EliteCommander

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Kaleeth started to laugh softly. "It's, well...it's hard to describe why that question doesn't make any sense to ask." She said, pausing again as she obviously was having a difficult time thinking of how to phrase her answer. "We all think together. The Saxhleel, the Hist, we are all connected together. It's why we are the 'people of the root.' We're connected by the Hist, so our minds are...together. But not completely, or consciously. At least not all the time. I'm not hearing words, I'm..."

Kaleeth interrupted herself with a long, frustrated sigh and rubbed her hand over her head. "I feel like I'm trying to describe color to a blind person. I don't know if I can make it make sense. Maybe someone else will be able to describe it the right way. I'm probably just going to end up confusing you. And me."

The small village did not take long to traverse, even with the attention they attracted along the way. They made their way back into Zharanthixil's home, and found everything much the same as when they left. Zharan and Julan were sitting across from each other on the mats in the center of the hut, apparently in silence. Although, with the noise outside, even Kaleeth was not sure if they had been talking just before they returned. As expected, Julan did not appear to be any worse for wear for his time spent with his grandfather, but for just a moment, he did give a slightly worried look up towards his parents.

---

"Oh, we are staying in this inn, so I am sure one of us will be here when you need to find us, at least." Gwindir answered. "Although, we do not have any real proper place to actually host a dinner, unfortunately."

Finally, with the plans being made on her behalf, Shevari finally chimed into the conversation. "I don't think we'll be able to go anywhere with a proper kitchen, but...I don't think I'll need one. As long as I have the right ingredients. Perhaps a few more pots, pans, bowls, and such. Maybe we could all have a nice picnic outdoors, as long as the weather cooperates? Perhaps at that lake outside of the city?"

"A fine idea, I would say." Gwindir replied, gesturing back towards Fendros. "If your family would not mind going to the lake, we could have it there. Otherwise, I would be more than happy to visit them in their home, if they prefer. Perhaps we can keep the fact that Shevari is our chef a secret until after they have had a chance to try her meal? Just so they do not have any sort of...expectations about it."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Kaleeth did not look to be encouraged by Janius' answer. Regardless, she slowly brought herself to stand up, but still kept her hands touching the tree. "And I don't even know how to help him. Maybe one experience with the sap was enough, but...what if it wasn't? What if there is something permanently wrong with him because of us? I...guess I just have to hope that Thorantilth can help. He is a Treeminder, like..."

Kaleeth stopped mid-sentence. For a few seconds, she ran her hands across the tree bark before finally turning away towards Janius. "...like Meesei was. Meesei was trained to be a Treeminder, right? Before she...left? She knows all the rituals, and she would have known if we were doing something wrong. Maybe I am worrying too much? I'm sure she would have done something to help if we were making any mistakes. I don't know; maybe we should get back to my father before I worry myself to death. I do want to visit Reanaseer soon, but I don't think there will be any problem with us staying here."

---

Just based on their expressions, it did not seem like either Gwindir or S'nashi were taking the situation with Fendros' father quite as seriously as he was presenting it to be. Although, Vasiq did at least look to be more concerned. Gwindir's response remained just as upbeat as before. "Well, I'll be glad to meet whoever you would like to introduce us to for now. I'm sure that once we all get together and get to know each other, we'll figure out a way to work it out. I still think we should make it a dinner; a great meal is a great thing to bond over, I find."

"I think that's a wonderful idea." S'nashi added immediately. "I think there is so much we need to catch up on, and that would give us plenty of time to do it. I can hardly even imagine all that must have happened, even just for you alone, Ahnasha. Or maybe not...I mean, you hardly even look like you've aged a day. You simply must tell me your secret."

Ahnasha crossed her arms nervously on the table. "Oh, I've just kept myself healthy. Perhaps with a...little bit of alchemy from a friend."

"Well, if your friend ever comes to Leyawiin, they just have to pay me a visit." S'nashi grinned.

"As long as their services are not too expensive, of course." Gwindir commented, though he soon looked more seriously at Fendros. "Do you think you could arrange for a dinner with your family? Do you think your family would want to be the ones to host? I would like for Shevari to be able to be the one to cook for us."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Kaleeth still looked to be uncertain. She turned her head to the side and pressed it up against the tree, closing her eyes and concentrating on the Hist itself. Although, after a few seconds, she continued, albeit more quietly. "You don't understand. It is...fundamental to us. An Argonian that does not know the Hist would be like living without one of your senses. It would be as if your parents had forced you to live your childhood blindfolded."

Looking back up at Janius, Kaleeth hesitated, then sighed. "Well...I guess you're not wrong either. We did do something for him. We gave him a naming ceremony, and the sap, but...we should have done more, I think. More sap, at least. I can't imagine how he is experiencing all of this. This is probably the first time he is really feeling the full presence of the Hist. It's natural to me, even after being away for all this time, but he has to be hearing the voices in his mind, speaking without words. Has he...been acting strangely. I should know, but I might have been too distracted by my own worries."

---

Both Gwindir and S'nashi frowned, though of course, S'nashi was the first to speak up. "Oh my, that just...all sounds like such a shame. Especially for such a fine young man like you. A respectable person like you deserves to be, well, respected."

Gwindir sat back in his chair, nodding. "I think my dear S'nashi is quite right. You've been nothing but a loving and faithful husband to our daughter, and I think you deserve better. And, just going from your description here, it doesn't sound completely hopeless. Your siblings, your mother, if they can accept you, Ahnasha, and us, then that just leaves your father alone. I can't imagine having my whole family against me on something as important as this, but not even giving a thought that they might be right. Surely, he has to have some doubts? Even if he keeps them bottled up inside himself. Surely there is some hope that he could change his mind? I think we should have a nice, big dinner together; our family and yours. With all you've done for our daughter, I'd like to at least try to help you repair your relationship with your father. We can all get to know each other, Shevari can cook up something delicious for us. It would be nice."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

For just a few moments after leaving Thorantilth's hut, Kaleeth seemed aimless once more. However, she again ended up moving in a direction without really thinking, and ended up standing at the base of the village's Hist tree, a short distance from the hut. She placed her hand on its bark, staying silent for a few seconds before lowering herself down to sit and lean back against it. "I think there is a lot I should do here. I should have come back here long before now, but...I don't know. Things just feel wrong to me, in a way, but it's hard to explain how. It's been so long, I almost forgot what it is like to have the voice of the Hist in my head again. I wish you could understand it like I do, but I don't think there is any way I could put it into words. I just feel like I should have let Julan experience it before now. He isn't like me; he wasn't raised close to the Hist's voice. He was able to drink the sap, but not as often as most Saxhleel hatchlings. I feel like we've been mistreating him by keeping him so far from Black Marsh for so long."

---

Unfortunately, S'nashi was just as dismissive of Fendros' warning as Ahnasha had expected she would be. She waved a hand towards Fendros. "Oh, don't you worry. I've met plenty of those 'traditional' types before. But you know, a little kindness can go a long ways. Why don't you all sit down? No sense in just standing around in the middle of the inn." She said before finally turning back to sit at the table. "Why, Shevari's family was just like that. I don't know if you know, but some Khajiit and Argonians around Blackwood have been at each other's throats for a long while. They didn't like her falling for our Vasiq, but we helped them come around."

Gwindir, though perhaps less dismissive than S'nashi, still shared her opinion. "Besides, you never said in your letters that you were on bad terms with your family. If they can accept you and our daughter, then I'm sure they can come around to accept us."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Thorantilth took a moment to have more of his tea. He did not act as if he were in a hurry, though Kaleeth had alluded before to the fact that he likely had many other responsibilities to attend to. "She has lived for as long as the Hist has willed her to live. She was in quite fine health until the most recent cycle of the moons. I believe the Hist has decided that it is time for her memories to return to the root. It is good that she will be able to add one last memory of you to that collection, Kaleeth."

Kaleeth smiled, having finished most of her tea by this point. "Well, I don't know if memories of me will be too useful to the Hist, but it will still be nice to speak to her again. I will also make sure our son has a chance to come see you, Thoran. I'm sure there is a lot you will be able to teach him. As long as my father will allow him out of his sight long enough for him to visit. He did actually seem pleased to see Julan. I really wasn't sure if I should have been expecting that."

There was a single, slow nod from Thorantilth, and a few seconds of silence before he spoke. "I suspect your father was much happier than he let on to see you again. And though I certainly doubt that he gave you this impression, I also suspect he did not mind you being there as well, Janius. Zharanthixil is a harsh man, shaped by a harsh life, but he still experiences love, respect, and compassion like the rest of us. He is just adverse to showing it, to the point of outwardly denying it."

Kaleeth started to stand up, appearing briefly uncertain of how to respond. "I...hope so. I really don't want to make my father any more unhappy than he already was. Maybe just spending some time here with him will help. Thank you for all of your kind words, Thoran. If there is anyone in the village as wise as Reanaseer, it would be you." Kaleeth took Janius' hand, ready to go on their way. Speaking to the Treeminder had improved her mood, but that mood was still only a thin barrier to the uncertainty and despair that had recently been poured onto her.

---

Gwindir nodded and opened his mouth to speak, but his words were quickly overshadowed by S'nashi's enthusiasm. "Oh, without a doubt. There is nothing I have wanted more since meeting my new son than to meet the people responsible for raising him into being such a fine young man."

S'nashi finally turned her attention away from Rhazii long enough to give Fendros the same tight hug that she had given to Ahnasha and Rhazii. "I understand that your family owns their own vineyard? You know, I have always felt that winemaking is an almost...romantic sort of business. Beautiful and majestic fields of grapes, the class and respect that comes with making such a refined and elegant product. If I am being entirely honest, I don't personally understand why you would prefer to run a hunting shop, but I can see where you got your business acumen."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"How does Elder Reanaseer fare? Well, I would say she is even more aged, and even more experienced." Thorantilth answered. "She is not as active as she once was, though. She spends most of her days now in her home, cared for by her attendants. Now, we must visit her in order to be chided for our mistakes. I have applied my magic to care for her health as much as I can. She has been a woman as willful and hardy as Hist bark; some of the hatchlings are convinced she is immortal. But, I do believe her soul shall be returning to the Hist soon. Her body will likely fail her before the next season. There is no sadness in the village about that fact, though. It would seem foolish to be upset about the eventual end of such a long and storied life. At the very least, take care not to show such sadness in her presence, else she will instruct one of her attendants to smack you atop the head with her cane."

Despite the somewhat solemn news, Kaleeth could not help but to smile back at Thorantilth. In the case of Reanaseer, she could not help but to understand and agree with the Treeminder. Indeed, Kaleeth had not even expected Reanaseer to still be alive to begin with, so the fact that she might have the chance to visit her again was mostly just a pleasant surprise. "Well...it will be good to visit her again, at least one last time. Reanaseer has been such a big part of our village for what seems like forever. My father told me stories about her accomplishments from when he was a hatchling. I remember she was always nice to me; I don't expect she'll have a problem with us staying here."

"Indeed, and I could tell you even more from my own youth. She is a woman of over one hundred and fifty years, and has been a constant for our village for all of that time. I am sure she will appreciate your visit, although...if you need to speak with an elder for anything other than a personal visit, you should take any concerns to Tsaletikim. Reanaseer's body no longer allows her to fulfill her responsibilities, so he has taken them on as her successor. He is our Elder in everything but name at the moment. Of course, he will be just as glad to have you with us as Reanaseer will be." Thorantilth explained.

---

Gwindir had been patient, and wisely allowed his wife release her enthusiasm before taking his turn to greet them. Vasiq's plan to avoid causing a scene had mostly been a failure due to his mother's energetic reaction, but most of the patrons had returned their attention to their own business by this point, and Gwindir was much slower, and not nearly as loud about approaching Ahnasha. He hugged her as S'nashi had, then Rhazii in turn. "Ignoring whatever miracle brought you all here, I could not be happier to see you all. Being able to speak to you in person is indescribably better than the occasional letter. Have there been any major developments for all of you since your last letter? I am not sure if you received the last one we sent, but I have quite the potential deal to negotiate here in Cheydinhal. It really could double my business."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Thorantilth finally stood up for a few moments to go grab a cup of tea for himself, and was smiling towards Janius as he made his way back to them. "Oh, I think you will find that everything is much the same as when you left. There have been some impressive hunts, some brigand raids, but our village has followed the same lifestyle it has for countless generations. I do believe travelers like yourselves lead much more interesting lives than us. The last time this village experienced any real upheaval was during the Red Year."

Pausing, Thorantilth lightly blew on his tea and took a small sip before setting it down in front of him. "But, I believe history speaks for me when I say that I would prefer to live in uninteresting times."

---

S'nashi snorted as she laughed. "Oh, I am wonderful, though I don't think the road could have been anywhere near as kind to us as it was to you all. Akatosh himself must have taken you through time to get you all the way here."

Since they now had a plan, Ahnasha was calm and laughed along with her mother. The time they had been waiting had been enough for her to come up with some decent wording for her explanation in her head. "Our trip went quite smoothly, I'd say. It is an interesting story how we got here, but...okay, well I wouldn't exactly say it's a secret or anything, but we had help getting here in a way I probably shouldn't spread around too much. I promise I'll tell you once we're not in a public place."

S'nashi was naturally curious at the answer, but did not seem to be upset by it. Perhaps because she was still so focused on Rhazii. "If you say so. Honestly, I would probably believe you if you told me that Rhazii here carried you both here on his shoulders. You have definitely been keeping yourself healthy, even for a Cathay. I think my not-so-little Vasiq could probably learn some things from you. He has been spoiled a bit too much on his wife's, admittedly delicious, sweetcakes."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"Of course. The most important thing for him to learn is of the Hist, and his connection to it. I would certainly be the perfect person for him to speak to about that. Thorantilth remarked.

Kaleeth nodded. "Thank you. We, um, my father also said we should ask the Elders for permission to remain in the village, at least for the next few days. Since I...left the village."

Thorantilth leaned forward and placed a hand upon Kaleeth's shoulder. "Kaleeth-Rei, you may have left the village, but you are still one of the tribe. We cannot keep you from your home. The village will be moving soon, but not within the next week. You can stay as long as you need, and the other Elders will say the same."

"Even the Master-Hunter?" Kaleeth asked worriedly.

Thorantilth did not hesitate in the slightest. "Even Juran-Selth."

---

The three of them waited just a few minutes to allow Vasiq enough time to inform Ahnasha's parents before finally heading downstairs. Most of the patrons did not seem to be acting strangely, so it appeared like Vasiq had at least succeeded in preventing any sudden outbursts. However, that did not last too long, as Ahnashap's parents spotted her immediately as soon as they were down the stairs, and they did not make it halfway across the inn before her mother shot up from her seat to meet them. "Oh, divines it is true! And I thought Vasiq was just making some kind of prank. My little cub and her husband...oh this could not be any better!"

Naturally, S'nashi ran up and hugged her daughter immediately, but once she released Ahnasha, her attention finally turned to Rhazii. She too had similar fur in pattern to Ahnasha, though greyed. Her dress was a simple and modest tan garment, and certainly much less expensive than she would have been able to afford as a merchant. She showed less surprise than Shevari, but was still overjoyed to see him. "My, how you have grown, Ma'rhazii! I feel like I am dreaming, finally seeing my grandson almost all grown up. My grandson. Oh, how wonderful that sounds to say!"

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Kaleeth took a sip of her tea, but did not add anything beyond what Janius said for the moment. In the mental state she was in, she was glad that he was willing to explain for her at the moment.

Although there was more tea left, Thorantilth did not have any for himself at the moment. He simply listened to Janius, while watching Kaleeth closely. "I see. And I will also assume that your father has shared all of the...recent developments with you, Kaleeth. My hut will always be open to you to talk for as long as you are here, should you need it. And this Kaj-Julan, the boy the hunters mentioned, I gather that he is your son? Well, first, I would like you give you my belated congratulations, Kaleeth. I always thought you would make for a good mother. Second, is there anything that your son needs from me, or anything that I can do for him? Was he able to have a proper naming ceremony? Drinking of the Hist sap for the first time is very important for a young Saxhleel."

---

Ahnasha shrugged. "I don't think anything is wrong, no. I just think Vasiq was surprised. I mean, we did just show up right in his face when we were supposed to be all the way in Skyrim. He's still probably confused about how we're even here. I think that's what was distracting him." She reasoned. "As for my mother, I don't know if 'more emotional' is the right way to put it. She was plenty emotional last time, it's just that she can be more bold about what she feels or thinks. She likes speaking her mind, and doesn't like holding back. And now she's getting old, and doesn't care as much what people think about her. It's a good thing that she is a kind woman, for the most part."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"My, that is better than I would expect from a Human. I might have been right about you after all. Zharan thinks I have lost my touch." Thorantilth replied. He bowed his head back in response to Janius, though did not shake his hand before walking back over to his alchemy tools, perhaps just out of unfamiliarity with the custom. He certainly was not showing anything aside from friendliness in any other respect. With a quick gust of frost magic, he staunched a flame that had been heating one of his concoctions in a large stone bowl, then poured some of its contents into two cups made from hardened clay.

Kaleeth was already obviously much more relaxed, but was now starting to look guilty. "I'm sorry for showing up here so suddenly, Thoran. I know you usually have a lot to do, especially when it comes time for the village to move. I hope we're not causing any trouble by interrupting you. What kind of a potion are you making?"

Thorantilth was silent at first, taking both cups and walking back over to the pair and offering one to both of them. "Tea." He said simply, handing off the cups before taking a seat on one of the cloth mats on the floor. "I have to assume you have already spoken with your father. So, what has you visiting me so soon?"

---

"Um, okay, sure. I guess we'll put away our things and...actually, wait." Vasiq said after only one step. "Maybe you should wait, just a few minutes. Let me go put away our things, then I'll go down there and tell them that you're here. I think if I'm the one that tells them that you're here, then it won't be as likely that someone will make some kind of a scene in public. No screaming or anything. You know how excitable mother can get when she's in a good mood."

Ahnasha started to grin. "Yeah, I remember. Still, do you really think that's necessary? I mean, she never got that crazy."

"I guess she did always hold back before, but now I think she's old enough that she realizes she can get away with it now. Just come down in five minutes or so. We'll be ready for you." Vasiq suggested.

With a shrug, Ahnasha agreed and allowed Vasiq and Shevari to head down ahead of them to inform her parents. Meanwhile, she, Fendros, and Rhazii would just wait upstairs in the hallway until it was time to join them.

Any anxiety that Ahnasha still had was at least less obvious now. She realized that her brother was probably one of the easier of her family to run into first, so she supposed they had been lucky. "It sounds like my mother is back to her old self. I remember she was somewhat subdued when we saw her in Leyawiin. She was probably overwhelmed after learning I was still alive. My brother does have a point; there would probably be some screaming if she suddenly saw us here."