Muttonhawk

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Sorry for the delay. I've got a huge assignment to do by tomorrow afternoon. I'll have to hold off on posting until then.

The good news is that this is the last big assignment for the semester. The bad news is that I'll be studying for exams after that. The conciliatory news is that I only have one exam!

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

The time leading up to their departure was a blur of activity. Fendros had a lot of loose ends to tie up, finding his replacement and making sure that nothing would go wrong. He was so busy that he didn't even get time to realise what was behind Ahnasha's absences.

On the other hand, Janius did not have quite as much to do except make sure his equipment was up to scratch.

Sabine was used to Darahil's coldness, so she did what was bid of her and provided a list of supplies to fill her shoulder bag until bloated. What took her aback the most was actually hearing Darahil say 'happy birthday'.

Rhazii didn't have much to worry about, as young as he was. He had been out of the ruins plenty of times before, so he was used to the bulky furs, but he hadn't quite grasped how far they would be travelling. When Fendros had him say goodbye to his friends, it was a casual affair. Fendros would suspect that Rhazii would become upset on the road when the length of the journey dawned on him.

The pack was lined up and almost ready to go in the main chamber. They had their supplies packed on their backs, and their furs were secured snugly about them. Rhazii was walking hand in hand with Ahnasha as they approached the gate.

They had expected their farewell to be a short and informal affair with the lieutenants and Vera, but word had spread quickly as soon as Meesei had spoken of leaving prior. The main chamber was full of standing clanspeople who quietened at the pack's approach. The expressions they held were not threatening at all. Some were neutral, some were smiling, most were just uncertain. Fendros lead the way to the gate and the crowd parted for them. Ahead were Vera and the lieutenants, ready to see them off.

By the time they neared the gate, one thing that dawned on them was that Gallus' pack was nowhere to be seen. Almost on cue, a light padding of leathern footsteps ran up behind them. They turned to see the nervous Khajiit, Tzirret, now taller than he once was, slide to a halt behind the pack and leaned over to catch his breath. "Um, sorry Champion, we had to sort out...affairs before we left." Tzirret stopped to swallow, "The others will be arriving shortly."

At the gate, Oswall snorted. It was unclear whether the noise was out of disgust or amusement. It was followed by some muttering about Gallus and his conquests, or something along those lines. It was nearly inaudible due to the distance.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Yeah, Tzirret probably be about fifteen or sixteen by now. I guess he can come along. Having one of Sabine's friends join in as well would be good, but I'll leave that character in your hands.

Demographics? Hmm...

I don't much mind about race. As for skillsets, Gallus and at least one other would be experienced outdoors people. I guess it would be nice to have some kind of mage around. A dedicated healer, maybe. Tzirret would be following in Gallus' footsteps, but might be more sneaky and less experienced. The last one can be whatever you feel like. I think that makes five, that'll be enough.

What are your thoughts?

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

There's not anything else I can think to add for the council's discussion of the journey. Feel free to skip if you're done as well.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"As you wish. I will follow up with Sabine." Darahil answered before Meesei addressed Oswall, "It would be a good opportunity to wish her a happy birthday, since you had me write off her commitments today."

Vera didn't offer any further reason for Meesei to stay, but she did want to resolve he issue of provisions. "I believe that we have enough supplies to provide for your journey to the Imperial City. Darahil, Pierrette," Vera looked to both of them, "How much gold do you believe will take Meesei and her party to Senchal? Can we spare it?"

Darahil crossed his arms and his chest slowly rose with a silent breath as he performed some mental arithmetic. The top of his breath was the point at which he reached an answer. "On hand, we have enough to spare for the sea voyage and some rudimentary supplies. You may have to provide for yourselves on the road south. Pierrette, you are better versed in planning for travel, and more immersed in our wider enterprises, how much impact would taking roughly one thousand five hundred septims of our profit this month make on us?"

"Hmm..." Pierrette made a single tsk sound, "Well, we would be slowed for next month, some plans will have to be postponed. It won't exactly bankrupt us. Given the severity of the situation, I would say that the expense would be justified. Never mind the money, Meesei, that clan might need help. You should take two thousand, just to make sure you get a ship." Pierrette gave Darahil a sideways look, "We can do without that much for a while."

Clearing his throat, Oswall shifted and spoke. "If you want my suggestion, Meesei, get that extra coin to get you a swifter ship out to the bay. It's easy to purchase space upon a sluggish trade cog, but time is of the essence. Find something smaller, leaner."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Meesei's thorough explanation of the situation left the council silent for any further objection. Vera might have contrived a reason to keep Meesei and her pack around, but she had an idea that Meesei was quite set in her new heading.

Vera took a slow, deep breath through her mouth and exhaled through her nose. She was not satisfied, she was but convinced. "...If you insist, then." Vera leaned back on her seat, "I do not think it will be a problem to find you a pack that is willing to join you. If we have anything to spare, it's manpower." Vera gave the others a glance, but brought her eyes back to Oswall, "Are there any packs with rangers that we might spare, Oswall?"

"I can think of a few," Oswall had his arms crossed, mulling over the news while he answered, "Some may even have the sense of adventure to join you without any convincing required. I know my son's looking for an excuse to see the world."

Darahil interjected, "While we're on the subject, while it is true that we are strained for alchemical resources with the population we have been maintaining, we may be able to supply your potion needs. All I ask is that you inform me what you need ahead of time. We will require time to brew."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Sabine spend another hour at least in a sad mood. She knew the day should be special, what with her reaching this milestone, but she couldn't shake it on her own. She deposited her present from Kaleeth and Janius back in her room and found herself at a loss. She wasn't tired enough to nap, she didn't have any work to do, making anything out of the troll fat would take more than a day unless she did something simple. In an effort to do at least something, she began to gather up things to take with her on the impending journey. This didn't take her long, but by the end of it, she felt that her mood had improved enough to face her friends.

Everyone sounded some mixed measure of excitement and regret amongst Sabine's friends. They were of course regretful to say farewell, but they were excited as they had not travelled nearly as much as Sabine. Perhaps it would be somewhere exciting, a source for new stories. Sabine didn't quite get as excited as them, but the sentiment turned her mood for the better. Her birthday turned out to be an enjoyable one, if marred by the morning.

---

"Are you sure, Meesei?" Vera asked at the meeting. Their time working alongside one another had worn away the formality of calling her 'champion' all the time. "What makes you certain that Hircine's vision was to send you that far south? You and your pack have been a great boon to us here."

"The option is open to have a lower profile pack do the investigating," Darahil added, though not with the level of protest that Vera expressed.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Yeah, probably.

Anyway, sorry for the short post, I've got some stuff to do this afternoon. Talk to you later!

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

With Ahnasha eating quickly, Fendros decided to answer Rhazii for her. "Carli's place is here, Rhazii. I don't think she'll be coming with us."

Rhazii responded, crestfallen. "Okay."

Fendros and Janius eventually went to their duties as well. Rhazii would join Newt for the morning while Fendros worked.

Sabine hadn't smiled since she had heard the news. "It's not your fault," she mumbled, her head bowed forward, "I just want to come back here. It is home." Sabine didn't know whether she should be more emotional or not. Sabine looked up at Meesei, "We will come back, yes? You said we would."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Perhaps we should agree not to give any of the less significant pack members any direct dialogue. If we just describe their behaviour rather than having them involved, it should be easier to share them.