The Aspiring Archivist

"I think he always did what he thought was right, but he was selfish. He never showed appreciation for what he had, he just used it when he could for his little schemes." He dropped down in front of her, apparently having Pushed himself up to the ceiling. "Hi, Haly. Sorry about that. Uh... I have something to tell you."

Rusts. "Oh, uh..." His eyes darted around, looking for a way out. In a panic, he tapped zinc again, and forced himself to slow down his speech. "I was just going to discuss with Evalyn about political matters. I can see you are occupied." He strode out of the room, sweating. Why didn't I consider that would happen? I don't think that was very convincing. "Lerac has had every privilege someone could ask for as the child of a general. I don't know if and how he's changed since I last saw h, but the boy I know is a selfish troublemaker."

"He did insult the politicians more often. His insults to me were more petty. Maybe it was just force of habit. And, death?"

"Hmph. He's not exactly the warmest person, you know. He constantly insulted everyone from us guards to high up politicians." "See you." He walked out and towards Haly's room, where he waited in a corner for her to arrive.

"Fine. You might have to coach me a bit on what to do and say, by the way. I can do the stealing, but I have to know how to figure it out."

"I still want to talk to her first. I can't just disappear without saying goodbye."

"She was... hoping that I could provide some company during this whole thing." Parel was outside at his guard post.

Jan 1st, 2023 - The Cycle Resets Thank you for indulging my sleep deprived self and his storytelling efforts. I hope you enjoyed it.

"No. My son stays, you go. I will speak with him." Lerac was frustrated, but he somehow couldn't bring himself to object. "I sort of made myself a political enemy here some years back. Eventually, I just went to work at the health clinic with my mother."

The general's expression turned from boredom to hot anger. "I have done nothing but provide for my son all these years. He has been nothing but trouble, constantly undermining authority during a major crisis. I will not harbor you in your absurd quest, nor will I stand for this disrespect!" He waved his hands, and vines grew up around Wynn, enormous and strong, squeezing and suffocating her.

Lerac's father snorted. "This is the first time he's pulled someone else into his little plots. Be wary. I don't know what he told you, but you probably shouldn't believe him."

The man inside looked much like Lerac, except a few decades older and worn down by battle. His uniform was a more modest dull green as opposed to the bright colors of the guards. He looked up at the pair. "Hello, son." He directed his gaze to Wynn. "Who are you, and how do you know him? I assure you, the boy is nothing but trouble."

"Look who's keeping her head down." Lerac lead them down several hallways, before stopping at a door labeled: Lerac Bloodvine, Head General. Lerac knocked. The door swung open a few moments later, held by an attendant. "Who is it?" a gruff voice called.

"Let us in, Parel." "Fine." Parel gestured for the guards to move away, and he opened the gates for them. "Come on, Wynn. We're going to the general's quarters."

Lerac groaned. "No. Hello, Parel." He pulled back his spear and nodded. "Lerac it is. Welcome back. Who is your companion, boy? Did you finally get yourself a woman?"

The man scoffed. "What a ridiculous story. Who are you, an enemy spy?" He leveled his spear at Wynn.

The pair drew odd looks, and some hushed whispers, but no one did or said anything to them. When they reached the palace, however, there was a large group of what appeared to be guards waiting for them. They wore bright green uniforms, with a golden insignia. "Why do you come to the palace, outsiders?" one said.

"Well, if worse comes to worse, I can play the vaguely important person card to get you out of trouble."

"What gave you that impression?" He shook his head. "The people are tense, but if you keep your head down you'll be fine."

Lerac grunted. "The palace."

Lerac sighed, and stepped in. The world before them was unnaturally perfect. Rolling hills of perfect green with patches of perfect bright flowers spread out before them. A picturesque forest of trees, some green and some in fall colors, spread out to their left. To the right, a city full of quaint homes spread out for miles, and at the center was a group of larger buildings and I've enormous palace. People, tiny dots from here, roamed the streets.

"Try 'Evergreen.'"

"You can try, but you might get arrested. Let's go."

"I suppose... I don't know how many of them want to know."