#fingers crossed hope she joins boel with the gang next year

[arcstral]

"Does anything hurt?" Those were Alears first words as she cut her distance with the hero-king. As an spectator she had seen him shine like the brightest star in a sea of warriors, unfortunately even the brightest star grows dark one day. And despite him not raising victor having seen his skills set happiness in her chest.

His javeling took down a rose haired Eagle before his own downfall by a purple haired one. It had been an entertaining fight that she was sure of, her lungs that had been cheering his name alongside many others were proof of that.

A smile on her face as she continued. "I truly believed you would make it, a shame that wasn't the case! Still you did a wonderful job out there." It made her wonder how it would have been to experience it as one of his team members rather than someone cheering for a friend, perhaps it would have felt like old times that had never happened in the first place. "Next time you will do even better, i'm sure of it."

Despite the encouraging words she lifted a pinky towards him.

"If next time i join i would love to fight by your side and if not i'll keep on cheering for you." The Divine Dragon began the search of a promise for a year ahead. "Why don't we promise that we will work hard for next time, together? Do you like the sound of that?"

Bitten by defeat and yet soothed by the inspiriting knowledge that his allies would move on, such is the dichotomy of a loss that is not unwelcome. The way of the Hero-King where every sacrifice of his own is worth the pangs for someone else. That Ephraim and Yuri have proceeded to the next stage, their progression alone instills value in moment otherwise devoid of triumph. Marth's own place for now consigns itself humbly to the medical tents - and to the receiving end of a most pleasant visitor.

"Ah, Alear, not at all, the healers here are exceptionally talented. Within mere hours of admission I have felt rapidly improved." He smiles appreciatively at the girl, agreeable and serene with hands in his lap, nursing a juice box conveyed to him by a helpful young man. A taste as sweet as last year's one could easily note; the reparations for the injured and bed-bound were certainly never spared in quality.

Another sip, another quiet ear lent to the optimistic Elyosian woman. He is in good hands, not singly for the medics that have restored him from his wounds, but the pleasant conversation afterward that allows for the mind to linger on less heavy affairs. Distraction, after all, is but another facilitation and form of healing.

Upon his swallow, he divulges the words on his mind. "I appreciate your kind words. Though I would find it shameful to lose in a true battle, this one is curiously different. Every year of the Battle of Eagle and Lion brings with it cherished memories."

The reunion with Sara, the stalwart front raised alongside two allies, new faces encountered from nothing, all were worth the highest regard and distanced themselves from the shame. A mystery, but one that has been produced time and time again for those entered into this annual ceremony - both the losers and winners to come out of it. Naturally, it is an experience he would wish for the other monarch as well. But first he stirs.

Amusement sparkles in the king's face as he eyes the other's upraised pinky finger, by now solidified as a most faithful habit. An invincible quirk? A tradition carried over from her native land? Though unable to be discerned, it was clear that this gesture replicated itself often in the dragon's behavior. "That is most agreeable to me. Should you join, I am sure it will become an even more inspiring year." In that regard, a shift of his arms links two fingers together, raising up their hopes for the next shining year.

#◜ ╰ ♕ ◦ › royal mandate ‹ ASKBOX. ◞ #alliberacio #miss alear in the inbox:soft_smile: #fingers crossed hope she joins boel with the gang next year #toaboel2024