Michael awoke before the sunrise and crept quietly out of the infirmary. There were guards up on the makeshift walls, doing a better job of staying awake than many of the professional soldiers he’d worked with. Perhaps it was because it was their own families and homes that sat behind them. He muffled himself and walked around the village until he found a more open area. Within it he saw multiple straw dummies, a cleared path for running, and several circles of stones that reminded him of sparring in Stent. He stepped into the nearest of them and closed his eyes, taking a deep breath.“Seras, please protect and watch over those I care for.Nykas, help me to find joy even in desperation.Bruntus, make me steady and dependable.Veras, fill my days with love even if it hurts.Durand, grant me the strength to keep going.Estaid, watch my choices and help me to know what is right.”He paused for a moment before continuing to the second part of his prayer.“To honor you all I will be the shield that protects the weak, the champion that works to create a world of easy laughter, a steady presence that acts in your honor, a lover of all under your protection, a strong arm to strike at evil, and the eyes that witness your judgement.”As he finished he could feel the eyes of the gods, their presence, completely focused on him for just a moment. He inhaled, drinking in their divinity deeply, the certainty they gave him, the righteousness. When he was done he opened his eyes and drew Rend.He took his usual stance and began to do his usual routine. It was beginning to get ridiculous. Nearly a thousand rapid strikes from different angles with his sword, followed by a similar number with Ruin. All varied by multiple different stances and using his full power with each strike. He didn’t usually even begin breaking a sweat until he was nearly done with his sword, and after even a short moment to catch his breath (...)