Betty
"You're right. They are more intelligent than most beasts, and they're also much larger, stronger, and faster," He says, "I think he'd just see hunting as a way of life, really."
John
"It is a way of life to his followers, so you're probably right." He says with a chuckle, "You know quite a bit about Hircine for one who said they didn't know about him."
Betty
"And you're quite nosy for someone who hasn't even offered his name," He says, "I suppose I haven't either. I'm Taelwyn."
John
"Umanym." He says, "And what can I say, it's my job to be nosy. I'm a scout after all." He says with a chuckle
Betty
"I guess that makes sense. I presume you're a scout for your sect of the *Alasilanda*, then?" His pronunciation is clumsy but earnest.
John
"The *Alasilanda* Are scouts. Roughly translates to 'Long Vision' in Cyrodiilic. I hold the rank of Scout Captain, a rank well earned, in my opinion."
Betty
He nods, "Fancy title. Do you have other scouts under you, then? I'm not anything high up like that, just a warrior for the Companions."
John
"Indeed I do, I command a small squad of Scouts, they're all over Skyrim, some blending into cities, others out in the wilderness." He says, "Rising ranks takes time." He continues, "I'm sure with proper training you could earn a higher rank with those... Brutes."
Betty
"Interesting," He hums, "But the Companions aren't brutes. They're esteemed warriors and hunters providing a valuable service to Skyrim."
John
"Yes, of course, that's why they're lead by a pack of manbeasts." He says, "Truly the most elegant warriors, leaving their enemies eviscerated and shredded."
Betty
Taelwyn scoffs, "Everyone knows those rumors aren't true. No noble warrior would give their soul to Hircine. And there's little elegance in battle, to spend time on seeming elegant is wasting time that could be used taking down your opponent."
John
"Prove me wrong then. Hand a piece of sliver to one of the members of Ysgramor's Circle and let me know how they react." He says, "Elegance is as important as strength. Keeping your movements fluid and light, with flash and flare. A distraction to your opponent, and it garners attention and fame."
Betty
He huffs, "You don't need to because it's an outrageous accusation." He shakes his head, "There's no point in flash and flare. A good hunter stays hidden from its prey until the last moment, and a humble hunter needs no attention and fame aside from the spoils of their hunt."
John
"You're really bad at not sounding like a follower of Hircine." He says, "If the Companions aren't Lycanthropes then why are one of their main enemies a bandit gang dedicated to hunting Lycans?" He asks, "Combat isn't about the hunt. It's about defeating your foe in the best way possible. For some it's a quick clean kill, simple and efficient, and there is an elegancy in that. But for others it's about the duel, two foes evenly matched, a battle of skill and competency. That is where flair comes in, a flourish can knock the enemy off their rhythm."
Betty
"They're a bandit gang that targets them specifically due to these preposterous rumors, simple as that. We take care of all things that are a threat to the common folk," He blatantly ignores the comment about being bad at not sounding like a follower of Hircine and continues, "You talk about combat like you're trying to argue it's an art form."
John
"Oh yes such baseless claims. Let us not forget the stench of wet dog that emanates from their mead hall. Or how one of the elite members has the title of *Huntress*" He says, then countering "You speak of Hunting in a similar manner." He continues, "Combat *Is* An art form. Many things people see as mundane are an art in and of themselves. Warfare is one of the great arts still followed, clanking metal and streaking crimson." He says, "Did you not join the Companions to participate in such an art?"
Betty
"She's the Huntress because she hunts beasts, and I speak of hunting as any good hunter would. Perhaps you just don't have any experience with that," He says, then tilts his head, "I guess I can see what you're talking about. Although, I joined the Companions for the comradery. There's nothing better than a meal at night with your brothers and sisters in arms."
John
"My skills lie in exploration and spotting. I leave the hunting to those better acquainted. I wonder though what makes her so good at hunting." He says, "I've watched her hunt, you know. The Ayleids are well acquainted with the matters of the Daedra, and I can tell when their hands are in certain manners. And while I recognise her skill in combat, or *The Hunt* As you would call it, there is more to her than meets the eye."
Betty
Taelwyn rolls his eyes and crosses his arms, "I'm clearly not going to sway you, so I'm done arguing. Aela is a perfectly normal Nord woman, and she's a good woman at that. She mentors me, and her mettle in battle is to be admired."
John
"Of course with the enhanced physicality that lycanthropy offers she would be quite the opponent in battle." He says, "I do wonder how the rumor started. It's not exactly the type of rumor to appear from nowhere, and rumors do always contain a glint of truth."
Betty
"I haven't a clue. Maybe Ysgramor was a werewolf himself," He snickers, "But rumors aren't always based in truth. They can be based on lies and misconceptions just as easily."
John
"I doubt Ysgramor would have been a follower of Hircine." He says, "He was a brutal warrior, but that was definitely his skill. According to legend he even encountered Hyrma Mora at one point. And worshipped dragons." He says, "And I doubt the Dragon Cult would have liked him associating with Hircine." He laughs, "You hold such blind faith in your leaders, questioning nothing. That naivete will surely get you into some trouble."
Betty
Taelwyn huffs, "You know nothing about me. You assume I'm naive just because I don't believe that honorable warriors are werewolves? Maybe because I don't believe every rumor that comes my way? I'm an adult who knows how to handle myself, you know."
John
"Where is their honor, I wonder? Their fame comes from a bloody massacre that drove a group of people into extinction. Even if the Falmer started it or died because of their hubris it still resulted in a genocide." He says, "Now the Companions are little more than mercenaries, I've seen more honorable warriors fighting in the Legion."
Betty
"They're different now. We protect the people of Skyrim from bandits and wild animals for little coin in return. They're nothing like those Imperialist pigs," He says, visibly agitated.
John
"You're right, they are different. Back when they massacred the Falmer they at least had their souls." He says, "Now they're soul-cursed dog-people who rend flesh and devour hearts. Leaving bloody shredded remains in their wake."
Betty
Taelwyn's hands flexed at his sides. Oh how he wanted to hit this guy, but he wouldn't. He didn't deserve the skin off his knuckles. He scoffs, "All I'm hearing is you're gullible enough to believe outrageous rumors and rude enough to use them to insult someone you don't even know."
John
"Outrageous rumors you call them. But have you seen the scenes the members of the Circle have left behind?" He asks, "My scouts have. They're quite grisley. They've reported seeing them in the night, transforming before their very eyes, and then running off and devouring entire encampments of people. Bandits, mind you, but still disgusting to see. I am thankful to have never seen these sights before, but I have noticed that on nights when the moons are full all the members of the Circle seem to... Disappear."