Chapter 14 - Isolation
She was alone. Forsaken by her masque, isolated from any of her species, and hated by everyone on this planet, Anaris considered herself better off dead. She had nowhere to go and was battered from the day's events. Daemons were still threatening everything that she had come to know and she was helpless to stop them. Yet she was unwilling to give up her life or her identity just yet. Her old friend said it herself, a sword fights for whoever wields it. If her masque was unwilling to pick up the legendary sword, then Anaris determined it was her duty to continue fulfilling her role with new allies.
"If you would have me, I would like to go back to the city with you to fight the daemons," Anaris asked the man in black once her former leader left. Apparently, her voice startled many of the men who had been standing in uncomfortable silence as their sergeant processed the Harlequins' demands.
The Commissar, however, did not jump at the sound of her voice like many of the men did. Instead, he slowly turned his metallic gaze upon her and paused for several moments before communicating his decision. "With Sergeant Limanowitz's endorsement, you could come to help the morale of this platoon. You would be expected to take the brunt of any enemy melee assaults considering the men will primarily be shooting distance targets."
Anaris looked to the Sergeant who nodded his approval. Then, she followed the rest of the squad back into the truck and returned to her seat next to the medic, Kade. She was grateful that Uriel was preoccupied with trying to use an ancient piece of equipment to communicate with the city about the new alliance. The equipment was proving difficult for Uriel and would make no sound except for static. Anaris hoped this trend would continue so that he would be too busy to talk to her the entire ride back.
Taking advantage of the awkward silence in the back of the truck, Anaris brooded over her expulsion from her old masque. She wondered if she would have to find new clothing because she didn't want to shame the masque further by continuing to wear their colors. Then again, at this point her costume had become so dirty and ragged that it was hardly recognizable as a Sword's Triumph uniform. Unable to do anything about her costume, Anaris moved her thoughts towards her name and her portrayal of Eldranesh's sword. All she had known for a long while was this identity; she could see no reason to give it up even if she was no longer part of a troupe. Soon enough, there would be a new Harlequin in Sword's Triumph to play the part of Anaris but she wouldn't have the opportunity to worry about that.
"Anaris?" a hesitant voice broke the silence beside her. When she turned towards the source of the voice, she saw a very embarrassed looking Kade looking at her. Seeing he got her attention, Kade asked "What just happened to you… is that a common thing?"
Certain Kade was referring to her expulsion, Anaris looked away and merely replied, "No."
Anaris was not going to discuss the issue further, but she then felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned back to Kade who was giving her a sorrowful look and she sighed. "Don't mourn for me, human. Had I returned to my masque I would have been shunned. Nobody would have wanted to interact with me except for what was necessary for performances. Otherwise, to them, I would have been cannon fodder and the day I finally perished would be cause for celebration. My expulsion saves everyone the burden and is actually a merciful decision based on the shame I brought my people."
Kade's baleful gaze didn't let up, but he did at least remove his hand from her shoulder. With a tilt of his head, he inquired "If you don't mind me asking, what did you do that was so shameful? You fought well from what I saw."
"The cultural expectations of our battles are likely incomprehensible for you without me explaining much of the history and beliefs of my people. Simply put, my performance was lackluster at a crucial point in battle and my negotiations with you were far outside my character and authority."
Kade frowned in response as if he still was unable to understand the overly simplified explanation. Anaris didn't see the point in helping him understand so she left him to figure it out on his own. Besides, he was not a very wise being if he thought her fighting on a bad leg was fighting "well."
If she thought she was done with being questioned, then she was wrong. She once again heard Kade question, "Um… Anaris? What did you mean when you said your character?"
Making no effort to hide her annoyance, Anaris considered this question before she developed a response. Answering this question would entail divulging some customs of the Harlequins, who often preferred to stay shrouded in mystery. However, she saw no harm in sharing the basics so she explained that each Eldar who chooses to become a Harlequin is cast into a role. The player then gives up their past life and literally becomes that new character. She, for example, was Anaris, a sword of legend. But then she paused- it wasn't appropriate for her to be called Anaris if she was no longer being wielded by an Eldar.
"In your language, Anaris translates to 'the Dawnlight.' I would prefer that if you all must address me anymore, you call me Dawnlight," she requested, concluding her explanation.
With perfect timing, the truck slowed to a halt; they had returned to the city. The soldiers began piling out of the truck to see that they were on the city's outskirts. The Sergeant told the men to occupy a nearby building so they and other platoons in the area could fend off the approaching daemon threat.
Dawnlight suddenly remembered that she did not have a weapon with which to fight so she found the man in black and made a demand. "If I am to fight with you, I need you to return my Kiss."
Uriel, who was passing by as she made her plea, nearly dropped his weapon when he heard her words. Before he could say anything, the soldier behind him shoved him onward and shouted "Not THAT kind of kiss, you twat! That's what they call that disgusting weapon of hers." Uriel sauntered on, disturbingly disappointed by this explanation.
The man in black, however, refused to return her weapon. He told her he would give it back if the need arises, but until then it was better she would be left unarmed for the safety of his men. Dawnlight glared at him, but deemed it unworthy to argue especially with the spreading shouts and warnings that daemons were approaching.