Relkir should have been surprised to see a shadowy being in their office, sitting on their desk, but since their adopted child was a deity, surprise was less of a problem these days. Still, Relkir had just finished advising on a meeting between the General of Medical Affairs, the General of the 500th Legion and a large group of Temthan doctors and they were a little annoyed that one of the Temthans had said rather crude things to them after the meeting. Thankfully, General Kaldoran didn’t understand the sexual references one Temthan nurse made, but some of their staff had asked Relkir what the Temthans were saying.
That had led to some rather awkward conversations. And left Relkir with some awkward thoughts. Thoughts they wanted to go home and deal with. But no, they had an intruder in their office. One that Relkir’s legion clearly hadn’t noticed.
“Kyr Elkay, you do realise you can contact my staff to arrange a meeting, yes? You do not need to break into my office.”
The shadowy being stopped being so shadowy. A familiar Skyavok appeared, flicking through a magazine that had been on Relkir’s desk, that they had forgotten to put away.
“Didn’t know you were into swords.”
Relkir grunted. “I am not into swords.”
“I’m literally reading a catalogue about swords and blades and stuff that was on your desk.”
“That does not mean I am into swords. It just means that I am considering purchasing a sword.”
Elkay shrugged as he put the magazine down. “I mean, fair enough, but why are you considering purchasing a sword? You just said you weren’t into swords.”
Relkir headed round to their own side of the desk and sat down, fiddling with a dagger strapped to their chest. While there was an odd ribbon tied to the end, Elkay quickly recognised the blade.
“Also, you’re carrying around a Phantasma dagger, out in the open?”
“I am, yes.”
“Why?” Elkay was surprised by how blunt Relkir’s answer was. “Wouldn’t that be somewhat treasonous? Because the Phantasma Cult was very… anti-Rethan.”
“Was. It was no different from our Legion of Hidden Blades. But we have not been at war with each other for a very long time.”
“So…” Elkay was confused. “Why the fuck are you carrying a Phantasma dagger? I mean, you’re also carrying your marriage dagger, but still!”
Relkir tutted. “I was told that I have to carry a General’s Blade, alongside the General’s Insignia I have to wear, since I am a General now. I am currently looking at getting a blade made, because I do not want to use a traditional blade. The Phantasma blade is a compromise until I get what I want.”
“Alright, two questions: why don’t you want a traditional blade and why the Phantasma dagger? Surely you have other weapons?”
“Not really. I did not want to carry a blade at all, because I run a pacifist legion, my entire duty is based around avoiding conflict. But tradition does as it always does, it makes me sad and forces me to do stupid things, so I have to carry a blade. I chose to carry this blade because it was blessed by the presence of a deity and stained with the blood of one who would harm me, it carries far more significance than most, while also having historic value. But this is temporary, until I get a true General’s Blade made. Hence the General’s Ribbon.”
Elkay considered Relkir’s words, then went back to shrugging. “Fair enough. You’re kinda a bit ill-suited for one of those long Below Twenty swords anyway.”
“Indeed. And I am not skilled in using them, the same way I can use a dagger…” Relkir frowned. “So, why have you invaded my office?”
“Oh!” Elkay suddenly perked up. “Bloody darkness, the surprise of seeing you carrying a Phantasma blade out in the open nearly made me forget why I was here! I wanted to invite you to a book party.”
Relkir gave Elkay a funny look. “What do you mean?”
“Alright, simply put, I ain’t been socialising properly. I’ve been working my ass off on my stupid library, I’ve been working on a ton of stupid shit for the higher deities and I want a break. And things keep on popping up, meaning I’ve not had time to invite the people I want to invite to a little get-together.”
“I… I still do not follow.”
“I’m having a party and inviting a bunch of smart people. You included.”
“What sort of party?”
“Books, movies and snacks. Located at the new super comfy cinema room I just had built at the Library Near The Centre Of The Universe.”
“When?”
“Next week.”
Relkir thought for a moment. “What time next week? Because, on Monday, I am taking Gath and Litvir to the space port for Gath’s trip to Thresisa.”
“Oh, I’m more thinking next weekend. Probably Sunday since I have a stupid meeting with Kairos on Saturday. I’m totally happy to pick you up and bring you, if Litvir can’t.”
Relkir thought some more. “Hm… Sounds… interesting. Who else is coming?”
“Thitaay, the Ksa of A-Class is definitely coming, a couple of my Phantsma buddies are coming, and so is Mur’Emba, who basically does the same job you do but for the Banikans. I’m really hoping that Phiva can make it though. Haven’t seen my old Ksithan study buddy in fucking years.”
“Study buddy?” Relkir blinked. “You are ancient.”
“Well… I did briefly go back into education in my 90s. I studied political law and campaign law before I considered running for Ksa of the K-Class and later All-Ksa. Phiva was a young Ksithan lawyer I worked alongside. She’s getting old now too but I invited her and she said maybe yes but she hasn’t confirmed yet.”
“Hm…” Relkir shrugged. “That sounds… interesting. I suppose I will need things to do as a distraction. My only issue is, Gath is due to lay the week after, and I need to be able to rush off to Thresisa if Gath is early.”
“That’s not a problem!” Elkay grinned. “In fact, if you want, I can assign a Phantasma guard to you during the party. Since we can all do cross-planet shadowjumps and we do have a small K- and Ξ-Class base on Thresisa, if anything happens, they can get you to Gath’s side in no time.”
“I appreciate the thought, but that seems a little extreme, just for me.”
“Not at all! After all, the Lanex I am inviting, Glaila, she’s the second-in-command to the Flooded Lakes Imperator so, she’ll be getting extra protection anyway.”
Relkir shrugged some more, then relented. “That is fair. Sure. I accept your invite.”
Elkay’s grin only got bigger, but it faded briefly as he checked his wristband. “Wonderful! I have to rush off now, always have something going on, but I’ll send you the details soon as! See you soon!”
Before Relkir could say anything, Elkay disappeared through a nearby shadow.
“Huh. Curious…”