Whoami

Rise of the Shield Hero - From Another World

Appraisals

(Mood Music)

“It may take me a bit to act like you don’t have those pretty wings on your back but thank you for making me feel easy.” The shield hero said, which made Auriel smile a bit at the compliment of her wings. She looked over her shoulder to the wings and stretched them out until she felt a familiar pang of discomfort from the ruined bones within. There was a slight wince on her face.

"Thank you, though being pretty is really all they're good for." there was a hint of sadness in her voice, but she tried masking that statement with a chuckle in order to make it seem like more of a joke.

When Fer was handed the bag of gold, she was about to go with him to advise him on getting equipment. But Cole told her to go with him instead, an order she ultimately followed. "We'll see each other again soon. And don't worry about getting lost, Melromarc is an easy city to navigate! Just as anybody to point you to the causeway. You can find your way to anywhere from there." Auriel waved to him as she headed off with the sword hero.

She heard Cole say that he'd like to get a second opinion of her. It was a fair assumption, it isn't like anybody had told him of what she had done before their summoning. The only other hero that knew of her reputation was Flin. Auriel thought that perhaps that information should probably be brought to the light sooner rather than later if he was going to have to trust in her abilities and experience. "I don't mean to be boisterous, Cole, but before you arrived, I was defending Melromarc against our enemy. Not against any waves, but... Considerable threats, nonetheless. I can assure you I that I know our foe well- rather, well enough to stand by your side and not at your back."

They traveled through the city again, thankfully at a much later hour than when she and Flin had marched through it. There were less people on the streets, which meant less bodyguarding had to be done to afford the sword hero some personal space. Still, the folk of the evening were still eager to greet the Sword Hero. Some had greeted Auriel as well, to whom she happily returned the gesture. She heard a familiar voice call her name, a child from the orphanage who was with a young adult couple. Auriel turned to the voice and saw him excitedly running up to Auriel. On his way over to her, he tripped and scraped his knee on the cobblestone path. Auriel looked back to Cole, "One moment please!"

Auriel briskly moved over to the child and knelt by his side, using a hand to help him on his feet. She dusted off his shorts and straightened his tunic, "You need to be more careful, William! It's getting dark and you can really hurt yourself if you're not watching where you're going."

Auriel studied the scrapes on his knees and hands. She smiled gently at him and placed a hand on one knee. Her hands began to glow dimly, as well as the injury. Auriel held her hand over the scrape for a few seconds before moving to the next injury. The scrape was gone! She gave the other scrapes the same treatment. It wasn't long before the kid was happy again, and he hugged Auriel tightly. She gave him a soft embrace in return and looked down the street to the couple watching the tender moment. Auriel places her hands on his shoulders, "Are they your parents?" she said hopefully.

The boy nodded cheerfully, "Mhm! I'm headed to my new home with them now!"

Auriel gasped and smiled bright, "Ah wow, William! That's so fantastic to hear!" she then smirked, "Now don't go giving them a hard time, okay? That especially means no swinging your wooden spear around inside. You know how much trouble you got in from the sisters in the Orphanage."

William was one of the many children who looked up to Auriel's martial skill with wonder. It was no surprise that he would try to emulate her skill with a spear eventually. Auriel wouldn't say it out loud, to keep the orphanage caretakers happy, but William showed great promise with a polearm. The boy laughed and nodded to Auriel, "I wont! I'll be sure to practice in front of the house every morning like you did!"

Auriel smirked at that, "You'll need to eat your vegetables too if you're going to have that sort of energy in the morning." She winked. Auriel knew that, like many children, convincing him to eat greens was going to be difficult.

The boy made a grossed out face, which only confirmed her suspicions. "Great warriors must make sacrifices at the dinner table, William! Words to live by!"

Auriel stood back up and looked at the Sword Hero. William's new parents came to collect their son. The boy followed her gaze to the Sword Hero and looked at him with wonder, "You're so lucky you get to travel with him! He's so cool! It's settled! When I grow up, I'm going to be a Holy Warrior too!"

Auriel didn't have the heart to tell him that it wasn't a thing somebody could just become. She was picked at birth, just like her predecessors before her. And many Holy Warriors had gone through their entire lifetime waiting to fulfill their duty with the Cardinal Heroes, only to wither into old age. She was just lucky, unfortunately, that the waves were upon them, and the heroes were needed during her tenor has the Holy Warrior. She didn't want to crush his dreams and aspirations. He could most certainly train to be an esteemed knight, and the world would be a better place for it. That was Auriel's belief, and she had confidence in his potential.

Auriel smiled at William, then to his parents, "Take good care of him! He likes reading books on heroic knights, by the way!" They waved to her, and she waved back before heading off with Cole.

Regardless if her previous point about her capability had made a difference or not, the man Cole wanted another opinion from was at the place that Cole had intended on going to originally. So he was going to get that second opinion anyways. Auriel had heard of Marcino, and he had no doubt heard about her and her exploits. So it was a little rough for Auriel to be called a rookie by him. The reasoned in her head that it was because she had been out of action for so long, that she hadn't been able to prove that her capabilities were still the same since before she fell in battle. That made her wonder, how had Melromarc's forces, or even the townspeople, fared against the violent incursions while she was recovering? Had people lost confidence in her, and looked to her as some sort of rookie as Marcino did? The people knew Auriel wasn't dead, she had been visited my many, and the people of Melromarc celebrated when they heard the Holy Warrior was to once again take to the battlefield alongside the heroes. But she couldn't help but feel a little forgotten since she was defeated, like her magnificence had left her once she was proven to be fallible. That couldn't have been the case, people were just as happy to see her as the sword hero in the street, and the spear hero before that! It was just her anxieties flaring up again that she might not be good enough. Auriel had to tell herself again that that wasn't true. She would be fine in service of the heroes.

Auriel blinked when the man offered to pay for their drinks. She sat town at the table. Of all the places she had frequented in Melromarc, this was her first time in a tavern after hours. The company was different, and the atmosphere was far more chaotic than before. She felt as out of place as she looked. Then there was the keg. She blushed a bit and waved her hand dismissively, "O- oh. I don't drink." Then again, she had never tried it either.

That sobriety comment had attracted the gaze of a few eavesdroppers, who appeared to be judging her. Maybe some of them had lost some relatability to the Holy Warrior when a battle seasoned warrior refused a drink. Auriel puffed up her chest and eyes the keg again, "Maybe I'll have just one drink then."

By the time Fernando had arrived to the tavern, Auriel was half way through her second drink (how scandalous!) and she was visibly tipsy. She couldn't really figure out what it was that was causing her floaty feeling. She spotted Fernando and waved to him, though she overswung her hand a bit and she nearly flung herself off of her seat. "Whoop! Sorry! That never happens, I swear!" she said to patrons occupying the next table over. They raised a brow at her.

Auriel turned her attention back to Fernando, looking over her newly acquired equipment. "It's a good fit, Fernando! Now you look the part of a valiant hero!" she paused, "Oh and one of the benefits to your legendary weapons is that they strengthen your mind and body! As we continue further in our quest, you will find yourself elevated past the abilities of a normal person!"

Auriel sipped the beer, coddling the cup with two hands like a child just learning to drink for itself. A blush had permanently found its way on her cheeks. It was seem she is an exceptional lightweight.

Rise of the Shield Hero - From Another World

Couple more hours and I'll have something for you both!

Rise of the Shield Hero - From Another World

I'm healthy! I just didn't get much, if any, sleep last night. Nothing bad or anything, just a restless night.

Rise of the Shield Hero - From Another World

I'm planning to post tomorrow. I'm insanely tired today and don't have the energy to write up a post. So expect one for sure tomorrow!

Rise of the Shield Hero - From Another World

And There Were Three

(Mood Music)

Auriel was pulled aside by Flin and told that he had changed his mind, that he would do this on his own. She wondered if he had overheard her conversation with her mother the night before, and maybe felt responsible for her having to leave her comfortable life with people who cared for her behind, all for a stranger. Auriel was regretfully accepting of his decision. She wanted to follow him, to be a sort of guardian from a distance even if he didn't want her to be. But she stayed behind. Her eyes shifted back to the two remaining heroes in the throne room. Her duty was to all of the cardinal heroes, not just the Spear Hero. If it was his wish to do this on his own, then she would have to support it, and carry out her duties with a hero, or heroes in this case, that did want her assistance. She took a deep breath and made her way to rejoin Cole and Fernando.

Auriel nodded to Cole's question if she was ready for the upcoming trials. She nodded. "I have fought against the dark creatures before. I can assure you that you will be ready by the time the first wave comes. Both of you." Auriel smiled at the two of them despite still feeling the pain of the Spear Hero's departure. Past anxieties began to return, the same ones she felt just before the heroes were summoned. But then the words of her mother returned to her head, and she clung to them to ground herself.

Auriel looked to Fernando and noted his careful choice of words regarding her words. "You don't need to filter yourselves around me." Auriel said, not specifically to the Shield Hero, "As I've said before, my purpose is to protect you, to fight by your side, and to serve you when needed. We all need to learn to be comfortable around one another if we are going to succeed."

Auriel heard Cole's suggestion to stop by the store and pick up some gear. She nodded to him when he asked if she had a weapon. Auriel pointed to the weapon racks by the door to the throne room. Her spear stood out among the swords and halberds. The weapon was made of a strong bronze and had ornate details made of gold. The tip of the spear was more of a short blade, and it practically gleamed in the light of the throne room. "The Lance of Archiel, a holy weapon wielded by my predecessors. The church has ensured I have all the equipment necessary to serve you both. So we should ensure first and foremost that you two are ready."

The Code of the Holy Warrior was strict, and it forbade her from commanding the Cardinal Heroes. She was a subordinate, and nothing but. However, the Code said nothing about offering advice and making critical suggestions. A fact that Auriel, and many Holy Warriors before her, were all too happy to take advantage of. "We should have just enough time to train ourselves well enough for the first wave. When we make camp, I suggest we spar one another so you two can build a deeper understanding of the legendary weapons you wield."

Rise of the Shield Hero - From Another World

I'll put something up tonight!

Rise of the Shield Hero - From Another World

Alright well I'm not sure how we can keep doing this I can Try but I'd need another ass pull.

@vancexentan

We can just do a retcon and have others join to replace the heroes. No regrouping at the castle, and just continuing like things leading up to the present point haven't changed?

Rise of the Shield Hero - From Another World

Want to apologize for getting side tracked today don't have any excuses for my lack of a post. I assume you guys want to do a combat scenario?

@vancexentan

I'm just happy we're persisting after all these dropouts. I'm cool with whichever happens! I find I'm really enjoying writing Auriel than I initially thought. :D

Rise of the Shield Hero - From Another World

@Jensoman Fixed!

Rise of the Shield Hero - From Another World

Pride

(Mood Music)

Auriel sat with her mother at the table and watched as Spear Hero ate the food that the two of them cooked together. Auriel looked pensive at best, worried that her cooking might not match up to her mother's. But he ate it nonetheless, which boosted Auriels' confidence to cook for him in the future. After he went to sleep, Auriel remained with her mother for a bit longer. "I like him." Auriel's mother said.

Auriel blinked, "Did you think you wouldn't?" she tilted her head.

Her mother chuckled and looked back at Auriel, "I was worried a hero would be summoned that you would be unable to get along with. It seems that worry was unfounded, and I'm glad. You two seem like you'll do very well for yourselves on the road ahead."

Auriel's mother was busy preparing a batch of pastries for the orphanage in the monastery, so her gaze never really landed on Auriel all too much. Auriel moved to help her mother clean the table to lay the ingredients out. "I wanted to talk to you about that, by the way... The road ahead."

Before Auriel could continue, her mother spoke, "You'll be leaving home soon, and I wont be able to see my darling girl every morning practicing with her spear and playing with the children."

Auriel heard that and balled her hands into weak fists, she nodded. Her mother placed a gentle hand over Auriel's, "Dear... Ever since you were chosen as the Holy Warrior, I knew a day like this would come eventually. I've had plenty of time to come to terms with this moment."

Auriel looked at her mother who seemed as calm as ever, "What if... I don't come back?"

The sweet expression on her mother's face became more somber. She continued what she was doing with the her ingredients to find some resolve. "You know... I always asked myself that same question whenever you went off to do battle with those horrible monsters. Yet you continued to come back with your head held high."

Auriel's wings twitched a bit, "Not every time..."

Her mother looked back to her again and frowned, "I suppose not... But things are different now, Auriel. That battle hardened you. You were at a low point, and you managed to climb out from it to reclaim your former glory. Now look at you. My darling daughter is so strong and mature now. With the Spear Hero by your side, Auriel, I know you will never return to that low point. You may not think highly of yourself since you fell in battle that day. But I'm your mother, I will always have confidence in you, and trust that you will come back some day to play with the children and train the next Holy Warrior." Her mother chuckled and continued, "And care for me when I'm old. Oh what a time that will be."

Her mother was caught by surprise when she was suddenly hugged for dear life by Auriel, the angel's face buried in her mother's shoulder. There was silence for some time, with only the occasional muffled sniffle against the mother's shoulder. "Thank you, mom..."

Auriel's mother stroked a hand down Auriel's golden hair, "Don't thank me, sweetie. I should be the one thanking you for having the courage to march against the World's End with the heroes of legend. People like you are who gives the world hope. And it gives me unfathomable amounts of pride."

__________

Auriel was awake early, as always, and she was training in the courtyard of the monastery like she had done when she was a child. Training her was like a form of meditation for her. It was soothing, and Auriel had reached a point where she felt a day would never be right unless she went through her morning routine. Some of the older priests and sisters of the monastery sat back and watched Auriel every morning, cheering her on whenever she put on a good show, and constructively criticizing her whenever she made a mistake. It was the same thing every morning. But it helped her learn even when she thought she had learned it all. There was always somebody better. This morning routine was what really helped her recover from the depression that loomed over her after her injuries. Now, her focus had shifted from being a way to hone her own skills, to coming up with a method to train the Spear Hero.

There was always some orphans that rose from their slumbers early every morning to watch from the monastery windows in awe. Auriel remembered catching some of the children trying to mirror her routines with brooms and straight sticks. It brought warmth to her heart knowing that she was influencing children, especially the orphans who needed a role model. She knew they'd absolutely love the fresh pastries her mother was pulling from her stone oven that morning. She tasted the raspberry filled pastries, and even asked if she could slip a few into her pack for the journey. She got three, enough for each member of their fledgling party.

Auriel finished her routine in just enough time to hear Flin calling out for her. Auriel looked to the elders and bowed, to which they bowed back and watched as she ran off. Auriel ran right to Flin and joined him as they began to leave. She was sure the shaman wasn't far behind. Before even leaving the monastery, they were met with some of the king's men. They were being summoned back to the throne room.

When they arrived, Auriel saw a new figure standing before the king. He wore the shield of a cardinal hero. That didn't make sense though. The shield hero was much older last she saw him. Then she heard what the king had to say. Was such a thing even possible? A false hero being summoned? Auriel tried rapping her head around that, but the fact of the matter was that this was the situation now whether she wanted to believe it or not. She kept quiet, knowing it wasn't her place to speak out of turn in the presence of the king and the cardinal heroes. Auriel simply remained by Flin's side, her curious eyes flicking back to the shield hero every so often to continue to rationalize the events that had transpired with the false shield. When he introduced himself to Flin, Auriel made herself known as well. "And I am Auriel Asher, please don't be afraid to approach me should we cross paths in the future. It is my sacred duty to assist you heroes in your quest."