Printable Version of Topic

Click here to view this topic in its original format

The Elder Scrolls Forums _ Elder Scrolls Lore _ Rp: Evening Star Parade

Posted by: Archeopterix Dec 20 2004, 01:54 AM

Lorannas Intro...

As always, mirc irc.ChatSpike.net channel #Loranna_RP is our official chatroom for the event. Everyone who plays is welcomed and encouraged to join the chat so that we may discuss plot developments and swap jokes about our characters Those who can't get into the chatroom are encouraged to PM Loranna about any plot ideas or scene-effecting actions they have in mind; I will try to answer you with all possible speed.

Part Ten begins ...


Link to part nine: http://www.elderscrolls.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=36945&st=0

Posted by: Aki Dec 20 2004, 02:02 AM

"Yah gotta be kidding me.." Reichi said. The shopkeep shoke his head negatively. " I don't care if you got if off a Dark Brotherhood assasin or how deadly the Brotherhood is! If your still alive to be wearing they aint that deadly and my glass is definatly stronger." Said the shopkeeper. Reichi mumbled and curse and exited the armourer's room in the Tower of dusk in Ghostgate. He walked up to the bar-room area of the tower and ordered a Flin, and began drinking.

Dar'Var meanwhile, sat upon his bed and tried to use what little skooma he had left in his pipe. "Crud, Dar'var out of Skooma...used all his moonsugar in sweetrolls...rawr..." he mumbled.

Posted by: Meridia Dec 20 2004, 02:03 AM

With Loranna out of the picture for a while, people decided to go thier own ways intill she returned to her pilgramage to Ghostgate... Maranda was one of those people, who was encamped at a Daedric Shrine when some evil doers attacked thier camp... Maranda was injured, and recalled to the Puzzle canal, where she was found by a pilgrim. SHe is presently unconsious

Shardie recalled to her home in Ald'run, and is looking for Maranda...

Posted by: Anghardel67 Dec 20 2004, 02:15 AM

Azrael awoke, rolling over in his bed, and eyeing the window suspiciously; "Why is it so bright out. . ." He suddenly realized that he had slept for far too long. Jumping out of his bed, he scrambled frantically to ready himself, bursting out of his home in search of Loranna and her followers; turning back to lock the entrance, he noticed a small, folded piece of parchment in a vase, holding a stoneflower.

"Hmm, what's this?", he pondered for a moment, picking the note up and unfolding it, careful not to cut himself on it's strangely crisp edges. He read to himself, realizing what had transpired in the early morning, whilst he slept. Quickly scanning the entire page, he was now informed of Loranna's plan to take care of personal business, as well as the group's plan to move on to the next shrine. The question remained, however, of what he was to do. . .

(Ang)

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 20 2004, 02:21 AM

Summary:

All of the Void Rangers remain under orders to avoid travelling the Void because of Bosriel's attack on Arynel.

Doll, the Akiviri girl, was last seen with Loranna. She's depressed because she was unable to keep track of Solin.

Mirea is with the main party.

Mirror (Tris) is - alive! But he's not having the best time right now. Leseth cut his foot off and left him in the
Wrothgarian Mountains after showing him Ciel's severed arm. He's physically healed now, but missing a foot, and he doesn't know if Ciel is alive or dead. Since his method of entering the Void depended on running really fast, the loss of a foot leaves him unable to enter the Void. Skein is aware of his plight, but her prophetic powers have led her to warn Allerleirauh that if any of the other Void Rangers go to Mirror right now, he will kill himself. So right now he is very much alone, making his way to Sutch, where Ciel was headed, as best he can.

Dragon was last seen with Ciel. Since Ciel seems to have met a dire fate at the hands of Leseth and Bosriel, it's a good question what happened to Dragon.

Allerleirauh was at Loranna's party in Balmora. Right now she's doing mundane, practical things. She owns a manor house on the Odai river, and a small ebony mine near there. She's checking out her property to be sure it hasn't been mismanaged. Heroism is nice, but sometimes it's useful to have money.



Posted by: B Dec 20 2004, 02:22 AM

A figure in a grey cloak approached Allerleirauh. The hood covered the head, so it was difficult to identity the person. The hood is removed revealing the face of B. He embraced her and moved to kiss her on the lips. As his right hand touched her cheek, she noticed that he wasn’t wearing a ring.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 20 2004, 02:26 AM

Allerleirauh sat in the office of her ebony mines near the Odai, reading the books. Everything seemed to be in order.

It cost less money, in her opinion, to staff the mine with freemen, than it would have to run it with slaves. Although the Dunmer thought she was insane. That was why all of her staff were Outlanders.

"These accounts seem to be in order," she said, nodding her head. "You do good work. I think a bonus is in order. Tell the men to take the day off, and tap a keg for them."

"Yes, Ma'am," the stout Imperial man said.

The office building was temporary... just wood and thatch. She hopped down the ladder from the door and stepped into the woods to stretch her legs. There were small trees here, growing in a circle. She wondered if this place had one, long ago, supported one of the mighty Hist, now gone from Vvardenfell for millenia.

B's appearance shocked her - but not as much as his kiss. She loved him dearly, but they had never touched in that manner.

"Who are you?" she whispered. "My friend, is that you?"

Then she noticed his hand.

"Where is your ring?"

Posted by: OriontheHunter Dec 20 2004, 02:29 AM

*Orion and his little guide had been traviling down the Odai river for sometime*

"So what did you say your name was kid?"

"It's Teslan...HEY!...there's the ship!"

*In front of them loomed a large sleek dark-hulled ship with 2 large masts and large colorful banners. On deck a large crew hsutled about. Orion and Teslan climbed aboard.*

"So this whole ship is just for me?"

"Oh No! We had much business in Vvardenfell. You were just a minor detour." Teslan replied

"O thanks.."

*A large white bearded Nord approached them*

"Ho there! my name is Dyann Stormmast. we will be leaving for Solitude immediatly"

"Great..." Orion replied half-heartedly

"Open all sails! FULL SPEED AHEAD"

*With a lurch the boat started forward at a faster speed than Orion had ever known a boat to have.*

"So...where is my cabin?" Orion asked

"Here, you can room with me. Follow me" Teslan declared excitedly

"Perfect"

*The two disapeared into the underbelly of the ship*

Posted by: B Dec 20 2004, 02:29 AM

“Ring? What ring?” the Altmer replied. “I. . . I must have lost it.”

The elf took several steps backward and looked around. Clasping both hands to the side of his head, the Altmer began to shake violently. The figure hunched over and screamed. The golden flesh on his face bubbled and hissed. The eyes turned red, and long fangs appeared in the mouth. The once elf-like hands transformed into long claws. All the flesh fell away, revealing a black, splotchy skin.

The Beslaf stood erect once more. It was fully transformed. The Beslaf was a false B, a doppelganger. It turned and looked at Allerleirauh. “Weez haz him. Youz never seez him again!”

And with terrible claws, it swiped at Allerleirauh’s midsection.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 20 2004, 02:33 AM

QUOTE(B @ Dec 19 2004, 07:19 PM)

“Ring?  What ring?” the Altmer replied.  “I. . . I must have lost it.”

The elf took several steps backward and looked around.  Clasping both hands to the side of his head, the Altmer began to shake violently.  The figure hunched over and screamed.  The golden flesh on his face bubbled and hissed.  The eyes turned red, and long fangs appeared in the mouth.  The once elf-like hands transformed into long claws.  All the skin fell away, revealing a black, splotchy surface.

The Belsaf stood erect once more.  It was fully transformed.  The Belsaf was a false B, a doppelganger.  It turned and looked at Allerleirauh.  “Weez haz him.  Youz never seez him again!”

And with terrible claws, it swiped at Allerleirauh’s midsection.

*




Allerleirauh screamed, then cut the scream off in mid-breath. She didn't want innocent miners rushing to her aid.

There was no time to become a Welwa. Leaping backwards, she drew her heavy, double-handed sword, and swiped at the attacking monster.

Posted by: B Dec 20 2004, 02:38 AM

The blade of the sword struck the Beslaf, tearing into its flesh. In a blast of light, the creature vanished.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 20 2004, 02:43 AM

QUOTE(B @ Dec 19 2004, 07:28 PM)

The blade of the sword struck the Belsaf, tearing into its flesh.  In a blast of light, the creature vanished.

*




Allerleirauh stood staring at the place where the monster had been. She was breathing hard, and not because the fight had winded her.

What had happened to B? She had said a quiet prayer for him when he announced his intention to enter Oblivion; and respected his request not to talk him out of it. Now she wished she had been less respectful.

"We are all of us too arrogant," she said in a whisper. "B, Arynel, Solin... especially me. We all think we can handle more than we really can."

She had to do something. At the moment, she had no idea what.

Posted by: Anghardel67 Dec 20 2004, 02:43 AM

As the Dunmer sat on his front stoop, not knowing what he could possibly do to occupy his time, and not wishing to follow the main group which has disbanded from Balmora, he suddenly recalled something that his mentor had once shared with him, upon his graduation to 7th rank within his order: Being idle is caustic for the mind; when in doubt, explore your surroundings.

Deciding to heed the words of this man, whom he had sadly been forced to abandon in hopes of finding more of himself in these lands, Azrael stood up, stretched, and began to walk west, to the local bookseller, hoping for some suggestions.

While he walked, he took a look around his city, realizing how many things he had neglected to notice before. For instance, every morning, now that he thought about this, the elder dunmer woman, Kaliara, sat on her own front stoop, staring into the water that ran before her. He wondered why she would do such a thing--she didn't seem the contemplative type to him, having always been in 'quick' moods during conversation. Feeling a bit gregarious, he decided he would go over and address her; "Perhaps this woman, who has been here for so long, might offer me some advice on where to begin my personal explorations," he thought aloud.

Picking up his pace slightly, he was able to reach her in a matter of seconds, not realizing just how close she lived to him, "I wonder now why I did not do this before; she and I, we are so close, and yet, still so far away."

The elder mer noticed him as he closed the gap between them to a ten-foot distance, and smiled, beckoning him to come sit by her with her eyes. Planning to do so, he smiled back, and approached her, sitting down with a slight crack, next to her.

Hearing this popping noise, she asked, concerned, "Are you alright dear? That was a terrible cracking noise you made just then."

Chuckling to himself, he nodded, and replied in a light voice, "Ahh, no need to worry about that. I only slept wrong, you know how these things go, I would imagine; I simply need a new bed."

The two continued to chat, wasting more than an hour of the morning simply sitting together, sharing bits about each other amongst themselves. "What a fascinating dunmer this is," Azrael said to himself, listening intently to the mer re-tell a story involving her husband and a rather unruly ghost in a nearby crypt. At the last word, he recalled why he had come to her in the first place, and inquired the whereabouts of any area worth exploring in the near area.

"Hah, what a wonderful story Kali. That reminds me, however, of what I was hoping to ask you this morning," he said, chuckling still at the punchline of the rather funny story.

"Oh, what might that be, dear?" the woman asked, ready to answer Azrael to the best of her ability.

"Well, before I go, and I really must, might I ask if you know of any places worth exploring around this town? It does not matter what; a crypt, a ruin, anything of interest."

The woman sat for a moment, scratching her chin, trying to come up with a name. "Ahh, I'm sorry dear, but I can't give you any specific names; my memory isn't the best, but I do recall my husband mentioning an old dwemer ruin just past the Imperial fort off the main road coming into the city. You might check that out, if you are feeling adventurous."

Azrael smiled, and nodded, acknowledging his thanks. He stood up and shook the hand of his partner in conversation, and sped off, in search of this ruin, and hoping for something mildy entertaining, at the very least.

(Ang)


Posted by: Shardie Dec 20 2004, 12:19 PM

Edit, please delete...

Posted by: Meridia Dec 20 2004, 12:28 PM

'So your awake...' The voice said
'Who... who are you? Where am I?' Maranda asked
'Who am I? You can call me Thoyer'
Maranda was shocked... 'Why do you want to speak to me?'
'Because there is somthing we must... discuss...' Thoyer said
Maranda looked to the door, her sword was leaning against it... "THere is no use, your arm is broken... servent of Meridia... In most cases, your type would be sent to the Inquisition, but your curcumstances are... strange to say the least... Tell me, why o you posess that sword... are you assisting the incarnate?'
'Why would I do that?' Maranda replied, 'I have been trying to kill her...' Maranda replied
'Kill her? why is it in your lords intrest to kill her...' Thoyer asked, as if already knowing the answer
'I do not wish to talk of this. If you are as smart as I think you are, you will know why... If you exuse me, I must sleep' Maranda said, closing her eyes tightly, pretending she was asleep...
'Do not try to escape, for your room is being guarded... besides, it would be safer if you stay here... we will take the sword...' Thoyer said, leaving the room...

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 20 2004, 01:06 PM

BALMORA:

Aricyn sat with his head in his hands. Loranna's words playing over and over in his head;

" ... Dears, there's ... a few things I need to take care of," she had said to everyone, "Things that I have to do on my own. I thank you for what you've done for me so far and what you'll do for me soon, but right this moment we need to part ways for a spell - a few days, nothing more."

Over and over he heard them, and each time he frowned just a bit more. They were so close, HE was so close. Everything was going well... he wouldn't see his plan fail now, so near the end.

He had no idea what she had meant by 'a few things to do on her own', but he did know that lingering in Balmora was suicide. When Helseth got wind of what had happened, his men would be all over that fair town. He didn't intend to stay himself, yet all his hopes rested with Loranna.

"What's wrong, dearest? You look worried."
The soft voice tore him from his thoughts, and he looked up, ready to be furious at the interruption. It was the pretty young Dunmer girl from the night before.

No... all his hopes did not rest with Loranna... they rested with Azura, or more accurately, the Dunmer's acceptance of their patron.

"Girl," he asked, "are you a local?" A new smile lightened his eyes.

"No sir, I'm not." She said, puzzled at the sudden question. Aricyn had shown little interest in her history last night.

"Good, very good. You and I need to talk, come sit here by me."

Shortly thereafter, the main group of Azura's followers was ready to depart. The holy litter, hung with red and blue gauze, was brought to the doors of the great guildhouse, and Aricyn himself led the Incarnation of Azura out and to the waiting transport.

As they passed the bowing, admiring crowd, the Incarnate's heavy veil blew up, just a bit. A Dunmer woman wailed, praised the name of Azura loudly, and fell on her face in the dust, murmuring thanks to her ancestors.

The assembled Dunmer looked on with delight and fascination as the Incarnate, quite heavy with child, held her belly protectively and struggled onto her cushion.

Aricyn bellowed to the party to move, and they all set out for Ghostgate, trumpets and cymbals heralding the coming of Azura.


After they had passed, the woman's husband took her by the shoulder, "Come, woman, they've gone. Why do you still hide your face in the dirt?"

The woman looked up, piety shining in her eyes. "Bless my ancestors! I saw her face. I saw the Incarnate's face under her veil!"

"What of it, woman?"

"To me, she appeared as a Dunmer! She IS both outlander and Dunmer! Praise be to Azura!"

"Praise be to our Prince, Azura!" shouted the man, hugging his wife.


Posted by: Anghardel67 Dec 20 2004, 03:24 PM

Following a quick, uneventful search of the ruins, Azrael decided to return to the city, once more empty, lost for ideas. Upon arrival, he noticed a peculiar mer standing, outside the city gate, in a robe with a hood covering his or her head. The darkness of the city wall's shadow enshrouded them completely, and, not knowing what sort of encounter he might face, the dunmer drew his weapon, holding the blade up into his sleeve, out of sight. He continued to press on, not allowing the slight figure to unnerve him; as he passed under the arch, and into the city, he heard his name:

"Azrael; Azrael, please, over here."

He glanced back now, to see that the figure had begun marching slowly across the road, leading to the small island in the odai, a finger behind it's back, dragging him closer. He thought for a moment, before deciding that he would indeed follow the veiled mer; the blade he had drawn earlier remained in it's position, behind his back, ready at any moment to disarm the figure in a flash. He marched across the small road, and met it behind a rock on the miniscule island.

Casting a spell under it's breath, the figure blew out every light in a 20 ft. radius; "There," it said, "Now, perhaps we may yet have some privacy." As these words escaped into the night, the hood on the figure's cloack dropped, to reveal a kind, elder Breton woman; he recognized her as Adriana, of the Gnisis branch of the mages guild.

"Adriana!" he gasped lightly, careful not to draw attention to the now odd looking dark patch which they stood upon, "What are you doing in Balmora?"

"Why, I've come to speak with you, Azrael," She replied in a matter-of-fact way; "I understand that you and Eliin had a dispute over what you and I discussed in Gnisis. . .and also, that you are now aligning yourself against the guild entirely."

Looking at his feet, the Dunmer replied, impertinently, "I was given no choice; the scum threw me out, I did not originally wish to leave."

Adriana, both taken back, and understanding, of his response, nodded, "I know, Azrael. I have heard every detail from him, via a message to our guild. This is disturbing; what will we do now if the guild decides to go through with it's planned assualt on this incarnate?"

A long silence between them hovered, as they both considered the implications of a successful attempt at disarming, and stopping, Loranna in her tracks.

"It is quite simple, Adriana," Azrael suddenly muttered, "If they do plan on this, we will stop them; the incarnate has a band of more than capable mer about her, and I will also see to it that this is done--every measure must be taken to ensure success, every one."

Adriana, smiling, nodded in agreement; "I knew, Azrael, that you would say that, just as I knew when you came to me that you would end up aiding this woman--you see, I have ways of 'knowing' certain things, and I know why you have come back to Vvardenfell, as well as what drives you to obcess over this woman's success even now. That conversation, however, is for another time. For now, there must be a few points made. I have plans for you, and you must listen closely. . ."

Whispers were shared between the two, and a small map was handed to Azrael, along with a second, smaller piece of parchment, and peculiar ring. "Go now, Azrael; the branches of our guild await you. I do not know how many Eliin may have contacted to note your release from service--perhaps all, perhaps none. I will see to it that the way is as clear as possible for you. You may yet be surprised at the number of supporters one might find among enemies apparent."

The two mer, forgoing all formalities of greeting, hugged each other, and broke ways; Adriana vanished into the night, and Azrael headed back towards Balmora, and his home, to prepare for this. . .

(Ang)

Posted by: Arynel Dec 20 2004, 05:15 PM

Morndas, 20th of Evening Star

The Inner Sea is in sight, and I am confident my arrival will come with haste. I note the gradual drop in elevation as I move from the interior of the island, following the rivers course on it's way to the great Inner Sea, the peaks jutting out from the ground on either side of the river have grown progressively smaller as I have followed the river towards it's end. I am much overjoyed to see the ocean before me, having at last arrived at my destination, but the steady decline of the hills sorrows me that I cannot take in the aweinspiring night time skies from a more lofty abode. I believe the point of highest elevation will be somewhere near the center of the island, and am reminded of stories of the great Red Mountain, much feared by the locals.

The wildlife here is exotic to an extreme degree, many species I have seen before on my travels, but their abundance here amazes me. I have seen a wild version of the domesticated animal who acts the role of a packhorse, examination of the local flora leads me to beleive the plantlife would be too harsh for horses, the salivatory creating reactions of the local Dunmer to the mere mention of the animal also lead me to beleive the dietary tastes of the locals may have a bearing on the absence of horses.

Amoung all the creatures I have found, there is none so readily noticeable as a strange winged animal. It's population is absurdly high, and it appears to be predatory, as members of the species are quite fond of suicide runs against me--I have found the invisibility spell to be invaluable--I have not exluded the possiblity that they are territorial creatures.

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Dec 20 2004, 06:58 PM

Morrowind, Maar Gan

Left Hand entered Maar Gan after “interrogating” a rumor, out of a small Dunmer, child that was singing the praises of the incarnate. The information was very easy to get. Pain can be a very good information getter. After Left Hand got the information he needed, Left Hand dispassionately snapped the little boys neck and watched as the child's soul faded to Oblivion.

While walking through Maar Gan, Left Hand noticed several times that people where gawking at his appearance. Left Hand smiled his sinister and arrogant smirk. It wasn’t like he was an everyday sight to most people.

Left Hand was tall, extremely tall. He was a head taller then all Nords, but a few eyelashes shorter then most Altmers, but that wasn’t the thing that was so weird. What was is that Left Hand is built like an Orc. This raised questions on what race Left Hand was. Truth is Left Hand didn’t know. Under the tutelage of his Lord there was no race, all those thoughts got left behind in his old life. And after thousands of years of training, killing, and servitude, his true race was forgotten. Left Hand wasn’t an Orc, or a Dunmer, or an Altmer, he just… was.

“The child’s rumor was just that.” Left Hand thought. “The incarnate isn’t here. It’s time to get information another way.”

Left Hand makes a slight, inconspicuous gesture and begins to rise high above Maar Gan.

Posted by: Girai_Harkaanius Dec 20 2004, 07:27 PM

Therogar's Cave, Near Solitude, Skyrim

Girai lay back against the cold wall. He had no doubt retribution would come swiftly from the Daedric Prince Meridia for betraying her, he was surprised it had not come sooner. Yet there was a certain peace about him about the entire situation. Therogar was in Solitude today selling the distasteful brews he concocted in his spare time. His lack of skill with potions however was a slight flaw on a good man however.

The snowy wind blew cold outside, the winter air freezing even the more this time of year, yet somehow the cold did not annoy him. This was nothing compared to what Meridia would bring upon him. The interesting thing was that was alright. "Nothing to fear in death," Girai said to himself quietly, beginning to close his eyes.

Posted by: Meridia Dec 20 2004, 07:30 PM

Daidez had found the cave... it was some trouble, indeed, but finally he had found it... slowly, he pulled his glass jinxblade from his robe, and entered the cave...

Posted by: Girai_Harkaanius Dec 20 2004, 07:33 PM

QUOTE(Meridia @ Dec 20 2004, 09:20 AM)

Daidez had found the cave... it was some trouble, indeed, but finally he had found it... slowly, he pulled his glass jinxblade from his robe, and entered the cave...

*




His eyes shot open, Girai looked about the cave. It was hard to see in the shadows, but he could see no one. He began to close his eyes again.

Posted by: Meridia Dec 20 2004, 07:35 PM

Seeing the figure resting was almost a too easy target... that was not Daidez's way... he spoke loudly, 'Girai, for betraying the trust of my friend and aquantence, Maranda, I have come for your head!'

Posted by: Girai_Harkaanius Dec 20 2004, 07:38 PM

QUOTE(Meridia @ Dec 20 2004, 09:25 AM)

Seeing the figure resting was almost a too easy target... that was not Daidez's way... he spoke loudly, 'Girai, for betraying the trust of my friend and aquantence, Maranda, I have come for your head!'

*




Girai opened his eyes slowly, "A Daedric cultist is an ill-friend, one who is bound to ways of deception is one who finds it again. Do not trust Daedra or their servants or you will find yourself in a hole too large to be dug out of. I found a saving rope in the One and his ways. Shall you find such a rope when she betrays you?"

Posted by: Meridia Dec 20 2004, 07:45 PM

'heh, this is not a matter of whom worships who... this is a matter of trust, and friendship somthing you would know nothing about... a higher god than what we worship... now prepare yourself, Girai, for this is the price of betraying my Friend!' Daidez rushed at Girai

Posted by: Girai_Harkaanius Dec 20 2004, 07:48 PM

QUOTE(Meridia @ Dec 20 2004, 09:35 AM)

'heh, this is not a matter of whom worships who... this is a matter of trust, and friendship somthing you would know nothing about... a higher god than what we worship... now prepare yourself, Girai, for this is the price of betraying my Friend!' Daidez rushed at Girai

*




Girai stared the man in the face as he rushed him. "There is a proverb, 'Bad company corrupts good character.'"

Posted by: Meridia Dec 20 2004, 07:51 PM

Daidaz quickly cast a Chamelion spell, rushed to the side of Girai, ignoring what he previously said...as he closed into Girai, he pulled back the daggar to strike him...

Posted by: Girai_Harkaanius Dec 20 2004, 07:55 PM

QUOTE(Meridia @ Dec 20 2004, 09:41 AM)

Daidaz quickly cast a Chamelion spell, rushed to the side of Girai, ignoring what he previously said...as he closed into Girai, he pulled back the daggar to strike him...

*




"What have they done to you, that you should be ready to strike down a defenseless scholar out of bloodlust? I saw who her kind wish to murder, and in her I saw a person just like you and I. Will you kill me for my mercy? You prove by your actions the darkness of that which you serve."

Posted by: Meridia Dec 20 2004, 07:59 PM

Daidez stopped at this point, 'Darkness? How do you see us as dark? we never betrayed you... we held you in confidence... and yet, you not only betray Loranna, but us as well... I would say you have a much darker heart than ether me or Maranda... If your actons are for the so called, greater good, then this world is in much more trouble than we thought. Farewell, Girai, our conversation is over. You must die now...' Daidez continued to advance

Posted by: Girai_Harkaanius Dec 20 2004, 08:05 PM

QUOTE(Meridia @ Dec 20 2004, 09:49 AM)

Daidez stopped at this point, 'Darkness? How do you see us as dark? we never betrayed you... we held you in confidence... and yet, you not only betray Loranna, but us as well... I would say you have a much darker heart than ether me or Maranda... If your actons are for the so called, greater good, then this world is in much more trouble than we thought. Farewell, Girai, our conversation is over. You must die now...' Daidez continued to advance

*




"In a plot to destroy a fellow mortal you held me in confidence. In a plot of murder. I gave your mistress Azura's name because I have no love for the Daedra. Not to be used against an innocent woman or child who has not even been given the light of day yet. Kill me if you will, you are not a stranger to the sight of innocent blood."

Suddenly the assassin froze solid. Therogar walked into the cave and spoke with a slight scowl. "Your lack of attempt to defend yourself is either from a deep belief in the value of self-sacrifice or a desire to retreat from your duties here before your time." Therogar smiled for a moment. "Somehow I doubt that at your age you have achieved the former." Girai stared at the assassin as his weapon was quickly removed from his hand. The old Nord spoke again. "The paralysis will wear off in a few seconds, stand and be ready."

Posted by: Meridia Dec 20 2004, 08:19 PM

this was too much for Daidez to take, but he could not back down from a fight... he knew this wizard was out of his leauge...as the spell wore off, he turned to face the wizard, daggar in hand... he charged towards him...

Posted by: Girai_Harkaanius Dec 20 2004, 08:26 PM

QUOTE(Meridia @ Dec 20 2004, 10:09 AM)

this was too much for Daidez to take, but he could not back down from a fight... he knew this wizard was out of his leauge...as the spell wore off, he turned to face the wizard, daggar in hand... he charged towards him...

*




Therogar spoke a quick spell of Burden and moved hoping the weight would cause his opponent to stumble and fall. "You will find no victory in this place Spirit-Slave, leave this place and go back to your mistress. She will surely be merciful... or will she?"

Posted by: Anghardel67 Dec 20 2004, 08:28 PM

Azrael decided that he would pack lightly for this trek between guilds; on his way he might pick up some spare coin from a few friends that he had made in the previous months, he decided. He stood in his doorwar for a moment, the well-prepared adventurer, with laced netch leather, and a special hood that had been given to him when he first joined his old order. On his right side was a small purse, affording room for money to sleep, and eat, with, and on his left was strapped a small bag, attached to his belt, carrying in it a mysterious item, that he had yet felt the need to use while on this land-mass. He sheathed his small blades, next to each other, on the side of his right calf, and places small, metal plates over his shins. Concealing his preparedness, he donned a cloak, made of a common fabric, spun from the hair of an animal native to his 'homelands'; the driagaeri'.

The Dunmer cast a slight lock spell, of around 30 or so points in value, on his door, and propped a small, barely visible piece of wood against the crack along the edge, in order to determine if anyone had entered, upon his return.

"Now, this business must be taken care of."

He dashed across the bridge connecting the eastern, and western, pieces of the town, and up the stairs, to the silt-strider platform. Greeting Basil, the conductor of this particular strider, Azrael explained to him that he needed to arrive in Ald-Ruhn rather fast. He emptied some coinds into the old mer's hand, and they sped off, the strider galloping in a somewhat awkwardly fast fashion. . .

(Ang)

Posted by: Meridia Dec 20 2004, 08:29 PM

Burdened by the spell, Daidez swore...
'You have only experianced the vengence of a mortal whom you betrayed. You may not worship the true lords of Oblivion, but you should be smart enough to realize that you should never betray one of them...' Daidez reached for his amulet of recall, 'farewell, wizard, be ready when Prince Meridia gains her revenge!'
He dissapeaered...

Posted by: Girai_Harkaanius Dec 20 2004, 08:39 PM

Therogar looked about. "Perhaps now would be a good time for Divine assistance. I'm afraid my tricks are hardly match for Meridia." Girai looked at him, "I knew my fate when I told Loranna. I just regret you had to burden yourself with the same fate as you cast that same spell on her servant. Our days are numbered." Therogar looked deeper into the cave. "So be it."


Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Dec 21 2004, 12:34 AM

Morrowind, High above Maar Gan

Left Hand hovered high in the murky Maar Gan air. He drowned out the gasps and shrieks, of the shocked townsfolk below, closed his eyes, and concentrated.

Left Hand then begins to focus, tremendously, on the flow, and currents of the magicka in the area. His Lord taught him how to do this. Magicka was everywhere, it encircled Nirn like an imperceptible ocean, which always drifts and swirls about. Those not trained, for countless years, to sense it where oblivious to it.

Every movement of magicka had a purpose; even the slightest twitch had a meaning. Magicka to Left Hand was like an omniscient storyteller. Magicka told Left Hand what happen in Maar Gan years ago, what happen yesterday, even what the Dunmer that walked by him ate the night before. Left Hand read the currents and smiled, as the Magicka told him everything he needed to know about the whereabouts of the incarnate.


Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 21 2004, 03:50 AM

Dragon's Story, part 1
Or: Every Void Ranger has a story to tell, revisited


Maybe it was because his parents were Alessians, from the south-west corner of Skyrim, bordering Cyrodiil. His parents kept their devotions hidden; he grew up in a house where religion meant what happened when the shutters were drawn, with music and candles that came from within a compartment hidden under the floor.

He wondered how well information got passed along that way. Probably a lot was lost, generation to generation. He had no idea if what his dead-eyed, fanatical parents called "Alessianism" represented a flavor of religious practice found anywhere else on earth.

They had rituals for everything. He had been conceived, his mother told him, during such a ritual, so that the stars would be just right at his birth. Apart from such rituals, his parents practiced strict abstinence. It struck him even as a child as a wildly contradictory set of ethics. The women wore head clothes or caps to cover their hair, and long shapeless garments to hide their bodies, yet they were expected to cohabit with their husbands in front of the whole congregation, like monkeys in the royal menagerie.

Dancing and music were forbidden - except the dances they performed on certain nights in the barn, all the doors barred, the cows staring at them dully. Except the bizarre, unbeautiful music that was drummed into his head - every note must be perfect, in time and in tone - by sharp raps of his father's cane on the top of his head.

Maybe it was the cane that did it.

He couldn't remember, now, how far back the memory lapses went. He did remember - in fact, it was one of his earliest strong memories - the nausea he felt whenever his mother started talking to him about Heaven. There was a reason for his father's cruelty, for the hardness of life. He mustn't hate them, for they loved their little boy so much, so much that they wanted to include him when they all went up the Tower together to where Akatosh was! He didn't want to be left behind in an inferior heaven, did he?

He wasn't sure about heaven. He was sure, however, that any heaven with the rest of them in it was a place he didn't want to spend time in.

He told himself for years that he hadn't known what was going to happen when he told the priest at the local temple about his parents. His parents were stupid, or maybe crazy, but not dangerous. The priest would explain everything to them, and then life would turn good.

The Inquisition took out very nearly the entire village. He was made to stand and watch as his parents were burned alive - this was the legally mandated treatment for the children of Alessians - to impress, forever, on his young brain that he must not follow in his parents' footsteps.

He told himself for years he hadn't known it would happen. The truth was, he knew. And when he cried as his father cursed him and his mother shrieked that now they would never see him in heaven, the truth was that he cried tears of relief.

He was taken to a strict, clerically-run school in the Imperial City. Life was no easier here but at least things made sense. By the time he was a teenager, his teachers wondered if he would become a priest or a military officer.

That was the surface of the story. Beneath the surface, things moved and shifted as they always had. He got in trouble for forgetting things, and in even worse trouble for remembering things that had never happened. He was a solidly normal boy, a good athlete, not licentious but not a virgin, not a heavy drinker but someone the other boys liked to drink with, first picked whenever there were teams until he became old enough to be the one who picked teams. He was first called Dragon then, that long ago. He wasn't a brilliant student, but he studied hard, and he tested well.

He never told anyone, not even Myrlinda, that he sometimes took the tests more than once. One test he tried five times before he got a test that had questions he had studied for.

When war came, he joined the Imperial Legion. It was the years of Jagar Tharn, and there was war everywhere.

He learned then that some tests are harder to retake than others. It was one thing to retake an exam, another entirely to relive a battle. Sometimes the battles turned out worse the second time than the first. Sometimes entire people disappeared, people he had known, and were replaced by similar people with different names. Sometimes he got so weary with carnage that he just gave up and let the disasters play out.

He was developing a reputation as a brilliant, even prescient, commander.

During a short spell of leave he married Myrlinda. He felt that he was losing himself; more and more, he couldn't remember what had really happened and what hadn't.

He confessed everything to Myrlinda - his parents, cheating at school, cheating in battle. "You think I'm insane, and I know it sounds insane," he said, weeping, his head in her lap. "Maybe I am insane. Can I really control the whole flow of time, like Akatosh?"

She stroked his hair - it was still red, in those days. "You should have learned more magic in school. We mages know that time isn't a straightforward process. A Dragon Break is just an error that people notice. The truth is errors happen all the time. Ask any psijiic, and he'll tell you that a strong-willed person can drag any number of sleepers into a new path. It's just that most of us don't see it. We're part of the system, safely acted on. Somehow some part of you got broken, and now you notice things you shouldn't be able to see. Listen, my love - you don't shape reality. Things happen as they happen. You just choose which reality you want to belong to."

The war went on. He and Myrlinda had two babies together. He saw her when he could.

Then came the worst battle of his life. He abandoned his shattered company in the mountains of Orsinium and fled home to Myrlinda.

"I tried, I tried so hard, but nothing I did made any difference," he cried. "Gortwog always finds us, always slaughters us. I saved as many men as I could. I went back as far as two days ago, I did everything differently, but it didn't help. Did I do the best I could? Is there some path I haven't tried? I have seen so many atrocities that didn't happen - I can't speak to my own men anymore, I look at them alive and see their faces shattered and burning. I don't know anyone's name. And that isn't the worst part of it. The worst is that now all things beautiful and good seem as much a dream as those atrocities. How far could I go back? Could I go all the way to my birth, and be born again to different parents, under a new star? What if I did something and we never met, what if you disappeared?"

"This is too much," Myrlinda said. "Mortal men weren't meant to bear such things; it shames them and offends the gods. Let us go and kneel down in the temple and pray to Father Akatosh to forgive us and lift this burden from you. And then you must never use this power again."



Posted by: Aki Dec 21 2004, 04:13 AM

Bradas Hleray exited the tower of Dawn and headed inside the actual gate of the Ghostgate, it was night. The priest did this ever since Dagoth Ur had been defeated, he liked to stand within the ghostgate and watch as Red mountan slept, no more blight storms swirled about and the minions of Dagoth Ur were all but gone. Red mountain was at peace at last.

As Bradas knelt down before the shrine of Pride within the Ghostgate, he heard a low rumbling growl. He turned to see something not unlike the Khajiit that his kind, the dunmer, often kept as slaves. However, the feline creature was far larger than any Suthay-Raht he had ever seen, and looked very much like a lion. The look in its eyes, one golden and the other a Azure blue, was lacking any intelligence, showing naught but a bestial hunger. Bradas recognized it for what it was.

He rose to cast a paralyzation spell and run, but it was two late, halfway through the incantation the beast was upon him and he found himself unable to speak as the beast tore into his throat. The dunmer's blood spilled upon the parched and once blighted soil of Red mountatian, which absorbed it greedily and became a ashen mud were the blood spilled. The Beast feasted upon the priest.

Meanwhile, Reichi and Dar'var , were unaware of the dangerous beast that now made residence on the slopes of Ghostgate. And how lethal and bold it had become. As Bradas was not its only victim with the Ghostgate, and its home was made in the Ebony mine which resided on the slopes of Red mountain. The miners and gaurds all unable to stop the fercious beast.

In the morning, suspiscion was raised at Bradas's disapearance.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 21 2004, 04:23 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 20 2004, 10:05 AM)

Morndas, 20th of Evening Star

The Inner Sea is in sight, and I am confident my arrival will come with haste. I note the gradual drop  in elevation as I move from the interior of the island, following the rivers course on it's way to the great Inner Sea, the peaks jutting out from the ground on either side of the river have grown progressively smaller as I have followed the river towards it's end.  I am much overjoyed to see the ocean before me, having at last arrived at my destination, but the steady decline of the hills sorrows me that I cannot take in the aweinspiring night time skies from a more lofty abode.  I believe the point of highest elevation will be somewhere near the center of the island, and am reminded of stories of the great Red Mountain, much feared by the locals.

The wildlife here is exotic to an extreme degree, many species I have seen before on my travels, but their abundance here amazes me.  I have seen a wild version of the domesticated animal who acts the role of a packhorse, examination of the local flora leads me to beleive the plantlife would be too harsh for horses, the salivatory creating reactions of the local Dunmer to the mere mention of the animal also lead me to beleive the dietary tastes of the locals may have a bearing on the absence of horses.

Amoung all the creatures I have found, there is none so readily noticeable as a strange winged animal.  It's population is absurdly high, and it appears to be predatory, as members of the species are quite fond of suicide runs against me--I have found the invisibility spell to be invaluable--I have not exluded the possiblity that they are territorial creatures.

*




Allerleirauh ran along the surface of the river, leaving dimpled footprints. She had found it was one of the fastest ways to travel, in Vvardenfell; a matter of an easy enchantment on a ring, and she no longer had to climb treacherous rocks.

"Arynel," she called, when she saw him, not wanting to rush up on him without warning.

"I just fought a doppleganger of Master B - it taunted me before it died, saying that he was a prisoner and I would never see him again. He was on his way into Oblivion when last we spoke, through the Dreaming Cavern."

She stopped and took a deep breath. "I'm going to have to look for him, aren't I? Even though it's obviously a trap. But I don't know where."

Posted by: Arynel Dec 21 2004, 04:28 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 20 2004, 08:13 PM)

"I just fought a doppleganger of Master B - it taunted me before it died, saying that he was a prisoner and I would never see him again. He was on his way into Oblivion when last we spoke, through the Dreaming Cavern."

She stopped and took a deep breath.  "I'm going to have to look for him, aren't I?  Even though it's obviously a trap. But I don't know where."

*





"The Psijic?" Arynel mused, turning to Allerleirauh. "A doppleganger? Oblivion? You bring me ill tidings."

The Breton paused, and approached the nord woman.

"I suppose you will go get him. And I suppose that you would like some advice on where to look?"


Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 21 2004, 04:36 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 20 2004, 09:18 PM)

"The Psijic?"  Arynel mused, turning to Allerleirauh.  "A doppleganger?  Oblivion?  You bring me ill tidings."

The Breton paused, and approached the nord woman.

"I suppose you will go get him.  And I suppose that you would like some advice on where to look?"

*




This wasn't the greeting she'd expected. She hesitated a moment; then looked at the spill of different colored water, where the Odai met the sea.

She stood looking at it a long moment without speaking.

"It's beautiful, isn't it," she said. "I swam the length of this river once, after swimming the circumference of the island. Met a lot of Samuel's people, so much the worse for them, I'm afraid. I do have to help him if he's in danger. Because he's trying to find a way to save us all from Loranna and Azura. So we have to help him, you see?"

Posted by: Arynel Dec 21 2004, 04:42 AM




"You swam around this island?" Arynel began. "You astound me. I inquired of several of the creatures, but they will not speak to me. Either Samuel is the intellectual of the bunch, or he's too dumb to keep his mouth shut."

The Breton smiled, but then his face turned more serious.

"Is he in danger? Are any of us not in danger? Who do we save? Who can we save? If you hold a silver platter before someone, is it you, or they, who decides to eat?"



Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 21 2004, 04:47 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 20 2004, 09:32 PM)

"You swam around this island?"  Arynel began.  "You astound me.  I inquired of several of the creatures, but they will not speak to me.  Either Samuel is the intellectual of the bunch, or he's too dumb to keep his mouth shut."

The Breton smiled, but then his face turned more serious.

"Is he in danger?  Are any of us not in danger?  Who do we save?  Who can we save?  If you hold a silver platter before someone, is it you, or they, who decides to eat?"

*




"That's a very apropos description," Allerleirauh said. "We have been putting ourselves on a silver platter for the devils to lap us up. B asked me not to dissuade him, but it was my letters that convinced him it was necessary to take such a risk.

"I'm not sure I put much trust in messages from dopplegangers, in any case. The most likely scenario is that they mean to lure me into a trap. But I would like to know who and where my enemies are."

She skipped a rock out over the water. It bounced seven times, then sank.

"Some day we will all have time to rest and look around us," she said. "That's what Solunastra is for. But while we are above ground, we must give light, according to our natures. Or that's what I believe, in any case. Will you help me?"

Posted by: Arynel Dec 21 2004, 04:52 AM


"Will I help you?" Arynel mused. "Will I help him?"

The Breton smiled.

"You already know the answer to that, as I do, I've known the answer the moment you first asked, and you the moment you thought to seek me."

He paused.

"Are you ready?"

Posted by: Anghardel67 Dec 21 2004, 05:59 AM

Azrael could be seen from a mile away, or so a mer might have figured watching him ride the mammoth silt-strider to his next destination. His un-dunmer-like hair whipping flagrantly about in the wind, mocking all that was--literally--beneath him. One would think him a fine mer from this presentation, though he would not venture to say anything of the sort about his own character and past volitions. He was not eager to reach Ald Ruhn, not knowing what type of reaction to expect from the Mages Guild hall that awaited him; he could not help but dwell over the past few days, flipping through each event he witnessed as though it was a novel in his mind; so many expressions, so many words, so many actions to contemplate. . .and yet, he realized his time was running short, and that, in the near future, the occasion would come for him to suspend dwelling on one thing for more than a minute at a time. He would be forced, he feared, to act brashly, and present himself in a nearly "cocksure" manner to both his enemies, as well as his allies.

This dialogue within his mind brought to light another question; in this world that had, thus far, brought nothing short of emotional plague to him, who was he to call friend, and who enemy? Would be be in this position, among those that would currently call him friend an enemy, if he had not chosen the path he did? He felt that, all things considered, time most certainly would have changed a few things.

"So idle, I have been, in my actions in the past. I have let others dictate my actions to such a fine point that I sit here now, only second-guessing myself. Why has this waited inside me for such a long time?", he wondered to himself, humming a faint tune to distract the attention of the comandeer of this particular strider.

Though his mind was in another place completely, far outside of what he could physically see, physically feel, now, he realized that he was getting far too close for comfort to his destination with a slight glance into the distance. At this point he had no plans for what he might attempt when he arrived; there was only one goal, and that was common--pull himself out of this mess alive.

(Ang)

Posted by: OriontheHunter Dec 21 2004, 05:59 AM

*It was dark when he awoke. He got up and looked about and noticed the ship was no longer moving*

"Where am I?"

*Suddenly the cabin door flew open and two heavily armed men walked in and seized him*

"Wha? WHATS THIS ALL ABOUT?"

"Heh...you'll see..."

*They dragged him up to the deck and plopped him in front of the Captain*

"What are you doing...are you mad?!?!" Orion yelled

"Heh...look off onto the shore"

*He looked over the railing and noticed they were docked at some sort of Island with an entrance into a cliff*

"well I guess it'd time to die..." The captain said

"Wha?!?!...what are you saying?"

"You still don't get it? What are you stupid? This whole thing was an elaberate ploy!"

"Why?"

"To kill you..."

"I KNOW THAT RETARD!...I mean why would someone want me dead???"

"'Fraid I dunno that answer laddie! I just get the orders and carry them out!."

"Hmph....well at least can I keep my weapon?"

"Of course! I wouldn't let you die without a fight. And quite a fight it will be believe me!"

*At that 2 guards seized him and his satchel and tossed him onto the shore. The great ship lurched forward and into the the black abyss of the sea.*

Posted by: Dumbkid Dec 21 2004, 06:13 AM



An aquatic creature rose out of the water. It began to look around, and then cocked it's head towards Orion.

"Heyza," the Dreugh said as he approached the Breton. "I'm Samuel, the flying Dreugh. Do you have any tasties?"

Posted by: OriontheHunter Dec 21 2004, 06:18 AM

*Amused at the strange creature Orion opened up his satchel and picked a sweetroll out of it...tossing it to the dreugh*

*He then proceeds to gather some food for himself, some crab meat, Shivers and bread*

Posted by: Dumbkid Dec 21 2004, 06:23 AM



A tentacle rises and catches the sweetroll out of the air...

And tosses it right back!

"Not a tasty!" The Dreugh exclaims.

The creature moves closer to Orion.

"Samuel smells tasties..."

Posted by: OriontheHunter Dec 21 2004, 06:27 AM

"You don't like that? Heh...ok just calm down"

*He tosses the Crabmeat and a flask of Orcgut to the Dreugh*

"So stranger what may I call you?"

Posted by: Dumbkid Dec 21 2004, 06:33 AM

Two tentacles rose, one catching the crabmeat, and the other the Orcgut. The flask was lifted up to the Dreugh's face, and he bit down on the cork.

"Not a tasty!" The Dreugh said, tossing it back at Orion.

Samuel devoured the crabmeat.

"I am Samuel. I am Dreugh."

Posted by: Solin Dec 21 2004, 06:33 AM

Booted feet pounded heavily against the metal plated floor. Solin was running. His pack bounced against his back. It was heavy, loaded with bundles of golden wire, bits of metal plate, and a large gear or two. He wasn't wearing his traveling robe anymore, robes made it difficult to flee when confronted. The pack’s straps cut into his shoulders as his chest heaved as he gasped for air. The whirring of the local gears and the echoes of Solin’s footsteps were drowned out by the hissing and clanging that followed close on his heels. The guardians of the city had not taken kindly to his plundering. It almost seemed like a sacrilege to steal from the dead but, such fine materials were impossible to find elsewhere.

Posted by: OriontheHunter Dec 21 2004, 06:34 AM

*catching the flask and stuffing it back in his bag*

"Hmph...I can see that. So what takes you to this forsaken place?"

Posted by: Dumbkid Dec 21 2004, 06:40 AM


"Forsaken?" The Dreugh repeated, cocking his head from side to side. "Samuel does not know."

The creature paused.

"Samuel is Dreugh. Samuel karvinasim soon."

Posted by: OriontheHunter Dec 21 2004, 06:47 AM

*confused at samuel's last statement Orion stood up and shook the sand off his coat, grabbing his silver spear*

"Well Samuel do what you must. Now I must go on and die. For through that door lies my end I am afraid. These people deployed a cunning ploy which I fell to. I shall see you in the afterlife perhaps!"

Posted by: Dumbkid Dec 21 2004, 06:49 AM



"You go die then." The Dreugh said. "Samuel leave now, Samuel get more tasties. Samuel get lots of tasties Samuel karvinasim. Then Samuel meff. Later. After karvinasim."

With that, the Dreugh disappeared under the water with a splash.

Posted by: OriontheHunter Dec 21 2004, 06:54 AM

*Bewildered at Samuel's uncaring nature, Orion stampes his feet in the soft sand trying to rid himself of an inexplanitory woe coming over his soul.*

Courage is the absense of fear
Wisdom is the absense of foolishness
Honor is the absense of indignity
Insanity is the absense of faith


*He enters the cave*

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 21 2004, 07:18 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 20 2004, 09:42 PM)

"Will I help you?"  Arynel mused.  "Will I help him?"

The Breton smiled.

"You already know the answer to that, as I do, I've known the answer the moment you first asked, and you the moment you thought to seek me."

He paused.

"Are you ready?"

*




Allerleirauh smiled widely. "I am probably not ready. But we should go anyway."

Posted by: Arynel Dec 21 2004, 07:21 AM



Arynel nodded.

"She may be there, of course." The Breton said offhandedly. "But when I last encountered her, I was but one."

With that, Arynel whispered a string of power.

He slid behind the hill

And rose above the star-precipice.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 21 2004, 07:23 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 21 2004, 12:11 AM)

Arynel nodded.

"She may be there, of course."  The Breton said offhandedly.  "But when I last encountered her, I was but one."

With that, Arynel whispered a string of power.

He slid behind the hill

And rose above the star-precipice.

*




Allerleirauh followed Arynel into the Void. She had to admit, she didn't fear the unknown malign presence that had attacked him nearly as much as she looked forward to seeing him within the Void again. He was always beautiful, always majestic. But within the Void it was easier to see him.

Posted by: Arynel Dec 21 2004, 07:26 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 20 2004, 11:13 PM)

Allerleirauh followed Arynel into the Void. She had to admit, she didn't fear the unknown malign presence that had attacked him nearly as much as she looked forward to seeing him within the Void again. He was always beautiful, always majestic. But within the Void it was easier to see him.

*





Inside the void, Arynel's cloak became an array of shinning threads. Strings of light mapping out all paths, those yet to be written, and those left behind ages before.

The Breton lifted an extened finger above his head, and with eyelids closed, brought the finger down to the cloak.

He began to follow a thread.

He began to sweat.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 21 2004, 07:29 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 21 2004, 12:16 AM)

Inside the void, Arynel's cloak became an array of shinning threads.  Strings of light mapping out all paths, those yet to be written, and those left behind ages before.

The Breton lifted an extened finger above his head, and with eyelids closed, brought the finger down to the cloak.

He began to follow a thread.

He began to sweat.

*




"Is something wrong?" Allerleirauh asked. She hesitated to question him; although she had made the cloak herself, she didn't understand its magic.

Posted by: Arynel Dec 21 2004, 07:32 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 20 2004, 11:19 PM)

"Is something wrong?"  Allerleirauh asked. She hesitated to question him;  although she had made the cloak herself, she didn't understand its magic.

*





The Breton's head snapped up, and his finger fell from it's place on the thread.

"Lion's den." Arynel said flatly. "Devil's brothel."

Closing his eyes once again, he placed a finger on the cloak and began to follow a thread.

He began to shiver.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 21 2004, 07:36 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 21 2004, 12:22 AM)

The Breton's head snapped up, and his finger fell from it's place on the thread.

"Lion's den."  Arynel said flatly.  "Devil's brothel."

Closing his eyes once again, he placed a finger on the cloak and began to follow a thread.

He began to shiver.

*




Allerleirauh wanted to catch his hand and pull it away; but she needed his skill. She forced herself to remember that other people had just as much right to take risks as she did.

Lion's den? Devil's brothel?

Not good; she began to sort through her memories, seeking the significance of the words.

Posted by: Arynel Dec 21 2004, 07:39 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 20 2004, 11:26 PM)

Allerleirauh wanted to catch his hand and pull it away;  but she needed his skill. She forced herself to remember that other people had just as much right to take risks as she did.

Lion's den?  Devil's brothel?

Not good;  she began to sort through her memories, seeking the significance of the words.

*





At last the Breton's finger came to a hault.

Arynel suddenly convulsed and collapsed.

Lifting himself up again, he turned and began walking forward.

"This way." He said without emotion.

He stepped out of the void...

Posted by: OriontheHunter Dec 21 2004, 07:42 AM

The Manticore

*The dark corridors of stone and grime lingered with malice as Orion stumbled around in near complete darkness. Until he came upon a large open chamber with waterfalls running all down the sides.*

"Reminds me of an arena..."

*Suddenly a boulder fell behind him blocking his exit*

"Damn..."

*Out in front of him a large beast emerged. It's enormous muscled body was that of a lion but its horrific tail was red and venomous of a scorpion.*

"The Manticore...never have I seen such a legend..."

*The beast slid sloly towards it's prey and Orion clutched his spear firmly in his hand....Suddenly it striked! Lashing at Orion with it's huge stinger of a tail, but Orion quickly reacted and dodged swiftly to the side. He countered with a series of quick jabs at its throat before being swept off his feet by a large powerful paw*

"Dirty...son of a!!!"

*He charged recklessly and angrily at the beast but it quickly responded and whipped Orion in the face with the side of his tail, knocking him down agian. Orion got up and threw a rock at the Manticore which hit him square in the eye. Seeing his oppurtunity to strike Orion lunged upon the beasts bace and impalnted his spear in its nasal cavity.*

"Heh! That'll teach you fetcher!"

"RAWWWRGGHHARAGRAGJINALLLHIFFF!!!!"

*The Manticore lashed about in torrents of pain. It's tail chopped into the ground, threating, as Orion jumped and dodged for his life. The evil, hideous tail swooped down upon him, narrowly missing by inches. The beast ragained it's and began to thrash about suing it's whole body. Orion tried to dodge it but it was to no avail. The large body of the beast slammed into Orion and pinned him agian a waterfall. Seeing its chance the Manticore turned and faced Orion.*

"Hmph...I guess this is the end..."

*Orion closed his eyes and expected the end....it did not come*

"What?!?"

*He look into the eyes of the beast which were starting to glaze over, enticed by the sweet hymn of death. Orion struggled under the beasts body weight but finally freed himself.*

"I guess...the spear went far enough when it twisted it's head."

*Orion took out his dagger and sliced off the end of the beasts hideous tail and tucked it away in his satchel...*

"This will make them believe...if I ever see them agian"

*He exited the way that the Manticore had come...walking down the dimly lit halls*

Posted by: Glensather Dec 21 2004, 07:45 AM

Khull:

I run down the docks of Khull before reaching the edge and use
my jump spell to reach the bank across from it. I slide down the embankment slightly before stopping at the edge of the water. I see below as the slaughterfish swarm, sensing a new feast for themselves.

Looking up, I see my opponent, dressed in his Dark Brotherhood garb, as he stops and pulls out a hand crossbow. I watch as he loads a magical bolt, then aims. I cast a climb spell and scrabble up the near-vertical embankment. He fires, but misses my head by inches, as I hear the sound of electricity whizz by me. I don't bother to see where the bolt stuck as I reach the top of the embankment.

As I reach the top, I hear a scream, and I look to my left to see an Orc wearing steel mail charge me. I duck and shoulder rush him, carrying him up and over my body, letting him fall down the cliff. I barely have time to congratulate myself as I narrowly avoid a katana's bite. I quickly draw both my wakizashi's as a second slash comes in from the same blade. I face the DB assassin as he gets into a fighting stance, ready to take me on.

He charges first, using a downward chop hard enough for me to lift both my blades to parry the tough blow. I break the weapon lock and slash with my left blade. He blocks, so I thrust with my right one. He drops his katana and ducks the strike by dropping. As he does so, he grabs the falling blade and makes a prone strike at my feet. I jump, and the assassin scrabbles to his feet. I come down with a dual chop, forcing him to use the katana horizontally in order to block. He takes the bait; I break the attack and come around with a hard right kick to the side. He goes sprawling, but stands up. Damn, he's persistant.

I begin to come at him with another charge, but a feeling tells me to turn around. I see the flash of white steel in the form of another katana, and block by reversing the wakizashi's direction - inward instead of outward. Looking back, I see the first assassin come at me, blade low to prevent himself from being vulnerable.

As he attacks, so does his ally. I block a high slash and mid-chop as the two get into flanking potions. They both begin an assault of varying degrees, but I manage to block both with my seperate swords. However, the wear of the attacks begins to ache in my arms, and I realize why they aren't going in for a killing blow yet; to ensure I'm too weak to even cast spells.

I run forward a few feet to end to futile attacks and sheath my blades. I raise one of my hands in a casting position and breathe. The two assassins do the same. I utter a few words and power my magicka. I follow with a shockball to the one in front of me; a slow one. He counters with one of his own. I do the same against the other, with the same result.

Grinning, I begin uttering the words of power as I watch my hand begin glowing with the blue-white of lightning. Without a word, I send a quick blast of energy at my opponents the exact same time they do, cancelling both spells out as they collide. I frown and ball my casting hand into a fist as I pull out an eight-inch long wand. I shoot another shockball at my opponents, but this time they are smart enough to cast two in a row. I leap away and roll along the ground, and when I stand I have the wand ready.

I speak the command word and point the wand at my opponents. I cast one, two, three lightning bolts in their general direction before I empty all of the weak item's charges into a single lightning blast. The white ball of energy bypasses the defenses of my opponent and knocks him backwards, into the water far below as the lightning fries him to a crisp.

The other assassin looks behind him, dumbfounded. He looks back at me in time to feel his feet raised off the air as I hold him in a telekenesis spell.

"Who sent you?" I growl. "And why?"
"That would be... violating my contract," the assassin replies calmly. Narrowing my eyes, I infuse another spell into the current one. The man in black gasps as he feels me slowly absorbing his life force.

"Tell me who, or I'll send you to the dreugh!" I command, floating him to over the cliff. He gasps in defiance, and so I strengthen the spell. "Tell me, damnit!" The assassin struggles against the spells to no avail. Looking down, he finally relents.

"It was the Argonians of Black Marsh," he tells me. "They want to kill you for escaping them. That and..." he pauses, as if unsure. I take it as an act of rebellion. My eyes are slits as I slam the would-be attacker into a nearby tree. I hear the plant snap, and splinters fly out the opposite end.

"Speak! Who else!"
"Members of the Tribunal!" he finally cries. "They don't think the Morag Tong can do this, so they sent us along with agents from Argonia! You are a known cultist of Azura now, so they want you dead!" Now the assassin has the balls to laugh. "You are screwed, Dunmer. We are working with the Argonian Justiscars and Tribunal Agents to hunt you down." he laughs again. "They want you dead, elf. Very dead,"

I feel a seething anger boil into hatred, and in my fit of rage I toss the assassin behind me. I hear faintly as he hits a shack in Khull, but I pay it no mind. I begin to walk away from the cliff edge, not looking back.

I tried to atone for my sin, I think. For destroying that tomb, I tried desperately. I gave the family money to build a new one; I had priests sanctify a new location; I even went to the old site myself and helped receive family heirlooms and treasures; I thought it would be enough. I grin slyly as I realize that it isn't. It usually never is.

A roar behind me indicates that the Orc somehow lived. I turn my head and look as a water-logged steel-wearing beast comes at me with his axe. I move one foot back, turning it to wear both feet are facing opposite directions. I look at the Orc and drain all of my magicka into my right hand. As he reaches literally four inches from me, I release a Shockstrike into him. The smell of burning Orc-flesh fills my nostrils as he crumples to the ground. I stare at the smoldering body briefly before I reach down and pick up the orc's axe. Lifting it high, I suddenly bring it down on the Orc's head.

I turn and walk away...

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 21 2004, 07:53 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 21 2004, 12:29 AM)

At last the Breton's finger came to a hault.

Arynel suddenly convulsed and collapsed.

Lifting himself up again, he turned and began walking forward.

"This way."  He said without emotion.

He stepped out of the void...

*




Allerleirauh reached out a hand to steady him, and pushed her way through.

She had been to the Aetherius, or rather a pocket of it, before. She had read of Oblivion and seen it in visions and nightmares. She had never before been so foolish as to come here intentionally.

Assuming that Oblivion was where they were now. She looked around.



Posted by: Rhedd Dec 21 2004, 08:01 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 21 2004, 01:43 AM)

Allerleirauh reached out a hand to steady him, and pushed her way through.

She had been to the Aetherius, or rather a pocket of it, before. She had read of Oblivion and seen it in visions and nightmares. She had never before been so foolish as to come here intentionally.

Assuming that Oblivion was where they were now.  She looked around.

*




(OBLIVION:)

Allerleirauh and Arynel found themselves standing on a white, curved marble floor. At regular intervals, this 'floor' curved up to meet the inverted crown of a pillar, which rose far, far above to meet a polished checkerboard-tile hall. Nearby, an ornate chandelier lay in a tangled heap, it's support chains useless in this upside-down world.

Far above, many ornate doors opened onto the hall, but closer to the 'ceiling', where the newcomers stood, were many arched windows looking out.

Posted by: Arynel Dec 21 2004, 08:05 AM


"He's here." Arynel said to Allerleirauh. "The Psijic is here, we must look for him."

The Breton began scanning the area.

"And open eyes make for bright tomorrows." Arynel added. "There is a terror here."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 21 2004, 08:09 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 21 2004, 12:55 AM)

"He's here."  Arynel said to Allerleirauh.  "The Psijic is here, we must look for him."

The Breton began scanning the area.

"And open eyes make for bright tomorrows."  Arynel added.  "There is a terror here."

*




"When in the realm of terrors, you should become a terror yourself," Allerleirauh said, pulling her cloak closer around her. Nothing happened. She remained a tall, slim Nord woman with shining silver hair. She did not become a Welwa.

"The Welwa is a creature of the creation," she said. "I suppose I should not be surprised that I cannot tap that energy here."

She took a deep breath, and tilted her head to look at the room from a different angle. "I suppose we should try to get up to the ceiling. Floor. Ready?"

She jumped as high as she could.

Posted by: Arynel Dec 21 2004, 08:11 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 20 2004, 11:59 PM)

"When in the realm of terrors, you should become a terror yourself,"  Allerleirauh said, pulling her cloak closer around her. Nothing happened. She remained a tall, slim Nord woman with shining silver hair. She did not become a Welwa.

"The Welwa is a creature of the creation,"  she said. "I suppose I should not be surprised that I cannot tap that energy here."

She took a deep breath, and tilted her head to look at the room from a different angle. "I suppose we should try to get up to the ceiling. Floor. Ready?" 

She jumped as high as she could.

*





"The threads are twisted here," Arynel muttered. "The path winds too much, more than I am fond of."

The Breton jumped as high as he could, following Allerleirauh's lead...

Posted by: Glensather Dec 21 2004, 08:17 AM

Ald'Ruhn:

I walk inside the city in the dead of night. No one except the Mage's Guild would be awake at this time, but since that is my destination, it's fine. I look behind me and to make sure that I'm not being followed, and head inside the build.

Within its lobby, the first person I see is Edwinna Elbert, the guild steward. She directs me to a small room, where she says I can rest until the guild guide wakes up tomorrow morning.

I figure that my mission will take me first to Balmora, where I can talk with someone who can alleviate this stupid contract on my head, at least on the Temple's side. It's damn near impossible, but I need that off my head. The part about Argonians can wait, hopefully.

I lay down on the bed and go to sleep from exhaustion...

_________________________

"Mr. Vehkem?"
"What?"

I open my eyes to stare right at the snout of a silver-clad Argonian.

"Oh... well this sucks..."

"In the name of Argonia and her laws, you, Tharivor Vehkem, are hearby incarcerated until your execution upon return to the Black Marsh."

"Yeah... this really sucks,"

Two more Argonians come in and point spears at my throat...

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 21 2004, 08:17 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 21 2004, 01:59 AM)

"When in the realm of terrors, you should become a terror yourself,"  Allerleirauh said, pulling her cloak closer around her. Nothing happened. She remained a tall, slim Nord woman with shining silver hair. She did not become a Welwa.

"The Welwa is a creature of the creation,"  she said. "I suppose I should not be surprised that I cannot tap that energy here."

She took a deep breath, and tilted her head to look at the room from a different angle. "I suppose we should try to get up to the ceiling. Floor. Ready?" 

She jumped as high as she could.

*




(OBLIVION:)

Allerleirauh sailed upwards toward the floor, turning gracefully in midair and landing feet first in a deep crouch.

Standing on the floor beside her was a creature small enough to be invisible from far below. It was dark blue, mostly mouth, and sat on two squat legs. It looked at her momentarily, then said, "...hello..." in a quiet voice.

A heartbeat later, Allerleiruah's feet left the floor as gravity continued to pull her down.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 21 2004, 08:21 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 21 2004, 01:07 AM)

(OBLIVION:)

Allerleirauh sailed upwards toward the floor, turning gracefully in midair and landing feet first in a deep crouch.

Standing on the floor beside her was a creature small enough to be invisible from far below. It was dark blue, mostly mouth, and sat on two squat legs. It looked at her momentarily, then said, "...hello..." in a quiet voice.

A heartbeat later, Allerleiruah's feet left the floor as gravity continued to pull her down.

*




Allerleirauh scrabbled to hold on - for some reason her mind wanted to convince her that the surface she had just been standing on was the floor, and not the other way around. Then she put her hand on her dagger, and spoke the words of a levitation spell. She righted herself, and resumed her position on the checkerboard "ceiling," next to the small creature.

Posted by: Arynel Dec 21 2004, 08:26 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 21 2004, 12:11 AM)

Allerleirauh scrabbled to hold on - for some reason her mind wanted to convince her that the surface she had just been standing on was the floor, and not the other way around. Then she put her hand on her dagger, and spoke the words of a levitation spell. She righted herself, and resumed her position on the checkerboard "ceiling," next to the small creature.

*





Arynel came crashing down to the floor, and rolled to a stop.

A soft blue light extended from the Breton's fingertips, enveloping his wounds. At last he righted himself, and looked up towards the ceiling.

"What can you see?" Arynel asked, scanning the surrounding area.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 21 2004, 08:27 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 21 2004, 01:16 AM)

Arynel came crashing down to the floor, and rolled to a stop.

A soft blue light extended from the Breton's fingertips, enveloping his wounds.  At last he righted himself, and looked up towards the ceiling.

"What can you see?"  Arynel asked, scanning the surrounding area.

*




"Hello," Allerleirauh said to the small creature. "Where are we, please?"

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 21 2004, 08:31 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 21 2004, 02:17 AM)

"Hello,"  Allerleirauh said to the small creature. "Where are we, please?"

*





"I am in my home, I don't know where YOU think you are. Where do you want to be?" replies the small blue creature, a frown almost apparent on its round face.

Posted by: Arynel Dec 21 2004, 08:34 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 21 2004, 12:21 AM)

"I am in my home, I don't know where YOU think you are. Where do you want to be?" replies the small blue creature, a frown almost apparent on its round face.

*





Arynel eyed the creature on the ceiling above him.

"Interesting." The Breton mused. He then spoke, his voice laced with a charm spell.

Demon be you
Or blooddrop still
Let ease be what greets you
And leave no secrets in their seals...


Posted by: Rhedd Dec 21 2004, 08:39 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 21 2004, 02:24 AM)

Arynel eyed the creature on the ceiling above him.

"Interesting."  The Breton mused.  He then spoke, his voice laced with a charm spell.

Demon be you
Or blooddrop still
Let ease be what greets you
And leave no secrets in their seals...

*





The small, round thing looked up at Aryel's voice, echoing across the vaulted ceiling, then looked back at Allerleirauh.

"AH! So sorry, I didn't recognize you at first, you must be new Kings of the Wheel! Oh, my apologies again. Please, come with me, and do tell that charming friend of yours to come down from the ceiling, for pity's sake!"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 21 2004, 08:42 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 21 2004, 01:29 AM)

The small, round thing looked up at Aryel's voice, echoing across the vaulted ceiling, then looked back at Allerleirauh.

"AH! So sorry, I didn't recognize you at first, you must be new Kings of the Wheel! Oh, my apologies again. Please, come with me, and do tell that charming friend of yours to come down from the ceiling, for pity's sake!"

*




Allerleirauh searched through her rings until she found the one she wanted. She chanted a spell, and sparkles surrounded Arynel, allowing him to rise into the air.

"Thank you," she said to the small creature. "Lead on."

Posted by: Arynel Dec 21 2004, 08:46 AM



The Breton rose into the air. Halfway up he turned himself over, and finally his feet planted themselves firmly on the cieling...

On the floor.

"What a strange place this is." Arynel whispered to Allerleriauh. "I do hope our time here is short."

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 21 2004, 08:56 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 21 2004, 02:36 AM)

The Breton rose into the air.  Halfway up he turned himself over, and finally his feet planted themselves firmly on the cieling...

On the floor.

"What a strange place this is."  Arynel whispered to Allerleriauh.  "I do hope our time here is short."

*





"Ah, that's better," says the small blue thing. "Now, if you'll just follow me this way..."

For being almost completely circular with legs that barely reach the ground, the odd thing was surprisingly fast. He led the two 'new Kings of the Wheel' out through a huge carved door, and down many baroque hallways. An odd creaking, mechanically moaning sound could be heard that grew louder and louder.

"Ah yes, here we are," the thing said, reaching a positively towering iron door. Using one foot, he turned a tiny doorhandle, set at a comfortable level for him near the ground, and the mammoth door swung open smoothly.

The creaking noise was suddenly much louder, and it echoed down the hall.

The room beyond was terrifying in size. Pillars rose up into the darkness on all sides to support an unseen ceiling. In the center of the room, a giant wooden wheel, as large as a mountain, creaked and groaned as it slowly turned on its worn wooden axle.

Looking closely, the newcomers could see that the wheel turned because countless people, pale and gaunt, walked slowly within the wheel's rim.

"Just this way, then, if you please," urged the tiny creature.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 21 2004, 09:03 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 21 2004, 01:46 AM)

"Ah, that's better," says the small blue thing. "Now, if you'll just follow me this way..."

For being almost completely circular with legs that barely reach the ground, the odd thing was surprisingly fast. He led the two 'new Kings of the Wheel' out through a huge carved door, and down many baroque hallways. An odd creaking, mechanically moaning sound could be heard that grew louder and louder.

"Ah yes, here we are," the thing said, reaching a positively towering iron door. Using one foot, he turned a tiny doorhandle, set at a comfortable level for him near the ground, and the mammoth door swung open smoothly.

The creaking noise was suddenly much louder, and it echoed down the hall.

The room beyond was terrifying in size. Pillars rose up into the darkness on all sides to support an unseen ceiling. In the center of the room, a giant wooden wheel, as large as a mountain, creaked and groaned as it slowly turned on its worn wooden axle.

Looking closely, the newcomers could see that the wheel turned because countless people, pale and gaunt, walked slowly within the wheel's rim.

"Just this way, then, if you please," urged the tiny creature.

*




"It seems unlikely that B would be a prisoner here," Allerleirauh whispered to Arynel. "But, then, each of these poor souls was ambitious enough to arrive here somehow..."


Posted by: Arynel Dec 21 2004, 09:07 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 21 2004, 12:53 AM)

"It seems unlikely that B would be a prisoner here,"  Allerleirauh whispered to Arynel.  "But, then, each of these poor souls was ambitious enough to arrive here somehow..."

*





"Slaves." Arynel said, his gaze switching between the laborers at the wheel and Allerleirauh. "They came as slaves, and they are slaves now."

The Breton paused.

He opened his mouth to speak, but snapped it shut instead.

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 21 2004, 09:14 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 21 2004, 02:57 AM)

"Slaves."  Arynel said, his gaze switching between the laborers at the wheel and Allerleirauh.  "They came as slaves, and they are slaves now."

The Breton paused.

He opened his mouth to speak, but snapped it shut instead.

*





"'Slaves'? 'Prisoners'? Are you people mad? Why, 'tis an honor to be here! If you all had what you deserved, you'd be trampled into the muck from which you rose! You'd be forgotten by the universe, and happily so!

The small creature looks quite angry, its entire body swelling and its tiny black eyes bulge from its head.

"I offer you a kingdom of your very own, and you scoff? Yes, yes, I see now. I have been foolish and mistaken your purpose here!"

Posted by: Arynel Dec 21 2004, 09:20 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 21 2004, 01:04 AM)

"'Slaves'? 'Prisoners'? Are you people mad? Why, 'tis an honor to be here! If you all had what you deserved, you'd be trampled into the muck from which you rose! You'd be forgotten by the universe, and happily so!

The small creature looks quite angry, its entire body swelling and its tiny black eyes bulge from its head.

"I offer you a kingdom of your very own, and you scoff? Yes, yes, I see now. I have been foolish and mistaken your purpose here!"

*





"We are looking for someone." Arynel began, turning to the small creature. "Has anyone arrived here of late? Someone new?"

The Breton paused.

"I need no kingdom to rule as king, for the peasantry is none but myself."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 21 2004, 09:22 AM

Allerleirauh started to speak, then held her tongue.

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 21 2004, 09:28 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 21 2004, 03:10 AM)

"We are looking for someone."  Arynel began, turning to the small creature.  "Has anyone arrived here of late?  Someone new?"

The Breton paused.

"I need no kingdom to rule as king, for the peasantry is none but myself."

*





The tiny creature puffed itself up even more.

"You dare trouble me with your insignificant desires? I will teach you the meaning of eternity, worm!"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 21 2004, 09:30 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 21 2004, 02:18 AM)

The tiny creature puffed itself up even more.

"You dare trouble me with your insignificant desires? I will teach you the meaning of eternity, worm!"

*




"Your grace, I'm terribly sorry for the misunderstanding," Allerleirauh said quickly. "We are servants of another already; we were sent here to bring you presents. But due to our unspeakable ignorance we did not recognize your grace until this moment."

She delved in her pack and came up with a large packet of kwama cuttles. "Fresh from the table of Prince Azura himself."

Posted by: Arynel Dec 21 2004, 09:31 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 21 2004, 01:18 AM)

The tiny creature puffed itself up even more.

"You dare trouble me with your insignificant desires? I will teach you the meaning of eternity, worm!"

*





"If you will be so kind to consider my plight," Arynel began, the Breton's voice laced with a charm spell. "You can see that we are merely two passersby, in search of a friend of ours. Once we find him we will leave you be."

He paused, and smiled.

"Now, do you know anything of a newcomer? I'm sure someone of your rank and standing in this place would know the whereabouts of any recent arrivals."

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 21 2004, 09:36 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 21 2004, 03:21 AM)

"If you will be so kind to consider my plight," Arynel began, the Breton's voice laced with a charm spell.  "You can see that we are merely two passersby, in search of a friend of ours.  Once we find him we will leave you be."

He paused, and smiled.

"Now, do you know anything of a newcomer?  I'm sure someone of your rank and standing in this place would know the whereabouts of any recent arrivals."

*





"..."
The small creature looked at one, then the other of the shining people standing in his house.

Looking to Arynel he says, "Trying the same trick on me twice, creature of dust? You, I do not like."

"You," he says, turning to Allerleirauh, "I do.
"Go on, mortal," he says with difficulty, holding his mouth wide open, "put it in!"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 21 2004, 09:37 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 21 2004, 02:26 AM)

"..."
The small creature looked at one, then the other of the shining people standing in his house.

Looking to Arynel he says, "Trying the same trick on me twice, creature of dust? You, I do not like."

"You," he says, turning to Allerleirauh, "I do.
"Go on, mortal," he says with difficulty, holding his mouth wide open, "put it in!"

*




Allerleirauh blinked twice, then shoved the kwama cuttles in the small creature's mouth.

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 21 2004, 09:37 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 21 2004, 03:27 AM)

Allerleirauh blinked twice, then shoved the kwama cuttles in the small creature's mouth.

*





With little resistence, they disappeared.

Turning back to Arynel, the creature says sternly, "Now..."

Posted by: Arynel Dec 21 2004, 09:42 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 21 2004, 01:27 AM)

With little resistence, they disappeared.

Turning back to Arynel, the creature says sternly, "Now..."

*





"I have had enough of you." Arynel said.

The Breton's voice was bitter...

And rolling--like thunder.

He placed a hand on the creatures forehead.

AE ALTADOON

GHARTOK

PADHOME

CHIM


Posted by: Rhedd Dec 21 2004, 09:51 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 21 2004, 03:32 AM)

"I have had enough of you."  Arynel said.

The Breton's voice was bitter...

And rolling--like thunder.

He placed a hand on the creatures forehead.

AE ALTADOON

GHARTOK

PADHOME

CHIM

*





The creature frowned deeply for a brief moment, then burst into white-hot flames, searing the flesh of Arynel's hand badly. The creature was no longer there.

Behind them, a sound like a cannon heralded the closing of the iron door through which they had entered.

It echoed.

Posted by: Arynel Dec 21 2004, 09:53 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 21 2004, 01:41 AM)

The creature frowned deeply for a brief moment, then burst into white-hot flames, searing the flesh of Arynel's hand badly. The creature was no longer there.

Behind them, a sound like a cannon heralded the closing of the iron door through which they had entered.

It echoed.

*





Arynel fell to the floor holding his hand, a grimace on his face.

From his good hand a soft blue light eminated, wraping itself around his burns.

The Breton's face was red, and he was sweating perfusely.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 21 2004, 09:54 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 21 2004, 02:41 AM)

The creature frowned deeply for a brief moment, then burst into white-hot flames, searing the flesh of Arynel's hand badly. The creature was no longer there.

Behind them, a sound like a cannon heralded the closing of the iron door through which they had entered.

It echoed.

*




"Would you kindly remember whose house we're in?" Allerleirauh hissed, spinning to look at the closed door. "You can't cast out the devil in the name of Padhome! Now what?"

She knelt at Arynel's side, to help him to his feet.

Posted by: Arynel Dec 21 2004, 09:57 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 21 2004, 01:44 AM)

"Would you kindly remember whose house we're in?"  Allerleirauh hissed, spinning to look at the closed door. "You can't cast out the devil in the name of Padhome!  Now what?"

She knelt at Arynel's side, to help him to his feet.

*





Arynel took Allie's hand, and stood up.

"He's gone, isn't he?" The Breton asked, smiling at Allerleriah. "One challenge overcome, now we continue on to the next. Where is the Psijic?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 21 2004, 09:59 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 21 2004, 02:47 AM)

Arynel took Allie's hand, and stood up.

"He's gone, isn't he?"  The Breton asked, smiling at Allerleriah.  "One challenge overcome, now we continue on to the next.  Where is the Psijic?"

*




Allerleirauh moved forward, trying to gain a vantage point from which she could scan the faces of the people on the Wheel.

"Hello?" she called.

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 21 2004, 10:02 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 21 2004, 03:49 AM)

Allerleirauh moved forward, trying to gain a vantage point from which she could scan the faces of the people on the Wheel.

"Hello?"  she called.

*




(OBLIVION:)

The people on the wheel continued their slow tread. A golden crown sparkled on each brow. White, blank eyes stared heedlessly forward.

CREAK
GROAN

The wheel continued to turn.

Posted by: Arynel Dec 21 2004, 10:05 AM



Arynel's eyes suddenly grow wide.

"Friend." The Breton says, turning to Allerleirauh and placing his hands on her shoulders. "Does B have anything with him you could use to find him with? A gift perhaps?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 21 2004, 10:10 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 21 2004, 02:55 AM)

Arynel's eyes suddenly grow wide.

"Friend."  The Breton says, turning to Allerleirauh and placing his hands on her shoulders.  "Does B have anything with him you could use to find him with?  A gift perhaps?"

*




"He should have my ring," Allerleirauh said. "I gave him the Stone of Wonders. And I have his journal, which is connected to the journal he carries..."

She flipped the journal open. There were no new messages in its pages.

"I'm going to write," she said. "Here in Oblivion perhaps you can see where my words go."

Where are you, my dear friend? she wrote, swiftly.

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 21 2004, 10:14 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 21 2004, 04:00 AM)

"He should have my ring,"  Allerleirauh said. "I gave him the Stone of Wonders. And I have his journal, which is connected to the journal he carries..."

She flipped the journal open. There were no new messages in its pages.

"I'm going to write,"  she said. "Here in Oblivion perhaps you can see where my words go."

Where are you, my dear friend?  she wrote, swiftly.

*





The words seemed to tear off of the page and whip through the air. They took one spin around the wheel and disappeared through a wall.

Posted by: Arynel Dec 21 2004, 10:16 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 21 2004, 02:04 AM)

The words seemed to tear off of the page and whip through the air. They took one spin around the wheel and disappeared through a wall.

*





"Thank you, love." Arynel says to Allie.

The Breton turns and walks by the wheel, towards the wall.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 21 2004, 10:18 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 21 2004, 03:06 AM)

"Thank you, love."  Arynel says to Allie.

The Breton turns and walks by the wheel, towards the wall.

*




"That's the way we came in," Allerleirauh said. "Arynel... your cloak. I think we traveled right to him. But we can't see him for some reason. We're not in the same state. Now, the question is, how do we get there?"

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 21 2004, 10:20 AM

CREAK

GROAN

Posted by: Arynel Dec 21 2004, 10:22 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 21 2004, 02:08 AM)

"That's the way we came in,"  Allerleirauh said. "Arynel... your cloak. I think we traveled right to him. But we can't see him for some reason. We're not in the same state. Now, the question is, how do we get there?"

*





"I..." Arynel began. "I don't know."

The Breton's head lowered.

"Wait." His expression moved once more to Allerleirauh. "Stop the wheel."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 21 2004, 10:25 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 21 2004, 03:12 AM)

"I..." Arynel began.  "I don't know."

The Breton's head lowered.

"Wait."  His expression moved once more to Allerleirauh.  "Stop the wheel."

*




"Yes," Allerleirauh said. She looked over the wheel again. This time she noticed that the wooden axle was badly worn.

"I'm going to chop at this thing with my sword," she said. "Don't get crushed, if anything crazy happens."

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 21 2004, 10:26 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 21 2004, 04:15 AM)

"Yes,"  Allerleirauh said. She looked over the wheel again. This time she noticed that the wooden axle was badly worn.

"I'm going to chop at this thing with my sword," she said. "Don't get crushed, if anything crazy happens."

*





CREAK

CREAK

GROAN

Posted by: Arynel Dec 21 2004, 10:26 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 21 2004, 02:15 AM)

"Yes,"  Allerleirauh said. She looked over the wheel again. This time she noticed that the wooden axle was badly worn.

"I'm going to chop at this thing with my sword," she said. "Don't get crushed, if anything crazy happens."

*





"No, wait." Arynel said, lifting a hand. "He said it himself, we are kings of the wheel. Tell them to stop turning it."

The Breton nodded his head, and waited.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 21 2004, 10:36 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 21 2004, 03:16 AM)

"No, wait."  Arynel said, lifting a hand.  "He said it himself, we are kings of the wheel.  Tell them to stop turning it."

The Breton nodded his head, and waited.

*




It sounded crazy... but she was willing to try anything once. Allerleirauh had a feeling that "Kings of the Wheel" just meant you got a crown bound on your head, though.

"You there!" she shouted to the slowly moving people. "Stop turning the wheel!"

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 21 2004, 10:37 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 21 2004, 04:26 AM)

It sounded crazy... but she was willing to try anything once.  Allerleirauh had a feeling that "Kings of the Wheel" just meant you got a crown bound on your head, though.

"You there!"  she shouted to the slowly moving people. "Stop turning the wheel!"

*





The people on the wheel continued their slow tread. A golden crown sparkled on each brow. White, blank eyes stared heedlessly forward.

CREAK
GROAN

The wheel continued to turn.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 21 2004, 10:39 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 21 2004, 03:27 AM)

The people on the wheel continued their slow tread. A golden crown sparkled on each brow. White, blank eyes stared heedlessly forward.

CREAK
GROAN

The wheel continued to turn.

*




"That's not going to do it," Allerleirauh said. "Stand clear!"

She launched herself through the air at the massive axle, splintering the worn wood with her sword.

Posted by: Arynel Dec 21 2004, 10:41 AM

Arynel suddenly remebers he left a pie in the oven wink.gif

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 21 2004, 10:42 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 21 2004, 04:29 AM)

"That's not going to do it,"  Allerleirauh said. "Stand clear!"

She launched herself through the air at the massive axle, splintering the worn wood with her sword.

*





CREAK

GROANNnn

The wheel tilted just a bit to one side.

CREAK

GRO... CRACK

The wheel gave a horrible lurch, the people inside fell against one another, but kept walking.

CREEE E

With a thunderous boom, the giant wheel fell to the floor, cracking the tile. For a moment, there was silence, then the kings within the wheel began walking again, straining at first.

Slowly, the unstoppable wheel began to roll.

rumble

RUMBLE

It rolled across the floor, heading for the far wall, destroying pillars as it went.

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 21 2004, 10:51 AM

The wall wasn't about to stop the huge wheel either.

In a shower of marble and stone, the wheel broke through. On the other side, clouds tinged with a red sunset could be seen drifting lazily by.

The wheel teetered on the brink for a moment, like inevitability itself, then fell... up.

The pale figures continued walking as the wheel disappeared into the clouds.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 21 2004, 10:54 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 21 2004, 03:41 AM)

The wall wasn't about to stop the huge wheel either.

In a shower of marble and stone, the wheel broke through. On the other side, clouds tinged with a red sunset could be seen drifting lazily by.

The wheel teetered on the brink for a moment, like inevitability itself, then fell... up.

The pale figures continued walking as the wheel disappeared into the clouds.

*




"Oh my," Allerleirauh said. "I hope they like it up there. Do you suppose this is what the psijiics mean when they say particularly wicked men will rule in Oblivion?"

She stood on the edge of the broken room and craned her neck, trying to see outside.

"I suppose we have to keep going. Let's hold hands or something."

Posted by: Arynel Dec 21 2004, 10:56 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 21 2004, 02:44 AM)

"Oh my,"  Allerleirauh said. "I hope they like it up there. Do you suppose this is what the psijiics mean when they say particularly wicked men will rule in Oblivion?"

She stood on the edge of the broken room and craned her neck, trying to see outside.

"I suppose we have to keep going. Let's hold hands or something."

*





Arynel gave a passing glance towards Allerleirauh.

The Breton said nothing, but began walking forward...

Posted by: Nalion Dec 21 2004, 04:41 PM

The Cloak of Magnus covered the sun and only the holes in Oblivion and Jone and Jode shone faintly in the nightsky. The hill near the eastern part of Balmora was covered in darkness and silence. The man laying in the lush green grass, face to the sky, was not easily to be seen. His arms were folded across the chest holding a short blade.

He had needed a bit of time for himself after the party with the false Loranna had left Balmora, to try to bring order into his mind. His fingers trailed thoughtfully along the back of the dagger of senses and his thoughts reached out, to a time not long ago, to a voice in a distant cave...


QUOTE

"Remember this will only help you when you are following your senses."


Nalion could sense the city of Balmora some way down the hill, feel the grass growing under him and the footsteps of a guar roaming a near valley, see the clouds racing across the sky, hear a the distant cry of a cliff racer guarding his territory, smell the faint scent of heather...


QUOTE

"Very good Nalion, you learn quickly, you have far to go but much less than most others, now keep following those senses and you will find what you seek."


Was this voice referring to his quest in the cave of the dog or was there a deeper meaning in this?
"What do I truly seek?" the Breton said to himself. "Or is it rather an escape than a search?"

Flashes of memory raced through Nalions mind.
Children playing in a barn, a ring, magicka channeled wildly at an armed man... and a name, always her name... Lirielle.

He had tried to forget his past, but recently, his memories came back in ever stronger waves. He had never truly dealt with his own story, never gotten truly over what had happened all these years ago. And he could never forget her...
Nalion shivered and silent tears ran down his cheeks as her picture appeared in front of his minds' eye and he let himself fall, leaving the world behind, falling into an unquiet sleep.

Posted by: Anghardel67 Dec 21 2004, 05:53 PM

Arriving in Ald Ruhn, Azrael suddenly felt a pang of insecurities in his heart; there were few times that he found himself scared, and this was most certainly one of those times--he was not familiar with the feeling itself, and that, in itself, scared him even more. The city was quiet, and few mer were roaming about; he could see evidence of a recent ash storm on the roofs of the various guilds, houses, and bars, and something about the city did not feel right. Though he had been here few times since his arrival on Vvardenfell, he knew how the 'normal' Ald Ruhn was supposed to appear. "Why are so few about? This doesn't do much for my mood," he thought, jumping down from the silt strider platform, balancing his landing with a hand aimed slightly in front of his person.

The sounds of an unnaturally desolate area rang in his ears as clear as a bell, as though someone had decided to cast a spell on him to increase the acuteness of his hearing. The Dunmer shook his head, and looked foward, 20 feet, to the side of the guildhall. He noticed a young mage enter the front door, as he contemplated how he was going to approach this group of people whom he had only just pledged himself again.

Swallowing loudly, and pushing his belt about so that his blade was easily accessible, he headed towards the front door, hood over his face.

Ang

Posted by: OriontheHunter Dec 21 2004, 07:05 PM

*After his battle with the Manticore Orion was extremly fatigued. Howeverhe continued to push himself through the hollow dimly lit halls because he knew there was something important at the end. Finally he came upon a room. In the middle a large stone table and protruding from it was a great spear. Also on the table was some Daedric Sigil. It read:

The time has come.
Doom and dread
The body shall fall
If you sever the head
Echoes emulate
Down these halls
Sealing your fate
With desperate calls


"What a weapon...it's beautiful"

*With his right hand he grasped the spears shaft and pulled it out of the rock. Holding the tip near his eye he exclaimed*

"I shall call you.....Odsidian Echo...."

*He looked about the rest of the room. Piles of gold, jewels, rare weapons and and a small odd looking dwemer boat. He slunghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v472/detritus2004/celt.jpg over his back and loaded up the Dwemer Craft with as much loot as humanly possible. The Dwemer craft looked like a submarine and in it's pilot compartment it had a book which Orion could fainltly make out*

"It looks like the name of this vessel is Mchanderschefl...and it can go under water?"

*At this he pushed and pulled some levers and twisted a crank and suddenly the vessel lurched down into the water.*

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*Two hours later*

*He had somewhat control of the Mchanderschefl and had found out how to use some of the Dwemer navigational instruments. At least he knew he was headed south.*

"The Dwemeri were some creatures to be able to create something like this"

*He chuckled to himself and wondered how he came out of such a bad predicament so well.*

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Dec 22 2004, 12:41 AM

Morrowind, Samsi River, West Gash Region

Jai’son is a bandit and a damn good one too. Jai’son is extremely big and muscular for a Dunmer; he can thank his dad for that fact, as it is his Nord blood that runs through his body. He has lived in Morrowind all his life and could walk the area blindfolded. Jai’son’s parents where killed when he was five, and ever since then he has roamed Morrowind, specifically the West Gash area, robbing and stealing to feed himself.

Two hundred and fifteen years of robbing in one place can get a guy a reputation. People from Maar Gan to Gnisis could be heard telling of a Dunmer the size of an Ogrim robbing anyone that was foolish enough to roam around the West Gash area. Jai’son was proud of this, West Gash was his territory. No one traveled his way and got by for free. During his many years of infamy Jai’son has amassed a large group of the best killers, and bandits, who he likes to call his wolfs. Jai’son and the Wolfs ruled the West Gash area with bloody, cruelty. Many tried to stop him, many tried to take his land and end his bloody reign, and all of them fell to Jai’son’s hand.

Jai’son stood staring at the Samsi River, in deep thought. He then turned around and smiled as he looked at his men, as they stood behind him like loyal soldiers. There was so many of them. They were an army, his army. With his wolfs at his side Jai’son was invincible.

But Jai’son has never met Left Hand.

Deep in Oblivion Mephala spins a web, and just at that moment Left Hand runs across the West Gash region on his way to Balmora.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 22 2004, 02:46 AM

Tris: Wayrest

To travel at a gallop meant switching horses. Selling his current horse and stealing another one put a little money in his pocket. Now he could eat, albeit frugally, and stay at the cheaper inns. Another theft and another sale at the next town and he treated himself to a little equipment... a few healing potions, a pan to cook with, that sort of thing. He considered buying a sword but decided it was better to be taken for a non-combatant. He still had Ciel's dagger, in a pinch. And he wasn't sure he could manage a bow.

The strangest things were hard. Hitting the chamberpot while balanced on one leg was a trick that took practice. But he learned, and he kept going. He was a little worried about the law, but not much. The law moved slowly in a place with many cities and many local garrisons. As long as he kept moving, he would outdistance anyone who could catch him.

He heard rumors that the border crossing into the royal province of Wayrest was guarded; people coming from that direction described being stopped and searched. He decided to turn off the road. The time of year would help him; snow was on the ground, and no number of orders would force the militia to go far from their fires.

Tris turned off the road and into the woods.

He learned a few things. Bears didn't care if he was a non-combatant. He could outrun them on horseback, however. He was feeling confident about himself for outrunning the bears when he was bested by a partridge. The large bird exploded from beneath a fallen log with a sound like thunder, his horse went up in the air and landed three feet to the side, and he landed... on the ground. The horse trotted cheerfully away, its tail waving like a flag.

Tris cursed and struggled to his feet. His crutches were on the horse. He found a stout stick and struggled to follow the tracks in the snow.

It took him the better part of the day to catch the horse. It trotted merrily away whenever he came in view, as if it were playing a game. Finally, when he had given up and sat on a log with his head in his hands, the horse returned to him, blowing steaming breath out of its nostrils, a worried look on its face.

They made good time the rest of the day, however. By his calculations they were safely in Wayrest.

He made camp by a small creek. The temperature must have been just barely freezing; the water trickled freely down an incline. When he was filling his pan with water for cooking he caught sight of himself in a patch of ice at the edge of the water. He ran a hand over his jaw, fascinated. He was blonde, and young, and until about a year ago he had been able to get away with shaving only ever other day. He had never gone as long as a week without shaving before. In another week he would have a fairly respectable beard. The new growth was paler than his honey colored head hair, but streaked with dark. He examined himself critically in the bottom of his copper pan before deciding that a beard didn't flatter his square, boyish features.

So he set out to shave himself. He had never shaved with a dagger before, but Ciel's was razor edged. It was an absurd thing to do, especially in freezing temperatures, with goosebumps standing out on his skin, but the absurdity was part of the attraction. He wanted to prove he could do it.

An hour later, minus most of the hair and only a little blood, he sat back, satisfied, to enjoy his supper.

"Before you were Mirror, you were Tris Gaerington, and you're still Tris Gaerington," he said out loud. "You're charming. Charming people do well in life."

The words brought bad associations, however; he remembered a one-legged war veteran who had often sat downstairs in his father's counting house, telling stories and laughing and letting the children play with his wooden limb. Tris thought about needing a wooden limb himself and recoiled. Had the man's easy laughter hidden such bitter thoughts as these?

Outside the warehouse had lived a yellow dog, three-legged since its dam had bitten off its leg at birth. That dog had gotten along fine. In fact it was a fast runner, swifter than most of the city boys. Not swifter than Tris, of course.

"If a mangy stray can manage, I can manage," he said out loud.

The words were pure bravado; he knew it as he said them. A moment later he was having another of what he had started to call "Tris's fits," as if to distance the calm and rational part of himself from the crybaby who shared the same name. They were explosions of racking sobs that literally took his breath away and left him limp.

The horse had untied itself somehow. Now it approached the campfire, lipped Tris's hair experimentally, and pulled hard.

"OW! Spawn of Oblivion, when we hit the next town I'm going to sell you to a slaughterhouse," Tris said. Then he kissed the soft, velvet nose, and stroked the horse's long cheeks. Soon he felt much calmer.

The next evening he stopped in a small town in Wayrest. He took a long hot bath, and the experience didn't kill him. He paid far too much of his dwindling money to have himself professionally shaved and his hair trimmed.

Another day and he crossed the border again. Now he was in Hammerfell. He would have to go across the mountains somehow. He didn't think his wilderness skills were up to the task. He had better hire another carriage.



Posted by: Aki Dec 22 2004, 03:19 AM

The body of Bradas Hleray was found when a Pilgrim to the Ghostgate came running back to the stronghold, screaming. The body was brought to the tower of Dusk, where it was examined. It was discerned, that whatever killed him was not native, for the bite marks matched none known to the inhabitants of vvardwenfell.

Also, Dar'Var reported the body carried a feline scent, a fact followed up by the finding of several tawny colored hairs on the corpse. Luckily, the marks of the beast had not been destroyed by a ash storm. They too, were feline. Some other priests attested to the fact that Bradas had left at night. As he was found the afternoon after, there was quite a chance he had been attacked during the night, as ash near the body was nearly dry by the time the body was discovered. It would have been damper the closer to the discovery the murder had been commited.

"What could it be?" asked one outlander, a Imperial, clad in Admantuim armor, he was a Crusader, working for the Imperial Cult.

"Well, if it is feline, then surely it must have come from Elseweyr, or somewhere close..." said Reichi.

"Surely no Khajiit would stoop so low as cannabalism to survive? " said another.

"It is like a Khajiit, but it be not Khajiit. It be a Werelion. The disease causes a man , mer, or betmer to become a like a Lion during the night. VERY much like Werewolf. What one is doing here of all places, is a mystery to Dar'Var. " Responded Dar'var. He was loading his hand held crossbw with a firebloom bolt. On strike, the bolt would unleash a fireball within ten feet. "It undoubtly has already established a lair nearby. we will find it, and trap it within. Then, Dar'var will burn 'im."


And so, a call for volunteers to get rid of the beast was put out. The first two members were Reichi and Dar'Var. Reichi hoped to be able to reason with the Werelion before dark, and perhaps get it out of Vvardenfell, rather than kill him because of something he couldn't control. Dar'var simply wanted revenge, not for the priest, but for what had happened to him early on in life, even if he didn't know this was not the beast that did it. The rest of the team consisted of the Crusader, and several Boyount Armigers.


Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 22 2004, 03:33 AM

Dragon and Ciel: Dragontail Mountains, present time

Dragon and Ciel rode through Colovia together. Ciel's goal was Morrowind; Dragon's goal was staying with him long enough to repell any lingering forces of Elysana's. The two old military officers had a lot to talk about together. Dragon had been an officer in the Imperial Legion, Ciel a Knight of the Rose of Wayrest, but they had even fought in some of the same wars together, on the same side. Everyone had fought against the Orcs.

Dragon told all his stories in the same calm, even tone. Some of them were gruesome, fascinating, even funny. But they seemed not to touch his emotions. Even this one.

"It was about that time that I lost my wife," Dragon began. "Had a little country house in those parts - used to be Wayrest, now it's part of Orsinium. Her choice. She had people there, I had no people, so all I cared about was making her happy. Neither of us wanted to live in Cyrodiil where we met.

"Well, one day when I was away with the army Orcs swept down on our village and burned it. Usually they took the children as slaves if they were young enough to be trained - it's said that's where Gortwog, may he rot in Oblivion forever, gets his touch of royal blood. Sometimes they took the women as concubines. My Myrlinda was having none of that. When she saw that it was hopeless, she put the little ones to sleep with a spell and cut their throats, then turned the blade against herself. Death before dishonor, all that Imperial garbage we were taught in school. I'd a damn sight rather have had her alive and ravished, and the babies alive too, so I could go rescue them when I got back. Life is hope, there's my motto if I ever had one.

"Well, I tried everything. That's the day I became a Void Ranger, trying to be two places at once, battering against my world from the outside, watching and unable to reach them, like a man in a nightmare. Really I'd been rangering for years - it's not the Void that makes a Void Ranger, it's breaking the rules. And I always did that. But that's the first I ever found the Void. Damn near got myself killed and I learned something too - we Void Rangers don't mess with the children of Tiber Septim. Even a touch of that blood makes a man dangerous. He has free will - what those Vehk-smitten nitwits call CHIM - and you can't just grapple him and move him about the way you can with ordinary men. There was nothing I could do against Gortwog except get my fool self killed and though I tried that a few times it wasn't what I was willing to settle for. In the end I had it so she'd never met me, married another fellow entirely and lived her days in the Capitol. She died about that time anyway from a falling tree, which just goes to show, doesn't it. But my son's still alive, though he's not my son anymore and he wonders where his New Life presents come from each year. His childrens' presents now. I lost a lot that day. But they didn't, and that's what matters."

Dragon smiled, his eyes crinkling with genuine good humor, the first emotion he'd displayed during the telling of the story. "You must think I'm off my nut, good friend. Like an old dog that growls and stalks across the room at nothing. Never mind, it's a long time ago now. Your wife - how long has it been for you? Any children?"

Posted by: Solin Dec 22 2004, 05:41 AM

Ciel cracked a brief smile with Dragon as the old veteran finished.

“Perhaps, I might have on some earlier day,” Ciel replied, “But you speak as if recent history has not given me cause to wonder if there isn’t really something there after all.”

He paused as the horses trotted on.

“I had no sons,” he began softly, “A few nephews scattered about the province might have passed for heirs, I hope they are well. It was a strange time, the wrong time. I would have given everything I had for your particular gift, even if it were to pound on the walls screaming. The midwives kept me away as is their particular duty.”

The knight’s voice was steady and his face calm but his eyes weren’t looking. He saw his memories as the came to him.

“I remember watching them prepare. Bowls of scented water, ointments, wood for a warm fire, they all entered the room as I stayed outside. The poor woman didn’t know enough of the restorative arts to stop it, only delay the inevitable. I remember searching for the healers. It was as if some force had come and lifted them away during the night, perhaps there was fighting on the boarders, I cannot recall now.”

The Breton shifted in his saddle a bit uneasy with his own tale; Dragon was a man who had seen much of service, he knew of pain and grief, perhaps, adding his own was not best, not now.


Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 22 2004, 06:53 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Dec 21 2004, 10:31 PM)

Ciel cracked a brief smile with Dragon as the old veteran finished.

“Perhaps, I might have on some earlier day,” Ciel replied, “But you speak as if recent history has not given me cause to wonder if there isn’t really something there after all.”

He paused as the horses trotted on.

“I had no sons,” he began softly, “A few nephews scattered about the province might have passed for heirs, I hope they are well.  It was a strange time, the wrong time. I would have given everything I had for your particular gift, even if it were to pound on the walls screaming.  The midwives kept me away as is their particular duty.”

The knight’s voice was steady and his face calm but his eyes weren’t looking.  He saw his memories as the came to him.

“I remember watching them prepare.  Bowls of scented water, ointments, wood for a warm fire, they all entered the room as I stayed outside.  The poor woman didn’t know enough of the restorative arts to stop it, only delay the inevitable.  I remember searching for the healers.  It was as if some force had come and lifted them away during the night, perhaps there was fighting on the boarders, I cannot recall now.”

The Breton shifted in his saddle a bit uneasy with his own tale; Dragon was a man who had seen much of service, he knew of pain and grief, perhaps, adding his own was not best, not now.

*




"Ah, I'm sorry," Dragon said. "Women don't often become soldiers, but they have their battles too. Still, you can always remarry."

This seemed an oddly callous thing to say, especially for one who had lost a wife himself; but, then, many things about Dragon were odd.

A moment later Dragon seemed to notice the incongruity of his statement. "Ah, that sounded terrible, didn't it," he said, shaking his head. "It's just that I lost that part of myself somewhere to the Void - fell into one of those cracks in my poor brain and never was seen again. I wish I could remarry. But it would hardly be fair to the poor young lady."

Posted by: Solin Dec 22 2004, 07:02 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 21 2004, 10:43 PM)

"Ah, I'm sorry,"  Dragon said. "Women don't often become soldiers, but they have their battles too. Still, you can always remarry."

This seemed an oddly callous thing to say, especially for one who had lost a wife himself;  but, then, many things about Dragon were odd.

A moment later Dragon seemed to notice the incongruity of his statement. "Ah, that sounded terrible, didn't it,"  he said, shaking his head. "It's just that I lost that part of myself somewhere to the Void - fell into one of those cracks in my poor brain and never was seen again. I wish I could remarry. But it would hardly be fair to the poor young lady."

*





Ciel put a smile back on his face. "It's not the first time I have heard that. I do suppose there is always a chance if I keep living," he said.

In truth he had been pressured to but had denied it. It wasn't the right thing to do by her, at least in Ciel's mind, after what had happened.

"It's a harsh place, where you go when you're not here," he stated gesturing to their surroundings, "Is it like that for all of you?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 22 2004, 07:17 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Dec 21 2004, 11:52 PM)

Ciel put a smile back on his face.  "It's not the first time I have heard that. I do suppose there is always a chance if I keep living," he said.

In truth he had been pressured to but had denied it.  It wasn't the right thing to do by her, at least in Ciel's mind, after what had happened.

"It's a harsh place, where you go when you're not here," he stated gesturing to their surroundings, "Is it like that for all of you?"

*




"The Void has nothing in it except what you bring with you, and Him," Dragon said. "Shezarr, you probably call him, having been raised in Wayrest. Or what's left of him. The Void Ghost. Well, you'd call him a devil but nothing's ever that simple, is it. But still, it's not a cosy place, not what any right thinking man would call home."

He rummaged in his pack, bit off a piece of dried meat and offered some to Ciel. "Speaking of things that live in the Void - this would go a lot faster if we didn't have to go the long way round. We're nearly in Wayrest. I just hope Tris is somewhere we can find him."

It would have been perfectly logical for them to stay at one Inn, and Tris at another. They could have passed each other in the night. But Void Rangers attract coincidences, which is why Tris rode past them at that very moment, riding hard, with the law after him.

His string of horse thefts had not gone completely unnoticed. Someone had sent word ahead through the Mages' Guild. But the guards were on foot, and he was on horseback. He went past them at a gallop, leaving the guards behind in the dust, shouting ineffectually. Several farmers cheered him on, uncertain of what was happening but always glad to cheer anyone who broke the law. Sentinel's law officials were not loved by the locals.

Dragon turned to Ciel, his mouth open, then shook his head and spun his horse to follow.

Posted by: Solin Dec 22 2004, 07:31 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 21 2004, 11:07 PM)

It would have been perfectly logical for them to stay at one Inn, and Tris at another. They could have passed each other in the night. But Void Rangers attract coincidences, which is why Tris rode past them at that very moment, riding hard, with the law after him.

His string of horse thefts had not gone completely unnoticed. Someone had sent word ahead through the Mages' Guild. But the guards were on foot, and he was on horseback.  He went past them at a gallop, leaving the guards behind in the dust, shouting ineffectually. Several farmers cheered him on, uncertain of what was happening but always glad to cheer anyone who broke the law. Sentinel's law officials were not loved by the locals.

Dragon turned to Ciel, his mouth open, then shook his head and spun his horse to follow.

*





Ciel had been about to accept the dried meat from his companion, when the startling sight rode by. A bit shocked, he wondered if the lad had even seen them. Reining his horse in he turned about and set to follow the fleeing horse thief.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 22 2004, 07:42 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Dec 22 2004, 12:21 AM)

Ciel had been about to accept the dried meat from his companion, when the startling sight rode by.  A bit shocked, he wondered if the lad had even seen them.  Reining his horse in he turned about and set to follow the fleeing horse thief.

*




The two men followed Tris at a gallop. Dragon knew what Ciel didn't, that Tris, being a very good runner, had rarely had cause to ride a horse and was only a mediocre rider. He was worried the boy would break his neck at this pace.

Even if Dragon could have gotten Tris's attention to slow him down, he didn't want to, with the law so close behind. So, like an old cavalry officer, he settled his weight deep in his stirrups and rode on, waiting for Tris's horse to tire.

When at last the horse began to slow, Tris finally became aware of the pounding hooves behind him and turned his head to look. Dragon saw a lot of the whites of his eyes; he lost his balance, and trying to rein the horse up, fell hard, rolling over and over on the frozen ground.

Dragon vaulted off the horse. Tris seemed to be having trouble standing, but he shrugged Dragon's hands away. "I'm all right. Ciel? Is that really you?"

Posted by: Solin Dec 22 2004, 07:56 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 21 2004, 11:32 PM)

Dragon vaulted off the horse.  Tris seemed to be having trouble standing, but he shrugged Dragon's hands away. "I'm all right. Ciel?  Is that really you?"

*





Ciel caught up with the fallen Tris and Dragon. The frozen cross country chase was not the meeting he had imagined. He winced as he saw Tris fall from his horse. Dismounting he brushed the brown, common cloak back from his shoulders. He was inwardly cringing, he hadn’t seen much of the lad yet but, he knew something terrible must have happened. The other was not… kind.

“So much as I know it,” the knight replied with a glance to Dragon, he was happy to see the lad again but he couldn’t bring a smile to his face. Tris had been hurt because he had saved Ciel’s life. It was the last thing he had wanted making his escape. The ranger had been wounded then too.

“Why were you fleeing, Tris?” he asked as he approached slowly, almost afraid.

Posted by: Anghardel67 Dec 22 2004, 08:00 AM

Sweat pooled on Azrael's furled brow, the beads running down his nose, and across his lips, dripping rhythmically with each of his steps up to the guild. It seemed as though the several yard trip stretched eons, when in fact, it had only taken him a moment, perhaps less, to span. The Dunmer stood in the entryway of the guild, tensing slightly, wiping the glistening beads of fluid from himself; he was prepared for what might happen, hoping for the best, but expecting, understandably, worse than the worst.

A strong, dark hand reached forward, emerging from the robe like a snake from a dark, mysterious cave, to turn the nob. All at once, Azrael was consumed by a strength he wasn't expecting. He stepped into the guild, holding his hands firmly at his side, prepared to unsheath his dagger and lunge for the throat of the nearest attacker, should there prove to be any.

He looked around, scaling the vastness of the entrance hall with his eyes, realizing that it was much larger than the last time he visited. From a corner, a voice called out, in a mix of surprise, and joy, "Azrael!". The Dunmer heard this, and turned his head slightly, unsure of what to make of the sudden noise. Playing himself as cooly as if nothing could possibly go wrong, he faced the source, seeing that was the guild-head he had met the last time he came to this place. "Ahh, Shkiaara, I see you are still the head," he said, smiling at the magestic Khajiit female standing in the archway leading to the massive guild-floor beneath, "I recall you saying that you thought it time to take your leave; what caused this change?"

Addressing him solftly, she spoke, purring, "I am not here of my own volition, Azrael; however, that is for another time. What brings you back to this section of our guild? No doubt Eliin wanted you to pick something up?

Though he did not realize it then, at the name of the Altmer he formerly considered a friend, Azrael's facial expression turned from complacent, and happy, to contemptful, and a tad malicious; he masked it quickly, smiling again. "Shkiaara; I'm not exactly here under Eliin, for the moment. Could we, perhaps, go somewhere to speak of things not meant for open halls such as this?", he asked, a hopeful look spreading across his dunmer face.

"Ahh, Shkiaara sees that Azrael has his secrets; She might have begun to suspect something herself, in time. Yes, we can move to a, quieter spot", she said, purring again. Led by the Khajiit, Azrael retired with her to a room just off of the member quarters. The two mer sat next to each other, in the way that Azrael had sat with Adriana in Gnisis, and began to chat. As the Dunmer recounted the tale of his journey thus far, the Khajiit's eyes widened, and it began to pur loudly, staring straight ahead with an attentive gaze. Azrael could tell that this female was uneasy whilst he recounted the many happenings of days past, but he pressed on until it was all out of him.

Once finished, he allowed a handful of moments, like sediment at the bottom of a stagnant lake, to settle; he realized what he had just shared with this Khajiit was a shock--as it was to him. He could only hope that she might not try and attack him for this, and if she did, he was prepared for it to end quickly. . .

(Ang)

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 22 2004, 08:05 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Dec 22 2004, 12:46 AM)

Ciel caught up with the fallen Tris and Dragon.  The frozen cross country chase was not the meeting he had imagined.  He winced as he saw Tris fall from his horse.  Dismounting he brushed the brown, common cloak back from his shoulders.  He was inwardly cringing, he hadn’t seen much of the lad yet but, he knew something terrible must have happened.  The other was not… kind. 

“So much as I know it,” the knight replied with a glance to Dragon, he was happy to see the lad again but he couldn’t bring a smile to his face.  Tris had been hurt because he had saved Ciel’s life.  It was the last thing he had wanted making his escape.  He ranger had been wounded then too.

“Why were you fleeing, Tris?” he asked as he approached slowly, almost afraid.

*




"Well, those kind folks wanted their horse back," Tris said, laughing. "Do you blame them? I had places I needed to go, though."

He caught at Ciel's arm, as if he were having trouble keeping his balance, and then burst into tears, burying his face in Ciel's shoulder. Ciel couldn't make sense of his words, but apparently Dragon could.

Dragon's face was grim. "He waved his trophy about, then? And then I guess he took another one."

Now Ciel could see what Dragon was talking about. The young man was having so much trouble standing because his trousers were pinned, some distance below the knee. His right foot was gone.

"Ciel... you're alive, and whole," Tris said, lifting his tear streaked face. "I'm so happy. But I don't understand."


Posted by: Solin Dec 22 2004, 08:20 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 21 2004, 11:55 PM)

"Well, those kind folks wanted their horse back,"  Tris said, laughing. "Do you blame them?  I had places I needed to go, though."

He caught at Ciel's arm, as if he were having trouble keeping his balance, and then burst into tears, burying his face in Ciel's shoulder. Ciel couldn't make sense of his words, but apparently Dragon could.

Dragon's face was grim. "He waved his trophy about, then?  And then I guess he took another one."

Now Ciel could see what Dragon was talking about. The young man was having so much trouble standing because his trousers were pinned, some distance below the knee. His right foot was gone.

"Ciel... you're alive, and whole,"  Tris said, lifting his tear streaked face. "I'm so happy. But I don't understand."

*




The knight kept his face stoic as possible for fear of hurting the lad further. His time in with the Knights helped him sculpt his features. He blinked once trying to hold of the grief he felt for the young man. With his free arm he reached around and struggled to comfort the lad managing a mix of a slight embrace and a pat on the back.

“That I am, that I am,” Ciel said he looked over to Dragon recalling what had lead them here, “Well it is a tale to tell, let us go find someplace to rest while it is told…”


Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 22 2004, 08:32 AM

The three of them rode to the nearest town. Dragon paid for a private room upstairs, and a meal, and saw to the stabling of the horses. Only when they had eaten did he allow more questions.

Dragon and Ciel's Story: 6 days ago, near Sutch, Colovia


The roads through Colovia were few, and mostly bad. But this road someone had put a lot of work into. The land here changed elevation frequently, and though a lot of the land was heavy forest, there were stands of rocks everywhere, swinging bridges over creeks, rivulets, and rough steps carved into the rock. In this particular case, a lot of steps into the rock.

"This waterfall has a name, but damned if I remember what it is," Dragon said, looking down at the water dropping to a pool far below. It wasn't a large volume of water, but it fell a long way, and the only way down was a set of steps cut into the rock, or another road which would take them half a day's journey out of their way. "The guide said the horses wouldn't mind being led down these steps. Let's hope he was right."

The two men dismounted and let their horses down the narrow stone staircase. The hostler hadn't lied; the horses lowered their heads and went down as if they'd been this way many times before. It was the men who found the steep, mossy path awkward.

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 22 2004, 08:49 AM

Dragon and Ciel's Story: 6 days ago, near Sutch, Colovia

The sun had been hiding behind the clouds all day, and now it started to drizzle. The stone steps were wet, but not treacherous, as the pair of men and pair of horses descended.

There was a sudden, sharp noise, like thunder, and Dragon was hit by something huge, black, and swirling.

At the last moment the old warrior had felt the danger and dodged, just enough so that an armored, bear-like hand smashed into the sandstone wall beside him, leaving a neat handprint.

The other hand, however, caught him square in the chest. There was a sound like a drum, and Dragon was no longer there.

The swirling black cloak settled to the stair, in the shape of a huge man.

"Hello, Ciel Dolbinen," said a deep, quiet voice.

The rain fell a bit harder.



Posted by: Solin Dec 22 2004, 08:55 AM

Dragon and Ciel's Story: 6 days ago, near Sutch, Colovia


QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 22 2004, 12:39 AM)

Dragon and Ciel's Story:  6 days ago, near Sutch, Colovia

The sun had been hiding behind the clouds all day, and now it started to drizzle. The stone steps were wet, but not treacherous, as the pair of men and pair of horses descended.

There was a sudden, sharp noise, like thunder, and Dragon was hit by something huge, black, and swirling.

At the last moment the old warrior had felt the danger and dodged, just enough so that an armored, bear-like hand smashed into the sandstone wall beside him, leaving a neat handprint.

The other hand, however, caught him square in the chest. There was a sound like a drum, and Dragon was no longer there.

The swirling black cloak settled to the stair, in the shape of a huge man.

"Hello, Ciel Dolbinen," said a deep, quiet voice.

The rain fell a bit harder.

*




The silver blade was already in the knight's hand. Ciel stood facing the mysterious interloper. Water pelted down on his greying hair, the hood of his cloak was drawn back as to be better able to see his foe in the rain.

"What did you do with him?" the Breton asked.

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 22 2004, 09:02 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Dec 22 2004, 02:45 AM)

"What did you do with him?" the Breton asked.

*




(Dragon and Ciel's Story: 6 days ago, near Sutch, Colovia:)

The two mailed hands rose and slowly lowered the hood, revealing an angular black face, yellow tusks, and eyes like coals.

"I would be more concerned for myself, if I were you.

"You have made strong enemies, Ciel Dolbinen, and I have come to end your life."

Behind Ciel, the horses lowered their heads in fear, trying desparately to turn, or back up the stairs.

Posted by: Solin Dec 22 2004, 09:12 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 22 2004, 12:52 AM)

The two mailed hands rose and slowly lowered the hood, revealing an angular black face, yellow tusks, and eyes like coals.

"I would be more concerned for myself, if I were you.

"You have made strong enemies, Ciel Dolbinen, and I have come to end your life."

Behind Ciel, the horses lowered their heads in fear, trying desparately to turn, or back up the stairs.

*





“The Queen,” Dolbinen sighed, “I did something better than would have been done otherwise and for that I am fit to die in her eyes.”

Ciel readied himself as best possible on the stairs, his sword would provide some reach but, his opponent had already shown he could use the length of his arms to good measure.

“I think it better that she only sent one this time. Only one of us will be dead come the end of this then,” he said with a short blink as the rain started to run down onto his face. The stranger was unusual, curious he said, “You are not one of her Roses. Who are you?”


Posted by: Rhedd Dec 22 2004, 09:24 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Dec 22 2004, 03:02 AM)

“I think it better that she only sent one this time.  Only one of us will be dead come the end of this then,” he said with a short blink as the rain started to run down onto his face.  The stranger was unusual, curious he said, “You are not one of her Roses.  Who are you?”

*




(Dragon and Ciel's Story: 6 days ago, near Sutch, Colovia:)

Without warning, the black cloak swirled as if in a wind, and the huge form was gone. The rain quickly filled in the dry space where it had stood.

(THE VOID:)

Leseth looked down at Dragon. Although there was no floor, the great man was kneeling, Bosriel's arms cradling his head almost lovingly. His face was pale and frightened.

"Hello Dragon. Making new friends? I believe that will do, Little One." Bosriel gently floated to Leseth's side.

Dragon seemed as if he tried to speak, but Leseth raised one huge hand. There was an odd, echoless sound...

(6 days ago, near Sutch, Colovia:)

The rain continued to fall on the long stone stair where Ciel stood alone.
With a crack, Dragon fell in a heap at his feet. Just to the side of the stair, the huge black form floated in midair. It, too, had returned.

"You asked a question, Ciel Dolbinen, and I shall answer. I am called Leseth, and like your friend here, I walk the endless Void.

"Your antics brought your queen to my house, and now I shall set things right."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 22 2004, 09:28 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 22 2004, 02:14 AM)

(Dragon and Ciel's Story: 6 days ago, near Sutch, Colovia:)

Without warning, the black cloak swirled as if in a wind, and the huge form was gone. The rain quickly filled in the dry space where it had stood.

(THE VOID:)

Leseth looked down at Dragon. Although there was no floor, the great man was kneeling, Bosriel's arms cradling his head almost lovingly. His face was pale and frightened.

"Hello Dragon. Making new friends? I believe that will do, Little One." Bosriel gently floated to Leseth's side.

Dragon seemed as if he tried to speak, but Leseth raised one huge hand. There was an odd, echoless sound...
The rain continued to fall on the long stone stair where Ciel stood alone.
With a crack, Dragon fell in a heap at his feet. Just to the side of the stair, the huge black form floated in midair. It, too, had returned.

"You asked a question, Ciel Dolbinen, and I shall answer. I am called Leseth, and like your friend here, I walk the endless Void.

"Your antics brought your queen to my house, and now I shall set things right."

*




(Dragon and Ciel's Story: 6 days ago, near Sutch, Colovia:)

"Leseth..." Dragon said, his voice barely audible. "Let him go. He's nothing to you, what does it matter?"

Although his skin was still eerily pale in the soft grey light of the rainy day, he no longer looked frightened. Instead he looked like a man who had understood something he'd been trying to understand for a long time.

Posted by: Solin Dec 22 2004, 09:39 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 22 2004, 01:14 AM)

The rain continued to fall on the long stone stair where Ciel stood alone.
With a crack, Dragon fell in a heap at his feet. Just to the side of the stair, the huge black form floated in midair. It, too, had returned.

"You asked a question, Ciel Dolbinen, and I shall answer. I am called Leseth, and like your friend here, I walk the endless Void.

"Your antics brought your queen to my house, and now I shall set things right."

*




“My antics were about appropriate duty and responsibility,” Ciel returned with a cold stare, “About saving the lives of brave men and important tasks left undone. I apologize, my actions brought the giant to trample you underfoot as it grieves my former comrades died in Rihad. It was not intended. Tell me, what would you have done in my place?”

The knight glanced to Dragon on the steps.

“What happened?” he asked.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 22 2004, 09:43 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Dec 22 2004, 02:29 AM)

“My antics were about appropriate duty and responsibility,” Ciel returned with a cold stare, “About saving the lives of brave men and important tasks left undone.  I apologize, my actions brought the giant to trample you underfoot as it grieves my former comrades died in Rihad.  It was not intended.  Tell me, what would you have done in my place?”

The knight glanced to Dragon on the steps.

“What happened?” he asked.

*




"We have a little problem," Dragon said, with a funny, twisted smile. "Let's see if we can't get you out of here alive. Leseth, it's not Ciel's fault that the queen came looking for you. It's Mirror's. Leave this man out of it."

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 22 2004, 09:52 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 22 2004, 03:33 AM)

"We have a little problem,"  Dragon said, with a funny, twisted smile. "Let's see if we can't get you out of here alive. Leseth, it's not Ciel's fault that the queen came looking for you. It's Mirror's. Leave this man out of it."

*




(Dragon and Ciel's Story: 6 days ago, near Sutch, Colovia:)

"You are correct, old friend," Leseth said to Dragon, "this man means nothing to me, but he means a bit more to Mirror, I believe. Enough to drive him to folly.

"And you are correct again, the fault does lie with Mirror. I will deal with him next. Do you realize that at this moment, he goes to the Queen's hidden palace in the Wrothgarian Mountains, again to taunt her with power outside her control? Would he have her walking the Void, leading an army of fools from Wayrest behind her?

"And you, man," he said, turning to Ciel, "you speak of giants. You have seen too much of true giants. You know what no man should. I will kill you merely to satisfy the queen, but your knowledge is reason enough, as well."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 22 2004, 10:03 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 22 2004, 02:42 AM)

(Dragon and Ciel's Story: 6 days ago, near Sutch, Colovia:)

"You are correct, old friend," Leseth said to Dragon, "this man means nothing to me, but he means a bit more to Mirror, I believe. Enough to drive him to folly.

"And you are correct again, the fault does lie with Mirror. I will deal with him next. Do you realize that at this moment, he goes to the Queen's hidden palace in the Wrothgarian Mountains, again to taunt her with power outside her control? Would he have her walking the Void, leading an army of fools from Wayrest behind her?

"And you, man," he said, turning to Ciel, "you speak of giants. You have seen too much of true giants. You know what no man should. I will kill you merely to satisfy the queen, but your knowledge is reason enough, as well."

*




Dragon pushed himself up on one elbow.

"Leseth, if you kill Mirror, the General will hunt you like an animal."

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 22 2004, 10:06 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 22 2004, 03:53 AM)

Dragon pushed himself up on one elbow.

"Leseth, if you kill Mirror, the General will hunt you like an animal."

*





"I do not intend to kill Mirror, or you either. I am here for the man, and him alone. Do not stand in my way."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 22 2004, 10:07 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 22 2004, 02:56 AM)

"I do not intend to kill Mirror, or you either. I am here for the man, and him alone. Do not stand in my way."

*




"Then we have a problem," Dragon said, slowly rising to his feet. "Because I'm not going to let you kill him."

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 22 2004, 10:09 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 22 2004, 03:57 AM)

"Then we have a problem,"  Dragon said, slowly rising to his feet. "Because I'm not going to let you kill him."

*





"And why do YOU care, Dragon? Surly this man is not worth your life, and today you are outnumbered, for you know I do not stand alone."

A cold breeze rolls suddenly across the hillside.

"This man is beneath our notice, or should be. I do only what must be done. No more."

Posted by: Solin Dec 22 2004, 10:17 AM

Ciel still had the sword held in front of him. His mind reeled. Tris had procured this orc’s wrath. Mirror, that’s what they were calling him, had done so saving him. The knight thought briefly of offering himself up to the assassin but, no, that wouldn’t work the orc was intent on kill him anyways. It would be a useless gesture at best. The two argued over his fate now. If this Leseth, the orc had called himself that, could best Dragon he stood little hope to chance. Leseth had another void walker with him as well. Why didn’t they show themselves?

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 22 2004, 10:18 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 22 2004, 02:59 AM)

"And why do YOU care, Dragon? Surly this man is not worth your life, and today you are outnumbered, for you know I do not stand alone."

A cold breeze rolls suddenly across the hillside.

"This man is beneath our notice, or should be. I do only what must be done. No more."

*




"Leseth, you know why! Mirror loves this man, it's why I'm here at all. Go back to your darkness and leave the creatures of the light alone."

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 22 2004, 10:23 AM

(Dragon and Ciel's Story: 6 days ago, near Sutch, Colovia:)

Behind the two arguing men, Ciel stood, the light rain pattering on his forehead, ringing on his outstretched sword.

Something cold closed on his ankle. Something impossibly cold.

A moment later, he found himself on his face on the hard stone stairs, his life's blood pouring from his mouth, and nose, his eyes and fingernails, every drop disappearing into the edge of the step.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 22 2004, 10:27 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 22 2004, 03:13 AM)

(Dragon and Ciel's Story: 6 days ago, near Sutch, Colovia:)

Behind the two arguing men, Ciel stood, the light rain pattering on his forehead, ringing on his outstretched sword.

Something cold closed on his ankle. Something impossibly cold.

A moment later, he found himself on his face on the hard stone stairs, his life's blood pouring from his mouth, and nose, his eyes and fingernails, every drop disappearing into the edge of the step.

*




"LESETH! STOP HER!" Dragon shouted, leaping forward, his sword held as if to attack the dark man. But it was an empty threat; the blade trembled in his hands, his arms too weak to hold it.

"Leseth - I will beg you for his life if I have to. In the name of all the gods."

Dragon fell to his knees. Ciel was still bleeding.

"Leseth, I beg you to spare his life. In the name of - Angelina."

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 22 2004, 10:35 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 22 2004, 04:17 AM)

"LESETH!  STOP HER!"  Dragon shouted, leaping forward, his sword held as if to attack the dark man. But it was an empty threat;  the blade trembled in his hands, his arms too weak to hold it.

"Leseth - I will beg you for his life if I have to. In the name of all the gods."

Dragon fell to his knees. Ciel was still bleeding.

"Leseth, I beg you to spare his life. In the name of - Angelina."

*





Leseth's black skin seemed almost to grow pale, but only for a heartbeat.

The black figure rushed forward, like a stormcloud before the wind, and snatched Ciel from the stairs by his throat. There was a horrible sucking, tearing sound from somewhere near the steps, and the flow of Ciel's blood stopped.

With a clang, Leseth's mailed feet landed on the stone, and he dropped Ciel, almost gently, at his feet.

"Damn you, Dragon. You press your luck."

Posted by: Solin Dec 22 2004, 10:40 AM

Ciel fell at Leseth’s feet. It-her had Dragon said?-had been drinking his blood. He tried to stand but the dizziness was too much. The most he could do was to prop himself in a half sitting half sprawled position against the rock face. Angelina?

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 22 2004, 10:43 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Dec 22 2004, 03:30 AM)

Ciel fell at Leseth’s feet.  It-her had Dragon said?-had been drinking his blood.  He tried to stand but the dizziness was too much.  The most he could do was to prop himself in a half sitting half sprawled position against the rock face. Angelina?

*




Dragon bent over Ciel, his unnatural calm still in place. "Drink," he said, tipping a potion against his lips. "Angelina was Leseth's one true love," he said, very quietly. "He understands love, don't you, Leseth? Now... do we all just walk away and pretend this never happened?"

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 22 2004, 10:49 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 22 2004, 04:33 AM)

Dragon bent over Ciel, his unnatural calm still in place. "Drink," he said, tipping a potion against his lips.  "Angelina was Leseth's one true love," he said, very quietly. "He understands love, don't you, Leseth?  Now... do we all just walk away and pretend this never happened?"

*




(Dragon and Ciel's Story: 6 days ago, near Sutch, Colovia:)

"I understand love, as you say, Dragon, and I know one thing above all else; true love demands a price... as do I.

"You may see tomorrow, Ciel Dolbinen, but your days as a thorn in the queen's side are over, as are your days as a fighting man.

"I will grant you your life, for the sake of another's love. You will go live a long, peaceful life as a Colovian farmer, and be happy.

"All this I will give to you, but you in return, shall give me your right arm.

"That is the price of your love, and feel blessed, for I have seen higher ransoms."

Posted by: Solin Dec 22 2004, 11:10 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 22 2004, 02:39 AM)

"I understand love, as you say, Dragon, and I know one thing above all else; true love demands a price... as do I.

"You may see tomorrow, Ciel Dolbinen, but your days as a thorn in the queen's side are over, as are your days as a fighting man.

"I will grant you your life, for the sake of another's love. You will go live a long, peaceful life as a Colovian farmer, and be happy.

"All this I will give to you, but you in return, shall give me your right arm.

"That is the price of your love, and feel blessed, for I have seen higher ransoms."

*





“Love? My right arm?” Ciel mumbled recovering from his half daze. The implications struck him heavily and suddenly. He struggled to his feet against the rock facing. Standing firm once more he looked down at his hand. “You could ask for my neck and leave my head, it would not be any different,” he said in a cold and bitter tone.

“This is my life,” he said forming a fist, “It has seen the blood and fire of war and the joyous celebration of the new life of an infant. In Skyrim, when the madness stalked the land as a storm, I pulled to men locked to in a death struggle apart. I could not have saved them without it. Even so, the next morning it recorded the names of the dead. I stayed my sword and spared a monster to save a child and loyal, good men and there too I lit the pyres of the dead. I have so much unaccounted for, to give it up…”

He looked up.

“Can you take from me my charge? My guilt? My right to stand in the face of a giant?”

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 22 2004, 11:13 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Dec 22 2004, 05:00 AM)

“Can you take from me my charge?  My guilt?  My right to stand in the face of a giant?”

*





"I care nothing for your guilt, or your charge. It is your choice. You still stand on the same stone steps as before. Their offer still stands."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 22 2004, 11:16 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 22 2004, 04:03 AM)

"I care nothing for your guilt, or your charge. It is your choice. You still stand on the same stone steps as before. Their offer still stands."

*




6 days ago, Colovia:

"These steps were a mistake," Dragon said, looking up at the spooked horses, still standing spraddle-legged on the stone steps. He looked behind him, at the swirling water far below.

"Ciel," he said. "Life is hope. Trust me."

Posted by: Solin Dec 22 2004, 11:23 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 22 2004, 03:06 AM)

"These steps were a mistake," Dragon said, looking up at the spooked horses, still standing spraddle-legged on the stone steps. He looked behind him, at the swirling water far below.

"Ciel,"  he said. "Life is hope. Trust me."

*




Ciel looked at Dragon for a moment and then down to the water below.

“Is it a better thing?” he asked quietly.

He slipped his hand into a pouch at his belt and withdrew his familial ring, patterned with the rose of Wayrest to which they had once bowed.

The knight blinked hard.

“Life is hope, take it from me then,” he said as he slid the ring onto his finger and extended his arm.

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 22 2004, 11:29 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Dec 22 2004, 05:13 AM)

“Life is hope, take it from me then,” he said as he slid the ring onto his finger and extended his arm.

*




(Dragon and Ciel's Story: 6 days ago, near Sutch, Colovia:)

"So be it," Leseth said, and and then looked Dragon. "My part in this is over." A huge gauntleted hand emerged from the cloak.

It happened faster than Ciel could have expected. One moment, the rain was sharply in focus, falling on the black cloak before him, the next, Leseth... and his right arm... were gone.

Ciel and Dragon were alone again.

Posted by: Solin Dec 22 2004, 11:40 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 22 2004, 03:19 AM)

"So be it," Leseth said, and and then looked Dragon. "My part in this is over." A huge gauntleted hand emerged from the cloak.

It happened faster than Ciel could have expected. One moment, the rain was sharply in focus, falling on the black cloak before him, the next, Leseth... and his right arm... were gone.

Ciel and Dragon were alone again.

*




Then there was pain... and blood.

Ciel had the opportunity to wonder why he still had so much after the steps had drunk their lot. Before he could form an answer the pain came boiling to his head. Agony was overwhelming, his arm was gone. The knight collapsed back onto the stone stairs. It flowed into the puddles and then over the edge of the step, red streams. The blood loss was too much, his vision was fading to black as he lay on stairs looking up at the raining sky. It seemed to swirl like the waters below had. He wondered if perhaps a healer would have been good to have had in attendance...

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 22 2004, 11:46 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Dec 22 2004, 04:30 AM)

Then there was pain… and blood.

Ciel had the opportunity to wonder why he still had so much after the steps had drunk their lot.  Before he could form an answer the pain came boiling to a head.  The knight collapsed back onto the stone stairs.  It flowed into the puddles and then over the edge of the step, red streams.  The blood loss was too much, his vision was fading to black as he lay on stairs looking up at the raining sky.  It seemed to swirl like the waters below had.  He wondered if perhaps a healer would have been good to have had in attendance...

*




"Easy, man, I'm not going to let you die," Dragon said. He touched the amulet at his throat, and blue healing light surrounded Ciel. After two uses of the amulet, Ciel was capable of drinking one of the General's healing potions.

"Nothing's ever easy, is it?" Dragon said. "Now. Listen to me. Remember this moment. You're going to come back and say of course you'll remember it until the end of your days, but you won't. You'll forget unless you're awake, unless you listen to me right now better than you've ever listened to anything in your whole life before. And if you forget, a lot of things are going to stop making sense for you from that point on.

"We're going to try this again. And this time we're not going down those damned stairs."

Posted by: Solin Dec 22 2004, 11:54 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 22 2004, 03:36 AM)

"Easy, man, I'm not going to let you die,"  Dragon said. He touched the amulet at his throat, and blue healing light surrounded Ciel. After two of uses of the amulet, Ciel was capable of drinking one of the General's healing potions.

"Nothing's ever easy, is it?"  Dragon said. "Now. Listen to me. Remember this moment. You're going to come back and say of course you'll remember it until the end of your days, but you won't. You'll forget unless you're awake, unless you listen to me right now better than you've ever listened to anything in your whole life before. And if you forget, a lot of things are going to stop making sense for you from that point on.

"We're going to try this again. And this time we're not going down those damned stairs."

*




Ciel, aware of his surroundings again, was confused. They were going to do it again?

The knight shook his head a moment and then nodded.

"Alright," he said weakly, "What is going to happen?" Strangely he felt comfort in Dragon's commands, Dragon was a trutworthy man. He would help him through. Dolbinen struggled to get up but his arm, his support he was looking for, wasn’t there. With a splash he slipped back into the blood.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 22 2004, 12:06 PM

QUOTE(Solin @ Dec 22 2004, 04:44 AM)

Ciel, aware of his surroundings again, was confused.  They were going to do it again?

The knight shook his head a moment and then nodded.

"Alright," he said weakly, "What is going to happen?"  Strangely he felt comfort in Dragon's commands, Dragon was a trutworthy man.  He would help him through.  Dolbinen struggled to get up but his arm, his support he was looking for, wasn’t there.  With a splash he slipped back into the blood.

*




Dragon laid a strong hand on his shoulder. His face was intense. Behind him the terrain seemed to be fading into a mass of color, into white.

"I need you to come with me," he said. "You're too awake already for me to take you without your permission. If you don't come, you'll stay here. What you need to do is reject this moment, shut it off. Go back to when you still had two arms, when we were talking to the man with the horses. It's easy, I've done it all my life. Just look at me and go when I go."

As insane as his words were, what he was saying did seem to be possible. Perhaps it was only possible because it was him saying it. Perhaps it was more possible, at this terrible, heart-wrenching moment, than at other moments.

It's said that men looked at Tiber Septim and saw a Dragon. It's said that the Marukhati Selective danced on a Tower and shattered time. How many Numidiums had walked in the Iliac Bay? Those were huge events, events that shaped the world. Such events required, surely, huge artifacts, divine blood.

But they weren't asking for as much as that. Just for something small. To chance the fate of one man. Or maybe two.

"Let's go," Dragon said.

Posted by: Solin Dec 22 2004, 12:20 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 22 2004, 03:56 AM)

"Let's go,"  Dragon said.

*





Ciel heard Dragon's voice. This moment was wrong, a path taken in error. A moment that would lead to an invetiable end. New paths could be taken, formed. He bowed his head and closed his eyes.

The knight heard and reconciled his memories. The moments of his life danced through his mind and behind his eyes. He remembered wars, conflict, pain, and joy. Men of High Rock, Hammerfell, and Skyrim all dying. Holding his wife in his arms for the first time. He recalled Skyrim and Wayrest and Rihad. The man talked of the horses. They’d be fine on the steps.

And he went.

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 22 2004, 12:31 PM

(A rocky stair: 6 days ago, near Sutch, Colovia:)

The tinker led his mule toward the waterfall, to the stair that he always took when he came this way. The metal scraps clanked and jangled on his mule as they walked.

Ahead of him, two travellers, veterans by the look of them, stopped at the top of the long stone stair, then turned aside.

He yelled to them, "Oi, 's much longer for ye that way!" but they paid him no heed.

"Daft," he said, and started down the stairs.

Halfway down something on the stone wall caught his eye.

He placed his hand in the depression. It looked like the hand of a child compared to the one that had made its mark deep in the limestone.

"Now I'll be..." he said to himself.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 22 2004, 12:37 PM

Hammerfell, Present time:

"Mine's easier to explain than that," Tris said. "Leseth came for me, and I didn't run away."

He looked down at what remained of his leg. "In retrospect, I suppose I should have run. You know, it's funny. I've been dreading you seeing me like this. But right now I'm so happy nothing can bother me."

Posted by: Solin Dec 22 2004, 12:54 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 22 2004, 04:27 AM)

Hammerfell, Present time:

"Mine's easier to explain than that,"  Tris said. "Leseth came for me, and I didn't run away."

He looked down at what remained of his leg. "In retrospect, I suppose I should have run.  You know, it's funny. I've been dreading you seeing me like this. But right now I'm so happy nothing can bother me."

*




Ciel put a hand on Tris's shoulder.

"It is good to see that you are well," he said, there was a warmth in his voice but a slight hint of sadness crept in, "You're a good hearted man, it's good to know that you are in such good spirits after your kindness towards me was repaid in such cruel coin."

He sighed and took a look at his hand but then put a smile back on his face.

"I suppose we shouldn’t stay here long, it’s too close to Wayrest for my tastes."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 22 2004, 01:02 PM

QUOTE(Solin @ Dec 22 2004, 05:44 AM)

Ciel put a hand on Tris's shoulder.

"It is good to see that you are well," he said, there was a warmth in his voice but a slight hint of sadness crept in, "You're a good hearted man, it's good to know that you are in such good spirits after your kindness towards me was repaid in such cruel coin."

He sighed and took a look at his hand but then put a smile back on his face.

"I suppose we shouldn’t stay here long, it’s too close to Wayrest for my tastes."

*




"You know, Leseth probably did us a favor there, damn his black hide," Dragon said. "Elysana thinks you're both out of the picture entirely. I don't know what he told her, but knowing Leseth, he wants her curiousity quelled as quickly as possible. And, by the way, boy - what were you doing in the Wrothgarian Mountains?"

Tris set his glass down. His jaw clenched, the expression of his eyes turned inward; for a moment they could see what he would look like as a much older man.

"I was naive," Tris said. "I wanted to stop her coming after Ciel, and I thought the way to do it was to try to touch her heart. Well, I touched her heart, all right - gave her a necklace she'd lost to the Void in childhood, and her face lit right up when she tried it on in the mirror. But then she smashed the mirror. I guess all I managed to do was make her think about how rotten her whole life has been. Well, I hope you're right that she's through with us, because I'm through with her."

His expression softened again, and he looked at Ciel. "So - where are you going?"

Posted by: w0nders Dec 22 2004, 01:13 PM

Inside ghostgate, tower of dusk, Illidan sat at a table stirring his flin a around in the cup with his finger, his face slightly stained from tears. A few moments later Dante emerged from a room and sat down with him "Oh sweet mother of Vehk, Dante! ar--are you ok?" Illidan asked, his voice filled with happiness.

"Yes yes, I'm fine now" Replied his brother, his voice weak and raspier than usual. Illidan called over the bartender and ordered Dante some water "Here, get that down you, maybe it'll fix your voice" He said with a chuckle, sliding the cup towards him.

Dante simply smiled, and sipped the water "That's a little better" He replied, rubbing the light cut mark tattooed across his neck.

Posted by: Solin Dec 22 2004, 01:19 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 22 2004, 04:52 AM)

His expression softened again, and he looked at Ciel. "So - where are you going?"

*




“I had been thinking about heading to Morrowind,” Ciel said, “I gave my word to see something through there. There are other debts, though, to be repaid.” The knight set his hand on his sword silent in thought for a moment.

"Perhaps I shall head back through Colovia and the Imperial province, there are many places I can go from there, but I have many thing yet to do," the Breton mused, "What are you going to do with yourself?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 22 2004, 01:28 PM

QUOTE(Solin @ Dec 22 2004, 06:09 AM)

“I had been thinking about heading to Morrowind,” Ciel said, “I gave my word to see something through there.  There are other debts, though, to be repaid.”  The knight set his hand on his sword silent in thought for a moment. 

"Perhaps I shall head back through Colovia and the Imperial province, there are many places I can go from there, but I have many thing yet to do," the Breton mused, "What are you going to do with yourself?"

*




"Well, that's the question, isn't it," Tris said.

He fell silent. If he tried to explain himself he would start crying again, and look like an idiot.

"It's not safe to travel through the Void until the General deals with... whatever it was that attacked us under the stairs," Dragon said. "The vampire. But she will deal with it, I'm sure, and then she'll get word to us. In the meantime we should probably be heading to our nearest safehouse, or at least sending a letter home to the Guildhouse in Daggerfall."

Now Tris did speak. "It's not my home anymore."

He said it in a low voice, and Dragon kept on speaking right over him. "You're welcome to come with us, Ciel."

"I'm not going back to the guildhouse," Tris said, more distinctly. "Because I'm not a Void Ranger anymore. I don't know where I'm going, but not there."

Dragon finally heard him. "Don't be stupid, boy. Being a Void Ranger isn't something you lose."

"I'm not stupid," Tris said. "I can't do it without running, and I can't run. Don't you see, you can't ask me to be around the rest of you?"

He stopped. His face was red. Dragon frowned at him, then stood up and left the room.

Posted by: Solin Dec 22 2004, 01:40 PM

Ciel watched after Dragon as he left the room.

“He cares after your well being,” he said in a quiet voice.

The knight was silent a moment.

“If not to your, guild, where would you go?” he asked.


Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 22 2004, 01:42 PM

QUOTE(Solin @ Dec 22 2004, 06:30 AM)

Ciel watched after Dragon as he left the room. 

“He cares after your well being,” he said in a quiet voice. 

The knight was silent a moment.

“If not to your, guild, where would you go?” he asked.

*




Now his voice was almost too low to hear, even with no one else speaking. He didn't look at Ciel.

"I was hoping I could go with you. But I'd probably slow you down."

Posted by: Solin Dec 22 2004, 01:52 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 22 2004, 05:32 AM)

Now his voice was almost too low to hear, even with no one else speaking. He didn't look at Ciel.

"I was hoping I could go with you. But I'd probably slow you down."

*




“Tris,” Ciel began, “I…”

He pushed the sword aside.

“You gave me a second chance to do what is right,” he started again, “It would be my honor to allow you to see that done.”


Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 22 2004, 01:58 PM

QUOTE(Solin @ Dec 22 2004, 06:42 AM)

“Tris,” Ciel began, “I…”

He pushed the sword aside. 

“You gave me a second chance to do what is right,” he started again, “It would be my honor to allow you to see that done.”

*




Tris blinked, then looked up and met Ciel's eyes.

I'm not going to see it done, I'm going to help you do it.

He couldn't quite make himself believe it enough to say it. But he believed it just enough to feel angry at himself for the pathetic wash of gratitude that flooded him at being included.

He grinned. "I'm confused again, I must be feeling better. Where are we going?"

Posted by: Solin Dec 22 2004, 02:10 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 22 2004, 05:48 AM)

He grinned. "I'm confused again, I must be feeling better. Where are we going?"

*




Ciel smiled, a bit relieved.

“I would suppose that the best place to begin is where I left off. There’s a child to be safely born,” he said, “A trial to judged. All of it in Morrowind. I’d say that’s where were going.”

There were other that would be debts there too but, Ciel didn't mention those.



Posted by: Aki Dec 23 2004, 01:29 AM

The group set out close to dusk. It was the earliest they could have set out. Dar'var had exchanged his small crossbow for a new one; A normal sized one. The group was lead at the front by the Crusader, in his admantuim armor, with Reichi and Dar'var at either side, and the Armigers following behind.

They advanced to the Ghostgate shrine and stopped. Reichi drew his weapons. Holding the Daedric shortsword in his right hand and his Dagger of Senses in the left. He struck a pawprint left by the beast, and he picked up the scent of the beast; as if a line had been drawn in the Ash, it pointed the way to its lair.

"This way." Reichi said and ran up Red Mountain's slopes, followed by Dar'Var , the Crusader, and the Armigers. In short time they reached a cave. The Cave's door was marked with a sign that read: Yassu mine.
Reichi sheathed the Dagger of Senses and eased the door open. The group was greeted by a grisly sight. Bodies of Nix-hounds, Miners, Imperial gaurds, and other unidentifiable corpses littered what little of the mine they could see. Blood stained some of the mine's once green glass red.

The Crusader advanced fearlessly into the cave, drawing his Silver Longsword and rasing his sheild expectantly. Dar'Var and Reichi followed after quickly, along with the Armigers. One Armiger was left outside to run back to the Ghostgate and warn them should the group not return within a few hours.


The Armigers, Reichi, Dar'var and the Crusader searched the Cave tirelessly, until only one cavern of the cave system was left. They entered cautoiusly, only to find it empty, it looked like the Den. Before they could search however, a shrill scream was heard, before it was cut off violently.

"Damnit! The bastard has us cornered." said one Armigers. "Hah! we got it now!" screamed another and he ran off into the caves, disapearing into the shadows. His demise was reported by a roar and "Argh!". The two remaining Armigers gulped and backed into the den. It wasn't long before the Werelion decided to return to its den. However, it wasn't fully night yet, and the Lion was still 'human'.

Through the 'doorway' came a large female Khajiit, a Cathay-Raht. The '-Raht' version of Dar'Var's breed; larger, and stronger. She wore little, only Ashlander's clothing - which was bloodstained and bore marks of tooth and claw- and carried a Scimitar carved of bone. One of her eyes was Azure, the other a Bright gold. She looked old, middle-aged.

"Ah, more prey..." she grinned, raising the blade. Dar'Var raised his Crossbow in response. "YOU!" he roared, his face contorted with rage. "Dar'Var knows you! You were the one who slew his clan! Who set him upon this path! You destroyed everything Dar'var had! " he growled.

The Khajiit smiled wickedly. " Ah, the Kitten , yes it was a leasure to destroy your little camp. Even more so when the hunters came, as they had driven Sekmeht and her pride there....you simply got in the way.."

Dar'var growled. The Crusader looked annoyed. "Are we gonna do this or what?" he said aggitated. The female Khajiit merely pointed her blade at the Crusader. "Well, if you wish to fight, fight! Sekmeht loves a good fight." She grinned, and the Crusader charged. He slashed at her horizontally but she only jumped back , evading the blow. The Crusader continued to advance and she continued to move backwards into the darkness. The Armigers ran to join the Crusader, Dar'Var kept aimed at 'Sekmeht', unable to fire for fear of injuring the others. Reich itayed behind, knowing this tactic well, rusing forth was a death-sentance.

Suddenly Sekmeht parried a blow rather than dodge and brought the bone scimitar into the Crusader's exposed face. The scimitar sunk into his forehead, and he fell with a thud, falling off the blade. Blood pooling on the floor. Sekmeht then retreated into the dark, the Armigers following, she struck one down before disapearing from sight. Dar'Var and Reichi followed at a distance.

Then, like the thunder that followed lightning, a deep roar broke the near silence, from the shadow ermerged a large Werelioness. Her muzzle soaked with the final armiger's blood. Dar'var raised his crossbow and fired, the Lioness dodged, but the bolt's enchantment went off as it struck a wall and the Lioness's left side was struck by a stray bolt of lightning from the shockbloom. She roared in pain and struck out with her right paw, smashing Reichi against the cavern wall. His shortblade clattered to the ground. As did a small, silver object, he looked to be unconscious. Dar'var backed away and loaded another bolt , then charged the beast, his speed enchantments getting him up close before he unleashed the bolt, this was enchanted to absorb the target's health and give it to the weilder. The bolt struck and Dar'var would have been healed had he been injuried yet.

In retaliation, he found powerful jaws close around his leg, he screamed as the jaws crushed the leg and tore through his armor. Then the Lioness tossed him against the wall, the armored Khajiit hit with a thud and a sound like Shattering glass as his armor and some shards of glass yet to be mined shattered. His Blood poured like a river from his leg, the armor twisted and the flesh rended.

The Lioness turned to feed on Reichi, but instead of the Dunmeri assassin she found a White Werewolf, clad in Reichi's armor -albeit the armor was damaged severaly by the transformation- and a collar. The Werewolf raised its claws, ready to strike. The Werelioness similarly rasied its claws, and so, the great battle was too be the fought, the ancient battle.

The battle, of Cat vs. Dog.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 23 2004, 03:06 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 21 2004, 03:46 AM)

Arynel gave a passing glance towards Allerleirauh.

The Breton said nothing, but began walking forward...

*




Allerleirauh said, "I wasn't kidding about holding hands..."

However, Arynel could not be pressured into doing anything he didn't want to do. She just hoped they didn't get separated.

"So far, the right thing to do has always been the difficult and annoying thing," she mused, looking up into the clouds, in the direction in which the wheel had fallen.

She stepped out of the window, and using her levitation spell, moved in the opposite direction. Not too far below was the surface of what seemed to be a lake. And in the lake stood a door.

She guessed that the door was near the spot where they had first arrived. Or was that thinking too logically?

In any case, she swooped down until her toes touched the surface of the water, and opened it.

Posted by: B Dec 23 2004, 03:12 AM

Through the doorway, there was a small, dimly lit room. On the far wall, an iron door was placed. In the center of the four walls, was a wooden table with two chairs on opposite sides. The Psijic was seated in one chair; the other was empty.

"No, thank you. My cup is quite full," the grey cloak replied as his thumb and index finger were pressed together and raised to his lips. He seemed to sip at empty air.

"Yes, the tea is quite good, but I beg your pardon: Do we have a deal or not?"

B lifted the top on his ring, revealing the Stone of Wonders. B looked at it, and the charm was cast. He put his hand out in front of him and plucked nothing out of the air. With the same hand, he touched the side of his forehead, and when he had finished, he shut the ring.

"I cannot thank you enough."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 23 2004, 03:17 AM

QUOTE(B @ Dec 22 2004, 08:02 PM)

Through the doorway, there was a small, dimly lit room.  On the far wall, an iron door was placed.  In the center of the four walls, was a wooden table with two chairs on opposite sides.  The Psijic was seated in one chair; the other was empty.

"No, thank you.  My cup is quite full," the grey cloak replied as his thumb and index finger were pressed together and raised to his lips.  He seemed to sip at empty air.

"Yes, the tea is quite good, but I beg your pardon: Do we have a deal or not?"

B lifted the top on his ring, revealing the Stone of Wonders.  B looked at it, and the charm was cast.  He put his hand out in front of him and plucked nothing out of the air.  With the same hand, he touched the side of his forehead, and when he had finished, he shut the ring.

"I cannot thank you enough."

*




Allerleirauh stared with her mouth open. She didn't see anyone in the room besides B, but that only gave free rein to her imagination.

Imagination in Oblivion was a bad thing. It might give people Ideas.

"Just a moment," she whispered to Arynel, and stuffed a garment from her pack in the door, wedging it open.

Did B see them? She wasn't about to interrupt what might be a delicate negotiation.

Posted by: Meridia Dec 23 2004, 03:22 AM

'You may go,' The Priest said, 'But we shall keep your sword under close watch'
'A mistake it is not to give that weapon to me!' Maranda said angrily
'The Moon Riever... let us say it is our price for the medical treatment you have receved...' the Priest replied
'Darn you...' she said storming off... Meridia would not be pleased at all... little did Maranda know that this was part of Meridia's plan all allong...

Posted by: B Dec 23 2004, 03:23 AM

The transaction was complete. The Psijic blinked rapidly and shook his head from side to side. The trance was broken.

“What’s going on?” B looked at Allerleirauh and spoke once more, “What are you doing here?”

Posted by: Arynel Dec 23 2004, 03:25 AM


"I hope you've enjoyed your stay here, Psijic." Arynel said flatly. "I do believe it is time we make our exit."

The Breton approached B.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 23 2004, 03:27 AM

QUOTE(B @ Dec 22 2004, 08:13 PM)

The transaction was complete.  The Psijic blinked rapidly and shook his head from side to side.  The trance was broken.

“What’s going on?”  B looked at Allerleirauh and spoke once more, “What are you doing here?”

*




"Someone wanted me here," Allerleirauh said. "A doppleganger came and kissed me, under your guise, and said I'd never see you again. Well, so much for that. Assuming you're not an illusion, dear friend."

She smiled, and opened her journal. In it she wrote, "Hello there!"

The words sailed across the table and disappeared beneath B's cloak.

"Nice tattoos," she said, smiling.

Posted by: B Dec 23 2004, 03:34 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 22 2004, 08:17 PM)

"Someone wanted me here,"  Allerleirauh said. "A doppleganger came and kissed me, under your guise, and said I'd never see you again. Well, so much for that. Assuming you're not an illusion, dear friend."

She smiled, and opened her journal. In it she wrote, "Hello there!"

The words sailed across the table and disappeared beneath B's cloak.

"Nice tattoos," she said, smiling.

*




B smiled back at Allerleirauh. “A kiss, you say? It’s a shame it wasn’t me.”

The Psijic’s knees buckled slightly, but he caught himself before he collapsed. “I am very weak. We must go. I need to find my way back to the Dreaming Cavern.

As they left the room, the chair opposite to the one the Psijic had been sitting in scooted out from under the table. Seconds later, the chair slid back under the table, and footsteps could be heard on the stone floor. The iron door at the other end of the room opened and shut, seemingly of its own accord.

Posted by: Arynel Dec 23 2004, 03:37 AM

Arynel stood silently as the door opened and closed by itself.

"What a world, both seen and unseen." The Breton said with a smile. "We must go."

He turned to the Altmer.

"Do you need assistance, Psijic?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 23 2004, 03:40 AM

"B, do you know the way?" Allerleirauh said. "We came through the Void, but we can't take you that way."

She set her hand firmly under his elbow, for support.

Posted by: B Dec 23 2004, 03:46 AM

"I'm fine for now, but I may need some assistance later. Follow me. I’ll lead the way."

The grey cloak motioned for the others to follow him as he walked out of the water.

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 23 2004, 03:58 AM

(OBLIVION:)

Outside, if it could be called that, puffy green clouds rolled by above... and collided with a slightly furry blue ball that blotted out half the sky.

Two beady eyes, each the size of a palace, looked down on them. An enormous mouth opened, and a familiar tiny voice, multiplied by ten-thousand, said,
"AH, THERE YOU ARE."

Posted by: Arynel Dec 23 2004, 04:01 AM


Arynel's eyes went wide, and he bit his bottom lip.

"We have found what we came for, Daedra." The Breton said. "We will go now, and leave you as you were."

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 23 2004, 04:06 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 22 2004, 09:51 PM)

Arynel's eyes went wide, and he bit his bottom lip.

"We have found what we came for, Daedra."  The Breton said.  "We will go now, and leave you as you were."

*





"OH? NO MORE PRETTY WORDS FOR ME? NOTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO BREAK?

"NO, YOU WILL BE GOING NOWHERE. I UNDERSTAND THAT SOMEONE WENT TO SOME TROUBLE TO GET HER HERE, AND YOU, MORTAL, ARE MINE."


With that, the wide mouth opened even wider, and the ball rushed forward, scattering the little puffy clouds.

Posted by: Arynel Dec 23 2004, 04:08 AM



Arynel stepped back, and threw forth his arms.

A green paralysis light flew forward from his hands.


"Be done with this, devil." He whispered under his breath.


Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 23 2004, 04:08 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 22 2004, 08:56 PM)


"OH? NO MORE PRETTY WORDS FOR ME? NOTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO BREAK?

"NO, YOU WILL BE GOING NOWHERE. I UNDERSTAND THAT SOMEONE WENT TO SOME TROUBLE TO GET HER HERE, AND YOU, MORTAL, ARE MINE."


With that, the wide mouth opened even wider, and the ball rushed forward, scattering the little puffy clouds.

*





"B - if you know the way - RUN!"



Posted by: Rhedd Dec 23 2004, 04:09 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 22 2004, 09:58 PM)

Arynel stepped back, and threw forth his arms.

A green paralysis light flew forward from his hands.
"Be done with this, devil."  He whispered under his breath.

*





As impossible as it seemed, Arynel suddenly realized that the creature was not moving forward, it was simply getting bigger. MUCH bigger.

Posted by: Arynel Dec 23 2004, 04:11 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 22 2004, 07:59 PM)

As impossible as it seemed, Arynel suddenly realized that the creature was not moving forward, it was simply getting bigger. MUCH bigger.

*





Arynel reached into his pocket, and produced a shard of glass.

He ran towards the Daedra, and stapped the shard into the creature's ever expanding girth.

Gritting his teeth, the Breton removed the shard, and quickly turned to run off.

Posted by: B Dec 23 2004, 04:12 AM

B stumbled to the ground. He could barely move. Looking up at the creature, he shouted, "STOP!"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 23 2004, 04:14 AM

QUOTE(B @ Dec 22 2004, 09:02 PM)

B stumbled to the ground.  He could barely move. Looking up at the creature, he shouted, “STOP!”

*




Allerleirauh cast a spell of levitation at B, and grabbed his arm, lifting him up from the surface of the water. "I think I just saw Loranna do something like this..." she said. "It didn't look pleasant."

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 23 2004, 04:18 AM

QUOTE(B @ Dec 22 2004, 10:02 PM)

B stumbled to the ground.  He could barely move. Looking up at the creature, he shouted, "STOP!"

*





The creature continued to grow. The water beneath it rose in wall-like waves before it.

The mouth was quite close now.

Posted by: Arynel Dec 23 2004, 04:21 AM



"I will kiss the Nord when I am rid of you." Arynel cursed under his breath.

The Breton reached into his cloak, and produced a a thread of light. Pure magicka strung into a rope.

he swung it like a wip, towards the daedra.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 23 2004, 04:22 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 22 2004, 09:08 PM)

The creature continued to grow. The water beneath it rose in wall-like waves before it.

The mouth was quite close now.

*




"That works for me," Allerleirauh said.

"IS THAT ALL?" she shouted. "HOW BIG CAN YOU GET, YOU PATHETIC LITTLE CREATURE? WE'RE NOT SCARED YET!"

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 23 2004, 04:25 AM

(OBLIVION:)

The golden rope cut deep into the creature, leaving a large, but insignificant hole.

"HOW BIG? ...NOT SCARED?? WHY, I'LL SHOW YOU THE MEANING OF FEAR, YOU ARROGANT DIRT!"

With that, the creature swelled to an even greater size. It now blocked out nearly the entire sky.

Posted by: Attrebus Dec 23 2004, 04:26 AM

Then out popped a Moderator and closed the thread. smile.gif

http://www.elderscrolls.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=38751.

Powered by Invision Power Board (http://www.invisionboard.com)
© Invision Power Services (http://www.invisionpower.com)