Eternal
You and Brenda might have a bit more on your mind now, but this is much more important.
“Brenda, I know emotions are running high right now, but I think we need to go meet Edgar. We can talk more about this later.” You say.
“Yes. Yes, of course. We need to get back to business. I’ll be okay. This was silly anyway. Need to focus.” Brenda says standing back up and wiping her eyes.
You and Brenda ride off to Fort Glory. The ride there is done with minimal talking, but that’s sort of to be expected. The thing is you never seriously thought about Brenda in that way until she just brought it up today. Sure you always knew you had that bond from both of you being Eternals and the fact that you’ve served together for so long. You may have even had the occasional sexual thought about her, but like you said to her, you always figured she would’ve carried a torch for Roldan. You would’ve just been a substitute at best.
Now you’re having scenarios in your head about the two of you being together in a closer way and you really shouldn’t be thinking about that at this moment. Maybe she’s right in a way maybe if you did have something together it would cause you to lose your edge. It’s certainly clouding your judgment right now and you’re not even together.
When you get to Fort Glory you’re told that Edgar is waiting for you in your meeting room. When you ask how he seems, the soldiers say he’s been stand offish, but not overly hostile. About what you expected.
When you and Brenda reach the meeting room, you ask her if she’s ready, and she remarks that she is. The door opens and you both step in and see Edgar sitting in a chair with a big grin on his face. He stands up and addresses the both of you.
“Well it’s about time! I’ve missed the both of you! Come here!” he says jovially with his arms out walking towards you.
“Uh… yeah, hey Edgar. Good to see you too.” Brenda says when he gives her a big hug.
Looks like it’s going to be a day of surprises…
Edgar stops hugging Brenda and then looks at you. You stand a little back from him as you don’t want to be hugged, but Edgar doesn’t try it.
“Oh don’t worry, I know you’re the serious minded Bane of Rask! Bane of Nalin too now I hear! Heh, but how are you?”
“I’m fine Edgar.” You say.
“Good, good. I just have to say it’s really great seeing the both of you again! I mean you two are like my brother and sister! No, you ARE my brother and sister!”
The last time you heard this sort of sibling talk before was from Kane and if you weren’t wary before, you certainly are now.
“Edgar, I’m glad you seem to be in a good mood and all, but I sent envoys to contact you several times in the past and none of them ever returned. We always assumed you had them killed and were angry at us.” Brenda says.
“You did? When was the last one?”
“Mmm, last one was about six years ago I believe. After that, I saw no need to waste lives.”
“Aw! You should’ve kept sending them! I don’t know if you’re aware of just how much anarchy and infighting I’ve had to put up with! Those envoys probably got killed by the new Eternals and nobody ever told me about it! Hell, they might’ve even gotten killed by run of the mill bandits, it was pretty lawless back in the early days! Shit, if I had known you guys weren’t pissed at ME, I would’ve made this trek sooner!”
“Wait, so you weren’t mad at us?”
“Mad at you guys? What the hell for?! Oh you mean seceding from the Empire? Well I have to say I was more shocked than angry about that. I mean YOU especially.” Edgar says pointing at you. “But in time I heard about what you two were doing down here and I respected what the pair of you were attempting to do.”
You and Brenda look at each other, wondering what Edgar THINKS you both were trying to do.
“Oh? And what was that exactly?” Brenda asks.
“You saw that the Empire was a lost cause, but you were trying to uphold a portion of it, though this patch of territory. I’ve heard about your great success in keeping order and how you’ve even added more land to your nation. Only an Eternal could do something like that and that’s why both of you were successful!”
Edgar isn’t far off, at least from your perspective. Though he probably has a more idealistic vision of it than the reality, which was this; you didn’t know where else to go and over time Nalin was transformed into a “mini Empire” because you didn’t know any other way. Brenda’s reasons are probably based on simple emotional attachment.
“Well, we were doing the best we could under the circumstances, but you forged a whole new nation, so you’ve been successful too Edgar.” Brenda says.
“Ah yes, but it wasn’t easy! There were many times I almost wanted to give up and come join you two! But I knew I couldn’t do that, I had a vision that I had to make work! A nation run by Eternals and I’m proud to say it’s all finally coming together and I think it’s finally time for us, to reunite like we were meant to!”
You and Brenda look at each other again.
“Edgar, I don’t think it’s quite as simple as all that. We’re going to have to discuss this, all of it.” Brenda remarks and the three of you sit down to do just that.
Edgar starts off by saying that while he respects what you’ve done, he doesn’t think that you’re going about things the right way and that you’re still thinking like “The Empire” and clinging to the old way of doing things. He points out that within his new regime he’s pushed for advances in weapon technology like the Felkan Kingdom has and managed to even “acquire” such gunpowder based weapons. He’s also managed to get a few mages to help in getting the Eternal process started again.
When you bring up your experience with the new Eternals, Edgar reassures you that they don’t have the discipline issues at all anymore. He says he’s manages to instill the pride of being an Eternal into them and they’ve shaped up enough to no longer behave like the bloodthirsty children you knew them to be. He also says the next generation of Eternals are almost ready to prove their worth now as well and says he has made sure that their training was stricter and more in line with how you were trained.
“Don’t you see I’m creating a new nation like the Empire, but how it should’ve been run! A nation run by us Eternals! Only we are able to efficiently run things. The lessers can either wisely listen to us, or be crushed underfoot.”
“That sounds very nice Edgar, but what is our place in this new nation?” you ask.
“Well, you’d be helping of course! I mean we would be ruling as…uh…a council! Yes! A council of three! The Eternal Council!”
“A council huh? Don’t you think that might ruin your standing with the new eternals who you’ve probably conditioned to listen to a single strong leader?” you ask.
“And they’ll still listen to me, because if they don’t they’ll get executed!”
“So…you’d actually be in charge then.”
“Well yes. I mean no. I mean…fuck, why are you fighting me on this!? I just want us to all work together again like we should’ve been doing a long time ago!” Edgar says in an exasperated tone. He’s actually getting upset. You’re not really being a dick on purpose, but you have a lot of reservations about this plan Edgar has, even if he has genuine good intentions.
Brenda has been fairly silent for a while, but she suddenly stands up and says to Edgar that she needs to speak to you outside. He says okay, but is obviously troubled by how this is going.
Brenda and you leave and after dismissing the soldiers standing outside, you’re standing in an empty corridor.
“I think we should join Edgar.” Brenda says.
“What? Just like that? You’d be giving up control of your own nation. Don’t you have some concerns?”
“Not really. I think you heard me say not too long ago, that I never wanted it. And you heard him, it sounds like Edgar’s done a good job so far and just wants our help.”
“And I’m not sure if I want to. I know he claims to have those second generation Eternals under control, but I just don’t trust them. And now he’s saying there’s a whole new batch to deal with.”
“I’m sure we can handle it, that’s probably why he wants us to help. Besides, we’d be with others of our kind at least; don’t you wish for that sometimes? To not constantly be alone?”
“Maybe my experiences are different, but not particularly. Besides, you’re not alone. You’ve got me.”
There is an uncomfortable silence with that statement. The unresolved issue between the pair of you has reared its ugly head again.
“I know, but I still have conflicting feelings about you and if we don’t join Edgar he’s going to declare war on us. Can we truly have any sort of meaningful relationship then? Would you become less focused with me on the back of your mind? If we join Edgar, the pressure to constantly run things would be off of us. We would have time to explore the potential for a deeper relationship. Look, I know your feelings on the new Eternals, but I don’t think it’s just that. You’re in charge here at least in the military aspect of things, which quite frankly is the only thing that does matter to you. You don’t want to give that up and I understand, but I think you need to look at the bigger picture here.”
“Brenda, I know emotions are running high right now, but I think we need to go meet Edgar. We can talk more about this later.” You say.
“Yes. Yes, of course. We need to get back to business. I’ll be okay. This was silly anyway. Need to focus.” Brenda says standing back up and wiping her eyes.
You and Brenda ride off to Fort Glory. The ride there is done with minimal talking, but that’s sort of to be expected. The thing is you never seriously thought about Brenda in that way until she just brought it up today. Sure you always knew you had that bond from both of you being Eternals and the fact that you’ve served together for so long. You may have even had the occasional sexual thought about her, but like you said to her, you always figured she would’ve carried a torch for Roldan. You would’ve just been a substitute at best.
Now you’re having scenarios in your head about the two of you being together in a closer way and you really shouldn’t be thinking about that at this moment. Maybe she’s right in a way maybe if you did have something together it would cause you to lose your edge. It’s certainly clouding your judgment right now and you’re not even together.
When you get to Fort Glory you’re told that Edgar is waiting for you in your meeting room. When you ask how he seems, the soldiers say he’s been stand offish, but not overly hostile. About what you expected.
When you and Brenda reach the meeting room, you ask her if she’s ready, and she remarks that she is. The door opens and you both step in and see Edgar sitting in a chair with a big grin on his face. He stands up and addresses the both of you.
“Well it’s about time! I’ve missed the both of you! Come here!” he says jovially with his arms out walking towards you.
“Uh… yeah, hey Edgar. Good to see you too.” Brenda says when he gives her a big hug.
Looks like it’s going to be a day of surprises…
Edgar stops hugging Brenda and then looks at you. You stand a little back from him as you don’t want to be hugged, but Edgar doesn’t try it.
“Oh don’t worry, I know you’re the serious minded Bane of Rask! Bane of Nalin too now I hear! Heh, but how are you?”
“I’m fine Edgar.” You say.
“Good, good. I just have to say it’s really great seeing the both of you again! I mean you two are like my brother and sister! No, you ARE my brother and sister!”
The last time you heard this sort of sibling talk before was from Kane and if you weren’t wary before, you certainly are now.
“Edgar, I’m glad you seem to be in a good mood and all, but I sent envoys to contact you several times in the past and none of them ever returned. We always assumed you had them killed and were angry at us.” Brenda says.
“You did? When was the last one?”
“Mmm, last one was about six years ago I believe. After that, I saw no need to waste lives.”
“Aw! You should’ve kept sending them! I don’t know if you’re aware of just how much anarchy and infighting I’ve had to put up with! Those envoys probably got killed by the new Eternals and nobody ever told me about it! Hell, they might’ve even gotten killed by run of the mill bandits, it was pretty lawless back in the early days! Shit, if I had known you guys weren’t pissed at ME, I would’ve made this trek sooner!”
“Wait, so you weren’t mad at us?”
“Mad at you guys? What the hell for?! Oh you mean seceding from the Empire? Well I have to say I was more shocked than angry about that. I mean YOU especially.” Edgar says pointing at you. “But in time I heard about what you two were doing down here and I respected what the pair of you were attempting to do.”
You and Brenda look at each other, wondering what Edgar THINKS you both were trying to do.
“Oh? And what was that exactly?” Brenda asks.
“You saw that the Empire was a lost cause, but you were trying to uphold a portion of it, though this patch of territory. I’ve heard about your great success in keeping order and how you’ve even added more land to your nation. Only an Eternal could do something like that and that’s why both of you were successful!”
Edgar isn’t far off, at least from your perspective. Though he probably has a more idealistic vision of it than the reality, which was this; you didn’t know where else to go and over time Nalin was transformed into a “mini Empire” because you didn’t know any other way. Brenda’s reasons are probably based on simple emotional attachment.
“Well, we were doing the best we could under the circumstances, but you forged a whole new nation, so you’ve been successful too Edgar.” Brenda says.
“Ah yes, but it wasn’t easy! There were many times I almost wanted to give up and come join you two! But I knew I couldn’t do that, I had a vision that I had to make work! A nation run by Eternals and I’m proud to say it’s all finally coming together and I think it’s finally time for us, to reunite like we were meant to!”
You and Brenda look at each other again.
“Edgar, I don’t think it’s quite as simple as all that. We’re going to have to discuss this, all of it.” Brenda remarks and the three of you sit down to do just that.
Edgar starts off by saying that while he respects what you’ve done, he doesn’t think that you’re going about things the right way and that you’re still thinking like “The Empire” and clinging to the old way of doing things. He points out that within his new regime he’s pushed for advances in weapon technology like the Felkan Kingdom has and managed to even “acquire” such gunpowder based weapons. He’s also managed to get a few mages to help in getting the Eternal process started again.
When you bring up your experience with the new Eternals, Edgar reassures you that they don’t have the discipline issues at all anymore. He says he’s manages to instill the pride of being an Eternal into them and they’ve shaped up enough to no longer behave like the bloodthirsty children you knew them to be. He also says the next generation of Eternals are almost ready to prove their worth now as well and says he has made sure that their training was stricter and more in line with how you were trained.
“Don’t you see I’m creating a new nation like the Empire, but how it should’ve been run! A nation run by us Eternals! Only we are able to efficiently run things. The lessers can either wisely listen to us, or be crushed underfoot.”
“That sounds very nice Edgar, but what is our place in this new nation?” you ask.
“Well, you’d be helping of course! I mean we would be ruling as…uh…a council! Yes! A council of three! The Eternal Council!”
“A council huh? Don’t you think that might ruin your standing with the new eternals who you’ve probably conditioned to listen to a single strong leader?” you ask.
“And they’ll still listen to me, because if they don’t they’ll get executed!”
“So…you’d actually be in charge then.”
“Well yes. I mean no. I mean…fuck, why are you fighting me on this!? I just want us to all work together again like we should’ve been doing a long time ago!” Edgar says in an exasperated tone. He’s actually getting upset. You’re not really being a dick on purpose, but you have a lot of reservations about this plan Edgar has, even if he has genuine good intentions.
Brenda has been fairly silent for a while, but she suddenly stands up and says to Edgar that she needs to speak to you outside. He says okay, but is obviously troubled by how this is going.
Brenda and you leave and after dismissing the soldiers standing outside, you’re standing in an empty corridor.
“I think we should join Edgar.” Brenda says.
“What? Just like that? You’d be giving up control of your own nation. Don’t you have some concerns?”
“Not really. I think you heard me say not too long ago, that I never wanted it. And you heard him, it sounds like Edgar’s done a good job so far and just wants our help.”
“And I’m not sure if I want to. I know he claims to have those second generation Eternals under control, but I just don’t trust them. And now he’s saying there’s a whole new batch to deal with.”
“I’m sure we can handle it, that’s probably why he wants us to help. Besides, we’d be with others of our kind at least; don’t you wish for that sometimes? To not constantly be alone?”
“Maybe my experiences are different, but not particularly. Besides, you’re not alone. You’ve got me.”
There is an uncomfortable silence with that statement. The unresolved issue between the pair of you has reared its ugly head again.
“I know, but I still have conflicting feelings about you and if we don’t join Edgar he’s going to declare war on us. Can we truly have any sort of meaningful relationship then? Would you become less focused with me on the back of your mind? If we join Edgar, the pressure to constantly run things would be off of us. We would have time to explore the potential for a deeper relationship. Look, I know your feelings on the new Eternals, but I don’t think it’s just that. You’re in charge here at least in the military aspect of things, which quite frankly is the only thing that does matter to you. You don’t want to give that up and I understand, but I think you need to look at the bigger picture here.”