Talk Time With the Warden

Greg Ericson: Greg watched as Akkey stalked away, when he remembered what had been happening in the camp “Well since we have a bit of time to kill,” He thought to Nala. “I can tell you some… interesting things I have done back at camp.” He paused as he remembered something. “And don’t look through my memories for it. I like telling the story myself.” He pouted.
The Warden: Nalaagura dissipated from the other rebels’ vision, showing herself only to Greg and hopping up to sit on thin air, crossing her legs and propping her chin up with one hand, her intertwining tails swishing. All right. I shall restrain myself. Do tell, young one. 
Greg Ericson: Greg smiled as he began telling her of how he heard about a meeting going on with Haddock about Ragnarok and a rumored witch approaching the camp. “So I went there looking for some information. Haddock wasn’t very willing to give out information so we started arguing. Eventually I just got so pissed I just said forget it and started to walk out. But not before I flipped him off.” Greg finished, smiling at the memory.
The Warden: Nala’s jaw dropped and a smile curled across her face. Her shoulders began to heave as a peal of laughter rang through his mind, not her usual menacing chuckle, but a genuine expression of amusement. The furry crest on her back stiffened and bristled as she doubled over, clutching her stomach.You…you didn’t! she choked gleefully.What did he do? What did his face look like?
Greg Ericson: Greg smiled hearing his friend laughing, he didn’t think he had ever heard Nala truely laugh like this. A few chuckles here or there but nothing to this extent. “Well as you can imagine he was pretty upset. But before he had the opportunity to do anything I started getting reprimanded by everyone in the meeting. I ignored them though and just left after that.” Greg smiled as he remembered what happened next. “Later though I came back and threw a pie in his face.”
The Warden: The Warden’s previous bout of laughter was nothing compared to what it was now. She rolled backwards, shaking with her laugh and baring her fangs in a wild grin. It was a savage, vengeful happiness against he with whom she had clashed with for so long, but it was still happiness.
When did I last feel like this?
Greg Ericson: Greg laughed along with the demon. “Yeah after that he stood up and yelled, Meeting adjourned and started chasing me down the hall.” He laughed hard at the memory. “Oh, that was so much fun and such a good stress reliever.” Greg laughed, “I also called him a fish.”
The Warden: She waved her hand, smiling broadly and gasping for air. No…stop…I can’t breathe… she panted, climbing down off of her invisible perch. Nala wasn’t even aware that she wasn’t standing at her usual height above everyone else; she was closer to being only a few inches taller than Greg rather than a few feet. No, this passed under her awareness. She merely grinned fiendishly, running a hand through her short, wild hair. Ah, I needed that.
Greg Ericson: Greg smiled at his friend. “I’m glad I could help with that then.” He paused, considering whether or not he should say what he was going to say next. Eventually he decided to anyways. “You have a really nice laugh Nala.” The young man said smiling, “You should do it more often.”
The Warden: Oh…
The Warden looked down and tucked her hands behind her back, flustered. I…ah…well…thank you, little Greg. Nobody…has…told me that before. She shrugged a little. To be frank, I have not had much to laugh at lately.
Greg Ericson: Greg nodded, “Yeah, everything’s been so stressful lately. What with Ragnarok, and now this.“ He stated, gesturing towards the cave around them. He sat there in silence for a few moments. “I’ve missed you, you know?” Greg said, not looking at Nala.
The Warden: Yes. She lowered herself to sit next to him, curling her tails around her. I have, too.There was a brief pause, and then she said hesitantly, Greg, I believe I need to talk to you about something.
Greg Ericson: [response lost]
The Warden: It’s all right, young one. I’m not angry with you.
Nalaagura bit her lip, working her jaw a bit and trying to formulate her next words. I only wanted you to understand the great burden of…of knowing my true name. I understand that mistakes occur from time to time but…I must ask that you try your hardest not to let it slip, and your friends, as well. The consequences if it fell into the wrong hands are…severe. She fell silent, trying to figure out how to convey the danger of the situation.
Greg Ericson: “Oh I’m sorry Nala, I didn’t mean to let it slip. I’ll try harder I promise.” Greg said as he looked at her with worry. “What would happen if it fell into the wrong hands?”
The Warden: It’s fine, Greg. Honestly, I’m more worried if someone came and stole the name straight from your mind. It would not happen now that I reside within your consciousness, but when I leave… A small shudder ran through her.
Demon names have incredible power. You do not know my full name, so that at least offers some comfort, but should another demon learn this information…they would be able to control me entirely, such as your Bewilderbeasts control other dragons. I would become no more than a puppet in their clutches. She looked away, shutting her eyes. I could be forced to do things that I would not normally do. Like hurt you.
Greg Ericson: Greg was shocked to hear this news. “Wow.” That was all he was able to say at the moment. He saw what happened when Emily took control of the dragons. He couldn’t imagine what would happen if someone ever got control of Nala. “I kinda wish you hadn’t told me at all. Even if I only know half, that still only makes the demons job easier.” He paused for a moment in thought. “C-could you erase it?”
The Warden: Erase it?
Erase the closest she had ever gotten to a mortal? Erase the one thing that had made her feel as though she were at home? Nalaagura wasn’t even sure if she retained the ability. 
But she knew a certain older brother who did.
She exhaled shakily. All right. It’s…it’s for the best. But only after we are separated, are we clear? I can protect you until then.
Then for a split second, she didn’t pay attention to concealing her thoughts from her new vessel and a barrage of phrases spilled into his thoughts: Ilikeitwhenyousaymyname…pleasedon’tmakemedothis…pleaseGregno…gottooclosetoyouit’llendinmydeath…therebelswillbedeadbecauseofme…Iwasstupid…Iwasafool…
Greg Ericson: Greg was struck with these new thoughts, and he was shocked. She was so afraid. It surprised him, Then he had a thought. He was at least partially responsible. “Nala I…” He started, but he trailed off unable to say any more.
The Warden: A wall slammed down between her thoughts and his and she shook her head mutely, refusing to let her emotions intertwine with his, which was the purest expression of love she could muster. I’m sorry, she said steadily. I…lost control. She faded from his vision and retreated back into the corners of his mind. 
I don’t…want to hurt you.
Greg Ericson: Greg had never seen the demon like this. She was always so strong. Seeing her so afraid shook him. “Nala, what’s wrong. Why are you afraid?” Greg asked in his mind. When he saw her thoughts they were quick and jumbled and all he was really able to tell was that she was afraid. “You won’t hurt me I know you won’t.” He smiled and hoped she would see it. 
The Warden: Please, Greg, do not make this any harder than it needs to be.
Her voice was settling back into a cool, unconcerned monotone. Distance. Distance. If someone gains access to my mind, then they will not find opportunities to hurt him. We will do what we must to keep each other safe.
Greg Ericson: Greg dropped his head when he heard the tone of her voice. He liked it better when she was laughing and smiling. It felt right for her. Now she was back to the monotone voice. He wanted her to be happy. “I-it’s not like I want to forget your name. It’s a very beautiful name. I just… I couldn’t bear it if you got hurt because of me.” 
The Warden: She softened a bit. Nor I you, little one. I only fear that the closer I grow to someone, the more of a danger I become to them.
She fell into a thoughtful silence for a minute.
It might even be better if everyone forgets altogether… she muttered regretfully.
Greg Ericson: “B-but I don’t wanna forget you Nala.” Greg managed to stutter out. “Your my friend, one of my best friends. I don’t want to forget you… I love you.” 
The Warden: There was a very long moment of absolutely nothing. 
Greg…I love you, too. But don’t you see? This is why I left. Why I still must leave. The closer I become to someone, the more I hurt them. She unintentionally let an image of Stonegit slip. For now…I will not touch any of the rebellion’s memories, save the ones concerning my name. But if the danger becomes too great, then I will leave and take all memories of myself with me. For your own safety.
Greg Ericson: Greg sniffed as he tried to hold his tears back. “Nala, you’re being stupid.” He said firmly. “Look at the two of us. We’ve been friends for over a month and you have not hurt me once! Why can’t you see that?” He asked quietly. 
The Warden: Not yet.
Her voice was barely audible.
I haven’t yet. But it’s only a matter of time before I do. I cannot risk that. You need to let me go eventually, Greg.
Greg Ericson: Greg couldn’t take it anymore and let the tears flow free down his face. “I can’t let you go Nala.” Greg said, his voice shaking. “That’s not what friends do. They don’t let each other go, they hold on and help each other and, and…” He couldn’t continue, so he sat there for a moment, his lower lip began trembling. “Please Nala, don’t leave me again… Don’t make me forget.” 
The Warden: Nalaagura’s words came out as a barely controlled sob. Greg, stop, please. I don’t want this any more than you do. She lifted his hands and had him wipe away his own tears shakily. Shhh…please stop…I won’t do it if I do not see the necessity.
Greg Ericson: It was odd for Greg to have his body move without his command, but he knew this was as close as he could get to Nala comforting him. He sat there without a word as the tears streamed down his face, not trusting his voice. 
Eventually he cleared his throat and let out a hollow laugh. “I didn’t know demons could cry, Nala.” Greg said softly, a small smile on his face 
The Warden: She let out a little, breathy laugh, still wavering with emotion. To be perfectly honest, neither did I. She took a deep breath, calming herself. I promise I will not leave you any time soon. All right?
Greg Ericson: Greg sniffed, his nose clogged, and nodded. “Okay.” He said smiling. “I love you Nala.” Greg continued after a brief pause. 
The Warden: I love you, too, Greg. Her attention sharpened at the sound of the rebels celebrating something across the pit, and she resignedly said, You should join them, else they will grow more suspicious of us. Go on. She brought him to his feet and nudged him towards the rebels a bit, before fading into the corners of his mind.
Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.
Category:Events
Category:Season 3
Category:Greg Ericson
Category:The Warden