Author's Note: First of all, sorry it took this long, but things like university, sickness, a bit of writer's block and such got in the way. Plus as you will see, I'll introduce quite a few new things in the new chapters, which I haven't seen in other stories before (be it fanfiction or novels), so I had to work them out, like Yaidev's new Path (kinda important for the next couple of chapters) or concepts unique to Saim-Hann/Saim-Hannian clans. I've split this chapter into two part again, since I've once more managed to make it slightly above the 12.000words...so next update next week.
And second, thank you for the reviews and PMs; I really appreciate them and I hope I've been able to answer everyone's questions properly.
Path 3
…
The Apprentice Part 1
She already had her hand lifted, but hesitated before she knocked against the wraithbone door.
Yaidev had left the shrine of the Singing Scythe some time ago and after a while of pondering about her options, had finally decided where she should go first. She wasn't sure what reaction she could expect and so Yaidev simply took a deep breath as she waited, feeling a little tense and nervous.
Without so much as a sound the door slid open and she looked at an eldar with raven hair and the eyes of a hawk. She could not help but smile just a little, if somewhat sheepishly.
"Yaidev!" Her smile was exchanged for an expression of astonishment, when Derahnim suddenly threw his arms around her. They had been friends for a long time, but she hadn't expected an embrace; then again they were both still young and thus much more inclined to openly express their emotions then older eldar.
It lasted perhaps a second, then her friend released her again and looked at her, almost as if he was not believing his eyes. "Hello, Derahnim."
"You are perhaps the last person I expected to see this evening, but all the more am I glad you came. Please, come in." He told her with a smile and stepped aside to make room.
Yaidev nodded and entered his apartment, immediately finding herself in the living area, a large room with a low table at the center surrounded by cushions, a few stairs to her right leading to the other chambers, a nook at the other side of the room serving as a private library with a comfortable lounger. The walls were of a warm red, the furniture of a soft beige, while plants added a bit of green here and there.
"I realize it must be strange that I simply show up after disappearing without a word." The female eldar began as Derahnim invited her to sit, while he himself retrieved two slender glasses and a carafe with red wine.
"I worried for you." He admitted, his smile gone and handed her a glass. "I'd seen the procession at the Infinity Circuit held by your clan, following the duel and after I hadn't seen or heard from you I began to search. Eventually I tried the Circuit and was able to sense your presence in the Temple of Khaine." He sat down himself. "Needless to say, I was very distressed by that discovery. And I still don't know how you came to walk that accursed Path."
Yaidev felt a small surge of annoyance, her brow knitted. "Allow me to correct you, Derahnim. As barbaric as it might seem to you that Path has helped me greatly in the…" She stopped briefly. "How long have I been gone?"
"Thirteen years."
This caught her off guard. "Really? It didn't feel that long." She replied slowly, her voice low. For a moment Yaidev stared at the glass in her hand, watching the wine sway back and forth in it. It was perhaps not long, given the lifespan of her kin, but it was still longer than she had expected. Time apparently did pass differently for an Aspect Warrior.
Softly she shook her head. "Be that as it may, the Path of the Warrior provided me with a clear mind and yes, even peace."
"You did not always think about the Warrior's Path in such a positive light." He noted evenly.
"That is true, but now I have experienced it for myself and it has changed things. You ask how I came to walk upon it?" She sighed and took a sip before she began, her voice calm, yet even now she didn't look up from her glass. "I was called to attend to an honour duel between my aunt Shadira and a member of the Wrathbringer clan. As you already might have guessed, she was slain in that fight. I was overcome by anger towards her killer, my clan and even my own father. I was enraged by how little her life seemed to mean to them."
"And you went to the Temple of Khaine." Derahnim concluded, his voice low now.
She nodded. "I wandered around, until I found myself in the temple; I suppose I was drawn to it. There I encountered several Aspect Warriors, whom I told what I was feeling, until a Dark Reaper decided that the teachings of Maugan Ra would suit me best. The others agreed and I was led to the shrine."
Both remained silent for a while after Yaidev had finished, their glasses now on the table, mostly untouched. Yaidev admittedly felt better, now that she'd explained her long absence, though it was impossible not to notice that her friend was not pleased with the Path she'd taken.
"But now that Path is complete, I've overcome my anger." She continued. "And I'm not certain how to return to my kindred, considering how we parted…though from what I've heard they were pleased with my studies as a disciple of Khaine."
There was again a brief pause, before Derahnim sighed and gave his advice. "As I've ever been without a clan, I know I can never fully understand the position that you're in, or what the Stormriders mean to you. However I would advise that you should solve this with them, especially your father, or this all might never be completely mended and ever remain a sore point for you." He noted and briefly pondering something. "Still, on the other hand it perhaps would be for the best if you were to separate from your clan for the time being, so you learn to make decisions for yourself without always considering how they will view them."
Yaidev shook her head. "I can't; they are my family."
"They might treat you with more respect now, but only because you were what they wanted you to become; a warrior." He mustered a subtle smile. "I never cared whether you participated in battle or not."
That much was undeniable. "I know and I'm grateful, but I cannot turn my back on them, not while things can still be mended, as you yourself have said. If I alienate myself completely now, I might never have a chance to return." She leaned back in her chair and let a hand run along her arm, in a comforting manner. "It's a risk I'm not willing to take."
"Even after how they've treated you in the past?"
She nodded. "As I've said, the Path of the Warrior gave me a new perspective and I would lie if I denied the happier days before I became a poet." And she still remembered clearly her father's expression, when their eyes had met at the Nua-Haras. "I know they care. In their own manner."
Derahnim was clearly displeased now. "I simply fear you could grow too dependent."
"Didn't you say that you couldn't understand the position that I'm in?" She replied somewhat coolly. "I thank you for your considerations, but this is still my decision and my mind is made up. Believe me, I've already spent many hours considering my options; and I had thirteen years to do so." Yaidev ran a hand through her crimson hair. "The question was not 'if'." She reminded him. "I will go to them."
If she was honest with herself, she had hoped that Derahnim would be supportive and further bolster her up. There was a reason why she'd come to him first and not her clan or parents.
"I see your stubbornness has not suffered in recent years." He pointed out after a while, in an attempt to easy any tension between them. "If anything it has grown stronger."
"It may be a bit early to make that particular assumption." Yaidev replied, her voice softer again.
He nodded. "So, when would you like to confront your family?"
"As soon as possible." She was somewhat nervous again, but she was very well aware that postponing it would not help matters.
"Tonight?"
A nod. "I hope you don't mind me leaving so soon."
"Of course not." He assured her. "As long as you don't disappear again."
She chuckled softly, relieved that the mood had lightened a little. "That is not my intention and once I've settled and found my next Path, I promise I will seek you out once more."
"So, we shall see each other more often in the future?" He sounded hopeful and Yaidev smiled again.
"I believe so."
When the young eldar reached the home of the Stormriders there was little activity in the dome. Few eldar wandered about, though in many windows lights still shone. None crossed her path as she walked beneath the trees to the greatest and most majestic of the many towers, the home of her family. It was white as bone, though ivy was covering it partially like a green veil and a great banner with the two golden, intertwining snakes huddled against the wraithbone, catching the eye of anyone approaching the building.
The entry was circular and open, with only a red curtain blocking the view. Just as Yaidev was about to enter, another eldar pushed the cloth aside to step outside and he was clearly surprised to see her. She recognized him as the head of one of the Stormriders' many families, thus a high-ranking member of the clan.
Simultaneously they bowed their heads to each other. "Yaidev nionis an-Thalduin; we had not expected your arrival." He welcomed her neutrally.
"And I did not expect to be here." She replied. "Please, tell me; where can I find my father?"
He stepped to the side, keeping the curtain open for her. "You will find him in his study; he currently prepares his lectures."
"Many thanks, my Lord Feionn."
Feionn nodded with a friendly, but barely noticeable smile and let her pass, only continuing his way once she was inside. Yaidev knew her way around and without paying heed to her surroundings her feet brought her to the spiral staircase and carried her up several storeys. Finally she found herself near the top and in front of a door with the semblance of dark wood.
Her body continued to act on its own and her hand touched upon the wraithbone. Soundlessly the oval door slid open, warm light welcoming her. The gems along the round room's walls imitated perfectly the blaze of candles, casting warm colours upon the beige wraithbone. Beneath the light-stones artists had placed a mosaic that went once around the room like a belt, showing Stormriders in glorious battle or performing daring stunts.
Yaidev's eyes did not linger with them however, as her gaze fell upon Thalduin. Like most Saim-Hannian he preferred to sit on cushions or carpets on the ground, rather than chairs like on some other craftworlds; in this case it was a crimson rug, which was incredibly soft-looking.
He was at his desk, his eyes on the holographic sky-blue screen in front of him, his fingers flying over the equally insubstantial keyboard. When the door opened he looked up and when he gazed upon his daughter, she saw surprise. With a wave of his hand he let both screen and keyboard disappear into thin air and rose, his red robe rustling as it brushed the carpet. "Yaidev, j'in nionis." His voice was relatively quiet, but loud enough for her to hear.
"Athari." She replied almost evenly and respectfully bowed her head; it was both custom and compensation for her departure all those years ago.
He approached her with a slow pace. "I have waited for this day, though I'm admittedly surprised that you chose such a late hour." The tips of his right hand's fingers touched her cheek and the ghost of a smile appeared on his lips. "Our clan would have gladly welcomed you home."
Yaidev could not help but frown a little for a mere second, but swiftly recovered her neutral expression. For now she would give him the benefit of the doubt. "They will hear of my return soon enough, but only this evening have I learned that my journey upon the Path of the Warrior is completed." She paused for a moment and her heart quickened its pace once she continued. "And I believe there are matters we should discuss."
"Undeniably." Thalduin admitted, his smile gone, though his tone was not unfriendly, merely factual and with a gesture of his hand he invited her to sit with him on the cushions at a window around a small table. "Had I known of your arrival, I would have prepared refreshments."
"I require none." She assured him and mustered a brief smile of appreciation for his considerations.
They sat down on the sand-coloured cushions at opposite sides of the table and for a moment the two eldar remained silent. Yaidev felt her body growing more tense, but she did her best to ignore the sensation.
"I must admit your shift to the Warrior's Path was something we had not anticipated."
"How did you learn about it?"
Thalduin sighed softly at first. "At first we simply noticed that you had vanished. You were neither present for the Nua-Bilain festival, nor the celebration of Shair-Ian and you could not be contacted. So eventually I turned to the Seers of our clan, who discovered that you were in the Shrine of the Singing Scythe. Not long after, they told me that you had participated in the battle of Nal'Shadar."
Yaidev had begun to smile a little as her father had spoken; they had actually cared for her disappearance. "Yes, it was my first battle, though like those that followed, I remember it only like a dream."
Her father nodded knowingly. "For that you should be grateful. A duel or skirmish one can do without relying on the war-mask, even find enjoyment without losing oneself." For a second there was a smirk on his lips, before it vanished just as sudden. "But true battles are different. The horrors you see, the crying of the wounded and the death of one's people and clan. They are not only distressing, but also distract; as chief of the Stormriders it would be foolish of me to relinquish the mask, for without it my mind would... 'sway', ever occupied, ever drawn to the newest occurrence. In turn this would result in only more casualties. Tell me: how many battles have you seen?"
"Three, athari." She replied. "Though the second was merely the slaughter of the orkead you herded to us."
"Ah yes, I recall. There was not much glory to be had, but at least much satisfaction. And according to the reports we've receive from the Outcasts, there has been no ork activity since."
His words were followed by a pause and when Yaidev spoke again, her voice was lower, her words deliberate. "I didn't think you would welcome me with such warmth." She admitted. "Not after the way we parted."
Thalduin sighed. "Both our hearts were heavy with anger and sorrow that day." There was still sadness in his voice and could have sworn hints of regret. "I did as was expected of me, what tradition demanded."
"Perhaps some traditions are not worth keeping." She carefully added for consideration.
He shook his head. "These traditions are what make us who we are. What happened to my sister was a tragedy, but thankfully a rare one. These duels have prevented more bloodshed and deaths than caused. We are warriors, proud and yes, often hot-headed and the duels as barbaric as they may seem to the rest of our kin are a part of us, a necessary one. For them to become obsolete all of Saim-Hann would need to change." Her father leaned back and looked at the mosaics. "But then, would we still be Saim-Hann? The Wild Riders?"
Yaidev gave no reply. It was a question of what one deemed more important; to some identity was worth defending and preserving at any cost. Admittedly Yaidev did not know where she drew the line. She loved her craftworld, she admired their heroes of both past and present and she cherished many of their other traditions and festivities, some so ancient that only the Exodites and very few craftworlds still celebrated them.
"I'm glad you have returned." Her father's voice, now soft again, drew her attention away from her considerations. "Your mother and I have missed you greatly in these past years, not just the last thirteen. Even though you studied the deeds of our craftworld's warriors though the millennia, you alienated from us. You had never fought, never felt the thrill of battle or experienced the pain…never had you seen death, not until Shadira. It of course did not escape our notice; how could you understand us all, with what little you had lived through yourself? That is why we more and more pushed you to battle with us, to finish the poet's Path and return to live with us. We feared we could lose you completely."
She could have told them that they had been too aggressive, too hostile. That they should have been open with her, but at this point Yaidev was simply…glad. She was joyous that her parent's had been driven by concern and apprehension, not so much disappointment, anger or scorn as Yaidev herself had feared for quite some time. Gods, how much lighter she felt; even breathing suddenly felt easier.
The young eldar smiled and closed her eyes. "Are those tears, nionis?" Thalduin asked her, his voice still friendly and warm.
She chuckled mildly and shook her head. "No, the light must play tricks on you, athari." Both knew she was lying and when Yaidev opened her eyes, she saw that her father was smiling kindly at her. She had hoped, but not expected for things to go so smoothly. Were things truly so easily mended? Outsiders liked to speak of the close bonds within a kindred and in this moment they seemed to be speaking the truth. The bond certainly felt closer than it had in a long time.
Before either of them could pick up the conversation again, the door opened and Yaidev saw her mother, whose usually composed bearing seemed to have been abandoned for the time being, her dark brown hair waving.
"Cheritari, I have just met Feionn…" Her eyes fell on Yaidev and for a second she stopped in her tracks. "My daughter."
As she approached, Yaidev rose to her feet. "Mother."
She wanted to formally bow her head, just like she'd done with her father, but her mother cupped her face gently with a hand before she had a chance. "My eyes do not deceive me; you've truly returned." Alandis spoke, her delight obvious, her smiled filled with relief. "Too long have you been gone from these halls."
This time Yaidev could feel her heart leap in her chest and keeping the tears from her eyes turned into a challenge, one she thankfully managed. "And I have missed my clan; to have its appreciation once again is both heartening and humbling."
Both sat down, Alandis right next to her daughter. "We have heard rumours of your exploits thanks to our Seers." She explained, confirming what Thalduin had told earlier. "While the circumstances were regrettable, we were proud that you'd found your way into the ranks of the warriors. We had eagerly anticipated the day that you would become a disciple of Khaine, so you could make the last step to adulthood."
A peculiarity of Saim-Hannian Wild Rider clans; as proud warriors, they only considered those who had shed blood in battle an equal. Though Yaidev would be considered to be a young adult by most eldar, on her craftworld and for her clan, she had been a child until her first kill.
Alandis continued. "We were equally glad to hear that your shrine did not participate in Zephyrblade's campaign."
"I never heard of it." Yaidev confessed, surprised to hear that there had been another conflict. "Did something happen to the Autarch?"
Her parents' expression suddenly turned serious and rather grave, making the young eldar frown; what calamity had come about? It was her father, who replied. "Autarch Eliac Zephyrblade and his clan attack the humans on a world they call Gnosis Prime. Eldar had once, millennia ago, begun to turn it into a Maiden World, but had given up on their endeavour around the time of the Fall. Eliac believed that it was enough reason to challenge the Cresistauead for Gnosis."
"And he wanted to make up for his clan's absence in the defence of Nal'shadar." Alandis' contempt for the chief of the Zephyrblades was plain; this wouldn't be the first time that the two clans were of…differing opinions.
"Indeed." Thalduin agreed with a nod. "He gave them an ultimatum; to evacuate or die. Cresistauead being what they are responded in a truly vulgar manner and naturally defied the Autarch, who then invaded the planet, using the ocean as his landing zone."
Yaidev had no fondness for the humans, but it seemed foolish to challenge them for a world so recently after a conflict with the orkead. Not to mention that it was somewhat pitiful that a clan chief and Autarch of Saim-Hann would be insulted by the words of a few Mon-Keigh; he should be above that. "Did other clans participate?"
"Only a few of the Wrathbringers and Moonchasers, since after the battling the orks most had no interest in fighting the humans, especially as we have no means of holding a newly conquered world. But, using speed as his advantage, Eliac managed to outmanoeuvre the Cresistauead, crippling their forces and then brought death to the civilians." Yaidev was admittedly astonished to see that her father was apparently greatly displeased by the slaying of the latter. "Mon-Keigh or not, a true and honourable warrior would know the difference between slaughter and battle. And he would not flee once the true opponent appears." Flee? "And he wouldn't ally himself with the fallen ones."
The young eldar's obsidian eyes widened. "The Eldarith Ynneas?"
Thalduin nodded grimly. "Yes; he allied himself with a kabal of the dark eldar, leaving the remaining humans to their...'mercy'." As barbaric as many viewed Saim-Hann, it was not comparable to the horrors the Eldarith Ynneas were capable of and Yaidev felt how her face grew paler. "It was a long campaign and after a year of battle the Losseainnes known as Space Wolves appeared in the system; by then Gnosis was little more than a graveyard and their leader vowed to avenge his kind." A year? How many of her kin had fallen because of that folly? "He and Zephyrblade clashed in battle and the Losseainn almost slayed the Autarch, who managed disappeared with his host back into the webway and return to the craftworld." So this was what her father had meant earlier; Autarch had truly gained nothing in his ventures, neither for Saim-Hann nor himself.
"His actions brought great disgrace upon Saim-Hann." Alandis proclaimed, anger in her voice. "I have no love for the humans, but there was no reason to challenge them and lose so many of our kin to their forces…not to mention that disgusting alliance." Her mother's opinion was surely that of most of their craftworld. "We pride ourselves with being among the first to turn from and leave behind the corruption that claimed our ancestors and now he turns to those clinging to the same depravity that almost destroyed us all."
"All true, Cheritaris." Thalduin spoke, his tone now much calmer and he was obviously trying to appease his beloved. "But, let us no longer talk of such atrocities, for this is a day of joy for us. Besides, there are other, more important matters we must turn our attention towards. Yaidev's Maida Rha'Kerunas." The last coming of age ritual, the one that would make her an adult in the eyes of all Saim-Hannian.
Alandis' mood brightened instantly. "Indeedd; now that you've finally seen battle, it is time you become a full member of our clan. And then you will ride with us into battle." Yaidev smiled mildly; she'd wondered, when they would speak of that again. "I'm certain the Dark Reapers have given you valuable lectures, but as a Wild Rider your place is with your kindred in the skies."
Thalduin chuckled briefly and quietly. "Patience; I'm sure our daughter will live up to all expectations or challenges set before her, in due time."
The 'final hunt of morning' was something Yaidev had eagerly anticipated as a child…and now again. To be a full Stormrider with all rights; she'd be allowed to take part and speak in gatherings, to participate in votes and much more. Of course following the ritual she would have to prove her worth and ride with her kindred into battle, but she had no doubt that her family would prepare her. They wouldn't want the young eldar to embarrass the clan chief; failure in battle was easily as long remembered as was glory.
Yaidev felt that there was much ahead of her, more than she'd first anticipated upon her departure from the shrine and it was a little worrisome. Earning her place was only the first step; keeping and living up to expectations would be a long road indeed.
Sleep had not come easy at first, but once it had claimed her, it had been unwilling to release her anytime soon again. Not since her childhood, decades ago, had she slept for so many hours. She'd spent the night at her parents and so her mother had been the first to welcome her after awakening. While she'd been much more composed than the night before, her delight about Yaidev's return had still been evident. Strange how thirteen years on the 'right' Path and separation could change things. Hopefully whatever Path Yaidev would find herself on next would not undo this again.
Actually that was probably most important now; she needed to find a Path. Her mind was dangerously unprotected and even now that she was to become a full member of the Stormriders, she needed to build herself a new life on her own. This was a fresh start after all and it almost seemed to her as if the Warrior's Path had been some sort of cocoon for her. She certainly felt more determined and spirited than before.
For the purpose of her search, Yaidev was now wandering across the craftworld, looking for inspiration, something that beckoned her, like once the tales of poets or the lure of Khaine in her time of anger.
It was past noon and still nothing had awakened her interest, but she was patient. Dark Reapers knew how to wait; all they needed to do was to be in the right place at the right time.
She continued on, walking across a roofed bridge over a hundred meters above the 'ground', leading to a dome further below. Gliders and small ships were flying across the craftworld and Yaidev watched them absentmindedly as they darted between ivory towers with crimson designs and other structures. The bluish-white star in the distant threw a ghostly light upon Saim-Hann and it seemed as if the towers were made of ice, while the enormous sun sails that spread like wings at the rear of the continent-sized vessel, glistened like nacre.
Yaidev stopped when she reached the end of the bridge and her ears picked up soft music, a beautiful melody full of life. Of course; one of the Bonesingers' domes, the Dome of boundless Creation. In the hall beyond the archway in front of her, the eldar's craftsmen built everything, from mere household objects to war machines out of wraithbone, with the music of their numerous instruments.
It was therefore not surprising that they were all skilled musicians in their own right. Many of the Bonesingers would move on to walk the Path of the Artist, specifically to become musicians and finally compose songs and operas of their own, ideas of which had probably already begun to form in the years they had shaped the wraithbone. Others became Artisans and sculptured great works of art for the Halls of their craftworld, statues so lifelike that one would expect them to move at any moment.
Intrigued by the songs Yaidev went through the archway and entered the dome. Like sequoias numerous towers of varying soft colours rose to the ceiling, where they melted into the struts of the dome, which looked remarkably like intertwining branches; there were even leaves of wraithbone on them. The ghostly sunlight shone through both struts and branches and with the lightly green-tinted windows it was reinforcing her impression of having entered a sparse forest. For a moment Yaidev was mesmerized by the beauty of the sight before her.
Actual trees could not be found here, different from other regions of the craftworld. Instead Artisans had created trees of wraithbone. The shimmering constructs could be found everywhere bordering streets or between buildings. At one tree Yaidev spotted an eldar playing on a flute-like instrument and watch with some surprise as the leaves slowly turned from bright green to a mix of yellow and red.
Spread across the hall itself were also large houses with broad, concave roofs, workshops of the different Bonesingers, the front half usually open at three sides with only a few columns stabilizing the building, so potential clients could freely enter and examine the craftsmen's works for themselves.
Yaidev had been here before and knew her way around fairly well. Roughly the dome could be divided into four areas; one for the Bonesingers specialized in creating everyday tools and object, another for the constructers, who were the caretakers of Saim-Hann's physical shell, a third for the armour and weapon smiths and at last the 'shipwrights', who created the vehicles of the eldar, from Jetbike to Titans and Cruisers. It was a city in itself.
Allowing her mind to drift a little and indulge the music that softly whispered to her from all sides she walked further, every now and then finding herself watching the Bonesingers. Most used wind instruments, though she also spotted one using something like a harp, though it seemed to have far too many strings for one.
With time one song began to stand out among all. Could this be it? Her heart was racing with excitement and swiftly she followed the intruding sound, letting it guide her. When she looked about again, she noticed that the workshops around her now displayed various weapons and suits of armour, most individualized, likely made at specified requests.
Finally Yaidev found herself in front of a workshop surrounded by several 'trees', their leaves still green. The house itself was of a light brown wraithbone, made to resemble wood, the concave roof grey. Runes had been engraved into the pillars, proclaiming the name of the Bonesinger working here, as well as his specialties. Banners hanging from the roof's edge displayed a white, winged snake on crimson ground with two black strips crossing behind it. He belonged to the Windserpent clan.
Thankfully they were no enemies of the Stormriders and to Yaidev's knowledge they had ever been neutral or friendly towards her clan. Usually she probably would have sought out one of her own kindred, should the Path of Shaping truly call for her, but Yaidev was convinced that it was no accident that she'd been led to this place, just like when she'd miraculously found herself in the temple of Khaine over a decade ago. A craftworld was almost a sentient being in itself and it was known to guide its inhabitants in subtle ways at times. Superstition, a few may call it, but none would deny that their home could act much like a living body and even the souls of their dead rested within its Infinity Circuit. It was far from being a mere vessel.
Confidently she stepped inside. On racks numerous weapons were being showcased, like various swords, daggers and lances, but there were also a few suits of armour at one corner of the oblong room. Yaidev noticed that there were more glyphs in here as well, most on the ceiling. Though their exact nature escaped her, due to the complexity and unusual composition, they seemed to be of a protective nature. It made some sense, given that the wraithbone was a solidified substance of the Sea of Souls; there could never be too many protective measures, even though bonesinging was considered a rather safe line of work. Perhaps they were more symbolic than practical.
In the room's center sat a Bonesinger, garbed in fitting bone-coloured robes, black runes along the hems, a crimson cloth tied around his waist, a sash of the same colour across his chest holding differently sized and shaped bodies for a Bonesinger flute. A fully assembled flute, a main body with smaller ones sticking out at one side, giving the whole instrument the appearance of a curved spine, was currently in his hands. He was playing it with his eyes closed, fully focused on his work.
For a while Yaidev listened and watched, not daring to interrupt, as the blade-shape lump of wraithbone hovering in mid-air in front of the other eldar, was gaining a more and more defined shape. It appeared to be glowing faintly and Yaidev could have sworn that it was humming.
Suddenly the blond Bonesinger opened his eyes and he saw her. The music stopped and he lowered his flute, the unfinished wraithbone sinking slowly to the ground. He smiled in a welcoming manner as he rose to his feet, only to bow politely. "Welcome to my humble workshop." He greeted her warmly, with a rather deep voice for an eldar. He straightened and regarded her for a moment and just as Yaidev was about to say something in return he frowned for just a second and spoke anew. "I am Halandur, but I sense you are not here to browse my wares."
Yaidev was a little surprised; was it really that obvious? "That is true. Are my intentions so plain to see?"
He looked thoughtful. "You are pathless; anyone with an eye for detail would notice it. Or should I say: sense it? I assume you are searching?" She nodded. "Then your presence here, if you aren't looking to outfit yourself, can only mean one thing. What is your name, young one?"
"Yaidev Baharothaís."
Now it was the Bonesinger's turn to look surprised. "I see. No wonder I've never seen you among my own. Would you not rather learn this craft from one of your clan?"
"It was not their music that has guided me. And I don't believe I'm here by accident." Yaidev explained, hoping it would convince him. And perhaps herself; maybe she was reading too much into this.
Much to her relief he gave her a subtle smile. "Ah, it would perhaps be folly to deny the will of Morai-Heg." He jested friendly, though he quickly turned serious again. "You have learned to kill, haven't you?"
It seemed a strange question, but Yaidev deemed it best to answer straight forward. "Yes, I was an Aspect Warrior for a short while."
Halandur nodded. "As were all Bonesingers like me, who now create the weapons and armours for our kin." The Bonesinger stepped closer, continuing his examination, walking around her once. At last he stopped in front of her, looking her directly in the eyes. "Yes, perhaps it is time." He began slowly. "You have been taught to destroy and now it is time you learn to create. Balance is important for a clear and focused mind."
"Would you teach me in the Path of Shaping, honoured Bonesinger?"
"It has been a while since I took an apprentice." He explained and cupped his chin with a hand as he considered her request. "Perhaps it is time for me as well to teach once again. They say when the student is ready, the master appears, but no one ever said that the contrary couldn't be true as well." His words lifted her heart. "However should our clans ever become enemies, you must seek out another teacher."
"Of course, I understand." She dearly hoped it would never come to that.
Halandur smiled softly once more. "Excellent. Now it would be for the best to begin your lessons today, something simple to guide you onto your new Path. The sooner the bettter." He looked to the unfinished wraithbone, lying there peacefully and waiting from him. "But for now I must continue with my own project. I'll have my daughter show you around and give you your new robes; as a Bonesinger, even if you're only an apprentice, you must dress the part. Nionis!" They didn't have to wait long until his call was answered. The curtain leading further into the house was swept aside and a young eldar around Yaidev's age stepped into the shop. She had the same bright green eyes as her father, her hair however was of a lighter brown, currently bound into a simple ponytail. "Yaidev, this is my daughter; Elowyn." Halandur introduced her, as she joined them.
"It's a pleasure." The young woman greeted Yaidev, bowing her head politely, her smile even warmer than her father's.
"The pleasure is mine." Yaidev replied, returning the gesture.
With a hand Halandur gestured at the Stormrider. "Yaidev here has just chosen the Path of Shaping and will be my new apprentice; please show her around and outfit her, while I continue with my work and prepare the first lesson."
Elowyn nodded. "Of course, father. Please, follow me." She told Yaidev and led her to the veil. "It has been some time since my father has taken in a student. You are not a Windserpent are you?"
"I'm of the Stormriders…"
Elowyn stopped and turned back to her. "Nionia Thalduin Baharothaí?" All eldar on Saim-Hann learned the names of the clan chiefs and their closest family members, so they would be treated with the appropriate respect. As Yaidev had not yet completed her Maida Rha'Kerunas she did not have the full status of what could be considered Saim-Hannian nobility; still her standing as a chief's daughter carried weight.
The crimson haired eldar smiled. "I am."
The other woman's eyes widened with wonder. "My father never had such an esteemed student. I hope he's not offended you in any way." Elowyn spoke concerned, the tips of her fingers covering her mouth.
Yaidev chuckled. "Worry not; as long as I'm here I am but an apprentice and my father's daughter second." Though now that she considered it, it could have been a reason why Halandur had been so quick to accept her.
Elowyn sighed with relief. "I'm glad to hear this." Her warm smile returned and she turned around to swipe the curtain aside. "Perhaps this arrangement will even strengthen the relationship between our clans." Silently Yaidev smiled at the other woman's enthusiasm and astonishing optimism, while she stepped inside.
Yaidev had followed Elowyn into a room, which the young eldar at first sight could only label a storage room. It was almost as large as the workshop itself, but dominated by shelves holding all kinds of materials, not only wraithbone of different properties, but also things like metal, wood and glass. In countless bowls with see-through lids, she saw powders of varying colours and shades.
All these materials were no doubt somehow used by the Bonesinger, but in what way and to what end she was uncertain of. However it allured her even more to this new Path. Elowyn in the meantime opened a simple looking chest at the end of the room, utterly unremarkable between the high shelves.
For a moment she searched, before she straightened up again, a bone-coloured robe now in her hands. "Here." She said, offering Yaidev the clothes with another smile. "You will receive your own very soon, but until they have been fashioned, these must suffice. They were mine once; fortunately we seem to be of similar size. I hope you are not offended."
"They will suit me well." Yaidev assured her.
Elowyn appeared to be delighted. "Come; I'll show you where you can change."
Eldar Language:
Nionis= Daughter (based on Gaelic)
J'in= My (Eldar)
Athari= Father (b.o. Gaelic)
Cheritari= (a male) beloved; Cheritaris= (a female) beloved (based on the eldar word Cherital=love)
Cresistauead= Humans (Eldar)
Eldarith Ynneas = Dark Eldar (Eldar)
Losseainnesn = Space Marines (Eldar)
Maida= Morning (b.o. Gaelic)
Rha'... = Last/Final... (b.o. Eldar)
Kerunas = the Hunt (b.o. Eldar kerun = to hunt/hunting)
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Grammar
(Yes, I do that too)
"Nionis an-Thalduin = Daughter of Thalduin / Athari an-Yaidev = Father of Yaidev"; this version is more formal compared to (what Elowyn used) "Nionia Thalduin = Thalduin's daughter", which merely changes the ending of Nionis to Nionia, 'a', because it's feminine.
In case of a male noun like 'Athari' it changes to "Atharu Yaidev =Yaidev's father", the ending being exchanged for 'u'.
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Eldar Surnames:
There are so many, some in the eldar language, others like something you typically find in fantasy novels. So, for my stories I kinda came up with a system as to how this all works.
Here surnames are usually:
-1. either that of the clan/family like Yaidev Baharothaís(Stormrider), Eldrad Ulthran
-2. describe a certain attribute of the eldar like Nuadhu (the) Fireheart
-3 or commemorate/signify a deed or role in battle. I assume Illiac Nightspear could be an example, with his surname being possibly a reference to his role as a from the shadows operating Starstrider(Aliatocii Pathfinder) and sniper.
Additionally an eldar can be addressed by using their parent/s name/s to identify kinship, which we also see in human cultures like with "Erikson" or "Ibn Sina". Here we have "Yaidev nionis an-Thalduin (n'Alandis)"; Yaidev, daughter of Thalduin (and Alandis).
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Answer Section
Eldar weaponry:
I've received a question, concerning eldar weapons, more specifically how they are triggered and I think this would be interesting for everyone.
The thing is some illustrations show them with triggers as humans use them, others do not (which caused confusion), but there is always an area labeled as the "psychoactive trigger", which is the part where the weapon is being held. So 'pulling' the trigger can in the case of eldar refer to doing it manually or with a psychic command, as their weapons are made of wraithbone and 'squeezing' the trigger, as mentioned at some point in this story as well, can just be holding the grip/psychoactive trigger real tight in the heat of battle.