Thread: Darkness Has Its Teachings (Athene & Alvis Alendran)

Rowena It wasn't surprising the area didn't remain quiet forever. Rather, it was how quickly the sounds of so many foot falls began storming to this area. Rowena frowned. That alone already implied they were worse than what Scathach had allowed her to see. Her head lowered as she watched. One by one, all the Vikings steadily arrived. Her head curiously tilted as she caught sight of Yrsa. ... Women willingly fight like this? Isolde was more than proof enough that it wasn't an uncommon practice. However, Rowena felt fairly certain the style of fighting taught here was nowhere near as savage and barbaric as what these people used. Hence why it seemed odd for someone like Yrsa to be among such a violent group of people. They understand what the circle means? Do they themselves know magic? Either way, the fact they could discern well enough what it symbolized was more than enough to make Rowena's heart sink a bit. Her head shook, trying to dismiss the negative thoughts away. Fine. So they weren't all brawn and no brain. But that didn't mean .... Oh, but it did. It wasn't an unorthodox way to counter her circle, but it was one that could indeed work. Oh no! It was a correct assumption. Everyone would indeed be trapped and die from the smoke. Rowena gripped her lower lip, feeling her mind quickly racing. Since Sight was her true gift, she knew the moment another spell was cast, the barrier would fade away. It infuriated. But would it be worse to know she'd been the reason these people had died or would end up captured? Rowena's head bowed, her fists clenching slightly. There was only one thing to do the right action. Which, for her, meant choosing the lesser of two evils. Bel, pectus mihi confer mundum vires tuas mutuari. Invitis igne marcescet. Evanescet, si vitam pro te et non vult illud cum me. Evanescet, et quod unum facturi cum vento statim magis. Iota expecto enim verius acciri ... Yes, the chanting would indeed be heard, as she wasn't trying much to muffle her voice. Lower a bit, perhaps, and that was more to make it somewhat of a challenge to find her. But there was a point to her doing this new spell besides it was the morally right thing for Rowena to do. She was purposely trying to direct these foreigner's attention to her and away from the trapped women and children. Not wanting to take the chance of them simply building yet another fire, Rowena proceeded to jump down, wincing slightly as she landed a bit roughly. Not too badly to wound herself in any way, but the landing hadn't been completely graceful either. Wait! she pleaded, slowly raising her hands beside her head as a good sign of faith, she spoke slowly, making sure at least one of them could understand her. Their tongue had been ... harsh. Foreign. But there had been a few times she made out some more familiar words, which suggested they could be spoken to. Not perfectly, but well enough that was her hope, anyway. If you absolutely cannot let them go, then do not kill them. Please. It seemed like the best compromise she could offer. And, hopefully, her revealing herself would make it easier for them to accept the offer. Yet, there was one other true reason for her giving herself up. If she could keep most of them distracted and focused upon her, maybe it would allow some of the women and children to get away. Even if that number was very small and slim, as long as some could flee unharmed, that was fine with her. It'd help Rowena feel better for feeling like she had turned her back on the very people her king asked her to protect. Either way, with the barrier vanishing the moment the fire had, everyone had chance and opportunities to take if they so desired. Whether anyone would actually do so ... well ... that would be revealed soon enough.