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

[Muttonhawk]

Lunise did not quite relax when they finally had a space to themselves. She stood with one arm behind her back, looking at the walls. "Marod is skilled at 'seeming' whatever is most beneficial at a given time. I expect no less of him, and you should expect even less of his commitment at this stage."

Despite the serious tone, Lunise pulled loose the bow keeping her dress strung up at her back and tugged to carefully get herself free of the garment.

"Do not think tomorrow's meeting will be any easier, Meesei," Lunise continued with a glance over her shoulder. "Nevertheless, how do you intend to convince Marod and the Empire?"

[EliteCommander]

"It is true that it may be more difficult to convince the Empire than the Dominion of the essential need of this attack. The Thalmor already know and believe in the power that the Towers hold, the Empire may have skeptics." Meesei replied as she stepped over to her wardrobe. Similarly to Lunise, she was quick to pull off her dress, carefully fold it, then place it aside to wash later. She did not bother to dress herself in anything else, and simply walked over to her bed wearing nothing more than her own scales.

Meesei laid herself down on her back on her bed, stretching her arms out over her head and looking up at the ceiling. "I do not think it will actually be too difficult to convince Marod, specifically. He knows the stakes, and he knows what is really true. He read those documents from that Thalmor defector, and he knows that the Thalmor believe it all to be true. I do think he believes the threat from Vile to be legitimate, and if he believes that, then there is nothing more important than stopping Vile. The challenge will be dealing with his superiors. But, we may be able to leverage some of the advantages that my knowledge can provide. My best idea is to offer to share my knowledge of teleportation...on conditions. I will agree to share my knowledge to either or both governments if they support me. The ability to move people and supplies vast distances, instantly, is a great advantage that cannot be understated. My own people can attest to that. If the Empire or Dominion gains that advantage, without the other side possessing it, it could shift the balance of power going into the future. If one side agrees to help us, the other will have to help us, for their own sake."

[Muttonhawk]

"I...see," Lunise said. She paused to pull her unlaced dress off over her head. "Playing the nations against one another is a dangerous ploy, but in this instance, very feasible."

Lunise sat on the opposite side of the bed to where Meesei lay. She leant forward to remove her shoes.

"The problem with great nations is they do not enjoy being toyed with. Either or both shall try to bully the information out of you before the end, and that may result in an impasse the world cannot afford." Lunise glanced back again, holding no shame in appreciating Meesei's appearance. "I dare say the Dominion shall scoff and claim their mages have unlocked those secrets already. I love you, Meesei, but you are still an Argonian leading a community of lycanthropes."

After pulling off her underclothes, Lunise reclined and rolled to face Meesei completely bare. Lunise's straight hair draped over her neck and face, partly obscuring her relaxing expression. She reached an arm around Meesei's midsection and pulled their bodies together. Her skin was pleasantly warm and soft against Meesei.

Lunise murmured, looking into Meesei's eyes. "Tread carefully, fight on your terms, remember hidden agendas, and do what you must."

[EliteCommander]

Meesei lifted one leg over Lunise's and nestled her head against her chest. "I expect that I am going to have to make it firm and clear that we are not susceptible to being pushed around. Knowledge cannot be taken by force like some physical thing, and they can lie to me about their capabilities as much as they like, but they cannot lie to themselves. I know the risks, certainly, but now is not the time to play it safe."

Lifting her head up, Meesei lightly touched her snout to Lunise's lips. "I am...eager to take some risks. Especially the risks that end up with you warming my bed." She added, rolling onto her with a deep kiss.

---

The meeting was to take place early the next morning, less than an hour after Meesei alerted her council that Marod and Lunise had arrived. They gathered in the meeting chamber before even having a chance at breakfast, but there were no complaints. The matters on everyone's minds were certainly something that they wanted to deal with sooner, rather than later. They still had to maintain secrecy in the clan as to who exactly Marod and Lunise were, but it was not that difficult to keep them out of sight altogether, considering that the meeting chamber was in the same building as their quarters.

Despite the general grogginess of most of those at the table, the meeting was quickly underway as soon as everyone was seated. Saras, who was doing a reasonably good job of hiding his fatigue, began, as one of the few who had actually met Marod and Lunise in person. "I am glad we were all able to come here for this meeting. I am sure the Champion has given you at least a summary of all that has occurred, and I am sure you know the stakes. But, just to make sure that everyone is clear on the situation, are there any questions that either of you have?"

[EliteCommander]

Meesei lifted one leg over Lunise's and nestled her head against her chest. "I expect that I am going to have to make it firm and clear that we are not susceptible to being pushed around. Knowledge cannot be taken by force like some physical thing, and they can lie to me about their capabilities as much as they like, but they cannot lie to themselves. I know the risks, certainly, but now is not the time to play it safe."

Lifting her head up, Meesei lightly touched her snout to Lunise's lips. "I am...eager to take some risks. Especially the risks that end up with you warming my bed." She added, rolling onto her with a deep kiss.

---

The meeting was to take place early the next morning, less than an hour after Meesei alerted her council that Marod and Lunise had arrived. They gathered in the meeting chamber before even having a chance at breakfast, but there were no complaints. The matters on everyone's minds were certainly something that they wanted to deal with sooner, rather than later. They still had to maintain secrecy in the clan as to who exactly Marod and Lunise were, but it was not that difficult to keep them out of sight altogether, considering that the meeting chamber was in the same building as their quarters.

Despite the general grogginess of most of those at the table, the meeting was quickly underway as soon as everyone was seated. Saras, who was doing a reasonably good job of hiding his fatigue, began, as one of the few who had actually met Marod and Lunise in person. "I am glad we were all able to come here for this meeting. I am sure the Champion has given you at least a summary of all that has occurred, and I am sure you know the stakes. But, just to make sure that everyone is clear on the situation, are there any questions that either of you have?"

[Muttonhawk]

Somehow, even the early morning start had not prevented Marod from turning up looking sprightly and well groomed. He wore the same attire as yesterday, and the same smile, but maintained the same presence in his posture as could be expected of a representative of the Empire of Cyrodiil.

Lunise was similarly prepared, having applied make-up to cover the dark patches under her eyes. However, she was apparently less happy to be there. A detail only Meesei knew to be untrue.

The rest of the council put on an especially professional face. None looked uneasy around the speakers for the greater nations of Tamriel, though the usual honest visage between friends in other council meetings was boarded up with good manners and strong faces.

To Saras' question, Marod looked pointedly at Lunise first, gesturing politely to go first.

Lunise kept her hands clasped on her lap. "I believe I am as informed as required," she said.

Marod took a quick breath. "I spent some time gathering the details with the champion prior to this meeting. I believe she has filled me in on just about everything." He gave Meesei a thankful smile, before spreading his hands and looking around the council. "There is one detail that I feel dreadfully sorry to look over initially, and that, I think, is introductions. I believe there are some in attendance Lunise or I have not met before."

As was to be expected of Marod, he perceived the tension in the council and sought to slacken it.

[EliteCommander]

There was only a brief silence after Marod's response before Ri'vashi spoke up. Regardless of the degree that each of the council's members did or did not trust the representatives, they would at least need to know each other if they were going to work together. "This one's name is Ri'vashi. She is the commander of the clans' warriors."

Keeping a reserved expression, Pierette lifted a hand slightly as she replied. "I am Pierette Mousara. I deal with the logistics and the treasury of the Blackreach clan."

Tola, while neutral towards Marod, had to hide some discomfort towards Lunise. Regardless, she remained cordial "I am Tola Corvus. I am...primarily a diplomat, but I also administer training of new recruits here in the clan.

Across the table, Marcaille gave a subtle nod. "I am Marcaille. I suppose I am an advisor in matters of magic, usually when the Champion isn't available."

[Muttonhawk]

The introductions continued. Oswall gave off the same boisterous energy he usually contained, clapping his hand on his chest. "I am Oswall. I lead the militia of the Blackreach clan and advise on matters of military and public order. While Ri'vashi is the general, my jurisdiction is focussed to this clanhome."

Vera was the face of respect to both the representatives. "You may call be Vera. I am the highest ranking leader of the Blackreach clan. For affairs regarding the wider clan communities, however, power is deferred to the Champion and Ri'vashi."

The next in line was Fendros. He leant forward on his elbows and kept his introduction brief. "I am Fendros. Meesei's second."

Naturally Darahil left a fashionable pause to allow the council's attention to draw to his most steel-faced presence. His arms had been crossed the entire time and he regarded both Lunise and Marod with no lack of scrutiny. "My name is Darahil. Much like Marcaille, I provide advice on magical matters, though my responsibilities lie in the Blackreach clan's research, magical resources, and magical infrastructure. Where necessary, my experience on this council and our clan policies keep all before you honed."

The last, somewhat self-indulgent, comment appeared more directed to Lunise. The stereotypically Altmer sense of superiority hinted that Darahil was prepared to play the same social games as Marod was.

"Lunise?" Marod asked after a moment. He angled his head towards her expectantly.

Lunise, cold-eyed, surveyed each member of the council. Her voice came forth smoothly. "I am Justicar Lunise of the Altmeri Dominion, the agent primarily assigned to survey and maintain order between the clans within Dominion territory and its citizenry. I believe our relationship should have been made clear from my personal dealings with the clans as a delegate of the Dominion in this portfolio. However, if even a detail is unclear to this council, I shall be sure to inform the truth."

In the space of a few moments, Lunise had turned right back into the calculating servant of a powerful nation that she first presented herself as to Saras. Her tone was clearly not lenient, even if her words were innocuous, if ambiguous, at face value. The council knew that the Dominion's relationship with the lycan clans was one of convenience and not a desire to cooperate. The ultimate power over clans in the Dominion, as it always had been, was in the hands of the Dominion.

"Well..." Marod once more spoke almost casually. "You may call me Marod. I serve as the Empire's version of Lunise. I all hope we can get get to know one another as friends. Now that the stage is set, I am ready to begin. What shall be the first point of order?"

[EliteCommander]

Saras gave a respectful nod towards both Marod and Lunise. "Agreed. This council has, of course, known of you since we first established contact, through reports from the Champion and our other representatives who have been in contact with you. But, hopefully we shall be able to accomplish more by working together face-to-face."

With the introductions over, Meesei decided it was time to get to business. "For the first point of order, I believe we should get straight to the most important matter. The Rueful Axe has been recovered, and we have collected enough sigil stones and other required resources to carry out an attack on Vile's domain. However, I am not certain of our chances of success at our current strength. Thus, we need to collect every possible ally that we can for the attack. Marod, Lunise, you both have been fighting against Vile and his influence for almost as long as us by this point, and you both have seen the evidence for what will happen should he succeed. We all know that there is no other option except to stop Vile, so my first question for both of you is if you believe it will be possible to convince your governments to provide support for this endeavor."

[Muttonhawk]

Confirming with a look to Lunise, Marod answered first. "I am sure the Empire will be happy to provide support. While anything more than discrete military assistance shall have to be discussed by our own council, this is an extraordinary situation. The emperor himself is acutely aware not to repeat another Daedric incursion. Chances are high, with the information we have, that we shall be able to provide what we can." Marod paused and took on a slightly pained expression. "The real question is the exact capacity of assistance you have in mind."

[EliteCommander]

There was not a hint of hesitation from Meesei in her response. "For an invasion of a Daedra's realm, there is no such thing as 'too much'. We need to gain as much assistance as possible, in whatever forms possible. Essentially, I am asking for as much assistance as you think you can persuade your superiors to give. We need soldiers, weapons, supplies. As fearsome as my people are, we do not have the numbers to fight our way to Clavicus Vile himself. I do expect that we shall have the direct assistance of our lord Hircine for the final battle, but he will need to conserve his power to fight Vile. We have to fight our way to him ourselves. If you recall the plan we created together after finding the rogue Thalmor, the only thing we need to accomplish with our attack is to hit Vile a single time with the empowered Rueful Axe. That will give Hircine the advantage he needs to defeat Vile. You do not need to worry about supply lines, or plan an escape. Much like during the battles of the Oblivion crisis, Vile's defeat will disrupt his realm enough to close our gate and send us back where we came from. If you have to prioritize what to ask for, we need an assault force that can push through enemy territory quickly and efficiently." Meesei explained.

[Muttonhawk]

Marod rested his curled finger on his chin while he listened. He tapped his thumb on his chin, thinking.

"Hmm," he began. "Well, if you are asking for legionnaires, there may be...complications. You see, officers prefer to at least be privy to battle plans, the strategies used, and so on. In fact, for such an important mission, they should very much like to be in charge of such plans. Would you be willing to...how should I say this...acquiesce to certain final decisions with regard to both the legion soldiers we may provide, as well as your own men?"

"Are you asking the champion to hand over command of the invasion?" Oswall asked.

Marod winced and sucked in a breath. "I doubt they will ignore the champion's counsel. They simply prefer to be under their own command. The legion is clannish like that, I am afraid." He gestured to Lunise. "I would expect nothing less from the Dominion, either, to be clear. You must understand, taking orders from an outsider to the legion is hard to put into convincing terms."

[EliteCommander]

After her private counsel with Lunise the night before, Meesei had expected Marod's question, and as such, had been mentally preparing her answer. "We all wish to do what would give us the greatest chance of success, but unfortunately, I do not believe that would serve that purpose. We do have many commanders among us who have experience in both the Legion and Dominion militaries before they were turned, so I do understand how your methodologies might lead you to desire that arrangement. However, your commanders do not have experience leading lycan forces, and there are quite a few more differences than you might expect. They are not familiar with our capabilities, or our own command structure or the type of training that they have. I am sure they are more than capable of learning, but not in the time we have. Indeed, I believe it would be the most efficient option for all of our forces to remain in the command structures that they are the most familiar, so your people would not be taking orders from any outsiders."

Being the commander of all lycan forces, Ri'vashi was naturally the member of the council with the most, and strongest opinions on the subject. "Ri'vashi agrees with the Champion. Her father was a...high-ranking Imperial in his day, and he passed everything he knew onto Ri'vashi. This one knows how to coordinate with your people..." She began as her eyes turned towards Lunise. "...and Ri'vashi lived in Elsweyr for many years after her father brought her there. She was a clan leader there, and most of her commanders were former Dominion soldiers. Ri'vashi is familiar with both of your customs, and she does not believe we should even attempt to mix your forces together."

Meesei nodded in agreement as she continued. "I would suggest planning our attack such that we keep our forces as separate as possible. Preferably such that no Dominion or Imperial soldiers even have to see each other. Once in Vile's realm, we can attack different angles, take different objectives. It is not necessary for any commanders to give up control of their own forces. The coordination only needs to happen at the very top, among us, and your highest ranking commanders. We will just need to plan our overall strategy together."

[Muttonhawk]

Marod patiently waited for Ri'vashi and Meesei to conclude. His lips curled in slightly towards the end, yet he still smiled.

"Again," he said, showing his palms. "I must stress, I have no reason to mistrust anyone here. However, I shall have to be bringing this proposal to a group of highly skilled people that make it their utmost responsibility to maintain the integrity of their armies while carrying out objectives." He gestured one way. "Having an equal standing to coordinate strategy, I can see, is the best compromise for control over such a mission. However...the natural next question is thus:" He hesitated. His right brow bent as he put together the correct wording. "From where do you intend to stage this invasion? I shall not pretend that tensions are non-existent between Cyrodiil and the Aldmeri. If we are to march our legionnaires into an uncharted cavern such as this where they are not directly aware of the position of Dominion forces, then...well, one must take the risks into account of a trap being set. I am speaking from the mouths of Cyrodiil's generals, you understand."

Lunise finally added a contribution. "This is one such concern we have in common between our nations. However brash and futile an ambush against a Dominion task force may be, the risk is needless without a better reassurance that it should not be of concern."

[EliteCommander]

"Speaking in terms of preference, I do not particularly care where our staging grounds are. However, there are practical issues to consider." Meesei replied. "First and foremost, I am sure we will need to keep this as secret as is possible. Certainly, none of us want any inkling of what is happening to be spread to Tamriel's average citizens, but we have to do something that is...inherently difficult to hide. We shall need to create a portal to Oblivion, and one large enough to transport an army. To create such a thing will be a long and difficult process, and could take months to complete. Now, perhaps either of your people do have locations that would be suitable, but as you have said, it needs to be a place in which your commanders can feel reasonably comfortable sending their troops. It is doubtful to me that either side would trust a location controlled by the other."

Saras continued on as Meesei finished speaking. "Indeed, I would recommend emphasizing our neutrality to your peers. We would stand to gain very little and lose quite a lot by betraying either of you. Most of our clans lie within your borders. If they can be convinced of our neutrality, then I do not believe there is an option that could be considered better than this place. I do not know if you were able to receive a good look at the cavern when you arrived, but it is quite...expansive. Your commanders could have any amount of space they desired to themselves, if that is helpful."

[Muttonhawk]

Marod lifted his brow and exhaled lightly. "That is all well and good that we can trust the lycans, Meesei and Saras. The unfortunate fact of the matter is that Cyrodiil's generals will not trust the Aldmeri-"

"A defensible position," Lunise interrupted firmly. "You locate a space in this cavern with enough space to erect a military encampment that we may fortify to last a siege, with vantage points for sentries, with an avenue for retreat, with sufficient ventilation, and a source of water. I shall inspect it personally for suitability. Your chances of such a space being occupied by allied Dominion forces shall increase considerably." Her eyes flicked to Marod and back to Meesei. "Marod has not informed me of his exact military experience, but I can guarantee mine shall be sufficient to make such judgements."

The strength of the words left the council silent. Marod was the one who broke it, laying his hands upon the table.

"Well, that has put me in a spot. Touche, Lunise." Marod tilted his head and raised a pair of fingers. "Would you mind finding two such locations?"

[EliteCommander]

Ri'vashi gave a nod to Marod. "There are many such locations in this cavern, far enough apart that the two armies would have difficulty finding one another, even if they were trying intentionally. There are rivers through the cavern, and you would have ample space to store supplies. There would be no requirement for you to leave your fortifications until it is time to go through the portal."

"I believe that these are all points that will be possible to negotiate with your superiors, with enough effort on our part. However, there is one key issue that could be more difficult." Meesei added. "Our entire plan hinges on the Rueful Axe. The empowered Axe will have to strike Vile himself. He needs only be struck once, but it does mean that the person wielding the Axe will be inherently more...central to the plan. I have no doubt that both the Empire and Dominion will want to have one of their own champions carrying out that role. But, I need to be the one to do it."

[Muttonhawk]

There was no immediate protest. Likely, the thought that anyone in the Dominion or Empire militaries would be better than Meesei at striking a being powerful enough to topple entire worlds left both Lunise and Marod with a lack of authority in expertise.

Marod shook his head very slightly, admitting as much first. "Perhaps...perhaps you could enlighten us as to the requirements for such a champion? The last man of the Empire to wound a Daedric prince was the last of the Septim line, I'm afraid. And he is not so talkative in his current state."

[EliteCommander]

"The requirements are nothing particularly strange. Once it is empowered, the Axe merely needs to touch Vile, so the person wielding the axe should be the one most likely to make that happen. Mobility would be beneficial, but most of all, this champion needs to be someone who is the most likely to survive the Daedric hordes that we will have to fight to reach him. You shall have to forgive my lack of humility in this, but I believe that myself and my pack are the ones most likely to accomplish that task. However, I also believe that your generals, for both the Empire and Dominion, will trust their own people far more than myself. It will not be easy to convince them to relinquish that task to anyone else, and this is the task that can only be given to one of us." Meesei explained.

Meesei held her hands together on the table in front of her, her appearance distinctly serious. She believed that Lunise was confident in her abilities, even if she did not say so publicly, but it was true that Marod had never actually seen her in combat. His knowledge of her and her pack's capabilities would only come through reputation and knowledge of what they had accomplished in the war. "Although, before even speaking of your generals, would you be willing to agree to have such an important role taken on by someone other than your own? I understand that it is quite a lot to ask."

[Muttonhawk]

Marod narrowed an eye, looking past Meesei in thought. Wheels turned in his mind. In contrast, Lunise beat him to a response with utmost confidence.

"Champion of Hircine, I should think it fortunate that you maintain your status from personal might," Lunise said calmly. "For, if I were to even attempt to propose to the Dominion that the primary objective of this mission shall be in the hands of an Argonian cult leader, they would come directly to collect your head." She paused for a long breath. "You must do something in return if you think yourself the greatest battlemage in the Dominion military: You must forward, along with your invitation to the invasion, challenge our best battlemages, and you must defeat them in duels, one-by-one. Or perhaps a group bout with your pack versus our best would suit you better." Her brow twitched and she angled her head. "I understand that is quite a lot to ask," she subtly mocked.

"I shall not dance around the issue for diplomatic purposes," Marod added. "On an individual basis, there are few to no members of the Imperial Legion that compare to the best in the Dominion. If you defeat them, you will win the Legion's respect, Meesei."