It was a  bit strange for Fer seeing the usually sweet and composed Auriel be so full of fire.  Their winged companion had always represented divinity to the young man.  Though that was probably because he associated her with a messenger of the  Christian God he and his family had grown up worshiping.  To see her now, a true warrior letting her blade do the talking in filled the young hero with mixed emotions. 

On the one hand, he saw her as a powerful woman and worthy battle mate.  On the other, his perception of her being a single dimensional being changed for the better to encompass other emotions.  This was healthy as it did not cast her in a light that would be hard for her to live up to.  Indeed, it made him smile at his own foolishness.  After all, the holy warrior had given her opinion regarding making the bandit leader answer for her crimes. 

This role of justiciar fitted their winged companion.  After all, someone must carry the executioner’s blade that deals out punishment to evil doers.  Though some small part of Fer would have gladly taken that role if he could so that Auriel did not have to.  However, he was sure that she was not stranger to the horrors of battle.  Indeed, he knew she was probably much more experienced in it.  No doubt she had lost many a companion.

Perhaps it was this notion or perhaps it was just her performing her duty as the team’s healer but the Shield Hero was glad when Auriel cast her magic on their wounded companion.  Fer knew that Cole would be safe and that made his decision to charge Rayla that much more firm.  They needed to end the fight quickly or the bandit leader would get the best of them.  When the same energy that enveloped the Sword also enveloped him, a small smile appeared on the young hero’s face as he nodded his thanks in the direction of their winged companion.  The energy also gave him a rush of strength. 

[color=ed145b] "We move together, give her no opportunity to fight either of us individually!"[/color]

Fer nodded his acknowledgement and compliance as he bolted from the kneeling possiton.  As he charged forward, his shield was before him.  His leg muscles pumped hoping to transfer as much energy into the shield bash as possible.  The impact prodouce an audible smack as the shield met the muscled body of Rayla.  The young hero braced his shield with the other hand too and kept on moving forward. 

Despite his own enhanced strength, the hero had to use all he had to push the bandit leader back.  He felt as if he had run head first into a solid wall.  A wall that was even able to push him back a few inches.  Fer clamped down and attempted to stop his skid backwards as his footing lost purchase on the dirt of the cave.  

Experience showed as Rayla stabbed at the midsection of the hero while he was soley concentrated on pushing her back.  Had it not been for his armor, she would have at the very least cut him.  Feeling a few stabs, the pressure enough to be painful, Fer attempted to move his midsection away from any harm while still pinning the bandit leader down  Thankfully a cry ran out soon enough letting him know Cole was back on the  fight. 

[color=f26522]"Meteor Strike!"[/color]

The magical energy of the strike was powerful enough that even though the Shield Hero was not its target, Fer could still feel the crackling of it as it struck the bandit leader.  He heard a crack and wondered if it had been bone or armor but the young hero did not loosen his pressure.  Suddenly, the pressure was loosend for him as Rayla lost consciousness.  The change sent him forward and almost stepping on the bandit leader.  He side stepped just in time.  His foot kicked her blade away and he stood over her, ready to deliver a downward trust with his shield to the throat if needed be. 

Soon enough, their own mercenary and ex gladiator showed up.  Marcino immediately showed there was not love lost between him and the bleeding bandit leader.  Fer narrowed his eyes and was about to say something when Cole spoke up his disapproval.  The ex gladiator gave explanation for his actions but it still did not sit right with Fer. 

[color=0054a6]“Marcino, all you said was true.  She is a thief and a killer who deserves death for all she has done.  I can not and will not stop you from doing what you just did.  However, I agree with Cole that demeaning even her corpse is not something we would do.  I am not trying to be holier than thou but if we do not hold ourselves to a different standard then what separates us from them?”[/color]  He motioned to the bleeding body of Rayla.  [color=0054a6]“In either case, the fight seems to be over.”[/color]

He turned to Cole after hearing his suggestion.  [color=0054a6]“Honestly Cole, as Marcino said, I think that keeping her alive only to face the executioner’s blade is indeed cruel.  Regardless of what she was, Rayla was also a warrior.  As Auriel pointed out, it was her last wish to die fighting.  Though she may not deserve mercy, I believe she deserves at least this much.” [/color] 

The Shield Hero now turned to Auriel.  [color=0054a6]“I am not sure if you have a spell that can ease her passing but I also want you to know that I do not take this decision lightly.  I believe her death is what is needed to send a message to other bandits that such actions will not be tolerated.  As Heroes, we share the burden to keep peace and punish evil.  I know, I know this sounds all high and good but as I stated, there must be a standard and the sooner we set it and abide by it, the easier our decisions and actions in the future may be.”[/color]

He looked towards Marcino.  [color=0054a6]“Now how exactly does one claim a bounty?  Do we take the whole body or is there a way to prove it without having to lug a dead woman around?” [/color]