EliteCommander

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"These are...lessons he has to learn. He can't just go through life thinking his actions won't have consequences, or that he can just ignore them if he doesn't like them. I'm not going to let him ruin his, and my, relationship with my family." Kaleeth replied, though she was mostly repeating the same points she had already made by this point, perhaps more to convince herself than to convince Janius. Julan did not yet even know that refusing the tattoos would be likely to cause such serious issues, so the argument she was making was purely hypothetical at the moment.

Regardless, Kaleeth looked to be getting more worried the longer she thought about it. "Maybe we should go talk to him, before he brings it up to anyone else?"

---

Once everyone had been served, Shevari sat down beside her husband with her own soup and spiced melons, though she was eagerly answering Llarasa and Monderyn before starting on any of it. Ahnasha had seen Shevari as being somewhat shy up to this point, but Fendros' family certainly would not be getting that impression of her. "Indeed. Most of the ingredients for it are seaweed and vegetables. The stock is usually made with trodh, but luckily, the sardines we found in the market are none too different from trodh, at least for the purpose of making stock. That usually isn't the case for Argonian cuisine, sadly; if you can't find the proper sort of meat, there usually isn't a good substitute from elsewhere."

Gwindir, meanwhile, grinned and sipped from his own wine. "The Altmer do take great pride in any cultural achievement. And there is some merit to it, I would not deny, but...even their Dominion allies are quite aware of their habit of exaggeration. I've witnessed many a late-evening tavern argument between Altmer sailors and locals on that topic. And wine is a popular part of that argument. Though, I am curious, how widely is your wine distributed? Leyawiin isn't too many steps away along the trade routes, I certainly must have seen it before." He commented as he started to look over and see if he could recognize the markings on the wine bottle.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Kaleeth crossed one arm over the other, looking down at the ground. "He didn't have to do it. We did tell him about it, and if he didn't want the marks, he should have said something beforehand. It wouldn't have been a problem, then. Hopefully we can convince him to agree like you say, but...he already made the commitment. He was told everything, and still made his choice. I think he...he should have to learn to deal with the consequences of his choices, even if he doesn't like them."

---

"Oh, I would say it is running better than well." Gwindir began. Ahnasha could see a familiar and genuine smile across his face, likely out of pride. If there was one thing she knew about both of her parents, it was that they took great pride in their business accomplishments, particularly since neither had any significant inheritance to build from when they started. Their accomplishments were their own. "One of the reasons we are up here in Cheydinhal is to make possibly the most lucrative deal we've yet made."

While Gwindir paused to allow Rhazii to pour his drink, Ahnasha spoke up, finding it a safe topic for them to stay on. "I read about that in your last letter, but you never hared any details. Is that something you can talk about now?"

Gwindir briefly thanked Rhazii, then nodded. "Hmm, at this point, I think so. Yesterday, we had a productive meeting with Count Indarys' steward. We just have a few more details to agree upon. All goes well, and we'll be sending fine goods from Summerset to the Cheydinhal castle, at a good price. The count used to have deals to trade directly with merchants in the Dominion for such goods, since they could hire their own ships and caravans for transport, but that has been disrupted in the last year or two. Political nonsense, mostly; arguments over tariffs and that sort of thing. At any rate, the Counts are currently barred from trading directly with Dominion merchants, but they can still buy from private merchants in the Empire. And we already trade regularly with merchants at most major Dominion ports. We wrote back and came up here as fast as we could once we learned about it. There are plenty of other merchants in Leyawiin who would bite into that deal like ravenous slaughterfish if they caught wind of it."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Kaleeth opened her mouth, intending briefly to scold Janius' suggestion, but mentally reminded herself that he was not as familiar with her village's traditions. "It...doesn't work like that. Everyone's marks are different. Before they begin, the Treeminder, or whoever might be applying them, will drink Hist sap and apply to Julan the marks that come to him. The marks are meant to come from the Hist themselves, which is another reason you can't just...refuse them. You'd be refusing the Hist themselves!"

Kaleeth started to pace through the hut, clasping her hands on her head. "Why...why does it have to be like this? Why can't it just be easy, and all go smoothly? Julan has to do it. There's no way we'll be welcome here anymore. The whole village would feel insulted, and my father would be absolutely livid."

---

For now, at least, S'nashi and the rest of Ahnasha's family accepted Calia's brief answer, especially with Fendros ushering them towards the meal they had all been awaiting. They had made sure to acquire enough blankets for everyone to sit comfortably by the lake for their picnic, and Ahnasha had made sure to buy a few pillows in case anyone, like Calia, preferred to have any extra cushioning.

While everyone else was getting seated, Shevari started straight away on serving everyone. "I shall start us all out with a few appetizers. Redoran spiced melons, and a light soup: an Argonian recipe, actually. Though, it is popular in Leyawiin as well. I was surprised to be able to find the seaweed for it all the way up here. Rhazii, could you help me with the wine? Your father's family has brought us a wonderful vintage. I just wish we had glasses fine enough to match it."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

It took a few seconds for Kaleeth to process what Janius was saying, but once she understood, her eyes briefly widened. She quickly leaned in closer and hushed her voice, despite the fact that they were alone in Zharan's hut, with no one around to listen. "What? Please tell me he didn't mention that to anyone else."

Kaleeth looked progressively more worried as she ran her hand down the side of her face. "How? How couldn't he know? I am absolutely certain we told him about the marks. My father mentioned it, described them. Juran-Selth mentioned it, and I'm pretty sure he described them too. There's no way he couldn't know. You don't just...not get the marks. It's tradition, and it's a great honor. Especially the marks of the leviathan. So few people can earn those marks...I can't even begin to say how much of an insult it would be if he just...refused them."

---

S'nashi and Vasiq both introduced themselves in turn after Calia, and it was, of course, S'nashi who was the most enthused to continue. She wore a modest green dress, lightly embroidered as was fashionable currently among Imperials. She was clearly well-groomed, and Ahnasha had expected she had spent most of her morning brushing her fur until it was just right. Although, despite what were no doubt S'nashi's best efforts, she was at an age where she could not hide her grey hairs. Gwindir, by contrast, still looked just the same as he always had in Ahnasha's memory: not completely youthful, but far from nearing old age.

"It is wonderful to meet you all!" S'nashi smiled after introducing herself. "I can smell that Shevari has done an excellent job on our lunch, as always. I hope we have not kept you all waiting for too long. We just had to admire this beautiful place. The Blackwood forest does have a wonderful charm to it, certainly, but this northern Cyrodilic countryside is simply idyllic. Rolling hills underneath mountains, forests, this little lake and its little waterfall, oh and this view!" She remarked, looking out down the mountain towards Cheydinhall itself. "It's just perfect. I can see why we came here."

After taking another look around at the two gathered families, S'nashi looked back to Calia. "Will your husband be joining us? I've been looking forward to meeting him too."

Ahnasha had to avoid allowing herself to sigh. They had managed to go all of thirty seconds without bringing up Fendros' father.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Janius found Kaleeth not long after she left the Master-Hunter's hut. They had not spoken for long, but Kaleeth was not upset with the outcome, and was not uncomfortable sharing with Janius. Juran, it seemed, had grown in many ways since their childhood. He had tormented her in her youth, hurt her both physically and emotionally, but now, he was someone she could honestly respect as a village leader. Kaleeth did not exactly describe him as apologetic, but she did say that he wanted to treat her far more fairly than in the past, despite the fact that she had abandoned the village. Kaleeth was not certain, but she suspected that he might feel partly to blame for her leaving to begin with. Aside from that, he did not have much to say on Leeus. Kaleeth got the impression that he strongly believed in guiding her, but allowing her to make her own decisions, and potentially mistakes.

Julan spent most of his day with Hal-Leeus, or the other Argonian children. He ate dinner with Kaleeth and Janius, but quickly left afterwards, claiming to want to join in a game with Leeus and a few of the others. Julan had not yet returned after a few hours, though with Zharanthixil tending to his own errands, Janius did have an opportunity to speak with Kaleeth in private.

---

To say that Rhazii's question was sufficiently distracting was an understatement. Shevari, of course, could not bring herself to declare any one kind of food her favorite, and took it upon herself to specify the question down to her favorite food per each regional style. Even then, she sometimes could not decide. Nevertheless, she told tales with a clear passion for her first time trying each recipe, how she learned it, and any history for each dish that she might know. She had not even finished giving her answer by the time Ahnasha spotted the rest of her family walking up the trail to the lake.

Ahnasha stood up to meet them as they reached the lake and was, of course, greeted with a hug from her mother. They had not brought too many of their finer clothes from Leyawiin, but they were dressed respectably, to the standards of merchants. Vasiq quietly returned to his wife's side, while Gwindir took the initiative with their introductions. Calia, being the eldest, was the first one towards whom he extended a hand with a smile. "Greetings! It is a pleasure to finally meet you. I am Gwindir, Ahnasha's father.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

We can move ahead with Janius and Julan. I suppose the next big thing is talking about his tattoos.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Julan scratched his head a moment. "Um, well, I guess you did say you were just pulling me away for a few minutes, so...Leeus is probably expecting me to come back soon. It would be rude if I didn't go back. I guess we can just ask mother later. I, um, just hope I don't cause any trouble. I don't want to upset anyone."

---

Ahnasha nodded back to Monderyn. "Agreed. I told my family a time to arrive somewhat later than you, just to make sure you did not accidentally meet them on the trail, but they should be here soon. If my parents are the same as I remember, they do always stay punctual, if they can help it. I don't suppose you brought a bow, or can conjure one? If things get tense, we might distract everyone with a friendly archery contest between the two of us. Regardless, we should hurry."

Shevari quickly started to show some confusion. "I'm...not quite sure I understand your meaning. I would think-"

Shevari's words, and thoughts, were quickly interrupted by the others returning to the conversation, and Ahnasha quickly speaking up to take it over. "Is everyone alright? Everyone feeling comfortable? We do have some nice, clean water if anyone is feeling thirsty and doesn't want to spoil their meal. It is something of a hot day today."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"Um, we could wait, or just talk to whoever you think we should, I guess." Julan replied, deciding to trust in his father's judgment on the matter. Naturally, he was more comfortable speaking to his own mother than a relative stranger, even if he seemed to be a friendly one.

Julan seemed somewhat surprised, or perhaps confused by Janius' question. "Um, no. I don't think I've asked her about her family yet. She mostly just asks me questions when we talk. A lot." He replied. "Is it important? Is the Master-Hunter going to be angry at me?"

---

"Leyawiin is a place of...many cultures." Shevari answered. "It is in the borders of Cyrodiil, on fertile land between Black Marsh and Elsweyr. It has a climate that is comfortable for Argonians and Khajiit, and...passable for Humans. It is a major port that receives trade from all over the southern parts of Tamriel. I wish I could say that everyone always got along, but...at the very least, for people with an open mind, it can be an enlightening sort of shock to experience. Argonians and Khajiit traditionally have much bad blood between our people, and my family was no exception. They hated the idea of me marrying a Khajiit, but all it took was to get to know them for their hearts to soften. Now, as for how I met my husband..."

Shevari had already been cheerful and smiling, but her expression soon became softer and warmer. She paused, her mind briefly reminiscing through her memories. "Vasiq was a merchant. He still is, really. He worries about finances, and inventory, and making deals, so I can just worry about my cooking. But, before I met him, he did not know what he wanted to do. Well, I will say that he did know that he wanted to have his own business, and not just wait for the day that he would inherit his parents' store. With Gwindir being a Bosmer, that day might actually never come, so I would say it was a fair goal for him. But, he was, perhaps, a little confused at that point in his life. He had come up with some clever ideas, and he had it in his head that he could make a business off of being an inventor."

Shevari interrupted herself with a few, short chuckles. "My husband, my dear Vasiq, is not an inventor. When we met, he was trying to sell me this little trinket. It was meant to be able to quickly, easily, and reliably create a small flame. He said it was created so 'even those without any hint of magic would, too, be able to have the convenience of fire right in their pocket. Without any of the hassle or unreasonable expense of enchanting.' He is convinced that he was sold fake, or perhaps tainted fire salts, because the trinket exploded like a fireball right in his hand as soon as he tried to demonstrate it. By some miracle, he wasn't hurt beyond a little bit of singed fur. I started laughing, then after a while, he started laughing. Then we started talking. Beyond that, our love just came from getting to know each other over time."

Ahnasha became more obviously concerned, and made sure to keep herself turned away from Shevari to avoid causing any worry. She supposed it might be too much to ask to avoid conflict with Fendros' father by virtue of him simply not being present. If he showed up angry and unstable, she and Fendros might have to show themselves as being more than simple peaceful merchants if they could not talk him down. "Well, no matter what happens, no one is getting hurt. Not us, or him. Hopefully, he stays home. If not...well, hopefully the alcohol also makes him more open to talk about it."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Julan looked worried, and seeing Janius' own uncertainty did not help matters. "I'm really sorry, I just didn't think about it much before. I was too worried about the fight. I wanted to make you, and mother, and grandfather happy, and I just...don't want to upset anyone. Maybe we could ask the Treeminder; he does seem nice. Do you think he would be upset? Or maybe mother would know if it would be okay for me not to get them? She has the tattoos too."

---

"Hmm, in a way." Shevari answered. "It is called 'Tamrielic Delights'. I serve all sorts of food, in all sorts of styles. My family traveled around when I was a hatchling, mostly through Black Marsh, Morrowind, and Cyrodiil. I loved food, and always helped my mother with the cooking. She always said I had an instinct for it, or maybe just a really sharp nose. I loved learning new recipes, and how people cooked in the places we went. By the time I settled in Leyawiin, I knew how to cook in the styles of the Nibense, Colovians, Dunmer, and Saxhleel. I met my husband, and we had the idea to make a restaurant that could satisfy all kinds of people, no matter where they were from, or what they wanted to try."

Shevari had a proud smile by this point. Whether Calia was genuinely interested or not, she had convinced Shevari that she was. "My goal is to eventually be able to serve the cuisine of every race in Tamriel. I'm lucky that Leyawiin is a popular port city. It lets me learn from people, cookbooks, and the like. I've been adding more and more Bosmer and Altmer recipes to my repertoire, and it's easy to find instructions for Breton cuisine anywhere in the Empire. Oh, and Khajiit cuisine, of course. My family has helped me with that."

Ahnasha stayed just as quiet as Monderyn, even after noticing that Shevari was sufficiently distracted. "I'm fairly certain they're going to ask you and your mother about him regardless of what I say, but...it's not like they're going to go break down your door just to get to him. They are more polite than that. Hopefully, just meeting with you all will be enough for them."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

It was hard to tell if Julan fully understood everything that Janius was saying, but he was certainly embarrassed enough to not want to talk about it anymore. He was eager to change the subject, but he did not merely change it to one that was trivial. There was one other matter he had been worried about beyond Leeus, and he now had an opportunity to bring it up in private, away from the Argonians of the village.

"Um, well, there is...one question I've been, uh, thinking about. Not about Leeus or anything, it's about, well...I know I'm supposed to get these tattoos because of the rite. The leviathan marks. But...what if I don't want tattoos?" Julan asked nervously.

---

Shevari's attention was quickly grabbed by any mention of her cooking, and with Llarasa having stepped away to greet her brother, she was free to step in immediately. Ahnasha could see her face practically light up at the opportunity to talk about what was clearly her favorite subject: her own cooking. "It's a few things I've been preparing, with your son and grandson to help, actually. I've made a few dishes from a variety of cuisines, but we thought it would be nice to have some traditional Dunmer dishes. It's not often that I can get the right ingredients so easily. The main course is a kagouti roast, lightly seasoned for more of a focus on its natural flavors. We also have an Ashlander nix-hound chili, Redoran peppered melons, a Telvanni recipe for kwama frittata, and a particular kind of stew from Vvardenfell. I'm not sure if it ever had a widely used name, but the man who taught it to me said it was once a local specialty in the city of Vivec."