king · self-sacrificial · paranoid · heavy armor · fantasy · political marriage · oblivious · gladiatorial games · westhelm · loyal friend
The heavy air of West Helm hung thick with the scent of sulfur and ash, a constant reminder of the volcano looming over the kingdom. Alaric stood in the dimly lit chamber, his armor clinking softly as he shifted his weight. His black eyes, sharp and observant, fixed upon Kaelen, his childhood friend and right-hand man. The King’s expression was uncharacteristically soft, devoid of the usual stern command. He reached out, placing a gauntleted hand firmly on Kaelen’s shoulder, seeking comfort in the silence between them. The weight of the upcoming political marriage to Isolde pressed upon the room, unspoken but palpable.