Arc 2: Part 4: one step at a time.
• A sense of relative peace has fallen over the kingdom of Askr. The war with the kingdom of Embla was over as far as anyone was concerned. Sure, there are still some detractors from both sides, beliveing a peace treaty is a mistake. But for now things are calm.
• For the people of Askr and Embla, they enjoy their newfound peace. For the Order of Heroes however, things couldn't be further than that.
• Now that the war was over, Many heroes expressed a desire to return home. Normally, Kiran would be more than happy to send them back as requested. However, many heroes also expressed their desire to take them with them to their worlds. Some developed a deep bond with Kiran and wishes to bring them to their home. Others wish to to use their tactical abilities to their advantage.
• The Heroes who wish to take Kiran were at odds with each other. Tensions were rising between the heroes. It got bad enough that Prince Alfonse issued a royal decree that no hero would take Kiran back to their world unless Kiran themselves consent to it.
• Some heroes took the hint and back off, understanding the situation. Others however decided to change course and hoped to convince Kiran to come with them.
• There is a another group of Heroes within the Order, those who wish to remain in Askr. Those heroes have either summoned moments after their passing in their world, or have no desire to return at all. These heroes remain on sidelines if the conflict, only interfered when things escalated. Some also help Kiran hide from the Heroes.
• Kiran themselves, were busy. Or at least, kept themselves busy. They're working with the Royal Court to secure homes for the heroes wishing to stay, devising new tactics and patrol routes for the Askran army take over from the heroes and assisting Sharena in her work in her new position as the Askran ambassador to neighboring nations.
• Everyday there was something to do, somewhere to be. Everyone around them grew worried with how much they were working.
• Kiran can't stop. If they stop, if they rest, if they rest, their mind wanders, they begin to reflect, they think about Askr-
• No. No time for that. There is work to be done.
• They sat down in their study filling out paperwork. The tea Ratatoskr brought them has gone cold, they've been working since early morning. They raised their arms and stretched in their seat. All this sitting isn't doing their back any favors.
• Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, it was Alfonse. He dressed down today, without his usual armor but still had Folkvagnr at his side. He looked about as exhausted as they were.
• Alfonse began retreating from duties at the Order, delegating it to Anna and few trusted associates. As the crown prince, he had to return to the Royal Court and assist his mother after the assassinations of many of her followers that took place during the Emblan invasion. Court intrigue proved far more daunting than anything he faced before. He has began to retreat to Kiran's study just to recover and decompress from all the nobles he had to deal with.
• Kiran pitied him, their social battery is low enough as is. They cannot imagine dealing with that many people around the clock.
🗡: " Well, look at that, someone isn't taking their own advice"
💡: "I could say the same to you, you look like fought Surtr bare handed."
🗡: "I assure you fighting that madman bare handed is preferable to listen to another drivel from another noble trying to get me to marry his daughter."
🗡: *scoffs* "You have no idea. I know the noble faction is important to the kingdom's stability. But dealing with them is utterly infuriating!"
🗡: "All they care about is increasing their own influence! They're self absorbed bastards who think that Mother would be weak because Father was the one who kept them in check."
💡: "And how's Queen Henrietta handling the court?"
🗡: "She's says its nothing she can't handle, but I know she's just trying to shield me and Sharena. A lot of her supporters were killed in Embla's invasion and even though she is the queen her influence dwindled."
Alfonse stops and looks down.
🗡: "I caught some rumors from the noble faction, they say they want me to become king and usurp my mother"
💡: "WHAT! That's tantamount to treason isn't it?!"
🗡: "Not if it's only unconfirmed rumors."
Alfonse sits down on the couch, looking defeated.
Kiran gets up and moves to sit next to Alfonse
🗡: "Our political enemies are biting at our ankles, and even Sharena's diplomatic expertise our relations with our neighbors are strained."
🗡: "Enough about that for now."
He takes a deep breath and looks at Kiran with a tired smile.
🗡:" But enough about me, how have you been, my friend?"
💡:"....About that Alfonse."
The air in the room shifted.
💡:"...I've been thinking lately, about the order disbanding and all. Many have approached me about going to their worlds with them and I won't lie, I have entertained the idea"
Alfonse looks at Kiran with a concerned look.
🗡: " You're thinking about accepting their offers?"
💡: "Goodness, No! I mean I appreciate the offers but it got me thinking. When Anna summoned me so long ago, she promised to help find a way back to my world."
💡: "Truth is, I don't think I want to go back. Sure I will miss my friends there but truthfully there is not much to go back too"
Alfonse let out a breath he didn't know he was holding.
🗡: "You're thinking about staying in Askr? Sharena will be overjoyed to hear this!"
💡: "I can see your excitement too, Alfonse. I am staying in Askr, I wanted to start arrangements first. I will need a home to reside once the order disbands."
🗡: "Have no fear friend! I will arrange a title and land for you!
💡: "Wait a minute! I don't need a noble title!"
🗡: "Nonsense! I cannot have an advisor without a title!
Alfonse froze, he realized what he just said. His face growing more red by the second.
🗡: "...I-I mean, if you want to. N-not like im forcing you or anything but wouldyoupleasebemyroyaladvisor"
Kiran gave Alfonse a calculating look
💡:"...Alfonse, do you want me to become your royal adviser?"
Somehow, Alfonse's face became more red. But he managed to compose himself
🗡: "If you would like to, it would be my honor if you become my advisor"
💡: "...I will be honest, I was never good at standing still. I was going to ask you to put me to work after securing a home, looks like we had similar thoughts"
Alfonse was overjoyed, he wasn't sure if Kiran would even accept the offer if he brought it up.
🗡: "Then it's settled, I will make arrangements for your new position! My mother and Sharena would be very pleased with this news!"
🗡: "Ah! But I have a meeting I must get too, we will speak of the details later!"
Says the prince as he rushes out the door, leaving Kiran alone on the couch.
They gave deep sigh, just wondering what they got themselves into.
