PreviousAppear to Eve in a dream. Tell her of what happened in the village, and tell her we will protect her mother and her people while she is off to war. Tell her she did well, and that we are proud of her. Tell her that when she is well enough to hunt, find a fox and sacrifice it to us - from the ashes she will find a single, pure strand of fire, a hair from the Goddess of War herself. Tell her to string her bow with this strand, and know that all that she has, she has because she earned it.
Also, go spy on Gezaru while we wait on Eve. That little bugger is more than he seems - I wouldn't be surprised if he had a Patron too...
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How exactly did we break reality?
You wait until Eve falls asleep and decide to spy on Gezaru in the meantime. He is in his own private tent. Several maps lie in a neat grid on the floor and on his cot. He is studying them and muttering to himself between breaths. He is thinner than before, a little taller. Stubble has sprouted unchecked on his cheeks and chin. His nose his sharp, his eyes are small and searching. You notice his hands are rough and scarred and do not tremble anymore. He is still of short stature and his limbs are still thin, but you sense a strength beneath his flesh, not his own but passed down. Like the color of his eyes or the lobes of his ears.
Suddenly the muttering intensifies and he begins to crumple the maps in a flash fury. Then he begins to weep, silent, with his eyes covered and his tears falling into his palms. He wipes his nose and eyes with the back of his hand and restores the map. A man comes into his tent, well-groomed and dressed in metal armor.
"How goes it Gezaru of the Madu?"
"General Ilkid! I-"
"Do you have a moment Gezaru or have I...interrupted you?" He looks around at the maps. Gezaru springs up and begins rolling the maps up opening a space for the general to sit.
"Excuse the mess sir - please" Gezaru gestures to a chair now free of paper and several of the maps in his arms fall to the floor. Ilkid sits and bends over and grabs one of the maps.
"Hmm? This is a map of Adech. Where did you get this?"
"My father's sir, all of these. I...borrowed them when I left."
"Ah! That would explain it. And these markings on the side?"
"My father's notes. They are encoded, magically, so only a Madu can read them"
"Intriguing." He hands back the map to Gezaru and the latter sits down on the bed.
"Well sir, what did you want to speak to me about?"
"Tell me something Gezaru, did you really see that opening in the enemy's camp?"
"I did sir, yes. Why do you ask?"
"No reason, no reason. Just curious." You see a stocky bald man materialize in front of you. Its George. He raises his eyebrows in recognition of you, then brings a finger to his lips.
"Is that all sir?"
"No...there is one other thing. Its a personal question, I hope you don't mind me asking it?"
"Not at all sir."
"Are you engaged to anyone Gezaru?" Gezaru changes color a few times in a space of several seconds before answering.
"Um, engaged sir?"
"Yes, someone at home perhaps? A childhood sweetheart, or something previously arranged?"
"No sir, none that I can think of." Gezaru's voice cracks a little. He clears his throat. "Um, why do you ask sir?"
"Well...I have a daughter you see, and shes getting to that age. And given your performance so far...well - if it continues you might be in a position to take her hand. So I was just curious." Gezaru's different shades of red could put a chameleon to shame.
"Sir, I-I'm flattered but-"
"Ah so you do have someone?"
"Well...not...exactly." George snickers.
"Well no matter, such things can always be discussed after the present trouble. Do keep it in mind, however, Gezaru."
"Yes sir. I will sir." Ilkid nods and leaves the tent. Gezaru blinks a few times then sits down, brings the maps to his face not really looking at them.
"Cute isn't he?" George looks fondly at Gezaru. "And an excellent liar. He'll make a great leader one day."
"Liar?"
"Oh yes, you didn't catch it?"
"No."
"He didn't spot any opening. It was Suha and he knows it." George laughs and wipes away an invisible tear. "Ah the antics of mortals never cease to amuse me."
"So he stole Suha's credit?"
"Hey now, its not stealing if Suha is a subordinate is it? Besides, the right flank fell because Gezaru chose to take that risk. Had he failed, you think Suha would be walking to the gallows? Lies have their own punishments."
"Is he one of yours?"
"One of mine? Dear heavens little god, no! He is a candidate to be a candidate. A fair ways from my benediction. No, my sister looks after him." He sees your surprise and smiles. "Oho, you didn't know! Interesting, interesting. I could tell you the details." He looks nonchalantly at his nails. "For a price of course."
"I am not at liberty to give much at the moment."
"Oh yes, I'm well aware of the scolding my father gave you. But I'm not my half-sister, or that cold one, Muta. I'm a simple god, with simple needs."
"What then?"
"There will be a council soon, of the gods. You may be called. Support me when that time comes."
"And in exchange?"
"I'll tell you my sisters dealings with this mortal."
"What is purpose of this council?" George's face darkens.
"Judgement."
WDYD?
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