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

[Muttonhawk]

Lunise reached to take Meesei's hand as soon as she noticed the movement. "As much as I am heartened by your research, mother, I must agree with Meesei. If other, less time consuming contributions could be made -- a sample of fluids or a more passive analysis whilst we can socialise, for instance -- that could be more suitable."

It was at that point that Lunise's eyes were drawn to the contents of the room they stood in. "Shall we have some tea if we are to continue? I could brew some here if this chamber belongs to you."

[EliteCommander]

Nytala nodded towards Lunise. "Go ahead, feel free. This is actually Zyausak's chamber, but he would not mind."

While Nytala ultimately would respect Lunise's answer, her dedication to her research and academic curiosity did make her reasonably persistent. Although, her attitude did suggest that she wanted to avoid upsetting Lunise, more than anything. "I would be grateful for any assistance you would be willing to give me, of course. I have been able to learn a great deal about the history of lycanthropy from here, and the behaviors of those afflicted with it, and any amount of study that you would allow me onto a live subject would be invaluable to a detailed analysis of the Daedric machinations behind the affliction. Your ability to enjoy your time here should certainly come first; you both deserve that."

"But..." Lunise hesitantly continued, after a short pause. Her tone made it seem like she was trying to frame her following words more as a suggestion, than as a request. "...well, I do not presume to know how comfortable you are interacting with werewolves, dear, but it is true that the Daedric artifact Meesei wears grants her perfect control over her beast form, yes? That in itself is such an interesting concept, but...would that not also mean that she could socialize just as easily in either form?"

[Muttonhawk]

Lunise hesitated on her way to finding a pot, cups, tea, and water. "Really? We may have imposed enough on Zyausak by now." She continued anyway. "Though, I will believe you."

While the reason may not have been immediately obvious, Nytala's question ended with a stack of saucers accidentally slipping from Lunise's fingers when she tried to pick them up. She managed to wrap her other hand around them before any could fall and break, though she was grateful for being faced away from Nytala. Her face was burning bright red from the memory of the morning she had shared with Meesei.

"Oh, it does, to an extent," Lunise answered reassuringly. "Meesei, you know it better than I. Mother should be asking you."

[EliteCommander]

It took some effort for Meesei to avoid laughing. Being that Nytala was not her mother, the unintentional awkwardness of her question was more amusing for Meesei than it was for Lunise. "By my judgment, I would say that Lunise is to the point of being comfortable around werewolves. Or at least, comfortable around me." She remarked, keeping her tone even enough to hide her amusement. "The ring does give me near perfect control of my beast spirit, so it is, perhaps, easier to be comfortable around me. Most lycans, with enough practice and mental discipline, can gain control over their beast forms. But, even then, taking control of that form is not just like moving around in your own body. For example, a werewolf might be able to consciously move their arm, but it can still feel almost like it is not like their arm that they are moving. As if they are seeing and acting through another being's eyes. I do not experience that any longer, not when I wear the ring. For me, I feel perfectly like myself, regardless of my form."

"Fascinating..." Nytala remarked. Even a quick look at her would make it easy to see that she was thoroughly engrossed in every word of Meesei's description. If this was truly her primary topic of study right now, and had been for centuries, then her interest did make quite a bit of sense. Meesei could sympathize with Nytala's desire to study her, as her help could well be the equivalent of decades of progress for her, if not more. "I have only been able to guess at the psychological dynamics that occur in a lycanthrope's mind. I had some ideas close to what you describe, but now to know for sure...I, well, I do not wish to impose, but would it bother either of you if Meesei were to transform while we speak? I promise I will try not to allow my curiosity to interfere too much with our time together."

[Muttonhawk]

Lunise was on her way back to the table with a ready tea set when she answered. "It shall not bother me, but if there is one thing I have not grown used to it is Meesei's table manners whilst transformed." She smiled at Meesei as she took up the tea pot to heat in her hands with a spell. "You may claim your snout is no good for sipping tea or wine, but lapping it up like a dog hardly shows decorum, my dear."

[EliteCommander]

"I am sure I can handle some crude etiquette, my dear. The life of a Psijic is not all fine and proper." Nytala chuckled, standing up from her seat along with Meesei. In preparation for Meesei's transformation, she charged what felt like a restoration spell in her hand. Although, it became somewhat weaker when Nytala lost her focus, once Meesei started to pull off the Psijic initiate robe she was wearing and tossed it aside.

"Oh my..." She began, briefly startled. Evidently, she had not thought in complete detail about what her request would require, or how Meesei would choose to fulfill it. Nevertheless, she soon straightened up and cleared her throat. "Well, I...suppose I did ask for this."

Nytala's distraction did not last long, as the moment Meesei's transformation began in earnest, Nytala placed her hand on her and used her spell to feel through Meesei's entire form amidst her transformation. The whole process only lasted a few seconds, but the wide-eyed Nytala looked as if all of her expectations had been shattered. "That is...that was...not at all what I had predicted. It's close to a few of my earlier theories, but I had discarded those..."

Suddenly, Nytala rushed over to one of the tables on the other side of the room and started frantically searching through its drawers. "Where does he keep his ink? I have to write this down!"

Meesei was tempted to start laughing, but instead quietly walked up alongside Lunise. She reached her arm around Lunise's back and lightly nuzzled her nose against the top of her head. "So, how much is she like the woman you once knew?"

[Muttonhawk]

Lunise smiled wider at Meesei's affection, narrowing one eye and bringing a hand up to straighten freshly her ruffled hair. "I am unsure I have a simple answer to that question," Lunise murmured under the Nytala's rummaging. "What little I remember from before she left was caring, albeit...busy, distracted." With her hair more or less fixed, Lunise looked ahead and reached up around Meesei's head to stroke over her ear. "Perhaps this is coloured by the way my father and I interacted after she left, but she has been remarkably more accepting than I had expected. I could even call it motherly, though that begs the question of what I had predicted in the first place."

As she leant her head against Meesei's torso, Lunise grew even quieter. So deliberately whisper quiet that Meesei had to strain to hear her. "But her absence in the past is still there. Nothing can change that."

Lunise did not hold onto her negativity for longer than a short pause. She began pouring cups of tea while Nytala continued her search.

[EliteCommander]

Even Meesei's acute hearing strained somewhat on Lunise's words, though she understood them regardless. It seemed she may have been right in her guess that Nytala had changed greatly during her time with the Psijic Order. The ways of the Psijics were far different from the culture of Summerset. It sounded like they may have been changes for the better, but it still may not have made up for losing her to begin with. Nytala obviously felt that it was worth the sacrifice, but hearing Lunise's thoughts on the matter only reaffirmed Meesei's decision not to join the Order. She would not want to put Sabine through the same loss if she could help it.

Nytala did eventually find the writing implements she was looking for and took her time to jot down whatever notes had come to her mind. However, it did at least seem like she was making an effort to get the words down as quickly as possible to return to the others, albeit with a parchment in hand. "My apologies, I just had to make sure I did not forget that. I am sure these observations will bring me closer to understand the mechanisms behind your particular shapeshifting. I am just...not entirely sure how yet."

Nytala had to look up somewhat to make eye contact with Meesei, and her form was overall imposing compared to both of the Altmer present. Even for someone who was meant to be familiar with lycanthropes, Nytala still seemed slightly nervous. "I can see why you frightened some of our initiates. I...did not expect a werewolf to be quite so large."

Meesei could not laugh in quite the same way as usual, but did let out a non-threatening grunt. "I am a rather large werewolf, to be fair. I am honestly not certain what trait confers a lycan form its size, since it can vary between individuals. I personally believe it to be a blessing from Hircine."

[Muttonhawk]

"I am of the opinion that it is attached to personality as well," Lunise said while handing out tea cups. "I have noticed children and less outspoken adults in the Silent City take on smaller forms. Though it is only an opinion -- I cannot prove it."

Lunise sat back with her tea cup in both hands. After taking a sip, she regarded Nytala's nervous look. "However, do not be fooled by just size. I am sure you are aware exactly what Meesei's full control entails. Other lycans follow instinct. Meesei is the safest werewolf you are ever likely to interact with. Speak in terms of temper, of course."

[EliteCommander]

Nytala gave a nod. "It is a plausible theory, which would be consistent with my observations. Hircine's connection with the affliction would allow him to grant greater power to those that exhibit his preferred character traits. Though, it would require much more study to prove."

Meesei, meanwhile, elected to make use of telekinesis instead of her much more cumbersome hands to hold on to her cup of tea: a fact that garnered Nytala's immediate attention. For a few seconds, she stared in fascination at the simple levitating cup. "How marvelous. Simply marvelous. To even be possible goes against every observation I have made or shred of information I have scrounged up, yet it is the reality I must accept."

Nytala pulled herself back from her continued scholarly curiosity for long enough to give a smile towards her daughter. "I really do suppose that it should not have surprised me so that someone as exceptional as you would end up with someone as exceptional as her. You both are capable of such great things. Although, I still must admit that it did surprise me when I learned you were going to end up wed to an Argonian, and a werewolf. I had the Psijic Order to teach me how to put aside my preconceived notions about other races and peoples, and it makes me proud to see that you were able to do the same, even from within Tamriel. Although, even more than that, I have found myself surprised by how your personalities seem to attract one another. The competitiveness, the...pride in your abilities. I would have thought that would lead to more arguments."

"Personally, I would say that is a part of the attraction. Lunise is capable, intelligent, and she challenges me. Among many other reasons, of course. I am accustomed to having people look up to me; it is necessary for me to fulfill my role as Champion. That made it all the more refreshing to have someone like Lunise in my life..." Meesei explained. She took a moment to hover her cup up to her muzzle, though Lunise was correct when she alluded to the difficulty Meesei had showing manners in this form. She attempted to take a sip, but ended up drinking half of the contents at once. Nevertheless, she attempted to ignore it and move on, now with a grin. "...even if I am the stronger mage."

[Muttonhawk]

Lunise smirked. "In physical strength, perhaps, but not in experience," she dared. "And experience is a mark of the better mage. Not that you ever proved you are better to begin with."

She turned her eyes to Nytala. "We do argue. Not as often as before we grew close, but often enough. Meesei just happens to be the perfect combination of confident enough to push back and earn my respect, while being disconnected enough from the politics and risks of my occupation to share honesty." She breathed in some of the steam from her cup. "It is lonely work to be a justicar on sole assignment. Working with the lycans has been the hardest diplomatic assignment I have ever undertaken. And yet it is, by aggregate, the one where I have received the most affection and care."

[EliteCommander]

Meesei slowly and carefully lowered her cup back down onto the table. "I have done my best to make Lunise's task as easy for her as possible, but I still do not envy her. Not only do you have to deal with judgment from the Imperials, and the more Imperial-supporting members of my clans, but you have to deal with how your own superiors as well. I know you have been doing your best to try and improve our standing with them, and make it possible to actually have the lasting peace we are wanting. An especially difficult task, as I know my people are not perfect. There are those without control, who are dangerous against their will. And those who let the power go to their head, and become dangerous willingly. But, our clans serve a purpose, and if they are allowed to persist in the Dominion after this is over, it will almost certainly be because of you, love. Your experience in magic does impress me, but your experience in diplomacy has done so much for us."

Reaching around Lunise's back, Meesei hugged her somewhat tightly with one arm. "Although, speaking of experience...you have long claimed to be more experienced than I. But, as we have learned, I have thousands of years worth of experience in my mind to call upon. Apparently."

[Muttonhawk]

"Hmph, you certainly seem happier about it than you were this morning," Lunise replied. She looked at Meesei sideways. "Perhaps that 'experience' can be put to the test while we are here. It has been too long since we found the time and space to compete magically."

Lunise returned to Nytala again. "On the topic, mother, speaking to you as an adult has made me appreciate father's relationship with you. You both speak passionately about your areas of study when you get the chance. And if how he raised me was any indication, I can see how he would have helped to push you to the excellence required to be considered by the Order." She sighed. "I wish he could be here."

[EliteCommander]

Lunise would know very well that Meesei loathed to refuse a challenge, so unless something or someone stopped them, it was all but assured that Meesei would be expecting that challenge soon. However, Meesei did not yet say anything about it, instead taking a metaphorical step back from the conversation, which seemed to be taking a more personal turn for Lunise and Nytala.

Nytala bowed her head, simply breathing slowly for a few seconds. Lunise had obviously touched on a deep regret for her mother, but she did not avoid addressing it directly regardless. "I know, if only it were possible. I do honestly believe your father was a candidate as well, but there are so many highly qualified candidates that are never offered the chance to join, through no fault of their own. The Order simply does not accept many, and only rarely do they accept anyone at all. I didn't want to leave him; I didn't want to leave either of you."

Again, Nytala started to appear nervous. She looked around the room, despite the fact that there was certainly only the three of them, before continuing. "I am not sure how much of this the council would want me to say. But...I was not always sure I would stay, especially early on. I did not want to leave either of you, and I probably would have come back, were it not for the future I saw ahead. I...can't reveal details, and I have to be careful what vague words I say, but I decided to stay once I saw your role in this, Lunise. Once I saw that you were going to be involved in something so important and dangerous as this, I had no choice but to stay. I could not speak to you, I could not interfere directly, but...I hope it is enough for me to say that I have done and are doing things here that help you. I cannot tell you about it, and you may never even see the effects yourself, but I had to do this. For you, and your father."

[Muttonhawk]

Though it was hard to tell at what point in Nytala's explanation it happened, Lunise grew guarded to the point of peering, stone faced, at the edge of her tea cup on the table as she held onto it with both hands. Her only obvious expression was that of something deep within churning far more violently behind her lowered eyes than her outward appearance would suggest. In truth, it was just memories and emotions.

Meesei saw Lunise's face draw into a scowl that faltered and relaxed, replaced with a very sudden and silent tear rolling down her cheeks.

She breathed in. "It would be a lie to claim I do not understand."

For a short while, she held her breath with her mouth open as if she had another thing to add. The tension hovered. She very gently wiped the tears off her face. But she had nothing else to say. Another set of tears replaced the previous ones as her face reddened beyond repression.

She was trying so very hard to not cry.

[EliteCommander]

Nytala did not react quickly, but was instead patient. Though Lunise spoke only a few words, she listened closely, and paid attention to all of the subtle emotions that Lunise was trying to hide. Along with those that were not so subtle. The fact that Nytala had always been scrying into Lunise's life likely gave her context for how Lunise was feeling, even had Lunise been successful in hiding it.

Moving directly in front of Lunise, Nytala placed her hands on both of Lunise's arms, looking her straight in the eyes. Her tone, while compassionate, also felt like a command. "Lunise, dear, we are not in Tamriel. Not your superiors, nor anyone you have to impress, are here. There is no punishment for showing 'weakness'." Nytala pulled her fully into a hug. "Stop trying to hold back."

[Muttonhawk]

"I know that," Lunise said into the hug. "I understand your reasons, so...I should not need to weep." She held her eyes shut. "But I am."

Though she did not sob, Lunise returned the hug sniffling and letting her tears flow. "I missed you. Over and over again. And even if father tried to hide it, he missed you as well."

[EliteCommander]

"I wish it all could have been different, but...trust me when I say it could not. I had to be here, and you had to be in Tamriel, doing all of that important work you are doing. I do wish your father could have been here with me, but...he needed to be there for you, when I couldn't be." Nytala replied, not releasing her grip for a moment. "I just want to say that I am proud of you, and I am glad that I have had the chance to tell you that in person."

Nytala did eventually pull back from Lunise enough to be able to look her in the eyes. They were both in tears by that point, but Nytala was still smiling. "There are some things I want to say to your father as well. I still cannot speak to him in person, or even as a projection, but if it is not too much trouble for you, I would appreciate it if you could give him a letter from me when you do go back to Tamriel."

[Muttonhawk]

Lunise's thanks were implicit in her holding on tighter and finally making one suppressed sobbing sound. There was a bittersweetness to the moment; the affirmations came with the knowledge that their time together would be limited.

The request helped Lunise to rally just a little. She wiped her face clear with a cuff of her robe and sniffed, opening her eyes to focus. "Of c-...Nothing would make him happier. Of course I will, mother!"

[EliteCommander]

"Thank you, I will be sure to get it to you before you leave." Nytala answered back. Even she seemed to be holding herself back from losing herself too much into her emotions. As much as she may have regretted all of the time she had lost with Lunise, the precious little time they had together now would not be best used lamenting that fact.

Nytala cleared her throat, now seeming to divide her attention between both Lunise and Meesei. One could still see some of the natural unease that came with being around a werewolf in her expression, but she was at least making a conscious effort of suppressing it. "So, um, is it normal for the two of you to challenge one another to contests of pride? Though, if it helps you to bond, then who am I to judge?"