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[color=white][h1][b][u]And There Were Three[/u][/b][/h1][/color]
[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4AvOmKp7dY](Mood Music)[/url]
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Auriel was pulled aside by Flin and told that he had changed his mind, that he would do this on his own. She wondered if he had overheard her conversation with her mother the night before, and maybe felt responsible for her having to leave her comfortable life with people who cared for her behind, all for a stranger. Auriel was regretfully accepting of his decision. She wanted to follow him, to be a sort of guardian from a distance even if he didn't want her to be. But she stayed behind. Her eyes shifted back to the two remaining heroes in the throne room. Her duty was to all of the cardinal heroes, not just the Spear Hero. If it was his wish to do this on his own, then she would have to support it, and carry out her duties with a hero, or heroes in this case, that did want her assistance. She took a deep breath and made her way to rejoin Cole and Fernando.

Auriel nodded to Cole's question if she was ready for the upcoming trials. She nodded. [color=lightgoldenrodyellow][b]"I have fought against the dark creatures before. I can assure you that you will be ready by the time the first wave comes. Both of you."[/b][/color] Auriel smiled at the two of them despite still feeling the pain of the Spear Hero's departure. Past anxieties began to return, the same ones she felt just before the heroes were summoned. But then the words of her mother returned to her head, and she clung to them to ground herself.

Auriel looked to Fernando and noted his careful choice of words regarding her words. [color=lightgoldenrodyellow][b]"You don't need to filter yourselves around me."[/b][/color] Auriel said, not specifically to the Shield Hero, [color=lightgoldenrodyellow][b]"As I've said before, my purpose is to protect you, to fight by your side, and to serve you when needed. We all need to learn to be comfortable around one another if we are going to succeed."[/b][/color]

Auriel heard Cole's suggestion to stop by the store and pick up some gear. She nodded to him when he asked if she had a weapon. Auriel pointed to the weapon racks by the door to the throne room. Her spear stood out among the swords and halberds. The weapon was made of a strong bronze and had ornate details made of gold. The tip of the spear was more of a short blade, and it practically gleamed in the light of the throne room. [color=lightgoldenrodyellow][b]"The Lance of Archiel, a holy weapon wielded by my predecessors. The church has ensured I have all the equipment necessary to serve you both. So we should ensure first and foremost that you two are ready."[/b][/color]

The Code of the Holy Warrior was strict, and it forbade her from commanding the Cardinal Heroes. She was a subordinate, and nothing but. However, the Code said nothing about offering advice and making critical suggestions. A fact that Auriel, and many Holy Warriors before her, were all too happy to take advantage of. [color=lightgoldenrodyellow][b]"We should have just enough time to train ourselves well enough for the first wave. When we make camp, I suggest we spar one another so you two can build a deeper understanding of the legendary weapons you wield."[/b][/color]
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