EliteCommander

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"Their secret, I believe, was to do nothing." Meesei began, smiling at Sabine as they continued down the hall. They would occasionally pass by someone, but the hall was not particularly crowded. Nevertheless, Meesei decided to make an effort to avoid the most crowded sections of the ruin for this conversation.

"Nothing different, at least. If he does like you, then it is you he likes, not some other person you might try to act like. Of course, that is not to say that he will like every single action you take, nor will you appreciate everything he does. There is not a couple in Tamriel who agrees with one another completely and wholly. Both Ahnasha and Fendros, and Kaleeth and Janius have had their share of problems. Unfortunately, you would have to ask them if you want to know about them, as it is not my place to share their private issues. Regardless, if he does return your feelings, then you may tailor some of your behaviors to one another, but do not try to change the essence of who you are." Meesei advised.

Meesei paused for a moment, taking in a deep breath. For what she intended to say next, even she was a bit nervous. "But, there is also something else related to this to discuss. I am sure you can imagine what it is. I know it is neither a pleasant nor comfortable topic to discuss, especially with me, but you are coming of the age where it is going to matter over the next few years. Perhaps not with anyone you know now, it could involve someone you will meet years down the road, but it is something you will have to face eventually. I know you have had no one with which to discuss this, and it would be dangerous to expect you to figure it all out on your own. You know where the rather...strong emotions of a close romance often lead, yes?" She asked. Inwardly, she was hoping that it was an issue that would not become relevant for at least a few years, but she still could not escape the fact that it was something they had to talk about.

---

Lorag was in the forge, tending to his armor and weapons. As was common among Orc warriors, he maintained his equipment almost religiously, and took great pride in his work. His hammer was of good quality steel, so it was currently shined and in pristine condition, though his armor was but hardened iron and took much more work to maintain. He had already been filling in the role Harriet left behind in training some of the less experienced pack members, so he was commonly having to hammer out dents in the plates. Now that they were in a more stable location, he was now wondering on the possibility of being able to get something better, but that would probably take a while. He did not notice Janius enter the room, but he was not currently working with anything molten, so he could be interrupted.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"But I can tell you like him. Or at least have an interest." Meesei commented. "Indeed, it may be that nothing ever comes of it. You may simply remain friends, and never pursue the matter. I know I have done that before; I had interests growing up that I never pursued, for various reasons. You may form a relationship, but find after a while that you do not like him as much as you first thought. But, I have a feeling you may try. I have seen how you have opened up since we arrived here, how you have been able to socialize with those you met only recently. I believe you may find the confidence to ask him. I do not know him well enough to know if he shares the same interest, but I would not discount it so quickly."

Pausing for a moment, Meesei put a hand on Sabine's shoulder. "I want you to be happy, of course. Finding someone you care about in that way can be a wonderful thing. Though, as I am sure you know, there is the possibility that those feelings might not be returned. If that happens, it will be painful for a time. It is up to you to decide if it is worth the risk; just be aware that, sometimes, the thoughts of what could have been can be just as painful. Anyway, the reason I am asking about him is because I do not want you to have to figure everything out on your own. If you have any questions or want any advice, I will give what I can."

---

For a brief moment, Kaleeth let out a sigh and lowered her head. However, she quickly looked back up and shrugged her shoulders. "Well...it's not like I can make you. Just go talk to whoever you need to talk to. I'll go...well, I don't know. I think I will go swim or something. I'll be back in our room tonight, though, so you can tell me then. Just..." Kaleeth said, pausing as she took a step forward. She placed a hand on his chest and stared into his eyes. "...try not to only ask people you know are going to say no. Find people who know what they're talking about. And even if you don't give me an egg...I still love you." She said, albeit with something of a disappointed tone, and followed the statement with a kiss.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Ah, so my response makes sense, then.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

While Sabine socialized with her friends, Meesei mostly just relaxed and kept an eye on Leaps. Occasionally, someone would approach and ask about the young wamasu, to which Meesei was glad to answer. She felt it would best to allow as many people as possible to meet and become accustomed to Leaps, as he was going to be growing rather significantly over the coming years.

Eventually, it came time to leave and Sabine, quite fortunately, brought up Caleb as they were getting dressed. She had intended to speak to her about him anyway, so having Sabine bring him up made it seem less like she was forcing the topic. "Caleb has been through a great deal in the past month; his life has been changed irreversibly, and not for the better. It is difficult for me to say exactly what his opinion of me is, or what has caused it, but I cannot say I blame him for any confusion he might be experiencing. It is good that he has still has mother, and perhaps, at some point in the future, maybe even you?" She answered with a grin. As they started to walk towards the exit, Meesei made sure to pick up Leaps so he would not find any more trouble.

"And, while we are on the topic, I think we should talk about Caleb. You have an interest in him, yes?" Meesei asked. She already knew the answer, but wanted to give Sabine the chance to admit it herself.

---

Ahnasha was quick to get into the pack's chambers, grab her tome, and get out before anyone saw her. Fendros and the rest of the pack of course knew she had it, but at the same time, she did not like to be around others when studying it. Particularly, she did not want Fendros to see the magic she was having to learn. He knew she was studying life extension, but according to what she had learned so far, necromancy was even more directly linked to the process than she had previously assumed. In order to have a chance at succeeding, her knowledge of conjuration would have to expand tremendously, particularly in terms of necromancy. There was no escaping it; she was going to have to become a necromancer.

In the lower parts of the ruins, beyond the door that had been closed off a few weeks prior, Ahnasha had found a new place to conduct her experiments. While escorting the non-combatants, she had spotted an open passageway that had appeared to be an open secret passage. Since then, she had returned and closed it off to keep it hidden. For now, it was mostly empty, save for three human corpses, mercenaries from the attack which she had taken in the aftermath the day afterwards. They were rotting by this point, but she reasoned it was a scent she would have to get used to. Sitting down on the floor in front of one of the bodies, she opened up the tome and got to work.

---

"I'll give you the time if you want it but..." Kaleeth began with her head lowered and eyes closed. There was a brief pause, then she looked up at him once more with the hint of a tear in one of her eyes. "Are you sure you need it? I remember...we talked about this back in Thorn, that day on the coast. You said you needed time, and I understood. It has been months, though. Are you sure you don't know the answer? I know it is a scary choice to make; I'm scared too. There is a lot to worry about having a family; I remember seeing what mothers in my village had to go through with their hatchlings. It was hard on them; it was...stressful. But, no matter how many times I asked them, no one ever said that it wasn't worth it. They all loved their families, and wouldn't give them up for anything. I guess...I guess that's what I want. I want something I love so much that I'll want to hug it even when it causes me pain. It sounds like the best feeling I can think of." She explained.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

So to remind me, what was the specific thing that happened with Caleb and Meesei?

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Not really. The point of the scene was pretty much to give a visual of how Sabine has changed, and in what direction she may continue to change over the next few years. Though, I did intend on having Meesei speak to Sabine alone after they all leave the pool. You could timeskip that if you like.

As for Ahnasha, she's going to study that dark tome, and Kaleeth of course is still in the middle of the conversation with Janius

Lorag ended up being the odd man out. I had an idea to have him duel Kaleeth during her demonstration, but that would have made quite long posts even longer. At the very least, I do have plans for him in the future, after the skip. A subplot for him.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Sorry, I really didn't know what to have him say, since I don't know who he talked to.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

As interested as Meesei was in how Sabine would handle Caleb, she had to remember that it was no longer her place to interfere. Sabine did appear uncomfortable, but Meesei knew she would not always be there to help her through such things, so she had to learn through experience. What struck Meesei as odd was Caleb's attitude towards Meesei as soon as he saw her. It was possible that he was simply in a sour mood, but she wondered if there was something more to his apparent resentment.

In any event, Meesei remained silent for the moment towards either Sabine or Caleb. She simply focused on keeping Leaps from swimming away or accidentally injuring someone else. At the very least, she could find entertainment in watching the events before her unfold. They were developing similarly to some of the romantic short stories she had read or heard in the past. She just hoped that its ending was a positive one for Sabine. Though, as much as Sabine likely would not want to talk about it, she would need to Sabine regarding Caleb once they left. It would be an uncomfortable, but important conversation to have.

---

Ahnasha experienced a mix of emotions from the remainder of their session with Najirra. Regardless of how much they relaxed beforehand, talking about her perspective of the torture was a difficult task through which to remain composed. It was somewhat cathartic to tell her experiences to someone like Najirra, but that did not stop it from being painful. It was like stitching a wound without a potion or spell to numb the pain. She had a feeling that Najirra did not want it to be a painful experience, but for some trauma, no amount of tea or breathing exercises would be enough to make it easy to discuss.

Regardless, as they left Najirra's chambers, Ahnasha felt that there was at least progress, if only a faint amount. However often he wanted to call them in, she would make time to ensure they could both meet with him. "I hope so. It's just...it's not easy to talk about. I need to get my mind off of it all for a moment. Can you take care of Rhazii? I think I am going to go...train for a while." She asked.

---

Kaleeth reached out and grabbed Janius' hands. "You know you don't have to act like your father. I don't know what he was like, but if you hate him so much, then he couldn't be like you. You've been so caring and loving with me, and you would be the same way with our hatchling. That's just how people are with family. And Meesei said we will be staying here for a long time, where it is safe. We have Ahnasha, Fendros, Meesei, and plenty of other people in the clan who can help us. I think this is the perfect time for us to do this." She answered. Her tone was not quite as pleading as before, but it was certainly obvious how badly she wanted him to say yes. There was no question that she was enthusiastic about the prospect of a child, though one could attempt to blame her naivete. She was, after all, only nineteen years of age; not that much older than Sabine.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Meesei kept a tight hold on Leaps in case the sudden crowd of people caused him any distress. Luckily, he seemed to have more curiosity than fear. "Black Marsh? It is my homeland, a place often considered impenetrable by other races. It is hot at all times of the year and, as the name would imply, is covered mostly in thick swamps. Argonians like myself find it comfortable, but most other races can have a difficult time surviving, at least in the deep marshes. However, along the outside, there are cities that anyone can live in relatively easily. Luckily for lycans, we are entirely immune to the diseases that make it so dangerous. But, in the depths of the swamps, there are great and powerful creatures which would pose a challenge for any hunter. A wamasu like Leaps is one such creature. As an adult, he will be...probably as long as two wagons put together, with scales tougher than a werecrocodile and the ability to shoot lightning, almost like a magic-user." Meesei added some more dramatic details to her description of her homeland, for the entertainment of her audience. She found that younger individuals tended to appreciate story-like tales, even those based in reality.

Meesei of course noticed when Sabine was scratched, and where she was looking at the time. Caleb had arrived, though it did not seem like he had noticed them yet. Meesei had been wanting to check on how he had been faring for some time, but she recognized that now was not the time for any sort of direct line of questioning. Given their conversation before arriving at the pool, Sabine could potentially want to speak to him, and Meesei had to let her handle it herself.

---

Ahnasha was silent, looking down and staring into her half-empty cup. There was no miracle cure that Najirra could offer them, though perhaps it had been unreasonable to expect that. However, he was insistent that they were treatable, that they would not have to live with this for the rest of their days. No matter how much of the pain was left over, even just having it reduced would be a blessing.

"I am already scarred. I have a...gaping wound in my mind that just won't heal. Every time I tough it, it just delivers a piercing pain, then grows even wider. There is no way it could get any worse, so I trust that whatever you want to do, you'll at least make it better. Even if it isn't cured, a treatment is something" Ahnasha answered.

---

"Yes, I really, really am." Kaleeth answered, stopping in the middle of the hallway with Janius. She turned him to face her and lightly placed her hands on his sides. "You see how adorable and lively and just...happy children are. Haven't you ever wondered what it would be like to have one? Haven't you ever wanted to raise a son or daughter of your own, to have a family? You would be a great father. You are so kind and loving, and I just saw how good you are with them. Please, I think it would make both of us happy." She asked, her tone bordering on pleading. They had walked away from the thickest of the crowds, though there still were a few people around in the hallway. She did not know her way around this part of the ruin, though she honestly did not care how many people were around to hear.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Alright, I'll probably keep playing then, but I'll respond before going to bed.