Peace had never suited him, but he was far from bored

the hero was surrounded by the things that he adored

servants who respected him, and guests who came to call

endless praise for his new status came from one and all

Sometimes he attended parties as an honoured guest

where he’d tell exciting stories of a certain quest

defeating countless monsters, braving injuries and pain

he also emphasized the many pirates that he’d slain

After several weeks he had adjusted to the pace

a nobleman whose job was to conduct himself with grace

making his debut before such high society

often far more stressful than a monster hunt could be

After several months his reputation had improved

though a minor faction of the nobles disapproved

such was his success that he feared he may grow tired

questioning if this was what the old songs had inspired

Though his house was full of life it felt a little still

his dinner was no longer something he would have to kill

together with his wife he’d sit in silence by the fire

looking past the flames into the source of his desire

He could feel his fame was still a fragile, fleeting thing

his life was not yet worthy of the songs that people sing

still though, he could only wait for orders from the crown

so he’d have to bide his time and try to settle down

Despite his superficial popularity and fame

still he hadn’t made a single friend that he could name

so he spent his free time in the best way that he knew

training with his wife whose skill in battle also grew

Although she lacked the hero’s gifted powers, she was strong

she learned the royal sword as fast as he could learn a song

almost every day they’d spar until the sun would set

laughing all the while despite the mud and blood and sweat

One day while they trained however, something wasn’t right

his golden-eyed companion stumbled half way through a fight

even when he used his healing magic, she was weak

but when he found the reason it was hard for him to speak

After he was calm and he explained what he had found

it wasn’t long before the servants passed the news around

when she heard it first, the elf was taken by surprise

but there was satisfaction in his partner’s golden eyes

Within a year the child was born, the kingdom came to know

even his old friend, the prince, came by to say hello

everybody wondered if his child would be as blessed

but it was still too early to subject him to a test

The hero’s quiet life continued, though it all seemed strange

never had he thought of just how much his life could change

the hero wasn’t sure how he should feel around his son

but when he cried he thought of what his mother would have done

And so he sang the hero songs that led him to that place

until the baby’s tears had disappeared without a trace

his golden eyes and pointed ears were like his mother’s own

but he was built more like his father, heavy as a stone

The elf was more attentive to the needs of their new child

every time she heard the baby cry she gently smiled

the hero found the child a little harder to enjoy

at least he could recall the way to carve a simple toy

He trained alone from then, but found his own resolve renewed

the thought of raising heroes left him in a pleasant mood

no son of his would ever be confined upon a farm

he’d raise a noble hero, and protect him from all harm

Seasons passed without event, but peace would come and go

and soon enough, the winds of war once more began to blow

the prince arrived to notify the hero of his quest

the fledgling knight would finally be made to leave his nest