Summary:

Last Chapter our protagonists finally were allowed to have a meal, although the one who came to give them was far from being your convenient food server. The abomination responsible for feeding them, try to force an uncouncious Thalindra to eat, in an automated respons the Farseer destroys the pitiful creature with her power.

Punishment comes quick, but Arandur bites the bullet for his friend, accepting punish in her place, facing the despicable Elyria in unfair duel.


Shadows of the Dark City 8

The funeral ceremony is led by some Farseers and Warlocks of Ulthwe. The mourners, including the family and comrades of the deceased, follow in singing ancient Eldar hymns of loss and remembrance along the path.

The laments of those lost in Soltharion ring through the Spiral of Laments as the procession continues. The followers of the Path of Grief lead the multitude of families and close ones of those lost in this last mission, the crowd keeps their heads low as they keep the mourning march filled with chants of sorrow and tears.

More than forty sons of Ulthwe were lost during this single operation, the council of Seers was aware of the dangers it imposed, some even going against the order to send them to the planet. However, Eldrad begged to differ since Thalindra Starweaver the "Shadow of Ulthwe" was leading the charge.

He believed that his most promising and talented student would easily surpass the challenges of this mission, but Eldrad was wrong. For a while now the Seer was aware of Thalindra's empathetic side towards the lower races, this in itself was not a problem, it was very helpful since if the harnessed right could prove to be a powerful tool, for one such as her not to truly disconnect from the value of life itself and always remember that their pursuits were not simple bloodshed or destruction, but actual survival, something many on their kind forget, even those who follow the Path of Seer, who with time lose track of individual life and value not caring the damage they may cause to fulfill their prophecies.

So this attribute made her a perfect weapon for Ulthwe she did not overindulge in destruction and indifference, carrying out the necessary acts with sobriety and tactical precision. Also, her warrior side helped her to not only predict a more viable way, but one where military victory was most likely, she was the perfect mix of a wise Farseer and a skilled tactician who studied the ways of war.

But even with all of that her empathetic side revealed itself to be a hindrance to this operation, the worst part Eldrad knew this would happen yet he had faith she would correct her path and choose her kind over some Mon-Keigh lives.

The old Farseer was disappointed not only with her but with himself. His pride in his student blinded him to the reality that she was no longer fit to be in an active role on the battlefield. The "Shadow" needed to be moved to the chamber of Seers, far away from actual bloodshed and brutality, to peer at the treads of destiny and fate alongside the others. Many tried to persuade him to do so, even more so her father the Exarch Althorin, which now was staring daggers right at him on the other side of the spiral.

The old warrior, refused to partake in the march, just so he could confront him, and Eldrad knew that. To be fair he couldn't blame her father, was due to his overconfidence in her that it led Thalindra to be captured by the Dark Kin, one of the worst fates imaginable. Ulthran knew that this moment was inevitable so he sent a single thought to his mind 'Meet me at my chambers'. With a single nod, this was all the confirmation he needed to raise himself from the platform and excuse himself from the presence of the other Seers watching the procession.

It wasn't so far from the Spiral of Laments so the journey was short, Althorin already was waiting for him at his door. The Ulthwe Exarch stands tall and imposing, his battle-hardened form enhanced by the sleek, elegant design of his prosthetic legs. These mechanical limbs, forged from wraithbone, seamlessly integrate into his body, appearing almost as an extension of his armor. They are intricate, with subtle engravings of Ulthwe's sigils. The legs are designed for both agility and strength, allowing him to move with the grace and precision that only an Exarch could.

His hair is a deep, dark auburn, streaked with hints of copper that catch the light, flowing down to his shoulders in slightly disheveled strands, giving him a rugged yet noble appearance. It contrasts sharply against the black and bone colors of his Exarch armor, adding a unique touch of warmth to his otherwise cold, warlike visage. His eyes, a piercing shade of green, are full of intensity and purpose, reflecting both his deep connection to the path of the warrior and the wisdom of countless battles, but with something else quite familiar to the ancient Aeldari... Grief.

Both did not trade any words as Eldrad opened the way for his inner sanctum. He knew his tastes were eclectic even random, gauche, and prolific. At least, such was what most thought when seeing the contents of his chambers as he offered Althorin to sit on his long couch.

Even the Exarch was distracted by the amount of things here in this room, however, Eldrad barely glanced at them. And his displays, such as they were, had been confined to a set of three chambers. It was the lack of space, except for the high-vaulted ceilings customary in aeldari architecture, that reinforced the meandering, unkempt nature of the entire collection.

Noticing the wandering gaze of the old warrior, he decided to answer the underlying question of everyone who saw the sheer amount of possessions he had.

"I know you may be confused by all of this, but don't worry old friend...this is just "stuff"."

The Exarch raised his eyebrow in a questioning manner.

"Stuff?"

Even though the moment did not call for it, this particular question made him raise his lips in a contained smile.

"Yes, is a human way of describing things that hold no particular exotic value. No, it is just...things, I acquired during my long existence, so don't waste your time trying to analyze them. Just let us deal with the pressing issue at hand."

This snapped Althorin back to the matter of his daughter's fate. His scarred face turned into a contained snarl.

"I told you Eldrad...I told you that day that my daughter was not fit to be sent to the front lines, but you refused to listen."

He sighed, opting to take a expensive strong drink for this talk.

"If we going to ponder this matter is best with the sobering taste of an exotic beverage."

On one of the top shelves he quickly selects his desired liquor pouring the drink into two highly decorated and luxurious glasses. Offering one to the Exarch who begrudgingly took it, taking small sips at the sweet yet potent liquor.

"Yes, I refused to listen and I see that now."

This made Althorin widen his eyes in shock, not expecting someone as Eldrad to be so quick to admit a mistake, and in such an apologetic tone nonetheless.

"My pride in your daughter led me to be overconfident in her capabilities. I thought she could handle being the "Shadow of Ulthwe", but now I see that this was just another mistake."

He drank the rest of the drink the strong taste of the sweet fruits and the alcohol making him cough a little, but the inebriant effect of it is what the ancient Seer needs to talk his piece.

"Thalindra was captured by the Dark Kin in Soltharion, alongside her there were another forty, from the one hundred sent, only fifty returned with their lives and what they had shared probably has already come to your ears."

This made Althorin's eyes widen in shock and outrage.

"Yes, I've heard that my daughter has lost her mind! That she chooses to forsake her own life in defense of mere Mon-Keigh. Also in doing so, it has cost dozens of lives of our brothers and sisters, and that..."

He paused a sob caught in his throat, unable to continue uttering the horrible words being spread about his precious daughter. Eldrad knew the Exarch enough to know exactly what he was thinking without the need to read his mind.

"That they brought human civilians through the Webway gate, inside the Craftworld per her orders."

Ulthran finished for him, his words somber and conclusive. Thalindra's father nodded at him, his expression turning to one of shame and despair.

"Is it truth? What they are saying about my daughter?"

He dreaded these questions since he knew exactly the depth of them. It was far beyond the mere speculations going around after the warring party's return. The truth, was far worse than the gossip being spread, since it meant that his precious daughter was compassionate of the species responsible for taking the legs of the proud Exarch, one he hated it vehemently.

"When it comes to her mind I can guarantee you that she was sane as ever, by Asuryan, she may be even more sane than most of us..."

This brought momentary relief to the grieving father, but Eldrad was not over.

"But when it comes to the rest, yes they are speaking truthfully."

His face instantly shifted to one of impassive indifference before chugging the entire drink in one go. After which he throws the cup away hitting the wall next to Eldrad's head. His hands clenched in unrelenting fury his nose flares in anger as his face still maintains its haunting impassive stare.

"How could you allow my daughter to go on that mission Eldrad?"

His tone was emotionless but carried a tone of wrath well known by him. Althorin is dangerous, even more so due to the fact he is lost to the fixation of Khaine, someone like him is a literal killing machine who would not stop at nothing to destroy the object of their hate. So for him to be discussing such a sensitive topic with the Exarch could be considered suicidal, but to be honest, Eldrad trusted the old warrior enough to have this conversation.

"Thalindra is not a child, she knows well the path she treads. I don't understand why she would do what she has done, but it was her war party, it was her operation, at the end of the day it was her call, and is up to us to respect that, even though it hurts."

This made the grieving father stand as he marched towards him grabbing his shirt in anger.

" Hurt!? She was not your daughter! How can you say such a thing to me of all people!? There is no us in this. I carry the burden alone of seeing her mother crying to sleep every cycle, not doing anything else, her sister is completely lost tending to her mother, my son just arrived home to just throw himself again in another mission to not face the empty void her absence has left on our lives! So don't you dare say that this "hurts" for you because you don't have any idea of what is like! "

Eldrad has had enough and decided to politely shove the Exarch down to the couch with his mind, keeping him stuck to the comfortable cushions to de-escalate the situation.

"You're wrong Althorin, your grief is blinding you of the truth. I lost a student and a friend, a very dear one at that. And the worst part? It was me who assembled her war host, and I knew what could happen I've had foresaw it since Lanevar."

This made the Warrior snarl in anger as he struggled against Eldrad's mind grip.

" HOW COULD YOU!? IF YOU KNEW WHY WOULD YOU LET THIS HAPPEN?"

The Farseer just let him scream obscenities and profanities, letting the grieving father pour out everything he was currently feeling. He owned him that much, after all of this mess.

"I've already said, my pride in your daughter blinded me from the impact Lanevar left upon her. Thalindra was always more empathetic than normal, and we both know that well. However her drive to be on the frontlines, using her powers to spare more Aeldari lives, exposed her to the horrors of war, and like the saying goes "once you look into the abyss, pray that It doesn't look back at you", in her case it indeed stared back and she could not shake that off."

This seemed to settle Althorin who now just angrily stared at Eldrad.

"With time seeing the things she saw, the many lives she had to take for our kind. The destruction she had to cause, caught up to her, and led to Thalindra doing something very few if any of us would do...to care for those beneath us."

Eldrad took his glass pouring more of the exotic beverage, taking small sips as he continued explaining.

"At first she used her powers to quickly kill without having to personally deliver the killing blow. After that Thalindra refrained from going into highly populated areas unless it was strictly necessary for the mission, then she started to avoid Imperial villages and towns altogether..."

Another sip, the bittersweet taste filling his tastebuds as he kept his calm stare upon the Exarch.

"At the end of it, she was starting to avoid missions that could endanger innocent Mon-Keigh lives something completely unexpected for the "Shadow". But still, Thalindra was the only one I could trust to do the dirty work. There is no one else I trust more to give that task than to her, but even though she was exceptional everyone has their limits and I see that now."

Althorin made a gesture with his hands signaling he wanted the bottle above the table, the same that now Eldrad was pouring more of the beverage. The ancient Farseer gave it without reservation as the Exarch quickly chugged the drink in one go, after finishing the entire bottle he turned to Ulthran his eyes filled with piercing determination.

"Is she alive?"

Eldrad sincerely did not know, he had felt the impression of her soul moments before being taken to the dark realm of Commorrogah, so it was hard to assume that she was either dead or alive.

"Honestly? I don't know."

"How come you don't know? You're the greatest Seer alive, the ancient one! If there is someone who could know of her whereabouts is you!"

"Is complicated Althorin, the Dark City is a very difficult place to peer at. The sea of endless pain and negative energy severely hinders any Seer from finding something or someone amongst the maze-like corridors of Commorrogah. Not only that place is an endless cacophony of screams from the living and the dead. It is completely disorienting in the best-case scenario, at worst. It can damage the mind of the one remote viewing."

Althorin got on one knee in front of Eldrad, his form curved in plee and desperation, as he held the sleeve of the robes of the ancient Farseer.

"Please find her I beg you Eldrad! Just find my daughter, I just need to know where she is, then you don't need to do anything more, just leave it to me..."

This was the only moment he got frustrated with the grieving father since he already explained how he could not feel her anymore or know Thalindra's exact location in the Dark City. He understood his pain and despair, but this still did not change both of their roles in the Craftworld and the cruel reality of the situation.

Eldrad caught the old warrior by his shoulders and raised him before saying with the most strict tone he could must at this time:

"Althorin compose yourself. I've already told you I can't, and there is nothing either you or I can do to change that. But still, even though it pains me just as much as it does to you, as a Farseer of Ulthwe and responsible for the destiny of so many of our people, I must focus my attention on other matters, the survival of our kind is bigger than us and even Thalindra."

His words for a moment made the semblance of the old warrior shift to one of anger, but his next words were definitive to settle the matter.

"You're an Exarch, our people need you. The newest generation needs an example such as yourself, Althorin is not only a person, but a legacy. When they come to your shrine they look at you with admiration and respect, wanting to be just like the one who defeated so many, that even lost to the path of war still managed to build such a beautiful family."

This made his semblance retreat to one of contained sorrow once again, his gaze shifting to the ground.

"So be strong now old friend, be for your family and for those who look up to you. Be the shield for those who are too weak to defend themselves, your role in the grand tapestry persists."

He nodded at the wise words coming from the Seer, acknowledging the truth behind his words. The warrior then raised himself from the couch going for the door his demeanor changed to the all-familiar warrior Eldrad was used to seeing.

"Thank you Eldrad for your time and wise words. But before I depart, could you answer a question of mine?"

His back was to the Farseer, although his demeanor had reverted to his old ways, he knew the Exarch enough to predict what his next question would be.

"What will we be of the humans in our home?"

He could feel the murdering intent irradiating from him, so it was safe to assume his intentions were far from good.

"Delivered back to the closest imperial world... unharmed."

Althorin just hummed back, opting to just leave Eldrad's chamber without any further confrontation. This last interaction was enough to send a cold chill down his spine, not out of fear but out of worry for the mental health of his friend, the fixation of Khaine could be a very dangerous thing if not dealt with properly, and after this last ominous question, the Farseer would have to be sure to double the guards in the holding cells.

Tired of this entire cycle and the events that transpired after the horrible news of Thalindra's mission, Eldrad opted to just rest, putting away the empty bottle and cup before proceeding to his private quarters where he would be able to relax.

But one simple desire filled his thought, one he knew was only wishful thinking: 'That there were no more losses, in a while'. This desire was filled with foreshadowing curses that could befall the next war host led by Autarch Nuvian and Farseer Eloen. But he couldn't help himself, losing his student was already taking a toll on his tired mind.


Thalindra was in a lotus position her eyes rolling behind her eyelids as the Seer was focused on finding more about Arandur's fate. After he explained to her what had transpired with the thing serving them food, the Farseer instantly went to work saying something about peering at the treads. More of those strange words and terms she used did not make any sense to the seasoned soldier, but there she was lost in whatever the Eldar was doing.

Silence is all that remained each to their own in their "sides" of the cell. Kais was trying to clean his armor, but without a proper piece of cloth, he was just using his hands to at least take any excess grime off.

Ellias was playing rock paper and scissors with Janessa, both playing for the 180th time, as they did not have anything else to do. And Darius was reading a small first aid manual he carried in his belt pocket, probably rereading it for the fifth time.

And Marcus? Well staring at the far side wall, trying to think of anything besides the fact that he was bored out of his mind. The Captain was tempted to continue his reading on his book, but he was always very weary of doing so in the presence of others, especially Thalindra who he knows can read his mind.

To what extent? He was not sure, but he was due to get some answers once the Aeldari in question finished her little...whatever she was doing.

But just like it started Thalindra opened her eyes, her expression was a mixture of relief and worry, and the words left her mouth before she even realized she uttered them:

"Bidh e beò...Le Isha tha e beò."

"What?"

The Imperial asked before he even realized the words left his mouth, which prompted her to instantly shift her attention to him, the glazed look of the practice she was doing fading away to the aquamarine he was used to seeing.

"Oh...well it means that Arandur lives, although his overall state is still blurry to me. But I'm relieved to know my friend is okay."

With a big sigh of relief, she took the tube of food that lay next to her position, and with quick motions, she started slurping on it. Her face contorted in pure unadulterated disgust, but still, she pushed through until the last contents of it were drained.

After intently analyzing her in this moment, more questions surfaced about her, and her species in general. Marcus knew little to nothing about the Eldar, and most he had learned on the fly during this dreadful situation they encountered themselves.

So deciding to address his doubts and the giant elephant in the room he called to her.

"Lady Thalindra I have some questions I would like answered."

She very delicately put aside the empty wrapping before wiping her mouth with the sleeve of her robe, her gaze turned to him, and her expression was completely neutral.

"Of course Captain Marcus you can ask me whatever troubles your mind, and I'll answer to the best of my abilities."

This was good, the Seer was open for dialogue which meant, he could make progress in understanding best who he was working with, and what to expect of a being such as her.

Thalindra patted the spot in front of her signaling for Marcus to sit in front of her, he complied, which now left him staring at those beautiful pools of blue and...

The Captain coughed on his hand, to regain focus his mind trying to kick into Guardsman mode.

"First things first...How do you prefer to be called? I know I should asked this before but due to the circumstances I forgot."

Her answer was simple, its tone polite and cooperative.

"You may call me Farseer Thalindra, or simply Thalindra. I know you chose lady as a sign of respect since your culture still works on a monarchy-type base hierarchy, this title is used for those of noble birth. But I'm not of such status or such lineage so just call me for what I am, but still I appreciate your intention."

Amazing, this Xeno knows at least the basics of their culture to understand why he had chosen to call her Lady.

"I may say that your knowledge of our culture is Impressive. Did not expect that coming from a Xeno."

She appeared annoyed at his mention of the term Xeno but did not comment further.

"Thanks. When you live the time I lived and trodden the path I tread is inevitable that you learn a thing or two of those you fight with."

His eyes widened at her reply, more questions surging through his mind.

"How old are you? And could you explain to me what you just meant by now?"

This made her think a little, he was not certain if Thalindra was refraining from answering or was actually thinking on how to reply to his inquiries.

"In solar years if I remember right maybe three thousand."

This made his jaw drop, this could not be true how could something live for so long and still look so young? The Imperial was out of words, at this revelation.

As if reading his mind the Farseer was quick to explain.

"Eldar live far longer lives than humans, most managing to live thousands of years before finally starting to age. In human terms, I would probably be thirty years more or less...Although I would refrain from comparing too much since our aging process is vastly different than yours."

The Captain gulped loudly, completely puzzled by the sheer incongruency of what he just heard. The oldest person he knew was Sister Sirena who was seventy-five years old the last time he saw her. Now to have someone who lived an actual millenia? That was a whole other can of worms he didn't want to open right now.

"To the other part of your question, paths is what we call the duty we perform to avoid the hungering grip of She-Who-Thirsts, each Aeldari chooses one when they reach a certain age, and they keep going at it until they find another role to fulfill and so on. I chose the path of the Seer, we are those who peer at the treads of fate to change the courses of events that could affect negatively our kind, those with vision help to guide our species to victory and safety, ensuring that we survive another day."

"Who is this She-Who-Thirsts?"

This made Thalindra think for a second before answering in the most straightforward way possible.

"Is a mistake caused by my people a long time ago, one we can't avoid, only if we are vigilant of our ways and adhere to the use of Soul stones."

"Soul stones? What do you mean by mistake?"

This time Thalindra chose a more serious time in a clear attempt to shut this particular line of dialogue off.

"Things which I choose to avoid talking about, at least for now..."

The Officer was listening intently, his attention solely focused on her explanation, so much so that he failed to notice the others sitting beside him, all listening to her words intently.

And was when Ellias opened his mouth that he realized that he was not the only one asking questions now.

"You said you fought us...what do you mean by that?"

This brought discomfort to the Seer's face, it was clear she did not like this question but still, the Eldar tried to reply in a calm tone.

"As you may know Corporal Ellias, my kind has already faced many enemies, from all walks of life, not only humans. But when we are in a galaxy such as ours, and with its dangers is only natural that the Eldar and humans would trade blows from time to time."

The Guardsman was quick to fire back.

"Don't avoid what I asked. My question was if you fought us, so I want to know did you?"

This time it was obvious to everyone that the Farseer was not happy with this line of question and was struggling to give a proper answer, so to keep the civility of the situation the Officer put a hand on his friend's shoulder signaling him to calm down.

"Sorry for my friend here, he is very weary of outsiders, even more, if they are Xenos. Answer only if you want to..."

The Seer nodded, before replying in a quick unsure way.

"Yes I did, but I'll refrain from commenting further."

It was clear that this particular line of questions was over, so Marcus decided to do other less harmful ones.

"You said you're a "Farseer" and that you tread the path of those who envision things...How far can your powers go and how do they work?"

"Well, your question is more complicated than you think Marcus since you cannot begin to grasp the full extent of what it means to be a Farseer of the Eldar. But I'll try my best to, I will offer you a glimpse, like a star seen through the cracks of a cave."

With that, the Eldar manifested an ethereal smoke that took shape and moved in flow with what she was trying to explain.

"My kind, long before your species learned to walk, wielded the powers of the warp, not as brute force, but as an art. Where your psykers might draw upon its chaotic currents like an untrained beast, I walk upon its waves, guiding them with precision. I as a Farseer, am a weaver of fate, and I do not simply see the future...I shape it."

All of them were enthralled by her explanation, the otherworldly way the words came out of her mouth made them even more attentive to what she was saying.

"The threads of time are not fixed, Marcus. Every action, every decision, every thought weaves into a vast tapestry of possibilities. I look upon these threads, feeling their tension, knowing when they will snap or bind. With the power of my mind, I can nudge them subtly or with great force to ensure outcomes that benefit my kind. Where you might see a choice between life and death as a gamble, I see it as inevitable. I have already seen it."

Now this last part of her explanation remembered him of his fight with Morkfang, how every movement, even his weakness was exposed to his mind. The way it helped him predict its next steps was crucial for him to defeat the enemy, such power...such capabilities were beyond unnatural, but if harnessed they could make so much difference on the battlefield.

"To wield this power is to exist in a constant dance with the immaterium. It is a dangerous place, filled with horrors that few are capable of understanding. Yet, I stride through its dangers, using the runes to guide my vision, reading their symbols, and interpreting the paths that lie ahead. Each rune reflects a different possibility, and through them, I choose which future will come to pass."

The smoke shaped itself into different symbols, each more weird than the other, but he understood that they worked in some way to help her, even though he was clueless as ever of the how.

"So you predict "things" that will happen through these "runes"?"

Her tone until now has been all business, but this time it shifts to confusion. But then just as it came the Eldar had an answer ready for his question.

"You ask if I can predict your fate?"

He nodded in affirmation at her question.

"In a way, yes. But do not be so quick to desire such knowledge. Those who lack vision or the lifespan to understand the flowings of time often crumble under the weight of their destiny. I have seen this countless times."

This last part was a kick on his balls that was for sure. He was ready to ask so many things about fate as she put it, even more so about all the probabilities and dangers they would face with this sole ability...he was still overwhelmed by the possibilities.

"Know this, Imperial Captain Marcus: where you fight in darkness and uncertainty, I walk in the light. Where you hope for victory, I know it. Such is the power of a Farseer."

Silence greeted her as all of them stood in awe listening to her explanation, this even brought a little blush to her cheeks not expecting such an attentive crowd to what she hoped was an understandable rambling about her path.

"However my powers are severely diminished here, due to the Suppression Field deployed by the Dark Kin, so most "things" I just said are severely diminished."

This made all of them snap to reality, after hearing of this last part.

"What do you mean suppression field?" Darius jumped the gun and asked before any could.

This time Thalindra had to stop to think about what she would say since it was a very complex thing to explain even more so to humans and a Tau who were not versed on the warp or immaterium.

"The arena structure is made of wraithbone. In simple terms, wraithbone is a form of psycho-reactive matter. It is grown, not forged, shaped by the minds of those who channel the immaterium what you call the warp. And due to its properties if used alongside an "Einn-sean N'ull", it severely hinders any warp sensitive to use it. Is like having a nail stuck to your feet, while you are lying or sitting, it won't harm, but the moment you decide to walk is when the metal point will digg into your flesh, giving you a constant and raging pain, making you inevitably stop due to it."

The Farseer took a look at their faces, and all understood very few words of her explanation, so she ends deciding to drop it, at least for now.

"So any other questions?"

The Captain had only one more, and this was the most important one. His tone was serious and determined, his eyes now completely fixed on her aquamarine ones.

"I asked you if you could read my thoughts, and you said yes. How much can you read?"

She stopped for a second, her expression completely devoid of a well-defined expression. Moments pass with her in complete silence as she returns the stare, her thoughts a complete enigma for the human. But then her answer came with a short yet powerful word.

" Everything."

This made all of them stop in either shock or doubt, the Captain's brains were short-circuited since now he was very aware that she may have known all of what he was thinking from the moment their paths crossed. A faint blush caught on his cheek at this realization, one he hoped was a little prank played by this Xeno Woman.

"No is not a prank. I'm being completely honest when I say this."

Her tone was absolute, it haunted him in such a profound way, all of those times he felt as if she was peering at his soul, it was the truth. On an instinctual level, his entire being screamed at him for the invasion, and not once did he notice it.

And now she answered his thoughts clearly and openly so everyone could hear, his mouth hung agape as he lacked words to describe the sheer confusion and shock he felt.

This caught him completely off guard, what could he make of this? What exactly did she hear coming from them...from him? By the Emperor, he was beyond lost in all meanings of the word. And he was not the only one who was having this reaction, all of them in some way shape, or form were shocked.

Kais asked something in his language, and she answered in kind, the words were completely alien to the humans, but now they noticed that although the Fire Warrior language was completely unknown to them, they understood everything he asked.

And the question? Was exactly what they just noticed, her reply? Her mind was channeling their thoughts between one another, synchronized in a way. So everyone could understand each other although they spoke different languages altogether...

He was on the verge of freaking out, no being such as Thalindra should exist. This was beyond anything he had seen on the field, he now understood that above all else the one who could wipe them out with just a thought was her, Arandur while a brute, was still nothing compared to the being carelessly explaining her abilities to them.

If someone like her were their enemies, there would be few if not any options left aside from simply accepting their deaths, and hope they are painless. What could she do beyond that? What she had done in the arena until now, how much of it represented her actual power? If the suppression field hindered her, what would she be like without it? But now a conclusion even more dreadful than the rest came to his mind...

"How were you captured by these sadistic frakkers?"

This made her widen her eyes in surprise at his question, but soon it gave place to sorrow and insecurity, this instantly raised alarm bells in his hand, since if someone like her was feeling these emotions what would these bastards be capable of? If they managed to capture someone like her, how worse are they compared to her?

"They are capable of the most depraved immoral acts to get what they want. And about how worse they can be? If even my imagination runs short of possibilities, how could any of you hope to comprehend how worse they can actually be?"

Once again her answer was directly related to his inner musings, her dreadful words carried a tone of underlying despair but contained fury. It was clear that just like them, she was not a fan of their captors. Her gaze went to the ground as she answered his first question, a grave tone uttering these next words:

"On how I was captured I prefer to not talk about it...at least for now."

Her tone was certainly mournful but defensive as well, this was a very sore subject to her so Marcus knowing how to identify a touchy matter, decides to drop it, in place deciding to cut short to another set of questions that would be more neutral and usually helped to alleviate the tension and build trust.

"Any family outside of here? Someone waiting back home?"

This had the complete opposite effect he intended as she closed her eyes, her lips trembling with what he knows is barely contained grief. He hit another touchy subject for her, one he was quick to avoid as well, but this time she answered within his mind 'Thanks for dropping it'. The tone is gentle but almost robotic her entire demeanor is still closed off after his another failed attempt to steer this conversation to a more light-hearted moment.

Deciding to cut short their talk to let her have space. Marcus thanked the Farseer for her cooperation receiving only a nod in response, before going back to his side of the cell alongside his men.


Acharon Vyle was very busy carving the heart out of a live tyranid gene-stealer, the beast lashed out, flailing about trying without any luck to reach him. With precision and well-made cuts with his instruments, he managed to tear out the torso carapace without much trouble.

The Haemonculli in question was at least 9 feet tall, its body covered by a thick dark cape that covered his entire body, from it two very frail and skeletal hands went out of their business using the tools to carry out the job. His hair is a sickly dark green that flows behind his back going to his feet, his eyes shine a teal light through the ornate working dark glasses he usually wore. His form was hunched above his workstation as he cut the lines with precision and elegance.

He was a professional when it came to tearing down his subjects, just as well as rebuilding them. The Haemonculli was one of the best in his area that concerned revival procedures as well as body modifications, he had done amazing works for many of the denizens of the Dark City, of course, those who could pay him well that is.

In the background, an old composition done by Tchaikovsky called The Black Swan played, he was a Mon-Keigh of the Golden Age when the humans still managed to create something decent. The composer fell short of the talent to be considered a genius but had enough to entertain the Drukhari. Vyle had spent a large sum for this particular holo recording, making sure to preserve it well amongst the other items of his collection.

While he could certainly hear something more on par with his refined tastes this particular work helped a lot for him to focus on certain works. The tragedy, the drama, the betrayal, and the darkness this piece told in its composition was a sweet reminder of his reality, one he adores and loves.

One last cut and its chest cavity burst open as if were the cap of a bottle. And with it, the main course could begin as he started carving the organ with deadly precision, in a matter of instant he had the beating heart of the nid in his hand. Its subject still trashing about, although now was getting weaker and weaker just like the music was reaching its end. 'Perfectly timed' was what he thought as he put the organ inside an aquarium with preservative liquids, to avoid any kind of deterioration of the piece in question.

Wiping his hands on a piece of cloth after his work was done, Acharon was getting ready to close shop for this cycle to get back to his little pet project the next one, but the all-familiar gaze of one of his most loyal clients cut him short of it. He knew she tried to be sneaky whenever possible, but even she had limits when she was carrying the body of a dismembered Dire Avenger.

"Elyria my dear...to what end I owe you this visit?"

With a small scoff, she got out of the shadows towards one of his empty operating tables. Her entire body was covered with blood, and her hair was a complete mess, but nothing came close to the one she carried on her shoulder as a sack of potatoes.

It was certainly a Dire Avenger of Ulthwe, a fine specimen for sure if it were not the fact he was missing two legs and an arm. If he were to be whole his value could reach very good numbers, although he much prefers another type of subject for his experiments.

"Brought me a gift? Or is it work?"

She threw the warrior haphazardly on the metal table making a loud noise. His chest was rising and going down at a slow pace, he would probably not have much time if the bleeding was not solved.

"This time is work Vyle."

Her answer was clear and left no further room for discussion she was in a hurry after all. Not due to the life going away just in front of them, but probably some poor-taste party, orgy, or murder fest the likes of her liked to partake in.

"What a pity...you still owe me from last time, are you sure you want me to work on this one?"

The Succubus sighed as she used the same cloth he just used to clear the excess blood from her hands.

"Yes, I am."

Acharon hummed at her affirmation, before taking his tools from his workstation once again.

"Is the usual, or full body work?"

She leaned on the wall close to him, verifying with boredom if any part of her Wychsuit had been damaged.

"The usual. I need him in peak condition, good as new...For my next event."

Without any further words, he started the procedure by injecting a strong coagulant into his bloodstream insuring to heavily delay his bleeding, giving him some time to work on the damage caused.

The Haemonculli was quick to ascertain the extent of injuries inflicted by Elyria, it was bad but still precise, the cuts were clean and left much room for a strong regenerative to work the connection of tissue out.

"I appreciate you learned your lesson on not using the serrated part of the blade to punish your thralls. You don't have any idea how annoying is to have to first mold the meat back together before starting to work on it."

The Wych scoffed at his words in reprobation and mild annoyance.

"Well last time I had to deliver to you a G'ualt as payment, and the smell that thing left on my hair did not go out even after days, so thank you I learned my lesson."

At that, Acharon gave a large smile denoting the satisfaction at knowing his way of punishing Elyria had worked as intended. But nonetheless, now that he had a good understanding of the situation he turned the Dire Avenger's limp body around, with his back now to him he jammed his sample syringe on his lower back taking a good sum of fluid as he pathetically whimpered. Satisfied with the quantity he walked to the other side of his studio where a small terminal made of various alloys displayed a bright green hologram projection.

He took the syringe and slowly inserted it into the panel of the terminal letting the liquid out. It hummed as it received the scarlet fluid, some beepings and chimes could be heard as the machine worked.

"Well, it will take some time for the machine to reconstruct the selected body parts. So if you are in a hurry I'd recommend you to leave him with me."

She made a clear negative sign with her head, her mouth going to a knowing smirk.

"And let you experiment on my ticket to glory? Nope."

It appears he was stuck with her until the machine finished, which he considered annoying since Vyle was never the type to enjoy the company of others, only his creations. Not that she was wrong, since if he were to be honest he would be delighted to experiment on such a fine specimen although the Eldar framework is not his favorite.

So deciding to put another piece of his personal collection to play he fetched another human song from the Golden Age, this time a far more lyrical and progressive composition, its author was a Mon-Keigh called "Tiny Tim" and its name was "Tip Toe Thru' The Tulips With Me". The lyrics were ridiculous, but the entire composition in a way helped him to pass the time when he lacked inspiration or was simply bored.

He closed his eyes, lightly swaying around lost in the moment even forgetting that Elyria was there, but soon this moment was cut short as she fakely coughed in her hand.

"What was that shit just now?"

Widening his eyes behind his glasses the Haemonculli was puzzled if she was referring to his dance or the song itself.

"What do you mean by that?"

His question was serious his tone somber, he did not like any particular criticism towards any of his aspirations and Vyle takes any slight towards his tastes as personal and as very serious offenses. But soon she started laughing once noticing his apparent hostile stance...The Succubus was chuckling at his expense.

Acharon lowered himself to her level, his shining eyes staring right through her soul, this instantly made her stop, Elyria's eyebrows raised in curiosity at his reaction.

"Acharon is just a joke question, don't need to twist your panties in a bunch over it."

The Haemonculli raised himself to his full stance his height dwarfing that of the Wych.

" Never again, jest with me youngling. I'm not one of your admirers or fools who follow you around, so be very careful of the way you speak to me."

His tone was smooth and soft, hauntingly so. Even Elyria had to admit that Vyle was scary, the Wych could play brave how much she wanted, but someone like him was not the type to mess around with. So deciding to just cut this whole thing short she got to the exit door of his studio preferring to avoid any further incident, the Dire Avenger be damned if the Haemonculli decided to get creative. Before truly going out, the Wych turned one last time.

"I'll send the rest of them at the beginning of the next cycle, your payment will be as soon as our next shipment arrives. And don't worry you know I pay my debts as long as you keep your end of the deal. Also, be mindful that if you don't have one, you need to install a suppression field in here, if Vect dreams with a Farseer walking around without it he will have all of our heads on a silver platter, and we did that once already, so do that before our luck runs short."

Acharon nodded, before signaling her the way out, being done dealing with the shenanigans of other denizens of the Dark City for this cycle. The moment the door was closed and he knew Elyria had gone away he went to verify the machine waiting for it to end its procedures.

Throughout the process, he just stood there watching unblinking at the meat form and mold itself into the desired shape. He loved seeing the way this particular invention worked around sculpting living tissue itself into an entirely new organ or limb, as if were clay.

Once done with a loud chime he took the limbs carefully one by one setting them on the table where the Dire Avenger's ones were amputated. He used a special rule to measure the excess of meat on the new part and the one that was severed adjusting it to its perfect size. Once he was satisfied he started working to align each one perfectly with the raw and bleeding stump.

His movements were precise and elegant as he sewed each atom together. Vyle would not only stitch this warrior back together, but he would make him look as new as when he was born, the Haemonculli was proud of the quality of his flesh crafting arts, so the Druchii would be very thorough in restoring this specimen.

The Eldar on his table screamed and trahsed about, as he made his movements. His screams were a symphony of the most pure delight, each vibration caused by his raw vocal cords bringing him to the apex of his craft as Acharon worked.

Finishing restoring every limb to its original form and balance, Acharon peers at the restoration done by him. Yet a painful groan coming from the warrior makes him notice something that he did not pay close mind to, a single shallow cut to his neck, where fading black veins pulsed in throbbing agitation.

He took one of his dainty fingers and used it to scrape the blood oozing out of it, bringing it to his nose to ascertain his suspicions. 'Manˈdraɡera Brìgh' he thought in elated conclusion, a potent muscular relaxer that had a delayed effect, going little by little through the extremities before going to its nervous system making the body shut down on itself, while still remaining conscious. It was a very common substance used to enhance the despair of the victim who can feel that is only a matter of time before she can't fight any longer, being left completely helpless to her attacker.

Elyria was an adept user of different poisons and substances in her repertoire, most of her opponents being defeated long ago before she even managed to jam her knife into their jugulars. And such was the case with this one, feeling a little mischievous after her little "joke" Vyle decided to do one of his as well, opting to give this subject a small almost unperceivable upgrade that will guarantee that next time The Succubus chooses to face him, she will have to sweat it for her victory.


Thalindra was shaken up from her sleep as her mind alerted her of a sudden wave of negativity towards her. For the untrained, this could be anything, but for someone like her, she knew well where it came from, all of the other occupants were asleep, their souls flaring with their dreams, through each flicker of their "flame" was related to something that their minds were conjuring.

Most of the humans right now weren't having such a great time in the realm of dreams, but one stood out above the others, and this was the cause of her awakening. Marcus was leaning on a corner in his hands there was a small object that she recognized as a book, it was odd seeing him still clinging to the open tome even though he was completely lost to sleep.

'Probably slept while reading it' The Farseer thought as she silently and gracefully stepped towards him. His soul was all over the place flaring around as a desperate flame trying to grasp more oxygen. His face was completely impassive betraying nothing on the current turmoil haunting him in his dreams.

Slowly but gently the Farseer extended her fingers towards his forehead, she could actually do that without physical contact but it would be far easier for him to notice her mind's eye gaze than with a subtle touch of her index finger.

With her finger millimeters from her intended target something shifts, his soul's erratic behavior stops the seams of sleep going away signifying his awakening, before she can't fully retreats the Imperial amethysts are staring intently at her, as he shoved the book back into his pocket.

"Farseer Thalindra what are you doing?" His whisper's tone is skeptical and suspicious more than anything. Fear is present as well, but is mostly in the background of his mind by now.

For once she lacks words to properly explain her intentions, since in this current predicament anything she says can be taken completely wrong. So the Eldar decided to answer his question with another question.

"Were you having a nightmare?" Thalindra's words were smooth, a clear attempt to soothe any worries coming from the human. But unfortunately for her, he did not buy it.

"Was I?"

Still skeptical, for the first time since they started to be on good terms he reacted in such a suspicious way towards her. And in that moment the Seer learned that she did not like that.

"Yes, you were." The Eldar struggled to maintain a passive tone, she was here trying to help this Mon-Keigh and he dared act in such a way after everything the Seer has done.

Tension was building between the two as both kept their stares then his voice came still in a whisper a question that had deep implications, showing well the true reason for his demeanor.

"And how do you know that? Are you reading my mind just now?"

Thalindra understood now why this reaction, was not only due to his nightmare, he was fearful of how much she knew about them, of how her abilities allowed her to read them all as an open book. The Seer knew that sharing the extent of her capabilities was a mistake, almost all of her path were trained to guard to themselves their own "tricks" as the humans like to say. However she was not comfortable lying about this, it could be due to her new affluent path or the heaviness of her conscience, but misleading and manipulation were not something she wanted part of her repertoire anymore.

But right now a half-truth would do.

"I did not read your mind. You made some distressed noises and I came to check on you."

His eyes squeezed his analytic gaze basking in her reactions, the seasoned officer knew well how to read people, it came with the job. The question would be if he would notice her clear attempt to escape the question.

"Why were you trying to touch me?"

This caught her completely red-handed, until this moment she did not notice that the reason he woke up wasn't her presence but the closeness of her index upon his forehead. To be fair she was now very tempted to lie her way out of this, the situation was too uncomfortable already.

"I wanted to ascertain your well-being."

Now she was using omission as a way of avoiding having to honestly answer his question. This bothered her, if he wasn't so reserved with his mind she would be fine with explaining herself, but this reaction makes her think twice before addressing this situation, to not shake this bridge they are just building.

Marcus thought for a second, it was clear that he was weighing her words, his keen mind was trying hard to deduce her thoughts based on her body language. And she had to admit that for a human he was quite perceptive since he did believe in her but wasn't satisfied with her answer.

"Admit you were reading my mind just now."

Thalindra was done with this conversation at least in trying to prance around his suspicion, so the Seer decided to throw all to the side and completely end this charade.

"No, I wasn't. I've never had to for starters."

He is silent waiting for her to continue, his penetrative gaze trained on her.

"I can observe the astral manifestations of the life essence of living entities. In simple terms I can see your soul manifesting itself, so I know exactly what you are feeling. So since you were having a nightmare your essence flared in clear suffering denoting a very bad experience upon the realm of dreams."

He scoffed in frustration, the reality of her powers making him very uncomfortable.

"So can you shut this off? This power of yours gives me the creeps."

"No, I can't Marcus, all Eldar in different degrees can do that, is as breathing to us. The difference is that I just have a better grasp at it due to my path."

"But can you at least shut off your mind-reading thing?"

Once again this human showed strong reservations with her peering at his thoughts, which raised a lot of different questions in her curious mind. The Seer tried to peer at his mind as usual but he was focused on thinking on a myriad of different topics in a desperate effort to shuffle the deck of cards that was his conscience.

"No, but you can try to shut me off just like you're doing now, although I can still see the overall shape of what you are trying to hide."

His eyes widened as if a prey realized the gaze of its predator, in a mental panic he tried harder to shut her off thinking on different topics desperately.

"And what exactly do you believe me to be hiding from you?

"The true nature of your suffering."

This made him frown, hostility for the first time since they started working together came forth from after her revelation. His tone dripped with a barely contained anger, Marcus wanted to be polite, still in his anger he hoped to not offend her, but nonetheless, the Guardsman loved his privacy and that was clear now more than ever to her.

"Look I don't know how it works in your culture, but with us, we have something called privacy, and I put great value on mine. So for my sake even if you can't stop doing this, just leave me alone when it comes to my suffering."

The Farseer was starting to get frustrated as well, this human was refusing to understand her nature. Her species has the concept of privacy, but for them trying to hide your soul and thoughts is a sign of untrustworthiness, the Eldar are very emotional and spiritually attuned creatures, so it was in their nature to know those they treaded with, in a very deep and meaningful way. Also, she wanted to help him, just like previous times, the Seer had come so close to him multiple times and none of those brought this reaction forth, so it was foolish of this human to be so reserved with someone who showed more than once that they only want to help.

"I want to help you, Marcus Hale, you may not believe it or struggle with this fact but the reason I'm even talking to you right now is to fan the flames of your soul, which have been dying since the moment I laid my eyes upon you."

At the mention of his surname, his reaction completely surprised her, the Captain did not utter a word, but his thoughts made his feelings very clear, as his intense eyes stared at her.

' Don't mention that name, there is a reason I don't use it. So for your sake don't repeat it out loud again.'

This raised even more questions but it was clear by the intensity of his feelings and the colors he was manifesting that this surname was a very touchy subject for him. Something she found odd since the moment she laid her eyes on the Imperial she knew his complete name as well as his overall career in the military although some puzzles of who this man was were still missing.

Thalindra had to give it to the Soldier, he knew how to occlude some parts of his mind even though it was probably on a subconscious level, those parts were so mixed up with trauma and pain that they were unreadable without forcing it open which could hurt him as well as make it obvious what she was trying to pull.

"Your soul is dying human Captain of the 88th Cadian regiment. And if you don't allow me to help you, it will come a moment when you won't be able to keep your "flame" alive, and if this moment comes you will shut down on yourself and reach total apathy, and this will kill you."

His eyes focused on her, this time his gaze was not filled with suspicion or hostility, but a simple emotion very familiar to many Eldar, acceptance of imminent doom. His tone was one of solemn agreement, his face now devoid of any negativity only a single simple smile.

"I know. But that won't happen before I get you all out of this."

His voice was calm but heavy with the promise he just made. Marcus was not the type of man to say things such as this in jest nor in a lying manner. The Captain was serious and determined to make his word ring true. This made her heart skip a beat for a millisecond, she did not expect a Mon-Keigh to be so forward into admitting to having ambitions of saving them all, this poor and simple human had the determination that even she lacked when reaching here, one of the reasons she stopped trying to peer at the future was exactly the fear of knowing what would the Dark Kin do to them.

For her the path she treaded ended in her capture, but now after everything, this simple human mortal man saying such a thing with such conviction gives her although small, hope. Not in herself, for once in her long life, now her hopes lay with Marcus Hale a determined and fragile human who would face anything to protect those he saw as part of his team.


Like always thanks for giving this story a chance, hope that further chapters and updates manage to deliver my vision and may that satisfy you guys!

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