WAR ♞ MARCH ON CENTRAL WEST PLATEAU

[boardmaster]

MARCH ON CENTRAL WEST PLATEAU
20 AUGUST (GLADIA) 2016

The quiet, seemingly unremarkable town of Friedgood doesn't seem like a prime target for a Noir attack. Ask any outsider what a Friedgood local's favorite activity might be, and they’ll likely respond "I don't know, digging?" They're not wrong: Friedgood's primary industry comes from the excavation of precious stones and minerals in the nearby mountain ranges and volcanoes. Those who don't make their living from mining most likely still enjoy digging, as the town is a hot destination for archeologists from the school of Pigeonsblood looking to uncover the ancient secrets of Gammon.

More important than shiny rocks, however, is Friedgood's strategic location within the country, specifically the checkpoint known as Platform 42 and 5/8ths. It forms a stark contrast to the sleepy town it resides in. This bustling travel hub is known as the "Gateway to Gammon", and boasts fast transport to almost anywhere in the kingdom. Security is tight here, with grim-faced Gammon soldiers working around the clock to ensure that criminal activity doesn't stand a chance. Keep your contraband at home — an infraction will cost you heavy jail time. Friedgood is also the only town with a road providing access to Grantebrycge, Gammon's illustrious University town.

By conquering Friedgood, Noir hopes for universal access to all of Gammon.

On the 20th of Gladia, amidst strong winds and persistent thunderstorms, Heroes will arrive to the Central West Plateau. Even surrounded by tall mountain ranges and ominous volcanoes, its ancient wall is truly a daunting sight. A marvel even by modern construction standards, it was built over 300 years ago to defend against hostile nomadic tribes, and remains as strong and sturdy as the day it was built. It also provides an important environmental buffer to the people of Friedgood — the wall is resistant to lava.

Basic info on the war can be found here. All OOC questions about the event may be directed to the thread below.

ONE ♙ The War of Three Armies
It’s time to head to the battle, Hero. You may be walking, riding a mount - your own, or a borrowed spider or boar - or hitching a ride from someone else. It’s a miserable trek to the plateau, but at least you’re not alone. Once you arrive, Verdoni is there to greet you, accompanied by another Gammonian, the commander of this battle.

Pinta [ so god damned salty about not being a naval tactician and assigned to ships ] Ah, yes, the vaunted Heroes I’ve heard so much about. The name is Pinta, ah... naval tactician to Gammon’s armed forces. Ask why and I’ll show you a bloody hell. Anyway, welcome to the Central West Plateau! During ancient times, the volcanoes were said to be a wall of flame that protected Gammon. But if that stopped the Othellians, I suppose I wouldn’t be here, ahaha! Now, with them dormant, we must instead rely upon our steel and our wall. It’s strong enough to protect Gammon even if every volcano in the area were to erupt all at once! At least that’s what the locals say. They didn’t sound too dodgy, but... moving on! If you have any questions, our men will be glad to explain; show you how the cannons work, where the traps are and whatnot. Again, this really isn’t my expertise—oh! Our wizards have been creative as of late. We’ve these wind platforms that will fling those Noirs up, up, up! Into the air! Try not to get caught in them, yeah? Our navy will take care of our seas. They’re an outstanding lot, they are. All we need to do is focus! Gammon shall not sink here!

You’ll then be handed a magical bracelet. The miners use it protect them from toxic air, so this is a precaution; should you need it, it should last for the duration of the battle. Now all you have to do is wait and prepare for the battle. Acquaint yourself with the battleground: explore the Defense Wall and see what traps there are. It may give you some ideas of your own. There are also war cannons aligned on the top wall and within its interior. Otherwise, check your supplies or rest and collect yourself for what will come. Your mount may also want attention.


TWO ♙ Fellowship of the Bling
Initially cloaked by thick fumes of sulfur, ozone and the dreary overcast of the storm, the Noir battalion finally arrives. Their general, Spicy Spice, steps, nay, struts forward.

	Why is it that every time I come around, that Cochrane Bridge wants to go down? [ ADJUSTS HER WORLD CUP BRA ] They can’t keep that wall up forever.
Let’s make this a quick one, so we can get out of this smelly rain! [ gets ready to fire her gun in the air when she remembers something ] And don’t forget, target their puny pathetic healers, first. [ raises gun high above her head, signaling for the attack with a BANG! ]

On her cue, the Noir Vanguard rushes forward with a fearsome war cry, followed soon after by the Rearguard.

ENEMY ♟ Mounted Noir Soldier
Weak against None	Strong against Fire	Immune to None
These soldiers gallop onto the battlefield with their imposing GOLDHORN GOAT mounts. These are bigger and stronger than the average goat, and their golden horns tend to ABSORB SPELLS directed at their riders. Some spells in a soldier’s arsenal: GRISTRELKI sets fire to the rain — literally. It converts the rain in the sky into a barrage of fireballs. Pray your umbrella’s fireproof! With the PLAMEVODA spell, they can turn hot water (i.e. those from geysers) into bubbling hot lava. When combined with a strong cooling spell, the spell can trap you in rock… That is, if the lava doesn’t kill you first! DVIZHE SMERTI is a dangerous spell that paralyzes its target, rendering them unable to even speak or blink. This can be cured with mana exchange. Hurry before Noir strikes with a rain of fire!Of course, the soldiers are capable of HEALING SPELLS to assist their injured allies and mounts. The VANGUARD is lead by an impressive wall of massive shield units, armed with various melee weapons: swords, maces, and daunting battle axes. Herd them into the traps around the battlefield to render them immobile! The REARGUARD, armed with bows and arrows, will try to overwhelm the HEROIC VANGUARD. HEROIC DEFENSE back them up with long-ranged attacks and the cannons! If they get close enough to the wall, the Rearguard will relentlessly attack the Defense! Both units are under strict orders to prioritize an attack on the HEROIC SUPPORT. If they see any Hero or Gammonian soldiers helping each other or performing rescues on the battlefield, they will give chase IMMEDIATELY. DROPS: Shield with Noir Emblem, Flame Staff, Assorted Non-Magical Weapons, Golden Goat Horns, Lava Lamp

In the heat of battle, you will feel the ground beneath you shake and tremble. In a turn of events neither side could have predicted, a dormant volcano in the distance erupts, raining down fire and scorched earth on the area. More alarming, however, is how the resulting earthquake sets off powerful, white-hot geysers on the battlefield. Stay alert! To make matters worse, the approaching lava makes Noir’s fire spells even more deadly, and Noir shows no signs of letting up on their assault.

Spicy Spice You think a little bad weather is going to stop us? Don't make me laugh. [ laughs anyway, then falls into a coughing fit ] Urghh, damn these fumes — Oh whatever, Send in the riders!

THREE ♙ The Desolation of Noir
Undeterred by the eruptions, the geysers, or the bad weather, they’ve called in their aerial units, fierce griffon riders who’re trying to fly over the wall and into Friedgood. Don’t let them pass! Make use of your resources and shoot them down: Heroes with long ranged weapons or magic will find their skills useful here. Learned how to fire a cannon? Now’s your chance! If not, protect your allies, Hero and Gammonian, as they line up their shots.

ENEMY ♟ Noir Griffon Rider
Weak against None	Strong against Fire, Lightning	Immune to Wind
For the first time, Heroes will witness firsthand how Noir’s legendary griffon riders—often called masters of the skies—live up to their name. A griffon’s powerful wings not only lets them soar at great heights; they can whip up terrifying BEAMS OF LIGHTNING. Griffon riders are armed with JAVELINS which they can also throw and cast the same spells as their counterparts on land. However, they share a closer bond with their griffon mounts. Upon losing their master, the griffons will go BERSERK and proceed to kill everything in sight. If a Hero gets caught in a griffon’s talons, the creature will drop them into their boiling demise at either a GEYSER or VOLCANO. DROPS: Mount Treats, Riding Gloves, Noir Lance, Harness, Griffon Feathers, Griffon Talon

The lava is fast approaching and Noir can no longer take the heat. The griffon riders are maintaining their assault, but the rest of their army is falling back to escape. Time for you to retreat too before Gammonian soldiers seal the wall and you’re trapped on the plateau side. Fried Heroes ain’t Fried Good.

• Defense, continue shooting at any enemy target in range! Be attentive and aid your allies as they retreat back to the wall. Do not fear, you have the advantage.
• Vanguard, fall back! Watch the skies for any griffon riders on the way to the wall. Once you arrive, take down enemies who try to breach. Letting even one enemy pass could spell disaster.
• Support, grab the wounded and check the wall’s condition! Any damages should be repaired immediately to prevent the lava from entering Friedgood.

FOUR ♙ There and Back Again
The wall closes, sealing the lava and ending the battle. Hopefully no one got left behind.

Spicy Spice Now I'm wishing that I didn't wear these shoes (I hate heels). Better get up out my face! [ trips on her way out ] Oh shit!

Catch your breath, Hero. You won. First, check up on everyone and heal your wounds. If you borrowed a mount you might want to take the time to say farewell, since the trip back to Friedgood means you’ll be parting soon.

The people of Friedgood are grateful. They know what would have happened if you lost. There’s no time for fancy parties. They’re pulling out whatever they can find for a makeshift street party right then and there.

You can find bowls of Splotched Richard - a dessert pudding - and Bangers and Mash. If you’re in the mood for something strong you can get pints of Guileless or Pale Noir, maybe a Lasker Train Bomb if you can find someone who’s willing to mix it. Or perhaps you fancy a CreamAle, the favored drink of Grantebrycge.

You’re welcome to stay out and party as long as you like - the party is for you, after all! In fact, the people will respect you more if you get drunk and pass out on the side of the street. But for Heroes who’re tired from the war, you’re always welcome to stagger into the Bollox Inn for a room, free of charge.

Comments

[sediments]

[ His instinct tells him that he should engage the enemies as best as he can so that Rin can get to ground where she can cast undisturbed. There's two of them, but that's definitely not enough to deter him, and they could use some water spells right about now.

His shield comes out when the fire starts to rain down, and he sends it up, the metal working easily under his control, growing wider with easy movements of his hand to cover them both from above and shield them. The mage is already working on another spell, with the armoured soldier ready to keep them both distracted, and there's hardly any time.

When Rin issues her orders, Bolin doesn't spend any time questioning them. ]

On it!

[ And he does as asked, shield dropping and fixing itself onto his back again as his attention shifts and he grabs both of Rin's arms, the soldier starting to charge at them as Bolin does as told and jumps. ]

feel free to make the copies do things!!

[defenceless]

[well...

it appears bolin is quite resourceful, as an ally. what she wanted was for him to carry her so she could cast an illusion spell—but employing his shield is a much better tactic. rin watches the metal spiral to cover them with widened eyes, although, yes, she breaks out of it quickly.

in a flash of motion, he's answering her orders and pulling her away. once she's on solid ground again—in fact, the very moment her feet touch down and she can freeze—she forms her arms into an odd shape.

the incantation, and her concentration, is rewarded with a double of the both of them several feet distant from where they currently stand. the two noir enemies pay no mind to their current location; they aren't able to see them, either, their "real" presences masked with illusion imagery. rin is completely silent, her face and eyes steely with focused determination.]

[sediments]

[ It takes a moment for Bolin to even realise what's happened, until he does and his gaze darts from their copies and the enemy soldiers to Rin. It's the magic that he'd asked for a demonstration of at least, and it likely couldn't have come at a better time.

He works in tandem with the copies, both the illusion version of himself and the actual Bolin rushing the mage, as Rin stands back to cast. The armoured soldier, who had originally made Bolin their target, shows a moment of hesitation, surprised that he could leave his fellow mage unguarded, and heads for Rin's copy in the hopes of both cutting off her magic and stopping Bolin by taking his companion hostage.

Of course, Bolin doesn't stop. His copy keeps the attention of the mage swinging out his shield from the front while Bolin swings around the side, moulding his shield into a staff so that he can swing—

Right into the back of her head to knock her out. He runs his hands over the metal bits of armour that she has, taking them under his control, welding them into restraints to pin her to the ground, wrapping one more around her head to cover her eyes.

That's one out of the battle. ]

[defenceless]

[the second is coming up... hopefully. she can't do anything like respond to him or give him directions any longer, but bolin hardly needs her advice. instead, it's her job to guide their illusory clones from her safe haven, and while orchestrating an extremely convincing double that replicates bolin's fighting style is still beyond her means—she'll have to study her allies more for that—coordinating on the level of basic battle is elementary.

the copies are distractions, so that's the role they serve. even if they're nothing more than nothingness, or air, they're nimble, leaping out of the way and dodging maneuvers by the enemy.

it's when bolin skillfully imprisons the mage that rin takes her cue. the integration of her dark elemental magic with her illusions remains a new tactic, but once only the armored soldier is left, the bolin and rin copies turn on him with a quick snap of their necks over their shoulders, a position that's as painful-looking as it is impossible. in tandem, they grin darkly, and their forms dissolve into fingers of shadow that then lurch towards their target and crowd down his throat, suffocating him.

the "suffocation" is all illusion, of course, but it's enough to nevertheless result in the man fainting, unconscious, to the hard earth, as a result of his own hands gripping vice-like around his neck. rin steps forward, pumping her fist.]

Y-Yeah! We did it!

[at that moment, with new wariness just beginning to creep over her features and a light shout of "dvizhe smerti" from a voice up above, everything about rin stops mid-stride—down to the blinking of her eyelids.]

[sediments]

[ Watching the soldier succumb to the illusions is pretty incredible, and Bolin watches with morbid fascination as the soldier falls as a result of his own hands. It's deadly, and he shudders to think what would ever happen if that magic was used against him one day.

He doesn't relax, body still tense as he looks around for any more threats when he hears the incantation and shout of a spell activating.

Except he doesn't see anything. There's no fire or lightning, no rumbling of the earth.

His focus stays on the mage, to high up in the sky for his gravity magic to work, but luckily Bolin's got a shield with the dexterity that rivals Captain America's. He shoots the weapon up, making it more narrow and agile as navigates the air, and the mage sets fire to the rain with another spell when he notices the attack. It burns, and Bolin keeps moving on the ground, but he's no stranger to dealing with fire. The griffon is agile, keeping its master out of his range but Bolin's known for his accuracy escape—

Rin. She's not moving, despite the small flames lighting up her uniform and. ]

Rin! [ His focus shifts, running over to her, completely lost as to why she's... frozen. ] Hey Rin, snap out of it. Work with me here!

[ Of course, she doesn't move. And Bolin doesn't have a lot of options when he hears the cackle of lightning, so he does the only thing he can think of and picks her up, holding her close to his chest with one arm, and controlling his shield with a renewed ferocity with the other.

The lightning comes down, bright and hold as the earthbender keeps himself moving, but at least his shield finally meets its target, smashing into the mage and sending him careening off the back of the griffon. ]

Rin... this is so not the time for a nap.

[defenceless]

[she hates this. it's like torture—a fitting repayment for her treatment of the noir soldier, perhaps, but rin's anger burns in her chest from the second she realizes she's trapped in her own body. she's useless if she's paralyzed.

the worst part of it, aside from the frightening inability to control her limbs during a battle in which every wasted second could spell out her death, is that bolin cannot know what is happening to her. if he hasn't witnessed this type of magic in action before, she's doomed. rin understands how to counteract it, but it's impossible for her to communicate the solution to him...

as a queen, her armor isn't thick and she's mainly wearing the simple clothing of her uniform. the scalding rain sears into her back, through her skirt, and against any exposed skin, burning her with stinging, sharp pain. she can't scream. but she's pelted with flame, and where the fire eats across several layers of fabric, her flesh aches.

dumb bolin. i can't move.

everything bleeds together, while at the same time it's an eternity to outlast this. she almost melts in relief when bolin carries her; with one arm, at that. just the push of her chest into his and his body warmth surrounding her seem to invigorate her. she's posed awkwardly: her face and nose buried near the crook of his neck, her cheek pressed to his. but, that small amount of skin-to-skin contact is enough. the mana exchange begins immediately, sense of movement returns to her arms and legs, and she doesn't care that his arm is irritating a patch of bloody, burnt, blistering skin along her spine.]

I'm not... taking a nap...

[she whispers lazily into his ear.]

Throw me. At the rider.

[sediments]

[ The puff of breath and the voice in his ear is reassuring. Is she okay? Poisoned? He doesn't— ]

Are you insane?!

[ What kind of request is that? He doesn't think he could accomplish it, not when the rider is already free falling toward the ground, and the griffon would surely swoop in to pick off any Rin-sized projectile that Bolin would throw out there. But perhaps Rin had some kind of plan, as the rider uses the precious second they have in the air before they hit the ground casts another spell, and that's when heat explodes behind Bolin.

(He turns toward it, doesn't see the rider fall.)

The lava bursts there from the geyser, and Bolin steps back in a panic, disoriented by the cargo in his arms, the shriek of the griffon gone feral at his back and the present of the lava spewing violently from the ground that he just

raises a hand and bends it away. If ever there were time for a miracle akin to the one in the Northern Air Temple, now would be it.

But nothing happens.

—No, that's not true. Something does happen: slowly, between the realisation that his instincts had led him wrong, the lava blows out toward the pair, flecking onto his arm and leg, searing clean through clothes and flesh down to the bone in the most intense heat that Bolin has ever felt, surging white hot panic.

But more importantly, it reaches Rin, spitting onto the side of her hip and Bolin's heart just stops. ]

Rin. [ And he's lurching away. Away as far and as violently as he can, managing to hit the ground before the griffon can swoop in and dig its talons into where they were standing but he hardly notices, struggling to kneel and clutching her to his chest like the world's most useless shield because he should've listened and thrown her even if he hadn't understood and now he's panicking, he's panicking so much, he doesn't even think when his magic lights up between them, all of his force and energy going into treating the burn; trying to right the wrong— ]

Rin. Rin, I'm so sorry.

[defenceless]

[she may be strong, but she's not invincible. the onslaught of the plamevoda spell rips a harsh shriek from her throat, rin crying out in pain against his shoulder. she knows it's ridiculous (is it?), though she feels like half of her body is on fire—as if the burns weren't enough, she's wracked with despair and the haunting sensation that should she peek at her hip, she'll spy white bone. her skirt is gone where the lava had splashed, naturally. even her skin is frail-thin in spots. it's at times such as these that she's unexpectedly thankful for those damn magical panties, because they don't char to a crisp.

so, when he has her crowded to the ground, she's crying. it's not like back at the chocolates shop. this is silent, and strained—her eyes wrenched closed as though someone had swung a scorching iron into her side, and they might as well have—the face of a girl who's in excruciating pain, with stinging hot tears sliding down her cheeks, but who's been trained to outlast it and never to show it. before his healing magic glows between them, she's already gritting through the agony and shifting in his arms to look at him.

because, you know, she did see it. the attempt at bending.]

You tried...

[ and all, but seriously.

rin smiles weakly. she tries to avoid glancing over the grievous wounds on bolin. it will only distract her, because she's concerned for him as it is. still, if her eyes just meet his, and she focuses—it can be her chance to comfort him.

to that end, there's something in her gentleness that oozes reliability and confidence. he's using magic.]

It's okay.

[let her handle it. reaching out, she traces fingers lightly across his cheek—half to calm his panic as much as the contact will encourage energy to flow—and her soft words begin winding together an incantation for a mass healing spell. her mana reserves and mastery of restoration magic won't allow miracles, but it will suffice to patch them up in a basic sense.]

... You ready?

[they can't give up, yet. they'll have to take out the griffon, and potentially others if the flapping of wings on the wind surrounding them becomes a threat. no more mistakes.]

[sediments]

[ He's frantic; spooked until she reaches out and her magic spreads over him, cool, refreshing and freeing. It rebuilds the flesh that had been seared away, and he shudders from the sensation of it; the relief and the pain and tenseness that's still there despite the healing, as though his heart hasn't caught up with his head, still feeling the pain that's not there.

It's not strong enough to distract him now, and he watches her, so worried and heart broken over the tears on her face that he leans down when he should be getting up and presses their foreheads together. Her skin is warm, hair slightly sweaty from all the heat and magic surrounding them, but he can feel the pulse of her heartbeat and the small puffs of her breath and it steadies him, grounds him through the panic and guilt into some steely resolve.

He inhales, and thinks, it's going to be okay now.

There are the heavy beats of the griffon above them, and the tremors in the ground from heavy footsteps alongside the explosions from the geysers and lava. But he's resolved and ready, his hands go to Rin's shoulders as he straightens up, allowing her some time to rest after the use of mana and the assaults on her person.

He breathes out as he stands up: ] Yeah. I'll be okay, so you can take your time.

[ Because his body is set with determination, even if there's chaos around them and pain still lingering in his limbs, there's no other option for them now, and when he hears the beat of that griffon, he moves quicker now: his shield sailing up lightning fast, sharp and deadly to slice through the beast's neck, sending it crumpling toward a bed of lava, and he doesn't think about that.

Instead, his focus shifts, the metal moving out deadly and sharp to lead assaults, and falling back to expand into a shield again when he needs it. The other metal bands that he'd incorporated into his uniform move out with ease when he needs them, wrapping tight around enemy soldiers to drag them to the ground or blind them. He can help. He can help her. ]

[defenceless]

[there's something about the look on his face; there's something about what she feels in that shared, hopelessly ill-advised little break they take for themselves, with his forehead against hers. she's so befuddled by it she just decides she'll have to think about it later.

as much as hiding from this hellscape of a battlefield appeals, they aren't going to be afforded that luxury.

rin is patient in allowing bolin to regain his bearings, but she has no such patience for herself. this war is full of altercations where it's kill or be killed. she's grown up in conflicts like that—she's trained for them since infancy and it's arguably possible to say her entire life has been a tooth-and-nail struggle, past a certain age. the intensity isn't lost on her and she knows she has to give her all—she has to be sharp—or the opposition will consume her.]

Right. [nodding curtly, brushing herself off, rin's smile ends when she rises. she stalks forward in bolin's wake and any noir soldiers would be mistaken to assume her tattered skirt bothers her, or the bloody and bruised smudges of her burns.

they're helping each other. this is a joint effort. she serves as sufficient backup, at times firing off bullets of dark energy or summoning shadowy tentacles that restrain or injure their foes, in different instances beating enemies into submission with strengthened blows. her whip is also useful, striking through the air and convincing at least one berserk griffon to bite its friend to death after the weapon had looped around its neck.

combined, bolin and rin have admirable teamwork, which is especially fortunate considering they did have a small crew of griffon riders facing them to start.

they find themselves left with the largest of the griffons, a beast who's proven particularly troublesome. rin unfurls her whip once more.]

Should I try to tie it down? Your call.

[sediments]

[ It's not a question that Bolin is expecting, and he's got a blade at the ready, sharp and spinning over his hand ready to fly out and slice the griffon's neck easily. He knows that the griffons go feral after losing their riders, and it makes perfect sense to him. He can imagine the same happening to Naga if anything were to ever to happy to to Korra.

He doesn't get the chance to answer immediately, when the griffon puts its strength into a shriek before soaring upward, higher to the point where neither Rin nor Bolin could comfortably reach it. It's smart, despite its rage, though it's not quite sympathy that Bolin feels for the creature. Not really. ]

Why? [ He's not looking at Rin as he replies. ] It's better to just—lightning!

[ It's easier to see coming with such distance between the pair at the beast, and Bolin immediately jumps and runs to the side, away from Rin so that they're split up, the griffon having to choose between of them as a target as he rushes back from the sky at breakneck speeds. ]

[defenceless]

[admittedly, it wasn't her smartest move ever. but they've got to be on the same page with a great beast, and if their coordination matters at any point, it specifically matters now. who's to say the blade would connect in time?

rin doesn't budge from her position even with the lightning. channeling her mana into the earth at her feet, she stomps and summons a flimsy shield of dirt and rock from it that still deflects most of the errant bolts. and with the electrifying attack—paired with bolin's insight in separating from her—it's only necessary to wait to learn who the griffon will pick off first...

rin is sure it's going to be her. she's weak. she's the magic user. she's easy prey.

but she can see it from a distance that the griffon has selected bolin, and, without thinking, she runs towards it, between him and the winged mount.]

No—!

[again, not very smart. bolin may be able to slice the monster's neck cleanly. what if he couldn't, though? what if there was a problem? the real reason, of course, is something far less rational, and she knows it.

he saved her. she doesn't want him to bleed anymore like how he did with the lava.

the giant bump of an impact rocks the air itself, and when the whirl of motion and frazzled energy dies off, the griffon has its head stuffed into a geyser, and rin is standing, albeit slightly scuffed up.]

[sediments]

[ The lightning doesn’t really frazzle Bolin – one of the perks of having a lightningbending brother – and he’s ready for the counterattack the second that he’s finished dodging, ready to slice the neck of the beast if it should decide to go after him.

It does, and Bolin’s reacts out of instinct, body turning with the movement of his attack when—

When Rin comes into view.

It’s a good thing, in this case, that Bolin isn’t fast and deadly like his brother. He’s accurate, precise, and measured in his attacks, and even if this is one of the rare moments that he’s moving to kill, his weapon doesn’t even get close to Rin. He draws back; aggressive stance dropping in an instant as he stumbles backwards a little, watching Rin shove the bird into the geyser, the creature’s shrieks muffling as it struggles, claws burrowing into the ground before Bolin redirects his attack, bringing his shield down on its neck to end its life.

He breathes out, affixing his shield onto his back again before he turns back to Rin with a wide grin. There’s really no room for celebration, but they’ve done a good job, clearing the area around them of danger. They’d done a good job, so he hobbles over to her, starting to feel the weight of the damage that the lava had done to him.

But his arms don’t wind around her shoulders for support, at least not the physical sort, as he squeezes her unabashedly before pulling away to give her shoulders a slight shake. ]

Hey, that was pretty good! [ But his grip does tighten on her shoulders as he winces. ] I think we should try and find a healer now though.

[defenceless]

[she makes it a promise to herself to never regret what she chooses to do.

nothing is different, here. she can't trust the battle, the enemy, or luck—what she can trust is rin tohsaka. so, she should be happy. this was a good resolution. they're both safe. bolin is unmarked.

facing him again lets her watch him walk over to her, and the embrace is everything she expected. his arms are warm and comforting. it feels like what a hug from bolin would feel like. she appreciates it, but she's too blankfaced to show that gratitude. her body is a little limp and definitely frail; her frame rocks with her shoulders. still, she smiles.]

Y-Yes...

[she messed up.

he might not notice it immediately, but there's fresh, dark, thick blood stained across his arm and into the palm of his hand, where he'd handled her around her left arm. peering at it, the reason is clear—

she's not "slightly scuffed up" at all—

a giant gash cuts through her left arm near where it joins with her shoulder, and the limb is mangled, the clothing torn through, the bones broken, a final prize from a griffon careening into her body at top speed. it hangs uselessly at her side. the corners of her lips, upturned into her smile, flag.]

I'm sorry... I didn't want you to see it right away. [she cast an illusion on herself.] I think it'll be all right until we find help.

[sediments]

[ It takes him a moment to catch up, because he was so certain that they’d made it out okay, that when his gaze hits the mangled mess of her arm, he doesn’t even realise what she means at first. And then it dawns on him, his heart clenching into something quiet and sad.

She hadn’t wanted him to see, so he doesn’t freak out. ]

It’s okay. [ Voice thick with concern despite his resolve; concern laced with disapproval.

His hands don’t leave her, one hand going to the mess of a shoulder to summon a healing spell, feeling the tug at his mana, exhausted and left defenceless from exertion if they should encounter enemies. With his minimal amount of mana, and Rook-level abilities it doesn’t do much other than stem the bleeding, and Bolin only hopes that he doesn’t make it worse as he picks her up, carefully with the injured arm tucked in toward his chest. ]

Don’t worry; we’ll get you patched up! Don’t worry.

[defenceless]

[the world is such a new blur for her now, with the pain and her gut-wrenching worry (her left arm is important), that rin isn't able to oppose it when he scoops her up into his arms. he's weak, too. this isn't fair. she hardly notices the healing magic he sprinkles on her, because her arm continues to bleed, but what hurts her far more is something like guilt—anguish, shame, loss, and twisted, belated regret—deep inside her chest.

her emotions bubble up. the abrupt end to the rush of fighting and an imperfect victory collide with thoughts of having her left arm removed, and failing bolin. she failed her ally. failing another hero looks exactly like this: they're both bleeding, prey to the enemy, struggling.]

I'm so sorry. [she can't help it. cradled in his arms, her voice is wet, and difficult tears spill from her eyes as she speaks, trembling.] You shouldn't have to—! You don't have to... c-carry me...

[even here, even in this situation, he's trying to encourage her to think positively. but he's staying with her. and they're both vulnerable, because of her. for some reason, knowing that it will sadden him to see her cry isn't enough to stop, this time.]

I'm sorry. Bolin, I...!

[sediments]

[ The despair, the catch to her voice and the tears he knows she's shedding are enough to create a tightness in his own chest; dark and pulsing and and making it difficult to breathe as his throat closes up and his body threatens to join her in her weeping.

But he just breathes, fighting off the instinct to panic, and the deep desire to mourn because sometimes this place can be so bleak. Who fights like this? With intent to destroy. With savagery.

Then there's Rin, who's sorrow is palpable, and she's apologizing with something incomprehensible to him. He's her friend, here for her. Whenever Bolin is beaten down and one of the others would come for him, he couldn't feel anything but relief, gratitude. It's the nature of their relationship so full of understanding and support. He misses that, and wishes he could give it to Rin right now. Even her body is so hurt to just give her some sense of relief. She deserves that. ]

It's okay.

[ It is, he's alert as he carries her, quickly and held close to his chest. His gaze darts around the area as he moves, closer to the wall, and planning counterattacks for anyone that try to take advantage of their state. ]

It's okay. [ The light of magic ahead of them, barriers and blessings. ] Don't worry about a thing.

[defenceless]

[suddenly, with the distant clamor and flash of the wall coming near—]

Okay.

[the heartache and distress of everything is too much for her to deal with, so she doesn't. time to stop grieving, tohsaka. there's nothing you can do about any of it, so just make do. what she can concentrate on is bolin's body heat, warm and strong up against her, and the words he repeats to her like a maxim. she realizes it's foolish; she wants to be wry and cynical as her personality commands of her, but, finally, with a big sniff,]

I won't worry about even one of them. Maybe I'll say... not "sorry", but "thank you", instead... Because I believe in you.

[the loss of blood makes her mind hazy. will she lose her arm? more and more, it seems like a passing daydream. even if she does, she's probably going to be okay. it's just as he says. she refuses to pay him back with anything but optimism, when she's already embarrassed herself with tears and blood. rin becomes quiet and calm for the remainder of their journey, tamping down on her emotions and biding her time.

as they approach the wall, they're spotted, a shout calling for healers ringing out immediately. rin smiles grimly—but there's a sweet note to it, too. he couldn't be blamed if he thinks she's just dazed off of the blood loss when she announces,]

Hey, you're really my hero today. Thank you.

[while a strong-looking gammon soldier reaches them, gesturing for him to pass her over.]