Chapter 2: The War in Heaven
Arianne woke up with a heavy start, sweat pouring down from her, drenching her bed. The visions of carnage and death that haunted her every night were starting to take their toll: she was restless and not her usual jovial self. With a sigh and tremendous force of will she got out of her bed, ready for the day ahead of her. Many things were taking place around her, important things, such as the future of her brethren and the Eldar race. She could not, would not let some petty visions hold her down.
Asuryan had told her once that once the war was over, they would tend to her recurring dreams, but the relentless advance of the Necrons meant that it would have to wait, and by the way of how the war was progressing it wouldn't be anytime soon.
He helped her brothers and sisters in any way she could, however, always inventing new weapons and machinery by bone singing to help the war effort. Such were the duties of the Grand Architect during times of war. But for every new creation of hers, for every new weapon at their disposal, the Necrons always figured a way to counter them. The Creators, the Old Ones, were fighting a losing war, and the Eldar knew this, but Arianne wasn't afraid, for the unthinkable had happened: Cegorach, her most playful and trickster of a brother had devised a scheme that would put the C'tan -the Necron's cruel Gods- out of the equation. Despite the untrustworthy nature of her brother, Arianne knew he would see his plan through. What truly worried her was the outcome of the plan itself. After all, there had been countless occasions were the machinations and "pranks" of Cegorach had brought death to untold millions, and even the extinction of a few lesser races. All of this was amusing for the Laughing God.
Asuryan had instructed Arianne to look over Cegorach, to see his plan is fulfilled, and thus she was making her way to Cegorach's palace, wearing her full regalia, worthy of a deity such as herself. She was wearing a blue dress with a golden trim on the sleeves and the waist, as well as a red crown with rubies and emeralds affixed to them. She wore a brass necklace shaped after her royal symbol, a spider with its legs hugging her neck. But what was most pleasing to the eye were her own features, she was a slim woman, with golden hair and green eyes. She was taller than most of her brothers and sisters, she had long curvy legs and hips, her breasts were firm and perky, although small. They were slightly accentuated by her dress.
In the blink of an eye she was gone, she had entered the webway and in a matter of seconds she arrived to her brother's palace. Cegorach was waiting for her at the gates of his not so humble home, as if he knew she was coming.
-Arianne! What a great surprise. Please, please, come inside, we have much to discuss. There is a war that must be won, after all.- greeted Cegorach in very courtly manner. The Laughing God was wearing a very characteristic outfit of his persona, he looked as if he was about to perform in the universe's greatest circus act, with all the paraphernalia a harlequin or clown would wear. There was a welcoming air about him that put Arianne at ease, and although the outfit he was wearing was ridiculous, any doubt that Arianne previously felt was washed away.
Cegorach was a very charismatic entity.
-Well met brother, I can't wait to hear what this plan of yours may be. Coming from someone such as yourself everything is possible, unpredictable as you are-
-Ha! Please sister, drop the formal act and step inside. You are with a friend, nay, your brother now. You'll find my palace to your liking.
The two gods made their way inside Cegorach's palace. It was a peculiar place. The halls were full with paintings of harlequins, all of them Eldar, presumably servants and worshipers of Cegorach. The tapestry that covered the granite floors was red but with ever-shifting patterns. Any mortal would have been driven insane at this point, as the red linen carpet was very eye catching. But that wasn't the worst, however. Endless lively music and laughter could be heard from rooms away, as if there was an everlasting party happening in the palace's courtyard. The smell was the most intriguing, it didn't fit the setting at all. It was calming, but if one would focus on it, it could provoke dizziness and slight headaches. All of these side effects masked with the scent of a bouquet of roses.
The pair finally arrived at Cegorach's great dining hall. Cegorach sat at the head of the massive dining table, and then motioned for his sister to sit beside him. The moment they sat down the ornamented chairs, a group of harlequins stepped inside the room, each one carrying silver platters of different sizes.
-Does Asuryan know that you have violated the edict he imposed on all of us, you know, the one that forbids us from walking amongst the mortals? I am sure you have your reasons, but none the less the Phenix wouldn't find this to his liking- commented Arienne on the fact that Cegorach kept a multitude of servants on his palace.
-Oh this? Well, there are things dear old Asuryan does not know, and I would appreciate it if it stayed this way, my dear.
-You have my word, brother, now, tell me about this plan of yours.
-I can't let you get involved in it, the nature of the plan and what must be accomplished means only I can see it through. You can trust me sister, I am a man of my word. What I can do is tell you what it consists of. You see, each C'tan has a personality that often times is in conflict with its brethren. I will deceive them to fight each other. They will destroy each other in this internecine conflict, and while the Necrons remain leaderless, then our armies shall strike.
Arianne felt relieved after hearing Cegorach's words. As deceiving and cunning as he might be, whenever Cegorach committed to something he always saw it through, like the time when he stole some of Kaine's priceless swords, forged by Vaul, the Smith God. She remembered that he then proceeded to incriminate Isha as the culprit. Kaine was thrown into a righteous fit of rage when he found out, and Cegorach told Arianne all about it.
Still, there was something Cegorach knew that he wasn't telling to her, and Arianne intended to know what was it.
-These deceiving tactics suit you well, brother. I've seen you in action before when you've performed your infamous pranks. I can see there is something else you wish to tell me, perhaps you don't know how to approach the subject. You must tell me, Cegorach.
-Very perceptive of you, sister. You're correct, as always. I'm afraid it might make you uncomfortable merely mentioning it… perhaps another time. For now, please do enjoy the food my kind servants have brought.
-Uncomfortable? Try me.
-Very well, if you so insist… Arianne, I know about your nightmares.
Author's Note
Thank you guys so much for the reviews. I have to say, you were pretty much on point with Arianne's relationship with Cegorach (I'm looking at you Derain von Harken c:). I wont reveal what I have prepared for her in the future though, although the urge to do so is irking me. Again, tell me what do you think about this chapter, and if there are any syntax or grammatical errors I'm sorry, but English isn't my first language. If you point them out I'll come back and fix them. I'll see ya'll on next chapter, have a good one guys.