[IC] Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

[EliteCommander]

The Dunmer huffed briefly, taking a drink from his wine before replying. "Well I certainly have no intention of dragging my clan into any war that is not forced onto us. Thinking about it now, I suppose general war fatigue may help keep things quiet after this is over. Most everyone is tired of the fighting." The Dunmer's eyes moved farther down to the other end of the table, towards the Riften clan leader. "Except for perhaps the Nord. I don't think Steel-Heart was terribly impressed with Do'rhajul's talk of 'loyalty' to the Empire in his past life, considering that little war he fought in to try and oust the Empire from Skyrim."

The Dunmer did not allow Fendros much time to respond before he actually started to eat his meal, giving only a few seconds after starting to comment once more. "At any rate, I think I have taken enough of your time. It has been...enlightening. I have enough trust in your competence to not make any trouble over this."

Geran's smile remained in seeming defiance of Sabine's attitude. "Indeed he is, and he is reputed to be a fine warrior, and I am certain he would be a perfectly fine Champion. I simply think you would be better."

The pair had been talking for long enough that Geran filled up his half-empty cup once more before finally moving away from the wine cask. He started to move past Sabine, but stopped for a few seconds to place a hand gently upon her shoulder. "I can see this is a lot for you to take in at once, Sabine. I understand. I encourage you to think about this; really go through all the details. I hope you forgive my criticism, but I think your close relationship with Meesei may make it more difficult for you to see her flaws. Just remember, taking Meesei's position would not necessarily hurt her in any way. Indeed, any good master, any good parent longs for the day that their child finally surpasses them. And if you are the better leader, then it will be more likely for your family to survive this war intact. Just think on it, and if you find that you believe I am right, then you need not speak to me. You can go to Meesei directly." Without another word, Geran continued on back to his seat.

For the most part, the feast was going well enough. Politics aside, the average member of the clan perhaps did not think as much on the effects or implications of Do'rhajul's defection. It had certainly been a starting point of conversation for many, but it was still a social affair, and most groups did end up moving on to more mundane topics. Despite not being terribly impressive in itself, the main course was still a popular success for the mere novelty of being able to eat a dragon. For some, that fact alone was enough for them to declare it a culinary masterpiece.

Eventually, Meesei found herself calm enough to take part in the feast as well in more of a capacity than just keeping up appearances. She did enjoy catching up with Ri'kalesh's pride, though Ri'kalesh himself remained distant, hardly speaking but a few words after the announcement. When Meesei finished her plate, she stood as though to go refill her wine, but not before walking over closer to Lunise and Marod. "Ah, Lunise, Marod, before I forget, and while I have you here, were you able to address that matter we spoke of a few days ago?" She asked, keeping her words vague while they were within the range of others' hearing. "I believe that is something we need to speak of in private, as soon as possible."

[Muttonhawk]

Fendros' small space for a response was filled easily. "At least you can trust Steel-Heart to be upfront," he commented.

Satisfied with their talk, Fendros smiled and bowed his head to the Dunmer leader. "Enjoy the feast, my friend." With that, he stood to pour himself another drink.

In contrast, Sabine remained frowning at Geran and his reasoning. She let him speak, if only to keep herself from saying or doing anything rash. The words he put in not only Meesei's mouth but her own only inflamed her. She said nothing as he got the last word and went back to his seat.

Sabine took her wine cup and brought it back to her seat in a poor mood.

Lunise looked to be far less enthused to be seated beside Marod during the feast. Granted, she was not enthused by most things in public, though her posture had remained at least one measure more rigid since Marod assumed himself next to her. Naturally, Marod was doing most of the talking with the delegates around him. He managed to keep the topics mostly in the realms of the mundane. Good humour, witty stories, and small talk about family and everyday life dominated the conversation, growing louder as more wine and ale was downed.

Marod laughed as soon as he processed Meesei's question. He twisted in his seat to address her. "Would that I could forget at all! It has dominated my every waking moment outside of this place. Rest assured, I have been providing information to the right people and..." He made odd gestures with his arms. "...have been setting the right wheels into motion, so to speak."

Lunise regarded Meesei with only a sideways look. She was more collected and certainly not as tipsy as Marod. "It is all in progress. I have had partial success so far. However, being careful with showing how much I know, such progress is slow."

"Ah, did you need to speak with us about this now, Meesei?" Marod asked. He pointed over his shoulder. "I have had my fill. We could step away for a moment, if it pleases you."

Sabine wasn't hungry anymore. She stared at the cold leftovers of her meal with trouble in her eyes, not adding much to the ongoing conversations. It was not just her trying to calm down after Geran's insolence that drained her energy. It was all the other matters becoming solid around her. She glanced up at Ri'kalesh and Ri'vashi. She was scared to set off Rhazii again. She also began to notice all the whispers amongst the cliques of clan delegates and leaders. She just wished they would line up one at a time and be upfront rather than let things fester under the surface.

As soon as Sabine noticed Janius and Fendros pick up on her social withdrawal, Sabine stood up and went around the table. She stopped behind Ri'kalesh and pulled his shoulder to gently confront him without him shrinking away and looked him in the eyes.

"I want to talk to you," Sabine stated. Her knee shivered involuntarily. "Please."

[EliteCommander]

Meesei gave a silent nod in response to Marod, not wanting to call any more attention to their conversation from those around them. It would not be long before their plans to coordinate more closely with the Empire and Dominion would be announced to the other clan leaders, but that would not be until after they had a definite answer from both parties.

The feast had been going on long enough that it was not too much trouble for Meesei to step away with Marod and Lunise without drawing too many eyes from the other clan leaders. Certainly, Meesei made sure that they were not followed, and that there was no one else within earshot when she finally spoke up quietly. "My apologies for dragging you away from the festivities. I just wanted to get your impressions of your superiors so far, in regards to dueling for the right to carry the axe. I will be ready to participate at any time, and I do not have any preference as to where it will take place. After the duels are concluded is when I intend to announce our plans to the rest of the clan leaders."

There was a few seconds before Ri'kalesh replied. He finished the last of the wine he had, then let out a long breath, looking straight ahead. "Convenient. Ri'kalesh was going to ask the very same of you, Sabine."

Ri'kalesh had not eaten much, but had no qualms leaving the rest behind as he stood from the table, following after Sabine. Even his walk was harsh, almost angry, much like his expression. There was an intensity in his large eyes that was somewhere approaching anger...though not quite. He waited for them to reach somewhere that was acceptably private, though he did not wait for her to speak. "If anyone else had done this, Ri'kalesh would be calling for their head. Or at least, challenging them for the right to correct their mistake himself. But you earned Ri'kalesh's friendship, his respect. That is why you have earned the right to explain yourself."

[Muttonhawk]

Marod turned to Lunise with a high-browed look. He gave Meesei a glance. Lunise crossed her arms and acknowledged him but gave no indication of speaking first. The silent impasse continued for another moment before Marod showed a hand to Lunise. "Ladies first," he offered.

Lunise sniffed. Now was not the time for banter. "I think you are getting ahead of yourself, Meesei," she began. "I have influenced a number of key military officers and politicians in the Thalmor, convincing them of the situation. I offered the possibility of proving their worth over you for the axe but it remains without my power to even decide on the Dominion's next actions. The government has convened in secret and is deliberating over my reports. I expect they shall waste plenty of time trying to twist this incident to their own plans, though that is the only obstacle I can see to them committing a force. Even if Vile still holds sway over any part of the Thalmor, they are too smart to render my report discredited by frivolous objections. It is sealed to all counter. Of course, they shall not proceed without a dialogue with Imperial officers. However, that is limited by Marod's success." She turned her eyes down and across to Marod himself.

"You'll be pleased to find, Meesei, that the process has been as smooth as possible in my power," Marod said softly. It was almost as if he was being deliberately modest to play up his success. "I have met with generals, advisors, and experts in conjuration. Most of whom have a direct portion of the Emperor's ear. And just before I left for this feast, I received these..." Marod reached into the top of his tunic and pulled out two folded letters. The bright red wax sealing them was stamped with a seal of the Imperial diamond.

"One for you, Meesei," Marod said, handing one letter to Meesei. On its face was elegant writing addressing the paper to 'The Champion of Hircine, Meesei'.

"And one for...well, for your care, I would suppose, Lunise."

Lunise reached out and took the letter addressed to 'The Commander of Aldmeri Dominion Interplanar Military Operations.' A placeholder term to be sure, but Lunise knew who to forward it to.

Marod smiled. "I must confess I know little of each letter's contents. But it would be against my duties to the Emperor to break the seals myself."

---

There was little Sabine could do stop her fears rising as Ri'kalesh accompanied her to a spot away from the others. She did not know what to immediately say. She hoped something would come up while they walked but seeing him exude such anger only made her nervous.

A short moment of standing before Ri'kalesh, paralysed and thoughtless, made Sabine realise how little else she could say.

"I do not want to explain everything, Ri'kalesh," Sabine said with a quavering monotone. "Because I do not want you to have to relive what happened to Ciinriel if I explain what happened when Arinette and her servants tied me to a tree." She filled her empty lungs. "I can explain to you why I spared Rhajul. I do want to tell you that. But I need you to first know that I remember everything. I remember finding Ciinriel. I remember what happened to Do'ajee. I remember what happened to your clan near Senchal. I am not forgiving him for any of it. Do you understand?"

[EliteCommander]

"Hmm, I suppose I should be glad for any progress we can make at this point." Meesei commented before being handed the letter by Marod. She looked at it for only a moment before flipping it over in her hand and dragging a single claw across the seal. The fact that she was receiving a personally addressed letter from the highest echelons of the Imperial government did not seem to affect her to much of a degree. She also did not mind reading it in front of the others, though she would have to finish the letter to know if it was something she would be free to share, or if it was something to keep close to her chest. Certainly, no one was going to be reading it over her shoulder.

Ri'kalesh's harsh gaze was likely doing little to calm Sabine's nerves, and it did not seem like anything she said so far was going to make it subside. He had his arms crossed, his eyes fixed on hers. With a Khajiit's features, particularly their teeth, they had an easy time appearing to be angry or intimidating, even when not intending to be. At this point, Sabine could only guess if he was doing so on purpose. "Ri'kalesh would hope you remember. If you did not, he would question any friendship you claim to have with us. Now, Ri'kalesh would prefer you stop reminding him of the pain of his past, and start talking about Do'rhajul in the present. You have this one's full attention."

[Muttonhawk]

The letterhead of the unfolded papers Meesei held lacked no opulence of its origin. Gold leaf and red trimmed its top and the brightness of the paper told of great quality in comparison to the stationary she was used to. The writing, just like the address at its front, was expertly scribed.

To Meesei, reigning Champion of Hircine as Daedric Prince of the Wild Hunt, leader of the lycanthrope communities within Cyrodiil and beyond,

The last time Tamriel found itself breached through the gates by Daedric interlopers, they struck at a time of weakness. I am sure you are aware of the Oblivion Crisis and the hair's breadth with which it left the entire world to save itself. Tales of heroism aside, the interregnum that followed left a pure stain that reverberates on to this day. The empire was fractured. Like strips of flesh, previously loyal peoples were torn away. Let it be known that Cyrodiil shall not allow such a cataclysm to occur again should it have any power to do so.

After corroborating the veracity of your discoveries regarding the cults of Clavicus Vile, their plans, and their actions, I have concluded that the Empire of Cyrodiil is to intervene in your counter-operation against Clavicus Vile himself. To this end, I have personally ordered Legate General Tolrog Gro-Tagnud to assemble no less that 16,000 elite legionnaires to put a swift end to this matter. The Legate General is under strict orders to maintain the secrecy of your clans and this mission. Gro-Tagnud shall be your point of contact. I expect you shall collaborate and cooperate with him. He is a seasoned veteran and there is no other commander I would trust more for a mission such as this. Below are details for where I expect you to meet with the Legate General in the near future.

Gro-Tagnud is also fully prepared to work alongside cooperative forces given by the Aldmeri Dominion on the express condition that they never show themselves to the skies above the Empire for the full duration of the mission. However, he is not under the Dominion command structure and is under no obligation to carry out their requests.

This military support, good Champion, comes with conditions. I send my legions to protect my people. While this mission protects all of Tamriel, the more local scope must be addressed. You know as well as I that I have been aware of your clans' existence in Cyrodilic borders for some time. Officer Marod has extended good will to your people and their condition for the sake of good relations, but you are not an independent nation. Your clans harbour Imperial citizens. By the laws of the land, your secrecy from the wider Empire holds many people you harbour as criminals. If my peace in the land is to be exemplified by consistent rule of law, the tacit concessions to lycanthrope clans must come to an end. This is not a threat, but an extended hand. Depending on the outcome of this Gro-Tagnud's mission, I shall subsequently take steps to draft an amnesty to you and your people. The main objectives of this amnesty shall be full integration of lycan clans as fiefs of the Empire of Cyrodiil where they stand within Imperial borders. In exchange shall be offered a waiver of previous fealty, taxation, criminal accomplice, and organised criminal offences, an offer of official ruling station to the leaders of each clan, full protection offered from the Imperial Legion, and official concessions made to assist the condition of lycanthropy in the Empire. Particulars shall be negotiated as appropriate and I shall take into consideration the full account of Gro-Tagnud's reports.

Suffice it to say, Meesei, we shall be watching.

May there be peace in our time,
His Grace Flavius Mede, Emperor of Cyrodiil, Protector of Tamriel

On the reverse was a location within the Imperial City and a time and date. The words were strong, though the tone was to be expected, given the sender. What was more trouble was the push for integration. Some Cyrodilic clans enjoyed their independence more than others. And some virtually survived by the coin of illegal markets.

---

Sabine swallowed hard. Even the staff in her right hand was not enough comfort. She slowly sat down on a stone bench and looked at the floor. For lack of any argument in her head, she resorted to recounting the events from the start.

"It began while we were trying to find the Rueful Axe," she said. "We had leads. A Redguard found it in the Hammerfell deserts and was becoming overconfident with it. We pursued him and his contracts in Sentinel. That is when we discovered that we were being followed. We traced our followers back to a market square. It was Do'rhajul and a team he had assembled. We tried talking to them to refute their accusations. They said we wanted to spread lycanthropy. We claimed that it was Vile, not us, that spread the lycanthropy based on what we found fighting in Elsweyr. They denied it. However, we noticed divisions in their team. A Breton woman, Arinette, was the one who called us liars. A Nord man on the team, Yerig, expressed scepticism. He witnessed Rhazii and Kaj-Julan, saw that we were a family, not a pack of monsters. It was too open to fight there, so we went our separate ways and opted to slip away from the city as quickly as we could."

Sabine lowered her staff to rest at her side. "A time later, we believed we were ahead of Do'rhajul. But we were ambushed by them. We barely survived. Ahnasha and Kaleeth were heavily injured. Do'rhajul almost killed me because of his shield but I improvised. I injured him with powerful frost magic and he could not fight. Fendros turned the tide because they did not know he was an Atronach. The enemy escaped with everyone only due to the power in Arinette's staff." She tapped her finger on the Staff of Magnus. "We left mutually beaten, a stalemate. We knew we had to eliminate them. But they were too powerful together. They were specifically assembled to counter us. Even if we overwhelmed them with numbers, they could escape at a moment's notice."

Only then did Sabine lift her eyes to give Ri'kalesh a sideways look. "Yerig, the Nord, had the power of the Thu'um. Dragon Shouts. He...used his power to save Kaleeth's life right before one of the enemy could execute her. He was also a close friend to Do'rhajul and not a zealot of Vile. We realised that if we showed him the evidence of Vile's treachery -- of his infecting and releasing lycans -- that he would sow enough discord to weaken them. We could strike then, if they did not disband altogether. We happened upon where they camped as the Daggerfall clan was looking for them in the region. We hatched a plan to plant a book of research notes from Elsweyr in Yerig's belongings. I was to counter their magical wards in the area to allow sneaking in and to keep a lookout. Ahnasha was to plant the notes. Ahnasha succeeded, but it went wrong, my fault. I was captured. They escaped with me."

Sabine had to take a moment to collect herself. She frowned at her clenched fist in her lap. By her slow and deliberate breaths, even speaking of the matters close to her torture was difficult. That pause would allow Ri'kalesh's patience to be gauged as a side effect, even if she was not focussing on him.

[EliteCommander]

The gravity of the letter's contents made Meesei's visage stoic and severe almost on reflex. Even without the Emperor right in front of her to see her read it, she was not keen on giving away any of her thoughts as she processed it. In many ways, the letter was good news, even with its caveats. Certainly, there was nothing present within that would make a deal unfavorable, if it meant being able to stop Vile. Indeed, Meesei would have been willing to accept much worse terms to ensure Vile's defeat. The greatest issue for her, of course, would be convincing Imperial clans of the need. Not all would be opposed, but she foresaw some arguments ahead of her. Fortunately, it would not be until after the war that the more serious issues would likely arise.

Meesei was still looking at the letter when she finally spoke. "You are certainly a persuasive one, Marod, I shall grant you that." She commented as she neatly folded up the letter again. She would not be the only one that needed to read it. "And I suppose I can give you an answer, Lunise. It seems that the Empire will be willing to engage in dialogue with your people. As I will need to as soon as I can. There is much for me to think about in this, but...the important part is that we have half of our army. Now we just need the rest."

Meesei focused more directly on Marod. "I have a point-of-contact in the form of an Imperial Legate, but something tells me that he shall not be staying in my clan. Do you think that Saras was correct, and that you will be a more...long-term guest here? Having had time to think about it, I do think that it would be beneficial to have you here." She said, giving a glance to Lunise as well. "Both of you. You are capable diplomats, and familiar faces to many of those who may require persuasion."

---

Ri'kalesh was nothing if not patient, though he was far from being forgiving based only on what he had heard so far. There was one sign of success, at least, in the fact that he was not dismissing what she said outright. His expression was critical, but he was listening to her, quite closely. "So your mission was not even focused on the General, you say? Ri'kalesh has not heard of this 'Yerig', but he sounds to be an honorable man. He is also not this one's concern."

"Ri'kalesh knows what happens to Vile's captives. You do not need to describe it for him to know what happened to you. What he does not know is why this has happened. What has made Do'rhajul worthy of his continued life? Ri'kalesh knows you, Sabine. He knows who you are, and he knows you are not going to act without reason. What is that reason?" Ri'kalesh asked.

[Muttonhawk]

"Hm," Marod sounded positively. "I am sure you will soon have regular access to the Legate General once he has marshalled and set up camp in the cavern." He raised his hands and pulled in his chin, taking on a more frank voice. "But far be it from me to stay at home and let the commanders break down relations on the first day! If you continue to have the means of quick transport, Meesei, I would be best suited basing myself right here in this Silent City for as long as you need me."

Lunise had taken the time to tuck her letter into the front of her dress. She answered with her usual relaxed frown. "I will need to return to obtain an answer from the government. Not to mention to impress the reality of the situation on anyone who decides not to take this seriously." She angled her head forward. "But there will inevitably be some middling officers who need me to straighten them up if they find themselves too proud for joint operations. I will be staying here once Dominion soldiers move in."

---

"Do'rhajul and Yerig were the only ones that refused to participate in my torture," Sabine continued as if by no choice of her own. "Yerig was spending the time reading through the notes in secret. I could see Do'rhajul. He hated it all. The others enjoyed it. He hated it." Sabine blinked hard. "When Yerig emerged, he called them all the real monsters. He showed Do'rhajul the notes. Arinette claimed it was forged. Do'rhajul recognised the handwriting and demanded Arinette explain herself. An argument started. Do'rhajul had been lied to about our goals. When they were distracted, that was when I..." Her mouth hung open for a moment. "...Pulled at the stake they put through my hands until it went right through. Fell onto Arinette. Paralysed her. Took her staff. Used the magic in the staff to push away the others. I shouted, I wanted Do'rhajul to read the notes properly. Then they turned on him and Yerig. I..."

Trying to get the whole story out at once before she tripped over herself failed. Sabine's remaining breath shot out all at once and she threw her head forward onto her hand.

"Ri'kalesh..." she said with a suddenly strained voice. "I am telling you this because at that moment, I held Arinette's life in my hands. I nearly...did something horrible to her. More horrible than anyone has ever done. I hated her so much." Her hand already flooded with suppressed tears in the space of moments. "What she did to me. How she almost killed Meesei. How she...wanted to kill all of us. I hated her. I told her what I was going to do. Her eyes...She was terrified. And then I was terrified. I realised my very beast spirit was cowering. The last time that happened, I was a child in a silver cage hoping I would die because none of the cures my captors made were working." She stopped to keep herself from sobbing and sucked in a breath through her teeth. "I realised if I killed her, if I took my revenge, I would become her. I would keep killing everyone. I was terrified. I refused. I made them all unconscious, leaving Do'rhajul. Yerig had been killed by a lightning spell from Arinette but I started his heart again."

Sabine lowered her hand, letting her tears fall from the tip of her nose. "You probably do not care so much about all of that," she conceded with a blocked nose. "Well...Do'rhajul surrendered. I did not know what to do. I was still too scared of what I could have done. So...I just found a place to sit down with a warm cloak and...drank water. He thought I was going to kill him. Do'rhajul went quiet. Yerig tried to talk to me. He explained that Do'rhajul had just broken his pact with Vile by going against Arinette. His soul was forfeit but he knew there was no salvation after what he had done. Do'rhajul was honourable and...crushed with guilt by what he had just found out. He lost his wife, his daughter, his career, and everyone he loved when he was turned. That's how they were able to lie to him. By offering him his old life back, even if they never intended to give it back. And so they lied to him that we were monsters that wanted to eat the world. I wanted him to see justice but I could not kill him because of what happened with Arinette. I did not want to take revenge. I would be just as bad as her. I did not want others to take revenge either or else they would just make the suffering continue forever. So when he put himself at my mercy, I decided to force him to help me release the souls Vile stole."

Lifting her reddened eyes and teary face, Sabine locked eyes with Ri'kalesh. "I want the suffering to stop. I want the hatred to stop. Killing him will not do that. Killing him is hollow. Making this right is more important. No more revenge. Those are my reasons."

Sabine wished she could have expressed herself as clearly as she did when she convinced Do'rhajul that she was done with revenge. All she could give at this point was just honesty.

[EliteCommander]

Meesei gave a nod towards Marod and Lunise in turn. "Excellent. I am glad for any diplomatic assistance I can get. The Emperor's terms may not sit well with some clan leaders. Though, there are only a few clans we shall need to worry about. Clans in Hammerfell, Morrowind, and Black Marsh will not be an issue, since they will not be affected by any agreements. For Dominion clans, well, I suppose we will have to see what terms the Dominion has in mind. I already took the liberty of ensuring that we have some more long-term quarters available for you, just in case."

There was some comfort for Meesei in receiving some positive news for a change. She did not expect that their agreements with the Empire and Dominion would be as widely controversial as the matter with Do'rhajul, at least. That resistance would be more locally concentrated in specific clans. She guessed that there would actually be many members of many clans who would be excited about the prospect of being able to return to the Empire in some official capacity, particularly those who did not follow Hircine as strongly. There were many members of Imperial clans that were loyal, or at least content, citizens of the Empire prior to their turning. They joined the clans out of necessity, but what they were proposing would open up new options for them.

After a few moments, a light smile crossed Meesei's face. "Although, if you are to be long term guests, I will need to teach the both of you how to live among us."

---

Ri'kalesh's silence, even after Sabine finished her explanation, was likely to do little to calm her. When he finally did speak, his voice still did not carry any obvious sympathy, nor signs of forgiveness. However, when he finally did speak, his words were calm and clear. "Ri'kalesh does believe you, Sabine. He knows you, your kindness, your peaceful nature. He believes the words you speak. But you can still be wrong." He said, his eyes narrowing. "You never even knew all of the people that his actions killed. It wasn't just Do'ajee, and it wasn't just torture. You never knew all of the people in Senchal. Friends, family, elders, children. Do those crimes get erased because he thought he was doing it for good reasons? Do you think you would have spared him if he had killed members of your pack?"

Ri'kalesh shut his eyes, breathing out slowly. "But every man, woman, and child in Ri'kalesh's clan also lives because of you. Were it anyone else, this one would not stand for it. Even if it meant blood, Khajiit would have justice. But, he would not even be here to have this anger were it not for you. Even when he thinks you a fool...Ri'kalesh cannot deny you in any good conscious. The debt we owe you is greater than the demand for justice."

[Muttonhawk]

Marod poked out his lower lip, trying to think of what the problem would be. "Well, if you need me to attend hunts, I would be honoured. I have not hunted for too long."

In response, Lunise rolled her eyes. "Even if lycans hunted like your brightly dressed nobles on horses, Marod, do you honestly believe that is all to be said about living in this place?"

"Lunise," he said with a grin elongating her name to calm mollify her. "I was merely taking on some humour. I long ago learnt that my sense of humour is not to your taste, it does not mean I shall leave it out to dry like a tanned hide."

"Your humour has the stench of a freshly tanned hide, Marod," Lunise shot back.

"Bahaha!" he guffawed. "Is that what it took to show your own humour?" He gave up and waved dismissively. "Oh, never mind. Where do we start, champion?"

---

Ri'kalesh's response was some measure of relief for Sabine. However, she was not sure if it gave her comfort. She looked ahead and down at the ground. Her tears made her eyelids sticky as she blinked.

"You are right," she said quietly. "It was not any of my pack he killed. Nor my clan. Nothing is going to erase those actions."

Sabine trailed off for a moment.

"What you are offering, it is hard for anyone to do that. Even for a debt." Sabine covered one eye with her palm and leant her elbow on her knee. "You are kind, Ri'kalesh. You are the kindest person I now know. You are not...praising me like I am a hero for this. Or...or treating me like some enlightened saviour." She half-laughed into a sob and sniffed. "It has not been long but I think I appreciate being treated like I am capable of mistakes again."

She stopped to breath and speak more evenly. "Some day, Rhajul will have to answer for his crimes. I know I cannot hide him or protect him forever. I just want his justice to be more meaningful than someone's vengeance. I want to make it right. His crimes will not be forgotten but neither will whatever else he does. Even if you do not agree with me now, giving me this chance is...very kind, Ri'kalesh. I am grateful. Very grateful. If it means as much to you, whatever debt you believe you owe me is more than paid."

[EliteCommander]

Meesei simply laughed at the both of them. "You know, I do not think you will have too much trouble getting along here. There are simply a few things you do need to learn. Our society is not as different from yours as you may have once thought, but there are still some important differences, if you truly want to fit in. Luckily for you, our people are not impatient with outsiders. We have had a few of them over the years."

Meesei gave a look back towards the tables. "Feasts like these usually just end when enough people feel like leaving, so there is nothing compelling us to remain. I have had enough...socializing to accomplish what I wanted today. I can show you around the clan and point out what I can. I just need to speak for a few moments to one or two others back at the feast. I will let you do the same, then we can meet back in the town square in the Silent City. It should not be crowded, especially now."

---

After returning to the feast, Meesei did not remain for much longer. She spoke to a few of the clan leaders that she had not yet addressed directly, then quietly pulled Rhazii aside for a few moments to inform him that she wanted to have a few words with him later. Her tone was not exactly angry, but it was enough to perhaps make him worried.

Once she was finished at the feast, Meesei headed back to the Silent City square, just as she had told Marod and Lunise. Although, they would not find her in quite the way they might have been expecting. She was sitting down, leaning back against a stone wall, and looking up towards the orb above the city. Most notably, she was in her lycan form. Even sitting, her size and strength were more imposing than most lycanthropes. Lunise had seen Meesei transformed before, but it would be the first time that Marod had seen her as a werewolf. Still, he was familiar enough with werewolves that it was doubtful he would mistake her for anyone else, at least not once she stood up.

---

Ri'kalesh's gaze went back towards the tables, though they were far enough away that he could only barely make out part of Do'rhajul's head through the crowd. "It's not about debts, it's about what is fair. It's about what you have earned. Saving Ri'kalesh and his entire clan proves that you are acting in what you believe is our best interest. You might still be wrong, but you have proved yourself capable, and that is why Ri'kalesh is giving you this chance."

Finally, Do'rhajul turned his head in a way that Ri'kalesh could get a good look at his face, though he did not give a definite outward reaction to it. "If this is the path we are taking, then Khajiit will say that he would want the hold that Vile has over Do'rhajul's soul to be removed. Our lord Hircine should be the one to judge his final fate."

[Muttonhawk]

Rhazii had a defiance on his face that told Meesei that he knew exactly what she pulled him aside for. He did not keep eye contact and purposely maintained a scowl as if preparing for Meesei to reprimand him. Upon being told they would speak later, Rhazii betrayed a little surprise in his eyes, but kept his acknowledgement brief. He went back to the table to converse with Kaj-Julan to keep him from being lonely around all the adults.

Meanwhile, Marod and Lunise took the time to network. Anyone who knew the pair could tell that Marod was the one insisting on both introducing Lunise to the Cyrodilic clan delegates and himself to the Aldmeri delegates in turn. Cordial receptions showed that no love was lost across the borders for some. But for most of the clan leaders -- the ones more attached to the lycan community than any nationalism or other loyalty -- they were well received. The drinks certainly kept interactions agreeable.

---

There were a few lycans who transformed during the feast to wrestle or otherwise cause mischief. There were no cases of losing control, thankfully. The only ones transformed were the kind who were at the utmost harmony with their other sides. The sight was at first uncomfortable for Marod and Lunise, but they trusted the relaxed response of everyone around them until they were all but inured.

It was for this reason that Marod walked into the city square confused. He peered around with his hands on his hips and one eyebrow raised. This was as opposed to Lunise trailing behind him, who spotted Meesei nearly immediately against the wall. Lunise clasped her hands at her front and lifted her chin.

"Was she still back at the feast?" Marod asked. "I thought she left a short time ago..." He followed Lunise's eyes and finally processed Meesei's transformed bulk.

Lunise called across the square. "Were your last little meetings productive, champion?"

Marod's eyes bulged as Meesei stood to her feet. He rapidly caught himself, blinking, clearing his throat, and resuming his usual diplomat's smile. To his credit, he did not so much as flinch as Meesei closed the last few steps between them.

---

"If it is within my power," Sabine said with more confidence this time. "I will see that it happens."

Sabine stood up and looked over at Do'rhajul as Ri'kalesh was. She returned to facing Ri'kalesh after a moment of wiping her eyes dry. "Is there anything you wanted to say to him?"

[EliteCommander]

Meesei stood to her feet before approaching Marod and Lunise, showing her true stature. Although, her appearance and demeanor were in start contrast to one another. It was unavoidable for a lycan to look threatening to some degree. She practically had more strength in one arm than Marod did in his entire body, and it certainly showed. Her fiercely sharp teeth and claws could not be hidden, and yet, she could still move without any of the aggression that would make those tools truly threatening. She sauntered up to Marod and Lunise, standing tall, but with relaxed shoulders and loose movements. Where as a lycan that was ready to fight would be more hunched over and tensed up so that they could spring into action at a moment's notice, Meesei's walk was more like that of her Argonian form. For Marod, the part of her that would likely be the most revealing would be her eyes, as they could show the most emotion to a non-lycan. Even if he could not read most of her body language, there was no hint of aggression within her eyes.

"Quite. It is rare to get so many of our clan alphas together, though that is probably for the best. It is easier for some of them to get along when they do not have to...interact with each other regularly. But for now, I believe we have the task of making sure you two shall be able to get along well as long-term guests. You two have worked with us for quite a long time, but, by your own estimations, how...comfortable would you say you are around lycanthropes?" Meesei asked.

---

Ri'kalesh gave a long, silent look back towards the feast. Again, his gaze was harsh, but his words were at least calm in tone, if terse. "Nothing polite." With a sigh, Ri'kalesh focused back on Sabine. "We should probably get back."

[Muttonhawk]

Marod threw a look at Lunise and quickly moved back to Meesei. He paused.

"...It will take a spot of getting used to," he decided. "I have stared down Wrothgarian Orcs before with both success and failure. However...perhaps not in your case, though I can still see a certain beastly instinct behind the eyes of most other transformed lycans. I cannot say I am certain I shall be leapt upon at any moment. When not transformed, though, I have found lycans more than agreeable enough." Marod tilted his head to one side. He kept an eye on Meesei's movements, even if he was practically at his mercy at this distance. "What of you, Lunise?" He asked.

"I have enough experience with lycanthropes," Lunise answered dismissively. "Comfort is not my job here, though they have long since left the realms of influencing my comfort."

---

Sabine closed her eyes and nodded. She and Ri'kalesh made their way back to the feast. A melancholic cloud in Sabine's mind regretted that she had no means of taking back Rhajul's actions and their painful effect on Ri'kalesh. Regardless, she could trust Ri'kalesh. It was a small comfort that he would not be striking for Rhajul's neck any time soon.

While walking back to her seat, Sabine caught Ri'vashi's eye. She would talk to her next, hopefully with better formed words. But she first desired to check on Rhajul. Something had made her curious since the start of the feast.

She did not sit down, instead opting to place a hand on Do'rhajul's large shoulder. "Is all well here?" She asked, leaning forward. "Is Yerig here?"

[EliteCommander]

Meesei stood up straight in front of the pair, hear head tilted very slightly to the side as she looked down on Marod. Though, she did give a few glances to Lunise to make sure that it did not seem like she was focusing solely on him. "An admirable stance, though even as you try to hide it, I can still smell your discomfort. It is understandable, and I doubt any lycan would judge you harshly for it. In most circumstances that we have interacted before, I have been more than happy to show you the courtesy of making you comfortable. We are allies, after all, and it only seems respectful to do so. However, this is a bit different. Myself, our clans, we want to make peace, and so we are willing to make concessions in how we act, the forms we take, when we come to you."

Turning her head, Meesei motioned her hand towards the buildings around them. "But this is our home. It is one of the few places in Tamriel that we can feel safe, and that we can call our own. It is the one place we have where we do not have to feel like monsters to the people around us, no matter what form we take. It is the place where outsiders have to adapt to us, instead of the other way around. That is why many of the people are not going to act like the diplomats and representatives you are accustomed to meeting. They will not hesitate to remain transformed around you, and it is certainly not uncommon to have transformed lycans in public. We have no rules or customs against it; only those who have not yet mastered an acceptable level of control have any restrictions on where they can go or when they can transform. In this clan in particular, those are mostly children."

Meesei took a few steps closer to Marod and Lunise. It brought her into a normal conversational distance, but her stature meant that even Lunise had to crane her head somewhat to make eye contact. "So as you said, you will have to get used to this. And it may be more important to do so than you might think. No lycan is going to get outright angry or hostile with you if you accidentally give us that look that we always see from outsiders, but I can say that being able to interact with us comfortably, even when transformed, would go a long way to helping them see you more favorably."

---

Do'rhajul jerked his head around in a brief moment of surprise before he saw that it was Sabine behind him. He relaxed quickly, and answered her quietly. "I am yet to be stabbed by anyone, so I am well-enough at the moment. Though, I believe there is quite a lot among the people at this table which is being left unsaid."

When asked about Yerig, however, Do'rhajul looked more uncertain. "I saw Yerig for a few minutes as the feast was starting, but it appears he left early on. I do not know exactly where or why he left, but I believe it was back in the direction of the city."

[Muttonhawk]

Marod's head levelled. "I take it that is why you are transformed, yourself?" He held his neck out slightly as he looked up at Meesei's face. "To help our comfort?"

Lunise was still the more confident one. She brought the topic of conversation back before Meesei could fully answer Marod. "Might I remind you, Meesei," she said. "It is not necessarily my goal to gain the favour of the general lycan populace. It is my task to represent the interests of the Aldmeri dominion. And some of their interests shall inevitably form an action that lycans may not favour. But the lycans, might I also remind you, are in no position to defy such an action. I would only take the advice you have for...intermingling with the locals as courtesy. Not as a matter of import."

---

"That is okay," Sabine answered. She looked back at the city. "Yerig need only have stayed as long as he wished." She turned back to Do'rhajul. "I only have one more matter of business I wish to perform. A talk with Ri'vashi. Do you feel safe, Rhajul? If you do not, you may stay near our conversation, but Ri'vashi and I must talk in private, all the same."

[EliteCommander]

Meesei grunted, or perhaps it was a chuckle. It was measurably more difficult for non-lycans to recognize such nuances for Meesei's current form. "Is that so? Well, I do assume that an experienced diplomat such as yourself understands the value that favor can bring. A favorable attitude can unconsciously push one's decision making to the advantage of another. And since there would be no detriment for you to do so, I think you would benefit from my advice."

Even Marod and Lunise would be able to recognize Meesei's voice taking on a more serious tone. "Besides, we are all on the same side here. If we are to have any chance of reforming the Thalmor after this is all over, then we need to make sure that everyone beyond just the three of us understand that. It will be a task just as important as our current one, and if we fail in that, then defeating Vile will merely delay Tamriel's destruction. Or, at the very least, it will be devastated by another pointless war."

Not wanting to dwell on that note, Meesei shifted her gaze to Marod. "But to answer your question, no, it is not why I transformed." She replied, looking down at her hand as she rubbed two of her claws slowly together. "But it may be why I never bothered to revert. In truth, I do quite enjoy this form. For me in particular, it is nothing but liberating. You may or may not be aware, but in addition to being a symbol of my station, my ring serves to give me complete and perfect control over my beast spirit. My mind is no different no matter the form I take. I retain my judgment, all of my normal dexterity. For me, to transform is to give myself a body immensely more capable than my mortal form without any significant sacrifice. I do wish I could describe the feeling. I think the only reason I do not remain in this form most of the time is because it is somewhat...inconveniently large." She explained, opening up a hand that was exceptionally larger than Marod's.

---

Although he could not help but to give a wary look across the table, Do'rhajul did not appear uncertain as he answered. "No, I believe I shall be fine. I have seen nothing to make me believe that your people would be so bold as to defy their leaders openly, in public. At least not without one of your traditional challenges for authority. I will avoid accepting any honor duels to the death without your permission, so you can feel free to do what you need."

[Muttonhawk]

Lunise deeply lowered her eyebrows upon the implication that Marod could be involved in the long-term project of ousting the apocalyptic elements of the Thalmor. Any actor sworn to the Emperor of Cyrodiil was not a candidate for help, that much explained itself. She did not gather the words to respond before Meesei moved on.

Marod's eyes shot down at Meesei's palm. "Quite. I suspected as much." He interrupted himself. "-The retained faculties, I mean. I likely would have heard of another lycan with this much in the way of normal mannerisms. Is this the form you spend the majority of your time in, then?"

---

Sabine looked at the table for a second to think. "I forbid you from killing anyone here. I also forbid you from being killed here." She squeezed Do'rhajul's shoulder, more out of worry than dominance. "If you do not believe you can follow those order, please make sure I know." She looked away and back. "I will be back soon. Then we may leave if you wish."

Standing straight again, Sabine thinned her lips and turned around. Her steps took her back to Ri'vashi. Unlike with Ri'kalesh, Sabine was less forceful in her approach.

"Ri'vashi?" She began with a neutral face. "We never got to speak together. May we do so now? It is important to me."

[EliteCommander]

Meesei shook her head slowly. "No. Perhaps more than others, but not most of the time. As I said, it becomes...inconvenient. Dexterity can only make up for these hands to a certain degree when it comes to holding small objects. It becomes tiring to have to crouch through most doorways, and chairs, well, there is no point in trying. But if I lived in a world that was made for this body? I might never be an Argonian again."

Meesei made a sound that was a bit more recognizable as a laugh. "I suppose it is fortunate, then, that the pain of transformation hardly bothers me anymore. It never stops hurting, but it eventually becomes...forgettable, almost. It makes it easier for me to transform at will. Most lycans can only do so once roughly every day, depending on their strength and energy. I have no such limits." She explained, saying no more before initiating her own transformation. Meesei did not know if Marod had seen many lycan transformations up close, but it could be a disturbing sight for those not accustomed to it. The sounds of breaking and reforming bones by themselves were somewhat grotesque. Regardless, if Marod and Lunise were to stay for any length of time, it would be something they would not be able to avoid. For Meesei, at least, she showed not a single sign of any of the pain she described. She did not even have trouble remaining standing for the process. Despite losing significant stature, she retained her confident posture in her Argonian form. Meesei's unclothed form was a sight that Lunise was more than accustomed to, though naturally, she could not let on to that fact. For Marod, it would be yet another novel experience. For their more formal encounters outside the clans, she tended to wear dresses and other garments that did not display her physique.

"I showed you around some of the more interesting parts of the city when you first came here, but if you are staying here, then there is some more mundane knowledge you should have. Meal times, locations, how we allocate resources. And of course, the location of your quarters." Meesei mentioned.

---

Ri'vashi sat herself up straight in her chair, cultivating a posture that could not be seen as anything except professional. She took care not to show any signs of anger, or any other real emotion. Although Sabine had not specified her business, Ri'vashi was under no other pretenses of what she could be referring to. There was only one real topic worth discussing right now that was not mundane small talk. "We have already spoke of this, Sabine. Ri'vashi spoke her words, you spoke yours. We deliberated, and the council came to a decision. Ri'vashi respects the council. What more is there to speak about?"

[Muttonhawk]

At this point, Marod had raised his defences. His spine had not so much as twitched since Meesei approached. He clasped his hands behind his back as Meesei transformed, looking occasionally at the more noticeably warping and shrinking parts of her body, until finally looking at her face when she was back to her Argonian form.

By his apparent lack of a reaction, Marod had evidently witnessed both lycan transformations and the subsequent nudity that followed through some other point in his life. Being a Penitus Oculatus agent of his age and experience, he would be lucky not to have beheld worse sights.

Lunise crossed her arms and frowned on.

Marod craned his head down and to one side to confirm that Meesei was okay, but straightened and smiled when she resumed speaking.

"Of course," Marod responded. "I am looking forward to meeting more people in this splendid community." He looked to Lunise. "And perhaps you might benefit in being a little more social, too, Lunise. We cannot have me being your only friend in the city until the Thalmor force arrives, hm?"

Lunise kept her eyes on Meesei's. "I shall take it into consideration, Marod," she said without any hint.

---

Sabine leant closer and lowered her voice. "I want to talk about how you feel," she answered. "Not about council decisions. Can we speak in private?" Sabine knitted her brow. "Please?"