[IC] Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

[Muttonhawk]

"I shall not occupy you any longer then." Darahil stood up as soon as Meesei went to address those in the corridor. He walked past an awkward pause between Gallus with his friends and Meesei's pack. His footsteps were the only sound while Gallus considered Meesei's answer.

After some uneasy curling of his lips Gallus looked up to ask once more. "Can we at least know about Jerrick?"

Before Darahil walked completely into the the pack's chamber, he stopped by the gate and looked at Gallus with his scowl unmoving. "We're fine, Gallus. Move along."

Gallus' face told that he detected the white lie immediately, but rather than let his worried cause an outburst, he took the news for what it meant and put both his hands up. "Alright, I'll tell them about an announcement. I can't guarantee that they will all remain patient." With that, Gallus turned and lowered his arms, "Come along everyone." His friends followed him back down the hallway.

Only Tzirret glanced back over his shoulder for a moment before thudding against someone walking in the opposite direction. He stumbled back and looked up to see the face of Grolak, the man in charge of the rations, looking down at him with some surprise. Tzirret was paralysed with fear for a few seconds before the Orc pushed him to one side to shoulder past him. The Bosmer master boyer, Caldris, followed closely behind Grolak. Tzirret only then realised that he was falling behind his friends and ducked away to catch up.

Grolak gave a respectful nod to Meesei as he and Caldris came into sight. "You sent for us, champion?"

"Your activities are getting attention out there," Caldris added.

[EliteCommander]

Before Gallus left, Meesei gave one final comment. "Thank you. I just ask that you try not to spread any rumors. The reason we do not wish to explain everything to you right now, is so that we give the same information to everyone, at the same time. Otherwise, that information could change in meaning as it moves from person to person. I am sure you know how rumors can proliferate."

Once Grolak and Caldris arrived, Meesei directed Fendros and Janius to return to their room, then proceeded to walk with Grolak and Caldris to a more quiet section of the hall. "Yes, I did. I know that the clan is starting to talk, but hopefully, there will be no need to keep any secrets after tonight. We are close to identifying the traitor. Although, I would like you to can find out the source of these rumors. I will admit that the lieutenants have been acting somewhat strange from what is normal, but it has only been a single day. One would not think that they would jump to such conclusions on their own from only one day of odd behavior. I have an idea of where the rumors came from, but I would like to confirm it. However, that can wait. For the moment, there are people we need to find that I must speak to. I am sure Ahnasha showed you the list of names, correct? I have only one name to add to that list. I cannot go around and collect these people without attracting too much attention, so I would like you to do so for me. Where did you and Ahnasha agree to bring these people? I shall wait there."

[Muttonhawk]

In unison, Caldris and Grolak looked at each other, not sure who should talk. Grolak's eyes went back to Meesei after a second and decided to oblige. "Ahnasha, the one with the kid, she just told us to come up here tell you to meet in a room near Najirra's. We'll take you there once we find this extra name, who is it?"

Caldris was quick to point out an extra detail. "Ahnasha went to try and find Caleb, Jerrick's son. But no one has seen him in the past day or so. She is rounding up the last couple of people you asked for right now, but we couldn't find Caleb ourselves."

[EliteCommander]

"Here, I will show you the name." Meesei answered, before pulling her journal from her pouch. Though, she quickly realized that neither of the two were capable of reading Jel, so she simply translated the name to them. It was one of Oswall's pack members, which both Vera and Oswall had mentioned. After they had the name, Gorlak took Meesei to their designated meeting location, while Caldris went to retrieve the final person.

As quickly and calmly as she could, Meesei went through questioning each of the people they had collected. She carefully explained to each of them that the reason she was questioning each of them was to investigate something relating to Clavicus Vile, though she of course did not say specifically what happened. When it came to actually asking about the lieutenants' alibis, she did not simply ask if they were present at the times and places they claimed. Instead, she asked the questions in a way that made it seem as if she had a different goal in mind. For Oswall, she asked about one of the specific creatures they had skinned, suggesting that somewhere along the way someone might have attempted to poison the meat for an unknown purpose, and she asked in such a way that confirmed Oswall was indeed present. For Darahil, she asked about the specific research he was performing, and in doing so, confirmed his alibi. The purpose for questioning strategies such as these at this point was not so much to ward off suspicion as it was to ensure that their answers were honest. Through the entire questioning process, Meesei was very careful not to suggest that she suspected their lieutenants of any wrongdoing in order to prevent them from withholding information, or outright lying.

Through each interview, the lieutenants' alibis after the meeting were confirmed, which meant the last of the loose ends Meesei needed to address had been resolved. Now, all that was left was to make her accusation. Before she left, she informed the group she had collected about the announcement tomorrow at breakfast and told them the same reason as she had given to Gallus for why she did not want to tell them at that moment.

While Meesei had been in her interviews, Ahnasha had returned, having failed at locating Caleb. This was something that concerned Meesei, but it would have to wait until after she made her accusation. Meesei dismissed Gorlak and Caldris with the task of locating the source of the rumors about Jerrick, while she and Ahnasha returned to their room, where the lieutenants and the rest of her pack were waiting. Since Ahnasha still had Rhazii, Meesei instructed her to wait outside in the hall. While Meesei did not believe Harriet would turn violent while outnumbered to such a degree, she did not want to take any chances.

As soon as Meesei stepped through the door into her room, all eyes were on her. For a few moments, there was silence as Meesei took in a deep breath, then proceeded to get straight to business. "Oswall, Darahil, after considerable investigation, I find no reasonable way that either of you could be the traitor. After testing the poison itself, we have determined that he must have consumed the poison sometime during or shortly after the meeting yesterday. Therefore, it could not have been poisoned in the early morning. During Jerrick's training session in the morning, Oswall would have had the opportunity to poison his waterskin; however, Darahil witnessed Jerrick drinking from his waterskin before the meeting, as one would expect after such a physically strenuous activity. Therefore, the poison could not have been added to the waterskin before the meeting. Immediately after the meeting ended, everyone here agrees that Oswall left the room first to head to the dining hall, so he would not have had the opportunity to poison it at that point. I have also confirmed his alibi after the meeting, so he could not have poisoned it afterwards either. In fact, I have confirmed all of your alibis after the meeting, so all that is left is the meeting itself. Darahil, Harriet, and Vera all agree that Darahil stepped out with Jerrick onto the mezzanine. Several of you agree that Jerrick forgot his waterskin in the meeting room as well, which leaves that moment as the perfect opportunity for the poisoning to occur."

Meesei paused a moment and shifted her focus to Harriet and Vera. "I will note now that the traitor is going to have a public trial that all in the clan may witness. You will have the opportunity to offer a defense, or admit guilt, as the case may be. Vera, Harriet, both of you claimed that you left the meeting room before the other, leaving the other alone with the waterskin. From my investigation, this is the only time during the day that any of you could have poisoned Jerrick. Multiple witnesses which I have interviewed say that they saw Vera leave the meeting room, then walk away with Jerrick. Only after Darahil moved on did anyone mention Harriet leaving the room."

By this point, Meesei's attention was squarely on Harriet. Her posture was not aggressive, but she was ready to take action on a moment's notice if necessary. "Harriet, all evidence points to you as Jerrick's murderer. You have been caught in a lie about being left alone with Jerrick's waterskin, the vector through which he was poisoned. Is this a crime to which you will confess?"

[Muttonhawk]

Before Meesei had entered the room, most wayward glances in the room were directed towards Harriet with suspicion. The only talking was brief murmurings between Meesei's packmates. Everyone had been suspecting Harriet today after what Meesei had eluded to. Now that Meesei had put forth her conclusions, the looks were lingering on Harriet, and they shot disdain from all directions. Harriet glared back at them threateningly. She was no particular threat from her as she was unarmed and outnumbered, with no time to transform and escape. Still, she emanated a presence that punished everyone's insolence.

The silence expecting Harriet's answer was interrupted early by Vera. She was as disgusted as everyone, but tears of betrayal were welling up in her angered eyes. "How could you..." Vera said in a low voice, "He trusted you. We all trusted you. You were a friend!-"

"I wasn't the one who killed your damn husband, Vera!" Harriet shouted over Vera as she stood up quickly from her seat by the balustrade. She scanned her eyes over everyone. Her own disdain fought back against their judgement. "I wasn't the one! I'll prove it all to you," Harriet's eyes stopped at Meesei, "Especially you, champion." She stabbed a finger through the air towards Meesei, "Let me show you why you're wrong in this trial you want to hold. In the meantime, my packs will follow me to the end. See that you remember that." Harriet took a step forward and spoke through grit teeth, "Now you can guard me all you like with your kids and dancing idiots, but I suggest you let me do my own defence building before I call out to my packs and start spilling blood."

Oswall started to raise his voice. "You wouldn't dare..."

"...You know I would!" Harriet shouted in Oswall's direction. "If I have to play your game I will, but don't think I won't go down fighting if you just wanna lynch me!"

Despite not offering any immediate counter-argument to Meesei, those in the room were for the most part affected by Harriet's outburst. She could have been lying through her teeth, and for that they retained reasonable suspicion, but there was doubt now as well.

[EliteCommander]

Meesei's expression was firm, though not aggressive, and had remained unchanged through Harriet's outburst. Especially now of all times, she had to maintain her composure. "If you have evidence that exonerates you, I would be glad to see it. Remember, I am not on some crusade against you. I am not looking to shape evidence to my perceptions, I am looking to find truth. I am looking for justice for Jerrick. My judgment follows the evidence, which all currently points to you. For your trial, you will have access to all of the evidence I have gathered to build your defense, just as I will know all that you find. So yes, I will allow you the opportunity to build your defense. For this, I will personally accompany you and Lorag. But first, Fendros, Janius, Lorag, I would like you to step out into the hall with Harriet for a moment. I need to speak with the others."

Upon Meesei's command, the three escorted Harriet out into the hall. Harriet was the chief suspect in Jerrick's murder, and she would be under guard at all times, but Meesei would not have her chained or bound in a cell, at least not yet. Although the chance seemed small, Meesei was willing to admit the possibility she had made a mistake, so she intended to remain fair until the very end. As soon as Harriet was out of earshot, Meesei closed her eyes and let out a deep sigh. "If it is no trouble, I would like to still leave members of my pack with you, this time with much more of a focus on protecting you instead of watching you. Harriet has said openly that she is willing to incite violence against you, and there is always the possibility that even those close to you could be untrustworthy I would not want any of you to come to harm. Now...I would like your input. I am confident in my accusation, or else I would not have made it. However, I do not claim to be infallible. You have heard the evidence I have gathered, so what do you make of it?"

[Muttonhawk]

None of the lieutenants answered immediately. Only Darahil was looking at Meesei directly. Oswall appeared to be brooding and Vera was on the edge of being distraught.

"You are...absolutely sure that the poison was administered during the meeting?" Darahil asked in a deep voice, "If there was no point before or after where Jerrick could have been poisoned, I have no reason to presume Harriet's innocence. However, I will hear her out."

"She's plotting something." Oswall began with his arms crossed, "It's a mistake to let her pack to her packs. She is going to cause a schism immediately between us and them, you'll see."

Darahil wasn't taken by Oswall's recommendation. "What would you suggest that wouldn't raise the ire of her packs, Oswall? Locking her up? No. We may be followers of Hircine, but we aren't savages. Living in a community as large as this has given us the obligation to hear an accused party's defence."

"What is the point? She is guilty, is she not?"

"Oswall," Vera had wiped her eyes dry and stood up, "I am just as angry and saddened as you that Jerrick was killed. If not more. If it weren't for the clan, I would sooner have Harriet beheaded, but we still need to take care of this clan. I think she is guilty as well, but this is the most stable way to keep the clan together." Vera looked to Meesei, "You have done a good job, champion. I thank you for not letting emotion get involved, as you've demonstrated. I am of the same opinion as Darahil in this."

Oswall conceded with a grunt. "Fine, have it your way."

[EliteCommander]

"To say that I am absolutely certain would imply that I have knowledge far greater than I possess, but all of the evidence I have gathered point to that moment." Meesei answered to Darahil. "The poison in Jerrick's waterskin, we still have a sample, and we have tested it. The poison does not seem to be of this world, or at the very least, may have ingredients from Oblivion itself. It has properties that neither my pack's alchemist, nor your alchemist has seen before. It our test, it did nothing for hours on end, but after a certain length of time, it suddenly and violently took effect. Based on our test, he must have consumed the poison sometime between the start of the meeting and a few hours later, in the afternoon. Several of you agree that Jerrick was separated from his waterskin after the meeting, but I did take into account that there might have been a point afterwards where he separated from it that only the traitor saw. Obviously, the traitor would not reveal this, so simple questioning would leave me unaware. This is why I asked several of you questions that may not have made sense. Over the last few hours, I have been questioning several members of each of your packs, but in such a way that I did not imply that I suspected you of anything. The intent of this being to prevent any of them from lying to protect their leaders. Finally, the testimony of my pack, as well as Darahil's testimony, show that Vera left the meeting room before Harriet. Before I even mentioned to Harriet that the meeting was the likely timing of the poisoning, she lied about being left alone in it. This means she attempted to protect herself before she knew that I suspected her, or why. All of this together is why I suspect Harriet to be the traitor. Although, if you can think of a way I might obtain more evidence, I would be glad to hear it. If there is another point after the beginning of the meeting that Jerrick could have been poisoned, then Harriet could be innocent."

Meesei paused, then directed her attention to Oswall. "As for potential plotting on Harriet's behalf, I promise that I will do all I can to prevent her from being able to do anything malicious before her trial. She will be under constant guard, and I will not allow her to speak to anyone from her packs without me being present. If I hear her attempting to plan violence, I will be forced to stop her from speaking to her pack members face-to-face and require that she speak to them through an intermediary. I will make sure she understands this. As well, I will not allow her to in the presence of too many members of her packs at once, so she does not outnumber her guards. After the announcement tomorrow, if each of you could request a few members of your packs help myself and Lorag serve as guards, I would be appreciative. Now, during the trial itself...how likely do you think it is that Harriet will be able to motivate a violent response from her packs? Considering that, at that time, all of your packs will be present as well. With all of your packs united against hers, it would be suicidal for them to attack. There would be casualties on both sides, certainly, but they would not have no hope of victory. How many of them, after seeing the trial and hearing the evidence against her, do you believe would be willing to lay down their lives in that manner?" Meesei asked. It did seem to her that even Harriet's loyalists would hesitate to raise up arms after the trail, but there was still genuine concern in her voice.

[Muttonhawk]

"No quarter of the clan would attack the rest, surely," Vera answered.

"I would not question the loyalty of Harriet's alphas, but the lycans below them will range from devoted to hesitant." Darahil crossed his arms as he was wont to do while discussing serious matters, "What I would be more worried about is if it was a free-for-all. It may be possible, however difficult, to incite violence between our packs if we lieutenants cannot keep them united. Then it would be a fairer fight for Harriet's followers."

"Hmm..." Oswall's gravely voice followed with advice that was more pertinent to his experience, and was spoken with less characteristic patience. "If Harriet knows that we are trying to avoid bloodshed, she may use that as leverage against us. It would be the one that strikes first that will be at fault. We mustn't be the ones to do that or it could fracture loyalties throughout our own packs."

Vera looked between Oswall and Darahil. "Yes, but after the evidence is heard, there will be doubts within her own ranks as well, will there not?"

"Quite, but not enough to reduce the threat until negligible." Oswall turned his head and waved a hand, "Is would be a gamble to rely on the evidence to convince them all. If I were in her position I would see my only escape as sewing chaos within the clan enough to escape during the confusion." Oswall leaned forward and looked at Meesei intently, "If she truly believes herself innocent, I think the trial will be far less troublesome."

"I don't understand. Why would Harriet want to tear the clan apart?" Vera asked.

Darahil attempted an answer. "If it weren't for the champion, and Hircine's forewarning, she might be alpha by now. I suspect that there is more communication between the traitor and Vile's followers than the we bargained for. More ruses to pull, had the plan not been disrupted. Remember the last ambush against Vile's followers? It was lead by Harriet, and there were those who escaped. Knowing Vile, however, he would have twisted the outcome to cause the downfall of the clan in any case. If she tries to destroy us now, it will be because she has no other choice."

[EliteCommander]

Meesei listened to the discussion of the others to get a sense of the current state of the clan. As expected, it seemed like some individuals loyal to Harriet might fight even if it was suicide but others would have doubts. The fear of death from fighting the other three quarters of the clan, coupled with doubts from seeing the trial itself, could keep many of them from taking action. However, to avoid bloodshed entirely could prove difficult.

"I do not know if it will be possible to eliminate entirely the risk of bloodshed. From what you describe, some of her followers are fiercely loyal, and loyalty can sometimes outweigh even the will to live. However, we can do everything within our power to lower that risk. First and foremost, we need to be united, and your packs need to understand that we are united. After the announcement tomorrow, I would recommend speaking to your packs about this. Let them know that you three are not enemies, and that even many in Harriet's packs are not likely to follow her. How you go about it is up to you, but I would recommend that you all speak to them together, to show that you are not enemies. If Harriet's packs are certain that the rest of the clan would stand against them, more of them would be unwilling to raise arms in support of Harriet." Meesei recommended. Staying united could act as a deterrent against violence, but to keep the peace entirely, Meesei had another, more risky idea.

Meesei took in a deep breath before continuing. "Do you believe Harriet's clan to be honorable in their service to her, even if they are misguided? Because I have an idea of how to use that. It will be dangerous, but for this clan, I am willing to accept the risk. Harriet is not going to be able to spread chaos before the trial, I will see to that personally. However, once she has the clan's ear at the trial, there will be no way to stop her from attempting it. She will have to call for violence in front of everyone, but that means I will be able to address the entire clan as well. As I am sure you know, the title of Champion is an earned one. It is based on merit and strength. As such, if someone proves themselves to be the stronger, they can take the title themselves. Given the position she carries, Harriet could earn my title by challenging me. However, I could also pose to her a challenge as well. If she tries to provoke the clan to violence, and it seems like it is working, then I will challenge her, in front of the entire clan, to a duel to the death. I will challenge her to prove that she has Hircine's favor, and that her actions were just, by claiming my title. From Harriet's reputation, I cannot imagine she would deny such a challenge, and if she did, then she might lose the confidence of even her closest allies. In either case, it would stop the clan from breaking out into a fight."

[Muttonhawk]

Oswall raised his eyebrows at Meesei's suggestion. "A trial by combat? Now that would be a gamble and a half."

"Champion, if you were to attempt that, you would have to make sure that it isn't in desperation, else Harriet could easily decline and resume goading the packs." Vera reccomended, "It would only be her pride, if anything, that would cause her to accept."

Darahil responded to Vera, "Harriet would also have the pride of those who follow her to satisfy. If she declines, she may lose the faith of a key few regardless of circumstance." He looked to Meesei again, "Still, it would be best it we attempted to maintain unity from the outset. Harriet is a fierce warrior, but also a cunning one. Challenging your packmate Lorag was spur of the moment, but she has had a couple of days to size you up, champion. Do not be surprised if she is prepared for a fight."

"This time, she won't be fighting as part of her own personal mating ritual," Oswall mentioned in a severe tone.

[EliteCommander]

Meesei nodded with a severe expression in response to the others' counsel. It was a risky plan, but then again, there was likely no plan they could create which would be truly free of risk. "I understand. If I am to issue the challenge, I will have to seize the opportunity at the right moment to give the proper impact. If I issue the challenge properly, it will seem dishonorable for her to decline. As for the fight itself, I will not make the mistake of underestimating her. If we fight, it will be a fight to the death, and I shall not spare her. But, unifying everyone should be our first choice. I strongly recommend that you work together to speak to your packs, as soon as you are able."

Meesei hoped that the lieutenants would be willing to work together, now that their suspicion was not directed at one another. She understood that the past day had been overwhelmingly stressful, but they needed to at least put on a show of cooperation. "Now, before we go, there is one final matter: the announcement itself. This news is obviously not something the clan will take well. I do not see a way that we will be able to keep the fact that we suspect Harriet a secret, not for long. Therefore, it would likely be best to be open with the clan about it. However, for news like this, I do not know if I am the best one to give it. I may be the Champion, but you all are the people they know and trust. Do you believe that it would be best for me to deliver the announcement, or one of you?"

[Muttonhawk]

There was a pause before Vera spoke to answer. "...I think it would be best if one of us would announce it." Her head hung down as her voice lowered, "I'm not sure that I could bear to, though."

"Either myself or Darahil will do. We have both been seniors in the clan for a long time." Oswall shifted to address Darahil in a less serious pose, "As much as I am loathe to hand out compliments to the likes of you, Darahil, I believe you are superior in oratory. We will be by your side if you would address the clan."

Darahil made took no outward notice of Oswall's humour, though humour did not seem in his nature. He considered for a few moments, then sighed and nodded. "Very well. Champion, is there anything in particular you wanted announced beyond simply explaining the situation?"

[EliteCommander]

"Aside from explaining what happened, it would obviously be best to do what we can to attempt to calm the fears they will no doubt have upon hearing this news. It will be a daunting task, given the situation, but we can try to address as many concerns as possible. However, doing so will require a delicate balance in how you address the crowd. We have to reassure the clan that we are in control of the situation, and there will be justice for Jerrick. However, at the same time, we have to avoid ostracizing Harriet's packs, or causing anyone to shift blame onto them. I would attempt to emphasize that all of them, no matter their leader, should be united in these trying times. Try to emphasize that Harriet will be receiving a fair trial, judged by a neutral party. Although, you would know better than I what your community would respond to." Meesei explained, glancing between Vera and Oswall. "I would suggest you confer with each other on how best to appeal to your individual packs. I know it may be difficult, Vera, but it is also an option that each of you could speak up during the announcement, if you feel that would lead to a better result. In any case, all of us should be present when it is time."

"For now, I need to return to Harriet and keep a watch on her. I am sure she will want to start right away on building her defense. Oswall, Darahil, if you could step out into the hall with the others for a moment, I would like to speak to Vera on an unrelated matter." Meesei requested.

[Muttonhawk]

"We will do our very best," Oswall said as he stood up with Darahil, "Personally, I am glad that this wretched business is nearing closer to resolution." They both spoke no further as they exited the chamber.

Vera wasn't exactly thrilled about speaking of her husbands death in front of the entire clan, but she didn't protest to Meesei. She just remained seated, looking to one side. The betrayal of trust that Harriet had apparently committed was still staggering her mind. After a short moment, she spoke up to Meesei without looking at her. "It's about Caleb, isn't it?" Vera asked, "I've not been in contact with him either. I was going to try and find him after this meeting."

[EliteCommander]

Meesei nodded in response to Vera, stepping closer to her and speaking more quietly to make sure the others could not hear them from outside, in case they were still close to the door. "Yes, I had Ahnasha looking for him while you all were waiting, but she could not find him. I...admit, I had to deceive you on something before, but now that you are no longer a suspect, I can speak more freely. I was aware of your son when you asked me earlier today, though I did not know where he was, and still do not. I had asked Jerrick to give me the names of those he felt he could trust, and Caleb's name was among them. When I requested his presence, I did not know he was your son, or I likely would have kept him distant from the matter. Still, the only thing I asked of him was to keep an eye out for any information of interest, so I have no way of knowing where he could be."

Meesei still could not reveal everything about her investigation, namely the identities of her other contacts, but as Caleb's mother, Meesei felt Vera should know if something was potentially wrong with her son. After what Vera had been through already, Meesei prayed to Hircine that Caleb was alright, and indeed, it wasn't guaranteed that he had been harmed. "Is disappearing like this something that is normal for him? You know him better than I. With what I have told you, do you think you could guess where he might be? I regret I cannot join you personally in the search just yet, but Ahnasha, Kaleeth, or perhaps both can aid you." She offered.

[Muttonhawk]

"I appreciate the offer, but I think I will just go myself, unless you wish me guarded like before. You need all the hands you have to keep track of..." Vera paused and gestured around her, "...this situation. As for Caleb, he has an independent mind, but he doesn't normally disappear like this." Vera's voice became slightly solemn as she contemplated out loud, "He is young and rash sometimes, I must admit. If you told him about Jerrick, then he has likely become angry and withdrawn, that is what he does when he is upset. I feel that he is smart enough not to put himself into danger, though. It's just a matter of finding him."

[EliteCommander]

"I understand, I trust your judgment on this. I think you would know best on how to find him." Meesei said with a nod. "I do not have any reason to believe there is anything wrong with him, but I felt I should tell you. I would like to keep at least one person with you to help protect you, though. Take Kaleeth; she is stronger than she gives herself credit for." Meesei instructed. While she knew that Kaleeth's skill with weaponry was not exceptional at the moment, it was her lycan form that Meesei felt was capable. For any foe not prepared to face it, a werecrocodile could be devastating.

"I do not believe Harriet will be able to direct anyone to harm you before the trial, as I will be watching her constantly, but it is best to be safe. Even if Harriet cannot order them, there may be the possibility that some of them might do something rash of their own accord. Anyway, I do not believe there is anything more to say now. We should all get to our respective tasks." Meesei said, motioning for Kaleeth to gather her equipment and follow Vera.

After stepping out into the hall, Meesei quickly rejoined the others. As requested, they were all waiting with varying degrees of patience. Inwardly, Meesei felt nervous and uncertain. There was no way to be sure that the choices she was making were the right ones, but they were choices she had to make. She could not be sure if it was a good idea to let Harriet wander the ruin, but she knew it would not be wise to proceed with the trial without allowing Harriet to form a defense. She could not be sure if her plan for avoiding violence would work, but it was the best plan she had. Those, and all of her other decisions, weighed on her mind, but on the surface, she was just as calm as always. "I do not believe there is any more left to do here. Janius, you should stay with Oswall, and Fendros with Darahil. I do not want to risk any more tragedies. Harriet, myself and Lorag are going to stay with you. There are some rules I am going to have to establish, but you will have the ability to form your defense."

[Muttonhawk]

Now that the group had run through the agenda set out, they all strode out to their separate ways. The lieutenants exchanged varying looks with Harriet, but they had no words for the situation. Even if she did betray them, they couldn't be sure. There were no appropriate words to give while they were near one another in the corridor.

Fendros looked at Ahnasha and Rhazii again and felt rather dubious about remaining with Darahil, but he knew that this wasn't over yet. He brushed a hand over Ahnasha's shoulder and gave her a somewhat forced smile. "Duty calls, I'll see you later then."

At the end of the corridor, Oswall stopped and turned to the others. "Darahil," he focused up to the stern Altmer, "I would discuss what you had in mind for the announcement. Are you busy?"

"I am always busy, but I think it fine that we talk now. Let us go to my office." Darahil responded.

Upon Meesei's suggestion, Vera found Kaleeth and asked her to accompany her search for Caleb. They would start by finding his friends and asking them about the last time they saw him.

Harriet paid no one any heed and headed straight to gather up her alphas. As soon as Meesei objected to bringing to many of her followers together, she had them shooed away and found a quiet spot to meet with them. She was bombarded by questions from every direction, but she answered none. She managed to contain the simmering anger that was evident in her expression for a surprising amount of time, especially with the difficulty in finding a spot where she could confide in her followers privately, while still being close enough to other residents that Meesei and Lorag did not feel as if they would be ambushed. It seemed as if Harriet was about to explode until they eventually found a small chamber with a closable door near to the school chamber. Harriet ordered her alphas to take a seat before she began.

"Alright, shut up everyone," Harriet gazed across her alphas from a head angled forward. "First thing's first. Everything said here? Doesn't get said anywhere else unless I say so, okay? If I find out you've been yappin'-" Harriet pointed her finger around to everyone, "-I'm gonna toss you out. For good. No exceptions. Is that understood?" Harriet was deadly serious in her tone. Her alphas picked it up and nodded, murmuring in agreement. They were all still slightly confused as to what the situation was. "I heard that a lot of people have been asking questions. You can all feel that something isn't right. Darahil and the others are going to give you all the full story tomorrow, but basically...Jerrick was found dead last night."

The alphas gave each other sideways glances as a quite shock struck the room to silence. Harriet let it sink in before continuing.

"He was poisoned." Harriet lowered her eyes from those around her. She flicked her head in Meesei's direction while she started again. "The champion here has accused me of doing it. Her story is pretty good." At this point Harriet looked up to face her followers, not with a stern and angry face, but with a pleading expression. She betrayed just a hint of fear. "I'm telling all of you the truth when I say I didn't kill Jerrick. The champion's got the upper hand because she gets to hear all of this, but I need your help to prove to everyone that her story doesn't add up." Harriet looked over to Meesei once more, "I'll just ask once. Are you sure you can't let me talk privately?"

[EliteCommander]

Meesei maintained a neutral demeanor through Harriet's explanation. She did not want to intrude upon Harriet's attempts to build her defense, so she decided it would be best to remain an observer as much as possible. Only once Harriet spoke to her directly did she become involved. "Harriet, you are going to have access to everything I know. I will have all of my notes pertaining to the investigation translated for you to review as you please. I will take whatever time is needed to clarify and answer your questions on them, and the investigation as a whole. I will not have an upper hand because you will have access to all evidence I have gathered. Just the same, nothing should be withheld from me. I want there to be no surprises during this trial, does that sound fair? My interest is not in finding someone to blame, it is to find the truth. If you can find evidence that exonerates you, there will be no need to even put you through a trial to begin with."

There was much Meesei could say if she wanted to explain the situation, and why Harriet was a suspect, to Harriet's alphas, but she elected to allow her to give that explanation herself. Meesei did not want to be seen as trying to influence the alphas away from Harriet, so she would only speak up if she saw that Harriet was misleading them on the facts of the case.