As the ambush began, hope lived within Lumiel that they may yet win this battle. Yet fear dwelled in her as well, fear for Eswen. She did not understand the change, and it was a frightening one.
Lira and her horse were heading away when the horse's fear overcame its devotion to its master and it reared in terror of the changed Eswen. Down Lira fell, hard on the ground. Her horse, realizing its master's danger, stayed in front of Lira.
Without a thought, Lumiel swiftly ran to Lira, staying low to the ground, so that the brigands would not notice them; Lira was too hurt to battle. "Mellon, are you alright?" she asked softly of Lira.
"I...I am alright. My wound opened again." she said somewhat sluggishly as she put a hand to her head gently.
"We have to get you out of here. Here, I'll help you back on to Merkaliel." she said. Gently, she eased Lira up and then helped her up onto her horse. Lira gripped the mane tightly, but Lumiel was worried she would fall again. "I will come with you, two elves should keep faith in Merkaliel. Eswen and the others can handle the brigands left, I believe." she said with confidence in the others, though still she worried. But could she really leave Lira in her condition? No, she would have to leave the brigands to the others and keep Lira safe.
She whispered softly to Merkaliel letting him know that she was a friend and mounted swiftly behind Lira who spoke to the horse, urging him on away from the fight. Lumiel leaned forward and gave Lira support so that she would not fall again. She grimaced behind her as she saw new blood seeping behind the gash on her head, already bandaged.
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