Fer felt a rise of annoyance that bordered on irritation at the comments he heard around them regarding the young woman.  He unconsciously stepped between the voices and the pair talking as if to shield them.  He even glanced in the direction he heard some of the comments and issued the first person he locked eyes with a glare.  Hearing Cole’s comment regarding being a group of friends, the young hero nodded and smiled trying to add his two cents to make the young lady feel welcomed. 

When the king dismissed those gathered,  Fer positioned himself on the opposite side of the wolf girl so that she had one hero on each side.  The young shield could not help but stifle a giggle as more than few prim and puffed up ladies tried to approach Cole.  It reminded him of the way the pretty girl in the town had to turn away eager suitors at the town’s carnival celebration.  He silently applauded Cole’s presence of mind to find a corner.  Again, he positioned himself between the pair and the masses.  He hoped that his presence alone would deter any would be interruption.  He aimed to use the apparent apprehension some people had to his advantage. 

With his back to the ballroom and guest, Fer stood with his arms crossed and a slight smile on his face.  He was fascinated how her ears seemed to react to the ambient sounds.  Being so close to a demi human, the shield hero could not help but take in the details.  The fur looked as it should but it seemed to merge and disappear into the almost fur like hair.  The energetic tail made Fer want to touch it but he knew that would be extremely rude.  Perhaps as much as grabbing somebody’s ass cheeks.  

Fer let Cole lead off the conversation.  After all, he was the defacto leader.  The young shield hoped that Auriel was indeed here.  It would make the party that much more enjoyable.  There was something about looking at her wings that brought him peace.  He hoped that nothing had changed between them after the capture of Rayla.  When Rivia began to speak, Fer listened attentively. 

The smile on the young hero’s face widened at the pantomimes of the wolf girl.  It seemed that Rivia was so native that it was challenging to communicate.  Fer did not mind.  Living in a mountain town, he often dealt with natives that still held to the old ways.  This actually made him more interested in the young woman.  Being raised in the harsh wilderness no doubt had made her a very efficient and capable person.  After all, only the strong survived in nature. 

His appraisal was rewarded with the surprising attack the wolf girl made.  Fer was not the only one who was surprised.  Cries of shock rose from those near the ice sculpture.  Thankfully, nobody really knew where the projectile had come from.  A look of approval crossed the young hero’s face.  He could not suppress a chuckle when the wolf girl suggested sparring and the scolding her father had given her regarding rough play. 

Unlike Cole, Fer was glad that they had another melee fighter.  It somehow made him feel better that there would be an offensive upgrade.  It still sat heavy on his heart that he could not be more useful.  However, he could not deny the  logical assessment of his companion regarding the benefits of ranged attack.  If he had his bow, he would definitely bring his assets to bear.  Not knowing much about magic, he could not lean in any direction regarding its use.  The young hero could also agree with the fact that their party should welcome only those that have a good reason not just fame seekers or mercenaries that are only as loyal as your pockets are deep. 

Fer smiled at Cole’s handling of the situation.  In a short time he had welcomed the newcomer and at the same time set the expectations.  If the wolf girl was joining their cause for the wrong reasons, there would be a slight disconnect that eventually they would come to see.  At the same time, he had shown her in return that as heroes, they were also down to earth and would not expect to be served rather to be teammates and friends. 

The young shield hero almost choked when his blonde haired companion invited the wolf girl to dance.  To clear his throat he coughed a couple times.  [i][color=0054a6]“Damn, very smooth Cole.”[/color][/i]  Fer thought.  His friend had managed to turn his introduction into a sort of assessment.  A person of true intentions would see nothing wrong with sharing a dance.  Also, a dance was a personal space situation.  One could read much from a person’s eyes and body language. 

It got Fer wondering if Auriel had been here….would he have had the same courage?  Would his feathered companion even accept?  What if she would rather dance with Cole?  After all, out of the two, the blonde haired lad was the most Heroe-y.  Looking at the sword hero, his eyes ascertained what he had just thought.  The lad was definitely a good fit for a knight in shining armor.  He was kind, brave, and good looking.  Just the perfect symbol to hoist and parade around.  But also because of his pure heart, Cole was in danger of being used.  Fer felt it his job to ensure that his friend was not reduced to a tool.

He was brought out of his musings by the obvious playful jab at him regarding dancing.  His eyes refocused and the shield hero chuckled.  [color=0054a6]“I fear Cole has me pegged completely.  Allow me to introduce myself Miss Rivia. I am Ferdando Gutierrez, you can call me Fer if you would like.”[/color]  He bowed his head slightly in the direction of the wolf girl  [color=0054a6]“I have the honor of being the bearer of the Shield.”[/color]  He lifted up his hand to show her the green jeweled bracer.  His voice was half sarcastic half serious.  [color=0054a6]“I know it does not look much like now but it does its job.  I am thankful for your desire to help us in our quest.  The more the merrier. I can see you are a great warrior. I look forward to also sparring with you.”[/color]  He offered her a slight smile. 

[color=0054a6]“As Cole already said, there is one more companion.  I am sure Auriel will be thrilled to know she is not the only female in our group and will have more than two guys as companions.  I would offer to be your partner for another dance but like Cole said, there is a danger you may be swept away by my prowess.[/color]”  He joked.  Though he doubted he knew how to dance any of this world’s dances.  His tanned face and dark hair a stark comparison to Coles fair skin and blonde hair.