Lucille's movements were on point, her parry perfect as her shield protected the shrine maiden from the ambush. Indeed, the bolt flew true for Haruna's back, and only the alert paladiness managed to prevent tragedy from befalling this young woman. A series of quick chanting began behind Lucille, as a large burst of light emanated from Haruna's hairband, a soothing light which seemed to encourage Lucille in this place of darkness.<br/><br/>Ahead of them, five gnolls stepping out from cover, their jowls flapping as they considered the two humans before them. The shooter discarded his crossbow, picking up a spear as its similarly armed companions snarled and barked at each other. Heavy battleaxes in one hand, and shields on the other, the gnolls approached the two humans carefully, two breaking off towards Haruna while the other three raised their weapons at the paladiness.<br/><br/><strong>"I knew that these places were infested... but to have them advance and set up ambushes in such short order? Something isn't right!"</strong>Haruna said as she raised her staff. However, there was a soft clicking, as the shrine maiden separated the item, a shining material being drawn out of the staff as it revealed itself to be a scabbard to the longsword Haruna now wielded.<br/><br/><strong>"Surrender yourself, Shrine Maiden, otherwise you and your friend will suffer the pain of resisting!"</strong>A gnoll called out in a rough voice, apparently aware of the Common tongue as it circled towards Haruna. The shrine maiden nodded at Lucille, before whispering again.<br/><br/><strong>"Can you take three? Would you like me to draw one away from you?"</strong><br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body">Gnoll -<br/>AC - 15<br/></div></div>