Yeah. Yeah, that 'bruised ego' thing can be pretty brutal.

[ She's not so far up her own ass she wouldn't admit she has been served a hearty helping of Bruised Ego more than once upon a time, for sure. It feels like she opens up her mouth and something really fucking stupid comes out in front of the wrong people at least once a week, actually, so half the beating comes from herself. Real sad... she wonders if this dude's in the same boat.

But he offers introductions, and she shifts her weight a bit from one foot to the other before stretching a hand for a shake. Aside from a few still color-changing bruises, Ellie's in pretty good shape; she's used to getting knocked around, knows how to take a punch when she has to. This hasn't been as hard on her as it has been some of the others in some ways. ]

Ellie. I'd say the whole "nice to meet you" bullshit, but no offense... this kind of sucks.