Carver was on one knee, panting, armor scuffed and battered and dented, aching from a dozen bruises. Another mace cracked onto his shoulder, adding to the count. The armor would take the force of the blow, he knew - it wouldn't harm him, not really. Didn't mean it wouldn't hurt.
"Carver, a knight in shining armor is a man who's never had his metal tested. Again."
Goblin blood was leaking in his visor. He blinked his eyes clean and beheld something wondrous.
It was the sun, right in front of his eyes, burning and bright and powerful. He was bathed in her light - his mind was soothed with her radiance. She was his bright lady, he her knight errant, and she had seen fit to grant him a token of her favor. Tears ran freely down the knight's face, mingling with the blood. She was here, she was with him. For a moment Carver thought he was dead; for a moment he thought he would never die.
And then the light faded, and strength surged through his body. He rose, flush with warmth and fire, and lashed out a cut at the goblin who had struck him. He blocked another blow, took another on his armor without flinching. He could not be hurt - not while he bore her purpose.
"Hello again, friend."
Carver turned his head around to see the gnome there, looking at him. Carver grinned, though he knew the gnome wouldn't be able to see it. "My friend! Stay back, let me take the worst of it! Is everyone safe?"
