From the Ice Inside Your Soul (Kaida)

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]


"Don't think yourself foolish for caring, for having a heart, even in those moments when it pains you, dear. It's what separates us from machines and monsters. It's easy to become harsh and uncaring. To accept how things are," She raised her hand and gently cupped Galina's cheek.


"She protected you for a reason." She busied herself with cleaning and disinfecting the wound, then gave Galina a pat on her hand. "As much as I enjoy your company, dear, you really need to eat something and Taldir has this thing about unit cohesion, communal meals and so on. I'll be heading the ceremony at prayer."

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Galina managed only a hint of a smile at those words, with such sadness in her eyes as the Priestess cupped her cheek. "I suppose, you are right." The girl sighed softly.

Her lips soon twisted back into a frown. She didn't want to go back with the others. "I guess, it's time for me to go. Just have trouble dealing with lots of people. I got so used to being alone. It can be a little overwhelming now to be with a large group." It was only natural after her time on the island. Eight full years entirely alone. Most folks would have gone mad, but she'd managed to keep her sanity and her spirit.

With a heavy sigh, she slowly got up and slipped her shirt back on. She only lingered a moment or two longer, wiping the last remaining traces of tears from her eyes. The redhead also gave a moment to try and let the redness fade, the last of the signs she'd been crying like she had.

Slowly Galina took her time getting back to the dinning area. She still didn't want to be there. With a sigh, she finally walked in and found her way grabbing a tray of food before seeking an empty seat at a table. At least this one had a few empty seats around where she'd chosen to sit, giving her a small bit of space.

Elayne soon spied the firemane, and stood from her own spot, taking her tray and all to go and sit with the little human. It might have been a quieter spot, and who knew if Galina would even speak, but she'd at least be there for her. "Hey kiddo." She said softly as she sat down in front of her. "Don't have to talk if you don't want to. But I'm here in case you do."

[member="Kaida Taldir"]

 

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]


By the time the little firemane entered the dining area, it had already been filled with soldiers. Kaida was the last to enter the hall. Some officers were the sort to use the chance to give speeches, talk about the day's events or sit down with the grunts and socialise.


However, Kaida was not the type. Letting her hair down, as some would say, and tossing rank to the wind was not something she considered appropriate. Moreover, she plain and simply wasn't particularly sociable. If Angelii needed 'inspiring speeches', then they were in the wrong line of work. So she took her place in the queue.


To her credit, she didn't use privilege of rank to get served first, but patiently waited her turn until her plate got filled. Taking her tray, she walked over to a table where a couple other officers were seated, sitting down. Small talk ensued, and occasionally she even paid attention.

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Galina only shrugged, barely even noticing as Elayne sat down. Talking was the last thing she was in the mood for. She mostly just picked at her food, hardly caring to eat. She'd have been fine with not even coming to dinner. But here she was expected to be with the others.

She glanced up seeing Kaida and soon turned her attention back to the food. Finally at least she willed herself to eat a little. Still, she soon gave up. There was still that prayer session she'd have to go to. Not that she wanted to. Religion wasn't her thing to say the least. And she really hadn't worked out how she felt about the Eldorai religion.

Elayne only frowned at the girl, seeing how little she'd eaten. Though, she chose not to voice her thoughts on the matter and just let it go for now. When she'd finished her own meal, she motioned for Galina to join her. "We've got prayer now. You'll be expected there too. So, come on, now." She said gently.

Galina gave a nod, and rose to follow after Elayne, dumping their trays and heading out to the chapel for prayer. No doubt they'd soon be joined by the ice queen and our favorite redheaded priestess.

[member="Kaida Taldir"]

 

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]


Prayer session. Kaida absolutely hated it. The Church was little more than an instrument to exert social control and make the Eldorai docile, the Great Goddess Ashira was a fraud, the whole religion was bogus. Clinging to archaic mysticism was what had held the Eldorai back for so long.


Well, she knew things were a bit more complex than that, but it still left a bad taste in her mouth. However, an Angelii officer was expected to set an example, even if it meant going through the motions and faking devotion. So she had likewise found her way into the chapel, taking a seat on one of the frontal pews.


It did not take long until Priestess Eileithya walked upon the hard stone ground towards the altar. Soft footfalls and the deft sweeping of purple robes along the burgeoining sensation of serenity announced her arrival into the hall. Beneath the appearance of tranquility, faith burnt as bright and hot inside her as the fires of Ashira. Incense was being burnt in the corners of the room, releasing the sweet scent of fragrant smoke into the air. To the left and the right, before stained glass windows, were big obelisk shaped mounts, which projected inspiring lines from Eldorai holy texts.


A large, human-sized statue of Ashira dominated the chapel. The Goddess' features conveyed benevolence, wisdom and strength. In one hand she held the avenging sword, in the other a book. Stylised imagery of the other deities and angels could be found on the windows.


The Priestess took up position. There was a melodic quality to her voice, which she seemed to have little difficulty projecting across the hall. "Greetings, sisters. Thank you for attending, even though I can understand if after such a trying day some of you have other things on your mind!" she declared. Always best to start by lightening things up a bit. Well, at least she thought so.


"There is no Creator but Ashira and Tirathana is her Viceroy," she said solemnly, making a V sign with two fingers. Every Angelii followed suit and recited the declaration of faith, even Kaida, though the Seraph would rather chew on a razor blade.


"We make obeisance to the Great Goddess Ashira, Creator and Mother, Healer and Protector. To her we owe our life, to her blessed light we look in the darkness. Hers was the hand that forged us and to her we shall return when called to her heavenly realm. In war, we take upon her blade and summon her sacred fire. Her blessings be upon you and Her Majesty, our Sovereign Lady the Star Queen."


She would wait for a few moments while the Angelii recited these lines before continuing. "I...originally had a different theme in mind. But after today's events, I'd like to expand the planned memorial service to include not only those the Company lost on during the Exodus, but the poor souls you found today. They are our blood, our cousins, and, above all, they were innocents murdered unjustly. Though they've left this world, their souls watch us from the heavens. In our hearts, the dead are eternal. Though we shan't hate the Xioquo, we have the responsibility to make war upon them to end such injustices. Our battle sisters died in the line of duty, we shall honour their sacrifice by holding their torch high and carrying it to those who still wallow in darkness."


There was fervour in her eyes. She pointed a finger towards the altar. "I'd like nine of you to step forward to light the candles to represent the fallen. No bickering and no running please." It was always good to involve the congregation a bit.

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Elayne followed through the motions of the session. She was a bit of a religious girl. Those kind of things happened when your sister was a divine priestess. Though she often wondered how Elanil had managed to escape the devotion of the family to the Goddess.

The redhead Eldorai beside Galina, had wondered what the girl knew of their religion. Wondered for a moment if Galina held any religious beliefs at all. After all, she'd largely raised herself outside of normal society, on an island utterly alone. It made one think the girl had to believe in something to have survived that many years in solitude.

At Eileithya's request, Elayne rose slowly. She turned to actually pull Galina with her but the girl was already rising. Imagine that.... She thought to herself. Whether it was a sign the girl believed in something, or simply held a great respect for the fallen, on that Elayne wasn't sure. Perhaps she'd have to ask the kid someday.

Elayne rested a hand on Galina's shoulder for a moment guiding her along with her. Other Eldorai joined them. One by one they knelt at the alter, making a V sign with their fingers before rising to take a lighting stick in hand before moving on to light a few candles. Elayne glanced back to Galina to make sure she was watching as she knelt down, making the same sign and rising, before going off to light her own candles for the fallen.

Galina's choice to join them, to light the candles, hadn't been a religiously motivated one. It had been one made on the simple idea that the dead should be respected, and remembered. It was based on her personal belief that life had value, even beyond the moment of death. For even after someone is long gone, their life can shine like a beacon, their ideas shaping the path of those that follow.

She watched the others as they all repeated the same process. Her eyes closely following as Elayne made certain she was paying attention when she took her turn. And then Galina knelt, made the same sign the others had and rose slowly to her feet. She too took a lighting stick and walked over beside where Elayne was still lighting a few candles.

Galina sighed quietly, and lit a few, remembering friends she'd lost, parents she never knew, guardians who raised her, the people burned in the pits on Sigma, and here. Somehow the simple act, helped to lift the burden from her shoulders a little bit. Something she greatly needed.

[member="Kaida Taldir"]

 

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]


Candle upon candle was lit inside the chapel. Eileithya looked quite emotional when she beheld the sight. Who knew, maybe she was thinking of Sigma, too. Remembering friends she'd lost during her time as a slave, the people burned in pits, the horrors she'd caused and her desperate attempt to make amends.


"Anyone you've lost is not truly gone. Their life shines as beacons to all of us, we carry them in our hearts, and one day we'll see them again. They await us in the Great Beyond," she spoke solemnly, composing herself a bit.


At that, perhaps unexpectedly, Kaida arose from the pew she'd been seated on and walked to the altar, turning to face the congegration of Angelii and lay sisters. "Our battle sisters died making the supreme sacrifice. For Angelii there is no doubt, there is only duty. When all others become unfaithful, we shall remain loyal. They embodied this. Remember their names. Sesa Laeleen."


"She died with honour," the chorus of Angelii responded in unison, as if speaking with one voice.


"Lithra Birdiir."


"She died with honour."


"Devessa Eleneth."


"She died with honour."


Thus it would continue on for a while as the name of every member of the Red Company who'd died during the exodus was recited - at least every loyalist. For the memorial service was not all-inclusive. What was being glossed over was the fact that the exodus had fractured Eldorai society. Santaissa had been destroyed by civil war, battle sister had fought against battle sister. All the Angelii listed had died fighting their own people. However, the rebel Angelii were considered traitors damned to hellfire.

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Elayne and Galina soon returned to their seats, quietly and respectfully. Elayne had been a little surprised by the young woman. Galina seemed a little better than she'd been for most of the evening. A slight bit less tense. And soon she was repeated the words with the rest of the group of Angelii.

Though she started to get a bit antsy, wanting to be able to leave and go back to her room for a while. She had a great need for peace, quiet and solitude. She was just ready for the service to be over. Tommorrow would be another day, a busy day no doubt. And she still had Kaida's one on one time, after exercises in the morning. The urge to slip away if the chance arouse was getting harder to resist.

Still for the moment she listened, paying attention.

Who knew, there might even be a moment for a song from the Angelii choir. A group Elayne happened to be a member of. The girl did love to sing.

[member="Kaida Taldir"]

 

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]


The recitation of names went on for a while. Several of the Angelii, particularly the older ones, could put a face to to them - and those who had not yet been called upon to serve in the corps would've certainly experienced the chaos, bloodshed and desperation that swept across Kaeshana like a tornado in the last days before cataclysm struck.


Thus this was not an empty ritual for them. Not a case of going through the motions. Every name was seemingly steeped in valour, sacrifice and pain. Every Angelii who'd died was immortalised inside the pantheon of martyred battle sisters.


As cynical as Kaida was about her own people and particularly their faith, the corps meant a lot to her. "When you draw the sarix and do battle, remember their names, remember their deeds," she said solemnly, then sat back down.


At this point Eileithya took over again. "Thank you for everyone. To wrap things up, we shall sing 'A Mighty Fortress is our Goddess'. I ask our choir to step forward." This obviously included a certain redhead.

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Galina was still paying somewhat attention, going through the motions. In ways she understood the ritual, and the need. It was still hard to attach herself to those thoughts. Thing like this had never been done on Sigma to her knowledge.

Elayne rose, and headed back to the front of the room, joined by about a dozen other Eldorai women who happened to have lovely singing voices. And soon enough the chapel was filled with heavenly music and divine voices praising the Goddess.

With the song soon finished, Elayne and the others filed back to their seats. One final prayer would undoubtedly be spoken and then they all could head off for a brief and small bit of free time before lights out.

[member="Kaida Taldir"]

 

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]


It was time to wrap things up with a final prayer. "There is no Creator but Ashira and Tirathana is her Viceroy." This was obviously repeated by all Angelii in unison. "To the Great Goddess we pledge ourselves. You are our guiding light, our fire, our salvation. From you we have come and to you we will return. We beseech you to be our guide and fill the heart of our Queen with wisdom. To Valora, we pledge ourselves. Guide the blade of our soldiers, be a shield to the innocent and let us bring honour to your name in battle. To Ardarvia, we pledge ourselves. Instill justice and discipline so that we may punish the unjust, for we uphold your sacred law. To Liorre, we pledge ourselves. Instill thrift and enterprise. May the wealth of our nation not be the privilege of a few, may the least of us be raised up the highest."


The prayer went on like this for a little bit, then came to a close. "For Theirs is the dominion, the power and the glory. May the Matriarchy always be guided by them, may it stand strong against the wicked."

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Galina bowed her head respectfully for the prayer alongside Elayne. And after a while it was all finally over. The human girl looked up, glad to see other folks rising to leave. It was time to escape a while, find a book to read and then maybe sleep. So she hoped.

Galina left quickly and found her way back to her bunk, grateful to settle onto her bed and take a moment to breathe. She didn't have to play a part when there was no one to see her. She could just be shy, sweet little her, without care to what anyone else thought or perceived of her.

Elayne, though had other plans as she wandered through the crowd of women to find Kaida. After all, she had an itch that needed scratching. And perhaps a desire for some punishment. "I believe we have some unfinished business," She paused, and then whispered into Kaida's ear, "Mistress." Shameless to the very end no doubt.

[member="Kaida Taldir"]

 

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]


"We do, slave," Kaida hissed coldly. Good thing the Angelii apparently didn't have any rules against fraternisation. The Seraph wasted no time and roughly slapped Elayne hard enough to sting, before grabbing her by her ear, pulling hard until she got a reaction.


How convenient that Eldorai ears were very sensitive. Kaida's hands were rather cold, so Elayne's ear would experience a very strong chill. "You've been undisciplined and will be punished as the Code demands." Manhandling the incorrigible Talon, she dragged her to the special room at the Shrine of Ardarvia. It was time to administer discipline using the holy instruments of whips, ice shackles, plugs and canes.

 

[Elayne Saedaris]

Elayne yelped to the slap, soon after wincing as her ear was grabbed. Her hands reached for Kaida's trying to ease some of the tension on her ear as she leaned into the Frost Queen's firm grip. "Yep, yep! Ow! Undisciplined, got it! Punishment, check!" She whimpered, as Kaida drug her off to help properly educate her. And the black curtain would descend on that part of the scene while Kaida helped discipline her in the most enjoyable of ways.

Galina for her part, had been reading one of her books. She found herself needing to study politics and warfare more closely now that such things would be required in her life. Though, that didn't last long, as exhaustion took over and the little redhead fell asleep. Morning no doubt would come far too quickly for all our ladies. And there was a certain other redhead who would be joining the group. A lovely prophetess, who happened to be Kaida's girlfriend.

[member="Kaida Taldir"]

 

[Coryth Elaris]

And so morning came, and with it the arrival of Coryth Elaris. She walking into the outpost, quietly with a certain serenity about her. Soft and gentle, yet undenably powerful. And here, today she was coming to see a most lovely woman, Kaida Taldir.

She turned to one of the Angelii nearby. "Could you inform Seraph Taldir that Coryth Elaris is here to see her?" She said with a bright smile. This outpost, she wasn't familiar with and thus didn't know the way to Kaida's room or else she'd have gone straight there. The Angelii nodded and headed off after snapping a crisp salute to her. Which Coryth thought was a little odd. She wasn't used to that sort of thing, but she brushed it off and waited patiently.

[member="Kaida Taldir"]

 

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Elayne Saedaris"], [member="Coryth Elaris"]


And so much fun was had throughout the night. Kaida was a disciplinarian by nature and took her duty to educate her subordinates very seriously. Thus it went without saying that Elayne would be put through her paces. As a consequence, she would be very sore. Naturally she was still shackled, plugged and outfitted with a chastity belt when morning dawned and the sun rose. What awoke Kaida was the insistent knock on the door. Her eyes fluttered open, though she felt a bit groggy. She was a light sleeper, but last night had been intense. "Enter," she grunted, sounding just a bit annoyed.


An Angelii soldier opened the door a bit hesitantly and saluted. "Good morning, Lady Seraph. The Yedai Prophetess Coryth Elaris has arrived. She asked me to inform you," she reported obediently, standing at attention. She did not bat an eyelash at the sight of Elayne in Kaida's bed.


It took a moment for Kaida to register what the trooper had said. "I want the Company to assemble on parade. Immediately," Suddenly Kaida was a lot more awake and quickly hastened to get washed and dressed. After all, everything had to be perfect for the Prophetess. Who just happened to be her lovely girlfriend.

 

[Elayne Saedaris]

Elayne groaned softly on the bed, hearing the knock at the door. It had been a long, enjoyable and pleasurable night. Waking, she found herself sore and a bit tired. Her hands were still bound, not allowing her much movement, and such toys were still delighting her.

Elayne sleepily lifted a brow, hearing Coryth's name. "You know, Mistress..... You've got to unbind me if you want me to join the Company this morning. I can't exactly do it with my hands tied behind me." She said still sounding oh so exhausted.

[member="Kaida Taldir"]

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Galina was soon awoken at the call to assemble. Her body was so sore, she could barely muster the energy to get out of bed. That kind of exercise she wasn't used to in the least little bit. Not these days at least. Quickly she got up, got dressed and headed out to join the others, wondering if this was just another morning thing, or if this was something different.

[member="Kaida Taldir"]

 

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Elayne Saedaris"], [member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]


Well, that was true. Bit of a shame really. She liked Elayne right where she was. Relucantly she released the girl from her shackles. Because Kaida was mean, she gave the redhead a slap and splashed her with cold water after manifesting watery goodness in her hands. That would wake her up!


However, she kept the plug inside her butt. "Get out and get ready. Dress uniform," she spoke commandingly. As might have become apparent, Kaida was terribly bossy and liked to order people around. Quickly she hastened to get freshened up and dressed herself. The Angelii dress uniform was a suit of gold coloured armour and a blue cloak, along with heavy boots.

 

[Elayne Saedaris]

Elayne only wished she could stay in bed, but alas she had a duty to perform. With her hands released she rubbed softly at the soreness in them from the shackles. Elayne soon jerked back, shaking her head to try and get the cold water off her face. "Oh, now what was just mean! I was awake already!" She protested.

"Yeah, yeah. Leave, dress uniform. I got it. I'll see you out there, Mistress." She mumbled as she headed out the door to get ready for her day. It didn't take long for her to shower and change and meet up with the rest of the women outside.

[member="Kaida Taldir"]