EliteCommander

Ashes [EliteCommander and Vesuvius00]

Tarentek removed one of his earplugs after Onyx finished shooting to hear her more clearly. "I think your accuracy is exactly where I'd expect it to be. You're just starting out, so you're not going to be great at first. Make sure when you're aiming that your sights are completely aligned, else your aim will be thrown off. Otherwise, you seem to be following proper form, though I can't tell on your breath control. In any case, there is only so much that explanations can do. Beyond that, only practice and experience can really help you improve. I'd keep trying as often as you're allowed. I know bullets can be hard to come by, but 9mm is a common ammo type, at least. I know I'm kind of low for my rifle. I have a magazine and a half left, and 7.62x51mm will be harder for to come by."

Replacing his earplug back into his ear, Tarentek motioned to the target. "Anyway, why don't you try again? Try to keep a count of how many rounds you have left. That pistol will hold fifteen rounds. Sixteen, if you already have one in the chamber when you reload. After you run out that magazine, if you still want to continue, we'll see if you can reload it."

Ashes [EliteCommander and Vesuvius00]

It had not taken long for Tarentek to locate a target to shoot. He did notice that he got a few looks as he was waiting, but no one approached him before Onyx returned. He looked over what she had gathered, then nodded to her. "Ah, I see. Tie that over your ears, I guess? It should block enough sound. You'll still hear it, but it shouldn't hurt you. The ammo looks right, so I'll show you what you need to know, then let you try it yourself.

There were no tables nearby Tarentek could use, so he took the pistol and sat down on the ground, motioning for Onyx to take a seat beside him. "First, I'll show you how to load it. This is the magazine release." He said, pointing to a small button on the grip before pressing it to remove the magazine. He then started to take rounds from the box and load them into the magazine. "Loading the magazine is easy, just push them in one at a time. However, with a loaded gun, you have to be careful. Really, it's good to be careful with any gun, at any time. Make sure not to point it at anything you don't want to shoot, and keep your finger off of the trigger until you are ready to fire. I've seen too many accidents from people not being safe.

Once Tarentek had filled the magazine, he reloaded it back into the handgun. Since it was empty, you have to pull back the slide to load a bullet into the chamber. Once that is done, and the safety is off, it will be ready to fire." He explained, pointing out the safety to her as he mentioned it.

"Now, as for how to actually shoot, I will demonstrate. Grab it with your dominant hand as high on the grip as you can, then place your other hand over it as so. When you aim at the target, make sure not to lock your elbows, then look down the sights. You want the rear sights to be in line with the front sight. When you're firing, either hold your breath very briefly when you pull the trigger, or fire between breaths. It will help keep you steady. The latter is more effective, but the former can be easier for beginners." Tarentek explained, demonstrating each part of the technique in sequence. Before firing, however, he paused a moment and reached into the pouch on his waist. He had been wearing it when Amman was attacked, and while it had no useful supplies, there was one thing he always kept with him. From the pouch, he produced two small, tightly wrapped pieces of cotton fabric which he used as earplugs.

"Okay, cover your ears." He warned before switching off the safety and taking aim with the technique he described. With a few pulls of the trigger, he put three rounds downrange, showing that the pistol did indeed work. The range to the target was not too long, so Tarentek hit accurately, with a tight spread. He was a marksman in his squad, after all, so hitting a stationary target was nothing too difficult.

"Alright, your turn. Take a few shots and get used to the recoil. You might not be too accurate at first, but you'll get used to it." He said, flipping on the safety, than handing it back to her.

Ashes [EliteCommander and Vesuvius00]

"Anything that will block out sound will work. Some kind of earplug, or just something to go over them. It is hard to get an appreciation for how loud these things are without firing one for yourself. The reason I am as persistent as I am about it is that you can lose your hearing if you're unlucky, or worse. Some people get this constant ringing in their ear; I've experienced it before myself. And for races that don't regenerate like mine, I've heard it can even be permanent. Just see if you can find something in the storeroom along with the ammo, or I'll have to prove to you that I'm serious about just using my hands." Tarentek explained with a smile.

Ashes [EliteCommander and Vesuvius00]

Tarentek nodded. "I'll appreciate any knowledge you can give me of course, but...I don't know if I'm up for flying today. Perhaps...tomorrow? You can help me with controlling my fear in flight, then I can help you in the water. For now, I will just appreciate the exercise. After your lessons of course."

It was not long before the pair reached the training area, which, of course, had others training as well. He did not know where the storeroom was, but at least this time he could pick out a spot on their shooting range for them to use. "I'll go pick us out a spot while you get the ammo. Remember, get the rounds labeled 9mm; it's what your pistol is chambered for. It's a smaller bullet that isn't as powerful, but it also doesn't kick as much as bigger rounds, so it should be easier to start with. Did you remember to get something for hearing protection? I'm not exaggerating when I say these things are loud. I'll hold my hands over your ears if I have to."

Ashes [EliteCommander and Vesuvius00]

"Oh, I see. I understand. If you're right about their mission...well, I can't say I blame anyone for not volunteering. What they're being asked to do is quite a lot, but it is a duty someone has to fulfill. Depending on what happens, I may find myself in their position eventually. I am a scout, after all, and a soldier. I don't intend to avoid our enemy forever." Tarentek explained, his tone just as serious as Onyx's.

Tarentek was glad when Onyx changed the subject. The threat they faced was not a reality they could avoid, but they could at least distract themselves from it, and in the process, perhaps prepare for it as well. "Certainly, now is a good time for training. I can teach you how to use that pistol, as long as my fix actually worked. Just get some 9mm ammo, and I'll teach you everything you need to know. I might even be able to do something more than that; I'm feeling better than before, and could definitely use some exercise. Sparring can be a good way to train, if there is anyone who would actually be willing to spar with me."

Ashes [EliteCommander and Vesuvius00]

Tarentek has barely noticed any change in himself, so he did not quite know what was bothering her. As they were walking along, his posture gradually began to relax. "No, I'm fine. I suppose I might be a little nervous meeting new Elissics, but they seemed professional. Soldiers are like that, the good ones at least. I knew soldiers that hated each other to the very core, but the moment it came to a fight, I had no doubt they would risk their lives for each other. I think there is something quite admirable about that, though I admit, I might be a bit biased." He laughed.

By this point, Tarentek was back to his normal demeanor. "So the lack of people makes you nervous? I take it you like crowds, then? I know I was certainly used to them back in Amman, though being a scout also got me used to being alone. Usually I had my team, but there were times I had to be completely alone for whatever reason."

Ashes [EliteCommander and Vesuvius00]

As instructed, Tarentek put one package aside for the leader, then began distributing the rest to the line of scouts. If any of them had any thoughts or opinions on Tarentek, they all kept them to themselves. The scouts all seemed regimented and professional, much like Tarentek's own squad had been...when they were on duty, at least.

Tarentek passed out each of the packages he had to the scouts, then, once all of the others had received theirs, handed over the one he had set aside to the leader, Mox'lin. Being in the presence of soldiers, or the equivalent of soldiers, almost unconsciously caused Tarentek to shift back into the mannerisms his years of training had given him. He stood with completely proper posture, as if at attention, as he waited for Onyx to finish whatever else she might need to do. For anyone looking at Tarentek, it would be hard to miss the evidence of the years of drills and training that had driven themselves into the core of his mind.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

If you would like to skip to the announcement (or whatever the next big event is), you can go ahead and do so. I think I've given all of Meesei's plans and intentions, except for one thing. She intends to have Grolak or the Bosmer search Harriet's room before Harriet will be allowed to return to it. Other than that, she will probably have Sabine stay with Ahnasha, who can do whatever. Though, I think Ahnasha would want to stick with Fendros.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"I understand, I trust your judgment on this. I think you would know best on how to find him." Meesei said with a nod. "I do not have any reason to believe there is anything wrong with him, but I felt I should tell you. I would like to keep at least one person with you to help protect you, though. Take Kaleeth; she is stronger than she gives herself credit for." Meesei instructed. While she knew that Kaleeth's skill with weaponry was not exceptional at the moment, it was her lycan form that Meesei felt was capable. For any foe not prepared to face it, a werecrocodile could be devastating.

"I do not believe Harriet will be able to direct anyone to harm you before the trial, as I will be watching her constantly, but it is best to be safe. Even if Harriet cannot order them, there may be the possibility that some of them might do something rash of their own accord. Anyway, I do not believe there is anything more to say now. We should all get to our respective tasks." Meesei said, motioning for Kaleeth to gather her equipment and follow Vera.

After stepping out into the hall, Meesei quickly rejoined the others. As requested, they were all waiting with varying degrees of patience. Inwardly, Meesei felt nervous and uncertain. There was no way to be sure that the choices she was making were the right ones, but they were choices she had to make. She could not be sure if it was a good idea to let Harriet wander the ruin, but she knew it would not be wise to proceed with the trial without allowing Harriet to form a defense. She could not be sure if her plan for avoiding violence would work, but it was the best plan she had. Those, and all of her other decisions, weighed on her mind, but on the surface, she was just as calm as always. "I do not believe there is any more left to do here. Janius, you should stay with Oswall, and Fendros with Darahil. I do not want to risk any more tragedies. Harriet, myself and Lorag are going to stay with you. There are some rules I am going to have to establish, but you will have the ability to form your defense."

Ashes [EliteCommander and Vesuvius00]

Tarentek looked around along with Onyx after they reached the end of the bridges. There only seemed to be one, reasonably large group of people nearby, so he assumed they were the ones they were looking for. Since he was not sure, however, he stayed at Onyx's side to follow her lead. He thought it was an interesting idea for their rituals to involve bonding together two people who could be considered rivals. Thinking about it, he guessed that a custom like that could lead to less in-fighting among the village, though he doubted that was always the case.

"I don't think our celebrations are too much like your rituals. There are very few that involve our gods at all. They are more of...social events, not formal like your rituals. Well, some of them are formal, but not strictly structured, I mean. Often times, these celebrations are private gatherings of friends and family members, but there are some that involve more of the community. For instance, there is a public celebration nearly every year for the students of the University who complete their studies. It is a festival, of sorts, with music, dancing, and if resources permit, a feast. Those who completed their training to be soldiers get special honors at the celebration, and luckily for me, it was a good year when I completed my studies. Plenty of food and drink to go around. My squad had a contest to see who could drink the most wine; I...don't think any of us 'won,' really." He said with a chuckle.