Ssarak Dyreackthanose
Since Leith was with Annabeth, Ssarak moved to carry Meirin up to her room. It was probably a mercy that Meirin had fallen asleep when she did, as the walk up to their rooms was not all that pleasant. Guards were still rushing through the halls in teams, attempting to ferret out any demons that remained hiding in the college. More disturbingly, the bodies of students, guards, and other staff who died in the attack were still fresh on the ground. Ssarak tried to keep his eyes off of them as he walked by, but the devastation of the attack was too difficult to ignore. The faces on each of the corpses were like windows into their last moments, moments that were almost exclusively filled with pain or fear. In addition to people, Ssarak had to step over the remnants of golems, gargoyles, and fractured parts of the college's stonework that were damaged in the fight. The architecture of the college was far different than that of the nomadic village he grew up in, but even so the carnage around him brought back his memory of walking through the desolation that had once been his home. It was fortunate that he did not see the corpse of anyone he knew on the way up to his room, as he was not far from breaking down where he stood.
Ssarak did not know if the door to Meirin's room was locked, but with the large hole in the wall between their rooms, that was not really an issue. He carried her into his room, then ducked through the hole in the wall into her room. Meirin shared a room with Aruna, who was not present at the moment. Ssarak hoped she was alive as well, but he would really have no way to know until she returned. Ssarak was unsure of which bed was Meirin's, since they were of similar size, so he simply laid her down on the one that looked most like it belonged to a Human. She still seemed to be in good health, all things considered, so with nothing left for him to do, Ssarak returned through the hole to his own room and sat down on his bed. He took his helmet and placed it on the floor next to his feet, then started to undo the straps on his armor. Removing it was always a long and annoying process, and he was far too exhausted to put too much effort into it, so he lethargically began to remove it piece by piece. When he unstrapped his chestplate and let it fall to the ground, he was able to take in a deep breath, which in turn caused another shooting pain in his chest. The scales on his chest were bruised, bloody, and discolored, but his body was not what pained him the most. In his mind, all he could see was the mangled corpses of his children, the remains of those he loved more than anything in his life. The question of how many of his friends were now dead to this pointless battle still weighed heavily upon his mind. Unlike his village, the college had survived, but it hardly felt like a victory. He stopped for a moment and ran his hands across his snout, letting a few tears escape his eyes.
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Lorag did not pay too much attention to Runt entering the room, as her behavior at the moment was normal for her. She scurried off to bed, so Lorag simply continued to talk with Ariel. "Well, I remember you and Runt made those fire salt things that exploded. That was pretty cool looking. If alchemy can do that, then they'd have to make some kind of competition out of it."
Meesei have a chuckle, even as her expression became slightly melancholy. "I think I am going to be left out of a lot of things by the time my life ends. It is fortunate that you will not be under quite the same kind of scrutiny that I will be, else I would have to put a stop to your efforts with the women of other packs. I have been thinking quite a lot recently on how other followers of Hircine will view us. It is unfortunate, really, because the rest of you are overall more important than myself. I may be leading you, but I could accomplish nothing of meaning without all of you. Other followers may recognize that, but..." She began, lifting up her hands and staring at the ring on her finger. She had not even considered removing it since she first slid it onto her finger. "...they will inevitably end up placing more of their focus on the one wearing the Ring. For me to have their respect, I have to be respectable. I have to be cautious about everything I do, at least when I am in the eye of other packs. It would probably be acceptable for me to search for a more permanent mate, but I do not have time for such things now.. Honestly, I have no desire to have a permanent mate at the moment. Perhaps it will be that I will not share a bed with another again for the rest of my life. If that is a sacrifice I have to make for Hircine, then so be it. My responsibilities are far more important."
Meesei have a chuckle, even as her expression became slightly melancholy. "I think I am going to be left out of a lot of things by the time my life ends. It is fortunate that you will not be under quite the same kind of scrutiny that I will be, else I would have to put a stop to your efforts with the women of other packs. I have been thinking quite a lot recently on how other followers of Hircine will view us. It is unfortunate, really, because the rest of you are overall more important than myself. I may be leading you, but I could accomplish nothing of meaning without all of you. Other followers may recognize that, but..." She began, lifting up her hands and staring at the ring on her finger. She had not even considered removing it since she first slid it onto her finger. "...they will inevitably end up placing more of their focus on the one wearing the Ring. For me to have their respect, I have to be respectable. I have to be cautious about everything I do, at least when I am in the eye of other packs. It would probably be acceptable for me to search for a more permanent mate, but I do not have time for such things now.. Honestly, I have no desire to have a permanent mate at the moment. Perhaps it will be that I will not share a bed with another again for the rest of my life. If that is a sacrifice I have to make for Hircine, then so be it. My responsibilities are far more important."
Lorag shrugged his shoulders. "Don't know. It would be pretty satisfying to win one of those things, but really I don't think it'd be a fair fight. I mean, I'm a lycan. I'm a lot stronger than I look...and I look pretty strong. Even your sister could match the strength of your average adult male with the boost her beast blood gives her. Well, maybe not an Orcish male, but...you get the idea. That kind of a difference might draw the wrong kind of attention. I know it'd be a pretty short notice, but are there any things you can enter a potion or something in? Winning a competition like that would probably get your name out there. Or at least get you some worthless prize you can brag about."
Meesei rolled her eyes at Janius. "You know, Janius, I'm not surprised. Every time we put you around a new woman, you end up trying to pursue her. Interestingly, I cannot recall a case where you have succeeded. I'm surprised you haven't started trying to proposition me yet or something. At any rate, I'm not certain on the magic competition. I don't know that I see the point of trying to win some contest against strangers. At the very least, I may learn something through observation if I show up. Perhaps I'll end up finding some reason to join in, though. We shall see."
Meesei rolled her eyes at Janius. "You know, Janius, I'm not surprised. Every time we put you around a new woman, you end up trying to pursue her. Interestingly, I cannot recall a case where you have succeeded. I'm surprised you haven't started trying to proposition me yet or something. At any rate, I'm not certain on the magic competition. I don't know that I see the point of trying to win some contest against strangers. At the very least, I may learn something through observation if I show up. Perhaps I'll end up finding some reason to join in, though. We shall see."
Lorag gave a mix between a laugh and a grunt. "No, but I'll get myself in a drinking competition if I can find one. It would be nice to have a guaranteed win, as long as they didn't mix Argonians into it. Probably wouldn't be fair. What about you? All this festival stuff been getting you to meet people? I think I remember seeing you with that bartender lizard. Or maybe I didn't. I don't know, I drank a lot."
Ahnasha moved closer to Fendros and rested her head on his chest. "I think I'll start small at first, stick with things that are simple and easy. I'll probably be terrible at first, so I would expect some poorly done drawings of you." She said, closing her eyes and letting out a yawn.
"I doubt Thorn is completely free of crime and decay. We haven't seen any yet, but maybe it just hides it better than other cities? Still, as long as Ariel is able to form connections to get supplies for her store, she should be able to settle here. I do find this festival to be interesting, and our dance was rather...entertaining, but honestly, I think it would have been better if we would have arrived at a different time. It would have allowed Ariel to see it in more of a normal state. Still, that is not the situation we are in, so we may as well make the best of what we have. And I suppose the festival may help Ariel to make connections. Is there anything in the festival you are particularly looking forward to? Tomorrow is the day of competition, then beauty, then feasting. I think there are more after that, but I'm not sure what they are. Are there any events or competitions you plan on attending?"
Ahnasha moved closer to Fendros and rested her head on his chest. "I think I'll start small at first, stick with things that are simple and easy. I'll probably be terrible at first, so I would expect some poorly done drawings of you." She said, closing her eyes and letting out a yawn.
"I doubt Thorn is completely free of crime and decay. We haven't seen any yet, but maybe it just hides it better than other cities? Still, as long as Ariel is able to form connections to get supplies for her store, she should be able to settle here. I do find this festival to be interesting, and our dance was rather...entertaining, but honestly, I think it would have been better if we would have arrived at a different time. It would have allowed Ariel to see it in more of a normal state. Still, that is not the situation we are in, so we may as well make the best of what we have. And I suppose the festival may help Ariel to make connections. Is there anything in the festival you are particularly looking forward to? Tomorrow is the day of competition, then beauty, then feasting. I think there are more after that, but I'm not sure what they are. Are there any events or competitions you plan on attending?"
Lorag thought for a moment. This was actually something he had been noticing recently. Runt's behavior now seemed odd, for her at least. For anyone else, it would be perfectly normal. "Actually, now that you mention it, yeah, she's been acting pretty strange. I've noticed her talking more, and she even started playing jokes on Janius. That's something she'd never done before. I don't really know what it means, honestly, Maybe it's from having you around, or maybe just knowing what happened with you a few years ago did something? I don't know, maybe this weird ritual thing Alpha's planning on doing will tell us. I'll be honest, though, I have absolutely no idea what she's going to do. Something with a tree is all I know."
Ahnasha laughed. "Well, you're pretty much obligated to say that, so I wouldn't expect anything less." Closing her eyes, Ahnasha let out a deep breath. This day had served to diminish much of the stress she felt from traveling through the marsh, so she wasn't really worried about growing agitated and snapping at someone for making her angry. Instead, she could just think about what she wanted to do to enjoy herself until it was time to leave. "You know, I think I might actually get some of those painting supplies while I'm here. I'm going to be having even more free time over the next few months, so I'm going to need something to fill the gap. I doubt I'll be able to learn by myself, but I might as well give it a try."
"Hmm, I suppose so. There are groups that are not friendly to outsiders in Black Marsh, but Thorn is a city that is used to visitors. Other races are common here, so I suppose it really is the best option. Lilmoth or Gideon might also work, but this city seems fine." Meesei stopped for a moment. She considered going back to her meditation, but decided that conversation seemed more interesting at the moment. "What about you? Black Marsh is my homeland, but this city is new to me. I still feel like I am out of place here. You have always been closer to cities and civilization than the rest of us, except for perhaps Fendros. I'm curious about how this city compares to the Imperial City, other than the obvious size difference."
Ahnasha laughed. "Well, you're pretty much obligated to say that, so I wouldn't expect anything less." Closing her eyes, Ahnasha let out a deep breath. This day had served to diminish much of the stress she felt from traveling through the marsh, so she wasn't really worried about growing agitated and snapping at someone for making her angry. Instead, she could just think about what she wanted to do to enjoy herself until it was time to leave. "You know, I think I might actually get some of those painting supplies while I'm here. I'm going to be having even more free time over the next few months, so I'm going to need something to fill the gap. I doubt I'll be able to learn by myself, but I might as well give it a try."
"Hmm, I suppose so. There are groups that are not friendly to outsiders in Black Marsh, but Thorn is a city that is used to visitors. Other races are common here, so I suppose it really is the best option. Lilmoth or Gideon might also work, but this city seems fine." Meesei stopped for a moment. She considered going back to her meditation, but decided that conversation seemed more interesting at the moment. "What about you? Black Marsh is my homeland, but this city is new to me. I still feel like I am out of place here. You have always been closer to cities and civilization than the rest of us, except for perhaps Fendros. I'm curious about how this city compares to the Imperial City, other than the obvious size difference."
"Eh, I didn't really do much today. Mostly just watched Alpha and City-boy failing to dance. Too much alcohol in me to do anything else." Lorag responded, giving a chuckle and resting his head on the pillow. "Not something I thought I'd ever catch myself saying. Anyway, I hadn't thought about the fact that you'll be splitting off from us after this. I mean, I knew of course, but I didn't really think about it. I guess that is kinda sad, with how long you've been around. How do you think Runt'll feel about it?
Ahnasha undressed and laid down beside Fendros. Her nap earlier meant she wasn't completely tired at the moment, but it probably wouldn't be long before she got to sleep, regardless."Well, it definitely feels better than the rest of the Marsh. It's on the edge of the marshes, near the coast, so it is pretty much exactly like Leyawiin in terms of climate. I've actually been fairly comfortable since I got here. Of course, this city is a lot more beautiful. I've never seen so many colorful flowers lining the streets. At least in the area where the festival is being held, it's like every nook and cranny is designed to be aesthetically pleasing. If it's name is any indication, I can only imagine what it will be like on the day of beauty. Other than that competition Rukeewei mentioned, I don't know what they are going to do on that day, though I doubt I would be winning any beauty competitions with this stomach of mine."
Meesei appreciated Janius' efforts not to disturb her meditation, but she eventually stopped anyway, as she had thought of a question she wanted to ask him. "So, Janius, what do you think about this city? Do you think it will be an appropriate place for Ariel to settle down?"
Ahnasha undressed and laid down beside Fendros. Her nap earlier meant she wasn't completely tired at the moment, but it probably wouldn't be long before she got to sleep, regardless."Well, it definitely feels better than the rest of the Marsh. It's on the edge of the marshes, near the coast, so it is pretty much exactly like Leyawiin in terms of climate. I've actually been fairly comfortable since I got here. Of course, this city is a lot more beautiful. I've never seen so many colorful flowers lining the streets. At least in the area where the festival is being held, it's like every nook and cranny is designed to be aesthetically pleasing. If it's name is any indication, I can only imagine what it will be like on the day of beauty. Other than that competition Rukeewei mentioned, I don't know what they are going to do on that day, though I doubt I would be winning any beauty competitions with this stomach of mine."
Meesei appreciated Janius' efforts not to disturb her meditation, but she eventually stopped anyway, as she had thought of a question she wanted to ask him. "So, Janius, what do you think about this city? Do you think it will be an appropriate place for Ariel to settle down?"
There was little Sam could do over the few days of Stevie's exams, other than just trying to avoid any stimulus that might agitate any of his emotions. Fear, anger, anything that he worried his beast might latch on to was something he tried to avoid. Still, it had been days, so he knew well that his beast could come out at any moment. He tried to help Stevie study as much as he could, but since he had not been taking her classes, he was of limited use. Otherwise, he just maintained their apartment so she could concentrate on studying. He cleaned the house completely about three times just to get out all the scents they kept picking up on.
When Stevie arrived home, Sam wasn't sure how to feel. It was a relief that they had managed to make it until after her exams, but now, they needed to focus on controlling their lycanthropy, something Sam had been dreading. As far as he was concerned, he would be happy if he never took on that form again, but it was, unfortunately, unavoidable. They needed to confront it at some point. Sam sat down beside Stevie and put his arm around her. He knew the past few days had been difficult for her, and he wanted to comfort her, but he wasn't sure how much help he could be when he needed comfort himself. Not a moment went by that he wasn't afraid of becoming the same monster he had been a few nights prior.
"So, that was your last final, right? How do you think you did?" He asked.
When Stevie arrived home, Sam wasn't sure how to feel. It was a relief that they had managed to make it until after her exams, but now, they needed to focus on controlling their lycanthropy, something Sam had been dreading. As far as he was concerned, he would be happy if he never took on that form again, but it was, unfortunately, unavoidable. They needed to confront it at some point. Sam sat down beside Stevie and put his arm around her. He knew the past few days had been difficult for her, and he wanted to comfort her, but he wasn't sure how much help he could be when he needed comfort himself. Not a moment went by that he wasn't afraid of becoming the same monster he had been a few nights prior.
"So, that was your last final, right? How do you think you did?" He asked.
Swims nodded. "I've heard some things about Skyrim. It does sound like an interesting place, even if it is cold. I wonder if the dragons they have up there are anything like the stories I've heard?" He asked. As Veria began to remove her armor as well, found that he couldn't help but to watch, even if he tried to make it seem like he wasn't. He and Veria had practically grown up together, so changing in front of each other was nothing new. They went swimming together all the time, so it wasn't as if they were unused to seeing each other in their underwear. Still, recently, he couldn't keep his eyes off of her. He didn't know why he was starting to feel this way, but he was still convinced that it would never work, that it wasn't meant to be. For himself, he finally managed to get out of his iron armor. It was always a long and annoying process. Each plate had to be removed individually, each strap untied, then tied back again once he put it back on. It always seemed to be an ordeal, but at least he was getting used to it.
When Stevie laid down beside him, Sam held on tightly to her. He could feel her trembling, indicating that she was in more pain than himself. Everything about this situation made him feel powerless. He couldn't do anything to help her; he could hardly even control his own body. How long was it going to be before they lost control in a public place? All of it made him afraid, but at least for now, he had the comfort of holding Stevie in his arms. After what seemed like hours, he finally closed his eyes and managed to get to sleep.
Lorag opened his eyes shortly after Ariel entered. "Oh, hey there. I'll let you two take the beds. The floor won't bother me none. Could use a spare pillow if there's one around, though." He requested. Since he had stopped drinking, he wasn't as intoxicated as he was before, so he was thinking somewhat reasonably. He was actually looking forward to some parts of this festival. Although, he wasn't exactly sure how long they would be staying. He knew they wanted to help Ariel get set up in this new city, but he really didn't know much else about that. "So, um, Ariel. How did things go today? You manage to talk to someone about that shop, or something?" He asked.
"I think we all will, Janius. Who knows, maybe even Lorag will miss having her around?" Meesei said with a bit more of a lighthearted chuckle. She glanced over to the stairs, then back to the others. "At any rate, I will be heading up to my room for the night. Goodnight." She said before walking away from the table. Ahnasha stood up along with Fendros as well, telling the others goodnight before joining him in their room.
When Meesei reached her room, she found a place for her belongings, then undressed and neatly folded and packed away her clothing. Instead of trying to go to sleep immediately, she sat down on her bed and started to meditate. She had not expected that herself and the rest of the pack would form such an attachment to Ariel, not that she regretted it. Still, it was going to be painful for all involved for them to separate. For now, Meesei simply wanted to relax, and meditation always seemed to serve that purpose rather nicely.
"I think we all will, Janius. Who knows, maybe even Lorag will miss having her around?" Meesei said with a bit more of a lighthearted chuckle. She glanced over to the stairs, then back to the others. "At any rate, I will be heading up to my room for the night. Goodnight." She said before walking away from the table. Ahnasha stood up along with Fendros as well, telling the others goodnight before joining him in their room.
When Meesei reached her room, she found a place for her belongings, then undressed and neatly folded and packed away her clothing. Instead of trying to go to sleep immediately, she sat down on her bed and started to meditate. She had not expected that herself and the rest of the pack would form such an attachment to Ariel, not that she regretted it. Still, it was going to be painful for all involved for them to separate. For now, Meesei simply wanted to relax, and meditation always seemed to serve that purpose rather nicely.
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