EliteCommander

Ashes [EliteCommander and Vesuvius00]

"Oh, Bri'nx. Bright, Onyx. I understand now." Tarentek commented, chuckling to himself as they walked along. Her explanation of the ritual did not seem too strange compared to any other ritual he had heard of from other places. His own people did not practice what others would generally call rituals, but he had heard explanations of why others did. Of course, those explanations varied significantly from place to place.

"Hmm, so this ritual is a social event, but also a very personal one? My people do not really have rituals, so I am pretty unfamiliar with them. The closest thing I would say we have is customary celebrations for important life events. Marriages, hatchings, starting a career, those sorts of things. But, they aren't really the same. This sounds like a large event for the whole tribe, or at least a good portion of it. Though, I am curious about how you determine who is who's rival. Do you know who your rival is?" Tarentek asked. He glanced around at the people around him, not that he actually knew who it was these packages were supposed to be delivered to. For now, he had to rely on Onyx to show him the way. He was just there to carry some of the burden and provide conversation.

Ashes [EliteCommander and Vesuvius00]

Tarentek shrugged his shoulders. "Yeah, I'm not really part of your social structure, so I can call you whatever you want me to. I don't know what the new name means to you, but from a purely phonetic standpoint, I really do like the name 'Onyx.' I believe it sounds nice. Though, if my age is important for making the distinction, I am twenty-three years of age, currently."

Tarentek glanced off in the same direction as Onyx for a moment, then focused his attention back on her. "So, how do you go about coming of age? Does it involve a ritual or something? What would that entail?" He asked.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Meesei nodded in response to Vera, stepping closer to her and speaking more quietly to make sure the others could not hear them from outside, in case they were still close to the door. "Yes, I had Ahnasha looking for him while you all were waiting, but she could not find him. I...admit, I had to deceive you on something before, but now that you are no longer a suspect, I can speak more freely. I was aware of your son when you asked me earlier today, though I did not know where he was, and still do not. I had asked Jerrick to give me the names of those he felt he could trust, and Caleb's name was among them. When I requested his presence, I did not know he was your son, or I likely would have kept him distant from the matter. Still, the only thing I asked of him was to keep an eye out for any information of interest, so I have no way of knowing where he could be."

Meesei still could not reveal everything about her investigation, namely the identities of her other contacts, but as Caleb's mother, Meesei felt Vera should know if something was potentially wrong with her son. After what Vera had been through already, Meesei prayed to Hircine that Caleb was alright, and indeed, it wasn't guaranteed that he had been harmed. "Is disappearing like this something that is normal for him? You know him better than I. With what I have told you, do you think you could guess where he might be? I regret I cannot join you personally in the search just yet, but Ahnasha, Kaleeth, or perhaps both can aid you." She offered.

Ashes [EliteCommander and Vesuvius00]

Tarentek held the packages he was given close under his arm. He did not know what they contained, though he doubted they could be too important if Harp'la was willing to entrust them to an outsider, even while in the presence of Onyx. Even so, he would make sure to take care of them just the same. After Onyx started speaking to Harp'la, Tarentek stood by silently while they conversed. After yesterday, he had to remind himself that not all of the Elissics were as friendly as the merchants, or young adults. Most likely, he would be spending a lot of time silently listening as others spoke.

Tarentek mimicked Onyx's farewells as they left, then followed her out the building. Since he hadn't the faintest idea of where to go, he simply made conversation as he followed Onyx. "She seemed...well, she didn't yell at me, so she couldn't have disliked me too much." He said with a laugh. "So, I gather you told her about your experience last night? Will you be getting a new name or something, or will I always be able to call you Onyx?"

Blood Act I~ Ghosts of the Past

Ssarak Dyreackthanose

---

Ssarak, Darius, and Alaira were hiding a fair distance from the camp to stay out of sight, but close enough that they could hear and observe what was happening within. While the others might be able to maneuver closer, Ssarak, in his cumbersome, metal armor, did not want to take the risk. Meirin had elected to remain back with the wagon to protect Lyn and the caravan master. Ssarak was nervous about splitting up, but was eventually convinced that it would be the safest option for everyone. Regardless, he had made sure to leave one of their ethers with Meirin, and had given the other to Darius. For himself, Ssarak reasoned that, since he tended to be conservative with his use of magic, he would have less need of it.

The trio was of course outnumbered, as expected, but that did not mean they could not emerge victorious. They were more well-armed than their opponents, likely better trained, and had the element of surprise. The greatest worry in Ssarak’s mind was that Alaira might refuse to go along with any plan they create and instead charge straight in. Given her history, that was a believable outcome. However, as long as his plan involved her fighting in the open, he reasoned that she may cooperate.

Ssarak whispered to the others in lieu of telepathic communication, due to Alaira’s weakness. ”Now that we have seen the fortifications, we need a plan of attack. We are outnumbered right now, so a direct attack would be unwise, but it may not necessarily be a good idea to wait for most of them to leave either. We will likely need to clear the camp before we can bring the wagon through, and we do not have unlimited time. Currently, most of the camp seems to be intoxicated, which should work in our favor. We could search for a good approach to attack now, or wait and until the group their leader is gathering starts to leave, then attack before they are fully out of range to separate them into groups. Although, we also have to bear in mind the other group we overheard them talking about. I would prefer to clear the camp before they return so we can set up an ambush.”

Blood Act I~ Ghosts of the Past

Ssarak would want to give it to Darius as well, since Ssarak tends to make conservative use of his magic in combat. He tries to use quick bursts of magic at key points, which isn't as demanding.

Blood Act I~ Ghosts of the Past

I meant to post today, but I was doing some work and it slipped my mind. I have some work tomorrow as well, but I'll try to remember. Ssarak would distribute the ethers for the attack, but he would probably want to leave one with Meirin. How many were there?

Ashes [EliteCommander and Vesuvius00]

Tarentek did not expect to be suddenly shoved into the room, but he managed to avoid making any loud noises before Onyx managed to speak up. He largely ignored the general surprise of the woman once she saw him. By this point, he was used to seeing that kind of reaction, so he simply reacted calmly and politely.

"Indeed I am. I am still recovering from my injuries, and I find that the exercise of walking around can be beneficial. As well, I would like to help out in whatever capacity I can while I am here. I do not like to accept a kindness without offering one in return. My name is Tarentek, a pleasure to meet you." Tarentek explained, keeping a proper, cordial tone.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"Aside from explaining what happened, it would obviously be best to do what we can to attempt to calm the fears they will no doubt have upon hearing this news. It will be a daunting task, given the situation, but we can try to address as many concerns as possible. However, doing so will require a delicate balance in how you address the crowd. We have to reassure the clan that we are in control of the situation, and there will be justice for Jerrick. However, at the same time, we have to avoid ostracizing Harriet's packs, or causing anyone to shift blame onto them. I would attempt to emphasize that all of them, no matter their leader, should be united in these trying times. Try to emphasize that Harriet will be receiving a fair trial, judged by a neutral party. Although, you would know better than I what your community would respond to." Meesei explained, glancing between Vera and Oswall. "I would suggest you confer with each other on how best to appeal to your individual packs. I know it may be difficult, Vera, but it is also an option that each of you could speak up during the announcement, if you feel that would lead to a better result. In any case, all of us should be present when it is time."

"For now, I need to return to Harriet and keep a watch on her. I am sure she will want to start right away on building her defense. Oswall, Darahil, if you could step out into the hall with the others for a moment, I would like to speak to Vera on an unrelated matter." Meesei requested.

Ashes [EliteCommander and Vesuvius00]

Tarentek gave a genuine smile as he nodded to Onyx. "Thank you, and I promise I will keep you safe." He had given swimming lessons before, mostly to recruits who had never swam before, so he was certain she would come to no harm. Some of those recruits had been afraid of water as well, though not for the same reason as Onyx. In any case, since she had at least agreed to try, there was a chance she could recover.

Taking a few steps forward, Tarentek turned his head and looked back to Onyx. "And sure, I'll go in with you. What kind of tasks do you usually get, anyway? Is it always deliveries, or do you think we will be doing anything else? He asked.