Alessia scrunched up her nose, peering over at Doran who, due to her kneeling and his sitting, was still at least a head taller than she - not an uncommon occurrence when her height was involved. She was quite short, she would admit, at the height of 5'5.5", but that was the only thing that anyone had on her. What she lacked in height, she compensated in skill.
Frowning at him, she crossed her arms beneath her breasts, her gloves brushing lightly across the glinting armor that shielded her chest.
"'Tis not wise to fool someone like myself, Sir Doran," she said, lifting her hand and flicking him in the forehead.
Raising a brow at him, she peered into his face.
"I told you. He does not believe your skills to be worthy of the Royal Guard. Do not take it offensively," she said, waving her hand at him. "He tests every person who is offered to join the Regiment, for he wishes only to protect his lineage," she told him, but her voice was a bit sour on the second half of her explanation. The corner of her lips turned down in a slight scowl, and her eyes hardened a bit.
After a few moments, she shook her head, pushing herself to her feet. Her hands braced on her knees as she rose, and once straightened, she held her hand out to help him up. Once he was standing, she went on her toes, her face near his and her eyes peering into his own. Her eyes were narrowed and her lips slightly pursed.
"I have yet to meet a knight, or soldier of any standing, such as you, Sir Doran," she said, her expression curious. Leaning back down, she began a slow circle around him. "Most soldiers with your skill level are cocky - they think themselves invincible and the most skilled of all of the warriors. You, on the other hand ..." She paused once she was in front of him once more. "You are the exact opposite. You are quiet, modest - and shy," she laughed, flicking his nose. Turning away, she brushed a few stray hairs back from her face.
The man was definitely an enigma - and she enjoyed solving riddles.
Taking a few steps away from him, she glanced back over her shoulder. "Well? Shall we? My grandfather requires a report on your techniques, skill-level, and reliability by the morrow."