Once Tyrhallan received the full reports he realized what a mistake he had made. His negligence would be costly.
He knew full well that someone would have to bear the blame and responsibility for it. Undoubtedly it would be him.
He smiled in disbelief.
No. If they were really vindictive they could even take their anger out on his men and he would not stand for that. He would not let those who served loyally be punished for doing what was asked of them.
His Uncle had warned him it would come with the territory. Being a commander was nice when there were times of peace, but less attractive when war came to call.
Finishing his ‘cleaning up’ and reading all the reports that had been gathered Tyrhallan stood up from the chair he had been resting in.
He gazed at his reflection in the mirror for a moment.
He supposed that he was ‘presentable enough’ to be facing the Knight Commander. With the blood now washed from his hair and body, he had regained some semblance of his old self.
Why didn’t he feel like it though?
As he moved out of his temporary bunk he walked down the busy corridors, men saluting him and making his way to the bridge even longer and more cumbersome than it initially was.
They couldn’t know and Tyrhallan was not raised to be selfish. What little comfort or respect he could give them was but a small price to pay and in truth it reassured him that whatever would be laid at his feet in the coming moments, at least he had earned their respect.
When he reached the bridge he halted a moment so that his coming would not surprise those at work.
“With your permission I wish to enter.” He asked respectfully of the Captain.
“Permission given Knight Captain Venray. Enter.”
As Tyrhallan stepped inside his eyes glanced quickly across those present, before halting at someone unexpected. Someone he did not recognise.
A woman, still looking rather exhausted.
His eyes darted quickly back towards the Captain and the main consoles.
“Captain, I should like to report to the Knight Commander. Can you set up a communication link with him? I believe you were handed his communication commands beforehand.”
Captain eyes him rather worriedly.
“Should we set up a private link for you in your bunk?”
“I would rather have a secure line, but thank you.” Tyrhallan replied as he nodded in thanks.
“Very well. Arteri, set up a link for the Knight Captain.” The Captain ordered before he barked. “The rest of you will mind your own business. Eyes on your own screen Foss.” He snarked knowing his underlings well enough.
“Connecting sir.” Arteri the com officer warned Tyrhallan.
Tyrhallan straightened his back as he clasped his arms behind him, spreading his feet to strengthen his stance, grounding himself. He would need it.
As the image of the Knight Commander flashed up in front of him, the connection was made.
The expression the commander had was in short one that could hew stone and the glare that he cast at Tyrhallan one that could cut Diamonds.
“So the ‘Noble and Honourable’ Knight Captain finally decides to call.” The voice sweetly spoke, but sounded as menacing as that of a butcher who sharpened his knifes before gutting the pig.
“I wish to offer you my report. Sir.”
“You WISH to offer YOUR REPORT? What pray could that be about? Could it be about the bloody Army that is currently aiming its guns at us? The army your precious Vanguard was supposed to halt?! What the hell are you all doing up there!”
“The scouts had mentioned the 3 large frigates and we managed successfully to destroy two whilst the other tucked tail and ran.” Tyrhallan remained calm as he had practiced before.
“We failed to see their other force through the heavy storm that blanketed them. I am sending you the details as we have them.”
“And where the hell were you then? You were placed in your position because of your supposed ‘expertise’ and knowledge, but if this is a taste of that then I want none of it, Venray!” The Knight Commander barked and yelled.
The few brave enough to look up from their screens glanced with some pity at the Knight Captain and Arteri, who was uploading the numbers from the data pad Tyrhallan had given him.
As soon as the numbers came through the snarl tempered somewhat, but was filled with disdain.
“Sir, I spread my forces to counter the frigates and took a couple of men for a raiding mission, we entered one of the Frigates and turned it onto the other, resulting in the destruction of both of them. We also managed to rescue the refugees during this.” He stated matter-of-factly knowing that if he even attempted to talk back or reason, he would make things worse.
“How good of you.” The sarcasm dripped off of the statement. “That’s something at least out of this ridiculous mess.”
A silence followed as Tyrhallan allowed him to think and take a look at the numbers.
“What do you want us to do Sir, should we join up with you?”
And the snarl was back.
“So you can competently screw up the rest of our defences? I think not! You and your Vanguard will report to the rear.”
Tyrhallan’s eyes flashed worriedly as he heard it.
“Sir, the men need not be punished…”
“SILENCE! Are you disobeying my orders Venray?!”
Tyrhallan cut his tongue immediately as he replied.
“No Sir.”
“You will report to the rear, be glad I don’t demote you! You’re a sorry excuse for a commanding officer! Now you will bear the consequences of that, your Uncle is no longer here to protect you.
I don’t want you anywhere near me as far as I am concerned. This is war and I won’t stand for mediocrity.” He said before he cut the feed.

As the screen turned black a heavy sigh followed before Tyrhallan turned to the Captain.
“Thank you, I believe you have your heading now.” Was all he said calmly, before nodding his head in thanks and heading towards the door.

The battlemage had been conscious of the changes in her behavior. He had released her had when she pulled it away. He had thought that perhaps he had overstayed his welcome but noticed that she only used it to wipe a tear away. He did not know why but this action made him feel at ease. Perhaps it was the idea of being rejected even when trying to help that did not appeal to him.

Arn gently shook his head as he silently pushed away her apology. “It was not bother Ms. Eilis” he said with an emphasis on her name getting it right this time. “The apology is mine having pronounced your name wrong but please do not fault me. My tongue is used to formulating names of rough masculine type rather than soft names that float off the tongue” He caught himself here wondering why he was being so care free with her. He was about to apologize when she suddenly let out a scream and she lit up quite literally.

The mage sat straight up grimacing as his wounds probably popped open due to the sudden motion. He put up his in apology and to try and calm the young girl down. He turned a concerned face towards the door as the machines beeped wildly at her sudden increase in blood pressure.

“I apologize miss. I am not sure what I said that caused you to be disturbed so but I sincerely apologize. Please, be calm…” His concern was evident. He had seen such look only in the faces of the whores who were used as sexual cattle by the vile men of the slums. His own mother had that look once or twice even if she tried to hide it. Many had sought the release that only death could bring. More concerning still, was the way she lit up.

It did not take his mage training to figure out that such patters where not normal. Someone had done this to her. Someone had left a mark on her. The way the patterns lit up made Arn believe these marks had not been given to her willingly. His face darkened at the audacity.

A sense of over protectiveness swelled inside Arn and his face turned from concern to one of steely resolve. He heard her question and that made him even more resolute.

He held her gaze, he was serious but not intimidating. His voice was clear but oddly comforting. “Yes miss. In my youth I often wondered why I had been born. But soon I found out that we make our own purpose. If we let others do it for us, then we will live the life they want us to live. So I decided to take my life in my hands. Live by my rules, die by my rules. I found meaning in living my life.”

Taking a huge risk, he extend his hand and placed it soflty on her shoulder. “I am not sure what in your past haunts you. But if there is any way I can be of service. I pleadge my life to help. Your face should never have to look the way you did just now.” He held her in his eyes for a second or two and then removed his hand.

“Besides miss, you are in Belisian care. I know a certain Knight Captain who would offer what I just did and more.” He gave her a slight almost invisible smile.

“Yes miss. In my youth I often wondered why I had been born. But soon I found out that we make our own purpose. If we let others do it for us, then we will live the life they want us to live. So I decided to take my life in my hands. Live by my rules, die by my rules. I found meaning in living my life.” She had heard Arn say, it was as if she was struck by lightning.

Though this time the shock she had received had been astranomically different.
It had caused no pain, no spark, no fear, but its effects were as powerful as the shocks that came from the bindings.
It had wiped her mind instantly of all the excuses it normally had.
Her parents, her Coven, her Madras...the Empire.
It was as if Arn had grabbed her chains of guilt and shame and simply cut them like a ribbon.
The feeling felt so unreal, that Eilis reasoned it was what it felt like when one had been held under water for too long that coming up to the surface to breathe. It was alien to her.
It was liberating. Freeing.
It was such a release that even her breathing changed, from her shallow unsteady intakes, to full and deep.
She wasn't sure if this was real anymore, but if it was a dream she prayed to the All Mother that it would never end.
In the back of her mind a soft voice piped up and said it was all too good to be true... a voice she ignored for now. For once she was going to embrace this feeling openly, something she had never been able to.

Suddenly she felt something placed on her left shoulder, a hand. Arn's hand? It was large and warm and comforting.
Without even realizing she instantly turned towards him. Her attention completely focussed on him.

“I am not sure what in your past haunts you. But if there is any way I can be of service. I pledge my life to help. Your face should never have to look the way you did just now.”

To Eilis it was all quite overwhelming.
Whatever god had decided to give her a break she would sing their praises until the day she died.
She wasn't even quite sure what she did to deserve such kindness, such warmth. But it felt like a dream, not willing to give it up and wake.

Suddenly he removed his hand.
Her face had flashed a moment of fear at the loss of the weight, not wanting it to leave, her body reacted out of its own.
Arn's hand did not get far. Her hands had reached out and held it in hers. Her body curled itself around it, whilst an expression of pure happiness was seen upon her face.
She did not have the audacity to ask for a hug, so this would suffice.
She rested the hand against the lower part of her cheek and in the crook of her neck, whilst she wrapped herself around it.

"Forgive me..." She whispered before she closed her eyes and leaned against it. Again enjoying its strength and its warmth.

"Warm...Like a fire." The words were out of her mouth before she realized it.

She had ignored his final words. Something about a Captain of sorts. She didn't really need any of that.
No, she didn't want any of that.
She looked in the direction of where Arn was sitting, still not seeing him or being able to look into his eyes and thank him properly, but for now it would have to do.

"I have all I need. Thank you Arn." She uttered as her hazel eyes eerily found his, but couldn't focus on them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icaEMMAKrqI&list=PLcUC6z3cr34UyMsAYw2L87PORu0gW4Tnt&index=2
(Seemed perfect for it)

The battle mage, his thinking often stoic, very spartan and minimalistic suddenly was plunged into a pool of feeling when the young woman reached for his hand. He had been an expert at keeping his feelings controlled ensuring that only those he needed to channel ever came to the surface. It had been his only way to manage his loss. It had been his only way to take control of a life that had been very much out of his governance.

He had not lied when he had said that he had wanted this life to end the day he had all but melted his mother’s killer turning the man’s bones to dust. He had taken many lives, some innocent, some not so much that day. The young mage had released all his pent up hate that day and the inferno had consumed half a block of the slums where the whore house had been.

Those feelings had been strong and fueled a fire that had been devastating. The feelings that currently surrounded him were more temperate. They evoked feelings of warmth that can only be found in a hearth. The song’s his mother used to sing him when he was a child resonated in his mind. He almost pulled away when she touched him. A feeling such a electricity coursed through his body. The feeling had frightened him by the potency of its wake.

Arn had been struck more by her face. It had resembled so much the look of his mother when she had held her as the raging flames circled all around them. She had seemed at peace. It had perplexed the mage for many years why she could be in such a state when so much destruction surrounded both of them. Now her last words made more sense than ever

Live free

It must have been a split of a second but in Arn’s mind, the moment lasted eons. As their hands were held there, he felt a connection that transcended human understanding. It could be that they both had been captives of some sort. It could be that both shared a link to the world and in a way to each other. It could be that they had, in the short time that they met, shared deep thoughts they had not shared with any other.

Whatever the case, for that brief second, the mage felt as one with Eilis. Involuntarily, the magic that was often fueled by hate, and rage and repressed feelings, released on its own. Yet, from the hand which the young lady held, not destructive fire emerged. Instead, his magic produced a sort of warm glow. Eilis could not see it of course but she could obviously feel it, as evident by her comment.

He looked down at her in surprise, almost fear. When his eyes found hers he gasped. Dark Sight did not seem to prevent her from somehow looking into his soul. He took in a shuddering breath. He did not know why but he smiled at her. He took another steadying breath and he placed a hand on one of her own as she cradled his hand like some sort of life line. He cleared his throat and then said in a raspy voice trying to suppress emotion.

“I can say without an iota of doubt that you have awakened something inside of me that I had believed lost.” He did not know what else to say. He feared that he had spoken out of turn or that his words might be misconstrued. Yet, he did not move, he did not break their hold. It seemed that nothing less than the Sorcerer King could break them apart.

Tobi looked through the window of the door. A smile and a shake of his head was the only evidence of what scene was playing on in the room on the other side. He turned around assumed his post as the de facto guard to the room to prevent anybody to disturb the pair.

She had closed her eyes as she allowed her mind to be enveloped by the warmth.
It had been so long, all else had been biting and harsh. A perpetual cold that seeped into all that it touched.
The switch had been instant, there had been no preperation, no warning of things turning to this.
She had been ripped from her fellow students and friends, put into a 'special bunk' it had been aweful. She had been tested rigorously, they had been so keen to mold her into their plaything, their weapon.
But she failed all the trials and tests. A memory of those days surfaced and was quickly repressed again as a shiver passed through her.
She had hated it all.
Why couldn't they just leave her be?
She was not strong enough to be a battlemage and she certainly didn't have the stomache for it.
Eilis wasn't a fighter.

As she drifted off into the warmth, she almost forgot what she was doing.
If Arn hadn't placed his other hand on her arm and hadn't spoken, she would have drifted off to sleep.
It would not have been the first time she slept upright.
His voice however startled her and sprung her back from her slouching.

“I can say without an iota of doubt that you have awakened something inside of me that I had believed lost.”

His words confused her at first, before a streak of crimson red flushed her cheeks not really understanding what the Battlemage exactly meant, but realizing its signifigance never the less.
In truth Eilis had been shocked the most by her own forwardness and actions.
To suddenly start to cradle the hand of a stranger....
Where had her mind gone?
No, not a stranger, she realized. Not anymore.
In the darkness of her mind, her imagination formed a warm fire. Its soft orange and golden glow lighting up an human looking form. An outline. Not defined or even clearly visible, but an idea. A representation.
One day she would be able to see for herself what he looked like.
What Arn looked like, she told herself, but for now this would have to do.
As she released his hand tentively, not wanting to let go, but not wanting to be a bother, she apologized.
She owed him that.
Goodness knows what the man must think of her.

"I am sorry Arn, I probably made you uncomfortable, you were wounded too. Forgive me for being so selfish." She offered as she hung her head in shame. "But your warmth was so intoxicating I had a hard time parting with it. I have been cold for quite a while now as it was always my punishment, ever since the trials began." She pulled the blankets up a bit more to try and keep what was left of it with her.
"You must have an affinitiy with fire, to be so lucky to be blessed with the All Mother's warmth, you truly must be a great Magic user." She spoke with clear admiration.
Still she had a question burning in her mind, that her imagination would have to have answered.
"Might I...could, could you please tell me what colour your eyes are?" She asked with careful smile.

Arn felt the change in pressure as the young lady released his hand and he slowly relaxed his own grip. He did not know if he had held that long out of some sort of Samaritan feeling or perhaps he had fooled himself into reasoning that she was just someone in need of help and he was merely helping. Yet, as she let go of his hand he felt a pang of regret. He had not felt real human connection since his mother. Even Tobi felt more like a responsibility than actual companionship. To prevent any awkward posturing, he clasped both his hands together, interlacing his fingers into a composed and military fashion.

He heard her apology and shook his head forgetting for a second that she could not see him. Realizing this he quickly added in what he believed to be a friendly voice but which sounded more like a calm stage whisper. “There is nothing to forgive miss. There is no one in this world that ever force me to do what I will not willingly do. I came to you and was glad to be of help in your distress. Dark Sight is often hard for many as the darkness is unsettling.”

He felt a slight trickle of liquid run down his side. He curled his lip disapprovingly. As if his body had acted without his permission. He shifted his weight so that the cloth of his gown pressed against the offending wound. Eventually, the wound would clot with the cloth of the gown. It would hurt like hell when it would be pulled but that was a matter for the future. He continued talking to her in as controlled a voice as he could while enduring the pain.

“I am not sure how needing help is selfish. In truth, I would have perhaps gotten in trouble being unable to sit still. This way, I have an excuse.” It was almost imperceptible but he managed a ghost of a smile. He had been taken aback by her admittance to enjoying his touch and he felt warmth rush to his face. Very unlike himself, he continued along that same thinking avenue wanting to hear more. Especially because the word “trials” had summoned images of magical testing. “I had never had any one comment on my proficiency with manifesting flames. Indeed, I have caused much death with them. I must admit that it makes me glad to know that I am able to also bring comfort.”

He looked at his hands then. Scarred from many small wounds but mainly, the touch of fire which had resulted when his magic first manifested. His control had been so little that even he was wounded. He had suffered second degree burns and the scarring made them look unappealing in his regard.

The battle mage marveled at how Eilis had simply held them without any concern for such scars and in such a peaceful manner. As he had stated, they had simply been the conduit by which much death had been delivered. Arn felt no regret in the lives he had taken. He had done it out of duty not out of emotion. In the same coin, he had not enjoyed the carnage. The mage had actually felt nothing but respect for those willing to give their lives for their duty.

Finally, he came around to addressing her last question. It had perplexed him. He wondered if perhaps she had knowledge that had evaded him in all his reading. He had read both scientific and religious text. The young woman had mentioned the All Mother, which meant she had some theological inclinations. His own mother had been extremely faithful. It had been the only way for her to deal with the situation her and the young Arn had experienced.

The battle mage cleared his throat and answered simply. “Well miss, I fear that my eyes are simply brown. However, many have told me that they seem to be nothing but dark pupils” He shrugged, more to himself than at his statement. Many had commented how eerie it was to have to look into his eyes. Indeed, many believed that he had sold his soul to a demonic entity which enabled him to be so savage, so calm, and so magically proficient.

Arn secretly hoped that the young lady would reveal something that negated or contradicted that. For even though he cared little for hearsay, it would perhaps be a good idea to have this information.

“There is nothing to forgive miss. There is no one in this world that ever force me to do what I will not willingly do. I came to you and was glad to be of help in your distress. Dark Sight is often hard for many as the darkness is unsettling.”

Eilis smiled at those words. True she had been afraid when she woke, but now that she knew what it was what she was dealing with she found it oddly serene. It offered her a new perspective and so she figured, this way she still had some surprises waiting for her. Her other senses seemed more aware now that she could not see, it was almost as if they were compensating for it. Maybe it had been a well kept secret by the body that the eyes did most of the work, allowing the rest to slack off.
Her attention turned again to the man next to her as he continued trying to ease her mind.

“I am not sure how needing help is selfish. In truth, I would have perhaps gotten in trouble being unable to sit still. This way, I have an excuse.”

"It seems a good thing then, that I was so helpless. As you've aided me, I ofcourse will be at your disposal when you need a scapegoat." She said with a wide conspiratory smile as she laid her hands in her lap. "Should the doctor come again to scold you, I shall take the blame for it as it was my fault in the first place." She said as she continued to listen to him. She wanted to ask him all sorts of questions, about himself and his life in Belisio, what it was truly like and whether he enjoyed it, those she seemed to get a small hint when he spoke again.

“I had never had any one comment on my proficiency with manifesting flames. Indeed, I have caused much death with them. I must admit that it makes me glad to know that I am able to also bring comfort.”

So Arn was a Battlemage, she thought. Wasn't he scared? It was a terrifying job, especially now with the Vaimese on the warpath. Eilis had always dreaded it, but knew it was inevitable. Vaim was out for blood and territory and they would crush their enemies or so the propoganda preached. It was quite terrifying and saddening to think they could have been on opposite sides.
"Whilst I am no expert, I can tell you're very skilled with it. Your warmth was like...like molten amber, warm and comforting. Like a stove on a cold winter's day. Your hands felt a bit rough, weathered, they reminded me of my father's they had been weathered too." She let out a soft chuckle. "If I could be selfish and make demands, I would have demanded that you'd hold my hands again, but I cannot act like a small child and I know you have your own healing to do. If I had more magic I could have aided you with that, but I feel so drained I fear I barely will be able to light a candle. So it is good to know I have someone capable near me to defend us should something occur."
She continued to listen again as her question got anwered. Happy she now added the eyes to her mental image.

“Well miss, I fear that my eyes are simply brown. However, many have told me that they seem to be nothing but dark pupils.”
"It seems the Allmother gifted you with Tourmaline's eyes." She said not surprised.
"Only strong and dark earth can withstand such heat and power and just as the Starfallen Elemental Mage you've been gifted with its strength. He was named for his dark ebony eyes, they're sacred black crystals of grounding, protection and purifying. Whilst the stones themselves can have a variety of colours it is the black stone that has sat closest to the fire, so to speak. As they were formed with the intense heat magma." Eilis explained.
Anyway according to Ferezanthe his flame work was essential in the defeat of the Sorcerer King. Ferezanthe claimed that the powerful firemage had backed the Sorcerer King into a corner during the First Revolt. Vaim naturally tells its story differently." Eilis spoke her thoughts aloud. Eilis loved to read and when she had been given access to the Coven's library the first thing she looked up was the masterwork of Ferezanthe. Much to the chagrin of her Madras. She set spend some of her free time tucked away in a windowsil, hidden behind the curtain reading about the Myths, Legends and recorded tales of the War.
Ferezanthe was a scholar that had writting down old myths and tales of the past. A past where the world was still whole. It was rare to find a good copy including all the tales the scholar had penned down and Eilis intended to find out whether there was more.
"Belisio always is the villain in Vaim's version, though Revendahl plays its part too. The way they describe it has often made me wonder about the truth of any of it. I mean I hardly believe you are all devilspawn intend on destroying the people of Vaim. After all if you were you would have left me out there to die, you would not have thought twice about letting me suffer." Eilis ended seriously.
"People are just people. Whether powerful or not, we're all selfish and eventhough we often think we're right our eyes are more clouded by our past experiences than we realize. I suppose its our folly."

Arn knew that she meant the interchange as a playful sort of banter, but he could not help but frown. He shook his head slightly and in a soft but firm voice replied to her. “I would never allow you to be a scapegoat miss. I will take whatever punishment is reserved for me or for you. I am not of gentle birth, but it would infringe on my honor to do otherwise.” He replied in friendlier tone. “However, I appreciate the gesture and as stated before, I am not so much caught up in the complexities of societal customs that I will turn down an offer of help.”

"Whilst I am no expert, I can tell you're very skilled with it. Your warmth was like...like molten amber, warm and comforting. Like a stove on a cold winter's day. Your hands felt a bit rough, weathered, they reminded me of my father's they had been weathered too." She let out a soft chuckle. "If I could be selfish and make demands, I would have demanded that you'd hold my hands again, but I cannot act like a small child and I know you have your own healing to do. If I had more magic I could have aided you with that, but I feel so drained I fear I barely will be able to light a candle. So it is good to know I have someone capable near me to defend us should something occur."

He listened to her. The mention of a father figure brought both sadness and anger. He had never met his father. He had hoped it was not one of the many who frequented his mother’s bed. She was much too beautiful for her own good and her handler had made more than his fair share of her.

He cleared his throat as he extend his hand close enough for her to feel it on the back side of her hand. “It would be to my honor if you would hold my hand still. It is not shellfish as I have already established and I have willingly offered any help, in any form.” He said it stoically but in truth he longed for that connection. That is what he had meant about what had been lost. Perhaps he should explain it to her seeing as how her reaction had caused her a bit of apprehension. But she had started talking again.

He listened attentively. If it had been any other person, he would have received the dissertation with much doubt. However, the way she spoke was full of conviction and knowledge nor reserved to the emotional or fanatical. Instead, it piqued his interested as a schoolar. He had heard the names before and had been able to read a few works of the famed Ferezanthe. But as Eilis had manetioned, both Beliso and Viem utilized their lilterature to forward their causes and propaganda. To people like Arn who read only for the sake of knowledge he would be willing to read works on either side of the war.

The battle mage mused at her explanation. He had often wondered if the affinity for one type of magic or the other was a result of or an influencer of the attittues and personality of the mage. Indeed even the users of Chi seemed to have many things in common. Was there perhaps someone if the Veimese empire who had managed to finally find the link? If that was the case, where they trying to find someone who might have the same affinity to a magnitude that equalled the Sorceror King?

The ramminfications of that had too many convoluted paths to navigate. Something that was better left for another time. Eilis had a grasp of magical fundmentals and historical analysis which made her that much more of a mystery that Arn wanted to uncover. He drank in her every word. Nodding in agreement at her off the cuff observations. Many scholars would be able to write thesis on the items that she was explaining as whimsical observations.

“Miss Eilis, you must have read extensively. It would be my most profund delight to exchange ideas and theories. You are indeed a mystery.” He settled down, feeling the bleeding on his side seeming to stop. He exhaled in relief both from the pain in his side and the sheer image of his luck at finding a person such as the young lady.

However, his thoughts turned dark. She was a refugee. Obviously running from something or someone. Her reactions betrayed a past much more complex. Her abilities, both those he had inferred from the description of the other refugee and the strong magnetic pull which meant that she was extremely well versed in the magical arts.

Who was this young, seemingly frail lady? He looked down at her. The small frame and lovely visage an easy desception to the power withing. Was this power something to welcome or something to be wary of? The mage shook his head trying to clear it. No, he had offered his aid and protection and she would have it. No matter what.

“Miss Eilis, you must have read extensively. It would be my most profund delight to exchange ideas and theories. You are indeed a mystery.”
"Well even if you're a cog in the great machine of the Empire, you have to know enough to do what you're supposed to do." Eilis replied with a shrug of the shoulders. It was clear with the way she spoke the sentence that the thought had been forced upon exhaustion. A line repeated over and over until either acceptance or submission to it followed.
"I'm sorry, it's just...I don't know how things are done in Belisio, but in Vaim your birth determines your rank in society. It is layered you see, people rise and fall but never beyond their station. I am a farmer's daughter, a peasant. Eventhough I was 'blessed' with magic I am still lowborn. Mages must be reported to the Empire, when my powers showed themselves my parents reported me as good citizens should. They offered me up to the Empire to feed themselves. Also my powers and potential future as a mage for the Empire would promise them a future, a life beyond starving." She smiled wryly as she guessed his followup question.
"You're thinking of how it can be possible that farmers starve?" She spoke aloud, voicing Arn's potential questions.
"Eventhough my parents were farmers their precious land belonged to a rich landowner who simply lived off the taxes and rents. My parents paid their rent by giving up most of their crops in payment leaving barely enough for themselves and for next years harvest." She sighed that time practically faded from her memory.
"Still it was enough, a life of simple happiness." The expression on her face fell as her voice continued in sadness.
"I can't even remember what they looked like...all I remember as shapes and the vague fleeting moments of memory. Like your hands. When the officials came to 'collect' me they promised me a new life, a life of learning and knowledge. They more or less ordered me to forget my parents as it belonged to the past and considering I was nothing except a mouth to feed they were better off without me." She sighed.
"The Coven was a place of study and refuge. A place of learning, we were taught all sorts of knowledge and magical handling. It was a family in its own way. Each year men of noble birth and standing would come and 'select' their particular favourite. Having a patron would mean the possibility to study at the great Arcane Academy for services rendered." She swallowed.
"The year Varania was selected we all believed she had gotten a fairytale's ending. A life of eternal happiness. I would soon learn of what they had done to her...let's just say that fleeing from reality was the better option." She ended honestly explaining enough to make Arn understand that she had paid a high price for her knowledge.
"You're a spoke in the wheel of the Great Empire! You will serve her with your body and mind!" Frustration and anger furrowed her brow.
"I refuse to die for rich bastards who simply crush those lesser than them beneath their boot." She took hold of Arn's hand again, this time the connection allowed a small glimpse into Eilis's mind.
It was a fraction or a couple of seconds, stalled by time and perhaps slowed due to the connection.

A couple of figures clad similarly, rich supple dark fabric with a velvet sheen about it, with the taller figure grasping a young woman by the wrist holding it up and staring intently at her hand.
Terror could be seen in her eyes as fear was emanating from her, her lips pleading, begging for mercy. Before a loud snap sounded and a bloodcurdling scream followed, with one of the fingers bend awkwardly backwards before the images ended.

Eilis snapped from her thoughts and quickly returned to Arn's request.
"Sorry, I grew too distracted by my own musings. But I would be happy to talk with you about magic and whatever questions or theories you might have." She promised as she settled down a bit again. "My time is completely yours as I don't have any idea as to what I would do when I reached Belisio. I hadn't actually planned that far ahead. I didn't really expect I would get that far."

Arn listened to the young lady. He even closed his eyes and took in the sound and the knowledge. There was nothing that he enjoyed more than knowledge and being delivered by the voice of the lovely Eilis seemed to be calming. It was more than what normal people would call magnetism. It felt like the two of them shared something that went beyond the material. Arn had always wondered if mages shared some sort of familiarity. He seemed to feel when other mages where close. He often forgot the feeling because as part of a mage battalion, he was always surrounded by them. However, the stronger the affinity, the stronger the pull. Could this be because of the belief that a mage is a living part of Gia.

His mind processed and analyzed the information that the young lady was telling him. An insider’s look and experience at the inner working of the Viemese empire would be invaluable. But those old fools at the Academy would try to exploit her knowledge rather than directing it. No, he could not let her fall into their hands.

As if to cement his musings into protecting the girl, her candor in the recounting of their plight brought a fervent claim, or was it a plea?

"I refuse to die for rich bastards who simply crush those lesser than them beneath their boot."

The battle mage took her hand and squeezed. He gasped as his mind was filled with images inside Eilis. He onslaught was as if being plunged into a freezing cold lake. His insides tightened as his mind almost burned with pain. He almost felt h is own finger being snapped. The images were so vivid.

When the connection was broken he took a deep breath. Arn was more or less used to pain. Indeed, his body was a tapestry of scars that meant the mage was a far cry from the delicate royal mages. True they wielded great power and that meant the they could destroy whole squads of soldiers with merely a word, but eventually even their bodies would be subject to the rigors of Magicka Shock. Yet, even he had been caught unaware by the potency of the mind meld.

In all his research he had read of this before but there had been no record of it in the modern age. This sort of “mind meld” could only be accomplished by someone whose affinity was at an incredible level. A question stabbed at his mind. Where the Viemese perhaps trying to find those with vast affinity? The implications of that were catastrophic.

He cleared his throat trying to regain composure. “Miss Eilis. I am not sure if you were aware but for a second just now, I saw a memory of yours.” He said his words slowly, wondering how they could be taken. He hated that he was so matter of factly. He wished that he could just have enjoyed his time with her. Letting her tell him of all her readings but he knew that the mutter must be addressed.

“From what you have told me, and what I have seen and heard. Your affinity for magic is quite strong. I don’t believe the Viemese were targeting the refugee vessels by chance. If I was them, and a person as valuable as you was trying to flee to my enemy’s hands, I would be concerned” he sighed and instinctively place another hand on hers comforting and protectively. “I fear that Belasio May act rashly in having such an asset be found in their midst.” He gave her hand a pat.

“We must not reveal your true identity to many. Though I fear we may not have much success seeing as you single handedly saved a whole ship of refugees but we should try to keep your abilities as secret as possible.”

His mind was already formulating his list of possible allies. At the top were a certain silvere haired Knight Captain and a battle crazy Spider.

Tobi had been waiting outside their room as a sort of self appointed guard. He had been cleaning Arn’s armor. The junior mage would probably receive grief from his senior but he did not care. Tobi knew that Arn just tried to act like that to keep people at bay. The senior battle mage took every Shooting Star loss personally. That is why he was often the first in the fray. Sometimes clearing a whole deck by himself. Odds were if you survived first contact, or were not picked off as you jumped in, then your chances of survival were better.

Tobi had been recruited from one of the many orphanages in the slums of the city when his magic aptititude was discovered. He had been taken to the Cauldron and began his training. It was there that he had heard the stories of the Hell Spawn. Tobi had all but revered this person who had risen so high. He even respected Arn’s decision to turn down a position as a royal mage.

That infatuation only grew when he actually met the man and followed him into combat. He had inspired Tobi to be the best he could be. The junior mage was gifted with the manipulation of radiation. He was able to glow brightly and even disable electronics. He could also, to a small extent, charge batteries. As a last resort he was able to glow hot the same as a nuke.

Tobi was toiling with a particularly blood encrusted area of Arn’s armor when he looked up and saw a knight clad in his armor. His eyes went wide. Just because the young mage though of Arn as an inspiration, there was no boy alive who did not dream of becoming a knight. The mage’s velvet and multi colored robes were not match against the knights in their gleaming armor in parade. It was hard to play fight as a mage when it was easier to build make shift swords and shields.

Also, everybody knew that knights always got the ladies.

“Miss Eilis. I am not sure if you were aware but for a second just now, I saw a memory of yours.” He said his words slowly, with clear hesitation.

The look Eilis gave him spoke of the clear distress and terror in it. It was quite certain from the look on her face that she had not intended the action. Though her hands trembled slightly, a silent indicator of her fear and worry. She allowed Arn to continue, not sure what she should say anymore. She quite trusted Arn, but to have an unintentional mindmelt was something else entirely. She tried to calm her panicking mind as she listened on.

“From what you have told me, and what I have seen and heard. Your affinity for magic is quite strong. I don’t believe the Viemese were targeting the refugee vessels by chance. If I was them, and a person as valuable as you was trying to flee to my enemy’s hands, I would be concerned” he sighed and instinctively place another hand on hers comforting and protectively. “I fear that Belisio may act rashly in having such an asset be found in their midst.” He gave her hand a pat.

“We must not reveal your true identity to many. Though I fear we may not have much success seeing as you single handedly saved a whole ship of refugees but we should try to keep your abilities as secret as possible.”

She swallowed and nodded.
"Arn, I am grateful for your aid and counsel." Her voice turned colder, more resolute almost spiteful as she continued. "But you're wrong, I am a nobody and I doubt I would be of much use to anyone. I am no fighter and I certainly am not fit to be a battle mage. I will not be a weapon." There was no anger directed towards Arn as she said this, but the bitterness in the way she spoke these words it was almost as if she did so to convince her own mind and heart of it.
"As far as I am concerned I would be happy being simply Eilis the refugee. You needn't even mention I'm a mage. I don't want any 'special treatment', for there is always a price you have to pay for it. And I am not quite sure I am willing to pay that price." She said before she squeezed into Arn's hand.
"But promise me something Arn..." She asked as she softly continued.
"Should 'certain people' ever come for me...Don't let them take me back. Kill me." She demanded with a clear calm in her voice. Almost as if this particular thought did not frighten her at all.
"Better that it be you than them. But kill me, I promise I won't even struggle." She vowed looking into the direction of where his voice came from.
"I'd rather die then go back. Death would be a mercy in comparison." She told him.

Arn winced as if in pain when he noticed her expression at the notice that he had somehow invaded the private sanctity of her thoughts. He cursed under his breath at his way of being. So unused was he to interaction that he figured other people would have been more tactful. However, he was glad the secret was out. He figured and worried that she would want to let go of his hand. The though saddened him a little but he could not blame her. Yet, in the event this was not the case and to prevent Eilis from drawing the wrong conclusion, he kept the same pressure on her soft smaller hands.



The battle mage was not sure if it had been his confession of the infraction or what but he definitely noticed her firm cold voice. Yet when she had finished he shook his head apologetically. When she squeezed his hand and begged him to promise to take her life, he frowned. He straightened up and looked down at her and her Dark Sight plagued eyes. His own voice had a harder tone to it but it was not threatening but rather it was very reassuring.



“Miss Eilis. I cannot make that promise.” He took a slow calculated breath. “However, I promise you this at the risk of my soul. Should any, Belisian or Viemese, ever dare to bring harm to you in any way, that will be their last. I promise you will never be taken or made to do something you do not wish. Your life is much too precious to end it in such a manner. However, the lives of any who would dare to bring such pain to you deserve to be extinguished.”



A sudden flare up of his hands caused them to glow and while still tolerable, they became really warm. Had any been looking at him in that moment, they would have seen his usually dark eyes glow with a hatred for people he did not yet know. Somehow, Eilis held an equally important place in Arn’s psyche much like his mother had. Perhaps, the boy who had failed to protect one woman, now saw in the one besides him, the same need for protection. His words had the full weight of truth behind them. He was not bound by national loyalty or some other moral code. He did what he wanted. He had merely been a battle mage as a way to direct his gift and not let his mother died in vain.



Perhaps it was destiny, for if he had not been in that ship, at this moment in time, he would not have met the lovely refugee. His desire to protect her went beyond that of a male and female. He saw her as a sort of embodiment of innocence which had been assailed by cruelty and evil. These were things he could not stand for. The Shooting Stars had enabled him to somehow practice a sort of justice against pirates, thieves, and other criminals. Now, he had an actual chance to protect and he would burn the world to see her safe.



He squeezed her hands back. The sudden flare up returning to a comforting warmth. “My apologies, I hope that I did not cause you discomfort or alarm”

“Miss Eilis. I cannot make that promise.” He took a slow calculated breath. “However, I promise you this at the risk of my soul. Should any, Belisian or Viemese, ever dare to bring harm to you in any way, that will be their last. I promise you will never be taken or made to do something you do not wish. Your life is much too precious to end it in such a manner. However, the lives of any who would dare to bring such pain to you deserve to be extinguished.”

She heard his words immediately felt the change in him.
She felt the heat rise up through his skin it growing from comforting warm to unbearably hot. Still she remained silent as she kept holding his hand looking towards him with worry knowing the anger and resentment all too well. But she also knew that such things would ultimately break you if you did not let them out once in a while.
As Arn apologized for the possible discomfort he might have brought her, she couldn't help but wonder why he cared so much for a measly foolish scarecrow like her. To pull him from his negativity she laughed, probably confusing him even more.
"I can feel your anger Arn, it is running through your skin. Seeking a way out. You should let it pass, after all you don't want to burst." She cast a warm smile towards him again as her eyes filled with emotion and memory.
"What has past is past. You may wish to wind back the clock but cannot change what has occurred after all. There are prices paid, changes made and lifes forged from them. Don't blame the decisions and actions of yourself or those that feed their own innerwolves too much." Her hand that still held his loosened her grip a bit so her thumb could stroke over his fingers.
"Getting mad at it serves no purpose. It feeds the other half of you. Chaos, Pride, Loathing and Anger. Don't feed that wolf. For it in turn will eventually consume you." She stirred from her position, throwing her legs over the side of the bed so she could turn to him completely as her legs not quite reached the floor.
Sitting accross from him she steadied herself for a moment before her hands moved up, reaching out to 'feel' him. She followed the hand up over the arm to his shoulder before finding his face.
Gently her fingers moved over cheek and brow, following the contour of his face till she reached his lips and jawline.
"Listen to me Arn and listen well." She uttered softly.
"We are all shaped by our own experiences, whether good or bad they are Life's lessons for us even if they are terrible ones to learn. Whilst I don't know what kind of past has shaped you, let me tell you what I can see from our conversation..." She said before she silenced him by placing a couple of gentle fingers on his mouth.
"You burn brightly in my mind, you're a good man aiding me and offering your protection without even considering the fact that I am an enemy. I don't know what grace was given me when they made you cross my path, but I am grateful for it nevertheless." She pulled her hand back after she said this before she closed her eyes.
"It is something from a storybook. You're my fairytale knight, swearing your fealty to me without a thought to yourself..." She opened her eyes slightly disappointed she still couldn't see what he looked like.
"But if you are so keen on doing that, then I order you to value yourself." She spoke with a certain resolution as she moved from the bed completely, trying to stand on her own two feet, whilst holding onto Arn. She wobbled a bit unstable, looking down out of habit, rather than actually seeing what she was doing.
She held onto him more tightly as she stabilized before she gave him a wide smile.
"Well it's a start..."

"You seem familiar." A curious voice spoke up coming from the opposite side of the hallway, as Tyrhallan approached Toby and closed the distance to the door, observing the young man.
He tried to place him. "You know Sir Arn..." He said as he nodded towards the piece of armour Toby was holding in his hands. He recognised it as the Mage's armour. With a silent nod of his head towards the door he followed up with his question.
"How are they?" He asked peering in through the window and observed the unusual sight.
Taken aback for a second a misschievous glint appeared in his eyes and with a wink he brushed past Toby.
"I believe the two of you should be in your own beds, resting." He scolded as he opened the door as smirk was plastered on his face.
"Though it is good to see you both awake and in good spirits. It almost makes the scolding I took from the doctor feel worth it." He teased as he remained near the doorway, not wanting to force his way in and frighten the girl further. As he noticed the young lady almost instantaneously jumped into the safety of the mage's arms.

Her words were somewhat of a revelation to him. He had lived with the feeling so long that it had been almost something of a necessity. It had fueled his magic. It had made it that much more destructive. It had earned him a title that was known through out the mage ranks even as high as the Archmage.

Yet not once, had he felt that it was something outside of him. The mage had always felt anger as long as he could remember. It had been cooled by his mother’s loving and gentle nature despite their plight. He had felt powerless which meant he had sought power.

Most mages felt something akin to pleasure when they used magic. The power that flowed through them as they taped into the Aether made them feel invincible. Indeed, the feats they could produce were next to miraculous. This had been a way for him to channel his anger.

More and more he was visited by memories of his past. All the injustices, the torment, the pain and finally, the death of the person most precious to him. All these had incrementally added to the pool of repressed anger. Though it was true that as time passed, his anger became more tempered more focused, it never truly disappeared.

Even his way of acting, of talking were all focused on ensuring that his anger remained intact to be released in a fury of flames that very effectively burned any and all before him. He had power now and only one fate awaited any who stood in his way.

He sighed at the truth in her words. Arn could see it now. His mind’s eye could see how the benefits that his anger posed but he could very well see how it could consume him.

The battle mage would indeed want to turn back the hands of time. He wished he could save his mother from the life she had to lead. If he had been a tenth as powerful as he was now, none would dare harm her. Was this why he was trying to use his power now to prevent any harm to fall on Eilis?

He selfishly appreciated and enjoyed the physical touch. It sent sparks down his spine. It caused hi to feel warm inside, which translated to his touch. The wounded mage was about to protest her trying to get up but he was silenced by the journey of her hand. He could not help but look at her face. Confusion on his own as she finally traced his jaw.

Arn was transfixed. Even if she had not asked him to listen, there was little he could do. Even through Dark Sight eyes, it seemed she could look right into his soul. Who was this girl? Why had she made such an impact in him? It had not been the first time he had been with a girl. With a fame such as his, some junior mages had attempted to make passes at him. He had no interest in any of that.

But Eilis was different. Her words seemed profound and spoke to him on a level that not even the wise instructors of the Cauldron or the Academy had impacted him. His intelligent mind wanted to ask more of this theory. He took a breath to speak but her gentle fingers on his lips stopped any words from coming out.

She wondered why the mage had decided to champion her. He seconded her question in his mind. What was this deep connection he felt to her? Did it had to do with how both of their strong affinities to Gia’s life force? He searched his emotions to make sure he had not developed some feelings but he already knew this could not be it.

Suddenly he remembered to make sure to explain that what he had meant when he told her that she had awakened something in him he thought lost was not a declaration of love. The mage had forgotten the enjoyment of human connection. He did not necessarily felt attraction to her on a lust, or romantic level but more on a link that

As if she had read his thoughts, she spoke of wanting to be knight. His face flushed with embarrassment. Did she believe his vows were nothing more than bravado in an attempt to impress her by seeming like a hero?

His thoughts were interrupted by her attempt at standing up. When Eilis wavered he instinctively held her by the only place that seemed possible, her waist.

As if the world itself was stacking against him, he heard a familiar voice and his head snapped up in time to see the wide grinning face of the silver haired Knight Captain. His eyes also caught the face of poor Tobi that communicated apology and distress and finally wide eyed amazement at the scene before him.

Poor Tobi had been caught unawares as he heard somebody talk behind him. He had too busy gawking at a regular knight he never even heard Tyrhallan’s approach. Turning, his mouth all but flew open. The young man had heard of all the knights of renown but he had most definitely heard of the Sky Baron.
.
All the young mage could do was produce a strangled croak to answer the questions posed to him. He could not even move to stop the Knight Captain from disturbing his senior’s episode. Not that he could have. Though there was not really a rank comparison between mages and knights, respect and deference was still expected. Tobi was merely a apprentice mage. Still, his loyalty towards Arn made him try to block the man’s path to no avail.

He rushed behind him trying to utter a warning or an apology but all he could do was stare at what many considered a celibate or perhaps eunuch Arn holding a young woman by the waist.

The senior mage scowled at Tobi who merely shrugged and pointed with his head towards Tyrhallan as if that explained his inability to stop the man. Arn turned his attention towards the Knight Captain.

“My apologies Knight Captain. You are correct. We should be resting. This is Miss Eilis, a refugee.” He upheld his promise and did not divulge her secret. He did not necessary mean to lie to Tyrhallan knowing him to be an honorable man, but his word mean that the other man would just have to find out on his own.

He continued in an even professional tone. “A doctor that came in to check on us earlier did mention he had berated you regarding my condition and those of others who participated in the mission. My apologies for taking that. A leader’s burden of command is never limited to just the events of the mission.” He bowed his apologies,

Arn turned to Eilis and spoke to her softly. “Miss. Eilis, this is Knight Captain Tyrhallan. It was he who led the assault to save the refugees from the Veimese frigates. Please sit, you have to rest” His hands gently pushed her back into the bed.

He turned to Tyrhallan. “She is unable to see clearly right now” he offered as explanation in the even the Knight Captain would wonder why she did not seem to be able to focus on his position.
“Is Knight Dalmer alright? We got separated when you saved me from my aerial drop.” He quickly changed the subject not wanting Eilis, or what had probably seemed like an amorous scene be the topic of conversation.

@Omni5876

"See for yourself," Leo said as he hobbled into the room on cast and crutches, using one of them to tap against the side of his plaster encased right leg. "Courtesy the laws of physics and a very hard deck. Healers said it'll mend in no time, but they're not letting me go until then so it looks like I'll be stuck here for a bit. Good to see you're still alive though... alive and well apparently."

Wearing nothing but a white hospital gown, the knight shivered slightly as he felt a chill in the room's air conditioned environment. It was noticeably cooler than the rest of the hospital ship, possibly meant to assist mages in recovering from exhaustion, though Leo couldn't help feeling that it was colder than it needed to be.

@deia876lat

Regardless, he tried to ignore it as he turned towards Tyrhallan and offered a lazy salute before saying, "Apologies sir, meant to report in earlier but Sarban decided to casevac me first. Wouldn't give me a say in the matter, the asshole."

Then in a more serious tone, Leo continued, "Also heard about what happened to Itzal. Is it true then, did he really lose in a fight?"

“My apologies Knight Captain. You are correct. We should be resting. This is Miss Eilis, a refugee.”
Tyrhallan merely gave him a penetrating calculated look, showing the man knew better, but for the time did not call the mage out on it.
He watched how the mage continued in an even and professional tone.
“A doctor that came in to check on us earlier did mention he had berated you regarding my condition and those of others who participated in the mission. My apologies for taking that. A leader’s burden of command is never limited to just the events of the mission.” He bowed his giving his apologies.
Tyrhallan shook his head and raised his hand.
"None are necessary or required, in truth I let you all down. I am the one who should offer apologies for ordering you to go in with me. But you won't have to worry about seeing action immediately. You can focus on your recuperation and rest." The Knight Captain said as he straightened his back.
He watched how Arn fussed over the young woman.
She looked like something that had gotten lost and found, her expressions vivid and her eyes searching without seeing.
Arn turned to Eilis and spoke to her softly. “Miss. Eilis, this is Knight Captain Tyrhallan. It was he who led the assault to save the refugees from the Veimese frigates. Please sit, you have to rest” His hands gently pushed her back into the bed.
He turned to Tyrhallan. “She is unable to see clearly right now” he offered as explanation if the Knight Captain would wonder why she did not seem to be able to focus on his position.
"We are at your service young lady, though I doubt we could surpass the attention and help you are already receiving from Sir Arn."
Tyrhallan spoke with a clear tone of voice, one without pretense or underlying meaning. He did however wonder if what Firenze told him was the truth, whether her being here was a blessing or a curse. He would need to do quite some research into the matter and he would have to have a conversation with the female mage that had delivered her to them.
But for now the young woman in front of him should be allowed her rest and her peace of mind.
But if it was really her...then she might just be responsible for saving all their lives. Whether or not determined by fate, that thought that their meager victory had been given to them only because she chose to act was terrifying in and of itself. He was pulled from his thoughts by Arn's question.

“Is Knight Dalmer alright? We got separated when you saved me from my aerial drop.”
"There are many things that may happen in this world Sir Arn, but Dalmer dying isn't one of them. As one of my men once said, "The Spider has a deal with Death, that's why it always passes him by..." The Knight Captain said as he stepped aside, revealing the other Knight.
He allowed him to step further into the room, watching him address and report to him giving him a lazy salute.
"Apologies sir, meant to report in earlier but Sarban decided to casevac me first. Wouldn't give me a say in the matter, the asshole."
Tyrhallan saluted back, before he crossed his arms in front of his chest.
"Sarban was right. Your health is more important to me Dalmer, I ordered you not to die didn't I?" He spoke calmly before the serious follow up question, tore the light from the KnightCaptain's eyes.
"Also heard about what happened to Itzal. Is it true then, did he really lose in a fight?"
He squared his jaw as his posture loosened, his arms untangling themselves again and returning to the sides of his body, hands tightened to fists. He was silent for a moment before a deep and weighed intake of breath followed.
"Itzal died because of my negligence and poor judgement..." There was clear pain and sadness heard in Tyrhallan's voice. His expression was something akin to an ashengrey and a mortified white if one would have to describe it.
"I was given time, paid for by Abene's life and all because I was unable to kill their Captain." He said as he started to explain to them what had happened and his dealings with the Vaimese Raider Captain Aurelia. When he finished his eyes flitted to each of them in the room.
"My actions might not have born fruit at all..." He said before he allowed his eyes to rest on Eilis, leaving it at that.
"Of course for my arrogance I will have to pay a price, my failures as a Knight Captain have not gone unnoticed either. I already reported to high command. Let's just say their reaction did not come as a surprise."
"For my failure to stop the invasion, the Vanguard is to report to the Rear, as reserves. And more than likely you will soon be greeting a new Knight Captain, so you will no longer have to bow or listen to me." He ended knowing how easily they could demote him aswell.
He smiled wryly because of that. "So that should come as a relief to you Dalmer. One less Captain to annoy you." He added jokingly, as if to see some merit into it all. He always prided himself on being responsible of trying to get his men in there quick and out alive. His short sightedness cost them, he should have realized it was a distraction, he should have seen through their schemes.
He sighed.
"I asked this of my men earlier, but I also will ask it of you. I will inform the families myself, I dragged them into this mess, so naturally I should be the one to bring them the sad news. I would be grateful if you would remain silent or ignorant about the deaths we have suffered."
Oh he knew the Itzals would be distraught...still best it came from him.

Somewhere else a veiled woman dressed in dark robes stepped onto a large round plateau.
The smooth carved out marble bore deep-cut inscriptions all along the border. These were old, some indicating script and figure.
A deeper set of lines formed serveral circles set within an almost planetary pattern, whilst straight lines were connected and came together at the centre. As she walked up to its centre she stopped in front of the smallest circle. This circle had a simple small hole in its centre.
With a simple gesture of a raised arm and glance backwards, a small figure clad in simple jute robes hurried forwards, carrying a strange looking staff.
The woman ceremoniously took it and held it aloft above the hole before she placed it in, allowing it to click in place.
An annoyed sigh followed from the sides.
"Can't you hurry this up Darling? This is boring..." Another woman spoke in annoyance more occupied with her nails and rings than with the procedure. This woman seemed to not belong amongst this company. Her robes were deep and richly coloured seeming oddly out of place.
A simple glance off to the side, barely showing the smallest hint of disapproval was enough to silence the other woman however.
She in turn raised her hands up in a defeated gestured.
"Fine...but this better work."
They both turned to peasant woman who was brought forward and held by two guards.
"Bring her here." The veiled woman said her voice void from emotion or intent.
As the guards dragged her up, the veiled woman watched the peasant with a strange calculated disinterest.
She dismissed the guards as she watched the woman cower before her. It was a trait many a peasant had.
"Do you know who we are? Do you know why you are here?" The two questions were softly spoken, but by a voice that resembled winter's chill.
The peasant shook her head hardly daring to look up as she let out a frightened squeak.
"I am loyal to the Empire...You you are of the Tahjai are you not?" Her frame shivering as the veiled woman took hold of her chin, gentle raising it up to meet her cold eyes.
A soft chuckle followed from the richly dressed woman off to the side, but the veiled woman ignored her as she focussed on the woman in front of her.
"Your daughter..." She answered. "She is lost to us and only you can help us...find her."
"My Eilis?" The woman asked with wide terrified eyes, that now turned a shade warmer with worry for her child.
"What must I do?" She asked as she swallowed, clearly wanting to help her daughter.
"Just...stand still. It will only take a moment." The veiled woman said as her other hand moved.
The poor peasant woman only saw the cold sharp glint of a dagger before her body fell upon the marble floor. Her life and blood drained from her filling the grooves of within the stone, following its lines.
As a final act a crystal was dipped in one of the deeper grooves, allowing it to be covered in blood, before placed again within the staff.
"Now, Heavens obey our command. Bound by Blood and Oath and Tithe show us now where 'She' hides."
The sky darkened as if light itself was drawn out and sucked up by the crystal.
For moment it seemed all for naught, but suddenly a pale stream of blue light burst from it.
It raced through the sky, turning the staff slightly in as it followed the horizon, indicating a direction.
It pointed accross the Sky seas, towards Belisio.
"There you are little rabbit." Spoke the veiled woman as the other one smiled maliciously.
"Finally."

Arn felt the stare that Tyrhallan shot his way. The mage felt a bit of shame at not disclosing all the information but he knew that if any one, the Knight Captain would understand. The shame increased when the silver haired superior expressed his own apologies. As a person who considered a weapon and nothing more, the mage felt that whomever he entrusted his powers to, could use him in any way. The Captain had done nothing in Arn’s book to warrant an apology. However, the senior mage understood the burden of leadership. Victory is often a price paid in lives. Many did not know this but the reason Arn had refused command was because deep down in inside he was afraid to send people to their deaths. He could barter with his life with no issue, but the thought of even asking someone to die by his command did not sit well with the battle mage. This was the reason he was usually one of the first in the fray, trying to eliminate as many threats to give the rest of the Shooting Stars a higher survival rate.

He wanted to protest the apology but knew that Tyrhallan would hear none of it. Instead, he nodded his acknowledgement that he would be required to rest.

It seemed that the Knight Captain was hell bent on making his face burn with shame as he innocently told Eilis she was in good hands. The sudden realization that his hands were still somewhat firmly attached to the small waist of the young girl made his checks all but flare. He slowly retired his hand to prevent the blind girl from thinking something was wrong and instead turned to Tyrhallan. His side had started to ache again but he did not want to dishonor himself and the captain by showing weakness.

The mage was glad that luck would be in his favor by materializing the same person who was meant to be used as a distraction from the topic that was Eilis and their sudden connection. Distraction or not, Arn had truly been concerned about the fate of the Spider and was glad that except for a broken leg, the younger knight seemed to be in fine spirits. It was refreshing to see the familial banter that the two exchanged. Life was short in the battle field and often, the ties made in such environment were stronger than many. This much was evident in the faces of these battle hardened men who still mourned the loss of a comrade.

Yet war was merciless and often, those far away from the fray made cold calculated decision not having seen their battle brothers die or heard their last breath. Arn had been very successful detaching himself from these ideas. It would be very easy to hate those in power for their careless use of human life. The mage had contented himself in carrying the tags of lost team mates as remembrance and living each battle for what it was. It was also true however, that he did not have the courage to set strong bonds with any one in his own squad. Perhaps these two men lamenting their losses were much braver than he.

Arn’s anger was still stoked when he heard of the decision by those in power to perhaps even dispose of the Knight Captain. Though the decision was not completely unexpected or un heard of, it still brought a stiffening to this body and the balling of his fists. The second he had met Eilis he had started to question such rules and regulations. The senior mage swallowed. Was his connection to Eilis responsible for his sudden surge of feelings and thoughts that spanned more than just daily routine and procedures? The thought made him shudder. His whole life he had lived in a bubble. The danger with letting people into your bubble is that it was likely to be a doorway for other things, good or bad, to come in.

The battle mage’s answer to the request of the Knight Captain was simple. “You have my word, Knight Captain, that I shall not utter a word unless directly authorized by you.” He thought about but what he would say next and continued in the same assertive tone. “If I may be so bold. Your men entrusted you with their lives because of their loyalty to you. They would not regret doing so and would not see their death as a loss. I feel the same way. My current condition is not a result of your failure but a result of my willingness to pay any price to see the mission completed because that is what you entrusted me with. Should you ever require my services again, I would follow you without question.”

Leo listened with some interest as Tyrhallan recounted his struggle against the Vaimese captain. Though the details were sparse and to the point, one thing was clear. The enemy was strong, perhaps as strong as the Knight Commander himself, Chisom Balthair the Black Bull. As Leo knew from personal experience, three knights together could not equal the Knight Commander's strength and this Captain Aurelia had managed to defeat two in close combat, vanquishing one and routing the other.

Now that he knew the circumstances of Abene Itzal's death, regret began to stir in the Spider's heart as he imagined what could have been had he accompanied Tyrhallan rather than the battlemage. The regret came not from the loss of a fellow knight, but the loss of an opportunity to truly test his blade and though the soldiers of Vaim proved a worthier challenge than some marauding band of pirate scum, Leo could not help feeling like he had been cheated out of something more. All of a sudden, the thrill of battle he had experienced earlier seemed to become cheap and unsatisfactory.

What a waste, he thought ruefully as he stared down at the cast on his leg and said, "So that's it then, we're going to miss the show at Presper... I wonder how it's going right now."

Looking up at the ceiling, Leo tried to picture the entire Vaimese war fleet clashing against the Belisian Hearthguard and when he realized that the scope of such a battle was far too large to envision, he simply shrugged and continued, "Well look on the bright side, if we lose then you won't have to worry about notifying anyone. We'll either be dead or enslaved. Anyways, I got what I came here for."

As Leo turned to leave, he nodded his head towards Arn and said, "Now that I know the mage is still alive, I can sleep a little better at night knowing who to turn to whenever my tea gets cold. And if it makes you feel any better, Venray, I'll annoy the shit out of whoever they replace you with. You can count on that, sir. In the meantime, I'll be off to my next objective."

With a companionable clap on Tyrhallan's shoulder, Leo departed from the room and called out as he hobbled off on his crutches, "You know they're serving salmon in the cafeteria? Actual salmon! I thought they were extinct!"

"So that's it then, we're going to miss the show at Presper... I wonder how it's going right now."
"Well look on the bright side, if we lose then you won't have to worry about notifying anyone. We'll either be dead or enslaved. Anyways, I got what I came here for. Now that I know the mage is still alive, I can sleep a little better at night knowing who to turn to whenever my tea gets cold. And if it makes you feel any better, Venray, I'll annoy the shit out of whoever they replace you with. You can count on that, sir. In the meantime, I'll be off to my next objective."
Tyrhallan couldn't help but smile at that last remark of the Spider feeling the clap on his shoulder.
"You know they're serving salmon in the cafeteria? Actual salmon! I thought they were extinct!"
"Never doubted you Dalmer and you know what that means right? Either it is a fake or some radioactive spawn. Real wild Salmon are as rare as albino dragons." Tyrhallan called after him.
Eilis who had been silent up until this point heard the final words of this strange man as he walked off. She pulled at Arn's clothing.
"What's a salmon?" Showing her unfamiliairity with it, clearly someone as well read as Eilis should know what salmon was, yet the expression that was displayed for the men to see was inquisitive. She was serious she did not know.
"A fish young lady. A very tasty and filling fish. I'll see if I can wrestle some free from Dalmer's clutches and send it down to you both. Sir Arn, just...keep an eye on her." He stated following after the Spider leaving the two alone again.