Greatwater Lake It is a strange world, a sad world, a world full of miseries, and woes, and troubles.

While born in the Woods, they were not destined to die in it. They needed to see the world outside their borders, especially if they would be sent on missions. Seeing others, and knowing how they thought, was essential to being an agent of the Brotherhood, whether it was gathering information as a spy, coddling up to targets as an assassin, or converting others as a priest. They needed to see the outside world for what it was; an extension of their world.

He called for @Astrid, @Keelut, @Atshen, and @Abraxas, but he was outside pack borders now. Once one or more of them would come, he would guide them to the lake, which he was sure would be frozen over by now.

Highly proud of her new status and trade, she dared to walk with pride again, despite the scars that were scattered over her chest area. She had not sought out Damien ever since his return, and it would take some time for her to get used to him being around again. She had taken notice of the newly born puppies too, though had tried to ignore them for the most part. She'd check them out later - when they could walk and talk. For now, she liked spending her time alone or with her brothers - actively avoiding her parents. She had made plans that had never reached the state of execution, plans that involved crossing the border between home and the outside world, and so the call for her and her brothers was appreciated. She recognized the voice too, which was good, she supposed.

Racing toward the blood marked border, she saw him; the same old man that insisted on teaching her and her brothers about religion, fighting and more homey stuff that everyone was so intrigued by. She greeted him with a proud nod and a shake of her speckled tail, crossing the borders and feeling relief at finally being able to feel the grass outside of their home. Sure, it was covered in snow and the brightness of the sun (even though it was hidden behind greyish clouds) bothered her bi-coloured eyes for a bit, but she was elated nonetheless. She wondered what the man had in store for them today...

The only daughter of Nemesis and Kove, Astrid, was the first to arrive. He greeted her elated smile with a gentle chuff, and waited for her brothers. When it became clear that the others were not interested in joining them, Miraak turned to Astrid, tossing his head in the direction of the lake, then trotted off, crushing the snow and leaving an easy path for her to travel in.

She was glad the man recognized her (who wouldn't? her design was pretty outstanding) and greeted his chuff again with a big grin. She joined him in waiting for her siblings and wondered what could've been taking them so long. Miraak took no shits though, and went ahead without a word. Luckily Astrid noticed and followed quietly after him to a place farther from home that she had ever dared to go in her dreams. She did not follow in the man's footprints, however, and instead decided to prove herself by walking just slightly beside his given path. She was no real child anymore, and could take care of her own.

As they begin to move towards the lake, Miraak is silent. He is deep in the recesses of his mind, wondering how best to phrase he lesson he had in mind for the children now that there was only one. He does not turn to her when he eventually speaks, instead making sure that his voice is loud enough to carry to her. What have you been taught about Mephala and the Dark Brotherhood?

Mother and father ignored Nyx and Damien had been gone for the longest of times - Nyx didn't blame herself for not knowing anything about the woods' religion. She only knew of Nyx, the night goddess, which had been quite a long time ago that she had been told that story. I know of Nyx - the night goddess after which I am named. She answered, not even breaking a sweat from walking in the deep snow. For the rest; nothing. She admitted.

Nyx. It was another name for the Mistress of Shadows, Nocturnal, He murmured in recognition. We do not worship her, but we do respect her, for it is her sphere we walk through, There were others who called Nocturnal their Mistress; they were better at stalking the night than even they. Mephala is a different goddess, in command of a different sphere, He recalls a verse associated with their goddess that was repeated to initiates. Mephala is the demon prince of murder, sex, and secrets, and she encompasses the all of the subtle aspects and violent ones. Murder: assassination and genocide. Sex: courtship and orgy. Secrets: tact and poetic truths. She is a paradox in her very nature; as are we.

She knew what the man was talking about - Damien had explained many things about Nocturnal and what she did. Therefore, she did not deem it appropriate to ask further on the matter. She just wanted to learn - learn more than her siblings and perhaps even her mother, someday. If she could not get recognition the way she was, it would have to be by being the very best.

Sex? She asked, having never had the word spoken near her since no one conversed with her often enough for her to pick up on these things. She assumed it was some other rather cruel word, even though secrets were nice things to have.

He waited for her observation, wondering what the girl had to say about it. He was surprised by what she asked, but he did not flinch away from it. If he was to be the one to introduce it to her, so be it. Their cult did not shy around the topic of sex like others did. They embraced it; it was a part of life. A part of their duty to Mephala.

Sex, very basically, is the act of creating babies, He said, stopping briefly to turn to her. A man uses his penis, He gestured towards his crotch unabashedly. She had three brothers; surely she had seen one of those before. To enter a woman's vagina, Here he gestured to her rear, but tried not to touch her in an inappropriate manner. But it is more than that; the gods saw fit to make sex pleasurable for us. It is more than just making children, for children can only be produced when a woman goes into heat. Men and women have sex for pleasure. So do men and men, and women and women. He was unsure if any of the Apaata children would be outside the norms: liking the opposite sex. He could not tell for Atshen and Astrid, but he was sure that Abraxas would like no one, no matter how handsome of a boy he was growing into. Of Keelut, he was completely uncertain. Mephala instructs us to use our sexuality to our advantage; sex clouds the minds of many. We find means of confusion in any of its forms in order to overwhelm our targets and enemies,

She was glad nothing went hidden when talking with the old, wise man and was pleased by him not beating around the bush - as so many had done. She did not like riddles or to be taken for a fool; a little girl that knew nothing as if she were some boy called Jon. The answer did not shock her - did not phase, but his view on sex was far more admirable. So sex was good for them, then? She now wondered what it would feel like, but would never in her life ask her mother about it.

So the act of seducing with one's... parts is good, then? She questioned just one more time, taking some time to look at her own "parts" before returning her gaze to the man. If she knew about it, she'd call any parent that beat around the bush about these kind of topics extremely stupid.

With moderation, yes, He says. You can seduce any person as you please, so long as you know and accept the consequences of your actions, Far too many, especially those outside their sect, did such things; fucking wolves willy-nilly just for the physical pleasure. There was more to it than simply bending over. There was an art to it, something that they taught their pack members, regardless of their path of orientation, to harness. There was always a use for it, even if you yourself was not enjoying the ride. You, as a woman, have an advantage of your heat to seduce men; but that is not constant. There are other ways,

Consequences - it was a word that had not fallen a lot near Astrid. Then again, not many words were spoken around her at all. She raised an eyebrow. What would those consequences be? She was fairly certain it was something about the babies, though she wasn't quite sure what was wrong with having babies. They seemed perfectly fine - loud and stinky, but fine. Then again, she knew nothing of being a mother or how to raise a kid.

Other ways? She questioned, head slightly tilted attentively. Like what?

She was curious, which was better than simple disgust. She absorbed the information, then posed her own questions, encouraging the conversation further. Other than unwanted children? Some jealous lover or mate might accuse you of adultery; not everyone is as free in love and romance as we are. Some think it is a taboo to have sex outside of mateship, or even before so. This is called monogamy. Some might call us polyamorus, having multiple romantic and sexual relations, but there are a few of us who are polygamous, having multiple mates at once. 

He snorted, in personal amusement at the thought of having to show it to duh a young woman. Normally such lessons were reserved for older women, but they were far from discouraging...curiosities. How and what you speaks. Moving against your target. I am far from a courtesan, someone who has mastered the art of seduction, but I could teach you someday, He would have to find a good way to explain such a thing to her mother, if she cared enough to question him teaching her. But the priority is your fighting, That was what he was best at. He was no mindless brute, but he was mediocre at the cunning arts where the spies and priests excelled. Sex will come later,

If sex brings pleasure and possible heirs - why do we not do it with everyone everywhere? She asked - beginning to see sex as sort of a hobby. She was glad the man did not shy away from telling her everything - something she didn't get from a lot of wolves. Astrid loved specific information and putting it to use almost as much as she loved herself. She smiled, glad with her the wording of her questions thus far and the answers she was getting. Finally; something she alone could do that her brothers couldn't. She felt sudden pride in being a woman and a little more special.

A courtesan? Do you think I would ever be able to be that? She asked excitedly - ignoring the advice about focusing on fighting. Sex seemed much more interesting and something her brothers couldn't beat her in. She wondered if mother would be proud but quickly threw that thought away.

There are wolves who have little to no sexual attraction at all. There are those too focused on other goals for any distraction. There are those who view it as sinful. I cannot answer for all of them, but if it was up for Mephala's followers, it would be as you describe, He answered, But there comes the fun in it: if everyone simply had sex, there would be no need for seduction. The true pleasure in it would disappear,

There were many in his homeland who considered themselves courtesans. It was a catch all term for seducers; they could be assassins, or spies, sometimes priests doing their duty as worshippers. But he was none, despite his few talents. He could not train her as the others had been, but perhaps she could explore on her own. Perhaps,

Miraak made a lot of sense and she was glad he did not throw riddles at her for her to try and figure it out on her own. She needed straight-to-the-point information and, so far, the man had given her nothing but that. Sure, there were things he perhaps didn't know but Nyx didn't blame him for it. Not even she knew everything just yet, although she liked to pretend otherwise. I see. She let out, a sign she understood.

A slight giggle left her mouth. Perhaps, hm? Well, with her knowing the full story now, the chances had doubled. Thank you. She said softly, not used to thanking others for simply telling her something. She found that it fit the situation though and wanted to show her slight appreciation for what he had done.

Where are we going? She asked then - having been distracted by the lots of talking.

He nods to the young girl, humming shortly in acknowledgement of her gracious words. He lapses into silence now that the questions had ended, but he kept his ears trained for her words. The lake is in the distance, glittering like a gem within the green flatlands. There, He gestures towards large body of water, standing and watching before he begins striding towards it.

Her pace fastened to keep up with the older male, having never been outside the forest before. Now that she was finally out of her prison, she began to wonder. Why hadn't her parents taken her outside for a hunt or a simple walk-and-talk? No one but Miraak and Damien had ever taught her something useful, which was very strange. It was easy to see her parents weren't raising her very well - luckily Astrid was very confident that everything would fall into its place eventually.

The sun reflected off of the body of water and her eyes grew wide for a moment. She had never seen something like it before and it took her breath away. She knew it was water, but she didn't know it came in such large amounts in random places. It was good Miraak hadn't taken her to the sea, for her heart might've stopped beating. It is very beautiful... She said softly, looking around. I know it is a little early to request yet another lesson from you, but could you possibly teach me to hunt whenever you have time? She asked in her most polite voice. She liked the old man - perhaps only for his wisdom - and was glad no one else had come.

Editing on a conclusion

They arranged another lesson, this time to teach her how to hunt, and the young girl smiled at her teacher. This trip had done her good, but it was time to return home. When she voiced this opinion, Miraak shook his head and said he wanted to enjoy the lake some more. Nyx shrugged and eventually returned home where everything went back to normal. Or, well, as normal as life in the Blackfeather Woods could get.