sbi royalty

the meeting

They spent a few more long days travelling, everyone was becoming ever so slightly quieter the closer to the place they got.

In the morning of the meeting day, it had gotten to point where there was a heavy silence that hung over everyone, even Tommy kept a nervous eye out for anything that could possibly go wrong.

The meeting place had been decided as a large clearing near a cliff, that was a short walk from a small town. Typically, they would meet in an embassy with lots of officials and dinner and drinks. All Dream needed was a field.

Most of the small army was left behind in the town, while the personal guard and other attendants of the princes accompanied them up to the cliff edge.

Technoblade surveyed his surroundings carefully; the gravelly path they followed lead up the hill, a few rabbits scattering upon hearing the crunch of hooves. The wind grew steadily more breezy, constantly blowing his hair in his face. His cloak billowed, and especially as on horseback, gave him a certain authoritative presence to anyone who dared glance his way. However, for Techno, it simply allowed the wind to attack the thin layers he wore underneath, sending a shiver through him ever now and then.

Tommy was perched uncomfortably on his horse, just behind Techno's right shoulder. He was dressed in his new military attire, since he was on official kingdom business now, which was mostly white with some red details here and there.

He shifted uncomfortably in his saddle.

"Why did Dream choose this area?" Tommy perked up.

"I don't know, it is safe though, we are just there to greet him, then escort him back ."

"Fine, I believe you."

"Good."

The hill began to plateau. The sudden drop of the cliff edge came to into view along with around a dozen figures in the distance.

A lone figure rode forward on his horse after halting the soldiers behind him. Techno couldn't get a good look at them, however they seemed heavily armed and much more prepared than any of his soldiers.

Techno ordered his soldiers to halt also, so that him and Tommy could proceed together.

The man they presumed to be Dream came into full view now; he most notably wore a slightly cracked mask with his signature smiley face on. His other clothes seemed fairly basic, not entirely fit for a lord, however it became clear pretty quickly that they concealed hefty amounts of armour in a similar fashion to Technoblade's cloak.

Techno kept one hand on the hilt of his sword as they got closer, he glanced at Tommy who still seemed just as nervous as before, perhaps more so.

"Your royal highnesses, it's a pleasure to meet you." Dream dismounted his horse and they did the same, then he offered a shallow bow and wide smile.

"It is a pleasure to meet you also Lord Dream, I hope you are enjoying your time in our kingdom thus far?" Technoblade asked.

"It's been fine, thank you. Now... you must be wondering what on earth is going on, this is no embassy. Well, you are very courteous Technoblade, but that's not the Technoblade I'm interested in." Dream paced around as he spoke and seemed almost amused with himself.

Tommy shot Techno a warning look and opened his mouth to speak only for Dream to continue.

"I would like to see the man everyone talks about for hundreds of miles... the Blood God? I believe that's the nickname?"

"Yes."

"And this area makes for a perfect duelling spot, don't you agree?"

"I suppose."

Techno glared straight though Dream's mask searching for any snippet of information that might help determine Dream's goals or intentions, but couldn't find anything.

"If you want to duel you can have one when we get back to the castle." Techno stated.

"What's wrong with now?"

"Alright, fine." Techno sighed.

"What!? You don't have to listen to him!" Tommy exclaimed, moving towards Techno.

"It's okay, maybe it will be fun."

Tommy looked at Techno like he had gone completely insane. Techno reached over and ruffled his hair, then stepped back. He had made up his mind. "Just enjoy the show, okay?"

With that, he turned back to Dream and they arranged the terms of the duel.

Any weapons or armour goes. Fight until surrender, or death.

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sorry bout the cliffhanger lads ;)