<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#004080"><b>L</b>ance came to a slow stop, catching his weight on his left foot as it stayed behind, and his right slipped to the front. Only twenty paces from both Donelda and the attacker. The sword swung to his front, slowly angling so it's tip was the vertex of an acute triangle with the ground. A deadly stance, designed to cut off the means of retreat for most opponents. His arms flexed, ready to lop a limb off a the first sign of offense on the red-cloaked man's part. Those dismal blue eyes watched the fingers closest to the crossbow's trigger, waiting to see the trigger be pulled. <i>"I will turn back only if she comes as well."</i> Was his simple reply, stern, demanding, and determined. Mr.Craetu took slow strides towards Donelda, bringing the gap between them to a mere ten feet, before he stopped.</span>