Ahnasha returned Fendros' fear in triplicate. The thought of her son being taken by these power-hungry cultists nearly caused her to start running right then and there to get back to the camp, but the rational part of her mind stopped her. If they already knew where they had made camp, then they were certainly already there. They had Sabine and Rhazii, there was no denying that. All she could hope for now was to stay in the good graces of these filthy cultists until she could find him again. For that reason, she was going to be certain that neither she, nor anyone else in the pack did anything to anger them.
The cultists lead the pack up one of the intact stairways leading to the top of the xanmeer, being sure to keep them surrounded at all times. Once at its apex, the Altmer used telekinesis to move aside tablet of stone beneath them that covered the entrance. It was somewhat inconvenient to get everyone down into the catacombs, as the only way down was a single ladder, but once inside, Meesei was thoroughly shocked at what she saw. As opposed to the worn ruins above, these catacombs were the most pristine example of ancient Argonian architecture she had ever seen, and likely ever would see. They looked like they had been lived in and maintained since the day they were first built. No moss grew along the walls, no stone had any significant crack or fault, and every carving was in near-perfect condition. Meesei could still feel that sense of dread which originated from the cult's magic, but the atmosphere felt entirely different. In better circumstances, Meesei would have loved to examine the place more thoroughly.
The Altmer and Argonian led the pack through the well-lit hallways, while most of the other guards followed behind. The hallway they were in was not especially wide or tall, but there seemed to be a lot of them, as they passed quite a few on their way to wherever the cultists were taking them. Instead of torches, the sconces that lined the walls had within them a permanent enchantment of magelight, with tinted glass cases that prevented them from being too bright. They passed by a few more cultists on the way; not all wore the black robes of their guards, but most appeared to be mages as well. It seemed that might be a requirement for entry into this particular cult.
Eventually, the pack was lead into a larger chamber just as pristine as the catacombs they had been walking through. While the stonework was still of course in the ancient Argonian style, all of the furnishings had a more modern feel. On either side of the chamber, there were rows of long tables and chairs, all currently empty. High up from the ceiling hung extravagant, blood-red tapestries woven with symbols of Molag Bal, while on the walls there were, of all things, paintings on a wide variety of subjects. Some appeared to be Argonian in style, while others looked to originate from Morrowind, Elsweyr, and even Cyrodiil. At the far end of the chamber, near the center was an elevated platform with two identical thrones. One was empty, but seated in the other was a pale Argonian woman partially obscured in shadow in a finely embroidered red and violet dress. The guards following them spread out to fill up the empty space in the room as the Altmer led them to the base of his master's throne.
"My lady, these are the intruders. They came without incident." He explained.
"Excellent. I much prefer it when my guests accept my...hospitality. You are dismissed, Vinaremo. Now, for our guests, I feel we should become better acquainted. Tell me, what brings you to my home? Why, in a time of war such as this, has a pack of lycans found it prudent to intrude upon my domain?" The Argonian woman asked in a tone that could be described as "politely threatening."
Meesei managed to keep a calm visage, but even she was struggling not to show her fears in such a situation. They were in the heart of a dangerous and powerful cult, who likely had two members of her pack in their hands. Any mistake could lead to the deaths of herself or those she cares about, so she had to be careful. "My name is Meesei. I am the Champion of Lord Hircine." She said, raising up her hand which bore the ring. "We have come on behalf of our lord, not to fight, but for peaceful discord. We wish to discuss how this war with Clavicus Vile will affect us all. By what title should I call you?" She requested. Her tone was polite, but she made sure it did not sound meek. While she did not wish to anger these cultists, she also did not want to appear weak to them.
Through the shadows, Meesei could see a slight grin on the woman's face. "Title? Those in my domain often call me master, their lord and lady, but you, why you are my guests..." She began, clasping her hands together and leaning forward slightly, bringing her face into the light. She had orange coloration on her neck with eyes to match, pale white scales, and two prominent horns on her head which curved down and forwards, each decorated with gold jewelry. "...you may call me Hal-Neesa."
