Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: "Hello..."

At nearly the same instant, multiple bows, arrows strung and strings taut, were aimed at the heads of the two stealthy elves. The woodelves had been watching for some time, preparing the ambush, and to have the two females lunge into their midst only expedited their intent.

Thomas grimaced as he watched first Annabella, then Sa'kura, disappear into the dark greenery around them. He and Ulrich remained pinned against different trees, using their trunks for dubious protection from whatever volley might come next. He heard Father Mathews mutter the name of some obscure saint and ready his sword.

"If we both move in from opposite sides, they may be caught off guard enough for one of us to get through. I hope you trust your long-eared friends not to turn colors on us, warlock," Ulrich growled, peering across the empty clearing. There was no sign of the attackers, nor the two women. "I will take the east, you take the west. At least they will not pin us together and circle us too easily. On my signal….go!"

The knight rushed along the border of the clearing, sword held tightly to his side, and was just about to let out a clamoring war-cry when he was caught short by a rather unexpected sight.

First Annabella, then Sa'kura, were lead towards him under the watchful gaze and ready bows of a dozen woodelves. Others made themselves known in the limbs above him, with their own arrows pointed at his head and chest. Ulrich's sword slowly sank down to point at the ground as he again murmured a saint's name. He turned his head slightly, and cast a glance towards the other side of the clearing to see if Thomas faired similarly.

"It seems to be that your friend did not like the odds, Knight," one of the elves murmured from the safety of the tree beside him. There was a hint of mocking laughter in the archer's voice. Ulrich let slip a blasphemy under his breath.

"Damn warlocks…"

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Wrists bound behind them, and their arms bound tightly to their torsos, the trio sat once again around a campfire. Less comfortably this time, as the roving band of woodelves kept a close watch at all times.

"We've been watching this area for some time. You knights are not unknown to us, though your presence is unwelcome. We've seen your 'works' further west. You seek to battle the monsters of these woods, but more often you plunder the hearts and purses of the people here. Even other humans," the one that seemed to be the leader spat to the side. Father Mathews only squirmed and tried to glare harder. "If none of you can explain yourselves any better than "exploring", I am afraid that things will not go well for you. Now come. What is your story? You first, Knight."

At first, it seemed that Ulrich would resist, but when others of the group anxiously reached for the knives they held close at hand, he relented and slumped in on himself.

"I am one of three sent out to this area. There have been many kidnappings and other heinous acts of evil in and around this forest. My two brethren have been since killed, and it is now my duty to investigate these deaths and the other crimes against nature. The rest of our Order prepares even now to begin moving on these lands and making them right and fit once more. My name is Father Ulrich Mathews, of the Teutonic Order of Knights of the Saints and the Sword. They will not look kindly on this barbaric treatment."

Despite the oration, his only response was a lifted brow from the elven leader. That blue gaze then slid towards the two females who were also in custody, expectantly.