[Aylwen Dreamsong]

Watching the events from her place behind the tree, Jemel knew it was time. Time to get Nuhrive out of here. Looking up into the air, Jemel knew it was time for Aniram to make his presence known to all, as one clever Easterling had done so already.

“Wanya Aniram! Kara lyaa sana hanya, mellon! Aruaka, fion mellon!” Jemel called to her hawk. Time to get this over with, Jemel told herself.

Turning to the other side of her tree trunk, Jemel located the burly and strong Easterling grabbing Nuhrive’s shoulder. Throwing the dagger in her right hand, it spun through the air creating a great whistling sound. Hoping for a hit, Jemel’s hopes were dashed as the Easterling lifted a sword quick as lightning to deflect the Elven weapon. Cursing her luck, Jemel rushed forward to attack on closer grounds.

Aniram bolted down from his spot in the sky and dove to the ground, carefully and skillfully grabbing Jemel’s lost dagger by the hilt. With a loud caw! Aniram flipped the knife into the air, and Jemel grasped it by the hilt when it reached her.

Let her go, fool. I don’t want to have to fight around her to kill you! Jemel thought. Jemel advanced on the Easterling, and he craftily pulled his shoulder back, hiding Nuhrive from view, but still leaving an arm open for combat. Think you’re that good, eh? Fight me one-handed if you want!

Jemel dashed forward, and drove in with her daggers at every open chance with the Easterling, but he easily deflected each blow she delivered. It became like a dance of sorts, as Jemel dashed and struck forward, and was driven back again by the huge and heavy sword of the Easterling. Every now and then Aniram would divert from his other fighting efforts and assist Jemel, but would be soon busied by another mini-battle going on in the very small clearing.

Losing her temper, Jemel risked the use of kicks. Any kicks she knew of she tried to use on the stout being in front of her. A spinning kick angled to the neck barely missed as his muscular arm blocked her attempt. A kick swung up and straight down like a hammer struck the man’s shoulder, but he only grunted.

Okay, so maybe he is that good. Jemel thought grimly, frustrated.

Now she decided to multitask. Using a pushing front kick, she shoved the Easterling backward with her foot, and used her dagger to disarm him. His sword flew to the side, gathering moist and muddy dirt. Perfect. As the Easterling went to grab his sword as quickly as he could, Jemel slashed at the Easterling’s arm that held Nuhrive hostage. His arm retracted in pain, and Nuhrive was free.