Muttonhawk

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Rhazii did not display any rush to fill Julan in on the mystery. The group walked back to the dining room with Harald in the lead and rejoined Julan's parents and grandparents.

A short while of civil conversation passed over some tea that solidified their acceptance of the new state of affairs. During this time, Rhazii and Jatinha noticeably exchanged smiled, despite their attempts at hiding it. The group would have stayed for longer, perhaps even until sunset and beyond, but Janius soon picked up on Julan's impatience and began the ceremonies to leave. Aeramina had a knack for continuing their talks such that it took twenty minutes just to get to the door.

When Harald pulled the front door open for them, it was the final step that Aeramina did not hold them back from. They stood standing ready to leave in front of their reunited family.

"Well, this will be goodbye for now," Janius said with a smile. "We move around a lot, but we will write to you and tell you where you can send responses. I want to hear about your adventures, Aurana."

Aurana opened her mouth to speak and only managed a shuddering breath out. She instead threw her arms around Janius, tears forming in her closed eyes. "I'll miss you all."

Janius returned the hug. "I'll miss you, too, sister. I'm glad I got to finally meet you." Janius spoke carefully. Kaleeth, at least, could tell that he was holding back his emotions. They separated and Janius clapped a hand on Aurana's shoulder. "Welcome to a new chapter of your life."

After a laugh, Aurana turned her tear-streaked face to Kaleeth. "You have been so nice to me, Kaleeth-Rei. I couldn't ask for a better sister-in-law." Julan got a similar treatment when Aurana hugged him again. "That was really rash, coming here without telling your father. But I'm glad you did, Julan." She chuckled. "You're my favourite nephew now." He was her only nephew.

Meanwhile, Janius stepped up to his parents. There were no words at first, only an awkward staring contest. Remus extended a stiff hand. Janius looked at it, looked at Remus, and grasped it. Both their expressions faltered and they stepped into an unpractised, yet still genuine embrace. Aeramina skipped the little ritual and went straight for holding Janius and quietly sobbing. She didn't look like she was in any hurry to let go.

During the distracted moment, Rhazii took a risk and gave Jatinha a quick hug as well. He murmured something under his breath in Ta'agra that made her giggle while embraced, but they made it quick before separating. Their hands slid free of each other last. Rhazii stepped back. He was smiling, but his eyes kept flicking between the floor and Jatinha's face.

---

Lunise let her hands slide down to the sides of Meesei's legs as she sat up. She hummed at Meesei's touch and let her eyelids lower and rise. "Meesei," she said at a low pitch. "You exaggerate too much." Her cheeks flushed just enough for Meesei to see in the dim light. "Perhaps it is telling of you exaggerating your magical power." Lunise's hands ran gently up Meesei's sides.

As if the sentence made her realise something, Lunise halted her ministrations before they could escalate further. She looked up at Meesei and turned her head slightly. "I am your first Altmer partner," she said curiously. "It is obvious now that I ponder on it."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Fair enough. It stands to reason that Marod and Lunise would provide resources for something like this, but direct involvement to the point where their governments would be exposed as helping Meesei or other lycans would be avoided if at all possible.

Story-wise, as long as Lunise and Meesei's new relationship has chances to develop further, I'm fine with just about any amount of her involvement in the search. We could easily play out a scene or two where Meesei visits Lunise so they can catch up. That would make sense and be simple enough.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Julan's description only made Aurana's grin grow wider. As for the mention of Remus, Aurana closed her mouth and shrugged. "It sounded like they maybe had both changed. I don't know. Either way, it's turned out great!"

"Say," Rhazii said, rubbing the back of his neck. "Didn't you...want the freedom to come and go from the house on your own, though? It sounds like your father is still controlling what you get to do."

To that, Aurana tilted her head to one side and brushed one foot against the floor. "Well, yeah, but this is the first time he's ever let me go out to the Fighters Guild. And I never would have imagined him inviting be to the Imperial City, of all places." She tilted her head to the other side. "From this, I think father just wants me to be ready. I'll get to go out on my own eventually. I'll try later. For now, he understands better what I want."

"Well, if you're happy about it, I guess it's fine for now," Rhazii said, turning his palm up.

Aurana nodded and addressed everyone. "Shall we head back now?"

---

While Lunise let her lungs empty of some clear worry with Meesei's declaration, she was not as convinced on Meesei's ideas of reform. "I think you overestimate the effect of a government back on a society, at least on the Isles, Meesei. There are traditional families that see romance with other races to be abominations. At best, I would be a deviant to the average Altmer." Still, Lunise angled her chin down, aware of Meesei's light heart. "I shall focus on making sure Mundus continues to exist before thinking about making our relationship palatable to my compatriots."

They paused, exchanging a stare. The corner of Lunise's mouth quirked.

Lunise raised an eyebrow at Meesei's mention of Ahnasha. "Is that what she has done? I should have known. I do not see her often, but she was aging far slower than the average Khajiit. And all for the Dunmer, you say? Hmph." Lunise looked away, unsure of how to think about Meesei's thoughts on trying it. She sighed, pondering. When she met Meesei's eyes above her again, her voice stopped and started in a stilted fashion. "Do not...do that just for me, Meesei...if that is what you intend." Her eyes danced back and forth. "Do not even decide yet. I know not what it takes to extend one's life, except that the resources are not simple to attain. But also...be considerate of yourself and what that would mean for your life as a whole. Only decide if it is something you personally desire."

Lunise was trying her hardest to maintain her stern official face. "If you thought I had not considered your lifespan when I first saw you as a woman drawing my heart, you have me mistaken for a weak and naive youth. Fendros might have been as such. He could not hide his young age if he tried."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"Sure, sure," Rhazii nodded confidently. He let Julan go and pat him firmly on the shoulder, relieved that he had finally taken the hint.

Rhazii breathed in and turned around to the others. "Sorry, um...So, Aurana, what's the situation for you now?"

Aurana was not too far into telling Jatinha the same thing, so started again for Rhazii. She was still smiling and jumpy from sharing the good news with Jatinha that she didn't mind repeating herself. "Well, father has told me that he wants me to learn to shoot a bow, as well as do some other things out with him. Mother still wants me to go to court, but she is okay with doing this new stuff. At least, she was after father convinced her." Her eyes lit up. "Anyway, father says that if I'm good enough, I'll get to go the Imperial City with him!" She grinned and bounced on the balls of her feet. "I've always wanted to go there!"

"The Imperial City, huh?" Rhazii did not quite see the special nature of the prospect, seeing how close it was to Bravil and how many times he had been there before, but he couldn't quite stop himself from sharing some of the excitement. "That's great! Do you think you might travel to other cities as well?"

"Maybe later. I really want to travel the world, I've decided." Aurana gestured to Julan and Rhazii. "After talking to you both, I just want to go and see all the wonderful things you've seen. All over Tamriel. I'm so glad you two came along."

Jatinha was not exempt from the excitement. She wore a wide grin and pert ears, even with her usual quietness. "Thank you, Rhazii. Thank you, Kaj-Julan. And thank you especially, Kaj-Julan, for convincing your parents to come."

---

Lunise returned the kiss for as long as it lasted, though she was evidently distracted by her thoughts. When they separated, she wrapped her arms more firmly around Meesei and closed her eyes again. "I had always thought about it in the long term. You're right; that may not be correct. If this reality is what it is like to think as a short-lived person, I choose to be glad for living it as well. Just...do not underestimate the damage this may do to you, should it be revealed. I do not want you to experience the retribution that will come."

Reaching up, Lunise ran a hand over Meesei's feathers. "You are such an exception, Meesei. A beautiful exception. I should be ashamed to be with you. Perhaps it is because we are alone, but...I care not. You have succeeded in overcoming my sensibilities. You may tout yourself as the first non-High-Elf to do so. Although..." She opened her eyes. "...You are still an Argonian. And not a young Argonian. If this decisive scheme against Vile is successful, I shall still have business to attend against the Thalmor government. That will take time. So much time that you may not even see the end of it, even if it is age that takes your life. So...I..." Lunise winced and blinked hard, trying to think of the right way to convey her point. "To be realistic, we discovered our feelings today. It may not be the same relationship one year from now, or even one month. But...if it does work between us for longer, you will be with someone who shall never be at peace in your natural lifetime. I will be in danger almost every day. Are you willing to accept that? And are you willing to keep this secret even if it has to last forever?"

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"Uh, no, it...it was something she was born with." Rhazii realised what Julan was doing and recoiled a step, "Hey! What are you doing? Don't...ugh." Rhazii reaffirmed his hold of Julan's shoulder and took a few more steps down the hall. It only caught more attention from Aurana and Jatinha, so he lowered his voice. "Julan! Lay off!" Rhazii whispered anxiously through grit teeth. "I said I'd tell you more later. Don't get me into trouble here, okay?"

---

"Together," Lunise repeated. She did not reflect Meesei's lighthearted turn. "I agree. In so far as it is what I want. I want it, my heart bursts for it. Even if it is just for your lifetime. And I trust you. I do not know why, but I trust you with what I could not trust with anyone." Her breathing shallowed. "Though...if anyone knew, we could both be ruined. We have to decide if we can keep this a secret. If we know we cannot...this would be the least painful time to end it."

Lunise avoided Meesei's eyes. Subtle tensions were clear over her body, indicating her usually well-hidden fear.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Jatinha's whole face lit up at mention of Aurana's success. "You did it? Aurana, I am so happy for you!" She stood up and stepped to give Aurana a tight hug.

Aurana giggled and returned it in kind. "Thanks, Jatinha. Things are going to get better from now on, I think."

Even though Julan's news erased the initial nervousness in Jatinha, she was still short of breath. Julan's observation was not unfounded. After the embrace, she looked a him with a wordless open mouth, saying nothing but an unsure, "Ah, um..."

"It's alright, brother," Rhazii stood up and left the room, taking Julan under one shoulder on the way. "Jatinha told me that she, uh...has uh...has a thing in her lungs." He waved a hand over his chest. Rhazii reeked of Jatinha, every detail of him had a hint of her. "When she gets worried, she gets puffed out." He bent down to whisper quickly. "I will tell you more later, just don't say anything to mother and father, okay?"

With Julan out of the way, Jatinha and Aurana immediately spoke about what happened and what Aurana's lot was for the future. Harald waited patiently and neutrally.

---

Lunise let her eyes open halfway. She held Meesei just as tightly as she herself was being held. She looked just as peaceful as well. Their legs were entangled such that their entire upper bodies were pressed together.

"Hmm..." Lunise's voice was smooth and elegant. "I was convinced as soon as you became forward." Lunise hinted at a rare smile, now that particular game was over.

Looking at the ground, Lunise ran a hand up and down Meesei's back, her smile fading. "Meesei," she said. "We are both very vulnerable to each other now." Her eyes turned up. "What does this mean for us? What are we?"

Mid/High Casual - Divinus: The Deity Roleplay Mk.II

@Muttonhawk Finished exams, time for some mother-trucking RPing to be done in this thread. You guys have gone soft since I've been gone!

@Vec

NOICE

I've been hankering for a bit of Ull'Yang incinerating the world.

I've got one more assignment (due tomorrow) and one exam (next Saturday) and hopefully I'll be done for realsies.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"I'm not walking slow! I'm walking normally, see?" Aurana visibly changed her gait to speed up to a natural stroll.

"Thank you, Carajjo," Harald said before leading them out of the room.

Aurana kept glancing around nervously while they walked. Occasionally, she tried to stop Harald and Julan to interest them in some part of the house or another, but there was no erring them from eventually heading to the servant's quarters.

They entered into a plain wood and stone hallway at the back of the house. It was quiet, yet Aurana spoke loud enough to wake anyone up who could have been behind the few doors in the hall. "Oh! Jatinha's room is on this floor! Right over there!" Aurana pointed for Julan. "I hope they have been able to keep themselves entertained!"

Harald spoke over her, despite doing so at a lower volume. "Lady Aurana, please be courteous. There are servants trying to sleep."

"Yeah, I know, I'll be quiet," she said, clutching her elbow.

As they walked to Jatinha's door, there were a few dull bumps on the wooden floor beyond. Julan could faintly hear the sound of frantic brushing and unintelligible whispers.

Harald knocked on the door. "Jatinha, master Rhazii. Aurana and Julan are here to see you." He opened the door with no more warning.

Beyond, Rhazii and Jatinha were knelt either side of some kind of game board within Jatinha's cramped living space. She had a bed, a candle, and a desk with drawers, but little else. They both turned to the door and smiled.

"Hey brother, hey Aurana," Rhazii said.

"Hello." Jatinha looked ill-at-ease. A strand of fur was poking out behind her ear and she looked like she was catching her breath.

Apart from such small details, the scene before them looked entirely innocuous.

---

Lunise lifted her middle just enough for Meesei to wrap her arms around her. Meesei could feel Lunise's heart racing in her chest beneath her arm.

She rolled onto her back again. She was face to face with Meesei, gazing gently into her eyes, a bare distance apart. "I could plausibly deny it later," she said at a near-whisper. "But...I would see you prove it anyway. Now, do not waste my time. Prove it."

Mid/High Casual - Divinus: The Deity Roleplay Mk.II

IM DONE.

@Vec

You're done? Like, done with a project? Done with study? Tell us more! I've only been half-paying attention this past week or so!

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Unless Kaleeth has specific questions for Aeramina or Remus while the youths are out of the room, we don't have to play out that scene while Rhazii is being looked for.