-Alexis Lycan, 18 years old-
Alexis stands upon a platform in the village square, overlooking the assembled villagers before him. They peer up at him with fear and distrust evident in their eyes. The past Dukes had destroyed the trust in their hearts. Now, every time they see a figure of authority, they automatically advert their eyes and try to blend into the background. Praying to all the Gods in their pantheon, hoping not to be seen, to be targeted.
Alexis turns to the woman beside him, Vanessa, and gives her a gloomy look. The atmosphere is extremely heavy and depressing.
He turns back to the crowd and steps forward, capturing everyone's attention as he does so. The air is deathly quiet.
"My name is Duke Alexis Lycan, the new Lord of this territory." He speaks loudly enough for all to hear. "I have come to speak to you on two important matters." Alexis takes a deep breath and gathers his thoughts. "These two things are of grave importance." He says solemnly. Alexis gets a sad look in his eyes as he bows deeply to the villagers. This causes the crowd to break out into loud whispers and gasps. They simply cannot believe the sight of their lord, a noble, bowing to them.
"Firstly, I wish to sincerely apologize for the actions of my father, and his father before him. I know that no number of words can undo what has been done, all of the suffering and despair you have endured. I am deeply ashamed that I was unable to stop his actions. I am sorry."
"But he is long gone now, and I remain." Alexis says softly, but his words reach everyone's ears.
The crowd is still stunned and does not immediately react to the spectacle that has just happened before them. A few in the crowd scoff and turn away, unwilling to believe his words, as red-hot anger simmers in their hearts. Yet, most of them notice the look of absolute shock and awe on the faces of the two attending vassals. The two of them are deeply respected in the village for their efforts in trying to the stem the violence perpetrated against the village folk. The villagers look up to and cling to them for safety. Subsequently, seeing the respect written on Vanessa's and Angelica's faces convinces the majority to give a small amount of trust. Though this trust is as frail as fine porcelain, and any small betrayal would shatter it utterly.
Alexis continues bowing for another half a minute before rising again, a visible determination in his charcoal eyes. He addresses the crowd once more. The sight of the bowing lord had caught everyone's attention. And they hang onto his every word.
"Hear me now!" Alexis starts, much louder than before. "Though you may not believe me now, I solemnly vow to fight and defend this land, and the precious people within it!" He thunders. "I vow to undo the heinous mistakes of my forefathers! To lead this land once again with a just hand!" As he continues speaking, the crowd stirs ever so slightly, motivated by his words and charisma. They glance at their neighbors, friends, families, and acquaintances. A sliver of hope forming inside each of them, that the worst has passed.
"I will bring newfound prosperity and security to the village of Starfall! I will uplift each and every one of you into the life you so very deserve. I promise, you will want for nothing!" Alexis shouts, touching his chest above the heart for emphasis. The crowd is now more animated and begins shouting as well, caught up in the heat of the moment. Alexis is breathing unevenly, having worked himself up. The crowd notices his plain excitement, which fuels theirs further.
"We used to be known as the Northern Wolves! We were once respected and feared! Any who saw the glorious standard of house Lycan trembled in awe!" Alexis declares to the crowd as he unfurls the ancient banner of house Lycan. A pair of silver wolves on a black background with a downward facing sword between them is set upon said banner. The crowd is now in a fever pitch. He stabs the standard into very platform he stands on. It flutters proudly in the breeze beside him.
"I vow to you; we will reach those lofty heights once again! I just ask that you follow me! Follow me to attain what is rightfully ours!" Alexis finishes, his voice firm and bold. The crowd is going berserk, stomping their feet and letting loose cries towards the heavens. The ground shakes and the air trembles. Vanessa and Angelica turn towards their liege, their Duke, and kneel down before him. The villagers, save a bitter few, follow their example and kneel before Duke Alexis Leon Lycan.
Unseen to anyone, a pair of green eyes watches from the darkness of an alleyway, full of keen interest and fascination.
-
After a long while, the crowd finally calms down and Alexis is once again able to speak again. "To begin accomplishing these goals, I require volunteers to assist in this great undertaking of ours. We plan to soon begin felling trees in the surrounding forests to sell as lumber." He explains, and the villagers listen closely.
"As I said, we will be using volunteers. No one will be forced to work if they do not wish it." Alexis says surprising the population. They were used to irresponsible, harsh demands. "Any who volunteer will be exempt from the bi-monthly tax. Additionally, they will be paid for each tree they successfully fell." At his words, the crowd gets rowdy once again. Murmurs and discussion break out immediately. Tax breaks are almost unheard of in the Empire. And that's not even including the prospect of being paid for their work, instead of just being used.
A few brave men in the crowd immediately step forward. "I'll volunteer!" they yell, trying to secure a future for their families. These men are a catalyst. And soon, most of the villagers follow their lead. Much of the crowd has volunteered.
Alexis smiles and speaks over the ruckus. "Any who volunteer are to seek out the lumberjacks for further details."
-
Alexis is back inside of his room when a knock sounds at his door. He looks up distractively from his desk, which is covered in various maps and charts, and turns to Sabrina. He nods his head once. She bows in his direction before opening the door to greet the visitor. She stiffens up, clearly shocked by who is on the other side.
"My lord... Ryan is here to see you." Sabrina replies hesitatingly. Her shock is understandable. It has only been two weeks since Ryan left. He should have only just recently arrived in Riven City if everything had gone according to plan.
Alexis slumps over onto his desk. "So, he couldn't make it after all?" he sighs. The road to the neighboring Dukedom can, at times, be unpassable due to monsters or bandits posting up along the route. Ryan being here so soon could only mean one thing, he had failed to reach the city.
Sabrina steps back from the door to allow Ryan Tymer to enter. Rather than a mournful look on his face, he looks triumphant. Like a man who had completed his Lord's orders to the letter.
"My Lord!" the man exclaims excitedly. "I have brought someone to speak to you!" Ryan finishes as he stops before Alexis and kneels.
A complicated look flashes across Alexis's face, and he sits upright. "What are you talking about, Ryan?" he questions.
Before Ryan can respond however, a sweet, gentle voice sounds from the doorway. There is indeed someone else there.
"Pardon the interruption." The voice says before stepping into the room.
It is a beautiful young woman with medium length brunette hair and emerald green eyes. She wears an elegant dress the color of the noon sky. A noble woman surely. Her hair just passes her shoulders and is curled slightly. Her eyes gleam with a mischievous intelligence. Her posture is impeccable, and she wears a pin on her breast. It depicts a raven grasping the moon with its talons. Alexis knew this symbol.
"Hello, Duke Alexis Lycan." The woman says before he could properly react. "My name is Jessica Anaxia, the governor of Riven City."