EliteCommander

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"Hmm, I suppose it would depend on how much of a student of history you are." Zyausak answered. "It is true that my kind no longer exist in Tamriel, though not because they were destroyed, precisely. I am a Nede. I was born into slavery near the height of the Ayleid Empire, just before Alessia's rebellion. It was not an ideal time nor place to be a Human, but, obviously, my life's prospects have improved considerably since then."

The group had finally reached the College of Psijics, which was a structure built into a mountainside close to the center of the island. Compared to Ceporah Tower, the building felt much more familiar. Its architecture was distinctly Altmer in origin. Ancient Altmer, granted, but it closely resembled several ancient ruins on the island of Summerset. Though, this structure was, of course, in close to perfect condition. It was made from finely carved white stone both inside and out, which they soon discovered after they headed inside.

Meesei spoke up, though with her eyes still examining each of the carvings they passed as they headed down the stairway deeper into the structure. "I would certainly say so. I could hardly think of a better place for a mage to study than here. The island is safe from dangers, you are in the constant company of brilliant scholars of magic, and I would have to imagine that Artaeum is probably a repository of ancient, current, and maybe even future knowledge."

"Yes, I would say that is all true. Though, I still do not discount the ingenuity those outside the order. Take you, for instance, Meesei. Even without all those resources, I know that you have made some particular discoveries that the Council is interested in." Zyausak commented, which certainly elicited some surprise from Meesei, who was briefly wide-eyed as she glanced back to him.

"I...had not heard anything about that." Meesei replied. She could not begin to imagine what she might have discovered that the Psijic Order did not already know.

Zyausak quickly took back on the nervous demeanor he had shown earlier, awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck and glancing away. "Oh, well...I would have thought Sage Nytala would have mentioned that by now. But, well...it is not as if it is a secret to be kept from you. I am sure she will explain it in detail later."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Soon enough, Master Marcaano's spell subsided, having evidently completed whatever tuning he needed to do. "It is good that we completed renovations on several areas of the College of Psijics rather recently. Had you arrived a decade sooner, we would not have had a place for you. Come, it is just across the field from Ceporah tower, a short walk uphill from here."

While Artaeum was quite a beautiful island, there were, perhaps, few surprising sights for Lunise. Aside from the peculiar sky and the strange architecture of Ceporah tower, the island did look much like Summerset. Zyausak, meanwhile, obliged Lunise's request once they began to walk off of the beach. "Of course. I can only imagine what curiosity you must have about our order. Few outside the order have been granted the privilege to even see our isle. Normally, I am what you might think of as an assistant or a second to Relicmaster Glenadir. He is a wise and profoundly experienced scholar, and my mentor. He has been a part of the order thousands of years longer than me, and I myself have been here for over four thousand years. The Relicmaster is currently taking a much-needed rest from his duties, so I am the acting Relicmaster in his stead. As the title implies, my responsibilities involve identifying, locating, and if necessary, collecting and safeguarding relics too dangerous to allow into the wrong hands. I am aware that you have obtained a few unique relics in your journeys, particularly the Staff of Magnus. But...with the Eye safely secured on Artaeum, the damage the staff could do on its own would be limited."

Meesei had a difficult time not reacting to the realization that they were speaking to someone who was practically ancient compared to her. He did not even look to be elderly. Previously, she had only ever met one person who had lived such a long life, but she had a feeling that many, if not most of the Psijics on Artaeum were thousands of years old. And some were older than history itself. They clearly had sophisticated methods of extending mortal lives, and it was not as if the Order frequently encountered dangers that could end those lives early. It was a thought that Meesei would need to become accustomed to during their visit.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Marcaano's spell started to wash over the both of them, though neither of them could feel any sensation from the magic. Meesei was familiar with what he was doing, though without knowledge of the kind of "tuning" that he was adjusting, Lunise would not be able to sense anything at all.

The Human, meanwhile, looked briefly nervous by being put on the spot, but still responded quickly. "Oh...sorry, I don't have anything I need to say or do. I was just eating with Master Marcaano when he had to leave and come meet you, so I decided to tag along. I'm sure you understand how rare it is for us to have guests here; I do not think I have spoken to someone I did not already know in over a century. I simply...thought it would be nice to meet someone new. My name is Zyausak. I am currently serving as Relicmaster of the Order. Temporarily, at least."

Meesei's knowledge of the Psijic Order was not detailed enough to know the significance of the title of Relicmaster, or what his standing was in comparison to any of the others they had met. She was not even sure what sort of Human he was. He did not look to be a Breton, Redguard, or Nord, and his name was certainly not Imperial. In fact, his name did not sound like any culture's she was familiar with.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"Agreed." Meesei gave a brief nod and stood up alongside Lunise, with a friendly smile down towards Nytala. "It has been an honor meeting you, Nytala."

"The feeling is mutual, Meesei." Nytala answered. She stood up just the same as the others, brushing some sand off of the bottom of her robe. "I will take the time to go tend to a few other matters and give you both the chance to settle in. But, we should certainly all meet again, perhaps in an hour or two. I would love to show you around the island."

Meesei did not seem as worried about whatever it was that the other two Psijics needed to discuss with them, though she did not have the context of what Nytala had revealed to Lunise in private. The excitement of being in Artaeum was still enough to keep her close to being cheerful as they approached the Psijics by the water. She did not hesitate to be the one to greet them. "Hello, I am Meesei, and this is Lunise. Nytala told us that we needed to speak to you regarding the quarters that were prepared for us, and that you had another matter to discuss with us?"

"Yes, it is exceedingly rare for Artaeum to entertain guests, but I do hope we are able to make you feel welcome. I am Master Marcaano. Unfortunately, there is one issue we need to address before you can be allowed to leave Artaeum, but it should just take a moment to rectify. We know you were able to tune yourself to Artaeum in order for your portal to find this place, and while the council did decide to allow this visit, it does come with the condition that we not allow you to repeat the same act. I will need to re-tune your bodies to ensure you cannot return here again without invitation. Again, it will just take a moment, and it will not at all be unpleasant, I assure you." The Altmer man explained. He lifted up one hand, which started to glow, though he did not yet start to actually cast any spell.

Meesei answered with a nod. "I understand. In truth, I did expect this, even in the event that we were allowed to stay. You may go ahead and do whatever you need to do."

In comparison to everything they had been told so far, Marcaano's concerns were likely a relief to Lunise. Though, as the Altmer began to cast his spell over the two of them, she might notice that the Human Psijic was looking somewhat nervous for unknown reasons. Several times, he looked like he was about to speak, but ended up saying nothing.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

One moment, accidentally hit submit early.

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And then I accidentally ended up posting again instead of editing. Apparently deleting posts still isn't a thing.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

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Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"You'll have as much of my time as you need, dear. I promise. There is nothing more important to me here than you right now." Nytala answered, at least sounding genuine in her tone.

Meesei was not sure exactly what issue Lunise had with staying, or if she was simply reading her reaction wrong. In any case, Meesei was genuinely as grateful as Lunise stated she was. "Thank you, Nytala. And I do hope to be able to get to know you as well."

"Certainly." Nytala smiled. "Whenever you feel you would like to be shown to your room, just speak to the two of them over there. They also have another matter they need to speak with you about, but it is nothing that should take too long." She explained, gesturing to the other two Psijic monks that had arrived with her. The Altmer and the Human, by this point, looked to be simply looking out over the water, conversing with each other to pass the time.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"I...cannot ask this of you in good conscious. I know exactly how you feel. I am going to be out there, right alongside my pack, fighting to protect them. I understand completely the worry you will have to suffer if you stay behind. But...I can say, truthfully, that I do believe in the strength of myself, our friends, and allies. I trust my pack, and I believe they could do it even without me. There is wisdom in your mother's words, and if you do decide to follow her advice, you will have my complete support. I am sure we could find a way to hide your absence from your superiors." Meesei answered. She did not sound quite as certain when she was giving her own perspective, but she still made it clear that she was fully supporting Lunise.

While she did appear hesitant to do so, Nytala nevertheless interjected once silence fell between them. "I understand this is a major decision for you. If you need time to rest and think on the matter, the council did agree to allow you to stay for a few days. We already have quarters prepared for you."

Meesei appeared surprised by the offer, though her first thoughts naturally went to all of the problems that accepting might cause. "I...that is generous, and I would love to stay, but our portal is already being completed today. I do not think we can afford to stay away for that long."

Nytala simply smiled. "Oh, that is no worry. Time is malleable between Artaeum and Tamriel. Even if you are here for a few days, I can see that you arrive back near the time you left."

There was even more obvious surprise from Meesei. Obviously, she did not have a complete understanding of the capabilities of the Psijics. "Well, I suppose that would change matters. If...nothing else, I would love the chance to spend a few more days unhindered with you." She replied, looking to Lunise and gripping her hand.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Nytala spoke softly, and somewhat cautiously. There was some sympathy, or perhaps even regret, in her expression, but it still did not dissuade her from making her argument. "I understand why you are making that comparison, but the situation is not the same now as it was then. Without being able to see the events to come, I understand why you feel the way you feel. Why you want to protect them. But, your war goes beyond just Vile. Your life is too valuable to risk right now. I know why you want to be there to protect the people you care about, but how would your spirit feel if our future efforts to protect Mundus failed because you were not there? I...wish I did not have to be the one to say these things, but these are not easy times you live in. To protect your world...demands sacrifices I so greatly wish you didn't have to make."

Despite the flurry of doubts and questions that Nytala's argument had given to Meesei, she had been silent thusfar. Nytala's position did make undeniable sense and, on a personal level, Meesei knew it would be an immense weight off of her shoulders if she could know that Lunise would be safe during the battle. But, it would also be hypocritical for her to try and ask that of Lunise. In the battle ahead, she was going to be able to fight alongside and protect her pack in the same way that Lunise wanted to do for her. She did not feel she had a right to ask for anything different.

Ultimately, however, Meesei realized exactly what she needed to do, and it did not require some revelation of which course of action was the most "right." What Lunise needed from her was not a decision, but support. She needed to simply make it clear to Lunise that she did not have any secret opinions, nor would she be upset at whatever decision she did make. Lunise just needed to know that she was free to decide without any lingering worries tugging at her mind.

Meesei reached over and grabbed one of Lunise's hands in both of hers. Meesei pulled her attention to her and stared into her eyes for a few, long seconds before finally speaking with absolute conviction in her voice. "Lunise, I trust your judgment completely."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"Indeed, the success of the battle ahead is vital to the continued survival of Mundus. But, in the same way, if you win this battle, only for the Thalmor to bring about Mundus' end in short order, then what meaning would your death have had? You, more than most, should be able to see the bigger picture, Lunise. The war with Vile is not the end, and there will be many more battles to be fought. Should a battlefield commander devote all of his most skilled and experienced soldiers to the very first fight of a battle, or pace their deployment to endure through whole of the conflict? Your challenges are still ahead of you, Lunise. For the well-being of the people of the Dominion, you need to be there for them. For the people you have come to care about now, you need to be ready to do your part in the future. I know that you have spent the majority of your career relying on yourself, but if you stop, reflect, and ask yourself truly and genuinely...do you not believe that you can trust them to be able to succeed without you?" Nytala gestured towards Meesei, again without hesitation.

It would be easy to simply believe that Nytala was making her argument simply to ensure the safety of her own daughter, but Meesei was doubting that idea. At the very least, she did seem to genuinely believe that Lunise's place was not in the invasion itself. Her arguments were, admittedly, sound from a strategic perspective. If Lunise would be comparatively more valuable in future struggles, then it would be prudent to ensure that she survived. But, Meesei still understood completely why Lunise would not want to leave them to fight without her. Meesei herself was not sure she would be strictly rational, in Lunise's place.