A Fool's Wish - Tryout Form, DNP

[FluffyBirdie]

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃


credit
▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
Entry for exiide's readoption!
Originally for Kalon 1150.
Please do not post!
All characters are made up and is not a real kalon, with the exception of Favian as the main character
All characters are written as if they were humanoid (anthro)
Total word count: 5489

cs username: FluffyBirdie
adopt: kalon kit #2 nb #813
name: Favian
gender: Male
if you have one, toyhou.se user: FluffyBirdie

◄ || Tᴀʙʟᴇ ᴏꜰ Cᴏɴᴛᴇɴᴛs || ►
Prologue :: A Plea
Chapter I :: Determination
Chapter II :: Choices
Chapter III :: Cataes
Chapter IV :: Resolve
Chapter V :: Discussion
Chapter VI :: Betrayal
Chapter VII :: Clashing of Swords
Epilogue :: A Demand

[FluffyBirdie]

◄ || Pʀᴏʟᴏɢᴜᴇ :: A Pʟᴇᴀ || ►
[ 327 words ]

To the royalty and king of the Eliou nation,

This world is a complex one, where there are no set boundaries to how far a kingdom could expand, and how it should act, and as such, attacking other nations and expanding boarders is a natural wish. I truly understand your want, need, to expand and gain more territory, as it benefits your nation and status, but please, I humbly ask that we find another solution. I am certain peace is possible between us, and if we have an open conversation with each other, we will be able to reconcile and find a solution that will be in favour of both of our nations’ interests. After all, more can be done if we work together, and an alliance would benefit both kingdoms much more than war. Through trading agreements, we can both prosper and grow, and receive and give resources the other needs, as well as growing the wealth of the kingdom. And as we are both large kingdoms, if we have an alliance, other nations would fear to attack us. Security could be assured, and this peace of mind means we can divert our attentions to more demanding problems. If there is war between our kingdoms, it would reduce our strength, and other kingdoms might use this opportunity to attack us at our weakest. As strong as your kingdom might be, I’m certain you, or us, would not be able to maintain a castle under attack by two kingdoms. If you could reconsider your choices and understand that we are always open to treaties and alliances, I am sure you will find that gaining the support of another kingdom would be greatly preferable over conflict for territory. Peace and prosperity is so much more appealing than a long, sapping war, and I hope that you will consider the points given and agree to peace between our kingdoms.

With respect and a strong hope for the future,
Lysander

[FluffyBirdie]

◄ || Cʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ I :: Dᴇᴛᴇʀᴍɪɴᴀᴛɪᴏɴ || ►
[ 700 words ]

Favian stood in front of Lysander’s tree, watering the small sapling that marked the place of his brother’s body. Wind rustled through the leaves of the surrounding trees, some aged, though many fresh. Saplings dotted the ground, and overturned earth marked the seeds that have yet to sprout. Seeds that are planted in memory of the deceased. He was alone in the Burial Grove, as though many were up this early in the morning; most of them would be preparing the town’s defences and sharpening weapons, not reminiscing about the past. There’s a time to fight and a time to cry, as his father said. He lingered in the grove, giving the sapling a light punch similar to the ones he gave to his brother when he was alive. Lysander was such a peaceful kalon, seeing the good in everyone, even their corrupt king, and was always trying to resolve conflicts. He even composed messages to the neighbouring nation, knowing that his message would never be delivered. No one knew how to write, messengers were costly, and the nobles likely refused to listen to them anyway. Maybe if he hadn’t lived here in Venos, a mountain town rich only in ore and herbs, he wouldn’t be killed, and would’ve had the chance to change the kingdom. Favian dropped his head, his mind filled with regrets, and left for home as the sky lightened, wishing he could change everything.

The town was nestled in the forests, in constant shadow of the chain of mountains behind it that marked the end of the Ilyzia kingdom and signified the start of the Eliou, a neighbouring nation that was always trying to expand their territory. They’ve recently started attacking Venos, simply because it was next to the only easy way to cross the mountains, and if the mountain pass allowed more than one kalon through at a time, Favian was sure the town would be in ruins by now. Although the town was designed to defend, it was not designed to defend without backup. Backup that their useless king refused to send. Maybe he had reasons, but Favian knew it was unlikely as he was known for his selfishness, infamous for allowing his citizens to suffer without care. Leaving a town to fend for itself would not be an alien concept to King Revan, and the lives lost mattered even less.

He grew more and more irritated with their king as he stomped his way towards his home, his thoughts wandering towards a future where the corrupt man no longer ruled. He suddenly remembered an ancient law of the kingdom, stating that kings had to accept challengers to the throne, and if the challenger won, they became king. Couldn’t he do that? Thus far, no one has succeeded, but that was likely because the king cheated and broke rules. If he found out how the king cheated, he could win! He could change everything wrong about this kingdom! Although King Revan was known for his skill with a great-sword, Favian was confident in his skills at sword-fighting, knowing he was adept at using a longsword and his two modified falchions. After all, he wouldn’t be a blacksmith’s son if he couldn’t use the weapons he’d made. Not many dual-wielded falchions, so the king would be caught off guard, giving him a chance to strike. If he became ruler, the kingdom would be fairer, even if the change took years and caused confusion. The metal has to melt before it can change, become sharper, more useful. Favian pushed open the door, his eyes locked on his weapons and his travelling bag next to it. He knew the way to the castle, and the sooner the king died, the sooner his siblings will be spared from fighting and a future similar to Lysander. He could save this town from the fear of believing that today might be their last day. As his gaze caught on the room Lysander used to own, his belongings still scattered around haphazardly, his resolve hardened.

He was a man with a purpose: To kill the king. To follow Lysander’s goal for peace. If he had to lose everything, so be it.

[FluffyBirdie]

◄ || Cʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ II :: Cʜᴏɪᴄᴇs || ►
[ 700 words ]

Favian rushed around the house, his actions automatic as he’d done this many times. He grabbed his travelling cloak, throwing it on as he snagged his bag and started throwing a few changes of clothes and necessities. He wasn’t quite sure why he was trying to pack so fast, as no one would be around, the attention focused on the raids, but the thought of encountering someone else frustrated him. He had no time to waste, as the faster the king died, the faster he could end the raids. He packed less food than usual, taking only a few strips of dried meat as he knew that the town and his family needed as much food as they could get. Only a few kalons could leave the battle to find food, which meant less kalons fighting to keep the raiders at bay. Less fighters could cost lives. And by leaving, I’m reducing that number. Favian shook his head, trying to rid himself of the thought. It was a necessary evil. If he left, yes, the town would have less fighters, but by leaving to kill the king, it would mean the end of the raids. He had to do this. And anyway, he thought, trying to turn his mind away from those thoughts, his mother taught him how to identify herbs and plants, and pretty much forced him to memorise their uses, so he could live off berries until he arrived at the castle. If things get desperate, he could always try his hand at hunting. Favian strapped on his sword and falchions as he considered how things would work on the journey, grabbing the things he needed to ensure his swords were maintained as he passed them. He turned around, trying to memorise the appearance of the wooden home before he left. Battles for the throne ended in death, and if he did manage to defeat the king, it was likely he wouldn’t have the chance to return. Kings rarely have time to visit remote mountain towns, which meant, either way, this would be the last view he had of Venos and his home. He almost laughed when he thought back to earlier today, when he remembered what his father said about a time to fight and a time to cry. That time was now, and reflecting on his future would not achieve anything. He hefted his bag and turned, in that movement sealing his reflective thoughts about this town and Lysander. He could ponder about the choices he’d made later; now wasn’t the time. Favian jogged towards the town gates, resisting the urge to brush a paw against the thick wooden walls as he passed, and instead focusing his attention on the path directly in front of him.

The sky was starting to lighten when he arrived at the large town that flourished at the base of the castle, feeling quite eager to find an inn. Eating just berries for the past few days made him appreciate the meals he had, and a bowl of warm stew appealed very much to him. He opened the door to the Fiddler’s Inn, welcoming the warmth of the room as he approached the innkeeper.
“Do you have any spare rooms? I would also like whatever you have for breakfast today.” He asked, digging through his bag to find the pouch of coins. “If I may ask…could you tell me more about challengers and how it works? I’ve heard it in passing and would like to know more.”
“We have the standard for breakfast, and yes, there are spare rooms.” As the innkeeper took his coins, he considered the question, before shaking his head. “I won’t be able to answer all the questions you probably have, but there is this pub across the road, Boar’s Head, and according to the rumours there’s a group there what wants to dethrone the king. They’d be more than happy to talk to you about it. I'm sure they're still there, this early in the morning.” Favian nodded in thanks, and went up to his room, deciding to talk to them once he ate.

He needed all the information he could get about the cheating king.

[FluffyBirdie]

◄ || Cʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ III :: Cᴀᴛᴀᴇs || ►
[ 696 words ]

Favian pushed open the doors of the Boar’s Head, wondering how he would find that group. Even if the public disliked King Revan, groups openly declaring they aimed to dethrone the king likely didn’t last long. He sat at a table, deciding to just listen to the conversation around him and hope that someone mentioned ‘challenger’ and ‘toppling the king’ often. Within minutes, he was pretty sure he found the group, a gathering of four kalons at the corner of the pub discussing the king in casual tones. They didn’t look concerned that most of the kalons in the pub could hear what they were planning, making him interested in why they were overlooked. He walked over, and they looked up as he approached, their expression curious, and moved so he could join their circle.

“Looking for something?” A kalon nearest to him asked, smiling politely. “I assume you’re curious about the law of challenging.”
Favian nodded, slightly surprised, again, at how open they were, before pulling a chair over and sitting down. “I’ve heard about this law, and apparently you guys have answers.”
“Are you aiming to challenge him? We have plans to topple his ruling, but none of us can fight very well and challengers to the throne aren’t common. If you are challenging him, we can give you the information you need.” Another kalon replied, leaning forward in anticipation. “By that as in we can give you literally everything you need. We know how he cheats. We have the solution to his cheating. We essentially know all aspects of that rule. We have it all. So let me ask you: are you challenging the king?”
“Mazur, you’re being too direct again.” The first kalon said, shaking her head. Favian was struck by their willingness to share, his initial dread of having to bargain for information quickly vanishing, replaced with relief and eagerness. “You also pretty much gave away all your cards, what if he says no?”
“I’m challenging the king.” Favian verified before she could speak again, looking at the gathered kalons. “There’s no problem there. So if you say you have what I need, please do share.”
The kalon called Mazur laughed, grinning wickedly, before shaking his head. “I like this one. Well, since you’re so focused on your goal, I’ll spill.” He glanced around, and hearing no objections, resumed talking. “The king cheats with potions that cloud the challenger's eyes, making them see visions of things that had a great emotional impact on them. That’s literally it. We have a cure though, nicknamed 'Cataes' after the first challenger who died at King Revan’s paws. You need to publicly declare your challenge, and a week after that, you and the king would meet at the jousting arena at daybreak. The potion is a gas, so there’s no avoiding its affects, although our cure should counter it. You must know he uses a great-sword, right? Well, one hit from that can kill, but it’s quite a hefty weapon so if you're agile you should be able to dodge it.” He took a break and assessed Favian, before shrugging. “You should be fine. Anyway, when are planning to challenge him? Today? Since our antidote is already prepared.”

It was deceptively easy, and Favian was suspicious of their eagerness. Surely, if they have everything they needed, they would have found someone who was able to act as their challenger, or helped the challengers before him. They must have seen his expression, as another kalon spoke up. “We do appear suspicious, don’t we? But if you believe me, we were only recently formed. The only way we knew what the king was using was by observing the previous challengers’ behaviours, and how the king acted. When the battle came too close to the audience, some started seeing visions, and claimed they smelled a strange, unrecognisable scent beforehand. The antidote took weeks to make, resulting in us…failing…another challenger. The last one. No one was willing to challenge King Revan after him. So does that clear things up?” Favian looked away, considering his choices, before nodding.
“I’ll accept your offer. When do you have to make the challenge?”

[FluffyBirdie]

◄ || Cʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ IV :: Rᴇsᴏʟᴠᴇ || ►
[ 696 words ]

Favian was surprisingly calm when he spoke to the town crier, his mind empty of conflicting thoughts and doubts. This was what he’d set out to do, so doubting his choices now would be like doubting Lysander’s death. He thanked the town crier once the man agreed to announce his challenge, and he went back to the Boar’s Head, seeing the group gathered outside the door and waiting for him. They’ve introduced themselves after telling him a challenge could be made at any time of the day, and he ran through their names and faces again, checking his memory. It wouldn’t help him if he kept forgetting names and made mistakes, like how he was before. Blunders weren’t funny now, not when he was so close. Pyra’s the kalon that first spoke, Mazur’s the direct kalon, Abaton was the one that talked about suspicion and Elio hasn’t spoken yet. He followed the group as they went back to their ‘base’, although it was just Abaton’s home. Just as they neared their destination, a rider thundered past them, almost running them over in his hurry. Everyone along the street turned, curious, and drifted towards the town square where the rider dismounted, including Favian and the group. The rider looked panicked, and Favian could see his eyes were wide open in shock when they neared.

“…destroyed! The whole town was burnt to the ground, and I couldn’t tell if there were survivors since there were still Eliou soldiers there, although I’m pretty sure no one was left alive. Even the walls were burnt down, along with the empty field of grass around it.” Favian started pushing towards the front, alarmed. Was…was the town Venos? It couldn’t be! They have been holding on for so long, it’s impossible the town would fall now! A part of himself wished it was another town that was destroyed, although he immediately started hating himself for thinking it.
“Which…which town is this?” He asked a kalon next to him, dreading the answer. He was pretty sure Venos was the only town Eliou attacked, although…maybe…
“Venos. Black smoke was seen from the mountains yesterday, in the direction of that town, so Evon here rode out to check. Turns out the Eliou were successful.” The kalon added darkly, frowning. She said more, but Favian couldn’t hear what she said, his ears ringing, his body cold. Venos. Destroyed. He didn’t even notice the smoke, and as he wasn’t travelling on the main road, he didn’t notice the rider charging past. He didn’t even think of looking back, too busy trying to steel his heart to realise that the town was gone. Was it his fault? Did one less fighter turn the tides? Maybe his family were so distraught at his…betrayal of them that they didn’t focus on fighting, their minds wondering why he left them.

Was it all his fault?

“Hey Favian, you alright? You’re looking pale, which is a big statement since your face is pretty pale already.” Mazur laughed, a short, sharp bark of sound, and Favian laughed weakly along with him.
“Sorry, I just need time to process this news. Could I have…?” He asked, wondering what they would think if he asked for some time alone. Mazur nodded, before leaving, taking the group with him. Favian turned back to the rider, reconsidering his decisions. If he failed, he wouldn’t just be failing Lysander, but the whole town. If its destruction was because of him, then…he had nothing to lose. He had to defeat the king, so he could strike back at the Eliou for destroying his town. This was his purpose. He might have failed to spare his siblings from death, he might have failed to protect the town, but he wouldn’t fail to defeat the king. If he couldn’t save Venos from destruction, he’ll save other towns, to make up for it. He didn’t mind spending his whole life trying to fix this mistake, since it was only right. It was his fault after all, and he would carry that for his whole life, but that’s OK. Venos’ destruction would remind him that sometimes, violence was the only thing people understand.

[FluffyBirdie]

◄ || Cʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ V :: Dɪsᴄᴜssɪᴏɴ || ►
[ 700 words ]

Favian drifted back towards Abaton’s house, his mind foggy. He shook himself, quietly growling in annoyance. Now was not the time to be weak. He knocked on the door, already storing his grief in a chest and locking it away, to be opened when he was prepared for it. Perhaps he should take his father’s saying for himself, make it his motto, a rule he lives by. Elio opened the door, and stepped aside, letting him in. He nodded his thanks, and followed her to the living room, where everyone sat, waiting for him.
“Let’s discuss the fight.” Abaton said as soon as he sat down, waving away his apology. He took out a glass vial filled with a bright green liquid as he spoke, and placed it on the table in front of them. “What weapons do you use? I can see quite a few there.” Favian glanced at his weapons, forgetting they were there.
“I have a longsword and two falchions, although I modified the falchions so they’re light, so I can hold two at the same time. I’m planning to use them first, and if they get knocked out of my hands, I’ll use the longsword.”
Abaton nodded, impressed, before gesturing to the vial. “Well, if you take Cataes before the battle, it should counter the effects of the gas King Revan uses. He doesn’t have any backup weapons, so if you manage to knock his weapon out of his hands, it should be a certain win. You should try to win as fast as possible, as we don’t know how long the cure would last. Battles against the king always end quickly.”
“What is it made from?” Favian asked, picking the vial up and examining its colour. “You said it took a while to make?”
“Yeah, it did, since the ingredients were scattered all over the kingdom. Ask Elio, she sourced most of them.” Elio laughed, before shrugging.
“Plants like yarrow, burdock, chaparral and fireweed were used, for example. There’s too many to list though. Do you want to keep Cataes or should we?”
“I'll keep it, if you wouldn’t mind.” Favian swirled the contents of the vial around, before tucking it into a small pocket.
“We actually don’t have much to say, so,” Mazur yawned, “I’m off to take a nap. Ask Abaton if you need anything, although I’ll help you raid the kitchen.” He added, laughing and thumping Abaton’s shoulder before he went upstairs. Pyra sighed, before getting up as well.
“I, unfortunately, have to agree with Mazur. Other than training, there’s not much you can do in the week before the fight, so train hard and keep those weapons maintained. Well, I’ll be going; I have something I need to do.”
Elio jumped up and left with Pyra, and Favian glanced at the kalon remaining, wondering if he should leave as well. Abaton didn’t say anything, so he spoke up first.
“Do you know anyone I can train with? It’s always easier with a sparring partner.” Abaton shrugged with one shoulder, before gesturing to a sheathed broadsword leaning against the wall.
“I guess I can, although know that I’m no good with swords. If I was I’d have challenged the king ages ago. Sorry Favian, but I think I’ll head up to bed as well. I know it’s early in the morning but we’ve been in the pub all night so I need sleep. Make yourself at home.” He clomped up the stairs, leaving Favian sitting in the living room and wondering what to do. He didn’t feel tired, not after the chaotic events of this single morning, and got up, deciding to look around the house. He had a mild suspicion of the four, and as absurd as it sounded, he wanted to find something to disprove or confirm his thoughts. He checked the living room, observing everything carefully, before his eye caught on the fireplace. Something was glinting there, caught in the sunlight streaming from the window, and he approached, brushing aside the ashes and picking up the metal insignia. His heart skipped a beat when he recognised the coat of arms pressed into the metal.

Wasn’t that emblem the king’s?

[FluffyBirdie]

◄ || Cʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ VI :: Bᴇᴛʀᴀʏᴀʟ || ►
[ 668 words ]

Favian frowned, turning the insignia over, wondering if he’d make a mistake. But no, it was clearly the king’s. Why would this be here? Does it mean the group was siding with the king, and luring challengers to their deaths, or did they throw it into the fireplace as a symbol of defiance? He stood up, pacing, as he thought it through. In all his knowledge of plants, he never knew any that could counter a gas. And he was sure the plants mentioned didn’t cure hallucinations. In fact, what plant cured hallucinations? Maybe the other ingredients Elio didn’t mention did the trick, or a combination of different plants and herbs, but it seemed unlikely.

Maybe he just didn’t want to trust the four, since they made everything too easy. He wasn’t sure what to think anymore. He dropped the insignia back into the fireplace, pushed the ashes back onto it, and went outside, careful not to open the door with his ash-covered hand. He went back to the inn to wash his hands, all the while wondering what he was going to do about the insignia. Should he ask them about it? Or would that end in his death? He left the inn, feeling the urge to pull out the vial and examining it but resisting. Maybe they were watching him from the house windows. Where did Pyra and Elio go? You’re just being paranoid. He thought, striding towards the farms at the edge of the town. He was always so suspicious about everything, and without…without Lysander, he felt like he had no anchor. The second the cobblestone path turned into dirt, he sprinted, looking for a place far from prying eyes.

Favian slowed when he passed a brood of chickens, pecking happily at seeds from a feeding trough next to the fence. An idea struck him, and he glanced around, looking for farmers or guard dogs, and seeing none, crouched down, and pulled out the vial. He removed the cork and allowed a few drops to fall into the seeds a distinctive white hen was eating. It was too small of an amount to be noticed, and unless they measured the amount in the vial, no one would notice the difference. A plan was already forming in his mind as he watched the hen continue to eat, unresponsive to the green droplets soaking into her food. He would find another way to counter the gas, and if he couldn’t, he’ll just have to win the fight before King Revan used it. If the hen showed strange symptoms, then he’ll use the antidote he prepared, or whatever he could do to win the fight. If a week passed and nothing changed, maybe he would use Cataes. Unless it killed in two weeks, but there was no way he could plan for that. And if…if Cataes was really a poison, he wouldn’t confront the group. He’ll play along, just in case they reported to the king, as the king might lower his guard if he thought the challenger was poisoned on the day of the fight. He got up, about to leave, but something told him to wait, so he stood there, alert for guard dogs or farmers, and waited for a reaction. Maybe Cataes didn’t kill, but stiffened the challenger’s muscles or clouded their vision.

Nothing seemed to happen, and Favian started to grow impatient, worried he would be spotted. Was his paranoia getting to him? But then the hen started to back away from the feed trough, squawking in alarm. She fluttered off, behaving like she was being chased, although there was nothing chasing her. Was she seeing visions? Was she…hallucinating? A realisation struck Favian like a blow to his stomach. Maybe Cataes caused the hallucinations the ‘gas’ supposedly gave! The thought chilled him, and he looked at the vial with renewed suspicion. No matter what it did, he wasn’t going to drink it, and now, there was no way he could trust those four kalons.

[FluffyBirdie]

◄ || Cʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ VII :: Cʟᴀsʜɪɴɢ ᴏꜰ Sᴡᴏʀᴅs || ►
[ 695 words ]

It was the day of the tournament. There was an hour left before daybreak, and Favian paced around Abaton’s house, anxious. He’d replaced Cataes with his own mixture: one that has the same bright green colour, but had no negative effects. For the entire week he sparred with Abaton, and as the kalon said, he wasn’t the best at sword-fighting. Favian didn’t mind, partly grateful for having a sparring partner and partly angry at his betrayal. He wasn’t the best at disguising emotions either, but luckily everyone seemed to think he was angry at the king, not them. He double checked his weapons, careful not to touch the blade, and exhaled, stilling his legs. Pacing would only tire him. He spent a whole minute doing nothing, just closing his eyes and breathing, trying to still his heart and mind. This was his purpose, what he was here for. He could do this, for Lysander. For Venos.

The group arrived then, nervous smiles plastered on their faces, and he raised a paw in greeting. He lifted the vial, drank it, and dropped the vial, before walking out the door, the group behind him. They went towards the jousting arena, most of the town already present and settled in, and as he was spotted, the gathered kalons started talking, most cheering while others threw catcalls. He ignored them all, instead striding towards the center of the arena and sitting down, waiting. The king, to Favian’s surprise, arrived on time, riding over on a warhorse and wearing simple clothes. Armoury of any sort was forbidden. He dismounted and joined Favian in the arena, grinning confidently and swinging his great-sword around as if it weighed like air. Favian pulled himself up, before unsheathing his two falchions and gripping one in each hand. As expected, the king didn’t look surprised, and Favian wondered if it was because of the group reporting to him or if someone else told him about it. He brushed those thoughts away as soon as they appeared, his focus instead on the king and his actions. King Revan stilled as the sky started to lighten, and both of them watched each other, tense, waiting for the sun to break the horizon. The crowd yelled as soon as the merest silver of gold appeared, and Favian charged first, spinning his two falchions towards the king’s abdomen. He jumped back, laughing, and swung the large sword, almost slicing off Favian’s horns as he ducked. They attacked back and forth, their movements elaborate as if it were one complex dance. He’d managed to slice King Revan’s clothes a few times, but could never get close enough to land a solid strike. It frustrated him, especially knowing that just slicing the skin would be enough, but dodging the great-sword’s swings were more of a priority, as he was sure he would lose the second the sword struck him. As the fight dragged on, he started to stumble, his eyes wide in surprise. He gasped quietly, body frozen to the spot, and the king’s grin widened as he swung the sword downwards. At the last moment, when there was no way the king could change the direction of his sword, Favian dived to one side, kicking the king’s paws and turning to slash them. It was not the deepest cut he could have made, but the poison he’d dipped the blade into earlier worked immediately, making the king instinctively drop his sword and pull his hands to his chest. Favian struck then, giving the king countless wounds and driving him away from his weapon. The battle ended with one falchion at the king’s throat and the other pointed at his stomach.

He’d won.


***


The coronation ceremony was to be held later today, but even before that, he was viewed as king. Only the dim would be kind to their enemies, and so the king and his group weren’t spared. But even as he commanded them to be killed, he couldn't help but wish for a different ending, another world where death was not a way to gain power.

But that must be a wish only a fool would hope for.

[FluffyBirdie]

◄ || Eᴘɪʟᴏɢᴜᴇ :: A Dᴇᴍᴀɴᴅ || ►
[ 307 words ]

To the royalty and king of the Eliou nation,

This message is both a warning and a suggestion. If you have not known, we of the Ilyzia nation underwent a change of kings; kings with extremely different viewpoints about war. Unlike King Revan, who ignorantly overlooked your clear invasion of our territory, I, King Favian, will not agree to this invasion and will surely retaliate back. I suggest you pull your troops away from my kingdom, and if you ignore this message and continue to destroy my towns and forests, I am not averse to starting a war. This is a warning, my first and last towards your kingdom. I will personally kill those who attacked and burned the town of Venos if it came down to war, and will lead my troops in person towards your army. I am sure you know, but the Ilyzia nation is larger than the Eliou, and I am certain our army is larger as yours. As much as you wish for a larger territory, you will not find it here in my kingdom, and I strongly suggest for your kingdom to attack elsewhere. For every plot of land you gain from my kingdom, I will take three from yours, if you do not heed this warning to withdraw and leave. We have ways around the mountains, ways you do not know and ways that will most surely lead to your destruction. A war with us would only result in the loss of your territory, not your gain. I hereby give you three weeks to pull your forces away from my kingdom, and if even one soldier was found to remain in my lands, a war will be declared, and shall not end until I am satisfied with your defeat.

With respect to your decision,
King Favian of the Ilyzia kingdom