[Once upon a time in a cheesy fantasy world there were two kingdoms. Or rather, there was one kingdom, and some open land inhabited by a variety of tribes that wandered about generally minding their own business. For a long time the kingdom left the nomads mind their sheep in peace, but roughly two years ago the other nations nearby got rather... pushy. In an effort to expand its borders and fortify itself against its more aggressive neighbors, the kingdom decided to annex the unincorporated land to the north.
The annexation did not proceed as smoothly as expected. Turns out, "minding their own business" did not remotely mean there was no fight in the people of the North. Despite a long long history of either ignoring eachother or squabbling amongst themselves, in the face of a larger threat the tribes banded together, becoming one big army of horses and fury.
They've been resisting the invasion ever since. But it's a matter of pride for the kingdom now so, unable to admit defeat and look weak to the surrounding nations, they've only upped the ante. Technology, magical and old fashioned fantasy as it may be, is in their favor. But the nomads have the benefit of hundreds of years of traditional weapon skills and a lifestyle that requires everyone to know how to kill things and defend themselves. Still, skills vs supplies is a war of attrition.
So it's sort of a stalemate, but it's one that, without a change of fate, will only end one way. And yet there doesn't seem to be a lack of morale. On this day, the fighting is as fierce as on the first. And this day, Gaius is as firmly set on defending his homeland as he's been for the last two years. He loves his land. And he loves his family, so he's willing to lay his life on the line if he can prevent a future where their freedom and identity are taken away. He was eighteen when it started. His little brother was 15, and nothing has ever hurt as much as watching Thoma let go of childhood to pick up a spear.
Gaius has been described by family and friends as a kind person. A gentle person. But he's not remotely hesitant on the battlefield. He's a whirlwind of violence, but at the end of the day, when there's a moment to breathe, he's buckling under the weight of grief -- for those who've died on both sides, for those who yet will, and for the peaceful life his sisters might not ever experience again.
But that's never shown to his enemies. It won't be shown today either, when he's come up against a prince of the kingdom. He's lost his horse already (a blow not unlike losing a dear friend), and he's tired, but he can't miss the opportunity to do his people a favor and take out some of the leadership. He doesn't, really, want to hurt anyone. There's no joy in his face when he steps over a knight still not quite dead and points his spear at Jusis. Instead there's only a quiet resignation -- he's not the type to hate anyone, but if he were, it's the royal family he should hate. And he is angry. Furious beyond words. But when their eyes meet, he doesn't feel the hatred his kinsmen might. It's just sad. Still he's firm in his stance, and unquestionably intending to kill.]
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The annexation did not proceed as smoothly as expected. Turns out, "minding their own business" did not remotely mean there was no fight in the people of the North. Despite a long long history of either ignoring eachother or squabbling amongst themselves, in the face of a larger threat the tribes banded together, becoming one big army of horses and fury.
They've been resisting the invasion ever since. But it's a matter of pride for the kingdom now so, unable to admit defeat and look weak to the surrounding nations, they've only upped the ante. Technology, magical and old fashioned fantasy as it may be, is in their favor. But the nomads have the benefit of hundreds of years of traditional weapon skills and a lifestyle that requires everyone to know how to kill things and defend themselves. Still, skills vs supplies is a war of attrition.
So it's sort of a stalemate, but it's one that, without a change of fate, will only end one way. And yet there doesn't seem to be a lack of morale. On this day, the fighting is as fierce as on the first. And this day, Gaius is as firmly set on defending his homeland as he's been for the last two years. He loves his land. And he loves his family, so he's willing to lay his life on the line if he can prevent a future where their freedom and identity are taken away. He was eighteen when it started. His little brother was 15, and nothing has ever hurt as much as watching Thoma let go of childhood to pick up a spear.
Gaius has been described by family and friends as a kind person. A gentle person. But he's not remotely hesitant on the battlefield. He's a whirlwind of violence, but at the end of the day, when there's a moment to breathe, he's buckling under the weight of grief -- for those who've died on both sides, for those who yet will, and for the peaceful life his sisters might not ever experience again.
But that's never shown to his enemies. It won't be shown today either, when he's come up against a prince of the kingdom. He's lost his horse already (a blow not unlike losing a dear friend), and he's tired, but he can't miss the opportunity to do his people a favor and take out some of the leadership. He doesn't, really, want to hurt anyone. There's no joy in his face when he steps over a knight still not quite dead and points his spear at Jusis. Instead there's only a quiet resignation -- he's not the type to hate anyone, but if he were, it's the royal family he should hate. And he is angry. Furious beyond words. But when their eyes meet, he doesn't feel the hatred his kinsmen might. It's just sad. Still he's firm in his stance, and unquestionably intending to kill.]
Raise your sword.