As the pack was preparing for night to fall, there was no small amount of tension in the air. Most of them had been through this countless times before, but there were going to be a lot of things different about this full moon. For one Kaleeth's presence complicated things. Unlike when they were training Fendros, they couldn't just have her come along naturally. In all likelyhood, she would attack them if they tried. For that reason, she had to stay away from everyone. That meant she would be alone in the swamp when she transformed back. Meesei had spent a few hours walking around the area with Kaleeth to help her familiarize herself with the landmarks, so she would probably be able to find her way back, but there was still the possibility of her becoming lost. Beyond that, there was also the matter of Ahnasha. Ideally, she would not give birth this night, but if she did, their beast forms would make matters much more complicated. She would have Sabine's potions to help her, but the danger of something going wrong would still be present.
Ahnasha took Fendros' hand and looked nervously into his eyes for a few moments. Before she could speak, however, Meesei approached and knelt down beside them. "I know none of this is ideal, but we will make this as safe as we possibly can. I will be staying here, and Lorag will lead tonight's hunt." Meesei said to the pair, holding out her hand to call attention to it. "My ring will allow me to stay in control for the duration of the full moon, so I will be able to take care of you if anything happens, Ahnasha. I may not know a great deal about Khajiit births, but I still have my restoration magic. I will do all I can to keep you safe, I promise."
To say Kaleeth was nervous would be an understatement. From what Meesei and Janius had told her, she was going to lose control completely, regardless of what she did to resist. At that point, she would be a danger to anyone and anything she met. The thought that she might turn on Janius if she saw him, or attack Ahnasha while she was weak, was terrible, which was why she had to get far away from everyone else. She wrapped her arms around Janius and held him tight, wishing she never had to let go. "I know, Meesei showed me the area, so I don't think I'll get lost. I just hope I don't wander back here. I...I should go now. I need to get as far away as I can before it gets dark. I don't want to make anything worse for Ahnasha. I will...see you soon. I hope."
EliteCommander Member
The Commander of Elites
- Last Seen: 12 hrs ago
- Joined: 13 yrs ago
- Posts: 8963 (1.96 / day)
- VMs: 2
-
Username history
- EliteCommander 13 yrs ago
-
Latest 10 profile visitors:
-
Most recent →
Ashifa ASMR YT,
Gurkenkrater,
Cath,
StarfrostedFox,
Sunflower,
Hibachi90,
Not a Sayan,
Digmata,
Raqueltrper,
Love Dove
Status
User has no status, yet
Bio
User has no bio, yet
Most Recent Posts
The New Yorker said
Ugh, I wanted a sea battle! But whatevs, I'm cool with bandits I guess. I'll have a post up tomorrow.
We'll have a sea battle, this is just in preparation for that.
I would, but I need to go to bed fairly soon.
The day concluded safely when the rain finally tapered off and stopped the water from rising all the way to the camp. Unfortunately, that day was far from an isolated incident. A trip that could normally be made in under a month was more than doubled by a variety of factors. For one, the rainy season did not relent in its severity. At times, the pack was locked in one place for days at a time, waiting for conditions to become favorable enough for them to move along. Argonian travelers were normally not bothered by rain or rising rivers to a great extent, but moving during a storm was usually not an option for them. Ahnasha in particular would be in danger if they tried, as she could hardly swim at all in her current state. They had to remain vigilant not to expose her to any unnecessary danger for the sake of her child's health. To make matters worse, the longer it took them, the harder it was for her to travel. The only silver lining to the delays were that they gave them ample time for training sessions for Kaleeth. At first, she mostly stayed around and trained with Janius, but upon Meesei's assistance, she at least tried to open up to the others. Meesei was of course the first person she started talking to other than Janius, as she actively sought out conversations with Kaleeth, but she started to be friendly with the others all the same. Lorag was the person she was least familiar with. No matter how much Meesei insisted (or yelled at him) that he talk more with her, they did not have much common ground, and she still felt nervous around him. Kaleeth still felt like an outsider in the pack, but she had at least became close enough to Meesei that she could safely train with her.
By the second month, Ahnasha's stomach was essentially at the largest point it would reach. While not as large as that of a pregnant human or elf, it was obvious that she was ready to give birth in a matter of days, a week at most. The pack was very close to Stormhold; even with bad weather, they could likely make it there in two or three days, which made it even worse knowing that it was probably too little, too late. It was nearing evening and the weather was fair for once, but this night was the night of the full moons. The pack would be forced to transform, so it was mandatory that they remain in the wilds, far from civilization. While it was technically possible that they could make it to Stormhold before it was time, that was seeming increasingly unlikely.
Ahnasha sat on the ground atop a pile of blankets, leaned up against a tree with her hands resting on her stomach. She looked nervously up at the sky, wondering how the night might unfold. She had transformed recently enough to know that she could do so without harming the child, but she was so close now. It was entirely possible that she could give birth tonight, which would mean she would be doing it alone. All of the others would be away on a hunt they could not avoid. It was worrying, a fact that was quite obvious in her expression.
By the second month, Ahnasha's stomach was essentially at the largest point it would reach. While not as large as that of a pregnant human or elf, it was obvious that she was ready to give birth in a matter of days, a week at most. The pack was very close to Stormhold; even with bad weather, they could likely make it there in two or three days, which made it even worse knowing that it was probably too little, too late. It was nearing evening and the weather was fair for once, but this night was the night of the full moons. The pack would be forced to transform, so it was mandatory that they remain in the wilds, far from civilization. While it was technically possible that they could make it to Stormhold before it was time, that was seeming increasingly unlikely.
Ahnasha sat on the ground atop a pile of blankets, leaned up against a tree with her hands resting on her stomach. She looked nervously up at the sky, wondering how the night might unfold. She had transformed recently enough to know that she could do so without harming the child, but she was so close now. It was entirely possible that she could give birth tonight, which would mean she would be doing it alone. All of the others would be away on a hunt they could not avoid. It was worrying, a fact that was quite obvious in her expression.
Well, since I know what mission I'm on, I really need to post in here. I believe I will just have Ssarak go somewhere on his own, maybe explain the current state of affairs for him after the skip.
Lucius, when do you think you'll be able to collab that first post to the auxiliary story?
Lucius, when do you think you'll be able to collab that first post to the auxiliary story?
I can't think of much more of importance to do right now. Should I make another timeskip?
You can skip us to camp if you wish
"I...I did. I did hate you. But...I hated you for loving me. And I hated you because I loved you. I didn't want to leave home, but I had to because of what I became. It was because I loved you that I became this beast, and I wished that never happened. I wished that I never met you, so that I could stay home like I wanted, but...I didn't stop loving you. I just hated...that I loved you. Now...I just want to stop hating you." Kaleeth answered. She was somewhat incoherent, but she was speaking from the heart as it came to her. She continued to pin him to the ground, which she found she could do quite easily. Even in her Argonian form, she was granted a significant amount of strength, to the point that she was now physically the strongest member of the pack, despite her small appearance. She was granted none of the extra agility that a werewolf could enjoy in their normal forms, but her muscular strength was impressive.
"Do you still...want that?" She asked, silently afraid that the answer would not be what she wanted to hear.
"Do you still...want that?" She asked, silently afraid that the answer would not be what she wanted to hear.
Rareth gave a bit of a chuckle to Telmeck. "Eh, you didn't really. We've mostly just been complaining about politicians, which is especially awkward, since my duties make me a politician half the time. Though, I guess most politicians don't have cause to behead people on a semi-regular basis. Well, maybe politicians in the Sovereignty, but I digress." She joked to Telmeck.
One by one, each member of the team arrived in the common area until they were all present. Quite pleasantly, they were all at least mostly sober, so they could maintain a sense of professionalism. The group headed down the elevator to a floor near the bottom of the tower. The very moment they stepped out of the elevator, a receptionist shepherded them into what looked like an empty board room. One wall consisted entirely of windows, while the others were completely white and featureless. There was a single, large table with enough seating for over a dozen people with chairs that were designed to be adjustable for any species. They were a few minutes early, so the receptionist instructed them to take their seats and wait for the representatives to arrive, though they did not need to wait long. On the very minute the meeting was set to begin, the four representatives entered the room and took their seats. There was a dark-skinned Human female, a Tempu woman with obvious tech implants in her eyes and on her hands, a Masulu male in a military dress uniform, and a Rothian male who caused Rareth's eyes to widen when she saw him, for he was someone she knew well. It was Ghirn'Lors, her immediate superior in the Rahn'Masser. Rareth knew his job involved politics, but she could not fathom why he would suddenly be representing the Rothians in the Assembly. It did not seem to make sense for him. Nevertheless, she was sure she would learn in time. For now, there was the matter at hand to attend to.
As each of the representatives sat down, they activated holographic screens that hovered in front of them that they could use to display information pertinent to the meeting. With a single touch, Ghirn moved his display to the side so he could address the group. "Greetings, everyone. I am sure you all know why you are here, but just in case, this meeting is in regards to a join-species initiative, one you have all been selected to be a part of. From what I have been told, you have all had a few days to become acquainted, so do any of you have questions before we begin?"
One by one, each member of the team arrived in the common area until they were all present. Quite pleasantly, they were all at least mostly sober, so they could maintain a sense of professionalism. The group headed down the elevator to a floor near the bottom of the tower. The very moment they stepped out of the elevator, a receptionist shepherded them into what looked like an empty board room. One wall consisted entirely of windows, while the others were completely white and featureless. There was a single, large table with enough seating for over a dozen people with chairs that were designed to be adjustable for any species. They were a few minutes early, so the receptionist instructed them to take their seats and wait for the representatives to arrive, though they did not need to wait long. On the very minute the meeting was set to begin, the four representatives entered the room and took their seats. There was a dark-skinned Human female, a Tempu woman with obvious tech implants in her eyes and on her hands, a Masulu male in a military dress uniform, and a Rothian male who caused Rareth's eyes to widen when she saw him, for he was someone she knew well. It was Ghirn'Lors, her immediate superior in the Rahn'Masser. Rareth knew his job involved politics, but she could not fathom why he would suddenly be representing the Rothians in the Assembly. It did not seem to make sense for him. Nevertheless, she was sure she would learn in time. For now, there was the matter at hand to attend to.
As each of the representatives sat down, they activated holographic screens that hovered in front of them that they could use to display information pertinent to the meeting. With a single touch, Ghirn moved his display to the side so he could address the group. "Greetings, everyone. I am sure you all know why you are here, but just in case, this meeting is in regards to a join-species initiative, one you have all been selected to be a part of. From what I have been told, you have all had a few days to become acquainted, so do any of you have questions before we begin?"
It was clear that Noelle had no interest in reminiscing in Sharee's rather sordid past, so she moved to wrap up the encounter, which was probably for the best. Sharee gave a nod, then leaned forward and clasped her hands together. "I need nothing more from you. Go rest up, heal up, and whatever else you need. I could try talking to you honor and loyalty and why you shouldn't be angry for me punishing you, but all that is nonsense. You are angry, I expect you to be angry, and honestly, I would be disappointed if you were not. So far, since you have been here, all I have done for you is flog you. But, the reason you are here, the reason any of us are here, is because you want coin. Stick with us and perform your duties and you'll get your coin. If I don't deliver on that, then you can organize a mutiny, or whatever. Until then, I'll let you be."
The next two days involved scouting into the island and its inhabitants. Those who were not occupied with ship repairs and outfitting were tasked with finding a source of skooma. The scouts they sent to the moon sugar fields determined that striking there was probably not the best idea. There was plenty of the sugar they could use to refine into skooma, but the local authorities were well aware of how tempting of a target they were. Since moon sugar was the main source of income for the entire island, there were Dominion troops guarding every single field. There were some, less protected fields that Sharee believed they could handle, but there was no way they would be able to get in and out without the local authorities knowing about it. That would mean they would have to get off the island as soon as they got back to the docks with the sugar, which wouldn't work in this case. Going after the Miriam's supplies also had its issues. Noelle and her team quickly discovered that the crew of the Miriam ran a really tight ship. They kept a close watch on any valuable incoming cargo, so while it wouldn't be impossible to get a crate of skooma, they would run into the same problem as they would going after the moon sugar. They would not be able to get a crate from them without alerting the local drug smuggling ring, which would be pretty much as bad as alerting the Dominion. Going after the Miriam would certainly be a project for later, but for now, their best option seemed to be the bandits. The crew members they sent out posing as bounty hunters uncovered a decent sized bandit gang hiding out in a cove on the east side of the island. Like any criminal on the island, they engaged in the skooma trade, and no one would really care if they went after them. As near as Sharee could tell, they weren't affiliated with the major smuggling rings in the area, and taking them out would actually be helpful to the Dominion in the area. It was the most dangerous option, but it seemed like the only one that would work.
It was late in the evening that Sharee ordered her officers to meet up in her cabin. For this mission, she couldn't afford to bring her entire crew, but she had to bring most of her best fighters. Unfortunately, that meant that pretty much all of her officers would be joining her for this attack. It was not ideal to have so much of the ship's leadership going into a fight like this, but that was what the situation called for. Sharee also ordered her officers to bring the members of their teams that they believed would be most helpful in a fight, or none at all, if they judged them to be too much of a liability. She was emphasizing quality over quantity in this attack, as having too many inexperienced fighters there would just end up getting crew members killed, and the ship was already understaffed as it was.
The next two days involved scouting into the island and its inhabitants. Those who were not occupied with ship repairs and outfitting were tasked with finding a source of skooma. The scouts they sent to the moon sugar fields determined that striking there was probably not the best idea. There was plenty of the sugar they could use to refine into skooma, but the local authorities were well aware of how tempting of a target they were. Since moon sugar was the main source of income for the entire island, there were Dominion troops guarding every single field. There were some, less protected fields that Sharee believed they could handle, but there was no way they would be able to get in and out without the local authorities knowing about it. That would mean they would have to get off the island as soon as they got back to the docks with the sugar, which wouldn't work in this case. Going after the Miriam's supplies also had its issues. Noelle and her team quickly discovered that the crew of the Miriam ran a really tight ship. They kept a close watch on any valuable incoming cargo, so while it wouldn't be impossible to get a crate of skooma, they would run into the same problem as they would going after the moon sugar. They would not be able to get a crate from them without alerting the local drug smuggling ring, which would be pretty much as bad as alerting the Dominion. Going after the Miriam would certainly be a project for later, but for now, their best option seemed to be the bandits. The crew members they sent out posing as bounty hunters uncovered a decent sized bandit gang hiding out in a cove on the east side of the island. Like any criminal on the island, they engaged in the skooma trade, and no one would really care if they went after them. As near as Sharee could tell, they weren't affiliated with the major smuggling rings in the area, and taking them out would actually be helpful to the Dominion in the area. It was the most dangerous option, but it seemed like the only one that would work.
It was late in the evening that Sharee ordered her officers to meet up in her cabin. For this mission, she couldn't afford to bring her entire crew, but she had to bring most of her best fighters. Unfortunately, that meant that pretty much all of her officers would be joining her for this attack. It was not ideal to have so much of the ship's leadership going into a fight like this, but that was what the situation called for. Sharee also ordered her officers to bring the members of their teams that they believed would be most helpful in a fight, or none at all, if they judged them to be too much of a liability. She was emphasizing quality over quantity in this attack, as having too many inexperienced fighters there would just end up getting crew members killed, and the ship was already understaffed as it was.
© 2007-2026