The Last Ride [PK]

[Javert 9633]

Spoiler

 

 

The Last Ride

 

 

 

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Ragnvald sat upon his steed as he made his way down the roads of Norland, his mind splattered with regret, guilt, and many other emotions. All his life he had been a warrior, and all his life he had been nothing more. It had stirred Ragnvald’s mind every day, the thoughts of what could have been had he chosen a different path, though who would have helped him achieve such? What would have become of his people had he not made the decisions he did?

 

"Run away with me, Raggy”

 

He became Marshal not because he was ambitious, but because honor compelled him to do so in the face of ruin. He became King not because he desired power, but because Norland needed a Monarch who would do his best to rebuild the old nation. In his mind, he failed both times.

 

“You were never there for me!”

 

So many regrets swarmed the aging Ruric’s mind, and so many ‘If only’s. After making his way into the Norlandic countryside, he slowly began to mutter them aloud.

 

“If only I was a better Father.”

 

“If only I was a better Lover.”

 

“If only I was a better King.”

 

“If only I was a better Man…”

 

Ragnvald paused as he came upon the smoldering ruins of Varhelm, and pulled his horse to a halt. He looked at the burnt and decimated walls, the ruined dockyard, all of it. After taking a breath, he rode through the ruins of his birthplace. He rode through the burnt market and the ruined houses, he rode by the destroyed Hearth Temple, and finally his boyhood home.

 

Ragnvald paused yet again and silently dismounted his horse. With the help of his cane, he walked into what remained of the home he once lived in, and still he held the memories of those few childhood years he spent in it before being forced to the street. The Norlandic King took a deep breath, and turned to leave the ruined abandoned home to the elements. He mounted once more, and rode off towards a place that held more value to him than anywhere else.

 

As he approached the gate of Eiriksgrad, he dismounted a final time and made his way into the old Keep he once proudly called his own. Slowly, painfully, he walked into the hall and up the stairs to his old room. He glanced at the sign that still bore his full name, reaching to gently dust off the letters before somberly entering the room.

 

“Raggy.”

 

The Monarch froze, and looked at the figure that sat upon his bed. Friedrich looked back at Ragnvald with a warm and welcoming smile, then held his arms open to the Norlandic King. Ragnvald stood frozen for a moment, before rushing forward and burying himself in Friedrich’s arms. For the first time in a long time, he wept. He embraced the man he loved, for he had thought he had lost him forever.

 

"Sure took du long enough” said Friedrich with a quiet chuckle, gently hugging Ragnvald tighter.

 

"By the Father…Freddy I..” Friedrich interrupted, gently silencing the King by placing a finger on his lips

 

“Do nicht speak. Just hold me here.”

 

And so he did. Ragnvald held Friedrich as if there were nothing else in the world. Finally, Ragnvald was back in the arms of the man he loved more than life itself. Finally, he was with the love that had been taken from him, and he allowed his eye to close.

 

Finally, Ragnvald could rest.

 

---

 

A day later, a patrol of Guardsmen found their King alone in his old keep, and his body was returned to the city of Alisgrad one last time. Upon learning of the Monarch’s death, several letters were distributed by Courier across the lands of Nyrheim.

[Pyrite 192]

"He'll sleep easy tonight." Rasped a voice of an old Adunic man as he stood on one of many balconies to the estate of Cartref Mor, looking over the Norlandic lake to the south...

[Rattussmackus 597]

“He never said gut bye.”

 

Spoiler

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/213479-three-fathers/?tab=comments#comment-1918674

 

[Malgonious 2758]

 

 

 

Ser Hakon Ruric would shake Ragnvald's hand as he entered the Great Hall of the All-Father.

[annabanana1014 2084]

Costantia would wipe her tears with her bee plushie as she cried and cried...

 

"You were our first nation to support and save the bees... You helped Balian in our defenses too... It was nice to have been by your side, Mister Bee Ally Friend..."

 

The girl would eat honey cakes in saddness...

[Twinny 1622]

"Rest in peace, Valah. I had intended on having no repercussions to your people. Let us hope the next sees more light." The Royarch of Celian'or noted at the news.

[PerfectLittleLady 144]

Lissa first learns of the King's demise while she is busy cleaning out Doctor Blackthorn's office. She simply nods with a frown. "Such a shame. He was a good King, and he will be missed." She finishes her task and decides its time to go home for the day. Only when the door closes does she allow herself to break down. The Adunian falls to her knees and leans against the wall, sobbing, crying, wailing into her hands. She thinks of their last interaction and wonders if she should have done more, if she should have said something else. Her corgi tries to console her, but its no use.

 

Ciaran can hear his mother's cries from his room in the attic, though he doesnt run to ask whats wrong. He knows. He's known about Ragnvald's passing, known before anyone else in the city. He knew the moment he watched the King leave alone on his horse, knew it would be the last time he would see the frail man alive. Ciaran stares out his window long after is mother's wailing stops, long after the moon rises and the sounds of toasts and celebration drift in from the tavern. He should be there, shouldnt he? Toasting the life of the King of Norland? The former Marshal? The man who treated him like a son? The man he'd called father as he watched him leave through the gates? He is still wearing his armor, having not moved from that spot on his bed since he returned home. He should go. No, as Overseer it is his duty to be there. Ciaran wipes his eyes one last time and stands to leave, but not before he takes a note from his pocket and sets it in his bedside drawer. The Adunian still hasnt read it, but he doesnt need to. Hopefully no one has to. One last adjustment in the mirror and he's off, already mentally preparing a toast to the life of Ragnvald Eiriksson Ruric.

 

Edited June 9, 2022 by PerfectLittleLady

[Departed_Delmar 1302]

"A mighty leader, and truly, a kind friend to the adunians. I only hope that he may find peace." The to be Lord of Cartref Mor would nod his head, a frown upon his scar littered features, before he rested the note on his desk. Curious, as to how the next several years would entail for his people. 

[Yashinoki_11 103]

A tear would go down Ragnar’s cheek upon receiving the missive. “It’s been an honor serving you, as my Marshal and as my King.” Would then say Ragnar to an empty room in his secluded tower.