EliteCommander

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"Hmm, apart from the average stock of potions, I do suppose it will be helpful to have a surplus of stamina potions, or anything else that might help us cover longer distances. We may find ourselves in a hurry and having to keep moving longer than usual, even into the night. It depends on how drastic the situation in Elsweyr truly is. Otherwise, it is difficult to estimate what our needs may be without knowing more about the situation. Sabine may be able to tell you more about our alchemical needs, and it may also be useful to question someone who has been to the area about the challenges it presents. The representative of the Senchal clan may be helpful in that regard. In fact, I believe I will question him about the Tenmar forest before we leave, and the deserts a well, just to be safe." Meesei answered to Darahil.

Turning to Oswall, Meesei nodded. Gallus' pack was seeming like a good option, though she did not wish to make a final decision before actually asking the pack directly. "Gallus' pack could be a good choice. I spoke to my pack earlier this morning, and they would be most comfortable bringing a pack with at least a few members they know and trust. Just be aware that our mission may be dangerous, though his pack would not likely be facing the heaviest of those dangers. As for other supplies, we have all been maintaining our own equipment. The resource that will be most likely to be helpful to us is simply gold. The fastest route to Senchal would be to take a caravan to the Imperial City, then head by ship south to the Topal Bay, and then to Senchal itself. We will need enough gold to pay for passed on the way there, and preferably for the return trip as well, if we are to get back quickly. For our traveling expenses, we may need somewhat more than usual to convince the captain of the vessel to allow our wamasu on board. Beyond that, we are of course capable of hunting for our food, but we would be able to concentrate on our mission more easily if we can simply purchase our supplies."

Meesei looked around to the others. She knew that some of them, particularly Vera, were not keen on their departure, but she was also sure they understood the need. "Does anyone else have further questions or suggestions? We will likely leave as soon as all necessary preparations have been made, perhaps in two or three days."

Blood Act I~ Ghosts of the Past

Ssarak Dyreackthanose

---

Unlike the previous year, the demonstrations that Ssarak and Meirin were able to observe were actually pleasant, and even quite interesting. It was perhaps a bias of his, but he found particular interest in Satori's displays of psychomancy. They appeared to have missed her actual demonstration, but her ability to condition the animals around them into her service was an ability with great potential. Manipulating the minds of simple creatures was, in general, far easier than that of a person. The potential utility of such an ability was vast, particularly if the psychomancer was creative.

After the demonstrations, the pair moved on outside. The day of the feast was essentially like a festival with the amount of merchants and other businesspeople it attracted to the college. The same had been true last year, though for obvious reasons, Ssarak had been unable to see what they had to offer. Although, Ssarak was not quite certain where to begin himself. He had only attended such an event once before in his life, and that was in Felldor. Outside his homeland, he had mostly only witnessed the normal operations of the places he visited, and even they were sometimes unusual to him. For a day such as this, Ssarak was not quite certain what to expect. As such, he followed Meirin's lead, for the most part, The displays of art, whether it be paintings, sculptures, or simple trinkets, often caught his eye. They originated from many parts of Tiien, and as such, were all drastically different in style. Some possessed a realism that almost did not seem possible without the aid of magic, while others sought to please through more abstract means. Unfortunately, the most impressive of them were more expensive than the amount he was willing to spend. He would have purchased a mask along with Meirin, but he was stopped mostly by the fact that the vendor did not have any available which would fit an Esyire's snout.

Ssarak found himself somewhat confused by the business of carving pumpkins. There were certainly strange displays of art around the courtyard, but he did not quite understand why one would wish to take the time to carve something into a berry. Surely the pumpkin would rot within a few weeks, at which point their art would be ruined? In his village, everything they made, apart from their housing, was meant to last as long as they could make it. Artwork was often carved or painted onto stone, partially so it would not need to be recreated as frequently, and partially because stone was rather common. The concept of carving a food item was unusual, but nevertheless, Ssarak gave no protest. He sat down at the table beside Meirin, staring at the large orange fruit for at least a minute after Meirin had began to think of what design he might try to create. "I...do have to admit that the visual arts have never been my specialty. Music was what captured my interest. Carving, well, I did attempt it as a child." He explained, as if he felt compelled to explain the reason why his own carving was likely to be...subpar in quality. Eventually, he slowly reached out and stabbed a claw into the pumpkin to begin his carving. He was going to attempt to create the silhouette of an actual dragon, though he was not anticipating a great deal of success.

"Are you talented in visual arts, like painting, carving, or sculpting?" Ssarak asked Meirin curiously. "You certainly have the dexterity for it. I know at least with the grace with which you move, you could be a talented dancer."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Meesei understood, and had expected, the protests from some of the others. She looked around across the table at the others as she asked her next question. “Are there any other matters of similar importance that anyone intended to bring to the council’s attention today?” She asked. There was a pause as a few of the lieutenants shuffled through the papers in front of them. However, after a few moments, it became clear that none of the others could find an issue of similar potential importance, particularly issues about which they knew so little about.

“Lord Hircine gave me this vision only this morning, and seemed to indicate that I would learn my destination very quickly. Yes, the option does exist to send a lower profile pack, but I am sure you all know of the potential implications of this lack of communications. Losing the Senchal clan would be a tragedy in multiple ways. If Hircine wants my pack to personally deal with this issue, then the situation could be dire, and I cannot ignore that command. I can say that it is my intention to return here once we deal with whatever situation has developed there. This location is ideal for carrying out my normal duties in this war, and of course, it is a pleasure to work with you all. I cannot absolutely guarantee that I will be able to return, but it is my intention. Besides which, I do trust this council to be able to be able to carry out my duties while I am away; you are all quite capable in your respective specializations.” Meesei explained with a good measure of confidence in her voice.

“In addition, “ Meesei continued, “I would like to request the aid of another pack on our mission. This task could be a dangerous one, so the additional support could be quite useful. Although, I will not lie, many of their responsibilities may not involve directly aiding us in combat. Certainly, they do need to be capable in combat, and some of us will very likely end up fighting together if Vile is indeed involved in this situation. However, we mostly have need of a pack who is comfortable in a supporting role. All of my pack may be needed directly on the mission, and it is dangerous for one to leave their camp, and therefore supplies, unattended in the wilds. Not to mention, members of my pack have children of their own. In the past, we have been forced to leave one of our own behind with the camp, or take the risk in leaving it unguarded, but that is a risk I would like to eliminate since I have the opportunity.”

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Meesei nodded, placing a hand on Sabine's shoulder. "If at all possible, yes. There are many reasons for us to be here, practical and otherwise. I can think of no better place in Tamriel to make our home. I do have some duties to attend to, unfortunately, but as I said, you should enjoy the rest of the day as best as you can. You can give your farewells to your friends if you like, but if I can help it, they will not be permanent."

It was not long before Meesei was forced to take her leave and begin work on her duties for the day, which, as usual, meant developing and refining plans for many aspects of the overall war effort against Vile for all of Hircine's followers across Tamriel. The clan now played host to representatives from every clan in Tamriel, from High Rock to Black Marsh. She often spent much of her time planning and negotiating with them on most aspects of the war. There were even representatives from groups of Hircine's followers who were not themselves lycanthropes, something that did cause some tension among the clan, as in normal times, those very same groups often hunted lycans themselves for the challenge it provided. It was hunters like them who made lycans into both predator and prey. Regardless, the day was no less busy than any other, so she had plenty to do before the evening's meeting.

---

One by one, each of the clan's leaders arrived in the meeting room. Meesei had been the third, just after Vera, and with Oswall being the last. As usual, they locked the door behind them as several of the lieutenants laid out on the table whatever documents applied to the topics they needed to discuss. While they did not hold these meetings every single day, they were quite routine. Normally, they started out by bringing to the attention of the council any events or developments that would be of importance to the clan, but this time, Pierrette led off with a question that was surely on several of their minds.

"So Meesei, there has been a rumor spread around today that you and your pack are going to be leaving us. Is that actually true?" She asked.

Meesei nodded. "Yes, in this case, the rumor is true. I received a vision from Hircine just last night that my pack will be needed elsewhere. He did not, however, specify where. He said only that I would learn soon where we are most needed. Have there been any major occurrences that any of you intended to bring to the council's attention?"

"Um, yes, there is actually." Tola said, briefly looking to one of the documents in front of her. "It's the Senchal clan. We haven't heard from them in far too long. If they are following the standard schedule, then they would have sent two messengers by now. The Orcrest clan intends to send scouts, but I was going to suggest sending a pack of our own to investigate, just in case."

Meesei clasped her hands together, staring ahead as she thought of the implications of the news. "Then it seems that pack will be mine."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Maybe, though it might not be practical. I suppose we'll just have to see how it goes. It might not end up being so much of a big deal.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Agreed. Though, I would like to take a more loose approach to playing the other pack. There won't be too much focus on them, since they are there mostly as a solution to the problem of having toddlers present. We could probably share most of them, except perhaps one each (like Gallus and the friend). Although...we do not really have a good track record of actually doing that. We do tend to pick and stick with characters.

Hopefully, their presence will not mean we have a lot extra to keep track of.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"Hmm, I will keep those options in mind." Meesei commented, her hand rubbing her chin as she thought. "Hopefully, we will be able to find a pack of which all members are willing and able to join us. It would be best to avoid splitting any packs, if that is even practical. It may be our task keeps us within Cyrodiil, or another similarly close location. We could also end up all the way across Tamriel. We should likely avoid settling on any specific option, as the willingness of some of them to join us may depend on our destination."

After a few more moments, Meesei finished the remainder of her breakfast. "For now, I would recommend performing your duties as normal for today. But, as soon as you can, I would begin making whatever arrangements you need for our departure."

"Will do." Lorag said as he stood to his feet. "I've got an idea or two in mind for my replacement. Any of 'em will do just fine in my role; they just won't have my...charm." He added with a chuckle before taking his leave.

As Lorag left, Kaleeth let out a slight sigh. She did not have important responsibilities like most of the others, but there were friends she was not looking forward to leaving. She did at least want to say her goodbyes to othem. "I...guess I will take Newt over to the caretakers. Ahnasha should be finished by then." She said to Janius, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek before standing up herself."

It seemed as if most of the pack was heading out on their own business, apart from Ahnasha who was quickly trying to finish up her meal, so Meesei turned to speak to Sabine more specifically. "I am sorry that I had to give this news on your birthday. I could not ignore Hircine's vision. Just...try to enjoy your day as best as you can. You will have as much time as you need today to speak with your friends, if you wish to inform them."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

It could be interesting to bring perhaps one or two characters we've already met, like Gallus, or perhaps someone Sabine knows? Or both.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Almost forgot to respond. It slipped my mind after I finished working on an assignment.

At any rate, did you have any specific characters you would want to have as a part of that pack? I do think we can avoid focusing on them too heavily during the mission, though (otherwise, that would be a lot of characters to keep track of). We can certainly involve them when appropriate, though.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Lorag shrugged his shoulders. "Doesn't matter to me, as long as they can fight." Granted, many of those he had become better friends with over the years were also high in the ranks of the clan's warriors, so if they picked based on fighting skill, there was a good chance there would be someone he could get along with.

"I agree with that, honestly." Ahnasha commented. "If I'm going to leave Rhazii with anyone, I want to know that they are capable of protecting him. Above all else, that's the most important thing. Of course, I would like to bring a pack of people we know and trust. Really, I don't think we'll have a problem finding people willing to come along. Being selected to join the Champion's pack on a task directly from Hircine himself? Anyone with even a small amount of reverence for Hircine would take that as an honor. I...would suggest Caldris' pack, but I don't know about taking the clan's next best archer."

Meesei gave a nod. "You may be correct. We do have to ensure that we do not select a pack whose members do not perform too vital of roles within the clan, not if they do not have adequate replacements. You all have become closer to more members of the clan than I have had a chance to; are there any you know who you would be comfortable bringing on a potentially long journey?" She asked the rest of the pack.