Relkir stood in the door of their office and stared at their desk, memories of the last few days swirling through their mind. But no one else had said anything. They were all busy working or talking about Universal Pet A Fluffy Kitty Day, which Relkir had missed. Because of what had happened. And those events had shaken Relkir, because they could actually remember them. Yet again, the gods came down, changed things and erased memories, but left the burdens on Relkir.
A tap on Relkir’s shoulder would have made them jump, but they had instinctively expected it.
“Hello, Ritlir.”
“Hello, Relkir… May we talk?”
Ritlir also didn’t quite seem right. They had an unusual, off look in their eyes and, more importantly, they weren’t smiling. Ritlir was normally a very smily, friendly Rethan, and that aura was not present at all.
“Here or in private?”
“In my private office, please. I need advice.”
“Of course, lead the way…”
Ritlir grunted, then marched off. Relkir followed, wandering down hallways and corridors, until they reached the 10th Legion’s headquarters on the 10th floor. Why the 10th Legion occupied the top floor, Relkir wasn’t sure, but the view was amazing. The view was also brief as they couldn’t see the view from Ritlir’s office.
“Please, sit down. Do you want some cake?”
“Cake?”
Ritlir gestured at a box that contained a cake. The words “FLUFFY KITTY” could just about be made out on it, but a good chunk of the cake was gone.
“What cake is it?”
“Sponge cake with cream.”
Relkir shrugged. “Sure. I would like some cake.”
Ritlir quickly sorted out two plates of cake, handed one to Relkir then sat down at their desk.
“So…”
“So…”
Ritlir took a deep breath, then sighed. “No one else remembers. All everyone is talking about is the gigantic fluffy kitty. But SOMETHING happened. Lots of things happened. I mean, the Master of Generals has a bruised eye for some reason and does not remember what happened. But something big did happen. Something involving you. Did you… did you use your… your time stuff?”
Relkir glanced around the room and didn’t answer.
“I guess you do not want to talk. I get that. But the room is secure. In fact…” Ritlir quickly scribbled something down. “You have my honest promise that none of this is being recorded, no one knows what we are saying and what we discuss today will not leave this room, ever.”
Ritlir signed their name on the piece of paper, then handed it to Relkir. Relkir sighed, then settled down.
“I did not do anything.”
“You… you have something though. I remember you being arrested under the Hidden Abilities act, and us talking in a room. Or rather, you being chained up and using your right to remain silent, and then eventually using your ten minutes. And you said you had time powers and… and… killed the… helped kill the Whenvern…”
Relkir hesitated. “I… I did say that… How do you… um… Litvir said that the Lady of All said no one would really remember.”
“So… did they change time? Or did those things happen?”
“They happened. They did not change time. They just did… mind stuff… Which is why the giant kitty was here.”
“It was a distraction…” Ritlir grunted. “Honestly, I… I think I get it. Mind stuff. Telepathy…”
Relkir inspected Ritlir somewhat. “You are resistant to telepathy.”
“I am. Which is why I think I am the only person who remembers apart from you. It was why the Fanged General and I always got along, because Kuta could have a decent conversation with me without having to worry about slipping up.”
Relkir suddenly grunted. Ritlir noticed they had hit a nerve.
“What?”
“I feel like… I feel like I slipped up. I was doing well, keeping everything secret, keeping everything under wraps. And then a god comes along and ruins everything.”
“To be fair, a god did come along and ruin everything. They did so repeatedly. And… well…” Ritlir fell silent, then sniffed.
“What is wrong?” Relkir asked.
“I… I was a fervent believer in the Lady of Life. But… I… I did not see her first hand, but I saw… She mistreated you. She was willing to ruin your life because you annoyed her. And I cannot help but think… THAT was who I was worshipping? I feel bad.”
Relkir shrugged. “Do not feel bad. Instead, reframe your beliefs. You never believed in ruining people’s lives because they annoy you, you just believe in bringing people together and having healthy families and stuff. I mean… I worshipped the Oath Keeper, but I did not followed all the Deathbringer’s teachings, I did not worship death or murder or anything, I just followed the important stuff, like being truthful, keeping promises and living as kind a life as I can. You can do the same thing.”
“I guess… I mean, what I preach is hopefully a good thing…”
“Mostly. Your matchmaking can be a bit weird at times though. Me and Gath not included.”
“Is Gath alright?” Ritlir interjected. “Because… alright, no one here has any memory of what happened apart from me, but General Rethais found out and nearly assaulted General Vaksavar for locking you up for an entire day, then stormed off saying they were going to write a High General’s Decree to have Vaksavar fired. Neither of them are aware of that argument though. And Rethais didn’t manage to write the thing because of… the giant fluffy kitty.”
“I missed the fluffy kitty…” Relkir muttered. “Gath remembers nothing either. They did not even notice I did not come home for two days. But… But the baby did somewhat notice. They were just extra happy to see me though.”
“Ah, good… Are you alright, Relkir?”
“Not really. But I will get better, as long as I am allowed to keep my head down and live my life normally.”
“I will help you with that then.”
Relkir looked up at Ritlir. “Really?”
“Yes. As long as, one day, you bring baby Retvik to work so I get to meet them.”
Relkir hesitated, then smiled. “I have been meaning to do that anyway. We did bring Retvik here so Rethais could bless them, but I think it would be nice to show Retvik around.”
“Wonderful. And I will do my best to help you keep things under wraps.”
“Thank you, Ritlir. Thank you for not screwing me over. You are a good person.”
Ritlir shrugged. “I guess. Anyway, I will let you get to work. Thank you for settling my nerves and letting me know that what happened was not just a fever dream. Have a good day, and feel free to take some more cake. Otherwise I WILL eat all of it.”
Relkir laughed, got up and took another slice, then headed off. “Have a good day, Ritlir.”
“You too, Relkir.”