"Well," Sabine said through a nervous laugh. "It is somewhat overwhelming. I think both of us just wanted to marry in the clan home. The Silent City. It is otherwise too much to choose from."

Fendros chuckled to himself. "The Silent City is still a magnificent place, even if we're used to it by now."

"No, no, no, why not visit some other places just to see?" Janius said. "You only do weddings once, usually."

"I will think about it," Sabine answered patiently. "Karl and I both will. But...maybe I will get your suggestions to list down."

"Well, if I were to give some suggestions off of the top of my head..." Meesei began, wading out deeper into the water of the slow-moving river. "The Summerset Isles are wonderfully beautiful, especially in the spring or summer. A wedding on the shoreline, with Alinor as a backdrop, would be as elegant as you could imagine. I think only Artaeum would be better, but I have no way back there. There are also some islands in the seas south of Elsweyr that I have spent some time on recently. Going there is like entering a painting of an idyllic tropical paradise. The swamps of Black Marsh, have their own beauty, though I realize Karl might not be comfortable there. Still...you could also consider the city of Thorn, and that would make it easier for your sister to attend. Or you could have it in the Hunting Grounds after the battle, if you would like to be able to say that you had your wedding in Oblivion."

Meesei had little hesitation in her suggestions. Despite her claim that she was not experienced with weddings, it did feel like she had thought about this before.

Kaleeth had finally released Janius, but was still remaining in a transformed state. Sabine had known her for long enough to see through her crocodilian visage enough to tell that she was happy for her, but she was likely not as accustomed to how overwhelming a werecrocodile's hug could be as Janius. Nevertheless, that is exactly what Sabine received. "For a wedding or anything else...I'm just glad to see you happy. I feel like I want to celebrate right now."

The pattern of Meesei's own suggestions did not pass by Janius. He grinned and responded with an inquisitive inflection to his voice. "Something tells me some of those places would very well suit a wedding in which you are the bride, alpha. Or would it be 'a' bride?"

Sabine could only let her arms press against her sides and her lungs empty with an audible "ooph" with Kaleeth hugging her. She smiled and had just enough air to speak briefly. "Thank you, Kaleeth-rei...I...what did you have...in mind?" she squeaked out.

Kaleeth was mercifully quick to release Sabine, though there was a noticeable silence from her after Sabine's seemingly innocuous question. She glanced away from making eye contact, and soon began to sink lower into the water almost without noticing it. "I, um, well I don't know really. I just...thought I, well...I felt I really wanted to enjoy this time with you all because..."

Kaleeth already felt guilty ahead of time. The thoughts going through her mind were, in all likelihood, the same thoughts that were in the back of everyone else's mind. It seemed that no one else really wanted to bring it up into the open, but Kaleeth felt that she was not strong enough to keep it buried. The water hid her tears, but even in this form, her voice sounded like she was struggling to speak. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said anything. I don't want to ruin the moment for anyone, I'm just...so afraid. Of tomorrow. Of something happening to anyone here. What are the chances that all of us...no, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I'm just ruining our time together by saying these things."

Responses were silent and largely avoidant. The pack found other places to look, though the discomfort of Kaleeth's words rang in all their minds.

If asked, Fendros' lack of patience drove him to speak first more than anything else, but he still held a compassionate tone. "Do not worry about ruining anything, Kaleeth," he said, before eyeing everyone. "None of us here can deny it. We might die tomorrow. People we know will probably die as well. We don't know who or how many exactly, but it's a reality." He waded closer to look Kaleeth in the eye. "I don't know if I can make anyone feel better about it, but here's how I see it. Either we might die or we will die. There's no more control over it than that. It's been decided. And so we do not have to feel any pressure on ourselves except to do our best and to get our affairs in order."

He blinked and looked over at Meesei. "I've already spoken to Rhazii about what I want him to do should I not return. I was wondering who would be making their peace first amongst all of us."

Kaleeth was not entirely comforted, but Fendros' honest answer did help console here, in that she knew she was not alone. IWith the change of topic, there were a few eyes on Meesei. Given recent events, the danger of the upcoming battle meant even more for her than it did for the rest of them. Meesei knew that the others had probably been thinking about it, even before Kaleeth brought up the topic, and she had not expected to get through the night without addressing it. Or what she intended to do about it. With their work on the problem these past few days, there were certain actions that Meesei had figured out that could potentially help her for the coming day, but she had not been entirely sure if she wanted to go through with it. Now, however, she had made her decision, though she still felt it best not to go into too much detail about it.

"I do not think anyone could avoid being afraid, or at least worried, about tomorrow. Still, I know you all have particular reason to be worried about me, specifically. I just...want you to all know that you do not need to worry. Sabine, Ariel, even Neesa, have all been of great help, and...I know what I will do. No matter what happens, just be confident that you do not have to worry about me." Meesei explained.

Janius glanced at the others and back to Meesei with a little surprise. "They found a way?" He asked, leaning closer. "What is it? Or...are we not to know?"

"It is not that." Meesei replied to Janius, lightly shaking her head. "It is not a solution, exactly, just...precautions that I can take to help me tomorrow. I do not want to present the problem as being solved when it is not, and I cannot give guarantees. But, I do want you to be confident that you do not have to worry about me tomorrow. We will be able to just focus on what is in front of us."

Meesei looked around, her eyes lingering on each and every member of her pack for a few seconds each. "Right now, I cannot help but to focus on all of you. There is no team in our world better than us, no family closer than us. Our pack...is the greatest that has ever lived, or will ever live. No matter how strong I have become personally, I feel like I am only barely worthy to lead a pack like you. I would not be what I have become without all of you."

While disappointed to hear they did not have an exact solution, the pack read Meesei's words. It would not help to pry. Still, the praise that followed was not lost on them either.

"You've kept us together, Meesei," Fendros said. "After you brought us together. That enough makes you a worthy pack leader."

Janius nodded. "Aye, and we shall cement our standing tomorrow, for all time!"

Meesei did feel some guilt about the fact that she did not feel comfortable saying more about her ideas for a solution. It was true that she did not feel she could give them any guarantees...or that they would be comfortable with some of the risks. Still, looking ahead at the future of her pack, of all the people she cared about, she was resolved that she would be there to see it. She knew what she would do, and she just hoped that she could show enough confidence that the others would not be worrying about her.

There was a grin that came across Meesei's face. "Indeed. I fully expect the bards to be irritating me with songs of our exploits within a few weeks. Or days."

Even though her fears were unlikely to subside entirely, the attitudes of her packmates did comfort Kaleeth. They were candid, they did not deny the danger, but it all helped to remind her of what they had accomplished together. There were few as capable as they were together, and even with the confidence problems that Kaleeth sometimes struggled with, she could believe that she was a part of that as well. "Oh, well, I don't think I've ever heard a song sung about me before. I mean, I've heard them about Meesei before, and Sabine more recently, but I don't think people notice me too much."

Ahnasha chuckled as she waded up alongside Kaleeth, craning her head up to look into the towering werecrocodile's eyes. She gave a few light, but distinctly audible slaps to her side. "Kaleeth, I don't see how anyone could 'not' notice you. You're really the kind of person that...makes an impression on people. Actually, I've been curious about something..." Ahnasha began, shifting her attention over towards Janius. "What's it like to have a mate who is so...powerful? Even in her normal form, Kaleeth here could throw Lorag around."

Janius quietly laughed through a grin. "Of course you would be the one forward enough to ask," Janius retorted. "I hope you are not disparaging Fendros' physical strength."

"I want to hear the answer as much as Ahna does, Janius. Don't be so deflective." Fendros did not miss a beat.

"Well, if you're interested..." Janius sighed and looked up at Kaleeth. "I would say you have helped me work out how to be complementary to another's talents, Kaleeth. Before I met you I was always more independently minded than I really needed to be. But knowing you're there, physically implacable and yet tying me to an enriching responsibility...I am guided."

"...And?" Fendros pressed.

Janius shot Ahnasha and Fendros a look. "We're as careful as we need to be and as dangerous as is enjoyable," he added quickly.

Fendros grinned. "I meant more in the sense of...wait, never mind."

Both Ahnasha and Lorag started to laugh, though Kaleeth appeared somewhat confused as to why. She held Janius more tightly up against her side as a response to the attention. "I have not really...thought about all of that in that way. I guess I don't really try to figure out the meanings behind things, or...how it changes me as a person. I just...live. I know I am happy, and I couldn't even think about having anyone as my mate other than Janius. It just feels like the way things are supposed to be. Is it bad for me to think about it so simply?"

Ahnasha's laughter faded, and she could not help but to smile. "No, I think it means you have certainty. You just know what you want without so much as a doubt in your mind."

The pack's time relaxing together extended far longer into the evening than they had initially planned. They did not return to any of the more serious and worrisome subjects for the rest of the evening, and instead focused on just enjoying the time they had. They reminisced about the past, as well as some of their old friends and acquaintances they had been able to catch up with recently, with all of the clans having been brought together. The future was uncertain, and it was difficult to talk about without that uncertainty manifesting. However, a satisfied past and the beauty of the present made it easy for them to enjoy their evening together.

---

Surprisingly, Meesei did not feel like she dreaded it too much when it eventually came time for the pack to retire for the night. They had been granted a nice evening together, and they only started to move their separate ways once it felt natural to do so. If they tried to stay out any longer, not only would they likely end up sacrificing sleep, but trying to stay up together for too long would only call attention to those worries. While the others would need only to relax for the rest of the evening, Meesei had one last, personal task ahead of her. Although, first, she decided that she would pay a visit to Lunise.

Meesei took the time to dress herself professionally to meet with Lunise in a public setting, even though it was likely unnecessary. Lunise was not even staying in the Dominion's section of the camp. Her role now was much the same as it had been since they had formalized their alliance with the Dominion, albeit now in a more military setting. She served as a liaison between Teroiah and the lycan forces, and had been ensuring the defense of the portal and forward camp would meet the Dominion military's standards. Meesei felt fortunate that Lunise had a diplomatic skillset; her superiors often selected her for these types of roles themselves, without Meesei needing to even request her assistance.

When Meesei approached Lunise outside her tent, she did not even bother with the trouble of providing a "formal" reason to speak with her. Right away, Lunise would see all of the colors fade and the world around her freeze in place as Meesei took the two of them out of time. Simple movement was more difficult, but Meesei was able to lean in and open with a quick kiss. "Good evening. So...how are you holding up?" Meesei asked.

---

Kaleeth and Janius were the last to remain at the river, mostly because Kaleeth had never showed any desire to leave the water. She had remained in her werecrocodile form for their entire evening, as she evidently felt comfortable in it. She had certainly come far from being an uncontrollable beast who could easily be set off, even in her normal form. It was like her beast’s very nature had slowly become at least acceptably sociable.

Kaleeth’s head emerged, slowly and partially from beneath the surface of the river. At first it was just her two eyes peeking up at him from above the surface, but she eventually moved close enough to the riverbank that she let her head rest up on dry land to speak to him. “I know it is getting late and everything, but do you mind if we just…stay here a while longer?”

Lunise was well enough used to being taken out of time that she enjoyed the kiss for just a few moments more than strictly necessary. While she looked as professional and in control as ever, she broke the facade and sighed at Meesei's question and cast her eyes down. "Well. Everything is well. In order, ready, and well."

By her frown and her stilted tone, she did not reflect what she said. She took Meesei's hand and lead her inside the tent. "How fares you and your pack?"

---

Janius did not mind Kaleeth's company at the worst of times. He did not feel like transforming back either, perhaps because he did not think to, or perhaps because he had an easier time focussing on the present in his werewolf form.

The water eventually proved a bit too cold to stay in, but the grounds were dry enough that he was not shivering before his fur dried.

"Not at all," Janius responded. "Tonight is one of those nights with you that I wish would last forever, my dear."

While Meesei's answer too was not terribly optimistic, she could say it earnestly. "As well as they can be, for the situation. We just spent the last few hours together. We went on a hunt, then just relaxed together for a while. If I am being honest, the whole evening was just so wonderful and painful, both."

Meesei turned her head away slightly. "We spent some time talking about our plans for the future, what everyone wants to do once the war is over. I think, overall, everyone wants a break from the fighting, especially with how long it has been going on. Except Lorag, but even he seemed focused on raising his daughter in...his own way." After a few moments, Meesei began to smile and a few tears could be seen slowly rolling down her scales. "Did you know Sabine is planning on getting married? She has been discussing it with Karl. I...want nothing more than to make sure I can be there for it. I just hope I am strong enough to make the decisions I need to make to guarantee I can be there."

---

Kaleeth could certainly agree with Janius, for numerous reasons. Though, she did decide t hat she was finally done with the water and instead pulled herself up on land, laying down on her side in the grass. "I'm just glad to know I'm not alone worrying. Everyone else has always been able to put on such a confident face that I feel like I'm alone in being afraid. I know that we have to be a good example for the clans, so that they'll be confident too."

A long breath escaped Kaleeth's nostrils as she rolled over onto her back. "I've always felt like I was pretending. Not pretending to be stronger in front of the clan; we all do that. I mean, I always felt like I was pretending to be good enough for our pack. I'm not even a werewolf, so I felt like I was pretending to fit in. I was so young when I joined, so inexperienced. I've always been the least skilled fighter out of all of us, and I've always just felt like I was pretending to be good enough. But, I know that's not true. I probably am the least skilled out of all of us, but I think I am still good enough to make a real difference tomorrow. Enough of a difference to make sure Julan will be safe."

Lunise turned and took Meesei lightly by the arms once they were out of sight. She knew Meesei could not hold them out of time for particularly long, so she took every precaution without always needing to.

The news about Sabine and Karl made her smile just a little. "I thought they might," she said softly. "I know how much you mean to one another." She took Meesei by the cheeks to wipe the tears away with her thumbs. "But you say what you do as if you are doubting yourself. Why?"

---

Enough of Janius' human instinct had influence to reach out and take Kaleeth's hand, or at least as much as it could encompass. "The way you mention it...you're right. That is all we ever need to be in the end, my dear." He squeezed her hand and breathed out. "I'm glad you said that."

He turned to face her. "You know, I've been unsure at times whether I'll be good enough for this mission. I play it off with humour, but what with Sabine throwing me about and the energy the children have, I have noticed. I'm not as fast as I used to be, nor as strong."

“I would not say…doubting myself is the best way to put it.” Meesei replied with, ironically, some noticeable hesitation in her voice. “I just…as much as I would like to be entirely optimistic, to be realistic is to admit that I could die tomorrow. Any of us could. I know my ability, and that of my family, and I know that I do have a good chance of surviving. But…”

Meesei let out a long breath and finally allowed herself to resume eye contact with Lunise. “…I accept what may happen. If you were in my position, would you do what you…needed to do in order to guarantee that you would be able to see your daughter’s future come to pass?”

---

Kaleeth tightened her grip around Janius’ hand, then tilted her head towards him. “You know, I think it’s easy to feel that way. Like I said, I’ve always felt that way. But Meesei, Sabine, Fendros…they’re all just the best of the best. As a pack, we’re all supposed to be the best, but it’s hard to look at people like them and avoid feeling like you’re just not good enough. But…that’s just because of who we’re comparing ourselves to. I mean, being the worst of the best is still pretty good, right?”

"In a heartbeat," Lunise said. This time it was her who avoided eye contact. "Even after the things I have witnessed. Even after losing people I care about...They did it for their duties. I am working as hard as I can to ensure guarantee our future comes to pass as well. But our duty is to this mission."

---

Janius laughed. "Right, it is. We do pretty well when all is said and done, don't we?" He nuzzled Kaleeth's neck affectionately. "I suppose after this we won't have to compare our fighting skills so seriously anymore." He sighed. "I hope we're good enough at all the other things as well."

Meesei nodded slowly, then eventually gave a soft smile. "I think you are right. There is just one thing I still have to do this evening, but I would really love to be able to spend this night with you. I think perhaps an...hour would be enough for me. I will make sure we are alone, just subtly make your way to my tent about an hour from now." She suggested. Given Lunise's magical ability, she had little doubt that she would be able to make her way undetected to Meesei's tent, especially since the only powerful mage with a tent near her own was Sabine.

---

While Meesei did not rush to leave, she was intent on finishing up her last task for the evening. She returned to her tent, though it remained entirely silent for those around it in the hour that ensued. No signs at all that she was doing anything within. Even to Lunise, nothing would seem out of ordinary on approach. It would only be once she crossed the threshold past the cloth flap that covered the entrance that she would start to feel the rather intense presence of magic within. There was nothing particularly unusual in the tent, except for Meesei herself. She had discarded the formal clothing she had been wearing and was sitting on her knees in the middle of the tent as if praying before some non-existent altar. She was facing away from the entrance and did not seem to notice Lunise at first. There was, quite literally, an aura around her: a soft, white, magical glow that did not quite match any other kind of magic that Meesei had been known to perform before.

After a few seconds, Meesei lifted up her head and turned around to look back at Lunise, though at first, her expression was almost vacant. She soon focused her eyes on Lunise, but she appeared confused, as if she did not even recognize who she was looking at. However, it took only a few more moments before she snapped out of whatever trance had overtaken her. "Oh, Lunise...sorry, I...did not expect I would be seeing anyone so soon. What do you need?"

---

Kaleeth could not grin, but she was able to wrap her arms around him tightly enough to squeeze the breath out of him, pulling him over onto her. “It is hard to imagine what life will be like without all of this, isn’t it? My life has always had fighting, or learning to fight, as this…background to it all. Even before I joined the pack, I was going to be a huntress. What else can I even do? Maybe we won’t have to do anything? Maybe there will be enough wealth left over from this war to just retire and do nothing. Or…do you think that would get boring?”

Lunise arrived in just the same uniform that Meesei had left her in. She made sure to greet Sabine on her way. Though cordial in tone when in the open, she murmured a congratulations to her without any further context, before moving for Meesei's tent.

The way Meesei received Lunise drove her to immediate confusion. "Did coming to my tent and requesting my presence escape you over the last hour?" She asked quietly as her eyes scanned around the scene. "...Meesei, what is it exactly you are doing?"

---

"Positively droll!" Janius said with what little lung capacity he had at the time. "I would like to take up a trade at least. Or a business. Something. We don't even have to be the best at what we might try next. Of course, I would like foremost to see Julan through the next few stages of his life."

“Right, sorry, I remember. I was just…distracted. It would be a lie for me to say that thoughts of tomorrow are not affecting me.” Meesei answered Lunise. At first, she stood with an unusual amount of formality considering that they were in private, but after a few moments in silence, she started to look at Lunise noticeably differently and quickly dropped the formal demeanor. She approached and pulled Lunise into her embrace, but again, it was just a few more seconds before another thought seemed to tug her focus in another direction.

“Oh…” Meesei quickly uttered, then rushed over to her enchanting table. She took a small metal stand that appeared to contain a welkynd stone, then placed it on a wooden nightstand next to the tent’s entrance. She activated an enchantment which used the welkynd stone to power a near-invisible barrier over the entrance to her tent. Warding magic of this sort was hardly uncommon among magical organizations, though Meesei was using it rather casually for the amount of effort it tended to take. In any case, it would help to guarantee their privacy.

---

Mercifully for Janius, Kaleeth did not squeeze him forever, but she did continue to hold him tightly enough that it would not be so easy to simply slide out of her grasp. She rolled over onto her side, pressing his head up against her chest and wrapping her arms, legs, and even tail around him almost protectively. The werecrocodile was an overwhelming, overpowering presence that surrounded Janius, but it all came with a gentle, caring influence from Kaleeth herself. “I wish I could just hold on to you and never let go. Then, no one could hurt you. Just stay behind me tomorrow; I will gladly take every spear or arrow meant for you.”