EliteCommander

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Meesei had to stop for a few moments to think on precisely how to word her response. She took a bite out of the snake, then another drink of wine to buy a few seconds to collect her thoughts. "Hmm...I can say that the secrecy was not just because of the lack of security with the letters. There are some other reasons that I have to keep my personal relationships more private than most. You know how my position places rather high expectations upon me, which can complicate matters at times. I have to avoid showing undue favoritism between clans, or even the perception of favoritism. I have found someone, yes, but knowledge of that relationship could cause issues between certain groups." She explained. Strictly speaking, Meesei's words were not a complete lie, as her relationship with Lunise would certainly raise some questions about Meesei's connections with the Dominion, and Dominion clans, but that was far from the greatest of reasons they needed to remain secretive.

"What I can say is that she is a beautiful Altmer. Someone who can be difficult to get to know, but who is definitely worth the effort. She filled a void in my life that I did not know I had." Meesei added.

---

"Well, make sure your men are competent enough not to make mistakes, and you can cut that down to ten minutes." Hal-Neesa remarked. If there was one trait that she had in common with both the Legate General and Teroiah, it was that they had no desire to temper their words for the sake of diplomacy. "If you don't think your armies are skilled enough to even hold off for that long against the enemy, then you may as well resign yourself to death here and now. What you get out of bringing down a dark anchor is basically an entire extra army. Do I really need to explain the value of teleporting in an army of reinforcements right into the middle of a fight. Moving around your army is going to take time regardless; if we can shape up your frontline to be decently competent, then we can bring down an anchor by the time the rear of your force has caught up to the position. Risky? Sure, but if you want guarantees, then you're joining the wrong invasion."

Without skipping a beat, Neesa continued on with something of a satisfied smirk towards Teroiah. "Now, as for dealing with their commanders, I would have thought the same about the Elves we fought. They were supposed to be the 'superior' race of intelligent wizards, yet they fell for the same trick every time. Helped that our champion never left any survivors to report on what happened. And that Morihaus was an exceptionally better leader than any of their lesser commanders. Our victories were...decisive. Obviously, I do not mean that we should start shouting at the Skaafin commanders to take a duel with our champion, but they are Daedra, so they will be leading from the frontlines. I think we can just send in Hircine's Champion eliminate any commanders we find, and they will not even consider retreating from that fight. I judge her to be acceptably competent for that role. Aside from myself, she is obviously the strongest that any of you three have available to you. Best of all, she and her minions have that irritating 'hero' mentality that will, at least, make them just eager to agree to it."

Ri'vashi hid her suspicion and anger towards Hal-Neesa for now. Aside from her suggestion to use these portals to Coldharbour, Ri'vashi did not find herself disagreeing with her plan. "There is some merit to what the vampire says. Any Daedra will drastically underestimate our Champion and her pack. They are a small team that can move quickly, and with deadly purpose. Ri'vashi doubts that the Daedra would ever become outright demoralized, but they seem to place great focus on powerful, elite units, which, in Ri'vashi's opinion, will still not be able to stand against the Champion's pack."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Yeah, that's how they were brought to Skyrim, if you remember.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Rukeewei laughed. "Yes I think you will enjoy it much more than the normal version. That one is served with a live mouse." He commented, his tone making it difficult to determine whether or not he was joking. "I do wish you could visit more often as well, but...or, actually, I guess you are able to. Sorry, I sometimes forget how easy it is for all of you to travel. I, um, probably won't be able to make a feast for you every time or anything, but all of you are always welcome in our home."

Meesei felt just as warmth within her as Ariel, though for different reasons. Now that she was able to get away from her responsibilities for long enough to spend some time with Sabine, Meesei was able to see how much Sabine's life had developed. She had family, love, and now had serious plans for having children of her own. Although their lives were still strange by much of the world's standards, it was the kind of life that Meesei had always wanted to give to Sabine, and it was so close to coming to fruition. There was just one more task, one more goal to complete, and Sabine would be able to live that life without worry.

"You know, Sabine, I believe there is something I could do to help you with that. There is an enchantment I can apply to a pair of rings, or other objects, that I have used for...similar reasons." Meesei offered, turning her attention towards Ariel to explain in more detail. "It binds the two rings together, so that charging a certain type of magic through one ring changes the color of the gem on its counterpart, regardless of how far apart they are. If you wanted to see your sister more regularly, without it needing to be an entire event, you could use them to convey simple messages. Such as notifying her if it is safe to open up a portal straight into your kitchen, for instance."

---

"Hmm, well I remember it was a whole ordeal to set up a dolmen during the Planemeld." Hal-Neesa answered. "The worm cultists would have to build up these stone platforms, inscribe them with the proper Daedric sigils, then carry out a ritual to summon up the anchor. Fortunately for you, the whole process will be a bit more streamlined this time around. Since the barriers to Vile's realm are weaker, the sigils do not have to be arranged so precisely, so you don't have to bring along a construction team. Flat ground will do, and the sigil stones will take care of inscribing the sigils. Still have to carry out the ritual, though, and protect the sigils on the ground during the process. I'd say about...ten to twenty minutes, depending on how many mistakes they make. Once the anchor is down, Daedra will start pouring through, and it'll become a lot harder to dislodge."

Neesa was mostly neutral in her attitude when speaking to the Legate General, but her gaze towards Teroiah was a bit sterner, perhaps judgmental. "I would say to be careful about being too ambitious with your plans, child. I know of countless advantages to dividing one's forces, of course, but you will be fighting in the enemy's home territory. Not to mention, the Skaafin make use of enchanted mirrors to communicate instantly across vast distances. Their commanders can coordinate quickly and easily, no matter where they are. If they notice you spreading your army too thin, they will take advantage. Quickly. Though, perhaps you can be clever enough to take advantage of that, if you really put your mind to it. I would not say that the Skaafin are superior beings, or any such nonsense. They may not be Dremora, but they are still Daedra, and still arrogant enough to make a Thalmor look humble."

In one of the more strange reactions she had given, Neesa suddenly started to smile, seemingly unprompted. "You know, all of this talk is actually somewhat...nostalgic for me. It brings me back to the very first war I ever fought in. I was no one then: a lowly archer with a few pathetic magic tricks. But, it was still an experience to learn from. Like these Skaafin, the Elves were an arrogant sort, and just loved showing their superiority over their enemy. The strategy of our leaders was simple, and mostly unchanged through the whole short war. They would march up to their cities, and our Champion would challenge their leader in single combat while the armies fought in the fields. No matter how superior the Elves thought they were, our Champion always won, and while their commanders were tied up in battle, our side had an easier time against a less coordinated opponent."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Seeing that the first course was nearing completion for most of the group, Rukeewei excused himself momentarily to get up and serve them the next one. Meesei, meanwhile, was grinning towards Ariel. "Oh, I can certainly sympathize with you on that account. I do remember when I realized that Sabine was no longer a child. It is a...strange feeling, overall. It is your entire goal as a parent to raise a child who can take on and thrive against the challenges of the world you are raising them into, and yet you still dread the day you succeed. For me, it was like building a home, yet I never wanted to see it finished. Yet, whether you want it or not, that day does come. Just try not to dread it too much, and be sure to cherish all of the moments you do have."

The next dish that Rukeewei brought out might have seemed even stranger than the first, if only because it was more immediately recognizable by its appearance. The centerpiece of their dinner, coiled up in the middle of each of their plates, were snakes. Although, much like the slugs, there was more to them than what they could see from the outside. "So, this next one is a variant on nagahssee. That is, um, how would I translate that...snake roll, I think works well. Some types I do not think would be too palatable to outsiders, but I think this one is better. It is a snake skin, stuffed with a variety of steamed vegetables, fish, and of course, snake meat. With a side of pumpkin stew."

---

While Ri'vashi did feel justified in her growing resentment for Hal-Neesa, that did little to help the current situation. To Ri'vashi, she was a snake and a manipulator, but her experience showed through without a doubt. With just a few arguments to cast doubt over their minds, she had already twisted Teroiah's mind into giving her exactly what she wanted, all while making Teroiah think it was her idea, and her choice. Neesa was playing to her reading of their personalities, and was doing it well. The Legate General seemed to be a rational sort, but Ri'vashi could not think of an argument against Neesa that would not require them to take on faith that Hircine would be more trustworthy with Vile's power than Molag Bal. Or, more accurately, trust that it would be less risky to give more power to Hircine, rather than spreading the power between him an a known evil like Molag Bal. As much as Ri'vashi wanted to fight against it, stirring up an argument now would be unlikely to work, and would cause more harm than good.

"Ri'vashi does not support it...but she has no useful arguments to add. The daedra will make our attack easier, Ri'vashi cannot deny it. She is sure you understand the risks of strengthening a Daedra like Molag Bal." She said, turning her gaze to stare daggers through Hal-Neesa's eyes. "Just remember, much of this 'power' we are discussing are the souls of lycan dead, trapped by Vile. Your master will not touch them, and that is not negotiable."

For the briefest of moments, the look in Neesa's eyes betrayed her satisfaction upon Ri'vashi's reaction. "Oh, I'm sure he wouldn't even think about it. Actually, that's a lie; he definitely would. But, your master will hold a much stronger claim over their souls. It would be a waste of Molag Bal's time to focus on them."

Without wasting a moment, nor giving Ri'vashi any more time for input, Neesa continued. "Now with that out of the way, this is something we can actually start to form a strategy around. The stones will be best placed in locations with at least somewhat tangible liminal fractures. Between realms of Oblivion, such imperfections in the barriers between realms are common. Any average conjurer should be able to detect them. The lycans have those flying beasts: the werevultures, bats, and the like. They will make for adequate scouts to locate Clavicus Vile himself, and identify potential dark anchor sites along the path to him. Molag Bal will not be able to simply call down every anchor at once, but you will be able to fight from anchor site to anchor site, calling in reinforcements at each one until you reach Vile. Or until you die, but preferably the former."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Rukeewei replied with a rather enthusiastic nod. "Oh, I did not even realize how many things I took for granted before. Sleep was one of the first casualties, but there is so much more I never even thought about. Even just...living normally is different, especially with raising Breton children. Adult Humans have troubles with sickness in the marsh, but it is even more dangerous for young ones. When she was pregnant, I was having nightmares about protecting our children from dangerous people, or...animals, and those sorts of things, but I didn't even think about having to protect them from just food, water, and dirt."

Smiling, Rukeewei reached over and put a hand on Ariel's shoulder. "It's a good thing your sister is so talented, Sabine. She figured out how to mix a bit of potionmaking into our cooking to improve their disease resistance, and it doesn't even affect the taste enough to notice. They still get sick more oven than the average Argonian hatchling, but I don't really have to worry about them anymore."

Meesei, by this point, was nearly through with her plate of slugs, but was in no hurry to rush the rest of the meal. Although, she would probably need another glass of wine before dessert. "I personally never experienced that stage of parenthood. Although...I do wonder if I will get a taste of it with grandchildren..." She added with a sly grin towards Sabine.

---

"Ah, see now you assume I know more than I do. It flatters me that you think so highly of me, but I hold no such powerful position among Daedric Princes. I do not know what Molag Bal intends to do for the next era or two, and he certainly would not tell a, well...former mortal." Hal-Neesa answered, entirely unfazed by the tone of gro-Tagnud's accusation. "I do not serve him for some foolish sense of loyalty for a being that sees me as little more than an insect, I serve him as an exchange for the knowledge I desire. He gives me authority here because he acknowledges my competence. Truthfully, even I would be annoyed if he made another attempt for Mundus, but if you were hoping that all of the power Vile has been collecting would just...disappear into the void, then you are going to be disappointed. The very moment Vile is defeated, both Hircine and Molag Bal are going to be scrambling like starving dogs over a fresh carcass to consume every last drop of power they can get their metaphorical hands on. With your plan, Hircine will be physically closer to Vile at that point, but some portals to Coldharbour would even out the distribution a bit. Like it or not, this invasion is going to reshape the balance of power among the Princes. In fact, if you refuse to open any of my master's portals, then most of that power is going to go straight to Hircine alone."

The growl in Ri'vashi's expression had not entirely gone away at any point, and now it just became more evident as she glared at the vampire. "And Hircine would be a much better steward of that power than Molag Bal. Not once in Tamriel's history has Hircine threatened our world. Even if you tried to interpret lycanthropy as some sort of 'attack', which Ri'vashi would say is ridiculous, Molag Bal nearly destroyed our world. Hircine will never be that kind of a threat to Tamriel, no matter how much power he has. It goes against his nature."

Neesa simply shrugged. "Indeed, perhaps you all do trust Hircine more than Molag Bal. It's a logical conclusion to make. The 'Lord of the Hunt' is, without a doubt, a much less intimidating title than the "Lord of Domination'. If given power, he will certainly try to dominate something with it. Maybe Tamriel, but more likely another Daedra. The Princes are always bickering and fighting among themselves, you see, so it is actually rather difficult for them to get enough power and time to make any attacks against Mundus. The kind of power that, say, Hircine might get from defeating Vile alone." Her eyes settled on gro-Tagnud, then Teroiah in turn. "Maybe you trust Hircine not to decide to hunt your nations, but I am merely suggesting that you could prevent one, single Daedra from claiming that kind of potential influence by spreading it out a bit more evenly."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Meesei could not help but to laugh. She took a sip of her wine and pointed a claw towards Sabine. “You claim you are shy, Sabine, but you ask some of the bravest questions I have heard. Even if they are unintentional.”

Rukeewei chuckled along with Meesei. “Well, it may not be story book, but it is definite a story worth telling. I can’t imagine what I would have thought.”

After a few moments, Meesei returned her attention to Ariel and Rukeewei. “I, of course, know how you two met, but I do have some curiosities of my own. Are you finding parenthood to be everything you anticipated?”

---

Hal-Neesa gave an amused huff. “Oh, I remember it well. It was before my time in service of lord Molag Bal, so I found myself against them, as did the rest of Tamriel. You should take my advice when I say that it is better to keep them as allies. The Daedra will not listen to you, or respect you, or particularly like you, but they will obey their master’s orders to bring destruction upon Vile and his realm. Oh, and I shall not pretend my master is offering his aid selflessly.” Neesa laughed. “The greatest master of speechcraft could not make that claim believable. No, every portal opened from his realm to Vile’s shall make it that much easier for him to claim more of Vile’s power when and if he is defeated. A fair price for an army of Daedra, I would say.”

Leaning over the table, Neesa placed down the sigil stone in the space between Teroiah and gro-Tagnud. “Regardless of your thoughts on the matter, it is a condition of Molag Bal’s aid that you bring these stones with you and teach their handlers how to activate them. Use them or pretend you won’t, but both I and my master know what you will choose when you are facing down Vile’s fearless horde of servants.”

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Rukeewei laughed. "Well, that is why we eat them. I've always been glad that the finest ingredients in the Marsh can be found right here in Thorn. It is a port city, so we have trade all over, really."

The slugs were nothing new to Meesei, though they did conjure up quite a bit of nostalgia for her. Their scent alone, much like the bergamot extract, brought her mind back to her childhood. To her village. The memories of traditional Argonian meals with her father were not unpleasant ones, but still bittersweet for her to think about. For the moment, though, she simply took a drink of wine as she sat back, listening to the others. Rukeewei, meanwhile passed a few curious glanced between Sabine and Karl.

"So, um, how did you two meet? I mean, your sister did mention what you said in your letters, but I think stories are always better told in person." Rukeewei asked.

---

"Hmph, and that's why I'm here." Hal-Neesa remarked, thoroughly enjoying every sour look that Teroiah gave. "All that experience you have fighting back against Dagon will end up being a false friend to you if you end up trying to rely on it. This isn't going to be the same. See, the Prince of Destruction is arrogant by Daedric Prince standards, so it's enough for him just rush straight at his problems with overwhelming force, bash in their skulls, burn them alive, and all that nonsense. The Dremora are his dogs, and any Daedra is a reflection of their creator. The Dremora were happy to just throw themselves at all the mortal 'weaklings' with nothing but their own skill and ego. Really, there's a reason that no other being has failed to capture Tamriel more than Dagon. Vile likes to try to be more clever, though, just like his servants. The Skaafin are physically similar enough to the Dremora, except that they look like the unholy offspring of an Altmer and a goat, but they're going to be more clever. Those...'pertinent differences' you mentioned ripple throughout his whole army. They're going to use formations, they're going to use tactics. They're going to have trained the more bestial Daedra and use them more strategically. They may or may not be good strategies, but they're not just going to run at you mindlessly. So, you're going to have to out-think them like any other army; oh, and every single one of their soldiers is still an immortal being who does not fear death, so that still factors into their tactics."

A grin crept across Neesa's face as she paused, reaching into a bag she was carrying, which was just as colorful and out-of-place in the cave as her fine dress. Though, even stranger was the object she produced. It was a fairly large orb that appeared to be made of blackened glass, with a deep red, crystalline interior. Now that it was out in the open, a faint humming could be heard emanating from it if one listened closely enough. Teroiah certainly would have had enough personal experience to recognize it as a sigil stone. "Which is why it would be wise for you to add that same kind of power to your own forces. You see, my lord Molag Bal still has plenty of Dark Anchors at his disposal from his...attempted Planemeld. They may not be able to breach the barrier into Mundus any longer, but with just a little help, they can breach through into the Fields of Regret. I received this stone directly from my master, and it is bound to a matching stone within a Dark Anchor in Coldharbour. Place it at a spot in Vile's realm with even the tiniest of liminal fractures, and my master can call forth a Dark Anchor to create a dolmen on the stone. Then, you will have your own fearless, immortal Daedric allies straight from Coldharbour."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

One moment, forgot to put in the other scene.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

By how quickly he was moving around in the kitchen, it seemed that Rukeewei would be ready soon, though naturally, Ariel had likely been anticipating the evening enough that she could not wait for the conversation. Meesei grinned at Ariel's question. "One who is more eager to follow in his parents' footsteps than they are for him to follow. He is talented, and a quick learner. All of the young ones are trained in hunting and fighting so they can defend themselves, though not all have to pursue the more violent occupations. He truly could follow any path he wants and I believe he could succeed with it."

After another few moments, Rukeewei finally started to come out with plates for the first course of their meal, setting them out in front of each of them. It was hard to tell at first glance what exactly he was serving them, but he seemed eager to give it. On each of their plates were six or so morsels, each a few inches long and wrapped in some sort of leaf. "Okay, to start, I just want to reassure you that everything I am giving you all is perfectly safe for non-Argonians. I have made sure to prepare it all properly. I know Argonian cuisine does have a reputation for sometimes being dangerous to outsiders...which is absolutely true. Don't eat everything you find here without being sure about it. Everything I give you, though, is safe. Starting with the appetizers, I prepared bearded blue slugs, wrapped in salt-meadow leaf." He explained. On closer inspection, one would indeed see that within each leaf was a raw, indigo slug with small tentacles under its eye-stalks. Though uncooked, they had obviously been prepared with some spices. Anyone tasting them would find that it had something of an earthy texture, but with a surprisingly citrus-like taste.

---

Apart from her usual superiority, it was hard to tell if Neesa was surprised at all by Teroiah's lack of a reaction. She simply gave the slightest of grins as she looked over what they had laid out on the table. "Well, if there is one thing I can credit the Thalmor for, it is knowing to respect their elders. Regardless, I already know the basics of your invasion plan, so you need not catch me up on it. I will just need to be a part of all of these, uh, military planning talks to keep you from making any mistakes. Or at least too many mistakes. Unfortunately, Vile's realm is not one I have visited personally, but I do know of it. His Plane is called the Fields of Regret, fittingly for those stupid enough to bargain with him. He has styled his world into a tranquil countryside, with cities of glass and other buildings that look like they were made to try to impress an Altmer consort. The backbone of his Daedric army are going to be Skaafin, but keep in mind that Vile just loves to claim souls, mortal or otherwise. He'll have pretty much any and all types of Daedra in his service, so you'll have to prepare for all of them."

"The Champion's notes convey most of what you just said." Ri'vashi interjected. "Anything that scholars know about Vile and his realm, we have already researched years ago. We have not been fighting our enemy blind."

Hal-Neesa crossed her arms. "Hmm, that so? Well, let's see how extensive that research has been, then. If there is one thing that I do agree with your Champion on, it is that you are probably going to have the element of surprise. This whole invasion is just stupid enough that he'll be far to arrogant to expect it. Which is good, because you'll need it. You're not going to be able to scout the terrain before committing your armies. Best you'll be able to do is prepare your forces to fight Daedra in general. So, why don't you tell me how exactly you're planning to arrange your formations against Daedra, and I'll try to explain all the ways you're wrong."

Last of the Jedi (EliteCommander and Sep)

Kresst wasted no time taking his place in the mediation chamber. The instructions in the carvings had been straightforward, so it was hardly a few seconds after he had sat down before he started reciting the code. Although, not only did he speak the words, but he allowed his emotions to flow with them, at least to an extent. The very stones of the Sith temple were imbued with the dark side, and it was possible that the words themselves would not be enough without the weight of power and emotion that normally accompanied them among the Sith. It was something that the Jedi Order would certainly disapprove of, but fortunately, neither the captain nor Mach would have any way of feeling it. He even spoke it in the ancient Sith tongue he had been reading from the carvings, just to make sure the temple would recognize his words.

"Nwûl tash.
Dzwol shâsotkun.
Shâsotjontû châtsatul nu tyûk.
Tyûkjontû châtsatul nu midwan.
Midwanjontû châtsatul nu asha.
Ashajontû kotswinot itsu nuyak.
Wonoksh Qyâsik nun."

Kresst's words would mean little to his observers, but for the temple, they were the key to unlock the secrets it held. However, as Kresst's meditation deepened, he felt something more. Or rather, he sensed more strongly something he had been feeling all along. Darkness, death pain, betrayal...all more intense than anything he could ever have imagined. He had felt the darkness since shortly after they set foot on the planet, but he had assumed that its source was the dark side presence on the planet itself. However, now that he had opened his mind in meditation and was concentrating his thoughts, he could feel beyond the temple, beyond the planet. Normally, to sense something across the galaxy would be a feat of masters, but for the overwhelming magnitude of the pain and death bearing down upon them, even a youngling could feel this darkness. It racked his very being to focus on it, but he pushed through the pain to feel its source, only to find that the pain was spread across the galaxy. The light of thousands upon thousands of souls being snuffed out, one after another, though there was one focus point that was stronger than the rest: his home.

After a few moments, Kresst collapsed to the ground, panting. "Something is wrong. The darkness, it's...not from the planet. It's from...everywhere. All the death, betrayal, I could feel it piercing my heart. I...could sense it, the Jedi are dying. Everywhere, Jedi are dying. Even in our own temple."