Here you are, sorry it took so long, yes its short, but its a build up to the next chapter. You all know the drill by now about comments and what have you, need I go on?
Elohiem and Míriel walked along the largely empty corridors of the council tower. While Míriel had concerns about upcoming meeting between the council and the Human Doctor Alexander, Elohiem was relaxed and was more inclined to talk about other things. Primarily the Doctor's role in the coming events, of which both of them knew little about.
''You still have not told me of what you have seen, Elohiem.'' said Míriel.
''That is because there is not much to see, I see shadows and afterglows. I feel movements both in the Warp and in the Webway; something stirs in the depths. Something moves in both places, yet I cannot see it," answers Elohiem, deep in thought "I can feel it, I know it is there, but I do not know its motivations or its purpose. The one thing that I am certain of though is that the Harlequins are on the move, called by their master for some higher purpose.''
''How do you know that it is the Laughing God and his servants? Rather than just an unknown warp entity?'' asked Míriel in reply, growing curious.
''I have been around a long time Míriel, I know when the Laughing One stirs. Something doesn't fit however. The Human's being spared, his arrival here on the Craftworld and now this meeting,'' Elohiem said with frustration, ''Something is missing; the Shadow in the Warp, it is looking for something, and I feel as though it may well have found it. What it is I do not know nor do I know its intentions.''
''The Human being here is chance and good fortune for him, as was his survival. You know this, why question it?''
''Was it chance though? How can you be certain Míriel? Why was it that Aredhel didn't kill him, she has done it before. Why did you let him aboard the Frigate? You know that you would not have done that normally. Why would the Council bother seeing him? In fact why would they even debate him staying here rather than dispose of him?''
They stopped walking, the gravity of what Elohiem was saying beginning to dawn on Míriel. ''What are you saying? That our decisions were...Placed in our minds?'' she asked with disbelief
''Chance is exactly that, it does not answer to any one master and never takes favourites. Rarely does it happen for good and it has never happened on this scale before. So yes...I do wonder if something quietly manipulated our minds, and forced our decisions.''
''The Laughing One doesn't have the power to do that does he?'' Míriel asked, rather disturbed by what her companion was saying.
''Maybe, more importantly, why would he bother? That I do not know. Ah, but enough of this grim talk; come, tell me how my beloved mentor fared on her most recent trip to Iybraesil?'' questioned Elohiem, as the pair resumed their slow walking pace.
''Farseer Macha enjoyed her journey, she found their matriarchal society...Interesting to say the least. But she took issue with it in some regards.''
''Oh? How so?''
''She found that their reliance on Howling Banshees was a weakness that could be exploited by a clever enemy, in other words there wasn't enough diversification of troops. Their search for artefacts does, however, grant them good experience in the field. And yes, before you say anything Macha is aware that even though they have many Banshees, Alaitoc has many rangers and they seem to be able to hold their own. A mainstay of Banshees isn't such a bad thing, she just feels heavier troops may serve them more effectively.''
Elohiem smiled, Míriel could read him like a book at times, not that it was too hard but still.
''And how is your sister Lilien these days?''
''Ah Lilien, she is troubled by many things. More lonesome music comes from her windows than jovial. Still, she seems happy enough when in the presence others. Why do you ask?''
''No particular reason, although when do you think you will you see her again?''
''Sometime soon I hope.''
They continued talking for a while before they parted, and Elohiem retreated into his chamber; a circular room that gave him a panoramic view of the Seer Gardens. Many great bookshelves lined the walls and he strode over to one and withdrew a book that caught his eye. The Silmarillion by the ancient Human Author J.R.
He sighed, of all the books to choose it was that one. Picking up from when he last read the book, turning to page 103 'Of Men', he sat at his desk and began to read.
''You're going to have to walk faster than that, the council won't wait long for you to get up the stairs'' Caranthir stated, looking at the tired Human just behind him.
''How about I break your leg, then you can tell me how to do it'' Alexander growled as he climbed another few steps.
''That would waste time we don't have.''
''Yes, yes. It's always about time with you Eldar isn't it'' Alexander muttered under his breath.
''What was that?''
''Nothing, nothing''
''Then stop talking and walk. Back straight, equal balance on your good leg and the cane...The cane Human, not your bad leg...Don't bend it!''
''Damn it man I know how to walk!''
''You're not doing it right!, equal balance not 70% and 30%''
''Would you just let me do it!''
''You'll break the cane.''
''I'll break your bloody neck before I break the cane!''
''Good luck with that.'' a voice said, both men turned to see Aredhel standing there with a highly amused look on her face. Unbeknownst to them both, she had been there for some time now, listening to their bickering.
''Aredhel.'' they both said in surprise, Alexander promptly falling over after losing his concentration, causing Caranthir to look at Alexander sprawled across the steps ''There. What did I tell you? Balance, keep your back straight and your eyes ahead, not down, and don't sway either.''
''That hardly counts, I was distracted.''
''Rubbish.''
''I didn't fall over on purpose, knife ears.''
''Insults won't make you heal any faster.''
''No but it makes me feel better.''
Aredhel giggled: it was such a comical sight to see the Doctor wandering about with a cane, falling over and arguing with her brother, who just couldn't understand why the Human couldn't walk with a cane. Alexander noted with no small amount of delight that it was one of the few time he had heard her (or seen her) show any sense of humour, and it made him smile as well. This only amused Aredhel more, the human laying flat on his stomach giving her a foolish grin from the floor.
''I do believe that it is time for a cup of tea.'' Alexander concluded, picking himself up off the floor.
''Oh yes, and since when were you put in charge?'' Caranthir asked, folding his arms and giving him a smile.
''Well sir, I figured seeing as I'm the one who keeps falling over...''
''And the one who is supposedly 'distracted' too, no?''
''Right, that as well, I thought that it might be time for a breather.''
''A breather?! For Isha's sake Doctor you haven't done anything!'' Caranthir cried in disbelief.
''Oh let him be Caranthir, he'll get it right with practice, and don't you have other patients to see?'' smiled Aredhel playfully ushering him away.
''I'll be back Alexander.'' Caranthir called out before Aredhel shut the door on him. Turning to him, Aredhel tilted her head slightly with a playful look in her eyes and a smile that grew larger every moment.
''Yes?'' Alexander asked cautiously.
''Do I still make you nervous?'' she asked in a teasing manner.
'What an odd question' Alexander thought ''You most certainly do.''
Aredhel folded her arms, still giving him her playful look. ''Oh but you were so brave in the library, I thought you could handle anything.'' she mocked, clearly making fun off his nervous state.
''Well, not anything. I just thought about how angry you would be if I didn't do anything to help.'' he replied, playing along, followed by Aredhal giggling at his response.
''Yes, need I say it would not have worked out for you in the long run.''
''The thought did cross my mind.''
''Good, but in all seriousness,'' her face and voice now resuming a look and tone to match what she was saying ''I want to thank you for intervening when you did.''
''Ah, think nothing of it. In the Guard, you didn't let one of the lads get the daylights pummelled out of him so long as you had strength left. You are no different.''
''Am I not?'' She said with a tone of disappointment, her deep green eyes fixing upon his Blue.
''No you are not. You spared my life, it is only fair that I return the favour to you in some way''
''What are you talking about?''She said, not relinquishing her gaze.
''Is it not reasonable to think that, because you spared my life back when we first met, I should not have done something to help when you needed it?'' He sighed. ''On my world, life is the most valued thing in the Universe, not because we are under oath to the Imperium, not because Humans have short lives, but because it is beautiful and spontaneous. My planet has few people on it, it is cold, empty and far too isolated for the Imperium to bother about. So we value life because death is common, it is easy. Life is hard, being such a sparsely populated world gives us this perspective. Most humans live in a constant state of fear and the fear of death has always dictated our actions, but my world cares little for it; we simply produce men and women who try to protect life, and not take it. In our tongue, the world 'Life' literally means: ''That which happens of itself''. We look at the Snow-Flowers and the Sliver-Trees, and we are quite sure that they don't say to themselves ''You ought to go on living, you have a drive to survive, and you must go on living, it's your duty'. Its absurd to fear death, of course we would rather not die but we don't fear death as you might think. Because if you're dead then you've got nothing to worry about''.
''And how does this relate to your intervention in the Galaxy room?'' She said tilting her head in curiosity.
His Blue eyes locked on to her green in a glare ''Because I got angry when I saw you hurt, when your life was slowly being taken from you. I didn't just drift into Medical school, there is a reason I chose to take that path, many on my world do.''
''Do all on your world think like you?'' she asked puzzled by this strange Human philosophy.
''Of course not, we are still individualistic Humans who venerate the Emperor. We would rather preserve life in all it's beauty, rather than take or twist it. Yet we have little fear of death.''
''I would think that Humans would have a larger fear of death then most other races in the Galaxy.''
''We cannot speak for the rest of Humanity. For us death is just another path, one that we all must take.''
Aredhel nodded slowly before saying, ''I'll see you later.''
And with that, she turned around and left. Alexander was left a little puzzled by the abrupt ending of their conversation but thought little of it and began to walk about the room again. Aredhel on the other hand quietly shook her head as she walked back to her room. Such a simple philosophy might work for Humans, but for Eldar it did not. Even in death were Humans and Eldar so vastly different that they did not even have the same fate. Endless torture or confusion for Eldar, and for humans...well she did not know where their souls went.
A few days passed and the time came for Alexander to appear in front of the Craftworld's Council. It would not be, as he was later told, a private affair. In fact any member of the public who wished to attend could do so, such was the attention he had gathered while being here. Aside from having to learn how to walk again, he felt thing were pretty good and he was eager to get this meeting over and done with.
He was escorted from the Healers Dome to the Council Tower by two Dire Avengers: he knew by reputation that these warriors did not take kindly to any tomfoolery, they being some of the most merciless troops the Eldar had, and he therefore thought it best to do exactly what he was told when he was told to do so.
Although before Alexander's escorts arrived, Caranthir came to inform him of how things would proceed. He would be asked to identify himself, his rank and any titles or honours he may hold. The Council Representative would then inform him why he was there and after any sort of evidence was brought against him, he would then be free to defend himself as necessary.
Given the mood, Caranthir felt that it was an ideal time to present Alexander with his Imperial Navy Uniform that he had been wearing when he was first captured. It was clean and no longer had any tears or rips in it, the gold braids and buttons shining like the sun. His boots were also well polished and his cap was sharp. Caranthir informed him that his mother had stayed up all night mending it for him.
''What on Earth for?'' Alexander asked, clearly surprised that Caranthir's mother of all people would do it.
''Ha! I believe she used an old Human saying, 'When one walks to the gallows, one must always look sharp, can't have them thinking that it's just another petty criminal being hanged now can we?'" He smiled.
''Well...Give her my thanks will you?''
''I shall, good luck Doctor.''
''Thank you." With that Alexander saluted and was lead away by his escort.
The hall in which the council had gathered was a large circular room, roughly 30 metres tall, with a number of Repulsorpods where the audience viewed what was going on below them. The floor where the trial was to be held had twelve seats arranged in a crescent shape, and it could rise about 10 metres from the ground in order to be in full view of the audience present. This was done by a powerful magnetic pulse underneath the elevated part of the floor. Traditionally the hall was used as a court of order, where discussions on cultural and social policy were discussed. Great banners of the Craftworld lined the room and the walls were a lavender colour. Like in the high council chamber's, there was a circular motif in the centre of the floor. The celling was a great glass dome that gave the hall it's natural lighting.
Elohiem took his place at the council, while he had confidence that things would go in his favour he couldn't help but feel nervous. He never really bothered too much with the political intrigue of the Craftworld, but this time he had no choice; he was adamant that the Human stay. He had gone about gathering as many alliances from the other Farseers as he could, but he knew all too well that the Autarch's had been doing the same.
Truthfully, everything that he did was only to even the odds, the Human had to defend himself, and he had to do it well. No emotional appeal would work here, it must be fact and it must be clear. By now, all council members were present and the amphitheatre was packed with a good thousand or so Eldar that had come to listen to the Human's trial.
The council members present were: Farseers Altariec, Dahtarioc, Míriel and Macha, Autarch's Mauryon, Aloec, Hethaeliar and Elenwë, Grand Master of Scholars Galion, Master Scholar's Mithrellas and Nimrodel and finally himself, Farseer Elohiem.
The hall hummed with noise as the audience talking in husehd tones and the Council making small talk amongst themselves while they waited for the defendant to arrive. When the time came, a guard pressed a button that let out a low chime to indicate that the Human was here, and the ampitheare fell silent. Two great doors opened and the Human, along with his two Dire Avenger escorts entered. Much to the surprise of those present, the Human wore a full Imperial Navy dress Uniform, which was indeed spotless.
Alexander nearly had a heart attack when he entered the chamber, he had never seen so many Eldar before, in the audience he could see Aredhel, Edrahil and Caranthir, along with their parents, sitting in the front left side of the room. A wave from one of the Autarch's dismissed the Avengers and Alexander was left alone in the centre of the room at attention stance, with all eyes present fixed on him. As someone began to speak, an Eldar scribe began to record the hearing.
''Your Name?'' Autarch Elenwë asked.
''Alexander Weber.'' he replied firmly.
''Rank'' She continued.
''Medical Officer, First Class Trauma Surgeon, Imperial Navy.''
''Do you hold any Imperial titles?''
''No Ma'am.''
''Military Honours?''
''Yes Ma'am.''
''They are?''
''Silveret Wings of Valour, the Nightingale Medal, Emperor's Cross and the Admiral's Sash.'' Alexander stated clearly, the last Honour causing Elohiem to smile.
''You may stand down, Medical Officer Weber'' Farseer Dahtarioc said, and Alexander stood at ease, leaning heavily on his cane.
''He'll break the cane if he leans too much on it.'' Caranthir whispered.
''Never mind about the cane!'' Edrahil hissed.
''Officer Weber, you have been brought here for two primary reasons. Firstly, you are here by order of Farseer Míriel, who kept you alive so that you may be used to assist in medical procedures aboard our fleet in the Pegasus System Campaign. You will be judged on your performance during that period of time, this you understand?'' Autarch Aloec said.
''I do Sir.''
''Secondly, you are here to answer for the damage caused in the Palace of Asuryan and the fight that occurred there with Eldar Ranger Lúthien, this you also understand?''
''Yes Sir''
''You should also be aware that this council intends to decide your fate. If you do stay here then it is...Unlikely you will be able to leave freely''
''Understood'' Alexander said grimly.
''The Council requests Healer Caranthir stand'' the Autarch said to the Audience, and Caranthir did so.
''By your account, how did this man preform his duties and what say you about his performance?" Farseer Altariec asked.
Speaking in the Eldar tongue Caranthir said, ''Medical Officer Weber preformed his duties adequately, he has shown not only that he is willing to learn but that he is more than capable of doing so. Though he has a tendency to be both arrogant and headstrong. Under my guidance he has learned several healing techniques to treat and heal burns and shrapnel wounds, and learned basic surgical skills and basic treatment of the nervous system. I would also like to state that when treating the wounded, he has shown great patience and care for the welfare of all his charges. He has given me no cause to be concerned.''
''Thank you Healer, please be seated.'' Farseer Elohiem concluded.
''The Council requests Ranger Aredhel stand.'' Autarch Mauryon said to the audience, Aredhel stood.
''According to our accounts it was you who first made contact with Officer Weber on Pegasus III, correct?''
''Yes.'' she replied.
''It would also seem that you have known him for the longest amount of time, please tell this Council your observations of the Human's behaviour and personality.''
Aredhel thought for a bit before replying. ''Medical Officer Weber has shown an interest in our culture and history on more than one occasion, he has shown that he cares little for 'race' and identifies the wounded as victims of, and I quote, ''a totally pointless war.''
''Have you at any point in time, seen him as a threat?''
Aredhel couldn't suppress the small smile that escaped her when asked that, ''The Human before you is one of the least threatening things in the galaxy, he is curious and opinionated, but no, I have never feared him.''
''Thank you Ranger, you may be seated.'' the Autarch finished.
''Doctor, do you feel as though...you have some sort of...future purpose?'' Autarch Hethaeliar asked, giving a sideways glance at Elohiem. Alexander was caught off guard by the bizarre question.
''No...not at all.'' he replied
''Are you...a mutant?''
''No.'' he replied quite firmly.
''Do you like it here?'' Grand Master of Scholars Galion asked. There was a silence before the Doctor replied.
''For the most part yes, I do.''
''For the most part?''
''Aside from the insults, the spitting, the fight and the social isolation I have received from most Eldar, I do enjoy being here. It is a privilege few humans receive and I am grateful, and rather humbled, that I can observe you in your home. Such a place does not exist within the Imperium, this you are aware of I think. And no, I don't blame you for your actions.''
Again Elohiem smiled at his last response.
''By your account, what happened in the Library?'' asked Master Scholar Mithrellas.
Alexander then proceeded to tell the council his version of events, unbeknownst to him, the council had already sought Lúthien's version of events, obviously the two did not hold many similarities, though the Human's version was more believable.
The floor is now open to any present who wish to voice their opinions on the matter.'' Master Scholar Nimrodel offered to the audience. It was quiet for a time before someone spoke.
''I wish to speak.''
''Your name?'' asked Elohiem.
''Ranger Maedhros.''
''What say you ranger Maedhros?''
''In regards to the incident at the library, while I cannot speak for the Human's actions as I do not know him, I can speak for Ranger Lúthien. I have known him for some time now and I can say that since the death of his sister, he has reserved a special hatred for Humans. Whilst many of us have indeed lost someone, or at very least know someone who has, to the Imperium, Lúthien goes...Too far. He cares little for Human lives and has taken many unnecessarily or against the wishes of those who have lead or still lead him. While I do not agree with the Human being here, I can say that I am not surprised that Lúthien took the path he chose. Before the incident, he expressed great anger at the human being here and berated Aredhel for taking care of him. On that note, to find out that Lúthien had assaulted Aredhel is a great dishonour, and if she feels as though the Human is trustworthy then I for one, trust her judgement.''
Aredhel was flattered by Maedhros and her mother squeezed her hand warmly. Maedhros was after all, a highly respected ranger.
''Is there anything more you wish to add, Officer Weber?'' Elohiem asked.
''No Sir.''
''Very well, and what is this councils decision?''
A few glances and sideways looks hinted at the political alliances that had been formed.
''What will happen if he stays here?'' Míriel whispered to Elohiem.
''He stays with me until I know his purpose.'' he replied quietly.
''All those in favour of abolishment, raise your hands now.'' ordered Farseer Dahtarioc, and five hands were soon raised.
''Abstention?'' the Farseer continued, followed by two hands being raised.
''Those in favour of keeping the Human here until such a time that he holds no more use?'' Five hands were raised. Deadlock.
''Those who have abstained, now is your final chance to change your decisions, Master Scholar Mithrellas and Farseer Macha, What say you?'' Farseer Dahtarioc asked. Silence building before one spoke.
''I assert my decision not to vote'' Master scholar Mithrellas said and all eyes turned toward Farseer Macha, who looked long and hard at the Human before looking at Elohiem, then returning her gaze to the Human.
''I cast my vote in favour of keeping the Human here.'' she sighed Elohiem nodded, he thought she might do that. Alexander was more than surprised, he had wagered that he would be thrown out, if not outright executed.
''Very well, with this issue concluded by the council, I declare the matter settled, and the Human my pupil. He shall be my charge until I deem it fit to release him.'' Elohiem concluded.
''You-'' Autarch Mauryon began.
''Surely jest?'' Elohiem finished for him, ''No I do not: this way he will not do anything that I do not hear of. Is this acceptable?'' the council murmured their approval. ''Excellent, then have him brought to my chamber in the West Wing. I now dissolve this council seating.'' Both the council and the Audience began to shuffle out of the chamber and Elohiem went to thank each of the members who voted to keep the human on the Craftworld.
A time later Elohiem finally sat down with the Human in his chamber.
''I'm glad that you can stay with us, but be warned should you do anything that makes me regret my decision, you will find that we can be far more brutal than you can possibly imagine. Am I clear on that point?'' the Farseer began.
''I will keep that in mind.'' Alexander replied carefully.
''Good. Now then, seeing as you are officially my pupil I will teach you all you need to know about staying alive here. Your medical skills will be put to good use, I assure you, but for now I would have you reflect upon your time in the Imperium and learn from it. I have little use for someone who knows only one thing. I will teach you wisdom and I will teach you patience, I suspect you will need them in the future.''
''What does my future hold exactly?''
''A good question, as much as it is up to you, it will be shaped by events and people around you. No one is truly in command of their future, most just react to the present.''
''But nobody knows what the future holds exactly, how am I supposed to prepare for that?'' Alexander asked with confusion
Elohiem smiled. ''That is a skill that comes with time. Now...Here is what you do to survive on the Craftworld..."
The days drifted by and Alexander spent most of his time learning many different thing from many different people. If the Eldar operated on a routine then he could not figure it out. Some days he would find himself in the company of Caranthir, who would teach him more skills in healing ranging from surgery to treating poisoned wounds.
''Now see the odd colour here? The grey-blue sort of colour? That's not a natural poison, so it must have been caused by...?''Caranthir said waiting for an answer.
''Shrapnel?'' Alexander asked
''Well it was made by someone so yes and no; shrapnel caused the wound but it was probably a spray on the shrapnel that caused poisoning. Do you know what kind of spray was used?''
''No, how do I find that out?''
''Well each poison gives a different colour to the infected tissue. In this case the poison was caused by lead.''
''Oh, is lead poisoning common in Eldar?''
''No this is purely hypothetical, now explain to me one way we can treat this poison.''
''Cut out the infected tissue?''
''That may work on areas that haven't been infected too heavily but if there was too much poisoning and in a vital area say the liver for example, then we do this...'' Caranthir walked over to a cupboard and removed a vial with a clear liquid in it. He dropped a small portion of it onto the infected tissue and Alexander watched it slowly begin to heal itself.
''What In the name of Terra is that?'' Alexander asked in amazement, he would have killed to possess such a treatment back in the navy, but Caranthir just smiled.
''This my dear fellow'' he said returning the vial to the cupboard, ''Is a lesson for another day.''
Other days he would learn Eldar mythology and the cultural differences between Craftworlds from Edrahil, though for what reason, he could not tell.
''Who is this again?'' Alexander asked, pointing to a mosaic of a particularly huge Eldar who was coloured in red, yellow and traces of black.
''That is Kaela Mensha Khaine, the God of War'' Edrahil said with no small amount of fear in his voice. ''Our warriors pay tribute to him before battle. Each warrior embodies a particular aspect of Khaine.''
''Oh. Why does his hand drip with... Is that blood?!''
In some of the most ancient of tales it is said that a mortal Eldar warrior named Eldanesh fought Khaine after refusing to submit to him. Khaine killed him and his brother, Asuryan, King of the Eldar gods, cursing him to drip with the blood of his mortal victim forever.''
''Sounds a bit grim if you ask me.'' Alexander said once Edrahil had finished his tale.
''It does doesn't it?'' Edrahil chuckled in response.
''So what happened after that?'' Alexander asked, interested to know more.
After a time, the Eldar race fell to its darker indulgences and after many centuries of hedonistic acts, the Chaos God Slaanesh was born, and devoured all the Eldar Gods aside from the Great Fool known as Cegorach, who fled deep into the Webway," said Edrahil solemnly "Khaine was shattered into a million pieces during this time, and now, every Craftworld carries a piece of him at their heart.''
Alexander thought Edrahil was speaking metaphorically, but little did he know, the man's words were true.
At the end of each day he would spend time with Elohiem in a place call 'The Chamber of Dreams'. A great hexagonal shaped building in the middle of a place called 'The Seer Gardens'. During this time Elohiem would teach him how to meditate on past events. Initially the things Alexander would focus on were based around what he learnt from each of his tutors. Elohiem could tell if his mind wandered to other things that were 'less productive', 'time wasting' or his personal favourite 'Fantasies that should not be thought about lest they come true'. Over time Elohiem had him meditate on his time under Capitan Somers back in the Navy, memories that he had forgotten about would sometimes come back to him:
''ATTENTION! CAPTAIN ON DECK!'' Lieutenant Strauss called out across the room and all hands present snapped to attention stance. Capitan Somers looked at his crew, his stern face and tired amber eyes drilling into the soul of each man who met his gaze.
''Deck at ease.'' He said, and all hands stood easy but losing none of their attention. ''Lads, I'm not going to lie to you, it's rough business patrolling the Emperor's highways and there's all manner of foul things out to get us. Today we are guaranteed some action, but beware, for the foe we are about to face loves his surprise attacks. It is said that he walks in the night and that the dark of the night is only a poor reflection of the darkness within his soul. Few people ever see him and fewer still survive long enough to speak of their encounters. It is a Xeno race even more foul then those we have encountered before: we must be quick and we must be patient. Let him come to us, for if we look for him, we shall never find him. The order is: action stations, Lieutenant...''
''Aye sir?''
''Beat to quarters.''
''Aye Aye Sir. BATTLE STATIONS! COME ON NOW!''
Alexander was standing next to his master when the alarms went off, men running up and down the corridors. Doors sealing shut and all manner of machinery activating.
''What's going on Sir?'' He asked his Master, who was quietly reading a book and smoking a pipe.
''Battle stations.'' His master replied without losing focus on the book or his pipe
''What? What for?''
''A battle.''
''Yes...Sir, I meant against who?''
''The Nightwalkers...''
''Who are they?''
Now his master, upon putting his pipe and book down, focused solely on his young apprentice, and the old man's face went hard like steel. His red eyes, fixed in a glare, met his young apprentice's ''The Dark Eldar.''
The vivid feelings of despair and horror brought Alexander out of the memory. Often he would find himself shaking and sweating as it was the worst memories that would be discovered first. One that particular occasion he knew that the horror he felt was for naught, by the time the battle group had arrived, the Imperial trade convoy had be destroyed and the Dark Eldar had long since passed. No survivors, which wasn't surprising. After such meditation, Elohiem would ask what he remembered;
''We were on our way to answer a distress call from a nearby trade convoy. Capitan Somers had addressed the crew before hand, saying how with faith, and big guns, we would win. I was in one of the medical bays, with my Master...''
''Your Master?'' Elohiem asked
''Yes. I was only an Apprentice then, so I was assigned to a more experienced medical officer who was tasked with teaching me things... Outside that of theoretical teachings. You know, the things that just can't be taught in books.''
''I see, let us continue talking while we walk'' With that both men, Eldar and Human, stood and began walking out of the Chamber back to the West Wing where Elohiem's Quarters were. Incidentally, once Alexander had been declared Elohiem's pupil, he stayed in the west wing as well.
''So I was in the med. bay, when all the alarms sounded. Letting us know that we were close to leaving the warp and to man our battle stations. Which was in the medical bay for us so there wasn't much we could do. He told me that we were going to face the Dark Eldar.'' Alexander continued once they were outside in the Seer Gardens. Great trees, that looked similar to oaks, lining the path on which they walked.
Elohiem released a quiet 'ahh'. He stared at Alexander for a moment before nodding slowly. His face briefly showing signs of disgust. ''And did you?'' he asked.
''No. By the time we arrived the Dark Eldar had long since gone. Which was fine by me. The way my Master looked at me when he said who we were to face... I have never seen a man filled with such hatred before.''
''What of the convoy? What did you see?''
''When I looked out the window...'' Alexander looked away for a moment before continuing, ''It was on fire, it was literally burning from the inside out. Massive hull breaches and red glows in the windows... My friend on the bridge said he could hear screams from inside the ships when he tried to hail them...''
''Often our Dark kin like to play games with the Imperial Navy. They leave some alive to see if you will help, and while you are in the middle of rescue, they strike again. If only for fun. Seeing as you are here I assume you didn't bother trying to help.''
''Capitan Somers told us later that it would have been cruel trying to save them, but he has... Had been around for a long time. I think he knew about this 'game' the Dark ones like to play''
''Many older Commanders do, they have survived long enough to know. You were brought out of that memory because of fear, yet you did not know what or who the Dark Eldar were at the time...''
''It was not the only encounter I was to have with your brothers.'' Alexander replied darkly
Elohiem stopped walking, and looked Alexander in the eye ''They are not our brothers'' he said coldly, a glare forming.
''I fail to see how you differ. To me, like so many other Humans, you are both one and the same.'' Alexander said, his eyes no longer betraying the level of distrust and anger he felt toward the Eldar race as a whole. Elohiem in turn fixed Alexander with a gaze so powerful that it would have made even a hardened Space-Marine think twice about making such accusations. There was silence for a time before the Farseer began to slowly shake his head while staring bolts into Alexander's eyes and speaking in a blood-curdling tone;
"They are called the Dark kin for a reason. Cousins they may be, related perhaps, but the same? Your words fall laughably short from the truth." Elohiem replied, "They have no concern for any well being except their own, they kill and hunt the citizens of the Craftworld for it is all a game of who can survive the longest under the harsh gaze of the Great Enemy."
He took a couple steps forward so that he towered over Alexander, "Many aboard Biel-Tan have fought the Dark kin, and lost loved ones to them. For the sake of your pitiful predicament aboard my home, you would think it wise never to repeat those words... Again. You ask how we differ, it should be clear even to a human. One will not hesitate to extract your spine while keeping you alive. Their murderous laughter in your ears. We, as you should know by now, will not.''
The gravity of what he had said, or rather the gravity of his insult, now fully dawned on Alexander. Elohiem towering over him only served to reinforce this point, and soon he felt very sick.
''I... I apologise, Farseer. I didn't know.'' Alexander stammered and he looked down, away from the Farseer's piercing gaze.
''No, you did not, but I am not so simple as to think that your statement was without its justification. Craftworld Eldar are not as peaceful as we would have others believe. But I will not have you confuse us with those who make no attempt to better themselves. Do not go uttering such nonsense in front of my kin for not all will be so forgiving.'' Elohiem began walking again, his voice now returning to his usual, light and jovial tone. ''I also assume that for you to feel that way about the Dark Eldar, you must have some history with them. I would advise you to make peace with whatever it was they did to you, if only so you do not insult us again.''
''I will try.'' Alexander said, his head still facing down. No longer did he feel anger, but ashamed. Ashamed that he could be so ignorant, ashamed that he allowed himself to be so blinded by hate that he could not see that larger picture.
''Look at me'' Elohiem ordered, again stopping and looking down at Alexander, but this time the Farseer's eyes held sympathy rather than anger. ''I know you did not mean to say what you did. You are not the first to feel that way about us and nor shall you be the last. I only ask that you try to understand our perspective. We are not the Dark Eldar, we are so different from one another. Learn about us, then can you say whether or not we are one and the same. Until then, make peace with your memories and hope that better ones come soon. Understand?''
''Yes Farseer. It was-''
''Foolish of you, yes, it was. But it is something I can understand, after all'' Elohiem said with a smile, ''You are only Human. Now there is still some time left before night falls, and you have had a tiring few days. Go take a walk in the Garden child, enjoy the day's end.'' With that the Farseer began walking away before he got too far, Alexander called out to him
''Farseer''
''Yes?'' Elohiem asked turning around
''Many other Eldar would have decked me then and there for saying that, especially after what I've been learning. Why do wish only that I learn more?''
Elohiem smiled, ''He that breaks a thing to find out what it is has left the path of wisdom. I don't wish to harm you Alexander, I would rather you understand and that takes a great deal of time and patience. What good would hitting you do? it would only serve to reinforce your opinions of us. Go now and enjoy yourself, I shall see you later'' With that the Farseer turned around and began to walk away and Alexander was left to contemplate all that had been said.
Thanks to:
AlwaysBetOnVoid
HolyFurryFish
Kate-CorvusAlbus
KINGTIGERACE
