Becoming a General

Part 2: In which the rekindlings continue

Several weeks went by before Techno returned to the kingdom for a visit. He slipped into the capital as usual with no trouble whatsoever. Then, up to the palace gates, over them and into the palace with no mishaps. He liked being under invis and creeping around again, although he wondered where they'd be to meet him. After wandering the grounds for a bit, he spied a small deep brown haired child that reminded him of Phil for some reason. He, careful to not disturb the child, tiptoed past him quietly, looking for an open entrance nearby. Spotting one, he peeked in around the door frame. He saw Phil standing with a black haired, brown eyed young woman beside him. Just to make sure, he looked her over for her wedding ring. Finding it he left to find another place where he could reappear without being seen.

He reappeared behind a statue and stepped out easily, walking past the heedless young child who frolicked on the grass under the watchful eyes of the guards. They allowed Techno to pass through the garden and past the young prince into the palace unhindered. He entered the room where Phil and his wife were waiting for him.

"Techno, this is my wife Kristin. Kristin, I believe I have told you about him."

She nodded at Phil and turned to look at Techno, nodding deeply at him. Immortal recognized immortal at once. He bowed in answer, keeping his custom of being extraordinarily polite to women. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady."

She smiled. "Technoblade, call me Kristin." She bestowed this honor with fitting courtesy.

He nodded in return, smiling a little. "Then, Kristin, call me Techno."

Soon after, she excused herself to the nursery to look after Tommy. As she left, Techno looked at Phil. He saw the look in his friend's eyes as his gaze followed her out.

"Hello, lover-boy??" Techno asked him teasingly, trying to grab his attention.

Phil snapped out of his reverie at once and eye-rolled to high heaven. "Techno, please no!" He groaned without hope he would ever stop teasing him. "Please, no!"

Techno laughed and shook his head vigorously. "I'm not stopping anytime soon Phil. You know that."

Phil eyerolled and groaned hollowly all over again.

Techno chuckled to himself. Tormenting Phil was a side hobby of his that never, ever really hit the back burner of his mind, but these episodes never lasted long. He changed the subject with tact."But Phil, have you been in touch with Dream lately? How is he?"

"No, I have not been able to talk with him since you magically reappeared here. As far as I know, he is busy as usual, since he hasn't had time to come and talk with me. You know how the season really never ends."

Techno nodded. He well remembered his days as head trainer at The Imperial Academy of Weapons Training and all the business that went with it. That business never truly came to a halt. Dream must have his hands full. "I don't suppose he had arranged any time to meet with you?"

Phil shook his head. "Not that I can remember."

A messenger entered at once and Phil glanced over. "Dream is here to see you in the library as planned, sire."

"I will be there shortly. You may go." Phil replied, with dignity. The messenger left and Phil turned back to his friend. The corners of Techno's mouth were more upwardly twitched than usual, but that was all. But Phil knew his friend well enough to know that Techno was trying valiantly not to laugh. A warm glint in his eye gave him away.

"You may laugh, Techno. I know it's funny." Phil said, breaking into a broad grin and almost beginning to chuckle himself.

Both of them began to laugh simultaneously. But when their laughter died away, Techno broke the silence that followed. "Shall I come also?"