By Wood and Thorn

[Miroslaw]

Miroslaw felt the fear creep in as the elf grew right before his very eyes into a massive behemoth of a creature. His eyes widened and his bow lowered at the sight of the brute. Miroslaw had only a moment to weight the choices. He could flee for his life, or try to combat the fiend. It was hardly an option dilemma. The fear quickly turned to thrill as Miroslaw realized that this may be a challenge for him. Before the fight ensued, a smile even came to his face. Due to the thrill of battle immediately clouding his mind, he fails to even think of the others.

As the strike came forth at his head, Miroslaw knew he could not take a blow from such a monstrosity. He would need to focus on dodging the attacks, as one mistake would probably end the fight... not in his favor. He quickly pulls his entire body backwards, enough to evade the incoming blow. (matrix style) He simultaneously launches a shot at the fiends elbow area of the striking arm.

Miroslaw was mostly testing the water, not entirely sure arrows would suffice in this situation. The brute surely would have immense constitution along with his strength. As he is falling back to the ground, just after making the shot, he pushed off with his feet, launching himself backwards in anticipation of the beast bringing its massive arm down on him. He would tuck in and roll back, springing back to his feet. Depending on the perceived result of the arrow, he would either give up on the bow and draw his sword or stick with it.

[Deerfield]

As he rolled his eyes, he barely paid attention to what exactly Alexander yelled at him. He got the general idea that the man needed help. His help. He was bothered with the fact that he had to jump back into action. He had won the fight against the elf, their group had been victorious. Now this was dragging it all into length. He didn't want to hurt Zalini at first, but now he was considering thrusting his sword between the problem's ribs from behind.

But he would never be able to actually do that, it wasn't right. He knew it wasn't Zalini's fault. One should not be punished for other people's evil doings. But thinking about it was amusing.

He put his sword into it's sheath on his back and came forth from behind the tree, keeping his right hand on the tree to pull himself back there if needed to dodge the rampage he was planning to provoke.
"You dog, what's your problem, huh?! We just wanna get rid of you cause you're as ugly and stinky as morning piss. Look at me when I'm talking to you! Look at me because I want to see your hideous face one last time before we squeeze the life out of you. You can try to resist, but everybody here knows you punch like a girl!"

He laughed at Zalini and was genuinely happy with the rage carved into his face. He remained on his toes to jump behind the tree again, and hoped he had forced Zalini's full attention on himself to give Alexander the opportunity to do whatever he wanted to do to counter whatever was going on. He relied heavily on the leader, since he himself had no idea what could be done.

[Zalini]

Mutt's ears twitched as Deerfeild threw some insults trying to get his attention, which worked. "Pitiful monkey!" She roared, spinning around violently and taking off at a sprint at Deerfeild, almost ripping and nearly running on all fours but quickly righting the problem. He had full intentions of slamming Deerfeild into the tree then tossing the flailing(or limp) body at Alex, just to shut him up. It was disturbingly hard to think, he tried to keep his thoughts straight but the toxin kept making it near impossible, which only fueled Mutt's rage and it showed in his face.

[Alexander]

::Miroslaw managed to dodge the incoming blow as his assumptions about the creature proved true on all fronts. While its Brawn and Endurance were well beyond human levels, it came at the price of Agility. Moving such a lagre mass was difficult and ponderous, but then again, it only had to hit you once...

The shot from the bow at such close range was easy to make, but seemed to be ineffective, either due to the things stamina, or the sheer rage that seemed to motivate it past feeling.

The first blow was followed by another that came crashing down like an anvil hard enough to leave a divot in the earth where Miroslaw had been just moments before. It vented its frustration and anger at the little man in a roar that sent what strange wildlife there was in the area running for safety as it grasped the trunk of a nearby sapling with one powerful hand and pulled it from the ground, roots snapping as it was yanked free. The creature then began to to swing the young tree in wide arcs before it as it lumbered its way towards Miroslaw.



Deerfield seemed successful in getting Zalini's attention as the latter turned to rush towards Deerfield in a blind rush. As Deerfiled ducked back behind the tree in the hopes of it providing some sort of cover, the shadows on the forest floor solidfied and raised off the earth in Zalini's path. In his addled state, Zalini did not see the change as his feet caught against the shadows and he went spilling forward to the ground.

It was a simple trick. One Alexander hoped would not tap his abilities too much to prevent him from providing the aide he hoped would cure the party member. Already he was feeling the effects of the potion he drank fading and the edges of fatigue creeping back in. He had no time to waste, especially given what he was hearing happening behind him. So he lept on the prone back of Zalini, using his weight to try and keep him pinned as his hand reached over the distorted mass of muscle that was the shoulder to try and find the wound the arrow had caused and plunge his fingers into it. The closer he was in contact to the source, the more effective he belived the response would be.::

"Get OUT here and help me hold him! The more I have to do on my own, the less I will be able to aide him."

::He called out to Deerfield as his hand found the wound. As the fingers entered the wound, he called on the blood there to draw out the toxin and sent waves of healing Magick to fix the damage it had done as it coursed through his body. Dark liquid began to pour out of the wound around his hand and Zalini would begin to feel the SLIGHT easing of the rage building within him as his body began to slowly revent back to normal. Alexander could only hope that the effects would be enough to restore reason to the boy so that he did not fight back...::

[Miroslaw]

Miroslaw's was shocked by the power behind the creatures strike. To leave a mark on the earth from the sheer power was fear inducing. The blood curdling roar was all the more reason to be afraid of being struck by the behemoth. He needed to be very careful, but unfortunately, he also felt the need to give up the advantage of having range. The bow was ineffective in any means that Miroslaw could perceive. The constitution the beast had was truly enormous to be able to completely ignore a point blank shot.

Seeing the creature rip the tree from the ground, Miroslaw reacted by exchanging the bow for his sword. If arrows had no effect, then he had not choice but to cut the fiend down piece by piece. As the creature swung the tree, he knew there was no parrying an attack like that. Dodging was his only option. He also did not want to find himself in the air, as that would lessen his ability to evade an incoming strike. He needed to keep his feet on or close to the ground.

He charge forward, seeking to take advantage of the lethargic movements. Like a twisted game of jump rope, he would hop over the tree as it swung. The speed the tree was being swung at would be enough to force the branches back, making it a nearly flat, blade like striking tree. This was fatal, but also made dodging a bit easier. He did not need to worry about being caught by a stray branch on his leap as much. He would adapt to the creatures swings, dodging appropriately, trying with great resolve to come within striking range. He would go for the dominant arm, if given the chance.

[Deerfield]

Before Ravenhurst had called out to him, Deerfield had already left his cover at the sound of Alucard hitting the ground. He jumped onto Zalini with his full weight to keep him pinned down, while rolling his eyes at the group leader for pointing out the obvious just before he was doing it. He placed one foot on Zalini's neck and the other on the arm which led to the arrow wounded hand. Somehow holding Zalini and Alexander with his hands, he kept balance in this awkward position.

When he heard the scream, he realized there was something else going on, something probably involving Zygmund. Miroslaw was the one person he had come to like in this group. He tried to move his head see what was happening. In the process, he unwillingly twisted and dug the soles of his boots into Zalini's neck and arm. He paid no attention to what was happening to the bodies beneath him.

When he finally saw the huge elf in its new state, he was in slight shock and almost fell into a panic. The hulking creature seemed unbeatable. He really did not feel up to that challenge, and considered giving up this group of people after all. He was wounded all over, and was permanently fighting against the pain everytime he breathed in. He was fed up with these woods and would have burned them down if he could. For now, he hoped Miroslaw would pull off a miracle or Alexander would be able to help him, or even Zalini. 

But if Ravenhurst would decide to shout out at Deerfield one more time to get into that fight, he had another thing coming.

[Zalini]

Mutt roared in pain, his hands struggling to swat Alxander off his back. "Traitorous filth!" He roared, flailing about until he could feel his senses coming back to him little by little. His breathing started to get heavy feeling the high fatigue on his body from basically being mutated in a flash. He patted Alxander's arm, a sign he was civilized once again, at least enough to realize who was friend and foe. "Get off me.." He stated calmly. Looking over his arms and chest wondering if just how quickly his new girth would disappear. Pain started to rush through his system again, the toxin loosing it's hold on him and he grit his teeth. Looking back seeing what Mirowslaw was dealing with he shook his head. "How are we supposed to win...?" He questioned aloud as the quiver of arrows slowly slid to the front, the strap now looser. His eyes scanned the arrows, wondering if each one was tipped with toxin.

Once Alxander was off his back he stumbled to his feet, panting as he did to fully observe the fight and weigh his options. 'Distraction maybe...its still hard to think...' He thought to himself, holding his head with one hand, the other resting on the feathers of the arrow in the quiver.

[Alexander]

::The work Alexander performed on Zalini seemed to be working. The changes his body had gone through had faded and all but disappeared. There were still signs of its presence around the wounds, but the misshapen muscles were gone, as was the cloud of anger in his head.

To Alexander, this was enough for now. He had pushed himself past his limit now that the potion he had taken was wearing off. His head was spinning and he was unsteady on his feet as he tried to take in what was going on. He just had to hope that the work he did would hold long enough to see the beast brought low. After that, and more rest, perhaps he could clear the toxin and its effects completely...::

"Master Zygmund seems to be providing the distraction you requested, childe.

I suggest you both take advantage of it."

::Miroslaw advanced on the twisted creature and was able to leap over a low swing of the tree and avoid being squished by it. As the swing finished its arc, it struck another larger tree that caused the makeshift weapon to bend and snap, leaving a jagged tip on the end of the stick.

Miroslaw manages to close the gap enough to slash at the arm holding the remains of the tree and opened a long gash along the forearm. The beast roared again, this time in pain as well as anger as the back swing came. It caught Miroslaw move as a shove than a strike that sent the warrior reeling backwards. It vents its displeasure at you once more before lumbering forward and raising the shattered treeling to jab at you with the broken end.::

[Deerfield]

Deerfield's inner conflict grew as he looked to the members of his party. Zygmund did indeed look like he could handle the hulking elf-mutation. However, there was a considerable risk for him and afterwards for the rest should the capable warrior fall. Somebody would have to come to his aid and tilt the fight in their favor before something unlucky happened.

He didn't want to be that one, since he didn't want to be that person something unlucky could happen to.

Then he looked at the other two near him. Both seemed rather exausted and unable to have any great effect in combat anyway. He felt bad for not exactly thinking highly of them, but there was no time to convince himself that they were probably actually good people ... in whatever it was they did.

If he would have seen the thing on his own, he most definitely would have fled the scene at once. Even now he seriously feared for his life. However, when another life was at risk, and he wasn't completely convinced it wasn't an evil soul, he tended to risk anything to save it. Even if it wasn't the life of a beautiful woman, that just made things easier.

Therefore, without a word, and gathering as much air as he could in his damaged lung-case, he drew his sword and sprinted into the ongoing battle, using the path he had cut through the brush before. He approached the hulk from behind or from the side, wanting to thrust his blade into the general area around the kidneys. If successfull, he would immediately pull it out and continue running, far enough to get out of melee reach, along the path twoards the exit. Then he would turn around and observe once more, trying to ignore the pain covering and penetrating his body. He was coming very close to exhaustion now as well, but he still had some juice left in him.

Even if not successful, he would still try to run away again. He wanted to take advantage of the numbers, maybe another would join in as well. He prayed that Lii found him worthy enough to protect from a lethal blow.

[Miroslaw]

Miroslaw was pleased he was able to get a strike off that roused, what appeared to be, pain from the creature. It was fulfilling to know that the creature was not immune to it. It lessened the fear that had washed over his entire body. It gave him hope that this creature was indeed mortal. However, it also lessened his alertness, if only for a moment. It was enough to find himself being smacked by the branch that the creature wielded, and being sent back to where he began his assault. His spirits were high after receiving the very fulfilling sound of pain from the creature. The grin was still present, even after being struck by the incredibly powerful enemy before him. He felt the pain, but the adrenaline did not allow him to dwell on it.

The roar the creature gave Miroslaw was returned in kind. He shouted right back as the creature thrust the improvised weapon forward. The deadly point would not be a good thing to be run through by. Once again, parrying would surely end badly. The brutes strength far surpassed his own. Dodging was the only option. Miroslaw jumped up over the strike, attempting to land on the tip of the weapon and send it into the ground. Directly following this, he lets out a fierce battle cry and launches himself an astounding distance through the air, straight at the creature. While in the air, he alters his grip, turning the point of his sword to face the ground. He sought to take advantage of the slowness of the brute, and the opening that would be made by the successful dodge. He intended to delve his sword deep into the brutes skull with all his might and weight behind it.

[Zalini]

Mutt was starting to really feel the affects of this toxin and his wounds. Balling his hands into fists, he struggled to bring the energy to fight but still attempted to. "F-fine, but we need to talk..." He demanded with a glare at Alxander. Seeing Mirowslaw put on quite the show of acrobatics, he hesitated to full on charge the brute, not wanting to offset Miro's aim and get impaled himself. The quiver of arrows still around his chest he stopped in his tracks and looked down to see how many of the arrows he now owned. Gripping the shaft of an arrow he slips it out of the quiver and inspects the arrow head, wanting to see if the arrow head was seeped in the toxin.

He started to think about stabbing himself with the arrow head if he could tell it was poisoned with the toxin and only if Miro missed his mark. With out being raged out like he was his punches would barely do any damage, if any at all.

[Alexander]

::Miroslaw successfully lept out of the way of the jab from the jagged tip of the treeling, landing atop the shaft of the improvised weapon. He leaps again, just in time as the creature pulls the weapon back for another swing. In mid-air, Miroslaw turns his blade for the attack, only to be met with a large grasping hand. The blade of the large sword drives through the palm, up to the hilt. The creature then takes the opportunity to grab Miroslaw with his wounded hand and fling him to the side. The violent motion ripiing the blade from his palm and actually severing two of its fingers in the process.


Zalini sees that his quiver is about half full. Four arrows stick out from the opening. Taking one out will show the tips dripping with a dark substance.::


"Oh, we most definately will be having a talk later, Mutt. And if you have ANY delusions of infecting yourself again, I suggest you put them away. I will NOT save you a second time, even had I the energy to do so."


::Alexander's head was still "swimmy" from the over use of magic, but it was getting better. He leaned heavy on his cane for support as he spoke to Zalini in short breaths. His eyes would dart to the battle going on before them, but in his current state, he knew he would be of little use.::


"You may think you need the strength, but precision can be just as key."


::Deerfield is able to get in behind the brute, as its attention was currently on Miroslaw. The blade of his sword drives deep into the lower side of the beast and it lets out a roar of pain, turning to face the new threat as Deerfield runs off to get out of the way.


With Deerfield moving out of the way, it only saw Alexander and Zalini. Assuming, in its diminished mental state, that they were the source of its pain it took a heavy step towards them before throwing the sharpened treeling at them...::

[Miroslaw]

The goal of his blade had to be altered as the beast raised his hand up. Miroslaw slammed the blade into the hand, but was immediately grabbed and thrown, with great force, to the ground. Luckily, he was able to maintain his grip on his weapon, and the creature caused much more damage to itself. The wind rushed from his lungs upon impact, and the pain was felt throughout his entire body. Gasping noises left his mouth as he tried to refill his lungs with air. After what feels like much longer than it really was, his lungs receive the oxygen, and he takes a couple deep breaths.

Seeing the creatures back now turned to him, he stands to try and take advantage of the opportunity. The pain from the impact is mostly felt in his back, but it spread throughout his entire body. It made his rise slower than it would usual be. After making it to his feet, Miroslaw staggered forward towards the creature. His movements were awkward, trying to get his bearings after the crash landing. His movements grew more fluid with each step towards the creature, and each one faster as he quickened to a charge. He readied for a pierce into the brutes back.

When close enough, Miroslaw leaned forward and pushed off the earth to heighten the power of the thrust. As soon as contact is made with his sword, he would push the hilt down, causing the sword to enter diagonally and upward into the creature. This would cause much more damage than a straight thrust through the creature, and it would hopefully catch a vital point in its path through the creatures innards. That was assuming the creatures had any vital points.

[Deerfield]

Deerfield had been so keen on driving his blade into the brute's body, and was so delighted it had worked when he ran away in excitement that he didn't realize how his actions actually endangered the others in his party. He turned around when he felt safe enough at a distance of approximately six meters, and it all struck him at once. 

He moaned in pain as breathing felt like needles into his chest. He had been able to ignore the agony dealt to him by the thorns and the elf, but this was different. Something was definitely broken and required treatement and rest. And when he raised his arm in regret towards the elf throwing the tree stump at Ravenhurst and Alucard, the pain only grew. But Zygmund approached the massive enemy and motivated Deerfield to do the same. 

One more time. One more attack. How much longer could the battle take. He did not think about it, for all that mattered was this last strike, just one more. Maybe there would be more, but he could motivate himself for the next. Anything that came after was of no interest at that moment.

He ran as fast as he felt he could, which was more of a jog, with his sword gripped firmly at his side. He tried to control his breathing to make it more steady and slower. He would attempt to swing his sword through the enemy's nearest knee.

[Zalini]

As deerfield charged towards the mutated elf Mutt's face contorted in a grimace as he charged along with Deerfield but he would circle around to the behemoth's back in an attempt to scale it's back and gouge it's eyes out with his bare hands. With any luck there would be long enough and numorus enough to scale. If the monster swung his weapon at him he woukd put his all into a sliding dodge or a doge roll to tge left to contune his charge to the monster's back to continue his plan. 'I hope my hands are bige enough to do this other wise...' He thiught to himself.