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A fire crackled in its fireplace nearby, providing a warm orange glow to the overstuffed red couch. A taller man ran his fingers through his own dark hair with one hand, slamming shut a book with his other hand. His eyes were piercing, calculating, not entirely present for a moment. It would not be uncharacteristic to say he was examining the future, trying to predict it. The man's armor creaked as he stood up and set a small book on a side table, making a clear motion to leave.

A young voice broke the otherwise calm moment. [color=fc2129]"Why can't you stay? Why can't I come with you?"[/color]

The figure stopped, letting loose an expectant sigh, and turned back. [i][b]"I am clearing a path for you to follow. It's not safe for you yet."[/b][/i]

The child was indignant, sitting up straight on the couch to confront the man. [color=fc2129]"My… Lady Lothwren says I was born under a powerful star, and that the stars chose me to be a hero."[/color]

The man shook his head slightly, taking a few steps towards the child before kneeling down to get to eye level. [i][b]"You may possess the gifts of the heroes of old, but no one, not the stars nor the Spirit of Arbert Grayle himself, can choose who you are. If you want to be a hero, you need to choose that path."[/b][/i]

[color=fc2129]"I want to be a hero."[/color] The boy looked into the man’s eyes, smiling softly. [color=fc2129]“Like you.”[/color]

The man gave a pained sigh, nodding as he stood back up and fetched a small wooden sword mounted atop the fireplace's mantle. He held it outstretched to the boy, motioning towards a large open space in the parlor. [i][b]"Then show me your cuts. Let's see where you need to improve."[/b][/i][hr]
[i][color=fc2129]Why think of that now?[/color][/i]

Nathaniel turned his gaze towards his fellow nobles and gave a short bow. [color=fc2129]"I hope to see you both at the entrance ceremony."[/color]

Nathaniel moved methodically towards his assigned fighting arena. His eyes scanned towards some of the other contestants he was impressed with. Cyrus Locke was off speaking to a few other skilled commoners, wiping the sweat from his brow. The two locked eyes for a moment, and Cyrus’ sly grin told Nathaniel all he needed to know: Cyrus would only be rooting for him to have a chance to beat him down later. Nate’s eyes turned towards Zenshin Ferros and Donathon, who each made respectable showings. His eyes narrowed as he got into his starting position in the training grounds. He had begun to recognize the name of his opponent. Julian Baker was the least impressive of the commoners to make it this far. Cheap and brutal tricks were the name of Baker’s game, with not a sign of competent swordsmanship in sight.

Nathaniel shifted the grip on his hand and a half training sword, making a few quick practice cuts through the air. The weight was awful on these weapons, but that was somewhat expected. He could compensate for the difference.

After all, he wasn’t about to lose to a common thug.

[i]Right?[/i]