Edithe Dawnrise strode into the gates of the palace, followed by Hadrian. She’d been called here by Daniel Song, although he left the details vague, it was supposedly about something important. She was told she could bring someone she trusted— who was also above Level 100— so she opted for Hadrian to come. After all, Edithe and Hadrian were… close.
Quite so. They’d had a lot of time to bond lately, mostly because they had been relatively inactive. As much as both wanted to help with the Archdemons running around, they knew they’d only get in the way. Edithe thought that perhaps Salvos could’ve done something— but there was no reason to speculate.
And while her growing relationship with Hadrian was quite the blessing during this time, the red-haired woman still found it frustrating that she wasn’t able to help out much. So, the fact that Daniel approached her to do something felt cathartic to her.
“What do you think Daniel needs help with?”
She wondered aloud as she reached a corner. Hadrian shrugged, following behind her.
undefined“Whatever it is, I hope it helps us deal with those Archdemons. I still can’t believe that they’re as strong as Elites.”
The leader of the Valiant Dreamers Company shook his head. Edithe paused. She raised her head, thinking of Salvos as he nearly bumped into her. He peered at her curiously, then she sighed.
“Well, personally, I can kind of believe it.”
Hadrian didn’t know what she was talking about, and she didn’t elaborate either. Maybe, one day, with Salvos’ permission, Edithe could tell him the truth. But for now, the secret remained that: a secret.
The pair turned another corner, soon to arrive at their destination, only to pause as a figure walked out of the hallway. Edithe recognized the man immediately.
“Jake.”
Her eyes narrowed. Jake, the leader of the True Valiants Company, halted as he caught sight of the pair. He crossed his arms and faced them.
“If it isn’t Edithe Dawnrise and that lying bastard Hadrian. What brings the both of you here? Last I remembered, Archmage Warshade wasn’t looking for help from traitors and liars.”
Hadrian shuffled his feet as Edithe frowned. It was the leader of the Valiant Dreamers who replied.
“Jake, I understand why you’re upset with me. But we’re on the same side. We should be working together.”
“We are. But that doesn’t mean I have to like you lot. Just remembering what you did… it sickens me.”
Jake crossed his arms. Hadrian didn’t have anything to say to that. But Edithe did. The red-haired woman found his animosity grating, to say the least. She stepped forward, meeting Jake’s gaze.
“But are we on the same side?”
She raised a brow at him. He frowned.
“What are you talking about?”
“As far as I’m concerned, I’m on the side of doing what’s right. But last I was told, you opposed fighting the Inoria Empire.”
Hadrian blinked.
“What are you talking about, Edithe?”
The red-haired woman nodde, still staring at Jake.
“Saffron Merryster— a friend of a friend— told me. You are part of the vocal minority opposed against forming a coalition army. During the Conference of Alyras over a week ago, you sided with that bastard Orbur Vale— the man who single handedly killed hundreds of your friends and allies— against the Greater Vampire Families.”
Jake clicked his tongue.
“I didn’t side with anyone. I was simply speaking the facts.”
“What you were doing, Jake, was trying to avoid dealing with the responsibility of this Demon threat. Even though it is the fate of the entirety of the Human lands at stake, you refuse to do your part, instead blaming the shortcomings of others for what happened...”
Edithe paused, tilting her head slightly as he didn’t respond.
“...not surprising, really.”
And that made the leader of the True Valiants Company snap. He pointed at Edithe then Hadrian, cursing.
“And what about you? What have either of you done? How am I wrong in what I have said? You used us— treated us like pawns in your sick game.”
Edithe expected that argument. He was getting predictable. Shaking her head, she started past the man and ushered for Hadrian to follow.
“I used to try to understand your perspective, Jake. See things how you saw it. Maybe, in some ways, you’re not wrong. But you know what?”
She turned back to face the leader of the True Valiants Company, speaking simply.
“That doesn’t mean you’re not also an asshole.”
Jake opened his mouth, but she didn’t stay to listen to what he had to say. Edithe continued on as Hadrian followed behind her. When they were far enough away, the blond man spoke up.
“Edithe, should you have…?”
“Yes, Hadrian.”
She glanced over at him, replying before he could ask his question.
“I should have. Just because Jake was wronged, doesn’t mean he can do whatever he wants. Gabriel will probably keep a check on Jake, but we can’t just let him trample over us as if we’re the villains every single time we meet him.”
Hadrian hesitated.
“But we’re supposed to be working together.”
“We are. And you can think of him however you want, Hadrian. However, as Jake himself says, just because we’re on the same side, doesn’t mean we have to like him.”
Edithe paused and faced Hadrian. She smiled at him, placing a hand on his shoulder.
“And I was getting tired of seeing him insult you like that.”
“I… thank you.”
He grinned at her, chuckling.
“I really owe you a few drinks this time, don’t I?”
“Please, you keep saying that, but you keep making me pay for the food every time we have lunch together.”
Edithe laughed as they chatted, before they finally reached their destination. It was at the guest quarters of the palace of Alyras. The room assigned to Salvos. At least, before the silver-haired girl went off to the mountains to raise a bunch of baby Wyverns on her own.
Inside, Daniel was waiting for them, alongside Amanda and two other individuals. Edithe recognized them as Vampires. One looked to be Saffron’s father, Crocus Merryster, and the other was a [Druid] with the Norwood crest emblazoned on her outfit— her name was Zin Norwood, if Edithe remembered right.
“Took you guys long enough.”
Amanda snorted. Edithe rolled her eyes but didn’t respond to the quip.
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