Umbra clicked her tongue, her expression perfectly frozen as she examined the situation. Humans weren't supposed to have those kind of reflexes. This was a veritable monster of the spear, to have dodged her trick shot. [i]It's never easy, isn't it?[/i] The elf knight lamented the fact she had this kind of annoying braggart as opponent of the Roses. Tyaethe seemed to be holding back, even, but Umbra's fingers were tense.

Oh, well, she had at least flushed the mercenary's merry band out of cover and into the open. This could be somewhat manageable, still.

And then one of her own knights literally exploded on the man-giant. Only to be in turn set ablaze by an elf. Her gaze sharpened. The golden, aristocratic features, and mannerisms denoted a High Elf. Talk about a high-profile mercenary. She was wondering what kind of band of freaks was that mercenary company. Yet, it was of no concern. This was an opponent she couldn't take lightly, or refuse not to fight. So, she readied her bow once more, and unleashed a supression arrow aimed to knock off the staff of her opponent.

"Sorry friend." She added as she whispered on the stag's ear, jumping swiftly out of it and urging him to flee for his own safety. She couldn't bring such a creature to strife.

<"Hey. Why don't you pick an opponent of your caliber, you High sow."> She allowed herself to mutter in the ethereal language of elves, although her words were crude, as she swifty put away her bow, drawing her swords. Umbra, or rather Gwathneth, readied her body. And then she unleashed her speed, becoming a brown and silver blur that approached her target at inhuman speed, faster than any human eye could hope to follow. The well-crafter twin swords became silver trails as they rained blow after blow on the mage's staff, hoping to suppress any kind of spell and counter whatsoever. Perhaps this was one of the few fights the elven knight could hope to have the physical strength in her favor.

[hr]

Nero looked at Sult. Sult looked at Nero. Both shrugged. There had gone the mission out of the window. Sir Gillian had exploded, and that mercurial weird mercenary leader most certainly didn't help. "Alette. Nasty piece of work she is." Nero allowed herself to mutter her own thoughts, as she drew her sword.

Only to notice Sult had drawn hers in unison. Her eyes narrowed. Both performed a couple of swings. Both swings were the same. "Huh, when was the last time we were this synchronized?"

"Fourteen years ago, I think." Sult voiced her opinion, thinking on what to do. She eyed Nero. Nero once again eyed Sult. Both girls gripped the reins of their steeds, as they called in unison.

"Sir Indraaau, what shall we do? This is looking scaary!!!" The said, to the elder knight. Perhaps, just perhaps, waiting and seeing before launching a second wave would be wise.

[@TheFake]