>>6334670>“And if you win?”“Well, I’ve never been a king before. That could be fun. For a bit.”
>“You seem grossly carefree, even by my standards. I bet you have a whole family in Dagda that hasn’t seen a hair of you in years.”“Perhaps. I was quite immature in my youth. It was that sort of irresponsibility that led to this whole altercation with the Gallowglass in the first place. But, age breeds wisdom, as they say. And I’ve learned it's better for someone like me to remain transient, rather than settle roots in one place. That way, I can experience all the wonders life has to offer, without feeling tied down to others who rely on me.”
>“There you go, talking like you’re some geezer again.”“Well, I’m older than you. Though you’d have to pull my arm off to get me to admit my real age.” Crowley scoffs. “Don’t be so quick to write off sage advice from the elderly. You must have been a real pain for whoever had to raise you. Tell me, do you have a family waiting for you back home?”
>“Not really. My closest cousin, Bronte, is currently serving as Morfis’ Prime Minster.”“Cushy job.” Crowley whistles.
>“The only ones back in Rusalka are my aunt and the rest of her children. My mother died when I was younger.”“Are you close with this aunt?”
>“In a sense. I’m grateful for the care she’s shown me. But she’s a bit too high-strung for my taste. Always worrying too much, especially when it comes to her daughter. Part of the reason I even came here was to make sure Bronte was safe. Figured it would do that old hag some good to know for sure so she could quit all her pacing.”“Don’t be too hard on her. She sounds like a good person. Having a family of your own changes things. I’m sure this aunt of yours was not always how you describe. But children have a habit of shifting one’s priorities. Perhaps this is something you should take into account, as the end of your journey here looms near.”
>“What do you mean?”“Do you suspect you’d really be happy as a king?” Crowley asks with a raised eyebrow. “You don’t strike me as the type to sit on a throne all day, growing fat while listening to the fawning of the local nobility. Raising soft, pampered pups that grow to covet your throne, waiting eagerly for you to pass on. In a way, I feel you and I are perhaps the same sort of person. And do you know what our greatest weakness is? Boredom.”
>“So what? You’re suggesting I win this entire tournament and then just leave? Why would I do that?”“To go on another adventure, of course! It’s a great, big world out there. Dagda, Almyra, Sreng, and all that lies beyond. There’s always something new to see, you know?”
>A): No way. I’m sticking to this king business.>B): Hmm, maybe I’ll think about that.>C): Write-in 