On his way out, Fer’s recognizance eyes did not fail to notice the innocent looking young girl in red hair that moved past him towards his Sword counter part.  Even that childish visage was not enough to fully hide the power that was hidden under that childish face.  It did not escape his notice that Rin seemed to be at the very least acquainted with them as she did not oppose their cleaning of Cole.  Perhaps it was more than knowing each other.  

Fer only offers the Bow Hero a grunt in derision at her attempt to bait him.  It was in his benefit, in the whole world’s benefit that Matsunaga be able to live up to that claim.  After all, none of those summoned would be able to go back to their old lives unless the waves were stopped.  Regardless of what he wanted, the young shield hero could not bring himself to wish her ill.  A foul taste began to register in his mouth as he walked but he decided spitting in the floor again was much too crude. 

Rin was not entirely wrong.  She was meant to be a better hunter than he.  Being one who had used a bow and arrow in his previous life, Fer knew that if somebody with enough aptitude was able to wield such a simple looking weapon, it would be quite deadly.  Add magic in to the mix and the long range lethality of the Bow could be compounded. 

Magic.  There in lay the possibility of making him if not more offensive at least a better defensive or support asset.  The way that the song had made him sluggish and disoriented made him wonder if such spells could be acquired by anyone.  There must be a reason why each of the candidates were chosen to wield their specific legendary weapons.  Fer did not know why he had been selected to wear the Shield.  Perhaps it was his natural predisposition to protect.  Or perhaps it was his desire to preserve life.  

Whatever the case, he was stuck with the Shield so he should do the best he could.  The green light in his bracer gem gleamed as if in objection.  [color=0054a6]“I did not mean that you are a burden or less than those other weapons.  But you have to admit, you have been keeping many secrets from me.  I need to learn how to use you best.”[/color]  He sighed deeply.  It was a good thing that Rivia and Auriel were melee type fighters. 

Speaking of fighters , that Edusa girl had introduced herself as one to Cole.  Both seemed to share the same last name as the boy king.  Fer’s eyes narrowed.  He was sure that opportune group assignment was not all chance.  From what he had heard, Melromarc was a matriarchy first and foremost.  Were the sisters somehow trying to make a move for the throne or in some way undermine their male relative?  Fer sighed again.  Politics were a pain in the ass.  It was probably better if he just concentrated on getting stronger to defeat the waves and go home.  The politics of his homeland were a bit less complicated. 

However, it worried him that Cole was so easily entangled by their smiles.  Was it because they were cute little girls?  Was his blonde companion thinking with his groin rather than with the one on his shoulders?  No, the Sword hero could not be that simple and shallow could he?  Fer shrugged to himself as his armored boots kept him moving forward.  That was all he could do. Move forward and do his best.  Cole would do what he would but the Shield hero had promised he would follow and protect him.  That would be enough for now. 

By this time, the soft steps of the wolf girl caught up to him in one of the long corridors of the castle that led out.  Her confused voice snapped him out of his musings.  His eyes went wide in surprise as it took him a second to recognize who was talking to him when he turned after his sleeve was pulled. [color=0054a6] “Oh….Rivia..”[/color] He said surprised.  Shit, he had forgotten about her and Auriel in his irritation.  He looked back towards the great hall.  Should he go back and talk to Auriel?  No, it was probably best somebody keep and eye on Cole and the Malromarc girls.  Hearing the wolf girl’s question his face contorted. 

His right hand scratched the side of his head. [color=0054a6] “Ah, how to explain.”[/color]  The young shield wondered.  It was plainly obvious that the wolf girl may not grasp the finer points of politics.  He was having trouble following it all himself.  He motioned Rivia to walk with him with his head. [color=0054a6] “We the Heroes are supposed to protect the world from the waves I am sure you know.  The problem is that we are not of this world and so start off really weak.  We just managed to barely bring down a bandit queen named Rayla Winters.  That is why the king had thrown that celebration.”[/color]

Fer stared ahead as if re telling the story to him more than answering Rivia’s question.  He continued in an absent voice. [color=0054a6] “Apparently, the Bow hero thought we should be practicing and getting stronger rather than going to parties.  I cant say she is wrong.  I have been having that same thought.  The problem is I don’t know much about how to make my Shield stronger and we don’t have that much time left.  So I decided to try and study some magic and learn more about how my Shield works.”[/color]

He turned his brown eyes to her again.  It was strange that such a cute looking wolf girl even existed but that was also a very capable fighter. He offered her a kind smile with some apologetic hints written in there.   [color=0054a6]“You know, I did promise you a spar and after having endured my dancing I think you more than earned it. Would you like to help me get stronger?”[/color]  The Shield sounded sincere.  He looked in the direction of a passing guard. [color=0054a6] “But not here, I don’t like the idea of having the Bow hero or any of her underlings barging in.”[/color]  He also did not like the idea of the king or those two girls keeping tabs on them.  [color=0054a6]“I know of a place you can come if you want.”[/color]  He offered not wanting to assume that Rivia would follow him blindly. 

If she accepted, the place he would take her was the very same place that he and Cole had first learned to battle the orange balloon monsters.  It was out of the way but not secluded enough that any whisperings of the Shield conducting any clandestine operations could be started.  As he approached the exit gates he could not help but look back towards the castle.  Its fancy façade hid many secrets and probably dark ones at that.  He hoped that Cole would be ok.  Not safety wise but more mentally.  The blonde guy was probably home sick and the honey like smiles of those two sisters were sure to draw him in.  Another sigh escaped the Shield’s lips as his booted feet moved him forward.