If there was ever a word or a phrase to describe the scene from an outsider's perspective, it would be laced with words of exasperation and curse words that all boils down to saying-
""Greetings! I am Rosseweisse. Can we please all calm down and discuss this?"
-it was plain stupid.
Not that Rosseweisse knew that as she greeted the Chorts that were now bearing down on her ready to snatch her up in their arms and maul her to death.
As a Saint, she is not allowed to forsake all life. Literally, ALL of life. That includes beasts from the Hidden Side for it is not her role to condemn. As such, she often resorts to establishing dialogue with all. Literally, ALL. That includes-
*GRRRUUUUUU!!*
-unintelligible beasts like Chorts.
Just as the beasts were about to touch her, a ball of fire comes crashing down with a rather peculiar roar,
"GET YOUR FILTHY PAWS AWAY FROM HER!!"
Landing right on top of the Chorts, Evaline came with a fiery entrance that sent a shockwave of flames melting a large area of the snow.
"Miss Rosseweisse, are you okay?!", she calls out to Rosseweisse with a huff. Flames enveloping her from head to toe.
This confused Rosseweisse. Why would Evaline ever ask her if she was okay? Between her who was simply greeting the Chorts, and Evaline who is currently on fire, it was obvious who was in more danger. At least, according to Rosseweisse.
"Lady Evaline! I am glad to see that you're alright! But what's with your body? It is completely on fire!"
She quickly approached Evaline wanting to put out the raging flames that shrouded Evaline's body. She looked around frantically for something to put out the flames but she only found rocks and snow.
Of course using rocks would be a no go so she tried using the snow; bundling a handful of it in her hands, she then threw it on Evaline however, the snow melted before it even made contact.
'If that is the case-!'
Not at all discouraged by the failed attempt, Rosseweisse bundled even more snow and threw it on Evaline. However, the attempt still failed.
Evaline holds up one hand to stop Rosseweisse, "Stop it!", wearing an exasperated face, Evaline immediately ripped off one of the Chorts' horns and then stabs another that had tried to approach them in the midst of their confusion.
"I will have to try and dispel this curse upon your body!"
Worried for the well-being of her companion, Rosseweisse declared while preparing to use her Privilege but then-
"No!", Evaline once again stopped her, "This is not a curse! This is a protective spell.", Evaline replied before proceeding to stop another Chort that had attempted to approach them.
"But I can see you are hurting! I have never seen nor heard of any protective spell that also hurts its user!"
"Well, now you bloody have! Why wouldn't I be hurt by a self-immolating spell?!"
"Then I should really heal you!"
"Don't! Just use a regular healing spell or something!"
"I know nothing of using magic!"
"Seriously?!"
So went their exchange all the while the Chorts attempted to approach them one by one and Evaline stopping them one after another while arguing with Rosseweisse.
Rosseweisse on the other hand was intent on using her Privilege to try and 'heal' Evaline.
"The Saint was never taught how to use any sort of magic!", the strained voice of Maria stated.
"Huh?!", Evaline made an incredulous face as she grabbed one approaching Chort by its horns and then twisting its head with a grunt, "How is that even possible?! Saints are meant to be able to wield magic!!!"
"You should be more worried about yourself, Your Highness! You're on fire!", Maria retorted.
Their banter confused Rosseweisse who had her hands raised ready to use her Privilege.
'Who should I use it on?'
Her mind was split. She knows she can only use her Privilege once and on only one person. That was her limit.
But then, she remembered Ashen's words;
[What would you do if there was more than one who needs your help? Would you favor one over the other?]
A phrase she had heard from him so many times but just can't quite wrap her head around. She is a Saint. She is not allowed to abandon anyone nor is she allowed to not help them lest she suffers divine punishment.
This fact alone makes her feel very conflicted. Should she heal Evaline who is still wrapped around in cursed flames? Or should she heal Maria who is barely holding on with her wounds still bleeding?
She can't completely heal them both. Only one, and that would mean she will forsake the other.
'What should I do?!'
"Kennaz! Elhaz!"
"Guard Skill, Force!"
The shouts of her companions echoed all around her. Piercing through the cacophony of the Chorts' bestial ramblings which pressured her even more.
For every bestial roar that echoed, both her companions get hit; for every ring of their blades, they bled alongside their foes.
'What should I do?!'
An unpleasant feeling began welling in heart as she looked on to her struggling companions of whom she somehow cannot think of anyway to help.
Without anything else she could think of, 'Oh heavenly Father, I beseech you!', she offered a plea to the heavens, 'I ask for thy guidance for I have lost my way!'.
She asked for guidance from the Heavens...
*****
Somewhere near the battlefield...
"I sense it..."
"Sense what?"
"The Saint..."
Two cloaked figures; one no taller than 4 feet and the other a tall one who was over 6, tread through the thick snow and up a small hill that overlooked the battlefield.
"Are you sure about that?"
"Yes...I felt a very unpleasant power rise up from somewhere in that battle.", one of them pointed towards the battlefield.
"Hrmm...should I deal with it then?", the other asked.
"No. Not yet. I cannot sense the Crestbearer anywhere. It's too much of a risk."
"Then what should we do?"
Both fell into silence but after a short pause,
"Change of plans...we lure the Baba Yaga towards them."
"EH?! Why?"
"Because we need to see how this plays out first. If you go and deal with the Saint without knowledge of where the Crestbearer is...it would only mean your death."
"..."
"We need to be careful. Our plans have been royally messed up since the day the Crestbearer appeared. We must be careful not to mess it up any further."
"Very well. What would you have me do?"
"...Give the Baba Yaga a reason...", one of them pointed to the battlefield, "To go and kill the Saint."