EliteCommander

Last of the Jedi (EliteCommander and Sep)

Kresst was momentarily stunned by the lighting, though it was not powerful enough to be particularly dangerous, even to one of his size. Regardless, it came as a surprise to Kresst. He had not felt the force before within the captain, likely due to how much stronger the dark side presence of the environment was compared to him. Indeed, he seemed to be a fledgling dark side user; one that was either new to the practice, or lacked any real training. Even with that explanation for the betrayal in his mind, Kresst was currently having a much more difficult time suppressing the more intense extremes of his emotions than usual. He was usually not one who liked to delve too far into the light or dark.

Though not a warrior by trade, Kresst still had his full Jedi training for his reactions to draw from, and even without the force, the captain's movements were quite telegraphed. His size granted him strength, but not agility. With a force-assisted jump, Kresst leaped almost directly forwards, rather than up or backwards, to send him through the captain's legs and end up behind him faster than his lumbering body could react.

"Oh, I understand now." Kresst remarked as he turned back towards the captain. "You are not merely a selfish warlord...you are seeking the darkness, and I doubt you are doing so responsibly. Well, if you want to feel the dark side so strongly, then here...take it." Extending forth his hand once more, Kresst poured his anger into a stream of lightning towards the captain, with no intention of holding back.

Last of the Jedi (EliteCommander and Sep)

The weight of darkness bearing down upon Kresst's mind had, without a doubt, made him momentarily vulnerable. With his mind opened up to the rest of the galaxy, it was filled with pain, death, and betrayal. However, his senses only remained in the stars for a brief moment. While the captain was knocking out Mach, Kresst's mind pulled back to their planet. Upon Mevann, he felt the same darkness that was echoing throughout the galaxy, and then, he felt the danger in his very room.

Just as the captain's blade was about to be upon Kresst he unleashed the power of the Force that had swelled up within him. Though it lacked elegance, Kresst's telekinetic push hit the captain with a force that would certainly surprise him, in addition to knocking him back into the nearest stone wall. As Kresst slowly stood up to his feet, his eyes were locked upon the captain and filled with a burning rage entirely uncharacteristic for the average Jedi. While not normally so quick to anger, Kresst was more open to his emotions than other Jedi, and his heart had been wrought with the pain of every single Jedi that his senses had just touched. "Did you think...to betray me? To kill me over just some ancient carved stones? Did you think your size would just intimidate or...overpower me? No, you are the one who should be afraid."

Reaching out his hand towards the captain, Kresst gripped at his throat with the force and began to constrict his airway while lifting him up into the air. Right now, the captain was becoming the unfortunate recipient of all of the rage that Kresst's meditation had forced upon him.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"Indeed, I would hope you would be safe here. That is one of the greatest advantages of living in a city, I will admit. Though most cities do have their dangerous elements, I suppose you know how to avoid them. And it is also a relief to know that no other outside dangers have made their way to you. I...well I do suppose you have a right to know about this. Since the last time you helped us, I had someone keep an eye on you, just to guarantee your safety." Meesei explained, pausing for just a moment as her eyes glanced to the young girls nearby. She still needed to avoid being too specific. "I did not have too much or a reason to believe that you would be in any danger, but I would not have felt right just leaving you alone. Someone from one of the local clans has been checking up on you, watching out for suspicious activity. I can happily report that our...adversary does not even so much as knows about your connection to us, much less has any actual knowledge of where you are. If it was something you were worrying about, I believe you can dispel any of those fears."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Oh, yeah, I have nothing more to add there.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Meesei smiled. "If distance was not such an easy problem for me to solve, then I would not, but fortunately, it is only time that I have to worry about for now. I would say we have enough time together, considering the circumstances."

Rukeewei spent a few moments in thought as he started on his stew. "I can hardly even imagine what it would be like to have to worry about those kinds of things. Politics, a public image...I don't envy that part of your position. Or many other parts of it, if I am being honest. I do hope things calm down for you once everything you are doing is over."

Meesei nodded. "I believe you echo all of our sentiment. Though, I do sometimes wonder what I would do with my skills if I did not have such worries. Or if I was not part of my clans? I suppose most mages join various conclaves or guilds. I am curious, have you had any reason to use your non-alchemical magical talents, Ariel? I do not think I could bring myself to not at least keep myself in good practice."

---

Neesa answered quickly. "Daedra will never fear nor rout, but they are just as able to be confused and disorganized as anything else. Moreso, really. The Skaafin will not be as effective without their leaders to react to your tactics. As long as you all are acceptably competent commanders yourselves, you should have the advantage. And perhaps it might do something for your soldiers' morale to see their allies slaughtering the enemy elite. Should Hircine's most important dog die, then you can just pick up the axe." She said, looking directly to Teroiah. "And if you all fail, then I guess I will just do it myself. But please, do not take that as an invitation to go jump onto a Skaafin sword. I would rather not have to go deal with a Daedric Prince myself."

Ri'vashi was becoming more adept at hiding her irritation with Neesa, despite the continued offenses she liked to make. She realized that she needed to ignore any personal feelings on the matter and focus purely on strategy. "Provided we make sure the ritual is not interrupted in each case, there are many options open to us for how to use the anchors. We could use them to augment defenses, force the enemy to attack away from their own defenses, surprise attacks, and the like. Ri'vashi would suggest, perhaps, that we vary our approach on how we use them, so as to avoid becoming predictable to the enemy."

"Hmph, use them however you like, as long as you use them." Hal-Neesa commented. "At the core of it all, we still have to make sure your armies are actually going to be competent enough to fight against Daedra at all. Your normal formations, tactics, and all that aren't going to work like usual. Let's go over some troop formations..."

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."