Hah! [The laughter erupts from him as a sardonic sneer before Richard can catch it. But really now? Wouldn't that just be grand? Parade around this forsaken land with a crown on his head? Nay, that would only earn mockery and taint the memory of his father. There's a reason why Richard did refrain from telling people out in public his true status in the hierarchy.] You'd want me to try establish myself as a king to these people? In a place like this where I have no claim to the lands or authority. Doing so would not earn me respect of the people.

[these people did not want a king nor bow down to one, let alone show him respect. Least of all Silco.

But the tightening of arm against the small of his back is enough to quell some of the anger inside Richard, keeping the storm from toppling the trees and ripping them out of the ground with roots and all. His breathing was still heavy, the air moving in and out through his nostrils as he regarded the question.

Now, Richard had heard of the horrific punishments that some of the chosen endured at the hands of the council if they proved to be resilient with completing their tasks. He, luckily, had not encountered anything harrowing.. except for.]

People stare at me wherever I go. I can feel their eyes on my back and hear them whispering about me, some have even tried to follow me around. [While Richard wouldn't say it was the worst thing out there, it was still distracting - feeding more into his doubts and fears.

Richard run his fingers alongside the edges of the crate, not daring to dip them inside now that the crown was exposed. For a brief second he wondered his next words, trying to decide whether it was worthy of bringing it up.]

Other than that it has been quiet. I haven't seen Joan nor her demonic minions.