The arguing pair are interrupted

Becky opened her mouth to respond, but a sudden change in Liv's expression caused her to hesitate, then suddenly to throw herself forward into the brush at the base of the tree. It was a reaction, a movement on instinct, and a moment later, Becky realized exactly what Liv had been worried about.

"I hope you're reaaady!" Emmaline yelled as she came dashing into the clearing at a break neck pace. Behind her, dozens of Gnolls bounded after her. They were fast, far faster than most humans, especially as they bent over, collapsing into an animalistic gallop in their haste to capture their prey. If it hadn't been for the brief, well timed little explosions of flame Emmaline released from her every step to propel herself forward, they doubtlessly would have caught her in an instant.

Becky immediately recognized she would have absolutely no chance of outrunning them, so she did what she did best. Becky tugged the hood of her coat up over her head, and slunk down into the tall grasses and vines, letting the great knotted tree's shadow cast over her as she blended herself in to nothing.

Bang!

The first shot rang out, immediately felling one of the Gnolls as Emmaline ran past the tree, leaving a series of small, growing fires in her wake. If the rest of the Gnolls noticed, though, they certainly didn't show it. The whole mass of them kept bounding forward, eyes intent on Emmaline's body--their reward for such a dedicated hunt.

"Damn... there's... too... many," Liv hissed. She pulled herself back into the tree, back straight against it's trunk and rifle held against her chest as if it were just another branch. She was certain that, if they did notice her, the Gnolls could scale the tree in an instant, and in such close quarters against so many foes... Liv would rather suck up her dignity and pretend to be a leafy bushel than join Fuu in her humiliating fate.

Emmaline ran past the tree and whirled around, ready to execute the next stage of the plan, only to realize that her super necessary and important covering fire simply wasn't happening. The whole swarm of Gnolls were still bearing down on her, and just one more dead wasn't exactly about to turn the tide in her favor.

"Um... Liv?" Emmaline called out. She danced to the side, sending out a quick gout of flame from her hands to help propel herself out of the way as a pair of Gnolls tried to tackle her. Emmaline took one last glance up at the tree to see Liv standing there perfectly still and silent. It was clear the sniper had no plan to help.

"A-alright, then!" Emmaline yelled quickly stepping backwards out of the reach of a swiping Gnoll paw. "I'll-I'll meet you back at the other clearing! Where we set up camp before!"

With that, she whirled around, drawing her hands together and sending a sizable blast of flame into the ground behind her. The closest couple of Gnolls reared back to dodge the licking flames, and by the time they recovered, Emmaline had sprung off once again, dashing into the forest proper once more.

"Let me give them the slip first, though!"