<font color="pink">Eliza

"Oh, please... don't leave me." ~ She blurts, reaching out to hold Raymond's arms. As she realises the words she has uttered, her cheeks turn to a crimson red ~ "I... I mean, I wish to talk... I wish for us to talk..." ~ What is happening to me here? Why do I blabber incoherently in front of this lad? A lad who appears as nervous as me? ~ Troubled, she tries to shake her thoughts away, but finds herself accosted by the seasoned man instead.

Instinctively, she backs away from him, her eyes flashing ~ "If you would excuse me. I would much prefer to be left alone to talk this gentleman here." ~ Yet a charming smile dances upon her lips, making it impossible for those perceiving it to feel truly offended.</font>

<font color="yellow">Damien

Despite the captivating smile, he recognises a slight when he sees one. His face stiffens involuntarily, even as he strives to maintain his composure ~ "Of course, fair Eliza. It is as you wish." ~ Bowing, he whips around and walks back towards Gavrouche, deliberately avoiding the latter's amused eyes.

Why, you little wench... ~ His fists clench tightly and begin to shake ~ You will pay for this insolence... ~ His eyes are ablaze with a new passion ~ ...one day... you will be mine...</font>

<font color="pink">Eliza

She heaves a sigh of relief as the unwelcome intruder turns and walks away in a huff ~ I've made a mortal enemy today, it seems ~ She turns back to Raymond, now whispering in an urgent voice:

"Please... I don't have much time to say this, but I do not trust your friends... they do not seem very upright characters... I can feel it somehow..." ~ Gripping his arms tightly, she continues ~ "I know you do not have much reason to trust me, either... but you've got to!" ~ Checking her voice hastily, she glances away to see the other two men looking away ~ "I may cavort about madly, but I've no nefarious thoughts in my mind... all I want is an adventure, without having to worry about suspect companions." ~ She pauses to allow her words to sink in ~ "Please... come with me on my adventure. Just the two of us."

She gazes at him anxiously, her green eyes glittering.</font>

<font color="silver">Before Legolas can reply, the movement behind the bushes becomes obvious. Three figures now leap out, brandishing blades. ~ "Alright, now... hand over the amulet, and your lives will be spared."

Terror courses through Sorsha's body as her hands move falteringly to her scythe. She drags it out and faces one of them, her face ashen ~ "S...stay away from me.... from us..." ~ Her knees weaken and her heart pulsates with a rapidity she had never experienced before.

The rogue bursts into a hearty laugh and strides over, gripping her right arm until she winces and the scythe falls onto the ground with a tinkle ~ <font color="gold">"Brave words, my little lovely... let's see how you get out of this, shall we?"</font> ~ He bends forward, preparing to force a kiss on her lips.</font>

<font color="AACCFF">Legolas

From out of nowhere, anger flows up in him. This man would threaten Sorsha? In the blink of an eye he pulls his long knife free from it's sheath. As the man bends forward, Legolas thrusts him back with his free hand. He places himself between the girl and her attackers. Keeping his knife low, he eyes the rogues.

He speaks, in a soft voice
"Please, stand back. I won't let them harm you."

<font color="silver">Sorsha

Trembling, she replies ~ "B...but what about you?" ~ Somehow, amidst the sense of inertia pervading her body, she manages to stoop down and retrieve the scythe even as the snickers of the three attackers grow louder. She takes a step back, ready to assist Legolas in whatever pathetic way she can.

The three rogues now advance towards Legolas, each wielding a blade (dagger, katana, scimitar). With a shout, they charge towards him, ready to hack him into pieces...</font>

<font color="AACCFF">Legolas

As the rogues rush forward, Legolas' dagger bites one's neck like a serpent striking. The man drops his katana and falls to his knees, gurgling.
The elf does not attempt to doge his attackers, as he feels his own life matters not. One blow bounces off his leather armour, while the dagger scratches his left arm, deeply. He staggers back as the rogues prepare for another strike.

Glancing back he can see Sorsha chose not to run. Stalling the bandits would not help get her to safety. They would all have to die.

The bandits charge forward once more. The elf uses the length of his weapon to wound the man wielding the dagger. The other one slams right into him and they both fall to the ground. The impact knocks the air out of Legolas' lungs. They struggle some time, but the bandit is the stronger one. He manages to get on top of the ranger and pushes his scimitar to the elf's throat.

Turning to Sorsha, he speaks.

"Hand over the amulet. Now."

Legolas struggles and the bandit returns his attention to him.

<font color="white">Raymond

Uhh...ma'am...? I ...I am new at adventuring, and I am not real good with a sword or anything. I was following this guy Damien, because he offered to teach me how to get into things. I was tired sitting at home...alone on the farm.
Besides, you could not possibly want me hanging around. I am poor company in the presence of a lady.</font>

<font color="silver">Sorsha

Her fingers fumble with the clasp of amulet, while her pulse reaches an insane level of rapidity. Gasping in fear as she watches one of the rogues advancing towards her, she is painfully aware of the crisis at hand.

<font color="gold">"Let me give you a hand with that."</font> ~ The evil smirk on his face terrifies her as his huge hairy hand reaches out to grasp the pendant to rip it off... with a shriek of pure agony, he seems to stiffen before crumpling onto the ground. Quite dead.

She now staggers forward, her head swimming but wanting to reach Legolas. Her legs begin to sway, yet, she persists in her goal, reaching him.

"Let him go..." ~ the tone of her voice becomes rather foreign to her own ears. Seconds pass as the intruders stare at each other in indecision ~ "I said, let him go!" ~ How strange that I sound so imperious! Why, this is the first time I've spoken in such a manner...

The bandits glance at Legolas, who though down, is still struggling. Then, at the haunted eyes of this waif, who wields a deadly power. In unison, they take off, running for their lives...

Heaving a sigh of relief, she finally collapses on her knees, her icy hand reaching out to examine Legolas' wounds. Seeing the scars and blood, she feels the tears streaming down her cheeks ~ "I... I'm so sorry. For getting you into this... perhaps you should leave."</font>

<font color="pink">Eliza

"Let me be the judge of that." ~ She replies softly, her eyes pleading with his ~ "Just follow me by yourself... please."

Her hands grip the harp tightly, almost snapping it in desperation.