[Steve]

The Legionnaire's left hand slid down the weapon's length, until it was just between his throat and the wooden haft. Thus he managed to allow for adequate breathing.

The Gnome continued pressing against Cyrus' neck and sword arm. Maintaining an open windpipe was foremost in the mind of the human and he was succeeding.
When the Gnome realized what Cyrus was trying to do with his sword, in a jerking motion she pushed upward with the spear haft against the lower jaw intending to distract her opponent. That done, she lifted her body with a jerk, thus putting much of her weight on the spear haft, causing it to slide back down against his throat. The pressure was greater than before and despite Cyrus' efforts to push the haft, his airway was blocked. The Legionnaire was sputtering for breath but was fully able to fight.

As the Gnome rose, she lifted the spear and swung it at Cyrus' blade. Though the sword was deflected, the Gnome's hip was pierced superficially.

The Gnome backed off to get to get away from Cyrus' blade and assume a defensive posture of sorts.

One of the little Gnomes yelled, " Come on Mom. Quit playing around and finish him." The other Gnomes resumed the chant, "Go, Mom Go"!