Miriks sat on a rock, feeling useless. Yes, she was directing things, and yes, she was recovering from her injuries, but... still. She sighed, and a light breeze brushed her face as if answering. The morning sunlight wove between the branches of the trees surrounding the entrance to the Drain, illuminating the Eliksni moving about the small clearing. Those previously of Dusk were finishing the necessary preparations to leave their cavern home, strapping bags of supplies and bundles of weapons to Pikes of various sizes, warriors and noncombatants moving together.

Notwithstanding the guards she had ordered in a perimeter deeper into the woods, the Eliksni squinted into the sunlight with fear and anticipation. But Miriks also saw the brief pauses, of Eliksni savoring the warmth on their skin, of digging their claws into the soft grass and soil of the surface. She was also pleased to see their renewed energy, the motivation that was granted by working to achieve something new.

Those that had rejected her Kellship had been allowed to choose their own paths. Whether they stayed in the Drain or left, it did not matter to Miriks; those that had chosen to follow her would never be returning to the Drain. Not many had chosen not to anyway, as their only reliable source of ether —Kaltis— was coming with her. Miriks marveled for a moment; that her words alone were moving an entire community of her people. She hoped she was up to the task.

She watched the cavern entrance just as a large figure emerged from it. It was the Titan, carrying two bulging crates over each arm. The Guardians had remained as they promised, and their presence had been distant but watchful for the most part. It seemed, however, that they had both decided to become more involved.

Just last night, the both of them, Sadaria and the Titan-whose name was Joshua- had approached her and told her everything about the nodes and place that they led to. They had been instrumental in the making of her plan to leave the Drain.

Now, the Warlock Sadaria had departed a little while ago, moving with the scouts to check the intended path, and Joshua, to everyone's surprise, was working beside the Eliksni. He had removed his helmet, showing a hardened face, sporting short black hair and a rough fuzz of stubble on his square human jawline. His normally intent and serious features were lightened by a wry smile, and then Mirks saw her own daughter following him curiously, something small in her own arms. Miriks watched, two eyes closing, as he passed the line of Pikes being packed to where his own sleek vehicle waited. With Liriks hovering silently around him, the Titan clumsily attached the Eliksni crates to the hovering craft. Liriks then offered up her small burden, and the Guardian took it and staggered at pretended weight. Liriks's clear laugh could be heard around the clearing, and turned several heads.

Miriks closed all four eyes to herself, then paused as her comm pinged in her ear. "Eia?"

Canikos's voice came to her. "Kell, the scouts returned. They report nothing of note in our intended path."

"Good. Call them back, we'll need the Pikes. And the Warlock?"

"She's the reason for the report, Miri— Kell Miriks. A squad of Cabal were set to intercept us, but… well, they no longer exist, it seems."

Miriks closed two eyes. Despite his new position as her subordinate, Canikos had retained his levity, and it was surprisingly welcome. "You return as well, Captain. We will speak of plans."

"Yes, my Kell." His tone was that of a soldier, but Miriks heard his joy at saying her title, and hearing his own."

Miriks noted movement, and turned to see Darxhis approaching. He wore a simpler version of his priest robes, the gray fabric reaching to his knees to allow more mobility. He still wore no mask or hood, and his black hair was clean and styled, leaving his eyes bright for all to see. She blinked; it had been a while since she had seen a male take such care in his appearance. He looked… well, attractive. His frame, slim as it was, filled the cloak perfectly, and Miriks could see the curves of muscles in his arms and chest. It had been a while since she had felt such unnerving things, she had held it back for so long after Vanox had died. But now, she felt the familiar tuggings in her heart, and that was worrying indeed.

But she was tired of feeling lonely.

He stood before her and knelt, lowering his eyes. "Kell Miriks, Kaltis is currently at 13% capacity, and at the present rate will be ready for a distribution by the end of this lunar cycle. That is pleasing to you?"

Miriks sighed, rubbing her forehead. "Darxhis… yes. Thank you." She paused, unsure of how to say what she felt. She felt suddenly that she didn't care and went ahead anyway. "The thing that doesn't, is you! Stand, or better, sit with me, Darxhis. I need to say things."

He looked up in surprise, eyes very wide. "My Kell?"

She looked up and hissed in exasperation. "That! Everyone is calling me that, and already I tire of hearing it!" She slid down from her perch on the rock, wincing at the pain, and Darxhis reached out hesitantly, torn between helping her and touching a Kell without permission. She instead took his hand and, using his weight as a support, hobbled around the rock and sank to the ground, facing away from the Drain.

Miriks could feel his surprise, but she -and he- didn't let go, and she felt again the familiar stubbornness rise in her heart. "Sit with me," she asked, trying not for it to sound like an order. "Please?"

He cocked his head curiously, but did so without further confusion or rejection. A weight dropped from her heart. He spoke hesitantly. "What would you have me do…" He paused, and met her gaze. "Miriks?"

She closed all four eyes. "That, Darxhis. I would have you call me my birth name." She opened them and looked to him with soberness. "I know that I am a Kell, and must retain the respect of those who follow me. But…" She looked down. "Even the Kell has their family, those who call them by name." Darxhis's eyes widened in shock, and Miriks backpedaled hastily, brows brightening furiously. "And friends as well! I remember my father and his Barons referred to each other by name on occasion!" She took a breath, and calmed the flutterings. "All I have are my children, and even they look at me differently now. If I do not have something to hold to, I fear that I may forget Miriks and be replaced by the Kell of Stone." She looked back to him. "And before I was your Kell, we were friends, yes? I do not want that to go away, either." She stopped, aware that her emotions were close to overcoming her. "I… hope that makes sense," she said. "If you are comfortable with it, that is. I would not order you to."

Darxhis thought on her words, and she waited. "I know... you wouldn't lose yourself, Miriks." Darxhis closed two eyes. "You will be a great Kell, with or without my support. But I…" He paused and looked down at his hand, the one she hadn't let go of. "I would love to help you in this way, and am honored that you... consider me worthy of doing this."

She gave him the imitation of a human smile he had used on her. "Besides, it would do everyone well to know that their Kell is on good terms with her Archon, yes?"

He chuckled. "Yes, or at least, I would hope so. Given the Kell is you..."

Miriks let go of his hand and shoved him playfully. "Don't line my path with rocks, how would it be if Sekris was instead Kell?"

"Oh, do not say such a thing." Darxhis pretended a shudder.

Miriks laughed, and Darxhis joined her. There was a pause, during which she met his eyes without speaking. Then she moved to stand, and he helped her rise. She sat back up on the boulder. "You are ready to leave, yes?"

"Eia."

Of course he was. Miriks narrowed two eyes, but remembered. "I can only assume you have other duties…"

He cocked his head, considering. "Perhaps I do. But I do not know of any at the moment." Darxhis looked to her, eyes sparkling. "I will remain here until I am needed elsewhere. If that pleases my Kell?"

She looked away pointedly, feigning indifference and hiding her closed eyes. Darxhis did remain, and they were in silence watching the Drain's foot traffic, which seemed to be slowing, more and more Eliksni coming outside to sit in the clearing. It seemed that the preparations for the journey were almost complete. Then her eyes caught something interesting. She pointed, eyes narrowing to see better. "Darxhis, who's that Naksar is carrying?"

"Oh. His wife, Kenki. She is late-bearing, and it is dangerous for her to move too much.".

Miriks gave him a narrow look. "I am a mother, I know these things."

He closed all four eyes and raised a lower limb. "Ah, yes, I knew, sorry...:"

She waved away his apology, two eyes closed, but opened them again quickly. She looked closer, and saw the Captain setting the small Eliksa down on the padded bed of a modified heavy Pike, his personal was sufficient distance to hide most details of her appearance, but even from here, Miriks could see Kenki's snow-white hair. Miriks spoke softly, mind working. "He has not told me he was going to be a father…" Miriks saw the Eliksa take Naksar's hand encouragingly, and he touched her face gently with a lower arm.

"I think," Darxhis began, almost hesitantly, "That may have been the reason he spared you when Tarkis revealed your escape. That you reminded him of her, yes?"

Miriks did not directly reply. "Her hair… She is of Winter?"

Darxhis leaned on the rock. "It… well, it is rumored that she is the daughter of a Winter Baroness. Naksar allowed the rumors, but has said nothing certainly."

Miriks nodded. She would have to meet the Eliksa, it was strange that Naksar had never mentioned her. "One thing is certain."

Darxhis looked to her, curious. "What, Miriks?"

"She is his symbol of the future." She gestured lightly. "See her hair? How long it is? That is an attempt to meet the old traditions, where a Eliksa who does not see war does not cut her hair, and was practiced by the wives and families of Barons and Kells."

Darxhis's eyes went wide, and he reached into his cloak, pulling out a small book of human paper and a leadline. He flipped it open, and Miriks blinked, seeing pages of detailed notes on what seemed to be a great many things. He began writing frantically. "Eia, eia…" he muttered. "Craask's wife, and indeed the Baron's as well, all did have long hair… I did not know that was the reason." He tapped his mandibles with the small utensil. "And I guess that is why Sekris makes Canikos cut her hair every week."

Miriks raised her hand to hide sudden laughter. "Yes, that does… match her."

Naksar, leaving his wife in the care of another Eliksa, began to stride towards them, limping slightly. They both straightened and sobered, Darxhis finishing up his note-taking.

Miriks had, upon achieving order in the Drain, offered to ask Sadaria to heal both of them, but Naksar had refused. His reasoning was valid; they were wounds dealt in a ceremonial duel, and it was a testament to the victor's strength that their opponent heal with the course of time. So Miriks had also chosen to heal naturally, to respect his choice.

Naksar knelt before her, not giving Darxhis a second glance. "Kell Miriks, all who follow you are prepared to depart."

Miriks nodded, pleasantly surprised at how quickly it had all been done. She took care not to look at his handless upper arm, covered in bandages. "Thank you, Captain. Your people are organized and quick; they've been led well."

Naksar merely nodded at the compliment, not meeting her eyes. "What remains?"

Miriks narrowed two eyes. "I know you wish to know more of our journey, Captain. When Captain Canikos returns, then I will tell you all I know."

He looked up then, surprise in his eyes.

She closed two eyes fully. "I will not be a Kell that keeps secrets from those I am supposed to trust. I said I would care for your people, and I meant it, Naksar."

He nodded again and rose, hiding his pain well, eyes lowered in gratitude. "Thank you, Kell Miriks."

She turned to Darxhis. "Machinist Darxhis, please tell the Titan Joshua that it is time to discuss the plans."

Darxhis bowed. "Yes, my Kell." He closed two eyes to her, then departed.

The hum of a vehicle came, and they all became alert, searching for the source of it. A Pike bearing Canikos and Sekris drove into the clearing at speed, obviously not expecting the amount of Eliksni waiting there. Expertly, Sekris guided the Pike in a safe route, and the machine thrummed to a stop beside the group. Canikos leapt off, and after speaking to Sekris, strode over to them. The Captain's cloak was just a tad too big for him, but he wore it well, and Miriks smiled at the happy pride in his bearing.

He inclined his head to Naksar, then knelt beside him facing Miriks. "My Kell, you summoned me?"

"Eia. We will clarify my plans to travel northeast, then if there is no dissent, we will set out thereafter. And please, sit, I do not know how long this will take." The Captains did so, Canikos and Naksar regarding each other with hidden wariness. Miriks watched them calmly. Naksar had made no sign of disapproval when she had made the Marauder a Captain, but making a former subordinate an equal must be a foriegn thing to Naksar.

They didn't have to wait too long, and Darxhis returned with the Guardian behind him.

Darxhis spoke, rather… presentationally. "The Guardian Joshua Grendellson, of the Titan Order of…" Darxhis blinked. "Excuse me, sir Titan, what Order are you?"

Joshua was bowing uncertainly to Miriks while the Ghost-being translated, then he looked up in surprise. "You know of-" Then he looked around at the waiting Eliknsi, and covered his surprise. "The Pilgrim Guard."

Miriks hid her amusement. "Thank you for meeting with us, Guardian Joshua. Please, sit." Her two Captains watched the human closely, and the Guardian hesitated, expressive face betraying nothing of his thoughts.

"I never thought this day would come," he stated softly, and then he looked to those in the circle, meeting their eyes. "Even in the days before Six Fronts, when I guided people to the City and the Eliksni were the monsters at our doors, I wished… for understanding between us." Joshua met Miriks's gaze last. "And now, here, a Kell invites a Guardian to sit with her." He chuckled softly, but it was not a sound of amusement; it was one of wonder, and joy. Bowing his head to her, Joshua sat. "Forgive me, Kell of Stone. I'm just… very, very grateful."

Miriks nodded, closing two eyes to him. "There is no need to apologize, yes? If anything, we should ask forgiveness of you." She looked around the circle. "One day, we will. But now, our path is not fully walked. There is much to do, and it is time to begin this journey." All nodded agreement. She looked to Joshua. "Please, Guardian Joshua, tell us what you know."

The large human cleared his throat, shoving his arm across his eyes briefly. Was that… water in his eyes? "Yes, of course. Constance?" His ghost-being rose, spinning her front section several times. A plane of blue light appeared, but within seconds a three-dimensional map of the area had been created, complete with the areas of control of the respective races. Joshua pointed. "Our destination is approximately 95 kilometers to the northeast, through mountainous terrain. There are ruins of roads, but using current satellite imagery and maps of the area, there are several areas that have been completely destroyed or buried due to earthquakes or battles. Here is the optimal route." An orange line appeared, tracing its way through the hills, rivers, and mountains.

"It goes through Red Legion territory," Canikos noted.

Joshua nodded. "Alternate routes are possible. Barring interference from the Legion, it would take less than a day via Sparrow or Pike to reach the Farm, and within the hour for a dropship or skiff, flying low."

"We do not have enough Pikes to carry everyone," stated Naksar firmly. "My skiff does not have enough fuel for weight-bearing, either. It does have enough for the journey itself, however."

Joshua nodded. "The journey will take less than a week on foot, possibly even within three days, if your people can maintain a steady pace."

"They are strong," Naksar rumbled, "even with the wounds that some received, it can be done."

"How close will we be to the actual site, and do they know we are coming?" Miriks asked, leaning forward. "I know some humans seek peace, but it is not good to push too far, too soon, yes?"

Joshua leaned forwards. "They… do not know. I guess it depends on where Mithrax is set up. You are right, we must be cautious upon approaching."

Naksar spoke then. "What is it that we are approaching?"

The Ghost-being replied, its slightly robotic tones weaving the Eliksni words melodiously, if not with perfect skill. "It is called the Farm. It was a base of operations during the Red War, and is now a thriving settlement."

"What is the importance of this place? It is deep in human control."

"I agree with Naksar," Canikos began, touching the area between his eyes in confusion. "Why, may I ask, are we going there?"

The Guardian looked to her, and Miriks waited until all eyes were upon her. She took a breath. "There, we will meet with Misraaks, the Kell of Light."

Canikos paused, then nodded, remembering Miriks's story.

Naksar, however, narrowed his eyes. The words came slowly, not a question. "I have not heard of this Kell." Miriks could almost hear the multitude of questions that single statement represented. He was questioning validity and authority, not only of Misraaks, but also of her. Yet, he was doing it in the least subversive manner. Naksar was giving her a chance.

She began. "Misraaks was the one who saved my life. He taught me the ways of Light, and it is by his example that humanity and Eliksni could finally begin to think of peace." She gestured to Joshua. "It is because of Misraaks that we are having this conversation in the presence of a Guardian." Miriks thought it best not to specify that it had been Misraaks that had sent her to the Drain. "He has thought out plans to make peace with humanity for many years, and he will have a place and purpose for our people."

Naksar considered her words. "Can this Misraaks guarantee safety against the humans of this Farm?"

Miriks exchanged a glance with Joshua. She met Naksar's eyes. "No."

Naksar narrowed his eyes and lowered his gaze.

Miriks sighed; it seemed the proud Captain needed reassurance. She couldn't give that, but hope would be a good place to start. "After my first husband died, I wandered Venus with my kiks." If he was surprised at her starting a narrative, he did not show it. "It seemed that we would die among those ruins, and I began to lose hope. And then I found an Eliksni. He saw my needs, and my kiks's as well. He offered ether, and safety. I did not know what he would want of me. I could have been walking into death, slavery, or even torture for me and the kiks." She kept her back straight and summoned all of her self-possession, channeling it into elegant strength. Something Naksar understood.

"But I chose to trust, and took the step. It was the first on my journey back, to regaining all I had lost, all I had pushed away." He looked up, and she met his eyes. "Misraaks offered me the future, and I chose it. Now, we have a choice to guide the Eliksni back towards the Light, back to a future filled with painful hope." She narrowed all four eyes, and she channeled her emotions into her words. "You chose me as your Kell, Naksar. Now, I offer you the future. Do you accept it?"

Naksar looked right back at her, expression stone. Then he bowed his head. "I follow you, my Kell."

A silence fell. Joshua's single pair of eyes moved deliberately around the circle, and Miriks let herself relax, even if reluctantly. He didn't entirely understand, yet. But he was accepting her authority, at least, and she had time.

"Captain Naksar, when is your wife due? I do not want to overburden her at such a critical time." He looked up again, surprise visible. She stretched slightly from her sitting position, feeling vertebrae move pleasantly. "After all, we are not under a time constraint, and can take as much time as we need outside of dangerous areas." He didn't reply, instead continuing to look at her in confusion. She gestured. "Go on, Captain. This is valuable information to our journey."

Naksar finally replied. "My Kell, she is due within the week, even as soon as tonight."

Miriks leaned forward. So soon? "Does she require aid with the delivery?"

Naksar blinked. "I… she has Eliksa that attend her. I do not know, truly. Those are Eliksa's matters." He seemed flustered, but underneath that Miriks caught anxiety, a type she recognized. That of a new father.

"Well, now it is a Kell's matter. Captain, contact me when the time comes, and I will see if I can be of any assistance."

"But, my Kell," he began, but Miriks held up a hand.

"That is an order, Naksar."

"Ah… Eia, Kell Miriks."

She closed two eyes. "I have already proven myself to the warriors of the Drain. But they are not the only group where I must show my worth, yes?"

Canikos chuckled. "She's right, Naksar, where would we be without the support of our Eliksa? Still dreg-souled, yes?" Naksar nodded reluctantly.

The Titan smiled, a wry curve on his versatile lips. "Sounds about right to me. Most of my friends are women, guardians or no, and if they aren't happy, you'll know about it one way or the other."

He was a wise man. Miriks restrained her amusement and sat up straight, raising a hand to summon silence. "Please, let us continue. We have time, but that does not mean we should spend it idley. Guardian, if we traveled for eight hours today, where would we be on this course of yours?"

Joshua nodded and continued, pointing and explaining various difficulties they might encounter along the way. Miriks watched, and realized that it was truly happening. What she had set out to do, had been done. These Eliksni were coming with her, to meet the Kell of Light, and even if they did not all understand what the weight of that was now, it only meant that her responsibility had grown. They would know, and she would guide them safely there.

Miriks would do what she could to bring them to the Light.

She narrowed all four eyes. And if she couldn't do that, she would bring the Light to them.

….

Ight! There's the narrative. For the epilogue of Part One, who would yall like to see more? Eramis, or Variks? (PM or review works) I was originally planning on showing both antagonists, but i realized that i would use the same writing style for both, which could get kind of tiresome to read.