City of Thieves: 296, 105: Namesakes and Mistakes

Ah... I think the thievery might take a backseat to the attempted murder here.

     "Really?" I say with a roll of the eyes. "This is what we're doing now? Can't pick a pocket or cut a burse? Just going straight to violent murder? For the sake of the gods, at least stab me in the back rather than attack from the front. Honestly, you must be the worst thieves I've ever seen."

      Naturally, the bigger, and less skilled, of the pair comes charging at the insult.

Round 1

Hilda: 18

Thief: 14

Thief: 7-2=5

     I take off the helm, and use it to knock the sword coming at me aside. The look of recognition and panic on my opponent's face is all the opportunity I need to punch him, the helmet still on my fist. The gaudy horns puncture his clothing, and thin trickles of blood indicate they get further than that.

Round 2

Hilda: 15

Thief: 9

Thief: 5-2=3

     He tries to lift his sword arm again, but I grab the wrist and twist till it clatters to the ground.

Round 3

Hilda: 16

Thief: 13

Thief: 3-2=1

     A swift sweep of my leg and the thief is down on the ground, his thud resounding even before the sword finishes clattering.

Round 4

Hilda: 16

Thief: 13

Thief: 1-2=-1

     A swift kick in the face renders the man unconcious. I turn to his partner. She doesn't seem horribly perturbed by the swift defeat of her mate. No, she's been watching this whole fight. Calculating.

Round 5

Hilda: 17

Thief: 15

Thief: 6-2=4

     A series of thrusts, a couple of swings. She's keeping her distance. She watched how I didn't take out my sword to dispatch her companion, and has mistaken the flare for squeamishness. If I am unwilling to use, or unskilled in the use of, my blade, then this distance will be to her advantage. I play along for a few moments, letting her back me down a bit. Letting her get more aggressive, and then... I bring up my sword, not taking the time to draw it, but simply lifting the scabard from my belt and knocking her blade aside with enough force to send her off balance. A step forward and strike her face with my armored elbow, and her balance fails entirely. Right into the wall.

Round 6

Hilda: 17

Thief: 14

Thief: 4-2=2

      Before she can get out of the position, I shift my scabbard to one hand, hold it along the forearm, and press it against her throat. My other hand grabs her sword arm at the wrist and twists, just like with her partner.

      "Give it up," I say, "You're outmatched and I don't care to murder you."

       She snarls and tries to bite me.

Round 7

Hilda: 18

Thief: 11

Thief: 2-2=0

     "Have it your way." I headbutt the biting mouth in and then leave her to sleep it off in a pile of her own teeth.

     Gods, these people...

Choice: Victory: 147

Unlabeled liquids? Oh boy!

     I consider the vial. Love potion? Poison? Hair gel? Yeah, not worth chugging.

     And apparently taking a test drop or a sniff is out of the question. Keeping the phial, though.

Choice: North: 105

Skill: 11

Stamina: 14/15

Luck: 7/8

Gold Pieces: 56

Phial of Green Liquid