Homeward Bound

[BetaWülf]

(An RP for us Covenant peeps, feel free to join, it takes place on our Covenant Legion's Homeworld, "Ekdo's Rest")

Jiralhanae Chieftain Garatus the Deathless, Restorer of Tribes, Slayer of Shadowed Imps, Butcher, Burner of Demons
Ekdo's Rest: Later Morning
Triumphant Return

Garatus leaned out of the side bays of the Phantom, gore encrusted Hammer clutched in his likewise bloody claws. His beard and chest were brownish-red with the blood of Humans, such pitiful beasts on the battlefield. He and his Pack had been sent on a campaign to cleanse a world, not large enough to warrant an entire Legion but still populated to the point of needing firepower. Something the Jiralhanae had in ample supply.

Garatus tightened his grip on his hand hold as the Phantom descended towards the landing ports, soon settling onto its docking protrusion. The Chieftain hopped out, landing heavily on the purple alloy below. Soon after his host of Jiralhanae Warriors likewise unloaded, heading towards either the Jiralhanae area of the Fortress or the area designated for their use in the Forests. They fought hard, tirelessly, lost few, and took many. It was time for some much needed rest.

Garatus couldn't be afforded the same rest, however. As Chieftain, he first had to report on the Battle to one of the high ranking Sangheili, then he had to inventory the supplies, the Kig-Yar always pilfered the Jiralhanae storerooms whenever they were absent, then sold them overpriced to the Unggoy. After that, Garatus had to inform his Tribe of the losses in their Ranks and have new recruits selected to replace them. He had been paranoid after the Ragnus incident, primarily selecting his Troops from his own Tribe and being highly selective when he needed to outsource.

[edtosivaree]

Edto Xar'Sivaree and Nadra 'Othamaee stepped off the drop ship, flanked by two Sangheili of their Security Lance. The Ship Mistress was slowly growing tired of these errand runs. She had seen very little combat since being given her Warband. Low-risk Escort Missions, Troop Transport, things that her Warband was not suited for. Still, she had the Warband, and soon would be given the opportunity to show her true merit again. She trusted the Humans to at least give her that opportunity.

She had to go report to the Command and inform them that she was ready to receive her transfer. On her way there, she passed by a rather large Brute, obviously back from battle. She growled a little, admittedly a bit jealous that the Brutes were constantly getting battle placements and she was the Navy Errand girl. It was admittedly a little humiliating, but there was little she could expect from an army who saw her as incapable of fighting. Both her and Nadra were silent as they walked, really having nothing to say right now.

[killakan]

Sangheili Ultra Kotas 'Vadumai


Well the trip was long and without combat, but it did allow Kotas to train the Outcasts, his Creche, to be better soldiers. He took the weak and made them strong over the years aboard that vessel, and took every minute of it well. The Security Lance, his Second comprised of him, 4 Sangheili and 5 Jiralhanae. This lance had been chosen to guard the Ship Mistress, a short woman whom society had deemed unfit to fight, but with the sparring losses he had against her he knew she was a better warrior than those stupid fleet masters had thought. So he took himself and another volunteer to escort the Lady of the Ship, himself all white, armor, skin and all, while his Major had red armor and was equally light-skinned.

They passed a Jiralhanae Chieftain, coming back from war, he would make a nice addition to the Outcasts if he was assigned to them, though he would lose command of the Creche if it happened. While he quietly chuckled at the thought, the War Chieftains would never put such a highly important figure in command of a band of losers turned into efficient fighters, they would rather neuter themselves than do that.

The Entourage walked silently into the command hub, ready to receive the transfer.

[Deleted]

Zealot Field Master Nertetzu Odumai
Overseeing Matters on Ekdo's Rest

Aboard the command chair, Nertetzu's mandibles were cupped in his hand as he overlooked more mundane reports about the various workings of Ekdo's rest. Every Field Master was entrusted this task, but he yearned for the battlefield. He hadn't left the politics of Sanghelios to the Elders so he could sit in a room and read files. He would trade it all for one good creche and an enemy to destroy.

There was nothing he could do about it as Garatus the Deathless and a ship mistress he didn't know arrived. Her most striking feature was her stature; the female looked no older than a whelp. He passed her over as her business could wait. Garatus's operation was the closest thing to battle the Field Master could enjoy today, and he quickly fixed his gaze on the Chieftain as the Odum clansmen stepped from his command chair. While tensions between species was always present, they both shared the mutual bond as soldiers of the Covenant. All cogs contributed their part to the greater machine that is the Covenant Empire. They were the instrument of the Gods.

"Chieftain Garatus the Deathless, we have been expecting you back. I presume the operation went well?" Nertetzu inquired.

Nertetzu imagined Garatus understood the importance of including the Chieftains title and rank to a Sangheili. The Field Master was familiar with Garatus's record. He was a fine warrior, for a jiralhanae, and the Odum Kaidon gave every soldier their due. After all that has happened, the jiralhanae have proven their zeal in the wake of treachery.

[BetaWülf]

Jiralhanae Chieftain Garatus the Deathless
Ekdo's Rest: Late Morning
Reporting of Victory

Garatus looked over as he walked when he heard a reptilian growl, to his surprise it came from a tiny Sangheili. At first he took her for a whelp, but she wore the armor of a Ship Mistress and did not reek of the hormones of adolescence. Still yet he had a hard time fathoming such a small Sangheili achieving such a high station. Impressive. As they walked, Garatus noticed they seemed to be heading in the same direction.

As Garatus entered the room where the Field Master, he took note of the scent of a warrior's stagnation, the rage for battle was there but no outlet it would seem. Alas, Garatus pitied those Sangheili relegated to overseeing, never could Garatus forgo battle for very long. War was the life blood of Jiralhanae society, they battle for glory, honor, and to enrich themselves.

After being addressed by the Field Master, Garatus slammed his fist into his chest in salute and bowed his head ever so slightly. "Greetings Field Master 'Odumai" Garatus began, taking a quick glance at the small Ship Mistress, he found her somewhat unsettling since she was roughly elbow height "The world has been purged of Human filth, there were no survivors" Garatus reported, placing a dusty blood encrusted Human helmet upon the table, a lone spike sticking out of the forehead like some crooked horned beast.

"The world is being stripped of resources, and being expunged of the remaining Human taint as we speak" Garatus concluded.

[edtosivaree]

Edto was a little annoyed that she was ignored and passed over for the brute. It was also obvious she knew he was taking glances at her, as she would meet his gaze out of the corner of her eye. Nadra was also quite aware of the looks she was getting, but a suttle motion from the Ship Mistress quelled his annoyance. This wasn't a battle that needed to be fought. Certainly just by existing she was stirring up questions. From the looks she was getting, she could also tell she was the cause of some discomfort. Maybe the brute did not think because she was small, she was also harmless. It would be... a pleasant change of pace.

She waited, watching the interaction in silence. The over aggressive primal greetings of the Brutes always had her cringe. They were... Obnoxious to say th least. So obsessed with combat that it bled into other aspects of thir lives. Some Sangheili were no better, but the Brutes took it to a whole knew level. To top it off, the sheer level of savagry represeted by the "gift" the large brute offered to the Feild Master. Human taint, Human Filth, Human Heretics. Each species in the Coveant at one point or another were considered Heretical. What made the Humans any different.

[killakan]

Sangheili Ultra Kotas 'Vadumai


The Jiralhanae had given his ship master some interesting looks, unsure if it was aggression or interest he lays his hand near his Jiralhanae Mauler, turning so that it would be visible, as if to say "don't touch her, back the fuck off" Kotas was assigned to protect her, and that's just what he'll do, his honor, what little he had left, depended on this job and it's execution, one slip, and Kotas was as good as dead.

On a differing note, the Zealot was clearly bored out of his gourd, itching for action. Kotas was also stuck with a boring position, a security team on a milk runner warband, but it had it's perks, such as the ship master, a woman that he found alluring, but then again he hadn't seen any other females around to compair her with, and she was a good warrior, he had sparred with her and found a hidden strength in her. There was also the amount of time he had at leisure he used it to take his below average force and turn it into an efficient fighting machine. One of the best mixed race forces around, but they still could improve. But training troops was probably not his job description, and women in the military are rare, so the Zealot was probably worse off than him, for his sake, Kotas hopes they transfer him to a battle position.

[Deleted]

Zealot Field Master Nertetzu Odumai
Tending to business

Nertetzu ignored the grisly present, however much the display disgusted him. There was no avoiding the Jiralhanae's brutality; they had an unmatchable bloodlust. Nertetzu preferred a less savage approach. Still, Garatus was rather civilized in comparison to some of his brothers. Many times the Field Master had witnessed their brutality in battle.

"Good. We both know the Field Marshal will be expecting a full report, deliver it to me when you get the time and I'll see to it Til receives the report."

Nertetzu now turned his full attention to the ship mistress. Sizing her up, he didn't know what to think of her. She was tiny, yet had managed to reach the rank of Ship Mistress. His warrior instinct told him their was more to her than meets the eye. She was still very out of place and the Field Master couldn't help but feel disapproval. Tradition held true for the 'Odum, although he had knowledge of more "progressive" clans that allow or even approve of such practices.

A scrutinizing gaze on his face, the Field Master spoke with authority, "I would like to know who you are and why you are here. I have no recollection of your presence here in the records."

He waited for her reaction, curious to know how she would respond.

[edtosivaree]

Edto could see the slightest hint of disapproval to the Chieftains gift cross the Feild Masters features. Good, at least, she would be able to tell this one was civil. The look he gave her once he turned his attention to her was not unusual to her. She could almost recite the mental dialogue by heart. "This one is short... And Female. How did they get to such a rank within the Covenant". In a way it was almost tiring. The little things her fellow warriors did at the sight of her was almost like clockwork. There was a disapproving gaze. Too bad she didn't have a calendar to calibrate.

When he finally spoke, it took ever ounce of willpower she had to not roll her eyes. How could this male not know why she was here? "I am Ship Mistress Edto Xar'Sivaree, of the CNV Shadow of Retribution. My Warband was ordered to Transport Feild Master 'Odumai to the Fleet of Injurious Might. I believe... That is you... Field Master" She said, bowing her head a little. "I would look into those who are responsible for looking after the records, as it would be a shame if you were to have missed your transfer due to a paperwork issue" She added, holding her gaze with the substantially larger male. What was lost in stature was made up for in sheer grit in the face of those much larger than herself. She was certainly a stick of dynamite for certain.

[Faclan]

(Kael n Roh still ay Eayn you think BetaWülf ? Or still looking for each other? Sweet human unicorn helmet by the way :> )

Cad - Ruuthian Major(?)
Ekdo's Rest - Main section
Contemplation.

Sitting in one of the more secluded sections of the main section of the rest world Cad was mostly just staring out at some of the scenery as he contemplated. Contemplated life, the universe, spirituality, and everything really. It had been a very trying past year for the Major was he was still struggling to be fully recovered. He had been cleared for combat initially. And so could join the deployment when it came time for that...But he had felt so lost lately.

The Sermons were always available but even they hadn't really been helping Cad's mind from wandering. It didn't help that after the Eugine incident it was very hard for him to remember anything...but it had all just been so much. He had spent his life trying to appease the Gods and prepre himself for the Great Journey. But he had suffered so in the pursuit of that cause and had never seen a sign. In fact all he had heard was the whisperings of falsehood and that it was all a lie. Cad rubbing his beak as he sighed and kept staring. This would be the time in the Sermon when he was told to hold strong as it was only during the greatest adversity that the truely devout shone. It was just...hard for Cad to see or believe that now.


Eugenius - Jiralhanae advisor
Ekdo's Rest - Jiralhanae section.
Jobs to ease his Nephews workload.

"Next time," Eugine grunted as he gave the wriggling Ibie'Shan he was holding a solid toss out the window. "You won't be going anywhere besides a fire pit!" Thankfully for the Kig it was just a short drop out of the storeroom window and the Ibie'Shan was able to cushion his fall at least a little so he didn't break anything. Nodding as he scampered off Eugine turned back to the smaller Ruuthian male who was cowering in the corner of the room - two of Garatus's pack blocking the door way with their combat knives held leisurely in their hands.

"Now you, time to start giving me an inventory of what you and your little friends have been taking from here if YOU don't want to end up at that fire pit." The Ruuthian just nodded and quickly moved over the table near the door and started to list some of the items that had gone missing. And after some more prodding by Eugine was walking around the storeroom noting down the inventory that was there. The Elder just smirking as he walked after him - always good to put the youth to work right? Could probably get this one as the dedicated store room manager if he wasn't needed on a deployment. Knowing the often cowardly Kig-Yar he would jump at the chance to be taken off combat duty.

And he seemed to have pretty good hand writing too.

(Will maybe bring in my Yanme'e later.)

[BetaWülf]

(I think they'd be on Eayn by now Faclan, at least I would assume so)

Jiralhanae Chieftain Garatus the Deathless
Ekdo's Rest: Late Morning
Peculiar Bedfellows

Garatus took stock of the Sangheili Ultra guarding the small Ship Mistress, the Sangheili's threatening manner amused the Chieftain. Two Jiralhanae Bodyguards were just outside the closed door, and Garatus was still armed and armored from the engagement; his Gravity Hammer held casually in one hand. The Chieftain audibly chuckled before turning back to the Field Master.

Garatus could feel the contempt from Nertetzu in regards to the proof of slaughter, so the Chieftain chose to remove it. He slid it back into his grasp with a light raking of his gargantuan clawed hand over where the helmet sat.

It seemed the two species always grated against one another's nerves without even trying, so similar yet so different. Twas a shame really, they could accomplish most any task if only they could get along. But pride blinded both species.

Garatus listened to Nertetzu, nodding in agreement. The Chieftain always wondered if the reports made it to Til in their full integrity, or if they were 'edited' to reflect more poorly upon him, even just in basic wording the meaning could be restructured so as to be taken differently than intended. But Nertetzu was an honorable man, he honestly doubted the Field Master's honor could abide such treacherous thoughts.

"I shall have the report for you shortly Field Master, I took the time granted by the return journey to make a draft version" Garatus said, saluting once more but with less bravado and more candor. He stepped aside to allow Nertetzu to deal with his other visitors.

Garatus was still present in the room of course, but off to the left side where he could work on finalizing his report on his datapad while still being able to observe the hopefully humorous exchange between the two Sangheili. The Ship Mistress held the stare with the Field Master, Garatus had to stifle a snicker, luckily before it could see the light of day or reach the ears of his fellow Commanders.

He continued to watch, apparently the Ship Mistress was to transport Nertetzu? The Chieftain hoped this conversation would be good, he needed something to laugh about after losing three good men in battle.

[edtosivaree]

Sangheili Ship Mistress Edto Xar'Sivaree
Few hours after reporting

Edto, Nadra, and their two Ultra Guards had wandered their way to the Arena, curious as to the going on's. Edto found that while she didn't do much training within sight of others, given she wasn't as strong as your typical Sangheili. She was on no short of speed, though, and while she didn't usually train, today was an exception. She and Nadra had removed their combat Harnesses, replacing them with the lighter, training model that was often sold to Civilians. She always made a point to make sure her rank was obvious to avoid an over-zealous Sangheili trying to remove her from the base thinking she was just a child.

She looked quite normal in the training plate, normally looking rather stocky in her Combat Harness. Nadra on the other hand, looked a little silly. He was large for a Sangheili, coming in at 8'11" so the lighter harness seemed small for him. Despite the two's near inseparability, the pairing was quite comical. When not wearing their Military Uniforms, Edto was often mistaken for her Bridge Officers favored niece or some such other idea. It had become a small game between the two, to see how long it took for someone to make such a comment.

The two were training as they usually did. Simple spars using training weapons. Years of working together had them training a lot, and both of them learned fast. Edto constantly learned how to use her height to her advantage, and NAdra constantly learned how to nullify those advantages as best he could. Ther fights often never ended with a clear-cut winner. Still, they fought, though. Sometimes to settle an argument, or to simply duke out any issues they may have. It kept the relationship between them solid, and professional.

It was clear though what Edto's favorite tactic was if one was watching them fight. She was very good at moving in and out of attacks, and the partners weapons rarely touched unless Nadra forced them to with a well-handled attack. The Ship Mistress was small enough she could slip under Nadra's arms, and even his legs given the right situation. Their constant stalemate of a fight making such a maneuver quite uncommon, though. When it did happen, Edto would either make a very quick win, or suffer a very quick defeat. She could also climb her opponent, and obviously preferred keeping the fight uncomfortably inside the opponents reach, where she had a nice advantage. Finally, Edto landed the winning blow on Nadra, knocking his knees back and mock beheading him with a surprisingly flashy twirl. "Don't just let me win Nadra... It's impolite" She stated, a slight chuckle taking her voice. "You might lull me into a false sense of security" She added, brushing her training harness off.

[BetaWülf]

Jiralhanae Chieftain Garatus the Deathless
Ekdo's Rest: Late Morning
Another Day, Another Way

Garatus had left his finished report on Nertetzu's desk, much to the Chieftain's disappointment the exchange between the Field Master and the Ship Mistress hadn't been quite so entertaining as he had hoped. Alas, he would've liked to have seen a pair of Sangheili be so uncomfortable by one another for such trivial reasons as height and gender.

In the wake of his report and lizard watching, Garatus had moved on to attend to the important business of dealing with the problems caused by his absence. Luckily the process had been expedited by his Uncle, who had not only dealt with the Kig-Yar thieves but also got one of them to aid him in inventorying the storeroom. That mostly just left him with his Chiefly duties, observing minor rituals over the dead and writing the letters to their families.

While those tasks were done, Garatus still could not truly relax, so he set about wandering the base. He had eventually gone to the arena, it was mostly quiet save for a pair of sparring Sangheili. To his amusement it turned out to be the tiny Ship Mistress and her... consort? Garatus wasn't overly familiar with Sangheili practices, but he found that quite a number of higher ranking individuals required... special companionship.

It was an interesting thing to observe, Garatus found she was definitely not one to be underestimated. Her dodging and weaving into and past her opponent's reach was a good strategy, and apparently it worked as she took down the much larger Sangheili. Garatus recognized his scent from earlier, it was the compatriot of the Ship Mistress.

Garatus watched from the sidelines, waiting to see whether or not he would be noticed as he stood silently with his arms crossed. He found it entertaining to watch sparring exercises, though he was equally fond of participating in them too.

[Huka]

Field Marshal Til 'Muramai
The Citadel, Private Training Room
Ekdo's Rest 

Finishing class

Whack!  

Til snapped his training staff on the back of Parius' calf and just over his powerful knee in two lightning-fast successions before the guard could lift his own staff back up from the reckless slam meant for the elder warrior's head. The brute was thinking as if using his mace still.The Jiralhanae growled in the stunning nerves, making his knee give out and left his bare back open for a punished smack across the shoulders. 

"Remember what I've said; think not with your power, but with your muscles!" The Field Marshal hisses to Parius and his other guard, coming right at his flank. Gava thrusts for the chest and Daegun came with a swing at the waist in the same motion. The older sangheili moved with his serpentine speed, daunting to keep track without his command harness to weight him down. Another would try to retaliate, Til positioned him better with a forward swerve of his upper body to dodge the thrust and deftly moved to an open side in the middle of catching the swing with a diagonal block. However,  the two weren't novices in the least or they wouldn't be here. 

The two caught themselves - Gava's staff jut barely mark on Daegun's exposed gut while the latter used the flourish of his staff to reposition his fellow till they were side to side - and lunged with partnership honed by Muram teachings. The staves were painted blue at a two-foot mark to illustrate energy blades. Touched and it is more than likely fatality in a real life situation. Til's lonesome eye twitched between them, his own weapon tapping on the mat in preparation until their closing at the five tick mark. 

"Together." He reminds before snapping his staff vertically, catching their twin thrust  and dug his toe-claws at the mat as the push dragged him several feet back. Upper torso and arm muscles tenses, emphasizing the seared markings on his burnt body. The weapons quivered at the three wrestled for a push. Then the crunching sound of Til's bo caught the Field Marshal's surprised attention.  The guards clamped their mandibles in a smile before suddenly wrenching back, pulling their teacher forward as they crossed their bo staves. Til's halved face stared at them, their 'blade-tips' aimed at his throat. There was a stand-still for a moment.
 
Surrender or continue? 

Before a choice to be made, a Unggoy dressed in the humble trappings of a Deacon bowed fully on face and chest in ceremonial apology to the coming interruption. "Sire, The Summit reports that Chieftain Garatus has returned from his duties."

Grunting, Til loosened and straightened his stance. "Very good." He admits and looked back at a prepared Parius, who had his staff aimed for the Field Marshal's spine in case of the latter decision. "All of you. That is it for this training unit." 

 With a wave of his hand, the Field Marshal waited till he had all seven of his guard in his sight before moving to another direction. Mandibles twitched and worked at his respirator, 'sipping' at the little puffs of gases while observing the indent made into his staff's hardened wood. Thankful that the polish to slip his trainee's weapons into his eyes, honestly. That wouldn't be pleasant after a good unit of training.

[Faclan]

Cad - Ruuthian individual
Ekdo's Rest - Arena
Musings on Covenant strengths and seeing old friends.

Glancing down at his small PP to check the time Cad finally got up from his seat and moved for the first time in nearly thirty minutes. He needed to do something to get his mind off of the possibility that the Journey was false and not make him think too much about the cracks he had seen through the Legion and Covenant in general. The Humans, despite their foolishness and heathen nature sure were tenacious. And numerous. But their defense had started to splinter the mighty Covenant...The Jiralhanae were proving more and more that they were an even match if not even better than the Sangheili. Their ferocity and strength were much more suited to combating the Humans than honor and fine skill. That wasn't needed to flip a Human Hog and smash the survivors...And the Sangheili didn't like that, especially after the Holy Ones had started to give the Jiralhanae more and more command. Even he could see if things continued as it was it would come to a head. And that end would not be good for the Covenant or the Journey.

Cad had sat down again as he mulled this over, not having gone far before he was wracked with ruminations. With no combat to prepare or focus on these deep though spells were happening nearly all the time to the Major. But after his PP vibrated and beep it snapped him out of it, it was a message from one of the other Kig-Yar on the station letting him know that Chief FurryHammer, the Kig-Yar's name for Garatus, had returned.

That finally got him up.

Cad soon making his way to the training hall, not taking much notice of those currently sparring as he homed in on the armored hulk of Garatus. Not that he was hard to miss. Cad currently just in a simple sweatshirt like top and pants. Probably one of the few times Garatus had seen him fully out of some kind of armor. Still had his dull purple scarf at least so he still held the Faith at least close to him. But he just waved as he moved around the side of the ring toward the Chief, not wanting to shout and distract those currently sparring. Though if Chief FurryHammer had been keeping up with Cad's medical resports, easy due to his rank, he would know of Cads...issues that have come about as a resort of Eugine cracking his skull.

(We'll bring in Eugine next post probably after hes had some time with the new Kiggle employee. Poor Cad :< )

[BetaWülf]

Jiralhanae Chieftain Garatus the Deathless
Ekdo's Rest: Late Morning
Hard Times

Garatus took note of his friend Cad approaching. Normally his hard features were pulled into an expression best described as appearing 'mildly annoyed', but he faltered if only for a moment at the sight of his unfortunate friend. Garatus knew of Cad's... issues; his problems caused by Garatus's own Uncle's actions during the Ragnus incident.

But as quickly as his expression changed, it reverted. Returning to his angry, stoic, hard expression the Chieftain nodded to his diminutive companion. He found it odd, however, to see Cad out of armor. While they mostly associated during military campaigns, Garatus had invited Cad to Doisac before and regardless, he still wore something akin to(if not actually) his uniform. But here the Kig-Yar was, wearing some baggy layman's clothes and looking miserable.

Garatus momentarily returned his attention back to the sparring Sangheili, their banter was mildly amusing. He wondered if the larger Sangheili had truly let his superior officer win, or if it was just a jest on her part and she had beaten him so soundly in truth. Regardless, the two seemed close, he must be her direct underling was Garatus's deduction. Not that it was really something that need to be deduced, as it was fairly obvious through basic observation.

"You know Cad, I rarely get to observe a good sparring" Garatus mused before continuing "Always it would seem I am out running errands, tracking and hunting Heretics, Human commanders, securing hostile fortifications... I rarely get time to relax for long" he said.

"If I were one to bet Cad, I'd put my coin on the small one" Garatus said in a whisper, quietly enough for the two Sangheili to be unable to hear. If he had been on 'friendly' terms with them he would have spoken it plainly for all to hear. Unfortunately, Sangheili were rarely good sports when it came to jokes, so the Chieftain would save his joke for if he would ever get along with them.

"Has the sparring been good Ship mistress?" Garatus said, this time directly speaking to her instead of simply observing. He didn't know her by any means, but that was no reason not to be vaguely... polite. He thought the question was a good one considering the circumstance at present, the Chieftain standing casually with his hands resting lightly on the butt of the haft of his hammer with one leg crossed over the shin of the other.

[edtosivaree]

Edto Xar'Sivaree walked over to the side of the ring to get a drink, before hearing a loud gruff voice calling out to her. She stopped, looking over to see Garatus, and an armourless Jackal standing on the sidelines. They were obviously watching her and Nadra, so they were either interested to talk, or mock. Either way, she would show the chieftain enough respect to reciprocate the question with an answer. She nodded to Nadra and walked over to Garatus.

"Chieftain! The sparring is good yes. We are taking it easy today. We figure why run ourselves ragged on planet, when we do that every day on the ship" She responded, looking up at the towering Brute. "I take it you are taking a day of your own as well? I don't often see Brutes standing on the sidelines, not that I mean an insult. We are all allowed to take a rest after all, yes?" She asked simply.

[Faclan]

Cad - Ruuthian individual
Edko's Rest - Arena
Opps.

Cad had glanced back at the sparring Jellies and so hadn't seen Papa G's worried (if one could call it that) expression when he saw him fully. Cad did feel pretty miserable lately with all his self doubt and really no-one to talk to about it. Other Kig-Yar often didn't care about the journey and so didn't want to hear his rambling. Sangheili would rarely ever talk to him. And the San 'Shyuum were never able to be approached let alone spoke too by a lowly Kig-Yar. Cad was at the point where he was going to go try and talk to the Unggoy Deacons to at least try to get some thought out of his mind - but thankfully Garatus had arrived so he had a distraction. A nice large furry one.

But as he was noticed by Garatus his expression did brighten up and he smiled back, a ray of sunshine for the battered Major which was good. The Ruuthian adjusting his scarf before moving to stand beside Garatus and looking to watch the sparring. It was something he had done a few times before but it was odd to him that one of the Sangheili was so much smaller than his sparring partner. Like almost run sized...how odd. But he did 'oh?' quietly when Garatus spoke and responded quietly as they watched.

"Really? I would have thought the Pack would spar quite often when no direct combat was available, sharpen their skills and prove who is the strongest and all that." He then hummed at the pseudo bet and looked at the sparring for a bit longer before responding. "I would also, he seems much faster than the larger one."

Hopefully the Ship Mistress didn't hear that or Cad would be in trouble - but it would likely show just how often female Sangheili were seen by the other military members of the Covenant who weren't Sangheili - or allowed into their sections - and when they were not Commanders. But when Garatus revealed that it was a Ship MISTRESS Cad's expression would drop and then turn to one of worry as he took a step back and then quickly dropped into a bow. 

"Many apologies Mistress! Incredibly sorry for my foolish mistake!" She probably had the power to make Cads life hell or perhaps even kill him for that, but hopefully she was in a good mood and Papa G could help.

[BetaWülf]

Jiralhanae Chieftain Garatus the Deathless
Ekdo's Rest: Late Morning
A Better Day

Garatus shook his head before answering his much smaller companion. "For my Pack, yes, but for me rarely" he said with a grunt "they are too fearful of my rank, the only ones who dare to fight me aim to take my mantle and life; even then it has been many months since last I killed a challenger" he concluded with a shrug.

He neither enjoyed or disliked slaying challengers. He did not enjoy it as it was normally those within his own Pack that would challenge him, so he would find himself killing men he had known most of their lives. But on the flip side, he killed without remorse to protect his own legacy; if he died his son would become an immediate target since they both served together.

Worse yet, his own daughter would become a commodity, something to be possessed to strengthen claims over the Bloodstone desert by blood ties. Garatus was disgusted by the mere thought and would sooner burn the whole of his territory then let such a thing come to pass. And so he always fought to win, or at least take them with him.

Garatus smiled lightly, a small chuckle coming from his large chest. He nodded softly, before responding. "I take no insult from your words, we all must rest sometime, and today seems to be a mutually good one for us both" he said, he was glad to be having a pleasant conversation with a Sangheili for a change.

When Cad mistook the Shipmistress for a male Garatus clenched his eyes shut, squeezing the bridge of his nose between his eyes, his mouth turned down in a frown. He hoped Cad's mistake would not prove... unpleasant for any of the parties involved. Releasing his face from the embarrassed expression from a moment prior, Garatus moved to speak instead.

"I beg forgiveness for my friend, Shipmistress, he is not as familiar with your species as I am" Garatus said, touching his claws to his chest and then outwards as a gesture of Jiralhanae politeness. Garatus would not use Cad's injuries as an excuse for the mistake however, as he would think it an indignity to his friend or anyone really.

[edtosivaree]

Edto just nodded, but Nadra had overheard the gender comment. He started to approach, but Edto just held up her hand, stopping the much larger Sangheili in his tracks. "The comment was fine. If I were to punish every member of the covenant who mistook my gender I would be either dead, or the Covenant would be. Realistically the former is more likely. I've accepted the lot to be mistaken as a male, so long as it's not a continued mistake" She explained, giving Cad a look.

"Carrying on, I seem to recall you mentioning you have not been in a fight for many months. Nadra and myself have fought each other much, and there are few brutes under my command who feel me worth their time in a spar. I would not mind having a good test of my mettle with one the likes of you, Garatus the Deathless" She said, giving a slight smile.

[BetaWülf]

Jiralhanae Chieftain Garatus the Deathless
Ekdo's Rest: Late Morning
An Interesting Prospect

Garatus was most pleased by how easy going Edto seemed to be, so many high ranking soldiers of the Covenant were quick to punish and not soon to forget slights or mistakes, but she seemed to have a better grasp on how to be a good superior than them.

Her second in command seemed to be quicker to anger, but that was a good thing for his position. An alert second in command that is fast to the defense of their leader made said leader last longer, though depending on how vocal they are it can prove disastrous if not kept in check. Garatus had a feeling Edto didn't have any issues keeping Nadra in check, however.

Garatus's left brow raised and a devilish grin spread across his face when Edto proposed that her and he might spar together. He relished every opportunity to test his mettle, and he imagined that the Ship mistress would prove to be a challenging opponent.

"I would be honored to battle you Ship mistress Xar'Sivaree" Garatus said with a slight bow of his head, "I would assume standard rules apply? no clawing, biting, dislocating, gouging, dismembering or eviscerating? And is it to be bare fisted or with sparring weapons? Whichever is your preference" Garatus said cooly, as were traditional sparring rules for the Jiralhanae, and he felt equally confident armed or disarmed.

[Faclan]

(Sorry for the wait edtosivaree, interesting little Bloodstone tribe workings in your post BetaWülf - interesting to see Papa G may have some Immolation leanings in him!)

Cad - Ruuthian individual
Edko's Rest - Arena
Smash 'er in de split face!

Glancing up when he heard the footfalls of Sangheili approaching him Cad thankfully didn't break into begging for his life or running like other Kig-Yar would. He instead maintained his position and kept breathing quietly. At least he still had his dignity and brave nature through his terrible injuries and recovery.

But he looked up fully when the Ship Mistress pardoned his mistake so long as he didn't continue to make the mistake. And despite his issues Cad knew that that wasn't a mistake he would make again as he dipped his head again and nodded. "Of course Mistress, I once again apologize and swear it won't happen again." And with that done he got back up to his feet and took a step back so he wasn't on the same plane as Garatus as he spoke to the Sangheili. Moving backwards to show through his position that he was lesser than the two larger Covenant. But it was soon clear that they wished to spar. That was going to be interesting and exciting to see! The former Major looking pleased as they seemed to be working our rules now.

"I wish you both success in the bout...but I must say I support Chieftain Garatus in the standings." And with another headbow he turned and moved over to the side of the area so he could sit down and watch. Ready to quietly cheer on his best furry friend.

(Mmmm...depending on how M9 goes I think I may have Cad retire, perhaps to Papa G's clan lands.)