EliteCommander

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Julan nodded. "Yeah, the Bosmer only ever eat meat. At least the ones in Valenwood. I have seen Bosmer where we're from eat other things, so I guess they don't follow the Pact. Whenever we were there, they didn't actually stop us from eating plants. Since we're not Bosmer, and we aren't part of that Pact, it wasn't against the rules for them to let us eat plants. But I did once, and I got some really mean looks from some of the people there, so I just stuck to meat after that. I like meat better anyways, though, so it wasn't bad at all, really."

Julan could not help but to smile. He had a feeling that he would be giving many similar explanations for the rest of the night.

---

Though she tried to think of a good answer for Janius' question, she quickly ended up looking defeated. "I don't know either. It's been so long since it happened. It seems like it would have been long enough by now for them to get past their grief on their own. I don't know what could make them start feeling any differently at this point. At least nothing that doesn't include learning about you still being alive."

After a moment, there was one idea that came to Kaleeth's mind after the thought back to her own departure from her village. Prior to meeting Janius, she usually listened to her parents without any resistance, but he had helped inspire her to argue against him. "I wonder if Aurana ever really tries to argue with her father? Do you think she ever openly tries to change things? If not, maybe we can find a way to empower her to give her own opinions on it?"

---

"I have felt that pain before." Meesei said, her tone calm, but filled with emotion all the same. "I am supposed to be the shining model of a lycan, of one of Hircine's followers. I am meant to be both a leader, and a symbol for them to rally behind, but there have been times where I have felt powerlessly cursed by failure. A few years ago, I received word that, all at once, several clans all across Tamriel had been wiped out. Simultaneous, coordinated attacks with the soul-tearing gas that destroyed any hope of resistance. And there was nothing I could do. Altogether, thousands of my people were...harvested, because I could not protect them. No matter how powerful I have become, no matter how many battles I win, I worry that nothing I do will ever be good enough."

There was a brief silence in the air as Meesei paused to take in a breath. It was slow and shuddering, as Meesei was beginning to tread into rather painful territory for herself. "We are supposed to be strong for our people, you and I. We are supposed to be examples of proud and capable warriors, always uncompromising in the face of adversity. We are not allowed to show weakness because we are supposed to be strong. But it is all just a facade. There have been times where I have gone weeks, or longer, with little sleep and no rest. Times where I spend every waking moment solving problems on the other side of the continent, making decisions that decide the fates of my people's lives, and through it all, having to act completely and wholly confident in it all. Even when I made mistakes that killed the people I was supposed to be leading. I remember, sometimes...finding a secluded chamber to lock myself in and...I honestly do not even know what I intended. Most of the time, I just ended up weeping to myself."

The next step that Meesei took may have been somewhat bold, but the influence of her own emotions was showing strongly in her expression. Stepping up just behind Lunise, she placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, even as Meesei's own eyes were reddened from the stories she had recounted. "The point of all of this is...I know I have not experienced what you are going through right now, but I have felt that pain. I have lived that pain. And I know you should not have to face it alone. I do not know where you are falling either, but I want to help you climb back up once you hit the ground. The past, all of the failures going through your mind right now...I know it may be difficult to agree with me, but they do not matter anymore. The past is immutable, unchanging. All that matters now is what we do going forward. The future is something we can still affect."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Julan was just as welcoming to Jatinha as Aurana was, though the Khajiit remained just as silent when sitting near them as she had been before. Still, she at least felt more like a part of the group. After Jatinha joined them, Aurana was quick to go back to her questions, so Julan tried to answer as best as he could. "The trees the Bosmer have aren't anything like the ones around here. They are giant. If you look up, they feel like they never end. And like my brother said, they can grow them into houses like yours. Well...they don't look like your house, but they can be just as big. I don't remember exactly what they are."

"The Bosmer call them graht-oaks." Ahnasha informed the children. "They are indeed a rather special kind of tree. Some of them are ancient; older than actual written history, some say. It wouldn't be as easy as a fireplace to burn some of them down."

Noticing Fendros, Ahnasha stepped away from the others shortly after giving her explanation. With all that was happening, she certainly would not mind a glass of wine. Once she had her glass, she gave a light sigh. "I'm just really hoping this all ends well. I would say we got lucky when we met up with my family, and yours. I'm worried that kind of luck isn't going to strike a third time." She said quietly.

---

"Are you...sure they would do something like that to her?" Kaleeth asked. Although she understood the kind of pain that Janius' parents might have felt at his loss, the kind of cruelty that he was describing was simply not something she could imagine a parent doing to a child. Especially their own child. She attempted to think of some kind of approach they could take to explaining everything to his parents. "Well...if the children really did encounter them like you think they did, then they probably would have gave them the same story they gave Aurana. You might try turning that story into some kind of explanation for why you ran away. The Penitus Oculatus are respected in the Empire, aren't they?"

With Janius' last question, however, Kaleeth looked more confused than anything. "What do you mean, 'grieve for you'? What kind of idea do you have in mind?"

---

Meesei lowered her head, breathing softly. "You can believe me, I know what it means to be burdened. Apart from Hircine himself, I am the sole and absolute authority over all of Tamriel's lycan clans. Not only that, but I hold authority over all who follow Hircine. And with that comes complete responsibility for them. Their lives have been weighing on my shoulders for over a decade. The lives of every man, woman, and child under my command could be extinguished by a single one of my mistakes. It is true that we face different struggles, but the magnitude of their importance is not entirely dissimilar. I believe I have come to know you in our time working together, Lunise, and I believe that your intentions have been to work for the good of your people. There are some who might join the Dominion or Empire for their own personal benefit, but I do not believe that is you. And that does not have to change, even with this knowledge. We now know that the Thalmor's leadership, in their misguided beliefs, are trying to bring an end to Mundus in the pursuit of their divinity. But, from what Areldril has said, only a small part of the Thalmor know of those plans. It might yet be possible to find a way to find a way to bring an end to the current plans of your leadership, and instead replace them with leaders that will actually work for the benefit of the Dominion's people. To actually serve the goals you have been told you were serving for your career as a Justiciar. And perhaps this time, be able to serve those goals peacefully."

Meesei's tone and general demeanor was outright sympathetic by this point, and she could not say it was not genuine. Lunise had not historically been their kindest or most approachable of allies. She was arrogant, and thought herself as better than those she worked with. But, Meesei also knew her as someone who had dedicated herself to working for the benefit of her people, and that was something she could respect. With the rather alarming information they had learned from Areldril, Meesei saw the potential for change in Lunise. By any definition, this was a traumatic event for the Justiciar, and Meesei wanted to be there to help her make sense of it all. "I am by no means going to claim that it will be an easy task. It will be a challenge like none other you have undertaken, but do not underestimate the impact one person can have, even on such large issues. I think you are capable of it. I think you can be a part of a solution that will end up helping your people. But you should not try to handle it alone. Every mortal has their limits, and the kind of work we do...it weighs on you. It demands every last drop of dedication and effort you can give it, and it can destroy the sanity of a mind that is not prepared for it. I could not have come this far without the support of my friends and family. They have...elevated me higher than I could have reached on my own. I know you have resisted closer relationships in your past, but it may be time to allow some friends into your life. If you really do want to change the course of your nation, and indeed, to make sure your nation continues to have a course at all, then I want to support you."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Julan rubbed his chin as he thought. He knew he would have to edit his descriptions of the places they had visited to avoid implying anything about their clans. "Hmm, I've been to a lot of places. We have gone to Skyrim a lot. It has really, really tall mountains. Much bigger than any of the hills, buildings, and everything else around here. And it's cold too; there's snow everywhere. Well, not everywhere. There are plenty of places between the mountains with all kinds of grass and trees. Sometimes, there are fields with so much tundra cotton that it can look like it's covered in snow. There is even a marsh in one part of Skyrim, but...it's kind of frozen. I didn't like it much there. Valenwood was a lot different. There are so many trees that are so big that you can't even see the sky most of the time. I was even afraid to try to climb them, but there are some Bosmer there that make their homes way up in the trees, so I kind of had to. They had ladders and walkways and everything, though, so it wasn't that bad. It just kind of made me feel sick to my stomach to be so high up."

---

"That...sounds awful." Kaleeth said, perhaps focusing more on Janius' history than how it could help Aurana. For a moment, she leaned in and gave him a hug. "Maybe knowing that you are alive and safe could help convince them that they do not need to be so overprotective with her? If they really are sad about losing you, then maybe on some level, it would be a relief for them to know you survived? It might help convince them that there isn't a need to restrict Aurana so much, since she wouldn't be in as much danger as they thought. If that doesn't work, then maybe...try to convince them that Aurana can't learn what she needs to learn like this? Since she never is allowed to leave the house, I don't see how she could be ready to live on her own."

---

Meesei did not adopt the strict, professional posture that she usually held with Marod and Lunise. She was distinctly more casual and did not place as tight of restrictions on showing her own emotions. "We have known each other for a fair amount of time. For a few years now, we have been working together, and I have no doubt you were searching for, studying myself and my people for many years before that, since our first meeting in Elsweyr. That was, what? Over a decade ago? When we parted in Elsweyr, it was nonviolent, but...tense. And yet, you still came to us offering peace. In the years since you found us, you have been our contact to the Thalmor, and as far as I can tell, have acted in good faith in that role for both parties. With Marod, I cannot be truly certain of the Empire's intentions with us. They have acted far more like friends and allies than you have and have made more talk of long-term integration of clans in the Empire, and such plans. You, however, have always made it quite clear that our deal with the Dominion is one of mutual advantage, and one that can and will change if we do anything that removes the Dominion's gains. I respect that candor. More than that, I respect your willingness to act as a diplomat to a people that are seen as monsters to the majority of Tamriel. As much as you might have tried to avoid it, you made yourself into a friend of my people. And if there is one thing you have no doubt learned about me, it is that I support my friends."

Meesei took a few steps closer to Lunise, her expression no longer as cold and calculating as Lunise had grown accustomed to. "Hircine's Champion does not care about how Justicar Lunise feels, but I am not talking to you as Hircine's Champion. Speaking as 'Meesei to Lunise', I know that your whole world has been shattered today, and as a friend of my people, I want to help and support you however I can. You deserve better than the betrayal you have been given."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Ahnasha was just as quick to support Fendros. "We may or may not be able to do anything for Aurana, but that would not be a good idea. Just focus on whatever time you have now, okay?"

Julan gave a brief, somewhat sad nod to Fendros and Ahnasha. "Okay." He answered simply after returning Aurana's hug. She seemed to be such a nice person, so he was almost desperately hoping his father decided to try and do something for her. She deserved the help. "I guess...you can enjoy some free time now, at least. Is there anything you have been wanting to do, maybe?"

---

Kaleeth leaned up against both Janius and the wall and lightly took his hand in hers. She was just as sympathetic as he likely expected and, unfortunately, still just as uncertain as she had feared she would be. Nothing about the situation they were in seemed to have an easy answer. "I know, this has all been just so much to deal with. I almost wish that Altmer had picked somewhere else to cross the border, like Leyawiin. Ahnasha's family probably would have invited us all for dinner. It would have been so much easier than all this."

Giving a sigh, Ahnasha tried to think back to her own village. She was somewhat surprised that Janius seemed to be entertaining the idea of confronting his family, but she did not disapprove. She felt for the girl's plight. "I don't know how much help his methods would be, unfortunately. I wasn't around when he convinced my mother. I...went to a friends after the argument started. When I left, they were yelling at each other. When I came back, father was holding her in his arms and they were both in tears. I do know how he persuaded other families, though, when they would go through similar problems. He usually appealed to our traditions, the sense of duty to the village. Argonians return to the Hist on death, usually, so dying to protect the village was very...honorable, I guess. Does the Empire have anything like that? Any kind of culture your father might be going against?"

---

"Thank you." Meesei said as she stepped inside the room, gently closing the door behind her. "Do not worry, it would take much more to offend me. I...well, I suppose it would be pointless to attempt to convince you of any other pretense for my presence here. You know why I am visiting. And I know that I do not need to ask if you are alright. I know you are not; I would not be. All that has happened, everything Areldril said, everything you read in those documents, you do not deserve this. Even though I have never been a part of the Dominion, I know what it is to be loyal to your people. To have your very being, your identity, tied to them. I cannot imagine being lied to in that way. I know this may sound like an obvious question, but...how are you feeling about all of this?'

Blood Act I~ Ghosts of the Past

Ssarak Dyreackthanose

---

Ssarak did not need much time to react. The moment someone confirmed that their gift for the Baron had been taken, Ssarak started to sprint a short distance, then kicked off the ground to take to the sky. ”Leith, stay and protect Lyn!” He shouted telepathically. Fortunately, the group had only just arrived in the city, so Ssarak was still armed and armored for traveling, and therefore, fighting. If he was able to catch their thief, then he would be in a good position to deal with him.

Though Ssarak knew not what was in the box, Lucilia had made it clear that it was important. It was important enough that Ssarak felt it was not a coincidence that a thief had just happened to grab it. It seemed more like they had been targeted specifically, which put Ssarak on guard. From the air, Ssarak had a distinct advantage in the chase. Apart from stationary buildings, there was nothing in his way, so he could move more efficiently than a ground runner. He would be able to keep track of the thief as long as he remained outside, and searching for overhead cover would limit the thief’s escape options. He also focused on the thief’s mind to determine if there were any wards to break through. If not, he could try to use his magic to alter the thief’s perceptions and trick them into tripping.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

I also created another, story relevant conversation, since the events in Bravil are taking a bit longer than I had guessed.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"I don't know why he wouldn't want to help his family." Julan responded. "The reason he's always doing dangerous things is because he is trying to make things better for us. I just want things to get better for you too."

Letting out a sigh, Julan knew that whatever decision his parents made was probably out of his hands now. They had left to talk among themselves, and he had never been able to change their minds afterwards once they made a decision together. "If they don't help...what do you think you'll do? How much time do you think you have tonight to talk?"

---

Even before they stepped out of the room, Kaleeth's expression was gloomy at best. She was obviously sympathetic for the girl, but she also had more of an understanding of the realities of the situation. Regardless of her own thoughts on what she would want to do, she also did not want to try to force Janius to do something that he really wanted to avoid.

"I feel sorry for the girl. I remember how my mother felt when my brother died. I think she wanted to do the same kind of thing that your parents seem to be doing with Aurana, but my father eventually talked her out of it." Kaleeth began. Although, she was not entirely sure what kind of a point she wanted to make with her story. "What do you think about all of this? Do you think they're telling the truth about it?"

---

Meesei had not yet gone to sleep. As she so often did, she had been focusing on her responsibilities in lieu of rest. She had decided to go to Areldril for a long conversation about some of the details of the revaluations he had given them. But, even after that conversation, she was not yet finished. There was another conversation that Meesei felt needed to happen, and one she did not want to delay.

If Meesei had to guess, she would say that Lunise was most likely going through something of an existential crisis. What Lunise had read in those stolen documents was potentially world-shattering for someone who had been such a loyal servant of the Thalmor. It shed a whole new light on the narrative she had been given, and in all honesty, Meesei was not certain how it would affect her. Certainly for Meesei, she knew that she would not be able to give any long-term support for the Thalmor if she intended to keep the world intact. For Lunise, Meesei wanted to determine how this news would affect her, and, if possible, help her make that decision. Approaching the door to the room that Lunise had appropriated, Meesei gave a few brief, but loud knocks.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

After all the emotion that Julan had poured into his argument, he felt despondent not to get the response he had been hoping for from his father. He looked away from Janius, tears still swelling in his eyes. "So you don't even want to try? You don't really know if he's going to say no. I mean...you said that you were a lot different kind of person way back then than you are now. How do you know your father isn't any different? Why can't he change too? It has to be worth trying, isn't it? You could make Aurana's life so much better, just like you do for all of us."

"Please..." Julan started, finally bringing his gaze back up to his father. "I really want to help Aurana. You always told me to take care of my family and do the right thing for them. Isn't trying to help Aurana the right thing to do, even if it probably won't work?"

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Julan was surprised to hear how Janius was speaking about his family. He had, of course, heard his father describe before how his parents were often absent from his life, but his words then had not carried the tone of resentment that he had now. Although, having met his grandparents, and hearing how they treated Aurana, Julan was not terribly upset about that. He had never thought that there would be people like that in his own family, but he supposed he could handle that. What was really starting to upset Julan was the fact that his father was refusing to do anything to help Aurana. He had only known her for a short time, but everything that he had seen of his aunt so far just showed that she was a nice person who was being treated much worse than she deserved to be. The fact that his father did not want to help her frustrated Julan enough that he clenched his fist in anger and started to show something in his expression that was a bit rare for him: defiance.

"That's...that not fair! It's...not right." Julan shouted. He could not bring himself to make eye contact with his father as he spoke, mostly out of fear. "You help people all the time; it's what you do. All the work that aunt Meesei and the rest of you do, it's to help, um, our people. That's what you always say. That you are always trying to make sure we have happy and safe lives." Pausing a moment, Julan tried to think of how to say what was on his mind in vague enough terms so as not to make Aurana suspicious. Although, with how sheltered she was, there was no guarantee that she had even heard of a lycanthrope before. "You've said that we're not, um, treated fairly by most people in the world, so you have to do dangerous things to keep us free and safe. You fight people that want to hurt us, so you can help your family. I know you don't talk about it much, but...I'm not stupid! I know what fighting is and I know what can happen. I know you could leave to fight one day and...never come back."

Julan's gaze was on the floor, but even at that angle, Janius would be able to see tears in his eyes at the mere thought of losing his parents. "You could die doing all the things you do to make our lives better, but...Auarana is your family too! It's not even dangerous to help her. All you have to do to help her is talk to someone you don't like!"

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Julan started to grow mildly upset as Aurana described the reasoning of her parents for why she was kept so restricted. Or at least, her perception of their reasoning. If there was one trait that he had taken from his mother, it was empathy. He felt his emotions strongly, often feeling for others just as much as himself. And, as a child, he did not tend to keep those emotions contained. "That doesn't sound fair. You didn't do anything do deserve that, right? You should be able to go out and play, and...have friends and everything. Father said he could do those kinds of things when he was young, so I don't see why you can't. I know this city is supposed to be dangerous, but it can't be that bad. If it was, then you could just learn magic or something, but they won't even let you do that."

Julan frowned, or at least gave the equivalent for an Argonian. "Can I help you? Are there any things you want to do?"

While Kaleeth's reaction was more tempered than Julan's, she too felt for the girl. She would certainly have liked to do something to help her, but unfortunately, she did not know if that would be possible. It was sounding more and more that they were being overprotective of her because of what happened to Janius. If that was the case, then the only thing that would even have a chance of changing her parents' attitudes would be talking to Janius himself. She knew well that he would not want that. "I...have seen this kind of thing happen before. It's how some families deal with loss; to protect what they have left, that is. For what it's worth, it does seem that they really do love you to want to protect you like that."