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

[Muttonhawk]

Vera nodded. "It will be snug, though serviceable all the same. I will make arrangements with the quartermasters to purchase or hunt the extra food we need."

"If you want to pull off everyone accepting this, you'll need to make Do'rhajul an absolute secret until the whole story is told." Janius took his turn to speak up. "Anything less, people will think we're trying to trick them. Some group of angry packs'll descend right on him."

"We can trust Sabine to keep the secret until all is revealed," Vera said. "But you are right. If it is spread around that Do'rhajul is walking our clanhome before his submission to Sabine is revealed, all sorts of falsehoods will be assumed."

Oswall stroked his beard and asked. "Meesei, were you intending to hold this feast as soon as possible, or did you want to take time to bring guests? Leaders from other clans, perhaps?"

"We will need to work immediately to preserve the dragon if we do that," Darahil interrupted.

"I am aware," Oswall responded with a roll of his eyes. "That is why we should decide now."

---

Sabine smiled. "You do not have to worry about picking fights. Most people here lead normal lives." She turned and gestured for the pair to follow. "There is a small house attached to the compound my pack lives in that is only used for storage. We can find a bed long enough for you to sleep in. If there is none we will go to the carpenters and commission one."

As they walked, they passed by the bustle of the day. Various people went about their tasks. Some gave Do'rhajul looks, though it was more likely that his imposing figure and not his identity was the detail attracting attention.

"Each pack is a family, but families ties exist between them," Sabine explained. "And friendships. The Silent City is not much larger than a small town in Cyrodiil or Skyrim. Even though we are one of the largest clans, there are very few strangers aside from visitors. Everyone knows everyone."

Sabine waved at a woman scraping the back of a hide. The woman smiled back. "It is good to see you back, Sabine!"

"It is good to see you, too, Frieda," Sabine said as they passed by. She then resumed speaking to Do'rhajul and Yerig. "We still use septims to trade, and barter with other things. But we take care of one another. The community is small enough to keep it up." She lowered her voice. "Not many people were born as lycans here. Almost everyone knows how painful and lonely it feels when you are first turned. They know how much you have to leave behind. So we do all we can to make this place a haven where people can live in peace and rebuild themselves. A place to learn how to live with one's beast spirit so they do not take their pain out on others. That is why the clans started."

[EliteCommander]

"I do not believe we should delay. Start making preparations as soon as you can. We should hold it within the next day or two." Meesei replied. "Though, you do make a point that we should allow members of other clans to witness our announcements. Clan leaders may not be able to free themselves from their responsibilities to join us on such short notice, but they should at least be able to send some representatives. Although, now that I am thinking about it, even the largest of our chambers may not be enough to hold everyone. Particularly with more coming from other clans. I had wanted to use an interior space to allow everyone to hear our speeches, but I think a spell or two could remedy that issue."

Saras nodded. "Very well. I will have the word sent to the leaders of each clan to send someone if they are able. Compared to the myriad of other challenges we have faced as of late, this should not be difficult. Perhaps even pleasant, if all goes well. However, there are still the...other matters you mentioned: the preparations for our invasion. The timing for when we inform everyone of our plans will be crucial. All clans will have to be united in this, they will all have to be willing to lend every single soldier to the cause. I think it would be helpful if we can show that we have outside support, aside from just our clans. If it seems like a united effort from all across Tamriel, then it may be easier for them to accept joining it. I am just concerned about the secrecy and security of our home in the meantime. I am not sure how likely it is that the Empire or Dominion will be willing to lend soldiers, but if they do, they will certainly want to send representatives here."

---

Both Do'rhajul's and Yerig's eyes were wandering between the buildings around them, both original Dwemer structures and the clan's additions, and the crowds going about their day. "It may not be as populous as a proper city, but I would say this is much more than just a small town." Yerig commented. "I know I haven't been here that long, but from what we have been able to see walking through this place, there would have to be well over a thousand people here. It's certainly much bigger than the villages I've visited in Skyrim."

[Muttonhawk]

Darahil took a long breath in. "May I attempt a perspective on this matter?" He looked quickly to everyone. "The Empire and the Dominion. Both hold great military might, both hold a number of our clans under their confidence, and neither will be comfortable sending soldiers to a secluded cavern with the other. Without considering the temptations they may both feel upon seeing the abundance in our hidden home, to lend us aid would be a risk. Not from us, but from their enemy. The best I can envision if we find a compromise is that they both send paltry forces." He turned his head. "This is a more delicate matter than it may appear on the surface."

"I hazard a guess." Oswall grunted. "Saving Tamriel from certain destruction at the hands of an enterprising Daedra won't be enough?"

"To our current liasons -- the ones we report to about the war -- yes," Darahil answered. "To those that command the soldiers themselves, the context may not be appreciated."

Tola lowered her brow. "Then what can we do?"

"It is possible that we may find more men by only petitioning one side." Darahil lifted his chin. "That is, if we are prepared to accept the subsequent diplomatic consequences."

"A letter each to the Emperor and the Thalmor directly could have a chance," Janius joked.

---

"Many of the buildings are still yet unused," Sabine added. "But you are correct. The people living here amount near to that number."

Sabine continued their incidental tour through a series of cookfires underneath sizzling metalwares, each frying various meats and other foodstuffs. Packs gathered around each to socialise and to trade things to the more experienced cooks for a quality meal.

"We mostly grow our own food." Sabine nodded to the stored food in crates and pots. "The light above the city works like the sun and we breed pigs, chaurus, and other animals. Good cooks here trade their skills but anyone can get food here on their own. Because lycans do not get sick, many like their meats raw. Chaurus is a strange taste but you will come to like it, I think."

Various cuts of the large insectile meat and pieces of discarded carapace made the relative absurdity of Sabine's words more real.

[EliteCommander]

Saras motioned a hand towards Janius. "You jest, but boldness like that may become necessary in these last days before our invasion. I am in agreement with the Champion. This is not the time for half-measures and compromises. We will need to be at the absolute height of our strength for the invasion, and be willing to accept any sacrifice required to get there. We can try to make as many plans for it as we want, but ultimately, the question of what happens after the invasion is irrelevant. There is no guarantee that our clan will even continue to exist after this, or if it does, that any of us will be alive to see it. But if it ends with success against him, then it will be worth the sacrifice."

Meesei nodded in agreement. "Indeed. I do not like the idea of deceiving either of Tamriel's major powers, but we will need both of them to help. Perhaps we will be able to get them to reach some sort of agreement, which I do believe should be our first choice. Even if it ends with us owing some favors, their cooperation would be preferred. But if not...they do not need to know that they are both helping us. This cavern is more than large enough to collect multiple armies in different parts of it, far enough away that they never see one another. Until they are in Vile's realm at which point the Daedra will be a far more immediate concern."

---

Do'rhajul raised his brow at Sabine. "Chaurus? Are those the...large insect creatures?" He asked, his voice carrying a noticeable tinge of disgust. Or at least, he was uneasy at the thought of eating such creatures.

Yerig, however, simply shrugged. "Eh, they're not that bad in the right kind of stew. Never liked it much on its own, though." Although most people, even those native to Skyrim, had never so much as thought about eating a chaurus, it perhaps should not have been a surprise that an old hermit like Yerig would have made meals of some of Skyrim's more odd creatures. It was unlikely that he always had the luxury of being picky.

Do'rhajul hummed. "I suppose they are not terribly different from a desert sandcrawler. They were quite valuable in Anequina. Do you suppose it is likely that I would be allowed moon sugar? The same recipes could work with chaurus, I suppose."

[Muttonhawk]

Vera joined her hands together and pressed the middle of her lips. "That will be risky, without a doubt. Having three armies together in one underground cavern with two not meant to know about one other...And then just expecting they'll unite against the daedra on the spot when they're on the other side. I don't know." She let out an exasperated breath. "Starting off, how would we gather them both here in secret? Last I checked, we couldn't move entire armies across Tamriel at once, let alone with their supply lines. The Dominion would have to go through Imperial territory to reach Blackreach."

---

Sabine pinched her brow to recall. "Moon sugar...is rationed. You can find it but not much. It is hard to obtain this far from Elsweyr." She gave Do'rhajul a glance. "Ahnasha saves it for special occasions."

The sizzling faded behind them as they continued.

"It used to be we could hardly find any," Sabine elaborated. "Our best sellers were in the black market. Only in the last four years have the clans traded using caravans overland. They may look and operate like regular caravans but they are manned by lycans. They trade in the cities, both as regular caravans would as well as with clan representatives, that haul goods back to the clanhome in secret." Sabine went slightly apprehensive. "Caravans are common targets for feral lycans so we had no lack of experienced drivers."

They neared the sounds of hammering on wood. A smaller square up ahead -- barely twenty metres across, was covered in trestles, benches, vices, tools, lengths of wood, and carpenters handling them all. A longer building on one side appeared to take storage but without inclement weather, most work was done in the open air of the cavern.

Unless Do'rhajul or Yerig expressed interest in seeing more, this would be the end of their tour for now.

[EliteCommander]

"If Marod and Lunise can convince them to use our propylon chambers, that should not be too difficult." Meesei replied. "We can make new chambers specifically for them, so they never encounter one another. Of course, that plan is the last resort in my mind. It would be best to convince them both to help willingly. Fortunately, I know those two well enough to know that they will be willing to work with me to convince their superiors. They know the stakes, as do many of their peers within the Thalmor and Penitus Oculatus. Their nations may be enemies, but those individuals that have been helping us in the war know that Vile cannot succeed. All of us together may be able to come up with a way to persuade their superiors. In fact, it may be wise for me to bring those two here so we can all discuss it together." She suggested.

---

Do'rhajul silently observed most of what Sabine showed them, but did not object when it was time for them to move on. He was not terribly keen on being out in the open, even if the risk of being identified was minimal. Even without being recognized, he was an individual who drew attention. There seemed to be few enough Khajiit in this place, much less Cathay-raht. The council member Ri'vashi was a Cathay, but even she did not match his size and presence. Once his identity was revealed, there would certainly be no hiding himself from the clan's members.

As they were moving on, presumably to the chambers that Sabine planned to arrange for them, Do'rhajul spoke up once more in a quiet voice. "I am not certain what your council will have me do for your clan. Or what they will trust me to do. All of my skills lie in warfare, but I do not know if they will trust me for something that could put them in danger."

[Muttonhawk]

Oswall sounded an affirming grunt. "Those chambers make marching long distances an issue of the past." He stroked his beard again. "I am unsure about letting our contacts come here, however. It seems an unnecessary risk if all of us can move as needed." He held his head forward. "Unless you wish to reveal your portal spell to them. Give them a grand tour of the city if you wish, so long as they do not know the entrance. Hmph."

"Even if they have not deduced Meesei's means of transport by now, showing them shall not be a hurtful trade-off." Darahil turned his eyes to Meesei and Saras. "From what you have said of our contacts, their weight within their governments is not insignificant. However, for a brash move like this, we must be prepared to provide them whatever we can to convince a general or two. Now, given that the outcome is tied to those representatives..." If it were possible, Darahil's face appeared to soften. "If we might move on to another matter. Meesei, have you had any indication of what Molag Bal will ask for in return for empowering the axe? I fear the prince will pick up on our desperation and ask a heavy price."

---

Sabine took some time to respond to Do'rhajul. Two of the carpenters followed behind them, pulling a small cart lashed with the wooden parts components of a large bedframe, a small bedframe and two appropriately sized straw-filled mattress.

"I have been thinking on it," Sabine said quietly enough that they would not be eavesdropped. "They will ask you questions. Your answers will help. But I think you could be most useful to Ri'vashi." Sabine did not sound especially hopeful. "She the highest military commander below Meesei. She earned that position because she is prodigal in leading soldiers. She is the best warrior and general of all lycans on Tamriel. And she is probably one of the best generals in the world. But you have more experience, Rhajul. I..." She hesitated. "I want to try and convince Ri'vashi to let you advise her. That is what I wanted to meet with her about, as well as knowing her feelings right now. She is a friend to me. She made a hard decision sparing you and I want to know if she is well."

Sabine exhaled from her nose. "I do not know if she will ever accept you. But I need to try."

[EliteCommander]

"We can move our people anywhere we like, certainly. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for a portal to Oblivion." Meesei replied to Oswall. "I cannot think of anywhere in Tamriel both spacious and safe enough for us to both collect a strong force, and open a portal to Oblivion in secret. Since we cannot open a portal directly between here and Vile's realm, the Hunting Grounds will be our staging area for our final attack, but we will still need to keep the portal between here and the Hunting Grounds open the entire time. Fortunately, sigil stones can keep Oblivion gates remarkably stable for an extended time."

Meesei could not say she was quite as confident about the matter of Molag Bal, given the unpredictability of the Daedra. However, she still had her plan for dealing with him. "I know we may be desperate, but that does not mean we do not have any leverage over Molag Bal. If Vile were to claim Mundus, then that would elevate him to a dominant power over the other Daedric Princes. Molag Bal knows that, so he will not want Vile to succeed any more than we do. He will certainly still try to demand something of me, so I will have to be prepared to stand firm in refusing him. I will have to make it clear that I am aware his position of power is not as strong as he will want to make it seem. Any Daedra who helps to invade Vile's realm could steal a lot of power in the process, so there would be some loss for Molag Bal if he refuses to help. If he still demands too much, then we can seek the aid of a different Daedra. I doubt many would want Vile to succeed, though I still think that Molag Bal is the best option to try first. Other Daedra that have helped us before, like Hermaeus Mora, could be more shrewd in negotiations. Molag Bal is a more...emotional entity."

---

Yerig rubbed the back of his neck with an uncertain expression. "That...could be a long shot. Guess it depends on how much she trusts you. She was definitely our strongest opposition in there, and she has a lot of good reasons to be angry."

"I would certainly try, but Yerig may be right. She may not be willing to listen to any of my counsel." Do'rhajul added. "Still, I do believe that I could be a great help to you. What I know about our enemy could make even the most loyal of his zealots worried, provided we act quickly enough. I think we will need to make multiple, simultaneous strikes to maximize the impact, and truly cripple their remaining operations in Tamriel. Hopefully, we can persuade your General to accept my counsel on practical terms."

[Muttonhawk]

Darahil nodded understandingly. "I trust your judgement, Meesei. Although, be wary not to provoke Molag Bal out of our alliance. The last thing we need is another Daedric war to erupt just as we are trying to close the first."

---

Sabine cast her eyes down and hummed in tentative agreement. "I do not know if being practical will convince her fully. Not coming from me, her friend, instead of a superior." She sighed deeply. "She cannot stay angry, though. Maybe...if she were to speak to you. Maybe if you convinced her that you are truly sorry and knew you as a person instead of an enemy. Maybe then..." She trailed off.

After blinking a few times, Sabine lifted her eyes ahead. "I will not push her hard to do anything. She is a friend first. I want to know she is okay."

[EliteCommander]

"Indeed. I shall need to be firm, but not too directly confrontational." Meesei replied. "Though first, it would perhaps be best to have the meeting here with Marod and Lunise. It is possible that they could have some insight in how to empower the staff more easily, or give an advantage in our negotiations with Molag Bal. At the very least, we will need to make sure we can follow through with the plan we have, and what we will need to do to secure their aid."

After remaining in contemplative silence since Do'rhajul had left the room, Ri'vashi finally brought herself to speak up and rejoin the conversation. "Ri'vashi thinks she is in mind with Oswall on that issue. As long as they are not shown any of the entrances to this place, then it is not terribly risky to bring them here. It will reveal some of our secrets to them, but that seems like it will be inevitable if we want their help. And perhaps seeing what we are capable of firsthand will help persuade them that this is a fight that can be won."

---

Do'rhajul nodded. "I will follow your lead. But in any case, it may be best to wait until I have been settled in for a while before speaking to her. It will give time for her passions to subside to at least some degree. And for me to show that I do not have hostile intent in being here."

[Muttonhawk]

There were neither dissenters nor any extra points immediately raised by the council. After a pause, Vera spoke.

"It would appear that our next steps with the invasion will depend on how the Empire and Dominion will react." She addressed the entire council. "I suggest we hold off commitments to any particular plan until we can get more information. This invasion will happen. How, exactly, remains to be seen. Is there anything else to discuss?"

---

"Perhaps I will leave convincing her to another time, then," Sabine responded. "But I would like to speak with her today anyway. Just to be there."

[EliteCommander]

Meesei allowed the silence to persist for a few moments to make sure there were no other comments before she began to stand. "I do not believe there is. I would say to go ahead and begin preparations for the feast. Feel free to tell the clan that there will be an announcement, and be sure to have the other clan leaders invited to attend. I will try to collect Lunise and Marod for a meeting as soon as I can."

With the meeting concluded Meesei intended to meet with Lunise as soon as she could; however, she first decided to check up on Sabine, following up on their conversation from before the meeting. She collected the Staff of Magnus to bring it to Darahil and Marcaille for study, and encouraged her once more to seek help for the issues that were plaguing her mind. She also wanted to talk to her about Sabine's decision in regards to Do'rhajul, and forming her own pack, but she had a feeling that would be a longer conversation than what they would have time for. As well, she supposed it would be best to allow her time to collect her thoughts before addressing it again.

Afterwards, Meesei had to wait just a few hours before Lunise was in a position to allow Meesei to teleport to her. She did not delay a moment before starting to make the portal. She and Sabine had only used the Staff for portals a few times, but Meesei found that she was already starting to miss the convenience of being able to open one immediately.

Meesei was smiling as she stepped through the portal, though there was one clue that might suggest to Lunise that she was not there strictly for pleasure. She was wearing a rather fine, full length dress; it was deep blue with white trimmings in an Imperial style. It was the kind of dress one might wear in the presence of nobility, and a farcry from the rough furs and leather she usually preferred.

[Muttonhawk]

This time, Sabine was not as crippled to fear when she handed Meesei the staff. She was still hesitant, tripped over her speech, and shrank away in her body language, though she could still function. She promised to organise a time with Saraya to speak about her anxieties once she was sure Do'rhajul and Yerig were comfortable and secure.

Yerig was given the choice of a room normally used for guests to the clan or to stay in the same room as Do'rhajul.

---

Meesei's portal opened in a lavish, yet relatively small bedroom on the second floor of what was probably an inn in northern Valenwood. Though rainy outside, the dim light was made darker by a canopy of large trees out the windows.

Lunise was seated on the edge of a double bed, fiddling with her ring. As usual, she was dressed in her full Thalmor uniform, though she had removed her gloves, leaving them draped over a dresser. She looked up and stood immediately upon seeing Meesei.

"Good evening, Meesei," she said, almost cordially. Her behaviour was more friendly, walking up to gently embrace Meesei and plant a kiss on her lips. She then stepped back with her shoulders on Meesei's to look at her attire. "You've dressed up? I was wondering what has occupied you these past few days."

[EliteCommander]

There were a few, brief moments after Meesei stepped into Lunise's chamber that her mind was almost willing to forget her reason for being there. Those few seconds of a kiss pushed away much of the stress that had been buildings within her, though that was, sadly, only temporary. There were a few moments of silence from Meesei as she slowly opened back up her eyes and took in a long breath.

"Quite a lot has happened...quite a lot. Some good, and bad. I think I can confidently say that the war, as we knew it, is over. If only that meant we were done." Meesei sighed. "I believe I should start by saying that myself and all of my pack are fine. We are all alive and in good health. But...something went wrong. I told you that we were being pursued by Do'rhajul. He found us, and we had to deal with him. We discovered that one of the members of his team had only questionable loyalty to Vile, and we were going to try and turn him to our side. We formed a plan to plant evidence of Vile's deception in their camp, and it did work, but...it came at a cost."

Meesei swallowed as it became harder for her to speak. One of her hands shook subtly, and there were a few tears forming in the corner of her eyes as she recalled the experiences that Sabine had described. "Sabine was captured. They took her. Tortured her. Not all of them, but, several of them did, especially the zealot. For hours they did, but...the plan did work. The Nord, Yerig, spoke out in protest, showed Do'rhajul the evidence. Sabine used the distraction to escape, steal the Staff of Magnus from Arinette, and neutralized all of them. Yerig and Do'rhajul turned against Vile, and Sabine captured the rest of them. Not only that, but she took those two with her and recovered the Rueful Axe. They even killed a dragon in the process. In the span of just a few days, Vile's general was defeated, and we now possess the weapon we require to defeat Vile himself. All of that together is a great...success for us, but..." Her voice trailed off. Despite the clear gains they had made, the last few days had felt like nothing close to a success for her.

[Muttonhawk]

No amount of positive turns in Meesei's story shifted the look of genuine concern that fell over Lunise's face when she began.

Lunise lowered her gaze when Meesei finished. She shook her head blankly. "What an overwhelming turn of events," she murmured. "Meesei, I am so sorry..." Lunise gently pulled Meesei into another hug, rocking her side to side in case she needed to release the emotion she was clearly holding back.

When Meesei was at least partially mollified, Lunise spoke again. "How is Sabine now? I do hope the experience has not been...well...I hope it has not left her crippled. After all she has been through already, she deserves no more of that kind of pain."

[EliteCommander]

Meesei was slow to answer. She ran her fingers through Lunise's hair, and just took a few moments in silence to collect herself. "Honestly, I am not completely certain how it will affect her long-term. Right now, she is obviously shaken. She was able to use the Staff of Magnus to overcome seemingly insurmountable opposition after her capture, but now she almost seems to rely on the Staff for comfort. Without it she does not feel safe. But, we do have people in our clan who are experienced with helping others recover from such troubles. There is a Khajiit named Saraya in our clan who Sabine agreed to speak to before I left. Traumatic experiences are all too common among a lycan clan, so she is quite experienced in helping people. I am hopeful for Sabine; she has already recovered from worse pain than this before. And she is still showing signs of the strength that I know is within her."

The demeanor that Meesei held may have seemed oddly opposed to her actual words. She hesitated, and looked to be uncertain and uncomfortable as she continued. "There was...the matter of how to deal with Do'rhajul. Many in the clan want him dead, and with good reason. He is responsible for the deaths of countless innocents, and is the reason for much of the success of our enemy. But, Sabine does not. She has shown nothing but a desire to protect him. Not only did he betray Vile, but he swore his life in service to Sabine, specifically, after their ordeal. Upon the recommendation of my council, Sabine now plans to form a pack of her own, with Do'rhajul, and I presume others."

[Muttonhawk]

"Protect him?" Lunise repeated, sounding incredulous but still remaining quite enough in their intimacy. "I do not understand. He knowingly terrorised all of you. What could possess Sabine to make such a decision? Grovelling at her feet should not have sufficed, surely."

Lunise pulled away enough to see Meesei's face. Lunise was clearly concerned and at the beginnings of anger. "She has not given Do'rhajul amnesty as some way to cope, do you think? The staff, I understand if it is as powerful as you describe." She took a half breath. "That is its own matter, as is...forming a pack." She wrinkled her brow at that last point. "What will that mean for you and her? You will no longer be packmates."

[EliteCommander]

"His role in saving her from her torture may have played a role in her decision." Meesei reasoned. "Even though she freed herself, it was his willingness to defy Arinette that allowed her the opportunity. Still, I do believe there is more to it. She mentioned that she did not want to become someone violent and ruthless like Arinette. She said that she had the power to tear the zealot apart, layer by layer, and for a few moments, the desire to do so. But, she did not give into it. She did not want to become like her. That may be why she is willing to forgive him. Do'rhajul was deceived by Vile into fighting for him, so she wants him to pay for his crimes by helping us against Vile, instead of through violent retribution."

Meesei paused, allowing herself a moment to rest her feet and sit down on Lunise's bed nearby. She kept one hand on Lunise's and gently encouraged her to join her before she continued. "I...well frankly it amazes me, the strength of her convictions. After everything she had been through in life, all of the pain and suffering, she is still such a wonderful soul. How many do you know that could be so cruelly abused, and yet not be drawn in by spite and rage? She is someone who, at her heart, wants nothing but peace, and who has, against all odds, remained uncorrupted by war. In her position, I would not have made the same choices. I would have killed Arinette and her allies without hesitation, or a hint of mercy. I still likely would have captured Do'rhajul, but only for his knowledge, not to offer him any sort of path to redemption. She is such a remarkable person. I believe that Sabine is just as capable as any of my pack to form her own. Perhaps the most capable, in fact. Had she been willing, she would have been my choice to become my second after Lorag decided to retire from the position. To answer your question, forming her own pack would make her more independent from me, though it is not as if it would put any real distance between us. We would still be in the same clan, and would still be just as close. It would just give her more responsibilities."

[Muttonhawk]

Lunise did seat herself closely beside Meesei. Although, she remained cautious about Meesei's praise of Sabine.

"I worry, Meesei," Lunise said. She paused and evaluated for a moment. "Sabine...she is a remarkable woman. I would not deny that after hearing what she has been through. I know you trust her. But I would be keep a close eye on her and Do'rhajul." Lunise angled her head forward, looking up at Meesei. "No one comes out of that experience with the clearest of judgements. She will need you to guide her. Even with her new independence. I do not wish to sound disparaging, but I cannot help but feel sceptical about her pure intentions. It may be hiding something darker. Something she may be trying to avoid."

Lunise let out her breath through her nose and softened her expression. "But you. How are you faring through all of this? I can only imagine how terrible it was to find out Sabine was captured."

[EliteCommander]

Meesei took Lunise's hand, squeezing it tightly. At this point, there were a few tears visible in her eyes. "It was one of the most horrible experiences of my life. It only took a few days for her to come back to us, but I was terrified for all of it. I did not sleep, I could hardly think. And it makes me just...sick to my stomach to know that, no matter how much pain I was going through, it was worse for Sabine."

Taking in a deep breath, Meesei did the best she could to calm herself. "But, I am trying to do the best I can to move past it all, and focus on what is ahead. I would prefer not to...dwell on it, if that is alright. I am grateful to have you for support, but unfortunately, I am not just here for personal reasons. We now have the Rueful Axe, and Vile's opposition to us in Tamriel has been diminished. But that means it is time for us to move to the final part of our plan. We now have to be serious about planning an invasion of Oblivion. I conferred with my council, and we all agreed that it was time to bring you and Marod in to meet with my council and discuss how we are going to move forward. The end is coming soon, and we are going to have to throw everything we have, everything we are, at it. I have tried to remain inspiring to my people, but speaking in confidence with you, the thought of what we are going to have to do terrifies me."