EliteCommander

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Meesei was glad to pause and return the hug Sabine gave her. To her, there was no feeling quite like helping Sabine, no matter the severity of the problem, and the fact that she appreciated it so greatly made it all the more rewarding. No matter what happened, Meesei was resolved to always think about Sabine's welfare, and to make sure she could have the very best life Meesei could give her. Although she would not admit it openly, that commitment was greater than any other Meesei held. Even Hircine did not hold the same level of loyalty that Meesei would give to Sabine.

"I will always be here for you, Sabine. I love you, and I will always be ready to answer any questions you have, any time you have them." Meesei promised. Once they finally released the hug, Meesei kept her hands on Sabone's shoulders and looked down at her. "Now...about your magical training..." She began, pausing for a moment before giving a smile. "What about tomorrow morning? After breakfast. You can have as much time as you want right now to think, or simply relax."

---

Kaleeth could not remember at exactly what point she fell asleep. All she remembered was staying up into the night, waiting anxiously for Janius to finally return with his answer. At some point, she must have fallen over asleep on her bedroll, because the next thing she knew, she was being shaken awake by him.

"Huh...oh, yes. Yes, let's go." Kaleeth answered after a brief delay. She was fatigued, mildly incoherent, and generally groggy, but she was nevertheless fully focused on him. This was the time where she would finally receive her answer on whether or not she was going to be able to have a family.

Climbing out of her bedroll, Kaleeth followed Janius with increasing haste. She assumed he was taking them somewhere out of the way and quiet, but she could not bring herself to wait to begin her questions. "Did you find anyone to talk to? Did you decide on an answer?" Kaleeth whispered.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Since we seem to be getting close to that point, I started working on the skip. Do you mind if I say how the clan changes through the years in that? It would go by the plans I've already had Meesei give. The clan would slowly restructure to be less fragmented, and expand its influence in terms of economics. She would look to get connections and resources to better be able to fight against Vile. Particularly information. They would connect with the other clans throughout Tamriel, with the intent of essentially forming an organized network that stretches across the continent.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Meesei shook her head. "No, that is not what normally happens. In general, a couple will be together for quite some time before taking that step forward. They take the time to get to know one another, and determine if they actually bear love for the other. As for how long that takes, there is no single answer. Some pairs seem to simply be made for one another and progress quickly, in perhaps a few weeks. Others could take years. When they do decide it is time, they may not even desire children. But, the important part is that there is no expectation to mate so early on. If your mate is pressuring you to do so despite you making it clear that you wish to wait, then I would say it would be time to consider ending it entirely." She advised.

---

"Yeah, I respected that he did his job." Lorag answered with a brief huff. "He earned gold and helped to keep us fed, and he helped teach me all I needed to become strong as an adult. He pushed me to my limit, made me train until my hands were too calloused to even feel the sword, and because of it, made sure I was the strongest I could be when it came time to join up with the Legion. So yeah, he's not the kind of father you'd want to be. That mate of yours would probably bite your head off if you tried doing that with her kid, literally. I've seen what those jaws can do to steel." He chuckled.

Returning to a serious tone, Lorag shook his head. "Look, I don't think you should go having kids right now. We're going into a war against a Daedra, and your little lizard isn't going to be defending itself. Though, I guess it might help in keeping that crocodile in line, if you want a way to keep your mate out of the fighting. Mothers are always real protective of their kids, and I'm guessing that crocodile would go right along with that. She'd probably want to stay with the child instead of charging in. Unless something was actually threatening it. Then she'd go crazy." He added. As one might expect, Lorag's assessment of the situation was practical, instead of emotional. The reasons why Kaleeth or Janius might want a child did not seem to factor in to his advice.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"I do not think they did either." Meesei commented. "In truth, I can understand why they would teach a child in such a way. One should not mate while still too young to understand its implications, and it is far easier simply to tell them to avoid it than to go through all of the trouble of explaining the complexities of the issue. But, I am sure you already know that most do not view the issue in the same way as that coven. They gave you simple explanations, but reality is more complex. Mating is not something you should think of trivially, and you are right to be hesitant. Honestly, I would say that it is not something you should consider for quite some time, until you are sure you understand what it means for you."

Meesei paused for a moment, glad that the conversation had not been as awkward, nor as difficult as she had feared. Evidently, Sabine was not at a stage where she was actually considering mating, which meant it would likely be easy to convince her to think about it cautiously. But, there was still the issue of her perception of what the average relationship was like. "But, aside from that, there is something else related I would like to point out. Ahnasha and Fendros, Janius and Kaleeth, their relationships are not normal. Or, they did not form normally, rather. I am certainly glad that they have continued to remain together and love one another, but both of them started out mating from the beginning. Generally, such relationships do not last. I know you are aware of Janius' past regarding women. The reason I brought all of this up to you is because I wanted to make sure that your perception of healthy relationships is not...skewed. I wanted to ensure that you did not suffer trying to emulate them." She explained.

---

"Um, why do you think you'll be able to learn from me?" Lorag asked, genuinely surprised. He set down the hammer and turned to face Janius, as there was no way he was going to be able to concentrate on his work while talking about this. "I'm an Orc, and was raised like an Orc. My parents started to teach me about fighting as soon as I was old enough to walk around and hold a stick. When I was disciplined, my father didn't stick me in a room alone somewhere, or even beat me. No, he made me fight him. I don't think you'd want to raise your little lizard the same way I was. Besides, I thought you two already dealt with this back in Black Marsh? Didn't you decide to hold off on the whole 'egg' thing?"

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Inwardly, Meesei wanted to thank Hircine that Sabine was already somewhat familiar with the topic. She was not particularly keen on going into detail. Regardless, Meesei could not see a way that Sabine's views on the subject could not have been warped strangely by her experiences. She did not know what precisely the coven had taught her, but she had certainly not received a normal upbringing. As well, the examples of relationships within the pack were not exactly ideal. Both Ahnasha and Fendros, as well as Kaleeth and Janius seemed to be happy together, but none of them formed their relationships under normal circumstances. Usually, romances formed in such a manner did not last, but Sabine had seen no other examples, except her sister and Rukeewei. However, she had not been witness to how Ariel's relationship had formed.

"She is not incorrect, but that is not the most important part of the issue. It is more complicated than you might know. Not mating itself, but...the meaning behind it, in the context of a relationship. What is it that the coven taught you?" Meesei asked.

---

"My armor, obviously." Lorag said as he was hammering out a dent in the relatively malleable iron. It was obviously just smalltalk before Janius got to his actual point, though his next question did surprise him.

"Um, he was a Legion veteran, worked a forge." Lorag answered questioningly. He hadn't the faintest idea why Janius had suddenly sought him out to ask about his father of all things. He had a feeling that the Imperial was beating around the bush to get to some bigger question or favor or something, which was at least marginally annoying. He much preferred getting straight to the point. "He was retired, so he didn't fight much, but he was a tough old Orc, and tough on me. He helped my mother drill me into shape in time to join the Legion myself. Now, I don't think you came all the way over here for story time, so what do you want, city-boy?"

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?