EliteCommander

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

At first, Neesa's only reply was a brief few seconds of laughter, followed by an almost friendly pat on Fendros' shoulder. "Oh, don't worry, mutt. I'm not going to smite him for his insolence, or some such overly-dramatic nonsense. No, you really do have no idea how much I enjoy this. Besides, you have all taken the time to gather here, and clearly you think that this is important enough to delay my work..."

In an instant, Hal-Neesa's entire demeanor shifted. She grabbed a hold of Fendros' collar and yanked him close, her glowing eyes piercing straight into his with the most direct display of rage that she had shown so far. "...so I will be merciful enough to overlook the fact that you neglected to inform me sooner."

Neesa shoved Fendros away and regained her composure just as quickly as she had lost it. "We might be able to use him, but that is far from being able to say that we need him. One mortal will not decide the war; the greatest advantage I see to having him here is that he is rather handsome." She grinned.

Despite the rather bizarre turn of Neesa's statement, Meesei kept her focus. "Whether we can or cannot succeed without him, it is a simple fact that exceptional individuals can turn the tides of a battle through their own influence. I seem to recall you, during one of your last meetings, regaling us with a tale of how your commanders would personally challenge important enemy targets and decide the outcome of your battles almost by themselves."

Hal-Neesa gave a different sort of grin towards Meesei. Her feelings were hard to decipher, but she at least had not turned to anger again. "Hmm, using my own words against me? Bold."

The vampire strode up to the center of the training area, rather close to both Rossarm and Teroiah. "I am certain you will not measure up to them, but I suppose you may at least be tested. I am guessing that the Altmer was about to perform that task? That will no longer be necessary, Thalmor. You may have a seat."

---

Lorag was out in the courtyard of the Silent City. He had planned on using the training area outside, but even through the crowd that was gathering, he could see that the Champion and some of the others had appropriated it. On most days, he would have wanted to see what was going on, but now, he was not in the mood to deal with it. He had other concerns on his mind. As soon as he had learned that Fendros and Ahnasha had returned, he took the time to find not them, but rather Rhazii. As soon as he had tracked down the young Cathay, he "politely" insisted that he follow Lorag for reasons that he left vague and likely confusing.

Nevertheless, Lorag headed across the courtyard with Rhazii in tow, towards an area close to the front gate, where Narsi was waiting. The moment he reached the girl, he gestured to the Khajiit beside him. Being that he was as large or larger than many of the adults in the city, Rhazii hardly appeared to be a child to anyone unfamiliar with Cathay. "Okay, this is one of the boys I told you about. His name's Rhazii, and I expect it'll take you longer to best him than it will his brother." Lorag explained, though he offered no explanation to Rhazii for who the Orc girl was or what he was talking about.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Yeah, makes sense. I think I have it in my head how I'm going to arrange it.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

I think he would have been gone a few weeks.

And I...think the timelines are still matching up.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Did you have anything specific in mind for what Lorag and Narsi would be doing? If so, you can take us to it. Otherwise, Lorag would be wanting to introduce her to Rhazii and Julan, since they are the ones he wants her to challenge.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Under different circumstances, Meesei might have been willing to appease Neesa, but unfortunately, their public surroundings placed her in a touch situation. To simply capitulate to Neesa in front of others would make her seem weak, and at an inopportune moment. She would have to stand her ground. "I am sure your concerns are important, and as I said, I trust Sabine's judgement. You will have what you requested, but right now, this is what I am doing."

Hal-Neesa gave an aggravated grunt and turned away, now focusing entirely on Teroiah and Rossarm. She stepped halfway into the training area, casting her judgmental gaze just as strongly on Rossarm as he had on her. "Yes, and what is it you're doing here? Did you get a new dog and are seeing what tricks it knows? Hmm...no, I don't sense his blood is tainted like yours. Just another mortal child. I suppose you think he is special then, 'Champion'? Tell me, Dunmer, do you think you are special enough to interrupt my work? Or do you think these people are fools just as much as I do? The 'Champion' is a lap-dog to Hircine, and the Thalmor serves some of the most foolish masters to have ever walked Dawn's Beauty. Why do you even want to be here?"

---

Nothing about Zharanthixil's attitude was particularly warm or friendly, but it seemed apparent that was simply not his way. Regardless, he showed respect towards Janius, even if it was somewhat uneasy. After a few words with Julan, he took his leave. Once Thorantilth finished his work, the rest of the village would be doing the same.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

I don't have anything specifically in mind for Black Marsh, I'm thinking we can get back to Lorag once Julan and Rhazii both are back home.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"That is reasonable, particularly for showing his experience with Daedra. And I am sure our audience shall enjoy the show." Meesei replied, giving a glance towards a few of the lycans standing on the sidelines as she found a seat for herself. There were several stone benches around that, while not particularly comfortable, were at least conveniently placed.

Just as Meesei was getting settled in, however, a murmuring from some of the crowd across the courtyard caught Meesei's attention. Witnessing teleportation was common for the city's people by this point, but unfortunately, it was not Sabine that was appearing suddenly in front of them. Meesei knew immediately, as Hal-Neesa's magic was entirely different from Meesei's portals, even if the end result was the same. The vampire appeared, and Meesei's brief hope that Neesa was not interested in interacting with them at the moment was quickly dashed once she noticed and started to approach them. Just the look in Neesa's eyes was enough for Meesei to recognize that she had something specific to say.

"Hmph, well at least you were quick to find." Neesa remarked as she pulled what appeared to be a parchment from a pouch. "I have written out the descriptions of the items I require, and I expect them to be delivered right away."

Meesei tried to avoid showing too much of her frustration. If there was anyone that Meesei would not have wanted Rossarm to meet, it was Hal-Neesa. It was already bad enough to have the vampire around the Thalmor; Rossarm and Neesa felt like a disaster waiting to happen. "I am sorry, Neesa, but I honestly have no idea what you are referring to."

Neesa crossed her arms. "I suppose then that your worthless apprentice has not even bothered to inform you, then? No matter. Your apprentice already promised these items would be given to me, and I demand that request be fulfilled as soon as possible."

Meesei did take the list from Neesa's hand, though the descriptions were long and detailed enough that she could not glean much from it in the few seconds she had available. "If Sabine promised you something, then I will trust her judgement. But, it will have to wait until I am done here. We are currently in the middle of some drills to demonstrate the ability of our new ally."

Even without having been informed beforehand, Neesa needed only take in the context of her surroundings to realize that Meesei was referring to the Dunmer at the center of their training area. And unfortunately, Neesa's reaction was every bit what Meesei had come to expect from her. "My demands are far more important than him, 'Champion'."

---

Julan, while he had to stay still while Thorantilth was working, was in his proper state of mind to respond. The intake of Hist sap had only been required on the first day of receiving his marks. "I guess she didn't know. I won't be able to go on a walk with her; that's so...terrible." He commented without the slightest hint of actual regret.

Zharanthixil largely ignored the comment, instead keeping his eyes locked on Janius. "I will not deny the pain I feel from having to give up my daughter for a second time. Part of the blame for it does indeed lie with you for taking her from me, but I do promise you this: when it is time for you to return to us, I will permit you to be among us as I would my own son. Just be sure that you do return my Kaleeth-Rei to us."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"I see. Well, if you do not think you would be able to learn anything from it, then I may not bother to make the challenge myself if Teroiah has any other plans." Meesei answered, though as they started out into the hall, she started to grin. "Although, speaking entirely selfishly, I would rather like to see those tricks. Even if he does not end up being as strong as Teroiah or myself, that does not mean I could not learn from him. Honestly, I am wondering if Teroiah is curious for the same reason. I wounded her pride when I defeated her, but I have to wonder if I have awakened that same sort of...spirit of competition in her. The same kind that drives me, and so many of us. She would naturally want to make herself strong enough to be confident in besting me, should we ever fight again. Hmm, but I suppose I am just guessing at this point."

Just as she said before they left, Meesei made sure to procure several potions before re-joining the others outside. The training area in question was near one of the outer walls of the city, and Ri'vashi had already cleared out those who had been using it before so that Teroiah could carry out her drills unhindered. Though, that also meant they would have more of an audience than they had for Teroiah's simple warding test.

"As promised, I brought a few healing potions in case of an emergency." Meesei announced as she placed the bottles down on a table up against the outer wall. As it was a usual training area, there were already healing potions kept in a cupboard nearby, but Meesei had made sure to grab a few stronger potions. Depending on Teroiah's plans, the risks could be greater than normal training. "So, what is it exactly that you intend to do, Teroiah?" Meesei asked.

---

"Yes, and I will be awaiting the day that you find it again." Zharanthixil replied. Walking past Janius, he stood over Julan, watching the Treeminder magically guide the ink beneath his scales. "Once the Treeminder is finished, we will pack away his belongings, and the village will be leaving while there is still enough daylight for us to use. My grandson's marks were the last thing keeping us here, and we will be delaying no longer. If there is anything more you wish to say or do while you are here, then you should do it soon."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Saras showed no change in his concern, looking inquisitively to Fendros. "Do you believe Vile has managed some sort of influence over your family?" He questioned.

For Meesei, it did not surprise her that Saras went immediately went to the worst-case scenario. But, she supposed it at least meant that he would be prepared. "That does not seem terribly likely to me. Even if the enemy somehow learned about Rossarm, they could not know we would attempt to recruit him. I did not know we would be trying it before today. It may simply be his professionalism as a battlemage, and with his past as he described it, I could understand why he would not want to share it with his children. But...all the same, take every precaution as if it were the worst case. In fact, I want heightened security for everyone. Especially regarding anyone who knows of the invasion plans. That is the one piece of information that cannot get into Vile's hands."

"It will be done. The enchantments we have in place already will stop, and detect, any attempts at long-range magical communication from the city. Hal-Neesa has already personally complained to me about their presence, but even she was not able to bypass them." Saras explained, though he soon showed a hint of frustration as he crossed his arms. "And on the subject of the vampire, Champion, she is likely the greatest security risk we have here. She moves around unhindered, openly admits to spying on us, and can leave the clan entirely on a moment's notice, with no way of stopping her. Quite simply, I cannot protect our secrets against her."

Meesei sighed. "You have told me before how you feel about Neesa, and I agree. But, there is nothing we can do about her. We simply have to hope that she is being honest with us about her allegiance. If nothing else, we can be confident that she is strong enough for no one to be able to force her to betray our secrets. It will have to do."

Finally, Meesei stepped over to the door to the hallway. "We should not keep the others waiting much longer. Fendros...how do you think your father would respond to testing his strength against me? Do you think you could learn anything from his reaction?"

---

On the part of Thorantilth and his work on Julan's tattoos, there was nothing much different from any of the previous days that Janius had observed him. However, Janius would easily have noticed substantially more activity around the rest of the village. The people were packing what belongings had not already been stored away, and saddling their beasts of burden. It seemed like they were preparing to move rather soon.

The final details that remained on Julan's marks would take little under an hour to complete when Zharanthixil. entered the hut. From the fatigue he showed in his movement, as well as the dirt and mud on his scales, his limp did not stop him entirely from working. "Is everything going well, Treeminder?"

Thorantilth nodded. "Indeed. I will be finished just about when I estimated."

Zharanthixil looked directly to Janius. "Then your son will soon be one of us."

Last of the Jedi (EliteCommander and Sep)

As the pair approached the ruins, Kresst was almost as entranced as Mevenn, though perhaps for somewhat varying reasons. One thing he was certain of, however, was that he could feel what Mevenn was feeling. The force felt almost like a beacon to him as well, drawing them in towards its center. It was not strictly light nor darkness, but rather something more...natural, in a way. Though, the source was anything but.

Kresst climbed down off of the speeder the moment Mevenn stopped. The ruins were far from in good condition, so he could not be completely certain what he was looking at just off of first impressions, but he had a rather strong inkling of it. The scholar in him wished it was something he could have found long before their current crisis. It was something he wished they could simply stop and study, especially with the presence it carried with it in the Force. It was a place of life and death, a place with a story he wished he could take the time to read in every crumbling brick. "I...did not know there would be a place like this here. What do you think draws you here, Mevenn?"