Hello again everybody, I apologise for not writing this earlier but I had a psychology exam that I needed to study for, which helps apparently. In any event, now that it is out of my life for the foreseeable future I am free to write this chapter. Some of you made some damn good points that I hope will be addressed. Please keep the reviews/tips/pointers coming.
I also feel that I should note my inspirations for this story: Firstly, Tolkien (the man) all Eldar names are his creations. Secondly the fanfic story ''Phoenix King of the Eldar'' not too sure who it's by but if you have some free time I recommend reading it. The whole idea...Fuckin genius. Any how that's that so on with the story.
Albert S.
It had been about a week, Alexander guessed, since he had been brought aboard the Eldar vessel. He couldn't be sure. Over that period of time, he felt as though he was relearning everything he was taught at medicaleschool, only using different techniques and tools. Medicine came from plants of some kind and much of his training came from observation as well as practice. It was hard to begin with, but as he noticed the similarities between Eldar and Humans it slowly became easier. He felt as though he was progressing well but there were times when he found himself chided like a child and sent to bandage the wounded. It was still quite clear that the Eldar were not happy with his presence, nor did they trust him completely. However, they ignored him more than anything. Even his room guard seemed less inclined to glare at him.
The male healer never seemed to smile in his presence and would often berate Mankind in front of him. Alexander just quietly accepted the fact that this is how it was. The Female ranger still refused to talk to him, which bothered Alexander. What is the point in escorting me to and from the medical bay every day if you're not going to talk? Sometimes the blonde woman came by and check on him, but for the most part he was left alone with his thoughts. What he found most amusing though, was when an Eldar warrior woke up from unconsciousness and saw a human doctor staring down at them. It was the look on their faces, which was priceless. One of utter bewilderment and incomprehension.
Before it turned into anger, that was.
For now though, he was again in his little room. His mind wandering through space and time before coming back to his decision to help the Eldar. He still didn't feel at home with the choice, and the Eldar certainly didn't make him feel as though it was the right one. For all their differences, both races were certainly xenophobic. Yet, if they truly did hate humans, then why did that one Eldar, the female one (he still didn't know their names) spare him? He couldn't grasp it. Again his mind wandered, before meeting the warm and much welcomed embrace of sleep.
''How does he fare, Caranthir?'' Aredhel asked. She had been waiting for an opportunity to speak with her brother about the Mon' keigh's progress, he seemed...happier lately.
''He is grasping the basic techniques of healing well, but he still has difficulty in comprehending the more advanced ones. In short, he is doing better than I expected him to do.'' Caranthir replied
''You didn't expect him to grasp them at all, brother''.
''Exactly, and seeing as he is I am somewhat impressed. But he still makes mistakes and he is still nervous around us, which plays to our advantage.''
''And how have you been?''
He paused for a time before saying, ''There are many more wounded, Aredhel. Some tell me that we are winning on the ground but from what I see... Human weaponry is brutal and unforgiving. This campaign had best end soon. But how about yourself, has the Mon' Keigh been talking to you?''
''I have been well, more scouting trips to the surface. We are pushing them back, Caranthir, never fear. We will win in the end. Many of us have infiltrated behind their lines. And yes, the human is still talking to me.''
''What does he say?''
''I didn't think you cared. What has he done to spark your ever slow growing, interest might I ask?'' She replied teasingly
He smiled, she knew him far too well. ''Nothing, and that has my interest, he is constantly working and asking for more if there is none to be had. He holds no grudges, or at least none that I can see, and is often very protective of 'his patients'.'' He said with a chuckle.
Even though Humans were simple and predictable, they still had their moments.
''Do you know what he said to a warp spider the other cycle?'' he continued. ''The warp spider had come to check on a squad member and found the human leaning over her, checking her wounds. Well he was absolutely shocked and told the human not to touch her, and he replied. So, soon there was an argument going on between this Human and a warp spider, I don't know if he knew who he was addressing or not. But the warp spider threatened to kill him then and there should he touch her again. Too which the Human replied 'Go jump in the bloody lake' before resuming what he was doing''. By now, Caranthir was laughing his heart out, and his musical chime only served to make his sister smile as well.
''I'm glad to hear that things are going well between you two'' she said.
''I think you were right Aredhel, he is very passionate about his work. I owe you an apology, you have never doubted me and it was wrong of me to doubt you. Forgive me.'' Caranthir replied.
She came close and in a tight embrace, whispered, ''There is nothing to forgive.'' She pulled away and he asked:
''I will ask though, why did you spare him? I believe there is more to it than what you told me.''
Aredhel was quiet for a time before replying, ''Honestly, I think I felt reassured. Before I left to kill him, you spoke to me about finding a mate, and in doing so you reminded me of how lonely I was. So when I saw him, wandering around in that forest, not knowing where he was going, but still knowing he was going somewhere...I could relate to that some how. In all things, one of the Mon' Keigh, a Human, I found a sense of peace. Maybe I was reassured to know that there was someone else who felt just as lost and as lonely as I did, even if it was for a few hours. Even if it was a human.''
Her brother gave her an odd look. He did not fully understand why she did what she did, but then if she was at peace with her decision, then who was he to argue the point, so he simply said, ''Fear not my sister, you will find someone. But for now rest and talk with the Human if you wish. He will give you someone to talk to if nothing else.''
''Caranthir, have I not told you before, do not tell me what to do'' she said. He laughed again at that.
''You have many times, but I am still older and wiser. So until you learn to listen, I will keep telling you what to do, even if you don't do it.''
With that, the two siblings bade each other farewell and continued about their duties. Until the cycle was near its end.
Alexander found himself once again being lead down the corridors of the Eldar ship by the Eldar female. Again she had said nothing while they walked. Since their time on the planet, she had said nothing, and he had forgotten the sound of her voice. His thoughts were interrupted by the sweetest sound he had ever heard. A soft but distinct sound seemed to drift throughout the ship, the Eldar didn't seem to pay it any mind so he didn't ask. In fact he was done talking to an Eldar who refused to talk back. It was like talking to a wall, say what you like at it and it will retain it, but it won't respond. Right then, I won't speak until she starts the conversation, I'm over this rubbish. Sure, it was childish, but as far as he was concerned she wasn't being any more mature, just ignoring him like she was doing. Making up is mind he allowed his thoughts to wander to other more academic thoughts.
Aredhel had decided to take her Brother's advice, talking with the Human would provide some sort of pastime at very least, but she would not be the one to initiate such conversation, seeing as he talked to her anyway. But today he seemed unusually quiet, in fact he didn't talk at all. She dismissed it as an odd Human thing and waited for him to start talking.
By the time they reached the Healers wards, not a single word was exchanged between them, and instead of offering a word of thanks like he always did, he simply walked past her, completely ignoring her. She was stunned, but she would let it slide, for now. She put it down to a bad night's sleep or he not having anything interesting to talk about. The end of the cycle should prove to be slightly less...provocative if anything.
Are you trying to anger her? Came the voice in his head. He had fully ghosted her, and out of the corner of his eye, he could see her surprise. He was going to do exactly what he planned to do, not a word to her. She could start the conversations from now on, see how she liked the silence. Enough of that, go to the healer, see what he has planned today. He walked up to the Male Eldar,
''Sir'' he said, stopping a cautious distance away from him. He was still terrified of them, their height was imposing enough, but their reflexes were something to be reckoned with as well, even the healers. The Eldar turned around and, with a disapproving look, motioned for him to come closer.
''I assume you want me to find something for you to do, am I right?''
''You are, sir.''
''Very well, follow me, I will show how to heal burns inflicted by your primitive artillery.''
''Very good sir.''
For the rest of the cycle Alexander learnt the basics of healing burn victims, the particular plants and herbs involved, the places where skin grafts could come from. He learnt that some chemicals in the explosives caused slow acting reactions in the nervous system, so he learnt how to counter that. Once they were finished, the Male Eldar dismissed him.
''We are done for this cycle, return again in the next cycle and we will continue.'' With that, Alexander moved toward the door. He was silently hoping that the female Eldar wasn't there. He knew where he was going and he didn't need to be lead about like a dog. He was just about there when she came around the corner. Blast it all he thought. She looked down at him expectantly, and he looked up at her mirroring her look. Not a word, I am so over talking to a wall. She continued to stare for a time before turning around and leading him back to his little room. Alexander noted that she closed the door a little more firmly than usual.
Aredhel was more than a little irritated, she had expected him to greet her with his usual smile and cherry greeting only to be disappointed. He had simply stared at her expectantly, not saying a word. He had also repeated the 'morning's' process as well, not saying anything.
Stupid Mon 'Keigh has forgotten how to speak she thought lividly. Aredhel was not used to being ignored and certainly not by a Human. She had left him in his room and gone straight to hers. She was not impressed, and her brother had simply informed her, that he was not getting involved. As far as he was concerned, this was between her and the Human. She was not happy with that answer either, considering it was his advice she was following. She calmed herself down, this was a one off event. Tomorrow would be different.
However, the next cycle wasn't different at all. In fact, for 4 more cycles, Alexander managed to keep it up, his mind drifted through subjects like Philosophy and Psychology to pass the time. When he was with the male Healer, he learnt how to treat burns properly. By the end of the week he had successfully learnt how to treat major and minor burn cases properly, at least in theory. He was to begin his practical study (under the close eye of the healer) the following cycle. Aredhel was leading him back to his little room once again, only this time things would get a little heated for the doctor.
Aredhel was at boiling point. She had spared this Human, and now he ignored her. How arrogant and ungrateful. That's it, I'm done with his foolish little game. She thought.
When they reached Alexander's room, she said something to the guard, who gave her an odd look before nodding and walking away. Alexander, who had entered his room heard the door close behind him. Thinking he was alone, he jumped onto his bed and rolled over before getting the most frightening moment of his life.
The female had followed him in.
She now stood between him and the door. She looked him over, he was now clothed in Eldar dress, simple clothing but better than anything he ever wore. She noted every muscular curve, scar and blemish upon his revealed skin, she considered him...handsome, for a Human. Still that was not why she was here, and he was now standing with a scared look in his eyes.
''May I help you, Eldar?'' he asked, in a polite tone.
''That all depends'' she replied coldly.
''On what, might I ask?'
'
''I will ask the questions Mon' Keigh, not you.''
''Ask away then.'' He was now entering a defensive mode .Hhe did not like being alone with any Eldar, but he disliked being with her in particular. Her deep green eyes seemed to dig into his soul, and her elongated looks along with her dark brown hair only served to distract him. She was silent for a few moments, while she was he drank in her beauty. She snapped him out of it when she said:
''It seems my brother is impressed with your progress, so impressed in fact, that he encourages me to speak with you. Only when I decide to do so, you go quiet and say nothing. Why is that?''
''I had no idea you were willing to speak with me Eldar, you certainly gave of a different message when I tried.'' He replied just as coldly as she did. This was rubbish, so he was in trouble because he went quiet for a few days? How about her then eh? what excuse did she have?
''Maybe, but you still have not answered my question Human.''
''I was trying to provoke a reaction out of you, it seems to have worked''
She was somewhat angered by this, he teased her, he pushed her buttons and he got what he wanted. No matter, if she was here then she may as find out about her 'charge'.
''Tell me Human. Why do you not resent us like the rest of your kind? why are you so willing to help?'
''Because I don't like killing. I told you down on the planet, I see the worst endless war has to offer everyday. Billions die for what? A planet? A continent? Humanity can be so much more than an endless killing machine. Is this really what the Emperor wanted? To see his children cast into the fires of war forever? If he did, then he is no better than the chaos gods. Why must I see the armless, the legless, the blind and the insane? So I get tired of it, I know that no matter what I do, it will never be enough to quench the ever flowing river of blood I waded through every day of my professional life. I never made very many friends because they would be dead by the morning. So I care little for trivial things such as race and religion. If you were to abstain from mindless killing, I would gladly join your side. War, HA! They called us heroes, the Emperors chosen and so many other names of praise. But there is only one truth about war. Wars are always, always fought for old men, by young boys. I know this to be true, even on your side. That is why I help, even if it does no good.''
Aredhel could not help but feel sorry for him, he was right of course. He had seen too much in his lifetime. ''How old are you?'' she asked.
''28'' Came the reply.
So young she thought, even by human standards. She stood there for a few moments, he was still looking at her.
''I apologise for my behaviour this week, Eldar. It was wrong of me to be so childish. But please, tell me a little of yourself. Why did you spare me?''
''I will tell you something else instead human. When we were on the planet, you asked me what my name was. I know your name...Alexander. My name is Aredhel.'' With that she turned quickly and left the room, leaving Alexander in a stunned silence. For a time he played with the word, allowing it to roll of his tongue. Yes, it was beautiful name and it suited her so well. He finally knew something about her, and for that he was grateful. Content with the day's happenings he fell asleep.
Aredhel enjoyed that, talking with the Human wasn't so bad after all. He was wiser than most, but did not lack the child-like behaviour that was common to his race. She liked that. Brushing the thought from her head she went back to her own room and soon found herself entering a deep sleep as well.
Many cycles later, joyous news was brought to all aboard. Farseer MÃriel had received word from the seer council that they, along with a few other Eldar vessels, were to return to the Craftworld with the wounded. For many, the war would be over. Aredhel and her brother were spreading the good news when she saw Alexander sitting in the corner, with blood on his tunic. She strode over to him.
''Doctor, where have you been of late, your tunic is covered in...''
''Blood, yes. Shrapnel that had to be removed, an artery was severed unfortunately. He will live though but may walk with a limp for...well, the foreseeable future anyway.''
''Have you not heard the news?'' She was, as one would expect, very happy, as most were, and his presence did not serve to dampen her feelings as it normally would have done.
''Eldar, I...''
''I did not tell you my name so you could address me as 'Eldar'.'' She replied irritably.
''Very well...Aredhel...in case you did not notice, I do not speak your tongue.''
She did fail to notice and felt rather foolish for doing so. She told him why they were so happy and she expected him to be as well, but was surprised to find that he was horrified.
''What is the matter? is this not a day to celebrate?'' she asked.
''For you, yes but I'm Human...Craftworlds aren't widely known for their hospitality toward Humans.'' he said in a somewhat panicked tone. He was right, again. She had not considered that at all, in fact she was sure no one had. She went to find her brother but was intercepted by the Farseer, who she had not seen in many cycles.
''Ah, Aredhel I trust you have heard the news? I expect you will spend some time with your family yes?''
''Farseer, a pleasure. Yes I shall spend time with them but there is the matter of the Human. What shall we do with him?''
''It's simple child, he is your charge so he will be in your care until I address the Seer council. I understand he has made a surprising amount of progress. But for now, rejoice and enjoy this day.'' With that the Farseer left to do something else, leaving a rather bewildered Aredhel standing in the corridors.
She most certainly did not expect this at all, and was now horrified at the prospect of having to look after a Human on a Craftworld. Where would he stay, what would her family and friends say? So many thoughts ran through her head. Her best solution now was to find her brother, to explain her situation to him. With some hope that he might be able to help.
Thoughts and comments? As normal, thank you all for reading. Again, I do apologise for not getting this up earlier but exams take priority as I'm sure some of you know. In any case, tip/pointers and ideas are greatly appreciated.
Albert S.
Thank you to Heir of the Void for helping a brother out with the story.
