EliteCommander

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

For Meesei, even if the information was not as extensive as Gallus had hoped, it was still much for her to process. She instructed a few of the others to start wrapping up the body for transport back to the stronghold, then took a moment to think. Much of what Gallus explained supported what Meesei's informants across Tamriel had been suggesting for the past few years, while other details were new, and even confusing.

"There are many alchemists in Tamriel." Meesei commented. "But a shipping clerk? That is a strange combination, I would say. Perhaps he had some other talent of which Hiritus was not aware? Regardless, searching for alchemists does make sense with respect to other developments we have seen. It is possible they required the expertise of these alchemists to help reproduce the suppression gas. Sabine has been regularly exchanging letters with her sister, with no hint of any trouble, but there are certainly other alchemical experts who could create such a mixture, especially if they had samples of the gas, or any base knowledge of its ingredients. It is possible that some of that knowledge survived our attack in Vos, perhaps in the form of whoever supplied the ingredients for the witches? But this 'culling', it is a surprise to me, honestly. It seems so...simple. Vile just wants to kill all lycans and harvest our souls? Clavicus Vile is known to be more subtle and cunning in his dealings; this culling seems almost like something that would be perpetuated by Molag Bal, or Mehrunes Dagon. This war in general has never matched his behavior throughout history. Perhaps I am simply applying scholarly theories where I should not, but it seems like there would have to be something more to his plan. Something even his own followers would not know?"

Meesei breathed a sigh, turning and looking down on the corpse that was halfway to being wrapped in a large cloth. "Well, regardless, whether it is the final goal, or just a step along the way, we know that Vile's followers fully intend to kill us all. This war will be fought for our very existence."

---

Jo'rashaad was quite obviously uncomfortable. He did not seem overtly angry that the conversation had shifted to such a topic, but he did not actually respond directly at first. He continued to avoid eye contact for a few seconds before taking in a nervous breath. "Yes, um...thank you. This one thinks we will be alright; our bodies were not harmed permanently. We are still a family, and we are all still together. It will just take time."

While he was making an effort not to seem ungrateful for the advice, Jo'rashaad certainly wanted to shift the conversation in any other direction. Taking a few brief glances around the room, his gaze finally settled on Rhazii. "So...is there anything this one should know about little Rhazii? Anything special, or different we should do?"

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

There was no time for Hiritus to give any sort of reaction. His eyes shot open, but if he was actually conscious at all, it was only for a few seconds.

Meanwhile, the killing had not gone unobserved. As Gallus' nose might have detected earlier, he was indeed being followed. With the sun setting over the horizon, a familiar silhouette rose up on one of the dunes, followed by five more shortly afterwards. At the distance they were following, it took a few minuted for them to make the walk over to Gallus. Meesei was of course at the head of the group, with Ahnasha and a few of the others from the clan walking behind her.

As she approached, Meesei did not exactly appear to be "pleased," as the execution was a rather distasteful affair, but she was certainly not disappointed. If Gallus was making the kill, then she assumed that their plan had worked. "Well...if nothing else, this is at least over. It is unlikely his body will be found out here, but we should bring it back with us regardless, for safety. Now...I suppose we should speak about what you learned right away, while it is fresh on your mind." She commented.

---

Jo'rashaad gave a nod to Fendros' thoughts on the ceremony. "If that is what you feel you want, then this one thinks it may be a good idea. Remember a ceremony like that exists for yourself, and your mate. Do not be concerned with anything that any other might want, unless it does not detract from your experience. Now, this one does not presume it will be easy to find something that both you and Ahnasha would want, but hers is the only other opinion that should matter to you."

At first, Jo'rashaad thought their conversation seemed to be over, but after a brief paused, Fendros moved on to another, slightly less comfortable subject. He shifted in his seat, and glanced down to the table. "That is...terrible. No person should experience anything like that. But if that's the case...this one does not want to make you relive any of that in your mind."

Fallout: The Outer Banks (Always Open)

Well, I had something specific in mind. I am someone who rather likes machines, and I like what they've done with them in Fallout 4. The AI of some machines, even those that aren't synths, can be exceptionally advanced, pretty much like a person. I would like to be a robot of some type, I'm not too particular on which. I would pick a robot roughly as strong as the other characters in the RP.

Fallout: The Outer Banks (Always Open)

If you do think it will be active again, I can make a character.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Hiritus shook his head dismissively. "Like I said, you'll see what I mean. In time. You just have to spend more time away from those lycan hideaways, and in proper cities. You'll see for yourself how much of your view of the world has been warped." He explained confidently.

Once he was finally finished eating, Hiritus crawled his way over to the rocks Gallus had been preparing and laid himself down entirely. They did not have anything in the way of blakets to keep them warm as the air cooled, but they were at least out of the majority of the wind by being between the dunes. "Yeah, you can take first watch...and maybe second. Hey, take every watch if you want. I won't complain." He joked, closing his eyes. By the way he had been acting, it would not be long before he was fast asleep.

---

"We never really cared about the ceremony." Jo'rashaad answered. "We don't follow the Pelletine customs anyway, so we didn't see the need. It's not a massive and expensive event like in Alinor, or Cyrodiil. Just some friends, family, and a moonlit ceremony with some moon sugar, but it still wasn't anything we found necessary. The fact that you approached Jo'rashaad about this tells him that you at least want to go through with one, so it could not hurt for you to ask her. Perhaps do not expect any kind of...dramatic reaction, but she probably would not be upset by it."

Jo'rashaad rested his cheek on his hand as he took a moment to think. "Perhaps...try to think if there is anything she would enjoy about a ceremony, or if there is anything she would want to do? If there is anything of that nature, then she may be glad you asked?"

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Hiritus managed to force himself to eat the remainder of his meat quickly, if only so he could get it out of the way first and end the meal on more of a pleasant note. Gallus' question, meanwhile, was met with a quick huff. "You'll understand in time, trust me. Particularly in Anequina, exposing certain skin, or fur, in is just rude. The lycans you've been living with aren't concerned with traditions, and social rules. The beasts are content flaunting their more private areas, like animals. It's something that civilized people just don't do. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and say it's not your fault you don't know these things. For the clothes thing, it relates to attraction, and the fact that we don't want to constantly tempt each other."

Laying back on the ground, Hiritus started much more enthusiastically on a violet, native fruit. With his new, relaxed position, he let out a yawn. Even with the sun still in the sky, it was clear that he would be able to get to sleep quickly.

---

Jo'rashaad nodded. "This one understands, just make sure you choose the option that will satisfy both of you. Again, you know her better than Jo'rashaad, but she seems like the type that is devoted more to Hircine than her upbringing. We do not have marriage traditions, so if she does actually want a ceremony, she may not care which. Or, she might not want one at all. This one does not know. He has never actually been through one of the ceremonies, but he has of course heard about them. Two souls are bound together under the moons, connecting themselves through Jone and Jode with the crystallized moonlight. It does all sound poetic. That is a Pelletine tradition, anyway. Even this one is not too familiar with the ways of Anequina."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"Hmph, you know, I think it's a bit late to try and convert me." Hiritus joked, though he currently looked quite obviously uncomfortable as he ate. The raw meat seemed to be almost sickening to him, and since he no longer had a reason to hide it, he was making his feelings on the matter quite obvious.

Putting down the cut of meat for a moment, Hiritus took a long drink of his water. "Anyway, I'm not really keen on living among savages. Granted, that stronghold is a bit less savage than the homes of wild lycans, but still raw meat, instinct-fueled fights, simple clothing, when they could be bothered to wear anything at all. It's like animals trying to act civilized. You might not know it now, but give it time. The longer you're with us, the more backwards it will all seem to you. You're saving yourself from that life. I guess it is nice that they actually take care of their own when they need help, unlike certain degenerates in Dune, but there are other groups that do the same."

---

Jo'rashaad leaned in towards Rhazii with a wide smile. "You'll enjoy yourself little one, trust Jo'rashaad. He still remembers a lot of the things he enjoyed when he was young, and he is eager to share them with you. He also knows a sure way to get rid of that urge to chew on your tail."

With Fendros' question, Jo'rashaad raised his brow, quickly realizing the real reason Fendros had approached him. He could not help but to smile once more, even if he was not sure that he could be of much help. "Well, yes, there are. In both Pelletine and Anequina, there are traditions for how two people should go about being married. But...are you sure you would want to attempt those with Ahnasha? She is not from Elsweyr, correct? The customs of Elsweyr are ones that neither of you have a history with. You know her better than Jo'rashaad, of course, but are you sure you would not want to use a tradition from either of your homelands?"

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Hiritus seemed to have a brief moment of confusion with Gallus' question. "Depends, do you mean the cell your people put me in, or the cell up in Orcrest? To the former, I would think you would know the answer to that, since you were the one feeding me. To the latter, it was nothing special. Khajiit cuisine, same as anywhere else in this part of the Dominion. I will say that most of what I had was actually cooked, instead of cut straight off of some animal. Or person, as those cannibals seem to like. Just...don't tell me what kind of meat it was you grabbed for our supplies. At this point, I don't want to know."

---

Jo'rashaad broke eye contact and let out a brief sigh. There was quite a bit of uncertainty in his eyes, mixed with a hint of sadness. "Well...her spirits have been up since we found this clan. She's been smiling more, and has been opening up to friends. It's just...we never really talk about what happened before. How could we? Even with what Jo'rashaad went through, he does not know what he could say to help her. We're just...doing what we can, this one supposes. It will get better in time, it has to."

Looking back up at Fendros, Jo'rashaad attempted to regain his composure. "But...that cannot be helped now. Both this one and his mate are glad to help you. We were debating on whether we should join in the attack, but we have a responsibility to our family, and now, your families."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

The pattern of walking, then resting continued for the majority of the day. Hiritus kept up conversation periodically, asking about the clan, Meesei's companions, and just general questions about Gallus and his intentions. He asked to see the Ring of Hircine at one point, but did not actually ask Gallus to demonstrate its use immediately. He did mention that he wanted to see what it could do at some point, but since they were busy traveling, he was not greatly concerned with it at the moment.

It was a few hours before nightfall when Hiritus could go no farther. He was both exhausted and starving, so after they set up their camp, he went immediately to searching through their bags for a proper meal. There was plenty of meat to be had, but of course, they did not actually have anything with which to make a fire. At least, not that would last long enough to cook anything. After a brief internal debate, he decided he would go ahead and eat what they had raw and simply get a cure for anything he might catch once they were at the hideout.

---

Jo'rashaad was alone at the moment that Fendros found him. He seemed to be distracted with his thoughts when Fendros called his name, so there was a few moments delay before he responded. "Oh, apologies. This one was just...distracted. Yes, Jo'rashaad would be glad to speak with you. Is there anything you need help with? You need only ask."

Like most of Ra'kalesh's pride, Jo'rashaad felt great respect and gratitude towards Meesei and her pack. They did not speak quite as often as they did before they found the Senchal clan, but nothing about his attitude towards them had changed during their journey to Orcrest.

Blood Act I~ Ghosts of the Past

Ssarak Dyreackthanose - Catacombs

---

Towards Grey, Ssarak shook his head. "Not specifically, unfortunately. I tried to stop it, but that shapeshifter could transform far faster than even Lidda. It would have to be beyond the skill of even a master to accomplish such a feat. With the presence of that...demon blocking that path, the rodent it transformed into would had to have scurried past Tyrael. It would have to be down that pathway, but with the range of forms it seems to be able to take on, it would be difficult to catch even if we could find it. But, you are correct that it had an extreme fixation on you. I could read into its mind during the fight, and I could tell that it was almost obsessed with you, as if you had history with it."

Ssarak was keeping his blade at the ready, though at this point, it was more just to be ready for any unexpected threats than to defend against Tyrael. "Regardless, I would suggest we wait near the entrance of the catacombs. I expect that Khan will be here shortly. We can inform him that the fighting has ended, and ask him about the Naga. I can remain to help stand guard, in the event the shapeshifter arrives again."

Meanwhile, Ssarak continued to attempt to give the Naga reassurance with telepathic messages. "I would not be afraid of Khan. Unlike Tyrael, he is not a fallen demonmancer, and as our headmaster, is far more rational. I do not expect you will be detained. Actually, I would expect him to give you aid, once the situation with Tyrael has been concluded. As long as you abide by the rules of the college, of course. We need only keep Tyrael from becoming violent until he arrives."