A tall, ancient tree loomed over the armored male, its canopy bathing the cold earth in patchy shadow. Gnarled limbs stretched outward, groaning with wide leaves rustling with the biting winds. Valyn was motionless, back resting against the tree with forearm propped up on a raised knee. Before him, yet still firmly in his grip, a large ornamental glaive towered over the sleeping, 7'5" Alkhev.<br/><br/>Valyn was incased within thick, almost glossy white plate armor that looked as beautiful as it was terrifying to behold. The edges of each raised plate was gold trimmed with decorative, golden vines snaking along his form, letting each layered plate of the bulky suit stand out in an almost majestic display. His shoulder pads were rounded, with the inner, squared off edges overlapping his chest yet not hiding the lightly colored wolf fur that adorned the collar of his armor. The helmet was shaped with a rather foreign design giving an almost human-like visage with a smooth surface where the mouth should be. Topping the ornate helmet was a 6” fan that protruded from the back and sides at an upward angle holding the same, golden pattern.<br/><br/>A loose and rather exquisite robe would be worn beneath the plate, with baggy sleeves that rest just below his elbows with a skirt that hung just above the knees. The fabric was soft, velvet-like with a deep burgundy color. His weapon held the same attention to details. The metal pole was thicker than most humans hands could grip, wielding a large blade that could crush just as much as it could cut with the other side ending with a spear point. It was a gaudy sight, though few would dare say such to the massive Alkhev.<br/><br/>The snap of a nearby tree branch stirred Valyn out of his light sleep with glowing, turquoise eyes piercing through the darkness of his helmet. He didn’t move, instead slowly scanning his surroundings, listening intently to the sounds of wilderness and any intruders that attempted ambush. Birds chirps and the light scratching of squirrel claws against the old tree was all that was there. He took a deep breath only to slowly exhale to have his chilling breath slip through his helmet in a light mist. Slowly getting to his feet, the clatter of armor disturbed the quiet of the forest with the dirt beneath him becoming tightly compressed beneath his heavy form.  A large hand gripped the even taller weapon, pulling it free from the earth with ease as he began his trek towards Danelagh, and the constant noise and chaos that came with it.<br/><br/>Like many Alkhev before him, Valyn had pilgrimaged for several centuries for a greater understanding of his world and to reach a form of enlightenment. With each Alkhev being natural Urgists, many dedicated themselves to strengthening such inner powers that takes thousands of years to truly master. Valyn was at an awkward age, at 1352 he was between the rather forward, physical strength focused youths and his elders that could rend mountains at a mere thought. At the end of his pilgrimage he was met with news of his fathers murder, something almost unheard of within his culture. It is common for his people to come and go often and without question, and because of this answers were unfound as to who was responsible for the heinous act.<br/><br/>Donning his fathers armor, he once more set out, halting his progress and teachings from his elders to seek justice. Another century would pass before he stepped foot before the chaotic city of Danelagh, without answers  but spite still within him. He’d spend most of his time ambushing highwaymen and patrolling the countryside on his own before word of Universus had reached him. Time meant little to the Alkhev and Valyn knew with patience, and perhaps companions he could aid the city while finding the clues and resources necessary for his goal.<br/><br/>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br/>The sun slowly crept over the horizon, marking his tardiness to the meeting though little regret or angst would actually be seen from beneath his helmet. The sound of his approach was heard well before he was seen within the light, morning fog. Heavy boots clattered audibly, reverberating off of stone structures along the streets edge.  The voices of early beggars, merchants and their patrons came to a whisper as gazes found their way to the mountainous form, gawking at him. A mix of awe, fear and concealed anger filled the many faces that he seemed to ignore entirely. Whispers would be heard as he passed, though his head never turning to meet the source. Approaching the abandoned mill, he’d glance down, noting faint, recent track marks and the sound of voices within only confirming this was certainly the right place.  Wasting little time, he’d lower his head as he entered the threshold of the mill, the wooden floor groaning beneath his weight as he came to a halt to look at all within. Valyn’s head slowly turned, taking in all those present within his silence, nodding to Craw who was the only one he was sure would be there.<br/>He wasn’t surprised by the variety within though upon spotting another Alkhev, a female even, his motions came to a pause. Waiting for a moment of silence, his piercing blue eyes focused intently on the woman as he spoke in a deep, soothing tone. “I apologize for being late.” He only caught the tail end of what was being said and looked to Eirik as he continued. “My name is Valyn, and it is an honor to assist your city as a Wardent.” His voice came clearly even behind the thick plate, steady and holding a confidence quite common with his race.