Silas stood against the Shielded orc giving it a bit of time trading blows trying to tire the wounded beast out but being careful not to overwhelm it and send it into a rage. As the trade went on Silas saw the Orc's wound starting to weigh it down and when Silas saw his opening he locked the Orc's sword and twisted it around to disarm the orc. Without its weapon the Orc attempted to shield bash Silas which was exactly what Silas had wanted as he sidestepped the attack and kicked the shield away. Unarmed the Orc now tried to tackle Silas, but he just used the Orc's rush against it using its own momentum along with his own strike the cracked armor shattering it. After that move Silas was quickly able to finish the Orc off by slashing it deep in the chest and dropping it ti the floor before thrusting his sword through its neck.

With the Orc dispatched Silas once again cleaned his blades not bothering to check on Odessa as he heard her orc's death screams. Finally with a moment to breath Silas gave a look around and assess the battle, But things didn't look good many of the Militia had fallen in the battle and although their numbers finally outnumbered the Orcs the militia was tired where the remaining orcs were fresh and ready for combat. The Militia wouldn't stand up against to another wave and Silas knew it. "Ladies go help those who need it. I need to find a way to end this battle..." he told the two of them seeing there were still some small skirmishes going on and the two could be helpful. And almost as if on queue Silas saw a orc running back into the group and not much after the Orc Captain exposed himself from the Orc ranks. At the same time a falcon started to circle Silas before he stuck his arm out for the bird to land. The bird carried a note

"Commander, I hate that we would meet this way but I have arranged for the orc leader to meet you in one on one battle. Should he be beyond your skill know you have a guardian angel watching your back
- Stefano Di Lucca-"

"Alright I'll take your challenge, Pull back Boys let us see what kind of Champion these puny humans can put before me!" The Orc yelled. And those of his Orcs still fighting disengaged as they were ordered. The Orcs then started to make a ring as to take the challenge chanting "Carthurg!" in order to cheer on their chieftain. The Semi Circle would block any shot Stefano was thinking to take. "Now come let us see just which one of you will come and face me!" the orc yelled out. Silas grinned a bit as the Orc yelled out. "I guess I should thank this Stefano when this is over." Silas muttered to himself before stepping forward "Our Champion would be me, I'll face you and finish this battle." Silas yelled out while cracking his neck and preparing himself for another fight. The men of the Militia started to move forward completing the ring leaving a bit of space between them and the Orcs. Silas gave a stretch and let out a big breath. "Just like old times I guess." Silas said watching the Orc prepare itself for battle. Soon the two start to circle each other watching sizing up the other, "Well then lets start our dance shall we?" Silas said as he started to move forward, and the orc gave a roar twirling its axe and charging in itself.

Stefano smiled as he saw his plan coming to fruition, his attitude changed when he saw the crowd obscuring any clear shot at the orc leader. "Well this complicates things..." he walked towards the dueling circle, trying to find a good shot when he saw Ojan and Ulri and his mind switched to more... lucrative ventures. "Boys! How would you like to help your dear uncle Stefano make some coin?"

"Ya ya heard, put ya coin in the hat! Fifty fifty chance of profit! Five coin goes to Stefano! The rest to forune and maybe back to you!" The twins want through the crowd silently getting the soldiers attention and collecting their bets. Few soldiers had the money yet a large those that did bet with gusto. It wouldn't be the largest payout Stefano had ever seen but with the mandatory buy in and as long as his champion won... He looked at his own beret, the pool for those who bet on Silas. "I've won a fortune on you before l, Silas Rose. I hope you won't let me down." he and the twins approached the dual. Unable to see the action over the larger man and orcs.Umm... Ojan? Can you give me a boost?" the man smiled as he one else down so Stefano could sit on his shoulders like a child at a fair.

Stefano had his arqubus strapped to his back. Should things go south he was ready. As he sat in the best seat in the house he saw the mysterious dancer off in the crowd. He yelled after her "My champion! Would you like a box seat to the dual of the century? I seem to have a extra twin with a strong set of shoulders!" Ulri rolled his eyes. "Would you like a seat miss?"
@13org

Aimée watched amazed as the colored guy dealt with the orc archers. He didn't look or acted like a soldier. But he had the experience of someone who was no strange to the battlefield. He moved with confidence as he intimidated one orc, sending him running back to his commander and finished off the second one. Sure, he was lucky that the orc didn't realized that his weapon was unloaded, but the way he held his ground on that moment wasn't something that everyone could do. Aimée was getting more and more interested about the weird group of soldiers she stumbled upon.

After the colored man wrote something on a parchment and sent it to their commander, the battlefield changed quickly. His quick thinking in challenging the commander to a singular duel probably saved their lives, seeing as the orcs would easily best them if they sent all their army.

"Alright I'll take your challenge, Pull back Boys let us see what kind of Champion these puny humans can put before me!" The commander yelled, as the orcs formed a circle, chanting and cheering their commander.

Aimée was still rather preoccupied about the situation when she heard the man calling her.
"My champion! Would you like a box seat to the dual of the century? I seem to have a extra twin with a strong set of shoulders!"

"Would you like a seat miss?" One of the twins asked, looking to her.

"My my... Your silver tongue and your sharp mind have just completely turned the tides of this battle!" she said to him with her hands on her waist.

"Such a strong man as yourself wouldn't be bothered to help a small and fragile girl, would you?" she said to the twin, winking to him as he extended his arm.

Gracefully leaping on the man's shoulder, she sat on his biceps, almost like it was a chair, dangling her legs innocently.
Although she looked pretty calm, she still held the ring blade on her arm, the silk strip wrapped on her hand, ready to throw the weapon and defend herself.

"Aren't you worried about what will happen after the duel? If we kill their commander, the others may get out of control, and losing is not an option if we want to stay alive."

"You still haven't told me your name, colored man." she said, looking to Stefano.
"I'm Aimée, but everyone calls me Lala."
"I was going to your camp to hear stories about battles and what happened with the blackstone fortress. Although i may be too early to hear stories about the battle, and instead ended up participating in it." she said, sticking her tongue out playfully.

"Anyways, I know you said that it would be a duel, but i want to celebrate and have a big party after this. Any plan in mind if things start to go bad?" she asked, getting the ring blade and reflecting the sunlight in the orc commander's face, hoping to help their champion.

"It might be a good idea to call all our allies to discuss a plan while the orcs are entertained with the duel though." She said, whistling to call the others nearby.

"We should be near our allies. Especially due to the fact that the our troops are already tired from the previous battle." she said, still concentrating in using her ring blade to reflect the sunlight on the orc commander's eyes.

@Cuddle Pot

"Aren't you worried about what will happen after the duel? If we kill their commander, the others may get out of control, and losing is not an option if we want to stay alive."

"You still haven't told me your name, colored man." she said, looking to Stefano.
"I'm Aimée, but everyone calls me Lala."
"I was going to your camp to hear stories about battles and what happened with the blackstone fortress. Although i may be too early to hear stories about the battle, and instead ended up participating in it." she said, sticking her tongue out playfully.

"Anyways, I know you said that it would be a duel, but i want to celebrate and have a big party after this. Any plan in mind if things start to go bad?" she asked, getting the ring blade and reflecting the sunlight in the orc commander's face, hoping to help their champion.

"It might be a good idea to call all our allies to discuss a plan while the orcs are entertained with the duel though." She said, whistling to call the others nearby.

"We should be near our allies. Especially due to the fact that the enemy greatly outnumber us." she said, still concentrating in using her ring blade to reflect the sunlight on the orc commander's eyes.

Stefano answered her second question first, "I am Stefano Di Lucca, and I am honored to make the acquaintance of one such as yourself Miss Lala. But on to business, your very right. The key to a successful hunt is understanding your prey." he said studying Carthurg and his cheering horde. "These savages outpower us and are fresh as a daisy, yet if our dear commander can triumph the orc may be cowed into retreating. Yes..." he stroked his chin in concentration, "Yet Silas cannot simple win. He must dominate Carthurg, humiliate him! Yet above all else Carthurg must not survive the duel and the orcs must not suspect treachery. Otherwise they will cut us down regardless. If Silas is doomed I will shoot down Carthurg. I trust your swiftness will have no trouble navigating this crowd. If he still lives I need you to retrieve him. The only thing that could hurt the mens morale more then seeing their commander lose is watching him get cut down. Now we need someone to hold the orcs at bay if things go wrong while the rest of us retreat to go wrong..."

He scanned the crowd and his eyes settled on a knight in full battle armor. "There! the knight, the men should know to trust a figure like that! Now we also need someone to watch our retreating forces. How about..."

He scanned the crowd until he settled on two women, one wearing a strange fox mask, "Those two! I saw them go to the commanders unit. The men will associate them with leadership." at this Stefano pulled paper from his pocket and wrote a letter to the women for Drusilla to carry.

"Miss Lala would you mind carrying our plan to that knight? In my experience men of honor find me... displeasing." he asked the dancer, "Unless you have a better plan? I'm making this up as I go along and am of course planning for failure."



@13org @Lyla @SimpleD @KaiserFranz

---

Jehan's breath was heavy, his body tired, his mind troubled. His armour was a bloody and dirty mess and his visor remained open, giving him the ability to breath full breaths of air, filled with the stench of battle. He readied himself for the final waves, but no more waves came, no all out charge that would finish them once and for all. In truth, it was unexpected but he was thankful for it. Perhaps there was a chance to leave this hellish battlefield alive. He heard shouting down the line, from both sides of the battlefield. He couldn't make out the words but it quickly became apparent that it was going to end with a duel. Jehan was unsure of what he felt about that. On the one hand it was possible, and if what people said about orcs was true; it might even be worth the risk. Yet, on the other hand, it could be a trick to break apart their battleline. Or when the duel was finished, no matter the end result they could be charged, run over, killed.

As the militia finished the ring, Vincent and Adrian among them, Jehan moved back, to just behind where the line of battle had been. It was not difficult to find Henri's body. With a heavy sigh he went down to a knee next to Henri's body. The wound was mostly hidden by the aventail that the orc's brute strength had broken through. Though from what he could see, it seemed deep wound; deadly in fact. Johannes had tried to stop the bleeding but, as the corpse was proof of, failed. That such a young man could contain so much blood, and lose it all so quickly. Not only bled dry of life, but his future, ability, personality. In death, Henri's face looked calm, content, untroubled. Only the patches of drying blood on his face told another story if one could only see the face. His eyes also, told a story of death. They were open, glassy and empty were they had once contained life and energy. Jehan reached out and closed Henri's eyes with a gauntleted hand. He collected Henri's sword and returned it to the young man's scabbard, then stood, knowing he should probably watch the duel.

Sonya

Sonya returned the nod to Odessa, though the mask may have have prevented her face from showing emotion, her body visibly relaxing as the current threat was dealt with. Avoiding the sight of the Orc’s grizzly demise, Sonya returned her attention back to Silas only to catch him deliver the finishing blow to the final Orc of this wave. The sounds of battle began to settle into a brief reprieve as the other groups finished off their Orcs as well, only to be replaced by the cries of pain and mourning, interspersed with the occasional strike of steel as scattered individuals finished their own skirmishes, belaying the fact that this wave had been far more costly to the gathered militia. As Sonya let her gaze sweep across the frontlines it was apparent that many of the militia were fatigued, and the lack of energy was allowing their morale to seep away and plant a seed of despair.

’Even with our numbers, if the Orc’s charged with all their remaining forces I don’t think enough have the nerve to hold, knowing what might await them’ Sonya thought grimly as she let her eyes drift to the fallen on the field of battle, none of the deaths having come easy or painlessly. As Odessa and Sonya regrouped around Silas, his words indicated that he no doubt understood the situation even better that Sonya did from his previous experience. “Ladies go help those who need it. I need to find a way to end this battle...".
“I will try to help all that I can, hopefully there will be enough time before the next clash” Sonya replied, though she had a few questions for Silas, if he was to think of a plan to bring this battle to a close he did not need to be distracted. Turning to Odessa instead she suggested ”We should try to find the wounded before they bleed out of their injuries become more severe”

Weaving amongst the different groups, Sonya found various wounds across the different militia members, some far more threatening than others. Though she did not wish to pass over anyone’s injuries, she was forced to help those who were the most wounded first. Back at the front-lines, Sonya could hear various shouting from the Orcs side of the field, yet there was no deafening charge of the approaching horde so perhaps there was a different development on the field Sonya briefly wondered before forcing the thought away, there was more important things she needed to focus on.

Reaching into her supplies, she removed two strange bottles filled with a greenish liquid. Glancing at Odessa she handed one to her as she explained it purpose ”It’s a rather basic healing salve, mostly herbal in nature, but one of the ingredients reacts strongly to magical energy. It won’t regrow limbs or reconstruct broken bones, but it should stop any bleeding and accelerate the skin growth over the wounds. You just need to apply enough to barely cover the wounded area and imbue the liquid with your magic to start the process.” Sonya explained as they continued to weave through the crowd before admitting with a hint of nervousness ”..Although I’ve only ever tried it with my water magic, hopefully the arcane magic works just as well

Opening the other vial of the salve, Sonya caught a young man with a large gaping wound to their leg, though the limb was still attached the amount of blood that was spilling forth and pooling to the earth below was not a healthy sight, as the man’s ashen face attested. Moving over to the man’s location she nodded to one of his comrades that was helping him stand up ”I’ve been sent to offer aid to those that need it, could you place him on his side so I may treat the wound?” Sonya asked, her voice carrying enough to concern to ward off any questions. With the full extent of wound then revealed, Sonya gave a grimace behind her mask. The flesh and artery had been cleaved which explained the copious blood flowing from the wound. Quickly taking some of the salve, Sonya gently rubbed it across the length of the wound, the salve creating a sticky thin film-like layer just above the surface of the skin and blood.

Next, Sonya placed her hand just above the wound and channelled her energy into the substance, the salve beginning to grow a luminescent green that was faintly noticeable even in the direct light of the midday sun. Sonya continued to pour her energy into the salve until a critical point was reached, the salve giving a quick glow before its edges began to meld with the flesh alongside the wound. Removing her hand, Sonya quickly looked over the area, the salve having solidified and made an artificial skin for the moment and preventing any more blood loss. Additionally at its edges the salve still glowed green as its energies encouraged the skin to regrow at a visible, though still slow rate. Giving a soft sigh, Sonya smiled beneath the mask, the wound would be closed within the hour rather than what would have no doubt taken days. Looking to the patient’s face, though still pale from the blood loss, it was no longer troubled and almost had a look of relief.

”You wound should be fine for the moment. Though you can move it, be careful of anything strenuous as it might re-open the wound once more” Sonya cautioned as she looked to his comrade that had been watching the process and requested ”Would you be able to send anyone else who needs aid this way or inform me if there’s those who can’t be moved? Having a common location will be more effect than random wanderings

Over the new few minutes, as the circles for the duel formed and the two champions prepared for combat, Sonya continued to treat those that were brought to her position. Looking at the two combatants and noticing Silas in the ring against the Orc, she could not help but shake a feeling of doubt of whether Silas could really do this. Even though she had witnessed his skills in battle, this Orc Chieftan seemed a league above what they had faced already. Turning to Odessa Sonya asked ”Odessa, would you be able to handle the wounded for now? I know Silas is skilled but, I can not bring myself to simply watch as he fights for his life. The Orc’s from earlier never realised what was happening with my magic, so they won’t suspect any interference as long as I keep it subtle”. Though she had asked, there was a strong determination in her voice as she was rather set on helping out Silas.

As the two combatants began to circle each-other, an ominous breeze began to pick up across the battlefield, brushing past the fallen and living alike. Unlike before which has been a slight gust of air, this was a stronger almost natural breeze that followed from east to west, Sonya pouring more magic into this casting to prevent any suspicion if the event was to localized. Additionally, while her position at the pack, while it was difficult to see everything happening in the arena, Sonya had other methods she could rely upon. Each time the wind rushed over an object, Sonya could feel the way the wind had to flow around and across the surface of each blockage in its path. This ‘sensory feedback’ allowed her to get an approximate position of both the combatants and their current actions, but would once again be more taxing on her.

Having to maintain her full concentration on this more powerful spell, as Drusilla delivered the note she was forced to let Odessa receive it. Despite the focus that was required, she was curious of its contents and could not help but ask “What does the letter say?”

Odessa nodded when given the command, but quickly looked to Sonya as she took charge, smiling slightly as she again nodded quietly. "Just tell me what you want me to do.." she replied before Sonya handed her a couple bottles. As the process was explained to her, she didn't seem phased, having heard magic being used in similar ways before and following after her companion. She decided to watch how it was done before she tried it herself, kneeling next to one of the wound and giving a gentle smile. "Just stay still.." she urged, pouring a thin amount of liquid over an injured woman's shoulder. Taking in a deep breath, she started to pour arcane energies into the solution until it seemed to burst to life - more so than Sonya's own magic. It almost seemed aggressive in a way, forcing the woman to wince, but at the same time the healing seemed to be going noticeably faster. ".. I guess it might sting a little, but will heal a bit faster," she explained, patting the soldier's back reassuringly.

Standing up, she looked over to the masked woman again, listening to her idea. Her eyes turned back to the crowd, causing her to purse her lips in thought. "I don't blame you.. I'll keep healing while you help him," she said with a nod, urging Sonya to do as she wished. Kneeling down again, she started to heal a third party when the bird came with it's message. Odessa quickly finished the application and unrolled the letter before slowly standing and glancing up to Sonya. "They want to make sure we have an escape plan and.. they're asking us to lead the men in retreat if things go sour.." She rolled the letter back up and looked to Sonya once more, mentally debating with herself - while she normally wasn't inclined to take charge, especially with someone she may have some interest in, she felt she needed to step forward if for just a moment.

"Sonya.. keep doing your thing, but let's wander over and see what we can figure out, hm?" She smiled, just enough to cause her companion to relax, before marching over to Stefano and Aimee. The crowd was sure in force by now as the orc chieften and Silas circled one another, the orcs snarling and cheering on their leader while the militia did what they could to recover, while a decent amount of them huddled around as well - all watching with baited breath. Finally making her way to the the pair riding the shoulders of the twins, "that's not a bad plan." She waved the letter in her hand. "Though.. knowing tribal culture, Silas will likely be seen as the Alpha and they'll back off.. besides that, we should think on how to rally everyone if things go into chaos - as unlikely as that is." Odessa quietly wondered if the two would even understand where she was coming from. Many times in the past, she had misunderstandings, as she often thought a lot of things and would forget to explain every detail.

Silas and Carthurg clashed in the center of the makeshift arena and Silas made the first move a horizontal slice from both sword each coming from a different side. As expected Silas' attack was easily deflected by Carthurg who let his shield take the blow before sending a cleaving slash at Silas. With quick footwork Silas hopped back to avoid the attack and tried to strike back at Carthurg's exposed arm. Again Silas' attack was blocked as Carthurg brought back his axe to catch Silas' swords. Carthrug then threw his shield forward trying to bash Silas with the wall of steel.

But Silas saw this as an opportunity jumping up and using the shield as a spring board to back flip away from Carthurg while at the same time pulling two of his throwing knives and letting them fly. One of the knives harmlessly bounced off of the metal guarding the Orc's right shoulder but the second knife found its mark piercing the orc just below his left collarbone. Carthurg gave out a grunt of pain as the small knife had somehow pierced down to its handle, Silas would have to thank Sonya for that little bit later as he could still feel her magic helping him along in the fight, But the Orc soon pulled the blade out and returned it in kind back at Silas who had just landed.

Acting Quickly Silas deflected the blade not wanting to dodge it and send it into the crowd of Militia behind him and close behind the blade was Carthurg himself making a powerful swing at Silas with his axe. Able to bring up his blades in time to block the attack, things weren't going as Silas wished as the force of the hit sent him tumbling sideways. Silas landed in a kneeling position catching Carthurg's falling axe with his twin blades. In a battle of strength it was clear that Cathurg had an edge and at this point to the onlookers it would seem that Silas was losing handily in this fight. But he still had a few tricks up his sleeve.

Carthurg was pushing Silas back his axe blade inching itself toward Silas' face but with a quick flick of his wrist Silas was able to knock the blade away and in that moment he leaped forward driving his shoulder into Cathurg's gut lifting the orc up off of the ground and throwing it flat onto its back. There was a hollow thud as Cathurg landed on the floor and the blow itself shook the orc. But instead of continuing his attack Silas stood his arms raised walking the arena floor as the Militia troops cheered for their champion. Cathurg was slow to recover but when he did the Orc was angry and he was done playing.

"that's not a bad plan." She waved the letter in her hand. "Though.. knowing tribal culture, Silas will likely be seen as the Alpha and they'll back off.. besides that, we should think on how to rally everyone if things go into chaos - as unlikely as that is." Odessa quietly wondered if the two would even understand where she was coming from. Many times in the past, she had misunderstandings, as she often thought a lot of things and would forget to explain every detail.

Stefano smiled, glad the girls had got his message. He was about to respond when the two Silas and Carthurg charged one another and the duel began. He watched with baited breath as the two warriors battled. He watched in admiration, "I think I bet on the right mark..." Stefano whispered to himself.

He admired the strategy behind Silas attacks. He could tell he had assesed himself and his foe, and like any good hunter, he had adjusted his fighting style. He had a moment of panic seeing Carthurg's axe inching toward his face, he reached for his arqubus only to see his commander rush the orc to the ground.

He finnaly addressed Odessa, "Truly miss I highly doubt our assistance will be needed yet should things go south, I need you and that fox mask lady to pull us out of here, I would suggest gathering some men to help the wounded. Then if you hear a gunshot or the orcs raging you'll know things have gone wrong hopefully that knight over there can lead the brave in a defense. I'll need the folks you gather to carry the wounded while you watch their flanks. Though... I've watched this Silas fight before. He seems to have a nack for defeating difficult foes."

Aimée Bellerose

"Stefano Di Lucca..." she repeated his name, looking at him curiously.
"You are a mysterious one, Mr. Stefano. Especially with the noble name." she said, continuing to watch the fight, apparently entertained by it.

"Oh, and don't worry about it. If things start getting bad I can go in and out very quickly. Although it might be a little hard to move fast while carrying an unconscious person, so i'll try to get there before anything happens." she said, dangling her legs excitedly while watching the fight. She seemed to be very entertained by it, as her expression and cheering obviously showed.

"Show him to not look down on humans!" she yelled, cheering Silas. Although she had heard Stefano's plan, which was noted by her reply shortly after, she was obviously entertained with the fight as well. As the time passed, the girl's quirky personality was even more evident. Although she had a very beautiful figure, obviously using it together with her charm both in her dances and on her somewhat flirty personality, she is also unexpectedly ingenuous and innocent. She was almost like a teenager, dangling her legs on top of the man's shoulder and cheering while watching the fight.

When the orc swung at Silas and he fell on his knees, Aimée let out a girlish yelp, covering her mouth with her hands.
"You can do it, just hold on a little bit more!" she mumbled, still covering her mouth as the orc pushed Silas back under the weight of his axe and his strength. She was almost holding her breath watching that scene.

Just as Silas threw the orc on the ground, getting up and walking around the arena triumphantly with his arms raised, Aimée jumped on the man's shoulder excitedly.
"YEAAAH!!" she yelled very excited, jumping up and down in the man's shoulder.

"Miss Lala would you mind carrying our plan to that knight? In my experience men of honor find me... displeasing."

"Sorry... I forgot we are actually in a battle." she said, jumping out of the man's shoulders.

"Thanks a lot, you're a real gentleman." she said smiling.

As she walked towards the knight though, she saw that not everyone was as happy as her. It was a battlefield after all, even if she had forgotten about that, others had not.
The knight was standing in front of his fallen comrade. It seemed rather inconsiderate and disrespectful to interrupt him while he said his last farewell to his friend, and as such, Aimée waited patiently.

"I'm sorry about your friend..." she said, awkwardly. "I... wish I could do anything more meaningful than just say that..."
"We... need to get together with the others to discuss what are we going to do regarding this situation." she said, delicately grabbing his hand and escorting him to Stefano.
"I know that things aren't always as happy and exciting as I make them look..." she said, obviously uncertain on how to act on that situation.
"He must have been a good person to have such a loyal friend. When this is over, I would love to hear his stories. If you don't mind telling them, that is." she said, with a gentle smile.

@Cuddle Pot @KaiserFranz

Sonya

Sonya nodded in appreciation as Odessa took over the healing duties, even if was for a good cause there was a degree of selfishness to her actions. Though her attention was focused on the duel, she would let it wander back to her surroundings for brief moments so she did not miss when Odessa had finished reading the note. At the centre of the action, Silas and Carthurg were already trading blows as the steel of both weapons clashed against each other. As the wind whipped across the crowd and around both combatants, Sonya quickly learnt that this Orc had earned his place as the chieftain. Unlike the orcs from just minutes ago, the strength behind Carthrugs blows was enough to force its way through the opposings winds, slowly his strikes only a fraction.

Her mind was snapped back to her surroundings as Odessa’s soft voice reached her with "They want to make sure we have an escape plan and.. they're asking us to lead the men in retreat if things go sour..”. Sonya gave a curt nod in response, still keeping her mind focused on the battle she could only briefly consider the implications of the note. ”It’s a negative line of thought, but best to plan for the worst and hope for the best”. She responded as Silas managed to force the Orc to overextend allowing Sonya to seize the opportunity. Though her magic was unable to challenge the Orc’s strength directly, she could instead have her winds throw their weight behind the Orc, causing its motions to unbalance it more than expected, and amplifies Silas’s own strikes, as the zephyrs managed to gently guide one of the small knives deep into the Orc’s flesh.

Odessa’s voice rang out once more in comforting tones to capture Sonya’s attention "Sonya.. keep doing your thing, but let's wander over and see what we can figure out, hm?". Giving a brief nod Sonya paused for a moment before reaching out and taking Odessa’s hand and asking in a quiet voice that was just loud enough to be heard over the surrounding uproar ”Would you be able to lead the way for me? I will struggle to pay attention to both the battle and my own surroundings while in motion”, not even the mask being enough to mask her embarrassment at having to ask the question, her body language giving her away.

As the two made their way over, Sonya thankfully for the Odessa guiding her through the crowd, she was able to keep her attention on the fight, a knot forming in her stomach as Carthurg and Silas engaged in a test of strength. Even with the winds behind him Carthugs strength was monstrous enough to be overpowering for Silas, but his experience pulled through as Sonya watched in amazement how he disarmed the attack and landed a counter to the giant Orc. Catching snippets of the Conversation between Odessa and the man called Stefano (or at least she hoped it was, there had been far too many names and faces to remember in the short time they had been together), she decided to mention the work she had done earlier to the both of them ”Actually, I had discussed some tactics with Silas near the start of the battle and made some preparations. With a few moments of concentration, I can flood this dry dirt with water and replacing the solid ground with a thick layer of marsh-like mud. We could use it either to escape or prevent anyone from fleeing, though given the amount of magic I would have to imbue into the ground I won’t be able to define the borders of its effect very well ” she explained as her eyes never left the scene of the duel, her voice a dull neutral tone as all of her attention remained on helping Silas for now.

---

Jehan was just about to turn when Aimée spoke up behind him. He did not recognize the voice. He half turned to see who it was and realized that nor did he recognize the person. He looked Aimée up and down and decided he could not quite tell what she was doing on a battlefield. He seemed to consider for a moment, then he inclined his head ever so slightly, "Me too." he said softly, turning back to his squire.

When she grabbed his hand, he half turned again to see what she was doing. With the barest hint of a frown he watched as she moved, then came to a quick stop with a slight tug at his arm, Jehan not having moved from where he stood. He simply looked at her until she let go of his hand. It fell back to his side with the clink of metal on metal.

Was that pity? Was this woman giving him pity? Her face, voice and words sure suggested it. Jehan could admit the loss, and the pain it caused him, but he would not have the pity of this woman who did not even fit in where she stood. "I can tell you his story in a single breath" Jehan said hotly and faced her fully. He took a new breath and took a step forward, "He was born, he squired" he began, voice rising with every word, "and died!" he finished with another step, forcing Aimée to either take a step back, or stand uncomfortably close. He glared down at her, his face an angry mask. He raised a finger at her, "Don't give me or Henri your pity" he hissed. Without another word, he shouldered past her, moving towards the ring of orcs and men, his anger clear in each step.

The short walk cooled his anger enough that by the time he reached his gathered lance who were watching the duel it was a slight annoyance. "Charles" he said flatly to his coutilier. Charles looked at him with knowing eyes, but did not say anything. "Ready the lance to move at a moments notice" Jehan ordered simply, knowing that even if his lance could move at once, the rest of the force would never be ready so quickly, even less so with all the wounded. Charles nodded, "As you command" he said easily. Charles waved to the rest of the lance, which got them moving. As Charles started moving away, Jehan spoke again, "And Charles, ready the horses... Just in case. You, me and Johannes." That made the man smile softly, "Gladly" was his only response, knowing exactly what was referred to.

Jehan did not follow the rest of the lance, but turned to watch the duel, if only for a bit.

@13org

Odessa let out a sigh as she studied Stefano, glancing at the on-going battle between the chieftain and Silas - she was impressed as the others, but she had already been in battle with the man, so she was a bit more familiar with his level of skill, so her focus was elsewhere at the moment. Looking over to the side at the supposed knight that Stefano had mentioned, she pursed her lips in disappointment as the man yelled at the woman (though she couldn't make out the words) and marched over, ordering his own people to make preparations. 'For hell's sake..' she muttered mentally before her attention finally made it to Sonya as she explained the tactic once more.

Straightening her back, she quickly realized no one else was going to take command of the situation (in Sonya's case, incapable of it). "All right," she spoke pointedly. "Keep an eye on Silas just in case something goes wrong. That's your focus. Sonya, flood the fields between us and the orcs if that happens, but keep your total focus on helping Silas right now.. I'll round up the men and get them ready to move on at a moment's notice.. but we'll need that flood - since I'm unsure if the knight is willing to brave his lance for the people's defense.." She paused, shrugging to the pair. "Maybe he will, maybe he won't. Anyways, keep your focus and let me worry about the wounded." It felt a tad unusual, but Odessa fell right into giving commands, despite that she didn't feel like she should have to. To add to it, she trusted Sonya probably more than she should, but she had a keen feeling Sonya knew how to take care of herself in her absence - she only hoped that the masked woman wouldn't take this sudden turn of events as her breaking her promise.

Regardless of her feelings, she left Stefano and Sonya to their tasks while she quickly started to call able men to her side. Taking charge, she ordered them to start gathering all the wounded while still treating them as best as they were able - explaining that this might turn into a retreat. Stefano's observations seemed right on the money, as many of them started to respond to her as if she were in a leadership role, having seen her fight alongside Silas - the champion who was fighting for their survival.

---

The scene after a battle had a rancid, formidable feeling to it. There were bodies all around the war-torn battlefield, although not the worst Amare had seen in a while, it was certainly no different from any other battle. They were always miserable sites and something a man could never scratch from the confines of his head. It is one thing to hear about the glory of war, so often romanticized and full of tales of valiant warriors who fought honorably, though another to witness it first hand. It was a surprise to see young men so eager to watch more bloodshed.

It was as if war were a game for some of these people, he thought almost disdainfully. The fact that the orcs haven't bothered to try and overwhelm their army for the sake of a dual, originally proposed by one charismatic man named Stefano was already something he found odd. All the while most went to see this blood sport. Amare himself had enough of watching anyone fight, or of battle as of right now. Most times in his short career as a mercenary company member, most men would rather spend time either blinding their fear and anguish with a rather large concoction of ale or spend their time in solitude though this battle was technically still underway and would have to be solved among the two leaders of both armies for now.

Amare had no interest in the duel, especially when seeing Jasper take the excruciating four inches of steel in his belly. It made his stomach turn just thinking of how a man could withstand such pain in order to save a life of a man he knew no more than for two weeks. He felt guilty, almost unworthy of being saved by such a man. The ashen-haired mercenary's eyes lowered, his breath also heavy from exhaustion. Knowing the old man was being cared for by a medic, Amare sought the opportunity to help gather the wounded with several others. Better make myself of some use, he thought as he and several other men did as they said, leaving the medic who helped drag Jasper out of the field of battle occupied.

---

It took a while to decide on where to put the wounded, there were arguments among the men that didn't last very long when they came across a spot just outside the battlefield, a lightly forested location among the beech trees at camp. One-by-one all of them gathered whatever soldiers left alive they could to this site with a grand total of 30 wounded along with 7 dead and 5 in critical condition. Jasper was the last to be taken by Amare while the other men guarded the wounded at this newly founded site. As he walked towards him, Amare saw that the old man was still being treated by the medic he saw before.

"How is he?" Amare would've thought that he was a regular medic on the field of battle, but the way he was treating the old man, the way his hands were shaking, the nervous and concentrated look on his face projected a sense that he perhaps knew Jasper. He was tall and lanky, with long legs that sprouted from his thin body, his face long yet fairly shaped with a long hooked nose that complimented his western appearance. He had deep blue eyes and was neither handsome or hideous, though carried on a face of both amity and humility in his young life and wore light leather armor similar to Amare's. The medic turned and exchanged a quick glance with the ashen-haired mercenary before turning back to Jasper.

"I'm not sure as of yet. You fought alongside him, didn't you?" His voice was bitter as the young man responded, his humble appearance beginning to turn to annoyance and anger. Amare could almost tell that there was a sharp tongue waiting to prick at him "Shouldn't you be watching the dual along with the rest of this lot? You can leave my father and I in peace." He said, aggressively.

"He saved my life, I think I should feel considered." Amare justified, surprised that he had never met his son in the two weeks he spent here.

"Well, I don't know if he'll make it. He is unconscious for now, I don't know when he'll awaken again. If he does..." He responded, his voice transitioning from a bitter, defensive tone to a more solemn, saddened one as he put his head down. Amare took the opportunity to look at the old man's condition. There was blood soaked rags that helped stopped the bleeding which were wrapped around him, though took in a considerable amount of blood that even Amare, with what little he knew about healing spells, knew that there was no healer that could help this man's fate. The cut was probably five inches long from what Amare could guess, and probably will kill him. He did not want to think about it for now and he assumed neither could his son.

"Jasper fought well, a soldier who was as selfless as he was valiant. There is no shame in the way such a man died." Silenced followed thereafter, Amare thought the young man was not in the mood to hear anything that could be mistaken for pity. "A few fellow in-arms have gathered the wounded back towards the camp if you would like to join u-."

"Thank you." The blonde man nodded with sincerity. "My name is Luke, my brother is out watching the duel, though knows nothing about what has happened. In the meanwhile, you and I can take him the old man back to camp." Luke added, before reaching in his bag for a blanket to help carry Jasper. Luke moved Jasper on his side and placed him atop the blanket before Amare helped his lift the heavy old man. "What is your name by the way?" Luke asked.

"Amare Internellis." Replied the mercenary as they walked towards the camp site.

As the Militia made plans for survival after the duel the Orcs chanted and cheered edging on their Chief to fight harder. And soon enough the few moments of silence in the make shift arena ended as Cathurg had gotten back to his feet ready to fight.

Again Cathurg was on the offensive furiously swinging at Silas pushing the warrior back. Silas had tried to block the attacks but that attempt had left Silas down a sword as the force behind the blow shattered his weapon. Feverishly parring and moving back with his remaining sword Silas had made a mistake, he hopped back and hit the wall of the arena, and not the wall he would have liked either, giving a bit of a cry of pain as Silas felt a small dagger bury itself into his back. Worse off Cathurg was not stopping his advance, Silas dove forward to avoid Cathurg's axe and in a bit of poetic justice it found itself embedded into the orc that had stabbed Silas. Holding his back with his free hand Silas stood watching as Cathurg kicked the now dead orc to retrieve his blade. The Orc turned to Silas before approaching again this time slower more determined, the bad thing Silas was tired the combination of the fight before and this had brought him close to his limit if he couldn't end this fight soon it would be his loss as even with his flurry of attacks Cathurg still seemed to be going strong.

Another assault of blows came from Cathurg and Silas did what he could to defend himself, but the cards were not in his favor as again Cathurg was able to catch Silas' sword just right to disarm him following that up with a bash from his shield sending Silas toppling down. Silas was now on his knees and disarmed, things were looking bad for him and Cathurg smiled. "So all you could do was run until the end." The Orc said with a grin, "I will admit you had a few nice moves there but this little game is over." Cathurg continued tossing his shield to the side while raising his axe with both hands. Silas grinned, "Checkmate" he said as he burst forward hunting knife in hand. Again augmented by Sonya's magic Silas moved at almost inhuman speeds burring his hunting knife right into Cathurg's heart. The orc almost instantly dropped his axe reaching to grab Silas by the neck, but by the time its hands would reach him Silas was gone as with one swift twisting movement he drew the Orc's sword from its side and used it to behead the Orc.

Cathurg fell and the chanting Orcs fell silent as Cathrug’s head fell, but the air was still tense. Silas couldn’t tell if the Orcs were going to retreat or charge, the latter of which would mean the death of the Militia. So once again he made a stand, “I have killed your leader! Will any of you step forward to face me?!” He yelled throwing his arms up challenging the orcs. Luckily none of the Orcs stepped forward and Silas knew he only needed one more bit of theatrics before they would break. Picking up Cathrug’s head Silas tossed it to one of the nearest Orcs. “Go deliver this to your little fort. Tell your Big Boss he will be next and will fall to the Empire!” Silas gloated knowing if one orc ran the rest would follow. And again to his luck the Orc he had thrown the head to was exactly what he needed, after a bit of fumbling the head around the orc took it and started to run away back to the Fortress. With the one orc panicking and running many more followed suit and soon enough the rest joined them in there retreat. With a sigh Silas knew the battle was now over, and so did the Militia as they gave a cheer of victory. Silas turned to the Militia. “Victory is ours! Victory is yours! Today you proved just how strong mankind can be! Be proud of yourselves that you survived today and tonight we shall feast to morn our dead and celebrate our victory!” Silas yelled over the cheering they had fought hard and earned this victory, and many would like to forget the day. With the battle over Silas started to make his way to collect his remaining weapons his hand falling to hold his wounded side.

Aimée Bellerose

As Aimée started to walk, she felt that the knight wasn't following her. Looking at him, she wondered what was happening.
What happened after caught her by surprise.

"I can tell you his story in a single breath" he said with an angry expression.
"He was born, he squired and died!" he continued, stepping forward and raising his voice with each word and stopping very closely to her.

After the initial shock passed, Aimée's eyes were bristling with anger as she stood still staring at the knight. He was uncomfortably close to her, but she refused to step back.

"Don't give me or Henri your pity" he said, pushing her away with his shoulder as he walked away.

Aimée took a few moments to understand what just happened. She was worried about him and that how he repays her kindness? How dare he talk like that with her?! Who he thought he was? Rude... brutish idiot! She certainly wouldn't accept that.

Her blood started boiling as she walked heavily on his direction with long, angry and loud steps, carrying her ringed blade in one of her arms. Her face was red with anger, in contrast with her white skin.

"And Charles, ready the horses... Just in case. You, me and Johannes."

"Never touch a rose without its consent, it doesn't matter how beautiful it may be."
"Don't EVER touch me again without my consent. Otherwise, I'll gladly make you understand why the Belleroses have this saying."she said in an angry tone, standing uncomfortably close, staring at him. Even with her apparently fragile appearance, her fury was undeniable.

"It wasn't pity, I was genuinely concerned, seeing how you looked a bit shaken by your friend's demise, and that's how you repay my kindness?! By acting like an idiot?"
"You dress like a knight, but I cant tell the difference between you and those orcs..." she said, turning her back to the man and walking away.

"Barbaric, rude beasts without a clue on what education and courtesy are."
"Hmpf!" she said,
turning her head away, looking down on him and walking away with one hand on her waist and the other one holding the ringed blade, now wrapped with the red silk again, hiding its metallic glint.

Aimée was still extremely angry as she sat down on a rock, away from the duel. Closing her eyes, breathing in and out in a calm manner, she took several minutes to calm herself down. Luckily enough, she opened her eyes just in time to see Silas beheading the orc.

“Go deliver this to your little fort. Tell your Big Boss he will be next and will fall to the Empire!”

"It turned out that we didn't need any plan." she said to herself, smiling as she heard Silas' speech and saw the orcs running away.

“Victory is ours! Victory is yours! Today you proved just how strong mankind can be! Be proud of yourselves that you survived today and tonight we shall feast to morn our dead and celebrate our victory!”

Walking closer to him, she offered him a sincere smile.
"Come on, i'll help you to get back to the camp. Lets take care of those wounds, you'll want to be in perfect shape to enjoy tonight's big party to celebrate your victory." she said, getting the rest of his weapons and giving them to him.

"You were lucky to get out alive, you know?" she said.
"The odds weren't exactly at your favor, and it cannot be called a "fair" fight..." she said, pointing to the dagger wound.
"But you made it in the end."
"I'll open an exception, just for today." she said, winking to him as she put his arm over her shoulder, helping him to walk.
"At least now you can boast all you want on having killed an Orc commander in a duel." she said, laughing.
"And not only having a cute girl to cheer for you, but having her this close to you at the end too!" she said, laughing playfully.

"Hey boys! You all better to rest a lot and take care of your wound, because we are celebrating our victory tonight, and I expect to dance a lot, hear a lot of stories and might even pick some partners to dance with me!" she yelled, with a confident smile.

"Hey, Stefano, I wonder if the beret you wear is only for show or you can play some music to us tonight?" she called him, with a bright and happy expression.

@Arthanus@KaiserFranz@Cuddle Pot

---

Jehan watched how the duel progressed, but decided quickly he had better things to do then stand there like complete fool. Whatever happened, it was better to be prepared rather then stand there and receive the worst of whatever was next if the orcs decided to have another go. He turned to follow his lance when he was, once again, confronted by Aimeé. The simmering anger was gone from his face, but his annoyance showed through well enough. He could not help but smirk as she closed the distance between them. "You again?"

"Never touch a rose without its consent, it doesn't matter how beautiful it may be. Don't EVER touch me again without my consent. Otherwise, I'll gladly make you understand why the Belleroses have this saying." she said, as she stepped in close.
Jehan was not the least concerned by her obvious anger or her close proximity. He could not help but wonder, was this an attempt to appear threatening or simply a side-effect of anger. "Don't flatter yourself" he said with a dismissive hand gesture. The smirk remained, making his word's double-meaning obvious.

"It wasn't pity, I was genuinely concerned, seeing how you looked a bit shaken by your friend's demise, and that's how you repay my kindness?! By acting like an idiot? You dress like a knight, but I cant tell the difference between you and those orcs..." she said, starting to turn away.

Jehan smiled, though it never reached his eyes. "An orc would tear you limb from limb." he said flatly, with a shrug of his shoulders. As she finally left him, he could not help the spiteful laugh. 'Education and courtesy' of which she had neither. He shook his head and started after his lance, leaving the duel and circle behind.

---

It did not take long for Charles to ready the horses. In fact, it was almost an instant thing compared to Johannes getting some extra armour on. Still, all in all it did not take long. As the archers remained, making the lance ready to move, Charles, Jehan and Johannes rode back towards the circle, lances pointing towards the sky. They stopped at some distance, meaning they would not appear as any major threat to the orcs watching the duels, but would not be too far away if things went south. Sure, three horsemen would never be able to stop the orcs, or even hold them. But hooves, lances, swords and maces all backed by the momentum of a warhorse and armoured rider would make it costly to follow the human force in any disorganized fashion and to organize would take time. Time that any retreating human force would need.

In the distance the duel came to an end. At first he was unsure of who had won, but in the end he could tell it was a human, not an orc standing as the victor. His gauntleted hand tightened on the lance as he waited to see what the orcs would do. To his surprise and relief they turned around. Johannes breathed an obvious sigh of relief. Charles gave of a short noise that was something between a chuckle and a laugh.

The three horsemen returned to the archers and dismounted. The archers were of course happy to hear there was no need to hurry with the packing as it seemed they would have time. Time to rest, help the wounded, and take care of the dead. Jehan was happy to remove his helm and gauntlets, giving the wind somewhere to cool his skin. Now there would be time to send Henri off to the afterlife properly. "Vincent, Adrian" Jehan began, "Go bring Henri. We'll clean him up and send him off tonight." he told them and as they went off to follow his order Jehan could not help but to be returned to sadness and the harsh feeling of loss once again. It is said that time is the great healer of all hurts. While Jehan wondered about the truth of such a saying, the grim irony was that it was time that would give him the answer; eventually.

As the noble woman continued to direct the survivors, she turned back as the orcs stopped cheering, watching one of the heads roll across the make-shift arena. Silas challenged them but before long, they had all started to turn tail, leaving the men around her cheering and smiling in relief - while others still yet mourned for the dead. She herself let out a sigh in relief, having not felt she was fit for taking such a leadership role, not able to pass the mantle back to Silas and Dixon. Despite the sudden turn of events, men were still coming to her however, asking what to do or where to make camp. Truth be told, this surprised the martial artist, but she kept her head and directed them to pull back a little and make what arrangements they could for the fallen.

While on the other hand, her attention turned to Sonya, who looked equally relieved and somewhat exhausted, but alive. For that, Odessa was eternally grateful. She had kept her promise and saw the masked woman through the worst of it, she figured, and smiled with some amount of pride to herself. Asking Silas to keep the mage near her was a good call, she figured, especially since it meant that Silas was always her priority. Beyond that though, she allowed tingles to run down her spine once more as she remember the connection they had so clearly shared before - and even during - battle. Odessa knew what she had hoped for, as a potential outcome, but the idea of it ever happening was far from her reality and lived only as daydreams. Still, in some ways she reminded her of Ashley, though the soldier was far more forward and seemingly confident. Was Sonya as confident? Perhaps so, but only time would tell.

Still her eyes gazed across the field as several of the men went about different duties. Obviously the most notable were the dancer, who was helping Silas, the knight, who distanced himself (and didn't care much for the dancer), a solider talking to one of the healers, the man with the strange fire weapon, and then obviously Silas and Sonya. Though Dixon was to be counted as well, she had not seen him do much besides protect that one woman during battle. Still, she wondered if Silas had taken notice of the select few, besides his own unit. In truth, she was anxious to talk with him, seeing as a lot of the men seemed to be going to her in the wake of victory.

Stefano's eyes were trained on the duel when he heard Lala's indignant yells above even the roar of combat. He turned and witnessed the exchange between her and the knight and he smiled to himself. "Well... I don't think we can count on him to play along." Stefano said to himself as he turned his attention back to the duel.

He was just in time to see Silas knocked to his knees. Stefano reached for his arqubus and began raising it to his eye, "Sorry friend. Looks like my plans weren't in..." before he could finish his train of thought he heard from his kneeling commander "Checkmate". And then a flurry of motion as in a few short moments he completely turned the course of the duel. Stefano cheered and threw his hands in the air in celebration. He shouldered his weapon and watched as his champion threw the orc's head to the assembled masses.

"Excellent showmanship!" he shouted trying to stand on Ojan's shoulders. The large man struggled to maintain balance for the both of them and barely managed to keep it, "Hey! Watch it! Don't spend all our winnings on a new neck!" Stefano found his balance and shouted to the locally gathered soldiers, "Hah! Haahhhah! Pay up all you faithless! And join us in rejoining! For fortune has made even the penniless winners!" and dispute some of them losing a purse of gold the gamblers cheered, at the victory or their winnings it didn't matter. And at that Stefano lost his balance and came crashing down to the earth. He dusted himself off and winches in pain as winnings were handed out and and losses and buy ins were pooled, Stefano and chuckled warmly to himself. Part of his ecstatic joy was of course akin to the pile of gold he earned, but far more important to him was the conclusion of a successful hunt, and the flavorful taste of victory.

The twins had pooled the take away and with a stick had separated the pile into three even looking piles. Stefano smiled as he took out a large rod used to clean his gun and rework the coins into four even piles. "Boys, boys, boys! The portions are wrong! You've left out a vital partner in this business venture." Ulri rolled his eyes and responded exasperated, "First things first Stefano, me and Ojan are six years your senior. Quit calling us boys. Also no cheating us! Even splits remember?" Stefano didn't miss a beat as he responded, "Older yes. But you lack ambition and initiative, not to worry though as I'll be providing enough for all of us. Making you my boys. On to the next order of business. The manager is nothing without his..." just at that moment Lala showed up with Silas asking about music.

Stefano continued speaking more upbeat than he had been when talking to the twins. "Champion! You sir have never ceased to amaze me! And my most beautiful Lala, I will play the Lyre and lute until my fingers bleed tonight! Hell I'll sing dwarven opera if you wish!" Stefano took off his beret and bowed low to the fourth pile of gold. "Humble as it is, here is my contribution to your skill, Silas Rose."

@13org@Arthanus

Sonya

As the discussion around her continued, Sonya found her attention drawn back to the ring as Carthurg pulled himself back to his feet. While she had intended to keep her focus split, helping Silas and keeping track of the conversation, Sonya was forced to re-evaluate that idea once Cathurg had gone on the offense once more. Enraged the Orc seemed to be swelling with both power and speed, the force sweeping through the Wind barrier and clashing into Silas’s defense with enough strength to shatter the blocking weapon itself. The moment of shock lasted a briefly, Sonya quickly directed all of her attention towards the battle now. Though doing so left her feeling rather vulnerable, there was the comforting fact that she was surrounded by allies, including Odessa. It was a strange feeling to have such a strong sense of trust in Odessa, they had only truly talked once the night before and still knew so little of each other. But at the same time, Odessa had put her trust in Sonya and her magic to keep her protected, so it would be rude for Sonya not to place the same trust in her.

Placing her full attention back at the fight, she summoned up as much of her power as she could as the two combatants faced off once more. Stopping the Orc’s blows was an impossibility, not when she was only using the tempest winds to slow the strikes. ‘It can’t be helped then, Silas will have to weather the storm until an opening arrives and he can strike back’ she concluded rather grimly, her efforts focused on turning the Orc’s brutal strikes just enough so that Silas defenses would hold, each time the axe crashing against the sword with such thunderous effort. Then in a horrifying moment, Cathurg slipped past the wind barrier. Though he may not have understood Sonya was causing the effect, he was still an experienced warrior and after having witnessed the effect for enough time he would have learnt how to counter it. Compensating for the effect of the wind, the Orc’s strike came through faster and on point, striking Sila’s blade at a point where there was too much pressure to maintain the grip and forcing the weapon from his hands.

A feeling of dread settled into Sonya stomach ‘Come on Silas, move damn you. I can’t stop this Orc’s attacks!’ She urged mentally, wondering why Silas was not returning to his feet. Time seemed to hang as Cathurg mocked the human, assured in his own victory, Silas still remaining on his knees as though accepting his defeat. Eye’s were drawn to the steel of the axe as it was raised high in the air, catching the rays of the sun as the winds rushed around it. In that hanging moment, Sonya caught that single word from Silas “Checkmate” and realised he had been playing possum to lure Cathurg into a vulnerable position.

Springing from his kneeling position, Sonya surged the tempest energies behind him, almost as though she was flinging his very body right against the Orc. Silas thankfully seemed to have expected the burst of speed, as he swiftly followed up the motions with a decapitating strike. Silas seized the moment and in dramatic fashion was able to cause a panic to spread throughout the orcs. Cheers spread throughout the Militia as they began to celebrate, though there had been plans to rout the Orcs after the battle, it seemed everyone had suffered enough battling for one day and was not keen to chase down the orcs.

Letting out a sigh, Sonya broke her concentration, her shoulders sagging as she allowed herself to relax, dismissing all of the energies she had gathered during the battle. As the adrenaline of the battle faded, the fatigue from exerting so much of her magic took its place. Returning her attention to her surroundings, she blinked a few times trying to recollect where she was. It seemed in the excitement of victory the group of militia had been overtaken with a flurry of energy. The dancer had turned her attention to helping Silas and even if there were ulterior motives for her actions Sonya reserved judgement for the moment. Stefano was living the moment, calling up for all of those who had gambled. The man was quite lively and his positive energy was almost infectious as it spread to the nearby Militia, creating a buzzing sector of motion and discussion near him.

Strangely though, there was no sign of Odessa in the direct vicinity. ’Perhaps she was called away to manage the wounded? Sonya considered, recalling the last few words of the conversation that had reached her before her attention was fully focused on helping Silas. Her eyes searching further, she spied the area where the wounded were being gathered with Odessa standing at its centre, providing direction to the Militia as they cared for the wounded. Although the cheering and sounds of jubilance carried through the air, there was still much work that needed to be done to ensure the death toll rose no further than those it had already claimed

Making her way through the crowd to the makeshift triage area, she made her way over to Odessa, who seemed to be wearing a smile of pure warmth. It was an infectious smile, one that caused Sonya to smile just as wide beneath her mask as well, the feeling of fatigue subsiding in the brief sense of relief and accomplishment. Reaching Odessa she offered a short nod of her head, before taking a moment of consideration and giving Odessa a quick hug as she commented ”Thank you for keeping your promise, I would not have been able to do as much as I did if I did not know there was someone else concerned for my safety”. As though realising the gesture may have been to forward or perhaps done in haste, she released Odessa from the hug and took a step back, taking a moment to recompose herself after such an impulsive decision ”S-still, though the battle may be over there are still some wounded to attend to, there will be time for celebrating when we have saved all we can” Sonya stated, wanting to turn the topic of the conversation to that which needed attention and away from her perhaps rashful actions.