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Eternal Mortality

---

"C'mon Eli! We're gonna be late!" Hlara teased as she skipped ahead of him.

By now Elijah was in his final years of high school, headed to a small assembly held in honor of the heads of class. He and his girlfriend were lucky enough to be considered a couple of the brightest students.

Elijah took mostly after his mother, standing tall with markings that were relatively the same. With the same icy blue eyes of his father.

Hlara was one of the daughters of another Fur couple. She was also a Husky variant and supposedly of Tutinian origin. They fled to this country to avoid the terrible civil war that ravaged their home. She had a reddish coat and an infectious smile. Her eyes were a stunning amber color. She was tall and boasted a thin frame with womanly curves. Yet her smarts were equally as impressive as her body.

"Gods almighty, we'll be early if anything, Hlara." He rolled his eyes with a grin.

She gave him a demanding stare and held out her hand. "No thanks to you! You're always late!" She pulled him after her as he grabbed her hand. "I'll never forgive you if we miss this ceremony."

He knew all to well that she wasn't lying. She had an innate ability to hold a grudge and was as stubborn as an ox.

The ceremony wasn't even close to starting when they entered the relatively large room. Bigger than a classroom yet smaller than the gymnasium. With plush chairs facing toward a stage at the far wall. There was a small buffet table with same common foods, most of it seemed about the quality they normally ate. Some of their closest friends stood by it and visited. Jackie and Stephen, the two were rarely seen away from each other. Both were of Feline decent, Jackie is Lion variant from a mountainous region and a female, Stephen is Jaguar variant from a forested region and a male. Both seemed quite found of each other but denied any accusation of being lovers. They flirted with each other constantly.

"Hi guys!" Hlara chimed as she dragged Elijah behind her. "Are you ready to be Accepted?

The two just smiled in unison as she approached. "As ready as we'll ever be I suppose." Stephen sighed.

"Oh, cheer up already! We are being recognized for our skills." Jackie said as she prodded him with an elbow.

He chuckled. "Well I guess... But now we'll have extra responsibility. Once they set our course."

Eli smiled, Stephen was a constant pessimist. But he admired him for being so realistic. Jackie was his polar opposite. A good match if he ever saw one. "But some things will never change." Elijah added.

Stephen gave him an exaggerated flat stare. "I guess not."

"So what are you hoping for, Hlara? Gonna try convincing the Assembled to let you be a metallurgist?"

Hlara sighed longingly. "Gods I hope so. I just hope they think I'm good enough." She had always wanted a chance to work with metal. Especially the Tempest metals. She always loved the armor the Tempest Guards wore, they were beautiful in their own right. Some people thought they looked downright evil. Hlara had never thought so.

"What about you? What do you think they'll course you for?" She asked.

"Something grand and noteworthy! Perhaps they'll give me a chance to study with the Elder and record some of her teachings!" Jackie never had aimed low, but she was shooting for the stars on that one.

"What about the Flatlands library? Don't you think they'll likely have you sorting it out?" Elijah asked with a grin. "Not everyone gets to study with the Elder." The Library had been getting cataloged for the better part of 8 years. There was still much work to be done and lots of help is being recruited.

"That would be okay too, but they'll find my smile too out of place within it." She laughed confidently. "I think Stephen would be a better fit for them."

"No complaints here." Stephen stated. "It would be nice and quiet."

They all shared laughter for couple moments.

"What of you, Eli? Any grand hopes of the future?" Stephen asked.

Elijah thought for a moment. "Just want to make our lives a bit easier." He answered promptly. "My father has done wonders since he's been here. Just hope I can live up to the name." A vague an answer as he could have given. Truth is he could do just about anything he wanted. He was considered near prodigy, however his interest lacked in some areas. If he didn't want to do something it could be hell getting him to do it, but his friends nodded all the same.

After a quick glance around the room he noticed that it was beginning to fill up.

"Anyone know if Flen is gonna be here?" He asked with concern.

They all shook their heads and continued to chat. Flen Deteira, one of Elijah's dearest friends. He was a Lowlander Scale and skilled at anything that required handiwork. He had been absent for the last couple weeks due to sickness. He hadn't heard anything beyond that. It was beginning to worry him.

Their group slowly made their way to the seats. They chose a spot and sat. By now the room was becoming crowded and it bustled with conversation. Scales and Furs were gradually taking their seats as the clock approached the ending of the hour. Some of the staff walked about and handed out sealed envelopes. Elijah received one and read the front.

-Elijah Atlir-

Do not open.

The words were simple and clear. The seal was not to be broken. Apparently everyone's had the same instructions.

The school's Principal stood on the stage and waited for all to calm down. He was a Turel Dragon, oddly enough, and stood proudly as such. Not many of his people were regarded for superior intellect, he is an exception.

"My dear students." He said once they all sat at attention. "It is with great honor I grant you Acceptance, a title that will be bestowed upon all who seek to better themselves and the people around them. You have earned it through Academics and Teachings. Others will earn it through Labor and Strength. Still others will earn it through Tactics and Defenses. We are equal in Acceptance. We would do well to remember to respect each other, no matter how we gain it." He bowed to his students with a smile one his face. All of them stood from their chairs and returned the bow before returning to their seats.

"Normally that would conclude our ceremony, but there has been a slight occurrence."

Elijah sighed. He normally preferred Scale ceremonies because they were short and got the point across. They weren't normally ones to waste time or resources on something so asinine. Though it seemed they wouldn't let them get away so easily this time. Hlara prodded his side and gave him a smile that seemed to say, Just enjoy it. He chuckled and returned his attention to the stage. The principal walked back and held open the curtains with a deep bow. Elijah knew immediately what was going on. The golden eyes that held them as she walked through proved him right. The Queen herself stood upon the stage. Immediately everyone stood and bowed before her.

She didn't smile, but rather frowned at this display. The frown swiftly perished.

"Sit down." She said simply, her voice was regal and seemed to demand it. They all sat. She wore common clothes with only one ring on her right little finger, of Tempest metal. Elijah imagined she would never need a crown, for her eyes themselves served as a reminder of her place. Two fully armored Tempest Guards walked to her sides and stood vigilant. He swore he could feel Hlara melt in her seat next to him. He was only surprised to not hear her squeal with excitement and yet was thankful that she didn't.

"Being Accepted is no small feat my brothers and sisters." She began. "I eagerly accept all of you within The Grand Assembly. For we need all of you to help us. You have worked all of your lives so far to find what you are best at. So you may put your strengths where they are needed most." She spoke with sincerity that not many could duplicate. Her eyes scanned the eyes of the ones she spoke to. She paused on Elijah for a second before continuing.

" I will serve you, because you serve me. One of the proverbs my people lived by long ago. We cannot exist without each other. Being Queen doesn't free me from it, rather it binds me to it more tightly. As the Assembled we are expected to trust, guide, and support each other. Not because I demand it, but rather because the world around you does. Be useful or the world will shun you and you will perish from it's embrace."

Elijah had heard her speak on many occasions. All of them seemed to be saying the same thing; live. She always spoke as if she expected everyone to throw up their hands and surrender instead of fight. What other alternatives were there? Death perhaps, or even to fall into decay. He wondered if she feared those who wouldn't strive to be their best and instead depend upon others to provide for them. He had never studied the habits of the Tempests, but she seemed to always push everyone like she was their mother. Trying to get her children to be something great.

"I speak to you today to get you to realize that you can be better than me. Even better than those who serve the Assembly. Your futures are whatever you make them."

She turned and walked back through the curtains, with her guard close behind. The room was in the throes of a dead silence. Her words ringing in their ears, though they weren't yelled or even spoken loudly. Elijah felt like he was the only one inspired by her words; ...w_hatever you make them_.

Everyone else just seemed dumbfounded. A couple were uttering murmurs of confusion. He smiled at Hlara next to him. She gave him a curious look.

"What was that all about? I've never heard of the Queen speaking at an acceptance." She whispered to him.

It hadn't never happened before, but she must have felt that this particular group needed something special. "I dunno." He admitted. "There's a first for everything. Maybe she's planning something."

Hlara thought for a moment. "You think she might be setting us up for positions in the Assembly?" She asked hopefully.

Elijah chuckled to himself as the principal made his way back onto the stage. "That's a long shot. We haven't earned any Rites from the Elders. We're specialists of a different sort."

The room quieted down as the principal began to speak. "What a great honor it is to have her majesty speak to us! May this day be reserved well within your memories, for it is not likely to happen again." He said with a smile. "Now you may all open your Course suggestions. It is unlikely that they will disappoint. However, remember that they are just suggestions. They are where your skills are most needed."

Elijah eyed Hlara's as she went to open the seal. The seal was a simple Academic symbol, a pen with a lightning bolt crossing over it. Most symbols of the Assembly used lightning in them. It was meant to honor the sacrifice of the Tempest Dragons in the first years of the Drotharian Conflict nearly 20 years ago. Nearly right when he was born.

He turned his attention to his own. He looked at the seal in confusion, it was the seal of the Tempest Guard. A shield with a hilt of a sword and a blade shaped like most of a bolt of lightning crossing over it. He looked at some others, but they had the same Academic one as Hlara. He turned back to his with a cocked eyebrow. Odd. He thought to himself as he broke the seal and pulled the letter out.

Elijah,

What will you make it?

Come to room 19.

Signed,

Tiralin Nuva

The signature made his spine tingle. This wasn't a normal Course. Normally it would tell you the job title and the name of someone to apprentice under. He must have done something wrong. The thought made him just a bit uneasy. He slid his paper back into the envelope.

Hlara looked to him showed him her Suggestion with a grin and giggle, it read Tempest Armorer. Even better than she could have hoped.

"Can you believe it?" She asked excitedly. "It's the best thing ever!" She hugged him and he gave a big as smile as he could muster.

"That's great Hlara! It's incredible!" He exclaimed. The whole room was in an uproar, mostly decries of joy rang out through the small crowd. Hlara and Elijah shared a celebratory kiss.

She pulled away slowly. "So, what did you get?" She asked.

Elijah fumbled for a moment. "Oh, I dunno. Just says I've got to go to room 19."

She didn't seem surprised. "Maybe that's it. They want you to be a teacher." She guessed.

He gave a half grin. "I certainly hope so. Anyway, I'll see you later." He said, getting up to leave the room. Best not keep the Queen waiting. He thought to himself.

He paused in front of the door. Nervousness gripped his heart as he reached for the handle. He could hear voices on the other side. One sounded tense and stern, like speaking of something that concerned him. The other was calm and feminine, trying to be reasonable and regal. He opened the door slowly and stepped in. A knife immediately leveled to his throat and he let out a surprised yelp. A Tempest guard glared at him through his helmet.

"Let him pass." The voice was that of the Queen. Standing at a table with several papers and a map strewn across the surface. With several candles lit instead of electric lights. A large Lowlander stood beside her, appearing confused at Elijah's presence as he watched him enter. Elijah was glad he wasn't the only one. The Lowlander was wearing full Tempest armor, apparently made to be as intimidating as possible.

"Your Majesty..." Elijah said as he bowed to her from across the table. He had been warned several times to show respect to all within the Assembly. He thanked the gods for his well imbued manners at this moment. The fringes of the room had several guards watching over their Queen. He was careful not to make any suspicious moves, which in itself made him look more suspicious.

"Stand." She ordered. He did so without hesitation. "Be quiet for just a moment. You may continue, Kusedh."

Kusedh? He couldn't believe it. It was the General himself!

"Only some minor disturbances in Yaatera." He explained. "Just a lunatic running through town. She was rambling about her husband and left some people shaken, if not beaten senseless in the streets." He paused eyeing Elijah once again. Elijah felt himself stiffen under his gaze.

"Continue." The Queen stated while putting a hand on his shoulder.

"Valtovka is continuing to make moves in Tutinia on the Federal side. The Rebels are deadlocked between the two. Fastolf marches with an iron heart, he is sparing no one, reports suggest crucifixion is being used to instill fear. Yet no moves made have suggested us as a future target, but I suggest utmost caution against ignoring them. Other reports are just as grim across the world I'm afraid. Blood is being spilled and soon we may have to decide what is best for our interests."

The Queen nodded grimly. "I believe so as well. Though we are not ready for that yet. It is best that we instigate no further attention to ourselves. I want more Kaldur's produced and we need to get more Javelin's allotted in defensive positions."

Kaldur's were the Tempest's standard issue assault rifle. It was large and unwieldy for anyone that wasn't a Scale. Four shots in the clips and one in the chamber. Accuracy and firepower were a deadly combination, just the shells were nearly half the diameter of his forearm and half the length. It is semi-automatic that kicked like you were hit by a car, along with a deafening discharge.

Javelin's were the pride and joy of the defense forces. Long barreled anti-aircraft cannons with ungodly accuracy and unyielding momentum. These cannons could tear through an air-bound vessel with ease. Many who had fired them in the test runs went deaf from the discharges, which earned it the nickname "Thunder Gun". The Tempest metals it was made from kept it from shattering at the force of it's own shot. The only downside was the reload time, which took nearly 50 seconds at it's fastest.

"Of course." Kusedh replied. "But should we be discussing these types of things in front of... him?" He said, gesturing to Elijah.

Tiralin gave a slight smile at his worry. "Why? Do you not recognize him?"

The General frowned and shook his head slowly.

Tiralin chuckled. "He's the Atlir boy. Can you not see it in his eyes?" She teased.

A glimmer of recognition appeared in his eyes. "I suppose... but that doesn't answer my question."

"He needs a course, my dear General. I have need of someone like him." She said simply.

Kusedh cocked an eyebrow. "You have something in mind? Perhaps an Adviser?"

Elijah's head spun with confusion. He was being coursed by the Queen? He didn't have any particular skills to be useful in her inner circle, but it was becoming more and more clear that she had something in mind.

"Nothing so official." She folded her hands behind her back and stood up straight. "However, I would like to know your thoughts on this, Mr. Atlir."

He had no idea what to say. "I, uhm..." He fumbled his words. "Would be honored to serve with you."

She frowned. "I'm sure... but what do you think I want you for. What is it you're good at?"

He thought for a moment. He was good at many things, but not great at anything. It was tough for him to find anything that sparked his interest. "I can do many things, your Majesty. I'm a fine scholar and a decent worker. I'm afraid my talents are nothing greater than acceptable. Perhaps something that fits a more menial role."

She looked curious at his statement. "That is why I chose you, Atlir. Because you are flexible and do what you need to do. Tell me, how many others do you know that are good at multiple things to an acceptable degree?" She asked plainly.

He tried to think for a moment. Nothing in his schooling stuck out immediately. He thought to people he had met before... He remembered a Bogger that had called himself a taskmaster and was genuinely good at many things. But the man had a title, one of the lower ranking Assembly titles. What was that called? "Only one other, I think. I remember he was quite good at directing, working, fishing, repairing and cooking." He answered, trying to recall the man's title or name. "He was a ranking member of the Assembly... but I do not recall his name and title."

Tiralin smiled. "Do you think that perhaps you could do what he did?" She asked honestly. "Could you go and be where and what you're needed?"

Again he found himself wordless.

"Could you be a Runner?" She finally asked.

A Wind Runner! That was the title! Ones that were sent to aid wherever they could to keep the country strong and safe. The Taskmasters of the Assembly "You think I should be a Runner?" He asked nervously.

"Only if you think you're good enough." She stated bluntly. "The possibilities in this course are endless. Should you choose this path, you will be given unequaled training in all fields. You think that your inability to focus is your weakness, so take this chance and make it your strength. Plenty of opportunities to grab a seat in the Assembly should you choose to do so later on. You will also build a connection with the people in this land that few others enjoy."

"Or you can deny it and accept the path of singular monotony. Which you seem to dislike so much. Then live out the rest of your days in quiet despair."

Elijah was stunned. He had never thought he would be presented such an opportunity. It almost seemed to good to be true. His mind pondered the possibilities of accepting such a position.

"This is a limited time offer. If you leave this room without making a decision, it's as good as a no." She explained.

He simply couldn't let this slip by. "I accept!" He decided.

Tiralin gave him a sly smile. "Excellent." She replied. "I expect you here at 8:00 in the morning, so we may prepare you. But for now, go home and rest well. It will be the last you get for a long while. Dismissed." She finished, waving him off.

Elijah walked from the room and into the hallway. Hlara had probably gone home to celebrate with her family. Along with Stephen and Jackie. So he made his way to the school's front doors and began to walk home. Thankfully he didn't live very far away.

He walked in the front door with a heavy sigh of relief. The smell of a freshly cooked dinner assaulted his nose, it made him drool a little.

"Welcome home, dear!" His mother called out. "Dinner is almost ready!"

He placed his letter on the table close to the door and went to the table. He sat and waited patiently at the dining table. It was already set and some food sat steaming on the table. Mostly steamed vegetables and a loaf of bread with a stick of butter.

His mother walked in carrying a whole seasoned chicken on a serving plate and placed it on the center of the table. She was aging quite well due to the activities she pursued. No one in this country was a strictly stay at home anything. Everyone was encouraged to help out with small projects around the community in their free time. She worked more often than his father ever had, but he was no slacker either. She began to carve up the chicken carefully.

"So, how did it go?" She asked.

Elijah smiled. "Very well. Better than I could have hoped actually."

"Oh." She mused. "Are you happy with it?"

He thought for a moment. It wasn't like he ever planned anything specific. He communicated his fear to his mother that he would never be able to choose. She had always told him that he would figure it out eventually. So much like a mother does. "Yes." He answered honestly. "I think it will make me a better man. I still have a lot to learn though." He answered vaguely as he could so he could tell his mom and dad at the same time what he would be doing.

She nodded as she finished her carving and sat down in her chair. "He should be home soon. So tell me, what was Hlara coursed for?"

"Only her dream job. Tempest Armorer." He answered with a chuckle. "She was ecstatic. She'll be the very first female fur to do so."

"Impressive! I always thought she had a spark." She smiled warmly. "She'll do fine work."

"I think they'll be impressed even more so once they see her work. They're bound to underestimate her at first." The thought of her directing others around made him laugh. "Her personality will fit, I think."

His mother had met Hlara before. They both seemed to enjoy each others company, but they always managed to get competitive when it came to certain things. Like which metals were superior for structural integrity and weapons. Though they were both gear-heads to a certain point, they respected each other immensely.

The front door propped open as Walter walked in. He put his suitcase next to the small table and eyed Elijah's letter before grabbing it and bringing it with him to the table. He took his seat.

"Hello everyone!" He chimed with a smile. "This dinner smells fantastic, Catherine!" He licked his lips.

"Good, now let's eat before it gets cold." She said with a smile as she began to dish up everyone's plates.

"How was work dad?" Elijah asked, genuinely interested as his mother began filling his plate.

"Well enough, the field tests suggest that the energy efficiency is nearly 100%" He explained. "Just a few more tweaks and it should be generating withing a few more weeks."

Walter's current project was that of a Geothermal generator. A station that could turn the heat from the Tempest volcanism into usable energy for the Assembled. It was difficult to maintain such a facility due to the instability of the terrain and unpredictability of the weather. Yet the power was worth the risk of resources, or lives if need be.

"Good to hear!" Catherine stated. "We could use more power for the pumps. They get strained with all the new development around here."

"The Turbines can only do so much... but the Assembled will not allow the use for Nuclear power. We need to start work on the Thelto Dam Generators too. Energy is becoming increasingly hard to obtain due to this population boom..." He stopped himself as his plate was set in front of him. He waited quietly for Catherine to fill hers and sit before turning to Elijah. "But enough of ourselves for now. You're the man of the hour!" He exclaimed. "What did you course for?"

Elijah flushed but sat up straight. "Oh, well. I think you two should look at the letter first." He said as he began to eat his chicken first.

Walter picked up the letter again and removed the paper from the envelope. He held it so that Catherine could read it too.

"Tiralin?!" They blurted in unison. Looking to him with expressions of shock.

"Indeed, I did have to meet with Tiralin tonight." Elijah said between bites. "She had a proposition for me, a good one. She offered me a position within the Assembly."

The look of shock still hung on their faces.

"She wanted me to consider being a Wind Runner. I didn't have to consider for very long, I accepted it."

Suddenly smiles spread on their faces. "Well, congratulations Eli!" Walter cheered.

"My young man is becoming something great!" Catherine agreed heartily. "I'm so proud."

"I'll be leaving tomorrow to get started." Elijah explained. "So tonight is the last night I burden you."

"Ah, lad." Walter chuckled. "You impress me every day. Yet, never once have I felt burdened by you." Catherine nodded in agreement. "We had you knowing that we would have to give some of ourselves to help you grow. We are your parents."

Elijah smiled. "Yes, but now you two can focus on yourselves and not just on me. I want to be responsible for myself."

"It is part of being an adult, Eli." His mother stated. "To want to separate from family and test yourself against other things. We just want you to know that you are always welcome here, we will always love you."

A classic mother line if he ever heard one.

"Well, Eli." Walter said. "Even for those in the Assembly that are young never said anything about Tiralin approaching them. She seems to dislike most of it's members, especially the newer ones. Maybe she sees something in you that's critical for leadership."

Elijah eyed him for any tells, but his father seemed serious. "I don't know about that, dad. I'm just gonna be a Runner."

"It's just a starting position. A lot of room for improvement." Walter agreed. "However, that doesn't negate my point. Tiralin has always been very straightforward. If she thought you were useless you would've never seen her. Something about you caught her eye."

He did have a point, Tiralin wasn't one to associate with people she didn't need. Something of a habit considering the amount of assassination attempts in recent months.

He finished his meal several minutes later and thanked his mother before heading off to his room and closing his door behind him. As he sat on his bed he glanced at the envelope in his hand. He removed the letter within.

What will you make it?

Why choose those words to relay to him? He knew his dad was right. She was planning something for him. He lay his head on his pillow and relaxed. At any rate, his adult life would officially begin tomorrow. He wondered how his parents would handle his absence.

I'll worry about it later. He thought to himself. Tonight, I'm just gonna enjoy my last night in my own bed.

His eyelids grew heavy, and he drifted off to sleep.