After chuckling along with Ma'tanza, Sabine's face lit up at the prospect of having some fun with these new people. "That would be great! Although," Sabine's face lowered and she looked around, "I have not really had the chance to explore. What do you normally do to pass time?"

Peiter's words actually hit Tzirret so hard that he bowed his head and his ears went right back. Peiter had a better point than he could have known. It wasn't that Tzirret knew that he might hurt himself; he had already hurt himself. He had not taken the time to really think about the mistakes he made with La'khay, but one of them was definitely looking for something he could not have with her. Right now, Tzirret had his priorities backwards and he did not realise until now. Sullenly, Tzirret responded, "Yeah...you are right, brother." He waved a hand down dismissively, "Tzirret should not assume so much. He is an idiot for not thinking about it."

Tzirret took a breath in and out, and then straightened to look at Peiter. "This one will just focus on making friends for now," Tzirret tried to smile, "All the rest is too complicated."

After taking a silent moment to readjust himself, Tzirret gave another glance to the group they just left. He spoke slowly to Peiter, "I...would go back to them, but I wish Ma'tanza would wear her wrap. It is so distracting and I do not want to be rude."

Ma'tanza looked around along with Sabine, with a slightly regretful expression. "Well, there actually isn't too much, Ma'tanza fears. Back at our old home, we had more to do, but we lost a lot of things when we came here. We used to have things to play all kinds of games, but we had to leave a lot of it behind, and haven't had the resources to replace a lot of it. All our leather has to be used for armor, tents, and all that, so we can't play any sport that requires a ball. We do have the river, of course, and we have had some people carving out animal bones into dice and pieces for board games. We do at least have plenty of wood around here, so we do have boards for them. There are also archery contests, and of course things you don't need equipment for, like magic contests and wrestling."

Peiter was glad to see that Tzirret saw the reason in what he was saying, though to his last comment, he rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "Um, well...I don't know if I can help with that. I wouldn't feel comfortable bringing it up with her. It might be rude to expect her to change something just because you have a problem with it. I mean, it looks like she just woke up, so she was probably about to get dressed anyway before we came along. Otherwise, the only advice I can give is to try just to see her like any other girl. You're used to seeing them undressed, it just comes with being a lycan. The only thing different about Ma'tanza is her...proportions. Try to remember that you're just friends right now. For me, I'm very attracted to Sabine, and I often find myself looking at her like you with Ma'tanza. But, that's just because we both have romantic intentions with each other. Yes, I find other girls attractive, but I always keep in mind that they are strangers, or just friends. Those intentions don't exist with them. Does that help?"

Sabine was curious about something from a point in the latter half of Ma'tanza's response, but what really quirked her eyebrow was the last point. "I am wondering what a magic contest would be like. I would take up that offer but we should probably do something that involves everyone." Sabine angled her head to one side, "Does a...board game require magic? We do not have them in Bruma, I do not know what they are." Sabine giggled through her nose, "Perhaps we should have a magic contest anyway and have the other watch. They are always sparring anyway. Can you cast magic, S'nishi? Bheja?"

When Peiter mentioned that it would be rude to bring up his gripes, Tzirret nodded and gave small hums in knowing agreement. He was certainly not going to outright shout at Ma'tanza for it, even if he had the courage to. The solution Peiter proposed, however, made Tzirret bow his head forward slightly enough to still look at him, somewhat unconvinced. Still, Tzirret bit his lower lip and looked forward, thinking about it. "Okay," Tzirret conceded, still not confident about it, "This one will try to do as you say."

With that, Tzirret turned around, took a deep breath, and began walking back towards, Ma'tanza, Sabine, Bheja, and the hulking form of S'nishi. As he approached, he was so focussed on trying to think of Ma'tanza as just a friend that he didn't think of an excuse why he and Peiter didn't actually go sparring.

When Peiter returned to the rest of the group with Tzirret, he was already one step ahead of his friend in terms of providing an excuse. He cleared his throat before speaking up. "Sorry about that. Tzirret here was enthusiastic about it, but I'm just too sore for much of anything physical right now. Got a lot of exercise yesterday."

Ma'tanza simply gave a slight chuckle. She had been able to see through Tzirret's thin facade for a while now, so she had a reasonable guess on what at least might have actually happened. Regardless, she was not bothered, and just wanted to get to know all of these new people. It was a definite break from the monotony the past few months had become while waiting at this outpost. "Yes...well Sabine and Ma'tanza were just talking about what to do next. This one has some time before she has to go for her magic training. This one suggested maybe playing board games. They don't require magic or anything, you just have to know the rules. Or, if you wouldn't mind just watching, we could have a magic contest. This one knows Bheja and S'nishi cannot cast magic, but they can still be fun to watch. Or bet on."

As Ma'tanza spoke, Bheja walked over, slightly away from the group, carrying his spear at his side. He looked up carefully at the treetops towards the sun to get a sense of exactly what angle it was at. After a few moments, he turned back around towards the group. "Well, unfortunately, I don't have time for much of anything. I have to get over to training for the day. I'll catch back up with you later, love." He commented. With a wide smile across his face, he walked straight towards Ma'tanza...then continued past her and stopped in front of S'nishi. Reaching up on the tips of his toes, he put an arm around her neck and kissed the Senche-raht's lips.

"You all enjoy yourselves. Try not to get hypnotized by Ma'tanza's breasts." Bheja teased as he walked away with his spear resting on his shoulder, laughing to himself.

Peiter's excuse caused Sabine to smile knowingly and put an arm around him for a small, quick hug with the sides of their bodies pressed together. That only left S'nishi to figure out that Tzirret's sudden departure was not what he said it was, but at this point it was fairly easy to work out.

Despite concluding to only regard Ma'tanza as a friend just a moment before, Tzirret's chest tightened up a little at Bheja's words. What happened next left him stunned, but for an entirely different reason. Tzirret stood still, looking at Bheja's back, trying to piece together how a relationship between a Suthay and a Senche-raht had even started, let alone how it otherwise worked.

Sabine was surprised as well, but she could see the intimacy between them seemed genuine. She came to her senses much sooner and called out with a wave, "It was nice to meet you, Bheja!"

"S-see you later!" Tzirret managed on cue, his eyes wide as he turned to S'nishi's face, then to Ma'tanza's, then to S'nishi's again. "Right! Um..." Tzirret cleared his throat, deciding to leave the whirling questions he had for later. He faced Ma'tanza to answer, surprisingly not having as much trouble with looking at her in the eyes, at least this time. "Tzirret is unfamiliar with a 'bored' game, as you say. If it is named because it is meant to be boring, he...guessed he would not mind watching magic."

"You are mistaken, Tzirret," Sabine said with a laugh, "From what Ma'tanza described, it is not a boring game, it is a game that is played with a wooden board."

"Oh," Tzirret said with his ears decreasing slightly in embarrassment. The only board games he knew where to do with sledding in the mountain snow back home. "Well, this one still does not know what it is. Tzirret does not mind, either way."

"I would be interested in a magic contest. But, what do you want to do, Peiter?" Sabine asked. Making sure not to leave her out, Sabine looked to S'nishi as well. Hopefully the pieces would be big enough for her to join in if they played a board game. "And you, S'nishi?"

Peiter did not have anything to say about the exchange between Bheja and S'nishi, mostly because he himself had no idea how to put his thoughts to words. He did have many, sometimes inappropriate thoughts, but they were nothing he would say aloud at the moment. Instead, he just focused on answering Sabine. He shrugged his shoulders, and managed to speak in a normal tone. "I wouldn't really mind either way. It would be nice to try something new, or to just watch some displays of magic."

S'nishi made a deep, brief vocalization and pointed to Ma'tanza. Peiter did not know what she meant by it, but Ma'tanza seemed to understand well enough. Ma'tanza nodded to her, then quickly walked over to her tend and grabbed her loincloth. "We can have a magic contest, and Ma'tanza can explain the board games when it's Sabine's turn."

---

Although Meesei and the clan's leadership had come to an agreement, the clan was still at the outpost a week later. They had spread word through the clan the very day of the meeting of the plan that their leaders had agreed to. As expected, it was met with greatly mixed reactions from the clan's population. Some thought that it was a clever plan that would get them to safety quickly, and away from the outpost they had been isolated at for so long. Others thought it was dangerous for them to move at all, and that the plan would only get people killed. The fact that the clan had been stagnant for so long did work in Meesei's favor, as it meant that many, even some of those who were not entirely sure about the plan, were simply glad that they would be doing something at all. Inaction had caused an air of fear to permeate the clan, and the hope brought on by Meesei's arrival was enough for many to accept even such a hard-to-swallow plan. There were, of course, those for whom the very idea of posing as slaves seemed unthinkable. Some were proud warriors, others did not want to subject their families to that kind of treatment. However, Ri'nakhad personally gave his assurances of his confidence in Meesei's plan and quelled most resistance.

Even with most of the clan working towards getting ready, it still took some time for them to pack essentially an entire outpost. They had to make sure they brought every single movable resource they had, which also included deconstructing some of their shacks and other structures. The lumber, if they could find a ship bound for Valenwood to which to sell it, would still be profitable to sell. It was a week of work, during which most of the clan's normal activities were put on hold. There was some free time, especially in the evenings, and the workload that everyone, including Meesei, Gallus, and their packs had to endure made that time all the more valuable.

With the clan finally packed and ready, the night before the clan's departure was both a relief and worrying in different ways. They were finally ready to start moving on, but they had a long journey ahead of them. Both Meesei and Gallus' packs still had their rooms, since many of the original structures would be difficult to disassemble, and they would not be able to carry all of the lumber even if they tried. Meesei undressed, then set up everything she intended to wear the next day neatly next to her bed. They would be leaving early, so she wanted to be ready quickly. Unfortunately, the stress on her mind made getting to sleep difficult, so for the moment, she was sitting cross-legged on her bed with her eyes closed, meditating.

Sabine and Ma'tanza's magic contest turned out a little different to what either expected. Sabine had not studied magic specifically for as long as Ma'tanza had, but learning from Meesei gave her a different approach than expected. Both put on an enjoyable show, but Ma'tanza was the winner. Sabine was not hurt by the friendly competition, she had enjoyed herself. If Ma'tanza had challenged her on her more primary talents, such as alchemy, then the competition would have been much more fierce.

While the magic contest was a small spectacle in and of itself, the board game turned out to be a new and fun experience for those who hadn't played it. It involved a mix of luck and strategy that made for some enjoyable moments, but it was not so involving that they could not chat while they played. Sabine was not shy about asking about Bheja and S'nishi's relationship, but did not delve too far into uncomfortable details out of courtesy. In turn, she answered questions about herself and Peiter, whether Peiter liked it or not, but limiting to the same courtesy. After a short while, the group even invited Ciinriel to join in.

As time went on, the focus of the clan was shifted from a tense waiting game to a complete mobilisation. The daylight hours were filled with physical work that kept everyone busy. Structures were torn down, supplies packed away, rudimentary senche-drawn or hand carts were constructed, and the floor of the forest was beginning to transform into a caravan.

Throughout this time, Tzirret found the hard work helped keep his spirits up and his negative thoughts distracted. When he socialised, he mostly did so with Qa'habi, Bheja, and Ma'tanza, as well as M'ibasa when he tagged along. Whether Peiter's advice did or did not help, Tzirret found himself getting used to the sight of Ma'tanza after a short enough time. As for keeping up appearances, simply not having the impression of an over-anxious coward certainly helped Tzirret's confidence, making him seem braver than usual, but his new friends soon learned that he tended to place more emphasis than required on innocuous things. Still, having more friends that were of his age kept him happier than ever.

Sabine and Peiter's relationship continued to bloom as the days went on. Although various duties kept them apart at times, they were still inseparable where they had the spare time and were less adverse to public displays of affection. Though the nights did not give them as much time, the rooms still gave them privacy to be intimate, but some nights were preceded by other activities. They had another two sword lessons where Sabine was showing some promise, but still not quite the talent. Other nights, they would stay in and Sabine would give magic lessons. It just so happened that the night Peiter had successfully channelled a light spell for the first time was a night where Sabine had found the time to talk to La'khay beforehand. The reward was something more than a kiss. It was such a surprise how well it worked that Sabine had trouble keeping quiet during the act.

The rest of the packs had taken their breaks gratefully, but they were glad to get to work. They had made some friends in the clan as well, but filling in the days was not always easy beforehand, especially with children and a wamasu to take care of.

As for Gallus in particular, he had been intending to check up on Tzirret since he had been looking so depressed in the preceding days, but had been busy with the planning effort. Now that he had some breaks in the evenings, he was surprised to find him in high spirits. He assumed that whatever issues he was having was due to prior loneliness and left him to it, assuring that he was always available to talk...even though he was busy most of the time. Speaking of being busy, the pressure and chaos of this packing effort was taking as much a toll from him as it was from Meesei.

---

While Meesei meditated, Gallus lay back on his bed with his hands behind his head and his legs crossed, staring awake at the low ceiling. There were many complications that could delay them the next day. He wished he was better at turning down such worrying thoughts. They had been in this state of silence for roughly half an hour now. Gallus could see Meesei still sitting up in the moonlight. He decided to speak up.

"Now we both can't sleep," he commented, soundlessly whistling a sigh. "I can only imagine how much Ri'nakhad is nibbling his claws. I guess he must be used to it by now."

Some further seconds passed and Gallus propped himself up on his hands. His neck and chest were tight with the stress and he needed to sit up to take some full breaths. While doing so, Gallus spoke while looking at the wall in front of him, "Do you mind if we chat for a bit? I need to get my mind off things."

---

Ever since the day that La'khay and Tzirret had properly clarified their relationship, Tzirret had only sought her out once more to mate. It was strange to try without the proper attachment, and Tzirret definitely found that he did not find the experience as gratifying, but it was mating all the same. His hormone-addled mind did not seem to require romantic attachment. This experience was clear in its borders, but it reminded Tzirret of another opportunity that he had thought previously given up; personal and private conversations with La'khay. Even if she was not ever going to be his partner, Tzirret still regarded La'khay as a friend and mentor. Her advice meant a lot to him, especially when Gallus did not have as much time.

As it was, one day before the clan would begin moving, Tzirret found La'khay yet again. The difference was, however, that the main motivator for Tzirret was not just his libido this time. He had some matters he wanted to discuss with La'khay.

They laid in a quiet spot in the forest, away from the clan as usual, after having spent an hour or two in each other's arms. Tzirret had his head on La'khay's shoulder and his arms around her body, but he now had a clear enough mind to talk. He spoke in a hushed tone to her, "La'khay, Tzirret has been thinking for a while. You mentioned that there are people who might mate for fun. When this one first met Ma'tanza, he almost tried pursuing that, but...he mentioned it to Peiter and was reminded of something. He...had been thinking that romance came from mating rather than the other way around. And what Tzirret has been looking for all along was not to mate, but a mate. He thinks he made that mistake with La'khay, and he is sorry." Tzirret added on in a stammer, "N-not that I do not enjoy this, but...you know..."

Gallus interrupted Meesei's meditation, though she did not particularly mind since a conversation was just as good of a distraction from the stresses she was under. She opened her eyes, then straightened up and sat with her legs hanging off the side of the bed. Letting out a deep breath, she nodded to him.

"Certainly. It seems we both have need of some mental clarity. I can assume the past week has given you some insight into the past few years of my life. I have been working to direct the activities of all of Tamriel's clans, and the independent packs that are willing to serve as well." She commented, pausing to look out the window at the moon shining in from just over the treetops. "Although, in truth, this has been far more stressful than any of that. Being out in the wilds, seeing the people my decisions are affecting with my own eyes, packing the supplies and piling the lumber with my own hands, it is far different from ordering troop movements from half a continent away."

---

The previous week with La'khay had hardly been any different than it was before the attack on the clan, albeit with more manual labor. She was not particularly fond of it, but she had been more than willing to do her part to help the clan. And of course, she had many "partners" other than just Tzirret and Colors. It was something of which she made no secret, though by Tzirret's request, she kept all of her encounters with him in confidence.

When Tzirret spoke, La'khay opened her eyes, rubbing her hand down his tail almost by reflex. Although, once he finished, she looked at him more sympathetically. "You want that kind of bond, yes? You want a permanent partner, someone you...love. It is something La'khay has not wanted for a long time, and that she doubts that she will ever want. But, if you want it, then you should of course try to find it. What Peiter said is probably better for that than what this one said. La'khay was just trying to help you feel good about yourself. You don't need to apologize to her about what happened, but she forgives you regardless. She is just glad you seem to understand it all now. La'khay is glad to mate with you, but we are just friends."

"Hmph, I'm just finding it a burden to help make these decisions when lives are at stake. No matter how good this plan is, things could go wrong." Gallus shook his head, "I do not want people lost on our whim, but...we have to take these risks, by the looks of it."

Gallus held his head back, looking up and taking another breath. "You know, it might not be best to reflect on possible tragedies right now, come to think of it. Perhaps we might just..." Gallus shrugged, "...talk like passing wanderers or simple friends." Gallus then brought his head up and looked at Meesei, "For all that I have heard about you, I barely know much of what is behind your champion visage." He held up a hand, giving an example, "I know you grew up as some kind of shaman in Black Marsh, groomed for leadership, loyal servant of Hircine. Nothing which really paints your real personality. Even with that, you've done a great job of keeping your guard up."

Bringing his hand to his chin, Gallus thought for a second and continued, "Perhaps, if it is not too personal, you might tell me of your adoption of Sabine. I can tell you care about the girl greatly. What is the story there? I am curious, not just for my sake, but for Peiter's." Gallus quirked a mischievous smile and was quick to sit up and offer his palms, "We can have this to start trading questions, if you like. I'll be an open book."

---

Tzirret smiled back at La'khay, understanding. "This one is glad he was not too much of a nuisance."

After looking to the side for a moment and letting his smile fade, Tzirret asked cautiously, "When was the last time you were in love, La'khay?" While he asked, Tzirret ran his free hand down La'khay's side, both as a nervous reaction to broaching a sensitive topic, and in response to his waving tail being manipulated. "It sounds as if it was very painful, if you have not wanted such a thing for this long."

Meesei could not help but to smile when Gallus gave his assessment of her. "You know, by this point, I believe I have a hard time separating that visage from myself. By necessity, I have to be strong, determined, and sometimes, cold. Sometimes harsh. The line between Meesei and the Champion of Hircine has been...growing thinner." She mused.

Letting out a sigh, Meesei redirected her attention away from the window and back to Gallus. "But yes, to your question. I love Sabine just as I would my own flesh and blood. We are family in the truest sense of the word. Like most of my pack, it was through the influence of Hircine that she was brought to us. We found her alone in the forests of Cyrodiil. Alone, frightened, almost malnourished. She has been through great trauma in her life, though it is not my place to share that story. It is a tale that is personal to her, and that you would need to ask her about. It was...peculiar that Hircine would send a little girl to join my pack. I know Lorag thought at first that we must have made some mistake. But, I allowed her in without hesitation. There was just...something about her. I had seen those tragic tales before. Orphans, people whom had lost everything. But when I looked at Sabine, it was like...my heart cried out to her in pain. I wanted to help end the pain she was in, and, well, it has been years, but you can see where she is now. She has found love, and is generally happy."

After a moment to allow her emotions to die down, Meesei continued. "Well, if we are asking personal questions, I suppose I have a few things I could ask you. I certainly do see your father's teachings in you with how you have been dealing with these stresses of late, and the mission in general. However, while you are certainly no Sees-No-Colors, you do have your own reputation with women. I make no judgments upon your choices, but it strikes me as curious that you seem to embrace that while also being in a position of leadership. It does influence the perception that those beneath you have of you. I am curious to hear your opinion on that matter."

---

When Tzirret asked about La'khay's own experience with love, she turned onto her back and looked straight up at the trees. "It has been years, and La'khay does not like speaking of it. She thought he was a nice man, but he was as vile as most of Senchal. He was the reason that La'khay can no longer have cubs of her own. He was the owner of a brothel. La'khay was a little younger than you, and he was...older. She met him while working at a tavern he liked to come to. He was so charming, and handsome, and he always complimented La'khay. One day he invited her to his room, and after that, we started seeing each other. It was a few months before he suggested that Lakhay come work in his brothel. She was nervous, but she trusted him. But...he made her go through this treatment from a healer of his. It made sure this one would never have children from her work. Then he started giving La'khay skooma, and started getting rough with her, out of bed. He punished this one if customers complained, or if her appearance wasn't right, or if he just got angry. He...started forcing her to mate, even if she didn't want to."

By this point, La'khay had tears in her eyes, though she was trying to avoid sobbing. "It did not take too long for him to abandon La'kay; to go find another mate. It also didn't take long after that for him to die. He just fell over one day at dinner. No one ever proved it, but this one thinks his new mate poisoned him. She was a good woman; she inherited his business, probably by forging his will. She helped us all get off of skooma, and made us feel glad to work for her."

Gallus smiled to hear a more relatable side of Meesei. Though it was perhaps a stronger thing for her, Gallus felt that he had a similar obligation to Tzirret and Peiter. Tzirret more so, perhaps because he was generally very anxious.

The question that came back at Gallus was one that made him chuckle uncomfortably, but he was in no position to avoid the question. "Meesei, many have said all sorts of things about the mistakes I make with romance. Even my own pack mates will joke of it regularly. My father knows it - divines - the whole Bruma clan knows it by now. However, for all the women I have been involved with, not once did I sacrifice my responsibilities. Not once." Gallus looked ahead and smirked with self reflection, "Perhaps that is my problem with women; I have never had that princely urge to give one everything in life." Gallus became serious again, "My pack is my family, and family has always been the most important thing. As for the rest of the clan, well, they know that they cannot fault me for my competence and duty. It is not as if my relationships have ever compromised that."

Gallus became casual again sitting cross-legged and leaning forward. He looked to Meesei, "So you see, Meesei, as long as you do the important things well, your friends will follow you anywhere." He tapped a finger on the air in front of himself, "Now, that is a loaded statement, but it is the moral of this story. I should think you would have wisdom to understand."

Gallus lowered his hand, but he squinted and smiled, not done, "Have you had a bad experience trying to lead and love, yourself?"

---

While he listened quietly, Tzirret was empathetic to La'khay's tears. She was trying to hide the anguish it caused her, but Tzirret could infer all that he didn't see by what he heard. He was quiet for a few moments after the story, feeling a lump in his throat and the burn of tears forming. He looked at La'khay's neck rather than the tears running down the sides of her head. "That is...beyond cruel," Tzirret said sadly, almost whispering.

Finding that a tear did escape from Tzirret's eye closest to the ground, he brought his arms all the way around La'khay and hugged her especially tightly, pressing his chin onto her shoulder. "La'khay did not deserve such an experience," he whispered to her, "Tzirret wishes he could unmake the past for you. He is sad that La'khay feels she has no love." Though he sounded hopeful and trying to comfort La'khay, his next words were clearly naive, "One day, Tzirret thinks you may find love again. Not for himself, but...somewhere."

Meesei felt that Gallus was likely painting himself in a better light than his mates would were she to ask them the same question, but she could not fault his statement that he never shirked his responsibilities. He was, indeed, a reliable leader. If he were not, she would not have selected his pack to join in this mission. His answer did help her to understand his attitude towards it all, however.

To Gallus' question for her, Meesei shook her head. "No, I cannot say I have. That is not to say I have never had bad experiences with love, but I was not in a leadership position at the time. My only experiences with it come from before my father died, while I was still training to become Treeminder. The last person I was involved with romantically was that farmer who I mentioned back in Senchal. Her name was Dar-Veeshala, and...I did care deeply about her. My memory may be biased, but she was the most kind, and simply gorgeous woman I had ever met. She had rose-red scales, intense amber eyes, and the most vibrant blue feathers on her head. She had a rather...firm build from her work, and not to mention a nice, shapely tail." She said with a chuckle. "I can hardly even recount how much time time I spent with her. More than once I was punished by my father for neglecting my studies to be with her. She was not trained as a mage herself, but she had such interest in my craft. I started teaching her how to use it herself, which my father did approve of. One of the best ways to learn is to attempt to teach another. Veesh was...caring in matters of love, passionate in matters of lust, and altogether my best partner up to that point. The problem came when she wanted to go farther than I was ready for. She asked me to marry her, and it frightened me. I ended up breaking off the relationship, and part of me has always wondered if that was a mistake. I have no doubt I would have been happy with her, though I suppose if I had accepted, I would not have come to serve lord Hircine. Perhaps fate had a hand in my decision?"

---

Revisiting such painful memories was obviously not something La'khay enjoyed, though she did appreciate his sentiment once he learned of her sordid past. She turned her head towards him and gave a smile, albeit a forced one. She ran her hand across the top of his head, while shaking her own lightly. "Thank you, but even if that were possible, it would not be necessary. La'khay has accepted her pain, and she is happy with who she is now. She doesn't want to change it. Love is good for those who want it, but La'khay likes the freedom she has. She has kind, caring friends, and any partner who wishes to join her in bed. This one does not want to be tied so strongly to one person. Her pride and her friends are enough for her."

Gallus repositioned himself such that he was leaning his cheek on his fist. Meesei had given more of an answer than he had bargained for, but he didn't mind. In fact, the romantic way that Meesei described her relationship put a smile on Gallus' face. He just assumed that love and marriage between women was just some Argonian thing and did not dwell it.

"She sounds lovely," Gallus agreed, "To think that you ran in fear from something like that-" he stopped to chuckle to himself, "-It must have been a long time ago. Although...I cannot help but wonder how Dar-Veeshala felt about your answer."

---

Tzirret loosened his embrace, if only to allow La'khay to breathe. When he pulled back to look at her, he had a familiar powerless sadness across his face. "Right, it has been a long time, Tzirret is sure," he said, not wanting to sound like an idiot. "Well, if it makes any difference...what this one said about your kindness, it is all true. La'khay deserves better."

Although Tzirret felt incredibly awkward for bringing his next thought up after such a difficult recount, he spoke on after La'khay responded to him. "There is also one more thing that this one would like to speak about." By his voice, Tzirret was perhaps assigning more weight on the subject than he probably needed to. "He...is not sure...that we should continue mating like this..." Tzirret looked down from La'khay's eyes shamefully.

"I remember her reaction very well." Meesei responded with a slight, sullen expression. "There was crying and shouting in equal measure. Neither of us were satisfied with what happened, but I could not do what she wanted me to do at that time. I regret hurting her in such a way, though I suppose I should not assign myself all the blame in what happened. She was, perhaps, more upset than she should have been when I denied her proposal, and she continued to try to push me into it for a while afterwards. We both could have been more patient with one another."

Meesei straightened up and looked to Gallus less seriously. "Anyway, knowing you, if I go on this topic for too much longer, you will start questioning me about our mating habits. I know you are already thinking about it." She teased. "My responsibilities now preclude me from such distractions, regardless of whether I would like to have them. My research should be sufficient to occupy my time."

---

La'khay's eyes narrowed while she gave Tzirret a strange look, not of anger, but confusion. "Really? La'khay did not expect you to say that. You seem to be enjoying yourself, and it is all just for pleasure." She said, giving a grin as her hand once again went to his tail. "It is your choice, of course. La'khay would never force you. This one has just never seen a problem with it as long as her partner doesn't have a mate. Or, did you find a mate? Did you explain your interest to Ma'tanza? If so, then we should stop right away, yes."

Gallus lowered his brow and let out an amused breath between his teeth and his lips, but didn't quite laugh. "Meesei," he said, feigning exaggerated offense, "you do not give me enough credit. I would not presume as much to ask such things." Gallus glanced away, hinting the truth of her prediction that, yes, it did cross his mind. "I enjoy a good romance story as much as the next person. That you have had that in you life does make you a bit less of an enigma, at least."

In reflection of Meesei, Gallus stopped leaning forward as much as he continued. "Still, regardless of how much you enjoy your research - and I imagine that it is very enjoyable - have you ever had eyes for anyone else since then? Any man in the Bruma clan? This clan? Any woman, even? Not that you have to pursue it," Gallus waved a hand, "This is all pure academic interest."

---

Tzirret lightly shook his head, but the realisation of La'khay's words made his eyes widen and his lightly swaying tail stop. "Ma...Ma'tanza? When did this-?" Tzirret sighed as he remembered that he had mentioned interest in Ma'tanza just a moment before in passing. "Tzirret has not found another mate, no," he mumbled without enthusiasm before looking up to La'khay again, "He just wanted to avoid offending anyone who he might want to try and get into a relationship with...and he is...he does not want to accidentally fall in love with you again. He does not know if it would happen, but...the thought has made him feel uncomfortable."

Now that he laid out his reasoning, Tzirret looked away again. He mumbled a comment, "Ma'tanza is very beautiful, but Tzirret is not sure..."

Meesei gave a brief chuckle as she leaned back, supporting her upper body with her hands. "Are you asking me if I have every been physically attracted to anyone at all that I have met in the past three years? Yes. I would say that answer is a very certain yes. There are quite a few attractive men and women whom I have had the pleasure of working with. But, you are probably asking if I have seen any of them as a potential mate, if I did not have these responsibilities. I will...admit that I have entertained those thoughts before, yes. The kinds of people who I find interesting are those with a certain strength of character. It can be hard to put into words; I like someone who is not afraid of hard work, in any sense of the word. They do not necessarily have to be able to fight, but I want strength in the sense that they will work as hard as they need for what they want. A healthy interest in magic or academia also does not hurt, but I have been interested in those without it." She explained. Although she had indeed answered truthfully, she was still hesitant to actually name anyone specifically.

---

La'khay began to laugh with Tzirret's sudden nervousness. "Tzirret, you are not as subtle as you may think. La'khay thinks that more people may be aware of your interest in Ma'tanza than you think." She commented. It was, perhaps, an exaggeration. Only one who was actually paying close attention to him would have likely noticed how he was acting around Ma'tanza, but the signs were there all the same.

"But, anyway, La'khay does not quite know what to say about mating. She doesn't fall in love with people just by mating with them. If you are really worried that you will fall for La'khay again, then she will not be offended if you stop. La'khay has plenty of choices. But, you can always just ask her if you want to start again." La'khay continued.

Gallus looked up and tapped his finger against his cheek. "So, a persistent hard worker and an academic for bonus points?" Gallus hummed and began to grin, thinking of revenge for Meesei's previous tease, "You make it sound like Darahil or Irenya is your type." Gallus shook his head, "Though, I would expect that you would prefer one with a greater range of emotions than unamused and serious."

Actually giving serious thought, Gallus found that Meesei's preferences did not exactly narrow down anyone in particular, especially if interest in magic was seen as optional. There were plenty of driven people he knew. After about ten seconds, he regarded Meesei with a raised brow, "Well, if ever you do feel like pursuing someone, I believe your criteria leaves you with many good options."

For a moment, Gallus looked at the wall again, seemingly looking like he was caught in his own thoughts. "I do envy you, in a way. Not in being champion but...managing to keep your relations in check. I'm expecting a few slaps upon my face when I get home." Gallus' words were in humour, but he sounded somewhat grave about out.

---

Tzirret was taken out of his thoughts of Ma'tanza by La'khay's answer. He looked at her eyes again and nodded, "Right. Thank you, La'khay. This one does not know either, but he does not want to risk it."

Still in his previous mind, Tzirret inquired further. "About Ma'tanza, should Tzirret even try? He cannot know if he can stay with this clan or take her home to Bruma, even if everything goes perfectly. And...he does not know if she is interested at all. You say it is obvious that I am interested, do you think she knows?"

"Well, to be honest Gallus, you may deserve a few slaps. Speaking from my own opinion, you should have been more loyal, or at least more honest with those women. You cannot change what happened, but you can be up front with them about your own errors." Meesei advised. Although the words could be taken as judgmental, her tone was more sympathetic. She did not necessarily believe that he intended to cause harm to others, so she did not judge him too harshly.

After attempting to shift her position once again on the bed, Meesei let out a sigh, then stood up entirely and walked over to the window. It did not have a glass pane, and instead could be covered by shutters. Although, they had never bothered to close them; insects could get in just as easily regardless of whether they were open or shut. She leaned partially out of the window and took in a deep breath of the night air. "Anyway, I doubt you want to dwell on that topic. What about the rest of you, beyond your romantic misfortunes. What interests you?"

---

"La'khay...does not know." She answered, lowering her head regretfully. "This one does not pursue love, so she does not know much about it. Ma'tanza, she may know that you are interested, but she may not. Honestly, it would probably be better to say that she probably knows you are attracted to her. But, there are a lot of boys who give her the same look, since she has such a large bust. It honestly makes La'khay a bit jealous. This one can recognize signs of attraction, but she doesn't know if there is a look that says a person wants to be together in that way. If you just wanted to mate with her, La'khay would tell you to go ahead and try, but to be a mate..."

La'khay sighed in resignation, unable to think of any advice which she was confident was actually true. "Maybe you should ask someone else. Someone who knows more."

"Me?" Gallus looked a little surprised, although Meesei was turned away from him. He shuffled from where he sat so his back could lean on the side of Meesei's bed, propping his elbows up on top of it in a relaxed manner. "I suppose the easy answer would be that I am interested in leading the Bruma clan some day, but...that is really what my father wants. My mother says to find my interests on my own, and I have been searching for a long time." Gallus itched his cheek, "It is easy to say what your interests are if you are a mage, or a scholar, or a warrior, hunter, cultist, or otherwise, but..."

There was a long pause where Gallus tried to find a better answer. His voice actually became quite serious at this point, as if trying to hold back conviction. "I guess...I just want to do right by people. I took in Peiter and Tzirret both because they were in need of help, in need of guidance. I grew up a lycan, so I never knew the trauma of their losses, but...I feel like I am making a difference by giving them a chance. Fewer ferals, less death, less suffering because of this condition we have." Gallus glanced at Meesei and gestured to her, "It was likely similar to your attitude with Sabine. There are too many gentle souls who get consumed by lycanthropy, and they do not have to let that happen. For me, even if I just spent the rest of my life helping people to manage their beast spirits, to retain their compassion and better nature, I would die satisfied."

Gallus set a nonchalant angle to his head, but did not find the humour to smile, "Who knows? If I could make a wish, I would wish that help was available for all lycans. I would wish that people not seek to kill them on sight. There are decent people in many of them. Unfortunately, such an attitude is not popular with Hircine's more ardent followers."

---

Nodding understandingly, Tzirret thought about La'khay's answer. He could ask Peiter, or even Gallus, though he may not he the best source given his history. Maybe he should even talk to Sabine. He assured himself that he would think of something.

"Anyone Tzirret can think of to talk to would probably just tell this one to stop questioning himself and ask Ma'tanza. That would be the brave thing to do," Tzirret said, holding his own regret. "This one is more concerned that he will find it difficult to talk with her on her own anyway. She is interested in magic and alchemy, so she and Sabine talk a lot, but Tzirret hardly understands any of it."

Meesei turned around to face Gallus, leaning against the window in such a way as to allow the windowsill to support part of her weight. She seemed to be surprised at his response, though it was a pleasant surprise. "That is a noble goal...if a lofty one. Lycans do have a sordid history in Tamriel, and its citizens have had good reason to fear us. Many times that people get infected, they go feral and kill those around them. If they do survive, there is no guarantee they will find a clan, or even a pack. We search for all we can, but we are not perfect. Given how Tamriel's lycan population has exploded over the past few years, the average person has been hearing more and more about us, since there are more ferals out there killing them. And then, there are the lycan groups who do not serve Hircine, and the ones who are more than willing to prey on the innocent regularly."

Letting out another sigh, Meesei walked back over to her bed and sat down on its edge, near to Gallus. "I believe I would love for the same thing to happen. I certainly would. Imagine if we could live among Tamriel's citizens? Imagine if lycans with enough control could be allowed to live in the cities, freely and openly. It would be a boon to the city-dwellers as well as us. Our lycan forms could be useful in more than just hunting. There are some...small groups in Tamriel who do just that, actually. Well, their identities as lycans are not known, but they have lived among civilization for long before this war. Members of the other clans have informed me of them. A township in High Rock, a private guild of mages in Valenwood, the Companions in Skyrim. There are groups of lycans who have found places among civilization, but most of them do not serve Hircine as we do. I fear that lycanthropes will always be destined to be both predator and prey. It is part of our nature."

---

"La'khay wishes she could be of more help, but she doesn't want to tell you something that would turn out to be wrong." La'khay responded. Putting on a smile, she gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, then stood up and pulled up Tzirret with her.

"Whatever you choose to do, La'khay is glad you are trying. You have gotten so much more confident since this one met you. Even if what you want doesn't happen, just remember that La'khay is proud of you. Now since we've been laying here a while...La'khay could show you a few last things before you go. Or, we could just head back, if you don't think that would be a good idea." She offered.