Raven King Lore Event

Several days passed as Kuro worked with the other blacksmiths. He found that he was stronger and more capable of handling the hot equipment with his new form. On his breaks, he would visit his Nektahusk in the stables and offer it treats. They hadn’t been able to spend much time together and Kuro was saddened at the thought that he had brought his companion along only to abandon it in some strange stables. He tried to focus on his task at hand, letting the days slip by with little notice. One of the other blacksmiths approached Kuro one day. “Would you like to be better at smithing?” he asked. Kuro didn’t know what he meant by that, but played along, “why, do you have some magic up your sleeve that would make me better?” Kuro chuckled as he set his tools down. “Actually, yes,” the aphex replied, amused. “I do in fact have some magic up my sleeve.” He reached out a gloved hand, offering a small red-orange stone to Kuro. “Why are you giving me this?” “We felt that you could use it more than we could. We found it the other day in the forest, and while it would be useful for us, we figured it should go to someone with, uh, let’s say… more devotion to the King’s cause.” Puzzled, Kuro took the small stone. “What do I do with it?” “I’ve heard water is a good way of making it work, but I’ve never actually seen one be used.” Kuro looked down at the stone in his hand, and then to the water that they used to cool of the metal they worked on. It might’ve been better to just use some of his drinking water, but he figured it wouldn’t hurt. He stuck his hand in the barrel, stone held tightly in his fist. Upon contact, the stone began to glow, sending ribbons of glittery red up his arm. The stone seemed to then dissolve into his palm, and then nothing. The three stood around silently, each too uncomfortable to speak first. Finally, the first aphex spoke up once again, “Well, that was kind of anticlimactic.’ The three of them laughed and decided they would have their lunch break together. It wouldn’t be until that night that Kuro discovered what the stone had really done. The camp was abustle, making it difficult to sleep. Everyone could feel the fight drawing nearer. Kuro returned to his work, trying to get his mind off the fight. He hammered away at the sword he had started that morning, picking up the blade in his hand to inspect it for imperfections. Suddenly, as he was holding the blade, his hand grew warm and small flames flicked out from under his grasp. Startled, he set the blade down to look at his palm. The small fire that remained continued to burn, but there was no pain associated with the yellow flames. Interesting. Kuro focused his mind to make the fire grow, and to his surprise, it did. Closing his fist, he willed the fire to go out, and once again, it seemed to obey him. The night continued to drag on, Kuro working alone in the tent. Once he had completed the blade he was working on, he went to find someone to ask about these stones. He found a small library looking tent, bookshelves lining the walls in all directions. A short aphex with large, round glasses bustled about, helping those who entered to find what they were looking for. The aphex stopped in front of Kuro, snapping his attention down at least a foot and a half. “What are you in search of?” the aphex asked curtly. “Magical stones?” Kuro replied, a bit dazed at the smaller aphex’s attitude. “Shelf 4, Row 2, book 6.” With that, the aphex left to help the next entrant to the tent. He walked to where he was directed and found a book right where he was told and began reading. He was there about an hour before returning to his bed to finally rest. He was startled awake by the sounds of shouting. Aphex in every direction scrambled to grab weapons and armor. The fight was here. Kuro jumped up grabbing his sword and a small shield before taking to the sky. He flew over the wall and threw himself into the throng of fighting bodies. Metal clashed against metal. Screams and shouts filled the air along with the strong scent of blood. Kuro did his best to keep his wings in and protected, spitting fire on accident when someone got too close. His scales seemed to block most blows from weaponry, and he was able to still protect himself when he lost his shield. The beaked devil screamed from behind, a black mass darkening the already clouded battlefield. The Raven King could be seen holding a pendant from atop the wall of the fortress. Kuro jumped back as a creature stampeded past him. Taking flight once more, Kuro returned to the camp to retrieve a set of arrows and a bow. He wasn’t really good with this weapon, but he could use his height in the air to his advantage this way at least. He was joined by other winged aphex and dephx alike as they took to the sky in formation. Arrows rained down on those below, some even striking their own people in the crossfire. The Swan’s army was strong and Kuro was beginning to question if they would win this fight in the end. Taking his last arrow, Kuro shot directly for the Swan King, grazing his shoulder. A miss. Kuro once again retuned to the camp, unsure if he should return to the battlefield, or flee on his Nektahusk into the forest. Had he chosen the right side? Kuro bit his lip, he had to make a decision. Remembering the words of the Raven King, I may not be as forgiving as I have been today, he shivered. He had to stay and fight for the king he chose and for the cause he stood for. With new resolution, Kuro strapped armor across his back, hindering the use of his wings, but protecting them from injury. He grabbed his sword and headed for the stables to check on his companion one last time before charging back into battle. He hoped they could see each other again once this was all over. But he knew that if they lost, he never would.