EliteCommander

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"Jo'rashaad was a mage in Torval. He does not mind discussing it, but..." He began, giving a slight grimace as he glanced quickly over to Ciinriel. "Perhaps we should discuss other things, regardless. As for finding the clan, it is more that the clan found Jo'rashaad. We have, or at least used to have, scouts always searching for lost lycans. With its outposts, the Senchal clan had a presence throughout much of Pelletine. Anywhere that a new lycan might go, they would have scouts. They found Jo'rashaad trying to enter a small town between Torval and Senchal. S'ajira had a similar experience about a year before this one."

The group started quickly on their meals. They still had a few hours before they were set to leave on the march, but unfortunately, they could not spend all of that time relaxing together, as they would need at least some time to gather up the last of their belongings. Regardless, they were not in too much of a rush at the moment. Leaps perked up as soon as Jo'rashaad had started passing out the meals, but luckily, he had made enough that he could give the wamasu enough to keep him occupied. Despite his training, he still sometimes tried to sneak parts of someone's meal when they were not looking. As long as he had something of his own, however, that generally was not a problem.

Blood Act I~ Ghosts of the Past

Ssarak Dyreackthanose

---

As the group was exiting the catacombs, Ssarak had certainly not expected to see Annabeth approaching. In speaking with Meirin before, he knew who was joining in Lyn’s hunt, and from his memory, Annabeth was meant to be among them. However, when his mind received the message from her, he grabbed on to the hilt of his blade reflexively.

”What?” Ssarak said audibly, and for apparently no reason to those watching the exchange. He was glad to hear Lyn was safe, but his thoughts immediately went to Meirin. Annabeth had given no information on the state of the others, and he knew that Meirin was more than capable of defending herself, but the fear for her safety still lingered in his mind. The only thing which gave him a moment of pause was the sight of Tyrael nearby. Given the Demonomancer’s recent outburst, Ssarak would not trust him to help, and if he knew that Mar was in danger, then he could very well disobey Khan to try. As such, Ssarak felt it best not to inform him.

Preparing another telepathic message, Ssarak directed it towards Khan, Grey, Aramir, and Darius. ”Something has gone wrong on Lyn’s hunt. Lyn is safe, but everyone else is in danger. I will give you my full report when I am able, Khan, but I must help them now!”

There was not a moment more of hesitation from Ssarak as he took off running after Annabeth. Fortunately, his conversations with Meirin about their respective missions meant that he knew roughly where the hunt was taking place. Ideally, he would have liked to have taken something to regenerate his blood before stepping into danger once more, but there was no time for that. Mentally, he attempted to take stock of his magic usage so far. He had, of course, been reading minds and sending mental messages fairly consistently, but for a psychomancer of his level, reading unwarded minds was a trivial exertion. Otherwise, he could recall creating three or so doppelgangers, and performing some illusions against the ridge hounds. He had exerted himself to a far greater degree during endurance training in the past, so he was not worried about blood sickness for the moment, especially considering how conservative he tended to be with his magic.

As soon as Ssarak made it to the courtyard, he took to the skies and, after taking a moment to orient himself, started off in the same direction as Annabeth beneath him. Being that he could fly straight to the hunting grounds, he expected to be the first from the college that would be able to reinforce the group on the hunt. Though, his priorities were not entirely selfless. He would help anyone he could find, but his first priority was finding Meirin and making sure she was safe. He flew low, and kept his mind searching for any thoughts that might lead him to her.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Ahnasha gave Rhazii a few, encouraging pats on the back. "It's no different from any other meat, Rhazii. I told you when we started traveling not to judge your food on how it looks. As long as we say it is okay, then it is fine. This comes from something that is...sort of like a big mudcrab. It just lives in a much drier place." She explained. She did not actually know much about these sandcrawlers beyond their name and a basic description, but she could guess that her comparison was at least somewhat valid. They were both crustaceans, and the meat did have something of a similar quality about its texture.

Jo'rashaad nodded to Janius as he finished handing out everyone's breakfast. "Provided the story he told of his past is at least mostly accurate, Colors was born, or hatched, in Lilmoth. But, he was taken to Senchal at a very young age for reasons he either cannot remember, or was never told. So, for all intents and purposes, he is from Pelletine. And Ciinriel, of course, was born in Valenwood, but she has also lived in Pelletine for most of her life. If anything, it is Do'ajee that breaks that pattern. She was raised among one of the nomadic tribes of Anequina, and lived with them until she was turned. We both found the clan at about the same time, and she quickly became like Jo'rashaad's sister. She became a warrior for the clan and, through her, this one met S'ajira."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

It's about time for me to get to bed. Goodnight.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Kaleeth allowed her head to rest lightly on her hand as she thought. She did not quite have an immediate answer. "If it were just me, I would of course answer Black Marsh, but...I really don't know what the rest of the pack would want. I doubt everyone else would want to live there. Well, Meesei might, but it isn't comfortable for outsiders. I don't think it's really about where I want to live as much as where I don't want to live. The Bruma clan is very nice, but I don't want to live there forever. I don't really want to live in Skyrim, eastern High Rock, northern Morrowind...or the rest of Morrowind. This clan is nice as well, but I don't think I would want to live in Anequina, or, what is it called...the Alik'r."

Ahnasha gave a brief huff, along with a chuckle. "Basically, she'll be happy anywhere that isn't cold or dry. Or Morrowind."

Jo'rashaad nodded in understanding, but another thought had come to his mind. The meat had finally finished cooking, so he started to pass around breakfast as he spoke. "Sensible, from what this one knows of Argonians. Colors, for instance, was perfectly at home in the southern forests, but this one heard nothing but complaints from him about the desert. Though, to be fair, that was not an...uncommon sentiment. Anyway, one thing this one notices about your pack is how varied you all are. You seem to be from all over Tamriel. In this one's pride, most of us are either from Pelletine, or have lived there most of our lives. We met there and formed our pride there. It seems strange how your pack could even come together from so far apart."

"We do probably come from more places than most, but I wouldn't say we're that varied." Ahnasha explained. "Kaleeth and Meesei are from Black Marsh, and Sabine is from Morrowind, but the rest of us are all from Cyrodiil. Leyawiin, Bravil, Cheydinhal. Granted, all thsoe places are rather far apart, and take influence from different places, but they are all Imperial at their core."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Ahnasha leaned back, supporting her upper body with her hands. Some of the conflict in her mind showed through into her expression, though it was not long before she gave an answer. "I think that really depends on how long this war actually lasts. It has already gone on for three or four years already, and we don't really have a way of defeating them for good. I mean, this isn't like a war between Empires and nations, we have to fight in the shadows, away from the prying eyes of civilization. That means this war goes...slowly. It takes us much longer to accomplish anything, so this still could go on for a while. I want to make sure I can have a place to safely raise Rhazii, but if he is old enough by the time it is over, then he can come with us. I'll be honest, I don't really like the idea of staying in one place for the rest of my life. I prefer to have some excitement."

Kaleeth chuckled and lightly shook her head. "There are others kinds of excitement other than danger, you know? When I was growing up, there were plenty of times I was able to enjoy myself without risking my life. I think family is much more important than all of that anyway. It doesn't mean we have to stay in one place the whole time; my clan moved from place to place with the seasons, but we always had that stability."

Ahnasha lowered her head slightly. "Yes, well...I just think I would be more comfortable overall in a smaller group." She said, though in truth, being in a large clan did not actually bother her. The trouble was that it made it harder for her to conduct her research.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Fendros' mention of the food reminded Jo'rashaad to check on the meat. Fortunately, it was not overcooked, and would be finished within a few minutes. "This one believes it is called a sandcrawler. He will confess, he has not actually eaten one before, but he did make sure to ask how to prepare it. It is a type of desert crustacean, quite large and fairly common, but, um, much better when cooked. Jo'rashaad has already removed the shells, except for on the legs. The spices this one used to prepare them are not quite as sweet as some other Khajiit dishes; this one knows many non-Khajiit do not prefer that aspect of our cooking."

Somewhat surprisingly, Ciinriel was actually the next to speak. She had been as reclusive as usual when they first sat down, but it seemed that all it took to get her to open up was a slight push. "So, um, what do you all plan to do after all of this?" She asked, not directing the question towards any specific person. "I mean, after everything. After the war is over and everyone can settle down again. Do you think you will want to just stay in one place with your clan, or will your pack just keep traveling by itself. I remember before the attack on our clan, there were some packs and prides that wanted more adventure."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Ciinriel did tense up reflexively when her name was called, but it only lasted a brief moment before she looked up to answer. "Oh, well it does make me a bit nervous. The attack, I mean. I have made a few new friends here, but a lot of my friends are going. After the attack on Senchal...I wish none of us had to fight anymore. But, at least it won't be a surprise this time. And, I can stay here with my parents."

With her attention taken away from Leaps for the moment, Ciinriel looked around and began watching Rhazii and Newt's game of tag. Instead of her prior, neutral expression, she started to smile. "Those two are pretty cute, you know. I always wanted a brother or sister like that, but...well it is good they will have each other growing up. I think I look forward to taking care of them. With them and Leaps, it might be fun."

"They are simply a joy to be around. They are more work than we ever could have imagined, but I don't regret any of the sleep I lost. I'm just so proud of how far Newt has come." Kaleeth commented. Pausing a moment, she leaned herself against Janius, placing her hands on both of his shoulders and planting a kiss on his cheek. "And I'm proud of how far you've come too. Would you have ever thought you would be where you are now before you met me?"

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Sorry for the delay in the response. I was doing some things earlier. I am about to get to bed, though. Goodnight.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"Huh...wait!" Newt shouted when Rhazii tapped his shoulder and started running. In his surprise, he ended up falling flat on his face as he tried to scramble to his feet. However, he was entirely undeterred, and simply stood back up and continued running after him. With the children now otherwise occupied, Kaleeth was able to move a bit closer to the fire.

With Janius' question, both Jo'rashaad and S'ajira looked to one another. With only a slight delay, they both shook their heads. "We are not really sure, in truth. Ra'kalesh has not spoken of it, and we have not asked. This one thinks he and Ri'nakhad have just been focusing all of their efforts on the attack. What happens after this march will likely determine our future. If it goes well, then we will probably start making plans for rebuilding. If, Hircine forbid, it doesn't...well, it depends on what happens. This one hopes we will be able to find a place to rebuild in the south. The location of the outpost where we found the clan is a good one. We took as much as we could from there, but we still would have something to start with. Though, it might do well to move closer to Torval, just for the convenience of trade. Pelletine is our home, and both of us hope to return. But if we...lose too many in this attack, we may have to stay here for a while. This one doubts we would ever directly plan to stay here permanently, but if we have to stay here for long enough, that may happen anyway. Our numbers are low all ready, and this one does not know how many of us will be needed to remain a clan of our own."

"That isn't going to happen, don't worry." Ahnasha said confidently. "I know I can't promise that the attack will go off flawlessly, but we won't fail."