An harsh, abrupt push of his buckler had sent the Skaven’s weapon bouncing back, leaving the rat open for his thrust and slice. His blade slid from the opening with a bit of effort, leaving the Skaven hissing in agony before falling to the stone floor. Its breathing became fickle, first heavy and quick, then slow and calm... soon it ceased altogether. 

Nove had little time to contemplate its death. Not necessarily something that [b]needed[/b] to be done but he found it hard not to. [i]Why were they attacking?[/i] Was the quiet, almost non-existent whisper in the corner of his mind. [i] Was it food? Resources? Or were they simply defending themselves? Am I cutting down those that need defending? [/i]

Even as he thought this, Nove stepped backwards just enough to evade a horizontal slash from a panicking Skaven. He gritted his teeth hard as he readily slid in and brought his blade across the beast, cutting it from hip to shoulder. This death was a bit more acceptable. Its body easily falling on its snout.  

[i]… I’m overthinking this,[/i] Nove decided, falling into a tight defense as two Skavens choose him to attack. 

Slowly he pulled his longsword back, ready to stab the first and block the predictable attack from the next; however, it was all for naught. Noticing Grendrick’s attack was an understatement. He had been forced to experience the brutality and fear of it firsthand. It was ugly and spine-chilling, and awe-inspiring too. To know that Grendrick had directed that beastly fury in hopes of defending him had concreted something only loosely pinned down before. It had solidified his stance that Grendrick, despite his rough-disposition, was a true and honest comrade. 

So when his powerful declaration had silenced the sounds of war; Nove had found his hesitation oddly mute as well. The young warrior strode just a few feet behind the werewolf and pointed his bloodstained longsword towards the dwarven company.  

“Come!” he shouted in the silence. “We’re here to help. My friends and Sir Siph. Surely you can see our conviction to save you. So help us too! Help us survive these numbers!”