into Eithne's hand, but never for very long. A short sword she'd taken out of the hand of a citizen who was drunk and brandishing it at imaginary tax collectors. She'd tried to use it, but found it easier to throw then wave around and quickly discarded it. There were axes, and a lot of knives. Swords that ended up in her hand were used to block or if they had a basket hilt were for punching someone fiercely. But not like this. She had to learn to use this. Not just because Vargis had given it to her to use, but because she'd known for awhile that she could not continue fighting with fists.
She was of no use in a real fight. A brawl, yes, but not in a real fight. Armas help her if she ended up in a duel. Not that she expected to find herself in a duel, but it would have been awkward with her fists. Maybe it was a sign of growing up, or maybe she was tired of that odd look she got on the battle field. It was both of those and even more then that. There was also the fact that she'd always wanted him to teach her. Maybe if she'd told him that years ago this wouldn't have been such a surprise to him. But how did someone who had a lot of pride in the way they fought to begin with ask someone to teach them a style that was obviously more powerful than her own.
She'd never tell him that, ever.
Eithne circled him, testing the weight of the blade in her hand, almost letting it go only to grip it tight again. She spun it once, but it felt.. weird to do that, she nearly dropped it. She scowled a it, before returning her eyes to him. She was listening, and even copied him for a moment, setting her feet, balance. Right. When she used her fists balance didn't matter, falling wasn't a horrible thing, but with a sword..
She glanced towards Hansa to glare at her before Eragos silenced the teacher. Eithne looked smug for only a moment.. Because Eragos ruined it all. "I've never had a hard time hitting you before." And that's when she struck, it wasn't a smart move, but Eithne couldn't help but do it. She came in and as predicted moments before, not having your footing made it easy for Eragos to deflect the attack. Again then, find your footing.
It was easier said than done.
Two more deflected and Eithne was sure she'd never get used to the weight of it, to not actually attacking her opponent. This was not going to be fun, at all.