EliteCommander

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

The gravity of the letter's contents made Meesei's visage stoic and severe almost on reflex. Even without the Emperor right in front of her to see her read it, she was not keen on giving away any of her thoughts as she processed it. In many ways, the letter was good news, even with its caveats. Certainly, there was nothing present within that would make a deal unfavorable, if it meant being able to stop Vile. Indeed, Meesei would have been willing to accept much worse terms to ensure Vile's defeat. The greatest issue for her, of course, would be convincing Imperial clans of the need. Not all would be opposed, but she foresaw some arguments ahead of her. Fortunately, it would not be until after the war that the more serious issues would likely arise.

Meesei was still looking at the letter when she finally spoke. "You are certainly a persuasive one, Marod, I shall grant you that." She commented as she neatly folded up the letter again. She would not be the only one that needed to read it. "And I suppose I can give you an answer, Lunise. It seems that the Empire will be willing to engage in dialogue with your people. As I will need to as soon as I can. There is much for me to think about in this, but...the important part is that we have half of our army. Now we just need the rest."

Meesei focused more directly on Marod. "I have a point-of-contact in the form of an Imperial Legate, but something tells me that he shall not be staying in my clan. Do you think that Saras was correct, and that you will be a more...long-term guest here? Having had time to think about it, I do think that it would be beneficial to have you here." She said, giving a glance to Lunise as well. "Both of you. You are capable diplomats, and familiar faces to many of those who may require persuasion."

---

Ri'kalesh was nothing if not patient, though he was far from being forgiving based only on what he had heard so far. There was one sign of success, at least, in the fact that he was not dismissing what she said outright. His expression was critical, but he was listening to her, quite closely. "So your mission was not even focused on the General, you say? Ri'kalesh has not heard of this 'Yerig', but he sounds to be an honorable man. He is also not this one's concern."

"Ri'kalesh knows what happens to Vile's captives. You do not need to describe it for him to know what happened to you. What he does not know is why this has happened. What has made Do'rhajul worthy of his continued life? Ri'kalesh knows you, Sabine. He knows who you are, and he knows you are not going to act without reason. What is that reason?" Ri'kalesh asked.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"Hmm, I suppose I should be glad for any progress we can make at this point." Meesei commented before being handed the letter by Marod. She looked at it for only a moment before flipping it over in her hand and dragging a single claw across the seal. The fact that she was receiving a personally addressed letter from the highest echelons of the Imperial government did not seem to affect her to much of a degree. She also did not mind reading it in front of the others, though she would have to finish the letter to know if it was something she would be free to share, or if it was something to keep close to her chest. Certainly, no one was going to be reading it over her shoulder.

Ri'kalesh's harsh gaze was likely doing little to calm Sabine's nerves, and it did not seem like anything she said so far was going to make it subside. He had his arms crossed, his eyes fixed on hers. With a Khajiit's features, particularly their teeth, they had an easy time appearing to be angry or intimidating, even when not intending to be. At this point, Sabine could only guess if he was doing so on purpose. "Ri'kalesh would hope you remember. If you did not, he would question any friendship you claim to have with us. Now, Ri'kalesh would prefer you stop reminding him of the pain of his past, and start talking about Do'rhajul in the present. You have this one's full attention."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Meesei gave a silent nod in response to Marod, not wanting to call any more attention to their conversation from those around them. It would not be long before their plans to coordinate more closely with the Empire and Dominion would be announced to the other clan leaders, but that would not be until after they had a definite answer from both parties.

The feast had been going on long enough that it was not too much trouble for Meesei to step away with Marod and Lunise without drawing too many eyes from the other clan leaders. Certainly, Meesei made sure that they were not followed, and that there was no one else within earshot when she finally spoke up quietly. "My apologies for dragging you away from the festivities. I just wanted to get your impressions of your superiors so far, in regards to dueling for the right to carry the axe. I will be ready to participate at any time, and I do not have any preference as to where it will take place. After the duels are concluded is when I intend to announce our plans to the rest of the clan leaders."

There was a few seconds before Ri'kalesh replied. He finished the last of the wine he had, then let out a long breath, looking straight ahead. "Convenient. Ri'kalesh was going to ask the very same of you, Sabine."

Ri'kalesh had not eaten much, but had no qualms leaving the rest behind as he stood from the table, following after Sabine. Even his walk was harsh, almost angry, much like his expression. There was an intensity in his large eyes that was somewhere approaching anger...though not quite. He waited for them to reach somewhere that was acceptably private, though he did not wait for her to speak. "If anyone else had done this, Ri'kalesh would be calling for their head. Or at least, challenging them for the right to correct their mistake himself. But you earned Ri'kalesh's friendship, his respect. That is why you have earned the right to explain yourself."

Star Wars - Lawless Galaxy

I think that the Paradise is currently in orbit above Ilos Minor.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

The Dunmer huffed briefly, taking a drink from his wine before replying. "Well I certainly have no intention of dragging my clan into any war that is not forced onto us. Thinking about it now, I suppose general war fatigue may help keep things quiet after this is over. Most everyone is tired of the fighting." The Dunmer's eyes moved farther down to the other end of the table, towards the Riften clan leader. "Except for perhaps the Nord. I don't think Steel-Heart was terribly impressed with Do'rhajul's talk of 'loyalty' to the Empire in his past life, considering that little war he fought in to try and oust the Empire from Skyrim."

The Dunmer did not allow Fendros much time to respond before he actually started to eat his meal, giving only a few seconds after starting to comment once more. "At any rate, I think I have taken enough of your time. It has been...enlightening. I have enough trust in your competence to not make any trouble over this."

Geran's smile remained in seeming defiance of Sabine's attitude. "Indeed he is, and he is reputed to be a fine warrior, and I am certain he would be a perfectly fine Champion. I simply think you would be better."

The pair had been talking for long enough that Geran filled up his half-empty cup once more before finally moving away from the wine cask. He started to move past Sabine, but stopped for a few seconds to place a hand gently upon her shoulder. "I can see this is a lot for you to take in at once, Sabine. I understand. I encourage you to think about this; really go through all the details. I hope you forgive my criticism, but I think your close relationship with Meesei may make it more difficult for you to see her flaws. Just remember, taking Meesei's position would not necessarily hurt her in any way. Indeed, any good master, any good parent longs for the day that their child finally surpasses them. And if you are the better leader, then it will be more likely for your family to survive this war intact. Just think on it, and if you find that you believe I am right, then you need not speak to me. You can go to Meesei directly." Without another word, Geran continued on back to his seat.

For the most part, the feast was going well enough. Politics aside, the average member of the clan perhaps did not think as much on the effects or implications of Do'rhajul's defection. It had certainly been a starting point of conversation for many, but it was still a social affair, and most groups did end up moving on to more mundane topics. Despite not being terribly impressive in itself, the main course was still a popular success for the mere novelty of being able to eat a dragon. For some, that fact alone was enough for them to declare it a culinary masterpiece.

Eventually, Meesei found herself calm enough to take part in the feast as well in more of a capacity than just keeping up appearances. She did enjoy catching up with Ri'kalesh's pride, though Ri'kalesh himself remained distant, hardly speaking but a few words after the announcement. When Meesei finished her plate, she stood as though to go refill her wine, but not before walking over closer to Lunise and Marod. "Ah, Lunise, Marod, before I forget, and while I have you here, were you able to address that matter we spoke of a few days ago?" She asked, keeping her words vague while they were within the range of others' hearing. "I believe that is something we need to speak of in private, as soon as possible."

Star Wars - Lawless Galaxy

Basically kind of. More of a space-based resort in an old Providence class ship.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

The Dunmer did not break eye contact with Fendros. "You mistake my words for threats, Fendros. They are a warning. No matter my own thoughts, I do not see a world where Do'rhajul can be tolerated forever. His actions affected too many. If someone murdered your son, for how long would you be able to resist enacting our revenge if the opportunity was in front of you, every single day? That overgrown cat never killed anyone close to me, so I can think...rationally about this. But you would be foolish to think that you can reason with every grieving parent or sibling among us. You need not say any more to me, but I would heed my warning. You had best plan for when this is all over."

Geran laughed, his attitude completely in opposition to Sabine's. "Well, that would be why I am speaking to you right now. I am hoping you will see why we need you right now. Meesei is exceptionally capable, but right now, we need a calm, collected leader. I know that you are willing to make sacrifices, and take great risks for the benefit of our clans. You have shown that indisputably. That you do not want to be Champion is, in fact, a laudable trait. People who want to claim that kind of power often do so for selfish reasons, but you would be doing it out the need to help your people. You are someone who wants to help others more than you want to help yourself, and that is why we need you."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

The Dunmer acknowledged the joke, though he did not laugh. "I do not think I shall be getting ahead of myself, not when Vile's minions may end up solving the problem for us before it is all over. Hopefully the former general will not prove to be too competent. If there is any shred of honesty in his words, he may not be too cautious with his own life." He remarked. The Dunmer finally took a few moments to pay attention to his own meal as he cast his gaze further down the table. "If that fails, perhaps the lizards can take him. They are certainly always eager to do anything the Champion says."

Although he was not budging from his opinion, Geran was patient through Sabine's objections and remained just as friendly in his attitude. He smiled, speaking softly and staying respectful towards Sabine. "Unfortunately, my grievances are that she is quick to anger and behaves irrationally when angered. That is not a wise grievance to bring up with someone who is quick to anger, yes? I do not doubt her power, and if I were to confront her, I know she would demand that I challenge her authority in the traditional way. I cannot defeat her in a duel, nor would I wish to try. I have no desire to try and take her position myself; I am humble enough to admit that I would not be a good candidate to be the Champion. But what I can see is your potential. You have proven your power to everyone here, and to me, you have shown your wisdom. Meesei, she loves you. I have seen the evidence of that firsthand." He said, pointing a finger to his blackened eye. "I believe that, if you decided to become the Champion, you would need only ask and she would make it so."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

The Dunmer hummed a moment in thought. "Well, I suppose if Do'rhajul wishes to 'redeem' himself by dying in combat against Vile, I shall not stop him. I suppose I can accept this, given the current circumstances. Although, you should be aware that the matter of Do'rhajul will likely be much more...contentious without the threat of Vile looming over us. If he still lives when the war ends, he will need to be dealt with."

Despite Sabine's obvious worry, Geran remained friendly, and even smiled. He took a sip of his wine, then held up one hand. "Oh, I would not for a moment say that Meesei has been a bad leader. It would be dishonest of any rational person to say such a thing. Tamriel's lycan clans went from a disorganized array of vaguely aligned organizations that hardly even knew of each other outside their local areas, to a continent-spanning, unified group with a defined hierarchy. All in a matter of years. That was an impressive feat, and for the longest time, I was willing to follow Meesei without question."

Geran paused, staring out seemingly at nothing as his visage became more serious. "Then the cracks started to show. Her flaws. For how long did she hide herself away with her research a few years ago? Ignoring her duties, chasing her own goals. I heard rumors that even her very body started to decay, as if she was neglecting basic nourishment. That was not the picture of strength we had become accustomed to. And now, she has shown herself impatient, impetuous, quick to anger. She has shown herself vulnerable to irrational behavior when under stress. It may not have always been like that, but perhaps the stresses of war have gotten to her. She can hardly be blamed, of course; war can destroy even the strongest of minds. I still greatly respect all she has done, her legacy, but this is war, yes? Vile will not care about her legacy. We need our absolute best leader to guide us in these final days. I think that is you, Sabine. Meesei should still be held in the honorable position she deserves, but you should take the lead as Champion for the final push. Try not to think with your feelings; think objectively. If it were Meesei who were captured, would she have done as you did? Would she have saved Do'rhajul's life, and captured his whole team without a single casualty? Or would she have gotten angry? Would she have killed him? All of them? Do you think, perhaps, she might have tortured them out of rage for what they would have done to her? I think that you have the calm temperament needed to make the right decisions for all of us."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

The younger of the Dunmer gave a very brief chuckle. "Hmph, keeping your enemies closer, I see."

The older Dunmer gave the other only a quick glance before continuing. "I appreciate that there is some rationality among the Champion's inner circle. This may not be the path that I would have chosen myself, were I in charge, but I suppose there are justifications for it. Just be sure to make the risk worthwhile. Leverage any advantage he can give us, but take care not to be caught up in any possible treachery. It would be unfortunate to lose you to such a mistake."

Geran simply sipped his wine, unphased by Sabine's modest nature. "I am afraid it is not the choice of you or the Champion. Whether you like it or not, any of your feats, your accomplishments as a pack, eventually become attributed, at least mostly, to the legendary Champion of Hircine as the word spreads through the ranks of the people." He explained. He did not seem to even attempt to hide some disdain in his tone when he spoke Meesei's title. "Lycans love to have strong leaders; it is simply in our nature. Our beasts are socially-minded creatures that appreciate strength. Having a hero to look up to is comforting for them, and it is easy for them to try and ignore their hero's flaws if it keeps them happy. And I think there are many people who are just the same, even without their beast's influence."

Reaching out one hand, Geran smiled and gave Sabine a quick pat on the shoulder. "But this, well, this is different. Nothing of what you accomplished can be...gifted to Meesei's legend. This is yours, and yours alone. Even though you quite obviously do not want the accolades, you do deserve them. For a true leader, humility is something beautiful, and I think it is something you have in the very core of who you are. You are not like most lycan heroes, and I think that is what makes you the greatest among them. I think that you are a more qualified leader than, say...our current Champion."