"My, my, interesting to see all four of us together again." She steps away from the remains, moving to stand beside Griss. If Mauvier wished to protect his favourite child - don't think that she didn't catch that sneaky little move - then she had no qualms with doing the same.

She places a - not so - gentle hand on his shoulder, leaning down to whisper so only he would be able to hear her, "Griss, dear, keep an eye on our darling Marni and Mauiver. Do let me know if they step out of line."

She turns back to the charred remains, picking up a piece of a scattered rock. What in the world had these mages been trying to do that they had screwed it up so badly?

(A young girl standing in the remains of a village comes to mind, the bodies of all of her family members laying beside her as she cried. She had been too strong, unable to control the power within her.)

Clearly, this band of mages was foolish, not taking the proper percautions to make sure a diaster like this wouldn't happen.

She's not here to educate them on proper safety though, nor to reminisce about the past with her Hounds. Whatever these mages had been doing, it was clearly powerful. And power was what her benefactors wanted.

Though that didn't seem real at all. This doesn't. Marni shifts her weight from one suddenly too-heavy greave to the other, eyes darting from one's godawful grin to the other's somehow worse glower.

"Uh, yeah... Yeah. I got it."

Grateful for the distraction, Marni pivots on her heel as directed. It's a real mess in here, all smoke and rubble and noises of pain too near to be ignored. She tries not to think too hard about the way her fingers tremble as they curl around a smaller chunk of what probably used to be a wall, to prevent herself from turning back and looking long enough at her old family to remember that she misses them.

With a huff, the debris is hefted up and into her arms. Eyes straight ahead, she walks it a few yards away before dumping it on the floor and returning for another.

Rinse and repeat. Easy. Just tune out their voices, pretend they aren't there. They aren't there. They aren't there.

Her fingers slip, the splintered corner of an old shelf falls from her arms with a crack. It's instinct to jerk her head to the left, to draw her shoulders closer and wait for someone to chide her.

For one miserable moment her gaze locks with Zephia's. Marni swallows. You're not hers to scold anymore.

She fumbles to find her hold once more, to look at anything other than her.

"What does it matter?" She grumbles, kicking the freshly discarded piece of wood. "We're not here to heal them, anyway. We're here to move all this crap."

the sensation of pins and needle grip her tightly, clawed hands grasping her heart and squeezing upon the sight of the girl before her.

the fell dragon simply stands there, hand clutching slowly and anxiously to her chest. "…marni?" she whispers as if with a single word the girl will disappear into thin air right before her eyes. no, no it couldn't be. marni had died. not only had she died but she'd died for veyle's sake.

and unlike with her brother, veyle could do nothing to fix that. there are times that the fell princess wishes she could turn back time and redo everything, and thinking of marni's sacrifice is one of those times.

that feeling is made worse by her sudden appearance. veyle bites her lip, trying to assess the situation further from where she stands. she could feel nothing of the corrupted in the girl before her. ordinarily that would mean veyle could trust her.

Marni wrings her hands, taking in the girl before her as though she cannot decide whether to be shocked or afraid. Or nervous. Griss is here, Zephia and Mauvier too, so why wouldn't Veyle?

But then no number of privately rehearsed monologues for this very meeting have done much to prepare her. All the time that she has spent mumbling declarations of her loyalty and pleas of forgiveness to herself is wasted entirely, spoiled by a single sentence.

"H-Hey, Lady Veyle..."

Of all the things she expects, the possible reactions she has run over in her one-too-many made up reunions, this... wasn't exactly one of them.

Marni blinks, taking a clumsy step back from the girl before her. Now she is even less sure of herself than before, if that's even possible. "Me? Uh... Probably because I am Marni?"

There are questions begging to be asked-- words that have wanted to be spoken since that boat ride with Mauvier and the Divine Dragon. They threaten to tumble out now, clumsy and unsure but so desperate to be spoken. Marni swallows as though that will keep them back, raising shaky hands as though in surrender.

"Listen, Lady Veyle, I dunno what happened after... after..." After I died. "But I promise it's me. The same me, anyway. Not that you probably want to talk to me after all that bad stuff back home, but..."

Damnit, Marni. Focus.

"Perhaps they have some sort of ability that makes them able to fly, or razor sharp teeth to gnaw our fingers off," he teases, and soars down alongside Eirika and Alcryst. He keeps his distance, watching as they discover the thing and attack with their weapons.

He rears back, takes aim, and fires into the soft tissue of the turtle's neck.

Naesala hits Sophrosyne with Lendabair (Roll: 20-4=16, crit!; -5.5 HP Sophrosyne 9.5/20HP, poisoned by Beak of Gofannon!]

"Aha!" he cries out, joyously, his expression almost manic as he watches the thing beneath the surface pull back and --

Oh. Maybe that wasn't the best move.

Sophrosyne 9.5/20HP uses Crushing Waves! (Roll: 1; Naesala is not drowning) (Roll: 3; Alcryst is drowning! (sorry)) (Roll: 1; Azama is not drowning) (Roll: 2; Eirika is not drowning) (Roll: 2; Marni is not drowning)

He dodges the waves and spins back, noticing only one of his comrades falls. He has no time to react, just readies his bow as he aims this time with even more conviction than the last.

Naesala hits Sophrosyne with Lendabair (Roll: 7+2=9; hit! -2.5HP Sophrosyne 7/20HP)

The turtle's defenses are strong, and it seems that it's almost easier to hit now that its out of the water. He sees how the little turtles that they had looked upon would perhaps view the larger one as a protector of sorts -- he considers, only briefly, about strength, size, and that connection to the ability to lead. He wonders if they're similar to laguz in that way; choosing the strongest to guide and protect them.

That makes his stomach sour. He has no interest in thinking about fighting laguz right now.

Naesala’s Galeforce Activates! Naesala hits Sophrosyne with Lendabair (Roll: 11+2=13, hit! -2.5HP Sophrosyne 4.5/20HP)

His mount rushes forth, and he raises his bow a third time to strike this beast. He keeps his distance, not at all wanting to be attacked back. Though he sees the creature recoil and guard itself from the onslaught, he feels a slight twinge of fear, and possibly regret.

Marni hops from one boat to the next, knocking them carelessly about in the raging sea of waves. Evidently, she had been taking solid ground for granted. This sucks.

Sophrosyne 9.5/20HP uses Crushing Waves! (Roll: 2; Marni is not drowning)

"Hey! Watch it-"She squawks as the hunk of wood beneath her thrashes. Inconsiderate turtle.

Arrows sing overhead, drowned out by the low groan of their final monster. Azama can call her whatever he wants-- this thing is damn horrendous. Not that Marni thinks a guy wearing a suit to a turtle-fight is really one with an opinion worth listening to.

She barks a laugh at Eirika's remark. "Heh, turtle kisser."

Another wave crashes against her, knocking her back against the boat's wall. Yeah, fair enough.

"Alright, alright," as she stands, all gusto to hide the way her knees wobble, "my turn!"

Marni hits Sophrosyne with Nimble Combo (Roll: 15, 12, 13, 3, crit x3, barely hit! -1.5; Barrier 4.5/6HP) 

Her trusty gloves are back, which is good. It means she'll cleave right through this stupid thing's stupider shell. Or she should. She definitely should. It should be dead by now.

Should be. Definitely isn't.

Marni looks up from the turtle's shell. "Uh... guys?"

Sophrosyne 4.5/20HP uses Crushing Waves! (Roll: 1; Marni is not drowning)

Before she is able to praise the youngest fighter on her strength, the husk does not take its loss gracefully. In a matter of seconds the forest has been lit, broken branches and embers taking the place of the thorns that had fallen from the sky before. But this final stand shows the beast's true colours as clear as day-- they have finally reached the end of this exhausting battle.

Another wave of healing crashes over her-- though it's more...like a light shower than anything. The effort is appreciated nonetheless. "Thank you, Marni! I will not take your help for granted!" She prepares herself for the enemies next move, but before it can take place she hears...

Singing...sort of?

"Ah-- right!"

Flames! -1HP, -1DEF, -1RES; Eirika 5/10HP Backup! Naesala hits Hegemon Husk [-1, Hegemon Husk 9/10HP] Eirika 5/10HP critically hits Hegemon Husk with Harpoon of Stephanos (Shatter Slash) [Roll: 17+4= 21; -3HP, Hegemon Husk 6/10HP] Hegemon Husk has been stunned!

The hit is as direct as she can manages given the flaming soil she's forced to traverse, though it seems to do less than she had anticipated. The damage done is of little importance, though, as she watched as the husk is paralyzed just as she had been before.

Flames! -1HP, -1DEF, -1RES; Hegemon Husk 5/10HP Hegemon Husk is stunned (get fucked bro)

"I've managed to stop its next attack! Marni-- you should be able to finish it off!"

Oh, she was so going to rub this in Zephia's face. And Griss's. And probably that little Brodian Prince's too. What could possibly prove her more trustworthy than being thanked by an emblem?

Not that she gets a whole lot of time to gloat now, of course, because the earth becomes awash with flame and- "Gah!"

Flames! -1HP, -1DEF, -1RES; Marni 9/10HP Vantage! Hegemon Husk counterattacks Marni with Twin Crest Power [Roll: 16-4 = 12; -4, Marni 6/10HP] Desperation! [Roll: 2-4 = -2; Miss!]

"What, hellfire not enough for you, ya big bully?" She brushes embers off her sleeve, mouth curled into a frown. "Yeah, I'll finish if off alright."

With a cry, she lunges. If she misses here it'll be over for her, she's sure. Which would certainly suck, especially considering how damn close they've come. Marni decides she can't miss, she can't let everyone down. Not when they're all watching, when their victory is in her hands.

Backup! Naesala hits Hegemon Husk [ -1, Hegemon Husk 4/10HP] Marni 6/10HP hits Hegemon Husk 4/10HP with Nephenee Gloves [Roll:19; -3.5, Hegemon Husk 0.5/10HP] Marni 6/10HP hits Hegemon Husk 0.5/10HP with Nephenee Gloves [Roll:13; -5.5; Hegemon Husk 0/10HP]

Oh, they are so gonna praise her for this.

The demon cries as it crumbles, turning to a pile of ash before her. It smears over her face, coats her borrowed clothes, her magic gloves, but she couldn't care less. Marni watches as it goes, eyes glittering with pride.

Hegemon Husk has been defeated! 

"Now, what was that I was saying about saving thanks for the end-?"

'Not when we have already lost one-- not when the others fight with all they have left!'

It feels as if she can finally breathe once as Azama's healing washes over her, flashing him a smile. "Thank you-- you know, I almost miss your teasing this round." She chuckles to herself, her gaze returning to the beast which has caused them such grief. One of many, and yet one by one they have fallen by their hands.

Mostly Marni's.

Eirika 5/10HP hits Black Beast 4/10HP with Harpoon of Stephanos [Roll: 7+2= 9; -4HP, Black Beast 0/10HP] Black Beast has been defeated!

"...! Only one remains! But be sharp-- there is no telling what tricks could be up its sleeve!"

Marni flashes a grin towards Emblem Eirika. She'll show her just how sharp she can be! (And maybe impress an emblem in the meantime... bet Zephia would never believe that.)

Marni 10/10HP heals Eirika 5/10HP with Physic [Roll: 1; +1HP, Eirika 6/10HP].

"Leave it all to me!"

Backup! Naesala hits Hegemon Husk [-1; Hegemon Husk 9/10*HP] Marni 10/10HP attacks Hegemon Husk with Nimble Combo [Rolls: (15, 13, 17, 14)-4 = 11, 9, 13, 10; -1.5, -3.5, -5.5, -7.5 = 18! Hegemon Husk 0/10*HP] Hegemon Husk 0/10*HP uses multi health bar, Hegemon Husk 10/10HP.

The fact that the thing still stands at all is impressive, the empty crimson of its eyes only seeming to glow brighter and brighter with every blow. "Yeah? Pissed off? Tch-"

She flexes her fingers. "It's almost over, c'mon!"

He's still transformed, staying close to Marni for the moment -- his dark wings casting shadows upon the ground beneath him. Though he is afraid, he keeps his head high, his mind alert, and the lance that he was given clutched firmly in his claws.

Umbral Surge is activated! / Naesala: 10-8 = 2; Miss! 

He's more agile in this form. He shifts out of the way, spins, and caws out a battle cry.

This is worse than when they made him fight Ashnard.

"Azama! Watch out, you--" he calls, and watches the monk disappear into the forest. While that does sound enticing Naesala feels far more dexterous now than he would in the thick of the leaves.

He swoops back down and sees Marni fighting. She's skilled, and doing a lot of damage to the very large and very terrifying beast in front of them.

Naesala uses Refresh on Marni! Marni has an additional turn.

He swoops down and moves close, right behind her, and instead of being normal about the entire situation he allows the magic to guide him. He keeps himself behind her shoulder and begins chittering in her ear, making sounds that he knows will boost her morale and bring her to victory.

She spins on her heel, smirking up at the big, ugly demon that had swatted Alcryst out of the sky.

Marni 10/10HP heals Azama 3/10HP with Physic [Roll: 18; +6HP, Azama 9/10HP]. Hands of Fate Roll: [1] Hegemon Husk Backup! Naesala hits Hegemon Husk [ -1, Hegemon Husk 9/10HP**] Marni 10/10HP hits Hegemon Husk 9/10HP** with Nephenee Gloves [Roll:1-2; -1; miss] Marni 10/10HP hits Hegemon Husk 9/10HP** with Nephenee Gloves [Roll:7-2; 5; -2.5; Hegemon Husk 6.5/10**HP] Hegemon Husk 6.5/10**HP counters with Twin Crest [Roll:1-4, 3; miss!]

Her hands do so little, but she stumbles backwards undeterred. A burst of magic arcs wide, sailing right past her. Marni barks out a laugh.

"Ugly and stupid, huh? Tch, let's get this over with."

Naesala caws at her back, and it is all the encouragement she needs to shoot forward again.

Hands of Fate [1] Hegemon Husk 6.5/10**HP Backup! Naesala hits Hegemon Husk [-1, Hegemon Husk 5.5/10HP] Marni 10/10HP hits Hegemon Husk 5.5/10** [Roll:10+2, 12; -2.5HP and -2res, Hegemon Husk 3/10**HP] Marni 10/10HP hits Hegemon Husk 3/10**HP [Roll: 7+2, 9, -4.5HP; Hegemon Husk 0/10**HP] Hegemon Husk 0/10**HP uses multi health bar, Hegemon Husk 10/10*HP. Hegemon Husk gains Desperation!

The thing wails, a hollow sound that rattles in its gnarled ribcage. It sounds almost pained, though Marni wonders if such a monstrosity as this thing can feel pain at all.

She thinks she'd prefer it that the answer be no.

Black Beast 5/10 attacks with Ruinous Thorns! [Roll: 1-1 = 0HP; Marni 10/10HP]

Naesala has no ill will towards that waifish young man who very unceremoniously fell from the air, but he did feel a pang of loss. Every single one of them was imperative to this mission, and with dear Alcryst fallen on the ground they lost a valuable asset.

He watches Muffy fly away, and hopes she knows how dearly she will be missed.

Backup! Naesala hits Giant Crawler [-1; Giant Crawler 7/10HP]

"Marni!" Naesala calls out, because he has determined he does have a favorite, and watches as she effortlessly moves to help the team. He himself readies his trident and backs up multiple times -- he's determined to show off, should Reyson be watching -- helping to take down the Giant Crawler that Marni had attacked.

Backup! Naesala hits Black Beast [-1; Black Beast 9/10HP]

"Ah!" he calls out, twirls around in his gown and attacks again, this time assisting with Azama. If he were not feeling graceful in this new garb he might have missed, and considers this might be something along the lines of what the heron tribes feel when they sing their galdr.

Backup! Naesala hits Black Beast [-1, Black Beast 6/10HP]

Oh, he's truly helping now! Look at him go, when before he was threatening to leave. He hurls the trident again, pulls back, and looks over at Marni. He contemplated quickly the state of things, sees how both Eirika and Azama seem worse for wear.

Marni can assist, can't she?

Naesala uses Refresh on Marni! Marni has an additional turn.

He goes to her, and he does not feel any galdr press out of his throat. His wings press back, and he transforms, dancing around her with grace and skill.

Or, well, do whatever it is that he's doing as a bird. But she'll have time to ask about all that later. With a determined nod, she prepares to do it all over again.

Marni 9/10HP heals Azama 4.5/10HP with Physic [Roll: 4; +1, Azama 5.5/10HP]

It's just a shoddy burst of magic that is thrown his way, for she's jittering with far too much adrenaline to slow down and offer a proper heal. Who could blame her? She's always been a fighter first, it's just natural.

And so she turns, letting the magic in her gloves decide their enemy once more.

Hands of Fate roll: [3] Umbral Beast

Not a second wasted, Marni darts forward. She hits it once, twice, once again awed by how lethal these little scraps of fabric seem to be. Maybe they're not fabric at all-- they certainly feel a little weird to be-- but she'll add that to the list of things to worry about later.

Backup! Naesala hits Umbral Beast [-1; Umbral Beast 7/10HP] Marni 9/10HP hits Umbral Beast  7/10HP with Nepenthe Gloves [Roll: 12-2 = 10; -2.5, Umbral Beast 4.5/10HP. Barrier does not proc.] Umbral Beast is inflicted with -2 res for 1 turn. Marni 9/10HP hits Umbral Beast 4.5/10HP with Nepenthe Gloves [Roll: 18-2 = 16; -7, Giant Crawler 0/10HP. Barrier does not proc.] Umbral Beast has been defeated!

The thing howls as it crashes down against the ground. Marni swivels back to face her teammates, hulking corpse behind her, and plants her hands on her hips. "Alright, you guys had to have seen it this time, c'mon!"

It takes her a moment to notice the way the ground shudders beneath her. The monster losses a low, mourning sound, and energy surges forth from it.

Umbral Surge is activated! / Marni: 2-4 = -2; Miss! 

Soaring through the skies on pegasusback, Alcryst gazes not upon the vast horizon that lays before him, but the vast distance between himself and the ground below.

Ah. If he fell from this great height, he would surely die. He'd become nothing more than a bloody stain, a shapeless form broken up by shifting leaves and branches. Thinking about the end used to comfort Alcryst—no matter what he was facing, he thought, eventually it'd all be over. There is no real reason for a Brodian soldier to be afraid of death.

But then Alcryst witnessed his father's death, his rebirth as a corrupted as Fell Dragons made a puppet of his corpse and forced him to fight against his own sons. A proud king who should have led a long life surrounded by loving family, put down like a rabid animal.

Black Beast attacks with Ruinous Thorns! [Roll: 4-1= 3; -3HP, Alcryst 7/10HP. -6SPD]

Thorny vines erupt from the forest floor, writing and lashing like snakes. One lands whips Alcryst and Muffy with a terrifying crack, easily tearing into flesh.

The Arena is merely a simulation, but this agony Alcryst feels is real enough. And so he can't help but think about how he doesn't want to die.

Giant Crawler 10/10HP hits and barely hits Alcryst 7/10HP with Bite [Roll: 12,4-2= 10, 2; -2HP, Alcryst 5/10HP] Alcryst 5/10HP counters with Flame Lance [Roll: 6; -2HP, Giant Crawler 8/10HP. Barrier does not proc.]

Muffy flutters closer to the ground, still getting her bearings when a massive nightcrawler ambushes them. Alcryst gets a hit in with his Flame Lance, but it's too little too late. The pegasus throws its rider off, and he tumbles to the ground.

Rightfully so, to offload deadweight and save herself. It's only what he deserves.

How awful Alcryst is for having thoughts like this in the middle of battle.

Giant Crawler 10/10HP hits and hits Alcryst 5/10HP with Bite [Roll: 7, 6-2= 5, 4; -3HP, Alcryst 2/10HP]

The nightcrawler pins its prey down to the ground. Dying to a worm... a pathetic death, a fitting end for a pathetic man.

...Alcryst may be pathetic, but he isn't sure he deserves this either. No, he certainly doesn't. Not like this! Alcryst struggles frantically against the giant creature. Lance knocked out of his hands, he's reduced to kicks and scratches, anything that could give him a chance to escape.

A tall, white-haired demon turns its attention towards him. Struck by fear, Alcryst freezes.

He's... supposed to pray for something, right? Alcryst's heart rejects that absurd notion, but watching this monster approach him triggers something primal in him. It's the way rabbits feel when they're caught in the jaws of a fox, knowing that they are too far gone to survive this encounter. Like prey, Alcryst submits to his fear and accepts his fate.

Slowly, he stops struggling too. Only then does the monster deal its final blow.

Twin Crests! Hegemon Husk hits x2 Alcryst 2.5/10HP [Roll: 19, 12-2= 17, 10; -5HP, Alcryst 0/10HP]

A piteous end. No doubt Diamant is disappointed in him.

Black Beast uses Ruinous Thorns [Roll: 2-1= 1; -1HP, Marni 9/10HP]

Marni yelps as vines lunge at her, coming from nowhere and yet everywhere all at once. Thorns catch on the scraps of fabric that the arena has afforded her, draw thin lines of crimson on her arms, her cheek. She crushes one under her heel, teeth gritted.

"What's the deal? Geez, someone get these damn plants under contr-oh."

It's not towards her that the things crawl, but Marni realizes rather quickly why nobody else had seemed quite as eager to complain about the vines as her. Four hulking creatures descend upon her allies, knocking them about as if they weigh no more than dolls.

She watches with wide eyes, unable to look away. First that weird guy, then Emblem Eirika, then-

Nausea hits her like a wave. Time seems to slow as the body of a pegasus streaks white towards the grown, wings gone still and rider knocked from its back. She flinches at the thud as it hits the ground, tries rather helplessly to think of anything other than what might have become of that boy.

Swallowing the bile in her throat, Marni turns towards what she still can save.

Marni 9/10HP heals Azama 0.5/10HP with Physic [Roll: 13; +4, Azama 4.5/10HP]

"So, about that thanks from earlier..."

There's not really a whole lot of time for it, though. Those ugly beasts are far from satisfied. She waves a hand. "Just save it for the end-!"

But the arena hasn't given her a weapon this time. Instead, all she's got is a pair of gloves that radiate with some sort of magic. Sheesh, did they not get the memo that magic is totally not her thing at all?

Whatever. She can punch something, at least. That part's easy. All she needs is a target...

Hands of Fate roll: [3] Giant Crawler

Bingo!

Marni 9/10HP hits Giant Crawler 7/10HP with Nepenthe Gloves [Roll: 9-2 = 7; -2.5, Giant Crawler 4.5/10HP. Barrier does not proc.] Giant Crawler is inflicted with -2 res for 1 turn. Marni 9/10HP hits Giant Crawler 4.5/10HP with Nepenthe Gloves [Roll: 11-2 = 9; -4.5, Giant Crawler 2/10HP. Barrier does not proc.] Giant Crawler has been defeated!

It's her turn to lunge now. The thing hisses at her, but whatever magic is in those gloves seems to be quite effective. Marni steps back, shaking out her hands with a grin.

Perhaps if they were not meant to be a team she would find his teasings to be...funny, maybe even tease back, but it hardly felt like the time.

"Just a bit longer, everyone! We can hold out until then-- I am sure of it!"

Eirika 8.5/10HP hits Gricenchos 9/20HP with Venin Edge [Roll: 7+4= 11; -0HP, Gricenchos 9/20HP] Gricenchos 9/20HP counterattacks with razor claws [Roll: 6-6= 0, 1-6= -5; -0HP, Eirika 8.5/20HP]

It's the same song and dance as before, doing next to nothing to the beast no matter how hard she tries. At the very least she's learned its pattern by now, dodging without breaking a sweat.

With a huff, she takes the opportunity to duck past Emblem Eirika and Alcryst while they've got the thing distracted. She isn't all too interested in having another run in with its teeth, anyhow.

"Sheesh, you look like you've seen better days." She sticks out her hand, which grows warm with yet another thing she's never been able to do before in her life.

Marni 9/10HP heals Azama 4/10HP with Recover [Roll: 9; +4, Azama 8/10HP]

It happens very quickly. He is attacked, the young girl protects him... and then he is promptly attacked again.

"..."

Eyes narrow and he watches as some feathers float to the ground, his teeth gritting as he feels the pierce of pain in his shoulder. It is not long lived, though, Azama heals him and he is able to fight once more.

"Prolonging my suffering, are we?" he mumbles, and readies his bow. He remembers the special ability that this thing can do, -- what was it called? Combat Arts? Whatever he was meant to be teaching the Blue Lions? -- and takes aim.

Naesala 10/10 HP hits Gricenchos 14.5/20HP with Longbow using Encloser Combat Art [Roll: 17+4=21; 2DEF- 2 Hit - 1 Combat Art =  Gricenchos 13.5/20HP & BIND]

It does not do much damage, but it doesn't attack back. His eyes are wide for the moment as he sees the thing struggle, but feels little sympathy for something that is actively trying to make him its chew toy.

"Marni! It's on you now!"

Gricenchos 12.5/20HP critically hits Naesala 10/10HP with Fearsome Fangs [Roll: 20 - 2 = 18; -5 (Chain Guard activates), Naesala 10/10HP Marni 8/10HP]

Marni is quick to shove her way in front of Naesala. The tiger knocks against her, earning her what she is certain will be a nasty bruise, but it is not so easily deterred. No sooner has she been batted out of the way then does it attack once more, sinking fangs proper into her friend this time.

"Sorry!!" She calls towards him as it retreats, sheepish, but its short-lived as her head snaps to Azama's voice.

"Lover's what? Me? Him? Hah, could you imagine?" Though no match to Alcryst's own, her cheeks flare hot. She waves a dismissive hand. "We're fine, it's fine! Don't worry about us. Let's just... uh..."

Suddenly, she is overjoyed to have possession of this book.

Alcryst 8/10HP hits Gricenchos 13.5/20HP with Backup [-1; Gricenchos 12.5/20HP] Marni 8/10HP hits Gricenchos 12.5/20HP with Nosferatu at range [Roll: 17+1 = 18; -1 Gricenchos 11.5/20HP] Marni 8/10 heals +1 from Nosferatu [Marni 9/10HP]

Magic bolts forward from her tome, not too far behind another strike from the Brodian's sword. The beast howls, arcane energy sparking on its fur. With a whistle Marni tucks her book beneath her arm and makes a show of dusting off her hands.

And after Azama had healed him, too! For shame.

He tilts his head back and looks at Marni, who seems to very much not get along with that small, frail looking boy. Despite Eirika's pleas to have them get along, Naesala does not think that would be entertaining, lucrative, or beneficial to him in specific.

( he's a flighty sort, one to take sides easily, and immediately chooses the one who said she would protect him over the one who is continually getting hurt. )

Never mind that he can have multiple allies, or that in theory they are all meant to be fighting on the same team. Its more engaging this way. Enrichment, if you would.

"Marni!" he calls out, grinning. "Watch your back with that one, the little beorc with the sword! I fear he might break his weapon out of frustration!"

Maybe he could use a little cheering on. Naesala hasn't the faintest if he's they type to be encouraged by positive or negative feedback, nor does he care. He readies his bow and takes aim.

Naesala 10/10HP hits Gricenchos 14.5/20HP with Longbow [Roll: 2; crit! Gricenchos 12.5/20HP] Divine Hide Activates: [Roll: 2] critical stays a critical!

But, contrary to her prediction, the tiger ignores Naesala completely. She watches with nothing short of horror as its teeth close around Alcryst instead. So much for proving him wrong.

With an airy laugh that does precious little to dispel her nerves, Marni rights her posture once more. She's totally got this still, even if that boy looks like he'd rather be aiming at her, or Emblem Eirika is looking at her like she's some rowdy child.

It's fine. It's all gonna be fine. Sheesh, she really wishes they'd given her some armor and an axe instead of... a book and a staff.

"Huh? Oh- heh, yeah, will do." She hasn't the slightest clue what Naesala just called the young prince, but it sure sounds funny. She'll have to use that sometime.

Arrows sing, earning a roar of pain from their foe. Marni's grin finds her face once more.

Marni 10/10HP uses Chain Guard on Naesala.

"Now that's more like it!" This time she's sure that the big ugly thing is coming straight for her new bird friend. She cracks her knuckles.

However, Naesala is a man of quick reactions. He takes his pegasus' reins -- for he has one now, for this purpose, despite having perfectly capable wings of his own -- and pulls her back. "Hush, my friend," he whispers, and takes to the sky to watch. His hand is upon his new friend's cheek as his wings splay out as well, as if flying with her.

Ah, and he should attack, shouldn't he? He readies his bow, takes aim, and fires.

Naesala 10/10HP hits Gricenchos 17.5/20HP with Longbow [Roll: 9+2 = 11; -0, Gricenchos 17.5/20HP] Gricenchos is bound and cannot counter!

He grins as he watches the arrows connect, but frowns as he notes the distinct lack of damage done to the foul thing. He thinks quickly back to laguz and their weaknesses; bird tribes are weak to wind magic and arrows, what on tellius are the beast tribes weak to?

But here, now, with a huge monster in front of her and everything all wet and hot and... sticky... Yeah, not exactly what she had in mind.

The first man introduces himself as though this is just his usual Tuesday afternoon, and the next- Eirika? Marni blinks. Well the guy certainly hadn't been wearing a ring, and-

"W-Woah, hey!" Her hands snap up to either side of her head in a display of surrender, face hot as she realizes just who she's looking at. The smaller Brodian boy, who she still has to tilt her chin to look up at. "We're allies here, okay? And I'm not... one of them anymore, so-"

He's not going to believe her, but they don't really have time to sort that out now. She'll have to prove her honesty in the meantime.

"We can talk about it when there's not a giant tiger trying to make dinner out of us, okay? Just... trust me. For now. Pretty please."

Arrows fly overhead, stealing Marni's attention. She blinks up at their final member-- Naesala, he calls himself. He looks awful silly on a pegasus, considering the ebony feathers on his back, but a low growl snaps her right back to the monster. Its eyes are narrowed, body hunched low to the ground.

"I think our friend over there is hungry for fowl," she whistles, grinning up at Naesala with hands planted upon her hips. "Stay by me, 'kay? I'll keep you safe."

Marni 10/10HP uses Chain Guard on Naesala.