"Hears of Rivals" Episode 18: Unity or Division

dissenter leader

[Addressing the crowd] Please, listen! We have all been wronged in some way, but fighting amongst ourselves will not solve our problems. We must come together and demand accountability peacefully!

Thorne's supporter

[Skeptical] How can we trust the council after everything that has happened?

dissenter leader

[Calmly] Trust is built through action. Let us hold them accountable, but let’s do it through dialogue, not violence. We need to show that we can rise above this division

As the Dissenter Leader spoke, the tension in the crowd began to shift. Some citizens started to nod in agreement, while others remained skeptical

King Alaric (MC)

[Encouragingly] We hear your concerns, and we acknowledge the pain and frustration many of you feel. Together, let’s work towards solutions that benefit everyone.

King Cedric (ML)

[Firmly] If we allow division to take hold, we risk losing everything we’ve fought to achieve. We need to unite against those who wish to see us fail.

Lord Thorne

(Thorne, watching from his prison cell, was furious at the unexpected turn of events. He knew he had to act quickly to regain control of the narrative.)

Lord Thorne

[To a guard] You! Deliver this message to my supporters. They must rally stronger than ever. We cannot lose this momentum to their pleas for unity!

guard

[Hesitant] But they’re already gathering. What if they refuse to follow your lead?

Lord Thorne

[Menacingly] Then remind them of their grievances. Remind them why they rallied in the first place. Fear and anger are powerful motivators!

Back at the public address, the atmosphere shifted further as some citizens began to chant in support of the council, while others shouted in favor of Thorne.

citizen 2

Shouting] We need change! We need Thorne!

citizen 3

[Countering] No! We need to give the council a chance! They’ve promised reforms!

Queen Elara

[Stepping up] This is exactly why we need to talk! Let’s create a platform where everyone can voice their concerns and ideas without fear of reprisal!

The crowd began to murmur, torn between loyalty to the council and the allure of Thorne’s promises. The Dissenter Leader continued to urge for calm.

dissenter leader

[Raising their voice] Look around you! We are all here because we want better for our communities. Fighting amongst ourselves will only empower those who thrive on chaos!

Sir Rowan (ml's knight)

[To the council] We should propose an official forum—a safe space for citizens to voice their concerns directly to us, without fear of intimidation

As the idea of a public forum gained traction, Alaric seized the opportunity to solidify their commitment to the citizens.

King Alaric (MC)

[Determined] Yes! We will host regular forums where everyone can participate. Your voices will shape the future of our kingdoms.

King Cedric (ML)

[Adding] And we will ensure that these forums are protected from any outside influence. This is about you, the citizens, and your right to be heard.

As the council’s words resonated with the crowd, Thorne’s supporters began to waver. Whispers of doubt spread among them

supporter 2

[Conflicted] Maybe we should hear them out…

Thorne's supporter

[Frustrated] Are you really going to trust them? They’re all the same!