From Mairon's perspective, there is a huge difference between a curse and those other factors, but he is an expert both in making powerful objects and in curses. Effectively, to a human, there may not be much difference. He wants to see how the sword behaves against an actual opponent—not a practice target. Using a mortal could lead to an accident, which he isn't actually concerned about—but he is concerned about his reputation.
When she strikes, she should ideally feel a pull, an increase in speed and strength—to a degree that isn't inhuman, but is closer to the abilities of a human with extensive sword training. She may also feel a pull to fight, a eagerness for battle, but that depends on her temperament, which so far has seemed anything but bloodthirsty.
When the blade strikes Mairon, he simply—isn't there, removing himself so quickly that her blade passes through air. Even if it had struck him, it wouldn't have damaged him, but it seemed it might alarm her less this way than having to hack at him with a sword.
"And how did that feel?" asks Mairon, standing a few paces from his previous position, as calm and unruffled as if someone hadn't just swung a sword at him.
no subject
When she strikes, she should ideally feel a pull, an increase in speed and strength—to a degree that isn't inhuman, but is closer to the abilities of a human with extensive sword training. She may also feel a pull to fight, a eagerness for battle, but that depends on her temperament, which so far has seemed anything but bloodthirsty.
When the blade strikes Mairon, he simply—isn't there, removing himself so quickly that her blade passes through air. Even if it had struck him, it wouldn't have damaged him, but it seemed it might alarm her less this way than having to hack at him with a sword.
"And how did that feel?" asks Mairon, standing a few paces from his previous position, as calm and unruffled as if someone hadn't just swung a sword at him.