Valyn stepped deeper into the mill, his oversized glaive kept close as he stepped away from the threshold to allow others in had they arrived. Finding a perfect spot where he was certain his far taller weapon did not puncture the ceiling or destroy who knows what else, the thick weapon was gently placed at rest. Had he not, the spear tip would have easily pierced the wooden floor under its own weight with the thicker blade top likely severing the plank entirely. The Alkhev kept his silence after his simple introduction, finding himself content in a position to look at all before him. The warrior learned in his long life that words were, for the most part, unnecessary save for orders. With that he would listen to the highly ranked woman that donned the armor of Tiberia, though his gaze was not present on her.<br/><br/>He took the time to watch each and every individual in the room, perhaps his future brothers and sisters had they survived the first mission that was to be given to them. The resilience of man was certainly recognized, having watched nations rise and fall though there were always survivors, but whether those before him could? Such would certainly be seen in time. Valyn examined each minute detail of those around him, from their posture to the way they responded to each new, and to some, strange races that came through the door. His eyes finally resting on the one that introduced himself as Aiden, he had caught the glance the supposed human had given him, his brow raised from beneath the polished, white helmet, though quite certain he knew at least a few things the priest was thinking. It was difficult for one to tell that he had even been looking at anything, or even awake as he stood perfectly still beneath the rugged, ceremonial armor, until he turned his head to look upon the man directly.<br/><br/>It was curious though not unheard of to have a doctor or urgist that studied the practiced the art of healing, but the man strangely seemed out of place, if by his demeanor alone. It certainly took courage to have such a small group facing an unknown number of criminals and it was something he did not doubt the priest held, regardless of Aiden's word that it was all his mother’s idea. The stare of an Alkhev was rumored to only mean one thing, and that was the rather brutal death of their supposed prey. However, he'd merely dip his head in a single nod, seemingly approving of the priests presence. Why he had chosen Aiden of all the others was rather simple, in a time of great turmoil, any that took such a noble and high route for the right cause should always be respected… that, and because he had caught the Alkhev’s gaze.<br/><br/>With age came wisdom and with wisdom came acceptance and understanding. The Alkhev had seen nearly everything the world openly offered, and some dark secrets he hoped would never be unleashed upon the mortal realm again, the appearance of Maako certainly being the former. Like most, he had heard of the terrible killer, with the name whispered by guards and less noble groups alike followed by terrible rumors that matched his own. He did not judge based on rumors, but he was certain that the newly arrived was indeed the evasive changling for anyone falsifying such would likely be strung up by criminals and Tiberians alike.<br/>Valyn merely glanced at the changling to recognize the clothes, giving it little more attention, though it certainly wasn’t out of disrespect he actually felt quite the opposite. Unlike humans where he felt little for them, learning after a thousand years, the ones he once cared for quickly died of sickness, simple old age or worse while he merely became stronger. He’d learn that each was simply playing a part to reach an end, little else was necessary in-between. But, for the changling, he determined that they could be anything at any time, some perhaps even not remembering their original self after taking on countless faces, so why should he learn a temporary visage? Regardless, if even half the stories were true, the changling would likely become a necessary tool for Universus and that was all that mattered.<br/><br/>As he finally turned his head to focus upon the clearly feminine Alkhev, watching as her head dipped low before bowing with respect, telling him something he was already aware of, she was young. He merely gave a single nod, keeping his chin low for a moment before it rose, making it clear she was able to relax. He thought little of her presence at first, having come across dozens of pilgrims in his travels, though her armor was certainly familiar. It wasn’t until she spoke up, her soft, youthful voice speaking words he never thought to hear.<br/><br/>"I am Ruavia, of Rorix and Heldris." … Without any visible indication, he was shocked, his heart gripped firmly at the mention of her parents. They were there, at the funeral of his father when Valyn had returned from his pilgrimage, and they were without child. Regardless of where they dwelled, Alkhev kept in contact, only allowing child birth when another Alkhev died. It was clear to him that this woman now took his father’s place, that she was not one he could easily let continue her pilgrimage on her own. He had to stay close, to test her of her worth within the ranks of his city, and if necessary protect her should they be overwhelmed. Through fate alone, he knew they were bonded.<br/><br/>His thoughts were abruptly interrupted as a soldier stood below him, holding out the sigils that were being passed around. Valyn lowered his chin, his form looming over the soldier as he stared down at him in silence. The man’s eyes were wide, likely intimidated by the towering form, his arm lightly trembling as it was extended to offer the sigil. The trembling, however, could have been because of his chilling aura. Even through the cracks of his armor, a cold mist could be seen at times drifting out, and always seen with each breath he exhaled. A massive hand would slightly rise, palm upward to accept the tiny emblem before raising it to his opposite shoulder. The sound of crackling ice would be heard as he quickly freezes it onto his pearly white armor, not bothering to study it further.<br/><br/>While such magic was certainly seen in various forms in his time, Valyn always appreciated anything that brought proper communication to his teammates. The large warrior inhaled deeply, chin raised as he watches the small cloud of smoke erupt from the broken feather. A faint smirk forming on his lips as the bird suddenly appeared only to blink from existence during its short form of teleportation, or whatever form of planewalking was used. Knowing his sigil had more uses than to  display his affiliation, he certainly felt more content having to carry it around... even if such never shows on his hidden features.<br/><br/>His attention now fell upon Eirik as he spoke up of their first assignment. Even if his face could be seen, the Alkhev remained stoic in his demeanor as the grisly details were given, only giving a single nod once their team had been formed. “Understood.” His deep voice called out from beneath the well-crafted helmet, glancing down now at his partner, the Halfling Graelle. Her appearance with them was certainly not seen as a joke, even with his 8ft height in full armor. Valyn knew his limitations all too well, and the variety of their team will give a perfect balance that he simply desired. She could go into places he could not, whether remaining unseen or simply being evasive in combat. For all he knew she could be a powerful urgist! Whatever she could do, he knew not to underestimate anyone because of what they were, and each present were confident enough in themselves to know they could do –something- for this city.