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

[Muttonhawk]

Lunise exchanged a look with Meesei. After a moment of wiping the last of the tears from her eyelids with one finger, she had caught her breath enough to answer. "Ah, I did steer the topic away. My apologies." She smiled broadly at the absurdity of it. "For all our bluster, we do not often have the time and space for truly challenging one another, do we not, Meesei? I would dare say the more accurate statement is that we push one another." Lunise put an arm around Meesei's elbow. "At first, yes, it was a matter of pride. It still is. But in my position there are few enough people who push me to do better. And Meesei has to maintain an air of superiority as a matter of course amongst her own people."

[EliteCommander]

Meesei nodded. "Indeed I do. My role is just as much about morale as it is leadership. Of course, it does make it easier that I am the best." She laughed briefly.

After a moment, Meesei's body started to transform once again, shifting back into her Argonian form. She kept her arm around Lunise's, now with a more recognizably cheerful expression. "Perhaps we should all three go for a walk around the island? That colosseum we visited earlier today had plenty of fresh air, and a great view of the sea. Not to mention, plenty of space for one to...practice their magic. It would probably be better than staying inside all day, drinking Zyausak's tea. And speaking of Zyausak, we might also be able to see what he was wanting to talk about, if we catch him anywhere."

Nytala was smiling at Meesei's suggestion, though she was also not-so-subtly averting her eyes from Meesei herself.

[Muttonhawk]

Lunise had to shift a little while Meesei transformed. No matter how many times she witnessed it, being in physical contact with her during the process always had an extra layer of visceral thuds and cracks she could feel. Nevertheless, she tried not to show her disturbed reaction. She was still composing herself from her prior emotional moment.

"Yes, you are overdue to see this place more fully, Meesei," Lunise responded. "And I should like to thank Zyausak for his consideration. I shall give up no pride by admitting I am abashed that we unwittingly took over his chamber for a short while."

Lunise stood up and began gathering up the tea set. They still had a little left over in the pot but she was just as eager as Meesei to get moving. On top of that, Lunise took the opportunity to smile pointedly at Meesei while clearing her throat, gesturing with her eyes at her bare form.

[EliteCommander]

Meesei, upon Lunise's reminder, was quick to dress, though she likely would have done so anyways since they departed shortly afterwards. Initially, Meesei suggested going on a walk along the shoreline, but Nytala insisted on leading them on a detour. Evidently, she had an inkling of exactly where Zyausak would have gone after he left them alone, as she took them straight to him once they were out of Ceporah Tower.

Zyausak had been waiting closer to the center of the island, sitting on a bench among what appeared to be a flower garden. They approached him along a small, but neatly-kept path, with even Meesei being careful not to disturb the carefully cultivated flora. Lunise would recognize most of the flowers as being native to Summerset, though there were a few select plants that may not have been native to Tamriel at all. One of them looked almost like a starfish, and seemed to have no trouble growing even on the short stone wall that separated the garden from the path.

Naturally, Zyausak noticed their approach, so he was already gesturing for them to take a seat and join him by the time they reached him. "Well, I am surprised to see you so soon. I thought it might have taken longer for you all to catch up."

"We were just going out for some fresh air and to go for a walk. They have been stuck inside for most of the day." Nytala commented.

Meesei nodded in agreement as she took a seat just across from Zyausak, before speaking up as well. "And not to mention to thank you. I did not know it was your chambers we were using. We did not mean to impose on you."

Zyausak lightly chuckled. "Oh, don't worry. I am hardly ever even in my chambers, except to sleep and in the evenings. When I am not working, I much prefer to be out here."

"I can certainly understand that." Meesei replied, taking in the sights of the garden around them. "Although, that does have me somewhat curious about something. I had at first assumed you were with the others we spoke to back in the meeting, but they mentioned you were not among those assigned by the council to deal with Vile, yes?"

It was possible that Zyausak may have expected the question, as he had no problem answering quickly. "Correct. Like I mentioned before, I simply took an interest in the two of you. All of my responsibilities as Relicmaster are well taken care of right now, so I am free to do as I will. I will admit, it would be a lie for me to say I have not been watching you as well for years, much like Nytala. Though, for different reasons. You have, after all managed to gain access to three separate Daedric relics, and one Aedric relic. That is not a common amount of power to be concentrated in one group, but, thusfar, I have not deemed it necessary for the Psijic Order to take any action. In fact, if you could keep the Staff of Magnus specifically away from Artaeum, I would appreciate it."

[Muttonhawk]

Lunise's eyes wandered as they entered the garden. It was beautiful in its own right, but seeing all the colours after walking by endless masonry was somewhat comforting.

Upon finding Zyausak, Lunise politely smiled and took a seat next to Meesei. She held her hands together in her lap and listened on.

"I can understand your reasoning as well -- these are not common times as well -- though I do wonder how many monks have been observing us." Lunise glanced at Nytala. "My own mother is one matter, but several voyeurs at once is more than enough to make one feel self-conscious." She leant in slightly. "Not that we would be inclined to give up such an asset just yet, but should I dare to ask why the Staff of Magnus should stay away?"

[EliteCommander]

Zyausak answered casually, finally pulling his gaze from the flowers towards Meesei and Lunise. "Oh, well, we have the Eye of Magnus here, which is far more dangerous on its own than the Staff. But, if the Staff were to be used on the Eye, that could prove even more dangerous for the Aurbis. If the Staff were to be kept in the same place as the Eye, that would only increase the likelihood of it being used, even if it were being held in as secure a place as Artaeum. Relics have been stolen before, and one would only need to take a walk through the Traitor's Vault on the other side of the island to see that Psijics have...misbehaved before. I simply believe it best that the Staff be kept far from the Eye. Granted, I could construct and seal it away in a protected quasi-plane...but I doubt the Staff would tolerate being isolated for more than a century or so. Even I could not countermand its will indefinitely. Besides which, it will be more useful to you."

Even Meesei could not keep up entirely with Zyausak's explanation. He referred to events and concepts that she had no way of knowing, but at the very least, she could understand his intention. "I cannot admit to understanding everything you say...but I shall not object to holding on to the Staff. As for here and now, though, I suppose I should not keep you waiting any longer. You mentioned back in your quarters that you had something you wanted to tell us, and I do not want to be rude and make you delay any longer, especially with how courteous you have been to us."

With a rather sudden shift to his demeanor, Zyausak had some nervousness of his own show through. "Oh, well, I um, wouldn't call it rude, or anything. I am in no hurry, but...I really should just come out and say it. I know someone in Tamriel who may have the expertise required to help you with this matter of your soul. An old friend of mine."

Meesei had a feeling there was more to this than it first seemed, as having a friend who could help them would be quite a strange thing to be nervous about, unless there was some sort of complication. Nevertheless, Meesei did not let on to her own concerns. "I would certainly appreciate any help I could get. Is this person someone who would be difficult for us to contact?"

"Um, no, not at all. You, well...actually already know her." Zyausak answered, rubbing his hand along the side of his neck. "Yeah...as you can probably guess, it was not coincidence or boredom that made me take an interest in you two. I suppose I did have my own motives. I wanted to mention this before, ask you about her and how she is doing, but I felt you had other things you needed to worry about. She used to be a close friend to me. We were born in the same place, around the same time, as slaves in the Ayleid city of Silyanorn, now known as Stormhold..."

[Muttonhawk]

Lunise held her breath. With every indication towards the one who she thought Zyausak was referring to, her hopes decreased.

She had to speak up in the following pause. "Unless Meesei knows another I am unaware of, there is only one I can think of fitting that criteria." Her brow knitted. "And I dearly hope it is not her. That creature Hal-Neesa."

[EliteCommander]

"Don't...call her that." Zyausak snapped back. For a few, brief seconds, he actually looked to be legitimately angry. Although, that emotion, and any others he might have been showing, subsided just as quickly. "What I mean to say is she hasn't always been the way she is now. That place we were born, I wish I could forget the memories of living there. In the Order, we are supposed to consider the needs of all of Nirn's people equally...but I am not ashamed to say that the Ayleids were a cruel and vile people. Neesa had to be strong enough for the both of us, because I would not have made it out of that place alone. Quite literally. The war never made it to Silyanorn, but Neesa managed to get both of us assigned to serve an officer that was being sent to aid one of the king's allies in Cyrod."

Zyausak let out a sign, allowing himself to calm down and think through exactly what he was intending to say before continuing. "Look, I know our lives went down different paths after we were freed, but for most of her life, Neesa has been a person I would be proud to call a friend. Vampirism did not change that. It was...something else. She has always been ambitious, but also compassionate, caring, and dedicated to helping the world. That's how I was able to get her accepted into the Order in the first place. She had such a love of life, and in her own, twisted way, she still does."

Meesei glanced to Lunise beside her, though she tried to hide her reaction from Zyausak. Even she had a hard time believing what he was saying, despite having no reason to distrust him. At the very least, it did explain why Zyausak had inexplicably taken such an interest in them. As he had said, it was no coincidence.

[Muttonhawk]

A subtle jolt of surprise moved in Lunise, taken off guard by Zyausak's initial reaction. She kept quiet and passive thereon until Meesei gave her a look.

She spoke carefully in response. "It is safe to say our experiences with Hal-Neesa have been different. However, I have no reason to believe you would lie, so I will speak with more respect." One detail kept one of Lunise's eyes squinted as she angled her head slightly away from Zyausak. "You say she was accepted into the Order, yes? She seems rather more involved than usual for a Psijic monk. I take it her membership was discontinued?"

[EliteCommander]

Zyausak nodded back at Lunise. "Yes. Well...I am not entirely sure that she was ever officially dismissed, but I highly doubt she would be welcomed back here with open arms. She left after disagreements with some tenets of our order."

"That would seem quite apparent. Although, I would never have guessed her to have once been a part of the Psijic Order. Aside from her power, she certainly seems to have changed entirely." Meesei commented. "I have seen her lair, heard her philosophy, and it all seems entirely different from the Order. I suppose she has not done so in my presence, but she seems willing to kill innocents without hesitation or remorse. I do not think she places much value on life anymore."

Zyausak shifted in his seat, somewhat uncomfortably. "I...am going to have to stop you on that. I simply do not think that is true. I admit, I cannot watch her as closely from here as I can watch you, or most others on Tamriel. She has ways of making herself difficult to observe through scrying. But, from what I do know, she still seems to be much closer than you might think to how she was when she left here. Her philosophy takes the tenets of our order to their most extreme interpretations. The Hal-Neesa I knew loved life, and valued it above everything. But, her...definition of life has changed. She no longer sees death as the ending of life. The soul, a person's essence and identity, persists for potentially eternity beyond death. To her, life simply continues in a different state, in a different place. But, as long as the soul survives, death means little to her. It is how she justifies killing. That, and she wants to elevate mortals to godhood."

[Muttonhawk]

Lunise took a second to process the last part.

"...A rather more altruistic goal than I was expecting to hear." Lunise cast her eyes down. "That would explain her particular animosity towards the Thalmor, then." She sighed and returned to Zyausak. "At any rate, I hope you understand our hesitation engaging with her. If I cannot deny, it is her expertise and experience. I understand it may have been some time since the two of you interacted, but would you have any recommendations on how to approach her about this issue? Based on your account, she may be sympathetic to Meesei's soul being in danger, though guessing what her solutions may be is not without its own risks."

[EliteCommander]

"Do not mistake my attitude towards her for approval." Zyausak clarified. "She has done terrible things, and one of my greatest regrets is not being able to steer her away from that path. But, if you want to talk to her, you have to be able to see her as something more than just an unfeeling monster. It may be true that she is a monster, but she feels more strongly for the people of Nirn than you could imagine. She has saved more lives in her existence than you have likely even met..." He began, though soon bowed his head with a sigh. "And killed just as many, by any definition other than her own. Her life has been long and complicated, but even the Council believes she will be an overall positive force for the preservation of Nirn for the foreseeable future. Not that the Council has historically taken much action against exiles Psijics."

It was difficult for Meesei to ignore the risks of making any sort of deals with Neesa, but she did have to admit that she might need the help if she was going to be refusing the aid of the Psijics. She did not want to sacrifice her ability to stay with her clans and family, but the thought of her soul being destroyed outright still terrified her to her core. Even a powerful, if detestable ally like Neesa did not seem so unappealing. "I am not ashamed to admit that I am going to need help tackling this problem. But, I am still nervous about the prospect of maintaining any sort of relationship with Hal-Neesa after the invasion. I have to consider the well-being of my people, and I worry about what price she might demand for her assistance."

Zyausak shook his head lightly. "Once you have convinced her of your situation, once she understands that your soul is doomed to destruction without intervention, she will help you. If she is even slightly like the woman I once knew, she will volunteer to help you without costs or conditions. I know that may seem hard to believe, given your experiences with her, but like I said, she is not a monster. She is a person who has done monstrous things, but still a person. She loves life, she loves knowledge, she loves her children and her friends. She respects people who show self-confidence, but...just try to remember those things when you speak to her."

[Muttonhawk]

Lunise put a hand on Meesei's arm. "There are many things we still do not know about this. However, at the very least, there is little harm to be risked in simply asking her. If she demands something unreasonable -- if -- then there will be another opportunity to weigh the costs." She glanced at Zyausak. "And we have better hope with Zyausak's account. Perhaps recounting our discussion here to her will take Hal-Neesa back to the times where she was...less bloodstained, as it were. At the very least, we have both had plenty of practice seeing past the monstrosity of the people we get to know."

[EliteCommander]

Meesei somewhat leaned in towards Lunise, silent at first in consideration. Though, after a few moments, she gave a nod. "I suppose you are right. As worrying as it is to have a continuing relationship with her after this is over, it likely will not do much harm to ask. I will just have to be sure that I keep this arrangement between myself and her. Not my pack, and not my people. I do not want to drag anyone else into this."

Nytala, thusfar, had remained quiet, though she now saw the opportunity to step into the conversation. "I have never met Hal-Neesa personally. She left here long before my time, but I can vouch for Zyausak's judgment. There is a reason he is the acting Relicmaster. If he believes she will help you, then I would trust him."

Neesei nodded. "Thank you, and I do hope she helps. But, perhaps, for now, we can continue on that walk we were having? You are welcomed to come along, Zyausak. And, if I recall correctly, I do believe my status as the strongest mage among us was challenged by my lovely...what is it that I am supposed to call you now?" Meesei remarked towards Lunise. "Are we now officially engaged to be married? I am not too familiar with these customs."

[Muttonhawk]

"The term is 'fiancé'," Lunise said, looking sideways at Meesei. "And I would exercise caution around the title of strongest mage in a place like this, not least of which because your fiancé may prove you wrong."

---

The duel later in the day resulted in Meesei being the clear better of Lunise in almost every power of magic, save for a few of Lunise's own specialties. Lunise's pride was wounded -- to deny it would be a lie -- though she quickly rebounded, claiming that she would not let on all of her best secrets to Meesei yet.

With the most pressing business out of the way, Meesei and Lunise had a much easier time enjoying the rest of their unexpected holiday. The daytime was spent enjoying the company of each other and the Psijic monks curious enough to interact with them, while the nights were spent in each others' arms, taking advantage of every moment of intimacy, both passionate and peaceful.

With such a prolonged time together, Lunise and Meesei were finally able to experience the little details of one another's behaviours and routines. Some behaviours even emerged that were entirely new. Lunise, for instance, turned out to be much more proactive about her physical health than Meesei had experienced. Every morning, without fail, she would perform exercises to keep her body strong and flexible by holding poses on a mat on the floor. In addition, she had a almost childishly giggly personality after a few wines in the nighttime.

In turn, Lunise noted Meesei's own quirks. They were mostly born of Meesei's upbringing in a tribal community, though there were a few details that Meesei had not thought to notice until Lunise pointed them out.

If there was any grounding to their stay, apart from its limited nature, it was the growing relationship between Lunise and her estranged mother Nytala. The truth was, Nytala was a naturally more optimistic and easy going person than Lunise. There were times where their personalities caused friction between them. But what they did both share was patience and longing, and those both resulted in a newly built respect.

Lunise woke up on the final day knowing what she would say to Nytala. She was surprising energetic that morning.

Unfortunately, no amount of energy could nullify the sadness suspended in the time of their farewell. Lunise walked with Meesei hand-in-hand, wearing the same dependable dress she arrived in, now clean and fresh. With the last of their borrowed belongings handed in, they now walked to an agreed meeting place to rendezvous with Nytala in preparation to leave.

Lunise wore a relaxed smile, but did not immediately have anything to say.

[EliteCommander]

For as much of a good mood as Meesei had been in, she shared Lunise's disappointment in the fact that it was now all coming to an end. The time they had been able to spend away from their usual stresses had, of course, been wonderful, but the fact that they had been able to spend their time together so openly had almost felt like a dream. For the last few days, they had truly been a couple. They had eaten their meals together, slept together, shared stories with some of the more friendly Psijic monks. Meesei dreaded the fact that they were going to have to return to keeping their relationship a secret. Now that she had experienced a taste of what their life together could be like, going back to the way things were was going to feel simply wrong.

Regardless, Meesei did not allow those feelings to get in the way of the moment, here and now. Granted, saying goodbye to Lunise's mother for likely the last time was not going to be a cheerful moment by any means, but Meesei wanted to allow Lunise to focus on that moment rather than distract her with her own worries.

Meesei and Lunise approached Nytala, who was waiting along the shoreline near to the same place that they had first arrived in Artaeum. According to Nytala, creating a portal back to the correct time would be marginally easier if they entered from approximately the same place in space. Nytala was wearing the same sort of Psijic robe as always, and was holding in her hand a sealed, unmarked envelope. No doubt, it was the letter that she wanted to be given to Lunise's father.

Nytala was smiling outwardly, but her face could not hide the feelings that all of them shared at the moment. "Good morning, I hope you were able to rest well. I know you...probably have a long day ahead of you. I..." Nytala began, but as she continued to look at her daughter, whatever words she had prepared seemed to fail her, and she soon froze up mid-sentence. The few tears Meesei saw in the corners of her eyes were enough of a clue as to how she was feeling.

[Muttonhawk]

Upon the first words out of Nytala's mouth, Lunise's hand tightened around Meesei's. Her emotions were no better prepared than her mother's. It was by sheer practice that Lunise was able to keep herself from shedding tears first.

"I do not think anything could have meant more to me than seeing you again, mother," Lunise said, astonishingly composed. "I was utterly terrified at the prospect. I did not know how it would play out. But I was..." The red around her eyes became suddenly apparent as the corners of her lips turned down. "...pleasantly corrected."

Lunise let her hand slip free and stepped forward, wrapping her arms around Nytala and holding on so tightly she shook.

"I do not want you lamenting your absence on Tamriel any longer, understand?" Lunise's voice pitched upward emotionally. "I want you to know I am proud to call you my mother!"

[EliteCommander]

Lunise could not see Nytala's face while they were so tightly embracing one another, though her strained voice only further made her feelings obvious. "I will never stop wanting to be a part of your life, dear. I never have, and I never will. But even if we cannot see each other...just know that I will be watching out for you. Know that I am proud of you too, and...that you have turned out to be everything that I have hoped. I do not think it is revealing any secrets for me to say that you are going to do great things. I do not need to see into the future to be confident that is true."

The pair did eventually pull away from their hug, and for a few moments, Nytala stood somewhat awkwardly in an uncertain silence. It went without saying that she did not want to part from her daughter for potentially the last time in her life, so her goodbyes were turning out to be far less graceful than she would have liked. The envelope in her hand entered her thoughts briefly, so after a few more seconds of silence, Nytala held it out towards Lunise. "Here is the letter I wrote for your father. I...well, I honestly do not know how he is going to respond to this, but I suppose he deserves to be able to hear from me as well. I have had quite a long time to think on all of things I wish I would have said."

[Muttonhawk]

Lunise's face was an emotional mess by the time she let go. She looked into Nytala's eyes as if she wanted to plead their separation not come to pass.

Looking down at the sealed letter, Lunise took it with both hands and let out a single, sad laugh. "I think he will remember your face, and then -- contrary to his past behaviour -- he will cry on my shoulder." She sniffed and dabbed at her eyes with the back of her hand. "If it means even half as much to him as visiting you did to me, I guarantee it."

[EliteCommander]

Nytala smiled along with Lunise, her memories returning to the husband she had once had. For the moment, she was shedding silent tears as those memories practically paralyzed her. Meesei felt that she could understand, at least partially, what Nytala and Lunise both must have been feeling. However, she was separated enough from those emotions for a thought to pass through her mind which she thought worthy of mentioning.

"Nytala...do you think your scrying would be able to determine where exactly Lunise's father is right now? Or...where he was in the time we are returning to, rather?" Meesei asked.

For a moment, Nytala almost looked somewhat embarrassed. "Yes, actually...I already have. He is in his study, reading, at the exact point in time where you will be arriving in Tamriel."

Meesei looked over to Lunise. "Well if that is the case, then we can just take a portal straight to him to give him the letter right away. That way there will be no need to wait and wonder. What do you think?"