Scene #5216: Border Skirmish

Owner	Pose
Young Arthur	The young king has dressed for battle, he sits atop his horse, wearing chainmail covered by the livery of house Pendragon, a golden band rests atop his head, and a massive rock is attached to his waist, a sword's hilt sticking out of the object. He looks proud and determined both. A meagre collection of a few dozen of the troops of Caerleon with him, the rest stayed behind to defend the fortified city should they need to. He's atop a hill near the border of Gwent, waiting patiently for the allies both long-term and momentary to arrive to join him. It may be a mere border skirmish, but there's not to be senseless violence, the hill overlooks a town right across the border, it's a small town but there's a reasonably sized contingent of troops housed there.
Reinhardt Wilhelm	Not exactly the Round Table, but this will do fine for the Arthur the Younger. The thudding of footsteps from afar make one think a giant is coming, and as they grow closer and closer, one will see a giant IS HERE. Just not quite as big as one in legend. "Your Majesty!" bellows the massive German knight in power armor, as Reinhardt arrives. The funk he was in over that mission to Germany must've faded, if it hasn't then the distraction is more than welcome. Overlooking the town, Reinhardt inspects their destination. "I take it this is our target?"
Karian Icefang	Another sound of heavy thuds makes it's way towards the young king. Karian offered Arthur a nod, and gently patted his great wolf companion. Strangely enough, he bore only his greatsword and no firearms. "Lord Arthur." He says. Though the other knights and allies get a nod from the Space Wolf.
Athela Valemore	It may be 'only' a border skirmish, but it is a skirmish against corruption and tyranical rule. That is enough for some knights to stand up and take arms regardless of where certain factional lines would be drawn normally. Something about strange bedfellows made by greater enemies, or however her uncle had put it, he wasn't always clear with his attempts at metaphors. Athela is not quite as impressive in stature as the towering Reinhardt or the burly Karian, though standing on the back of her knightly clad Samurott does make up for it a bit even as she holds weapon to her chest and bows briefly. As does her unusual steed. "We hath come to aid ye against this tyrannical state, your lordship."
Saber	It was all very disconcerting for the King of Knights. Or, perhaps it would have been, had Arturia Pendragon not been in the multiverse for nearly ten years and somewhat accustomed to its peculiarities by now. One would suppose that it was only a matter of time before she encountered another Arthur...only an actual male instead of simply another iteneration of Arturia Pendragon. History, too, was both familiar and yet wholly not. Many of the same names, the same battles, but much-changed where faces, histories, and motivations were nigh-unrecognisable. Still, it was a strange sort of duty which obligated her to lend aid to the young man who was not quite a mirror of herself, simply a similar, alternate version. But more importantly, it would have broken her code of chivalry not to have come. And then, there was the obligation of Dun Realtai. Whatever the case, Saber stood quietly by, dressed in her Servant's raiment, the familiar amour she had worn through the campaigns in her lifetime. Only her kingly demeanour was imposing about her, as otherwise petite and delicate-seeming as she otherwise was.
Sanary Rondel	Sanary's last visit to Gwent wasn't exactly a friendly one. No, it's been quite a while since the one-eyed healer last came to the border village, but this time? She's actually here to help out on behalf of Dun Realtai. She's just hoping nobody tries to shoot her in the face before she can prove herself. That's why Sanary has her gunaxe and staff worn on her back instead of keeping them in her hands, and she's making sure to keep Reinhardt and Karian between her and Arthur's troops. Spotting a familiar youngster, she raises her hand in a stiff wave before... Keeping her hand in front of her face anyway. She's wary! "Er... Hi there, Arthur. I'm here to help!" She also sounds moderately awkward about the whole thing.
Tomoe	The Young King's call for aid hasn't been missed as Tomoe arrive she sets down from flying in and her wings vanish she has her weapon out and she looks over to Saber who has arrived as well. She's clad in seemingly the same armour as she always is in. She knowshow this story could go yet? Here she is to help. She lives in Dun REaltai at tie it's become a place a refuge fo her. Whichw as something she did not want to be a leech about. "Your highness." She also gives Saber a look. How did she end up knowing so many noblity after she wandered the multiverseand it was good to see Reinhardt had lived through the multiverse explosiion too. "Sir Wilhelm good to see you made it."
Young Arthur	When all are gathered, the young king smiles, "Thank you all for coming, your aid will not be forgotten." He promises, and then he turns to point at the town, "A small community in service to the cowardly lord Caradoc, rather than provide his men with food and supplies, or pay them in recompense for the food they use and the rooms they have commandeered, the locals are expected to feed and house them and should they object, they merely get their hand cut off for 'theft.'" The anger in the young king's voice is not concealed. "Our goal therefor is simple, fight the troops, take the town, and bring in the supplies of food we've gotten to fill their aching bellies. Beware, however, for Caradoc's marshall is said to be a capable man, and he may be in the area." This said, he spurs on his horse and starts to head down the hill towards the town. "Men of Caradoc, come out and face us in battle." The boy's voice carries far, despite his youth, and then the fourteen year old raises it even louder as he announces, "He who pulls this Sword out of this Stone and Anvil, is rightwise born King of all Britain!" And then with a swift movement the blade clad in radiant, sacred light comes forth, and even in the day this light is bright enough to be seen from a distance. "By the grace of the Lord, submit to your king or fight me here and now."
Reinhardt Wilhelm	"That sounds simple enough." Reinhardt nods grimly. He gives Arturia a nod as well, and the others as they fall in. "We find the Marshall, we terminate him, and the others are sure to be routed without trouble." He says, gripping his hammer. Excusing himself, he approaches Karian, nodding to the Wolf Lord as he claps his hand against the Space Marine's pauldron. "Brother Karian, I have a proposal." He says, before motioning to the village. "There is little doubt they will come quietly, and the battle will be long and bloody without Elite support. I suggest we flank and attack the moment they come out where they do not expect us. It should give us a chance to storm the village, and eliminate the Marshal. What say you?" It's pretty clear he's back in the game, sounds like. The old Knight isn't -that- old just yet, he still has some brains left.
Karian Icefang	Karian quietly nods towards Reinhardt with a grin. "That sounds like a good plan, brother." He says. Reaching over, he gives the giant dire wolf named Ygdril a quick ruffling behind his ears. "Ygdril, stay close. Don't harm anyone, but your free to subdue non-lethally." The wolf gives a whuff of understanding, and Karian looks to his heavily armored friend and the young king, awaiting a go-ahead.
Athela Valemore	"Or we take him captive so he can properly pay for his crimes," Athela chips in to the planning. "Even for a cruel and corrupt man, death should only be the last resort of punishment." Otherwise it's a stellar plan, the young lady knight just doesn't believe in killing unless it's ultimately necessary. Which comes up way too often than she'd like with Team Golem so it would be nice to avoid it here. That said she settles down on Lancer's backside, essentially stradling the armor over his shoulders. One hand still gripping her own sword, the other grasping one of the spine-like protrusions of the Samurott's armor for a handhold. "Now prepare for battle. Iron Defense!" Lancer bellows deeply in response, his metallic armor sheening as its defensiveness is farther increased.
Kirito	It's quite rare for Kirito to get involved in stuff in the vaster Multiverse these days. Ever since the Union imploded and the Syndicate network became less and less prevalent... he's been content enough to lay low, bide his time, think and try to avoid trouble in the Multiverse. What isn't his business... isn't... right? Well. Until he heard from a friend that some starving people needed some righteous heroics done, and people who were in the Union are at the core of it. And that's why Kirito's tagging along with this group. But not in the usual sense. There's plenty of people down on the ground. He currently flies high in the skies, too high up to be seen for what he is... and is using a telescope item to gaze down at the city. From high above it's hard to tell that the town is in such dire straits... But the Spriggan feels his breath taken away when the sacred sword is drawn and its light reaches him. He has to shield his eyes for a moment. "The sword in the stone, huh..." He's seen quite a few magic swords by now. Including Kusanagi. He even owns one. But he can't exactly say they all glow with such outwards majesty. For now, he has chosen to bide his time and observe for any odd patterns of movement down below. In case he has to alert an ally, or step in himself...
Saber	Saber nodded politely to Tomoe when she was addressed. "Greetings, Lady Tomoe," she replied in a neutral voice neither loud nor soft. An otherwise conversational tone. Nothing was said, however, concerning what was in all likelihood to be Caliburn. Still, it seemed odd to her that it would still be in a stone...or that the stone was somewhat smaller than what her own Caliburn had been in. Still too heavy for a normal human being to lift -- though her own strength had come from the dragon blood flowing through her veins rather than Arthur's particular source -- and it seemed they shared the superhuman strength of mutual legend. The peculiarity was set aside in her mind soon enough. The young woman -- rather, the knight-king had the appearance of a girl no older than fifteen -- turned her head towards Arthur, a slight frown of clear disapproval marring her brow. "Such cannot stand," she agreed. "The duty of a proper king is to protect his people." Nevertheless, as a Servant she would have to measure her strength; if this Britain was similar to hers in some respects, she would have to be careful not to "steal the thunder" from the younger king. She was here as support, not her own capacity as a king herself. Silently, she materialised Excalibur, though it remained invisibble to the human eye from within Wind King.
Sanary Rondel	Sanary lets out a relieved sigh when Arthur and his men don't turn their weapons on her, even moving out a little more confidently with her gunaxe drawn after the battle plan is laid out. "Caradoc again? And that's what he's...?" She lets out an irritated grunt, clenching the weapon a little tighter. It seems to have struck a nerve in her. "Capable or not, there's all of us and only one marshall. Can't be too hard. Count me in." She nods towards Athela and Tomoe in greeting now that she isn't hiding as much, and the healer draws her Physic staff as well. "If you get hurt, just keep fighting. I'll be watching over ya. And if you hurt him too much..." She taps her staff against her head, grinning just a smidge sadistically. "I can keep them alive, too, I guess."
Tomoe	Tomoe was glad to see Saber though she felt odd being called a Lady. Given her orgiins it was something to chew on. Was she born in the wrong world? The Wrong time like Kirito and his sister pretty much were? She'd hae to say yes most of the Clearers had been. She seem to be falling in no and listening to Arthur's words she knows this isn't going to be pretty but what can she do. She cna only pray she's backing the right horse so to speak now and she makes ready. With that she'll give a lkook ot everyone else as she makes. "Good to have you at our backs Sanary." Tomoe also gives Kirito a message. <<Everything doing all right on your end?>>
Young Arthur	Thus an initial plan is drawn, and things are starting to put into motion. From the town Caradoc's men scramble, they're an ill-fit lot, far from his best soldiers, Caradoc is leading those himself in conflicts with one of the other pretenders to the throne, but the Marshall is a handsome man, fit and well-built. He's got a stomp on his left arm, but his right arm is highly muscled to compensate. He holds a large spear as he directs his horse forwards. On behalf of the men gathered, he answers Arthur's challenge. "Your majesty, I do not dispute your claim, nor do I wish to engage in arms with you." He starts, and then continues on, "But I, Bedwyr who is known as Bedrydant, owe fealty to my lord Caradoc. Where he seeks war, I am bound to bring war. But, we do not have to fight here, today, for I am merely charged to protect the border." Arthur shakes his head at Bedwyr, and his answer is simple, "Your lord leaves me no choice but war, Sir Bedwyr, but your loyalty is to be commended." Then he looks back to his men, "Forwards, to victory!"
Reinhardt Wilhelm	Reinhardt looks at Bedwyr. Then he glances at Saber. "...is that who I think it is?" He mutters under his breath, before he raises his hammer. "Very well, perhaps we may give you a counter-offer!" Yes, seriously. Beat. "I suppose not." muses the German, before he shrugs a shoulder. "Then you will die with honor, Marshal, that much we can promise you." He says, gripping his hammer before nodding to Karian. "WITH ME, BROTHER."
Karian Icefang	Karian looks towards Bedwyr. He offers a nod towards him, even if he did not see it. His loyalty was commendible, no matter what the outcome of today. But with the words of Reinhardt, Karian drew forth his claymore, gripped tightly in his hand. "Aye. FORWARD!" He shouts out. Ygdril howled out his own battle call, charging next to his master and friend.
Saber	Saber's sea-green eyes widened a fraction in naked surprise as Caradoc's knight named himself. Though this man was more dissimilar than similar, she was more than simply well-acquainted with that name. "So this is your world's Sir Bedivere," she mused. "I can see that he shall be famed for his loyalty, as well." Those same eyes flicked to Reinhardt. "So it would seem," she replied. "So he favours the spear, as well...that is most interesting." Once more, she turned her attention to what would be their field of battle. "I would ask that, should it appear that you cannot win," she addressed the counterpart of her own Marshal, "That you yield to the King. There is no loyalty to be had in dying when your master is not in peril himself." With that, Saber entered the battle.
Athela Valemore	"Then so be it. If we must fight, let us do so as men and women of honor." With that Athela hunchs down into a rider position and makes a grand forward motion with Resolute Blade as she spurs her steed into motion. "Let Keldeo's glory carry us 'pon the tides of battle. Onward!" Metal-clad claws dig into the ground briefly as Lancer bellows, and heaves himself foward onto the slope of the hill. Surely this was to be a peculiar sight to the soldiers between them and the town. A great armored beast that certainly looks like it would be more at home in the depths of the sea, yet it comes charging down the hillside gliding upon its own rippling of water beneath it's body. Athela braces herself upon Samurott's backside, cloak billowing out behind her from the motion, as does the looser strands of her reddish locks. Clad primarily in chainmail and leather, she does look like she'd fit in here save the peculiar nature of her mount... Up until she thrusts forwards her blade and channels through it to send a discharge of elemental water hurtling towards the defending soldiers. Does magic exist in this realm? It's easily taken as such to have watery force somehow slung at you, regardless.
Tomoe	Tomoe is going to make use of her flight at this poing should she need to. She knows a lot of the grunts are dealing with orders from the top. She waited if words did owsmehow work she wouldbe happy to do so but that is not the case. She disliked fighting humans and other like things. She was far happier dealing with other sorts of problems. She hears the name she takes a moment. She fill with an odd dread about this she's not sure how this wil but she iwll fight honorably. She draws dawnbreaker and the mourning wall. The strange names skitter across the shield's face as Tomoe stalks forward to enter the battle. "Yes should you be bested do not throw your life away, I would not kill a man who can no longer fight and has battled fairly."
Sanary Rondel	"Just don't get too careless, Tomoe. I can heal, but I can't revive a dead person." Sanary chuckles lightly before looking towards the Marshall, stroking her chin after a moment. "Bedivere, huh? I was wondering when I'd get to see him in a fight... Sort of." Sanary furrows her brow at the Marshall answering Arthur's challenge, resting her oversized axe against her shoulder while adjusting her hold on the staff. "Can't really blame you for being loyal, but... Well." The healer begins marching with the rest of the gathered warriors. She lowers the axe's head to the ground, then starts dragging it behind her to try and look just a bit more menacing. Impractical, but menacing! "We all know how war goes. So let's cut the talk and get this over with!" SANARY has entered the battle!
Kirito	And so the battle begins. Kirito flares his wings, sucking in a deep and troubled breath. He does NOT want to engage real people of flesh and blood who can die for real if it can at all be avoided. Thankfully... he does have an alternative method to killing. "Here goes nothing..." Drawing Vox Unitas from its scabbard on his back, he flares his wings and DIIIIIIIIIIVES for a concentration of the men Bedwyr leads. His approach from above should prove difficult to deal with, because... It comes with utterly no warning whatsoever. A black blur SLAMS into the space between formations and sends a shockwave through the ground that's sure to bowl over ten, twenty, perhaps even thirty soldiers and kick up a wave of dust and dirt. Kirito doesn't take this opportunity to strike out, however. Instead he brandishes his weapon against the biggest concentration he can find and gives them a dour look of bone-chilling disapproval with all of his warrior's spirit behind it. "Come on, then. I'll show you guys how a weapon's really used." His black blade of enchanted obsidian's brandished and twirled testingly, and finally used to strike the air - and unleash a sizzling display of lightning. His gambit is probably more to intimidate than anything else here. Probably. But he certainly has a backup plan.
Young Arthur	The battle begins, soldiers on both sides facing a battle the likes they've never seen before. It's not just the offworlders either, Arthur's swords cuts wide and far, using light itself as its edge, but there's many soldiers and though they may not be the best, they are still led by a capable leader. He has them scatter to deal with the wide area attacks, and takes to the front to aid them. His archers and Arthur's both start to loose their arrows over the battlefield, it's raining arrows today. The fight isn't truly fair, for though Bedwyr is more than competent, he is but one man at the level of which Arthur's side has many, which more than compensates for the fact Arthur has the smaller force. The frontline troops lock arms with Arthur's forces and allies soon enough, and Bedwyr finds himself across Arturia, his spear thrust towards her head with great strength... and remarkable finesse.
Reinhardt Wilhelm	Reinhardt is shockingly fast for his size, as he makes his way to the right flank as army meets army. WIth the roar of mighty engines, Reinhardt meets with the footmen. He raises his shield to protect himself from the hail of arrows, feeling some embed themselves in his armor. His hammer swings wide, trying to get the soldiers to back off more than actually aiming to harm anybody. This is not going to end well for the soldiers if they try to keep fighting the eight foot knight of doom, with the strength he puts into each swing.
Karian Icefang	Moving to hit the same flank was Karian and Ygdril. Striking with force equal to Reinhardts hammer, his blade comes down aiming to break blades or cut other weapons apart, as opposed to actually cutting down the soldiers. "Lay down your arms, and allfather as my witness, you will not be harmed." He calls out, showing a surprising amount of mercy.
Athela Valemore	The Marshall tries to instruct his men instead of just throwing them forward into the proverbial grinder. A leader who actually leads while fighting beside his troops is worthing of some amount of respect regardless of who is on which side. When there is time to look back and admire the tactics, that is. Soldiers move in trying to dislodge the lady knight from her strange steed with their spears while arrows zing through the air. Good thing Athela had her Samurott use that defense buff at the beginning, as now he uses his bulk to shield the smaller human from as much of the volleys as he can. Arrows rattle off armor, though a few manage to stick into the thinner points between the organic metal plates. Athela brings up Resolute Blade to shield herself from another spear, catching the spurs of her blade just under the head of the spear and using that to twist it away from thrusting into her midsection to knock her over. Fabric can be heard tearing as an arrow narrowly misses her and instead punctures a hole through her cloak. She hisses, kicking the spearman away, then retorting over her shoulder. "Lancer, do something about those archers." "Samuuuu." Aquamarine squirls consolidate from the air into the pokemon's jaws briefly, drawing elemental energy in and then expelling it out a stream of pressurized water hurtling towards one of the archer ranks to try and knock them back with the concussive force.
Sanary Rondel	With so many soldiers backing up Bedwyr, it's not a huge surprise to Sanary that some of them are even coming her way. Instead of keeping up that faux-excited expression for impending bloodletting, however, she instead settles for a more dull stare while swinging that axe around like a madwoman. Even with just one hand to wield it because of the staff, she's got more than enough strength (augmented by cheating with magic) to handle it easily. Unlike Reinhardt and Karian, however, she is most definitely not aiming only to disarm and discourage. If her axe happens to break the soldiers' weapons without breaking their bodies, she won't aim to finish them off unless they continue coming at her. If they do happen to take a nasty chop or lose a limb, though? On to the next soldier. "I can keep this up all day! If you really don't care about living, then come on up!" She certainly sounds ready enough, and the healer barely even flinches while arrows whiz by and leaving streaks of blood on her face and arms. She can heal it off later, but for now, she'll try to ignore the pain! Besides, it'll look more impressive that way.
Saber	Apparently, this Excalibur wielded light in a way similar to Saber's own, albeit without the apparent need to call on the true name of the sword. Or perhaps this was similar to her own ability of releasing her magical power through it, using the holy blade as an extension of herself. Either way, the reactions to its power appeared to be the same. That included Bedwyr's tactical thinking. She expected no less from her dear marshal's counterpart, glad in spite of herself that he in no way brought shame or dishonour to the noble name. And then, he threw his spear at her. She remembered this move quite well, and the diminutive swordswoman couldn't help but grin both in appreciation and even a little bit of fondness. No, this Bedwyr was likewise not a warrior to be trifled with. Her own love had taught her -- something she would not have even believed had she not seen it for herself -- something to counter it. Just as her own Bedivere had caught the very spear she had once thrown at him during one of their sparring matches, she performed the same move having learned it from him. Her left arm blurred into motion as she sidestepped and caught the incoming spear. "Hoh," she responded appreciatively. "I expected no less from Bedrydant. I shall not insult you by underestimating your capabilities." With that, she planted the tip of Excalibur into the ground, transferred his spear to her right, and threw it at Bedwyr. She had little doubt he would be able to dodge...or even catch it in a similar way.
Tomoe	the Battle is now joined and Tomoe charges in, she's big, though not as big as Reinhardt atacks she does as well. Though she seme smore prone to using her shield to knock other fighters out of the way and given her mass? She's like some kind of towering Amazong as she moves and strikes she will not hodl back but she also may be leaving her self exposed as she does seem prone to show mercy to anyone who stands down.
Kirito	Kirito is right to have a backup plan, as the troops flinch but push forward regardless. His expression twitches into a frown. But he suddenly remembers... that if he's careless here, those people can really hurt him. The Spriggan tenses rather severely. Kirito ducks down low and LEAPS forth with tremendous speed and power, swooping under a few spearthrusts and coming up with a thunderous force. He wields strength far beyond what his size would suggest, and speed that the human eye struggles to track. His blade flashes again and again, carving through wooden spear shafts. Where it strikes metal armor, this sword proves perfectly capable of cutting through chain and plate - though it's significantly slowed, inflicting only superficial cuts... but the sheer kinetic force involved might crack bones, dislocate arms, and knock the wind out of anyone. Kirito moves like a blur through the group, face contorted in fierce concentration. He doesn't just rely on that sword either. At times he lashes out with kicks and drives an elbow into an opening with considerable force. As any good swordsman, he fights with his whole body and lets no opportunity go to waste. The display isn't perfect though. A few mis-steps see him taking spear thrusts to the side which draw agonized grunts from him and leave weird glowing decals. Another time, he gets run straight through the gut... And this is followed by seven other spears. he's pinned! Or... not. Despite the immense pain, the Spriggan focuses... and summons his black fairy wings. They spread, vibrate... and he kicks UP and into the skies with a sonic-boom-like force, snapping the spears. The boy spins in the air, shedding the weapons through pure centrifugal force. He's left breathing heavily. But instead of just floating there... he fingers through his menu with a determined look on his face. In a few seconds, a new weapon appears, sheathed across his back opposite the resting place for vox Unitas. A one-handed sword forged from what appears to be gold, the blade plain as they come but the guard and grip covered in turqoise decorations. Simple it may seem, but this blade definitely commands a majestic aura. A pure and holy weapon with few peers, this blade. It seems almost unfitting for such a glorious blade to be held by such an ordinary-looking, black-clad... elf?
Young Arthur	Bedwyr blinks as Saber catches his weapon, and even more when she returns the favour, but his catch is no worse than hers, and he takes stock of the battlefield and it doesn't take him long to evaluate his options. Stand and fight, lose the battle and many irreplacable men, for the sake of a border town his lord cares little for; or withdraw and avoid needless death. "Pull back! Retreat formation!" He yells out to his troops even as more attacks from the gathered elites come in, as demands to surrender or die come in, they can tell what their commander is, and if anything when the order to retreat comes they're a bit overly eager, but retreat they do, formations not perfect but close enough, preventing Arthur's men from charging them down and overrunning them, this is not a rout, this is a retreat. Of course, they haven't gone yet, and their formations are in no way suited for this kind of fight, their training has not left them prepared.
Athela Valemore	"Down, Lancer," Athela commands her pokemon as the enemy is ordered to withdraw. There was no reason to chase them down. They were only soldiers doing their job as told, they should not be punished for the ill will of their corrupt ruler. In time he will get what is due. "They say it takes more courage to call retreat than to keep fighting a lost battle," she muses as she resheaths her own weapon. "This man is not a foolish leader in the least. A shame his sense of honor keeps him at the side of such a foul master." Lancer just gives a grunt of agreement, whiskers bristling a bit.
Karian Icefang	Karian was in the midst of breaking weaponry when the soldiers began their retreat. He sighed softly and nodded, watching the men flee. He look to Reinhardt and gives a smile to him. "Good work, Reinhardt. It was good to work with you again. You should really come by my home at some point." He says, much to Ygdril's happy whuffing.
Sanary Rondel	After another wide swing, Sanary notices the soldiers backing off, and she makes no move to follow them past the line that her axe has made with all those swings. She does keep a steady gaze on them, however, waiting until they're too far away to run in and stab her before raising the staff. "That was less bloody than expected... Not a bad thing, though." She channels some of her healing magic around herself first to close up those cuts from the arrows, then into the staff to direct a quick burst of healing Kirito's way with an exasperated sigh. "Still, that was kinda reckless, wasn't it? I mean, challenging Elites with... Not... Elites."
Reinhardt Wilhelm	Huh. That was quick. Sending some guys flying, others backing away -very quickly-, Reinhardt seems nearly disappointed the fight isn't lasting longer. He barely has any wounds, beyond some arrows in his plates, and pries a few from the shoulder joint. His mood brightens, as he claps Karian's shoulder. "Aye, 'tis good to see you as well. Always a pleasure to fight by your side, brother." He grins brightly, nodding. "Name the date, and I'll be there."
Saber	Arturia continued to be impressed. Nearly everything had been what she had expected of Bedwyr's counterpart, from his loyalty and honour to battle prowess. And now, regard for his men. Retreat would not have been considered "honourable" for many...but Bedivere had taken the Virtues to heart and followed the will of his King beyond mere letter. In this case, however, he seemed to have stumbled upon the Virtues on his own. Still, she had hoped he would have yielded. His current liege was clearly unworthy of such a knight. Not that she ever felt truly worthy of her Bedivere's loyalty towards her, but that was another matter entirely. "I cannot say that I am disappointed," she admitted. "I should like to cross swords again, though on more amicable terms."
Tomoe	Tomoe se seeing what's going on as she gets into tyhe thick od things, weapons clash, she woners about what might happen yet. She'll let anyone run it's just how he is it's not any of the men here she's got issues with she does however. Unlessshe orderd to press the attack. "A wise man knows when to run." She'll let them run she's happy for the lesser loss of life and watches as the enemy flees. On her world she knows often commoner troops were just excuited out of hand so better they run. She relaxes a bit for a moment. "It blows when the boots on the ground are good men, know their job and the ones higher up don't have a damn clue." She looks over to SAber for a moment and smiles faintly at her.
Kirito	And with quite a clatterous rumpus, there goes the army. Kirito twirls his blades with flourish as though casting any blood from them, then stylishly and smoothly sheathes both across his back at once. Down he goes, landing near Tomoe... but with his eyes on the other holy sword wielders here. "Seriously. Those soldiers were brave, loyal, well lead, sure... but I'm not sure what they'd be here to defend against. Is a few hundred men a lot around here...?" He clearly has no idea what to make of this contextually, but that's what intelligent questions are for. A warm feeling and soft glow in his vision marks the arrival of Sanary's healing power. His health bar - visible only to him and Tomoe at the moment - steadily and swiftly rises from around 75% to 95%, bringing a bit of relief to his face too. THOSE SPEARS hurt and he's been biting his tongue about showing it much. His whole body noticeably untenses and he exhales in relief... "It's a good thing you're using a staff this time." He exclaims Sanary's way, gratitude filling his voice. "Thanks." Wait. When has he encountered her using anything other than a staff exactly...? He means the fancy axe, right?
Young Arthur	And with them gone, Arthur hands some instructions to an older boy. One of the few knights that accompanied his forces. This then charges a quarter of the troops to bring the supplies, while the others march beyond the town and start digging ditches. First, he answers Sanary. "We have been spared much of the strife of the Multiverse so far, had I not saught allies, I would be standing here with nought but myself, my brother and my men. It may not have gone well for us, but now they know not to underestimate me." Kirito also gets an answer, "The wizard claims Lord Caradoc's total forces number three legions, or about fifteen thousand men including engineers. Two of those are tied up on the eastern border, fighting the soldiers of one of the other men who claim my throne." He begins, "The last legion is dispersed to defend the remaining border against other claimants, like myself. And what good is defending a border if you can't defend the people who live there?" He doesn't bother mentioning he would not be able to raise even a single legion without conscripting every last man in his realm.
Sanary Rondel	Lowering the staff, Sanary finishes putting the finishing touches on her own healing and conveniently leaves the streaks of blood alone. It'll look more impressive on the walk home that way! "Just don't pull anything like that again until after telling me, hm?" She flashes a smirk at Kirito, although there's a brief questioning look in there as well. She's pretty sure they've fought together before, but... It's probably just some dirt in her ear or something. turning to Arthur next, she strokes her chin at the explanation and nods after a moment. "Let's hope the next time goes just as smoothly. I'll still be around if he keeps pulling the same shit with the villagers." She sounds miffed again at that, but speaks up again after a second. "... If you're paying, I mean." She may have even spoken up again a little too quickly.
Athela Valemore	"Dealing with his hold upon this region farther can wait until we finish lightening the suffering laid upon these people." Athela gives Lancer a nudge to follow the other soldiers. "Let's go. We can assist with the digging and making sure no one is sent to disrupt establishing our own defenses."