Lloyd sucks in a frustrated breath, holding it in the back of his throat as he tries to regain his calm, cool center.

Right. Just as Edward knew nothing about him, he knew nothing about Edward. It was...unfair to judge simply on age or the fact that he was a student. As it stood, Lloyd knew nothing about the boy's background or general skills beyond what he could observe from being in his body. Which, now that he was wrangling down his anxieties and concerns a bit, he was starting to notice some similarities.

Familiar callouses from wielding a sword, muscle memory for footwork and how to hold one's body in a manner that is both ready for a confrontation but not obvious to the undiscerning eye.

Things he would expect from a seasoned fighter, someone possibly used to fighting more covertly. Certainly not what he would first think to when imagining a young student at a school -- military or otherwise. You could certainly attain some of these facets through dedication to training, but certain behaviors needed to come from firsthand experience.

Lloyd released the breath he'd been holding, slow and steady and trying not to look chipmunk-faced as he did so. "You...have a valid point. I don't know you well enough to make such judgments. My apologies. It...wasn't meant to be a slight. It can be difficult to shake off the tendencies of being an older sibling," he offered up, trying not to sound as chastised as he sort of felt.

"It's less a concern of you digging around, and more...," he trails off, gesturing with his hands and shrugging his shoulders -- not his usual body language, but it feels natural at the moment. "Walking around in my body comes with the issue of sharing the monastery with people I've crossed blades with. Some might not go out of their way to bother you, but others...I cannot guarantee that they won't--"

Did he just lean down? To chuckle at him?

Those words were like a terrible itch to the competitive streak Lloyd usually kept a tight leash on. Edward was more worried about him? More skilled than some of these other pups, Lloyd could give Edward that, but to insinuate that he could do better in Lloyd's body than Lloyd could do in his--?!

He huffed -- current mission to the infirmary temporarily sidelined -- as he straightened up as much as he could in defiance.

"Is that so? Well then, perhaps we should put that to the test. See what exactly the both of us are working with."

So, You Wanna Explain That Skillset?

One day, you find yourself waking up thoroughly sore, scraping yourself off the floor of a Monastery classroom. As you strain to remember how you wound up there, you catch sight of your hand – except it’s not yours. Nor are the clothes you now wear, or the body beneath them. Your actual self is standing opposite you, staring back in shock and… covered in dust? Before things spiral further, the professor attempts to quell the growing chorus of unrest with an explanation, which also serves to jog your memory. This was supposed to be a seminar showcasing the magical properties of a magic tool from Tellius known as Warp Powder. Unfortunately, its volatile nature lends itself to many potential side-effects if mishandled… one of which is ripping people’s souls out and depositing them into the nearest acceptable vessel. The unbothered professor assures everyone that this “minor inconvenience” will wear off on its own eventually, and that the Monastery will still be expecting the completion of your usual assignments and duties in the meantime. [Grants Any Weapon +1]

April Activity Check

Status: Passed

Total Skill Points: 33 → 34 Monthly Activity SP Earned: 1 Event Activity SP Earned: -- Other SP Earned: – Thread Completion SP Earned: --

Invested SP: +1 to Sword S → Sword S+ (1/3)

Accessed Classes: --

Mastered Classes: --

Lloyd really was, genuinely, truly, rooting for Larcei to get this. It was clear how much she was putting into this, how much she wanted to do well and show off.

But Saints above, the amount of blood they'd shed with only a couple of throws in a non-violent competition was...a little amusing. He does try to stifle any laughter into a chuckle, but it's not hard to tell that he does find this all a tad bit funny. However, Larcei is clearly not having a good time of it, and she brings up a valid point.

Clearing his throat, Lloyd has the decency to look a bit sheepish, "No, you're right. My apologies for talking down to you, Larcei. It wasn't very sportsmanlike of me."

Considering there weren't really any stakes or even anyone particularly invested in watching them, Lloyd approached her with a more serious but nonetheless sympathetic air. "I know you're capable and fully aware of that fact, and missing in this competition merely proves that everyone can have an off day regardless of skill level. Which is why I want to make sure you don't take any muck ups here to heart. You're not just skilled, you're talented -- I saw that first hand on several accounts. But it's still easy to get wrapped up in all that. I see it with my brother quite often, and...well, you put me in mind of him and I always want him to be proud of what he accomplishes in spite of any hang ups."

His gaze shifts to the spear, and he kneels down. "May I...?" he asks, checking with her first before making any further moves. It wasn't terribly deep, but it wasn't something to be ignored either -- especially if it wasn't removed correctly. "We don't have to continue now, if you want to get this healed properly first, but...now or later, I would like to see our competition finished. Because I can learn something from you, and I would be humbled if you'd give me the time, Larcei."

As he talks, attention on what he's doing as he eases out the spear tip from Larcei's thigh with a careful hand. The wound pulses with red, but otherwise wasn't a messy injury; despite the suddenness of it, the wound likely wouldn't be too difficult to patch up. But, until it was seen to by a healer...Lloyd could once again say that carrying simple bandages on his person just in case had once again come in handy.

Sword Guys Using Lances? In My Fire Emblem?

The celebrations of the Adrestian Empire Founding Day are underway, complete with fairs, games, and a new point of the program - a spear-throwing competition. Face off against both your fellow students, and the finest soldiers that the land of the Black Eagle has to offer. You may not only earn a fancy reward, but also be noticed by nobles who are on the lookout for new retainers. [Grants Lance +1]

As Lloyd slips through the trees and fog, it becomes increasingly clear that he's not going to find anything in this direction. Nothing seems disturbed or otherwise wrong -- at least, not by someone other than himself or his companion. While he was proficient at moving through most environments, Lloyd was still human and his presence could only be masked so much from the surrounding creatures.

He was most assuredly making less noise than his partner, however.

Even with the thick fog and density of the woods, Lloyd could pick out sounds that were distinctly...human, for lack of a better description.

But, outside of the occasional disturbance he heard from the direction he'd come from, there was nothing that stood out to him. The sounds of the forest were almost all encompassing. No hints as to where their hunter might be, what paths they may have taken, how close they were...

He didn't want to spend too long looking where there was nothing to be found and leave Beowolf without any kind of back up, but the complete lack of even a trail or animal reaction was concerning. The only good thing about this so far had been that he'd not run into any traps yet.

As he was backtracking to their rendezvous spot, there came a hair raising hush over things -- and then the call of a bird. There was nothing unnatural about it, except that it cried out when the others fell silent.

Shit.

Forgoing stealth a bit, Lloyd picked up the pace to meet back up with his companion, hopefully laying down a bit of cover by way of distraction should their hunter be bearing down on the other man.

@beholdenning

Stop Shaving, You Don't Have a Beard

"Excuse me, Sir Lloyd?" Dimitri approached cautiously, in the way one might a cornered animal. He had heard little of the knight, and had in fact been surprised to learn that the man was fighting for his house's sake.

More surprised to learn that he'd been felled. Offering a polite bow - not too deep, he wasn't here to patronize the man - Dimitri rose and met the man's eyes, a rueful smile creasing his eyes.

"I understand that this final battle was...an abrupt end for you. It...can't be easy, to have made it so far, and then to fall. I know that you are a skilled combatant - it's clear to see! And so - and so for that, I wanted to offer my thanks to you, for lending my house your strength. I know that as a knight, you could have chosen any house to back."

The words came out of him in a bit of a rush, and though he had kept steady eye contact the entire time, for a brief moment at the end his eyes flicked to the side. "I did not perform so admirably, but I should like to take after your example, in time. Perhaps next year, we can bring the Lions triumph...if you're willing to fight by my side again, that is."

Lloyd glances up at the call of his name, more than a little bit surprised to see the Blue Lion's house leader approaching him. There is caution in the boy's steps, his body language, his tone. There is politeness, yes, but an undercurrent of...speaking calmly to a spooked horse.

Seems he'd not been doing a very good job at keeping his displeasure with himself under wraps.

Though his body was tired and sore from the battle, it was his pride that ached most of all, and it was foolish of him to be so caught up in it that even this boy was starkly aware of it. His wounded pride should not be the trouble of others, in any regard.

There's a crookedness to the smile on his face as Dimitri bows, but an endeared sort of fondness softens it. "Prince Dimitri," he speaks, returning the boy's polite bow. To think any member of royalty would bow to him at all was quite the occurrence to fathom, but he kept that thought to himself. "You are kindhearted to offer your words to me, when you've no obligation to do so. My apologies for...broadcasting my frustrations so loudly. I should be past such things at my age, but...ah, sometimes our flaws run deep."

To get so far, only to fall...It was alarming amusing that this was not the first time such a thing would happen -- nor was it likely to be the last. This one had the boon of being lacking in an severe or permanent repercussions.

"That may be, but...as my father often liked to remind my brother and I, a fall is a hard lesson. You can spend your time crying about it, or learn how to make the next fall less painful." Because there would always be another fall. Even with all he had learned, at the blades of Bernese and Sacaen alike, Lloyd was not beyond failures. There was always something more to learn, and while triumph was satisfying, defeat offered more lessons.

Even if it was a bitter pill.

"Did you try?" Lloyd asked, giving the young man a searching look. "So long as you tried, didn't hold back, then it was an admirable effort. Circumstances or an opponent that is skilled does not negate your own efforts. Some things are out of our control, but you do control how you take a loss. You have the benefit of living to learn from this...just as I am fortunate enough to do as well."

If this had been any other situation, he would be dead. That would be the end of it. He really needed to address this personal issue, it was rearing its ugly head far too often...

"It would be my honor to fight with your Lions again, and when the battle comes around again next year, we shall be better prepared on account of our recent falls."

"I have to be glad to see you here, you know." Altena approaches with a slight tease in her voice. "You picked the wrong house to support." Truthfully, it doesn't matter to her one way or the other. She has other f........olks that she knows in other houses. It's a mock battle, after all.

There is something that makes her wonder. A curiosity that she doesn't really want to ignore. "I was surprised to see you signed up to fight against us though. I don't want to have to face down either of my brothers again in a battle. Even if it is just for fun."

Lloyd chuckles at Altena's teasing jab, carefully rolling his shoulder as he tested to see how well he'd taken to the healing. It had been a well aimed shot, but there was only some residual aching instead of any acute pain. Never a fun experience to have an arrow cut out of you.

"Ah, the cruelty of organized war games," he chuffed, "Seems there was a great deal of house pride this year. Not that there wasn't last time I took part, but there was a lot of excitement."

"Perhaps next year, you can way me to your side."

She didn't look too roughed up, and a cursory observation eases any of his concerns at seeing her in the med tents. Altena was strong and hardly in need of someone looking out for her, but Lloyd couldn't help wanting to do so. They were friends -- comrades, at the very least after their experience together -- and it was in his nature to keep an eye on those he cared for.

"Ah, I can understand your viewpoint," he mused, letting the joking air fade away into more serious talk. It was a valid question, especially since she had experience in going through the terrible situation of having to face off against family.

"I can't...say if it makes any logical sense, but we've tested each other's skills since we were children. Linus has tried to outdo me since he was a boy, and he's yet to grasp a concise win against me." His record was impeccable, and he could feel some smug pride at that. It was his right as an older brother, after all. "It's something we both enjoy, not holding back and pushing each other to do better."

"I promise you, Altena, in a serious conflict, if I ever found myself crossing blades with Linus, I wouldn't hesitate to let him kill me."

Lloyd would rather die than bring any harm to his siblings by his own hand.

"Can't say it's the worst thing to give your thoughts to -- sometimes, you need to think ahead. Even if it's...morbid." It was certainly something Lloyd had found himself preoccupied with upon surviving what was supposed to be his death. The enemies he'd made. Where his death might leave those he cared for. What he could possibly do to mitigate such things.

It was an exercise in futility, really, but he'd never put any serious thought into it before. Confidence and pride and foolish youth convincing him that death was waiting much further down the road than it was.

Death did not wait idly by, it walked by your side, waiting for you to place your foot wrong on the road.

"I've heard it's not good to linger on, though. Everything in moderation and all that," he hummed out, as if they were discussing the weather and not the possibility of someone murdering them.

"A failure of their guardians...Yes, I would agree with that," Lloyd mused in a low tone, thinking of green hair and bright eyes in the shadow of that woman. He thinks, as well, of his own childhood and that of his brother's. He disagreed with very little when it came to his father, but at this point, he was not so blind as to think the man above any mistakes. "Children are eager to learn from their guardians, to please, to fit in or be praised. It can lead to...unfortunate lessons being learned, intentional or not."

Lloyd snorts a little at this, canting his head to the side to give the other man a bemused look. "The past has a habit of cropping back up in spite of efforts to the contrary." Something told him that this man understood how difficult it could be to move on from something that had made up so much of yourself at one time.

"We worked for the people we lived amongst. My homeland is hardly a paradise, and many of the common folk are taken advantage of by those higher up in the food chain," he responds simply, shrugging, "When they asked for aid, when we saw a need to fix a wrong, we did so. Because that could be our family -- our mothers, sisters, brothers -- crushed beneath the boot of someone who didn't understand where the food in his fine halls came from."

The expression of reminiscence that had unwittingly slide onto his face breaks. "But, we weren't infallible. We did eventually cross that line, even if...if I believe it would not have happened had certain things not come to pass."

It felt childish to say. As if all the blame could be cast aside simply because. Even if it was something he did truly believe, there had been time enough for any of them to notice something was wrong and try to stop it.

"Perhaps not, but in the same vein, you aren't someone who was involved. We have no quarrel with each other, and seeing as we both suspect others of wishing us dead, I suppose I couldn't find a better companion on this night." He'd found no doppelganger, but this night had been strange in its own right with how this conversation was going. "Consider it a small debt, then, if we're being so generous. I'll owe you a favor for my poor manners."

Sauna Is A Counter Pick Stage

They say if you go to the sauna completely alone at night, and get the room full of steam, you’ll see your doppelgänger in the mist. If you don’t defeat your doppelganger, or escape before it can catch you, your doppelganger will take your place! Or… Maybe it’s just someone else using the sauna… [Grants Gauntlet +1]

March Activity Check

Status: Passed

Total Skill Points: 31 → 33 Monthly Activity SP Earned: 1 Event Activity SP Earned: 1 Other SP Earned: – Thread Completion SP Earned: --

Invested SP: +1 to Axe D+ → Axe C (1/1) +1 to Flying D+ → Flying C (1/1)

Accessed Classes: Brigand, Dragon Rider, Hero

Mastered Classes: --

Lloyd wasn't unfamiliar with close combat brawling; growing up as he had and with a brother like Linus, it was rather inescapable. It was a good skill to have in one's back pocket, but it wasn't one he brought out very often at this point in his life. Most of his fights were blade to blade, or they were ended before they could properly develop into a scuffle at all.

He was a little unprepared, wary of his left side due to his injured shoulder from Elincia's arrow. But, what seems to have been his downfall here in particular, is that he is so utterly unused to fighting someone of Caspar's size in this manner.

Lloyd had instinctually brought his guard up higher, and with an enthusiastic ease, Caspar was able to slip past it and land a blow to his jaw and then crash a well aimed fist into the wound already throbbing in Lloyd's shoulder. It was disorienting to be hit from below like that, and the blond staggered back with a pained hiss, not entirely sure whether he should check the arrowhead still lodged in his shoulder or make sure he still had all his teeth.

"Well...," Lloyd huffed out through a grimace, hand coming up to cradle his jaw as he worked it, "I think he'd have quite a lot to say about that, but I for one, would be most intrigued to see how you hold up."

He sheathes his sword, gone utterly unused this time around, and puts on a good face for his opponents and ally alike. "Forgive me once more, it appears I was bested quite soundly this time. Give them all you've got," he directs at Celine, shifting his hand from his jaw to his bloody shoulder as he he makes his way stiffly off the field and towards the medical tents.

Lloyd is defeated!

@amitieos

She is beginning to wonder what she should do— Where her sights should aim. When Lloyd apologizes to her, the princess shakes her head and musters a small smile: "Your efforts to aid me have not gone unnoticed. I am grateful. For that, I will continue doing what I can." If she holds one regret, it is that she will not be fast or close enough to heal him.

Between Caspar's strong skillset and Elincia's own remarkable prowess, Céline must choose her moves carefully. "You are too kind. Were I even a step later, I most certainly would have been in your line of path."

Céline 3.5/5HP heals +0.5HP from Fairy Dust; Céline 4/5HP Céline 4/5HP hits Elincia 5/5HP with Wind Sword [Roll: 9; -1.5HP; Elincia 3.5/5HP]

The tucked away dust glows in her pocket; its warmth reaches her eyes and ears as she takes a deep breath. Caspar is much too far for her to aim towards— Thus, she decides to continue her parry with Elincia. She's become accustomed to this specific sword by now, wind and all.

@fangedjustice

As Celine engages with one of their enemies -- anima and dark magic littering the field around them with their natural and unnatural marks alike -- Lloyd is struck with a dull, panging realization that there will not be a more favorable option here. Unfortunately, he hasn't been able to match his comrade's pace very well, meanwhile their opponents are functioning as a cohesive unit.

With his wound, even if it wasn't taking a severe toll on his ability to carry through attacks, he might not even get the chance as he was forced to try and get into a better position first...

There likely wouldn't be any victory for him here, but that didn't mean he was going to leave his partner in a poor position by doing nothing in order to prolong his own inevitable.

Lloyd rotates the Blue Lions to the Right

"I'm sorry I cannot do more to further you in this battle, Celine. Perhaps I let my pride and confidence outstrip me this time," he muses, frustration lingering at the edges of his words but determination to do what little he can to help her remaining in the forefront. And it wasn't much, but at least in these next few moments, their opponents would have to keep their attacks split between them.

@berglietz

"I've actually got more than the gauntlets now. Check this out!" Caspar's brow furrows in concentration as his hands attempt to trace the same shape that the bishop from last round carved through the air with her fingers. He lacks her elegance, the metal of his gauntlets rattling with the twist of his wrists, goading the magic forward with earnest determination rather than a graceful grasp. What spills forth from his fingers can only be described as power. Tendrils of darkness snake through the air, lashing against his control like barely-contained serpents. Gods, is this how it feels to cast magic? It's like trying to wrangle an animal on a leash. And his classmates just do this all the time…? The tendrils coalesce into a glowing moon, then collapses into a great void that crashes down onto the blonde-haired girl across the battlefield.

Caspar 5/5HP hits Céline 5/5HP with Luna [Roll: 8; -2HP; Céline 3/5HP]

Residual darkness thrums up his arms as he gapes at the aftermath of the spell.

"I...yeah, okay. I can do that now!"

@firelles !

The battle was still raging on, and it showed in both the amount of people still on the field and the energy level. People were staring to reach their limits here. As people shuffled around again in the slowly dimming chaos of the fight, Lloyd found himself with another new ally and an even playing field with a new set of foes.

His positioning wasn't the best, but as he observed their foes, Lloyd didn't see a good way to get within range without putting himself or Celine in a sticky position.

However, he's a little surprised by how chipper the woman is especially after a full day of combat. And then, she surprises him again by mentioning Linus -- in a good way, too!

"Well, it pleases me a great deal to hear that my brother has made a decent impression on someone," Lloyd smiles, pleasant but his eyes are searching -- options, weaknesses, anything. "It's a pleasure to meet you as well, and however this battle goes, I'll be happy to have crossed blades with you and your companion." A pause as he eyes the weapons he can see. "In a manner of speaking."

With little further preamble, Elincia lets an arrow fly and Lloyd grimaces at the impact. It was a good hit to his left shoulder, and with no way to retaliate, Lloyd is forced to stay on the fringes and wait for an opportunity to move in. So, with his eyes focused on finding a weakness he can exploit, Lloyd snaps the shaft of the arrow just below the arrowhead with a grunt of pain.

Lloyd skips his turn.

@berglietz

let's get ready to rumble! || battle of the eagle and lion round 3, battle 23

Elincia heads to the field of battle once more, a spring in her step. The number of competitors had thinned out considerably and she considered herself blessed to have made it this far. For the third time that day she fought alongside Caspar, his cheer infectious and enthusiasm boundless.

"I couldn't ask for a better partner. Shall we try and make it three for three?" Elincia asks him as they approach their opponents. It will be a hard fought battle, of that much she is sure before they begin. Yet the pair had made a fantastic team so far. "No matter what happens, I'm proud to have fought by your side today."

She stands across from Princess Céline of Firene and a knight named Lloyd who appeared somewhat familiar. Humming, she tries to put her finger on how so whilst she assesses the battlefield before her, searching for an advantageous opening move. Elincia makes her decision, grabbing the bow strapped to her back when it hits her. "Lloyd Reed? As in Linus' brother? He's a lovely fellow, isn't he? It's a pleasure to finally meet you!" Perhaps some may titter and say this was hardly the place for pleasantries but Elincia did not care. They were not enemies in war but rivals in a friendly competition, hardly a reason not to be polite and amicable to their opponents. Her smile is broad as she turns to Céline, inclining her head to the young royal. "You must be Lady Céline, it's lovely to make your acquaintance too."

"Shall I get us started then? May we all have a fair fight, in the spirit of good fun!" She draws her arrow back, allowing it to fly towards Lloyd. The knight, armed with only a sword, will have to make a choice of his own - to forfeit his turn or move into Caspar's line of attack. Either way, this should secure them an advantage, albeit briefly. If her arrow lands, that is.

Elincia 5/5 HP attacks Lloyd 5/5 HP with Steel Bow Roll d20: 15! Hit -2 damage Lloyd has 3/5 HP remaining

A sigh of relief escapes her lips when the point of her arrow finds it's target. She'd been far too inconsistent for her own liking today, relying far too much on Caspar. After all - they were supposed to be a team and she was determined to pull her weight.

@fangedjustice

Not that the previous battle hadn't been exciting, but there was simply something that much more invigorating for Lloyd to face off against someone he knew to some degree. Where with strangers there was a guarded sense of caution in approach, as he didn't know their skills, there was a bit more wiggle room in his ability to...let loose, as Griss had said.

Andrei was skilled, and he had more than shown his strength and calm on the battlefield. He was a formidable foe to face, but it was exactly that knowledge that allowed Lloyd to give it his all and not regret the outcome.

It only takes Andrei's returned expression of battle joy to spur Lloyd into pulling out all the stops.

To do anything less would be a disservice to the other man.

Lloyd 4.5/5HP critically hits Andrei 3/5HP with Iron Sword [Roll: 18, -3HP - 0.5def = -2.5HP, Andrei 0.5/5HP]

With Andrei standing his ground to the last, Lloyd is able to close the distance without fear of retaliation in a burst of speed; his blade cuts deep, but he's made sure to avoid anything vital, leaving a spray of red across the archer's shoulder. With that heavier bow, it would be quite difficult to draw and aim steadily with such a wound.

"Think you've got more in you, Andrei? I'm more than happy to match it!"

@ulircursed or @reddragonprincess

We're the Whole Damn Weapon Triangle

BOEL R2 B21

As into the fight as he'd been, the mage does still seem to have his wits about him. He's gotten pretty banged up, and though Lloyd wouldn't have put it past the man to try and keep going, he relents and limps off the field to get his wounds taken care of. He'd been an engaging opponent, and Lloyd had to admit to being curious how things would have gone had they not both had some defenses in their favor. Perhaps they'd be able to find out, at a later date.

But, for now, Andrei was his focus.

They'd never fought against each other before now, the arena they'd both fought in some time ago now had seen them as teammates.

It was thrilling to see how this would all shake out between them.

"We just need to corner him, don't take any unnecessary risks," Lloyd said to Minerva as he took the center position, hoping to catch the archer where he was most vulnerable. "As we've seen, he's not to be underestimated."

Lloyd 4.5/5HP rotates the Blue Lions to the Right

@ulircursed

We're the Whole Damn Weapon Triangle

BOEL R2 B21

Considering the behavior with which Lloyd had observed from the mage so far in this fight, he wasn't entirely caught off guard by the wild way he tossed out spells. He was however, surprised that they didn't have as much effect as previous. He was far from an expert when it came to the function of magic, but had something changed to cause this? It certainly wasn't to do with his fervor, so had he gotten something wrong with the incantation or lost focus?

Regardless, as the flames had given their foes an opening a moment ago, it was now working in his team's favor. Andrei's honed focus was forced to break, and in doing so, his arrows were lost in a rare miscalculation by the archer.

Minerva was unharmed, and as soon as she gave the signal to change position, Lloyd reacted accordingly.

The mage was now within reach of his snapping jaws, and the Wolf wasn't about to let his prey escape him.

"There's a fine line between immersing yourself in the rush of battle, and allowing it to sweep you away." It might not be his cleanest strike, but what he needed here was to hit and hit hard to get through the defenses the other man had. His blade caught slightly against the mage's protection, but as Lloyd bore down on him, his blade cut through to something vulnerable.

Lloyd 4.5/5HP hits Griss 2/6HP with Sunder [Roll: 9 - 2 = 7, -2HP; Griss 0/6HP] Griss is defeated!

Now, there was just one bird left to deal with. He was going to be hard to pin down, especially with how much they'd been focusing on getting Griss out, but they once again had numbers on their side.

Lloyd pointed his blade towards Andrei, a fierce but none the less comradely smile on his face.

You're next, battle brother, prepare yourself.

@twistedisciple

We're the Whole Damn Weapon Triangle

BOEL R2 B21

As Lloyd shifts his gaze from his allies to his foes, making sure that Ephraim is far enough out of the mage's range, that very same mage hurls a blame of flame his way. The man is clearly in his element, and Lloyd can't help thinking that Linus would probably enjoy this -- they'd either get on well or be at each others' throats, but likely having a good time regardless.

The flames impact, but there's a resistance. Something that keeps them from burning him more directly. It still smarts, but he isn't incapacitated in the least.

Unfortunately, it is in this moment where he's forced to push through the fire -- where he loses sight of ally and foe -- that things start to go wrong.

Minerva should have continued to focus her attacks on the mage, but her blow must have been avoided, for he still stood ready for more violence and unwavering in his position. Which immediately pulled Lloyd's attention away to Andrei, and to Ephraim...

He may not have known the man intimately, but he knew him in battle and that was a level of understanding that could be achieved with limited time around each other. Andrei was skilled, level headed and had the will power to fight beyond the point of death. Lloyd didn't know Griss, but he knew that Andrei was a threat that they needed to watch out for.

Unfortunately, trying to spare Ephraim attacks from both sides only gave Andrei the opening he needed.

"Don't apologize," Lloyd said, tone firm -- he frowned at the way the young man handled his wound, but that was for another time. "You gave us a solid opening, and I'm going to do my best to make sure that effort doesn't go to waste."

Lloyd had called the Eagles prey, but it wasn't meant as a slight. After all, predators rarely attacked their targets head on; the use of numbers, ambush, harrying them until they were exhausted was what gave them a chance at success.

But it was only a chance, not a guarantee.

Lloyd 4.5/5HP hits Andrei 5/5HP with Iron Sword [Roll: 15, -1.5 -0.5def = -1, Andrei 4/5HP]

He could name them prey, but whether or not this hunt was successful was going to be determined in these next few moves...

@reddragonprincess

We're the Whole Damn Weapon Triangle

BOEL R2 B21

Despite being unable to formulate a plan ahead of time, this quickly assembled team was at least quite good at picking up on what was the best move to make without needing too much input. As soon as Lloyd had joined in and adjusted their positions, they'd both followed through and made the best of it in order to dogpile the mage. With only one of them having the ability to combat their foes at a distance, while both their enemies looked to have ranged capabilities, it was best that they narrow those threats down as soon as possible.

However, in exchange for dealing a good chunk of damage to one of their opponents, Ephraim paid the price of soaking up both counter attacks. He endured, but he clearly couldn't take another round of being focused down like that.

Seemed their prey was more than capable of putting up a fight back, even at the numbers disadvantage.

Lloyd rotates the Blue Lions to the Left

"Retreat out of range of the mage! That was a good opener, but we need you standing yet! Try to cover him, my lady!" Lloyd called out, switching up their positions again to try and offer Ephraim a reprieve from the fire that Griss wielded.

He wasn't out of the woods complete, not with a skilled bowsman like Andrei close by, but at least he wouldn't be a target for both of them...

@ulircursed, @twistedisciple, @reddragonprincess

We're the Whole Damn Weapon Triangle

BOEL R2 B21

As combatants are taken off the field -- either by their own power or with aid from ally and medics alike -- ground is won and lost between the houses. The fights are less bunched up now, more spread out but with a clearer goal than in the beginning chaos.

There is a path to victory in sight, they just need to play their cards right.

Lloyd has split off from his original team. They did well together, but he knew it was a time bomb while working alongside Raymond. It was better to find a group with which there wasn't the threat of friendly fire on account of personal squabbles.

"I see you two have found some prey cut off from their allies," Lloyd comments as he zeroes in on some Eagles and Lions facing off. There was no reason not to take the opportunity of numbers here. "Looks like they've got the advantage of range, so I won't be of use to you unless I can get in close, but that doesn't mean I can't create distractions and openings."

Lloyd rotates the Blue Lions to the Left

@solarsbrace

We're the Whole Damn Weapon Triangle

BOEL R2 B21