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[center][h1][color=8493ca][i]Stone[/i][/color][/h1][/center]
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[i][center][h3][color=8493ca]Deep Forest[/color][/h3][/center][/i]
Alek listened to the sounds of the forest as the group trekked in deeper and deeper.  The simulated night wind felt almost real. [i]Almost,[/i] he thought, gazing up at the quiet whispering leaves quivering on their branches.  The light of the sun had all but disappeared now, replaced by the moon.  Everything in sight bathed in its pale glow: the trees, the leaves, the...path.  Alek looked down to realize the pathway they had been following had disappeared.  [i]That's new[/i], he thought as the rest of his companions came to the same realization.  Panic came as a result of this new development, followed by frustration emanated in the form of a single sigh.  Alek himself [i]had[/i] wondered why they had yet to come upon any monsters, as it had been quite some time since their journey began.  Before Alek could again wonder why no creatures had shown themselves, he heard the distinct sound of steel.  

When the four players tracked down the sounds of combat, Alek saw two strangers outnumbered by three low level bats.  By the time he drew his sword, Campanella had already rushed to their aid.  Elouviana, though seemingly out of place in combat, looked to be trying her best to assist him.  With two bats thoroughly entertained, the third fell to Alek and Starkette.  His partner's face showed an unmistakable weariness.  [color=8493ca]"I will engage first,"[/color] he decided quickly, [color=8493ca]"We will fight as Campanella said.  If I need you I call."[/color]  When he had explained the battle strategy, he turned to face the third bat.  It eyed him devilishly, ready to drink his blood should he make a mistake.  With his blade's tip hovering inches above the ground, Alek rushed in.

Though the bats had an obvious advantage in mobility, Alek had fought such low-level creatures before and was prepared for its usual tricks.  As Alek picked up speed, running headlong at the enemy, his target began to flap its wings, picking up off the ground.  Alek ignored it and continued forward, blade now pointing at the bat's midsection.  A few meters before impact the bat, as predicted, dodged left.  [i]Too soon.[/i] Alek thought as he skidded to a halt, all the while bringing his blade up above his right shoulder.  He grabbed the hilt with both hands, bringing his steel down across the creature's neck.  As his attack landed, Alek watched for a health bar to appear.  His expectations were met as a bar above the bat's head appeared and steadily decreased until stopping just before its light completely extinguished.  Rather than continue the engagement, the creature flew backwards, fervently trying to escape certain death.  

Alek's rush left him turned around, his right flank open to the creature Campanella had almost dispelled.  It moved swiftly at the opportunity, thinking the foolish player had left himself unguarded.  Fortunately, Alek was slightly more experienced than that.  He used his sword's momentum, continuing his slashing motion until the blade rested between him and the advancing creature.  A clash rang out as the bat's large fangs met with Alek's steel.  Putting all his strength into his hilt, he pushed the monster back, before calling to his teammate, [color=8493ca]"Switch!"[/color]