[center][color=#ADD8E6][h2]Reina Lockwood[/h2][/color][/center]
As the blonde Paladin exited her commander's office, a grin danced across her pink lips, challenging and giddy and thrilled all at once. There was a visible spark in her eyes that could have lit the gloomy skies, and a spring in her step that betrayed her enthusiasm. It was a look that has become infamous in the Therra Enclave, one that meant trouble was brewing. If the other Paladins saw her now, they would undoubtedly turn tail; they'd learned ages ago that it was best to leave the matter of a keyed up Reina within Lyra's responsible hands. There would be less damage that way.

[color=#ADD8E6][b]"So, so, did you hear that, Ryn? Tobi actually complimented me!"[/b][/color] she playfully nudged the older Paladin, but received only silence in response. Sometimes, she wondered how the other Paladin could stand not speaking for so long. Surely, his saliva must get dried up like that! Reina cleared her throat before continuing, lowering her voice in a very poor mimicry of the commander. [color=#ADD8E6][b]"'You have proven your worth,' he said! And here I thought he hated me!"[/b][/color]

Dutiful Ryn saw them out through the long hallway, ignoring Reina's nonsensical chatter as always. She was unfazed, though. His persistent stoicism only served to fuel her determination. Five years she'd been at the Enclave and she hadn't once gotten him to crack a smile. She'd been hard at work at it, and she was sort of disappointed she has to put that goal on temporary hold. It was probably for the best, though. After she and Lyra successfully return with the Purifier and they save the world, Ryn would no longer have a reason to be the stick-in-the-mud that he is!

Reina hummed happily, the promise of adventure making her giddy all over again. The weight of their duty wasn't lost to her—and if it ever comes to the point that it has, she knew Lyra would be there to remind her—but it was hard to quell the restlessness stirring inside her. This was the opportunity she had been waiting for, the surefire way to save the souls of her family. She wasn't entirely certain she believed they would be damned by the gods in the first place, but she felt compelled to do this. For peace of mind, for closure. Whatever the reason may be, she had to see this mission through.

[color=#ADD8E6][b]"Meet you at the front in five,"[/b][/color] Reina called out to Lyra.
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They walked for three nights and two days.

As the castle gates of Hebetude loomed in the horizon, Reina felt a surge of energy course through her body. This was it; they were but a stone's throw away from their savior. She could still remember when she first heard of the rumors, the hushed whispers being spread by the few who dared to hope. A blessed individual gifted with the power to purify the land. It sounded too good to be true, but Reina believed in it immediately.

Reina quirked a brow at their welcoming party, her keen blue eyes expertly assessing their count. A total of five guards flanked the walls, arrows nocked and their aim true, while three more guards and a knight had their blades at the ready. Her fists clenched unconsciously, quelling the lightning surging through each fingertip, and she looked to Lyra to muster some composure. Every fiber of her being urged her to step forward and fight. The guards were afraid, it was only too obvious from their bearing. She would be able to take them out in a heartbeat, and twice as fast with Lyra. But their caginess made the situation quite problematic as well. Fear tended to warp people's judgment, and there was no telling what they would do to a pair of nosy Paladins seeking out their Purifier.

In situations like these, Auran had taught her it was best to appeal to their mercy. It would trick the frightened party into believing they have some power, and in turn, this sense of assurance, no matter how slight, would help make them more rational.

[color=#ADD8E6][b]"Please! We seek shelter!"[/b][/color] Reina meekly approached, staring up at the knight with imploring eyes. She dropped her shoulders, feigning exhaustion and mirroring their fright. [color=#ADD8E6][b]"My sister and I have been travelling all night. Please, we won't last another minute out here."[/b][/color]

Although the guards did not drop their weapons, the wary knight stepped forward. He still didn't seem completely convinced, but judging from the loosened grip around his sword, he was very close to relenting.