EliteCommander

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Kaleeth gave a laugh. "Well, you clearly don't remember the day we met. Bowing down, kissing the hand of a young, naive Argonian girl. I didn't even know what it meant. Good thing too, or I might have laughed you straight out of the village. Or father might have, with less laughter, and more spears." She teased.

Surprisingly, it was Meesei who next commented. "Oh, he has been through worse than that, I assure you."

Grinning mischievously, Kaleeth leaned in towards Janius. "Yes, why don't you share some of those stories? That sounds like a great way to pass an hour."

Almost as soon as Gallus mentioned food, a familiar Khajiit voice sounded out from halfway across the tavern. "For the last time, anything you like." The waitress said, quickly making her way over to their table. It did not seem like she was paying any particular attention to their conversation, but when it came to her job, it appeared that she was quite on point. "Anything else you'd like to get?"

Before Gallus could speak, Ahnasha gave her answer. "Yes I...think so." She paused, deliberating in her mind for a moment before continuing. "You serve food with moon sugar as well, yes?"

"Heh, not a local, are ya? Don't worry, I ain't one either. Yeah, anything you can get without it, you can also get with it. That goes for anywhere in Anequina or Pelletine, 'cept maybe near the border to Valenwood." The waitress explained.

"Of course, right. How about...beef stew then, with moon sugar." Ahnasha answered. The Khajiit nodded, then waited for any more orders.

Peither grabbed the bottle of brandy, slowly swirling it in circles as he looked at the liquid inside. "That game was fun, and I definitely want to do it again, but...we should really avoid getting drunk. Especially now. No telling what we might run into. I think I'll just finish off this bottle; it's not like I got much of it during the game." He chuckled. "I wouldn't mind exploring, honestly."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Alright, done.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Ah, one moment.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Meesei became noticeably more relaxed once Ra'maranja and his friends had left. When meeting with strangers, particularly fellow lycans, she always seemed to have an uncompromisingly serious demeanor. It was a part of the appearance she wanted to give to others for the Champion of Hircine. "We do, Janius. Remember where we are. We can leave...specific details for when we are truly in private." She answered. Indeed, few of the other patrons in the tavern seemed to be seemed to be anywhere near actually trying to listen in on their conversation. In a place like this, most were probably criminals in some form or another, but regardless, avoiding specific terms in public places was standard for them.

"Regardless, I am in mind with Gallus." Meesei continued. "There were some details of this meeting which did seem...strange to me, but we know too little to make judgments. We just need to proceed with caution. Keep watch for any hint of treachery. We would not have been...sent here if this were a simple matter to resolve. I intend to stay here, but everyone can do as they wish while we wait. Just be sure to be here by the time the hour passes."

For a few moments, silence lingered in the air as most everyone thought. Having to approach this clan with such scrutiny brought back memories of when they first arrived at the Bruma clan all those years ago. They had a traitor confirmed among them, and they had no idea who they could trust. Hopefully, this situation would not end up the same way.

Lorag broke the silence when he slammed his now-empty mug of mead down on the table. "Well...at least 'lizard-Janius' was there to lighten the mood." He said, producing a few light chuckles among the pack. Ahnasha was not the only one to make that connection. Even Kaleeth smiled and nudged Janius with her shoulder. She was still terribly worried for Newt, but she could at least attempt to get her mind off of that fear.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Meesei was not opposed to Gallus' plan, they would just need to proceed with caution if they were to attempt it. "That is a plan that could work, but we should perhaps not set ourselves too strongly into any particular plan before speaking to their leader. As long as our meeting has appropriate security, we should be able to make such plans in secret. Perhaps, if the leader could do so without suspicion, we could have this meeting outside of the...headquarters?"

Ra'maranja nodded. "Yes, that may be possible. But, as Khajiit said, we need to inform him first. This one will make sure that possibility is suggested."

"Thank you, Ra'maranja. I believe I would like for us to leave as soon as possible." Meesei responded.

"Of course." Ra'maranja responded. "There are a few quick matters that we must tend to in the city, but meet here in an hour and we will take you to the outpost. You can wait there until our leader is informed and ready. Come, Colors. This one will require your assistance."

Colors let out a sigh. "Of course you do." He muttered before standing up and following the Khajiit. The rest of their group followed suit, once more leaving Meesei's packs in the tavern.

Ahnasha looked around at the others with some uncertainty. "So, what do you all make of this? It's not what I expected, certainly. After so long out of contact, I didn't expect them to still be here at all, honestly."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Meesei clasped her hands together on the table, moving past the awkwardness of their introductions. "Well, we are here to investigate. Your messengers have not been arriving, and neither have ours." She answered.

Ra'maranja's expression quickly became grim. "Our messengers? Khajiit sees." He said, his gaze turning expectantly to Colors beside him. There was a brief pause before the Argonian continued.

"Our...messengers must have been intercepted. It is an issue we've been facing for some time. The enemy's agents have been much more aggressive in Elsweyr as of late. We...fear that there might be spies in our midst. Infiltrators who have been trying to cut off our communications." Colors suggested.

Ra'maranja gave a quick glance to Colors with a slightly furrowed brow. "That is speculation, Colors. We have not yet found any evidence of infiltrators in our ranks, and we do not want to start a panic without good cause."

"Of course." Colors said, lowering his head. "It's just something to consider, is all."

Meesei regarded the exchange with an entirely neutral expression, and simply gave a nod. "I understand wanting to avoid panic, but our enemy is devious, and it is a threat not to be taken lightly. It is a possibility we should address. But, what of our messengers? Infiltrators would not know of the routes they take." She questioned.

Ra'maranja's attitude once more became grim. He let out a breath and closed his eyes briefly. "Then none of them made it back. We did receive your messengers. We informed them of our situation, but they must have been intercepted on the way back, just like our messengers."

"I see. Then this is a threat we will have to face. We did not come here as messengers, but rather to solve whatever problems you might be having. I would like you to take us to your...group's leader. If it is indeed infiltration, I can assure you that we are experienced in rooting them out. If not, then we will help you find where the enemy's agents are hiding." Meesei requested.

There was a brief pause as Ra'maranja looked back to the others standing behind him, who gave him a few nods. "Of course, but there is something we must do first. This one should send one of his own back to our leader, so that he can prepare to meet you all confidentially."

Meesei shook her head. "I do not believe that will be necessary. A clandestine meeting may just create distrust and uncertainty among our people."

"Respectfully, Ra'maranja disagrees." He said, lifting up one hand from the table. "As Colors pointed out, there is the possibility of infiltration, even if it is not proven. Your group in particular would make for a tempting target, or could drive them into hiding. This one knows it may take some time, but it would only be another day at most. At least leave the option open until you can meet with our leader."

Meesei silently deliberated for a few seconds before giving something of a reluctant nod. "Very well. We will wait for your word."

Colors suddenly chimed in with an unusually upbeat tone, considering the situation. "On the bright side, you can use this time to enjoy the city. I know a great inn you can all stay at for the night..."

Ra'maranja interrupted Colors, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Nonsense. There is no need to need to force them to waste coin in the city. We have a sort of supply outpost not far outside the city. It could easily accommodate you all, and you could restock your supplies. There are a few matters we need to deal with in the city, but we can leave within the hour."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

A few of the Khajiit exchanged glances for a moment before one of them, a dark-furred Suthay-raht male, nodded, and motioned for the Argonian to follow him. "Yes...perhaps you can tell us who you actually are."

Lorag, who was sitting beside Meesei, stood up to allow the Khajiit to take his seat, while Meesei stood to greet them. The Suthay-raht and Argonian approached alongside one another, while the others followed close behind. Seeing as Meesei was the one stepping forward, the Khajiit assumed she was the leader. "This one's name is Ra'maranja, the...leader of this group." He said, glancing around at the others in the tavern as he shook Meesei's hand. The dark red-scaled Argonian's greeting immediately afterwards, however, was much less...professional.

"And I am Sees-No-Colors. It is certainly a pleasure to meet you, my lady." He said, giving a bow and kissing the top of Meesei's hand, to which she was mostly just annoyed, rather than outwardly angry.

As Colors pulled his head back, he saw the ring on the hand he had just kissed, and his eyes widened. "Wait is that...and you are...ah, um, ohhh..."

"Who is she, Colors?" Ra'maranja asked impatiently, appearing rather cross towards him.

"She is..." He began with a gulp, then leaning in to speak at a whisper. "the Champion."

Ra'maranja showed a brief moment of surprise, but quickly regained his composure. "Well, this meeting is an honor, then, miss..."

"Meesei." She answered as she returned to her seat. She would have thought that the members of any major clan would know her name, though she supposed they might just know her as the Champion.

After the rather awkward exchange, Ahnasha ran her hand down her face to hide her laughter. Leaning in towards Fendros, she whispered to him. "You know, I think I know what happened to Janius all those years ago. He grew a tail."

Ra'maranja took Lorag's former seat, while the Bosmer from their group pulled up a chair for Colors. "So, to what do we owe the honor of this visit?" Ra'maranja asked.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Ahnasha shook her head lightly. "About Senchal specifically? Not much, really. Anything she said about this place is common knowledge. She had never been to this city before. Most of what she taught me was about Elsweyr in general, about the Khajiit people and their ways. And most of that knowledge she was just passing down from what she had learned from her parents. She was born in Leyawiin, and has only visited Elsweyr a few times in her life. It was my great grandparents who were actually from Elsweyr. To describe the Khajiit in general...that is a rather large question. Many of our customs originate from those nomads who walked the sands of the region's deserts. The word 'Khajiit' itself is translated as 'desert-walker'. I can't really say I know much about Senchal, but I can answer questions about the Khajiit, if you have anything specific to ask."

As Peiter had expected, Tzirret was the one who was ending up taking most of the drinks. It was all he could do to hold back laughter, especially once he had a sudden surge of confidence. He smiled and agreed with Sabine that this kind of game was fun, though the mention of the mission did dampen his spirits somewhat. It reminded them that they did have serious business and, as such, should avoid getting Tzirret too intoxicated. "Agreed. Maybe we can refine the rules, or find another game made specifically for this kind of thing. For now, though, as much as I hate it, we should probably avoid giving you any more of this, Tzirret. We all probably need to be of a reasonably sharp mind right now, unfortunately."

If there was any protest from Tzirret, it was made moot by the arrival of another group in the tavern. As soon as they entered, they were alert to the scents they had picked up, and after their scent had time to reach Meesei's pack, they immediately noticed as well. The group consisted of four Khajiit, a Bosmer, and an Argonian male who honestly looked out of place among the other five. They all bore the scents of lycans, not werewolves, but lycans regardless. Upon seeing Meesei's pack, most of these lycans seemed surprised, and the Argonian briefly looked nervous.

Lorag leaned in and spoke quietly. "I think we found who we're lookin' for. Should probably try to get them over here quietly."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"Alright. The usual game?" Peiter answered as he began shuffling the cards. He dealt them out between the three as he thought about how the game should go. They normally did not play to drink, so they had to figure out how to work it into the rules. "Okay, so how about we have the winner of each hand decide who drinks. If you fold, you can't be picked, but...if you fold twice in a row, you can be picked on the next one no matter what, unless you win. Just to keep anyone from not playing." He said, giving a quick glance to Tzirret. Luck could force anyone to drink, of course, but Peiter kept his eye on Tzirret, who was not quite as adept in the art of bluffing as the rest of them. If this turned out to be enjoyable enough, he might even buy another bottle.

Newt shook his head quickly, then returned back to looking around the tavern. He was used to such crowded spaces with the clan, so he was more curious than afraid. In fact, he was less afraid than Kaleeth wished he was. If she let him go, she had no doubt that he would try to explore the area, and in this place, that could certainly be dangerous. Slavery might be illegal in both the Empire and Dominion, but that did not mean it did not exist, and a young child was the perfect target to abduct. Ahnasha, being more experienced in cities, was not quite as worried about kidnapping, as she knew it to be a rare occurrence. However, she was still well-aware of the trouble Rhazii could get into when left to his own devices.

Trying to shake off her worries, Kaleeth joined in the conversation. "I know Newt has been dying to go for a swim for the last few days. Being on a ship, we were surrounded by water all the time, but could not get in. I don't think Newt liked that at all."

Newt tilted his head back to look up at his mother. "Are we going swimming, mommy?"

Kaleeth looked down and rubbed the top of his head. "Not right now, hatchling. It is too dangerous here. We can swim after we are out of the city."

Ahnasha was visibly satisfied with her ale. Anything to help her relax was certainly welcome. She had doubts about the fate of the Senchal clan, and if they would even be able to find anyone alive to actually help. They had arrived as quickly as they could, but the clan had been out of contact for so long that it might not even have mattered. It was a worry she was sure the others shared, but that no one had spoken aloud. Nevertheless, she tried to keep her mind off of it for the moment. "You know, I thought I would be comfortable here, but I feel more like an outsider here than I did in Black Marsh. At least there, no one expected me to be anything but an outsider. Here...all I have to do is open my mouth for that to become glaringly obvious. I speak Ta'agra with a Cyrodilic accent, for the Hunter's sake. I don't think my mother's stories are going to be enough to let me blend in here."

Coruscant Sacked: Aftermath

I can say from personal experience that snakes can be surprisingly quick. And strong, very, very strong. They can really get a death grip on things.