Proofreader: ToHellWithGrid
"My father is dead...?" Xavion said, his voice trembling.
"I... I am deeply sorry for your loss, my friend..." Olpe's eyes widened and his brows furrowed as he received the news of Xavion's father's passing.
"I... I need a moment, please... leave..." Xavion's voice caught in his throat, and he looked away, unable to meet Olpe's gaze. Olpe nodded understandingly and stood up to leave the tent, same as for the messenger, giving Xavion the privacy he needed.
Xavion's chest heaved as he tried to hold back his tears, but he could feel them streaming down his face. His knees buckled, and he sank to the ground, burying his face in his hands. He let out a chokedd sob, and his whole body shook with the force of his emotions. His father had been his rock, his guiding light through life. How could he carry on without him?
After a few minutes, Xavion managed to compose himself and wiped away his tears. He took a deep breath and picked up the scroll from where it lay on the table. He opened it once again and read the message with renewed focus, his grief momentarily pushed aside.
The message contained urgent news from the kingdom of Yvonne. It seemed that a neighboring empire was planning an attack and Yvonne needed its allies to join forces in defense. Xavion knew that his father, as a respected advisor to the king, would have played a key role in devising a plan of action. Without him, the kingdom was vulnerable.
Xavion realized that he had a responsibility to his people, to his father's legacy. He couldn't let his personal grief cloud his judgement. With a deep sense of purpose, he stood up and strode out of the tent, determined to do what he could to protect his homeland.
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Xavion's heart was heavy as he gathered his most trusted allies and sergeants to make a plan of action. He knew that moving half of their camp closer to the frontline of Yvonne, where the Murisck Empire was heavily stationed, would be dangerous and risky move, but he felt it was necessary.
After discussing with his team, they set out to execute their plan. They sent out scouts to gather information on the enemy's movements and prepared their troops for battle. Xavion's determination was unbreakable, despite the news of his father's passing weighing heavily on his mind.
As they prepared for their journey, Xavion and his comrades understood that their journey to the border would be a lengthy one. Xavion recognized that beginning their journey earlier could potentially shave off a few days, or perhaps even hours, for their travels. They carefully packed their supplies, including food, water, armor, and other crucial items, ensuring they were well-prepared for the road ahead. As the sun began to set, they set out on their journey, navigating their way across the map with determined focus.
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As they walk into the darkness, the flickering light of torches danced over the trees. The flames cast a warm glow that illuminated their path, but beyond the circle of light, the darkness loomed like a living thing, swallowing everything in its path. Olpe spoke up to Xavion, "I am curious, Xavion..."
Xavion snickers but replies with, "What is that you are so curious about, my friend?"
"If you do not mind me asking about your father's title..." He leaned in close, his voice barely above a whisper.
"... If it is nothing personal, I might answer your question." Xavion hesitantly replies, nodding down slightly.
"Is your father somehow a king..? Or at the least a royal member?" He asked without hesitation. Thought he seemed to already know the answer and was simply seeking confirmation.
"He is not... or at least we aren't. Perhaps, my father has been titled as a Lord, where he inherited it to my great grandfather." Xavion replied a little contented about.
Olpe nodded understandingly, "Ah, I see. Nonetheless, your father must have been a great man, for you to have inherited such a noble title."
Xavion smiled slightly, the memory of his father bringing warmth to his heart. "Yes, he was. He always taught me to lead with honor and compassion, to treat everyone with respect, regardless of their station in life."
Olpe nodded in agreement. "Those are wise words to live by, my friend. And I have no doubt that you will make a great lord someday, just like your father."
Xavion's smile widened at the thought, but then his expression turned serious as they neared the frontline. "But for now, we have a battle to fight. Let's focus on that and honor my father's memory through our actions on the battlefield."
Olpe nodded in agreement, and the two friends continued on their journey, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
They set up a small camp, making sure to keep a watchful eye on their surroundings. Xavion could not shake off the feeling of unease that seemed to linger in the air, but he knew he had to stay vigilant. "Gather logs for the walls. We will expand the camp later tomorrow." Xavion ordered to the rest of the group as Olpe took the first watch, before Xavion decided to rest and reflect on his father's passing.
As he sat alone, crowd bustling around setting up a small amount of tents, memories of his father flooded his mind. He remembered how his father would always take him on horseback rides around the estate, telling him stories of their ancestors and their family's history. He remembered how his father had taught him how to wield a sword and how to lead his men with honor and integrity.
Tears streamed down his face as he realized how much he missed his father. He vowed to honor his father's legacy by being the best leader he could be and by defending his people and his state with all his might.
As the night wore on, tents and fences have been sat up. Xavion eventually drifted off into a restless sleep, his dreams filled with visions of his father.
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As Xavion drifted off to a restless sleep, he found himself standing in a grand hall, surrounded by opulent decor and ornate furniture. Suddenly, a figure appeared before him. It was his father, looking as strong and commanding as he always had. His voice, gentle and comforting, as he spoke to him.
"Son, I know you are going through a difficult time. But you must stay strong and keep moving forward. The fate of our family rests on your shoulders now," his father said, placing a hand on Xavion's shoulder.
"Father..?" Xavion said in surprise. He felt the weight of his father's words, the responsibility and duty he now had to carry. He looked up at his father, a mix of determination and fear in his eyes. "I will do whatever it takes to honor our family, father. I will not fail you," Xavion replied, his voice filled with resolve.
"My son, I know you will. You have always made me proud," his father replied with a warm smile.
Xavion's heart swelled with emotions as he saw his father again, after so many years. He stepped forward to embrace him, but his father held up a hand to stop him.
"Though, there is much we need to discuss," His father's face grew serious, his expression hardening as he spoke.
Xavion nodded, suddenly feeling a sense of urgency. His father began to speak, he spoke with a measured tone, each word deliberate and weighty, filled with wisdom and guidance, as he imparted his knowledge to his son. Xavion's eyes fixated on his father. His lips were slightly parted, and he breathed in deeply, as if trying to absorb every word. His expression was rapt, and he didn't flinch or glance away, even as his father's words grew more intense. It was as if he was a sponge, soaking up every bit of information that came in his way.
He could feel the wisdom and guidance in his voice, the warmth emanating from his father, filling him with a sense of comfort and security. As the dream came to an end, Xavion felt a sense of peace and clarity wash over him. He knew that his father was gone, through the trials and tribulations of life.
As he woke up, Xavion took a deep breath, feeling grateful for the dream. It had reminded him of his duty and the love of his father had for him. He vowed to do everything in his power to honor his family and make his father proud.