Kinsmen and clan

Covenant Calendar-4th Age of Conflict 
Jor 'Kanayee looked out towards the snow covered mountains in the distance, the setting sun behind him casting the peaks in a warm glow. The sight reminded him of Joori's Wrath, an active volcano back on his homeworld, famous for its lakes of molten rock. The memory warmed him, until another frigid blast of air mixed with snow hit him in the face. Even in the fur cloak he wore, he found himself shivering, almost wishing the mountains truly were lit with flame. 
"I must say brother, you shake like a young Tiro on his first inspection." A deep voice spoke up behind him, before breaking into laughter. Jor turned to glare at his older Chapter-Brother, Dask 'Rakomee, trampling through the fresh snow. 
"You neglected to inform me Dask, that your region was going through such a period of deep freeze during the Unworlding celebration." He pulled the cloak tighter around his frame, it provided a modicum of heat. Again Dask let out a bellowing laugh, 
"To one who comes from such a tropical climate, this would be unbearable. Take heart though, this is merely an average blizzard." The mortified look on Jor's face brought a sympathizing look to Dask's own. 
"Take heart Jor, perhaps the Path to the Great Journey is covered in warm sand and the soft lapping of oceans." Jor's glare darkened further as he grumbled something under his breath. Another cold gust bit into his mandibles and plunged down his throat as a reward, throwing him into a fit of coughing. 
"Come, Sangheili you are, this is not a battle you can win. Let us return to my family's holdings and celebrate our Lords' Ascension!" More then happy to obligate, Jor followed his friend back to the manes skipper transport hovering nearby. The tiny vessel appeared to almost hop over the snow swept landscape, towards the amber lights in the distance. 
Like a welcoming harbor light in a storm, Rakom keep held against the blizzard now assaulting it. Soaring towers of stone, topped with banners, stood defiant against the whipping winds, while lower domed shaped buildings provided shelter for the citizens. What brought a true sense of wonder to Jor however, was that a large portion of the keep clung to the edge of a ravine, held there thanks to massive anti-gravity generators, holding these areas aloft. 
One of the domed building opened like an egg as they approached, allowing the vessel to gently land at a docking station. As the two Sangheili departed the skipper, the sound of music and the laughter of young childings filled the night air. The nearby plaza, even at this hour, was filled with traders selling their wares to members of the keep, and visiting bloodlines from across the land. 
A miniature skyfighter suddenly whined by his head, followed shortly thereafter by a group of eager childings and an older youngling in tow. He watched as the older youth manipulated the control panel in his hands, causing the toy to duck and weave out of the grasping claws of the youngsters. Their laughter brought a smile to Jor's face, something refreshing in this solemn and glum Age. As the youth led his merry band of followers away from the dock, a sangheili garbed in ashen grey robes approached the two, bowing deeply. 
"I welcome you back noble Zealot Dask, and honored Zealot Kanayee." He motioned for them to follow.
"Come, the Kaidon awaits us in the main dining hall." The three moved through the plaza towards the family keep. 
"Impressive, is it not?" Dask commented, looking up at the white armored Guardians lining the walkway above the entry gate.
"It has grown much since I last stepped on the father world," Jor muttered, before pausing. 
"I am honored you offered to allow me to celebrate the Unworlding with you and your kin, Dask." Jor replied. 
"Think nothing of it brother. Seeing as the Fleetlord refused your request to head back to your own world, you are for tonight, one of us." The large dining hall was set with six long tables, and a seventh for the Kaidon and honored guests. Each covered in fresh fruits, sizzling meats, and curved neck bottles filled with imported wine. Finding their own seats at the head table, small talk was made, as none yet touched the banquet before them, not until the head priest arrived. A soft chime sounded soon enough, and the entire hall went silent. Forming their hands into a circle over their chests, everyone bowed as an image of the Hierarch of Transcendence appeared. It was only a recording, automatically sent from High Chairty when the holy city's own Unworlding celebration began. 
"Brothers and sisters, San'Shyuum, Sangheili, and Lekgolo. Today we again give thanks to the Forerunners, in way of honoring their Transcendence to the Realm beyond." He gave a pause, appearing to motion to all those who watched.
"For centuries we have sought the Path of the Great Journey. Even now in these trying times, we know we walk the noble and righteous path as we overcome the heretics. They shall be banished, just as the Forerunners did to their own for long ago." He looked to his audience, giving a smile like that of a proud elder. 
"May all of us walk the Path when the Great Journey begins, and the Ancients smile on you all." The hologram vanished, and the Kaidon stood. 
"Let us remember those who journeyed before us." 
"As they walk the Path, so shall we one day," those gathered finished the prayer before the hall again sprung into activity, as platters and drinks were passed around. Jor swallowed a piece of roasted Kartaff, and watching those around him, the smiles, the happiness, brought a question to the forefront of his thoughts.
"Tell me Dask," he spoke, so softly that the other Zealot almost didn't hear him.
"Yes, Jor?" 
"Do you think this conflict will settle one day? While I relish a battle, I would like my own sons, one day, to grow up in a time not rivaling that of the War of Beginnings." The older Sangheili swallowed some wine, pondering the question. 
"I do Jor, perhaps not soon, but one day, yes. Our bloodlines shall sing songs of our deeds for centuries to come, and how we helped save the Covenant." That hope brought a sense of happiness to Jor, and for the first in a long time, a sense of peace.