Chapter Text
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Avery sprinted across the village paths, villagers constantly calling out in anger and some gasping in shock as he pushed through.
His feet carried him quickly to the town square, impatient; yes, but how could he not be? The army was returning from a long battle!
News was spread hours ago of the victory, and that the king and queen themselves would be Knighting one of the bravest Knights from the battle, his knight...
Avery always loved the Army, almost more than his beloved, he looked up to them in amazement and envy.
He always wanted to be knighted, to fight for his kingdom, he knew his love would never accept it, that he would prefer him safe at home,
but Avery didn’t care about their warnings. Not, one, bit. and maybe if there was an accident during the knighting, MAYBE Avery could show how brave he was! Maybe he could prove he was too be the bravest Kni-
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Avery woke up hours later, head throbbing and dazed; sat beside him was a guy in average clothing, a blank nametag with the name ‘Wiffy’ on it. Who was this? A nurse? At least he thought he was?
‘Wiffy’ sat beside him irritated, to the point Wiffy's eye twitched. As soon as he saw Avery was awake he began to yell and howl about his ‘carelessness’ and ‘im-maturity’ .
Avery sat dumbfounded and confused. Looking at Wiffy with wide eyes and he spoke a few words, a few words that caused Wiffy; for ONCE in his life, to shut up.
“Who are you?”
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The journey home was long, D3rlord3 barely kept his eyes open as people congratulated him on his bravery. Slapping his shoulder and shaking his hand. But D3rlord3 was not happy, he was not celebrating the fact that after 3 long years he would be returning.
His mind was clouded, hazy, all he thought about was his comrades, his friends; dead. One by one they died in the battle, dropping like flies in front of him.
To everyone, D3rlord3 was a hero.
But to himself, he was just the one who made it.
As the carriages departed, people, soldiers, medics; everyone left and began to walk. Soldiers marching through the street toward town square, D3rlord3 leading them with tall posture and one hand constantly at his sword. Who knew if the fight was truly over?
People cheered as they approached, showering the knights behind him with gifts and praise while D3rlord3 did not slow down, only marching forward at a steady pace.
Once they approached town square soldiers ran to their families, medics hugged one another and thanked the gods for their survival and most of all; people cheered for the knights. People cheered for D3rlord3.
The king and queen finally arrived, standing on that higher terrain, the gracious king holding a mighty sword and the queen standing beside, her eyes gentle as she watched D3rlord3 approach the stage.
King Hastur beckoned him to his one knee, in front of him D3rlord3 kept his eyes on the floor, feeling the sword touch both of his shoulders atop his heavy armor.
But when he stood and looked toward the crowd, he could not see his love. As he looked closer he was nowhere to be seen, pushing through the crowd like normal, yet, he might’ve been there. It has been 3 years, many things have changed and grown. Did his love even know he had returned?
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After he escaped the crowd of people he climbed a building and sat on the roof. A spot he used to frequent all those many years ago with his beloved.
He thought he could get a better view; maybe his love knew where d3rlord3 was, knew he was sitting there waiting for him, and maybe his love was running through the crowd right now, or maybe his love was with his friend… Martha!
He spotted Martha walking through the crowd, that short noble lady that despite his beloved and her differences, got along like siblings, same race, same hair and close to an exact copy of personalities!
He practically jumped off the building and ran toward her; she gasped and ran toward him, embracing him tightly.
“Oh Derek! Oh Derek! You're truly here, you’ve returned! I was late for the knighting and i truly believed you were gone!” Martha gasped and spoke with utter joy. D3rlord3 removed his helmet to smile and Martha's smile slowly disappeared. Turning to a sorrowful expression.
The change made D3rlord3 recoil a bit, confused on how fast her face could truly change.
“I was looking for you. To tell you something bad has happened”
“What is it Martha? If it's urgent I must know immediately."
Martha stayed quiet. Gulping down her nervousness and sadness.
“Your betrothed he…” her voice shook slightly.
“He got into an accident, a terrible one.”
All of a sudden, his world stopped. D3rlor3 stared down numb, a blank, emotionless expression plastered on his face. Until he spoke and his shaking voice betrayed him.
“Is.. is he okay?”
Martha couldn’t help but tear up, facing him directly in the eyes.
“He lost his memory, D3rlord3.”
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