Fleuri Jodeau

It took Fleuri a moment to process what had just happened to him. One moment he was listening to Erion speaking of the second challenge, next thing he knew, the knight had just been caught within the blast of a spell, same as Fanilly, and he was pretty sure it had just vaporized both of them. It was a good thing that there was no dying in this world.

It would appear that their next obstacle had arrived, and their next challenge had been announced.

Get to the top of the hill, try not to get blasted, seems straightforward enough.

Clearly this would be a higher-risk task than the previous challenge, and it seemed likely that at least some of the knights would be felled, potentially multiple times. sure there was cover on the slopes, but that wouldn't stop that mage. His utter lack of countermeasures to magic aside from trying to not get hit was a bit of a frustrating limitation.

As the other knights expressed their ideas and concerns to Fanilly, Fleuri looked up at the two figures on the hill. The presence of the second potential adversary up there may very much complicate this challenge. According to Gertrude, the other figure was a demon warrior of considerable strength.

"There is one other thing to consider, Captain," he chimed in to Fanilly. "The mage isn't the only foe we have to worry about. That demon warrior up there that Gertrude mentioned, I doubt she'll simply stand there and let us approach unimpeded."

@VitaVitaAR

Gerard Segremors

"If we're taking volunteers, I think I should be on duty for Krysia." came the even-toned rejoinder from the opposite way Renar had come, as Gerard ambled back into the main mass, having begun his own loop a few minutes behind and uncovered nothing he hadn't already heard Renar lay out. Luckily, the time he'd lagged had earned him the privilege of the pauper maid's help, if only to justify her inaction— They now had proper identities regarding the two figures judging them from on high. The mage's name was familiar from... somewhere. He couldn't place it, but it felt like home. This wasn't the occasion to turn that over for more than the walk back.

"I put a lot of my time here in beneath Sir Cyrus," he explained. "And had a track record of squaring up against bigger, stronger enemies already. Jeremiah, the Demonbreaker, so on. You've seen most of it yourself. When she comes into play, I ought to be able to leverage that and tie her up a while. I've learned much about keeping myself alive against overwhelming power."

He glanced to the side, at the lounging pearlescent blondes.

"Lady Gertrude doesn't seem to believe she can do anything, and she was the one that trained with those two the most. I'll take that as a sign I've long odds of knocking the big girl off the board totally, if any. So I can't promise that. But I do believe I'm a good bet to intercept and stall. I can adjust to the range and power coming back at me. Hang around if she connects once or twice. Provided we can ensure her movement..."

He bowed his head.

"I believe this is the value I bring to the table, ma'am. I'll go where you send me."

Left unsaid, as an order from many superiors throughout the centuries contained here, was the fact that she could afford to burn him on this.

@Eisenhorn@VitaVitaAR@Octo@Psyker Landshark@Crimson Paladin

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@Octo

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As the rest of the group deliberated over their options and placement, Fionn stood off to the side, the fingers of one hand drumming against his thigh while the other still held his sword loosely—now returned to its normal size. Short of 'be fast about it' there wasn't much else he could supply to the planning; much like what Gerard was suggesting, he was more suited to fighting than he was to any other strategy at king of the hill. Unconsciously, his hand shot forwards, grabbing Gertrude by the wrist before she could condescendingly pat their captain's head.

"None of that," he chided, resisting the fleeting urge to crush down on her wrist for her continuing disrespect. Or to say a few words and grow out claws to cut into her pale skin like one of Fiadh's Dernyar cousins in the mountains back home; no, that would be too much, especially after she had just been helpful in the fight against the Talderians. Claws, though...

Giving into protective instincts like the Senyar did or being as belligerent as a Dernyar knocked off a cliff may not be the solution to every problem, but a bit of primal savagery every now and then never hurt things too much either. Fionn didn't release his grasp, although he did relax it considerably, facing Gertrude—for once—with a smile.

"I might have an idea for how you can help after all. Think you and that broom would be able to carry me?"

"Sir Fleuri brings up a fair point, but the demon can still only be in one place at a time." Renar stated, taking the new factor into account as he strategized.

"An even split of forces seems best. Conventional thought would have the mage up there place the demon to guard her weakest point, that being the rear approach with the blind spot. Of course, there could be something else in play should she not take that avenue, but we can't sit here and deliberate what-ifs forever."

With that said, he turned to Gerard, something in his words giving Renar pause.

"Look at that bolt she sent down as a warning shot. You think your body can that, even once, much less twice? No, adjust accordingly. If you're going to be on decoy duty, assume any of her blows will kill you. You'll last longer up there that way."

@HereComesTheSnow @Crimson Paladin

Gertrude just... wasn't going to help?! She just attempted to pat her on the head and be done with it?! What... how... that---!

No, no, she couldn't allow herself to become distracted by that.

Fanilly took a deep breath to clear her head.

Her knights, of course, seemed to make similar points to what she'd already been considering. They needed to split their forces, but not too heavily. Sir Gerard, while noble, seemed to be taking quite an extreme stance of taking on their opponent's demonic companion entirely alone. No matter how capable he may be, and how resistant to serious injury he was, she couldn't agree to such a thing in good conscience.

Despite the fact that death held little meaning in this place, that didn't mean that they shouldn't treat these challenges as such. If this was meant to be preparation for facing a powerful mage in the normal world, then that meant that they had to approach it no differently then they would if death were still a real threat.

"I can't allow you to face the demon alone, Sir Gerard, not if we are to treat this as a real battle. But as Sir Fleuri says, it's likely you shall face her either way," she replied, before clearing her throat.

"I do believe splitting into more than two teams would be spreading ourselves too thin, so I agree with Sir Renar. With that in mind, I will be dividing you between the southern approach and the eastern approach."

The southern approach was the one she suspected to be most likely guarded by the demon. It was the one with the most cover, and the easiest climb, so it stood to reason that she was using a powerful physical defender to cover what was the easiest route up.

While the northern approach was a massive blindspot, the climb was also the most difficult, so she had ruled it out fairly quickly. Of the two flanks, the eastern flank had rougher terrain that made it somewhat more difficult but also provided some level of cover in the event of another spell.

"Sir Gerard, Sir Fleuri, and Sir Fionn," she addressed the knights in turn, "You shall approach from the South. I suspect that you'll face the demon, but provided you can keep her occupied then you will have achieved your duty even if you cannot pass her. Sir Renar, Sir Rolan, and myself will take the eastern approach, and focus on evading the mage's spells above all else."

She took a deep breath as her gaze returned to Lady Gertrude.

Persuading her to be of assistance felt like it would be a battle in and of itself, but the maid uniform-wearing girl did respond to flattery.

"A-as for Lady Gertrude, I was hoping she would demonstrate her considerable talents in overcoming a challenge helmed by what is clearly a powerful mage," Fanilly began, hesitating somewhat as she hoped she chose the right words, "Certainly, her... her incredible craft would be useful."

Gertrude's role, provided she actually helped, would be a simple one.

To unleash as many ranged spells as swiftly as possible, with the goal of releasing the widest spread of projectiles as possible. Naturally, she didn't think a mage like their opponent would be defeated by such an assault.

But she couldn't simply ignore them, either, could she? The more time she spent defending against a magical smokescreen, the less time she had to prevent them from reaching the top.

The broad consensus among the gathered knights was to split up and attack from multiple flanks at once. The Captain organized things more thoroughly. No one would be making an attempt on the climb, a part of him was disappointed to hear that but it was quickly suppressed. The bold, arguably foolhardy, volunteering by Sir Gerard was wisely not pursued. So it would be three and three, since Rolan was not going to hold his breath that anyone was going to convince Gertrude to assist, even by prodding her ego. He considered the groups and their taskings, continuing to size up his opening shot all the while. There was quite a lovely small rock at the point the hill reached its peak, just falling short of a directed attack, which would work wonders in scattering the smoke upwards and outwards. Even if it only lasted a second before being blown back or dispersed it would give them a second to begin moving. As for the groups, Gerard, Fleuri, and Fionn would tackle the route likely defended by the daemoness. Gerard on the front, with the other two on the flank, they should be able to hold the creature's attention well enough, maybe even advance. He would have to keep a sharp eye on their flank in case an opportunity to interfere made itself available. He did have a knack for ruining perfectly good fights.

That left him paired with the Captain and Sir Renar. Renar was smart, adaptable to changing battlefield conditions, he had observed as much during his actions against the Talderian knights. How fast he was on his feet, however, was another matter that remained to be seen, but he would not disparage the man for being the spitting image of a proper Knight. The Captain was faster on her feet, in comparison, and had proven herself in the melee before. Fortune willing, she would be able to keep up better, but as far as Rolan was concerned, he would end up leading the way. He wore the least armor, not a scrap of metal on him, and travelled light to begin with. Problem being, taking hits was, frankly, not an option. Even more so than normal, staring down magic capable in a siege. Regardless, they had stood around long enough, and a real threat wouldn't have let them stand around, scout, and plan to this extent. It was time to get this underway, and he knew just how he would do so.

"As you say Captain, I suggest that whoever is being targeted goes to ground and the other two leap past, so even defensively we advance. I'll lead the initial way, and fortune willing create an opening. Long strides and swift feet, Roses." With that, he snapped the crossbow to his shoulder and fired, having spent the entire discussion sizing up his shot he shouldn't have needed any time to aim and give away his intent more than necessary. The bolt, caustic smoke vial lodged in place of its tip, was aimed to shatter right in front of the duo above rather than on them directly, but Rolan did not wait for the shot to land. He bolted, low and fast, for the eastern approach. He was reloading in motion, already planning out where he would take cover from the no doubt impending magical strikes, listening for the Captain and Sir Renar behind him so he didn't evade in a way to bait the impending counter attacks right into their paths. If Gertrude decided to be goaded into helping, well, all the better to keep the opposing mage busy, but he wasn't planning on having her help. Let her prove him wrong.

"I hear and obey, Captain." Renar nodded, already eyeing up the eastern ascent. In truth, he would have taken the risk on the northern approach had he been giving the orders. The difficulty of the climb was outweighed by the massive blind spot it left in the mage's defenses, and they were knights. The majority of them should be physically fit enough to handle such a climb. Ah, well. He could still see where Fanilly was coming from with this decision either way.

They started the climb, and Renar gave a small smirk of approval beneath his helm at Sir Rolan's opening gambit. Smoke. Good call. As he climbed, Renar calculated the angles: everyone taking cover wasn't viable. It'd just leave the mage to target all of it. No, best to keep her attention occupied and constantly shifting angles.

One hand came off the rock and palmed his belt, drawing a throwing knife that Renar hurled straight upwards at the summit of the climb before he shifted sideways, immediately leaving the angle from which he'd lobbed the blade. Through the smoke, the mage wouldn't be able to see his sudden side swap, and had a better than not chance of wasting her time by retaliating where he'd been, and not where he was.

From here on, it was an endurance test: how deep into his and Sir Rolan's bag of tricks could they go before the mage wised up and managed to take them out?

Fleuri Jodeau

The Captain's plan placed Fleuri at the south face. It had plenty of cover (or at least concealment- he wasn't sure if anything could stop that witch's magic if she put enough power behind it), and not a difficult climb, but Fanilly believed that would be where the demon would be.

"It sounds like you'll get to face the demon after all, Sir Gerard," Fleuri remarked to his fellow knight as he readied his sword. He advanced towards the foot of the southern ascent, taking careful note of the cover that they'd have. With a demon standing between them and the mage, it'd probably be up to the other knights to reach the top of the hill, but the challenge of facing a powerful demonic warrior appealed far more to Fleuri than running a gauntlet of magical projectiles. Not that the mage wouldn't fire on them, of course- for all they knew, the demon might have immunities or resistances to certain magics that'd allow the Hundi spellcaster to sling spells in her direction without worrying about wounding her giant protector in the crossfire.

"We'd best get moving, we don't want to keep them waiting."

@The Otter@HereComesTheSnow

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@Octo @VitaVitaAR

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"Wait, captain," Fionn interjected, turning from Gertrude back to Fanilly. The others already moved to make their approaches, but whether staggered or all at once would make little difference in the plan, so he didn't feel particularly rushed. "I think Gertrude and I can take advantage of one of those other options a bit, I just need...ach, what's the word..."

He released Gertrude's wrist, flexing his fingers as he mouthed out a few different words, before finally settling on—"Anguīnās."

He grimaced as he felt the flesh of his hands rapidly shift and morph under his command, nails sprouting out into hardened claws that should be more than able to dig into the cliff side or grant an even-surer grip on the easier climb. While it wasn't particularly painful, it wasn't an experience he particularly enjoyed either.

"Right. Going to have to think about a better way to phrase that one in the future, I reckon, but still! If Gertrude can carry me and get me started a ways off the ground on that cliff, I'm a good climber and this'll just make it easier. Especially if she knows a good illusion to make me look like Gretchen until she drops me off, that way it'll just look like she's flying around to scout and harass them like you're already planning."

Gertrude clicked her tongue in disapproval as once again Fionn interposed himself between her and the target of her teasing. She glowered at the man and, for a moment, considered immolation. However, now was neither the time nor the place. If Gertrude wanted out of here, it would be in her best interest to play along at least a little. She was selfish and intelligent enough to understand this, so she wouldn't push the matter.

"I made this broom," Gertrude replied with a growl, "and it's powered by my own magic, so yes, it's strong enough to haul an extra hunk of tin."

She knew where Fionn was going with this, and imagined that it had the possibility of going very badly for him. But it could also go well, which meant getting out of here sooner. Honestly, kind of a win-win. She turned from him, and looked down at the captain. She, at least, seemed to be willing to play Gertrude's game. Watching Fanilly fumble her words looking for ways to flatter her was very refreshing. Gertrude smiled.

"Well, if the cute little mistress implores me so... how am I to refuse?"

When Fionn released her, Gertrude took her broom side-saddle.

"It's true Gisela is a fantastic mage, but if this lot can distract Krysia half as well as they think they can, I might be able to keep the Hundi in check. I have a few advantages of my own."

She turned, once again, to Fionn.

"No illusion magic here. My repertoire is more killing and self-preservation than trickery. We'll just have to make our move after the others start climbing and the attention is focused on them."

She tapped the spot next to her on the broom. If Fionn acquiesced, she'd drop him off once it was clear that Gisela's attention was on the others. From there, she'd harry the Hundi as best she could. Gisela had a lot of advantages, but Gertrude could cheat. The composition of her catalyst made it so that her casting was all but guaranteed to be faster, and Gisela would be working with divided attention.

Not to mention, Gretchen would be hanging back seemingly harmless. She'd be able to complete some chants, and then Gertrude would surprise the Hundi with a fully-charged spell or two.

Gerard Segremors

He weathered the various concerns thrown his way with little fanfare or argument, only offering an opaque, game smile. To begin with, it was a pretty bold proclamation by every metric, even his own— not hard to believe that the Captain wouldn't want to invite the idea of such drastic measures being necessary to begin with. Granted, he'd not said he meant to go it alone...

But really, who would bringing that up be fooling? He was a poor liar, his tone gave away a lot that his words neglected. Probably best he stay that way, at least for now.

If anything, this proved her building confidence— no potential sacrifice plays necessary. Doesn't matter if I can hold out. The Roses can do it clean.

"The more the merrier. Consider it done, Captain." he nodded swiftly, before rolling out the shoulder of his sword arm as he made his way over, marching up to flank Fleuri. Fionn seemed to be hanging behind, deliberating something, bothering Gertrude, Gerard wasn't sure what, but he'd catch up if he meant to. For now, he was focused on the task ahead.

"How fitting that it's the two of us hunting her down, on a bright sunny day." he replied to his compatriot, golden eyes flickering between brush, upturned rock, channel carved by the torrent of released mana, felled tree. Behind them, he began to chart a path— the more ground they could chew up before Rolan's imminent smokescreen cleared, the more immediate the threat they presented would be. Get close enough, and they'd force the hands of the pair on high, one way or another. "Speaks to the burgeoning poet in my soul."

A cloud from high above appeared to land upon the hilltop. Enough wisecracks.

"Let's move." he breathed, darting up the slope towards the first of many boulders, large enough to hide his person.

For a moment, the hill stayed quiet under the cloud of smoke—then three blurs breached the cloud. One, rising up skyward only to arc down again, had a metallic sheen. The other was a pair of radiant orbs, drifting gently down the hillside. Preceding them all in arrival was a sudden, brief gale, then a second gust; sorcery overcoming the alchemical cover and once again providing a clear view.

Then the blur landed, earth shaking, and the demon stood before Fanilly, a grin on her red face and armour bubbling into its proper shape as the wings folded away. In her hands there was no weapon, just a red light flickering around her gauntlets. Yet, the towering figure swung all the same and the light responded accordingly, taking the form of a lengthy spear. The next blow as she closed in came from a curved sword, then an axe before she stepped aside—

And at the top of the hill, a purple figure had aimed, hidden from view by the demon, and the lightning was already coming. As for the warrior, she had already turned to Renar, glow shifting with her thoughts.

Not that this left the covered side perfectly free: the rolling spheres seemed to be a source for attacks themselves, firing out in all directions as they descended. Not a finely-aimed barrage, yet one that could eventually destroy their cover all the same, and seemed to be trying to make up for the lack of visibility through volume of fire and multiple sources. At the least, the overall size—hard as it was to make out through the glare—of each was steadily decreasing, and they would reach the bottom of the hill past them all at some stage. Although, that would leave them particularly exposed while they moved directly past.

At least Gertrude could relax in not having been targeted yet.

Although, the Hundi's eyes still tracked her and Fionn's ascent.

At the sight of the metallic blur launching itself upwards out of the cloud, Rolan found a single thought crossing his mind as the arc began carrying the blur back down towards the knights, the caustic smoke doing far less than he would have preferred, again, as it was cast away with a stiff breeze that was conjured. He caught himself muttering under his breath as he kept moving, though he was moving for a covered position rather than simply bolting further upwards with no regard to what was incoming.

"Fuck..."

Positioning himself in cover, he looked to where the daemoness had slammed down, cutting him off from the Captain and Sir Renar while the magic intensified. No, now was not the time to think, as he snapped the crossbow to his shoulder and fired. He wasn't aiming center mass for the daemoness, he expected her to be fast and smart enough to know he would react to her landing as well and evade. Hell, maybe she was expecting it and deliberately positioned to allow a missed shot to strike his allies. That's why he aimed low, aiming for her knee, specifically one that, on a miss, would harmlessly slam into the ground instead of risk injuring his allies. Still, this was a juncture he had to resolve quickly. The daemoness was the kind of threat he was not going to be of much use dealing with, not in a fair fight, and right now he had to assume the original plan had been scattered to the wind just like his smoke screen had been. That meant adapting, and that meant making for the top of the hill. Sir Renar had the right idea with attacking the mage, though the throwing knife was likely more a distraction than a true attack. Rolan was not going to allow himself the same luxury as he bolted up along the more sparsely covered path, trusting the daemoness to Sir Renar and the Captain.

It was likely one of the other Knights would peel off to engage the daemoness as well, Sir Gerard given the previous volunteering to face the daemoness, leaving two knights for the more guarded path, and Rolan alone for the sparser path. Not ideal, but considering that the daemoness could slaughter him in a melee with little effort he was only going to slow the others down dealing with her. No, he focused on the original plan, lead the way up even if no one was following him. Only one of them had to reach the top, and with two remaining on the other path had better odds splitting attention than he did. But he could work with that, as he finished reloading and began trying his absolute best to land a killing shot on the hundi on the top of the hill as he bounded upwards, only pausing to line up a shot when he was weaving through the veritable hail of magic coming down on them. At worst, he would get her attention and focus long enough to create openings, at absolute worst the daemoness may take offense to his efforts long enough to leap up after him, buying the knights time to reorganize and advance.