Path 4
Seer 1
The shuttle flew smoothly between the spires of Saim-Hann, one among thousands of completely automatic vessels, which brought their passengers to their desired destinations. Yaidev looked towards the craftworld's stern where the ancient architects seemed to have formed an artificial mountainside of spires, singular towers and city spanning domes. She'd never lived far away, the Tower of Travellers, which she had frequently visited was part of this vast construction, but rarely had she ventured this far into the very heart of her craftworld. Flying through it made it appear so much more imposing and grand than just seeing it from beyond the transparent ceilings of her home's dome.
For more than an hour now she'd travelled across Saim-Hann, mostly just enjoying the view, yet both excited and nervous concerning what was to come. She'd never been to the halls of the seers, only ever seen it from afar. But when she shuttle turned around yet another elegant tower it came into the best view she ever had.
Nestled into the heart of Saim-Hann like a town in a valley between two mountains, was what upon first glance appeared to be a vast temple complex. Its centre was a great bio-dome, it's outskirts lined by towers, as Yaidev knew one for each clan of the craftworld. Bonesingers had long ago carved their crests into the ivory wraithbone, large enough to be seen from miles afar.
Yaidev lips made a grim smile. Even though seers were expected to work together for the benefit of all Saim-Hann, similarly to the Aspect Warriors, who's loyalty was first to the shrine and craftworld, not the individual clans, they nonetheless schemed against one-another. Manipulating the future to further the standing of one's clan or knowingly subverting another was frowned upon, yet only if one was caught. The one taboo Yaidev was aware of was intentionally causing another eldar's death.
The only time she'd heard of the seers breaking it was when an Autarch's all too aggressive actions had threatened to bring destruction upon Saim-Hann. He had not heeded their words of warning and the Council had him assassinated, just before he could set the catastrophic chain of events into motion. However only the gods knew how many other times things like this had been set into motion.
Still, prophecies in general were always a bit of a gamble for the seers themselves. False premonitions or failure to create desired events and outcomes did not only hurt one's own reputation, but at times that of the entire clan, depending on circumstances.
Upon this thought Yaidev wondered for a moment if she'd made a mistake, but swiftly dismissed it. No, this was where she needed to be.
Through a lock the shuttle entered the massive bio-dome, the light changing from the cool, white rays of the star to the warm yellow of the small artificial sun.
The seer's dome was truly a town in itself. Around an imposing temple-like, central structure was a vast garden with several shimmering lakes. Paths and bridges connected the countless smaller buildings that often stood in groups spread across the area, their tops occasionally looming over the trees.
The shuttle brought Yaidev to a platform near the central building. A few other eldar had gathered there, some boarding vehicles others having just arrived themselves.
When she stepped out of her transport, she noticed that one eldar was looking at her expectantly. He had long brown hair and wore robes of a familiar blue, though much less lavishly ornamented than the one she had in mind.
"Yaidev Baharothaís?" He addressed her upon approach.
"I am."
He bowed respectfully. "Lord Methran'el has sent me to greet you. If you would be so kind as to follow me, milady; the Farseer awaits you in the Blade's tower."
Of course he'd known she would come, but this was a kind gesture nonetheless. "You have my gratitude."
Her new guide led her down to one of the open-top gliders, which could provide conveyance for up to five people, and as soon as she was seated next to him, they took to the air. Following an unseen Path they flew across the vast, evergreen garden, the airstream letting her hair dance wildly. Her guide did not speak and Yaidev decided not to ask, knowing her questions would be answered at a later time. Instead she looked around, keeping herself distracted from her growing nervousness, which kept pushing itself to the forefront of her thoughts.
They passed shrines dedicated to gods, heroes and revered ancestors, beautiful pavilions and smaller buildings, though their functions were unknown to her. Off in the distance she saw something that reminded her of the typical, semi-circular theatres with its descending rows of seats. Yaidev wondered if the seers occasionally meet there, when they discussed the future of Saim-Hann.
Meanwhile the Blades of Azure's tower drew closer and from above the Stormrider could see that the trees and fields of smaller plants in the immediate vicinity had been arranged to form runes and various pictures. How long had it taken to grow and cut them to such accuracy?
The backside of the tower was fused with the wall of the dome itself, as if it served as a pillar for the overarching structure. Yaidev knew that this however was not the case, having studied Saim-Hann's architecture for her past century, but it was a very pleasing and organic design. It was a shame she'd never had the chance to work on something like that.
Her guide let their glider descend to a designated area hidden among the trees to the tower's right, where a handful of other vehicles were already waiting.
The tower itself had no door, simply a wide opening at the top of a broad, but short staircase. After they'd entered, Yaidev looked up and saw that the structure was hollow at the centre. She could see every storey above them, dozens of circular balustrades. Outside light entered through countless little windows, little more than slits, all across the tower's surface, creating bright spots like distant stars. The only other light sources were brilliant azure crystals that had been arranged along the walls and in key places along the balustrades. A particular large specimen however seemingly levitated at the centre of the tower, far above, giving the interior a purposefully mysterious aura.
The guide was unsurprisingly incurious; to him this had to be a daily sight. "This way please."
They stepped onto a small, round platform that lifted itself from the ground almost immediately, likely due to a psychic command.
Curious Yaidev tried to subtly look about a bit more, seeing only a few eldar around, while most rooms were hidden behind closed doors or curtains. Their lift was in no particular hurry and she noticed that they were ascending to one of the highest storeys. The young Stormrider wondered briefly if one's rank correlated with the location in the tower.
Finally the platform stopped at a floor near the top of the blue central crystal. She continued to follow her guide, who now led her past three more doors, until they reached a large oval shaped one, richly ornamented with golden designs, as well as the Farseer-rune and that of the clan intertwined. It opened as soon as they reached it, warm light flooding into the tower.
"Best of luck, Baharothaís." The guide told her and bowed before leaving. That had hardly been confidence inspiring; he made it sound like she was about to go into battle.
Still, Yaidev took a last deep breath and entered.
The room was surprisingly barren. The walls were plain white, lacking any décor but simple light sources, while the wall opposite to the door was a single, curved window. Given that she had seen none upon arrival, the tower's surface having appeared smooth and even, it could only mean that it was one-way. But the view upon the garden was beautiful, allowing Yaidev to survey almost the entirety of the vast dome.
The only things of colour in the room itself however were a few plants as well as blue carpets and seat cushions, the latter arranged around a low table. She smiled when she saw, next to a burning incense stick, a pot of tea along with two cups, both empty as of yet.
"On time, wonderful." A warm voice to her right suddenly greeted her. There was another door, leading to a second room, from which now Farseer Methran'el emerged, smiling kindly. His robes were silver today, the black hair falling over his shoulders contrasting sharply with it. With a hand he gestured to the cushions. "Please, have a seat, young one."
Yaidev bowed and sat down next to her new mentor, who was now filling the cups with steaming tea of a soft yellow colour. "You already knew my answer?"
"I was very confident." He sounded almost amused. "Unless of course you have another reason for visiting me."
"No. I would like to accept your offer, Farseer." She took her cup, her earlier nervousness fading at the warmth spreading through her fingers.
"Ah, excellent. Well, if you are my student, I must encourage you to address me by name as well as title." She nodded and he drank some of his tea. "I take it your clan gave its blessing?"
Yaidev lowered her cup; the tea left a pleasant if a little bitter taste, though she didn't recognize the type. "They have. Furthermore my father will speak with our own seers to find additional tutors." As you suggested, she added in her mind.
This news seemed to please him. "I hope he chooses quickly; I would very much like to discuss your education with them. But until then, we have time to familiarize you with a few basic exercises."
"We will begin soon then." It wasn't surprising; none of her teachers so far had hesitated to begin, but it nonetheless excited her. She couldn't help but wonder what he would teach her first.
"Yes, today even. A few things first however. Your new robes should arrive this noon and I have arranged for accommodations for you here in the gardens. After all it would be quite bothersome to travel hours each day just to receive your training."
Yaidev was a little taken aback. "I thank you for your consideration, Methran'el." She meant it, but there were already questions rising. Was he merely being kind, or was there an ulterior motive? Living here would take her away from her clan. Yes, she could always visit them, but this would still be a separation. Just now, when she started like she was truly one of them. Did he indeed mean to influence her in the interest of his own kin like she and her family had worried?
Her new Mentor meanwhile continued, interrupting her train of thoughts. "You are welcome, young one. I assume you have seen the houses everywhere?"
"I have."
"I hope you don't mind me taking one near the tower. It is situated quite nicely at a lake, but not too close to the main pathways."
More surprises; she'd expected an apartment. "You give me an entire house?" It wasn't like there was a lack of space. Due to the sadly dwindling population, there was more housing than eldar to inhabit the countless towers and domes. What a busy sight Saim-Hann must have been at the height of the Eldar Empire, or when they had decided to leave it forever.
"Certainly. There are plenty of them vacant at the moment and as both my student and a chief's heir it is only suitable." He frowned subtlety. "Does is bother you?"
Yaidev shook her head once, though felt a little dishonest by doing so. She hoped that she was merely overthinking everything. All would become clearer in time; jumping to conclusions wouldn't help her. But there was another thing. "I do not wish to appear ungrateful, but it seems much, for one who has yet to prove herself."
Farseer Methran'el smiled. "Humility; rare in riders. All the more valuable." He took another sip from his tea, his gaze wandering to the window for a while. "The training to become a seer is a challenge. It will test and strain your mind, body and soul alike. I promise you, there will be days you shall be glad to have a quiet refuge just for yourself."
"Thank you, Meathalaim." There was a moment of silence between them. "You spoke of basic exercises." Yaidev noted, glad to be able to change the topic.
"Indeed. A seer needs an agile and versatile mind, you must learn to deal with a vast amount of information, but never get lost in it. Thus it is the first task of any novice to hone their senses, master them, learn to filter. You are already familiar with mediation, but we will take it further and only when I deem your mind strong enough, will I let you see the threads of fate, allow your mind to wander beyond the limitations of your body. And given your history as an Aspect Warrior, you shall one day learn to channel your powers more directly against our enemies."
She gave him a dry, but not joyless smile. "We'll be quite busy." Not that it was a problem; she was merely worried about failing.
He nodded in agreement. "Which is part why it's such a good thing you shall be trained by others as well. I do still have my responsibilities to my own clan and Saim-Hann herself." Methran'el reminded her, before his posture relaxed again. "But for now let us enjoy our tea and please tell me of your previous experiences on your former Paths. The more I know, the better I can adjust your training."
Yaidev immediately had the feeling that one teapot would not be sufficient.
It was the middle of the afternoon, when Yaidev adjusted her high ponytail and looked at her reflection in the mirror in front of her. The bright red of her new robes seemed to shine in the twilight of the room, the only ornamentation a few runes, proclaiming her new status as a novice seer, though she'd neglected to put on the boots, knowing that she would not require them today. The broad belt, a simple long piece of white cloth, was already wrapped around her waist, with a pouch made from dragon leather attached to it. As of now it was empty, but knew that some seers of her clan carried runes and other items of their trait around in them.
Satisfied with her appearance Yaidev looked around in her new bedroom. Naturally it was currently a little barren, the only furniture being a bed and a large chest, however the bonesinger, who had constructed it, had sung the shapes of vines and leaves into parts of the walls and ceiling. Once she had the time, she would make sure to add a few real plants and a little more colour; the pure white was frankly a little dull.
She remembered Halandur's gift, her own bonesinger flute and wondered what changes she could make to her little house. Even though she was supposed to focus on a single Path, utilizing skills learned on a previous one was not forbidden, as long as they didn't distracted from her the current.
Yaidev smiled as immediately several ideas came to mind. For once she would not be limited by a client's wishes, every design choice would be hers. This place would be beautiful.
For now however she had to put those thoughts aside again, knowing that her new mentor was expecting her. It didn't exactly seem wise to leave a Farseer waiting.
The outside greeted her with more twilight, the canopy only allowing patches of light to get through and reach the soft grass and fern below. Methran'el was sitting cross-legged beyond the first line of trees on one of several large boulders that were lying scattered within the forest. His posture was straight but relaxed and his bright eyes opened as Yaidev approached him.
"This attire suits you well; red truly compliments you." He noted, nodding approvingly.
She smiled weakly. "Thank you, but perhaps we should first see if I'm as suited to being a seer." Her earlier nervousness was back, her heartbeat quicker than it should be; she remembered how long it had taken her to get the colours right as a bonesinger. Hopefully she'd prove a better student in this profession.
Thankfully Methran'el seemed unconcerned. "You do not need to worry; every eldar has the potential. The question is, if you have the will. "He gestured to the grass beneath her feet. "Now, please seat yourself and we can begin."
Obediently Yaidev sat down, cross-legged like her teacher, brushing a loose strand of her carmine hair behind a pointy ear.
"Good, now close your eyes, relax your body."
She did as he asked, taking deep, calming breaths. While she hadn't meditated in a long time, not deeply at least, memories of her Dark Reaper training emerged. The posture, the means of breathing and how to clear her mind; it was all there, just a little dusty.
"Cast everything aside, any thought any sensation; focus only on your breathing." Methran'el continued after a while, his voice almost unnaturally loud, like a lone sound in an empty hall. "Feel the air from the moment you draw it, to the instance it reaches your lungs."
She could feel it, flowing through her airways, filling and expanding her lungs to their fullest. As time passed everything else faded even further into the background. There was only darkness and the rhythm of breathing, nothing else. It was peaceful, like being conscious while asleep, but without being disturbed by the abstract images of dreams. And time was meaningless.
Somewhere in the back of her mind she faintly realized that she'd actually missed this a little, the peacefulness, the sense of privateness.
At some point, Yaidev had no idea how long it had been, her teacher's voice reached her as if from far away, yet again loud and clear. "Now feel the grass beneath your feet." Yes, she felt it, every single green blade touching her skin. "Reach out with your hands, feel its texture."
Her fingers brushed over the grass around her. It made a shiver run down her spine. With no other sensation, no conscious thought, she felt all the little details. Every blade was different; some thinner than others, the various lengths, while others had been snapped. She met smooth and rough, but all tickled the tips of her fingers and she could literally feel her nerves relaying the sensation through her arm up to her spine, making her air stand up.
"And now isolate yourself again. Only breathe."
Yaidev obeyed immediately, her hand retreating back to her lap, however she needed a while to return to the sleep-like state, until breathing was all there was again. Once more she remained in this state for long time, before Methran'el spoke, but this time she was to only focus on the sense of smell, picking out all the different scents carried by the wind.
These were her first steps as he later explained; learning to filter information and be able to shut out the unnecessary. It apparently was best learned with one's own senses. One day she would have to do it with the fates of eldar as well as their enemies, even in the heat of battle. And this knowledge did not make it easier.
After what had certainly been several hours of meditation, Methran'el ended their lesson and asked Yaidev to follow him. He didn't reveal whereto he was leading her, only that there was something he wished to show her.
As they left the forest she noticed that the lights had been dimmed; it had to be early evening by now, though Yaidev had admittedly lost her sense for time. Her legs felt a little stiff after having sat for so long, her toes tingling as the blood rushed back. Hopefully she had performed adequately, but her mentor had made no comment and now walked silently. Still, he seemed to be in good spirts, which reassured her.
They took a glider to a rather unassuming tunnel, a narrow hallway to a lower level of the craftworld, the entry flanked by bare banners of white and black. Now Yaidev truly was intrigued. Its nacre walls emanated a soft glow and the young eldar felt as if she was walking through the artery of a great beast, her ears picking up a quiet humming from all around her.
Methran'el led them deeper and deeper, until the glow brightened and finally Yaidev spotted the exit, the light of dusk welcoming them once more. As they stepped out into the open, she needed to narrow her eyes for a moment, before she was able to look around. She gasped surprised, when she realized where they'd gone to.
The dome they were in was supported by large pillars shaped like trees, their 'branches' serving as beams for the overarching structure, the pattern they created reminiscent of a honeycomb. The grass to her feet shimmered, as if it was made of glass.
There were a few natural trees and bushes as well and they too glinted, covered with a the same glasslike layer. Leaves were flying lazily through the air, multi-coloured, reflecting the warm light.
Yaidev had seen many beautiful places on Saim-Hann, but something about this one was otherworldly and she was for a moment in awe at the sight before her.
The Dome of Crystal Seers; they were at the heart of the craftworld's Infinity Circuit.
It was the most sacred place of her people. In accordance with Saim-Hannian traditions, those who had fallen in battle were laid to rest here, their souls moved from the recovered Spirit Stones into the psychic matrix.
Still, this wasn't the case for all however. While it was always true for the likes of Aspect Warriors and those without clan, as their alignment was with no other than Saim-Hann herself, the individual clans often preferred to perform their own rituals and funeral ceremony in private. Thus it had become custom that at least members of high rank or those who had died in times of peace, were passed on to the Infinity Circuit at other important nodal points, generally marked by a temple or garden. From Derahnim Yaidev knew that her aunt Shadira had received her funeral at one such node.
Evidently Methran'el noticed her reaction. "You have never been here I presume?"
"No, I have only heard of this place." She finally breathed, still taking in her surroundings. "The thing we have to protect above all else and a mausoleum like no other."
"In a sense that is true." There was an almost wistful smile on his lips. "One day I too will come to rest here, hopefully."
"Hopefully, Meathalaim?"
Farseer Methran'el began to walk, replying only when she joined him. "You know what happens to us seers in this place?"
Methran'el looked around and only now did Yaidev notice the crystalline statues, all seated. Well, statue was perhaps the wrong word. "I believe so." She began. "From what I've heard seers like to meditate and divine the future here, where they are best protected. As they grow older their minds become more and more closely aligned with the Infinity Circuit, while their bodies become dormant, slowly transmuting into this psychically resonant crystal. Upon death, their souls pass on to the Infinity Circuit, their crystalline shells left behind." She could not help but wonder what it felt like, and yet hoped never to have to find out. It couldn't be comfortable.
Her mentor seemed to be of a different opinion. "A death I think I would not mind to suffer. The alternative would most likely be a painful death in battle."
"Most would relish such an honourable demise." For many riders, death in battle for their craftworld, fighting beside their kin, was a worthy end. Even she had come to see the appeal since her time as a Reaper, despite having no desire to die and no hunger for war to speak of; she was more seeking to prove herself.
When she looked to Methran'el, Yaidev saw sorrow. "Honourable perhaps, but full of agony and despair. I've touched the minds of those crossing over. Seldom are they proud or experience satisfaction. No, they struggle, they wish to live and for the pain to end. Few are so fortunate as to receive a swift death or make a worthwhile sacrifice. Most die lonely in the confusion of battle." Somewhere deep within, there was a dim memory. Felanwé; she had been there, when he had died. What had he felt? Had he been angry, or had the war-mask shattered, leaving him to die in fear? Her teacher picked up on her dark thoughts. "I apologize; my words trouble you."
Quickly Yaidev shook her head, brushing the faint memories aside. "It is alright. I've always struggled a little with the concept of glory in death. Despite the initial appeal, the prestige, is it not the living, who usually accomplished the great deeds? It seemed death was ever only a consequence, not the means by which anything was accomplished."
He raised a brow. "You must have made yourself quite popular among the riders with such an opinion."
A mirthless smile accompanied her reply. "I only mentioned it once and it did earn me some attention. Fortunately I was but a child then, too young to take my first Path and so I was merely dismissed and my words forgotten. I learned never to voice them again." A couple of years later she had started on her first Path, become a poet, in part hoping to understand. Even now after having fought herself, she didn't feel like she truly did, not like most of her brethren anyway. But to be remembered as a valiant and cherished sister in arms; there were fates far worse to suffer.
"Do not blame them. We are warriors, Wild Riders, after all. The idea of glory in death gives solace as well as hope." Their eyes turned back to the statues and the Circuit surrounding them; Yaidev couldn't help but feel watched. "They have all lost loved ones and know that one day they too will die. An honourable death promises meaning and eases they sorrow. So let them hold on to that image, for there will be countless battles ahead and they will have to see them all through. That is my conclusion anyway." He sighed. "But maybe I've merely become cynical in my old age. Tell me, did your view change as an Aspect Warrior?"
Yaidev needed to think about how to answer for a while. She knew it had, but how was difficult to comprehend. "I didn't fear death back then; at least I don't remember such emotions. I know there was rage, hatred, mostly towards the enemy, and pride in victory. However much of what I felt back then is now little more than the vague memories of a dream." She looked to the wraithbone skeleton, knowing that within it, within the Infinity Circuit rested the souls of every eldar that had perished since the Fall. So many and in one way or another, all in service of Saim-Hann. "Yet I have come to see our warriors in a different light. For all the bravado, I do admire them, their determination, their skills. They would sacrifice everything to keep us safe, to defeat our countless enemies. Gladly will I ride into battle with them one day again. I know now why my parents didn't believe that the work of the poets suited me. They were right; how could I hope to give justice to our riders in song and story, without knowing what they do, without having felt what they've been true appreciation for their sacrafices."
"You think your work would be better now?"
She smiled a little. "More earnest in any case."
"Perhaps one day you should write again, once you have gained a bit more experience. Not necessarily poetry but records." Methran'el encouraged her. "A seer must be familiar with past and future alike. Reflection is invaluable. It helps you make decisions as well as choosing what threads should be followed and which must be cut. We can never see all consequences; sometimes only experiences, your own or that of others, can aid you."
"I presume I will study much of our history then." It wasn't a dreadful prospect, but given the length of her people's history it would no doubt be an exhaustive task. Perhaps Derahnim could help her, he was training to be a scholar after all.
Methran'el confirmed her suspicion. "Indeed you will, but we won't start tonight. There is a reason I brought you here; this way, young one." He guided her to one of the natural trees, where between the roots they found one of the crystalized Farseers. He had left his shell behind in the state of meditation, his staff still sticking in the ground next to him. His body was surrounded by large crystals, which had sprouted from the ground like polyangular mushrooms, while more of the pale violet substance covered his body as a translucent shell. His expression was a peaceful one, as if he was merely sleeping. "I don't believe you have met." Methran'el smiled at her. "Yaidev, this is Farseer Manawydan Baharothaí. Your grandfather."
Her heart skipped a beat. Grandfather?! With eyes widened with surprise Yaidev approached him gingerly, taking in every detail. For an eldar he was rather sinewy, and scars could still be seen across his skin. His silver hair was bound together into a tight topknot, not a strand out of place. He looked more like a warrior than a seer. "Mother spoke so rarely of him. I never even knew what he looked like."
"He was a dedicated Farseer, though with quite a temper in his youth." Methran'el chuckled and pointed to a mark across her grandfather's chin. "Do you see that scar?"
"His duel with Kalandien." That one she had heard about, many times.
"Indeed; he may have lost, but he was quite proud of his own performance nonetheless. I myself have to admit, few would have lasted longer against such a master swordsman."
"I wish I could have met him." He had committed himself to his duties to Saim-Hann as a whole, when Yaidev's mother had still been very young and moved to live among the other seer. Rarely had Alandis seen her father, mostly only hearing of his actions, and so pride had become irrevocably intertwined with sadness, missing the one who should have raised her. But Yaidev herself had almost exclusively only read of him, his deeds as Farseer.
Suddenly she felt her teacher's hand upon her shoulder. "I have known him a little. It would be my pleasure to tell you what I know one day. And perhaps, once you are skilled enough, you might be able to reach out to his spirit. It is not quite the same as talking to a living person, but worthwhile."
Now her heartbeat quickened. "I would like that." She confessed with a smile and Methran'el nodded, before to her surprise he turned to leave.
"It is getting late. I shall return to the tower, but you are free to stay for as long as you like. I will pick you up at dawn at your house."
"Thank you, are meathalaim." She bid him farewell with a respectful bow, to underline her gratefulness. Among all the surprises today, this was the most precious one.
"Ma-raibh, j'in stuilach."
Yaidev remained at her grandfather's side until night had fully conquered Saim-Hann and she was adored with shimmering leaves in her hair, wondering what he had truly been like, what he would think of her. What she may one day say to him.
Many days had passed since Yaidev had begun her training and on this evening she was being led by Elowyn through crowded streets, the music of several locals mixing together, background to a myriad of conversations. The early evening was a busy time for merchants and restaurateurs, but the two young eldar didn't linger anywhere, as they were already running late.
The musician left the boulevard, Yaidev following, swiftly getting out of the way of a larger group coming the other way. The smell of food was particularly strong in the narrow street they now found themselves in, reminding the Stormrider that her last meal had been breakfast. She simply had forgotten about the time during her exercises; in deep mediation hours could pass within what felt like minutes.
Finally they reached their destination, a small restaurant hidden away at the edge of the dome, but with a wonderful view into space. Currently this view was dominated by a vast nebular of blue and red, stars faintly shimmering from light-years away and Yaidev stopped for a moment to appreciate the gorgeous sight. Nature truly had the potential to put any artist out of business.
Finally they stepped inside, finding the venue to be already well-attended. Yaidev looked around, just like Elowyn, overjoyed when she eventually spotted a few familiar faces around a table at the window façade. Ilthaldir had seen them as well, lifting a hand, the other three turning around. All greeted the two women with warm smiles and for a moment it felt like nothing had ever changed.
"Yaidev." Ilthaldir welcomed merrily as she and Elowyn sat down. "We have missed you these past weeks."
"What about me?" Naverhan chimed in, acting offended, a brow raised.
The gardener tapped his shoulder briefly. "Yes, you too, but we've had time to get used to your constant absence. Hers is new."
It did manage to make Yaidev feel guilty about never having reached out to them since her lessons had begun, her smile apologetic, even tentative. "I'm sorry for my recent lack of attendance, but my new mentor insisted I focus on my training; he didn't wish for any distraction during this crucial time."
"Crucial?" Talranis asked with a frown. "I know your current Path is a dangerous one, but you've been his student for only a little over a month. What could you possibly be practising?"
"Detaching my mind from the physical plain."
"An unappealing thought to be sure." The Bird of Kurnous noted. "Personally I'd like to stay attached to my body for as long as possible."
"As do we all." Elowyn assured him, while sliding closer to the gardener.
"Have you seen the strands of fate yet? Looked into the future?" Ilthaldir asked curiously, while he allowed his beloved to lean against him.
"No; we are currently preparing my mind and by extension soul for such tasks. Apparently it is easy to lose oneself in the myriads of lives unfolded and neither of us desires to let that happen." Not to mentioned the greatest danger that all psykers faced, but she didn't wish to speak of it now and worry her friends further.
"I'm glad to hear it." Her oldest friend Derahnim confessed, looking genuinely relieved at this news.
"Have you been alright?" Naverhan asked however, still concerned. "You look a bit paler than usual."
She gave him an assuring nod. "Yes, everything is fine. My training is exhausting at times, but such seems to be normal when beginning a new Path."
"I'm inclined to agree." Derahnim confirmed. "Being a scholar has proven quite demanding in its own way as well. I had been unaware until recently that headaches could last an entire week, and I'm sure I'd suffered from them even longer had Ilthaldir not helped me with his knowledge of herbs."
"I didn't know you take care of medical plants as well." Yaidev admitted.
The gardener chuckled. "Well, all I essentially did was drugging him, forcing him to finally sleep."
"He wasn't so grateful once he awoke at first, not with his first exams around the corner, but the results quickly soothed his temper." Talranis mentioned, looking quite amused as well.
The scholar bowed his head. "Yes, I'm sorry for my initial reaction, but next time, a smaller dosage would certainly suffice."
Chuckling, Yaidev shook her head; she'd missed this. "The moment I'm gone for a little while and this is what happens. Who knows what will occur once I actually start diving into the possibilities of the future for days at a time."
"Now you know how I feel every time I return from one of my voyages."
"Speaking of which; has anything of interest occurred on your journey?" Elowyn inquired curiously.
Naverhan shrugged. "Not much I'm afraid, with the exception of Lahondin, one of my crewmates, getting into a duel with a pirate at the port of Fehan'luth."
"Did he survive?" The musician asked worriedly.
"He lives, but now wears a scar across his cheek." He assured her, running a finger across his own, just beneath the eye.
"What of the pirate?" Talranis inquired.
"Unharmed. Thankfully it was only to first blood and she even held back. According to her, she deemed it an amusing distraction, though 'advised' Lahondin to be more careful about whom to pick a fight with. We'll see if he learned anything. Now, what other stories have you to tell?"
The other five exchanged glances, until Talranis spoke. "None I'm afraid. Saim-Hann is peaceful; we all continue along our Paths, but that is hardly something noteworthy. Well, except for Yaidev's recent change."
"Getting bored, Talranis?" Derahnim asked.
"Perhaps a little."
"Is that why you so enjoy tending to the animals in the Dome of eternal Sanctuary? Seeking excitement?" The scholar further inquired curiously.
"They are certainly more exciting than your in tomes, scholar. I happen to quite enjoy my work, which is more than can be said about you."
Yaidev sighed as the two began to argue; with Talranis being ever the confrontational one and Derahnim being naturally defensive, this happened all too often.
In the meantime Elowyn and Ilthaldir had fully turned their attention towards each other, relaxed now that they didn't need to hide their relationship for a while.
Naverhan however didn't add his voice to the argument, instead he studied Yaidev with a worried expression again. "You are truly sure about this? To become a seer, a warlock even?"
"I am. It is not a decision I made lightly. Trust me, I can do this."
He paused and sighed. "Please, be careful."
Gently she placed a hand on his. "I will be. Promise, caraidir."
Eldar Language
Meathalaim = Teacher/Mentor (based on Gaelic)
Are = Honoured (Eldar)
Ma-raibh = Good Night (Madoih = good/well (Gaelic) + Raibh = Night (Eldar))
J'in = My (Eldar)
Stuilach = Student (Gaelic)
Caraidir = (male) Friend (Gaelic)