Finding out that she's become the Grand Marshall of Eternia sounded like something out of a dream for Edea at first. Her - the baby bird that had always admired her father - leading a nation now. At least, that's how it sounded like in the beginning.
After Yew and the others set out on a journey to stop the fake god Providence, Edea managed to forget about her new title. But once everything was over, the Great Chasm was closed once and for all and peace was restored in Luxendarc, the reality struck her again. And this time, it didn't seem pleasant at all.
- Ooh, what am I to do now? I can't just... Rule Eternia! - Edea was pacing around the round table in the vacant room on the top floor of the Central Command. This chamber was the place where the Council of Six used to hold meetings, but now it was empty with most of the members of the Council dead or missing.
- What was Father thinking... - the blonde girl was talking loudly to herself, looking at the abandoned chairs. - Well, I guess I am partially to blame, but he knows I didn't mean it...
She stopped and sighed. So much had happened in the last three years. Too much. And now that Agnès had given up the position of the pope, Edea was the only one left with such an important position. There was still Yew, but leading Crystalguard and leading a nation were two completely different things.
The young girl looked at the table again. When she was a child, she'd always been scared of that room. She had always found it intimidating, even if one of people debating here was her father, and the other one her childhood friend. And now she felt a bit afraid again. But this time, because there was no one there. Edea crouched, wrapping her arms around her waist.
- I'm not ready... - she whispered as she closed her eyes.
After a while she heard some faint footsteps, and suddenly someone touched her arm.
- Oh, really? I think you've been pretty much ready for some time now.
Edea jumped and quickly stood up.
- A-Alternis! - she shrieked with surprise. - What are you doing here?!
The man in the black armor took a step back in hesitation.
- I-I've been just looking for you, - he said. - Better question is, what are you doing here all alone?
Edea blushed a little with embarassement, feeling as if she'd been caught doing something wrong.
- I-I just... needed... to think? - she replied with an awkward smile.
- Think about what, exactly? All I've heard was just you putting yourself down, - the Dark Knight crosses his arms.
- So you were eavesdropping on me! Mgr...grgrgr! - Edea got angry quickly, trying to hide her previous feelings. - Why were you looking for me, anyway?!
- First, you tell me what it was all about. Sure, I might have some information for you, but seeing you here made me worried. Your frame of mind is more important right now.
Edea clenched her fists. It was so like Alternis to worry about her. And on top of that, he would actually put forward his worries over what may be the country's problems!
- You want to know? Fine! I am scared of leading Eternia! I can't just take on the reponsibilities and pretend I'm fine! I am just not ready for this! - Edea got so upset, she was nearly shouting on top of her lungs by the end of the last sentence. Her eyes got a bit teary, so after she was done talking, she looked on the floor to hide her face from the man's gaze.
Alternis just stood there in silence, not moving even an inch. It got the girl even more frustrated, because with that helm of his, she could never guess what he was thinking. When there was no response from him, she just wiped her eyes with her hand and looked back at Alternis with anger. But as she was to say something else, he broke the silence first.
- You don't need to take all the responsibilities by yourself.
Edea opened her mouth to respond, but she before she did, the Dark Knight continued:
- Edea, I promise that I will always be by your side. No matter what, I will be here to help you. I understand that you may feel overwhelmed by your new title and position, but that doesn't necessarily mean you need to feel so afraid, - as he was speaking, he put his fist on his chest. - I used to be one of the members of the Council of Six, so now I vow my loyalty to you, the new Grand Marshall of Eternia!
Now it was the turn for Edea to stand there in silence. She got completely struck by Alternis's response, so she just stood with her mouth open for a few minutes.
- A-alternis... I... T-that... - she kept on stuttering whenever she tried to come up with an answer. Eventually, she cleared her throat and answered with a hint of embarassement in her voice.
- I'm glad to hear that? Haha... - she looked away, smiling awkwardly.
- Did you honestly not expect that? - he tilted his head, a bit surprised. - Well, at least you seem to feel better now. Don't worry, even the Grand Marsh- err, your father didn't rule alone. He had his Council of Six to help him decide over the most crucial matters. Especially since he brought about a new system after the revolution.
- Yeah, I guess you're right... But, thank you. I think I am feeling a bit better now, - Edea closed her eyes and got herself lost in thought again. - The Council of Six... Hmm... - she got a bit quiet, but after a moment, all of a sudden, she flashed a smile. - Wait! I got it!
- Er, what is it? - the man in the black armor looked at her curiously.
- Alternis, you are a genius! - the girl approached the round table and slammed her hands on it.
- Edea, you got me lost here... What are you talking about now?
The blonde girl hopped on the table and stood on the big blue orb in the middle. - I'll make my own Council of Six! - she struck a confident pose with hands on her hips.
- Get down from there! You'll slip and fall! - Alternis said with worry, running up to the table.
Unfortunately, he was a bit too slow. Edea's foot slipped off the table and she landed on her back on the floor.
- Oww... - she murmured as she massaged her behind.
Alternis only sighed and helped her get up.
- So what was it about the Council of Six?
- I've got two members already! You and me! Well, what do you say? - despite her aching body, the blue-eyed girl grinned.
- I-I'd be honored, but... What about the rest? If you truly want a Council of Six, then, well, you need six members, - the Dark Knight said.
- Don't you worry about that! - Edea swung her hand. - Eternia has four divisions, stationed in four different regions of Luxendarc, so I will just choose a representative of each! It's as simple as that!
- Eternia had four divisions, - Alternis corrected her and chuckled a bit - But you sure do admire your father.
Edea gave him a confused look.
- What do you mean?
- Just like him, you want a council of people to help you rule the nation. You trust his methods and I am sure you will choose faithful members that will care for the future of the nation.
- I've already got one, convincing another four can't be that hard, - she shrugged. - But I guess you're right, I do trust Father...
- So do I. And now, I trust your choices as well, - Alternis bowed.
- Then, there's no time for dallying! Let's get cracking!
- Wait, but I had the report...
Edea didn't listen to the Dark Knight anymore and just grabbed him by his wrist and dashed out of the chamber, dragging Alternis along.
A/N: Oh Edea, my poor child, you don't even know how hard it will be...
I'll try to update it once in 1-2 weeks. The characters appearing will be added as the story progresses, so as not to spoil anything :)