Reserve and Resolve

Orthael was quite content with the part of supporting swordsman. He stayed on her weaker side, ensuring that she could focus her attention on cutting a way through the Lesser Dead. Claws rang against steel; he used his shield more and more, less as a layered martial defense and more to simply push them back. Likewise, though Judgement hungered for blood, Orthael turned its edge more frequently to parrying than cutting - unlike his companion, he did not have a choice of positioning. He could not step out of line to strike, could not give ground to find a gap in the defense nor circle around for a better angle. If he did, he would be derelict in his duty.

He sensed that they were headed for a presence deeper than natural darkness: one of the Greater Dead. Varenniel's presence stood ready, waiting for his moment - as eager for action as Judgement was, which seemed right. Through Orthael's connection to the All-Consuming Fire, the same anticipation leaked through to him.