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

Posted by: Loranna May 21 2005, 08:02 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://www.ravensky.org/irc/.

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!


===

Info for Loranna:

Race: Nord
Sex: Female

===

Summary for Loranna:

Loranna is in Solstheim with several companions, having gone back to Slyvos's old tower and rescued her father Gram fro ma pit of spikes. She and her father are currently outside the tower, Gram hotly demanding to know what the heck has happened to his daughter since he last saw her.


Posted by: Nalion May 21 2005, 08:06 AM

OOC Summary:
Nalion, male Breton mage is with the group around Loranna,. The party is currently trying to softly tell Loranna's father Gram what really went on the past months.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich May 21 2005, 08:06 AM

Summary: slyvos is trying to keep his patience with Loranna's father. hard, to say the least...

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 21 2005, 08:07 AM

ooc summaries:

Allerleirauh is still at Solunastra, caring for Sen-Yedda.

Tris remained behind to look into the ghost problem to the best of his ability.

Doll is with the party in Solstheim, presently at Slyvos's tower, where they have just found Gram.

Little Tamne, the Azurite child, has been having odd occurances in her bedroom at the orphanage - for which she is being blamed.

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 21 2005, 08:11 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 21 2005, 12:47 AM)

Gram glowers a bit at Reichi, before muttering " ... What?"

He then turns his glower to Slyvos.  " .. .Is this true, lad?" he asks.  "And what exactly are you doing with my daughter?"
"He and I are lovers Dad ..." Loranna mutters a second before Doll's siloent warning caught her eye.

" ... You fell in love with a lich!?" Gram demands hotly.  " ... And how did he get flesh back on his bones ..."

Loranna looks over at Doll with a pained expression.  "I've already blown this, haven't I?"

"By Kyne girl, this is no time to gossip with your friends!" Gram rumbles.  "Tell me what's gone on, from the beginning; I'm going to guess by your skin that the white-haired lad who was carrying you around at Solitude wasn't kidding when he called you Azura; just what have you been doing?"

"You recognized me then?" Loranna asks, sounding stunned.  "I stared you right in the face and you just gave me a blank grin!"

" ... Yes well, I wasn't quite well at the time ..." Gram mutters into his beard.

*




"How dare you say anything to her about her lover!" Doll said, her black eyes shining. "If she has bad taste in men, she got it honestly from her mother! So shut up, old man, and listen for once."

Posted by: Sir Radont May 21 2005, 08:12 AM

OOC:

Radont, Imperial Male. After a short trip to Cyrodiil he has come back to Solunastra as Knight Protector. He's outside right now about ready to enter donned in his official Knight Templar armor.

Posted by: Shardie May 21 2005, 08:13 AM

Shardie's Characters as thus...

Maranda Biennie
Race Breton
Sex Female
Class Conjourer

Maranda is battling her way through the Gauntlet of Heroes, in an effort to regain from Meridia her freedom. However, ironic as it may be, she must face her sisters fiancee and his seven companions. Her sword is the White Gold Sword, with a mystical property that it retains the power of whatever spell is fired apon it, she is wearing a White Werewolf Skin coat, and a ring that summons fowarth a massive flame monarch, named Flamey

Lord Landon and the Seven Palidins of Justice

Landon
Race Imperial
Sex Male
Class knight

Lord Landon is off searching for the lost Maranda to give her the letter given to him by his Wife to be, Maranda's sister.
He is armed with an Ebony Broadsword, and full Ebony Armour, as well as a charm that increases luck by 10 every time it is used. In the Gauntlet of heroes, he is yet to appear

Seven Palidins
Race, Mixed
Sex, Six Males, One Female
Class mixed

Lord Landons seven Paladins are his loyal companions from his adventuring days in the Black Marsh, and are his close friends.

Issac is the leader of the group, armed with a Daedric Spear he captured from a Daedroth once, as he likes to boast, "with his bare hands" and posesses elven armour. His main skill is Mounted Combat with his spear. He has a ring, given to him by his late Mother, which enhances his skills with the spear. he is a Imperial, and grew up in the same town as Lord landon. In the Gauntlet of Heroes, Issac was the guardian of the Hall of Mirrors, a mutated centur

Paul is next, his skill is with his ancient elven Daikatana. A weapon dating from the first era, how he ended up with it is anyones guess. he is a breton, and proud of it, and met up with the party in Black Marsh. he also specalizes in healing magics He has not made his apperance yet

Arisa, the only female member of the Palidins. A Spellsword, and a very good one at that too... Her princible weapon is a mace, of unknown origin, but it looks of Aldmeri design. She is, like paul, a Breton, and also is skilled in Destruction Magics, but Unlike paul, she was a servent at Lord Landon's Estate before his departure, she came with him to make sure he kept clean. She is the Guardian of the Hall of Dolls, and is whom Maranda is currently facing, she has been mutated into a dancer toy

Red is a Nord, and like all good male Nords, he is big, and likes to drink. His princible weapon is his steel axe, which he has two of, and fights best when drunk. If one was to call him a class, it would be a barbarian, but his bravery is unsurpassed. even in the Taverns of the Summerset isles is his brave deeds noted. He saved Lord landon by holding up a horde of Goblins that were chasing them in during the Black Marsh Adventure. He joined with Lord landon as a mercanry on his mothers request, to guard him, but has since become good friends with him. Red was the guardian of the hall of Ale, and was defeated by Maranda in the first round of the Guantlet of heroes. He was mutated into a pig like creature

Elverere is a high elf. And that is strange. He is a pure mage too, which is even stranger. And the fact that he is traveling with the Paladins as one of thier number is amazing to most people who don't know him. But Lord Landon saved he, and his family's life one winters night on the road to Chorrol, from some bandits, and has since vowed to serve him. He has an Enchanted Daedric Dagger as his weapon, but his primary weapon is his powerful spells. Skilled in all the mystical arts, he is a valuble member to the party. In the Guantlet of Heroes, he was the Guardian of the Room of strings. Maranda Defeated him. He was mutated into a puppet master

Cerius, the Imperial is another strange member, a Nightblade, formally under the Emperor during the Thawn years, was thrown out of service as he was suspected of being a conspiritor with the deranged battlemage. He got a job as a servent in the Landon Estate, and joined Lord Landon from the begining. He is yet to appear

Lacoriz is the Redguad, and last member of the seven palidins. Not much is known of him, except he is unparreleled with the blade by all... it is rumoured by his companions that he can summon a spirit blade, as the mystical yokodans did, but uses a Daedric Daikatana as his primary weapon. How he joined the party is yet to be revealed... he is yet to appear

Lord Landon and his paladins in thier search for Maranda have been captured by Meridia and mutated to face the poor Maranda as she battles for her Freedom. On to the Hall of Dolls, she faces the poor Breton, Arisa, and her army of dancing dolls


Posted by: Aki May 21 2005, 08:16 AM

Summary

Reichi, the male Dunmeri Werwolf, is in Solstheim, with the group...

Yup..

Posted by: Sir Radont May 21 2005, 08:20 AM

Daggerfall

Radont reached the stables and left his horse in the care of the stablemaster. He made his way through the streets to Solunastra, he didn't think he was known enough to just walk in so he knocked on the door.

Posted by: Loranna May 21 2005, 08:22 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 21 2005, 02:11 AM)

"How dare you say anything to her about her lover!"  Doll said, her black eyes shining.  "If she has bad taste in men, she got it honestly from her mother!  So shut up, old man, and listen for once."

*





Gram's face twists into a scowl. "Watch what you say about women you hardly know, girl," he says. "Mad as she was I'll not hear such talk about Mista ..."

"Dad!" Loranna snaps. "Will you just be quiet and listen like she said? I'll tell you what you want to know, if you'd just give me a minute!"

Gram's scowl deepens slightly, but he relents. " ... Aye; this is no way to handle a family reunion, as your friend well knows. Speak then, and I'll give you my ears instead of my tongue, and hang on every word."

Ignoring the image Gram's comment inspires, Loranna begins telling her tale, speaking of how Azura came to her soon after being devestated by Vivec, the events at the ball on Hearthfire and the party in White Haven, the devestation wrought through Skyrim and the parade through Morrowind, the divine Sen-Yedda heavy in her womb. She speaks of her friends' efforts to stop the tide of madness and chaos, and their continued attempts to get sense into her head, and her eventual realization of the horror she had wrought. She tells of the trial at Vivec, and the proclamation Azura made there, and the mad dash to Ald Raathim and the campaign to defeat the Azurites before they destroyed everything worth living for.

She leaves out some details, such as what exactly happened at
Red Mountain, but by the time she finishes talking, Gram has heard most everything she has to tell.

Gram's brow remained furrowed fiercely during the first part of Loranna's tale, but as she nears the middle his expression softens some. He visibly restrains himself when she speaks of her meeting with her mother, and by the end he is simply listening, faintly stunned.

Finally, he finds his voice again. " ... All this is true?" he asks, his tone less demanding and more simply questioning. "My wife lies buried in Skyrim and I've a granddaughter who is a goddess?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 21 2005, 08:26 AM

QUOTE(Sir Radont @ May 21 2005, 01:20 AM)

Daggerfall

Radont reached the stables and left his horse in the care of the stablemaster. He made his way through the streets to Solunastra, he didn't think he was known enough to just walk in so he knocked on the door.

*




Radont was admitted by one of the servants.

"Almost everyone is away in Solstheim," she said. "But you are welcome to enjoy yourself here until they return."

Tris poked his nose into the main hall, a book in hand. Truth to tell, he was looking for any excuse to avoid studying religious texts, which was what he had been doing. It put him right to sleep.

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 21 2005, 08:28 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 21 2005, 01:22 AM)

Gram's face twists into a scowl.  "Watch what you say about women you hardly know, girl," he says.  "Mad as she was I'll not hear such talk about Mista ..."

"Dad!" Loranna snaps.  "Will you just be quiet and listen like she said?  I'll tell you what you want to know, if you'd just give me a minute!"

Gram's scowl deepens slightly, but he relents.  " ... Aye; this is no way to handle a family reunion, as your friend well knows.  Speak then, and I'll give you my ears instead of my tongue, and hang on every word."

Ignoring the image Gram's comment inspires, Loranna begins telling her tale, speaking of how Azura came to her soon after being devestated by Vivec, the events at the ball on Hearthfire and the party in White Haven, the devestation wrought through Skyrim and the parade through Morrowind, the divine Sen-Yedda heavy in her womb.  She speaks of her friends' efforts to stop the tide of madness and chaos, and their continued attempts to get sense into her head, and her eventual realization of the horror she had wrought.  She tells of the trial at Vivec, and the proclamation Azura made there, and the mad dash to Ald Raathim and the campaign to defeat the Azurites before they destroyed everything worth living for.

She leaves out some details, such as what exactly happened at
Red Mountain, but by the time she finishes talking, Gram has heard most everything she has to tell.

Gram's brow remained furrowed fiercely during the first part of Loranna's tale, but as she nears the middle his expression softens some.  He visibly restrains himself when she speaks of her meeting with her mother, and by the end he is simply listening, faintly stunned.

Finally, he finds his voice again.  " ... All this is true?" he asks, his tone less demanding and more simply questioning.  "My wife lies buried in Skyrim and I've a granddaughter who is a goddess?"

*




"You have a granddaughter who is a baby," Doll said firmly. "With cute ears."

Posted by: Sir Radont May 21 2005, 08:28 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 21 2005, 02:26 AM)

Radont was admitted by one of the servants.

"Almost everyone is away in Solstheim,"  she said. "But you are welcome to enjoy yourself here until they return."

Tris poked his nose into the main hall, a book in hand. Truth to tell, he was looking for any excuse to avoid studying religious texts, which was what he had been doing. It put him right to sleep.

*





Radont thanked the servant and clanked through the hall in his armor to the library. He nodded a greeting to Tris as he passed, He hadn't actually met the lad, only saw him in passing and overheard some stories.

Posted by: Nalion May 21 2005, 08:32 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 21 2005, 08:22 AM)

Finally, he finds his voice again.  " ... All this is true?" he asks, his tone less demanding and more simply questioning.  "My wife lies buried in Skyrim and I've a granddaughter who is a goddess?"

*




The mage was astonished at Doll's harsh words towards Gram, but well, they did seemed to be justified somehow, considering what he heard about Gram.
He listened carefully to Loranna, approving that she left some of the more crtitical occurences out of her report.
"All this is true, Master Pyrel." Nalion nodded. "And more more so." he adds in thought.


Posted by: Loranna May 21 2005, 08:39 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 21 2005, 02:28 AM)

"You have a granddaughter who is a baby,"  Doll said firmly. "With cute ears."

*







QUOTE(Nalion @ May 21 2005, 02:32 AM)

The mage was astonished at Doll's harsh words towards Gram, but well, they did seemed to be justified somehow, considering what he heard about Gram.
He listened carefully to Loranna, approving that she left some of the more crtitical occurences out of her report.
"All this is true, Master Pyrel." Nalion nodded. "And more more so." he adds in thought.

*





Gram's expresison softens some. " .. .Cute ears you say?" he asks, looking to Loranna. "Mannish ears?"

Loranna shakes her head. Gram sighs, prompting Loranna to ask "What? What's wrong with merrish ears?"

"Nothing, nothing ..." Gram mutters. "So she has your eyes, then?"

"No; they're golden," Loranna answers. Gram blinks.

"Your hair, then."

"Silver like the stars."

"What does she have of you, then?"

"My healthy blush and if my eyes deceive me not, my figure when she grows up."

Loranna's eyes twinkle over an impish grin. Gram stares at her and says perfectly seriously "Girl, you've damned half of Tamriel two decades hence."

"Thank you Father," Loranna growls. and suddenly Gram laughs, making Loranna blink.

"Twenty seven years it took but you've got fire in your belly; you have good friends it seems girl," he chuckles. "Well then, I'm a grandfather and a widower all in one night, and all I sought to be was a slayer of liches - said lich being my future son-in-law. Surely the gods smile upon us right now, pleased with the humor of the situation!"

He thorws back his head and laughs again.

Posted by: Shardie May 21 2005, 08:42 AM

Hall of Dolls, Gauntlet of Heroes, Oblivion


QUOTE

Almost to the Mechanical Music, the dolls took steps to the beat... it seemed like it was a waltz... three beats per measure... Maranda cast disintegrate armour apon her sword, and charged towards the Music box, striking it... but as she did, the music from the music box stopped, and music from what seemed to be a full scale orchestra started up, with the same, three beat waltz... Maranda was puzzled at where this music came from, but found that Arisa had jumped from her pedestal, to the top of the doll house... She slashed at a few of the dolls, but found that they blocked her attacks rather easily... then she got an idea...



She had her ocarina on her, did she not? Maranda placed her hand into her bag to find the instrument there... but she could not play it here, the dolls had surrounded her. Maranda looked to the dollhouse, to see Arisa twirling happily on the chimney... but while she was transfixed apon Arisa, a doll fired an arrow at her... the pain ripped through her arm, as another doll smashed its sword down on Maranda. She blocked it with her sword, but only just... she could sense that another doll was about to strike down apon her... using her free hand, she fired an area effect fire spell around the area... but the spell drained her heavily of energy... She managed to pull herself away, as the dolls, still in time with the music, dropped to the floor, and rolled about to douse the flames...

She sprinted towards the doll house, as the dolls stood once more, and she put her lips to the ocarina... the music stopped... the dolls looked expectantly at her... and so she started playing the song... the dolls danced, and Arisa twirled around on the chimney... a solo, she thought... she closed her eyes, and continued to play the song, finally slowing down, and ending... she opened her eyes, the dolls bowed, and fell limp to the ground... a voice from above said, "Its not over yet..."

Maranda looked up to see Arisa, still in her tutu, wings coming out of her back, gliding down to strike Maranda with her mace. She blocked this attack, as Arisa floated back up, and fired a frost spell at Maranda, which hit her directly, pushing her back. Her health was low... she thought to herself, as she struggled onto her feet, and cast levitate... but then she realised... she had no magika left...

Posted by: Rhedd May 21 2005, 08:45 AM

(The Imperial City, Cyrodiil, several days ago:)

Bryn had never been to this part of the docks before, and so it took him the better part of the morning to find the notice board he was looking for. The message stated that he had only a short time to make it halfway across town, to a meeting he didn't want to miss.

*


An old woman opened the door and smiled a toothless grin at him. Under the crooked sign that identified the shop as that of a palm reader was another that simply stated, "closed".

Waving Bryn into the darkened door she closed it securely behind him.

Bryn's eyes, fighting to adjust to the dim light, made out the figure of a sturdy young man sitting at the velvet-covered table.

"Good afternoon," Herwyn Brand said. "Sit down."

"I have news of Tris Gaerington," Bryn said. "News that I think you'll be very happy to have."

The Spymaster smiled. "Wonderful. If that's so, you'll be well compensated for your efforts."

"I've told you before," Bryn said, sliding into a chair, "I don't give a damn about money. I just want to see him... brought to justice."

"Of course."

Bryn leaned back in his chair and removed an envelope from his jacket, smiling widely and fanning himself with the letter.

"You see, I have here a letter from him. I know where he lives."

He tossed the letter across to Herwyn's side of the table. The Spymaster did not move to pick it up.

"Well, sir, since you aren't interested in money, you won't be disappointed to know that I already have that bit of information. Have had for some time now, actually."

Bryn looked stunned.

"Thank you though. Your efforts are quite appreciated. I could actually use your help further, I think, if you're still set on seeing young Gaerington brought to justice."

Bryn frowned. "Whatever you need."

Posted by: Dagoth Lich May 21 2005, 08:45 AM

Slyvos looked at Gram, obviously annoyed.

'don't take light the situation you fool. You going in there could have waken up something no one on this world is ready for.'

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 21 2005, 08:47 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 21 2005, 01:39 AM)

Gram's expresison softens some.  " .. .Cute ears you say?" he asks, looking to Loranna.  "Mannish ears?"

Loranna shakes her head.  Gram sighs, prompting Loranna to ask "What?  What's wrong with merrish ears?"

"Nothing, nothing ..." Gram mutters.  "So she has your eyes, then?"

"No; they're golden," Loranna answers.  Gram blinks.

"Your hair, then."

"Silver like the stars."

"What does she have of you, then?"

"My healthy blush and if my eyes deceive me not, my figure when she grows up."

Loranna's eyes twinkle over an impish grin.  Gram stares at her and says perfectly seriously "Girl, you've damned half of Tamriel two decades hence."

"Thank you Father," Loranna growls. and suddenly Gram laughs, making Loranna blink.

"Twenty seven years it took but you've got fire in your belly; you have good friends it seems girl," he chuckles.  "Well then, I'm a grandfather and a widower all in one night, and all I sought to be was a slayer of liches - said lich being my future son-in-law.  Surely the gods smile upon us right now, pleased with the humor of the situation!"

He thorws back his head and laughs again.

*




"Future son-in-law?" Doll asked. "Loranna, it's official then?"

Posted by: Loranna May 21 2005, 08:48 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ May 21 2005, 02:45 AM)

Slyvos looked at Gram, obviously annoyed.

Slyvos: don't take light the situation you fool. You going in there could have waken up something no one on this world is ready for.

*





Gram's laughter ceases and he fixes Slyvos with an appraising eye. "And what would this be, lad? Some abomination you created before falling for my daughter and reclaiming your beating heart?"


Posted by: Dagoth Lich May 21 2005, 08:49 AM

'that's pretty much it... course, I couldn't even control it then. So I doubt I could even hurt it alone now...'

Posted by: Loranna May 21 2005, 08:52 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 21 2005, 02:47 AM)

"Future son-in-law?"  Doll asked. "Loranna, it's official then?"

*





Gram turns to look at Loranna, raising his eyebrows. "The way you talked it sounded like you had decided," he comments.

"Slyvos and I have talked about this," Loranna says. "We both want a future that includes each other; we've even discussed the idea of children of our own ..."

"Ashen-skinned Nord babies with fur?" Gram interjects, earning himself a sharp glare from his daughter.

Gram, meanwhile, turns to look back to Slyvos. "Well lad, you're not alone now, are you? You've the hero of southern Cyrodiil sitting right by you and heroes who fought at
Red Mountain during the height of the demon Azura's power. Surely between the men and beastfolk here there is strength enough to deal with your old pet."


Posted by: Dagoth Lich May 21 2005, 08:56 AM

he shakes his head, scowling.

'think of a skeletal creature the size of Numindium... think you can handle that?'

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 21 2005, 08:58 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ May 21 2005, 01:56 AM)

he shakes his head, scowling.

'think of a skeletal creature the size of Numindium... think you can handle that?'

*




"What weakness did you give it?" Doll asked.

Posted by: Loranna May 21 2005, 09:00 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 21 2005, 02:58 AM)

"What weakness did you give it?"  Doll asked.

*





"And just how was it to get out? Does the tower flip over?" Gram asks, chuckling.

"Dad, this is serious," Loranna says. "Stop egging him on."

"I am serious girl; this is a once in a lifetime chance," Gram counters.


Posted by: Dagoth Lich May 21 2005, 09:01 AM

'one single powersource... which I stupidly put in the thing's ribcage. Good luck getting to it... we're gonna need it if that thing get's loose.'

Posted by: Nalion May 21 2005, 09:02 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 21 2005, 08:52 AM)

Gram turns to look at Loranna, raising his eyebrows.  "The way you talked it sounded like you had decided," he comments.

"Slyvos and I have talked about this," Loranna says.  "We both want a future that includes each other; we've even discussed the idea of children of our own ..."

"Ashen-skinned Nord babies with fur?" Gram interjects, earning himself a sharp glare from his daughter. 

Gram, meanwhile, turns to look back to Slyvos.  "Well lad, you're not alone now, are you?  You've the hero of southern Cyrodiil sitting right by you and heroes who fought at
Red Mountain during the height of the demon Azura's power.  Surely between the men and beastfolk here there is strength enough to deal with your old pet."

*




"I guess then that we have to celebrate soon, Loranna and Slyvos." Nalion said smiling broadly. "I wish you all the best."


At Gram's comment about Slyvos's pet, the smile vanished from the mages face, though.
"I found that underestimating an enemy might be the first step towards failure. Overestimating one's abilities might be the second. I fear though, from what you, Slyvos, have just told, that the current condition of the tower might not be enough to keep such a beast safely contained."

Posted by: Aki May 21 2005, 09:04 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ May 21 2005, 03:01 AM)

'one single powersource... which I stupidly put in the thing's ribcage. Good luck getting to it... we're gonna need it if that thing get's loose.'

*




"If its made of bone and in a ribcage, i can get to it," Reichi said. "I break open ribcages and tear out the innards of a regular basis..."

Posted by: Dagoth Lich May 21 2005, 09:05 AM

'like I said, it's indestructible... I've tested this.'

Posted by: Sir Radont May 21 2005, 09:06 AM

Radont asked around to find the elusive Dragon, for being a big Nord the man was certainly hard to keep track of. A servant told the Knight Protector that he could find Dragon in the stables. Radont nodded and headed in the direction the servant indicated.

Entering the stable, Radont saw the big Nord exercising hoses, he waited for him to finish before approaching.

"Hail, Dragon." He said in greeting.

Posted by: Aki May 21 2005, 09:09 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ May 21 2005, 03:05 AM)

'like I said, it's indestructible... I've tested this.'

*




"Then the key is that its BIG and thusly has a BIG ribcage, slip between the gaps," Reichi replied.

Posted by: Shardie May 21 2005, 09:11 AM

Hall of Dolls, Gauntlet of Heroes, Oblivion


QUOTE

Maranda looked up to see Arisa, still in her tutu, wings coming out of her back, gliding down to strike Maranda with her mace. She blocked this attack, as Arisa floated back up, and fired a frost spell at Maranda, which hit her directly, pushing her back. Her health was low... she thought to herself, as she struggled onto her feet, and cast levitate... but then she realised... she had no magika left...



No Magicka, almost out of health, no potions, no summons... there was nothing she could do. Maranda dived into the doll house, avoiding a second ice blast, and thought about things for a moment... yes, she thought, she still had that... She looked at the Ocarina in her hands and smiled... she started playing a song, a sad song, and before her, a Dremora appeared. She looked the Daedroth up and down, before playing another song... all the time the house was being hit by ice blasts... before her a Daedric Count appeared, that was more like it, Maranda thought, as she whispered her orders to the two beings in front of her. They begrudgingly accepted, and went to their places. Maranda placed her lips to the instrument once more, and played the waltz again. She stood up, and looked out the window, seeing Arisa fly back to her music box, and twirl around on the pedestal. The dolls too were dancing once again... the Dremora and Daedric count pounced on the twirling Arisa, and took her down... Maranda sighed, as she was transported to the next room...


Posted by: Loranna May 21 2005, 09:11 AM

Gram looks to Slyvos, then Nalion, then Aki, and says "Indestructable or not, I've seen enough ribcages in my life to know that something that big will have space enough for a man to get inside, if he must. Are you not the heroes who defied the very Prince of Moonshadow herself on her holy day? I think it's less chance and more the wind of Kyne that brought you here today; an adventure such as this one is big enough for all of us to share and strike our names into the history books."

"We're not here to get into the history books Dad," Loranna says.

"That never stopped heroes from being put in them," he counters. "Future son-in-law, share with us your intimate knowledge of this fell beast; good sirs and mighty warriors, let us set to making our plans. What skills bring us all to this?"

"I'm the group's healer," Loranna says, and Gram's expression darkens, a frown creasing his face.

"Loranna I'm still trying to digest a third of what you just told me; this isn't the best time for you to put yourself in harm's way, before I have even seen my own granddaughter ..."


Posted by: Allerleirauh May 21 2005, 09:14 AM

QUOTE(Sir Radont @ May 21 2005, 02:06 AM)

Radont asked around to find the elusive Dragon, for being a big Nord the man was certainly hard to keep track of.  A servant told the Knight Protector that he could find Dragon in the stables.  Radont nodded and headed in the direction the servant indicated. 

Entering the stable, Radont saw the big Nord exercising hoses, he waited for him to finish before approaching.

"Hail, Dragon."  He said in greeting.

*




"Hail!" Dragon responded, patting the glossy chestnut neck of his mount. "What news?"

Posted by: Aki May 21 2005, 09:17 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 21 2005, 03:11 AM)

"That never stopped heroes from being put in them," he counters.  "Future son-in-law, share with us your intimate knowledge of this fell beast; good sirs and mighty warriors, let us set to making our plans.  What skills bring us all to this?"

*





"I make things dead," Reichi said simply, grinning rougishly. "Be it by hand, or with pointy weapons..."

Posted by: Sir Radont May 21 2005, 09:18 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 21 2005, 03:14 AM)

"Hail!"  Dragon responded, patting the glossy chestnut neck of his mount.  "What news?"

*





"Do you know of any smithies who might have an Akaviri blade to sell? Or perhaps a wealthy collector who might part with it for the right price? Ever since I saw that blade the image has been burned into my eyes."

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 21 2005, 09:21 AM

QUOTE(Sir Radont @ May 21 2005, 02:18 AM)

"Do you know of any smithies who might have an Akaviri blade to sell?  Or perhaps a wealthy collector who might part with it for hte right price?  Ever since I saw that blade the image has been burned into my eyes."

*




"There aren't two like that in Tamriel," Dragon said, stripping the tack from his horse and polishing him with a burlap sack. "Maybe not in Akavir itself; that blade was made by men, long ago, in another era. I do know a way to get you one, lad."

Posted by: Shardie May 21 2005, 09:21 AM

Gauntlet Bay, Gauntlet of Heroes, Oblivion

Maranda streched out on the beachtowel, her clothes were being washed by a scamp, as the sun beat down apon her. After a bit of healing, she was resting on the sandy beach next to the sea of blood. strangely, she was not put off by the smell... a cool wind blew through the palm trees, as a Dremora brought a tall, cold drink over to her... ah, this is the life, she thought... as Meridia appeared next to her
"Do not get too comftible, my dear servent, it is only an intermission..." she said
"I know that... but... but it is so nice laying here in the sun..." Maranda replied
"Well, we have restocked your potions, and repared your coat... the next matches will begin in an hour... have fun..." Meridia said, before dissapearing.

Maranda sighed, and wondered what the true motives of that prince were... and why was there such a nice bay in the middle of Oblivion? She sighed, as she undid the back of her bikini... it was no use having a tan line, afterall...

Posted by: Sir Radont May 21 2005, 09:25 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 21 2005, 03:21 AM)

"There aren't two like that in Tamriel,"  Dragon said, stripping the tack from his horse and polishing him with a burlap sack. "Maybe not in Akavir itself;  that blade was made by men, long ago, in another era. I do know a way to get you one, lad."

*





"Oh?" Radont raised his eyebrows and adjusted his armor, he wasn't used to this set yet. "Is there danger involved?" He asked hopefully. The last couple of days of sitting around had left the young knight wanting some adventure.

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 21 2005, 09:27 AM

QUOTE(Sir Radont @ May 21 2005, 02:25 AM)

"Oh?"  Radont raised his eyebrows and adjusted his armor, he wasn't used to this set yet.  "Is there danger involved?"  He asked hopefully.  The last couple of days of sitting around had left the young knight wanting some adventure.

*




"There might be," Dragon said, raising one eyebrow himself. Dragon had been redheaded in his younger days; his brows were still reddish, the hairs long and curled.

"The General has been known to offer rewards to associates of the Guild who perform tasks for us. Let me talk to her. That blade belongs in someone's hands, not in a museum, anyway. Does that suit you?"

Posted by: Sir Radont May 21 2005, 09:29 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 21 2005, 03:27 AM)

"There might be,"  Dragon said, raising one eyebrow himself. Dragon had been redheaded in his younger days;  his brows were still reddish, the hairs long and curled.

"The General has been known to offer rewards to associates of the Guild who perform tasks for us. Let me talk to her. That blade belongs in someone's hands, not in a museum, anyway. Does that suit you?"

*





"It does, thank you." Radont wanted to test out his new rank, even though he was the same person he felt more powerful, stronger, quicker.

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 21 2005, 09:53 AM

QUOTE(Sir Radont @ May 21 2005, 02:29 AM)

"It does, thank you."  Radont wanted to test out his new rank, even though he was the same person he felt more powerful, stronger, quicker.

*




Allerleirauh - General Light - met with Sir Radont in her private office, adjacent to her bedroom. The room was solid stone, hexagonal, the only windows small and high - but lavishly furnished; the seat on which he found himself was upholstered in deep blue brocade.

"As it happens we do have more to do than we have hands for," Allerleirauh said. "At its height, Solunastra was home to many adventurers; now only the core remains. Ghosts are appearing all over Daggerfall. Some are more malevolent, and more powerful, than others. It appears that their strength is directly connected to the amount of unfinished business they left behind them."

She stood up, and showed Radont a map. "You see this village here. This village is haunted by an entire army of ghosts. Ghosts of an Orc chieftain and his warband, who swore to take this village, but were diverted, in the wars for Orsinium. They will not cease fighting until they succeed in wiping the village from the map. Unless you find a way to destroy them. Are you willing to go?"

Posted by: Sir Radont May 21 2005, 09:58 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 21 2005, 03:53 AM)

Allerleirauh - General Light - met with Sir Radont in her private office, adjacent to her bedroom. The room was solid stone, hexagonal, the only windows small and high, but lavishly furnished;  the seat on which he found himself was upholstered in deep blue brocade.

"As it happens we do have more to do than we have hands for,"  Allerleirauh said. "At its height, Solunastra was home to many adventurers;  now only the core remains. Ghosts are appearing all over Daggerfall. Some are more malevolent, and more powerful, than others. It appears that their strength is directly connected to the amount of unfinished business they left behind them."

She stood up, and showed Radont a map. "You see this village here. This village is haunted by an entire army of ghosts. Ghosts of an Orc chieftain and his warband, who swore to take this village, but were diverted, in the wars for Orsinium. They will not cease fighting until they succeed in wiping the village from the map. Unless you find a way to destroy them.  Are you willing to go?"

*





"I am willing and I will succeed. Killing the chieftain will either enrage his minions or cause them to flee, he is probably well guarder so I may just cut through most of them to get to him. I will return when I am victorious, thank you for the chance to prove myself."


Posted by: Allerleirauh May 21 2005, 10:00 AM

QUOTE(Sir Radont @ May 21 2005, 02:58 AM)

"I am willing and I will succeed.  Killing the chieftain will either enrage his minions or cause them to flee, he is probably well guarder so I may just cut through most of them to get to him.  I will return when I am victorious, thank you for the chance to prove myself."

*




"One thing," Allerleirauh said. "Don't tell Dragon where you are going. Please."

She smiled.

"Good luck to you."

Posted by: Sir Radont May 21 2005, 10:04 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 21 2005, 04:00 AM)

"One thing,"  Allerleirauh said. "Don't tell Dragon where you are going. Please."

She smiled.

"Good luck to you."

*





The knight protector moved his eyebrows down in confusion, "I won't tell him." Radont turned and left heading to the stables to saddle up his horse, hoping Dragon wasn't still there.

Posted by: Sir Radont May 21 2005, 11:22 AM

Radont made his way to Wayrest after a journey on the back of his horse and another on the wooden deck of a large boat. He quickly made his way to the ghost infested town, stopping only to get clear directions from a local. The sun was setting and casted an orange glow on the landscape as he entered the village. The streets were virtually empty and the town was deathly quiet. The footfalls of Radont’s horse clapped on the stone road as the Knight Protector rode through the town. A palpable sense of fear hung on the village like a dark cloud, Radont saw a young Imperial playing near his house and addressed him.

“You there, who is the leader of this village,” the knight asked.

“His name is Uthyn Ashham, he lives in the manor up the road.” The boy said.

“Thank you,” replied Radont, he spurred his horse on.

The young boy watched as the knight rode up to the manor and dismounted his horse, he ran up to Radont and tugged on his armor to get his attention.

“Are you a Knight?” He asked excitedly.

Radont looked down and smiled, “I am.”

The boy grinned, “I can take care of your horse while you’re talking to Uthyn, I’m the best horse watcher in the whole village!”

Radont nodded, “I bet you are,” he handed the reigns to the boy. “I’ll only be a minute.”

The knight knocked on the door and waited patiently, A Nord with some Breton features answered. He looked tired and worn as if he carried a heavy weight on his shoulders.

“Yes?” He said to Radont.

“Good evening, sir. I am Radont, Knight Protector of the Imperial Legion, I’m looking for someone in charge of this village.”

The Nord’s expression didn’t change, as if knight protectors were common in this area.

“I’m in charge,” he said without emotion, “what brings you to our village, Knight?”

Radont couldn’t shake the feeling that he had seen this man somewhere before, rather recently.

“I heard you have a ghost problem, I’m here to take care of that.” Radont said.

This made the Nord's expression change, his spirits seemed to lift, “Please come in, Sir Knight.”

Radont stepped through the door and followed Uthyn to a small study.

The Nord looked down as he sat, “There are ghosts of orcs bent on destroying this village, they come every night and terrorize the villagers, I have petitioned the higher authorities but have not received any word back, the situation has become dire and I had lost hope until you showed up.”

Radont spoke with confidence, “Point me in the direction of these orcs and I will rid them for you.”

“They live in an abandoned shrine just north of here, I hope you find success.”

Radont nodded and rose. Once outside, the knight took the reigns from the young boy and handed him a few coins. “Well done, son. You’d best be getting home now, the hour grows late.”

The boy smiled and ran back home. Radont rode to the abandoned shrine and dismounted, tying the horse to a battered fence. The knight unsheathed his blade, secured his tower shield to his arm and entered the shrine. It was relatively light, which surprised the Imperial considering the occupants. He made his way down the hall and opened a wooden door at the end.

In the cavern behind the door was the Chieftain and his orc minions. They were visibly angry at the apparent interruption.

Radont spoke forcefully, “Hear me, undead menace. Return to your grave and be at peace lest you feel the sting of my blade. I am a Knight Protector of the Imperial Legion, sworn to defend the weak and bring an end to evil in this land.”

The orcs roared with laughter as the chieftain spoke up, “You are brave for coming here, Knight, so I will make a deal, if you defeat my warband I will gladly return to my grave and 'be at peace' as you put it.” The orc folded his arms.

“So be it, orc.” Radont replied coldly.

He sprinted into the midst of the warband and started cleaving. His strikes were fast and furious as he smashed, cut, and stabbed his way through the mass. Some orcs managed to strike the Knight with swords and maces but the Templar armor held and absorbed most of the blows.

An orc with an evil looking curved sword swung, slicing Radont just above his eye where his helm didn’t cover. As he bled he fought back, removing the orcs head from his body. Only two remained, they charged the Knight but he blocked their attacks with his shield and countered, moving fast the way Dragon had shown him.

Almost as quickly as it had begun the battle was over. Radont, bleeding and breathing heavily, faced the Chieftain. “I have done what you wanted, Chieftain, now it is your turn to do as I asked.”

The orc was impressed, “You fight with the fury of an orc, Imperial, yet your movements are smooth as if you were dancing. So be it, we return to the grave.”

The orc and the bodies of his warband shimmered and dissipated.

Radont emerged victorious, his armor was dented, his face covered in blood, and his body ached from the strain of battle, but he held his head high as he mounted his horse and rode back to the village.

The Knight met Uthyn and a gathering of villagers on the outskirts.

“I hope since you live that the orc menace has been taken care of.” Uthyn said hopefully.

Radont nodded, “It is done, sir.”

Uthyn raised his hands, “Hail, Radont, Knight Protector!”

The villagers echoed the hail. It was then that Radont saw who Uthyn was, or rather, who he reminded him of. Dragon, the Nord from Solunastra, if not for Uthyn's Breton features they would be nearly identical.

Before Radont left he spoke with Uthyn, “Do you by chance know someone named Dragon?”

The Nord shook his head, “No, not that I recall, why?”

“You remind me of him, you could pass for his son if not for your Breton features. I had better be going now.”

Radont waved goodbye and made the trip back to Solunastra, he found Allerleirauh and gave her his report also mentioning Uthyn and his similarities with Dragon.

“They even stand the same way,” he told her.

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 21 2005, 11:27 AM

QUOTE(Sir Radont @ May 21 2005, 04:22 AM)

Radont made his way to Wayrest after a journey on the back of his horse and another on the wooden deck of a large boat.  He quickly made his way to the ghost infested town, stopping only to get clear directions from a local.  The sun was setting and casted an orange glow on the landscape as he entered the village.  The streets were virtually empty and the town was deathly quiet.  The footfalls of Radont’s horse clapped on the stone road as the Knight Protector rode through the town.    A palpable sense of fear hung on the village like a dark cloud, Radont saw a young Imperial playing near his house and addressed him.

“You there, who is the leader of this village,” the knight asked.

“His name is Uthyn Ashham, he lives in the manor up the road.”  The boy said.

“Thank you,” replied Radont, he spurred his horse on. 

The young boy watched as the knight rode up to the manor and dismounted his horse, he ran up to Radont and tugged on his armor to get his attention.

“Are you a Knight?”  He asked excitedly.

Radont looked down and smiled, “I am.”

The boy grinned, “I can take care of your horse while you’re talking to Casius, I’m the best horse watcher in the whole village.”

Radont nodded, “I bet you are,” he handed the reigns to the boy.  “I’ll only be a minute.”

The knight knocked on the door and waited patiently, A Nord with some Breton features answered.  He looked tired and worn as if he carried a heavy weight on his shoulders.

“Yes?”  He said to Radont.

“Good evening, sir.  I am Radont, Knight Protector of the Imperial Legion, I’m looking for someone in charge of this village.”

The Nord’s expression didn’t change, as if knight protectors were common in this area. 

“I’m in charge,” he said without emotion, “what brings you to our village, Knight?”

Radont couldn’t shake the feeling that he had seen this man somewhere before, rather recently.

“I headr you have a ghost problem, I’m here to take care of that.”  Radont said.

This made his expression change, his spirits seemed to lift, “Please come in, Sir Knight.”

Radont stepped through the door and followed Uthyn to a small study.

The Nord looked down as he sat, “There are ghosts of orcs bent on destroying this village, they come every night and terrorize the villagers, I have petitioned the higher authorities but have not received any word back, the situation has become dire and I had lost hope until you showed up.”

Radont spoke with confidence, “Point me in the direction of these orcs and I will rid them for you.”

“They live in an abandoned shrine just north of here, I hope you find success.”

Radont nodded and rose, he exited and mounted his horse.  The knight took the reigns from the young boy and handed him a few coins.  “Well done, son.  You’d best be getting home now the hour grows late.”

The boy smiled and ran back home.  Radont rode to the abandoned shrine and dismounted, tying the horse to a battered fence.  The knight unsheathed his blade, secured his tower shield to his arm and entered the shrine.  It was relatively light, which surprised the Imperial considering the occupants.  He made his way down the hall and opened a wooden door at the end.

In the cavern behind the door was the Chieftain and his orc minions.  They were visibly angry at the apparent interruption.

Radont spoke forcefully, “Hear me, undead menace.  Return to your grave and be at peace lest you feel the sting of my blade.  I am a Knight Protector of the Imperial Legion, sworn to defend the weak and bring an end to any evil in this land.”

The orcs roared with laughter as the chieftain spoke up, “You are brave for coming here, Knight so I will make a deal, if you defeat my warband I will gladly return to my grave and “be at peace” as you put it.”  The orc folded his arms.

“So be it, orc.”  Radont replied coldly.

He sprinted into the midst of the warband and started cleaving.  His strikes were fast and furious as he smashed, cut, and stabbed his way through the mass.  Some orcs managed to strike the Knight with swords and maces but he Templar armor held and absorbed most of the blows.

An orc with an evil looking curved sword swung, slicing Radont just above his eye where his helm didn’t cover.  As he bled he fought back, removing the orcs head from his body.  Only two remained, they charged the Knight but he blocked their attacks with his shield and countered, moving fast the way Dragon had shown him.

Almost as quickly as it had begun the battle was over.  Radont, bleeding and breathing heavily faced the Chieftain.  “I have done what you wanted, Chieftain, now it is your turn to do as I asked.”

The orc was impressed, “You fight with the fury of an orc, Imperial, yet your movements are smooth as if you were dancing, so be it, we return to the grave.”

The orc and the bodies of his warband shimmered and dissipated.

Radont emerged victorious, his armor was dented, his face covered in blood, and his body ached from the strain of battle, but he held his head high as he mounted his horse and rode back to the village.

The Knight met Uthyn and a gathering of villagers on the outskirts.

“I hope since you live that the orc menace has been taken care of.”  Uthyn said hopefully.

Radont nodded, “It is done, sir.”

Uthyn raised his hands, “Hail, Radont, Knight Protector!”

The villagers echoed the hail.  It was then that Radont saw who Uthyn was, or rather, who he reminded him of.  Dragon, the Nord from Solunastra, if not for Uthyn Breton features they would be nearly identical. 

Before Radont left he spoke with Uthyn, “Do you by chance know someone named Dragon?”

The Nord shook his head, “No, not that I recall, why?”

“You remind me of him, you could pass for his son if not for your Breton features.  I had better be going now.”

Radont waved goodbye and made the trip back to Solunastra, he found Allerleirauh and gave her his report also mentioning Uthyn and his similarities with Dragon.

“They even stand the same way,”  he told her.

*




"The world mends itself, when it is torn," Allerleirauh said. "Some things slip through the cracks. Events, paths, even people. It's safest, for most of us, not to look too closely at the cracks."

Posted by: Sir Radont May 21 2005, 11:30 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 21 2005, 05:27 AM)

"The world mends itself, when it is torn,"  Allerleirauh said. "Some things slip through the cracks. Events, paths, even people. It's safest, for most of us, not to look too closely at the cracks."

*





"Seems like Dragon would want to know, if I had a son somewhere I would want to know about it." The Imperial Shrugged. "Does Dragon know how to repair armor?" Radont asked holding out his arms so she could get a look at his dented Templar armor.

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 21 2005, 11:36 AM

QUOTE(Sir Radont @ May 21 2005, 04:30 AM)

"Seems like Dragon would want to know, if I had a son somewhere I would want to know about it."  The Imperial Shrugged.  "Does Dragon know how to repair armor?"  Radont asked holding out his arms so she could get a look at his dented Templar armor.

*




"He does," Allerleirauh said. "And so do I. Come on, I could use the exercise."

She led him down to the basement. On the same level as the sparring area and the armory was an anvil.

Posted by: Sir Radont May 21 2005, 11:41 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 21 2005, 05:36 AM)

"He does,"  Allerleirauh said. "And so do I. Come on, I could use the exercise."

She led him down to the basement. On the same level as the sparring area and the armory was an anvil.

*





Radont pulled off his amor and set it near the anvil, "How's the orphanage doing?" He asked as Allerleirauh went to work on his armor. He was wary at first but tried not to show it, his Templar armor was a part of him. Allerleirauh was obvioulsy skilled so Radont relaxed.

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 21 2005, 12:20 PM

QUOTE(Sir Radont @ May 21 2005, 04:41 AM)

Radont pulled off his amor and set it near the anvil, "How's the orphanage doing?"  He asked as Allerleirauh went to work on his armor.  He was wary at first but tried not to show it, his Templar armor was a part of him.  Allerleirauh was obvioulsy skilled so Radont relaxed.

*




She didn't talk while working, so she didn't answer him until the first piece was finished.

"Everything's in confusion at the orphanage because of the ghosts. I'm afraid the other children are trying to blame Tamne, because she's an Azurite. And it's difficult to lay their fears to rest by explaining the truth. Apart from that, I think everything is going well. I need more trustworthy employees, but that's always true."

Posted by: dentris May 21 2005, 05:08 PM

Solstheim

Last of the frozen land adventurer, P'Rassha the Cathay-raht Khajjit, a professional rogue, storyteller and adventurer. Curious about anything and everything. Big, tall, muscular, and equipment coming from all over Tamriel.

P'Rassha weighted the old Nord physical aptitudes the whole time, and waited for this moment before adding his own little comment.

"P'Rassha is fast, really fast. Strong and Nimble too. P'Rassha would like to see if Gram is true to what he said, thought. To what he said to the imperials about fighting Khajjits. But not now. P'Rassha knows we have something else to do before.

My axe, my claws and Violetta are ready"

He pointed towards his pendant.




Posted by: Arynel May 21 2005, 07:55 PM

The next man was hard to find, normally he would be impossible to catch, but the current state of the world allowed it. Arynel came upon a man who was a phantom of his former self, passed on and forgotten, he was adorned in simple peasant’s attire, and he looked towards Arynel with an expression that hinted at shock, saying; “Why come you here, bloom of my toils?”

“So that you may be overcome, for I have left behind the delineations of my mortal heritage,” Arynel answered, “for the garden from which the bloom does sprout has withered with the passing of seasons, and the bloom which was once lowly has departed and set forth root in higher soil.”

“Still your tongue, fool,” the man said, “you know not what you speak and your lips deceive you. I pour myself out, my sweat and toil and burning consummate, into the awaiting dirt, which these hands, mine, have worked and plowed and arrogated, I lift you up and you are elevated as I so choose to grant you height, and unto you I am the semblance of the holy.”

“As the father has preceded the son, the father is surpassed by the son, and so he is exceeded by him,” Arynel said, “look now, see the plant for which the gardener toiled has sent forth root into that which came before, that which proceeds the gardener, so that he is no longer needed.”

“Enough, I will not be denounced by my own flesh,” the man said, “unto you I am the semblance of the holy, perfect in every fashion.”

“You are a puzzle long passed need of solving,” Arynel said, and with a whispered chant spirit became flesh and unto the man life was returned.

The man opened his mouth, but was not given leave to speak.

“You are a schematic fit into proper sequence as is ordained by world-constrictor, and thus envisioned that which was once holy becomes as unpolished stone,” Arynel said, and reaching forth the Breton placed a hand on the man’s forehead, and he became immobile.

The man was fixed with open mouth, but was not given leave to speak.

“You are an ancient ordeal long past applicable functioning, your grave is already dug, and awaits your presence with lustful anticipation,” Arynel said, and with a whispered chant the man returned unto death and the hold his spirit had to this world was shattered.

Then Arynel left that place.


Posted by: Loranna May 22 2005, 01:53 AM

QUOTE(dentris @ May 21 2005, 11:08 AM)

Solstheim

Last of the frozen land adventurer, P'Rassha the Cathay-raht Khajjit, a professional rogue, storyteller and adventurer. Curious about anything and everything. Big, tall, muscular, and equipment coming from all over Tamriel.

P'Rassha weighted the old Nord physical aptitudes the whole time, and waited for this moment before adding his own little comment.

"P'Rassha is fast, really fast. Strong and Nimble too. P'Rassha would like to see if Gram is true to what he said, thought. To what he said to the imperials about fighting Khajjits. But not now. P'Rassha knows we have something else to do before.

My axe, my claws and Violetta are ready"

He pointed towards his pendant.

*





"At least you're more polite about it, lad," Gram says with a wolfish grin to P'rassha. "When we're finished showing this monster what we're made of, I'll take you up on that - but after a round of drinks!"


QUOTE

"I'm the group's healer," Loranna says, and Gram's expression darkens, a frown creasing his face.

"Loranna I'm still trying to digest a third of what you just told me; this isn't the best time for you to put yourself in harm's way, before I have even seen my own granddaughter ..."



Loranna glowers at Gram. "I've been in harm's way since Hearthfire, Dad," she reminds him. "And I'm the best healer around at the moment - you'll need that for this escapade."

Gram closes his eyes, frowning.


Posted by: S'reddit May 22 2005, 02:44 AM

The Royal Dome of Wayrest, High Rock

‘I have completed my investigation,’ said Hannbal Traven, archmagister of the Mages Guild, entering the Queen’s study. ‘There were indeed Necromancers in the Guild, as you worried there might be.’

‘Did they confess to plotting against me?’ Elysana asked, calmly.

‘No.’

‘I don’t suppose you would let me ask them, in my own way?’

Traven smiled. ‘You have informants of your own in the Guild. You probably know more than I do.’

Elysana smiled back. ‘The Guild will remained closed.’

‘For the time being, until my investigation –‘

Our investigation.’

‘Until our investigation is complete,’ Traven corrected himself. ‘I intend to go to Daggerfall to see how far the corruption has spread.’

‘And I will tell you what I learn here,’ said the Queen. ‘My Spymaster will give me his latest report tomorrow morning.’

Nowhere

Somewhere


The walls were even tighter around Bosriel. She could stick out her tongue and taste the hard, cold metal.

She summoned her strength, and screamed once again, knowing her voice would not leave her little prison. But she had to keep fighting.


Posted by: Arynel May 22 2005, 02:46 AM

Arynel then ventured into a place where there were many people who would come and go, and they would try to sew things with starlight, but they were lacking needle and spool, as well as proper patterns of weaving, so that they would toil with the mystic in a fashion that was in all ways mechanistic. There was a man there who was in his latter years, and to him was given much credence, for many would come to him and to them he would bestow either duty or title, as one was due them. They would come from near and far seeking refuge under his raiment which was solid structure laced with empirical wisdom, and under his watch they would grow in skill and per their skill he would grant to them honor.

Arynel approached the man, who greeted the Breton, saying, “Why come you here? If you have need of spell or enchantment then a bag of gold will find you what you seek. Or perhaps you wish to join us in studious exaltation? That is very well, which is it, then?”

“I have come so that I may no longer wonder why,” Arynel said, “For I have been here before, and this place I left long ago and now I am returned so that this shackle may be thrown down.”

“What do you mean?” The man asked, “Many come, and many go, what business have you with me in this place?”

“That of a child to a father who is a child no more,” Arynel said, “by which I mean triumphant in the last, but orphan in the first, I come as one returned to an adopting father, for the child has grown past his homestead, and no longer may he fear it.”

“I have borne one son,” the man said, “and he is not you, no, and such a shame it is that a father will come to outlive his child, for he had passed on years prior, and yet I saw him with my own eyes, a day and a half a day before, he said he would come again but he has not, and I fear he will not keep his word.”

“He has not come and he will not come, for over him I have triumphed and sent him onward to whatever awaits,” Arynel said, “for the son has triumphed over the father, who was father through blood, but stranger through commitment, and you, then, at once father and grandfather, latter through blood, and former through adoption, and despised on both accounts.”

“Enough of you,” the man said, “have you nothing but disdain for me? Then go, I shall give you no ill tidings, you have left before and my eyes declare you have not suffered, return from whence you came and bother me no more.”

“My suffering is as deep as the sea, which is to say I am swallowed up by the waves,” Arynel said, “So do I come to this place so that I may throw this weight off my neck, tell me, if you will, what is the beauty of the stars?”

The man took a moment to ponder, and then answered, “That we may see in times of darkness.”

“You speak truthfully, but there is a better answer, and by that I shall overcome you,” Arynel said, “the beauty of the stars is that through them we may learn to shine ourselves.”

To this the man had no reply, and so Arynel said to him, “that which once I feared may I fear no longer, the chains have broken and I have no more need to wonder why.”

With that the Breton left that place.


Posted by: Allerleirauh May 22 2005, 02:48 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 21 2005, 06:53 PM)

"At least you're more polite about it, lad," Gram says with a wolfish grin to P'rassha.  "When we're finished showing this monster what we're made of, I'll take you up on that - but after a round of drinks!"
Loranna glowers at Gram.  "I've been in harm's way since Hearthfire, Dad," she reminds him.  "And I'm the best healer around at the moment - you'll need that for this escapade."

Gram closes his eyes, frowning.

*




"Loranna, he has a point. It would be a pity if one of you were to die before you got to catch up on past events," Doll said. "Mister Pyrel, you should remain here, for your safety."

Posted by: S'reddit May 22 2005, 02:52 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ May 21 2005, 05:44 PM)

Nowhere

Somewhere


The walls were even tighter around Bosriel.  She could stick out her tongue and taste the hard, cold metal.

She summoned her strength, and screamed once again, knowing her voice would not leave her little prison.  But she had to keep fighting.

*





Quagmire

Oblivion


Vaernima alone heard the scream, and a thin smile crept across her gray face.

'All nightmares end, little one,' the Prince whispered. 'And then another begins.'



Posted by: Loranna May 22 2005, 03:04 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 21 2005, 08:48 PM)

"Loranna, he has a point. It would be a pity if one of you were to die before you got to catch up on past events,"  Doll said. "Mister Pyrel, you should remain here, for your safety."

*





Gram's eyebrows disappear under his mane of red hair, and Loranna chuckles.

"Now just a minute!" Gram blusters. "My safety! I've been in scrapes ten times as dangeorus as this and -"

"Dad, you fell down the pit trap," Loranna says.

"My levitation ring wore out at just the wrong time; twas but ill fortune and nothing more," Gram protests.

"You also walked into the cobweb trap," Loranna points out.

"Whoever heard of making lethal cobwebs?" Gram demands. "And a lesser man would have been sliced to ribbons by that infernal trick - no offense lad, you understand," he says to Slyvos.

"AND you fell for the welcome mat trap," Loranna concludes.

"It was covered in snow," Gram mutters, though his tone was somewhat hushed by this point, and he was lest blustering and more glowering.

"And you were going to take on a lich in his own tower with a magic axe and shield, a levitation ring that wears out, and a couple scrolls and potions and no other protections?" Loranna asks.

Gram raises his eyes to the sky. "Haven't you ever heard of the close in fast and hit them hard method of dealing with spellcasters? Limp aside I can charge with the speed of a striking cobra when I must."

"The last guy who tried that tactic on me got frozen stiff for his troubles and I didn't even use any magic," Loranna says. "Face it Dad -"

"Enough; I see your point," Gram sighs. "You're coming and taking the front or rear as is your wont, whichever it may be, and that is that. Well this may be the first time a father and a daughter of the Pyrel line have stood together against a monster of such strength as this so let us make the most of this chance while we have it."

The full beard made it somewhat hard to read Gram's facial expression sometimes; he was either smirking or grimacing, or maybe he had bit his tongue.


Posted by: Dagoth Lich May 22 2005, 03:07 AM

Slyvos looked at Gram.

'sir, I think this is the first time any duo of any kind has gone up against this kind of thing. Course, it's not every day you fight something that damn big..'

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 22 2005, 03:15 AM

Solunastra's East Wing:

If she hadn't walked in at the perfect moment, she never would have known a thing.

"Who told you you could whip her?" Allerleirauh asked.

Tamne's little mouth was set hard, her brilliant blue eyes dry. But the child's dark skin was red and purple with angry welts, her blouse laid across the back of the chair. She had not knelt willingly; the headmistress had enlisted two older students to hold her. But she had not summoned her Winged Twilight to come to her aid either. Tamne met Allerleirauh's eyes with the fierce determination of a child who knows she is in the right.

"These disturbances must stop," the headmistress said. "Her pranks are growing expensive, not to mention dangerous. She breaks things, precious things. She throws candles and dishes and live coals at the other children. She snatched my shoe off my foot while I was walking and made me fall."

"You may leave," Allerleirauh said. "Your services are not needed here."

The headmistress did not depart. "I never heard of such a thing, I must have authority to discipline the children in my care."

Allerleirauh picked up the discarded whip - a coachman's whip, she must have borrowed it from the livery stable, for there was no such thing in the orphanage - and flicked it expertly, with a whistling crack.

The headmistress backed towards the door. "You'll regret turning me off. I could tell tales about this place. I'll go to the authorites and tell them you're harboring an Azurite child..."

Dragon, who had emerged from the children's dormitory at the top of the stairs, saw Allerleirauh let go of the whip, and the whip fall to the ground. He could not see the look in her eyes but he knew what it was. Very slowly, Allerleirauh raised one slender white arm to point at the ceiling. Then, slowly, deliberately, she brought her arm down.

"Allie, don't, wait..." Dragon said, taking the steps two at a time. Although he had no idea what he planned to do when he reached her.

Allerleirauh's finger now pointed directly at the headmistress, who had turned her back on them to fumble with the door handle. Allerleirauh spoke a string of power that made them feel deaf - but it wasn't deafness, it was just that even the air was still for a moment. Then there was a quiet pop, like a person snapping his fingers.

The headmistress was there one moment, and gone the next.

Dragon groped with numb fingers for the wall behind him. The two students who had been holding Tamne walked into the other room as if nothing had happened. And indeed, to them, nothing had.

"I hate it when you do that," Dragon said.

"So don't watch." Allerleirauh held out a hand to Tamne, the shimmering blue of healing magic flickering on her fingers. "Are you all right, child?"

"I didn't do it!" Tamne said. "What she said, what she..." Tamne faltered, and looked confused for a moment.

"Think no more of her," Allerleirauh said. "If you say you are innocent then I believe you. I have not known you to lie."

"The disturbances focus on the upstairs room, according to the children," Dragon said. "A ghost, I imagine. Shall we go up together?"

The three of them went up the stairs together, to the dormitory.

Posted by: S'reddit May 22 2005, 03:24 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ May 21 2005, 05:52 PM)

'All nightmares end, little one,' the Prince whispered. 'And then another begins.'

*





Nowhere

Somewhere


Bosriel heard the Prince's whisper, and beat even harder against the metal walls of her coffin.

She had the strength to tear apart a man in daedric armor with just her little hands, but the metal would not break.


Posted by: Allerleirauh May 22 2005, 03:26 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ May 21 2005, 08:07 PM)

Slyvos looked at Gram.

'sir, I think this is the first time any duo of any kind has gone up against this kind of thing. Course, it's not every day you fight something that damn big..'

*




"We are more than two," Doll said serenely.

Posted by: Loranna May 22 2005, 03:29 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 21 2005, 09:26 PM)

"We are more than two,"  Doll said serenely.

*





"And I'll grant you, I've yet to fight something quite as big as you say this is," Gram grins. "All right then; how do you propose we best approach the beast, lad?"

"Dad he's a good three thousand years your senior," Loranna says.

"I was never good with merish names and the word 'sir' sounds funny when it comes from my lips," Gram says with nary a pause. "Have you a nickname lad?"

"None I'm about to mention," Loranna mutters.


Posted by: Allerleirauh May 22 2005, 03:38 AM

Solunastra:

"It's not just this room, it's this wall," Tamne said, happy to be important to the older people. "This wall right here, that's where it's strongest."

"Seal in a live cat by accident when we built the place, I wonder?" Dragon said. "Or maybe one of those superstitious foreign workmen sacrificed a baby on the foundations, that would explain a ghost."

"Or maybe one of them knocked his wife on the head and hid the body here," Allerleirauh said dryly. She tapped along the wall with the hilt of her sword. The walls were thick, and solid stone; the sound was swallowed up.

"Oh," she said, as the sound of the tapping changed. "Oh. Dragon, do you feel that?"

"I don't," Dragon said.

Allerleirauh closed her eyes a moment, as a wash of nameless terror and misery swept over her.

"Turn on the light!" Tamne shouted suddenly, running towards the candlestick. "Oh. It's on."

"Stand back," Dragon said, and hefted his hammer, speaking words to lend strength to his shoulders.

Encapsulated within the wall, as if it had grown there, was a metal coffin. Child sized. When they saw what it was, all three of them worked to free it and lie it flat.

Posted by: S'reddit May 22 2005, 03:41 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 21 2005, 06:38 PM)

Encapsulated within the wall, as if it had grown there, was a metal coffin. Child sized. When they saw what it was, all three of them worked to free it and lie it flat.

*





Bosriel felt her prison move slightly, and then fall gently. She rolled in its confines, and felt panic rise. It was going to crush her now. Vaernima must have tired of this torture.

With all her might, she pushed within and without. The metal groaned but did not break.


Posted by: Allerleirauh May 22 2005, 03:41 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 21 2005, 08:29 PM)

"And I'll grant you, I've yet to fight something quite as big as you say this is," Gram grins.  "All right then; how do you propose we best approach the beast, lad?"

"Dad he's a good three thousand years your senior," Loranna says.

"I was never good with merish names and the word 'sir' sounds funny when it comes from my lips," Gram says with nary a pause.  "Have you a nickname lad?"

"None I'm about to mention," Loranna mutters.

*




Doll stifled a giggle, imagining many nicknames no doubt much worse than the real thing. Khajiit lent themselves to nicknames.

"This is Slyvos's creation, so he should be the one to come up with the plan," Doll said.

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 22 2005, 03:46 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ May 21 2005, 08:41 PM)

Bosriel felt her prison move slightly, and then fall gently.  She rolled in its confines, and felt panic rise.  It was going to crush her now.  Vaernima must have tired of this torture.

With all her might, she pushed within and without.  The metal groaned but did not break.

*




"Whatever's in there is strong," Dragon said. Of the three of them, he alone wasn't terrified. But then, he was broken, on the inside.

"Tamne, go to a safe place," Allerleirauh commanded. The child shook her head, and did not obey.

"Girl, mind the General," Dragon said. "First run down to the armory and fetch me my tools."

Tamne didn't want to leave, so she sent her Winged Twilight. It was the four of them - Allerleirauh, Dragon, Tamne, and the Twilight - who were present when they finally broke through the metal.

Posted by: S'reddit May 22 2005, 03:52 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 21 2005, 06:46 PM)

Tamne didn't want to leave, so she sent her Winged Twilight. It was the four of them -  Allerleirauh, Dragon, Tamne, and the Twilight - who were present when they finally broke through the metal.

*





The little girl was no longer the pale creature she had been in the Void. She was black, blacker than night, her hair, her skin, her dress. All but her eyes which were fiery red.

When the metal began to break, she did not think it was purely her own power that was doing it. She prepared herself for anything.

The one thing she did not expect to see was the faces she saw looking down on her.

She stared, unable to move, so she looked like nothing so much as a blackened corpse.

With a scream of terror, she flew into the air, using her telekinetic touch to push one and all away from her.

She did not know where to go, but she flew out of the room. There must be a way out.


Posted by: Allerleirauh May 22 2005, 03:58 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ May 21 2005, 08:52 PM)

The little girl was no longer the pale creature she had been in the Void.  She was black, blacker than night, her hair, her skin, her dress.  All but her eyes which were fiery red.

When the metal began to break, she did not think it was purely her own power that was doing it.  She prepared herself for anything.

The one thing she did not expect to see was the faces she saw looking down on her.

She stared, unable to move, so she looked like nothing so much as a blackened corpse.

With a scream of terror, she flew into the air, using her telekinetic touch to push one and all away from her.

She did not know where to go, but she flew out of the room.  There must be a way out.

*




Outside was a hallway connecting the dormitories of the students. They had been sent to their rooms due to the commotion earlier; when the students saw Bosriel, the air was filled with shrieking.

"It's a little girl!" Tamne yelled, as if the others might not have noticed. "Lakshi, carry me!"

The Winged Twilight embraced her and took to the air, following Bosriel.

Dragon cursed and followed on foot. "You lot - back to your rooms before I start cracking heads together!"

"Spirit," Allerleirauh called, after the small, dark figure. "Spirit, who are you and why do you come here? What must we do to help you find rest?"

Posted by: S'reddit May 22 2005, 04:07 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 21 2005, 06:58 PM)

"Spirit,"  Allerleirauh called, after the small, dark figure. "Spirit, who are you and why do you come here?  What must we do to help you find rest?"

*





‘Allerleirauh,’ Bosriel whispered out loud, her voice shaking with fear. Leseth had told her the name. She was to be feared.

She could fly very fast, a skill she had to learn in the Void. But unlike the Void, this was a narrow place, the interior of a building. She needed to get out.

Her telekinetic touch tried the doors, but she was not strong enough to open them. Then, Bosriel saw the stairs.

As fast as she could, she shot down the stairs to the front door.

It opened.

The sunlight fell upon her like fire.

Bosriel collapsed to the ground in a faint.



Posted by: Allerleirauh May 22 2005, 04:13 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ May 21 2005, 09:07 PM)

‘Allerleirauh,’ Bosriel whispered out loud, her voice shaking with fear.  Leseth had told her the name.  She was to be feared.

She could fly very fast, a skill she had to learn in the Void.  But unlike the Void, this was a narrow place, the interior of a building.  She needed to get out.

Her telekinetic touch tried the doors, but she was not strong enough to open them.  Then, Bosriel saw the stairs.

As fast as she could, she shot down the stairs to the front door.

It opened.

The sunlight fell upon her like fire.

Bosriel collapsed to the ground in a faint.

*




"Dragon, she knows my name," Allerleirauh said. "Tamne, stop!"

Lakshi and Tamne were following Bosriel, down the stairs and out the front door. Allerleirauh hastened after them, to find Tamne tugging at the strange child's arm, trying to pull her inside.

"The sunlight hurts her," Tamne said.

"A vampire child," Dragon said.

Allerleirauh frowned. She was one for split second decisions. A month earlier, her decision would have been to separate the dainty, childlike head from its body with one swipe of her sword. But everything had changed, since they had found the cure for Illidan.

"Bring her inside," Allerleirauh said. "Into a room without windows."

Dragon was already moving to obey her before the words left her mouth. He bent to lift her, then drop her as if he had been burned.

"Cold," he said, and removed his cloak, wrapping it around his arms.

"Cold?" Allerleirauh asked. "You, a Nord, it was cold to you?"

"Cold," Dragon repeated. "Now I know what that word means."



Posted by: S'reddit May 22 2005, 04:18 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 21 2005, 07:13 PM)

"Cold,"  Dragon repeated. "Now I know what that word means."

*





The little girl's body jolted, though her sleep continued. It was a nightmare. Something very bad.

'Please,' she whispered. 'Please, please ... Leseth ...'



Posted by: Allerleirauh May 22 2005, 04:23 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ May 21 2005, 09:18 PM)

The little girl's body jolted, though her sleep continued.  It was a nightmare.  Something very bad.

'Please,' she whispered. 'Please, please ... Leseth ...'

*




Dragon and Allerleirauh's eyes met over the body of the child.

"Leseth," Dragon said.

"She has black skin," Allerleirauh said.

"She's not an Orc, don't be foolish."

"I'm not." Allerleirauh whispered the girl's name. "Bosriel..."



Posted by: Rhedd May 22 2005, 04:25 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ May 21 2005, 08:18 PM)

The little girl's body jolted, though her sleep continued.  It was a nightmare.  Something very bad.

'Please,' she whispered. 'Please, please ... Leseth ...'

*




The darkness in the windowless room increased, and drew together.

Great, mailed hands drew back the black hood from Leseth's black face.

"Yes," he said, his voice even deeper than usual. "Bosriel."

He bowed to the General.

Posted by: S'reddit May 22 2005, 04:26 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 21 2005, 07:23 PM)

"I'm not." Allerleirauh whispered the girl's name.  "Bosriel..."

*





Bosriel heard her name from Allerleirauh and Leseth, and the nightmare drifted away. She smiled, and slept on. For days, she had stayed awake. Not only awake, but screaming, beating on the door, throwing her telekinetic touch blindly in all directions.

It would take world's end to awaken her.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich May 22 2005, 04:27 AM

Slyvos looked at Loranna, Gram, and the others, ready as he'll ever be.

'just so you guys know, the only way we can beat this thing is if someone is willing to be a distraction...'

Posted by: Aki May 22 2005, 04:31 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ May 21 2005, 10:27 PM)

Slyvos looked at Loranna, Gram, and the others, ready as he'll ever be.

'just so you guys know, the only way we can beat this thing is if someone is willing to be a distraction...'

*




"Well, provided you guys don't take till dawn to kill the damn thing, i can move pretty fast, so distracting won't be a problem," Reichi said. "After that though, no garuntee."

Posted by: Loranna May 22 2005, 04:33 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ May 21 2005, 10:31 PM)

"Well, provided you guys don't take till dawn to kill the damn thing, i can move pretty fast, so distracting won't be a problem," Reichi said. "After that though, no garuntee."

*





"A little magic can help make you even faster," Loranna points out.

"So, we have a distraction," Gram says, before pausing. " ... Wait; what's so important about the dawn?"

Loranna clears her throat to keep from laughing, or blushing, one of the two.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich May 22 2005, 04:48 AM

Slyvos shook his head a bit.

'guess we neglected to mention Reichi's little 'curse'. oh well... someone explain, it's not my place.'

Posted by: Loranna May 22 2005, 04:52 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ May 21 2005, 10:48 PM)

Slyvos shook his head a bit.

'guess we neglected to mention Reichi's little 'curse'. oh well... someone explain, it's not my place.'

*





"He'll see presently," Loranna says, getting up. "So Reichi distracts the monster; who then will climb int othe ribcage to -"

"Consider it done," Gram says, grinning fiercely.

" ... Fine; Reichi distracts, Gram climbs into the ribcage, I support with magic, Slyvos does whatever else needs to be done to keep the monster from making us into red smears on the floor," Loranna says. "Let's get this done."


Posted by: Aki May 22 2005, 05:03 AM

With that Reichi proceeded to toss off his armor, and clothing apart from his ever-present collar, and rings off, then he removed the ring that prevented him from transforming at night, placing it on the collar, before quickly removing the other. What happened when one forgot to remove rings when transforming was....unpleasant. The fingers of a Werewolf paw/hand were significantly bigger than a man's, or a mer's. Enough that rings got...constrictive. "Yep, explanation comeing.....Erk...now..." Reichi said, before dropping to his knees, his face contorted with pain.

The transformation then made it self apparent, as white fur began to grow all over Reichi's body, there were several rather disturbing pops as bones rearranged themselves, shortened, lengthened, forming a muzzle, digitgrade legs, a tail, claws. The fur thickened, Reichi's crimson eyes turned to golden ones. When the transformation completed, Reichi rolled his shoulders, and turned back to group.

Posted by: Loranna May 22 2005, 05:10 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ May 21 2005, 11:03 PM)

With that Reichi proceeded to toss off his armor, and clothing apart from his ever-present collar, and rings off, then he removed the ring that prevented him from transforming at night, placing it on the collar, before quickly removing the other. What happened when one forgot to remove rings when transforming was....unpleasant. The fingers of a Werewolf paw/hand were significantly bigger than a man's, or a mer's. Enough that rings got...constrictive. "Yep, explanation comeing.....Erk...now..." Reichi said, before dropping to his knees, his face contorted with pain.

The transformation then made it self apparent, as white fur began to grow all over Reichi's body, there were several rather disturbing pops as bones rearranged themselves, shortened, lengthened, forming a muzzle, digitgrade legs, a tail, claws. The fur thickened, Reichi's crimson eyes turned to golden ones. When the transformation completed, Reichi rolled his shoulders, and turned back to group.

*





Gram blinks, his hand instinctively going for his axe when he sees Reichi transform.

"Dad, relax; Reichi is in control of himself," Loranna says.

Gram looks at his daughter, wondering why she has developed such a fondness for traveling with furry beastfolk. "Any other werewolves in this group I should know about?" he demands.

"Not right now no; one left for Hammerfell a while back, one's been in Ald Raathim with her father the werewolf hunter, and the third ... I'm pretty sure he's back in Daggerfall right now.."

Loranna smiles a small little smile; Gram glowers a bit. " ... Heores don't let the grass grow beneath their feet; let's get moving," he says, firmly shunting the thoughts in his head to the back of his mind.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich May 22 2005, 05:17 AM

Slyvos sighed, not really wanting to do this, cause he was... afraid. They re-entered the tower, and went towards the staircase downward.

'I haven't been down here in years... the last ward should still be active.'

Posted by: Arynel May 22 2005, 05:27 AM

Arynel then came to a woman who was tall and fair, and with hair that seemed as if it were forever windswept. Many would come to her, of all types, but mostly men, young men, and even some hardly more than boys. To those who came she would give courage to their hearts and speed to their feet, and they would go forth as if backed by a great wind, and it was said with her blessing one could not fail at their ordeals.

So Arynel came to her, and she turned to the Breton and asked, “Why do you come here? What ordeal must you face, that you seek my blessing?”

“My ordeal is to triumph over the limits of the world, and towards that end I have already labored, though my work is incomplete,” Arynel answered her, “I seek not merely a blessing, but a reconciliation of aspectual providence.”

“I will bless you for your journey,” the woman said, “though I fear I can do little else to aid you, go now, knowing always my strength is in your arm and in your feet and in your heart.”

“You speak true, for your strength will be in me,” Arynel said, “and by that I mean it will be fulfilled in me, so that it is mine, to become in me the spatial horizon of transformative access.”

“How can this be?” The woman inquired of him, “What is mine is mine to give as I will, and that I do and that I shall give unto you, but what you ask I know not how to give.”

“You then shall not give it, but instead I shall take it, meaning find it, and they are in fact the same,” Arynel said, “for though most readily identifiable in anecdotes of the heroic, its mark is found within the heart of even the simplest one whose story tells the struggles of the day-waged-war, and so sought the mark becomes an invitation for transformative aspirations.”

“My blessing I will give to any who seek it,” the woman said, “so long as I deem that their ordeal is worthy of such grace, now, take my blessing and be gone, I know nothing more I can do for you.”

“Hear me,” Arynel began, “Is it not true that the trials undergone by the hero which in turn are used as justification to his heroic state in fact follow the same basic workings of everyday challenges, only on a higher degree? By this I mean to each a challenge presents itself, be it war on distant shores or the threat of long distances awaiting travel, or saving gold enough to buy food or managing finances so as to prevent a collapse if monetary affairs go awry, even children must face the ordeal of becoming accustomed to the complex interwoven mores and social stratagems of a society. Continuing, once identified each one attempts to overcome the challenge placed before them, and often times, and in both cases, the final solution, if one is found, is perhaps not expected or planned out at the first, but stems from quick thinking and perhaps a bit of luck.”

The woman stood silent for a moment, and then asked, “And what do you mean by this?”

“I mean to say there is no more need to seek your blessing,” Arynel said, “for what is your strength is now mine, for it is revealed in my comprehension, which is itself a heroic exploit, and becomes in me a spatial aspect for the transformative process, which is the methodology of the heroic, man meets challenge, triumphs, and likewise overcomes himself.”

The woman again stood in silence, and then spoke, saying, “Truly it is that this day it is you who have blessed me.”

And then the Breton left that place.


Posted by: Dagoth Lich May 22 2005, 06:01 AM

Slyvos put his hands to the doorway to the basement, and whispered a spell, removing the ward. The large door swung open, revealing the chamber of the basement. it was easy to see that it was enormous, as only the head of the beast was visible; it began to stir.

It was a giant creature of bone and magic, the size of the Akulakhan approximately, with one unfinished covering on the ribcage, allowing one to see the power source.

The abomination moved slightly, sensing it's creator nearby. It wanted to destroy him.

Posted by: Aki May 22 2005, 06:08 AM

Reichi leapt towards the thing, his leap carrying him onto it, he punched the thing where it's nose would be, followqed by poking it in the "eyes".

Posted by: Loranna May 22 2005, 06:19 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ May 22 2005, 12:08 AM)

Reichi leapt towards the thing, his leap carrying him onto it, he punched the thing where it's nose would be, followqed by poking it in the "eyes".

*





Gram looks upon the abomination with a vague sense of awe; all posturing aside, he really hadn't fought anything quite this big before. I was worthy of the greatest tales of the giant-killers, greater even, for what giant-killer in days past had ever faced a monstrosity of bone and magic such as this?

He sees Reishi fly into the thing's face and feels a surge of respect for the daring werewolf; he could hardly have come up with a better distraction himself, though it was a pity werewolves could not speak and thus Reichi could not give voice to a proper battle cry. Still, one can't complain about small things.

He hears Loranna chanting, and feels magic wash over him, invigorating his limbs; he sees Reichi swathed in the glow of protective spells. He moves with surprising grace, noting absently that Loranna had added a Chameleon effect to the spells affecting him. Smart girl ...

His ring had recharged some by this point; Gram calls upon its magic to aid his climb, trusting to Reichi to keep the beast occupied so it won't feel him until too late. He grips Frostkiss, grinning; this giant would know the chill touch of Skyrim's wind in its black heart soon enough.


Posted by: Dagoth Lich May 22 2005, 06:43 AM

The abomination raised it's arm up surprisingly fast for something it's size, making a sweeping hit across the platform, and shaking it's skeletal head to try and dislodge the werewolf attacking it.

Slyvos waited for his opportunity, and said one of the few command words for it that worked.

'STOP!'

it paused for just a brief moment, before continuing it's rampage.

Posted by: Aki May 22 2005, 06:47 AM

Reichi continued poking the thing in the eyes, crawling over its head, and such. He went to what was its' ear and barked over and over. Managing to reproduce the same annoying repeated yapping of a small dog. The thing however, seemed smart enough to punch itself in the face.

Stupid smart bone golem thing.

Posted by: Loranna May 22 2005, 07:00 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ May 22 2005, 12:47 AM)

Reichi continued poking the thing in the eyes, crawling over its head, and such. He went to what was its' ear and barked over and over. Managing to reproduce the same annoying repeated yapping of a small dog. The thing however, seemed smart enough to punch itself in the face.

Stupid smart bone golem thing.

*





Gram reaches the ribcage area, and can see the power source within, just as Slyvos had described. Thus far, Reichi's distraction and Loranna's chameleon spell were working well; the monstrosity showed no signs of knowing he was there.

However, given the way the construct was moving about, seeking to cause as much havoc as possible, Gram sees he's going to have to steady himself on the bones of the creature itself; if this thing is capable of feeling the way mortals were then his presence was going to be spotted. Ah well; there was nothing to be done about it; a swift and more importantly sure stroke was what was called for, and that meant bracing himself.

Securing his shield, Gram grabs hold and presses his feet as firmly as he can, raising his axe ...

===

Slyvos's command had made the bone abomination pause for a brief moment, but recognizing the warmth of life around it its natural instincts took over, and bony fists swung wildly. There was something annoying on its face, but there were also living things underfoot - magic casting living things.

The fist that wouldn't punch Reichi slams into the ceiling and walls, causing stone to crumble and fall; Loranna hurriedly casts shielding spells on everyone, then looks up to see stone descending upon her.




Posted by: Dagoth Lich May 22 2005, 07:02 AM

pie

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 22 2005, 07:04 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 22 2005, 12:00 AM)

The fist that wouldn't punch Reichi slams into the ceiling and walls, causing stone to crumble and fall; Loranna hurriedly casts shielding spells on everyone, then looks up to see stone descending upon her.

*




"Careful, Loranna!" Doll shouted. Telekinesis was not her specialty, but she used her best spell, to catch the falling stone and throw it to the side.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich May 22 2005, 07:11 AM

The creature's left arm unhinged, the magic holding it releasing so that half the arm fell, to reveal what looked like a rather odd dwemer looking object with an ebony focusing crystal. It held that arm up, and it began to glow, draining the Magicka of everyone around it.

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 22 2005, 07:19 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ May 22 2005, 12:11 AM)

The creature's left arm unhinged, the magic holding it releasing so that half the arm fell, to reveal what looked like a rather odd dwemer looking object with an ebony focusing crystal. It held that arm up, and it began to glow, draining the Magicka of everyone around it.

*




Doll gasped. Being trapped without magic was her greatest fear. She whispered a small string of power, and slipped beneath the surface of the floor, into a place where nothing could touch her.

It was hard to drink a potion when her throat was constricted by fear. When she turned to look at the others, she had to blink her eyes rapidly before the scene came in focus. From her safe place in the Void, she studied the arm, and considered her options.

Posted by: Arynel May 22 2005, 07:28 AM

Then Arynel came to a woman of whose beauty it was said was such as to make a man forget who he was, and go off to faraway places seeking the rarest of things, and men would come to her bearing gifts of jewels and flowers, and poets and artists would come and upon laying eyes on her they would be inspired to create, and would make such works as to be awed at forever after.

So Arynel came to this woman, who turned to him and smiled, saying, “How fare you, and by what purpose do you come, a suitor, perhaps, or an artist, or would you like a lesson to improve your skills at revelry?”

“I have come so that I may no longer fear coming,” Arynel said, “Too long have I been in conflict with you, which is to say I, and that conflict I wish to continue no longer, now, unto me do all that you will, whisper every secret sentence to overcome my self will, and so overcome I shall triumph over my own shortcoming.”

The woman looked at Arynel in silent pondering for a time, and then spoke, “Very well then, behold me with your eyes, and let your heart not be held back from desire,” and then she whispered to him all manner of things, and to each one he replied in proper fashion, and what was done was done, and the old was no more, for it had parted to make way for the new, which was in so many ways the old perfected.

Once finished, Arynel spoke, saying, “Thusly have I passed beyond the walls which were once placed around me, the barricade is no more and I go on, out into the world without fear, for that which was once a stumbling block has become a vibrant spring, welling up out of the depths of the earth, which is so dear to me as to be a pulse in my heart.”

And so the Breton left that place.


Posted by: Loranna May 22 2005, 07:30 AM

Gram feels his scant magicka slip away from him like the dying rays of the setting sun; he laughs and raises his axe. "Foolish monster; it's the Nord in your belly you should fear, not the casters!"

The construct realizes its predictiment; Gram was right next to its power source. It heaves itself violently, causing the floor to tremble under its weight. Gram is shaken, as the monster wrenches its torso to and fro, trying to shake Gram loose.

"Blast it!" Gram loses his footing and has to hook his axe on a rib to steady himself, as he fights to get his feet back on firm footing.

===

Loranna hated having her magicka drained; she set up several defenses, by potion and item, to prevent this from happening. The golem's device, though, bypassed her armor's protective enchantments, and while her already active potions could regenrate her magicka, the power of the drain was such that she was finding herself restricted, her more powerful magics unavailable.

Another restore magicka potion could fix that, if there wasn't a small earthquake going on at that moment; Loranna struggles to keep her footing, seeing her father scrambling to maintain his perch.

"Dad!" she yells, casting a Fortify Agility spell at him; the floor shakes again and she stumbles.


Posted by: Allerleirauh May 22 2005, 07:46 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 22 2005, 12:30 AM)

Gram feels his scant magicka slip away from him like the dying rays of the setting sun; he laughs and raises his axe.  "Foolish monster; it's the Nord in your belly you should fear, not the casters!"

The construct realizes its predictiment; Gram was right next to its power source.  It heaves itself violently, causing the floor to tremble under its weight.  Gram is shaken, as the monster wrenches its torso to and fro, trying to shake Gram loose.

"Blast it!"  Gram loses his footing and has to hook his axe on a rib to steady himself, as he fights to get his feet back on firm footing.

===

Loranna hated having her magicka drained; she set up several defenses, by potion and item, to prevent this from happening.  The golem's device, though, bypassed her armor's protective enchantments, and while her already active potions could regenrate her magicka, the power of the drain was such that she was finding herself restricted, her more powerful magics unavailable.

Another restore magicka potion could fix that, if there wasn't a small earthquake going on at that moment; Loranna struggles to keep her footing, seeing her father scrambling to maintain his perch.

"Dad!" she yells, casting a Fortify Agility spell at him; the floor shakes again and she stumbles.

*




"I hate Nords," Doll whispered to herself, within the Void. Why did he have to brag, when he was so near his goal? Whose idea was it to put the stupid braggart in charge of the essential goal anyway?

Doll took a deep breath, like someone about to dive under water, and stepped out of the Void, casting her telekinetic spells on Gram's clothing, to help him hold his place.

Posted by: Aki May 22 2005, 07:47 AM

Reichi clung to the creature's head, and kicked it several times to remind it of this fact. He howled loudly into it's ear before scamping over to the arm that had revealed a Dwemeri device. He climbed onto it, reaching for the Ebony focusing cystal thingy.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich May 22 2005, 08:00 AM

Slyvos was similiarly restrained like Loranna, unable to cast his best spells. The abomination, in a last ditch effort, converted the drained magicka into a ray of necromantic energies, trying to blast them all, but unable to aim while shaking Gram off, causing it to hit the ceiling.

Posted by: Loranna May 22 2005, 08:10 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ May 22 2005, 02:00 AM)

Slyvos was similiarly restrained like Loranna, unable to cast his best spells. The abomination, in a last ditch effort, converted the drained magicka into a ray of necromantic energies, trying to blast them all, but unable to aim while shaking Gram off, causing it to hit the ceiling.

*





Loranna casts spell absorbtion on the party as she sees the necromantic ray flare into being, her potions overcoming the magicka drain enough to let her cast her better spells.

Gram catches sight of Doll as he feels his clothes being grapsed as by unseen hands, and he grins, giving the young woman a wink. "Thank you, lass," he says, before turning to look at the power source.

Frostkiss went up, and came down in a single, swift, silent blow; the freezing blade slices through the creature's 'heart', splitting it perfectly in two. Gram would have roared in triumph, but the now destroyed device burst forth with a firery blast, engulfing him in the confines of the golem's ribcage, and catching Reichi as well as the flames immolate the golem.

And then, the blast dying down, the giant skeletal beast begins to topple, bones raining down.


Posted by: Shardie May 22 2005, 08:12 AM

The Changerooms of Lost Souls, Gauntlet of Heroes, Oblivion

Chimes were heard, "The Gauntlet of Heroes shall resume in one minute. All those taking part, prepare to get warped" the voice over the intercom said, as Maranda put her newly tailored coat back on, it seems they put a fireproof enchantment on it so it would not get burnt... how nice of them. They had done a good job, she thought, as the lost souls drifted by her, somthing that did not suprise her one bit. Looking around the room, she saw a number of potions stored. She grabbed a few, and put them in her bag, three restore Magica, and three restore health, as the minute was up, and Maranda felt herself being warped to the next room.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich May 22 2005, 08:13 AM

Slyvos grins, before shouting to everyone.

'Get out of here now! this whole place is gonna collapse!'

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 22 2005, 08:19 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ May 22 2005, 01:13 AM)

Slyvos grins, before shouting to everyone.

'Get out of here now! this whole place is gonna collapse!'

*




Doll did not need to be told twice. But she had been trained to be the last one out of a dangerous situation. She, as a Void Ranger, could escape at the last possible minute.

"Hurry, everyone!" she shouted, casting a cold spell at Gram, knowing that it wouldn't harm him.

Posted by: Aki May 22 2005, 08:20 AM

Reichi leapt off the Golem, his fur rather singed, and headed quickly out of the basement, and the tower.

Posted by: Arynel May 22 2005, 08:21 AM

Arynel then came to a woman who was well dressed and would normally be unapproachable, but was this moment found with her nose buried into a blossom in a small garden. She was well dressed, with extravagant clothing and though aged she still bore a regal beauty.

Looking up towards the Breton, her face took on a surprised expression, “What are you doing here?” She asked, “Do you have an invitation? If you do not I will call the guards.”

“I have come so that I may at last be at peace with my own presence,” Arynel answered, “for as the runaway returns home, so does the child to the mother who long ago cast him out.”

“You speak deception,” the woman said, “Truly I say that I have no borne no children in all my years.”

“You have borne one, though you would deny it,” Arynel said, “for I am he who was born to you, seed sewn of temptation and fruit borne of mingling moans, in all ways illicit and bastard son and am returned to set henceforth right what has hither for been wrong.”

The woman gasped and opened her arms as if to embrace him, but then dropped them low instead and clenched her hands into fists, saying, “You are as a seed which should have never been planted, I will not be held responsible for mistakes of my childhood, for none shall know that a lowly son of a mage would catch the heart of one such as I, be gone with you, or I shall call the guards.”

“Call them, then, if you will, but I come and cannot be discouraged, my presence is an omen towards mending relations, so that I am as an ambassador in my own country,” Arynel said, “for as the son comes forth from the mother so he leaves her, so now I return and the two, son and mother, once again are in one place, and I come with better eyes, which have seen many things, and it is for this that I come, so that lines ones broken may be restored, and the resulting amalgamation culminate in resolution tuned transformation.”

“Bother me no more,” the woman said, “do what you will and be gone with you.”

“I have already bade my greetings, and extolled my tells,” Arynel said, “I am unsure no longer, and my own presence is no more a thing of the chaotic, I am at peace, and so adjoined are mother and son, and so I depart.”

With that, the Breton left that place.


Posted by: Loranna May 22 2005, 08:23 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 22 2005, 02:19 AM)

Doll did not need to be told twice. But she had been trained to be the last one out of a dangerous situation. She, as a Void Ranger, could escape at the last possible minute.

"Hurry, everyone!"  she shouted, casting a cold spell at Gram, knowing that it wouldn't harm him.

*





Seeing the explosion, Loranna had given voice to a wordless cry, kicking herself for not shoring up her father with resist fire spells beforehand. She casts a slowfall spell at him at the same time Doll cast her cold spell, and follows that with a healing spell as Gram lands on his feet.

"HA! The day is ours!" he roars, raising his axe over his head.

"Yes it is - now get moving you old fool!" Loranna yells, casting Fortify Speed on everyone before bolting - and dragging Gram and Slyvos along if she has to.


Posted by: Dagoth Lich May 22 2005, 08:30 AM

Slyvos and the others hurry out of the tower, reaching the exit just in time for it to collaspe on them after getting out.

'damn that was too freakin close...'

They watched as the tower began to collapse in on itself, the last monument to slyvos's lich side decimated at last.

Posted by: Loranna May 22 2005, 08:37 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ May 22 2005, 02:30 AM)

Slyvos and the others hurry out of the tower, reaching the exit just in time for it to collaspe on them after getting out.

'damn that was too freakin close...'

They watched as the tower began to collapse in on itself, the last monument to slyvos's lich side decimated at last.

*





"Aye," Loranna says, casting healing spells on everyone as she always does after combat. "Pity about your things though dear ..." she says, giving Slyvos a small, but warm, smile.

"Haha! Well done, everyone!" Gram laughs. "A terrible monster destroyed and a monument to a departed lich crumbled all in one stroke!"

Loranna turns to look at her father, frowning. Gram turns to face her. "What? We have won the day, why this long face?"

"You could have been burned to a cinder back there," Loranna mutters. "You realize that, right?"

"Ha; my shield was with me and you and your friends were at my back," Gram says. "You worry too much Loranna; you always have."


Posted by: Allerleirauh May 22 2005, 08:40 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 22 2005, 01:37 AM)

"Aye," Loranna says, casting healing spells on everyone as she always does after combat.  "Pity about your things though dear ..." she says, giving Slyvos a small, but warm, smile.

"Haha!  Well done, everyone!" Gram laughs.  "A terrible monster destroyed and a monument to a departed lich crumbled all in one stroke!"

Loranna turns to look at her father, frowning.  Gram turns to face her.  "What?  We have won the day, why this long face?"

"You could have been burned to a cinder back there," Loranna mutters.  "You realize that, right?"

"Ha; my shield was with me and you and your friends were at my back," Gram says.  "You worry too much Loranna; you always have."

*




"You do worry too much, Loranna," Doll said. "And I still want to know Slyvos's nickname."

She winked at Nalion, then walked ahead, leading the way to the Skaal village surprisingly quickly for someone with such short legs. Unlike the Nords, she was cold.

Posted by: Nalion May 22 2005, 08:43 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 22 2005, 08:40 AM)

"You do worry too much, Loranna,"  Doll said. "And I still want to know Slyvos's nickname."

She winked at Nalion, then walked ahead, leading the way to the Skaal village surprisingly quickly for someone with such short legs. Unlike the Nords, she was cold.

*




Nalion quickened his steps to catch up with Doll.
"You shiver, dear." he said softly and and fumbled with the clasp of his cloak to put it around her shoulder.
"How do you feel?" the mage asked.

Posted by: Arynel May 22 2005, 08:44 AM

When the party arrived at the Skaal Village they would find Arynel there awaiting them. The Breton had previously visited Dante, Ciel, Aricyn and Marein Night Scar, and had now come to finish his business.

"Greetings, all," the Breton said, "once some of you had something which I had given, and I do believe that you still have it. The shards, pieces of a blade which we used not so long ago to end the threat of blue dawn, I ask for them returned to me, for whatever price you are willing to part with them."

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 22 2005, 08:46 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ May 22 2005, 01:43 AM)

Nalion quickened his steps to catch up with Doll.
"You shiver, dear." he said softly and and fumbled with the clasp of his cloak to put it around her shoulder.
"How do you feel?" the mage asked.

*




"Warmer," Doll said. "But now you're cold. Not very sensible."

She greeted Arynel with a nod; he was a master, but not her master.

Posted by: Shardie May 22 2005, 08:49 AM

The Hall of Illusion, Gauntlet of Heroes, Oblivion

Maranda looked around the room she was now in... It was dark, but not completly so, she could strangly enough still see rather well. What was this she was standing on? It looked like a black sea... but it felt solid, but like jelly to the touch... Maranda drew her sword, and cast shock apon it... as Maranda looked around... there seemed to be no walls... then the announcement came, followed by cheering, "Welcome back, loyal viewers to our Gauntlet of Heroes! After the brief inttermission show, we are back to the challange. Now who is the next "Hero" Maranda must fight? Why, from the Provence of Cyrodiil, comes everyones favorate nightblade," music started up in the background, the type of battle music one would normally find in a cheesey Japanese RPG, "Cerius!" the invisible cround cheered once more, as a blob appeared, and slowly, but surely formed into a man, holding two daedric Shortblades in his hands, and a strange sort of Daedric Light Armour... "I think I know how this one will go..." she said, thinking aloud, "This is the hall of Illusion, right, so then there will be many illusions..."
"Don't be so sure," Cerius replied, as he melted back into the jelly like ground. Maranda readied her sword...

Posted by: Loranna May 22 2005, 08:54 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ May 22 2005, 02:44 AM)

When the party arrived at the Skaal Village they would find Arynel there awaiting them.  The Breton had previously visited Dante, Ciel, and Marein Night Scar, and had now come to finish his business.

"Greetings, all," the Breton said, "once some of you had something which I had given, and I do believe that you still have it.  The shards, pieces of a blade which we used not so long ago to end the threat of blue dawn, I ask for them returned to me, for whatever price you are willing to part with them."

*





Gram, upon returning to the Skaal Village, had greeted the locals with the words "We return triumphant; the lich's tower is no more. A giant beast to tremble the walls of even the greaatest castle stood against us in the end, but fell to the strength of heroes - now come lads and share a drink with me, for I am thirsty and talkative, and would share my company with stout souls such as yourselves!"

Loranna leaves Gram to his loquatious greeting, and turns to Arynel, smiling. "Arynel dear what's this silly talk of price?" she asks, chuckling. "You asked; that's enough. One moment ..."

With a wink, Loranna rubs Jazbet's ring, and turns invisible; she fades into view a moment later, bearing a metal shard. "Here."


Posted by: Dagoth Lich May 22 2005, 08:56 AM

Slyvos just looks at Gram, intending to talk to the man later. He sighed, knowing that at least the man was better then his own father.

'well, looks like that old tower isn't going to be a refuge anymore...'

Posted by: Nalion May 22 2005, 08:58 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ May 22 2005, 08:44 AM)

When the party arrived at the Skaal Village they would find Arynel there awaiting them.  The Breton had previously visited Dante, Ciel, and Marein Night Scar, and had now come to finish his business.

"Greetings, all," the Breton said, "once some of you had something which I had given, and I do believe that you still have it.  The shards, pieces of a blade which we used not so long ago to end the threat of blue dawn, I ask for them returned to me, for whatever price you are willing to part with them."

*






QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 22 2005, 08:46 AM)

"Warmer,"  Doll said. "But now you're cold. Not very sensible."

She greeted Arynel with a nod;  he was a master, but not her master.

*




"It's all right, my robe is warm enough. And sometimes, not everything has to be sensible. See, we're already there." Nalion answered with a smile, then he turned to Arynel.

"Well met, my friend." he greeted him with an indicated bow. "Yes, I still have it, I would not lose such a wondrous thing."
Nalion opened a leather cylinder in which he used to store scrolls and took out an item wrapped in a clean piece of cloth. The mage carefully removed the cloth and revealed one shard of Arynels sword, the shard he used to strike the Pillar of Azura as he mantled Julianos.
He held out the shard towards Arynel.
"What was but lent shall be returned, as it was done at the end of the blue dawn, so it shall be done now."

Posted by: Arynel May 22 2005, 09:02 AM

Arynel smiled, "To you both I give my thanks, and my graditude."

The Breton took the shards, and added them to those he had already gathered.

"I apologize, for I must be on my way."

With that the Breton turned and walked off.

***

Arynel opened the door to the guildhouse in Daggerfall, and went looking for Allerleirauh.

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 22 2005, 09:05 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ May 22 2005, 02:02 AM)

Arynel smiled, "To you both I give my thanks, and my graditude."

The Breton took the shards, and added them to those he had already gathered.

"I apologize, for I must be on my way."

With that the Breton turned and walked off.

***

Arynel opened the door to the guildhouse in Daggerfall, and went looking for Allerleirauh.

*




"There you are," Allerleirauh said, meeting Arynel on the stairway. "It has been a day. Now I need to hire a new headmistress for the school next door. And Dragon yelled at me for not delegating authority."

She hesitated, and fell silent, looking at him a long moment.

"You smell different."

Posted by: Arynel May 22 2005, 09:07 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 22 2005, 01:05 AM)

"There you are,"  Allerleirauh said, meeting Arynel on the stairway.  "It has been a day. Now I need to hire a new headmistress for the school next door. And Dragon yelled at me for not delegating authority."

She hesitated, and fell silent, looking at him a long moment.

"You smell different."

*





"I come adorned in the semblance of the new." Arynel said, "the shard, if you still have it, and are willing to offer it, I would ask to have it."

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 22 2005, 09:14 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ May 22 2005, 02:07 AM)

"I come adorned in the semblance of the new."  Arynel said, "the shard, if you still have it, and are willing to offer it, I would ask to have it."

*




"If I give it, how shall I hold you?" Allerleirauh said, laughing as if she was making a joke, although her brows were drawn together. "It is yours, as it ever was."

The shard was in a pouch at her belt. She gave it to him.

Posted by: Arynel May 22 2005, 09:17 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 22 2005, 01:14 AM)

"If I give it, how shall I hold you?"  Allerleirauh said, laughing as if she was making a joke, although her brows were drawn together.  "It is yours, as it ever was."

The shard was in a pouch at her belt. She gave it to him.

*





He embraced her.

"I must go now, and reforge my blade." Arynel said, "I will return when I am finished."

The Breton turned and left.

Posted by: Shardie May 22 2005, 09:18 AM

The Hall of Illusion, Gauntlet of Heroes, Oblivion


QUOTE

Maranda looked around the room she was now in... It was dark, but not completly so, she could strangly enough still see rather well. What was this she was standing on? It looked like a black sea... but it felt solid, but like jelly to the touch... Maranda drew her sword, and cast shock apon it... as Maranda looked around... there seemed to be no walls... then the announcement came, followed by cheering, "Welcome back, loyal viewers to our Gauntlet of Heroes! After the brief inttermission show, we are back to the challange. Now who is the next "Hero" Maranda must fight? Why, from the Provence of Cyrodiil, comes everyones favorate nightblade," music started up in the background, the type of battle music one would normally find in a cheesey Japanese RPG, "Cerius!" the invisible cround cheered once more, as a blob appeared, and slowly, but surely formed into a man, holding two daedric Shortblades in his hands, and a strange sort of Daedric Light Armour... "I think I know how this one will go..." she said, thinking aloud, "This is the hall of Illusion, right, so then there will be many illusions..."
"Don't be so sure," Cerius replied, as he melted back into the jelly like ground. Maranda readied her sword...



To the cheesy boss music, heavy in base, Maranda looked around the room, waiting for Cerius to reapper... "Behind you!" A voice said, as Maranda turned, to find... nothing? A blade slashed its way through her arm, but ignoring the pain, Maranda swung her blade around, passing through the jelly like substance that the Nightblade was made from. But in doind so, it made Cerius release the blade, and go back to the ground... with a lot of effort, She Pulled the shortblade out of her sholder... and then thought of somthing... yes, the pain was ripping through her, but an idea came to her... what if, what if this Cerius is the room itself? Maranda Sheathed her sword, for with only one hand being usable, it was almost imposible to fight effectivly with it, and built up a fireball in her hand, and blasted it to the floor. The area affect spell burnt the jelly... but semingly did nothing else... hang on, she thought again, perhaps all of this is an illusion afterall... as she thought of this, the pain in her arm seemed to dissapear... now she had to find a way to dispell the illusion... wait, she thought once again, dispell... Maranda, using both hands again, drew her sword...



Posted by: Arynel May 22 2005, 09:23 AM

After a time Arynel returned to Allerleirauh, a forlorn expression on the Breton’s face.

“It seems as though I have failed,” he said to her, “I was unable to forge the blade, it is still in shards, even now unmade.”



Posted by: Allerleirauh May 22 2005, 09:31 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ May 22 2005, 02:23 AM)

After a time Arynel returned to Allerleirauh, a forlorn expression on the Breton’s face.

“It seems as though I have failed,” he said to her, “I was unable to forge the blade, it is still in shards, even now unmade.”

*




Allerleirauh put her arms around him.

"You aren't yet perfect? You don't stand where no one has ever stood before? Dearest heart of my heart... should I laugh, or cry? I love you too much to hold you back, but the same love makes me rejoice that you are still in the same world I am, just a little..."

The sound of the passing watchmen's bell came through the window. He could feel her draw breath, quickly, shuddering.

"I'm not asleep," she said. "He'll come, and I'm here, awake. I should go."

Posted by: Arynel May 22 2005, 09:34 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 22 2005, 01:31 AM)

Allerleirauh put her arms around him.

"You aren't yet perfect?  You don't stand where no one has ever stood before? Dearest heart of my heart... should I laugh, or cry?  I love you too much to hold you back, but the same love makes me rejoice that you are still in the same world I am, just a little..."

The sound of the passing watchmen's bell came through the window. He could feel her draw breath, quickly, shuddering.

"I'm not asleep,"  she said. "He'll come, and I'm here, awake. I should go."

*





Arynel looked at Allerleirauh, but, being unsure as what to say, found his own words confused him.

"He'll come?" The Breton mananged at last. "Do what you must, my heart goes with you."

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 22 2005, 09:38 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ May 22 2005, 02:34 AM)

Arynel looked at Allerleirauh, but, being unsure as what to say, found his own words confused him.

"He'll come?"  The Breton mananged at last.  "Do what you must, my heart goes with you."

*




"I am here," the spirit said, from within the darkened room. "Stay or go, Aelis. My business is with him. I see you brought a sword this time."

Posted by: Arynel May 22 2005, 09:39 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 22 2005, 01:38 AM)

"I am here,"  the spirit said, from within the darkened room. "Stay or go, Aelis. My business is with him. I see you brought a sword this time."

*





"I have the pieces," Arynel said, "Though the blade is incomplete."

The Breton glanced at Allerleirauh.

"What do you want of me?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 22 2005, 09:48 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ May 22 2005, 02:39 AM)

"I have the pieces," Arynel said, "Though the blade is incomplete."

The Breton glanced at Allerleirauh.

"What do you want of me?"

*




Allerleirauh stepped away from Arynel. Her eyes were closed, her face lightly glazed with sweat, and her breast rose and fell rapidly with her breath.

The pale light of the gibbous moon fell across the polished floors from the high, paned window. The spirit stepped forward into the light: a man of average height, blue eyes and bearded, neatly attired in huntsman's clothing, with a warrior's sword at his side.

Now he drew the sword.

"It would seem you have a problem," he said. "I told you, there is nothing perfect in this life or the next."

Posted by: Arynel May 22 2005, 09:51 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 22 2005, 01:48 AM)

Allerleirauh stepped away from Arynel. Her eyes were closed, her face lightly glazed with sweat, and her breast rose and fell rapidly with her breath.

The pale light of the gibbous moon fell across the polished floors from the high, paned window. The spirit stepped forward into the light:  a man of average height, blue eyes and bearded, neatly attired in huntsman's clothing, with a warrior's sword at his side.

Now he drew the sword.

"It would seem you have a problem," he said. "I told you, there is nothing perfect in this life or the next."

*





"If what you say is true," Arynel began, "then what is our purpose here? Why should we labor, if there is no fruit?"

The Breton paused, weighing his tongue, "and if there is nothing perfect, in this life or the next, why do you come here?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 22 2005, 09:55 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ May 22 2005, 02:51 AM)

"If what you say is true," Arynel began, "then what is our purpose here?  Why should we labor, if there is no fruit?"

The Breton paused, weighing his tongue, "and if there is nothing perfect, in this life or the next, why do you come here?"

*




"Only a part of me comes here. There are words I could say to her that would make all things right. But I don't know the words. Now, guard yourself, for I am going to cut you into eight pieces, like your sword."

Allerleirauh's lips parted, and she gasped as if she wanted to say something, but she did not speak.

The spirit stepped forward, sword at the ready.

Posted by: Arynel May 22 2005, 09:58 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 22 2005, 01:55 AM)

"Only a part of me comes here. There are words I could say to her that would make all things right. But I don't know the words. Now, guard yourself, for I am going to cut you into eight pieces, like your sword."

Allerleirauh's lips parted, and she gasped as if she wanted to say something, but she did not speak.

The spirit stepped forward, sword at the ready.

*





"You cannot." Arynel said plainly, "for if I die, so will the words you seek."

The Breton stood still, he did not move, he did not flinch, he only waited.


Posted by: Allerleirauh May 22 2005, 10:02 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ May 22 2005, 02:58 AM)

"You cannot."  Arynel said plainly, "for if I die, so will the words you seek."

The Breton stood still, he did not move, he did not flinch, he only waited.

*




"Give me the words, if you have them, boy with the tongue like a sword."

Now Allerleirauh opened her eyes. She looked frightened, still, but no longer like someone trapped in a nightmare.

Posted by: Arynel May 22 2005, 10:13 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 22 2005, 02:02 AM)

"Give me the words, if you have them, boy with the tongue like a sword."

Now Allerleirauh opened her eyes. She looked frightened, still, but no longer like someone trapped in a nightmare.

*





Arynel looked at him and took a breath.

“To rule without conquering, let the king bow down before the peasant, let the master bow down before the slave, rule through service and none will have leave to call you unjust.” The Breton said. “To make things right with her, render unto her the power which you wield above her, say ‘what is mine I surrender now to you, and it is yours forever,’ and then hold power here no more.”


Posted by: Allerleirauh May 22 2005, 10:17 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ May 22 2005, 03:13 AM)

Arynel looked at him and took a breath.

“To rule without conquering, let the king bow down before the peasant, let the master bow down before the slave, rule through service and none will have leave to call you unjust.”  The Breton said.  “To make things right with her, render unto her the power which you wield above her, say ‘what is mine I surrender now to you, and it is yours forever,’ and then hold power here no more.”

*




Now the spirit laughed so loud that the stones themselves shook as if the house would fall. Allerleirauh clutched at Arynel, then loosed him, with a look that said she would not hinder his sword arm. Her hands flew to her throat, as if she might somehow be able to free the words trapped there.

"I will not yield my dominion, boy. Draw, and face me. Now you die."





Posted by: Arynel May 22 2005, 10:20 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 22 2005, 02:17 AM)

Now the spirit laughed so loud that the stones themselves shook as if the house would fall. Allerleirauh clutched at Arynel, then loosed him, with a look that said she would not hinder his sword arm. Her hands flew to her throat, as if she might somehow be able to free the words trapped there.

"I will not yield my dominion, boy. Draw, and face me. Now you die."

*





Arynel swallowed.

"If I shall die, here, then I ask that you grant me a passing request," the Breton said, "Tell me of your heart's desire, for what were you seeking, in all of your labors?"

Posted by: Rhedd May 22 2005, 10:22 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 22 2005, 02:17 AM)

Now the spirit laughed so loud that the stones themselves shook as if the house would fall.

*



Downstairs, Aricyn stood straight up from the table. He watched as his pewter mug rattled itself onto the floor.

Above his head, the herb bundles and coneys swung wildly on the kitchen rafters.

More than the shaking was the feeling; A feeling he couldn't quite place.

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 22 2005, 10:36 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ May 22 2005, 03:20 AM)

Arynel swallowed.

"If I shall die, here, then I ask that you grant me a passing request," the Breton said, "Tell me of your heart's desire, for what were you seeking, in all of your labors?"

*




Ghosts suffer from strange compulsions; and it seemed Arynel had made a request the spirit could not refuse.

"You ask to hear my dream? A dream of dominion, yes: but of freedom within dominion, the lord serving his people, the people obeying orders that exactly match their own deepest desires, and the desires so benevolent that no harm can come from them. This land, this starry heart, blessed and perfected. I dreamed that the worker should receive his wage, that the mother should cherish her child, the wronged find justice and the wise teach wisdom, that the youth should honor their antecedents and the father protect his children. A land where all are heroes, yet with leisure to appreciate beauty."

As he spoke, the shards from within Arynel's cloak flew into the air, forming a spinning wheel. The wheel turned, and became a tower. The tower elongated, and at last was a sword, the hilt oriented towards Arynel's hand.

Allerleirauh, at long last, spoke. "Now you're going to get it, you hypocritical bastard."

Posted by: Arynel May 22 2005, 10:39 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 22 2005, 02:36 AM)

Ghosts suffer from strange compulsions;  and it seemed Arynel had made a request the spirit could not refuse.

"You ask to hear my dream?  A dream of dominion, yes:  but of freedom within dominion, the lord serving his people, the people obeying orders that exactly match their own deepest desires, and the desires so benevolent that no harm can come from them. This land, this starry heart, blessed and perfected. I dreamed that the worker should receive his wage, that the mother should cherish her child, the wronged find justice and the wise teach wisdom, that the youth should honor their antecedents and the father protect his children. A land where all are heroes, yet with leisure to appreciate beauty."

As he spoke, the shards from within Arynel's cloak flew into the air, forming a spinning wheel. The wheel turned, and became a tower. The tower elongated, and at last was a sword, the hilt oriented towards Arynel's hand.

Allerleirauh, at long last, spoke. "Now you're going to get it, you hypocritical bastard."

*





Arynel reached out and took the sword, then looked at the spirit.

"Leave this place!" The Breton said, gripping the hilt.


Posted by: Solin May 22 2005, 10:41 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 22 2005, 03:17 AM)

Now the spirit laughed so loud that the stones themselves shook as if the house would fall.

*




In the guild house's library, Solin sits writing a note in his book.

He raises an eyebrow as his pen jumps and creates an unsightly streak of ink across his page. Untroubled, he merely tears out the page and begins anew.

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 22 2005, 10:41 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ May 22 2005, 03:39 AM)

Arynel reached out and took the sword, then looked at the spirit.

"Leave this place!"  The Breton said, gripping the hilt.

*




In reply, the spirit switched his grip on his own sword, and drove the blade straight for Arynel's throat. He was clearly an expert swordsman, if a little rusty.

Posted by: Arynel May 22 2005, 10:43 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 22 2005, 02:41 AM)

In reply, the spirit switched his grip on his own sword, and drove the blade straight for Arynel's throat. He was clearly an expert swordsman, if a little rusty.

*





Arynel sidestepped the attack and countered with one of his own, the Breton's blade sliced through the air towards the spirit's upper torso.

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 22 2005, 10:48 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ May 22 2005, 03:43 AM)

Arynel sidestepped the attack and countered with one of his own, the Breton's blade sliced through the air towards the spirit's upper torso.

*




As the blade struck, the spirit gave a terrible cry, not like a man but not like a wraith either - like some great beast, like an ancient hunting horn, like the tolling of the biggest bell in the tower. It was a sound that seemed as if it should be familiar, even though none present had ever heard it before.

By the time the blade had finished its sweep, the spirit was gone.

Allerleirauh fell to her knees. It was difficult to tell if she was giving thanks, or simply fainting.

Posted by: Arynel May 22 2005, 10:49 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 22 2005, 02:48 AM)

As the blade struck, the spirit gave a terrible cry, not like a man but not like a wraith either - like some great beast, like an ancient hunting horn, like the tolling of the biggest bell in the tower. It was a sound that seemed as if it should be familiar, even though none present had ever heard it before.

By the time the blade had finished its sweep, the spirit was gone.

Allerleirauh fell to her knees. It was difficult to tell if she was giving thanks, or simply fainting.

*





Arynel put away his sword and ran to Allerleirauh, embracing her.

"Are you alright?" The Breton asked.

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 22 2005, 10:50 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ May 22 2005, 03:49 AM)

Arynel put away his sword and ran to Allerleirauh, embracing her.

"Are you alright?"  The Breton asked.

*




In answer she kissed him, with great enthusiasm.

Posted by: Rhedd May 22 2005, 10:52 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 22 2005, 02:48 AM)

As the blade struck, the spirit gave a terrible cry, not like a man but not like a wraith either - like some great beast, like an ancient hunting horn, like the tolling of the biggest bell in the tower. It was a sound that seemed as if it should be familiar, even though none present had ever heard it before.

By the time the blade had finished its sweep, the spirit was gone.

Allerleirauh fell to her knees. It was difficult to tell if she was giving thanks, or simply fainting.

*




Aricyn had just reluctantly returned to his chair, the uneasy feeling lingering, when he heard the noise.

It took him five strides to cover the fifty steps of the staircase, and the heavy door to Allerleirauh's room burst open before his shoulder.

His hair was plastered to his face with cold sweat as he stared at the two lone occupants of the room.

Posted by: Arynel May 22 2005, 10:55 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ May 22 2005, 02:52 AM)

Aricyn had just reluctantly returned to his chair, the uneasy feeling lingering, when he heard the noise.

It took him five strides to cover the fifty steps of the staircase, and the heavy door to Allerleirauh's room burst open before his shoulder.

His hair was plastered to his face with cold sweat as he stared at the two lone occupants of the room.

*





Arynel returned the kiss to Allerleirauh, and then looked up towards Aricyn.

"Too much has happened here," the Breton said, "Too much to tell, and I fear I may not yet understand the whole of it. We need time to rest."

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 22 2005, 11:01 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ May 22 2005, 03:55 AM)

Arynel returned the kiss to Allerleirauh, and then looked up towards Aricyn.

"Too much has happened here," the Breton said, "Too much to tell, and I fear I may not yet understand the whole of it.  We need time to rest."

*




"The baby, I need to see the baby," Allerleirauh said. She knew she was behaving slightly irrationally, but couldn't help herself. She walked right past the two men, and found Sen-Yedda in her cradle in the next room, with Jalian. Though Jalian had her sword out, ready for anything, Sen-Yedda greeted her with an enormous yawn, scrunching up her fists and stretching. Allerleirauh picked her up and buried her nose in the baby's hair.

By the time she returned to the others, she had regained her composure.

"All is well," she said, smiling. The words carried more than their usual meaning.

"It's my hope that this may help us find a solution to the ghost problem. In a way it's a pity we didn't think to tell him to command them, like an army, to go away. Surely he is their natural master."

Posted by: Rhedd May 22 2005, 11:03 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 22 2005, 03:01 AM)

"The baby, I need to see the baby,"  Allerleirauh said. She knew she was behaving slightly irrationally, but couldn't help herself. She walked right past the two men, and found Sen-Yedda in her cradle in the next room, with Jalian. Though Jalian had her sword out, ready for anything, Sen-Yedda greeted her with an enormous yawn, scrunching up her fists and stretching.  Allerleirauh picked her up and buried her nose in the baby's hair.

By the time she returned to the others, she had regained her composure.

"All is well,"  she said, smiling. The words carried more than their usual meaning.

"It's my hope that this may help us find a solution to the ghost problem. In a way it's a pity we didn't think to tell him to command them, like an army, to go away. Surely he is their natural master."

*




Aricyn stood as if he were drunk. His face continued to be slick with sweat and his eyes were wide and dark.

"What...?"

Posted by: Arynel May 22 2005, 11:04 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 22 2005, 03:01 AM)

"The baby, I need to see the baby,"  Allerleirauh said. She knew she was behaving slightly irrationally, but couldn't help herself. She walked right past the two men, and found Sen-Yedda in her cradle in the next room, with Jalian. Though Jalian had her sword out, ready for anything, Sen-Yedda greeted her with an enormous yawn, scrunching up her fists and stretching.  Allerleirauh picked her up and buried her nose in the baby's hair.

By the time she returned to the others, she had regained her composure.

"All is well,"  she said, smiling. The words carried more than their usual meaning.

"It's my hope that this may help us find a solution to the ghost problem. In a way it's a pity we didn't think to tell him to command them, like an army, to go away. Surely he is their natural master."

*





"Perhaps he is." Arynel said.

The Breton stood as if saved from the maws of an open abyss. He took a breath and relaxed.

Posted by: S'reddit May 22 2005, 10:18 PM

Solunastra

Bosriel dreamed she was in the Void, rolling like a leaf in the wind around the Guildhouse, peeking into rooms at the sleeping children, feeling her ancient hunger grow. It would be easy enough to reach through with her telekinetic touch and awaken one of them, lure him or her (a little blond boy with flesh like a peach, a chubby little red-headed girl …) to a corner, to the stairs, to some place where the angles met with possibilities, and she could drag them into her world without so much as a cry …

In the third floor of the Guildhouse, she saw a little girl she had never seen before. Black as a shadow. Sleeping soundly. She reached out to draw back the covers of the bed, and then she saw the monster in the corner, watching the girl sleep.

The girl was herself. The monster was Leseth, her only friend.

Bosriel awoke. She looked at Leseth and blinked. Where was this place?


Posted by: Rhedd May 22 2005, 10:27 PM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ May 22 2005, 02:18 PM)

Solunastra

Bosriel dreamed she was in the Void, rolling like a leaf in the wind around the Guildhouse, peeking into rooms at the sleeping children, feeling her ancient hunger grow.  It would be easy enough to reach through with her telekinetic touch and awaken one of them, lure him or her (a little blond boy with flesh like a peach, a chubby little red-headed girl …) to a corner, to the stairs, to some place where the angles met with possibilities, and she could drag them into her world without so much as a cry …

In the third floor of the Guildhouse, she saw a little girl she had never seen before.  Black as a shadow.  Sleeping soundly.  She reached out to draw back the covers of the bed, and then she saw the monster in the corner, watching the girl sleep.

The girl was herself.  The monster was Leseth, her only friend.

Bosriel awoke.  She looked at Leseth and blinked.  Where was this place?

*





Leseth had quietly watched the child... the monster... sleep for hours. He had thought her destroyed by the Eidolon. He had thought that was for the best.

Now, the ancient little girl was here, in the real world. That would make her no longer his concern. For some reason, he could not convince himself of this.

She opened her little eyes and blinked at him, and he stared back for a moment before speaking.

"Are you hungry?"

Posted by: S'reddit May 22 2005, 10:35 PM

Solunastra


QUOTE(Rhedd @ May 22 2005, 01:27 PM)

"Are you hungry?"

*





'No,' said Bosriel. 'Not even a little bit.'

She sat up in bed, and breathed in deeply.

'There aren't any smells in the Void,' she said. 'How can people concentrate in this world with so many smells in the air?'

Posted by: Rhedd May 22 2005, 10:39 PM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ May 22 2005, 02:35 PM)

Solunastra
'No,' said Bosriel. 'Not even a little bit.'

She sat up in bed, and breathed in deeply.

'There aren't any smells in the Void,' she said. 'How can people concentrate in this world with so many smells in the air?'

*




Leseth raised on dark eyebrow at the answer, but it was an answer that pleased him.

He sniffed through his long, sharp nose. He knew what she meant about the smells. In the windowless room the scent all who had passed there for days lingered in the air, along with the smells from Igba's kitchen and a faint hint of the garden roses and the stables.

"They don't," he answered.

"Take your time."

Posted by: S'reddit May 22 2005, 10:46 PM

Solunastra


QUOTE(Rhedd @ May 22 2005, 01:39 PM)

"Take your time."

*





Bosriel pulled the pillow to her cheek, and rubbed it gently. It smelled of soap and wind. Carefully, she sat up and put one foot on to the ground. And then the other.

The little girl tried to stand, but fell to the ground.

‘I have not felt ground beneath my feet for twelve hundred years,’ she said with a steady voice, though tears were falling from her burning eyes. ‘Are they going to kill me?’



Posted by: Rhedd May 22 2005, 10:51 PM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ May 22 2005, 02:46 PM)

Solunastra
Bosriel pulled the pillow to her cheek, and rubbed it gently.  It smelled of soap and wind.  Carefully, she sat up and put one foot on to the ground.  And then the other.

The little girl tried to stand, but fell to the ground.

‘I have not felt ground beneath my feet for twelve hundred years,’ she said with a steady voice, though tears were falling from her burning eyes. ‘Are they going to kill me?’

*




Lesth's dark hand reached out like lightning, and he caught the frail little girl.

"I see no need to kill you."

Extending the other huge arm from his cloak, Leseth reached around and, very gently, hugged her.

Posted by: S'reddit May 22 2005, 10:55 PM

Solunastra


QUOTE(Rhedd @ May 22 2005, 01:51 PM)

Lesth's dark hand reached out like lightning, and he caught the frail little girl.

"I see no need to kill you."

Extending the other huge arm from his cloak, Leseth reached around and, very gently, hugged her.

*





Bosriel gasped and then returned the embrace, her cold dark skin leaving blooms of frost against Leseth's armor.

'I tried calling your name,' she sobbed. 'But I knew you couldn't hear me. No one could hear me where I was. I'm free, Leseth. I'm finally free.'


Posted by: Rhedd May 22 2005, 11:01 PM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ May 22 2005, 02:55 PM)

Solunastra
Bosriel gasped and then returned the embrace, her cold dark skin leaving blooms of frost against Leseth's armor.

'I tried calling your name,' she sobbed. 'But I knew you couldn't hear me.  No one could hear me where I was.  I'm free, Leseth.  I'm finally free.'

*




Boxes were not the only prisons the world offered, and true freedom was as lonely as the Void. Leseth knew this well, but he did not say it.

He only hugged her a bit harder.

"And what will you do with this freedom?"

Posted by: S'reddit May 22 2005, 11:06 PM

Solunastra


QUOTE(Rhedd @ May 22 2005, 02:01 PM)

"And what will you do with this freedom?"

*





‘Just live,’ she said, very seriously, rubbing her hands across her eyes. ‘I have watched people, but I know I have a lot to learn. I want to always be as happy as I am now. And I want to be nice ... I want to be good ... if I can.’


Posted by: Issa_Yojimbo May 22 2005, 11:11 PM

Solstheim

Issa Yojimbo stood out in the cold, gazing longingly at the horizon to the southeast.

He was happy for Loranna that she was finally reunited with Gram, but this reminded him of his own relationships, and it made him bitter inside.

He could wait no more. He would leave, telling no one.

He crossed the frozen wastelands of Solstheim, angrily cutting any foe that crossed his path.

Finally, the Dunmer came to Fort Frostmoth, where he set sail to his destination.

When he arrived on Vvardenfel, his soul wept at what he saw. It was as they said. Nearly the entire province was in smoldering ruins, leftovers from the Blue Dawn. His spirit was crushed, but deep inside, he hoped that his mother and sister were still alive.

All he had left was hope.

Posted by: Rhedd May 22 2005, 11:11 PM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ May 22 2005, 03:06 PM)

Solunastra
‘Just live,’ she said, very seriously, rubbing her hands across her eyes. ‘I have watched people, but I know I have a lot to learn.  I want to always be as happy as I am now.  And I want to be nice ... I want to be good ... if I can.’

*




"To be 'good' one must have a point of reference," he said. "You are in a good place."

"When the sun falls, I shall show you the garden."

Posted by: S'reddit May 22 2005, 11:16 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ May 22 2005, 02:11 PM)

"To be 'good' one must have a point of reference," he said. "You are in a good place."

"When the sun falls, I shall show you the garden."

*





'Thank you,' the little girl said, smiling. It was smile of pure innocence, but her eyes still held many lifetimes of horror. 'Thank you.'




Posted by: Loranna May 22 2005, 11:46 PM

Solstheim

The night had been one of celebration, of heroic deeds recounted and song sung as only Nords can sing, voices shaking the rafters. Gram had been laughing and telling the story of the party's fight against the mighty lich-giant; Loranna, Doll, and Slyvos were recounted in glowing terms while Reichi - whose werewolf nature somehow did not make the tale, nor did Slyvos's past as the previous owner of the tower - was spoken of as valorous and crafty, taking the fight to the giant while Gram did climb into its belly to strike its heart in twain. The Skaal, finally free of the shadow of the unnatural menace, gave thanks and celebrated.

Even Loranna, who was not the most appreciative of her father's boisterousness, found herself smiling at the party, though she did roll her eyes once or twice when Gram found a Skaal maiden to hang on his arm. But the mead was good and the food was hot and flavorful, and in the end she, like most people, went to bed cheerful and content.

When morning comes, Gram wakes, yawning like a bear; he smiles in appreciation of having slept indoors for the first time in a week, then winces as the hangover hits. Well, that was easy enough to deal with; rising and pulling on his pants he steps outside and dunks his head into a snowbank, then throws his head back and breathes deeply of the fresh, crisp air, drawning breath as though the air would vanish any moment. A moment later he was fine.

The day was promising to be a good one already; Gram decides to sit and relax for a bit still out of doors, and finds himself a quiet little spot on the outskirts to think, his brow furrowing in thought.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Yesterday, 12:50 AM

Slyvos was haunted still by the dreams of what he had done during those past 4000 years, and they still gave him no rest. He woke up early, only to find Gram outside as well.

'well well, looks like I'm not the only one up.'

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 12:53 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ May 22 2005, 06:50 PM)

Slyvos was haunted still by the dreams of what he had done during those past 4000 years, and they still gave him no rest. He woke up early, only to find Gram outside as well.

'well well, looks like I'm not the only one up.'

*





Gram looks over at Slyvos. "Ah, the Khajiit's awake," he says. "I thought you'd be sleeping in, what with all the excitement."

He grins, but eyes Slyvos appraisingly, getting to his feet.



Posted by: Dagoth Lich Yesterday, 12:54 AM

'I never sleep well, old man. Too many bad memories to haunt me. What are you doing up?'

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 12:59 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ May 22 2005, 06:54 PM)

'I never sleep well, old man. Too many bad memories to haunt me. What are you doing up?'

*





"Bad memories, eh," Gram says, his hand cupping his bearded chin. "Aye; those can keep a man up many a night, even when in the arms of a fair wench."

"As for myself ... I was ever an early riser," Gram continues. "Least most of the time; some days though, not so early."

He chuckles as though he just made a really good joke.

" ... So, tell me la - er, Slyvos, just what was it that drew you and my daughter together? She was a little sparse on that detail," Gram says, staring evenly at Slyvos.


Posted by: Dagoth Lich Yesterday, 01:06 AM

He looked at him, rasing an eyebrow.

'at first... it was the heartfire ball incident that drew my attention to her. At that point it was Azura that I was interested in. Of course, those emotions I kept locked away as a lich slipped free little by little as I observed Loranna... until well, I can't summarize this part...

He went about telling Gram the whole story, leaving out the trivial parts.

'...and that's how it happened sorta...'



Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 01:15 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ May 22 2005, 07:06 PM)

He looked at him, rasing an eyebrow.

'at first... it was the heartfire ball incident that drew my attention to her. At that point it was Azura that I was interested in. Of course, those emotions I kept locked away as a lich slipped free little by little as I observed Loranna... until well, I can't summarize this part...

He went about telling Gram the whole story, leaving out the trivial parts.

'...and that's how it happened sorta...'

*





"Azura ..." Gram mutters, frowning. "One would have thought the times she spent in those temples as a girl would have gotten Loranna to turn to a good Nordic god instead of a devil. Ah well ..."

Gram's brain tries to figure out the triangle of Loranna, Jazbet, and Slyvos, though he finds it hard to tell what to make of that situation. Still, that Jazbet fellow was dead - even if Slyvos was using his body - with, apparently, approval from Jazbet's ghost ...

"Bah," Gram mutters, "So you're together now and planning on wedding ..." Gram falls silent for a second, then he mutters a bit.

Blast it, he had never been good at this sort of thing; why did he have to deal with these issues all of a sudden.


Posted by: Dagoth Lich Yesterday, 01:20 AM

Slyvos looked curious now.

'the question I want to ask you is... why did you abandon her?! she was just a child, unaware of how the world worked, and you left her in a bar to pursue your own goals!'

He was aggravated here, but was starting to calm down.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 01:24 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ May 22 2005, 07:20 PM)

Slyvos looked curious now.

'the question I want to ask you is... why did you abandon her?! she was just a child, unaware of how the world worked, and you left her in a bar to pursue your own goals!'

He was aggravated here, but was starting to calm down.

*





Gram's face darknes, his brows knitting together angrily. "Watch your tone lad; you're hardly in the position to be judging me. You're not without mistakes of your own as you've admitted."


Posted by: Dagoth Lich Yesterday, 01:25 AM

He calmed down a bit, but was still a bit ticked.

'we've already discussed my problems now haven't we? now it's time to acknowledge you own folly. I ask again, why did you abandon her?'

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 01:35 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ May 22 2005, 07:25 PM)

He calmed down a bit, but was still a bit ticked.

'we've already discussed my problems now haven't we? now it's time to acknowledge you own folly. I ask again, why did you abandon her?'

*





"Folly!" Gram rumbles, clenching his fists. He stares at Slyvos, looking like he's ready to knock the Khajiit's head off. For a long moment the two stare each other down.

Then, slowly, Gram unclenches his fists. "Folly ..." he mutters. "Lad, you have no idea ..."



Posted by: Dagoth Lich Yesterday, 01:37 AM

He looked at Gram, straight in the eyes.

'remember, I'm at least a several thousand years your senior, Gram. I've seen more of this world then you will in your lifetime. And leaving your daughter like that is just one step below what my father did to me.'

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 01:47 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ May 22 2005, 07:37 PM)

He looked at Gram, straight in the eyes.

'remember, I'm at least a several thousand years your senior, Gram. I've seen more of this world then you will in your lifetime. And leaving your daughter like that is just one step below what my father did to me.'

*





Something flickers in the back of Gram's eyes - a momentary glimpse of feelings buried deep.

"It is not the first time a father has committed an offense against his own children," Gram says, his tone less confrontational than before. "And probably not the last; maybe we have more in common than I thought."

"As for Loranna ..." he says, his lips curling into a fearsome frown. " ... Just what possessed her to look for me again, anyway?"



Posted by: Dagoth Lich Yesterday, 01:51 AM

He sighed, starting to feel a bit sorry for Gram. Insanity and Slyvos were bedfellows for quite some time themselves at one point....

'She loves everyone, Gram, though some more then others. I've never seen her hold a grudge against anything save my darker side. And she only went looking for you when she heard about you heading to the Skaal... but please, answer my question, why did you leave her alone?'

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 01:57 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ May 22 2005, 07:51 PM)

He sighed, starting to feel a bit sorry for Gram. Insanity and Slyvos were bedfellows for quite some time themselves at one point....

'She loves everyone, Gram, though some more then others. I've never seen her hold a grudge against anything save my darker side. And she only went looking for you when she heard about you heading to the Skaal... but please, answer my question, why did you leave her alone?'

*





Gram frowns, getting a vibe from Slyvos that doesn't sit well with him; he wasn't the sort of man to enjoy being felt sorry for.

"The simple answer, is that I simply did it," Gram says, brushing some snow off his leg. "There was no plan to leave her behind forever, no active intent to do anything other than what I had done many times before - search for fame and fortune in places too dangerous to bring a child. Only that time I went out and never found my way back to the Imperial City."

Gram looks mildly uncomfortable.


Posted by: Dagoth Lich Yesterday, 02:02 AM

He sighed, understanding.

'I understand... though what you did was wrong, you didn't mean it to be so. I think it's time to tell you why I'm weary of fathers like yourself... my story of what sent me over the edge.'

He took a seat on a random boulder.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 02:06 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ May 22 2005, 08:02 PM)

He sighed, understanding.

'I understand... though what you did was wrong, you didn't mean it to be so. I think it's time to tell you why I'm weary of fathers like yourself... my story of what sent me over the edge.'

He took a seat on a random boulder.

*





"To be honest, sir, you needn't do that," Gram mutters. "What's past is past; why dwell on it?"

However, he sees the look in Slyvos's eye, and the words of a dead barmaid float back to him: Three ghosts from your past, noble warrior; three, maybe more. Be wary ...

Gram sits down. "Tell your tale," he says.




Posted by: Dagoth Lich Yesterday, 02:14 AM

His eyes half-glazed over, as he began telling his story.

'I was a high ranking member of house Dagoth in my first life, long before Ur became so corrupt. My father too, had left me and my mother, to rot alone while he tried to fulfil his delusions of glory. She died taking care of me, killed by her own neighbor in cold blood. My mentor in house Dagoth was killed, by someone looking to take his place. And I was betrayed by a servant of mine. He told my father where I was. you see, the fool had met with me once before... and I hated him the moment I figured out who he was.'

He took a deep breath, and continued.

'He blamed me, for my mother's death; said that I was too much for her to handle. He refused to see that he was the one who caused her death, not me. He wanted his false vengence, and took it out on my family... my wife. He killed her before my very eyes... then I killed him. My children died as the manor collasped. I had lost everything, and swore vengence on the world that had taken everything from me. That is why I became a lich, the fulfill my mad quest for vengence. I lost track of my goal, however, caring only for power. In my hatred... I destroyed my father's soul. He took away all I had, and I wanted to prevent it from happening to anyone else. But I went about it all wrong..'

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 02:34 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ May 22 2005, 08:14 PM)

His eyes half-glazed over, as he began telling his story.

'I was a high ranking member of house Dagoth in my first life, long before Ur became so corrupt. My father too, had left me and my mother, to rot alone while he tried to fulfil his delusions of glory. She died taking care of me, killed by her own neighbor in cold blood. My mentor in house Dagoth was killed, by someone looking to take his place. And I was betrayed by a servant of mine. He told my father where I was. you see, the fool had met with me once before... and I hated him the moment I figured out who he was.'

He took a deep breath, and continued.

'He blamed me, for my mother's death; said that I was too much for her to handle. He refused to see that he was the one who caused her death, not me. He wanted his false vengence, and took it out on my family... my wife. He killed her before my very eyes... then I killed him. My children died as the manor collasped. I had lost everything, and swore vengence on the world that had taken everything from me. That is why I became a lich, the fulfill my mad quest for vengence. I lost track of my goal, however, caring only for power. In my hatred... I destroyed my father's soul. He took away all I had, and I wanted to prevent it from happening to anyone else. But I went about it all wrong..'

*





Gram listens, his face impassive; behind the mask of his features, his mind was working, turning Slyvos's story over and over.

Slyvos's tale was, to be honest, what Gram would have expected from Dark Elves, even way back all those thousands of years ago when their skin had yet to turn as ashen as their hearts; from the sounds of it though Slyvos was not like other Dark Elves, even beyond being in the body of a Khajiit. That was something. The lad ... the man was obviously still deeply pained by his loss, even after so many years, yet he sat down and talked of it with Gram now, who he has little reason to warm up to. That, too, was something.

It may not be the courage of a hero to sit and talk frankly with a man you dislike, but it was nonetheless a courage of some sort and Gram could respect that, even if he felt as awkward as an ogrim trying to tiptoe through a glassware shop when such conversations came up.

"Going about things the wrong way - that I understand," he says at length, eyes half-closed and chin pointing downward.

" ... My stomach growls; let's leave the talking for another time," he says suddenly, getting up. He strides back to the village proper, putting his thoughts on hold.


Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 08:13 AM

Solunastra

As night fell on Daggerfall, Bosriel let Leseth pick her up, and carry her out to the garden. Once there, she glided out of his arms, and levitated from bloom to bloom, savoring every scent of every blossom. By the light of the two moons, Bosriel smelled the delicacy of black and white poppies, the spice of the fire fern, the bittersweet of Dragon’s Tongue, the deep musky of Domica Redwort, the lively mint of black anther, the subtlety of gold kanet, and the earthiness of luminous rusola and violet corpinus.

The little girl touched the velvet blossoms, the tuberous stalks, the thorns, all for the first time in more than a thousand years, and was supremely happy.


Posted by: Aki Yesterday, 11:39 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 22 2005, 08:34 PM)

" ... My stomach growls; let's leave the talking for another time," he says suddenly, getting up.  He strides back to the village proper, putting his thoughts on hold.

*




Reichi passed Gram as the Nord headed to the village proper. The Dunmer simply said said "Going out for breakfast," as way of a excuse, rather than wait and see if the Nord even asked the question. He drew the Dagger of Senses as he wandered into the snowy island.

Soon enough he came upon one of those squat, four legged porcine creatures, the tusked bristleback boars as the Nords called them. He quickly felled the stout boar. But that was not the end of his breakfast outing by a longshot. Reichi began to haul the carcass back to the village where he could properly cook it before eat it. However, a unusuall growl to his side stopped him and he dropped the boar's body.

It was a human growl. He looked to his right to see a nordic man, a nude one, crouched on all fours, growling at him like a wild beast. The Nord's hair was wild and unkempt, he seemed completely unphased by his lack of clothing, or weapon, and didn't respond to Reichis questions of "What the hell are you doing?". The look in the man's eye betrayed no comprehension of the words, or a recognition that Reichi was anymore than a threat or a food source.

The Nord leapt at Reichi, the Dunmer stepped to the side of the lunge, driving the pommel of his dagger into the Nord's chin. The animalistic Nord was sent sprawling, before lunging again, letting loose a cry that almost sounded like a bark. Reichi this time ducked and kicked the Nord in the stomach, sending him stumbling back.

The Nord was undetered, and yet again tried to attack Reichi. Reichi once again sidestepped the attack, this time driving the pomel of his Dagger into the back of the lunatic's skull, knocking him to the ground, and out cold. Reichi grunted, before picking up his boar and continuing onward. The Nord was lucky Reichi didn't kill him, but Reichi had to hurry, his boar was getting cold. The colder it got, the long he'd have to cook it, and he was hungry now.



Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 03:37 AM

Wayrest, Dock District, Gaerington Residence: Tris

Ymalna was so big now that none of her dresses would fit, even with the laces undone. It was uncomfortable to go out, difficult to rise and sit. She wore a loose gown of robin's egg blue, and over it a robe of periwinkle shot-silk taffeta which hung from the shoulders. The colors didn't flatter her, matching, as they did, not her eyes (which were huge and dark brown and by far her best feature) but the circles of exhaustion under her eyes.

It might be, depending on how accurate her count was, almost a week past the date when the baby was due. She sat primly in the tallest, straightest backed chair in the study, the one which was easiest to rise from, and tried to keep herself busy, so she wouldn't go insane.

"You're doing hair work," Tris said, stepping forward. He came and went in his father's house freely, enjoying the feeling of rebellion. For some reason his father's household had moved, this past week, from the huge Sternhart manor, back to the smaller, elegant house near the docks where he had been raised. Tris bent over Ymalna to look at the rows of pins, the intricate coils and knots looped around them. "My mother used to make jewelry out of hair too."

"It was her work that inspired me," Ymalna said, her fingers moving like the shuttle of a loom, her brows drawn together in concentration. "I never knew something made out of hair could be so delicate, so intricate, so sparkling."

Tris smiled. "My father used to call it frippery, a waste of time."

"Is it so? He has not said that to me." Ymalna glanced up from her work. "It's a pity your hair isn't longer, it's such a nice color, rare in High Rock. I would steal some of it."

"It's long enough," Tris said. "It needs cut again."

"Does it? I thought it flattered you."

For a moment the two young people's eyes met. Then Ymalna dropped her gaze to her work. She had gotten to a place where she needed another pair of hands to help her remove the work from the pins and start the next part. Tris knelt in front of her and helped her, without thinking. It was something he had done many times before.

"I must be a very grave sinner," Ymalna said presently.

"Why say that? We've done nothing wrong."

She tied off a knot, not looking at him, feeling for words. "I cannot pretend to know the state of your soul, sir. I was commenting upon my own, which though it may seem pure to you, and to the world, must be very soiled indeed, if the torments I suffer are any indication."

He had not missed the change in formality. She was shy, of course she was shy. She was a cloistered girl, younger even than himself. And unsubtle, as inexperienced girls are.

"They need not be torments if you regard them in the right light," he said at last, touching her shoulder.

"In what light should I regard them?" she said. "In what light can I be pleased by the visitations of dead babies, born so untimely that the veins show beneath translucent skin? One was waiting for me in the cradle this morning, when I walked in to the nursery, dreaming of my own child. The first time it happened I screamed, and my duenna told me that all pregnant women suffer such fancies, that I shouldn't fear, the child I bear is past the time of the danger of miscarriage. But I still see them. Every night. What can they be but the spirits of my own wicked desires, which are likewise stillborn? I fear these spirits, I fear they are jealous of my baby, that they will suffocate him and try to steal his life."

Tris, who had been reaching under her heavy dark hair to lift it, stepped back, rebuking himself for his own thoughts.

"Leave this house," Tris said. "Move back to the Sternhart manor. Tell Father. This house is unlucky for babies. They aren't spirits of your fancies, but the ghosts of the many children my mother lost here. Perhaps they mean you no harm - they are as innocent as the unborn can be - but innocent babes are born greedy, and it may be they do envy your little one his life. Please, Ymalna. I know what I'm talking about. Don't keep this from Father. Say whatever it takes to make him go."

Ymalna stared at him in wonder. "I didn't think you'd believe me. Why would you want to save my child's life? This baby is your enemy, Tris, your rival for your father's fortune."

"I don't want my own baby brother to die!" Tris said. "What do you think I am?"

"Oh, Tris... I'm sorry..."

Neither of them knew quite how it happened. The next moment she was pressed against him, his arms around her. She was greedy as a babe herself, this seventeen year old girl married to a man of sixty; greedy for his full, curving lips, for the faint golden stubble on his cheeks and his green eyes and the muscles of his back and his square, sturdy hands.

"Wait," Tris said, trying to catch his breath. "Wait, hold on..."

"I'm so ugly and swollen now," Ymalna said, turning her head away. "What was I thinking?"

"No," Tris said. "No, no, no, no. That's not it at all."

Well, he couldn't let her go on thinking such a thing, could he? With a sinking sensation, Tris remembered the words of Emaera, his confessor in the Dibellan temple: Don't seduce your father's pregnant wife. It's in very bad taste. Surely it was in the worst possible taste to make love to her in a scramble of belts and laces and sashes on the floor of his father's study in the house where he was born. In very bad taste; but oh, so delicious.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 03:45 AM

Wayrest, The Dome of Wayrest: Alistaire Gaerington

His feet were so swollen today that he hadn't been able to do the laces of his shoes. His fingers felt like sausages. He flexed them. It wasn't his weight at fault, though he was a solid man who had grown stouter as he grew older, but his failing heart, which allowed fluid to collect in his legs, in his hands, in his lungs.

Alistaire Gaerington bent forward in a coughing fit.

He was waiting for an audience with Her Majesty, Elysana. The ostensible reason was a petition from the Amalgamated Guilds of Luxury Importers. But Alistaire knew the staff here, and had sent word that he had business of a more personal nature.

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 03:59 AM

Northmoor, High Rock

King Gothryd had joined his grandmother Nulfaga and his children for the Fire Festival on the 20th of Second Seed. Now their royal carriages were making their way down south towards Daggerfall.

Gothryd listened to his children chatter about the beautiful spectacle they had seen, but his mind was on meeting with the archmagister Hannibal Traven who was already in his kingdom.

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 04:15 AM

The Royal Dome of Wayrest, High Rock


QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 23 2005, 09:45 PM)

He was waiting for an audience with Her Majesty, Elysana. The ostensible reason was a petition from the Amalgamated Guilds of Luxury Importers. But Alistaire knew the staff here, and had sent word that he had business of a more personal nature.

*





One of Elysana's valets escorted Lord Sternhart to the orchard court, where the Queen was inspecting the new apiary. A cloud of bees swarmed around her, but she sampled honey from each of the hives without pause.

'Have you eaten, my lord?' the Queen of Wayrest asked, as she dismissed the servants. Her eyes were dark from lack of sleep, but she showed no other sign of fatigue.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 04:22 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ May 23 2005, 09:15 PM)

The Royal Dome of Wayrest, High Rock
One of Elysana's valets escorted Lord Sternhart to the orchard court, where the Queen was inspecting the new apiary.  A cloud of bees swarmed around her, but she sampled honey from each of the hives without pause.

'Have you eaten, my lord?' the Queen of Wayrest asked, as she dismissed the servants.  Her eyes were dark from lack of sleep, but she showed no other sign of fatigue.

*




"Thank you, your majesty. I must be careful of my diet, at the orders of my physician, but I think I can afford a little indulgence."

Count Sternhart bowed.

"Your majesty, my duty as Magister of the Amalgamated Guilds requires me to present their petition, but I have a higher duty to my sovereign, and my country. I know that your majesty would not order the Mages's Guilds closed without sufficient reason, and I urge your majesty not to trouble herself with these complainers. Despite the petition, the situation is far from grave. The luxury importers can easily arrange for alternate transportation of goods. Has your Majesty been well?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 04:27 AM

The Royal Dome of Wayrest, High Rock


QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 23 2005, 10:22 PM)

"Your majesty, my duty as Magister of the Amalgamated Guilds requires me to present their petition, but I have a higher duty to my sovereign, and my country. I know that your majesty would not order the Mages's Guilds closed without sufficient reason, and I urge your majesty not to trouble herself with these complainers. Despite the petition, the situation is far from grave. The luxury importers can easily arrange for alternate transportation of goods. Has your Majesty been well?"

*





"Quite well, we thank your noble lordship for his concern," the Queen smiled and held out a honeycomb, gently shooing away the bees from it. "I will look at the petition, though the decision when the Mages Guild is to be reopened does not rely entirely on my wishes. Archmagister Traven is conducting a thorough investigation, and may have to close down more Guilds in more kingdoms before he is through ..."





Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 04:30 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ May 23 2005, 09:27 PM)

The Royal Dome of Wayrest, High Rock
"Quite well, we thank your noble lordship for his concern," the Queen smiled and held out a honeycomb, gently shooing away the bees from it. "I will look at the petition, though the decision when the Mages Guild is to be reopened does not rely entirely on my wishes.  Archmagister Traven is conducting a thorough investigation, and may have to close down more Guilds in more kingdoms before he is through ..."

*




Count Sternhart nodded gravely.

He wasn't normally one to tip his hand. But the matter before them was delicate; they might dance around it all day. "Your majesty must pardon me for being so direct. I have not slept well recently. Does the investigation concern ghosts?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 04:43 AM

The Royal Dome of Wayrest, High Rock


QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 23 2005, 10:30 PM)

Count Sternhart nodded gravely.

He wasn't normally one to tip his hand. But the matter before them was delicate;  they might dance around it all day. "Your majesty must pardon me for being so direct. I have not slept well recently. Does the investigation concern ghosts?"

*





No one had ever seen Elysana look surprised or worried. That was not because she was not human -- though that could, and has, been argued -- but because the Queen was a master of self-control.

She instinctively turned back towards the hive, in a little gesture which suggested she was distracted by the buzzing, but in truth gave her a moment to compose her expression. Elysana turned back to Sternhart, her face still, eyebrows only slightly raised.

"Yes," the Queen said simply. "What do you have to say on the matter?"


Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 04:50 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ May 23 2005, 09:43 PM)

The Royal Dome of Wayrest, High Rock
No one had ever seen Elysana look surprised or worried.  That was not because she was not human -- though that could, and has, been argued -- but because the Queen was a master of self-control.

She instinctively turned back towards the hive, in a little gesture which suggested she was distracted by the buzzing, but in truth gave her a moment to compose her expression.  Elysana turned back to Sternhart, her face still, eyebrows only slightly raised.

"Yes," the Queen said simply. "What do you have to say on the matter?"

*




"I thought my house was haunted," Count Sternhart said. "My first wife's late brother visited me to ask about an account we were closing on the day of his death. Fortunately, although I have a weak heart, my disposition is phlegmatic, and I was not alarmed. However, the housemaids are not so easy going. One saw her old fiancee, who had slipped and drowned in the river; another, a creditor who had died while the debt was owning. We shifted quarters, to the Gaerington residence by the docks, yet the disturbances followed. Your majesty remembers the troubles that beset the city of Daggerfall some years ago. One powerful spirit may act as a gate for many spirits. I thought your majesty should be made aware of my household problems, in case they are not limited to my household after all."

Posted by: Tri Today, 04:54 AM

Someone had been here recently.

Tracks, scents, traces. Broken twigs, things that had been touched recently.

He looked up again at the ruined tower in front of him, clutching the doll again.

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 05:00 AM

The Royal Dome of Wayrest, High Rock


QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 23 2005, 10:50 PM)

"I thought my house was haunted,"  Count Sternhart said. "My first wife's late brother visited me to ask about an account we were closing on the day of his death. Fortunately, although I have a weak heart, my disposition is phlegmatic, and I was not alarmed. However, the housemaids are not so easy going. One saw her old fiancee, who had slipped and drowned in the river;  another, a creditor who had died while the debt was owning. We shifted  quarters, to the Gaerington residence by the docks, yet the disturbances followed. Your majesty remembers the troubles that beset the city of Daggerfall some years ago. One powerful spirit may act as a gate for many spirits. I thought your majesty should be made aware of my household problems, in case they are not limited to my household after all."

*





"Thank you for this information, my lord," said Elysana, tasting another drop of honey thoughtfully. "You are not alone, though the current phenomenon is not wide spread as of yet. Who else do you know who is so haunted? There may be a common link."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 05:10 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ May 23 2005, 10:00 PM)

The Royal Dome of Wayrest, High Rock
"Thank you for this information, my lord," said Elysana, tasting another drop of honey thoughtfully. "You are not alone, though the current phenomenon is not wide spread as of yet.  Who else do you know who is so haunted?  There may be a common link."

*




"I have made inquires, your Majesty. My business associates are not so troubled, or at least they do not admit it to me. It seems that these spirits come with unfinished business, and unfinished business may be of a sort that does not bear the full light of day."

Count Gaerinton swallowed a bit of comb, then wiped his full, red lips with his handkerchief.

"I will continue to make inquiries, your majesty."

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 05:17 AM

The Royal Dome of Wayrest, High Rock


QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 23 2005, 11:10 PM)

"I have made inquires, your Majesty. My business associates are not so troubled, or at least they do not admit it to me. It seems that these spirits come with unfinished business, and unfinished business may be of a sort that does not bear the full light of day."

Count Gaerinton swallowed a bit of comb, then wiped his full, red lips with his handkerchief.

"I will continue to make inquiries, your majesty."

*





The Queen looked to the hives again: "We are like them. Our sweetest honey locked close to our poison ..."

"You have, I think, done me a great service, bringing this information to my attention, Count Sternhart," Elysana smiled, and held out her hand to him. "I may have more questions for you soon."



Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 05:19 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ May 23 2005, 10:17 PM)

The Royal Dome of Wayrest, High Rock
The Queen looked to the hives again: "We are like them.  Our sweetest honey locked close to our poison ..."

"You have, I think, done me a great service, bringing this information to my attention, Count Sternhart," Elysana smiled, and held out her hand to him. "I may have more questions for you soon."

*




Count Sternhart bowed over her hand with remarkable grace for a man of his girth and age. He knew a dismissal when he heard one.

"I am at all times ready to serve your Majesty," he said.

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 05:25 AM

The Royal Dome of Wayrest, High Rock


QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 23 2005, 11:19 PM)

Count Sternhart bowed with remarkable grace for a man of his girth and age. He knew a dismissal when he heard one.

"I am at all times ready to serve your Majesty,"  he said.

*





The Queen nodded and turned back to the hives, awaiting her Spymaster.

If both of them were haunted, the obvious common link was Tris. Obviously, the old man wanted her to think that. But did that mean it was wrong?

She spotted a particularly slow, fat bee, the Count Sternhart of the apiary, and she wondered, just how much poison was there in something so old, so close to death?

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 06:02 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ May 23 2005, 09:25 PM)

The Royal Dome of Wayrest, High Rock
The Queen nodded and turned back to the hives, awaiting her Spymaster. 

If both of them were haunted, the obvious common link was Tris.  Obviously, the old man wanted her to think that.  But did that mean it was wrong? 

She spotted a particularly slow, fat bee, the Count Sternhart of the apiary, and she wondered, just how much poison was there in something so old, so close to death?

*




The Royal Dome of Wayrest, High Rock

Herwyn Brand nodded curtly to the senior Gaerington as he passed him, his thick arms full of papers and letters.

He found his queen studying the bees, and bowed.

The papers presented to the queen were exactly what she was wanting, Herwyn knew. The reports were full of facts, numbers, and most importanly, results.

Witches were being rounded up all over the country. A true ring of necromancers had been discovered and many of its members were already enjoying the courtesy of Her Majesty's dungeons.

Herwyn had gathered every report of every haunting in every county for the past month, and the list was sizable. Many, of course, had no connection to what he knew was going on, but all were authentic.

He presented the information as a general breakdown in the 'barrier' between the worlds of the living and the dead, and showed information that pointed to many possible causes for such a thing. Among the reasons, however, the unthinkable actions of Tris Gaerington were not mentioned.

The problem would be solved soon enough, and without further worry on the part of his queen.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 06:09 AM

Daggerfall: Tris

He should have had the grace to feel ashamed of himself. But he didn't.

He should tell Ciel. But he wasn't planning to.

If he could have counted on Ciel to lose his temper, to punch him in the nose and bring him to his senses... but no. Ciel would be disappointed. He might even lecture Tris, but he wouldn't hit him.

"I might need a good slap in the face, but I don't need a bloody lecture," Tris said to himself, standing on the landing beneath the broken stair.

He was trying not to think about the other reasons he might have for not telling Ciel. That she was smart, and clever, and funny, and better in bed than any woman too far along to see her own toes had any right to be. That she understood about his father. Where else was he likely to find that?

Tris took three deep breaths, and stepped back into the broken stair. He felt that he was forgetting something, something he would need. He hesitated, looking out of the Void and into the Guildhouse of Solunastra, then turned and ran at top speed.

He didn't slow down until he saw snow.

Loranna seemed to be looking for alchemical ingredients.

"Find anything good?" Tris said, stepping out next to her. "I don't know anything about these Solstheim plants."


Wayrest, Gaerington Residence: Oro

"She had sex with him, I saw them."

"And you watched the whole thing, didn't you, you scamp? Ah, the members of this family are all precocious. I was myself. I'd better be paying for a girl for you before you turn out like your brother."

"I'll never turn out like him," Oro said. He was a sturdy little boy, ruddy-skinned like his father, but with his mother's short, slightly upturned nose. "Aren't you angry? I thought you'd be angry."

"He can't do any harm," Alistaire Gaerington said. "His seed falls on ground that's already been sown."

"But the insult, father! Disrespect to a father is an offense before Akatosh."

Alistaire ran his fingers through his second son's short blonde hair. "If I lost my temper every time your brother Tris disrespected me, my heart would have carried me off long ago. Let them do what they want. When the brat drops, Ymalna's fortune is solidly in the family, and her part in the play is at an end."

"I don't want a little brother," Oro said.

"You're quick to know your own interests, aren't you, my boy? Don't worry. I won't disinherit you. My fortune should go to a child with a heart like my own. Now, tell me, what am I going to do about my faithless wife?"

Oro frowned, his golden brows drawn together, as if he were adding figures in his head. "I know. You'll wait until the baby comes, then pay an alchemist to send her right off, so that it looks as if she bled to death at the birth."

"Clever lad," Alistaire Gaerington said. "Now, run upstairs, and finish your schoolwork."

Posted by: S'reddit Today, 06:19 AM

The Royal Dome of Wayrest, High Rock


QUOTE(Rhedd @ May 23 2005, 09:02 PM)

He presented the information as a general breakdown in the 'barrier' between the worlds of the living and the dead, and showed information that pointed to many possible causes for such a thing. Among the reasons, however, the unthinkable actions of Tris Gaerington were not mentioned.

The problem would be solved soon enough, and without further worry on the part of his queen.

*





The Queen listened, asked questions, and finally complimented Herwyn, if not effusively. She expected competence and thoroughness from her men.

'Alert our spies in Daggerfall that the Archmagister is meeting with the King. It should be an interesting meeting,' Elysana said. 'And you saw Count Sternhart. He may be being targetted by these necromantic forces as well ... or not. I need to know more. And that means redoubling the effort at locating his son, whether he is innocent or guilty.'


Posted by: Rhedd Today, 06:26 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ May 23 2005, 10:19 PM)

The Royal Dome of Wayrest, High Rock
The Queen listened, asked questions, and finally complimented Herwyn, if not effusively.  She expected competence and thoroughness from her men.

'Alert our spies in Daggerfall that the Archmagister is meeting with the King.  It should be an interesting meeting,' Elysana said. 'And you saw Count Sternhart.  He may be being targetted by these necromantic forces as well ... or not.  I need to know more. And that means redoubling the effort at locating his son, whether he is innocent or guilty.'

*




The Royal Dome of Wayrest, High Rock

"Of course, your Majesty.

"And, as for Count Sternhart, I have my doubts that he is being attacked in any directed way. The ghosts seem to be connected to unfinished business, and I suspect the Count has more of that than your average citizen.

Regardless, I already have a number of spies in his household. Your Majesty's will shall be done."

Posted by: Loranna Today, 06:28 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 24 2005, 12:09 AM)

Daggerfall:  Tris

He should have had the grace to feel ashamed of himself. But he didn't.

He should tell Ciel. But he wasn't planning to.

If he could have counted on Ciel to lose his temper, to punch him in the nose and bring him to his senses... but no. Ciel would be disappointed. He might even lecture Tris, but he wouldn't hit him.

"I might need a good slap in the face, but I don't need a bloody lecture,"  Tris said to himself, standing on the landing beneath the broken stair.

He was trying not to think about the other reasons he might have for not telling Ciel. That she was smart, and clever, and funny, and better in bed than any woman too far along to see her own toes had any right to be. That she understood about his father. Where else was he likely to find that?

Tris took three deep breaths, and stepped back into the broken stair. He felt that he was forgetting something, something he would need. He hesitated, looking out of the Void and into the Guildhouse of Solunastra, then turned and ran at top speed.

He didn't slow down until he saw snow.

Loranna seemed to be looking for alchemical ingredients.

"Find anything good?"  Tris said, stepping out next to her. "I don't know anything about these Solstheim plants."

*





Loranna looks over at Tris, smiling; she had left her armor and her fur boots and mittens back in the village proper and was carrying a satchel for carrying her discoveries.

"So far, a few things," she says. "Like these berries here; they're practically magicka made into fruit, though I wouldn't suggest tasting them unless you were desperate - and of very strong stomach."

"You missed all the action; we found my father sitting in one of Slyvos's pit traps and ended up bringing the whole tower down to destory his last big project as Evil Lich Unleashed," she says. "What's been going on in High Rock? Arynel was by earlier to collect the shards; has anything happened yet with that?"


Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 06:31 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 23 2005, 11:28 PM)

Loranna looks over at Tris, smiling; she had left her armor and her fur boots and mittens back in the village proper and was carrying a satchel for carrying her discoveries.

"So far, a few things," she says.  "Like these berries here; they're practically magicka made into fruit, though I wouldn't suggest tasting them unless you were desperate - and of very strong stomach."

"You missed all the action; we found my father sitting in one of Slyvos's pit traps and ended up bringing the whole tower down to destory his last big project as Evil Lich Unleashed," she says.  "What's been going on in High Rock?  Arynel was by earlier to collect the shards; has anything happened yet with that?"

*




"I haven't been there," Tris said. "I've been... running around like an idiot, I suppose, trying to pretend there's some hope of finding a way to fix this dilemna we're all in because of me. I wish Arynel well, he's the one who's good at this sort of thing."

Posted by: S'reddit Today, 06:34 AM

The Royal Dome of Wayrest, High Rock


QUOTE(Rhedd @ May 23 2005, 09:26 PM)

Regardless, I already have a number of spies in his household. Your Majesty's will shall be done."

*





'Oh, and I'm assuming you know this already, but my husband,' Elysana took another taste of honey, and smiled at the flavor before continuing the thought, 'He has a new mistress. A Redguard baroness. She seems like the perfect idiotic beauty, but we should take the usual precautions and make certain she is only that.'

Posted by: Loranna Today, 06:37 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 24 2005, 12:31 AM)

"I haven't been there,"  Tris said. "I've been... running around like an idiot, I suppose, trying to pretend there's some hope of finding a way to fix this dilemna we're all in because of me. I wish Arynel well, he's the one who's good at this sort of thing."

*





Loranna raises her eyebrows, saying "He is; I'm sure he's doing everything he can - and will ask for help if he needs it."

Her lips curl into a small frown. "Dear, you're looking like you could use a snowball fight," she suggests. "Everything's okay, as far as it can be, right?"


Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 06:41 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 23 2005, 11:37 PM)

Loranna raises her eyebrows, saying "He is; I'm sure he's doing everything he can - and will ask for help if he needs it."

Her lips curl into a small frown.  "Dear, you're looking like you could use a snowball fight," she suggests.  "Everything's okay, as far as it can be, right?"

*




Tris smiled at her, a slow lazy smile. Here in the snow, his deeply tanned skin and flushed cheeks made him look radiantly healthy.

"Let's just say I'll be avoiding confession for the next little while, and leave it at that. And you? Are you really getting married?"

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 06:42 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ May 23 2005, 10:34 PM)

The Royal Dome of Wayrest, High Rock
'Oh, and I'm assuming you know this already, but my husband,' Elysana took another taste of honey, and smiled at the flavor before continuing the thought, 'He has a new mistress.  A Redguard baroness.  She seems like the perfect idiotic beauty, but we should take the usual precautions and make certain she is only that.'

*




Herwyn bowed again, rather redder in the face.

Posted by: S'reddit Today, 06:46 AM

Solunastra

Bosriel’s windowless room was now filled with flowers from the garden. She had been careful only to pick the blooms that had begun to fade and lose their petals. It would not be good to rob her hostess’s garden of its most beautiful flowers at their peak. Besides, they seemed to have more scent as they withered.

‘I don’t know what to say to Allerleirauh,’ Bosriel said to Leseth, half-sitting on her bed, trying to practice standing. ‘You say she does not want to kill me, but she couldn’t want me here either …’


Posted by: Loranna Today, 06:48 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 24 2005, 12:41 AM)

Tris smiled at her, a slow lazy smile. Here in the snow, his deeply tanned skin and flushed cheeks made him look radiantly healthy.

"Let's just say I'll be avoiding confession for the next little while, and leave it at that. And you?  Are you really getting married?"

*





Loranna finds herself wondering just what Tris has been up to; she has visions of him popping back to the tower in Menevia and calling upon the lovely witch Sharlian, presuming Elysana hasn't rounded her up or driven her off by now.

"Slyvos and I have talked about it," she says. "We want to spend the rest of our lives together. I figured when things quiet down a bit again we could have a ceremony."

She purses her lips. " ... I suppose I ought to ask my father's blessing for this, since he's here," she says, sounding like the idea is less than thrilling to her.


Posted by: Rhedd Today, 06:51 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ May 23 2005, 10:46 PM)

Solunastra

Bosriel’s windowless room was now filled with flowers from the garden.  She had been careful only to pick the blooms that had begun to fade and lose their petals.  It would not be good to rob her hostess’s garden of its most beautiful flowers at their peak.  Besides, they seemed to have more scent as they withered.

‘I don’t know what to say to Allerleirauh,’ Bosriel said to Leseth, half-sitting on her bed, trying to practice standing. ‘You say she does not want to kill me, but she couldn’t want me here either …’

*




Solunastra

Leseth filled a place in the comfortable bedchamber just as darkly and unmovably as the aged oak amoire beside him.

"The General can do whatever she wishes, Little One.

"Are you content here?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 06:52 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 23 2005, 11:48 PM)

Loranna finds herself wondering just what Tris has been up to; she has visions of him popping back to the tower in Menevia and calling upon the lovely witch Sharlian, presuming Elysana hasn't rounded her up or driven her off by now.

"Slyvos and I have talked about it," she says.  "We want to spend the rest of our lives together.  I figured when things quiet down a bit again we could have a ceremony."

She purses her lips.  " ... I suppose I ought to ask my father's blessing for this, since he's here," she says, sounding like the idea is less than thrilling to her.

*




"You're a widow, remember? If anyone was to give you away, it would be the shade of poor old Jazbet. Ah, Loranna, you're charming sometimes. Quiet down so you can have a wedding. This from the girl who threw a ball for the Dam Dog. Why not do it up properly? It's an excuse to buy new shoes and a dress, and for one day no one will laugh at you if you wear a tiara."

He was smiling; the sun was in his eyes, which made his expression difficult to read.

Posted by: S'reddit Today, 06:59 AM

Solunastra


QUOTE(Rhedd @ May 23 2005, 09:51 PM)

"Are you content here?"

*





'I want to go and see and experience everything in the world,' Bosriel said, looking down at her feet, which still did not want to support her. It was not that they were weak, but she did not know how to balance on them. 'When I can walk. It is beautiful here, but I won't stay longer than I need to ...'

Posted by: Loranna Today, 07:00 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 24 2005, 12:52 AM)

"You're a widow, remember?  If anyone was to give you away, it would be the shade of poor old Jazbet. Ah, Loranna, you're charming sometimes. Quiet down so you can have a wedding. This from the girl who threw a ball for the Dam Dog. Why not do it up properly?  It's an excuse to buy new shoes and a dress, and for one day no one will laugh at you if you wear a tiara."

He was smiling;  the sun was in his eyes, which made his expression difficult to read.

*





"I happen to like that tiara," Loranna says, giving Tris the full force of Nordic Maiden Scorned, with hands on her hips and head tilted so that one eye stared Tris dead on, and her lips set in a grim line - that lasts for all of five seconds.

"Though I am liking your suggestion; it'll be a good excuse for another party," she points out, reasonably, trying to make out Tris's expression with little success. "Anyway, I'm done with research now, the village shaman is waiting to tell me about Oneness and the importance of respecting the land, and my father is hopefully showing sense enough to not rile people up. Shall we head back and rejoin the others?"


Posted by: Rhedd Today, 07:02 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ May 23 2005, 10:59 PM)

Solunastra
'I want to go and see and experience everything in the world,' Bosriel said, looking down at her feet, which still did not want to support her.  It was not that they were weak, but she did not know how to balance on them. 'When I can walk.  It is beautiful here, but I won't stay longer than I need to ...'

*




Leseth closed his red eyes, becoming a living silhouette.

"You are my opposite. I have seen too much of the world, and now seek the solice of the Void, whereas you have had nothing but solitude, and seek the world.

"I wish for you only peace, and happiness."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 07:05 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 24 2005, 12:00 AM)

"I happen to like that tiara," Loranna says, giving Tris the full force of Nordic Maiden Scorned, with hands on her hips and head tilted so that one eye stared Tris dead on, and her lips set in a grim line - that lasts for all of five seconds.

"Though I am liking your suggestion; it'll be a good excuse for another party," she points out, reasonably, trying to make out Tris's expression with little success.  "Anyway, I'm done with research now, the village shaman is waiting to tell me about Oneness and the importance of respecting the land, and my father is hopefully showing sense enough to not rile people up.  Shall we head back and rejoin the others?"

*




Tris looped his arm through Loranna's.

"Head back to Solunastra, or back to Solstheim? I'll go with you to Solstheim, if you'll promise me we can tell the shaman we are here to give him hands on training in the worship of Dibella."

Posted by: S'reddit Today, 07:08 AM

Solunastra


QUOTE(Rhedd @ May 23 2005, 10:02 PM)

Leseth closed his red eyes, becoming a living silhouette.

"You are my opposite. I have seen too much of the world, and now seek the solice of the Void, whereas you have had nothing but solitude, and seek the world.

"I wish for you only peace, and happiness."

*





Bosriel smiled, and rose up into the air. Leseth had found for her a simple white dress, a castoff from one of the girls in the dormitory, and it made her skin and hair look even more black.

'I wish that for you too,' she said, kissing him on the cheek.

Her skin was still cool, but not as painfully cold as before. Her smile faltered, and she felt down deep something she had not felt in a long time. It was not strong yet, but she knew it. It was her hunger. She was no longer sated.


Posted by: Loranna Today, 07:08 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 24 2005, 01:05 AM)

Tris looped his arm through Loranna's.

"Head back to Solunastra, or back to Solstheim?  I'll go with you to Solstheim, if you'll promise me we can tell the shaman we are here to give him hands on training in the worship of Dibella."

*





Loranna slaps her forehead. "Tris! Isn't it bad enough the poor man's got city-shaking adventurers sitting in his quiet little village - including eight foot tall Khajiit, Accursed Mothers and their fathers, and milinia-old kitties?"

She is, however, laughing.


Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 07:11 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 24 2005, 12:08 AM)

Loranna slaps her forehead.  "Tris!  Isn't it bad enough the poor man's got city-shaking adventurers sitting in his quiet little village - including eight foot tall Khajiit, Accursed Mothers and their fathers, and milinia-old kitties?"

She is, however, laughing.

*




"I was only half trying to be funny," Tris said. "The other half is me being offended at someone trying to convert a member of my temple. I like Dibella, she's never let me down, and this shaman and his weirdo glowing stones and his Oneness can, to put it politely, go bugger himself."

Posted by: Loranna Today, 07:16 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 24 2005, 01:11 AM)

"I was only half trying to be funny,"  Tris said. "The other half is me being offended at someone trying to convert a member of my temple. I like Dibella, she's never let me down, and this shaman and his weirdo glowing stones and his Oneness can, to put it politely, go bugger himself."

*





"Tris dear, do you honestly think I'm going to change my views just because some shaman in the middle of nowhere felt he had to educate me on The Way Things Are?" Loranna asks, her tone becoming more serious.

"I was just going to point out that living in accordance with the land is a great way of helping to preserve its natural beauty and leave it at that," she adds. "And after having to deal with my father I wouldn't be surprised if Krost is secretly hoping we'll just go away anyway."


Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 07:20 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 24 2005, 12:16 AM)

"Tris dear, do you honestly think I'm going to change my views just because some shaman in the middle of nowhere felt he had to educate me on The Way Things Are?" Loranna asks, her tone becoming more serious. 

"I was just going to point out that living in accordance with the land is a great way of helping to preserve its natural beauty and leave it at that," she adds.  "And after having to deal with my father I wouldn't be surprised if Krost is secretly hoping we'll just go away anyway."

*




"Ah, there are advantages to being obnoxious, you're learning, girl!" Tris said, grinning. "Right. Where is this shaman, that I may dazzle him with my theology? or at least my polished white teeth?"

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 07:21 AM

Solunastra:

The shadows cast by the flickering fireplace deepened, and Leseth appeared near Allerleirauh. He bowed his black head with respect.

"It is her wish to speak with you, General."

Posted by: Hungry Donner Today, 07:23 AM

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