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talldarkandroguesome · 5 years

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11th of Midyear, Tirdas

It was well into the night by the time we were all brought before the assembled group of clan mothers, who were waiting in Clanmother Aiq-dra’s tent. It was a tent I knew well from my meetings with her the last journey.

We came and sat before the five clanmothers. They all sat upon fine cushions, looking us over closely as we took our places in a half circle across from them.

Tea was brought out as part of our welcome. The brightly colored lamps and lanterns gave a cheerful appearance to the inside of the tent, but there was little mirth to be had. This was business. And the most important meeting was always the initial impression. Introductions can make or break negotiations. It can start the formation of a bond, or immediately set people against one another.

Clanmother Aiq-dra then introduced herself and the other clanmothers. There was M'Ana, who looked youngest of the clanmothers assembled. Her height and build were very similar to Qau-dar’s. Despite an appearance of youth, she appeared as proud or prouder than the others. I get the impression that her clan is either the most well resourced or the largest.

Next was Haahin-dra, perhaps the eldesst, it is hard to tell with some body types of Khajiit, yet the deep set wrinkles on her face pointed to a women with much experience in moth joy and hardship. Her body type was clearly the same as that of S’Fair, an Ohmes. I was glad to have warned Tel beforehand that there were Khajiit that had more mer-like features. Not only would it keep them from potentially offending S’Fair, it would be good for Tel not to make a mistake with Haahin-dra.

There was Biba-daro, less mer-like in her body type than if she were Ohmes, and a bit slighter. Her clothing slightly less extravagant than the other clanmothers. Yet there was something lurking in her wrinkles that makes me wonder if she has had a lot of fun in her life, or if there’s just a natural curl to the corners of her mouth.

Finally, was Zababi-daro. She was by far the largest of the clanmothers. Larger and broader in size than a Nord or an Altmer. She was a very imposing figure, even in the group of already imposing figures. Besides Aiq-dra, I most fear her.

I was then asked to introduce myself and whether or not my clan was still onboard for our previous agreement. There was also the question as to whether I had been given the power of decision making on behalf of my clan in this instance.

I said that I had returned and spoken with the head of my clan and the Council of elders and we had talked about the full terms of what my clan should like to see. Then I had been given permission to speak on our clan’s behalf to present offers for any that might be interested in a peace between our peoples.

Then I thanked all the clanmothers for taking the time away from the important affairs of their clans and the celebrations to speak with me about this affair. That I was so grateful for their time and hospitality.

Not much was said in answer to this, other than to ask that I introduce those who had traveled along with me. I was also asked if I would vouch for the actions and words of the various members who had traveled with us.

Qau-dar had warned me that to vouch for someone was to accept the punishment for their misdeeds. But beyond that, the punishment would be harsher for me than it would be for them on their own, because it would also be punishment for me having given reason for the clan to trust them and then my not keeping them in line.

I decided to start with the easiest introductions first.

Sildras.

Having brought my son could easily help to show my faith in the safety the clans would provide, as well as in my openness towards Khajiit culture and customs. No doubt many had already seen Sildras playing with the other children in Clanmother Aiq-dra’s clan.

Sildras gave a small, formal bow to them and introduced himself by name in Ta’agra. No doubt it was Khes’ doing that he should know how to do so.

Next I gestured to Avon. I introduced Avon as being close as a brother to me. I emphatically stated that I would vouch for him, for I trusted him with my life.

Clanmother Zababi-daro asked, well, more demanded than asked, if Avon and Tel were both a part of my clan.

I said that Avon was a part of my clan. We were both born and raised together in the clan like brothers. That we had spent most of our lives together and knew each other as well as we knew ourselves.

Then I introduced Tel, saying that Tel was a warrior who I had met during my travels back to Morrowind and that we had helped to save one another several times and that, although we were not of the same clan, that we owed one another a life debt.

There was some murmuring of reluctant acceptance of this explanation before I was asked why someone not of my clan would be a part of this.

Thinking of a fast way to soften the situation beyond just a life debt, in case that really was not a good enough reason, I stated that while we were of different clans, the heads of our clans were siblings. That our clans shared so many of the same values and that like the clans here shared members, so too did Tel and my clans.

Most of the clanmothers stayed silent on that matter, seeming to accept it. Though they were not entirely happy either. I was starting to wonder if I was loosing control of the negotiations when the next topic was brought forth.

Why had my party changed? Suddenly I became aware that perhaps I had underestimated the importance of the same members returning from the initial meeting. There would be an acknowledgement of who those people were and a degree of trust from nothing bad occurring. I half kicked myself for not pressing Watches-By-Day and Speaks-Too-Soon harder on their accompaniment.

But I was not going to just let the potential anger spread in the air. There were plenty of truths that could be slotted into an explanation.

I mentioned that not long after we had left the clan, we had lost the life of one of our companions. That it had weighed heavy upon his mind and so he had asked everyone before departing if they would feel safe going forward once more. One had said she could not. Others were called away to duties for the clan.

I apologized emphatically for not having the same party as a result.

Eyebrows were raised, but nothing was said further.

So I continued the introductions. I went to Heathre next, stating she was a warrior who helped our clan, as well as a gifted musician and storyteller.

I did not have a chance to attempt to vouch for her, however, for she gave herself an introduction in Ta’agra and said she could vouch for herself.

I was rather impressed. Besides, it would look good for me to have brought a Khajiit along who could speak honestly about her experiences in Morrowind. I know she was not a slave, so that will help. And if what she told me before was true, she rather enjoys life in Mournhold. That may be rather useful for our negotiations.

Finally, I introduced Luz. I mentioned that he, too, worked with the warriors aiding our clan. I mentioned that he was a skilled protector and healer I had hired to help keep everyone safe. I started how much my heart hurt for losing a person in my charge before and that I did not want anyone to ever suffer on my watch and to be a responsible leader, I knew I needed every chance to keep those under my charge safe and healthy. That I would certainly vouch for Luz, who has already helped to heal Heathre after we had been set upon by bandits.

Further, I offered that, should there come a need at any point while we were here, for the clan to make use of the healing capabilities of both Avon and Luz.

Once more I thanked the clanmothers for all their kindness in hearing what I had to say and for meeting with my companions and I. I bowed to each of them and thanked them all for their hospitality.

I would normally have offered gifts at this point, but Qau-dar warned me not to do so until later, not until other had given me something concrete first. It is so hard not to allow others to partake of all the many goods I have brought along for the express purpose of trade and showing the types of items that House Indoril has to offer.

I shall simply have to be patient. I am waiting now for the clanmothers to call me back. Or at least for Clanmother Aiq-dra to call for me to explain myself, or perhaps to warn me of things once more.

And yet, it simply has not happened. It is too soon, I know this. Yet I fear what discussions might lead to.

I think I shall present some gifts from my travels to Qau-dar’s spouses. Perhaps to his immediate family as well. There is so much they gave me before that I feel should be repaid. I had so little to offer before compared to now. And I know it is a matter of time before the clan gets curious as to what is in the caravan and they start to take items they like. I should like to make sure a few things go to specific people first.

I will ask Qau-dar. I cannot risk offending anyone so soon.

#ESO #TES #Dunmer #Khajiit #RP #Elder Scrolls Online #The Elder Scrolls

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talldarkandroguesome · 5 years

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7th of Sun’s Height, Sundas

I waited much of the day for the Clanmothers to call me. It seems that they had much to discuss before I could be called in. The fear that rose in me with every passing minute threatened to shatter my body.

I was almost shaking with nerve by the time the messenger finally arrived to bid me join the Clanmothers. But I took a deep breath and forced my mind and body still. Willed the pulse to slow. Conjured the persona of confidence with humility that I needed to embody and then stepped into it.

I was brought to the grand tent where, seated in a semi-circle, as the first time we were introduced, sat the assembled body of Clanmothers.

Kowtowing, I thanked them for their hospitality and time.

The Clanmothers said that they had listened to what I had initially proposed and that they wished to share their opinions.

I held my breath as the first Clanmother spoke. It was Clanmother Zababi, who I already knew did not much care for me. She made sure I knew just how much contempt she held for my proposal and my people. Not all in words, but expression and tone. It did not need to be wholly overt to be devastatingly pointed.

Bowing low again, I thanked her for considering my words with wisdom.

This only seemed to agitate her further, I fear. I began to doubt the successful possibility of these talks, when the next Clanmother spoke. Then another.

In turn, each of the other Clanmothers said that they were open to the idea of an arrangement, but that they should like further negotiations of the terms. They asked what my House had proposed.

I was honestly dumbstruck. I had not been sure even one Clan might consider, but for nearly every one of them to want to speak more, well, that was far more than I could have ever anticipated.

I started with laying out trade negotiations. I assumed this would be the most lucrative strategy. Trading goods is usually a harder offer to immediately dismiss out of hand. I made mention of the different types of items that my House could provide to the clans. I mentioned that for those with an interest, there were samples in my cart for any who wish to look over the quality and type of items. I was pleased when I saw what seemed to be a look of curiosity wash over a couple of faces.

Wanting to continue the positive moment, I made sure to add that if there were other sorts of items they are looking for, that I may be able to get them as well, if I were to be let known what those harder to get items might be.

One Clanmother piped up and asked if trade was all I had to offer, since in any arrangement of this nature, the Clans involved would already be expected to be trading with one another.

I explained that my people had also offered the sharing of knowledge. I mentioned that I knew how important healing arts are held and that my people are well skilled in magicka and alchemy. I said that medical knowledge and magical training could also be offered. For those that had questions or would like a demonstaration, I offered that any of them speak with Avon, a mage of my clan, or to me, for alchemy. I did make sure to mention that while I am well skilled with alchemy, I am not yet fully a master, but if such knowledge was sought, I would certainly return with masters of the both to join the clans who seek to increase their knowledge in those fields.

Clanmother Haahin-dra spoke very calmly and matter-of-factly. She said that while she and the other Clanmothers appreciated and were not scorning any of the offers thus far, these were offers that any other clan could provide. Further, given the bad blood between Khajiit and Dunmer, they would expect more, though of course she would be speaking with Avon anyways.

I knew I had to push a little further. I offered also to help trade in weapons and armor, including armor with enchantments designed to increase battle prowess. I offered the services of our battle mages in teaching combat arts and protection spells.

The Clanmothers all seemed to consider this, but so far did not look wholly satisfied. I said that, I was also happy to hear if there was anything specific that the Clanmothers would like of us, even if it was just a show of good faith that we would stick to our word.

No further questions were asked.

The Clanmothers thanked me and said they would allow me more time to think on what offers I could present while they considered what I had offered so far.

Then I was dismissed.

I would call it a mixed success. At least they are considering the offers seriously. And so many of them too.

#ESO #TES #Dunmer #Khajiit #RP #Elder Scrolls Online #The Elder Scrolls

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