User blog:ExdeathsBagel/The Knight's Armor (WWYD by Redknight910)

WWYD by Redknight910: http://monstergirlencyclopedia.wikia.com/wiki/Thread:569645

A roar of laughter assaults my ears, snapping me out of my thoughts. I choose to ignore it however and continue going through my book of detailing combat as a knight. This proved to be a mistake, as a mug was smashed on the page I was reading, getting its contents on the page. The librarian will be pissed.

I looked up, despite knowing who it was, Sam, looking down at me with the same shit eating grin he almost always had around me.

“Squire!” He barked in my face, he was close enough that I could smell the bitter scent of alcohol from his breath “I need you to polish my armor! Get to it and be sure to use that special polish! Especially around the chest!”

This was followed by a roar of laughter from his friends as if he had just said a joke so great that they were becoming hysterical. I couldn’t really blame them, being hammered mid-afternoon probably made anything sound funny.

I wordlessly closed my book and walked up to leave and do his wishes, but as I turned I felt his hand tightly grip my shoulder. “Aren’t you supposed to say something?”

“As you command, Lord Samuel.” I say, trying to hide the snarkiness. I was rather confident I could do so, whether he was plastered or otherwise, as I had been doing so for months now. Regardless, he simply gave me a pat on my shoulder and a light shove to send me off.

I had long since stopped questioning why he wouldn’t polish his own armor, especially if he was so obsessed with using an enchanted polish that was said to bring it to life. That was just one thing on a laundry list of issues I had with Sam.

I was his squire, a knight in training, yet he treated me like a slave. Polish his armor was just one of the things he had me do that was meant for him, as a knight he had plenty of other duties as well but if they weren’t practicing his swordplay he had no problem pushing them on me while he went to the tavern to drink with his friends. And being his squire, it was not my place to refuse.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">These duties were something of a double-edge sword however, they let me get away from him and, if I had anytime left in the day, I had an opportunity to practice my own swordplay. To call it swordplay would be an injustice however, a knight in combat was expected to do far more than just swing their sword, they also needed to know how to grapple, ride and fight on horseback, and so on. Bottom line, knights in combat needed to be just as agile as they needed to be strong.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">That’s where Sam’s armor came in. You see, in the kingdom of Varilleon knights were required to have living armor. This unique form of life was said to be able to bond with their wearer, improving their abilities in combat to make them just as dangerous as the monster or other living armor knights they defended our kingdom from. Sam was supposed to bring his armor to life via a special polish, now in my possession, and once applied, wear it in training. This would somehow, overtime, grant the armor sentience, or so the scholars say.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">But there was a problem: Sam hated the armor he was given. It was a somewhat effeminate set, white silk covered most of the silver armor from the neck almost down to the top of the waist, with the arm pieces and gloves also being covered in this silk. The leg pieces were mostly uncovered, but there was white silk skirt from the bottom of the waist that nearly reached the knees. There wasn’t so much a helmet as there was a white silk veil placed around a silver headband. In short, the thing looked like an armored wedding dress.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">The captain had given it to Sam, the silk design blessed with heavy resistance to magic, a type of combat Sam struggled against. While Sam seemed grateful at first, as soon as the captain was out of sight Sam was quick to comment how it looked like a dress and was quicker still to stow it in his room. He even went as far as to cover it with clothes, claiming it was an embarrassment.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">No, Sam believed he had a much better design in mind. Gather his friends together one evening at the tavern, he showed them a design he sketched up. While they were all impressed I couldn’t help but roll my eyes when I saw it.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">Sam wanted his armor completely black, with large, jutting shoulder spikes, spiky knee guards, a large demon face on the chest plate, and a red cape for good measure. I had to resist calling him Edge-Lord Samuel for a few days after seeing that. A friend was quick to assure him that once his armor would come to life, it could shift into whatever the owner desired it to be, and as such Samuel made me polish his armor every day, and said the instance it came to life, to bring him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">Finally making it to his room, I removed the clothes he had haphazardly placed on his armor and lifted up the silk to apply the polish. No sooner did I do so that I heard a sigh.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Why isn’t he here?” I heard a voice whine.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">I turned to face the doorway, and sure enough it was Sam girlfriend, Cersei, a Centaur. I’m honestly surprised I didn’t hear here coming.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Is there something you need, Cersei?” I ask.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“That’s Lady Cersei to you, squire!” she was quick to snap, Sam’s treatment of me rubbing off on her. “But yes if you must know I was hoping he was here so-” She suddenly turned red.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Is something wrong?” I ask again

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“None of your business squire!” She was quick to walk into the room and go through his laundry before taking a shirt and trotting off and shutting the door behind her, her face as red as a tomato. I didn’t want to know what she intended to do with that, so I quickly resumed my polishing.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">A few minutes later I heard another sigh, and assumed it was Cersei again.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“What is it, Lady Cersei?” I ask, trying to hide the annoyance in my voice. Not getting a response, I turned to the doorway to still see it still shut. I turned to face the armor again, finished with the chest, and I moved to the legs.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">As soon as I touched one, it twitched away. That one minor twitch was enough to send me leaping back on shock nearly to the door. As I looked up, I saw the armor had a woman inside it! No, that wasn’t it, the armor had come to life!

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">The woman had pale skin, almost like that of a ghost, and long brown hair in a braid. She looked at me with a calm expression and a slight blush.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“You.” Her voice was soft, but at the same time seemed to radiate this sense of confidence and strength that rivaled the captain. “You are the one who’s been polishing me these past few weeks, are you not?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">I was too stunned to reply, Sam’s armor had actually came to life! Why? He never used it for more than just a clothes rack! More importantly, why was his armor talking to me?

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Speak, squire. I shan’t hurt you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Y-yes.” I manage to stutter out.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Then I have one thing to ask of you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“What it is?” I ask. I wasn’t sure if I should fulfill her request however. I hated Sam but this was his armor, and maybe if he knew it finally came to life he’d stop pestering me about it so much.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Could you…” While her eyes remained locked onto mine, her blush grew. “Please continue polishing my legs?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Sure.” I say, I figured Sam would want his armor all nice and shiny to be presented for him once he got the news. “But once I’m done, I’m telling Sam you’ve come to life. He’s been waiting for it for a while now.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“No.” She said, despite the calmness in her voice, I could hear tension behind it. “You mustn’t, Samuel is unworthy to wear me.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">I had to force my mouth to remain close from the shock of her statement. Since when do living armors reject their wearers? I’ve heard of the wearers rejecting the armor, but never the other way around.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Why would you reject Sam?” I asked, curious.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Is it not obvious?” She asked, turning to look out the window onto the training ground below. “I have watched Samuel for weeks now, he is a skilled warrior, and with his skills and my magic resistance we could become a powerful team.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“But,” She turned to face me, I could see a hint of disgust on otherwise her stoic face, “That man is a disgrace to what it means to be a knight. Each evening or night he comes home drunk and treats me like a coat hanger.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Exactly.” I say. I quickly realize I spoke out of place, “Forgive me, I didn’t mean to offend you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“You offend me not, in fact young squire, I believe your thoughts are like mine. Tell me, what is stopping you from taking me for yourself. I know you have no choice under whom you serve as squire, but does not the thought of revenge cloud your mind under his treatment?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“It does,” I answer honestly, “There are days I really want to tell him to go fuck himself, pardon me, but you’re right, I can’t choose who I serve, and if I am fired, then I lose my chance at becoming a knight.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">I take a deep breath, “But it’s more than that, I don’t believe in getting revenge, and being a knight means more to me than getting back at him. I don’t care how he treats me, how his friends treat me, or how Cersei treats me. I’m becoming a knight, no matter how long it takes.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">I could barely believe I just poured my feelings out to a living armor, much less one that wasn’t my own. I felt a little embarrassed, but a warm smile spreading across her face chased it away in an instant.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“You have more honor and maturity than him squire, if anything, he should be serving you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">I chuckled, “Thanks, but I wouldn’t want a squire to be honest. I’ve done enough of Sam’s work to get used to doing it without any help.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Then I have decided, I shall be your armor.” She said, her smile growing slightly.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Wait, what?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">Before she could answer, the door swung open and Sam stumbled in. The sun was just beginning to set but I could tell he was getting ready to call it a night. “Who were you talking to?” He asked, his speech slightly slurred.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“No one,” I reply.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Whatever wierdo.” He said, sitting on his bed and removing his boots.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Hey Sa- Lord Samuel,”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">He looked up with slightly bloodshot eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Would you like me to take the armor back to my room?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Why?” He asked, sounding possessive, as if he didn’t despise the armor at all.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“If you don’t like it in your room, I’ll keep it in mine and polish it in there. I didn’t even finish polishing it yet so-”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">He suddenly gets up and grips m shoulders. “You didn’t finish polishing the fucking armor?” His spit sprinkles my face. “Fuck man, I ask you one thing to do today and you can’t even do that?!” He pushes me and I collapse onto the armor, despite being a short fall I was braced for a painful impact, but the armor wraps its arm pieces and gloves around me subtly enough to take most of the damage without him noticing.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Take the damn thing. You probably like the way it looks, don’t you boy-lover?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">I say nothing, quickly placing the armor on its stand and carry it out. Being surprisingly light, I make it back to my room in no time. I was pretty fortunate to have a room to myself, a rarity for squires yet common for knights.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">I place the armor and the stand near a corner next my bed and turn around to get some night clothes. When I turn back, she’s sitting my bed, her face red with anger. “Who does he think he is to treat a squire like that?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“I’ve gotten used to it.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“You shouldn’t have had to. Tell me, what makes him so immune to reprehension from the captain?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“He’s the captain’s nephew. Don’t get me wrong, the captain, Leonard is his name, doesn’t stand for it either when he sees it. But he lost his son in the war, and I think he sees Sam as a second son and just wants him to be happy.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">The armor paused for a moment, “I see, yet, Samuel desires to see combat. He always talks to his friends when they’re in is room about how he’s going to be the next hero of yore. Strangely though, he speaks of a different armor than me that would guide him to victory.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“You don’t know?” I ask.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Know what?” She asks, but I remain silent. If she doesn’t know what he really thinks of her, I doubt I should tell her. Yet it’s too late, I’ve already peaked her curiosity, “Squire, what has he said about me? He treats me like a coat rack, surely I can handle a few choice words. Do not mince your words.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">I take a deep breath, “Okay. He says you’re too effeminate for him.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“That’s all?” The armor says, “Nay, I see it in your eyes, he says more. Worry not, it takes much to get me truly mad.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“It’s not what he says, so much as what he had in store when he would know when you awoke.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“What might that be? To bed me?” I could feel the heat rising on my face. Much to my surprise, she lets out a slight laugh. “Young squire, such a thing is normal for living armor and their wearers.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“No, he wanted to…to change you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Change me? As in request a new form for me to take? What was this form, do you have a sketch?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“I could make a rough one.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Do so. Being ‘effeminate’ as he calls it, I am curious.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">I pull out some paper and begin a rough sketch, it wasn’t difficult, even with my drawing skills. Handing her the paper, it begins to shake in her hands only a few seconds later.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“This-this is an outrage! Is he a child?! Such a thing is impractical! The spikes hinder movement and vision! The cape could be caught! He-” She quickly realizes she lost her cool and turns red with embarrassment. “My apologies, I had just said I wouldn’t lose my cool, yet here I am losing over something as foolish as Samuel’s wishes for my design.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“I don’t think it’s foolish, it’s a stupid design. Besides, it’s your…body? You should decide how it looks.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Thank you squire, although my design will remain the same, it will be better fit for you when we become one. By the way, I have not gotten your name, what is it?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Thomas,” I reply, “What about you?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">The armor looks puzzled, “My name? I have none.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Well, why not make one? What do you want it to be?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">The armor pauses for a moment, clearly in deep thought. “Sirris. I think Sirris is a good name.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Okay, Sirris, how are we going to make you my armor? Even if you’ve chosen me, aren’t you technically still Sam’s?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Technically, yes.” Sirris pondered for a moment, “but a living armor is also capable of choosing whom wears them, rare, but still a possibility. We need to convince Captain Leonard that I have chosen you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">I felt my face turn pale, “There’s only one way to do that when trying out living armor: prove yourself in combat and defeat a monster, either in a legitimate fight, or a mock battle.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Why do you turn pale? Are you becoming sick?” She asks as she steps close and place a hand on my chest “Your heart is pounding.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">I felt my paleness quickly becoming replaced with a blush, “I’m not sick. It’s just that, even with my training, I’m still afraid of fighting.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Thomas, a fear of fighting is natural. Do not be ashamed by it, use your fear as an aid of concentration, is that the purpose of fear in the first place? To improve awareness of ones surroundings?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Your right, thanks Sirris.” Despite feeling slightly better, I was still dreading the fight or mock battle to come.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“It will be alright,” Sirris said, noticing my uneasiness, “You won’t be alone in this fight, I have chosen you as my wearer, and as such will protect you with my life.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Thanks Sirris.” A few moments of awkward silenced passed, I felt like I had to say something too, “I-I’ll protect you too.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">I wished I had stayed silent, but Sirris let out another short laugh, “No need to force something like that out. I know you have a good heart. Now, is it not getting late? Rest, and tomorrow we shall prove to Captain Leonard that we are a team.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">I changed in my night clothes, asking her to turn around before doing so, and fell into my bed. I did not object as she laid next to me, it was awkward, but figured it beat just resting on the stand. Despite what awaited us tomorrow, I found myself falling asleep fairly quickly.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">I was grateful that I woke up early, wanting to get the mock battle over with as soon as possible. I awoke Sirris who instantly shot up and soon as I touched her. While initially just a suit of armor, the appearance of a woman slowly faded into view, one that greeted me with a light smile.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Early bird eh? Good, we shouldn’t have much trouble executing a mock battle with a willing monster then.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Yeah.” I try to hide my uneasiness, “Do you want me to polish you? I didn’t finish it last night so-”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Yes!” She quickly blushed, “Pardon my interjection.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“It’s fine,” I say with a slight laugh as I pull out the polish, “I just need to do your legs anyway.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">As I apply the polish, I look and see her blush grows, “Thomas. Do you know the equivalent of applying polish to a living armor?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“No,” I ask, somewhat weary of the answer.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“You might as well be washing me down in the basin room if I was a human.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">My face turned red and I suddenly stopped, “I-I’m sorry. I had no idea I was-”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">She raised her hand, “It’s fine, you’ve been doing this for weeks, and each time I’ve really enjoyed it.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">At first I was confused at her lustful disposition towards me, but then I remembered a lesson from the scholars concerning living armor. The moment they accept a wearer, they become very lustful towards them, eager to not only become physically through the knight wearing them, but also emotionally through intercourse.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">Regardless of her disposition, she was still technically Sam’s, so I needed to change the subject, and realized something she said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Wait, you were aware I was polishing you for weeks? When did you become sentient?” I ask.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">Her blush quickly fades and she gives me a look that the answer should be obvious. “We become sentient the moment we are christened by the royal priest. Many armor choose to let their sentience be known as soon as they’re alone with their wearer for obvious reasons, but as soon as the captain left Sam and he called me a dress was when I decided to hide my sentience and observe him.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">Her blush returned, “He’s not exactly a…monogamous man. Not to mention whenever his friends were with him he’d always boast how he’d be a great hero. Yet that aside, it was also when I found you, his squire and my actual care taker. I would watch you train every evening you could you know, peering out his window. I gave Sam time, hoping he’d change or adjust, but he never did and you remained with me, and yet…” She paused, looking away, her face in serious contemplation.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Thomas, may I ask you a question?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Of course.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Did you take care of me just because of Sam’s orders, or did you desire to wear me as your own.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">I paused, thinking over my answer. “To be honest, I only did so because it was Sam’s orders.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">She smiled, “I admire your honesty; do you desire to make me your own now?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Now that I’ve come to known you a bit, yes.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">She seemed confused, “Come to known me?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Yeah, you seem like a nice, confident person.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“I am not a person, I am armor.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Given your looks and your sentience you might as well be a person to me.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">She smiles at me, “Many knight consider their armor to be a person only after spending much time with them on the battlefield. Yet you do so after just meeting me.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Yeah, well, I don’t have many human friends.” I say as I finish polishing her armor, “Truth be told, I’m kind of lonely.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">She kneels down and cups my face, “If you are saying you see me as a friend, than I am happy you do. And,” she blushes as her lust obviously returns, “how about I make you feel a little less lonely?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Uh, how about we just prepare for the mock battle.” I say as I quickly stand up. I’m not going to lie, she was beautiful, and what she was saying was getting to me. I turned to the basin room before she could notice my growing excitement. “I’m going to wash up okay? Just wait for me.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">She grabs my hand in hers. Despite being made of armor, her touch still felt very soft. “Would you like me to polish you?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Uh, no I’m good. Sorry.” I quickly get out of her grip and walk to the basin room to wash up.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">Sometime later I step out in fresh clothes and see Sirris sitting on the bed, looking somewhat solemn. “What’s wrong?” I ask.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“I want to apologize about my lust earlier. I want to bond with you, yet should wait until you’re ready. You still see me as Samuel’s armor after all, do you not?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Yeah, and it’s okay. It’s normal for monster girls to be so lustful, right? I hear from knights about how their armors are noblewoman in the streets, but monsters in the sheets.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">Sirris laugh, “Yes that’s one way of putting it.” Her expression became serious, “So, are you ready to prove we are a team?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">I take a deep breath, “Yeah, let’s do this.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">Sirris nodded and her womanly appearance suddenly faded, and with a clunk the armor fell to the floor. Strangely, it did not pile together, but rather organized itself. I placed each part on and once done, I looked in the mirror.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">Sam was right, it does kind of look like a dress, but I doubt he ever tried this one. I actually liked the design, the white and silver complemented each other well, especially as the sun was beginning to rise and light up the room.

<p class="MsoNormal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman",serif">I’m glad you like it. ''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%; font-family:"TimesNewRoman",serif">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">I turned to see who was talking but my room was empty except for Sirris and me. Wait, can Sirris hear me thoughts?

<p class="MsoNormal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman",serif">Of course I can, we are one now. I can read your thoughts and advise you on what to do, it’s a very effective form of communication. ''

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Still, it’s kind of creepy.” I say, but to be honest, I’m not much of talker anyway, so maybe this can work out.

<p class="MsoNormal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman",serif">You’ll get used to it, be enough talk, lets go! ''

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">I nod and exit my room, I was hoping doing the mock battle early would prevent people from finding out I was wearing Sam’s armor, with the exception of the captain and my opponent of course. Unfortunately many of the other squires were just getting up and exiting their rooms, and soon I felt like the entire building was made of eyes, all of them staring at me. Whispers echoed through the halls like a breeze through ajar windows, each repeating a similar message.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Isn’t that Sam’s armor?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Why is Thomas wearing it?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“He’s going to get killed when Sam finds out.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">These followed as I exited the building and went into the courtyard to the training grounds, it seems like I didn’t plan for this as early as I thought. The stares and whispers were getting to me, and I soon found myself putting my head down and walking at a faster pace.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">That’s when I felt the armor around my neck slightly tighten.

<p class="MsoNormal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman",serif">Chin up Thomas, be proud, be confident. ''

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">Easier said than done when everyone seems to think I have a death wish.

<p class="MsoNormal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman",serif">Then we’ll prove them wrong. You aren’t alone in this. Now raise your head, we almost to the captain, and we need to look confident and prepared do we not? ''

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">Sirris was right. I raised my head, placing my vision forward. The tightening around my neck loosened, and I felt the armor tighten around my body. It wasn’t constrictive however, it almost felt like a hug, and I was filled with warm.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">Thanks Sirris.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">The warmth did not leave me as I approached Captain Leonard. Captain Leonard was loved by squires and knights alike, he was just, strict, but caring in a sort of mentor-like way. As soon as he saw me, I could see the disapproval, but interest in his eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">He cut straight to the point, “Squire Thomas, is that not Knight Samuel’s armor?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">I did my best to avoid stuttering or looking away from his eyes. Despite being a sort of father to the knights, Leonard had no problem of harsh reprimanding when necessary, but stealing a knight’s armor was beyond reprimanding, the only fate that awaited if we failed to convince him was imprisonment for me and an early retirement for Sirris.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Captain Leonard, Sirris has chosen me as her wearer.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">A few snickers from fellow squires and knights emanated from behind Leonard, but a harsh glare quickly silenced them. “Is that so? Sirris, is this true?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“It is, Captain Leonard.” Sirris voice echoed from the armor, sounding somewhat metallic and hollow.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“I see,” Captain Leonard tried to hide it, but I could see the disappointment in his eyes. I don’t think it was of Samuel though, but rather in himself. He wanted Sam to have that armor, but she choose me.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Then you know how to prove it? We’ll need to find a monster for you to fight, I’m sure one of our Centaurs will be happy to test out their skills.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“I would be honored, Captain Leonard.” I recognized the voice as Cersei’s. The squires and knights quickly stepped out of her way as Leonard and I faced her. She was already dressed in her armor and wielded a large lance, obviously coming back from her training but still looking as though she had plenty of energy.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">She had an angry look on her face. “Yes, honored. Honored to put this armor thief in his place! That is Samuel’s rightful armor, he should’ve never trusted lowly fodder like yourself to-”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Cersei Landseer.” Captain Samuel said in a calm, but stern voice, “This might not be a matter of thievery if their bond is true. I’d advise you to keep your emotions at bay or I’ll not only find a Centaur who can. And do not insult this or any squire again, do you forget you were once one, or do you need to clean the stables again to learn some humility?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">Cersei quickly paled and gave the best bow a Centaur could, “Forgive me, Captain, it’s just, my feeling for Samuel…” she began to blush.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“I know how you feel about my nephew, but this is not the place for that. This is the place where you will test whether Thomas and Sirris’ bond is true.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Right, they shall be tested.” Cersei gave me a fierce look.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">Captain Leonard motioned for one of the nearby squires to hand me a blunted sword and her a blunted lance. A crowed quickly formed to watch us. I looked for Samuel, but he was nowhere in sight, maybe he was sleeping.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“The rules are simple, spar until one of you can no longer. Now begin. May your bond prove true.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">As the captain stepped back Cersei charged forward, lance direct at my chest. I moved faster than I thought possible to her side and thrusted my blade forward. She responded by swing her lance effortlessly.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">My left hand suddenly rose and took the blow, it was if Cersei hit an immovable object. My sword gave her a strong poke in the ribs, knocking off balance, but she pivoted ad quickly positioned herself so that her rear was facing me.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">The powerful buck came out faster than I could see, but my arms were somehow faster. Raising them both in front of my face, I felt the impact, but no pain, it was like a shock. My feet remained firmly planted as I slid accords the dew, lowering my arms I saw many of the squires and knight staring in shock, I’m sure I shared their expression.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">This isn’t my doing, this is all Sirris. Shit, she’s amazing.

<p class="MsoNormal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman",serif">Thank you. Now focus on offense, I have the defense covered. ''

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">Cersei charged forward again, this time taking a huge leap upward. Lance facing towards me, it was as if she intended to skewer me. I pivoted myself to the side and gave her a powerful punch to the gut with my left hand. The force sending her sliding back.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">Before she could react, I was on her in a swift barrage of sword swings at speeds faster than humanly possible. But Cersei was no human, raising her lance, almost twirling it, she blocked each attack. She suddenly leapt back and swiped with her lance, giving her some breathing room.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">The speed, the strength, the near immobility, it was all Sirris. Why don’t these armors simply fight on their own?

<p class="MsoNormal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman",serif">Because we lack technique. Technique you humans have, what you have. The moves you’ve been practicing nightly are yours, I’m just giving you support. Don’t be so hard on yourself, we’re in this together. Now let’s end this! ''

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">This time I was the one charging forward, but instead of guarding or reading her lance, she rose onto her back hooves. Shooting the two front hooves out with boxer like speed, they could only shoot forward but I knew getting hit with just one would spell my defeat. On top of that, she was also jabbing me with her lance.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">But Sirris covered for me, dodging her hooves and raising the sword to bock the lance. I just needed to look for an opening, but Cersei’s constant offense provided no holes.

<p class="MsoNormal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"TimesNewRoman",serif">I can’t keep this up much longer, Thomas. ''

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">I heard Sirris beginning to breathe heavily from within the armor. I knew I needed to think of something. Cersei’s combination of hove strikes and lance was like she had three arms. Wait, that’s it!

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">Grabbing her right hove with my left, I pulled it to my right hip while thrusting my blunted sword towards her unarmored underbelly. Though blunted, the thrust knocked the wind out of her. I reached up with my left hand to the left side of her hip and with a pivot of my hips and feet to the left, she was down.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">I quickly pointed my sword at her throat. The battle was over.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">I heard a cheer from the squires and knight, even Captain Leonard looked please.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Congratulations Thomas and Sirris, your bond is true indeed.” He looked to Cersei, “Cersei, you fought valiantly. Not many knights get passed you hove and lance combination. Now, go tell Samuel Thomas is no longer his squire, but a knight, and that Sirris is his armor now.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">Cersei gave me a glare, upset that I had defeated her. Still, there was an almost lustful look in her eye before trotting to Samuel’s room. It might be awhile before Samuel gets the news.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "TimesNewRoman",serif">“Knight Thomas, armor Sirris.” Captain Leonard snapped me out of my thoughts. He looked down on us with a warm smile, “Welcome, to the Order of Varilleon!”