Kingdom Meeting (Reply by June 5th)

[Crito]

The bay roan stallion hides out when he knows Mountain’s reign is drawing to an end. He hates the man as much as any other brother - had wished the finale of his demise long ago – but he can’t be present for the execution. Not only because of his age (had the crazed man attacked, the older brother wouldn’t have stood a chance) but because of his softness. More than the warriors, perhaps, he knows the value of one’s mind. To lose it, or to never have it in the first place, is an incomprehensible fate. He’s not sure the once-king even knew of his own madness. Putting him down like a rabid wolf that is too close to base leaves a sour taste on his tongue. The sour taste lingers, but once the business of kingslaying (or whatever had felled the king from his throne) is over, Crito emerges again. He does so at Errant’s call. It’s loud and clear over the still winter scene. Snow had fallen the night before, and it now blankets the flatlands, crunching in satisfying fashion under the stallion’s feet as he walks across it. The air smells crisp and new, and he drinks it in greedily, trying to clear his mind for the meeting ahead. It’s difficult, though. He wonders if rehabilitation had ever been a possibility for the mad king; he wonders if the man was too far gone to save, that killing might have been its own kindness. As he draws near the gathered, he reminds himself that he does not know how Mountain had left. Secretly, he’s glad when Errant doesn’t tell them, either. Their king wonders of Mountain’s potential effects on the other kingdoms. Crito can only supply a partial answer. “The Chamber applauded us for dealing with Mountain ourselves – so no need to worry about them.” He smiles briefly, directing his attention to Errant. “Congratulations, by the way.” The roan looks about at the others, his grey eyes thoughtful. They seem to be a solid bunch this time around, he thinks. Before, the Brotherhood had seemed stretched thin. But now, the men have grit to go along with their scars. Many are physically imposing; he only hopes the diplomatic side is equally strong. “I would be happy to go to the Jungle. I agree that they are a natural fit, alliance-wise.” It’s been too long since he’s been back to the place of his birth, anyway. Extending a relationship would make the trip that much better. ( c r i t o )

reference picture //character info