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The Councilor by CarbonElite
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The Councilor-prologue-
Date: 3 February 2007, 4:45 pm
AN:This is not my first FanFic on HBo, but it's my first under this name(My others where
horrid) Also big thanks to Jillybean for allowing me to use her Prophet of Solitude in here from
her FanFics.(Read them they are the best!)
The Councilor –Prologue-
Planet Sangheil: 2522 (UNSC Military Calendar)
The twin moons of Sangheil were covered by dark wisps of clouds which shrouded
the Sangheil city of Sanctity in a blanket of darkness. The city lay in a valley
surrounded by high reaching snow covered peaks rising like sentinels guarding
a precious jewel. It sprawled like a web clinging to the very edges of the mountain
ranges with multi-tiered levels separated by violet hued walls rising towards the
middle of the city. In the center of the city stood perhaps the most cherished and
revered structure of the Sangheil race, the Council Sanctuary. Created before
the Sangheil were embraced into the Covenant, it was the stronghold of the Sangheil
High Council during the war with the Prophets. After the war, it became a palace of
the Prophets and Councilors who ruled and guided the mixed races of the Covenant.
The Sanctuary was surrounded by several courtyards each contained within a high
rising wall with several terraces which overlooked the city proper which stretched out
for miles. In the center of the courtyards rose the Sanctuary itself, rising several
hundred feet on four half-oval outer walls which merged at the top surrounding
the inner sanctum in the middle which rose in a majestic curving ellipse connected
to the outer walls. Along the outer walls were several balconies from which large
purple and blue silken banners hung and gently rolled like waves on the sea.
On one of these numerous balconies stood a lone Sangheili dressed in a
blue silken robe covering the ceremonial silvery white armor which covered his body. He
wore an ornate helmet resembling those worn by the Prophet's Honor guard, with
ornate crests which rose from the sides joining together behind the head. He leaned on the
curved rail guard which ran along the edge of the balcony overlooking the city, which
sparkled and shone like sapphires and rubies upon violet velvet.
"I thought I might find you here 'Nadutee," said a Sangheili as he strode out
of the darkened archway of the Sanctuary onto the balcony. Elwo 'Nadutee turned as he
heard the voice, none surprised to see his friend Islu 'Altosee, who wore his black
SpecOp armor with pride and dignity as one who had worn it in battle. "The Council will
be forming within the hour, I thought you might have some information on what this
meeting is about," 'Altosee spoke as he came along side his friend.
"I have no idea on what this sesstion is about," replied 'Nadutee as he clicked his
mandibles together in obvious chagrin. "Whatever it is, this abrupt meeting has left
several of the Prophets and Councilors very anxious and nervous."
"I have heard one rumor that a new race has been discovered," 'Altosee said as
he looked out on the majestic city inhaling the cool night air deeply. "It is beautiful
is it not? There is nothing quite like Sanctity in the whole universe. High Charity
has its reverence to the Forerunner, but Sanctity has a life all its own."
"It is indeed a sight to behold," 'Nadutee said as he turned to his friend.
"Another race you say? After the discovery of the Jiralhanea I hope this race will be
more open minded to the Covenant doctrines than those beasts were."
'Altosee rubbed a scar which ran across his wrist and continued to his elbow.
"Indeed, I do not believe that the Covenant can withstand another war right now, not
in the state it is in."
"I wish I could have been with you my friend, politics does not have the
same honor that combat has. It is all scheming and subtlety, it begins to wear at ones
soul." 'Nadutee spoke softly as he regarded the Sangheili next to him. "I would have
enjoyed our battles side by side like the old days."
"As would have I, brother, but your battle is a fight which is more important to the
Covenant, without leadership such as yours or the Prophets there would be no
Covenant,no new races to indoctrinate," 'Altosee said while hammered on Nadutee's
shoulder with his fist and spreading his mandibles in a grin.
As the two Sangheili were speaking a young Sangheili in blue armor appeared from
the shadows of the archway. "Excellencies, the Council is being called into session,
you are requested inside," He said placing a balled fist over his chest and bowing
his head slightly.
"Thank you, warrior," said 'Nadutee dismissing the messenger as he started moving
towards the archway, followed closely by 'Altosee. Whispering to his friend he
said "Now we shall see what this is about." They entered through the archway into
a long violet hallway with vaulted arch points. In between each set of arches stood a
mural made of multicolored gems and glass depicting important events of the
Covenant's timeline.
Once inside the Council Chamber, 'Nadutee and 'Altosee took their seats in
the rounded egg shaped room. The chamber rose several stories up and circled along
each floor were pods which contained the seats of the council on each pod hung a
banner portraying the symbol of the Covenant. Each pod could hover out into the center of
the chamber allowing the occupant to speak and be easily recognized by all present.
In the center of the chamber stood a raised dais which was occupied by the
three most powerful Prophets on the planet Sangheil, the Prophets of Languish,
Triumph, and Solitude. In front of the dais was a group of Unggoy who were operating
several holo-recording devices with which to broadcast the session.
As the last of the Councilors and advisors took their seats Languish began to speak.
"Noble Covenant, this gathering has been called to address the news of yet another
race discovered." At these words murmurs and hushed conversations bubbled forth
like a spring.
"So it is true," 'Altosee murmured more to himself than his friend as Languish continued.
"We have discovered the existence of a race of beings in a secluded sector of the
galaxy as we searched for the sacred relics of our blessed Forerunner." Languish
continued with great flourish as he spoke in reverence of the gods.
"When will we extend the offer to join the Covenant?" asked a lesser Sangheili councilor.
At this question Solitude slowly rose to speak, "It has not been decided whether
or not we will even extend the offer," said Solitude with obvious distaste.
'Nadutee stood to be recognized then said, "Why not? Surely this is another of the
Forerunners glorious races. Why would we not extend the offer to them? Surely
they are not deemed more dangerous than the Jiralanea" Several Sangheili murmured
their agreement to this statement.
Languish spoke to answer 'Nadutee, "The Prophets did not foresee encountering any
race in the section of the galaxy in which we discovered them. They should not be
there, therefore it has been decided that we will observe these creatures and study
them more thoroughly before we make our decision."
After a few more questions from confused Councilors the council gathering was ended
and those gathered left to ponder this new information, only 'Nadutee and 'Altosee
remained in the Chamber. 'Nadutee turned to 'Altosee "This is most unprecedented, why
not just send an envoy as we did the Jiralhanea and the Kig-Yar before them?"
'Altosee pondered for a moment before replying, "As one soldier to another I believe
that the Prophets have already made their decision."'Altosee got up and followed the Unggoy, who
had just finished putting away their equipment, out of the chamber leaving 'Nadutee
to brood on his troubled thoughts.
The Councilor -Chapter One-
Date: 11 February 2007, 11:41 pm
The Councilor-Chapter One-
Planet Sangheil: Sanctity Council Sanctuary-
Ninith age of Reclaimation
2522(UNSC Military Calendar)
As 'Nadutee left the council chamber his mind was occupied by the burning question of what the Prophet Hierarchs were up to. He also wondered what this new race could be to make the Prophets behave in such an erratic way. He continued walking past other groups of Councilors and Minor Prophets who were all engaged in hushed conversations. He not surprised to hear several of them talking about the new race and the implications thereof. He met 'Altosee on one of the upper landing platforms speaking with a Sangheili in Crimson armor in front of a Phantom as it readied for launch. As 'Nadutee approached the lesser Sangheili bowed and took his leave.
"Where are you off to now?" 'Nadutee inquired as he approached his long time friend. "I had hoped we could speak of these matters more thoroughly at my estate."
'Altosee looked down at the floor before replying, "I have been ordered to lead a group of scouts on the Requite Justice to learn all I can of these new sentients."
'Nadutee grasped his friends forearm in a warrior's handshake. "May the Forerunner protect you on your journey," He said to his friend "I will look forward to your return." He let go of his friend and watched as 'Altosee turned and boarded a Phantom which lifted off with a whine of its grav engines and flew away towards the orbiting cruiser.
'Nadutee stood gazing into night sky long after the Phantom had disappeared, even when the looming clouds began to release a slight drizzle 'Nadutee still did not move from his position. After a spell the light tapping of a cane on the metal surface of the platform caught his attention and he turned to see the Prophet Solitude slowly advancing toward him. He had always admired how Solitude did not rely on the gravity chairs several of the other High Prophets had become so dependent upon.
"Noble Solitude, it is my honor." The Sangheil said as bowed low, his silken robe brushing on the moist platform.
"No, the honor is mine High Councilor 'Nadutee." Solitude spoke as he came to a stop in front of 'Nadutee bidding him to rise. "You need not bow before me I am merely performing the task which the Forerunner have placed before me."
"A noble venture as any warrior's," Spoke 'Nadutee as he rose. As if noticing the rain for the first time he spoke, "Shall we leave this place and seek a covering?"
"I would be delighted to have you over to my personal estate. You and I have much to discuss. I have a private platform with a ship for us on the higher levels, if you so choose to accompany me."
"It would be an honor Noble Solitude," replied 'Nadutee as he and the Prophet made their way back inside the Sanctuary to a glowing grav lift which would take them to the upper levels.
They rode the lift in silence as it rose several stories quickly before coming to halt on the floor with the private hangars. They entered into long hallway with purple and red arches and several doors guarded by crimson clad Honor guard with their ceremonial, yet functional, energy lances. The guards drew their lances back as Solitude passed and with a slight bleep one of the doors separated and whooshed to allow the Prophet and the Sangheili to enter the hangar.
The hangar was wide enough to hold two Phantom drop ships and had three levels accessible by lifts similar to the one they had just ridden, only smaller. The ceiling was supported by numerous blue pillars which rose up and dispersed out as they met the ceiling and floor. The exit of the hangar was covered by a force field which prevented unwanted ships from entering. Docked inside was a small crescent shaped craft of vivid blue. 'Nadutee recognized that the craft had once been an Apparition drop ship, but the ship had been extensively modified with armor plating, newer more robust engines, and the ungainly troop compartments had been streamlined into sharp pointed outriggers.
An Unggoy dressed in white was waiting for them at the entry ramp of the ship. "Everything ready great one!" The Unngoy said with a slight squeak.
"I thank you Jiji," The Prophet replied then gestured for 'Nadutee to enter the ship. 'Nadutee entered the ship followed by the Prophet then Jiji. As the force field came down the ship took off towards the Prophet's private estate located in the edge of the city.
Covenant Holy City High Charity
A lone Jiralhanea walked through the streets of High Charity along the outer wall. He passed several booths of Kig-Yar and Unggoy merchants selling their various wares to the lower citizens of the city. He took note of, and then dismissed, the shadier beings who infested the alleyways. Contemptible. Weak. No challenge to him. He continued on with his mission with single mindedness. He approached an old apartment building, still displaying an advertisement for bathhouses which had become obsolete several decades before.
As he entered, the old Kig-Yar landlord ignored him totally engrossed in a holo of a Prophet's sermon. Hmph. Religious fool. How could such imbeciles defeat the mighty Jiralhanea race? The gall of it churned his stomach. He climbed the stairs, the building to old and unimportant for lifts, to one of the upper floors. He avoided some of the holes in the old decrepit floor until he reached a locked door. He pounded on the ancient device not caring if it broke or not. A small viewer popped out of the door and just as quickly was retracted as the door opened with a labored whir.
As he crossed the doorway the sound of weapon being readied stopped him in his tracks. Barely keeping his anger in check he turned to find a plasma rifle in his face.
"Could you not tell it was me, Unggoy filth?" the beast said growling. "Or is your viewer malfunctioning, Lormas?" The other Jiralhanea lowered his weapon.
"We have to be sure. We can not afford to make any mistakes or these Covenant zealots will have our hides," Lormas growled as he shut the door and walked further into the apartment. Inside three other Jiralhanea were cleaning their weapons and eating spiced meat. The first Jiralhanea felt his stomach growl as he smelt the savory food and grabbed a bowl for himself. Lormas roughly sat himself down on one of the mats laid upon the floor with his own steaming bowl. "So were you successful?" He asked through a mouthful of food.
"I was," said the first as he took a bite of his own. "The other cells are established on Sangheil. Soon these Covenant will know that not all Jiralhanea will bend to their will so easily."
"Excellent, this is good news," said Lormas as he finished his food. "We will strike down these cowards and glory will once again be ours." The other Jiralhanea growled in agreement to this statement raising their weapons. The Jiralhanea stood and grabbed brute shot loading it in one swift movement. Yes, soon the Covenant would be shattered and he, Malagar, would be the hammer.
Planet Sangheil: Prophet Solitude's Private Estate
"That is plenty, thank you," said 'Nadutee as JiJi poured a glass of crimson Sangheil wine. 'Nadutee and Solitude were sitting on lush cushions of fine fur around a low table of carved wood facing a large window looking toward Sanctity. The rain came down in torrents and lightning flashed continually giving the city a strange ethereal glow. They had just finished a meal of cooked worm-like creatures covered in a tangy sauce prepared by Solitude's personal cook. "So tell me Noble Solitude, what are your thoughts on this new race?" said 'Nadutee as he sipped his wine gingerly.
After the Prophet had his own glass filled with wine the small Unggoy servant left closing the door as he went. "I do not understand why the Hierarchs are so reluctant to convert this new race. I suppose they may be fearful of another war, which would explain the problem in part. However, that could easily be avoided by a skilled diplomat. So that leaves us with the burning question. Why?" Mused the Prophet as he gazed at the continuing storm. "There is an ulterior motive, but what?"
'Nadutee pondered on this for a moment before he replied, "Perhaps there is something more to this race. Suppose the Hierarchs fear them for what they imply of the Great Journey."
The Prophet smiled wryly amused, "You have never been of the spiritual mind have you 'Nadutee?"
"I beg the Prophets pardon, I meant no disrespect." 'Nadutee spoke quickly.
"There is no need to apologize; I have seen people with all varying levels of faith and belief in the Great Journey. You are no exception," replied the Prophet, "But you are correct there must be something about this race that the Hierarchs, or at least one of them, fear."
Solitude and 'Nadutee continued their discussion until the storm finally subsided revealing that the first of the moons had reached not yet reached its zenith. 'Nadutee bid his farewell to the Prophet and readied to leave.
"Are you certain that you do not wish to use my personal craft to reach your home? It is not a hassle," the Prophet spoke as 'Nadutee put on his azure robe.
"I would not be a burden on you so, also the night is calm and I enjoy seeing the city as it sleeps." With this 'Nadutee bowed politely and left the Prophets estate into the dark city.
Rasa 'Nualaa tried not to let her nervousness show as she hurriedly walked down the city streets. She pulled her cowl over her head and tried to look like she was not out of place. She had not realized how late it was when the storm had hit, and she was unable to make it to the small convent she belonged because of the torrential rain and lightning. While the marketplace was pleasant enough in the light of the day, the lowlifes that infested the area ate night made life difficult for those foolish or unlucky enough to be caught by them.
As she walked she caught out of the corner of her eye a small group slowly making their way toward her. She saw several Kig-Yar, but she was surprised to note that one of them was actually a Sangheili dressed in a dark ragged cloak, and a very old worn armor under suit. She increased her speed slightly in hopes of putting as much distance between herself and the sinister looking group as possible. The group sped up to keep pace as she tried to get away. Panicking, 'Nualaa started to run in hopes of escaping the sinister thugs and reaching the safety of the temple district. The Sangheili, obviously the leader, took off after her followed soon after by the rest of the criminals.
'Nualaa tried to lose them running through side streets and low archways, but the Sangheili was gaining quickly. She turned onto another street in hopes of finding help but the street was deserted and all the shops closed. Glancing quickly backwards she saw the Sangheili was almost upon her. She started banging on a door of the nearest shop.
"Somebody help me! Please, Anybody!" 'Nualaa screamed but the door stubbornly refused to open.
"There is no one who can help you." 'Nualaa heard from behind her. Slowly, she turned to see the shrouded Sangheili slowly coming towards her. She looked to each side, but the Sangheili's gang had cut off all routes of escape for her. "I was originally just going to see what you had that might be better suited for me, but seeing as how you are such a…spirited being I've decided on a much more interesting plan." He cackled as he came closer still his mandibles clicking in wretched delight.
'Nualaa was terrified, she new what he intended, but her fear fueled her desperation as she scratched the other Sangheili's face drawing a bloody line across one of his eyes. The Sangheili growled in pain and anger and backhanded the frightened priestess causing her to stumble and fall against the secured door tearing her robe as it was caught on a fixture within the wall.
"Foul wench, for that I will make this even more painful for you." He said as he drew his hand back to strike her again. 'Nualaa closed her eyes bracing for the impact. It never came. She heard a loud crack and she opened her eyes to see a figure dressed in robes of deep blue over white armor that seemed to shine as the light fell upon it struggling with the dark shrouded criminal. She looked to see where the other thugs where and she saw that all of them were on the ground unconscious or dead some with necks angled in unnatural positions.
The dark figure swung at the armored Sangheili who nimbly ducked under the attack while countering with an attack of his own. The blue and white Sangheili's punch caught the dark one in the center of his chest, forcing the air from his large single lung in a loud whumph. The shrouded Sangheili doubled over and gasped for air as the other prepared to attack again. Before he could, however, the shrouded one drew a wicked serrated blade and sliced upwards at the armored Sangheili. Nimbly the robed warrior deflected the blade with his armored bracer causing sparks to fly as metal scraped on metal. The armored Sangheili grabbed the shrouded one's arm as he struck again and expertly disarmed him before snap kicking him in the vulnerable neck with his hoof shattering several vertebrae killing him instantly.
Breathing heavily the blue robed Sangheili turned to 'Nualaa. "Are you alright?" He asked as he approached her. Staring at the ornate armor and very high quality silken robes 'Nualaa thought she must be hallucinating. "Are you alright?" the armored Sangheili asked; worry sounding in his voice as he extended his hand to her.
"I am… I am fine." 'Nualaa finally replied taking his outstretched hand and slowly getting to her feet. Realizing her robe was ripped she tried to cover herself up as much as possible. Seeing this, the armored Sangheili took off his robe and wrapped it around her shoulders. 'Nualaa had never felt such elegant material in her life, not even when she had snuck into the High Priestess' private chambers. Feeling the silken material she knew that this Sangheili must be of the nobility or very wealthy friends. "Thank you," She said pulling the robe tightly around her, "For saving me. You have no idea what he would have done to me."
"I have a faint idea as to what the filth had planned." growled the armored Sangheili as he lead the priestess away from the doorway. His expression softening as he looked back at 'Nualaa. "My name is Elwo 'Nadutee I heard your screams and came as fast as I could."
'Nualaa could barely contain her surprise as she finally recognized who her savior was. Not only was he a noble, but a High Councilor as well, a soldier of renowned skill, and one of the most influential Sangheili on the entire planet. She thought she must be dreaming. "Priestess Rasa 'Nualaa, it is honor to be in your presence High Councilor." She said bowing and feeling very inadequate and embarrassed for her lowly heritage and station.
"Rasa 'Nualaa," 'Nadutee said after learning her name, "It would be my honor to escort you back to your convent." She agreed and they made their way slowly toward the convent's gate house several blocks away within the temple district. As they walked 'Nualaa studied the Councilor next to her. He was tall; broad shouldered, well muscled, and judging by the way he dispatched those crooks so easily, talented in arts of war. His silvery white armor gave him a very prestigious air, and she blushed slightly as she could not help but notice how handsome this noble really was. The numerous holos she had seen had barely done him justice. They came to an oval shaped gatehouse merging into a high wall surrounding the entrance to the temple district. At the gatehouse two Sangheili warriors attired in the blue armor of minor soldiers guarded the small opening into the grounds.
"Priestess 'Nualaa, do you realize how late it is? You were supposed to be back hours ago." One of the warriors growled as they approached. "The High Priestess will be furious when she discovers this slight of discipline."
'Nualaa was about to explain why she was so late when 'Nadutee came to her rescue once again. "I am the reason Priestess 'Nualaa was late, I take full responsibility for her tardiness." He said to the guard.
Realizing who this stranger was, the warrior crossed one hand over his chest before kneeling before 'Nadutee. "High Councilor, you grace us with your presence. I assure you that I shall explain this to the High Priestess come the morning and Priestess 'Nualaa will not be punished for her lapse of judgment." He said glancing sideways at 'Nualaa who lowered her head slightly in shame as the other guard escorted her inside to the grounds and then on to the dormitories of the lesser priestesses. "We will have your robe sent back to you in the morning." The guard continued after 'Nualaa had left.
"That won't be necessary," 'Nadutee said to the guard, "The robe is a gift to the Priestess." The guard bowed once more before returning back inside the walls. 'Nadutee turned around and headed for his own estate in the city. He clicked his mandibles in amusement as he thought of the Priestess once again. Perhaps he would find an excuse to come to this area of the city in the near future. Yes, he liked the sound of that.
A silent figure stopped in front of an old warehouse just outside of the temple district and stealthily looked around. Believing he was not being followed the figure entered the warehouse. Inside the warehouse were old crates stacked to the ceiling and canisters that had slowly been stockpiled in the warehouse and forgotten by those who had placed them here. In all, it was a place forgotten by the Sangheili who inhabited the city.
"News?" another figure spoke as it exited the shadows that surrounded the crates.
"One cycle." Was all the other one said, it was all he had to.
The Councilor -Chapter 2-
Date: 17 April 2008, 1:03 am
The chamber was a small affair, ornamented with several curtains of silk of varying hues of pink, blue and purple. The small bed in the center was layered with several silken pillows all a dark royal purple shade, a shade which was matched on the flushed face of a lower caste priestess by the name of Rasa 'Nualaa who at the moment was wishing to be anywhere but that small constricting bedchamber.
"Now my child, whatever shall I do with you?" The High Priestess spoke quietly placing her hands on her hips shaking her head slightly causing the jewelry she was wearing to jingle softly and the robes she was wearing to shift colors in the light.
"But High Priestess Ruetii, I tried to return in time, but Priestess 'Anolaa needed help to dictate the new prophecies, you know I am the only other sanctified recorder of the Prophets in the city now that the others are on pilgrimage." 'Nualaa said pleadingly to the older, more prestigious Sangheili before her.
"My child, you could have been killed last night, or worse," The High Priestess said placing her hands over the younger Sangheili's, "You are one of my most gifted students, but sometimes you lack even the common sense of an Unggoy." 'Nualaa lowered her head and turned an even darker shade in embarrassment. "But you are alright now, thanks to the High Councilor. You are fortunate indeed he was by, it is not every night one of the most skilled warriors of the Sangheili walks through the streets." High Priestess Ruetii said smiling comfortingly to the young Priestess. "Now, tell me what you thought of our High Councilor."
The young Priestess was slightly taken aback by her statement but smiled at the mischievous smile she received from the High Priestess. "Well, he is tall, handsome and…"
Two Sangheili stood across from each other upon a decorated mosaic disc floating in the middle of a darkened chamber. The taller of the two wore a black ornamental armor painstakingly etched with intricate carvings of lines and designs creating the illusion that the little amount of light in the chamber was actively be devoured by the armor. He was armed with two metallic blades each of which was a different shade of red that seemed to glow with an inner light. In contrast, the armored Sangheili's opponent wore a simple cloth tunic of a royal blue color and was armed with a sturdy staff, each end ending with an ornate gem imbedded in the end. Without warning the Sangheili wearing the tunic struck, spinning one of the ends of his staff towards the helmeted head of his opponent.
"Too slow for your own good!" shouted the armored Sangheili as he ducked under the ivory colored staff that Elwo 'Nadutee swung at his head. "You are getting slower as you age, hmm?" He taunted as he blocked the follow through with a loud crack as 'Nadutee pivoted with his swing to bring the other end of the spinning staff towards his chest. "Since when have you not had words for your teacher?" The armored elite laughed as he kicked high at 'Nadutee's jaw. 'Nadutee avoided the kick by easily back flipping out of the way landing lightly on his feet twirling his staff into a ready defensive position across the front of his body.
"You've always been more skilled warrior than conversationalist, 'Ottosee." 'Nadutee said as he brought his staff down in a vertical strike at 'Ottosee's head. 'Ottosee barely managed to get his blades up in time as their weapons collided with a shower of sparks and the noise of a thunderclap.
"Oomph, we cannot all be as fortunate as some, I suppose," Ottosee grunted out as he struggled to maintain his balance straining against the strength of his onetime apprentice.
"Truly," 'Nadutee spoke as he spun on his heel going low and kicking the now off balance Sangheili's legs out from under him, placing the edge of his staff over Ottosee's throat. "This fight is mine, old one." 'Nadutee said as 'Ottosee closed his eyes in acknowledgement.
"So it would seem," muttered 'Ottosee as he opened his eyes and looked up at 'Nadutee."But not by much, my friend." He laughed as he gestured to the hold-out plasma pistol now pointed at 'Nadutee's groin. 'Nadutee chuckled as he lowered his staff to allow 'Ottosee to grab the end and helped 'Ottosee to his feet. They walked off the circular ceremonial battle towards the baths as the platform lowered itself on blue gravity field and secured itself onto the floor awaiting the next fighters. They handed their weapons off to a pair of waiting Sangheili garbed in maroon robes that placed the weapons into a secured chamber. The bath chambers were in a large columned room with several baths cut directly into the marble like stone. The baths were all circling the columns which were spread out all over the room. Each column had the controls for heating and cooling the individual baths. The columns rose and met in the center of the room over a magnificent fountain carved from a black obsidian stone depicting the Holy Rings in a large circle. Each depiction of a ring was suspended in the air by tiny gravity lifts which were expertly hidden within the stone making them appear to hover under their own majestic power. As they approached the chambers steam could be seen rising from the baths. As they entered they placed their armor into the specially designed slots and they each selected a bath and entered into the comfortably hot water.
"So tell me 'Nadutee what is on your mind that affects you so?" Ottosee inquired as he washed off the sweat from duel's exertions. "It is very unlike you to be distracted, or focused, on anything other than your opponent especially in the warriors circle." He stated as he plunged under the water to rinse off. "You are not worried about this new race are you?" 'Ottosee inquired as he leaned his back against the marble like sides of the bath.
"It is not that I am worried about this race, it is that I am confused by the Prophets. I have a feeling that the Prophets are nervous about this race." 'Nadutee replied as he adjusted the baths heat with the glowing holo panel on the column, having decided to keep lasts night adventure a secret.
"By the way, 'Nadutee, the race does have a name you know." 'Ottosee chuckled.
"You know what their race is named?" 'Nadutee asked, water splashing as he turned quickly around. "How do you know it and what is their name? I thought that the Prophets had just sent a scouting party yesterday."
'Ottosee continued to laugh at his companion. "They call themselves huimaans, or something very much like that, it is difficult to pronounce their language without a translator." He said waving his talon in the air. "And as for how I know this, well, let's just say that I have many contacts, some less reputable than others as I'm sure you do as well." He spoke as he rose out of the bath with the splashing of water and began to dry himself off. "Come, I have much too so you before the next Council." Intrigued, 'Nadutee rose to follow him out.
'Ottosee and 'Nadutee entered onto a crowded city street located not far from the Council Sanctuary. Several of the prominent races of the Covenant were present all mixed together in a collage of blues, whites, purples and reds. While not the shouted bargains and dealings of the market place, the denizens of the council district were no less busy. Unggoy servants followed on the heels of Sangheili matrons going about their daily errands, Jig-yar envoys jabbered together in small specialty bistros tailoring to the particular tastes of the Jig-yar, even a few of the powerful Lekgolo were seen as they made their way to the Sanctuary. The two Sangheili made their way towards the landing platforms situated on the high tiered walls which harkened back to the time when the walls separated the different levels of the city for protection from marauding enemies but now serving a more peaceful purpose.
"We will take my personal phantom to my mountain getaway." 'Ottosee said as he entered the code which started to open the large metallic gate separating them from the Phantom. "We must be cautious and take no chances. I believe that the Prophe-BRUTES!" 'Ottosee shouted as he toppled 'Nadutee to the ground as several grenades exploded on the opening gate causing the gate to topple over and come down with the sound of wrenching metal. 'Nadutee rolled over to cover behind a protruding conduit.
"Quickly, as they are reloading!" He shouted as he charged at the closer of the two hair covered monstrosities. The Brute saw him coming and readied the blade on his weapon and swung at the approaching Elite. 'Nadutee rolled under the blow and came to his feet driving his elbow into the chin of the surprised Brute. Enraged, the Brute dropped the grenade launcher and took a swipe at the Elite with his fists. 'Nadutee managed to block the attacks and as the Brute readied another strike, 'Nadutee attacked with a quick jab at the Jiralhanae's eyes, temporarily blinding the beast. Blinded, it started to swing crazily trying to land a blow, but 'Nadutee avoided the wild flinging arms and managed to roll and grab the launcher that was left on the deck. Reloading it quickly he fired several rounds into the torso and head of the Brute disintegrating the armor on the Brute and taking large chunks of flesh from the monster's body. It dropped to the street with a wet smack. 'Nadutee turned to check on his old master only to see 'Ottosee fighting two Brutes with the body of another one on the ground, two having come to help their comrades with the troublesome Sangheili. 'Ottosee had managed to take one of the Brute's wicked looking blades they constantly wore and use it to good effect. He managed to keep the two Brutes at bay, but they were quickly beginning to encircle the single Elite. 'Ottosee attempted to attack one of them with a quick thrust, but before the attack landed a large explosion ripped through the platform throwing 'Ottosee and the Brutes to the deck sending large portions of the platform and the destroyed Phantom flying like deadly projectiles killing the two brutes as they were pierced by the superheated metal, and buffeting 'Nadutee with its concussion. 'Nadutee regained his balance in time to see 'Ottosee slowly start to regain his feet, but through the haze of the smoke 'Nadutee saw another Brute approaching 'Ottosee from behind carrying a large knife. 'Nadutee tried to bring the launcher to bear, but it was too late and 'Nadutee watched in horror as the Brute shoved the blade through the armor that 'Ottosee was wearing all the way out of his chest. Time seemed to slow down as 'Nadutee roared in rage and rushed at the Brute with the blade on his launcher, 'Nadutee could see the dark bluish-purple blood of his master pour out as the beast forcefully jerked the knife out of his victim. 'Ottosee slowly collapsed to the ground and the Jiralhanae turned to face the rushing 'Nadutee with a sneer. Rage fueled 'Nadutee's attack as he relentlessly struck blow after blow at the Brute who managed to block the first few, but could not withstand the furious onslaught that the Elite pummeled him with and when a single strike managed to slip through the Brute's guard 'Nadutee's blade sliced cleanly through the Brute's forearm severing the appendage with a fountain of purple blood, but before the Brute could even roar in pain 'Nadutee decapitated its head with one fluid motion, it landing several yards away among the rubble. Panting, 'Nadutee ran up to his old master and friend and cradled his head in his arms.
"'Ottosee, what can I do? Please, answer me my friend." 'Nadutee begged his dying friend trying to staunch the already mortal loss of blood. With a wet choked gurgle 'Ottosee managed to speak.
"Find…*cough* find Shar 'Rilaan he…" 'Ottosee wheezed hacking up more bluish blood. "He will tell you…tell you…everything…may the…F-Forerunner guide you…" With these final words Dama 'Ottosee, renowned warrior, died. Not since his childhood so many years before Elwo 'Nadutee, High Councilor of the Covenant, felt tears begin to fill his eyes.
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