iniatitive

After their victory over HD, FFS was preparing for the semi-final against WxC at the Siege of Winterfell.

Since his arrival at FFS, Arthurion had become much more than just a member. His growth was as rapid as it was noticeable. In just a few months, he went from being an unknown to becoming a reference for many within the alliance. Always with a low profile, but with a different mood. From the beginning he asserted his chivalry for all events, in SoW he occupied this line in his three marches, he had earned the respect of his peers. This was his first semi-final in the Siege of Winterfell event, and although he was not the most experienced, his conviction to win was unwavering.

However, days before the match, something began to dampen his enthusiasm. Queeny, the FFS leader, announced that several warriors would not be able to attend because of the schedule. This hit him hard. Arthurion had been looking forward to this event, and knowing that not all the available troops would be present made him think about a possible early defeat. Anxiety turned into discouragement. Even so, he did not withdraw, for him it was also a complicated schedule, but he would make the effort to be there. He remained attentive, hopeful that a change would occur.

Within hours of the battle's commencement, news arrived that ignited a spark of hope. Other warriors from friendly alliances could lead the armies of those who would be absent. That was enough to change his mood. He prepared his usual cavalry formation and enlisted for battle with renewed courage. His first mission was clear, to take Hot Springs.

As the battle commenced, he galloped off from his three deployments. His troops advanced with determination towards the objective, towards that building, the first battle of a semi-final. But he encountered an enemy composed of warriors of great power and level, who stopped him with brutality. He lost his three gears in barely less time than expected. It was a hard blow, but not definitive, he was strong, and that his armies were beaten so quickly left him impressed. The alliance, however, managed to capture Hot Springs and began to score points for the first capture. With his armies renewed, Arthurion headed for Stronghold Greyjoy 2, where a battle was beginning to commence for the first capture.

The enemy spearmen were a nightmare for his cavalry. Still, he managed to hold out and secure the first capture of the building. He lost his troops again, but that did not stop him. He spent healing accelerators without qualms, determined to continue. His next destination was Greyjoy Base 2, which was under enemy attack. Without hesitation, he set out to defend it.

The landscape was beginning to tilt dangerously. WxC, the rival, was capturing buildings one after another. Despite the efforts of FFS, the enemy was advancing forcefully. Arthurion, aware that defeat was likely, decided to adopt a new tactic, to move quietly, always on his right flank, to look for alternative paths and to attack neglected buildings.

He headed for Hot Spring by stealth, trying to go unnoticed. For a few seconds he thought he would succeed, but he was discovered and repelled. He fled north, leaving his pursuers behind. He now had the opportunity to try again, this time Stark Base 2, which had been left without a visible garrison and was already under siege by a comrade. This time they were successful, they managed to repel the few that arrived initially, but then had to flee when they saw a greater number of adversaries arrive.

He continued to do the same for several minutes, many times he had to flee, until he decided to join the bulk of the army of his alliance to capture Greyjoy Base 2. His troops, already weakened, failed to break through the lines, he was always harassed by the spears. From the leadership they assumed defeat, it would be in vain to continue spending speed ups, they had no chance against that enemy. They had to retreat, resigned. 

In a few minutes WxC consolidated its dominance on the map with its large army. The difference in power and presence was evident. FFS did not manage to surpass ten thousand points and they were cornered in the Greyjoy base. There they kept fighting some of them until the last minute, to get elimination points. He wasn't interested in any of that.

For Arthurion, that battle was not an empty defeat. It was his first semifinal, his first major challenge in a high-level event. He fought with honor and with everything he possessed, he adapted when necessary, and he single-handedly looked for an alternative to score more points. That was his first semifinal. It will not be his last.