<div class="floatleft">(http://digital-art-gallery.com/oid/66/r169_457x256_11966__Dusk_2d_fantasy_warrior_king_prince_picture_image_digital_art.jpg)</div><strong>Name:</strong>David Eliquina<br/><strong>Location:</strong>Forest outside the castle/courtyard<br/><strong>Tagged:</strong>None/Any<br/><br/>David stared over the ridge that overlooked his childhood home; the center of his father's great kingdom. Or, rather, his own great kingdom, now. The young man had left a boy, a prince of the realm. And now, he would be returning as a king. But there was very little joy in his heart as his eyes scanned the beautiful structure. While he was glad to be home from the five year campaign, he was also dreading looking upon his mother's face and sharing in her grief. There had been far too much grief as of late.<br/><br/>He'd watched comrades and brothers in arms fall during the war. But the greatest shock had been his father's death. It was like an arrow to the heart. And now, the man of barely twenty years held a certain sorrow in his eyes that was usually reserved for those far older than he. He'd held his father in the greatest love and respect. How was he supposed to lead a kingdom without the old man's guidance?<br/><br/>"Your highness..." The voice of one of his closest knights, Gregore, broke into David's lost thoughts. The prince that would soon be coronated half turned and spoke to the much older man softly.<br/><br/>"Gregore. You know you needn't be so formal when nobody else can hear our talk." David had come up the ridge alone on his horse, confident that he was safe enough in his own lands. Besides, he was only a few dozen paces from the camp that was being stripped and cleaned behind them. "What is on your mind, old man?"<br/><br/>"Your father would be proud, m'Lord. He taught you for this very day. Prepared you for it." The elder knight  paused. "If I may be so bold... I know your fear. I can see it in your eyes. Been there for the past few days of our trek. But you're your father's son, m'Lord." He let the rest remain unsaid as he strode up to stand abreast the prince's steed and take in the sight of the castle in the distance.<br/><br/>David said nothing, but the smallest hint of a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. After several long moments, the tugged back and to the left on the reigns, causing the white beast to turn back the direction they'd arrived. The knight had always been there for him. He'd been part of his training from a lad. He'd watched over and fought beside him in the long years of the war. There were few he trusted as much as Gregore. And his words held a great weight on him.<br/><br/>It was midday when the company passed through the great gates. Fanfare abounded, and people cheered. He knew from the messengers that he wouldn't be seeing his mother until he made his way to the courtyard, which would have to wait until after he'd been cleaned up. The child in him wanted to rush into his mother's arms. The man in him knew that it wouldn't be proper to even see her until he was presentable again. This was nothing like paying a visit to one of the whore houses along the border. This was a formal occasion. And he would remain on his best behavior.<br/><br/>It only took about an hour to wash from his travels, be dressed in his ceremonial armor, and make his way out towards the courtyard, where he was to meet with his mother. He paused at the open door and gathered himself, before striding out into the open, immediately scanning the area for his mother and her procession.<br/><br/>It had been so long.