EliteCommander

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Although Rukeewwei had stayed with the clan for a time while Ariel had worked to help them, he still lacked the context to truly understand the gravity of General Do'rhajul's defection. Still, Sabine's demeanor told the story that something about the whole situation had been far from pleasant for her. Unfortunately, it was not as if he would have any advice to help her, even if he were to understand everything that had transpired. "Well, I do hope you are able to find what...or who you are looking for. You told us that packs are like your families, so I can't really imagine what it would be like to try to choose your family. Though...I guess it could be better than the normal way. You'll get to pick who you like, instead of getting stuck with whoever you're born with."

Rukeewei's eyes briefly widened as he went through his own words in his head, then glanced aside to Ariel and cleared his throat. "Not...that you were born with a bad family, of course. I just mean that, um, some people are, and it's sort of random if you get a good one or not."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Meesei did not reply to either of the sisters, and inwardly thanked Karl for more strongly changing the subject. Now that they had more freedom to speak, they could address some of the other reasons they had for coming here. Although, as reserved of a person as she was, Meesei expected that Sabine would be hesitant to give the full explanation herself.

"Yes, it is something of a complicated situation overall." Meesei began. "Sabine made herself into a hero known across all of the clans of Tamriel. Accidentally. She managed to singlehandedly defeat a feared, long-standing enemy, accomplish a vital goal for the war effort, and kill a dragon. Such feats, especially among lycans, are hard to ignore. I am sure you know your sister does not enjoy having that type of attention on her, but the effect she has had on everyone's morale could be important heading into the final days of the war. People do love to be inspired."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"Oh, by Hircine, no." Meesei reacted immediately to Sabine. Her words were abrupt enough that there was a short, somewhat awkward pause before she hesitantly continued. "Well, I...did not mean it that way. Vee was a wonderful person when I knew her, and I am sure she still is. It is just that...I was reminded of intoxicated, passion-filled nights under the stars with my old lover. I feel I should...avoid thinking of that too much. My current mate would likely find that uncomfortable."

In the brief silence that followed, Meesei's gaze shifted between Sabine and Ariel. "So, are there any...other topics of interest to discuss?" She was eager to move on to a different topic, though the idea of returning to her village, even for other reasons, still weighed on her mind.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Despite the nature of Ariel's question, Meesei maintained a good-natured grin as she answered, showing no change in her mood. "Oh, I am quite alright. It simply brought up some old memories for me, and not unpleasant memories, mind you. Just some memories that I find...awkward to dwell upon now. It just reminded me of sharing a bottle of Argonian bloodwine with someone else a long time ago in my village. My, um, first love. Again, not a painful memory by any means, but now that my life and my affections have moved on, I do not feel that I should dwell on it for too long."

Regardless of her words, Meesei did have a hard time preventing herself from thinking back to that point in her life. It had always been somewhat painful for her to think of what she had left behind in her former life, but the rational part of her mind knew that the way she went about leaving it had been for the best.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Is there anything you want to have Sabine do aside from the dinner? If so, you can take us there.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"Hmm, yeah, it's not the only time I've heard that kind of story either." Rukeewei remarked before stepping away for just a few moments to grab another bottle of wine. "I guess fire is just alluring for a child. Something simple to cast, but fun to play with. I'm surprised more cities don't burn down." He laughed.

Rukeewei uncorked the wine and continued while he poured himself another glass. "I don't think I would even have any kind of talent for magic, but I can say that it is useful. Enchanters in the city charge a horn and a tail to ply their trade, but my dear Ariel has really done wonders for my business. Casks with magic to keep the spirits cool, alchemical concoctions to keep the fleshflies out of the inn. The Wamasu's Nest has really started to seem like more of a...high class establishment. Not exactly, but closer."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"Hmm, I would not say I was always terribly curious, though only because I did not know how much there was to know." Meesei answered. "It is easy to become complacent when you are trapped in your own experiences. I perhaps could have become curious had there not been magic to occupy my mind. In the arcane lies a world of mysteries accessible from anywhere in Mundus."

"You do make it sound amazing. Magic, that is." Rukeewei commented. "I could never wrap my head around it myself. Not that I, uh, exactly had tutors, mind you. Quite the opposite, really. I remember growing up, my brother managed to figure out how to cast the smallest of fire spells from this book he 'found'. It was a weak little thing, could hardly start a campfire with it. But, he somehow managed to, in the middle of the rainy season, managed to start a fire in the middle of the house. Burned up half of our room before we got it under control. Father whipped his tail bloody after that one, and our parents forbade us from doing anything having to do with magic after it. That incident might have been what caused him to start being so cautious, honestly."

After finishing his story, Rukeewei also finished off the last of his wine, and since the bottle on the table was also empty, he stood up to grab another. "Would anyone like more wine?" He asked. "Oh, and we do have dessert as well, if anyone would like some. Though, I understand if you need to wait a few minutes."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"Oh, well, I have to assume they are." Rukeewei answered, showing at least somewhat less nervousness. "You never really know if children are telling you the whole story, but I think they are fitting in now. It's not as bad as it probably would be if we weren't in a big city. They aren't the only non-Argonians. And it's not as expensive as it could be. The An-Xileel funds part of it in the city, for their own reasons, no doubt. Still, they are able to learn more than I would be able to teach them."

Rukeewei placed his hand lightly on Ariel's. "I think you would be smart enough to teach them just as much, dear." He smiled, looking back towards Karl. "But there would hardly be time, with how much she needs to put into her store."

"Had I known what I was missing as a hatchling, I might have tried to run away to a city." Meesei chuckled. My education in a remote Argonian village was strictly limited to magic, the history of the clan, and some scattered Argonian folklore. Everything I know about the world, and other worlds, I had to learn on my own later in life. Aside from some books, I suppose, though few written in Jel actually pertained to the world outside Black Marsh."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Meesei chuckled lightly to herself. "Ariel, I need not wait to tell you that you are safe. Saras closed the investigation months ago. You do not have to be suspicious about any strangers...well, no more than you usually would. The world is not a safe place, but you are in no more danger than anyone else. And, as Sabine said, hopefully the same will be true for us soon enough."

Rukeewei listened on, absentmindedly tapping a finger against one of the small horns above his eye. "You said we are safe here, though? I mean...I guess that's the important part, at least. Still would've liked to know, but I guess Saras is like one of those spies that like to keep every single thing a secret. I guess that's what they're supposed to do...or at least that is what it's like in those novels, and I think they're 'real' enough...I think..." He said, hesitating and stammering more and more as he went on. After a moment, he looked hesitantly at Ariel and rubbed at the back of his neck. "I'm...going to stop talking now."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Meesei simply nodded. "Apologies. That was my sentiment as well, but I was, how should I put it, strongly advised by my..." She began, her eyes drifting again towards the young girls. "...expert advisor to avoid mentioning it to a soul. Not even my own, um...family. I had to pester him for months to get him to agree to let me tell you now. I may be in charge, but I chose them to aid me for a reason, and I have to be willing to trust their advice when I know I am dealing in their area of expertise. As I said, though, you were never in any danger. Their investigations over the past few years have pretty much confirmed it. You and your family are safe here, and if you ever find yourself in danger from something else, you will have our protection."

Pausing a moment for a drink of wine, Meesei continued, just as friendly as she had been the entire night. "In the name of transparency, if you wish to know your secret protector, I am free to tell you."

Rukeewei certainly had his own thoughts on the matter. He was not necessarily uncomfortable, but for the moment, he wanted to let Ariel be the one to speak. He supposed it pertained a bit more directly to her.