@DaKaptin | @Jorimel Yareli linked her arm into Iktomi's offer, agreeing to visit the gardens - it was a pleasant idea and green was a nice contrast to the ice-blue she was so used to at her own home. "At least manners, this corsair has." She said satisfied and nodded in agreement to Avrielle regards the comment of the mask wielder. The hat indeed hid the Felarch's face, but she was not interested in his smile, more in the truth he manages to hide through it. "Artisans are so... Extravagant, trying too hard to be different. I am surprised it did not work out for you, except that the lack of heated arguments, blades and adventure may have bored you... Mhhh... Perhaps it is not too off that you do not fit in the boots of Vaul. Why do you not instead tell of a tragedy in your life, such as the time you lost yourself in service of a certain Void Dragon Princess? Surely it must be a tale of epic proportions for a little Corsair to rise through the ranks and earn the yearned respect of the very void dragon herself? And dare not tell me it was luck, nor fate. I have seen you fight, Serontine and Warp incarnation alike. Humbleness does not suit you either, so better spill the truth, or the lies might freeze your heart - as we say on Mymeara." Her voice was cold as ice, yet her smile was warm and inviting. Her eloquent speech singing a song of fire and ice - passionate in demands, but cool in personal relation to Iktomi. The plan still was on to take different paths in life and not to bond their souls - still she was obliged due to her training and to keep the facade alive for now, to keep her arm linked in his.
Morvan nodded to the youth as he explained himself,Warlock,already a master of his emotions at least on the outside concealed his surprise at his last question. Women? - Morvan thought to himself as if the members of the fairer sex were a newly discovered race to him. Are all of youth on his Craftworld like this?Well...its only healthy and beneficial for the race in the current state as it is.Oh Crone...why me of all Eldar? Turning his attention at the bountiful gifts that his guest brought,Iybraesilian paid a small dose of attention to each of the wrapped objects,taking his time to enjoy the skill with which it was made and packed as well as its pleasing aesthetics. Taking the gold foil he smiled at the teasing chocolate content inside.Taking the silken cloth he folded it multiple times and packed the rest of the gifts.Taking the chocolate he packed it in his pouch that sat at his belt and tucking his helmet beneath his arm,he gestured to the doors,leaving his blade at the table,with the rest of the gifts. To say that Warlock Jain was humble,would be an understatement. "You mentioned suitable chambers?A library?Do you mind if we pick the gardens?I want to test something."spoke Morvan deciding a change in environment was needed as he noticed the sudden,almost palpable tension in the room.Tension was good...kept one`s eyes and open and mind guarded to the possible dangers,but in the safe confines of the Wrath of Phoenix,he decided that It was somewhat necessary and a degree of laxity was needed.If not for his,then for his guests sake. As they walked,Morvan kept a practiced but relaxed pace,radiating an aura of constant ease.Tendrils of his psyche swam like oily shadows around such radiance,poking at the edges of Kethellion`s mind,testing his psyker potential.Indeed all Eldar harbored a natural psyhic talent but only those exceptionally gifted among them,decided to augment their powers thought ritualized,myraid paths of the seer. "Things on distant Iybraesil are...brutally honest.The circumstances do not allow for much leeway and social customs in the means of approach and bonding are either pre-ordained or threadbare simple."spoke Morvan as he dispelled the quiet between them.He did not want for Kethellion to feel awkward in his presence,for his every question was welcome if that will quench his burning curiosity. Keeping his answer intentionally vague knowing Kethellion`s curiosity will either prevail and he will query for more answers or tradition and social etiquette will have the upper hand.To see if he has curbed his own wants and needs is merely a first step on a road to enlightenment,and Morvan was testing his every step ever-since he voiced his plea.Self-restrating is a lesson to the Eldar of utmost importance. Intentionally giving an air of nonchalance he continued as if carelessly: "I am afraid I do not preoccupy myself with such things.If you seek advice on such matters,prehaps Iktomi can aid you.I presume you are familiar with Corsair charm that seems almost synonymous to their lifestyle. This query of yours interests me thou.Are you interested in someone?"teased Warlock as he,once again framed Kethellions face with his azure blue eyes as if the answer can be found at the tip of his nose or at the surface of his eyes.
Kethellion nodded, looking slightly downcast as Morvan described the nature of life on Iybraesil. Like all other Eldar, he was from a society that knew no other way than equality between the genders, so it was probably a puzzle to the young Ranger. To an the experienced pysker like Morvan Jain, the delicate nuances of his companions' manners were an open book, and none more so than Kethellion Delesaya. There just wasn't any guile to the young Eldar, and precious little artifice. Yet his open and honest nature warred with the lessons he had received in proper behaviour. He tried his best to cultivate appropriate reserve, but his sheer youthful enthusiasm and desire for life went against him. Still, it meant that he was not afflicted with languorous melancholy, like so many of the children of Iyanden, or the martial spite of too-warlike Biel-tan. One might see similarities between him and Llyr, save that the latter lacked any sense of shame whatsoever and was currently busy exploring the gardens, sniffing at flowers and accepting the petting hands of complete strangers. It seemed that few Eldar could resist a young gyrinx. "Interested? No," Kethellion said, with the automatic blushing of his kind at such a question. "Not as such. More, as an idea, you know? One must be prepared, after all, to find happiness anywhere," he added, with the irrepressible enthusiasm of youth. It might be quite tiring were he not so earnest. "In any case, you must have noticed someone's eye on you?" It slipped out before he could quite heed the wiser counsels of his diplomatic instincts, undeveloped as they were. In the garden, others of the small group strolled, or rested and took their ease however they preferred. But as the pleasant afternoon drew on, the evening appointment with Warlock Liasethanil beckoned like the hand of Morai-Heg.
@Uriel1339 Iktomi's smiling face turned into a thoughtful musing grin. His falling out with his older and younger brothers would be a story for another time. "I owe much to my Prince Saraania. The title of void dragon is from Eldar myths rooted in the time of The Gods War between the Pantheon and the Star Gods. The Void Dragon was said to devour whole stars, armed with devastating strength, and letting nothing stand in its path. Such a fearsome foe that battle Gods strikes fear into all who study ancient knowledge, but who has the time to sit in dusty halls of memories these day? Where was I? Oh yes, my rise to captain of my own vessel." The Felarch explained how he made passage after leaving Biel-tan to Iybraesil. An old tale of his failed attempt to prove his brothers wrong about destiny. Only to be trapped by fate. His time among the Exodites and eventual boredom. "Here's where it get's interesting! Stowing aboard a freshly stocked trade vessel of those irksome humans. The fools had left with their spoils, no losses of life in their clumsy 'attack'. Guess they thought the locals to not be a threat worth tracking down, saved them a slow death. Stole a few trinkets and left with me in their poor excuse for a warp capable ship." Iktomi emphasized with a dramatic sweap of his arm. "They didn't get far. The local Corsair's, whom the Exodite support and signaled, swooped down upon them and killed all aboard for the trespass and recovered the property. A fine finders fee for its return, but at least it would return. I had a time convincing them to keep me along. Offering my services for passage. As a joke they agreed, having all intention to abandon me on a lifeless rock if I proved more trouble than I was worth. Those years among the mariner path really paid off, cleaning the floors and delivering orders like a common deckhand." Iktomi says, sighing in nostalgia. "Did you know I was deemed too undisciplined for the path of the Warrior? Most shrines I visited could only stand me for a few cycles before shunning me. Didn't have much of a taste for war. Battle and adventure sure, but not only war. Among the organized bands of outcasts I found family I never had aboard the craftworld. Misfits and eccentrics all... Doesn't mean it was easy. Worked my way up, scraping and proving my worth. Kept me on longer than any aspect shrine, learned more and saw more of the wider universe. Believing I could live like that forever..." The felarch touches his face around his artifical eye with his free hand. "You give up a few things, chasing a dream. Some things ya can't see, others are harder to hide. Do I regret any of it? Plenty. No corsair who gets to be my age can says they haven't earned their scars. Before I knew it, I was kneeling before my Master, Princess Saraania. Awarded by ship and free to serve at her pleasure, as long as it was profitable." Yareli, Avrielle and Iktomi passed viewing portal. The Hope of Eldaresh showing among the gathered Corsairs and Craftworld fleets. The smile of an inside joke taking Iktomi. "Was it worth it? I like to think so."
@Jorimel | @DaKaptin "A typical tale of a void sailor. Too bad you got my hopes up for something exciting." Yareli replied with a slight , fake yawn. "You managed to kill mhhhh, at least some time." She teased the corsair. "If I was to tell the story of my first trip to the Eldritch Raiders and my almost-kidnapping by a Comorrite Kabal during a council the elders held. When I was just sixty by the time of the events... Now that would be a story worth telling. But I fear, you may die from envy of how the corsair who saved me swung his curved power sword, slaying one of the dark kin with each blink of an eye. It was equally terrifying as it was impressive. He was one of the few reasons I saw in secret to be taught by my aunt in the arts of swordsmanship. But for a commoner, Iktomi. Nice story." When talking with a diplomat off-duty, one had to identify what was the truth, and what was the lie in tales. Perhaps a test to see how much the corsair learned through his life as an Outcast, away from primary society of the Craftworlds to see whether he was a suitable soulmate or not. Would he realize that the core of the truth was the fight between Corsairs and Comorrites and not her kidnapping? But that she perhaps ran from her quarters like she had run from her Craftworld that led to the events of her meeting this group. That she saw the conflict as a mere child which may have shocked her and made her father so overprotective as she always described ever since she joined the group?
Morvan felt Kethellion`s burning sensation of his young enthusiasm seeping thought his marble skin,like sunlight through a mirror and he discreetly smiled.Where one,prehaps wiser Seer would see too-open a mind too inviting to the foreign influence,Morvan only saw potential.Indeed Morvan could relate with ease in this manner to the Outcast,considering how he himself harbors the same burning curiosity and obsessive desire for all things of ancient past.Especially if those things inhibited untold power from which one can stern the destiny of the entire race,away from its slow decline and eventual demise. "Interested? No," Kethellion said, with the automatic blushing of his kind at such a question. "Not as such. More, as an idea, you know? One must be prepared, after all, to find happiness anywhere," he added, with the irrepressible enthusiasm of youth. It might be quite tiring were he not so earnest. "To find happiness anywhere."echoed Morvan in an absent,quiet tone as he looked over the gardens,mesmerized in the bounty of life and growth as he pondered upon the Ranger`s words.Indeed Kethellion held some wisdom in him,even if he himself was unaware of it. "In any case, you must have noticed someone's eye on you?" It slipped out before he could quite heed the wiser counsels of his diplomatic instincts, undeveloped as they were. Morvan rose an eyebrow as he spared him a look,finding the lotus-petals on the nearby pond,suddenly interesting. "I presume to know of whom you talk "spoke Morvan as he fail to repress a faint smile,"but I must say that those were extraordinary circumstances,after a particulary hard battle that have left us all in a state of various...distress."spoke Warlock as he looked downward to Llyr,finding him oddly absent. Turning around he saw the little gyrinx faintly trailed behind their steps,enjoying the adoration of the bystanders.Iybraesilian simply waved his head,in disbelief.It was incredibly easy to fall to Llyr`s charms...and the tragedy was that little gryinx knew that.For a moment Morvan wondered...is he to share the blame in that? "I am not one to take her words lightly...but as I said...it was a time of great difficulty and confusion.She mistook me for a strong father figure in a turbulent time...that is all.Do not mistake affection and starved whimpsy for love, Kethellion." Warlock smiled,this time the happy curve was not repressed,as he realized the folly of his words.Indeed they sounded hollow,for even he was not sure what he was talking about.Who was he to tutor the young Ranger,considering he probably had the same amount of experience in the said matter as the Ranger. As he walked beside Kethellion,he realized the time for the anticipated meeting was drawing nigh,so he gently steered their walk toward the appropriate chambers.
Kethellion nodded, and indeed he seemed to take in the Warlock's words with the utmost seriousness. Llyr bounded up beside his Warlock and the trio made their way through the gardens. The artificial sunlight mimicked setting, leaving the landscape subtly inhabited with the murmurous whispers of twilight. As the air cooled, those Eldar frequenting the chamber made their way to their evening shifts, or to eat, or to rest, save one who knelt still by the pond, head bowed in silent reflection. Avrielle turned to the talkative Felarch and looked up at him, his hat somewhat obscuring her expression. Iktomi could see firsthand the magic of his choice of headgear. So far as he could determine, she looked thoughtful. "So ... and it sounds very much as if you earned your right to do so, after the manner of the Corsairs," she said, slowly, "but if I am right, you have a ship, to do with as you wish, the crew likewise, so long as it serves the interests of your Princess?" She turned now to Yareli. The young radiotech's eyes twinkled, just a little. Was the hat really a thing of sublime influence after all? "And you, Yarelka ... I do not believe that you were ever with the Eldritch Raiders. Because Lord-Admiral Yriel is a Prince." Kortana's silent time connecting with the garden and with herself drew to a close. The evening meeting with Warlock Liasethanil was imminent, and though she might account herself new to the group, she had battled the Neverborn on behalf of the Ancients. The Seer Council at least thought her one of the collection of Outcasts, Corsairs and the curious enough to summon with them. * * * * * * * There are many more skeins to read, the Warlock thought, weary with the casting. The silence of most of his runestone guides told him of their desire for rest also. All save Zamenath. There is no certainty amid the Skein. Well you know this, Warlock of the Seer Council. Did I not know better, I had thought you mocked me, ta-aesthir. Liasethanil sipped at his drink and reflected once more upon the runes circling slowly in front of him. Whyever would I do such a thing? Surely you know I merely seek to offer you my experience. Revenge is unbecoming among the honoured dead. If you sleep not, nor do we, karashemon. Now you know those who approach in the next pass, at least, and let the Hand of Revered Morai-heg pluck not at their strings. Or at least, not with shears open. Warlock Liasethanil sighed, the faintest ghostly sound of impatience outstripping politeness. He gathered up his runes with a bare hand, carefully placing them back in their pouch before putting his gloves on once more. He did not want stray impressions to cloud his lucid state. * * * * * * * The small group of Eldar assembled in the audience-chamber at the Hour of the Rising of Kurnous' Moon. It was more sparsely furnished than that of their first meeting, with a plain white floor, arched ceiling and narrow tapestries on the walls, each representing one of the vanished Eldar gods: Kurnous, Isha, Vaul, Lileath. Khaine was not present, nor proud Asuryan, nor ancient Gia, but the presence of Morai-heg was implicit in the Fate runes that both graced and protected the windows that afforded a view of open space. The Hope of Eldanesh was just visible, the darting craft of envoys and scholars shoaling around the ancient vessel. Two of the Void Dragons ships danced in tandem, patrolling the deep space side of the perimeter of the gathering. Warlock Liasethanil awaited them with an honour guard of two Lugganath Guardians, though they were there more for an observance of form, abbreviated upon the Corsair Craftworld perhaps, but present still. A Seer newly on the Path stood beside him and a little way back, carrying a tablet and a psystylus to make a formal record. The Warlock bowed his head in formal greeting. "Welcome to the sovereignty of Lugganath once more. Fate has smiled on your mission, and you have brought us back much more than was hoped. We are reunited with those all thought lost, and all that they bring us from a vanished time. From the smallest herb, to the rarest tale unrecorded elsewise, to much more than this: the lives of the Children of the Stars. Denied to the Enemy twice over." The Warlock straightened, and the salute he gave was from the heart. "Less formally, I give you my own thanks and congratulations. I see that you are somewhat expanded in number, and I understand that those of you whose faces I do not know have fought bravely in your turn. It is our custom to recognise such success as we agreed, and that is what I am here to facilitate. After this - and by no means will your answer affect what comes first - I have a matter to consult with you upon, a further request. But for now, please choose what you would wish, and I will make it so." His stance indicated an absolute sincerity about the offer not being affected by the answer each Eldar made. "Well," said Firlone, the Dragon Aspect first to break the silence, "I know what I'm having." She still cradled the Firepike in one arm. She grinned. "I know some may say that to take up an Exarch's weapon is ill-omened. I say otherwise. I say that if we had more of these, we'd all have them!" Krocell held up a hand. "I have a more private request." Liasethanil nodded. "Of course. Make your wishes known to the scribe." He gestured politely towards the Eldar with the tablet. Artar followed silently after Krocell. [OOC @Uriel1339 @Kalle @DaKaptin @High_Adept_Zeth You may choose either an item or something similar (as last time one of them was Llyr, after all), or a major skill (or two minor - a combination of a lesser item and a minor skill is allowed too). The skill will be taught in the time between the end of this mission - now - and the start of the next. Congratulations on finishing the original mission! As a GM I've thoroughly enjoyed it and thank you all for the wonderful posts so far @kanila feel free to join in now if you like; @Colapse @Casavay @Nurianis I intend to introduce you in the next main GM post so that the Warlock only has to do one introduction ]
@Jorimel "I have only humble and simple requests, no need to make any trouble from my side." Yareli offered with a smile and a noble bow, keeping her legs straight while only her upper torso bent forward. "But make sure that some may not take you too much up on the offer." She made a subtle gesture to Iktomi the Void Dragon who would probably just too likely would demand all the riches in treasures, artifacts and soldiers the warlock could offer so he may nourish his power and overthrow Princess Saarania, or so it would at least happen in a bad novella. @High_Adept_Zeth With her wishes voiced she strode elegantly over to another Warlock who, however owned a Gyrinx as companion. Soft smile on the lips and sapphire eyes shining with glee upon Morvan, as her soft, silk gloved hand made slowly and peacefully for Llyr. "I wished to talk to you sooner, but I did not want to interfere with your business, then again I also was occupied with a certain Felarch. Indeed I may just have come over here to speak to you my gratitude, Warlock Morvan. You led this... Expedition, yes that is what we may call it. With great success. Who knows what would have happened if you would not have accompanied the group. Where chaos ruled, your steadfastness gave order. And when there was doubt, you always had the mission in sight, providing us the strength and certainty we needed. I know only too well of how much it may be curse and gift alike. To become rather cold, calculating and caring more about the execution of a mission, rather than about the people involved and affected by it's outcome..." There was a small pause, the diplomat seeking for the right words in her mind. Even her eyes moved a bit left and right as if going through a mental dictionary. Once the words were found her eyes focused on Morvan's once more. "Just... Try to not get lost on the path of the witch, will you? The secrets of the warp may be interesting, but there are things not even we Eldar should know. Else Cegorach would not have created the Black Library. Turn away before it may consume you, for other paths you shall walk and with the accumulated knowledge you may make a fine leader one day or a very unique Eldar who may affect our lives in ways not even you can imagine just yet. The potential for vital roles, you displayed already plenty. You should certainly not waste that potential destiny by falling victim on mastering the Immaterium. Besides, if knowledge you seek, then how can you learn it all if you never try something new? Your sight will become so narrow that all you cared before will vanish and only a single desire will emerge and you will become a slave to it. May it be power, survival at all costs, quest for knowledge or perhaps something far more sinister than what we may imagine. Just be wary of your emotions as much as of your personal goals. That is all I am asking for, Morvan." What began with a smile on her face, turned to a frown. She only knew too well of what she was speaking of, which is why her glimmering eyes were in reality only shining from the pressure of tears pressing against her lenses, but the mental will alone held them at bay. Morvan respected strength, not frailty and reality was that she was not begging but merely remembering as she spoke out loud. And Isha forbid she may send wrong signals to this Warlock, because it may push him further into the direction of the Farseer and not pull him away.
The peace of the garden had done Kortana well, and she'd arrived at the meeting as stoic and reserved as ever. She was not one to speak at length, and had therefore opted to remain silent for most of the exchanges about the room, until the warlock of Lugganath indicated the scribe. In this moment, she jumped to animation, walking forwards like an automaton and stopping before the scribe, waiting for him to address her. Then, she made her desire known in a low voice. "I wish for a reward fit for the service I might yet render to Lugganath, not only the one I've already done. If you would honor me with a new blade, then I would be eternally grateful."
