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

Posted by: Loranna Jun 15 2005, 11:51 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


Info for Gram:

Race: Nord
Sex: Male
Hair: Red, full beard (think Red Hair from Conan the Barbarian)
Eyes: Blue
===

Summary for Loranna:

Loranna is in Ald Raathim, to celebrate Early Harvest Festival and meet with representatives from House Dres. She finds herself in the curious position of wanting to trust the likable Dres Vendama and Obael, yet feeling their charm, openness to abolishing slavery in their lands, and general sympathy to her beliefs is just a little too good to take at face value. She is wryly amused to learn that they feel much the same way about her.

Despite these political games, a darker pall falls over Loranna; the restless shade of the former Lord of Ald Raathim, Dres Raithmat, has once again visited, nearly claiming Kallen's life despite Loranna's magic and potions and promising a watery doom for the land in one month's time, unless the son of his son or the son of his daughter - or both - lay claim to the title of Lord of Ald Raathim. A daunting quest ...


Summary for Gram:

Gram is back in Daggerfall, wondering what the heck his daughter is up to, making plans for a trip to Skyrim in pursuit of the legendary Coffer of King Orgnum, knocking the occasional drunk off his feet with a Nordic Fist and generally being the affable spotted owl we have come to know smile.gif

Posted by: Nalion Jun 15 2005, 12:42 PM

OOC Summary:
Nalion, male Breton mage currently enjoys the amenities of Solunastra in Daggerfall, High Rock, namely the well equipped library of the guildhouse and busies himself with reading and making notes.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jun 15 2005, 02:22 PM

ooc: Slyvos is spying on their two guests at Loranna's request, taking note of every little disturbance in the female guest's sleep. The other was too busy getting drunk to worry about...

Posted by: Aki Jun 15 2005, 11:25 PM

Summary

Reichi, the Male Dunmeri Werewolf/Assassin has, thusfar, done little of any interest. Just around Solunastra, being Reichi. Tohe, the Breton male Werewolf is (well, not after this post) still in that abbadoned apartment-type room. Thing. *Vocabulary meltdown*

tongue.gif

------

"What the hell's with the armor?" Reichi asked as the young Breton entered, dressed in a full suit of rather weathered and dilapidated Iron plate armor, looking as if it had seen many a fight, and hadn't been repaireed in a while. Or, at least, by anyone with a armor repairing skill greater than that of a scamp. The Breton removed the helmet, holding it in both hands. "Long story, the short version is i got in a bit of a ...situation...and had to utilize a more powerful form..." Tohe explained. Reichi shook his head.

"Grand. No one saw?" he asked. Tohe shook his head. "No one still living."

"Good, try to avoid such. It aint healthly. People stab you with sharp pointy silver things when they find out. Well, most."

"I know, I know. The situation warrented it."

"How so?"

"Ghosts. With Silver."

"Uh-huh. Hehe. If thats what you're getting. I wonder what a hunter of Witches, Werewolves, or Vampires is. Haha. A Spectral Vampire. Thats twice the undeadity. Super-undead-ness. Like...." Reichi rambled on, as Tohe clanked off into the building.

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 12:32 AM

Summary

Elysana, Queen of Wayrest, is in her palace, getting updates on the hunt for necromancers from her Spymaster, Herwyn Brand. She is allied with Archmagister Hannibal Traven and Gothryd, King of Daggerfall, in her aim of stopping the ghostly visitors who have become a plague.

Bosriel, the former Void Vampire, now fear-feeding vampire, is in Solunastra, planning a boat trip to Balfiera.

Kallen, the young Dunmer seneschal, is in the dining room in Castle Daruhn in Ald Raathim, Morrowind. He suffered a massive wound at the hands of the ghost of the former lord of Ald Raathim, Dres Raithmat, which would have killed him but for the preventative spells of Loranna. Thanks to her ministrations, he is right as rain.

Dres Vendama, a beautiful young Dunmer noblewoman, has arrived in Castle Daruhn as part of a contingency of House Dres to meet and decide the fate of the new Lady of Ald Raathim, Loranna. She is currently sleeping in her room, having a nightmare.

Dres Obael, Vendama's brother, is drinking it up in the tavern in Ald Raathim.

Dres Minsero, an old Dunmer nobleman, is sleeping in his bed. He has been the most critical of the visiting nobles of Loranna, thinking that abolishing slavery in Dres lands is an unthinkable break with House tradition.

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 12:49 AM

Solunastra


QUOTE(Aki @ Jun 15 2005, 05:25 PM)

"Uh-huh. Hehe. If thats what you're getting. I wonder what a hunter of Witches, Werewolves, or Vampires is. Haha. A Spectral Vampire. Thats twice the undeadity. Super-undead-ness. Like...." Reichi rambled on, as Tohe clanked off into the building.

*





Bosriel has been practicing walking in her usual tip-toe dancer fashion when she passed by the room, and heard the word "vampire." She paused, listening, and just avoided Tohe as he clanked past her.




Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 01:02 AM

Ald Raathim - Castle Daruhn's Dining Room

Kallen would live; Loranna feels a wave of relief and joy as her healing magics mend the Dunmer's body. He would live ...

The scars on his chest though refused to heal fully, and looking down upon her own chest, she saw the same was true for herself. She could feel the healing magic within her trying to smooth away the scars, but something was preventing it. No healing or curing spell seemed to make a difference, nor any dispel nor other magic; indeed, trying made the letters burn with the same unearthly chill that had presaged the coming of Lord Raitmat.

"Kallen is not a slave, nor I a harlot," Loranna mutters, anger weighing her tongue; the scars lost most of their jaggedness and her body looked lovely still, yet the scars refused to disappear. It felt as though the ghost was directly preventing the marks of his scorn from fading, intent on having the world see Kallen and Loranna for how he saw them, and Loranna felt angry still - but neither her anger nor her magic was getting anything more achomplished right now. She would bear these marks, it seemed, until the ghost was appeased, or banished - perhaps even longer, she didn't know. But they weren't going to heal now.

Kallen was healed enough to move, and deserved a better palce to rest than the bloodstained floor; Loranna carefully lifts him, intending to carry him to be cleaned and laid in a proper bed. The dining room floor would need cleaning before the dawn came, and the day begun. No sleep tonight ...


Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 01:15 AM

Ald Raathim


QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 15 2005, 07:02 PM)

Kallen was healed enough to move, and deserved a better palce to rest than the bloodstained floor; Loranna carefully lifts him, intending to carry him to be cleaned and laid in a proper bed.  The dining room floor would need cleaning before the dawn came, and the day begun.  No sleep tonight ...

*





There was a knock at the door, and Loranna could hear the footsteps of the night porter coming to answer it.



Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 01:19 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 15 2005, 07:15 PM)

Ald Raathim
There was a knock at the door, and Loranna could hear the footsteps of the night porter coming to answer it.

*





Hearing someone knocking at the front door, it suddenly occurs to Loranna just how wierd - to put it one way - this situation is going to look ...

Helping Kallen to his feet, Loranna moves to leave the dining room and get Kallen to his room; the bloodstain on the floor she'd handle once Kallen was settled in.


Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 01:33 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 15 2005, 07:19 PM)

Helping Kallen to his feet, Loranna moves to leave the dining room and get Kallen to his room; the bloodstain on the floor she'd handle once Kallen was settled in.

*





The night porter unlocked and opened the heavy front door, letting the slightly drunk Dres Obael in.

"Sorry to wake you up," the young Dunmer nobleman whispered loudly.

"Not at all, muthsera Obael, that is what I'm here for," said the porter. "As a matter of fact, I was just going to investigate some strange noises when you knocked."

"What sort of strange noises?" Obael asked, taking out his sword.

"I thought I heard her ladyship cry out, but she is not in her room."

Obael's sword flashed with blue light. "I am sure it is nothing, but just in case ... Let us investigate ..."


Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 01:40 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 15 2005, 07:33 PM)

The night porter unlocked and opened the heavy front door, letting the slightly drunk Dres Obael in.

"Sorry to wake you up," the young Dunmer nobleman whispered loudly.

"Not at all, muthsera Obael, that is what I'm here for," said the porter. "As a matter of fact, I was just going to investigate some strange noises when you knocked."

"What sort of strange noises?" Obael asked, taking out his sword.

"I thought I heard her ladyship cry out, but she is not in her room."

Obael's sword flashed with blue light.  "I am sure it is nothing, but just in case ... Let us investigate ..."

*





Loranna's face becomes an elaborate mask of long-suffering resignation; now she had a flirtatious, slightly drunk Dunmer noble with a flashing sword running around looking to play the hero.

Get Kallen in bed, then deal with Obael, she tells herself.

"Kallen?" she whispers as she takes her sensshal back to his room, looking to see if he's regaining consciousess yet.

... What are they going to say if they see the bloodstain? Loranna realizes as she reaches Kallen's room.


Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 01:45 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 15 2005, 07:40 PM)

"Kallen?" she whispers as she takes her sensshal back to his room, looking to see if he's regaining consciousess yet. 

... What are they going to say if they see the bloodstain? Loranna realizes as she reaches Kallen's room.

*





Kallen's eyes flash open in fear, and when he sees Loranna, he groans slightly, "At your service."

Downstairs, she could hear the library door open. Obael and the night porter, while undoubtedly destined to be one of the great warrior duos of legend, were not quiet as they searched.


Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 01:50 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 15 2005, 07:45 PM)

Kallen's eyes flash open in fear, and when he sees Loranna, he groans slightly, "At your service."

Downstairs, she could hear the library door open.  Obael and the night porter, while undoubtedly destined to be one of the great warrior duos of legend, were not quiet as they searched.

*





"You have the rest of the night off, Kallen," Loranna says, smiling a bit and relief showing in her eyes. "The ghost has left, though not without a portent of doom; rest yourself while I go convince Dres Obael he need not rescue me from bandits or rampaging Ogrim cat burglers or whatever he thinks is going on."

Hearing the night porter and Obael grumble loudly as texts on Restoration magic, Dibellan lore, and Sermons of Vivec viscously assault their heads by falling down on them, Loranna groans. " ... My suspicions about Obael seem rather silly right this minute ..."


Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 01:56 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 15 2005, 07:50 PM)

Hearing the night porter and Obael grumble loudly as texts on Restoration magic, Dibellan lore, and Sermons of Vivec viscously assault their heads by falling down on them, Loranna groans.  " ... My suspicions about Obael seem rather silly right this minute ..."

*





"Blast it, be quiet," Obael cried.

"But you bumped into me ... sera," the night porter protested.

"So I did," Obael agreed. "Then you better be twice as quiet to make up for me. Where does that door lead?"

"To the cellar."

"Bad things almost always happen in cellars," Obael said wisely. "Is there a dungeon too?"

"Oh yes, sera," said the porter, shivering.

The door to the cellar opened with a sinister creak.



Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 02:01 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 15 2005, 07:56 PM)

"Blast it, be quiet," Obael cried.

"But you bumped into me ... sera," the night porter protested.

"So I did," Obael agreed. "Then you better be twice as quiet to make up for me.  Where does that door lead?"

"To the cellar."

"Bad things almost always happen in cellars," Obael said wisely. "Is there a dungeon too?"

"Oh yes, sera," said the porter, shivering.

The door to the cellar opened with a sinister creak.

*





"Oh Dibella ..." Loranna mutters, looking at Kallen. "I'll be back in a moment hun; I can already imagine what's going to happen ..."

Hurrying to the library, Loranna calls out "Lord Obael?"


Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 02:03 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 15 2005, 08:01 PM)

Hurrying to the library, Loranna calls out "Lord Obael?"

*





There is no one in the library. Loranna can, however, hear a slight, very muffled pounding from the door to the cellar.

"Milady," came the porter's voice faintly. "Please. We've locked ourselves in."

"Can't you come up with a better story than that?" was Obael's disgusted reply.


Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 02:08 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 15 2005, 08:03 PM)

There is no one in the library.  Loranna can, however, hear a slight, very muffled pounding from the door to the cellar.

"Milady," came the porter's voice faintly. "Please.  We've locked ourselves in."

"Can't you come up with a better story than that?" was Obael's disgusted reply.

*





Under other crcumstances, Loranna would have laughed; indeed, the sheer absurdity of the situation still shone through to her. However, she was bloodstained and branded, Kallen was still frightened half to death, and Ald Raathim was promised a watery grave in a month if she didn't find the acceptable people to claim the title of Lord; what chuckles might have escaped her throat die half way.

A wave of her hands and the door is unlocked, freeing Lord Obale and the night porter. "Are you two all right?" she asks with a worried frown, the knees and lower legs of her pants soaked with Kallen's blood and her shirt bearing the rents from Raithmat's claws.


Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 02:12 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 15 2005, 08:08 PM)

A wave of her hands and the door is unlocked, freeing Lord Obale and the night porter.  "Are you two all right?" she asks with a worried frown, the knees and lower legs of her pants soaked with Kallen's blood and her shirt bearing the rents from Raithmat's claws.

*





"Yes, thank you ..." the porter began before noticing the blood and the tears in Loranna's clothing. "Milady!"

"What happened?!" cried Obael, his eyes opened wide. "Are you hurt?"


Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 02:19 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 15 2005, 08:12 PM)

"Yes, thank you ..." the porter began before noticing the blood and the tears in Loranna's clothing. "Milady!"

"What happened?!" cried Obael, his eyes opened wide. "Are you hurt?"

*





"I'm all right; just a little shook up," Loranna says, raising a hand.

She turns to the night porter. " ... Dear, the dining room needs to be cleaned, I'm afraid," she says. "Could you bring soap, water, and rags there? I'll be there shortly - no need to wake any of the other servants for this right now."

She glances at Lord Obael, hoping he isn't as drunk as she thought him to be a moment previous.


Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 02:24 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 15 2005, 08:19 PM)

"I'm all right; just a little shook up," Loranna says, raising a hand. 

She turns to the night porter.  " ... Dear, the dining room needs to be cleaned, I'm afraid," she says.  "Could you bring soap, water, and rags there?  I'll be there shortly - no need to wake any of the other servants for this right now."

She glances at Lord Obael, hoping he isn't as drunk as she thought him to be a moment previous.

*





The porter runs off to do as he's told.

Obael cocked an eyebrow. "Are you going to tell what has happened, who attacked you and why, and whether you or we are in danger still ... or should I go away and mind my own damn business?"



Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 02:35 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 15 2005, 08:24 PM)

The porter runs off to do as he's told.

Obael cocked an eyebrow.  "Are you going to tell what has happened, who attacked you and why, and whether you or we are in danger still ... or should I go away and mind my own damn business?"

*





Loranna raises both her eyebrows. "Somehow, my Lord, I suspect you'd try to find out even if I did tell you to mind your own damn business," she says, the corners of her lips curling upward slightly.

"The short version is, the vengeful spirit of Lord Raithmat came to me tonight," she explains quietly. "He's given me an ultimation; in one month's time, either his son's son, his daughter's son, or both lay claim to the title of Lord of these lands, or he will flood Daruhn right off the map."

She had spoken with an even voice, the voice of a woman who has found herself in bizarre situations before; Obael might notice the faint signs of the more tired, worried woman behind the adventurer's face, though.

" ... It's late and you are doubtless tired, my Lord," Loranna says. "For the rest of tonight, we should not be in any danger; from what I see Lord Raithmat comes only on the witching hour and has already passed. I would appreciate though if you, your sister, and I could discuss the disinhertied son mentioned at tonight's dinner in more detail. Perhaps after breakfast - and for now, please keep this just between ourselves; when my brain is functioning more I'll figure out how, if at all, to break this news to everyone esle."

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 02:46 AM

Dres Obael listens to Loranna carefully, not interrupted, and she can see that any fuzziness from liquor is long gone.

"Of course, we'll discuss it tomorrow," he said at last. "The Dres have much experience with vengeful ancestral ghosts."

He pulls back the sleeves of his shirt to show subtle tattoos around his arms. "Glyphs of warding."

"I can help you clean up, if you don't want to wake up your servants. It seems like a shame to have the lady of the house do all the cleaning, as well as all the fighting."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 02:50 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 15 2005, 08:46 PM)

Dres Obael listens to Loranna carefully, not interrupted, and she can see that any fuzziness from liquor is long gone.

"Of course, we'll discuss it tomorrow," he said at last. "The Dres have much experience with vengeful ancestral ghosts."

He pulls back the sleeves of his shirt to show subtle tattoos around his arms.  "Glyphs of warding."

"I can help you clean up, if you don't want to wake up your servants.  It seems like a shame to have the lady of the house do all the cleaning, as well as all the fighting."

*





Loranna grins, looking at Obael's tatoos. "And Lord Minsero is worried that I want to do away with Dres traditions; I can hardly learn them fast enough right now," she says. "Thank you; let's head to the dining room."


Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 03:12 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 15 2005, 08:50 PM)

Loranna grins, looking at Obael's tatoos.  "And Lord Minsero is worried that I want to do away with Dres traditions; I can hardly learn them fast enough right now," she says.  "Thank you; let's head to the dining room."

*





Obael and the night porter stared at the pools of blood in the dining room.

The porter seemed to lose all color in his face at the sight of it.

Obael took the mop in hand. "I've never used one of these before. What an education this visit has been."

While Obael and the porter help Loranna clean the dining room, Obael shows Loranna where the wards are hidden in the walls as part of the decor.

"They haven't been damaged," he says. "They should still work ... But obviously not ... We should probably get one of our shaman in to look at them. Maybe come up with something more powerful ..."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 03:24 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 15 2005, 09:12 PM)

Obael and the night porter stared at the pools of blood in the dining room.

The porter seemed to lose all color in his face at the sight of it.

Obael took the mop in hand. "I've never used one of these before.  What an education this visit has been."

While Obael and the porter help Loranna clean the dining room, Obael shows Loranna where the wards are hidden in the walls as part of the decor.

"They haven't been damaged," he says. "They should still work ... But obviously not ... We should probably get one of our shaman in to look at them.  Maybe come up with something more powerful ..."

*





Loranna had learned very few skills of practical use during her days as a barmaid; cleaning, however, was one skill she had learned, and the frustrated desire to prevent Lord Raithmat from hurting her people was itching to come out somehow. After giving Lord Obael a quick lesson in the proper use of a mop, she attacks the bloodstain with vigor.

As Obale points out the wards, Loranna says "I doubt sheer power is going to stop this spirit, but it wouldn't hurt to have the shaman look at the wards. In my experience, the restless dead tend to remain restless until appeased somehow - though I admit, I am not very enthusiastic at the thought of bowing to such a ..."

Her lips twist into an unpleasant expression, and she scrubs with even greater vigor.

" ... No use getting worked up about it," she mutters. "We'll ask a shaman to look at the wards, and discuss the disinhereted son come the morning, and figure something out."

She glances at Lord Obael, debating whether to ask him something now or not; she decides against it for the moment, returning to making the dining room presentable.


Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 03:28 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 15 2005, 09:24 PM)

As Obale points out the wards, Loranna says "I doubt sheer power is going to stop this spirit, but it wouldn't hurt to have the shaman look at the wards.  In my experience, the restless dead tend to remain restless until appeased somehow - though I admit, I am not very enthusiastic at the thought of bowing to such a ..."

*





"I met a Morag Tong assassin named Kethiah at the tavern tonight," Obael said. "They're usually good for fixing up protective spiritual wards. They more or less have to, sending so many deserving and undeserving to the grave like they do ... Anyhow, she said she knew you from a while back ... If you wanted someone you already knew to look at the wards."


Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 03:36 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 15 2005, 09:28 PM)

"I met a Morag Tong assassin named Kethiah at the tavern tonight," Obael said. "They're usually good for fixing up protective spiritual wards.  They more or less have to, sending so many deserving and undeserving to the grave like they do ... Anyhow, she said she knew you from a while back ... If you wanted someone you already knew to look at the wards."

*





Loranna's eyebrows raise in mild surprise. "It's more she knew Jazbet and I met her briefly, but that sounds like a good idea," she says. "Kethaih struck me as being extremely competant."

Loranna wonders if Reichi learned any spiritual wards, or if he was particularly good at them even if he had; he hadn't really said much regarding spirit wards since the ghost situation came up so it was possible he wasn't terribly familiar with the art.

"You're right; this visit has been an education," she says to Obael. " ... Ahh, the floor almost looks presentable again, good. We should be done soon here."

She rubs her eyes a little. " ... This is not how Early Harvest usually kicks off, I am certain," she says.


Posted by: Dagoth Lich Yesterday, 05:44 AM

Slyvos had gone through hell at the hands of a ghost, distracting him from his little spying operation... two women running from a giant Azura copy is scaryful...

Anyway, he returned to Loranna afterwards, feeling that this was something worth telling. As he approached, he noticed blood stains...

'what happened to you?'

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 05:49 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 15 2005, 11:44 PM)

Slyvos had gone through hell at the hands of a ghost, distracting him from his little spying operation... two women running from a giant Azura copy is scaryful...

Anyway, he returned to Loranna afterwards, feeling that this was something worth telling. As he approached, he noticed blood stains...

'what happened to you?'

*





Loranna turns to face Slyvos, starting to say "Sly ldear, where have ..."

Her eyes fall upon Slyvos's chest; the rag in her hands tears, her grip like twin iron claws twisting.

"What happened to you?" she asks, her expression concerned but her tone dangerous ...


Posted by: Dagoth Lich Yesterday, 05:50 AM

He growled a bit, obviously angry.

'ghost got me... I see he got you too... tell me, did he carve anything in your chest?'

He was on the brink of 'I'm gonna go freakin necro on that ghost's [censored]' mode.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 05:56 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 15 2005, 11:50 PM)

He growled a bit, obviously angry.

'ghost got me... I see he got you too... tell me, did he carve anything in your chest?'

He was on the brink of 'I'm gonna go freakin necro on that ghost's [censored]' mode.

*





Loranna's eyes are fixed for a moment on the healing, yet persistant, scars on Slyvos's chest, spelling the word THIEF; as she stares Slyvos can see the rents in her shirt, and make out enough of the letters on her to guess what they say.

Loranna feels her anger likewise rising, even more when she finds herself wondering Was it Slyvos he was marking, or Jazbet by proxy?. She struggles to control her feelings, going over to Slyvos to put her hands on his shoulders, try to find words to say.


Posted by: Dagoth Lich Yesterday, 06:02 AM

He held Loranna, and he saw what the scar said...

'I swear that thing shall pay... you are no harlot, and I am no thief... but if this ghost thinks we all, oh I'll give it something else to call me...'

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 06:08 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 15 2005, 09:02 PM)

He held Loranna, and he saw what the scar said...

'I swear that thing shall pay... you are no harlot, and I am no thief... but if this ghost thinks we all, oh I'll give it something else to call me...'

*





Dres Obael and the night porter finished their mopping, carrying away the bloody mops and buckets of red-tinged water.

‘I’m going to grab a few hours of sleep now,’ said Obael. ‘We can talk after breakfast … I don’t think I’m feeling up to a meal …’

‘I promise I won’t tell no one what I saw tonight, milady,’ said the night porter. ‘Not ‘til you tell me what to say.’



Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 06:16 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 16 2005, 12:08 AM)

Dres Obael and the night porter finished their mopping, carrying away the bloody mops and buckets of red-tinged water.

‘I’m going to grab a few hours of sleep now,’ said Obael. ‘We can talk after breakfast … I don’t think I’m feeling up to a meal …’

‘I promise I won’t tell no one what I saw tonight, milady,’ said the night porter. ‘Not ‘til you tell me what to say.’

*





Loranna gives Dres Obael a sad smile. "Thank you for your help," she says. "I appreciate it; talk to you later dear."

"And thank you for your discresion; I'll speak with you tonight," Loranna promises the night porter, privately vowing to give the man a bonus for his help in trying circumstances after she had time enough to get her own brain working.

She turns back to Slyvos. " ... Dear, I know how you feel," she says quietly as the others head out. "This one's strong though, very strong; stronger than Dom maybe. And you are not a necromancer, nor a priest ..."

She sighs. " ... Let's head back to our room; even if I doubt I'm going to sleep we might as well get some rest, talk about what we saw. There's a portent of doom upon these lands, now ..."


Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 06:31 AM

Ald Raathim

The town came to life as the sun rose. Banners were hung proclaiming Early Harvest Festival. Farmers began bringing their crops and livestock in for the competition, each hoping that the Lady of Ald Raathim would choose his as the prettiest guar, the best trained parrapton, the most delicious scuttle, the largest fish, the purest pearl. The young ladies of the town were excited about the dance where one of them would be crowned Harvest Princess. Everyone whispered about the other entertainment, as the tavern was filled with bards from all over Morrowind.

Dres Minsero arose at the first light too, while the servants were busily preparing breakfast. He walked down to the rocky beach for his morning swim.



Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 06:34 AM

Just before dawn ........

The night porter hurled the bucket of water into the evening, then latched the oaken door again. A being hunkered in the shadows, lifting his muzzle briefly at the scent of blood. An Argonian unfolded to his feet.

Shaka, as non-Argonians preferred to abbrieviate his name, carried a spear slung across his shoulders. It was wrapped in the old, cracked leather of an ash vampire. His steady gaze was that of a freeman, not the averted Argonian slave's.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 06:44 AM

Ald Raathim - Dawn

As it turned out, neight Loranna nor Slyvos got all that much sleep that night; they had talked well into the early hours of the encroaching dawn, comparing their experiences with Raithmat, semi-arguing, semi-ranting that couples under sudden outside stress sometimes go through, tentatively making plans for trying to deal with the situation, or at least prepare themselves more fully in case something similar happens in the future.

A potion wiped away any physical fatigue Loranna may have felt, but her brain still felt worn out - and, she knew, today she had many things to do as Lady of Daruhn. She privately hopes she can sneak some relaxation in today so she can approach the problem from a fresher perspective.

But, for now, it was time to put on her next most pretty dress and to make herself up for a festive day; she would have liked a chance to take a swim but she'd have to wait on that. Breakfast would be soon and she needed to make sure everything was ready - and that Kallen was all right.


Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 06:54 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 15 2005, 09:44 PM)

Ald Raathim - Dawn
But, for now, it was time to put on her next most pretty dress and to make herself up for a festive day; she would have liked a chance to take a swim but she'd have to wait on that.  Breakfast would be soon and she needed to make sure everything was ready - and that Kallen was all right.

*





Loranna found Kallen in front of the castle, supervising the construction of a stage to crown the Harvest Princess, and then for the various bard presentations. Another similar stage was being constructed in the village for the livestock and crop awards.

‘Good morning, your ladyship,’ said Kallen, aware that they were in earshot of the workers. ‘I hope you had a good night’s sleep. I believe Razbiah has breakfast laid out in the dining room.’

He looked a little pale beneath his dark Dunmer skin, but he seems steady and his usual efficient self.


Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 07:01 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 16 2005, 12:54 AM)

Loranna found Kallen in front of the castle, supervising the construction of a stage to crown the Harvest Princess, and then for the various bard presentations.  Another similar stage was being constructed in the village for the livestock and crop awards.

‘Good morning, your ladyship,’ said Kallen, aware that they were in earshot of the workers. ‘I hope you had a good night’s sleep.  I believe Razbiah has breakfast laid out in the dining room.’

He looked a little pale beneath his dark Dunmer skin, but he seems steady and his usual efficient self.

*





"Good morning Kallen," Loranna replies, looking cheerful. "I spent half the night awake in anticipation of the day's festivities; it sounds like things will be even more enjoyable than I imagined though, much to my delight."

She notes Kallen's slight paleness, and her heart goes out to the Dunmer youth; he was afraid but he was putting forth his best face ...

"Let us go eat then; I'm starving," she says, schooling herself to relax. "I can hardly wait."


Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 07:06 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 15 2005, 10:01 PM)

"Good morning Kallen," Loranna replies, looking cheerful.  "I spent half the night awake in anticipation of the day's festivities; it sounds like things will be even more enjoyable than I imagined though, much to my delight."

She notes Kallen's slight paleness, and her heart goes out to the Dunmer youth; he was afraid but he was putting forth his best face ...

"Let us go eat then; I'm starving," she says, schooling herself to relax.  "I can hardly wait."

*





'I've already eaten, but I believe Sera Dres Vendama is in there,' Kallen looked down towards the path leading to the bay. 'Here comes Sera Dres Minsero.'

The old Dunmer was quite formally attired for having gone for a swim, wearing a deep wine-colored robe with the shield of House Dres embroidered on its front.

'I am pleased to see that you are out of bed on this important holy day,' Minsero said gruffly by way of greeting.


Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 07:13 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 16 2005, 01:06 AM)

'I've already eaten, but I believe Sera Dres Vendama is in there,' Kallen looked down towards the path leading to the bay. 'Here comes Sera Dres Minsero.'

The old Dunmer was quite formally attired for having gone for a swim, wearing a deep wine-colored robe with the shield of House Dres embroidered on its front.

'I am pleased to see that you are out of bed on this important holy day,' Minsero said gruffly by way of greeting.

*





Loranna gets the feeling that she's going to have to start off each day with a clean scorecard with the elderly Dunmer nobleman; she offers him a warm smile.

"I wouldn't miss this day for the world, my Lord," she says. "Breakfast is prepared; Razbiah's cooking always gets the day started off on a good foot. Shall we, my Lord?"


Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 07:24 AM

The Dining Room, Ald Raathim


QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 15 2005, 10:13 PM)

Loranna gets the feeling that she's going to have to start off each day with a clean scorecard with the elderly Dunmer nobleman; she offers him a warm smile.

"I wouldn't miss this day for the world, my Lord," she says.  "Breakfast is prepared; Razbiah's cooking always gets the day started off on a good foot.  Shall we, my Lord?"

*





One would never know this room hosted a showdown with a ghost, and was splattered with blood but a few hours ago.

Vendama sat at the table, playing with her breakfast, trying to decide the best strategy on consuming it. Everyone else in the dining room was a castle servant or one of Minsero’s slaves, who were all Khajiit.

‘Give me a little bit of the mash and a glass of wine,’ said Minsero to one of his slaves. To Loranna, he added, ‘You have to keep the Khajiit occupied at all times, or they’ll run wild.’

‘Good morning, Sera Minsero, Sera Loranna, Sera Slyvos,’ smiled Vendama, rolling her eyes. She looked beatiful, her copper-colored hair perfectly coiffed, her light blue gown contrasting against her dark flesh.


Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 07:47 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 16 2005, 01:24 AM)

The Dining Room, Ald Raathim
One would never know this room hosted a showdown with a ghost, and was splattered with blood but a few hours ago.

Vendama sat at the table, playing with her breakfast, trying to decide the best strategy on consuming it.  Everyone else in the dining room was a castle servant or one of Minsero’s slaves, who were all Khajiit.

‘Give me a little bit of the mash and a glass of wine,’ said Minsero to one of his slaves. To Loranna, he added, ‘You have to keep the Khajiit occupied at all times, or they’ll run wild.’

‘Good morning, Sera Minsero, Sera Loranna, Sera Slyvos,’ smiled Vendama, rolling her eyes.  She looked beatiful, her copper-colored hair perfectly coiffed, her light blue gown contrasting against her dark flesh.

*





I remember saying I had a growing respect for this man, Loranna thinks to herself. I wonder, what exactly was I thinking then? Hopefully it will come back to me.

To Minsero, Loranna says with a bit of a wry grin "There are always exceptions to everything, my Lord," before greeting Vendama. "Good morning dear; you look radiant today."


Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 07:51 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 15 2005, 10:47 PM)

I remember saying I had a growing respect for this man, Loranna thinks to herself.  I wonder, what exactly was I thinking then?  Hopefully it will come back to me.

To Minsero, Loranna says with a bit of a wry grin "There are always exceptions to everything, my Lord," before greeting Vendama.  "Good morning dear; you look radiant today."

*





Minsero shrugged, ‘One cannot plan for exceptions.’

Vendama smiled, ‘Thank you, Loranna. You do too. Of course, from what I hear, the young ladies of the town are all dressing their best, hoping to get a dance with Sylvos and Obael.’




Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 08:02 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 16 2005, 01:51 AM)

Minsero shrugged, ‘One cannot plan for exceptions.’

Vendama smiled, ‘Thank you, Loranna.  You do too.  Of course, from what I hear, the young ladies of the town are all dressing their best, hoping to get a dance with Sylvos and Obael.’

*





"True, my Lord," Loranna says. "Merely learn to recognize an exception when one sees it, and work with unexpected good fortune when it drops into your lap."

She raises her eyebrows at Vendama's words. "Ah; it promises to be an interesting day," she says, making a mental note to gear herself up for telling Slyvos. "I'm sure your brother will make many hearts beat faster today."


Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 08:05 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 16 2005, 01:51 AM)

Minsero shrugged, ‘One cannot plan for exceptions.’

Vendama smiled, ‘Thank you, Loranna.  You do too.  Of course, from what I hear, the young ladies of the town are all dressing their best, hoping to get a dance with Sylvos and Obael.’

*





Unnoticed near the servants' entrance, Shaka continued to study the company before him. He smiled slightly at the crusty Minsero's body language. I can almost respect an old bastard like him, he thought. The "Beast Races" understood the dunmer and humans far better than the reverse; survival had always meant knowing how to cajole, how to flatter, how to manipulate one's so-called superiors.

Shaka was in the belly of the beast, the lands of the Dres -- Vvardenfell's most steadfast slave-holders. At least, until now. Shaka had been drawn to the southern lands to see if the rumors were true, that a freehold could exist among the Dres.

He thought for a moment on the legendary weapons he had left behind at Caldera. A few had disappeared in the chaos a while back, called back by the gods. Others he had spirited out of Caldera to safety in an abandoned mine. He might never see them again, for all he knew, but at least he still had the Spear.



Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 08:05 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 15 2005, 11:02 PM)

She raises her eyebrows at Vendama's words.  "Ah; it promises to be an interesting day," she says, making a mental note to gear herself up for telling Slyvos.  "I'm sure your brother will make many hearts beat faster today."

*





‘I have little interest in ladies’ talk,’ said Minseros, finishing his food and pushing his plate aside. ‘The breakfast, as usual, was excellent. Now, I intend to go to the fields and see what this agricultural revolution of yours looks like up close. I’ll have your lad Kallen show me.’

Without further ado, Minsero stood up and left the room.

‘Before his morning exercise, he’s in a much fouler mood than that,’ laughed Vendama when he was out of earshot.



Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 08:14 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 16 2005, 02:05 AM)

‘I have little interest in ladies’ talk,’ said Minseros, finishing his food and pushing his plate aside. ‘The breakfast, as usual, was excellent.  Now, I intend to go to the fields and see what this agricultural revolution of yours looks like up close.  I’ll have your lad Kallen show me.’

Without further ado, Minsero stood up and left the room.

‘Before his morning exercise, he’s in a much fouler mood than that,’ laughed Vendama when he was out of earshot.

*





Loranna wonders if Minsero's abrupt leavetaking was due to her scoring another point, digging herself in deeper, or just the old codger beng impatient to start digging for actual proof that Ald Raathim's success was due to fairydust and curved mirrors.

"It's good I decided to forgo my morning swim, then," Loranna notes with a polite smile, her eyes tending to wander a bit around the room. "But it's a festive day and I for one hope to enjoy our good harvest and fortune."

"What would my Lady like to do next?" Loranna asks. "See the entertainments, stroll through our humble town, see about trying to steal our seamstres out from under my nose?" She smiles.


Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 08:17 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 15 2005, 11:14 PM)

"What would my Lady like to do next?" Loranna asks.  "See the entertainments, stroll through our humble town, see about trying to steal our seamstres out from under my nose?"  She smiles.

*





'Let us indulge in the ladies' talk that Minseros disparages,' smiled Vendama. 'My larceny can always wait. Perhaps a walk down to the village to see how the festival progresses ...'



Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 08:17 AM

"What would my Lady like to do next?" Loranna asks.  "See the entertainments, stroll through our humble town, see about trying to steal our seamstres out from under my nose?"  She smiles.

*


[/quote]


A Khajiit jostled Shaka. "Lizard, don't stand about," she snapped. "Take some more drink to the gentlefolk."

Shaka smiled and, setting his gear in the back, complied. The company looked up in some surprise as Shaka delivered the drinks but sat down, pouring himself one.

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 08:29 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 15 2005, 11:17 PM)

A Khajiit jostled Shaka.  "Lizard, don't stand about," she snapped.  "Take some more drink to the gentlefolk."

Shaka smiled and, setting his gear in the back, complied.  The company looked up in some surprise as Shaka delivered the drinks but sat down, pouring himself one.

*





‘I don’t believe we’ve met, sir,’ said Vendama, smiling widely. ‘I’m Dres Vendama of Bodrom Mora. I am guessing you are … a bard here for Early Harvest Festival?’


Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 08:29 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 16 2005, 02:17 AM)

A Khajiit jostled Shaka.  "Lizard, don't stand about," she snapped.  "Take some more drink to the gentlefolk."

Shaka smiled and, setting his gear in the back, complied.  The company looked up in some surprise as Shaka delivered the drinks but sat down, pouring himself one.

*





Loranna looks at the bold Argonian who just sat down and helped himself to a drink with raised eyebrows. "Hello dear; I don't believe we've met," she says, her curiosity piqued. "I'm Loranna, Lady of Daruhn; welcome to our Early Harvest Festival."

"To whom do we owe the honor of this meeting?" she asks.


Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 08:36 AM

Shaka stood and bowed to Loranna, addressing himself to all seated at the table. "My lady, I'm just an old battlemage .... but my other lady (turning to Vendama) .... I must remember that good idea about the bard. I've had many trades in my life, but not that just yet." And indeed, Shaka's voice was a fairly resonant baritone.

Mentally, Shaka added to the list: And explorer of tombs, though it might not be politic to mention that right off the bat. And most of all, one who seeks knowledge, including how one might someday free the shackled.

"If you good folk will excuse my unorthodox entrance, I believe the day waits for us all. Perhaps we will speak more about your ... experiment later."

Shaka left for the servants' entrance, retrieving the Spear and backpack.

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 08:41 AM

'What an extraordinary fellow,' gasped Vendama, watching him leave, and then bursting into laughter. 'You know, I hope we do see him again.'


Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 08:42 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 16 2005, 02:36 AM)

Shaka stood and bowed to Loranna, addressing himself to all seated at the table.  "My lady, I'm just an old battlemage .... but sir, I must remember that good idea about the bard.  I've had many trades in my life, but not that just yet."  And indeed, Shaka's voice was a fairly resonant baritone. 

Mentally, Shaka added to the list: And explorer of tombs, though it might not be politic to mention that right off the bat.  And most of all, one who seeks knowledge, including how one might someday free the shackled.

"If you good folk will excuse my unorthodox entrance, I believe the day waits for us all.  Perhaps we will speak more about your ... experiment later."

Shaka left for the servants' entrance, retrieving the Spear and backpack.

*





Loranna watches the Argonain battlemage leave, noting he never mentioned his name.


QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 16 2005, 02:41 AM)

'What an extraordinary fellow,' gasped Vendama, watching him leave, and then bursting into laughter. 'You know, I hope we do see him again.'

*





"He seems an interesting sort, yes," Loranna says. "Such meetings have become somewhat commonplace for me this past year, actually. And yes, I do hope we meet him again."

She looks around, noting the two of them are alone. "Before we get started on our day my Lady - there is a tale you never got a chance to tell me. I'd love to hear it now, if it pelases you."


Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 08:47 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 15 2005, 11:42 PM)

She looks around, noting the two of them are alone.  "Before we get started on our day my Lady - there is a tale you never got a chance to tell me.  I'd love to hear it now, if it pelases you."

*





Vendama smiles, 'If you are referring to the tale of how Jazbet saved Minsero's life ... it's quite a long one ... Do we have time? You do not have to hurry off to the festival for the judging just yet?'




Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 08:49 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 16 2005, 02:47 AM)

Vendama smiles, 'If you are referring to the tale of how Jazbet saved Minsero's life ... it's quite a long one ... Do we have time?  You do not have to hurry off to the festival for the judging just yet?'

*





Loranna looks around. "I see no one clamoring for my attention just yet," she notes. "Now seems as good a time as any; we may not get a chance to discuss other matters till much later anyway."


Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 08:51 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 15 2005, 11:49 PM)

Loranna looks around.  "I see no one clamoring for my attention just yet," she notes.  "Now seems as good a time as any; we may not get a chance to discuss other matters till much later anyway."

*





Dres Vendama pours herself a glass of wine and tells the tale.

"Quite a while ago, at the time of your Pilgrimage through Vvardenfell had just begun, the Queen of Wayrest, our King’s half-sister, sought to help your cause in order to hurt Helseth. She tried to rally the Houses to your side, and she succeeded with several prominent members of House Dres, such as Dres Wyrloc … and your dear friend Dres Minsero.

As you know, Minsero does not care for outlanders, and he considers Helseth the very worst of them, raised in Wayrest, cropping his ears, being propped up by the Imperials … Anyway, he supplied many of your ‘pilgrims’ and much gold towards the cause, and Helseth heard about it.

Minsero had heard that Wyrloc was trying to talk Jazbet into joining the cause, and he came to Ald Raathim to, in his usual way, bully Jazbet into doing just that. I was visiting at the time too. Your husband was unsure what to do. He did not like Helseth on one hand, but on the other, he felt his role was to be here, protecting his people. Minsero called him a coward, and threatened to bring the whole of the House against Ald Raathim, something he said he had always meant to do, he said, but Ald Raathim was so insignificant, it barely warranted his attention until now.

Jazbet walked the old man down to the docks, trying to reason with him, but it was no use. It was then, however, that a Dark Brotherhood assassin hired by Helseth struck, attempting to kill Minsero. He was posing as fisherman, but his pole was a razor-tipped spear. Jazbet saw the fisherman rush forward, and pushed Minsero out of the way, catching the end of the spear in his arm. You may have noticed a scar there. I neglected to mention that one when I was talking about the scar on Sylvos’s chin. Didn’t know if it was a good idea to bring it up or not, but I think Minsero thought I would last night …

Anyhow, Minsero was so humbled that Jazbet had saved him, you would have thought he had been dealt a lethal blow after all. He stayed here for several more days, and do you know, once or twice I would swear I would overhear them talking, and Jazbet could actually make the old mer laugh!

When they were able to discuss the situation as equals, both Jazbet and Minsero came to respect one another’s positions so much that they actually switched sides. Minsero elected to return to Ald Dresori to keep his homeland safe from the predations of Helseth, reasoning that his vast holdings were in more danger if he went on the pilgrimage. Jazbet decided that he had to risk it and join the pilgrimage, and left here … and, well, you know the rest."

Vendama swallows the last of her wine.


Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 08:59 AM

Loranna is quiet for a long moment, thinking over Vendama's story, picturing the scene she described in her mind. She could see it quite vividly; she could almost hear what Jazbet probably said ...

"Jazbet could make anyone laugh," she says, smiling; her silver tearstreaks catch the light, giving her expression an ethereal air.

" ... He never did talk about his scars," she says, shaking her head with a wry grin. "He's amazing ..."

She sips the last of her wine. "Thank you for telling me this, my Lady," Loranna says. " ... Though, perhaps now we should go an enjoy the day. It is a festive occasion after all and Jazbet wouldn't want us to miss it."


Posted by: Dagoth Lich Yesterday, 03:41 PM

Slyvos was doing what he did best in order to keep his temper down from last night. If there was one major problem he had, it was his tendancy to hold a massive grudge... and also to lash out.

He had snuck out after breakfast, not too keen on devouring Razbiah's food, and went to his old lookout spot on the beach. He had his flute with him, and was playing a song he had been practicing so he would have more then one thing to play. Already, he had gotten very, very good at it. The thing was, no matter how joyful a song it was, when he played, it always had an erie, sorrowful undertone...


Posted by: Aki Yesterday, 04:04 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 15 2005, 06:49 PM)

Solunastra
Bosriel has been practicing walking in her usual tip-toe dancer fashion when she passed by the room, and heard the word "vampire."  She paused, listening, and just avoided Tohe as he clanked past her.

*




Tohe still retained some of the lupine senses in a human state, of course, they were far from as highly powered as they were in the Werewolf state. It was slight, but enough to catch the scent of Bosriel. He stopped for a moment, looking around before continuing. He dismissed the smell. Solunastra was prone to weirdness like that.

Reichi meanwhile, flipped his Dagger of Senses in his hands, over and over. Pondering what to do. He considered his former Morag Tong training, former assassinhood. He rembered a skill from it he hadn't particularly been practicing that was rather useful. Marksmanship. Or lockpicking, for that matter. He made a mental note to pick up some throwing knives. Hopefully Daggerfall had some of those. Or maybe Cyrodiil, nah, Imperials didn't seem the type to use throwing weapons. Could always head back to Morrowind, he still had a Mark set in Ald Raathim.


Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 04:14 PM

Back at his inn that morning, Shaka took inventory of his armor and weapons before replacing his gear in the room's armoire. No point in alarming the revelers this day. He practiced unarmed combat for a while before setting out. This morning, he chose the Rain of Sand technique he had learned from a Khajiit some decades ago. His exercise became an unpredictable whirl of spins and kicks designed to confuse the enemy while forcing him to wear himself out.

He looked thoughtfully at the Spear before locking his room, and decided to take Bitter Mercy with him.

Some while later, Shaka watched a troupe of actors grandly styling themselves the Mournhold Players reenact some early days of the Tribunal's adventures. A passerby had stuck a gold kanet flower in the fringed leather of Bitter Mercy's sheath, and Shaka had kept it there as an unlikely standard this morning.

Shaka smiled at the amateurish but well-meaning troupers. Although the Argonian would remain in a vigorous apparent middle-age for a long time to come, Shaka reflected that the number of beings who had actually met the Tribunal was dwindling.

His brief audience with Almalexia had been enlightening. He had judged her as exquisite, for a non-Argonian, but there had been a desperation in her eyes. Her body had been tattooed with arcane glyphs so long ago that even she had perhaps forgotten their meaning, or why she had had herself illustrated thus. Her power must have been dwindling as long as her madness had been growing.

Sotha Sil had chosen a hermit's path, and Shaka had been taken to see him by one of the last of his pupils -- Alastor, had it been? Brackish water had even then seeped into his stronghold's corridors, and it had seemed significant that Seht didn't seem to notice or care.

Vivec, now, had seemed to hold himself together the best of the three, though even he had had a thousand-cubit stare. Shaka shook his head, sobered for a moment. He wished he had known the Tribunal in their early days, when they had been big-hearted adventurers with a lust for all that mortal life held.

A little girl said nearby, "Mummy, look at the lizard in the skirt." "Hush now," said the sheepish dunmer holding her hand.

Shaka bent his head to the child. "It's all right, lass. Mara Herself gave me this kilt." The woman, smiling, took her daughter to see the jugglers. "You shouldn't tell tall stories, friend."

Shaka chuckled as he thought to himself of the quest that had gifted him with a glimpse of the Goddess of Love's avatar. He sobered as he remembered the dead Redguard on the cavern floor, a brace of Winged Twilight harpies preparing Shaka to join him.

The battlemage strolled through the crowds, finding himself relaxing in the best holiday he had experienced in years. Farming families proudly displayed their animals and handicrafts. Choirs of amateurs sang gospels and romances. Vendors called out their wares to all who passed, offering samples.

Shaka knew that he would see Loranna at some point this day. He would have to remember to tell her his name, or at least the abbrieviation that non-Argonians found easier to pronounce.

As he strode through the joyous crowds, he wondered for a moment why the lady had had silver tears on her face. If Dres Vendama had all of Almalexia's lush beauty, Loranna had much of that and all Her cares into the bargain.

Posted by: Nalion Yesterday, 04:40 PM

QUOTE(Aki @ Jun 16 2005, 04:04 PM)

Reichi meanwhile, flipped his Dagger of Senses in his hands, over and over. Pondering what to do. He considered his former Morag Tong training, former assassinhood. He rembered a skill from it he hadn't particularly been practicing that was rather useful. Marksmanship. Or lockpicking, for that matter. He made a mental note to pick up some throwing knives. Hopefully Daggerfall had some of those. Or maybe Cyrodiil, nah, Imperials didn't seem the type to use throwing weapons. Could always head back to Morrowind, he still had a Mark set in Ald Raathim.

*




Solunastra, Daggerfall
Nalion put away the parchment he just read and began to rub his eyes. Staring at a tiny handwriting all the day wore on both, mind and eyes. Seeking change from studying, he left his chamber and descended the stairs.

Reichi was standing idly around, playing with the dagger whose exact twin hung at the mages own belt.

"Nervous, my friend?" he asked with a smile. "Or just bored?"

Posted by: Aki Yesterday, 04:46 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jun 16 2005, 10:40 AM)

Solunastra, Daggerfall
Nalion put away the parchment he just read and began to rub his eyes. Staring at a tiny handwriting all the day wore on both, mind and eyes. Seeking change from studying, he left his chamber and descended the stairs.

Reichi was standing idly around, playing with the dagger whose exact twin hung at the mages own belt.

"Nervous, my friend?" he asked with a smile. "Or just bored?"

*




"The later, i had little reason to be nervous. If if the dead can come back, i've killed them before, and can do it again, and aside from the ghost problem, theres little that concerns me," Reichi replied. He grinned.

Posted by: Nalion Yesterday, 04:56 PM

QUOTE(Aki @ Jun 16 2005, 04:46 PM)

"The later, i had little reason to be nervous. If if the dead can come back, i've killed them before, and can do it again, and aside from the ghost problem, theres little that concerns me," Reichi replied. He grinned.

*




Nalion found Reichi's grin decidedly... wolfish.
"It troubles me, too." the mage answered, with a serious voice. "I was wondering about other things of late, too, though."
The Breton furrowed his brow.
"Back when we encountered this Duke, I felt... helpless. I've been relying too much on magicka lately. I thought about learning unarmed combat. Seeing you fight in that event, I was wondering if you could tell me how to start."
The mage looked at the Dunmer questioningly.

Posted by: Aki Yesterday, 05:01 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jun 16 2005, 10:56 AM)

Nalion found Reichi's grin decidedly... wolfish.
"It troubles me, too." the mage answered, with a serious voice. "I was wondering about other things of late, too, though."
The Breton furrowed his brow.
"Back when we encountered this Duke, I felt... helpless. I've been relying too much on magicka lately. I thought about learning unarmed combat. Seeing you fight in that event, I was wondering if you could tell me how to start."
The mage looked at the Dunmer questioningly.

*




Reichi nodded. "I can teach you some," he said. "Of course, this right here isn't exactly the place, and wearing robes isn't very good for unarmed combat." he indicated Nalion's robes. "We should head down to that training room, that way people won't think we had a arguement and came to blows."

Posted by: Nalion Yesterday, 05:08 PM

QUOTE(Aki @ Jun 16 2005, 05:01 PM)

Reichi nodded. "I can teach you some," he said. "Of course, this right here isn't exactly the place, and wearing robes isn't very good for unarmed combat." he indicated Nalion's robes. "We should head down to that training room, that way people won't think we had a arguement and came to blows."

*




"I suppose so." Nalion answered.
"And we don't want to demolish Allerleirauh's furniture here.", he added with a grin.
Nalion led the way downstairs into the training room. There, he got rid of his robe. Underneath, he wore simple light travellers clothes with dark colouring.
He investigated some potions standing ready which people training after Allerleirauh's favourite method frequently used and chose two of lesser strength. They were going to fight with bare hands, so that would be sufficient. One he downed himself, the other he tossed over to Reichi.
"Well, I think I'm ready. Where should I start?" the mage asked.

Posted by: Aki Yesterday, 05:13 PM

Reichi downed the potion he was handed, even if he didn't think it neccesary. Hand to Hand wasn't usually very lethal unless one made it their business to go for lethality. "Well, to start, there was this one thing the guy who taught me this said. The key to Unarmed combat was to being like water, flow like a stream, and when you attack, do so with the ferocity of raging rapids. Or something to that effect," he said before shrugging. "Basically, don't put too much power into one swing, use your opponents power and momentum aggainst them. Come, attack me, i'll demonstrate."



Posted by: Nalion Yesterday, 05:17 PM

QUOTE(Aki @ Jun 16 2005, 05:13 PM)

Reichi downed the potion he was handed, even if he didn't think it neccesary. Hand to Hand wasn't usually very lethal unless one made it their business to go for lethality. "Well, to start, there was this one thing the guy who taught me this said. The key to Unarmed combat was to being like water, flow like a stream, and when you attack, do so with the ferocity of raging rapids. Or something to that effect," he said before shrugging. "Basically, don't put too much power into one swing, use your opponents power and momentum aggainst them. Come, attack me, i'll demonstrate."

*




Nalion nodded. He wasn't very agile himself, being no fighter. Nontheless, the continued adventuring had kept him in a rather good shape.
He clenched his fists and took a sort of awkward looking fighting stance. He looked into the Dunmer's fiery eyes, then launched himself against him, a fist aiming for his chin.

Posted by: Sir Radont Yesterday, 05:22 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jun 16 2005, 11:17 AM)

Nalion nodded. He wasn't very agile himself, being no fighter. Nontheless, the continued adventuring had kept him in a rather good shape.
He clenched his fists and took a sort of awkward looking fighting stance. He looked into the Dunmer's fiery eyes, then launched himself against him, a fist aiming for his chin.

*





Radont, still hanging out in Solunastra, stood in the doorway of the training room to watch the sparring.

Posted by: Aki Yesterday, 05:22 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jun 16 2005, 11:17 AM)

Nalion nodded. He wasn't very agile himself, being no fighter. Nontheless, the continued adventuring had kept him in a rather good shape.
He clenched his fists and took a sort of awkward looking fighting stance. He looked into the Dunmer's fiery eyes, then launched himself against him, a fist aiming for his chin.

*




Reichi stepped to the right, one foot swepting Nalion's feet out from under him while his hand pushed Nalion into the ground. "Like that, all i had to do was slip you up, give you a nudge and gravity took over," he explained.

Posted by: Arynel Yesterday, 05:24 PM

In Daggerfall city there echoes a sound which seems to radiate from a little alleyway, it is the sound of a Breton's voice accompanied by lute.

The year goes by swift at times
And other times too slowly
The days they come one by one
Inviting seasons on the journey
Here then we come at last
To that special day
Whereupon we no longer look
Back to the first of Morning Star
But forwards gaze to the coming days
That end in Evening Star

Mid Year then we come upon
At last the day alights
On one side there lies
The days that we have seen so far
On the other hand there lies
The times we have yet to be a part
Bring out then the wine and cakes
Let the minstrels sing a chorus
The temples charge is now half price
So be merry and be joyous


When the song commences the sound quickly subsides, and mysteriously, locals who examine the alleyway where the music seemed to come from find it empty.

Posted by: Nalion Yesterday, 05:29 PM

QUOTE(Aki @ Jun 16 2005, 05:22 PM)

Reichi stepped to the right, one foot swepting Nalion's feet out from under him while his hand pushed Nalion into the ground. "Like that, all i had to do was slip you up, give you a nudge and gravity took over," he explained.

*




Nalion hit the floor with a solid thump. He had barely managed to put his arms under his body.
He rose and furrowed his brow. "I see, it's not all about hitting someone with full force. Looks like the footwork is important too."

"Are there certain basic moves to learn? Something I can maybe practice without an actual opponent? Balance training?"

Posted by: Aki Yesterday, 05:34 PM

"Punches and Kicks" Reichi said with a smirk. "Balance....hmm.." he scratched his chin in thought. "Don't know about that, maybe walk a tight-rope or something. Or do that old 'walk up the mountain with two pails of water on a pole and don't spill any' trick."



Posted by: Nalion Yesterday, 05:40 PM

QUOTE(Aki @ Jun 16 2005, 05:34 PM)

"Punches and Kicks" Reichi said with a smirk. "Balance....hmm.." he scratched his chin in thought. "Don't know about that, maybe walk a tight-rope or something. Or do that old 'walk up the mountain with two pails of water on a pole and don't spill any' trick."

*




"Could you walk me through the motions you usually prefer use? Show me how they are done?", the mage asked. "And maybe I have an idea how to train balance."

Posted by: Aki Yesterday, 05:45 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jun 16 2005, 11:40 AM)

"Could you walk me through the motions you usually prefer use? Show me how they are done?", the mage asked. "And maybe I have an idea how to train balance."

*




For the next hour or so, Reichi walked Nalion through the motions and taught as much as he could about unarmed combat. Which, admitably, wasn't alot. Enough to defend oneself without a weapon adquetlely. The pratice went smoothly except for a few moments where Reichi forgot his current state and tried to slash with a set of nonexistant claws.


Posted by: Nalion Yesterday, 05:59 PM

QUOTE(Aki @ Jun 16 2005, 05:45 PM)

For the next hour or so, Reichi walked Nalion through the motions and taught as much as he could about unarmed combat. Which, admitably, wasn't alot. Enough to defend oneself without a weapon adquetlely. The pratice went smoothly except for a few moments where Reichi forgot his current state and tried to slash with a set of nonexistant claws.

*




Nalion tried hard to imitate the motions Reichi taught him. At first, they seemed strange to him, like a child who was first confronted with the use of a knife and fork, but as they proceeded with the training, he grew a bit more comfortable. The motions asked for concentration and exact control of the different moves. It felt awkward of sorts, but Nalion found that the the basic principle of exact movement and concentration was similar of sorts to the gestures he used to cast spells...

He knew that he would not stand a chance against a trained warrior after such a short time, but Nalion felt that he had progressed a little. The Breton intended to find time to practice the movements regularly now and maybe seek advice of others skilled in this art.

"Thanks, Reichi, I appreciate this greatly. I feel worked out, but that was worth it. Well, if you ever need a scroll or something, I'd be happy to see what I can do. And now I think, I could use a bath."

Posted by: Aki Yesterday, 06:01 PM

"Your Welcome," Reichi said, smiling. "As for a scroll, i'll think on if i'll ever need one."

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 06:27 PM

Shaka was idly looking through a street vendor's jewelry. "Genuine dwemer metal in that one".... the merchant hesitated ... "Sera. Not that you need many more rings, eh?"

Fingering one of the four in his rather large ears, Shaka had to agree. His ears held the emerald of Glass, the deep obsidian of Ebony, the reddish gleam of dreugh shell, and a tropical hardwood from his homeland.

Shaka walked on, and the smell from a butcher's stall brought a fleeting memory from the night before. Why had there been blood in the pail of water thrown out by the night porter? Perhaps there was more to this arcadian Harvest Festival than appeared in the light of the sun.

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 08:55 PM

Ald Raathim

Kethiah stood in front of the mirror, trying to figure out what to do with her hair. Her real hair was short to keep any of her targets from grabbing it during a struggle. That had attracted too many stares in the town where every other woman was dressing her best. Fortunately, Kethiah had some disguises in her luggage, including a wig of long straight black hair.

The Dark Brotherhood assassin tried it on. She remembered the last time she wore this wig, when she had pretended to be a prostitute to get closer to a target. It was a prostitute's wig, all silky and smooth.

Of course, she still had a scar through her lip, and the serious face of a serious woman, which belied her disguise. But at least no one would stare.

Kethiah stepped out into the streets. She had business to do.

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 09:05 PM

Shaka noticed the local branches of the Guilds had set up displays as well. At one time or another, he had joined most of them in order to gain access to as many regions of Vvardenfell, and strata of society, as he could. He had even learned some moral lessons from the Temple and the Imperial Cult. By the gods, there was even information at the Festival on the Morag Tong.

Shaka had never joined the Morag Tong, despite their legitimate backing. Somehow he had never fully understood the assassin's mind. A woman with raven-black hair stood examining the display, and Shaka froze in his tracks. It couldn't be. Surely Helseth's reach didn't extend this far .....

With one hand resting on his slung spear, he stepped closer. "Kethiah?" he said tentatively. A face severe but filled with character swung toward him in surprise.

Shaka thought for a moment about his time in Mournhold. He might have been tempted back then to kill that schemer Helseth if not for the respect in which Shaka held his mother Barenziah. The Argonian couldn't get out of that nest of intrigue quickly enough. His visit had lasted just long enough to teach him Helseth was in bed with the Dark Brotherhood, a group Shaka was even less familiar with than the Morag Tong.



Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 09:14 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 16 2005, 03:05 PM)

With one hand resting on his slung spear, he stepped closer.  "Kethiah?" he said tentatively.

*





Kethiah had seen Shaka’s reflection in a silver shield in the stand next to her, just an instant before he saw her. It would have been too suspicious for her to move away, so she hoped he would just pass on, that the wig would disguise her.

When he said her name, she whispered back, "Shaka, this doesn't concern you" and at that the cord holding the stand’s roof in place slipped, and it collapsed.

There was a moment of chaos in which the assassin vanished.

Shaka looked up and saw her slipping across the roof of the Mages Guild.

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 09:22 PM


He hesitated for a moment too long, and the lithe assassin was gone. Shaka understood then Kethiah wasn't here for him -- It's not always about you, he chided himself.

But what should he do next? His loyalties would always lie with the Mages Guild, even if he was more than solely a mage. Should he warn them -- no, he was probably too late already.

Shaking his head in confusion, he ran for the Mages Guild in the deceptively awkward lope of the Argonian race.

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 09:26 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 16 2005, 03:22 PM)

Shaking his head in confusion, he ran for the Mages Guild in the deceptively awkward lope of the Argonian race.

*





"Greetings," said the initiate inside, a smiling teenaged girl in dark black ropes. "My name is Glea. Are you interested in hearing about the history of the Ald Raathim Mages Guild, or in joining?"


Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 09:27 PM


"That's a No and a Not Necessary, daughter," he said to Glea, and spoke the guild password. Walking quickly past the reception area, Shaka looked for Kethiah.

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 09:33 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 16 2005, 03:27 PM)

"That's a No and a Not Necessary, daughter," he said to Glea, and spoke the guild password.  Walking quickly past the reception area, Shaka looked for Kethiah.

*





The Guild had built upon itself and gained some size in the past several months, but it was still scarcely more than the large farm house it occupied. Three stories tall, plus cellar. It was quiet, as most everyone was at the festival.

“Can I help you find someone?” asked Glea.



Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 09:36 PM

Ald Raathim - the Festival

Loranna found it easy to smile and laugh at the Festival; the bouyant energy everyone felt was infectious. People were enjoying themselves, and she was having a great time herself, tasting scuttle and judging fish and pearls and watching parraptons and guars demonstrate their unique talents, and listening to the music woven by the bards and enjoying the performances of the players.

It was a beautiful day, and a wonderful festival, and Loranna was having a grand time, enjoying both the entertainments and the attention. Tris had been right; she enjoyed being pretty and being admired for it - and today, no one was going to throw away their life or livlihood because of her, as had happened before.

A wonderful time, indeed - though, Loranna noted, not so wonderful that she wasn't at least thinking on the other matters at hand, and wishing that her friends from Solunastra could be here now to enjoy this time with her. More than once, she thought of Slyvos, feeling a twinge of disappointment that he wasn't by her side to enjoy all the fun, and another twinge of guilt at wanting him in the thick of things when she knew how he felt about large crowds ...

She thought of Slyvos, and the faint sounds of a flute tickled the limits of her hearing, it seemed; she smiled, picturing Slyvos sitting on the beach and playing a haunting tune while looking over the waters. She would make a point to find some time today to be with him, and make him smile ...

Seeing everyone enjoying themselves at the Festival helped Loranna realize what would happen if news of Lord Raithmat's ultimation were widely known; either people would look to her to deal with the situation, which she was going to do anyway, or people would flee Ald Raathim - which would destroy any chance at fulfilling Jazbet's dream. That may very well have been the ghost's intention all along, perhaps ...

She thought of her encounter with Raithmat, the brief flicker of regret she saw in his eyes. Perhaps, perhaps not. In any event, she needed to talk to the Dres twins soon, about Seres. Probably ask her friends for some help as well, depending on how much Obael and Vendama could tell her.
Ghostly threats to the land aside, there was still Minseros to keep in mind, as well; Loranna wondered how his inspection of the lands was going. Allie's words about her needing more money to keep Ald Raathim prosperous than she might think came back to her, as did Kallen's comment on how the guests never said how long they were staying ...

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 09:41 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 16 2005, 03:33 PM)

The Guild had built upon itself and gained some size in the past several months, but it was still scarcely more than the large farm house it occupied.  Three stories tall, plus cellar.  It was quiet, as most everyone was at the festival.

“Can I help you find someone?” asked Glea.

*






I hope not, for your sake, child, he thought but continued to lope up to the next floor, and the next. Glea's smile was beginning to fray but she hurried after him. "Sera, I really don't think ---"

Shaka stopped at the cellar door. "What's down here, initiate?"

Her brow furrowed. "That's just our Alchemical Laboratory, Sera."

The battlemage examined the stout door. He could open it, even tear it off its hinges with the Locksplitter spell if he had to, but he was a guest in this town. It wouldn't do.














Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 10:04 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 16 2005, 03:41 PM)

The battlemage examined the stout door.  He could open it, even tear it off its hinges with the Locksplitter spell if he had to, but he was a guest in this town.  It wouldn't do.

*





Glea looked at Shaka, and then knocked quietly on the door.

"B'Vek!" growled the male orc voice on the other side. "I need privacy! Knock on the door one more time, and I won't be responsible if the whole Guild gets blown to Oblivion ..."

"Master Forglom," Glea whispered to Shaka. "Our lead alchemist."



Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 10:07 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 16 2005, 04:04 PM)

"Master Forglom," Glea whispered to Shaka. "Our lead alchemist."

*






This just gets better, thought Shaka. Irate orcs now. "Forglom, you don't know me, but we need to talk."

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 10:11 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 16 2005, 04:07 PM)

This just gets better, thought Shaka.  Irate orcs now.  "Forglom, you don't know me, but we need to talk."

*





"Very well," Forglom's voice came back. "Give me a half an hour, Shaka, and I'll be right out."



Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 10:15 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 16 2005, 04:11 PM)

"Very well," Forglom's voice came back. "Give me a half an hour, Shaka, and I'll be right out."

*





Shaka raised an eyebrow at the time, but Forglom didn't seem to be under duress. "Thank you, brother. I will return to the Guild at that time."

Lost in thought, Shaka said goodbye to a puzzled Glea and walked back out into the bright Festival sun.



Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 10:20 PM

A momentary bout of chaos had caught Loranna's eye, and she went to investigate.

"What's the matter?" she asks, turning to the guard who was investigating the situation. The deep red eyes of Dram turned to regard Loranna with polite attention.

"My Lady," he says in his usual manner. "It seems the Morag Tong stall had a small accident; the cord holding the roofing up came undone. Nothing serious."

"Ah," Loranna said. Dram paused for a couple of heartbeats and mentioned "There was, from what I could gather, an Argonian talking to a woman with long black hair at the time; the woman no one saw after but the argonian seems to have gone to the Mage Guild."

Loranna's eyebrows raise. "An Argonian?" she says, "hmm ..."

"Shall I head to the Mage Guild, my Lady?" Dram asks.

"... No, that's all right; thank you as always, dear," Loranna says, giving Dram a warm smile; Dram nods his head in acknowledgement.

A few moments later, Loranna enters the Mage Guild ...


Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 10:28 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 16 2005, 04:20 PM)

A few moments later, Loranna enters the Mage Guild ...

*





"Greetings, my lady" said the initiate inside, a smiling teenaged girl in dark black ropes, named Glea. "I'm supposed to ask if you want to join the Guild or learn its history ... but I guess you already know ..."




Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 10:36 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 16 2005, 04:28 PM)

"Greetings, my lady" said the initiate inside, a smiling teenaged girl in dark black ropes, named Glea. "I'm supposed to ask if you want to join the Guild or learn its history ... but I guess you already know ..."

*





Loranna grins. "I know, but thank you for asking Glea dear," she says, having learned most everyone's name at the Mage Guild by now. "Happy Early Harvest Festival to you."

"Did an Argonian come into the Guild a short while ago?" Loranna asks, as she looks around.


Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 10:40 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 16 2005, 04:36 PM)

"Did an Argonian come into the Guild a short while ago?" Loranna asks, as she looks around.

*





"Yes," said Glea. "He just left but he'll be right back. He's meeting with Master Forglom ... but I didn't get his name ... Anyhow he stepped out while the Master finishes up down there, and then he'll be back."


Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 10:45 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 16 2005, 04:40 PM)

"Yes," said Glea.  "He just left but he'll be right back.  He's meeting with Master Forglom ... but I didn't get his name ... Anyhow he stepped out while the Master finishes up down there, and then he'll be back."

*





"Ah, Master Forglom," Loranna says, remembering the Orc alchemist. The worthy was skilled in his craft but not given to sharing his secrets to non Guild members, and Loranna sometimes wondered if he didn't sometimes resent the fact that he had a rival for potion ingredients in the city. Then again, she wasn't well-versed in dealing with Orcs ...

"Has anything strange been happening lately?" Loranna asks, feeling like she's chasing after a phantom Argonian.


Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 10:49 PM

The Tavern, Ald Raathim

Kethiah slipped from the roof into the window of her room, and threw off the wig.

"As a disguise, you're useless," she said to it.

A new disguise would be needed. In the meantime, she washed the blood from her hands.

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 10:50 PM


Shaka was killing time at a nearby produce stand. Seeing the Lady of Ald Raathim enter the guild, he tossed aside a half-eaten fruit and reentered.

Seeing her permanent silver tear-tracks, he was silent for a moment at the extraordinary scars. 'My Lady, I don't fully understand what's happening here, but it may not be safe for you. ..... And you may call me Shaka, as it's close enough to my true name."

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 10:55 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 16 2005, 04:50 PM)

Shaka was killing time at a nearby produce stand.  Seeing the Lady of Ald Raathim enter the guild, he tossed aside a half-eaten fruit and reentered. 

Seeing her permanent silver tear-tracks, he was silent for a moment at the extraordinary scars.  'My Lady, I don't fully understand what's happening here, but it may not be safe for you. ..... And you may call me Shaka, as it's close enough to my true name."

*





"Would you like me to fetch Master Forglom, Kena Shaka?" asked Glea.


Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 10:57 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 16 2005, 04:50 PM)

Shaka was killing time at a nearby produce stand.  Seeing the Lady of Ald Raathim enter the guild, he tossed aside a half-eaten fruit and reentered. 

Seeing her permanent silver tear-tracks, he was silent for a moment at the extraordinary scars.  'My Lady, I don't fully understand what's happening here, but it may not be safe for you. ..... And you may call me Shaka, as it's close enough to my true name."

*





Loranna turns to look at Shaka. "Ah; hello again good Shaka," she says, her intuition having proven right; it was the Argonian from breakfast.

" ... What exactly do you mean by that dear?" she asks, her tone becoming more businesslike.


Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 11:12 PM

To Glea, Shaka said, "Thank you, Initiate. You may notify Master Forglom."

Turning back to Loranna, he said, "My Lady, you may call me a fool if you wish. I recognized a Dark Brotherhood assassin near the Morag Tong, who then ran to the Mages Guild. I assumed that was her destination, but Kethiah is a step ahead of me, as usual. I merely wanted to be sure that neither you nor the mages were the target."

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 11:17 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 16 2005, 05:12 PM)

To Glea, Shaka said, "Thank you, Initiate.  You may notify Master Forglom." 

*





Glea ran down to the cellar while Loranna and Shaka talked.

A moment later, they heard her scream.


Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 11:19 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 16 2005, 05:17 PM)

Glea ran down to the cellar while Loranna and Shaka talked.

A moment later, they heard her scream.

*





Bloody hell, thought Shaka. My intuition was only partly wrong. He was running to the cellar before he was aware of it.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 11:20 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 16 2005, 05:12 PM)

To Glea, Shaka said, "Thank you, Initiate.  You may notify Master Forglom." 

Turning back to Loranna, he said, "My Lady, you may call me a fool if you wish.  I recognized a Dark Brotherhood assassin near the Morag Tong, who then ran to the Mages Guild.  I assumed that was her destination, but Kethiah is a step ahead of me, as usual.  I merely wanted to be sure that neither you nor the mages were the target."

*





Loranna's eyes narrow and her brow furrows. "Kethiah you say?" she asks, having been introduced to the assassin as a member of the Morag Tong, not the Dark Brotherhood. "Are you certain ..."


QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 16 2005, 05:17 PM)

Glea ran down to the cellar while Loranna and Shaka talked.

A moment later, they heard her scream.

*





Gleas's scream galvanizes Loranna into action; with graceful steps she takes the stairs, moving quickly.


Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 11:26 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 16 2005, 05:20 PM)

Loranna's eyes narrow and her brow furrows.  "Kethiah you say?" she asks, having been introduced to the assassin as a member of the Morag Tong, not the Dark Brotherhood.  "Are you certain ..."
Gleas's scream galvanizes Loranna into action; with graceful steps she takes the stairs, moving quickly.

*






It seemed to be taking too long to reach the cellar. "She must have lied to you, Loranna. You would work with the Morag Tong before you'd work with unauthorized assassins accountable to no one." Shaka caught his breath at the heavy cellar door, now open. "Still, it's strange. She seemed honorable in her own way when Helseth was employing her."

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 11:26 PM

Alchemical Laboratory, The Ald Raathim Mages Guild

Glea stood outside the open door to the alchemy lab.

The room appeared to be empty, but for a simmering cauldron and the shelves full of the usual herbs and unguents common to the laboratory of the alchemist. The only thing that was out of place was the alchemist himself, Master Forglom.

The orc lay on the floor, eyes rolled back in their sockets, an empty vial in his hand, his entire body looking slightly … squishy. Like a sponge.

All his bones has dissolved away.


Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 11:29 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 16 2005, 05:26 PM)


The orc lay on the floor, eyes rolled back in their sockets, an empty vial in his hand, his entire body looking slightly … squishy.  Like a sponge.

All his bones has dissolved away.

*






"Extraordinary," muttered Shaka. He knew next to nothing about alchemy, being a specialist in summoning, destruction magic, and weapons. "I don't suppose this could be an alchemical accident," he asked half-heartedly.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 11:36 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 16 2005, 05:26 PM)

It seemed to be taking too long to reach the cellar.  "She must have lied to you, Loranna.  You would work with the Morag Tong before you'd work with unauthorized assassins accountable to no one."  Shaka caught his breath at the heavy cellar door, now open.  "Still, it's strange.  She seemed honorable in her own way when Helseth was employing her."

*





This Harvest Festival was turning into more of an education than Loranna bargained for; there were too many questions pressing against her mind right now ...


QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 16 2005, 05:26 PM)

Alchemical Laboratory, The Ald Raathim Mages Guild

Glea stood outside the open door to the alchemy lab.

The room appeared to be empty, but for a simmering cauldron and the shelves full of the usual herbs and unguents common to the laboratory of the alchemist.  The only thing that was out of place was the alchemist himself, Master Forglom.

The orc lay on the floor, eyes rolled back in their sockets, an empty vial in his hand, his entire body looking slightly … squishy.  Like a sponge.

All his bones has dissolved away.

*





Loranna enters the alchemy lab carefully, her eyes alert for any surprises the killer may have left behind. It didn't take her long to determine Forglom was now lacking his skeleton ...

"Glea dear, go and fetch a guard please," she says quietly. "Discretely. And have Kellen and Slyvos informed that I need to speak with them as soon as possible."

She sweeps the room once more with her eyes, looking for anything out of the ordinary she might have missed the first time. The killer, whether it was Kithiah or some other person, likely had used a Mark or Intervention to get out and could be anywhere by now, but they still needed to try and find them ...


QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 16 2005, 05:29 PM)

"Extraordinary," muttered Shaka.  He knew next to nothing about alchemy, being a specialist in summoning, destruction magic, and weapons.  "I don't suppose this could be an alchemical accident," he asked half-heartedly.

*





Loranna frowns. "... I'm inclined to doubt it," she says, the alchemist in her musing over what could have done this type of damage to Forglum's body.


Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 11:37 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 16 2005, 05:29 PM)

"I don't suppose this could be an alchemical accident," he asked half-heartedly.

*





"Too much Violet Corprinius in a water walking potion ..." Glea gasped, backing away. "Poor Master ... It's a terrible way to go ... But he never cried out ..."


QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 16 2005, 05:29 PM)

"Glea dear, go and fetch a guard please," she says quietly. "Discretely. And have Kellen and Slyvos informed that I need to speak with them as soon as possible."

*





Glea nodded and ran.

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 11:42 PM


"This doesn't add up, my Lady," said Shaka, straightening from a crouch near the victim. "Doesn't the Dark Brotherhood usually employ more ... direct methods, such as a blade? Perhaps you're right and there is a different murderer than Kethiah."

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Yesterday, 11:43 PM

Slyvos had finished playing his flute for now, and was just coming back from a quick swim (skinny dipping in the water when you have fur is fun smile.gif).

damn it's cold...

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 11:44 PM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 16 2005, 05:43 PM)

Slyvos had finished playing his flute for now, and was just coming back from a quick swim (skinny dipping in the water when you have fur is fun smile.gif).

damn it's cold...

*





"Lord Slyvos," one of the castle servants cried, coming down the path to the beach. "We received word from a young girl that her ladyship needs you at the Mages Guild right away ..."



Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 11:44 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 16 2005, 05:42 PM)

"This doesn't add up, my Lady," said Shaka, straightening from a crouch near the victim.  "Doesn't the Dark Brotherhood usually employ more ... direct methods, such as a blade?  Perhaps you're right and there is a different murderer than Kethiah."

*





Loranna holds up her hand. " ... We are all starting to jump to a few too many conclusions, myself included," she says. "Let's stick with what we know so far ... Shaka dear, please tell me exactly what transpired when you met Kethiah earlier."

Loranna was still inclined to doubt Forglum's death was accidental - you didn't become a master alchemist in the Mage Guild without learning to take precautions when brewing your potions. Still, she forces herself to stop guessing and start asking and looking.


Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 11:51 PM


"You're right, of course," said Shaka with increased respect. "I won't recount the whole story of how I first met Kethiah just now. It's enough to say that Helseth didn't know whether to kill me in Mournhold or recruit me. I'm not the assassin type, though. Kethiah got along well enough with me to swap unarmed combat tips.

As for today, I recognized her at the Festival despite her wig. She tried to steer me away, "Not my affair" and all, but I had to pursue the matter. She ran across the roof to the Guild, and now you know as much as I."

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Yesterday, 11:59 PM

He looked at the messenger, and shook himself off a bit.

'I'll be there as quick as I can'

He made his way to the mages guild, useing a combination of invisbility and fortify speed to get there quickly, and without drawing attention to himself...

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 12:01 AM

The Nai-Thollen Farm, Ald Raathim

If Dres Minsero was impressed by any of the agricultural innovations he was witnessing for greater quality and ease of harvest, he did not say anything. Of course, as inclined as he was to complain about everything else, Kallen decided that this silence was an unspoken compliment.

A castle guard found them. "My Lord Kallen, you're needed at the Mages Guild," said the guard.

"On whose orders?" frowned Minsero.

"The Lady Loranna," stammered the guard.

"Very well," said Minsero. "Off with you. I'll just stay here, poke around a bit more."

Kallen hurried off towards the Mages Guild, and after a few minutes, Minsero followed him.


Posted by: Loranna Today, 12:02 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 16 2005, 05:51 PM)

"You're right, of course," said Shaka with increased respect.  "I won't recount the whole story of how I first met Kethiah just now.  It's enough to say that Helseth didn't know whether to kill me in Mournhold or recruit me.  I'm not the assassin type, though.  Kethiah got along well enough with me to swap unarmed combat tips. 

As for today, I recognized her at the Festival despite her wig.  She tried to steer me away, "Not my affair" and all, but I had to pursue the matter.  She ran across the roof to the Guild, and now you know as much as I."

*





Loranna frowns. Kithiah's words suggested she was up to something - which, upon thinking about it, should have occured to her last night when Obael mentioned seeing her. Reichi aside, Loranna didn't know many Morag Tong or Dark Brotherhood members who came to big festivals purely for rest and relaxation.

"I see," Loranna says. "Glea tells me you entered the guild briefly, then left; tell me what happened when you came in please. Did you speak to Master Forglum, did you notice anything that would suggest someone untoward was in the Guild at the time, anything unusual at all?"

When Slyvos arrives, Loranna smiles. "Hi dear; we have a situation, I'll be needing some help soon ..."


Posted by: syronj Today, 12:08 AM


Shaka thought back. "He sounded like a typical orc, but his voice wasn't strained like someone under duress. I did think it a little unusual that he asked me to return in half an hour, but he might have been involved in a complicated alchemy....... Or a half hour could give someone time to escape."

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Today, 12:12 AM

Sly tilted his head a bit, worried.

'what kind of situation?'

Posted by: Loranna Today, 12:12 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 16 2005, 06:08 PM)

Shaka thought back.  "He sounded like a typical orc, but his voice wasn't strained like someone under duress.  I did think it a little unusual that he asked me to return in half an hour, but he might have been involved in a complicated alchemy....... Or a half hour could give someone time to escape."

*





Loranna looks at Shaka, trying to picture the scene in her mind. Her eyes drift down to the bonelsss corpse ...

I need more information that this ... she thinks as something catches her eye. She kneels down to get a better look at the corpse.

"Shaka dear, please think back and tell me everything that Master Forglum said," she asks the Argonain, her fingers delicately pushing a fold of skin that was part of Forglum's neck up slightly.


Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 12:12 AM

Two of Loranna's city guards came down the guild staircase, guided by Glea. Their eyes were wary, but they didn't know quite what to expect.

"Should I tell the guildmagister?" Glea asked.


Posted by: syronj Today, 12:22 AM

"Shaka dear, please think back and tell me everything that Master Forglum said," she asks the Argonain, her fingers delicately pushing a fold of skin that was part of Forglum's neck up slightly.

*


[/quote]


"Oblivion take it!" growled Shaka. "That's it! He called me 'Shaka' when I hadn't introduced myself through the door! You don't know me, I said to him. .....

For that matter, he exclaimed 'B'Vek', but an Orc wouldn't use that word, would he. .... He claimed to need privacy, or else he might cause an explosion."

Posted by: Loranna Today, 12:31 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 16 2005, 06:12 PM)

Sly tilted his head a bit, worried.

'what kind of situation?'

*





Loranna gently touches a discolored part of Forglum's skin, nodding to herself. "Bruised ..." she mutters, as other thoughts click into place.

"Our Guild Alchemist is dead and all signs point to foul play," she explains to Slyvos. "I'll need you to help me sort this out."


QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 16 2005, 06:22 PM)

"Oblivion take it!" growled Shaka.  "That's it!  He called me 'Shaka' when I hadn't introduced myself through the door!

For that matter, he exclaimed 'B'Vek', but an Orc wouldn't use that word, would he.  .... He claimed to need privacy, or else he might cause an explosion."

*





"I suspected as much," Loranna says with a grim smile. "Death by overdose of Violet Corprinius takes time - and this man has been dead for at least the amount of time since you last 'spoke' with him. He'd have been in the theros of dying when you knocked on the door."

"Someone came in before you, forced the alchemist to drink the potion, then imitated his voice to talk to you," Loranna says. "And Kithiah is our primary suspect."


QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 16 2005, 06:12 PM)

Two of Loranna's city guards came down the guild staircase, guided by Glea.  Their eyes were wary, but they didn't know quite what to expect.

"Should I tell the guildmagister?" Glea asked.

*





She turns to the guards, giving them a description of the woman. "We need to find this woman and detain her for questioning; she's an assassin and has been reputed to be with both the Tong and the Brotherhood, so care is required - and it's the Festival, so we don't want to cause undue alarm. But she needs to be found if she's still in the domain; capture her alive if possible, otherwise, do what you have to. Find Kallen and relay the situation to him; he'll know what steps to take to help the search."

She turns to Glea. "I shall tell the archmagister myself, once the manhunt is underway. Until then, let's not spread panic - or alert our quarry any more than we already have. You've been very helpful dear, and I thank you for what you've done."

Loranna rubs her stomach a little; truth be told she was more nervous than she had let on ...

Posted by: syronj Today, 12:37 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 16 2005, 06:31 PM)

Loranna rubs her stomach a little; truth be told she was more nervous than she had let on ...

*





"Your servant, my Lady. Though I'm anxious to talk to Kithiah myself. This still doesn't sound like her, unless I'm even more naive than I thought," said the Argonian.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 01:09 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 16 2005, 06:37 PM)

"Your servant, my Lady.  Though I'm anxious to talk to Kithiah myself.  This still doesn't sound like her, unless I'm even more naive than I thought," said the Argonian.

*





"It puzzles me too," she says, looking to Slyvos.

" ... As much as I have faith in our guards, Kithiah is a dangerous adversary; we'd better start looking for her too," she says to the Khajiit.

"Shaka, come with us?" Loranna suggests.


Posted by: Dagoth Lich Today, 01:17 AM

Slyvos just looked to Loranna, then down a bit.

'well then, where should I start?'

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 01:22 AM

Outside the parraptons show was continuing, featuring the wasp-like mounts flying in formation, executing death-defying dives, forming words in the air.

The crowd's attention was entirely focused on the air while the guards moved around, looking for the woman called Kethiah.


Posted by: syronj Today, 01:25 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 16 2005, 07:09 PM)

"It puzzles me too," she says, looking to Slyvos.

" ... As much as I have faith in our guards, Kithiah is a dangerous adversary; we'd better start looking for her too," she says to the Khajiit.

"Shaka, come with us?" Loranna suggests.

*





"Of course," replied the Argonian. Mentally he added, The sooner we can straighten this out, the sooner I can find out what the real issues are with this town. Shaka had liked what he had seen of Ald Raathim so far.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 01:26 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 16 2005, 07:17 PM)

Slyvos just looked to Loranna, then down a bit.

'well then, where should I start?'

*





Loranna says "We'll go out and search with the guards; Shaka knows what she looks like and can hopefully spot her again."

The question of course, was where to search first; if she'd just killed someone though then it would make sense to either lie low or better yet get ready to flee. Loranna heads out, taking Slyvos and Shaka with her, heading for the town gates.


Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 01:28 AM

"Yeah, there was a woman like at the tavern this morning," said one of the merchants, returning his attention to the pod of a dozen parraptons forming geometric patterns in the sky, like living fireworks. "'Cept she was bald."

The guard took another with and moved towards the tavern. On the way, they saw Loranna, Slyvos, and Shaka, and told them what they heard.


Posted by: Loranna Today, 01:31 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 16 2005, 07:28 PM)

"Yeah, there was a woman like at the tavern this morning," said one of the merchants, returning his attention to the pod of a dozen parraptons forming geometric patterns in the sky, like living fireworks. "'Cept she was bald."

The guard took another with and moved towards the tavern.  On the way, they saw Loranna, Slyvos, and Shaka, and told them what they heard.

*





Loranna nods. "I see; all right then, let's check out the tavern."

Just to be on the safe side, Loranna tells one guard to check around the town gates, in case their quarrey is already trying to make an exit.


Posted by: syronj Today, 01:33 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 16 2005, 07:28 PM)

"Yeah, there was a woman like at the tavern this morning," said one of the merchants, returning his attention to the pod of a dozen parraptons forming geometric patterns in the sky, like living fireworks. "'Cept she was bald."

The guard took another with and moved towards the tavern.  On the way, they saw Loranna, Slyvos, and Shaka, and told them what they heard.

*






"Sounds like our best lead at this point," said Shaka. "If not bald, at least close-cropped. Her hair did look almost too good. Look for a scarred upper lip too."

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 01:35 AM

The two-story tavern was full of people of every description, cheering on the lady of Daruhn, celebrating the harvest, drinking, dancing, arguing in good-natured ways about the quality of the competition. No one who looked like Kethiah in any kind of a wig was downstairs.

Outside, the twelve parraptons continued the show to the people's applause.


Posted by: syronj Today, 01:37 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 16 2005, 07:35 PM)

The two-story tavern was full of people of every description, cheering on the lady of Daruhn, celebrating the harvest, drinking, dancing, arguing in good-natured ways about the quality of the competition.  No one who looked like Kethiah in any kind of a wig was downstairs.

Outside, the twelve parraptons continued the show to the people's applause.

*






Shaka unslung the spear. "Here we go," he said, as they cautiously walked upstairs. Shaka decided not to unsheathe the Spear of Bitter Mercy just yet.

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 01:40 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 16 2005, 07:37 PM)

Shaka unslung the spear.  "Here we go," he said, as they cautiously walked upstairs.  Shaka decided not to unsheathe the Spear of Bitter Mercy just yet.

*





The rooms were all empty of people but filled with their belongings, clothing flung everywhere, beds unmade.

Except for one which was entirely empty. Except for a string of silk on the floor, next to the window over looking the village plaza and the parrapton show.


Posted by: syronj Today, 01:41 AM

Shaka glanced over at Slyvos as the crept up the steep stairs. So you're the one who might wipe away the silver tears, he thought irrelevantly. Shaka found himself hoping that Loranna would have something like a life of her own.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Today, 01:43 AM

Slyvos looked at the surroundings, getting his bearings.

'Someone left the window open...'

Posted by: syronj Today, 01:45 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 16 2005, 07:43 PM)

Slyvos looked at the surroundings, getting his bearings.

'Someone left the window open...'

*





"So she's not back yet?" questioned Shaka. He walked closer to the sill.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 01:45 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 16 2005, 07:40 PM)

The rooms were all empty of people but filled with their belongings, clothing flung everywhere, beds unmade.

Except for one which was entirely empty.  Except for a string of silk on the floor, next to the window over looking the village plaza and the parrapton show.

*







QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 16 2005, 07:43 PM)

Slyvos looked at the surroundings, getting his bearings.

'Someone left the window open...'

*





"Someone's likely leaving town," Loranna says, casting an area effect Dispel in the room to confirm there were no invisible people hiding therein. "Silk string, hmm ..."


Posted by: syronj Today, 01:49 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 16 2005, 07:45 PM)

"Someone's likely leaving town," Loranna says, casting an area effect Dispel in the room to confirm there were no invisible people hiding therein.  "Silk string, hmm ..."

*






"Left by accident, or on purpose?" wondered Shaka.

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 01:50 AM

The room was indeed without invisible beings.

The silk string was tightly woven but incredibly thin whisper of twine.

Outside the crowd gave their applause as the twelve parraptons landed in the square. Eleven riders got off.

One of the parraptons was riderless.


Posted by: Dagoth Lich Today, 01:52 AM

Slyvos looked towards the riderless creature, and one of his eyes got wider.

'well that's strange... one of the parrapatons lacks a rider...'

Posted by: syronj Today, 01:53 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 16 2005, 07:50 PM)

The room was indeed without invisible beings.

The silk string was tightly woven but incredibly thin whisper of twine.

Outside the crowd gave their applause as the twelve parraptons landed in the square.  Eleven riders got off. 

One of the parraptons was riderless.

*






Shaka glanced at the show's end below. Something wasn't quite right, but it was only a parrapton display. Wasn't it?

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 01:56 AM

The crowd likewise seemed confused as to whether this was part of the trick or not. They applauded anyhow.

The other riders went over to the riderless parrapton, acknowledging the crowd with waves and smiles, but looking at one another, confused.


Posted by: syronj Today, 01:58 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 16 2005, 07:56 PM)

The crowd likewise seemed confused as to whether this was part of the trick or not.  They applauded anyhow.

The other riders went over to the riderless parrapton, acknowledging the crowd with waves and smiles, but looking at one another, confused.

*





Cursing his slowness to react, Shaka hurled himself out the window. He couldn't quite put the situation together, but he sensed he should check out the riderless animal.

As he cleared the windowsill, Shaka chanted the words of power for Slowfall and landed unhurt.









Posted by: Loranna Today, 01:58 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 16 2005, 07:56 PM)

The crowd likewise seemed confused as to whether this was part of the trick or not.  They applauded anyhow.

The other riders went over to the riderless parrapton, acknowledging the crowd with waves and smiles, but looking at one another, confused.

*





Loranna takes up the twine in her hand and begins following it, floating gracefully out the window. "She's not in here, that much is obvious," she says before heading out. "We'd better go investigate outside ..."


Posted by: syronj Today, 02:00 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 16 2005, 07:58 PM)

Loranna takes up the twine in her hand and begins following it, floating gracefully out the window.  "She's not in here, that much is obvious," she says before heading out.  "We'd better go investigate outside ..."

*





On the ground now, Shaka looked up and waited to follow Loranna and Slyvos' lead. The crowd was still uncertain, but beginning to break up and drift away to other attractions.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Today, 02:04 AM

'I'll keep looking in here... seems like there is more then meets the eye here.'

He started searching more closely in the building...

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 02:08 AM

The eleven riders continue to murmur amongst themselves, as the crowd moves on to other sights.

With a rub of their hands, they send the parraptons back to the stables one by one.

"Loranna," said Dres Minsero, coming out of the crowd. "I believe they're expecting you at the castle to crown the Harvest Princess? Can't abandon your duties, even if you'd rather be in the tavern ..."


Posted by: Loranna Today, 02:09 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 16 2005, 08:00 PM)

On the ground now, Shaka looked up and waited to follow Loranna and Slyvos' lead.  The crowd was still uncertain, but beginning to break up and drift away to other attractions.

*





The twine proved to be only a couple feet long; Loranna finds herself feeling a little silly ...

It is probably part of what she changed into, she thinks as she floats to the ground, heading toward the parrapton but scanning the crowd as she goes, twirling the twine in her fingers.


Posted by: syronj Today, 02:13 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 16 2005, 08:09 PM)


It is probably part of what she changed into, she thinks as she floats to the ground, heading toward the parrapton but scanning the crowd as she goes, twirling the twine in her fingers.

*





Shaka remained silent, but noted with surprise that the twine was short. He kept expecting the assassin to run out of the crowd and attempt to fly off on a parrapton, but she wouldn't be that obvious ..... .

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 02:14 AM

“You know,” one of the rider was teasing one of his mates. “I would have expected a jump off from you, but not old Bujaja. When did he ever do anything off the plan?”

“Yeah,” his mate was saying. “And he’s probably gonna make me pay for the drinks tonight …”


Posted by: Loranna Today, 02:14 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 16 2005, 08:08 PM)

The eleven riders continue to murmur amongst themselves, as the crowd moves on to other sights. 

With a rub of their hands, they send the parraptons back to the stables one by one.

"Loranna," said Dres Minsero, coming out of the crowd. "I believe they're expecting you at the castle to crown the Harvest Princess?  Can't abandon your duties, even if you'd rather be in the tavern ..."

*





Loranna pauses, looking at Dres Minsero with a slightly unhappy expression ...

" ... You're right, of course, my Lord," she says, the unhappy expression vanishing in an instant. Slyvos, Shaka, and Kallen were all working on finding Kethiah right now, and she had said she wanted to avoid causing undue alarm ...

"Let us head to the Castle then," she says, giving Shaka a quick glance that was clear in meaning; she had duties elsewhere but he should keep looking, along with Slyvos.


Posted by: Dagoth Lich Today, 02:16 AM

Slyvos jumped out the window after a short bit, slowfalling down to the plaza.

'okay, so that explains the parrapaton...'

Posted by: syronj Today, 02:16 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 16 2005, 08:14 PM)

“You know,” one of the rider was teasing one of his mates. “I would have expected a jump off from you, but not old Bujaja.  When did he ever do anything off the plan?”

“Yeah,” his mate was saying. “And he’s probably gonna make me pay for the drinks tonight …”

*





Shaka waved back to Loranna, but he was distracted. He had caught a few words of the riders' conversation. Catching Slyvos' eye, Shaka loped over to the tired and bantering riders.

"Sera, what was that you said about a 'jumpoff'?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 02:20 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 16 2005, 08:16 PM)

Shaka waved back to Loranna, but he was distracted.  He had caught a few words of the riders' conversation.  Catching Slyvos' eye, Shaka loped over to the tired and bantering riders.

"Sera, what was that you said about a 'jumpoff'?"

*





"The parraptons pretty much know the routines after practicing a couple of times," the rider replied. "Sometimes, just for fun, one of us will jump off midway through a routine ... You know, land on a roof or a haystack or something ... 'Jump-off,' you know. Just for laughs. We'll catch up with Lord Bujaja later, and he'll give us a hard time."

"Time to send this guy back to the hive," said his mate, rubbing his hands together to signal its return to his home.


Posted by: syronj Today, 02:23 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 16 2005, 08:20 PM)

"The parraptons pretty much know the routines after practicing a couple of times," the rider replied. "Sometimes, just for fun, one of us will jump off midway through a routine ... You know, land on a roof or a haystack or something ... 'Jump-off,' you know.  Just for laughs.  We'll catch up with Lord Bujaja later, and he'll give us a hard time."

"Time to send this guy back to the hive," said his mate, rubbing his hands together to signal its return to his home.

*





"Son of a .... SLYVOS! Front and center!"

Shaka grabbed the rider's shoulder. "Just where did Bujaja bail out?"

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Today, 02:24 AM

Slyvos runs forward a bit, looking left, then right.

'damnit...'

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 02:26 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 16 2005, 08:23 PM)

"Son of a .... SLYVOS!  Front and center!"

Shaka grabbed the rider's shoulder.  "Just where did Bujaja bail out?"

*





The rider looked at him wide-eyed. "I don't know! Whenever you do a jump off, you want it to be a surprise. It coulda been anywhere over miles of forest ..."


Posted by: syronj Today, 02:28 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 16 2005, 08:26 PM)

The rider looked at him wide-eyed. "I don't know!  Whenever you do a jump off, you want it to be a surprise.  It coulda been anywhere over miles of forest ..."

*






Shaka was out of ideas. Was there any chance a parrapton could retrace its flight and sniff out another parrapton's course? Or a human's location? Shaka asked the questions out loud to the riders.

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 02:46 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 16 2005, 08:28 PM)

Shaka was out of ideas.  Was there any chance a parrapton could retrace its flight and sniff out another parrapton's course?  Or a human's location?  Shaka asked the questions out loud to the riders.

*





"Well, they don't really have noses, so no sniffin'," smiled the rider. "Which parrapton's course you want to follow, this guy's? You could just get on him, and having him retrace his routine ... would that do what you're looking for?"


Posted by: syronj Today, 02:49 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 16 2005, 08:46 PM)

"Well, they don't really have noses, so no sniffin'," smiled the rider. "Which parrapton's course you want to follow, this guy's?  You could just get on him, and having him retrace his routine ... would that do what you're looking for?"

*





'That sure would, friend," replied Shaka. "Do you mind if I take the backseat, and we get another parrapton for Slyvos and a pilot? I don't think either one of us has flown your creatures before."

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 02:51 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 16 2005, 08:49 PM)

'That sure would, friend," replied Shaka.  "Do you mind if I take the backseat, and we get another parrapton for Slyvos and a pilot?  I don't think either one of us has flown your creatures before."

*





"Sure, it's no problem ..." said the pilot, looking at the parrapton, frowning, and wiping something off the saddle. "You okay, boy?"

The parrapton hummed.

The other rider rubbed his hands together, recalling his own parrapton. "You more or less have to ride co-pilot with us, 'cause you didn't get permission from their mama."


Posted by: Dagoth Lich Today, 02:53 AM

He casted a levitate spell of his own making, and just sighed abit.

'I'll be fine.'

Posted by: syronj Today, 03:01 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 16 2005, 08:53 PM)

He casted a levitate spell of his own making, and just sighed abit.

'I'll be fine.'

*





As Shaka and the pilot took off, parallelled by the levitating Slyvos, Shaka tried to center himself. No point in beating himself up about missing the assassin. Kithiah had probably had an escape planned far in advance.

He had thought better of her, though.

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 03:06 AM

It took the better part of an hour to retrace the parrapton's path during the rather complicated routine. Riding the giant wasps was an experience -- moderately fast, very steady, able to pause midair and turn in any direction at any time ... The drops and the rises and the spinning descents were particularly thrilling ...

The parrapton never travels very close to the tavern, but it does skirt along the tops of some trees some distance away from the square, but in visual distance of the window to the tavern.

The branches below were freshly broken.


Posted by: syronj Today, 03:11 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 16 2005, 09:06 PM)

The branches below were freshly broken.

*





Squinting at the branches, then at the tavern, Shaka made a decision and spoke to the pilot over the drone of the parrapton's wings. The battlemage waited for a relatively open patch and jumped, invoking Slowfall.

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 03:14 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 16 2005, 09:11 PM)

Squinting at the branches, then at the tavern, Shaka made a decision and spoke to the pilot over the drone of the parrapton's wings.  The battlemage waited for a relatively open patch and jumped, invoking Slowfall.

*





Shaka drifted down into the broken branches of the tree until he came across the body.

A Dunmer dressed like the other parrapton riders, dead in the tree. Though he was scratched up by the fall, only one branch was lethal. A straight, narrow branch that went through his throat.


Posted by: Dagoth Lich Today, 03:15 AM

Slyvos floated down the the ground, casting Dispel on himself as he got close.

'okay, so what are we looking at here? besides a dead guy... with a branch through his throat.'

Posted by: syronj Today, 03:18 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 16 2005, 09:14 PM)

Shaka drifted down into the broken branches of the tree until he came across the body.

A Dunmer dressed like the other parrapton riders, dead in the tree.  Though he was scratched up by the fall, only one branch was lethal.  A straight, narrow branch that went through his throat.

*






Somehow the Argonian hadn't really expected to find the twelfth pilot -- just evidence of Kithiah's escape. He crouched in the trees and tried to deduct what had happened. Incredibly, there were two possibilities. This might have been a jumpoff and fatal accident after all. Or Kithiah might have planned the whole thing and murdered the pilot. He pondered for a moment.

Posted by: syronj Today, 03:21 AM

"Sly, what do you think? Our girl might be even more ruthless than I expected. I thought she'd knock the poor devil out and leave him in the hangar or something."

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Today, 03:26 AM

'personally, I'm sure that's an arrow... so there is no doubt that she killed him'

he said this a bit solemnly.

Posted by: syronj Today, 03:27 AM

"Damn, I hate to resort to this." Shaka reached into his backpack and removed what appeared to be a netch-leather strap. He had once taken it from the skull of a Bound servant buried with his mage-lord. Shaka fitted the strap onto the pilot's head.

After chanting words of power, Shaka watched the dead pilot stir.

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 03:29 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 16 2005, 09:27 PM)

"Damn, I hate to resort to this."  Shaka reached into his backpack and removed what appeared to be a netch-leather strap.  He had once taken it from the skull of a Bound servant buried with his mage-lord.  Shaka fitted the strap onto the pilot's head.

After chanting words of power, Shaka watched the dead pilot stir.

*





The pilot's eyes snapped open, milky white. "Dabigh sharif ne ... bijiyar te minfar ..." It was a Necromantic curse ...


Posted by: syronj Today, 03:29 AM

Not fully understanding what he had done, Shaka removed the strap and let the dead man rest. He murmured a prayer for forgiveness; Shaka would never be completely comfortable with necromancy. The pilot had only cursed him.

Posted by: syronj Today, 03:31 AM

Shaka sat back, still perched in the tree, and waited for Slyvos' thoughts.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Today, 03:35 AM

Sly just shook his head, scowling.

'did you really need to do that?'

Posted by: syronj Today, 03:39 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 16 2005, 09:35 PM)

Sly just shook his head, scowling.

'did you really need to do that?'

*





Shaka's brow furrowed. Khajiits. Just when you think you can get along. .... Although there had been a certain minx named Ahanassi.

"No, you're right, Slyvos. I'll try to respect the dead civilians more after this."

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 03:41 AM

The pilot above waited for word about Lord Bujaja.

As a former necromancer, it weighed on Sylvos that the pilot's words were the beginnings of a powerful curse. Something that no simple parrapton pilot would know. If he had been able to finish it ... it would have been very bad.


Posted by: syronj Today, 03:49 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 16 2005, 09:41 PM)

The pilot above waited for word about Lord Bujaja.

As a former necromancer, it weighed on Sylvos that the pilot's words were the beginnings of a powerful curse.  Something that no simple parrapton pilot would know.  If he had been able to finish it ... it would have been very bad.

*





As if reading Sylvos' mind, Shaka lifted his eyes to his. "Guess I'm playing with fire if I try to be an amateur necromancer, huh. Please keep correcting that whenever you see it."

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Today, 03:51 AM

Sly's eyes widened again, and he shook his head a bit.

'you are SO lucky that thing did not finish what it was saying...'

Posted by: syronj Today, 03:53 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 16 2005, 09:51 PM)

Sly's eyes widened again, and he shook his head a bit.

'you are SO lucky that thing did not finish what it was saying...'

*





Shaka hung his head for a moment. Sly was right. Shaka hadn't seen this much hatred from a mage in years. Someone wanted not just to stop Loranna's experiment, it wanted to raze it to the ground and sow salt in the ruins.

Posted by: syronj Today, 03:55 AM


"What in the hells is going on, Sly? I should be raiding a nice, simple abandoned tomb. This is out of my league .... but I'm not quitting just yet."

Posted by: syronj Today, 04:03 AM

Shaka got to his feet. "Okay, let's not keep the pilot waiting. Send him back to the aerodrome, and let's not tell him everything about Bujaja. Too confusing for him, and me at this point."


Posted by: Dagoth Lich Today, 04:32 AM

Slyvos nodded, and sighed again.

'alright move 'em out'

Posted by: Loranna Today, 04:36 AM

The rather confused Dunmer parrapton rider tries to get a word in edgewise but seems to get nowhere; with a muttered "B'Vehk ..." he flies Shaka and Slyvos back to the castle.

Once back Slyvos and Shaka find Loranna with a blushing Dunmer lass who bears the crown of the Harvest Princess. Both ashenskinned women are smiling and talking about the girl's victory, and her anticipation of getting the first dance with the handsome Lord Obael.

Seeing the Khajiit and Argonian return, she excuses herself, leaving the Harvest Princess to be met by admirers and former rivals (who are being reasonably good sports under the circumstances - reaosnably) and greets the two. "Gentlebeings, hello; come, let us raise a glass together for Early Harvest Day."

She leads the two of them to a table where they can get drinks - after which she quietly takes them to a side room where no one else is about.

"What have you found?" she asks, her tone again becoming businesslike.

Posted by: syronj Today, 04:48 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 16 2005, 10:36 PM)


She leads the two of them to a table where they can get drinks - after which she quietly takes them to a side room where no one else is about.

"What have you found?" she asks, her tone again becoming businesslike.

*





Glancing at Slyvos, Shaka at last says: "Wheels within wheels, my lady. This is no simple Dark Brotherhood contract anymore." He hesitated for a moment. "Loranna ... The night I arrived in your town, I could smell the results of a bloody struggle. Forgive me if I ask what threats you face, other than the obvious from the Dres."

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Today, 04:54 AM

Sly shivered a bit.

'we almost got cursed by necromancy... and no it wasn't me this time.'

His eyes shifted to the battlemage.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 04:57 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 16 2005, 10:48 PM)

Glancing at Slyvos, Shaka at last says:  "Wheels within wheels, my lady.  This is no simple Dark Brotherhood contract anymore."  He hesitated for a moment.  "Loranna ... The night I arrived in your town, I could smell the results of a bloody struggle.  Forgive me if I ask what threats you face, other than the obvious from the Dres."

*







QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 16 2005, 10:54 PM)

Sly shivered a bit.

'we almost got cursed by necromancy... and no it wasn't me this time.'

His eyes shifted to the battlemage.

*





Loranna blinks, giving Shaka an odd look for a moment, then turns to look back at Slyvos; Slyvos can see the faint signs of repressed frustration in Loranna's face.

Giving a small, polite smile, Loranna says "Let's start from the beginning again, dears; what happened after I left to judge the Harvest Princess competition?"


Posted by: syronj Today, 05:01 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 16 2005, 10:54 PM)

Sly shivered a bit.

'we almost got cursed by necromancy... and no it wasn't me this time.'

His eyes shifted to the battlemage.

*





"Guilty as charged," admitted Shaka. "As a mage and a warrior, I'm a jack of all trades and master of none. I got us in over our heads today .... but we may have also gotten some clues as to what evil we're facing." He recounted the afternoon's search, hoping Loranna could interpret for them.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Today, 05:06 AM

'the assasin is more cutthroat then we had originally thought... literally'

He said that with little humor

Posted by: Loranna Today, 05:14 AM

Loranna listens to the two recount their story, her mind working.

... So she wasn't pulling an elaborate escape, Loranna thinks to herself. ... Of course she wasn't girl; why would she? Just because you were chasing after her because you caught her trail doesn't mean what you see is evidence of her running from you. She had a chunk of time before you even knew anything had happened ...

" ... I see," she says, turning to look at Shaka. "I understand you were trying only to help and I do appreciate it, Shaka dear, so pelase don't take this the wrong way; you really, really don't want to mess with necromancy. There's little that path of magic has to offer worth the price one pays for its power."

"Thank you for what you have found so far," Loranna says, giving Shaka and Slyvos a grim smile. "We should probably stay alert; at this point, it's not certain yet if Kethiah is still in Ald Raathim or not. Please keep your eyes open, and if you have any thoughts, come find me soon as you can."

Slyvos can see the lines of repressed frustration turn to lines of weariness and dismay on Loranna's face. " ... So the parrapton flyer was shot; a mage guild member and a parrapton flyer, both killed today. What's the connection, or is there beyond their both living here ..."


Posted by: syronj Today, 05:20 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 16 2005, 11:14 PM)

Slyvos can see the lines of repressed frustration turn to lines of weariness and dismay on Loranna's face.  " ... So the parrapton flyer was shot; a mage guild member and a parrapton flyer, both killed today.  What's the connection, or is there beyond their both living here ..."

*





"It looks as if I'm not too old to learn, my lady. If you don't mind, I'll still investigate the past and the odd abandoned tomb ... but you may be sure I'll not play the necromancer." His eyes were far away for a moment.

"If pressed, I'd say that Bujaja was in the wrong place at the wrong time and that any of the 12 pilots could have been murdered. As for the orc mage, I can't even guess at this point. Did he have rivals, unfriendly rivals I mean?"

Posted by: Loranna Today, 05:28 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 16 2005, 11:20 PM)

"It looks as if I'm not too old to learn, my lady.  If you don't mind, I'll still investigate the past and the odd abandoned tomb ... but you may be sure I'll not play the necromancer."  His eyes were far away for a moment.

"If pressed,  I'd say that Bujaja was in the wrong place at the wrong time and that any of the 12 pilots could have been murdered.  As for the orc mage, I can't even guess at this point.  Did he have rivals, unfriendly rivals I mean?"

*





"One's never too old to learn," Loranna says, giving a small smile. "Though I also suggest not poking around tombs here either ..."

"I don't recall Forglum having rivals, but I'm not a member of the Mage Guild," Loranna says. "I need to speak to the archmagister about his tragic death anyway; I shall bring the question up."

" ... I guess for now that's it, other than keeping alert," she says, not particularly liking not knowing what exactly to do next. Several things were nagging at the back of her mind ...


Posted by: syronj Today, 05:48 AM

"With your permission, I'll return to my inn," said the battlemage. "It's been an exhausting day. But I can tell you that the Early Harvest Festival is well worthwhile. Good night."

Sensing Slyvos and Loranna were a couple with a long, shared history, Shaka was content to give them the privacy they deserved.

Later that evening, Shaka lay in his bed -- these non-Argonian furnishings would never be really comfortable -- and found himself thinking of Dres Vendama. Her beauty and, more importantly, spirit were exceptional.

Shaka had known, in every sense, a variety of women in his life. There were many who were curious about the inhabitants of Black Marsh. He smiled at the absurdity of even picturing Vendama, though.

Somehow Shaka wished well of the people he had met in Ald Raathim, despite his brief time among them. When he had been younger, he had briefly contemplated killing as many slavers and slaveholders as he might; but in the end he had known it would be futile and, worse, soul-destroying for himself. He was idealist enough to hope for a time when slavery was, simply, more wasteful than freedom.

-----------------------------------------------

In the middle of the night, Shaka woke with the realization that Lord Bujaja's death had been very specific, not a matter of chance. Stupid, stupid, he cursed himself. Shaka wasn't used to thinking like an assassin. The Dark Brotherhood killer had known exactly who she was targeting.

But then what about the alchemist, Forglum? Could there be two killers after all? He sank back into an uneasy sleep.

Posted by: S'reddit Today, 09:02 AM

Daruhn Castle, Ald Raathim, Morrowind

Dres Obael went looking for Loranna. He had danced quite enough with the Harvest Princess, who may have looked like the sweetest, gentlest damsel, but was a farm girl with hands that were used to manual labor. He was black and blue from being manhandled.

'Would you care to dance?’ he asked Loranna. ‘Gently, if possible?’

The music from the bards on stage was stately and slow.


Posted by: Loranna Today, 09:09 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 17 2005, 03:02 AM)

Daruhn Castle, Ald Raathim, Morrowind

Dres Obael went looking for Loranna.  He had danced quite enough with the Harvest Princess, who may have looked like the sweetest, gentlest damsel, but was a farm girl with hands that were used to manual labor.  He was black and blue from being manhandled.

'Would you care to dance?’ he asked Loranna. ‘Gently, if possible?’

The music from the bards on stage was stately and slow.

*





Loranna had been talking to people discretely when she had had the chance; the archmagister, who seemed very eager to write things off as an accident; Kallen, who had been attentive and efficient but sadly lacking in major insight; Dram, who had assured his Lady that the guards were ever vigilent yet the utmost soul of discresion - or would be after he had a conversation with some of them ...

She had not had a chance to talk with Slyvos as she felt she needed to, and the lack weighed on her heart. She loved him but had things she wanted to say; she needed him in new ways now ...

Hearing Lord Obael, Loranna raises her eyebrows. "I will endevor to be gentle, my Lord," she says with an impish grin, taking him by the hand. "However, please remember my origins - and a lot of the dancing I've done in recent months has been the rough sort where partners tend to bow out suddenly."


Posted by: S'reddit Today, 09:13 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 17 2005, 12:09 AM)

Hearing Lord Obael, Loranna raises her eyebrows.  "I will endevor to be gentle, my Lord," she says with an impish grin, taking him by the hand.  "However, please remember my origins - and a lot of the dancing I've done in recent months has been the rough sort where partners tend to bow out suddenly."

*





Dres Obael took her hand, and they began to dance.

'I don't know what you mean by that,' he laughed. 'But you are used to clever people who understand your references. I'm afraid I'm just a stupid nobleman with more money than brains. I tried to find Kethiah, by the way, to ask her to come and look at the glyphs in the castle, but she had already checked herself out of the tavern.'

He was very good dancer.


Posted by: Loranna Today, 09:21 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 17 2005, 03:13 AM)

Dres Obael took her hand, and they began to dance.

'I don't know what you mean by that,' he laughed. 'But you are used to clever people who understand your references.  I'm afraid I'm just a stupid nobleman with more money than brains.  I tried to find Kethiah, by the way, to ask her to come and look at the glyphs in the castle, but she had already checked herself out of the tavern.'

He was very good dancer.

*





Loranna always wanted to be a good dancer, especially after meeting Allerleirauh; though she did not yet have as much formal practice as she felt she needed to be 'good', her natural grace stood her in good stead. That, and being light enough on your feet to dodge blows never hurt either.

"I am used to clever people whose references I don't get," she says, grinning. "I'm sorry dear; I was talking about my adventuresome side."

She sighs a bit. "Kethiah doubtless had something come up," she says. "It's not important; we'll ask one of the shamans to look later. Tomorrow sometime, once the festivities die down."

... I wonder if she has checked out or if she's still in Ald Raathim somewhere ... Loranna wonders. If she's left already who would know? A Recall spell and no one would have any clue where to look for her ...


Posted by: S'reddit Today, 09:26 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 17 2005, 12:21 AM)

"I am used to clever people whose references I don't get," she says, grinning.  "I'm sorry dear; I was talking about my adventuresome side."

She sighs a bit.  "Kethiah doubtless had something come up," she says.  "It's not important; we'll ask one of the shamans to look later.  Tomorrow sometime, once the festivities die down."

*





‘I think we might be leaving tomorrow,’ said Dres Obael. ‘Minsero seemed impressed, in his own way, with how the farms are run around here … But he has one last question for you. I think he’ll ask you about Sylvos. The question in his mind is whether you two intend to get married, and if the Dres land will pass to the children of Khajiit and Nords …’


Posted by: Loranna Today, 09:36 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 17 2005, 03:26 AM)

‘I think we might be leaving tomorrow,’ said Dres Obael. ‘Minsero seemed impressed, in his own way, with how the farms are run around here … But he has one last question for you.  I think he’ll ask you about Sylvos.  The question in his mind is whether you two intend to get married, and if the Dres land will pass to the children of Khajiit and Nords …’

*





Loranna's expression grows sorrowful. "I will miss you, my Lord," she says. "And not just because I hope you can shed some light on my difficulties from last night. You and your sister have been very pleasant company and I hope time will permit us to meet again soon."

" ... Jazbet and I were wed and I had hoped to bear him strong children," Loranna mutters, more quietly. "Slyvos and I have discussed the matter as well."

"I am guessing Minsero will not be happy to hear that," she concludes.


Posted by: S'reddit Today, 09:42 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 17 2005, 12:36 AM)

"I am guessing Minsero will not be happy to hear that," she concludes.

*





'Well, he will not be surprised,' Obael said. 'I would like to come back, though ... I think we can still learn a lot about how to rule Bodrom Mora from observing the ways of Ald Raathim. And you should visit us. We are down south, but right on the border to Cyrodiil. Quite a lot of history in our land, and not all of it bad.'

The song had ended, but Obael still held Loranna, 'I must say you are beautiful. Sylvos is very lucky to have you.'


Posted by: Loranna Today, 09:45 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 17 2005, 03:42 AM)

'Well, he will not be surprised,' Obael said. 'I would like to come back, though ... I think we can still learn a lot about how to rule Bodrom Mora from observing the ways of Ald Raathim.  And you should visit us.  We are down south, but right on the border to Cyrodiil.  Quite a lot of history in our land, and not all of it bad.'

*





Loranna nods. "I would like that; when affairs are in order here I'll arrange a trip."

... Wait a minute ... Loranna suddenly thinks, her subconscious mind having an epiphany. ... No; she wouldn't have ... no, actually, there's a logic to it ...

Dres Obael may notice the sudden look of realization come across Loranna's face ...


Posted by: S'reddit Today, 09:49 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 17 2005, 12:45 AM)

Dres Obael may notice the sudden look of realization come across Loranna's face ...

*





'Well,' said Obael, smiling and letting her go. 'I thought it should be said.'

He took a step backwards, and was immediately grabbed back up by the ravenous Harvest Princess.


Posted by: Loranna Today, 09:54 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 17 2005, 03:49 AM)

'Well,' said Obael, smiling and letting her go. 'I thought it should be said.'

He took a step backwards, and was immediately grabbed back up by the ravenous Harvest Princess.

*





Loranna laughs a little, thinking to herself Enjoy, my dear, enjoy ...; she is so intent on her upcoming course of action she forgets if she was addressing the doomed Lord Obael or the cheerfully-hungry Harvest Princess. It worked for either, in any case.

With decorous grace, Loranna slips away from the dance, heading to her room to get a few things ...

===

Loranna's realization shall be revealed (HAH! smile.gif) in the next upcoming thread. We now leave the party to the dance.

LOCK ON!!!

Loranna

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