[It's a question he doesn't answer, though that's probably an answer in and of itself, honestly. Instead, he's quiet for a second, trying to figure out how best to tackle this. It's no good if they start off while she's on a shaky foot - a sword can feel hesitation in the hearts and hands of its wielder as well as any person can.]

Saying something like that is a good start already. There are a looot of people who think they can just pick a blade up and that's that, but some of the most successful fighters out there are the ones that know it's a partnership. You have to be sure of yourself, or your sword will falter. Your sword needs to trust in you, or it won't perform well. An opponent with a keen enough eye can pick out insecurities in a wielder through their swordwork, you know?

[Of course, sometimes there are just... unavoidable circumstances, where even talented swordsmen and impressive blades working together well can fail, but--]

Eh... That's how it is in a lot of cases, anyway.