Ghent’s eyes shifted, the commotion of the nearby battle diverting his attention. Repeating Smaya's promise in his mind, he gripped the handle of the dagger tighter, focusing on Drust once more. He continued to hold the knight hostage, inwardly sighing at Elayra's less-than-enthusiastic response to his efforts.  
	"At least [i]pretend [/i]you're glad to see me," Ghent grumbled to her, stiffening at Drust's reply. The icy, dangerous sound in his tone made it clear he was not intimidated nor willing to comply with the demand. 
	Before Ghent could muster the courage to respond, Drust reacted.
	The agility of the man didn’t seem possible. Shouting in surprise, Ghent made a move to stop him, but Drust had already shoved Elayra and retaliated with a kick impossible to dodge. 
	The kick sent Ghent sprawling backwards, creating a few paces of distance between them. The force of impact hurt, but it didn’t compare to the feeling of having the wind knocked from his lungs. He managed to sit upright, leaning forward as he gasped for breath to return.
	Staring down at the dagger he managed to retain, Ghent's mind spun. He wasn’t a stranger to a brawl or two, but this was different. This was Drust. Armed or not, he didn't stand a chance. 
	Dropping the weapon against the ground with a gentle clink, Ghent decided to try what Elayra failed to do. He needed to make Drust listen to reason.
	"DRUST!" Between gasps, Ghent shouted to get his attention. He wanted to keep the knight's attention away from Elayra. "LISTEN!"
	Hoping Drust wouldn't go in for a second strike, Ghent pushed himself up to stand.
	"Elayra's right, this isn't you," he paused, studying the feral appearance of the man driven mad by the Curse. "Well. It kinda is. But...you're worse than before."
	Stealing a paranoid look behind his shoulder, Ghent faced him again, keeping Elayra in his line of vision as well.
	"J-just listen, okay? I found a tichari. He'll lead to the nearest Safe Zone, and the guardian of the forest promised to help with the ghosts." Ghent spoke hastily, wishing to get his message across to the madman before it was too late. 
	"If you give in to the Curse...we'll never make it out of here. It isn't too late for us to work together."