#ic: i'll rely on my own strengths

[goldoanheart]

Kurthanga takes both pieces of glass gently into his hands, noting how they fit together like pieces of a puzzle. A puzzle that is definitely missing some pieces though. There must be a few more around here somewhere that they haven't found. At least one more, perhaps two if the creators of this "escape room" had been ambitious.

"I am also a quick reader, but that is not much of a help when you are both not familiar with the language or codes," Kurthnaga says with a laugh as he kneels on the floor, placing the pieces of glass on the ground in front of him.

They do indeed fit together seamlessly, and there is most certainly some missing pieces. Though Kurthnaga is not quite sure how many. Or where they would be within this room.

Perhaps the book was meant to help them find the other pieces, and then the puzzle they made up was some sort of other hint. That sounded about right; didn't it?

Kurthnaga points at the pieces before him, "These fit together, but I don't think that this is all of them. I am thinking that the book may provide clues towards the locations of the rest. I wish I could be a little bit more help than that though..."

Hit Movie Cube (1997)

Anniversary | Authority +1

[goldoanheart]

@gentlenekomata continued from here:

As soon as she was being touched by his tender hands, she revived every single second they spent together at his office, gathering papers for filling letters and at the same time, she remembered the very first time they have met, which exactly was quite similar to the current event. “I’m truly enjoying the mood of this lively evening!” she giggled, as per usual, “But I’m happy to see you well and doing good with the other as well” she was sincerely happy to see him getting on well with everybody, it genuinely made her heart flinch in happiness. “So, are you thirsty? ‘cause, I’ve seen a very interesting table full of tasty teas!!” and she recollected the moment they prepared the tea together. So many moments to recollect and so many new memories to make.

Kurthnaga would like to think he had made a lot of dear friends during his time at the academy, and Sakura was certainly included in that group. The young dragon treasured all of those friends, more than anything else in the world.

"I am glad that you are able to enjoy yourself. That is what events like this are for, after all." Kurthnaga claps his hands gleefully together with an excitement only one with a still youthfull folly could have. How could he not be happy when he was able to enjoy this evening with both close friends and family alike?

"I would be honored to share a cup of tea with you again, Lady Sakura. If you would allow me to."

[goldoanheart]

* a tender kiss to each cheek, then to their nose

Chaste Kisses | Accepting (3/?)

AU: Arcadia

Kurthnaga finishes his drawing with a final swoop on the last e of his guardian's name (perhaps one too many Es, but he didn't know any better), holding it up to her with a proud smile on his face.

(Igrenee the arrow above her head in the drawing says, pointing at the messy, childish sketch of a blond woman with a trio of little figures behind her.)

"Look!" He demands, knowing that she certainly already is as her expression softens.

She presses kisses over his face, the last landing gently on the tip of his nose and Kurthnaga screechs with a giggle as he flings himself over her lap.

Kurthnaga was still young, never knowing anything besides the peace here in their hidden village. One day, he would know. But for now, he was young and happy. Clinging to Igrene's side like a loyal little puppy, spending his days carefree. For now, he knew nothing but joy.

[goldoanheart]

a kiss on their palm, then holding their hand against their own face

(it happens after he fastens that little bracelet, a bead of cheap red quartz held in place with decorative in the leather cord— surely beneath a prince, but just right for his friend, an affectionate kiss planted right above his pulse.

"you like it?" he asks, radiant with excitement.)

Chaste Kisses | Accepting (2/?)

Kurthnaga giggles as Edward's lips brush against his wrist, tender and gentle as he fastened an adorable little bracelet around it. The young dragon resists the urge to pick up Edward and swing him around like he was an Edward hammer, but he still flings his arms around his friend, wrapping him into as tight of a hug as he can muster without hurting the beorc boy.

"Oh Edward!" If his voice sounds a little wavering from how close to crying tears of joy he is, then neither of them will bring it up, "Edward it's lovely! Of course I like it!"

[goldoanheart]

Kurthnaga freezes in fear at the way the man speaks. He knows, he has to know what they are really here for, what they have really been here for all along. Or why else, would he call them liars? Kurthnaga had not lied... had he? He had assumed that he was simply talking his way around the complete truth, but perhaps that would seem like lying to an outsider's perspective.

He was no heron, but he knew that this man was terrifyingly serious with his words. He did not know what would happen were he to say the wrong things here, but he didn't really want to find out.

"I have not lied, my good sir. Not in the slightest. But if you fancy me a liar, then perhaps I am not the right man for your role." He fidgets, glancing towards Katarina. No, he didn't have time to fight with this man over whether he was a liar or not.

They had to go. Now.

He grabs Katarina's hand, tugging her towards him as he stepped towards the door, "Well... we should... be going now... uh, send me a call if you need my services for your role...!"

He makes a break for it. Nope. Not dealing with that guy when he looked that terrifying. If they stayed any longer, they were more likely to die than to get any sort of role in an acting troupe.

So! See you later scary guy!

”…“ The man’s silence says all that it needs to of his lack of approval, the loss of favor, though the fact that he allows them to remain before him means they have not failed outright. After he has left them to flounder in his dissatisfaction long enough, he heaves a dramatic sigh and waves it all away. "You’ll need a rudimentary understanding of the sword, if we choose you. But never mind that – you.” A spindly digit flicks toward Katarina now. “We will make use of you as well. Tell me.”

At that, the mage startles, not having expected to be called upon.

“M-me?” Her hands nestle over her heart, ill at ease with the hooded figure’s attention. “I… I can use magic… I, I know a little bit about the sword and bow… B-but I’m a terrible actor, sir…”

At that, the man’s lips unfurl, drawn tightly over his teeth to form a smile whose corners jut uncannily long across his face.

He laughs. The temperature of his voice is almost absent, neither warm nor frigid.

“What liars you both are.”

[goldoanheart]

a kiss to say goodbye, before they leave on a trip

Chaste Kisses | Accepting (1/?)

"Micaiah, I'll be leaving now," Kurthnaga rises from his seat across Daein's queen, and his long time friend. Long hair pools around him as he walks over to her, kneeling and taking her gentle hand into his.

The world had changed, since they had first met. For the better, Kurthnaga firmly believed. But he had not changed much, at least in appearance. His hair grew longer, and he grew into his position, but even now, his youth was deceiving.

It doesn't matter much to him though. He will live a long life, and he will do his best to ensure that there is peace throughout every minute of it.

He places a kiss on the back of his friend's hand and then stands, turning to go. As much as he wished to spend time with her, and those of their other friends that remained alive, he could not bear to spend too long away from Goldoa.

Kurthnaga bows with a gentle smile, "Hopefully, we will see each other again soon."

[goldoanheart]

a kiss on the brow

Kissies | Accepting (1/?)

Kurthnaga glances up at Lady Igrene as she gently places her lips against his forehead, right over the brand that adorned it. He doesn't know if that location was intentional, but her affection is soft. Tender like a mother's would have been...

Kurthnaga had never known his mother, barely even knew anything about her. She had died not long after he was born, he had figured out that much when he was a child. Father never talked about her, and his siblings were not so much older than him that they remembered her well either.

A mother's affection huh... it felt foreign, like something that he wasn't supposed to have.

"Lady Igrene..." He's embarrassed that tears spring to his eyes, overwhelmed by the emotions stirring in his chest. He quickly wipes them away, a soft smile coming to his face, "Thank you, Lady Igrene."

[goldoanheart]

[ Splash ]

She is in the fountain.

Why is she in the fountain.

Either way, Denning is standing in the fountain, quite drenched. Someone seems to have thrown a brooch into it, perhaps to make a wish for some inane reason, and for some other inane reason, the morph has taken it upon herself to retrieve it, standing and waiting for... Something.

Perhaps for someone to notice, or linger a fraction of a second too long. In catching red eyes, she clambers out (still soaking) to hand the drenched brooch over to Kurthnaga with little preamble.

'is this yours', she means to ask. Her tongue does not quite follow. A pale hand lifts the brooch up higher for emphasis, instead. "Mm?"

Kurthnaga stares at the thing in the fountain with wide eyes and a vested interest. It didn't feel right. Whatever it was, it wasn't beorc OR laguz. Its presence felt more like a... doll than anything else.

So the young dragon smiles at the doll and takes the brooch that it holds out to him, examining it closely, "Did you find this? Or is it yours?"

The... thing is drenched from its dip in the fountain, and Kurthnaga wonders if it can even feel that it should be freezing after going swimming in the water in the dead of winter.

Too bad the young dragon doesn't have a towel or anything, or he would vehemently try to clean the poor thing up.

"That's not mine, but you know what," Kurthnaga plucks a bell from his waist and presses it into the doll's hand, "you can have mine. No stipulations attached. You don't even have to give me yours, alright?"

He smiles, and he doesn't whether to expect the doll to smile back or not. Can it smile? Hm, perhaps he shall have to experiement at a later date.

"Um. Well, have fun with your new bell. Be careful, it jingles a lot when you walk. Do dry off soon before you catch cold," Can it catch cold? Kurthnaga takes a few wary steps back towards the ballroom, one bell shorter, "Have a nice night..." He whispers quietly before ducking back inside. Huh, Fodlan did always seem to be full of surprises.

[goldoanheart]

"Where... is Elibe...?" He asks tentatively, knowing that there is a whole world beyond Tellius and Fodlan that he has never gotten to see. He is curious, but now, in their current predicament, isn't exactly the time to go chasing after his normally overflowing curiosity.

"You know, never mind that. You... want me to..." It won't be a PROBLEM per say, with the size that they are currently at, but he would still be worried about squishing Linus accidentally, should he not be careful.

Well, it would probably be fine, so long as he watched his step. He had done it before, at least he didn't have to worry about breaking anything due to how small they were.

"Alright then. If you wish for concrete proof, I hope this shall be good enough. I assure you it is completely safe as well." He takes a deep breathe, stepping back a little from the other man to make sure that he won't accidentally get hurt during the time it takes for him to change forms. It had been quite some time since the last time he had done this, but the change rushes over him as easily as it always has, and suddenly he is glancing down at his fellow professor rather than casting his gaze up.

"Rrrrmmmgh..."

And that was the problem here, wasn’t it? Despite travelling to a few different places before they came to Fodlan, Linus heart and head were still back in Elibe. He expected things to be the same everywhere. What happened in Elibe must have surely happened across the rest of the world. Hell, up until leaving, Elibe was the world to him.

So it was a little bit mind boggling to be confronted with the fact that, no, different lands were not like Elibe and things were not universal to how he understood them.

“I mean– Yeah, I thought…,” Linus fumbles, his indignation at being contradicted warring with his genuine confusion. “That’s how it is where I came from. Figured it, y'know…had to be the same everywhere else.” Because, to him, that had made sense, but…now he wasn’t so sure.

“Really? Never heard of 'em at all?”

Jeez, this was a lot to swallow.

“The Eight Generals are heroes back in Elibe. They stopped the dragons from destroying everything, beat them so fuckin’ bad that they up and left Elibe! The Generals made everything that’s still there now. Countries, religion, history – it all comes back to them.”

For him, it was common knowledge. Stuff he’d known since he was old enough to know it. And sure, there were some people who spoke about some magic city where men and dragons still lived side by side, or that Hartmut had the chance to kill the demon dragon and chose not to out of sympathy. But those views were few and far between, even in Bern.

Skepticism was still clear in Linus’ expression, but…curiosity was starting to get the better of him now.

“You can just…show me. Right here and now? That even safe?” Dragons were incredibly powerful, right? That’s what started the Ending Winter…right?

“Fuck it, yeah, show me what ya got, short stuff.”

He could probably beat a dragon. With his bare hands. Yeah.

[goldoanheart]

[ Street Crepe ] The food vendors seem to recognize her as the night drags on, but how can she help it? Their treats are too good not to be shared! And so that is what she does, this time wandering around in search of a specific someone.

And there he is! "Kurth!" As she picks up her pace by what measures she can, her hands curl protectively around the dessert she's brought him. "Hee hee... here, I brought you something! I hope you like it!"

Like an exact science or a particular art, she hands over the street crepe oh so carefully. Craning her neck to peer down at it, she explains: "I wasn't sure what you'd like, so I tried to get something that reminded me of you! This one's got apples and cinnamon, and a little bit of... I think he said it was a hazelnut spread?"

Falling back to her feet only to rock onto her heels, she grins, reaching for her waist to procure a black feather.

"And this one's from me!" A laugh, free and bright. "Do you want to trade?"

"Maria!!!" Kurthnaga would have picked her up right then and there, spinning her around until she was so dizzy that she couldn't stand up straight. That was, he would have done that, if she hadn't just handed him a terribly delicious looking crepe.

He is suddenly aware that he hasn't eaten much this evening, stomach growling loudly as he stared at the crepe now in his hands. How sweet of Maria to bring it to him!

Kurthnaga laughs softly as she offers her feather to him, struggling to hold his treat in his hand as he reaches for his own trinket, a small jingling bell that he offers in return to the small girl.

"It would be my honor, Maria," It was so nice to be able to talk to both friends new and old tonight. How could he not be excited?! Augh, if only he had a hand free to pat her head! "Thank you!"

[goldoanheart]

“KURTHNAGA!! OVER HEREEEE!!!” The young princess waves her hands in the air as she spots the familiar face amongst the crowd, smiling as widely as ever. “WAIT. NO. STAY THERE! I’LL COME TO YOU!”

Hiking up her dress so she won’t trip, she ‘skillfully’ manages to not trip navigates her way through the crowd until she’s in front of the… …actually she’s not really sure what he is. She could’ve sworn she remembered him as a teacher for some reason, but that doesn’t sound right… eh, whatever.

As soon as she’s close enough, she points to the brooch on the other, more specifically the bell adorning it. “Hah! I knew it!” She beams victoriously before pointing at her own bell, like that would explain whatever it is she’s talking about somehow. “I heard everyone got a different thing, but I knew I heard another bell somewhere, hehe! Twins, yay!”

She giggles for another moment, before clapping, face lighting up as though she suddenly had an idea. “Oh! Oh! Do you wanna switch? We can see how long it takes for someone to notice, hehe!  Secret swap, breaking the rules! but not in like a crime way. crime is bad.”

"Elise!!!" The dragon king responds with as much energy as Elise calls out to him with, bouncing happily on his heels to be able to see her here at the ball. Was she having fun? She looked like she was having fun. He really hoped that she was having fun.

The telltale twinkling of the bell that he has become familiar with resonates from Elise's own brooch and Kurthnaga claps his hands together gleefully, "Oh! We match! How cute!"

His own bell is something like a little curse, jingling with every single one of his steps. He couldn't go around anywhere without ringing incessently. His presence was never a surprise, but if he stayed quiet in the corner, observing all the beorc staff and students out of his constant curiosity, then no one really noticed him. (Sometimes he liked that, at events with lots of people. To fade away into a crowd and remain unnoticed. Normally, he wouldn't want that... but there was something about it when he was able to people watch to his heart's content.)

"Switch?" Kurthnaga quirks his head to the side, green bob falling onto his shoulder as a smile lights up across his face, "Of course! Let's switch! What a fun idea! We can make it a little game even!"

[goldoanheart]

[ Leicester ] - An expressive, rhythmic dance that is only well-known in its homeland. Sweeping, dramatic movements and making noise with clapping and foot-stomping are required for this passionate style.

(( drag your father to dance 🕺 ))

"Father!" Kurthnaga lights up as soon as the older dragon finally approaches him. His father's shadow has been lingering over him all night, imposing shoes that he can't ever hope to fill. Standing next to him only makes Kurthnaga feel that much smaller.

But... if he must feel small beside his father, then perhaps he can channel some of the happier memories of his childhood.

He grabs his father's large hand, wrapping both of his smaller hands around it. He glances up, ruby eyes bubbling with excitement as the band starts to play an upbeat tune.

"Father; won't you dance with me? Please!"

[goldoanheart]

Kurthnaga looks at Robin like he just asked the dumbest question in the world, blinking a few times as he let the other man's words set in. Why... that was a silly question indeed; wasn't it? The answer seemed almost obvious to the young king of dragons, but he supposed that the professor would not know that; now would he?

"Yes, I can. Though... there is the issue of space, of course. Thus it is not something I have demonstrated much since coming to Fodlan," Whether from influence from Nasir, or just wanting to feel as though he could stand more equally with those here at the academy, he kept his identity a secret and his head low.

"That, and... there has not truly been much of a need to. That form is how we fight after all, and I would much prefer to avoid any violence at all."

snow covered dragons

[goldoanheart]

[ Sparkling Water ] - Fresh spring water that has been magically carbonated. Served with a squeeze of lime or a dash of one of the many fruit syrups available at the bartender’s disposal. 

"Kurthnaga!" He calls, but his voice is hardly more than a hushed shout, and he draws into the company of the younger, presenting a sparkling glass of cherry-syrup fizzling water ( for champagne wouldn't do with the younger's age, and if it would -- for Rajaion was sure he's forgotten some years -- he simply refused to gift his brother alcohol ).

"Or should I say Your Majesty," It's teasing -- a brother's jest against the younger, and he smiles behind his mask. "Regardless, are you having as much success as I with, as the Beorc call it, 'mingling' ?"

No terror perturbed the heart in the wake of festivities, and perhaps it was the homeliness of celebration that returned his feet to the earth and plucked his mind from dark depths. Either way, it was ... nice.

"It's customary, I've read," He continues, sipping on his own flavored drink. "To interact at these sorts of gatherings for the sake of one's kingdom. But," He looks to the younger, his gaze falling a long ways to meet that of his brother's, for perhaps the bones of their father were not yet sprouted within him. "I'll handle the politics. I want you ... to have a good time. You ... shouldn't have to be king so young, so for a night, simply be Kurthnaga."

He poises himself anew, rolling sore shoulders and aching bones, and straightens to his lofty height. And he plucks a white feather from his brooch, presenting it between forefinger and thumb to the younger.

"And have a feather -- think of the Herons with its whiteness. I owe it to them that I'm here." He smiles, head tilting. "How fitting."

Rajaion has gifted Kurthnaga a White Feather!

"Brother!" Kurthnaga lights up as Rajaion approaches him, taking the offered glass into smaller hands - less weathered hands. Hands more befitting of a young noble than any sort of wise king. He pouts slightly, at the sparkling liquid within, bright red and bubbling with carbonation, "I'm not a kid anymore though. We could have shared a drink."

He falters at the title, though his brother only means it in jest. Because it was a title that was never meant to belong to him. It was for his father, proud and strong - though ever so stubborn. And if not stalwart Dheginsea, then it should have belonged to Rajaion. It did not befit Kurthnaga, still so young with soft cheeks unaffected by age. But he does not say anything to that effect, and simply smiles, pushing his doubts down and away, "Not really, but I much prefer people watching during events like this anyway! You knew that, Raja!"

He clutches at the stem of his glass, nigh to break it if his grip was even a little bit tighter. His brother was right, he shouldn't be king so young. He shouldn't be king at all. He should have remained a carefree prince, but life did not seem to be that easy; now did it?

"Rajaion... I... I like politics! I wouldn't even mind it if I had to!" He can hear his voice trembling, a stubborn smile kept upon his lips, "You... you surely haven't had fun in such a long time! Please... don't worry about me, I can handle it!"

Kurthnaga tries to shake off the doubts as his brother offers him a feather from his brooch, taking it gently into his hands. He wasn't sure exactly what he was supposed to do with it, but a gift from his elder brother had to be treasured.

"Rajaion, take mine as well," He places a small jingling bell into his brother's hands with a smile. Perhaps one day it will be easier for both of them, to stand beside each other without any doubt lingering in Kurthnaga's heart. If only things could be as easy as they had once been in their childhood, when they had been able to just be brothers. If only...

Kurthnaga has gifted Rajaion a Small Bell UwU

[goldoanheart]

End of Month Report (April): A Future Goldoa Could Have One Day

Drabble Series Between Nasir and Kurthnaga, Getting Together Once a Month to Share Information (Last Month)

"Nasir!" The young king excitedly opens the door to his dorm room to the older, ushering him inside with a smile. Kurthnaga blushes slightly as Nasir steps around the mess on the floor to make his way over to the desk chair, the white dragon raising a questioning eyebrow.

"I should hope it's not always like this. I would expect a little bit more out of you in regards to..." Nasir picks a book off of the tallest stack, "cleanliness."

"I... didn't have time to clean up?" Kurthnaga offers with a nervous smile and a shrug, knowing full well that Nasir would be able to tell when he was lying. He falls quiet a second later, sitting gently on his bed. His quarters are certainly cramped compared to the office they had shared some weeks ago, but almost cozy in a way.

He glances up at Nasir, checking the older man's expression. It remains as sly, though stoic, as ever, that constant thin smirk painting his lips.

"We best not delay, Your Majesty. I don't intend to keep a student like yourself up late into the night," Nasir folds one leg over the other, gently placing his slender hands in his lap, "So... I expect you have a report on your month?"

Kurthnaga laughs gently, "I feel like it's been rather quiet lately. Not that I mind! But I like it when the monastery is busy and bustling as well."

He pauses in thought for a moment. Perhaps it just a matter of everyone catching their breath after the excitement of last month's mock battle?

"I did go out to this place called the Valley of Torment though!" He sounds oddly happy to report about it for a place with such a grim name, "I know it sounds terrible, but it was oddly nostalgic in a way!"

"Mn, I do remember that you got in quite a bit of trouble once for sneaking all the way out to the lava tubes. You were lucky Gareth caught you before you got any further," The elder laughs, hiding his smirk behind one of his hands, "Why! Imagine what could have happened if you had gotten out so young! They wouldn't have known what to do with you!"

Kurthnaga feels his cheeks burn brightly as he ducks his head away. He had only been a curious child, but one young enough that he still needed to cling to his guardians at every turn. Nasir was probably right, he would not have lasted very long at that age before he would have run crying home, "Yes well... how about you?"

"There was this marketplace, you would have rather enjoyed it, I think," Nasir fiddles with a chess piece that had been lying on Kurthnaga's desk, "But that is not why I bring it up. It is something that I wish to see in Goldoa someday, the outside world and our kingdom mingling together. I hope that you will be able to make that possible."

The older man stands, heading back to the door as Kurthnaga stares at his lap, the burden of expectation placed upon him. Could he live up to such ideals? Could he even live up to the legacy left for him?

"Goodnight, Kurthnaga," Nasir says softly as he leaves, not even offering Kurthnaga a chance to reply as he shuts the door behind him.

"I... I hope to be able to... make that wish come true Nasir... I promise I'll do my best..." He says, even though the white dragon could not hear him anymore. But... was he really capable of such ideals? Only time could tell.

[goldoanheart]

@aglaean asked:

Having endured the indignity of a forced removal from the battlefield, L'Arachel sat in the medical tent, waiting for feeling to come back into her hands. That frost spell had packed a mightier punch than she'd realised at the time! One of the volunteers had directed her to a distant corner of the tent, and was now so wrapping her hands in cloth that had been lightly warmed over a fire. 'Don't move, okay?' The medic says, giving her a look that is caught somewhere between stern and terse. He spots her opening her mouth, ready to offer her aid - after all, he had been edified with tales of her healing faculties for the duration of their time together! - and widens his eyes. 'Seriously. Stay right here, we don't need your help, and I have other people to attend to.' How dull! She slumps back in her seat, frustrated that her skills, which had evidently intimidated this fellow, barred her from tending to other's wounds. No doubt her gentle aid would have enlivened the ailing atmosphere in here, subdued and silent as students and teachers stared into the middle distance or discussed matters of interest in small groups. Or rather, it would have been an ailing atmosphere were it not for a student barreling into the tent, clearly battered and bruised, eyes bright with adrenaline. 'Hey! There's a dragon fighting somebody outside!' It's unclear who said it, but the specifics are quickly rendered unimportant in the flurry of students racing towards the opening of the tent. L'Arachel is at the forefront, and so is able to watch unobstructed as a hulking black dragon turn into her three-legged-race partner. 'Kurthnaga?!' She exclaims, racing towards him, her heated cloth flying into a student who had been unfortunate enough to stand behind her. 'You didn't tell me you were a dragon!' There's reproach in her tone, but also, fairly transparently, delight.

"Oh? Did I never mention it?" Kurthnaga laughs out softly as he heads in the direction of the med tent only to be greeted by a shouting L'arachel. While he says it as an offside of a fact that he never happened to bring up, the truth is that he had never meant to. But it would have been dishonorable, to face a true battle - a mock battle still felt real enough if there was blood being spilled, even if it wasn't to kill - as Goldoa's king while holding a mere frying pan in his hand. His father could have been watching; and what would he have done then?

He had to fight with honor no matter what. Was that not what being a king, a leader, meant in one way or another?

"Oh, there is probably something else I should mention, while I am revealing things. May I talk to you over here for a second?" He tugs on her arm, pulling her towards a more secluded - not much more, but he would hope that no one is eavesdropping anyway - area by the med tents carefully. He stops, clearing his throat gently, "In truth, in my home kingdom of Goldoa, I am not just any dragon, but their king."