CALDUR: Gondor has come

[Gwendion(#24427)] 

A new dawn brightens the night sky towards the east beautiful despite the smoke that billows in white plumes from various areas of Caldur and beyond. Though it is early and most of those sleeping in and around the docks of Caldur lay fast asleep, it is not still. Guards patrol up and down the quays, their eyes towards the sea, not the smaller buildings that surround the merchanting hub.

One of the Haradrim, eyes perhaps keener than the others or maybe just luckier, squints towards the dark horizon to the west, seeing the several dots approaching their shore. He waits a moment, not yet believing his eyes until...

"The flag of Gondor! To the west! To the west!"

The alarm is sound but Gondor's ships are near, the wreckage of a Seaward ship laying in the wake offering no early warning. At the fore of the small group of ships, numbering only four, is the Heledir and standing, hands clasped upon its fore railing is Gwendion, the Silver Ship Company of the Hosts reading their gear behind him. Aside it is the Asgar, and the White Tree Company of Gondor.

"We may have a chance..." the Knight chances in optimism before turning to his troops, "Ten minutes... if that... till land! Get as many men and supplies to the shore as you can. We need this ship back out on the sea!"

[Eron(#24786)]  

Eron is there, squatting near a cooking fire. his chain mended and gleaming. He hears the call of the watch, and is standing quickly as he rushes to find a vantage point of his own. The ships are seen.

"Serpent guard at the ready!" The Lord husband of Seaward roars as he pushes the arming cap, and then helm onto his head and fastens the strap, pulling steel from leather as his hands flex into his shield as well. "Lets push these dogs from our land for good this time." He mutters, as he is soon joined by men in the Livery of his troop.

[Aearon(#16333)] 

Hearing the words of the Knight, is Lieutenant Aearon, dressed in full gear, spear in hand as he watches the Silver Ship Soldiers ready themselves, after a moment he says "Archers be ready to fire as soon as we are within range, the first push is critical." Letting those words sink in he continues "Be ready men, we will be outnumbered but our superior training and strong blood will last the day! Strike down any that cross your path!"

 

Looking to the Knight the Lieutenant says "The archers will be ready to strike down the first wave that approaches, that will give us the time needed to get off the ship sir."

 

Near to the Lieutenant Aearon stands Turlach, man-at-arms of the Silver Ship of Gondor. From the gap in his helmet, his eyes watch, wide and cold, fixed upon the cooking-fires which quickly blot into pale smoke a hand is ready upon the sword-hilt. Last they parted from the Southrons they were amiable in parley: now they shall slay each other.

[Menelglir(#17324)] 

Also near at hand is Gwendion's Squire, who, by adjusting his helm for likely the 10th time in the last five minutes, betrays his nerves. He nods, expression hidden by the cheek pieces of his helmet. "Yes, sir," Menelglir says, glancing to the supplies, then to Gwendion, then to Aearon--then to the approaching shoreline.

[Inzilabeth(#30120)]  

Inzilabeth is well out of the way of those getting ready, but she is going ashore as it has been deemed safer than staying with the ships. The lady is dressed in protective gear over her outer dress and rather than the slippers she usually wears are boots of leather.

[Eruphel(#20109)] 

The Haradrim forces come to life, the direction of their might suddenly having to turn, to face the sea-bound invaders, or rescuers, or whatever name they are given, few of them good. Much clattering of shields and breastplates and helmets can be heard, and archers string their bows with ominous creakings.

[Galadhechil(#12253)]  

Galadhechil is ready to do his part while the armed fight. Already, the young scribe has his first load of supplies along the rails, to be hauled over the side as quickly as he can manage.

[Aearon(#16333)] 

Near the Lady and the other non-combatants stand twelve of the biggest men in the Silver Ship Company, one of them a battle hardened older Master-at-Arms by the name of Halered looks to the lady and says "Nothing to worry about now My lady, we will keep you safe." His words are honest and sound like a father speaking to a child. 

[Tathar(#31396)] Tathar is standing near to the young scribe Galadhechil. After a moment, she bends her head towards him to ask a low-voiced question.

[Imrakhor(#30834)]  

There's a man upon the docks who looks only a little surprised by the arriving Gondorians. He pulls a sword from his waist and twirls it in his hand.

[Inzilabeth(#30120)]  

Inzilabeth nods and offers a smile, looking worried for the 'boys' she has met on the sea voyage who go now into the battle she will see firsthand. But she does not shirk from the viewing as she has responsibilities of her own.

Turlach slips along the press of ranks, laying a brief hand on the lady quartermaster Tathar's shoulder, then joins the group surrounding Inzilabeth.

[Gwendion(#24427)] 

There is little to slow the advance of the Gondorian ships, only sea cut easily by the hulls of the longships separate the pair of ship and shore. Then battle begins, though none but the keen eye of the archer knows it and those upon the decks that raise their shields above their heads. There is time for a volley, maybe two, from either side and then... war will be upon them all.

[Aearon(#16333)] 

Gondorian archers move into position at the railing of the ship, notching arrows they draw them back and wait for the order to fire. Drawing within range of arrow fire the Lieutenant shouts "Fire!! Fire at will"

 

And hearing the order to fire the Gondorian archers let loose their arrows at the Haradrim upon the shore.

Aearon launches an arrow...

Aearon's arrow flies wide, doing no harm.

[Eron(#24786)]  

Eron watches the ships move towards the shore. "They're in range. hit them before they hit us..." He calls as he sheaths his blade, and sends his shield onto his back to pull the long yew from his shoulder. As the Gondorian archers loose upon them, the shoreline returns the favor.

Eron's eyes scan the decks of the paleskin boats, and thinks he spots someone he finds awfully familiar. "This is ironic..." He says to himself, as his bow is drawn, and an arrow, fired from hands with many months of practice behind it, speeds towards the boats along with the missles of his kin.

Eron launches an arrow...

Ow! You've (Turlach) been injured for -- hp's by the bowshot.

ARB: Please RP this injury accordingly.

[Inzilabeth(#30120)]  

Inzilabeth takes cover under an overhang of the forecastle and keeps out of the way of the men who move about the main deck of the ship.

[Aearon(#16333)] 

Arrows fly towards the Gondorian ship, some tear through the sails, others land harmlessly in the water, and others still strike true, piercing the flesh of Gondorian troops upon their ships. The archers again notch arrows and draw them back, firing another volley.

 

Lieutenant Aearon stands with his men, unmoving showing only anger upon his face as arrows strike his men, seeing this he yells "Shields up! Be ready men!"

Aearon launches an arrow...

Aearon's arrow flies wide, doing no harm.

[Galadhechil(#12253)]  

Galadhechil ducks behind the rail as arrows start to fly to and fro. Glancing at Tathar he shrugs his shoulders. "Make haste is all I can say. The supplies must get off the boats!"

[Gwendion(#24427)] 

"Cover!!! Take cover!" shouts Gwendion as he grabs his Squire, sheltering him with shield and body. He laughs, crouched beside Menelglir even as the dull thud of arrows begins to sound around him, "On paper... this seemed like a much better plan."

[Eron(#24786)]  

Eron doesn't know if his bow rings true, but he seeks the other bows on Gondor hurling missles towards them. Another arrow is sretched and loosed, even as another is knocked. "Give them another volley, then prepare for hand combat. I'll not have us holding wood when they come at us with steel."

Eron launches an arrow...

Eron's arrow flies wide, doing no harm.

 

The arrows fall true muted cries ring out. Turlach backs slowly towards Inzilabeth as she moves towards cover, his fists clenched tightly. A shaft, singing from a master's hand, strikes his side, and the youth stiffens, his face grey. But he does not cry out: reaching down, he snaps it off at the point and braces himself against another.

[Eruphel(#20109)] 

The Lady of Seaward comes down the trail from her place of encampment closer to Caldur. She is gird in her finest armor, gleaming in the bright morning light, her sword at her side. As the most recent volley of arrows fly into the air, sailing toward the white-sailed ships, Lady Seaward comes to stand by her Lord Husband. "So they are here." she says darkly.

[Tathar(#31396)] Tathar nods, and ducks - arrows flying thick around. Her eyes go automatically to Turlach, and she bites her lip, her face going white. Determinedly, she turns away, hurrying away from the rail to check that all is ready to be sent on to the rail as soon as the first batch has been unloaded.

[Aearon(#16333)] 

More arrows strike true this volley, but luckily the soldiers of Gondor have raised their shields and few are struck, but still there are those unlucky few who let out cries of pain. Again the Archers notch arrows and draw them back and let loose another volley, this time their arrows are better aimed do to the distance being much shorter this time.

 

Lieutenant Aearon looks to the Gondorian soldiers, the men of the Silver Ship and shouts "Ready yourselves! We will stain the soil with their foul blood!"

[Fizad(#21580)] The man with the swinging blade moves from the docks, over near Eron stands at the shore. He never stops looking forward at the ships.

Aearon launches an arrow...

Aearon's bowshot hits Eron, mildly wounding him.

[Eron(#24786)]  

"I think I wounded, one, but can't be sure... Look for my grey shaft's. The kill counts to my total if you see it.." Eron says as he watches the ships while Eruphel comes to stand with him. he looses the final arrow towards the boards before discarding his wood, to retake his Scimitar and shield. It is then that the thud of wood against chain is heard before seen, and an arrow presents itself upon Erons shoulder. "Nnngh.." The warrior says as he tears it out, a small amount of blood upon it's tip.

"When this is over I want a child young lady." he says with mirth in his eyes that is quickly replaced as he lets out his call to arms and he and his move to stand between Eruphel and the beach and charge towards the landed Gondorian ships.

Eron launches an arrow...

Eron's bowshot hits Aearon, mildly wounding him.

[Menelglir(#17324)] 

Pulled down next to Gwendion, Menelglir holds his shield aloft, arrows bouncing off of it. "Likely they will keep this up as we unload supplies?" is all that he manages to offer, not able to laugh, despite the Knight's humor.

[Gwendion(#24427)] 

There is little elegance to the Gondorian arrival. Ships crash against the docks as their sails are brought down, nearly at a drop. At once the Gondorian marines jump over the railings, at once finding battle there. But there are many, dozens and dozens that fill the ranks behind them and Gondorians, Hostmen, Rangers and Knights and more charge the streets of the Caldur docks.

"Likely," Gwendion says with a sigh, "Let us do our part then!"

And the Knight is up, crossing over the rails with his kin. A familiar sight for the Haradrim in this battle, a Knight and his Squire.

"Secure those buildings!" Gwendion says, pointing with his aged blade, "We have minutes people! Move!"

[Eruphel(#20109)] 

"I doubt that they have brought any war ships, but I will be sure to peruse the wounded and see if I can procure one, my Lord Husband." Eruphel says, smiling, "Or a reasonable substitute." As the pale-skinned invaders begin to land, she draws her own blade, the terrible Serpent Blade her father once wielded. She glances to Eron, seeing if he's in the sort of humor to take a joke.

[Aearon(#16333)] 

More arrows fly at the Gondorian ships and again they strike true, sending cries of pain into the air, one of those struck is Lieutenant Aearon, a glancing blow that leaves a small gash upon his left thigh. Causing him to curse aloud.

 

Standing up strait he rushes to the sides of the ship and leaps down with his men shouting orders and curses as he does so. Thrusting his spear at the closest enemy.

[Inzilabeth(#30120)]  

The ships crash to a halt and Inzilabeth falls, landing in a heap due to the sudden deceleration which her position of protection afforded no warning view. Rising up and rubbing the side of her leg, the lady hobbles over to the rail where supplies have been gathered and people are working.

[Menelglir(#17324)] 

"Sir!" Menelglir snaps his obedience to the Knight's sigh, jumping over the rails after Gwendion, sword drawn as he follows into battle.

[Galadhechil(#12253)]  

As his ship hits the dock, Galadhechil is thrown to the deck and almost trampled as infantry scramble over him and over the side. The scribe needs only a moment to make sure nothing is broken before he starts manhandling the first boxes and sacks of vitals to the dock below. One false step could bring a crushing death between wood and stone!

 

Turlach hurries to the Cuthalion woman's side. "Lady Inzilabeth," he says urgently, voice strong and clear despite his pallor, "It is time to go. You are ready?"

The twelve Hostmen bear their shields at ready, prepared to surround Inzilabeth as she disembarks, and also keeping a wary eye on the Quartermaster and the Accountant.

Eron would be in the mood for her joke, if he and his men had not rushed off during her delivery of the punchline.

[Tathar(#31396)] Tathar grabs at the nearest thing available to keep from falling she is barely successful, swinging from her hold for a moment before finding her feet again. As Galadhechil starts the first boxes overboard, she shouts down into the hold, and more begin coming up.

[Inzilabeth(#30120)]  

Inzilabeth nods to Turlach and the other hostmen who are with her. "Let us get over the side so that you all may help your brethren. Please lend me a hand when we go over the railing!" Already the sound of fighting fills the air and the voice of the woman is shrill and screaming as she fights to be heard.

[Aearon(#16333)] 

The Lieutenant shouts to his men "Shield wall!!! Move!!" and with that he rushes into the fray, following the Marines and those that disembarked from the ship first, running he sees what he thinks is a foul familiar face and makes for him, nearing Eron he thrusts his spear at the man's chest and shouts to his men "Push Forward!"

Aearon attacks Eron with his Spear, but he misses by an arm's length.

[Fizad(#21580)] As the Knight and Squire fly over the railings of their ship, they are greeted by Fizad. He walks rigidly and without so much of a twist of his lower, swings his blade up at Menelglir's pale, pale face.

Fizad , with an ancient blade, strikes towards Menelglir.

Fizad's attack misses Menelglir.

[Eron(#24786)]  

Eron is ahead of his men, but the spear of Aearon is seen, and with a change in direction the Serpent Commander manages to evade it. "You sure this is wise boy? These are not sticks..." Eron snarls from under the wing'd helm upon his face.

No further words are given, as the Lord Husband of Seaward waits for when Aearon's spear is further from him, and charges, trying to remove the advantage of range, and slashing towards the midsection of the hostmen.

Eron attacks Aearon with his Scimitar, but Aearon parries the attack with his shield!

 

Turlach nods tightly to Inzilabeth. "Stay behind our ranks where it is safer, lady," he assures her, reaching forth a gloved hand to support her as they cross the railings.

The path behind him is treacherously slick, dotted with scarlet (surely not all of it his own) and seawater the Nimothan soldier's eyes slide a moment to the shouting Quartermaster, seeking her gaze, and then turns wholly upon the crash of meeting battle-lines.

[Gwendion(#24427)] 

"Gyah!" Gwendion shouts as he sidesteps the woodenly Haradrim, "Watch out Menelglir!" he shouts, even as he swings his own blade for the side of Fizad.

[Inzilabeth(#30120)]  

Inzilabeth maneuvers over the railing, managing her skirts and then dropping to the quay. The lady hangs back then behind her protectors and waits.

[Aearon(#16333)] 

As Eron attack him the Lieutenant says "You will fall this day!" and then raising his shield just in time to block the attack he says "Slow.." and then backstepping he once again thrusts his spear at the man, aiming for his chest, with his shield held high and ready to defend.

 

The Hosts continue to push onwards fighting any they come across, archers in the rear fire arrows at the Haradrim in the distance.

Gwendion attacks Fizad with his Longsword, but he misses by a handspan.

[Menelglir(#17324)] 

The calm approach of this attacker, Fizad, surprises Menelglir, but not so much that the Squire does not jump out of the way in time. Down comes his own sword in retaliation, striking for the Southron's sword arm, screaming at the same time, "I see!" in response to Gwendion's warning.

Aearon attacks Eron with his Spear, but he misses by an arm's length.

Menelglir attacks Fizad with his Longsword and moderately wounds it!

[Tathar(#31396)] Tathar looks up, her eyes meeting Turlach's for a moment, and then she is lost in the swirl of men and supplies.

[Eron(#24786)]  

"Slow? Atleast I can hit something besides air... You idiot." Eron says with a laugh as again he manages to maneuver his way out of harm from the spear. Eron works nimbly around the man, working into sword range again, as he seeks to wound the man's legs. "Remember, can't move, can't fight!"

Eron attacks Aearon with his Scimitar and moderately wounds him!

[Galadhechil(#12253)]  

Galadhechil finishes with the first load of supplies. Climbing back up onto the ship, he makes note of what the quartermaster has brought up from the hold. Seeing Tathar not far, he cups his hands around his mouth. "These go over the side and we must move on to the next boat."

[Aearon(#16333)] 

Grunting as the Scimitar of Eron cuts his leg open, the same leg that was struck by the arrow. Spitting at Eron, the Lieutenant's knee nearly folds, but straitening up he swings his shield at Erons face saying "Can't fight if you can't see!"

Aearon attacks Eron with his Spear, but he misses by a mile.

[Fizad(#21580)] Fizad is soldier enough to avoid one of the blows, but not both. It slices into his sword arm and his arm drops as if a master's string had been cut. He struggles to regain his blade with his opposite hand, before facing the pair.

[Gwendion(#24427)] 

As Gondor unloads its men, so too does it unload supplies and gear to support them for the invasion. The soldiers press down onto the docks, some already threading themselves through the buildings and others knocking out supports and forming barricades and barriers. The Asgar, seemingly more full of men than supplies, is already being rowed back out to sea, another taking its place. Though their numbers are not so many as the Haradrim, they are skilled and determined and their work bears fruit.

[Eron(#24786)]  

Eron recoils from the loogie that is directed his way. "Oh honorable Gondorian, how can such tactics EVER fail?!?" Eron seemed more staggered than blinded, but it actually saves him, a duck and side step bringing him clear of the shield. "I'd have you see what I bring to you...Darkness..." He hisses as he leaps in again, using his own shield to try and push the sprear clear of them, while hacking towards the arm holding the spear.

Eron attacks Aearon with his Scimitar, but Aearon parries the attack with his Spear!

[Tathar(#31396)] Tathar's face turns towards Galadhechil, and she nods again, hurrying towards the edge of the boat, and clambering awkwardly down. One of the men pauses to help her, before moving on. Behind her, the boat is pushed away from the dock.

[Gwendion(#24427)] 

Seeing a chance to strike, Gwendion swings his blade deftly, like a woodcarver chipping away at a doll, towards Fizad's side once again. "His legs, Squire!" he shouts.

Gwendion attacks Fizad with his Longsword and badly wounds it!

 

"Are you well, Lady Inzilabeth?" Turlach shouts as a tight shield formation is made about the non-combatants and supplies. His sword is drawn, pale ice-spike in trembling hands, though the hot flush of battle brings color back to pale cheeks.

[Aearon(#16333)] 

As if expecting such an attack the Lieutenant parries the scimitar with his spear and moves out of the way of the shield. With fire in his eyes he says "You have no honor!" and while backstepping he once again thrusts his spear at Eron, this time for the lower part of his stomach.

 

The Hostmen continue to fight, swords and spears attacking their enemies while they push forward. Archers continue to send volley after volley at the approaching Haradrim. 

Aearon attacks Eron with his Spear, but he misses by a mile.

[Inzilabeth(#30120)]  

Inzilabeth frowns. "Your captain needs you! Go to him. The others here will see to me!"

[Menelglir(#17324)] 

"His legs? Sweep the leg?" Menelglir nearly laughs, only this is grim work. Teeth set, he lunges forward, sword thrust to try to hamstring Finzac.

[Eron(#24786)]  

Eron again twists and avoids the spear. To Aearon's words, he only laughs, but Eron is flanking the Hostmen now, the thrust of the spear doing the work for the Southron. "But I will have victory..." he says in regards to his honor, before swinging the weapon in a downward arc, trying to cleave the man from neck to navel.

Eron attacks Aearon with his Scimitar and mildly wounds him!

Menelglir attacks Fizad with his Longsword and badly wounds it!

[Galadhechil(#12253)]  

Galadhechil quickly makes an approximation of what stock has brought ashore. As the next boat hits the dock, he looks at Tathar. "We have enough consumables onshore at the moment. Get down into the hold and bring up fresh weapons first!"

[(#17324)] And lower, in the seconds gained by the thrust of his sword, Menelglir glances about the battlefield, then speaks to his Knight. "... can ... ... ..., ... the ... ... help."

[Aearon(#16333)] 

The Lieutenant lunges forward, the scimitar only barely catching the back of his shoulder. His armor doings its job for no blood shows. Spinning about he says nothing but his eyes scan the battle field and he shouts "Fight on Men!! Strike them down!!" and with that he once again thrusts his spear at Eron, this time at his face.

Aearon attacks Eron with his Spear, but he misses by an arm's length.

[Fizad(#21580)] Fizad seems to dance in some uneven symmetry, trying to pull himself away from the blades of both Knight and Squire. But he is unsuccessful, and twice so. Crumpled to a knee and bleeding, he can only just lance his blade out at Menelglir after the Squire retreats from his own blow.

 

"My orders are to protect you, Lady," Turlach answers after a pause, gritting his teeth as he scans the battlefield. "I have trust in the Lieutenant! He will prevail, I am sure."

[Eron(#24786)]  

Eron twists his head in a brave display of combat knowledge, and the spear misses his ear by a breath. "Hmm..." The Serpent commander breaths, before moving to slam the spear away from his, and cut in with the steel blessed by The Eye intent on biting into the flesh of Aearon's midsection.

Eron attacks Aearon with his Scimitar, but he misses by a mile.

Fizad swings at Menelglir! Omg!

Fizad's attack misses Menelglir.

[Tathar(#31396)] It will take her longer to climb back aboard than another. Tathar grabs one of the sailors and sends him ahead of her, then starts up herself. By the time she has reached the top, bundles of weaponry are beginning to come over the railing. The lady ducks down into the hold to make sure Galadhechil's orders are being followed.

[Aearon(#16333)] 

Leaping backwards the Lieutenant avoids the attack and says nothing, rather he seems to be focused on the battle, lunging forward he thrusts his spear at Eron's mid-section while shouting "Push Forward! Push them back! Archers keep firing!"

Aearon attacks Eron with his Spear, but he misses by a handspan.

[Eruphel(#20109)] 

In the fray, even one as brightly clad as the Lady of Seaward can get lost in the movements of men and weapons. But then she emerges, close to the beach, some of her Serpent Guard nearby, trying to keep her safe. It is an impossible task, as she charges combatants to engage. Closer and closer to the non-combatants she comes, till she finds the boy she met at Pelarglir. A little older, perhaps, but she recognises him. "Ah! The boy from the tavern." Her head turns, and she spots Tathar. "And his Aunt!" Eruphel raises her scimitar, charging forward on Turlach.

Eruphel attacks you with her Scimitar!...

...and she hits! Ouch!

ARB: You've been injured for -- hp's by Eruphel's attack...

...you have -- left. Please RP this injury accordingly.

[Eron(#24786)]  

Eron side steps again. "Seriously Aearon... Are you even trying?" Eron says with a chuckle as he tilts his head to the side before rushing in again to swing his blade. The weapon seems to be heading towards Aearon's midsection again, but it drops last minute, looking to land another blow on that wounded leg.

Eron attacks Aearon with his Scimitar, but he misses by an arm's length.

[Inzilabeth(#30120)]  

Inzilabeth turns and sees Eruphel suddenly appear and strike at Turlach. To her other guards, she points and cries out, "Look, they're within our lines!"

[Gwendion(#24427)] 

A nod from Gwendion but then he sees the sparkling jewel of the Seaward Lady upon the dock he claimed for Gondor but moments ago. "Nay," he nods towards her, "If I push her back, her men will fall back with them. You stay here, clear the streets, I'll cover the rear!"

And so Gwendion leaves his Squire to fend for himself, turning from Fizad and pushing back towards the ships.

[Aearon(#16333)] 

With a laugh the Lieutenant says in a mocking tone as he sidesteps away from the attack "You are getting slow, I remembered you being much faster." His eyes scan the battlefield once again and then he thrusts his spear at the sword shoulder of Eron. His wounded leg continues to bleed, but far slower than before.

Aearon attacks Eron with his Spear, but he misses by a mile.

[Galadhechil(#12253)]  

Galadhechil finds a skin of water and gulps down the warm liquid, caring not that much of it flows down the sides of his face. After he wipes his mouth with his sleeve, the scribe climbs up the netting the sailors have thrown over the side of their ship. "Here you! Hand me that bundle of arrows! Careful, our soldiers need the fletching undamaged."

[Eron(#24786)]  

Eron grins. "Have you even touched me yet?" Is all the Southron warrior asks as he dodges the spear of Aearon AGAIN. "You seriously need to practice more...Perhaps your next life then..." He says, as he comes at Aearon again, and with a deceptive flourish, slices towards the mans spear arm armpit.

Eron attacks Aearon with his Scimitar, but he misses by a handspan.

[Gwendion(#24427)] 

The sailors begin to lower the arrows to the scribe, but they fall from their hands, crashing to the docks. "Ga! Behind you! Snake men!" he shouts to Galadhechil.

[Menelglir(#17324)] 

"Sir!" Menelglir glances back in the direction that Gwendion indicates, brow creasing as the knight leaves toward that fray. But attention upon the fallen Southron before him once more, he hesitates half a second before his blade flashes in the sun as it cuts through the air, toward Fizac's neck.

Menelglir attacks Fizad with his Longsword, but he misses by a mile.

 

Turlach, under a hail of arrows, can be prepared. But here an unexpected strike so cleverly slits his armor, plunging into his ribs. He screams in sudden pain, instinctively throwing himself back from the Lady Seaward. The Eleven close about Inzilabeth, the White Tree stern and stark upon their shields.

"STAY AWAY FROM HER," the youth yells raggedly: whether it is Inzilabeth or Tathar or Eruphel himself is unsure. He gives Eruphel no recognition, stabbing back at her even as crimson begins to dot his armor.

You attack Eruphel with your Longsword... 

Eruphel dodges your attack.

[Aearon(#16333)] 

Archers continue to fire at the Haradrim coming to the aid of their brethren, arrow after arrow each man fires, some even risking firing at those that are much closer. The Hostmen continue to fight, trying to gain ground and push the enemy back off the beach.

 

The Lieutenant ignores the words of Eron and again he avoids the attack by leaping to the side. Planting his feet he thrusts his spear at Eron's side saying "All in time.. All in time."

Aearon attacks Eron with his Spear, but he misses by an arm's length.

[Tathar(#31396)] Tathar is back, scolding from behind the men - "Have you never seen them before? Be careful! We need those arrows whole, not broken into little pieces!" Amid the chaos, one more scream can hardly be distinguished but she looks up, trying to see - and unable to. There are too many people between herself and the battle.

[Eruphel(#20109)] 

At the thrusting stab, Eruphel dances away, light on her feet despite the armor. "No, I think I'll bring her with me. Show her Umbar. Marry her off." Eruphel says in a taunting jibe, her low swinging arc aimed toward Turlach's knees.

Eruphel attacks you with her Scimitar!...

...and she hits! Ouch!

ARB: You've been injured for -- hp's by Eruphel's attack...

...you have -- left. Please RP this injury accordingly.

[Fizad(#21580)] Fizad is able to regain his feet as the Knight's attack comes not upon this round. And enough time has he to see the path of the Squire's blade to duck under it. "Miss!" he taunts and slashes at a leg.

Fizad swings at Menelglir! Omg!

Fizad attacks Menelglir, but Menelglir parries the attack with his shield!

[Galadhechil(#12253)]  

Galadhechil curses as the bundle breaks open and arrows come apart. His gaze at the dock, the sight of naked blades so close chills his bones. "Hurry with the rest of the bundles! The next ship must dock quickly!"

[Eron(#24786)]  

Eron chuckles. And dodges again. "Tsk tsk tsk..." Is all the Professional soldier can say, as he silently goes to work on the mans defenses again, small ticklish strikes feigning, before with speed and grim determination, swings to harm the man's midsection again.

Eron attacks Aearon with his Scimitar and lightly wounds him!

[Menelglir(#17324)] 

Menelglir pushes his shield down and forward, easily blocking Fizad's attack and now focusing all his attention on this opponent and any other threats around him. His blade cuts once more through the air, seeking Fizad's lifeblood.

Menelglir attacks Fizad with his Longsword, but he misses by a hair.

[Inzilabeth(#30120)]  

Inzilabeth pulls out a dagger and backs away from where Turlach and Eruphel fight. Where /are/ her bodyguards? The confusion of the battlefield abounds as the fog of war rolls in.

[Aearon(#16333)] 

Leaping to the side again, but not fast enough! For the Lieutenant is caught on the right side of his ribs, leaving a small, but bleeding wound. Leaping backwards he grabs at his side and says "I have felt worse from staying out to long in the sun.." his tone is condescending and demeaning all the same. And again he thrusts his spear at Eron while he shouts to the Soldiers "MOVE!! Push them back!!"

Aearon attacks Eron with his Spear, but he misses by a mile.

[Gwendion(#24427)] 

"Surely you have not paid so dearly to have a prize such as she, dear Maha," Gwendion quips, one of her guard slipping from his blade, lifeless.

"Certainly a Lady is worth the cost to obtain her, no?" he questions, his blade now darting out for her.

Gwendion attacks Eruphel with his Longsword and mildly wounds her!

[Fizad(#21580)] Fizad, at his knees, rolls away from Menelglir's blow. He seems to spit some straw from his mouth (straw?) as he rises to his feet. And then he lunges at the Squire with a heavy swing of his blade.

 

"A slave like you were?" growls Turlach, slipping in his own blood that drips freely down the slashed leather plates. "No!"

There is an odd crack, an odd angle, and the youth kneels at the feet of one of the most powerful women in Umbar head unbowed, he swings two-handed at her shins, helpless hate burning in his eyes even as they behold Gwendion's arrival.

You attack Eruphel with your Longsword... 

Your attack against Eruphel badly wounds her!

Fizad swings at Menelglir! Omg!

Fizad moderately wounds him!

[Tathar(#31396)] The weapons begin descending again and Tathar scrambles back overboard, dropping to the ground, and falling to her hands and knees as she lands ungracefully.

[Eron(#24786)]  

"hold"

"Your"

"GROUND" 

Eron roars to his own men, who fight as valiantly as Aearon's. Little ground is offered either way, as it seems everything is hindged upon the battle of their leaders.

Eron shifts his weight and runs towards Aearon, instead of away from him, and again the Spear doesn't touch him. "Again... How many times have you struck me?" Eron says through gritten teeth as he hacks towards the wounded leg of Aearon once again.

Eron attacks Aearon with his Scimitar, but he misses by an arm's length.

 

Inzilabeth's guard closes tightly about her, their shields tall and spears bristling not even a snake might slip through their defense. At the failing of one of their own, they are unmoved and unmoving from their post.

[Menelglir(#17324)] 

A red gash appears on the Squire's leg, courtesy of Fizad's blade, and though Menelglir grunts with pain, it does not stop him from bringing his own blade down hard toward the man's shoulder and neck.

Menelglir attacks Fizad with his Longsword and badly wounds it!

[Galadhechil(#12253)]  

Galadhechil offers Tathar a hand. "When the next ship docks, we must bring up all the medicines and healing supplies first. Wounded are already coming back from the fighting."

[Aearon(#16333)] 

Adjusting his body so that the blade passes harmlessly by, the Lieutenant says "Do not worry, I have a great deal of patience." Stepping forward he thrusts his spear again, and again at the mid-section of Eron.

 

The Hostmen continue to fight, their wall of shields crashing into the enemy, spears and swords attack any that are foolish enough to come close. All while trying to gain ground and push the enemy back.

Aearon attacks Eron with his Spear, but he misses by an arm's length.

[Fizad(#21580)] Fizad finally draws blood, but his legs do not carry him fast enough away from his purchase. As so, the blade cuts deep into his neck and flattens him to the floor. He is at the mercy of the Squire, his sword falling away from him for the moment.

[Menelglir(#17324)] 

Mercy, in this instance, is not shown, as Menelglir attempts to finish off his enemy, though the crush of fighting around him jostles him now and then, making Fizad's end uncertain.

Menelglir attacks Fizad with his Longsword, but he misses by a handspan.

[Eruphel(#20109)] 

Eruphel stands triumphant over Turlach, ready to land a more felling blow as he kneels at her feet, when another intercedes, his blow barely doing more than to scratch her armor, and catch a bit of skin. But the bite hurts, and Eruphel turns her attentions toward Gwendion. "You overestimate her worth. Though I could improve her value by cutting out her tongue." she answers him, swinging out at him, just as Turlach's low-aimed blow cuts deep into her leg. She cries out in pain, and dances limping away from the boy-man, looking down at him, her shield ready to defend herself against Gwendion's next blow.

Eruphel attacks Gwendion with her Scimitar and mildly wounds him!

[Tathar(#31396)] She takes the scribe's hand and gets to her feet. "Healing supplies," she echoes. "Yes." Her eyes go to the battle - so near - then she jerks them forcibly away, waiting for the next ship to come into place. "Over there," she says, breathing heavily. "We can put them there." She points to an area a little more protected than perhaps others around.

[Eron(#24786)]  

"I'm becoming bored with you... Do you not have a more talented warrior amongst you?" Eron says as his quick feet take him dancing away from Aearon's spear once again. As it goes by, Eron jumps in again, looking to cripple The Hostmen's legs.

Eron attacks Aearon with his Scimitar, but he misses by a mile.

[Fizad(#21580)] Fizad leaps away from Menelglir's blow at the last moment and reaches out for his blade! Huzzah, he has it! But the old soldier has not the strength to stand, so he merely sits back and defends himself.

[Gwendion(#24427)] 

Slowly the Gondorians carve out a cove despite the Haradrim press, save for pockets of fighting that continue upon the wooden quays. Too many, too fast have overwhelmed the relative few guarding the docks, most assigned to the city and the keep. The final ship replaces the Heledir, which sails back out to meet the Haradrim sea patrols and to guard the few much smaller supply ships still following in the wake of the war galleys. 

Such a pocket is near Inzilabeth, and her guard, including the valiant Turlach, and the Knight Gwendion. As Eruphel's sword cuts across his mail, it leaves no visible wound, but clearly the blow is felt by the Knight. He winces but presses his attack.

"If your betters had thought to make more of you, Lady, would I not have the charming song of your voice to lift my spirits in this place?" He swings his blade, following Eruphel as she backs towards Tathar and Galadhechil.

Gwendion attacks Eruphel with his Longsword, but Eruphel parries the attack with her Scimitar!

[Aearon(#16333)] 

Shaking his head slightly the Lieutenant says "You are not growing tired are you? For I am just beginning to have fun.." he has a half smile and again he thrusts his spear at Eron, this time at the sword shoulder while he shouts "Push them back! We will take the beach!"

Aearon attacks Eron with his Spear, but he misses by a mile.

[Inzilabeth(#30120)]  

Halered, the grizzled man-at-arms, remains beside Inzilabeth with his fellows. The lady grips the man's arms as she looks from behind him towards the battle as Gwendion fights Eruphel as the Lady Seaward talks of taking the lady of Gondor away.

[Eron(#24786)]  

Eron continues to dance infront of the spear as a cobra infront of a flute. The two never meet. "Tired? No... Tired of you perhaps." Eron says as he hacks at Aearon's legs again.

[Menelglir(#17324)] 

Lurching forward as he is jostled from behind, Menelglir swears an oath under his breath and has to take several steps after Fizad, shoving a Southron out of the way to do so. Once again the Squire swings his blade to try to end things.

Menelglir attacks Fizad with his Longsword, but he misses by a hair.

Eron attacks Aearon with his Scimitar, but he misses by a long shot.

[Galadhechil(#12253)]  

Galadhechil nods. "Quickly, up into the ship as fast as we can." The scribe sprints across the dock and leaps up to the rail of the last ship. He swings his legs over and disappears amongst the sailors and their topside gear.

 

Turlach is still here between Lady Seaward and the non-combatants his blood is thick and red upon the black tabard. He leans on his sword, raising himself to a crouch.

"Never speak of her again," the man-at-arms rasps, trying to bite at her heels once again.

You attack Eruphel with your Longsword... 

Eruphel dodges your attack.

[Fizad(#21580)] Fizad scoots away from Menelglir's blow and the ongoing fighting soon divides the pair. The Haradrim man leaves only a trail of straw in his wake, and nothing more.

[Tathar(#31396)] The Nimothan lady looks around, and her eyes widen as Eruphel comes closer. She slides her hand into a pocket in her skirts, and backs up herself. A leather jerkin covers the upper part of her body. And there is Turlach, blood-covered, half-fallen. "Turlach!" she screams, before Galadhechil's voice catches her attention. 

Tathar swallows hard, and turns sideways to direct the supplies. But she keeps an eye on the Haradrim woman - and one hand in her pocket.

[Menelglir(#17324)] 

Menelglir pays little heed as the wounded Fizad gets away, as his attention is suddenly given to Southrons pressing around him and upon him. Soon he is joined by a few other soldiers of Gondor, and the fight in that small area continues.

[Eruphel(#20109)] 

Eruphel parries Gwendion's sword, and she jumps just in time to miss Turlach's swing. "Learn your place, boy." she says to Turlach. Finding two combatants at once too many, she turns to the boy, aiming a slicing blow toward his head, trying to keep Gwendion's movements in her vision, to dance and dodge away.

Eruphel attacks you with her Scimitar!...

...and she misses!

[Gwendion(#24427)] 

The attack on Turlach brings stark worry to the Knight, "Turlach, get back! Stay at your post!"

Gwendion swings his blade in wide arcs, keep the Haradrim woman at bay and hopefully provoking her interest in him solely.

Gwendion attacks Eruphel with his Longsword, but he misses by a handspan.

[Aearon(#16333)] 

With an obviously fake laugh the Lieutenant avoids the attack by lunging backwards out of the way, he is starting to breath heavy now, but he continues to fight. Lunging forward he thrusts his spear at Eron's face.

Aearon attacks Eron with his Spear, but he misses by a long shot.

[Eron(#24786)]  

With a head bob and a side step that looks dangerously similiar to a dance that was all the rage ten years ago, Eron manages to avoid the spear. Again. "Goodness... That was so close..." Eron mocks in a Monotone voice, as he swings his blade towards Aearon's midsection.

Eron attacks Aearon with his Scimitar, but Aearon parries the attack with his Spear!

[Tathar(#31396)] "Over there!" Tathar directs the newest bundles - bandages and salves and herbs. With another look to her side, at Eruphel and Gwendion - and Turlach - she edges sideways away from them. "Put the bandages here," she orders.

[Aearon(#16333)] 

Backstepping the Lieutenant uses his spear to parry the attack, saying nothing he simply thrusts his spear forward whilst parrying the attack aiming his spear for the chest of Eron, though this attack is with a great deal more force than his previous, it seems the Lieutenant is also bored with this battle. Or perhaps the number of small wounds are starting to hurt.

Aearon attacks Eron with his Spear, but he misses by an arm's length.

 

Turlach stumbles to his feet, narrowly evading the head-removing attack that comes his way, and begins to walk slowly, painfully, back to his abandoned post. Should Eruphel seek to follow, his sword is still at the ready, though blood haunts his every step.

[Eron(#24786)]  

Eron manages to avoid the spear again. "I am too much for you. Yield now, and I may spare you're life Aearon." Eron says with a grin, as he hacks towards the side of the man once again

Eron attacks Aearon with his Scimitar, but he misses by a mile.

[Galadhechil(#12253)]  

Galadhechil organizes the healing supplies in the open space away from the fighting. When none are left, he returns to the side of the ship, keeping a wary eye on the combat close at hand. "What else is left, Tathar?!"

[Eruphel(#20109)] 

With the Gondorian lad retreating, Eruphel turns her sword and sheild toward Gwendion to devote more attention to him. "You think I exist to sing you songs...you think women exist to sing you songs and caress your stubbly chin. Not the spawn of Mazrakhor." She lunges forward again, trying to hit him full in the chest with her shield and a charge, jabbing her sword around to his ribs only after contact.

Eruphel attacks Gwendion with her Scimitar, but she misses by a handspan.

[Aearon(#16333)] 

Again the Lieutenant avoids the attack and says with a laugh "You can Yield, and I will promise you a swift death!" and then again he attacks, lunging forward and thrusting his spear /again/ at Eron's middle.

 

The Hostmen continue to fight, gaining little bits of ground and then losing the same bits. Archers have slowed the speed of their volleys, sending fewer arrows. But still sending them none the less. 

Aearon attacks Eron with his Spear, but he misses by a mile.

Standing by the ship, practically on the gangplank, blade drawn but not yet blooded stood Saeltavor, some of his own men standing at the ready. Some had bows, and were firing at any clear shots into the fray, aiming to miss any friends or allies that would be in that battle. Ordered to stand by in reserves should they be needed, the short Lieutenants' face showed his frustration at being held back, but he obeyed nonetheless. His eyes follow Turlach back as he murmers "Watch your back... Back up, dont turn away." 

[Eron(#24786)]  

"You shame your entire line Aearon...Your luck will run out..." Eron says as he dodges once again, before stepping back into range and hurling a flurry of quick strikes towards the spear wielder prior to stabbing towards the hostmen's gut

Eron attacks Aearon with his Scimitar, but he misses by a mile.

[Tathar(#31396)] "I think that is everything," Tathar replies. "The weapons are there... healing supplies here... Was there ought else? It is the last ship, is it not?"

Saeltavor has arrived.

[Aearon(#16333)] 

The Lieutenant is a veteran soldier, and knows better than to let the words of Eron send him into a fit of rage, shaking his head he once again thrusts his spear, this time at the sword shoulder and with a renewed about of force, perhaps a bit of anger.

Aearon attacks Eron with his Spear, but he misses by a long shot.

 

Turlach whirls back, turning to regard Eruphel with dimming hate. The shield-formation opens reluctantly for him, and he drags himself through, though one knee is slashed and oddly bent.

"Are you safe, Lady Inzilabeth?" he queries vaguely, collapsing back on one knee.

[Galadhechil(#12253)]  

Galadhechil nods and turns his back on Tathar and the ship and takes in the scene. There are bodies and spilt blood. Red seawater slaps against the ship and the dock. And further along is the unending sound of combat, the young scribe's first taste, if indirectly.

[Gwendion(#24427)] 

"Well, certainly Lady," Gwendion says, her blade barely missing as he pulls away from the arc of her swing and charge, "You do not exist to teach me the finer points of swordcraft."

"But come, let us have peace!" he says, swinging the blade high, for her helm and face, "We wish only to take that which is ours!"

Gwendion attacks Eruphel with his Longsword, but Eruphel parries the attack with her shield!

[Gwendion(#24427)] 

With Saeltavor and the rest of the White Tree upon the docks, the final ship takes it leaves from the shore and the Gondorians are left with no escape. It is push on, or die.

[Inzilabeth(#30120)]  

Inzilabeth laughs shrilly. "Do not play the fool, it doesn't suit you. Halered and his men are here with me. Lo! There are medicines. Let us carry you to them and have your knee bound!"

[Eruphel(#20109)] 

"There is nothing in Harad that is yours!" Eruphel answers as Gwendion's sword clangs on her shield, the jolt helping to numb her arm. She jumps to the side, swinging her sword low as she tries to flank Gwendion, to hamstring the back of his knee.

Eruphel attacks Gwendion with her Scimitar and moderately wounds him!

[Eron(#24786)]  

Again the Southron dodges the spear of the Pale skin. "Aearon..." Eron meerly sighs and shakes his head, and again moves in to try to chop at the leg of the hostment. "You're light on your feet. I'll give you that."

Eron attacks Aearon with his Scimitar, but he misses by a mile.

[Saeltavor(#32555)] 

Eyes falling to others in the battle, he notes the spear-wielding form of Aearon and Eron there. He could not quite hear over the din of battle, but finally the signal is given, and the White tree men charge forwards. Not quite a shield wall, but they drive forwards nonethless, the Lieutenant at the front as he drives forwards with shield and blade, eyes set upon Erons' figure. 

But then the clash of blades, men, and shields takes his attention away for a brief moment, when a glint of metal catches his eye and he whirls, instinctively moving his blade towards that which he percieved as an enemy, his body moving without real thought as the flickering longsword danced out with a battleshout, guttural from his bearded throat. 

Saeltavor attacks Eron with his Longsword, but Eron parries the attack with his shield!

[Aearon(#16333)] 

With a laugh the Lieutenant says "Perhaps that is it, or perhaps my superior blood" it is at this time that Saeltavor attacks Eron and he is forced to jump out of the way or risk being hit by one of his own. Cursing loudly he thrust his spear at Eron's middle again.

Aearon attacks Eron with his Spear, but he misses by an arm's length.

[Gwendion(#24427)] 

The knee she misses, but Eruphel's blade slices across the back of his thigh, blood seeping out from the gap in the leather and flesh. Gwendion cries as the metal cuts in but he manages to quip nonethlees, "That is a terrible mercantile attitude. No barter? No trade?" he asks of the Seaward woman, his blade seeking it's pound of flesh.

Gwendion attacks Eruphel with his Longsword, but he misses by an arm's length.

 

"Fool indeed," laughs Turlach bitterly as he begins to cough, blood in his throat. He looks to Inzilabeth gently, eyes wide and troubled for her being. "No, lady. A stray spear or blade shall not nick you. I will go."

Indeed he begins to limp towards the supplies, and Galadhechil and Tathar.

[Eruphel(#20109)] 

"Very well. Let us negotiate." Eruphel counters verbally, negotiating her sword around to try at a higher slash across Gwendion shoulder and upper arm. "You take your dead, and you go home." she offers. "What more could you possibly want?"

[Eron(#24786)]  

Eron spots both blows, almost in time with each other, and the world begins to slow as it would seem. Stepping to the side, Eron works to watch Aearon's spear pass by him, only to twist his shield arm ackwardly to catch the longsword of Saeltavor with a dull thud. "Now the odds are fair..." Eron says calmly.

Exploding into motion, Eron pushes off of the longsword of Saeltavor with his shield, Eron is in motion, using that moving blockage of banded metal to try and bash Aearon's speak harmlessly away, while bringing the Scimitar of The Eye to bear on the midsection of Sealtavor. 

Eron attacks Saeltavor with his Scimitar and lightly wounds him!

[Galadhechil(#12253)]  

"Turlach! Tathar? Summon a healer." Galadhechil comes to Turlach's side and puts an arm under his shoulders, minding the bleeding wounds. "Is there much pain, friend?"

[Aearon(#16333)] 

Watching the blade strike the other Lieutenant, Lieutenant Aearon spits upon the ground and shouts "PUSH THEM BACK!!" We have them where we want them! Keep fighting!" with that he thrusts his spear at Eron once again, this time though he has tried to circle Eron and his attack is aimed for his back.

[Saeltavor(#32555)] 

The blade finds its' way past the armor and shield of Saeltavor and he grunts, blood drawn now as he grins a little bit past the pain. "Fair for who? Definitely not you." he notes, glancing to lift his blade in a brief salute to Aearon, acknowleding his accidental intervention into the combat of his ally. His shield is brought up as he hunkered behind it, circling around to Erons' side, trying to put the Harad man between himself and Aearon. Then the blade jabs out again in a quick, brisk move.

Saeltavor attacks Eron with his Longsword, but Eron parries the attack with his shield!

Aearon attacks Eron with his Spear, but he misses by a handspan.

[Tathar(#31396)] Wide-eyed, almost frozen in place by the mesmerizing swing and parry of sword after sword after sword it takes Tathar a moment to process Galadhechil's words. Then, casting one wild look at her nephew, she picks up her skirts and runs towards the area newly set up. She is back after only a moment, a healer hurrying in her wake. "Bring him .. back here!"

[Eron(#24786)]  

Eron thrusts his shield out to catch the blade of Saltavor again, while in motion to sidestep the spear of Aearon. "Fair....For you..." he says to the two Lieutenants. Eron laughs, as he twirls the wickedly curved blade in a grand flourish to distract both men as he feins a swing at Aearon, only to redirect it to attack the newcomer.

Eron attacks Saeltavor with his Scimitar and mildly wounds him!

[Saeltavor(#32555)] 

"And what will you do, sand filth? NIck me to death? " returns Saeltavor as he was struck again, another minor wound as he twists back and forth, the fast Scimitar drawing his blood again. HIs eyes blazed, although no pain could be seen yet as he brings his blade left, then right, moving it obscurely back and forth. HIs cape fluttered about him before he dives in yet once more, a brasher move this time "If so, you'll tire before you take a man of Gondor down!" 

Saeltavor attacks Eron with his Longsword, but Eron parries the attack with his shield!

 

"No pain," Turlach answers, his breath rough and unquiet. The headless shaft of a grey-fletched arrow clatters thoughtlessly to his feet, and the man-at-arms doubles over. He does not look at Tathar. "A knife, friend. Even one of your pen-knives."

[Aearon(#16333)] 

Seeing his attack miss yet again Lieutenant Aearon curses and looking to the battle field he shouts "MOVE YOURSELVES!! Push those cowards back!!" looking back to Eron and the small Lieutenant he lunges forward thrusting his spear at Eron's midsection once again, it seems he has no words in reply to Eron.

Aearon attacks Eron with his Spear, but he misses by a long shot.

[Eron(#24786)]  

Eron again bashes the sword of Saeltavor aside with his shield, even as he almost ignores the spear of Aearon, which he again dodges around. "Atleast you can strike my shield... Which is more than I can say for Aearon." Eron says with roaring laughter as he identified the Longsword wielding Sealtavor as the more pressing threat, and swings at him again. The blade comes in high this time, only to drp last minute in an effort to cut the muscles that hold his weight

Eron attacks Saeltavor with his Scimitar, but he misses by a mile.

[Galadhechil(#12253)]  

Galadhechil does his best to control Turlach's fall and then steps back to make way for the healer and Tathar.

[Saeltavor(#32555)] 

"White Tree, continue on!" calls Saeltavor, backing up Aearon's own command as his men pushed forwards, shouts and screams coming from all sides. The shield drops to match the Scimitar, and he twists it, aiming to trap the blade under its' tree-decked form as he smirks simply, and then pushes forwards... and keeps going reguardless now, the shield continuing to push down on the sword arm as long as it can while the blade twirls... spinning itself before coming up high and dropping low - a perfect mirror of Erons' own maneuver.

Saeltavor attacks Eron with his Longsword and mildly wounds him!

[Gwendion(#24427)] 

"The living, surely?" Gwendion replies, her blade bouncing harmlessly from his shield, "They are not so valuable to you. Too pale and tall. Terrible in this heat and sun."

"Surely more a burden than a boon."

[Tathar(#31396)] The healer comes to Galadhechil's side, squatting to speak to Turlach. "Can you walk?" Tathar hovers, her face white.

[(#30120]] 

Inzilabeth calls out heartening words to those who fight around her. "(Sindarin) For Gondor! Remember your duty! For Denethor! Men of Gondor, stand tall!" The words ring out, giving strength to those who hear them.

[Eruphel(#20109)] 

"So you wish to occupy Caldur. Or do you say then that you wish to be able to leave? Certainly, you can leave now. We invite it, with every swing of our blade." Eruphel does not swing her blade, but thrusts it forward instead, the tip aimed at Gwendion's gut.

Eruphel attacks Gwendion with her Scimitar and moderately wounds him!

[Aearon(#16333)] 

Watching the battle Lieutenant Aearon continues to shout orders "Watch the far side! Do not let them close in!" dodging an attack by a passing Haradrim he shouts "Archers! Where are your arrows? Keep firing, This is no time to grow tired!!"

 

Looking to the front lines Aearon seems to scan the men as he shouts "I Said push them back!!" Again he is attacked by another Haradrim and is nearly struck, forcing him to return the favor and strike out at the man. It seems he has moves away from Eron in the mass confusion of the battle.

 

Too pale, indeed. "I -will- walk. Please," Turlach murmurs, turning to the healer, "bind my knee tightly. And a knife. Arrow," he manages, bending into his elbow to spit blood.

[Tathar(#31396)] The healer nods, holding out a hand for a bandage. Tathar gives it to her and she wraps it carefully - and tightly - about the youth's knee, then rises. "Come then, I will help you. We will get the arrow out when you are a bit farther from the fighting." 

"Support his other side," she says crisply to Galadhechil.

[Gwendion(#24427)] 

The Haradrim regulars coat the sea below the docks and where there are not bodies, there is but a stained red sea. For the most part, the Gondorians have position enough to push the fight easily now. Gwendion and others press on Eruphel and her Serpent Guard, edging her back towards the buildings as they can, even as her blade cuts little sections from his flesh. His own blade darting out to stab at her breastplate.

"You do not understand, for there are intruders yet on your land. I fear, we need them as well. And," he adds, "Our Prince!"

Gwendion attacks Eruphel with his Longsword and mildly wounds her!

[Eron(#24786)]  

Eron's overconfidence is his undoing, but his luck saves him from injury. The blade of Saeltavor strikes him in the hipe, but the chain holds true, and doesn't break. "Interesting..." Eron says, as he sees Aearon's attention, and weapon moved to another target. "Just you and I then..." He says as he advances on Saeltavor, feinting with a half thrust towards the sword hand of the man, before slashing to the shield, trying to main the man so the bloackade would be useless.

Eron attacks Saeltavor with his Scimitar and moderately wounds him!

[Galadhechil(#12253)]  

Galadhechil nods and puts his shoulder under one of Turlach's. "Easy, I have you."

[Saeltavor(#32555)] The shield deflects the blade away from essential weapons, but it gets his shoulder then. This time the wound is deeper and a hiss of pain escapes the short Lieutenant. He pulls his own sword back again, pushing forwars with the shield, forcing the haradim MAN back again "I suppose so. If this is it, then at least I know I go well. For the LIght." he states simply, his voice never breaking stride despite the pain in his shield shoulder. Again he slashes, aiming for the extended sword arm in a lunge.

Saeltavor attacks Eron with his Longsword and mildly wounds him!

[Aearon(#16333)] 

Striking down his opponent Lieutenant Aearon pushes forward to another target, slowly moving away from his former opponent as he continues to fight on and join the rest of the Silver Ship as they push the their enemies back bit by bit, or so it seems.

 

The rest of the Hostmen continue to fight on, attacking the Haradrim with everything they have, slowly they try to push them back and take the beach

 

The boy emits a pained hiss as his side stretches, pulling cloth over torn flesh. "Can walk," he insists, but accepts the support. His silver gaze roves relentlessly, taking only a dazed blur. "Have we taken the beach? Where is the Quartermaster?"

[Eron(#24786)] The blade sneaks through again, but Eron caught enough of it with his shield that it bounces off armor again, which brings a smile to Eron's face. "if only you could cut me though... Did you remember to sharpen that thing?" he asks as he lunches forward, a perfect thrust feint before twisting violently to slash towards the exposed wrist of Saeltavor's sword arm.

Eron attacks Saeltavor with his Scimitar, but he misses by a mile.

[Eruphel(#20109)] 

The Gondorian blade lightly scratches Eruphel's jaw as she ducks to the side, wincing. "Prince? What prince?" she asks, still holding her sword at the ready, though the tip dips just a little.

[Saeltavor(#32555)] "I need not cut you to defeat you." returns Saeltavor, calm as ever. There is little way to move the man as he jerks his hand back, the blades clashing together, the ringing filling one's ears and blanking out sound for a moment as he twists his blade, trying to catch and rip the scimitar out of her hand. Thicker, but longer his bladework aims to slash at his opponents' wrist in return, his entire shoulder and body going into the attempt

Saeltavor attacks Eron with his Longsword, but he misses by an arm's length.

[Eron(#24786)]  

Eron manages to move his blade arm so that Saeltavor's strike catches nothing but air. "Hmm." Eron says with a grin, as he slashes towards the exposed chest of the Hostmen infront of him.

Eron attacks Saeltavor with his Scimitar, but Saeltavor parries the attack with his Longsword!

[Saeltavor(#32555)] 

Again and again longsword meets scimitar as Eron and Saeltavor cross blades, the light flashing off at so many angles that one would think that they were both aflame with sunshine. His skin beginning to sheen a little with sweat, the lieutenants' narrowed eyes never left Eron, watching the others' chest intently, every movement countered and blocked, only to have his own block. Out of the flurry he leaps forwards again, slashing low - and then twisting the tip upwards in a sudden maneuver as he literally leapt forwards and upwards. 

Saeltavor attacks Eron with his Longsword, but Eron parries the attack with his Scimitar!

[Gwendion(#24427)] 

Gwendion eyes tighten at Eruphel as she asks her question. He lies, "Prince, I meant King. Is he not here? He who claims the throne of Gondor? Certainly he wishes a ride back?"

"And permission or no, take a look. We are here and now you do not have the strength of arms with you to send us away. Your position to bargain whittles away, Lady. Take this chance now. Allow us access to the Keep and we will be on our way." He too does not attack, only holds his blade at the ready.

[Tathar(#31396)] "The Lady Tathar is just behind you." Turlach is helped towards the small area set up. "Where is the arrow?" The healer is pouring alcohol over the blade of a knife.

[Eron(#24786)]  

The clang of metal on metal rings again from Eron and Saeltavor, but words are no longer traded by the Southron. Instead he meerly pushes back on the parried blades and quickly tries a 'down and dirty' slash to the midsection of his foe.

Eron attacks Saeltavor with his Scimitar and badly wounds him!

[Saeltavor(#32555)] The wound that was begun not long ago was opened more now, and this time the sable-clad soldier gasps in pain, his body jerking backwards as a sheet of blood stains the front of his tunic. His face goes a little pale and his shield comes up again, changing his tactics as he jabs a few times from behind it, perhaps buying time to determine if it was time to fall back.

Saeltavor attacks Eron with his Longsword and mildly wounds him!

[Galadhechil(#12253)]  

Galadhechil melts away from where Turlach is attended to by the healer and Tathar. Looking to make himself useful, he picks up a bundle of arrows and opens it. "Arrows! Gondor, who is in need?"

[Eruphel(#20109)] 

"I would, but I am not the aggrieved party. That would be Lady Azradi. You can beg for her audience...tomorrow." Eruphel glances toward where Turlach and the women had been, the opportunity lost. She looks at Gwendion one last time, then calls her Serpent Guard to her, for an orderly retreat more closely aligned with the forming lines between Harad and Gondor.

[Eron(#24786)]  

Another grunt comes from Eron, as he makes only a small effort to block the feeble thrusts from Saeltavor, as one gets through and catchs two links of chain. seconds later blood does show through, but it is obvious it's but a minor nick. "You fall here Pale skin." Eron says, as he flourishes again, before swinging for the man's neck

Eron attacks Saeltavor with his Scimitar and terribly wounds him!

[Aearon(#16333)] 

Lieutenant Aearon continues to fight, he has now joined his men at the front of the lines and is among the Shield wall attacking any that come near him, slowly the Hostmen continue to push their way forward gaining ground inch by inch. Staining the ground red with their enemies blood as they move forward. 

 

"The dancing girl was speaking ill of her," Turlach growls in helpless anger. He forces himself to look steadily at the cleansed blade, licking away the blood that trickles over his lip. "Side. Right side. A book told me to snap it off." The boy laughs -- anything to draw his breath away from crying outright.

[Saeltavor(#32555)] 

Saeltavor puffs, moving sluggishly as his blade was turned again, although he seemed satisfied at the darkened tip. 

And then it was shown to be an act, his injured stance, as the shield comes up once more and his entire body twists sideways... the blade misses the shield! and instead drives through his upper arm, above the shield as it went through the black cloth shoulder to elbow. 

This time it seems the man was done, but men of the White Tree come up around him with a shout as he stumbles backwards with their help, shields lifting to cover him as they pull their bloodied lieutenant to the back lines.

[Gwendion(#24427)] 

Eruphel's retreat is welcomed with a sigh of relief from Gwendion. He does not pursue the Lady Seaward, turning instead to see where his help can be most felt. Eron, close to his lady love, is seen as he seeks to end the life of the Lieutenant. Gwendion jogs towards that battle, calling out to him, "Eron it was yes?" he questions, raising his blade, "An odd coincidence, you being here. But, besides that point, I need you to leave for a time. Perhaps we shall talk later?"

[Eron(#24786)]  Eron turns away from the host dragging the near death target of his rage to spot Gwendion. Eron raises his blade, so the ichor of Saeltavor shines for Gwendion's inspection. "You'll have ME leave?" Eron spits, eyeing as Eruphel retreats, and a moment's confusion sits on the mans face. Blood and gore remove the politician from Eron, and for now, He moves to circle the swan knight, working tense muscled relaxed once again.

[Imrakhor(#30834)]  

There is a terrible whoosh from the Keep to the north that valiantly attempts to drown out the sounds of combat. Some will hear, some will not.

But what all will see are the flames. Flames from Caldur.

Caldur is burning!

[Gwendion(#24427)] 

"I think only for your health," the Knight continues on, "If you are to stay, you may do well... but only for a time."

"Many stories ended here this morning... yours need not be among them. In fac..." his words are cut off as smoke rises from the city proper. "Well," he comments to himself, "That... complicates things."

[Eron(#24786)]  "I have spilt much of the blood of your kin this day, and yet none of mine has made it past the hem of my tunic. You would do well not to underestimate me Swan Knight. I have ended your bretheren as easily as I have their Squires." Eron says, looking as a caged beast as he paces back and forth infront of Sir Gwendion, as if not certain if he will strike or withdraw, his eyes dart between the retreated Eruphel and his would be foe before him.

[Tathar(#31396)] A nod. Dispassionately, the healer says, "Bite on this," and hands a strip of leather to Turlach. She beckons to Tathar. "Let him hold your hands, it will help him be still." Then swiftly, she lays the young soldier's side bare, and takes hold of the short bit of shaft that is left with one hand. With the knife, she quickly and surely probes for the arrowhead, pulling the with one hand and pushing with the knife-blade at the same time.

Saeltavor is carried/dragged back towards the healers, his blade and sword taken up by one of his Man at Arms as two more lift the Lieutenant the rest of the way. He mutters under his breath, blinking a few times distractedly "My bag. My... bag." he speaks softly, in shock as he was laid near the women and healers.

[Gwendion(#24427)] 

"If that is a request either for blood or a new tunic, I can supply both," Gwendion says in kind, but with a chuckle, "But truly you are not underestimated. I know you and your craft. It is not my wish to trade blows with you but I have my duty and thus will not back away, nor any other in this Army of Gondor."

He motions for Eron to leave, "You will have your chance. If you press on now..." he shakes his head.

[Eruphel(#20109)] 

"My Lord Husband, attend me..." Eruphel calls out, her wounds starting to really hamper her movements as she comes down off her adrenaline rush. Nearby the Serpent Guard step in to give her a steadying arm. "Eron..."

[Tathar(#31396)] More healers come to help Saeltavor. And other wounded men as they can be spared from the battle, and come limping - or being carried - to the rear.

 

The soldier bites the leather as instructed, his still-gloved hands threatening to crush Tathar's. As the healer prods about for the arrowhead, Turlach jerks reflexively, spine arching in an effort to remain still.

He is unconscious ere the arrow is out, fingers limp and breath a slight flutter. Certainly this makes searching easier.

[Eron(#24786)]  

Eron takes a single step towards Gwendion before Eruphel's words reach his ears. Eron, in silence, makes an obvious invitation to Gwendion, stooping to wipe the Vitae off of Devotion with the livery of a fallen Gondorian. "You and I will meet soon enough..." He says with a nod, before he backs away, moving towards Eruphel while keeping his eyes on Gwendion. "How bad is it?" He asks as he nears Eruphel.

Saeltavor grimaces as his wounds were pressed to keep the bleeding down. His gloves were taken off, sleeve ripped open to get to that wound. He shakes his head again "Damnit. Can't do it now." he grumbles, voice louder. Was he even aware of where he was now?

[Gwendion(#24427)] 

Walls are tumbled, positions setup and the docks made as secure as possible as the minutes pass. In the distance, the keep of Caldur burns, for what reason is unknown. But the streams of smoke hurry the work even more than the shouts of their officers.