RWBY Christmas Tales
The Dragon King
For Kina and Borvak.
Jaune licked his lips as Rouge pulled out the the salmon from the oven. He, Saphron, Verte, Noir, Blanc and their parents, Lucien and Grace hummed delightfully as the rich aroma danced on their nostrils.
Rouge: *grabs a large knife and fork* Alright everyone, let's dig in. *carves the salmon*
The Arc Family devoured their breakfast swifty, leaving behind clean plates. Rouge's eyes were wide in shock and embarrasment.
Rouge: Animals... my family are complete animals...
Lucien: Sorry about that, sweetheart. *wipes his mouth* We just love your cooking so much.
Blanc/Noir: Yeah!
Rouge: Just behave yourselves at the Christmas Banquet today.
Jaune: Don't worry, big sister. You won't hear a peep out of us. We'll be as good as gold.
Verte: Dibs on the last salmon! *goes to grab it*
Saphron: No way! It's mine!
Jaune: Give it here!
Blanc: No fair, I want it!
Noir: Shut up and give it to me!
Rouge: *groans in annoyance*
[Kingdom of Vale- Vale Castle Courtyard]
The Arc Family arrived in the Vale Courtyard and saw that everyone was playing in the snow, even the knights. Noir and Blanc raced towards the commotion and hastily made their snowballs to join in. The older siblings chuckled in amusement, with Jaune fighting the urge to join in.
Saphron: Go ahead, Jaune. *smiles*
Jaune: Yes! *runs up and get hits by snowball* Ow! Blanc!
Blanc: It wasn't me! Noir did it!
Noir: Did not!
Blanc: Did too!
Jaune: I know a way to settle this. *grabs snowballs* Run for cover!
Everyone cheered and laughed as they pelted each other with snowballs. Rouge, meanwhile, tried to hide. She didn't want to get her new dress wet. Once the fight was over, the people were invited inside for a lavish Christmas Banquet. The tables were laid out with some of the most exquiste spreads; roast beef, roast pork, roast chicken, roast turkey, roast goose, roast pheasant, sausages, bacon, mashed potatoes, leek and potato stew, carrot and parsnip soup, caramalised onions, grilled fish, potato croquettes, a cheeseboard, cherry pies, mince pies, stollen, strudels, crepéa and figgy pudding. Jaune couldn't believe his eyes. All of this was ready to be feasted on by knights and peasants alike. As everyone enjoyed their meals heartily, the King, George Draco, sat beside his advisor, the mage Ozma.
Ozma: *leans in* Your Majesty, now that everyone is here, I believe it is time to make the announcement.
George: *nods head and rises* Attention, everyone.
The guests all turned to the King at once.
George: Welcome one and all to this joyous occassion. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas. I am grateful to receive the wonderful gifts that you have left me and my loyal knights. But now, I have a gift for you. *raises arms* This very castle.
The crowd murmered to each other in surprise. King George was often referred to as "The Generous One", but to give away his entire castle sounded too much. Even Jaune's family was confused by this arrangement. King George smiled and raised his hand to calm the audience.
George: Let me explain. For 20 years, I have ruled this land and I have watched Vale blossom from a rough and frail land into a wonderful kingdom. But as a mortal, my life is finite. Eventually, I will no longer walk among you and, as I have no heir, you will be left without a ruler.
Ozma: *walks to the center* In the centre of the courtyard stands a relic from the Conjunction of the Spheres; a sword known as Caliburn. It is lunged within a stone and, whomever is worthy, shall inherit the Kingdom of Vale.
Jaune couldn't believe his ears. Inheriting a kingdom just for pulling a out a sword? He couldn't help but smile at the ludicrousy of it all. The guests, meanwhile, chatted amongst themselves in a mix of excitement and concern. Magic wasn't trusted, some outright feared it and to let magic decide the fate of Vale was rather dangerous. But the alternative could power a struggle and eventually a civil war. No one should have to fight their own brothers and sisters for a throne. After the feast, everyone gathered outside to gaze at the sword in the stone. It was a gleaming, silver blade with a silver crossguard modelled after dragon wings, dark blue handle and a sapphire embedded into the pommel. One by one, several people stepped up to face the challenge of Ozma, from peasants to barons, lords, ladies and even the knights. But none could do so much as move it, let alone pull it out. Jaune felt his tunic being dragged by his brothers as they pulled him towards the altar.
Jaune: Wha- hey! What are you two doing?
Blanc: Come on, big brother! You have a go!
Noir: Yeah, you can do it!
Jaune: Hehe, boys, no one else could do this. I don't think-
Blanc/Noir: Pleeeeeeease??
Jaune: *chuckles* Alright, alright.
Jaune grabbed the handle with both of his hands and took a deep breath. He placed his foot on the stone and pulled as hard as he could. Just like the others, however, he top struggled and his face turned red from the straining. In the end, he gave up and returned to his family.
Blanc: Awww.
Noir: Unlucky.
Jaune: It's okay, boys. *chuckles* At least I tried.
It didn't seem like anyone would be able to lift the sword out after all and people were starting to grow weary. At the sky became dark, the courtyard shrank as many of the guests had decided to go home. One young, blue-haired boy, however, stared at the sword with intrigue. He walked up to it and grabbed a hold of the handle. Suddenly, the sapphire started to glow and, with gentle force, the boy pulled it out effortlessly. Everyone's eyes nearly popped from their sockets. This young boy, who seemed to have gone unnoticed throughout the day, had successfully won the Kingdom of Vale. The boy stood back, bewildered at the sight of everyone bowing down, including the Arc Family and the King himself. Ozma stepped forward and smiled.
Blue-haired boy: W-What's going on?
Ozma: You are next in line to rule as King. We have finally found an heir! *bows down* All hail, Prince Arthur Azure!