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[h1][color=lightgoldenrodyellow][b][u]Lessons[/u][/b][/color][/h1]
[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gK1N6KlRjr8&ab_channel=Solitaris-Topic](Mood Music)[/url]
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Auriel walked down the city's concourse. She looked up at the old monastery where she was raised by her mother. The golden sun rested between the two prominent stone towers as if it was a holy gateway to another world. Knowing about the heroes and their summoning... Perhaps the sun very well was a gateway. But even if she wanted to find out, she couldn't with the state of her wings. As she walked, Auriel spread her wings out, some kids cheering and clapping their approval at the display. Auriel looked sidelong as the kids as their parents tried to corral them along. She smiled at them and gave a gentle wave, then focused her attention back to her wings. They spread out further than they normally did, but she could still feel that familiar pain in the joints of her wings. The breaks from the heavy chains were taking a long time to heal, and Auriel worried that the longer she went without flying, the harder it would be for her muscles to relearn the skill. Still, the fact that she was able to spread her wings out further than usual was a clear sign of progress, and that warmed her heart. One day, hopefully soon, she could soar through the skies again.

She reached the monastery and pushed her way through the two great oaken doors. Beyond was the courtyard where a variety of activities were being held. Near the fountain in the center of the courtyard, there was a class being held by a monk as he taught letters to a group of orphan children. Auriel knew that the monk teaching the lesson always preferred to do his classes outside whenever possible. He believed that the fresh air and sunlight motivated and opened up the mind to learning. Auriel's golden hues traced left, spotting some of the older monks and nuns of the monastery having a gathering and relaxing in the shade. Their attention was drawn afar to the opposite end of the courtyard, which made Auriel follow their gaze to see what they were watching. She blinked when she spotted a lone woman in some old but well maintained armor. She had a sword in her a hand, a saber to be precise. She appeared to be going through some motions and stances with the saber. They were skilled, and the woman was clearly a veteran with the blade.

Auriel made her way over to her, [color=lightgoldenrodyellow][b]"Mother? I never thought I'd say the day that you'd wear your old armor!"[/b][/color]

Mirin Asher turned her eyes over to Auriel, and her expression made her appear so youthful. [color=white][i]"Auriel! Ohh my baby girl! I wasn't expecting you!"[/i][/color] she immediately stopped her practicing and tugged Auriel in for a firm embrace. 

Auriel hugged her mother back and looked back at her afterward, [color=lightgoldenrodyellow][b]"The king wanted an audience with the heroes, so I was left with some time on my own. I figured... given how close we are to the First Wave... That I'd come by and see how you and the monastery are doing. Do you need anything? Has the throne promised any soldiers to the defense of the monastery?"[/b][/color]

Mirin smiled at first, then scoffed a bit after Auriel's follow-up question. [color=white][i]"My dear, if the monastery was given any priority, I wouldn't be here in my armor working off years of rust!"[/i][/color]

Auriel frowned at that, [color=lightgoldenrodyellow][b]"I... I can talk to the king, or the arch-bishop to get the monastery some prot-"[/b][/color]

[color=white][i]"Ohh don't worry yourself, sweetie! I used to be quite the swordsman back in my golden days. Ask some of the older folks in this monastery, most of them would challenge that I might have been able to best even you in a duel~"[/i][/color] she gently elbowed Auriel, which made her blush a bit and look off to the side.

[color=lightgoldenrodyellow][b]"I'm... Not that great a warrior..."[/b][/color] the angel said bashfully.

Mirin gasped, [color=white][i]"Nonsense! Auriel! You are the Holy Warrior! You trained since before you even knew your letters! You've done battle with demons and monsters and returned with your head held high! You are the first of your lineage in hundreds of years to fulfill your duty as a guardian and defender of the Heroes of Legend! Don't sell yourself so low, daughter-mine! You might very well be one of the most talented warriors in all the land, and everything you are known for is known because YOU made it happen!"[/i][/color]

Auriel looked around the courtyard nervously as her mother spoke out loud. She was feeling rather embarrassed by her mother's motivational speech, though it seemed that some of the others in the courtyard who had overheard Mirin were nodding their agreement. She only blushed more. Then she was elbowed lightly again as her mother leaned in with a mischievous grin, [color=white][i]"But I could probably still take you on~"[/i][/color]

Auriel let out a defeated laugh, [color=lightgoldenrodyellow][b]"Now, now, mother. Save your energy for the waves, please!"[/b][/color]

Mirin chuckled some more before walking over to a rack loaded with wooden training swords. She grabbed two of them, and tossed one to Auriel. She caught it and blinked, [color=lightgoldenrodyellow][b]"I'm not good with swords."[/b][/color]

Mirin nodded, [color=white][i]"Oh I know. I remember when you were a little girl constantly fawning over the Spear of Archiel. You were so fixated on being able to hold it one day that you would rather spar with a broomstick before even laying hands on the training swords. BUT!"[/i][/color] she raised a pointed finger, [color=white][i]"Your spear wont always be the most ideal weapon in certain places, a sword would be a good sidearm. And besides, I'm sure at least on young hero in your party would gladly appreciate a sparring partner who could teach him a thing or two on the road. Now- use both hands on that sword, and adopt a ready stance."[/i][/color]

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[center][h2][color=lightgoldenrodyellow][b][u]40 Minutes Later...[/u][/b][/color][/h2][/center]

Auriel lay on the cobblestone floor of the courtyard. She was sore all over, sweating, and heaving. She had dropped the wooden sword next to her. Her mother stood over her, the tip of the wooden sword pointed right at Auriel. The two had attracted quite the audience, and some were even passing silver coins between each other every time Auriel ended up on the ground or disarmed! [color=lightgoldenrodyellow][b]"I don't... Get it... Haah... How are you so fast?!"[/b][/color]

Mirin drew her sword back and offered a hand to pull her daughter to her feet, [color=white][i]"Your father was a famous adventurer, he taught me a thing or two during our travels before we settled down."[/i][/color]

Auriel took her mother's hand and got up. [color=lightgoldenrodyellow][b]"Aah... Haa... Alright... I'm convinced that- whew... The monastery is in good hands for the Wave."[/b][/color]

There was a myriad of laughter around them. [color=white][i]"You focus on saving the world and keeping the heroes safe. Then when you're done, this monastery will still be standing, ready to welcome you back with open arms. But in the meantime... Get that sword ready, I'm coming at you!"[/i][/color]

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