EliteCommander

Blood Act I~ Ghosts of the Past

Seems there will be a lot of company for the diplomacy mission.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

The Altmer did not give any visible reaction to Vera's question, though he did answer plainly and directly. "It was not our role to deliver this knowledge to you, so our lord did not share it with us. We know no more of this safe haven than you do. At least, nothing that he has told us. Based on my own, personal knowledge, I believe that 'Fal'Zhardum Din' translates roughly to 'Blackest Kingdom Reaches'. I do not know of this place, but it is certainly not Raldbthar."

Meesei nodded, looking over the map herself. "I am no follower of Mora, but I do know that he does not make guesses. If he is being truthful with us, then this Dwemer ruin is the right place to go to find these 'Blackest Reaches'. Perhaps it can be accessed through Raldbthar, with this sphere?"

"An adequate guess." The Altmer responded before focusing his attention on the council as a whole. "Regardless, we have fulfilled our purpose here. You are free to keep our lord's black book. With it, you can transport yourself to Apocrypha at any time you choose. Through it, you may access innumerable secrets of any aspect of reality. It goes without saying that this is a tremendous privilege, the likes of which is rarely granted to those not among his followers. You should feel honored by this gift. As for us, our lord has commanded that we abide any fate you choose for us. Release us, execute us, it is no concern of ours. It is just my...personal request that you not waste our time with imprisonment. In life or in death, I have better things to do."

Ahnasha gave an audible huff of both surprise and amusement, giving a quick glance to Fendros beside her. Not only were these zealots willing to die on a whim for Hermeus Mora, but they did not seem concerned at all by it. She was just glad that most of Vile's followers did not obey him with such fervor.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Mora's primary eye, along with a few of the smaller ones, focused on Oswall as he gave another gurgling hum. "Your mortal souls offer...power. More than he needs to have." As knowledgeable as Hermeus Mora was, it seemed that he was just as cryptic as most of the other Princes, and he did not seem to have the patience to hold a conversation with a group of mortals either. "You have the knowledge you need. Any more you want from me must be...earned."

Without any further warning, the mass of tentacles before them retreated back into the black book, which promptly closed on its own. Mora had left them with many questions, but if he was being honest, then they apparently had all of the answers they needed. Most of Meesei's pack had at least somewhat calmed by the time Mora left, but there was still a silence in the room after he was gone until Meesei started to give her answer to Vera.

"The Deep Elves were the Dwemer. Mora referred to this sphere as a key, so I would guess that it gives access to a Dwemer ruin. One which would serve as a good stronghold for us." Meesei explained.

While Meesei spoke, the Altmer silently grabbed a rolled up paper from another of his companions, then unraveled it on the table next to the black book. "Here is your map." He said simply. It was a fairly basic map of Skyrim, but there was one point of interest clearly labeled "Raldbthar" in the mountains between Whiterun and Windhelm.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Meesei was quite familiar with the stories and legends of Hermeus Mora, so she knew how dangerous he could be. He tended to attract seekers of knowledge, much like herself. But, while he often did provide said knowledge, those who followed him could become trapped in his realm by their own obsessions. He was not truly a good nor evil Daedra, but Meesei had no doubt that he was only making this offer for his own benefit. At the very least, Meesei did trust that any information the Prince of Knowledge provided stood a good chance of being accurate.

"I am sure you understand that, under other circumstances, I would have a difficult time trusting you, Hermeus Mora. Daedric Princes do not give charity to mortals. But, lord Hircine told me of your coming, and I trust my lord's judgment. If you are willing to share the location of a stronghold we can make our home, then we will be grateful for the knowledge. However, if there is a price for it, if you are expecting some kind of sacrifice, then I may have to politely decline." Meesei answered.

Mora gave another, gurgling hum. "Your...motivations are irrelevant to me. You will accept this knowledge. I...know it." Mora's largest eye disappeared, then reappeared on the other side, looking to his Altmer servant. "Give them the...key." He commanded.

The Altmer stood up from the ground, then walked over to one of his Imperial companions and pulled an object from her bag. Still as calmly as ever, he walked up to Meesei and handed her a strange engraved sphere made from Dwarven metal. Mora had referred to it as a key, though that function would not have been obvious by looking at it.

"This...attunement sphere will grant you access to the place known as Fal'Zhardum Din, in the land you call...Skyrim." Mora continued. "A place long for-gotten, like the Deep Elves who built it. It is the solution to the...problems you do not know you will have. My followers have a map that will lead you to its entrance. The only...price for this knowledge that I have given you is that you end Clavicus Vile's ambitions. You will defeat him before he becomes more than an...annoyance to me."

A few more of Mora's eyes focused on Meesei, and thought it was hard to tell for sure, it seemed like more of his tentacles were moving closer to her. "I have no more gifts for you, but...there is always more knowledge in my li-brary. You will keep this black book. If you wish to earn this knowledge I possess, then you need only to read it. Apocrypha is a place of great power and secrets, any of which could be yours. But...this is already known to you, Champion of Hircine."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Even Meesei had not expected their visitor to be the prince of knowledge and fate. If anything, she had suspected that they might be representatives of Molag Bal, with whom they had a tenuous alliance. This was a surprise, but Meesei did not panic. She recognized the black book as soon as she saw it, so she was prepared for what had come next. She kept her seat, staring into the grotesque eyes of Hermeus Mora. Pierrette and Tola jumped up from their seats, and Ri'vashi had her hand on her blade. Kaleeth was startled into jumping in front of Janius to protect him, and Ahnasha had started charging conjuration energy through her body. Lorag had not even bothered drawing a weapon and looked like he was ready to fight a Daedric Prince with his bare hands.

Between all of the fear and surprise in the room, Meesei tried to maintain a sense of calm. "And I am Hircine's Champion, and representative on Nirn. Though, I know that you, of all beings, would know that. Your visit was not what I expected today. In my studies of history, the Prince of Knowledge has not been known to form alliances or wage war with other Princes. I...suspect that your intentions here are somewhat different." She said. Meesei took care not to appear rude, but she also did not want to showMora any kind of subservience. She was a representative of Hircine, not some worshipper looking for a boon.

Hermeus Mora made a strange, bubbling sound, like humming. One could also interpret it as a growl, though Mora was an unusual enough entity that it was improssible to read any emotions from him, if "emotion" was even a concept that could apply to a Daedric Prince. "Hmm...a bold mor-tal. You are...correct. I have no interest in the petty affairs of mortal beasts. Your...secrets are known to me, and your lives...in-consequential. But, your souls are...inconvenient to me. I am not inter-ested in warfare, but...Clavicus Vile seeks to upset the...balance. It is in my...interest, to give you a...gift. To help you contain Vile's ambitions. You need a new home, so I will give you the location of a place of...safety."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Peiter shook his head. "No, I...don't think I should be there. That's not my place." He answered, matching her tone. Though, it was uncertain if he was being genuine. He had not completely finished his meal, but gathered up what remained and quickly took his leave as Meesei and the others were starting to walk away. It seemed like he did not want to give her any time to try and persuade him.

The guard could not be very expressive in his armor, but what Janius could see of his face showed that he was uncertain. "It's...hard to say much about them really. Most of them were Imperial, I think. One Altmer. He seemed to be the leader. At least, he was the one talking to us. They approached calmly, said they did not 'intend harm', and surrendered immediately. They said they wanted to talk to you specifically, Champion. They haven't tried to do anything to us yet, but we're still assuming they're dangerous. We have their hands bound, and are keeping them under guard."

"Excellent, it is good to be cautious." Meesei responded. "But in this case, I believe I have been expecting our visitors. I have already called for a meeting with the Alpha and her lieutenants, so I would like you to have our visitors escorted to our meeting chamber. Under guard, of course."

The warrior looked even more confused than before, but he was not about to question Meesei's order. "Of course, Champion, right away."

From there, Meesei and her pack split from the warrior and headed up to the meeting chamber. Vera and her lieutenants, along with Ri'vashi had evidently been waiting for a while. Pierrette had been considering sending someone to find Meesei before they arrived. Meesei explained what was happening quickly, though it was only a few minutes before the warriors arrived with their intruders, so they could see them for themselves.

It was hardly standard procedure to bring a group of prisoners straight to the clan's leadership, so most of the warriors looked to be on edge, though all four of their robed guests seemed perfectly calm. The Altmer among them took a step forward, and did not so much as react when the guard to his right took a step forward as well and tightened his grip on his spear. Meesei, who was sitting at the head of the table, acknowledged the Altmer with a nod. "I am Hircine's Champion. I hope you can forgive the nature of the welcome you received, but I believe you should explain your reason for being here."

"It is my understanding that you have been expecting us, Champion of Hircine." The Altmer man answered, still without much of a hint of emotion. "It would be best to get straight to our business. It is not us who has an interest in speaking with you shifters, but rather the one we serve. If you will unbind my hands, I will give you what you need." He explained. The Altmer held his hands up in front of him, which were tied together by rope at the wrists. Meesei gave a nod to the guard beside him who, albeit reluctantly, untied the knot as requested.

Without any further words, the Altmer reached into the large satchel he was carrying over his shoulder and produced a rather sizable black book. It was rough looking, with a symbol printed onto the front too worn to make out from across the table. However, it was not until he placed it down at the center of the table and opened it that its true nature became apparent. The book was almost like a portal, from which a writhing mass of tentacles and floating eyeballs emerged. It filled the entire space above the table, and was contained within an ever shifting green and black aura. The eyes looked in all directions, at every one of the onlookers, though the largest, double-irised eyeball at the center of the grotesque being focused directly on Meesei. The first reactions of the guards was to raise their weapons towards the monstrosity, but none dared to make an attack. Meanwhile, each of their black-robed visitors dropped to their knees to bow before their lord. It spoke in a deep, almost gurgling voice. "I...am Hermeus Mora. Guardian of the unseen, and...knower of the un-known."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"Indeed, the timing of this is too convenient to be simple coincidence." Meesei commented, nodding to Fendros. "I suspect that whoever these visitors are knew when we would return, though I do not know how. We certainly were not followed. Hircine himself may have had a hand in this. Regardless, I cannot say exactly who these visitors will be; Hircine was not specific. He rarely is. But, it is not as if our clan receives many visitors, so they should not be difficult to recognize. Hircine did say they would be coming this morning, so we should not be waiting too long."

The group continued their breakfast, now with almost all of them showing some anxiety. Whoever these visitors would be, Hircine himself had seen fit to warn beforehand of their arrival. He did not commune often with Meesei, so any time he did had to be important for one reason or another. At the very least, Meesei was not wrong when she guessed they would not be waiting long.

Shortly before most of the gorup had finished their breakfast, two of the clan's Nord warriors in full steel armor came walking into the dining hall. Warriors generally did not wear full armor except when on guard, or during training, so they had most likely come straight from one of the guard posts. Meesei and her pack were close to the entrance, so it did not take long for them to spot her. The taller man spoke up, standing as if he were at attention. "Champion, we encountered a group of four intruders entering the cave. We thought they might just be lost travelers at first, but they knew we were here. They surrendered themselves to us immediately; we searched them and found no weapons, or any of that gas, but they're all wearing the same kind of black robes, so they might be mages. They...asked for you specifically, Champion."

Meesei put down the last scraps of her meal, then brought herself up to her feet. "Well, it is good we did not have to wait too long, I suppose. You can all join the meeting as well." She said to her pack. "No doubt whatever these visitors have to say will affect us all."

Most of Meesei's pack started to stand as well, or quickly finish off the last of their food. Though, Peiter showed no interest in moving. He was not part of their pack, and highly doubted that it was his place to be a part of any important meetings.

Blood Act I~ Ghosts of the Past

Ssarak Dyreackthanose

---

Ssarak was in his room, dressing himself in his thick winter attire. He tended to forego leather in favor of appropriately thick furs during this time of year. They were not particularly necessary indoors, but he disliked stepping outside even briefly without something to insulate him. Being Esyire meant that he was less tolerant to the cold than most other races. His natural body temperature was rather high, so it took more effort for his body to maintain that temperature when the air cooled. Nevertheless, his experience this year was not quite as bad as it had been the previous, and he suspected that it would only get easier as time went on.

The previous few months had continued to be a time of intellectual growth for Ssarak. His private lessons with Satori had become so ingrained into his schedule by this point that he could hardly even consider filling that time with any other kind of task. It was mostly due to his military background that he was able to maintain such singular focus on his magic in perpetuity. He had further improved with his strengths in focused concentration, and continued to fine-tune those skills. Normally, Ssarak was the type of person who would want to diversify his skills to allow him to handle a variety of situations. It was why he had trained with multiple weapon types growing up, and was still maintaining his physical conditioning. However, in this instance, he had a particular interest in aspects of psychomancy related to focused concentration. He had an interest in learning of the intricacies of the mind and how it functioned. It was the kind of knowledge that could only be obtained with detailed concentration on a singular mind. It was something that had interested him for a while, but now, he had a new, more personal reason to pursue it. With how close they had become, Meirin had shared more details of her past with him. She had told him of the demon attack on her home in the past, but now he knew that its effects had reached far past that moment, and well into the present. It was because of that demon attack that Meirin now had her problems with sleeping, More troubling was that her medicine was becoming less effective, causing her to need more, which had been adversely affecting her health. The attack had done something to her mind, something he wanted cured before something terrible happened to her. But, being a psychomancer, he was in a position to at least try to do something. Psychomancy could manipulate the mind just as vitamancy could manipulate the body. Psychomancy in general was generally associated with its more harmful, manipulative effects, but it could heal just as well. If Ssarak wanted to heal her mind, he would need to improve his understanding as much as possible.

While Ssarak had certainly been making progress with his magic, there was something else he had heard that was a more present concern. New missions had been posted on the notice board in the courtyard, and he did not intend to ignore them. As with any skill, magical training needed to be tempered with real-world experience, and there was no doubt that the missions would be important. Once he was dressed, Ssarak stepped out of his room, though he did not go far. He was fairly certain that Meirin was in her room, so he stopped and knocked on her door. “Are you there, Mei?” He asked simply.

Blood Act I~ Ghosts of the Past

Say, @Ryonara, just checking since I accidentally interrupted something last time, did you have any scenes planned for Meirin after this last skip? In this case, I think it makes sense that Ssarak would want to ask Meirin to join him on a mission. Specifically, the follow up to the Djarkel escort mission they went on previously.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

With the major issues addressed, the meeting eventually came to a close. Meesei did not wish to reopen wounds that had only recently closed, so she did not say anything to dwell on Irenya. As the others were reading her report, she took only a moment to pull Darahil aside and request that he keep Sabine supplied with the ingredients she would need to make her potions. Meesei had included in her report that she had been gravely injured in the fighting, but did not go into detail on the fact that she required continued treatment. She did not want word of her physical condition to spread around the clan, so she asked that Darahil remain discreet.

---

The clan had not changed a great deal since they had left on their mission, so Meesei and Gallus’ packs settled in once again fairly quickly. By the day after their arrival, Ri’vashi and Marcaille were given their own rooms. Marcaille was introduced to the rest of the scholars, and started their work on the soul-tearing gas with Sabine and the other alchemists. The gravity of their work meant that there was little opportunity for Marcaille to actually get to know the scholars in any casual sense, but she was sociable enough with her peers. For the moment, there was no talk between Marcaille and Ahnasha about their necromancy lessons, but given the importance of finding an antidote for the gas, Ahnasha certainly was not going to complain. Meanwhile, the clan’s officers, particularly those among their warriors, were informed of Ri’vashi’s role among them, and she took the time to meet each of them. It would obviously take time for them to adjust to the modification to their leadership structure, but they had been through such changes before.

It was three days after the group’s return to the clan, and Meesei’s pack had returned to their custom of eating their breakfasts together in the dining chamber, though now with one or two new guests. Peiter decided to spend his time with Sabine that morning, so he was with them as well. Their circle of friends had been quite stirred up by their return. They had been excited to see them, of course, but Peiter also should have expected that they would focus on his arm. Luckily, the fact that he and Sabine were now mated gave them something else to focus on after a while.

Meesei had been acting noticeably strange since the moment they sat down to eat. She was not quite nervous exactly, but was definitely holding some anxiety. However, once she was sure that everyone was present, she explained herself fairly quickly. “Last night, Hircine communicated to me in my dreams. We are to receive visitors this morning. I do not know who they will be, but I believe they will be of help to us. I have already sent word to Vera to prepare for another meeting.”