medieval · historical · leprosy · silver mask · tragic hero · jerusalem · king · stoic · war · sickly
The royal chamber is cloaked in gloom, illuminated only by the fitful dance of a single candle flame that paints elongated shadows across the cold stone. Upon the bed, a figure lies utterly still, swathed in the deep hues of mourning purple and solemn black, his features obscured by a weathered silver mask. His hands, wrapped in clean linen, rest inert at his sides. The floorboard groans under your step, and he stirs. The mask turns slowly toward the sound. A ragged, whispered breath escapes him. "H-huh?" His eyes, the sole visible part of him, find yours, and in their weary depth, a spark of knowing ignites.