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The Elder Scrolls Forums _ Elder Scrolls Lore _ RP: High Rock Hijinks

Posted by: Loranna Apr 20 2005, 08:44 AM

Hello, and welcome to our Elder Scrolls Role Playing threads, where we adventure and socialize in the vibrant land of Tamriel.

Before we begin, we'd like to clarify a few things:

This is an 'open roleplay' and everyone is encouraged to join in at any time!

'Open' roleplay does not mean 'unorganized' or 'limitless', however. The events in this story are usually planned, and if something BIG happens, you can be certain that it is the result of much discussion between players, usually in the mIRC chat (#Loranna_RP). This is not just a bunch of disorganized individuals doing what they think would be fun for their character at the time.

So, while everyone is welcome to join in, they are NOT welcome to jump in and do big, world-changing things without DISCUSSING IT FIRST. Let me be very clear about what cannot be done without permission:

1:
Any action that effects another person's character, for ill or good. Although most people realize they can't harm another person's character without permission, many don't realize that you can't HELP another character without permission, either. Many characters have flaws for a reason. Don't go healing, saving, or otherwise fixing another character without DISCUSSING IT FIRST with the player involved.

2:
Any event that would drastically change things that have been done to the world, whether the change is physical (rebuilding destroyed locations), political (converting a population to a new cause), military (killing off all the badguys) or anything else. Almost every situation, good or bad, that exists in the RP was done for some reason. Don't go changing or fixing things without DISCUSSING IT FIRST with the group.

Everyone who is involved in the RP is welcome in the mIRC chat channel #Loranna_RP. If you have a plot idea then you are encouraged to go there and discuss it. If you cannot get on the channel for some reason, or if the player whos character you would affect with your plan is not there, then PM them using this board's PM function. That's what it's there for.

For information on reaching #Loranna_RP via Mirc or Chatspike, look http://sekkairc.freewebpage.org/.

Not following the above advice will only result in one thing: your post is likely to be completely ignored by everyone as if it did not happen. This is obvously not good for anyone, so please, discuss major events before doing them.

Remember: Secret plans and surprises are seldom fun for anyone else. Before they're revealed they're boring, because nobody knows about them, and afterwards they're just annoying, because nobody knew about them.


Thank you, and have fun!


===

Summary for Loranna:

Loranna is at the Green Gallows, staring at the remains of several hanged people and reliving scenes of massacres she caused back in Skyrim.

Info for Loranna:

Race: Nord
Sex: Female

===

Tris's discomfort brings Loranna out of her own memories with a start, and she slides off her horse to hurry to her friend's side, wondering if there's anything she can do for him.

"Tris ..." she says as she reaches the Breton.

Posted by: w0nders Apr 20 2005, 08:49 AM

Summary-

Dante, male Dunmer, somewhere with someone.

Illidan, male Dunmer (gasp), who just happens to be a vampire as well, shrug.gif

Posted by: Allerleirauh Apr 20 2005, 08:53 AM

ooc: Tris, male Breton, is on the road to Crosswych in Anticlere, with Loranna's group, to look for the missing Lielle.

Please, everyone, for the sake of all the new participants, PUT YOUR RACE, SEX AND NAME in your summary.



Posted by: Dinylos Apr 20 2005, 08:56 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 20 2005, 01:53 AM)

ooc:  Tris, male Breton, is on the road to Crosswych in Anticlere, with Loranna's group, to look for the missing Lielle.

Please, everyone, for the sake of all the new participants, PUT YOUR RACE, SEX AND NAME in your summary.

*




Debent is a large burly Breton male. His arms are heavily scared for reasons not entirely revealed. He joined with the group in Westcastle and is with them as they travel to Crosswych.

...




QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 20 2005, 01:39 AM)

Tris had seen a lot of dead people. His reaction took him by surprise. He had just enough time to hop off the horse before he vomited into the bushes.

*





QUOTE(Loranna @ Apr 20 2005, 01:44 AM)

Tris's discomfort brings Loranna out of her own memories with a start, and she slides off her horse to hurry to her friend's side, wondering if there's anything she can do for him.

"Tris ..." she says as she reaches the Breton.

*




"What's amatter lad?" Debent said looking after Tris with eyes wide. "Just corpses."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Apr 20 2005, 08:57 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Apr 20 2005, 01:44 AM)

Tris's discomfort brings Loranna out of her own memories with a start, and she slides off her horse to hurry to her friend's side, wondering if there's anything she can do for him.

"Tris ..." she says as she reaches the Breton.

*




"Right, sorry," Tris said, wiping his mouth and trying to get control of himself. His eyes were watering. "Little embarrassing. Shall we?"

He looked for his horse. He felt he should probably explain his loss of composure to the big mercenary, Debent, but the thought of talking about it right now made his skin feel clammy.

QUOTE

"What's amatter lad?" Debent said looking after Tris with eyes wide. "Just corpses."


"Friend of mine was hanged in Crosswych," Tris said shortly, swinging himself onto his horse. "It's his grave I'm going to."

Posted by: Loranna Apr 20 2005, 09:00 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 20 2005, 02:57 AM)

"Right, sorry,"  Tris said, wiping his mouth and trying to get control of himself. His eyes were watering. "Little embarrassing. Shall we?"

He looked for his horse. He felt he should probably explain his loss of composure to the big mercenary, Debent, but the thought of talking about it right now made his skin feel clammy.

"Friend of mine was hanged in Crosswych,"  Tris said shortly, swinging himself onto his horse. "It's his grave I'm going to."

*





Loranna gives Tris a small smile. "Don't worry about it," she tells him. "I understand."

She returns to her horse. "We should get going," she says.


Posted by: Dinylos Apr 20 2005, 09:01 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 20 2005, 01:57 AM)

"Right, sorry,"  Tris said, wiping his mouth and trying to get control of himself. His eyes were watering. "Little embarrassing. Shall we?"

He looked for his horse. He felt he should probably explain his loss of composure to the big mercenary, Debent, but the thought of talking about it right now made his skin feel clammy.

"Friend of mine was hanged in Crosswych,"  Tris said shortly, swinging himself onto his horse. "It's his grave I'm going to."

*




"Oh," Debent said simply. He gave Tris a sympathetic look. "I suppose we should be quickly going then, now that you mention it, this place is kinda giving me the chills."

Posted by: w0nders Apr 20 2005, 09:02 AM

Balmora-

A chitin armoured figure burst out of Bhlaalu manor, Volrina chasing after. “Stop him! Stop him!” She screamed, as the chitin figure leapt down the stairs towards the red river, three vampires crashing to the ground behind him.

The figure edged around another vampire before reaching the center bridge. That vampire…let out a hiss; he turned to the figure, and what looked like a large fishing hook slipped into his hand. The shouts of Volrina growing closer he felt more comfortable with his abilities.

He launched the hook across the bridge towards the figure, a long chain slivering out from underneath his coat after it. There was a loud crack and the figure dropped to his knees, both hands reaching up to the hook, which was now imbedded in his shoulder.

Volrina finally caught up, and gave the chitin clad figure a solid kick to the head. She hoisted him over her shoulder, paying no attention to the vampire with the hook. Volrina headed back up to the manor, the figure’s long grey hair flapping in the wind depressingly.


Posted by: Teleran Apr 20 2005, 09:03 AM

Summary:
Teleran is with the group going to Crosswych in Anticlere. Teleran is a Dunmer/Breton Halfbreed. He looks Dunmer with the exception of blue eyes like a Nord’s.

Posted by: Dinylos Apr 20 2005, 09:14 AM

And so they passed out of the Green Gallows at a quick pace. The road unfolded before them in an uneventful manner, pleasant weather helping to shake the memories of the grisly wind-chime they had passed.

Closer, much closer, to Crosswych they were brought to a halt. The main road was overgrown and there was a hurriedly, yet solidly, erected sign directing them to take a detour along a path that lead around and approached the town from a different direction.

"What's this then?" Debent said riding out ahead of the group and scowling at the sign that blocked his path.

Posted by: Loranna Apr 20 2005, 09:17 AM

QUOTE(Dinylos @ Apr 20 2005, 03:14 AM)

And so they passed out of the Green Gallows at a quick pace.  The road unfolded before them in an uneventful manner, pleasant weather helping to shake the memories of the grisly wind-chime they had passed.

Closer, much closer, to Crosswych they were brought to a halt.  The main road was overgrown and there was a hurriedly, yet solidly, erected sign directing them to take a detour along a path that lead around and approached the town from a different direction.

"What's this then?" Debent said riding out ahead of the group and scowling at the sign that blocked his path.

*






Loranna frowns. "Funny; usually the roads in High Rock are much better-maintained than this," she says, staring at the overgrowth. "Hang on; lemme get a better look ..."

She activates her bracelet of levitation and floats upward, to get a wider view.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Apr 20 2005, 09:19 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Apr 20 2005, 02:17 AM)

Loranna frowns.  "Funny; usually the roads in High Rock are much better-maintained than this," she says, staring at the overgrowth.  "Hang on; lemme get a better look ..."

She activates her bracelet of levitation and floats upward, to get a wider view.

*




"The sign's been here a while," Tris said. "Whatever it is, it's not a new thing."

Posted by: Dinylos Apr 20 2005, 09:22 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Apr 20 2005, 02:17 AM)

She activates her bracelet of levitation and floats upward, to get a wider view.

*




Higher in the air, Loranna sees naught but a very overgrown road cutting through a landscape littered with large rocks and a few sparse trees.

Posted by: Loranna Apr 20 2005, 09:28 AM

QUOTE(Dinylos @ Apr 20 2005, 03:22 AM)

Higher in the air, Loranna sees naught but a very overgrown road cutting through a landscape littered with large rocks and a few sparse trees.

*





Loranna floats back down. "Tangled worse than my father's beard," she says. "You're right, this isn't something new - and unless you all feel like pretending you're forging through the Nibense we better take the detour."

"Wonder why it was allowed to get this bad though; did the public works coffers run dry or something?" she asks aloud.


Posted by: Allerleirauh Apr 20 2005, 09:30 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Apr 20 2005, 02:28 AM)

Loranna floats back down.  "Tangled worse than my father's beard," she says.  "You're right, this isn't something new - and unless you all feel like pretending you're forging through the Nibense we better take the detour."

"Wonder why it was allowed to get this bad though; did the public works coffers run dry or something?" she asks aloud.

*




"Usually a detour is in order to go around something," Tris said. The place felt creepy to him. He spurred his horse and rode on.

Posted by: Dinylos Apr 20 2005, 09:32 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 20 2005, 02:30 AM)

"Usually a detour is in order to go around something,"  Tris said. The place felt creepy to him. He spurred his horse and rode on.

*




Debent gave a quick look back to Loranna and then took off after Tris.

Posted by: Loranna Apr 20 2005, 09:35 AM

QUOTE(Dinylos @ Apr 20 2005, 03:32 AM)

Debent gave a quick look back to Loranna and then took off after Tris.

*





Loranna follows the party, thinking to herself that chances were they'd hear more about this overgrown road when they got into town.


Posted by: Teleran Apr 20 2005, 09:41 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 20 2005, 12:30 AM)

"Usually a detour is in order to go around something,"  Tris said. The place felt creepy to him. He spurred his horse and rode on.

*




“Never been to the Nibense, is it that bad?” Teleran asked. “Can’t be any worse than the Ashlands during an ash storm, I would think.”

"Though I suppose I don't want to go through that either unless I have to." He followed after Tris and the others.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Apr 20 2005, 09:43 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Apr 20 2005, 02:41 AM)

“Never been to the Nibense, is it that bad?” Teleran asked. “Can’t be any worse than the Ashlands during an ash storm, I would think.”

"Though I suppose I don't want to go through that either unless I have to." He followed after Tris and the others.

*




"I can't say I enjoyed ash storms," Tris said. "At least in the jungle there isn't that constant noise. And you can see your hand in front of your face."

He smiled.

"Debent, any idea where Lielle would go? Or who she might be with?"

Posted by: Dinylos Apr 20 2005, 09:49 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 20 2005, 02:43 AM)

"I can't say I enjoyed ash storms,"  Tris said. "At least in the jungle there isn't that constant noise. And you can see your hand in front of your face."

He smiled.

"Debent, any idea where Lielle would go? Or who she might be with?"

*




Debent screwed up his face, thinking for a moment.

"Well, no," he replied. "I didn't even know she was coming here till I was told by you. Beyond the obious places to look, the taverns and the docks, I have no idea."

Posted by: Loranna Apr 20 2005, 09:57 AM

QUOTE(Dinylos @ Apr 20 2005, 03:49 AM)

Debent screwed up his face, thinking for a moment.

"Well, no," he replied.  "I didn't even know she was coming here till I was told by you.  Beyond the obious places to look, the taverns and the docks, I have no idea."

*





"Well then," Loranna says, "we'll just have to start with the obvious places and work from there ..."


Posted by: Allerleirauh Apr 20 2005, 10:04 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Apr 20 2005, 02:57 AM)

"Well then," Loranna says, "we'll just have to start with the obvious places and work from there ..."

*




"The obvious place to look for a barmaid is a tavern," Tris said. "But we should start with the docks in case she's trying to hire a ship out of here."



Posted by: Dinylos Apr 20 2005, 10:36 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 20 2005, 03:04 AM)

"The obvious place to look for a barmaid is a tavern,"  Tris said. "But we should start with the docks in case she's trying to hire a ship out of here."

*




The docks were a bustle of activity, ships were being loaded and unloaded as trade goods flowed about the bay. After scouring the docks no sign of the missing maid turns up, although, with the amount of traffic passing through it would be hard to spot anyone.

The many taverns of Crosswych Wood would take many hours to search yet.




Posted by: Nalion Apr 20 2005, 10:59 AM

OOC description:
Nalion is a Breton mage of roughly 35 years. He wears his brown hair at a medium length, his matching brown eyes often look thoughtful. Nalion's figure is slender and of medium height. He is usually seen wearing a simple unadorned robe, he never found armour other than his own willpower useful to him. He is a quiet man and usually plans his next steps, which sometimes leads to the conclusion that he is reluctant to act, though at the one or other occasion he has proven that recklessness isn't strange to him. Nalion is compassionate in a silent and inconspicious way, mostly because of the history of his youth. Otherwise, he shares the classical attributes of the general Breton, Nalion is willful and intelligent, intensified by his profession, and has a faible for poetry and scholarly pursuit.


Menevia, the witches' cave near Westcastle:
Most of the party had left the cave of the witches to stay a while at the inn in Westcastle, leaving the hags to their work of concocting the potion which could cure vampirism. Nalion had decided to remain at the cave for a while. He had found that he still needed to think about a lot of things. He still intended to pay his family a visit, it was necessary, that became clear as he thought about it. The mage intended to do this soon, possibly after the cure is completed. He couldn't just come back to High Rock without returning to them, however brief the visit would be. He literally needed to settle differences in his past to move unburdened into the future.

Into which future? Nalion didn't know. He also didn't really want to know. What would have happened if he knew the outcome? His thoughts raced back in time to the point where he joined Loranna's party back in Snowhawk. The horrible things that had happened, children being killed, red blood on white snow. Would the world have been the same if he had turned his back to Loranna and Allerleirauh at that time and just left, returning to Tel Uvirith?

He had decided against leaving, joining the group he should have - by common sense - avoided at all costs. That's what had been so important, the mage realized. At this point he began to step out of a role most people on Tamriel played, that of common people. At this point, a journey began that led him through moments of horror and times of joy, through despair and relief. Had he known what had followed then - the destruction caused in Skyrim, the Trial of Loranna-Azura in Vivec, the rise of the Temple of the Dawn, the Vaults of Gemin and finally Hogithum - would he have turned away in horror?
That was idle thinking, though. Nalion knew in his heart that he made the right decision. His eyes had been opened, he looked at the world differently and there still was so much to discover.

Nalion rose and walked up to his horse, retrieving some bread and cheese from his saddle bag and began to eat.

Posted by: Arynel Apr 20 2005, 03:01 PM

OOC: The Breton Arynel, male, is at the Guildhouse in Daggerfall.

Posted by: sjvan0 Apr 20 2005, 03:50 PM

OOC: Frostien Marcelle, a middle-aged breton man, is currently with Loranna and the others, and Yasur Aranakan, dunmer male, is still wondering through the maze of his mind.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Apr 20 2005, 11:06 PM

OCC summary: Slyvos (formerly known as Dagoth Lich). Race: formerly Chimer, then an undead lich; now a Khajiit. Gender: formerly male, then undead, currently very male again wink.gif. Currently traveling with Loranna and the others, keeping mainly to himself

Posted by: Lord Sephirus Apr 20 2005, 11:33 PM

OOC: Summary Cyrcius Desaan is a male Bosmer 5ft 5 inch, in a red and green jacket with a scorched left arm. He has light brown hair and a deeper voice than most wood elves. He is an acrobat and a actor, and can move with almost inhuman speeds at times.

Posted by: God of War Yesterday, 01:01 AM

OOC Descrip/Local Avrian is riding along with the rest of the party.

(Char. Descrip is in Sig.)

Posted by: Aki Yesterday, 01:23 AM


OOC Summary
Reichi, the male Dunmer Werewolf is with the group, as is the much younger male Breton Tohe, who happens to be a Werewolf, albeit one of the local...breed.
-------


QUOTE

The docks were a bustle of activity, ships were being loaded and unloaded as trade goods flowed about the bay. After scouring the docks no sign of the missing maid turns up, although, with the amount of traffic passing through it would be hard to spot anyone.

The many taverns of Crosswych Wood would take many hours to search yet.



"Lovely," Reichi sighed. "Shame we didn't get anything from her house..." he said. "As it just occured to me, with some help from the Dagger of Senses, me or anyone of us could track her down by her scent..." he shrugged. He himself wouldn't have needed the Dagger to do that, but it couldn't of hurt.



Posted by: Dinylos Yesterday, 06:11 AM

It was in the third smoke filled tavern common room that Debent slammed his fist down on a nearby table. Dishes and mugs rattled in response to the violent impact.

"Enough, this is useless!" he declared angrily. "I'm not searching another tavern when all we have to go on is the word of some rotten thief. How do we know that they didn't kill her and then lie?"



Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 06:13 AM

QUOTE(Dinylos @ Apr 20 2005, 11:11 PM)

It was in the third smoke filled tavern common room that Debent slammed his fist down on a nearby table.  Dishes and mugs rattled in response to the violent impact.

"Enough, this is useless!" he declared angrily.  "I'm not searching another tavern when all we have to go on is the word of some rotten thief.  How do we know that they didn't kill her and then lie?"

*




Tris had been thinking it was a lot of trouble to go to for a girl they didn't even know. He kept his thoughts to himself, however.

"We know a few things," he said, reasonably. "We know she didn't take passage on a ship. We know she's not the places we've already been. I think I should go back for something that belonged to her, so we can carry out Reichi's plan. I travel quicker than most people."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 06:17 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 12:13 AM)

Tris had been thinking it was a lot of trouble to go to for a girl they didn't even know. He kept his thoughts to himself, however.

"We know a few things,"  he said, reasonably. "We know she didn't take passage on a ship. We know she's not the places we've already been. I think I should go back for something that belonged to her, so we can carry out Reichi's plan. I travel quicker than most people."

*





"That does seem to be the most reasonable plan right now," Loranna says. "It's either that or we all split up in a strange town and hope for the best."


Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 06:26 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Apr 20 2005, 11:17 PM)

"That does seem to be the most reasonable plan right now," Loranna says.  "It's either that or we all split up in a strange town and hope for the best."

*




"I'm not in favor of splitting the party, it's like trying to pick up stray cats with a basket already," Tris said. "I'll be back presently."

He found a secluded place and ducked into the Void, then reemerged in Lielle's house. Sniffing around, he found some clothes she had clearly worn recently, and stuffed them in his pack.

Then he went on his second journey, to the Void Ranger guildhouse in Daggerfall.

Ciel was outside, directing workmen who were making repairs to Solunastra's annex.

"Things are happening too fast," Tris said, walking up to him. "The others are in Crosswych Wood already, for completely unrelated reasons."

Posted by: Solin Yesterday, 06:32 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 20 2005, 11:26 PM)

Then he went on his second journey, to the Void Ranger guildhouse in Daggerfall.

Ciel was outside, directing workmen who were making repairs to Solunastra's annex.

"Things are happening too fast,"  Tris said, walking up to him. "The others are in Crosswych Wood already, for completely unrelated reasons."

*




"Good thing you told me ahead of time," Ciel commented as he finished tell a man what was required. "I've made some arrangements already. I'll get them together, alert the Lady of the Hall, and meet you there as soon as I can."

"Crosswych doesn't have a mages guild but I'm certain there is one nearby."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 06:35 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Apr 20 2005, 11:32 PM)

"Good thing you told me ahead of time,"  Ciel commented as he finished tell a man what was required.  "I've made some arrangements already.  I'll get them together, alert the Lady of the Hall, and meet you there as soon as I can."

"Crosswych doesn't have a mages guild but I'm certain there is one nearby."

*




"Everyone's waiting on me, I'd better get back. I'll look for you before I do anything."

Tris noticed that his voice sounded stiff and unnatural. Why was he so afraid of what he'd find? Dom was dead, that's all, and he already knew that.

He smiled, and took his leave.

Arynel was in the guildhouse. Tris filled him in on where the party was, and what was happening. He didn't mention Dom.

In Crosswych, he found Reichi and offered him Lielle's clothing.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 06:46 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 12:35 AM)

"Everyone's waiting on me, I'd better get back. I'll look for you before I do anything."

Tris noticed that his voice sounded stiff and unnatural. Why was he so afraid of what he'd find?  Dom was dead, that's all, and he already knew that.

He smiled, and took his leave.

Arynel was in the guildhouse. Tris filled him in on where the party was, and what was happening. He didn't mention Dom.

In Crosswych, he found Reichi and offered him Lielle's clothing.

*





Loranna resists the urge to crack a joke about Tris slowing down as he gets older, contenting herself with just raising her eyebrows.

"While Reichi is using that to track down Lielle," she says, "is there anything else we should take care of?"

She doesn't look specifically at anyone when she says that.


Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 06:49 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Apr 20 2005, 11:46 PM)

Loranna resists the urge to crack a joke about Tris slowing down as he gets older, contenting herself with just raising her eyebrows.

"While Reichi is using that to track down Lielle," she says, "is there anything else we should take care of?"

She doesn't look specifically at anyone when she says that.

*




"Ciel's coming," Tris said quietly to Loranna. "By way of the Mages's Guild in... wherever the nearest one is. He rides faster than I do, he used to be a cavalryman. He'll be here."

He raised his voice to normal levels.

"We should get the feel of the place, no reason to stop looking just because Reichi is looking. And... I have old business here I need to take care of."

Posted by: Rhedd Yesterday, 06:51 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 20 2005, 10:49 PM)

And... I have old business here I need to take care of."

*




Rodastyr chuckled.
"That certainly sounds mysterious, put like that."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 06:52 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 12:49 AM)

"Ciel's coming,"  Tris said quietly to Loranna. "By way of the Mages's Guild in... wherever the nearest one is. He rides faster than I do, he used to be a cavalryman. He'll be here."

He raised his voice to normal levels. 

"We should get the feel of the place, no reason to stop looking just because Reichi is looking. And... I have old business here I need to take care of."

*





Loranna nods in response to Tris. "I'm ready," she tells him quietly.


Posted by: Dinylos Yesterday, 06:56 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Apr 20 2005, 11:52 PM)

Loranna nods in response to Tris.  "I'm ready," she tells him quietly.

*




"That sounds like buisness I shouldn't get involved in," Debent interjected while turning a speculative eye to Reichi. "I'll continue to look now that we have some idea."

Posted by: Arynel Yesterday, 06:58 AM

Arynel stepped into the bar and looked around, taking note of the others. The Breton took a seat at a lone table.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 07:04 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Apr 20 2005, 11:52 PM)

Loranna nods in response to Tris.  "I'm ready," she tells him quietly.

*





QUOTE(Arynel @ Apr 20 2005, 11:58 PM)

Arynel stepped into the bar and looked around, taking note of the others.  The Breton took a seat at a lone table.

*




Tris stopped at Arynel's table on his way out the door.

"You look vaguely familiar," he said, grinning. "Have we met before?"



Posted by: Arynel Yesterday, 07:07 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 20 2005, 11:04 PM)

Tris stopped at Arynel's table on his way out the door.

"You look vaguely familiar,"  he said, grinning. "Have we met before?"

*





Arynel broke out in a boyish grin.

"I seem to recall, though the image I cannot quite place." The Breton jested. "Hello, all, how does the path greet you?"

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 07:09 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Apr 21 2005, 01:07 AM)

Arynel broke out in a boyish grin.

"I seem to recall, though the image I cannot quite place."  The Breton jested.  "Hello, all, how does the path greet you?"

*





"With unexpected twists and turns and chance encounters with roguish Breton lads," Loranna says with a grin. "Just the way we like it, of course. And you, dear?"

Posted by: Arynel Yesterday, 07:11 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Apr 20 2005, 11:09 PM)

"With unexpected twists and turns and chance encounters with roguish Breton lads," Loranna says with a grin.  "Just the way we like it, of course.  And you, dear?"

*





Arynel looked at Loranna and answered only with a Breton's smile.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 07:18 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Apr 21 2005, 12:11 AM)

Arynel looked at Loranna and answered only with a Breton's smile.

*




Tris laughed, and patted Arynel's shoulder. "We'd be glad of your company, since you're here. For future reference, your tablemanners aren't so bad that we'd exile you to a far table in the corner."

Outside the tavern he watched the townspeople passing by.

"All right, I suppose I've put this off as long as I can."

He hailed the nearest passerby.

"There's a cemetary near here, isn't there? Where they put paupers and criminals? Can you point me in the right direction?"

Posted by: Rhedd Yesterday, 07:24 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 20 2005, 11:18 PM)

Tris laughed, and patted Arynel's shoulder. "We'd be glad of your company, since you're here. For future reference, your tablemanners aren't so bad that we'd exile you to a far table in the corner."

Outside the tavern he watched the townspeople passing by.

"All right, I suppose I've put this off as long as I can."

He hailed the nearest passerby.

"There's a cemetary near here, isn't there?  Where they put paupers and criminals?  Can you point me in the right direction?"

*




"Aye, you must be new in town. Thrill seeker are..."

The man was cut off by another voice, loud and dramatic.

"Did I hear you ask about the CEMETARY, friend?"

It's owner was a short, slightly portly man with a wide grin and sombre clothes.

"A grand and fearful tale surrounds that place, to be sure. I'll be happy to show you the way, Friend. For a paltry fee, I'll give you and your friends the Grand Tour!"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 07:26 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 21 2005, 12:24 AM)

"Aye, you must be new in town. Thrill seeker are..."

The man was cut off by another voice, loud and dramatic.

"Did I hear you ask about the CEMETARY, friend?"

It's owner was a short, slightly portly man with a wide grin and sombre clothes.

"A grand and fearful tale surrounds that place, to be sure. I'll be happy to show you the way, Friend. For a paltry fee, I'll give you and your friends the Grand Tour!"

*




"Grand tour?" Tris said mildly.

"Look, I'm just looking for the place a friend of mine was buried. Has no family, he died here alone about two years ago. I'm here to get him moved."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 07:26 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 21 2005, 01:24 AM)

"Aye, you must be new in town. Thrill seeker are..."

The man was cut off by another voice, loud and dramatic.

"Did I hear you ask about the CEMETARY, friend?"

It's owner was a short, slightly portly man with a wide grin and sombre clothes.

"A grand and fearful tale surrounds that place, to be sure. I'll be happy to show you the way, Friend. For a paltry fee, I'll give you and your friends the Grand Tour!"

*





Loranna glances at Tris and Arynel, muttering "Grand and fearful tale?" as she holds out a small handful of septims to the portly man. "What grand and fearful tale is this, friend?"


Posted by: Rhedd Yesterday, 07:33 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 20 2005, 11:26 PM)

"Grand tour?"  Tris said mildly.

"Look, I'm just looking for the place a friend of mine was buried. Has no family, he died here alone about two years ago. I'm here to get him moved."

*







QUOTE(Loranna @ Apr 20 2005, 11:26 PM)

Loranna glances at Tris and Arynel, muttering "Grand and fearful tale?" as she holds out a small handful of septims to the portly man.  "What grand and fearful tale is this, friend?"

*




The man accepted the coins and counted them one-by-one into his pocket, moving his lips as he did so. He seemed very pleased with the money, although a large, obviously expensive ring glimmered on his stubby finger as he counted.

"Two years ago, you say? My what a coincidence. An eventful year, that was, to be sure. But come, you've paid me to show you around, and show you I will. Follow me, and I'll show you the Hanging Tree."

Still grinning, he headed for the center of town.

Posted by: Rhedd Yesterday, 07:34 AM

Double posts are for pansies.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 07:36 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 21 2005, 12:33 AM)

The man accepted the coins and counted them one-by-one into his pocket, moving his lips as he did so. He seemed very pleased with the money, although a large, obviously expensive ring glimmered on his stubby finger as he counted.

"Two years ago, you say? My what a coincidence. An eventful year, that was, to be sure. But come, you've paid me to show you around, and show you I will. Follow me, and I'll show you the Hanging Tree."

Still grinning, he headed for the center of town.

*




"I wish Ciel were here," Tris said quietly to Loranna, following the noisy man. "And I'm glad you are. Although when you offered I thought I wanted to be alone."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 07:39 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 01:36 AM)

"I wish Ciel were here,"  Tris said quietly to Loranna, following the noisy man. "And I'm glad you are. Although when you offered I thought I wanted to be alone."

*





"After everything we've all been through, being at your side for this just seemed the right thing to offer," Loranna says quietly. "I'm sure Ciel will catch up with us soon enough ..."

She gives Tris a small smile. "Sometimes we think we want to be alone, when we really shouldn't be; that's why we have friends to offer to be there."

She privately thanks herself for not offering more than a dozen septims this time around.

"More hanging trees though ..." she mutters as they walk, though the scent of freshly-baked pie threatens to distract her.


Posted by: Rhedd Yesterday, 07:48 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Apr 20 2005, 11:39 PM)

"After everything we've all been through, being at your side for this just seemed the right thing to offer," Loranna says quietly.  "I'm sure Ciel will catch up with us soon enough ..."

She gives Tris a small smile.  "Sometimes we think we want to be alone, when we really shouldn't be; that's why we have friends to offer to be there."

She privately thanks herself for not offering more than a dozen septims this time around.

"More hanging trees though ..." she mutters as they walk, though the scent of freshly-baked pie threatens to distract her.

*




The man led them through narrow streets to the center of town, where, in the center of the square, a huge old black oak stretched it's gnarly limbs out over the crowd.

Around the tree was a small, sharp, iron fence, and the fence and roots of the tree were covered all over by little Knots of Mara, woven from grass. The little offerings resembled tiny green hangman's nooses.

There was little need for the fence, really, since the townsfolk swung wide of the tree on their way to and fro. Only a young blonde Breton woman in a red cloak sat nearby the old oak.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 07:52 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 21 2005, 12:48 AM)

The man led them through narrow streets to the center of town, where, in the center of the square, a huge old black oak stretched it's gnarly limbs out over the crowd.

Around the tree was a small, sharp, iron fence, and the fence and roots of the tree were covered all over by little Knots of Mara, woven from grass. The little offerings resembled tiny green hangman's nooses.

There was little need for the fence, really, since the townsfolk swung wide of the tree on their way to and fro. Only a young blonde Breton woman in a red cloak sat nearby the old oak.

*




Tris rested his hand against the tree, with a feeling of unreality. "It seems odd, Maran knots on a hanging tree. But then I guess Anticlere is a Maran province, there's a Maran temple in town. Dom worshipped Mara, you know."

He wondered if Dom had died here. It certainly looked cheerful and peaceful now.

"Why are we here?" he demanded of the man who had brought them.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 07:55 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 21 2005, 01:48 AM)

The man led them through narrow streets to the center of town, where, in the center of the square, a huge old black oak stretched it's gnarly limbs out over the crowd.

Around the tree was a small, sharp, iron fence, and the fence and roots of the tree were covered all over by little Knots of Mara, woven from grass. The little offerings resembled tiny green hangman's nooses.

There was little need for the fence, really, since the townsfolk swung wide of the tree on their way to and fro. Only a young blonde Breton woman in a red cloak sat nearby the old oak.

*





Loranna looks at the woman in the red cloak with a curious expression.

"Yes, why?" she asks the man, the image of Knots of Mara shaped like little nooses settling strangely in her mind.


Posted by: Solin Yesterday, 07:55 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 21 2005, 12:48 AM)

The man led them through narrow streets to the center of town, where, in the center of the square, a huge old black oak stretched it's gnarly limbs out over the crowd.

Around the tree was a small, sharp, iron fence, and the fence and roots of the tree were covered all over by little Knots of Mara, woven from grass. The little offerings resembled tiny green hangman's nooses.

There was little need for the fence, really, since the townsfolk swung wide of the tree on their way to and fro. Only a young blonde Breton woman in a red cloak sat nearby the old oak.

*




On the far side of the square Ciel stood holding the reins of a horse, waiting. The nearest mages guild had not been far from Crosswych.

His blue eyes quickly picked up the group as they entered the towncenter. Not wanting to draw attention to himself while they appeared to be busy with someone he remained quite, he, however, did give a slight tug on the reins and approached them slowly.

Posted by: Rhedd Yesterday, 08:00 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 20 2005, 11:52 PM)

Tris rested his hand against the tree, with a feeling of unreality. "It seems odd, Maran knots on a hanging tree. But then I guess Anticlere is a Maran province, there's a Maran temple in town. Dom worshipped Mara, you know."

He wondered if Dom had died here. It certainly looked cheerful and peaceful now.

"Why are we here?"  he demanded of the man who had brought them.

*




"Yes he did, or so they say. I see you've heard the..."

It was the portly man's turn to get cut off mid-sentence. This time it was by a large, hairy-armed man, older, and looking used to hard labor.

"Pells! At it again you little rascal? Shameful it is. How many times to I have to tell you."

The man strode up to the group, frowning at the portly man, who was not grinning at the moment.

"'Scuse the interruption, Gentlefolk," the man said to Tris and the rest. "This fellow here isn't dangerous, or nothin', but what he'll show you for a crown is. Begging your pardons, but this is no tourist attraction, and the tale of Dom the Invincible ain't no fairy story. You leave the dead alone, and maybe they'll leave you alone. You take my advice, by Mara, and tell this gent to be on his way, then go back to yer inn and have a nice pint."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 08:02 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 21 2005, 01:00 AM)

"Yes he did, or so they say. I see you've heard the..."

It was the portly man's turn to get cut off mid-sentence. This time it was by a large, hairy-armed man, older, and looking used to hard labor.

"Pells! At it again you little rascal? Shameful it is. How many times to I have to tell you."

The man strode up to the group, frowning at the portly man, who was not grinning at the moment.

"'Scuse the interruption, Gentlefolk," the man said to Tris and the rest. "This fellow here isn't dangerous, or nothin', but what he'll show you for a crown is. Begging your pardons, but this is no tourist attraction, and  the tale of Dom the Invincible ain't no fairy story. You leave the dead alone, and maybe they'll leave you alone. You take my advice, by Mara, and tell this gent to be on his way, then go back to yer inn and have a nice pint."

*




"What?" Tris said. He was too shocked to say anything else immediately.


Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 08:06 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 02:02 AM)

"What?"  Tris said. He was too shocked to say anything else immediately.

*





Loranna blinks in surprise, the newcomer's revelations leaving her momentarily speechless.

She reaches out to give Tris's hand a squeeze, trying to reassure him as she gets her tognue working.

" ... Begging your pardon sir, but ..." she says, looking to the laborer, "we would still like to know the story. Please; it's important ..."


Posted by: w0nders Yesterday, 08:09 AM

Vroom!

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 08:09 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Apr 21 2005, 01:06 AM)

Loranna blinks in surprise, the newcomer's revelations leaving her momentarily speechless.

She reaches out to give Tris's hand a squeeze, trying to reassure him as she gets her tognue working.

" ... Begging your pardon sir, but ..." she says, looking to the laborer, "we would still like to know the story.  Please; it's important ..."

*




The young Breton woman in the red cloak sitting against the tree stood up, with a look of interest on her face. They could see the top of some stringed instrument - not a lute - protruding beneath the cloak.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 08:18 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 02:09 AM)

The young Breton woman in the red cloak sitting against the tree stood up, with a look of interest on her face. They could see the top of some stringed instrument - not a lute - protruding beneath the cloak.

*





The movement from the Breton woman catches Loranna's eye; she finds herself wondering what instrument lies under her cloak.

"Miss, do you know anything about this story?" she asks, feeling the short hairs on her neck start to rise. Something about this whole affair was wrong ...


Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 08:44 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Apr 21 2005, 01:18 AM)

The movement from the Breton woman catches Loranna's eye; she finds herself wondering what instrument lies under her cloak.

"Miss, do you know anything about this story?" she asks, feeling the short hairs on her neck start to rise.  Something about this whole affair was wrong ...

*




"A little," the young Breton woman said. There was something kittenish about her. Or maybe fox-like. A little, pointed face, with very arched eyebrows, pale blue eyes, and a head of sunny short curls. She approached the group.

"You're tourists? I'd love to talk to you. What have you heard, what brought you here? You see, I'm doing a dissertation on the development of folklore from current events, and it's exciting to see something like this happening in front of your eyes."



Posted by: Shardie Yesterday, 08:46 AM

When we last left our unfortunate heroine, she was relaxing in the Mineral Baths of Caer Suvio after a hard year of work... finishing her bath, she goes to the change room to prepare for her trip to Daggarfall

Caer Suvio, Cyrodiil

He stood their looking at her, drool coming from his mouth, the two girls, they could not be more than 16, stood their, in strange clothes, short dresses and a sailor top, their hair in pigtails, with the clothes of the bathers in their hands…
"Who the hell are you?" Maranda asked, "This is not some neo Tokyo anime show, this is Cyrodiil!" The girls looked at each other and then dissapeared in a puff of smoke and ashes
The man looked at the ashes that were his compatriots, and stared at Maranda
"What did you do to my Lesbian Ninja Schoolgirls? You will pay for that, with my Ecchii Katana of Hentainess!" he said as he pulled the sword from his scabbard
"I shall put my sword so deep into you, you will scream out in pain," he charged, his sword at the ready, Maranda, completely unarmed still remembered her Magic… but she could not fight with but a bath towel around her… could she? There was no time to waste, Maranda summoned a Daedric Longblade from the realms of Oblivion and parried his strike… but was not fast enough, the blow ripped her towel off, and the strange man stopped in mid strike, blood streaming from his nose
Maranda turned red… "you (censored in the interest of good taste) you will pay for this, prepare for my spell of Uber Daedric Doom x 10!" she cast the spell, encasing herself in head to toe Daedric Armor, a second Daedric Longsword in her left hand, "I don't care if it is against Elder Scroll Lore to Dual Wield weapons, you will pay for this!" Maranda charged towards the still stunned man, but the absence of bare flesh woke him from his trance… his eyes narrowed, as he mumbled off a spell, the Daedric Armour dissapeared, as did the longswords. Maranda was naked once again, and fell to the ground in shock. Without a second thought, the man had Maranda pinned to the ground, a nasty smile on his face, when the door opened.
" Trikers? What are you doing to that poor girl!?!" the owner said, walking in, a pair of female guards behind her… Trikers looked at the owner as the Guards advanced upon him. He quickly cast a teleportation spell, and left… Maranda had never felt more violated in her life… she had been defeated. There was no other way to put this, she was completely and utterly defeated… She would teach this " Trikers " a lesson all right, no one ever embarrassed Maranda and lived to tell the tale

Posted by: Rhedd Yesterday, 08:46 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 12:44 AM)

"A little,"  the young Breton woman said. There was something kittenish about her. Or maybe fox-like. A little, pointed face, with very arched eyebrows, pale blue eyes, and a head of sunny short curls. She approached the group.

"You're tourists?  I'd love to talk to you. What have you heard, what brought you here?  You see, I'm doing a dissertation on the development of folklore from current events, and it's exciting to see something like this happening in front of your eyes."

*




"Gah!" said the big man.

"No respect for the dead, none o' ye. Well, I've got pigs that need butcherin'. No time to waste with words that don't get heard."

With heavy steps, the man marched off toward his shop, leaving an annoyed little tour guide in his wake.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 08:56 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 02:44 AM)

"A little,"  the young Breton woman said. There was something kittenish about her. Or maybe fox-like. A little, pointed face, with very arched eyebrows, pale blue eyes, and a head of sunny short curls. She approached the group.

"You're tourists?  I'd love to talk to you. What have you heard, what brought you here?  You see, I'm doing a dissertation on the development of folklore from current events, and it's exciting to see something like this happening in front of your eyes."

*







QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 21 2005, 02:46 AM)

"Gah!" said the big man.

"No respect for the dead, none o' ye. Well, I've got pigs that need butcherin'. No time to waste with words that don't get heard."

With heavy steps, the man marched off toward his shop, leaving an annoyed little tour guide in his wake.

*





Loranna finds herself becoming even more curious about the red-cloaked Breton girl, even as she resists the urge to mutter darkly after the retreating butcher.

"We're not exactly tourists," she explains, deciding to get to the point. "Dom was a good friend of our friend here ..."

She nods to Tris.

" ... and having heard of his death and ignoble burial, we came to bring him to a more proper grave."

She frowns. "But it's sounding like matters are a bit more complicated ... please, tell us, what has happened? What is this story involving Dom?"


Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Yesterday, 09:15 AM

Forest outside of Crosswych...

“You did what?!” Wind yells, grabbing the musky, body of his mammoth friend. “I don’t believe that.”

Little John releases a long series of roars and grunts, while waving his flabby, arms.

“Well I know I told you to do what “normal” Ogrims do, but I didn’t expect you to actually do what “normal" Ogrims do.”

A long silence passes, as Wind shakes his head and Little John looks down, like a shamed child.

“I can’t believe you ate her dog, too.” Wind states, as he stands up and starts to walk off. “We’re trying to keep a low profile, LJ. You’re killing me, Big guy.”

Wind inhales deep and lets out a big sigh. “I’ll be back, later.”

Before Little John can respond, Wind is gone.

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Yesterday, 09:24 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 02:44 AM)

"A little,"  the young Breton woman said. There was something kittenish about her. Or maybe fox-like. A little, pointed face, with very arched eyebrows, pale blue eyes, and a head of sunny short curls. She approached the group.

"You're tourists?  I'd love to talk to you. What have you heard, what brought you here?  You see, I'm doing a dissertation on the development of folklore from current events, and it's exciting to see something like this happening in front of your eyes."

*





The air begins to smell of honeysuckle, as the sound of leather is heard flapping in a shallow breeze. Suddenly, behind the group leaning against a tree is Wind, with his arms folded.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 09:25 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Apr 21 2005, 01:56 AM)

Loranna finds herself becoming even more curious about the red-cloaked Breton girl, even as she resists the urge to mutter darkly after the retreating butcher.

"We're not exactly tourists," she explains, deciding to get to the point.  "Dom was a good friend of our friend here ..."

She nods to Tris.

" ... and having heard of his death and ignoble burial, we came to bring him to a more proper grave."

She frowns.  "But it's sounding like matters are a bit more complicated ... please, tell us, what has happened?  What is this story involving Dom?"

*




Tris was taking deep, slow breaths, and trying to stay calm.

The girl turned to him. "Oh, you knew him? That's perfect, I can't believe it. You don't mind talking to me, do you?"

"I need to sit down," Tris said.

The girl's smile was replaced by a look of concern. "I'm so sorry. I'm being horrible. It's just that I've spent a lot of time on this... never mind that."

There was a bench, near the tree. Tris sat on it, and listened.

"I'm Catanee," the young woman said, offering Loranna her hand. "Catanee Wendon. Studying at the college of Bards. My assignment was to find a new folk song, and document the events, fictional or otherwise, that caused it to arise. You see, there's a ballad about Domnar. When he was hanged, it was a huge event in the province. You see that hedge? That's the wall around Guardsman's Field, where the sixty-seven guards he took down when they arrested him are buried. It's only sixty-two in the ballad. That's the sort of thing I'm learning here."


Posted by: Rhedd Yesterday, 09:28 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 01:25 AM)

Tris was taking deep, slow breaths, and trying to stay calm.

The girl turned to him. "Oh, you knew him?  That's perfect, I can't believe it. You don't mind talking to me, do you?"

"I need to sit down,"  Tris said.

The girl's smile was replaced by a look of concern. "I'm so sorry. I'm being horrible. It's just that I've spent a lot of time on this... never mind that."

There was a bench, near the tree. Tris sat on it, and listened.

"I'm Catanee,"  the young woman said, offering Loranna her hand. "Catanee Wendon. Studying at the college of Bards. My assignment was to find a new folk song, and document the events, fictional or otherwise, that caused it to arise. You see, there's a ballad about Domnar. When he was hanged, it was a huge event in the province. You see that hedge?  That's the wall around Guardsman's Field, where the sixty-seven guards he took down when they arrested him are buried. It's only sixty-two in the ballad. That's the sort of thing I'm learning here."

*




The pudgy guide stayed quiet, although he fidgeted from foot to foot. He was trying to remember all of this, just in case any of it was dramatic enough to be repeated to future customers.

Posted by: Solin Yesterday, 09:30 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 02:25 AM)

Tris was taking deep, slow breaths, and trying to stay calm.

The girl turned to him. "Oh, you knew him?  That's perfect, I can't believe it. You don't mind talking to me, do you?"

"I need to sit down,"  Tris said.

The girl's smile was replaced by a look of concern. "I'm so sorry. I'm being horrible. It's just that I've spent a lot of time on this... never mind that."

There was a bench, near the tree. Tris sat on it, and listened.

*




Ciel watched as Tris seated himself. He had a particular look about him. The knight made his way across the square and joined the group, giving the appropriate nods where they were needed and short bow to the unfamiliar face.

"Good day," he greeted. "Is something the matter?"

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 09:32 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 03:25 AM)

Tris was taking deep, slow breaths, and trying to stay calm.

The girl turned to him. "Oh, you knew him?  That's perfect, I can't believe it. You don't mind talking to me, do you?"

"I need to sit down,"  Tris said.

The girl's smile was replaced by a look of concern. "I'm so sorry. I'm being horrible. It's just that I've spent a lot of time on this... never mind that."

There was a bench, near the tree. Tris sat on it, and listened.

"I'm Catanee,"  the young woman said, offering Loranna her hand. "Catanee Wendon. Studying at the college of Bards. My assignment was to find a new folk song, and document the events, fictional or otherwise, that caused it to arise. You see, there's a ballad about Domnar. When he was hanged, it was a huge event in the province. You see that hedge?  That's the wall around Guardsman's Field, where the sixty-seven guards he took down when they arrested him are buried. It's only sixty-two in the ballad. That's the sort of thing I'm learning here."

*





"Call me Grier," Loranna says, taking Catanee's hand briefly. She stays close to Tris, her hand resting reassuringly on his shoulder.

By Mara's mercy this must be tearing him apart inside, Loranna thinks as she glances at Tris. Dear, we're here for you ...

Her eyes scan the area quickly, looking for a familiar figure.

" ... If you could just give us the full story in its most unadorned form, dear, we'd appreciate that," Loranna says, letting Tris squeeze her hand if necessary. She felt queasy asking this while in front of Tris, but if they were going to take Dom to a more proper grave, they may need to know what the butcher had been hinting at.



Posted by: Rhedd Yesterday, 09:33 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Apr 21 2005, 01:30 AM)

Ciel watched as Tris seated himself.  He had a particular look about him.  The knight made his way across the square and joined the group, giving the appropriate nods where they were needed and short bow to the unfamiliar face.

"Good day," he greeted.  "Is something the matter?"

*




Rodastyr turned to Ciel.

"Master Gaerington here has just learned that his old... acquaintance has become a bit of a local sideshow."

Posted by: Solin Yesterday, 09:37 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 21 2005, 02:33 AM)

Rodastyr turned to Ciel.

"Master Gaerington here has just learned that his old... acquaintance has become a bit of a local sideshow."

*




Ciel shook his head.

"Is there no respect for the dead anymore?" he asked no one in particular and went to stand next to where Tris was sitting after giving a glance to Loranna.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 09:39 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Apr 21 2005, 02:30 AM)

Ciel watched as Tris seated himself.  He had a particular look about him.  The knight made his way across the square and joined the group, giving the appropriate nods where they were needed and short bow to the unfamiliar face.

"Good day," he greeted.  "Is something the matter?"

*




Tris just shook his head. There was, however, clearly something the matter.


QUOTE(Loranna @ Apr 21 2005, 02:32 AM)

"Call me Grier," Loranna says, taking Catanee's hand briefly.  She stays close to Tris, her hand resting reassuringly on his shoulder.

By Mara's mercy this must be tearing him apart inside, Loranna thinks as she glances at Tris.  Dear, we're here for you ...

Her eyes scan the area quickly, looking for a familiar figure.

" ... If you could just give us the full story in its most unadorned form, dear, we'd appreciate that," Loranna says, letting Tris squeeze her hand if necessary.  She felt queasy asking this while in front of Tris, but if they were going to take Dom to a more proper grave, they may need to know what the butcher had been hinting at.

*




"I don't know the whole story in its most unadorned form," Catanee said. "I can sing you the ballad, if you like."

Posted by: Rhedd Yesterday, 09:40 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 01:39 AM)

Tris just shook his head. There was, however, clearly something the matter.
"I don't know the whole story in it's most unadorned form,"  Catanee said. "I can sing you the ballad, if you like."

*




"Oh! Is it the bawdy one? With the Duke in his underpants?" The pudgy man suddenly asked.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 09:43 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 03:39 AM)

Tris just shook his head. There was, however, clearly something the matter.

"I don't know the whole story in it's most unadorned form,"  Catanee said. "I can sing you the ballad, if you like."

*





Loranna feels a small sense of relief at Ciel's presence, though Tris still looked disturbed - as he had every right to be, considering the circumstances. Not even having known Dom herself other than from what little she learned from Tris's stories, she felt upset at the former duelist being turned into a tourist attraction.

" ... Very well dear," she says to Catanee. "Please sing us the ballad."


QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 21 2005, 03:40 AM)

"Oh! Is it the bawdy one? With the Duke in his underpants?" The pudgy man suddenly asked.

*





Those who can see Loranna's face note the rare appearance of Loranna's 'I Will Kill That S'Wit' face ...

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Yesterday, 09:47 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 21 2005, 03:40 AM)

"Oh! Is it the bawdy one? With the Duke in his underpants?" The pudgy man suddenly asked.



Wind struts up to the burly, man and rests his arm on the pudgy man's shoulder, like they've been friends for years.

"What're ya' goin on about, Sunshine? Quiet when the big boys are talkin'."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 09:51 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 21 2005, 02:40 AM)

"Oh! Is it the bawdy one? With the Duke in his underpants?" The pudgy man suddenly asked.

*







QUOTE(Loranna @ Apr 21 2005, 02:43 AM)

Loranna feels a small sense of relief at Ciel's presence, though Tris still looked disturbed - as he had every right to be, considering the circumstances.  Not even having known Dom herself other than from what little she learned from Tris's stories, she felt upset at the former duelist being turned into a tourist attraction.

" ... Very well dear," she says to Catanee.  "Please sing us the ballad."

*




"NO," Catanee said firmly, to the pudgy man. "Not that version. This is the political one. It's terrible doggerel," Catanee said. "No one will admit to writing it, for obvious reasons since it maligns the local Duke. But the rhymes are nothing to write home about either."

Catanee removed the musical instrument from beneath her cloak. It had an elaborately carved head, only a single string, and was played with a bow. The result was not particularly melodic, but formed a pleasant accompaniment to her voice, which was warm and sweet and strong, the voice of a trained bard.

In Crosswych Wood near Baeldale
Duke Moorcroft's purse changed hands
He offered gold to a swordsman bold
a fell and dangerous man
"Go and have your way with the herdsman's girl,
dishonor her virtue.
"When Domnar hears of a maid betrayed
he'll be sure to challenge you.
"For such a crime he slew my son,
the heir to all this land.
He'll rue that day when he meets his fate
in the grove at Crosswych Stand."

With gold in hand, the bold swordsman
made his way to the stable door.
And in that place he forced a path
where no path had been before.
"Oh Blackguard bold within my fold
no maiden more am I
"But you'll soon regret your wicked ways
to my champion I will cry.
"Domnar the Brave will hear my cause
though I be but a herdsman's hand
"For your crime you will pay at break of day
when he kills you at Crosswych Stand."

Within the grove two men would meet
to duel at break of day
But the fell swordsman with Duke Moorcroft's gold
has journeyed upon his way.
"I am Domnar called Invincible,
no sword can be my end.
"No matter if Duke Moorcroft send
against me sixty men."
Three-score and two he slew that day
His valor it was grand.
But the sixty-third bore him to the ground
In the woods near Crosswych Stand.

In Crosswych Wood they hanged Domnar
upon an oaken tree.
Outside the walls in an unmarked grave
they buried him on the lea.
Not a word said the herdsman's girl
Not a word said she
Not a word said the Duke Moorcroft
as they carried him to the lea.
Not a word said the cunning priest
who buried him on the strand.
Not a word for the dead who lies
in the earth near Crosswych Stand.

Six months passed and the herdsman's girl
went heavier than before.
Nine months past and a newborn's cry
could be heard through the stable door.
"No son of mine, this little wretch,
got without my let.
"I'll use him well to weave a spell
on him who did beget.
"I'll spill his blood for one who fought
to stay his father's hand
"I'll spill his blood for you, my love
who fell at Crosswych Stand."

In Crosswych Wood, a black swordsman
paces patiently on the lea
In Crosswych Wood the herdsman's girl
hanged herself upon a tree.
"Do not dare to pass the unmarked grave
where Domnar was laid to rest.
"Lest the dark swordsman his bloody blade
embed within your breast.
"For Domnar seeks the fell swordsman
his challenge to withstand
"Until that day, do not pass that way
Travel wide of Crosswych Stand."


Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 09:58 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 03:51 AM)

"NO,"  Catanee said firmly, to the pudgy man. "Not that version. This is the political one. It's terrible doggerel,"  Catanee said. "No one will admit to writing it, for obvious reasons since it maligns the local Duke. But the rhymes are nothing to write home about either."

Catanee removed the musical instrument from beneath her cloak. It had an elaborately carved head, only a single string, and was played with a bow. The result was not particularly melodic, but formed a pleasant accompaniment to her voice, which was warm and sweet and strong, the voice of a trained bard.

In Crosswych Wood near Baeldale
Duke Moorcroft's purse changed hands
He offered gold to a swordsman bold
a fell and dangerous man
"Go and have your way with the herdsman's girl,
dishonor her virtue.
"When Domnar hears of a maid betrayed
he'll be sure to challenge you.
"For such a crime he slew my son,
the heir to all this land.
He'll rue that day when he meets his fate
in the grove at Crosswych Stand."

With gold in hand, the bold swordsman
made his way to the stable door.
And in that place he forced a path
where no path had been before.
"Oh Blackguard bold within my fold
no maiden more am I
"But you'll soon regret your wicked ways
to my champion I will cry.
"Domnar the Brave will hear my cause
though I be but a herdsman's hand
"For your crime you will pay at break of day
when he kills you at Crosswych Stand."

Within the grove two men would meet
to duel at break of day
But the fell swordsman with Duke Moorcroft's gold
has journeyed upon his way.
"I am Domnar called Invincible,
no sword can be my end.
"No matter if Duke Moorcroft send
against me sixty men."
Three-score and two he slew that day
His valor it was grand.
But the sixty-third bore him to the ground
In the woods near Crosswych Stand.

In Crosswych Wood they hanged Domnar
upon an oaken tree.
Outside the walls in an unmarked grave
they buried him on the lea.
Not a word said the herdsman's girl
Not a word said she
Not a word said the Duke Moorcroft
as they carried him to the lea.
Not a word said the cunning priest
who buried him on the strand.
Not a word for the dead who lies
in the earth near Crosswych Stand.

Six months passed and the herdsman's girl
went heavier than before.
Nine months past and a newborn's cry
could be heard through the stable door.
"No son of mine, this little wretch,
got without my let.
"I'll use him well to weave a spell
on him who did beget.
"I'll spill his blood for one who fought
to stay his father's hand
"I'll spill his blood for you, my love
who fell at Crosswych Stand."

In Crosswych Wood, a black swordsman
paces patiently on the lea
In Crosswych Wood the herdsman's girl
hanged herself upon a tree.
"Do not dare to pass the unmarked grave
where Domnar was laid to rest.
"Lest the dark swordsman his bloody blade
embed within your breast.
"For Domnar seeks the fell swordsman
his challenge to withstand
"Until that day, do not pass that way
Travel wide of Crosswych Stand."

*





Loranna is quiet for several moments.

" ... Oh my ..." is all she manages to say, looking to her friends with a 'What The Heck Do We Do Now?' expression.


Posted by: Rhedd Yesterday, 09:59 AM

"So," said Rodastyr, trying very hard to keep a serious expression, "let me get this straight... Domnar died defending the virtue of a young stablemaid?"

"Domnar the Invincible... the famous duellist..."

Posted by: Rhedd Yesterday, 10:01 AM

QUOTE(Arrogant_Hero @ Apr 21 2005, 01:47 AM)

Wind struts up to the burly, man and rests his arm on the pudgy man's shoulder, like they've been friends for years.

"What're ya' goin on about, Sunshine? Quiet when the big boys are talkin'."

*




The pudgy tourguide had stayed very quiet and still all through the song, for obvious reasons. At its end, he ventured a weak clap, looking at his new 'friend' with unease.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 10:01 AM

QUOTE(Arrogant_Hero @ Apr 21 2005, 02:47 AM)

Wind struts up to the burly, man and rests his arm on the pudgy man's shoulder, like they've been friends for years.

"What're ya' goin on about, Sunshine? Quiet when the big boys are talkin'."

*




"I thought I was Sunshine," Tris said, smiling faintly.

"You're right, Roddy, wherever Dom is now, he's spinning in his grave at the thought of being remembered as a savior of the virtue of young women."

Posted by: Rhedd Yesterday, 10:02 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 02:01 AM)

"I thought I was Sunshine,"  Tris said, smiling faintly.

"You're right, Roddy, wherever Dom is now, he's spinning in his grave at the thought of being remembered as a savior of the virtue of young women."

*




"Indeed!" Rodastyr said, finally breaking a smile.

Posted by: Solin Yesterday, 10:03 AM

Ciel listened to the song and looked as he was about to speak at it's conclusion. When Rodastyr spoke first, he, however, held his tongue and gave Tris a pat on the shoulder.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 10:04 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 04:01 AM)

"I thought I was Sunshine,"  Tris said, smiling faintly.

"You're right, Roddy, wherever Dom is now, he's spinning in his grave at the thought of being remembered as a savior of the virtue of young women."

*





"Then we should do what we intended to, so that he's laid to rest by people who know what to remember him for," Loranna says.


Posted by: Teleran Yesterday, 10:05 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 01:01 AM)

"I thought I was Sunshine,"  Tris said, smiling faintly.

"You're right, Roddy, wherever Dom is now, he's spinning in his grave at the thought of being remembered as a savior of the virtue of young women."

*




“So the song, it was…” Teleran shook his head confusedly. “Why write a song about his actions if they aren’t his actions? If he earned the name Invincible he must have been strong enough to warrant songs anyway.”

Posted by: Rhedd Yesterday, 10:06 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Apr 21 2005, 02:05 AM)

“So the song, it was…” Teleran shook his head confusedly. “Why write a song about his actions if they aren’t his actions? If he earned the name Invincible he must have been strong enough to warrant songs anyway.”

*




"Aye, and I'd sing you one," Rodastyr said, "but... respect for the dead and all."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 10:10 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 03:01 AM)

"I thought I was Sunshine,"  Tris said, smiling faintly.

"You're right, Roddy, wherever Dom is now, he's spinning in his grave at the thought of being remembered as a savior of the virtue of young women."

*







QUOTE(Teleran @ Apr 21 2005, 03:05 AM)

“So the song, it was…” Teleran shook his head confusedly. “Why write a song about his actions if they aren’t his actions? If he earned the name Invincible he must have been strong enough to warrant songs anyway.”

*




"That's the thing," Catanee Wendon said. "According to local folklore, he's not in his grave at all. I had plans to go down to the pauper's field, but my escort never showed up."

"Dom was very strong," Tris said. "The strongest. That part about no blade being able to end his life, it turned out to be true, in the end. They hanged him. But he told me that many a time. No swordsman could defeat him."

"Sixty-seven guardsmen," Catanee said. "I'm thinking that's why he became such a folk hero. The town still hasn't quite recovered. Do you want to walk over to Guardsman's Field with me? There are memorial plaques, that sort of thing."

She motioned towards the green hedge. At one end was a wrought-iron gate.

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Yesterday, 10:14 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 21 2005, 04:01 AM)

The pudgy tourguide had stayed very quiet and still all through the song, for obvious reasons. At its end, he ventured a weak clap, looking at his new 'friend' with unease.

*





“That’s a good, Rozzer.” Wind says to the chubby man, as he takes his arm off his shoulder. “Be a good lad and keep your laughing gear closed.”

Posted by: Teleran Yesterday, 10:15 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 01:10 AM)

"That's the thing,"  Catanee Wendon said. "According to local folklore, he's not in his grave at all. I had plans to go down to the pauper's field, but my escort never showed up."

"Dom was very strong,"  Tris said. "The strongest. That part about no blade being able to end his life, it turned out to be true, in the end. They hanged him. But he told me that many a time. No swordsman could defeat him."

"Sixty-seven guardsmen,"  Catanee said. "I'm thinking that's why he became such a folk hero. The town still hasn't quite recovered. Do you want to walk over to Guardsman's Field with me?  There are memorial plaques, that sort of thing."

She motioned towards the green hedge. At one end was a wrought-iron gate.

*




“Sixty-seven guardsmen, a man of legend indeed,” Teleran said, sounding amply impressed. “Wait, not in his grave, Necromancy?”

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 10:16 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 04:10 AM)

"That's the thing,"  Catanee Wendon said. "According to local folklore, he's not in his grave at all. I had plans to go down to the pauper's field, but my escort never showed up."

"Dom was very strong,"  Tris said. "The strongest. That part about no blade being able to end his life, it turned out to be true, in the end. They hanged him. But he told me that many a time. No swordsman could defeat him."

"Sixty-seven guardsmen,"  Catanee said. "I'm thinking that's why he became such a folk hero. The town still hasn't quite recovered. Do you want to walk over to Guardsman's Field with me?  There are memorial plaques, that sort of thing."

She motioned towards the green hedge. At one end was a wrought-iron gate.

*





"Hence the part about the dark swordsman?" Loranna asks.

She looks to her companions. "Do we want to go?" she asks.

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Yesterday, 10:19 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Apr 21 2005, 04:16 AM)

"Hnce the part about the dark swordsman?" Loranna asks.

She looks to her companions.  "Do we want to go?" she asks.

*





"No, I guess we all want to stand here and talk some more." Wind says dryly with a smile, as he starts to walk off.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 10:19 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Apr 21 2005, 03:15 AM)

“Sixty-seven guardsmen, a man of legend indeed,” Teleran said, sounding amply impressed. “Wait, not in his grave, Necromancy?”

*




"You did warn me," Tris said quietly to Ciel. His face still had a closed look; he wasn't meeting anyone's eyes. But he seemed more relaxed, with Ciel there.


QUOTE(Loranna @ Apr 21 2005, 03:16 AM)

"Hnce the part about the dark swordsman?" Loranna asks.

She looks to her companions.  "Do we want to go?" she asks.

*




"For reasons entirely unknown to me I feel compelled to see everything," Tris said, flashing his trademark grin for a moment. "Come on."

They followed Catanee through the massive gates into a well kept graveyard.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 10:23 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 04:19 AM)

"You did warn me,"  Tris said quietly to Ciel. His face still had a closed look;  he wasn't meeting anyone's eyes. But he seemed more relaxed, with Ciel there.
"For reasons entirely unknown to me I feel compelled to see everything,"  Tris said, flashing his trademark grin for a moment. "Come on."

They followed Catanee through the massive gates into a well kept graveyard.

*





Must be related to the same urge that makes you watch when someone's been run over by a carriage, Loranna thinks to herself. You end up not being able to tear your eyes away no matter how bad you know it looks.

She follows.

Posted by: Teleran Yesterday, 10:23 AM

“No other way to free him from the curse is there?” Teleran said; he had enjoyed hearing the heroic ballad even if it was a fraud. Except that last part, the maiden was a filthy necromancer doing that.

He followed the others into the graveyard, wondering if there was anything like a ghostfence in Breton burials.

Posted by: Rhedd Yesterday, 10:24 AM

The graveyard was well cared for. Row upon row of pale marble markers stood in white contrast to the colorful flowers that had been placed on each one. In the center of the graveyard, around a taller monument, there was a gathering of women. Some young, some old, all wearing black, they sat on little portable benches while a sturdy-looking woman spoke to them as a group.

She was just explaining how the group had raised over half the funds they needed for some project when the group of newcomers entered the little cemetary.

All eyes turned to look at them.

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Yesterday, 10:28 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 21 2005, 04:24 AM)

The graveyard was well cared for. Row upon row of pale marble markers stood in white contrast to the colorful flowers that had been placed on each one. In the center of the graveyard, around a taller monument, there was a gathering of women. Some young, some old, they sat on little portable benches while a sturdy-looking woman spoke to them as a group.

She was just explaining how the group had raised over half the funds they needed for some project when the group of newcomers entered the little cemetary.

All eyes turned to look at them.

*





“Well, this isn’t awkward at all.” The ebony Bosmer says, playing with his curly hair.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 10:31 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 21 2005, 04:24 AM)

The graveyard was well cared for. Row upon row of pale marble markers stood in white contrast to the colorful flowers that had been placed on each one. In the center of the graveyard, around a taller monument, there was a gathering of women. Some young, some old, all wearing black, they sat on little portable benches while a sturdy-looking woman spoke to them as a group.

She was just explaining how the group had raised over half the funds they needed for some project when the group of newcomers entered the little cemetary.

All eyes turned to look at them.

*





... The widows of the guardsmen, Loranna thinks, her heart sinking.

Suddenly, the chances of moving Dom to a more proper grave looked even worse than before, necromancy or no.

She glances over at Wind, feeling infinitesimally better about his earlier crack; even his wit was going to be tested by these severe-looking women ...


Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 10:35 AM

QUOTE(Arrogant_Hero @ Apr 21 2005, 03:28 AM)

“Well, this isn’t awkward at all.” The ebony Bosmer says, playing with his curly hair.

*





QUOTE(Loranna @ Apr 21 2005, 03:31 AM)

... The widows of the guardsmen, Loranna thinks, her heart sinking.

Suddenly, the chances of moving Dom to a more proper grave looked even worse than before, necromancy or no.

She glances over at Wind, feeling infinitesimally better about his earlier crack; even his wit was going to be tested by these severe-looking women ...

*




"Maybe not the best time," Catanee said, almost inaudibly.

Tris stepped forward. "I'm sorry to interrupt. What are you trying to raise money for?"

Posted by: Rhedd Yesterday, 10:38 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 02:35 AM)

"Maybe not the best time,"  Catanee said, almost inaudibly.

Tris stepped forward. "I'm sorry to interrupt. What are you trying to raise money for?"

*




The woman looked rather taken-aback by the sudden question.

"More tourists seeking a glimpse of the Mighty Domnar, I presume?" she said, her face hard.

"If you must know, we're raising money for both a bronze statue in memory of our husbands," she waved a hand to indicate the crowd of ladies, "who were brutally murdered defending justice, and also for full-time guards for this cemetary, to discourage... irreverence."


Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 10:41 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 21 2005, 03:38 AM)

The woman looked rather taken-aback by the sudden question.

"More tourists seeking a glimpse of the Mighty Domnar, I presume?" she said, her face hard.

"If you must know, we're raising money for both a bronze statue in memory of our husbands," she waved a hand to indicate the crowd of ladies, "who were brutally murdered defending justice, and also for full-time guards for this cemetary, to discourage... irreverence."

*




"Of course," Tris said, his voice almost toneless so that it was impossible to tell how serious he was. "Duelling is illegal in Anticlere. What's the design for the statue?"

Posted by: Rhedd Yesterday, 10:42 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 02:41 AM)

"Of course,"  Tris said, his voice almost toneless so that it was impossible to tell how serious he was. "Duelling is illegal in Anticlere. What's the design for the statue?"

*




"A bird," one of the younger women spoke up from her seat, "carrying a sheathed sword skyward. To Mara, like the souls of our dear husbands."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 10:47 AM

Loranna looks to Tris, her eyes a bit concerned.

Ribald ballads making a duelist sound like a virtuous folk hero. A bevy of widows trying to commerate their fallen guardsmen husbands who died at the hands of a murderous duelist. A Duke who had lost a son and who was critiqued in at least two versions of Dom the Invincible's tales. And Tris, just wanting to give Dom a proper burial out of the feelings he once had for the man ...

Like Wind had said, this wasn't awkward in the least.


Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 10:57 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 21 2005, 03:42 AM)

"A bird," one of the younger women spoke up from her seat, "carrying a sheathed sword skyward. To Mara, like the souls of our dear husbands."

*







QUOTE(Loranna @ Apr 21 2005, 03:47 AM)

Loranna looks to Tris, her eyes a bit concerned.

Ribald ballads making a duelist sound like a virtuous folk hero.  A bevy of widows trying to commerate their fallen guardsmen husbands who died at the hands of a murderous duelist.  A Duke who had lost a son and who was critiqued in at least two versions of Dom the Invincible's tales.  And Tris, just wanting to give Dom a proper burial out of the feelings he once had for the man ...

Like Wind had said, this wasn't awkward in the least.

*




"That sounds pretty," Tris said. "I'd like to contribute, if I may."

Money changed hands. The reaction of the women was mixed; they were both impressed to receive enough money to finish their statue in one moment, and a little annoyed at the class difference that made the amount so trivial to Tris. They offered to entertain him at the supper after the meeting; he politely declined.

Tris winked at Loranna. He was thinking that a sheathed sword seemed just about right for these women; their husbands' swords might as well have been sheathed, for all the chance they had against Dom.

"Tell me," Tris asked Catanee, as they made their way out the gates. "What did get Dom to surrender, in the end? Not the sixty-eighth guard, I'll wager."

Catanee shook her head. "They finally called in the Duke's battlemage and paralyzed him. That's the story I hear from eye witnesses. The girl in the ballad, she existed, but she died before Domnar was executed, and she didn't murder her baby. She did hang herself though, and the rumor was that she hanged herself because she was pregnant with the baby of the Duke's son. And the false duel, that part is true. It was the Duke's daughter who challenged him over her brother's death, through a proxy because he was known for not accepting challenges from women. And the Duke found out about it, and set up an ambush."

Posted by: Solin Yesterday, 10:57 AM

Ciel walked nearby. He was looking at the markers in the graveyard, he was still quiet.

Posted by: Rhedd Yesterday, 11:00 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 02:57 AM)

Catanee shook her head. "They finally called in the Duke's battlemage and paralyzed him. That's the story I hear from eye witnesses."

*




"Paralyzed..." muttered Rodastyr. "Bloody hell."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 11:00 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 04:57 AM)

"That sounds pretty,"  Tris said. "I'd like to contribute, if I may."

Money changed hands. The reaction of the women was mixed;  they were both impressed to receive enough money to finish their statue in one moment, and a little annoyed at the class difference that made the amount so trivial to Tris. They offered to entertain him at the supper after the meeting;  he politely declined.

Tris winked at Loranna. He was thinking that a sheathed sword seemed just about right for these women;  their husbands' swords might as well have been sheathed, for all the chance they had against Dom.

"Tell me,"  Tris asked Catanee, as they made their way out the gates. "What did get Dom to surrender, in the end?  Not the sixty-eighth guard, I'll wager."

Catanee shook her head. "They finally called in the Duke's battlemage and paralyzed him. That's the story I hear from eye witnesses. The girl in the ballad, she existed, but she died before Domnar was executed, and she didn't murder her baby. She did hang herself though, and the rumor was that she hanged herself because she was pregnant with the baby of the Duke's son. And the false duel, that part is true. It was the Duke's daughter who challenged him over her brother's death, through a proxy because he was known for not accepting challenges from women. And the Duke found out about it, and set up an ambush."

*





Loranna smiles at Tris, and follows, listening to Catanee's story with interest.

"You said earlier though that according to legend his body isn't in his grave," she asks as circumspectly as she can. "Is that just rumor, then, or is there more to it?"


QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 21 2005, 05:00 AM)

"Paralyzed..." muttered Rodastyr. "Bloody hell."

*





Loranna gives Rodastyr a sad smile. "Not a particularly honorable way to be taken down for a man like Dom, I understand. Especially with the action going on behind the scene."


Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 11:08 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Apr 21 2005, 04:00 AM)

Loranna smiles at Tris, and follows, listening to Catanee's story with interest.

"You said earlier though that according to legend his body isn't in his grave," she asks as circumspectly as she can.  "Is that just rumor, then, or is there more to it?"
Loranna gives Rodastyr a sad smile.  "Not a particularly honorable way to be taken down for a man like Dom, I understand.  Especially with the action going on behind the scene."

*




"Dom wasn't honorable," Tris said. "Oh, certainly he followed a duellist's code... but he was a cold blooded killer. He used to joke with me when we sat in a tavern about who he was going to kill next. And then he'd stroll over and announce that the other had offended him. High Rock honor, the sort that won't let you swallow an insult even when you know you're going to die... it's a terrible, stupid thing."

"I don't know about the rumors," Catanee said. "I haven't been out to his grave, it's said to be dangerous. They blocked off the road that goes past there. And the man who was supposed to escort me hasn't shown up."

"Well, that's where we're going now," Tris said.

Posted by: Rhedd Yesterday, 11:09 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 03:08 AM)

"Dom wasn't honorable,"  Tris said. "Oh, certainly he followed a duellist's code... but he was a cold blooded killer. He used to joke with me when we sat in a tavern about who he was going to kill next. And then he'd stroll over and announce that the other had offended him. High Rock honor, the sort that won't let you swallow an insult even when you know you're going to die... it's a terrible, stupid thing."

"I don't know about the rumors,"  Catanee said. "I haven't been out to his grave, it's said to be dangerous. They blocked off the road that goes past there. And the man who was supposed to escort me hasn't shown up."

"Well, that's where we're going now,"  Tris said.

*




"Jolly!" said Rodastyr. "If these legends are true, perhaps I haven't missed my chance to cross swords with him, afterall."

"Hahah. I jest, of course. It's what I do."

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Yesterday, 11:10 AM

Wind stands at the back of the group, leaning against a grave, his brow lowered in deep contemplation. The story seems to have triggered an old memory.

Wind throws a glace at Rodastyr.

"That guys about as funny as drying wood sap."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 11:17 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 05:08 AM)

"Dom wasn't honorable,"  Tris said. "Oh, certainly he followed a duellist's code... but he was a cold blooded killer. He used to joke with me when we sat in a tavern about who he was going to kill next. And then he'd stroll over and announce that the other had offended him. High Rock honor, the sort that won't let you swallow an insult even when you know you're going to die... it's a terrible, stupid thing."

"I don't know about the rumors,"  Catanee said. "I haven't been out to his grave, it's said to be dangerous. They blocked off the road that goes past there. And the man who was supposed to escort me hasn't shown up."

"Well, that's where we're going now,"  Tris said.

*





Loranna gives a very small shrug. "I know," she says quietly to Tris.


QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 21 2005, 05:09 AM)

"Jolly!" said Rodastyr. "If these legends are true, perhaps I haven't missed my chance to cross swords with him, afterall."

"Hahah. I jest, of course. It's what I do."

*





She looks over at Rodastyr. "Knowing our luck dear, you may very well do so; your blade does work on things immune to normal weapons, right?"


Posted by: Solin Yesterday, 11:21 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Apr 21 2005, 04:08 AM)

She looks over at Rodastyr. "Knowing our luck dear, you may very well do so; your blade does work on things immune to normal weapons, right?"

*




"I wonder if the legend still holds true in death," Ciel said mostly to himself. The knight dusted off his leggings and rose from his crouched position near one of the graves.

Posted by: Rhedd Yesterday, 11:22 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Apr 21 2005, 03:17 AM)

Loranna gives a very small shrug.  "I know," she says quietly to Tris. 
She looks over at Rodastyr.  "Knowing our luck dear, you may very well do so; your blade does work on things immune to normal weapons, right?"

*




"My dear Lady," Rodastyr replied, "It would hardly be sporting to use an enchanted weapon. All true swordsmen eschew such flimsy crutches to their skill.

"I do not make a habit of dirtying my blade on things that are... not human, and I do not intend to start now.

"Of course, IF dear old Domnar did lurch about the countryside instead of staying put like a good corpse, I might make an exception, in which case, I am perfectly convinced that he would be just as dismemberable as any other biped.

"Thank you for your concern."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 11:23 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 21 2005, 04:22 AM)

"My dear Lady," Rodastyr replied, "It would hardly be sporting to use an enchanted weapon. All true swordsmen eschew such flimsy crutches to their skill.

"I do not make a habit of dirtying my blade on things that are... not human, and I do not intend to start now.

"Of course, IF dear old Domnar did lurch about the countryside instead of staying put like a good corpse, I might make an exception, in which case, I am perfectly convinced that he would be just as dismemberable as any other biped.

"Thank you for your concern."

*




"Dom's sword," Tris said suddenly. "I wonder who has it now. Catanee, do you know?"

Catanee Wendon considered. "It's not part of the legend. I suppose the Duke does."

Posted by: Rhedd Yesterday, 11:24 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 03:23 AM)

"Dom's sword,"  Tris said suddenly. "I wonder who has it now. Catanee, do you know?"

Catanee Wendon considered. "It's not part of the legend. I suppose the Duke does."

*




"That would never do. The poor man might nick himself swishing it about pretending to be a duellist."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 11:24 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 05:23 AM)

"Dom's sword,"  Tris said suddenly. "I wonder who has it now. Catanee, do you know?"

Catanee Wendon considered. "It's not part of the legend. I suppose the Duke does."

*





"You're welcome Rodastyr," Loranna says with a small smile.

She looks over at Tris and Catanee. "Hmm?"


Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 11:30 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Apr 21 2005, 04:24 AM)

"You're welcome Rodastyr," Loranna says with a small smile.

She looks over at Tris and Catanee.  "Hmm?"

*




"I want his sword," Tris said. "He'd want to be buried with it. Now, the question is... do I ask nicely, or do I just nick it?"

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 11:33 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 05:30 AM)

"I want his sword,"  Tris said. "He'd want to be buried with it. Now, the question is... do I ask nicely, or do I just nick it?"

*





Loranna considers. "Dear," she says, looking to Catanee, "what sort of man is the Duke? Would he be reasonable to deal with in this instance, or does he still have it in for Dom?"


Posted by: Solin Yesterday, 11:34 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 04:30 AM)

"I want his sword,"  Tris said. "He'd want to be buried with it. Now, the question is... do I ask nicely, or do I just nick it?"

*




Ciel rejoined the group.

"By all rights, I don't think it's his sword," he replied. Most of the company who went into the Vaults of Gemin knew what Ciel thought of stealing from the dead.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 11:39 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Apr 21 2005, 04:33 AM)

Loranna considers.  "Dear," she says, looking to Catanee, "what sort of man is the Duke?  Would he be reasonable to deal with in this instance, or does he still have it in for Dom?"

*




"Domnar killed his only son two years ago," Catanee said. "And now people are singing ugly songs about him. What do you think?"



QUOTE(Solin @ Apr 21 2005, 04:34 AM)

Ciel rejoined the group.

"By all rights, I don't think it's his sword," he replied.  Most of the company who went into the Vaults of Gemin knew what Ciel thought of stealing from the dead.

*




"That's it then," Tris said. "I'm going to go get it."

Posted by: Rhedd Yesterday, 11:40 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 03:39 AM)

"Domnar killed his only son two years ago,"  Catanee said. "And now people are singing ugly songs about him. What do you think?"
"That's it then,"  Tris said. "I'm going to go get it."

*




"Need help, lad, or are you going to skitter off by yourself?"

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 11:43 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 05:39 AM)

"Domnar killed his only son two years ago,"  Catanee said. "And now people are singing ugly songs about him. What do you think?"
"That's it then,"  Tris said. "I'm going to go get it."

*





I think I ought to stop asking rhetorical questions, Loranna thinks to herself sourly.

"Right, so get the sword and then go see what the mystery is all about," she mutters. "I knew we'd be going back to that path ..."


Posted by: Aki Yesterday, 07:55 PM

All this talk of dead folks and walking through cemeteries made Tohe think back to the cemetery his folks had been buried in, with the rest of the merchant caravan that had been attacked by that Werewolf. Amazing they even buried the corpses. Some were hardly in a shape recognizable as having once been a Breton, rather than a accumulation of Breton parts.

Tohe glanced at his Saber, the blade that had finally dropped the beast. It seemed to have been unharmed by anything else thrown at it. That is, anything that actually had hit it. The thing moved like the wind. It had done a good number on Tohe too, and earned him many of his scars. There were other survivors as well, Tohe was just the unlucky one who got bitten. All the disease curing potions were used up by the more 'important' or faster people. He figured he should go pay his respects, but he had forgotten were the cemetery was.

Of course, if one looked long enough, it probablly wouldn't have been too hard, it was relatively recent, that, and they hung the Werewolf's corpse on a nearby tree. After the dead from the attack had been properly dealt with, the beast had been hung nearby to mark the graveyard.

Reichi meanwhile, just followed the group, not thinking about much or doing much. The group was fairly sidetracked now, continuing his search would be pointless. Afterall, what would he do if he found the girl and didn't know where the group was?


Posted by: Jakut Today, 12:18 AM

Didryn payed just enough attention to the group to follow them, looking at the ground most of the time. When he looked up, he realized through what he was walking.

A cemetary. Didryn froze, paled, and felt his knees liquify. The cemetary brought him back to the memory of the three graves he had been forced to dig, the three bodies he had been forced to bury, the three headstones he had been forced to carve.

As he fell to the ground, all he could see was the frightening, nauseating, and painful memory of the deceased bodies and their once lovely occupants. And then it was dark.

Posted by: Tri Today, 03:09 AM

He had no home.

Everywhere he went he was a stranger and everytime he left they forgot. Every person to whom he spoke didn't recall ever meeting him; every shopkeeper he bought from spent the money soon.

He left no trail, no connections - indeed, he desired none.

Until today.

He was ready, after weeks of careful planning, to make a change, a difference in the world. His journeys had taken him through the war-ravaged Vvardenfell, torn and burnt to pieces by the divine conflicts that had raged there.

It was his turn to help them.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 05:19 AM

Crosswych Wood, Anticlere: Benevolence of Mara

After leaving the Duke's castle, Tris turned his steps to the Benevolence of Mara. He told no one he was going there, not even Ciel.

He bowed to the priestess at the door and offered a donation as he entered the darkened temple, softly lit, womb-like.

Earlier, at the hanging tree, he had felt no sensation of Dom's presence. Here, though, at the temple of Mara. Dom had been here. In every town he and Dom had ever visited, the first stop was the local Benevolence of Mara, where Dom would offer a donation and light and candle and kneel, bowing over and over, his lips moving in chanted prayer. The sight of his scarred, battered face, eyes closed tight in prayer, was one of Tris's strongest images of him.

Mara, mother of all men. Dom had said many a time that all men came out of their mothers, and all men returned to their mothers. By his fervent devotion to Mara, Dom had hoped to save his own soul from Oblivion. Had it helped at all? Could salvation, or at least peaceful rest, be purchased with money?

Tris made his way into the inner chamber, where devotees knelt and prayed, wearing only their underclothes in the hot, close room. He turned his eyes in the direction of their prayers, and stopped dead.

There was no statue of Mara. The statue at the center of the temple was a statue of Duke Moorcroft.

The priestess lighting incense must have seen the expression on Tris's face.

"Our patron," the priestess said, approaching Tris. "He has been very generous."

"He must be remarkably devoted," Tris said, staring up at the stone face of the Duke.

"Oh, he is," the priestess said, without a trace of irony.

Tris stood motionless, studying the chiseled face of the Duke, whom he had just seen in the flesh only minutes before. Picturing another face, a face so scarred that Dom had laughed, at their first meeting, at the idea that Tris was upset to have given him a new scar.

Could prayers to the Duke of Crosswych Wood free a man's soul from Hell? Could they ease the suffering of a tormented conscience?

"Enough," Tris said to the carved face. "Your power over others is only granted to you in this world. Dom is not yours now."

To the scarred face in his memory, he repeated the words. Enough. Dom... I don't know why you had to spill blood every day, any more than I ever understood why I couldn't stop running. But it's enough. Every man deserves respite, from himself most of all.

Tris smiled at the priestess, and left the temple without kneeling to pray.

He rejoined the others.

"I can't get the sword," he said. "I scouted the Duke's palace, and it's in a tricky place. But I have a plan. Rodastyr, we need to talk."

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 06:09 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 09:19 PM)

Tris smiled at the priestess, and left the temple without kneeling to pray.

He rejoined the others.

"I can't get the sword,"  he said. "I scouted the Duke's palace, and it's in a tricky place. But I have a plan. Rodastyr, we need to talk."

*




A woman. A girl. Rodastyr stroked his long moustache and thought on the matter.

The Duke's daughter fancied herself comfortable with a blade. In fact, rumor had it that she was far superior to her deceased brother. One of the reasons that her sibling's death at Domnar's hands had so enraged her. Domnar's refusal to duel women was well-known, and thus the Lady was denied her revenge, and so she hired a proxy.

Domnar never had that duel. The Duke's ambush saw to that.

Well, now the little lady carried Dom's sword.

Now, Rodastyr would give her what Domnar would not.

*



The castle guards laughed when the jester approached, doing graceful handsprings and juggling apples at the same time, his ridiculous orange hat flapping and flopping.

The jester danced through the courtyard, handing out flowers to some onlookers, bare twigs to others. They all laughed, regardless of their lot.

Presently, both the Duke and his only remaining offspring emerged to watch the spectacle.

The girl was lovely, rosey, still shy of twenty summers, but somewhat less than ladylike in breeches and bearing a plain, sturdy sword at her belt.

The Duke's wide smile looked like a new addition to his face.

The jester bowed deeply, an unmoving smile painted on his white face, and gave each a gift in turn; a rose for the lady, and a pitifully short twig for the Duke.

Everyone was laughing, even the Duke, as the jester bowed again and tumbled his way out of the courtyard, back down the way he had come.

"Jolly good show. Good for morale," said the Duke, kissing his beloved daughter on the forehead and returning to his business.

The lady's smile dropped when the door closed behind her father. She carefully opened the note that was folded amongst the petals of her rose, read it, and smiled.

*



The stable was empty. Their only audience would be one old nag, too tired from the day's labors to do much cheering.

Rodastyr stood, sans belled hat, holding a scented handkerchief to his nose in defense of the hay.

The wide door creaked open, and the young lady entered. Right on time.

"Lord Rodastyr Masterhouse. I've heard of you."

"Of course you have, my dear, everyone who is anyone has."

"Do not understimate me because of my sex, Sir."

"Indeed, Lady, I shall not. Shall we begin?"

*



When Rodastyr returned, he bore a long bundle, wrapped in cloth, under one arm.

He handed it to Tris without ceremony.

"She won't be missing it," he said, and continued walking.



Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 06:13 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 21 2005, 11:09 PM)

When Rodastyr returned, he bore a long bundle, wrapped in cloth, under one arm.

He handed it to Tris without ceremony.

"She won't be missing it," he said, and continued walking.

*




"You killed her?" Tris said. He was having difficulty making his mouth stay shut between sentences. "You..."

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 06:17 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 10:13 PM)

"You killed her?"  Tris said. He was having difficulty making his mouth stay shut between sentences. "You..."

*




"Of course not, you fool. Do I look like I wish to follow the same path your old bugger did? No, Sir, I am much more of a bastard than that.

"Do not worry over her health, she is whole. She has simply... left the will to duel behind her, along with all the other childish fancies."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 06:18 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 21 2005, 11:17 PM)

"Of course not, you fool. Do I look like I wish to follow the same path your old bugger did? No, Sir, I am much more of a bastard than that.

"Do not worry over her health, she is whole. She has simply... left the will to duel behind her, along with all the other childish fancies."

*




"What did you do to her? And if you tell me you seduced her, I'll laugh in your face," Tris said.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 06:21 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 22 2005, 12:17 AM)

"Of course not, you fool. Do I look like I wish to follow the same path your old bugger did? No, Sir, I am much more of a bastard than that.

"Do not worry over her health, she is whole. She has simply... left the will to duel behind her, along with all the other childish fancies."

*





Loranna finds herself emphatically not wondering what Rodastyr did to leave the girl's will to duel behind her.

She glances once at Rodastyr, then looks away, frowning; even as she does, she tells herself He said she's physically okay ...

Posted by: Solin Today, 06:23 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 11:18 PM)

"What did you do to her?  And if you tell me you seduced her, I'll laugh in your face,"  Tris said.

*




"Yes, please do tell us," Ciel said entering the conversation. He wore a frown as he stepped over to where Tris and Rodastyr were talking.

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 06:25 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Apr 21 2005, 10:23 PM)

"Yes, please do tell us," Ciel said entering the conversation.  He wore a frown as he stepped over to where Tris and Rodastyr were talking.

*




"Sir, the details of such transactions are seldom made public, by gentlemen. Now, while I fully admitted to being a cad and a bastard, and stand by that self-judgement, I am still a gentleman. You will, I am afraid, have to content yourself with your, no doubt well-practiced, imagination."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 06:30 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 21 2005, 11:25 PM)

"Sir, the details of such transactions are seldom made public, by gentlemen. Now, while I fully admitted to being a cad and a bastard, and stand by that self-judgement, I am still a gentleman. You will, I am afraid, have to content yourself with your, no doubt well-practiced, imagination."

*




Tris unwrapped the bundle Rodastyr had given him. Within was a wooden scabbard, which held a rapier of plain design. He drew it partway, revealing a silvery blade. Mithril. Not common even in High Rock, unheard of in Morrowind.

"Rodastyr, you fool, this isn't his blade," Tris said. "She tricked you."

Posted by: Solin Today, 06:32 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 21 2005, 11:25 PM)

"Sir, the details of such transactions are seldom made public, by gentlemen. Now, while I fully admitted to being a cad and a bastard, and stand by that self-judgement, I am still a gentleman. You will, I am afraid, have to content yourself with your, no doubt well-practiced, imagination."

*




Ciel looked over to Tris with a raised eyebrow. He wasn't very amused.

"Where abouts did you pick up this man and for what purpose is he with us?" Ciel asked. "I'm afraid we have not been properly introduced."

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 06:37 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 10:30 PM)

Tris unwrapped the bundle Rodastyr had given him. Within was a wooden scabbard, which held a rapier of plain design. He drew it partway, revealing a silvery blade. Mithril. Not common even in High Rock, unheard of in Morrowind.

"Rodastyr, you fool, this isn't his blade,"  Tris said. "She tricked you."

*




"What the...? Well, bloody Hell!

"Well, Sir, I assure you it was the only blade she had on her person. If you wish yet another from her, you can brave those waters yourself!

"Tricked me indeed! Tricked you, more like. I retrieve a blade from a young lady, risk my reputation in the process, and you wish for another.

"If I weren't admittedly a fool, I'd take affront at this."

"And the name's Rodastyr Masterhouse, Sir," he said to Ciel. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance. As to your question, I seem to be here to be an errand boy!"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 06:40 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 21 2005, 11:37 PM)

"What the...? Well, bloody Hell!

"Well, Sir, I assure you it was the only blade she had on her person. If you wish yet another from her, you can brave those waters yourself!

"Tricked me indeed! Tricked you, more like. I retrieve a blade from a young lady, risk my reputation in the process, and you wish for another.

"If I weren't admittedly a fool, I'd take affront at this."

"And the name's Rodastyr Masterhouse, Sir," he said to Ciel. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance. As to your question, I seem to be here to be an errand boy!"

*




Tris laughed.

"Of course it's his blade, don't be ridiculous."

He turned to Ciel. "He's a duellist we picked up on the way to Westcastle. He's with us, because, well, our standards aren't very high. And he is good with a sword."

Posted by: Loranna Today, 06:41 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 22 2005, 12:40 AM)

Tris laughed.

"Of course it's his blade, don't be ridiculous."

He turned to Ciel.  "He's a duellist we picked up on the way to Westcastle. He's with us, because, well, our standards aren't very high. And he is good with a sword."

*





Loranna slaps her hand to her forehead, muttering "Where do we find these guys ..."


Posted by: Rhedd Today, 06:42 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 10:40 PM)

Tris laughed.

"Of course it's his blade, don't be ridiculous."

He turned to Ciel.  "He's a duellist we picked up on the way to Westcastle. He's with us, because, well, our standards aren't very high. And he is good with a sword."

*




"Oh, jolly GOOD, Sir! How droll, how funny. Why, you keep that up and you'll take my job away from me. Of course, you still lack both skills that were used to place that weapon in your hands this day, but your wit is without peer!"

Posted by: Solin Today, 06:45 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 11:40 PM)

Tris laughed.

"Of course it's his blade, don't be ridiculous."

He turned to Ciel.  "He's a duellist we picked up on the way to Westcastle. He's with us, because, well, our standards aren't very high. And he is good with a sword."

*




Ciel's expression became resigned and he sighed.

"You as well, Sir," Ciel returned to Rodastyr.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 06:49 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Apr 22 2005, 12:45 AM)

Ciel's expression became resigned and he sighed.

"You as well, Sir," Ciel returned to Rodastyr.

*





Loranna coughs a bit. "Anyway, the priest I asked to perform the necessary rites is waiting for us now; we shouldn't keep him waiting too much longer. This way, everyone ..."

Loranna leads the party back toward the temple of Mara, muttering to Tris as they go "You ever been in a temple of Arkay before? Their priestesses seem to have taken a few fashion tips from the Dibellians ... not the men, mind you though, just the women."


Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 06:54 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 21 2005, 11:42 PM)

"Oh, jolly GOOD, Sir! How droll, how funny. Why, you keep that up and you'll take my job away from me. Of course, you still lack both skills that were used to place that weapon in your hands this day, but your wit is without peer!"

*




"I do believe you're impugning my manhood," Tris said, smiling.

He had a witty retort in his mouth: That's all right, it must be really hard on you thinking of Mellua and that new husband of hers. But he stopped himself before he said it. Rodastyr wasn't a young man. He had no home, no wife, nothing he cared about. No wonder he was evil tempered.

"That's nothing," Tris said, following Loranna. "The Benevolence of Mara here has a statue of Duke Moorcroft in the place of the statue of Mara."

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 06:56 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 10:54 PM)

"I do believe you're impugning my manhood,"  Tris said, smiling.

*




"Me, Sir? Never. All my words are in jest. It's what I do."

He, too, followed Loranna.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 07:00 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 22 2005, 12:54 AM)

"I do believe you're impugning my manhood,"  Tris said, smiling.

He had a witty retort in his mouth:  That's all right, it must be really hard on you thinking of Mellua and that new husband of hers.  But he stopped himself before he said it. Rodastyr wasn't a young man. He had no home, no wife, nothing he cared about. No wonder he was evil tempered.

"That's nothing,"  Tris said, following Loranna. "The Benevolence of Mara here has a statue of Duke Moorcroft in the place of the statue of Mara."

*





Loranna says "Oh, really? I'd love to see what this Duke gentleman did to be honored thus ..."

She sighs. "Anyway, our gentle priest awaits ..."


Posted by: Rhedd Today, 07:02 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Apr 21 2005, 11:00 PM)

Loranna says "Oh, really?  I'd love to see what this Duke gentleman did to be honored thus ..."

She sighs.  "Anyway, our gentle priest awaits ..."

*




"So," a small voice said from the rear of the group, "are you REALLY going to try to give him a decent burial?"

It was the pudgy, nearly forgotten tourguide, still trailing behind the unusual newcomers.

"I mean, you should probably know, the Duke might take more offense at that than Dark Dom himself..."

His voice trailed off in nervousness.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 07:06 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 22 2005, 12:02 AM)

"So," a small voice said from the rear of the group, "are you REALLY going to try to give him a decent burial?"

It was the pudgy, nearly forgotten tourguide, still trailing behind the unusual newcomers.

"I mean, you should probably know, the Duke might take more offense at that than Dark Dom himself..."

His voice trailed off in nervousness.

*




"If it bothers the Duke, he can take it up with the Order of Arkay in Baeldale," Tris said. "Thanks to the Duke's attitude towards the burial of hanged men, Domnar doesn't lie on his property."

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 07:10 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 11:06 PM)

"If it bothers the Duke, he can take it up with the Order of Arkay in Baeldale,"  Tris said. "Thanks to the Duke's attitude towards the burial of hanged men, Domnar doesn't lie on his property."

*




"Ah, yes, well," said the short man as he fidgeted with his one ostentatious ring, "I think I'm safe in saying this, given the present company, but you see, that would be true if the Duke was satisfied to follow the rules, so to speak, which he might not be in this circumstance.

"Still, although it would ruin MY current line of work, I daresay I'd like to see the poor creature laid to rest. It's a real shame, it is, and, well, a scary one at that."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 07:12 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 22 2005, 12:10 AM)

"Ah, yes, well," said the short man as he fidgeted with his one ostentatious ring, "I think I'm safe in saying this, given the present company, but you see, that would be true if the Duke was satisfied to follow the rules, so to speak, which he might not be in this circumstance.

"Still, although it would ruin MY current line of work, I daresay I'd like to see the poor creature laid to rest. It's a real shame, it is, and, well, a scary one at that."

*




"You've seen him?" Tris said. "I don't think you need to worry about us. We can take sixty-seven men, and a court wizard, if it comes to that. But I don't think it will. The Duke won't attack a priest of Arkay doing his business."

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 07:14 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 11:12 PM)

"You've seen him?"  Tris said. "I don't think you need to worry about us. We can take sixty-seven men, and a court wizard, if it comes to that. But I don't think it will. The Duke won't attack a priest of Arkay doing his business."

*




"Oh, my no, Sir! I haven't exactly SEEN him. I'm still here to tell you about it, ain't I? No, but I've heard him, on a dark, stormy night, wailing like the wind. Terrifying. Just bone-chilling."

The short man shivers.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 07:15 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 22 2005, 12:14 AM)

"Oh, my no, Sir! I haven't exactly SEEN him. I'm still here to tell you about it, ain't I? No, but I've heard him, on a dark, stormy night, wailing like the wind. Terrifying. Just bone-chilling."

The short man shivers.

*




"Has it ever occured to you that on a dark and stormy night, something wailing like the wind is likely to be the wind?"

Tris turned back to Loranna.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 07:17 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 22 2005, 01:15 AM)

"Has it ever occured to you that on a dark and stormy night, something wailing like the wind is likely to be the wind?"

Tris turned back to Loranna.

*





Loranna says, just loud enough for Tris to hear "Let's not tell him about how often we run into the things which quack and look like ducks but are actually daedra, hmm?"

She grins a little.

Loranna leads the party back to the Benevolence of Mara, whereupon a strange sight awaits; an aged man, bald yet with a long beard reaching down the length of his dark blue robes, sits calmly on the back of ... a camel. The aged man seems innured to the odd stares his beast of burden draws, and simply smiles into his snow-white beard.

"That would be him ..." Loranna says. "He insisted on coming on that ..."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 07:28 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Apr 22 2005, 12:17 AM)

Loranna says, just loud enough for Tris to hear "Let's not tell him about how often we run into the things which quack and look like ducks but are actually daedra, hmm?"

She grins a little.

Loranna leads the party back to the Benevolence of Mara, whereupon a strange sight awaits; an aged man, bald yet with a long beard reaching down the length of his dark blue robes, sits calmly on the back of ... a camel.  The aged man seems innured to the odd stares his beast of burden draws, and simply smiles into his snow-white beard.

"That would be him ..." Loranna says.  "He insisted on coming on that ..."

*




"I smell a joke somewhere in the offing," Tris said, trying not to stare. "Either that, or you beat up a Redguard and stole his ride..."

He summoned his dignity and offered the man his hand. "Tris Gaerington. Domnar was my close friend. I'm here to see to his last rites."

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 07:30 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 21 2005, 11:28 PM)

"I smell a joke somewhere in the offing,"  Tris said, trying not to stare.  "Either that, or you beat up a Redguard and stole his ride..."

He summoned his dignity and offered the man his hand. "Tris Gaerington. Domnar was my close friend. I'm here to see to his last rites."

*




"Sadly," Rodastyr said, "I'm fresh out of camel-riding priest jokes.

"Oh, silly me! I just made one."

Posted by: Loranna Today, 07:33 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 22 2005, 01:28 AM)

"I smell a joke somewhere in the offing,"  Tris said, trying not to stare.  "Either that, or you beat up a Redguard and stole his ride..."

He summoned his dignity and offered the man his hand. "Tris Gaerington. Domnar was my close friend. I'm here to see to his last rites."

*





The aged cleric takes Tris's hand. "A pleasure young man," he says, his voice surprisingly deep. "Edwin Juillen, and this is Jociel."

He pats the camel's head kindly; Jociel eyes Tris as though he were a bump on a log.

"Anyway, your ladyfriend tells me the matter is urgent, so let us be off," he says, straightening himself in his saddle. "Lead the way to the poor soul in need of Arkay's Blessing."

He nudges Jociel in the sides, and the camel moves, making most nearby bystanders back away nervously.

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 07:36 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 21 2005, 11:30 PM)

"Sadly," Rodastyr said, "I'm fresh out of camel-riding priest jokes.

"Oh, silly me! I just made one."

*




"Why is a priest's camel called 'the ship of the desert'?"

Rodastyr shook a little bell-covered wand.

"Because it's full of seamen."

He shook the bells again, for emphasis.

"I could retire on that one alone."

Posted by: Loranna Today, 07:41 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 22 2005, 01:36 AM)

"Why is a priest's camel called 'the ship of the desert'?"

Rodastyr shook a little bell-covered wand.

"Because it's full of seamen."

He shook the bells again, for emphasis.

"I could retire on that one alone."

*





"It was this gentleman or the Daedra Summoner," Loranna mutters under her breath to Rodastyr. "Please don't ..."

Edwin chuckles, and spurs Jociel on; Loranna wonders if the cleric has a much more relaxed sense of humor than she thought or else simply doesn't get it.

Posted by: Teleran Today, 09:05 AM

Teleran asked, “Why would Sailors be in a desert? And how would they fit in a camel? Does a camel eat sailors? Is it custom for priests to sacrifice men to their mounts or something?” Looking at the priest’s creature quizzically, he added, “That is a camel, right? It doesn’t look dangerous.”

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 09:09 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Apr 22 2005, 01:05 AM)

Teleran asked, “Why would Sailors be in a desert? And how would they fit in a camel? Does a camel eat sailors? Is it custom for priests to sacrifice men to their mounts or something?” Looking at the priest’s creature quizzically, he added, “That is a camel, right? It doesn’t look dangerous.”

*




"Indeed, Sir, you have it all wrong," Rodastyr began.

"You see, 'tis what we call a 'pun'. The wordplay is thus: Camels are called 'ships of the desert', in truth, for the way they sway when they walk, inducing seasickness as does a waterborne vessel. The jest comes in when you take into account a priest's well-known adversion to women, and the fact..."

He continued, making the ladies in the party, and the priest, and perhaps even the camel, blush.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 09:10 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 22 2005, 02:09 AM)

"Indeed, Sir, you have it all wrong," Rodastyr began.

"You see, 'tis what we call a 'pun'. The wordplay is thus: Camels are called 'ships of the desert', in truth, for the way they sway when they walk, inducing seasickness as does a waterborne vessel. The jest comes in when you take into account a priest's well-known adversion to women, and the fact..."

He continued, making the ladies in the party, and the priest, and perhaps even the camel, blush.

*




ooc: fortunately, neither of the two female members of the party were ladies

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 09:11 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 22 2005, 01:10 AM)

ooc:  fortunately, neither of the two female members of the party were ladies

*




OOC: !

Posted by: Teleran Today, 09:13 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 22 2005, 12:09 AM)

"Indeed, Sir, you have it all wrong," Rodastyr began.

"You see, 'tis what we call a 'pun'. The wordplay is thus: Camels are called 'ships of the desert', in truth, for the way they sway when they walk, inducing seasickness as does a waterborne vessel. The jest comes in when you take into account a priest's well-known adversion to women, and the fact..."

He continued, making the ladies in the party, and the priest, and perhaps even the camel, blush.

*




“Oh,” Teleran said, now looking oddly at the priest. “The ones in Westcastle didn’t seem to have any aversions.”

Posted by: Loranna Today, 09:21 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Apr 22 2005, 03:13 AM)

“Oh,” Teleran said, now looking oddly at the priest. “The ones in Westcastle didn’t seem to have any aversions.”

*





The priest gives an absent chuckle, convincing Loranna that he is either the most laid-back priest ever or else slightly deaf. The Nord girl looks at Teleran and thinks to herself Ouch; this is painful to watch ...


Posted by: Rhedd Today, 09:26 AM

It looked like the locals certainly did stay clear of the graveyard. The path may have once wound through a shallow, wooded saddle between two hills, but now it was all brambles and weeds. A burst of little insects rose from each footstep, all of them buzzing their own little tunes as they looked for a new weed to satisfy them.

It was slow going, and the farther from the road they trudged, the more the trees closed in on all sides.

The pudgy little tourguide seemed to know his way, though, and led the others forward confidently, although there was no graveyard in sight.

Presently, in the short silence in the cricketsong that resulted from a push through a final bush, the man said in a nervous voice, "Here we are, then."

Unless one identified a graveyard by the deep shadows of overhanging trees, and the unwelcoming tangle of vines, there was little to show that he was not lying.

Teleran looked down and saw that, quite near to where he stood, the ground sank sharply, and in the muddy bottom of the ditch there was a brown human skull.

Barely visible under brambles, a wooden stake, initials carved on its length, protruded from a tiny hillock.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 09:30 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 22 2005, 02:26 AM)

It looked like the locals certainly did stay clear of the graveyard. The path may have once wound through a shallow, wooded saddle between two hills, but now it was all brambles and weeds. A burst of little insects rose from each footstep, all of them buzzing their own little tunes as they looked for a new weed to satisfy them.

It was slow going, and the farther from the road they trudged, the more the trees closed in on all sides.

The pudgy little tourguide seemed to know his way, though, and led the others forward confidently, although there was no graveyard in sight.

Presently, in the short silence in the cricketsong that resulted from a push through a final bush, the man said in a nervous voice, "Here we are, then."

Unless one identified a graveyard by the deep shadows of overhanging trees, and the unwelcoming tangle of vines, there was little to show that he was not lying.

Teleran looked down and saw that, quite near to where he stood, the ground sank sharply, and in the muddy bottom of the ditch there was a brown human skull.

Barely visible under brambles, a wooden stake, initials carved on its length, protruded from a tiny hillock.

*




Tris stood still for a moment, then said, "How do we find him?"

His voice sounded incongrous and loud among the humming of insects.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 09:35 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 22 2005, 03:30 AM)

Tris stood still for a moment, then said, "How do we find him?"

His voice sounded incongrous and loud among the humming of insects.

*





Edwin, having been forced to abandon his trusty steed Jociel, regards the overgrown area with a look of rightous indignation.

"Awful ... abominable ..." he mutters, leaning on a golden staff as he walks. "This is simply intolerable; the Duke shall be hearing about this, mark my words ..."

Loranna, somewhat creeped out, mutters "How indeed ..."



Posted by: Teleran Today, 09:36 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 22 2005, 12:26 AM)

It looked like the locals certainly did stay clear of the graveyard. The path may have once wound through a shallow, wooded saddle between two hills, but now it was all brambles and weeds. A burst of little insects rose from each footstep, all of them buzzing their own little tunes as they looked for a new weed to satisfy them.

It was slow going, and the farther from the road they trudged, the more the trees closed in on all sides.

The pudgy little tourguide seemed to know his way, though, and led the others forward confidently, although there was no graveyard in sight.

Presently, in the short silence in the cricketsong that resulted from a push through a final bush, the man said in a nervous voice, "Here we are, then."

Unless one identified a graveyard by the deep shadows of overhanging trees, and the unwelcoming tangle of vines, there was little to show that he was not lying.

Teleran looked down and saw that, quite near to where he stood, the ground sank sharply, and in the muddy bottom of the ditch there was a brown human skull.

Barely visible under brambles, a wooden stake, initials carved on its length, protruded from a tiny hillock.

*




"This is his grave. From the songs and such I expected something... grander," Teleran looked down and stared for a moment at the skull. "There's a skeleton down there. In plain view, don't you take care of your dead here?"

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 09:42 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Apr 22 2005, 01:36 AM)

"This is his grave. From the songs and such I expected something... grander," Teleran looked down and stared for a moment at the skull. "There's a skeleton down there. In plain view, don't you take care of your dead here?"

*




As the pudgy man spoke, he sweated in the close, muggy air, and his eyes darted from tree to tree nervously.

"This is where they bury folks that nobody cares about. Don't blame me, my kin are all nice and neat in Woodhouse Cemetary.

"Sir, the grave of your friend is right over that way. It's not hard to find. I'll lead you to it. Will you be wanting, er, you know, a moment alone with him?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 09:44 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 22 2005, 02:42 AM)

As the pudgy man spoke, he sweated in the close, muggy air, and his eyes darted from tree to tree nervously.

"This is where they bury folks that nobody cares about. Don't blame me, my kin are all nice and neat in Woodhouse Cemetary.

"Sir, the grave of your friend is right over that way. It's not hard to find. I'll lead you to it. Will you be wanting, er, you know, a moment alone with him?"

*




Tris rested his hand on Ciel's arm. "I'll want... a moment."

He had planned, originally, to do this alone. But now he was glad his friends had insisted on coming.

Posted by: Sir Radont Today, 09:45 AM

OOC Description:

Radont is an Imperial male with short brown hair and slate gray, peircing eyes. He is an honorable knight, upholding virtues and striking down evil where it flourishes. He is donned in heavy steel and carries a long blade on his side and a shield on his arm. To his friends he is kind and soft spoken, choosing to let his actions speak for him. He will follow a noble cause to it's end without looking for treasure or glory, helping the needy and lifting up the weak are his goals.

Currently he is with the main group, watching for now and giving wisdom when asked.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 09:47 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Apr 22 2005, 03:36 AM)

"This is his grave. From the songs and such I expected something... grander," Teleran looked down and stared for a moment at the skull. "There's a skeleton down there. In plain view, don't you take care of your dead here?"

*





Edwin moves over to the skull Teleran has found, muttering "These poor souls; yes, the Duke shall be hearing about this, most definitely ..."

He begins muttering prayers for the wretch beneath his feet, as Loranna looks down at the stake and mutters darkly " ... Something loud and ear-wringing, I would hope."


Posted by: Rhedd Today, 09:51 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 22 2005, 01:44 AM)

Tris rested his hand on Ciel's arm. "I'll want...  a moment."

He had planned, originally, to do this alone. But now he was glad his friends had insisted on coming.

*




"Right then, Sir. It's just up this way. The rest of ye can wait here. Believe it or not, it's one of the more tidy spots."

The little man led Tris up a small rise, as the crickets chirped and buzzed as if nothing in the world was amiss.

"The youngters, you know, they come here nowadays to show how brave they are. Carve their initials in the tree near his grave. It's just this way."

He was right, it wasn't hard to find. A weak little sycamore, long dead and now standing like a rotten bone in the earth, was covered with woodpecker holes and deeply carved initials. Beneath it was a patch of ground where the omnipresent weeds refused to grow. The black earth was hard-packed, but bare.

"That's it. That's it right there." The man seemed more nervous than ever, and stayed quite close to Tris.

Posted by: Solin Today, 09:55 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 22 2005, 02:44 AM)

Tris rested his hand on Ciel's arm. "I'll want...  a moment."

He had planned, originally, to do this alone. But now he was glad his friends had insisted on coming.

*




Ciel nodded. He understood what one felt visiting a loved one's grave.

"Take care," he said quietly as Tris went. The possible threat still clung to his thoughts.

The knight glanced over to the heavily armed newcomer, he must have followed them from town. There would be questions but, now was a time for silence.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 09:56 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 22 2005, 02:51 AM)

"Right then, Sir. It's just up this way. The rest of ye can wait here. Believe it or not, it's one of the more tidy spots."

The little man led Tris up a small rise, as the crickets chirped and buzzed as if nothing in the world was amiss.

"The youngters, you know, they come here nowadays to show how brave they are. Carve their initials in the tree near his grave. It's just this way."

He was right, it wasn't hard to find. A weak little sycamore, long dead and now standing like a rotten bone in the earth, was covered with woodpecker holes and deeply carved initials. Beneath it was a patch of ground where the omnipresent weeds refused to grow. The black earth was hard-packed, but bare.

"That's it. That's it right there." The man seemed more nervous than ever, and stayed quite close to Tris.

*




Tris wondered if this really was the right grave. Dom's distinctive features... his scars, his many-times broken nose, his muscled arms... all were earth now. No way to tell him from his bones. If it wasn't the right grave, he would never know.

The legend... this... ghost? If Tris had Dom's sword, what did the Black Swordsman have?

Tris sank to his knees beside the packed earth, and laid the mithril blade on the grave. He should probably say a prayer or something. But instead he whispered, "Dom, it's me - Tris. Just wanted to say I'm sorry. For everything."

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 10:04 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 22 2005, 01:56 AM)

Tris wondered if this really was the right grave. Dom's distinctive features... his scars, his many-times broken nose, his muscled arms... all were earth now. No way to tell him from his bones. If it wasn't the right grave, he would never know.

The legend... this... ghost?  If Tris had Dom's sword, what did the Black Swordsman have?

Tris sank to his knees beside the packed earth, and laid the mithril blade on the grave. He should probably say a prayer or something. But  instead he whispered, "Dom, it's me - Tris. Just wanted to say I'm sorry. For everything."

*




The little man hesitated a moment, obviously uncomfortable.

"I'm... I'm sorry for you, really I... I am."

He laid a pudgy hand on Tris's shoulder, and the gaudy ring he wore on his short finger flared brightly and popped.

Tris could feel... nothing. His face hit the cool dirt in front of him, but there was no feeling. His eyes would focus, but not turn. They were fixed permanently on a set of initials near the bottom of the tree.

"RJH"

Out of his sight, the short stride of the little man could be heard carrying him into the trees as he chanted, "Oh my, oh my..."

There was a silence, then another footstep. A sturdy, muddy boot appeared in front of Tris's nose.

"Hello there, Mirror. Nice day."

It was the voice of Herwyn Brand.

*



There was a strange rippling under a tree near the priest. The rippling light of an invisibility spell falling away.

A tall, handsome, hooded man smiled for a heartbeat before raising a hand and bathing Loranna in a bright purple light. She could feel her magicka drain away like her breath.

Nearby, more shadows rippled and fell away...

Posted by: Loranna Today, 10:10 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 22 2005, 04:04 AM)

There was a strange rippling under a tree near the priest. The rippling light of an invisibility spell falling away.

A tall, handsome, hooded man smiled for a heartbeat before raising a hand and bathing Loranna in a bright purple light. She could feel her magicka drain away like her breath.

Nearby, more shadows rippled and fell away...

*





"What?!" Loranna says, feeling her magicka leave her; she reaches for her sword out of reflex, as unexpected visitors suddenly started appearing.

Edwin is taken by surprise. "What? What?" he demands, "what is going on here! Who is this person?!"


Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 10:11 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 22 2005, 03:04 AM)

The little man hesitated a moment, obviously uncomfortable.

"I'm... I'm sorry for you, really I... I am."

He laid a pudgy hand on Tris's shoulder, and the gaudy ring he wore on his short finger flared brightly and popped.

Tris could feel... nothing. His face hit the cool dirt in front of him, but there was no feeling. His eyes would focus, but not turn. They were fixed permanently on a set of initials near the bottom of the tree.

"RJH"

Out of his sight, the short stride of the little man could be heard carrying him into the trees as he chanted, "Oh my, oh my..."

There was a silence, then another footstep. A sturdy, muddy boot appeared in front of Tris's nose.

"Hello there, Mirror. Nice day."

It was the voice of Herwyn Brand.

*



There was a strange rippling under a tree near the priest. The rippling light of an invisibility spell falling away.

A tall, handsome, hooded man smiled for a heartbeat before raising a hand and bathing Loranna in a bright purple light. She could feel her magicka drain away like her breath.

Nearby, more shadows rippled and fell away...

*




At the bottom of the hill, Catanee Wendon, in her red cloak, shrieked, cast a spell, and vanished from sight. Moments later eerie, mournful music rose from the air. She was casting a spell to dishearten their enemies.

Posted by: Solin Today, 10:12 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 22 2005, 03:04 AM)

There was a strange rippling under a tree near the priest. The rippling light of an invisibility spell falling away.

A tall, handsome, hooded man smiled for a heartbeat before raising a hand and bathing Loranna in a bright purple light. She could feel her magicka drain away like her breath.

Nearby, more shadows rippled and fell away...

*




Ciel's blade came free of it's scabbard and suddenly he was very appreciative of the dark ebon plate Tris had given him. He looked around to the rippling shadows and then to man assualting Loranna. With suprising grace given the heaviness of his mail, the Breton knight moved to intercede.

Posted by: Teleran Today, 10:13 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 22 2005, 01:04 AM)

There was a strange rippling under a tree near the priest. The rippling light of an invisibility spell falling away.

A tall, handsome, hooded man smiled for a heartbeat before raising a hand and bathing Loranna in a bright purple light. She could feel her magicka drain away like her breath.

Nearby, more shadows rippled and fell away...

*




“GAH!” Teleran exclaimed. “Why are here, you poof, magic, robbers, respect, none, show.” He growled and flipping out a pair of daggers, trying to stare at all the shadows simultaneously.

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 10:24 AM

One of the men raised an armored hand at Ciel, but another snatched out and grabbed his wrist.

"No! That's the one."

He drew his own weapon, a wickedly glittering sword, and advanced on the former knight.

The armored mages were not about to give anyone much time to think. One had already lept toward Loranna, bowling over the priest as he came, and was wrestling her into the muddy sunken grave nearby.

The music was horrible. Catanee's spell must not have been effecting only the enemy, for the woods seemed to darken and the crickets stopped and the air was thick like honey, and warm, and smelled of ale.

A pair of battlemages sent dual bolts of dispelling magic at Teleran, as another advanced on Ciel, while his attention was turned on the swordsman, with a net.

The music. It was truly horrifying. The dark trees looked on as if they had eyes.

Posted by: Solin Today, 10:30 AM

Ciel's eyebrows leapt in suprise at the mages words. How did they know and who were they?

Blade at the ready, the former Knight of the Rose attempts to circle around his opponent towards where Loranna was struggling.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 10:31 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 22 2005, 03:24 AM)

One of the men raised an armored hand at Ciel, but another snatched out and grabbed his wrist.

"No! That's the one."

He drew his own weapon, a wickedly glittering sword, and advanced on the former knight.

The armored mages were not about to give anyone much time to think. One had already lept toward Loranna, bowling over the priest as he came, and was wrestling her into the muddy sunken grave nearby.

The music was horrible. Catanee's spell must not have been effecting only the enemy, for the woods seemed to darken and the crickets stopped and the air was thick like honey, and warm, and smelled of ale.

A pair of battlemages sent dual bolts of dispelling magic at Teleran, as another advanced on Ciel, his attention turned on the advancing swordsman, with a net.

The music. It was truly horrifying. The dark trees looked on as if they had eyes.

*




The thing was not to panic.

It's just paralysis. You saved Ciel from death. Surely you can figure out how to unparalyze yourself.

Where was that music coming from? He recognized Catanee's instrument, the primitive one-stringed gusla. But the music seemed to be coming from the whole forest now. He couldn't think, couldn't make his mind rise above the muck to untangle his limbs.

Any moment now a cold blade through the spine might put an end to his thinking altogether.

Posted by: Teleran Today, 10:39 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 22 2005, 01:24 AM)

A pair of battlemages sent dual bolts of dispelling magic at Teleran, as another advanced on Ciel, while his attention was turned on the swordsman, with a net.

The music. It was truly horrifying. The dark trees looked on as if they had eyes.

*




Teleran’s ebony arm fell to the ground, as well as a few daggers he had been pulling into the air when he was dispelled. The horrifying music awakened the voice. He drew his iron dagger as he charged for the battlemages who had dispelled him.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 10:39 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 22 2005, 04:24 AM)

One of the men raised an armored hand at Ciel, but another snatched out and grabbed his wrist.

"No! That's the one."

He drew his own weapon, a wickedly glittering sword, and advanced on the former knight.

The armored mages were not about to give anyone much time to think. One had already lept toward Loranna, bowling over the priest as he came, and was wrestling her into the muddy sunken grave nearby.

The music was horrible. Catanee's spell must not have been effecting only the enemy, for the woods seemed to darken and the crickets stopped and the air was thick like honey, and warm, and smelled of ale.

A pair of battlemages sent dual bolts of dispelling magic at Teleran, as another advanced on Ciel, while his attention was turned on the advancing swordsman, with a net.

The music. It was truly horrifying. The dark trees looked on as if they had eyes.

*





Loranna's ears are filled with the rush of the wind as she goes down, the armored battlemage's weight driving her into the muddy grave. Her senses are assaulted on all sides as she fights to hang onto her sword, her head ringing.

The armored man on top of her was making good use of his wieght advantage and moment of surprise; Loranna struggles to free herself, but finds herself being pushed further and further ino the mud, her arm pinned in a useless position for fighting back.

Damnit ... should have taken a strength potion ... She sees a flash of pink amid the grey steel; the mage's face was set in a grim mask, his teeth bared as he forced Loranna down ...

He was, however, close enough to kiss; Loranna acts on instinct, locking lips with her assailant, giving him her most passionate, breathtaking kiss. By her birthright, her kiss could leave most men helpless; all Loranna was asking for was enough distraction to get her sword arm free for stabbing.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 10:45 AM

Catanee Wendon lifted the bow from the string. The sounds echoing around her were not her music, but they were strong enough to seize her music and corrupt it.

She was no great fighter, although she did wear a smallsword at her side. She thought about running back to town, perhaps to get help. But then she would miss the end of the story.

She shimmied up a tree, thanking the divines for her many years as a tomboy. From up here, she would be safe from the chaos below. And she might even be able to help.

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 10:51 AM

Tris heard the distinctive click of shackles behind his back, although he still felt nothing.

"Excuse me a moment. I should check on my companions," Herwyn said, stepping over his prisoner and down the hill.

Wonderful. It was taking two of his men to subdue Sir Ciel, another was locked lip-to-lip with the ex-incarnate, and the telekenetic was still standing.

Herwyn raised his hands and a warm, green calming spell washed over Teleran.

"You are surrounded. There is no escape!" he shouted. "You have met your match in the Queen's Battlemages. Surrender."


Just out of the corner of his eye, Tris saw something move. Something dark, something silent.

The sword on Dom's grave was lifted, leaving Tris staring again at nothing but carved initials.

Posted by: Solin Today, 11:01 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 22 2005, 03:51 AM)

Tris heard the distinctive click of shackles behind his back, although he still felt nothing.

"Excuse me a moment. I should check on my companions," Herwyn said, stepping over his prisoner and down the hill.

Wonderful. It was taking two of his men to subdue Sir Ciel, another was locked lip-to-lip with the ex-incarnate, and the telekenetic was still standing.

Herwyn raised his hands and a warm, green calming spell washed over Teleran.

"You are surrounded. There is no escape!" he shouted. "You have met your match in the Queen's Battlemages. Surrender."
Just out of the corner of his eye, Tris saw something move. Something dark, something silent.

The sword on Dom's grave was lifted, leaving Tris staring again at nothing but carved initials.

*




"Pardons, Sir," Ciel said keeping his defense up without looking to the speaker. "I wasn't aware that Anticlere was under Elsyanna's jurisdiction. Will you mind if I take it up with the Duke first? I'm sure he'll be glad to recieve us all."

Loranna seemed to be doing alright for the moment. Taking stock of the situation, he risked a quick glance at the interloper. He seemed vaguely familar, he had seen the man before for sure, however, he couldn't quite place him.

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 11:10 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Apr 22 2005, 03:01 AM)

"Pardons, Sir," Ciel said keeping his defense up without looking to the speaker.  "I wasn't aware that Anticlere was under Elsyanna's jurisdiction.  Will you mind if I take it up with the Duke first? I'm sure he'll be glad to recieve us all."

Loranna seemed to be doing alright for the moment.  Taking stock of the situation, he risked a quick glance at the interloper.  He seemed vaguely familar, he had seen the man before for sure, however, he couldn't quite place him.

*




Herwyn frowned. It had grown so dark it was difficult to tell.

"Surely, Sir Ciel, you, who chased your quarry through all of Skyrim...You, who took charge of your prisoner in Morrowind... Surely you, of all people, know that where the Queen's will is concerned, there are no boundaries. We stand on a dirty hill, not on a well-drawn map.

"Now, Sir, surrender your sword or things will go much worse for Mister Gaerington."

Behind Herwyn, a shape appeared. It was black. It swirled. It throbbed. It rolled over the hill like oil. And, at it's center, there was a man, or the remains of one. And a sword.

"Drraaaw..." It said. The voice was like ice, like breaking glass. The color had drained from the woods now. All was grey and black and dark and cold. Heartbeats were like a marching band in the silence.

"Drraaw..."

Herwyn backed away, and the dark man caught sight of the battlemage at the foot of the hill. The mage held a sparkling sword in his hand, ready for combat.

The thing laughed... or screamed... it was hard to tell which, and rushed down the hill.

It was over in a moment. The man's head lay pumping blood on the grey ground, his body still twitching.

Red, baleful eyes turned toward Ciel.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 11:17 AM

Tris reached into the Void, into a place where what was said was true... he spoke a few words, and he could feel his limbs again.

Too late, he was shackled. Not just ordinary shackles either. Elysana's people knew how to shackle a prisoner. He felt dazed and unable to focus his thoughts.

He struggled to his knees, not an easy feat without the use of his hands.

That was about the time the hairs on the back of his neck started to stand up from terror. He felt a nameless dread, and the dread coalesced into a black shape. He couldn't see what happened, exactly, but he knew people were going to die.

"Ciel!" he shouted. "I'm up here!"

Posted by: sjvan0 Today, 11:18 AM

Frostien Marcelle, formerly standing as silent as the graves around him, leapt into action, his ebony waraxe in one hand and a spell in the other. He launched the flaming sphere at one of Ciel's foes, and ran to the one being smothered by Loranna's passionate kiss. He pulled a Fortify Strength potion from his belt, and downed it in one huge gulp. His armour groaned as his bulging muscles pushed against the cold ebony. He lunged at the battlemage's neck, and tore him from the struggling Loranna. He flung the man to the shadowy figure approaching. The terror of the stiuation finally gripped him, and tremors overtook his body.

Posted by: Solin Today, 11:20 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 22 2005, 04:10 AM)

Herwyn frowned. It had grown so dark it was difficult to tell.

"Surely, Sir Ciel, you, who chased your quarry through all of Skyrim...You, who took charge of your prisoner in Morrowind... Surely you, of all people, know that where the Queen's will is concerned, there are no boundaries. We stand on a dirty hill, not on a well-drawn map.

"Now, Sir, surrender your sword or things will go much worse for Mister Gaerington."

Behind Herwyn, a shape appeared. It was black. It swirled. It throbbed. It  rolled over the hill like oil. And, at it's center, there was a man, or the remains of one. And a sword.

"Drraaaw..." It said. The voice was like ice, like breaking glass. The color had drained from the woods now. All was grey and black and dark and cold. Heartbeats were like a marching band in the silence.

"Drraaw..."

Herwyn backed away, and the dark man caught sight of the battlemage at the foot of the hill. He held a sparkling sword in his hand, ready for combat.

The thing laughed... or screamed... it was hard to tell which, and rushed down the hill.

It was over in a moment. The man's head lay pumping blood on the grey ground, his body still twitching.

Red, baleful eyes turned toward Ciel.

*




Ciel turned his head towards the darkened man, his blue eyes looking back, then once more to the speaker. The world seemed dead, it would be worse if they harmed Tris.

"Very well, Sir," he spoke to Brand. "I surrender."

The former knight's blade landed softly, point embeding in the dirt.

"My appologies," he addressed the dark figure. "I am neither a duelist nor free to swing my blade."

At Tris's shout he turned his head again.

"Tris? Are you alright?"

Posted by: Loranna Today, 11:24 AM

QUOTE(sjvan0 @ Apr 22 2005, 05:18 AM)

Frostien Marcelle, formerly standing as silent as the graves around him, leapt into action, his ebony waraxe in one hand and a spell in the other. He launched the flaming sphere at one of Ciel's foes, and running to the one being smothered by Loranna's passionate kiss. He pulled a Fortify Strength potion from his belt, and downed it in one huge gulp. His armour groaned as his bulging muscles pushed against the cold ebony. He lunged at the battlemages throat, and tore him from the struggling Loranna. He flung the man to the shaodwey figure approaching. The terror of the stiuation finally gripped him, and tremors overtook his body.

*





Loranna had been trying to push the paralyized battlemage off of herself when the namless terror struck; suddenly, she was all too keenly aware of how she was pinned, helpless, in a muddy grave, her magic still not yet fully returned ...

She was too out of breath to even scream, having thrown herself so fully into the kiss.

Then, she felt the weight lift from her chest and she gasped, scrambling to her feet, choking out a thanks between gapss for breath, eyes drawn to the darkness ...

Where was the priest? Where was Tris? Loranna's head swims as she looks around, getting her bearings. She hears Ciel speaking and focuses on him for a moment, sheathing her sword.

Edwin, meanwhile, was staring at the dark thing with wide eyes; in all his years, he had never encountered anything quite like this ...


Posted by: Teleran Today, 11:28 AM

The effects of the spell washed over Teleran, for a moment he seemed frozen. Then he collapsed soundlessly. A second later he had pushed himself up into a sitting position from where he had lain in the mud. He had begun wondering when the battlemages had arrived before he remembered a few things; not how he had come to be face down in the dirt with a headache but something.

“Dispels,” he sighed. Out of habit he started calling his arm and daggers over to their proper places. Now he wondered what that sounds were. He felt woozy, his eyes refusing to focus and sounds deadened. As he looked up to see the dark thing hack off the mage’s head his senses took on a brutal clarity as he tried to decide whether he preferred wakefulness to being out cold on the ground. He rose to his feet, no choice in that matter now.

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 11:30 AM

The black thing turned, confused, anger playing across it's bony, dirt-encrusted face.

It saw Frostien. It saw his axe.

With a ring of steel, two of the battlemages drew their weapons simultaneously and charged the specter, while a third cast a mighty spell on his companions.

It made very little difference. In a moment, they both lay in pieces on the ground.

"Six hundred and seventy-niiine..." said the icy voice, as it turned back toward Frostien.

Another voice rang out from nearby.

"Heavens, Sir, only that many? And I had heard you were good."

With a smooth motion, Rodastyr drew his own blade.

"Do me the honor of crossing blades with me, would you? I haven't had a good workout in some time."

Cracked, leathery lips drew back from rotted teeth, and the horrible thing surged forward.

"Oh, I say..." murmered Rodastyr, as the ghost of Domnar the Invincible drew his long blade from Rodastyr's left lung.

"You were good."

The jester collapsed in a grey heap.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 11:38 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 22 2005, 05:30 AM)

The black thing turned, confused, anger playing across it's bony, dirt-encrusted face.

It saw Frostien. It saw his axe.

With a ring of steel, two of the battlemages drew their weapons simultaneously and charged the specter, while a third cast a mighty spell on his companions.

It made very little difference. In a moment, they both lay in pieces on the ground.

"Six hundred and seventy-niiine..." said the icy voice, as it turned back toward Frostien.

Another voice rang out from nearby.

"Oh, I say, Sir, only that many? And I had heard you were good."

With a smooth motion, Rodastyr drew his own blade.

"Do me the honor of crossing blades with me, would you? I haven't had a good workout in some time."

Cracked, leathery lips drew back from rotted teeth, and the horrible thing surged forward.

"Oh, I say..." murmered Rodastyr, as the ghost of Domnar the Invincible drew his long blade from Rodastyr's left lung.

"You were good."

The jester collapsed in a grey heap.

*





"Edwin ..." Loranna says, having just finished casting her strongest protective spell on the priest of Arkay, "please; we need you ..."

The aged priest shakes his head. "Of course, of course," he says, forcing his knees to stop shaking. "Yes; the spirit must be sent to its proper place ..."

He clears his throat, the words learned long ago coming to the fore. He had spoken them many times before, albiet never while said spirit was quite so active and powerful. However, Arkay's power was absolute ....

In a powerful voice, Edwin begins; his ritual prayer rings forth in the unnatural silence of the overgrown forest, calling upon the power of Arkay to release this spirit from its tortured prison and let it find the peace promised to all under the god's blessing.

Loranna, meanwhile, rushes to Rodastyr's side, her healing spells already being cast, The other mages had been cut down too fast, dismembered, but him, she might be able to yet save.


Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 11:38 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Apr 22 2005, 04:20 AM)

At Tris's shout Ciel turned his head again. 

"Tris? Are you alright?"

*





QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 22 2005, 04:30 AM)

The black thing turned, confused, anger playing across it's bony, dirt-encrusted face.

It saw Frostien. It saw his axe.

With a ring of steel, two of the battlemages drew their weapons simultaneously and charged the specter, while a third cast a mighty spell on his companions.

It made very little difference. In a moment, they both lay in pieces on the ground.

"Six hundred and seventy-niiine..." said the icy voice, as it turned back toward Frostien.

Another voice rang out from nearby.

"Heavens, Sir, only that many? And I had heard you were good."

With a smooth motion, Rodastyr drew his own blade.

"Do me the honor of crossing blades with me, would you? I haven't had a good workout in some time."

Cracked, leathery lips drew back from rotted teeth, and the horrible thing surged forward.

"Oh, I say..." murmered Rodastyr, as the ghost of Domnar the Invincible drew his long blade from Rodastyr's left lung.

"You were good."

The jester collapsed in a grey heap.

*





Tris struggled to his feet and made it over the crest of the hill in time to see Rodastyr collapse.

That was Dom, all right. Even dead, he had the same stance... still put too much weight on his back foot.

"My hands are shackled," Tris called to Ciel. His heart was pounding. Thank the gods Ciel had too much sense to draw his sword.

"Dom - can you hear me?" he yelled.


Posted by: sjvan0 Today, 11:43 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 22 2005, 07:30 PM)

The black thing turned, confused, anger playing across it's bony, dirt-encrusted face.

It saw Frostien. It saw his axe.

With a ring of steel, two of the battlemages drew their weapons simultaneously and charged the specter, while a third cast a mighty spell on his companions.

It made very little difference. In a moment, they both lay in pieces on the ground.

"Six hundred and seventy-niiine..." said the icy voice, as it turned back toward Frostien.

Another voice rang out from nearby.

"Heavens, Sir, only that many? And I had heard you were good."

With a smooth motion, Rodastyr drew his own blade.

"Do me the honor of crossing blades with me, would you? I haven't had a good workout in some time."

Cracked, leathery lips drew back from rotted teeth, and the horrible thing surged forward.

"Oh, I say..." murmered Rodastyr, as the ghost of Domnar the Invincible drew his long blade from Rodastyr's left lung.

"You were good."

The jester collapsed in a grey heap.

*






Frostien's eyes were like twin dinnerplates, but he managed to utter the words of his most powerful spell before screaming in terror. Magicka flowed through his veins and into the ball formed on the palm of his hand. It crackled with the energies of fire, poison, frost, shock, and pure magicka. He launched the sphere of pure distruction at the shadow, and charged, axe raised over his head.

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 11:47 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Apr 22 2005, 03:38 AM)

"Edwin ..." Loranna says, having just finished casting her strongest protective spell on the priest of Arkay, "please; we need you ..."

The aged priest shakes his head.  "Of course, of course," he says, forcing his knees to stop shaking.  "Yes; the spirit must be sent to its proper place ..."

He clears his throat, the words learned long ago coming to the fore.  He had spoken them many times before, albiet never while said spirit was quite so active and powerful.  However, Arkay's power was absolute ....

In a powerful voice, Edwin begins; his ritual prayer rings forth in the unnatural silence of the overgrown forest, calling upon the power of Arkay to release this spirit from its tortured prison and let it find the peace promised to all under the god's blessing.

Loranna, meanwhile, rushes to Rodastyr's side, her healing spells already being cast,  The other mages had been cut down too fast, dismembered, but him, she might be able to yet save.

*







QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 22 2005, 03:38 AM)

Tris struggled to his feet and made it over the crest of the hill in time to see Rodastyr collapse.

That was Dom, all right. Even dead, he had the same stance... still put too much weight on his back foot.

"My hands are shackled,"  Tris called to Ciel.  His heart was pounding. Thank the gods Ciel had too much sense to draw his sword.

"Dom - can you hear me?"  he yelled.

*




At the priest's first words, the skeletal mouth laughed... or screamed. It was still hard to tell which.

It cocked its bony head.

"A prrriesst. Do beee quiet..."

Horrible, snakey black tree roots shot from the damp ground around the priest, binding his feet and drawing him down into the mud. He opened his mouth to redouble his efforts, but worms, maggots, and black beetles were all that poured from his mouth.

Never has a man's eyes held so much terror.

A huge bolt of magic ripped across the graveyard, it's light swallowed by the impermeable darkness. It passed through the dark corpse and exploded beyond, taking out two aged trees.

The thing turned to look at his attacker, and smiled.

"An axxxe is not a noble weapon..." The voice chilled bone. "You currr."


Tris felt something tug at his wrists. There was a click, and the shackles fell to the ground.

It was Herwyn Brand.

"Stop that thing, if you can, or we're all dead. There'll be another day for you and me, I promise."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 11:50 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 22 2005, 04:47 AM)

The thing turned to look at his attacker, and smiled.

"An axxxe is not a noble weapon..." The voice chilled bone. "You currr."
Tris felt something tug at his wrists. There was a click, and the shackles fell to the ground.

It was Herwyn Brand.

"Stop that thing, if you can, or we're all dead. There'll be another day for you and me, I promise."

*




"DOM!" Tris shouted. He had to do something quickly, before Dom found another target. "YOU SAID YOU WERE GOING TO KILL ME, REMEMBER? COME ON!"

He flexed the muscles in his legs, feeling energy surge back into his body now that the shackles were gone. He couldn't beat Dom in a sword fight, but he felt confident that he could dodge him.

Posted by: Solin Today, 11:53 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 22 2005, 04:50 AM)

"DOM!"  Tris shouted. He had to do something quickly, before Dom found another target. "YOU SAID YOU WERE GOING TO KILL ME, REMEMBER?  COME ON!"

He flexed the muscles in his legs, feeling energy surge back into his body now that the shackles were gone. He couldn't beat Dom in a sword fight, but he felt confident that he could dodge him.

*




For a heartbeat Ciel wanted to grab his blade by the hilt and join the scream farm hand. He held though, hoping Tris knew what he was doing. If Domnar got to close to Tris with that blade...

Posted by: Teleran Today, 11:53 AM

“Damn, that was fast…So much for the priest, does he control the trees?” Teleran muttered. His spear came to hand. He activated its chameleon enchantment before replacing it with daggers and circling around Dom for an open strike.

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 11:55 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 22 2005, 03:50 AM)

"DOM!"  Tris shouted. He had to do something quickly, before Dom found another target. "YOU SAID YOU WERE GOING TO KILL ME, REMEMBER?  COME ON!"

He flexed the muscles in his legs, feeling energy surge back into his body now that the shackles were gone. He couldn't beat Dom in a sword fight, but he felt confident that he could dodge him.

*




The specter's eyes snapped toward the hilltop.

Suddenly, Herwyn wished he was anyplace else in the world.

With a slow, uncertain step, the thing turned and started up the hill.

The mithril sword flashed out behind it, at just the right moment, and Frostien felt his arm go numb. It had been cut from elbow to wrist. All of the tendons that drove his fingers snapped like wet bootlaces.

Dom continued up the hill.

"You..." the thing drawled as it came very, very close to Tris. "You... Trissss... Are you dead too?"

Posted by: Loranna Today, 11:58 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 22 2005, 05:55 AM)

The specter's eyes snapped toward the hilltop.

Suddenly, Herwyn wished he was anyplace else in the world.

With a slow, uncertain step, the thing turned and started up the hill.

The mithril sword flashed out behind it, at just the right moment, and Frostien felt his arm go numb. It had been cut from elbow to wrist. All of the tendons that drove his fingers snapped like wet bootlaces.

Dom continued up the hill.

"You..." the thing drawled as it came very, very close to Tris. "You... Trissss... Are you dead too?"

*





Loranna gives Teleran a warning glance and a shake of her head, turning from her healing of Rodastyr just long enough to cast a healing spell on Frostien to repair his arm.

Then, she looks back down at Rodastyr, gritting her teeth. She had repaired the wound but from the looks of it, breathing was still a problem for him.

"Come on Rod, don't die on us now ..." she mutters, helping Rodastyr as best she can.


Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 11:59 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 22 2005, 04:55 AM)

The specter's eyes snapped toward the hilltop.

Suddenly, Herwyn wished he was anyplace else in the world.

With a slow, uncertain step, the thing turned and started up the hill.

The mithril sword flashed out behind it, at just the right moment, and Frostien felt his arm go numb. It had been cut from elbow to wrist. All of the tendons that drove his fingers snapped like wet bootlaces.

Dom continued up the hill.

"You..." the thing drawled as it came very, very close to Tris. "You... Trissss... Are you dead too?"

*




"I'm alive," Tris said, his voice shaking. "I'm here to bury you in a decent grave. That's what the priest is for. Tell us what to do for you, Dom."

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 11:59 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Apr 22 2005, 03:58 AM)

Loranna gives Teleran a warning glance and a shake of her head, turning from her healing of Rodastyr just long enough to cast a healing spell on Frostien to repair his arm.

Then, she looks back down at Rodastyr, gritting her teeth.  She had repaired the wound but from the looks of it, breathing was still a problem for him.

"Come on Rod, don't die on us now ..." she mutters, helping Rodastyr as best she can.

*




"Oh, my dear Lady," Rodastyr coughed, "my best years are still..." GUK! "... still ahead of me."

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 12:03 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 22 2005, 03:59 AM)

"I'm alive,"  Tris said, his voice shaking. "I'm here to bury you in a decent grave. That's what the priest is for. Tell us what to do for you, Dom."

*




"Buryyy? But I'm not finissshhed, Trisss..."

The leathery black skin cracked and flaked from the jaw as the thing spoke.

"One more fight... one more, that's alllll... Dommmnar the Invincccible... I don't back down, youu know that... Neverrrr... I wasss challenged... and iterrrupted... one more fffight..."

Posted by: sjvan0 Today, 12:05 PM

The axe sank into the blood soaked mud. It was his blood that was drenching the mud, splattering onto the blade of his axe, colouring it a crimson red. Frostien screamed in agony, and using what little magicka he had left, he healed it as best he could. He felt the spell of Loranna go into him, and with the spells combined, his arm would soon be fine. Even though it was pure agony to do so, he pulled the axe from the mud, and took aim to trow it at Dom, drinkiing another strength potion with his remaining hand. But something made him hesitate, and his arm stayed in place as he watched Tris and Domnar talk.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 12:05 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 22 2005, 05:03 AM)

"Buryyy? But I'm not finissshhed, Trisss..."

The leathery black skin cracked and flaked from the jaw as the thing spoke.

"One more fight... one more, that's alllll... Dommmnar the Invincccible... I don't back down, youu know that... Neverrrr... I wasss challenged... and iterrrupted... one more fffight..."

*




Catanee Wendon slipped down from the tree, poised to run as fast as she could. Her invisibility had worn off.

"The ballad says he's looking for the swordsman who challenged him," she called to the others.

Posted by: Solin Today, 12:09 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 22 2005, 05:05 AM)

Catanee Wendon slipped down from the tree, poised to run as fast as she could. Her invisibility had worn off.

"The ballad says he's looking for the swordsman who challenged him,"  she called to the others.

*




"Domnar!" Ciel called to the spirit. "Your last challenge was by proxy, for a woman, Duke Moorcroft's daughter."

Posted by: Loranna Today, 12:10 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 22 2005, 05:59 AM)

"Oh, my dear Lady," Rodastyr coughed, "my best years are still..." GUK! "... still ahead of me."

*





Loranna looks relieved. "Good to hear," she says.

Hearing Ciel, Loranna frowns at Rodastyr. " ... Um, just what did you do to that girl again?" she asks, her voice very, very low.


Posted by: Rhedd Today, 12:12 PM

QUOTE(Solin @ Apr 22 2005, 04:09 AM)

"Domnar!" Ciel called to the spirit.  "Your last challenge was by proxy, for a woman, Duke Moorcroft's daughter."

*




"You lie." The voice was in Ciel's ear, the bare teeth just inches away. The spirit hadn't traveled down the hill, he just... was.

"I don't knoww youuu, but you sssssmell like a guard.

The black head slid behind Ciel to his other ear.

"Drrraaawww."

Posted by: Solin Today, 12:20 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 22 2005, 05:12 AM)

"You lie." The voice was in Ciel's ear, the bare teeth just inches away. The spirit hadn't traveled down the hill, he just... was.

"I don't knoww youuu, but you sssssmell like a guard.

The black head slid behind Ciel to his other ear.

"Drrraaawww."

*




Ciel laughed.

"Maybe once," he said refusing to let this formal duelist get to him. "I've no need to lie to you. You're a criminal who got caught and as once a man who up held the law, I refuse to duel you. You've already been punished for your crimes, it's time to be laid to rest."

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 12:24 PM

QUOTE(Solin @ Apr 22 2005, 04:20 AM)

Ciel laughed.

"Maybe once," he said refusing to let this formal duelist get to him.  "I've no need to lie to you.  You're a criminal who got caught and as once a man who up held the law, I refuse to duel you.  You've already been punished for your crimes, it's time to be laid to rest."

*




"All officials lie to sssuit themselves...

"Ssshow me thiss... woman...

"BRING ME THISS WOMAN!"

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 12:25 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Apr 22 2005, 04:10 AM)

Loranna looks relieved.  "Good to hear," she says.

Hearing Ciel, Loranna frowns at Rodastyr.  " ... Um, just what did you do to that girl again?" she asks, her voice very, very low.

*




"Merely showed her the..." WHEEZE "... error of her ways, Lady."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 12:26 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 22 2005, 05:24 AM)

"All officials lie to sssuit themselves...

"Ssshow me thiss... woman...

"BRING ME THISS WOMAN!"

*




Catanee Wendon tucked her skirts up around her waist and ran down the hill in a flurry of long slim legs.

Tris wanted to go after her - he could surely get to the Duke's daughter far quicker than she could - but he was afraid to leave Dom with Ciel.

"She's coming," Tris said. "You've waited two years, wait a bit longer."

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 12:28 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 22 2005, 04:26 AM)

Catanee Wendon tucked her skirts up around her waist and ran down the hill in a flurry of long slim legs.

Tris wanted to go after her - he could surely get to the Duke's daughter far quicker than she could - but he was afraid to leave Dom with Ciel.

"She's coming,"  Tris said. "You've waited two years, wait a bit longer."

*




"Two yearsss?"

The black head cocked again, and a bit of scalp fell to the ground.

"It ssseems like only yessterday..."

Posted by: Solin Today, 12:31 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 22 2005, 05:26 AM)

Catanee Wendon tucked her skirts up around her waist and ran down the hill in a flurry of long slim legs.

Tris wanted to go after her - he could surely get to the Duke's daughter far quicker than she could - but he was afraid to leave Dom with Ciel.

"She's coming,"  Tris said. "You've waited two years, wait a bit longer."

*




Ciel shook his head.

"What do you intend to do if the Duke's Daughter is so inclined as to return with that woman?" he asked of the spirit.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 12:31 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 22 2005, 06:25 AM)

"Merely showed her the..." WHEEZE "... error of her ways, Lady."

*





"She's about to see even more evidence of that," Loranna says grimly, helping Rodastyr to his feet.

"I better check on Edwin," Loranna says, heading for the priest, trying not to think about how they're all standing around with a homicidal undead dueling demon while waiting on a girl who would have zero reason to want to touch a blade again, let alone touch one to face this guy ...

Loranna reaches Edwin, hoping she can at least help the priest; she was the one who talked him into coming here, after all.

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 12:34 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Apr 22 2005, 04:31 AM)

"She's about to see even more evidence of that," Loranna says grimly, helping Rodastyr to his feet. 

"I better check on Edwin," Loranna says, heading for the priest, trying not to think about how they're all standing around with a homicidal undead dueling demon while waiting on a girl who would have zero reason to want to touch a blade again, let alone touch one to face this guy ...

Loranna reaches Edwin, hoping she can at least help the priest; she was the one who talked him into coming here, after all.

*




The priest seemed to have stopped sinking at about his knees. He lay silent in the mud, crying, as the last of worms crawled idly from his mouth and back into the mud.

There wasn't a mark on him.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 12:39 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 22 2005, 06:34 AM)

The priest seemed to have stopped sinking at about his knees. He lay silent in the mud, crying, as the last of worms crawled idly from his mouth and back into the mud.

There wasn't a mark on him.

*





There wasn't any spell to heal what poor Edwin had gone through; Loranna simply takes his hand, tentatively, quietly offering to help him to his feet ...

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 12:42 PM

"I think it's about time we taught these men a lesson," Catanee said to the duke's daughter, Anevra. She had been to the Duke's castle before, to play her instrument and sing. "You're sure you're ready?"

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 12:47 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 22 2005, 04:42 AM)

"I think it's about time we taught these men a lesson,"  Catanee said to the duke's daughter, Anevra. She had been to the Duke's castle before, to play her instrument and sing. "You're sure you're ready?"

*




The spirit of Domnar spent its time eyeing the group, wating for one of them to show signs of fighting him. What facial features the thing still had showed distinct impatience.

"Domnar!" A sweet, girlish voice rang out across the graveyard. It was almost free of a quiver.

"Domnar! You killed my brother! I'm here to return the favor."

"Draw."

The black head and wilting stare turned on the girl, her rosy cheeks now grey as everything else here.

"Drrrawww? You'rrre but a girlllll..."

"And you, Sir, seem to have MY sword!"

She drew her thin blade, one freshly 'borrowed' from her father's armory.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 12:50 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 22 2005, 05:47 AM)

The spirit of Domnar spent its time eyeing the group, wating for one of them to show signs of fighting him. What facial features the thing still had showed distinct impatience.

"Domnar!" A sweet, girlish voice rang out across the graveyard. It was almost free of a quiver.

"Domnar! You killed my brother! I'm here to return the favor."

"Draw."

The black head and wilting stare turned on the girl, her rosy cheeks now grey as everything else here.

"Drrrawww? You'rrre but a girlllll..."

"And you, Sir, seem to have MY sword!"

She drew her thin blade, one freshly 'borrowed' from her father's armory.

*




Although Tris knew they owed the girl a great deal right now, he couldn't let this pass.

"YOUR sword, you heliopause, you grave robber? It's his sword, and it always will be!"

Posted by: Loranna Today, 12:52 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 22 2005, 06:47 AM)

The spirit of Domnar spent its time eyeing the group, wating for one of them to show signs of fighting him. What facial features the thing still had showed distinct impatience.

"Domnar!" A sweet, girlish voice rang out across the graveyard. It was almost free of a quiver.

"Domnar! You killed my brother! I'm here to return the favor."

"Draw."

The black head and wilting stare turned on the girl, her rosy cheeks now grey as everything else here.

"Drrrawww? You'rrre but a girlllll..."

"And you, Sir, seem to have MY sword!"

She drew her thin blade, one freshly 'borrowed' from her father's armory.

*





Loranna watches Anevra prepare to fight the undead Domnar, frowning. Whatever Rodastyr did, it evidentally wasn't one hundred percent effective ...

" ... And so now the invincible duelist fights a young girl," she mutters.

Hearing Tris, Loranna bites back a groan.



Posted by: Solin Today, 12:54 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 22 2005, 05:47 AM)

She drew her thin blade, one freshly 'borrowed' from her father's armory.

*




Ciel watches in silence, waiting to see what the spirit intends to do.

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 12:58 PM

"Ghhh! Nno, Trisss..." the spirit hissed, "It ISSS hersss. I have jusst the place to give it to her!"

"Then advance, you rotting piece of filth! Let's see if there's anything left of you worth sticking!"

All of the darkness in the cemetery gathered at one point, and the spirit of Domnar the Invincible rushed forward, bearing down on the young girl.

She stood her ground, her sword shaking in front of her.

Suddenly, the black form stopped.

"I am Domnar the Invincccccccible. I willl not fight a mere woman!

"I WILL NOooT FIGHT A WOMAaaN!!!"

The specter laughed, or screamed. It was impossible to tell which.

With a clatter, the mithril sword fell to the ground. The sun broke through the trees, and the crickets resumed their song on the very note at which they'd left off.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 01:00 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 22 2005, 05:58 AM)

"Ghhh! Nno, Trisss..." the spirit hissed, "It ISSS hersss. I have jusst the place to give it to her!"

"Then advance, you rotting piece of filth! Let's see if there's anything left of you worth sticking!"

All of the darkness in the cemetery gathered at one point, and the spirit of Domnar the Invincible rushed forward, bearing down on the young girl.

She stood her ground, her sword shaking in front of her.

Suddenly, the black form stopped.

"I am Domnar the Invincccccccible. I willl not fight a mere woman!

"I WILL NOooT FIGHT A WOMAaaN!!!"

The specter laughed, or screamed. It was impossible to tell which.

With a clatter, the mithril sword fell to the ground. The sun broke through the trees, and the crickets resumed their song on the very note at which they'd left off.

*




The pain in Tris's back told him how long he'd been standing frozen in one spot. Now he made a dash forward, one of his old dashes, faster than the wind through the trees.

He seized Domnar's sword, before Anevra could. And winked at her.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 01:03 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 22 2005, 06:58 AM)

"Ghhh! Nno, Trisss..." the spirit hissed, "It ISSS hersss. I have jusst the place to give it to her!"

"Then advance, you rotting piece of filth! Let's see if there's anything left of you worth sticking!"

All of the darkness in the cemetery gathered at one point, and the spirit of Domnar the Invincible rushed forward, bearing down on the young girl.

She stood her ground, her sword shaking in front of her.

Suddenly, the black form stopped.

"I am Domnar the Invincccccccible. I willl not fight a mere woman!

"I WILL NOooT FIGHT A WOMAaaN!!!"

The specter laughed, or screamed. It was impossible to tell which.

With a clatter, the mithril sword fell to the ground. The sun broke through the trees, and the crickets resumed their song on the very note at which they'd left off.

*





Edwin peers over Loranna's shoulder. " ... Is the spirit ..."

"I think so ..." Loranna says, blinking; the resolution had been sudden, and a part of Loranna wasn't yet convinced everything was over.

Gathering his courage, Edwin steps forward, bowing to Anevra. "My lady," he says, clearing his throat.

" ... I think now is a good time to finish what we came her to do ..."


Posted by: Solin Today, 01:05 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 22 2005, 06:00 AM)

The pain in Tris's back told him how long he'd been standing frozen in one spot. Now he made a dash forward, one of his old dashes, faster than the wind through the trees.

He seized Domnar's sword, before Anevra could. And winked at her.

*




The spirit seemingly having left of it's own will, Ciel reaches down and pulls his blade free of the dirt. Relieved, he takes a moment to wipe it clean before returning it to his scabbard.

Then, he looked to Brand.

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 01:07 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Apr 22 2005, 05:03 AM)

Edwin peers over Loranna's shoulder.  " ... Is the spirit ..."

"I think so ..." Loranna says, blinking; the resolution had been sudden, and a part of Loranna wasn't yet convinced everything was over.

Gathering his courage, Edwin steps forward, bowing to Anevra.  "My lady," he says, clearing his throat.

" ... I think now is a good time to finish what we came her to do ..."

*




"So do I," said the young girl.

She spared Tris and his prize one long look.

With two long strides, she walked over to the reclining form of Rodastyr. The color had mostly returned to her cheeks as she smiled winningly at him, just before stabbing her sword through his thigh, just shy of his crotch.

He gritted his teeth and crossed his eyes, then said through a still tight jaw, "See, dear Lady, with an aim that bad, you'll never cut it as a duellist."

The Duke's daughter's nostrils flared. "My work here is finished," she said. "Bury him were you will, I won't tell Father. But don't bother my family again!"

With that, she strode off into the tangled woods.

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 01:11 PM

QUOTE(Solin @ Apr 22 2005, 05:05 AM)

The spirit seemingly having left of it's own will, Ciel reaches down and pulls his blade free of the dirt.  Relieved, he takes a moment to wipe it clean before returning it to his scabbard. 

Then, he looked to Brand.

*




Herwyn stood at the top of the hill, watching the proceedings. His men were defeated, broken, but the spirit had been vanquished.

He tossed a small, heavy pouch down the hillside, which clinked as it hit ground.

"Buy him some decent mourners for me.

"Until next time, Master Gaerington... Sir Ciel."

In the familair light of a recall spell, Herwyn Brand was gone.

Posted by: Solin Today, 01:14 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 22 2005, 06:11 AM)

Herwyn stood at the top of the hill, watching the proceedings. His men were defeated, broken, but the spirit had been vanquished.

He tossed a small, heavy pouch down the hillside, which clinked as it hit ground.

"Buy him some decent mourners for me.

"Until next time, Master Gaerington... Sir Ciel."

In the familair light of a recall spell, Herwyn Brand was gone.

*




Ciel shook his head.

"Next time I meet him, I fear I might do something drastic," he mumbled. "Pity he left so soon, I had some questions I wanted to ask of him."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 01:17 PM

QUOTE(Solin @ Apr 22 2005, 06:14 AM)

Ciel shook his head.

"Next time I meet him, I fear I might do something drastic," he mumbled.  "Pity he left so soon, I had some questions I wanted to ask of him."

*




"Ciel, I'm so sorry," Tris mumbled. His face felt hot. "I didn't see that coming, not at all, and he took me down before I knew anything was happening."

Posted by: sjvan0 Today, 01:18 PM

Frostien lowered his arm. His axe had been with him for so long, that it had formed a magickal bond with him. It had been his very first weapon, found on the body of a Wayrest knight at the start of Jagar Tharn's chaotic reign. When he had found it, it seemed almost fused to the knight's hand, and the intricate golden details had been a crimson red. Now that the blood of it's owner had spilled upon it's blade, the true power of Soul's Bane had been awakened. Frostien felt a great darkness come over him. It had tasted the blood of it's master, and now it cried for more.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 01:18 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Apr 22 2005, 07:07 AM)

"So do I," said the young girl.

She spared Tris and his prize one long look.

With two long strides, she walked over to the reclining form of Rodastyr. The color had mostly returned to her cheeks as she smiled winningly at him, just before stabbing her sword through his thigh, just shy of his crotch.

He gritted his teeth and crossed his eyes, then said through a still tight jaw, "See, dear Lady, with an aim that bad, you'll never cut it as a duellist."

The Duke's daughter's nostrils flared. "My work here is finished," she said. "Bury him were you will, I won't tell Father. But don't bother my family again!"

With that, she strode off into the tangled woods.

*





"I am tempted to blame her father's upbringing for this," Loranna mutters under her breath, going over to heal Rodastyr one more time. "At least she feels satisfied with how things turned out ..."

That wasn't entirely true; Loranna was happy and grateful that - most - everyone was still alive. Still, she hadn't quite figured out just how much of this whole affair was who's fault, and after a moment she stopped bothering to try; it was over, and that was the important thing.

Exhuming Dom's body took comparitavely little time, now that the dark presence was gone; the party was soon making its way to Baeldale, where they buried Dom in a lovely parklike cemetary with lovely marble headstones and sarcophagi, next to the Temple of Arkay.

Edwin conducted the prayers with a solemn grace, though he knew in his heart that he would have nightmares about this evening for the rest of the time alloted to him on Nirn. He drew what comfort he could from his prayers, fervently hoping he need never face the likes of such an undead spirit again.

Posted by: Solin Today, 01:19 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 22 2005, 06:17 AM)

"Ciel, I'm so sorry,"  Tris mumbled. His face felt hot. "I didn't see that coming, not at all, and he took me down before I knew anything was happening."

*




Ciel turned to look at Tris.

"Sorry for what?" he asked. "He caught us all by surprise. Knew where we were and when to strike."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 01:28 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Apr 22 2005, 06:18 AM)

"I am tempted to blame her father's upbringing for this," Loranna mutters under her breath, going over to heal Rodastyr one more time.  "At least she feels satisfied with how things turned out ..."

That wasn't entirely true; Loranna was happy and grateful that - most - everyone was still alive.  Still, she hadn't quite figured out just how much of this whole affair was who's fault, and after a moment she stopped bothering to try; it was over, and that was the important thing.

Exhuming Dom's body took comparitavely little time, now that the dark presence was gone; the party was soon making its way to Baeldale, where they buried Dom in a lovely parklike cemetary with lovely marble headstones and sarcophagi, next to the Temple of Arkay.

Edwin conducted the prayers with a solemn grace, though he knew in his heart that he would have nightmares about this evening for the rest of the time alloted to him on Nirn.  He drew what comfort he could from his prayers, fervently hoping he need never face the likes of such an undead spirit again.

*




...and Herwyn Brand's gold did in fact pay for a substantial parade of dark-clad mourners.

In Baeldale the Benevolence of Mara stood on the same street as the Order of Arkay. Tris stopped there to offer money in Domnar's name. He looked into the face of the statue of Mara and breathed a sigh of relief.

"Herwyn knew how to strike too," Tris said to Ciel. "He's good. He's very smart. The only way I know to beat him is to make him stop wanting to defeat me."

Posted by: Loranna Today, 01:32 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 22 2005, 07:28 AM)

...and Herwyn Brand's gold did in fact pay for a substantial parade of dark-clad mourners.

In Baeldale the Benevolence of Mara stood on the same street as the Order of Arkay. Tris stopped there to offer money in Domnar's name. He looked into the face of the statue of Mara and breathed a sigh of relief.

"Herwyn knew how to strike too,"  Tris said to Ciel. "He's good. He's very smart. The only way I know to beat him is to make him stop wanting to defeat me."

*





And on this noe, we move to the next thread.

LOCK ON!!!

Loranna

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