Once upon a time, in a small village situated close to a dense forest, there lived a group of eighteen adventurous boys. Their ages ranged from 12 to 17, and they all shared a love for nature and falconry. On a bright, sunny day, the boys gathered near a majestic oak tree, ready to embark on a hunting expedition with their loyal falcons.
As they assembled, their imaginations ran wild, and they decided to pretend that they each had their own kingdoms. Underneath the shade of the oak tree, they engaged in a lively discussion to elect two kings who would lead their respective groups. After much deliberation, Clement, a mature 17-year-old, was chosen to lead the boys aged 14 and younger. Vico, also 17, was selected as the leader of the 15 and older group.
Alban, known for his quick wit and sarcastic remarks, always had a snappy comment to make. His 14-year-old cousin, Clivent, found his remarks amusing and couldn't help but laugh. However, as the elder boys deliberately separated the cousins into different groups, Alban felt a surge of disappointment and frustration.
Voicing his objections, Alban insisted that Clivent should not be in Vico's group as he was only 14. Much to Alban's dismay, the other boys laughed off his concerns. This mockery caused Vico to entertain a mischievous idea. He suggested tying both Alban and Clivent to the same tree and challenging them to escape within an hour or two to prove themselves capable of being on the same team. While Clement initially resisted the idea, his objections were ignored by Airwin, Alban's 15-year-old brother.
In an attempt to flee, Alban sprinted away, but Clement swiftly halted him, forcing him to stay against his will. As the boys proceeded to tie Alban and Clivent to the tree, the ropes secured them tightly. Though initially struggling, Alban eventually gave up, no longer resisting his restraints.
Alban couldn't resist tossing humorous comments about survival and a hundred-year predicament they found themselves in, believing they were trapped just like animals in a hunting trap. Vico admonished him, instructing him to cease the remarks and focus on their escape. But Alban, unable to resist teasing, accused Vico of bullying younger kids.
In the midst of Alban's teasing, Clivent caught on to a possible loophole. He attempted several times to break free from the ropes, but his efforts were in vain. Observing Clivent's futile attempts, Alban challenged him, urging him to "do his thing."
Curiosity piqued, Clivent inquired about what exactly his "thing" meant. However, before Alban could respond, Clivent started whistling. Suddenly, Omer, Clivent's older brother, who had been sitting with Clivent's falcon nearby, perked up at the sound.
To Clivent's delight, his falcon immediately flew over to him. Smiling warmly, he greeted the bird, calling her a sweet girl. Alban couldn't resist chiming in, making a sly remark about the bird potentially pecking his eyes out. The other boys laughed, finding amusement in their banter, while Clivent simply rolled his eyes and sighed.
As time passed, Clivent and Alban continued their attempts to escape. Clivent played gently with his loose foot, realizing that it gave him some leverage. Meanwhile, Alban couldn't help but interject with cynical remarks here and there.
Seeing their determination, Omer approached Clivent to retrieve his falcon. An hour passed, and both boys began to feel disheartened. Clivent, tears streaming down his face, confessed that he would rather return home to London than remain in the company of these boys.
Vico moved closer, incredulous. "London? That's a hundred miles away!"
Clement, the mature and wise eldest brother, strolled over, accompanied by his loyal companion, Lepmore. He approached Clivent slowly, a calming presence, and assured him that distance didn't factor into their friendship. With a comforting smile, he invited Clivent to stay and told him that they would all find a way to escape this situation.
As the sun began to set, the boys grew weary, their determination waning. However, they knew they had to persist. With renewed conviction, they strategized and worked together, combining their individual strengths to free themselves from their bound predicament.
Slowly but surely, the ropes gave way, releasing Alban and Clivent from their shared tree prison. The boys, tired but triumphant, celebrated their freedom. As they made their way back to the village, they realized that their unity and teamwork had brought them closer together, forging stronger bonds among them.
From that day forward, the boys continued their hunting expeditions, but now, their adventures were infused with a newfound camaraderie and understanding. Alban and Clivent, once separated, became inseparable, solidifying their cousins' bond and proving that friendships could overcome any obstacles - even those tied to a big oak tree.