Will we ever learn

The Plot

20 years. 20 years is how long we've been fighting this meaningless war. I want it to end, I want to be with him once more but I'm afraid that may never happen.

We were only 15 when this all started, we had defeated the tyrants of old in the rebellion. We freed the kingdom, we were happy. Then we started to discuss about how we'd run the place. It was our first and only disagreement. First we asked the senate on who they supported, then we asked the people on who they supported. Most of the senate agreed with me but the people agreed with him. We tried our hardest to settle it peacefully, but we couldn't. Once again, our kingdom was back in a war.

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"My queen, we've taken the cities Aetheria and Thule, but we lost most of our army in the process,"

"How much?"

"60 to 70% percent, and we're spread too thin because of it, defence will be hard and attacking will be a thousand times harder,"

"What do you suggest we do?"

"Negotiate with them, that's our only possible option right now,"

"I'll send a messenger to them, is that all?"

"Yes, Your Highness,"

"Very well, you are dismissed,"

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"Sire, I bring both bad and good news,"

"Give me the bad news first, Commander,"

"They're army had taken cities of Aetheria and Thule,

"That's bad, that's really bad,what could possibly be the good news?"

"Our men stood their ground, and managed to wipe out more than half their army, without suffering major casualties! Now they're spread thin, we'd be able to march on to their headquarters and kill their leader and end this war once and for all. Just say the word and we'll do it,"

"Delay for a month,"

"Whatever you say, Sire, I trust you,"

"Thank you, Commander, you may go now"

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"My humble greetings to you king,"

"Who are you?"

"I am messenger, here to deliver a message,"

"Speak messenger,"

"I say only what my queen ordered me say,

"My love, I can no longer fight this meaningless war, I can't keep seeing my people die, enough is enough, I propose we negotiate terms on how this should end. From, your old flame."

I have said what my queen has ordered me to say,"

"Thank you messenger, tell your queen I except her proposal and that we should meet in the city of Thule to negotiate,"

"Very well king,"

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As we arrived at the city of Thule, my heart was pounding with excitement and fear. I was finally going to see my love again after decades of being apart.

"We are gathered here today to oversee the negotiations between both parties," The Senator said.

I extended my hand to my beloved, "It's good to see you again love,"

He held my hand, "After all these years,"

I smiled, "The people sided with you, they supported you, I should've done the same, let's end the war once and for all,"

His smile widened, "Yes, my love, once and for all,"

The senator, "This is against our traditions! Our morals! The people will never accept a peaceful end to this! Victory is won with blood! That is our way!"

Rage ran through our veins, "Then what do you propose we do senator?!"

"The execution of one of you would be a dishonourable death, your supporters would be angry leading to further civil war, I suggest a dual to the death,"

I gazed into the eyes of my beloved, "Is this what we should really do? I don't want to kill you, I love you,"

"I love you too, but this is what's best for our kingdom,"

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Everyone gathered at the arena, watching us from above.

We met at the center and drew our blades, we circled each other, neither of us wanting to make the first move.

Then he swung his sword, I blocked and swung my sword at him, I cut his cheek, I swung and cut his arm, this went on for God knows how long. Then he knocked me to the ground, my sword fell out of my hands, he raised his sword above his head, and stabbed himself in the stomach.

I screamed as he fell into my arms. A wave of pain and anguish crashed onto me.

"W-Why?"

"I love you,"

His last words before he took his last breath. That day marked the end of the war, a day in which my people celebrate while I mourn his death, alone in sorrow.