EliteCommander

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Every word Lunise spoke had Nytala's full and undivided attention, even though her answer still lingered on her career, for the most part. "Oh, I do know all about your most recent work as well. Such strange allies for such strange times, though I suppose Hircine is hardly the most nefarious of the Daedra. And it is not the first time Tamriel has needed to ally with the Daedra. A few thousand years ago, the Psijic order allied with Clavicus Vile against an even greater threat. Ah, but I asked about you, not your work. There will be time to discuss more serious matters later, and if there is not, I will make more time. I want to know more about the friends you have been making. Have you been adjusting well to living in that cavern? And of course, I want to hear all about the woman who managed to tame your heart." She grinned, gesturing over to Meesei.

Even Meesei felt briefly startled from the comment. She had not known in how much detail Nytala had been able to see into Lunise's life, but evidently it was enough to learn of their relationship. Meesei was not sure if she should include herself in the conversation at the current point, though the thought did come to her mind that Nytala's question about children was now rather vexing.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Nytala started to laugh, reaching out forward to place a hand onto one of Lunise's. "Of course you haven't been, why do you think I am proud? You have the determination to help your people, the wisdom to see their shortcomings, and the compassion to love them anyway. I do see the Dominion for what it can be, not what it is, and I am hopeful you will help make it so."

Nytala leaned back and let out a long breath, looking up at the stars in Artaeum's strange daytime sky. "Isolation is one of the prices we pay to be what we are. To follow the Old Ways. I cannot fault you for not knowing, or for being nervous. In all this time, from your perspective, I could have become anyone. You should understand, the Psijics are more than just mages or scholars with particular views on magic. This order was established because Altmer society was becoming...different from the Old Ways. Our ways are aptly named, as they are the ways of the Altmer as we were when we came from Aldmeris. Now, to the Altmer of Summerset, the 'Old Ways' is just a name. None remember the meaning behind it; the beliefs we once held. Modern Altmer society might judge your choices harshly, but it is not by their standards that I judge you. I see you through the lens of our people's ancestral ways...and as a mother. That is why I can only be proud."

After just a few moments' delay, Nytala straightened up her posture, then reached out a hand under her daughter's chin, lifting up her head and forcing their eyes to meet. "Now, I know the broad strokes, so why don't you take a finer brush to the canvas? Enough about politics or the fate of the world, I want to hear about you. Are you happy? Have you finally started to make friends? And do you have any thoughts on when I am going to start being able to call myself a 'grandmother'?"

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

I would have replied sooner, but a storm knocked out power in the area.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Looking on, Meesei could guess that Lunise was surprised by her mother, and she supposed it made sense. Lunise had never spoken in detail about Nytala before, so Meesei did not truly know what kind of a woman she was. Or at least, what Lunise remembered her to be. The Psijics were quite different from most other groups in Tamriel, even the Altmer themselves. They had chosen to isolate themselves, even before removing their island from Tamriel, precisely because of their growing divergence in culture from the rest of the Altmer. Over two centuries among them may have made Nytala into a strikingly different woman from what Lunise remembered.

"It is hard to describe exactly, but I have seen the...broad strokes of your life. Scrying can only show me so much, and not always what I choose to seek." Nytala answered, still smiling despite Lunise's worry. She interrupted herself briefly and gestured over to a small, flat area near the sand with two benches that looked out over the water. "Let's sit down, we have time."

"I know you have grown accomplished in your career." Nytala continued once she was settled down. "I will admit, that did have me worried for you for a century or so, but the closer in time we came to the present, the clearer my sight became. I know you have grown in wisdom to catch up to your knowledge and power. Now, you work against the forces that seek to bring harm to the mortal plane. I will admit, I've found myself...jealous of you at times. Even though I can see the likely futures ahead of us, I am not free to act in the ways you can. In the ways you are."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

I have no more scenes to move on to, not before they take the portal to the Hunting Grounds. If you had anything in mind, we can put it in now.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"They shall behave exactly as I command them." Hal-Neesa answered directly. "They are not creatures with thoughts or life of their own. They are tools that serve at by behest. They do not fear, they do not question, they just carry out instructions as they are given. Essentially, they are the kind of soldiers you wish you could make of your men. You do not need to practice or train with them; just tell your men to stay out of their way, and I will do the rest. Now, are you ready to discuss the path we will take..."

---

There was little that would have a hope of prying apart the embrace between Nytala and Lunise, and at the moment, none of the others were even thinking of intruding on their moment. The Loremaster bade his farewell to Meesei before taking his leave, while the other two were waiting back in respectful silence. On Meesei's part, all she could do was look on and smile. She had to admit that she had not been completely certain how this would go, but everything she had seen so far had been encouraging.

"I couldn't ever forget yours." Nytala answered back. She had been overtaken by the same, joyful sobbing as Lunise, though after a moment, she gave a somewhat suppressed laugh. "Though, I suppose I have been cheating this whole time. I have always kept my eye on you from here in Artaeum. Seeing your progress, your challenges, your accomplishments. And what you are doing now...I am proud of you."

Although it sounded appropriate enough for their reunion, Meesei knew Nytala's last comment may not have been what Lunise expected. The Psijic Order were a powerful group that operated with no connection to the Thalmor, and thus, the Thalmor considered them to be a rogue enemy organization. It was not terribly likely that Nytala was referring to Lunise's position as a Thalmor justiciar.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Hal-Neesa, oddly enough, looked to be mildly amused by Teroiah's retort. "Hmph, pride. You still do not understand the reality of the situation you are in, do you? I suppose it doesn't really matter. When it comes time, you won't be able to run from that reality. You will confront it, and either learn, or perish."

Neesa turned her attention back towards the map, readying her pointer once more. "Since I trust you now all understand the risks my presence presents, we can make a plan that best mitigates that risk. Examine the map, decide what terrain suits you best for the approach. I will move with the main body of your forces and draw in the majority of the enemy's attention. I will have a few hundred undead thralls accompanying me. I trust this will not be a problem?"

---

In slight contrast to Lunise, the Loremaster's response was friendly and even somewhat casual in tone, even if his words themselves were formal. "Indeed, you are quite correct. It was no small discussion among the council on whether or not to allow your visit, but in the end, it was decided that circumstances made it...beneficial to permit. Were it that I had more time, I would show you the courtesy of a proper host, but there are several matters I must attend to. Master Marcaano has one small, but important matter to speak with you about, and of course there is your...purpose for being here."

As he stepped to the side, the Loremaster gestured back towards the others behind him. Now that they were closer, they had all come clearly into view. There were two Altmer and one Human, though all wore nearly identical Psijic robes. The moment the Loremaster had moved aside, the Altmer woman on the right stepped forward and lowered her hood. For Lunise, there would not be even the slightest delay in identifying her. Her mother's face appeared exactly as it had the last time she had saw her, having apparently not aged a day in any of the intervening centuries. She did not speak at first, but the single tear down her cheek broke her long, stoic stare. With no further hesitation, she embraced Lunise, no doubt giving answers to half of her questions or fears without so much as uttering a word.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"The Orc is right...I should be far more direct." Hal-Neesa replied, her glare unmoving from Teroiah. "The Thalmor is offended by me, but even more importantly, she doubts me. Perhaps not entirely, but...enough. Under any other circumstance, I quite simply wouldn't give a damn. But, unfortunately, the stakes are high enough that even I have to start caring. The one thing I cannot have you doing is doubting me, Thalmor."

Hal-Neesa did not exactly sound angry, but she was stern and spoke with an unquestionable certainty to her tone. "I do not exaggerate, commander. The scale of my power is peer to the likes of Divayth Fyr, Galerion, or Ritemaster Iachesis. You have never felt the kind of power I can command if I really, truly release all of my inhibitions. I create a measurable strain on the very fabric of Mundus by my mere presence. Clavicus Vile will sense my arrival. That is not something I can allow you to deny, or even merely suspect. It is a fact that I require you to accept. Yes, my help may be a great boon to you, but my participation in this invasion may also present a greater danger than any of you understand. During the Planemeld, upon the guilds' invasion of Coldharbour, Vanus Galerion was separated and captured by Molag Bal. The Daedra attempted to siphon the immense power of Galerion's essence to accelerate the completion of the Planemeld. Had Galerion not been rescued, the sheer magnitude of that single Altmer's power would have been enough to complete the Planemeld in days, rather than months. So you see, commander, I cannot be captured. I need to be sure that you understand the reality of this situation. I need to know that your soldiers are going to behave exactly as we are planning right now. Because if you don't believe that Vile's forces will be drawn to me, then your orders to them may be...different."

---

Meesei scoffed as she finally turned her head away from the tower. "I will have you know that portal took us to the exact spot it was supposed to...there just was nothing under that spot after two centuries."

Any argument was quickly cut short when Meesei noticed the figures watching them from the shore. She started swimming towards them, pulling on Lunise's hand to prompt her to follow. She still could not clearly see most of their faces from where they were, but one stepped forward to meet them as they were wading out of the water. Just as soon as they set foot on dry land, the Psijic extended his hand forward. "Allow me." He said simply before pushing his glowing hand downward. As if following the motion, every single drop of water on the both of them was pushed down out of their clothes and soaked into the sand. Even Lunise's hair was entirely dried.

The man was an Altmer who wore yellow and red robes distinct to the Psijic order, though no different from any of the other figures behind him. He was aged, but did not appear elderly, and had a well-kept white beard. He was quite polite in his tone, and humble in demeanor. "Tranquil greetings, honored guests. I am Loremaster Celarus. Welcome to Artaeum."

Even Meesei was briefly stunned by the greeting. The Loremaster was quite an auspicious individual to be welcoming them to the island. What little writings there were on Artaeum identified him as the leader of the Psijic order. He had authored a commonly circulated book in Tamriel about the Old Ways, and was the foremost master of mysticism in all of Tamriel, if not all of existence.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"Hmm...Vile himself? That is difficult for even me to judge. Any Daedra, of course, prefers to send their minions to do any real work, but Vile has been known to become directly involved if the situation is important enough. Still, he is as arrogant as any other prince. He will be angered and insulted by this intrusion into his realm, but he will not see us as an actual threat to his power." Hal-Neesa answered to Sabine, but for the whole time, she had her attention on Teroiah.

Neesa stepped across the map, stopping directly in front of Teroiah. She stood, hands behind her back in a straight posture, though still had to look up slightly to meet the gaze of the High Elf. "Do you have something to say to me, Thalmor? Since I unfortunately have to be involved directly in this escapade, I find myself in the unenviable position of having your actions affect me. So, I am going to have to politely request that you tell me if there is something we need to discuss."

---

Meesei finally released her grip around Lunise and took a step back to put some space between them. "Okay, just give me a moment to tune myself to Artaeum." She answered, closing her eyes and focusing intensely on the spell she was weaving. Her hand radiated a brilliant yellow glow, somewhat visibly similar to restoration magic, but of entirely unfamiliar magical patterns. Her whole body glowed similarly for a few seconds, then the magic disappeared just as quickly without any obvious trace. If the spell had worked, it did not leave behind any obvious signs.

"Now..." Meesei began, returning to Lunise's side and placing a hand on her shoulder firmly. "...imagine Artaeum. Imagine the exact place you want us to go, imagine the island before you. It's sights, its smells, its sounds. This could take a few minutes, depending on how strong the memory is, but just keep picturing it.

Just as she had indicated before, this portal was more difficult for Meesei than usual. The amount of magicka she was pouring into the spell would feel like almost double what she had used to bring them to their island retreat. However, thankfully for Meesei's stamina, it did not take as long as Meesei had feared to establish a stable portal, as it was done in no more than ten seconds excess of her usual portals. Either she had been conservative with her estimates, or Lunise's last memory of her mother was a strong one.

The fact that Meesei's portal was now open in front of them was evidence to her success. If Meesei's tuning spell had failed to connect to Artaeum's true location, then it would not have opened at all. It meant that quite literally a few steps in front of them was the home of the most powerful and reclusive mages formerly in Tamriel. Meesei moved her hand to Lunise's back, turning her head to give her one last look and a smile. "I will be right beside you." She said before stepping forward.

Using the portal felt no different from normal. One could step in, and apart from perhaps squinting through the bright light, appear on the other side as if walking through a simple doorway. However, instead of solid ground, they both appeared in mid-air, a foot or so above a body of water. Before either of them could get their bearings and react, they plunged into the water and had to swim back up to the surface.

While Meesei did have gills, that did not prevent her from having to cough up the water she had inadvertently taken into her lungs. "Lunise, I don't think the docks are here anymore. But...we are definitely in the right place."

Once they finally had a chance to look at their surroundings, they would see that they were just a short distance from the shoreline. For Meesei, the island before them looked quite surprisingly familiar. The trees, flowers, and general landscape that she could see were almost exactly like that of Summerset's largest island. She supposed it would not have made sense to expect anything different, considering that Artaeum had once been a part of the Isles, just like the other islands. However, she needed only look up to find herself in awe once more. Even in broad daylight, she could see stars in the sky bigger and brighter than any she had seen before, and they all seemed to be connected in some way to those around them by lines of light. Though, her attention was taken fairly quickly by the sight of Ceporah Tower in the distance. It was a magnificent structure that dominated the northern part of the island. It was made from what appeared to be white stone and had a style of architecture unlike any Meesei had ever seen. According to the few writings on Artaeum available in Tamriel, it had been built by an ancient civilization that predated even the Altmer, but no description of it did justice to the tower itself.

Meesei was taken in enough by the sights that she did not at first notice that they were not alone. Standing on the shore a short distance away were four hooded individuals. The light of the sun behind them made it difficult to discern their faces from a distance, but the fact that there was no one else in sight around them did make it seem as if they had been waiting for them.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

The perspective that she is looking from would be the spot that the portal would appear. I would just need to know if she is imagining standing on the docks, or on the shore.