Return of a Friend (Eadfearth)

[Narne]

The Village was slowly retreating into their homes for the night, when the lone traveller made her way into the township. The quiet twilight hours, were always comfortable to walk in compared to the early noon. The clothing of the damsel, masked her appearance. Her hood lingering a few inches further then normal, and her beautiful sword lingering at her side. It probably made a few on lookers tremble, until she took off the hood and revealed her distinguishing features to all. She no longer gained the looks of fear, but ones of confusion. Not many women these days carried swords. Not many travelled by foot either.

One person came up to her. He was old, and time had aged his hair. Grey it now was, his long beard similar in colour. He hobbled over to her, a stick helping balance. Narne recognised him as a friend of old, and wondered whether he recognised her. His face was kind, and as he came towards her and slowly came to a stop, his kind blue eyes settled on her.

“Have not seen ya like around here for sometime, lassie,” he covered his mouth to cough, “Thought you’d gone astray, like your mother ‘id, or worse settled down like myself.”

So, he had recognised her. He was a friend of her mother’s, and he was always willing to share a story with her. She smiled and touched his shoulder lightly, “Paths have taken me else where, until now. Astray, indeed,” she laughed, “How are you old man?”

“Well lassie, got a bit of a cough. Your looking fair these days, must be all that walkin’ your doin’,” he laughed. Narne smiled, he was never short of compliments and sly remarks. She looked around for a moment. For c her childhood this town had been a home. Her mother constantly staying in these places longer then others, so in a way this was more of her home. She had many friends here, and that remained one of the reasons she returned. The old man nodded, at her quietness, “Well lassie, I shall let you be on your humble way. Come by and see the old fella some time, will you,” he began to hobble off back the way he came.

“Count on it. I do not plan to leave for two weeks,” she said after him. When she was assured he’d manage to the distance back to his abode, she began peacefully walking once again. Enjoying the silent night, and letting all the memories that came with this place flood back into her head. She wondered whether her friends from childhood still lingered here, or had moved on…

[Eadfearth]

"Hyah!" Two horses, galloped into the small town. Two men, both very similar in posture, facial appearance, and size rode atop the horses. " Well little brother, it looks like you are still quite the hunter." The two men chuckled. " It is not my fault, that the man stood in the way. Luckily, for him it was merely a flesh wound." Both of them, which it now became obvious that they were brothers nearly exploded into laughter. The one who had implied he was the older spoke again. " Eadfearth." He stopped to chuckle for a bit. "It is good to see you have not allowed King Ship, get to your head." "No, Theron but maybe I should. Yes I have not ran from my guards since being announced King but that one time to many. For a King, some would see it as immature and unacceptable."

Theron, Eadfearth's oldest brother who happened to be dead smack in the middle of the five male siblings shook his head. "I suppose, But who will find out?" Eadfearth shrugged his shoulders, ignoring the question. Before the young King could speak, his older brother interrupted him. " Go ahead, I will wait for the guards." Eadfearth laughed. "You do not give orders to the King." "No, I give orders to my younger brother." Eadfearth grumbled to himself, turning his horse away from him. This was his mother's home village. For much of their childhood, they had spent their time here. It was one of the most stable areas of Germania. Eadfearth's father wanted his family to be safe while he united Germania. His brother Theron, due to the stability of the area he chose to govern the area and thus lived here. Eadfearth was simply visiting his brother, whom he had not seen in nearly a year.

Nightshade, was the only horse trotting along the streets at the time. Many memories came back to him at once, perhaps to fast, As he swore he had seen a ghost of a child hood friend walking in his direction. Quickly though, Common sense returned to him. It was obviously not a ghost, and it could not of been her, seeing she had left Germania a long time ago. Eadfearth thought so himself, as he forcefully broke his gaze as he passed her.

[Narne]

Narne carefully kept to one side of the road. It was night hours, and not many travellers wore the road like they did during the day. However, it was always better to stay out, just in case. The damsel hummed a gentle tune as she slowly made her way up the street. Her entire focus on nothing alone, instead took in the land that she had so long missed. Narne was not a settler, she’d never settle. However, she did have places she would stay in longer then others. She heard the familiar clip clop of a shod horse, and the jingle of the riding gear coming from up ahead. Her eyes diverted, yet her gentle humming did not cease. She was a fair singer, and she was proud of her voice, it would not be hidden to some passing traveller.

The twilight had barely any light, so she could not distinguish the traveller. There was no voice or movement that distinguished the rider either, therefore Narne simply concerned herself with a mere thought that it was just another traveller along the road. As the horse and rider edged closer to her, Narne’s eyes made out the build. It was not a woman’s but a man. A single man and horse travelling in the light.

A smile of politeness edged at the corners of her mouth, however she would barely bet that the other traveller would notice, for similar reasons to those she was unable to distinguish who the rider was. Yet, the closer the rider came, and just as he passed her, she could not help but put two and two together. Yes, it had been some time since she had seen her friend of old, yet she still remembered his stance and posture when she had last seen him. The posture of the rider, seemed to match Narne’s friend, however she was unsure whether it was, or was likely to be a relative of his. She had watched his gaze come towards her, but had never met the travellers eye.

As they passed one another, without a single word or gesture Narne forced herself to turn her attention back to the horse and rider. The horse seemed familiar, however that could just be because she passed by so many horses, “Pardon me Sir,” she said after him. Herself turning where she had stopped to watch him, “You would not know a man by the name of Eadfearth would you?”

Narne had been gone for sometime, and she had not yet discovered that Eadfearth had taken King’s position on the Throne. Due to her constant travels, she was always and mostly never up to date with what passed through the realms she enjoyed visiting the most. Her curious nature had taken her astray on many travels, and still her inquisitive nature questioned. She was not embarrassed by her ways, for they were hers and hers alone.

[Eadfearth]

(Child hood as in a Kids, or more along the teenage lines?)

Eadfearth's horse came to a quick halt by the woman. He smiled in response to her. The King Stared dumbfounded as he compared her to his old childhood friend Narne. She shared the same blond hair and blue eyes, but most Celtics did. Especially those from Germania. Once again breaking his stare, he listened quietly looking downward. The fact she did not know Eadfearth's status implied she was a traveler. Which only only supported his thought.

"Eadfearth?" He smirked. "Of course I do, We all do. Eadfearth was named King not two years ago." Eadfearth replied, this would be rather entertaining. "Personally, I know him extremely well, Better than anybody else." He bit his tongue, that could of possibly given it away.

"You aren't from around here are you?" The King asked. He was tired from playing games, the thought bothered him. Was she Narne? He had not seen her in nearly a decade. "I am..." He paused, taking a quick glimpse at her sword. He was afraid, but it could prove to be dangerous if she knew he was king. To hell without. I can protect myself. The thought quickly passed through his mind. "I am Eadfearth. And who may you be?" He asked almost accusingly.

[Narne]

(I’d say both… she travels a lot… so it could be that they both met while they were in childhood, and their friendship still lasted even though they barely saw one another?)

Narne watched the horse come to a halt, it didn’t seem to be pleased that it was stopped in its tracks. However, she delayed herself to say anything, or pay complete attention to the horse and not the rider. She listened attentively to what the other traveller spoke. There was a tone to his voice that she recognised, and what was that? A hint of sarcasm even if it was light. She raised her an eyebrow at the fact that her long time friend had now become a ruler, King in fact. However, the traveller went on, stating that he knew the King quite personally. That made her think a little bit. It couldn’t be, could it?

Her blue eyes danced towards the character as he once again began speaking. She shook her head, when he asked her whether she was from around here. Likely, she had two answers to that. In a way she was from around here, however had not been present in this place for quite some time now. She caught the shine of the riders eyes aim towards her sword. It was a beautiful sword, it had saved her life many a time.

A smile protruded across her face, when the rider declared that he was Eadfearth. From the moment he had announced that he knew the King rather personally, she thought as much. However, she was never the bold one to inquire, she had learnt that many times inquiring could lead to some trouble.

“So, my friend of old has become quite a royal,” she smirked, “I do not doubt you have suspicions on whom I may be. However, it is dark and we can barely see the features of one another. I am Narne, and you my friend, are a friend that I not seen for some years, if the name you stated is the one truly given to your character.”

She did not hesitate towards stating her name. Her name wasn’t such a big secret, and it wasn’t to symbolical either. She did not take much notice of his accusation, she dared to reckon that being a King called on such behaviour. If this man was truly Eadfearth, her sword would not be feared, and her name would be recognized. If this character was not he, he would simply take leave of her.

[Eadfearth]

The horse shook its mane wildly and flared her nostrils. She did not like these random stops of his. Infact she would prefer, if she had the choice to continuously move forever. "There girl." He said soothingly quiet as he patted her on the neck, while Narne spoke. He had mixed emotions, Eadfearth was happy to see his friend again. But some of him, said to be angry. She had left on a rather short notice, in awkward times for the son of a lord.

There was about a five second delay, in Eadfearth's reaction. He simply sat on his horse quietly. Luckily Narne, received the better side of him." Where have you been?" The King asked, as he moved his hands back. Reacting to Eadfearth as he pulled the horse's reins, Nightshade took a few steps back and then moved forward with rather quickly. It allowed him to reach down, grab Narne by the waist and pull her atop of the horse with momentum. It had been rather random, but she had always been rather coordinated. Hopefully she would react quickly ."Then let me bring you somewhere with light."

[Narne]

Narne watched the horse whom seemed rather annoyed. Narne pitied all animals who were not given the right to their own freedom. Here were men constantly saying they fought for freedom, when they enslaved helpless animals. The horse was a pretty thing, even the dark could not hide its attractive step. Narne watched the horse step backwards, before once again she returned her gaze to Eadfearth. It had been quite some time since they had seen one another, and even in the dark she could see he had become a comely fellow.

She found a delay in his reaction, she did not doubt it would happen. She had guessed there might be some anger, because she had left on some rather short notice. Yet, when time called to her to move on, she moved on. She hated being stricken to one place, and she would not allow herself, who was free and able to do what she willed, be stuck in one place when there was a whole world to see.

“I have been here and there,” she said, bringing her hands to her hips. Inquisitive people. Suddenly as the horse lunged forward, she felt his hands reach for her waist and pull her upon the horse. She reacted, and let her flexibility aid him in pulling her up. In a moment she was up on the back of the horse. Usually she would have made an objection towards being placed onto a helpless animal. However, she decided that perhaps right now was not the time to voice her opinions.

“Alright,” she smiled patiently, “Take me to where there is light and perhaps you can tell me how it was that you became King, and I was not informed.”

[Eadfearth]

"Hold on." Eadfearth requested. Nightshade quickly, broke into a run. Not yet a gallop. His horse was obviously energetic. She was never cooped up in a stable for more than a day, and had constantly been able to take the option of escaping. But she had not, which meant a lot to the king. The horse quickly made its way to the edge of the town, at the time Eadfearth did not talk. It would be pointless, they would not hear each other.

Nightshade came to a halt by a large house. The largest in the town. He had lived in it as a child, but he had moved out to live in the Capital of Germania. He had spent much his childhood both here and there. This house now belonged to his older brother. The candles and torches inside were lit, the light reached them through the window. "You were not informed, because it would of been impossible to find you." He pointed out, helping her get off the horse first before dismounting himself. Eadfearth quickly looked down, and stole a glance. They had both grown, When Narne had suddenly she was becoming a woman. Eadfearth was still in his teens at the time.

"Well... let me tell you my story. As you know, my father had united most of the tribes of Germania. When times were uneasy, While he was conquering the rest of the tribes and settling revolts. My brothers and I lived here with our mother. The tribes of Germania became one, and everything seemed to settle down. Around this time you left." He pointed out. " My father grew old and it was time for him to choose a heir. My four brothers and I are all within six years of age .It was a difficult time, We had to show our worth." He referred to we as him and his brothers. "All of us wanted the throne, and we feared each other. We had to make an argument for ourselves, to why we deserved the throne and what not. Ultimately, he chose me the youngest. I technically was the first heir to the throne, and therefore there was no tradition in picking the oldest son. But despite that there was controversy, none of it though from my brothers." He chuckled lightly. "Its not much of a story, but tell me about yourself?"

[Narne]

Narne held on, like he requested. She may dislike riding, yet it never meant that she had not ridden. She had ridden, and even though she had not been upon a horse for years it all came back to her. The fluent movements, the gentle and swift gait. Both her and Eadfearth remained quiet as they travelled, the sheer noise of the wind sailing past their ears, the night birds as well as the clattering hooves were enough to take away any whisper a human voice made or attempted to echo.

Finally, they reached a town and came to a rather large building. The lights were on inside, the brilliant hue of warmth and light shinning out the windowpanes. When he told her, of why she was not informed she simply nodded. It was truthful, she would have been particularly hard to find, for her travels had taken her quite astray. She slowly got herself off the horse, with Eadfearth’s aid, and waited for him to dismount with a casual smile.

She listened to his story. She could not recall him being from a royal family, but many years had passed since she had been here. It could have easily been stolen by the slow decay of time. It was good to hear that he and his brothers retained the same kinship even despite the hard battle for the Throne that would have sliced any other family in half, and had them at each other’s throats. Narne positioned herself, leaning against the house not minding who’s house it was, as she watched him recount that last few years. It felt like she had been away for a lifetime, and from just hearing his words it almost made her homesick in a way. This place was more her home then anywhere else, even if she was constantly walking the roads.

She smiled, when he chuckled and then asked her for her story. She looked out at the night sky for a moment, before returning her eyes to him. If it wasn’t for the sheer inquisitiveness, she may never have guessed that this fellow before her was her most treasured friend. Since the days they had seen one another last, they had both changed quite a bit. So, there may be some reluctance and shyness towards one another. They had a lot of catching up to do, “Well, my story is still being written,” she smirked, “Any how, I shall tell you what I have so far,” she took a deep breath and then began, “I left this place with my mother, a year before she died. As you know, my mother was a highly adventurous being and she had a constant need to travel. We left in a hurry… well I guess I don’t know why we left in such a hurry. Just one day she told me to pack my stuff and then we were on the road. I never really had a chance to say goodbye, to anyone. She was in such a rush. A year later, from that exact day she past away, some sort of fever got to her. It was incurable. So, I was on my own. I guess she knew she was dieing, and didn’t want to die here,” Narne shrugged. She didn’t show much emotion when she spoke of her mother’s death. It’d been a few years now, so it was probably likely she’d gotten over the worst of it.

“…so that is why we left in such a hurry. Anyways, since that day I have been walking paths I’ve never seen before, learnt things I suppose not many would expect me to have learnt and travelling, letting my feet take me wherever they wish. Yesterday, I was on a path in no man’s land and marauders were on my trail. Today I am here. Tomorrow, who knows where I will be,” she laughed calmly.

[Eadfearth]

(Gah bit of a writer's block.)
Eadfearth stood a couple of feet across from Narne, along side his horse. He patted her muscular neck lightly as he listened quietly. "Her death must of been hard on you." At the moment, he really did not know what to say. Narne's whole random appearance at the least was slightly awkward for him. He was not acting as himself. " Hopefully, your travels have taught you to not be as arrogant." He said jokingly with a grin.

"How many marauders were there?" It never became apparent to him that he was asking so many questions. It was his nature, he had to know all. Though this was rather important, if there were many they could prove to be dangerous to the town. He would have to inform his brother.

"I see you finally have a suitable sword." He changed the topic quickly, he rather not worry about it. Eadfearth stepped aside from his horse, and drew his sword. He pointed it at Narne, Challenging her. "Has your swordsmanship improved though?"

[Narne]

(I hate when I get writers block. Even though it doesn’t seem like I get it often, cause I write too much.. Lol… but I do get it… and it drives me insane)

Narne nodded, and watched him and the horse. He showed compassion towards it, and never left it out. That showed character, proved that person’s character to be worthy of knowing. Narne smiled, realising that perhaps her words about her mother had left him feeling slightly awkward as to what to say, “It was hard, but I suppose she taught me some pretty worthwhile stuff, and I was able to move on. But I daresay I am not as arrogant as the past may have shown me to be,” she smiled.

The marauders. Ha! Those silly people. Really did not know what they had coming until they challenged her. This is part of the reason her sword skills had became quite efficient, “Well, there had been two and then the numbers rose by three more. So, there were 5. All they were after was coin, once they discovered I had none, but rather a sword they were gone,” she laughed. It was true. Not many these days had really expected a woman to travel alone, and especially in company of a sword, particularly one who knew how to wield it.

She watched his eyes advert to her sword, that hung in its sheath by her waist. It was a proud sword, one she had no fear of carrying around. She watched him withdraw his sword and point it at her. A challenge. She smiled, and reached for hers. She loved challenges, especially when she could prove herself worthy of wielding one. As the sword became open to the elements of the world, and the limp light of moonlight hit the sparkling silver of the blade, she smiled. Yet, did not indulge herself in the beauty of it, for her opponent may strike at any given time.

Instead she moved her eyes to match his sword. She could deem it was suitable, but still she preferred her blade over it, “I would not worry about my swordsmanship, I’d worry about yours,” she smirked playfully. Placing her sword in a defensive position, “I would not wish your pride and status be over turned by a mere pheasant and a stick,” she laughed.

[Eadfearth]

( Yeah, I know what you mean. But when i do get it, it last for quite a bit.)

"Hmm, well sometimes they move in large groups." He responded with a grin. Too large for one single person, in this case they didn't seem to be a threat to anyone. If he wished, he could single handedly deal with them.

Everybody seemed to prefer their own sword. It was by nature. But Eadfearth's sword, was made perfectly for him. The hilt was large enough for one of his hands. The blade itself was rather long, it was needed to match the size of its wielder in proportion. The king was by no means small, in fact he was easily one of the biggest men in Germania. But in some cases, like a duel it proved to be a disadvantage.

"You're lucky, I won't be using my full strength." He replied with a smirk. By no means, was Narne weak. If he recalled correctly, she was rather strong, but Eadfearth was maybe too strong. Narne at least had speed on her side. Naturally, Eadfearth took his fighting position with a mocking smirk on his face. It was a playful duel, so he would simply attempt to pin her down. Maybe disarm her, so he had decided to take the more finesse approach not strength.

Eadfearth faked studying her stance. He had already done that. Instead he suddenly attacked, hoping to, but most likely not catch her off guard. The King swung his sword down ward, near the woman's shoulder blade. In mid-air his sword gleamed brilliantly. Eadfearth threw in a little kick at her feet, hoping to knock her off them. In some cases this would be considered cheap, but it was a simple duel. With no means other than being a challenge.

[Narne]

(Maybe you need inspiration… read a book or watch a movie that you enjoy and put some of the character’s qualities into your character…. That way it’ll give you a bit more to write about… instead of constantly focusing on your character work on the surroundings…. That helps me a bit when I can’t think of what else to write…)

Narne looked at his sword, with some fascination. Some folk believed that swords were like dogs and could only be wielded by their master. If anything Narne knew what was put into swords to make them into what they were, and how the sword smith matched it to the wielder. For example, a man of a heavy build would need a lighter sword so that all his strength did not focus on holding the sword up. Instead, it gave him the advantage of being able to strike with his ultimate force and not tire as easily and quickly.

Just watching the way Eadfearth balanced his sword, brought to mind past experiences of duelling against him, “Don’t hold back,” she said steadily. The fact that he was willingly to hold back his strength because he was duelling against her, was a tad bit annoying. Just because she was a woman, didn’t mean she could not put up with the strength of a man. She watched his eyes. Eyes always triggered the movement.

There was a passage she had learnt once. It had something to do with “Learn your opponents motives, secrets and passions. Once you have them all you have no need to guess their next move..” In this situation, Narne knew Eadfearth. Well, not as well as she used to. Yet, one never truly changed their way of fighting, if anything their tactics still remained the same.

However, instead of knowing that Eadfearth was going to attack. She guessed what he would attempt, and in this case he would attempt to distract her with the sword coming towards her shoulder, from his kick that would toss her balance out of place. Luckily, in the past few years she had accumulated her sense of balance. She watched his sword come towards her, and for a moment it seemed as though she would not block herself from this movement. In what appeared a delayed reaction, her sword swiftly changed hands and blocked his sword that came down upon her shoulder.

From the corner of her eye, a flicker of movement in the direction of his leg came her way, moments after their swords had reverberated together. Her instincts and basic reflexes told her to jump. But jumping would simply push her into his sword, and give him the upper most strength over her. Instead she put her foot out, attempting to tangle it around his quick kick, and hopefully dislodge his balance. Her sword flicking from where it held its defence to taking the governing position above her opponents sword, and pushing it more towards him, so she could move her shoulder from his target zone.

In the mean time, she kept a steady rate of breathing. One must know how to control their breathing during battle and running. If your breathing failed, it could mean your life. She also made sure, she did not use all her strength in deflecting his every attack. That would just weaken her. With every attack he made, she’d defend herself, but she’d also return with her own attack.

“Don’t you dare hold back,” she said in a playful jest

[Eadfearth]

" Don't hold back?" It was a rhetorical question. Their two sword met in mid air, they were currently in a grid lock. "But I'm afraid of killing you." He teased back with a devilish grin. In fact, he did not hold back because Narne was a woman. Men were no exception, he feared hurting his opponents in a playful duel. His strength in the past, had constantly been compared to a bear. Of course it was an exaggeration, but it at least said something about his toughness. That and it fed his ego, one that became satisfied with the fact, he had to hold back when fighting.

He was then caught by surprise, when she began to fight off his leg with hers. So she had learned something. He thought in his mind proudly. She had mostly likely taught herself not to jump, but there came satisfaction knowing he had been in some cases her first teacher.

Eadfearth's sword was currently interlocked with Narne's. He took advantage of this moment, to swipe Narne's foot away from his with his hand. Yes, it did disrupt his footing, and gave his opponent the benefit of the doubt, but it allowed him to stop Narne from tangling her foot around his leg. At the end, he found that the woman's sword had gain leverage on his, and that he was almost kneeling down. So attempting to kick her back fired, he thought in his head. Eadfearth let out a smirk after the thought. He began to push back, using a greater deal of his force. It would fatigue him quicker, but he had a lot of stamina. Hunting game with his brother on foot for days, while having to avoid bandits, highwaymen, and outlaws all contributed it to that.

Eadfearth continued to push forward. He waited patiently, for her to apply pressure. Once she did, he would roll away from her to the left, hoping to lunger her forward. Part of him thought, she would try the same, and that part got the better half of him. Eadfearth all of the sudden, stopped pushing his sword forward and rolled to the left all in one moment. In motion, he stumbled onto his two feet. His momentum caused him to fall back more steps than intended. But the large man quickly reacquired his balance and charged forward. If the move had caught Narne out of position, he would attempt to pin her down and declare himself winner. If not, he would thrust his sword forward, and then flick his wrist up wards hoping to disarm her.

[Narne]

Narne laughed, his tease was quite humorous, “Ha! You can’t kill me and you know it.”

The very first time that Narne had ever held a sword was in Eadfearth’s company. He was the one that had taught her much of what she knew now. He was the one that had given her the basics to excel on. In which case, she had. She had outshined her past performances, and even taught men in far away places. Whom, she had to admit with no true notion towards herself were majestic warriors. Yet, her skills had now broadened and she no longer, simply used a sword. She used all aspects of weapons, anything she could get her hands on. A stick or a rock even. Brutal, but a good method of defence.

Narne felt his hand swipe her foot away. It pushed her position to the limits, to where she almost fell, because there was not much balance. She had almost accomplished, seeing Eadfearth close to his knees. However due to her position being rocked, she was unstable, therefore she used the weight of the swords that were locked together to keep her standing. Unfortunately, this proved to be not the best decision she had made, and he immediately took advantage of that. He pushed the blade forward, which helped her regain her balance slightly, until he suddenly moved it away. That was something she had not planned to happen. A slight gasp of frustration whispered.

Her balance was now thrown way overboard. She saw herself falling forward, and her opponent stumbling back a few paces from the quick leap he took to regain his stand. She took benefit of that, and flipped herself over. It was a tricky manoeuvre she had mastered on a rock wall. Having a sword in one hand made it harder, therefore she had to do it quite quickly with one hand. In a battle it would not prove that affective. Yet, she designed her flip to be quick, so she was on her feet the moment he had started charging.

This is where levels came in. As quickly as he charged, she knew there would be a powerful force behind it, and that he would ultimately try to have her yield. She was in no shape or form wanting to loose. She’d gone too far, learnt to much to simply not have a good and long duel, that ended with a draw and two breathless opponents. She really did not have much time to think, for the moment she regained her balance from the flip, his charge was but one step away. She dropped.

Dropped to the ground like a stick, only placing her leg out sharply that it might trip him over. The hand without her sword reached to her side, silently gathering a smaller dagger. It was possible, he’d be able to stop himself from tripping, and he would ultimately be the winner. He’d have her pinned to the ground with his sword in a matter of moments. Yet, Narne had a trick up her sleeve for this type of situation. One she would not recommend for a life and death situation. If she was lucky, he’d trip and she’d be able to pounce and launch a fleet attack.