EliteCommander

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Neesa placed a hand on her own chest. "Why, I have no idea whatever you are referring to. I am offended you would even make such a suggestion. I cannot think of why you would believe that I would hold any animosity towards the government that stands against the well-being and interests of every single mortal on Nirn, themselves included."

Naturally, the sarcasm was thick in Neesa's voice, but it soon grew more serious. "But no, I am not here to compromise your little alliance. As moronic as the Thalmor are, they have their uses. The last thing I would want to do is prevent them from joining this invasion. Why, if I did that, then I would not have the pleasure of watching them squirm against a real Daedric horde. Most of their soldiers have never experienced one, and those that have, well...they never saw how horrifying it could really be. The worst of the fighting took place in Cyrodiil, and even that was nothing compared to the Planemeld. Their older commanders probably think themselves 'experts' on fighting Daedra. It's cute, almost."

While Neesa was speaking, Meesei pulled aside Sabine and Fendros, speaking quietly. "It does not seem that I am going to have much choice in this. I need one witness who is not of my pack, so Vera will need to come with us. I will need one of you two to let Neesa take your place. I want to avoid outright offending the Thalmor."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Hal-Neesa hardly skipped a beat before snapping back with her demands. "Well the, just kick out someone less important than me. Maybe the girl when she gets here, or...no, she is somewhat interesting too. Perhaps, what was your name...Verona? You're not important, you can scurry off and let the rest of us deal with this." She said, her gaze settling back on Vera.

For Meesei, the prospect of Neesa interacting directly with the Thalmor was perhaps one of the most frightening thoughts she had in the past few months. Even Lunise had comparatively little patience with Hal-Neesa, and she was more tolerant than most Thalmor. The clashing of egos between Neesa and the Thalmor leaders could be potentially disastrous in more ways than one, and she wanted to at least attempt to avoid it. "Our relations with the Thalmor are rather delicate, Neesa, and I have selected each of my witnesses with purpose. I am afraid you will be unable to join this time, but rest assured that you will not be kept out of the loop once we return."

In contrast to Meesei's serious demeanor in her denial, Neesa started to laugh softly, then took a few steps forward and placed a hand on Meesei's shoulder. "Oh, I see. I really do have to apologize for my mistake. It seems that I accidentally gave you the impression that you have a choice." Her hand quickly tightened around Meesei's shoulder. "I am coming on this little trip no matter what you say. Either you can kick out one of them and let me through your portal, or you can leave me behind, I will track your portal's destination, then just follow you right after. And yes, I can do that. So, you can either show up with four, or five, but one of them is going to be me."

If Neesa's demands were not enough, it seemed that Meesei would not have time to deal with the situation before Sabine and Marod arrived, given the sound of footsteps just outside the door.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Meesei let out a long breath, then nodded. "Yes, of course. There is still much to be done...as always. Perhaps at least one day before the invasion, we will have some time where this truly nothing to do." She said as she slowly started to grin. After another moment of silence, staring into Lunise's eyes, she finally turned to depart.

---

The day of the duel came quickly to Meesei. She was no more worried about her chances of winning than she had been before, but there were still plenty of concerns on her mind, even aside from the fight itself. This day needed to go well, as there truly was not much of a margin of error for how events could unfold. Their alliance with the Dominion, and their chances against Vile, hinged upon what happened over the next few hours. Meesei had gathered in their usual meeting chambers, as it was a suitably private location. Meesei's entire pack was present at the moment, though by the Thalmor's stipulations, she could only bring four witnesses. From their own clan, Meesei had originally considered Ri'vashi to be an appropriate witness, but she felt concerned about traveling to the heart of Thalmor controlled territory due to her father's association with the Blades. The Thalmor had no way of knowing of that relationship, granted, but she did not wish to take the risk unless it was necessary. They had eventually settled upon Vera as the clan's witness. From Meesei's own pack, she had selected Fendros and Sabine to join her, though Sabine was currently away collecting the Imperial representative. Since Marod was already present in the Silent City and was the usual representative, Meesei expected her to return with him, but she wanted to give the Empire their own choice regardless. Lunise, being one of the Thalmor's people, did not count among the four that Meesei was restricted to.

Meesei had already explained to her witnesses how she expected the duel to transpire, so there was not much left for them to say while they awaited the Imperial representative. To say that the Thalmor could be difficult to get along with was an understatement, but Meesei wholly trusted the ability of those she had selected to maintain a cool head, even against the most arrogant of Altmer. However, Meesei was not fortunate enough to avoid the complication that quite literally manifested in the room before them. A familiar voice sounded out from the opposite direction of the door, and was one that Meesei was not wanting to hear that day.

"Hmm, so I see everyone is all here and ready to go Almost at least, since I don't see the Imperial lackey anywhere. Personally, I cannot wait. I have been dying to see you in a duel again." Hal-Neesa said, staring intently at Meesei as she walked along the side of the table. None of them, not even Meesei or Lunise, had seen nor detected a trace of her before now. There was only one entrance to the chamber, and she had not gone through it. She had simply...appeared."

Meesei glared at Neesa. "And how do you even know about any of this?"

"Because I spied on you." Neesa replied bluntly. "Now, I am sure it would be quite obvious to you that I might...no, definitely have a stake in this. Considering that there's no way in Oblivion I'm agreeing to let a Thalmor, of all people, be in charge of the Axe that is the centerpiece of this whole invasion, it is pretty relevant to me, as well as everything I represent, if you end up winning this little duel. And since all of that should have been immensely obvious to you, I am going to give you the benefit of the doubt and assume that my invitation to this whole party was lost by the courier. So, when do we leave?"

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Meesei was silent for a few seconds in thought on Lunise's analysis of her plan, but at least this time, there were not as many flaws that she could see. At least, the flaws that were there were not unmanagable. "You may be right; I will just have to be careful not to show the full extent of my power until I am reasonably confident in my victory. It comes with its own trade-offs, as you said, but at least it would reduce the chance of making another enemy. It may be worthwhile long-term. Do you know if the Thalmor have a location with barriers to protect onlookers? This could become dangerous."

Regardless of Lunise's response, Meesei wordlessly stood up, approached Lunise, and gave her a long, tight hug. "Thank you for all of this. It is helpful to have someone like you to discuss and debate my ideas. Even if you were not to have specific information on Teroiah, your perspective is always helpful. I promise, after Vile is defeated, I am going to do everything I can to help you peacefully stop the Thalmor's plans, and reform them into something you would be proud to serve. Even if I have to pass that task onto my pack, their children, or just extend my own life, I will help you as much as you have helped me."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"I only would want to challenge them to show them that I am an opponent worthy to lose to." Meesei replied, showing at least somewhat less irritation. "I would find it hard to understand how they could blame Teroiah for a defeat if it seemed clear to them that there was no one in their ranks who could have bested me. I am assuming they are putting their best forward for this. Of course, they do not know what I can do. Even you have never seen my limits."

Meesei hummed to herself, weighing her options in her mind. "Perhaps...I should demonstrate them? Perhaps I should go out of my way to show them the full depth of my ability, the power that I am able to bring to bear. I could leave them no room to question if it was luck, or if Teroiah made a mistake that led to her defeat. If I really let loose everything I have, hold nothing back, then maybe they will have to realize that I am not an inferior opponent to any of them. It would take an incredible amount of stubbornness to deny what is right in front of their eyes."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Meesei shook her head immediately upon the suggestion of infecting Teroiah. "I would not wish to infect her. I suppose it would force her out of any position of relevance where she could be a threat to us, but I have no desire to wield Hircine's blessing as a weapon. My clans have strict rules against involuntary infections. I would only consider it if our very existence was severely threatened, but the threat of Teroiah alone is far from sufficient." She remarked.

"As for what else the Thalmor would want to obtain...they did demand investigations into the clans for any hidden criminals they might be harboring. No doubt inspired by my mention of a former Justiciar that trained many of our warriors in the Dominion. Though, it is a moot point, since the man in question died years ago. There are no serious 'criminals' of importance in the Dominion clans that I know of. Perhaps common thieves and such, but that is just a guess. We do not tend to pry into the histories of our members, as long as they stay in the past." Meesei explained, letting out a short sigh. "Perhaps I could insist upon working with her during the invasion itself after I win the duel? You referred to her as 'the commander'. Does she command troops? I am sure she will be involved, at any rate. Having success against Vile might help her standing. Or perhaps I should just challenge more of your superiors if they try to remove her from her position. After all, if losing to me is truly deserving of such shame, then surely they will be more than willing to prove how inferior I am. Certainly it would be easy for them."

Meesei's expression had shifted somewhat into a scowl, matching the hints of venom in her tone towards Lunise's Thalmor superiors.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"It will help her to have an open mind, though she will still need to have the tools at her disposal to counter my abilities. Perhaps I can just end it quickly, as I did with Neesa. I knew that I could not win a match of endurance against the vampire, though I will have to judge based on the situation. It could be that endurance may work in my favor against her. I have become rather difficult to wear down, I would say." Meesei replied.

Meesei lightly tapped a claw against her chin in thought. "Although...I wonder if I could help Teroiah in any way? After defeating her, that is. If her superiors would look down on her so for a defeat as you say, I wonder if there is anything I could do to help her retain her standing? I would rather gain her favor than to have to defeat her again as an enemy. At the very least, acting to her benefit may give her something to think about."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Meesei leaned her head to one side, resting it against Lunise's arm, while reaching up one hand and laying it atop Lunise's on her shoulder. Her description of Teroiah did not break far from Meesei's expectations, though it could make the fight more interesting than it would have been otherwise. "I was not speaking just from pride. She does not know me, meaning, she has no way of knowing my capabilities. She will obviously be going into the fight underestimating me, like all of your superiors, and she will not be expecting me to be using magic even older than herself. One of the greatest strengths I can levy in a fight is not raw magical power, but esoteric magic. Even you have not seen the full variety of abilities I have picked up, and of course, there are the techniques I invented myself. I have more options than just holding up a ward, so if her specialty is breaking wards, then it shall not be enough."

Meesei leaned her head back to look up at Lunise right above her. With a slight grin, she reached up and took a hold of either side of Lunise's head, then pulled her down for a quick kiss. "But do not worry, I shall not be going into this expecting an easy victory. I know full well the capabilities of centuries' old mages, but age is not everything. If it was, I would not have beaten a mage several thousand years my senior. No, as long as I respect her abilities and approach with a good plan, then I will like my chances. Although, if I am successful, and I do best the Thalmor's most capable champion, then I may have to concern myself with how it could affect our future relations with the Dominion, beyond this invasion. It could be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, the looks on your superiors' faces in the event of my victory will be immensely satisfying, and we will have gained everything we were needing out of this alliance for the invasion. But, we will go from being something of an annoyance within their borders, to a legitimate threat. If they are faced with the reality that someone like me can attain power greater than their own people, then it could put the clans in a tense position. Obviously, the clans could never best the full military might of the Dominion, but they would finally realize that we could tip the scales of power in favor of the Empire. If the Thalmor sees that possibility, then they might decide to act against us and remove that potential threat. The last thing I want is to lose our neutrality and be wrapped up in a war for either side. I may need all of the advice you can give to keep everything peaceful between us."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Meesei did not show the same signs of worry as Lunise, though she certainly understood why she would be concerned. Meesei highly doubted that the Thalmor would have anyone who was not exceptionally capable participate in the duel, regardless of what they assumed about Meesei's abilities. Particularly with Imperial witnesses present, it would be just as much about making a statement as getting their way. Regardless, it was nothing that Meesei had not been expecting from the beginning.

"Specifically? I cannot say I knew anything at all about her beforehand, though I did pick up some details from the conversation. She is likely one of the most powerful mages in the Dominion. One of the best they have to offer. She is a veteran of the Oblivion Crisis, at minimum, and likely many more conflicts. As I said, I expect they are quite confident in her, but...well, she does not know me." Meesei answered.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Meesei had mostly completed the preparations for the portal by the time Lunise arrived, having already established a connection with the destination. She needed only to put forth the magicka required to open the portal itself. Meesei had improved her efficiency at creating them, though it still required more magicka than either of the guards could likely produce, and they could certainly feel it. Though, it still did not demonstrate the full limits of what she was capable of doing: a fact with which Meesei was perfectly content. She intended for her upcoming duel to demonstrate the scope of her abilities to her allies, and she preferred for it to be a surprise.

Meesei kept the portal open only for the few seconds required for herself and Lunise to step through. For convenience, Meesei had brought them straight to Lunise's chambers, if only to save them some walking. Almost immediately upon closing the portal, Meesei's entire demeanor relaxed. She no longer needed to keep up appearances or show strength in every movement or word, so she was able to sit down, relax her muscles, and rest for a moment. "You know, if there is one thing I would like to learn from Neesa while she is here, it would be her method of teleportation. Her technique seemed much easier."

Leaning back in her chair, Meesei let out a long breath. "But, at least that is one more goal accomplished. It could not have gone much better, short of the Thalmor just agreeing to my request outright. I am scheduled to duel against Teroiah in two days time. By our agreement, if I win, then the Dominion will aid in the invasion while I carry the axe into battle. I suspect they are confident in the champion they have chosen."