Dragoncrest Cliffs it goes, it goes

Helix says nothing, and Opalia moves into something resembling a defensive stance.  His eyes eventually stop flickering between his mentor and his opponent; he's sure that no instruction will come, and it makes him nervous.  He doesn't want to look stupid, he wants to be strong and capable.  Somewhere, he understands that this is how he learns, but it doesn't make him feel any better.

It helps to imagine that the girl in front of him is not Opalia, but something bigger and more threatening.  As she is seeking his gaze he tucks his chin, and attempts to use his size to his advantage by ramming towards her with his head and his shoulder to knock her off kilter.