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

[Muttonhawk]

The pack had varying reactions. Janius tensed up, while Sabine stole a glance behind her to double-check on her own two-person pack in the ranks behind them, but they both largely waited on Meesei and Fendros' cues.

Fendros in particular felt a tingle run up his spine. He had not expected to be challenged so soon into their jaunt to Oblivion, though he supposed he should have thought of it. He braced himself, his posture straightening and taking a moment to consider through the focus on this Vykosa. "I do not know who you are, either. What is your story?"

"That name is familiar to me," Sabine piped up. "I have seen your name in books. I do not know much of you. But you had an army as well."

[EliteCommander]

"Hmph, you do not bow before Vykosa? Perhaps you do have spines...or perhaps you are fools?" The Khajiit growled. "You stand before the alpha of the Moon Hunter Pack! The most fearsome pack to have ever hunted in Tamriel, and now the most powerful pack in the realm of the Hungry Cat. And you are the ones who deigns to lead me into battle?"

Meesei, as was her expectation and responsibility, stepped forward up to Vykosa to meet her challenge. The Khajiit was tall and obviously more physically powerful than Meesei, though that had, of course, never been a concern for Meesei in the past. "We are the ones who have led our war against Clavicus Vile, and by right of my strength, I am the one who Hircine has selected as his Champion. I am the one that our lord has entrusted as the tip of our spear against Vile. Would you defy Hircine's will?"

Vykosa showed no sign of standing down, and indeed, only took on a more aggressive posture. She drew her wooden staff in one hand while her other was held open with claws extended. "Vykosa was among the first mortals to be cursed with Hircine's lycanthropy. She defied him in life. She defied him to form her pack and refused to be his prey. She defied his curse to create lycans with power far beyond anything he saw fit to bestow onto us. Vykosa defied Hircine's designs, and would have conquered Tamriel to dominate those who had hunted us, rather than just accept being the prey that Hircine intended us to be. Vykosa lived her life in defiance of Hircine, do you think she fears to defy him now, even here?"

Though she did not make any particular movements, Meesei was ready to respond to any potential violence at a moment's notice. Given her role, there was no option for her to back down. "Perhaps not. But you should fear to defy me."

The tension in the air could be cut with a blade. Lorag was nearest to Meesei and had already had one hand on his weapon since Vykosa introduced herself. Kaleeth was nervous, but focused, and Ahnasha stood side-by-side with Fendros, ready to support him. The silence lasted through an uncomfortable pause before Vykosa's grin turned into a laugh, albeit still a threatening one. "We shall see, lizard. You may make your camp, Champion, but the Moon Hunter Pack will be watching you with...interest."

Vykosa was not interested in any response and did not bother to listen before she left. Meesei had known that a more hostile greeting was possible, though she realized that she likely should have expected it. History was filled with arrogant and prideful lycanthropes, and the majority were now all residents of the Hunting Grounds. At the very least, they might now have the chance to have a more pleasant conversation with Jerrick.

[Muttonhawk]

Every second only further tempered Fendros, Janius, and Sabine for combat. They were in what Vykosa deigned was her territory, but Meesei could not just shrink away. It was all why Vykosa's backing off left them feeling anything but comfortable.

No one had to say what they were all thinking. Whether it was for challenging Meesei in the future or judging her worth in their mission, Vykosa was merely sizing up Meesei and her pack.

Fendros was the first to break his gaze from Vykosa when she was all but out of sight, turning to a lieutenant behind him. "Check the area around the portal," he ordered. "You know the plan, we'll get the second group through within ten minutes."

Jerrick and Vera had long since stepped apart to keep track of what was going on. Even their reunion could be interrupted by Vykosa's sabre rattling. However, they were still close enough to touch, both looking at Meesei.

"That could have been bad," Jerrick said carefully. "I have seen Vykosa do savage things, even by the standards of...Hircine's folk."

Vera peered up at Jerrick. "You keep pausing when you speak. Are you okay?"

"Mhm," he responded. "Just...not as much speech in this plane as in Tamriel. Much more of..." He lost his next word, instead prodding at his head. "...wolf...in the brain. Just getting used to talking...again."

[EliteCommander]

The Dunmer who had been a former champion had remained through Vykosa's interruption, but just like all of the rest around them, he had shied away from challenging her. He stayed close, but it was not until after she left that he felt comfortable speaking again. Even once they returned to speaking with Jerrick, he stayed around.

"Indeed, being a lycan spirit is a lot different from what it was like to be alive. You all really should keep that in mind when you're talking to the people here. I still remember what it was like in Tamriel. Unless you haven't let it loose in a while, your beast spirits tend to...rest in your normal forms. It's always there, in the back of your mind, but you only really let it out when you transform. It's not like that for us. Our beast spirits are still bonded to us, and they're equally as 'awake' all the time. Being in one form or the other...they don't really feel much different. That can take more than a few years to get used to." The Dunmer explained.

"Hmm...I have to imagine so." Meesei remarked, though she still kept her focus on Jerrick. "But do not worry, Jerrick, I was prepared for at least...most of this. I expected I might have to prove my worthiness to lead. Still, we have to keep our focus on Vile, and that will remain my focus. But...I am still grateful to be able to see you again. To speak to you, to...give my apologies. I wish you could have lived to see all the progress we have made. I do not know what information you are privy to from the Hunting Grounds, but our clans have grown considerably in size, power, and organization. We had to flee Bruma after our location was discovered, but we have an even more secure home now and have become more than we once were. Vera has done an admirable job as the alpha of the clan since your death."

[Muttonhawk]

Jerrick smiled broadly and held Vera close against his side. "Well...that's hardly a surprise," he said to Vera. "You were doing plenty of work...even with myself around."

Vera grinned and rolled her eyes. "Come on, Meesei is serious. We've got a whole fortified Dwemer city to ourselves now."

"Oh, I do not doubt it," Jerrick said with his brow lifted, before looking to Meesei again. "I wish I could...see it as well. But you had my respect even before I died, and you have not lost it...champion."

Vera looked around Jerrick to the Dunmer ex-champion. "Is there anyone else in particular we should be aware of while we're here? Anyone we should meet? And...what's your name?"

[EliteCommander]

"You mean anyone else?" The Dunmer remarked. "Hmm, nearly every lycan soul from history is here. Hunters of Hircine, prideful and strong. There are always those that are short tempered, or perhaps looking to prove themselves. But, there is no one beyond Vykosa to concern you. For all of the pride that exists in this realm, she is among the strongest of alphas. None would challenge this new Champion before she has a chance...and none would dare to challenge you afterwards. Honestly, I do not know if it will even come to a challenge at all with Vykosa. Certainly, in any other circumstance it would. She has proven herself the superior to every champion before you, but this situation with Vile changes things. And, aside from that, you are not dead. You are not her...competition quite yet. That might make her more willing to ignore you."

After a moment, the Dunmer shrugged his shoulders. "But, I just make conjecture. If you want my name, you may call me Gurilden, but despite having been a champion, I am no one important here. I just thought I would give you the courtesy of a helpful greeting. Since I am keen on not having my soul stolen and tortured by Vile, I want this to go smoothly."

Meesei nodded. "Well, whether you think yourself strong or not, Gurilden, your words are wise. Vera, you should continue work on establishing the site of our forward camp. If you know any good locations in the area, Jerrick, that would be helpful. I do not wish to interrupt your reunion, but...we have our responsibilities."

[Muttonhawk]

Jerrick nodded and answered amenably. "I understand. There are a few...features of this land I could bring to your attention. Just say the word."

"Of course," Vera said. "I can also think of a few other people who would like to see you again, after all this time. That can come when we're set up."

---

Being that the army's lycanthrope cohort was made from the best and most experienced warriors from across the continent of Tamriel, the vanguard through the portal was not the last group to reunite with old fallen friends. Military precision pervaded the camp's setup, though any anxieties about being in a different plane were largely made smaller by all the tearful and joyful reunions. The atmosphere even bled over to the morale of the Legionnaires and Dominion battlegroups as they came through, despite the occasional reunion resulting in some animalistic wrestling in good fun.

Other revelations came out of the troop movement as well. Primarily, the sheer numbers they had made even the most disciplined march through their single portal a lengthy process. The war council had it on their agenda to reflect on and discuss their recent logistics on the lead up to the assault.

Evening darkened the Hunting Grounds by the time Fendros finally had a quiet enough moment to take everything in. He had a ponderous look on his face wherever he was not being talked to about something, evidently ruminating on something or another. He found himself holding the same expression when he came to Ahnasha with fresh waterskins for the both of them.

"How are thing here?" Fendros asked. "No incidents?"

[EliteCommander]

After Vera had decided upon a location for their camp, it had been a pretty much constant stream of laborers, soldiers, and supplies marching through the portal: a trend that would likely continue up to the point that the second portal was complete. The camp would essentially be built upon and expanded just ahead of every wave of soldiers that was coming to occupy it. Laborers would be working constantly in shifts on every part of their expanding forward base, so the work itself would never stop. Fortunately for Meesei's pack, though, that was not their responsibility to manage. They did have their duties, of course, but their role for the invasion was going to be on the front line, so they were not being assigned to exhaust themselves ahead of time. Meesei and Fendros, given their leadership roles, tended to have the most to do.

For Ahnasha, at least, she did take on some responsibilities, mostly involving the construction of their great gate. All of the enchanting work had already been done, but they still did need experienced conjurers to make sure the parts were assembled correctly. Though, for the moment, they had not even moved all of the pieces into place. There would be more for her to do the next morning. For now, she was glad to take some time to rest.

Ahnasha gladly took the waterskin, and a quick drink from it the moment she had it in her hand. "No problems yet. Well...no problems at the site of the great gate. I haven't been around the camp much, so I honestly have no clue what they've been doing. Imperials, Thalmor, and lycans are all congregating in the same place, but no one is dead and nothing is on fire. So, I think you and Meesei have been doing a fine job. And Vera. By Hircine, I do not envy Vera, having to manage all of this..."

[Muttonhawk]

Fendros hummed in agreement. "Yes, that woman does have a lot of practice burning candles from both ends," he said. "Though here, after seeing Jerrick after all this time...she's working as if holding the candle over an open bonfire." He chuckled to himself before turning and taking a seat next to Ahnasha on one of the huge stone blocks consigned for the great gate.

He had not quite figured out if the stars appearing in the sky were the same as those visible from Tamriel. He leant back and breathed out as he looked up at them.

He spoke on with one eye squinted. "You know, meeting that Vykosa woman made me realise something. It could have been someone like her leading us. Someone vengeful and cruel. Violent people can be that way, very often. And all it would take is someone physically or magically strong enough. Instead, our leader is someone we can call a friend." He smiled. "How different we all are for that."

[EliteCommander]

Ahnasha ended up following Fendros' lead and looking up to the stars along with him. After the long day of work they had both been through, she did feel it nice to be able to relax. She leaned herself up against him, putting one arm around his back and resting her head on his shoulder. "I do usually try not to dwell to much on what could have been." Ahnasha remarked.

"Hmm, but maybe it wasn't an accident?" Ahnasha reasoned. "Hircine knew he was selecting a champion for war. Someone like Vykosa, I have no doubt she is a strong warrior, and a powerful mage from what I've heard some of the spirits here say. But, I doubt she would have been able to do what Meesei has done. Make allies, bring clans together. Maybe that's why Hircine sent us after the Ring? Hircine is just lucky that someone with her values and potential existed at all. Of course, I could have done it too, obviously."

[Muttonhawk]

Fendros broke into a grin. "I don't doubt that, Ahna," he said, holding back a laugh. "But being a pivotal part of this venture -- not least of which building a gate to the Hunting Grounds themselves...That might serve an adequate second place."

His mischievous tone was short lived as he breathed a sigh. "You are right that dwelling on the past is not exactly useful. The future, though, might have the same thoughts applied. Who's after Meesei? And after that successor? Will Hircine always find champions that look favourably upon a peaceful future for lycans?" He frowned. "Some might see it as becoming...tame, domesticated. I'm not afraid that Meesei could have been a Vykosa, but that a Vykosa could replace her some day."

[EliteCommander]

Ahnasha frowned, though did not require long to think on the problem Fendros predicted; it was one she had thought about before. "That could happen, but no matter who leads us, those people might still be right. The way we live, our society, our alliances, our city, it's all very against the natural order of things for us. We have to fight against our instincts at every turn to band together in the way we have. I think Hircine chose someone like Meesei because it was necessary. We needed to come together like this to challenge Vile, but after it's over...I don't see any way that things don't change."

After a short sigh, Ahnasha shrugged. "The way Meesei leads, and her successors after her, is going to have to change. Not meaning that she will need to become any more like Vykosa or anything, just that...I don't think Hircine will tolerate this forever. Not once the threat is gone. More packs will have to claim their own territory, and clans will have to return to being what they once were before we started changing them. Finding ferals, integrating them into packs, teaching them to survive. Meesei, all of our leaders are going to need to balance that with maintaining what we've built. And make sure that we are the hunters we are supposed to be, to keep Hircine appeased. If we want to avoid a Vykosa, then I suppose we have to hope that Meesei's successor is someone wise, clever, strong, handsome, and very long-lived."

[Muttonhawk]

Fendros brought his arm up around to stroke Ahnasha's head and kiss her above her eyes. "I'm sure I have at least three of those traits already. I should quickly find the rest with us working together. You might even find them for yourself before I do. Either way..." He smiled briefly. "With how you put it, it won't be easy. But that's better than thinking it's doomed. Thank you, Ahna."

He lowered his hand to her shoulder and held her close.

[EliteCommander]

While the pack's responsibilities were winding down for the day, the camp was going to be bustling with activity for the foreseeable future. As the camp expanded, that activity would at least move farther away from where they slept, but for the first night, they would just have to deal with the noise. However, before they all retired for the night, Meesei had a difficult announcement to give.

Most of Meesei's pack were going to have their dinners, though they were not all gathering in the same place at the same time. It was Sabine that Meesei decided to approach first, though it looked like she had only just sat down by one of the fires when Meesei joined in alongside her. Around them were mostly other lycans, both from Tamriel, and spirits from the Hunting Grounds. After the initial group of lycan spirits had greeted them at the portal, some of the former champions had left, while other lycan spirits began trickling into the camp. The impression Meesei had from speaking to a few of them was that most of them were lycans that had been slain through the course of the war that were hoping to be able to reconnect with friends and loved ones. Meesei herself had not been reunited with anyone else yet, but she had been busy, and there were still a few days ahead of them.

"Good evening." Meesei said as she sat down in the grass next to the fire. "I know it has been a busy day, but do you have a moment, Sabine? There is something I want to tell you, and the rest of the pack, but there also a few others that I believe I would like to be there as well. Your sister, for one. I think she might be able to help me with this matter, potentially. I was wondering if you would mind if we stopped in to her shop to see if she would be willing to come visit? At least for a few hours. It is evening, so we can probably stop by after she has already closed up shop for the night."

[Muttonhawk]

Meesei stumbled upon a conversation between Sabine's two packmates when she approached.

"General needs not look so gloomy in Hunting Grounds," Tarna the shadowscale said. "He is big enough to swat away flies that might buzz around you. These spirits? No problem. Even if they were, Sabine can shoo them away, and I can tie together their shoelaces before they run."

Sabine grinned at her plate. "They wear no shoes with laces here, Tarna. But I suspect it is not fear of being challenged." She looked to Do'Rhajul. "All your feelings are what you are putting on yourself, Rhajul. Most people here do not even know you by your face."

When Meesei sat down, Tarna immediately cast her eyes down and kept quiet.

"Good evening, Meesei," Sabine said. She appeared in a good mood. She nodded along to Meesei's explanation without as much concern as before, but still with some. The extra time to ruminate about when Meesei had first brought it up had evidently not been dismissed. "We can ask Ariel. I cannot answer for her. But she has helped with important matters before. I believe she will help again."

[EliteCommander]

While Meesei did seem eager to go find Ariel in a hurry, she patiently ate her dinner alongside Sabine and her fledgling pack without complaint. As important as what Meesei had to say was, it could wait a few minutes longer. As for Tarna and Do'rhajul, Meesei allowed Sabine to decide if they would be coming along to visit Ariel as well. She had caught some of the conversation as she approached, and it was true that even most lycans would not recognize Do'rhajul purely by sight. However, she would understand if Sabine did not want to leave him completely alone.

Regardless of what Sabine decided, they had to return to Tamriel through the gate before Meesei could make their portal to Thorn. The barriers protecting Mundus from Oblivion were not something that even Meesei could overcome on her own. Nevertheless, there were only a few minutes between finishing up their meal by the fire in the Hunting Grounds, and walking out of a portal in an alley in the city of Thorn. For Meesei and Sabine, such rapid changes in scenery had become mundane, but it could be jarring for anyone else. As usual during their visits, Meesei stayed behind Sabine and allowed her to be the one to lead the way to Ariel's shop.

[Muttonhawk]

Both Do'rhajul and Tarna proved terse with Meesei around. Granted, Do'rhajul was a man of few words in the first place, but both he and Tarna only spoke when spoken to. Meesei's reputation preceded her, even with such a close connection as Sabine between her and the both of them. If there was any consolation, the reduced chatter made dinner finish faster.

Perhaps surprisingly, there was no discussion between Sabine and her two packmates regarding who came along. She told them both to accompany she and Meesei to Thorn.

Tarna audibly sounded her satisfaction to be back in Black Marsh. Though Thorn was on the coast, she had been there a number of times with her clan's proximity. Do'rhajul was likely less comfortable but hardly the complaining type.

Sabine led them through the dim streets, past the last bustle of the evening. Mostly Argonians, as usual, with sprinklings of other races. Everyone but the blind gawked at Do'rhajul.

At last they came upon Ariel and Rukeewei's two-story townhouse. Lights still shone through the windows as Sabine stepped ahead to knock on the door three times. A patient few moments preceded sharp footsteps on floorboards from the other side of the door. The door unlatched and creaked open, revealing Ariel dressed in an apron stained with some description of green ooze. A pointed leather mask hung around her neck below her chin. Behind her came a wave of a scent particularly effective against lycan noses -- something was being pickled and that was the best any of them could immediately guess.

"Sabine?! I did not expect you to be back so soon!" Ariel laughed. "What timing you have! I was just...oh, hello?" She was distracted as her eyes lifted all the way up to see Do'rhajul. She quickly processed the others. "And Meesei! And...hello to you as well, back there?"

Sabine grinned. "This is Tarna and Do'rhajul. I spoke about them when I last visited."

Ariel went a little pale. "Oh, yes, um...Hello..." She cleared her throat. "What brings you all here?"

Sabine turned her head to Meesei.

[EliteCommander]

Meesei had attempted to show a friendly expression when Ariel answered the door, but the scent that emerged from inside behind her was...overpowering, to say the least. Even the normally stoic Do'rhajul could not avoid briefly scrunching up his face. However, Meesei was not too distracted to answer when Sabine gestured to her. "Hello, Ariel, it is a pleasure to see you again. I admit, I wish I could say I was here for purely social reasons. Indeed, we probably will have the chance to catch up as well, but there is something of great...personal importance to me that I wanted to ask you about."

Hesitating a moment, Meesei gave a quick glance to the streets around them. Most of the city's crowds had died down by this hour, but Meesei could still not speak freely out in the open. "Might we come in?" She asked.

[Muttonhawk]

"Oh, of course, come in! Come in!" Ariel slipped off a padded mit from her hand gave Do'rhajul and Tarna each a welcoming smile and a handshake. "It is lovely to finally meet you both. Come to the table -- Rukeewei and I were just relishing some green tomatoes for the tavern, and some for ourselves. The girls cannot get enough of it. I apologise for the smell."

As true as Ariel mentioned, across the lower floor of the house was Rukeewei minding the stove as a vinegary soup of chopped tomatoes, spices, and other flavours bubbled in a large cooking pot.

"It is...very strong, sister," Sabine admitted with some struggle.

"Indeed, I'll open some windows," Ariel quickly said. "Rukee? Look who's here!"

Ariel moved quickly after closing the door behind the group to unlatch some windows, see to some refreshments, and cast excited smiles to her guests. All the while, she was able to speak. "Now, you must tell me, how is everyone? I know it has not been long but it sounds as if so much is happening over in your home. And-oh-you-should-see-the-girls-Meesei-they-have-grown-like-sprouts-since-you-last-saw-them-and-they-have-been-making-friends-and-everything..."

As usual, Ariel's response when overwhelmed was to speak faster than a werelion could run. It was just a matter of who would stop her first; someone present or the depth of her lungs.

[EliteCommander]

Meesei and Rukeewei exchanged their mutual greeting after Ariel led them to the table. He appeared less surprised at their visit as he had been in the past. By this point, he had likely come to accept the fact that they could stop in at any time, regardless of where in Tamriel they happened to be residing. Even Do'rhajul gave an appropriately polite greeting to both of their hosts, though he was clearly looking to stay out of any conversations unless he was spoken to directly. Meesei took a seat at the table, grinning lightly and patiently listening to everything Ariel had to say until she could actually find a point to get in a few words of her own.

"Much of my pack has been taking time to themselves to do the things they wish, myself included. I am not sure if Sabine told you about Narsi during her last visit, but I think even Lorag's daughter is starting to...reluctantly get along with the others. Though, I suppose I have not been able to keep track of them as closely as I would have liked." Meesei answered. "Though perhaps you can catch up with them all yourself? I wanted to come here to invite you to come visit, at least for a short while. Perhaps a few hours tonight at least, or if you can possibly manage it, a few days. I understand this is sudden, and I am willing to compensate you generously for your time. Like I mentioned before, there is something of great personal importance to me that your unique talents may be invaluable for."