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

[EliteCommander]

Meesei was not privy to the conversation that had been going on before her arrival, but the outburst she had heard from Rhazii upon entering gave her enough context to guess at the topic. Regardless, she agreed with Fendros' assessment. Whatever problems may or may not come in the future, they would only be able to deal with them in person. As such, she created her portal as soon as she was able.

As usual, Meesei brought them into the forest some distance outside of the city, and it was a few minutes worth of a walk before the walls came into view. Although, the moment they saw Cheydinhal, Lorag was the one to stop her, pointing his finger up to the mountain overlooking the other side of the city. "So...she's up there, right?"

Meesei nodded. "Yes. From the reports, about halfway up the mountain, along a small path that splits of from the main road."

Lorag let out a long breath, still staring intensely towards the mountain. "Hmph, well, best get this over with."

"Are you sure you do not want some company for this?" Meesei asked.

Lorag stopped after a few steps, though did not even turn around before shaking his head. "I can deal with this on my own."

It seemed that Lorag had meant his words when he said he would not stay in their hair for long, as it seemed he did not even intend to go into the city with them. Meesei did respect his self-reliance, though she did hope he would not do anything drastic. Regardless, she did not think that she should serve as any more than an observer in these situations. "Would you like for me to wait in the inn?" Meesei asked Ahnasha and Fendros.

---

There was little that seemed to be changing about Kaleeth's uncertainty. Indeed, she appeared even more confused than when Janius had first arrived. She could not deny that Janius made reasonable points, but her doubts had been gnawing at her for weeks at this point. "I just don't know. I mean...maybe you are right? Maybe they won't be angry, and will just be glad to see me. That could always happen, but I just don't know. They could also be really angry, and I don't know if I can handle that either. I'm just so terrified of seeing them again, I can hardly stand it. Part of me wants to just run away, and part of me just wants to get it over with."

There was another pause, and another obvious look of worry on Kaleeth's expression, followed by another question out of nowhere that would likely take even Janius off-guard. "Do you think you really loved me back then?" She asked, lowering her head almost as if ashamed. "I mean, I thought I did, but looking back with all I know now...I don't know if I understood love when I was so young. I was only in my nineteenth year back then; I was barely more than a hatchling. I know now that I love you, that I fell in love with you over time. But, I had only known you a few days back then. I can't help but think that I just made a stupid, childish mistake back then that I got lucky enough to end up being the right choice. I don't know how I can defend that to my parents."

[Muttonhawk]

Fendros and Rhazii watched Lorag as he left. Rhazii expressed his hopeful worry more openly on his face than Fendros, who remained subdued.

It took a moment for Fendros to turn his eyes back to Meesei. "If you wouldn't mind, yes," he answered. "We can head over there with you. We can ask around and perhaps see if Ahnasha's family have shown themselves. They might have even hired lodgings already if they have arrived."

---

Lorag's trek up towards the mountain was more or less as expected to begin with. Only a short way took him out beyond the inhabited outskirts of the city and into a path between tall trees. A cool autumn chill swept up a few leaves along the way but he barely felt it.

His path eventually forked between the main path and a narrower dirt trail leading further up the mountain. Whatever was going through his head was interrupted once he travelled far enough. An underlying scent wafted under his nostrils. Not distinct or strong enough for the average person to take notice of.

Blood. Lycan blood. Not fresh, and not pungent enough to suggest a great amount of bleeding. Lycans did not normally bleed for prolonged periods unless seriously injured or cut with silver. Another curious detail was its spread. It was not in a coherent trail or blowing in from one source upwind. Lorag could smell marks of it every few steps.

---

Janius could not tell if blood was draining from his head from shock or flooding his skin red in personal shame. The state struck him dumb. Kaleeth heard no words from him for a worrying while.

His head also bowed as he looked away, almost reflecting Kaleeth. "I don't know how I can defend it to mine, either," he said, barely above a whisper. "I put you through a horrible experience. I was an idiot back then, I know that much. Before you turned, though, it felt right. I don't know if I appreciated or knew whether I was in love or not, but it felt correct. I don't have an excuse, either."

He lifted his eyes and twisted his mouth. "We really stumbled through all this, didn't we?" He asked rhetorically. "But we're here now. Your parents can either accept it or not. If you don't let them do that -- if we just walk away -- all you're guaranteeing is that you'll have no chance of gaining their acceptance, rather than the small chance you can take here." He squeezed her hand. "And, knowing parenthood now, I don't think that chance is as small as you're making it out to be."

[EliteCommander]

The four of them started towards the city gates as soon as Lorag went off his own way. Although, Ahnasha did not quite agree on where they should go first. "Eh, based on when they sent their last latter, I don't think I would expect them this soon. The earliest they could get here from Leyawiin would be about a week from now. Give or take a day. Or two, I suppose. Still, we should be okay to just go straight to your family. Besides, on the off-chance that my family is somehow here so soon, but hasn't met your family, I would want to warn them as soon as possible." Ahnasha argued.

---

Lorag had not expected much difficulty in finding Harriet. Regardless of the means, he doubted he would be able to miss the signs of lycans when he saw, or smelled, them. He continued heading along the narrow dirt path, still finding those hints of blood along the way. His pace held steady, and his demeanor completely firm, regardless of any uncertainty that might have lurked beneath the surface within his mind. He was not armored like a soldier, though he was armed as usual. He did not move as if he were on-edge, or expecting any conflict, yet it could hardly be said that the Orc had any sort of "peaceful" look about him. He was serious and severe, without being outwardly aggressive.

Eventually, the small path ended at the cabin Meesei had described. It was small, likely only containing one or two rooms, and did not have much in the way of a clearing surrounding it. Lorag did not say a word, nor do anything else to otherwise announce himself. He did not approach any closer to the cabin, instead opting to wait. He had not made any effort to hide his approach, and certainly would have been noticed if anyone was present.

---

Again, Kaleeth was silent for a short while, but her worry soon gave way to a look of realization. "Huh, that is...you know, maybe that is the answer." She began, looking up at Janius with the hint of what might have been a smile. "It was a mistake. A stupid mistake. It's not a mistake I regret, and I would make it again every time. But, it was just the mistake of two stupid children thinking more with their loins than their heads."

By this point, Kaleeth was outright laughing. "My parents were young once; they can understand that. I don't need to explain it, or...come up with an excuses. You're right, I just need the truth. Or, a truth, at least."

[Muttonhawk]

Fendros slowed, blew out of his nose, and nodded. "That's reasonable," he conceded. "Let's do that." He looked up at Meesei. "We'll catch with you later, then. No use putting this off."

Rhazii lowered his brow. "I thought you said you were on good terms with uncle, aunt, and grandma?"

"I did," Fendros said quickly. "I'm just getting irrational worries. I'll live."

Turning around, Fendros, Ahnasha, and Rhazii separated from Meesei and walked along a road towards the Avarul vineyard.

The three of them were relatively wordless for most of the way. Rhazii took on the anxieties of his parents, even without fully understanding the context of the situation.

He finally spoke up after several walking minutes of failing to work it all out. "So...I don't know how I should be acting, exactly. I don't want to make everyone upset like I did back at the feast." He glanced over at Ahnasha and Fendros with his ears back. "Is there anything I should or shouldn't do? Is there some kind of manners I have to follow that aren't the same as back home?"

---

The scene around Lorag settled into a peaceful one. Excepting the tiny chirping birds and soft wind making the leaves wave, all around him was still and quiet. There was no smoke rising from the cabin's chimney. There was no light or movement detectable from the windows, though the daylight made seeing as much difficult. Even the traces of Harriet's scent were dim, as if she had left perhaps a day or two ago. As were the hints of another Orc female. Probably Narsi, the kid.

For a short while, the situation seemed just to be bad timing. Harriet and Narsi might have returned to the city since the last reports. They might be out on some other activity for the day, or several days, or just that hour.

The suspicions did not have much time to fester before Lorag's right ear prickled with an errant sound. The soft padding of heavy feet on grass bounced out from the woods. There were no signs of movement from its direction. Not immediately. The sound of the wind and leaves felt muted.

A dark shape slinked along behind thick foliage. Only by listening as keenly as Lorag could was he able to hear the soft steps propelling it. When the shape reached the road behind him, it did not remain in hiding for long. It knew Lorag was aware of it. It stepped out onto the road with careful curiosity; a small werewolf, black-furred, spry, and youthful. Her eyes were fixed on Lorag's as it took another, slow, circling step, keeping her distance. Much like Lorag, she was not aggressive, but she was tense and sprung. She looked ready to run or lash out at a moment's notice.

Her ears lifted halfway up. She lifted her nose to sniff the air in front of her.

---

Janius returned Kaleeth's smile. He was not sure whether his words helped or whether Kaleeth just needed an outlet to think, but he was relieved to see her cheering up.

"Then, let's use a truth," Janius responded with a grin. "That's a good answer. They might be frustrated with you but they cannot fault you more than they can fault themselves." He took Kaleeth's upper arms and craned his head down to look her in the eyes with a raised brow. "But, Kaleeth, by the Divines, if you worry so hard about such things, you're allowed to talk to me. I don't mind if you need a moment to yourself every now and then but you had me worried for a while."

[EliteCommander]

The vineyard was not far, being that it was within view far down the road, but they did yet have time to exchange at least a few words. "Different from home? Of course. We're in, or at least near, a city, so you should behave like we've taught you in cities. Act like that, and you should be essentially fine. You just have to accept that there is no pleasing your grandfather, and you should just avoid speaking to him if at all possible. Let us handle him. I know you, Rhazii, and I know you still have it in your head to talk to him, but really, your time is worth more than him."

At this point, the three of them were hardly a minute away from stepping through the vineyard's gates. Ahnasha stopped for just a moment, resting a hand on Fendros' back. "Okay, I think I'll let you go first. Hopefully, we can find your sister first, or your mother."

---

Despite hearing her approach well before she revealed herself, Lorag did not react with any particular vigor. He turned his body almost lethargically and settled his eyes on the werewolf. He looked her over for a few seconds, but did not give the slightest hint of fear, or even any degree of anxiety. He did not seem to raise his guard, or even shift his stance to make him more ready for attack. He simply looked at her, appearing almost as if he was unimpressed. If she had ever come into contact with another person in her current form, Lorag showed none of the terror that she might have come to expect. In fact, he gave no indication that the interaction was even unusual for him. "Hey kid, your mother home?" He asked directly.

---

"Hmph, I know, I know." Kaleeth replied, still holding onto a smirk. "I guess I just didn't think you'd have the answer to the questions I had. I mean...you didn't, but I also guess I didn't need that answer near as much as I thought I did. And I'll admit, we do have a way of figuring out things together."

Kaleeth lifted her head up just enough to plant a quick kiss on Janius' lips above her. "Well, I guess there's no reason to just lay here anymore. I don't think it's going to be suddenly inspiring my memory or anything. It's just a river. I should probably get to sleep soon. My village has to be somewhere close around here, so we might end up finding it tomorrow if we can find a fresh scent."

[Muttonhawk]

Rhazii paid close attention, nodding rapidly to Ahnasha's affirming of city manners. At mention of Fendros' father, he curled in his lips and looked ahead, conflicted. "Okay," he answered lowly after a moment.

Though he did not look comfortable, Fendros did not protest as he took the lead towards his old home. They all kept their eyes peeled for familiar Dunmer.

They were unnoticed all the way to the front door. Fendros hesitated and then knocked three times. He clasped his hands in front of himself as he waited. His toes restlessly fidgeted up and down in his shoes.

The sound of boots on floorboards preceded the door unlatching and opening partly. Fendros looked up and saw Monderyn right before his eyes lit up. He had hardly aged more than Fendros had, which was little at all.

"Fendros?" Monderyn said, surprised. His eyes shot to Ahnasha and Rhazii. "We...did not know you were coming. A pleasant surprise." His hidden nervousness came through under his voice. "Who is this?" He nodded to Rhazii.

"It's Rhazii, your nephew," Fendros said with a smile.

Rhazii forced a smile.

Monderyn hummed curiously but did not quite smile. "Grown up healthy, haven't you? I hope they are feeding you enough, young man."

"Uh, nice to meet you," Rhazii attempted.

Fendros interrupted before the small talk could set in. "Monderyn, may we speak with you and the rest of the family? There's been something...not bad, just unexpected that you all ought to know."

Monderyn bared his teeth and looked over his shoulder. When he looked forward again, he clutched the side of the door and craned his head forward. "Father is in the house," he murmured. "Do you think we could meet in town instead? Later?"

His tone was enough to convey the situation to Fendros. It was no wonder Monderyn was nervous.

---

The werewolf took a step back when Lorag spoke. A second passed. Her ears went back and her lips curled up, revealing a fresh set of sharp teeth. She growled and bristled, lowering herself to fight.

A separate low bark snapped the werewolf's attention off to the side. In the movement of her head, her mouth shut and her head perked up, completely cleared of aggression.

The source of the bark entered Lorag's peripheral vision. Another, more familiar werewolf stood nearby. This one was just as large and strong as Lorag remembered. Though her canine face was less emotive, she was clearly scowling and squinting at Lorag.

"She's home now," Harriet said awkwardly through her snout. "Question is, why the hell are you here?"

The smaller werewolf dug her claws into the dirt furtively, unsure.

---

"Alright then," Janius said. "Laying in the river with you a while sounds tempting on its own, but we wouldn't want to leave Julan alone for too long. Come, let's get back to camp." He drew Kaleeth into a quick hug, kissed her again, and then tread the water back to camp with her.

[EliteCommander]

Ahnasha was far more on-edge than she likely needed to be. Strictly speaking, the stakes of today, or indeed, whatever happened in the next week, were far lower than their average mission. There were no life or death situations, and the most that was in danger was some of their family members' opinions. However, that sort of rational perspective was doing nothing to calm Ahnasha's mind. She was relieved that it was at least Monderyn that answered the door, though she still glanced past him to look for his father several times while he spoke.

"That will probably be fine." Ahnasha answered. "I don't think it is anything to worry about today, it's just...I'll give you the short version. My family has finally found an excuse to come to Cheydinhal, and I just know they are going to want to introduce themselves. I guess we can talk more when you can get away."

---

Lorag huffed, and gave the first hint of any measure of uncertainty that he had shown since he arrived. Although, he still showed no signs of influence from their aggression. "Hmph, now ain't that a good question. Not too sure I know the answer myself. Could've gone the rest of my life without laying eyes on a traitor like you again, but, well, here I am." He glared sharply at Harriet, but that anger left his expression after only a few seconds.

Lorag sighed and shrugged his shoulders. "Look, things have happened. Things are going to happen, and it's all got me thinking about...things. You can calm down, I'm not here to hurt anyone. Trust me, if someone ever decides its time for justice, it'll probably be Vera comin' and kicking down your door. Maybe her son. Or maybe Gallus. Just not me. I wanted to just forget about all this, but I've got that irritating voice in the back of my mind nagging at me, tellin' me that I can't go into what's to come without...dealin' with things." He said, his eyes focusing squarely on the younger werewolf as he spoke.

[Muttonhawk]

Monderyn pressed his lips in together and nodded. "I think we might be able to make an excuse. It will take some time to get the word around. Would you mind waiting for about an hour, maybe more? We can meet you at the Bridge."

"We'll be staying at the Bridge Inn, I imagine." Fendros spoke as quietly as Monderyn did. "That will suit just fine."

"Good. We will see you then." Monderyn started to close the door. "And...it is good to see you again, brother." He nodded somewhat in a rush to Rhazii and Ahnasha. "And you as well, Ahnasha and...Rhazii."

---

Harriet was not impressed by Lorag's words. She glared into his eyes for a silent moment.

"Narsi," Harriet said. "Go inside. Turn back like I taught you. Take your time. We'll do another lesson later."

The younger werewolf paced around behind Harriet and made for the door to the cabin. She looked at Lorag all the while, less angry than Harriet but still unsure.

As Narsi headed into the cabin, Harriet wrinkled her snout and broke eye contact. The quick strain gave way to her body contracting and warping back into the shape of a strong Orc woman. She was aged, much like Lorag but with a few years advantage. Her apparent strength was just the same as Lorag remembered. She crossed her arms.

"You're gonna have to do better than that, Lorag," Harriet said flatly. She could speak quicker and easier in this form. "It's been too many years to pretend you gave a shit. Why should I believe you give a shit now?"

[EliteCommander]

In the interest of avoiding any confrontations, Ahnasha let Monderyn close the door without another word. After the last time they had visited, she had no reason to doubt him. Although, she was glad that they had come as early as they had to speak to them; if they had waited until later in the week, there would have been a chance for them to run into her own family at the inn.

Ahnasha started off away from the door right away, just to make it less likely that Fendros' father might see them out of the windows. "Well, so far so good. If we're lucky, this will all go smoothly. And, I suppose it will be nice to see your brother and sister again. Even your mother, if she comes along."

---

"Call it the 'wisdom of age', or whatever." Lorag answered. Just seeing Harriet in her more familiar Orc form was enough to flare up a small measure of anger within him again, but he kept it in check. "Besides, everyone else is goin' around tying up their loose ends. Figured I may as well too."

Lorag eyed the small cabin. If being around the other children in his pack was anything to go by, Narsi would not be keeping her ears to herself for long. Still, he had no intention of holding anything back in the conversation; he had not come here to maintain whatever illusions Harriet may or may not have. "If you think I've come here to try to be a father after lettin' you do all the hard work, then you're probably giving me too much credit. I never asked for children, but I've still got my...responsibilities, I guess you'd call it. How much does she know? Does she know her options? Does she know about you?"

[Muttonhawk]

"See you later," Fendros said before the door shut. He and Rhazii were taken off guard at how fast Ahnasha moved away. They caught up as quickly as they could.

"We shall see," Fendros responded to Ahnasha. "I have a feeling that it will just be Monderyn and Llarasa. Mother is not the inn-going type."

They made enough distance to feel comfortable slowing to a normal pace. Fendros took Ahnasha's hand as they walked. "Mother showed remarkable patience at our wedding. I hope she has retained it."

Rhazii peered over his shoulder several times before the Avarul house was out of sight.

Soon enough, the three found themselves at the Cheydinhal Bridge Inn. Meesei was surprised to see them back so early, though the situation was easy to explain. There was little left to do but wait.

---

Harriet expressed no hint of being any more charitable. "She knows about lycans. I've been teachin' her about herself, too. The only reason she didn't march across the mountains to split your head open with an axe is because I told her that was a stupid idea and I'd tie her up for a week if she tried." Her breath seethed. "As for me, she knows I did the wrong thing. She knows it wasn't her fault. But, you know, we've been the only people who've had each other since I got here."

She blinked and shook her head. "Is that all you're here for? Makin' sure I ain't raising my kid to make the same mistakes I did?"

[EliteCommander]

Although Meesei was sure that Ahnasha and Fendros both were still nervous, likely Ahnasha more than Fendros, she was simply glad to have more time away from her responsibilities. She had not been able to escape them entirely back in their clan, but just like her day with Sabine and Ariel the previous week, she was free to simply enjoy her present company. They did have some time to wait, so in the hour after they met up in the inn, the group found a table and had a light lunch. Ahnasha, of course, was focused on planning for the week ahead for a time, but even she ran out of things to say after about half an hour. Meesei decided to fill the time with less serious discussion in an effort to at least attempt to calm Ahnasha's nerves.

It had been over an hour, so they were expecting Fendros' family to arrive at any minute. It was only Meesei that was not giving glances to the door every minute or so. "Hmm, I know that my main purpose in being here is as a means of transportation for you all, but nevertheless, I am glad to be able to take some time with you. And I am glad that I allow myself the ability to relax." She said, holding up her half-empty mug of ale. "For so long, I have been so...restrictive with myself. I never allow myself to loosen my guard too much, or drink too much, especially. Given what happened the last time I became truly intoxicated, it could be argued there is a good reason for it, but I no longer feel the need to be so strict." Meesei explained. Her voice was soft and unusually relaxed, though that was perhaps influenced by the fact that she had allowed herself to order more drinks than usual, and certainly several more than anyone else.

---

Lorag's eyes narrowed sharply upon Harriet. "A 'mistake'. That what you call it when you murder your alpha in cold blood with a damned poison like some scheming Elf? Like to see you say that to Vera's face. I don't think you'd have the courage to face her again, though it'd probably serve you well to grovel at her feet begging for forgiveness. Or at least be entertaining."

Lorag grunted, as if to interrupt himself. "But this ain't about you, or your crimes. No, the whole point of this is that she's not you. She didn't commit any crimes, and she didn't betray anyone. She doesn't have to run like you did. Sure, I'll believe you told her about us. She probably knows she has a choice to come to the clans, but she doesn't really understand that choice. Hmph, you don't even really understand that choice. It's not like you know what the clans are really like now. I might not be much of a parent, but in my pack, I'm surrounded by 'em. I've seen how they raise their kids, and they may not do it like proper Orcs, but...even I can see that it's not the right way to do it if you're just takin' the kid out into the woods with just you. She's got no one her age to challenge her. Just you, and you'll always have to hold yourself back. She's got no one to compete with, no one that can make her push herself to get better. Can't grow strong like that, not as strong as a girl with my blood should be. She needs better training than you can give, and to be able to hone herself on opponents who can really go all-out. She needs to see the choice she really has with her own eyes."

[Muttonhawk]

Fendros couldn't keep himself still in his seat. As soon as his leg stopped fidgeting, his eyes started darting around the ceiling. When that stopped, he kept shifting how he leaned his head on his hand. He ate his lunch too quickly, though it was a brief break from his movements. Now that they were waiting again, he drummed his fingers on the table under the sound of the inn's other patrons.

Rhazii was the opposite. He kept quietly to himself, not only because his parent's anxiety was feeding his, but because his instilled 'city behaviour' from his childhood often boiled down to not drawing attention to himself.

"It's been nice to spend a little time, yes," Fendros said. "If only we could be so relaxed." He gave a tight smile. "At least the only possible way a similarly impactful thing could happen to the last time you let yourself go would be between...my sister and Ahnasha's brother, but even if Vasiq was not already married, I think we are far too sober to let that impossibility exist."

Fendros bit his lip. His attempt at levity came off awkwardly upon speaking it out loud.

Rhazii spoke up. "It's strange seeing you this relaxed, Meesei," Rhazii said. "Everything's flipped."

A barman stopped by to pick up a pair of Meesei's empty ale mugs. As if only just realising, Rhazii tilted his head at them. "How many have you had now?" he asked.

While Rhazii tried to regain count of Meesei's beverages, Fendros stood up. Looking around from just having walked through the front door was Llarasa and Monderyn. Fendros caught Monderyn's eye first, causing the pair to exchange a smile. Llarasa followed shortly after with a bright grin and the siblings closed to the table in short order.

"Fendros, it's so good to see you!" Llarasa caught Fendros in a strong embrace. She quickly moved onto Ahnasha. "You too, my favourite sister-in-law!" When she pulled away her eyes lingered on Ahnasha's face for a moment. "By the eight, Ahnasha, you must allow me to purchase from Sabine whatever is keeping you looking so good." she commented.

Neither Llarasa nor Monderyn had aged at the pace Rhazii or Meesei had, as was normal for elves. Ahnasha's personal treatment let her keep up with them whether they knew or not.

Monderyn moved the other way around the table, extending a hand to Meesei. "Welcome back to Cheydinhal, Meesei."

---

"You were a lot less of a braying ass the last time I saw you," Harriet said. "You talk a lot a' guff for someone who hasn't been here. Still...maybe you gettin' old's given you a good point. Shut up for a second -- hey pup!" Harriet all but shouted the last two words. She turned her head to the cabin. "Come out here."

Emerging carefully from the cabin was a sinewy orc girl dressed in a light long-sleeved shirt and trousers. Her hair was deep black and short, as if cut with large shears just a few days earlier. She looked no older than fourteen.

"You remember Lorag, don't you Narsi?" Harriet said.

Narsi only glanced at her mother, keeping her glaring eyes otherwise squarely on Lorag. "Mhm," she hummed.

"Think you got a handle on your beast? You won't go making any messes no more?"

Narsi nodded.

"Good, you don't need to stay in the cabin no more," Harriet declared. "Pack your things. Lorag's goin' to take you to see what a clan is like."

Narsi's anger fell into surprise and confusion. "What!?" she blurted out. "I ain't going with him! I want to stay with you!"

[EliteCommander]

Meesei waved a hand at Rhazii. "Oh, do not worry about me. I have come to find that there is nothing wrong with relaxing from time to time. You just need to keep...appropriate caution in mind. In fact, I can give you some advice, Rhazii. Do not chase the kind of responsibility that I have, at least not yet. Let yourself be young and free. Live, make mistakes, and do not rush to jail yourself with duty. Responsibility is something you...grow into." Meesei said, even if her final point did not follow completely from Rhazii's statement.

When Monderyn and Llarasa finally arrived, Meesei, for the most part, simply smiled at the exchange between the siblings. She was not as completely attentive as usual, but she did at least not appear to be overtly drunk. She was relaxed, lighter in both her mood and movements. It took her a second to notice and react to Monderyn, but she nevertheless shook his hand cheerfully. "Thank you, it is good to be here. And it is always...wonderful to see a family reunited."

Ahnasha, meanwhile, could not remain as tense as she had been in the face of Llarasa's friendly greeting. Although, it did remind her of yet another potential point of contention in regards to her own youth. Regardless, she had no intention of harming the current mood. "Yes, well, I can certainly say I have put a lot of effort into it. It is good to see you again, Llarasa. I am sure we all have a lot of catching up to do. I can't wait to hear about what you have been doing."

---

For the first time since he arrived, Harriet managed to throw Lorag at least slightly off of his guard, as he looked to be almost as surprised as Narsi. A part of him wondered if it should give him cause to be suspicious of her. "I'm...not gonna lie, I didn't expect you to agree that quickly." He commented; however, he regained his composure just as quickly as she had shaken it.

Lorag cleared his throat. "Hmph, well, maybe you just got smarter in all this time." He continued before focusing his attention squarely onto Narsi. "Point is, girl, you ain't seen what it is you're saying 'no' to. Your mother lived in a clan once, she believed in it. Believed in it enough to kill for it. Only problem is that she decided to kill like a cowardly Elf, instead of like a true Orc. If she'd challenged Jerrick to his face, you'd be the daughter of a clan leader instead of an exile. But you ain't her, and you didn't inherit her crimes. You've still got that choice, so it's only right that you see the choice with your own eyes."

[Muttonhawk]

The rest of the greetings proceeded. While Monderyn and Fendros embraced, loudly patting one another on their backs, Rhazii stood up to receive his aunt. Llarasa audibly gasped at Rhazii's height and commented on whether he would visit in another decade having reached the size of a giant. Rhazii laughed softly, easing his nerves as he said hello.

Before long, Monderyn and Llarasa found themselves a chair each and sat at the table with drinks in their hands. Llarasa chose red wine while Monderyn chose ale.

Monderyn got down to business first. "Well, now that we're out of father's earshot, I imagine you're anxious to follow up what you mentioned at the front door."

"Right," Fendros said. He took a quick breath in and out. "The fact of the matter is -- I'm unsure if they sent word ahead -- Ahnasha's family told us they are coming to visit you."

Llarasa and Monderyn each frowned, confused.

"That doesn't sound so bad," Llarasa commented.

"Not at the face of it, true," Fendros said, nodding. "They are kind people. But...there are a few complications, you see. For one, they are devout temple-goers. They also have cross-bred; Ahnasha's father is Bosmer and her brother is married to an Argonian. And, perhaps more importantly, they don't know about what we are." Fendros' voice lowered at that last detail. "It's nothing wrong with them, of course. Just...well, ss you might imagine, all of that together might cause some friction with father, and maybe even mother."

"Oh." Llarasa blinked, frozen like a shocked deer.

Monderyn's eyes shifted. "Did they mention when they are due to arrive?"

---

"'Course I agreed," Harriet said dismissively. "How else was I supposed to know you were bein' serious? Not like I could ever show her a clan."

Narsi, in contrast, was fuming. "You don't get to talk about momma like that," she growled. "I ain't going with you! You're stupid and you only came here to piss around talkin' like you're all high-and-mighty! You don't care! Get lost! We don't want you here!"

"Shut your damn mouth!" Harriet bellowed with surprising ferocity. Narsi virtually shrank away in fright as she looked to her mother.

Harriet took three steps towards Narsi and continued. "Listen here, Narsi, look at me-" She pointed at her eyes. "Look at me."

Narsi reluctantly made eye contact.

Harriet's voice softened. "Look, this guy gonna keep sayin' stupid things, he's stubborn. But he's not stupid. He's right. You need to go meet other lycans. You need to make friends. I can't be your only friend, I'm your momma. It's not what I'm here for. I know you're smart and tough, so you need to take opportunities like this, okay?"

Narsi mumbled. "I don't wanna leave you alone, momma."

With a sigh, Harriet closed her eyes and put a hand on Narsi's head. "I'll be here if you wanna come back. But you gotta do this. Momma can take care of herself." Harriet brought her hand to nudge Narsi in the shoulder. "I'm tougher than you, remember? You still gotta beat me some day. And you don't wanna have to beat an old lady." She smirked. "Or have an old lady beat you."

Slowly, Narsi's face tensed up more. She was holding her breath and making an effort to look angry.

Harriet pat Narsi roughly on the upper arm. "Now go on, pack up your stuff. If you ain't out here in five minutes with a bag packed I'll go in after you and throw you out the window. Go!"

Narsi spun and ran back into the cabin. She could hide her face with her back turned to them, though she was already wiping her eyes with her knuckle. The five minutes was not just time to pack.

Harriet straightened and looked sideways at Lorag. Her frown drilled in to him just how much he had missed over the last fourteen years.

She did not say anything. She waited for Lorag to speak first.

[EliteCommander]

Ahnasha appeared slightly embarrassed, awkwardly running a claw through some of the fur on her arm. "Yeah, I might not have been so worried about it if they knew, but...I could imagine some scenario where my parents might frustrate someone, probably your father, enough for him to tell them in anger. If my parents are still anything like they were when I was a cub, I know they can be frustrating. And stubborn. I don't mean to speak too badly about them, of course, they are well-intentioned. Just...frustrating."

Ahnasha let out a short sigh. "They mentioned the day they were leaving in their letter. Based on how far it is from Leyawiin, I would imagine they will be here in just around a week. Give or take a day or two. We do not need to be in too much of a rush to prepare, but I wanted to give enough warning."

---

For a while, Lorag just glared back at Harriet, but his own thoughts about Narsi distracted him from whatever anger he felt, at least somewhat. He uncrossed his arms and dropped them to his side, though his expression remained focused. "Maybe there was some time where I could've been a father. Some...other reality where I would've been here. I never wanted it. Still don't. I would've complained, denied it for a while, but if she's my blood, then she's my responsibility. Even a younger me couldn't deny that." He said, though his soft tone soon gave way to a much more stern expression.

"But you can't even pretend like you can put this on me. You can't even pretend that you would've just let me take the girl ten years ago, when we found you here. You can't say that you would've let me take her, and if I'd have tried to make you, you would've fought me to the death to keep her. No, the only reason she hasn't had a father in the last fourteen years is 'cause you couldn't stay in the clan too. Because you murdered Jerrick. Yeah, the girl deserved to have had a father all this time, but don't try to pretend it was because of anyone but you." He said, stepping ever closer to her as he spoke and pressing a finger into her collarbone.

[Muttonhawk]

Ahnasha's words did cause some measure of relief in Monderyn and Llarasa.

"Well, that's plenty of time," Llarasa said, leaning forward and keeping both hands on her drink. "Will all of you be staying?"

Fendros nodded. "We want to try and avoid anything getting out of hand." He softened. "It's also a good opportunity to see you all."

Monderyn remained tense. "What exactly should we do?" he asked. "Ahnasha, how much does your family know about us? Couldn't we just ask them to be reserved around mother and father? Perhaps not try to come to conflict with father at all?"

---

Harriet took every word with an unimpressed scowl. Her head was tilted slightly to one side. Lorag's return to accusations, particularly his physical contact, tested Harriet's patience.

"Lorag, I ain't one of your fucking recruits on drill," Harriet said. "We don't owe each other anything. Truth is, I didn't expect you to come back. When you left, you made yourself damn clear that you didn't want to deal with any of this. Yeah, I killed Jerrick, but it's not as if I could'a changed that fact when I learnt I was gonna have a kid." She shrugged. "Did I cry? Did I complain and stamp my feet? No, I shut up and got to work." She sighed through her teeth. "This is about you and your personal problems, not me."

[EliteCommander]

Ahnasha hesitated, picking through her words carefully in her mind. "Um, well, they don't know too much about you, really. I've avoided telling them too much about our real personal lives. They think we once owned a hunting shop up in Bruma, and have since moved to Skyrim. I didn't want to give them too much to be curious about. I did try to convey that your father might not be someone they would...get along with. But, it's hard to say what they'll do. They're optimists; at least my parents are. They think they can win people over, and they have in the past, but not always. I do think I can convince them not to try to convert you worshiping the divines on their first visit, at least." She said with a chuckle. "But, I know they'll want to be social."

---

"You couldn't change it." Lorag said back to Harriet. "But there was always another choice. You definitely were quick to act. Quick to run. Quick to hide. But, when you ran, you denied justice to the people that deserved it. Did you ever call Vera a friend? I didn't know you back then. Still, you ran from your judgment. 'Course, the choice to come back never actually went away for you. You could go back to the clan...it just means facing that judgment. The Champion let you live, but if you came back, I know very well what she'd do. She'd make Vera your judge. Let her choose her justice for you. Maybe she'd execute you on the spot, or maybe you could manage to argue for her to let you fight Vile one last time for some attempt at whatever meager redemption Hircine decides to give you. You'd be surprised how well that seems to work nowadays..." He said, grunting lightly to himself and crossing his arms.

"Anyways, I'll have the girl back tonight. Maybe tomorrow, depending. Meesei can teleport." He explained, his words as flat as they were brief.

[Muttonhawk]

Monderyn put his hand to his chin, looking down in thought.

Llarasa spoke up. "You can count on us keeping your secret, right Monderyn?"

He peered at her and slowly nodded.

"And mother loves having guests," Llarasa continued. "I'm sure if we explain the situation to her, she'll be more than happy to accommodate."

"That just leaves father," Fendros said.

Monderyn motioned to talk, though he took a moment to put his words together. He clapped a hand against his fist and spread his hands apart. "I don't think there's a good way to control his actions. Either he engages or he doesn't. I don't think he will, because he still does not want to acknowledge you, Fendros. But neither will he like his face being rubbed in it."

"Could he be distracted?" Rhazii suggested quietly.

He was paid attention for a moment before Monderyn answered. "Not for as long as I expect these new guests will stay."

"Ahnasha," Llarasa asked. "Just so I understand, what will happen if your family learns about you?"

---

Harriet pressed her lips together and closed her eyes. She breathed in slowly and opened her eyes to resume eye contact.

"Lorag," she said evenly. "You remember I'm a stronghold Orc, right? That means you can tell Vera if she wants justice, she can come over here and take it for herself."

Lorag's next statement made Harriet blink and scrunch her face in disbelief. "Wait, she can what now?" She grunted. "Fuck, I was hoping Narsi could have more time than that without me around." She spun on her heel and threw her chin down. "Damn it! Fuck...Okay..." She turned back around and brought up her hands. "I can't make you do more than that. Sure."

[EliteCommander]

Ahnasha felt somewhat awkward speaking of her family as she was, and she did worry that she might give the wrong impression of them. Although, most of what she was saying were guesses based on what she knew of her family from her childhood. Contact through letters could only tell her so much of how they might have changed across decades. "I don't think it would go well. They're not like you. The Dunmer people have a long history with Daedra, but to my family, they're all just evil beings. They don't see much...nuance to it. And I don't think they'll be able to handle the idea of my soul being bound for somewhere else than theirs. It was very hard for me to go back to them when I did, and I...just want to keep them happy."

---

Lorag narrowed his eyes somewhat. Even if Harriet had been behaving perfectly predictably, he still would have been naturally suspicious of her. Her reaction served only to fuel his skepticism. "Hmph, figured you'd be fighting to get her back as quickly as possible. 'Course, I didn't expect you to agree to any of this to begin with, so I guess you're just one big surprise to me. Thing is, however much I've missed with Narsi, I can guarantee you've missed a whole lot more with the clans. You wouldn't even recognize 'em. While you've been out here gettin' soft in the city, we've managed to put together a force that has almost completely pushed back the enemy that you only managed to accidentally serve. Heh, I mean, you've really got no idea how outmatched you even are anymore. By me, by our soldiers. Unless you've managed to pick up a lot more fighting skills out here by yourself than I'd expect, I'd pick any one of my officers over you in a fight."

There was a brief pause as Lorag glanced quickly over to the cabin. "Point is, there's a lot there to impress the girl, if that's your aim. If you've got somethin' specific you want to accomplish with this, then go ahead and spill it. Don't turn this into a guessin' game."

[Muttonhawk]

Llarasa curled her lips inwards. "I understand, Ahnasha. We understand." She glanced and Fendros and Monderyn. "The next question is how long to they intend to stay?"

Fendros looked to Ahnasha. "Did they mention that in their letter?"

"However long they wish to stay, we can head back home to fill mother in." Monderyn straightened his back as if eager to get up. "She might have some ideas of her own, as...tactical as she usually is with these social matters. Are there any more details we should know about?"

---

"You haven't gotten any less thick over the years, huh?" Harriet blew through her lips. "Pfft. So much for wisdom of age. Alright, I'll spell it out for you: Narsi's gonna fight you. You're gonna beat her down. She's gonna get back up and try again. It'll keep happening. Eventually, between fighting you, she'll start lookin' for ways to learn how to beat you. She's gonna learn those foundations with a stay with the clans, and with a stay with you, whether you want to teach her or not. She's gonna get experience with other lycans and learn with peers instead'a just her momma. She's gonna learn to put a lid on that temper of hers. She's gonna make friends. She's gonna realise she's not so alone. She's gonna prove to herself that she can take care of herself without bein' stupid about it. Then, she'll come around and beat your aging ass into the dirt once and for all. She might have to come back and beat me first, but I ain't gonna make it easy for her. Neither should you." Harriet turned her head to the cabin. "Hear that, pup?!"

Narsi crept around the door of the cabin wearing a hide coat and a filled knapsack over her shoulder. She kept her eyes low, probably to hide the redness that still lined them in spite of her having wiped away the other evidence as best as she could. "Yes, momma," she said just clearly enough to be heard.

Harriet turned back to Lorag with her arms crossed and her head bowed forward, not looking at his eyes. She lifted one hand to itch the top of her head. "That's my aim. That's all there is."