EliteCommander

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Meesei supposed it was good that Teroiah seemed satisfied with the results of her brief test, but Meesei herself did not feel she had learned anything particularly interesting about him or his abilities. At least, nothing that she had not already been told. Regardless, she supposed any questions she had in that regard would be answered in time.

"I think I would like to leave it to you, Rossarm, on if you would like to take on Teroiah's drills soon, or if you would prefer to take some time to rest and settle in. We do have no shortage of potions, if you feel you need to reconstitute yourself. But, for right now, there is one more matter of importance. We have told you who we are fighting, but we have not yet informed you of how exactly we intend to fight him. We have learned that Vile has a long-term plan to weaken the very foundations of Mundus, and eventually absorb it entirely into his own realm. To stop this, we intend to drastically weaken his power...through a direct invasion of his realm. If you do receive a command, that will be the battle you will be leading your mages through."

---

While not quite sobbing, there were a few more tears to escape Julan's eyes. "Yeah, I...guess I can. Just...please come back, okay?" He began before quickly returning his gaze back towards his reflection. He took another few seconds of silence to examine the details of his tattoos that he could make out in the murky water. "I guess all this with the tattoos doesn't really mean much compared to...you know, the invasion. It's just some ink on, or...in my scales? Under them? Anyways, I guess we'll be heading back to Thorn after I get the marks finished, right? So we can go back home when Sabine comes to check on us? We're going to leave soon after the marks are done, right? Because Leeus was saying she wanted us to go on a long walk before I left, so it would be just me and her together, with only her for me to talk to for hours." Julan explained, actually looking worried by the prospect. "Can we please leave before that?"

Last of the Jedi (EliteCommander and Sep)

Kresst kept his eyes, and all of his other senses, tuned to the world around him even moreso than before, especially now that he knew there was something out there calling to Mevenn. Indeed, he could feel that the Force was stronger than usual on this particular world, and without the sinister undertones they had felt on the last world from the Sith temple. This was something more, something other than just the life on the grasslands. In any other situation, his academic curiosity alone would be enough for him to want to investigate.

Normally, there was not enough space on a BARC speeder for two adults, but Kresst was able to climb up and fit comfortably in Mevenn's lap. At least, reasonably comfortably. If she had to brake suddenly, he might end up pressed between her and the handles. "Agreed, I would rather avoid violence right now. But, let us try to avoid approaching in fear and just...trust in the Force. And I will trust you to not suddenly launch me over the handlebars. For a bird, I am surprisingly poor at flying." He chuckled.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Given the nature of Teroiah's test, everyone else had moved clear of them and were observing from the other side of the table, in case of any errant spells. Meesei understood the point of what Teroiah was doing, but did not take much special interest in it herself. She supposed that testing the strength of his wards could give a general impression of his magical ability, but Meesei herself did not see a great deal of value in it. Though perhaps not common, one without powerful wards could still be a powerful mage. Ahnasha was an example that came to mind for her. Even so, Rossarm hardly looked like he was failing the test.

"I suppose this is an adequate test of his defenses, at least." Meesei commented. "But even if he were to fail, that would not be enough to declare him insufficient as a battlemage. If you recall from our bout, it is well within my ability to defend myself with evasion alone, without even bothering with heavy wards. We can move somewhere with more space, if you wish to try anything more comprehensive."

---

"I...don't know. You want me to just grow up all of the sudden, and I don't know if I can." Julan answered finally looking back up at his father. He rubbed his arm across his face to wipe the tears from his eyes, and at least made an attempt at appearing to stand strong. "I guess we'd have to. Take care of each other, that is. I guess we'd stay in the clan...keep training like we've been doing...and let all of our pack's friends help us? Like Ri'vashi, or Vera, or Gallus? Does...that all sound right?"

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"I see. Well, if you do have the notoriety that Teroiah indicated, then he may still remember you. It may at least be worthwhile to speak to him and his mages." Saras recommended.

Regardless of what role Rossarm was going to end up serving, Meesei agreed that he would probably need to demonstrate the skills he was bringing into their war effort. No matter how much of a reputation he might have, it would not be wise for any of them to give him an important role without knowing the limits of his capabilities for certain. "In the meantime, Legate General, Commander, in what ways would you two prefer to determine the extent of Rossarm's skills and ability?"

---

The worry for his parent's safety had been in Julan's mind for quite some time. Especially once he had started his own training in the clan, the reality of the risks his parents, and the rest of their pack, took as a part of their duties had started to dawn on him. But, to hear his father openly acknowledge the reality that neither of his parents may return to him struck him at his heart. "So...it really could happen. Even with how powerful you are and...how much the pack has done...you really could die." He looked down at the ground, his mouth slightly agape. "Xhuth..." He muttered.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Just a name I made. Do as you choose with it.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

In immediate contrast to Rossarm, Meesei was giving a grin and a quick chuckle towards the Commander. "I think you personally would benefit from such a challenge, Teroiah. A new opponent with new strategies, new magic to observe in practice...I would take that opportunity in a heartbeat. And I have to admit that I am eager to see how you are able to improve when properly motivated." She remarked, allowing some of her own, more selfish desires to show through. There was a substantial part of her that wanted to see and learn from any unique forms of magic that Rossarm might have at his command. If Teroiah would not take the challenge, Meesei herself would certainly be willing.

Despite Meesei becoming somewhat distracted, Saras remained quite serious, and characteristically on-topic. He was no longer staring so intently at Rossarm, having evidently come to a conclusion on whatever he had been thinking on. "I would advise against entirely dismissing the idea of working with lycan troops. It may yet be the best fit for you. Since our clans began organizing more closely as a result of the war, former military officers have risen through the ranks in many clans, and many of our people now have training as 'professional' soldiers. They are merely more accustomed to changes in leadership. But, more to my point, I do have an idea of who you might work with. Try as I might, I cannot quite remember you. I too was in Mournhold at the time of the fabricant attack, but I was still injured and recovering from an incident a few days prior. I doubt we ever met. But, there is one other who comes to mind. I happen to know that the man who oversees training in one of our central Morrowind clans was once a High Ordinator in Mournhold, at the same time that you served the city by your description. Is Varalyn Madral a name you remember?"

---

Julan looked away from Janius, holding one arm over the other. The pessimistic thoughts that accosted his mind made him feel almost sick to his stomach, and there was a hesitation in his voice that betrayed his anxiety when he did speak. "I know...you have to fight. I know there isn't a...choice."

Julan swallowed after becoming briefly unable to speak. When he finally did make eye contact once more, there were tears streaming down the side of his face. He was shaking, and his gaze itself practically screamed out with a genuine terror. "What if you aren't tough enough? What if they kill you? What if they kill mother? What if they kill all of you, and then I'm alone? What do I do?"

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"Our people do not have such a rigid hierarchical command structure as the Imperial and Dominion militaries." Ri'vashi spoke up. "It is not uncommon for leaders among lycan clans to change, usually through challenges. Many clans are different in many ways, but a common culture between us all is the strongest rise to the top. As long as they trust in your skill and experience, they will be willing to follow you, regardless of your lack of lycanthropy. We also have several clans from different parts of Morrowind, and though this one has not yet worked too closely with them, Ri'vashi is confident that their warriors and mages already practice the Dunmer military customs you are familiar with. Fighting alongside them would not likely require much adjustment from either side."

Although Meesei was still not completely sure if Rossarm would be willing to fight alongside lycans, she did agree with Ri'vashi's reasoning on the matter. There would be much less resistance to Rossarm taking a leading role among one of their clans than in a "professional" military. "I do believe that it is an option worth considering. Fendros is my second, and commands considerable respect among our people, especially the Morrowind clans. Being his father would likely lend you some credibility from the start."

---

"I...think so." Julan replied, though his tone was hardly convincing. He made an effort to force himself to stop concentrating on his tattoos, and turned entirely away from the stream so that he could not see his own reflection. "I guess there is a lot more out there outside the clans, but I do feel at home back...home. I've never wanted to leave or anything. I mean, really, I wish we could all spend more time there without you and mother being so busy."

Julan gradually started to seem more nervous as a select few of Janius' words got into his head. "You don't think anything...bad is going to happen to you or mother, do you? In the invasion?"

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Meesei quickly noticed what she interpreted as surprise in Fendros' reaction, but did not dwell on it. In truth, she was somewhat surprised as well, but it was a pleasant surprise for her, as it meant he was far more likely to be a true asset to their invasion. "Well, then it seems Ahnasha's instincts were correct. I am sure we all know the reputation of Telvanni wizards, and that degree of experience can produce great strength through necessity. I am hopeful that your strength and experience will save lives during what lies ahead, though if I am being honest, if it were my choice, I would not want to pull you back into war, Rossarm. I would rather allow you to retire in peace, but the Daedra do not have a habit of giving us such choices, do they?"

"At any rate..." Meesei continued. She glanced briefly at Saras, as she noticed he was now concentrating more strongly on Rossarm's face and other features. However, since Saras said nothing for the moment, she simply continued to question Rossarm. "...I would like to hear your own thoughts on what sort of military force you would be the most comfortable fighting alongside. I know the Legion was active in Morrowind during the timeframe you described, but it does not sound like you fought with them."

---

Julan nodded to Janius, though his eyes were soon examining the markings on his own arms. "Yes...sort of. That is the...thought they gave me I think. I'm not too sure; I don't really understand all of this, but I don't think any of it was an accident. Mother leaving the village, being with you, and me not...being a part of the Hist. I think they expected it. I was afraid they would hate what I am, but the only feeling that kept coming to me over and over was just sadness."

There was another sigh as Julan's arms flopped back down by his side. "I don't know why I have to get all these marks if I'm never going to be a part of them, but I guess there's no going back now."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Ri'vashi too followed in introducing herself. "This one is Ri'vashi, commander of all warriors in the service of Hircine, who fight under his Champion's banner."

Meesei turned her head back towards Rossarm with a nod. "And I, of course, am Meesei, the Champion of Hircine. 'Champion,' is acceptable for my title." She answered to him before finally answering gro-Tagnud. "I have not recruited another battlegroup this time. Rossarm is an individual, but one of substantial power, as one of my packmates has assured me. He is a mage of considerable skill and experience, like myself and Commander Teroiah. A significant asset, as I am sure you can all imagine. I called you here so that we can discuss in what role, and with what army, his abilities would be put to the best use."

Ri'vashi took a brief moment to look over Rossarm. She did not have a uniform, but she had come to dress as formally as the others for such meetings. Though, she was not partial to robes or dresses, instead opting for simple, but colorful trousers and a doublet. "Ri'vashi would agree that he could be helpful, but that would most depend on what exact skills and experience he actually possesses. What sort of magical training do you have, Rossarm, and do you have any experience fighting Daedra?"

---

"I'm not sure..." Julan started, his voice trailing off for a few seconds as he continued to stare into the water. He let out a long breath, and only looked away once a frog disturbed the surface of the water and broke up his reflection. "I almost didn't recognize my own reflection at first. It's just so...different. They said it was all meant to be, and I really have earned the honor and respect of the marks, but...I'm not really one of them. I'm not a part of them."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Ahnasha followed through the portal shortly after Calia, and Meesei allowed it to close right away. Opening multiple portals so soon after one another had been draining on her, though she did not show it. Instead, she simply gestured down the hallway, back in the direction they had came from. "We should go meet with the others right away. Fortunately, they should all be available now."

---

Since Meesei had already given word beforehand that she intended to bring back another "asset", it was not too long before the other military leaders were ready. They went to one of the usual chambers, near to the top of one of the towers, which allowed them to meet with comfortable privacy. In addition to Meesei and Fendros, they were joined by the Imperials' Legate General, Ri'vashi, and Teroiah. Saras too was present, and was the one to lock the large Dwemer doors to start off their meeting.

As Saras came to join them at the table, Meesei gave a brief nod towards him to catch his attention. "Did Hal-Neesa notice you gathering everyone up for this?"

Saras shook his head. "No. In fact, I believe she is currently distracted by some...issue with some of our scholars at one of the nearby Dwemer sites. Miss Montgrave took her pack to deal with the situation."

Meesei shifted to a grave look towards Saras. "Is this something I need to deal with? Do you believe she is in any danger?"

Saras stood straight and spoke confidently. "There is no certain answer with the vampire, but in my honest opinion, no. I did not see any evidence of violence from our guest, and I believe Miss Montgrave can be trusted to handle it."

"Very well." Meesei nodded, finally turning her attention to Rossarm. "Then we may begin. Do you have anything you would like to say, or ask, before we start, Rossarm?"

---

The progression throughout the week for Julan had been remarkable, at least in terms of his marks. Despite how extensive they were, Thorantilth could work quickly. The magic he used greatly accelerated the process, and it was clear he was experienced. Though, Julan himself rarely commented on them, and tended not to say much when he did. By this point, they were nearly complete. Unless something happened to slow down the Treeminder, this would be the last session for him to receive the final touches on the tattoos.

Julan was late for breakfast, but would not be hard to find. He was at the edge of the village, at the same spot Janius had found him a few times throughout the week. He was standing at the edge of a slow-moving stream, staring into his reflection on the water. The marks, by this point, wrapped around much of his body. The creature they depicted was stylized much like the carvings on one of the ancient Argonian xanmeers. Its head, and in particular its gaping maw, was situated on his chest, right over his heart. Its front legs extended out onto Julan's arms, with long claws reaching towards his hands. Its legs went down to just above his feet, and its tail wrapped around his own. The ink was mostly a dark shade of blue, there were some other colors in some of the smaller details.