"Yes brother?" Caphen asked somewhat gloomily as he approached the Word Bearer. He felt shame for losing the duel. But not as much as he could seeing as he was defeated by none other than Sigismund himself.
"Hadrian my brother, come and stand with us. Earned this victory as well as any other. " Wrapping an arm around their armor locked first casualty Davian smiled behind his helmet and went to raise him on up and help haul over to the standards. As much as a pettier part of his pride wanted to leave the Ultramarines totally shamed he decided that dominating them before their own Primarch was enough and that Arnock's example of displaying grace in their victory was the right thing to do. Refusing to relinquish his weapon he would move among the Ultramarines one by one, attempting to get them all standing or propped up as well. @Avenging-Angel
Macragge's Honour With a groan as his suit rebooted Hadrian begrudgingly accepted Davian's help, pulling off his helmet. Shame was predominent in him, for he had nearly screwed up the battleplan assembled by the First Captains of two other Legions, and he nearly shrugged his way from his battle-brother's grip. He felt no victory or triumph, making an internal note to bury himself in training when they returned to the ship, and merely joined the others, acting uninterested while the others celebrated their success.
More than pleased with himself, Isaiah left the arena, giving his enemy a respectful nod on his way out. He did regard the title of "the Flawless" as a bit unfitting - since the only Flawless one was no doubt Fulgrim himself - but the Child appreciated its flair nonetheless. There was no hiding that he was excited, curious for his foe, but nevertheless, he tried to find some calm before this final event.
<Fighting pits aboard the "Conqueror"> @Grall_Stonefist @Casavay @EvicusDasan1 III - @Grall_Stonefist But as Denatus tried to taunt the Night Lord, he already pounced forward, throwing a surprise of his own. However whether the Destroyer had grown skilled with the meteor hammer or was it pure luck, as Malcharion charged side of the ball slightly grazed his arm, drawing blood even before he closed the distance. Seeing what happened, he cursed wildly and shoved Denatus off, tossing him off balance somewhat as he stormed out of the pit, saying not a single word. "It started gloriously but ended up ingloriously! No matter, Denatus of the Emperor's Children wins!" World Eater shouted and the battles in the quarter finals were concluded. Denatus 3 - 2 Malcharion. Denatus wins and moves into final showdown. @Casavay @Grall_Stonefist Both combatants met each other outside the pit where they learned that Caphen had lost his duel with a warrior from the VII legion, Kargos telling them the news. "Lemme patch you up if needed and next thing for you is to go there," he pointed at the big central arena where even now the crowd stands were getting filled with curious spectators, "And show your best. I heard there's something special going down tonight but I won't be the one who spoils it for you, oh no!" "When you are ready, enter the arena." OOC I slowed it down a bit so Grall gets the chance to reply. I'll start the final battle tomorrow, don't expect it to last for long hahahaha @EvicusDasan1 "Why such a long face brother, you have nothing to feel sorry about," Word Bearer said as Caphen joined him and the World Eater Captain. "You did good, really good and to tell you the truth, I lasted only 5 seconds longer than you in duel with that warrior and I'm an Assault Captain so whatever. Get some lessons from the loss and move on. Also, there are precious few among the legions who actually managed to beat Captain Sigismund in a duel, although one of them is standing right here so you could perhaps ask for pointers in the future," he smiled and nodded towards Kharn, who seemed focused on what was happening in the central arena and how the crowd was gathering. <"Photep"> @Uriel1339 @Vulpas "Despite your claim that you are a mere Devastator, your words echo with the wisdom of an older man," Khayon replied, "I will inform Captain Ahriman of your support and valuable advice. Also, give me a moment," he added and stood up, walking down the banquet hall and into one of the nearby rooms. After five or so minutes he returned, carrying two tomes with a symbol of a snake eating its own tail on it, a creature from the ancient terran myth called Uroboros. Khayon handed one book to each of them (Elijah and Theo) and smiled, pointing at it. "It's called "Higher mysteries and ancient treaties" written by Lord Magnus himself. It's one of his works in which he describes his youth and life on Prospero, while later on moves to speaking about the nature of the warp and the universe itself, while only starting to scratch the surface of the art and the arcane lore behind it. It's something each of us read at least once and it should give a good description of our legion and our traditions, as well as being a good read for any novice when it comes to knowledge about the art. We rarely give this to those outside of the legion in fear that they might misuse it, but since you both showed great respect for our work, this is my gift to you. Thank you once again." OOC Okay, each of you got a book to read It's not really the "Book of Magnus", but its something that would eventually be priceless for any future Librarian we might have in our future Chapter. For you atm, it'll give you more insight on the matters of warp and psychic powers in general <"Macragge's Honor"> @DeranVendar @Avenging-Angel @matt23 With the help from Davian and Arnock, most of the Ultramarines got back on their feet, nodding in thanks. On the other hand, Captain Corvo remained knocked out and because of that, one of the other Ultramarines, a man who Hadrian took out in the bunker, offered himself and took the banner from Arnock's hands. Showing such sportsmanship, they received a great applause from those gathered on the balcony, even Lord Guilliman himself applauded and nodded in appreciation. Suffice to say, as a number of Apothecaries approached and carried the wounded Captain, there were lots of stray looks aimed at Abaddon, who on the other hand didn't seem to care much at all. "Emperor's Children showing kindness," Forrix grinned as he once again regained his armor senses, "Now I can say I've seen it all!" Laughing, they saw the Ultramarine Veteran who they first met back on the balcony appearing as well on the ground, shouting in announcement. "Finally, Captain Corvo of the 9th Chapter finally fell and lost to a combined force, led by Standard Bearer Arnock of the Emperor's Children. Glory to the victors!" another round of applause and cheers as they walked out of the battlefield like true victors they were. Once back in armory, they would find that someone was waiting on them. It wasn't Iron Father Korda, or any member of the Justaerin, nor any other Astartes they saw or met before. The figure waiting for them was dressed in simple white robes that perhaps only pushed forward undoubted majesty that radiated from his giant and perfect form. "Oh, that was something alright, poor Lucretius Corvo didn't know what hit him," the Primarch laughed and everyone was infected by his charismatic smile which made even Abaddon's eyes glint a bit, who then turned to the trio of Emperor's Children and pointed at the figure while Forrix was busy giving a polite bow. "Mark this moment brothers from the 3rd. It's not everyday that the Warmaster himself gives you compliments," Abaddon grinned and Horus laughed at his remark. "My dear Ezekyle, staunch as ever. If I might add, you were kinda hard on the Ultramarine Captain, I saw most of my brother's Honor Guard throwing vicious looks at you so you better watch out!" he said that and this time both of them laughed. "Also, I must tell you, Arnock, Davian and Hadrian, am I right? I already informed Fulgrim about your success, well while you were busy dispatching few of the last Ultramarines and I heard my brother was both joyous and angry to hear such news. Joyous because of your great success and angry because he wasn't here to witness it by himself! Ha, imagine that, him cheering around here, I bet even the famed Roboute's friendliness couldn't hold on forever!" OOC if you wanna say something to Horus, now is the time
It was as if his stomach had fallen through the floor and was currently tumbling through space. Davian felt even his trained expression of humble pride, tainted as it was with the slightest twist of delight over shaming the Ultramarines, break for white shock as eyes widened. What to say, what to say? What could he say? It needed to be something better than stuttered thanks, it needed to be...something that wasn't that. Refusing to fail in his own imagined expectations for this exchange that he thought Horus would surely have, putting much more stock in himself than he really should be, Davian brightened and grinned broadly. "It was a fine battle all around, minimal casualties among our own and a poignant lesson in practicality from your First Captain. Captain Corvo's sense of honor and theatrics is admirable but ultimately proves quite ineffective when it gets down to brass tacks. Your compliments mean worlds Warmaster. " Cue self diagnostic and break down, he couldn't even put it into words but that fear of having failed a thousand times over gripped him. Frankly it was a more bothersome experience than even their chewing out over the sparing of the xenos. Even Horus' unbound charisma and easy character couldn't quite outweigh his grand stature for the relatively fresh heavy weapons warrior.
Arnock thumped the banner of the 3rd Legion, as his posture straightened, after Davian had finished speaking. "The third Legion thanks you for your words, Warmaster. If your First Captain is any indication of your Legion's skill, then it can easily be said that -few- could compare. It was an honor to compete along side one of your sons." Arnock then turned to Abaddon, "A shared victory, First Captain." Again, some may have saw his lack of lowering his head or bowing disrespectful, but he could not do such an act. No Legion submits to a single authority, other than their own Primarch and the Emperor. Even the Warmaster, would know that a Legion does not -submit- to him.
"I appreciate the sympathies brother. But times are dark within my squad. Half of my men shall see to it I never rise through the ranks of leadership again and lose my promotion to sergeant, the only thing I have left is my swordsmanship and I fear my brother Isaiah is my better." Caphen said sadly as he looked to the two great astartes before him. "I respect your skill brother." Caphen said gesturing to Kharn. "But if there is any advice I seek it is that on how to win over my men and keep my position. I wish to lead my men into the fires of battle but some such as Denatus do not respect me, and I REFUSE to grovel before them.
~~ Photep ~~ @Colapse | @matt23 "You humble me with your gratitude, Khayon of the Thousand Sons." Elijah bowed his head as he received the gift, not daring to open it just yet, as he wanted to read it in peace, when there was time most likely during 'rest' time designated for the Astartes. There would surely be no harm done to cut an hour out or so everyday to read this piece of art and knowledge. A tome written by one of the great Primarchs himself? Surely, it would aid to some degree even if this Devastator was to never come in touch with arcane powers. "If there is anything I can do to aid you in order to honor more appropriately this gift, please let me know. I have done nothing but given mere hints of approaching this... Dilemma of yours and I merely want to aid, from cousin to cousin. Since surely if one would know how to restore my face, I would expect kindred help as well." He smiled softly, kind of forcing it as he knew he looked hideous, but given the reputation the third legion bore, Elijah was fairly certain that the Thousand Son would understand the gravity of what he just said. "Everyone can come up with great ideas, but it is only when both, a master plan and the execution both work in harmony, that true success is gained. And ideals are nothing without backing them up, and as such idealists who are weak and only talk about the dreams but never make them in the slightest come true, are the most pathetic of creatures. Believe me if I say, that all the ideas I just presented I would dearly wish to back up if it would be just in my power. Alas I carry no weight in major decisions, and thus wish that you and your lord will have greater success, than my humble soul." The older Job bowed in respect and gratefulness of trust in such important work of the legion once more. He already was curious of what he might learn.
There was something ironic about the anger of the nightlord as he shoved his way past Denatus, he had only given Denatus the kind of grazing wounds that Denatus had just won with. Though he would rather have made another good hit, a win was a win, and Denatus had still raised his arms in victory before leaving the arena. "something special? im not sure weather to be pleased or worried about what you guys call special" Denatus said to the apothecary. he gave the hammer a few warm up spins as he entered the arena, this one was larger, red stained sand, the audience was much bigger too than the previous fight, whatever was going to happen here, it would indeed be something special.
