EliteCommander

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Throughout the entirety of the chase, S'nishi did nothing but laugh. Although, the deep, bellowing vocals would likely have been intimidating in any other context. Even Peiter could not help but to snicker. He attempted to hide it at first, but once he noticed the Senche-raht laughing, or what he assumed was laughing, he became more comfortable showing his amusement. Bheja's reaction was similar, as he stood and watched from the other side of them, though he knew from the beginning that he could laugh without fear.

Once M'ibasa had lost his scorpion, he quickly scampered off around the tents, hiding himself away somewhere else in the camp. Ma'tanza did not notice at first, so when she finally stopped, he was nowhere to be seen. She growled in annoyance while she looked around for any sign of him, but resigned herself to let out a sigh and walk back over to the rest of the group. "Well, that...wasn't embarrassing at all. You can see why this one says her brother is a troublemaker. He loves doing that around strangers. If mother were here, she would straighten him up in a second. Don't worry, Ma'tanza will get him back, though. This one doesn't like spiders, and scorpions, and those strange, bug-like things with the big claws that live in the river...but he is terrified by centipedes. Ma'tanza thinks he will find one in his bedroll tonight."

Ma'tanza took in another deep breath to calm herself. Looking down at her own body, she started to grumble. "Great, now her chest is sore. This one hates running without her wrap. M'ibasa knows it too." She commented.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

S'nishi have a deep grunt and a nod in response as a greeting. Just as with all quadrupedal Khajiit, she could not speak naturally, so she would have to rely on body language and writing. Ma'tanza charged a spell in her hand for a few moments, then used a light wave of telekinetic energy to brush away the leaves on the ground in front of her so she would have a place to write.

"Ma'tanza's sister is the only Senche-raht left in the clan. She is one of our warriors. Or, a scout, right now. She helps to keep us all safe, and Ma'tanza couldn't be more proud of her." She explained, prompting S'nishi to lightly brush against her shoulder with her forehead.

Ma'tanza gestured towards the others as she looked to her sister. "This is Tzirret, Sabine, and Peiter. They came to the clan with the Champion."

Upon the mention of the Champion, S'nishi's expression turned to obvious surprise.

"Wait, do you...right, you've been away. The Champion of Hircine is here. She has come to help us, and they are part of her pack, and the one that came with her." Ma'tanza explained.

While the others were speaking, M'ibasa was slowly creeping up behind Ma'tanza with a mischievous smile that was easily recognizable. He was carrying something in his hand, but until he was right next to Ma'tanza, it was difficult to tell what it was. He held it up next to her head, just in the periphery of her vision. When she turned her head to look what it was, she saw his hand holding what appeared to be a scorpion by its stinger. Immediately, she let out a deafening, high pitched scream, and quite literally began to run away while M'ibasa chased her in circles around the group.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Ma'tanza laughed. "They tease you? Well, then they remind Ma'tanza of her brother here." She said, putting her arm around him and pulling him close. He started to grumble, likely because he was annoyed at his sister continually touching him without knowing why. "Pushing Ma'tanza into the river, stealing her clothes, or soul gems, throwing spiders in her fur. He loves causing trouble." She turned and looked at Peiter and Sabine more directly. "Though, this one guesses your schemes are more elaborate. Be careful, this one might just help Tzirret even the score." She joked.

Once Sabine asked about Bheja, he reached over and grabbed his spear, then set it across his lap. "Not exactly, I'm not really a hunter. I just have training today. A lot of us in the clan are learning how to fight; I don't really want to be a warrior, honestly, but we aren't in need of as many farmers right now."

As they spoke, the group might have heard heavy, ponderous footsteps steadily approaching behind them. Sticks and leaves crackled under its feet, until it walked up directly behind Tzirret, blocking the sun and casting him in shadow. When Peiter turned around to see what it was, his eyes widened again, though for an entirely different reason. This being was none other than a Senche-raht. It was a Khajiit twice the height of a normal Senche, and even more massive. The Imperials often referred to them as "battlecats," and with good reason. This Senche-raht looked like it had more muscle just in its thighs than Peiter had in his whole body. It was almost hard to believe that such a being could exist, let alone be an actual person.

Once the Senche-raht stopped, Ma'tanza smiled. She quite literally jumped up from where she was sitting and walked to Tzirret, then past him to reach up and hug the massive Khajiit around the neck. "You're back! Those patrols always take way too long." She said before turning her head back to the others. "This is Ma'tanza's big sister, S'nishi."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Ri'nakhad nodded in agreement. "Anyone who will not raise suspicion is a good choice. If you are volunteering, then you can take that role. This one would just recommend that you bring Colors with you. He can help you to obtain those items without drawing attention. It will, of course, have to wait until we can move the entire clan closer to the city. Senchal is several weeks away from here by land after all."

---

Bheja looked up to La'khay once she was introduced. He had giver her a curious look before, as if he could not decide on something in his mind, but he seemed to reach a conclusion once he heard her name. "Yeah, I thought I recognized you. You're from Ra'kalesh's pride? I heard yesterday that he was made a lieutenant. A Whispering Fang monk seems like the perfect person for that kind of a role."

La'khay smiled back at Bheja. "Yes, all of us were proud of him. Though, La'khay is just glad to be back safely."

As for Peiter, his eyes widened ever so slightly when Ma'tanza turned around. His gaze moved downward briefly, though fortunately, the fact that she was sitting meant he had to look down anyway. Otherwise, he simply waved with a smile and did not yet join in the conversation.

Ma'tanza gave Sabine a curious glance. "Really? What would Tzirret have to fear. He is a big and strong werewolf; he demonstrated that quite well when this one's brother tried to wrestle him at the river." She commented, grinning as she rubbed the top of her brother's head. "Although, both of us together were able to pin him down."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

For that scene, I didn't really have anything else. Most of what they would be discussing from that point would be specific details of what to sell or keep, when they will move, and how they will spread the word through the clan. All of that can be summarized.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"It will be cramped, I don't doubt, but it will get better once we take over the crew quarters." Colors commented, somewhat reassuringly. "All of the non-Khajiit will need to look the part of slavers. Just look tough, basically. If not armor, then at least some more 'civilized' wilderness clothes. The biggest problem I can think of right now is what to do about the non-Khajiit children. It isn't exactly common for slaver bands to bring their families along, you know?"

There was a few moments of silence at the table as they thought about that particular issue. Much of this plan relied on giving proper appearances, else the slavers could possibly flee with their ships before they could be boarded. And, any non-Khajiit children would be out of place, unless they too were slaves.

"Hmm...is there any way to justify those children being among the slaves as well?" Meesei asked Colors.

Colors scratched his head in thought. His expression was at first worried, though it did become more encouraging the longer he considered the question. "Well, the specific contacts I have in mind don't really care about race. Some of them are Khajiit themselves. It's just about the gold for them, so if we said we did some pillaging along the way, maybe took the children from some caravans while we were making our way south, I doubt they'd be too suspicious. In fact, they've done the same thing before. They might start putting things together eventually, but we'd have turned on them by then."

Meesei nodded. "Good. It will only be temporary, so no one will need to remain in bondage for long. Ri'nakhad, are you comfortable enough with this plan that you would agree to it?"

Ri'nakhad was silent, and instead looked to his council. Miranor seemed hesitant, but eventually nodded. "If it means we will all get to Orcrest safely, then I can agree."

Jo'akith held a similar expression, but he too agreed. "As long as we ensure none of those slaver scum survive, Jo'akith will help with this plan."

"Ra'jorr and his warriors have the strength and humility to play the role of both slave and slaver. He is worried about our civilians, but will do everything he can to allay their fears." The Pahmar added.

Ra'kalesh was perhaps the most uncomfortable at the table when he spoke, as his thoughts brought him back to very unpleasant memories. "Ra'kalesh and his pride have experienced the terror of bondage in all too recent of memory, but...for the sake of the clan's safety, he can put on this illusion."

Ri'nakhad gave a final nod. "Then it is decided. This is the course we will follow. There will be many details to plan, and we will need to move the clan closer to Senchal, but with Hircine's blessing, we will face no losses in this journey."

---

The first to notice Tzirret and the others approach out of their group was Bheja, as he was facing towards them. In addition to his loincloth, he was wearing several pouches, along with a knife on his hip and a spear leaned against the log next to him. In all likelihood, he was going to head to training shortly. He waved at Tzirret, and looked curiously at Peiter and Sabine. Seeing as there were non-Khajiit present, he spoke in Cyrodilic. "Ah, hello Tzirret. Are these members of your pack?"

Ma'tanza had been facing the other direction, so she only turned around once Bheja pointed him out. While Bheja looked like he had been up for a while, she had likely only woken up a few minutes prior. Her fur was bedraggled, and she gave a yawn before she waved and spoke up. Notably, she had not yet gotten dressed, so her full proportions were plainly visible. "Good morning." She greeted. M'ibasa was sitting next to her, though he was simply looking up at them, wondering what they were actually saying.

La'khay stood slightly back from the others and simply observed. She actually felt proud of Tzirret for following her advice, even moreso when she saw who it was he had befriended.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Colors nodded to Gallus. He had seemed at least somewhat nervous being at the meeting, but once he was asked about something he actually knew about, he felt more comfortable speaking. "Yeah, I've seen it. And no, I've never traded in slaves before. No matter what you think of my...profession, even I was above that. Still, I saw what the ships were like. The slaves were stripped of everything: clothing, belongings, dignity. They were chained up below decks to each other, and to the ship. They were tightly packed, shoulder-to-shoulder when standing. The whole scene left a bad taste in my mouth. For the clan, we will probably need at least two ships for transport, but that won't be a problem for the contact I have."

Meesei clasped her hands together, looking straight ahead with a severe expression. "If so, then that is what we will have to attempt to recreate. Fortunately, it is not an illusion we will have to endure for too long. Once we are out at sea, and safely away from any Dominion patrols, or means of escape for the slavers, then we can turn and capture the ships. Although, we may not be able to bring enough clothing and bedrolls for everyone. I am certain that any cargo we bring aboard will be searched, and it would be suspicious if we brought enough for all of the 'slaves' to be comfortable. Hopefully, we will at least be able to craft enough bedrolls from the leather and cloth we scavenge from aboard the ships. Everything else, we should distribute to the children, elderly, and if necessary, wounded first."

"Ri'nakhad..." He began, giving a heavy sigh as he looked down at the map once more. He traced a claw across their new planned route, comparing it to the one they had proposed before. "...may see the wisdom in this plan. Being able to keep this one's clan safe and supplied during the journey is his greatest concern. Ri'nakhad recognizes that it is not as dangerous as it would first seem to submit ourselves to such captivity. The chains they would give us would not be designed for lycans. We could escape at any time, and on a ship, they would be no match for us. This, Ri'nakhad recognizes. But, there may be some in the clan who will not. To submit not only one's self, but their family and children to such conditions, even for a short time, is an understandably terrifying prospect. This one wants you to understand that."

---

La'khay was leaned in towards Sabine, giggling along with her through her explanation. "All day, you say? My, the energy of youth; it makes this one jealous. La'khay is glad to have helped you experience it. She is certain she can give you the advice to make the next time better. Just find her after breakfast."

Meanwhile, Peiter chuckled at Tzirret's brief taunt. "Well... the 'race' was fun, regardless." He responded, scarcely keeping himself from laughing. When Tzirret mentioned that he had actually went off and made new friends on his own however, it certainly piqued Peiter's interest, and brought La'khay back into the conversation. She was about to find a way to ask him about it, but he actually brought it up himself.

La'khay looked over to Tzirret with a genuine smile. "You went and made friends? That is great news; it had been terrible seeing you always look so alone and anxious. La'khay imagines they would be around here somewhere, maybe you should introduce them?"

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Gallus' explanation of his plan created some surprised glances between the lieutenants, and even Ri'nakhad. It was not something that any of them had come close to considering. "You want us to...act like slaves?" Miranor said, almost exasperated with widened eyes.

Meesei simply nodded calmly. "Slaves and slavers, yes. I have been putting thought into the story we could tell to the scum we hire. We could act as if we captured the majority of one of the desert's wandering tribes. As such, all of the Khajiit members of the clan would play the role of slaves, while everyone else would play the role of slavers. They would be transporting all of us, along with our supplies. We could promise them a portion of our...stock, as payment, which they could keep upon delivery. We could trade them weapons and armor as well, if necessary. It does not matter what we promise them, since we will be turning on them after departure. Their equipment, supplies, and ships themselves will be ours. It is not a comfortable ruse to enact, I understand, but it solves both our time and supply problems. With us covering most of the distance by sea, we can cut what would be multiple months of travel down to less than one. We will still need to barter with the clan's resources to buy the supplies we need, but according to your report, it should not be difficult to do so."

"This one does not think this ruse will be easy to carry out." Jo'akith commented. His gaze went over to Ra'jorr for a few moments before continuing. "We have Pahmar among us, not to mention Senche. Those are not Khajiit who are taken as slaves; they are too dangerous. How could we ever convince them that the clan's members are legitimately slaves?"

"I have also been considering that issue." Meesei answered. There were some aspects of the clan that would be unusual for slaves, for which they would need to provide suitable explanations. "My thoughts are that we can say we have a special buyer for them among the Telvanni. Their wizard-lords are known for being eccentric at times, especially in their use of magic. Whether or not it is actually possible, it would be believable for us to say that a Telvanni wizard would be willing to attempt it. Of course, we will also need to have chains and other bindings to make their captivity seem reasonable. Mentioning threats towards their family would also explain why they are passive. But yes, overall, we will need to do everything we can to make the ruse as believable as possible while out at sea."

Miranor let out an uncomfortable sigh. "Alright, saying we do attempt this...plan, what would we need to do to make it believable?"

---

La'khay grinned widely at Sabine, patting her back as she hugged her. "Ah, La'khay knew he would love it, and give you some love because of it." She whispered to her with a chuckle. "You simply must tell La'khay all about it. Is he skilled? How long did it last? Do you want some advice?" She asked, not even hesitating to delve into the array of personal questions. Though, for La'khay, it was very easy to believe that she did not even see the questions as being personal at all.

Peiter could not help but to smile with Tzirret's question. He was a bit curious to see his friend's reaction if he were to actually hear the truth, but he was not certain if Sabine would appreciate him mentioning it. She had not given him the full story when he asked a moment ago. He shot a glance to Sabine, who seemed preoccupied talking to La'khay, then returned his gaze to Tzirret. "No, it was a...test of endurance. Rather exhausting, overall." He answered.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

As they would need to head up to the meeting soon, Meesei was quick to get through her breakfast, just as Gallus had been. She was just finishing her venison when Gallus approached. Looking up towards the ropes she stood up from where she was sitting. "As long as I know he has a contact, I can wait until the meeting. Which, actually, should be starting not too long from now. Evidently, the catalog of the clan's supplies was finished late last night. I may as well head up to the meeting hall right now; just check on Colors and make sure he is not going to be late." She recommended before heading off to the outpost.

It was about half an hour before the meeting began, with Colors being the last to arrive precisely at the scheduled time. Apart from Do'ajee, everyone who had attended the previous meeting was still present, though this time, the Ri'nakhad and his lieutenants had already prepared a series of maps and other documents at the table. Everyone took their seats much as before and allowed Ri'nakhad to start them off. A few of the lieutenants gave curious glances to Colors, wondering why he was present, but they assumed it was at the Champion's request.

"Champion, Gallus, Sees-No-Colors, good morning. We were able to complete the full catalog of our resources yesterday." Ri'nakhad explained as he grabbed a stack of the papers and slid them over to Meesei. "You may review them if you like, but a summary is that we may have enough resources, but only just. We will need to sell all of the non-essential supplies we have, and perhaps some of the essentials. There is no question that we will need to have our carpenters make those finished goods for sale. Even then, we will need to sell some weapons or armor to give us a reasonable amount of food."

Meesei spread out a few of the documents in front of her, though she answered as soon as Ri'nakhad was finished. "If that is the case, then it encourages me that an alternative plan we were able to create yesterday may work. The idea was actually Gallus', if you would like to explain." She said, gesturing to Gallus.

---

La'khay arrived for her breakfast a few minutes later than most of the others, as she had trouble finding some of her clothes just outside the camp. After getting herself a bowl of soup, she saw both of the two youths she had aided the previous day sitting near one another. She was curious enough to want to check up on them both, so she decided to take her seat near to Sabine. Jo'rashaad was also reasonably close on her other side, though he was preoccupied talking to his daughter.

A minute or so after she began her meal, La'khay leaned over to Sabine and whispered to her. "This one sees your hair seems back to normal. That's faster than La'khay would've thought. How did everything go with your mate after this one left? Did he love is as much as she said he would?"

Blood Act I~ Ghosts of the Past

No, he doesn't have that weird freeze breath thing.