Lorne doesn't bother rolling up his sleeves. As soon as Tuo hits the snow, he's moving. If layers are going to limit his mobility and numbers aren't in his favor, then what he's got is the advantage of time and soberness.

He cracks the first soldier across the jaw, sending him towards the second one, hoping to at least shove the second off balance if not off his feet. His gloves help lessen the impact of the strike on his hand but it's still jarring.

As much fun as it might be to see how those two look in black and blue, Lorne is primarily focused on keeping Tuo safe. The soldier that smacked him is only going to be distracted for so long and he's not going to waste that. Lorne launches himself toward that soldier, tucks his shoulders down, and tackles him straight into the hard-packed, frozen ground. Not even the layer of snow will prevent Lorne from using his own mass to knocking the wind out of him.

"I'd suggest you stay down, friend," Lorne growls at the soldier he's pinned, who is satisfyingly gasping for breath. Quickly he gets to his feet and positions himself between Tuo and the remaining soldiers, fists raised at the ready. "You might want to think about running, if you can," he tells the skald.