(Swords and velvet sheathes and challenges that sound like come-ons, oh my!)

XD

I really must have a look at the TV adaptations—their interpretations of this scene must be interesting.

I note (but am not sure what to do with) the parallels between BCP's ring and Xrvgu'f evat

Ooh, that is a good point! A very neat bit of foreshadowing there.