Despite the situation being under less control than what was ideal, Fendros was satisfied with Meesei's answer. There was of course no guarantee that they would even make it to Stormhold in time, but it was the best shot they had. While they travelled, Fendros decided to try and think of something believable as an excuse if they were to be questioned by any prospective midwifery mentors.
The next week held much of the same routines as usual as the pack travelled in the direction of the village. The same, except for Sabine herself. Anxious and excited about the ritual, her behaviour relapsed into shyness and fear that was more similar to how it had been in Cyrodiil several months ago, and even going further at some times. One day she stopped eating until the pack noticed and insisted that she eat. She complied, but held herself carefully for a time after each meal, as if it was becoming difficult not to feel sick. The state she was in started to fluctuate between being jittery and reactive one day, and tired and slow the next. Eventually Meesei intervened and spent a lot of time coaxing her to speak about it. The best that Sabine could respond with was with only a few words at a time, telling Meesei that she was scared of what the ritual might do. That she might have to relive her bad memories again.
By the afternoon of the eighth day, the pack smelled Argonians in the air again, and spotted a few flitting around the trees and the water. They were close to the village now. Noticing them keeping their distance and mostly staying out of sight, Janius murmured to the pack, "Are they trying to work out if we're a threat or something?"
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Let Slip the Corgis of War
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Dear Mr Curly,
I have done little travelling lately because I have been so dreadfully weary. Can it be true as the old Ecclesiastes said; that all things lead to weariness? Surely not. Perhaps the opposite is true: that all nothings lead to weariness. I have a peculiar feeling, Curly, that I am worn out from something I haven't yet done and the more I don't do it, the more exhausted I become. How strange. Could it be something I haven't realised? Perhaps it's something I haven't said? Something I haven't finished! It must be very large and true whatever it is and a lively struggle in the doing but I look forward to it immensely. I know I need it. First, however, I must curl up in my chair and sleep deeply with the duck. Perhaps I'll dream of this thing and wake up refreshed and do it. My fond wishes to you Mr. Curly, and to all Curly Flat.
Yours sleepily,
Vasco Pyjama
xxx
P.S. Not having breakfast can make you weary. That's for sure!
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I have a shift soon. Might not get the chance to post until a few hours. G'night!
The first one to notice Meesei returning was Sabine, who quickly stood up. The news was good, but she was still apprehensive. The rest of the pack seemed relieved and happy though. Travelling in the marsh for such a time made the destination a satisfying goal, and now they could see it.
Fendros glanced at Ahnasha, then stood up and addressed Meesei before they departed. "There is one thing, but we can probably discuss it while we move." Fendros helped Ahnasha up, then hefted his baggage over his shoulders. "Ahnasha and myself were talking, and we were concerned about the birth. No one in the pack really knows how to deliver a child. We were wondering whether we could, if at all possible, find someone to learn from, whether it be a town healer, or a priest, or... well, I threw up the idea of finding a witches coven, but that could be risky."
Fendros glanced at Ahnasha, then stood up and addressed Meesei before they departed. "There is one thing, but we can probably discuss it while we move." Fendros helped Ahnasha up, then hefted his baggage over his shoulders. "Ahnasha and myself were talking, and we were concerned about the birth. No one in the pack really knows how to deliver a child. We were wondering whether we could, if at all possible, find someone to learn from, whether it be a town healer, or a priest, or... well, I threw up the idea of finding a witches coven, but that could be risky."
"No need to mention it, Ahna. Like I said before, this is my responsibility as much as yours." Fendros said with a smile, "Now come on, big kitten, let's find a seat. Meesei shouldn't be too much longer. In the meantime," he turned his head sideways to her curiously, "How has your drawing been? I haven't seen inside your book for a while."
Fendros would ask Meesei later if there was even a chance they might find a place to learn how to deliver a child, but otherwise they would make do with what they had. Having the birth take place in Black Marsh was something Fendros wasn't sure about as a probability, however. With the frequent stops they were making, he suspected that eventually they would have to remain stationary for a period of time before the birth. Hopefully that wouldn't be a problem.
For now though, they could only wait until Meesei was done with the village leaders. Lorag and Janius eventually came back with some replenished supplies that they passed around. Thankfully the merchants were fair despite lacking outward trust. What they bought would serve them at least to the next settlement.
Fendros would ask Meesei later if there was even a chance they might find a place to learn how to deliver a child, but otherwise they would make do with what they had. Having the birth take place in Black Marsh was something Fendros wasn't sure about as a probability, however. With the frequent stops they were making, he suspected that eventually they would have to remain stationary for a period of time before the birth. Hopefully that wouldn't be a problem.
For now though, they could only wait until Meesei was done with the village leaders. Lorag and Janius eventually came back with some replenished supplies that they passed around. Thankfully the merchants were fair despite lacking outward trust. What they bought would serve them at least to the next settlement.
A moment passed where Fendros stood with a frown and thought about it. He breathed in slowly before he spoke, "If we manage to reach a temple or a healer, not an Argonian one in this case, then we might learn how to deliver the child. I think we would need a good reason to give to whomever teaches us as to why we would have to do such a thing outside of town. Other than the reality of course. It will probably be too dangerous to employ a midwife so close to the full moons. However, if we're lucky, we might find someone to teach us. Or perhaps there might be a book about it that could help." Looking up at Ahnasha, Fendros wrapped his arms around her and tried to comfort her. "I know you're worried, but I think things are going to turn out okay, you'll see." When he pulled away from her, he held onto her arms for a bit longer and smiled, "Wouldn't it be something ideal if we found a werewolf midwife, or at least one that worships Hircine? Hmf, I wish it were plausible. Explaining to whoever instructs why we can't just stay around might be a problem." he said quietly, his smile fading. "As for raising the child, I know about as much you do, but I can't really think of anywhere we might find out more about it. At least, for travelling in the pack and such. I don't know whether or not our situation is rare or unique, but if it is, we might just have to feel our way through it on our own." He sighed, "Other than that, as long as we stay focussed and take Meesei's advice..." he trailed off and shrugged.
Fendros looked away as another thought developed in his mind. It wasn't a perfect idea, but it might be worth considering. "Actually... oh, I don't know whether it... I think I remember Ariel mentioning that some witches covens have closer ties to Hircine. I don't know whether we might find one that would be willing to help, let alone a safe one, but... they would be secretive enough not to raise the ire of the general public and maybe teach how to deliver a child?" Fendros noncommittally faced his palm upwards, "It's just a thought."
Fendros looked away as another thought developed in his mind. It wasn't a perfect idea, but it might be worth considering. "Actually... oh, I don't know whether it... I think I remember Ariel mentioning that some witches covens have closer ties to Hircine. I don't know whether we might find one that would be willing to help, let alone a safe one, but... they would be secretive enough not to raise the ire of the general public and maybe teach how to deliver a child?" Fendros noncommittally faced his palm upwards, "It's just a thought."
Hearing only the light desert breeze, Tazzak lifted his head from the sand and looked around. There were a few steaming corpses strewn about. Upon inspecting himself and the area closely, there didn't appear to be any injuries. "-Is it over?-" His monotonous synthesiser voiced.
The holoprojector then did its little speech before the woman shot it out of the sand, which caused Tazzak to flinch and duck once more. He was properly scared now; that had to be one of Teemo's hunter's. One that liked to mess with people's heads. After that moment, another detail caught the human's attention. By the stance of the armoured woman and her apparent target over a nearby dune, the confrontation wasn't quite over yet. By the target's position it looked like she was the source of the explosive that had opened up the engagement.
Feeling a little bit silly for cowering in the sand during all the action, Tazzak stood up and brushed himself off. By habit, he held the barrel of his blaster pistol with his spare hand, but then retracted it with a wince and shook it cool. He'd not shot his blaster that much at once before. The barrel was hotter than he had expected.
Now that they were at a calmer moment, Tazzak wanted to ask a few questions and get a handle on the situation. Namely, who the hell were all these people? How did they anger Teemo? And what was the deal with those hunters? The questions would probably have to wait until they dealt with the stranger over the dune though, whatever her intentions might have been.
The holoprojector then did its little speech before the woman shot it out of the sand, which caused Tazzak to flinch and duck once more. He was properly scared now; that had to be one of Teemo's hunter's. One that liked to mess with people's heads. After that moment, another detail caught the human's attention. By the stance of the armoured woman and her apparent target over a nearby dune, the confrontation wasn't quite over yet. By the target's position it looked like she was the source of the explosive that had opened up the engagement.
Feeling a little bit silly for cowering in the sand during all the action, Tazzak stood up and brushed himself off. By habit, he held the barrel of his blaster pistol with his spare hand, but then retracted it with a wince and shook it cool. He'd not shot his blaster that much at once before. The barrel was hotter than he had expected.
Now that they were at a calmer moment, Tazzak wanted to ask a few questions and get a handle on the situation. Namely, who the hell were all these people? How did they anger Teemo? And what was the deal with those hunters? The questions would probably have to wait until they dealt with the stranger over the dune though, whatever her intentions might have been.
Fendros stood up and watched the crying child run off. His mother's glare was rather intimidating. He looked at the door while Ahnasha spoke and held a ponderous face. On the inside, he felt rather unwelcome.
"Maybe." Fendros replied to Ahnasha's suggestion. "There was a lot of damage done by both sides though. I think even if I learned more, I still wouldn't be trusted by some people. Never felt the sting of inherited guilt before though." He looked to Ahnasha and shrugged with resignation, "In any case, I don't think we exactly look like a group of slave drivers, so if I had to worry about everyone in a village acting like that boy, I might as well stay away while the ritual takes place. Although, it couldn't hurt to learn more I suppose."
There was a pause, then Fendros put his hand over Ahnasha's stomach and smiled at it. "Do you think our child might act the same way around Lorag if we tell it about the Orc werewolf hunter?"
"Maybe." Fendros replied to Ahnasha's suggestion. "There was a lot of damage done by both sides though. I think even if I learned more, I still wouldn't be trusted by some people. Never felt the sting of inherited guilt before though." He looked to Ahnasha and shrugged with resignation, "In any case, I don't think we exactly look like a group of slave drivers, so if I had to worry about everyone in a village acting like that boy, I might as well stay away while the ritual takes place. Although, it couldn't hurt to learn more I suppose."
There was a pause, then Fendros put his hand over Ahnasha's stomach and smiled at it. "Do you think our child might act the same way around Lorag if we tell it about the Orc werewolf hunter?"
Ilario flinched at Vestiago's mighty blow against the table. He blinked and was thankful that he didn't spill any of his wine. "That... I cannot refute." Ilario commented.
Out of a door beside the bar came a woman who held herself like the host of the establishment. Her sudden appearance scared Isabelle clean out of her seat. The events that followed revealed that she was somewhat in charge. The protege of Hawk himself, even. Good, with some direction they wouldn't be flailing like drunks for whatever tasks had been set. Ilario would have preferred to take orders directly from Hawk, but he had made it abundantly clear how busy he was with his own absence.
The invisible ink was a detail that Ilario had not thought to consider in this situation if he were honest. It suited a man like Hawk to use such tricks in his vocation. When the note came around, Ilario read over the hidden message. It caused him to glance up at Cora with a wariness. She was watching the entire time, wasn't she? I will have to check the room I end up in. He passed the note on, Alright Hawk, if this is to be a training exercise for your pet, then at least it has the implication of being trivial.
After Isabelle took her leave, Ilario felt the need to investigate the rest of the building before he trusted its hospitality. He had no doubt that Hawk was being as transparent as he needed to be, but if something unplanned were to occur, he did not want to be short on contingencies. "I am going to take a look around." Ilario mentioned, before turning on his heel and beginning from the basement.
Out of a door beside the bar came a woman who held herself like the host of the establishment. Her sudden appearance scared Isabelle clean out of her seat. The events that followed revealed that she was somewhat in charge. The protege of Hawk himself, even. Good, with some direction they wouldn't be flailing like drunks for whatever tasks had been set. Ilario would have preferred to take orders directly from Hawk, but he had made it abundantly clear how busy he was with his own absence.
The invisible ink was a detail that Ilario had not thought to consider in this situation if he were honest. It suited a man like Hawk to use such tricks in his vocation. When the note came around, Ilario read over the hidden message. It caused him to glance up at Cora with a wariness. She was watching the entire time, wasn't she? I will have to check the room I end up in. He passed the note on, Alright Hawk, if this is to be a training exercise for your pet, then at least it has the implication of being trivial.
After Isabelle took her leave, Ilario felt the need to investigate the rest of the building before he trusted its hospitality. He had no doubt that Hawk was being as transparent as he needed to be, but if something unplanned were to occur, he did not want to be short on contingencies. "I am going to take a look around." Ilario mentioned, before turning on his heel and beginning from the basement.
The curious child caused Fendros to smile. In such a small community, he probably didn't get to see so many races in one group. At first he stayed silent as he conversed with Ahnasha. He knew some Cyrodilic, which was interesting. When the boy was told that Fendros was a Dunmer, however, Fendros was at first quite shocked and a little saddened by his reaction. It had been so many years since slavery was outlawed, and even now the Argonian children were afraid of Dunmer. Sure, Fendros' parents did used to keep slaves, and a few months ago he would have been aloof at such a display, but he had changed over his time with the pack. By interacting with Meesei, Argonian communities, and even Ahnasha, he felt as if his opinion of beast races had changed, the attitude of Dunmer superiority was close to diminished. It wasn't until now that he properly realised that he had developed an empathy for beast races.
By Ahnasha's shrug, it didn't appear as if she had the answer to this situation. Fendros thought perhaps he could calm the child down. He lowered himself to one knee and leaned such that his eyes were in line with the boy's, and craned his neck to one side to try and see him better. The boy just shuffled to hide behind Ahnasha even more at this. "Don't worry, I'm not here to take you. I promise. Dunmer are not allowed to do that anymore." Fendros smiled and spoke each of his words slowly and clearly so that the boy might understand better. Fendros fished around in his mind for the basic Jel phrases he had learned from Meesei. The pronunciation of hisses still made Fendros sound like he had an amusing lisp, perhaps the child might find it funny. "My name ith Fendros. Whath ith your name?"
By Ahnasha's shrug, it didn't appear as if she had the answer to this situation. Fendros thought perhaps he could calm the child down. He lowered himself to one knee and leaned such that his eyes were in line with the boy's, and craned his neck to one side to try and see him better. The boy just shuffled to hide behind Ahnasha even more at this. "Don't worry, I'm not here to take you. I promise. Dunmer are not allowed to do that anymore." Fendros smiled and spoke each of his words slowly and clearly so that the boy might understand better. Fendros fished around in his mind for the basic Jel phrases he had learned from Meesei. The pronunciation of hisses still made Fendros sound like he had an amusing lisp, perhaps the child might find it funny. "My name ith Fendros. Whath ith your name?"
In response to Meesei, everyone in the pack made some kind of acknowledgement. Even though they were glad to get back into the wilds, the inland was taking its toll at this point. Still, as the pack got used to the conditions, their attitudes and performance in the marshes seemed to improve, with the exception of Ahnasha, but she had other things to worry about. The first order of business in this town, preceding buying supplies, was for Meesei to inquire to the town's leaders to find out their next heading. This place was rather different to Thorn. The people seemed to regard the pack with more curiosity. Meesei mentioned that travellers passed through, but a group such as theirs was a rare one anywhere, but especially Black Marsh.
While Meesei went to meet with the leaders, some of the pack didn't have much to do. Janius and Lorag went to the bilingual merchants to start selling hides, teeth, bones and ingredients for other supplies, while the others were left idle to admire the scenery.
Fendros decided to check up on Ahnasha. He suspected that taking the chance to be seated would be one she would be grateful for; her burden was only becoming heavier and heavier. "Hey there. How are you doing?"
Sabine decided to sit off to the side. Though she didn't show it, she was a little relieved that this wasn't the place where the ritual would take place. She had been anxious about it for a long time and it only seemed to be getting worse. She almost jumped out of her skin when an Argonian girl came running up and sat next to her out of nowhere, eyes bright and smile wide. The girl had pale white scales with yellow streaks through it and wore simple clothes. A couple of small fins spread over the top of her head. She looked about Sabine's age.
The girl said some things in Jel that Sabine didn't get a word of. Sabine just looked blankly back at her, not understanding. It didn't deter the girl's smile, however. She pointed to herself and hissed something resembling "Gseetum-Sa, Gseetum-Sa."
Sabine blinked and glanced one side, then the other. She swallowed and hesitated, but was so caught up in the moment that she decided at least to share her name. Sabine pointed to herself, "Sabine."
The girl opened her mouth excitedly to speak some more, but turned her head to a shouting Argonian man behind her with a few pieces of wood under his arm. The man seemed cross at the girl and gesticulated for her to follow as he spoke. The girl said one last thing to Sabine, then got up and scurried off. It was over so quickly that Sabine was at a loss.
While Meesei went to meet with the leaders, some of the pack didn't have much to do. Janius and Lorag went to the bilingual merchants to start selling hides, teeth, bones and ingredients for other supplies, while the others were left idle to admire the scenery.
Fendros decided to check up on Ahnasha. He suspected that taking the chance to be seated would be one she would be grateful for; her burden was only becoming heavier and heavier. "Hey there. How are you doing?"
Sabine decided to sit off to the side. Though she didn't show it, she was a little relieved that this wasn't the place where the ritual would take place. She had been anxious about it for a long time and it only seemed to be getting worse. She almost jumped out of her skin when an Argonian girl came running up and sat next to her out of nowhere, eyes bright and smile wide. The girl had pale white scales with yellow streaks through it and wore simple clothes. A couple of small fins spread over the top of her head. She looked about Sabine's age.
The girl said some things in Jel that Sabine didn't get a word of. Sabine just looked blankly back at her, not understanding. It didn't deter the girl's smile, however. She pointed to herself and hissed something resembling "Gseetum-Sa, Gseetum-Sa."
Sabine blinked and glanced one side, then the other. She swallowed and hesitated, but was so caught up in the moment that she decided at least to share her name. Sabine pointed to herself, "Sabine."
The girl opened her mouth excitedly to speak some more, but turned her head to a shouting Argonian man behind her with a few pieces of wood under his arm. The man seemed cross at the girl and gesticulated for her to follow as he spoke. The girl said one last thing to Sabine, then got up and scurried off. It was over so quickly that Sabine was at a loss.
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