[center][color=f7976a][u][b][h1]Morianne[/h1][/b][/u][/color][/center]

Morianne, like most of the knights, had called the ambush before it even began. She had been on the receiving end of similar traps many times before in her travels. However, it was too late to turn back now. Without any horses, the knights were left no chance for a speedy retreat.

Morianne braced herself, her lute firmly in hand as the bandits lunged from the shadows. Before the troubadour even realized herself, several bandits were already upon her. Their weapons glittered in the low light.

One bandit lunged forward. Their hammer swung in a crescent arc overhead. Morianne dived, rolling to the left of the bandit. 

Once Morianne got back on her feet, another strike came from out of the corner of her eye, this time a sword. The Troubadour panicked, this time striking a cord on her lute to counter. A trio of spectral swords shot forth from her instrument and shattered against her sword-wielding pursuer, causing him to stagger backwards, dropping their blade. It wasn't the proper way to cast her sword spell, but it helped her to create some distance between her and the bandits. 

Morianne gritted her teeth. She couldn't possibly keep this dodging game up. If she wanted to help the other knights, she'd need some kind of cover to do proper casting.

[color=f7976a]"Come on you dumbasses!"[/color] Morianne called to the knights around her. [color=f7976a]"Help me teach these bastards a lesson."[/color] It wasn't exactly the kind of language befitting of a chivalrous knight, but her message was clear: She needed a shield. [color=f7976a]"It's showtime!"[/color]

Soon enough, two knights came forth. They gave the troubadour a knowing nod and turned their back to her. Their shields were held up at the ready to defend from any incoming attacks.

[i][color=f7976a]Let's cause a little chaos.[/color][/i] the troubadour thought as she began to strum away at her cords. She felt the mana flow from within herself into the lute, its notes growing louder and louder as she played.

[center][i][color=f7976a]From the depths below
A beast draws near
You'll make it grow
Since it feeds on fear

You'll draw your blades
You'll try to do right
But soon you'll know
The meaning of fright

Maddened drunkards
Turn and run
It already has you

Mental Oblivion[/color][/i][/center]

As Morianne continued to play, she watched as her spell sowed discord and took hold on the bandits. Many held fast to their senses, but she already saw signs of unease in the crowd of foes. All she had to do was keep this up and perhaps the tide of battle would quickly turn in favor of the knights.