Lorcan

> *"That is why I - that is why your kingdom loves you."*
>
>

## Storyline

We first are made aware of Lorcan the Knight Commander in "The Fall of The Mad Emperor" though he doesn't appear on-screen. He is the one that informed Pharos that the palace guard would no longer be guarding the Emperor.

His first starring appearance is where he greets the Listener, his liege, in the morning with the day's agenda and security details. They have a diplomatic tour planned and he's arranged for a small but powerful group of arcane cavaliers that should be enough to protect them as the realm is still experiencing some unrest. He assures them that he will be leading the group from the front.

He asks permission to go over the rest of the plan for today from breakfast to an appointment with the eccentric royal tailor. He becomes distracted while speaking with the royal and apologizes profusely for his lapse in concentration though the Listener forgives him.

After some hesitation Lorcan asks for permission to speak freely and it is granted. He thanks the Listener for holding the kingdom together in a time of chaos when a leader was badly needed. Their kind, compassionate leadership has won the heart of the people, including his, and he takes his duty as their protector so seriously because they have given him - as well as the kingdom - purpose. He looks up to them because they make him feel safe, one of the many reasons why he - and the kingdom - loves them.

The guard goes back to royal business, reporting that he's made more than one contingency plan to ensure their comfort on the road. The journey is a long one and the first stop is the town of Honeywood where the local lord is putting money towards unnecessary monster hunts; he has reportedly been hunting sentient creatures that are protected by the kingdom. The final order of business is for the Listener to look over some paperwork regarding kingdom-wide disputes between noble families, between the nobility and peasantry, and managing vassals on the subjects of subjugation and taxation.

The Listener, when asked if they would like anything changed or added, asks for Lorcan to join them in their private carriage on the journey. He is shocked that they would want him with them but agrees to it, admitting that it would allow him to protect them better. He leaves his liege to get ready for the day but not before thanking them "for everything."

## Personality

Lorcan takes his duty as Royal Protector seriously and appears to be the personal bodyguard/servant of the Listener. He addresses the Listener formally, referring to them as "Your Highness" and "my Grace", but when permitted to speak more casually he reveals a deep admiration (love with a capital "L") for them. This admiration (LOVE) for them drives him to manage anything and everything that could affect their comfort and safety. His feelings can distract him from his thoughts, something he considers unprofessional and unbecoming for someone in his position.

Caught between his duty and his feelings, Lorcan chooses to hold himself up to a higher, professional standard but finds working for - with - the Listener to be worth it.

## Trivia

### Lorcan

* Only refers to the country as a kingdom, however the work to be done on "vassals and subjugation" implies that he and the Listener are in the remains of the Sarcillian Empire after the rebellion.

### The Listener

* Will be staying at the Sapphire Room in Honeywood.
* It's unknown if the Listener is aware of or responding to Lorcan's feelings throughout the audio.

### Fan Theories

* Lorcan's final fate is strongly hinted to become the Headless Horseman, making Honeywood his home town.
	+ The horseman used to guard a royal that he had fallen in love with but never confessed his feelings to them before he died. He is one of the souls trapped by the mists conjured by the lich king.
	+ Ramses was one of the Honeywood lord's victims.
* The Listener is the same one from the Arrogant Prince arc having chosen to stay behind and rule the empire.
	+ Pharos mentions "Knight Commander Lorcan" in his final episode.
	+ The Listener from the Arrogant Prince arc asks Pharos to show mercy for the innocents who would be caught up in his purge and convinces him to pull back the armies that would have hunted down the renegade mages - kindness and compassion.

## Audio References

1. ↑ The Fall of The Mad Emperor
2. ↑ Protected By Your Royal Servant
3. ↑ Protected By A Headless Horseman