From the Ice Inside Your Soul (Kaida)

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]


Kaida watched Galina go, then turned away and departed the training room. Presumably cleaning personnel would clean up the mess. Well, actually the base didn't have much in terms of cleaning personnel beyond a couple minions. Angelii took their turn when it came to sweeping, cleaning and so on. One should note that officers weren't exempt because while Kaida was a queen, she didn't play favourites. Thus Galina could look forward to sweeping the hall where her room was located in at some point. Maybe later today.


Speaking of Galina, the girl would either learn or perish right after setting foot on Sigma. To a degree, Kaida could sympathise with the girl's fears and anxieties, but she also found the angst a bit frustrating. Unfair? Possibly. Kaida sort of sucked at empathy. Either way she made her way back to her room, walking with a bit of a limp. For the time being Galina would have a bit of a break, though the reprieve would not last long.

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Galina limped slowly off and finally worked her way into the medical bay. She was glad to have some space away from the Seraph for a bit. The conversation wasn't what she wanted to here, but perhaps it would sink in soon. After all it was what she needed to hear. She certainly had a lot to learn.

And in Kaida's room Coryth was waiting. She spotted the blonde, "You look like hell, angel. Come on, lay down and let me have a look at you darling." She offered, seeming quite concerned and worried for her girlfriend. "What happened, dear?"

[member="Kaida Taldir"]

 

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Galina Kerrigan-Alcori"]


"You're a sight for sore eyes," Kaida declared when she saw the beautiful redhead. Not corny, she was just being honest. She felt like arguing the point out of sheer principle since she was fine, but then laid down and stripped off.


In other words, she demonstrated common sense. Arguing with the short stack of fire was not a good idea. "Galina and I duelled. She was fretting and being hesitant, so I pissed her off till she actually used her powers. Girl has potential, but she needs to bloody get over her 'all Sciians were evil on Sigma and I'm frightened of becoming that' angst instead of falling back on it when things get uncomfortable. Otherwise her crusade'll be short." Kaida was a little irked about things and her Eldarai accent became more pronounced as she spoke. It sounded a bit like a Russian speaking English. Presumably this made her a Space Siberian. In glorious Eldorai matriarchy, accents hear you.

 

[Coryth Elaris]

Coryth was smiling brightly, "Aren't you such a sweetheart." She certainly thought so, and enjoyed the view as Kaida stripped off. Well minus seeing her injuries.

No, no arguing with a redhead like Coryth was most unwise. She was hardly a weak thing, and being pissed off just made her so much more powerful. "Ah, I see." Coryth said quietly as she laid her fingers over the blaster burn on Kaida's stomach, seeking to will the cells to mend and slowly, bit by bit close the wound as she drew upon the infinite powers of the force. "She's just stuck in a bit of a different mindset. I can't blame her for worrying what she might become. But she can't allow that fear lead to inaction. Gotta take her out of her comfortable little box and force her into a position where she's got no alternative but to act. And I mean, she didn't have a problem doing what she had to, to survive on that island. She's just got to apply that same idea to her life now. After all, she didn't have a problem on the island, when she didn't have time to breathe or even think about what was happening outside of her most basic needs."

[member="Kaida Taldir"]

 

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Coryth Elaris"]


On the positive side, the short stack of fire would get a lovely view. Alas, this one cannot elaborated too much because kiddies might be reading this. At this time? Clearly their parents weren't doing their job.


Suffice to say Kaida was rather strongly-built for an Eldorai and quite busty. She felt a tingle as warmth spread across her body when Coryth's magical fingers danced across her stomach. Wait, did she call them magical fingers? Apparently she was turning into Kerrigan. Oh, the horror.


"Agreed. Best thing that could happen to the girl is being tossed into a real fight where she doesn't have the time to angst about things but has to act," a sigh escaped her throat when Coryth worked her magic. "That feels...very good."

 

[Coryth Elaris]

Coryth nodded, "It may be for the best she experience something like that. I feel for her, never knowing there was a better option with the Force. Probably doesn't help she wasn't even aware she had these abilities at all until after she was in Siobhan and Tegaea's care for a while. Probably got used to the idea, she wasn't a force user at all and such powers and dangers would never be something she had to deal with." The redhead shrugged a little. It was, what it was.

Then such joy easily radiated from her at Kaida's last words. "I'm glad darling." She was still taking great care to mend the blonde's wounds. Finally she pulled away with just about everything healed.

"I think you know the routine by now. You'll be sore and need rest, but otherwise you're fine." There was just something in her voice that firmly stated just how much she meant those words. She might have been perhaps a little too serious.

"So, it's rest time. With me." Clearly, being a tease, with her temporary seriousness, a bright grin soon spread across her lips as she slipped into bed with Kaida. "At least that stupid dress armor isn't around to get in the way."

[member="Kaida Taldir"]

 

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Coryth Elaris"]


"Yes, that sounds plausible. Well, we'll probably be battling the Xioquo soon again, and they won't be giving her timeouts," Kaida said. In a way, Coryth did give her perspective and soften her a bit. Not in a stereotypical 'tough, cold warrior finds delicate, gentle flower to teach her about love and make her want to be a better person' way. That sort of thing was terribly objectifying. Never mind the fact that a 'delicate flower' wouldn't have been able to endure all the hell Coryth had been through and emerge stronger for it. Kaida had started crushing on her after the redhead blew up the box of doom.


More space magic flowed across her stomach, helping her deal with the pain and close the wound bit by bit. Then Coryth started getting bossy. "I'm getting the feeling I might've been a tad too successful at making you more dominant," Kaida joked lamely. "You're the boss." She cuddled up to the small redhead when she slipped into bed with her. "Rest time with you? I believe I could be persuaded," so she pulled the short stack of fire into a kiss.

 

[Coryth Elaris]

Coryth again nodded, "Of that I have no doubt. The Xioquo are a threat that's kept popping up in my visions and dreams of late." The redhead shrugged, as the smile had faded briefly from her face. She took no pleasure in the things she saw. Not when they could haunt her in ways she never expressed to even those she was closest to. Seeing the battles and wars of the future was most unpleasant.

Though the sad expression didn't last, "Perhaps you have." Reaching out she tapped Kaida lightly and playfully on the nose. She seemed all too happy to be so close to Kaida. "Though I think I may be overdressed for this." She spoke as she stripped off her shirt to join her favorite Eldorai. At the kiss, she returned it with as much passion as she could manage. No doubt the black curtain of obscuring would soon descend, keeping the kiddies from viewing anything that may scar them.

[member="Kaida Taldir"]

 

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Coryth Elaris"]


Kaida felt a bit bad about mentioning the Xioquo when she saw the smile fade from Coryth's face. "It won't be long till they're defeated. The campaign'll start soon." Of course, that would mean more bloodshed. Probably also lots of collateral damage and Kaida doing all sorts of unpleasant things she didn't want her girlfriend seeing her doing.


However, the sad moment passed soon. "Very overdressed," Kaida declared, sounding happier now. Heated makeout ensued, Coryth was liberated of her clothes and the scene faded to black.

 

[Coryth Elaris]

And soon the black curtain would rise with our girls snuggled up against one another, looking quite content and happy. Coryth shifted onto her side to look at the lovely Kaida. "That was wonderful, darling. I do hope, you are feeling a bit better." She said with a playful wink.

[member="Kaida Taldir"]

 

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Coryth Elaris"]


And so the kiddies were allowed to look again! "I've got the best doctor ever making me feel better, so I'd say I am," Kaida said cornily, leaning in to kiss Coryth. Unfortunately, duty would be calling soon, but the lovebirds would probably still get a moment or two.


Before it became time to slaughter Xioquo. "Thanks for this," then she frowned. "Have you heard anything from your daughter?" Kaida had never met the girl. She'd only heard Elpsis speak to Coryth over comm once, but that had been ages ago and she didn't remember much. However, Tempest knew the girl a bit better and they talked sometimes. Kaida's impression was that the teenager was obnoxious, annoying and in need of some serious discipline. But she was important to Coryth.


This one shall leave it to Coryth's writer to decide whether Elpsis had already called her mother, after melodramatically exiting another thread. Timelines are a bit difficult to keep straight.

 

[Coryth Elaris]

"That you do, darlin." She said before sweetly returning the kiss. "Glad I could help."

Coryth gave a shrug, "One message a bit back. Wasn't really sure what to do with it, honestly. It's all extremely complicated, unfortunately. And I'm not even sure she wants me around in the least. Certainly hasn't seemed that way, thus far."

[member="Kaida Taldir"]

 

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Coryth Elaris"]


Kaida kissed her on the cheek. "Foolish girl. I don't get kids. Most of the time they just annoy me," the Seraph said bluntly. "I talk to Solveig and Tempest sometimes. Last I heard, Elpsis killed beasties with Tempest on Morellia and tagged along with Firemane killing zombies on Elrood."


Alas, Elpsis had been bitten by a zombie and so Sergeant Solveig was forced to chop her hand off, but she'd gotten a new one by now, so it wasn't a big deal. As for Tempest, the Dahomian also knew her in the biblical way.

 

[Coryth Elaris]

"Honestly? I really don't get them either." She sighed, "It was never in the plans to have one. Never wanted it. And as much as I didn't want her, she didn't choose the way she was brought into this galaxy either." The redhead sighed heavily feeling tears well up in her eyes. "I sure as hell don't know how to relate to her, even now. I put her up for adoption thinking it was for the best. I was still in horrible shape at that point. My wounds hadn't closed over, still oozed from the poison. I couldn't even hold her. I thought I was protecting her by letting her go. What good is a mother that can't even hold or feed her child? I thought by giving her up, her father wouldn't find out where she was. i thought she'd be safe. But, that wasn't how it ended up."

She said running a hand through her hair. "Certainly mucked up there.... Best of intentions... and all that." She mumbled, trying to shrug it off.
"I don't really get the feeling that I'm all that wanted either. Not that I blame her. And I realize she's bratty, a bit messed up. But considering the circumstances can't blame her too much. I just, I don't know even what to say to her or how the hell to try and make up for her horrific past."

Coryth nodded, "Ah, I see. Didn't know that."

[member="Kaida Taldir"]

 

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Coryth Elaris"]


Kaida was...not good at pep talks. Or dealing with emotions. Still, she had to try! She was not good with words, so she tried to be comforting by pulling the redhead into a hug, holding her close against her taller body.


"It's alright. I'm not blaming you. You're not getting judged here. You did the best you could under the circumstances. It didn't work out how you wanted, but you tried," she sighed. "What you need to do is...talk. This uncertainty isn't good for you. Even if she doesn't want you, it's better than not knowing."

 

[Coryth Elaris]

Coryth nodded, "You might not blame me, but I blame me. And I have so many regrets on that, like her f-.." The redhead paused to correct herself, "Sperm donor, should have gone after him the second I was well enough. Never should have let him keep breathing." Another sigh, "I just, I don't want to be rejected is all." She hugged Kaida tightly in return for a moment, before letting go.

And another sigh, "You probably have work or something to get back to, I'm sure."

[member="Kaida Taldir"]

 

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Coryth Elaris"]


Kaida hugged her girlfriend close. The mention of the monster made her blood boil. "The monster's dead and if there's a hell he's burning there, where he belongs," she growled. "Listen, no one in their right minds could reject you. Just gonna take time. Even if we have to tie her to a chair to bring the point across." Coryth's last words alerted her to the fact that she did have her duties, though she really didn't want to leave.


She sighed and kissed Coryth. "Guess I gotta go. Just think of what I said. I'll probably be back some time in the evening. Chapel's got a library and the cantina's open. Food's pretty decent." Someone sappier might've said something along the lines of 'I'll be back as soon as I can', but she took her duty too seriously for that.


Reluctantly the amazonian Eldorai disentangled herself from Coryth and got up. Then she quickly began to dress herself. This time she put on a proper suit of armour rather than the ceremonial one. However, before she crossed the threshold to the door, she turned around. "You may not think of yourself that way, but you are amazing in my book, laestra." Laestra was an Eldarai word. What did it mean? Well, that would be telling!

 

[Coryth Elaris]

"I suppose so." She said quietly. A sigh followed as she leaned against Kaida. "I don't know about that, but I think you're right just takes time." She gave a shrug, feeling a tiny bit better.

Coryth held onto Kaida for a moment longer. "I figured as much. You're a busy woman. Me, less so. I'll see you whenever you get back. Don't torture the redheads, too much." She added with a smirk.

The redhead nodded and reluctantly released the blonde. "Means the galaxy to me to hear you say that." Kaida had been spot on with Cory not thinking much of herself, or thinking that she was in any way special or amazing at all. "And you are too you know. Your presence in my life has altered it completely, in ways I never imagined." She paused, knowing Kaida needed to go. "Go on, I'll catch up with you later, dear."

[member="Kaida Taldir"]

 

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Coryth Elaris"]


Feeling a little better after managing to cheer up her girlfriend at least somewhat, Kaida closed the door behind her. Once it was shut, she was back to being all business again. Any traces of softness vanished from her features. So she quickly headed out. A breeze of a wind blew her way when she exited the barracks, kissing her pale skin. The roar of distant thunder could be heard, accompanied by lightning slashing out of the clouds.


Odd. The Oracle had not reported a storm. Then again, Kaida cared little for their predictions. Breaking into a sprint to get her limbs going again and force them to stop feeling like jellie, she made her way across the parade grounds. The sounds of blaster fire could be heard coming from the training area, as Angelii practiced their marksmanship.


Her destination ended up being the command centre. This was a grander name than the small, crammed coomand room deserved. There were never more than a few officers, technicians and aides on duty. Wherever possible, Angelii liked to keep bureaucracy to a minimum. Even support personnel was expected to be able to fight if need be.


"What's our status?" she asked gruffly when she stepped in, waving salutes aside.


"Rat Patrol has reported in. One wounded. Nothing unusual. Just a couple beasts," Host Leader Ynnead reported. "We haven't heard from the munitions convoy yet. Strictly speaking, they're still on schedule, but we haven't been able to reach them."


"The storm might be interfering with communications," a comms officer suggested helpfully.


Kaida did not voice the thought out aloud, but she had a bad feeling about this. "Or it might be something more dire. Dispatch probe droids?"


The Host Leader nodded and guided Kaida over to a monitor. "Already done. One seems to have gone offline. Hit by the storm. We're waiting for feedback from the second. I've been trying to reach the convoy. I've taken the liberty of having our APC and gunships prepped and fuelled up. Rat Patrol is too far away."


Kaida nodded. "Contact them again." A channel was opened and she took the comm. "Red Company to convoy, this is Seraph Taldir. What is your status?" Unfortunately, there was no response other than a lot of static.


"Seraph...we...X..."


"Convoy? Come again..." but then the line went dead.


"Ma'am, we just received a transmission from the probe," the comms officer suddenly exclaimed. "I'm putting it on the screen." Transmission quality was less than adequate and the image flickered badly, but what Kaida could see was unmistakeable. An overturned, wrecked truck, bodies and a horde of Xioquo warriors charging, accompanied by huge, vicious looking beasts that resembled warg.


"Put the base on high alert. I want two squads ready to move now. We'll take the APC. I want a gunship in the air for cover. Ynnead, you're in charge. I'm heading out."


"Yes, ma'am."

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

And now it seemed a storm was brewing. Wind whipping through the outpost, warning of what was to come. Galina had been on her own, using what free time she had to read. And Elayne, well Elayne was otherwise occupied with a few other girls, without clothing.

Though it didn't take her all that long to disentangle herself from the other women, find her discarded clothing and race off once she heard the call. Seemed there was trouble afoot, and work to be done. It only took a minute or two to grab her own gear and put it on. She now had another redhead to be concerned with however. "Come on little red, let's go." She said quickly and urgently. "We're going to meet with Kaida. Seems there's a bit of a problem that needs to be managed with the locals."

Galina didn't seem happy seeing Elayne come into the room. She was still a bit irritated about earlier. And who could blame her, the troll that elf was! Her eyes narrowed upon the Talon. "You do know, pay back is a queen, right?" She growled seeming more than a bit serious.

"You're still upset about that?" Elayne shook her head, "Yeah, yeah, revenge. I got it. Now will you get up and move it before I carry you out that door."

Galina rolled her eyes and soon got ready herself. And finally both girls headed off to meet with Kaida. It was time to see what all the fuss had been about.

[member="Kaida Taldir"]