Bryn'adûl | Mutagen Practition

[Tathra Khaeus]

Locale: ​Kredarak Outpost

​Four weeks following the transmutation both subjects had been temporarily retired to Xaeldrask, both taking a short time to recuperate from the ordeal. Tathra's body was required to heal, repair. Entire sections of his genetic structure had been damaged, and torn; others severed.

​The mutagens had been quickly implanted, powerful force alchemy allowing Tathra to regenerate inside weeks. Weaker than ever before, torn from an existence he had always know. The Chieftain was silent, clad in his armour as his ship descended to the Kredarak Outpost.

​His form was ever strong, but it did not feel as though it was his own. His visage was greyer, eyes duller. Yet still he carried himself with a strength unyielding. The Chieftain moved slowly from the bowels of the ship, the red plasma storms caused his eyes to shrink from shock. His body felt as though he had been birthed but moments before, yet still remembered a centuries past. The old aches were lessened, but new ones joined the fray. His body aching in frustration as the muscles struggled to remember.

​"Show me to Bralor." ​He commanded. He would see what his sacrifice had bought.

​​| [member="Bralor Azkaroth"] | ​

 

[Bralor Azkaroth]

Bralor sat meditating floating several objects in a spiral around his still form. His eye’s snapped open as he felt the presence of his Chieftain on the Outpost. Interesting. His opponents sensed their opening and attacked.

Bralo dogded the first swing stepping into his adversaries range of motion he harnessed the Force, striking into their centre. The Baedurin in question flew across the room. Bralor had time to grunt in satisfaction before the second and third of his enemies launched a coordinated attack, one from the left and one from the right. Bralor analysed their method of attack grabbed the attacker and the left and pivoted him into the one on the right.

Bralor scanned the room, satisfied all threats had been temporarily dealt with he raised a hand. “Halt” Bralor commanded with authority “We must continue this training at a later time. Our Chieftain has arrived.”

The Baedurin grunted and seethed. They disliked being defeated so easily and wished to continue the match, but recognised Bralors authority on the matter. Bralor made his way to the hangar to greet his Commander.

“Greetings, My Lord, to what do we owe the honour of your presence?”

[member="Tathra Khaeus"]

 

[Tathra Khaeus]

​Tathra was greeted by two Zealots as the Dreddikast's tendrils untethered from its form, unravelling from its defensive limbs as its torso lowered; allowing the Chieftain to descend from its crested spine, feet reaching the floor. Disembarking, the Zealots bowed - taking Tathra's helm and Great-Axe. The Dreddikast relaxed, its massive wings settling inward as it rested; encompassing the majority of the left of the hangar.

​Tathra still felt the strain, ill strength wavered even now. It felt as though his form was not his own, strength was to be recounted; his right to rule checked by those who would see his head removed for a moments falter. Doubt supplanted his drive, yet even the weakened resolve of the Bryn'adûl's Chieftain surpassed that of most within reach of his reign.

Such strain on an already occupied mind gave cause to think of legacy, institutions and seeds laid to survive him. One beholder of legacy more prevalent and readily available was the costly force adept; Bralor. As Tathra's mind dwelled on him, he appeared. Readily greeting his superior, Tathra himself.

​There was a curt nod of acknowledgement first to his attending Zealots, dismissing them temporarily. Over the Chieftains shoulder, the Dreddikast stirred; a hundred eyes holding the form of Bralor Azkaroth. Tathra was aware of the large beasts protective gaze, even amused he did not give recognition to either for a moment.

​Once Bralor spoke, it was only then that Tathra's gaze fell on him; his gaze capturing Bralor in his entirety. Slightly ragged, likely absent from training.

​"Have I interrupted your training?" ​Tathra replied, quizzacly examing the interior of the hangar. The testing had already begun, Tathra would observe and press on the prodigies capacities in every manner.

​| [member="Bralor Azkaroth"] |​

 

[Bralor Azkaroth]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Bralor made curt gesture of acknowledgement at his Chieftains enquiry.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]“Nothing that can’t be taken up at a later time” Bralor said graciously,[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]“I was just applying the skills of Maerd-Ka” Bralor continued the conversation, his entire thought process only taking moments. “It is very effective against opponents”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Bralor bowed again taking stock of his commander as he did so. Bralor was designed to be an effective operative, one with intelligence and no small degree of cunning. It was his role to act on opportunities as they presented themselves. Bralor would then use said opportunities to both his and more importantly the Bryn’adul benefit. As part of his nature Bralor was inherently a predator, and predators were naturally inclined and intuned to others vulnerabilities and weaknesses. Notably in this particular case his chieftain seemed… weary.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Bralor pondered the implications of that state, wondering if there were any immediate way he could benefit from it. Bralor could offer to be a supportive underling to his Chieftain Commander possibly currying favour for advancement, or Bralor could use the information to weaken and possibly one day eventually remove him from power. Possibly both. The two courses of action weren’t necessarily exclusive to the other. Bralor came back to the present before dismissing the thought to be delved into at a later time. Not unlike the training session he was just in.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]“You must be weary from your journey my lord. Perhaps you should rest” Bralor offered.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt][member="Tathra Khaeus"][/SIZE]

 

[Tathra Khaeus]

"No." ​​Tathra's powerful voice radiated outward, a shroud of confidence enveloping him as the silence was interrupted.

​The reply was immediate, followed by sharp movements as Tathra moved past Bralor, silently expecting the diminutive Draelvasier to obediently follow. Whilst he would not dare to show it, Azkarath's comment was offensive to him, it implied an observed weakness. Such courtesies born from nothing but social norm was strictly a human endeavour. Not something of their own kind. Unless Azkarath had been indulging a strange curiosity.

​Both possibilities were frustrating. Tathra continued forward, walking with inconsiderate gallant strides towards the Hangar doorway. His pace was calm but did not offer Bralor the chance to walk beside him unless he fastened his pace. Bralor, as gifted as the Drael was; would know his place.

​"My time is not so easily spent, Azkaroth. I intend to review your progress. I shall see what our training has made of you first-hand."

​| [member="Bralor Azkaroth"] |​

 

[Bralor Azkaroth]

Bralor bowed at his Lord Chieftains command. Internally he noted the response was abrupt, perhaps he had irritated the great Chieftain. It was not his intent, yet it still provided valuable insight into his commander, one that he acknowledged and filed away for future reference. It could prove invaluable at a later date, or just provide a cursory curiosity for further study. Either way Bralor noted it, as he did most interactions with most of the beings he encountered. Albeit his interactions with the Chieftain was more important than most.

Bralor was drawn from his internal thoughts and musings, as he followed Chieftain Tathra, intentionally stepping behind him measuring his steps to be obedient, meek as befit his servitude towards his Chieftain.

Bralor hesititated as the reason for the Chieftains visit was revealed. Bralor was to be tested it would seem.

Was that the full extant of the Chieftains visit or was there more to it?

“Of course my Lord. I would be honored to put on a demonstration for you.”



@
Tathra Khaeus

 

[Tathra Khaeus]

​Tathra lead Bralor back toward the training arena, arriving in a long hexagon-shaped corridor just before the training room. The left side of the corridor was made of glass, the training areas visible below. Several Brutes were fighting in training gear, using wooden staffs & shortswords. Further in, a number of Shamans were keeping various animals subdued.

​Bralor's training was intended to cover a multifaceted combat approach, allowing him to master both elements. Mental & Physical discipline were both incredibly important for Bralor to succeed within either class. Tathra wished to observe all he could, waiting for a moment before opening the door.

​Entering the upper level of the training room, the staircase divided beneath them into either pathway - toward the Brute trainer or the Shamans. Tathra stopped, allowing Bralor to stand beside him at the top of the stairs. He would have him choose.

​"Proceed." ​Tathra Commanded gently, gesturing with his left for Bralor to go forth.

​| [member="Bralor Azkaroth"] |​

 

[Bralor Azkaroth]

If Bralor was human he’d probably be demonstrating some sort of outward sign of his curiosity. A raised eyebrow maybe, or even an ironic smile. Despite this or perhaps because of it Bralor was taking not of his Chieftains mannerisms. The Chieftain seemed intent on Bralor in turn. Perhaps that would eb the nature of their relationship going forward. Each observing the other. Well regardless Bralor certainly had something to show him.

Bralor followed the Chieftain to two potential training rooms. Bralor waited for the Lord Commander to choose which aspect of Bralor’s training he was to demonstrate.

Ah so he was too choose. No doubt another test. Or part of the same test.

Bralor bowed obediently to the Chieftain. Bralor couldn’t help feel smug, if the Chieftain had chosen combat for him Bralor would have no doubt passed the initial test, but Bralor suspected the Chieftain himself might have challenged him to combat. Bralors knowledge as a Shaman however no one had yet to see his full potential.

Bralor entered the Shamans chamber, the beasts within growled at the new presence in the room. Bralor flicked his wrist and they subsided. Not so much a matter of cosmic energy than just good training. Bralor had other skills in the shamanistic arts however. Ones that were sure to surprise his Lord.




[member="Tathra Khaeus"]

 

[Tathra Khaeus]

​Tathra watched as the Prodigal Cadaver stopped, reading the situation as he turned with curious eyes to Tathra. His face remained plain, unmistakably removed from the scenario. Patience and Experience granted an indistinguishable line between façade and genuine flippancy. Tathra had trained and broken many Students, his walls weren't so easily scaled.

​Try as Bralor might, there would be little to be found in further observation of his Chieftain. No wonder he surmised as much, bowing acceptingly as he headed toward the adjacent testing arenas.

Tathra remained at the top of the stairs, arms folded across his chest. Watching as Bralor stood between the two arenas, considering his options. It was no surprise to Tathra, Bralor choose the Shaman testing arena - he was almost glad. Tathra had lost a part of himself to give life to the Cadaver, he most earnestly wished to see what had came of his sacrifice.

​| [member="Bralor Azkaroth"] |​

 

[Bralor Azkaroth]

Bralor breathed in tandem with his own internal rhythm, just as he did when he was mediatating earlier. The Meditation was an important process for Bralor to be able to gather as much energy as possible to himself, within himself and surrounding himself. While Bralor concentrated and centred his power, he reflected that while ideally he would be able to meditate lick this before a pitched battle, if he were ever ambushed, caught by surprise or needed to take action in an emergency he wouldn’t be able to prepare like he was doing now. It was a problem Bralor was working and training on.

Nonetheless this particular ensemble was designed to impress his Chieftain, not as a demonstration of emergency response. Bralors eye’s snapped open.

Bralor punched with a concussion of air exuding out of his fist, flowing into the next movement he created a torrent of fire. The first two moves while deadly and potent were also designed to be flash and distracting.

Bralors arms circled as he took control of one of the training impements, a weighted ball to designed to lift or dodge depending on the exercise, instead Bralor lifted it with will than reshaped it momentarily to liquid substance before harnessing it into a concussion of small iron balls which he sent at a designated target.

The beasts in the chamber started growling and roaring at there restraints. Bralor undid there locks with a snap of his fingers, which when the beasts were unleashed roared and charged at him. Bralor braced his stance and held up a hand when the beasts were mere inches away he closed a clenched fist. The beasts howled, writhing in pain curled up in ball. Bralor smirked as he successfully manipulated the beasts inner organs. Still they took time to breed and killing them while fun would be wasteful. Bralor let go of his power which the beasts than ran back to their corners wimpering.

Bralor finished his exercises with a flourish and bow to his Chieftain.

“My Lord.”


Tathra Khaeus

 

[Tathra Khaeus]

​The Cadaver stood, deliberating for a moment. Perhaps Bralor was feeling insufficient in the face of a daunting task such as this live demonstration, a weakness perhaps. Tathra's left hand curled into a fist under the forearm of his right, resting against his armoured rib-cage. Patience. Even Tathra required it. After nearly four years of waiting, of training. Tathra's skin had grown rather thin in this regard. His reptilian urge was to grasp Bralor by the back of his neck - tearing into his flesh. His instinct was to scold and berate the Drael for his hesitance.

​Seemingly as Tathra drew close to the end of his proverbial rope; Bralor sprung into action, perhaps sensing that the larger and older Drael was growing impatient.

​The muscle-bound Titan's eyes widened, opaque yellow iris' coloured with strange hues as the Cadaver released a flurry of elemental strikes. It was mesmerising, strange. Perhaps the sacrifice he had made would finally be paying off. Years of training, years of waiting had finally shown some promise.

​Power.

​Once Bralor had finished, he flourished into a bow, subservient to Tathra. That was how it should be, perhaps the Cadaver was not entirely aware of the means of his creation. Even then, the Titan had given him all he'd ever known. All he could ever require. A purpose, and means to fulfil it. Everything Bralor was, Tathra had bestowed upon him. It was what the Drael would do with those gifts, that Tathra had wished to see.

​Perhaps, this was a start.

​​"You have exceeded expectations, Bralor. Well done. However, this is not enough." ​Tathra's voice was low, frank and ambiguous in feeling.

​His eyes shifted to the two Brutes standing opposite Bralor on the other end of the testing area. Tathra would demonstrate that influence, that power. Bralor would be reminded of his purpose. The same purpose they all shared, to propel the universe into a new age of strength and brutality.

​"Kill him." ​​Tathra commanded the two Brutes.

​| [member="Bralor Azkaroth"] |​