One of the hardest things to do when fighting alongside someone you care about is let them protect themselves. At any point there could be a slip, a mistake, a moment when something goes from well in hand to too much to handle, and Ellie's watching for that moment- but then the blast takes the first bandit full in the chest, and he slams down on the road, and Ellie isn't nearly as worried.
Her bowstring twangs against her glove as her broadhead arrow buries itself in another's throat, and then that's two down.
Ellie starts for the third, but then she hears the scuffle atop the wagon -- and she would've gone, but the third bandit's got another axe, and he's charging at her, swinging wildly.
They're not soldier-trained. They're used to defenseless merchants and travelers. Ellie dodges back once, recovers her balance, and slams her bow into his temple with both hands, hearing a good crunch, feeling his skull give. She whips back around to see Glimmer struggling with the fourth uncounted bandit on the cart.
Just in time to see Glimmer get the upper hand, and keep on going.
Cold steals over Ellie's skin as she realizes what's happening, because she's been there, more than once, and she remembers the hot taste of blood, the feel of it on her skin, the screams of terror and pain.
"Glimmer!" she calls, and rushes toward the wagon, vaulting up next to her, making sure to stay clear of the range of her knife. "Glimmer- Glimmer-"
Knowing it's possibly a shitty idea, Ellie reaches out, her hand on Glimmer's wrist, and pulls her into her arms.
cw: gore/death
Her bowstring twangs against her glove as her broadhead arrow buries itself in another's throat, and then that's two down.
Ellie starts for the third, but then she hears the scuffle atop the wagon -- and she would've gone, but the third bandit's got another axe, and he's charging at her, swinging wildly.
They're not soldier-trained. They're used to defenseless merchants and travelers. Ellie dodges back once, recovers her balance, and slams her bow into his temple with both hands, hearing a good crunch, feeling his skull give. She whips back around to see Glimmer struggling with the fourth uncounted bandit on the cart.
Just in time to see Glimmer get the upper hand, and keep on going.
Cold steals over Ellie's skin as she realizes what's happening, because she's been there, more than once, and she remembers the hot taste of blood, the feel of it on her skin, the screams of terror and pain.
"Glimmer!" she calls, and rushes toward the wagon, vaulting up next to her, making sure to stay clear of the range of her knife. "Glimmer- Glimmer-"
Knowing it's possibly a shitty idea, Ellie reaches out, her hand on Glimmer's wrist, and pulls her into her arms.
"Hey, hey, it's okay. It's me. It's me."