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

[EliteCommander]

Meesei stood up alongside Fendros, though with a look of considerably more calm than he. It was far from the first time that she had needed to deal with a powerful "ally", so even the palpable tension in the room was not enough to break her composure. At the very least, the fact that Rossarm was present at all should be encouraging. Meesei doubted that he would walk all the way to the city just to refuse. She had no problem breaking the silence, and being the first to address him.

"Rossarm Avarul..." Meesei began, giving a polite nod in greeting to him. She had yet been given no reason to break from formality. "...it is a pleasure to meet you. I am Meesei; I take it your wife has informed you of the...matter we came here to discuss? Have you decided to accept the offer?" She asked. They were still in a public place, so there was a need to speak discretely.

---

Following Sabine's question, Saras gestured to the scholar. "If you would, please."

It took a few seconds for the short, somewhat nervous Breton man to register Saras' request in his mind, after which he spoke at a slightly rushed pace. "Oh, sorry, I...well, yes, she did. Or, not in detail or anything but...sort of. See, I was returning to my workplace after going to retrieve some Dwemer oil. I needed it to test a theory I had about the Dwemer spiders and their...um, sorry," He interrupted once he realized he was getting sidetracked. "Anyways, when I got back, I saw the vampire there reading some of my research notes. I didn't recognize that she was the vampire at first, and I was about to start yelling at her to get away from my things, but then she turned and...looked at me."

The Breton scholar actually seemed to shiver when he recalled the memory. "I don't know what happened, but I just sort of...froze up. I couldn't speak, until she started asking me questions. She asked about the Dwemer machine we found in the Tower of Mzark: the one to the south, I think, of the Silent City. She demanded to know why she hadn't been told about it, then I told her that no one had told us to tell her about the oculory...then she berated me for about a minute straight for calling it an 'oculory'. After that, she demanded to speak to the Champion. I told her I would try to inform the Champion, but then she stormed off. I followed her outside and, I could be wrong, but I think she went ahead towards the oculory anyways. I...think there are still some scholars researching there today, so..."

[Muttonhawk]

Rossarm listened to Meesei then turned his head to Calia. Calia looked back at him with a frown and and nodded towards Meesei. Rossarm eyed Meesei for just long enough to give the impression that he was looking for deception.

He finally answered with a surprisingly resonant voice. "I'll help you. You need not know more."

---

A few details ran through Sabine's mind. Her eyes wandered. She recalled Karl mentioning the name of the tower at some point, though its exact details escaped her. A lot of moving parts was all she remembered, and that narrowed little down in the realm of Dwemer ruins. What concerned Sabine more was Hal-Neesa's knowledge of Dwemer technology and the attitude shown when delving too deeply into it.

"We should go after her right now," Sabine resolved. "Is the tower close by?"

She unconsciously tightened her hand. Even now she could not shake the wish to have the Staff of Magnus in her hands at the prospect of confronting Hal-Neesa.

[EliteCommander]

"Wonderful." Meesei answered, albeit in a rather dry tone. "Then we should not waste any time. We should take our leave of the city so that I can speak more freely, then I can take us to...where we need to go."

Just as she said, Meesei wasted no time in taking the lead towards the door. Ahnasha stood up as well, deciding that it would be best to stay with the group to help in the unlikely event that there was any trouble, but she did intend to have Meesei or Sabine bring her back sometime within the next few hours. She did not want to leave matters with her own family as they were right at the moment. She knew she needed to talk with them, and she was not going to let them leave the city without doing so.

For the moment, however, Ahnasha followed the group out of the inn, then out of the city through the nearby west gate. Meesei was on alert the entire time, watching and listening for anyone unexpected that might be around them. She made particularly sure that they were safely beyond the city, and that no guards, citizens, or anyone else was close enough to hear before she continued to speak. "Once we are somewhere that is sufficiently private, I will take us to my clan's home. It is the neutral ground on which the Empire, Dominion, and my people are staging the...final phase of this war against Vile. Once we are there, we will get you settled in with you own chambers, and I will arrange for a meeting between you, myself, the Empire's Legate General, and the Dominion's commander to determine where your skills can be put to the best use."

---

Again, the scholar was slow and nervous in his response. "Yes...well, relatively close, compared to a lot of the other ruins. It's just an hour or two walk from here, right along the road south just outside the city. It's patrolled by our automatons, so it's safe to walk."

Saras quickly interjected before Sabine could reply. "I take it you have been to the tower in question, yes?" He asked the scholar, who replied with a somewhat confused nod.

Saras turned his attention back to Sabine. "I seem to recall that the teleportation that you and the Champion use requires a...connection with the destination. And that you can use someone else's connection to make the portal as well, yes? If so, then his memories should be sufficient for you to simply teleport directly to the tower, hopefully ahead of Neesa. There is just the matter of deciding who, if anyone, you wish to bring. It is at your discretion if you wish to bring any number of warriors or mages to assist you, but if I could give you my counsel, I would like to point out that this is just as much a diplomatic concern as it is a security concern. Hal-Neesa does represent Molag Bal's interests. The vampire did brazenly spy on us, just as she has been doing from the very day she arrived here..." Saras said, revealing a hint of resentment in his voice. "...but, by his description of events, she is yet to make any sort of threat against anyone. That is a fact you may wish to consider when making your decision."

[Muttonhawk]

The short walk out of the city had not a word spoken between anyone in the group. Even Marod, usually so eager to probe the personalities of those around him, kept his mouth shut, only occasionally throwing glances between Rossarm and Fendros.

With Calia in tow, Rossarm's demeanour did not change from his neutral, if somewhat tired and distant appearance. He did not respond to Meesei's explanations at all. Fendros avoided eye contact.

Calia moved as elegantly as ever, though even her eyes were drawn to the ground. "Is your clan's home far from here?" She asked.

---

Saras did raise true points, but Sabine was under no illusions. Hal-Neesa was the single most powerful creature in their entire city. Without Meesei, no one would help matters in any sense that she could see in that moment. Her hands tightened further. She wished she knew where the Staff of Magnus had been hidden.

"I will just bring my pack," she answered, almost as if downplaying the issue. "I will need Tarna's help to travel there anyway."

Sabine had been quiet about her new friend from Thorn's lycan clan. Saras would have known about her, though few others would. It would be a trivial matter to collect her and Do'Rhajul within a few minutes.

[EliteCommander]

Meesei gave a nod in response to Calia. "Yes, quite far, in fact. But, that matters little when I can bring us there immediately." She answered, and it did not take long for them to move safely beyond the sight of the city for her to elaborate through action. They stopped just off of the road, in an appropriately secluded spot in the woods, at which point Meesei began to charge her spell to open the portal. Brilliant red energies swelled around her hands as her entire being was charged with the substantial amount of magicka required to complete the spell. Even with as practiced as Meesei had become, it still took some time for her to complete a portal. It was derived from the same sort of magic that had been used in the propylon chambers of ancient Dunmer ruins, so depending upon Rossarm and Calia's life experiences, the energy might even feel familiar.

"Forgive me if I am being too presumptuous, but I am assuming you are going to want to return to your home, Calia. Even so, both Fendros and Ahnasha trust you, and you have been sworn to secrecy, so I can still allow you to join us and see where your husband will be for the duration of his stay with us, if you would like. I do think that it is only right that you be able to see the company he will be keeping in the coming weeks. I can bring you back here at any time, just as easily and quickly." Meesei explained.

---

Based on his demeanor, Sabine's reply appeared to satisfy Saras. "Very well, then I will await your report once you return." He replied, evidently trusting that Sabine and her pack would be able to handle the situation.

The Breton scholar, meanwhile, still looked around nervously. "So, um, do you still need me to make a 'connection' to the tower for your teleporting? Or can I go now? Or, um...can I return to my duties, that is?"

Regardless of whether or not Sabine took the fastest possible option to reach the tower, she would still be unable to reach it ahead of Hal-Neesa. The vampire, too, evidently had rather quick means of travel. All of the scholars that had been studying the oculory were now outside, gathered around haphazard piles of their belongings and research materials. There were only a small handful of them: an Imperial, Redguard, and two Altmer siblings. Most looked confused, angry, or even frightened, but none of them would appear to be hurt in any way, at least.

[Muttonhawk]

Calia took a moment to tear her eyes away from the magic Meesei weaved in her hands. She cleared her throat. "I shall accept your offer. I can fare you well there, Rossarm."

Rossarm nodded. He had narrowed his eyes at Meesei's magic but did not show any other reaction.

---

Sabine shook her head. "Stay for a while. Um, please. We need to save time. What did you say your name was?"

The portal opened up with Sabine and the Scholar stepping through first. Sabine's eyes were on every detail the moment they set foot on the other side, alert for any signs of danger.

Behind them was Do'rhajul, standing tall with his sword drawn, if held low. Though ready for a fight, he was mostly covered by a hooded cloak and a scarf. In spite of his size, he had an easier time during the day by staying scarce.

Finally, creeping in Do'rhajul's shadow was a younger Argonian woman with stony grey scales and a small crest spanning back over her head. Her eyes looked nervous but ready for action. She wore a light chitin armour under a covering of vaguely camouflaged clothing, and on her belt was a green glass dagger and sword.

"I think...she has not become violent," Sabine thought out loud while observing the scholars without the building.

The Argonian did not put herself at ease. "Should I circle around? See what's inside?" She asked, heavily accented.

Sabine shook her head. "No. She will know we are here soon. Stay with me."

They approached the perturbed scholars. "Excuse me," Sabine asked unsurely. "Can you tell me what happened here?"

[EliteCommander]

"Of course..." Meesei began, closing her eyes to focus on piecing together the last parts of the spell. Finally, and with a substantial expenditure of magicka, the glowing red portal opened in front of her. "...then we may leave right away." She said, gesturing to the portal.

Meesei had to be the last one through, as it made it far easier to hold the portal open, but her pack led the way to show that her magic could be trusted. As usual, she brought them straight to the base of the tall stairway leading up to the Silent City, their home and fortress within Blackreach. And indeed, it did have the appearance of both. From what Meesei had seen of Rossarm so far, she was not expecting any signs of awe, or even any outward appreciation for their home from him, but she could at least still give a proper welcome to Calia. Indeed, there was, right away, much to see around them that almost certainly defied her expectation of what a lycan clan would be. There were properly constructed battlements around the perimeter of the city and professionally equipped warriors serving as guards for it. As imposing as the city was above them, the natural beauty of the glowing cavern around them could also be a worthy competitor for her attention.

"Welcome to our home; our...secret sanctuary in Tamriel." Meesei began, directing her words more towards Calia. "Granted, it is not as much of a secret now as I might like, but we've all had to make sacrifices in our struggle against Vile. Still, we only bring people in through teleportation, so the location of any physical entrance is still our secret to keep, at least. Indeed, the majority of my own people would not know how to get here otherwise."

---

Do'rhajul remained cautious, but kept his distance a fair few steps back from the scholars. They would have to know who he was since he was with Sabine, but he found that he tended to make members of the clan nervous just by being around them. He had kept his shield wrapped in cloth while in the city, but here, he kept Spellbreaker held in his off-hand. If the worst did indeed come to pass, an unbreakable ward would be a valuable asset in dealing with Neesa. The Breton scholar they had with them, who had introduced himself as Francois, only recognized the Khajiit after seeing the shield, and was now standing considerably closer to the Argonian.

Of the group that Sabine approached, the Altmer man was the one to stand to meet her, either as the leader, or simply as the most calm among them. Although, calm was a relative term, as his hands still shook slightly. It only took a brief moment for the Altmer to recognize the pack that approached him, especially given that they had arrived through teleportation. "Oh, thank Hircine! Yes, ma'am, of course. I'm so glad you're here. If anyone is capable of dealing with this, it would have to be the Dragonslayer." He smiled at Sabine. "It was that vampire woman, that...unholy reptile. She just appeared here; I didn't even hear her come through the door. We were all up in the Oculory, and suddenly she was there demanding we show her what we were doing. I was going to tell her to leave, but then she just...looked at me." The man explained, showing a familiar shiver.

"I did what she asked, but even just showing her around and explaining our experiments for a minute or two was enough to make her furious." The Altmer scholar continued. "I don't know why, or what specifically brought it on, but she demanded we gather up everything we have here and leave immediately."

Crossing his arms, the man soon glared over at the Altmer woman sitting on an overturned crate nearby. "Then my idiot sister just had to get the bright idea in her head to try to use the automatons: the spheres and spiders we have here to protect us, to try and threaten her into leaving us alone. What she did after that...I still don't understand. She just laughed, the vampire, that is. She laughed and spoke a few words I didn't understand. They might have even been Dwemer, but I'm not sure. She just said those few words, and suddenly, the automatons just wouldn't listen to us anymore. Then she turned them against us."

Do'rhajul gripped his sword tighter. "She attacked you with the automatons?"

The Altmer man scratched his head for a second, only giving a quick, cautious glance to Do'rhajul before returning his gaze to Sabine. "Um, no, they didn't attack us really. They just sort of ushered us out of the tower."

Soon after, Sabine would see some movement from the large, open door leading into the tower, just behind the scholars. A single Dwemer spider was carrying a rough cloth bag in its pincers, clattering with the sounds of whatever objects were inside. It released the bag next to the pile of items collected outside of the tower, then turned back around without interruption.

"She's also been having them drag out our belongings for some reason. Clumsy machines broke my alembic, too." The man added.

[Muttonhawk]

The reactions lined up with Meesei's expectations. Rossarm kept his eyes down, not out of disinterest, but almost as if he had a reason not to look. Calia, on the other hand, had the same speechless amazement turning her head up and around and taking it all in at once as Meesei had seen plenty of times before.

"But this...this is a Dwemer structure!" Calia exclaimed. She spun around to Meesei. "But how would you bring armies in and out? All on your own?"

"Chambers, mother," Fendros interjected. "Meesei worked out how to get propylons working- May we move on?" He gestured to the stairs, looking uncomfortably at Meesei.

Calia finally remembered to close her mouth. She spoke with a bewildered laugh behind her words. "I was expecting a village in the woods. Nothing like this."

---

Sabine eyed each and every scholar, even leaning around the man talking to her at times. She only stopped when she was satisfied that no one was hurt. "We will go and speak to her." Sabine said. "You should...all of you should start packing up. Immediately. She is bringing your belongings out because she does not want you inside."

While Sabine did not have the most authoritative voice, but she was high ranking. Do'rhajul's presence also lent weight to her words, she found.

"Francois, please help packing up here." She continued. "Everyone, we will tell you when it is safe to return."

Sabine turned and started towards the tower door but kept her ear open for any parting questions.

[EliteCommander]

Despite Fendros' obvious discomfort, Meesei upheld her friendly attitude towards Calia. Rossarm, even if he chose not to acknowledge it, would still at least be hearing everything she said. "It used to be that way, at one time. Back before all of this. But, our struggle against Vile has challenged us, made us stronger. More organized by necessity. We've had to adapt in order to stay alive. Lycans may be half-beasts, but the half of us that is man or woman is still just as capable as before."

It was quite the long climb up the stairs to the Silent City itself, so Meesei kept the pace slow enough that everyone could comfortably keep up. Heading through the second gate into the main courtyard brought them into a bustling crowd, as it was currently the busiest time of day in the city. While the courtyard was used for many purposes in their clan, it was currently like an outdoor market. Nearly every day, traders from other clans would come through the propylon chambers to sell or barter with residents of the Silent City, or even other clans entirely. The city had developed naturally as a hub for the other clans as Meesei had expanded their network of propylon chambers to more and more of them. Although, few chambers actually led directly to Blackreach, so it could require transit through several chambers to actually reach it from any given clan.

"Marod, I thank you for your help, even if we did not end up needing it. You can get back to your work now if you like; I am sure we will be fine from here on out." Meesei remarked to him, stopping briefly in place after they stepped through the gate. Among the other sights around them, a Dwemer sphere rolled past them in its patrol of the courtyard, paying no mind to anyone or anything around it.

---

All of the scholars present obeyed Sabine's command without question, perhaps due to her authority, or simply because the prospect of not having to deal with Hal-Neesa themselves was an appealing one. Either way, all that was left was for her pack to head inside and confront the vampire. Do'rhajul slowly returned his sword to its scabbard, and instead kept his hand tight on his shield. He stepped up close beside Sabine, enough that they were almost touching. "If something should happen, I will be right by your side to guard you."

Just inside the large Dwemer doors was a lift that took the group up to the level of the Oculory. It was difficult to tell exactly how far up it was, but the mechanism did seem to reside close to the surface. They passed a few spiders carrying the scholars' assorted belongings back to the lift, but they did not disturb them as they made their way through to the Oculory chamber, and up the spiral ramp to the top of the device. There were two Dwemer spheres that rolled up to them as they reached the top, but they did not raise weapons towards them. Not by default, at least.

In the middle of the Oculory, Sabine would finally see Hal-Neesa at last. She was leaned over one of the metal arms hanging down from the mechanism hanging above them, inspecting one of the joints and muttering to herself in a language Sabine could not understand. Though, it was certainly not Jel. She wore a long, flowing, and colorful dress with silk wrappings around her waist, curiously in a Redguard style. The vampire had a seemingly endless supply of elegant, expensive outfits, given that Sabine would never have seen her wearing the same one twice, despite all of the time for which she had been their guest. Neesa noticed the arrival of Sabine and her pack right away, but only glanced at her for a brief moment before returning to her task. "Hmph, the apprentice. Not the Champion, but I suppose you'll do. I'm guessing those fools you call scholars complained about me? Well, you should be sure to tell them to be thankful for my abundance of mercy. Normally, I'd kill someone for what they've apparently been doing to this machine in the name of 'research.' Indeed, despite my frustration, I made a specific effort not to cause any bodily harm to them, so they should be safe and sound, yes? Or did one of them find some way to hurt themselves on the way out? Which, given their middling intelligence, would absolutely not surprise me."

[Muttonhawk]

Marod genially bowed his head. "As you wish, Champion. It is nice to get out and breathe some fresh air every now and then. Have a lovely day, all of you." And like that he folded into the crowd.

Calia had no further words. None even to see off Marod's departure out of courtesy. There was more than enough to keep her distracted, not least of which was the automaton hollowly trundling by. The only credit she was due in retaining her appearances was to keep herself walking straight-backed, evenly, and with her mouth shut.

In contrast, Rossarm had his eyes in every nook and cranny. He frowned at the details around him, sizing the place up. A few errant sights caused his upper lip to curl ever so slightly, though it was anyone's guess what exactly affected him.

"We were far fewer when we arrived here," Fendros said. He rathered speaking himself than walking with the entire group in silence. "Only a few dozen packs from Cyrodiil. Now, this is where everyone goes in Hircine's world. A crossroads, I suppose."

---

In response to Do'rhajul, Sabine nodded firmly. "Thank you."

On the way up the tower, the grey Argonian woman tracked a passing spider with her eyes before looking ahead and asking. "How much should Tarna know about this...vampire?"

"She is very old," Sabine said in a hushed tone. "Very powerful. Strange. Not unreasonable. But...not kind either. Not kind to most people, that is." She glanced back. "Be wary, Tarna, and polite. Be ready to get behind Rhajul. You will not be able to ward her or hide from her."

A hint of fear flashed over Tarna's eyes, but she quickly grew determined and nodded.

They continued up and up until they were halted by the spheres. Sabine and Tarna's heads shot up to look at Hal-Neesa.

Sabine's voice started small. She felt her knees shaking just a little. "Greetings Hal-Neesa." She took another breath. "Um...The scholars are okay. I apologise, Meesei is out right now." She wished she was better at speaking. "We were wondering...would you tell us why you became upset? And what are you doing up there?"

[EliteCommander]

"I would say you were right to have your initial assumptions, Calia." Meesei remarked after Marod went on his way. "I would not really say this is our natural state. Lycans have always led more simple lives, out in the wilderness. Larger clans mostly just helped smaller packs to find safe territory. Our organization has grown from necessity. Your son was infected before all of this, and has helped us grow into what you see before you."

Once they reached the base of one of the towers, Meesei stopped, now looking and speaking directly to Rossarm, instead of the group in general. "I made sure to have quarters prepared for you. I can take you to them now, if you would rather not carry your belongings with you everywhere. I could also give you a tour of our city, answer any questions, or let you have time alone to say goodbye to your wife, if you wish. Granted, it would not be an unreasonable burden for me to allow Calia to visit somewhat frequently. We should meet with the other armies' leadership soon to determine how best you can help us, but we are not in any immediate rush."

---

Hal-Neesa grunted, perhaps seeming moderately annoyed. "The legate, that Thalmor, your Khajiit, they are always...pestering me with their questions. What to expect from rare Daedra, what Vile's realm will be like, how to provide any forward scouting for the invasion. They want 'useful military information' out of me. So, I'm doing exactly what was asked." She said, gesturing to the Oculory. "Here is their 'useful military information'. Provided your people haven't damaged it beyond repair. They are like children playing around with fire salts."

Glancing over to a table on the far side of the room, Neesa telekinetically pulled over a glowing chunk of rock to her hand and marched up in front of Sabine, holding it in front of her. "Did you know they actually brought raw Aetherium in here? Lorkhan knows what they were even trying to accomplish with it. Aetherium is harmonically volatile, do you have any idea what can happen if it's exposed to the wrong kind of resonance? Don't answer, of course you don't. Point is, you and your people are stupid children breaking the adults' things, so I'm going to take my valuable time to get it working so we can use it. Assuming the parts exist."

Hal-Neesa looked down on Sabine, literally and figuratively. She did not seem too angry, but at no point had she even been pleasant to be around. "You should thank me, by the way. I do not normally put so much personal attention into projects for anyone else's benefit, so you should feel beyond honored that I am gifting you even some of my knowledge."

[Muttonhawk]

"Calia." Rossarm abruptly spoke. "I would not have you connected to this place beyond today."

Calia was shaken out of her distraction to focus on Rossarm. She was silent for a moment. A hint of disappointment passed over her face. "...Right. Yes. Just as we discussed." She lifted her eyes to Meesei. "If you do not mind, we should head to Rossarm's quarters and...well, I will leave you to it all after that." She grew just resolute enough to warn against trying to change her mind. "I should get back to Cheydinhal. There will be time for visits after all the strife."

Just behind Calia, Fendros glanced to Ahnasha and Meesei with some confusion.

---

Sabine felt herself tense up when Neesa approached, though she held her ground. She said not a word and instead glanced at the aetherium only as long as she dared. She had to spend a second stopping herself from stammering and actually finding careful words. "Anything that helps us against Vile, we appreciate it," she said slowly. "I have no reason to doubt you -- I am merely curious -- but...what does this thing do, exactly?"

[EliteCommander]

"Well, if that is your choice, then that is perfectly fine. I'm sure your children will be keeping in touch, if you ever change your mind." Meesei replied, glancing to Fendros and Ahnasha.

As requested, Meesei started inside to show Rossarm to his quarters. All of the rooms on the hall that her pack used were taken, but they had been able to re-purpose another room on the ground floor of the same tower to be private quarters for him. There had not been a stone bed built into the room, but it had been easy enough to have a comfortable bed made for him, as well as all of the furniture needed for a functional living space. It was situated close to one of the dining chambers, so it was actually reasonably conveniently located.

---

Hal-Neesa gestured to one of the blue-green crystal-like objects at the center of the mechanism, which appeared like a container of sorts. "This particular mechanism, what you ignoramuses have come to call an Oculory, looks like it was built to hold an Elder Scroll. Though, that is long gone. I never saw one being used in such a way, so I can only make some educated guesses as to why. Tonal manipulation is about the only thing that is as fundamental as an Elder Scroll, so it might have influenced the light tones...maybe to track the echoes of power in the temporal plane as well.."

The vampire's voice trailed off as she stared at the mechanism for a few seconds, then focused back on Sabine. "Well that's not important, regardless. I don't need an Elder Scroll for this. It's just a matter of making a few repairs, changing out a few parts, and I can convert the...Oculory, back to its more common function. You see, the device collects starlight. That much, your people were probably able to figure out, unless even I give them too much credit. The Dwemer could use it to track the constellations, the moons, draw from sources of power, and observe anything out there floating in the Void. Including, most importantly, planes of Oblivion. If it works, and with the right...tuning, it could be used to create a projection of Vile's realm, in it's current state. And without Vile knowing about it. Then, you people can have your 'advanced scouting', and stop pestering me about it."

[Muttonhawk]

"It is, I can assure you," Calia responded. "I can also assure you that it is not for any ill reason. But I would rather not share overmuch."

Rossarm did little else in his quarters than place his bag down upon the bed. At that point, Calia turned to the others and looked to the floor. "If I might have a moment with Rossarm, please?" she asked, stony faced.

Fendros lingered for a fleeting moment. He wordlessly stepped out and ushered Rhazii out with him. Once the rest of the group were left waiting outside of the closed door, they could hear a few quiet words exchanged. There was no high emotion or intensity, just a dour tone between them both, much like the stereotype of Dunmer held.

Rather than allow eavesdropping, Fendros also quietly spoke up. "I don't understand. Why is he so passive all of a sudden?"

---

Sabine's sharp breath in was the only slip up. She did not quite spill out words without thinking about them. After giving her packmates a glance, she responded to Neesa. "That is extraordinary. Is there anything we can do to help?"

A twinge of second thoughts in Sabine's head objected to her question as soon as it was too late to take it back.

[EliteCommander]

Ahnasha shrugged, moving herself in close to Fendros and glancing to the door. This was all not going quite as she had expected, but she supposed that was not a bad thing. She had expected much worse. "Well, if your mother convinced him that the threat we're fighting is real, then he might just genuinely see the need. I mean, regardless of the kind of man your father might be, I doubt he wants to die and have his soul stolen by Vile. And if he does care about his family, then he doesn't want the same to happen to them. I mean, by Hircine, that monster Neesa is going to be fighting with us, and she is essentially the definition of heartless. It might be simple self-preservation."

"Perhaps." Meesei remarked, though she was not entirely certain herself. "It could be that he never showed his true colors in the time you knew him, Fendros. Or at least, not the full extent of his character. I doubt your family ever endured this sort of a crisis while you were with them."

---

Hal-Neesa did not even bother to look away from the mechanism in her reply. "Obviously. I took it as a given that you would provide me with whatever I ask. You're the one that cares about your people's casualties, not me. I shall give you a list of all of the items I will need. Though...I should probably give you a list of descriptions of the items; I doubt you a have the understanding to recognize them properly by name. And of course, keep those 'scholars' away from here, and away from me. I showed them all mercy before, but if any of those fools find their way up here again after I already warned them away, then I will not guarantee that no one will be...injured."

[Muttonhawk]

Fendros regarded Meesei neutrally for a silent pause. He then sighed and looked away. "Maybe you're right..." He pointed at Meesei. "But I'm not giving him an inch. I won't let him push us around, okay?"

They stood waiting for what felt like roughly twenty minutes. When the door finally opened, Rossarm held it open and stepped aside for Calia. Both of them wore frowns that gave no emotions away. Calia glided forward into the hallway and made eye contact with Meesei.

"Thank you, Meesei," Calia said, sounding as straightforward as she looked. "I have taken enough of your time here. I should return to Cheydinhal and let you take Rossarm though his induction."

---

"Very well," Sabine said. She betrayed a little anxiety on her face about how the scholars would react to their projects being halted at the Oculory, but that was a matter for later. "I will tell them to leave you be. And I will do my best to find what you need. Will that be all, Hal-Neesa?"

[EliteCommander]

Upon Calia's request, Meesei immediately started work on creating another portal. "Very well, this portal will take you to the same place from which we left, not too far from your vineyard. Again, if you ever change your mind, you would be a welcome visitor here."

"I think I will go with her." Ahnasha interjected. "I still need to talk to my parents, and I'm not sure when they are going to get back from their meeting with the Count." She stopped a moment and placed a hand on Fendros' shoulder. "You should probably stay for the big meeting with the other military leaders. You can have Meesei send you back later too, if you want."

It was not long before Meesei's portal was ready, and she opened the magic gateway in the middle of the hallway.

---

"Yes. I will deliver you the list of what I need once I've had enough time to examine the mechanism. Perhaps by tomorrow. And I will re-iterate, no one is to bother me here, unless I specifically request their presence." Neesa replied with a brief, mildly threatening glare towards Sabine.

"Oh, and since I am going to be busy, do be a gracious host and bring me some fresh blood. I would rather not have to interrupt myself by transporting back to Black Marsh." Neesa added.

[Muttonhawk]

Fendros showed a little concern. "Are you sure you...? No, you're right. I'll come find you after the meeting."

"Thank you again, Meesei," Calia said before stepping through the portal.

All the while, Rossarm stood waiting at the open door to his quarters, staring square at a wall off to one side without a hint of emotion.

---

Sabine hesitated. She was not sure how she felt about serving refreshments. "I will...find some for you." She took a breath and turned to leave, but stopped halfway. "Thank you, Hal-Neesa. I know you do not have to be kind. I appreciate it."

She then prompted Rhajul and Tarna to follow her out. Tarna kept giving unsure glances between Rhajul, Sabine, and the large Dwemer mechanism over her shoulder.

[EliteCommander]

Ahnasha followed through the portal shortly after Calia, and Meesei allowed it to close right away. Opening multiple portals so soon after one another had been draining on her, though she did not show it. Instead, she simply gestured down the hallway, back in the direction they had came from. "We should go meet with the others right away. Fortunately, they should all be available now."

---

Since Meesei had already given word beforehand that she intended to bring back another "asset", it was not too long before the other military leaders were ready. They went to one of the usual chambers, near to the top of one of the towers, which allowed them to meet with comfortable privacy. In addition to Meesei and Fendros, they were joined by the Imperials' Legate General, Ri'vashi, and Teroiah. Saras too was present, and was the one to lock the large Dwemer doors to start off their meeting.

As Saras came to join them at the table, Meesei gave a brief nod towards him to catch his attention. "Did Hal-Neesa notice you gathering everyone up for this?"

Saras shook his head. "No. In fact, I believe she is currently distracted by some...issue with some of our scholars at one of the nearby Dwemer sites. Miss Montgrave took her pack to deal with the situation."

Meesei shifted to a grave look towards Saras. "Is this something I need to deal with? Do you believe she is in any danger?"

Saras stood straight and spoke confidently. "There is no certain answer with the vampire, but in my honest opinion, no. I did not see any evidence of violence from our guest, and I believe Miss Montgrave can be trusted to handle it."

"Very well." Meesei nodded, finally turning her attention to Rossarm. "Then we may begin. Do you have anything you would like to say, or ask, before we start, Rossarm?"

---

The progression throughout the week for Julan had been remarkable, at least in terms of his marks. Despite how extensive they were, Thorantilth could work quickly. The magic he used greatly accelerated the process, and it was clear he was experienced. Though, Julan himself rarely commented on them, and tended not to say much when he did. By this point, they were nearly complete. Unless something happened to slow down the Treeminder, this would be the last session for him to receive the final touches on the tattoos.

Julan was late for breakfast, but would not be hard to find. He was at the edge of the village, at the same spot Janius had found him a few times throughout the week. He was standing at the edge of a slow-moving stream, staring into his reflection on the water. The marks, by this point, wrapped around much of his body. The creature they depicted was stylized much like the carvings on one of the ancient Argonian xanmeers. Its head, and in particular its gaping maw, was situated on his chest, right over his heart. Its front legs extended out onto Julan's arms, with long claws reaching towards his hands. Its legs went down to just above his feet, and its tail wrapped around his own. The ink was mostly a dark shade of blue, there were some other colors in some of the smaller details.

[Muttonhawk]

Fendros was no more talkative than Rossarm was on their way to the meeting chamber. If there was one thing he was grateful for in his mother leaving promptly, it was the brevity of their travel thereafter. Still, nothing was left to decrease the overall tension.

Rossarm marched on with his jaw clenched.

In the meeting chamber itself, the leaders arrived with their typical appearances. Legate-General Gro-Tagnud and Commander Teroiah each maintained their uniforms to a more than presentable degree, even in relatively unfamiliar circumstances such as the Silent City. Gro-Tagnud was neutral in his stance, sitting with his fingers woven on the table in front of him. Teroiah kept her hands on her lap, naturally taller than everyone except Ri'vashi. Teroiah's eyes squinted at Rossarm and his garments, apparently pondering, but not speaking.

While Fendros sat beside Meesei, Rossarm preferred to remain standing near one end of the table. He held his hands clasped behind his back and his feet shoulder-width apart. He flicked his eyes to Meesei when she spoke up. He very slightly nodded and took a quick breath to speak. "Uniforms have changed in intervening years. I would respectfully ask how I should refer to those before me."

Fendros was unnerved. The deference Rossarm expressed was unfamiliar to him.

"I am Army Commander Teroiah of the Aldmeri Dominion." The Thalmor battlemage was not shy in answering Rossarm's request. "Unless you represent yet another nation's battlegroup, you will refer to me as Commander."

Gro-Tagnud stopped side-eyeing Teroiah. "Legate General Gro-Tagnud. Imperial Legion." He looked to Meesei. "Who have you brought us, Champion of Hircine?"

---

The sounds of the swamp, as constant as they were around Julan, were soon joined by footsteps behind him.

"There you are," Janius' voice said. He stepped up beside Julan and peered into the water to see what he was seeing. "Rather fearsome, isn't it?" He said after a moment, before looking up to Julan's face. "And almost done, too. How do you feel?"