Alexander hoped the attempt to swallow the lump that had lodged itself in his throat wasn't too obvious; clearly, Squall was very intense about his swordwork, and Alexander was starting to doubt the minuscule amount of training he'd received in the past few years. Still, doubt bred inadequacy, and he was determined to at least do...sort of okay.

"Ready," he said, and proved to be so by taking initiative with a swing, coming downward toward the other young man's neck.