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

[EliteCommander]

Julan, compared to most Argonians, had little experience with the Hist, but that was still more than Janius had ever been exposed to directly. He scratched his head and hummed a moment to himself. "Ummm, I don't think the Hist really...converse. I remember from my naming day, they don't really talk in words. I think it's more like a...feeling? Or no, it isn't really like that either. You just kind of, um, understand it, I guess? It's really hard to say it in words, it's like getting a new memory or something. Or like how you can think a thought in your own head without words and still understand it."

At this point, Julan felt that he was more likely to confuse himself than to actually say anything else useful, so he gave up on the subject. "What are you and mother going to be doing?"

---

If there was one thing Ahnasha regretted in regards to Fendros' family, it was how she handled her encounter with Rossarm last time. Out of respect for Fendros' wishes, she had played right into Rossarm's expectations for his son's Khajiit wife. To him, she had been silent, meek, and simply accepting of any insult he could cast. But, Ahnasha had dealt with Rossarm's kind before, and she realized how much of a mistake it was. There was, of course, no guarantee that anything could sway him, but she could certainly not do it by conforming to his bigotry. Someone had to actually be brave enough to challenge him, and the more people who did it, the better. Ahnasha had hoped that her family would not be around for this, as her parents would certainly have something to say after getting over their shock, but there was no getting around it now.

Despite Fendros' tight grip, Ahnasha wriggled her hand free of him. She did not step back when Rossarm approached, and indeed, was even standing just a bit closer than Fendros. Her expression did not show her anger, but instead her resolve. "That sword belongs to Fendros Avarul." Ahnasha stated firmly. "He is your son, and I am no animal. I am your daughter-in-law, and will be for however many centuries to come. We can still have a good relationship, Rossarm; it doesn't have to be this way. We could just take a few minutes to talk and be civilized with each other. There are plenty of leftovers you could have."

Regardless of how unlikely she felt it was to work, Ahnasha felt compelled to make at least some offer of peace towards Rossarm.

[Muttonhawk]

Janius grinned and lifted a hand. "Yes, yes, Kaleeth's told me all about it before, but you know what I mean."

When the questions turned on him, Janius lifted his gaze and opened his mouth to breathe in. "Hmm. Nothing in particular beyond what we've been doing for the past week or more." He quickly raised a finger. "Mind you, Kaleeth, were you able to organise a communal with the Hist? I remember you mentioned you wanted to do that while you were here."

---

Something in Ahnasha's response caused Rossarm to stiffen and hold his balance. His hesitation could have been construed as surprise, but it transitioned naturally into his aiming a finger at Ahnasha and boring directly into her eyes. "You have a place you know better, beast. Resume it."

Behind Fendros and Ahnasha, Rhazii noticed Fendros' side of the family in various states of unease. Monderyn was pale. Llarasa was breathing quickly. Even Calia, usually impeccably composed, held her jaw shut so tightly that veins were bulging on her temples.

Fendros stepped up beside Ahnasha. "Father, please!" He brought his fingertips to his chest. "This is what I am now. I'm not dead. I'm not a stranger. Stop all this pretending."

"Hand. Me. My. Sword." Rossarm punctuated each word by swinging forward his outstretched hand. "You are beyond saving now. Even wearing that item on your belt is a spit on the grave of every one of your forefathers! You have no right, and you had best follow my instructions. I am the custodian of their legacy now. I will not allow it desecrated any longer."

Rossarm's eyes shifted between Fendros and Ahnasha with an uncanny awareness.

Rhazii breathed in to shout back. He was interrupted by none other than Monderyn's hand grabbing him by the shoulder. Monderyn murmured, "Whatever you're thinking, don't." Rhazii turned to Monderyn and closed his mouth. Whatever made him as afraid as he looked was worth hesitation.

[EliteCommander]

"Hmm, I...suppose I really should." Kaleeth answered. She looked away, still holding one of the trodh by its tail, which was wriggling in her hand. "I guess I just haven't wanted to bother Thorantilth about it, since he's so busy."

The whole reason that Kaleeth had wanted to commune with the Hist was to seek closure with her mother, so it was hard to tell if she was being truthful, or if she was just afraid of what she might experience. Julan, at least, did not have any reason to doubt his mother, so he did not pick up on any uncertainty. "Are you going to come watch? I don't know if the Treeminder is going to want many people to be in there for too long while he is working, but I didn't really ask."

---

If Rossarm's family was anything to go by, Ahnasha supposed he was used to being able to inspire fear in them, and likely any others who crossed him. To the average person, he did have an intimidating presence, but Ahnasha did not show that fear. She had resolved not to budge, and so had not given an inch. When he glared into her eyes, she simply stared back with equal intensity. She hoped Fendros could overcome his natural fear of his father as well, but if nothing else, she would help serve as an example for him.

"You are right about one thing, Rossarm. I do have a place I am more used to, but it is one grander than you imagine. Just like Fendros has done far more good for your name than you would want to admit. Do you have any idea how much respect the Avarul name has back in our home because of Fendros, and myself? You might be able to start feeling some pride, if you would just allow yourself to realize how much of an exceptional and capable son you really do have. Your ancestors' legacy is in good hands. But we didn't come here to fight and argue with you, Rossarm. I am here because I wanted to see my family; all of my family. That could include you too, Rossarm, but only if you can get your head out of the past enough to see the truth right in front of you. I can forgive." Ahnasha's speech maintained a blend of defiance and a diplomatic tone. She was not going to bend to him, but neither was she going to be an aggressor. Particularly since it was not just her and Rossarm present.

[Muttonhawk]

Janius' eyes lingered for a second longer on Kaleeth before he answered Julan. "If you and Thorantilth would allow me to, I would like to watch for a time. I'm somewhat curious about the tattoing process itself. I've never seen it myself." He almost lifted his food for another mouthful and hesitated. "After a time, I'll leave you two alone and go about other jobs. Perhaps spend some quality time with your mother."

After a brief smirk directed at Kaleeth, Janius had a realisation. "Oh, one more thing, Julan. Are you feeling secure? Do you think you'll need to hunt at some point between times spent getting your tattoos?"

---

Again, Rossarm paused at Ahnasha's speech. His frown and narrowed eyes did not waver from her challenge. Each second built in a way Fendros had not seen in a long time. He curled his fingers halfway shut.

"Father," Fendros said, this time with uncertainty. "Don't do this. Ahnasha is not one of your thralls."

Rossarm did not so much as blink.

Fendros raised his arm until his open hand faced forward. "Father. I won't let you. Not this time."

"Do not try to stop me," Rossarm muttered.

"I can stop you and I will stop you," Fendros said louder.

[EliteCommander]

Julan rubbed his arm, then looked over his shoulder a moment as if checking to see if they were being spied on. Though, they were being discrete in any case, he supposed. "I...maybe in a few days. I don't feel that bad right now. I just have some stress about all of this, I guess."

"You don't need to worry, son, it's not going to hurt. They have potions for that to numb you. I barely even felt sore when I was getting mine." Kaleeth said, though it had little effect on Julan. As much as Kaleeth continued to wish it were something so simple, Julan was not worried about the pain. Nevertheless, Julan finally dropped the bone he had been picking at for the last few minutes and stood up. "I should probably get over to the Treeminder now. He wants to start early in the day."

---

Part of Ahnasha wanted Rossarm to lash out. She would have loved for him to try it, if only so they could have a good excuse to show him, definitively, exactly how outmatched he really was. But she also knew she could not antagonize him. With everyone who was present, Llarasa, Calia, Monderyn, and her own parents, she had to give a genuine effort to talk him down. She did not want to lose their support, and not to mention, her parents were starting to look terrified.

Regardless, Ahnasha still refused to back down, simply crossing her arms as Fendros held out his hand beside her. There was still no fear in her eyes, as she knew she had little reason to be afraid. Fendros had been training his wards to resist Meesei's attacks; no matter what Rossarm might try, he could not so much as scratch them. She simply returned his gaze, as defiant and confident as ever. "You should listen to your son. We didn't come here for violence. We came out here today for a picnic, had some excellent food, laughed, told stories, and even had a bit of an archery competition. Monderyn is a better shot than I thought he would be. And then, we come to you. Rossarm, I will say it plainly: I do not fear you. I have never had a reason to fear you, and I suspect that my husband is done with being afraid of you. I just want to get along, Rossarm, both of us do. But, you cannot hurt us."

[Muttonhawk]

"Good idea." Janius stood up as well and gave Kaleeth a look. "Come, you can ask him about communing before he starts."

---

When Ahnasha finished, Rossarm's predatory gaze was not the only thing she sensed in the silence. Her ear twitched involuntarily at a distant thudding. A second of acuity made her realise that the rapid thudding was closer than she thought. It was Fendros' heart.

And then Rossarm waved, almost lazily in its natural flick. Ahnasha saw the flash of magic before she heard it. A bright red light, somehow blindingly hot but without any apparent effect. Llarasa shrieked and shielded her face with her arms. The initial flinch to the cleared to reveal the shimmer of Fendros' ward wavering in front of them both.

It was too fast and bright to tell clearly, but anything with that kind of power pointed at someone would have surely killed them in a precise and instant manner.

Rossarm kept his arm oustretched, but without any apparent magic swirling around in his hands. "So it takes protecting your bed pet to finally learn to project a ward? She was right about one thing." He tilted his head and sneered. "How proud I am of you." His fingers flicked again.

Another instant surge of bright red light arced against Fendros' ward. Fendros bared his teeth and grunted at the impact. The hairline fractures on his ward quickly closed.

"The sword, boy," Rossarm said. "Return it."

[EliteCommander]

Julan, Kaleeth, and Janius arrived at Thorantilth's hut early, though the Treeminder was already prepared. He had laid out a mat made from leather on the ground on top of layers of grasses and leaves packed together, essentially making for a decently soft bed for Julan to lie on while he worked. Thorantilth was readying the sharpened reeds he would be using to apply the ink, while his son was at his alchemy bench preparing another small bowl of the ink. "Welcome, Kaj-Julan. I see your parents have come to join us as well. Feel free to sit down and relax. Have some tea if you like; it is warming over the fire. We can begin whenever you are ready."

Thorantilth looked specifically to Janius and Kaleeth. "Have the two of you come to observe, or keep him company? Parents usually do; I take it you are both quite proud. All I ask is that you avoid being too loud while I am working, as it does require some firm concentration on my part."

---

Seeing Fendros' ward was all Ahnasha needed to dismiss whatever threat Rossarm might make. His spell impacted his ward without so much as a flinch from Ahnasha. Even if Fendros himself did not seem to be quite as confident as she was. Regardless, she was unharmed, though could not help but to feel some anger at the attempt. Rossarm may not have been strictly irredeemable, but he would have to be forced to confront the error in his beliefs, and she was not sure if that was possible or wise at the moment. Ahnasha had grown to exceptional heights in specialties through the course of the war. She was a disciplined soldier, well-trained agent, and powerful conjurer, and she did not have the slightest doubt that the full extent of her abilities would come as a surprise to Rossarm. However, that still did not mean she was wanting to initiate any violence between them, regardless of how much he might deserve it.

Fendros still was not giving up the sword, and Ahnasha fully supported him. There was nothing particularly special about the blade, from a practical standpoint. The clan's swordsmiths could forge new ones of even better materials, but the blade meant something to Fendros. And denying his father, standing up to him...she reasoned that meant something greater still. Ahnasha's parents, though, were terrified, and the fact that Rossarm was using rather dangerous spells was not something that she could afford to tolerate for much longer. She did not want to attack him, but she might need to force him to understand why he needed to back down.

"There is really no getting through to you, is there, Rossarm? I can tolerate quite a lot. Your insults against me? They are meaningless. Your attacks against your son's ward? They are pointless. But right now, my parents are here, my son is here, and your children are here. I am not going to tolerate you throwing around dangerous spells while they are here, so do not cast another. Just leave; we do not want any more violence." Ahnasha said, offering him yet another chance at a peaceful resolution. Given Ahnasha's usual demeanor, she was being exceptionally patient with Rossarm, but she did not leave it at just words. For those properly attuned, they might be able to feel the presence of magicka swelling up within Ahnasha, and quite a lot of it. Ahnasha did not have the wide-reaching magical prowess of Meesei or Sabine, but a master conjurer still required quite a deep pool of magicka to draw from.

[Muttonhawk]

"Thorantilth, Tunxeek," Janius nodded to the treeminder and his son in turn. "We...yes, we thought we would sit in for a while, at least. Julan was terribly fearful that the boredom would kill him."

Tunxeek chuckled from the alchemy table. He was well into adulthood, much like Meesei, but his comprehension of Cyrodilic had not faltered. "That is fair. It almost killed me," he said in a deeper but still heavily accented voice. "But it was not boredom. It was father's fussiness."

Janius had spoked with Tunxeek on one or two brief occassions, mainly to catch up on Sabine's goings-on and his own life as the Treeminder's apprentice. Janius smiled at the humour he maintained.

Taking Thorantilth's invitation, Janius eased himself into a seated position. "As it happens, I have been curious to see the tattooing process with my own eyes. And, Kaleeth...?" He looked over at Kaleeth expectantly.

---

It was hard to tell if Ahnasha's behaviour was visibly instilling confidence in Fendros. He gave her quick glances but kept his ward fully projected. His hands shook out in front of him.

"Ahna," Fendros whispered, "I can't-"

Rossarm turned both his palms upwards. A bright red glow burned out from the crevices of his hands, wrists, neck, and eyes. He called Ahnasha's gathering of power with his own, rivalling even Meesei in just how oppressively he charged the air. His feet slid up and off the ground as he hovered, darkening the evening light in his bright glow. Unlike Meesei, his magic flowed with a certain ease and efficiency that spoke of much greater power than Fendros or anyone had let on about Rossarm.

Fendros braced for another spell. Something greater than just a flicked instant.

Rossarm pointed his hand forward. Yellow lightning forked from his fingernails to the ground as magicka concentrated.

"Rossarm Avarul, that is quite enough!!!"

Rossarm's hand closed and the lightning stopped, his eyes flicked past Fendros and Ahnasha.

Calia trotted forward with her hands holding the front of her dress up from her feet. She stopped halfway between Rossarm and Fendros with a face twisted in indignant fury. "This is no time to debase yourself to the level of a drunken pig! Get back on the ground before you embarrass yourself further, you buffoonish man! Why must you behave the fool every time you are challenged!?"

The Dunmer woman left everyone speechless, not least of which Rossarm himself. His mouth parted in an initial shock. He blinked once, twice, and then he lowered his feet back to the earth. The glowing power faded back into him. He blinked and looked down. Without looking at anyone else, he stepped to turn around and walked solemnly away with a slouch.

Fendros did not dare lower his ward. He looked to Calia and Ahnasha with utter confusion as he caught his breath.

[EliteCommander]

It was clear that Kaleeth would not have actually said anything had Janius not pushed her to, but when placed on the spot, she relented. "Um, yes, well, I wanted to ask about...maybe arranging to commune with the Hist. I understand if you can't, since you might not have enough sap on hand. But...it's just that I was never able to say goodbye to my mother..."

Thorantilth gave a solemn nod. "I understand, Kaleeth. You do not need to say any more. There is enough sap. In fact, the Hist was...strangely generous with the amount they gave us recently. My son can help you, after we get started here. I promise, he is just as much of a Treeminder as I am."

---

Ahnasha's reaction to Rossarm's show of power might have seemed a surprise to most who did not know her well, but for those more familiar, it was not too much of a stretch. Rossarm's ability was evidently greater than she had guessed for an old man living in a vineyard, but rather than slinking away, she was still every bit as ready at willing to meet his challenge head-on. To Fendros, she might have seemed almost eager for it. To reach the greatest heights of strength possible and to become the strongest out of any challenger was one of the foundations of Hircine's worship, and ultimately, Ahnasha was still a fervent follower of Hircine. If it was to be necessary, she was ready to meet him blow-for-blow. Before Calia's intervention, her hands, and most of her arms, were glowing and swirling with violet tendrils of magicka, ready to be formed into who-knows how many portals from Oblivion that Ahnasha was prepared to bring forth. When it was all over and both of them had stood down, much to the benefit of the forest around them that might have been burned down by a clash between them, Fendros might have noticed a tinge of short-lived disappointment in her expression.

While Ahnasha perhaps caught up in the moment, the confrontation did have its impact on some of the others. S'nashi was sobbing and being consoled by Gwindir, who was himself in fear. Vasiq had backed up ten paces from the group, and only Shevari looked strangely calm out of the group. Ahnasha, however, was just focused on watching Rossarm walk away, and making sure he did not suddenly turn around. "You have my thanks, Calia. It is best for everyone that did not come to violence. He is a powerful mage, almost as much as..." Ahnasha's words trailed off as her thoughts caught up to them, and several possibilities passed through her mind. "Fendros, I need to speak with you in private. Soon. And likely with you as well afterwards, Calia. I cannot say more other than to stress that it is more important than you could likely imagine."

[Muttonhawk]

Tunxeek stopped and looked up from his work. He was at a loss for words for a short hesitation. "...Very well," he quickly said with a firm nod. "I will try to be not too much longer, Kaleeth-rei."

Janius gave Kaleeth a reassuring smile, but he did not dwell on the matter. He gestured towards Thorantilth and Tunxeek. "Please, there is no need to rush."

Unless Julan had second thoughts still, all there was to do as wait.

---

The calming down had not been easy for Fendros' family either. Llarasa was desperately trying to ease the thrashing of the horses behind them with calming spells, though she was hyper-alert and quivering at the knees. Monderyn was midway through leading Rhazii back over to Ahnasha's family to try and usher them away, though he stopped when there was no longer a need. Rhazii himself was looking around, unsure of what exactly to do.

"Is everyone alright?" Monderyn asked between Ahnasha's sentences.

Fendros reluctantly lowered his ward and tore his eyes away from Rossarm for long enough to check himself, Ahnasha, and everyone else briefly for damage. He put on a stern face and swallowed. "We can talk, of course," he said to Ahnasha, before casting his eyes down. "I'm sorry."

"I should be the one apologising," Calia said. She pat the pleats of her dress to straighten them out, wearing a thin-lipped frown. "I should have intervened as soon as I saw him." Her red eyes flicked up to catch Ahnasha's with the utmost severity. "I fear our wine brings out the worst of my husband's old habits. He tried to kill you."

Calia walked around Ahnasha and Fendros to approach the others. With one hand loosely clasped in the other, she stepped up to Gwindir and S'nashi first. She quite sincerely knit her brow in empathy for them both, placing a hand each on their upper arms. "It is over now. I am...terribly, awfully sorry. Are you both okay?"

Fendros finally caught his breath. He peered across at everyone and returned to facing Ahnasha. "We should get everyone to town first. We can talk once we're safe."

[EliteCommander]

Although Tunxeek would be ready soon, Kaleeth was in no hurry. Thoranthilth was already mostly prepared, so Julan laid himself down on the bed that the Treeminder had prepared. Though, Thorantilth did motion for him to sit up for a moment, as there was still the first step of the process to complete.

Pulling himself away from working on the ink for a moment, Tunxeek brought over two small wooden bowls. Even before seeing inside them, the familiar aroma of Hist sap gave away their contents. "We will drink together, and it will be by the guiding hand of the Hist that you receive the marks that signal your entry into our village." Thorantilth explained, switching to Jel.

Julan was silent, but nevertheless complied without argument. He took his bowl at the same time as Thorantilth and drank along with him. From Janius and Kaleeth's perspectives, little happened, as they did not say a word afterwards. Julan laid back down, unprompted, while Thorantilth cast a spell over him, then dipped one of the sharpened reeds in the ink.

---

Ahnasha quickly joined Calia in comforting her parents. S'nashi's sobbing had ceased, but she was still watching him with fear as he disappeared down the trail ahead of them. "Mother, father...I'm sorry we couldn't keep him from finding us. I know you two wanted to meet him with the best of intentions, but...he isn't like the others. Not our old neighbor, not Shevari's parents. It's really best just to keep us apart from him for now."

S'nashi's gaze turned towards the ground, while her hands were still shaking. Neither Calia nor Ahnasha seemed to be able to do much to quell her fear at first. "I've never seen anyone grow so...violent over so little. But..." Her eyes finally met Ahnasha's. "...is it really worth the danger? Fighting over a sword?"

Ahnasha paused, looking between Fendros, Llarasa, and Monderyn. Even after it was all over, there was still some palpable fear among some of them. "It wasn't about the sword."

Ahnasha stopped and took in another long breath, composing herself before continuing. "But Fendros is right. We should get back to the city as soon as we can. It's safer there, and we can all just...relax."

On the way back, Ahnasha walked alongside Fendros far at the head of the group, ostensibly so that they would be the first to run into Rossarm if he decided to turn around, but it also allowed Ahnasha to put enough distance between the two of them and the others that she could whisper to him out of earshot. "Okay, so...I know you aren't going to like what I have to say. It will probably seem like it's coming out of nowhere, and you're going to think I have gone mad, so...I think I'll just say it now while you don't have the option of yelling at me. I want to recruit your father to join in the invasion. That's what we need to talk about privately."

[Muttonhawk]

Janius realised he had been holding half a breath as the tattooing was about to begin. He was relieved to an extent already; Julan was showing little in the way of nervousness. If he had the patience to get the marks over with, they would have nothing to worry about. Janius was confident of that much, at least.

It wasn't long before Tunxeek had completed his batch of the ink. He carefully knelt down with the bowl in both hands and nestled it up against the other ink bowls Thorantilth dipped his reeds into. With utmost care and quiet, Tunxeek then stood and stepped to kneel near Kaleeth.

He whispered with a deference, even if their relative age seemed narrower than when Kaleeth left. "Um, I will take a moment to get things together. Meet me out by the Hist tree when you are ready. I am sure the Hist has..." Tunxeek stopped himself. "I am sure you can get closure. But...you have my sympathies all the same. I know what it's like."

With that, Tunxeek frowned at the ground solemnly and stood to leave the hut.

---

"Ahnasha is correct," Calia said. "This is a...family matter. That old heirloom sword is just a prop for it all. Cheydinhal will be a much safer place."

The walk back was tense and mostly wordless. Rhazii spoke with Monderyn beside him without looking at him, but it was hard to tell what they were talking about with Rhazii mumbling. It was about Rossarm, his grandfather. The few words that Fendros could make out confirmed that much.

However, it was no use eavesdropping. Fendros kept his eyes and ears open for Rossarm himself. He wore a frustrated scowl as he looked around. His father had ruined their day and Ahnasha's family was now far more involved than he desired them to be.

At first, he was not sure whether he wanted to deal with Ahnasha's hushed words. He could tell from the beginning that she had an unorthodox idea. Even then, her idea went beyond his expectations. He faced her and stifled himself before he could shout -- she had him there. "What!?" He breathed. "Why? How?!...N-...Ahna, he just tried to-..." He paused to press his lips together and breathe in. "Absolutely not. Out of the question."

[EliteCommander]

Thorantilth said nothing to Tunxeek as he left, though it did not seem unexpected. He has the same unfocused look in his eyes as Julan did, though he was still evidently concentrating enough to start his work. The ink-dipped reed pierced ever so slightly into the scales on Julan's arm, then he waved his other hand over the arm, using his magic to push the ink from the reed and disperse it perfectly evenly beneath his scales.

Kaleeth watched for a time, but after giving a long sigh, she stood to her feet and placed a hand on Janius' shoulder. "I...guess I should go to the Hist tree. I wouldn't want to make him wait too long."

---

"Aaand, that is why I said it here. We can talk about it when we're back in the town; give you a few minutes to calm down about it." Ahnasha whispered back. It did not take too long to get back to Cheydinhal. They headed straight to the inn where Ahnasha's parents were staying, though Ahnasha did take a few minutes to hug her mother and further console both her and her father. She encouraged her parents and brother to try and relax and continue to get to know Fendros' family while she went upstairs to have a talk with her husband.

The moment Ahnasha shut the door behind her in their room, Ahnasha got straight to the point. "Okay, so I know how this sounds, but hear me out. Your father is, apparently, an exceptionally powerful mage. Which, just as a little aside, seems like a pretty damned important detail to just...leave out before all of this." Ahnasha glared at Fendros, though did not allow the silence to hang long enough for him to speak up. "Anyways, I could feel his power. He's someone exceptional. Like us, or Teroiah, or Meesei. On a battlefield, people like us are worth far more than even what we can kill with our own abilities. How was it that Ri'vashi put it? We can multiply the force of a formation, if we apply our skills in the right place, at the right time. As distasteful as your father is, we need more people like us. Like him. He could be worth another half of a legion by himself. Or more, if he's as smart as he assumes he is. And it's not like our fight isn't going to affect him. If we fail, it will only be a matter of time before Vile's own inevitable invasion reaches Cheydinhal."

[Muttonhawk]

Janius leaned a little closer to get a good look at the tattooing. He was so rapt that he did not pay much attention to what Tunxeek said as he left. Kaleeth's touch, however, drew his attention. He took Kaleeth's hand gently and smiled to her. "See you soon," he said before letting her go.

After a while watching quietly, Janius craned his head to see Julan, probably still under whatever influence the Hist sap provided.

"...Are you feeling okay, Julan?" He asked quietly.

Outside, by the Hist tree, Kaleeth found Tunxeek squatting and facing the eggs nestled up by the roots. He tilted his head and held his hand out in the air above them. Probably just checking on their health, as a treeminder was wont to do. As Kaleeth approached, he turned around and stood to face her.

"Hello again." Tunxeek gestured to two mats he had set out on the ground next to a small wooden bowl. "Would you like to sit?"

Tunxeek took a mat for himself to sit down on. He looked at the bowl before them. A reflective dash of Hist sap sat rippling within.

"Before we begin, I..." Tunxeek itched under his jaw with one finger. "Look, I know the last time you were here, I was just a boy. It took some time before that was shaken off, but I just want you to know that I mean no disrespect to you as my elder. The fact is, I am doing what a treeminder does now. That means I have to ask you, Kaleeth-rei, do you know what you want in this ritual? Do you know how you will feel afterwards?"

---

Fendros let a breath out through his teeth and looked ahead. He was sure he needed just about enough calming down from seeing his father in the first place, much less talking about recruiting him. He was on edge all the way to the city.

Once the family was secure, Fendros lead the way up to his and Ahnasha's room. He tightened his fist and promised himself not to give way to anger. When Ahnasha faced him, he had his arms crossed standing opposite her, frowning.

He only took a second after she finished for him to shake his head. "I didn't know he was that powerful. I knew he was a powerful mage, and that he has...a long past. A past I only know a fraction of. Perhaps if he didn't know we were werewolves and if you were some dainty Dunmer heiress, there might have been a chance to enlist his help." He looked down. "Even if I did like the idea, how do propose we convince him?"

[EliteCommander]

In contrast to what either Julan or Janius might have expected beforehand, Julan was quite slow to respond. He did not react much to his surroundings, except to move in whatever way Thorantilth directed him to. He seemed to still be in a sort of trance from the Hist sap, but at the very least, Janius could still see that there were yet no problems with the tattoo itself. Instead of Kaleeth's red vines, the ink the Treeminder was using at the moment was a dark blue in color. He appeared to be forming and outline first, though it was still far to early to see any definite shapes.

After a few more moments, Julan started to look around more, and eventually settled his eyes on Janius. Now, he certainly seemed to be paying attention and looking right at him, instead of staring off past him.

Kaleeth sat as Tunxeek suggested, but even his first question was more than she knew how to answer right away. Her pause lasted only a few seconds, but it was more than enough to hint at her current frame of mind. "I think...I probably wouldn't even need the ritual if I knew how to answer that. I guess I just want to get...whatever it is I might deserve."

---

"Well we won't be doing it by ourselves." Ahnasha remarked, crossing her arms to match Fendros. "No matter what we decide, Meesei will still have to approve of it. But, we can talk to her about it when she comes to check up on us tomorrow. As for convincing him, though...this is important beyond some family squabbles. I mean, Marod even gave our pack the authority to swear anyone we involve to secrecy legally, under pain of treason to the Empire. I know it's not like we represent the Empire or anything, but the fact that a pack of lycans has official Imperial cooperation at all speaks volumes by itself. We're not just fighting a war of Hircine against Vile. It's a war of Tamriel against Vile, just one that the 'powers that be' have decided should remain secret."

Ahnasha paused only long enough to give a frustrated sigh. "The point is, our war is a very real, and on Elven timespans, imminent threat to Rossarm and his own personal well-being. I don't know if he even loves his own wife and children anymore, but he has to care about something. His legacy, his property, even just himself. I don't know what he's done in his life to become as powerful as he is, but he certainly hasn't always been a simple vineyard owner and hobbyist mage. That kind of power, battle magic, comes from experience. It comes from necessity, risk, and danger. Your father may be many things, but he doesn't strike me as the kind of man who is happy to leave his own fate in the hands of someone else. I think we just have to convince him that the danger is real."

[Muttonhawk]

There was something amusing about seeing Julan in such an apparent daze. Janius would have been worried if it was not simply Hist sap. For now, he just smiled and ruffled the top of Julan's head. "You're doing great. You can relax."

Tunxeek looked down and his lips twitched. "It sounds like you are afraid of it." He picked up the bowl of sap in both hands. After a second looking into it, he turned his eyes up to Kaleeth and offered her the bowl. "You don't have to be."

---

Fendros took Ahnasha's middle pause to huff and half-turn away. "Oh, I see, so he'll listen to an Argonian and an Imperial instead," he said sarcastically, though it was missing Ahansha's point.

He clutched the back of a chair and squeezed until his knuckles were white, closing his eyes. When Ahnasha finished, he threw up a hand, paused, and sighed, slowly lowering his arm and relaxing his hands. "Ahnasha," he said, just above the threshold of a calm tone. "Why should he even believe us? And if it's Marod and his men strolling up and outing him as an extremely dangerous individual and asking him politely to fight for them, how do you think he would react?"

[EliteCommander]

It was not precisely accurate to describe Julan as confused, though an observer could easily make that mistake. He was aware of his surroundings, and aware of everything that Janius had been doing and saying. He knew that Thorantilth was working on his marks, though he could not feel anything in his numbed body. The Hist sap had simply given him another focus within his own mind that had his full attention. After several minutes of not answering, he finally spoke, though not as a direct response to Janius. "It was all meant to be."

Kaleeth took the bowl, though did not yet drink from it. The sap was familiar, and not at all frightening in itself. There was no reason that any Argonian raised in the swamps would be afraid of the Hist, or anything relating to it. Even the thought of drinking it felt warm and inviting to her, but the worries that had been plaguing her were still quite present in her mind. "I'm not sure I'll be able to get what I was wanting. It was...three seasons ago, I think my father said. Well over a year, probably closer to two. How long do the souls stay with the Hist, Tunxeek? Has she not already been reborn?"

---

Ahnasha shrugged, seeming at least somewhat more relaxed than Fendros at the moment. "I don't know, but the Penitus Oculatus is a name that means something in the Empire. And Marod does have ways of proving his identity. If we bring in that kind of help, I'm sure we'll be able to present to him pretty convincingly what is going on. It's not like it's an unbelievable story. Your father lived through the Oblivion Crisis, and with his kind of magic, I'm willing to bet he fought in it too. I'm sure he knows how some Daedra love to set their ambitions for Tamriel. That Vile is taking a more patient, subtle approach will make perfect sense to him. And who knows? Maybe demonstrating that you have the ear of one of the Emperor's elite guard will show to your father that you've been doing more for the past decade than hiding in the woods and sleeping with a cat. It would give us undeniable credibility, without a doubt. If you don't think just knowing the truth would be enough for him, then we could probably tell your mother and ask her advice."

Fendros would be able to see a slight swirl of magicka around Ahnasha's hand. She stared at the glowing strands of magic with what was perhaps some regret, though with some uncertainty as to the reason. "I suppose with Meesei there, we will have to worry less about the threat of violence..." She began, her voice steadily showing more hints of frustration. She turned her head away from Fendros and crossed her arms. "...I mean, of course I could best your father too, but I have to admit that Meesei could do it with less...collateral damage. And I would probably want to be safe and use some more powerful spells that I would have to sacrifice some valuable soul gems to use, so...her help would be for the best. Yeah, it would just be more convenient."

[Muttonhawk]

The lack of a response from Julan eventually let Janius' attention drift back to Thorantilth's handiwork. No recognisable shape was apparent yet on Julan's scales -- the little that had been done truly drilled in the reality of the time that the markings would take.

Janius turned his head back to Julan again when Julan spoke. Janius was not sure how to interpret it. He lowered his brow and breathed in to ask Julan to elaborate, but he stopped. He closed his eyes and breathed out, smiling. "Julan, sometimes I wish I could understand the Hist like you and your mother do. It's like there's new world on the other side."

He was not sure how much Julan was comprehending. Janius did not expect an answer.

---

Tunxeek did not give away much of a reaction to Kaleeth's question. He looked back at her for only a couple of seconds before his eyes lowered and he answered. "It's not as simple as a soul remaining there," Tunxeek continued in Jel in spite of Kaleeth switching to Cyrodilic. "The Hist, does not forget, as far as we can tell. Your mother will always be among them, in a way, as much as any Saxhleel who passed away before her. Sometimes, when I have taken the sap, even recently, I sometimes hear my own mother's voice."

Running his hand over his forearm, Tunxeek continued. "It is ultimately your choice whether to drink the sap today, Kaleeth-rei. But, if you do anything here, I would like you to try and think for a moment. Try to think how you will feel about this a season or two from now if you decide to put the bowl down. Explain it to me, if it helps you to think."

---

Several seconds passed before Fendros answered. He remained where he was, leaning his hands on the back of the chair. "You know what scares me, Ahna? For all our speculation, it's all just guesses. What makes me afraid is that I don't know how he would react to all this. We can get Meesei, true, and with us altogether, we could best him if he lashes out." He lifted his head and gave Ahnasha a look of mixed worry and anger. He pointed to the floor. "But after tonight my mother and siblings are still around him," he said, making every word clear. "Any wrong move by us? Who knows what he'll do. He'll take everything we or Meesei says with disdain and Marod may as well be threatening him as well." He took a short breath. "He's too dangerous, Ahna. That is not going to change."

[EliteCommander]

Kaleeth did take some time to consider Tunxeek's suggestion, but she evidently decided against the patient approach. His words had been just enough to push past the barrier of fear, and coax her into drinking. She downed it all at once, as there was not too much in the bowl, and it did not require a great deal of the sap to have the desired result.

What went on within Kaleeth's mind lasted several minutes, and was completely hidden from the outside world. The words which the Hist had for her came in the form of thoughts and feelings, though her outward expression did not paint a consistent picture of how they were affecting her. There was confusion, and even a light smile at some points, but after her experience was over, what she eventually settled on was to sit with her legs pulled up to her chest, sobbing into her hands.

---

"Well, being dangerous is why I want him with us." Ahnasha replied, lightly shrugging. "As long as he is dangerous towards the enemy. Perhaps if we just frame it as an offer, he won't feel as threatened. Marod is a diplomat, he knows how to talk to people. We could even offer to pay him, so it doesn't seem like we're just trying to demand favors from him. Of course, before we can tell him anything specific, he'll need to agree to be sworn to secrecy, but again, Marod might be able to help with that."

Ahnasha paced around for a few seconds in thought, then eventually lowered her arms and gestured towards the door. "Look, we can go back and forth arguing and speculating about it all day, or we could just go out there, get your mother, and have a private talk with her. We can see if she'll agree to be sworn to secrecy, and get her take on it. She knows your father better than you do, and she'll know what might work on him, or if he'll even be useful at all. I don't think I am, but I suppose I could be overestimating him."

[Muttonhawk]

Tunxeek patiently waited for the communion to come and go from Kaleeth's mind. When Kaleeth's awareness returned, he said no words to disturb her. He offered comfort with a hand on her shoulder.

However, Kaleeth's grief was not going to pass in such a short moment. Tunxeek knew anything could have happened in the ritual. After giving Kaleeth some time, he craned his head forward to try and see her covered face. "Did you learn what you needed to, Kaleeth-rei?"

---

"And I think you're underestimating him. You're being..." He let out the rest of his breath in futility. "No, you're right, arguing over guesswork isn't helping. I just..." He tightened his lips and looked away. "I hate this. I hate him. I hate how he treats you, me, the family. I don't even want to be near him. He's a twisted bastard and he can rot in Oblivion for all I care. But talking with mother about it can't hurt."

He turned on his heel and walked towards the door with a frown on his face. He did not give Ahnasha so much as a glance. "We can talk with mother now and get this over with."