Gladiators - A New Fight: 2 vs 2 vs 2 Team Battle!

[Naithin]

A large, circular arena. The floor covered with a fine sand, soft to the touch of bare feet. Yet still firm to stand upon, packed down as it is. There are four large iron gates at opposing sides, North and South, East and West.

Slowly the North, South, East and West gates start to raise, the clanking of their chain mechanism bringing an anxious hush over the crowd which sits all around the pit. The walls of the pit are of grainy wood, over 3 metres high from pit floor to the railing of the first row of seating.

The sun shines high overhead. Not a brutal heat, indeed, the air has a bite of chill to it. But the chill will soon be chased away by exertion as the battle looms nearer.

As the fighters step out into the open, a fanfare of trumpets sounds above, signalling to all around in the outskirts of the city, the brave souls have entered the arena, prepared if nessacery to give of their very lives for the entertainment of all.

The crowd watches, waits, expectantly silent, waiting for what will be, to be. There has been nothing like it held here before, a complete and open free for all melee, each man fights all other men, no allegiance, no loyalty to another can exist in that pit if they wish to become victor this day. The fight ahead promises to be long an gruelling, with the best of the best likely to still be fighting come nightfall.

----

OOC: Participants:

Kito
Naithin


Animus
Mordakai

RavenLord
Raybur Ravenloc

No-one else may participate in this fight. Spectator posts *are* allowed, even from other combattants, but spectator posts must at most have 4 fighter posts pass between spectator post to next spectator post. Keep OOC to an absolute minimum in here, if you're not involved in the fight NO OOC at ALL. For fighters where it must be done, and PM is not viable, please clearly mark OOC from IC.

[Naithin]

Naithin stood at the ready, peering now and then out into the arena to see if any other's had gathered yet.. None had. He paced the hall to the arena, already clad in his green leather armor, his staff still slung over his back. He waited now for Kito to arrive, as heading out into the arena alone could only be foolishness.

He knew only a little of Kito at this stage, that he favoured the illusion magics aimed more in the art of defence and avoidance rather than for direct combat. The possibilities of having such a backing in the coming endeavour were endless, but he had not yet seen Kito's ability, nor heard any proof of his partner's skill. The time for strategising would be brief, but if Kito could mask Naithin's real movements, or shield him from arrows as he went.. He stopped pacing and smiled, feeling more confident that between Kito and himself, they may have already won, before things even really got started..

The time would be soon.. Very soon..

[RavenLord]

Kyron entered right after Naithin. He had pulled one of his daggers and his fingers spinned it without him eaven noticing it. He studied his opponent, the only one present at this time. Naithin wore some sort of green armor that looked light and flexibile. Some sort of leather perhaps? Naithin had some sort of staff with mithril heads. Wouldn

[Mordakai]

"You up for this Alfar?" Mordakai said in a gravely voice.
The Alfar did not reply, but rather hissed as his hand caressed the hilt of his Sithra. This would favor Mordakai and his teammate, Both having excellent Range and both agile and sure-footed. Not to mention both accustomed to melee fighting.
While the Alfar chose faster daggers, Mordakai liked the slightly heavier axes he carried. While slower than daggers, they did have more utility value to Mordakai. Excellent for Parrying and disarming, as well as raking down an opponents armor hoping to rip it loose. Also it allowed him to slice through soft armor, yet a quick spin and he could pierce heavier metal armor as well.

"Well, Enough of this standing around, lets go introduce ourselves."
With that Mordakai noched an arrow and sent one sailing toward Naithin on the opposite side of the Arena.

THUD!

The Arrow struck deep into the wood wall next to Naithin's head. The whizzing arrow even fluttered his hair about his face as it passed by, but Naithin didn't even Flinch. He knew full well it was his old friend sending him a friendly hello.

Maybe I can catch one of these guys as they come out of their gateway... Nothing like a confined space to increase the chances of vital contact.

Mordakai readied another arrow and set his sight on Raybur and Kyron's gateway. He figured Naithin and his partner would have to cross the arena to fight him, so he was safe from that side for a moment. As soon as someone showed mass, He was letting one fly.

[Animus]

Animus was not quite sure how things had turned out like this. He had heard from an announcement made by Naithin that there would be a team arena, which could be interesting Animus had thought, a great place to show off the greatness of the Alfar. But he had not expected this. Paired... paired with a HUMAN! How disgusting. My House is laughing at me, I can sense it, damnable bastards, how dare they disgrace me like this. He eyed the man slightly, his mask covering his expression of hate. Could he afford to actually trust this man, his teammate? He was a human. A crazy one at that.

The arrow flew before even Animus expected it, and it took all his will to not kill the fool on sight, attacking without a plan. He made a quick check of the daggers, then pulled the Sithra, a smile creeping on his face as the second arrow flew from Mordakai's bow. This man could be as crazy as me. The Sithra flared to life as he swung it about, getting close to Mordakai. He would keep the attackers at bay while the silly human pumped them full with arrows. Maybe he does have a plan. Testing out his award for winning the last tournament, Animus spoke.

"Come out you fools! Come, come stare into the eyes of death!"

[RavenLord]

Mordakai and his crazy Alfar partner walked throgh the gateway and the first arrow from Mordakais bow flew just moments after towards Naithin. The arrow missed and Naithin seemed totally calm with the fact that someone just fired an arrow towards him...this was strange. The second arrow was ready on Mordakai

[Animus]

OOC: Oooo, sorry bout that, didn't comprehend that he didn't fire that 2nd arrow. He just aimed. Bleh, uhhhh, I did the same thing, but.....

IC: He made a quick check of the daggers, then pulled the Sithra, a smile creeping on his face as the second arrow readied itself on Mordakai's bow.

[Naithin]

Naithin merely smiled and brushed the hair from his face again in the wake of the Arrow. It was nothing to be concerned about as yet, merely Mordakai saying 'Hello'. In the same motion with which he brushed the hair from his face, he continued it over and reached for his staff, unslinging it and bringing it to the fore.

He wasn't ready to attack just yet, still preferring to wait for Kito to arrive. But he should at least be prepared to defend should anything.. unexpected.. occur. He held the staff with both hands, one to either side of the center. Feeling again it's weight and balance, and being completely at ease.

From other in Mordakai's sector, he saw another arrow let lose towards the gateway where Kyron was expected to draw forth from. His eye followed it's rather low arc towards the gate. Naithin perked an eyebrow in interest, wondering if this fellow would have what it took to deflect the arrow.

----

OOC:

Mordakai stated that he was merely aiming at the gateway, ready for *anyone* to come out of it and shoot them as soon as they were visible. If you placed yourself in that corridoor Raven, then yeah, Mord would have let loose at you. He said in his post, 'As soon as someone showed mass, He was letting one fly.'

So consider it let loose the moment you became visible. :)

[RavenLord]

OOC: Than we have a problem. If I understand the timeline of this correctly, I was in the arena before Mord... oh well ok...I

[Mordakai]

((Sorry for the misunderstanding fellas. I thought Kyron hadn't yet entered the arena itself, like Nait, I thought he was standing inside his gateway surveying the field. ))

Mordakai half smiled as Kyron dodged his arrow, He didn't expect to make contact so easily, but it was keeping Kyron pinned inside his gateway for the moment. More importantly, Mordakai was studying Kyron's movement.

"You have a plan for not getting us killed Alfar?" Mordakai chuckled as he spoke, obviously enjoying Kyrons reaction and taunt with his dagger. If a streaking arrow was easy to dodge at that range, a thrown dagger would surely be.

Checking quickly to his left to see what Naithin was doing, Mordakai turned his attention back to Kyron. So much like Naithin, Always taking the defensive stance right away. Can't blame him though, its always easier to score a hit against an over agressive foe. But where's the fun in that?

Mordakai's levity ceases for a moment as his eyes focus intently on Kyron.
He's dangerous, Probably the most dangerous of this lot, aside from my Alfar partner. I'll have to keep a keen eye on that one as this plays out.

"You gonna do something or stand there like my own personal Cheerleader?"
Mordakai grins as he fires another shot at Kyron, this time aiming towards his left shoulder. Easy enough to evade, but lets see where his partner is hiding.

[Animus]

Animus let emit a low growl from his mask, but his smile didn't disappear from his face. He has the audacity to taunt me, while there are other opponents. He might be crazier than me. He calmed his Sithra down, and made a rude gesture with his left hand to Mordakai.

"Yes, excellent idea, why don't I run out in the middle of both groups before all the fighters have even shown themselves. Shut the hell up Human and stop shooting like an eyeless Sarkih."

Animus was prepared to fight, quite ready to prove himself again to the Great Lord and perhaps even recieve the greatest reward, but he wasn't suicidal, and would wait for someone else to move.

[RavenLord]

Another arrow...going slightly to the left this time. Easy to dodge, just a fast step to the right and the arrow hit the wall behind him. Kyron hoped that Raybur would show up soon...so that Mordakai could start dodging his arrows. He overheard a part of conversation between Mordakai and his alfar friend: "...and stop shooting like an eyeless Sarkih." The alfars voice rose a bit when he said that, so Kyron was able to hear it on the other side of the arena. This brought a smile to his face. Alfar didn

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Raybur, walking through the tunnel leading to the arena gate, noticed an arrow laying on the ground ahead of him, staring back at the oddity as he approached the gate, Raybur barely noticed in time as a second arrow flew through the gateway and nearly went through his belly.
They're starting without me!! I dont intend to let my partner kill them all without me!
Raybur made a dash through the gateway, taking in the sights as he sped by as quickly as possible. The man standing next to the gateway Raybur had just entered from and brandishing the dagger must be his partner, Kyron. Next Raybur noticed the archer at an adjacent gate who had apparently been shooting at Kyron. There was an Alfar, who could only be Animus, standing next to the archer, making him Mordakai. On the opposite side of the arena there was only one man, holding a staff and standing there calmly with an arrow protruding from the wall next to him.
Well, at least I'm not too late, theres still one combatant missing, Kito isn't there yet, unless he's invisible or something. Raybur wondered exactly what this Kito could do with his magics of illusion.
Reaching the far side of the arena, Raybur dove through the gateway there, taking cover against the possibility that Mordakai might be interested in a Mirdain target.
Rising up, Raybur draws his bow, and nocks a bodkin arrow, preparing to turn the corner and let loose in Mordakai's direction, aiming the arrow for his thigh.

OOC: Just to avoid confusion, this means I sprinted out past Kyron, and right through the center of the arena, and into the gate on the opposite side, since it appeared empty, whoever posts next can put in a shot from me at mord, poking myself out of the gate for a moment

[RavenLord]

Finally his partner appeared. Rayburs first action was somehow unexpected though. He ran right past Kyron and ran across the arena and right into the shadows of the opposite gateway! Kyron stared in awe. Raybur than became visible for a moment again and sent an arrow towards Mordakai. Kyron grinned. "let

[Naithin]

'Bother...' Naithin muttered silently as a gleaming dagger came hurtling his way. Naithin was impressed at how stready and true it was able to fly over such a distance.

He made no effort to move out of it's path, there was no need. Tensing his grip on his staff, he brought it into a spin, the mithril shod tips bluring into each other, a very audible clang is heard across the arena as the dagger is deflected off course, where it thuds deeply into the wall beside him on the opposite side of the arrow.

He stands again, slowing the twirl of the staff before bringing it to rest in his right hand. It looks like Kito or no, he was about to be involved in this fight. 'Very well then..' he thought, a plan already forming..

That new arrival, the enemy archer which now was hiding out in the gateway just to his right could get to be a problem. He had just fired an arrow out towards Mordakai, but Naithin hadn't been able to see the result of that having been workin on deflecting his own deadly incoming projectile. There was only one thing for it now..

Naithin started a run, hugging the outside wall snuggly towards the gateway where the archer had taken refuge, staying close to the side, where there was only the center to concern himself with, and a blindspot to the archer inside unless he came out again for another shot and happend to look this way. When aiming an arrow under such conditions however, your vision tended to be limited.. Naithin knew that well, favouring the bow as he does in the wild.

As he got closer to the opening, he redoubled his efforts, a sprint towards the opening, just before he approached it he did a low dive, having slid his grip on his staff down to hold one end just above the mithril shod tip, giving a fairly impressive reach on it. Just as he started to clear the opening, he brought the far end of the staff in a sweeping motion back towards the side he had started from, as his body rolled rapidly towards the far side of the opening, where he propelled himself into a standing position again clear of the opening, back to the wall of the arena, watching out into the middle for any further occurances.

The entire move had taken less than 2 seconds, he wasn't even sure if he had struck anything. If the lad had been anywhere but the center of the passage despite the length of the staff, the penetration into the opening there would not have been far enough due to the arc.. Well if nothing else, it may make him show himself, even if it missed. If it had hit, he was probably sprawling around on his back right now after having the legs taken out from under him. Naithin smiled grimly, the next few moments would tell..

[Mordakai]

Shite!

Mordakai tried to jump to his side to avoid the arrow, not enough for it to miss completly. The arrow cut a neatly across the side of his thigh.

Thats deep... but atleast its a clean cut. Shouldn't bleed too long...if I stand still. But who has time to stand still in a fight like this? Oh... thats right, my Partner does! Bloody Alfar!"

"I thought your breed was supposed to be blood thirsty killers... why isnt everyone dead yet? Go fight Kyron or I'll kill you myself you hamburger faced elf."

If anything, that should enrage the alfar into atleast some sort of action, even if it meant fighting me instead of our opponents.

Mordakai turned to where Raybur had been and fired an arrow his direction. Always one to aim for the center of mass, he'd have to be against the wall if he hoped to dodge that shot. Already noching another arrow, Mordakai awaited any return fire from Raybur's location.

Come on... show me where your shooting from...

[RavenLord]

Kyron smiled grimly as he saw Raybur

[Raybur Ravenloc]

After firing his shot, Raybur, seeing mordakai tirning with an arrow, started to duck back into the corner of the gateway, immediately afterwards seeing a blur of motion from the corner of his eye in the gateway. Then came the pain. Raybur fell against the wall iinside the gateway when a wave of agony climbed up his left leg.
Raybur quickly assesed his situation, there must be someone just outside the gate, someone with a big stick, must be Naithin. The leg was didn't appear to be broken, only now he couldn't feel anything below the knee.
Well, wont be doing any running around this round, perhaps I could manage a hobble in a few more minutes. Bah, I've been hurt worse.
Just then an arrow passed through the gateway where he had been standing.
As if I didn't have enough problems..
Raybur, with his right hand took a swig from the ale flask at his waist, while reaching for the dirk concealed under his hat brim with his left. Throwing away the empty flask a moment later, Raybur took out a handful of the dust he carried at his belt.
I wonder if he will try to come in before I am ready to limp out?
Sitting and waiting, Raybur positioned himself to throw the dirk and dust at anyone passing through the gateway..

[RavenLord]

Instead of running the last few steps, Kyron placed his daggers in front of him and jumped towards Naithins back. Aiming one dagger towards his neck and the other one at his lower back he flew through the air...

[Naithin]

OOC: Please note that when I got up from the roll I specifically stated that I placed my back to the arena wall, watching out into the center of the arena for any further happenings. So I can see you coming plain as day. :)

----

IC: Gazing ahead, he saw that Kyron was alarmingly close and getting closer rapidly. He had twin daggers in his hand and he didn't seem to be running with the intent to just say 'Hello', either.

Naithin weighed his options briefly, there weren't very many of them.. Naithin didn't want to get too far from the wall as to expose his rear quarters would be a mistake.. But then too would be getting pressed hard against the wall under Kyron's approach.. He had to act quickly, Kyron was almost upon him..

Naithin took a brief dash forward into the short remaining space between them, and then Kyron jumped...'Perfect...' Naithin thought to himself, as he essentially 'hopped' both feet forward, while letting his top end fall back towards the ground, the move essentially put him under Kyron and his deadly assault.

As he fell back, he brought his staff up in an opposing arc, held from one end, swinging back towards Kyron with the intent to at least send him sprawling into the wall behind him, their relative motions would ensure that the hit itself would do no damage, but any off balance of the opponent would be welcome at this stage, when he stood he was going to either have to have his back to the center of the arena, or to Kyron..

There was no way he could risk his back to Kyron at this stage.. So he would have to direct his hearing behind him as much as possible, while keeping his eyes focused on Kyron.. Indeed, it had just became a rather interesting position to be in for Naithin..

[RavenLord]

OOC: ya, I noticed the same thing, but it was to late to edit mu post at that stage...oh well..seems like Kyron is in trouble now :)
________________________________________ _____________________

A stupid thing to do
Naithins staff had propelled Kyron

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Raybur, sitting in his corner and working his numb leg slowly, suddenly heard a dull thud.
Hmm, that sounded painful, somebody is having fun without me..
Then there was a bright flash through the gateway.
That would be my partner..
Then Kyron himself appeared through the gateway, looking rather frightened at seeing Raybur with a knife aimed at him.
He looks as battered as I am... worse. Well, time to get up I suppose, enough lazing about.
Raybur rose slowly, using his left shoulder against the wall and his right leg away from it, and started to steady himself and test his weight on his left leg, which felt as if a thousand needles were being jabbed into it.
Well, I'm up, up is good.
Raybur made a staggering limp to the gateway, before peering around, prepared to throw the dirk in his left hand at any nearby targets, particularly the one that had caused his current irritation.

[RavenLord]

Kyron would have bad bruises that was for sure...but nothing seemed to be broken or out of place, luckily. He regained his breath and walked, with a noticable limp, after his partner to the gateway...their walk towards the gate must have seemed funny...both limping and aching...the most beaten up team ever! His shoulder hurted, and he couldn

[Animus]

Hamburger faced elf... dumb fuck just made his last statement. He quickly sheathed his Sithra, it resolidifying before being thrust into the scabbard. His hands moved smoothely through the air, proving that the shortest distance between two points was a straight line. In but a second, the twin daggers spun through the Alfar's fingers, sending spots of the light flying about the room. I'll take on all five if I have to, not that it matters, the Great Lord would approve of this betrayal. Mordakai was busy looking about the arena, trying to find the other archer, and paid his teammate no mind. Now was his chance. He moved with all speed his race was allowed, rushing Mordakai from behind, daggers aimed for the kidneys.

[Naithin]

Naithin had been just about to follow up with another swing of his staff directly at Kyron, when the fellow made a deft wrist movement and flicked a handful of shimmering powder into his face, 'Oh Shi-' FWOOOOOSH '...t'.

The light was blinding, and it staggered Naithin back physically as if a blow, although no damage was done, it was simply that intense. He by reflex dived to the left to avoid any possible incoming strike.

He heard no distinctive whistle through the air nor any other sound of strike, but he rolled even further just in case before coming to stand again, his vision finally beginning to glimmer back to him through a white sheen.

As the moments passed his vision return, and it seemed that Kyron and Raybur had vanished.. Into the gateway? He couldn't be sure, the vision was still murky, but at least he could make out shapes and motion clearly again now. He blinked the water out of his eyes, not risking taking the time to use his hands to wipe them clear.

He threw a scan back towards the center of the arena, the motion that he could make out suggested no-one from there was currently after him. He stumbled back against the wall, alternating his gaze from the gate opening to the center, waiting for something for force him into action again.. 'Damnit Kito, where the hell are you?' He growled menacingly, this wasn't going nearly as well as he had envisioned with the aid of his partner.

[RavenLord]

Kyron took a quick look out of the gateway scanning the area for Naithin...others didn

[Mordakai]

Noisy daggers... sole to soil... He means to attack me instead of teaming up to take down the two hiding in their gateway...

"Not a wise choice if I were you."

If Animus was surprised by Mordakai's knowledge of his imminent demise, he didn't show it or even slow to consider what the Human was talking about.
Instead of moving to escape Animus, Mordakai simply turned sideways and readied himself for the two to collide. Taking a low balanced stance to keep from being bowled over, Mordakai thrust the limb of his bow forward into what would soon be Animus' chest.

This left Animus with 2 options that Mordakai could think of in the moment. Keep rushing and be thrown backwards by the strength of the bow once it curved back enough and would take no more. Or try to parry the end of the bow with one dagger which would allow Mordakai to inturn parry his remaining dagger with the other end of the bow. Either way it would allow Mordakai enough time to go for his axes to properly defend himself.

[Animus]

Animus kept rushing straight at Mord, not slowing his pace at the least when he saw the bow, on the contrary, a smile appeared on his face, and he even snapped a slight wink to Mordakai. Crazy bastard, makes the perfect teammate, think i'd end up killing anybody else. The already small distance became nothing quickly, his speed reaching its peak. He looked dead into the eyes of the human, and with a slight nod from Mordakai, Animus began his plan. At the last possible moment, he leapt with all his might, almost as if he was trying to clear the crouching human, but instead, his foot landed on the upturned bow. He pushed off, and with help from Mordakai, he cleared the man's head, and hit the ground, coming up in a roll.

"I'll deal with you later, bastard... right now, fill these fools with holes."

Sand spewed up from the ground as he it, and a forward roll kept his speed at its max. The acrobatics had paid off, enabling him to cross the distance between the two and their opponents much quicker. His eyes locked on his target, the daggers spinning quickly through his fingers as if thirsting for blood. He used his momentum to throw the daggers with greater force, their blades coated with poison, aimed for the crippled Mirdain that had his back to the Alfar, Kyron. This will be fun.

[Raybur Ravenloc]

OOC: umm, I'm assuming you just said Kyron was mirdain? hes not, i am, hes human i believe, but either way, i am assuming you threw them at him and are now rushing him?


As Raybur came around the corner of the gate, to one side Kyron was rushing after Naithin, and on the other Animus was rushing up to tail Kyron. Raybur threw the dirk in his hand at the alfar, before pulling free his quarterstaff and standing clear of the gateway. Raybur chose a spot directly in front of the alfar, keeping the alfar between himself and Mordakai, and prepared to halt his charge.
I am NOT prepared for this!

[RavenLord]

More sharp objects flying towards me!
Kyron took a roll forward, and stayed down for a second untill the two daggers had passed over him...that second might cost him! He was up to his feet as quickly as his hurted body allowed him to be and continued his run towards Naithin...
_________________---

OOC: ya...Kyron is human...

[Mordakai]

Your head is spinning because you are losing alot of blood... Do something about it.

Having been left alone for the moment, Mordakai checks his wound. Its bad, but it is atleast starting to coagulate and seal up. Unfortunetly Mordakai did not bring any of his usual healing herbs or even so much as a rag to use to keep pressure on the wound. He'll be sure to remember that next time, if he survives this time.

Fill those fools full of holes... I can do that. And now I am the only Archer in the field. 5 shots left... better make them count, hope the ones cut from your quiver are still usable.

Mordakai takes aim at Kyron, his current trajectory, his speed and most likely destination are taken into account in the blink of an eye.... Even wounded his gait is steady and because he is wounded it is even predictable. Mordakai takes a leading Aim and looses a shot to where Kyron's side (abdomen) should be in 3 short steps.

THWIP!
Whizzzzzzzz (Shot fired)

Mordakai nochs another arrow quickly and takes in a quick scan of the events as they unfold, ready to fire again.

[RavenLord]

This is getting annoying
From the corner of his eye, Kyron noticed an arrow flying to meet him.
Everyone wants to put a hole in me!
The wise thing to do would have been to stop and let the arrow pass in front of him. But Kyron was not willing to waste any more time. He

[Naithin]

Turning his gaze from the center of the arena back towards the gateway, his face showed visible alarm as a dagger and angry assailant that had not been there but moments ago were now both heading his way.

The dagger was arcing in low, did that mean it had been thrown with too little power for the distance, or simply a clever shot? It didn't much matter either way, he remembered well the last dagger had been coated with some substance which Naithin was most certain was no there to give him hugs and bunnies..

His vision was still not 100%, but the movement he could see well enough, the white sheen had almost entirely lifted now, but tears still plauged his eyes a little.

He had little choice in the matter really.. He slammed his right foot behind him and went into a crouch, almost immediately followed by launching himself up into a jump, spinning once through the air with his staff again held from one end to give maximum reach. However as his vision passed over Kyron, he found another cause for alarm.. He saw Kyron's hand digging into a pouch, with white powder trailin- he didn't even think about it, just clenched his eyes closed hard as he could. He knew well enough where Kyron was to get this next hit without looking.. provided of course Kyron didn't have time to dive away after releasing the spell on it.. Or to flip another dagger his way.. 'Damn..' Naithin thought to himself, trying to focus all his attention to his other senses, ears in particular for any sound of movement at all, anything out of the ordinary and he'd need to try push off from the nearby wall with one leg to change his current path. He was determined not to open his eyes until he had landed. He didn't know exactly how long the flash lasted, but better to be safe than sorry.

[RavenLord]

OOC: I assume you are in the air, flying towards me, your staff aiming at my back. Correct me if I

[Mordakai]

Mordakai had seen the first flash fill the arena, luckily he had been turned away from it to deal with his own partner. He wasn't sure what caused it, until just now.

Damn thats bright....

Involuntarily his eyes snapped shut trying to block out the light, but it was to no avail. The flash didnt last long and when Mordakai opened his eyes, all he could see was a large black spot in the center of his vision. He would have to rely on his peripheral vision for now, but that would make aiming next to impossible. Then again... Mordakai's natural luck often made the impossible a reality.

Your primary target is on the ground and you can't see well enough to finish him... Why did you even bother getting out of bed this morning?

From where Mordakai is positioned, he had the entire fight infront of him by atleast 20 yards or better. Whats better, is most were by now grouped close together and he really could care less who his arrows hit at this point. He knew he'd have to deal with the Alfar at one time or another...

Holding his bow parallel to the ground he noched two arrows and aimed into the center of the black spot of his vision. Those will surely hit something... but just incase... here's two more. Noching the last two arrows he had quickly he pulled and fired.

With his sight in bad shape, he hoped to hear the familiar thud and groans of pain...

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Raybur, waiting for Animus to make his attack, suddenly heard a familiar sound, then the flash of light that followed instantly.
It appeared that Animus would not be a threat for a moment, so Raybur turned, making sure with backward glances to keep himself out of Mordakai's line of fire. At least the little alfar makes a nice meatshield..
Looking at how Kyron was doing against Naithin, Raybur groaned. Well, at least he isn't dead yet. Kyron was on the ground with Naithin's staff smacking down just next to his head. Then Kyron appeared to be making a swipe with his dagger at Naithin's feet. Raybur took a one third length grip on his own quarterstaff and made a rushing swing for Naithin's left shoulder.

[Naithin]

As Naithin was coming down out of his jump, he heard the thud of his staff hit against the ground 'Damn..'' followed by a distinctive swish through the air, he didn't hesitate, he kicked out hard against the arena wall with his left leg on a 45 degree angle, changing his course and giving him a little more hieght to work with. He was in the process of bringing his right leg up, but it was a tad too slow, and he felt a blade rip through his right boot on top of his foot.

In alarm he quickly tried moving that foot and the toes upon it, and breathed a sigh of relief as he found they still moved. The cut had drawn blood, and would start to sting with the punishment he had yet to give it, but it fortunately hadn't hampered his ability to move with it yet.

Heard another rush of air from an unexpected quarter, he decided now would be a good time to open his eyes again. As he did so he saw Raybur bearing down on him at close range with a quarterstaff. 'Well shit..' he thought. He was no longer in range of the wall to adjust his direction of flight, he brought his staff back up at a cross angle to the incoming quarterstaff, his hands to either side of the impact point..

CRA-ACK.. The staves met with an astounding force, driving Naithin hard against the Arena wall again, thudding against it in a most awkward manner. He gasped for breath as it went wooshing out of him, but wasted no time with his actions, Kyron would be upon him again soon and then the situation would be unteneable.. He let himself fall to the ground, back against the wall so that he'd land on his back side, but he kept his left foot on the ground, bending at the knee instead ready to leap back up again immediately after, while his right leg kicked out savagely for Raybur's left knee, hoping to make him stumble if not actually breaking it. It was a harsh move he'd normally not use in a simple arena fight, but it was clear these two were out for a kill.

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Raybur's deflected blow seemed to drive his opponent into a sitting position, then Raybur noticed the trick...
Oh, not the leg again....
Raybur flailed his leg to the side to save it, costing him his balance. As raybur started to topple sideways to the left, he slid his grip up close to halfway on his staff and pushed, using Naithin's own staff as a fulcrum and his own falling weight to drive the lower end of his staff at Naithin's belly\crotch.
Kyron better get his butt over here...

[RavenLord]

He was out of immidate danger. For now. And his partner looked like he could use some help. No time to recover... Kyron grabbed his other dagger. And stood up as fast as he could, putting most of his weight on his right leg. He quickly tried shifting his weight to his left leg and was somewhat relieved to notice that it could support him. It was weaker and wouldn

[Mordakai]

((Animus is holding me up. Bah))

Mordakai was out of broadheads and would have to start using his Armor piercing arrows in his quiver. The Broadheads tended to do more damage to flesh, but atleast the Armor Piercing ones would put nice sized holes in people.

"Let the Blood Flow!"

Mordakai's Vision was slowly returning, the giant black spot was now a collection of small black spots. He could see well enough to aim, but could he aim well enough?

Nait's getting pressed hard by both guys and his partner still hasnt shown up. Animus has been no use whatsoever thus far, go figure.

Mordakai drew back a shot and aimed between the shoulder blades of Kyron. As Kyron pulled back to throw his daggers, Mordakai released the shot, sending it speeding on its way towards Kyron.

The odds must be evened out... Nait has no partner and mine is gimped. One of those two were going down, and soon.

[RavenLord]

OOC: alright, I guess me and raybur overpowered Naithin, so I

[Crae]

(Spectator)
Huzzah! Mordakai!!!! Show 'em what for! *throws hands in air*
Boo Kyron!!! *grabs a tomatoe and throws it towards Kyron*
*The tomatoe suddenly bounces off a magical sheild that surrounds the arena and hits Crae in the face*

[Solzibar]

(Spectator)

Seated near the top of the arena Solzibar watched with intrigue as the battle unfolded below. Men jumping, ducking, spinning in mid air with seemingly unrealistic speed and accuracy. He saw a single man carrying enough weapons to weigh down a mule cart, explosions and blasts of light created faster then a man could speak, and some fantastic weaponry. He wondered where the last contestant was though as he was looking forward to seeing, or actually not seeing, the so called invisible sword the fighter was rumored to carry.

It was interesting how weapons seemed to appear in the fighters hands out of thin air. One second he watched a man toss daggers at another and before blinking was tossing two more.

"Bah, this is more of a circus then a fight. The natural laws seem to nay apply within this unholy structure."

The man mumbled to himself as a stray arrow found its way out of the arenas fighting floor and lodged itself into an ugly Alfar watching from across the way. Solzibar was a fighter at heart, and a good one. He had been the Knight Champion of a great King, fallen to no more then a vagabond, then been reborn as a Paladin of one of the Old Gods, the forgotten ones, the Goddess Aranel. He had no use for trickery or games, nor did he think much of those that did. He followed the Old Ways and left the rest to those less skilled in combat and Honor.

THWAK

"What the bloody...."

Solzibar was broken from his internal rantings by another stray arrow, this one barely missing him. Growling under his breath the Paladin stood and began to descend down the steps of the arena towards the main fighting wall

"I'll have Mordakais head if I find him shooting at me again" was all he said as he stood fast at the top of the arena wall, his ugly dual bladed axe resting neatly atop the piling seperating himself from the drop down to the arena floor.

[Sprite]

Whistling to himself in the crowd, Cielwyn watched the fight with interest as it raged back and forth between the three teams. For a few moments there, it almost seemed there would be 4 teams when Animus appeared to be betraying his partner. Typical, for an alfar of course. Amazed that they actually appeared to be working together even now, he imagined that was quite a surprise to the other teams in the arena, thinking themselves another team split up. An excellent diversion, Mordakai and Animus seemed to have a plan of sorts. The other two had decided to work together against Naithin, his partner perhaps sleeping in, or perhaps Naithin had someone working against him who would see him dead at this point. Thinking more on this, he realizes that Naithin's beliefs on the gods have earned him enemies in the past which would like him put down...

Interested in this perspective of the fight, he quietly stands up and approaches one of the officials around the arena. Whispering quietly to the man, he insists that he be allowed to join the fight on Naithin's team. "He at least deserves a fighting chance, his partner abandoning him has surely sentanced him to death here. A death which may have been arranged..." Cielwyn whispered his concerns about Kito's whereabouts and his conclusions regarding it. The official agreed to discuss it with the judges upon the point of possible sabotage, and after a short meeting, during which Naithin was pinned to the ground fighting off two men at once, they agreed he could enter the arena.

Not a moment too soon it seemed. Quickly chanting the Hymn of Swiftness, he leaps from the wall surrounding the arena, leaving behind a stunned group of judges and officials. Moving with supernatural magically enhanced speed from the hymn, he aims for the first dagger closest to Naithin. Gently touching down his foot on the dagger, his weight comes down and pushes it harmlessly into the ground. Grinning to himself, his left hand sweeps out wielding his main gauche and a second dagger spins to the ground away from him. Even though Kyron was leaping towards them, it was slowed in comparison to the Hymn's magical speed, buying him precious seconds. Cielwyn ignored the man and turns back to Naithin. Planning to wisely spend the last of his speed, he grabs onto Nait and pulls him back out of the fray a ways out of the imminent range of a direct attack.

Facing Naithin on the floor, he holds up his hands to show he was no enemy. "Kito couldn't make it eh? I guess you'll have to be content with me then! Content or not though, help is here." Chuckling a bit, andrenaline pumping through him, he offers his hand to Naithin to help him to stand. "Don't lie about all day now, you have some revenge to take. Just remember - you owe me." Cielwyn grins and keeps his eyes on the others, figuring Animus and Mordakai would keep the other team busy while Naithin regained his senses.

[RavenLord]

OOC: Buu Kyron??? :) so is there a magical shield arond the arena or not? if there is, than Cielwyn couldn

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Raybur, just as his staff had been about to deliver its blow into Naithin's gut, was utterly shocked when his opponent just vanished.
Looking around, he then saw kito collide with the wall where he had been, and looking to the side, he saw another man helping Naithin to his feet a few yards away.
Kito finally showed...
Raybur, stood up carefully, leaning on his staff to help support his bad leg.
Turning to his partner, he grabbed him by the ear. "Alright, no more of this diving into things stuff, I need a partner with as little brain damage as possible!" Then he was standing beside Kyron, staff still supporting him, facing the pair of fighters. Of course remembering to keep this new fighter between himself and Mordakai.
Surprises... don't like surprises..

[RavenLord]

((It was me colliding with the wall :( ...Kyron, not kito :)))
Kyron slapped Rayburs hand away and almost bit his tounge when pain shot from his shoulder into the rest of his body.
"Shut up smart guy. This ain

[Naithin]

It seemed the judges had permitted this fellow and lowered the shielding for him. He seemed capable, at least, and that was a blessing. Wasting no further time, Naithin scrambled to his feet, and moved along the wall further from where Kyron and Raybur were. He had to quickly assess himself for any further wounding.. But it seems besides the thump he had taken on the back for landing against the wall earlier and the slice on his foot were it.

He shook his head clear, death had seemed so close on moments before.. 'Never mind that..' he told himself. Now was the time to act. Brandishing his staff again, he put his hands to either side of the middle, and approached to stand next to the new arrival, ready to take on Kyron and Raybur again, curious what his new allies abilities would turn out to be..

[Raybur Ravenloc]

OOC: Kito-Kyron, same thing :D i did mean Kyron though :rolleyes:
just as a summary, i am going to try to position everyone on the field, if i mess it up let me know, cause this is what i have been posting by
me and kyron are standing side by side near the wall, me on the left further from the wall
cielwyn and naithin are standing together further along the wall in front of us, i'll put cielwyn away from the wall since he was dragging naithin from it
further along the wall is the gate i was hiding in earlier, and animus is somewhere in that area, apparently staggering around from the light (or maybe he just decided to take a nap)
way further along is mordakai, apparently shooting arrows into the crowd now... :p
now, back to the fun...



"That guy can

[RavenLord]

Here we go again...
Kyron followed his partner just a step behind. His left leg hurted like hell.....
He advanced towards Naithin, so that his partner wouldn

[Mordakai]

(( I have my own Cheering section now! And with my Friends Cheering me on, I can't lose! Just ask Yugi-Oh!!!))

Damn, Cielwyn is here... This just upped the level of difficulty quite a bit. Especially since we are all battered and he is fresh and rested. Maybe my well rested partner will take care of him for us.

"Bout time you got some help Naithin, Too bad it may be too late for you. I'm tired of missing these other two..." Mordakai says from across the room.

There's your chance.... Between Cielwyn and Naithin, Raybur stands at the ready. Obscuring my shot, Naithin could likely dodge it or be pushed from harm by Cielwyn leaving Raybur no time to evade.

That seemed like a decent plan at the time. Plus Mordakai owed Raybur some pain. Mordakai was confident he could fight Naithin toe to toe, while Animus fought Cielwyn... But Raybur and Kyron? Mordakai knows little about them and even though he is an accomplished fighter with his axes, he is unsure of how he would match up against those two.
Mordakai draws back his bow, the spots in his vision nearly gone now he has a clear view of Naithin's back. Waiting for just the right....

NOW

THWIP
Whizzzzz

Either way you have a great chance to hit something atleast.

((Arrow aimed high on Naithin's left shoulder, should he move it would come in at Raybur's Right shoulder/Pectoral))

[Animus]

Animus shook his head side to side, trying to regain his bearings. What the hell was that! I can't see shit! His keen alfar ears kept him away from trouble, avoiding the increasing sounds of battle while his vision recovered. Damnit Mordakai! Kill someone! After several precious moments, the light cleared, and shapes and figures finally made themselves known again. He quickly looked around, trying to find a target and spotted Kyron.

"DAMNIT YOU SONS OF BITCHES! YOU WILL FUCKING DIE!!!"

The Sithra flared alive and the Alfar flung his arm, willing the magical whip to seek the neck of the bastard who had blinded him.

[Arianna]

(Spectator)

Arianna quickly pushed her way through the swarming crowd, searching for her brother, Crae. She called his name but her small voice was lost in the roar of the mob. Finally, a familiar face caught her attention down in the front rows of the arena. Crae stood leaning over the ledge, shouting vigorously at the fighters below. Frantically, Arianna scrambled down the steps to join him.

[Sprite]

As Naithin grasped his hand and pulled himself up, Cielwyn sighted a renewed vigor from the other team. I guess I can't blame them... I did steal their kill. Grinning even more to that, if it was possible, he glances over to Naithin who appeared ready once more. His right hand darts between possible weapon choices. The rapier? Or the dagger? Cielwyn did not have long to choose, for Raybur was charging into the fight once more, swinging his heavy quarterstave around in a neat arc.

His hand grasped the hilt of his rapier as he applauded the man silently, for a clever attack he had thought up. Equipped only with light weaponry, he had no chance in blocking it without severe damage to himself, and the suddenness of the strike would deny him the time to chant another spell. Hoping Nait was clear headed enough to sight the man charging across the arena and the rescue he had performed was not for naught, he ducks down and rolls quickly, passing underneath the mid-height swing of the staff.

Cielwyn sprung into action as soon as he felt the wind from the passing of the attack pass overhead. He stood up and spun about, his right hand pulling out the rapier with ease. Taking his aim, he sets himself up for a thrust straight to Raybur's back as his momentum dictated his movement in the swing towards Naithin. He strikes as soon as the target presents itself.

[Sprite]

(Thought that needed a little clearing up as to my position. I'm currently on Raybur's side waiting as he turns in his swing to hit Naithin. If he keeps turning his back will be to me and I'll do a lil pokey pokey. =] )

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Whiff..
I dont like that sound...
The staff went right over kyron as he went into a roll putting himself on the opposite side of Raybur as Naithin was.
The movement was enough to reveal one of Mordakai's arrows sailing straight at either Naithin or himself.
Rat shit....
Thinking fast, Raybur released his grip on the staff, causing it to fly without any effectual speed behind Naithin's shoulder. Then Raybur dove forward with all his strength at Naithin, grabbing at him at elbow level and trying to twist at least his shoulder into the arrow.
I wonder if he is thick enough to stop an armor piercer before it goes through into MY shoulder... doubt it. Raybur resigned himself to the likely incoming pain, not only from the arrow, but also from the ludicrously quick mystery entrant preparing to give him a steel enema, not to mention whatever Naithin might do to him for this little stunt....

OOC: please no pokey pokey :( lol
and kyron, real brave bud, stand back and wait to see if i need help?? I NEED HELP!!!!! Aside from you and Animus, the entire arena is out to get me....
and as for Animus, where did you come from, just wondering, i thought nait and ceil were between you and kyron, but whatever, just where are you now? behind us? cause now ciel is on one side of kyron, the wall is on the other, and nait and me are in front, confuzzled me :confused:

[Beaue]

(Spectator)
A robed figure enters the arena in the spectator section, his robe black with incandescent streaks of red.

Coming in a bit late aren't we? the guard at the gate asked, trying to keep an eye on the arena.

Aye, too bad I'm not entering as a contestant, by the looks of things, not a single fireball has been tossed.

The guard just mumbles, either an aye or a nae, barely audible as he wasn't paying attention to the mage anymore. Beaue pulled down his hood as he started walking down the stairs.

Alright, now let's see who here has good concentration he said to himself smugly, rolling up his sleeves a little. Beaue noticed a tomato pile that a nearby spectator had sitting next to him. One of the tomatoes rose up and streaked towards the ring, splatting on the force shield that Beaue hadn't known about (and hitting a poor fella nearby, who seemed to already have some tomato on him).

Beaue furrowed his brow Guess it'll take a bit more than that he thought, crackin his knuckles. The splatterings from the tomato started sliding up the shield, painting a red streak. Hmmm, yess Beaue thought, as a tomato from 7 other spectators, circled the arena and flew at the shield. Each painted a streak up similar to the first, till they all simultaneously reached the top and exploded, creating a small pool and a large thunderous noise.

The guard looked in Beaue's direction as he sat down, trying to look inconspicuous and pretending not to know the source of the distraction.

[RavenLord]

OOC: alright, alright...I

[Naithin]

Naithin had been ready to block the incoming blow from Raybur's staff, he held his own staff in a verticle position, ready to block it crosswise from Raybur's horizontal sweep.. But then Raybur threw his staff somewhere off behind him, and charged barehandedly?

'What the HELL?' He held his staff out in front of him, still verticle to maintain some distance, as he looked around him quickly to find the source of his opponents sudden change of heart for a far less effect- 'Oh shit..' -ive move.. An arrow was incoming, beading in directly for him. 'That bastard intends to use me as a meat shield! .. Well to hell with THAT!

The damn arrow was too close to be avoided now, it was going to hit right at his shoulder, there was no time to even try deflect it as a sideswipe off his armor, it was going to be a direct piercing hit. Naithin scowled menacingly, his first real expression of anger in the match, Raybur would pay mightily for this.

Raybur was diving towards him now, completely in the air and had no control over his direction now, Raybur was his. Naithin rather savagely tilted the top of his staff forward, and then thrust it up and out towards the underside of Raybur's jaw as he closed in on him about to make the grab.

It was at that moment the arrow ripped clean through his left shoulder, the Armor Piercing head proceeding right through his body as if it was almost nothing. As it hit he screamed in dual emotions of agony and rage, the adrenaline increasing his thrust of the staff. It would possibly be the last full strength blow he delivered in this match, the hole through his left shoulder wasn't going to stop him just yet, but it would render him one handed essentially, and he could only go so far now without having to concede from blood loss.. 'Damn.. Damnit.. Damn..'

[Mordakai]

(( Ooi... Just out of curiousity Kyron... how'd you parry Cielwyn and be 6 feet away from the fire? ))

Mordakai's arrow hit its mark, unfortunetly it was the wrong mark.
Naithin roared in both pain and rage as the arrow tore through his shoulder, but his counter attack at Raybur looked to be well placed and should make contact. Enough to put Raybur out cold I would suspect.

FWOOSH!

Damn that Kyron...

As if it wasn't bad enough, Kyron ignited some of his magical powder, this time causing a quite impressive flame. Mordakai couldn't tell exactly what his target was, but he was pretty sure the flame would hit his own partner as well.

If Naithin knocks Raybur out, and Kyron set him on fire... heh... I'm not putting him out.

Mordakai had been left alone nearly the entire fight. Allowing him to shoot as many arrows as he could without having to drop his bow and take up his axes. And from his location in the arena he could see everyone quite well. Including his Alfar partner who's Sithra was flaring to life and moving directly at Kyron's Neck.

Thats going to hurt... thats going to hurt him bad. Even if the force of the whip doesn't do some impressive damage, the lightning is sure to drop kyron where he stands.

The fight was slowly circling Mordakai the entire time, but now the fight was drawing closer to him. Less than 15 yards separated him and most of the fighters. Most of them were beat up pretty badly and couldn't out maneuver Mordakai even with his wound to the leg.

A few more arrows at this range and this fight is over. Until I have to deal with my own partner... and Cielwyn... Hmm....

Mordakai knew of Cielwyn, respected his talents. Sometimes feared them. Now would be a good time to bring him down to everyone elses level. A few disabling injuries would atleast give Mordakai a fighting chance if Cielwyn looked his way.

Mordakai nochs another arrows and aims for Cielwyn. Knowing his speed and agility, Mordakai waits patiently for the right time to strike.

Watch the waist... it always gives them away...

[Raybur Ravenloc]

So much for him being unprepared from the shock of his rescue... this is it..
FWOOSH!
An explosion of heat and force behind him made his leather armor begin to smolder. It also changed his trajectory slightly, more force into Naithin's staff, but also a bit to the right..
Given his chance, Raybur pulled his head to the right slightly, getting it away from Naithin's staff entirely.
But what about the rest of me?..
CRUNCH
There was a slight feeling of.. wrongness.. in raybur's left shoulder, before he noticed that he could not feel anything from the shoulder out.
Then Raybur was heading for the dirt, and as he struck, a world of pain flooded into his mind, pushing out his senses. He tried to see what was around him, to remember where he was, who he was.. to think at all.. and then he stopped thinking, and fell into darkness.

[Sprite]

[OOC: After serious consideration of what exactly you did in your post RavenLord, this was my best interpretation which left you out of the range of your own fireblast, and I find it fair indeed. Next time please watch exactly what you do and the number of actions you perform. Otherwise the more you do robs the other person of options to react with. As I sit here after writing this post, you had moved in, parried, thrown your powder, ignited your powder, {teleported} away to 6 feet, and bent to pick up a dagger.]

Prepared to strike at Raybur's turning back, he was a bit taken aback when the other man released his grip on the staff and dove forward into Naithin. I guess he realized his opening in time then. Wondering how Naithin would handle the attack, he turned to see the flash of a blade from Kyron standing a few feet behind Raybur's previous location. Whats he swinging at? He'll have to get a bit closer if he wants to duel with that dagger. Chuckling mentally, the smile on his face vanishes almost instantly. Wait.. a distraction? Almost not seeing the movement and cursing himself for believing that Kyron merely was suffering from a lack of depth perception and underestimating the man in his amusement, he sights Kyron's arm ready for the pitch.

A dagger? Poison? Reacting instinctually within the space he had to work with, he brings his arms up to guard his face and holds his breath. Cielwyn is shocked then, when a moment later the world turned into flame. Igniting his clothes on fire and burning his exposed arms and upper body even through his armor, he stumbles back away from it as tears stream from his eyes at the heat. Every part of the front of his body burned painfully. Continuing to stumble back, he finally allows his tortured arms to fall to his sides. Still clutching his weapons, although now in pain and not in preference, he squints out for a followup attack. I guess that would keep them away for a bit musing on the sudden flames. He is an alchemist then? Damn why wasn't I aware of that I should have researched better, interrogated someone who knew him a little harder. Thinking on anything else to put the pain at bay, he stabs his rapier into the ground and raises his arm to pat out the smouldering flames of what was left of his clothing. Tch, that hurts, dammit it hurts like hell... this isn't good.

Hoping Nait would be alright, he grabs the rapier back and slams it into it's sheath (snarling in pain as he moves his arm) and moves away slowly, stretching the burned skin carefully and testingly to assess his movement abilities. Reaching around behind him, he clutches the hilt of his dagger and keeps his eyes on the combatants as he moves away from them Watching for anyone who would take advantage of his unfortunate state. Naithin better be worth this!

[RavenLord]

OOC:
(( Ooi... Just out of curiousity Kyron... how'd you parry Cielwyn and be 6 feet away from the fire? ))

Sorry about those six feet...I don

[Animus]

Animus silently cheered his own good luck, and was about to find Mordakai and give the ranger a piece of his mind ("I JUST GOT ONE! I HAVEN'T SEEN YOU HIT ANYTHING BUT AIR!!), when a little memory of the past nudged at his head. Damn Dwarf, you will forever haunt me. My voice has been corrected, and should this fight continue as it has, my face will be returned, but the scar is so much deeper than the flesh. And so, in your name Bandolaf, I will make sure this is done.

Animus crossed the distance between him and the now K.O.'ed Kyron as fast as his alfar body allowed. He recalled the Sithra, it recoiling into a blade and being resheathed quickly on his back. The daggers spun into his hands, and pouncing on the fallen man, he crossed his blades, slicing relentlessly at the head and neck.

"DEATH IS THE ONLY ABSOLUTE!"

[RavenLord]

((ooh....Someone save me, please...MERCY!! OH; MERCY! :D ....of course I

[Animus]

((OOC: Hoorah! I was just making sure you weren't playing dead before I made my real post, didn't want to be controlling you if you were still kicking, but... you are KO for real, and soon to be dead. =D Good fight! =)))

The Alfar's daggers met flesh, and it was only mere seconds before the face of Kyron was unrecognizable. All around the now dead body were pieces that no longer had a home, teeth, muscle, hair, bone, brain. The visage of Animus had grown more horrifying, stained red with blood, with tiny bits of skin and cartilage slowly dripping off his mask, bouncing silently off of the corpse, and landing with a slight pop into the pool forming around the Alfar and his victim. The daggers once deadly beauty was gone, covered so in the gore, they seemed to personify the word cruelty. Animus stood slowly, a smile easily seen through the hole in his mask, and a laugh suddenly pierced the silence, causing several onlookers to audibly gasp.

"Mordakai, I have disposed of one, while the other group has gotten his teammate. There are two left my archer friend, I suggest we get to work."

Wiping off the daggers on his pants, he resheathed them, then slowly drew the Sithra, the blade sparking and flaring as the still dripping blood touched the surface.

"WHO WILL BE NEXT!"

[Mordakai]

(( wow... Ya know Kyron, if I could have posted before Animus, I would have shot him in the face when he knelt to go for the kill. Not just to save you, but just because I want to shoot Animus in the face. btw.. you should have posted Animus Missed due to you kneeling for your dagger. hehe. ))

Events unfolding quickly, he saw Raybur go down, but not for good I'd suspect, and Kyron fell almost in unison as Animus' attack found its mark. Cielwyn was set ablaze and was backing away instinctively. All the while, Mordakai had been left to himself. He was wounded early, but surprisingly no one challenged him since then. He was grateful for the opportunity to unleash arrow after arrow into the brawl before him, yet somewhat dissappointed that everyone figured he was the weakest in the fight and not a threat.

I'll show em who's weak... No... That is not your way. Cielwyn is injured and oblivious to you. Show mercy, thats the honorable thing.

"Cielwyn! I have you dead to rights... Turn and face me."

Naithin would soon have to deal with a healthy Animus, and Mordakai felt bad for causing Naithin's current injury. He would not shoot a close friend in the back, especially not for a bloodthirsty mob.

Mordakai raised his bow and drew back the string, levelling his aim at the center of Cielwyn's chest not more than 10 yards away. Naithin was 15 yards away to his right and Animus was 20 yards away, just infront of Naithin.

"Make the call Cielwyn... You move, I shoot... you don't have to die here today."

Mordakai was hoping Cielwyn would submit, his true intention was to save Naithin from his Alfar partner, but couldn't risk Cielwyn taking advantage of his kindness.

[Solzibar]

"Animals." was all the Knight could say as he watched the vicious display taking place in a corner of the arena below him. The Alfar had come upon the seemingly unconcius Kyron like a blood crazed beast and began tearing the poor man apart with his blades.

"No honor in this " he muttered under his breath as he turned to glance at the screaming spectators around him. They cared little for the fight, for the values inherent in such a contest. It was the gore they thrived on, the death that kept them here.

"Is this what it has come..."
"Oh will you stop brooding already! It is unbecoming you know"

Solzibar looked quickly to each side as he let out a breath, he knew he would see no one, hew knew the voice and where it came from.

"This is not brooding. I do not brood. And what does it matter to you either way? "

"Oh don't get offended now Solzi, this is my job you know?" the giggling that followed only served to irritate the Knight more then he already was. "Besides, you came to watch this....thing...so watch it. Your constant BROODING makes it impossible to sleep"

"Have you perhaps thought of sleeping somewhere other then in my head?" Solzibar growled as he once more glanced around him, feeling the eyes of a few close spectators on him.

"You know they will think me crazy now, or perhaps posessed Aranel. "

"Just tell them your chatting with a Goddess. They will understant Solzi!!"

Her words were replaced by yet another fit of giggling that lasted a few seconds before trailing off. He knew she was still with him, she would never leave him alone for long. Said he got into to much trouble. Solzibar sighed once more as he turned his attention back to the arena floor and to the pile of torn flesh and shattered bones that once was a man.

"I know your still here. I know not if Kyron is a man of any faith, certainly not a follower of yours. But regardless I shall say it anyways." the Knight whispered as he began ro recite a short prayer. It was a prayer for the fallen, one he recited for every man that had ever fallen to his blade since becoming a Paladin of Aranel. He knew the Alfar cared little for honor or tradition, but his enemy deserved them both all the same.

As the prayer finished a small stream of light emitted from within and around Solzibar, streaming up through the barrier protecting the arena it circled around the fallen man before settling within him.

Satisfied with the prayers results he recited another verse, one known only to the followers of Aranel. It was an affirment of their devotion to her, it was what allowed her to perform the prayers asked of her by them. Having finished the devotion his attention was brought back to the battle by Mordakais offer of Mercy to another combatant.

"An act worthy of its offer. I salute you as always Mordakai"


[OOC]

The prayer was a formality of sorts. He asked his Goddess to protect the soul of the fallen man and see it safely to wherever it might be headed.

[Animus]

Animus watched the white light drift down through the barrier and onto the corpse of Kyron. Oh how sweet, a little prayer for the fallen.... the dolts, he died all the same... he knew the risks, he entered an arena with me. Was he blind? Was he a fool? He needed only ask the spectators from the last tournament about what happens to those who face me! Whimpering saps, crying over death... Animus allowed his head to drop sideways onto his shoulder as his partner, the pathetic human Mordakai, offered clemency to the new fighter. This man, while partially psychotic, lacks a warrior's spirit. If he were an Alfar, I would strike him down where he stood for offering an enemy such a choice. As is... his death can wait. Just then, the Alfar remembered that Raybur had not be killed, only knocked unconcious. He leapt to his feet and closed the distance, and with a long jump boosting his power, he slammed his dagger into the chest of the man, causing the body to jolt, then slacken as life drained from it. He jumped up and returned to stand beside Mordakai.

"That's cute, if you want to chase away that guy with your bow, i'll go kill the cripple... unless you have other plans?"

[Mordakai]

"If you think you can handle Cielwyn, by all means... go try."

Mordakai lowered his Bow and half-grinned at Animus. He was certain Cielwyn had alot of fight left in him, and Animus would likely under estimate Cielwyn's abilities.
Mordakai slings his bow across his back and walks gingerly towards Naithin, drawing his axes as he nears.

That Alfar is hungry for death. Not every fight need end that way. Though I am quite certain if I had the chance, our fight would.

"Got any fight left in you Naithin? Or is that shoulder in too bad of shape?"

Mordakai was wary of Naithin even still. He didn't want to walk into one of Naithin's last ditch swings and get taken out himself, but he couldn't let the Alfar have his way with him either.

I hope Cielwyn has something for Animus. Someone needs to take some spunk out of that nut job.

[Animus]

Animus mentally noted Mordakai's smile, and moved away from his "partner" to face Cielwyn. I'll bet my position inside Morier that that man is plotting something... damn bastards, why couldn't I be paired with another Alfar? At least that way, I could be positive that everyone else would be dead before we dueled, as is, I wouldn't be surprised if that bastard betrayed me for Naithin. He pulled his mind from this problem, for it was still a ways in the future. The here and now, Cielwyn.

"Does your skin burn so badly? Did his little fire hurt you human?"

Animus had gathered both from his underlings and from watching the man so far that his attacks centered around his speed and short range weapons. Animus would say that they mirrored each other if it wasn't for the Sithra strapped across Animus's back, but the Alfar Lord was willing to be generous. He did not move for the Sithra, instead he just kept spinning the daggers between his fingers. Animus spoke, a smile becoming more prominent with each word, meanwhile a tiny voice seemed to be screaming out in the back of his mind, but he ignored it.

"I think I will like this... with the Sithra, I would kill you instantly... and that's OH so boring... so I think i'll use these daggers instead, and if you are as you appear, it will make for a MUCH more interesting fight."

[Raybur Ravenloc]

There was a great force on his chest. A feeling, leading to a thought, leading to awareness... Rayburs eyes opened, and he took in the Alfar atop him, his dagger had been thrust at his chest, stopped by one thing.. the good luck charm beneath his shirt.
As the Alfar hesitated after the surprise of his blow not punching through with ease, Raybur sent his good arm, his right, in a fist smashing into Animus's jaw, flinging the smaller creature a short distance away from him.
Strike a man while he's down.. the god of fortune doesn't appreciate that apparently.. Raybur took the moment to pull out the charm and kiss it, before he was rising. dragging his limp limb along with him.
Raybur drew his gladius with his good hand, and began to back away from Animus's sprawled body just now starting to rise..

OOC: VERY weak trying to slash at kyron for however long that took and then dive over to me all before anyone else could make a post.. Naithin was standing right there and I doubt that he would have allowed you to stick your knife in me right under his feet without at least breaking your skull.. so I took most of your post and ignored the ending that assumed a successful hit and kill. Unless someone else has a complaint with this of course..
I also took the liberty of giving you a sore jaw for the sheer audacity of thinking I die so easily..

heck, if i had wanted to be a jerk i would have put my own daggers in you while you were totally blinded and not posting anything for a while. instead i turned after someone else..

[Mordakai]

(( Ignore my last post about helping Naithin. Animus' recent posts as well. We'll pick up as Raybur's post has changed things, which I cannot blame one bit. I am still aiming at Cielwyn, who is recovering from Fire. ))

[Animus]

Animus hopped back to his feet, and his eyes were wide and white, his gritted teeth emitting the hiss that became his voice.

"YOU FUCKING FOOL! HOW DARE THEE TOUCH ME! HOW DARE YOU USE SUCH UNDERHANDED TACTICS! AFTER I'M DONE WITH YOU, YOU'LL MAKE KYRON LOOK LIKE A PRETTY FUCKING MIRDAIN WEARING A PINK DRESS!!!"

He quickly sheathed the daggers at his waist, and his hand sought the Sithra over his shoulder. Feeling the familar leather that wrapped the hilt, his hand gripped hard, quickly turning his knuckles white with the stress. Great Lord Melek, not since the Dwarf has the rage to kill boiled so hotly inside of me. Bandolaf was worthy of my hate though, he was a true opponent. This... this.... BASTARD must die, I beg of thee, lend me your power and guidance. The Sithra flared alive, seeking the soon to be dead Mirdain.

OOC: Naithin knows that he can contact me whenever I do something that wasn't quite believable. He didn't contact me, thus I did not think anything of it.

[Raybur Ravenloc]

OOC: it wasn't so much that it was unbelievable as much as that you did it without allowing for a counter, like EVERY OTHER move is done, you should have said that you drove the dagger at me, not into me, and left it for others to see whether it went in, same thing for kyron i think, but he didn't complain so i left it alone.


Raybur saw the sithra flare to its whip form.
This is gonna be difficult.
As the whip flew towards him Raybur struck out at it, just far enough below the tip that it could not wrap around his blade enough to disarm him. The parry managed to throw the whip back momentarily, but Raybur wondered how long he could keep up the precise strikes required...

[Sprite]

Cielwyn's gaze had already shifted and locked onto the dangerous archer the moment he moved out of the immediate range of the other fighters. I can still assess threats correctly, even if I did make mistakes in my research! A low growl escapes his throat, but he ceases moving for the moment. He knew of Mordakai, and at the moment, he was at a disadvantage. Thinking past the pain, which thankfully, was receeding into a less crippling ache over the burned areas, he considered what he knew of Mordakai. A friend of Naithin, even in the same guild, those two had known each other a long time. No doubt he seeks to find a solution to the problem his teammate provides. He grins to Mordakai, though he doubt the other man guessed why. Am I his solution? Slightly shifting his gaze, he watches the enraged alfar engaging Raybur, who had miraculously survived the deadly stab to the chest. The God of Luck favors this man.

Not looking forward to immediately being the solution to the Animus problem, and hoping Mordakai would give him some time to recover, he decides to take the man on his honor. "I think we both have the same thing in mind, friend." He winks and nods over to Animus. "I'll wager you'd rather me fight your partner than Naithin. And you leave me no choice, as of this moment, I cannot evade your arrow at this range... and you... need me." Trusting that he had pegged him right, Cielwyn holds up his hands in a gesture of peace.

[Mordakai]

Mordakai lowers his bow and gives Cielwyn a sharp look.

"Betray my act of mercy and you will burn the rest of your days. Animus is my partner, honor prevents me from betraying him as he would me. Do what you must, just do it fast."

Mordakai slung his bow across his back and walked carefully over to Naithin. Trying to keep his left leg straight and not aggrevate his injury. Atleast his head wasn't spinning anymore. Careful not to provoke Naithin, as there would be nothing worse than taking a staff to the chin. Mordakai drew his axes and held them up in a defensive manner and spoke.

"Naithin, how you holding up old man? I can't let you fall in this arena, but I can't lose."

[Animus]

Animus continues attacking Raybur with his Sithra.

OOC: lol, I couldn't really think of anything to say since i'm not looking around or changing attack =/

[Raybur Ravenloc]

OOC: lol, i guess you could have been more specific, like aiming a particularly nasty attack.. meh

Raybur was slowly being driven back by the ferocity and speed of the sithra, which was darting in again and again, and being thrown back nearer and nearer to Raybur's throat. Meanwhile, Raybur's bad arm was begining to throb from the combination of being left unattended and it swinging around from Raybur's movements.
I can't keep this up.
Then Raybur noticed the pile of gore that had, before his encounter with Naithin's staff, been an ally.
Gods damn this beast.. I am NOT going to die like that.
With that Raybur screamed a battle cry, "TO THE MY BREATH, AND HIS!!!"
With that, Raybur allowed the sithra to wrap around his gladius, and made a circling, twisting, pulling movement with it to put enough tension on the length of sithra that it would not be easily pulled free. Then he charged. None of the diving nonsense that had gotten his partner and himself maimed. He put his good arm down and away and rushed the little hellspawn. At the last moment before collision, Raybur slowed and made a kick with his right foot in a wide arc from right to left at his opponent's abdomen. He was too close to hit the enemy with his foot if his opponent stood his ground, but then he could bend the leg and knee him, and if the alfar fled backward or to the left, then his foot would surely catch him.

[Naithin]

Naithin heard a distant roar in his ears. The clangs and cries of battle seem strangely mute now. Sensations in a hieghtend state, yet also so far away.. Detached from his body.

It felt as if he was lying upon his back, with the world spinning, the sensation you get after an unexpected fall. But his vision showed at least so far he was still standing. One hand reaches over to his wounded shoulder, and comes away sticky and red. 'Curious..' He murmurs to himself, unaware of the distance the blood had travelled, and indeed that there is a pool near his boot in the sand, gathering faster than it can absorbed.

Slowly without conscious volition he falls to his knees, one hand still gripping his staff, the last thing keeping him from falling completely.

It seemed that this fight would carry on well enough without him.. Then a familiar voice came, gruff as usual.. "Naithin, how you holding up old man? I can't let you fall in this arena, but I can't lose."

It was Mordakai.. Naithin frowned slightly. Something he tried to remember was slipping by him. Try as he might, he couldn't think what it might be, nor make his mouth work.

The time was near it seemed. 'I hope the medical staff I hired are good..' he idley thought, as he fell back, knee's still curled under him, his eyes staring up at the clear blue sky, before blinking closed not to open again in this battle, his staff then falling just as soundlessly beside him.

[Sprite]

Cielwyn watches in amusement as the duel between Raybur and Animus heats up. Glad for a few moments to rest, as it seemed his mutual understanding with Mordakai would keep him out of the center of attention for the time being. He slowly released his tightened grip on the dagger concealed around his back, then reaching his freed hand upward, he grasped the grip of his recurve bow. Now, what to do what to do...

Glancing over at Mordakai, he saw the man approach Naithin and say something. They're good friends, that should be alright until I can finish off Animus, then its two against Mordakai. Satisfied with that plan, he brings the bow around and draws out a wickedly barbed arrow from the quiver at his waist and draws it back, looking between the combatants to see where he could shift the balance and improve his own odds.

Cielwyn chanted softly the words to the chant of accuracy as he aimed back and forth between Animus and Raybur. His senses heightened, and the trembling in his arms stopped for the moment he looks again for his target. Finally stopping on Animus, he decides to try to hamper some of that alfar agility and speed. Acting quickly on that decision he aims low to the alfar's calf and lets loose. Cielwyn's hand reaches down to grab the next arrow in his quiver as he moves back again, putting some extra distance between him and everyone else.

[Raybur Ravenloc]

OOC: sorry but i just noticed that i butchered my little warcry
should have been 'to my last breath, and his' :o

[Mordakai]

Mordakai watched as his friend wavered and dropped to his knees. Moving closer, he reached out and grabbed Naithin as fell backwards. Their eyes met briefly, but Mordakai could tell Naithin didn't see him.

"You fought well old friend, I am sorry it was me that took the fight from you."

Mordakai bent low, no longer caring about agitating his wounded leg and lifted Naithin up over his shoulder. He took a quick look at the fight between Animus and Raybur, then turned his gaze towards Cielwyn. Without word, he turned his back on the melee and walked towards the nearest gate. Laying Naithin down in the darkened shadows of the hallway and motioning the attendents to come take him away.

Mordakai's eyes burned, as if fueled by anger and he turned back to the fight across the arena. Putting his axes away once more, he unslung his bow and noched the last of his arrows.

This fight is far from over!

Mordakai pulled back on the string and levelled his aim at the back of his Alfar partner. His grip tightened on the bow and everything in his peripheral vision grew dark, only the back of Animus was visable to him.

Move just a little you damnable fiend... Raybur is going down!

The second Animus was clear, Mordakai was releasing his last arrow into the chest of Raybur. His skill with a bow was peerless, his aim uncanny. Everything about him grew faint, even the cheering of the crowd was deaf to his ears. Raybur would feel his wrath...

[Animus]

Damn. That thought summed up how the Alfar felt at the moment. The Sithra had finally wrapped around something, but somehow the lightning effect of the weapon had done nothing to the Mirdain. Damnit all, what can I do no--!?! A grunt escaped the Alfar's throat as the Mirdain flipped his blade around, further wrapping up the Sithra. He had not expected such a movement, still not really believing the lightning had had no effect. So with the twist, yanking on the Sithra, Animus lost his footing and slipped to the ground, catching sight of the incoming Raybur right before his eyes saw only the floor.

"Fuck."

[Raybur Ravenloc]

OOC: incoming kyron? i'll assume he meant kick or meant me? as for the sithra, i assumed since mordakai's leather hilted axes were safe that just about any weapon would be, since most hilts are made with leather or wood, plus i'm wearing a full set of leather, including gloves. Did I make a mistake?


Raybur was surprised when the Alfar toppled forward at the slight pull on the sithra. The Alfar's head was too close too kick, but Raybur managed to pull in his leg, kneeing the Alfar in the side of his neck with all his strength. He wont be waking up from THAT for a while, I hope.
Then there was the arrow.
Phhhhhhthlotch
Raybur had enough time to look down at the arrow in his heart before the world came suddenly crashing in around him.
As the life went out of his eyes they came back up and met with those of the enemy archer. There was peace in those eyes, and then there was nothing. The lifeless body toppled into an unnaturally twisted heap on top of its small former opponent.

[Animus]

Animus felt the knee before he had time to brace for it, and with a sharp pain, his vision began to blur. The bastard got me, but he'll die soon... much sooner than I. The sound of an arrow hitting its target registered his belief true, and knocking the air out of Animus's lungs, the now dead body (hopefully, hehe) of Raybur further proved his idea factual. The Alfar was not going anywhere, both pinned down by the larger Mirdain and his vision slowly growing darker. Oh well... a slight nap might do me good... maybe Mordakai and the new human will finish each other off... Great Lord Melek, allow me to sleep in peace. And with the last slight prayer, Animus lost conciousness.

[Arianna]

(Spectator)

Slowly, Arianna rose from her seat in the stands. Three men are dead, she thought to herself, and my Mordakai is still lives! Cupping her hands around her mouth, she shouted his name, knowing full well that he would not hear her over the wild mob surrounding.

Turning to Crae, she grinned with pride.

[Sprite]

A surprising situation indeed. Cielwyn nocks back the arrow he had drawn from the quiver at his waist. A fine shot Mordakai made, and it seems two foes are out of the fight now... though it'd be a mistake not to finish the job, and I've already made enough mistakes in this fight. Stopping his backward movement, he drops to one knee and sights low along the ground. The alfar, a former Grand Champion, is a threat I cannot allow to rise against me again. His chest starting to twinge again from the burning as his spell wore off, he breathes regularly to clear his mind, then looses the arrow at Animus' head.

[Solzibar]

Head bowed, Solzibar continued to recite the same prayer he had done for Kyron, then Raybur and unfortunately now for the man who mentored him as an initiate in the Kingdom, Naithin. The words he spoke as mere whispers and in a language he did not know nor did he speak, which he considered alarming at first, though had become accustomed to it over the years. He had once asked Aranel how he could speak a tongue he knew nothing of, "I allow you to", was all the answer she would give.

He had grown accustomed to not knowing how some things happened, but accepting them on faith, mostly the faith he held for Aranel. She was a Goddess, one of the Old Ones, whose names no longer held the value and power they once did, but for those who worshipped and loved her. This had not always been so where he was concerned.

He stumbled upon her shrine in a small village deep in the forgotten territory, a place of lawless brigands, criminals, and the exiled. The exiled were those banished from the so called civilized world for beliefs that no longer held true according to the ruling factions. It was in one of these exiled villages that he found Aranel.

He entered that village a man of questionable character, one who had been alone for longer then any man should. When finally he left, he had gained the strength, courage, and faith he had been missing for so long, he had a renewed life through his devotion to Aranel. And behind him, he left the graves of the villagers who had been slaughtered by the militant arm of the ruling Faiths, his would be wifes with them. His vengeance was far from complete.

"Mordakai!"

The screaming of his friends name snapped Solzibar back to reality as he turned to find the source of the voice. Peering through the throngs of onlookers he finally found it, a stunning young woman who stood beaming at the heavens while the man beside her continued to track the fighters down below. He knew these two, or had met them briefly at least. They were Elear like himself, they had to be, no one else would voluntarily cheer on Morakai so virgurously.

Turning from the two Solzibar glanced back at the arena in time to see Cielwyn loose an arrow at the Alfars head

[Animus]

WAKE UP YOU WORTHLESS SON OF A BITCH!!! The voice of his brother rang through Animus's head, and his eyes popped open as his body rolled out from under the corpse of Raybur. The arrow collided with the knee cap of the Mirdain, splintering and flying in random directions. "That was damn close." You bet your ass it was fool... remember who and what you fight for, do you not want to be returned to your previous glory? If you lose, the Great Lord might see his last gift as a waste and take it back... think on that. You can win, just keep an eye on your back and you'll be fine. Finish this Animus. "Thank you brother."

Animus kept himself in a crouch, using the body of Raybur as cover from the arrows of Cielwyn. He could not move til either Cielwyn's quiver became empty, or his useless partner Mordakai helped him out.

"Hey Mordakai, you bastard, how about shooting the other guy with a bow?"

[Mordakai]

"No can do mate... Used my last arrow on that dead Mirdian yer hidin' behind. Looks like you'll have to help yerself for now."

Mordakai took a few steps back inside the gateway where he laid Naithin's body so he could examine his wounded leg in relative safety. It wasn't as bad as he originally thought, but he had lost quite a bit of blood regardless.

Using his axe, he cut a strip of the soft leather from his sleeve and tied it around his leg. If anything it would compress the wound and help it stay closed. When he was finished, he peered out into the arena.

You should really help your partner... But you can't trust him. He may very well try and kill you again once Cielwyn is out of the way.

"Damn Honor..."

Mordakai moved slowly and carefully towards Animus and Cielwyn. Partly because he was favoring his left leg, and partly because he hoped one of the two would be dead before he was close enough to decide who to kill himself.

[Sprite]

Damn the alfar, playing dead eh? And using a body for cover... heh, nothing I can do about that for now. Cielwyn's gaze slid over to the carefully and slowly approaching Mordakai. He decided that the odds looked better if he could keep them from teaming up against him. Staying in his one leg kneeled position, he quickly re-arms his bow from the quiver at his waist and sights it on the approaching man. "Mordakai, there is nothing I can do to Animus while he hides behind the corpse of the man you killed. However, that doesn't mean I will ignore you. You offered me a truce earlier, and I offer it to you now. Stand back from this fight." At the slightest motion other than a friendly one, Cielwyn will loose his arrow.

[Mordakai]

"You've already lost Ceilwyn. Never take your eyes off that Damnable Alfar!"

Mordakai crossed his axes infront of him and gave a slight bow as he stepped back a few paces. Content with watching the fight for now, having a feeling it was going to be quick and explosive.

well, atleast you gave your partner a decent distraction for the moment, hope he's alert enough to make use of it.

Mordakai pondered all the possible outcomes of this fight, and in each other he did not like his odds of survival. His best hope would be Ceilwyn and Animus kill each other. But he didn't have much faith in the odds of that happening.

Just watch... and learn... If you have to fight either, its best that you know what you can expect.

[Animus]

The fool has left an opening. Faster and quieter than anybody else could hope to move, he rose from behind the body and rushed Ceilwyn, silently thanking Mordakai for affording him a chance. His hand slipped back to the hilt of his Sithra, and with a quick flip of the wrist, he aimed for the bow in the man's hands, hoping to disarm him, then throw away the Sithra, entering into a battle of daggers.

[Sprite]

At Mordakai's warning, Cielwyn glanced back to the alfar's impromptu barricade. Raybur's corpse lay on the ground with a peace the man had not had in the last few hours of his life, and the alfar was gone. Alarm clutched Cielwyn's stomach with a cold grip. His widened eyes seemed to find Animus in slow motion, the alfar had already drawn his sithra and was bearing down on him with insane speed. Twisting his body as best he could, he turned the bow and loosed the arrow. Too short! The arrow flew wide and high, sailing into the stands with deadly speed.

And then Animus was there, Cielwyn raised his bow in defense of what he assumed was a strike aimed to kill. Hard to tell where he'll attack with a whip-like weapon like that. A second later the sithra struck, wrapping neatly around the bow and pulling it out of Cielwyn's surprised grasp with ease. Standing up quickly, Cielwyn looked up to the face of the dangerous alfar and grinned. A fighter I can respect, this fight will be fun.. even if I lose. His left hand drops to his waist and draws his main gauche from it's sheath. His right hand slides past his rapier to reach behind him, pulling forth his Rusty dagger in a reverse-handed grip. Facing Animus, Cielwyn holds forward his rusty dagger, keeping his main gauche low. "Shall we?"