FA+
Shop
53
Views
Views
2
Favorites
Favorites
Category
Artwork (Digital) / Fantasy
Species Canine (Other)
Size 659 x 910
File Size 524.8 kB
Report this content
More from coagula
I know he stalks the hallways of the palace sometimes in the dead of night, when he thinks no one is watching but I couldn't sleep. When I found him in the garden, his home Luna high in the sky making every thing seem almost intangible, I paused and bowed. "I apologize for the intrusion, General Raytheon," I said softly and turned to go when he stopped me.
"Captain Soluk," he said carefully, low baritone carrying a distance even though his voice was soft. "Do you think me cruel?" For once, he didn't stand, didn't assert his authority over me as if I were still some wayward cadet. Instead he stayed seated on the grass, eyes closed, long tail folded in his lap.
I frowned, not knowing how to answer the question but still tried my best. "I...know that you were involved in the First Racini Wars," I replied, picking my words. "I know that in war, lines can blur and people can act as they normally would not--be it with bravery or with cowardice or cruelty."
Raytheon nodded but still didn't open his eyes. "You will find out soon enough. The Valiant Aid launches out of dry dock in one week. I only wish..." he trailed off and shook his head. "I only wish that you did not have to go. Because what you will see will change you. People will die, sometimes people you care about. I--I cannot prepare you for such an eventuality."
"'Ten spears go to war and nine shatter. Did war forge the one that remain? No; all the war did was show the one that would not break'," I quoted. "I do not intend to shatter; perhaps bend, yes, but shatter? I cannot. I have my Sisters who I have to return to. Don't worry, General, I shall not disappoint you or the Empress."
Finally Raytheon looked at me but his eyes were far away, seeing a battlefield that was both familiar and a composite, one I would soon see in my dreams as well. He saw old comrades, he saw loss, he saw words unsaid, lost opportunities, and regrets. It was the closest I had ever seen of him being human and it made me, with all of my court training and military bearing still flinch.
Because General Lunrael Raytheon of Luna, the Empress' Right Hand, Her War Advisor, Slayer of the Racini, Survivor of the Eos Campaign--all of it didn't matter in that moment. I didn't see his titles, his awards, his accolades; instead I saw a man burdened by the past and haunted by dreams that did not wash out like blood on silk...and he was sending me to be haunted just the same. But he had to. It was his job. It was my job. And I would do it, no matter the cost.
There was so much to say, so many things he could've but I hadn't been bathed in the fires of combat yet. I couldn't *understand* what he wanted to tell me. That some nights I would hear screaming, some human, some Chimera, some Racini in the quiet of my own quarters. That the data scrolls containing the death certificates of the troops lost would be heavier than any weight I lifted in training. That I would replay decisions and wonder if I had made the right one.
That I would have nights just like this.
However, none of it had come to pass yet. But it would. It was then Raytheon said something to me that made my heart heavy: "You will never be the same after this. I am so sorry for what you have been made for and the hand I have in it. Please forgive me."
I took a deep breath. "You...have nothing to apologize for. I am simply doing my duty," I replied but he gave me a wry smile that said everything and nothing at the same time.
"Of course," was all he said. "I will hold you to your promise to come back. Perhaps...I am getting soft in my old age."
The moment passed and I felt safe inserting a little levity. "My exam scores say differently," I countered, turning to leave before stopping. I hesitated for a second before saying, "Get some rest, General. Remember what you always tell me: "Only worry about the things you can change, not about the things you can't"."
---
Raytheon was designed by Auccultist on Toyhouse, art by me. https://toyhou.se/20861845.lunrael-raytheon I was hoping to draw a younger Raytheon in his Magi Command uniform and not the normal black and gold robes he wears in the current time under the Empress.
And yes, that is a Brandon Sanderson quote--no, I have not read the Stormlight Archive, but I saw it and it just fit the situation.
"Captain Soluk," he said carefully, low baritone carrying a distance even though his voice was soft. "Do you think me cruel?" For once, he didn't stand, didn't assert his authority over me as if I were still some wayward cadet. Instead he stayed seated on the grass, eyes closed, long tail folded in his lap.
I frowned, not knowing how to answer the question but still tried my best. "I...know that you were involved in the First Racini Wars," I replied, picking my words. "I know that in war, lines can blur and people can act as they normally would not--be it with bravery or with cowardice or cruelty."
Raytheon nodded but still didn't open his eyes. "You will find out soon enough. The Valiant Aid launches out of dry dock in one week. I only wish..." he trailed off and shook his head. "I only wish that you did not have to go. Because what you will see will change you. People will die, sometimes people you care about. I--I cannot prepare you for such an eventuality."
"'Ten spears go to war and nine shatter. Did war forge the one that remain? No; all the war did was show the one that would not break'," I quoted. "I do not intend to shatter; perhaps bend, yes, but shatter? I cannot. I have my Sisters who I have to return to. Don't worry, General, I shall not disappoint you or the Empress."
Finally Raytheon looked at me but his eyes were far away, seeing a battlefield that was both familiar and a composite, one I would soon see in my dreams as well. He saw old comrades, he saw loss, he saw words unsaid, lost opportunities, and regrets. It was the closest I had ever seen of him being human and it made me, with all of my court training and military bearing still flinch.
Because General Lunrael Raytheon of Luna, the Empress' Right Hand, Her War Advisor, Slayer of the Racini, Survivor of the Eos Campaign--all of it didn't matter in that moment. I didn't see his titles, his awards, his accolades; instead I saw a man burdened by the past and haunted by dreams that did not wash out like blood on silk...and he was sending me to be haunted just the same. But he had to. It was his job. It was my job. And I would do it, no matter the cost.
There was so much to say, so many things he could've but I hadn't been bathed in the fires of combat yet. I couldn't *understand* what he wanted to tell me. That some nights I would hear screaming, some human, some Chimera, some Racini in the quiet of my own quarters. That the data scrolls containing the death certificates of the troops lost would be heavier than any weight I lifted in training. That I would replay decisions and wonder if I had made the right one.
That I would have nights just like this.
However, none of it had come to pass yet. But it would. It was then Raytheon said something to me that made my heart heavy: "You will never be the same after this. I am so sorry for what you have been made for and the hand I have in it. Please forgive me."
I took a deep breath. "You...have nothing to apologize for. I am simply doing my duty," I replied but he gave me a wry smile that said everything and nothing at the same time.
"Of course," was all he said. "I will hold you to your promise to come back. Perhaps...I am getting soft in my old age."
The moment passed and I felt safe inserting a little levity. "My exam scores say differently," I countered, turning to leave before stopping. I hesitated for a second before saying, "Get some rest, General. Remember what you always tell me: "Only worry about the things you can change, not about the things you can't"."
---
Raytheon was designed by Auccultist on Toyhouse, art by me. https://toyhou.se/20861845.lunrael-raytheon I was hoping to draw a younger Raytheon in his Magi Command uniform and not the normal black and gold robes he wears in the current time under the Empress.
And yes, that is a Brandon Sanderson quote--no, I have not read the Stormlight Archive, but I saw it and it just fit the situation.
Category Artwork (Digital) / Fantasy
Species Canine (Other)
Size 659 x 910px
File Size 524.8 kB
Comments