Eternal
You need to take care of this situation on Nyttrus and the only way you’re going to do that is with people you know that are going to be vital for the task. (Which also why you decide to leave Galen here.)
You go to see Warrick at the Eye Headquarters, he’s a little surprised at your sudden visit, but happy to see you as always. He’s even more excited when you tell him you want him to come with you to Nyttrus.
“Of course Emperor! I have to say I’m glad for this opportunity again. The last time was when we went to New Dessel together and while I’m glad it worked out anyway, I was always a bit disappointed we never got to fight along side each other.” Warrick says.
“Well I’m fairly certain that will definitely happen in Nyttrus. Anyway, I’ll be leaving in a few days, will that be enough time to get your affairs in order and delegate various responsibilities here?” you ask.
“Should be, I’ll get started on that right now.”
“Good, then I’ll see you in three days.”
Thinking nothing more of this, you return to get your own affairs in order, explaining to Kivan that you want regular reports on the Empire sent to you in Nyttrus. The second day comes around and it is you who gets a sudden visitor although perhaps not totally unexpected.
“Emperor, I told her you were busy, but…argh!” Kivan says as Brenda pushes him aside and into the wall. She looks very upset, but apparently she knows better than to come in armed while in such a state of agitation. (Not that doesn’t mean she still isn’t potentially dangerous)
“Kivan, I’d suggest you leave us alone.” You say, to which he nods wincing at his aches and closes your door. Brenda continues to stare at you.
“Well? I know you didn’t come all this way to wish me well in Nyttrus, say what you need to say.”
“You know that my loyalty to the Empire is absolute. You also know that Warrick’s loyalty to the Empire is absolute as well. We were trained to do everything in our power to ensure its survival and success. I TRAIN all those new Eternals so that they learn that lesson as well. To know that the good of the Empire is above ALL, no matter what.”
“And I know this Brenda. Your actions everyday are proof of your dedication. Yours and Warrick’s.”
Brenda begins nodding her head in agreement in a rapid motion while breathing hard.
“Yeah…SO WHY THE HELL ARE WE BEING FUCKING PUNISHED?” she shouts.
“I wasn’t aware I was punishing Warrick, has he said he doesn’t like the new assignment he’ll be accompanying me on?”
“Hah oh…oh of course not! Not good old loyal Warrick! He of course feels honored by this assignment. He doesn’t even know I’m here, because if he did, he’d try and stop me from getting himself killed!”
“You seem to lack faith in your husband, I know him to be a skilled warrior.”
“Of course he’s a fucking skilled warrior! He’s also not a young man anymore! He’s not as fast as he used to be, he’s not as strong as he used to be and you want him to fight fucking dragons? And unlike you he doesn’t have the advantage of powerful magic abilities to help keep him alive!”
“Brenda if you haven’t noticed I’m not exactly young myself, why the hell do you think I want his help? Because I greatly increase my chances of survival against three flying lizards and an army of savages! And contrary to popular belief magic is just another tool for battle, it’s not some wonder solution to win wars. If it was and I actually had that power, I’d certainly be using it.”
Brenda now starts shaking her head and sighing.
“You don’t get it. You don’t understand.”
“Yeah, I think I do Brenda. I get it better than you think. I lost Alison the same day you lost Roldan remember? You just found happiness with Warrick, happiness that you never thought that you’d ever experience again since Roldan died. Now that happiness is in jeopardy because there is the possibility that Warrick may fall in battle. Well you know what? Death is a possibility anywhere.”
“Except by going to Nyttrus you’re increasing his chances tenfold! And you’re right you do know about loss, so why the hell would you want to put ME of all people through it again.”
“Brenda if there was another way, don’t you think I would? You believe I actually WANT to potentially cause you distress? No, I don’t. You and Warrick are pretty much the only ones now that I can identify with on any level anymore and quite frankly losing either one of you would deeply wound me as well. I don’t pretend to say it would be as strong as you feel for each other, but I would feel the sorrow.”
“(Sob) but why…must he…we just got married…we…(sob).”
Brenda at this point can’t quite keep it together. You have no real comforting words for her. Just cold facts of duty.
“(Sigh) He’s needed Brenda. His Emperor has called him. He has to do his duty and serve his role as we all must for the good of the Empire. It was not my intention to upset you Brenda, but you know that as unfair as this all seems Warrick has a job to do. You worry that your happiness and time with him will be cut too short like it was with Roldan, well even if that does happen, count yourself lucky that you managed to enjoy the moments you DID have with him.”
You pause for a moment, reflecting on Decena.
“At least you managed to realize a good thing before it was too late.”
Brenda stops sniffling and manages to compose herself. Still upset, but resigned to fate.
“Very well, I’ve had my say, and I accept your decision my Emperor. Apologies for my momentary lapse in judgment and falling victim to emotions.” Brenda says and starts to turn away.
“Brenda wait.” You say before she leaves.
Brenda turns back around and you exhale deeply.
“I still need Warrick’s help in Nyttrus, however I believe I can get by without him for awhile. Nyttrus is a large continent and I’m going to try to fortify our current holdings and retake our recent losses. So while I’m doing that, you’ve got Warrick for another year. Make the most of it.”
Brenda’s sad expression turns to one of a smile.
“Thank you my Emperor.”
“Hm, well just remember you both STILL have your duties here that you need to perform. I expect Warrick to still take care of Eye business just like I expect you to continue training the fourth gens.”
“Of course. Again I thank you.”
“Okay then, inform your husband that his trip to Nyttrus is postponed for a year.”
Brenda again thanks you and leaves.
You finish packing what personal belongings you feel you’ll need for Nyttrus and the next day you get ready to leave for the docks and board the ship to take you to Nyttrus.
The next day you take a long look at Alison’s portrait before your journey.
“I’ll be back Alison… I always come back to you.” You say and leave.
Year 57
Within the short time Warrick has arrived, your spirits have picked up a little. It’s been a frustrating time here especially since the dragons have so far still eluded death. Though with Warrick now here you hope to correct that problem, but more importantly Warrick has brought with him very good news.
“So Dokkrus has been found at last?” you ask.
“Yes, my Emperor. Received word just as I was preparing to leave for here and since I was already on my way I figured I’d deliver this news to you in person.”
“Ha ha! This is great! I’ll have to send another message of how I want to proceed. I don’t want any engagement on there yet, just some spying and exploration.” You say.
“Did you want a message sent to the Eyes to handle this? My second is more than capable of carrying out these tasks. Wouldn’t have picked the person otherwise.”
“Yes, good idea. I want a ship with Eyes sent to Dokkrus, we’ll send that message to the homeland later, right now though you and I have business with killing one of these flying lizards. I believe we’ve finally managed to track one to where it makes its home in between its attacks.” You say.
“You mean you haven’t slain all three yourself yet?” Warrick asks.
“I wish. But now that you’re here I’m confident that their continued existence will no longer be a problem, so you ready?”
“Sure am, Emperor. It’ll be just like the old days!” Warrick exclaims.
In high spirits and a positive outlook for the future, you, Warrick and a company of Eternals set out to kill one of the dragons.
You go to see Warrick at the Eye Headquarters, he’s a little surprised at your sudden visit, but happy to see you as always. He’s even more excited when you tell him you want him to come with you to Nyttrus.
“Of course Emperor! I have to say I’m glad for this opportunity again. The last time was when we went to New Dessel together and while I’m glad it worked out anyway, I was always a bit disappointed we never got to fight along side each other.” Warrick says.
“Well I’m fairly certain that will definitely happen in Nyttrus. Anyway, I’ll be leaving in a few days, will that be enough time to get your affairs in order and delegate various responsibilities here?” you ask.
“Should be, I’ll get started on that right now.”
“Good, then I’ll see you in three days.”
Thinking nothing more of this, you return to get your own affairs in order, explaining to Kivan that you want regular reports on the Empire sent to you in Nyttrus. The second day comes around and it is you who gets a sudden visitor although perhaps not totally unexpected.
“Emperor, I told her you were busy, but…argh!” Kivan says as Brenda pushes him aside and into the wall. She looks very upset, but apparently she knows better than to come in armed while in such a state of agitation. (Not that doesn’t mean she still isn’t potentially dangerous)
“Kivan, I’d suggest you leave us alone.” You say, to which he nods wincing at his aches and closes your door. Brenda continues to stare at you.
“Well? I know you didn’t come all this way to wish me well in Nyttrus, say what you need to say.”
“You know that my loyalty to the Empire is absolute. You also know that Warrick’s loyalty to the Empire is absolute as well. We were trained to do everything in our power to ensure its survival and success. I TRAIN all those new Eternals so that they learn that lesson as well. To know that the good of the Empire is above ALL, no matter what.”
“And I know this Brenda. Your actions everyday are proof of your dedication. Yours and Warrick’s.”
Brenda begins nodding her head in agreement in a rapid motion while breathing hard.
“Yeah…SO WHY THE HELL ARE WE BEING FUCKING PUNISHED?” she shouts.
“I wasn’t aware I was punishing Warrick, has he said he doesn’t like the new assignment he’ll be accompanying me on?”
“Hah oh…oh of course not! Not good old loyal Warrick! He of course feels honored by this assignment. He doesn’t even know I’m here, because if he did, he’d try and stop me from getting himself killed!”
“You seem to lack faith in your husband, I know him to be a skilled warrior.”
“Of course he’s a fucking skilled warrior! He’s also not a young man anymore! He’s not as fast as he used to be, he’s not as strong as he used to be and you want him to fight fucking dragons? And unlike you he doesn’t have the advantage of powerful magic abilities to help keep him alive!”
“Brenda if you haven’t noticed I’m not exactly young myself, why the hell do you think I want his help? Because I greatly increase my chances of survival against three flying lizards and an army of savages! And contrary to popular belief magic is just another tool for battle, it’s not some wonder solution to win wars. If it was and I actually had that power, I’d certainly be using it.”
Brenda now starts shaking her head and sighing.
“You don’t get it. You don’t understand.”
“Yeah, I think I do Brenda. I get it better than you think. I lost Alison the same day you lost Roldan remember? You just found happiness with Warrick, happiness that you never thought that you’d ever experience again since Roldan died. Now that happiness is in jeopardy because there is the possibility that Warrick may fall in battle. Well you know what? Death is a possibility anywhere.”
“Except by going to Nyttrus you’re increasing his chances tenfold! And you’re right you do know about loss, so why the hell would you want to put ME of all people through it again.”
“Brenda if there was another way, don’t you think I would? You believe I actually WANT to potentially cause you distress? No, I don’t. You and Warrick are pretty much the only ones now that I can identify with on any level anymore and quite frankly losing either one of you would deeply wound me as well. I don’t pretend to say it would be as strong as you feel for each other, but I would feel the sorrow.”
“(Sob) but why…must he…we just got married…we…(sob).”
Brenda at this point can’t quite keep it together. You have no real comforting words for her. Just cold facts of duty.
“(Sigh) He’s needed Brenda. His Emperor has called him. He has to do his duty and serve his role as we all must for the good of the Empire. It was not my intention to upset you Brenda, but you know that as unfair as this all seems Warrick has a job to do. You worry that your happiness and time with him will be cut too short like it was with Roldan, well even if that does happen, count yourself lucky that you managed to enjoy the moments you DID have with him.”
You pause for a moment, reflecting on Decena.
“At least you managed to realize a good thing before it was too late.”
Brenda stops sniffling and manages to compose herself. Still upset, but resigned to fate.
“Very well, I’ve had my say, and I accept your decision my Emperor. Apologies for my momentary lapse in judgment and falling victim to emotions.” Brenda says and starts to turn away.
“Brenda wait.” You say before she leaves.
Brenda turns back around and you exhale deeply.
“I still need Warrick’s help in Nyttrus, however I believe I can get by without him for awhile. Nyttrus is a large continent and I’m going to try to fortify our current holdings and retake our recent losses. So while I’m doing that, you’ve got Warrick for another year. Make the most of it.”
Brenda’s sad expression turns to one of a smile.
“Thank you my Emperor.”
“Hm, well just remember you both STILL have your duties here that you need to perform. I expect Warrick to still take care of Eye business just like I expect you to continue training the fourth gens.”
“Of course. Again I thank you.”
“Okay then, inform your husband that his trip to Nyttrus is postponed for a year.”
Brenda again thanks you and leaves.
You finish packing what personal belongings you feel you’ll need for Nyttrus and the next day you get ready to leave for the docks and board the ship to take you to Nyttrus.
The next day you take a long look at Alison’s portrait before your journey.
“I’ll be back Alison… I always come back to you.” You say and leave.
Year 57
Within the short time Warrick has arrived, your spirits have picked up a little. It’s been a frustrating time here especially since the dragons have so far still eluded death. Though with Warrick now here you hope to correct that problem, but more importantly Warrick has brought with him very good news.
“So Dokkrus has been found at last?” you ask.
“Yes, my Emperor. Received word just as I was preparing to leave for here and since I was already on my way I figured I’d deliver this news to you in person.”
“Ha ha! This is great! I’ll have to send another message of how I want to proceed. I don’t want any engagement on there yet, just some spying and exploration.” You say.
“Did you want a message sent to the Eyes to handle this? My second is more than capable of carrying out these tasks. Wouldn’t have picked the person otherwise.”
“Yes, good idea. I want a ship with Eyes sent to Dokkrus, we’ll send that message to the homeland later, right now though you and I have business with killing one of these flying lizards. I believe we’ve finally managed to track one to where it makes its home in between its attacks.” You say.
“You mean you haven’t slain all three yourself yet?” Warrick asks.
“I wish. But now that you’re here I’m confident that their continued existence will no longer be a problem, so you ready?”
“Sure am, Emperor. It’ll be just like the old days!” Warrick exclaims.
In high spirits and a positive outlook for the future, you, Warrick and a company of Eternals set out to kill one of the dragons.