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

[EliteCommander]

Julan was confused and slow to respond, but he did slowly nod after a few seconds. "Um...a disease cure? Yeah, we're always supposed to carry one right? A disease cure, healing potions, and poison cures if you're not an Argonian. Oh, and a magicka potion if you can do magic."

However, Julan still looked quite genuinely confused. "But, um, why do you think I'd need it? I don't want to bite her, or...try to eat her or something. I'm in good control; we hunted not long before we got here, remember?"

---

"Oh, don't worry, you're doing fine. I just...it's a habit for me. I'm just always cooking in a rush most of the time. My restaurant, it's a popular place. People can sometimes come in all at once. Early in the mornings, or in the afternoon, or after temple on Sundas, or when a ship of sailors comes into port, sometimes when a company of soldiers comes through..." She listed off a few more examples as she worked with Rhazii to help him start up another fire.

Shevari continued her explanations as she searched through their bag of ingredients for what she needed for the next dish. "I just need to get these sausages started soon. It's a Breton recipe, so it, naturally, has seven extra steps of dubious necessity, and takes a while to finish. I'm just hoping your family will like it all, Fendros. S'nashi wanted me to serve a Dunmer meal, but I really think variety is a lot better. Variety is what has really made my business last, after all. I think people really like to be able to try so many different things in one place. There aren't any other places in Leyawiin that can do that. Apparently, my restaurant actually has a...reputation now. And a good one, too. I didn't know what to think when a sailor first told me that he had heard about my little restaurant all the way in Sunhold. It's, um, mostly just in port cities, among sailors who are always traveling around, trading stories of the places they visit. But, for those sailors and traders that stop in Leyawiin, my little restaurant might actually be one they know by name." She explained, smiling widely.

[Muttonhawk]

Janius stifled a laugh. "It's not your beast I'm worried about, it's you," he said. "Remember what we taught you about how it spreads? Any of your blood can do it. So, if your lip was cut during your rite, which it thankfully wasn't, and Leeus kissed you a little more enthusiastically, she would need that potion right away." He lifted a hand. "But you have it, that's good, just making sure. Now..."

He grew somewhat more serious. "I do not expect this to be an easy question to answer. But, say." He drew rings in the air with two fingers. "Say you were to grow close with someone during your stay here. You may feel rather strongly about it, but without saying anything to yourself, you are likely to justify rash behaviour. So, I need you to tell me honestly: Where are you going to draw the line?" He make an effort not to sound like he was accusing. "We're not staying forever. And if we come back, so much of everyone's lives will have passed by that things will change. People move on. You need to decide where you want to leave things in advance, for you...and for other. What are your thoughts?"

---

Rhazii and Fendros listened on. Somehow, the sight of Shevari managing all the tasks at once and talking to them at such length raised their impression from admiration to wonder. And that was before the explanation itself.

"You certainly deserve such a reputation," Fendros commented. "I have not seen many chefs in their element but if you do this every day for work, you go above and beyond, I must say."

Rhazii piped up as well. "Yeah, Shevari. You're amazing!"

[EliteCommander]

Despite Janius' answer, Julan seemed even more confused. He started to open his mouth to speak, but just ended up giving a long hum. Eventually, he looked down at the ground and managed to come up with an answer. "I...I don't know. I told her I was going to have to leave soon and everything, but she said it was okay, and she just wanted to kiss and stuff. Isn't that okay? I just..."

Julan started to seem somewhat frustrated as he brought his eyes back up to Janius. "...you're confusing me! First you said I need to be careful about getting close to people, since they can't get leave with us. But...then you said that I should still do it. That I don't want to end up always wondering 'what if?'. And now I'm back to it being bad to do things with her? I don't know what you want me to do!"

---

Shevari looked away, doing something similar to blushing for Argonians. "Oh I...don't think I'm amazing or anything. I'm perfectly confident in my cooks to keep the place in order while I'm gone. The restaurant's theme was just my idea. I...do think that Gwindir is a little jealous of the fact that my restaurant makes more gold than his store now, though." She grinned, taking a small amount of pride in her accomplishments for at least a moment.

After getting their next fire going and starting off the sausages, Shevari did the rounds to check each of the dishes she had going. The Redoran peppered melons was essentially a salad with only a few cooked ingredients, but she stopped with concern after taking in its scent. She sampled one of the diced melons, and was evidently mortified by what she tasted. All at once, the calm she had managed to attain was shattered, and that familiar, somewhat intimidating focus returned in full, as if she had forgotten everything she had just said moments ago. "No, no, this is all wrong. There's too much pepper on these. Did you add five pinches, or six? Never mind that, I need to make this over again. Dice up another melon and start grinding up more pepper, quick quick!"

Shevari kept her professional focus, especially after Ahnasha returned with the last of the ingredients, and Shevari was able to get to work on every dish she had planned. Regardless of how stressed Shevari seemed, it was good that she kept up her haste, as the full meal only started to near completion less than half an hour before Fendros' family had been told to arrive. Being that it was only a friendly, family picnic, Ahnasha was not sure if they were going to be strictly punctual, but she waited and watched the trail all the same.

[Muttonhawk]

"Son, there's a difference between kissing and making promises you know you can't keep," Janius retorted. He raised a finger, his words landing at a proper answer before he knew it. "That's all I want you to do. To avoid making promises you can't keep."

Janius breathed out and calmed his voice. "Listen, Julan, I'm sorry if this is coming off as confusing. These things are hard to relay precisely in words because they're generally learnt through experience. It's just that you're mother is worried you're going to hurt yourself." He shrugged. "I think you'll be fine, but just so we can know, I need you to answer my question. Try to think of an answer in terms of what you're definitely not going to do. What promises can't you keep here? An easy example to start; you're not going to bring her home. What else?"

---

Ahnasha saw figures along the trail several minutes early. Three horses walked along the path towards them. The one in the lead carried Monderyn, sitting up straight and holding a cord leading the horse behind his. That guided horse carried Fendros' mother Calia, the older Dunmer woman looking just as perfectly poised as the last time Ahnasha saw her. She was even riding side-saddle. Llarasa followed along behind them both on her own horse, not riding side-saddle but still her usual self. She waved when she and Ahnasha made eye contact.

When the three came closer and their details stood out, the formality of their clothing became more apparent. While not as resplendent and markedly more suited to the climate than what they wore to Ahnasha and Fendros' wedding day, the nice dresses, embroidered doublets, and hats with flowers and ribbons made the rest of them look starkly under-dressed.

"Greetings again, Ahnasha," Monderyn said, managing a small smile. He dismounted just as Calia spoke to a space nearby.

"Oh, my daughter-in-law is here? Ahnasha, my dear, let me finally see you with my new eyes!" Calia's eyes wandered with more purpose than before, but she did not lock onto Ahnasha. Monderyn stepped up to help Calia down from her horse.

Just as well, as Monderyn's horse started to shuffle uncomfortably as Ahnasha neared.

[EliteCommander]

Julan tried to think along the lines that Janius was suggesting. To be fair, his father's explanation did actually make sense to him, and did make some progress for him to understand the situation. "Um, well...I guess I can't promise that I'll stay here either. And I, uh, can't promise that I can come back soon. Just like you said. And I, um, I can't, uh..."

Again, Julan hit a wall. Beyond what Janius had already pointed out, Julan could not think of anything that he should have been avoiding to promise to Leeus. "Is there anything else? Was there supposed to be anything else? I just don't know."

---

To oblige Calia's request, Ahnasha approached her and Monderyn, after subtly nudging Rhazii in the side to prompt him to do the same. She waited until Monderyn had time to help her down from the horse before responding in a cheery tone. "Hello. And I have to say, it is wonderful to see my mother-in-law again."

They did not have walls and a roof to trap the scents, but once they were close enough, Fendros' family would easily be able to take in varying aromas of the veritable feast that Shevari had prepared for them. Many of the scents would be familiar, and perhaps even nostalgic for the less common dishes, but there was an equal mix of exotic cuisine that Shevari had tailored specifically to impress.

[Muttonhawk]

"Those are both good," Janius said. "I'll give you one more from what you said before, you may not infect her. Now, there's one more I'm thinking of that is very important. If one thing leads to another, where else will you have to draw the line, Julan?"

---

Rhazii was so absorbed by the cooking he was startled by Ahnasha's nudge. He stood up to join her.

The horses snorted and tapped.

"Oh, Llarasa, guide mother please!" Monderyn turned and tried his best to ease the horses.

Calia waved dismissively. "I do not need a guide for just a small distance. Ahnasha, I can make you out now, come here." Calia carefully stepped to close the distance with her hands outstretched. Ahnasha noticed Calia's eyes seeing her for the first time but she still placed her hands either side of Ahnasha's face. "There's my daughter-in-law, just as I remember. I fear my eyes never fully mended but I can see enough to say you are looking healthy and lovely." Calia stepped up to conservatively embrace Ahnasha.

"Hello everyone," Llarasa added with a broad smile. "I brought us some wine for our meal. I hope you don't mind."

[EliteCommander]

Again, Julan looked somewhat confused. "Well...yeah, I'm not supposed to infect anyone. Even if someone was trying to hurt me, or worse, and I had to fight them, I'm not supposed to let them get infected. You've always told me that."

Julan scratched his head as he thought more on Janius' question. "But, um...other limits. Let's see, uhhh...I can't infect her and...oh, I can't let her know what we are. That's one. And, um, I can't...let her know about our home or clan. That's another. I can tell her all about Skyrim, but not anything about our city. Or cavern. Or other clans, I guess. Nothing about them. I just have to pretend we are normal people. Is that everything?"

---

If there was anything that was similar between Ahnasha's mother and Calia, it was how much they had wanted to touch her upon seeing her again. Granted, their reasons were quite different. Ahnasha's whiskers twitched under Calia's touch, and she was soon smiling along with her. Ahnasha returned the embrace, which, she had to admit, did erode some of the worry she had been building up in anticipation of their picnic. "Well, I do my best to be a lovely wife for your son, especially since he is just as wonderful of a husband. And it is good to hear that your health is better than ever."

Shevari's mentality towards her cooking made Fendros' family the "customer" for her meal, so she was naturally smiling and friendly the moment she saw them coming up the path. Though there were still a few dishes that needed some last minute attention, she stepped forward with an expression that was as bright as her scales. "That sounds wonderful." Shevari answered towards Llarasa. "What sort of wine is it? I would like to figure out what course it would go best with."

[Muttonhawk]

Janius nodded at each addition Julan made. He gave a couple of seconds before he straightened and crossed his arms. "Just one," he said. "You're not to get her pregnant."

He left no time for Julan to get over any shock before he ruffled the top of Julan's head. "Though, that about covers it. I think you have this well in hand, son."

---

Llarasa had just pulled away a saddlebag that clinked with glass bottles inside. Her attention went to Shevari with some surprise, but was quickly replaced with a smile. "Oh! A few varieties from our cellar. I have a few lighter red vintages, aged a few years and good to keep everyone warm today. But excuse me, I'm Llarasa," she switched the bag to her other hand and extended her right hand forward. "You must be Shevari. Lovely to meet you."

Calia responded to Ahnasha. "Oh, my dear, do not put my younger days to shame. Things are better now but you should have seen me when I was closer to your age. Speaking of which, Rhazii, do not think your growth spurts have gone unnoticed, young man. Come, come, I want to see you too."

Rhazii was smiling but nervous as he and Calia shared a similar hug after Calia put her hands to his cheeks. "Good to see you again, grandmother."

"Hmhm, I see you have turned into a fine specimen. No doubt Mephala has tangled you up with all sorts of trouble already."

They pulled away and Rhazii grinned and abashedly felt at his neck. "I guess, just some."

Monderyn approached after hitching up the horses and gave everyone a nod. "Ahnasha, Rhazii," he greeted.

Rhazii nodded back but did not quite maintain eye contact with Monderyn. Llarasa and Shevari filled the silence with their conversation over the wine.

The awkward moment did not last before Fendros finally approached, jovial but short of breath. "Welcome everyone. Thank you for coming. Good to see you again, mother."

Calia brought her hands to Fendros as well. She showed a chink in her usual emotional armour when looking on Fendros' face; through her broad smile, her eyes moistened just a little. "You have no idea how good it is to see you, Fendros." They hugged. "But, I dare ask if we arrived a little early? Where is your clan, Ahnasha?"

[EliteCommander]

Julan was, predictably, stunned for a moment by Janius' addition. His mind had genuinely not even considered the notion of pregnancy, or anything close to in, in regards to Leeus. For him, that was a concern for adults, and was many years off from being anything that he would need to think about. He was not sure how to take it, and just ended up stammering for a few seconds after Janius stopped.

"I, um, I don't...I never even thought about...wouldn't that mean I'd have to..." He stumbled over his words, and if he had been biologically capable of sweating, he would have been drenched. "Isn't that something only...mates can do?"

---

"Oh, my family shouldn't be too much longer. Perhaps twenty or so more minutes." Ahnasha answered. She looked around for a moment, mostly towards Shevari. She had wanted to have some time to speak with Calia about her own family, but Shevari's presence did somewhat complicate that. Regardless, she was sure that Llarasa and Monderyn had shared with their mother everything they had talked about with them in the inn before.

"They have been eager to meet you for a long while now. They really are a friendly sort. Sometimes too friendly..." Ahnasha added with a light chuckle. "...but I love them all the same."

Shevari, meanwhile, eagerly shook Llarasa's hand. "Oh, my apologies. It's easy for me to get lost in my work sometimes. You can just ask my husband about that." She grinned. "Yes, I'm Shevari, Ahnasha's sister-in-law. It's a pleasure to meet you. Gwindir and S'nashi have been talking about visiting Cheydinhal for years now."

[Muttonhawk]

While Julan's surprise was obvious, Janius remained casual. "Hm? Oh, no, any man and woman who are old enough can do it if they both want to. Doesn't mean they should. Unfortunately, if there is anything the Hist and the Divines both agreed to put into their children, it is the powerful curiosity to try it out regardless of whether it's a good idea." He put a hand on Julan's shoulder and leaned down to his eye level. "I wouldn't worry too much. If you haven't been thinking about it by now I doubt it'll be a choice you'll face here at the village. It's just worth mentioning."

Janius stood up straight again. "Did you have any more questions?"

---

"I've been just as eager to meet Ahnasha's side of the family as well, in truth," Llarasa said. "Ahnasha and Fendros have been telling me a little about you all. Despite being an Imperial city, the culture in Leyawiin just seems like another world compared to here. Ah, but I'll get back to in just a blink, I need to greet my brother. Fendros!"

After stepping away from Fendros to allow Llarasa her own hug, Calia addressed Ahnasha with her hands clasped and her elbows slightly bent. She quickly recovered from her hint of emotion at an alarming speed, almost as if her tear ducts had sucked away all the extra moisture. "I am sure they are delightful, Ahnasha. It is only natural to be nervous when introducing one's family. Especially outside of an arranged pairing such as where we found ourselves. But enough about that, shall we get settled? We have some events to catch up on, no doubt, and if that smell is any indication I..." Her smile faded and she blinked a few times. She quickly shook her head a moment later. "Excuse me, I was lost in ages-old memories for a moment. What is it that is cooking?"

[EliteCommander]

It was hard to tell if Julan fully understood everything that Janius was saying, but he was certainly embarrassed enough to not want to talk about it anymore. He was eager to change the subject, but he did not merely change it to one that was trivial. There was one other matter he had been worried about beyond Leeus, and he now had an opportunity to bring it up in private, away from the Argonians of the village.

"Um, well, there is...one question I've been, uh, thinking about. Not about Leeus or anything, it's about, well...I know I'm supposed to get these tattoos because of the rite. The leviathan marks. But...what if I don't want tattoos?" Julan asked nervously.

---

Shevari's attention was quickly grabbed by any mention of her cooking, and with Llarasa having stepped away to greet her brother, she was free to step in immediately. Ahnasha could see her face practically light up at the opportunity to talk about what was clearly her favorite subject: her own cooking. "It's a few things I've been preparing, with your son and grandson to help, actually. I've made a few dishes from a variety of cuisines, but we thought it would be nice to have some traditional Dunmer dishes. It's not often that I can get the right ingredients so easily. The main course is a kagouti roast, lightly seasoned for more of a focus on its natural flavors. We also have an Ashlander nix-hound chili, Redoran peppered melons, a Telvanni recipe for kwama frittata, and a particular kind of stew from Vvardenfell. I'm not sure if it ever had a widely used name, but the man who taught it to me said it was once a local specialty in the city of Vivec."

[Muttonhawk]

Janius turned his head away in thought. Julan saw no quick answer from his father as his lips curled inwards nervously.

"It's hard to say," Janius said. "I'm sorry if it wasn't clear that the tattoos were involved. It's our fault for assuming that, Kaleeth and myself." He brought two fingers to his temple and took in a slow breath. "I understand if you don't want the tattoos. They tend to stay for life. At the same time, they are very important to the village here."

He looked to Julan, more resolved. "We should talk to Thorantilth about it. He is an understanding type and he knows far more about this than I do. He might have a solution...or perhaps he might end up changing your mind." He shrugged. "Would you like to go now or wait a while?"

---

Calia held a reserved smile as Shevari explained. She took a moment to respond but did so smoothly. "That would explain my nostalgia. Young lady, I have not partaken in such dishes since before most standing here were even born. I look forward to out meal. Fendros explained to me that an Argonian relative would be in charge of the cooking but I did not expect this kind of speciality."

Fendros explained further. "Shevari here is a professional chef with a successful restaurant, mother."

"Really?" Calia's eyes lit up, though it was difficult to tell whether it genuine or just a polite reaction. "Congratulations, dear. Have you finally convinced these picky Imperials of the merit of Dunmer cuisine?"

"Excuse me, Fendros, Ahnasha." Monderyn subtly nudged the two of them and beckoned them a few paces away from the conversation. He continued in a hushed tone after they followed. "Mother invited father to the picnic today. He refused to even answer. Did you manage to convince your family to leave him alone, Ahnasha?"

[EliteCommander]

Julan looked worried, and seeing Janius' own uncertainty did not help matters. "I'm really sorry, I just didn't think about it much before. I was too worried about the fight. I wanted to make you, and mother, and grandfather happy, and I just...don't want to upset anyone. Maybe we could ask the Treeminder; he does seem nice. Do you think he would be upset? Or maybe mother would know if it would be okay for me not to get them? She has the tattoos too."

---

"Hmm, in a way." Shevari answered. "It is called 'Tamrielic Delights'. I serve all sorts of food, in all sorts of styles. My family traveled around when I was a hatchling, mostly through Black Marsh, Morrowind, and Cyrodiil. I loved food, and always helped my mother with the cooking. She always said I had an instinct for it, or maybe just a really sharp nose. I loved learning new recipes, and how people cooked in the places we went. By the time I settled in Leyawiin, I knew how to cook in the styles of the Nibense, Colovians, Dunmer, and Saxhleel. I met my husband, and we had the idea to make a restaurant that could satisfy all kinds of people, no matter where they were from, or what they wanted to try."

Shevari had a proud smile by this point. Whether Calia was genuinely interested or not, she had convinced Shevari that she was. "My goal is to eventually be able to serve the cuisine of every race in Tamriel. I'm lucky that Leyawiin is a popular port city. It lets me learn from people, cookbooks, and the like. I've been adding more and more Bosmer and Altmer recipes to my repertoire, and it's easy to find instructions for Breton cuisine anywhere in the Empire. Oh, and Khajiit cuisine, of course. My family has helped me with that."

Ahnasha stayed just as quiet as Monderyn, even after noticing that Shevari was sufficiently distracted. "I'm fairly certain they're going to ask you and your mother about him regardless of what I say, but...it's not like they're going to go break down your door just to get to him. They are more polite than that. Hopefully, just meeting with you all will be enough for them."

[Muttonhawk]

"I don't think Thorantilth will be upset to talk about it," Janius said. "If you would prefer to talk to your mother about it, you may, though she's meeting with the master-hunter at the moment."

Janius turned and started to walk back towards the village with Julan in tow. "Hal-Leeus told you she is the daughter of Juran-Selth, correct?"

---

"What a wholesome journey you have undertaken, Shevari. I do hope you achieve your goal." Calia made motions towards the lake. "Now, I would hate to keep you away from the meal preparation, but I am very curious to hear how a travelling Argonian came to marry into a Khajiit family in an Imperial province. How did you meet your husband? Do you have any children?"

Llarasa followed along with Calia to ensure she did not trip herself up. Monderyn only glanced up at them briefly before continuing. "I fear it may not be so simple if we're unlucky. Father...opened a bottle of spirits after breakfast today. He rarely gets himself into a stupor, but it is not unheard of and..."

"...His temper weakens when he drinks." Fendros said. "I remember it. He's always had more decorum than to drink heavily during the day, though. I don't understand."

"It's only one other regular occasion he behaves like this, Fendros. Your birthday," Monderyn added. "I don't know if Llarasa has told you via her letters but the last time he drank like this he ended up killing the neighbour's hound. We could afford the fine, of course, but it was unlike him. It was senseless."

"Do you think he'll come here?" Fendros asked.

Monderyn shrugged.

[EliteCommander]

"Um, we could wait, or just talk to whoever you think we should, I guess." Julan replied, deciding to trust in his father's judgment on the matter. Naturally, he was more comfortable speaking to his own mother than a relative stranger, even if he seemed to be a friendly one.

Julan seemed somewhat surprised, or perhaps confused by Janius' question. "Um, no. I don't think I've asked her about her family yet. She mostly just asks me questions when we talk. A lot." He replied. "Is it important? Is the Master-Hunter going to be angry at me?"

---

"Leyawiin is a place of...many cultures." Shevari answered. "It is in the borders of Cyrodiil, on fertile land between Black Marsh and Elsweyr. It has a climate that is comfortable for Argonians and Khajiit, and...passable for Humans. It is a major port that receives trade from all over the southern parts of Tamriel. I wish I could say that everyone always got along, but...at the very least, for people with an open mind, it can be an enlightening sort of shock to experience. Argonians and Khajiit traditionally have much bad blood between our people, and my family was no exception. They hated the idea of me marrying a Khajiit, but all it took was to get to know them for their hearts to soften. Now, as for how I met my husband..."

Shevari had already been cheerful and smiling, but her expression soon became softer and warmer. She paused, her mind briefly reminiscing through her memories. "Vasiq was a merchant. He still is, really. He worries about finances, and inventory, and making deals, so I can just worry about my cooking. But, before I met him, he did not know what he wanted to do. Well, I will say that he did know that he wanted to have his own business, and not just wait for the day that he would inherit his parents' store. With Gwindir being a Bosmer, that day might actually never come, so I would say it was a fair goal for him. But, he was, perhaps, a little confused at that point in his life. He had come up with some clever ideas, and he had it in his head that he could make a business off of being an inventor."

Shevari interrupted herself with a few, short chuckles. "My husband, my dear Vasiq, is not an inventor. When we met, he was trying to sell me this little trinket. It was meant to be able to quickly, easily, and reliably create a small flame. He said it was created so 'even those without any hint of magic would, too, be able to have the convenience of fire right in their pocket. Without any of the hassle or unreasonable expense of enchanting.' He is convinced that he was sold fake, or perhaps tainted fire salts, because the trinket exploded like a fireball right in his hand as soon as he tried to demonstrate it. By some miracle, he wasn't hurt beyond a little bit of singed fur. I started laughing, then after a while, he started laughing. Then we started talking. Beyond that, our love just came from getting to know each other over time."

Ahnasha became more obviously concerned, and made sure to keep herself turned away from Shevari to avoid causing any worry. She supposed it might be too much to ask to avoid conflict with Fendros' father by virtue of him simply not being present. If he showed up angry and unstable, she and Fendros might have to show themselves as being more than simple peaceful merchants if they could not talk him down. "Well, no matter what happens, no one is getting hurt. Not us, or him. Hopefully, he stays home. If not...well, hopefully the alcohol also makes him more open to talk about it."

[Muttonhawk]

Janius shrugged. "No idea. I don't know the man. He doesn't seem to be angry about it, at least not openly. In fact, one of the reasons mother is talking to him now is to gauge his feelings on the matter. At any rate, if you would rather not talk about the tattoos now, we can wait until later this afternoon." He gave Julan a smirk and a sideways glance. "You really should ask some questions of her next time. Maybe you could do that now. What do you feel like? It's up to you."

---

Calia remained smiling softly, but Llarasa was beaming. "Oh, I do love when a romance against the odds works out," Llarasa said. "And it's just so fortunate you have been able to help each other achieve in life."

Llarasa and Calia found a place to seat themselves while waiting for the others, but Calia continued the conversation. "Well, I can say that your new family is truly a diverse one with three mixed marriages in its tree. When I was growing up, the few attempts at husbandry of an Argonian and a Khajiit only ever resulted in at least one life lost rather than any more gained. If the empire can unite Tamriel's mainland for a few centuries then perhaps they deserve credit for Leyawiin being a place where you and he found love, Shevari."

"Mother, I don't think that's a nice way to put it," Llarasa said, her smile turning nervous.

Monderyn was hesitant to answer. He showed his teeth and drew in a breath. After a pause, he closed his mouth and glanced away. "We'll deal with it if that happens. We should just keep on our toes for now." He looked over Ahnasha's shoulder. "If you don't mind, we should probably join the others before mother gets more underhanded."

[EliteCommander]

Julan scratched his head a moment. "Um, well, I guess you did say you were just pulling me away for a few minutes, so...Leeus is probably expecting me to come back soon. It would be rude if I didn't go back. I guess we can just ask mother later. I, um, just hope I don't cause any trouble. I don't want to upset anyone."

---

Ahnasha nodded back to Monderyn. "Agreed. I told my family a time to arrive somewhat later than you, just to make sure you did not accidentally meet them on the trail, but they should be here soon. If my parents are the same as I remember, they do always stay punctual, if they can help it. I don't suppose you brought a bow, or can conjure one? If things get tense, we might distract everyone with a friendly archery contest between the two of us. Regardless, we should hurry."

Shevari quickly started to show some confusion. "I'm...not quite sure I understand your meaning. I would think-"

Shevari's words, and thoughts, were quickly interrupted by the others returning to the conversation, and Ahnasha quickly speaking up to take it over. "Is everyone alright? Everyone feeling comfortable? We do have some nice, clean water if anyone is feeling thirsty and doesn't want to spoil their meal. It is something of a hot day today."

[Muttonhawk]

"Very well." Janius pat Julan on the back. "I'll see you later."

Janius could at least say that he felt more comfortable with Julan's boundaries around Leeus as he walked back to the village, but the tattoos gave him a bad feeling. He did not know it for sure, but he had not spotted a single adult without such marks. That told him the rite of passage was especially important, thus non-negotiable. He hoped he and Kaleeth could come up with a solution before they could be faced with either deeply offending the village or quite literally scarring Julan for life.

He strode to find Kaleeth and Juran-Selth if they were still talking. First things were first -- he wanted to know Juran-Selth's opinion on their childrens' relationship.

---

Monderyn was momentarily at a loss. "I'm afraid I left my bow at home. I did not think I would need it."

Fendros tapped him on the side. "You can use mine if you want, brother."

The three of them rejoined the rest of the group and Llarasa was the first to answer, eager to distract from Calia's current topic. "Yes please, Ahnasha. I am parched."

"I'll have some, too, mother," Rhazii added. "What's your favourite food, Shevari?"

No doubt Shevari had more than enough to share in the time before the rest of Ahnasha's family arrived.

[EliteCommander]

Janius found Kaleeth not long after she left the Master-Hunter's hut. They had not spoken for long, but Kaleeth was not upset with the outcome, and was not uncomfortable sharing with Janius. Juran, it seemed, had grown in many ways since their childhood. He had tormented her in her youth, hurt her both physically and emotionally, but now, he was someone she could honestly respect as a village leader. Kaleeth did not exactly describe him as apologetic, but she did say that he wanted to treat her far more fairly than in the past, despite the fact that she had abandoned the village. Kaleeth was not certain, but she suspected that he might feel partly to blame for her leaving to begin with. Aside from that, he did not have much to say on Leeus. Kaleeth got the impression that he strongly believed in guiding her, but allowing her to make her own decisions, and potentially mistakes.

Julan spent most of his day with Hal-Leeus, or the other Argonian children. He ate dinner with Kaleeth and Janius, but quickly left afterwards, claiming to want to join in a game with Leeus and a few of the others. Julan had not yet returned after a few hours, though with Zharanthixil tending to his own errands, Janius did have an opportunity to speak with Kaleeth in private.

---

To say that Rhazii's question was sufficiently distracting was an understatement. Shevari, of course, could not bring herself to declare any one kind of food her favorite, and took it upon herself to specify the question down to her favorite food per each regional style. Even then, she sometimes could not decide. Nevertheless, she told tales with a clear passion for her first time trying each recipe, how she learned it, and any history for each dish that she might know. She had not even finished giving her answer by the time Ahnasha spotted the rest of her family walking up the trail to the lake.

Ahnasha stood up to meet them as they reached the lake and was, of course, greeted with a hug from her mother. They had not brought too many of their finer clothes from Leyawiin, but they were dressed respectably, to the standards of merchants. Vasiq quietly returned to his wife's side, while Gwindir took the initiative with their introductions. Calia, being the eldest, was the first one towards whom he extended a hand with a smile. "Greetings! It is a pleasure to finally meet you. I am Gwindir, Ahnasha's father.

[Muttonhawk]

It was a relief for Janius to hear that the master hunter did not harbour any ill will towards Kaleeth or the family. Not only was it an indication that history was not repeating itself with regards to their children, he also hoped that the talk helped to bring some peace to Kaleeth's guilt for leaving.

Regardless, there was more to address. Janius found Kaleeth in whatever task occupied her. It was unlikely to be too important so close to dark. "Hey Kaleeth," he said, pointing a thumb over his shoulder. "Listen, when Julan and I had a chat earlier today, I assumed he would talk to you about it. There is another problem he's run into and it's not about Hal-Leeus." He paused next to her and put a finger to a vine mark on her arm. "He...wasn't aware that the tattoos are part of the rite. He's nervous to admit it but he does not exactly want them."

---

Shevari's endless ramble on her favourite foods was not torturous for the time it took up. The real pain became apparent when Rhazii's stomach grumbled. The talk of food coupled with the smell of their meal made everyone's stomach's churn by the first five minutes. Llarasa had the suggestion of getting something to snack on just at the tip of her tongue by the time the last three guests arrived.

Fendros joined Ahnasha in receiving Ahnasha's parents and brother while Rhazii stayed with the food to stir the pots and attend the fires. He only sneaked a taste when no one was looking. Calia took her time behind Ahnasha, rising and walking with utmost decorum with Llarasa guiding her arm. They were both smiling, Llarasa more sincerely than Calia. Monderyn walked by his mother's side with his hands behind his back, sporting a stonier look.

Gwindir's introduction drew Calia's eyes down to the Bosmer. Only an extra second of hesitation betrayed any poor impression in Calia. She brought her hand over his to lightly hold it and lowered herself in a small curtsy. "It is likewise a pleasure, Gwindir. I am Fendros' mother. You may call me Calia Avarul. Welcome to Cheydinhal. These are my children, Llarasa and Monderyn."

Monderyn bowed his head.

"Lovely to meet you!" Llarasa said through a grin.