[center][h1][b]Iraleth Kyrios[/b][/h1][/center]

Iraleth could regard the abomination that writhed before the Compact with nothing but sheer disgust and revulsion, her grip on her sword tightening. Essence, or Ethos? Not all Ethos were as the Inheritor, of course. But [i]this[/i] was...well, it at least reflected the monstrosity of its wielder. 

The paladin caught Alto's eye, nodding in return. She knew what he intended, of course. Though she silently disagreed. Against two Ethos wielders, they would have been better served sending Alto to intercept them while the Essence-less students distracted the horror. More risky for them? Unlikely. Bereft of any Essence as she was, Iraleth estimated her chances to be far better against the skeletal melange than against two thinking foes capable of wielding Ethos. Nonetheless, she set forward, taking the time to kneel down and help Rio up to his feet. 

[b]"Are you all right? We aren't in a position where we can charge off on our own. Follow my lead."[/b] Iraleth took her sword up and charged, batting skeletal limbs aside with her blade and gauntlets where she could, and outright bullrushing through the ones she couldn't with sheer bullheaded tenacity. 

[b]"Professor, switch!"[/b] Was all she managed to get out between breaths as she frantically parried and evaded as best she could, with Rio hopefully covering where she couldn't. [b]"We can't pierce Personal Barriers as we are! Only you can!"[/b]