-----As Sol spins and yells, a moment of confusion takes hold of him. There before him he sees nothing more than the landing at the top of the stairs and beyond that the rain pouring outside the massive limbs. Suddenly just above him at an angle, an arrow flies from above one of the smaller limbs there. A fire seems to burn through Sol as the missile strikes him in the left shoulder. A second arrow thuds into the flooring just a few inches from the Gorian's foot.
-----Hurried footsteps are heard on the stairs leading up to this level as Sol hears someone land on the platform behind him. Turning, Sol sees a lithe form standing in the shadows almost as tall as he. Wearing dark leather, the person draws a long sword and waves his other hand toward the young warrior in a 'come on' manner. "Hand it over, fool," the form says using the same whispering voice, "refuse and die."
-----A soundless laugh escapes Sol's mouth as he draws his own sword in turn. Pain, anger and a small amount of respect seem to be the only things left in Sol's mind. That of course and the ever-present eagerness to dance the blades.
-----Eyes widened with excitement, Sol moves in at a rush. This man has pushed enough buttons for Sol to demand blood first.
-----As Sol rushes in, his opponent half-steps into a defensive position. Just as Sol draws within striking range, the Gorian slows and hunches down. The ploy throws his attacker off as the sword belonging to the dark form swoops over Sol's head.
-----Next Sol thrusts up and stabs the person in the left shoulder. Quickly the Gorian dislodges the blade and sweeps at the lithe figure's legs. The opponent immediately leaps and does a flip in front of the young warrior. Landing upright, the person slashes downward which Sol catches with his Lathanian blade.
-----For a moment, Sol is face to face with his opponent. Sol sees a slender yet strong elven face framed with black hair. The demeanor seems somehow violent and warlike as reflected in those amber eyes.
-----Blood seeps from the wound on the shoulder and the elf glares at Sol through gritted teeth. "You just made this personal. I'll be coming for that stone and now I'll be coming for your life," the elf hisses. The elf slowly forces Sol back and down as their swords are locked together.
-----Suddenly Garrison is there at the top of the stairs behind Sol. "Sol!" the woodsman shouts.
-----"It's a shame we can't finish this th' way I'd like t'" The Gorian grins fiercely and with very little humour actually showing. If he wasn't so angry, he'd be able to enjoy this a lot more. All things must come to an end, however, and now was the time to finish this.
-----Sol suddenly releases the pressure on the locked blades, stepping back quickly before leveling two swings, each one aimed at a different side of the elf's temple region.
-----Suddenly three golden missiles streak in over Sol's left shoulder striking the dark form of the attacker. The elf steps back recoiling from the hit only to raise his sword to meet Sol's advance once again.
-----Both swords clang together and both opponents back up now in their wounded conditions. The Lathanian blade quickly sweeps back in striking the elven form against the temple.
-----Surprisingly, the darkly clad elf jabs in stabbing Sol in the leg and drawing a bit of blood. Glaring momentarily at the other people assembling behind Sol, the elf begins backing on the platform.
-----Raven comes up the stairs behind Rinda and begins pushing his way through.
-----Sol presses on, continuing his efforts to subdue the elf. He tries to slam his blade against the elf's knee, but quickly the opponent parries the move. The elf then brings his sword up. Sol parries, avoiding the move that would slash his throat.
-----Suddenly Raven rushes forward and leaps toward the battling form. The elf quickly spins leaving the ranger to crash and roll on the floor of the platform.
-----Sol then attempts to strike his attacker in the jaw. The elf steps back quickly causing the Gorian to miss. The lithe form then leaps up and kicks out with his right foot. The elf strikes the young warrior in the chest staggering him and causing him to take a few steps back. Sol stays on his feet, however, as the elf leaps over Raven running for the stairs leading to the next level upward.
-----Sol gives chase to the elf. So intent is he on bringing the elf down, he leaps over Raven as well and begins tearing up the steps close behind the fleeing form.
-----While on the ground Raven turns to see the elf flee up the stairs. Raven flashes a snarl-like smile, "Tough guy huh? I like that." Raven leaps to his feet and takes off after the elf.
-----Sol and Raven dash up the stairs just as a few patrons crack their doors open slightly on this level. Suddenly Garrison, Lovan, Sarah and Rinda are disoriented by the glow of candlelight as it comes from four different rooms as curious and frightened voices call out to them.
-----"What goes on out there?" one is heard to loudly whisper.
-----Lovan and Garrison hesitate for but a moment before running after the two heroes.