Muttonhawk

Modular Pathfinder

There was little else to do but sit down and listen. Ming did so, keeping her back straight and her hands in her lap like she did when the priests gave her lessons. She listened attentively.

When asked to answer, Ming twisted her mouth as she peered up in thought. "Well...umm..." She pushed her hair out from in front of her eye. "I was hoping to have fun in the tournament, but if someone is going to try and ruin it, I'll help stop them. You seem nice, too, so you getting killed would be mean." She looked at her friends. "Should we help?"

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Confirming with a look to Lunise, Marod answered first. "I am sure the Empire will be happy to provide support. While anything more than discrete military assistance shall have to be discussed by our own council, this is an extraordinary situation. The emperor himself is acutely aware not to repeat another Daedric incursion. Chances are high, with the information we have, that we shall be able to provide what we can." Marod paused and took on a slightly pained expression. "The real question is the exact capacity of assistance you have in mind."

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

@Slime, as BBeast said, Aeramen is an NPC. He's up for adoption, though. Write him however you believe is necessary. The only things to keep in mind apart from how he behaved in his Conata post appearances (particularly his speech patterns) is that he currently wields the Sword of Kyre as scavenged and reforged by Vestec. It's his badge of office as head of the Knight Protectors and grants him powers pretty close to that of a war god without being a full blown God himself.

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

I, too, have had trouble connecting. It's been going on for almost a week now. Hopefully it sorts itself out before long.

As for the Hilt. You might gain some details from the Conata post a while back where they went through. I basically imagine it as a crater with a bunch of forests and streams going through, with of course the big tower in the centre and the metal djinn guarding the place.

Thankfully, since Conata sorted them out, they're not overtly hostile and quite Lawful Good now.

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

*Throws up hands. Hisses and flails at lights*

I'm about halfway through my next post. I've been a wee bit busy.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

The introductions continued. Oswall gave off the same boisterous energy he usually contained, clapping his hand on his chest. "I am Oswall. I lead the militia of the Blackreach clan and advise on matters of military and public order. While Ri'vashi is the general, my jurisdiction is focussed to this clanhome."

Vera was the face of respect to both the representatives. "You may call be Vera. I am the highest ranking leader of the Blackreach clan. For affairs regarding the wider clan communities, however, power is deferred to the Champion and Ri'vashi."

The next in line was Fendros. He leant forward on his elbows and kept his introduction brief. "I am Fendros. Meesei's second."

Naturally Darahil left a fashionable pause to allow the council's attention to draw to his most steel-faced presence. His arms had been crossed the entire time and he regarded both Lunise and Marod with no lack of scrutiny. "My name is Darahil. Much like Marcaille, I provide advice on magical matters, though my responsibilities lie in the Blackreach clan's research, magical resources, and magical infrastructure. Where necessary, my experience on this council and our clan policies keep all before you honed."

The last, somewhat self-indulgent, comment appeared more directed to Lunise. The stereotypically Altmer sense of superiority hinted that Darahil was prepared to play the same social games as Marod was.

"Lunise?" Marod asked after a moment. He angled his head towards her expectantly.

Lunise, cold-eyed, surveyed each member of the council. Her voice came forth smoothly. "I am Justicar Lunise of the Altmeri Dominion, the agent primarily assigned to survey and maintain order between the clans within Dominion territory and its citizenry. I believe our relationship should have been made clear from my personal dealings with the clans as a delegate of the Dominion in this portfolio. However, if even a detail is unclear to this council, I shall be sure to inform the truth."

In the space of a few moments, Lunise had turned right back into the calculating servant of a powerful nation that she first presented herself as to Saras. Her tone was clearly not lenient, even if her words were innocuous, if ambiguous, at face value. The council knew that the Dominion's relationship with the lycan clans was one of convenience and not a desire to cooperate. The ultimate power over clans in the Dominion, as it always had been, was in the hands of the Dominion.

"Well..." Marod once more spoke almost casually. "You may call me Marod. I serve as the Empire's version of Lunise. I all hope we can get get to know one another as friends. Now that the stage is set, I am ready to begin. What shall be the first point of order?"

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Is the rest of Meesei's pack present? I think Sabine might be off dealing with Rhajul and Yerig's orientation and possibly poaching for packmates.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Somehow, even the early morning start had not prevented Marod from turning up looking sprightly and well groomed. He wore the same attire as yesterday, and the same smile, but maintained the same presence in his posture as could be expected of a representative of the Empire of Cyrodiil.

Lunise was similarly prepared, having applied make-up to cover the dark patches under her eyes. However, she was apparently less happy to be there. A detail only Meesei knew to be untrue.

The rest of the council put on an especially professional face. None looked uneasy around the speakers for the greater nations of Tamriel, though the usual honest visage between friends in other council meetings was boarded up with good manners and strong faces.

To Saras' question, Marod looked pointedly at Lunise first, gesturing politely to go first.

Lunise kept her hands clasped on her lap. "I believe I am as informed as required," she said.

Marod took a quick breath. "I spent some time gathering the details with the champion prior to this meeting. I believe she has filled me in on just about everything." He gave Meesei a thankful smile, before spreading his hands and looking around the council. "There is one detail that I feel dreadfully sorry to look over initially, and that, I think, is introductions. I believe there are some in attendance Lunise or I have not met before."

As was to be expected of Marod, he perceived the tension in the council and sought to slacken it.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"I...see," Lunise said. She paused to pull her unlaced dress off over her head. "Playing the nations against one another is a dangerous ploy, but in this instance, very feasible."

Lunise sat on the opposite side of the bed to where Meesei lay. She leant forward to remove her shoes.

"The problem with great nations is they do not enjoy being toyed with. Either or both shall try to bully the information out of you before the end, and that may result in an impasse the world cannot afford." Lunise glanced back again, holding no shame in appreciating Meesei's appearance. "I dare say the Dominion shall scoff and claim their mages have unlocked those secrets already. I love you, Meesei, but you are still an Argonian leading a community of lycanthropes."

After pulling off her underclothes, Lunise reclined and rolled to face Meesei completely bare. Lunise's straight hair draped over her neck and face, partly obscuring her relaxing expression. She reached an arm around Meesei's midsection and pulled their bodies together. Her skin was pleasantly warm and soft against Meesei.

Lunise murmured, looking into Meesei's eyes. "Tread carefully, fight on your terms, remember hidden agendas, and do what you must."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Lunise did not quite relax when they finally had a space to themselves. She stood with one arm behind her back, looking at the walls. "Marod is skilled at 'seeming' whatever is most beneficial at a given time. I expect no less of him, and you should expect even less of his commitment at this stage."

Despite the serious tone, Lunise pulled loose the bow keeping her dress strung up at her back and tugged to carefully get herself free of the garment.

"Do not think tomorrow's meeting will be any easier, Meesei," Lunise continued with a glance over her shoulder. "Nevertheless, how do you intend to convince Marod and the Empire?"