[CENTER][img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/520041678032207887/953483156286242846/6e8f2abf9a9e01374fb66fa0764c58d6.png[/img][/CENTER][hr] Some children are born with burdens heaved onto their shoulders. Nathaniel Lothwren was one of these children. Born under a falling star, those who knew of the child expected greatness from him. They practically demanded it. And while some might shirk such a burden to seek their own fate, Nathaniel relished in carrying it. He had never seen the King’s Bridge before, nor the castle it led to. It lived up to his expectations. He was but one in a swarming crowd of children pushing along, hoping to register and become a knight-in-training. The weight of expectations was heavy, but the bridge seemed capable of withstanding it. [color=lightgray]"I feel sorry for whoever is matched against you. There's no way they stand a chance."[/color] Nathaniel Lothwren, sporting a tunic of red and silver to match his house colors, raised an eyebrow as he turned his gaze to the kid next to him. It took a moment for the noble's eyes to fill with recognition. Nate gave a small smile, wrapping an arm around the blonde boy to give his broad shoulder a pat. [color=fc2129]"I appreciate your confidence, Locke, but I don't intend to show off. Everyone here is willing to serve, and they deserve a fair shot to show their dedication."[/color] Locke rolled his eyes, observing the crowd gathered. [color=lightgray]"Still going on about that Honor crap, Nate?"[/color] [color=fc2129][b]"It's not crap."[/b][/color] Nate's smile faded into a slight frown, the murmurs nearby silenced by the sudden exclamation. Locke was born into a family of artisans, seeking to improve his own station through dedicated service. He was quick and strong, and had solid form. The only thing Locke lacked was a sense of true duty. Nate didn't understand his former classmate when they studied the sword at a school in the south just a few months prior. [color=lightgray]"It's us or them, mate. You have to fight to win."[/color] Nate shook his head. [color=fc2129]"Of course you fight to win... but it’s not about us or them. Not yet. It's about potential and skill in these duels, Locke. Us or them is an excuse to stand on the shoulders of others."[/color] Nate's former classmate just sighed, stepping forward in the line to register. Nathaniel was silent, taking deep breaths to stifle the smallest embers of anger. Locke was just here to earn himself a better life. Nate was here to become a knight... a hero, as his mother always insisted. But deep down, Nate knew he was here because right here was all he ever wanted to be. After a moment, Locke had registered and began making his way towards the arena. Nate stepped forward. [color=gray]"Name?"[/color] [color=fc2129]"Nathaniel of the House of Lothwren, first born son to Baron Aster Lothwren of the town of Brimsly."[/color] The boy stood firm, with his back straight and his chest out, as he checked in. His words rang with a proudness and purpose that was not at all unfamiliar to those who knew him. After all, he was going to be a knight. He never really had a choice.