"Ah," Fendros said with the opposite of enthusiasm, "Well, it had to happen eventually. Hopefully it isn't just another argument."

When Janius headed up and heard the explanation, he gave an understanding nod. "I can keep an eye on them if you like, Kaleeth, however..." Janius turned to look in the general direction of her hammock, "...she needs to rest. She just discovered today that she could join in the fist fights and she had a bit of fun." Janius turned back to them with reassurance, "She'll be alright."

Fendros chuckled, "Her opponents didn't fare too well, I saw it myself. Except for Ra'kalesh, remind me to describe it some time."

Gallus grinned. "I'll be sure to keep that in mind, La'khay. With what I've seen today, there might be some who would have that need in our group. Anyway," Gallus leaned on the table with one hand and took on a more serious expression. He wasn't sticking around for long enough to warrant sitting. "Irenya, I need you to come with me to talk with Ahnasha and Fendros. I think it's time to clear the air." Gallus glanced at her food, "You can finish your lunch first, of course."

Ahnasha gave a nod. "Is that so? Depending on how this goes, I might need some stress relief. I'm hoping everything will stay civil, but I'm not going to tolerate any unwarranted disrespect from her. It's mostly Fendros she has the problem with, unfortunately, so I might not be able to help all that much. I'll do what I can, though."

Kneeling down next to Rhazii and Newt, Ahnasha put on as convincing of a smile as she could. "Alright Rhazii, Janius is going to watch you and Newt for a while. Remember, don't bother any of the strangers on the ship, and don't jump on Newt anymore, got it? Now go have fun."

Irenya gave a long sigh and closed her eyes. "Very well." She responded simply as she continued her meal. La'khay and Do'ajee looked at each other with some confusion for a moment before La'khay spoke up.

"Um, what's this about?" La'khay asked, but Irenya did not so much as acknowledge the question. Irenya did not have much more of her meal remaining, so it only took a minute or so before she was finished, even as she thought about what to say in this dreaded conversation. Once she had eaten, Irenya continued to say nothing, and instead simply looked to Gallus, expecting him to lead the way.

Once it was clear that Irenya wasn't going to answer La'khay, Gallus tried to wave off La'khay's concerns with a smile. "Just a bit of drama from before we found you, nothing too concerning."

The minute that Irenya took to finish her meal ended with Gallus standing up properly and nodding to Irenya. They proceeded to the lower decks and reached Fendros, Ahnasha, and Janius in short order. Finding a private spot would be impossible without taking La'khay's advice and squeezing into a store room, so the four settled for a quiet spot away from the members of the packs and pride under the top deck. Any eavesdropping sailors would not have any investment in their conversation.

"So," Gallus clapped his hands together and rubbed his palms. His face was bright and friendly, but his voice was that of a judge. "I would like to think we all know why we're here. There has been some disrespect on display from just about everyone. Rather than stand idly by and watched grudges grow, I would like to see an exchange of understanding here. What I need from all of you is honesty, patience, and respect. I know you are all capable of such." Gallus weaved his fingers together and pointed one index finger to Irenya, "Starting us off. Irenya, we spoke a few days ago about why you had been avoiding Ahnasha and Fendros. How about you express your concerns?"

Both Ahnasha and Irenya were almost entirely silent as they searched for an appropriate place to hold this conversation. Privacy was not possible, but they were able to find a table that was reasonably out of the way. As they began, Ahnasha's expression told immediately of her displeasure with Gallus' continued and obvious neutrality in the matter. Meanwhile, Irenya seemed to take objection with the suggestion of explaining to Fendros and Ahnasha what they had spoken of before.

"Alpha, I do not think sharing those 'concerns' would be the best idea." Irenya protested. However, Ahnasha leaned forward on the table and looked at her intently.

"I think it would be." Ahnasha commented.

Irenya gave a sigh. "Look...it is a matter of tradition. Dunmer traditions. I am sure that Fendros already understands where I am coming from." She answered.

"Well, I have clues, but honestly, there are a few different things you could be talking about," Fendros was cautious more than anything. He understood that tension was high, but he didn't want to be the one to lash out first, if at all.

Gallus gave Irenya a low look that was probably supposed to be encouraging. "You, myself, and possibly Fendros might know, but Ahnasha needs to know as well, Irenya," Gallus gestured to Irenya with a palm, "Come now, this is about understanding."

Inwardly, Gallus knew that this conversation was already on a knife's edge. He just hoped that tempers wouldn't flare.

Irenya glanced over to Gallus with a slight grimace. "Must I really spell it out, Gallus?" She asked, though she did not wait for a response before letting out a sigh and looked specifically to Fendros.

"As I said, it's a matter of tradition. Of Dunmer customs that you are not...respecting. Our families are among the most important part of our culture. Our ancestors define us far more than whatever gods the temple decided they are worshiping that day. Surely you can see where I am going with this? Your ancestors should receive your reverence, and they will provide for you. Your bloodline is not only your physical, but your cultural inheritance. Your Dunmer bloodline is not something you can afford to corrupt." Irenya explained, but she could go no further before Ahnasha's anger reached its breaking point.

"I am NOT a corruption!" Ahnasha shouted as she slammed her hand down on the table.

Everyone on the table had their attention turned to Ahnasha with her outburst. Gallus was about to try and placate Ahnasha, but Fendros held up a hand to interrupt him. "Hold on, Gallus," Fendros said, before turning to Irenya and leaning onto his forearms and trying to hold in his own anger. He continued slowly and clearly, "Irenya, I left my bloodline behind when I left my family behind. When I became..." Fendros tried and failed to find a better word for his lycanthropy, he instead paused and gestured to his body, "...this, the condition, I left everything all behind. How can you clutch onto it still?"

Gallus could at least appreciate Fendros keeping his voice down, but as he turned to look back at Irenya for a response, he didn't hold up much more hope.

Irenya's eyes widened with genuine surprise, not at Ahnasha, but at Fendros. It was as if she did not believe what he was saying, or could not understand it. "What? How can you not keep sacred your own traditions? To give up on your people, on your cultural heritage; I do not care what conditions you have, that is simply madness. You are young, Fendros, barely more than a child among our people. Actually, I suppose I should not be angry with you. I am guessing you were turned before you could learn to appreciate our people. It is the only reason I can imagine why you would be so willing to forsake the Dunmer. I want to help you, Fendros. I want to help you rediscover who you are."

Ahnasha was having a difficult time restraining herself from lashing out verbally, and perhaps physically, at Irenya. She was being so close-minded and condescending in her opinions. Now, she was trying to say that Fendros was somehow lesser for not living like other Dunmer. Although her words were not directed at Ahnasha herself this time, insults towards her family were just as bad in her mind.

"Rediscov-?" Fendros lowered his brow in confusion, but interrupted himself and let out the rest of his breath. He struggled to find words that were not furious, but after a moment of looking at the table and moving his jaw silently, he selected something. "I learned the histories, I grew up close to my family," Fendros extended an upturned hand, "you speak as if I know nothing of this." Fendros began looking about impatiently, "Is there some great secret that is told on our one hundredth birthday? Some grand revelation that dictates why you cannot have a child with a Khajiit? Perhaps you could tell me why it does not say anything about contracting lyc-"

Fendros was interrupted by Gallus loudly clearing his throat. He had almost slipped in his anger and Gallus did not look happy.

"All I want to know, Irenya," Fendros said, becoming calmer and slower again, "is why our blood isn't already tainted with what we turn into every few days. I cannot respect a double standard, even in Dunmer tradition."

Irenya sighed, running her hand down her face. "It's not...literally about blood. It's...spiritual; about our souls, and those of our ancestors." By her expression, Irenya seemed cross with Fendros, though it wasn't because of what he was saying. Mostly, it was because of the lack of understanding that she perceived he had. It was clear that she saw him as a child making decisions he did not understand. To Ahnasha, it was enraging, but she was still able to stay quiet and allow Fendros to handle it.

"No, there is no great secret, other than the revelations you may gain in the reverence of your ancestors. I would think it would be obvious why you should not have a child with a Khajiit. You have no one you can pass our traditions onto. Your son will not be able to form a connection with his ancestors; he isn't even Dunmer. Unless you intend to have another child after they grow old and die, you will not be living up to your responsibilities to your people." Irenya explained.

Fendros looked down, still brewing anger, but with a hint of shame. All the teachings of his parents were what Irenya was describing. Being reminded of it was regretful, if only because he knew that the path he had taken was spitting in his parents' faces. Still, there were good reasons why he did not go back. Looking to Ahnasha, the strongest reason, he held his ground. Fendros faced Irenya with a glower.

"If you really want me to connect with my ancestors again, you will have to accept what I already have," Fendros shook his head the slightest amount, "I didn't abandon my family by choice. I will not do so again, not Ahna and Rhazii. I don't care if they aren't Dunmer." By Fendros' tone, his statement was not negotiable, but he at least seemed to respond to the thought of his old culture with something other than defiance.

Irenya shook her head. "I don't know if that is possible. Not because of anything I say or think, but because it would have to satisfy your answers. I simply do not believe they would accept it." Despite her answer, Irenya's tone was notably less hostile. The fact that he was acknowledging his culture seemed to resonate well with her. Although, it would be impossible for Fendros to embrace the Dunmer's ways in the ways Irenya would want.

"I...suppose I can admit that, whether or not it was a mistake to begin with, your son is here now. There is no changing that. Despite what you may think of me, I am not so callous as to suggest that you abandon your son. Still, do you really know what it means to be Dunmer? Do you honestly believe that your ancestors would accept your wife and child?" Irenya asked.

Fendros took a deep breath and let out a lamenting sigh. He was relieved that Irenya was not being reactive, but her questions were not obvious to answer. Fendros slid his arms off the table, and then looked down and away, speaking sullenly, "There were many people amongst my ancestors that would baulk at my actions. Slave owners, traditionalists, heroes..." Fendros blinked and reached to take Ahnasha's hand, "There were some that followed their hearts as I did, though. In that, I cannot honestly speak for them as a whole." Fendros straightened up and took another deep breath in through his nose. His tone became more confident, but not angry any more, "I do not know what you want me to say when you ask if I know what it means to be Dunmer. I am Dunmer, I grew up Dunmer. If being myself isn't Dunmer, then...no, I wouldn't know what it means."

While the conversation was going on, Gallus was silently leaning back in his chair, supporting one arm as he held his other hand up to his mouth. He had expected to intervene a lot more by now than he had so far. Perhaps this wasn't a bad idea after all.

Irenya shook her head and sighed. "I suppose you don't."

There was silence for a few moments as Irenya allowed her head to rest on her hand. Her thoughts were conflicted, and overall uneasy. She felt great disappointment in Fendros, but could not resolve in her mind what he should actually do about it. Even in the unlikely situation that he agreed to follow her guidance, she was afraid that she had none to give.

"I...do not know what to say to you. If you want my honesty, I think it is a great shame what has happened to you. I think you have lost your identity as a Dunmer before you could grow to appreciate its meaning. You became one of us far too young; you should have remained with your family for so much longer. Now, it is impossible to go back. Things have happened in your life which you cannot turn away from. You are missing part of who you are, but...I will just have to accept that I can do nothing to change it. As unfortunate as it is, this is the life you have." Irenya said, giving another sigh in resignation. "Just...pray to those ancestors you spoke of. See if there are any among them who will accept you."

Ahnasha was no less angry than she was before. Irenya's words were still incredibly judgmental, and overall infuriating. She did not want to accept it. She wanted to give Irenya a few good bruises on her condescending face. However, if she could hold her tongue, Irenya might just give up entirely.

There was a pause. Fendros had honestly expected a rude and loud tirade about how he shouldn't have done what he had done in the first place. That is what his parents would likely do. Irenya, however, seemed to be more realistic. However condescending Irenya's tone was, Fendros found himself out of words for a moment. His mood was in definite contrast to Ahnasha's.

After a few seconds, Fendros managed to respond. He was sincere, but brief, "Maybe I will."

The response transitioned into a silence; solemn for Fendros and maybe Irenya too, but awkward for Gallus given his agenda. Gallus curled his lips and leaned forward again, slowly. He spoke at a low volume, careful of the tone, "Well, now that there has been an exchange," Gallus turned to face each of the three in turn, "Now that there is a bit more understanding. Irenya, how would you feel about perhaps engaging Fendros and Ahnasha...less evasively from now on?" Fendros gave Ahnasha a shrug, "Is there anything else that any of you feel needs to be said?"

Irenya looked between Fendros and Gallus, and seemed to be overall uncomfortable. She did not especially like this situation, and felt it disappointing the way Fendros was going to live. However, after having talked through it with him, she now realized the futility of trying to change it. She just had to find a way to stop viewing him as Dunmer, because in her mind, he was not going to be living up to his cultural responsibilities.

"I can...accept that there is nothing I can do. Nothing that can be done, really. There is no point in hostility if it cannot produce change. The only thing I can do is to hope you can find forgiveness with your ancestors." Irenya answered.

Ahnasha was still angry, but at the very least, silently angry. Obviously, she did not like Irenya, and likely never would. But, she was just tired of this whole situation and honestly just wanted it to go away. It was stressful to deal with it, so when a question was asked of her, she answered quickly and simply. "I have nothing to say."

Gallus' lips curled into a smile at Irenya's answer, "I'll take that as a yes." Gallus sat up straight and placed his hands on the table, "Now, if there is nothing else, I think we've had a good talk. There may be more in the future if other issues come forth, but I, personally, am pleased with its success." Gallus looked to Fendros and Ahnasha, "Thank you all for taking the time," he then turned to Irenya, "And thank you for being open and patient." He began to stand up from the table, "I believe we are done here."

There was no second thought as Fendros stood up from his chair as well. He had a nearly blank face, thoughtful, but also somewhat mourning. His eyes seemed lost and avoided contact with others. He didn't say a word as he made his way to the lower decks.

Along the way, as soon as he and Ahnasha were out of sight from Irenya, Fendros drew Ahnasha into a sudden, tight hug. He didn't have any words just yet, but he sniffed as if he was holding in tears.

Ahnasha said nothing as she left the table with Fendros. It was a relief that the whole ordeal finally seemed to be over, but she was not in a mood to stay around Irenya at that moment. She would be able to talk to Irenya later, when appropriate, but at the moment she was only a few wrong words away from lashing out at her. Once they got out of sight, Ahnasha felt like venting her anger. She was about to go on a tirade to Fendros about her distaste for Irenya when he suddenly hugged her. At first, she was not sure what to make of it, but after a moment, she returned the hug as well. Her frustrations seemed to melt away in his arms, along with the stress they brought.

"Is...something wrong?" Ahnasha asked. Considering that she gave almost no stock to anything Irenya said, she did not understand what would cause Fendros to suddenly break down like this.

Fendros sighed and closed his eyes. "No, I'm..." Fendros tried to keep his voice level to belie his emotions, but he had to regularly pause to do so, "...This is going to sound strange, but...I'm feeling...quite homesick." Fendros brought his hand up behind Ahnasha's head and held her for another few moments before slowly letting her go and stepping back. He still didn't look at her directly, rather he was looking down and trying to keep his swelling eyes from releasing any tears. "It's nothing, it's just..." Fendros took in and released a short breath, "...no, it's nothing."

Ahnasha seemed to be more confused than anything. Out of everything he could have said, homesick was something she certainly did not expect. After glancing back up the stairs for a few seconds, she walked with him to her bedroll, which was more out of the way. She was worried for a few reasons, especially at the concept that he might have actually listened to Irenya on something. She sat down beside him and placed her hand on his back. She tried to appear sympathetic, though her confusion was still obvious.

"Don't tell me that it's nothing. I know that's not true. What do you mean by homesick? Don't tell me that something she said actually got to you? No matter how she tries to explain it away, that woman is a bigot. Don't let her change your mind on who you are or aren't supposed to be." Ahnasha said.