Muttonhawk

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Marod is going to ask for a detailed recount of matters with Do'rhajul, Sabine, and what the plan so far is for the invasion (without getting into the details of how much the Empire and Dominion are putting in). He'll also be curious about the Staff of Magnus and just how much Meesei has been making use of teleportation, including broaching the propylon networks if Meesei mentions them. He will not make demands, but it would be easily predictable that the Empire would want the knowledge.

I'm not sure whether or not you wanted to play all of that out, though. It'll mostly just be exchanging information. We can skip to the meeting if you like.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"Ah," Marod conceded. "I suspected as much. It's heartening to know you're as organised as you all are."

Marod kept his hands behind his back, walking with a straight posture and observing the various quiet details. The patrolling Dwemer sphere drew his eyebrows up as he tracked its movement past them. It even drew Lunise's eyes, though with the sincerity of one who had not grown used to the machines.

The de facto governmental centre of the city, with its meeting chamber, offices, and dormitories, tempered Marod's curiosity. It was perhaps out of politeness, though it just as easily could have been the more familiar signs of bureaucracy replacing the glinting blue lights overhead.

"Oh, well, of course," Marod answered. "It is certainly in the Empire's interests to stop Clavicus Vile. We do not need another crisis on the level of Dagon's little peek-a-boo." His tone lightened. "All the same, I believe a meeting will be more productive after the night is done. I would much like to...catch up with things, as you put it. We have much to discuss."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

The extra effort came with no protest for Marod. He changed into practical clothing with no expense left unpaid in fine embroidery. A green doublet and trousers framed by the same belt and sword he wore when Meesei and Lunise first saw him enter their waiting room

The ramifications of Meesei's magic left Marod, however, left him unsure. He was still at first, looking sternly into the portal like something was about to spring out of it.

"Marod, it is only magic," Lunise said through a sigh.

Marod turned to see Lunise hand in hand with Meesei. Meesei's other hand was still outstretched to him.

Lunise exhaled, running out of patience. "Would you end your ape-like gawking and come with us? We have been waiting too long already!"

"Of course, of course," Marod said. After an uneasy laugh, he took Meesei's hand and followed the pair into the sphere.

Marod's first reaction to their destination was to the gates of the Silent City, when he and Lunise let Meesei's hands go. "Oh! You indeed were hiding in..." He trailed off as his eyes processed the distance to the dots of glowing blue fungus on the cavern ceiling. His face turned all the way up and around. He barely stepped to keep his balance. "...Ooooh...Now this is new. This is very new."

His fingers covered his mouth. He muffled his mumblings to himself, though he was clearly trying to deduce where they were. Words like 'Dwemer,' 'Mundus,' and 'Gems' could be heard.

Lunise was looking up at the city and the around the cavern as well, likely in some effort to appear amazed without overplaying it. However, Marod appeared too amazed to pay her any heed.

"I...fear I may need to start writing down all the questions I have for you Meesei," Marod concluded. "I, however, do not wish to be rude. I'm sure the matters you invited me for are more pressing." He straightened and looked directly to Meesei. "If you could indulge me just one question, though." He smiled and narrowed an eye. "How close did we come to finding this place when we first met your representatives?"

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Marod lowered his arms and twisted to follow Meesei's movements. Meesei's apparent willingness to sacrifice everything she had gave Marod pause. He sat frowning at Meesei for some time, looking at the magic on her hand.

He sniffed. "I regret to say I cannot leave immediately. Or at least, not immediately." He gestured to himself and around him. "Do not think I misunderstand the importance you place upon this, but some things will have to be arranged to sensibly rely on the Empire's help. Not least of which is me being in uniform for a official meeting." He leisurely stood up. "But by all means, tell me how we shall be travelling and I will make all the arrangements I require within less than an hour, I promise."

---

Marod's preparations were, at promised, short enough to wait through. Much was made in simple coded phrases and notes passed, documents quickly dictated to scribes to send to superiors, and other small loose ends. The longest time he was out of Lunise and Meesei's sights were when he changed into more suitable attire than a nightgown. His intention was to wear his Penitus Oculatus leathers, though Meesei knew he was not beyond disguises and could assume one if she recommended it.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

As could be expected, Marod did react to Meesei's short recount. At first, he turned his head slightly, looking at her as if falling behind in understanding. At the mention of the dragon, he barely managed to stifle a snort. He held the side of his hand against his lips and gave a quick "Very well, continue" upon the noise interrupting her.

Upon Meesei finishing, there was a pause for silence. Lunise crossed her arms over her chest.

Marod, taking a moment to read Meesei's eyes, shifted his arms such that his elbows rested on the table and his fingers steepled in front of his nose and mouth. He pulled a tight smile and breathed in through his nose.

"Lunise?" he asked, flicking his eyes across to her. "Is all that true?"

"It is not the entire truth, Marod," she responded haughtily. "I am sure you have a witty mind-play to politely reveal Meesei to be attempting a lie against you, and in truth, I can see the inconsistencies in her story making little frays and tucks in the fabric of your comprehension myself. Your eyes give it away."

Marod smiled like a mischievous child behind his fingers.

"...However, there are extraordinary circumstances surrounding Sabine's escape and subsequent pursuit of the axe, Do'rhajul was performing his crimes under false pretences that were broken and hence is largely different to how he may first appear, the dragon was bested by more than a simple explanation, and the rueful axe was not apparently being pursued by any other parties." Lunise lifted her brow. "Oh yes, and Meesei has her own confessions as to her and my rapid appearance here." She glanced at Meesei and frowned at Marod. "I shall let her explain further, though I do not wish to waste time with accounts of matters already past for too long."

The childlike smile was joined by Marod weaving his fingers together to speak properly over. "Of all the Thalmor agents I have to work with, Lunise. I am glad it is you." He shook his head in futility and addressed Meesei. "Well, what surprises do you have in store today, champion? How did you and Lunise get here so fast?"

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

Right.

I promise to drop this now, but I'll just mention that I did another draft of my previous post and edited it in. The main points are not especially altered but the characters' actions are a bit more in line now.

Now I can actually move on.

*shudder*

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Marod's exact appearance might have seemed comical had Lunise and Meesei not appreciated the circumstances they had summoned him in. He walked in with the utmost trademark confidence in his ever-present small smile and straight posture. All in spite of his tired, baggy eyes. However, his light blue nightgown stood out against the dark leathers of the two Penitus Oculatus agents flanking him. His only similarity to the bodyguards was a short sword sheathed and secured on a belt around his waist.

"Ah." He clasped his hands behind his back and bowed his head in greeting. "Meesei, Lunise. Jolly good of you to visit. Martin?" He glanced to the agent at the desk. "I shall be using the third meeting room until further notice. We are not to be disturbed."

The agent nodded. "Understood, sir."

"Come along, we can speak in private," Marod said to Meesei and Lunise, gesturing to a nearby door with his head.

They were directed to an austere room with a few comfortable chairs and a table. A few pieces of stationary and a portrait of some old emperor long past set the room apart from an interrogation room. However, Marod was the only person to keep Meesei and Lunise company.

He leaned one forearm on the table, sizing Meesei and Lunise up with fleeting looks until he breathed in. "How went your hunt for Do'rhajul, Meesei?" he asked, almost as if trading small talk. "I have been meaning to ask if you saw fit to keep him alive. He could fetch a tidy bounty with us as a deserter of the Legion."

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

@Vec I wasn't too affected either, though I can see how it could be healthily challenging to people who have trouble reflecting upon themselves. That could be for any number of reasons; stress and anxiety, trauma, intense lifestyles, etc.

It could be an interesting twist to write down answers, save them somewhere, then come back to the questions in a year's time to see what might have changed. Could be a good measure of life trajectory that makes you alter your course a little.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"If you are planning what I suspect you are planning, that shall be most delicate," Lunise said while Meesei tied off her clothing. Upon being embraced, she closed her eyes, held her hand over Meesei's, and exhaled, relaxing. "That is optimism I could never refute, my dearest Meesei."

Lunise appeared curious about their exact destination, though she did not speak at all. She was stern and confident both in the face of the woman they met in the house and as they walked through the streets.

The reason she was silent was hinted when Meesei looked back from the White Gold Tower. Her comment left Lunise looking dead straight ahead and frowning at the corner of her mouth.

She left Meesei's observation unanswered. Though there was no telling what the result of probing the issue could be.

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

>tfw you reread your latest post and see large swathes that could have been rewritten and larger swathes that could have been cut altogether, not to mention the overall cringe...

I solemnly swear to leave my proofreading to points of relative lucidity. I will start with the next post. Sorry for the poor quality, my friends -_-.