Vona and I stand in the, what's now been named the Throne Hall, with our newly installed work place right behind us, accepting everyone’s greetings and blessings. Most of them are Noxians anyways. The Primerians never replied to their invitation. Being ever busy, I imagine. The Cornutese figured this a bluff so they only managed to send a scout that Ira caught in no time.

“Well boy, I gotta say, I'm impressed.” The Balli War Chief is the last one to approach us.

“Thank you. I try.” I grin and the man roars again. Vona bows to him.

“Oooh now that I take a closer look at her she's even prettier than before!” He says and roars again with laughter.

“Thank you, Chief, you flatter me.” Vona nods, modestly.

“Please. Ludgen's the name.” He kisses her hand. Vona smiles. Tch.

“And? How's it looking?” I skip the formalities.

“Not good.” The Chief's face darkens instantly.

“Same here.” I admit.

“Oh?”

“This is barely the first step. We have blades aimed at us at all times. One mistake and the both of us are dead.”

“Ah.” He exhales with doubt. I take out a letter from the inside pocket of my shirt.

“Hope this will ease your mind.”

“What's this?” The man stares at the seal.

“The Royal Seal. Freshly made.” Vona smiles.

“Ooooh. Ya don't say.” The Chief grins wider.

“You don't think that I spend all this time picking out my dress only.” I wink. The man stares at us for a quick moment and bursts into a roar once again. Phew. Somehow hearing that laughter makes me feel better.

“We hope this will prove that we do intend on keeping our promise of Peace.” Vona bows lightly.

“Well. We'll see. For now, I was only humored to attend to see if you manage to pull this off. Nobody said anything about anything else.” Ludgen says, staring at the seal.

“We figured that might be the case, hence why.” I tap the envelope.

“We hope to learn a great deal from our friendship.” Vona hints. The old man is quick to catch on. He winks.

“I'm sure.”

“Well. Enough of that. This is a celebration, after all.” Vona ends the talks.

“Oh, right right.” The Chief quickly places the letter into the inside pocket of his gear, clears his throat, and takes up an official stance.

“Allow me to be the first of our people to take upon this honor as to congratulate the first ever King and Queen of Noxanda! Let the fire of life burn bright!” He says and the three guards that are accompanying the Chief thunder down into the ground with the ends of their spears. I guess it's how the Balli express their blessings. Vona and I bow together.

“A thousand thank yous, your greatness.” She says.

“Please. Enjoy your stay here.” I nod. “LYMA!” I call out and the boy guard appears next to us.

“Yes, my Lord!”

“Congratulations, you've been selected to be the guard and the guide for the Balli party. Make sure they have a good time.” I tell the kid. “The future of Peace rests in your hands now.” I tease the boy a little. His face dies with a gulp of air stuck in his mouth. The Chief roars again.

“Ay, don't worry, just give us booze and we'll be fine!” The old man smacks down on the boy's back with his paw of a hand.

“Yess, ssir...” Lyma nods and gets escorted himself.

“Well that went well...” Vona whispers.

“This is only the beginning.” Ira answers.

I flinch. “Geez you scared me!”

“How long you've been here?” Vona asks.

“Since this morning. I'm your shadow, remember?”

“Someone's taking his job seriously.” I mock him.

“No thanks to you.” He answers. “Anyways. Best case you'll get summoned.”

“I'm hoping for it. Either way I was thinking it would be a good idea to tour the Capitals, introducing ourselves instead of waiting around for them to come to us.”

“When did you come up with that idea?” Vona looks at me.

“Right now. Especially because only the old man showed up.”

“You forgot the one spy.” Ira corrects me.

“Be sure to let him go in good condition. Hopefully his report will make it easier for us to get an audience with Venatus.”

“Roger that, my King.” Ira mocks me.

“Yeah no. Don't.” I tell him. “It sounds creepy when you do it.”

“As you wish.” He nods and disappears again.

“He's really getting into the whole shadow role, huh?” Vona leans her head on my shoulder.

“It's a shame to be good at something and hate doing it. As long as he sees it as something good - I'll be happy. What?” I notice Vona's gaze.

“It's so like you.”

“What is?”

She takes a minute. “With all of my knowledge and healing I never once actually saved someone. Yet you managed to save at least two souls from circling in everyday despair. If that weren't enough, you're about to save a lot more of us with your words alone. It's the kind of a power that I've never witnessed before. It's the same reason why I want you to be King.”

“What's this all of a sudden?”

“It's not sudden. I noticed your ability to draw people to you some time ago. The battles only solidified my suspicions.”

“How so?” I ask a bit confused.

“Your unconventional solutions drew the curiosity of others, but I do believe it's your kind and warm personality that really makes people trust you. You only ever emanate violence when fighting for someone you care about. That is your greatest strength. Your only weakness is that you are not able to hold back your emotions. You don't cater your personality to the outside world. You stay true to your feelings. I think that if the land and our people were part of that world then nobody would ever feel lifeless again. The problem with our longevity is that we are quick to settle into a routine because we feel that we have all the time in the world. It blinds us. We forget the variety of emotions out there. We become dull and dazed. For years I was only surviving on the skills and the knowledge needed to survive. Nothing more. Your childish emotions have awakened a will to live in me. I realized that perhaps it is exactly what our people need right now as well. A reminder what it truly means to live... I decided that I wish to share that feeling with the rest of them. As childish as it is of me to do so.” Vona gazes upon the people gathered here. I stay quiet.

“I believe Ira stays close to you because of the same reason. All he ever knew was how to kill. He never once saw it as a good thing, yet it took you barely a moment to take the burden of having himself written off as useless off of him. As much as he says he hates doing something he does it still. I figured you already realized that not everyone in the world are fortunate enough to have had parents like yours.” Vona turns to face me.

“That is why I think that, if I can be a little bit more selfish, I'd like to ask you to be a parent to our nation and our people, and share that love for life with them, my King.” She bows her head to me. My body moves by itself. I take her into my arms and hold her tight.

“Silly woman... No need to lower your head to me.” I lift her face to mine. “If that is your wish, then I'll be more than happy to make it a reality.” I smile and kiss her. Cheers fill the Hall again.

“I forgot we're not alone.” Vona blushes lightly. I giggle.

“Who cares.” I kiss her again.

“You've been King for like 15 minutes and you already look like a geezer with one foot in the grave.”

“Oh ha ha. Very funny.” I rustle amongst the books and the scrolls. “What's the word?” I ask Ira.

“No news so far.”

“They are sure taking their sweet time. Think the old man's ok?”

“Hope so. In any case, not much we can do now but wait, anyways.”

“Sadly.” I sigh.

“On another note. I ran into Blain on my way back just now.”

“Oh!” I raise my head out of the papers and parchments. “Haven’t seen him in ages! Why didn't you bring him over?”

“About that. He's not doing too great.” Ira doesn't look at me. He only ever does this when things are bad.

“How bad are we talking?”

“He lost a leg during one of his missions and was discharged. He looks like hell. Even though he didn't complain. I'm guessing he has trouble finding work like that too. The Military ain't much help either with a few coins each month as a gratitude for his service... Where are you going?”

“To see Blain.”

“You have no clue where he lives!” Ira runs after me.

“Then you take me there!”

“I don't know either!”

“The Military will know.” I storm out. “Era!”

“What's the fuss now?” She greets me by the entrance.

“The new saddle looks good on you.”

“Save it.” She glares at me as I hop on.

“We have business in town.”

“You don't say.” She jumps off.

“Idiot! WAIT!” Ira yells to me. He catches up with us in a few minutes. “This habit of yours is getting on my last nerves.” I ignore him. I steer Era as we gently ride through the crowds.

“It's not safe for you to be wondering around like that.” Ira says.

“That's what I have you for.” We arrive at the barracks. “Where to?” I ask him. Ira shows me the way to the office. A single Noxian girl stands behind the counter.

“Hello. I was wondering if you could tell me where I can find a friend of mine? I failed to ask for directions last we met.” I try to sound as harmless as possible.

“I am not... authorized to give out... such information...” The girl trembles. I take out the necklace.

“Perhaps you've heard of the meaning for this symbol?”

“The Royal Crest!” She gasps. “Then you must be...”

“The King.” Ira finishes. “I suggest you reconsider your policy and fast.”

“How can I help?” She quickly gathers herself again.

“Blain. Beast Druid. Discharged. Comes in here once a month for a petty hand-out. One leg only. Ring a bell?” I glare. The girl bows and disappears among the shelves.

“You really need to work on your people skills. You're the King now. You can't be throwing tantrums like this.”

“Save it. This is important.”

Ira sighs. The girl comes back with a piece of paper and hands it to me with shaking hands. I take it and smile. “Thank you for your hard work!” I bow and leave.

“A King does not bow.” Ira hisses.

“Yeah well but I do. Know the place?” I hand him the directions.

“Sure. I'll take you.” He gets on his Celodian.

“Where to?” Era asks.

“Follow Ira.” I grip the reins. Wait. The Military wasn't founded yesterday... Where are the other injured fighters? I don't think Blain is the only one like this... There must be more who can't fight anymore... I have a bad feeling about this...

“We're here.” A voice snaps me back to reality. I jump off Era. A man walks out the house. That's not Blain. He does resemble him. Brother?

“Good day, sir.” I bow. “I'm looking for my friend Blain. Is he here?”

“What business does the King have with my idiot son?” Oh. Well now.

“Pardon the intrusion.” Ira bows. “We simply wish to speak to him for a moment.”

“Whatever the reason - he ain't here.” The man scowls.

“Mind re-directing us then?” I ask again.

“Father!” A girl runs out the house. “Idiot! Show some respect!” She smacks him on the back of the head and bows to us. “My apologies, my Lord, he's a bitter geezer but a good person.”

I fight the sudden laugh. “No worries. I understand. We did show up uninvited.”

“Oh no no! It's an honor! Truly!” The girl keeps bowing. “What can we do for you?”

“I'm looking for Blain. Do you know where I can find him?” I ask again.

“I'd be honored to show you the way!” She quickly wipes her hands into her apron and tosses it to her father. “This way please.” Ira and I bow again to the man.

“Pardon the disturbance.” I tell him and take Era by the reins. We walk through the narrow streets between rows of one-room houses?

“Ira?” I turn to him.

“The slums. Perhaps this is a good chance for your highness to witness the cruel reality of those who cannot serve anymore.”

“Wait. You knew?”

“I grew up in places like these.” The wind picks up and the stench hits me.

“I'm sorry, my Lord, it must be unbecoming for you to be in a place like this...” The girl glances over her shoulder. I shake my head.

“Not at all. I'm a country child myself.” I smile. The surprise on her face puzzles me. What do the people think I am?

“Here.” She stands next to a sliding door.

“I'm coming in.” I announce and open it. Blain lays curled up on the floor with a dozen of empty bottles around him... His sister gasps and looks away. It's not an easy sight to bear... Ira checks on our friend.

“He's alive. Somehow.” He tries to wake Blain up. I look around outside.

“That way.” Era nods. “There's a well behind the corner.”

“Thanks, Gorgeous.” I walk around the corner and fill up a bucket with cold water. I bring it back to the others.

“Move.” I tell Ira and splash the entire thing on drunk Blain.

“What in the!” He gasps and coughs.

“Welcome back.” I crouch down by him.

“Huh? Who? Ooooohhh.” He wipes one eye open. “Well now. The King himself has graced me with a visit! I'm honored! Pardon the mess, my Lord. I'm not in the best of spirits, as you see.” He gestures to his missing leg. Everything below a few inches of the right thigh is gone... Somehow, I'm bothered by his eerie and mockingly tone more than anything.

“How long you've been like this?” I ask.

“What's it to you?”

“A few years.” His sister answers. “He tried to kill himself a few times too...” She breaks up...

“Why?”

“The HELL you mean WHY!” Blain snaps. “LOOK AT ME! I'm useless! What do you think happens to those that can't work for the sake of the land and the people!”

“I'm sorry. I didn't know.”

“As if THAT MAKES ANYTHING BETTER!!!”

“I'll fix this. Let me help.” I keep my eyes down.

“Fix this? Help? What makes you think I WANT YOUR PITTY IN THE FIRST PLACE!!”

“I said help! Not–”

“Same SHIT!”

“It's not–” I try again and get cut off again.

“OF COURSE IT IS!!”

“I SAID IT'S NOT THE SAME!!” I snap back.

“HOW! HOW IS IT DIFFERENT!! HUH!!! WHAT MAKES YOU THINK THAT YOUR ACTIONS WILL BE ANY DIFFERENT FROM WHAT THE GUILT WRITTEN MILITARY IS DOING!!! HUH!!!” Blain makes a good point... I can't argue with that... But...

“OOOOH RIIIIGHT!! YOU'RE THE KING NOW! Trying to win over sympathy points?” Blain bursts into a hysterical cackle... “Childish brat! What do you know about anything!”

“I don't! I admit it! I don't! But I will fix this! I'll learn and find a way!”

“BULLSHIT!!!” Blain throws a bottle into the wall. It breaks with a short scream from his sister. “You can't fix this! This ain't something you can fix with wishful thinking!”

“I didn't say that.”

“Let's leave. He clearly isn't in the right mind to be around.” Ira taps my shoulder.

“Not yet.” I look at Blain. I bend down on my knees, plastering my forehead into the floormat.

“I beg for your forgiveness as a friend and as a King. I failed you and every other discharged fighter with severe injuries such as yours. I was not aware how grave the situation was before but now that I am, I will do whatever humanly possible to make this right. By you and everyone else. Watch me.” I get up. “If you change your mind - come to the Palace.” I bow again. “Pardon the intrusion.” I walk out and bow to the sister too. Ira follows me out.

“Satisfied?”

“As if.” I get on Era and the four of us make our way back to the Palace. Slowly. Painfully. I take in the cruel reality of things.

“Tell me. How many are there like him?”

Ira shrugs his shoulders. “Not many, probably. Most of them kill themselves. They can't stand the idea of being a burden to those around them. If they have anyone left, of course.”

“What about those who don't?” Ira gives a look. Right. They kill themselves. Of course. I clench the reins tighter.

“Do me a favor.”

“Yet another annoying habit of yours.” Ira rolls his eyes at me.

“Go back to the Registrar and get me a list of all discharges of the current and past fighters due to injuries. Or next of kin.”

“What are you thinking?”

“I'm about to reshape the system.”

“Bad idea. You barely made it through with the wedding and the Balli deal, which, in case you forget - hasn't shown any sign of life since we saw the Chief getting himself black-out drunk. The Geezer Council will never allow it.” Ira makes a decent point… But.

“Good. It'll be the perfect opportunity for me to prove myself to them and the people. I'll take initiative. I'll show them that I don't need to sit around waiting for orders to come through. As long as my actions will have a positive effect the Robes won't dare to intervene.”

“Ever the naive dreamer...” Ira sighs with a smile. “Alright. I'll get you the information, after, I escort you back safely.”

I smile. “Thank you.”

“I'm asking for the same thing only bigger! It's that simple!” In a fit of rage I throw the damn doll into the wall. It smashes apart. I stare at the broken pieces on the floor. Moron. I kneel down and kiss the wood with my forehead.

“My apologies. My frustrations are my own to deal with. I understand you are experts in your craft. I have no right to be telling you how to do your jobs. I simply ask if you can use the same skills and knowledge slightly differently. If it is impossible to achieve my request, please, do not hesitate to inform me clearly, in great detail why it is so, so that the clueless me can learn and understand. Thank you.” I stand up again. “Thank you for your hard work.” I don't wait for an answer and walk out the doll maker shop.

“Careful now, your true temper is starting to show.” Ira mocks me.

“I can't help it.”

“I know. You never learned how to hold back. I'd advise you learn now and fast. These apologies won't mean much soon enough.”

“I KNOW!” I snap and bite my lip. “I know... It's just... Metal parts don't work cause they are expensive to obtain and make.”

“Plus they rust.” Ira adds.

“That too. Wooden ones aren't as durable. Conjuring the limbs up from something doesn’t help those who are Manaless like me, cause sustaining them will cost more than making them! ARGH!” I throw my arms into the air. “I want to help and I'm totally useless...” A hand lands on my shoulder.

“Don't look now but for what's it worth - your fan base is growing, regardless of your tantrums.”

“Huh?” I look around. “What's with the crowd?”

“Seeing someone as the King himself be so upset for the sake of the common people makes for good popularity points.” Ira explains in a whisper.

“I'm not faking it, if that's what you're getting at.”

“No and I know, and so do they. That's why you're likeable...ish.”

I glare at Ira. “Never mind. How are the preparations going?”

“Slow. You need funds to be able to create something like a care home? Was it? Right now, all of the gold is under the Robe control. The only positive thing so far is that people are volunteering to help.”

“But if there's nothing to help with...”

“They won't wait long. Yeah.” Ira and I return to the Palace. Vona and Era greet us at the entrance. My wife kisses me with a smile.

“I take it, it didn't go well?”

“What gave me away?” I smile briefly.

“Your face. It's written all over you.”

“Sorry.”

Vona shakes her head. “Not at all. Perhaps I can lighten the mood.”

“Temple give you an answer?” Ira asks, walking behind us, with Era following us along. I decided to keep her off duty. Last time we went into the city she attracted too much attention. Somehow I didn't like it.

“Yes. The Elder agreed to let the Templeattes visit the former fighters for a confession.”

“A what now?” I'm lost.

“Apparently, other Religions have these private conversations between a person and a priest that are protected by utmost secrecy. Whatever is said during that time is to remain private.” Vona explains.

“I heard of these. The priests are able to forgive ones’ sins?” Ira adds.

“Something of the sort.” Vona agrees. “Common people practice them as well.”

“Sounds fishy to me. Besides. Fighters don't have sins. Killing to protect is not a sin.”

“No. But there are other crimes...” Ira reminds me.

“Those cannot be forgiven.” I answer, sitting down behind our desk again.

“I agree.” Vona nods, joining me. Era lays down a step below and Ira continues to hover over me. “That's why I'd like to instruct the women to have a conversation, talking about painful experiences in general can help deal with them. If possible, I'd prefer for these conversations to happen regularly. Kinda like physical rehabilitation but for the mind and the soul. I'm not sure if the people will be interested in them but we can start with the fighters and see how it goes.”

“As long as the Temple women won't pass judgement on them - it might not be a bad idea.” Ira joins in again.

“I'll try to make a few guidelines about that.” Vona agrees.

“Priestess. A word.” A Robe stands by the side entrance.

“Whatever it is you wish to speak about, you are welcome to speak to us all.” She doesn't even glance over at the man. He mumbles something and stands in the middle of the Hall.

“The Council;” he pours all of his contempt into the word; “believes that the King's actions are unfitting for someone of his title. He may not be if noble blood by birth but –“

“What?” I stand up.

“Easy now.” Ira cuts in. Vona stands up as well.

“I suggest you think of your next words very carefully.” Vona begins.

I take over. “Tell me. What is it that the Council have done, exactly, to aid the unjust situation? Do not pretend that this knowledge was not in your possession.”

“Of course, we were aware...”

“Yet you did nothing. I don't think you people have the right to talk about whether or not the King's actions are fitting.” And Ira finishes it.

“If any of the people have any complaints toward me - they are more than welcome to tell me that themselves. I'll hear all of it out.” I sit back down and continue studying the scrolls.

“Will that be all?” Vona asks, sitting down too. The Robe stands for a short moment, bows and leaves.

“Well that went well.” Ira mutters.

“All that talk about trials and whatnot and they haven't made a single move besides complain.” I answer.

“They are watching us.” Vona adds.

“Clearly...”

“In any case I'm issuing the law anyways. I'll deal with the aftermath later.” I dare to declare.

“The one to prioritize housing, healing as well jobs for Former Fighters?”

“Yes. I believe they are plenty capable with the right assistance. Some can easily become Instructors or Lecturers. I was thinking about that back in our training. We had plenty of abled fighters just sitting around. Most were content with carrying out spoken instructions only. Even Blain with his missing leg can handle that much. Plus, those War-Vets have first-hand battle experience. No need to sugarcoat the reality of things for the fresh meat. Besides.”

“Oh he's on a roll today.” Ira cuts in. Vona giggles.

“Laugh it up, go on. I'll wait.” I stare at him.

“Oh no, please, do carry on, your highness.” Ira bows. I wave a paper in front of his face. “Smartass. As I was saying: if we include seasoned fighters in the healing-conversations as someone people can talk to about their troubles, for the fighters, I mean, especially the hatchlings, it would help them immensely.” I finish my thought.

“This wouldn't have anything to do with your personal experience with it all? Your parents and such?” I feel Ira stare at me. I clench the paper.

“It has everything to do with this.”

“I think it's a great idea. With each life lost we lose valuable knowledge and insights. Former Fighters, no, the War-Vets, more than half the time chose to kill themselves after their service because they lose all purpose in life. I think it's a great idea to give them a new reason to fight.” Vona smiles at me. I lean in and kiss her on the forehead.

“Thank you, Gorgeous.”