Fiction:New Dawn/An Honoruable Visit

Va'Si'La'Ko
Arrival=

The, a cruiser owned and used by the symbolic head of the arrived in orbit above the planet Va'Si'La'Ko. After speaking with space traffic control a shuttle was dispatched and he arrived within the planet's sole space dock near to the capital city.

Dressed in regal finery; a long bavy blue coat detailed in gold and silver, a breastplate polished to reflection and his hair bound and groomed to an immaculate finery, Uriel Ultanos stepped out of the shuttle, escorted by a cadre of Blood Dragons, as always, and walked towards where Hel'bre'K Ce'So'Va waited patiently for him. Given the nature of his guest, the Grand Council considered no place safer than the capital of the. The white enamelled armour his retainers had picked out for him chafed a little, but his thoughts were on his duty, as always.

Uriel stepped out of the shuttle and looked at Hel'Bre'K with a confident smile. The Blademaster inclined his head. The Paragon was shorter than him by nearly a metre, so he lowered himself onto one knee to bring his eyes level with those of his guest. A giant humbling himself before this visitor to his home. Uriel stood calmly with his hands clasped together over his stomach once he stoped moving and looked directly at Hel'Brek.

Uriel - Blademaster Hel'bre'K? I have heard a lot about you. Hel'Bre'K - ''Greetings, Uriel Ultanos. Word of your deeds, and the history of your people, reached us long ago.'' Uriel - ''I feel honoured for this invitation. The fordanta themselves interest me. History, art, culture, such things are slowly becoming more common knowledge in Andromeda I am eager to see more. And.. I believe your leaders whished for your empire to join the Commonwealth.'' Hel'Bre'K - ''This is correct. Peace through cooperation has been our way since the time of our ancestors, since we lifted beyond the brutal and barbaric ways of our forebears.'' Uriel - It seems our cultures do indeed share much in common. Hel'Bre'K - ''Indeed. Is there anything in particular of our culture that interests you?''

Uriel thought for a few minutes, his mind swimming in opportunity to learn more from these people. After a few moments, he tilted hsi head with a sense of curiosity and his mind set about one key question. And what better than a question that related to a subject so dominant within their society:

Uriel - ''I hear the guilds in which your society revolves around is something that is uncommon in Dranvamus. I would enjoy knowing more.'' Hel'Bre'K - ''The system of Guilds is a simple one. As a Fordanta matures, they find themselves drawn to specific roles in society. Each of these roles is dictated by a Guild. As the hopeful trains and studies, they come closer and closer to finding their true purpose. Once they find their place, they stay with it for life. As they perform the duty expected of them, society performs the duties required to sustain them in all other aspects.'' Uriel - ''Everyone finds a place where their talents are found most useful. But how does one of the empire's guilds differ from say.. a corporation?'' Hel'Bre'K - Forgive me, I do not understand the term 'corporation.' I assume this refers to some form of economy? Uriel - ''Yes. A corporation can cater for one or a number of services. Often the reason is to fill a social need, stimulate an economy and provide employment. Such things form the backbone of several empires in the galaxy.'' Hel'Bre'K - ''I suppose these 'corporations' trade services for a form of currency. The Fordanta perform their roles purely for the good of the Empire. They meet the needs of the Empire, and the Empire meets the needs of the individual.'' Uriel - ''You are correct. However I can see the obvious merits of the Guild system.'' Hel'Bre'K - ''I admit it is not for all. Most aliens to this place find difficulty grasping its tenets. And yet, for those who embrace it, it brings a serene grace to life.'' Uriel - ''Hmm...Not all minds were built to understand the same concept. it is both a flaw and a virtue of diversity. I would like to see more of this planet, if I am permitted.'' Hel'Bre'K - ''Of course. There is but a handful of locations barred to you, but near the entire planet is available.'' Uriel - ''I will defer to your guidance. Lead the way.'' Hel'Bre'K - ''I am a soldier, something of a historian, and little more. Anything within these walls I can guide you to, but you will have to look elsewhere for information beyond this place.'' Uriel - ''I find that learning from the acts of the past help to shape our outlook on the present and the future. I would be interested in learning more about your empire's history.'' Hel'Bre'K - ''A viewpoint I share. It is why I created the Praetoria - to guard the memory of our past, as surely as they guard the future of our people. Much of our history is enshrined not far from here, it would be an honour to show you.'' Uriel - Lead the way.

Shrine to History=

Hel'Bre'K led Uriel down the main causeway through Va'Si'La'Ko. The long road was lined on both sides by statues of old Fordan heroes, and Hel' bowed in deference to many of them as he passed. Some of the runes on Hel's armour matched the runes inscribed on these statues, which drew the paragon's attention. He looked at each of the statues and examined them with curiosity. As he passed to look at another statue he noticed something between Hel's armour and one of the statues. He noticed the similarity the runes bore, which to any educated man would indicate a connection.

Uriel - I notice that one of those makings on your armour looks similar to one of the inscribed markings on that statue.

Uriel nodded towards the object that interested him and Hel'Bre'K stopped at the next statue to bear the mark. he didn't have to look to know which one Uriel was talking about.

Hel'Bre'K - ''Ri'Si'La'Ko. The rune of the Blademaster. In full, it is hard to say how many have borne this mark, although my place numbers well into the thousands. We are the strength and nobility of our species made flesh, and a symbol of the Empire's unity. In the darkest times of our people, it has always fallen to the Blademaster to be the light in the darkness. It is a glorious burden, to be sure.'' Uriel - ''Such words remind me of my own duties. In peacetime the Parag'avatus is said to be the Imperium's majesty made manifest, in times of turmoil it falls to me to guide its people back on track, to steel the hearts of the wavering. In times of war I am a commander. Some might consider the paragon line to be semi-divine, I am not inclined to think so.''

Hel' nodded his head. He reached around to the clasps on his armour, rolling his shoulders to allow the plates to fall free. He still wore a bodysuit underneath, however he draped a heavy cloak over it, bearing another rune, on different statues.

Hel'Bre'K - ''That armour... fit only for greeting pompous nobles, and useless dignitaries-- of which you are neither. There are many in this cluster who regard me to be a divine saviour, but I am just one voice in a choir of many.'' Uriel - ''And you think I am different from anyone else the Imperium could have sent? Sometimes I wonder if I have any real control over the Imperium - nobles enjoy looking at me as the head of state but senators often have more to do than I to keep the Imperium alive.'' Hel'Bre'K - ''I see it in your eyes, and in the eyes of the men who follow you. A leader, yes, and a noble, but one who earned their place. The hard-earned loyalty of your men is clear. As is the suffering behind your eyes. Hel'La'Ri, I would say.''

Uriel perked an eyebrow at this utterance. He was educated enough to realise Hel' had momentarily slipped into old Fordan, he had heard it in passing before. The word Hel' used however escaped his understanding.

Uriel - ''Hel... La'Ri?'' Hel'Bre'K - ''My apologies, I often stray into Old Fordan. Few speak it, but to forget the past is to lose ourselves. In Old Fordan, names are chosen to suit their owner. Hel'La'Ri fits you like a hand-forged suit. Hel, strife and suffering, La, true, hard earned loyalty, and Ri, leadership truly deserved.'' Uriel - ''I sometimes wondered why before his death my father chose my brother as his successor instead of me, I used to think he did not believe I was capable. After his death, Korr told me that my father did not choose me was because he thought I was not yet ready... but would be within a few years.''

Hel'Bre'K started walking again. The Warriors moving along the causeway bowed when he passed, as he made his way towards the Shrine of the Praetoria Uriel looked to the warriors bowing as he walked with Hel'. As Uriel walked with Hel', his eyes were drawn to the glyph sewn into the heavy cloak he wore. A mark emblazoned like a symbol for what Hel' was, and this made him curious.

Uriel - I wish to ask, what is the glyph on your cloak? Hel'Bre'K - ''It is my family's rune. In and of itself it means little, except for a certain trait. The Shrine is ahead, where we archived the greatest moments of our species' history.''

Uriel looked at the crowds that gathered around them, many of the younger warriors appeared timid in Hel's presence, especially after seeing his family rune. He knew what they may be thinking - his own position had elevated him high enough in imperial society that he was seen as a somewhat intimidating figure to some. Why they may have cowered seeing the family rune he was not entirely sure, but a belief in his strength and reputation was likely to be at least one of the reasons. Possibly the main reason.

As they approached, the Shrine dominated the eastern end of the causeway, constructed largely out of deep black obsidian, inlaid with iron. Several suspension pods held various relics aloft, and great walls of runes were carved into the shrine's surfaces. Hel' appeared to have a sense of pride in his voice as he spoke to Uriel about this monument. Uriel looked about the shrine in awe. He had hardly ever seen such a comprehensive memorial.

Hel'Bre'K - The defining moments of our history are recorded here, from the time of the first Blademaster, to this day.

The Magnificence of History=

Uriel remained in awe. He had seen larger memorials yes, some the size of cities, but he never recalled one that acted as a repository for an entire empire's history. Hel' walked to the first wall, and as a soft voice recording began to read the inscription through translators, he read it in the original Old Fordan it was written in. Uriel stood and listened intently, listening to every detail, watching as Hel' became lost in the immense history the walls contained. Hel' drifted from wall to wall, uttering various phrases. It was clear that he had lost himself slightly in history, until he reached the most recent panel. No translation was available yet, but Hel' translated for Uriel's benefit. It spoke of the Annihilation, rebuilding the Empire, and contacting the AGC. Uriel stood awestruck, his eyes wide and a smile on his face, for here stood a monument to existence himself, he felt almost honoured that the Commonwealth had already been mentioned in such an immortal tale, it all left him speechless.

Uriel - Such an impressive history... Hel'Bre'K - ''No doubt the history of your race extends much further. Longevity is not glory in and of itself, it merely provides more opportunities.'' Uriel - More oppertunities for both glory, and turmoil. Hel'Bre'K - ''Indeed. My family knows well enough of both.''

In the distance, trumpets sound. If Uriel looks in that direction, he'll see several groups of Warriors heading to that area. Groups of Fordan warriors were moving towards one of the many battlefields held within Va'Si'La'Ko

Hel'Bre'K - A tournament of sorts, if you were interested. Uriel - What variation of tournament, exactly? Hel'Bre'K - If memory serves, the warriors are attempting to attain induction into the Si'La'Ko path, a specific sect of warriors who devote themselves to honourable combat. Uriel - Are we able to spectate? Hel'Bre'K - ''If that is your wish. With luck, the initiates will choose their challenges wisely, and I will merely spectate.'' Uriel - ''I would love to. It sounds similar to how Blood Dragon cadets prove they are ready for field service. Draconis themselves have a long history of interest in honoured combat.''



The Arena
Aspirants=

Hel' led the way towards the arena. Already, initiates were beginning to pair off against more experienced Knights. Some of the initiates and Knights alike had retainers following them, holding up banners displaying family runes. As the two of them found a seat within the ampitheatre, A Knight Commander addressed the warriors, beginning the usual litany of ceremonial jargon. The last few initiates made their challenges, however one made the crowd gasp a little. Hel' rested his head in one hand. Uriel looked at both Hel' and the initiate in confusion. Although something in his mind suggested to him that this incident was nothing he had not seen before.

Uriel - An overconfident challenger, I take it. Hel'Bre'K - ''The process of initiation into the ranks of the Si'La'Ko requires the aspirant to challenge a single proven Knight to combat. Theoretically, this challenge can be made to anyone.''

Uriel looked at Hel' expectantly. Now knowing full-well what Hel' was suggesting about this particular initiate.

Hel'Bre'K - ''However, this initiate has forgotten the very basic principle of the challenge: he must defeat this opponent. He has chosen to challenge me, and in my place as Blademaster, I cannot allow myself to be defeated. For the aspirant's sake, I will allow another to take my place.'' Uriel - I see.

The initiate looked a little disheartened at first, but perked up for a moment and said something else, causing Hel' to become rather more stern.

Uriel - Do you have anyone in mind? Hel'Bre'K - ''This particular initiate, it seems, has taken leave of his senses. That, or he never understood what he was undertaking in the first place. Ignore him, myself and the Knights Exemplar certainly are.'' Uriel - ''If battle is what he craves then... are such duels to the death?'' Hel'Bre'K - ''Of course not. To first blood, or to the disarm. Death in training is a waste. The initiate apparently did not realise that duelling me would guarantee his defeat, and would bar him from the ranks of the Si'La'Ko.'' Uriel - ''Perhaps he can still prove his worth? No, I must be taking leave of my senses.'' Hel'Bre'K - ''The Fordanta are given only one chance to enter the Si'La'Ko. They themselves must decide when they are ready. Absolute surety in their cause is a necessary attribute in the Knights. Now that it comes to mind, Hel'La'Ri, before the tournament begins, there is traditionally an open melee. While I am frequent to join in such events, unless you intend to join in yourself I will likely remain here, in case you have further questions.''

Uriel clasped his hands together and perked his eyebrow. Something inside of him stirred, a primeval interest.

Uriel - Open melee you say? Hel'Bre'K - ''Blunted weapons, of course, the event is mostly for entertainment, and to work off aggression among the more.. expressive spectators. Indeed, for older warriors like myself, it is as much a social interaction as a combat.'' Uriel - It has been a while since I tested my duelling skills. Hel'Bre'K - If you intend to take part, steer clear of anyone bearing a glaive, and you should do fine.

Open Melee=

Uriel smiled and nodded. Everything about his emotions suggested he was eager to take part in this, but looking about he noticed that most of the aspirants were Fordanta. Uriel waited for others to move before he stood up from his seat, while he was eager, he was well-aware of the rush that often came from the oppertunity of a no-consequences fight. Hel' walked over to one of the Knights guarding the armoury, walking inside to put on a suit of armour set aside for him. The suit was simple enough, smooth black enamel in a standard Praetorian configuration. He brought with him a claymore taller than Uriel. Uriel however, grunted, realising it was all Fordanta equipment but it was to be expected, given that this was one of their arenas. Hel' emerged fully-equipped and looked at Uriel, knowing what was on his mind.

Uriel - How long before melee starts? Hel'Bre'K - ''Your personal equipment is suitable for the melee. Did you bring a weapon? There are plenty available in the armoury if you need one. The melee will begin effectively as soon as we arrive.'' Uriel - I always have a weapon.

Uriel tapped the sheath that he was wearing, the belt and the surrounding fabric indicated that the clothing he was wearing had been designed and fashioned to accomodate this article. Poking out of thesheath itself was a handle of red leather and a crossguard of gold and silver.

Uriel - Armour however is a different matter. Hel'Bre'K - ''Hm, I am quite sure the armourer could provide a fitting suit of plate, if you so wish. Of course, your regalia would create as stark an image as that one time I fought nude.'' Uriel - Completely?

Uriel shrugged, he called over one of the Blood Dragons who took his coat. Uriel arelaxed his shoulders and felt confident. As he walked up beside Hel'Bre'K he wrapped his hand around his signet ring. He felt confident, his outfit was not designed for combat but it wasn't without full protection. There was a reinforced weave built in to resist impacts and the chestplate he wore was sturdy if ornamental. Hel'Bre'K walked steadily down to the arena floor, other entrants into the melee standing aside to let him pass. The centre of the arena featured a rough hill. Hel' placed himself halfway between the edge of the melee and that hill. Uriel innately understood the procedure and stood with the other entrants and looked on towards Hel', intrigued by the pageantry that was occurring, being reminded slightly of the arena tournaments at home.

The Knights watching over the melee blew hunting horns, signalling that the melee was about to begin. Hel' stood calmly, the claymore planted point-first into the ground, his arms resting on the cross-guard. Uriel rolled his shoulders back and gripped the handle of his longsword tightly. Awaiting the moment he would be cast into the fray.

Blood, Scales And Sand=