[Athilea Majiri]

She tried to duck the blade but, though she was quick, it still managed to nick her face. Cithien rolled out of the way and, as she came up, pulled a dagger from...somewhere. She had lost her cloak during her dodge and now he could see that she wore barely anything beneath it. She had long, lean muscle that spoke of someone that was very nimble. Her left arm was also completely covered with tribal tattoos.

"That was not a cry for help, but a call to charge. Whatever happens to me, my people will defeat yours." She charged him then, trying to dodge around his blade and her spear. Her movements were faster now that she did not have the cloak to worry about, but he still managed to cut her a couple more times. As she moved in she spoke again in her native tongue. It sounded like a chant, though.

Roots began to sprout up around his feet and, if he didn't pay attention, they would serve to unbalance and trap him. Even if he did notice the changes around his feet, she was constantly driving her dagger at him in vicious strikes that were meant to kill. Her rage had gotten the better of her, she wasn't thinking clearly.

[Xun]

Rezenar actually looked happy that he barely struck her, but he knew that happiness was going to die out because it wasn't enough. His eyes caught sight of the dagger, but he knew that it was going to be difficult to deal with if one is wearing a cloak. If she had psychic powers, then he would be impressed because it was as if she read his mind. She took it off and revealed more than what was underneath.

His face turned a light shade of pink as he examined her unintentionally. What was a man of war to do other than check out a woman-- especially after being gone for war for how long? As he backed off and continued his fight, he couldn't help but notice that he as concentrated as he would hope. The tips of his fingers felt like strands as his eyes continued to check out Cithien's barely covered body. In his mind, he could already imagine his fingers tracing over each curve, every muscle, each piece of skin exposed. It was enticing, if not tempting. Her words about her cry finally got Rezenar to snap back into reality and a smile appeared on his face.

"They say an army isn't good without a general-- but I can assure you that five of my captains are willing and able. After all, they were also in running for the position of general. So if anything ever happened to me, they will take the place and continue on with our mission..." He spoke as they fought. Rezenar was pleased that he was able to cut her some, and even in the same manner she was able to strike at him. She was better than he had assumed, he'd give her that.

Before he could take a step back with a leg lifted in the air, he noticed his right foot caught in something. Swiftly, his eyes darted to his foot and noticed that it was caught in some roots. He could've sworn those were not there before... Once his thoughts attempted to process how those roots came to place, a sharp pain was inflicted into his right side and the attacks were becoming more constant than before.

Cithien was definitely a worthy opponent, but to think that she would be crazy enough to swiftly attack without thinking was beyond his comprehension. His thoughts were immediately falling into place as his right hand moved to go and form a barrier between him and Cithien's next attack. As he did this, he shot to the roots with the spear and attempted to cut a few as he pulled his right foot out of the root's grasp. How he was going to stop her was going to be difficult, especially when he didn't want to revert to such complicated tactics. In any case, he really did have no choice. A swift cut up with his double-edge sword sent a quick, visible shockwave towards Cithien to throw her off. He continued at the roots with the spear as his right hand continued slicing the air around them to form his attacks.

[Athilea Majiri]

She gasped as he began twirling the sword so close that he very nearly took her hand off. The woman rolled back and glared at him, muttering more words under her breath as more roots began to spring up from the ground towards him. Cithien tilted her head in a predatory fashion and she clutched the dagger until her knuckles were almost white.

"You will find that my people do not give up so easy, James." A small smirk played on her lips and she waited for an opportunity to lung for him again. When one presented itself she did just that, aiming to bury the dagger in his side. It did not end so well for her though.

His movements were quick enough that, though her dagger was aimed true, his blade buried itself in her side. She howled out in pain and rage, but did not stop trying to get that final strike in. She may die, but she would do everything in her power to bring him down with her.

[Xun]

Rezenar watched as she backed off from his attack and he was ready for another pummeling, but once he was about to pull up his foot from the ground, he once again felt roots clinging onto him. If she was going to cheat in this fight by using nature around them to hold him down, then so be it. He would have to cheat as well. Once again, he went for the roots with the spear and used his double-edge sword to attack, but his timing was completely off-- he felt her stabbing at his side again and it felt more painful than before.

An angry snarl came after he felt the pain surging through the inflicted side. This snarl sounded demonic, if not monstrous. His reflex to such an attack forced him to immediately dig his sword into her. Something was different with Rezenar, and he already knew this true because once he heard Cithien's howl of pain... he actually smiled, pleased. His mind raced with demands for more of this sound, but he wouldn't be able to get them if he didn't strike her more so.

Rezenar let go of the spear and because of how close they were, he swung his left hand to go behind Cithien's head and bring her closer to him, literally slamming their forehead's together. He didn't intentionally headbutt her, but it definitely felt as if she was headbutting him back in struggle. His dark green eyes seem to be now drenched in a dark red hue. "WOMAN, I am going to enjoy hearing your pathetic yelps of pain after I'm through with you!" Rezenar growled as he made his blade slide through her before pulling it out of her and shooting again for another attack.

He could feel her wanting him to die already, but he was persistent and he definitely wasn't going to die until she dies before him.

[Athilea Majiri]

She shuddered at the change in his demeanor, and at the dark cast to his eyes. Cithien tried to pull away from him, but his hold was to strong. When he brought her head against his the impact nearly knocked her unconscious, but the blade sliding through her flesh caused her eyes to snap open and forced a scream past her lips.

When she realized that was could not free herself from his grip she tried to plunge the dagger into him again. If the strike landed, then she would twist it before ripping it clean and try to stab him again. "What are you?!"

[Xun]

Rezenar smiled as he heard her scream... it was definitely delightful. Before he could land another attack, he felt a huge jolt of pain and it made him actually screech out. He was stupid enough to move because she stabbed him in the same place-- reopening the wound given to him on his side. His situation wasn't appearing very good. A small jerk of her dagger made him realize she was going to twist it and create a huge tear that would be difficult to heal. He had to let them go somehow.

A strong shove pushed them both away, but he surely felt the dagger still cut and twist into him. It wasn't as deep as he expected, but it was still a twisted wound, nonetheless. There he stood, his left hand over his now over-bleeding side and he panted from lack of breath from the extreme fight he had with Cithien. She truly did speak truth when she mentioned that her people were persistent. His blood-shot eyes stayed on her, trying to see if she was going to knock out anytime soon. However, he realized he was reaching his limit and it was going to become far from impossible. He had to close his eyes and fall. The pain was becoming intense-- he felt his heavy body finally falling over. Rezenar knew he was still breathing, but he could already tell it would be difficult to get up.

[Athilea Majiri]

Cithien panted heavily, her breathing labored and her teeth bared in a grimace of pain. Blood soaked her side and ran down her legs where it tried to pool around her feet. She did nothing to try to stop the bleeding though. When she saw him fall she knew she had to finish him, even if it meant her death.

Her steps were slow and they wavered. She almost collapsed a couple of times before she finally reached him. The woman did not fall to her knees, so much as she collapsed from her blood loss and exhaustion. The human could fight well, she had to respect him for that. He showed not fear and proved to be a worthy opponent. It was over now though.

She raised her dagger up and started to bring it down to his neck. Her strength waned, though, and the world went black around her. Instead of killing him, she fell forward on top of him. Her breathing was erratic. Before she lost consciousness she muttered something that sounded like, "I am sorry."

Meanwhile, the battle raged on between the humans and Elves. Though both sides were skilled, and both had interesting tricks up their sleeves, if was the Elves that were forced to back down. Most of their number lay dead and dying across the field, though they had taken almost half of the humans force with them. It was weary warriors that made a truce with equally weary soldiers. The lose of so many of their numbers weighed heavily on their heart.

Almost three hours later Rezenar was found with Cithien laying across him. The dagger she had tried to use to end his life lay just within reach of her hand. It was unclear if either of them were living or not, so the men approached the scene cautiously and with no little anger at the woman that may have killed their Lord.

[Xun]

Rezenar wanted to move when he realized Cithien was going to strike him. He wanted to retaliate, but he couldn't do it any longer. At least he was going to experience death and he was already gladly accepting it. Immediately, Rezenar winced in pain when he felt her fall on top of him. His eyes were closed, so he really didn't have any idea what really happened. If this was how death felt like-- being squashed with something on top of you, then he finally experienced it. Sadly, he could feel himself waver a bit. It was at that moment he realized he wasn't dead.

When he felt Cithien on top of him, he realized she wasn't dead either. In a way, he was disappointed. Yet, at the same time, he was glad. Eventually, they'll have to fight again in the near future and it was going to be an enjoyable one. Rezenar finally dubbed Cithien his rival, and he was going to make sure no one would question him about it. Her breathing bothered him. She should've died just to end the pain, but his thoughts died out when he heard her saying something. It wasn't clear to him...

...but was she saying sorry? If she knew... if only she knew... then he would have every right to accept such a word from her. He knew she had every right to not say such a word, but she said it anyway. If they were going to survive after all this, he was going to make sure he asked her about why she said, "I am sorry." He felt himself waver through reality and darkness as all this happened and finally, he knocked out himself.

As time passed and as the soldiers came to check up on Rezenar, they stared at the scene before them with questionable looks on their faces. Cithien was on top of Rezenar and it appeared to be as if she was going to kill him. Before they could go and take her body, a growling was heard from Rezenar. The soldiers backed off in fear and watched as his body sat up perfectly-- as if nothing has happened. A dark demeanor was surrounding him and his eyes were blood shot. "What are you all staring at? GET SOME DOCTORS HERE! We need some medical attention!"

The soldiers stared at one another as they questioned why he said "we." They were aware of the fact they had a truce among the elves, but Rezenar should not have known this. "B-but Rezenar, sir! Our doctors only know how to treat humans, not elves!"

Rezenar couldn't believe he completely forgot about it... well, he appeared as he forgot about it. This strange dark demeanor of his just made him tilt his head in curiosity. "I see. Well then, make sure you get a doctor ready for me when I get back to camp. I have to go confront to Elves with their... 'general' in hand."

"Sir, we already made a tru--"

"DO AS YOU'RE TOLD!" Rezenar snapped at them. The soldiers scrambled and headed off back to the camp, leaving Rezenar with Cithien. A little glance back to her and Rezenar carefully took her and laid her on the ground. There, he sat by her side and wondered what was to happen next. He saw her dagger, but he saw no need to use it to end her life. It would be helpful, but it would defeat all purpose of having a rival. Rezenar took it and put it away under his cloak until she would awaken. Yes, he did tell the soldiers that he was going to head off to the Elven camp... but that's what lies are for.

[Athilea Majiri]

She whimpered a little as he moved her, but made no other reaction. Cithien was lost in her own nightmare, one of pain, endless fighting, and endless death. When she finally opened her eyes again it was with a sharp, panicked gasp. She tried to sit up, but immediately regretted it and lay back down.

The woman muttered a few things to herself in her native tongue. It was almost as though she were trying to force herself to her feet through sheer will, but she could not get her body to cooperate again. Her skin had taken on a sickly pallor from the amount of blood she had lost, and the wound was still sticky with freshly clotted blood that was nearly black in color.

It took her several minutes to realize that she was not alone. She called out in her language, assuming it was one of her people, but when there was no response she forced herself up again. Her dark eyes met his and narrowed immediately. Cithien growled at him and started searching for her dagger. At least until she realized that he had not killed her.

She paused in her movements and stared at him in disbelief. Why had he not killed her? Well, that's what questions were for. So she asked, "You had an opportunity to kill me...why didn't you?" Suddenly she looked around, wondering if her people were close by. It was not the case though. Cithien cursed under her breath and wished that she knew what the status of the battle was.

[Xun]

Rezenar kept his eyes on Cithien, letting his mind wander with random thoughts of what could happen and what could not happen. It eventually changed as he heard her speaking in her native tongue. His mind started guessing at what she could be saying during this time that she was supposedly knocked out. At least she was still alive and he was somewhat grateful for it.

Finally, he watched as she woke up and gave him a glare. A smile just appeared on his face as he watched her search for her dagger. He would love to show it to her, but that would cause more fighting between them. Technically, he would gladly fight, but he knew they were both in no shape to fight again. "Woman, you should calm down. That wound of yours will open up more if you're not careful." Rezenar mentioned and watched as she finally stopped moving.

What bothered him was her stare at him, but it was understandable. She was probably wondering why he didn't kill her, and her question confirmed it to him. He honestly wanted to answer back with his own question regarding her "I am sorry" quote, but he was going to hold it in for a few.

"Honestly, I must admit that I was questioning the same thing to myself when I was awake." Rezenar said, giving emphasis on the word 'myself' for some odd reason. It sounded as if he implied that there was more than one person, but that couldn't be the case because they were the only two there. Rezenar continued. "Will it be demented if I told you I kept you alive to die a slow and painful death? That would be a very humiliating death, indeed. Let me first say that I have no intention of killing you off anytime soon in no specific way. Your fighting has amused me to no end and once you get better, I look forward to fighting you in the near future."

He stood up and looked ahead. From a glance, there appeared to be a few figures. After a few more yards, their silhouettes became more clear-- there were both Elves and Humans rushing to them. A frown appeared on his face, a bit surprised they came together. Rezenar walked to the group and spoke to the Elves regarding Cithien's condition. Of course, they had to curse at him for what he did and he snapped back at them, letting them know she was still alive. The Elves went to her as Rezenar went to his own soldiers.

"We're surprised you survived after fighting Cithien. After talking to a few Elves after the truce, we learned that she's one of the more very skilled fighters. Probably the best one there!"

He couldn't help but smile amusingly. His dark demeanor eventually wore off and immediately, his hand went to his side. Rezenar tumbled to his knees and the soldiers went to him. Rezenar's blood-shot eyes were back to their dark green color. "She... she definitely is..."

Carefully, he got back up and walked over to watch the Elves tending to Cithien. He didn't know why, but he seemed pretty satisfied with what's been going on-- his fight with Cithien, the Elves and Humans getting along for the time being... and in the end, no one was able to get the Mystic Grove under possession. At least it gives him more opportunities to visit this place by himself more often.

[Athilea Majiri]

She shook her head at his response, "What are you?" The way he had fought, the change in his eyes. Whatever he was, it was not something she had ever encountered before. Unfortunately, it did not appear that she would be getting an answer on the any time soon. Instead of responding to her question, the man walked off to meet with a mixed group of Elves and Humans.

Why were they together like that? Did it mean her people had won? All she could do was wait for a response. As soon as the healers arrived by her side her questions were hushed and she was pushed down so that her wound could be tended to. They used herbs and magical chants to knit the wound back together, but that did nothing for the ashen color or her skin. Nor did it keep her from having a scar left behind.

When James returned she looked up at him, her anger still strong. She would fight him again, and she would win next time. This man would not be allowed to defeat her. Just as she was about to say something to that accord, one of the human soldiers walked up and tried to pull him aside. Though she could not understand everything that was said, it had to do with her people. It was almost as though he were trying to get his Lord to decide what to do with them. She could not believe that though.

[Xun]

Rezenar spoke to the soldiers regarding the current war status. To hear that they were unable to defeat the elves made him angry. In the end, they decided for a truce. What bothered him was the fact that they could've went with a truce in the first place! Why lose so many lives when one eventually realizes in the end that no one could win?! This angered him to no extent. He really wanted to kill them all for their foolishness.

However, he couldn't. Not now. Not ever. Rezenar knew he had that power to do so, but he forced himself to never do so. A relieved sigh escaped his lips as he turned to the soldiers. Once again, his dark demeanor came back along with his blood-shot eyes. "Once everything has calmed down, I'll need someone to tend to my wounds. I can only hold myself up for a good amount of time. After that, I'll probably collapse from exhaustion. Other than that, what happens now?" He asked them. The soldiers shrugged their shoulders.

"That's something we didn't decide on. Both sides agreed to hear what the leaders had to say."

Rezenar turned his head to Cithien and the healers, wondering how she would react to such a situation. She probably wouldn't agree to it, seeing that she was more than ready to get rid of him. He really wanted to avoid any type of meeting regarding what must be done next because he knew that it didn't matter what was decided, both sides would have a good number of people who would refuse to act upon such a decision.

"Looks like we'll have to speak with them, don't we? However, I refuse to go along with you all. If I go back without Cithien, there will be a huge riot regarding Cithien and her condition. Of course, we know what's wrong with her. Everyone else doesn't." Rezenar turned to the Elven healers and spoke to them. "I'm now aware of the truce made between Elves and Humans. Because of specific circumstances, I request that you all come along with me and my soldiers back to the camps."

A stern look appeared immediately on his face. "How is she? Will she be able to stand and walk on her own?" The way he spoke those words probably confused anyone and everyone around him at that moment. He was trying to kill her earlier, so why was he concerned about Cithien now?

[Athilea Majiri]

Her eyes widened with shock when he spoke of a truce. Immediately she turned her attention to the healers, "Why have I not been told of this?" She barely paused for an answer before she asked, in a far sterner voice, "Where is my father?"

The healers exchanged a look that said a thousand things without a sound. Cithien looked between them and her face went stony, "I see. So the decision was made without him." She shook her head, and glared at Rezenar, "This cannot stand."

One of the healers immediately spoke up, "It was his dying wish, do not dishonor him by breaking the truce." Her eyes did not leave the man, but her shoulders slumped as she responded, "Very well then. I will honor this so called truce...for now."

When Rezenar asked if she would be able to walk and exhibited concern for her well being she snapped at him, "You are the strangest man I've ever met." It didn't help her mood that he began to speak of her as though she were not present. She growled and crossed her arms over her chest, until one of the healers moved it back out of their way. Her words came strong, edged with her anger at the situation, "I will be able to walk."

[Xun]

((OOC: I just want to let you know that I may be busy for the next few days due to finals and I may be busy the next week. However, I'm still going to be able to post to you. Just letting you know just in case I disappear for a day.))

Rezenar noticed Cithien's glare after hearing news of the truce and hearing her decision regarding such actions between the two sides. He was pleased beyond measure to know that she wanted to continue fighting for the grove and if it meant having to fight him, he would be more than happy to accept.

When he heard that he was strange, a shrug of his shoulders and a smile on his face just answered her. "People have said they've seen stranger." Rezenar casually said. As he watched her stance change and learn that she was going to be fine, he gave a slight nod and turned to walk off with his soldiers. "Good. Then we'll see each other later? Possibly in the battlefield, I hope." He said, giving a more casual wave of the hand. Of course he wanted to fight her again after what he experienced. How he'd be able to get the Elves and Humans to break this truce sooner is unknown, but he was definitely going to find a way to do so.

Yes, it was stupid to do such a thing because from what he has been reported, there have been some casualties from both sides. Rezenar was just hoping none of his captains got killed in what must've been an onslaught.

[Athilea Majiri]

((OOC: Thank you for the heads up. I really appreciate it.))

Cithien watched as he walked away, and scowled at his words. He was so very eager to fight her again. Next time she would be better prepared for him. Her mind spun from one plan to the next in an attempt to find something that would allow her to kill him without really breaking the truce her people had put into place. There was no way it could be done. She would have to bide her time until an opening appeared.

Once the healers were finished, they helped her to her feet and together they walked to the group of humans. Clearly, she was not happy about this. It is was the Lord wanted, though, so apparently he was going to get it. She brushed hair that was matted with their combined blood from her face and never took her eyes from him.

She could hear the healers speaking in their tongue about the way she stared at him. They made assumption about what the looks meant that was way off target. Rumors would spread if she did not stamp them out, but those rumors could be leveraged to her advantage. Cithien would let them be for now.

As Rezenar returned to his men, before Cithien was brought before him, he was told of two of his Captains falling in battle. One was already dead and the other had suffered a mortal wound. He did make certain to point out that both the Lord and the Elf wench should have been dead, though. Their wounds were deep, and they had both bleed a great deal.

--------

The lakes surface was still as the human-elf mixture of blood ran into it. As more and more of it slipped into the water, making not even a slight ripple, the surface began to glow a ghostly white. No one, Elven or Human, witnessed this small transformation in the Mystic Grove.

[Xun]

((OOC: Of course '^'))

A shiver ran down Rezenar's spine and he couldn't seem to point out the reason as to why he felt this way. Something happened, he knew it, but he couldn't exactly point out what went on. Maybe it was the fact that he was told 2 of his captains died? No, he wasn't bothered by that. Rezenar recalled that he and his captains made an oath that if any of them fell in battle, they had to move on and remember that their deaths would not be in vain.

One of the soldiers looked to Rezenar. "What's going to happen after this?" Rezenar stared at the soldier and actually tried thinking about it. He never thought such a truce would occur. His plan was to simply let him and his men go in Mystic Grove and examine the area with no need for worry about the Elven army. What about if they lost to the Elves? Well, he had a plan for that too, but he really didn't want to rely on such a decision due to it's unwavering results. Even though he knew about its consequences, Rezenar felt as if he has been possessed to not worry about such outcomes and let things be. But he has always had this feeling when making a lot of decisions, so he really shouldn't be bothered by it.

Rezenar turned to Cithien and stared at her in what appeared to be a rude face. Honestly, he just appeared tired at best. "Woman. What do you think will happen now since there's a truce in effect?" As much as he wanted to give respect to her, he really couldn't. He didn't have her name and he strongly doubted she was going to give it to him anytime soon. However, it wouldn't really kill her if she gave him her name so at least he would be able to call her out without using "woman" or "hey" or some disrespectful word. After all, they were in a truce now, so why not make the best of it and learn more about your opponent one little step at a time?