[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/zQXUPoA.png[/img]
[sub][@PigeonOfAstora][@HereComesTheSnow][@Conscripts][@Krayzikk][/sub][/center]

No tracks that could mean anything, not really.

But with enemies like these, even the greatest miracles of stealth would be wasted on them.

Mongrels emerged from shadows, the vanguard for lesser men of foul stock. Serenity’s gaze swept over Lein for a moment, wondering if the goddess had deigned to split the foulest aspects of the archer before her and make [i]that[/i] the Iron Roses’ foe for the night, but there was no value in speaking such things right now. No, if such monstrosities already trespassed upon inviolable territory, there was no point in decorum, now was there?

So, with a natural swing and no small amount of effort spent, the flaxen-haired knight grabbed her companion and threw him to the tops of the ancient stones. He would land on his feet, with some fortune. He would have a vantage point and more neighbouring rocks to engage in his hit-and-run tactics, if so he chose.

But honestly, Serenity simply wanted some quiet.

And, as light died, as shadows grew long, as devils whispered into the ears of the headhunters, instigating treachery and inhumanity, she slid her visor on once more, enclosing herself within tempered steel. Her heartbeat could be heard once more, a steady beat that thrummed with a growing intensity.

Buckler in left, longsword in right.

Her instruments for tonight.

…

In the organized fray, it was easy to see the landmark that Steffan made, horns and a naked head peaking out from the swath of the common lot. Gerard, bloodsoaked already, was nearby too, a violence-lusting trance consuming the former mercenary. Nicomede, wielding water instead of wine, was the sole symbol of a knight’s sophistication there, and Serenity swept forth, her own blade matching the wind-song of a half-demon as she cleaved through fur and flesh to reach them.

Not the usual suspects, certainly. Renar and Fionn must be making their move elsewhere.

[b]“Last time I take Sir Fionn’s advice,”[/b] Serenity shouted at them, her voice carrying merrily through the bloodied field. [b]“Should’ve brought a [i]real[/i] shield instead of this dinner plate!”[/b]

A Cursed Dog leapt and ended up having a taste of the dinner plate before she slid her blade across its throat and tossed it at an approaching Boar, running them both through with a single thrust.

[b]"Ought to be a mage here, with these beasts and that sudden appearance. Guide us, Sir Nicomede, and we'll advance to glory!"[/b]