After the Fire - Pt. 2: Armor

While Soot followed his course of becoming a knight very patiently and dilligently, there was one thing he could barely wait for. And that was wearing their armor.

The knights' armor was something to behold. Even when still a xynlet, he remembered standing in the great hall of his parents' estate, where armors of various epochs were lined up. But his eyes were fixated on the more recent steel armor of the Royal Knights. In his children's mind, it wasn't mere metal. It was a superhero suit of living magic and absolute power. Of almost blinding silver, its sharp edges reflected the moonlight and, during Sunrise Celebration, glittered like a thousand stars. No claw or tooth by a corruption beast could pierce it, the magic woving into it, he was sure, making it weightless and unstoppable.

And while it was breathtaking, simply standing around in his parents' house, it was absolutely awe-inspiring when worn by an actual Royal Knight.

There was something about a vexyn knight in full regalia. To him as a xynlet, they were towering giants. Their footsteps shook the ground like thunder, the clanking of their armor like music to his ears, the metal pieces singing a heroic song about virtue and greatness. Some wore velvet capes that swooshed proudly behind them or brilliant plumes atop their helmets. Through said helmets, their voices sounded loud and distorted, like deep echoes that commanded attention like a king or queen. He often wondered what faces the visors hid, if aside from proud expressions they also carried scars.

He thought the knights looked like fierce gods. Surely even the fearsome corruption beasts groveled before them.

Today, much older and on his way to becoming a knight himself, he chuckeled a bit when he remembered his youthful naivety and hero worship. Now he was more than aware that the corruption beasts groveled before noone. Yet, his view of the knights hadn't changed. They were still, truly, bastions of virtue, the last stronghold between Lunerest and certain downfall. And their armor was the sign of their status.

A small bit of hero worship must have still lived in him though, for when Samson, the first-in-command and head of the Royal Knights, passed him and the other recruits standing at attention, he couldn't help but hold his breath. Before him stood a legend, the best strategist in Lunerest. He had led his knights into countless battles and it was thanks to him that they were all still here. And while he knew, that it was more nuanced than just that, it didn't lessen Samson's and the knights' contribution. Samson, deep in conversation with one of the instructors turned a corner and disappeared out of sight. Startled, Soot realized he was trembling.

Oh, how it must feel to walk in the footsteps of a legendary knight such as Samson. To speak to him as equals, to be respected by Lunerest for your accomplishments and feared by your enemies for your battle prowess.

He could not WAIT to earn his armor.