It was with a gaze of steel that Elliot met Morris' demand. He fished four bracelets from his satchel. Engraved symbols ran across the laurel leaves adorning the composite metal. He handed one to each of the team members, his voice soft yet determined.
"I didn't join you to leech off victory but to be part of it. Take them. I know you probably won't need them, that the orcs will die before reaching us, but I'll feel better knowing my bracelets will keep you safe from the worst. For the rest..." He sighed. "I'll cover your backs... and... thank you for trusting me."
"Nonsense." Morris snatched his bracelet with a gentle grin. "I'll be the one thanking you for the artifact if you were my age."
Another member, Karen, took hers. "Mage-ranked artifacts? Good stuff! And don't worry too much, Elliot. We've all had a first time on the battlefield. Mine was... shameful. And I'm being kind to myself."
