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

[Muttonhawk]

Gallus nodded. He had no doubt that there would eventually be a proper confrontation between Ri'vashi and her fellow council member, but it was good to hear that things were going smoothly for now. The last thing they needed was an unstable authority in the clanhome.

As for Ri'vashi's offer, Gallus seemed slightly surprised, but after a second found no reason not to agree. "Of course," he said lightheartedly, "I think we've been working hard for so long that I've forgotten to sit back and just make small talk." He gave a proper smile this time. "It would be a pleasure, clan leader."

[EliteCommander]

As the pair headed towards the dining chamber, Ri'vashi attempted to move on from their previous topic of conversation. Any decisions regarding their prisoners would need to be made with the Champion, and the situation with Dro'cahi was one she would have to deal with herself. So for now, there was no point in worrying about such matters.

"So Gallus, what is life like in Cyrodiil? Bruma specifically. From what this one knows of the place, it is basically in Skyrim. Just with some more Imperial influence. This one is no stranger to the cold, and she has lived around some Nords, but Skyrim was not a place father took her often after he found her. The bandits that sacked this one's caravan were Forsworn, after all. For most of this one's upbringing that she can remember, she lived in High Rock." Ri'vashi explained.

---

Meesei, after leaving the prisoner, headed to the dining chamber as well. It was around the time that most of the clan was eating, but her first matter of business was not her own meal. Instead, she sought out Janius, Kaleeth, Fendros, and Ahnasha to ask that they join her at a table. In all likelihood, it was not going to be too long before they set out for Vile's stronghold in the region, provided their scouts' reports were not unfavorable. As such, there was a matter they still needed to discuss.

Once they were all gathered together, Meesei was the first to start. "I apologize if I interrupted anything, but there is something I feel we should discuss. It relates to the attack on the stronghold. As you know, Corinthe is a sizable march from here, and at the minimum, we will be away for several weeks. We need to discuss what to do about your children."

[Muttonhawk]

"I think it is more accurate to say that Bruma is basically a Cyrodilic town with Skyrim influences." Gallus explained casually with his hands behind his back. "There are no Forsworn around, we're too far east from that area. Not that I know what they look like, of course. Anyway, Bruma's a nice enough place. The people there are stronger willed than other cities that I've seen so far, but hard working and mostly friendly. There are thatch houses, warm fires, Imperial fortifications, and a temple. Unique for Cyrodiil, I'm told, but maybe I've been there too many times." Gallus glanced sideways to Ri'vashi and his tone became matter-of-fact, "Though, with the clanhome being a few hours away from the city, I don't go there any more often than others in my clan. It's either trips for buying and selling things or simply a rotating stay to keep an eye on the place. In fact, I was born a lycan, so to say that I grew up in Imperial culture isn't completely true."

Gallus turned his head to Ri'vashi and decided to give her an excuse to speak. He didn't feel right rambling for too long. "You know, I've not been introduced to your pack- or...pride? I'm sorry, I'm not familiar with what werebears would call such a thing, if they have it."

---

With the others whom Meesei had summoned at the table, Fendros just about knew what the topic of conversation was going to be before Meesei started. He had Rhazii on his lap, who was taking morsels of food from the cut up meat in front of him and slowly eating. Fendros was the first to answer, "Well, it goes without saying that they would need someone to take care of them," Fendros glanced down at Rhazii, "As much as I would like to stay with Rhazii, I would feel more comfortable with the children staying here with the clan rather than going out on a march."

At this, Rhazii started to pay more attention to the conversation around him.

"I'm thinking the same thing," Janius said. He looked to Meesei and leaned his forearms against the table. "Do you require us all to go with you, or may one or two of us stay behind? If we're going away for so long, it would be hard on the children, but I would trust one or more of Gallus' pack to care for them." In spite of his openness, Janius' brow was slightly knotted in worry.

[EliteCommander]

Ri'vashi chuckled. "Well, this one may be their leader, but most of them are werelions, so we call ourselves a pride. That is one way in which we are different from the beasts on which our lycan forms are based. Animals do not tend to gather together with those outside their own kind, and indeed, it is against the instincts of our beast spirits, but as people, we can act against our own nature. This one's pride is seven strong, and consists of people of varying ranks. None of her pride are on her council, by the rules established by her father. The council works best if the leader views them as advisers instead of direct subordinates."

The pair reached the dining chamber shortly afterwards and started gathering their meals, though Ri'vashi continued the conversation. "Anyway, there are some born lycans within this one's clan. Perhaps not as many as some older clans, but some of our younger members were born in this stronghold. Some were born elsewhere, and joined us along with their families. Personally, Ri'vashi almost envies them. It would be the ideal way for new lycans to be created, rather than infection from an existing lycan. So many tragic experiences could be avoided that way. Is your family still safe back in the Bruma clan?"

---

With the answered she had received so far, Meesei showed some relief. Asking parents to separate from their children for an extended time was not easy, nor something she wanted to do, but it was perhaps necessary. "I was going to suggest that they stay here, yes. This time, our warband will consist only of those who are going to be needed for our attack. However, unless the enemy stronghold's defenses are significantly weaker than I am expecting, I can say that I would prefer to have you all with me. You are my pack, those who I trust, and that I know work together well. I worry it would endanger us to split ourselves apart for this attack. The reason I wanted to speak with you all was to ask if you would be comfortable leaving them here during that time. This should be a safe place for them, far more safe than they have been for the past few weeks. I would suggest that whoever is left here with them be someone who will not be needed in the attack."

Ahnasha was not exactly comfortable with the suggestion, but was too conflicted to outright protest. She looked down at Rhazii, along with Newt, who was sitting on the ground at Fendros' feet, looking up at Rhazii. Though it had been years, the tragedy that had occurred with Rhazii in Black Marsh was not something she would ever forget. It still weighed on her mind, and influenced her thoughts about leaving him behind now. Granted, they would be leaving him in the care of friends and allies, rather than a den of Vampires, but she still would not be able to see him for weeks.

"You want them to...stay here?" Ahnasha said, pausing for a deep breath. "Of course I don't want them to be with us out in danger, but...who exactly should we leave them with? What if it turns out we will need Gallus' pack? They are mostly warriors. Though...I would rather take that risk than leave Rhazii with someone I can't trust."

[Muttonhawk]

"Yes...well, my mother and father are," Gallus replied brightly, "My pack is with me and I don't really have any other family. Father is head of the militia on the council and mother...well, she helps out where ever she can these days, but she used to be a master swordswoman. They met after they were both turned, so I guess I'm especially lucky." Gallus held his hands out either side, "Didn't have to witness close terrors. Just..." He sighed and frowned, "Just other people's."

Gallus brought his hands behind his back and changed the subject, looking up to Ri'vashi again. "I understand that you were found, but did you ever have anyone you considered like a mother to you?"

They had both arrived at the dining hall by now.

---

Fendros noticed Ahnasha's concerns and reached out a hand to take hers below the table. He looked to her and squeezed her hand reassuringly.

"Sabine has taken care of Rhazii plenty of times before, that is one option," Fendros suggested. He turned his head back to Meesei, "As for Gallus' pack, I would hate to pull anyone out of the battle who needs to be there. I would trust any of them really - except perhaps Tzirret. From what I have seen I don't think he would be assertive enough." Fendros shook his head. He didn't want to go off on a tangent. "Uthri seems capable. Peiter would manage, I think, though I doubt he would appreciate it."

Fendros paused to allow others to speak and Janius took the opportunity. "Wouldn't Irenya also be a good candidate? She is a healer, and more than stern enough," Janius spoke casually, but looked less sure when he saw Fendros' reaction.

"Well..." Fendros looked to one side dubiously, "It's not as if she can't be trusted, it's just..." Fendros had no doubt that Ahnasha would have an opinion to sound in his hesitation.

[EliteCommander]

Ri'vashi shook her head. "No, not after father found Ri'vashi. She does remember her mother; she was probably around...ten years of age or so when the attack happened, so she does remember her birth parents. But, those memories are not too clear. Father, um, the one who found this one; his name was Ennond Morette. A Breton man. He happened upon Ri'vashi hiding among the foliage near the wreckage of her caravan and took pity on her. She remembers he originally intended just to get her to safety, but he did not want to take her to Markarth. Instead, he took us back west into High Rock, but that took a while. We were held up by the weather, and a few other problems. By the time we made it to the next town, this one had apparently grown attached. Ri'vashi doesn't know how true his story was, because she remembers it a bit differently, but according to him, she wrapped her arms around him and wouldn't let go when he tried to drop her off at the local chapel. He said that when she looked up at him with her big, shimmering eyes, he made the 'best bad decision' of his life."

Ri'vashi sat down with her meal at a nearby table, though did not start eating immediately, as she was too distracted with her reminiscing. "Ri'vashi doesn't think father ever thought he would have a daughter, or any family really. He had some friends; other lycans he knew, but nothing so close as a daughter. He was already a grumpy old man when he found this one. Well, perhaps not 'old' exactly, but he was getting older. That started to change not too long after he found this one. He formed what would eventually become our clan; perhaps because he wanted more stability for us."

---

Just as Fendros expected, Ahnasha was immediately uncomfortable with the idea of leaving Rhazii with Irenya. She was surprised he even made the suggestion, but she supposed he was trusting her more after she apparently spoke to him for whatever reason. Regardless, she voiced her disapproval. "I don't think Irenya would be a good idea for that."

Meesei actually agreed with Ahnasha, but for different, more practical reasons. "Irenya is a talented healer, and may be able to save lives during this attack. I believe she would be more helpful joining the warband. Perhaps another would be more suitable?"

Though not completely confident in her thoughts, Kaleeth did have one suggestion. Once everyone was quiet, she spoke up, albeit hesitantly. "I wish we didn't have to leave them behind, but it is better for keeping them safe. Maybe...well, we've made some friends since we've gotten to Elsweyr. Ra'kalesh's pride has been with us since the day we first arrived, and they've been with us through all of it. I...would trust any of them to at least do their best, I think."

[Muttonhawk]

Gallus took a seat opposite Ri'vashi and began eating as she recounted her past with her adoptive father. It was a bit unclear to Gallus whether she was turned before or after the attack that apparently killed her parents, but something more was on his mind regarding the story.

"You know," he said through a mouthful, pausing to swallow. "Your story sounds awfully similar to Tzirret's. I suppose the circumstances were a bit different, but he grew up in a caravan as well." Gallus gestured with one hand holding a dried fruit, "He would have even gone through that at about the same age as you did." Gallus popped the fruit into his mouth and looked to his food with a smirk, "The similarities probably end there, though."

---

Fendros was glad that Ahnasha's response was fairly subdued. Kaleeth's suggestion was not as readily excepted. Fendros pursed his lips and held Rhazii a little more tightly. He spoke quickly and uncomfortably, "No, I'm...I would much rather Gallus' or our own pack. Someone who can protect them as well as care for them."

It was only then, with the combination of Ahnasha and Fendros' adverse responses, that Janius realised why they were being particularly protective. He looked to the table, then to the pair of them, and spoke sympathetically, "Alright, if it is a guardian we need, I'm sure Uthri, Sabine, or Peiter would be willing to help."

[EliteCommander]

"This one does not believe you have told her who Tzirret is, so she cannot say how similar our stories are." Ri'vashi responded. "Father took care of this one for a few years before he turned her. She did not really understand it all back then, but he felt it would be best for her to be a lycan like him. It would let her be an actual part of our clan. It took years more before our clan was large enough to justify moving, though Ri'vashi does not think anyone expected him to move us so far. He never went into great detail as to why he moved us here, just that he thought we would be safer here. If he was actually a Blade, that would make it even more confusing, since he took us straight into the Dominion. Our clan has grown much since then, though, especially over the past few years. We still have some of our original members, though, like Dro'cahi, Erina, and Gnolok. They're all members of the council. Ri'vashi has no doubt you will meet them when it comes time to plan our departure in detail."

---

Ahnasha personally was not quite as against Kaleeth's suggestion as Fendros, as they had been with Ra'kalesh's pride for well over a month by this point, and she considered many of them friends. Certainly, she would trust any of them more than she would trust Irenya, but if Fendros was against it, she was not about to try to push for that option. "Well, S'ajira and Jo'rashaad do have a daughter, but if you don't want them taking care of them..." Ahnasha began, pausing as she tried to think of who would be best for the task.

"Uthri is the most mature of that group. I don't know how much experience with children she has, but she would be the most responsible." Ahnasha suggested.

[Muttonhawk]

"Mmm," Gallus nodded in response before swallowing his food. "I'm interested to see what they're like."

Gallus finished another mouthful before continuing. "It sounds like your father was a very driven man to come this far south-east with a clan. And into such an...well, I'll be frank, it's inhospitable in this rocky desert. To think that you're getting lots of recruits just like everywhere else is interesting, though. I wouldn't have expected it this far from a more verdant hunting ground." Gallus looked down to pick up more food, but interrupted himself, "Tzirret is my charge, by the way. A Khajiit lad, just over seventeen by now."

If Ri'vashi wanted to know more about Gallus' packmates, he figured that she could ask. Gallus decided to move on to other curiosities he had. "You know, you tend to be a serious sort much of the time, Ri'vashi. It comes with the leadership, I understand, but do you ever get much time to just let your hair down with others? Have a drink or something?" Gallus asked casually as he began to chew again. "Do you have many friends just to catch up?" Gallus' voice lowered as he grinned like a mischievous gossiper, "Any paramours?"

---

Janius put a hand forward and tried to console Fednros' worries. "Jo'rashaad and S'ajira would be fine guardians, Fendros. Think about it; they're both parents with a strong sense of loyalty and they've been through a similar experience to you and Ahnasha, in a way."

There was a pause where Fendros didn't bring his eyes up from the table. After a long, deep breath in, Fendros closed his eyes and nodded. "Perhaps you're right. I'm just...overreacting." He looked up and around at everyone else, "They'll be fine."

Janius smiled. He was glad that he didn't set off Fendros' temper.

"Dada?"

Fendros angled his head to one side and looked down at Rhazii.

"Are you..." Rhazii was talking quietly. He seemed to be in a state of disbelief as his ears pulled back. "...are you and mama really leaving for a long time?"

With a tight, regretful frown, Fendros nodded. "Yes. For three weeks, maybe a month."

Rhazii's head turned to look between his mother and his father as his face began to contort in shock and sadness. He seemed to forget about his food as he shut his eyes and started crying.

"Oh, little one, I'm sorry. You won't be alone here. You'll still have Newt to play with, and you'll be able to make more friends here." Fendros' attempts to mollify Rhazii didn't seem to be working, even as he gave him a hug.

"I don't want mama and dada to leave!" Rhazii moaned into Fendros' chest.

Fendros began to stroke Rhazii's back comfortingly, but looked to Ahnasha with some worry. It was the first time that they would both be leaving Rhazii for so long.

[EliteCommander]

Speaking about her father, Ri'vashi nodded in agreement. "This one's father was many things; confusing being chief among them. He also had a tendency to be completely right. There were several in our fledgling clan who feared for their lives going into the desert, and understandably so. But then, he brought us straight to this oasis with abundant water for our needs, and plenty of space to grow food. As for our current population, our proximity to the trade routes connecting to Orcrest is what brings us most of our members. It may seem counter-intuitive at first, but the fact that we are in a desert makes it much easier to find new lycans. In other places, a new lycan can flee into the wilderness and reasonably expect to survive, but here, fleeing into the desert would most likely end in death. So, lycans have to stay close to sources of water, which means staying closer to civilization. We simply have our scouts watching those prime locations to find those who have recently turned."

As the conversation shifted to herself, Ri'vashi was less certain, and minorly uncomfortable, with her answers. "Well, Ri'vashi doesn't know what her hair has to do with anything, but...she does not have a great deal of time to herself. She needs to be able to fulfill her responsibilities as any time, so she does not drink often. And, um..." Ri'vashi began, breaking eye contact as a hint of embarrassment came across her face. "...she has never had a lover, no."

---

Ahnasha immediately leaned over and put her arm around Rhazii as soon as he started his cries. In this case, she was not going to blame him for causing such a scene. "We don't want to leave either, son. We want to stay here with you, but we also want you to be safe. We have to go and deal with the bad people so they won't be able to hurt you, okay? You'll be here with people you know, and you'll be able to make new friends."

Meanwhile, Newt had not been paying as close of attention as Rhazii, but once Rhazii had started crying, he knew that something had to be wrong. He looked up to his own parents silently, but with enough confusion in his eyes to easily communicate his own fear. Kaleeth was starting to feel a mix of guilt and dread about having to explain to her son that they were going to be leaving him for such a long time. Turning her head towards Janius, she tightly grabbed his hand with a nervous gaze. For this, she would certainly need his help.

[Muttonhawk]

"Never?" Gallus straightened in surprise. He had not held out a strong expectation that Ri'vashi would talk about such a personal topic, but he had expected her answer even less. Still, he had no interest in berating Ri'vashi for it. He leaned back and shrugged, "Hm, it takes some humility to admit that much. Though, I guess its nothing really to be ashamed of." He let out a small laugh, "Sounds like your father may have chased them all away in your youth."

As Gallus took in another mouthful, still grinning with amusement, he felt as though he was being a bit mean to Ri'vashi. He decided to try and turn the tone around. "Actually, that's a thought," Gallus' grin faded for the most part as he looked to the table for a moment, "Have you ever been in love, Ri'vashi? It could be something of a liability if you haven't." Gallus still spoke casually, but was definitely not teasing this time. He looked to Ri'vashi with wide eyes. "That's not to say that you couldn't deal with it if it becomes a problem for your leadership position, but if you don't know how to recognise it and act accordingly..." Gallus turned up both of his palms and pushed out his lower lip, "...you might be manipulated without knowing it."

Gallus paused for a moment to let his words sink in, taking another bite of his dinner as he went. His next words were spoken as casually as everything else. "Any Khajiit that you're interested in here in the clan?"

---

"I don't want mama and dada to leave!" Rhazii repeated, just as loudly as before.

Fendros sighed through his nose. He knew that there was no way Rhazii would stop crying without changing their plans and that wasn't an option. He looked up to Meesei and mouthed an apology to her before grabbing his chair with one hand and shuffling over towards Ahnasha. There, Rhazii could be comforted by them both until he was less upset.

Over on the other side of the table, Janius spoke. "We had best seek out Jo'rashaad and S'ajira after this and ask them if they could help us-" Janius was interrupted when Kaleeth took his hand. He looked back at her, then noticed Newt looking just as worried. He understood what he needed to do.

Janius stood up from his chair and beckoned Newt over with a forced smile. "Come here, child." When Newt approached, Janius knelt down to his eye level and took him by the shoulders. He spoke seriously, but in a high enough voice so as to keep Newt from being too afraid. "Now, son, in a few days your mother and father are going to be away for a while. You'll be staying here with Jo'rashaad and S'ajira, okay? We will be back soon, but you have to promise that you'll be good and that you and Rhazii will take care of each other, understand?"

[EliteCommander]

Ri'vashi crossed her arms and gave an exaggerated huff. "Ri'vashi is not being manipulated. That would require someone actually be remotely close to her." She chuckled before taking on a more relaxed expression.Even if he had not been teasing her, she did not see how being alone could be a danger to her. "This one does have friends, of course, but...not in such a casual sense, she supposes. She has never been that kind of social, since there were never really others her age around as a cub. And, being the daughter of the clan leader, Ri'vashi guesses any potential mates later on felt intimidated. Of course, talk of the past like that is just speculation. There is no point dwelling on it. Ri'vashi is the clan leader now, and honestly, is happy with the current state of things. There is no one she longs after, or secretly hopes to swoon. There is just her duty." She explained, though she could not hide the hint of doubt in her tone.

Ri'vashi doubted that Gallus would give up on his line of questioning, considering that she had made the mistake of answering him to begin with. But, she could, perhaps, turn the conversation against him. Leaning forward with her elbows resting on the table, she smirked at him. "Now, Ri'vashi happens to recall you talking about your own history with women. You described yourself as having some...exciting encounters with women. Many of them. Do you seek love, or is your mind more kin to La'tahne?"

---

"Oh..." Newt responded with a depressed tone, lowering his head. "Is going...to be a long time?"

Similarly to Fendros, Kaleeth picked up Newt and held tightly onto him. "It...might be a while, yes. But...your mother knows that her son is a strong, brave little boy. You're a scary little crocodile, and you'll be just fine here. In fact, I think Rhazii is really going to need you to look after him. You think you can do that for me? Look after Rhazii?"

Kaleeth was quite intentionally attempting to "trick" Newt into being more accepting of the situation with her words. Given that Rhazii was both older, and a Cathay, he had always been the bigger and stronger of the two. While that could change once their lycanthropy fully set in, Newt would be the runt of the two for as long as they could be considered children. By suggesting that Newt might actually be able to protect Rhazii, she hoped to inspire some bravery in him. Indeed, he did actually start to smile, even with the tears in his eyes.

Meesei, at this point, was feeling somewhat out of place. Both sets of parents needed to comfort their children, and since they had reached a decision, there was nothing more she could do for them. "I...believe I will go speak to S'ajirra and Jo'rashaad. I will leave you to take some time together."

[Muttonhawk]

Gallus stopped chewing and peered up at Ri'vashi with some consideration. As he swallowed, he smiled widely and then guffawed. "I do appreciate deeper relationships than La'tahne, thank you very much," he said flatly, "As for my experiences-" he sucked in a breath through his teeth, "-exciting is a word that could be used, but it's a bit too positive as far as I can see."

In a complete reversal of the previous moment, Gallus leaned forward and spoke uneasily to the table while Ri'vashi held an expression of mischief. Gallus seemed less enthused about talking now, even somewhat uneasy. "Look, I'm...part of the reason why I travelled here was to...escape a few things." Gallus gestured to one side aimlessly, "Yes, I suppose I do seek love, but I feel as if I'm a bit too susceptible to it myself. Right now there are two-" Gallus closed his eyes and threw his head down and to one side for emphasis, "-lovely women back at Bruma that I may...have had relations with at the same time...without them knowing." Gallus' low tone clearly conveyed that he wasn't proud of this fact. "I wish I could say that I was as happy about the situation as you say you are with yours."

---

Janius was surprised that Newt wasn't crying quite as adamantly as Rhazii was. He put that down to either not understanding the situation or Kaleeth's encouragement. Janius decided to help with the latter as he stood up and walked behind Kaleeth to give them both a hug and rub the back of Newt's head. "We'll be back before you know it. Just stay brave, alright little Newt?"

"Thank you," Fendros said softly to Meesei as she left. For now, he just held onto Rhazii until he was ready to stop crying. The last time he was like this was when he was stung by a bee during a visit to Bruma in the warmer months of the year. No doubt he had a similar sting in his heart, but he would eventually be alright.

[EliteCommander]

For a moment, Ri'vashi seemed surprised, though that surprise faded as she thought about Gallus' explanation to her before. Instead, she simply closed her eyes and lightly shook her head. "Gallus...this one cannot say she approves, though neither do you, by the sound of it. You betrayed the trust of two women at once...and you think a little thing like a continent will protect you from their wrath." She chuckled.

Ri'vashi's expression became less joking, though not quite serious. She let out a sigh and interrupted herself for a moment to finally start on her meal. "If you want them both, fate might end up declaring that you get neither. If you were willing to move yourself half a continent away from either of them, isolating yourself from speaking to them for months, just to get away, or clear your head, then how sure are you that you really cared about them. It seems to Ri'vashi that if you loved either of them, then you would, well, actually want to be with them? Of course, what does Ri'vashi know about any of this? Perhaps you should not be taking advice from someone who has never been close to being in love."

[Muttonhawk]

"You think two is bad? This isn't the first time it's happened." Gallus said dryly in response to Ri'vashi's warning of their 'wrath'.

As for the rest of Ri'vashi's words, Gallus leaned his forehead on one hand and poked at his meal with a frown. "I'm quite sure I want to be with them, clan leader." Gallus' voice was lowering in volume as he spoke. "It is just that...I've been thinking. I can't keep doing it this way. I'll betray too many people and...get old and die lonely. I'm afraid. I feel as though I can't trust myself to stay committed. I'll just...make more mistakes." By the time Gallus finished, he was virtually mumbling.

He didn't know why he had decided to confide such personal issues in an ally he had only met a week ago. Perhaps because Ri'vashi had been so open with herself, or perhaps it was because the hulking Cathay-raht was one woman that he was afraid of getting too close to.

After an awkward silence, Gallus' eyes flicked up to Ri'vashi again and he swept his other hand through the air. "Bah," his voice tried to gather some levity, "I thought we were here to get our minds off dark matters. Feel free to change the subject."

---

By the time dinner rolled up, Tzirret had finished all of his duties for the day. His body was sore from training and bruises inflicted by Gallus that morning, but his few errands in the afternoon meant that he had plenty of time with his friends. With how enjoyable the day was, Tzirret even worked up the confidence to ask Ma'tanza if they could takes some time for just themselves that evening. There was no solid plan, but it would no doubt devolve into simple chatting and kissing. However, for all his mirth, the upcoming march was still weighing on Tzirret's mind. Not everything was resolved with his training with Gallus.

Instead of having his meal with Ma'tanza, as was usually the case lately, Tzirret sought out Peiter in the dining area to sit with him and eat. No doubt Sabine was nearby as well, retrieving her own meal.

"Um, hello Peiter," Tzirret said when he approached and sat opposite him. "How was your day?" Tzirret spoke nervously, no doubt because he was skirting around what he really wanted to ask about. The two had not been around each other as much as usual lately.

[EliteCommander]

"It's not a dark matter as much as just an embarrassing one, Ri'vashi thinks." She commented. "You do not seem nearly as certain as your words suggest, though this one supposes she cannot tell what you are uncertain about. Regardless, if relationships are such a dark subject for you, what would you consider a light one?"

Ri'vashi leaned back in her seat and looked Gallus over almost quizzically. "Perhaps...swordsmanship? You seemed quite interested in it during our last duel. How is it that you fight normally, anyway. We used blades last time, but is there another weapon you prefer? This one favors the sword, and heavy armor. As you know, she inherited her katana from her father. She inherited his armor too, but unfortunately, it does not exactly fit her."

---

Peiter had not expected to see Tzirret approaching him at dinner. He had been busy with his new friends for weeks by this point, so he had not been around him near as much as usual. Though, now that he was thinking about it, he actually did miss speaking with him. Once Sabine returned, they possibly would be able to just sit down and chat as they had many times on the way from Bruma to Elsweyr.

Tzirret was acting nervous, but for as long as Peiter had known him, that was nothing unusual, so Peiter did not see anything as being out of the ordinary. "I've been fine today. I've mostly been relaxing today, though I did help out in sorting some of the crates and barrels from the hallways into storage. The clan has had to be very...creative in finding storage space for all of the supplies we displaced when we arrived. What about you? I'm surprised to see you here instead of with Ma'tanza. Did you upset her?"

[Muttonhawk]

A few quips passed through Gallus' mind in response to Ri'vashi's attitude, but he just kept eating instead and let her change the subject. He seemed to brighten up and straighten in response, no longer looking depressed by leaning his head on his hand.

After a quick snort at the prospect of Ri'vashi trying to wearing armour made for a Breton, he spoke with a smile. "A hammer, actually, and several knives, as many as I can hide on my person. Back when my father tried to teach me how to fight, he emphasised strategy over honour and power in his teachings." Gallus chuckled through his nose, "I don't think he expected me to take his advice quite so closely to heart. I developed my fighting style to beat him by trying to outsmart him, beat his reflexes, hit him while he was out of reach, and not worry about armour quite as much. It turns out to be quite versatile, but...not when your opponent has a keen eye for such things."

Gallus used one of his said knives to cut a portion of his dinner pointedly. "There are very few things that a well placed dagger can't deal with." Gallus quickly ate a slice of meat before asking Ri'vashi. "Is it just swords for you, or other styles?"

---

"Huh? No, no," Tzirret said quickly. He glanced down and up, "Tzirret just had training and...other things today." Realising his hesitation, Tzirret took a breath and looked to him more seriously. "Are Peiter and Sabine coming on the march?"

Tzirret perhaps raised his voice a little more than he expected, but at least he was getting to the point.

[EliteCommander]

Ri'vashi brought her hand up to her chin. "Hmm, this one would disagree. She can think of many situations where daggers would be subprime. Armored opponents come to mind first and foremost. Technically a dagger could find its way into a gap in the armor, but realistically, that is a difficult task. If the opponent is skilled, they can gain a very strong advantage. Though, Ri'vashi does suppose you do have a hammer for that task. Blunt weapons are much more effective against armor. Then, there are ranged opponents. Reach is unmistakably an advantage in combat, either with a bow, or simply a long weapon. Throwing knives can extend one's range, but have problems penetrating even light armor, like leather or thickly layered cloth. Effective for small group skirmishes outside of a military setting, but on the battlefield, armor would be a limitation for them."

Through Ri'vashi's explanation, it was clear that the subject was one she enjoyed discussing, and might continue discussing for some time. "Ah, but as for this one's weapons, she carries a sword for defense, and is well-trained with it, but it would only be her sidearm on a proper battlefield. Spears and other polearms are the dominant weapons in war. There are few weapons that can match their capability and versatility in group formations. On a battlefield, individual skill is eclipsed by unit tactics and cohesion."

---

By this point, Peiter was recognizing the origin of Tzirret's apparent nervousness, and this was one time that he could not blame him in the slightest for being afraid. "Oh, I see. Yes, we will be going. I'm meant to be a part of the attack; it is what I've been trained for, after all. Sabine, as far as I know, will be there as well. Did Gallus say you would be coming too? Are you nervous about it? Trust me, that's nothing to be ashamed of. It's the same for me." He answered reassuringly.

[Muttonhawk]

Gallus managed to finish two mouthfuls of his dinner as he patiently listened to Ri'vashi's rebuttal. The way she spoke about the art of battle amused him. Once she finished, Gallus pointed to her chin briefly. "I have a request for you, Ri'vashi. Don't ever grow a beard. Otherwise I'll have two fathers after what you just said."

Even though Gallus figured that what he had said was more polite than flatly telling Ri'vashi that she was telling him what he already knew, he lightened his voice all the same. "You're right, though. I never said that my techniques were perfect. They're situational, even. I'll carry a spear and a shield just like anyone else in a formation." Gallus snorted again, "It's just a dagger on the end of a stick, after all."

Gallus then cut another slice of meat and leaned forward with a squint and a grin, "Now...correct me if I'm wrong, but this wouldn't happen to be a passion of yours, would it? I'm afraid that we might start swapping battle stories."

---

"Yes, Tzirret is coming too." Tzirret at least appeared slightly more relaxed after hearing that Peiter and Sabine would be marching as well. However, he was staring down at his food worriedly. "He is nervous, yes, but...Ma'tanza, Bheja, and S'nishi are coming as well. Ma'tanza will not be fighting, but Bheja will, and he had never been in a battle before."

Tzirret looked up at Peiter. "Back in Bruma, three years ago, we were separated in that fight. Could we...make sure to try and stay together this time? This one does not want any of us to get badly hurt."

[EliteCommander]

Ri'vashi shrugged her shoulders. "Well, this one does not see a problem with that. Though, she supposes she does not have many exceptional stories to tell. Nothing that you would not be familiar with. Ri'vashi has been training for combat for most of her life since father found her. He taught her how to use most common, and a few uncommon, weapons, and instructed her in battlefield tactics. This one does not know why he gave her any sort of training relating to the battlefield, since we did not actually have a war to fight back then, but perhaps it was just a way for us to bond? He claimed that Ri'vashi was a natural, but that was probably just his pride in his daughter talking. Some others have suggested that his training was the reason this one was selected as the clan's next leader, which could be true. Hopefully."

"What of you? Was your father's training the reason you were selected to accompany the Champion on her mission?" Ri'vashi asked.

---

Peiter seemed to be genuinely surprised when Tzirret explained that he would be joining the warband as well. Gallus had been training Tzirret to fight, but Peiter did not really think of him as a warrior, or a soldier. The thought of such a major battle was making even Peiter nervous, so he could only imagine what Tzirret was going through.

"Thad depends on where I am in the fight, honestly. If we're all close to the front, you probably don't want to be there. I don't know if we're going to be sticking together by pack, or splitting off into a larger formation. "But, um, I'm surprised you actually want to join in this attack. This attack isn't going to be like anything we've been in before. There was the attack on the clan a few years ago, but we were defending there, and I don't think either of us were really a part of the fighting. Are you sure you want to join the fight?"