Anna and David met in July of 2021 at the Madison Fencing Academy. As the club's COVID closure ended, fencers were welcomed back to the strip with masks on at all times. Anna had fenced for several years in high school, but had yet to join a club since moving to Madison. David has been fencing continuously since undergrad and had just joined the club prior to COVID. Their bout started as all fencing bouts do, with a salute and friendly nod. No one remembers who was the victor of that initial bout. But the fury of slashes from the Zakas blade left a mark on David's heart...literally, she is very violent on strip. It was David who kicked off their next 'bout' by asking some delicately phrased questions afterwards. He started his action with a feint "What do you like to do for fun?". He expected her to 'parry' his action with the classic 'riposte' "My boyfriend and I like to...", but he was elated to hear nothing of the sort. He continued his action with "What kind of foods do you like to eat?". Awaiting the 'retreat' from Anna but was delighted to hear her response of "Sushi!" - which David has come to learn was a lie and she is just ok with sushi. Touché. David 'fleché' straight to the point and asked her out. In a moment that was very 2020, Anna and David did not know what the other really looked like at their first date. They had only seen each other in fencing gear and in facemasks, so there was a bit of excitement getting to meet outside of that setting. David arrived very early, but so too did Anna. Which started an awkward moment of Anna waiting outside the restaurant for David, and David waiting at their table inside. Eventually they figured it out and enjoyed their evening together. Their dating continued over the next few months, but they both agree that the fortifying moment came on their trip to House on the Rock. To those that are not familiar, this is a surreal experience that forces couples through an ever increasing descent into madness and kitsch-horror which tests ones endurance and emotional resolve as they proceed through yet another room of antique doll collections and self-playing orchestral instruments. David was unaware of this when he invited her, but Anna was game to get another opportunity to hangout with him. Through the haunting cries of youngsters whose parents realized all too late that they were afraid of clowns and the mounting hanger that was building, Anna and David laughed as they circled the maze of a museum for over 3 hours. Over a greasy burger at the nearest possible restaurant they both realized that if they can make it through that without incident, they just might have a shot. The rest was history. Anna and David bought a condo together in Fitchburg in August of 2023 and have lived happily together ever since with their new dog Chewbacca.