[...He didn't go for it. She's only minimally disappointed, though-- both her teacher and experience taught her that not all opponents will take the shot, but she still likes to try regardless, for the few that will get caught. And besides, she has no time for more than that really, with Conrad's sword coming down rapidly, so her grip twists to bring the end of her staff up in a quick swipe to knock it to the side. It's not as solid or neat as she'd like, but under the circumstances...]
Kh--! [A faint sound escapes through her gritted teeth on its own, and the same second she feels the weapons connect, she backsteps. Immediate proximity is no good for her to stay at, her weapon needs more space... and so does she to speak, without worry of getting a swift attack to the face] I guess to begin with-- I'm frustrated with myself... my ability to see others for what they are. How I perceive them.
[Not that there aren't other people being a factor, and rightly so, in this, but she feels this to be most of the root and it's good to start there]