All of the combat here was done with straight RP.

A log from the evening of 08 July 1997.
Scene: The vale north of Lorien.
Actors Uruk : Churak, Crag, Drokk, Dumpthrak, Splinkrith
Actors Elves : Eliendar, Gilsadron, Kathalis, Menelaina, Talia

Eliendar pauses, "Are you ready squire?"

Gilsadron reaches over his shoulder, pulling a single from his quiver and nocking it at the string. "Ready, Bachelor."

Eliendar nods, "Good, Let's go.

You head northwards down the path...

Eliendar emerges from the dense woods and peers to the north. He signals the others to approach and fan out a little.

[Combat(#13388)] Menelaina hefts her bow from its spot nestled about her back and moves it to her hands in a ready stance.

Menelaina nods and steadies her bow, fanning out to the right in the woods. She creeps from tree to tree, keeping silent.

Gilsadron steps slowly, crouched near to the ground. He spreads to the left slightly, arrow nocked and ready. He keeps close to the tree edge, scanning the open areas.

Eliendar notches an arrow and creeps forward warily. He follows the path but keeps close to the trees.

Menelaina appears from the forest which starts just South from here.

Menelaina has arrived.

Gilsadron appears from the forest which starts just South from here.+os he's to the west.

Menelaina squints and pads in carefully, fanning off to the right as she seeks the refuge of the trees. Her slender hands gripping her bow as she maneuvers about in formation.

Gilsadron is moving slowly from tree to tree, using the shadows cast by the massive trunks as cover. He steps carefully around a patch of dry leaves, watching the movements of the forest.

[Gilsadron(#25520)] A bird caws once in the distance, then falls silent.

Eliendar looks stands at the edge of the trees and peers to the north and west. He freezes and raises a finger straight up and then lowers ot to point west. He glances back and becons Menelaina.

Menelaina slips up the forest edge, nodding to Eliendar and glances up to the north and the west. There she sees something that does indeed strike a bit of fear into her heart even at her own experiences. She glances at Eliendar and then back to Gilsadron as if to motion him to go back to get others.

Eliendar nods, "There's just one." He whispers.

Menelaina shakes her head to Eliendar.

Menelaina points and motions for Eliendar to look again, a bit harder and off to the side.

Gilsadron freezes at Menelaina's motion, then glances to Eliendar for confirmation. He can barely hear the whispered words between the Knight-Bachelors.

Eliendar waves to Gilsadron. He becons him back.

Splinkrith arrives from along the faint road leading west.

Splinkrith has arrived.

Crag arrives from along the faint road leading west.

Crag has arrived.

Crag moves almost silently through the woods. Her shield before her chest. She darts from tree to tree, carrying her sword before her.

Gilsadron takes one slow step towards Eliendar, picking his way from tree to tree carefully. His eyes scan the field until he picks up the movement indicated by his superiors.

Menelaina keeps crouching low from her position behind a tree. She hears movement around and glances at Eliendar from where his position is. She bites her lip trying to keep quiet.

Splinkrith isn't surprised to find that his nose was right once again. He crouches behins a pile of brush that offers little cover at best, and eyes the threesome.

Eliendar leans forward to the squire, "Too many yrch Squire, Get help fast."

Splinkrith makes motions to the uruk to go for help while he stays.

[Combat(#13388)] Splinkrith yanks the shield from his back and on to his arm in one swift fluid motion. he then tightens the shields forearm strap with his teeth before gripping it with the shield grip in his left hand.

Crag slings her shield so it covers her back, and crouches as she moves quickly and quietly through the underbrush to the west.

[Splinkrith(#23304)] Silently the uruk pulls his shield off his back and fits it to his arm. Now ready for anything he waits.

Crag heads westward, along the northern edge of the forest.

Crag has left.

Menelaina glances over at Gilsadron, urgingly and presses her body up against the tree, leaning her form as she tries to stay still.

Splinkrith inches closer to the threesome hoping to slip into there perimeter un-noticed.

Gilsadron glances towards Eliendar quickly, nodding once. He falls back towards the southeast, from tree to tree, with a slight hurry to his movements.

Splinkrith watches the elves as best he can in the light of day. Hoping to learn something useful before the others return.

Eliendar stands near the forests edge. Hidden by the lower branches of a tree he peers to the west and north. His bow out and held notched.

[Gilsadron(#25520)] Upon reaching a slightly open area towards the south, he drops his pretense of slinking, and breaks into a staggered run through the forest towards the south. The movement is obvious to anyone in the area.

Splinkrith silently fingers the skull on his belt and the scar upon his face, remembering his last visit to these woods.

Gilsadron plunges into the forest, trying to follow the path southwards.

Gilsadron has left.

Splinkrith sees the elf bolt but his instincts and experience tell him that for every elf he sees there are several he doesn't see. The uruk decideds to stay hiden, for now.

Menelaina winces at the commotion made by Gilsadron's sprint and still tries to remain hidden from her position, crouched against a nearby tree withher bow vertical. Her cowl moving slightly as she tilts to listen for his movement.

Eliendar listens to the quiet of the woods and realizes there may have been yrch stay behind. He looks back over his shoulder and nods to the elf behing him. He crouches slowly down and peers westwards into the woods.

Splinkrith curses silently at himself for not having brought a ranged weapon into this place. He has thrown his axe before but it is not easy recovered once done.

Menelaina waits out the silence, staring off into the woods from her location, her hand trailing over her bow's shaft as she awaits.

Splinkrith lays down his war axe and slips free a small hatchet used for chopping wood. It is not the best of weapons but will be less of a loss than his favorite axe.

[<#19264>] From West, Dumpthrak raises his hoarse voice in a call. "<UNINTELLIGIBLE SHOUTING>"

Eliendar raises his bow slightly incase it needs to be released quickly. Keeping close to the tree he peers from northwest to southwest slowly scanning the shadows and lower branches. The loud bellowing sstartles him and he retreats quietly behind the tree.

Splinkrith thinks he sees movement ahead in the trees, he silently curses his own stupidity. He was looking for elves on the ground, the beasts are hiding in the trees waiting for him.

Splinkrith picks up his war axe in his shield hand and readies the hatchet in his right.

[Splinkrith(#23304)] The uruk begins to back away, letting it be known that he is ther but not allowing for a clear shot at himself.

Menelaina looks down at the ground which is so close. She would /rather/ be up in the trees at this moment, however fate has it that this won't be so. She pulls on a lock of hair gently hanging out of her cowl. She continues to wait, turning her head again to check for more movement after the shout.

Splinkrith purposely breaks a twig to get the attention of whoever may be watching.

Eliendar Hears a noise and peers back around the tree and looks west. He spies what might be a shield and makes a muffled hoot. The trees echo the sound.

Menelaina hears the hoot and takes a deep breath, still trying to stay quiet.

Splinkrith peers around the corner of his shield scanning for signs of life.

[<#19264>] From West, Dumpthrak calls out again, an impatient tone to his voice. "<UNINTELLIGIBLE SHOUTING>"

Eliendar sees motion near the dark object and brings up his bow and aims down it's grey feathered shaft.

Splinkrith believes he hears a slight noise, something that others would have missed but his sensitive ears pick up anyway, he looks into a nearby tree(the tree Eliendar is in), straining to see clearly in the light.

Talia appears from the forest which starts just South from here.

Talia has arrived.

Eliendar glances over to the nearby elf and gestures with his head. He keeps the bow up and ready to release. The hot cord of the bow bites into his caloused fingertips.

Menelaina squints and crouches lower, twisting silently against the tree as she peeks over to Eliendar's position. She waits to see what he's up to, keeping her bow tucked close, ready.

Gilsadron appears from the forest which starts just South from here.

Gilsadron has arrived.

Kathalis appears from the forest which starts just South from here.

Kathalis has arrived.

Drokk arrives from along the faint road leading west.

Drokk has arrived.

Splinkrith believes he sees a shape in the tree and strains harder to make it all come together.

Drokk sneaks through the woods, keeping to the shadows, watching the forms in front of him. His bow is notched and ready..

Drokk sees Splink, and whispers, "Your orders are to move back, leadz them elves west...Follow me"

Splinkrith waves Drokk back off, "This is no place for the unarmed." "Go I'll follow in a moment"

Eliendar stands with his feet planted a little apart and knees bent. He raises the bow up and flash, an arrow snaps into place. He pulls back the string and waits a heartbeat, sighting down it's shaft, before releasing the string.

Gilsadron moves slowly back towards the elves he left previously. An arrow is still nocked against his bowstring as he slips from tree to tree.

Talia lowers herself from a tree limb, and lands softly on the ground, holding her bow at the ready.

[Splinkrith(#23304)] Sheer enstinct born and breed of a warriors life, save Splink. As the arrow whistles toward him Splin brings up his shield which catches the deadly projectile.

[Splinkrith(#23304)] With a battle cry born of pure bloodlust Splin wips the axe at the point from which the arrow appeared, not caring whether it hits or not the uruk turns and flees west. Running sideways using his shield to protect against more arrows.

Drokk fires an arrow as he moves back to the west..

Eliendar grimaces at the clumsy attempt. He hoots again loudly and springs down the tree. Pointing at the quickly moving yrch he shouts for the elves to fire.

Menelaina moves from her position as well at the same time Eliendar launches his arrow, she twists about and cocks her bow, releasing one through the forest after the fleeing Splinkrith, the twang of her bow revealing her position.

Kathalis quickly quietly follows closely behind Glisadron...seeing the fleeing elf the turns and snaps a shot off at it...

Talia growls slightly under her breath and starts to move silently .

[Splinkrith(#23304)] As he runs the uruk again take up his war axe in his right hand.

Splinkrith heads westward, along the northern edge of the forest.

Splinkrith has left.

Talia fires off an arrow quickly after the fleeing yrch.

Drokk moves through the undergrowth as arrows whizz towards the two orcs..

Drokk heads westward, along the northern edge of the forest.

Drokk has left.

[Gilsadron(#25520)] Upon hearing the whistle of elven arrows, Gilsadron picks up his pace, becoming even quickly with the front line of archers. He holds his fire, waiting for a clearer shot.

Eliendar waves the elves onward. "They're retreating. But watch out It may be a trick!"

Menelaina travels towards you from the east.

Menelaina has arrived.

Talia travels towards you from the east.

Talia has arrived.

Gilsadron travels towards you from the east.

Gilsadron has arrived.

Kathalis travels towards you from the east.

Kathalis has arrived.

[<#15981>] Churak hisses, "<UNINTELLIGIBLE SPEECH>", looking at Crag.

Splinkrith suddenly skids to a stop and turns apon the advancing elves.

[Dumpthrak(#19264)] As the first elves appear from the east, Dumpthrak lets his ready arrow fly towards them, it's barbed point whistling through the winter air.

[Splinkrith(#23304)] Brandishing his war axe and black shield Splinkrith lets loose a battle cry that is enough to wake the dead.

Eliendar darts from tree to tree loosing arrows at the fleeing yrch as chance merits. "<Sindarin> Careful guards. They seemed too eger to flee.

Crag pulls her sword and charges the surprised elves, saying to Churak, "There wuz only 3 when I wuz there!" She then attacks Kathalis with a blood-curdling wolf-clan howl..

Drokk lets his first arrow fly, aiming directly at Talia's head...

[<#25520>] Gilsadron follows the lead elves after the fleeing orc. He holds an arrow to his string, not having fired a shot yet. "<Sindarin> Ware, there are more of them!" He drops to one knee, balancing himself for a clear shot at the orc charging towards his front-line comrade.

Talia flies after the yrch, almost forgetting the peril, then quickly swerves out of the way of an arrow. She looks around quickly, then pulls out an arrow.

[<#15981>] Churak appears from behind the river bank, rushing the nearest elf. Raising his hammer, he shouts, "<UNINTELLIGIBLE SPEECH>"

Menelaina ducks around through forest as she moves through the trees, which are now becoming sparser. She pauses and suddenly an air whizzes just next to her position, emedding itself into the tree near her. SHe stops her mad rush forward and reaches back into her quiver to withdraw an arrow and knocks it into her bow.

Kathalis quickly jumback away from crag drawing back his bow and loosing the arrow towards the orc chest...

Drokk reaches to get another arrow, which he quickly knocks, again aiming for Talia...

[<#19264>] Dumpthrak reaches over his shoulder, drawing a second red-fletched arrow. Quickly nocking it, he draws the string of his bow back to his chin, and lets fly towards Gisadron, who's holding still like a good target. "<UNINTELLIGIBLE SPEECH>"

Splinkrith runs to the nearest tree which houses an elven archer. With a fury egnited by the most hated fires of his soul he turns his axe upon the tree.

Eliendar kneels and takes aim again, The flash of grey followed by the curve of the cord are all that show as he looses an arrow at Splinkrith's side.

Talia makes a noise as she sees the arrow flying towards her. In her haste to get out of its way she drops her bow as she rolls across the ground Drokk's arrow catching in her cloak.

Churak turns towards Menelaina. Breathing heavily, he chases after the elf, trying to shorten the gap.

Crag at such short range, it is easy for Crag to block Kathalis' arrow with her shield, instead of going for the elves throat as she normally would, she cuts at the elf's leg to immobilize it while putting the elf between her and some of the archers.

Gilsadron hears the whistle of an orcish arrow fly by his head, burying itself into the ground a yard behind him. He looks up quickly, standing and drawing a new arrow from his quiver in one swift movement.

Talia crawls over the ground and lays her hand on her bow.

Splinkrith attacks the tree feroshiously as the arrows rain down around him several embedding on his upheld shield.

Menelaina spots Churak coming after her and aims her bow at him. Not able to get a clear shot she races off so that Churak is in pursuit of her. Her slender cloaked form darting away to perhaps some more advantageous ground.

Drokk fires another arrow at the prone Talia, hoping to take her in the neck as she is nearly immobilized on the ground.

[Churak(#15981)] The elf's arrow whistles harmlessly past Churak to the right. He pauses a bit, then starts up the chase again trying to her off before she can fire another shot.

[<#25520>] Gilsadron scans the battleground quickly. His eyes take in Talia's distress, and he calls in the elven language, the words harsh upon the elven ears. "<Sindarin> Watch the arrows..." He looses his arrow quickly in Drokk's direction, hoping to keep the orc at a distance as he rushes towards the prone Talia.

[<#19264>] Dumpthrak mutters a curse as he misses "<UNINTELLIGIBLE WHISPERING>" and hastily draws and readies another arrow. This one is fired off also at Gilsadron, but is ill-aimed in the orc's rush to shoot.

Talia tightens her hand around her bow and as she starts to get up sees yet another arrow coming straight for her. In desperation, she flings her hands and her bow over her head. Drokk's arrow grazes against her sheltering arm, drawing blood, but not sticking.

Kathalis dives to the side over crags attack...rolling out of the way nearing Talia quickly...

Looking aroound quickly and thinking fast Eliendar aims for Splinkrith's ax arm. He watches the rythm of the ax strokes and releases the arrow on a strike.

Menelaina holds her bow at her side, swinging it back and forth to help steady her as she moves through the woods, trying to gain ground on Churak. She doesn't ahve time to get another arrow, yet keeps weaving, trying to perhaps shake the uruk from her tail as she moves.

Drokk ducks out of the way, a moment too late, as the elven arrow grazes his shoulder. He winces with the pain, and is momentarily stunned..

Crag pursues Kathalis over to the prone Talia, and at the last moment, changes targets, and slashes at Talia's head..

Splinkrith crys out in pain as a well placed arrow pierces his forearm. With a new fury he grips his axe in a death grip, heedless of the pain, seeming to thrive on it. Seeing that his attempts are futile he turns on the grounded Talia.

[<#25520>] Gilsadron nearly stumbles as he steps on the now spent orcish arrow, splitting the shaft with a *crunch*. Pulling another arrow from his quiver as he runs, he fits it to the string, nearing Talia's side. "<Sindarin> Fall back, Talia... I will cover you."

[<#15981>] Churak continues chasing after Menelaina. Seeing that he is losing ground, he shouts to Drokk, "<UNINTELLIGIBLE SPEECH>"

[<#19264>] Instead of shooting another arrow, Dumpthrak takes some time to survey the area, calling out some helpful advice. "<UNINTELLIGIBLE SPEECH>"

Gilsadron releases his arrow at the charging Splinkrith, now that his attention is on the downed elf.

Kathalis frown turning quickly and firing quickly into crag

Splinkrith knocks the arrow away with his shield and continues to barrel down on the helpless elf.

Menelaina keeps running and pauses again, looking over her shoulder to see how much ground she's gained. She darts to the left now, her hand slipping to her quiver as she removes an arrow from it midstride and moves it closer to her bow as she runs.

Eliendar quickly raises his yew bow and caefully aims high on Splinkrith's back as the yrch leaves.

Talia's eyes widen slightly as she sees Crag coming at her. She rolls out of the way just in time and shoots out a booted foot towards Crag's legs.

Drokk is seemingly roused by the sound of his comrade's voice, and notches another arrow, aiming with difficulty in the bright light towards Menelaina.

[<#19264>] Dumpthrak painfully heaves himself to his feet, letting his bow fall. "<UNINTELLIGIBLE SPEECH>" Drawing his sword and slipping left arm into shield, the orc limps towards the combantents...

Talia raises herself on one knee and quickly pulls out an arrow, firing at Splinkrith, the first orc in her line of sight as best she can.

Splinkrith howls in fury <uruk> Time to die Elfling

Crag blocks another point blank arrow with her shield, and jumps over Talia's foot, with a howl of rage at missing the easy target, she kicks out brutally with her hob-nail boots, trying to remove the "pretty" elf's face..

Eliendar decents the tree quickly and yells at the yrch, "<Sindarin> Come back here you overbearing talking piggies!"

Gilsadron reaches over his shoulder, pulling another grey-fletched arrow from his quiver. He slows within a ten-yard of Talia and Crag, fitting the arrow to his string, then firing into Crag as she kicks at the elf.

[Splinkrith(#23304)] Not expecting the prone elfs attack Splin throws himself aside but he is a moment to late as his charge propels the arrow into him. His twist may have saved his life though as the arrow only cuts deep and does not stick.

Drokk lets the arrow fly, aiming at the running elf..

Kathalis quickly pulls another arrow aiming low for Crag midsection

Talia catches Crag's foot with her free hand and pushes her backwards, then jumps to her own feet finally.

Dumpthrak cackles suddenly, and calls out in a rough, twisted version of common, "Look at dat albai climb down like a squirrel! You're a bunch of tree-rats!" His red eyes seek out a target, disdaining the melee about Talia.

Menelaina keeps moving and wheels around as she sees she's made up some ground. *Shwunk*. Drokk's arrow bites into her arm, but only a good glance, still enough to draw some blood as it sinks into the tree next to her. Shaken, she tries to steady her own arrow and lets it fly quickly toward Churak.

Eliendar stops again and aims for the fallen Splinkrith. Sighting along the arrow's shaft he looses another for the orc's legs.

[Splinkrith(#23304)] His forward motion still propeling him forward Splinkrith lands near the elfling. Raising his axe high he growls at her and brings the axe down upon her.

Crag falls heavily on top of Talia as her foot is knocked out from under her. Both arrows fly to where Crag once was, whistling into the woods. Crag puts her sword to Talia's throat to warn the other elves off firing.

Splinkrith Splinkrith barely notices as another arrow crashes into the ground only inches from his feet.

Eliendar notches another arrow and closes the gap to Splinkrith. Only a dozen yards away he takes murderous aim and waits.

Talia slows her breathing as she feels Crag's sword against her throat. She doesn't flinch, but only looks up at Crag with fiery,cold eyes.

Kathalis eyes burn with hatered taking aim directly at Crags holding his shot...

Dumpthrak's dragging footsteps near Eliendar, and the orc yells "Goin' try and shoot my orcs, eh? Den pay the price!". Dump's blackened sword raises, and he breaks into the fasted pace he can manage. The rags covering his left foot are starting to turn black with blood...

Gilsadron pulls another arrow quickly from his quiver, slowing his motion only when Crag falls upon Talia. He slowly begins to circle the two combatants, now only a few yards away, arrow trained on the orc. He does not fire.

Drokk praises the Raven, and quickly loads another arrow, again aiming for Menelaina, and lets fly, aiming to hit the elf's legs..

[<#15981>] Churak stops chasing after the elf. Huffing, his warm breath steams into the cool air, he sees Drokk's arrow fly true. Laughing he says, "<UNINTELLIGIBLE SPEECH>". Menelaina recovers quickly and fires. Churak doesn't react in time and the arrow penetrates his left thigh. Screaming with pain, he falls to one knee. Oblivious to the pain, he breaks the arrow in two and pulls it out. With a slight limp, he turns and lumbers back to the main uruk group.

[Splinkrith(#23304)] With Crag covering the elf girl Splin turns his attention to the rest of the battle, looking for a new target.

Eliendar turns at the nearby voice. Thinking quickly he turns and fires into Dumpthrak's chest before jumping to the left.

Splinkrith decides that his best move will be to set up a defensive posture around the prisoner. He hides behind his shield and axe and prepares to block any incoming fire.

Crag growls as she holds the elf by the hair and keeps her blade against its throat. She pulls the elf up to her knees, keeping it between her and the archers. Rising up slowly with the elf, Crag slowly walks back to put a tree behind her. "Back off or the elf dies"...

Menelaina's moment of aiming costs her as Drokk's arrow flies true, sinking into her left calf. She grits her teeth, not willing to give the satisfaction of the pain she feels. Thankfully her thick boot blunted some of the impact, but not enough. She moves around behind the tree to get out of sight. With a wince of pain she rips out the arrow, taking a deep breath.

Churak is heading back towards Eliendar and Dumpthrak

Dumpthrak is close to Eliendar, just having been hit by an arrow (Pose to come).

Gilsadron is standing a few yards from Crag and Talia, arrow nocked and aimed at Crag.

Eliendar is too damn close to Dumpthrak. moving to the left.

Splinkrith is blocking incoming fire for Crag and helping to make sure the prisoner doesn't try to get away.

Talia's burn with hatred and she clenches her fists, being forced to move back by Crag.

Menelaina is some ways from the main group, deeper into the woods, with Drokk in sight and Churak returning to the main group.

Kathalis kneels a few yards from Talia and crag aiming directily for Crags

Drokk continues using the steep river bank for cover, as he aims at Gilsadron's legs

Splinkrith sees Kathalis and moves to intercept.

Eliendar moves back and draws the two following him away from talia

Talia slowly moves her arms up. Her eyes look for Kathalis as she grabs Crag's sword arm and pushes it as far from her throat as possible.

[Dumpthrak(#19264)] The arrow hits Dumpthrak in mid-stride, catching him on one side of his chest. The orc's armor is high-quality, but the force of the short-range hit drives the arrow through, with some deflection from the links of armor. The point rips in between two ribs, missing vital organs. Dump screams, but leaves the shaft in place. He turns to face Eliendar, red eyes glowing with haterd. The orc limps forward more, and, just withen range, his sword darts out in a wide slash, trying to run the sharp point along the elf's face.

Crag holds Talia tightly, with the broadsword blade across her throat, Crag's gauntleted fist holding her by the hair. She waits for someone to clear Gilsadron from the area.

[<#15981>] Churak moves to intercept Eliendar, "<UNINTELLIGIBLE SPEECH>". He raises his hammer and brings it about in a blow to the elfs ribs, "<UNINTELLIGIBLE SPEECH>"

Drokk fires, the arrow going straight towards his knees..

Gilsadron holds his shot trained upon Crag, as he and Talia remain close. He ignores the orc advancing upon Kathalis.

Menelaina turns around from behind the tree she's behind, using it for support as she favorts her right leg. Arrow notched, she scans the forest with one eye down the imaginary sight of her bow. She spots Drokk who's just let off an arrow and lets hers off in his direction as well.

[Gilsadron(#25520)] The orcish arrow grazes Gilsadron's calf, ripping through his leggings and drawing blood. With a cry, he falls to his knee, his longbow wavering from the target.

Brychan travels towards you from the east.

Brychan has arrived.

Kathalis realeses his arrow at crag as talia grabs her arm ignoring the orc advancing on him...

Splinkrith positions himself between Kathalis and Crag

Eliendar jumps wide to the left. His jump brings his shoulder close to the sword and it bites into his shoulder and blood flowsout darkening his cloak. He crimaces and turns to 'flee'

Talia pushes against Crag's arm with all her strength and tries to duck under the sword.

[Splinkrith(#23304)] As the arrow comes flying in Splin steps in front of it. Bringing up his axe he cuts the deadly projectile from it's path of flight. He grins at the elf, daring him to take another shot.

Drokk doesn't see the arrow coming, as he is concentrating on Gilsadron, and takes the arrow in the left arm, making him drop his bow.. He draws his broadsword, his eyes glowing with fierce hatred, and runs towards Gilsadron, screaming a war cry..

Brychan swoops in screeching loudly, diving for Splinkrith, hid talons spread wide.

Dumpthrak spits after Eliendar, a leer on his black face. "Cowerdly albai, go run home to momma!". Right after, the orc stomps his good foot down, and lunges in a fencing-like posture, sword extended and aimed for Eliendar's knees.

Splinkrith looks surprised to see the bird fly in. His face well protected behind his mask he swipes out at the bird with his axe.

[Churak(#15981)] Churak's eyes fly wide open as Brychan swoops in screeching. This causes him to completely miss his swing at Eliendar.

Crag holds her prisoner firmly, though she kicks and cries. She allows her sword to draw a little blood, and whispers to her "If you keep playing that game, you'll end up dead." Her breath makes the elf feel sick. When she sees the stupid elf fire the arrow at her, she merely turns her prisoner a few inches to shield her own body. Luckily for the elf, Splink blocks the arrow.

Brychan screeches in hatred and swerves out of the way the axe, heading back to the protection of the trees.

Dumpthrak grimaces and aborts his attack in mid-lunge, his wounded foot seared with pain, and more pain in his chest, where his movement pushed the arrow in deeper.

Splinkrith immeadiatly turns his attention back to the elf.

Gilsadron turns toward his charging attacker, bringing his bow inline as Drokk charges. He releases the arrow at near point-blank range towards Drokk's stomach, rolling to the right (towards his good leg) after the shot.

Menelaina bites her lip as she reaches into her quiver frantically for another arrow. She knocks it and spies Drokk moving away. Looking down her sight, she instead sees Dumpthrak and Churak nearly overwhelming Eliendar. She squints, a bead of sweat rolling down her cheek as she steadies the bow as best as she can. *THWUNK* She lets an arrow fly off toward Dumpthrak.

Talia stands still for a moment and catches her breath.

Eliendar turns leaping back and over a small log. The swords narrowly missing his flesh but rending his tunic. He breaks into a fulll run.

[<#15981>] Churak breathes heavily and hobbles over to Dumpthrak, "<UNINTELLIGIBLE SPEECH>

Kathalis eyes harden as he changes targes and aims low for Splinkriths legs quickly snaping off an arrow...

Dumpthrak grunts in surprise as an arrow skewers his small shield, also opening up a long scratch on his arm. Taking his attention from Eliendar, the orc stares back along the arrow's path, towards Menelaina...

Eliendar continues weaving inbetween trees until he has range again.

Drokk sees the elf aiming towards him, and dodges to the side, the arrow narrowly missing. It puts Drokk off his charge, and he moves beside Crag, to regroup.

Splinkrith is a little to late this time bringing his axe about he cuts the arrow down but the force behind the arrow head keeps it driving forward and even without a shaft it buries into his shin. The uruk grunts but stands his ground firm.

[<#15981>] Churak says something unintelligible.

Churak looks back towards Menelaina's direction.

Menelaina gazes down the arrows path as she sees that Dumpthrak has noticed her. This is probably a bad thing, and knowing this, quickly fumbles for her quiver to find another, preparing to knock anddraw the drawstring on her bow back again as she steadies herself against the tree.

Drokk crouches and puts his shield up in front of him, blocking all but his eyes from arrows

Eliendar turns and yells, "<Sindarin> I'll try to draw some off more. Get back yourselves!"

Brychan comes swooping out of the tree again, this time with no warning sound. He heads straight for Crag and digs his talons into her sword arm.

[<#19264>] Dumpthrak lets out another oath, and nods. "<UNINTELLIGIBLE SPEECH>" He tosses Churak his sword, and grabs hold of the arrow stuck in his side. Gritting his teeth, the orc pulls it out, along with plenty of flesh. "<UNINTELLIGIBLE SPEECH>" he pants, "<UNINTELLIGIBLE SPEECH>"

Splinkrith sharp eyes catch the bird coming and he swings to intercept it's attack.

[<#15981>] Churak hands Dumpthrak back his sword, "<UNINTELLIGIBLE SPEECH>", he says pointing to Menelaina.

Kathalis seeubg Brychan swoop down fires an arrow for Splinkriths chest as he is distracted.

[<#19264>] Dumpthrak snarls, and barks out "<UNINTELLIGIBLE SPEECH>"

Churak nods curtly and lumbers off after Menelaina again.

Eliendar brings his bow back up. With range now he can fire with out dodging swords. Another arrow is notches and drawn painfully back. The shoulder of tunic now awash in red. He aims at Churak and releases.

[<#25520>] Gilsadron comes out of his roll onto one knee, about a ten-yard from Crag/Drokk/Talia. He pushes himself up, throwing aside a shaft broken in his roll. As he reaches he feet he calls out. "<Sindarin> Talia! I will draw the large one away!" He slowly draws another arrow from the quiver on his back, noticeable less full than when the battle started.

[Splinkrith(#23304)] The arrow flies true striking Splinkriths shield with enough force to propel the arrowhead through where it stops a grim reminder of what could have been.

Crag attempts to knock the bird with her steel helm. The birds small claws have no chance of getting through Crag's studded leather armour. She concentrates on keeping a firm grip on the elf, and making sure she will die if she tries to get away.

Splinkrith attention is once more drawn to protecting against the deadly projectiles.

Kathalis adjusts his aim and fires again quickly....

[Menelaina(#26757)] Steady Breath, Steady breath, keep breathing. Menelaina looks down the sight of her bow as Curak comes down the lane. But she doesn't aim at him, instead she keeps her sight trained on Dumpthrak, her hand trying to keep steady as what strength remains in her pulls the string back more taut, then suddenly release. *THWANK*. Another arrow sips past Churak on its voyage toward Dumpthrak.

Dumpthrak stays where he his, and awkwardly tears off some the fabric of his tattered pants with his shield hand. That done, he presses it over the freely bleeding wound on his chest. Rapidly, the rag is soaked in black blood.

Talia 's eyes fill with fear for the first time as Crag strikes out at Brychaan and she whispers to the bird, who flies away quickly.

Splinkrith Deflects the arrow with his large axe blade. The arrows although strong cannot pierce the well forged metal of the axe.

[Churak(#15981)] As Churak moves away from Dumpthrak, Eliendar's arrow wizzes by. It grazes the back of the orc's neck on its way. He increases his pace towards Menelaina

Drokk charges towards Gilsadron, his shield before him, and swings a wicked arc down, aiming for his injured leg.

Splinkrith slowly but carefully begins to close the gap between himself and the elf.

Kathalis aims high on spinkrith holding the aim for a moment before snaping the shot low for his legs...

Crag growls to the elf fiercely, "That was a good move, getting rid of your bird...keep acting smart, and you might just live."

Gilsadron holds his ground until Drokk raises his axe in preparation for the blow, then releases the arrow. The shaft speeds towards away from Drokk's shield, toward his striking arm.

[Dumpthrak(#19264)] This arrow hits Dumpthrak's head, the helmet that rests there providing enough strength of material and slope to deflect the shaft up harmlessly. The orc shakes his head, clearing the ringing in his ears.

Splinkrith never misses a beat as he catches the arrow in the lower part of his shield. He continues his advance, now almost on top of the elf.

Panting, Eliendar looks into his quiver. He smiles through gritted teeth and brings up another. This time he aims a little lower on Churak.

Talia coughs slightly as blood trickles down her neck. She watches the fight helplessly from behind the cold metal of Crag's sword and her mind races, though her eyes remain cold with hatred.

Menelaina spots Churak closing in fast on her and decides discretion is the better part of valor and instead of firing another arrow, starts off away again, hobbling this time much less faster as she uses her bow for support.

Eliendar releases the arrow.

[<#19264>] Dumpthrak's eyes rest on Crag, after he finishes shaking his head like a charging bull. "<UNINTELLIGIBLE SPEECH>" he yells at her, "<UNINTELLIGIBLE SPEECH>"

Kathalis moves slowly to the right quickly in a quick sprint....

Talia sees Kathalis' movement and she watches best she can, her lips moving wordlessly.

Splinkrith hollers and pulls a large black dagger from his belt. Holding his axe in his shield hand he wips the black death at his prey.

Drokk grunts in relief, as the arrow misses the arc of his fast attack. Gilsadron is shocked at the speed of the orcish scout. His swing heads towards the elves knee..

[Churak(#15981)] Seeing the elf take flight again, Churak runs after her faster not wanting to lose her again. Slowly closing the gap...closer..closer...he is suddenly hit in the side just between the last two ribs. Screaming out in pain, he dives towards Menelaina trying to trip her up with his hammer.

Kathalis moves quickly darting forward and around behind crag winceing ah he takes the dagger across the shoulder..

You paged Curulin with 'come on in firing. it's ok with the yrh.'.

[Splinkrith(#23304)] At the uruks request Splin again moves to guard against Crag's flight.

Dumpthrak starts heading over to Crag, using his shield and left arm to keep pressure on the hole in his side. His sword is held loosely, along his right leg.

Menelaina's legs give out from under her as the force of the warhammer trips her up. She falls down with a wince, her bow cushioning her fall as she attempts to scramble to her feet again.

Talia cries out softly as the dagger hits Kathalis and she struggles slightly again. "<Sindarin> Damn you wretched creature. Let me go!"

Eliendar brings his bow back up again and screams, "Arrrgh!" Firing at the falling Churak he aims for the legs.

Crag wraps her brawny forearm around the elf's neck. Keeping her broadsword in place to slit the elf's throat, if there is trouble, she puts her back to Splinkrith, and moves off to the sw with him and the elf prisoner. "Don't kick too much, if you want to keep your head".

Splinkrith cries out <uruk> Your head will look good on my belt Elf, along with the others of you kin.

Churak stands slowly, sneering at the fallen elf, "Youz gonna payyz now". Slowly he rises his hammer above him ready to strike the prone elf. As the hammer reaches its apex and begins coming down, another arrow strikes him in the right calf. Churak falls to the ground and the hammer hits the ground with a loud *thump*.

[Gilsadron(#25520)] As his arrow speeds by the orc, Gilsadron stumbles back to avoid the edge of the blade. His ankle turns under him, and he falls to the ground as Drokk's axe buries itself in the ground before him.

Menelaina scrambles away from the fallen Churak and tries to gain more ground, hobbling away again as she reaches into her quiver again for an arrow, her hand trembling from the close encounter as she moves it to near her bow again.

Churak hisses at Menelaina, he reaches to his side and breaks out the arrow there with a grimace. More slowly, he pulls the one out at his leg. Tenatively he gets up again, testing his balance. Seeing the other uruks pulling back, he hobbles back to join them.

[<#19264>] Dumpthrak nears Chag and the captive Talia. He says to the other orc, "<UNINTELLIGIBLE SPEECH>"

Eliendar turns to aim now at Dumpthrak. He draws back the arrow and clinching his teeth releases the grey shaft watching it head towards the creature's dark abdomen.

Drokk kicks at Gilsadron's injured leg, as he swiftly pulls his sword from the snow. In a single, deft move, he hacks again at the same leg, trying gleefully to remove it.

Talia feels the ever present sword as she swallows and takes in the present situation.

Menelaina stops again as she sees Churak moving away from her, pausing after one of her frantic glances back and then leans up against the nearest tree, knocking the arrow into her bow as she looks for stragglers through the sight of her bow. Churak looks hurt so she ignores him. Suddenly Drokk comes into view. *THWANK* She lets her air fly again straight toward Drokk as he kicks Gilsadron, the arrow whirring through the woods.

Dumpthrak half-turns as he talks to Crag, and Eliendar's arrow careens off the metal-clad rim of his shield, the ricochet bouncing off the ground near Talia's foot.

[Gilsadron(#25520)] Drokk's foot connects with Gilsadron's already-hurt leg, as the elf screams in pain. Gilsadron rolls once, away from the orc as he reaches for his sword.

[<#19264>] Dumpthrak flinches at the shot. "<UNINTELLIGIBLE SPEECH>" he mutters, then raises voice in a shout. "<UNINTELLIGIBLE SPEECH>"

Eliendar curses to Elbereth and swallows hard. looking quickly across the battlefield he sees Drokk hacking into Gilsadron and looses an arrow at the orc's side.

Splinkrith suddenly drops his axe and leaps at the elf, Kathalis, as he jumps he holds his shield in frony of him to deflect any in coming arrows.

Kathalis turns quickly moving slightly to the side to fire around Splinkriths sheild .....

[Churak(#15981)] Moving as fast as he can, as Dumpthrak gives the order to pull back, Churak ducks into the woods and heads west towards the vale.

Splinkrith brings his shield up in an attempt to hit the elf with it.

Talia watches Kathalis as best she can with worried eyes.

Kathalis roles back and slam hard against the ground as he is struck with the sheild...

Drokk is narrowly missed by Menelaina's arrow as he bends to get his sword, hearing the command to retreat, he backs up, covering Crag and her prisoner

Splinkrith pulls back one huge gauntleted fist and aims a powerful punch at the elfs jaw, in hopes of knocking the elf out, so he can be carried without trouble.

Churak crosses the rushing Silverlode towards the west using the large boulders strewn amidst the river's path.

Churak has left.

Eliendar fires again at Dumpthrak his hope to fell the leader. He waits to see the orc's profile and fores at his head.

Splinkrith throws the elf over his shoulder, picks up his axe and flees with his fellow orcs.

Crag drags the helpless elf off towards the west, growling at her comrades, she holds her tight to prevent escape, with her sword there to ensure her doom, should she try anything.

Crag crosses the rushing Silverlode towards the west using the large boulders strewn amidst the river's path.

Crag has left.

Talia crosses the rushing Silverlode towards the west using the large boulders strewn amidst the river's path.

Talia has left.

Brychan crosses the rushing Silverlode towards the west using the large boulders strewn amidst the river's path.

Brychan has left.

Splinkrith crosses the rushing Silverlode towards the west using the large boulders strewn amidst the river's path.

Splinkrith has left.

Menelaina knocks another arrow and squints downrange, seeing Splinkrith pause to flee and bites her lip, trying to aim. Not a good shot. She does however get a bead on Dumpthrak again. Steady....steady...steady. She fires again, hoping for a good true shot.

The sun sinks in the sky and falls below the horizon. Nighttime takes over.

Gilsadron recovers from his roll enough to watch his attacker retreat, covering the orcs with the prisoner. He watches helplessly as the orc carries Talia across the river.

Kathalis crosses the rushing Silverlode towards the west using the large boulders strewn amidst the river's path.

Kathalis has left.

Drokk moves swiftly, his red eyes glowing in the darkness, as he watches for any arrows

Drokk crosses the rushing Silverlode towards the west using the large boulders strewn amidst the river's path.

Drokk has left.

[Dumpthrak(#19264)] Snarling with rage, Dumpthrak starts hopping over the rocks, blood covering his chest, foot and head.

Dumpthrak crosses the rushing Silverlode towards the west using the large boulders strewn amidst the river's path.

Dumpthrak has left.

Eliendar runs over to Menelaina. "Bachelor!" He cries. How's yer leg.

Menelaina leans against a tree and sighs, looking at Eliendar, "I....I willl be fine, cousin." She looks off in the direction of the yrch retreat, "We must rescue them. But we cannot do it with these odds. We are too injured."

Eliendar nods and looks at Mene's leg. ""Let me bind that cousin." His own shoulder is still dripping bright red blood.

Menelaina slumps against the tree to let Eliendar at her wound. "I....think Gilsadron needs more help than I."

Gilsadron pushes himself onto his feet, and leans on his longbow. For a long moment, he stares towards the West and the spot where the orcs disappeared with their captives, until a spasm of pain overcomes him. He leans heavily on the weapon, turning toward Eliender and Menelaina.

Eliendar does a quick bandage and nods. "Watch us. I don't want us all captured."

Eliendar walks back over to Gilsadron. "What's the worst that'll keep us from our retreat gil?

Menelaina nods and stands back up, pulling out an arrow again and resting it against her bow string as she stands alert with the help of the tree.

Gilsadron takes a few short steps toward Eliendar, using the longbow as a crutch. "The worst?" He takes a quick, short step forward. "If they counterattack soon, we could be in trouble. As it is, they have Talia and Kathalis..." He winces in pain, not completely from the leg wound. "The rest of the Gweth Tarn may have organized by now -- I asked a Squire on duty at the Northern Fences to send word to the Knight-Protectors before I returned with Tal... with the help.

Eliendar nods, "We need to head back soon. I've good legs and will cross the river and find Kathalis.