My Apologies, I had to take the chapter down to go through a few things with a friend. But its up now, in all its glory. Still has a few problems, so if you come across any major ones, let me know.

It should be noted that in this chapter we venture away from the realm of 'what is' and make a brief excursion into the realm of 'what could be'. That is to say, we have no fuckin idea what 'could be'. The future is clouded and constantly changing and all that. So while some of you may take issue with the lore in this chapter be aware that nothing is certain. Especially where Eldar are concerned.

In any case, here you go. Please do comment and review, and I will say that while it may take a while for the chapters to come along, the story will be finished. I don't like leaving things half done.


''Some souls die in battle, some die in their sleep, and some die for no reason at all''-Unknown

Major Agustin Leedras surveyed the scene in-front of him, an entire city, his city, burning. Great sky-scrapers now nothing more than towers of rubble, the streets where children once played were now graveyards for the dead, the artillery not even having the decency to bury them. The great parks, some of which circled the entire city were now nothing more than ash. There wasn't a part of the city that was untouched by the present conflict. The city itself stretched on for miles, exceeding what the naked eye could see. The fires that now raged across most of the city looked surprisingly beautiful in the evening light, but that was of little comfort. The great library, which once held records that pre-dated the Great Crusade, burned. That hurt, it being one of the few things in this city that was worth saving. Yet it was not for lack of trying, 5,000 men had died in its chambers, fighting an enemy that couldn't be seen never mind killed. But even that paled in comparison to the schools. Once, children's laughter filled the playgrounds and corridors. Now...little bodies filled them, laughter replaced by silence. The tomb of a child is something no one wants to see.

3 days ago the enemy launched their surprise attack, 3 days ago Agustin was given a battlefield commission to Major, 3 days ago he was given the hopeless task of defending and repelling whoever or whatever it was that dared attack his city. 3 days of no sleep, of constant fighting and retreat lead him to this exact moment. Standing on the top of mount Veldidena, Leedras listening to to the rat-tat-tat of distant bolter fire, and the deep thud of the artillery and surveyed his failure. Three guardsmen stood behind him in an uncomfortable silence before one spoke.

''Sir….will…..will they be here in time….the Space Marines,,,,they will come for us right?''

Leedras's heart sunk even further than it was, he couldn't blame the guardsman for thinking that. There were always rumours about the great Space Marines fighting on the same front as the Imperial Guard, at very least it bolstered moral. Unfortunately, this wasn't the Imperial Guard, this was just the PDF, totally expendable in the eyes of most Imperial commanders, more so than their own men anyhow, and the rumours were false. Leedras knew this because it was he who started them in the first place. What else was he to do? He had hoped that the rumours would spur the men, keep hopes high and all that, but in reality all it did was get good men killed in hopeless positions clinging to blind hope. What was it the Imperial creed taught? 'Hope is the first step on the road to disappointment'.

Sighing the major turned around and looked his men dead in their eyes ''Gentlemen, believe me when I say, we are not alone. The Imperium is coming for us, we need only hold out for as long as we can''

That gave the group some flicker of hope, the Major assigned the men their watch before being left alone on top of the mountain, which was more of a hill really, looking over his once proud city. 37 years in the Imperial guard had taught him that men were expendable so long as they got the job done. If one man out of 20,000 was left standing at the end of a fight then the fight was worth it and could therefore be counted as successful. But civilians? that's when it got really blurry, if he got 20,000 men killed to save 10,000 civilians….was that a success? In theory….no, it would be a failure, 20,000 able bodied men to save 10,000 old, and sick? Total failure. Yet Leedras could not help but wonder what the point was then, in winning, if everything he fought for was dead anyway. He pondered this for a moment before his thoughts were interrupted by the collapse of another sky-scraper. Its top spire dropping through the interior of the building, causing the whole thing to collapse into itself. Watching it fall was both immensely fascinating, and immensely sad. 37 years, only to retire and then be dragged back into service in defence of his home-world. This wasn't how it was supposed to be, he spent years fighting on other worlds defending his home, he shouldn't be fighting here. Footsteps broke his thoughts.

''Sir….The men have set up the camp, and guard duty has been assigned….would you like me to have your supper brought to you here or…..''

''What do you make of that Antonia?'' Leedras asked, gesturing out towards the city.

''Sir?'' the female captain replied

''That...out there...the city…..tell me what you see''

''I see my home burning, and I want it back'' she said firmly

''Hmmmm'' Ledras replied absent mindedly

''You don't sir?'' the woman asked with no small amount of impudence.

Leedras was quiet for a time before replying. ''I have fought in many wars Antonia, and I have seen a great many cities burn, some were ours, others were not. It is….strange to think that this one should be any different.''

''It is your home as much as it mine'' she said

''Yes….it is, but….I do tire of war''.

''Does that not mean that you want this war to be won as soon as possible sir?''

''No war is short captain''

Both of them were quiet for a time, both looking at their once proud city brought low. The fires spread fast as there was no hills or valleys to slow the spread of the flames, the city was flat, the only hill was the one they were standing on. News had reached them that many other cities on the planet were undergoing the same unfortunate fate. No reinforcements were coming. Leedras then said to his female companion. ''I shall have supper in my quarters, alone if that can be arranged''

''Yes sir'' the captain replied and she began walking away, just before she left however she stopped and asked her commander a question.

''Sir, you have fought in many wars, you said so yourself that the burning of this city is not so different from the many others you have seen, why then are you so indifferent to its suffering?''

''You misunderstand, I am not indifferent, I am confused. I fought in so many wars in the belief that by fighting them somewhere else, I….we...would not have to fight them here, on the home front….A naive thought I suppose''

The Capitan simply nodded and walked away leaving the major alone. Once again alone, the major closed his eyes and listened to the screams from inside his head, screams of civilian and solider alike…..The screams of children…..The screams of his failures. After a while, they all began to sound the same. He then heard a dull thud, and felt as thought someone had come up and punched him hard in the chest. Looking down, he saw a rather large hole in the lower part of his body. Leedras treated this new development with indifference, not quite grasping what had just happened. Soon he lost feeling in his legs and slumped to his knees, blood running from body and forming pools around him in the dust. Agustin Leedras took one last look at his city.

It is strange, how at the end, we finally reach the peace we constantly seek in life but can never find. All burdens are finally lifted from us and we find ourselves willingly slipping into death and her warm embrace. It was in his final moments that Leedras came to realize this, a small smile crossed his dying lips, and as his body fell onto its side, a last thought raced across his mind.

''Finally''.

''Lle ume quel Alqua'' Maedhros said, observing Aredhels kill. ''But do try to aim for the head or the heart, it is quicker that way'' he continued.

Aredhel acknowledged this before the pair moved on searching for their next target.

Aredhel awoke in her parents home, heart racing and a dull throb from inside her head slowly receding. She calmed herself, breathing in and out before realizing that it was early morning and so far as she could tell she was the only one awake. She did her morning routine of bathing and getting dressed then mediating and practicing a few mental exercises before wandering downstairs and seeing her father in the garden.

''Quel amrun Ada'' She said walking over to him. Amdír opened his eyes and returned his daughters greeting, gesturing to her to sit beside him on the garden bench.

''You rise early this morning'' Her father said

''I could not sleep''

''Is something on your mind?'' he asked, gazing out at the spaceport.

''No, just restless'' she replied. Her father did not reply and for a time the pair watched the stars in silence.

''Have you decided what path you will choose?'' her father asked.

''I shall decide soon, first I have friends to meet with. Maedhros has gone and Feanor…...dealt with'' She said sadly. ''But others still remain and I should like to spend some time with them''. Her father simply nodded. Amdír understood the difficulty of changing paths, he had done it enough times himself and would no doubt do so again in the future. Again the pair sat in silence for a time before Aredhel spoke.

'' Ada, have you been bothered by your dreams as of late?''

''No, I have not. Why do you ask?'' Amdír asked, turning to look at his daughter, surprised at the strange question.

'' I have been. I do not know why, but I have had trouble sleeping and with these dreams comes head pains''.

''What are these dreams of my child?''

''They are memories Ada. Faces of lives I have claimed in battle.'' Her father motioned for her to tell him more and she continued; ''I do not wish to see the dead, I wondered if it was a common occurrence to experience this''.

Her father was quiet for a short while before responding. ''Each life we take in battle affects us differently. Perhaps something recently has reminded your mind of an event many years past and your mind is searching for some comfort or reason. 'Tis no surprise given the events of last night. Perhaps that is the source of your troubles.''

''Did you experience similar dreams?'' Aredhel asked

''I have had my fair share of nightmares child, you need not doubt that'' Amdír said. ''But I cannot say I ever had pain accompanying them, perhaps you should ask Caranthir for a tonic or herb''.

''I shall, Diola lle Ada'' Aredhel said before moving back inside to be greeted by her mother, who was preparing the morning meal.

'' Quel amrun amal'' Aredhel spoke

'' Quel amrun Melamin'' Her mother replied, ''Will you be joining us this morning?''

''I shall for a while'' Aredhel said sitting down

''What do you intend to do today my love'' her mother asked sitting down next to her. ''You have explored enough have you not?''

''I intend to spend time with friends, I have been….distracted as of late and have had little time to see them.''

''I see, well enjoy yourself, but do not linger too long in the void between paths''

''I shall not, so long as I have you to guide me'' She replied with a sly smile.

The rest of the conversation revolved primarily around the events of the Harlequin dance the night before. Aredhel's mother was full of vigor and delight this morning. Such an event was unheard of and for a child to be granted to one of Biel-Tan's more...lonely inhabitants was generous indeed. To what end however, none could say.

''Breath in….And out...Again please'' Alexander listened to the irregular breathing patterns of his most recent patient. The Eldar obviously not please at being told what to do by a Human.

''Cough'' Alexander said, and the Eldar complied. '' The wound is healing and your Lung has regrown significantly, another few weeks and you will be fit to return to your shrine. Until then you stay here, where we can keep an eye on you. Aggravating the wound wouldn't be recommended''

The Eldar muttered something under his breath as Alexander left. The doctor Limped back to the room he had claimed has his own, put down the crystal data pad he used and rubbed his temples. His headaches were getting worse by the day, a pain that felt like it was splitting his head open. A very least it made it difficult to work, especially when under stress. At their worst, everything was white noise, drowning out everything else. Not that he told anyone of course, he would deal with it later. A knock on his door broke whatever scattered thoughts he was trying to gather, and he grabbed his cane and limped over to open it. Caranthir stood there.

''May I trouble you for a moment?'' The healer asked

''Not at all, please.'' Alexander said gesturing for him to come inside. They sat down and Caranthir began to speak while Alexander poured them both a glass of water.

''I trust you have had no trouble with your patients today'' the Eldar began

''None whatsoever''

''Good''

''Why do you ask?'' Alexander asked

''I wish to ensure that you integrate as...seamlessly as possible''

''How has that been going?'' Alexander asked curiously

''Despite a few complaints we seem to have accepted your presence. That is to say many of us still disagree, but we do so silently.''

''Ah, and how do you feel?''

''So long as you keep being useful, and do more good than harm, I see no reason to remove you.''

''I will bear that in mind'' Alexander said cautiously, handing Caranthir his water.

''Please do. You should also know that the council of healers has met to discuss your participation in last cycle's surgery. They have also informed the Seer council and the war council''

''Alright, pray tell. What did they think?''

''In short they believed that an Eldar could have preformed the task better and in half the time. Yet because no other healer needed to step in and because the patient is recovering, albeit very slowly, they have recommended that you undergo further training. If you wish''

''If I wish?''

''The council felt that you would respond more positively if you thought you have a choice. You do not, of course. Should you refuse, you would be removed from the Craftworld.'' Caranthir replied in a matter-of-fact tone. His eyes narrowing as if to reinforce his point.

Not one to let his pride be dented quite so easily Alexander had to ask,'' Could you be more specific on how an Eldar could have preformed the tasked better?''

Caranthir smiled at him,''It is no fault of yours I assure you we are far more complex than you may realize''

''I insist, please, tell me what the problem is''

''You can only heal the body 'mechanically' not spiritually or in a psychic capacity. As I said this no fault of yours. Humans cannot heal Eldar to the same extent as our own species because they lack the emotional and psychic maturity. Our problems are deeper than humans realize. If a warrior is hurt, she must first be called back from Khaine and into the embrace of Isha. A seer must turn himself away from warp, and allow us to calm him. Healing is not a pleasant experience for an Eldar. Each individual must commit, absolutely and totally, to the act of healing or being healed. They must surrender their will and submit to Isha's will. To do this a healer will tap into an Eldar psychic link and 'call' them back into the realm of the living. You, as a human, simply cannot do this.''

Alexander grew frustrated and with his frustration, his headache worsened ''Well shit, if that's the case then why was I allowed to preform medicine. Because it is becoming more and more obvious that I, being Human, am totally unequipped to deal with…..everything''

Caranthir took a sip of water before replying ''Because you showed potential''

''So I am doomed to forever show potential but never actually grasp it fully?'' Alexander snapped.

''We all must preform to the best of our abilities. It does not matter if others are better, there will always be those who surpass us in skill. Do not waste your time lamenting about how useful or how great they are, focus only on bettering yourself.'' Caranthir said in a gentle tone, his eyes showing the briefest hint of pity.

''What would be the point in that? To see the Eldar, in all your skill, and know that no matter what, I can never reach your level…..Have you any idea how maddening that is? How demoralizing? Riddle me this: Why did you bring me back alive? What was the point?'' Alexander said, almost yelling. His head hurt, and it felt like someone was clutching his heart and was squeezing it tightly. His anger was barley contained at this new revelation. Caranthir on the other hand calmly took another sip of his water.

''I did not bring you back alive, that was my sisters' doing. If you wish for answers I suggest you start there. If however you truly are so demoralized, you could leave.''

''No'' Alexander said defiantly

''Then be silent. Rise to the challenge, regardless of how impossible it may seem. Try, that is all I ask. Do not falter and do not waver. You told me once that you wished to help, that you saw beauty in the Eldar. The path you now walk may not have been your doing but you are here now, so what are you going to do?'' Caranthir said calmly, his features showing no signs of anger or frustration. Alexander on the other hand, struggled to think clearly, his anger barely contained.

It was some time before the doctor spoke.''I wish that this had never happened'' Alexander said in a resigned sigh.

''Do you think that you are the only one to wish for such a thing? Many find themselves in situations they would rather not be in. How or why they came to be in such circumstances is not for us to worry about. All you need to decide is what to do with the time that is given to you. Do not waste your time fighting something you would rather not win''

''What would know of it? How can you say I would rather not win this battle?''

''You are not the only one to struggle against fate, and you will not be the last. I have seen many an Eldar struggle against their fate. They cling to the past, to what might have been. They do not understand that what is and what was are two different places. One cannot be in both places at once. Alexander Weber the surgeon is no more. You are now Alexander the healer.'' Caranthir leaned forward and looked Alexander in the eye ''Do not look back, do not falter. Struggle forward, there is nothing else you can do.''

Alexander sat there pondering over what Caranthir said, his head throbbing, blurring his thoughts. After a long while he got up and made his way to the door, before leaving he quietly said''Please tell the council of healers that I accept….. and would like to stay.''

Caranthir smiled as Alexander left the room. Finishing his water the healer made his way to the shuttle port planning to enjoy a cool glass of greydrop when he got home. But first, Farseer Elohiem had to be informed about the Human's erratic behaviour.


Ixia Wayport was unusually quiet, a few shuttles zipped about here and there, a few frigates and cruisers remained moored on the exterior of the craftworld but aside from that, there was nothing. Except for the Harlequin's ship of course, an eclipse class cruiser, sleek in design like most other Eldar craft. Its sails retracted close to the hull. The only distinguishing feature was it's interesting colour scheme of reds and whites. Elohiem waited for a time, pacing back and forth, before the shadowseer he sought finally emerged from the craft. Her long robes matching the colour of the vessel she came from flowing behind her.

''You have been waiting for a while'' the shadowseer began ''I apologize for keeping you, but time carries forward, we must be brief''.

''Of course, but….I have questions that need answers.'' Elohiem said.

''I suspected as much. Our arrivals usually have such affects on those we visit. What would you like to know?'' the shadowseer said with a teasing tone.

''The child….'' Elohiem began.

''Ah. Remarkable is it not? Some would say a miracle, to form a child out of thin air. Yet you, I suspect, would find more cause to be concerned than relieved.''

''Nothing comes without a price, I fear that we would not be able to pay it. Why my sister?''

''Your concern is understandable. The price of this gift is something that only time will reveal, and only time will reveal whether or not you can pay for it. Your sister was chosen, why and for what purpose I am not at liberty to say.''

''Then how do I know I can trust you?'' Elohiem said defensively. The Shadowseer laughed, a joval and pleasant hum that sounded like the wind rushing through trees. Yet her face remained hidden behind her mirror mask giving no indication of her true thoughts. She calmed herself before replying.

''You don't. But what other choice do you have? Will you sister give up the child that she has so long desired? I think not. This child has a purpose, yes, but do you really think that Cegorach would allow this child to harm the Craftworld?''

Elohiem realized that the shadowseer would not tell him all he wanted to know, only that which he needed. He bowed and made the gesture of gratitude and thanks before turning and leaving. He had not gone five paces before the shadowseer spoke.

''What of my questions?'' She asked in a playful tune. ''You have been busy as of late no? Tell me of the Human''

Elohiem stopped and turned around not surprised that the Harlequins knew of the Human's presence, ''I suspect there is much you know already'' He said

''Not as much as I would like. I am curious. Why have you kept him alive?''

''He serves a purpose of which I am currently unaware…...nothing more'' The farseer replied his facial features and eyes betraying no hint of doubt. The shadowseer cocked her head to one side and was silent for a short period time before stepping forward a few paces.

''I do not believe you, Elohiem of Biel-Tan. This may have been true when you first met him, but it is no longer so. You know him now, at least in some small way and so you cannot simply dismiss him once his purpose, whatever it may be, has come to fruition.''

''Do you know what his future holds?'' Elohiem asked, somewhat perturbed at what the shadowseer had said.

''Pain….A great deal of pain. Other than that it is unclear. His fate must be allowed to run its course. In no way are we to intervene, not when it is so uncertain. His fate is now bound to the fate of the Eldar.''

''How?'' a surprised Elohiem asked ''He is a Human''

''The galaxy is in turmoil, The Human emperor is dying. As the end times approach, the fates of our two races become ever more intertwined. It is not our place to question why these things happen, we need only concern ourselves with survival. If this is the way, then so be it.''

''He has some part to play in coming events?''

''So it would seem. Tread carefully Elohiem of Biel-Tan. Fate is a fickle mistress, and she has a violent temper.'' A loud chime then rang throughout the spaceport terminal, signaling that the Harlequin ship's inevitable departure.

''I bid you farewell Shadowseer, May fortune favor you on all your journey's'' Elohiem said before bowing. The Shadowseer returned the gesture and returned to the ship. Elohiem then caught the next shuttle back to the dome of seers, he felt the need to once again consult the runes, and possibly the infinity circuit. Perhaps the dead could offer some insight into the bizarre circumstances that surrounded the Human doctor and the Child that had been summoned.