Flagged

The next day, as you’re making preparations for your journey to the front lines, you’re interrupted by Clarissa, Anna, and Rachel. Clarissa is carrying a box under her arm, and looks a mixture of proud and nervous. Rachel smiles. “I know you’re busy, Josh, but you missed something important!”

You chuckle. “I’m sure I missed a lot of things! Fortunately I have all of you to help me.”

Anna giggles. “This is kind of important, master! Come with us!”

You glance at Clarissa, who smiles. “I have a surprise for you, but theirs is more important.”

The trio leads you into the dining room, where another box sits on the table. Rachel nods at it. “You’re the emperor of the land of Athkalla now, but you’re missing an important symbol!”

You open the box on the table, and within is a folded blue cloth. Anna smiles. “The empire needs a flag, master!”

You laugh. “Of course! I should have thought of that!”

You unfold the cloth, revealing the design that Rachel and Anna have created.

A simple design, a golden crown above a stylized laurel wreath, on a dark blue field. “I like it! It’s not too aggressive, and it’s recognizable easily. Thank you for thinking of this. I will get the word out, this is the flag of the empire of Athkalla.”

Rachel and Anna hug you, and Rachel laughs. “I’m glad I was finally able to contribute.”

You kiss her gently. “You’re all important to me, Rachel. This is a family, not a business.”

You turn to Clarissa. “So, at the risk of sounding like a cliche…what’s in the box?”

Rachel and Anna laugh, but Clarissa looks confused. You chuckle. “Sorry, it’s a reference from the new world. And a terrible joke.”

The metallic dwarf smiles. “I see. Well, I’ll answer your question anyway…like Rachel and Anna mentioned, you’re emperor now. You should look the part in battle! Also, going to war without a helmet is a bad idea, so…I made you one.”

Opening the box, Clarissa pulls out a helmet of similar design to your armor, also engraved with runes. She also hands you a red cloak with golden embroidery. “These are enchanted with the same runes as your armor, so once you wear them, they will behave the same way.”

You nod, summoning your armor, and donning the helmet. After attaching the cloak, you draw your sword and strike a pose

Your voice rings out from the helmet, oddly metallic. “How do I look?”

Clarissa laughs. “Very imperial! It fits well, then?”

You banish the armor, nodding and smiling at the excited dwarf. “Perfectly! This is a wonderful gift, thank you, Clarissa.”

You hug the blushing woman, and she sighs happily. “We all just want you to be safe. There’s things we’ve been planning for after we win, you know?”

You chuckle. “I’m sure you’ll let me in on those plans some time.”

Clarissa nods.