Ridley/Juliette/Perdita/OPEN
Beside her, Juliette's jaw tightened. Of all days to have left her daggers and shortsword at home. But she was not defenseless, even unarmed, she reminded herself.
Unlike her companions. It was one of the primary tactical lessons taught to all squires when discussing battle -- protect the mages.
"Stay behind me," she told the others, hoping they would listen. She did not wish to give orders, but who else was there? She was months away from class. She was the best they had.
She tried to push back the fear that her best would, once again prove not to be enough.
As the first of the air elemental attacks hit them, she looked frantically for a way out. The alley! "That way!" she said, gesturing, hoping the others would see. Now to distract the enemy...
As it turned out, punching a flan was an experience she did not wish to repeat, but she did it anyway, and although it did not appear to do much damage, it did shift the creature's focus to her, if only for a moment.