Choir of Angels (Angelii/Firemane)

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Elincia Alanis"], [member="Aeda Shaytari"]


It seemed that both Aeda and Kaida had a very limited capacity for small talk. "Understood," Kaida said, you might have guessed it by now, laconically. "Suggest equipping the squad with some of the new prototypes to impress the natives. Who will be the Queen's diplomat? What intelligence do we have on Khajwar?"


She presumed that their technology level was similar to that of their western cousins, but some information would be useful. Same applied to their leaders, language and whether they'd had contact with outsiders before.

 

[Aeda Shaytari]

[member="Kaida Taldir"] [member="Elincia Alanis"]

“Lady Selene Tarai is the negotiator. She is a voice for accommodation and diplomacy.”
With the voice modulator and mask it was hard to tell if Aeda considered this a good thing or not.

“Very well. The armoury will provide your escort with the new armour, weapons and equipment constructed. The new Sarixi and Sarzmigar have operated well in trials. You will test them in battlefield conditions.”

“Khajwar is as chronically disunited as the western Qadiri. More so, as there is no unifying figure they all look to. Rather, there are many small states and groups, each with their petty feuds. How you achieve the goal of unifying and pacifying the area is for you and her Ladyship decide. Military intervention is a last resort. The Lady has more details. You will meet her and be ready to depart at tenth hour tomorrow.”

“Seraph Taldir,” Aeda called as Kaida turned to go. “Wing Leader Alanis’ insubordination and indiscipline is unacceptable. She will be Lady Tarai’s servant for this expedition. If she has not sufficiently reformed by the time you return she will be dismissed.”

The interview over, Aeda turned away.

 

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Aeda Shaytari"], [member="Elincia Alanis"]


Kaida's stance remained as rigid as ever. She hadn't been told to stand at ease and probably wasn't the person to do so anyway. Based on facial expression alone, it was hard to tell if the Seraph considered Lady Tarai a a good choice or not. The Countess was more progressive than most Eldorai nobles, but also a friend of that troglodyte Kerrigan. Moreover, Kaida was not big on diplomacy or accommodation.


She acknowledged Aeda's instructions with a curt nod. "Yes, Grand Seraph." That was all there was to say. Kaida saluted again, turned on her heels and walked out of the office, closing the door behind her. On the way out, she ended up passing the hall where Elincia was busy stacking chairs under the critical scrutiny of Seraph Laenia.


"Alanis, Lady Tarai and I will be leading an expedition to Khajwar. You will be the Lady's servant," she emphasised the last word, just to make it clear that this did not mean her punishment had suddenly been overruled and she was going scots free.


"If your behaviour is unsatisfactory, you will be dishonourably discharged and dismissed from the Angelii." Being an Angelii was a very prestigious position, so while Elincia would be free to seek employment elsewhere, dismissal would be a black mark against her in the Eldorai Matriarchy. She would also not receive a cash handout. "Carry on with your cleaning duties. They remain unchanged till the expedition. Be ready to depart at the tenth hour tomorrow. I expect you to be punctual." Then she walked away since she had work to do.

 

[Elincia Alanis]

The number of the chairs were decreasing and decreasing with each turn she and the other cleaning crew took. Not being able to rebel since she was in so much trouble anyway, added by the fact that she was very tired and sleepy, and also she was feeling lazy, the day was getting better and better. But wait, there's more. Ice lady returns!, as her ice cold self as always, she was directly heading towards her. Stacking another chair to the chair mountain, she turned to her direction giving a look, a tired one but still one of her annoyed looks. Well, she won this round, as if it was all a game for the young Angelii! "Servant?..." You will never stop the humiliation, will you? Well, it meant less time cleaning toilets and more adventure, so she was fine... Until she heard that she would get dismissed if they didn't like her behaviour. And according to her past experiences, they never liked her behaviour. And it was all for she, not jokingly this time, forgot to wear her armor. Oh well... No one said it was going to be easy.

"Well I guess it's still better than stacking chairs..." Then she whispered. "She's worse than you, and that's saying something." It was half a joke, half truths , but then she remembered that ice lady didn't like her jokes that much. Also the Seraph probably heard her because elf ears but yeah. "Ahh... I mean, yeah I will be there on time. Satisfactory behaviour." As much as she liked trolling and all kinds of activities, she wasn't stupid. If she was dismissed from Angelii, it meant she had nowhere else to go. And she wasn't returning to that farm. If you don't know it yet, her parents were kind of jerks. Anyway, there would be more times to troll, just, not now. After nodding to the ice lady, she returned to her cleaning duties. There weren't that many chairs to stack, and she already mopped the whole Chapel already anyway so she would have more time to rest and be ready for tomorrow. It is if the other Seraph didn't find more things to do.

The time passed and passed, finally her duties were finished and she was let go by the Seraph. Aching, aching everywhere. "Karking... and this is just the first day... What am I going to do?" She started to talk to herself, since she had nothing else to do while moving back to the barracks. Immediately getting rid of the armor and throwing herself to the bed when she arrived, she sighed relaxed. "Well, at least your beds are good..." "..." "...." And she was already asleep.

The morning was here already... ... No, dear readers, there was no Elincia in bed, or no complaining roommates for her to wake up. Instead, she was fully awake, wearing her armor and preparing for the day. Surprising, huh? Well, don't expect it too much. Anyway, she was soon ready and she headed up to the rendesvous point. "You have one more chance. I know you want to tell jokes and be the rebel you are. But not today." She was getting used to this talk to yourself business. It was fun. At least there was no one telling her what to do.

[member="Kaida Taldir"] [member="Aeda Shaytari"]

 

[Aeda Shaytari]

[member="Kaida Taldir"] [member="Elincia Alanis"] [member="Charlyra Araano"] [member="Joza Perl"]

The next day dawned cool and cloudy. It would be well to savour this as this was weather they would not encounter much in Khajwar.

Inside the Angelii compound all was being assembled. Two gunships would transport them to their jumping off point near Multan. They would then proceed on speeders until they reached the city.

Also waiting there, looking a tad out of place was Sahal Jai Azal, their guide and interpreter.
She bowed to Kaida. “Lady Taldir, Lady Mistress Kerrigan has placed me at your disposal. I will do whatever I can to assist you,” she promised.

The other Angelii were almost assembled. Soon they would depart.

(For Lyra and Joza: If you’d like to join you’re welcome to! This is a diplomatic mission to visit the less advanced areas of Tygara. There will be some action but mainly it’s an emphasis on negotiation and cooperating with the natives.)

 

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Elincia Alanis"], [member="Aeda Shaytari"]


The sky was lined with dark clouds that obscured the sun. There was a cold breeze in the air. Kaida savoured the cool, for soon they would be off in Khawjar. Tropical jungles, humidity and boiling heat awaited them. She already missed fighting Xioquo insurgents in the claustophobic Underealm and on arctic islands.


"Good morning, ma'am. You got sun screen? I've packed some if you need it," Askari said when she caught up with her boss. She was one of the few Angelii allowed to speak that way to Kaida. She was wearing crimson battle armour and carried one of the new Sarzmigars. The polearm was stronger than the old variant and incorporated Echani Graphite.


"Is the squad assembled?" Kaida asked laconically. She was really talkative.


"Almost, ma'am. We're waiting for Lady Tarai. Our native interpreter has arrived to translate the inscrutable Qadiri for us. Good test to see how well the natives do in our ranks, right?"


"Perhaps. She's part of Kerrigan's outfit." That seemed to end all discussion for her. As they arrived on the assembly grounds, they came across Sahal Jai Azal, who looked a bit out of place and bowed to the Seraph. Askari gave the Qadiri an encouraging look, whilst Kaida looked as chilly as usual and scrutinised the girl. "Good. You will be staying close to Lady Tarai and me. Have you dealt with the eastern Qadiri before?" Out of the corner of her eye, she saw that Elincia was arriving at the rendezvous point. The rebellious Angelii was also decently dressed. That constituted an improvement!

 

[Elincia Alanis]

When Elincia arrived to the rendesvous point, she saw a bunch of people were there already. Some new faces, some old faces, some friends, some enemies, and by enemies she meant she pranked them once or twice because she simply wanted to. Of course, ladies of ice and fire were there as well. Or, Seraph and the Host Leader since she was expected to behave. It was pretty difficult for her to obey the rules because of her personality, but today she was trying to since there was too much at stake, you know, professional army and all that. Anyway, she moved towards the group and blended in before she got in any more trouble. Listening around, it seemed Lady Tarai wasn't around yet. Oh well, more time for her before she had to listen to an old, probably grumpy diplomat lady which probably looked like a nightmare material and do her every bidding. She would just do well with protecting, but they had to make her her servant, right? She sighed.

[member="Kaida Taldir"] [member="Aeda Shaytari"]

 

[Aeda Shaytari]

[member="Kaida Taldir"] [member="Elincia Alanis"]

“Yes, Lady Taldir, I accompanied my Mistress to the realm of Tarush five years ago,” Sahal said. “That is a coastal city, we will not be going near it, but I understand the language and customs of most of Khajwar. There were many slaves and janissaries from the eastern realms.”

Lady Selene Tarai appeared soon after. She was elegantly, yet practically dressed an carried a sarix at her side. She smiled at Kaida and offered a respectful salute.
“Seraph Taldir, I presume! An honour to meet you properly at last. We may have shared the room before, but I don’t believe we’ve talked. Since you are my protector I will very much follow your lead. Though I was once an Angelii like you, it was many decades ago, so I do not pretend to know the trade of fighting like you.”

She turned to Elincia and smiled even broader. “And you must be the incorrigible Wing Leader Alanis. A pleasure. Fear not, I am quite self-sufficient in most things, so your service will be light and painless, I am sure.”

Unlike many nobles she had only a small amount of personal baggage, carried by a protocol droid. It seemed to be her translator to go along with Sahal.

“I believe I have everything I require, so on your mark, Seraph, we will begin.”

 

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Aeda Shaytari"], [member="Elincia Alanis"]


"Good. Then you'll be useful," Kaida said curtly. She was not one for speeches. Or for making newcomers feel more welcome than she felt was absolutely necessary. Which was not much. She'd probably make a good British East India Company officer.


"Keep us alert if you notice our hosts plotting anything untoward." She remembered the Eldorai Matriarchy's first diplomatic to the Amikarese Empire! It had involved attempted poisoning, an undiplomatic Jedi Master almost starting a war and a duel to the death. These Qadiri were inscrutable and duplicitous...like the Eldorai.


Then she turned away. Askari gave Sahal a somewhat more encouraging look. "Don't take it personally. She's like that to everyone, regardless of race," she said by way of explanation. Her boss was an equal opportunities queen.


In the meantime, Lady Tarai had arrived. She wore a nice outfit, but unlike Siobhan, Kaida was not the type to gush over fashion. She returned the salute though. "Thank you, Countess. We'll lay down our lives if needed to ensure your protection. Alanis is at your disposal. If her behaviour is inappropriate, inform me."


The part about how the noble Angelii would give their lives to defend her might have sounded like sycophancy coming from anyone else, but her tone was as humourless, dour and serious as ever. "Angelii, move out."


"You heard the Seraph. Get your arses in gear and board the gunship, girls," Askari commanded, and so the squad of Angelii battle sisters embarked. Soon their craft lifted off into the sky, beginning their journey towards the unknown land of Khawjar.

 

[Elincia Alanis]

Today's mission seemed a bit less violent than usual to her as the foreign woman continued to speak, diplomacy was not her kind of thing. But of course, duty was duty even though she was supposed to be in vacation right now! Anyway, the talk was going on and on, Elincia almost spaced out from boredom until another joined the group. Not needed to say, she was pretty beautiful. She continued to examine the woman until she saw she was directly coming towards her. Wait, she knew her name, and she was talking about her service? Wait a minute... Holy kark, she was Lady Tarai?!? Elincia had the Jackpot! moment for a second, meanwhile mumbling to herself. "Servant it is." Then she nodded to the woman, taking a confident stance.

"Won't mind a bit pain. Will be more fun that way!" Sigh, here we go again. "I mean... yeah it's an honor." She corrected herself quickly looking at the ice lady who was eager to remind her about the behaviour issues. Ugh... Then, since everyone was ready to go, the order was given to move to the gunship. Elincia, moving towards the diplomat to get to know each other, obviously had something to say which wasn't that professional. "Uhh... is flirting with a very beautiful lady considered bad behaviour?" I mean, it is still within the boundaries of service... She said with a flirty smile. She knew the answer, but if ice lady wasn't an ice wall she would've done the same anyway, right? Meanwhile talking, they would arrive to the gunship and be ready to move out.

[member="Kaida Taldir"] [member="Aeda Shaytari"]

 

[Sahal Jai Azal]

[member="Kaida Taldir"] [member="Elincia Alanis"]

Lady Tarai raised an amused eyebrow. Did the girl know of her…ahem…second job? Something to consider.

“It is not bad behaviour, Elincia, though not something we should do whilst we are on this mission. If you wish to continue the flirtatious dialogue, I advise you to wait until a more appropriate time. Besides, I think you would look better dressed in a maid outfit.”

They boarded the gunship and soon they were taking off and flying. This was all perfectly normal for everyone there except Sahal who had her eyes tightly closed. Flying either in the air or in space was not something the Qadiri had gotten used to yet.

When they eventually set down several hours later it was in a wide clearing cut into the jungle. High mountains loomed above and around and as the speeders were unloaded they got the impression they were being watched from the trees.

 

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Elincia Alanis"], [member="Sahal Jai Azal"]


Beneath her helmet, Kaida watched the exchange between Elincia and Lady Tarai with a slightly bemused expression. Coincidentally, the Seraph knew about Selene's other job because their extracurricular activities overlapped. It might help teach the girl some discipline if she proved worthy.


The gunship took off into the sky, soon leaving the civilisation that New Santaissa represented behind it. Soon the gleaming city vanished, as did the mountains surrounding it, along with the ocean. Askari noticed the discomfort Sahal was in. Being more personable and maternalist than her superior, she walked over to her and patted her on the shoulder. "You can hold my hand, if you want. Just don't make it too obvious," after all she had a certain rep to maintain. "We'll be on the ground soon, sister."


Several hours passed, and they landed in a clearing in the deceptively beautiful jungle. The dust the craft kicked up hung in the humid air. Massive trees rose into the sky, high mountains loomed above them and the birds chirped happily. Kaida was not in the mood for safari trips and sightseeing. She reckoned that it was a good thing her girlfriend's daughter was not here, for Elpsis Elaris would undoubtedly want to adopt the first tiger she came across.


"We're not alone. Board the speeders. Measured pace. Sahal, Askari, take point. Alanis, stay close to the Lady," she ordered coolly. Thanks to her sensitive elf ears, she could hear movement in the bushes and undergrowth. Sahal would be occupying the same craft as Askari to make things simpler.

 

[Elincia Alanis]

No disciplining, no negative response. Elincia had many thoughts running in her head, but it was normal for the trollish young Angelii. “Oh I look way better with no clothes on. Maybe I will prove it to you after the mission.” She said with a flirty wink. They still had a mission to do of course, but it was only a slight distraction. Now that the gunship prepared for departure and afterwards started to fly to their destination, the journey was quiet. Elincia loved flying because she enjoyed the view. Unfortunately, as everything had to end, the ship arrived to a forest area and prepared for the landing. Elincia fully switched to the mission mode, so she controlled her equipment before looking at the diplomat lady. “Alright, stay close to me from now on.” She said nodding. The forests, no matter how they looked so pretty and lively, had many creatures which weren’t known for their lovey-dovey ways. As they escaped the ship and started to move in the forest, they were stopped by the ice lady because she heard something. As she expected, they were not alone. From experience of almost getting eaten by tigers, she knew that it would be much better if they acted quick.

She took one of the speeders as instructed and moved towards the diplomat lady. “Let’s go. I advise you to hold on tight, since these things are pretty fast.” She said totally innocent. No, there was no second speeder. She was simply acting as instructed, ice lady told her to stay close, right?

[member="Kaida Taldir"] [member="Sahal Jai Azal"]

 

[Sahal Jai Azal]

[member="Kaida Taldir"] [member="Elincia Alanis"]

“Oh my dear girl, I am sure you do,” Lady Tarai said. “We can do something about your disobedience at the same time.”

As they boarded the speeders and began their progress though their unseen attackers took their chance. Unable to go to full speed in the dense conditions, they were targeted.

There was the hard crack of muskets, puffs of smoke rising from several treetops. Further, a hail of darts and arrows clattered around them.
Against the armour of the Angelii such weapons were useless and bounced off like hail from a wall.
However, both the Lady and Sahal were not wearing the most updated armour and so had to take cover behind their better armoured comrades.

However, Selene Tarai was no coward. She called out, and Sahal translated.
“Qadiri of Multan! We come not to fight but to seek terms. We desire only to meet your Ladies and treat with them. However, if you persist in attacking us….”

One of the gunships came to hover over them like a guardian angel. A burst from its rotary shatter cannon entirely shredded an empty tree. It was a good warning.

Finally a voice called from the trees. “Go on, but we will watch you and your star gear will not save if you betray our trust!”

“Well that went well. The Saan and Sarix as we call it in the diplomatic corps. Come, Seraph, Wing Leader, let’s go.”

 

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Sahal Jai Azal"], [member="Elincia Alanis"]


For the time being, their would-be ambushers had been banished. This would probably not stay that way. The Imperial legions had underestimated the native Ewoks of Endor and paid the price by losing not only a supposedly elite legion, but also ultimately the death star and their ruler.


"Thus ends round one of sarix diplomacy. Whatever happens, we got the sarix, the bolter and the shattercannon, and they have not," Askari quipped because her writer felt like paraphrasing 19th century imperialists who probably enjoyed subjugating natives far too much.


Beneath her helmet, Kaida looked as stoic and disapproving as ever. Hopefully Askari would not start singing. "Move out. Don't get cocky. Though primitively equipped, they have superiority in numbers and know the terrain. We don't," she said bluntly. Arrows and shell had disintegrated upon impacting on her imposing phrik armour, but she was not feeling smug.


The small group of Eldorai proceeded unimpeded, but constantly watched, through the dense jungle. The trek was not easy, for the thick forest made it difficult for the speeders to find passage, but eventually they reached the city of Multan.


The majestic city stretched as far as the naked eye could reach and was surrounded by jungle hills. Massive domes made out of a rare black stone rose up into the sky, as if trying to grasp the heavens. Somehow, the Qadiri had been able to drive back the jungle and carve out an enclave of civilisation within it. "It's bigger than Zeheb," Askari observed while studying the city outline with the traind eye of a soldier. Zeheb was the capital of Shâhbanu Semiramis, their nominal ally. An impressive delegation awaited them at the city gates.

 

[Elincia Alanis]

And so their little journey through the thick forest began, no matter how she wanted to go very fast, it looked impossible with the placement of the trees. Moderate speed it is! At least she was with a beautiful woman who sitting right behind her, that was a plus! Anyway, it seemed that the ice lady's concern about someone watching them soon turned to true since they've been attacked by primitive weapons such as arrows and that kind. Elincia couldn't help but grin, as their best attack just bounced right from her armor. But she knew that the diplomat lady wasn't that armored, so she looked back. "Alright, thought this was too boring anyway." Then pushed on the gas to get more speed meanwhile tanking the damage. But of course, the diplomat lady was no damsel in distress, and she had her way with words. And well, the high technology gunship fire was a great help as well, soon the attack ceased, and the Qadiri let them pass. "Aww... Right when I was starting to get excited." But let out a smile, to make it obvious it was a joke. Most of the Angelii didn't appreciate her jokes.

The rest of the journey was peaceful, disturbing, full of eyes watching over them. They continued to move on and on until they reached the end of the forests, the signs of civilization started to show itself as paths turned into roads and wood turned into stone, it was a huge city of awesome view, forests everywhere, one could feel Elincia fangirling over how beautiful and majestic it looked. They were primitive and all, yet it seemed that they knew their stuff. "Wow... Can you ask them to come decorate the buildings in Angelii camp someday? I would appreciate it." She laughed. "I am serious. Angelii buildings look so... militaristic, that it looks scary sometimes." She added afterwards with a more serious tone, but still, it was Elincia so it sounded like herself mostly. Anyway, they continued to move towards the city gates, where a huge amount of people were awaiting their arrival.

[member="Kaida Taldir"] [member="Sahal Jai Azal"]

 

[Sahal Jai Azal]

[member="Kaida Taldir"] [member="Elincia Alanis"]

“I assure you, Elincia, excitement is the last thing a diplomat wants on the job. It generally means something is going wrong…or disastrously wrong!”

The city was built across many hills, and had long bridges crossing over yawning depths. One bridge, passing over the river from highest palace to highest palace was nearly 100 feet in the air and over a hundred long.

There were a lot of stairs.

Waiting for them at the gates were an impressive delegation. Amongst them were Qadiri of all types, including some as Sciians who were bodyguards, others were nobles, amongst them all was a young Qadiri who seemed to be in charge.

Several slaves laid down a green cloth for her to walk on as she approached.

Sahal came forward with Tarai, Elincia and Kaida.

Beside the ruler was an older woman, possibly an aunt or even grandmother.

“You are in the presence of Her Excellency Nashizar, the High Queen of Multan, Mistress of these lands. State your reasoning for coming here, outsiders.”

 

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Sahal Jai Azal"], [member="Elincia Alanis"]


Thusly, they finally reached the welcoming committee. Kaida was quiet and stoic when they met the delegation. Her eyes swept over them, scrutinising each Qadiri in turn. She focused much of her attention on the Sciians, who seemed to be the local equivalent of the Angelii, much like the Anusiya of Amikaron. She could sense that their blades and halberds were enchanted, for they radiated a weak Sciiac aura.


An elder Qadiri noblewoman addressed them, standing alongside the ruler. She was not the one who wore the crown, but given the queen's youth, she was probably still a power in the land. Either way, Kaida remained vigilant. The way the city was built - many hills, bridges and a mind-boggling number of stairs - would make escape difficult if their hosts turned on them.


"I am Countess Selene Tarai of the Eldorai Matriarchy. Star Queen Tirathana VII of the Eldorai extends her greetings to Her Majesty. We come on behalf of our Queen and seek friendship and amity with the realm of Multan," Selene began. One imagined the preamble would've been rather different if Tarissa had been sent instead.

 

[Elincia Alanis]

Stairs... so many stairs... Elincia was annoyed more than exhausted at this point. Well, if they decided to come visit to redecorate the houses, she knew what she had to say! At some point, Elincia wondered why she came forward with the two, as she was an ordinary Angelii with not much knowledge about the foreign species, even though she got some ideas. Maybe it was because she was a servant of the diplomat lady, and as her cover she needed to stay close to the lady if something unexpected happened. Nonetheless, she liked being in the spotlight for a change, and for good reasons this time! She mostly decided to stay quiet and look at the many faces, some excited, some annoyed... She had a feeling that it was the silence before the storm, or it was her adventure seeking young mind speaking. Who knows.

The only thing she knew, was she was about to listen people say good things to each other just for the sake of saying it, and smile in a forced way for each word escaping their mouth, meanwhile both tried to make the opposite team do their bidding in background. But it was politics. Or at least for Elincia. If she wasn't in so much trouble, she would've much more to say, or mock at this point. But she didn't want to be kicked out from her one, and maybe the only if you don't count neglectful parents and a smelly farm, home. Instead, she rolled her eyes and started to hum a song inside, waiting for the pleasantries to finish.

[member="Kaida Taldir"] [member="Sahal Jai Azal"]

 

[Sahal Jai Azal]

[member="Kaida Taldir"] [member="Elincia Alanis"]

Queen Nashizar did not apparently speak, but with a gesture to her advisor, something was conveyed.

“Her Excellency greets you and wishes to know why, if this is a mission of peace, you come so armed.” The advisor eyed the heavily armed Angelii, their vehicles, and all their other advanced gear.

“Further, her Excellency wishes to know what specifically you wish to achieve.”

Elincia, at the back and probably bored with all the diplomatic shenanigans, might see a young woman in the crowd close by. She was looking curiously at them.

There was something odd though. Though this woman was apparently just part of the crowd the other watchers were giving her space. They were jammed in everywhere except a small space around her.

She looked very grave, and if those in the Eldorai party were focussed on her they would detect that she was a Sciian.