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Were Auberon a man of less than peerless decorum, Kellen might've gotten a laugh out of him there. Not in mockery - the expression of concern and offer to the rest of the House were both noble sentiments - but from the sheer absurdity of [i]Kellen[/i] of all people saying it. The thought of his housemate on shaky legs with a sword - no, worse; a bow that couldn't hit the side of a barn - brandished against an advancing kidnapper that had thus far bested even the Knights of Seiros was hardly the image of a protector one would want accompanying them on a midnight stroll. And yet, he'd still offered of his own volition. That kid made no sense sometimes.

And so Auberon stared in incredulity, as if peering a hole through Kellen's head would offer a clue as to where that selfless bravery was hidden all the time. He seemed more frightened of an unexpected knock than an outright attack, yet allegedly couldn't even bring himself to lift a sword again because of some hellbound raiders.

[color=ffd700]"You're a good person, Kellen,"[/color] He finally blurted out, for lack of any other encouraging words, [color=ffd700]"Even if I don't understand you at all."[/color] The blond patted his housemate on the back while he turned his attention to Derec. Right. He'd have to do something about Lienna too, whether she wanted him to butt in or not. He had the strangest notion that she leaned more heavily toward the 'not'. If Auberon offered to keep her safe, she'll call him a patronizing blowhard; if he reassured her she could handle herself and not to worry, she'd spit some more nonsense about the Goddess not liking her. Honestly, what [i]did[/i] these peasant churches teach at mass every week? Fortunately, the Goddess saw fit to provide him a convenient escape before anyone talked him into another argument with the countess-to-be.

Tea with the archbishop promised to be an enlightening experience, though with so much going on, it was a surprise that Auberon was still allowed the honor. Then again, would the Goddess deny Her humble servants enlightenment in such trying times? 

[color=ffd700]"I think that's my cue to depart. If anyone has further concerns, no matter how trivial they may seem, I'll be available later. Please seek me out."[/color] Auberon bowed his head toward the rest of the Lions before he slipped out of the pew and into the aisle. With a regretful pause, he gave one last look to Derec and Kellen. Just couldn't leave a job unfinished, could he? [color=ffd700]"If you want to try checking on her, I'd appreciate it, but I doubt she'll talk to any of us. She's -"[/color] Needlessly difficult? Then again, so was Kellen, [color=ffd700]"- [i]headstrong[/i] like that."[/color]

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