[center][h3][color=8493ca]Hector Wyland[/color][/h3][/center]
[hr][@PaulHaynek],[@Polaris North]

It was a bit of an awkward ride back after the group received a vague explanation as to who the heavily armed brigands were, and...Hector was having trouble accepting Ruecian's congratulations. Hector had barely hung on by the skin of his teeth, and was left with a busted nose and a bruised ego for his troubles. Einer got off worse, with a bullet through his shoulder. Plain and simple...Shavis was the only one to really hold up to the Tower's reputation, save for Ruecian who was so far above Hector that it didn't bare mentioning in his mind.

Einer's music soothed the nerves of those present, and Hector would close his eye. Peace, but won not through his own strength. The group would be back at the tower in due time, with Hector shuffling out of the carriage and bowing respectfully to Irma as she bid farewell. ...Some small part of him didn't just resent the fact he failed, but...the fact that such a lovely lady had to stain her hands with blood to save his life. Hector knew she was strong, and yet...it was more from a burgeoning affection that formed this shame. 

As Ruecian declared that it was time for them to get some rest, Hector would clench his left hand, looking down at his boots. He couldn't undo his failures, but he could ensure that they'd never happen again. His gun had been fine-tuned, but the finger pulling the trigger remained as dull as ever. So he'd need to hone himself. [color=8493ca][b]"Ruecian. I have a favor to ask of you,"[/b][/color] The marksman spoke, meeting Ruecian's eyes with his own. [color=8493ca][b]"I'm ignorant to how Magi improve themselves. If it weren't for Lady Irma's timely intervention, me and Einer would be far worse off. As such...please. Train me."[/b][/color]

It was quite the thing for a man who scoffed at magic early in his life to plead like this...the second, bitter taste that Hector had tasted. The first time was his instructor in Thaumaturgy, whom he pleaded to teach him how to destroy apparitions. Galdr...flowed somehow from that. And now, Hector thought that perhaps, a new teacher could lead him to greater heights. He'd never manage it on his own, late bloomer that he was. Herne would pop free of Hector's sleeve, slithering up his arm and wrapping one coil around his shoulder for support, before hissing once. ...That...might also be him asking to be trained, though training an ephemeral snake is a tall order.

[color=8493ca][b]"Oh and Shavis, he does fantastic work. A might bit expensive, but well worth it,"[/b][/color] Hector said, wondering just how dangerous the Belua woman would become with an upgraded arsenal.