The morning sun soon reared its head out of the darkness encompassing the night sky casting its light upon the battlefield stricken with death and war.
The change in light roused the two from their slumber. Leaning over the balcony Ratella looked down upon the busy courtyard full of soldiers all gathering next to an evaluated platform.
Liliana at his side rubbing her eyes with her wings before gazing towards the courtyard practically filled with soldiers.
"What do you think they're gathering for?"
"I'm just guessing but I think it's about the promotion of Sarin to the virtue of Temperance."
Ratella hopped over the balcony gliding to a nearby rooftop watching the promotion ceremony from its clear view. Liliana swiftly followed him perching herself upon a stray tree overlooking the whole courtyard.
The whole set up of the ceremony reminded Ratella of the events in Scepter and how he'd lost control when executing his mission.
He vowed to himself that such a situation was never to happen again but whether he would make good on his vow and banish the bloodlust poisoning his mind was still unknown.
An angel soon stepped upon the platform looking one older than twenty summers. His presence shunned the chatter circling around the stage.
His features were reminiscent of Serian's including his wings which were pure white emitting a divine light from their form. His eyes held an endless ocean within, a sparkling sapphire encompassing his irises.
The angel was adorned with full plate armor and a silver bow was affixed to his back although there was no quiver present.
"Today we gather to witness the promotion of Sarin Valhorn to the virtue of Temperance in succession to his father Serian Valhorn." announced a familiar man who took part in the war council.
His announcement caused everyone's gaze to focus upon Sarin Valhorn who stretched his two wings outwards displaying their divine colouring to the soldiers.
"I, Sarian Valhorn, vow to slaughter any Devils that cross my path whether they are Sins or even a Horsemen. I'll destroy anything that threatens our continued survival in this war. Together we'll all destroy the infection named Faravos and bring back peace to our great Kingdom of Kathoros." declared Sarian putting his fist across his heart.
His declaration invited cheers to ring out throughout the castle banishing the sorrow looming in the soldiers' minds. Their morale rose by the second at their new leader's motives and aspirations.
"This little mutt actually thinks he'll be able to slay a Horsemen. How foolish." stated Liliana loud enough for only Ratella to hear.
Sarcasm and blatant aversion to the virtue oozing from her mouth. She hated when people's emotions cast out all reason within their minds.
"Everyone's got to dream once and awhile. He did lose his father after all; it's only natural to wish for only revenge even if you are a weakling."
"I suppose but it's a foolish dream."
"Grief often clouds all reason, you should know that as the commander of the Devils."
Liliana did not give a response to Ratella, only gazing at Sarian. her gaze sharp and piercing through the virtue's soul causing him to look around for a brief moment sensing something off in the surrounding environment.
His attention was quickly brought back to the crowd standing beneath his feet, not catching a glimpse of Liliana luckily for the duo.
"Bend the knee in the face of the Primordial Light and accept this brand of your status as one of the elites in Kathoros. Today, we welcome the newest virtue to our ranks." exclaimed the man holding a divine armament in his hand, the tip bearing the shape of the mark of Temperance glowing an unblemished pure white.
Sarian bent down in front of the man stretching his wings outwards so as not to distort the imminent mark. He pressed the scolding armament onto Sarian's first wings, searing his wing and causing him to shiver and wince in pain. The man repeated the motion for his other wing inflicted more pain to course through his nerves. The heat of the armament had scorched the surrounding flesh of his wings, incinerating the feathers.
After the marking was complete Sarian stood tall ignoring the scorching pain coursing through his vein putting his hand to his chest. The surrounding flesh of his wings healed swiftly but the burn mark was still present on full display for all the soldiers below.
The birth of a new virtue of Temperance had enfolded right in front of the soldier's eyes.
Inviting another bout of cheers and applause to ripple through the castle.
"I swear to protect all of you standing here. I will lay down my life if needed in the pursuit of everlasting peace for our homeland and to ensure no children are robbed of their fathers by Devils ever again."
The soldiers were soon dismissed after Sarian's closing remarks, their morale and drive to slay Devils shooting through the roof. All clasping their weapons with newfound vigor and motivation boosting their effectiveness in battle.
"I'll give it to the fool, he knows how to inspire troops." whispered Liliana slightly amused by the man's talent when it came to the mind.
"Come on, stop brooding over Sarian and let's get some food."