Mariel’s fingers hovered over the latch on the box. She couldn’t remember what day it was that she set her armor ablaze and watched it burn, or thought it burned, but she clearly remembered the feeling of being free of it. No Paladin was complete without their weapon and armor, and abandoning it filled her with such relief that she almost believed she could fly. She was sure the suit was much smaller the last time she saw it, especially in the chest area, but it slipped onto her body with ease. It didn’t have the bulk of traditional armor, but red leather with gold accents that gave her ample room to move. Goosebumps sprung up across her body, her stomach knotted, as if she was seeing an old friend she didn’t realize she missed.

“Why do I feel so strange?” Mariel asked, sensing her god.

“It has waited a long time for you,” Yula said.

He leaned against the small desk in her room, used more for collecting things than for writing. The morning sun hadn’t made it over the trees yet, but Yula glowed enough to compete.

“You talk like it’s alive.”

“It is, in a way. Oarus made it, after all. He quite enjoyed making yours.”

“I don’t like it.”

Yula laughed. “I know you better than that. It should excite you to wear your armor. Oarus built it solely for you, to protect and aid you in battle, but you are missing something.” The minor god pulled out a small container from the box. Inside were two plain gold rings. He handed them to Mariel. “I’m sure you remember what to do with these.”

Mariel slipped one ring on each middle finger and instantly felt the weapon breathe to life. It expanded and flowed over her hands and forearm. Large spikes settled on her knuckles, with panels of armor following it up her arm. It was light and comfortable. She wouldn’t allow the words to leave her lips, but she felt invincible. Like a part of herself had come back to her, a piece she didn’t realize she was missing. Part of her thought the high of it was magic woven into the fabric.

“Well, I guess I’m ready,” Mariel said.

She took a deep breath before walking out. Her parents maintained an unusual amount of enthusiasm when she said would leave for the Capital. Amon agreed to come as well, after Jana’s insistence. For the next three days, everyone but Mariel was busy making preparations, while she only had a small bag to show her excitement about the journey. No one was in the house, but she heard working feet outside. She raised an eyebrow at the sight of Clarence and his parents. Even more perplexing was their family mule hooked up to one of their traveling carts. Everyone was loading supplies onto it.

“Ah, good morning Mariel. Your strength would be beneficial here,” Jana said, setting down a box. The smaller Paladin paused, a smile blooming on her face. “Your armor suits you well.”

“Thanks, I guess,” Mariel responded, looking away, hoping to simmer heat in her face. “Why are we taking so much stuff?”

“It looks like are traveling party is multiplying.”

“Yes! Clarence will join you.” Mrs. Finley nearly screeched. “Isn’t that wonderful?”

When did they get here? If Mariel had noticed them, she would have stayed inside. Her gaze fell to Clarence, who stood on the other side of the mule hooking the animal up to the cart. He avoided her gaze, fidgeting with straps that were already fastened.

“Why is he coming?”

“Well, you see, Clarence has brothers at the Capital, working as soldiers. We had hoped that he might follow in their footsteps, but he’s such a gentle boy. He’s wanted to see them for some time now, but he couldn’t travel alone! Your parents were kind enough to offer him a ride since he would have such wonderful protection,” Mrs. Finley said, looking towards Jana.

“It’ll give you two a chance to make up after the incident the other day,” Gris added, patting his daughter on the back.

“Are you sure you want to leave your child in my hands after he shot me in the leg?” Mariel asked with a smirk.

“I have assured them that their son will return in the same condition he left in,” Jana replied.

“Don’t make promises you can’t keep.”

“Oh, I am quite confident that I can.”

Tension sparked between them. Jana didn’t have her sword and shield in hand. She stood with her chin tilted up, like a tiny little mountain. Yvonne interrupted before Mariel could take Jana up on the challenge.

“Don’t you just look lovely, Mariel.” She ran her hands over a large section of armor on her daughter’s arm, tears welling up in her eyes. ”I thought I would never get to see the day you would put this on.”

“Oh mom, don’t cry. I won’t be gone that long,” Mariel reassured.

Yvonne wiped the forming tears from her eyes. “We’ll see. Until then, take care of each other.”

After more hugs and tears than was necessary, with Clarence and Amon getting the most of them from their mothers, the odd group set off against the rising sun. Major and Lily seemed to be particularly excited about the trip and insisted on walking side by side. Mariel noticed the pair grew close over a course of a few days. She tried to encourage some distance between her and Jana, but Major would have none of it, leaving Mariel with little choice but to focus straight ahead and ignore the smile of the woman beside her.