Muttonhawk

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Fendros became quite uncertain as well about what Ahnasha was proposing. It took him a few moments to respond, as the bigger worry in his head was not with Ahnasha's family, but his own. "Ahna, you know your family better than any of us. If you think they would be happy enough to hear that your alive to look past your lifestyle, our condition, and me, well, then I don't see why not. Keep in mind, though, Llarasa may be young, but she's open minded. Monderyn used to be my best friend as well as my brother and you saw how he reacted. I don't want you to go through with finding your family if they would be similarly upset." Fendros leaned his head on Ahnasha's shoulder and sighed, looking discouraged, "As for my parents, they are a product of old Morrowind ideals. I don't think they would accept you, and I'm afraid that, if we met, we would all walk away worse off. I'm sorry, I think the lie is better there." Fendros angled his head up to Ahnasha's eyes, "How would you go about finding your family? What would you say to them?" Nearby on the opposite seat, Sabine slowly let go of Lorag's bulk to lean over to Meesei and murmur a question. She didn't want to disturb Ahnasha and Fendros' conversation, even though she could hardly hear it. "Meesei, can we see if there is a letter from Ariel at Bruma? That is where I told her to send a letter next when I wrote to her in Leyawiin."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

The journey to Bruma was a new one for each Fendros, Janius, and Sabine. The bumpy ride in the cart was boring, annoying, and slightly painful at first, but they soon got used to the rhythm. Once up nearer to the mountains, they realised that it had been a long time since any of them had seen snow. The temperature made each of them wish they could be back in the perpetual warmth of Black Marsh, if even for a moment. Sabine was having particular trouble with her light frame and was loathe to let go of whoever was nearby. Lorag was the biggest, so normally it was him that Sabine hung onto for dear life. Fendros and Janius fared better, having had at least some experience with cold weather, but they weren't prepared to call it easy like Lorag did. It wasn't until they stopped to hunt a day out from Bruma that they realised how quickly they became out of breath. The air was thinner up in the Jeralls, it took some getting used to. The sight of the walls of Bruma and the woodfire smoke rising from its centre spoke of warm hearths that were overdue for the pack. Fendros was feeling warmer already when Ahnasha caught his attention. Rhazii was sleeping in swaddled furs in their arms with only his face exposed, his eyes wrenched shut. "Yes? What is it?" Fendros murmured back to Ahnasha attentively. Ahnasha didn't normally talk about her family unless asked.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"It's nice to meet you both." Llarasa smiled each to Meesei and Kaleeth-Rei. She was to give the same treatment to Lorag, but his question gave her pause. "Um...hmm," Llarasa's lips thinned as she tried to recall, "I'm sorry, I don't know anyone from the Fighters Guild except for Fendros. There was one person who I believe was an old Orc man who died recently. I don't recall his name, but he was sick and went hunting. He was killed by a mountain lion. The word travelled because apparently his wife was a warrior and decided to go out travelling. 'To find something to fight,' she said. That's all I remember, but it was told to me second hand. I don't know if they are the friends you are talking about, but...oh, I'm sure it's fine." Llarasa decided to dismiss the bad tidings. They probably didn't apply to Lorag anyway. Fendros involuntarily prepared to cringe as Llarasa approached Janius. His usual greetings to members of the opposite sex were a habit of his. However, Fendros was pleasantly surprised to see him restrained to a smile and a hand shake. "Janius. It's a pleasure." Janius said briefly. Llarasa reciprocated the greeting and handed Janius his own bread roll. Janius was hungry enough that he bit into it immediately with a loud series of crackling sounds. After the half-stale bread of the inn and the rock hard biscuits of the ship's rations, the fresh warm bread was like a buttery paradise that made him close his eyes to conceal them rolling into the back of his head. Finally, Llarasa approached Sabine with familiarity. "Now, I think I remember your name," Llarasa eyed Sabine's face intensely, "Sophie, was it?" Sabine giggled at that. "My name is Sabine," she corrected. "Sabine! Of course, sorry." Llarasa handed out the last bread roll to her, "Look, I didn't get to thank you for comforting me last night. It was unexpected, but I'm not sure that I would have been able to listen to my brother before that. So...thank you." "Your welcome," Sabine said habitually, "Thank you for helping me to the inn yesterday." Llarasa pat Sabine on the side with one hand, "You already said that. It's quite alright." Once it seemed that introductions were done, Fendros spoke up again. "Llarasa, I have an idea on how we might exchange letters." Turning around with a blank but interested expression, Llarasa listened on intently. "What if I were to sign my letters with an alias? If mother and father ask, just say that I'm a friend you met in the Imperial City. It won't be far from the truth. How about a common Dunmer name? Hmm..." "...Dranas?" Llarasa suggested. "That works. If you receive a letter from Dranas, then it will have instructions on how to reply." Fendros smiled widely. Mother and father were not likely to be suspicious of any letters from friends. Llarasa seemed just as excited about keeping in contact as Fendros did. It also meant that they would be able to catch up properly. "Wonderful!" Llarasa responded, before walking up to Fendros and hugging him tightly. "How much more time do you have now?" Fendros judged the time left roughly, "Our carriage leaves in about fifteen minutes." "I won't keep you, then. Tell me everything in your letter." Llarasa was doing a good job of sounding composed despite her eyes welling up. As if not having enjoyment of protracted farewells, Llarasa pulled back after a few seconds and turned to Ahnasha and Rhazii. "Goodbye, Ahnasha, it was wonderful to meet you. You and Fendros take care." Llarasa stepped closer and ran a hand over the top of Rhazii's head, "Goodbye little nephew of mine." Llarasa took another step forward and embraced Ahnasha and Rhazii both. After she pulled back, she placed her partially eaten roll in her basket and held its handle in both hands. "Good travels to you all. I wish I could have got to know you all properly." She was sounding nervous, but staying strong, "Goodbye."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Llarasa almost guffawed at Ahnasha's comments, but couldn't overcome her guilt enough to produce more than an amused exhale. "Well, that's good to hear. A dagger probably wouldn't be worth much, but if it helps, then I suppose it's alright." "Actually, it's silver," Fendros mentioned, "He could have done us a lot of harm with it." "Silver?" Llarasa took on a concerned face again, "I had no idea he had it, but...why would silver do you a lot of harm?" Given that they had the time, Fendros decided to elaborate. He didn't sound enthused to, though, "Silver burns the flesh of a lycan. It can kill us very quickly if it enters our bodies. I think Monderyn may have been keeping it to use on me for a long time now." "That's horrible! I mean, the whole thing last night was horrid, but to think he had intended to for who knows how long...I'm glad no one was killed, let alone hurt." Fendros stepped up to Llarasa and comfortingly rubbed her upper arm with his hand. "It's okay. I don't think he will be harming anyone from now on. He promised he wouldn't harm you again." "Yes, he said as much." Llarasa sighed, "I wish he could find it in his heart not to hate you so." Llarasa looked away. "He might some day, we'll see." Fendros looked out of the gate. Meesei mentioned that they had some time to talk, so he figured some catching up wouldn't go astray. Truthfully, they would probably require a whole day to go over everything that had happened. There was a little time left, though. "So, what does the future hold for you, sister?" Llarasa glanced back to Fendros' face and took a deep breath while she thought of something. "Nothing really set in stone yet. I've started oil painting and have sold a few pieces. It doesn't make much money, but I'm hoping to save up to travel. Mostly to find some space away from the family. Being the youngest doesn't do favours for mother and father trusting my independence, especially with the way you left." Llarasa made sure to grin to make sure she wasn't causing Fendros any guilt. "That sounds exactly like something you would do," Fendros smiled back. Without letting any more talk continue, Llarasa looked down at the basket she had brought and picked it up, removing the cloth to reveal some steaming crusty bread rolls similar to the one she was eating before they arrived. "I should pass these around before they get cold. They smelled so good that I had to pick some up for you on the way. I bought you seven for the road, but it appears that's just enough for everyone." Llarasa walked to each of the members of the pack to hand out the food, with Fendros being first. "Oh, thank you, Llarasa. You didn't have to, really," Fendros said politely as he was handed a roll, even though the bread did smell delicious. "Nonsense, these will warm you up this morning." Llarasa said as she moved on to everyone else, "So, if I may ask, what are all of your names?" Llarasa sounded confident enough, but there was still a small fear in meeting a group of werewolves that manifested in her knees being a little unsteady.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Fendros didn't answer as Meesei left, but her words and actions were still appreciated. He wept without a sound for another several minutes before he looked up, wiped his face clean and slid back into bed with Ahnasha beside him. Today had been a bitter-sweet day. In the room nearby, Janius followed Kaleeth into bed, glad that the commotion seemed to be over. He didn't mind that she took up more space than she needed, he just responded by holding her close against him. --- The next morning, the pack's plans hadn't changed. They woke up with the first light of the sun and packed up to leave before even an hour had passed. The tide of people on the streets had been replaced by a sparse few busy people going about their business and setting up for the day. It helped to take in more detail of the market district itself, though the architecture was not very different to the rest of the city. The morning was not silent, rather morning birds tweeted and chirped at the sun's rise, making the normally bustling district sound refreshingly serene. Even though the pack had shared a quick breakfast, the smell of fresh bread still made their mouths water. A few minutes of walking passed before they reached the main gate that opened up to the great bridge across the lake. A small figure in a dress stood chewing on a bread roll that was no doubt just bought. In her other hand was a familiar sketch book. At her feet was a basket with its contents covered by a cloth. She waved the pack down and walked towards them with a sad smile, carrying the basket with her. Fendros looked around to see if Monderyn was around, but he was nowhere to be seen. Llarasa was the first to speak as she approached. "So..." she looked nervously across the faces of the pack while holding her forearm, "This is everyone? I didn't know that it was this diverse." Llarasa's eyes especially lingered on Leaps-On-Elves, a creature she had not seen the likes of before. "Good morning, Llarasa," Fendros returned her smile. "Are you alright? Is Monderyn still causing trouble?" "No, he's okay, if a little quiet now. He told me what happened. I'm sorry for his atrocious behaviour." Llarasa looked at Ahnasha, "No one was hurt, were they?"

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Monderyn's only response to Meesei was to lift one edge of his upper lip in disdain as he walked out of the room. Fendros sat down again once Monderyn was out of sight and buried his face in his hands with a long sigh. He was equal parts exhausted, disappointed, upset, and angry. The resolution with Monderyn had left him with a bad taste in his mouth, but it might be the last time he saw his brother that he used to be inseparable from. The finality of it brought back the same sadness that he felt when he had worked out that he wouldn't see his family again after being turned. He needed a silent moment to let his emotions flow before he could get back to sleep. Only one stray thought did escape his lips, emitted in a whisper. "Damn it, Monderyn." He could feel the moisture of his tears against his hand then. --- When Monderyn walked back into the room that him and Llarasa had rented, he took one look at Sabine comforting Llarasa and tightened his lips. "You, get out," he spat threateningly. Sabine got up calmly, deciding not to cause any trouble. She wished Llarasa a quiet "goodnight," before walking out back to bed, closing the door behind her. Sabine could hear a softer tone from Monderyn once she had closed the door. She couldn't make it all out, but Monderyn seemed to be apologising to Llarasa and explaining the situation. The way he spoke made his previous anger seem like an age ago. Llarasa had calmed down enough that she seemed willing to talk. Sabine didn't eavesdrop for that long, though. --- "Everything is fine," Janius said with an amused smile at Kaleeth's expression. He closed the door and walked up to Kaleeth, putting a hand on her shoulder. "At first, Monderyn, Fendros' younger brother, had found out where he was and attacked Ahnasha. It's okay, he was stopped and no one was harmed. Meesei is keeping them in their room until they come to an understanding." Janius' hand ran from Kaleeth's shoulder down her mace arm. "There's no danger. Let's go back to bed."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"Okay," Janius whispered back to Meesei, before quietly closing the door again and heading back to bed. He intended to mention what was going on to Kaleeth if she hadn't fallen back to sleep yet. The pause in the conversation lasted for long enough for Fendros to look at Meesei impatiently. He had no idea how he was supposed to come to an understanding with Monderyn if he didn't even know what he wanted. It was no use giving up, though. Meesei was not going to budge until they worked something out. "Monderyn," Fendros started sternly, looking to his brother's feet, "I don't know what you think that I feel, but I think you need to know..." Fendros took in half a breath, released it, then took in another to speak. He needed to stave off his pride to speak in such a way after arguing, "...even if you hate me for leaving, I never forgot about you or anyone in the family." Monderyn still faced away, apparently not reacting. Fendros continued despite his stance, "It never fails to make me sad that I never got to say goodbye properly. If that would help you as well, perhaps we could try that." Another long silence passed before Monderyn responded. For whatever emotions that ran through his head, he was keeping it all bottled up behind a stone face. "You have changed a lot, Fendros," he said, surprisingly matter-of-factly, "You're not going to change back, I can see that." Monderyn held his mouth open as his nose blocked up. It was the only trace of sadness that he displayed. "Maybe...maybe I can come to accept that, now that I've seen it with my own eyes." Monderyn turned to face Fendros, but didn't look him in the eye, "I don't think I can forgive you, Fendros, not yet. But...goodbye might help." "What are you going to say to mother and father?" "Nothing." Monderyn answered immediately, "I won't make them suffer any longer." There was one last loose end that Fendros needed to tie. "Llarasa is still afraid of you. What are you going to do about that?" Monderyn was less certain with his next answer. "I promise that I won't take out my anger near her. I don't ever want to hurt her, that's the truth. My rage was with you and it wasn't fair on her. I'll try to make it up to her, and I'll control myself." Satisfied that he had made as much progress as he could, Fendros stood up, glancing up at Monderyn's face, but not catching his eye. He extended a hand for Monderyn to hold. Monderyn looked at the hand, considering for a while, but didn't take it. He looked at Fendros directly and spoke flatly, "Goodbye, Fendros." Disappointed, Fendros slowly retracted his hand and watched as Monderyn walked to the door. Monderyn looked past Meesei as he addressed her. "May I leave, now?" He asked in a seething tone.

Mahz's Dev Journal

Bahahahaha! Oh my goodness, I made the Boganhawk user in the old test site to try it out, but using bogan ipsum was originally a joke. It's made my day to see it in the formatting cheat sheet. Great work on the BBCode, Mahz!