<<Note : Valefor would have preferred to do personal combat, he had made this preference known to Belial, Samael, Raum and Rael; but as both of the other combatants on his team have taken personal method has agreed to go military>>

Anticipating the main thrust of Baal's feint, Penemue takes her assigned troops and hide them among the rocks waiting to take advantage of the turmoil. Valefor is leading a small platoon of men into battle - carefully, the soldiers advance on the rocky terrain, apparently assuming that they are the ones that will have the advantage, as they are the ones to know the grounds. ;'s troops lie in wait; allowing Valefor's troops to pass then spring upon their unprotected flanks.

<RPG> Penemue tests her Warfare and Tactics against Valefor, who counters with his Warfare and Leadership. Penemue has slight chance of losing this test.

Valefor is himself at the front of the platoon. While his men appear tense, the scarred fallen is calm and poised - until Penemue's troops take his own from behind. At this point, the Captain hisses, //Behind!// Penemue licks her teeth, and presses her troop forward. They do not break up as she had hoped, Valefor being able to rally them even as he fights his way back to the main action.

<<Note +2 advantage brings slight chance of losing to slight chance of winning. Via negotiation we agree the result is a long-ish conflict which results in both Penemue and Valefor taking flesh wounds; and Valefor being forced into retreat. Victory (though marginal) to Nephelus. >>

Effortlessly, Valefor's sword is drawn as he elbows his way into the thick of the battle. A disturbingly haunting intensity, almost maniacal, burns his azure gaze as he approaches the eye of the storm. But by that time, much damage has already been done to the Pandemonian troops by the Nephilim. There are already two or three of Valefor's that have fallen, their carcasses littering the land.

Penemue's swordmanship is not nearly so effortless; though her intensity is likely Valefor's match. Her troops make a quick, telling body count on the first wave. Her expression is grim, her eyes dark, as if she felt cheated by the control Valefor has managed to maintain. Robbed of what should have been an easy victory. She makes her way upwards toward Valefor.

Valefor pushes on. Bone, flesh and marrow are crushed in a sickening sound under the heel of his boots. Whether they be ally or enemy, there is no one that will stop Valefor from reaching his prey who seems also intent on reaching him. //Courage,// Valefor screams. For a moment, the Pandemonian troops seem to regain confidence, because of the rallying words of their Captain. This is not over, despite the appearances. //Remember we are fighting for Our Prince!//

Penemue hisses low; filled with malice. Her eyes narrow. //Steady!// Penemue moves gracefully, like a dancer that has adapted art to practicality. She steps around her own people toward the heat of the conflict. The eye of the storm. To Valefor. 'He has got to go' written on her pale features.

The apparent advantage lasts but a moment for Belial's warriors. Soon thereafter, it seems Nephelus' own have regained the upper hand, even as Valefor thrusts the tip of his sword into the throat of a horned trooper, wearing Mammon's colors. Blood immediately gushes onto his features, but the beast merely licks it off his thin lips before turning to his next opponent. Penemue.

Penemue runs one of her opposing troops through the back, and slings the sagging body so that it impacts Valefor, using it as a shield and insult in one gesture. Her people crowd around her.. the numbers have become telling. Penemue hisses to her people. //His eyes.. take out his eyes!//

Valefor grunts with discomfort as the lifeless body impacts him. This is distraction enough for one of Penemue's to land a striking blow against's Valefor's flanks who spits something of a curse as his blood is drawn. There are now but a few Pandemonian left standing, who rally to their leader's side.

Singularly discontent at the minor blow she has managed, even though it is the first one to actually land on him; Penemue knocks aside the body she was using as a shield herself in order to press Valefor. The Nephelites close formation around her, using their numbers.

While it is more a grimace than anything else because of the scars disfigurating him, a smile manages to touch Valefor's bloodless lips as she finally approaches to engage him. Which he does first, viciously thrusting his blade at her right shoulder. The steel cuts a tight arc before it reaches its destination. For a moment more, the Pandemonian hold off the Nephelim.

Penemue gasps sharply as Valefor's blade splits through her chitinous armour, cracking it and sinking into soft flesh. It seems to surprise her so much she doesn't register the pain, only rage and with yet another hiss she leaps the brief distance toward him, blade swinging back.

To each side Pandemonians drop, leaving Valefor an unfortunate and increasingly lonely position.

With a brisk flick of the wrist, Valefor's blade races to intercept Penemue's own swing. Where steel meets steel, there are blueish sparks and a grating sound. When silence once more claims the battlefield, Valefor has been left alone, twelve of his companions having fallen this day. Valefor presses up against Penemue, and murmurs something for her attention only, "If you are as fierce in bed as you are in battle, we shall meet again," before kicking her to the stomach, and taking a step back. It is apparent he will soon retreat.

There is a skittering of metal as the blades lock and unlock. Concentrating on the play of swords, Penemue is caught entirely off balance by the kick and is propelled back into one of her own. She staggers to keep her footing..

Penemue calls, //No! Don't let him escape. Close! Close!//

Impressive, Valefor's dark, leathery wings extend to their full width before this Fallen allows himself to be lifted off the ground. Within moments, he is but a black dot in a somber, menacing sky.

Penemue unfolds her own wings, but to late. She looks up and scowls as she realizes the logistics of catching him in flight. Then with a sigh, she seems to sober up and rubs her sore shoulder. //Find the ones still alive,// Penemue continues in bland tones, //blind them.. send them on their way.//