The young shield hero regarded the clapping people around him with hint of embarrassment.  It had not been his aim to be the center of attention but he had been a fool to think that none would pay attention to him even if he was not Cole.  After all, there would be those who would delight in documenting and witnessing any of his faux pass if possible.  Why that was, he could not accurately say but scenes like this reminded him that he was always to be on the alert.  The political world of court was not a game he knew how to play. 

As it was, he was still enjoying spending time other than training with his companions.  Though he could guess that both Auriel and Rivia would much rather spend their time sparring.  Both were warrior women and battle would always be their first love.  The man who  won their hearts would have to brave indeed.  

The young shield hero had to agree with his fellow hero regarding Auriel and her garb.  However, the way she ported herself, there was no doubt that she had at least received some sort of court training.  After all, the church was a very influential presence in the kingdom.  Even in his own world, there were times when priests and deacons were seen as above the law and holding their own law that the local magistrates could not fully challenge. 

Fer had started towards Auriel when the change in music began.  He felt dizzy, as if he had just stood up too fast.  His ears followed the sound of the speaking voice of the herald.  There was no need for introductions.  Somehow, his jewel bracelet gleamed slightly and the shield hero knew he was in the presence of yet another Legendary Hero.  Seeing as he had met, at least briefly, the Spear hero and he travelled with the Sword, this must be the Bow hero.  

A sudden jealousy surged inside the Hispanic male.  If he was the user of the Bow he could apply all the skills he had learned and be much more useful to the party.  Why had this world decided to  give him something he was not trained in?  How had he even been selected for that task?  There were many questions involving his receipt of the Shield.  Questions that would have to be left to latter to be answered. 
The wielder of the bow was anything but subtle or sneak as most users of bows are.  In fact, she was boisterous and bullyish.  Something you would expect of an ax or mace wielder.  More surprises awaited Fer as the Bow shot a sparkling arrow to the chandelier.  His eyes burned with the last image they had beheld before the room exploded in brightness.  Add rashness to the growing lists of faults he was fiding with the newly arrived Hero. 

In reaction, the bracer that housed his shield in his arm glowed and a burst of light later found Fer sporting a regular looking Heather shield.  Even blinking his eyes, the young hero could do very little other that guess what was happening as he heard shouts around him between Matsunaga and Cole.  Where they fighting?  He tried moving towards the sound of Cole’s shouting.  At least he could offer his shield as protection.  

His body moved slowly, as if walking in water.  However, thanks to his shield given enhancement, he was much faster than possibly even the others in his company.  Still, the feeling of being weaker alarmed him.  His resiliency was one of the few things he brought to the party.  By this time, his eyes were at least able to see blurry.  In time to see Cole go down on one knee.  The sound his companion emitted alarmed the shield hero.  He rushed as fast as he could to get in front of his companion and shield him 

[color=0054a6]“Cole! Are you alright?  What the hell is going on?”[/color]  His own concerned questions were drowned out by Matsunaga’s foul mouth.  Through teary eyes he saw the two struggling figures.  Was she punching him?   What the hell was her problem?  What had Cole ever done to her?  In a few more steps he would be upon them.  

Using his shield as a battering ram, Fer used all his power to crash into Matsunaga.  He hoped his momentum would send the Bow hero flying.  Hopefully Rivia and Auriel had not been as foolish as he and watched the arrow fly but he had been mesmerized by the shining arc it had made.  His first priority was to protect Cole and then to subdue this rampaging bitch.