It was warm and smooth. The meat was full of warm flavor and spices, the potatoes all mashed filled the mouth with warm goodness. In ages past they called it “comfort food”, that sort of filling warmth of a meal that brought memories of your childhood to your eyes with each savory bite.
“I see that you like that dish”, the waitress said to her quiet customer, “I believe the old woman called it ‘Shepard’s Pie’”
Ga’len swallowed his last bite slowly, smiling as his stomach felt much better. Being a capsuleer had the benefits of nutrients being provided by the pod, but real food was always something that made him feel somewhat human again. Being a Demi-god like Capsuleer had it’s benefits, being able to walk among both the eternal and among the mortals.
“I do like this, please thank the cook for me”, Ga’len spoke with a relaxed voice, “It’s been some time since I’ve eaten real food.”
From behind the counter, the old woman rose to her feet. Slowly she walked towards Ga’len and the light beamed from her revealed her face. Her words fell through the air and landed squarely upon the counter before him.
“Rebellion against the Amarr suits you my Lord Grendalis.”
Ga’len froze. All the eyes in the room focused upon him and this old woman. He could not believe what he just heard nor what was before his eyes. The kind aged eyes, gentle friendly smile and a glow of timeless wisdom was again, standing before him. He could feel an ocean of joy fill his heart.
“You should know better Seenan, my name is Ga’len”, Ga’len spoke with a smile on his face, “You should know, you gave it to me so long ago. Lord Grendalis died as the coward that he was. His son was reborn, with your help, into truth long ago.”
Seenan chuckled lightly and hugged Ga’len, “So, you kept the name I see. Well, to me you will always be kin regardless of where you came from. Action defines the person, not the past”, her smile relaxed everyone in the room, “It is good to see you but I must ask, what happened to your hair?”
Ga’len slowly ran his hand over his head. He could feel the slight stubble that should have been his hair on his cool scalp. He was instantly reminded of the events of last week.
“Well, when one is fighting for freedom of his people, sacrifices have to be made”, Ga’len remarked.
“Lost your ship. That’s what I heard”, Seenan’s words stung as if she was a mother commenting on a child’s hard learned lesson.
“Lost it in battle I did, but self destructed my pod to get back here for another ship and to return to the battle. It was the quickest way.” Ga’len’s voice was filled with the teenage pride Seenan had heard so long ago.
“Many lost their ships last night my son”, Seenan patted him on the shoulder, “I didn’t mean to upset you.”
Ga’len smiled, “You could not upset me my friend. Loose a head of hair, free some more of our people. It’s worth it to me. Now, tell me, what brings you to our fair home in deep space?”
Seenan stared at Ga’len and very lightly smacked him on the side of his head. “I guess you have forgotten that today is a great moment in history you silly git.”
Ga’len sat there and thought for a moment. A wide smile spread across his face. “Ah yes, you are referring to one of the most important days if the life of a Warrior of the Ushra’khan, are you not?”
From a dark corner of the room, two voices rang through the room, “She is Ga’len, that she is.”
Everyone in the room turned their heads towards that dark corner. Tanitel and Leainati are standing there with huge smiles on their faces.
“Ah, everything is perfect, everyone is here now,” Ga’len cheerfully observes, “Lets begin the birthday celebration!”
Happy Birthday Ushra’Khan!!
Visit the birthday message thread on the EVE Forums:
[UNITY] A Half Decade of Struggle
More of The Bleeding Rose
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