Relkir’s communicator was ringing. It was early morning, which was an odd time for it to be ringing. But as Relkir thought to themselves, it wouldn’t be too odd a time to ring if they were back home in Phos. Relkir was also an important person, so there was probably a good reason for this call.
With a grunt, Relkir sat up and checked the caller ID. It was a 0020 number, which meant it was important but also confidential and private. Luckily everyone else was asleep right now, so Relkir didn’t seem too bothered about answering.
“Hello?”
“Good morning, Relkir!”
That voice belonged to General Ritlir. In all honesty, considering what had happened and where Relkir had been, they had expected a call, but not from Ritlir.
“Hello, Ritlir…” Relkir frowned to themselves. “You admittedly woke me up.”
“It is-”
“0600 local time.”
“Ah, my bad. Still, we have things we need to discuss.”
“About my time at the library, yes?”
Relkir could tell that Ritlir was only half-smiling on the other end. But as they were about to speak further, Relkir found themselves blinking a lot. There was a brief glow. Blue and red. They had noticed it before, whenever… awkward things were due to happen. And that glow allowed Relkir to stop and reevaluate what they were doing. Relkir wasn’t sure if they were glimpsing into the future or what they were doing, but right now, they had a strong feeling in both their mind and their gut that being blunt and honest but also rude to Ritlir would only cause problems.
There were better routes. Relkir could… not see them, but sense them. It was hard to explain. But it was also just overall safer.
“Indeed!” Ritlir exclaimed. “While we normally debrief in person, I am well aware that you have way more important things going on right now. How long until the egg hatches?”
“We are not sure, because Gath laid very early. As I am quite tired, is it alright if we just get on with the debrief?”
There was an odd grunt on the other end. “No time for pleasant small talk?”
“I have literally just woken up, unfortunately. And I know you are curious about the egg, but do not fret, I will let you know when it hatches. If this debriefing does not annoy me, I may also send you pictures.”
“Hah!” Ritlir laughed. “That is a fair deal. Alright, basically, Tessar had a chat with little Litvir, and what Litvir said is… concerning. The basic gist is, it was not the Ladies of Light and Time who incapacitated the Whenvern, it was you. Can you clarify that for me?”
That blue and red glow returned for a moment. Immediately, Relkir worked out what they should say, that would cause the least harm.
“I will be honest with you… I do not remember anything that happened.”
“Oh.” Ritlir sounded disappointed. “Why not?”
“I went Defensive Stance.”
“Surely you remember something?”
Relkir grunted. “I will tell you what I do remember. I remember trying to get that Ksithan lawyer to move to safety. I remember seeing Litvir get hurt. They were bleeding, their arm was broken and they were limping, struggling to pick themselves up off the floor. After that? I only remember rage and darkness. The next thing I recall is waking up, strapped to a bed, my mouth tied shut, being watched over by a green-plated stranger. I do not know their name, I just remember that they were pretty. They left, my after-stance care was dealt with by normal medics, then, after I managed to sleep properly, I was given a prescription and the Shadow helped take me and Litvir back to Gath’s parents place here on Thresisa, where I have been ever since.”
“Hm…” Ritlir didn’t answer at first. Relkir was certain they had recorded their statement. “That is… convenient.”
“I guess, but memory loss from going Defensive Stance is one of the most common side effects. And a parental Defensive Stance is even worse. I am amazed I recovered so quickly.”
“It is still convenient.”
Relkir shrugged. “You are correct. But in all honesty? You think the Lady of Light would have allowed me to come home, with my memories intact, had I managed to kill the Dragon of Time? Surely I would not be here at home, in bed with my partner, I would instead be locked up and studied or something?”
“That is true, but your statement goes against what Litvir said and what the Lady of All said.”
“My statement is that I do not remember anything. I cannot make a statement if I do not remember what happened. As for Litvir, I… I do not have an answer for that. I just know that Litvir, alongside the rest of the Twelve Anew, have some sort of… time resistance thing. They see things we cannot. But I have faith in the Gods Above and the Twelve Anew, and I am certain I would not be sitting here, talking to you, had I done something as ludicrous as… somehow killing a Time God. I would be locked up forever by the Lady of All Herself. If not by her, then certainly by the new Lady of Time, in order to protect Herself.”
Ritlir seemed to relent. “You have a very good point there… Well… if you do get any memories back regarding what happened, would you tell me?”
“I would, yes. I apparently witnessed a nearly universe-ending scenario and I remember none of it. If anything, I am more annoyed that I remember nothing at all.”
“Again, very true. Anyway, thank you for your cooperation. I look forward to seeing the pictures of your kid.”
“You too, General Ritlir. Have a nice day.”
The call ended, and Relkir shuddered for a moment, wondering if they had lied convincingly enough. But considering how Ritlir hadn’t really piked apart Relkir’s words, Relkir was pretty sure they were fine.
With a shrug, Relkir checked the time, then decided to snuggle up next to Gath. There were more important things to think about.