Muttonhawk

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Lunise's eyes wandered as if she did not want to feed Meesei false hope, yet did not want to discourage her without knowing. She settled for a neutral observation. "That would be a most fortunate piece of information," she said.

At Nytala's gaze, Lunise was drawn to look at her and felt a quivering somewhere in her body. Her mouth tightened and she looked down. "Indeed, this should be done quickly."

She stepped up and hugged Nytala one last time, and though she held on for longer than she intended, it did not last as long as their previous embrace. They had said what they needed to say. There was nothing left to do. "Goodbye, mother," Lunise said. "Thank you for watching over me. Thank you."

When she finally let go, Lunise stepped away with fresh tears on her cheeks. She sniffed and wiped her face clean, relaxing her expression to rapidly compose herself. Her stern and official visage was put on like a mask. Though she still spared a brief, grateful smile.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Nytala's reluctance was not lost on Lunise, though she felt it just as much as her mother as she answered Meesei.

"I cannot claim to be versed in all of his studies, much less in Argonian physiology," she admitted. "Though, as I understand it, his research into the anatomy of the various peoples of Tamriel is a passion of his. Not to mention, he researches live subjects in the field, not just cadavers or...captives. For the amount of time and effort he has invested, to call his research inaccurate to the point of having no use would be a surprise to say the least." She took in a breath through her nose, eyeing something in the sky. "Whether his studies extended to Argonian souls, however, is a roll of the dice. Research in such areas is predictably difficult, even in Alinor's best institutions. Regardless, we shall inquire with him."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Lunise lifted a hand. "Oh, I had in mind that you might see his reaction as it happens, rather than show us. I admittedly have no knowledge of whether scrying the present is easier. As for your presence, Meesei..." She froze and thought on it further. "...My initial thoughts are to disclose our relationship to him after the invasion is done." She paused to let her reasoning sink in. "Either way, I would not mind your company. If father and I need time alone, I shall let you know."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"Well, there is little point in postponing the delivery," Lunise said. She was very used to the jarring freedom of movement the portals brought after using them for so long. "My only addition is to perhaps arrive somewhere outside of his study so he does not discover your abilities, but now that I think on it, he will probably surmise you have a special means of transport if we tell him where the letter is from. Although, we may still spare scaring him with a sudden portal in his study while he is reading alone."

Lunise turned to Nytala again, smiling. "Perhaps you might scry on his reaction yourself, if you wish."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Lunise's face was an emotional mess by the time she let go. She looked into Nytala's eyes as if she wanted to plead their separation not come to pass.

Looking down at the sealed letter, Lunise took it with both hands and let out a single, sad laugh. "I think he will remember your face, and then -- contrary to his past behaviour -- he will cry on my shoulder." She sniffed and dabbed at her eyes with the back of her hand. "If it means even half as much to him as visiting you did to me, I guarantee it."

Divinus: The God RP, Mk. III. Finished in Record Time™!

@Goldeagle1221

Regarding Yullian

Full disclosure, the bulk of discussion around Yullian was done behind the scenes, so there are ironed out details that we're on the same page on.

The Mischief portfolio is defined well enough and has plenty of potential for the kinds of things Yullian would apparently be drawn to do. That's all fine by me. A trickster god is certainly welcome.

The persona is a bit leaner than I usually approve of, but after further discussions on motive and narrative direction, it's a good enough foundation to build from when you jump into the IC. Just heed my previous warning to you about the dangers of writer's block with such an open-ended character. After the short-term kicks are gotten, it can quickly become difficult to keep things fresh. Planning a couple of steps ahead should make this fine, though.

I know you mentioned to us that the form may be a controversial, what with the free disguises and such, but given the portfolio, I'm willing to give it a pass this time. It's thematic, well bounded, and suitable without putting a tax on you starting off your stories.

It's clear that you've got your parentage sorted out from your activity with Slime, so I think you're good to go.

The GMs grant Yullian acceptance.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Upon the first words out of Nytala's mouth, Lunise's hand tightened around Meesei's. Her emotions were no better prepared than her mother's. It was by sheer practice that Lunise was able to keep herself from shedding tears first.

"I do not think anything could have meant more to me than seeing you again, mother," Lunise said, astonishingly composed. "I was utterly terrified at the prospect. I did not know how it would play out. But I was..." The red around her eyes became suddenly apparent as the corners of her lips turned down. "...pleasantly corrected."

Lunise let her hand slip free and stepped forward, wrapping her arms around Nytala and holding on so tightly she shook.

"I do not want you lamenting your absence on Tamriel any longer, understand?" Lunise's voice pitched upward emotionally. "I want you to know I am proud to call you my mother!"

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Got it all summarised. No problem

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"The term is 'fiancé'," Lunise said, looking sideways at Meesei. "And I would exercise caution around the title of strongest mage in a place like this, not least of which because your fiancé may prove you wrong."

---

The duel later in the day resulted in Meesei being the clear better of Lunise in almost every power of magic, save for a few of Lunise's own specialties. Lunise's pride was wounded -- to deny it would be a lie -- though she quickly rebounded, claiming that she would not let on all of her best secrets to Meesei yet.

With the most pressing business out of the way, Meesei and Lunise had a much easier time enjoying the rest of their unexpected holiday. The daytime was spent enjoying the company of each other and the Psijic monks curious enough to interact with them, while the nights were spent in each others' arms, taking advantage of every moment of intimacy, both passionate and peaceful.

With such a prolonged time together, Lunise and Meesei were finally able to experience the little details of one another's behaviours and routines. Some behaviours even emerged that were entirely new. Lunise, for instance, turned out to be much more proactive about her physical health than Meesei had experienced. Every morning, without fail, she would perform exercises to keep her body strong and flexible by holding poses on a mat on the floor. In addition, she had a almost childishly giggly personality after a few wines in the nighttime.

In turn, Lunise noted Meesei's own quirks. They were mostly born of Meesei's upbringing in a tribal community, though there were a few details that Meesei had not thought to notice until Lunise pointed them out.

If there was any grounding to their stay, apart from its limited nature, it was the growing relationship between Lunise and her estranged mother Nytala. The truth was, Nytala was a naturally more optimistic and easy going person than Lunise. There were times where their personalities caused friction between them. But what they did both share was patience and longing, and those both resulted in a newly built respect.

Lunise woke up on the final day knowing what she would say to Nytala. She was surprising energetic that morning.

Unfortunately, no amount of energy could nullify the sadness suspended in the time of their farewell. Lunise walked with Meesei hand-in-hand, wearing the same dependable dress she arrived in, now clean and fresh. With the last of their borrowed belongings handed in, they now walked to an agreed meeting place to rendezvous with Nytala in preparation to leave.

Lunise wore a relaxed smile, but did not immediately have anything to say.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Lunise put a hand on Meesei's arm. "There are many things we still do not know about this. However, at the very least, there is little harm to be risked in simply asking her. If she demands something unreasonable -- if -- then there will be another opportunity to weigh the costs." She glanced at Zyausak. "And we have better hope with Zyausak's account. Perhaps recounting our discussion here to her will take Hal-Neesa back to the times where she was...less bloodstained, as it were. At the very least, we have both had plenty of practice seeing past the monstrosity of the people we get to know."