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Posted by: Attrebus Sep 23 2004, 08:12 PM

Continue.

Previous thread is here:

http://www.elderscrolls.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=8818

 

Posted by: One87xe Sep 23 2004, 08:14 PM

*One's entourage makes their way towards the Main Doorway...everyone looks a little skeptical this evening, not knowing if anyone had heard of the earlier disturbance at The Serpent in Talon Inn...Ami's adorned this evening with a Blue and Silver Skirt with matching Top, unlike last night she's now armed with a strange looking Katana at her side, peace-bonded of course...Genjii's now wearing a Greyish-Blue ensemble with a Black Cape carrying his Warhammer, the Ebony Greaves he got yesterday still shimmering...One himself is dressed in a pitch Black Robe with what appears to be Daedric Runes on the sleeves and shoulders, with a long line of Runes running from his Left shoulder all the way to his feet, he carries his Staff and a small pouch over his right shoulder...Ryx and Yrx follow behind now wearing Hooded-Capes and armed with Daedric Longbows, quivers filled with arrows are slung across their backs*

"Master One...do you think anyone knows of what happened earlier?" Ami inquired

"No idea Ami...I should hope not as that could cause additional trouble...its bad enough we have to worry about those Khajiiti, I wouldn't want to have to worry about guests at this Ball too"

"I hope your right Master One" Ami said

"Me too Ami...me too"

*Genjii, Ryx, and Yrx remain at the Doorway while One and Ami make their way inside*

 

Posted by: FireMaster Sep 23 2004, 08:15 PM

*looks around the halls, thinking about likely areas to place artifacts or similar such away from the guests*

"Probably there is something in the servant rooms and kitchen...but how shall I enter there?"
Erenius muses to himself.

 

Posted by: B Sep 23 2004, 08:19 PM

B wanders around the room mumbling under his breath. Finally, he stops in the center of the hall. As he raises both arms in the air, his hands begin to glow. Closing his eyes, he casts the charm. The aura around his palms begins to expand. All of a sudden, the aura explodes in a blast of blinding light. It’s a light without any sound. As quick as it came, the flash is gone.

B opens his eyes and addresses the group. "I’ve done all I can, but I fear it isn’t nearly enough."

 

Posted by: Dumbkid Sep 23 2004, 08:20 PM

"Of course, the servants!" Arynel suddenly exclaims. The Breton's mouth quickly snaps shut.

"I know how to get into the kitchen." He whispers, as he goes off to search for a cook, clutching onto a rolled up mark scroll.

 

Posted by: Carnajo Sep 23 2004, 08:31 PM

Carnajo enters, smiles and greats everyone. He then proceeds to pour himself some brandy and finds a nice corner to sit in and listen.

 

Posted by: Loranna Sep 23 2004, 08:33 PM

"Thank you for what you have done," Darius tells B, sounding at least slightly relieved.

Meanwhile, Harg and Samson wander around, looking for signs of trouble ...

 

Posted by: Carnajo Sep 23 2004, 08:36 PM

Carnajo approaches Darius,

"I must commend you my Lord on the excellent quality of Brandy, though I am slightly dissappointed I did not try the punch last night." {very cheerfully and with a smile}

 

Posted by: B Sep 23 2004, 08:37 PM

B replies to Darius slyly. "Just so you know, I haven’t done anything to the room. What I have done is alter the guests. Anyone who enters the hall tonight will be veiled. It will be much more difficult for Sheogorath to inhabit their minds. Unfortunately, my spell has no effect on those of us who have already been touched by the Mad God."

 

Posted by: Allerleirauh Sep 23 2004, 08:37 PM

Allerleirauh slept late, dreaming of strange music. When she woke, the music was still there, faint but unmistakable. Lovely, she thought, sitting up. Someone somewhere was in a playful mood.

Her new dress was waiting for her. She had decided to save the grandest of her dresses for the night of Tales and Tallows itself, which left her without a ballgown for the third night of the festivities. She had stopped off to remedy the situation before she went to bed. "A ballgown? In one night? For a Nord?" the tailor had moaned. "Just show me a length of fabric," Allie had demanded.

One of the local tales told about her mother, when she was alive, had been that she put on a plain linen gown each morning and took it off at night covered with embroidery of golden thread... a miracle wrought by her humble virtue. Allerleirauh knew full well this wasn't true; she had seen first hand where the embroidery originated, in bruised and bleeding fingers, accompanied by strained eyes. As a tiny girl she had thought the needle moved by magic, so swiftly it flashed. Practice, not magic, her mother had told her. And the child had practiced, though it seemed impossible she would ever attain such skills.

Diligence. Practice. And, perhaps, some inborn gift, first cousin to her gift with blades. Now it was the tailor, seasoned with years in his craft, who stared at Allerleirauh's flashing needle.

Allie sifted through the bits of gossip that had dropped from the man's lips. "It's becoming quite fashionable to be a Nord - I heard of an order for bleached hair, from one of the fashionable salons. Everyone wants to go to the party with Sheogorath in attendance."

Then everyone must be a fool, she had thought, but not said.

The new dress was silk, of course. Wasn't everything here silk? Deep, deep blue, almost black, shimmering with silver crystals. It was a good dress for dancing; she twirled experimentally, liking the effect of the flowing skirt.

Small white native flowers in her hair. Why was she attending this party again? Oh yes, now she remembered. She liked courting madness. She was... an adventurer. She bared her teeth in a savage smile at her reflection. Wouldn't miss it for the world.

 

Posted by: Aki Sep 23 2004, 08:38 PM

Reichi can't help but raise a eyebrow at the strange blast of light as the spell was cast.Reichi began to wander around the Main Hall.

 

Posted by: FireMaster Sep 23 2004, 08:40 PM

*turns around for a moment, trying t find te origin of the source of the magicks*

"What was that?" he asked to noone in particular.

 

Posted by: Loranna Sep 23 2004, 08:40 PM

"Oh," Darius says. "Well ... that's still quite a feat ..."

Turning to Carnajo, Darius laughs "Yes, quite; I've had one or two people ask if we were serving that punch again tonight actually! We might break out a few potions for that yet; dancing on air I hear is quite an experience ..."

Raising his voice, Darius calls out "Everything's quite all right, everyone; that spell was for our protection ..."

 

Posted by: Carnajo Sep 23 2004, 08:45 PM

Laughs,

"Perhaps, my lord, it would be best to let sleeping horses lie"

 

Posted by: One87xe Sep 23 2004, 08:46 PM

"Our host seems rather busy tonight Master One" Ami stated

"So it would seem"

*making their way towards the newly restocked Drink table...One produces the same Nordic mug he had gotten yesterday from the pouch on his side...he fills it to the brim and takes a large long gulp*

"Awww...now that's the good stuff."

*Ami takes one of the upside down Goblets on the table and fills it halfway with the Liqour...she takes a small sip then grimmaces*

"Cough...ugg...what is this Master One?" she asks

"Its Nordic Mead...I was hoping that Darius would have some tonight...I must have missed it the previous two"

"It's most unpleasant Master" Ami said while still cringing "why dont you worry of the food and drink like you did yesterday?"

"That flash when we walked in was a protection spell...I doubt that theres anything wrong with the foodstuffs tonight"

"If you say so Master One" Ami declared

 

Posted by: Dumbkid Sep 23 2004, 08:46 PM

Arynel began speaking to a cook laying out a tray of crab meat: "Hello, could you..." He stopped. "Oh, nevermind," he said nervously.

Backing off and moving towards the garden, the Breton whispered: "I was almost there, I almost had it, the cook would certainly have access to the kitchen, all he had to do was use the scroll and I'd be in...why didn't I do it?"

"Maybe there isn't anything interesting in the kitchen after all." The Breton said with a sudden smile, as if to reassure himself. "Yes, I'm sure there is nothing."

Arynel dissapears into the garden.

 

Posted by: Ash_Sage825 Sep 23 2004, 08:46 PM

Mavendas looks outside at the large burst of light that B cast. He notices the bewilderment and many of the guests. He drains the last of the flin and continues writing, mumbling to himself.

"I hope charms can keep madness out of a ball so plagued with it."

 

Posted by: Chiaroscuro Sep 23 2004, 08:49 PM

Chiaro wanders up and down back hallways, trying to find some sign of hidden doors.

Sure that if he were holding smuggled goods, he would not be clever enough to hide them in plain sight. While our host is a generous man, he does not appear to be the kind who would think of such things.

Surely, there MUST be a hidden storeroom, one to which even the servants do not have access, she thought grimly.

 

Posted by: FireMaster Sep 23 2004, 08:51 PM

*Erenius aimlessly wanders towards the kitchen door*

*as a cook exits with a tray full of flin and brandy, Erenius sneaks inside*

*looks around and then heads off to the servant's quarters and other private areas, careful to avoid to be noticed*

 

Posted by: Loranna Sep 23 2004, 08:51 PM

Seeing that people are not really dancing, just standing around looking nervous, Darius pipes up "I say; is this a celebration or a church gathering! Come, we're here to make merry; let us have a line dance, get us all in the proper spirit."

Clapping his hands, Darius starts getting things rolling.

"Say Harg, you seen anything?" Samson asks his companion.

"The Fist of Harg has seen nothing ..." Harg mutters. " ... though some things not seen should have been there."

"Hmm ..." Samson says, scanning the crowd.

Erenius must be quick on his feet, as several servants are in these back rooms, and they seem agitated ...

 

Posted by: B Sep 23 2004, 08:54 PM

"Let me help, my Lord."

B cups his hands and moves them to his mouth. He blows on his clasped hands and then opens them to reveal brightly colored flower petals. The sweet-smelling petals multiply rapidly and a mysterious breeze comes from nowhere and sends the petals aloft. They dance across the hall and shower the guests. As the petals make contact with people, furniture, and the floor, they vanish completely but a beautiful fragrance is left behind.

 

Posted by: Sheogorath Sep 23 2004, 08:55 PM

It's still far, far away, but the words can now be heard, as if sung by demented children ---

Be a good sin-izen from birth to burial
Just follow the lead of our lecherous Uriel
Embrace your ardor with a lack of fear
Bravely, like U the Fifth off in Akavir
A few prissy Imperial think that it’s wrong
But the rulers have ever sang this rude song
The atmosphere’s always hot, even when the wind is chilly
If you hope for a bit of a grope, you must go cyrodilly.
chaos.gif

 

Posted by: One87xe Sep 23 2004, 08:56 PM

"Line Dance??" whats that?...well One seems that theres not to be the insanity of the last two days...I hope those Khajiiti are gone when we return...I'm going to have to accompany Ami when she returns, Khajiiti are sneaky and I'd hate for something I caused to effect her...please Azura let tonight be calm and happy...the flower spells a nice touch, with a most relaxing aroma...but who keeps singing...it sounds like children...but where are they?"

 

Posted by: Dumbkid Sep 23 2004, 08:56 PM

Arynel's trance is broken by a flower floating past his face. It vanishes leaving behind a sweet scent, and a smile on the Breton's face, he returns to the dance floor to join in the festivities.

He hardly notices the sound of distant voices.

 

Posted by: FireMaster Sep 23 2004, 08:59 PM

*walks into the servant's rooms, finding them quite empty*

"At least I can look around here without much disturbance," Erenius mutters.

*Erenius sneaks off through the rooms, into a narrow corridor that is just behind the ballroom wall*

"What is that they are doing?" he thinks to himself.

 

Posted by: Loranna Sep 23 2004, 09:03 PM

B's spell causes a chorus of pleased lauhter, even as people line up for a popular dance involving everyone on the floor at once. Jaunty music plays as people begin moving to and fro, smiling and not really hearing the new song ...

Loranna, sitting in the side room, stirs a little, her ears catching the fainter tune ...

Erenius hears muffled voices ahead ...

 

Posted by: Nelacar Sep 23 2004, 09:08 PM

Uh-oh...
I'm just going to take a step outside, if you don't mind.

 

Posted by: Ash_Sage825 Sep 23 2004, 09:09 PM

Mavendas' silent study is broken by a voice that seems to be distant but close, and music that is disjointed and harmonious, something is wrong his ears are attuning to it and his eyes go wide. He whispers.

"Oh no... rhymes."

He runs into the dance hall and grabs three bottles of flin from the refreshment table and brings them back into the side room and begins downing them quickly, he speaks.

"Even if my mind is playing tricks on me, I want to get drunk enough to forget tonight."

 

Posted by: B Sep 23 2004, 09:10 PM

As he watches everyone dance, B thinks to himself, "Curse the Mad God and his interminable little game. We are not his playthings."

 

Posted by: Nelacar Sep 23 2004, 09:12 PM

*On his way out, he stops to tell B something*
We're all just pawns to concepts, dear boy. Climb up and you're above that.
*Continues on his way out, hoping B understood his message*

 

Posted by: Loranna Sep 23 2004, 09:13 PM

Loranna smiles at Nelacar. "Come back soon," she says.

Seeing Mavendas return, Loranna frowns, and she walks over to him. ""Sir, no offense, but aren't you hitting those bottles a little hard?" she asks, her expression concerned.

 

Posted by: Sheogorath Sep 23 2004, 09:14 PM

The second stanza begins:

From doomed Kintyra to Pelagius hysterical
There’s something naughty in Imperial empirical
Of sex and rumor, sex and humor, Cyrodiil is rife,
Uriel Lariat he mistook a horse for his wife,
That horror Katariah liked it a bit rough an’,
They didn’t call him Magnus for nothin’.
Oh, yes, U. Lariat sure loved his brown-eyed filly,
They are fine with love equine in central cyrodilly.


chaos.gif

 

Posted by: Dumbkid Sep 23 2004, 09:15 PM

"Nelacar...Loranna..." Arynel whispers suspiciously. "I'll have to keep an eye on those two. I hope they're not connected with HIM."

The tiny ring feels like a like a lead weight in his pocket.

 

Posted by: Aki Sep 23 2004, 09:18 PM

Reichi listened to the strange song, its verses were very very odd, esspecially as it sounded as if sung by children.

 

Posted by: Loranna Sep 23 2004, 09:23 PM

As the line dance goes on, Darius finds that the music from outside manages to work its way into his hearing ...

Oh dear heavens, must the Mad God sing about that?! he thinks, wishing he could sip his brandy. Next thing you know he'll be having the horses play out that scene ...

Elaine, wandering from the back rooms, frowns as she hears the singing from outside, and looks around. "Now what's this ..." she asks, "and where the bloody scamp is Love ..."

 

Posted by: Dumbkid Sep 23 2004, 09:24 PM

"Oh no, it is HIM, it must be HIM!" Arynel moaned, his trembling finger reaching toward his pocket. "Why must HE sing, why must HE jest?"

 

Posted by: B Sep 23 2004, 09:27 PM

B finds Darius. "I regret to inform you that I cannot stay any longer. As you know, tomorrow is Tales and Tallows, the 3rd of Hearth Fire. But today is a much more sacred day for me. Today, I must perform the Rites of Moawita. It is part of my duty and is necessary to empower the salutary spirits and debilitate the unclean ones. Perhaps my efforts will help all of you tonight. However, I make no promises."

B turns away and vanishes.

 

Posted by: Loranna Sep 23 2004, 09:31 PM

" ... Thanks ..." Darius says to B, relieved that the line dance was ending as it now meant he could start drinking his brandy ...

Loranna, seeing that her filn-loving companion seemed a little dazed at the moment, looks out into the dance hall. She frowns a bit as she sees a few people getting agitated.

" ... It's just singing ..." she mutters quietly. "And it's not like such somgs are unknown around here ... why are people worrying ..."

 

Posted by: Sheogorath Sep 23 2004, 09:32 PM

The third stanza is quieter, as the throng seems to have moved farther away into the woods:

We must end round the bend before it does bore us
No time for a worse verse of perverse Cephorus
Ten races, two genders couldn’t satisfy the lust
Of our most unruly rulers like randy Antiochus
More heliopause Morihatha, many men had to buy her
Twisted and free, the family tree of old Emper Tiber
Perhaps this song has gone on too long, and is less rude than silly
And all these lays are libelous lies of the chief family cyrodilly


chaos.gif

 

Posted by: Ash_Sage825 Sep 23 2004, 09:35 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Sep 23 2004, 09:23 PM)

Seeing Mavendas return, Loranna frowns, and she walks over to him.  ""Sir, no offense, but aren't you hitting those bottles a little hard?" she asks, her expression concerned.

*





Mavendas looks at Loranna and speaks,

"Lady Loranna I know you hear the songs and the ::shudders:: rhymes. If my gut is right I don't wanna be sober and remember the events that will occur tonight, now if you will excuse I am going to go pass out in the garden."

He walks out of the side room grabs some more bottles of flin from the refreshment table and pockets them, he then walks outside of the dance hall and begins walking around the garden.

 

Posted by: Dumbkid Sep 23 2004, 09:37 PM

Arynel grabs a pint of ail, he had never been a drinker before, but if this would make HIS song go away...

 

Posted by: Aki Sep 23 2004, 09:38 PM

"Heh..what a odd song...wonder what'll happen next?The Spear of Bitter mercy fly through a window?"Reichi mumbles.

 

Posted by: Nelacar Sep 23 2004, 09:40 PM

*Returns looking much more relaxed*
Ah. That does it. Can I get you a drink, Loranna?

 

Posted by: Loranna Sep 23 2004, 09:43 PM

Loranna frowns. "Silly people; after the Wabbajack and the Mad Platter you'd think a simple song would be easy to handle ..." she mutters under her breath.

Turning to Nelacar, her expression dismayed, she replies " ... Yes; that and a dance perhaps. It's time people remembered this is a party, I think ..."

Darius, meanwhile, is busily organizing a few games of cards for various other people who have been hearing the song and growing worried. "Come now, we're not going to let a little thing like this ruin our evening, right? We've the protective spell of one of the most prestigious mages in all the land covering us tonight; this song is nothing to concern you, nothing at all! Besides, everyone jokes about old Pelagius and Cephorus, so why not have the Prince of Madness do so too, right? I remember when I first heard that tune, back when I was but a lad ..."

 

Posted by: Dumbkid Sep 23 2004, 09:43 PM

Arynel looks at Nelacar suspiciously.

"Oh no, I think I was right."

 

Posted by: Sheogorath Sep 23 2004, 09:46 PM

The chorus continues faintly:

But fancy a dally or dilly
In a land that’s quite hilly
Wearing underclothes frilly
You’re just gilding the lily
And it’s so rudely cyrodilly


… Before becoming too distant to be intelligible …

chaos.gif

 

Posted by: Nelacar Sep 23 2004, 09:47 PM

I'm all for the dancing. Now what would you like to drink?

 

Posted by: One87xe Sep 23 2004, 09:48 PM

"There it is again...the children, but what are they talking about? I wonder if Ami's hearing the same thing?"

*As One looks towards her Ami looks up and smiles*

"Is something the matter Master One?" she asked

"Err-no...do you hear singing"

*This question causes Ami to giggle*

"Of course I hear music the Bards are singing...are you well Master?" her question seemed concerning

"Yes...I'm fine Ami"

"Ok apparently she can't her the song...I wonder"

ONE

"I must be losing it...now I hear voices"

"NO you dont hear voices...you hear me

"Are you...HIM?"

"No fool...I am...THE CREATOR!!"

"You must be him "The Creator"...not very original"

"I'm not him...please don't incure my wrath...I'm here to help you

"Oh really...and how do you intend to do that? I must be going mad"

"Must you always try my patience? And I'm not EVERYONES Creator...just yours...and Ami's...and Genjii's...do you see my point? I can OBSERVE the others...but cannot interact with them do as I say and you'll all get out of this alive...perhaps you don't believe me and a test is in order...hmm...ahh...I can tell you where the Khajiiti from earlier are"

"How do you know about that?"

"Magic...anyways the Khajiiti are planning on ambushing you and your friends on the way back too the Inn...wait...correction...when you get to the Inn...notice the Shadows, and observe your surroundings when you arrive..."

"And I should believe you because?"

"Because you have no choice...maybe you'd like to know where that singing is coming from...or maybe you'd like not to hear it"

*the chanting that was present dissolves and One can again hear the festivities*

"How...did you"

"Shutup and listen...this is what you have to do..."


<ooc>...Editted by me: a special thanks goes to Nelacar for showing me the way...<ooc>

 

Posted by: Dumbkid Sep 23 2004, 09:49 PM

"Oh good." Arynel said hearing the song continue. "It must not be Nelacar after all...oh good, it's HIM, how can this possibly be good?!"

The Breton takes a swig from his ale.

 

Posted by: Loranna Sep 23 2004, 09:51 PM

"I'll have some of the Nordic Mead, if I may," Loranna answers with a small smile. "I'm feeling an urge to get back in touch with my roots - and to do a somewhat more robust dance than usual ..."

 

Posted by: Nelacar Sep 23 2004, 10:06 PM

*Stands up, stopping at the last part of that request*
*Just a slight, slight change in his color can be seen*
As you wish, my dear.
*Goes to get some mead for her and some wine for himself*

 

Posted by: Celezar Sep 23 2004, 10:06 PM

*places his bag of trinkets safely into his purse*

"We are at a ball dear fellow, bother yourself not with your studies this occasion." Celezar mutters to himself

"Now hmmm....were to find the archives of this grand place."

*pads down the hall*

"I do hope that sickly fellow is well....oh look a lovely chorus...mabye I'll stay just a while longer..."

 

Posted by: Tedders Sep 23 2004, 10:08 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Sep 23 2004, 09:42 PM)

More heliopause Morihatha, many men had to buy her

*





ooc:

LOL ... so you don't hear the word "heliopause" ... you hear "oar."

nono.gif

Silly insta-censor.
wink.gif

 

Posted by: Loranna Sep 23 2004, 10:11 PM

*Blue bolts strike the odd guy sticking his head in to make funny comments tongue.gif*

Loranna chuckles. "Sorry dear; old family custom, always try to make your suitor blush at least once, and if you can't then you're a pretty poor maiden ..."

She accepts her mead with a smile.

Darius continues to try calming guests down, and heads toward Arynel. "Ah, there you are my good man! I was wondering if perhaps you'd like to strike up an air for us ..."

 

Posted by: One87xe Sep 23 2004, 10:18 PM

*One qucikly hurries to a Sitting Room with Ami close behind him...Nordic Mead still in hand*

"Master One where are you going?" she asked

*Upon reaching the Sitting Room, One clears off a table that had previously had playing cards on it...he opens his pouch and takes out a Grand Masters Mortar and Pestile...One removes some ingredients from his pouch and begins crushing them...all the while Ami looks on in utter confusion*

"Master One...what are you doing" she said puzzled

"Uhh...research Ami...heh,heh"

"What is the point of this?

"Simple your making a potion of Fortify Wisdom...with some OTHER properties"

"And why am I doing this again?"

"Because of the Dam Dog...thats why"

"Yeah thats great for me...what about Ami and the others...you know I dont have enough ingredients for all of us"

"Says who...I never said anything about making multiple potions...your going to act as a carrier"

"What do you mean? A carrier for what? Say...how is it I'm able to hear you tonight? Shouldn't I hear you everyday?"

"Nope...and you can hear me because of the Nordic Mead"

*One continues crushing ingredients for the potion...all the while with worry in his eyes*

 

Posted by: Dumbkid Sep 23 2004, 10:18 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Sep 23 2004, 10:21 PM)

Darius continues to try calming guests down, and heads toward Arynel.  "Ah, there you are my good man!  I was wondering if perhaps you'd like to strike up an air for us ..."

*





"Oh yes, 'tis a fine idea." The Breton answers.

Waving his arms a lute appears, he begins picking out a joyful tune, hoping to drown out the shadowy melody.

 

Posted by: Celezar Sep 23 2004, 10:19 PM

*Celezar cups his hands around his mouth and silently whispers a incantantion, slowly he holds out the palm of his right hand and a glowing orb is hovering above it. With his fingers Celezar shapes the illusion into a ghostly mirror of his own face and strikes up a conversasion with it*

"My dear fellow, you are looking lovely tonight."

"My dear fellow, you are looking lovely tonight."

"You know, I do beleive you just repeated my last sentence."

"You know, I do beleive you just repeated my last sentence."

"That is very rude sir."

"That is very rude sir."

"Its all water under the bridge now, care for some ale?"

"Its all water under the bridge now, care for some ale?"

"That would be lovely, thankyou phantasm."

"That would be lovely, thankyou phantasm."

"No, no my name is Celezar..."

*continues muttering to his illusion*

 

Posted by: Dumbkid Sep 23 2004, 10:21 PM

Arynel eyes Celezar as he picks out a jumpy tune on his lute.

"I do hope he's joking!" The Breton laughs.

 

Posted by: Nelacar Sep 23 2004, 10:22 PM

Sorry to have to get up again, but I think it would be best if I were to go put Darius's suspicions to rest by helping to alleviate some fears in the other guests. You don't mind, do you?

 

Posted by: Aki Sep 23 2004, 10:22 PM

Reichi watched the Bosmer conjure up a mirror image of himself and converse with it.Thats odd....hmm..i wonder?

 

Posted by: Chex Sep 23 2004, 10:22 PM

*Brushing softly past the hall's main doors, Maji enters. Her blue eyes are dazed, and she wears the same robe as before; minus half of a left sleeve. Her path takes her to Darius, and she slows only to carefully whisper in his ear...*
"Sir, your stable's mutton seems to be overcooked."
*Mission accomplished, she heads straight to a backroom, pausing only to gather several pints of mead from the overladen table*

 

Posted by: Loranna Sep 23 2004, 10:25 PM

Darius tries hard not to look at Celezar, instead motioning for servants to discretely watch the man ...

Bloody ... tonight's gotten off to a simply horrid start, he thinks, downing his brandy in a swift gulp. I wonder if we can convince the Emperor to delay Tales and Tallows for a day or two this year? I'm going to need the extra time to get things back on track ... and where the bloody blazes are my horseshoe finalists!

Hearing Maji, Darius's eyes widen, and he hastily orders some servants to check the stables ...

Loranna smiles at Nelacar. "No, that's all right; it's very noble of you," she says, leaning in to whisper into his ear " ... and worth another three points, plus the one for the song ..."

 

Posted by: Celezar Sep 23 2004, 10:26 PM

*perks his ears up*

"I do beleive somone wants us to tell a joke!"

"I do beleive somone wants us to tell a joke!"

"Indeed, now tell me dear boy, have you heard the one about the dragon and the man?"

"Indeed, now tell me dear boy, have you heard the one about the dragon and the man?"

"No, no. I asked you."

"No, no. I asked you."

"I'm afraid the ball will be over by the time we make somone laugh..."

"I'm afraid the ball will be over by the time we make somone laugh..."

"I couldnt have said it better myself."

 

Posted by: Dumbkid Sep 23 2004, 10:26 PM

"Hey, wasn't there supposed to be a horseshoe championship sometime tonight?" Arynel exclaims as he strums his lute.

 

Posted by: Nelacar Sep 23 2004, 10:28 PM

Very well.
*Heads over to Darius*
Old chap, I figured you could use some help calming these guests down. What do you say?

 

Posted by: Celezar Sep 23 2004, 10:41 PM

*The old Bosmer quickly shakes the illusion out of existence*

"You know...I dont beleive I've been to sleep ever I since I arrived...in fact I've been sitting in this exact spot for....who knows how many days..."

*Celezar lays his spear in his lap and slumps over in his chair, asleep*

"Nighty....night...."

 

Posted by: Allerleirauh Sep 23 2004, 10:41 PM

Allerleirauh strolled slowly through the streets, taking her time arriving. She rather liked the song. Although surely none of it was news to anyone.

The guests looked spooked tonight. She wondered if it was too early to get properly drunk, and where Attrebus was, and if she had missed Chiaro's entrance.

 

Posted by: Loranna Sep 23 2004, 10:46 PM

Darius looks up at Nelacar, privately wishing Altmers weren't so duecedly tall. "Um, some help is always good," he says in a polite, though slightly reserved, tone. "What were you thinking, Master Nelacar?"

Loranna sees Allerleirauh and smiles, looking at the silver-haired Nord fondly ...

 

Posted by: One87xe Sep 23 2004, 10:48 PM

"There I'm done...now what?"

"You drink a forth of it, than take it to Genjii and the others"

"Umm...there are five of us...in case you didn't know"

"You know...this reminds me of that time when you first went to Marandus, and the Orcs beat you down...hehehe..."

"How do you know so much?"

"Maybe you didn't hear me the first time I said 'Magic'...

*One completes the potion he was working on and puts the Mortar and Pestile away...leaving a bottle that earlier contained Shein filled with his efforts*

"So...I drink a forth...give it to Genjii, Ryx,and Yrx...what about Ami?

"You kiss her...duhh"

"Your serious?...you can't be serious"

"Oh just kiss her, what you scared you'll melt? Just do it with no backtalk"

"What will she think?"

"If you were'nt so dense you'd notice that she wants you to kiss her...as does Likeia"

*This causes One to become enraged and he starts cursing at the ceiling...Ami is stunned as she watches this unfold*

"What do you know of Likeia? Your just a voice in my head"

"Really?...I could assume I was something different...perhaps another test is in order"

*What ensues after that could only be described as "Sorcery" as One flies against the floor, than the ceiling, and finally landing back on the floor...Ami watches this unfold with confused look on her face

"Heheehhehehe...ohhh....you are funny"

"Owwwwww...that smarts...ok maybe you are something else...are you sure your no Daedric Prince?"

"I'm positive...hehehe...now get to work"

 

Posted by: Allerleirauh Sep 23 2004, 10:52 PM

"Ah, Loranna! How goes the night so far?"

Allerleirauh didn't see Attrebus. She cursed inwardly. She would have to send someone to the Mages' Guild to find out if he had ever arrived. B was gone as well, the only other person she knew well enough to trust him not to be under Daedric influence. What was Nelacar up to now?

 

Posted by: Dumbkid Sep 23 2004, 10:54 PM

Arynel continued strumming his lute. Unfortunatly, the quests were still uneasy.

"Such a pitty HE had to ruin such a fine ball." The Breton said, then he smiled:

"I see it has been quiet for a time now, perhaps the golden road has left us be!"

 

Posted by: Loranna Sep 23 2004, 10:56 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Sep 23 2004, 11:02 PM)

"Ah, Loranna! How goes the night so far?"

Allerleirauh didn't see Attrebus. She cursed inwardly. She would have to send someone to the Mages' Guild to find out if he had ever arrived. B was gone as well, the only other person she knew well enough to trust him not to be under Daedric influence. What was Nelacar up to now?

*





Loranna frowns. " ... As festivals go, this one's suffering from paranoia," she says quietly, walking over to Allerlierauh to speak. "We've tried to encourage people to take things in stride, but ..."

Loranna sighs. " ... Even a little rude song was enough to make people jumpy," she says, sounding a bit dejected. " ... Or maybe this is just a slump - people waiting for the big feast tomorrow and dwadling around until then ..."

Darius takes a swig from a new brandy bottle, praying the Breton's outburst doesn't cause doom ...

 

Posted by: El_Ahrairah Sep 23 2004, 11:01 PM

QUOTE(Dumbkid @ Sep 23 2004, 11:04 PM)

Arynel continued strumming his lute.  Unfortunatly, the quests were still uneasy. 

"Such a pitty HE had to ruin such a fine ball." The Breton said, then he smiled: 

"I see it has been quiet for a time now, perhaps the golden road has left us be!"

*




Sheogorath has made a party more than once.

 

Posted by: Aki Sep 23 2004, 11:01 PM

"I think its that they think the song was sung by the mad god himself."Reichi said walking over toward Loranna."Having a daedric god attend your party isn't a everyday occurance ya know?"

 

Posted by: Loranna Sep 23 2004, 11:04 PM

QUOTE(Aki @ Sep 23 2004, 11:11 PM)

"I think its that they think the song was sung by the mad god himself."Reichi said walking over toward Loranna."Having a daedric god attend your party isn't a everyday occurance ya know?"

*





At Reichi's comment, Loranna gets an odd, almost disapporiving expression, her face seeming more mature for a moment.

"It was just a song ..." she says, as though unsure how a song sung by Sheogorath could be all that bad.

 

Posted by: Dumbkid Sep 23 2004, 11:06 PM

"Let us forget that song." Arynel says, strumming on his lute. "Let us take up a new song, a joyous song, and let us dance!"

 

Posted by: Attrebus Sep 23 2004, 11:06 PM

The doors of the Hall crash open with a surprising suddeness. Attrebus stumbles through the doors, his once fine armour tarnished and smeared with mud. A gasp rises from a few people standing in the Hall when they see his face; large wrinkles and a greyish streaks through his hair make him appear much older than he should be. But how is that possible? Attrebus makes his way towards the nearest chair and half collapses into it.

"The singing... calling to people... older and older... crushed by a machine... Magister Dagdom... Born on Tales And Tallows... Died On Tales And Tallows... Reborn Every Tales And Tallows."

 

Posted by: Loranna Sep 23 2004, 11:08 PM

QUOTE(Attrebus @ Sep 23 2004, 11:16 PM)

The doors of the Hall crash open with a surprising suddeness. Attrebus stumbles through the doors, his once fine armour tarnished and smeared with mud. A gasp rises from a few people standing in the Hall when they see his face; large wrinkles and a greyish streaks through his hair make him appear much older than he should be. But how is that possible? Attrebus makes his way towards the nearest chair and half collapses into it.

"The singing... calling to people... older and older... crushed by a machine... Magister Dagdom... Born on Tales And Tallows... Died On Tales And Tallows... Reborn Every Tales And Tallows."

*





Darius downs his bottle and calls out "Melanus! Elaine! Fetch the healers! You there, see to him, now!"

Servants rush to Attrebus to offer him aid, food, and ale. Darius whirls to Nelacar and asks "Can you help this man, good Master?"

Loranna raises her eyebrows ...

 

Posted by: Dumbkid Sep 23 2004, 11:09 PM

At hearing Attrebus's words, Arynel drops his lute.

 

Posted by: Allerleirauh Sep 23 2004, 11:09 PM

Allie shook her head, with a funny little smile. "El Ahrairah, you had to go and say the name, didn't you. It's like tapping him on the shoulder."

She turned to address the other guests. "The truth is, his influence is everywhere. You can't keep him out, because he wasn't out in the first place. He's the hole, not the donut. And if you insist on throwing a boring party, he'll come just to liven things up."

She turned to the bard. "Arynel, can you give me a strong four beat?"

The words died in her throat, as Attrebus crashed into the room. She went quickly to his side. "Are you..." Clearly he wasn't all right; why ask? "What happened?"

 

Posted by: Allerleirauh Sep 23 2004, 11:11 PM

Allerleirauh made up her mind that Nelacar wasn't going to touch Attrebus if she could help it.

"I have potions, my friend. Tell me what you need."

 

Posted by: One87xe Sep 23 2004, 11:18 PM

*One and Ami had just left the room when the Guard Attrebus reappears after last nights antics...they make their way past him heading towards the doors*

"Whats he talking about? Tales and Tallows...died, born on...do you know what he's talking about?"

"No clue...I'll get back to you on that...I'll probably have to search the Library"

"What Library? You mean the Imperial Library? Good luck getting in there."

"Err-yeah ok whatever...take that to Genjii and then kiss Ami...go to the Garden if your embarassed, or shy, or whatever your problem is"

"Then you'll leave me alone?"

"Idiot I cant leave you alone...thats just stupid"

"Why are you doing this?"

"Because I'm sick of watching you bungle around...your a fool whos blind to fate...and nonchalant of others feelings...you might be a great Ansei, yes, but you sure dont notice the obvious"

"And this is helping because?"

"You ask to many questions...just do as your told...I might consider going elsewhere if you do"

"Really?"

"No...not really..."

 

Posted by: Aki Sep 23 2004, 11:18 PM

Reichi tried to unscramble the words of the Gaurd."The singing... calling to people... older and older... crushed by a machine... Magister Dagdom... Born on Tales And Tallows... Died On Tales And Tallows... Reborn Every Tales And Tallows....what does all that mean?"

 

Posted by: Attrebus Sep 23 2004, 11:20 PM

"I will be fine soon enough - the effects are only temporary." Not only was his face starting to look younger again, he was regaining his breath. "We must prepare! Don't you see who Magister Dagdom is?"

 

Posted by: Dumbkid Sep 23 2004, 11:20 PM

"Hmmm..." Arynel muttered. "Well, if I had to guess, I'd say we'd better have are eyes open come tales and tallows. Things could get, well, interesting."

"Oh no!" The Breton exclaimed suddenly. "Magister Dagdom...Mehrunes..."

 

Posted by: Aki Sep 23 2004, 11:22 PM

"Dagdom..dagdom...moddag....no...gadmod..hm..Mad...god?"

 

Posted by: Attrebus Sep 23 2004, 11:23 PM

"Not Mehrunes Dagon... Dagdom is an annagram of Mad God!"

 

Posted by: Loranna Sep 23 2004, 11:23 PM

Loranna sighs. "Yes yes, Dagdom, Mad God. Vested Wonder would be more flattering ..." she mutters under her breath ...

 

Posted by: Allerleirauh Sep 23 2004, 11:24 PM

"Dear heart," Allie said gently, "I see the anagram well enough. But you haven't said why Magister Anybody should concern us here."

 

Posted by: One87xe Sep 23 2004, 11:25 PM

"Who's Master Dagdom?...by the way...what is your real name?"

"Thats none of your damn business...and Master Dagdom is Sheogorath...obviously"

"HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT?"

"Because I do...now go and do as your told"

 

Posted by: Dumbkid Sep 23 2004, 11:25 PM

"Oh good, I was wrong." Arynel let out a breath. "Wait, what am I saying? Mad One! Oh no, this is terrible, that means we haven't seen the last of HIM."

Trimbling fingers reach towards the Bretons pocket, only to be snatched back in the nick of time.

 

Posted by: Aki Sep 23 2004, 11:27 PM

"Somehow i think Mehrunes would be worse than The Mad one...well....kinda..."

 

Posted by: Nelacar Sep 23 2004, 11:27 PM

It appears he's already been helped, Darius. Otherwise, I'd be drawing upon all my knowledge to help him.

 

Posted by: Loranna Sep 23 2004, 11:27 PM

QUOTE(Dumbkid @ Sep 23 2004, 11:35 PM)

"Oh good, I was wrong."  Arynel let out a breath.  "Wait, what am I saying?  Mad One! Oh no, this is terrible, that means we haven't seen the last of HIM."

Trimbling fingers reach towards the Bretons pocket, only to be snatched back in the nick of time.

*





Those near Loranna may notice her starting to tremble slightly ...

Why are they making such a big thing about this ... I wanted to come to a party, not a gathering of frightened people hissing the boogeyman's name into the night ...

Darius says "Come now people; give the man a bit of room ..."

 

Posted by: Allerleirauh Sep 23 2004, 11:29 PM

Allie noticed the look on Loranna's face. This ball was very important to her. What was at stake?

 

Posted by: Dumbkid Sep 23 2004, 11:30 PM

"I know some healing spells, if they're of any help." Arynel says.

"And this certainly won't hurt." The Breton casts a restore fatique spell on Attrebus.

 

Posted by: Nelacar Sep 23 2004, 11:42 PM

*Wanders into the center of the ballroom*
*Takes a deep breath and starts his attempt at calming the people*
I cannot understand this constant fear of Sheogorath that grapples every fiber of your beings in a stranglehold. I hate to be rude, but fearing a concept is an extremely stupid stance to take. The more you fear him, the happier he'll be, and the longer he'll stick around. To cower in fear at his every approach or every sign of his meddling is ridiculous. He is everywhere at once, as are all Daedra Princes, and to try to hide from him is impossible. If he is everywhere, fearing his presence is on a competing level of foolishness as fearing the presence of air. The only way one can stop madness as a whole is to undo the Mundus. So quit all of your irrational fears and start acting like the logical beings you claim to be. This is a ball of fun, not a den of cowardice.
And let's all give Attrebus some space, and let the staff handle his tales and troubles.

 

Posted by: Loranna Sep 23 2004, 11:44 PM

Slowly, Loranna stops trembling ...

They're confused and scared, she tells herself. They only know him through the ways he hurts them - and they like to demonize Daedra anyway. It's nothing; once their hearts stop pounding they'll get back to the dancing and feasting ...

Loranna smiles sadly at Nelacar, and visibly relaxes ...

 

Posted by: Dumbkid Sep 23 2004, 11:44 PM

"Yes, this is a ball after all." Arynel says after hearing Nelacar's words.

He tries to ignore the blessing that's burning in his pocket.

 

Posted by: Attrebus Sep 23 2004, 11:49 PM

Attrebus stands. "Thank you all for your assistance."

The Imperial starts walking towards Loranna, looking at her intently. "We should be worried because someone is calling to the Mad God. Calling him here!" He stops, still looking at Loranna. "And tomorrow is Tales and Tallows."

 

Posted by: Allerleirauh Sep 23 2004, 11:53 PM

That's old news...

The question was, who was calling? Actually, Allie thought she knew the answer to that. The real question was, why? That was starting to interest her. She looked at Loranna, wondering how the girl would respond.

 

Posted by: One87xe Sep 23 2004, 11:57 PM

*One and Ami finally arrive outside and deliver the potion to a very confused Genjii*

"And...I'm to drink a forth of this and give it to Ryx and Yrx...right Master One?" Genjii questioned

"Yes Genjii...thats the plan"

"Don't push it"

"You have been acting rather strange tonight Master One...are you sure your well?" inquired Ami

"I'm fine, fine...err---"

"Are you sure I have to do this? If you are who you say you are you know how this is going to turn out"

"Yes I do...but you know what...who cares...just make it happen...ok?"

"Cant say I didn't warn you..."

"Yeah whatever"

*One and Ami leave the Shein bottle with Genjii and make their way towards the Garden...all the while attempting to ignore the goings-on inside*

"Say...the great Master Ansei isn't scared of a mere Ra'Gada female...is he?"

"Of course not...but you know I tend to break hearts"

"Hahahahahaha...oh my...that is funny...look for the last time its easy...take Ami to Garden...Kiss Ami...both are protected from HIM...everyone goes to sleep tonight happy...understood?"

"Your a liar then"

"How do you figure?"

"You said the Khajiiti from earlier would be waiting for us"

"Did I?...hold on a sec...hmm...it seems I did...well don't that beat all"

"Your going to keep talking till I go mad aren't you?"

"Hmm...did you know that an Extravagent Ring can hold 60 points of Enchantment?"

"Quit trying to change the subject"

"Look...just kiss her...it doesn't matter where...just do it so MY life can go back to being peaceful"

*One finally gives in and kisses Ami on the lips...she looks stunned at first, but a smile finally flows across her face*

"Are you satisfied?"...You there?...Hello?...Yes...Hes gone!!!"

"No he's not...he's busy eating Pizza"

"Dont tell me you missed that?

"No...I seen it...but I had neglected to mention that the effects only take hold if you kiss Genjii too"

"WHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTTTTTT?...You really are crazy...far crazier than even HIM"

"Hehehehehehe....oh calm down...I'm just kidding...hehehehe...whew!!! I couldn't help it...alright I'm going, I'm going...hehehehehe...remember what I said about the Inn...if at all possible just dont go back there tonight"

"Thats not going to be possible...all our stuff is there

"Fine have it your way...don't think this is the last you'll hear from me though...err--as long as your that drunk anyways...good luck!!"

*One and Ami avoid going to the Garden and instead decide to go back inside...Ami's still blushing with a big smile...One seems distant since first hearing the voice in his head...gradually he returns to normal as they reach the doorway*

 

Posted by: Nelacar Sep 23 2004, 11:58 PM

Am I correct in assuming you're accusing this innocent lass? That's so very fitting of a gentleman, Attrebus. And so what if it's Tales and Tallows tomorrow? If we're as doomed as all of you seem to think, and I do not think this is the case, then why dwell on it? You seem convinced that, no matter what happens, we're doomed. And that's all the more reason to live what you think are the last hours of your life to the fullest, correct?

 

Posted by: Loranna Sep 23 2004, 11:59 PM

QUOTE(Attrebus @ Sep 23 2004, 11:59 PM)

Attrebus stands. "Thank you all for your assistance."

The Imperial starts walking towards Lorrana, looking at her intently. "We should be worried because someone is calling to the Mad God. Calling him here!" He stops, still looking at Lorrana. "And tomorrow is Tales and Tallows."

*





Loranna's eyes narrow as she stares back at Attrebus ...

"I'll thank you not to look at me like that ..." she says darkly, her voice quiet yet clear. "I'm well aware of the date and the fact that Sheogorath is floating about, thank you. And I believe several people have already explained why getting all worked up like this is counter-productive ..."

You're as stubborn as your old master ... she thinks. Ready to throw yourself to the lions in the name of heroism ...

Loranna's eyes glisten with wetness. "Please, let's just try to do what we came her for?" she asks, her tone now pleading. "Mad God, dead walking the night ... these have always been around, and we throw these parties anyway; why then are we getting all worked up on this one?"

Darius clears his throat. "Ahem, people ..."

Elaine, seeing Darius at a loss for something to say, whisks herself over to the brandy table and tosses him a drink ...

 

Posted by: Dumbkid Sep 23 2004, 11:59 PM

"Strange that the one who brought us Wabbajack the forthnight would take the presence of the mad one with such a lighthearted fashion."

 

Posted by: Attrebus Sep 24 2004, 12:04 AM

Attrebus turns towards Nelacar. "And how exactly is a Daedra Prince - especially the Mad One - coming here such a small thing to you, my good Sir? Do you think I don't notice you and Loranna together, whispering? I do not know why you both want the Mad God here, but speak now or I shall have you removed!"

 

Posted by: Dumbkid Sep 24 2004, 12:06 AM

Arynel gasps at Attrebus's words: "Perhaps I was right after all."

 

Posted by: phenopticon Sep 24 2004, 12:11 AM

A bit flushed, Seridius manages to slip his way back to the ball, nearly two days later than he'd left to take the sleeping man home. A smile spread across his lips, remembering his rather pleasant distraction. A breton woman with lovely blonde hair and wondrous rouged lips.

Smoothing back his tousled hair he uses his free hand to grab a glass of brandy from the brandy table.

Seeing a group of gathered people nearby, Seridius takes the opportunity to shmooze a bit more. Sidling up near Lord Darius, he furrows his brow slightly, seeing all the long faces. "My my, have I missed something?"

The everpresent smirk upon his face dimmed slightly as he takes a long draught of the brandy. He could feel a slight prickling at the back of his neck, I've got a feeling I've missed something quite dreadful... He thought.

 

Posted by: Loranna Sep 24 2004, 12:17 AM

Loranna's eyes widen and a most unladylike expression crosses her face.

"You prying little Imperial oaf ..." she seethes, rolling up her sleeves and balling her fists.

"The first ball I ever get a chance to attend ..." she growls as she kicks off her fine glass sandals.

"The first time I ever manage to get the man to take me to something nice ..." she fumes, looking ready to throw herself at Attrebus.

"The one time I try to be nice about this ...." she adds, almost as an afterthought and in an inflection that might give Allerleirauh a flashback ...

"... !!!" If someone does not act soon, Attrebus is in danger of suffering the Wrath of the Northern Woman ...

 

Posted by: Nelacar Sep 24 2004, 12:20 AM

*Glares at Attrebus*
Do you really think I'm fool enough to so blatantly advertise myself as wanting Sheogorath around of my own free will? He is here because of a request, not any doing of mine. Or Loranna's, for that matter. I would never deal so openly with a Daedra Prince. My master did that, and he is now a small pile of ashes, scattered to the ends of Nirn. I'm afraid I don't have much choice in wanting him here. I am a mere pawn in something far greater than you can know. Try to harm or otherwise remove me from these halls and you will bring divine displeasure upon yourself, from my patron Xerxes and more than one Daedric Prince.

 

Posted by: Allerleirauh Sep 24 2004, 12:21 AM

Allerleirauh looked at Loranna's face, pale and dreadful. She seemed to be struggling with some unknown emotion, deeper than mere anger.

That's not a young Nord woman, or I'm an Elk, she thought.

Allerleirauh recognized her now. She had, really, every reason to hate her... and even more reasons to fear her. She thought about her weapons, and how to get to them quickly.

But stronger than hate and fear, looking at the proud, pale face, she felt... was it pity? No, more the recognition of a sympathetic being.

"It's a very good party," she said, quickly. "Magnificent! Don't you think so, everyone?"

 

Posted by: Chiaroscuro Sep 24 2004, 12:21 AM

Chiaro wanders back in the main hall, unable to find anything suspicious as she wandered the corridors.

Looking around at the other guests, and seeing Attrebus and Loranna about to spit nails at each other....

Oh, dear, she though, what is going on?

 

Posted by: Dumbkid Sep 24 2004, 12:22 AM

"Who is your master then, Nelacar?" Arynel asks. "Xerxes perhaps, the mad one, who?"

 

Posted by: One87xe Sep 24 2004, 12:22 AM

*One and Ami reenter the Ball to what seems like a fight about to ensue...they make their way back towards the drink table and watch as things unfold*

"Whats going on Master One?" she asks

"I think the Nord girl and that Imperial Guard are about to fight"

*One refills his mug and does the same for Ami...they watch ever intently...Ami's hand on her Katana*

 

Posted by: Nelacar Sep 24 2004, 12:26 AM

Hm. It appears that you'll suffer mortal wrath as well. My own obviously, and Loranna's, too. And several of the Dirennis. And undoubtably a radical band of racists you may have heard of.
Tell me, can you withstand a barrage of sorcery, a barrage of fists, more assassins than you can count?
Can you withstand the displeasure of three deities?

 

Posted by: phenopticon Sep 24 2004, 12:27 AM

"Here here!" The smirk returned, "Quite magnificent." He sipped the brandy, hoping the party will once more become a party, though ignorant to all that has transpired.

"Come now, where's all the dancing?"

 

Posted by: Dumbkid Sep 24 2004, 12:27 AM

"Three dieties, you say." The Breton asks, trying to appear calm and collected. "Which three, tell me more?"

 

Posted by: One87xe Sep 24 2004, 12:29 AM

"What is he babbling about Master One?" Ami questions

"No idea at all my dear"

"Did you just call me "dear" Master One?" she inquires

"Umm...maybe"

*Both continue watching the 'Floor Show'*

 

Posted by: Chiaroscuro Sep 24 2004, 12:30 AM

Chiaro steps up to Allie, touching her arm to get her attention before quietly whispering.

"The look on your face suggests you recognise Loranna as someone else. And someone of which you aren't terribly fond, at that. Just who is she?"

 

Posted by: Attrebus Sep 24 2004, 12:31 AM

"Do NOT push your luck Loranna! If you are a pawn in this game of Sheogorath's, it doesn't excuse you. And don't accuse ME of ruining the ball - you are the one that brings the Mad one!"

 

Posted by: One87xe Sep 24 2004, 12:32 AM

"His words seem angry Master" she explained

"So they do...so they do"

 

Posted by: Allerleirauh Sep 24 2004, 12:33 AM

Allerleirauh whispered something to Chiaro.

Her mind was racing. She had an idea of what was going on. But it was crazy... wasn't it? How would they keep blood from being spilled?

 

Posted by: Dumbkid Sep 24 2004, 12:34 AM


Arynel strained to hear what Allerleirauh said to Chiaro, but could not.

 

Posted by: Nelacar Sep 24 2004, 12:35 AM

You are a hopeless fool, Attrebus. Trying so desperately to wrap your hands around a game of amusement between two Princes. You know of Sheogorath.

In fact, you might recieve an explanation of your raw, inglorious foolishness if you wait for the damn ball to end first.

 

Posted by: Dumbkid Sep 24 2004, 12:37 AM

Arynel watches, waiting for Attrebus's reply.

"That sands are falling fast now in the glass." He whispers. "Soon they will all be at the bottom. What then? What then?"

 

Posted by: phenopticon Sep 24 2004, 12:38 AM

"Well, isn't this a sight? Such barbaric actions in the heart of the civilized world." Taking another sip of the brandy, "It's almost poetic."

Obviously disappointed in the actions of those around him, though entirely ignorant as to their reasons. "I feel sorry for our host, that he must tolerate such behaviour, in his own home no less."

No doubt his words are amusing only to himself.

 

Posted by: Loranna Sep 24 2004, 12:43 AM

QUOTE(Attrebus @ Sep 24 2004, 12:41 AM)

"Do NOT push your luck Loranna! If you are a pawn in this game of Sheogorath's, it doesn't excuse you. And don't accuse ME of ruining the ball - you are the one that brings the Mad one!"

*





By now, Loranna and Attrebus are the center of everyone's attention.

Loranna's eyes go from an angry pale blue to a very, very unsettling emerald green ...

"Cursed fool, you'll get yourself killed like your old master did before you see another year if you talk like that!" she roars, rearing a fist back. "YOU'RE the one making a big deal out of all this!" The crowd instincitvely takes a step back.

Loranna's fist flies forward ...

Darius is transfixed by fear and terror, seeing his title and social standing going down the tiolet ...

Samson and Harg, having been out back on rumors of snoopers, finally come rushing forward ...

... but Loranna's fist stops before it goes very far. She stands as though transfixed, glaring at Attrebus with what can only be called divine fury ...

" ... Curse you for this you dumb idiot ..." she says, her fist falling to her side. "Why couldn't this have been a night of revels ..."

The rage drains from her face and body, leaving Loranna pale and shaking; Attrebus can see her eyes are back to their usual blue color. She hugs herself, looking mortified ...

" ... I'm sorry ..." she whispers, her tone that of a frightened young woman.

" ... Curses ..." she whispers again, her tone that of a tired, old woman.

She turns and starts making a beeline for the front door, eyes closed. The crowd silently parts ...

" ... The bloody blue blazes just happened ...!?" Darius finally manages to squeek.

 

Posted by: Attrebus Sep 24 2004, 12:44 AM

"I will not have Daedra Princes playing a potentially destructive game in this city! The other sounds like Clavicus Vile's fun, or perhaps Azura. Sheogorath and Azura have been feuding for some time..."

Attrebus sighs.

"I will wait if I must."

 

Posted by: Allerleirauh Sep 24 2004, 12:46 AM

Allie glanced briefly at Chiaro, then shrugged, as if to say, having gone thus far...

She followed Loranna, hoping to speak to her outside.

 

Posted by: Dumbkid Sep 24 2004, 12:46 AM

"So we've been reduced to waiting." Arynel whispers. "Like a lamb waiting to be slaughtered, like a prisoner waiting to be freed. I cannot bare it...perhaps we will all go mad in the meantime."

 

Posted by: Nelacar Sep 24 2004, 12:47 AM

Then wait you will, and no destruction towards the city of Cyrodiil, nor any bodily harm, nor any form of criminal enterprising, shall come from the meddling of these two forces. As forced representative of Sheogorath, I hereby declare it so. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to fix the mess you've just made.
*Runs after Loranna*

 

Posted by: Chiaroscuro Sep 24 2004, 12:48 AM

Chiaro stood stunned, amazed by what she'd just seen and bearing in mind what Allie had previously whispered.

Watching Allie follow Loranna outside, she paused.

Do I really want to get involved, she asked herself, or am I already involved? She shuddered. Time for a serious drink.

 

Posted by: One87xe Sep 24 2004, 12:49 AM

*One and Ami stand perplexed as too what has just occured*

"Why didn't she strike him Master One?" she asked

"Fine question Ami...a fine question indeed"

"Now it makes sense...the Staff, the Bowl...the sneaky Grey-haired woman...they're one and the same...and appear to be the Nord girl Loranna...hmm...

*One's right hand begins to take on a weak glow of red, yellow, and orange...Ami and One continue to watch the events unfolding*

 

Posted by: Dumbkid Sep 24 2004, 12:49 AM

"I cannot bare this any longer." Arynel exclaims. "I must give myself a chance to reccuperate."

With a wave of his arms, the Breton disappears in a flash of purple light.

 

Posted by: phenopticon Sep 24 2004, 12:52 AM

Moving closer to Darius, Seridius pats him on the shoulder, "Exquisite ball, I must say, Milord." Smiling slightly, "After this I'm certain you'll be the talk of Cyrodil City for quite some time and soon be famous for throwing the most grand themed parties in all of the Empire."

"I very much like the talk of Daedra Princes and their machinations, a very nice touch. You've hired some talented actors. I was almost scared." The smile broadens, though his knowledge of the gravity and reality of the situation does not.

 

Posted by: Attrebus Sep 24 2004, 12:53 AM

"For the love of..." Attrebus chases after Loranna. She wasn't going to avoid him that easily!

 

Posted by: Chiaroscuro Sep 24 2004, 12:55 AM

Watching the room empty, as people go chasing after Loranna, Chiaro begins to despair of ever making sense of this.

I guess I'd better go make sure they don't all kill each other, she muttered and followed after Attrebus.

 

Posted by: Loranna Sep 24 2004, 12:57 AM

Darius somehow manages to consume brandy without drinking it from a bottle, proving himself to be a true lush.

"Heheh, well you know, what with all the balls around this time of year you have to do something to stand out," he says, thanking the Aedra, Daedra, Ascended Mortals, and Brandy Makers of the world for this miracle. "We apologize if people got a little worked up over that; have to keep things looking realistic, you know ..."

Loranna is running out the door, though if people make a determined effort to catch her, she'll lose some steam by the time she reaches the bridge over the river.

 

Posted by: One87xe Sep 24 2004, 12:58 AM

*The effects of the earlier consumed alcohol begin to take affect...even while they both swig the last of their drinks*

"This was much stranger than last night Master One...if you dont mind I'd like to retire now" she explains

*One quickly thinks back to what the CREATOR had said earlier...this causes the already forming Shehai to shine more brightly*

"Are you there?...I-I need your help...I'm lost as to what to do...hello?...are you there?"

*One thinks the question over and over again...but an answer never comes...He and Ami begin walking outside towards the commtion*

 

Posted by: Allerleirauh Sep 24 2004, 01:02 AM

Allerleirauh turned, without breaking stride, and stared at Attrebus.

"Are you planning to threaten to chop her head off? Go try to calm the people you just frightened."

 

Posted by: Chiaroscuro Sep 24 2004, 01:03 AM

Overhearing Allie's comment to Attrebus, Chiaro started chuckling.

"Bit late for that, as many have left and it appears a fair number all already out here."

 

Posted by: phenopticon Sep 24 2004, 01:08 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Sep 24 2004, 01:07 AM)

Darius somehow manages to consume brandy without drinking it from a bottle, proving himself to be a true lush.

"Heheh, well you know, what with all the balls around this time of year you have to do something to stand out," he says, thanking the Aedra,  Daedra, Ascended Mortals, and Brandy Makers of the world for this miracle.  "We apologize if people got a little worked up over that; have to keep things looking realistic, you know ..."

Loranna is running out the door, though if people make a determined effort to catch her, she'll lose some steam by the time she reaches the bridge over the river.





"Oh yes I'm sure, it must've been a pain to plan it all." Yet another sip of the brandy. "Any other events planned? I'm simply dying to see what else you have in store."

"Have any martial games lined up? I'd love to see that nord of yours in action"

 

Posted by: Loranna Sep 24 2004, 01:10 AM

QUOTE(phenopticon @ Sep 24 2004, 01:18 AM)

"Oh yes I'm sure, it must've been a pain to plan it all." Yet another sip of the brandy. "Any other events planned? I'm simply dying to see what else you have in store."

"Have any martial games lined up? I'd love to see that nord of yours in action"

*





" ... Would you like to do a little exhibition match for the feast tomorrow with him? He's quite handy with a claymore," Darius grins, ordering servants about to clean up the mess ...

 

Posted by: Attrebus Sep 24 2004, 01:10 AM

*Attrebus reaches the doors after Loranna. Checking the streets reveals no sign of Loranna or Nelacar. The guard resigns himself to the fact that they won't be found for now and returns to the hall.*

 

Posted by: phenopticon Sep 24 2004, 01:16 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Sep 24 2004, 01:20 AM)

" ... Would you like to do a little exhibition match for the feast tomorrow with him?  He's quite handy with a claymore," Darius grins, ordering servants about to clean up the mess ...

*






Seridius' eyes widen slightly, taken aback by the proposal. He glances over at the mountain of man that is Harg, then back to Darius. A slightly worried look plastered on his face.

After a moment of thought, the worry is replaced with a smirk. "My dear Lord, it may be the wonderfully delicious brandy talking but, I think you've got yourself some dinner entertainment." His reputation with the sword in jeopardy whether he accepted or denied, Seridius chose the route he so rarely takes: That of booze-enhanced courage.

 

Posted by: One87xe Sep 24 2004, 01:17 AM

*One and the entourage remain on the stairs watching as chaos semi unfolds in front of them...but One's mind is elsewhere...most notably on the Inn that could be their Doom*

"Master One...can we please go now?" she begged

"Umm...only if we can walk back"

"Ohhhh...do we have too" she sounded a nine year old who had lost their favorite toy "My feet are killing me"

*One had pondered using Recall again tonight...but the voice from earlier still plagued him...and using the Recall spell could prove deadly this night...so the group starts the walk for the Serpent in Talon Inn...unsure of their fate*

 

Posted by: Sheogorath Sep 24 2004, 01:19 AM

The servants whisper in the corridors, watching their masters and mistresses comings and goings:

“Certainly a lot of people paranoid around here,” chuckled the third footman, Kajab Bwac. “I ain’t never seen anything like it in all my days.”

“Hauntings, possessions, people bein’ foils of this and foils of that,” agreed Rotha Ogashe, a pretty parlormaid. “Why can’t people be more reasonable? That sort of stuff never happens.”

“Oh, Tales and Tallows brings out the crazies,” said the cook’s assistant Bolud Gydamp . “I mean, honestly, what kind of a silly God is that fond of anagrams? Makes no sense to me.”

 

Posted by: Loranna Sep 24 2004, 01:27 AM

Darius smiles. "I'll make the arrangements," he says jovially, as Harg grins ...

On the bridge over the river, Loranna slumps to the ground and cries. "Oh Lady, I ruined this for you and everyone ..."

 

Posted by: Allerleirauh Sep 24 2004, 01:28 AM

Allerleirauh found Loranna on the bridge beside the river. Nelacar had reached her first. She wanted a word with Loranna, but not with him there.

She looked behind her. The night had been clear before... hadn't it? Now it was so foggy she couldn't see Darius' manor. Wonderful. She decided to wait for the conversation to end before showing herself.

 

Posted by: Chiaroscuro Sep 24 2004, 01:30 AM

Chiaro steps up beside Allie. "What's with this fog?"

Taking a deep breath, she continued, "What's with those two?"

This evening was turning out stranger than even the first, and in far less humourous ways. Was it time to go back to the Inn for the night, or worth staying to see what else could go wrong.

 

Posted by: Allerleirauh Sep 24 2004, 01:33 AM

Allerleirauh put a warning finger to her lips, and listened.

 

Posted by: Nelacar Sep 24 2004, 01:42 AM

*Sits down beside Loranna*
*Holds her close, giving her a cloth to dry her tears*
There, there. I'm the one who's at fault, not you. I shouldn't have strutted my affiliation like a peacock and it's feathers. I'm at fault, and I don't plan on letting this stay in such a shambled mess. I couldn't do that to you, could I? Everything will be fine, no matter how many fools, maniacs, dangerous beasts or filthy hobos stand in the way of that.
*After several more minutes of this, Loranna cheers up some*
Do you want to go back to the ball, stay here, or shall I take you somewhere?

 

Posted by: Loranna Sep 24 2004, 01:44 AM

QUOTE(Nelacar @ Sep 24 2004, 01:52 AM)

*Sits down beside Loranna*
*Holds her close, giving her a cloth to dry her tears*
There, there. I'm the one who's at fault, not you. I shouldn't have strutted my affiliation like a peacock and it's feathers. I'm at fault, and I don't plan on letting this stay in such a shambled mess. I couldn't do that to you, could I? Everything will be fine, no matter how many fools, maniacs, dangerous beasts or filthy hobos stand in the way of that.
*After several more minutes of this, Loranna cheers up some*
Do you want to go back to the ball, stay here, or shall I take you somewhere?





Loranna eventually gives Nelacar a small smile. " ... You're too kind," she says, kissing him.

Looking over his shoulder, she adds " ... but my Lady has someone waiting to speak with her ... I'll meet up with you tomorrow, okay?"

 

Posted by: Nelacar Sep 24 2004, 01:47 AM

*Kisses Loranna*
Of course. I'll see you then.
*Walks into the fog, vanishing, the fog leaving seconds later*

 

Posted by: Allerleirauh Sep 24 2004, 01:48 AM

Allerleirauh stepped into the light from the streetlamp, wondering if she felt more comforted by the presence of Chiaro beside her or worried that now there were two people who needed to get back safely.

Hush, you've done this before, she told herself.

She bowed. "Most gracious lady, I'm sorry about the misunderstanding."

 

Posted by: phenopticon Sep 24 2004, 01:51 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Sep 24 2004, 01:37 AM)

Darius smiles.  "I'll make the arrangements," he says jovially, as Harg grins ...

*





Seridius downs the rest of the brandy, feeling as if he'll need the extra 'Courage' come morning. With every passing moment Seridius seemed to notice more and more muscles bulging from beneath the Nord's clothing.

He swallowed returned to the Brandy table, berating himself inside.

This isn't noble behaviour, He scorned himself, You didn't spend those years in the Legion for nothing did you? His silent encouragement of himself brought back fond, and painful memories of his time in the legion, where he'd learned the art of the sword.

Apparently, the Imperial Legion didn't endorse artifact smuggling.

Breaking his reverie, the fair Bosmer lass from the previous night tapped him on the shoulder. "Seridius? Where have you been!" She sounded elated and slightly pouty. How cute. He thought.

Turning to face her, leaning upon the brandy table, he began to explain himself, "Well dear, you see, I had to help a poor man to the inn, and as I was on my way back I saw a poor khajiit boy begging for change. So I spent the last day or so helping this boy to find an apprenticeship in a nearby forge." He never ceased to amaze himself.

Slipping his arm about her waist, she smiled, and with that little smile he hatched a plan that would no doubt make the legion proud. "I've got a bit of a problem..." A sad look passed over his face, and the bosmer maiden looked concerned,

"What is it?" She asked.

"Well... You see that large Nord gentleman over there? Yes, the mountainous one." He motioned slightly with his newly refilled glass of brandy. "He's a friend of mine, and he asked me if I'd ask you to dance with him. He's terribly fond of you, though he's only seen you from a distance." Another pseudo-concerned look passes over his face, "It'd break his heart if you said no..."

"Oh..." She looked a bit flustered. "Well... I suppose, I don't want him to feel bad."

"Go show him a good time, will you love?" He flashed her a smile she simply couldn't resist and nodded in agreement, making her way to the large mountain of Nord.

 

Posted by: Loranna Sep 24 2004, 01:54 AM

Harg raises his eyebrows as a Bosmer lady comes and asks him for a dance. " ... The second wench to ask this? The Fist of Harg is truly amazed ..."

Outside ...

" ... Just me for the moment Lady Allerleirauh," Loranna says, her voice hesitant and a little scared. " ... Would you rather I slept through this? I understand you and my Lady have history, and wouldn't want to pry ..."

She doesn't look up at either woman yet.

 

Posted by: Allerleirauh Sep 24 2004, 01:58 AM

Allerleirauh felt suddenly, deeply sorry for her. What was she getting out of this? Not nearly enough.

Her old familiar anger was returning. And she didn't need it. Not now.

"Anything to be said can be said in the daylight, with everyone listening, as far as I'm concerned. Though daylight would be inconvenient, wouldn't it?

"My lady, I fear you haven't been having a good time," she said, speaking to the unseen one. "May we help you somehow?"

 

Posted by: Chiaroscuro Sep 24 2004, 02:02 AM

Chiaro watched the play of emotions on Allie's face before it settled into a mask of cautious inquiry.

Resting a hand on Allie's shoulder to give support, Chiaro scanned the area surrounding the trio of women. "We will do all we can to help."

 

Posted by: phenopticon Sep 24 2004, 02:08 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Sep 24 2004, 02:04 AM)

Harg raises his eyebrows as a Bosmer lady comes and asks him for a dance.  " ... The second wench to ask this?  The Fist of Harg is truly amazed ..."

*





"Well will you? I'd love to dance with you." She smiles and bats her eyelashes.

"You're so big!" She giggles, "I bet you could lift anything!" Her train of thought utterly shattered by a closer look of his gigantic form.

 

Posted by: Loranna Sep 24 2004, 02:12 AM

Harg grins. "The Fist of Harg," he says, "shall show you some Nordic dancing!"

The hall begins to shake ...

Loranna looks up at the two women, her eyes emerald green.

" ... Tell me where I went wrong ..." she says quietly, her voice now noticably different from Loranna's.

"... At least, this time ..."

 

Posted by: Nelacar Sep 24 2004, 02:15 AM

Oh my. Tales and Tallows is tomorrow, and I haven't a single weapon...

 

Posted by: Chiaroscuro Sep 24 2004, 02:19 AM

"Did you go wrong?" Chiaro asked gently. "Or did you just move a tad bit too soon. Attrebus is a good man. Go easy on him. He was just trying to find answers in a very tricky situation."

She looked at Allie. "It's not too late. This can be worked out."

 

Posted by: Allerleirauh Sep 24 2004, 02:20 AM

"My Lady is never wrong," Allie said, and bowed again, glad of the court training of her youth.

"Perhaps if I had a clearer idea of My Lady's purpose, I might be better able to answer that question."

She wants to dance, a voice said inside her. Wearing a pretty dress. How oddly... human.

Why?

Why was a stupid question, when you were talking about daedra. The more urgent question was HOW. She thought, after Vivec's attempt on her at the Trial, Azura would not be heard from again, for a long, long while.

The answer lay in Loranna's blue eyes, softened by weeping, not in Azura's fierce green ones. A daedra wasn't just... a soul... or whatever it was daedra had. A daedra was an idea. And that idea lived in the hearts of a thousand thousand worshippers. That might explain Azura's persona, as well. She wasn't getting Azura, she was getting Loranna-as-Azura, the divine Dusk and Dawn filtered through the heart and mind of a romantic young girl.

 

Posted by: phenopticon Sep 24 2004, 02:21 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Sep 24 2004, 02:22 AM)

Harg grins.  "The Fist of Harg," he says, "shall show you some Nordic dancing!"

The hall begins to shake ...

*






Seridius grips the edge of the brandy table to maintain his balance. All the while the Bosmer maiden giggles with delight as the Nord displays to her his earthshaking dance.

 

Posted by: One87xe Sep 24 2004, 02:26 AM

*One and his entourage continue walking towards the Serpent in Talon Inn...even though a thick fog has risen from the Nibenay and seems to consume every inch of the street before them, making the full moons of Jone and Jobe unseen*

"Ok folks, hold on a minute"

"Something the matter Master One?" Ami questioned

"Yes actually...I have something to confess"

"What is it Master One?" Genjii inquired "Was it about the events at the Ball earlier?"

"Well...sort of...you see I had heard voices, but whats more THIS voice seemed to know us...he knew all of Tamriel...the history, the places, he even knew peoples names...but most importantly he knew our fate"

*Under normal circumstances Genjii and Ami would have split their sides with laughter...but they knew him better than this...they knew One was serious...deadly serious*

"It seems if we're to return to the Serpent in Talon it might very well be the last place we visit"

"Is this about those Khajiiti from earlier?..Because if it is I think we can take them" Ami said most proudly

"Its worse...the voice said they've taken over the Inn and are waiting in ambush for us to arrive...not just that but they seem to have multiplied 10 fold...basically what I'm saying is going back to the Inn will leave us outnumbered nearly 8 to 1...maybe even more...it seems the Khajiiti from earlier are one of the worst gangs around Cyrodiil, with fearsome numbers...the voice also said they would be well armed and probably have Alfiq with them...not to mention Dagi, Ohmes, and more than likely Cathay-raht...so I leave it too a vote, one we can go back to the Inn and fight...or two we can go East and flee personally I've come too far to be intimidated by these thugs...but I leave the choice to you...my companions"

"Ok Master One...I'm behind you of course" Ami said most sure

"Me too Master One" Genjii explained

"Ladies...the choice is yours, it'd be a pity to escape from Dagon only to be struck down by a band of cutthroats"

"If your trying to scare us you waste your time Ansei" Yrx said in her normal ferocious tone "I fear no death at the hands of a mortal...even one you claim is cutthroat...perhaps being punctured by my arrows will give them a different outlook on life"

"I guess your decided then"

"As it would seem" Yrx responded

"And you Ryx?"

"Till the ends of time my Master...till the ends of time" she proclaimed

"So be it...I can't say we'll come out of this unscathed...but we will give them Hell if we are to die...may Azura welcome us as friend!!"

*The entourage sets out towards the Serpent in Talon Inn...determination lines their faces...a half grin flows across Yrx's face as they make their way through the fog*






 

Posted by: Loranna Sep 24 2004, 02:31 AM

Loranna-Azura gives a short, almost barking laugh. "Of course not," she says, her expression self deprecating. "The flower was in the box after all, was it not? ... And almost, Daughter; not quite, but almost ..."

She absently brushes at her dress. " ... It occured to me," she says quietly, "that as wretchedly infurating as he is, he might have had a point. So ... I'm trying to re-educate myself on how you mortals think. Oh, and I had a bet with Sheogorath that I ended up winning, so I decided to ask him for a date; he can be very romantic when he tries ..."

 

Posted by: Allerleirauh Sep 24 2004, 02:33 AM

Oh, and I had a bet with Sheogorath that I ended up winning, so I decided to ask him for a date; he can be very romantic when he tries ..."

Allerleirauh tried to control her features, struck speechless at this revelation.

 

Posted by: Chiaroscuro Sep 24 2004, 02:40 AM

Chiaro exchanged bemused glances with Allie before looking questioningly at Azura/Loranna. "Romantic? That's not exactly how I would have described HIM."

Did she even want to ask about the bet. Probably not. At this point she began to wonder if she was in just a bit over her head, not having really had much to do with any deities before.

"Isn't the most important thing here to figure out what to do about tomorrow?
And what to wear?"


 

Posted by: Allerleirauh Sep 24 2004, 02:47 AM

Still not trusting herself to speak, Allie glanced at Loranna, awaiting her reaction.

Well, she of all people should understand that not everyone had the same taste.
Better not think about that subject around Azura.

It struck her that if Azura wanted to better understand mortals, it might be good for the whole world. And if Sheogorath were here, on Tales and Tallows... well, at least she'd know it on the front end.

"I already have a dress for tomorrow," Allie confessed. "But I found this wonderful tailor..."

 

Posted by: Loranna Sep 24 2004, 02:47 AM

Loranna-Azura gives Allerleirauh a lazy grin, almost looking like the fearsome Azura of old ... but not quite.

"I see I can still surprise you," she says, her features softening to a more affectionate gaze. " ... Romance and madness are not as seperate as you've been used to thinking, dear. Sheo is a lot closer to many of the values you treasure in yourselves - it's just that when he speaks to people through those forms of madness, he speaks in ways you're not used to recognizing."

" ... And I'm hardly the only one to have such feelings for a sibling," she adds, with a wry grin. "As I believe Sheo alluded to earlier, in a roundabout way."

" ... Wear? Hmm, I usually just pick whatever look fits my mood at the time," she mutters to Chairo. "As for tomorrow ... argh; I don't know ..."

 

Posted by: Allerleirauh Sep 24 2004, 02:51 AM

"That's settled, then!" Allie said, trying not to feel too much as if she were setting sail merrily into the realm of Sheogoroth. "In the meantime, let's go back to the party! There must be people wondering what happened to us."

 

Posted by: Loranna Sep 24 2004, 03:06 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Sep 24 2004, 03:01 AM)

"That's settled, then!"  Allie said, trying not to feel too much as if she were setting sail merrily into the realm of Sheogoroth. "In the meantime, let's go back to the party!  There must be people wondering what happened to us."

*





Loranna-Azura frowns slightly. " ... Er, weren't most of the people at the ball ready to tear into me?" she asks dubiously. "Or was that just Stri'ker's protogee being like that ..."

 

Posted by: Allerleirauh Sep 24 2004, 03:09 AM

"I think they were more interested in tearing Nelacar. And yes, Attrebus is like that."

No way to find out but to go and see, she decided. She imagined Attrebus would have a few hard questions.

 

Posted by: Loranna Sep 24 2004, 03:12 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Sep 24 2004, 03:19 AM)

"I think they were more interested in tearing Nelacar. And yes, Attrebus is like that."

No way to find out but to go and see, she decided.
She imagined Attrebus would have a few hard questions.

*





Loranna-Azura sighs. "We really must work on mortal-Daedra relations someday," she mutters. "If I ever manage to find the right person for the job ... all right; let us return and see how many questions I must answer. Oh, but one thing I must ask of you first ..."

 

Posted by: Allerleirauh Sep 24 2004, 03:15 AM

"Yes?"

 

Posted by: Loranna Sep 24 2004, 03:19 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Sep 24 2004, 03:25 AM)

"Yes?"

*





"If anyone, anyone, looks like they're going to ask me about the Dwemer, render them insensiate before I get to them," Loranna-Azura says with deadly earnestness ... which gradually melts into a wry grin.

Turning, she leads her two companions back to the ballroom, all the while wondering just what she's going to find waiting for her ...

------

Unfortunately, at this point we all again succumbed to fatigue, and had to call it a night. When we pick up again, the three ladies will arrive in the ball room and we'll pick up from there.

Thank you all for playing, and we're hoping the fun will just get better from here smile.gif

Loranna

 

Posted by: phenopticon Sep 24 2004, 03:24 AM

"... So then they expell me for merely trying to turn a profit!" Seridius confesses to a hapless serving girl he happened to have snagged into a conversation.

He runs his tongue over his teeth, "Did you put something in my drink? It tastes funny..." Furrowing his brow he looks at her.

"Uhh..." The poor girl simply doesn't know what to make of the fancifully dressed man, is he drunk? Or is he simply a lecherous clumsy, clumsy man?

"Ha! Just kidding. Tastes fine." He turns his attention back to his brandy glass. Smiling at his reflection in the liquid.

Moments later he slumps over the table, fast asleep.

With that the serving girl takes her opportunity to skitter away.

 

Posted by: Attrebus Sep 24 2004, 03:40 AM

Attrebus sees Loranna, Allerleirauh and Chiaroscuro reenter the Hall. Loranna has a slighlty different look about her - something that Attrebus has seen before... in Azura. "So I had guessed correctly." Attrebus mused. He just had to ask...

"Why?"

 

Posted by: B Sep 24 2004, 06:18 AM

The duration of B’s spell has expired. The guests who were once cast in shadow are no longer veiled from Sheogorath’s eyes.

Back in the Hall a single rose petal—the last—rocks back and forth as it descends from the ceiling. Somehow it stayed aloft throughout the entire night. But now, it has lost its desire to stay airborne.

Back and forth it rocks. Back and forth. It finally lands on the cold, stone floor and vanishes. The room somehow seems less. . . inviting.

OOC: I'm taking off for the weekend so I won't be around. Enjoy the fun! smile.gif

 

Posted by: Carnajo Sep 24 2004, 07:14 AM

Carnajo keeps sipping his brandy, enjoying the fact that powerful forces are at work around him and that he still yet may have some small role to play.

OOC: Am I missing a lot from the IRC chat?

 

Posted by: Allerleirauh Sep 24 2004, 11:27 AM

(ooc: Not really, although it's easier to get involved with the main plot if you hang out in the chat, since you can talk to other people about what they're planning on posting next.)

 

Posted by: FireMaster Sep 24 2004, 11:50 AM

*reenters the ballroom via the kitchen, again without notice*

"Damn it...found nothing. However, the servants are now on the list of trouble makers...and the more I suspect Darius is ignorant"

 

Posted by: Dumbkid Sep 24 2004, 01:13 PM

A light breeze rustles Arynel's hair as the Breton stands by the river bank. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out an equisite ring. It's polished surface reflects the morning light as he holds it up.

His blessing

He had never worn it, afraid of what it might do to him, afraid of what it had already done to him.

He could not let it go...until now.

Sweat poured from Arynel's pale skin as he thrust his hand forward, sending the ring hurling through the air. It landed in the water with a deafening kerplunk. A chorus of screaming children echoed in the corners of the Breton's mind.

He collapsed.

 

Posted by: One87xe Sep 24 2004, 02:09 PM

*-4:37 am, Serpent in Talon Inn- One and company find theirselves gearing up back in their room...the sounds of Khajiiti debauchery fill the air, theres also various smells of intoxicants and the Sugar...Ryx had earlier scouted out the Inn with the help of One's Concealment spell, apparently the trouble One had yesterday morning with the Khajiiti has caused them to come out in force, and it appears that they've taken over this part of the City...Imperial Guards are no where to be seen so its quickly determined that help isn't coming...Ryx had noted several key points she had relayed to the others...apparently the earlier wounded Khajiit 'Sinchel' had a brother named Ka'Ton, who's the biggest crime boss this side of the Velothi, she had also observed Khajiiti of various creeds, and gave a rather insightful look at where the two Imperials and the Breton who earlier occupied the Inn had gone, locked in a store room downstairs...One determines that leaving them to die would be unjust and completely unfair as the Imperial owner had not even asked for payment for the earlier caused damages..."Damn Khajiiti dont how to act civilized" he had said...as everyone makes their final preparations two Khajiiti are standing guard at the door to One's room...and so it begins*

*Whispers*

"Ok...listen up. There are several things we need to do before w-"

*Before One can even finish his sentence Yrx fires an arrow through the wall and catches a passing Suthay-raht in the arm...the Khajiiti screams in pain and before they can blink a small army of Khajiiti are moving up the stairs towards them*

"What the Hell did you do that for?"

*Yrx just flashes a grim smile as Genjii splinters the door to their room
in that instance the entire Inn seems to go quiet, but only for a split second, the earlier shot Khajiiti is still screaming in pain in the hallway as One,Genjii,Ami, and the Seducers emerge from their room...and into the now filled hallway...*

"Err...we've come for the Sugar?"

*With that question a small Dagi appears from the back of the file and screams "Kill Them!!"...no sooner had he screamed it then one of Yrx's arrows found his throat, and causes the watching Khajiiti to go berserk...a Cathay-raht attempts a blow at Genjii only to have it blocked and Genjii's Warhammer buried in his ribs...Genjii makes a full sweep sending Khajiit flying and rendering most with broken bones...screams of pain now fill the Inn as One cuts swaths through their ranks in an attempt to make it down the stairs, with every Khajiit he strikes down smoke and the now familiar smell of burnt fur fill every inch of the Hallway...one of Ryx's arrows screams past Ami's head as she blocks attacks...Ami's first blow finds a stray arm causing the Imperial shortsword hes holding to plunge into the wooden floor, she casts a Fire spell and every Khajiiti near the stairs is incinerated...the spell keeps going and obliterates the Northernmost wall and most of the roof in that area...the Hallways nearly filled with arrows as Ryx and Yrx never stop firing...Yrx had nearly stopped to gloat earlier when she had caught two Khajiit with the same arrow*

"Get downstairs...everybody...downstairs"

*One's staff illuminates a nasty tri-elemental spell which destroys the
Southernmost wall and flies across the street where it strikes Fire-Hands Armor shop...catching the roof ablaze...there appears to be no end of the Khajiiti as Genjii's Warhammer finds skull after skull and the amount of blood and dead Khajiiti never seems to cease...Ami's earlier spell had destroyed a good portion of the wall which now collapsed in on itself...semi making a pathway outside but blocking their descent down the stairs...One quickly remedies this by blowing a gigantic hole in the floor where their room used to be...they hop through and find themselves in the Tavern, the Khajiiti keep coming and One and crew keep slashing...One notices a storeroom door and tells Genjii to smash it...as he thought the two Imperials and the Breton inside flee past the trying to assemble Khajiit and out the main door...One and the entourage follow behind still fighting for their very existence...whenever a new Khajiiti face appears its quickly struck down by arrow, spell, or sword, which seems to last an eternity...*

*CREEEEEAK....CRACCCCCCKKKK*

"Master One whats that sound?" Ami asked

"The floors about to give..."

*The floor gives way and crushes the storeroom and several Khajiit that were in the vicinity...One never stops casting spells and the spell effects are begining to wear on the building...several holes are now visible and One can see the absolute chaos unfolding outside...most Khajiiti are in full retreat by now and the ones that stay to fight are quickly cut down...leaving a trail of blood and bodies along the entourages way...arrows never stop flying by as Ryx and Yrx are firing so fast, One almost expects to see smoke coming from their fingers, One also hears the satisfying crack of Genjii's Warhammer as it finds target after target..."Retreat...Back to Y'lona, Back to Y'lona" a wounded Khajiiti screams...Ami silences him with another Fire spell but by now the Khajiiti are fleeing for their lives...One's Shehai disappears and everyone puts their weapons away as they watch several Khajiiti spring over the side rail and into the Nibenay...swimming for the opposite shore...a satisfied grin finds its way across One's face, while the others breath a sigh of relief*

*One turns back towards the Serpent in Talon only to watch the structure collapse...Genjii lets out a hearty laugh at this event and its not long before everyone joins in...One included*

"The Owners gonna be quite upset with us Master One" Genjii proclaimed

"Hehehe...so it seem Genjii...so it would seem"

*They remain outside and watch the several structure fires that have arisen since the battle began...a large pillar of smoke rises from the now ruined Serpent in Talon Inn and flows across the Nibenay...*


<ooc> I hate Verizon with the fury of a thousand suns...it took me two hours to write the epic I was going to post last night...but someone, somewhere deemed it was a good idea to reboot the system for my area at three o' clock in the morning...so thats gone and you get this sorry second rate post...please aim all tomatoes at Verizon HQ...progress every day my spotted-owl <ooc>

 

Posted by: RavingRiddler Sep 24 2004, 02:35 PM

Lives hang in the balance,
Swept around the hall in black masks,
Unseen, unheard, chained,
Whispered politics in the corners,
There are some that see,
They laugh, laugh loud,
They laugh at the chained.

All but one.

One knows.

One sees.

He cries.



 

Posted by: Celezar Sep 24 2004, 02:52 PM

*slowly opens his eyes*

"oooh...I wonder what time it is..."

"Looks like the ball is still going, eh?"

"Well as long as I didnt miss anything."

"You know, sitting on the ground is to much of a hastle, the ceiling looks much more comfortable."

*the old Bosmer whispers a quick incantion and all at once his body becomes weightless and drifts up to the ceiling where he sits comfortably upside down*

"Ahh...much better...hmm..I'm parched some tea would be fine."

*quickly conjures up an illusionary tea cup and sips it*

"Ahh...the taste of illusions...it almost tastes like nothing!"

*looking down upon the room*

"I wonder whats got everyone rattled this ball seems fine to me, have I slept through something?"

 

Posted by: RavingRiddler Sep 24 2004, 03:03 PM

The One who knows sits in the corner holding his head.
Another is trying to get in.

He is coming.
He is coming.

And the dance of the chained goes on...

 

Posted by: Loranna Sep 24 2004, 03:09 PM

And I'm here again - almost smile.gif

To quickly summarize a little bit from last night ...

Loranna-Azura does not look particularly enthused about talking to Attrebus right yet; her eyes still smoulder with displeasure when she looks at him. However, she answers him with a curt "Because I wanted to feel special for a few nights; now if you'll excuse me, I must speak to our host ..."

She will, however, say in a more quiet tone " ... Try talking to me tomorrow night; no promises, but at least I'll listen to your questions."

Excusing herself from Allerleirauh and Chairo, Loranna-Azura goes to the astonished Darius for a few, private words ...

---

" ... Then, you really are ..."

"Yes."

" ... But ... but ..."

"Is there a problem, Lor Darius?"

*Gulp* "No, no of course not my Lady ... er, my Prince ... er, what's the correct form of address again ..."

"You may call me Worshipful Goddess, Reason For My Existance."

*Gulp* "Er, My most Worshipful Goddess, Reason For ..."

*Sigh* "I was joking Darius; Lady Azura is fine, or Prince Azura if you prefer."

*Sees life flash before eyes* "Er, right; Lady Azura ... um, well, ... what can we do for you?"

*Frowns, then smirks slightly* "Simple; I want to have a good time at this celebration."

"A good time, you say."

"Yes; I've asked my brother Sheogorath to treat me to a party, and yours was the most conveneint one on hand. So all I ask is that you keep doing what you would normally do, and let me have a good time."

*Long moment of silence ...*

"Is there a problem, Lord Darius?"

*To himself* Yes; there isn't enough brandy in the world to give me the strength to deal with this ...

"Ahem; I can hear mortals' thoughts, you know."

*Whimper, look of the doomed*

*Sigh* "He's not out to hurt anyone, Darius; he's just trying to make me feel special, like I asked of him. I know his manner is a little off-putting, but I promise - while I'm here, I'm not inclined to see bloodshed, so I'll intervene if I have to."

"I see ... thank you for your most generous offer Lady Azura ..."

"You're welcome, Lord Darius. Now, by your leave ... I'm going to retire for the night."

With that, Loranna-Azura turns and strides regally out the front door, pausing to look at Allerleirauh and Chairo and say " ... Just to warn you both, I'm a rather early riser. I'll see you both tomorrow, and you can teach me about this notion of shopping ..."

------

During the course of the next day, Darius and his servants work feverishly to make the manor absolutely immaculate, and to prepare the biggest Tales and Tallows feast they can possibly manage. Word of the nature of Darius's little surprise begins to spread among those in attendance of the ball, and somehow the story is being told that Darius was the one to invite the Daedra Princes to the ball, rather than the two worthies simply deciding to come on their own.

"Assuming we all make it through this celebration intact I'm either going to be the most famous noble in all of Tamriel or the next Pelagius, maybe both," Darius mutters, downing some wine as reports of the rumors trickle back to him. "Elaine, how did this happen?"

Eleaine shrugs her shoulders, trying to comfort her lord while hiding the fact that her mind is on other things - like Melanus's odd behavior from the night before. "Who can guess the will of gods, my Lord? Just hold fast to your wits and try not to accept any gifts offered - but don't give offense in declining either ..."

"How encouraging," Darius smiles weakly, finishing off his wine ...

The clash of steel can be heard outside, as Harg spars with Samson in preperation for the duel with Seridius. "HA! Now this is fighting!" Harg exclaims joyfully, Samson's swrod flying out of his hand.

"It sure is big guy - now remember, no breaking the guests tonight," Samson chuckles ruefully, rubbing his stinging hand.

"The Fist of Harg will use only one arm, so that the little man does not break," Harg promises.

"How sportsmanlike," Samson grins. "Now, one more go; it's about time I had some fun ..."

... And elsewhere, early in the morning, a green-eyed blond Nord woman sets out in search of her companions ...

 

Posted by: RavingRiddler Sep 24 2004, 03:15 PM

The One who knows sees Wisdom leave the hall.
But he feels her aura in his mind. Wisdom pours into his brain.

He cannot take the strain. So he goes to the Other Place. But he cannot escape. He cannot escape.

They are in his mind. He fights, but is it enough?

The sounds of whimpering come from the darkened corner, but no-one hears. No one sees.

No one ever sees.

 

Posted by: Allerleirauh Sep 24 2004, 04:42 PM

Ordinarily Allerleirauh greeted the morning cheerfully. Her idea of a perfect morning was crisp cool air, cold water splashed on her face, the song of small birds, and feeling her breath roar in her chest as she swung her sword, frost crunching beneath her feet. But this was Cyrodiil, warm and so humid that her bedsheets were soggy. All the sounds were unfamiliar. She had a headache, and her heart seemed to be trying to squirm out of her chest. She nursed herself to wakefulness with a healing potion. These long nights were taking their toll.

And Azura had said she was an early riser. Well, she would be, wouldn't she? Patron of the Dawn.

Ah... everyone should master alchemy. Much better. What was first on the day's agenda? Oh yes. Shopping. Sheogoroth would probably prefer his date to dress in a hula skirt made of green fish, or something, but she suspected that wasn't Azura's taste. Where would they find clothing worthy of a Daedric Prince?

A wicked thought occured to her, and she smiled.

 

Posted by: Ash_Sage825 Sep 24 2004, 05:24 PM

Mavendas enters the dance hall, stumbling and holding his head. Sober but with a fierce hang-over from the night, before. He mumbles to himself, cursing sometimes, but at himself. He wanders over to the refreshment table, grabs a glass and pulls out a couple of alchemical ingredients he takes a bottle of flin and and pours a minor amount into the glass, then adds the ingredients to the mix. He downs the goblet, his face contorts with disgust as the concoction goes down his throat. He then goes into the side room and pulls out a copy of The Alchemists Formulary Ext. and begins reading on softening hangovers.

"By Julianos what was I thinking last night?"

 

Posted by: Dumbkid Sep 24 2004, 05:30 PM

Arynel steps into the manner. He looks exhausted, yet relieved; as if a great weight had been taken from him, but with it, his strengthe. He stumbles into a sideroom to gather his strength and collect his thoughts.

 

Posted by: RavingRiddler Sep 24 2004, 05:31 PM

The whimpering in the corner, lessens, then lessens, softer, softer, til the one who knows drifts to sleep. In his corner. Alone, unseen, unknown.
The dreamworld envelops him. His mind turns to turmoil again...

 

Posted by: Allerleirauh Sep 24 2004, 05:46 PM

Downstairs, the common room of the Inn was full of people - Allerleirauh blotted out the wailing and shouting and argument as best she could for several minutes before she began to listen. Apparently the child of the cook was missing, along with his playmate.

"The Guard doesn't want to hear about it!" the woman wailed. "They say it's too soon to worry about him, he'll be back, but he's never spent a night away from home before!"

Allie promised to look for him, by force of habit.

Chiaro was waiting for her; together they waited for Azura.

 

Posted by: Loranna Sep 24 2004, 05:51 PM

Early Morning

A soft, gentle voice calls out to the woman complaining about her lost child. "Have faith, mother; they'll be back in time for you to scold them for their evening meal."

Allie and Chairo can see Loranna put a hand on the woman's shoulder; the Nord woman's blue eyes shine with warmth and sympathy as she smiles reassuringly.

Turning to look at her shopping partners, Loranna winks at them; the woman, meanwhile, feels an odd calm come over her.

Meanwhile, preperations at the manor continue ...

 

Posted by: One87xe Sep 24 2004, 06:32 PM

*Midday The Remains of the Serpent in Talon Inn*

"Ok...so let me see if I understand you correctly. Yesterday you had some words with some Khajiiti, which quickly turned into a fight, which in succession led to the same Khajiiti taking control of this Inn...then this morning a huge battle broke out?" the Guard had seemed confused "So...this isn't an attack by a hostile nation...and its not an attack by the Daedra Prince Mehrunes Dagon...hmm" the Guard paused "Well...under normal circumstances destruction of this magnitude would earn you a quick trip to the gallows...but since the owners not pressing charges I guess there's not much that I can or want to do about this...make a claim with the C&EO agent over there and get the hell outta my part of the city!" the Guard said angerly

"Err...ok we'll leave as soon as my parties assembled"

"A word of advice for you: if you hadn't had that invitation to the Hearthfire ball in your possession I would have you flogged...now go" the Guards words were stern

*One leaves the Imperial Guards and starts to walk to where Genjii, Ami and the Seducers are rumaging through the remians of the Serpent in Talon...unlike this morning a full on fiasco is now taking place...horses and carts wheel away rubble while curious onlookers are kept at bay by a Legion Patrol that swept over the region right after all the chaos...the Nord Fire-Hands is seen pulling out sections of his burnt and collapsed room...Healers are everywhere carrying out remains and healing the wounded Khajiiti...and a Cult troop is hastily pulling bodies out of the Nibenay...several Khajiiti are captured and being marched to the Imperial Prison cells...the smoke has long since cleared with the coming rays of the Dawn and the City goes back to its typical humid and hot variation...One is quickly stopped by the C&EO agent the Guard had told him about*

"Lets see...I understand you want to barter for damages rendered?" the Agent said

"Thats right...a shop in Sutch for the Serpent in Talon"

"Hmm...this is unorthodox...but acceptable...which leaves you a balance to the Emperor...of 75,000 Septims" the Agent explained

"75,000?"

"Thats correct" he said

"Err...ok...how about when you clear the remains you keep all property that you find?"

"What kind of property?" he asked

"Well...one Daedric Katana...if you find the chest that was in my room you'll find an additional 10,000...and there are some Exquisite clothes, and some items I had enchanted the other day...that should cover it"

"Very well...do you have a place you'll be staying if I need to reach you?" he questioned

"Err...yeah...on the Eastern Bridge...at an Orcs house named Grash"

"So be it...well mister One I guess I'll be seeing you...oh yes...it would be in your best interests if you leave Cyrodiil after this ball has been concluded...if its the Ka'Ton I'm thinking of you want no part of that" with that the Agent departed

*After reassembling One and party make their way towards the Eastern Great Bridge...all the way on the other side of the City...they suffer from fatigue and have little time before tonights activities...One's also concerned about having to stay on the Eastern Bridge during Tales and Tallows...he also worries what surprises he'll find when they meet up with Grash gro'Damoth*

 

Posted by: Nelacar Sep 24 2004, 06:32 PM

*At an abandoned but well-kept manor a few blocks from Darius's, Nelacar looks through a closet full of exquisite robes*
No, no, no, no, no... This one looks perfect.
*Pulls out a robe of royal quality, truly fitting for an Altmeri noble and a proxy of the Mad Prince*
Now where's that staff?
*Puts on the robe, finds a Sheogorathian walking stick, and departs for Darius's, despite the early hour*
Note to self: Find a good torc, and bring some wands. If Attrebus tries to take my staff, I'll have no choice but to humiliate him.

 

Posted by: FireMaster Sep 24 2004, 06:37 PM

*returns to the Inn, seeing the destruction*

*sees One and entourage, and walks over, seeing them crossing the bridge*

"Hello there, what exactly happened here?" Erenius questions, in a non-threatening manner. "I hoped to return to the tavern here and take in a meal and a few drinks before leaving for the Hearthfire Ball...but obviously something happened." His tone changes slightly. "Care to explain what exactly? And while I am no guard, I can get you to talk."

 

Posted by: Chiaroscuro Sep 24 2004, 06:39 PM

Chiaro smiles at the cook with the lost child, sure that there are things the woman doesn't want to know about the calm she feels.

"Shall we go, ladies?" She asked her companions. "Allie, I believe you are the one who found this wonderful tailor, so if you could lead the way to his shop we'd best get started."

As the three ladies moved out into the streets, the morning sun shown down on them, adding an almost supernatural glow to the golden hair of Loranna.

Arriving at the tailor's shop, the ladies entered as though they owned the place. "We need two gowns for tonight," Chiaro said, "and they must be of the highest quality."

"You WHAT?" stammered the tailor? "Two gowns......tonight.....two?" Indignantly he raised his unconsiderable height an inch or two, "I ONLY produce goods of the highest quality! ....but....two....for tonight.... I don't know if it can be done."


 

Posted by: One87xe Sep 24 2004, 06:47 PM

QUOTE(FireMaster @ Sep 24 2004, 03:47 PM)

*returns to the Inn, seeing the destruction*

*sees One and entourage, and walks over, seeing them crossing the bridge*

"Hello there, what exactly happened here?"  Erenius questions, in a non-threatening manner.  "I hoped to return to the tavern here and take in a meal and a few drinks before leaving for the Hearthfire Ball...but obviously something happened."  His tone changes slightly.  "Care to explain what exactly?  And while I am no guard, I can get you to talk."

*






"Now, now...no need for that"

*One and party explain to Erenius about the previous events that had led up to the destruction at the Inn...One explains that if Erenius makes a claim with the Census and Excise Agent on the Bridge that everything will be taken care of...they again turn towards the Eastern Bridge*

 

Posted by: Allerleirauh Sep 24 2004, 06:47 PM

Allerleirauh smiled the smile she had perfected for dealing with craftsmen, halfway between wheedling and menace.

"We managed well enough yesterday, didn't we? My gown was quite satisfactory. And I'm sure we can manage now."

She handed him money. "Why don't you send for more assistants."

She turned to the rolls of fabric lining the wall. Now, this part was pure delight. The Capitol was the silk making center of the world. They had long ago perfected the art to such a degree that their silks were even magical, spells woven right into the cloth. It wasn't magic that impressed her most, however; it was the smooth, heavy, flowing satins; the light gauzes, fine enough to draw through the eye of a needle; the rich embroidery, stiff with gold and gems. In this one little room was an Emperor's ransom worth of rich textiles. She laughed.

"See anything you like?"

 

Posted by: Sheogorath Sep 24 2004, 06:50 PM

It is a beautiful morning, not a cloud in the sky.

But it's a little humid and smells like rain.

 

Posted by: Loranna Sep 24 2004, 06:51 PM

Loranna-Azura turns green eyes toward the tailor, her expression mildly curious, as though she were wondering how he might taste with butter and hackle-ho leaf.

"I'm sure if any can do this task, you can," she says, before turning to look at Allerleirauh. Gradually, her eyes revert back to blue and her expression becomes a mix of curiosity, wonder, and delight.

"Hmm ... there's a lot to choose from ..." she says, her eyes wandering over the expanses of silks and other fabrics.
" ... What do you think I should go for ...?"

 

Posted by: Dumbkid Sep 24 2004, 06:54 PM

Arynel appears from a sideroom, he is refreshed, and a spark of vitility glimers in his eyes. Behind his peace gaze, though, he is firm, he is ready...

He stands in the shadows, and waits.

 

Posted by: FireMaster Sep 24 2004, 06:56 PM

*listens politely to One*

"I thank you, kind traveller," Erenius replies as he turns towards the C&E agent on the bridge.

*makes the claim with the officer and departs, searching for a second tavern to stay in until nightfall*

 

Posted by: Allerleirauh Sep 24 2004, 07:02 PM

Allerleirauh was happy that her own gown was already laid out waiting for her back at the Inn. She turned a critical eye on Loranna. Blonde hair... she pictured it coiled beautifully about Loranna's head. Eyes blue, well, blue and sometimes green. Green then.

Dawn and Dusk. She thought about sunrises, pinks and golds and brilliant shimmering crimsons. Deepest violets. She thought about the glowing orange of sunset, about crisp deep blue and a black that was almost green. How could that be captured in cloth?

"Well, you want to dance," she said. "So nothing stiff. Something fitted at the waist, to show off your figure."

She plunged her hand into the fabric, luxuriating in the touch of it against her skin. "How about layers, many fine layers of colors, dark and subtle on the surface, but with colors showing through when you move?"

 

Posted by: Loranna Sep 24 2004, 07:08 PM

As Allerleirauh looks over Loranna-Azura, she can see a faintly bemused, though still fond, look in her eyes, which waver on going back to green.

As Allerleirauh describes her idea, however, Loranna-Azura's eyes settle back into blue and a very Loraana-esque happy smile comes to her face for a moment, before Loranna-Azura's more reserved smile returns.

' ... I think we're in agreement," she says to Allerleirauh, running a hand along the fabrics and sighing quietly. " ... Yes, let's do that ..."

 

Posted by: Nelacar Sep 24 2004, 07:08 PM

Oops! I forgot about the golden torc and silver laurel from Master.
*Heads back to his lodgings, retrieving a cloak to match the robe, a torc of silver, and a laurel dipped in silver*
Here. No need to go robbing jewellers in broad daylight looking for a suitable torc.
*Reaches into a chest, pulling out a handful of gems and three wands*
This should be enough to deal with anything that pest does to annoy me.
*Starts heading back to Darius's manor*

 

Posted by: Chiaroscuro Sep 24 2004, 07:16 PM

The tailor stop, wringing his hands together as the women looked through his wares. He could have sworn the look her received earlier from the blond one was almost predatory.

"Only the finest quality fabrics....." He gulped, seeing they were looking at elaborate combinations of colours that would require weeks of sewing. Sending his most senior assistant off with orders to go around to the other tailors in hopes of gaining extra hands, he hoped that he would be able to fill the orders for tonight.

Meanwhile, Chiaro was looking at some shimmering fabrics of a deep amber colour, which caught the light and gave off sparks in various shades. "This will do for me," she said, "with this dark coppery-bronze colour slashed through it."

The tailor immediately got to work, getting measurements and picturing himself bald as an egg from pulling his hair out after all was said and done.

 

Posted by: Love_From_Above Sep 24 2004, 07:25 PM

The night before...

Love-From-Above crept out of the Snake in Talon Inn, making sure not to be seen by any of the guests. Tonite was a nite of secrecy. The old thief had learned long ago to trust his intuitions and if his gut instinct told him, if anything, this night in Hearthfire Hall would most likely be chaotic and the friendly competiton for his friend's Cherim tapestry would likely be forgotten. And if it wasn't, he knew it would be a simple matter of reclaiming it for himself from the victor. There were more important things to be done while he had time in the Capital City of the Empire. He set off for the Imperial Library with intent of going uninvited...

The streets seemed to be strangely empty of revelers who would traditionally be getting ready for the holiday of Tales and Tallows. Certainly there was a mood in the air that seemed befitting. He had felt it at Darius' party, not to mention seeing an artifact like Wabbajack surfacing at some moronic Imperial's Ball. Each night he left the Ball, a strange feeling of having woken up from a dream the instant he walked out the door of Hearthfire Hall would overcome him. It was as if the entire party was happening in a place out of space and time. He had heard stories from his friend Nael, and others who had been in the presence of Daedra as describing the same phenomena. Why would they make their presence known.. here of all places?? It just didn't make any sense...

The thought had crossed the argonian's mind that it might have something to do with his own quest, but he didn't rightly think so. As important as his task was to him, he couldn't imagine it being very important to the Daedra for sure. It was most likely a coincidence of proportional gravity. Elaine afterall had told him 2 nights prior that there was something "much more important" than the Cherim tapestry he was after... something divine?

It was no matter. Love-From-Above had seen, first hand, the consequences of dealing with the Daedra and he had no desire for it. The old argonian was not too much longer for the active life as it was and he considered this task to be his last "adventure". He owed it to his old friend and master Nael who had freed him from a slave's life so long ago.

Sure, the even older dunmer was madder than a hungry marshcat that has had nothing to eat but hackle-lo leaf for a week, but there was a side of him that was lucid... occasionally. Before he had been tricked by Sheogorath, he was a powerful Telvanni sorceror that employed his khajiit and argonian slaves to find and recover any information or bits of knowledge they could find. From official documents in the Palace of Vivec to a scrawled note, penned by a woman to her husband that she was leaving on the next boat to Skyrim. It was Nael's intense thirst for knowledge that eventually conquered him. Perhaps it had always held the advantage over him and Sheogorath set himself to pave the road for Nael into complete and utter insanity.

That happened over 50 years before this very night and one day later it would end... if Love-From-Above could affect it. Nael himself attended Vehk's Trial, thanks to Love-From-Above's clever forgery of a signed invitation, in an attempt to petition Azura's help, but instead found Sheogorath waiting for him. Nael's desparate will struck through, and thanks to a few other powerful attendees of the Trial Nael was cured, but only temporarily. Sheogorath cursed him yet again, but this time far more distinctly than before. The last Love-From-Above saw Nael, the dunmer was raving wildly about "loosening every grain of sand from everywhere and elsewhere." It sounded as if Nael intended to go on a mad rampage through the land of the khajiit in order to find his lost tapestry or to find Cherim and bring about his rather bloody demise.

A tapestry that had been stolen by Elaine, the very person who had enticed Love-From-Above to attend the Ball, to pay a debt of honor to Nael was stolen from him in Hogithum Hall by the Mad One himself. And now it turns up here in Cyrodiil once again and a thief is set once again to steal it.

And it's me... am I going mad myself? I should have known better than to concern myself with one who is cursed!

A voice from a dark alley broke the walking argonian's thoughts.

"Hail my scaled friend. Do yeh have a tail for me?" A hooded figure walks out from the darkness to where light from a nearby lamp shone just enough so that Love-From-Above can see his outline.

"What one lingers in the darknesss?" the argonian's hand quickly goes to where his dagger should be, but discovers it gone. The argonian was luckily just as quick with his tongue however "This one has a tail which is firmly attached. No need for sharing. I will tell you story however of an argonian who has wrent the fleshes of those who sneaks up on it from shadows."

"There is no need for violence Kai'mat."

Love-From-Above hisses.

"This one speaks much! What is this one?! Speak more or begone!" Kai'mat had lost his name when he became a slave. It was not so much as subverting to the will of the slavers and the names they sometimes gave their property but those of his tribe he had betrayed by being caught in the first place would deny his true name forever more. The thought of his marshbrother name brought Love-From-Above to a blind rage that was seldom seen unless you were either very lucky or if you were very dead.

"Try and slay me. Come Kai'mat. Dance."

The argonian leapt the entire 20 feet between he and his shadowed foe, claws bared and snarling. The confused Love-From-Above landed, swinging his claws wildly at where the "thing" had been standing, Love-From-Above now gasped and saw that it was still the same distance away. Now he ran further into the alley towards the cloaked man only to notice that it maintained the same distance.

I am going mad. No. I will not fall for this. I gave no quarter and expect none. I am not mad.

"Oh but you are quite mad Kai'mat. Mad for befriending those who have failed Sheogorath. Whether you like it or not, you're one of us now. The blaspheming heretics who choose to do the dirty work of the Daedra. Really... when it comes down to it, everyone does their fair share of the work. We mortals really do excel at teamwork." The hooded man began walking forward now and Love-From-Above peered thru the night to pick up on reflections of heat to form a basic outline for the figure's face under the cloak.

Love-From-Above blinked. The man had no face. None at all. How could he be mortal and be... like that? How could he read his mind as he seemed to have done earlier? The strange figure interrupted his thoughts again.

"Go to the Library if you want to waste your time. I'll throw you that bone. There is nothing there that will tell you how to break the curse of Cherim's tapestry and there is nothing you can do. What you need is a Khajiit... and this." Without a movement from the mysterious figure, Love-From-Above's dagger fell to the ground in front of the argonian's feet. Almost in a daze, the befuddled thief reached down and picked it up.

"The legends concerning your blade there are true, but only a Khajiit may properly bear it. Carry it for now. I'm interested to see what happens." and with that, the man with apparently no name and no face vanished into the fog of the dark alley as if he were a fleeting vision.

I'm not mad. I'm not mad. Truth and visions both have reason. I'm not mad. I'm not mad.

Love-From-Above knew what he must do. He set off for Hearthfire Hall, images of the cursed "rug" burning to ashes, dancing through his mind.

 

Posted by: Allerleirauh Sep 24 2004, 07:29 PM

Humming to herself, Allerleirauh set to work.

How had she ever thought of this as labor? As a little girl, she had cursed and even thrown tantrums when forced to do needlework. Now it reminded her of her mother, and seeing the finished product take shape beneath her fingers gave her great satisfaction.

She bit the thread off expertly and changed colors.

She had a sudden sense of the massive history of this place. Here, long ago, Nibanese women had worked as slave laborers for their Merish masters. Had they sewn the silks of their land? Surely they had; their legends were all bound up with the weave of silk. Had they cursed, hummed, sung?

She measured Loranna's arm, walking her fingers along it, pinky-thumb, pinky-thumb, and returned to her work.

 

Posted by: Chiaroscuro Sep 24 2004, 07:36 PM

Watching the silver-haired woman working on the gown for the golden-haired one, the tailor gave a deep sigh of relief. Short-lived however, as the Redguard woman whose gown he was measuring and cutting was watching closely....very closely.

"I want the overlay just so," said Chiaro, perversely pleased at discomfitting the man, "I want the darker colour to show only with certain movements."

The tailor was, unfortunately, rather short-handed and tense and flustered. His lead assistant had not yet returned with any help and had not even returned himself.

The poor man was trying not to let the stress of the situation affect the work of his deft fingers. I've been in this trade for 25 years, he thought, I've done this hundreds of times. I can DO this.

But the mental picture of himself as a limp wreck persisted.....

 

Posted by: FireMaster Sep 24 2004, 07:37 PM

*Erenius finds another inn, closer to Darius' manor oddly enough*

*he walks inside, paying about 150 coins for the remainder of the ball*

"You seem quite off...shouldnt you have your own manor?" the barmaid asks.

*taken a back a bit, Erenius replies anyway*

"Actually, I live on the other side of the city, but I'm here for Darius' Hearthfire Ball," Erenius says. "Besides, I'd rather stay in an inn like yours, close to the ball, rather than stay at my house."

*gives the barmaid a few more coins*

"Keep those for yourself," Erenius says as he takes the room key and proceeds downstairs to his room.

 

Posted by: Loranna Sep 24 2004, 07:37 PM

Loranna-Azura reflects on the oddity of being waited on in this fashion, and by a mortal she regarded as one of her favored ones ... even if sometimes they hadn't exactly seen eye to eye ...

Then again, it was rare that mortals and Daedra saw eye to eye often, which was part of what drove her to try and understand them - which, in turn, sometimes ended up not working as she meant ...

Which, eventually, led to ...

Loranna-Azura sighs; she was letting her date influence her a little too much. What happened in the past was done, and right now she had an uncertain future to take on. And maybe, a chance to finally understand and try to make up for past misunderstandings ...

"Daughter, I never realized how nimble your hands really are," she murmurs at one point to Allerleirauh. Then a moment later, as the tailor takes her measurements, Loranna-Azura reaches up and runs her fingers through his hair, looking at him critically.

". ... Hmm ... your hair does suit you; it feels somewhat like the fabrics you shape," she decides. "Tell me, what's it like, to see your wares take form beneath your hands, before your very eyes? Is it a joy or a chore for you, sir?"

 

Posted by: Chiaroscuro Sep 24 2004, 07:45 PM

With her fingers running through his hair, the question startles the tailer enough that he jerks back slightly, feeling the prick of a few strands parting company with his head.

"Oh, um....it's a joy...mostly, m'lady. When I see the gown on the client for the final fitting, it's almost like ....well....like I would imagine giving birth would be." He kicks himself mentally for such words, but he is having trouble concentrating on the tasks at hand and having to convey ideas at the same time.....it's almost beyond him.

"It's almost like I've created a new kind of flower," he continues, "one which uses the best that nature has to offer."

Realising what he is saying, crimson suffuses his face. "Well, it can be a lot of hard work, too." he states. "Sometimes things just never seem to go right, or the colours don't blend." He hopes and prays that THIS will not be such an occassion.

 

Posted by: Allerleirauh Sep 24 2004, 07:56 PM

There was a magic in this place. Or maybe the magic was in the gold-jacketed needle the tailor had given her. Or perhaps it was Azura, or the heaviness of the air outside. Her fingers flashed faster than her conscious will. Had hours passed, or only moments?

Her neck was stiff; her left foot, asleep.

She jumped. A single drop of blood fell from her pricked finger towards the shimmering cloth. She moved to catch it... too slowly. And gasped, as shimmering light spread through the cloth, brilliant tendrils evoking the first light of dawn.

The harried tailor bent over the dress, the lines in his face momentarily erased by a deep peace. "Wonderful," he said. "I thought I knew that tune."

A tune her mother had hummed, so long ago. Like a bird singing in a cage, Allie had always thought. Never while sewing, though. Her mother had been so full of secrets, and now the secrets were lost forever.

"There," Allie said, standing, and holding the dress up for Loranna's inspection. She was too tired for emotion. "That's the best I can do."

 

Posted by: Attrebus Sep 24 2004, 07:56 PM

Closed and continued here:

http://www.elderscrolls.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=9426

 

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