Rossarm did not hesitate to get back on his feet and resume his guarded stance, with his magic-hardened hand outstretched ready to ward or parry. He was evidently weaker than moments before, but he was far from out of the duel. His face tensed up as the same spell Teroiah coaxed out of him shone in his hand.

"You gave up your ability to feel," Rossarm muttered just loud enough to hear.

What followed was a rapid combination of effects that assaulted the senses. First, Rossarm's palm flashed with a hot light akin to the sun. The light was powerful enough to singe undead flesh, but against the likes of Neesa it was merely intended to dazzle her eyes. Immediately following was a bloom of strange energy exploding out from Rossarm's equilibrium spell that overwhelmed the senses for magically detecting life. The final strike was an explosion of fire at Neesa's feet, made forceful enough to blast the unassisted off their feet from within a short distance.

Whether it overcame Neesa's defences remained to be seen. To say it would rapidly leave the likes of an elite daedra helpless was difficult to refute.

However, when eyes readjusted and the dust settled, Rossarm stood with dark blotches all over his skin and bloodshot eyes where his blood vessels had ruptured. His equilibrium spell took its toll. Somehow, his face still showed its usual stony determination.

[hr]
Julan's unease was not lost on Rhazii. He pat him on the arm. "Let's catch up after this. I want to hear what Aunt Kaleeth's home is like."

Narsi squared up opposite Julan, holding her shield ready and her practice axe up over her shoulder. Her brow lowered at Julan's magic but she knew complaining would not change anything.

She did not wait long. With a shout, Narsi closed in with her shield forward, trying to keep her shield brushing aside Julan's sword and swinging down on his arm.