Swan King Lore Event

The air felt heavy with the impending war that was going to happen. Everyone who would not be in the fight directly hid themselves away. Doors were locked and windows were boarded to hopefully keep damage to a minimum during the fight. Cassius walked around the streets, keeping watch for his king. He had heard of the upcoming battle that would ensue and determined he had to keep the citizens safe. He would fight for the Swan throne until his last breath. It was difficult to not have some doubts towards the outcome of the fight. Cassius worked his way up the ranks early on in his life, reaching royal guard within 10 years of beginning his training. He had met and worked with the Swan king directly, though he rarely got a chance to speak to him; it was all just receiving orders. But Cassius held the Swan King in high regards and had an unbreakable loyalty to the throne. Today was no different. The streets were lined with Aphex and Dephx alike working their way to the many shelters that were underground. Some were leaving the city entirely due to not wanting to return to some barren war torn land once everything was said and done. With humans long gone, many thought there would never be another major battle, though there seemed to be more and more unrest across the land in the past few years. Cassius pushed these thoughts aside as he paced the cobblestone streets. The world seemed grey and lifeless, like one of those old human movies about wartime evacuations. Once his sweep of the main streets was completed, Cassius returned to the training area near the edge of the district. There, many Aphex were working on their fighting skills, brandishing swords and bows. Others worked with top officials to hone their skills with their afflictions or elemental abilities. He too would work on some training while he was here. He still had a few hours until he would be needed again by the royals. Cassius was stretching off to the side when he saw a familiar face. He immediately stopped what he was doing to head over to this Dephx. “Arcade? I haven’t seen you in years wow!” Arcade looked over at the mention of his name, seeing his old friend approaching, he grinned wide. “Woah, Cass?! I haven’t seen you since we met when you were traveling with Jack!” “Are you here for good now, or just visiting?” Arcade sighed, “I’m just here for a little bit, and will be heading out before any of this war stuff gets starts. I’m not the one to pick a side in this matter considering I don’t live here.” Cassius nodded, understanding that his long-time friend would soon be returning home to the Harrow where he had made his home. Both let a silence fall between them before Cassius spoke up once again, “would you like to spar, for old times sake?” “You know I don’t really like fighting, especially with friends, but I guess I can since I’ll be leaving tomorrow to go back home.” The two continued to converse as they headed over to a more open area of the training grounds. Both did some stretches before they squared off at each other. Both were capable fighters, both needing to learn to survive. Arcade fought with quick attacks and doges, while Cassius more by strength and hard hitting attacks, though both were very carful to not injure the other. Cassius’s spikes had grown in much more than when they were younger, but he was able to keep from jabbing Arcade somehow. While the two tussled, a small crowd had begun to form around them, everyone drawn in by the spectacle of their officer sparring with another Dephx larger than he and just as skilled. Their spar resembled that of two dogs roughhousing together: lots of barred teeth and snorts. Arcade’s long body making him seem like a snake as he dogged around and struck quickly. Cassius was having a hard time landing a single blow, regardless of Arcade’s size. Both broke apart panting as they resized each other. “You’ve gotten so much faster than last time,” Cass panted out. “I’ll have to come visit you sometime to learn your secret.” Arcade chuckled, “it’s probably because I’m not weighed down by all those spikes.” Both laughed at that and returned to their friendly brawl. They kept up their tussle for another few minutes before finally realizing they were being watched. They both broke apart, covered in dirt and panting heavily. Cassius stood tall, assuming his authority as he started to walk towards the crowd. “Let’s go clean up, A, I have to be at an important meeting later this evening.” Arcade nodded, sensing the mood, and followed closely behind. They washed up in the barracks that had been set up temporarily. They chatted quietly as they returned to the training area, pretending to ignore the glances others were giving them. Many had heard about Cassius’s skill in fighting, but they had never known anyone willing to spar with him, let alone match him. Seeing this and then Cassius actually laughing was even more unheard of. They parted ways near the entrance to the camp area, saying their goodbyes quietly to keep their words from prying ears. The light air about them soon faded as they walked separate ways, returning to the earlier oppressive gloom. He would soon be in the royal court once again, receiving his orders directly from the Swan King himself. But, there was a new drive for Cassius now. He wanted to survive this fight, this war, to be free to visit his friend in his far away home. They had to win this war at any cost. To save the lives of those living in the city, to protect those on the royal court, and to keep the peace that had been throughout the district until recent events. Cassius held his head high as he entered the main building, he would not fail his king nor his people he’d been sworn to protect. Coming to a stop in front of the throne, he bowed low, “How can I serve you, my King?”