[AW] 'the first living creature was like a lion'

[Jericho]

Jericho! WAKING UP TO ASH AND DUST, I WIPE MY BROW AND I SWEAT MY RUST He had come for Somnus, boyish loyalty tugging him along like an overeager pup in the sovereign’s wake. Jericho had only arrived at his gates a mere week ago, but already he found himself admiring the gentle stallion who’d welcomed him like a father and offered him refuge. He kept a respectful distance, of course—he did not claim the status of those who walked alongside the king—but he trailed along behind the leaders of the court as they climbed into the mountains, occasionally falling in step with those also making the journey.   Jericho did not know why exactly they were heading east, but he would follow Somnus anywhere and did not doubt the king’s intentions. He’d been taught to obey without question, and he was a good soldier. So, though he kept his eyes alert and his ears swiveling for any danger that might present itself, the boy’s mind was at ease. He contented himself with the thrill of exploration and the thought of what might be. Unfamiliar as he was with Delumine’s customs, he could only imagine what might await in the mountains. Something big, he guessed, by the number of citizens that seemed to materialize from their surroundings as they drew closer.   And it was big. His eyes widened as they reached the summit, and he watched with wonder as the chosen few (including his king) withdrew. Perhaps it was like a Council meeting, he mused, noting the regal posture of those who stepped inside. Did Somnus share his throne, or were these rulers of other kingdoms? Taking it all in, he watched  and waited with the crowd but kept mostly to himself. That is, until the walls came tumbling down.   Screams tore through the air and a dark blur broke from the masses, streaking towards the rubble. Unnerved, Jericho pranced in place, instinct to flee struggling mightily against his past three years of combat training. Drills had taught him technical skill, but they were just that: drills. A virgin soldier, he’d never seen battle or felt the blast of heat and dust in his face. Dazed, his eyes darted around the scene, trying to determine what was happening.   It was Raymond’s voice that roused him from his stupor. He heeded the cry, darting forward through the crowd to the crumbled gates, pawing at the stones and pushing away the fear that struck at his heart knowing that his king was inside. "talk talk talk" WE'RE PAINTED RED TO FIT RIGHT IN

Image Credits || coding by kaons, tweaked by shady