Lydalia took note of the other two apprentices, young men around her same age. Wiefgraf’s apprentice was equipped similarly to herself, sword and shield, and also carrying a staff. It seemed a bit odd, but Lord Tengille had warned her that some knights would target an opponent’s equipment directly. In which case, having a back up weapon would prove invaluable. She nodded in approval at this choice, deciding she should also look into carrying a secondary weapon, when she got a chance.<br/><br/>The other man had a knife and vials on his belt. Potions, she recognized some, but not the others. A chemist then.  Lydalia considered this. It wouldn’t be her choice, but not everyone was suited to the sword. Someone needed to fight on the front lines, and someone else needed to tend to the medicine. It was her duty as a noble to fight, to meet the enemy face to face. A good squad would balance the skills and gifts of each member, to cover their weakness and build upon their strengths.<br/><br/>Before any further conversation could continue, Ordallian troops made themselves known. Outnumbering them, and clearly girded for war, it would be a difficult battle. Difficult, but not impossible, so long as the group could manage to work as a team.<br/><br/>Rushing into the front lines was foolish, but she was never going to make a name for herself on the back lines. Afterall, she wasn’t mistress Avelia, who could manipulate the battlefield from anywhere. Still, she had to figure out something. If only there was a way to get them to rush, then they could have the advantage.<br/><br/>That was it! She picked up a fist sized rock from the ground and hurled it at one of the knights. With a thud, it hit him square in the temple, blood tricking down the man’s face. Angrily, her opponent charged, his own sword above his head. She braced for the blow, forearm absorbing much of the force as he brought down his weapon.  She struck back with a tackle into his gut,  knocking him off balance before striking with her own sword. The man lay dead before her, her first kill. The first step to bringing glory to the Riovanes name.<br/><br/>“<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000">Very good, Lydalia,</span>” Folmalv praised, “<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000">Lure your enemy from their advantageous position, into one that is advantageous to you. Isolate your opponent, and finish them without mercy.</span>” He advanced now, and she took just a moment to examine her forearm before following. A shallow cut, not deep enough to interfere with wielding her sword. Up ahead, Folmalv used one of his fabled sword techniques,  striking the archers from afar with blue light and stunning two of them, “<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000">Advance now, while the archers are disabled!</span>”