Eternal

You think back on all the things you’ve been doing and some of it has been pretty questionable. True you thought you were doing what was necessary because you were trying to fight off the Empire. And your actions as ruthless as some of them were, they may have been necessary, but now? What’s the justification to kill Cyrus? Because you think he’ll try to kill you in the future?

Honestly at this point you’d completely understand it if did, but as you look at him he’s obviously begging to be included in your plans now. You’ve overshadowed him so much that he’s given up and acknowledging your dominance much like a beta wolf does with an alpha. If you distrust him because you feel as an Eternal he’s going to take power from you, what of all those young eternals you rescued? Do you kill them too just in case? What of Talia? Where does it all end? Dendrin hasn’t helped either considering he’s been more or less favoring you to kill Cyrus and seizing power for a while now. Doing the opposite of what he suggests might be the right move.

Sure Cyrus been a dick in the past, but you don’t need to continue your own ruthless behavior towards him. This is supposed to be a new beginning for the shadows after all and maybe putting aside old dusty quarrels is a way to start it.

“Cyrus, I’m sorry. I should’ve been more trusting of a fellow shadow.” You say.

Cyrus seems more surprised than anyone to hear you apologize. He pulls out the bolt before speaking again.

“Thank you brother. And I meant what I said, I accept you as the new shadow master.”
“Well, there are going to be a lot of changes around here and I’m going to need your help in implementing them. Let’s go to the gathering hall, I was going to make my official announcement as shadow master there.”

You leave with Cyrus to address the rest of the shadows that are no doubt waiting for you in the gathering hall. When you arrive, they’re all waiting around for you as expected. You see Talia standing nearby and approach her while Cyrus goes to join Draven in the audience.

“Is everything okay? I noticed Cyrus rubbing his arm.” Talia remarks.
“Everything’s been settled. Cyrus and I have come to an understanding.”
“Really?”
“Well for now, but I’m hoping that it stays that way. We’ll see I suppose.”

You give Talia a quick kiss before heading to the front of the hall and addressing everyone.

“We may have defeated the Empire my fellow shadows, but that does not mean we can rest! Dendrin spoke to me again today and told me that today is the day that I claim the title of shadow master and lead the shadows properly into this new era. The first thing we need to do is rebuild and that involves spreading our faith when possible. We must be strong so that there will never again be the possibility of the shadows having to submit under another power ever again.”

This reaction predictably gets a small shout of approval.

“And though I am shadow master, I cannot do this by myself. I need all of your help, some of you more than others, but everyone will do their part in serving Dendrin’s will. This is a new era for the shadows and we will see it prosper.”

You end your speech with a “For Dendrin” remark to solidify a positive reaction, which seems to do the trick. You take your leave and start making plans on restructuring the shadow organization and how things have been done. It’ll take a bit of time and you’ll have to slowly introduce a few things, but it can be accomplished.

Later that night you predictably get another visit from Dendrin.

“So…you didn’t kill him after all, you sure that’s wise?” Dendrin asks.
“As I told Talia, we’ll see, but I’m not convinced he’s my enemy, if he ever truly was. He’s just overly devoted to an uncaring god and that’s warped his world view.”
“Careful, all those overly devoted followers of that uncaring god are officially under your command now. You might want to start rethinking how you approach speaking to me if you wish to remain that way.”
“Why? If you have something planned, I certainly can’t stop you. Besides, you’ve told me time and time again, the only reason why you pay attention at all any more is because of me. Maybe I don’t agree with you or the role that I’ve been thrust into, but I’m going to continue doing my best at it, because that’s just how I am. But if you’re going to kill me for the shits and giggles, just go ahead and do it and quit with the idle threats.”

Again you hear that booming laughter echo throughout your head.

“And that’s why I’ve always liked you Eternal. It’ll be interesting if you’re right about Cyrus or the shadows in general for that matter. But as you said, I guess we’ll see. I’ll be watching as always.”

And so begins the new era of the Shadows…

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