6[center][b][h2][color=silver]Erik Elfhame Ostriecher V[/color][/h2][/b]
[i]Mistmoor Stronghold
With: Tarrian Kar, Lady Victory[/i][/center]

[indent]The stronghold's gate gave ever so slightly against the thrashing of the monsters outside. The thick plank running across the double doors bowed when challenged by the pressure. Even Erik bucked back, and had to reassert himself, and call upon his deeper reserviore of strength to keep from being knocked back a second time. [color=silver][i]They will not get through on my watch.[/i][/color]  As he assured himself of his own resolve, another body pressed against the doors to his left side... and then another, and a third. Soldiers from the keep had arrived on Tarrian's call and holding back against the vile beasts. The three were followed shortly by Tarrian herself, who pressed into the gate to Erik's right. Invigorated, the Light Bearer held harder to his position as the monsters on the other side seemed to double down on their rampage. 

But then, just at it felt as though the gates might give way, the thrashing ceased. The chorus of clawing, snarling, and growling fell abruptly silent. The outward tension against the gate eased as soldiers confusedly backed away. After a moment of lingering silence a woman's voice called... a request... no... a demand for them to open the gate. Erik backed himself off only after a soldier confirmed that the creatures were dead. Erik heard the woman again; she had killed her own minions. When she called forth himself and Tarrian, he placed a firm hand upon the soldier's shoulder, and took the position at the viewport. He stared down the forest's edge, where the woman stood. 

[color=silver]"I am Erik Ostriecher V,"[/color] he announced. [color=silver]"I will come forth to you on condition that no harm will come upon the soldiers of this keep upon my exit."[/color][/indent]