081 wren.khan

///C
Khan:
Ah...
Wren:
General... Is there something the matter?
Khan:
I'm sorry. You just look like someone I know.
Wren:
I look like someone you know? Who?
Khan:
The late empress. But I know you can't be her.
Wren:
WOW! Seriously!? That's nuts! I look like the empress!? Little Arjun's mommy!?
Khan:
You look like her, but that's about it. What's your name, my lady? Where are you from?
Wren:
My name is Wren! I'm from Vanheim. I'm [Tact]'s loyal servant.
Khan:
So you serve Volund's child. That's interesting.
Wren:
And you used to serve the old empress. What was that like?
Khan:
the empress was a very hard worker, Much like emperor himself. The both of them were modest and reserved, but had the bite of a dragon when things got rough... Although Deimos had its fair share of problems during their rule, together they had the strength to keep everything in order. And I made sure of it. Many times I was called to enforce their will... Serving them was the pride of my life, the finest days of it.
Wren:
Humm... You're so energized talking about them... I hope [Tact]'s stupid butt picks up the pace... It's only fun serving them sometimes...

///B
Wren:
So I heard you were actually a friend of Lord Volund.
Khan:
Yes, that's right. We fought together for a time in Kotan. Though a mercenary, his part in those battles were vital. After a while he was even offered the chance to join me as a general. Alas, he never took up the offer. The last time I saw him was when he left with the nomad woman who would become [Tact]'s mother... How is she, anyway?
Wren: Beats me! She left Vanheim shortly after [Tact] was born! Neither of us even know what her name is...
Khan:
Seriously? I wonder what would have caused that... Morana and Volund seemed to like each other a great deal. Granted, they were originally enemies...
Wren:
Her name was Morana? Enemies?
Khan:
You didn't know? They first met as enemies on the battlefield. The reason Volund had a cane was because of her magic. She like-wise took a bad hit from Volund's own magic... The ground they fought in actually collapsed and they plummeted below... It was quite the spectacle.
Wren:
Oh, my...
Khan:
Some time had passed as we assumed they both died... But one night, long after the campaign was over, they both showed up. Seemed like they had to rely on each other to survived where they went and grew close, as a result.
Wren:
Ahhh!! How romantic! I had no idea!
Khan:
It wasn't long after that that they left for Vanheim. That was the last time I ever saw either of them...
Wren:
Hrm... But where could have [Tact]'s mom went afterwards...
Khan:
I don't know. She was certainly no ordinary woman. It is a shame she isn't around... I wonder if she knows Volund is gone...
Wren:
Oh, I simply MUST tell [Tact] about this later! Thank you so much!
Khan:
It is no trouble.

///A
Wren:
So tell me about yourself, General.
Khan:
Myself?
Wren:
You're always talking about Deimos, or the late emperor, or old friends... No room for yourself. Have any family?
Khan:
I do have a wife. I thank Brauma she is still with me. I have a son as well. He is a knight. Thankfully your army never crossed paths with him. He was recalled to the capital to defend it when we left.
Wren:
Sounds like you have a good family.
Khan:
What about you, Miss Wren?
Wren:
Oh, my family is great. Been servants to nobles in Vanheim since forever. I don't have any siblings, just mom and dad. Hoo, I bet they're worried sick about me.
Khan:
I'll bet. A woman with your personality is born from a family full of love.
Wren:
Gosh, if only [Tact] could say nice things like you.
Khan:
Heh... It is a good thing Volund did decide to head south to retire... Although his relationship with Morana seems to be a mystery... I'm glad this led to you and [Tact] meeting. It is good to know my friend's child is looked after by you.
Wren:
Right? They really should appreciate me more!
Khan:
Guffaw... I'm sure they appreciate you enough.