Fer felt under dressed compared to Cole but his upbringing helped.  The humble clothes that were repaired over and over until they either did not fit or were much to tattered to be of any use were common to him.  During his time as a guerilla fighter, he had often had to repurpose the clothes of those who had died not hours before in order to remain clothed.  More than once his shirt or pants sported holes that had been the demise of the item’s previous owners. 

The shield hero heard his companion speak regarding the upcoming events.  A nod was given back as response to the question.  [color=0054a6]“Cole, I have do doubt that the king needs to be a sharp individual.   As I am sure I have said before, we are one of the many tools in his box that helps keep the wolves away and inspire his allies.  Even dressing you up like that is a good show of force.”[/color]

The young hero had no doubt that the king or somebody from his advisors, had planned for the success or failure of the heroes.  While Fer was no stranger to the manipulations of men in power, he hated that his companion had to experience some form of it.  The shield hoped with all his heart that the king did not just view the two of them, or actually the four of them, as disposable assets. Cole deserved better than that. 

[color=0054a6]“My friend, people will like you because you are a good person.  You are sincere and upright.  The people need that, especially now.”[/color]  The young hero offered his friend a smile. [color=0054a6] “They dressed you up like that to cement your image as a hero in the hearts of the people.  That image will be used to inspire and rally.  You will be the example to follow in the dark times.”[/color]  Fer took a slow deep breath in.  He hoped that Cole would not be used as an inspirational martyr. 

The next statement resulted in a questioning look.  It would not be strange to attract more followers, especially after a victory.  But what would that mean for their team dynamic.  Speaking of team, where was their feathered friend?  Fer decided to ask Cole which seemed to be more informed than him. 

[color=0054a6]“Cole, have you seen Auriel?  Will she not be joining us?”[/color]  He looked around.  The young hero hoped he had not driven a wedge between him and their angelic companion.  The purity in Auriel’s heart might have been troubled by Fer’s sadly pragmatic approach to life and death.  The young Hero knew that mercy and honor were not always the best ways to win a battle. 

[color=0054a6]“You say we may have new companions?  I wonder if they are volunteers or have been ordered by higher authority?”[/color] The trio had already been spied on enough by those damned shadows.  The young hero did not want to have to worry about spies in their own team. 

[color=0054a6]“Yeah, more people would help.  It would help you and Auriel at least more than I can. I still need to find out more about this shield Cole.  If you can, using your new found direct connection to the king, could you ask if there is someone who can help us unlock our true potential faster?”[/color]

[color=f26522]"Speaking of Rayla...she's in the dungeon right now. Hope the King doesn't expect me to kill her myself."[/color]

Fer hissed at this.  He wanted to believe that this would not be the case, but what better way to showcase a heroe’s obedience to the throne than to have them perform a state mandated execution.  [color=0054a6]“I hope that too, Cole.  I would say I would do it in your stead but…”[/color]  He pointed to his jeweled bracer which seemed to glow as if in reaction to the jive.  

[color=0054a6]“You know, for what its worth, I think you did a great job.  We got the bad guy.  You prevented her death so she could be tried by a lawful court.  The mission was a success.  You do deserve props.”[/color]  Fer smiled as he patted Cole on the expensive looking clothes.  [color=0054a6]“Oh maybe I should not have done that. Hope I did not stain your regal dress Sir Cole the Magnificent!” [/color] He teased his companion hoping to help the young sword be at ease.