The last wolf rounded the hill, disappearing out of sight from Picket's view. He let out a cheer, joined by a beaten but victorious Jupiter Smalls. The cheer spread throughout the army as they celebrated their first victory in years.
All around them were bodies of wolves and rabbits alike, signs of the cause's hard won battle. Picket wondered if this was what Jupiter's Crossing looked like after the fall of the king…perhaps.
As they returned to the central fire, he was faced with hundreds of congratulations and thank yous (and definitely not a few hastily muttered apologies), causing his face to burn with embarrassment.
"Shuffler seems a little embarrassed," Emma teased, grabbing his hand as she dragged him to the center of the campfires. Heather laughed, a well-meaning laugh, and Picket joined in.
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Perkin watched as the last wolf fell at Jupiter's sword strike, signaling the victory of Redback Valley went to the rabbits and the Mended Wood. He let out a cheer, raising his sword in salute to his king.
"Stop it," Jupiter hissed, looking a little embarrassed as the rest of the army slowly began to cheer and clap at the sight of their victorious king.
"Aw, can Jupie not handle the spotlight," teased Garten, slinging an arm over Jupiter's shoulder. He too had a huge beam on his face, despite the obvious wounds on him. His two brothers were over on the right, happy yet tired expressions obvious.
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Picket listened as the songs began to rise up, louder and louder as the celebrations continued.
He stood at the fire, singing along with the old folk songs and legends, watching as their hearts rose in joy and happiness.
Smalls and Heather shared a smile with each other.
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"CHEERS!" Perkin shouted, slapping Jupiter on the back as the celebrations went on.
"A toast to Jupiter's victory!' Wilfred shouted from the other side of the campfire, raising his own mug. Someone began singing a song that exaggerated Jupiter's conquests, causing the king to chuckle and rub the back of his neck.
"So it's certain then," Wilfred said, sobering. "Morbin knows."
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"So it's certain," Jupiter said, glancing up at Garten. "Morbin will regroup and strike back."
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"FOR THE MENDED WOOD!"
If Picket had been paying anymore attention, he would've noticed the buck next to him sigh and straighten, a strange sort of coldness in his eyes.
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"For the Mended Wood!" called Jupiter. "We will strike down Morbin once and for all!"
If Perkin had been paying anymore attention, he would've noticed Garten frown, eyes narrowed with anger and bitterness.
WHOOO THIS ONE WAS FUN I TOTALLY DID NOT SNEAK IN SOME PERK AND GARTEN ANGST AT THE END TOTALLY NOT
The song I chose was 'The Mended Wood' or 'The Hero of Jupiter's Crossing', either one you want! Both kind of fit the vibe I wrote here lol
Thank you to Heyna for organizing this! I look forward to other prompt events :D
anyways...
PARALLELS
