I just posted. I'll probably have Leaps leap in in my next one (well, that was a sentence). Or you could in yours.
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Most Recent Posts
Meesei remained mostly along the sidelines, observing Sabine's interactions with her friends. She took particular note of the mention of Caleb, given the conversation that had preceded their arrival at the pool. If it was the same Caleb that she knew, then it was an interesting revelation, though not one without concern.
Pushing aside the thought for the moment, Meesei answered Thyme's question while the others teased one another. "Yes, I am. I would say I have considerable skill in all forms of magic; conjuration less so than the others. My upbringing was in a remote area of Black Marsh, so I know forms of magic not found in the Empire, those passed down by my people." She explained, though at the same time, she was listening to Sabine's conversation. It was not something that she felt she should involve herself in too greatly, as she wanted to allow Sabine to have time with her friends unimpeded. Meesei leaned back in the water with her hands behind her head, allowing herself to float on the surface while using her tail to keep herself stationary. However, she did find herself curious enough to make one comment, one that might give Sabine more of a chance to return Angela's teasing. "What of your friend over there? He seems quite reluctant to join you, or even leave that wall."
The boy, Roland, could hear some of what they were saying, and at one point, almost looked like he might actually step out towards the pool, but nevertheless remained precisely where he was standing.
---
"Well...my heartbeat slowed, so it must have done something." Ahnasha answered. She was having a hard time putting into words exactly how she felt. Again, her heartbeat was not as slow as Fendros', but she was starting to think that was normal, since she certainly felt less tense overall. She scratched behind her head, tilting it to the side slightly while she tried to decide on how to answer.
"I feel a little strange, honestly. Like...I have too much air, but not in a bad way, necessarily. Breathing that way was a bit odd, but relaxing, I suppose. It took more concentration than I would have thought, but it did clear my mind, at least. I guess I feel the same way as him. Should I be feeling any different?" She asked, wondering if the experience was supposed to differ for them at any point. Perhaps he was looking for something to change between them to figure out how the event had affected both of them individually?
---
Kaleeth tightened her arms around Janius and returned his kiss. Yes, but...I think I would like that better, honestly." She commented as she straightened out and stretched her aching muscles. It felt as if she had been exercising for a few hours straight, though from her experience, the feeling would not last nearly as long.
Turning her head, Kaleeth looked to the children once more. As was common for those their age, their attention span was short enough that their focus could easily and quickly shift. Now, they were fighting over the remnants of the shield, competing to see who could get the largest piece. She had obviously impressed them, though they now looked like they were mostly interested in playing with one another, particularly since Kaleeth would not be able to transform again for some time.
Kaleeth walked back over to her belongings with Janius and began to collect them. As she was tying together her loincloth, she gave another smile in the children's direction. "I think I like them. They seemed so excited and happy to see something new. They are...adorable."
Pushing aside the thought for the moment, Meesei answered Thyme's question while the others teased one another. "Yes, I am. I would say I have considerable skill in all forms of magic; conjuration less so than the others. My upbringing was in a remote area of Black Marsh, so I know forms of magic not found in the Empire, those passed down by my people." She explained, though at the same time, she was listening to Sabine's conversation. It was not something that she felt she should involve herself in too greatly, as she wanted to allow Sabine to have time with her friends unimpeded. Meesei leaned back in the water with her hands behind her head, allowing herself to float on the surface while using her tail to keep herself stationary. However, she did find herself curious enough to make one comment, one that might give Sabine more of a chance to return Angela's teasing. "What of your friend over there? He seems quite reluctant to join you, or even leave that wall."
The boy, Roland, could hear some of what they were saying, and at one point, almost looked like he might actually step out towards the pool, but nevertheless remained precisely where he was standing.
---
"Well...my heartbeat slowed, so it must have done something." Ahnasha answered. She was having a hard time putting into words exactly how she felt. Again, her heartbeat was not as slow as Fendros', but she was starting to think that was normal, since she certainly felt less tense overall. She scratched behind her head, tilting it to the side slightly while she tried to decide on how to answer.
"I feel a little strange, honestly. Like...I have too much air, but not in a bad way, necessarily. Breathing that way was a bit odd, but relaxing, I suppose. It took more concentration than I would have thought, but it did clear my mind, at least. I guess I feel the same way as him. Should I be feeling any different?" She asked, wondering if the experience was supposed to differ for them at any point. Perhaps he was looking for something to change between them to figure out how the event had affected both of them individually?
---
Kaleeth tightened her arms around Janius and returned his kiss. Yes, but...I think I would like that better, honestly." She commented as she straightened out and stretched her aching muscles. It felt as if she had been exercising for a few hours straight, though from her experience, the feeling would not last nearly as long.
Turning her head, Kaleeth looked to the children once more. As was common for those their age, their attention span was short enough that their focus could easily and quickly shift. Now, they were fighting over the remnants of the shield, competing to see who could get the largest piece. She had obviously impressed them, though they now looked like they were mostly interested in playing with one another, particularly since Kaleeth would not be able to transform again for some time.
Kaleeth walked back over to her belongings with Janius and began to collect them. As she was tying together her loincloth, she gave another smile in the children's direction. "I think I like them. They seemed so excited and happy to see something new. They are...adorable."
Who has Leaps right now? I forget who has him.
Also, how old is Caleb?
Also, how old is Caleb?
Meesei allowed Sabine to lead the way as she followed her into the pool. She was glad to be able to be in the water once more, as she could hardly recall the last time she swam. Moisture was a pleasant sensation on her scales, and she much preferred receiving it from a warm pool than the harsh, biting cold of the snow and ice outside.
Once Sabine gave the introductions, Meesei smiled and gave a nod to the Nord, Freida. "I am glad to have helped. This clan, I will protect with my life...though I prefer to use an excess of lightning instead." Meesei said with a slight chuckle. She swam up alongside the group and looked over each of them carefully, trying to keep in her mind the names Sabine had listed before. So far, she only knew that the Nord girl was named Freida, and the boy hiding awkwardly behind the low wall a short distance from the pool was Roland.
"With my excessively busy schedule, I have not been able to meet as many of the clan's members as I would have liked. Perhaps I will be able to thank your uncle personally for his aid in defending the clan? Regardless, it is good to meet you all." Meesei said politely.
---
Ahnasha was not certain what Najirra intended by having them feel for their heartbeats, but as it was not similar to anything she had tried before, she gave no protest. As she needed both hands for this exercise, she had to reluctantly allow one of Najirra's daughters to take care of Rhazii for the time being. Najirra certainly was not transparent about the overall goals of what they were doing, which was slightly frustrating, but she supposed it was possible that knowing would make it somehow ineffective. She followed along, tapping out her heartbeat each time she felt it. She could not help but to notice that she was tapping at a different rate from Fendros, which seemed odd to her. Despite the tension from describing her experiences, she did not feel particularly frightened or otherwise compromised emotionally. She wondered if Fendros was feeling nervous, or if a Khajiit heart simply beat at a different pace from that of a Dunmer.
Afterwards, Najirra instructed them to do what seemed like meditation. It was not something she was at all unfamiliar with, but at the same time, she did not see how meditation, even extended over months or years, could cure their issues. She just had to trust that everything Najirra had planned for them would make sense when taken together. The breathing exercise took a few moments for her to learn how to perform correctly, after which she followed along silently while anticipating the next instruction he would give.
---
Speaking was not something that Kaleeth was especially adept at while in beast form; the others could not offer advice for her as they would a werewolf. She had been relearning how to form the sounds over the past few months, although it was not an easy task. She shook her head and let out a single long, drawn out "No." Her meaning was that she did not want to go hunting, as it would require stepping out into the cold. Of course, Janius' initial question had been if she could understand him at all, but in that case, any answer at all would not make sense if she could not.
Kaleeth took a few steps forward, closer to the group as she looked them over and took in their scents. Perhaps it was just because she was well-fed, but they did not seem quite so much like prey as she had been expecting. However, she did not want to give that a chance to change, so quickly, she began the transformation back into her Argonian form. As her bones and muscles shrank and reformed back to their normal sizes, she continued to step forward closer to Janius until she was back to normal entirely, at which point her legs gave out beneath her and she collapsed forward into his arms.
"Why does that always have to hurt?" Kaleeth whispered to him while her gaze wandered back over to the group of children. Despite it only being a short demonstration, they seemed sufficiently impressed at the novel sight. It was something that brought a smile to her face.
Once Sabine gave the introductions, Meesei smiled and gave a nod to the Nord, Freida. "I am glad to have helped. This clan, I will protect with my life...though I prefer to use an excess of lightning instead." Meesei said with a slight chuckle. She swam up alongside the group and looked over each of them carefully, trying to keep in her mind the names Sabine had listed before. So far, she only knew that the Nord girl was named Freida, and the boy hiding awkwardly behind the low wall a short distance from the pool was Roland.
"With my excessively busy schedule, I have not been able to meet as many of the clan's members as I would have liked. Perhaps I will be able to thank your uncle personally for his aid in defending the clan? Regardless, it is good to meet you all." Meesei said politely.
---
Ahnasha was not certain what Najirra intended by having them feel for their heartbeats, but as it was not similar to anything she had tried before, she gave no protest. As she needed both hands for this exercise, she had to reluctantly allow one of Najirra's daughters to take care of Rhazii for the time being. Najirra certainly was not transparent about the overall goals of what they were doing, which was slightly frustrating, but she supposed it was possible that knowing would make it somehow ineffective. She followed along, tapping out her heartbeat each time she felt it. She could not help but to notice that she was tapping at a different rate from Fendros, which seemed odd to her. Despite the tension from describing her experiences, she did not feel particularly frightened or otherwise compromised emotionally. She wondered if Fendros was feeling nervous, or if a Khajiit heart simply beat at a different pace from that of a Dunmer.
Afterwards, Najirra instructed them to do what seemed like meditation. It was not something she was at all unfamiliar with, but at the same time, she did not see how meditation, even extended over months or years, could cure their issues. She just had to trust that everything Najirra had planned for them would make sense when taken together. The breathing exercise took a few moments for her to learn how to perform correctly, after which she followed along silently while anticipating the next instruction he would give.
---
Speaking was not something that Kaleeth was especially adept at while in beast form; the others could not offer advice for her as they would a werewolf. She had been relearning how to form the sounds over the past few months, although it was not an easy task. She shook her head and let out a single long, drawn out "No." Her meaning was that she did not want to go hunting, as it would require stepping out into the cold. Of course, Janius' initial question had been if she could understand him at all, but in that case, any answer at all would not make sense if she could not.
Kaleeth took a few steps forward, closer to the group as she looked them over and took in their scents. Perhaps it was just because she was well-fed, but they did not seem quite so much like prey as she had been expecting. However, she did not want to give that a chance to change, so quickly, she began the transformation back into her Argonian form. As her bones and muscles shrank and reformed back to their normal sizes, she continued to step forward closer to Janius until she was back to normal entirely, at which point her legs gave out beneath her and she collapsed forward into his arms.
"Why does that always have to hurt?" Kaleeth whispered to him while her gaze wandered back over to the group of children. Despite it only being a short demonstration, they seemed sufficiently impressed at the novel sight. It was something that brought a smile to her face.
Ssarak Dyreackthanose and Meirin Kurenai
---
Ssarak's homeland sounded like a harsh place to live, honestly. Djarkel had it's faults, but at least there was land worth fighting over. Lakes of lava, ash fields, the place sounded like a wasteland. But at the same time, Meirin could see that despite all of that, it has created strong people. It had to, because weaker ones were punished or killed. And while Meirin wouldn't say it, she envied Ssarak and that sort of life style. She liked the idea of a strong land making stronger people. She relished testing herself against others and honing herself against powerful opponents. "No, I mean... I understand. It's... It's like dragons."
Clenching her hands into fists Meirin looked at Ssarak with an eager look. She loved the stories told to her about the dragons of old. It's what inspired her to become the person she was today. "They fought against adversity and strife, honing their minds and bodies to survive the brutal world they lived in. They said that in the beginning of the world, there was only chaos. Before the gods formed Tiien, there was only an uncontrolable void that created all matter of destruction without purpose or reason. The dragons were one of the only creatures that were able to traverse this realm of chaos, and when the gods created Tiien, taught the humans how to survive the same realm. One god in particular, Urzama, was said to be the proginator of what we call Martial Arts." Placing her hands into her lap Meirin tried to remember how the story went. She didn't want to bore Ssarak with the entire tale, which was so long she remebered the elders having to refer to a scroll just to tell her about the creation of the world before taking out another scroll detailing Urzara.
"Urzara was a dragon warrior of her tribe. Where others fought with ferocity and fire, she fought with cunning and grace, as she was born a smaller dragon then most, and unable to breath flames like they did. To make up for what she lacks in physical strength, she learned how to defend herself by countering their strength, using technquies independant from one's actual abilities. When she first met mortal men, she taught them her fighting style while they traded with her works of art: statues, paintings, songs. Many came to her to learn from her, and they all gave her works of art in trade. Even many dragons, seasoned and legendary warriors in their own right, came to learn or court her. For that reason she's known as a dragon of art and beauty, and the one that my home revered most all."
Taking a sip from the wine Meirin's face grew a slight shade redder when she realized she went on a tangent again. She really wanted to talk about her home; she had so much she wanted to tell Ssarak and just couldn't keep her thoughts organized. If Ssarak was looking into her mind right now, he'd see that she was trying to find a good moment to actually tell him about her possibly going back to the monestary. But she also wanted to ask Ssarak if he knew any stories about dragons. Another thought that just went through her mind was how she was suppose to link her tale of Urzama with Ssarak's talk about the scortched lands. It embarassed how much of a scatterbrain Meirin was being.
"Ah... But I digress. I think that the Scortched Lands, much like the dragons of old, are dangerous but powerful forces of nature. They are things to be feared, certainly. But at the same time, it's that same power that inspires normal people to become something greater. It's seeing something great and telling yourself "I want to be their equal". It's looking at the sun and wanting to fly amongst the clouds."
Throughout all of Meirin's explanations, Ssarak listened intently. He looked away only to have some of his food or wine. She did have a tendency to go on for a while on some topics, but in that, he certainly did not mind. It seemed that she cared a great deal about her monestary and its beliefs, which did make sense. Unlike himself, Meirin likely intended to return to her home after finishing her education at the college. It was possible he could gleam more information on the topic from her mind, but he disliked reading into the minds of friends, Meirin in particular, without at least implied permission. He only really made exception to this in dangerous situations, in which he would read the minds of all allies without reservation.
Ssarak found Meirin's story about the dragon Urzama to be particularly interesting. Ironically, the Esyire had few tales of true dragons in the Scorched Lands, or at least few credible ones. There were some myths that had been passed down from long before the time of the Esyire Clans, but for all intents and purposes, the closest being to dragons in his homeland were wyverns which could feed on the ash, and the Esyire themselves. Indeed, the similarities between them could not be denied, to the point that some believed them to be related. There were myths that the Esyire had traces of dragon blood within them, and the dragons had long ago taught them to form their magic in their breath, but Ssarak did not know how true those tales actually were.
"By your description, it seems as if you have a good deal of respect and admiration for dragons. " He began, pausing for a sip of wine and giving a smile. "I would say that makes sense, given your taste in men." He joked.
"But, regardless, I do understand what you mean." Ssarak continued more seriously. "Strength alone would not allow one to thrive in my homeland. It takes cunning, knowledge, and especially perseverance to survive the Scorched Lands. It breeds strength and self-sufficiency in its people, albeit through the harshest of means. There is a reason that the Esyire are among the least numerous of Tiien's races, after all. Still, I would not be the person I am today without my homeland's influence. I do wish I should show it to you, but the air itself is deadly to anyone who is not Esyire."
Meirin covered her cheeks as she blushed from Ssarak's comments. She didn't want to admit that she was initally intrigued by Ssarak's appearance. She did legitimately fall in love with the person, rather than just the image. Meirin also understood Ssarak's reluctance about showing Meirin the Scortched Lands. She's figured that such a place would be inhospitible to even someone like Meirin. "Well... Even if you cannot show me your homeland, I can show you mines. Actually, I was given premission to return home. I'm suppose to speak to the elder masters about matters on behalf of the college, but I'd love it if you came along with me!"
Ssarak answered nearly without hesitation. "It would be an honor. I certainly would like to be able to see Djarkel as you see it, and the monestary, as you describe it, sounds compelling." He said with no shortage of enthusiasm. He could not say he had been to a place like her home before, and there was of course appeal in being able to spend time with her on the journey. "I suppose I will need to inform Satori of my intention to join as well, though I doubt it will be an issue. What do you think I should do to prepare? I certainly do not wish to accidentally offend any of the monks. Do you think they will...approve of us?" He asked, his concern showing through his question.
Meirin's face grew pale when Ssarak asked about how the monks would take their relationship. She hasn't thought about it before. Romance back at the monestary was never really a problem, but that was because it rarely ever came up. The closest thing Meirin ever encountered was when they escorted merchant couples. Even then everyone kept their noses out of each others businesses. Meirin herself never felt and particular attraction to her fellow artists like she does for Ssarak. She doesn't even remember if any of her teachers were married.
"I'm... Not entirely sure, to be honest. I mean... There are certain codes of conduct I grew up with. Never speak out of turn, always allow the elders to pick first, clean after yourself, that sort of thing. Generally these rules don't apply to guests, but I... I don't know how they'd react to... Us..."
What worries Meirin the most was that she didn't know how they would react. She doesn't know if what she's doing is tabboo or would just be accepted. The monestary never came off as particullarly harsh, but than again she's enjoyed many freedoms here in the college she never had back at home. She's eaten a lot more meat than usual and actually speaks out against others, and isn't diciplined for it. She also took note that she had a lot more belongings now than she did before: She came to the college with only her weapons, but now she had an entire wardrobe, various knicknacks, and more weapons. She's changed so much.
"I think it would be best if we were subtle about our relationship. The monks and my masters are fairly tolerate of outsiders, but because I grew up there they may be more strict with me. And... And I know you love me Ssarak. But the ones at the monestary, they're my family too. Even if they're not perfect... And... Just whatever happens, promise me you won't get angry, okay?"
Ssarak nodded and started to grin in an attempt to lighten the mood, and allay her fears. "You know me, Meirin. I can be as diplomatic as is needed for whatever situation. I did manage to convince two warring factions that supported their cause an hour or so ago." He said, though his tone did become more serious as he reached out and lightly grabbed her hand. "I will behave however you think is appropriate, I promise. I would refrain from mentioning it at all if you wanted me to. Although, I will say that I would prefer not to lie to them. Even if it will be uncomfortable to inform them about us, I believe it would be worthwhile to be open about that fact. Besides, it may be that we get along well. From what you have described, we may share similar philosophies on some matters. Certainly, I expect some rather intriguing conversations."
Pausing a moment, Ssarak took a drink of his wine and a few more bites of his meal. Neither of them had actually eaten much of their dinner, given how focused they were on their conversation. Although, Ssarak was certainly in no rush. Even after just a few minutes of talking, they had made some rather exciting plans. "I would not worry too greatly. You are a mature woman, both in age and in mind, and you have already acted with great valor while at the college. There are students here who would not have survived the demon attack without you; I am sure your family will be proud of you, and the decisions you have made."
"Proud of me?" For once, Meirin wondered just how her teachers and students back at home felt about her. She always saw them as her family. Did they think of her the same way? They all felt angry when she boasted and fought... But they shared her grief when the demons attacked. They sent her here to the college to help her. And soon she'd come back, better than before. They would be proud, wouldn't they?
When Ssarak touched Meirin's hand she looked up at him. She returned his smile with a smile of her own. She didn't have much else to say, so she pulled Ssarak close so she could rest against his body. "Yeah. Even if they're not perfect... You're the next best thing. I shouldn't have anything to worry about."
"I could not agree more." Ssarak commented. As she pulled him close, he wrapped his wing around her, quite enjoying her embrace. He had to admit that he would be somewhat nervous in meeting what was essentially Meirin's family, but he was certain they would be able to find common ground. Meirin was a result of their teachings, after all. After a moment, he grabbed his wine glass once more and raised it to her. "How about a toast? To your family, to us, and...to being perfectly imperfect."
"Heh... To us." Meirin raised her wine glass and tapped it against Ssarak's. She took a large sip, feeling the smooth taste slither over her tongue. Going home would be great... But she couldn't help but worry. Everything was so sudden that she felt unprepared. But that's why she was here in the first place, wasn't it? To learn and be ready. Now wasn't the time for that sort of thing though. Today was suppose to be a day of celebration. So Meirin put those thoughts aside and just looked at the night sky in Ssarak's embrace, enjoying the little moments like this.
---
Ssarak's homeland sounded like a harsh place to live, honestly. Djarkel had it's faults, but at least there was land worth fighting over. Lakes of lava, ash fields, the place sounded like a wasteland. But at the same time, Meirin could see that despite all of that, it has created strong people. It had to, because weaker ones were punished or killed. And while Meirin wouldn't say it, she envied Ssarak and that sort of life style. She liked the idea of a strong land making stronger people. She relished testing herself against others and honing herself against powerful opponents. "No, I mean... I understand. It's... It's like dragons."
Clenching her hands into fists Meirin looked at Ssarak with an eager look. She loved the stories told to her about the dragons of old. It's what inspired her to become the person she was today. "They fought against adversity and strife, honing their minds and bodies to survive the brutal world they lived in. They said that in the beginning of the world, there was only chaos. Before the gods formed Tiien, there was only an uncontrolable void that created all matter of destruction without purpose or reason. The dragons were one of the only creatures that were able to traverse this realm of chaos, and when the gods created Tiien, taught the humans how to survive the same realm. One god in particular, Urzama, was said to be the proginator of what we call Martial Arts." Placing her hands into her lap Meirin tried to remember how the story went. She didn't want to bore Ssarak with the entire tale, which was so long she remebered the elders having to refer to a scroll just to tell her about the creation of the world before taking out another scroll detailing Urzara.
"Urzara was a dragon warrior of her tribe. Where others fought with ferocity and fire, she fought with cunning and grace, as she was born a smaller dragon then most, and unable to breath flames like they did. To make up for what she lacks in physical strength, she learned how to defend herself by countering their strength, using technquies independant from one's actual abilities. When she first met mortal men, she taught them her fighting style while they traded with her works of art: statues, paintings, songs. Many came to her to learn from her, and they all gave her works of art in trade. Even many dragons, seasoned and legendary warriors in their own right, came to learn or court her. For that reason she's known as a dragon of art and beauty, and the one that my home revered most all."
Taking a sip from the wine Meirin's face grew a slight shade redder when she realized she went on a tangent again. She really wanted to talk about her home; she had so much she wanted to tell Ssarak and just couldn't keep her thoughts organized. If Ssarak was looking into her mind right now, he'd see that she was trying to find a good moment to actually tell him about her possibly going back to the monestary. But she also wanted to ask Ssarak if he knew any stories about dragons. Another thought that just went through her mind was how she was suppose to link her tale of Urzama with Ssarak's talk about the scortched lands. It embarassed how much of a scatterbrain Meirin was being.
"Ah... But I digress. I think that the Scortched Lands, much like the dragons of old, are dangerous but powerful forces of nature. They are things to be feared, certainly. But at the same time, it's that same power that inspires normal people to become something greater. It's seeing something great and telling yourself "I want to be their equal". It's looking at the sun and wanting to fly amongst the clouds."
Throughout all of Meirin's explanations, Ssarak listened intently. He looked away only to have some of his food or wine. She did have a tendency to go on for a while on some topics, but in that, he certainly did not mind. It seemed that she cared a great deal about her monestary and its beliefs, which did make sense. Unlike himself, Meirin likely intended to return to her home after finishing her education at the college. It was possible he could gleam more information on the topic from her mind, but he disliked reading into the minds of friends, Meirin in particular, without at least implied permission. He only really made exception to this in dangerous situations, in which he would read the minds of all allies without reservation.
Ssarak found Meirin's story about the dragon Urzama to be particularly interesting. Ironically, the Esyire had few tales of true dragons in the Scorched Lands, or at least few credible ones. There were some myths that had been passed down from long before the time of the Esyire Clans, but for all intents and purposes, the closest being to dragons in his homeland were wyverns which could feed on the ash, and the Esyire themselves. Indeed, the similarities between them could not be denied, to the point that some believed them to be related. There were myths that the Esyire had traces of dragon blood within them, and the dragons had long ago taught them to form their magic in their breath, but Ssarak did not know how true those tales actually were.
"By your description, it seems as if you have a good deal of respect and admiration for dragons. " He began, pausing for a sip of wine and giving a smile. "I would say that makes sense, given your taste in men." He joked.
"But, regardless, I do understand what you mean." Ssarak continued more seriously. "Strength alone would not allow one to thrive in my homeland. It takes cunning, knowledge, and especially perseverance to survive the Scorched Lands. It breeds strength and self-sufficiency in its people, albeit through the harshest of means. There is a reason that the Esyire are among the least numerous of Tiien's races, after all. Still, I would not be the person I am today without my homeland's influence. I do wish I should show it to you, but the air itself is deadly to anyone who is not Esyire."
Meirin covered her cheeks as she blushed from Ssarak's comments. She didn't want to admit that she was initally intrigued by Ssarak's appearance. She did legitimately fall in love with the person, rather than just the image. Meirin also understood Ssarak's reluctance about showing Meirin the Scortched Lands. She's figured that such a place would be inhospitible to even someone like Meirin. "Well... Even if you cannot show me your homeland, I can show you mines. Actually, I was given premission to return home. I'm suppose to speak to the elder masters about matters on behalf of the college, but I'd love it if you came along with me!"
Ssarak answered nearly without hesitation. "It would be an honor. I certainly would like to be able to see Djarkel as you see it, and the monestary, as you describe it, sounds compelling." He said with no shortage of enthusiasm. He could not say he had been to a place like her home before, and there was of course appeal in being able to spend time with her on the journey. "I suppose I will need to inform Satori of my intention to join as well, though I doubt it will be an issue. What do you think I should do to prepare? I certainly do not wish to accidentally offend any of the monks. Do you think they will...approve of us?" He asked, his concern showing through his question.
Meirin's face grew pale when Ssarak asked about how the monks would take their relationship. She hasn't thought about it before. Romance back at the monestary was never really a problem, but that was because it rarely ever came up. The closest thing Meirin ever encountered was when they escorted merchant couples. Even then everyone kept their noses out of each others businesses. Meirin herself never felt and particular attraction to her fellow artists like she does for Ssarak. She doesn't even remember if any of her teachers were married.
"I'm... Not entirely sure, to be honest. I mean... There are certain codes of conduct I grew up with. Never speak out of turn, always allow the elders to pick first, clean after yourself, that sort of thing. Generally these rules don't apply to guests, but I... I don't know how they'd react to... Us..."
What worries Meirin the most was that she didn't know how they would react. She doesn't know if what she's doing is tabboo or would just be accepted. The monestary never came off as particullarly harsh, but than again she's enjoyed many freedoms here in the college she never had back at home. She's eaten a lot more meat than usual and actually speaks out against others, and isn't diciplined for it. She also took note that she had a lot more belongings now than she did before: She came to the college with only her weapons, but now she had an entire wardrobe, various knicknacks, and more weapons. She's changed so much.
"I think it would be best if we were subtle about our relationship. The monks and my masters are fairly tolerate of outsiders, but because I grew up there they may be more strict with me. And... And I know you love me Ssarak. But the ones at the monestary, they're my family too. Even if they're not perfect... And... Just whatever happens, promise me you won't get angry, okay?"
Ssarak nodded and started to grin in an attempt to lighten the mood, and allay her fears. "You know me, Meirin. I can be as diplomatic as is needed for whatever situation. I did manage to convince two warring factions that supported their cause an hour or so ago." He said, though his tone did become more serious as he reached out and lightly grabbed her hand. "I will behave however you think is appropriate, I promise. I would refrain from mentioning it at all if you wanted me to. Although, I will say that I would prefer not to lie to them. Even if it will be uncomfortable to inform them about us, I believe it would be worthwhile to be open about that fact. Besides, it may be that we get along well. From what you have described, we may share similar philosophies on some matters. Certainly, I expect some rather intriguing conversations."
Pausing a moment, Ssarak took a drink of his wine and a few more bites of his meal. Neither of them had actually eaten much of their dinner, given how focused they were on their conversation. Although, Ssarak was certainly in no rush. Even after just a few minutes of talking, they had made some rather exciting plans. "I would not worry too greatly. You are a mature woman, both in age and in mind, and you have already acted with great valor while at the college. There are students here who would not have survived the demon attack without you; I am sure your family will be proud of you, and the decisions you have made."
"Proud of me?" For once, Meirin wondered just how her teachers and students back at home felt about her. She always saw them as her family. Did they think of her the same way? They all felt angry when she boasted and fought... But they shared her grief when the demons attacked. They sent her here to the college to help her. And soon she'd come back, better than before. They would be proud, wouldn't they?
When Ssarak touched Meirin's hand she looked up at him. She returned his smile with a smile of her own. She didn't have much else to say, so she pulled Ssarak close so she could rest against his body. "Yeah. Even if they're not perfect... You're the next best thing. I shouldn't have anything to worry about."
"I could not agree more." Ssarak commented. As she pulled him close, he wrapped his wing around her, quite enjoying her embrace. He had to admit that he would be somewhat nervous in meeting what was essentially Meirin's family, but he was certain they would be able to find common ground. Meirin was a result of their teachings, after all. After a moment, he grabbed his wine glass once more and raised it to her. "How about a toast? To your family, to us, and...to being perfectly imperfect."
"Heh... To us." Meirin raised her wine glass and tapped it against Ssarak's. She took a large sip, feeling the smooth taste slither over her tongue. Going home would be great... But she couldn't help but worry. Everything was so sudden that she felt unprepared. But that's why she was here in the first place, wasn't it? To learn and be ready. Now wasn't the time for that sort of thing though. Today was suppose to be a day of celebration. So Meirin put those thoughts aside and just looked at the night sky in Ssarak's embrace, enjoying the little moments like this.
I will respond once I get home. Unfortunately, I have some work to do during my breaks today.
Meesei let out a chuckle. "I do not know why he would fear you, but he certainly seems afraid. I may be able to imagine why; is he a new lycan? He looks quite nervous to step out from behind that wall." She commented.
Looking across the group of people that Sabine pointed out, Meesei could not help but to smile. She of course knew about the fact that Sabine had been making friends, but it was even more encouraging to see them in person. She could see the excitement in her expression as she pointed them out, and the familiarity she had with them. It was such a drastic change from how Sabine acted when they first found her. Meesei had known that Sabine had improved drastically, but this was the first time she was able to see the effect it had on how she interacted with those outside the pack, those she was less familiar with.
"At any rate, I am not certain on how you would like me to approach your friends, if you would like me to speak to them at all, so how about you lead the way?" Meesei suggested.
---
Ahnasha had a difficult time even just listening to Fendros' account of the event, and its effects on him. So, when Najirra shifted his attention to her, she froze up a moment. Her breathing was more rapid, and her ears flush with blood as they tried to rid her of the body heat building within her. She swallowed, trying to drum up the will to speak. "I...is it really necessary to describe how that affected me? I mean...it seems fairly...apparent what that would do to me. I was cut open, from my collarbone down to my stomach." She explained, using her free hand to trace down the path of the blade. She pulled apart some of the fur on her abdomen to show the rather prominent scar just beneath it. "I was kept alive and awake by healers who trained specifically to be able to heal without numbing the pain. I saw my heart beating in my chest with my own eyes. I don't think it did anything to me that wouldn't happen to anyone else who went through the same torture."
Closing her eyes a moment, Ahnasha let out a deep breath. "All the same things that have been happening to Fendros have been happening to me, at least mostly. Organs and...dead meat don't bother me, it's just when the owner is still alive. Different nightmares, but along the same lines. I haven't had it as bad as him for a while, but I think that is just because of the medicine, and I'm almost out..."
---
Kaleeth did not react immediately to the shield being rolled to her, and she tried not to even pay attention to the fact that the children were there. For the moment, she only wanted to make sure she retained her faculties. Being in control while in this form just seemed so...unnatural. She looked down at her massive, clawed hand while flexing and contracting the fingers. It was almost like it felt more "right" to have the beast in control while in this form. At least then, she did not feel like she had to confront the fact that this body was actually hers.
After a few moments, and a few shouts of impatience from the audience, Kaleeth reached down and grasped the shield awkwardly in her rather large hand. She could feel the beast in her mind, but it wasn't demanding anything of her...yet. She brought the old battered shield up to her mouth and snapped her jaws around it with as much force as she could muster. Of course, that was far more than was necessary, as the training shield did not have anywhere close to the durability of the steel-reinforced shield she had snapped before, and the jaws of a werecrocodile were perhaps the strongest in all of Tamriel. Though, it was not as if the children would know any of those details. To them, she was a fearsome lycanthrope who could snap a shield with scarcely any effort.
Kaleeth cast aside the remnants of the shield and turned towards Janius and the rest of her audience. She knew she should turn back, but at the moment, she did not actually feel nearly as...angry as she had expected.
Looking across the group of people that Sabine pointed out, Meesei could not help but to smile. She of course knew about the fact that Sabine had been making friends, but it was even more encouraging to see them in person. She could see the excitement in her expression as she pointed them out, and the familiarity she had with them. It was such a drastic change from how Sabine acted when they first found her. Meesei had known that Sabine had improved drastically, but this was the first time she was able to see the effect it had on how she interacted with those outside the pack, those she was less familiar with.
"At any rate, I am not certain on how you would like me to approach your friends, if you would like me to speak to them at all, so how about you lead the way?" Meesei suggested.
---
Ahnasha had a difficult time even just listening to Fendros' account of the event, and its effects on him. So, when Najirra shifted his attention to her, she froze up a moment. Her breathing was more rapid, and her ears flush with blood as they tried to rid her of the body heat building within her. She swallowed, trying to drum up the will to speak. "I...is it really necessary to describe how that affected me? I mean...it seems fairly...apparent what that would do to me. I was cut open, from my collarbone down to my stomach." She explained, using her free hand to trace down the path of the blade. She pulled apart some of the fur on her abdomen to show the rather prominent scar just beneath it. "I was kept alive and awake by healers who trained specifically to be able to heal without numbing the pain. I saw my heart beating in my chest with my own eyes. I don't think it did anything to me that wouldn't happen to anyone else who went through the same torture."
Closing her eyes a moment, Ahnasha let out a deep breath. "All the same things that have been happening to Fendros have been happening to me, at least mostly. Organs and...dead meat don't bother me, it's just when the owner is still alive. Different nightmares, but along the same lines. I haven't had it as bad as him for a while, but I think that is just because of the medicine, and I'm almost out..."
---
Kaleeth did not react immediately to the shield being rolled to her, and she tried not to even pay attention to the fact that the children were there. For the moment, she only wanted to make sure she retained her faculties. Being in control while in this form just seemed so...unnatural. She looked down at her massive, clawed hand while flexing and contracting the fingers. It was almost like it felt more "right" to have the beast in control while in this form. At least then, she did not feel like she had to confront the fact that this body was actually hers.
After a few moments, and a few shouts of impatience from the audience, Kaleeth reached down and grasped the shield awkwardly in her rather large hand. She could feel the beast in her mind, but it wasn't demanding anything of her...yet. She brought the old battered shield up to her mouth and snapped her jaws around it with as much force as she could muster. Of course, that was far more than was necessary, as the training shield did not have anywhere close to the durability of the steel-reinforced shield she had snapped before, and the jaws of a werecrocodile were perhaps the strongest in all of Tamriel. Though, it was not as if the children would know any of those details. To them, she was a fearsome lycanthrope who could snap a shield with scarcely any effort.
Kaleeth cast aside the remnants of the shield and turned towards Janius and the rest of her audience. She knew she should turn back, but at the moment, she did not actually feel nearly as...angry as she had expected.
Meesei smiled. "Well, asking is generally a rather certain method of determining the truth, but...I know that is not the answer you want." She began, though she could not confess to knowing an easy answer to Sabine's question. In truth, she did not believe there was a such thing as an easy answer. People were complicated beings, particularly in matters of such intense emotion. An answer that would fit well in one scenario could be directly harmful in another. Still, it was good that Sabine was finally opening up her emotions to others, so she wanted to give as much helpful advice as possible.
"Honestly, the answer is likely much more complicated than it should be. I was raised in a remote part of Black Marsh, so what I know may not necessarily apply here. Our traditions, and the way we approach others, are different. Although, I imagine that would mostly influence how you are meant to approach one you are interested in. In my village, we were all rather open with one another in most aspects of life. The very name of Argonians in our tongue, Saxhleel, means 'People of the Root.' We were all connected to the Hist, and in turn, one another. There was no taboo in simply declaring one's feelings to another. But, I suppose that is not what you asked; you asked how to know if he is actually interested to begin with. My advice is to watch him in the same light as yourself. People's innate habits tend to be similar. Watch and see how often he wants to talk to you compared to others; see if his actions toward you mimic any of your own. Or, look at your friends who are in a relationship with another. See if you can find any of the details in how they act with each other in how he acts towards you. Nothing is guaranteed to work, of course, but it is a start." She explained, her volume mimicking Sabine's.
It was not long before the two reached the pool chamber in the lower levels. As it was midday and many in the clan were busy, it was not especially crowded, though there were of course others present. Some were adults, relaxing and talking among one another in and around the pool. Others were younger, around Sabine's age, and most were swimming much more actively. Looking among their faces, Meesei was sure she recognized that at least a few of them were among those that she had seen Sabine socializing with. There was also one excessively nervous-looking boy, perhaps a year or two older than Sabine, who was standing, or perhaps hiding, behind a low wall half as tall as himself a short distance from the pool, on the far side from the entrance.
As they entered the room, Meesei found a corner to undress and place her belongings. As it was sufficiently far from the pool to be out of earshot, she whispered to Sabine. "You know some of the others here, yes?"
---
To Ahnasha, nothing that Najirra said was truly a surprise. She was not expecting an easy nor quick solution, as much as she wished that were possible. She was skeptical that he would be able to help them at all, as even he seemed surprised when she mentioned the degree of trauma that she experienced. Still, they had to try, as they had no other plan in mind for how to heal these scars.
"I agree as well. I...well I honestly do not know what to expect, but I do not intend to give up, no matter how long it takes." She answered.
---
Kaleeth was obviously nervous, though having Janius being the one suggesting the transformation did bring her some comfort. "I...I don't know. I'm not confident, but I don't want to upset them. You already said I would transform. If you think I can do it, then...I guess I can. Just stay with the children, okay? And don't be afraid to stop me if I do anything wrong." She answered.
With only a hint of reluctance, Kaleeth walked with Janius to the main chamber. As usual, there were many who walked through the main chamber on their way to different parts of the ruins, but at the moment, there were no actual gatherings in the chamber itself, apart from the children grouped together near its center, where training usually took place. Though still visibly nervous, Kaleeth found a place to discard her clothing, then stepped out into the center of the chamber.
"I...guess I should start." She said, closing her eyes and letting out a deep breath. At the very least, she did know how to transform on command by letting the beast out of its mental cage. As she felt the transformation coming, she braced herself; it was always painful.
"Honestly, the answer is likely much more complicated than it should be. I was raised in a remote part of Black Marsh, so what I know may not necessarily apply here. Our traditions, and the way we approach others, are different. Although, I imagine that would mostly influence how you are meant to approach one you are interested in. In my village, we were all rather open with one another in most aspects of life. The very name of Argonians in our tongue, Saxhleel, means 'People of the Root.' We were all connected to the Hist, and in turn, one another. There was no taboo in simply declaring one's feelings to another. But, I suppose that is not what you asked; you asked how to know if he is actually interested to begin with. My advice is to watch him in the same light as yourself. People's innate habits tend to be similar. Watch and see how often he wants to talk to you compared to others; see if his actions toward you mimic any of your own. Or, look at your friends who are in a relationship with another. See if you can find any of the details in how they act with each other in how he acts towards you. Nothing is guaranteed to work, of course, but it is a start." She explained, her volume mimicking Sabine's.
It was not long before the two reached the pool chamber in the lower levels. As it was midday and many in the clan were busy, it was not especially crowded, though there were of course others present. Some were adults, relaxing and talking among one another in and around the pool. Others were younger, around Sabine's age, and most were swimming much more actively. Looking among their faces, Meesei was sure she recognized that at least a few of them were among those that she had seen Sabine socializing with. There was also one excessively nervous-looking boy, perhaps a year or two older than Sabine, who was standing, or perhaps hiding, behind a low wall half as tall as himself a short distance from the pool, on the far side from the entrance.
As they entered the room, Meesei found a corner to undress and place her belongings. As it was sufficiently far from the pool to be out of earshot, she whispered to Sabine. "You know some of the others here, yes?"
---
To Ahnasha, nothing that Najirra said was truly a surprise. She was not expecting an easy nor quick solution, as much as she wished that were possible. She was skeptical that he would be able to help them at all, as even he seemed surprised when she mentioned the degree of trauma that she experienced. Still, they had to try, as they had no other plan in mind for how to heal these scars.
"I agree as well. I...well I honestly do not know what to expect, but I do not intend to give up, no matter how long it takes." She answered.
---
Kaleeth was obviously nervous, though having Janius being the one suggesting the transformation did bring her some comfort. "I...I don't know. I'm not confident, but I don't want to upset them. You already said I would transform. If you think I can do it, then...I guess I can. Just stay with the children, okay? And don't be afraid to stop me if I do anything wrong." She answered.
With only a hint of reluctance, Kaleeth walked with Janius to the main chamber. As usual, there were many who walked through the main chamber on their way to different parts of the ruins, but at the moment, there were no actual gatherings in the chamber itself, apart from the children grouped together near its center, where training usually took place. Though still visibly nervous, Kaleeth found a place to discard her clothing, then stepped out into the center of the chamber.
"I...guess I should start." She said, closing her eyes and letting out a deep breath. At the very least, she did know how to transform on command by letting the beast out of its mental cage. As she felt the transformation coming, she braced herself; it was always painful.
Meesei returned Sabine's hug, and maintained it for somewhat longer than usual. "I know; I will be because I have to be. There is no chance in Oblivion of me letting you, nor any of the others down. When the time comes, this clan, and every other clan for that matter, will be ready for whatever Vile has in store for us. Of course, that also means you will need to be ready. Do not think I have forgotten about you neglecting your training. We will start having an actual schedule for your training, instead of doing it whenever you are in the correct mood. It is not ideal, but I think you need to turn your training into a habit."
Meesei's tone was not overly serious or accusatory, but she did intend to follow through with her word. Nevertheless, even she was not interested in training at the moment, or anything even remotely related to her responsibilities, for that matter. Her scales were going to lose their color twenty years early at this rate if she kept herself at such high levels of stress. "But, that is not a conversation for this moment. When I said I intended to relax, I meant it. How would you feel about going for a swim? It has been too long since I have been able to do anything with you, or anyone else in the pack."
---
Ahnasha adjusted Rhazii in her arms as she looked down at him. Currently, he was just looking around curiously at the room, and Najirra in particular. "Well, if he starts acting up, I suppose I wouldn't mind. Right now, he just seems happy staring at your fur." She said with a slight smile.
She paused for a moment to take another sip of the tea, which she was really beginning to grow attached to. Internally, she was wondering if Najirra would be willing to teach her how to make it herself, but as that was not very pertinent to the matter at hand, she pushed off the thought for later. For now, he was wanting to know about their past, from before they had even turned. At least it sounded a bit more related to their problem than simple small talk.
"I was born in Leyawiin. As you can probably tell from my speech, I was raised essentially like an Imperial. My father was a Bosmer from Valenwood, but just like my mother, he had adopted the Imperials' ways. My mother taught me about Elsweyr, of course, but Imperial culture is what I know best. They were merchants, and wanted me to be the same. It was a stable life, certainly; I was better off than a lot of other children in the city, but...well I know it sounds petty, but it was boring. I can't think of a time where I actually wanted to be a merchant. Luckily, they let me indulge in my adventurous side. I started hunting, as well as dabbling in the spell tomes that would pass through the shop. Eventually I learned about Hircine, started worshipping him. He...inspired me to hunt bigger, tougher prey. After killing a minotaur in his name, he evidently found me worthy, because he directed me to Meesei. She was the one that gave me the gift of beast blood. I faked my death to cut off ties to my family, and haven't looked back. That was years ago; maybe...six or seven? I wasn't much older then than Sabine is now. But...as for memories, I don't think I really know what you mean. I do think about my family occasionally, but I wouldn't say I'm really bothered by any memories from back then. I mean, I did think about the last time I actually saw them when we passed by Leyawiin on the way to the Imperial City, but I wouldn't say that is unusual. The only memory that has been bothering me is the waking vivisection I lived through." Ahnasha explained.
--
At first, Kaleeth was relieved when Janius arrived, as he could presumably say something to the children to keep them from demanding that she transform. That seemed to be what he was doing when he first spoke, but much to her surprise, he actually whispered to her to encourage her to go along with it. Given her fear of transforming, it was not at all confident doing, and it surprised her that he thought she was ready for something like that.
"I, um, oh, are you...are you sure? Transforming makes me...nervous. I mean, I guess I can do it, but-" Kaleeth began, but at least one of the ever-attentive children was listening closely to her slightly-too-loud of a whisper.
"You'll do it? Oh, thank you, thank you! This will be great!" The Bosmer boy shouted, followed by cheering from a few of the others.
"Oh...okay." Kaleeth responded, rather distraught that she had accidentally agreed to this. Regardless, she looked to Janius, as if waiting for him to lead the way to the main chamber.
Meesei's tone was not overly serious or accusatory, but she did intend to follow through with her word. Nevertheless, even she was not interested in training at the moment, or anything even remotely related to her responsibilities, for that matter. Her scales were going to lose their color twenty years early at this rate if she kept herself at such high levels of stress. "But, that is not a conversation for this moment. When I said I intended to relax, I meant it. How would you feel about going for a swim? It has been too long since I have been able to do anything with you, or anyone else in the pack."
---
Ahnasha adjusted Rhazii in her arms as she looked down at him. Currently, he was just looking around curiously at the room, and Najirra in particular. "Well, if he starts acting up, I suppose I wouldn't mind. Right now, he just seems happy staring at your fur." She said with a slight smile.
She paused for a moment to take another sip of the tea, which she was really beginning to grow attached to. Internally, she was wondering if Najirra would be willing to teach her how to make it herself, but as that was not very pertinent to the matter at hand, she pushed off the thought for later. For now, he was wanting to know about their past, from before they had even turned. At least it sounded a bit more related to their problem than simple small talk.
"I was born in Leyawiin. As you can probably tell from my speech, I was raised essentially like an Imperial. My father was a Bosmer from Valenwood, but just like my mother, he had adopted the Imperials' ways. My mother taught me about Elsweyr, of course, but Imperial culture is what I know best. They were merchants, and wanted me to be the same. It was a stable life, certainly; I was better off than a lot of other children in the city, but...well I know it sounds petty, but it was boring. I can't think of a time where I actually wanted to be a merchant. Luckily, they let me indulge in my adventurous side. I started hunting, as well as dabbling in the spell tomes that would pass through the shop. Eventually I learned about Hircine, started worshipping him. He...inspired me to hunt bigger, tougher prey. After killing a minotaur in his name, he evidently found me worthy, because he directed me to Meesei. She was the one that gave me the gift of beast blood. I faked my death to cut off ties to my family, and haven't looked back. That was years ago; maybe...six or seven? I wasn't much older then than Sabine is now. But...as for memories, I don't think I really know what you mean. I do think about my family occasionally, but I wouldn't say I'm really bothered by any memories from back then. I mean, I did think about the last time I actually saw them when we passed by Leyawiin on the way to the Imperial City, but I wouldn't say that is unusual. The only memory that has been bothering me is the waking vivisection I lived through." Ahnasha explained.
--
At first, Kaleeth was relieved when Janius arrived, as he could presumably say something to the children to keep them from demanding that she transform. That seemed to be what he was doing when he first spoke, but much to her surprise, he actually whispered to her to encourage her to go along with it. Given her fear of transforming, it was not at all confident doing, and it surprised her that he thought she was ready for something like that.
"I, um, oh, are you...are you sure? Transforming makes me...nervous. I mean, I guess I can do it, but-" Kaleeth began, but at least one of the ever-attentive children was listening closely to her slightly-too-loud of a whisper.
"You'll do it? Oh, thank you, thank you! This will be great!" The Bosmer boy shouted, followed by cheering from a few of the others.
"Oh...okay." Kaleeth responded, rather distraught that she had accidentally agreed to this. Regardless, she looked to Janius, as if waiting for him to lead the way to the main chamber.
Meesei let out a sigh, knowing that her attempts at hiding her troubles had been rather futile. She shifted to sit cross-legged, then shook her head lightly. "No, I am not afraid, not truly. Nervous, certainly. All of the responsibilities I have been taking on, all of the duties I have been performing, it is just the start of years of work. Granted, I will not be as busy as I have been for the entire duration, but it is important work. Exceedingly important. The decisions I make, and how I carry them out, will affect the lives of everyone in this clan, and likely every lycan in Tamriel. What we do in this war could save them all, or get nearly every one killed. It is a great burden and...a difficult one to have looming over me. I am sure that Vera and her lieutenants have been feeling it as well, though I have had little rest to calm my nerves."
The simple act of talking about the issue was somewhat cathartic for Meesei. With the clan, and even the rest of her pack to a lesser extent, she needed to maintain an air of strength and certainty. She could not afford to let them begin doubting her, but with Sabine, she did not feel such a strong restriction, likely because of the fact that she had helped Sabine to overcome her own issues in the past. It gave a certain connection between their situations. "Perhaps my excuse had merit? Relaxing does seem like an appealing idea."
---
Ahnasha accepted the tea without protest, though she found it somewhat difficult to balance holding Rhazii in one arm, while holding the cup in such a way as not to burn herself. Even if it had contained moon sugar, she would not have complained; it might have provided some relief to the pain she was anticipating. At the very least, she found the tea to be quite good on its own, particularly its sweetness. She sat it down carefully on her left side, keeping the hot liquid far from Rhazii.
Like Fendros, Ahnasha was not sure where Najirra was going with his opening question. Although, she was not nearly as quick to openly question him. Perhaps he intended to build up to the more major issues, or perhaps the magic she could feel permeating the air would give him what he needed merely by being present? In any case, she could play along for now.
"Well, today has been uneventful. I helped with chores this morning, as did most in the clan. Nothing else has happened of interest, apart from Meesei acting strangely at lunch. Lorag things that she is overworking herself, but I think she knows what she is doing. Besides, it isn't as if she can ignore her responsibilities." Ahnasha explained.
---
"Oh, I don't think there were a hundred hunters there. It was hard to tell, though; they did fill the hallway." Kaleeth answered. There was one thing about the children she recognized quite easily, which was their fascination with stories, especially unbelievable ones. They liked of heroes and powerful warriors defeating evil. They especially liked the exaggerations, as their conversation showed.
"Anyway, Meesei, um, the Champion, says that I am stronger than any werewolf. Um, in actual strength, that is. Fighting is a lot harder than just being strong. Others are fast, like Ahnasha, or really smart like the Champion." Kaleeth added, though even she did not seem to be able to deflate their enthusiasm.
"Yeah, but you can just cut through everything with your teeth! Can we see? It sounds amazing." The Bosmer boy responded.
The Elven girl also seemed to like the idea and smiled. "Yeah, I want to see a werecrocodile!"
Soon enough, the entire crowd of children were asking her to transform, and while Kaleeth had been flattered by the attention, she was suddenly quite nervous once again. It was true that she had fed recently in a hunt, but she had never transformed just...to transform. She did not know if that was a good idea, but she could not think of what to do without disappointing them.
The simple act of talking about the issue was somewhat cathartic for Meesei. With the clan, and even the rest of her pack to a lesser extent, she needed to maintain an air of strength and certainty. She could not afford to let them begin doubting her, but with Sabine, she did not feel such a strong restriction, likely because of the fact that she had helped Sabine to overcome her own issues in the past. It gave a certain connection between their situations. "Perhaps my excuse had merit? Relaxing does seem like an appealing idea."
---
Ahnasha accepted the tea without protest, though she found it somewhat difficult to balance holding Rhazii in one arm, while holding the cup in such a way as not to burn herself. Even if it had contained moon sugar, she would not have complained; it might have provided some relief to the pain she was anticipating. At the very least, she found the tea to be quite good on its own, particularly its sweetness. She sat it down carefully on her left side, keeping the hot liquid far from Rhazii.
Like Fendros, Ahnasha was not sure where Najirra was going with his opening question. Although, she was not nearly as quick to openly question him. Perhaps he intended to build up to the more major issues, or perhaps the magic she could feel permeating the air would give him what he needed merely by being present? In any case, she could play along for now.
"Well, today has been uneventful. I helped with chores this morning, as did most in the clan. Nothing else has happened of interest, apart from Meesei acting strangely at lunch. Lorag things that she is overworking herself, but I think she knows what she is doing. Besides, it isn't as if she can ignore her responsibilities." Ahnasha explained.
---
"Oh, I don't think there were a hundred hunters there. It was hard to tell, though; they did fill the hallway." Kaleeth answered. There was one thing about the children she recognized quite easily, which was their fascination with stories, especially unbelievable ones. They liked of heroes and powerful warriors defeating evil. They especially liked the exaggerations, as their conversation showed.
"Anyway, Meesei, um, the Champion, says that I am stronger than any werewolf. Um, in actual strength, that is. Fighting is a lot harder than just being strong. Others are fast, like Ahnasha, or really smart like the Champion." Kaleeth added, though even she did not seem to be able to deflate their enthusiasm.
"Yeah, but you can just cut through everything with your teeth! Can we see? It sounds amazing." The Bosmer boy responded.
The Elven girl also seemed to like the idea and smiled. "Yeah, I want to see a werecrocodile!"
Soon enough, the entire crowd of children were asking her to transform, and while Kaleeth had been flattered by the attention, she was suddenly quite nervous once again. It was true that she had fed recently in a hunt, but she had never transformed just...to transform. She did not know if that was a good idea, but she could not think of what to do without disappointing them.
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