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// Now in the Morning I Sleep Alone 
// Story: Viva la Vida 
// by Tekkonair 
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Age of Rebirth

“Just give me something!” Juras shouted to the sky in desperation. “Anything! I would be happy with even a squirrel. Something to show me there is yet life out there!” He continued to shout. It had been weeks since he had seen hide or hair of any living creature. Even birds did not grace the former king with their song, nor did they fly overhead. Creatures seemed to avoid him like the plague, leaving any area within the forest he visited quiet as a tomb, the only sound being the constant rustle of leaves in the wind.

“Not even the animals give me the time of day,” muttered Juras, stomping his hoof in frustration. The lack of any sort of contact with a living creature was taking its toll on Juras. Ponies were social creatures by their very nature, thus being completely alone for any length of time took its toll. For a former king, the situation was only worse. Growing up the only time Juras had been alone was when he was in his chambers, and even then there were guards standing outside his door. Sometimes he heard them joking to one another, causing no end of embarrassment for his mother when he inquired as to the vulgar jokes he occasionally heard his guards make.

“Mother…” Juras muttered under his breath, his heart suddenly in his throat. His mother had been taken by a fever whilst carrying what should have been Juras’ younger sibling. Instead, he and his father had been left with sorrowful thoughts of what might have been. What might have been… Pah, I lost my chance to make what might have been a reality when I turned my back on my own people. What was I thinking, betraying my own country? He genuinely could not remember what had made him become such a monster.

Juras’ ear flicked and his head whipped up as he heard the snapping of wood, praying that a creature, any creature, had graced him with their presence. His heart sank in his chest when he saw it was simply a branch falling from a dead tree. I cannot go on like this… If I remain in solitude for much longer I shall lose my wit. But to return… He snorted. If I return, they shall do with me as they see fit. And as well they should. You are not a coward, you are a king. A king does not run and hide, he faces his fears with dignity. He nodded in determination, turning back to his hovel as he began to pack his few remaining effects. He paused, before wrapping his broken crown in his cloak and packing it into a saddlebag I will make for Whitefall on the morrow. It is time to face my punishment, and if needs must, meet my maker. Taking a deep breath, he turned and left the hovel that had been his dwelling, making for his former kingdom.