All right, he'll take an identical staff. He's not expecting miracles. Most of his outward confidence in this class is a hollow front, which everyone should know by now but what's the alternative here, lying down and sniveling about it? He would just really like something to click. Would also really like to give Trilla a bloody nose as repayment for what she's going to take out of his hide.

If she gets some practice in then good for her but there is no room for altruism here. He holds his staff up defensively. His actual stance isn't that bad. He has his eyes fixed on Trilla, just waiting for her to make a move.