Muttonhawk

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Lunise stood up. "If you will allow me a moment to change out of my uniform..." Her hands slid free of Meesei's.

Walking over to her luggage trunk, Lunise spent little time in selecting an understated yet elegant maroon dress. She spoke while pulling off her clothing. "I do not know if you intend it so, Meesei, but there is more to think about than simply convincing my superiors of the danger." She paused to neatly fold up her cowl. "Should they see it for what it is -- an existential threat -- then they shall insist upon complete command and control of both the Imperial contribution as well as your own people. I strongly suspect Marod's superiors shall wish the same authority for themselves as well."

The uniform came off as easily as the white underclothes came on. Lunise pulled the maroon dress over her body and turned her back to Meesei. "If you would please fasten me," she asked, gesturing to the cords at the back of her dress. "We should get going."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Lunise pursed her lips, holding back a more scathing remark. "Meesei," she said flatly. "I am acutely aware of how important this is for the entire world. As much as I admire your convictions, this will only -- as you put it -- transcend political boundaries through a greater effort than I can even predict at this time. I need you to understand that. Not even the oblivion crisis united any greater nations of Tamriel."

Shifting in her seat, Lunise changed her tone and looked at the floor. "I will help you. Do not doubt that. Just...I implore you to keep your expectations realistic for the position you are going to put me in. Any points in particular should be discussed with Marod present."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Lunise held her breath. The statement left her speechless. Meesei could see why, if not in the seriousness of the request itself, then certainly in the intense thought going through Lunise's eyes.

"Soldiers," Lunise echoed. She blinked twice. "You wish for the Thalmor army to assist an invasion into Oblivion?" She assumed her regular stern face, angling her head in disbelief. "Meesei, I am sure you know the depth of such a request. Let alone expecting a joint operation with the Imperial Legion. Marod may have inducted the clans as protectorates of Cyrodiil, but we have no such arrangement."

Modular Pathfinder

Hanani's attempt at a joke took a moment for Ming to process. She breathed in and paused. "...Oh no, I don't smell bad, do I? It's not my fault! The armour isn't very breathable, okay?"

It was wishful thinking to assume Ming would take Hanani anything less than sincerely. For all his very occasional humour, his mood tended to worsen when one mistook a serious comment as a joke.

The conversation moved on without Ming, though thoughts of her armour did remind her to put it back on.

"Uh...Kyoumi!" Ming called out before everyone decided to get moving. "Little help? Sorry..." Ming held up two pieces of her half-plate.

---

The normally talkative Ming was less chatty upon seeing the great house Marthysan took them to. After speaking a quick greeting to the dwarf, her amazement only grew at the view from the top.

The landscape all around was impressive enough to make Ming forget why they were invited for the first place. Her wandering afterwards took her light steps around the main room, peeking into the unoccupied suites, one-by-one.

"No wonder you thought this place was silly," Ming commented. "How do they expect you to sleep in eight beds at once? Unless they want you to sleep in a fresh one every day."

She then proceeded to a cushion in the living area and poked it. Very soft. She hummed.

"So how did you know about my name, my race, and Hanani's sword?" Ming asked abruptly and cheerfully.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Lunise stroked her other hand on the back of Meesei's held hand by way of giving comfort. She was good at remaining strong. However, even her eyes went down to see Meesei in such a state.

Once Meesei opted to change the subject, Lunise stiffened into a more professional posture. All this despite still holding Meesei's hand in hers.

"I would expect nothing less except from someone insane, Meesei," Lunise said. "I can plan to attend a meeting if you wish it. Or now, while I have the time. But I must ask, what exactly shall you be discussing with Marod and me? Do you require supplies or transportation?"

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Lunise did seat herself closely beside Meesei. Although, she remained cautious about Meesei's praise of Sabine.

"I worry, Meesei," Lunise said. She paused and evaluated for a moment. "Sabine...she is a remarkable woman. I would not deny that after hearing what she has been through. I know you trust her. But I would be keep a close eye on her and Do'rhajul." Lunise angled her head forward, looking up at Meesei. "No one comes out of that experience with the clearest of judgements. She will need you to guide her. Even with her new independence. I do not wish to sound disparaging, but I cannot help but feel sceptical about her pure intentions. It may be hiding something darker. Something she may be trying to avoid."

Lunise let out her breath through her nose and softened her expression. "But you. How are you faring through all of this? I can only imagine how terrible it was to find out Sabine was captured."

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

@Vec Normally, in that situation, I write down a short objective for the post to have as an outcome and then start a dot point outline. It helps chuck the things in your head onto the page without having to worry about that silly prose business immediately. Might help to reduce the multitasking in your brain head.

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

So, anyone got any cool posts in the works?

My writing has been slow. I have been meditating through (another) heat wave.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"Protect him?" Lunise repeated, sounding incredulous but still remaining quite enough in their intimacy. "I do not understand. He knowingly terrorised all of you. What could possess Sabine to make such a decision? Grovelling at her feet should not have sufficed, surely."

Lunise pulled away enough to see Meesei's face. Lunise was clearly concerned and at the beginnings of anger. "She has not given Do'rhajul amnesty as some way to cope, do you think? The staff, I understand if it is as powerful as you describe." She took a half breath. "That is its own matter, as is...forming a pack." She wrinkled her brow at that last point. "What will that mean for you and her? You will no longer be packmates."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

No amount of positive turns in Meesei's story shifted the look of genuine concern that fell over Lunise's face when she began.

Lunise lowered her gaze when Meesei finished. She shook her head blankly. "What an overwhelming turn of events," she murmured. "Meesei, I am so sorry..." Lunise gently pulled Meesei into another hug, rocking her side to side in case she needed to release the emotion she was clearly holding back.

When Meesei was at least partially mollified, Lunise spoke again. "How is Sabine now? I do hope the experience has not been...well...I hope it has not left her crippled. After all she has been through already, she deserves no more of that kind of pain."