--- Lion's Gate
--- Some Time Later in the evening after Arthur and his party made it to Lion's Gate
As the evening settled over Lion's Gate, Sir Luis regaled his fellow soldiers with tales of their recent mission, his voice booming with enthusiasm.
The soldiers, gathered around him, listened intently, their faces alight with excitement and admiration.
"Suddenly thousands of red eyes!" Sir Luis began dramatically, capturing the attention of his audience.
He climbed onto the table for emphasis, basking in the rapt attention of the other soldiers.
"No, wait till you hear this! Wait till you hear this!" he continued; the excitement palpable in his voice.
He recounted how Arthur bravely faced the beastmen chief, his sword flashing in the chaos:
"His Lordship draws his sword – ssshing! The beastmen chief runs off screaming! Straight down a Ruffian's gullet!"
His story was met with cheers and shouts of amazement from the soldiers, all deeply impressed by Arthur's bravery and skill in battle.
"More ales!" someone called out, eager to continue the festive atmosphere.
"More tales!" others joined in, clearly eager to hear more about Arthur's heroic deeds.
The mood at Lion's Gate was jubilant, with the soldiers proud and inspired by Arthur's leadership and the successful outcome of their perilous mission.
Sir Luis's storytelling not only entertained but also bolstered the morale of the troops, celebrating their comrade's valor and the triumph they had achieved together.
"Drink and be merry, boys! We've work tomorrow!" Sir Troy announced, raising his cup high as he approached Commander Lord Van.
The atmosphere was one of celebration and camaraderie.
Commander Lord Van, who had been instrumental in training Arthur to become a skilled and valiant vanguard, appeared immensely proud of his protégé's achievements. Joining Sir Troy, they clinked their wine-filled glasses in a toast and took seats next to each other.
"The young lord has a bright future ahead of him," Sir Troy remarked after taking a sip of his wine, a sentiment echoed by many in the room.
Commander Lord Van agreed with a nod, adding that Arthur might one day not only join them in all their journeys and battles but possibly even lead them in future missions.
The thought of Arthur rising to such a prominent role brought smiles to their faces.
They laughed together, sharing a moment of mutual respect and anticipation for what the future held for Arthur.
The night continued with more stories, laughter, and toasting, as they celebrated the successful mission and the promising path that lay ahead for Arthur and the entire kingdom.
Artemis sat quietly beside his father, King Dwight, observing the jubilant soldiers celebrating the night's events.
He held a golden fork, his gaze fixed on the merriment around him, yet he remained detached from the festivities.
King Dwight noticed Artemis's silence amidst the raucous joy of their men.
The soldiers, growing even livelier, began rhythmically banging their hands on the tables, creating a unified drumming sound that echoed the collective happiness. Yet, when the King glanced back at Artemis, the quietude persisted.
"Are you unwell?" the King asked, concerned for his son.
"No, father, just a little tired," Artemis replied. The King understood, acknowledging the long and eventful day they had all endured.
After a brief silence, Artemis spoke again, his voice tinged with thoughtfulness.
"They all like Arthur, don't they?" he said, referring to the soldiers' evident admiration for his brother.
"Aye, your brother will be a fine vanguard. We're all very proud of him," the King responded, his pride in Arthur evident in his voice.
Artemis's smile was tinged with curiosity as he posed a more serious question to his father.
"Father... why is it that the Zodiac is always born into our family?" His question reflected a concern about the fairness of such power being confined to their noble lineage, potentially excluding others who were not of noble birth.
The King paused, considering his response to this profound inquiry.
"We cannot live without the Blessing of the Stars. And the fragments only work their magic through us," he finally replied.
Turning to face Artemis, he elaborated on the significance of their family's role.
He explained that Artemis was blessed to wield the power of Chyrum, the Zodiac Leo.
Their family was chosen not to monopolize this power but to share its benefits with the people.
It was their duty to use these powers for the greater good, and that was why they were chosen as the Zodiac's vessels.
The King gently tapped his son on the shoulder, emphasizing the responsibility and purpose that came with their unique position.
This conversation revealed the weight of the responsibilities borne by their family and the sense of duty that came with their extraordinary abilities.
It also highlighted the complexities and questions surrounding the distribution of power and the responsibilities of those who wield it.
Artemis's introspective nature and his father's wisdom offered a glimpse into the deeper aspects of their roles as leaders and protectors of their kingdom.
As the soldiers began to sing together, their voices filled the room with joy and camaraderie, drawing the attention of Artemis and his father, the King.
The lively scene was a heartwarming display of unity and happiness among the troops.
Caught up in the festive atmosphere, the King stood from his seat and approached the soldiers.
"Louder, my friends! Louder!" he encouraged, his voice blending with the chorus of jubilant voices.
The soldiers responded with even more vigor, their singing growing louder. The King himself joined in, singing along and sharing in the collective joy of the moment.
Meanwhile, Artemis remained seated, lost in deep thought. Despite the merriment around him, he seemed detached and contemplative.
"I don't suppose I'll be missed," he murmured to himself, a hint of loneliness in his tone.
Quietly, Artemis rose from his seat and walked towards the nearest door, seeking solitude away from the lively gathering.
His departure from the room was a poignant reminder of his inner conflict and the introspective nature that set him apart from the others.
As the celebration continued inside, Artemis stepped out, perhaps to reflect on his thoughts or to find peace in the quiet away from the revelry.
Artemis, seeking solitude, wandered out to the terrace where the stars shone brightly in the night sky.
There, he unexpectedly came across Arthur, who was also alone, seated on the stairs.
"So this is where you've been hiding," Artemis greeted his brother, breaking the silence between them.
Arthur, slightly surprised, stood up to join Artemis. He asked why Artemis was outside instead of joining the feast.
Artemis explained that he had been looking for Arthur at the feast but couldn't find him there. In response, Arthur half-jokingly remarked,
"Feasts are the only time vanguards are allowed to take their ease. And… I've never really been one for cakes and ale."
"It's the vegetables I don't like," Artemis quipped back, joining in the lighthearted banter.
The two brothers shared a moment of laughter, their brief exchange breaking the earlier solemnity.
This interaction highlighted the bond between them, a mix of camaraderie and gentle teasing, providing a glimpse into their more personal and relaxed dynamic away from the formalities and responsibilities of their roles.
On that night, Artemis and Arthur sat side by side on the terrace steps, engaging in a heart-to-heart conversation. Artemis, with a hint of excitement, brought up the topic of Arthur's recent achievement.
"I hear you slayed a Ruffian," he asked eagerly, adding that everyone at the feast was singing Arthur's praises.
Arthur's expression turned serious as he shared his perspective with Artemis.
He explained that the soldiers weren't just unused to his combat prowess. Since joining the ranks, many had viewed him as merely a "spoiled little lordling."
He reflected on the challenges he faced being the firstborn son of the king yet not chosen by the Zodiac. This situation led many to initially see him as a failure.
Arthur confided that if he hadn't been skilled with the sword, he might have ended up as a laughingstock.
His determination and hard work were driven by the desire to prove himself beyond his birthright. Despite the fatigue and the skepticism he faced, he persevered in his training.
He then acknowledged Artemis's unwavering belief in him, which had been a source of strength.
Artemis's support helped him push through the challenges and continue fighting, not just in battles but also against the preconceptions others had of him.