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Word Bear hummed the tune of "If I Only Had a Brain" as Alberich and I followed the friendly Chaos Marine with brisk purpose down the gold ballroom. Our footsteps echoed on the gold metal floor as heads continued to turn our way. Whispers, both audible and unspoken, observed my costume with undisguised wonder. Another person loudly wondered if I was the owner of the gold bird that had flown over Evna, and another wondered if I was a vacationing Imperial governor. One person even bitterly thought that I should destroy all the worthless degenerates in this city, thinking that it was in need of divine retribution. Hearing this, a pleasant shiver washed through me, and was expressed through my shining halo. Unexpectedly, fantasies of ruthlessly smiting evil doers and leading groups of humans to victory filtered through my mind. Catching yet another irregular line of thinking, I pulled myself back to the present, and watched Word Bear's looming shadow lead me further down the gold ballroom. Despite my concern over the Divine Retribution's influence on me, I reminded myself again to have fun tonight. I conceded for now that being a force of literal divine retribution and holy power was a part of my costume, after all.
I was smiling again as the oddly friendly Chaos Marine led Alberich and I behind a large screened partition of gold filigree that separated a lounge area of the ballroom away from the rest of the space. While it wasn't very private, it did offer a small measure of sequestration away from being directly visible to everyone in the ballroom.
Behind the tall partition, the rear wall of the ballroom was lined in ornate paintings of stylized lions, tigers, and bears, which made me laugh. Masked and costumed people gathered socially around two large open doorways at each opposite end of the ballroom. Various settees and expensive heavy sofas upholstered in plush green velvet accommodated bored-looking nobles, and a long bar of mirrored gold stood against the back wall. It was somewhat dimmer back here than in the main ballroom area, and a chandelier of emerald crystal hung from the ceiling, scattering magical greenish light everywhere.
"Lions and tigers and bears, oh my," Word Bear rumbled with amusement at the tall paintings on the back wall. He then regarded me with his intimidating amber eyes, which had a sparkle to them. "Would you care for a beverage, my Empress? Is your manservant permitted to imbibe this evening?"
"He's my friend, not my servant, and he can drink just like I can, no problem," I hastily replied before the beastman could get upset again. Alberich didn't seem too bothered, or didn't hear it, as he was lightly rubbing his gold painted temple. His expression was pained, and it looked like he had a headache.
"How respectful!" Word Bear said, his voice a low pleasant growl. He then gestured for us to follow him to the bar. "Come then! What shall we imbibe in this historic meeting of light and dark?"
"If they have that Vya ice wine stuff, I'd like that," I replied as the three of us walked ahead. Standing at the bar, a young handsome human man with ruffled blond hair and blue eyes stood in a black suit, waiting to serve us. I narrowed my eyes, realizing that this man was somewhat familiar, but I couldn't quite place him. The bartender noted that we had arrived, and made his way over to us.
"Very good to see you here again, sir," the bartender spoke to Word Bear as he suspiciously began to eye Alberich. "The company you keep is always enviable. And, my lady, your Empress costume is stunning!"
I smiled in thanks as Word Bear graciously greeted the bartender with "How do you do, Luukai?" The Chaos Marine offered one of his large black-gloved hands to greet the handsome familiar man in a handshake. "This is Erika, and she even has the gold halo of a God-Empress. Truly impressive, I say! Fantastic attention to detail." Word Bear gestured to me. "And her noble bird friend's name is Alberich. People have been treating him most impolitely because of his beak, you see. He has neither the horns, nor the legs of a Tzaangor, and his feathers under his gold are a snowy white, but still he is treated poorly!"
Alberich, hearing his name, pulled his hand away from his forehead. "Rude uncultured people," the beastman grumbled. I could now see that another rivulet of blood had appeared from his right ear. Apparently, the earlier psychic stand off between him and Word Bear had been more serious than I thought.
"His feathers are white?" Luukai asked while watching Alberich with a thoughtful expression. The handsome man then blinked twice, and angled his jaw upward at the beastman while straightening his posture. Alberich's expression immediately shifted to that of surprise, and his head and neck feathers ruffled. The bartender smiled, and I swore that his eyes flashed a pale blue for a moment. Another psyker!
Alberich was now smiling widely, and he nodded, likely in response to a telepathic question.
"What can I get for you three this evening?" the bartender then offered to us as a group.
"Hmm," I wondered. "Well, I can't really feel alcohol that much anymore. Poison resistance and everything. But, if you have any of that Vya ice wine I'll take a glass of that."
Word Bear raised an eyebrow at me. "Ah, I suppose that certainly makes sense. You know that there exist certain concoctions for those with inborn poison resistances, my Empress? If you are familiar with the Space Wolves, they drink a fermented drink called Mjød, which can intoxicate even an Astartes. They often have a local interpretation of this ale available here in the palace for honored guests. It is every bit as toxic and quite delicious. When times are not as hectic, you should try it."
"And I take it that you'll have a glass of that, Word Bear," the bartender replied before producing a very large Space Marine-sized glass and a hefty black jug that took two hands for him to lift. Word Bear nodded politely. The bartender began pouring a thick dark liquid into the glass. It looked like some kind of churning Chaotic Evil version of Guinness, and whatever it was made my eyes sting when it flowed. As the bartender poured, he warned me against drinking whatever this was. "I would suggest staying away from Evna Mjød, my lady. It is toxic to non-Astartes." The bartender then pushed the giant pitcher glass of dark sludge forward to the Chaos Marine, who thanked him generously.
"Yeah, I'm not brave enough for that yet, but it's on my list of things to try if I get a lot stronger or manage to magically grow a few new organs," I offered, trying to make a joke that fell completely flat from the slightly awkward look on the bartender's face. Producing a small green bottle, Luukai filled two short glasses for Alberich and I. Maybe if I got stronger my particular brand of social awkwardness would get better too?
This man is a psyker! Alberich said to me in telepathic excitement when we both received our glasses of ice wine. He says he is part of a clandestine group that reveres the Great Architect! He also says that they have all been having dreams of a being such as I, just like the Tzaangor we saw in the hotel implied! "White Feather" they call the bird man in their dreams!
Alberich... I began to warn the beastman as Word Bear led us to a lounge.
Hearing my warning, and actually listening to me, Alberich shut up, and the three of us went to sit found a place to sit under a painting of a giant vicious bear, which was probably intentional on Word Bear's behalf. "So," I cautiously began, steeling myself against the Chaos Marine's bituminous presence. "Tell me what you know."
"Where should I begin, Empress?" he asked me. "I know much. I know you are curious of my knowledge of The Wizard of Oz, and you are curious about that black-eyed witch and her cult that I mentioned earlier. I bear good news with that. Where should I begin?"
"Just tell me what you know. Start with how you seem to know about The Wizard of Oz," I instructed, holding my wine glass, and swishing its contents around to look classy.
"Of course. But, I'll have to speak some of it-" he shifted to telepathy, -this way, though. There are always eyes watching in the palace.
Alright, I replied, sipping my wine. Word Bear turned and looked down at me from his seated height, his eyes bright with happiness, even after my curt tone. I reminded myself that this gentle giant was a real life Chaos Marine, and that he was sitting here wearing a suit crafted out of genuine human skin. And he was just here, out in the open, at this party. Yeah, this planet definitely had serious problems, I observed.
"I will say this part in voice, my divine Empress. I see no harm in it," he began, sipping this churning black and ochre drink that smelled revoltingly of fermented garlic, jet fuel, and dill pickles. When he began to speak, his voice was a low whisper. "To begin my tale, I will tell you that I am a collector. I enjoy both acquiring and selling curiosities, strange artifacts, and relics with histories. I like to think that I am more civilized and open-minded than most of my legion. I use my skills to pinpoint places of potential, and approximately a century ago, my gifts directed me to an area of degenerating space far from here in a forgotten planet named Levant."
Word Bear took a big drink of his gross Astartes grade beer, and closed his eyes as if reveling in a memory. A quick look to Alberich showed that the beastman was now quietly watching the bartender with wide eyes.
The Chaos Marine continued: "My dreams instructed me that reality itself was fraying in that area, and that unusual artifacts from other dimensions were coming into existence. And so, I ventured there. I found many things. Books, music, even children's toys. All manner of fascinating miscellaneous bits and baubles. One of the artifacts I discovered was an ancient entertainment reel from what I thought was a film from the Age of Terra. I discovered a way to view it, and found that it was a harmless recreational vid. Recently, I have begun to make copies, and I have been selling them to those who could afford my price. This special interdimensional vid was named 'The Wizard of Oz', and, by my assessment, I believe that you came from the same dimension. This film has become trendy within the Evna upper class, which is why you see my costume as it is, along with Evamene's."
"So, you're telling me that you collect and sell interdimensional objects?" I asked. I myself was an "interdimensional object", and I hoped that he didn't have any nasty plans for me. There had to be something more to this. I also began to notice that Word Bear was behaving with obsequiousness toward me, his body language (and soul) suggesting something almost bordering worship. Despite being entirely Chaos-aligned, the soul of this evil giant appeared to absolutely adore me. It made zero sense. Unless I missed something with the lore again, Chaos hated the Emperor and anything aligned with him.
"Not only do I collect and sell, but I now study as well. The Wizard of Oz is an interesting film. Innocent, sweet. For children and for those with innocent hearts unblackened by time, truth, and experience. It is the tale of a young human woman taken away from her home reality to a magical new universe. Almost like yourself, in a way." Word Bear chuckled. "My knowledge on interdimensional Travelers, souls and entities beyond both Warp and Materium, comes from somewhere else, however."
"My leader, I'm going back to the bar for another refreshment. Would you care for anything?" Alberich quickly asked me.
"Nah. Just hurry back," I answered him. Reluctantly, I had to admit that I was very engaged in what Word Bear was saying. His deep voice had an almost hypnotic quality to it, and was very pleasant to listen to.
Word Bear watched Alberich step away for another drink, fixing his penetrating eyes on the beastman as he departed. The Chaos Marine then sighed wistfully. It was very unusual to see someone like him behaving in this manner, compared to the insane Angels of Ecstasy on Nubua.
"Thinking back, my discoveries were all very convenient. All very lucky. As if fate itself was smiling upon me when I acquired these precious artifacts, which makes me believe one particular Chaos power smiles upon you. One of the artifacts I discovered along with the film was a divinatory book blessed by the Architect of Fate. It is aiding me in my divinations, and it has told me many things. I knew then that an unusual woman-soul would come through to our universe, and that she would be wreathed in golden light."
"You had premonitions about me?" I asked. I quickly glanced at the two exits in this lounge, quietly making a mental plan for escaping whatever dastardly trap this Chaos Marine had likely laid here for me.
"You could say that I had premonitions, yes," Word Bear sipped his revolting beverage. "And, from what I witnessed, I began to research and study."
Word Bear smiled, his eyes now twinkling with emotional tears. "My studies have led me to the conclusion that you have originated from some sort of heaven-reality, one existing entwined with this one, and one where the natives write all of our destinies. Your halo, your glow. I have seen it before in person surrounding your predecessor over ten millennia ago."
"Ten thousand years?" I gasped. "You're that old?"
"The passage of time is somewhat subjective when you've lived in the places I have, but yes. I was born in Colchis shortly before the coming of the Emperor. I was a young boy when I first witnessed the Emperor's divine presence." The Chaos Marine closed his eyes, basking in nostalgia. "I recognize that you may have read about these places and events in your universe, my Empress. Maybe you've even heard of my grandfather?"
I suppose a formal introduction is in order, I heard Word Bear's voice in my mind as he drank his Space Marine rotgut. My name is not Harry Smith, as you have probably gathered. To conduct business in Evna, I chose a more innocuous name for myself. My name to my fellow Word Bearers is Dralthus Phaeron, and I am the grandson of the Black Cardinal himself, Kor Phaeron.
In recognition of Kor Phaeron's name, I startled, causing my halo to slightly flicker. Luckily, my laurels were very effective at modulating my emotional responses, so it was barely noticeable. "Kor Phaeron? Really?" I answered in voice.
Word Bear placed a finger over his lips, indicating that he did not want to speak these words aloud. Yes. I was tutored and trained with great personal care by my grandfather. It has been said among my Brothers that I inherited his oratory skills and brutal charisma. But, enough about me. Let's talk about you for a bit, shall we? The Chaos Marine leaned inward, his height causing him to somewhat loom over me like a dark cloud.
You're the Emperor's Inheritor, a displaced creature originating from the same divine realm as the Emperor once did, and holding the same potential. You pilot your vessel, the Divine Retribution, as you sit upon its golden throne. Ripples of you ache through the unconscious dreams of humanity where you pass, and rumors of what some call the "Star Child" are whispered in even the darkest of places. This is who you are, as I have divined. Your destiny is inescapable, and soon, you will find yourself in grave conflict with those who would seek to destroy you.
Word Bear grinned wickedly as he stared madly down at me. I looked up at him, and braced myself.
"So, now this means you want to kill me, I take it?" I asked as I quickly took in my surroundings, and wondered how fast I could react in a psychic battle with a Word Bearer sorcerer.
Oh, you misunderstand, Empress! Not at all! the Chaos Marine replied with a sudden raucous laugh that made half the people in the lounge area jump. The sound of breaking glass was heard somewhere nearby. Maybe you have read that those like me are somewhat irrational, instinctual, foolish. And with that, I would have to agree with you on most of my Brothers. It is, as I hear, somewhat "grim" and "dark", as others of your kind would say. But, I am not as such. I have other intentions that do not involve simply killing you. You're far too valuable for that.
Still feeling threatened, I searched for Alberich, and found him seated at the bar engaged in a lively discussion with the bartender. He didn't even turn around to look at me.
"Okay, then I don't understand," I replied cautiously. "Why are you telling me all this? What's the point?" I decided to ask.
Word Bear took a gulp of his Astartes ale, and his friendly features became serious as he spoke audibly again, his voice low and whispery. "You ask me to tell you what I know, and I comply. This is somewhat difficult to explain, divine one. While I know you are, by your nature, anathema to corruption, perhaps you can help write a new future for the galaxy, one where Chaos has its mania tempered, and one where your nature can even be exulted by those who would typically follow the Chaos Gods, perhaps even honoring both. As I said earlier, one particular Chaos power seems to smile your way, which is most unexpected, and gives credence to the theory that both individuals such as yourself and Chaos can coexist, and possibly even thrive."
I was a very surprised that he said all of that audibly. Word Bear then finished his Mjød in two long gulps, and he seemed to take a deep breath for bravery.
The Chaos Marine turned his empty glass around in his giant gloved hand. "You know, others similar to myself would be interested in meeting you. They are smart lads, critical thinkers, even during these dark times. Through the nature of my primarch, I always look for the truth. And here, I have found it." Word Bear then leaned forward, fixing me with his mesmerizingly evil eyes. When he smiled this time, he showed his white teeth, and I could now tell from here that his gums were black. "Do you know how I got the nickname of Word Bear? It isn't simply because of a silly reference to my legion. I deal in words, dreams, stories. My words have teeth, and they leave marks of influence upon those I visit. I can be a valuable ally, and a mediator between you and darker forces. Your light will cast a long shadow, and I can help you manage it."
What the hell was going on here, I thought, turning away. Word Bear had blind sided me with this information. He had somehow known all about me, and now it seemed that he actually (and with full sincerity) wanted to help me and be my friend. This had to be a trick, somehow.
I took a sip of my ice wine, and looked away from the friendly monster. I decided to change the subject because I needed more information anyway. So, you said you could tell me about Raula White, I spoke to Word Bear in mind.
"Before I begin, these are things that must definitely stay quiet, my Empress," Word Bear rumbled seriously. He paused, as if deciding how best to articulate what he would tell me. When he spoke, it was through telepathy again. Raula White is the leader of the Family of Liberty. The Family of Liberty, before the most recent galactic troubles, was an entirely secular social and charity group. Ms. White actually came from Rash, a tropical ocean pleasure world elsewhere in the Conglomeration of Ev, and she worked there as a motivational speaker for wealthy clients.
My psychic senses prickled, and I now sensed that an individual of power was making their way to this area. As I sensed this, Word Bear's eyes went to one of the entryways, and he shifted his body to face the exits. After this, the Chaos Marine began telepathically speaking to me again.
With her keen perception, Raula found a way to ingratiate herself the The Family of Liberty here in Evna, and rose to sudden power some months ago after quickly befriending governor Langwidere. After this, I believe that Ms. White began to search within darker places in her soul, and now, here we are. It is my personal suspicion that she wishes to supplant Grand Advisor Grigori, or even become governor of the Conglomeration of Ev herself.
Both Word Bear and I continued to covertly watch the entryway, but no one seemed to be arriving. The Chaos Marine then turned back to me.
After a short pause, I asked, Why is Raula coming after me?
As you likely know, the whisperings of the Perfect Prince influence her, and the Keeper of Secrets now known as Am'Erika offers her power in return for certain tasks. One of Am'Erika's desires is your destruction, Empress. What Raula wants is what Am'Erika wants, and as such, it appears that Am'Erika is especially interested in both your demise, and the corruption of this world.
My psychic senses prickled as my attention was diverted again to the entryway. There, a tall, thin figure in a black robe strode into the lounge area. The mysterious figure (which I was assuming was a male) wore a genderless white mask with a neutral expression over his face. While all the other party attendees were dressed in various creative and colorful shades of motley, this man was a stark shadow in the gaudy ocean of this party. He did not seem to notice that Word Bear and I were watching him, and sat at the bar. He appeared to be alone.
That's an Aeldari, if you're curious, Word Bear replied without turning to see the masked man. A powerful manipulator of the Warp as well. I can smell him. There are a few members of his race here tonight. But, that is unrelated to the issues of which I speak.
At the bar, I saw Alberich turn to observe the masked stranger. The man's mask then turned slowly to regard the beastman. A chill passed over my soul, and I watched Alberich also look away, his feathers ruffled in disturbance. That Aeldari was definitely tough, whoever he was. Was that a Harlequin?
So, Raula worships Am'Erika, am I right? I asked Word Bear, who nodded. Aside from killing and eating me, and conquering this planet, what else does that daemon want? Do you know?
Am'Erika wishes to be worshipped, like many greater daemons of distinctive power do. Somewhat predictable for a greater daemon, I suppose. Right now, the Keeper of Secrets sups from the worship of the corrupted Family of Liberty. In addition, I believe that the daemon has turned her attention to the nearly-completed Statue of Libertine outside of town. My divinatory skills suggest that Am'Erika wishes to somehow possess this statue. How the daemon would accomplish this feat is beyond my understanding, but the Family of Liberty has been arranging mysterious midnight visits to the badlands outside of Evna around the Statue of Libertine.
"The statue," I whispered under my breath. Am'Erika was trying to possess another statue! "I was right."
Not all of my information this evening is bad news, my Empress. The good news tonight that I bring you is that it seems that Raula White's invitation to this party was revoked as of this morning, but not by the governor. I believe the Sinclair family has finally had enough of Raula after yesterday's media snafu, and since this party was organized by the Sinclair family, they actually went over the governor's head to disinvite the cult leader and her entourage, despite Raula's friendship with the governor. Did you happen to hear of what she did? Word Bear began to darkly laugh. His laugh reminded me of a hungry dragon.
That whole, "and strike and strike and strike" thing when she went crazy on live television? I also laughed as I replied to the Chaos Marine.
Yes, Word Bear confirmed, still laughing. And, the fact that she attempted to out you on state media despite your Writ of Confidentiality. The Sinclair family takes these Writs very seriously, as they are essential for trade out here in the frontier.
Wait, how did you know I had a Writ? I suddenly asked the Chaos Marine. Aren't they secret? The dark Scarecrow took a breath and turned to me, and I could almost see an expression of cringe pass his features, as if he had not meant to reveal that.
I have divinatory tools that allow me to see things that normally would be hidden. It is how I know all about you, Word Bear replied. But anyway, because of this, she will not trouble you this evening. However, this development is causing unrest in the ruling government here. The fact that the planetary governor did not revoke the invitation herself, and still refuses to arrest Raula White for being a messy bitch implies that there is some kind of hidden political upset occurring in the shadows of Evna. Langwidere has also been cloistering herself away even more than usual. Even I have not seen her in weeks.
So Raula and Langwidere have become friends, I wondered, sipping my ice wine. Maybe Raula was using some kind of Slaaneshi mind control on the governor?
Langwidere has few actual friends, truly. She trusts very few people, so the fact that she now seems to be heavily associating with Raula is remarkable, and extremely suspicious. In the past, she communicated with an offworlder for some years, but since her little friend mysteriously vanished, her mental health seems to have deteriorated. The two had a friendly competition, and that kept Langwidere more anchored than she is now.
About Langwidere... I cautiously began as I let my Corona strengthen around me, just in case this question wasn't taken too well. I had to remind myself again that despite his amiable demeanor, Word Bear was a Chaos Marine, and that he wasn't my friend. Chaos Marines are not good guys, no matter how nice they are in public, or how juicy their gossip is. I have a question.
The smiling Chaos Marine leaned in close to me, interested.
I took a breath and reached inside a pocket within my red cloak. In this pocket, I had tucked away Langwidere's portrait, my magic scissors, and the Aeldari spirit stone. The Nemeses Argentum (disguised again as normal scissors) came with me because it always did, and since I had forgotten to send the spirit stone back to the Divine Retribution with Lian, I also had carried it on my person. In my hand, I now held the photo of Langwidere given to me by Master Foras. The governor was a beautiful woman with bright green eyes, smooth fair skin, and curled dark hair that cascaded around her flawless shoulders. Around her neck, she wore a thick choker completely encrusted with emeralds, which had to be worth a fortune. Holding it close, I showed it to Word Bear. Is this her? Do you know where to find her at this party?
Word Bear examined the photo, his face twisting in puzzlement. He shifted his weight as he sat, causing the sofa below us to creak under his formidable weight. "Ah, it appears that she's changed her eyes again," the Chaos Marine remarked. Langwidere often changes cosmetic aspects of herself to suit her vanity. That is her, but I ask you now, where did you get this photo, and why do you carry it around? Langwidere does not typically allow images of herself to be reproduced.
I froze, and held my breath as I now found myself looking Word Bear in the eye. How would I answer that question? Before I could come up with an adequate excuse, the Chaos Marine's expression changed, and he started to grin again. "I see..." he slowly replied with languid amusement, his smile taking on an evil shadow. "I suggest you put that away."
Saying nothing, I put the picture back in my cloak. Was my plan foiled already?
Well, well, well. I suppose Evian politics will soon get far more interesting, if I had to guess, Word Bear spoke in an amused psychic tone. How utterly intriguing! But, aside from that, I have another gift for you. One that might help with whatever you're here to do. The Chaos Marine reached into one of the many human-skin pockets on his Scarecrow costume, and produced a small silver key. He offered it to me in an outstretched palm. Before I could ask him what this was, he explained, This is a skeleton key to this palace. It should work on any unwarded door, should you desire to... go exploring. To answer your question, Langwidere has been known to float through crowds to socialize, but she will not deign anyone who is not of the upper class to speak to her. I have seen her change her eye color and hair quite often, so be wary that she may not appear exactly as your picture depicts. And, before you ask, I do not know how she is dressed tonight, as I have not yet seen her.
"Thank you," I audibly whispered. With a quick intuitive observation, I discovered that this silver object held no enchantments, and was just a normal key. I took it from Word Bear, and placed it in my cloak pocket. The key made a distinctive metal "tink" sound when it touched the Nemeses Argentum, and hearing that, I saw the Chaos Marine smile knowingly.
Of course, your secret is safe with me, my Empress. A little bit of political disruption is always exciting, and from here, I can sit and watch, out of the way of the blast radius. I have another gift for you as well, actually, Word Bear psychically replied, reaching into another larger skin pocket on his costume. This area of flayed human skin appeared to show the outline of an eyebrow and a cheek. The Chaos Marine produced a silver compact about the size of my palm. It was decorated with stylized leering faces with sharp fangs, as well as strange runes that almost visibly shifted in the scattered light of the emerald chandelier above. Word Bear opened the compact with a flick of his thumb, and I discovered that it contained two reflective surfaces. One was a highly reflective silver mirror, and the other was a flawless black surface that seemed to swallow all light.
What's this? I asked cautiously. This compact appeared less innocuous than the silver key. This artifact seemed to hold an enchantment.
The black mirror is an attuned communication scrying surface. I own its counterpart. The other mirror can used to scry through other reflective surfaces if you feel like spying on someone. It might be useful in places with that contain such surfaces, such as this palace. Langwidere has always been known for her vanity... Word Bear winked at me, and with a flick of his wrist, closed the compact again.
"Oh," I answered slowly, and exhaled a breath that I didn't even know I was holding. It was becoming obvious to me that Word Bear was an incredibly dangerous person to cross. Not only did he appear to be intelligent and charismatic, but he gave the appearance of being five steps ahead of everyone. I didn't even want to think about what he had learned concerning social (and psychic) manipulation through his famously corrupt grandfather.
Word Bear noticed my hesitation as I observed the compact that was being offered to me. Of course, if you're worried about any sort of possessing force or taint in that object, I understand. It does appear quite intimidating, Word Bear spoke in a conciliatory mental tone. If you do not trust me, you can simply investigate it with your beautiful gift of Divine Sight. I adore seeing your Corona, anyway.
Thinking back, I recalled that when in my confrontation with Grikk'ahn, the Chaos Champion experienced great difficulty in being in close proximity to me, and had remarked that my light had literally burned him. Maybe it was because that evil marine was horrendously mutated, in the process of his daemonic ascension, or because of some other variable? I honestly wasn't sure how this worked, but Word Bear didn't seem all that bothered by my light when he had seen it earlier. Not getting an immediate answer with my intuition, I decided to use Sight on this silver compact, just to be safe.
My Corona heightened to unexpected brightness around me, and nearly instantly, I not only felt that the compact didn't have any taint, but that every single person in this lounge was now watching me, their attentions caught by the unique radiant power of my light. Okay, no more of that, I thought, consciously reducing my halo. Everyone remained frozen and silent, and all eyes were fixed on me, which caused me profound embarrassment. Oops.
I could now also tell that the compact itself was some kind of magnifier of psychic energy. Only a small amount of applied psychic strength was required in order to remotely spy on someone, which was useful if you wanted to be sneaky. Using a moderate amount of Sight on the compact appeared to cause a short metaphysical feedback loop, causing my Corona to brighten much more hotly than normal. Aside from that, the compact seemed very utilitarian, but I would have to be conscious of my energy output when using it.
"Sorry everyone! Halo malfunction. It's just part of my costume," I turned and offered to all the partygoers, making a dismissive gesture. Turning back to Word Bear, I saw that his amber eyes were filled with emotive tears, and his lower lip was trembling. This still didn't make any sense, and it felt as if this Chaos Marine was actually enjoying the light of my Corona. I decided not to think about that right now, and took the compact from his outstretched hand. The object felt both hot and cold to my fingers, and I placed it in my cloak.
"Thank... you..." he whispered to me, his eyes bright with reverence. The beauty you will bring to our galaxy! Your heaven-sent divinity here at last! Word Bear then, very surprisingly, began to actually cry. The giant Chaos Marine then closed his watery eyes, and used one of his large gloved hands to wipe away a tear. "Excuse me. It seems I am emotional this evening."
"Uh," I said, now starting to become very uncomfortable in this bizarre situation. People were still watching me, and others were whispering among themselves, which I definitely didn't like. This was not the sort of attention I wanted right now, especially with my eventual goal here this evening. As if my life couldn't get weird enough, here I was with a giant Word Bearer Chaos Marine dressed in literal human skin as he praised my divinity right before bursting into tears. Man, poor Sebastian probably had a hell of a time with Lorgar. No wonder he went crazy on that primarch. This was awful.
Across the room, I could see the masked Aeldari man was now looking at me, his body completely still. A flash of my intuition informed me that under his mask, this individual had grey eyes, pale skin, and dark hair. I turned away, not in the mood for whatever side quest this was.
Word Bear then abruptly stood up, appearing flustered. I could see that he was still slightly trembling. "My Empress, you must excuse me. I must now speak with someone important this evening. But, know this. I said what I meant, and I meant what I said. Remember that. I can be someone of great use to you as you travel through the galaxy on your divine errands. I will find you later," the Chaos Marine said before sweeping into a very low bow. He then added a telepathic, I can also tell you about the Wizard of Molech another time, if you wish. If I do not speak to you again tonight, use the black mirror and concentrate on speaking to me, should you wish to learn more. Still trembling, he straightened up, and briskly walked out of the room, appearing as if he was still holding back tears.
As the Chaos Marine left, I was able to perceive his loud thoughts as struggled to contain his emotions. Lorgar's foretold visions finally deliver to us a savior, a living god! Grandfather was wrong! he thought over and over again. Grandfather was a fool!
Wow, I thought. That guy was over ten thousand years old, and he was Kor Phaeron's grandson. Wasn't there something in the post Great Rift 40k timeline advancement about Kor Phaeron? I had never really focused on that character, so I could not remember, but since I had no immediate plans to court the Word Bearers in friendship, I decided not to worry about it.
Alberich had been at the bar this whole time. When Word Bear left, Alberich finally stood up, and walked over to me, a confused expression on his gold-painted bird face. "I must have lost track of time. I'm... I'm sorry. I did not mean to abandon you, my leader. I do not know what came over me," the beastman heavily apologized. "I saw your light. You appear to have driven him away. That is good. Are you alright?"
I nodded. I noticed that people were still looking in my direction, and whispered words were still being exchanged among them. I perceived the words "psyker", "bitch", and "Empress" being spoken repeatedly. This certainly wasn't good for my social anxiety, I thought with a wince. "Word Bear gave me some information," I said as I stood up, now filled with nervous energy.
"Are you sure he didn't just lie?" Alberich replied as he stood before me, blocking my view of a group of seated gossiping nobles in costumes that resembled horned devils. The beastman also handed me a short glass of something that smelled like a vodka tonic. "Here, for your nerves. That giant reeks of evil. I do not like him."
I took a few sips, and decided to sit down again as I gathered my thoughts. Sitting next to me on the sofa, Alberich drank from his own glass as he began to psychically explain that the bartender was one of the only few remaining members of a formal group of Tzeentchian followers simply named the "Blue Architects" that operated from a nightclub in Evna. He explained to me that they had all come from a distant world many years ago after one of their number had been guided to this remote place in a vision. Apparently, they were descendants of a group of wandering tinkers, magicians, and mechanics of both human and Tzaangor descent. Their numbers were greater years ago, but a failed uprising against a (now extinct) Nurgle cult in Evna's underworld greatly reduced their population. In addition, this uprising put a very unwelcome media spotlight on the existence of Tzaangor mutants, scapegoating them as the degenerate culprits behind the deaths caused by both cults. Since then, the local government had been using the media in an attempt to both drive away the remaining population of Tzaangors, and to divert attention away from its own failings.
"That sure sounds sympathetic to them," I answered in voice after Alberich was telling his story. "You sure you got the 100% accurate version?"
Alberich vigorously nodded, and the plates of his form-fitting gold costume made a crinkling noise. He began to speak audibly, his voice a rushed low whisper that seemed to accentuate his German accent. "That's what he says, meine Führerin! I have no reason to believe that he is lying. He says that there are only nine human members left of his group with a few dozen Tzaangors who are too poor to leave this world. All the senior members have either fled or have been killed. Luukai is the highest ranking human psyker left, and he uses his service position here in the palace to watch the governor and the Sinclair family."
The beastman then paused, and drank the rest of his wine before I could scold him about speaking about this in voice. "Another thing. Their group has a legend that a Tzaangor with white feathers will come to them at the end of this world. This being will be a powerful herald of magic. They call him the "White Feather", and when Luukai saw my earring mark and heard that my plumage is white, he remembered a story told by one of the other Tzaangors who had met us in the hotel penthouse!"
"Alberich," I started to warn again, greatly alarmed that he was babbling all this out loud, even if he was whispering. Right as I said his name, I then noticed that the masked Aeldari at the bar was now standing up, and walking over to me. At the very same time, a trio of nobles dressed as red devils then stood up, and quickly left the lounge.
"What? You have prophecies and wonders that follow you about in this universe. So what if a prophecy involves me this time? I welcome what fate has in store for me, my leader!" Alberich growled with slight frustration. It honestly sounded now that he was a little intoxicated. "Anyway, they gave me the address of-"
"Pardon me," a musical and strangely accented male voice interrupted Alberich, who froze when he saw who it was.
The unsettling Aeldari was now standing near us. His plain white mask in conjunction with his minimalist black robes made him look like some kind of avatar of death. Even his hands were gloved.
The elf! Alberich telepathically yelped to me with a hiccup. This man is an alien!
"Can I help you?" I asked, feeling my halo brighten defensively. More whispers from other human guests in the lounge.
"What is your name?" the Aeldari asked me.
Alberich and I glanced at each other.
"Why?" I asked.
Is your name Erika? a new, and very clear telepathic voice addressed me.
I stood up, and crossed my arms across my chest. Not in the mood for more danger and drama, I tapped one of my lightning claw talons against my right arm. Who are you, and what do you want?
You are the pilot of the Divine Retribution, or, as we call it... the alien then removed his mask, and held it in his hands. I was now standing before a lithe ghostly pale Aeldari man with penetrating (but tired) grey eyes, and straight dark hair that fell to his elbows. "...the Fate's Sundering. Greetings, Marii-Suze. I am Farseer Evoray Nox, and I have come a long way to be here tonight."
The Aeldari made an attempt at a friendly smile, which fell almost immediately. "We've met before, in a fashion. You told me to... 'fuck off', I believe, when you were visiting the Kolch system and when I attempted to view you."