Baldwin

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Despite the protestations of his royal advisors, he would visit with the sick and dying, providing what comfort he could. The ailing and infirm were far less repulsive to him than the venomous whispers of his scoffing entourage...

Early signs could be ignored or concealed, but soon the reality was inescapable. Whether by some affliction of lineage or by direct transmission, symptoms of incurable disease began to openly manifest themselves. Wracked with pain, he summoned doctors and aides from the farthest reaches of his lands, all of whom concluded the worst: the King was dying.

Sedition, like any illness, spreads slowly. Rotten with a cynical opportunism born of longstanding entitlement, the scheming circle of advisors drafted mutinous plans. Though bedridden, he had long since divined their intent, and feared the disastrous results of their would-be rule. Summoning his blacksmith - and his strength - he hoisted his blade, and rose to meet the coming threat. He had shown his compassion. Now... he would show his fury!

His blade had broken, but so too the treasonous plot. Satisfied that the spirit of his benevolent tenure would endure, he abdicated the throne. People gathered at windows and along the roads. Weeping, some threw petals at his feet, while others watched in reverent stoicism. As he walked beyond the city gates, he marveled at the beauty of the world, and was grateful for his many blessings.
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This man understands that adversity and existence are one and the same.

“The tide rises. And the tide falls.”

“I know this one thing: survival is a state of mind.”

“I must be cautious when stretching my ligaments, lest they tear, of course.”

“I know them. From a battle long ago… They have come for me.”

“The sky itself knows not where lightning may strike.”

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^ this art by phoebecn

obtained 10/6/2022