NationStates Jolt Archive

The ships of the Eldar were decadent, it was said, and Arianra Taralastin could see why. The necrontyr vessels he was used to had interiors, though they were designed for infrequent habitation by organic creatures. The observation deck of this vessel – a Void Stalker, no military vessel, but a ship of sensuous delights and freedom, a corsair vessel – was covered in sensuously padded couches and gossamer-silken fabrics that hung from a crystal dome that looked out upon the stars. Necron ships were elegant to his eyes, but highly technological; Quendi ones were elegant and grand, Kajali ones elegant and refined, Eldar Craftworld vessels sensuous and alien, but this, this was decadence, quite simply.

Sitting beside the necrontyr in this luxury, clad only in shimmering quick-silk upon a mintywood throne, the dark haired form of an Eldar pointed at one of the ships a few kilometres beyond the transparent dome, in the misty blue background of the webway, speeding along at hundreds of miles per hour, an utter dawdle, but within the web, fast enough.

“And that one is the Ride of Kuronus” she said, looking at the Eldar treasury ship, with six vast cargo bays on each side. There were very few such freighters in the Yvressi fleet, as for most transport purposes they could use lighter skiffs direct to a world’s surface, without paying the cost of gravitic potential energy in entering space in the first place; as such there were only two hundred ships like the mile long Ride, and Arianra had not seen such a ship before.

His role on the Corsair flagship was not just for this expedition, but rather, he was the permanent representative of the Star Gods here; though he lacked any official authority, he was considered important, simply because he was a necrontyr, and not just that, but a necron; it did not show; he seemed to be almost an Eldar himself, if the Eldar had void-born cousins of blue blood and grey skin, but beneath that living flesh was living metal, a second-line habitation-body of lesser capacities than his other form; which was terrible indeed, and also kept nearby.

The Yvressi had a strange attitude toward the necrons; while they were still the villains of the past, they also had a somewhat reverent attitude to such ancient beings, and the machine first-comers had, after all, gone to great lengths to build trust among (or some would say, subvert) the Eldar.

A tall figure, with vanes rising gracefully from her back, entered the chamber, Mel’Nais, one of the senior members of the seer council, though one would not think it to look at her manner, unescorted, and less haughty than other Eldar, her orange and green robes highlighting her white armour as she sat. With her was a tall blue clad Eldar, whose white birds marked him out as one of those on the path of the Mariner.

The blue light of the web abated, as reverse engines fired, decelerating the ships where they rested, in the void of normal space, the battleship and the leading wave of escorts bursting forth into orbit of a ruined planet, less than half a hundred light years from their destination; then ten, twenty, escorts, more, Hemlocks and Shadowhunters, here, an Aurora light cruiser, there, a vast Void Dragon, itself named for the C’tan of the same time, a spirit of ferocity and wroth in Eldar myth, and a shoal of Shadow and Eclipse cruisers. In all there were sixty eight ships present, of which only twenty were trade vessels; ten, including the Void Dragon, were the permanent escort; the corsair ships were here because this was, after all, a rather dangerous region of space, though most would say the addition of such renegades made it more so.

The farseer gave a slight nod to the alien; something most who knew of the Eldar would find difficult to credit, “Múinteoir," she said respectfully, sitting, “It should not be long now.”

Ellylon raised an eyebrow curiously, “And what ship is going, my lady?”

She nodded through the window, toward where the great Void Dragon Hammer of Vaul, turned, trimming its sea green sails in the light of the distant stars, deploying flights of nightwing fighters ahead of it, as it re-entered the webway.

It would go onward, to their ultimate destination, a world conquered by another craftworld some years ago (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=510850) from where, it was hoped, their mission of trade and diplomacy could continue…

The System of Giffca's only real population center was the fifth planet from it's radiant Blue-Green star, Corona. That planets name was unsurprisingly called by it's human population Corona V. The people of this planet had no idea of their origin. It had been forgotten through the passing of hundreds, perhaps thousands of years. Perhaps a long-forgotten colony of an ancient space-fairing human empire, or a refugee population fleeing from some terrible war or contagion in the murky past.

The Keigh had discovered remnants of a more advanced technology than the ones used by the population today, proving that the inhabitants had regressed significantly over the passing of generations. Not that it troubled Kionash Ra-ithen any that the people of Corona V had fallen into an almost medieval doldrum.

The peoples "religion" foretold of a day when a race of Angelic-like beings would descend from the stars to save the backward human society from it self. And so it was when the Eldar came to Corona V, there was hardly any resistant to their rule. Not that it mattered if there had been, mind you.

The Eldar were generally benevolent to the inhabitants. In it's wisdom, the Council had decreed the Mon-Keigh were not to be exterminated. They could prove useful at a later date. Instead, many of the Craftworlds inhabitants descended to Corona V and build a new city on the planet. Though it was forbidden for any Mon-Keigh to enter, Warlocks still made trips to the larger cities and villages to ensure their loyality.

The Monolithic Craftworld it self orbited the blue gas giant of Corona VII, hidden from sight. It's fleets patrolled the entire system, hundreds upon hundreds of ships ready to pounce on anyone whom would try to dislodge the Eldar from what would be the building blocks of their new empire.

The last stage of the journey for the Hammer was not so long, a quick hop from the fleets rendezvous point in real space and they where soon approaching the exit they would use. The Webs rather unusual nature meant that although they where exiting in the same Star System as the Craftworld, and close to the Web Gate the Craftworld Ra-Ithen maintained for vessels of this size, they had no clue as to how to get to that particular gate. This wasn’t uncommon, Kionashi may rarely squabble amongst themselves, even rarer go to war, and when they do, more likely in limited engagements but they would not share with any outsiders the major routes to their home.

This was why, even if Yvresse had held a long history of contact with Ra-Ithen, which that Craftworlds prolonged absence from the Milky-Way had rendered impossible, they would have still needed to approach from above Corona V.

Approaching a system where a Craftworld rested was always a difficult time, Kionashi where oft times more likely to shoot at such an intruder first and never bother even thinking of questions. This was more often than not the policy Tor Yvresse itself followed and they saw little reason to expect their Kin here to differ, it was hoped that the familiar design of the vessel, at least on the outside, would buy them the time needed to, for want of a better word, knock.

Still the first vessel to slip out of the web was one of the many escorts being used for the Hammer Slipping into the system and watching, slowly more with a flicker appeared, and then the mammoth, graceful, form of the Hammer it’s sails quickly shifting, seeking out the Solar Wind of the system while simultaneously the vessels Infinity Circuit sought out that of any other vessel nearby, through the shared Eternity Matrix. In short it sought to open a line of communication. It wasn’t, of course strictly necessary at this distance to use the Eternity Matrix, but it was another way to verify their status as Kionash something that in Ra-Ithens shoes Yvresse would, appreciate.

(The following is obviously in Eldarin, an older dialect to be precise since it is likely the language has changed somewhat since Ra-Ithen has left. So the effect should be somewhat the same as picking up a work of Shakespeare. You can fathom out the meaning but it’s not as easy as simple conversation. This is not to say we think Ra-Ithen uses the older Dialect itself, more the Captain has gone back to the style common at the point of divergence)

This is the Hammer of Vaul, under the command of the Captain Mellihorand, from the Craftworld Tor Yvresse, we seek contact with our kin here, to begin dialogue, and understanding.

For a long moment, there was nothing. No answer from the void around the system, not even a sign of even the slightest activity in the area. And then, the shimmering shape of a Void Stalker appeared from behind a holo-field, followed by dozens of other ships, mostly frigates of the Aconite class.

Aboard, Captain Ignial studied the ships before him with what best could be described as amazement. He had been seconds away from ordering the ships under his command to obliterate the intruders when they made contact with the Infinity Circuit.

It only took Ignial a brief moment to realize what this meant. He was more than pleased to learn of the presence of other Keigh in the galaxy, as were the men under his command. He replied promptly.

"This is Cait Olithos, under the command of Captain Ignial, representing Kionash Ra-Ithen. Welcome...it pleases me beyond measure to finally meet with fellow Keigh."

Aboard the Hammer relief was evident, this was a moment that could have gone either way, but Melihorand would have the distinct honour it seems of being the first from Yvresse to meet with such far flung kin. As much as the Keigh of Yvresse had adapted over the years, accepting others as Keigh, the Kinship between Kionashi was distinct and separate and a moment to savour. Especially when a Craftworld seemed to share Yvresse’s taste for… rebuilding what was lost rather than await death. What other explanation could be given for their presence here, and the attempts they had made towards colonisation after all.

Captain Ignial, it is a pleasure, Tor Yvresse sends its welcome to our Kin. When first we heard the rumours of Kionashi moving here we where as I am sure you can imagine eager to look closer. We would seek dialogue, and to further this, I must inform you that I merely a messenger. With your permission the Council has a larger delegation waiting nearby, I can send for them now, we merely did not wish to cause you unnecessary worry when they turned up unannounced.

(Assuming permission is given)

The Eternity Matrix hunted again, this time seeking the main fleet, and relaying the permission, and then well the ships re-entered the web.

"It would be our pleasure to meet with the rest of your delegation. High Farseer Artanis is currently away on...business, but he will be informed of your arrival. Until then, we would like to escort your delegation to the Craftworld to meet with the Farseer Tereah until he arrives. Unless, of course you have something else in mind..."

Ignial replied without hesitation and awaited a reply in turn.

Despite the invitation the Yvresse fleet still proceeded with caution and only Ellyion’s Void Stalker along with a few Shadow hunter escorts set a course for the system in question a short journey it would not be long before they emerged.

Aboard the Hammer meanwhile Melhoriand had much left to do, sat above Corona V he had a chance to further the hoped for good future relations. Captain Ignial I have sent the message and the Farseer Mel’Nais, along with her guests is on route, in time we have also brought gifts, and trade items, but that can wait. It should not be too long until the Farseer arrives.

With that said it was indeed only a brief time before the web gate opened once more and the more, decadent, ships of the Corsairs slipped from the Web. As this happened the Hammer slowly moved, taking up an Escort position near to the Void Stalker and Ellyion. A few minutes of silence followed, and then…

Captain Ignial I presume, may I introduce myself, Mel’Nais of the Council of Tor Yvresse. I believe you are the one I am to thank for our warm reception so far, and that you have extended an offer of escort to Ra-Ithen, for me and my companions? I believe we are ready It might seem strange for Nais to not mention her status as a Farseer but in truth she did not feel the need to. Fellow Kionash would know based almost purely on the knowledge that she belonged to a Council, why stress obvious facts in an attempt to impress?

Of course other details had been passed in that brief time of silence, everything Melhoriand had seen while he waited, everything he heard, was being considered.

Ignial wondered what manner of gifts the other Keigh would present them with, and message the Craftworld to prepare suitable gifts to return the favor. By now, the word that they had finally encountered other Keigh began to circulate through out the entire Ra-Ithen fleet, and many were eager to see for them selves.

"Welcome, Mel’Nais. It has indeed been my honor to meet with your vanguard, and it shall also be my honor to escort you to our Craftworld."

With that, Cait Olithos began to lead the Hammer and the other ships toward Corona VII, toward the Craftworld. There, the Farseer Tereah waited patiently for the arrival of her fellow Keigh. Like most of her Kin, she was elated to learn of their existence within the Galaxy, to learn that others had indeed survived the long passing of years.

However, she contained her emotions, preferring to maintain her usual calm, collected attitude. She was used to diplomatic exchanges, having been on many for the Craftworld, but a meeting with fellow Keigh had been something she had been looking forward too for a long time...

For Nais somewhat different emotions where being experienced, Yvresse had not been so cut off from Keigh, either Kionashi, Exodite, Fallen or those they had come to think of as Keigh. There was not therefore quite the, anticipation, on her side of things, although it had been awhile since they had seen Kionashi able to stand alone, this was good in her eyes. Instead through was a strange nervousness, Yvresse had changed, a lot, over the years, and those changes had moved them away from the norm of Kionash society, as much as such a norm existed in any case.

It was a place that openly dealt with, and supported, the Yngir for example. Although that was explainable in her eyes, indeed desirable to Nais, who embraced this state the most of all the Farseers of the Council. This placed them seemingly at odds with others of their kind who well knew that the Old Ones had been the sworn enemy of the Yngir, and that the war with the Yngir and the Necrontyr ha led to their near extinction. The Yvresse did not forget this fact, however, simply holding that the war was over, and the Yngor they dealt with a different person in this age than he was in that one long gone.

Still it would be best to wait before bringing that part of the roads Yvresse had walked up in conversation. Now all they needed was to land and for her party to enter the Craftworld. Well apart from one final question. Captain, on Tor Yvresse we do not allow Outcasts to walk unless they have returned to the Path System, what is the practice on Ra-Ithen? A practical question as Ellyion as a Corsair was an Outcast, a important one of course, but still an Outcast, if need be she could be kept aboard her vessel, it was not as if the woman would want for anything, as far as Mel’Nais could see.

((OOC Feel free to move me to the landing at your Craftworld in the next post. (Otherwise I’ll do it once you describe the sight I see obviously) You can assume a fancy show off docking but skilfully done. As all Eldar ships likely do… ))

"Outcasts are forbidden to set foot on the Craftworld." Ignial replied swiftly as the Cait Olithos lead on, gracefully passing the gas giant Corona VII. Thousands of kilometers below him, massive hurricanes constantly waged and often battled each other, often combining into storms of near apocalyptic size. Still, it had an odd beauty about it. An indomitable epic sort of planet, beautiful just for the fact none could ever safely sully it by claiming it as their own.

Past Corona VII, lurking in it's shadow came the shape of the Craftworld seemingly alone. Ignial knew better of course, hiding behind holofields were two thousand vessels stretched across thousands of kilometers of space, permanently stationed there, ready to pounce on any foolish enough to attack the Craftworld directly.

Aboard, Farseer Tereah watched as the ships escorting the Yvresse convoy slid gracefully into the landing which had been cleared especially for this purpose once word had reached the Craftworld of their guests arrival. In fact, the only beings there were the Farseer, and her two Warlock bodyguards.

Tereah's blade had been sheathed and her pistol holstered for the occasion. She supposed she should have divested her self of her weapons entirely for the occasion, but she felt naked and vulnerable without them. Her witchblade had been strapped across her back as it usually was. Though slender, the weapon was almost twice the height of the Farseer herself.

Of course, most of it was hidden underneath the robes she wore. Red and silver, the colors of the Craftworld she wore proudly as did the Warlocks at her side. She watched as the Yvresse ships also slid gracefully into the landing. She took a deep breath and and set off toward them, ready to greet her guests.

Nais was as already mentioned rather different for a Farseer, less arrogant perhaps, certainly more willing to adapt. She was also the Farseer that Yvresse had, still, the most trouble slotting into a role. From Iyanna’s position of leader, to Galdern’s researcher to Badb’s role as one in the Shadows, all the Farseers filled a specialised niche along with the one more expected of a Farseer. Except that is for Mel’nais. Perhaps her niche could be found here, in meeting with those with questions, in simple diplomacy? It Would be strange in a way, if it became almost a family job, her cousin after all was an ‘ambassador’

Still none of this matters right now as Nais makes her way off the Void Stalker, her Attire was simple Runic armour the only consideration given to her defence. She carried no weapon. Over the top of the Farseers armour, which it was rare to find a Farseer not wearing such outside of private meditation chambers and a Craftworld dome, she wore a light, silken collection of finely woven robes. Orange Green and red, roughly the colours of Yvresse. In the middle was the runic symbol of Yvresse, similar to that used by the Aspect shrine of the Warp Spiders, the fine tendrils of the rune spread out across much of the robes. If a person looked truly closely they might see other smaller runes adorning her clothing.

As her feet touched the surface of Ra-ithen she paused for the briefest of seconds as if waiting for something. She was, by almost instinct, and long practice. Upon Yvresse those returning from an absence from the comfort of a Craftworld, even a short one, looked forward to the moment of return. The moment when the small parasitical life-forms that existed primary within the Infinity Matrix, swarmed and solidified for the briefest of times and fed on the residual taints picked up from mixing with the outside world.

It was in many was like taking a hot bath after a long run, relaxing muscles, in this case mental muscles, and strains. It was not unusual upon Yvresse to see a Kionashi walking around without seeming noticing as one of the Warp spiders appeared from beneath a strap and skittered across skin before disappearing into hair, or back into the cover of clothing.

Still she was unsure what would happen here in Ra-Ithen, each Craftworld was different in how the Spiders operated. Now she stepped forwards to meet her hosts and gave a bow of respect and friendship. ‘In the name of the Mother, and on behalf of the Council of Tor Yvresse it pleases me to meet my Kin from Ra-Ithen.’

Tereah returned the gesture, bowing politely before Nais. She then remained silent for a moment as she studied the other Farseer. Ignial had informed her that she was apparently a member of her Craftworld's council, meaning she was most likely far older and far more powerful than her self.

The thought made her a little uneasy at first, but considerably less so than if she had been meeting with a Mon-Keigh Psyker that was somehow more powerful than her self. She pushed her unease aside and spoke. "It pleases the Council of Ra-Ithen to, at last, come into contact with other Keigh. You honor us."

She smiled, noting that the warp spiders of Ra-Ithen appeared and began to feed off what ever residue Nais had brought with her from her trip. She cleared her throat and began to speak.

"We have much to ask of you. We are curious as to what has happened to our fellow Keigh while we were away. But first, would you like to come with me to a more comfortable surronding more fit to conversation?"

Nodding her agreement to more comfortable surroundings Nais was silent for much of the walk; seemingly deep in thought then she sighed.’ The answer to your questions is not a simple one; perhaps as we walk I should begin. Before I can explain what has happened I must first explain, reality. As a Farseer you understand the branching roads of fate, but this is only the beginning. Fate is not, as we thought a simple matter, it is possible for two peoples to exist who have taken the different branches. Out there is a world, where a species exists, this species has seen the creation of another race, one day this new race simply was. At the same time they saw the evolution of that race. Both these truths are contradictory, either they where created or they evolved. Yet this contradiction is the truth.’

Sighing again Nais went on. ‘I tell you this because the tale of our kin is one that could very well be filled with contradictions and it may well be that I will tell you of a beings death only for you to come across that being alive and well. So I will tell you simply all I have to say is true for Yvresse, whether it is true for you remains to be seen.’

((OOC this is all a very dull way of explaining that… well I have made some big alterations to the fluff with Yvresse, over the years here in NS. These changes would in theory affect you, in ways you might not like. So this here is the IC get out for OOC reasons. Anything I tell you about Yvresse that you dislike… well it doesn’t necc have to be true for you. As you can guess this has been the hard bit for me. I didn’t want to force you into a ignore if you disliked the changes and some are big. So on the big changes assume if you like divergent realities, tis the NS way))

((OOC: I see. Thanks.))

Tereah remained silent for a long moment as she absorbed what the other Farseer told her. "I see..." She finally breathed and then remained silent for her self as she lead Nais through Ra-Ithen. As far as the eyes could see, luminous vegetation lit their way. Trees that spanned hundreds of feet in the air whose leafs radiated a silver glow, tall blades of grass that glowed a dull green and tall alien looking mushrooms that shone a strange, but appealing blue color.

Tereah led Nais and the others up a flight of stairs that seemed to intercept with their path. The stair case seemed to be built around the trunk of a tree, as it twisted and turned following the trunk into the sky for several minutes. At the top was a balcony that seemed to be built into the branches of the tree it self. At the very end, a large clearing in the leafs allowed one to look over a significant portion of Ra-ithen's forested areas.

"Please, sit." Tereah gestured to a large wooden table and comfortable looking chairs that had been put into place for the visitors.

As they reached the balcony upon the tree Nais stood a moment looking out over the Domes here of Ra-Ithen a smile touching her face breathing the air of the Craftworld. ‘It does not matter how many times I look upon what our people have wrought since the Fall, the beauty of a Craftworld still takes my breath away. Yours is truly a sight to behold, the wonders of Isha’s grace surrounds us here.’ Only then did she turn to take the offered seat.

‘So then you asked me of our people, and if any others survived the fall, the answer is I am happy to say yes. We are scattered across a Galaxy, some have followed the ways of the Craftworld and others that of the Exodite, both have survived. Unfortunately those who embraced the ways that led to our peoples suffering, have also survived and prospered.’

A smile crossed her face as she imparted what was likely the most sought after information, something she could understand. ‘Of powers, only our two homes are true movers within the Galaxy that Tor Yvresse knows about, but you can find other smaller Kionashi scattered around. Most simply trying to survive I am afraid. Yvresse however has not been idle, and we offer our strength to our Kin where it is needed. I of course do not count the fallen here, the Dark Kin, but yes powers exist within their number, the most powerful that we know of has been quiet as of late, but I fear it is merely a calm before the storm.’

She smiled again before continuing ‘and in this Galaxy we have discovered something that causes us surprise, but is cause for joy. Other races, who through few in numbers, whom share, that essential spark of what it means to be Keigh. Not simply aesthetically but within the soul. They may not be Kionashi but they are Keigh to us.’

((OOC: Sorry for the delay.))

Tereah listened intently. She was glad to here that more Keigh than those of Yvresse or Ra-Ithen. It was unfortunate in her mind however to hear that the Dark ones also lived. She had heard rumors of course, she and the others of her Craftworld. Of a dark city that the dark kin called their home, somewhere deep within the webway.

Tereah pushed those thoughts aside and raised an eyebrow. "You...consider other races Keigh?" She spoke without thinking, her voice sounding both surprised and disgusted at the thought. She cleared her throat and bowed. "Excuse my lack of restraint...but why? How is such a thing possible? We here on Ra-Ithen see all the other races of the galaxy as Mon-Keigh. I do not understand..."