The Blue Eyed King of Kuoh

The Sun Rises and Fear is Overcome

Rune lay sitting on the grass in the mysterious forest well after the sun had set, his back propped against a tree. Unconscious, clothes torn, dried blood splotched over his face, bare torso and arms.

Unaware of 4 individuals watching him from a short distance away.

"Is he the one? He is but a boy..." Spoke a regal and nearly emotionless voice. A hint of worry in their tone.

A loud boisterous laugh followed up, a strong burly voice spoke next, "The young one put up an amazing fight! He is surely stronger than we were at his age!"

A scoff from an arrogant voice spoke next to the burly voice, "Hard enough to believe this child is supposed to be like us. Though I will admit his savage flailing against that berserker was somewhat entertaining." The arrogant man finished speaking with a haughty tone, making the regal voice sigh and the burly man laugh again.

A fourth voice joined the first three then, a mature and commanding feminine voice, "This is but the start of his journey. His trials will be brutal and difficult, but he will become the best of us, in time."

The arrogant man raised an eyebrow hearing this, and scoffed again, "If it was anyone else speaking those words I'd strike them down in an instant, Witch Queen. Though I am now somewhat interested in his potential. I believe I'm beginning to understand my dear friend's words regarding his interest in the growth of mortals." They finished in a melancholic tone.

The loud burly man chimed in then, "Ah, witnessing the growth of those to come after us truly is one of life's unspoken treasures, are they not little girl?" He finished with a pointed look towards the regal voice.

The regal voice released a tired sigh before replying, "I will let that insult slide this one time, tyrant. I never had the time to witness the growth of those below me. I simply trusted them to do so on their own. A mistake I paid for dearly in the end." A tone of deep regret filled their voice.

The burly man released a sigh and shook his head in disappointment. "Truly, we still heavily disagree on what makes a king. Yet, I am truly eager to find out what path this young man will take. Given what we heard in that little party of theirs celebrating his engagement, I'd say he is but a young dreamer. However, his words on what a king is hold some merit, so long as he doesn't shackle himself to a slave's ideals. As much as I'd love to have him join my armies, I'd rather not face the fury of the boy's mother again." He finished with another boisterous laugh.

The arrogant man perked up at the words and closed his eyes, "An interesting point you make there barbarian. Will he grow to be a dreamer knight, a foolish conqueror, or a fake hero? I await to see his path with mild interest." The arrogant man crossed his arms and leaned back on a nearby tree with graceful ease.

The mature feminine voice finally spoke once more and addressed the other three, "You three are well known and greatly respected figures to Rune. And while he already has some idea as to what makes a king, your stories will help guide and push him towards his own path. Particularly you, regretful king. I feel you will learn more from him than he from you. I hope you are prepared to have your views once again challenged, and even changed." The mature voice held a small knowing smirk on her otherwise stoic face.