"Do you think I did not try brother? You were there for my message. I firmly believe it. But a few of our brothers refuse to realize unity is strength." Caphen said before finally giving in. "But I agree, let us look forward to exploits in the arena regardless of company." Illios said clasping Isaiahs shoulder with his hand while giving Denatus a glance as he mentioned company.
~~ On the Way out ~~ @Grall_Stonefist "I was not even present when the mercy upon the Aliens was ordered by Caphen, due to the wounds you inflicted upon me in an attempt to kill us all together, friend and foe alike, I had to rest at the side of Iron Father Korda, like you. While feeling the very face of mine burning off through the deadly acids. So do us both a favor and stop making an ass of you and me. Assume." After the message was delivered he made somewhat haste for a transport to the Thousand Sons ship. He was wondering whom else he would find there? Secretly he hoped for one of the famous Warrior-King Philosophes that the realm of Ultramar was famous for. Perhaps a wiser Space Wolf who came to share his legacy, though that would be quite... Surprising given that they most likely want to prove themselves against Angron's lot. As long as fellow humans who actually could think with their mind and not need to show off their muscle or who has the bigger weapon, like The Flesh Tearer of the Blood Angels, Elijah would have certainly a good time.
@Avenging-Angel @DeranVendar Arnock glanced over his shoulder, seeing Davian fall in behind him. He then addressed Hadrain, pausing mid stride and turning around. He thumped the pole of the standard on the ground before speaking, "What I am doing is trying to regain dignity lost previously. Our father, Fulgrim, showed disappointment in our entire squad! I would have rather be whipped with steel ends til nothing remains on my back but bone. Look at this standard. It represents our Father, his Father, and our Legion. It represents perfection. I plan achieving that by any means necessary. At least then a sliver of honor shall be brought back which was lost. If this is not your goal, then perhaps it's best you follow the leader which has gotten us into the position we currently find ourselves," he boardline shouted. It was obvious that he wished others to hear his words. Though listening closely one would hear, at the heart of his words, care and pride in his Legion and Father.
"Screaming and continuing to sow discord among your kind is nothing close to perfection brother. Nor is it an honorable course. Though to level things out I don't care about how well we function off the field, what I do care about is how we fair in the middle of a fight. We still won a fair victory even as disjointed and hostile to each other as we were, imagine now what we could do transcending these petty notions and actually fighting as a unit. " Allowing himself into the situation Davian shot Arnock a tired look. "Precisely why I intend to go and pay the Ultramarines a visit with you two. Regardless of how we stand on the issue of mercy and honor it's in our best interest to hone ourselves as a team on the field. "
Arnock leaned in to Davian, "My intent is not discord, my intent is motivation. If it takes hating my words or even myself, I will take that on to make us better. For the better of the squad, than the better of the individual." He then thumped the pole again, "We shall find lost honor in this squad tournament. No son of Guilliman, Sanguinius, Lorgar, Magnus, Mortarion, Angron, Doran, Horus, Vulkan, Ferrus, Russ, Khan, Cruze, Corax, or Alpharius shall stand in the way of our glory."
"Maybe you can impress some of our brothers in the arena to display your prowess and dominance", Isaiah thought aloud, mirroring the gesture of cameraderie. He did not pity the appointed sergeant, but he felt sympathy for his position. Even he could only imagine how difficult it could be to be a leader instead of a follower, but he deeply respected Illios Caphen for his effort. "Harness your rage in the arena. My channelled emotions and desire for perfection always helped me in battle."
<"Pride of the Emperor" - Armory> @Vulpas "Ancient Rylanor survived the ordeal, much thanks to your timely intervention Apothecary. However his wounds were too severe for him to return to duty at this time. As far as I know, he is held in the Apothecarion aboard this ship and is under close supervision of Apothecary Fabius, so if you wish to check upon him feel free to do so," Valerion replied to Theo. After everyone got their replies, the 6th squad soon dispersed and everyone went their own way... <Fighting pits aboard the "Conqueror"> @Grall_Stonefist @Casavay @EvicusDasan1 Caphen, Isaiah and Denatus arrived aboard the flagship of the World Eaters together sharing a shuttle of their own legion. They were not alone in there, couple of more marines wearing Emperor's Children colors also heard of the various tournaments held in Angron's glory so they wished to participate not to please the Red Butcher, but with similar motive like the rest to try and match their own skill against warriors from the other legions since an opportunity like this rarely comes up. Once there, they were led down the ship's interior all the way to the bowels of the "Conqueror", where a number of great fighting pits were located, filled with all kinds of interesting characters. It was quite crowded, marines from many legions could be seen there as well as many mortals as well, various soldiers, remembrancers, crew members and so on, all of them were here to witness the great festivities. They arrived right at the moment when one of the tournaments was finished and a victor being rewarded. The man in the center of the pit was a dark looking fellow with tattoo of Blood Angels on his shoulder and an angry look in his eyes although he dared to say nothing as Lord Angron himself threw him a weapon which was supposed to be a reward. Angron sat on his special seat up in the crowd, although he was a bit isolated as none dared to approach him much. Many warriors, mostly those from the World Eaters, laughed mockingly as the Blood Angel picked up his reward, a slightly larger black axe and bowed his head after he left the pit. "Don't understand what was that all about?" a tall warrior in the colors of Word Bearers carrying twin swords on his back stood nearby, grunted. "It's a tradition, you don't hand out weapons other gladiators used," another warrior stood next to him and replied, this one in the colors of the hosts. "We consider it an ill omen," he explained as they oversaw the pit, which was at the moment in the process of being cleared of some "extra body parts" in preparation for the start of the next tournament. "Funny, it almost sounds like superstition," Word Bearer replied, amused, and turned around, spotting Caphen, Isaiah and Denatus. "How about it, Emperor's Children came down here as well? What would Lord Eidolon think if you all get dirty down here?" he teased them and both he and World Eater laughed in friendly manner. <"Photep"> @Uriel1339 Elijah traveled to the Thousands Sons flagship on his own, none of his comrades deeming this meeting he was about to attend to worthwhile. Once he arrived, he was led to some sort of a banquet hall where he was offered food and drinks. There were many interesting statues and murals around, describing various deeds Thousand Sons and their primarch achieved during the crusade and Elijah could see brothers from the other legions around as well, mostly from Blood Angels, White Scars and Death Guard. "Greetings brother," a marine wearing crimson robes of the Thousand Sons legion approached him, bowing in greeting, "My name is Iskander Khayon and I bid you welcome to "Photep". Have you come to join in our discussion?" <"Macragge's Honor"> @DeranVendar @Avenging-Angel @matt23 Finally, Davian, Hadrian and Arnock also arrived on their destination, the glorious flagship of the Ultramarines legion. They were welcomed by a pair of humans dressed in white togas who led them to the upper decks of the ship. Eventually, they arrived on a wide balcony overlooking incredibly large scene below - a makeshift battlefield crafted by Ultramarines in order to better test both themselves and their adversaries. At the moment, the scene below was of a fortified building currently besieged by warriors of the VII legion, the Imperial Fists. Right when they arrived they could see them breaching in on various points and were lost out of sight for the moment. "Trust me, Captain Tyr thinks he got this under control but he actually doesn't," a warrior armored in terminator plate in the colors of the Iron Warriors spoke nearby as he watched the situation below, "Maybe if the tables were turned, but like this? Corvo is going to wipe the floor with him." "Maybe, but I do think you don't give them much credit they deserve," another warrior spoke and trio of Emperor's Children could see a familiar giant figure of Iron Father Korda there, standing next to the Iron Warrior. He heard them coming and waved them over. "Ah! What a pleasant surprise to see ya lads here! Hope your wounds are healed and you are all feeling better! Come, come! Come meet my friend over here. Forrix, these are the younglings I told you about. Davian, Hadrian, Arnock - meet Captain Forrix of the Iron Warriors, one of the smartest warriors you'll find across the legions and that's no lie!"
"not all of us can be pretty" Denatus answered before he got a good look at the strange pair. Upon closer inspection he could see that they both had rather adorned armour, perhaps captains, but he dident know their names just from looks. "mind me asking, but where is it one goes to make ready, and choose weapons for arena?" he asked after a quick thought, they seemed to be friendly enough, and to be honest Denatus had taken this as a challenge where he haddent planned much ahead.
Caphen simply returned a smile to the two astartes and prepared mentally for the glory to come. Duels are the purest form of combat in a swordsman's eyes and Illios could not wait to finally have a good fight.
~~ Photep ~~ @Colapse Elijah took it all in, still hiding his face behind his helmet, feeling ashamed, perhaps afraid to offend anyone with his ugly visage of acid-burn. However he was quite liking the style of the Thousand Sons, a nice contrast to what he was used to so far. Then a crimson robed man by the name Iskander Khayon stopped him. As proper etiquette required he bowed to his host quite deeply. "Indeed. My name is Elijah Job, and I have heard the Thousand Sons hold an open invitation to whomever desired to come, and here I am. A lone Emperor's Child who desires a break from fighting to train his wits and learn of what the famous pursuers of knowledge may have to offer." The purple-armored marine smiled softly behind his helmet. At least friendliness was an acquired taste here. "So what is the topic about, if I may ask, Lord Khayon?" He did not know the title of the man, but he appeared a superior and a host, so it would be only nice to be called Lord, after all Elijah would wish anyone would address him as such, perhaps one day.
