Marvelous was not quite the word he was searching for.It was a perfect blend,a miracle of faith and technology.

"Beautiful."spoke Morvan,more then content on the treatment performed upon Llyr.Passing with his gloved fingers over Llyr`s previously wounded flank,he was amazed to see that not only the skin and fur regenerated,but also the nerves.By all standards he was never wounded.All signs of blood clothing and infection,,,gone.No...not gone.Taken away.

But he was wounded,as observant Healer noted,Llyr is a warrior.His little friend and protector.Echoing the Healer`s words,tho not giving them a voice,Seer agreed with a gentle nod.For better or for worse,such was the state of things,and Warlock couldn't hold but not cuddle Llyr.
"Its been long since I have witnessed the skills of Healers over such wounds in such short span of time."spoke Morvan,feeling a tang of nostalgia on times,when he too has felt spiritual satisfaction from the healing of others.

"Thank you."
Departing from the Shrine of Healing,Morvan trekked down the familiar corridors to where his room was located.He hoped that it was not occupied.

You like her,dont you?

Llyr did not reply,apart from teasing Seer with a paw around his ear,balancing with practiced ease upon his shoulder.

I would like her too if she re-knitted my flesh and skin in a moments notice.
Suddenly a thought crossed his mind and he mentally chastised himself for forgetting.Such laxity in mental discipline cannot be allowed to happen.Not to him.

"Excuse me." spoke Morvan as he stopped one of the Eldar that wore the simple bodyglove in the colors of Lugganth.
"Could you relay a message for me to my companions?I have forgotten to notrify them of my loungings here in case I am needed."spoke Morvan to an Eldar that was obviously upon the Path of Service.A Path that was good with drone-interfacing,considering that much of Eldar infrastructure is automated.And Morvan couldn't make a drone do his bidding via mundane means even if his life depended on it.
Engaged in a brief conversation Morvan described his companions.Especially Iktomi...for he was hard to miss.

Continuing on his way,the control-plate on the approach to his room,reckognized Seer`s psyhic signature and opened the door to his humble residence.Content that he would not rest on the streets or worse...share a room,Morvan walked in,closing the doors and feeling the freshly-ventilated air of his old room.

Llyr jumped from his shoulder and on his bed with renewed grace,claiming the dominance over the entire soft surface.With a smirk,Morvan laid his helmet and his Witchblade on the small table and flexed his petite shoulders.Beside the hilt of his blade stood a glass ewer filled with clean and fresh water.Someone obviously kept his room clean his absence.

Taking the pitcher he filled a small porringer brim-full with water.

In case you are thirsty.

Disrobing he carefully folded his robe and placed it on one of two chairs.In his white body-glove he sat on the bed with a heavy sigh leaving his lips.

"May I intrude upon your realm?"he asked Llyr,slightly boyish grin appearing across his face.A memory of a happy youth,lost.He was glad none could hear him taking to a gyrinx.

"Come on...make way.I just want to rest a little.If you want...you can guard the door against some alien interloper."jokingly added Morvan and Llyr hoped over the bed and with a jump to the table,turned back to him,meowing in approval as he took upon this duty with utter diligence...after some refreshments.

Laying on the bed adjusting his hair,spreading it across the pillow and with his forearm across his eyes he tried to relax,unable to sleep,yet too tired to muse upon the threads of everyone he ever met and saw.

Several minutes passed and Llyr jumped onto his chest,shaping the bodyglove to the most comforting degree.Morvan could feel patches of wet fur through the fabric of his bodyglove.
Such vile dereliction of duty.

"I am doomed."added Morvan with a grining smile beneath his arm as he hugged Llyr with the other one,enough to keep him warm in case he falls asleep.

Avrielle smiled back at Yareli, and the tension between the two friends was broken. She sipped at her fruit juice again.

"I just want you to be happy," she said, the slight tremble in her voice disappearing as she continued. "I want all my friends to be happy - it's just how I am. I ... don't suppose it's very subtle, or complicated, but it's how I work." She glanced back to her radio pack, sitting beside her old place. "And as for-" She had more to say, but she was cut off by a sudden hat to the head.

Iktomi swept in like a summer breeze, all optimism and fine flurry. Avrielle sat still, nonplussed and faintly blushing.

"...it was my intention of exploring The Wrath of Phoenix before departing for cycle's end. It would be my pleasure if you'd both accompany me, as comrades and friends. How about it?" he finished.

"That .. we could do that," Avrielle said. "Though I'm not sure what I am signing myself up to. I might find myself part of a Corsair crew, or - anything." She drew herself up a bit, but sat listening to the exchange between Yareli and Iktomi with quiet attention.

"I tell you what." She straightened the hat on her head, noting the fine saurid plumes. "I will come with you both, to explore The Wrath of the Phoenix. It's a beautiful ship, and one I always looked out for in port. But I'll keep the hat." She looked up at Iktomi. "You may consider it a hostage to your good behaviour! And so long as you are well-behaved, you may have it back afterwards." Avrielle's expression was of a young Eldar who cannot quite believe that she has the nerve to do this. And yet here she was, doing it.

"And as for traveling with you, well, if you need a communications expert, I'm your Eldar! I'm quite good with -" she paused, lowering her voice, and looking hesitant, as if she wasn't sure even Yareli would approve of her next words. "I ... I even know a bit about the technology of other races. I know it's not as efficient as our own, and I'm not suggesting that we actually adopt it, but - well, wouldn't it be better if someone knew how it worked? It is easier to counter it that way. And I admit, I just ... want to know. After all, knowledge is a power unto itself. It must be understood to wield it wisely." She finished her fruit juice, and stood up, looking resolved and a lot more happy.

"So! Where shall we go, and what shall we do? There's a whole ship here! Only ... we need to make it something that means we can be back for the Warlock's meeting this evening." It was a very small rebellion.


[ @Uriel1339 @DaKaptin ]
[more]

Morvan had travelled with The Wrath of the Phoenix before, and his skill as a Warlock would have ensured him a welcome even if this had not been so. He found the old room easily enough, respectfully kept ready for him should he ever need it. Much restored, Llyr hopped down from his perch when he entered and was soon exploring.

However, the little gyrinx took his warrior duties seriously and had to make sure that his companion-Seer had an absolutely safe place to rest. That, or his eventful day had left him fatigued. He twirled about over the soft covering, dancing almost, purring softly. Morvan could feel the simple joy radiating from the psychic feline. At his prompting, Llyr made space for him and he lay down. The gyrinx took a quick drink of the thoughtfully provided water and moved back to curl up beside the youthful Warlock. He kneaded at the white bodysuit for a moment, fascinated by the unfamiliar fabric. Then he chirped, slightly surprised as Morvan pulled him over into a hug. Llyr cuddled up and rubbed his head against Morvan's arm in affection. For a brief while, it was easy to forget the trials of the day and all that that previous few had brought, and rest.



In the garden, Kortana felt the release of tears at last. Through the warm, peaceful atmosphere in the chamber, it was as if somehow lost Isha could reach out to her, and sweep her up in the edge of her mantle. No daughter of Isha was ever completely forsaken, the wind whispered, no child of the stars ever truly alone.

Under a brake of tall, nodding grasses, it was easy to maintain privacy, but Kortana's keen ears could hear sounds close by. And she might see if she cared to one of the Eldar from the Lugganathi vessel, carefully planting tiny rosettes of delicate, pale green leaves in the shelter of a low mossy rock. They looked unfamiliar to the wanderer in life - but she had seen the plants in paintings, old pictures of the Mother from long before the Fall. Perhaps these too came from the Hope of Eldanesh?


[OOC @Kalle @High_Adept_Zeth out of time tonight but I shall try to post more tomorrow!]

After what seemed like a pause in which Morvan had intended to rest his eyes - just for a moment - he woke from a deep and relaxing sleep to the gentle and insistent pressure from a small white paw, nudging him on the cheek. Llyr gave a small meow and looked to the water dish, which was empty. Thirst, the tiny feline's psyche said.

It was easy enough to satisfy the gyrinx's request and Morvan had more time to awaken and gather his thoughts. So when the young Warlock heard a gentle chime at his door, he wasn't caught entirely by surprise - and he had suggested a visit to at least one of his companions. Over the sound of Llyr emptying yet another bowl of water, the chime repeated, this time with a voice.

"Seer Jain? It's Kethellion. I trust I am not disturbing you? You said that we might meet for instruction." Those may not have been quite the Warlock's words, but there was no denying the keenness of the young speaker.


[OOC @High_Adept_Zeth turns out there was not much more, but last night was just out of time! ]

@Jorimel | @DaKaptin

"Well seems like it's decided then. You have not much leverage anymore, Iktomi. She got your hat." The Diplomat grinned and rose from her seat along with Avrielle, putting her own fingers thoughtfully on her chin. "Our hatless corsair prince here is the expert on time management of traversing, venturing and doing.... Things. So I suggest that he plans out our near-future path and we shall follow vigilantly. Just like the Three Avengers in stories of old. One for all. All for one." Surprisingly she seemed to be looking quite content and excited, it would be interesting to see how Iktomi would do as a leader, and if he could refrain himself from pranking and trickery, such as shaking the women off by 'accident' when he simply moved faster than he thought he was.

"And if we don't make it in time, you can expect mutiny." Yareli said with a wave as if her words were not to be taken lightly. But the weight in the words told a different story.


OOC: Getting a Three Musketeers reference into a Wh40k RP Achievement - Check.

Shaking his head away in vain at Llyr as he emptied another bowl of water,he approached the little gyrinx and cuddled him over his head.
Thirst!
"This is what you get for not being cautious.Ask me next time before you taste something."whispered Jain silently,still recuperating from the unexpected sleep.For a moment he worried he might be late for the meeting,but that was nosense.Somebody would have called him.
Regardless it rejuvenated him.

A chime on the doors announced what he has half-expected.The voice behind the doors was not.
"Seer Jain? It's Kethellion. I trust I am not disturbing you? You said that we might meet for instruction."

Does he not know that we have work to do tonight?

Llyr felt the echo of his thoughts and rising his head from the bowl,gyrinx meowled at Morvan as if in agreement...or as a rebuke and a carefully constructed argument meant to disarm him.For a moment Morvan wondered if Llyr`s parents thought him anything...or if he knew them at all?
Again...shaking his head at his laxity of thought he drew on his robe with a speed of the Swooping Hawk content not to let his guest wait.

With a wave of hand he opened the door,his gestures minimalistic without any false pretenses of bond and friendship...tho his tone lighter then usual.
"Ah...Kethellion..."spoke Morvan as he donned the scabbard of his Witchblade over his head and on his backs.
"...how may I aid you?"continued Seer fully aware of the answer.Outcast`s burning curiosity dripped from him like lava from molten avatar of the Bloody-Handed One,but if he wants to know about the Path he must know what it takes for one to walk it.
Persistence,focus and great insight into who one is.One must know himself before he can know the invisible thread of others and effect any degree of change in the galaxy.

Kethellion was still dressed in his long Ranger's coat, but he had changed from his somewhat battle-worn clothes into simple, plain ones that would not be out of place on any Exodite world. The only remarkable thing about them was their newness and complete lack of any of the numerous tiny repairs made on such items in their native environment. He bowed his head respectfully to the Warlock and stepped inside.

Once there, he handed Morvan a small box, neatly wrapped in a plain piece of silk after the fashion of Iyanden [furoshiki]. It contained something that piqued Llyr's interest, so it was probably edible. The gyrinx sniffed at it and, after a moment, jumped down from the bed to rub his flank against Kethellion's coat. The young Eldar reached down and tickled his ears. Llyr purred.

"It is the custom in my family to bring a respected mentor a gift," he said, looking back at Morvan now that his little guardian had had his say. "I hope that our tradition does not offend you. I come from ... quite a formal family." He hurried on, as if to gloss over that part in the manner of one who doesn't seek to be treated differently. "I'm sorry I did not bring anything for you, Master Gyrinx."

"If you wish to have such discussions elsewhere there is a small garden aboard the Wrath, and I believe that there is a library as well, and chambers suitable for contemplation." Kethellion had been doing his research.

Perplexed by his humble posture and presentation of a gift.My...
Morvan could not remember the last time he recieved one,not that he ever wished for one.But there was a keen difference between given gratitude and a physical item to symbolize such gratitude.Such is the importance of symbology...or at least ones trappings to the physical.Which of the two,Morvan would not discern for he investigated the plain cloth in which the said gift was wrapped.

It was made of silk,which was obvious to the eye,and gentle to the touch,but unadorned - neutral in its plain plain design,skillfuly wrapped.
Morvan smiled,for it seems Kethellion truly did not mean to offend.The thought of it counted for much,and the effort in the said,so very much more.

If this was Iyanden tradition,Sarik would be more knowledgable in the social etiquette of the said,so Morvan accepted it with universal gesture...at least...universal to Morvan.

"Unecessary.But i am grateful nonetheless."-puzzled at what Ranger brought him.Excitement was palpable,even tho most of it radiated from Llyr.Indeed Morvan`s gyrinx had an excellent nose and he already showed his gratitude to their guest.

"It is the custom in my family to bring a respected mentor a gift.I hope that our tradition does not offend you. I come from ... quite a formal family.He hurried on, as if to gloss over that part in the manner of one who doesn't seek to be treated differently.I'm sorry I did not bring anything for you, Master Gyrinx."

Morvan nodded even if a palpalabe sense of burden swifly increased upon his humble shoulders like a particullary heavy bird landed on them.
That or two Llyr`s.
The thought of two exact copies of his gyrinx horrified him and with a flick of a corrective thought,he banished the laxity of thought that came with prolonged relaxation.

Putting the gift on the table behind him,he spoke to his guest:

"I understand.But you can dispense with the formalities in my presence.I am neither high-born nor high of stature..It is unneeded.But..."spoke Warlock as he turned to his guest framing his gaze upon Kethellion,studying more closelly the Ranger`s facial features.

"...as you dispense with the formalities...i must dispense with the illusion between us.Why have you come to me,Kethellion?I am not a mentor nor a master.I am not an Autarch or an Exharch.I do not lead as they do.I do not lead at all.I guide."spoke softly Morvan,his mellodical tone gone and replace with a soft and quiet one.

Closing his eyes he looked downward to the gyrinx between them.
"I can give you advice if i am able.Anything else is...."he drifted off in a unusual manner (for Morvan) to leave a sentance unfinished.
"...the last you want is a mentor from Iybraesil."

OOC:Syntax errors...corrected.

@Jorimel
Iktomi smiled at Avrielle. Not in his usual aloofness, but a more relaxed and calm as one would with a close friend. Going one step further, Iktomi removed the green shaded lense that covered his false left eye. It's color only a slight shade brighter than his right. Simple as gestures go, it did have the effect of showing all his face and head. "As a Felarch, I would lead us to the viewing platforms as to better get a glimps of the fleet formations. However, as a merely Iktomi on a stroll with friends I would enjoy a pleasant walk through the environmental deck... Or gardens for civilians."
Avreille's comment about joining the Corsairs brought a chuckle to Iktomi. "Of that, I have no doubts of your skills. Anything the lesser races could invent is nothing we haven't long since mastered. Plus, a sharp mind like yours would be welcome aboard most void fairer crews. Besides, you do look good in my hat. I leave it in safe hands."
@Uriel1339
Turning to Yareli, Iktomi offers his arm. "Felarch I may be, without my hate there's no doubt much of my authority has waned. Still, I think I can manage to hold off the threat of mutiny with a few stories along the way? Have I ever told you the time I tried to be an artisan?"
If Yareli was interested in testing Iktomi, could she ask for nothing better than to learn about the man before the Felarch?
"Let us not dawdle. The freshly produced air awaits!"

"Well," said Kethellion, looking slightly puzzled as the nuances of Morvan's inner thoughts naturally eluded him, but aware nonetheless of a certain tension in the room, "I only seek information, and that only to know if guidance should even be sought. I am aware that I am ..." he paused, looking even more youthful than ever, but then looked up again once more. "I am not very well-travelled yet, on any Path. To take the Aspect is the first step if one wishes to study the ways of the War-Witch, and I have not yet taken it. I thought that I might take up the Avenger, in time, but I have not come to ask you about that."

"Really," he said, as Llyr sniffed at his hand and then batted at it until he got a tickle, "I have come to ask about the nature of the Witch Path, and to learn more of it in general. Because it it a thing of such gravitas and stern sensibility that it is hard for one so young as myself to discover anything about it, save for this: "You are too young to be thinking of such a thing, Kethka, and should not disturb your elders."."

The expertly-tied parcel contained nine tiny wrapped objects - each on closer inspection was a sweet candy, a centre of fruit and rare liqueur in chocolate and stamped with tiny stars in gold foil. Each little wrapper was marked with one of the variant runes for the gifts of Mother Isha.

Kethellion continued. Oblivious to the subtlety he might be invading, or the import his innocent words might have.

"Anyhow, why should one not seek the wisdom of Iybraesil from one who knows it well? I hear that there are - well, that you may have a better insight into dealing with ... "

"Well, wouldn't you be naturally in a better position to offer advice about, well, talking with women? And such things?"



Meanwhile, in the soft shade of the gardens, Kortana was far from the troubles of youthful wanderers and their first Path blues. She could still hear the distant sounds of other Eldar, but here was a good place to remain undisturbed. Whereas in her quarters, she might be called upon by visitors or by her hosts, but here the skilled Ranger who wanted to be alone could not be found. Save for the ever-present voxgem, but that - beep! - could easily be switched to dormant mode.

An artificial sunlight beat down, warm as the breath of Vaul's forge in the evening. It was soporific. The musk of flowers and the gentle drone of bees ... like the song that calls the Hunter to rest at noon.



Elsewhere, the bold and hatless Felarch bared his face as well as - possibly - some of his heart and offered his past up to his sometime lady. Yareli might ask him what she would of his life, and he would answer. Would probably answer. Answers, of a more or less truthful kind, might be forthcoming. Avrielle watched him curiously as he took away the eye-lens from his false eye.

"I did not know that you were wanting an eye," she said, carefully, "I always thought that you just wore the ocular. You know, as a means of looking more - intimidating." She did manage not to say "more like a Corsair". She looked up into his eyes for quite a long time. It was unusual for Avrielle, this scrutiny, but she did not seem to be abashed by it.

"You look more handsome without the shade, you know. And the hat - the hat is lovely, but it does hide your face when you smile." She gathered up her pack and toted the radio with her as they walked, taking the side without Yareli on it.

The trio sauntered along the corridors of the bustling warship, each seeking a respite from the hubbub around them. They were done with exertion for now and had more than earned a rest. Yareli, being fair-spoken and good with people, soon found a way to the gardens and the warm verge of soft grass around a shallow pond. The gardens were part of the hydroponic system, but as usual with Craftworld Eldar form was not bound to function but to beauty. Each tree, each plant was useful for something but also nourished the soul. Just as the hands of Isha shaped the ways of the wild so long ago. In a nearby corner, a lone Eldar planted small, delicate rosettes of pale green in the ground, and Avrielle and Iktomi could recognise the type from the overgrown garden aboard the Hope of Eldanesh.



Kortana could hear familiar voices, but, skilled in the ways of her Path, she knew she couldn't yet be seen.



[OOC @High_Adept_Zeth @Kalle @DaKaptin @Uriel1339 ]