"Erik would be the rightful king it's how it works if someone killed my father took the throne then had a kid that kid would have first claim to the throne not my brother." Bell stood sighing. "He is already dethroning him, he only needs a strong male ally to help him punish the man who has destroyed many lives. We need you my lord and your forest dwellers to get rid of this pain in everyone's side."

"You would have me forsake everything, even my birth-right, just to take the throne of his father?..."Joseph walked away. "I'm no more than a tool to all of you. I'll take back Zephyrus myself."he said, walking down the steps of the building. "I can't believe I'm doing this...I thought she was atleast my friend...."he said

(In hind sight, this reaction should be expected.)

Bell shook her head men where all the same they ever understood anything. She wondered out into the garden again and hide away there with a notebook to plan out her wedding dress a little. She thought about Joseph a little then squeezed the locket she knew the choice she had made was sound Erik was an actual prince and could guarantee a kingdom for her family Joseph was just a lost prince with nothing left to his name.

When Joseph returned home, he saw all the clans and tribes gathered, as well as a few bandit and mercenary groups. His mentor, Jeremiah, gave Joseph the last item from his family: a Crown, adorned with Magical gems. Placing the crown on his head, Joseph knew that this war would be long, but it was a price he was willing to pay, to have what was rightfully his restored to him, and to give the people who raised them a permanent home.

(Should we skip ahead? And if so, how should this play out?)

((I'm thinking a few weeks and when he returns Erik is king with his father in jail and Bell his to be bride then he give Joseph the crown declaring the throne to be rightfully his. That way he learns a lesson about listening to Bell.))

(The way bell put it, it made it sound like she was trying to appease him, and my characters honor wouldn't stand for it. He's not one to sit by and be treated like a tool, even if its done for the right reasons. Also, I was thinking that, but my charecter asking him to step down, as the battle to dethrone his father would leave their armies severally weak, and open for invasion.)

((He could just do it from the bottom of his heart like a good person trying to prove he's different from his father.))

(Okay)

Joseph approached the castle of Zephyrus. It had been ages since he left it, but it felt like he was finally coming home. He had his trusted advisors at his side, both trained to defend their king. He was here to either gain his crown back, or plunge the whole kingdom into civil war. After the dethronement of Raerek, Erik's father, Joseph knew that he'd eventually win the war, but at the cost of many lives. He was here to avoid it.

His usual attire had changed. He now wore solid plate,along with a fur cloak. His crown still atop his head as it had been several months ago.

The guards lead him to the throne room watching him carefully. Erik sat in the kings throne Bell uncrowned in a peach dress sat next to him London at her side. The two broke off there talk when Joseph entered. "Looks like we don't have to look for you after all." Erik smiled and descended to him Bell and London behind him. "My father took what was yours I hope in some way my actions have made you look at me differently." He took his crown off. "It has always belonged to you."

He took, the crown, and sighed in relief. "Thank the 12, I was expecting this to end badly. However, keep the crown. The one in my family, is more than enough for me."he said. Holding up his own crown. And placing it atop his head. He then approached his throne, and sat down.

"Yeah because a crown means something without a kingdom." Erik sighed. "Father is in the dungeon Bell insisted I let you deal with him." He handed the crown to a child so the kid could get food and cloths.

Joseph looked away from Bell, and turned towards a guard. "Bring him."he said.

They nodded and left soon bringing the former king in growling. They tossed him before Joseph London pulled Bell behind him and stood with his hand on his sword it was obvious they had, had trouble over throwing him judging by the careful way London and Erik watched him.

Walking down from his throne, Joseph stood in front of him. "Do you remember me, traitor?"He asked.

"Your the little child of the people I killed. Your father begged the a girl and cried like one too." The former king slammed into the guard next to him grabbing the sword and laughed. "Idiot." he smirked.

Joseph ran up to the man, and wrapped his arms around him, shoving a dagger into his spine. "Feel that?.....that's for my mom....my dad...and everyone you killed, you son of a bitch."he said

The king fell forward with a groan bleeding out. London blocked Bells view as she closed her eyes not wanting to look at the blood and the dead body.

Dropping the dagger, Joseph picked up the sword. "Erik. Kneel, please. "he said. When, and if, he did, Joseph placed the sword on his shoulder. "For your relations towards the traitor, you should be executed....however, due to your actions, you've saved my life, and brought me back my home.....I therefor name you Count Erik. The Plain's of Zerona are under your govern, and you shall be given all rights, power, and privileges associated with your status. "he said. He owed this man his life, and planned to reward him as such.

"I do not deserve that much your highness but you have proven yourself more honorable then my father." Erik stood smiling a little then looked to Bell. "Comfort her...she has not stopped talking about you since you left and she needs a strong person to make her forget what she just saw."

"Are you not her fiancée?"he asked, obviously not getting the situation.

"Well no we haven't made her choice public. I think she only choose me because I had the extra people she needed to help you. She keeps saying she should have explained herself better...I can't even kiss her she's pulled away every time. She doesn't care for me that way." Erik sighed rolling his eyes a little.

"For the love of.. "He walked off to find Lori

Bell was still standing behind London staring at the body a mixture of shock, disgust, and fear on her face.

Joseph stepped over to Bell, rubbing his head. "Bell.....I...."he didn't know what to say at this point.

Bell hugged him taking a deep breath. "There's so much blood."

((poke.))