EliteCommander

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

The trio moves slowly and carefully through the cave. The ceiling was relatively tall, though to La'kay, it still felt cramped. She was not used to being underground, and overall, did not particularly like it. While Tzirret was holding tightly to his spear, La'khay simply kept her hand near her dagger's scabbard. Although, she was not much use in a fight if they happened to run into danger. She could defend herself in her werelion form, though she could only act on instinct. As for the cave itself, there were a detail that did stand out. Along the floor, they could see what looked like trails of dried blood, accompanied by the scent of dead animals. Unfortunately, it was strong enough to overwhelm any other scents that could be there. While that could be explained as the clan's hunters dragging back their prey, it was not the only explanation possible.

After heading through the winding cave for a bit longer, they came across a split in the path. One passage branched off to the left, while the other headed right. The blood trail lead mostly to the right path, though the scent was still present on the left. "Which way should we go, do you think? Or...do you think we're even in the right place?" La'khay asked.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

La'khay followed closely behind Gallus into the entrance to the cave. She nodded to his question, while still keeping her eyes trained further into the cave. "Yes, there are many creatures that might call a cave home. Bears, minotaurs, durzogs. We could even find a tiger, or most of the other creatures Ra'kalesh described before. They are great places for creatures to hide their young, but it could also lead to the new home of the clan. Let's just, uh, be careful."

As they drew deeper into the cave, the light from outside grew dimmer. Their lycanthropy gave them all at least good vision in the dark; even moreso for the Khajiit. Regardless, some more light would have been preferred. "Is there anything we can use for light?" La'khay asked.

The reminder of the letters caused Ahnasha some annoyance, but she did appreciate the gesture. Giving a mild sigh, she nodded. "Sure, once we're back. Provided that nothing has happened to our quarters since we left, I suppose."

Once Colors was back on the forest floor, he pointed them in the direction they needed to go. Ahnasha, of course, had many new thoughts on her mind, but she tried to focus on the task at hand as they set off on their search once more.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Since Gallus had returned, La'khay simply grinned with Gallus' jest and continued on the heading he cave. She had no issue returning to the task at hand with no signs that anything in particular was on her mind. She took the lead to guide them more quickly through the foliage, and kept a sharp eye and keen nose out for anything out of place. She would be glad if they found their clan so soon, though she doubted they would be so lucky.

After another hour of searching, the trio finally came to something that was different from the endless sea of trees that they were wading through. It was near the base of a fallen tree next to a river, and almost looked like a sinkhole. Although, the incline on one side was shallow enough that one could step down into it. Looking down inside, it appeared to lead into a cave. "Hmm...La'khay can not smell the scent of lycans near the entrance, but...do you think we should investigate? We don't know what precautions they are taking."

Ahnasha nodded in understanding. "I'll have to let you make that choice. It's not really my place to say if you should or shouldn't cut all ties with your family. This will all probably be a long ways off anyway, of we get the chance for it, but we should starting thinking about how you're actually going to go about doing this. As I said, it probably isn't best to meet them in the city. There's just too many ways that can go wrong. Is there any time that you can think of where we could meet them outside the city? Maybe sometime that you know for sure they would be traveling?"

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Goodnight.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

La'khay started to chuckle and shook her head lightly. "Normal? No, it isn't normal. But, La'khay isn't normal either, and she doesn't really care what is. This one would suggest that you not expect any other girl to want the same things as La'khay. But, this one does not think there is anything wrong with who she is. You are of age, and if you want to do it, then you do it. Others like Do'ajee would disagree, but La'khay doesn't care. That one never has any fun; just enjoy yourself."

"Hmm, it's not like we're lacking for swords, but you might want to think about the...symbolism of that gesture." Ahnasha answered. She looked down at the sword and ran her hand across its pommel. It was a finely made weapon, certainly, but the quality of the craftsmanship did not really matter for this particular question. "Maybe it's just me, but I would see that as saying that you are leaving behind your family. You know, since you're giving back something that represents them. It could mean that you're...letting go of that part of your life or something. Maybe that's what you want to do. If so, then I would say give it up. If you still want to try to keep a connection with them, I'd say to keep it. I mean, I could be wrong on all accounts, but that's just what I would see in it."

Another thought came to Ahnasha's mind as she thought about Fendros' family. Specifically, their encounter with his siblings in the Imperial City. "Oh, and some more advice. I would try not to reveal the fact that you met up with your siblings before, and especially that you've been writing to your sister. You wouldn't want to bring any of your parents' wrath down on them."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

La'khay held up her hand and pinched two of her fingers together. "Um, a little, yes. Something like that would be sweet to say to someone you've been with for a while. Try complimenting her eyes, or the vibrance of her fur. And be sure to be specific about it. Tailor your compliments to the person you're trying to impress. And don't just say it randomly either; make sure it fits in the conversation."

Above them, La'khay heard some rustling in the leaves. She briefly glanced up and saw that Gallus was probably making his way down as they spoke. [i]"Looks like we are running low on time. Any last questions? We can pick up later tonight. You can ask La'khay anything you like, practice your compliments, mate with her, whatever you desire. La'khay would talk to you while we walk, but we really should focus on searching then."

A few months before, Ahnasha really would not have known where to begin, but between talking with her family and dealing with Irenya, she was staring to become more comfortable with the idea of what was likely to be a very difficult conversation. "Hmm...well all of that is assuming that you have this conversation on their terms, in their home. Or even in Cheydinhal at all. If you can make this conversation happen somewhere else, away from the city, then you, or we, depending, will not be in as much danger. We could simply run away if things went wrong, without raising the suspicion of the local guard. My family was accepting of you, but from what you're describing, it seems like no matter what you tell them, your family isn't going to like it. I...know I may not have much room to talk, since I didn't tell my family everything, but there was still a chance for us to have good relations. With your parents, it might be best to get it all out in the open to start. If you somehow did manage to get them to accept part of the truth, but found out you lied again, I don't see that relationship recovering. If your father wants to try to kill me, well, let him try. He won't get anywhere."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"Sure, La'khay can explain everything when we have time, back at camp." She answered. Though, as to Tzirret's next question, La'khay did not have quite as definitive of answers. She rested her head on her hand and gently stroked her own whiskers as she thought about what to tell him. "Well, that is a harder question. In Senchal, La'khay would mate with anyone who had the coin. What you want is different. If you want advice on those...long-term relationships, there are a few in the Champion's pack who could tell you better than this one. But, as for just getting someone to be interested in you, that is easier. You just need to capture her attention. La'khay recommends finding someone you like. Not just a pretty girl, but someone you get along with. Some people would never say yes to you, just because you're not right for each other. See if you can find someone who likes the things you like. Other than that, La'khay can tell you what she likes. Someone who is humorous and confident, this one finds attractive. She likes someone who can pay attention, and won't forget everything she tells them. This one likes to feel beautiful, but just saying 'you're beautiful' isn't enough. Khajiit had heard that thousands of times. You have to be creative. Why don't you try it? Think of ways to tell this one she is beautiful."

Ahnasha sighed and shook her head. "You're right, it is stupid." It seemed like even he knew that he had no reason to keep the secret other than the fact that he had kept it in the first place. It upset her, but nevertheless, she decided just to focus on the real issue he had been wanting to talk about. "Alright, whatever, about this visit. You want to go to Cheydinhal, to see your parents I'm guessing? What exactly do you want to tell them? Obviously you'll be revealing that you're alive, but there's more you have the option of saying. Would you want to tell them about me, your...wife, as you would probably describe me? Would you want them to know that they have a grandson? And of course, there's your lycanthropy."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

La'khay grinned and gave an affirmative nod. "Of course, La'khay can teach you anything you like, especially about mating. It is what she knows best. She can tell or...show you how to be as good as you can be. Anything to make you more confident in yourself. Now, just tell La'khay what you want to know." She answered. The way she spoke about it was exceptionally casual, given the subject. While Tzirret was practically paralyzed in his fear, La'khay acted as if her answer was perfectly normal. Certainly, she did not seem to be bothered in the slightest by any of it.

Ahnasha's worries were at least partially satisfied by Fendros' answer, but it was clear that she was still upset. Her first concern had indeed been security, but beyond that, she was still offended by the situation. It made no sense to her why he would want to keep these letters secret from anyone in the pack, let alone his own mate. Even as he started to ask how to go about the meeting, Ahnasha's expression still remained distinctly cross. "Fendros...don't get me wrong, I don't think visiting them is a bad ides, but why in Oblivion didn't you tell me about this? You're exchanging letters with your family for two and a half entire years and you don't think it worthwhile to tell your own mate? Did you not trust me? Did you think that I...actually I can't even really think of an excuse or reason you would want to keep it from me. I don't know if I'm more confused or angry." She responded.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Goodnight.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

La'khay leaned herself against the tree as Gallus started to climb it. Though, almost as soon as Gallus was out of earshot, Tzirret slowly and nervously started to speak up. She kept a warm and friendly expression the entire time as she was listening, hoping to lessen his obvious fear. Once he had given his thanks, she responded in Ta'agra. "La'khay does not have to, but it is the least she can do. What your packs did for us is...beyond words. Khajiit does not think you really understand what you...saved us from. Nothing La'khay could ever do would match what you did for us, but she can at least do what she can. It's a shame to see you so nervous like this; you are such a kind young man. La'khay hopes you will find a lass who will appreciate it."

With a grin on her face, La'khay reached out and scratched lightly under Tzirret's chin. "And of course, if you still want to go through with it, La'khay is certainly...eager."

At first, Ahnasha actually liked what Fendros was suggesting. As uncomfortable as it was when she spoke to her family, she had felt a great weight lifted off her shoulders after it was over. Even though she had not shared the whole truth, she felt closure to what she had done to them all those years ago. She was enthusiastic about the idea that Fendros could do the same thing, but as soon as Fendros mentioned that he had been exchanging letters with his sister for years, her expression soured.

"You've been...what? Did you say two years? Do I even..." Ahnasha began, letting out a sigh as she ran her hand down her face. "Do I even need to ask what was in those letters? You know how much of a security risk that could be." Ahnasha protested. The safety of the clan was a top concern for her, and though she knew that others in the clan, such as Sabine, had contact with others across Tamriel, they were not doing it secretly. Ariel was known to be trusted, and from what Ahnasha understood, Meesei made sure that Sabine included no information that could endanger either the clan, or Ariel herself. However, Ahnasha had no idea if Fendros was taking those precautions."

"Hey, um, sorry to interrupt, but...we need to turn south soon...I think. If someone wants to help...me..." Colors began as he stopped between the two, exceptionally nervously. "Actually...actually, you know what, don't worry. I think, uh, I think I'll just go over there and, um, climb that tree...over there. Get our...bearings and everything. You just stay here and keep watch, or, um, you know just keep doing what you're doing...I'll just go over there now...yeah."