[color=A0A0A0][h2]Fleuri Jodeau[/h2][/color]

As soon as the hooded man readied his crossbow, Fleuri began to dodge out of the way.  The crossbow narrowly missed his unprotected arm, cutting cleanly through the fabric of his cloak.  If he had time to think in the heat of the battle- which he didn't- he'd probably be grumbling to himself about how this was a perfect example of why he didn't like not being able to properly suit up for this mission.  But with things as they were, Fleuri barely had time to assess the damage before his opponent rushed at him with a shortsword.

Reflexively, Fleuri thrust his sword at the hooded man, aiming to parry the incoming shortsword.  He had been forced onto the defensive by his opponent's lightning-quick aggression, but for the split second he had to react, he still had the advantage of superior reach.  Perhaps a more opportunistic or aggressive knight like Tyaethe would've gone straight for a counterattack, but Fleuri's impulse was to play it safe.  The Crown Knight claymore he had borrowed wasn't exactly the same as his own sword, but it was close enough that it shouldn't be a hindrance.

The hooded man was not Fleuri's only worry.  He was accompanied by more mercenaries, and they were attacking as well.  Assuming the rest of the knights were going with Fanilly, it looked like Jarde and Fleuri had their work cut out for them.  On the other hand, if they survived, this should make for a good story the next time they attended a royal ball.