Blackfeather Woods on letting go

Atshen had felt revived at the inevitable realization that he had made upon hearing Potema name her children. He did not dwell on how long it had taken him to draw such conclusions, nor did he dwell on the fact that Abraxas was most likely on the hunt for the Spiderling's heads as well. Instead, he focused himself on the task at hand: killing the puppies. 

The progression of Atshen's wicked nature had formed quickly, sprouting from a love of fighting from an early age. He would fantasize about the feeling of ripping his teeth into another, hearing their squeals-- it drove him to his next obsession: killing. After being given his quest from Nemesis, and successfully completing it, he often found himself going back to that moment in which he took the puppy's life. He craved that sort of power again and would do everything he would to allow it to happen again. 

He knew that the situation with Potema's children was much different than the one with the puppy he had stumbled across. Despite his lack of intelligence, he knew he had to approach it delicately. He was aware that he had to hand craft a plan that would separate one of the children from Potema, but this is all that he was aware of in regards of his plan. 

Finding himself in a cozy corner of the web, the boy silently plotted.

Atshen was far from the only Appata-Convel pup he should be worrying about. While the molten-eyed boy could swiftly crush his grandnieces and nephews, Potema would see him coming from a mile away. Abraxas and Astrid were far more cunning, their minds sharp to make up for their brother's immense strength. No, Atshen was not his only concern, but he would be the easiest to suppress.

He found the boy tucked in a corner of the Web, his eyes glazed over in thought. Miraak watched the boy for a moment before speaking up. How much do you know about Mephala?

He did not notice as Miraak approached, as he was all too involved with his thoughts. Instead, he remained withdrawn, and he fantasized just how he would tear the children apart. It was only as the Reaper spoke that Atshen became aware of the other's attention. Blinking slowly, Atshen's glance shifted up to meet the other wolf face as he attempted to grasp what he had been asked. 

Unlike the others in the pack, Atshen did not mind the company of Miraak. After all, it was Miraak who had worked with him on Atshen's fighting techniques, and he had learned a good amount of information from the other wolf. After a pause, as he gathered what had been asked, Atshen shook his head in response as a curious light danced in his molten eyes.

He was surprised on how easily he could catch the boy off guard. He made a note of remedying that, but for now focused on the task at hand. He would have smiled at how earnestly Atshen took heed of his words; he was glad he could finally get through to him. But that he could enjoy another time. Perhaps they could spar again soon.

The Reaper made himself comfortable, sitting down in front of the molten-eyed boy. Mephala, as you know, is the Daedric Prince of Sex, Secrets, and Murder, He emphasized the last, knowing that it was what Atshen was most interested in. Any type of killing is an act of devotion to Her, but there is a limit to what She appreciates, 

He does not want to suggest that the newest Meloniis were above all else in status; no, they were still wolves. But in this corner of Mephala's Web, they would be important wolves. One of our tenets in the Dark Brotherhood is: Never kill a Dark Brother or Dark Sister. While She does not hold animosity for those who kill Her children, if they do not do so to spite Her, She may become...upset if Her plots are disrupted by the result. He looked towards Atshen then, wondering how he would react. Do you understand my meaning?

He watched carefully as Miraak settled before him and he felt himself stiffen. He was not used to such attention, certainly not from an adult, and Atshen did not know how to handle such situations. He remained as silent as ever as he laid and waited for whatever information that the Reaper would reveal to him. 

Taking in the information lightly as it came, Atshen paid little mind as Miraak started speaking. Though at first, it appeared that the child was not all that concerned with what Miraak's information. It was only when the word "murder" was mentioned that the Spiderling perked to attention and listened closely. Though he shared none of his expressions outright, Atshen was surprised when the Reaper mentioned not killing any of the Brotherhood's brothers or sisters. Had he somehow figured out his grand plot? If so, how? These questions swirled in his mind as a question was asked of him. 

Despite his internal unrest, he looked up with little emotion, shaking his head as an indication that he did understand.

He knew that he did not need to spend many words on Atshen. He was a simple boy in that he only had one interest: killing. A fine trait to have in the Brotherhood, but it was clear that he would only be restrained to the assassin's trade. He lacked the finesse in words and mental capacity to be a priest or a spy. He did not degrade Atshen for this; it was not his fault, after all. But he spoke with grandeur mostly for those who may be listening, who would better understand what Miraak meant.

Atshen shook his head, prompting the shade to lean in close, his hot breath hissing through gritted teeth as he levelly spoke. My grandnieces and nephews are not to be touched, The newest Melonii pups were not completely off limits; once they were old enough to fight, perhaps. But now, helpless and innocent, they were precious. Miraak would not see them harmed until they could harm others. Not now,

Atshen remained unflinching despite the turmoil that sloshed within the pit of his stomach. Though his feelings were strong, he somehow managed to force them aside as he looked up to Miraak with shining eyes. Though he would not take the adult's words to heart, the Spiderling did have a question for the grizzled man. It came out low, yet there was an expectant edge to it. 

"When?" 

He thought for a moment, wondering what would be an appropriate time to let the pups go at each other. The stages of life was different for every wolf, but there was a general point of contention where a pup became a young adult, though not yet fully grown. At their ninth month. He finally concluded. It might be a while away from now, but it was as fair as it could be. It will be a while from now, but then? Then, they will be equals to you. Rivals are much more fun to overthrow when they are equal to you, rather than when they are lesser, He smiled grimly. But I know you; you are strong for your age, and you will continue to grow stronger until then.

Though Miraak's words were tempting, Atshen would not follow such wisdom. Despite what he was thinking, he nodded in agreement. "I will ensure their deaths are swift," he promised, making sure not to speak of just when their inevitable ends would happen.

If anything, Miraak wants to break the feeling of invincibility Atshen had. So far the boy had been successful in his targets, but it was never always so. Miraak had failed many a time in his life; it had cost the lives of many. But he is good at what he did precisely because of that: he knows what would happen if he does fail. I cannot guarantee they will do the same for you, He rumbles in return before rising and slipping into the tunnels once more.

Atshen was left with an ominous message, and despite it's meaning, he did not waver. Instead, a smile slithered onto his dark lips, and he reclined against the tunnel walls, ready to accept this challenge.