<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><div style="text-align: center;">Guilford's Mansion</div></span></span><br/><br/><br/>The next day...<br/><br/>Guilford heard a knock on his door followed by it creaking open. It felt like only three hours have passed since he fell asleep. The bed that was reluctant to give him comfort earlier was clinging to him, or rather, he was clinging to it. The morning light broke its way into the room when his curtains were parted, a stray gleam landing on his eyes making the Seraph pull a hand over them.<br/><br/>"Rise and shine Master Guilford, breakfast is ready."<br/><br/>It figures. Corwin has always been and always will be a morning person. Truthfully, Gil was too but last night was just...he stopped the thoughts, right hand wandering over to his lips.<span style="color: #0080FF">"What time is it?"</span>he had asked, voice a little grumpy at the discomfort he felt in his eyes. The faithful butler took his stand by the bedside and folded both arms behind his back. "It's time for the Seraph to get out of bed Master Guilford. Six in the morning."<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"O-Okay... I'll be there shortly..."</span>he said but was actually planning to catch a few more minutes of sleep.<br/><br/>"Good. I will call the others to breakfast as well then. It would be rude to have them wait for the master of the house before they can eat their breakfast."<br/><br/>Others? Oh right, he has guests. Foiled. As expected, Corwin saw through him like he always did in times Gil wasn't able to get a good night's sleep. Grumbling as he rubbed the sleep off his eyes, Guilford pulled himself forcefully out of bed. His first destination was the lavatory inside his room for his morning rituals, plus he's got to fix his hair.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Indulge your ha--never mind."</span><br/><br/><div style="text-align: center;">__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________</div><br/><br/>Finished with his morning stuff, Guilford made his way to the dining room. Inside was a brighter atmosphere where Team Blonde and Lethe were horsing around. When he walked in, the atmosphere dulled down a few notches, making him feel like he was a party pooper.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Carry on. There are no Seraphs in this house."</span>was all that he said and took his seat on the far end of the table. Corwin shortly came over with his trusty serving cart and placed trays of food expertly on the table. One by one he removed the covers and unveiled a masterfully made breakfast. There's soup, fresh toast, scrambled eggs, smoked bacon, a spot of cheese, garden salad and a lot of coffee. However, there was a tray left in his cart and it was served to Guilford. When he unveiled the dish, inside was an orange marmalade sandwich, eggs, and a couple strips of bacon. This is<span style="font-style: italic">not</span>his sandwich.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Orange marmalade? Really Corwin?"</span>he asked in disbelief.<br/><br/>"Well forgive my boldness Master Guilford. I chanced that your<span style="text-decoration: underline">craving</span>is not yet satiated, seeing how you...<span style="text-decoration: underline">ravaged</span>...through the pantry last night, it was<span style="text-decoration: underline">quite</span>a mess." He said with a warm smile but with strong emphasis on some words.<br/><br/>Guilford swore he saw Corwin's brows twitching with every word he said. The butler had no idea it wasn't just Gil but there's no way the Seraph is going to sell his accomplice. The man simply sank his face to his right palm, but his butler was not done. "Master Guilford, should you desire a midnight snack, please knock on my door. It wouldn't be any trouble for me at all to fix you an equally<span style="text-decoration: underline">awesome</span>sandwich."<br/><br/>Gil was now chuckling and shaking his head sideways. He chanced a glance over to the lavender-haired woman on the other end of the table, his eyes saying an unvoiced '<span style="font-style: italic">I told you he'd have my hide</span>' in them. Yet she looked away, and he could only sigh. He began his meal quietly and came to appreciate the value of an orange marmalade sandwich. Really, it wasn't that bad.<br/><br/>Five minutes later... "Master Guilford, here's today's messages."<br/><br/>Three minutes later... "Master Guilford, I have organized today's itinerary for you."<br/><br/>Two minutes later... "Master Guilford, have you been neglecting your familial ties? A Rosenwulf pigeon was just outside with a message."<br/><br/>He couldn't eat in peace. Sure, he knows Corwin is excited about having guests but it has been nine days now and he still has the same fervor.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Okay, that's it."</span>Gil said and lowered his bread. He turned his gaze to his butler and called him closer.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Please join them for breakfast Corwin."</span><br/><br/>The man respectfully declined, "Oh but I couldn't possib---urk!" he suddenly found his mouth stuffed with a fresh slice of bread chucked by Gil.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Oh but I insist! Please..."</span>he chuckled and forced Corwin to his seat instead. Gil then downed his cup of coffee and turned to the rest of Team Blonde.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Please don't mind me. All in a day's work. Enjoy yourselves. I'll see you all later."</span>With Corwin being such a stickler, he figured he should just get the day started and be done with it.<br/><br/><div style="text-align: center;">__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________</div><br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><div style="text-align: center;">Grand Cathedral - High Council Chambers</div></span></span><br/><br/><br/>Seven in the morning and nothing beats wrestling ideals with these old men. First on the list for today is a discussion on how to subdue Palaugrim's people. When Guilford mentioned how he wanted it to happen, an uproar ensued like he predicted. There's just no way these councilors will back down from their stand. The Seraph wanted to implement the older teachings, not just on Palaugrim but on Gless and Lindela as well. He had made it clear that the current teachings was simply too controlling. All things considered, it really was after the revision. No wonder the sense of freedom got lost somewhere along the way. The bigger problem is how to make these geezers realize that they were actually choking the people with their ideals. Hours ticked by in a heated debate.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"How many of you have been to Palaugrim lately? None of you wanted to leave the safety of your seats and you dare say that what you want is for the best?!"</span><br/><br/>"Know your place Master Guilford! Just because you and Master Lethe defeated the God of Sin and recently freed Palaugrim, doesn't entitle you to question the High Council!" Aurel roared back, standing from his seat and staring down the Seraph.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Is that so? Councilor Aurel, with all due respect, I do not hold my accomplishments as leverage against the High Council. Those are not just for the High Council itself, but for the people I have sworn to protect. But if you want to go that way, would you have been able to defeat the God of Sin on your own? Would you have been able to free Palaugrim with your own power?"</span><br/><br/>Nobody could answer. All the councilors could do is grumble and Aurel was sent back to his seat almost cursing.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Exactly as I thought. You resulted to devising your ridiculous <span style="font-style: italic">Salvation Plan</span> after all. Councilors, all of you made me a Seraph, all of you forced this duty on my shoulders when I was but a rookie knight. Now that I have the mind and will to see it through, why do you try to stop me? In case all of you have forgotten, a Seraph originally answers to the Light, not to you. It was just with these revised teachings that we were chained."</span><br/><br/>"Watch your tone Guilford. We could still strip you of your rank." Mihai threatened.<br/><br/>Guilford felt a nerve swell upon hearing those words. They would dare remove him from the service? As if they could afford to do it.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Then what Councilor Mihai? Replace me with a mediocre knight? Just how many First War knights do you think you have left in the knighthood? Let alone those who have the will and tenacity that me and Lethe has shown you? Have you forgotten that all your other Seraph candidates have retired from service? Why do you think that is? I'm sure you know."</span><br/><br/>"Preposterous! Are you implying we are the reason they retired from service and not because they chose to lead their own lives?! Have you gone mad?! Have you become tainted in your stay in Palaugrim?!" Livius snapped.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"They chose to lead their own lives yes, but what made them do so? Besides, I wouldn't be able to stand in front of all of you if I was tainted now would I? If I recall correctly, this room is well protected from Sin. Councilors, think it over. The people of Palaugrim hates us because we pull the reigns too tight. That is all that I'm trying to say. Maybe they would welcome us if we don't try to dictate how they should live and instead just show them the way."</span>Guilford said and turned his back on the council, stepping out of the chambers in a hurry.<br/><br/>"Haha... Hahahaha! AHAHAHAHAHA!" Cornelius laughed. "That boy has grown. I never dreamed of seeing the day he will shut the likes of us up. This era is about to witness a change." he continued. The other councilors all looked at him in confusion. "Are you out of your mind?! Don't tell us you're going to agree with that man! His ideals are twisted! The old teachings are too lenient! Isn't that why Sin was so rampant back then? What change do you suppose will come if we let Guilford do as he pleases?" Aurel stated, dropping a fist on the table.<br/><br/>Cornelius smirked. "Coexistence."<br/><br/><div style="text-align: center;">__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________</div><br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><div style="text-align: center;">Guilford's Squad Quarters</div></span></span><br/><br/><br/>Next on the list was paperwork. He managed to cut down his own share in half but he was also adamant to have Lethe's share sent to him. It was the least he could do for his partner after making a recovery. He didn't want her to be pushing herself even if it was just pen work. A scribe knocked on the doors and brought Lethe's paperwork. Guilford instructed the man to place it on his desk and asked him to lock the doors on his way out. He didn't want to be disturbed if he wanted to finish all the paperwork within his five-hour estimate.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Oh Light... this will be a lot of speed reading that's for sure."</span>he said, cracking his neck twice and began the arduous task. There was a slight hitch however, his Faith necklace is missing. It was forbidden to have a spare seal but Guilford wanted to be prepared at all times. He snagged a clip from his desk and opened a secret drawer where a shiny spare seal was kept. Now it was meant to be smooth sailing from here.<br/><br/>Five hours later...<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"That should do it! Finally!"</span>he groaned, twisting his wrist in a circular motion to ease the numbness he was feeling. He then heard the knob on his doors clink followed by a knock.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">"Captain, we have brought you three candidates for our vacant slot."</span><br/><br/>It was Alfrei. He had almost forgotten, the selection was yesterday and he never did meet the newbies that passed Alfrei's test. Stretching a little when he got up, Guilford hurried to open the door. In came the rest of his squad followed by three new faces, two female knights and a male. He noted the widening eyes of the newbies when they saw him but paid it no mind; it must have been the redness in his eyes. Gil's squad made themselves comfortable, leaving the three knights lined up in their quarter's open space. It was easy to read the tension surrounding the newbies now that their Captain was the one inspecting them.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Why did you bring three?"</span>Guilford whispered to Alfrei.<span style="color: #0080FF">"We only have one slot."</span>he added. Alfrei scratched his head. "Sorry Captain, they are really promising I couldn't pick one."<br/><br/>Guilford sighed but stepped forward to face the three aspiring knights. He looked at the first female knight. Short cyan colored hair, deep blue eyes, proud stature, good expression.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Your name?"</span>he asked. The female knight tensed and averted her eyes from Guilford. She looked straight and puffed her chest out. "They call me Frida, Master Guilford."<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Step forward Frida."</span>The knight did as told.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Good, draw your weapon and attack me like your life depended on it."</span>Guilford requested and stepped back to the center of the open space.<br/><br/>Georg snickered in the corner with Joaquim. "Here it comes, Master Guilford's Test of Resolve. He'll shoot you down if you show any sign of hesitation. This knight has five seconds to draw her weapon and attack." he whispered, seemingly amused at how the selection turned out.<br/><br/>"I-I-I can't do that Master Guilford. I can't point my sword at a fellow Pristine Knight!" Frida answered, proud expression paling and head stooping low.<br/><br/>Guilford raised a brow. Hesitation, that can get a knight killed in the wrong instance.<span style="color: #0080FF">"What if I say that I am falling to Sin and that I am begging you to kill me before I turn on your fellow Pristine Knights? Would you do it?"</span><br/><br/>"Eh? Uh... I... don't think you'll fall to Sin. Y-You're Master Guilford, a Seraph!"<br/><br/>Guilford resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Dependence. Just because he is a Seraph doesn't mean he's invulnerable. Indecision. Without the ability to decide for oneself, a Pristine Knight is as good as dead in the face of danger. No, this knight won't cut it.<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Frida, the dangers my squad and I face out in the field is by no means a joke. I'm sure you are a very able knight but it seems you cannot find the strength to stand up with your own two feet. The strength of a squad is not determined by the strength of the Captain alone, it's the collective strength of all the members. Just because I am the Captain, and I know it is also my duty to my squad, it still doesn't mean I can always protect you all. I need to know that I can trust you on your own. I'm sorry."</span>He hated this. Shooting down an aspiring knight to be a member of his squad is never easy. He watched Frida leave their squad quarters and sighed.<br/><br/>Guilford moved to the male one next.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Your name?"</span><br/><br/>"Lucian, Master Guilford." A quick response, sturdy stance, good eyes, strong build.<span style="color: #0080FF">"A name that means Light."</span>the newbie smiled faintly and nodded.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Very well Lucian. Choose, who will you save first, the life of one or the lives of many?"</span><br/><br/>It was Alfrei's time to smirk. "Test of Wisdom eh? This knight better choose his words wisely." he whispered to Natalia.<br/><br/>The young knight blinked twice, probably trying to analyze if it was a trick question. "As a Pristine Knight, I would first choose to save the lives of many." he tried to answer safely.<br/><br/>Rationale. A logical basis for a course of action. How can you choose to save many when you can't choose to save one first? A Pristine Knight must first learn how to save a single life before he could even hope of saving many. Guilford sighed.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Why?"</span>he asked. The knight stiffened. "Because that's what Pristine Knights are supposed to do. To save as much as we can!" he answered, eyes brimming with resolve. Misplaced passion. While it is good to have dedication to the cause, one must first fully understand it. No, this knight still has much to learn. Guilford looked down and shook his head sideways.<span style="color: #0080FF">"As a Pristine Knight, what do you think it means to 'save' people?"</span><br/><br/>"That's easy Master Guilford, to grant them salvation from Sin!"<br/><br/>Okay, that's only the first part. It<span style="text-decoration: underline">doesn't</span>end there.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Have you been sleeping during your Pristine Knight Virtue classes? Lucian, just because you're talented with the sword doesn't qualify you to start saving people, let alone many of them. Sure, blasting Sinners with Absolve can be fun in a way, but if you think you've done your job with just that, you're sorely mistaken. You need to fully understand what you're fighting for and why you're fighting for it. Sorry Lucian, this is a no."</span><br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF"><span style="font-style: italic">Good Light! What have they been teaching in the PKA today?</span></span>the Seraph thought to himself. He was beginning to lose hope when he turned to the final aspiring female knight. Long black hair, fair skin, nice cur--good eyes, elegant poise, an air of calm and confidence, and several barely noticeable bandages beneath her leg protectors and gauntlets. Well, she looked promising at least.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Your name knight?"</span><br/><br/>"<a class="postlink" href="http://tinypic.com/r/10e4u9w/8">Fiona</a>, Lord Guilford."<br/><br/>Lord Guilford?! Okay, nobility she is then. The Seraph looked her in the eyes and the woman simply returned his gaze with a serene strength.<span style="color: #0080FF">"I must say, you must be very talented to be able to exude as much of your presence at will as you are doing now."</span>Gil said, quite impressed. Fiona dipped followed by a light bow of her head. "And you are as skilled as they said you were if you noticed that it was intentional, Lord Guilford."<br/><br/>Guilford let out a huff of amusement and folded his arms over his chest. He had to admit, this female knight now has his interest.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Who did you have the pleasure of dueling from my squad?"</span>he asked. "Lord Alfrei was kind enough to show me the ropes." she answered quickly. Guilford chuckled.<span style="color: #0080FF">"Quite humble aren't we? So, did you force him to use <span style="font-style: italic">Lotus Dance</span> on you?"</span>Fiona blushed, averting her gaze from Guilford and Alfrei who was in the back. "H-How can you tell Lord Guilford?"<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"The bandages you're trying to hide. <span style="font-style: italic">Lotus Dance</span> is a powerful, rapid flowing sword combination. Seeing you're using only one sword, and Alfrei has two, I assume it was quite difficult for you to stay on your feet while parrying his attacks. Your leg and arm muscles must still be burning until now. But granted that you're here means you were able to counter him at the most opportune moment."</span><br/><br/>"Lord Guilford says it like he was there. I just got lucky though, Lord Alfrei was already showing signs of fatigue from dueling all day and I... shamelessly capitalized on it."<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Heh. I'll see you tomorrow. I have other matters to attend to for now. Sorry I don't have enough time. Get acquainted with the squad. From now on, this quarters is also yours."</span><br/><br/>"T-That's it Lord Guilford? No questions? No tests? No mind games?"<br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF">"Being able to withstand and counter a weakened <span style="font-style: italic">Lotus Dance</span> tells me everything I need to know about you. Welcome to my squad."</span>