Archive Class: Recollection SUBJECT: Evalin “Valkyrie” Canluran of the Oceanreaver Clan
Location: Cascader Simulation: Caragatan of the Velar-IV System
Subject Evalin Canluran, known as the ‘Valkyrie’ of the Void Ocean, enters the cascader simulation. The viewfinder depicts a scene under the haze of the golden hour, orange clouds adrift in the sky. The air is warm, and an unseen wind rises from the ground.
Valkyrie: Good attempt. But not hot enough. Velar-VI doesn’t shine so brightly and so reddishly. This is a tourist’s rendition of The Caragatan.
The faceless figure with the body of a silver automata emerges from a momentary lightwell in the air
The Nameless One: Forgive me, Evalin. I’ve only known The Caragatan from recollection archives. I’ve tried to simulate it with utmost precision. Information about the planetary systems of Velar-VI have been most elusive.
Valkyrie: You can thank the Void Beasts for that. And spare the pleasantries, Lich. Address me as Valkyrie.
The Nameless One: You have an evocative callsign, Valkyrie. It evokes a vision of an angelic warrior granting mercy to the lost souls of the Void Ocean. And you may address me as Zaleri.
Valkyrie: I will not address someone who doesn’t care to show their true form. That metal husk is a facade. Typical of godless scientia cowards like you.
Valkyrie traces her fingers on the red sand.
Zaleri: Godless? On the contrary, I have a keen interest in the old world, and the myriad deities, The Antediluvians. The Lady of Lost Wind, in particular. I have committed her creed to memory.
Valkyrie glares at the Nameless One, curling her hand into a fist.
Valkyrie: Sure, go ahead and amuse yourself.
Zaleri: Eight winds, carry the living. The ninth wind carries the lost. Let your melody penetrate the darkness, and let me walk this path with conviction. Nine winds find me, so that I may survive the fall of tomorrow, steadfast even if the stars will fall.
Valkyrie traces a symbol above her forehead in the air as if in response.
Valkyrie: A pitiful attempt at an invocation. You scientia folk aren’t as smart as you think are, Lich.
Zaleri: You are right. My wisdom falters in time. It is reflective of human frailty.
Valkyrie: You still think yourself human?
Zaleri: My body may break. My mind may falter. Yet my ego rises as the ocean devours the shore. I am humanity.
Valkyrie: That is an Acquiescent saying, no? Sounds like you are more self aware than I figured.
Zaleri: An astute observation, Evalin.
Valkyrie: I’ve decided that I can tolerate you and your humor, Zaleri.
Valkyrie reaches forward, offering a handshake.
Valkyrie: So, what beasts are we hunting down? Abram class? Bigger? Vel is going to be so pissed she’s missing out on some action…
Zaleri reciprocates Valkyrie’s gesture
Zaleri: This task does not concern a hunt. The Falzchen is a research vessel, after all.
Valkyrie: Right. we can call it self-defense. All the way to Ataraxis, you said? What do you even think you’ll find there, you damned madman, Zaleri?
Zaleri: I am honored. Let this be a fruitful partnership, Sister Valkyrie.
Valkyrie blows the sand out of her hand.
Valkyrie: The winds are blowing in your direction. I have merely decided to follow it.