[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/NekyBB4.png[/img][/center]

[center][h2]Plaza at the Pier, Execution Platform[/h2][/center]

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[quote=Duke Rhinecliff][b]“Though your people are not here, speak now, and die knowing that your words shall be carried to them, that this moment will be how you will be eulogized. You are, after all, already destined for death. What reasons remain for you to watch your words?"[/b][/quote]

Sev didn't fight it when Duke Rhinecliff had pried his mouth open. But he definitely leveled a flat gaze.

[i]A eulogy, eh?[/i]

His eyes closed momentarily, imagining the vineyards of Nordor, the laughter of children in the street, life bursting from the very air. The carefree nature of the younger generation was carefully tended to by grizzled adults with a strong distrust to their neighbors in Aethera, Tarin, and Dibevin. And an even stronger distrust to the Crown in Hathforth. 

The distrust wasn't uncalled for. Aethera especially loved to flaunt their magical prowess at Nordor whenever they had the chance. A long time ago Aethera was bold enough to bully the farmers of Nordor before Nordor retaliated with the Nordor Coalition, filled with men who had battle tactics and skils with the sword that rivaled the empty-headedness and dependency on magic of the Aetherians.

It was always Nordor, alone, having to stick up for itself in this province. It made the people jaded, but proud of their own strength. Their honest strength.

And here he was, having pushed it too far in the presence of the tyranny that aimed to slowly bleed Nordor dry. But, if Sev had to do it all over again, he wouldn't have changed a word he said on the night of the gala.

It was all the truth.

His eyes opened, and he regarded his ‘old friend’ with a mixture of gratitude and steel-heartedness, before he addressed the crowd. Addressed the Queen.

[b]“The people of Nordor have always been known for their strong will, their determination, in the face of imminent defeat. Their refusal to die quietly.”[/b]

His fists clenched, causing the shackles on his wrists to clink. Sev's eyes narrowed at the Wizard Queen.

[b]“I want my people to know that as one falls, a thousand Sev Willowsteels will rise. You can't kill a revolution, you can't silence a movement by killing the leader.”[/b]

His chin jutted out defiantly, staring right at the Queen. [b]“Those present here know [i]exactly[/i] what they're doing. It won't work. The people's cries will reach the All-force, and we will be here. Today, tomorrow. Ready to watch your reign end.”[/b]

And he drily spat on the ground in the direction of the Wizard Queen's feet. The Queen herself gave no reaction, staring with a bored expression.

Sev's eyes closed, he breathed in, and stared back at Duke Rhinecliff, his voice soft.

[b]“Just do it quickly.”[/b]