Such observations are more readily made in combat, [he says, gesturing with a flat hand at nothing in particular — more to the outside world, where there's often more strife than peace.] For instance, does a fire within one's eyes signify enjoyment of battle, or fury at the circumstances? Does something sadistic hide within each thrust of a blade, or is it mere survival? Are the blows swift and painless, or meant to lacerate without cessation, only for the enemy to bleed out?

Were the mutual enemies here removed... would we find ourselves at the end of one another's blades, I wonder?