"Ah, but I've seen species that show signs of other races, elf.  We are not stiff statues, but soft and flexible.  I've grown up amongst my own kind all my life, and I have seen variations on what many would call the standard for a species...Though, all of my family are followers of Saenrai, at least."  She replied calmly, smiling warmly as she felt a true connection to her deity, her voice echoing through her mind. [<em>I will uphold these tenants in your name, my goddess.  I pledge to uphold your ideals, both in the heat of battle and in the times before and after.  I am your fury, <strong>and</strong> your mercy.</em>]  She prayed, going about her guard.  Her eyes were sharp as she kept watch that night, keeping a lookout for any kind of movement.  Her ears were listening for odd noises, and her hands were ready to bring her weapon to bear should she see something.<br/><br/>The dark took over the sky and what was left of the evening, and it was then that the stalwart paladin noticed a pair of eyes, belonging to an odd shadow that sought to take advantage of the night.  Whatever this thing was, it was obvious that it was intelligent, those eyes belying its desire in this situation.  "Shadowe, up with you!  An enemy seeks our throats in the night!"  She called out, brandishing her weapon swiftly.  If it truly was intelligent, she had to be careful.  She decided it would be best to stay defensive until it attacked, and so she guarded the prone elf, preparing for the abnormal<em>thing</em>to strike.  It would not get to Shadowe without getting through her first.  "The sooner, the better, elf!"<br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body">Getting into strategic position with Shadowe, for a +1 forward each, then taking a Defend action while Shadow gets his butt up.   <br/>Defend Roll-    At 2017-02-24 16:39:59, ThatOneShrroth (uid: 53474) rolls: 2d6a2 Result: 12 (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=100464)  I hold 3.  If it attacks, she'll attempt to intercept and halve the damage, spending one hold in the process.</div></div>