Muttonhawk

Godhood - A Tale of Deities

After Gaon Latze's answer, Shoshar looked forward and meandered ahead of him, inhaling the golden air of Aett to taste the abundance of power. He had intended to ignore the upstarts from then on, but his breath caught in his throat upon hearing that Gaon Latze didn't even know his name. He halted in place and slowly turned around to leer at him with wide, disbelieving eyes. Whether it was the look he was given or the realisation of Shoshar's advice, he seemed to partially back off, but Shoshar was not letting him get away with it. "My...name?" Shoshar started in a low rumble. Shoshar's head emerged from the front of his water bubble. For effect, he spread a layer of sparkling frost over his face in a regal pattern. "Have the mortals in your home lost their respect enough to forget my name!?" Shoshar coiled upwards in front of Gaon to look as big and imposing as possible and fashioned a pair of wings wrought from ice either side of the middle of his body. Looking down at Gaon, he bellowed such that his voice echoed. "I am Shoshar! The Water Dragon! Liege of Storms and Sire of the Seas!" Shoshar showed his teeth and lowered his voice, the impact made clear, "I hold many secrets, but my name is not one. Mortals who dishonour me by forgetting it hold no welcome on the water. See that you do not forget, little fisherboy." Shoshar slithered downwards until he was at eye level with Gaon, melting his crystalline wings back into his water bubble. In this position Shoshar's head was over half Gaon's entire size. Shoshar's breath was much colder on the fisherman's front than the odd climate of Aett. "I made you what you are. I can just as easily revert you to a drowning whelp." Shoshar tossed his head to one side with a "hmph!" and swam away side to side. Though he hardly perceived it, Shoshar found that he had to put forth more effort than usual to stay angry with Gaon Latze. He had some atmosphere about him that seemed to affect Shoshar's temper. Up ahead was a sight that even brought Shoshar to quieten. Never had there been such a magnificent and at the same time haunting sarcophagus as the the Fortress of Redemption. Paying respect didn't seem appropriate. This structure demanded respect by its nature. Shoshar didn't know whether he wanted to go further to see the Golden One's corpse. Even if the creator was dead, the aura was uneasy.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Najirra extended a bony hand and gently held Meesei's hand to get a better look at the ring of Hircine. He bowed his head and sighed before looking up and responding. "This one had feared that this would happen." He slowly and shakily began to stand up, taking up a cane from beside his bed to support himself. "If you are here with everyone, then this one must assume that the worst has occurred," he said with a strained voice at his joints. Once he stood up, he searched around some parchment and blankets on some crates nearby, "I tried to send for Jerrick as soon as I read this letter, but his words were of a man who had accepted his fate." Najirra unrolled a piece of parchment with a broken wax seal with unsteady hands, then slowly turned it around to show everyone else. "My part is simply to vouch for the champion's legitimacy as Jerrick would. On this letter he recalled a time where he sought me for assistance in matters private to him. Only we knew of such things." Najirra's attention was on all the lieutenants, "This one does not normally meddle with the affairs of the leadership of our home, but the wish of a dying man was this home's stability. I beseech you all to allow Meesei to investigate Jerrick's murder, as she is neutral and has no stake with us except our continued existence and the end of Clavicus Vile's influence with us." Darahil stepped forward and read the letter for himself. It didn't take him long to finish and pass it on. He looked thoughtfully at the sailcloth obscuring the balcony view while the others read. Oswall was the next to finish, "...I should have known this was the work of Vile, but I find it offensive to suggest that we would succumb to his machinations." Oswall spat, looking to Meesei, "You are sure that it is one of us lieutenants?" "I have seen enough," Darahil said, holding his hands behind his back and continuing to look away. "Meesei, do what you must." Harriet skimmed though, then hung her head angrily, passing the page calmly to a still miserable Vera. Her voice seemed frustrated, "I guess that settles it. Meesei's going to have to find the murderer." Vera passed the page back to Najirra about halfway through reading it. It was too hard for her to get through. "I didn't kill him, Meesei. I swear," Vera managed to say in desperation. The other lieutenants gave Vera a look that suggested they weren't convinced.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

The arguing lieutenants' silent mouths shouted for a few moments before they registered that they had been silenced. Darahil appeared familiar with the effect and turned his attention to Meesei with an insulted expression. The others followed suit as soon as the information dawned on them. Vera's head turned to Meesei when she was addressed, still sobbing. She gently tried to motion for Fendros to let her go and Fendros reluctantly allowed her to move, but stood guard by the door in case anyone tried to run out. Vera now stood facing Meesei while she was informed that she was a suspect still, but she was hunched and bowed slightly, clearly bawling her eyes out and shouting silently at Meesei at the top of her lungs. Her lips read something along the lines of 'I would never kill him!' and 'I loved him!' The futility of the situation quickly rendered Vera weak as she buckled to her knees and continued to cry with her head in her hands. Oswall's face tensed to the point of becoming beet red with anger and humiliation, but beyond clenching his fists, he knew there was nothing else to do. Now with her arms folded across her chest, Harriet stood sceptically with her head up, looking down her nose at Meesei and not breaking eye contact. None talked immediately after Meesei released her silencing spell except for Vera, who was still sobbing, and Darahil, who was still as insulted as before. Thankfully, Darahil had the self-control to tone down his voice, "Najirra would never take sides. If what you claim is true, perhaps I might trust your neutral judgement, champion." Harriet clenched her jaw gave Darahil a narrow-eyed look before they started to move out. No one said a word on the way there. Meesei had demonstrated her abilities and the four were outnumbered even if they weren't now afraid to work together. Najirra's chamber was not difficult to find. In the conversation with the scholars in the dining hall, Fendros had learned its location in case he or Ahnasha would ever be summoned there, so he lead the way. It was the chamber symmetrical to the one granted to Meesei's pack, looking out over the main chamber, but from the other side and with a sailcloth blocking out the main chamber for some reason. The room smelled of oils and incense. As their eyes adjusted, there were a number of belongings in some crates and bags neatly ordered around the edge of the room, along with three bedrolls. The first two bedrolls were occupied by the sleeping forms of two very similar looking Suthay-Raht Khajiit, and the third by a very small old grey haired and frail looking man with a tattooed face. At first look, he appeared to be human, but he had odd features and patches of Khajiit fur. Fendros thought that he must have been an Ohmes Khajiit, like Ahnasha had mentioned once. One of the Khajiit women groaned and looked up at the group gathering by the door, opening her eyes and then sitting up suddenly. "Huh? Who's there?" She asked, waking up the other woman in the process. The second woman recognised the lieutenants, so was less startled, but still seemed confused when she rubbed her eyes and sat up. Darahil took the initiative by speaking from the door. "Vharei, Saraya, we need to speak with your father immediately." He was firm, but he didn't speak loud enough to wake anyone else in the vicinity up. The one on the right - they were so similar that there was no telling which was Vharei or Saraya - nodded and got up, still looking confused. She stepped over to the old man and gently shook him on the shoulder. She spoke to him in Ta'agra gently. "Father, the leaders and the champion are here. They want to speak with you." The old man, obviously Najirra himself, sat up slowly. Inspecting the faces of each guest thoroughly. His expression was thoughtful at first, but faded into a mournful one. "Daughters, I am sorry, but you must leave us for a while." Vharei and Saraya didn't even say a word to confirm or deny before they both stood up and walked out of the room with blankets under their arms, shooting glances over their shoulders. Najirra did not shift from his bed, but leaned forward slightly and stared at all in Meesei's pack. "Which one of you is the champion, Meesei?" he said slowly in a tired, but someone serene voice, "Where is the ring?" From this angle, Janius and Fendros spotted that one of Najirra's eyes was clouded over. The other may not have had the best eyesight either.

The Depths of Deception

Shiva was a little embarrassed about misremembering what happened with Rareth's assailant. She could have sworn that at least one of the squad had hit him with a shot, but Rareth was right, he did disappear. "Of course," Shiva responded to Rareth's request, "I will not be too long, I'm sure." By this point, Shiva had her lower arm guards and gloves secure, but only took one step before Telmeck halted her. She listened with a relatively blank expression, but not one of inattention. Once he finished, Shiva looked away and down, nodding. Telmeck's words meant more than he probably bargained for, but Shiva was honestly not used to the gratitude. "Um, thank you, Telmeck," She said humbly, before resuming her walk, "I'll see you both later." Once Shiva had her back to them, she wore a smile. The day had put Shiva in a good mood while she went about her business for the next hour or so. She started with a belated visit to the armoury. Honestly, she was surprised that Shuo wasn't still there wrestling with all that complicated power armour. She took the time to deposit her equipment, shower, and get a clean change of fatigues, before heading straight to her cot for a short sleep. Annoyingly enough, she couldn't sleep for much longer than fifteen minutes for some reason, so decided to find something to eat. The mess hall had masulu meals available, a serve of which Shiva was obliged. However, while she ate the other crewmen present shot her familiar suspicious glances. She moved one hand to rub at her convict mark sourly. It was the first time in years that she had forgotten it was there. The time eventually came to go to Rareth's room as she had requested. Shiva started with a knock on her cabin door.

The Depths of Deception

I'mma post now.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Confusion turned to worry in each of the lieutenants' faces as soon as it was mentioned that Jerrick's life would be taken. Vera had her mouth open and her eyes wide, staring at Meesei in disbelief. Harriet was trying to be stoic. Oswall was similar, but looked as if his rage was building as he looked side to side. Darahil's eyes were widening and his lowered his crossed arms to his sides as Meesei spoke. The mention that Jerrick was indeed dead was what set off the most stark reactions in everyone. The most notable behaviour came from Vera, who shook her head in small movements and was on the verge of tears. "No," she said quietly in denial, "He was just there...NO!" She ran for the door with a surprising burst of speed, even in a nightgown. Fendros chased after her and managed to grab her around the waist as she reached for the door. She struggled and struck out at Fendros scratching and flailing. Fendros managed to get her under control and pressed up against the door with a twisted arm. "Let me see him! He can't be dead!" She shouted. Fendros looked over his shoulder to Meesei. He knew that new could not spread about Jerrick's passing, but he felt empathy for Vera. She was Jerrick's wife. To say he was dead and not confirm it would bring about the worst kind of perpetual worry, especially from someone like Meesei. "Is this some kind of cruel trick!?" Oswall shouted back at Meesei, thoroughly cross, "If you were with him all night, Meesei-" Oswall jabbed a finger in Meesei's direction, "-what is to say that you didn't kill him?" "Oswall, enough," Darahil said firmly and loudly. He had bowed his head, whether in thought or in sadness, it was hard to tell. He opened his eyes to Meesei, "Show me how you found the poison and I will trust your word." This time it was Harriet's turn to speak. "What? You in an alliance with the champion to get the alpha spot, Darahil? This all seems a bit too convenient to me." "You would dare!?" Darahil lashed out, his brow lowering, but his body not otherwise moving, "It seems to me that anyone here could have killed him to advance themselves! I myself have no desire to, but you, you have always looked upwards!" Harriet and Oswall did not wait for Darahil to finish before they started shouting back until the mess of words made all their protests unintelligible. Vera started to sob against the door. "Just let me see him," she repeated meekly over and over again where Fendros held her restrained.

New Game Plus (MuttonHawk and Ontos)

It's cool.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Each of the lieutenants were awoken in turn. Oswall was snoring so viciously that it was a wonder he didn't wake himself up. His initial response was of annoyance and vocal protest, but the presence of Meesei and her pack alongside Harriet persuaded him into coming with them. Darahil woke up suddenly and with a charged spell in one hand, as if he was already awake from their less than stealthy approach and suspected the unannounced visitors to have malign intent. He asked why he was disturbed, but had to get the same answer as everyone else. This made his jaw clench in annoyance, but he tried to keep his stoic demeanour as much as possible. The last lieutenant, Vera, awoke with confusion. It didn't take her long to become incredibly worried about the situation, especially with no explanation, but then again, Oswall and Harriet seemed uneasy as well. "Meesei? What is going on?" Vera asked earnestly, her anxiety building, "Where's Jerrick?" "Indeed, why has he not joined us?" Oswall asked.

Godhood - A Tale of Deities

Kyras and Hiraga's back and forth was making Shoshar believe that shoving the two headed bird forcibly into the portal was a viable possibility. It became a better idea in his mind the more he thought about it, but their words eventually brought them forward together anyway. He wouldn't be the one to test Kyras' mettle today. Now, the chamber was looking far emptier than Shoshar had beheld upon entering. Either side of him were a short goblin creature and some other mortal looking upstart. There was no telling when they would hurry along. Nearby was one other, more recognisable visage. Vaul. He might have been in on the trap if it existed, but Shoshar was getting tired of this idleness. The last demon present, Agimar, was through in any case. Shoshar gave a low growl. "I will not be the cowardly tail end of this procession," he proclaimed, springing forward and slithering through the air in his unnaturally moving water. His form slid into the portal until it swallowed the dragon whole. The speed at which he swam forth left a wake in the portal that made the image it projected shimmer and ripple beyond recognition for a short while. Instantly, relief came over Shoshar as he entered the climate of Aett. Before doing anything, he took up some of the surrounding snow and swirled it about his personal water to cool himself. It was only Shoshar's right as a guest, especially after Thirianna insisted on meeting in a location on Ceyr that was anathema to him. The cool made him audibly sigh, before he opened his eyes and better inspected the surrounding realm. There was a time where the Golden One's loss drove Shoshar's grief to madness, but it had been a long time since then. He knew the angels to hold their own kind of madness for believing that they can rebuild or reincarnate the Golden One, but it was worth indulging their obsession to check that what they said was not true. Shoshar expected today to be no different. Ahead, Shoshar's eyes narrowed for a second. "You there, boy," Shoshar caught up beside Gaon Latze and held his neck up high to look down on the fisherman god, "The last time I beheld you, it was under different circumstances. Do not make the mistake of being insolent here." Shoshar's tone hissed with threat that implied that he was talking about insolence towards himself, but the words themselves made for good general advice. This was a gathering of spirits. The ancients held the most power here.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Harriet stood up with Lorag. She didn't know him very well, but the seriousness of the entire situation spiked when the champion came in. "The fate of the clan? Are we under attack or something?" Harriet pulled on her undergarments and leggings with haste, but seemed confused by the situation. Fendros addressed Harriet, having most of his resolve restored by Meesei's words despite the state they found her and Lorag in. "Harriet, do you know where the other lieutenants are at this time of night?" Harriet's eyes darted to everyone's faces as she gathered herself. "Uhh, sure. They should be in their beds. Darahil might be up late with his research, that's all I can think of. What's happened?"