At first chance, priestess sprung to her feet. Although she was not a perfect archer, nor had drow's clear night vision, even though hers was still better than humans), Mae's arrows hit their mark plenty of times, thinning enemy count or leaving serious injuries. Meanwhile, her mind fervently tried to piece together what was happening. Why would a band of dark elves that mostly stayed underground wander woods and attack travelers? Even if there was just two of them (she excluded Saith, knowing he was hiding in tree and most likely unknown to attackers) it was daring missions as the man was clearly a knight. Thought of betrayal crossed her mind, but she dismissed it.

When Saith gave away his position, she immediately ducked, arrow flying high over her head and embedding itself deep into tree's bark. That startled archer would never shoot another again, though, as Mae's bolt pierced his chest and his body fell out of the tree with thud. Dark elf called out to her, commanded her even and moments later, Kevlar was talking to her, asking her to flee with him, but her mind was still focused on the startlingly large group of dark bodies approaching. Why would they be here in such large numbers? A realization dawned on her, grasping her heart in cold grip... If she was right, many lives were in danger and they had only been unlucky to be noticed by this army. She had to share these news. But to do that, she had to survive.

She looked at knight's extended hand, trying to piece out how events would go if she would accept it. Surely, they would reach safety. But what about her first companion? Mae's gaze moved over to him. The two men were locked in heated stare and one of attackers used the chance, swinging his sword to strike down unsuspecting Saith. Instinctively, her hand outstretched, streams of light trickling in her palm and forming an orb that shot right by Saith's ear and exploded in face of the other drow. It was not the blinding light, but incredible heat that burned through his skin and flesh. He would not struggle for much longer...

"I will not go!" she called to Kevlar, realizing that she could not bend and break her loyalty. This drow had saved her life, he was ready to sacrifice himself for her yet again. She could not betray the faith put in her. If she left him, then she could as well give up on her mission. Not one life was worth less than another. "We will even their numbers and I... will find a way, but no one will be left behind!" her eyes nearly seemed to glow in sudden fierceness. There was no point in trying to convince her to change her mind. The human was left to choose if he would remain by her side or go, but she would remain here unless he tried to take her away with force. And she would fight, fight with all she had got.

While some priests and priestesses one true power source was indeed their God or Goddess, Lacrimae abilities were not so limited. Her gifts were amazing on their own and for those she had been chosen to become priestess. And although lack of natural sunlight was still a serious drawback, this woman would not let it stop her. She released few more arrows and then focused on the force within. Another orb formed in her hand and then, landed right in the middle of group of drows, expanding there. With heat and brightness of a miniature sun, it blinded and scorched flesh all around, eliciting agonized screams that only fueled rage of other dark elves further.

From her hands, many fell that night - she proved to be more efficient fighter than perhaps both Kev and Saith suspected -, but they were still outnumbered. Neither her arrows or magic could fell all of the drows, especially since priestess did not have unlimited energy. But she did not give into despair yet and then, a sound reached her sensitive ears, nearly drowned in the battle noise. Hooves on the road they had turned from to settle down for the night... She shot again and whistled, sound coming from her lips more like a bird's trill than a whistled tune.

She repeated it two more times, shooting again before ducking down to grab one of her bags, then the other, swinging them on her back and slowly moving towards edge of clearing that was closest to road. Even if it was a rider she wasn't hoping for, the bird song and battle sounds could attract him to come this way, giving trio a chance to escape. Unless it was another hostile forces and priestess prayed it wouldn't be so.

Her hopes were not in vain, however, as Raenn came into scene with loud neigh. She ran straight towards her rider, hooves kicking at attackers and sending some flying - she barely calmed down enough to let Mae get in saddles. "Saith! Go with Kev!" woman called out, holding one hand outstretched as light flowed from it, weaving into a shield that would protect her and horse. If dark elf wouldn't do as told, she'd move over to him and simply try to pull him up behind her. Hopefully, he'd comply then and the trio could leave the overrun campsite. She would not leave before he was on either horse.

By that time, she had finished a similar shield for Kevlar and Ruine - they would shift to guard them from behind as they rode away from clearing. Sweat beaded on priestesses' forehead and trickled down side of her face, woman's breath heavy, as she held tight on the magical weaves until they were far out of any arrow's reach. Then she simply clung to horse's neck, whispering words of reassurance and gratitude, relying that Raenn would keep carrying her on, keeping together with knight. But it wasn't just the woman that was tired - animal that had been running most of the day to catch up was growing slower in its gallop, too, especially if there was the added weight of Saith on her back.

They would not be safe until out of the forest, though, or perhaps even behind walls of some city. Even if drow army was not chasing them anymore, there were plenty of other dangers that they could have attracted. How long could they keep up with Kevlar? Mae wasn't sure, they were already falling behind. Maybe they could slow down, just a little bit?

---

Day had passed by pleasantly for Laeth. First, she had went to her secret stash where she kept some extra funds and clothes. Everything, of course, was still there as the items were hidden until magic was deactivated with a drop of her own blood. It was a really good mechanism she had come up with long ago. Not once had it failed her. Unfortunately, mages were not too keen on crafting such trinkets, so she only had a limited number of blood-bound items, but it was enough.

After dressing in fresh outfit, she had went to enjoy sand and sea, playing for a while quite childishly. When hunger made her return to town again, she ate more lavishly in some inn, although careful not to over-spend so she wouldn't attract too much attention. There were no news of a temple robbery here yet, so apparently, silly priestess believed she had caught the thief or didn't want the whole world to know yet. Either way, it worked out for her. She bought a bottle of wine as a 'gift' to her old 'friend', but didn't visit his home again until after sun-set, as planned.

Then, instead of banging on doors like a fool, young woman went right for unlocking the doors. The fact that she didn't have a key didn't hinder her. Simpler locks like these could be opened with one of her small pebbles, it had been in truth crafted by same drunkard that lived here, so it dispelled even magic used to protect his home. Quietly, she entered and closed doors behind her. Lighting a small candle that he always kept on table by entrance (only thing that never changed location), Laeth inspected her surroundings.

And was unpleasantly surprised. Looked like the drinking and crazy life style had finally caught up with the man. Either way, he was in his bed dead cold. Perhaps a day or day and half. Not more. Woman wrinkled her nose, but then proceeded to gather what she needed. He owed her some and apparently, would never make repay on his own decision. Besides, he didn't need all this anymore, did he? Having gathered various magical items of varying value, a large engraved wine glass caught her eye.

Marwo recognized it well. Old guy always used it to spy on people and places and swore that for the item not to grow angry, he had to empty it afterward. She smirked and took one of the half empty bottles on table, pouring red liquid into glass. Carefully, she took it and twirled in fingers, trying to picture the shadowed figure she had seen fleeing treasury. A ripple ran over wine's surface and she saw a blurred image of high towers, then forest and mountain peaks behind it. City she recognized and peak she could identify. First had to be current location and other - the goal. Very nice. Laeth laughed quietly, pouring wine over in another glass. She wasn't interested in drinking right now.

She wrapped magical glass up carefully and tucked in her bag, blew out candle and left the shack, closing doors with nearly care. Now, all she needed was a horse. She could still catch up with that weird thief. Maybe she should alert someone that the mage was dead? Oh, why bother. They would find out later on - if she spoke about it, she'd fall under suspicious eye. Woman stretched slightly, sliding gaze over the buildings, already figuring which place would be best for stealing horse.

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