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The Elder Scrolls Forums _ Elder Scrolls Lore _ RP: Blue Dawn

Posted by: Loranna Jan 27 2005, 02:23 AM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you, and have fun!

===

Summary for Loranna:

Loranna teamed up with the Dunmer guard Dram to help patrol Jazbet's estate and seek out Azurites; she and Dram (and later Dante and Teleran) accounted for over a dozen blue-eyed corpses.

After a recent conversation with Dagoth, Loranna is currently heading to Jazbet's room, wanting to try and comfort the Khajiit lord.

Posted by: Arynel Jan 27 2005, 02:26 AM

OOC: The Breton Arynel is currently in Ald Raathim, looking around and seeing what's going on.

Posted by: Aki Jan 27 2005, 02:27 AM

Summary
Reichi is heading back to Jazbet's estate, after wiping out five of them pesky Azurites.

Meanwhile Tohe, Camassim and Eya are still in a boat headed for the mainland with Jean. One can only wonder what the hell happened when it became night and BOTH moons were full.
----------------------------------------------

Reichi could see the Estate now. He stumbled out of the forest, while the armor he had liberated from the Azurites, Chitin, was flexible and a decent armor. He had still gotten several wounds. The Dunmer hobbled towards the estate.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 27 2005, 02:30 AM

Summary:

Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest, is in the Skyrim court of her second cousin, Orthor, the King of Winterhold. With her are twenty of her soldiers, the playwright Baloth-Kul, and a battlemage, Herwyn.

Bosriel, the little dark-haired girl with the hungry eyes, the Void Vampire, is in the Void outside of Ebonheart again. She was watching Arynel sleep when the Akavir Void Ranger Doll appeared to fetch him, startling Bosriel. Bosriel attacked Doll and nearly drank the life out of her, but Leseth broke them apart, saving Doll.

Jazbet, the Khajiit knight of House Dres, is hosting the remants of the cult of Loranna-Azura in his estate on mainland Morrowind. He was blinded in the Coming of Azura, and has precongitive visions which help him cope. The Khajiit has also recently admitted the truth to Allerleirauh, that he bowed to Azura, and is an Azurite himself. Please note: this is not common knowledge. The main features of the domain are fifty square miles of wilderness and farms, with only one village of any size, Ald Raathim. The Azurites have been flushed out, thanks to the adventurers and Jazbet’s guards, but the Khajiit is currently in his room in the castle tower, thinking about the fate of a little girl, an Azurite child that Allerleirauh couldn’t bring herself to kill.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 27 2005, 02:36 AM

Castle Tower

Loranna walks to Jazbet's room, trying to calm her emotions down. After seeing how he looked yesterday, Loranna suspects he needs someone other than a muddled little girl at his side right now.

Knocking twice on his door, she says "Jazbet, it's me. Are you here?"

Posted by: Teleran Jan 27 2005, 02:41 AM

I am flying around on Vilyanna, a parrapton, and I am trying to figure out what the enchantments on the pretty spear I found do.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 27 2005, 02:48 AM

Castle Tower

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 26 2005, 08:26 PM)

Knocking twice on his door, she says "Jazbet, it's me. Are you here?"

"Come in," said the Khajiit.

The room was simply furnished, but everything was finely crafted.

Jazbet was sitting on his bed, still fully dressed, facing the window, feeling the wind.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 27 2005, 02:59 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 26 2005, 08:38 PM)

Castle Tower
"Come in," said the Khajiit.

The room was simply furnished, but everything was finely crafted.

Jazbet was sitting on his bed, still fully dressed, facing the window, feeling the wind.

Loranna closes the door quietly, taking a moment to let her eyes sweep over Jazbet's room. The decor was much like she would have expected, and she smiles a bit.

Then, she looks at Jazbet himself, and her smile fades somewhat, growing sad.

Loranna goes over to sit by Jazbet's side, feeling the wind on her face. Gently, she drapes an arm around his shoulders, pulling him a little closer to herself.

She thinks that she should probably say something right now, but no words suggest themselves strongly enough to pass her lips, so for the current moment, she just holds him, trying to be a comforting presence.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 27 2005, 03:07 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 26 2005, 08:49 PM)

She thinks that she should probably say something right now, but no words suggest themselves strongly enough to pass her lips, so for the current moment, she just holds him, trying to be a comforting presence.

'Your pain,' Jazbet says, touching Loranna gently. 'You're still feeling it a little, aren't you? Did you talk to Razbiah about some herbal remedies?'

Posted by: Loranna Jan 27 2005, 03:21 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 26 2005, 08:57 PM)

'Your pain,' Jazbet says, touching Loranna gently. 'You're still feeling it a little, aren't you? Did you talk to Razbiah about some herbal remedies?'

Loranna bows her head. " ... Some," she says. " ... The pain from that is little more than a memory, now. Between Razbiah's remedies and cooking and some healing magic and potions, I am recovered now."

" ... But I didn't come here to burden you with my pain, dear," she adds with a soft smile. "That would be unfair of me. I'm here for you ..."

She pauses. " ... Well, for both of us; I'm afraid I'm still selfish despite my own intentions. But I want to be here for you, now."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 27 2005, 03:30 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 26 2005, 09:11 PM)

She pauses. " ... Well, for both of us; I'm afraid I'm still selfish despite my own intentions. But I want to be here for you, now."

Jazbet smiled and pulled her even closer, touching her hair, kissing her hands. It was not an act of seduction. He touched her because he could not look at her.

‘You heard about the little girl?’ The Khajiit asked.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 27 2005, 03:33 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 26 2005, 09:20 PM)

Loranna says " ... Yes, when Allie gave you her report." A small shiver runs through her as she thinks again of a child Azurite, and she leans her head on Jazbet's shoulder for a moment.

" ... It's a harsh world, isn't it?" she asks.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 27 2005, 03:39 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 26 2005, 09:23 PM)

" ... It's a harsh world, isn't it?" she asks.

"Not always, but today, yes, it is," Jazbet smiled sadly. "But ... I have been looking at visions, trying to see what should be done. You have heard the tales of what became of the children of the Sixth House after the war? How they were not killed, but brought into the other Houses? I was hoping to think of a way to do that with the children of the Azurites, but ... The visions are not offering me sweet scenarios."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 27 2005, 03:46 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 26 2005, 09:29 PM)

Loranna says " ... I didnt know that about the Sixth House actually. ... There's a lot I don't know."

She is quiet for a moment. "The Chimer turned from the Daedra at least in part, once. The most recent Incarnate of Azura turned from Moonshadow's path as well. What you're hoping to do ... I think it's possible. Just not easy, especially since right now the Azurites seem drunk on the power they've been given and the promises they've been offered."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 27 2005, 04:10 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 26 2005, 09:36 PM)

She is quiet for a moment. "The Chimer turned from the Daedra at least in part, once. The most recent Incarnate of Azura turned from Moonshadow's path as well. What you're hoping to do ... I think it's possible. Just not easy, especially since right now the Azurites seem drunk on the power they've been given and the promises they've been offered."

Jazbet nodded. "I am afraid I have two choices. I can be ruthless and run the risk of becoming a despot. I can be merciful and run the risk of endangering everyone. Right now, I am inclined towards risking despotism. Maybe we will find a way to save the children, but this girl, I'm afraid ... it's too late for her ..."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 27 2005, 04:13 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 26 2005, 10:00 PM)

Loranna's skin grows cold.

" ... Jazbet," she says quietly, "you're not a despot, no more than I'm a warrior."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 27 2005, 04:19 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 26 2005, 10:03 PM)

" ... Jazbet," she says quietly, "you're not a despot, no more than I'm a warrior."

Jazbet nods. "We both have hidden capacities, untapped, sometimes with good reason. People can change, for better or for worse ... Thank you for letting me talk about this out loud. I know what I need to do, as impossible as it seems to do it."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 27 2005, 04:22 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 26 2005, 10:09 PM)

Loranna touches Jazbet's cheek, her eyes moistening.

" ... I'm more blind than you are ..." she says quietly. " ... What will you do?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 27 2005, 04:31 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 26 2005, 10:12 PM)

Loranna touches Jazbet's cheek, her eyes moistening.

" ... I'm more blind than you are ..." she says quietly. " ... What will you do?"

Jazbet touches Loranna's face, feeling the tears.

He shakes his head. "Something so monstrous, so unfair, that I cannot say the words."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 27 2005, 04:44 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 26 2005, 10:21 PM)

Jazbet touches Loranna's face, feeling the tears.

He shakes his head. "Something so monstrous, so unfair, that I cannot say the words."

Loranna's arms wrap around Jazbet protectively, and she presses her cheek to his, trying to feel what he's feeling ...

" ... Don't," she says softly, shaking. " ... Please ... "

Loranna gulps. " ... Let me talk with Allie; let me see if she can at least be made to understand what choice she's made. If Allie and I can't think of any way to do that without endangering others ..."

" ... Then I'll do it, for you. But let me at least try, for the girl's sake and for yours ... and probably Allie's too. ... And mine."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 27 2005, 04:49 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 26 2005, 10:34 PM)

" ... Then I'll do it, for you. But let me at least try, for the girl's sake and for yours ... and probably Allie's too. ... And mine."

Jazbet shakes his head. "It is my responsibility. And it must be done soon. She is too dangerous. I'm sorry."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 27 2005, 04:58 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 26 2005, 10:39 PM)

Jazbet shakes his head. "It is my responsibility. And it must be done soon. She is too dangerous. I'm sorry."

"Then my life should have been taken long ago," Loranna says flatly. "I was far more dangerous than this girl could hope to be, and people thought I needed to be put down too - but they offered their hands in support instead of attack, several times over."

Loranna shakes, whispering " ... I love you too much to let you become a monster in your own eyes, Jazbet; there's going to be more than enough times coming where we're all going to look at ourselves and feel we're not quite human for what we just did, but sometimes circumstances just sweep you along and all you can do is hang on. But this isn't one of those times; we have a chance to offer her the chance I was offered, and we have to at least try."

She calms down a little. " ... Remember, you have some amazing friends; they've handled dangerous situations before. Give them a chance to at least think of something - not much I know, we don't have that much time - but let them try."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 27 2005, 05:07 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 26 2005, 10:48 PM)

Jazbet tries to interrupt Loranna several times in her rant, but finally shuts up and listens.

He kisses her.

"Thank you," the Khajiit says. "Perhaps there is time to discuss this. I know she, the child, is sleeping, and well-guarded. The mages can keep her sleeping for a little while longer at least ... Only promise me that if we cannot come to a solution, and soon, that you will not do as you said, and 'do it' yourself.

If the terrible thing must be done, I will do it. That is my responsibility and my decision. But I hope you're right, and there is another way."

(ooc: Unfortunately I'm out for the night, so Jazbet won't be able to 'weigh in' on another solution at least not until tomorrow ... 'Night, all)

Posted by: Loranna Jan 27 2005, 05:11 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 26 2005, 10:57 PM)

Loranna kisses Jazbet back, just like she did the night they made love.

" ... I've already been a monster; I'd rather not see another person become one, especially someone so close," she says. " ... But I think I understand, it is your decision ... all right ..."

Further words at that moment seemed unnecessary; Loranna responded instead in the matter best suited to the situation.

Posted by: Arynel Jan 27 2005, 05:33 AM

Arynel walked back into the tavern. The Breton said nothing, but took a seat near the back, and began running his index finger over the woodgrain of the table.

Woodgrain running like a
River from the mountain
Onward until it finds
The sea and final rest

Posted by: Teleran Jan 27 2005, 05:34 AM

Teleran eventually figured out what part of the enchantment did in a manner he did not particularly enjoy. He fell off Vilyanna. As he was falling he chanced to look down and realized that it was a looong way down. Just as he was resigning himself to die he noticed that the spear had begun to glow. He landed with a thud, a little off balance, but otherwise, despite his own expectations to the contrary, unharmed. As he looked around he realized he was just a little outside Ald Raathim and ran into town. He headed to the tavern grinning like a maniac.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 27 2005, 05:34 AM

Ald Raathem - Some Time Later

Loranna walks into the tavern in Ald Raathem, her mind still on the matter she and Jazbet discussed earlier and the matters they touched upon immediately thereafter. Upon entering, she pauses for a moment, her eyes looking around for familiar faces.

Seeing Teleran enter, she raises her eyebrows at his crazy grin, wondering what happened to him.

Seeing Arynel sitting down, she pauses for a moment, then gets herself a mug of mead and heads toward the bard.

" ... Hi Arynel; mind if I sit and talk with you for a bit?" she asks.

Posted by: Tricrux Jan 27 2005, 05:43 AM

Setzer stumbled into town. His hair was bloodied, a large seam split across the back of his head. He was clearly coughing up blood, he was grimy, his attire was destroyed and tattered, and his pale chest was red with blood sweat and dirt. his leg, bare and exposed, had a gash across its length, with bits of ebony still in it.

He limped, hardly alive, to the first building he saw. In his blurried vision, he had no idea what it was, but it was a building. Coughing up more blood, he collapsed against the door, which swayed inward, letting his limp body slide inside the tavern.

~Tricrux

Posted by: Arynel Jan 27 2005, 05:46 AM

QUOTE

Arynel looked towards Loranna, then turned his attention to the newcomer. The Breton rose from his seat, and approached him.

"It looks as though the road has not been so kind." Arynel said, a soft blue light eminating from his fingers. "Do you have a name?"

Posted by: Tricrux Jan 27 2005, 05:48 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jan 26 2005, 10:36 PM)

Setzer could not recognize the voice speaking. He did not have the energy to answer the question. He tried to say something, but his vision was going red. He coughed bloodily with the strain.

~Tricrux

Posted by: Loranna Jan 27 2005, 05:50 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jan 26 2005, 11:36 PM)

Loranna sees Arynel head to the wounded man and follows closely behind.

" ... Setzer?" she asks, recognizing the man. "Ow ... those wounds need to be cleaned before we can heal you more, especially that leg gash ..."

Loranna goes to the proprieter of the bar, to ask for a healer to be called in to clean Setzer's wounds. Someone is dispatched to fetch said person.

Posted by: Arynel Jan 27 2005, 05:51 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 26 2005, 09:40 PM)

Loranna sees Arynel head to the wounded man and follows closely behind.

" ... Setzer?" she asks, recognizing the man. "Ow ... those wounds need to be cleaned before we can heal you more, especially that leg gash ..."

Loranna goes to the proprieter of the bar, to ask for a healer to be called in to dress Setzer's wounds. Someone is dispatched to fetch said person.

"He'll be fine." Arynel said, pointing a hand towards Setzer. "Let's go."

The Breton walked to the back of the tavern, and took a seat.

"What would you like to talk about?"

Posted by: Teleran Jan 27 2005, 05:53 AM

Teleran turns from the bar, finally, he hadn't noticed the man crash throught the door until he was already being tended by Arynel and Loranna. Looking at Setzer he said, "Where in Oblivion did you get that done to you?"

He walked over and looked at the wounds curiously, "Is that ebony in there!?!"

Posted by: Loranna Jan 27 2005, 05:55 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jan 26 2005, 11:41 PM)

"He'll be fine." Arynel said, pointing a hand towards Setzer. "Let's go."

The Breton walked to the back of the tavern, and took a seat.

"What would you like to talk about?"

Loranna gives Setzer an encouraging smile, then retreats with Arynel.

" ... Well, I wanted to ask your advice on something ..." she says, " ... and, well, I've also been wondering how you've been doing, too."

Posted by: Arynel Jan 27 2005, 05:59 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 26 2005, 09:45 PM)

"I go where the road takes me." Arynel said. "The rest you know already."

The Breton paused, tapping his fingers against the wooden table top.

"What would you ask me?"

Posted by: Loranna Jan 27 2005, 06:07 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jan 26 2005, 11:49 PM)

"I go where the road takes me." Arynel said. "The rest you know already."

The Breton paused, tapping his fingers against the wooden table top.

"What would you ask me?"

Loranna take a small breath, pitching her voice low.

"Well ..." she says, pausing to look around. " ... Actually, can we talk somewhere a little more private, like just outside? I'd rather not be overheard right now."

A healer shows up to tend to Setzer.

Posted by: w0nders Jan 27 2005, 06:08 AM

Summary-

Dante, en-route to deliver the various documents he found in the farmhouse.

Illidan, en-route to a hangover

Brum, Merciander, Inzoliah and friends, on the road to chaos

Posted by: Arynel Jan 27 2005, 06:08 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 26 2005, 09:57 PM)

Arynel nods to Loranna. "Very well then."

The Breton gets up, and walks out the door, glancing towards Setzer on his way out.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 27 2005, 06:16 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jan 26 2005, 11:58 PM)

Arynel nods to Loranna. "Very well then."

The Breton gets up, and walks out the door, glancing towards Setzer on his way out.

Once outside and away from prying ears, Loranna turns to Arynel, her voice still low. "All right; yesterday while on patrol Allie encountered a Dunmer girl with glowing blue eyes. She brought the girl back to have Jazbet decide what is to be done with her. I've spoken with Jazbet a while ago and he would ..."

Loranna pauses, grimacing. " ... His heart says to simply kill the girl is monstrous, while his duty says he may have to make that choice anyway. I told him I would speak with a couple people I knew to ask for their advice on how we could try to spare the girl and maybe even help her as you all helped me, without endangering everyone. You're one of the brightest people I know, so I wanted to ask you what you think could be done in this situation."

Posted by: Arynel Jan 27 2005, 06:18 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 26 2005, 10:06 PM)

Once outside and away from prying ears, Loranna turns to Arynel, her voice still low. "All right; yesterday while on patrol Allie encountered a Dunmer girl with glowing blue eyes. She brought the girl back to have Jazbet decide what is to be done with her. I've spoken with Jazbet a while ago and he would ..."

Loranna pauses, grimacing. " ... His heart says to simply kill the girl is monstrous, while his duty says he may not have to make that choice anyway. I told him I would speak with a couple people I knew to ask for their advice on how we could try to spare the girl and maybe even help her as you all helped me, without endangering everyone. You're one of the brightest people I know, so I wanted to ask you what you think could be done in this situation."

Arynel looks Loranna straight in the eye. "Name for me her crime," the Breton says, "and I will name the punishment."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 27 2005, 06:23 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jan 27 2005, 12:08 AM)

Arynel looks Loranna straight in the eye. "Name for me her crime," the Breton says, "and I will name the punishment."

Loranna frowns. "What crime?" she asks. "As far as I know, she's committed no crime; she knew even less about the choice she made than I did when I let Azura into myself. She's a child, that's all."

Posted by: Arynel Jan 27 2005, 06:26 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 26 2005, 10:13 PM)

Loranna frowns. "What crime?" she asks. "As far as I know, she's committed no crime; she knew even less about the choice she made than I did when I let Azura into myself. She's a child, that's all."

"Then what is the problem?" Arynel asks, "If she has committed no crime, then give her unto care of a good family who will give her a warm roof and a few warm meals."

The Breton tilts his head slightly. "I am not inclined to exact punishment on an innocent, if you wish to, that is beyond my hand to play."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 27 2005, 06:32 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jan 27 2005, 12:16 AM)

Loranna takes a deep breath. "Arynel dear, you're wonderful but you drive me nuts sometimes," she says. " ... And the strange part is I actually am kind of grateful you do, no matter how many times you leave me wanting to whack you over the head with a broom."

She sighs. " ... The problem is, she's a child with a deadly power," she says. "I was pretty much like a child too when Azura was in me, and ... well ..."

She grimaces. "I'm still pretty childish now I guess," she says, "I just don't want to see this girl get killed because she's an Azurite among those who defied Azura's call - and I don't want to see a little girl call her Daedra friend to start tearing into the bad men and women just because a power she can't possibly understand said we were all nasty people, either."

Posted by: Arynel Jan 27 2005, 06:40 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 26 2005, 10:22 PM)

Arynel looks at Loranna blankly. "Name my crime, then ready your broom."

The Breton flashes a smile, then returns his complexion to normal.

"You also had a power, one much greater than she, and you still stand here today. I will refrain from making judgement until she acts wrongly, some may follow the philosophies of preemtive justice, and if you go with them, so be it. If you choose to spare her life, then she should be taught not to use her power unnecessarily. All people have power, perhaps she has too much to bear at such a young age, that does not mean she cannot be taught to be responsible with it."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 27 2005, 06:51 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jan 27 2005, 12:30 AM)

Loranna looks at Arynel, and then bursts out laughing.

" ... Your crime is being a lot smarter than me and not showing me that sense of humor more often," she says, holding up her hands as though wielding a broom. " ... And since that crime is my fault as much as yours, I decree we both get whacked."

With a cry of "Thwack! Thwack!" she mock baps both herself and Arynel on the head.

" ... Honestly, I think I'm trying to say the same thing you are here," she says, still smiling but sounding more serious. "I think Jazbet feels the same way deep down - but as lord of these lands, he finds himself worried that it's too risky to those he's sworn to protect to try that course, as monstrous as the alternative is."

She grows thoughtful. "So, maybe the real question I should be asking for advice on, is what can be done to teach a child capable of summoning a Winged Twilight with but a thought how to be responsible with her power? For most people, that's a temper tantrum of fatal proportions to endure."

Posted by: Arynel Jan 27 2005, 06:55 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 26 2005, 10:41 PM)

Loranna looks at Arynel, and then bursts out laughing.

" ... Your crime is being a lot smarter than me and not showing me that sense of humor more often," she says, holding up her hands as though wielding a broom. " ... And since that crime is my fault as much as yours, I decree we both get whacked."

With a cry of "Thwack! Thwack!" she mock baps both herself and arynel on the head.

" ... Honestly, I think I'm trying to say the same thing you are here," she says, still smiling but sounding more serious. "I think Jazbet feels the same way deep down - but as lord of these lands, he finds himself worried that it's too risky to those he's sworn to protect to try that course, as monstrous as the alternative is."

She grows thoughtful. "So, maybe the real question I should be asking for advice on, is what can be done to teach a child capable of summoning a Winged Twilight with but a thought how to be responsible with her power? For most people, that's a temper tantrum of fatal proportions to endure."

Arynel looks at Loranna blankly as she mock broom-slaps him, doing his best to hide a grin.

"I will say two things," the Breton says at last, "First, speaking of the child, I think that is a question for one who has raised children herself. Second, concerning Jazbet, now you know what I mean when I say 'be neither slave nor master.'"

Posted by: Loranna Jan 27 2005, 07:02 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jan 27 2005, 12:45 AM)

Loranna stares at Arynel, head tilted as though trying to see past something.

"Well, I was thinkng of asking Allie," she tells him. "... Like I tend to do for most everything, but she was a mother before ..."

"And yes, I do understand that now," she adds. " ... I remember Allie once saying that that doesn't work in practice as much as we'd like it to, but I do see what you're getting at. There's not as much difference between slave and master when you look at it that way; it's just a question of wether you're answering to the will of one person or the will of a whole group of people. But either way, your life isn't fully your own."

Posted by: Teleran Jan 27 2005, 07:09 AM

The healer had everything in hand by now. Teleran noticed that Loranna and Arynel had slipped out of the bar shortly after Setzer had fallen in. He walked over to the barkeep and ordered a mead, a sujamma for himself and pulled one a brandy that had been at Jazbet's estate for the feast. 'A nice vintage,' Teleran thought, 'pity it's Cyrodiilic, not Dagoth Brandy, that has a proper kick.'

He headed out to find them saw them not too far off. He headed for them the drinks floating lightly above his left gauntlet. "I figured you two might need some refreshment, its been a long day. Come inside, I'm sure Setzer will want to regale us with his tale as soon as he's able."

Posted by: Arynel Jan 27 2005, 07:10 AM

"There is a saying," Arynel says to Loranna, "Proceed only with the simplest terms, for all others are enemies and will confuse you."

The Breton turns to Teleran, smiles, and lifts his hand. "I'm fine for now. How does the road treat you?"

Posted by: Loranna Jan 27 2005, 07:15 AM

Loranna grins at Arynel, then turns to face Teleran. "Oh! Thank you; that was nice of you," she says, taking the proffered mead and sipping it appreciatively.

" ... So, how you doing?" she asks Teleran.

Posted by: Teleran Jan 27 2005, 07:24 AM

Teleran's grin widen to the point it looks as though his face will split in two, "I'm doing fine. I even found myself a new toy." He hefted the spear. "It's amazing what you can make these things do."

Feeling that words were inadequate he leapt into the sky disappearing against the sky. A few seconds later he came down behind Loranna and Arynel yelling at the top of his lungs, "Yeeee-aaaah-oooooo."

His eyes shone with a child-like enthusiasm that usually left people long before they actually matured. "You should give it a try, its exhilirating. No slowing or nothing, just freefall. You and the air screaming past. Almost as good as flying on a Parrapton, less control though."

Posted by: Arynel Jan 27 2005, 07:28 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Jan 26 2005, 11:14 PM)

"What?" Arynel asks, pointing towards the spear, "What can you make it do?"

The Breton smiles, and waits for an answer.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 27 2005, 07:30 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Jan 27 2005, 01:14 AM)

Loranna grins at Teleran. "That's a wonderful thing you have there," she says, shaking her head a little. "But do be careful you don't bang into outcropping rocks or something hun; you'll get a lot more enjoyment out of that if you avoid breaking yourself with a bad landing."

"As for me, I'll stick with the parraptors for now; I kind of like the cameraderie of riding an actual living mount and soaring through the air."

Posted by: Teleran Jan 27 2005, 07:39 AM

"Thanks for the advice Loranna, and I've grown quite attached to Vil. I hope Jazbet doesn't want us to leave them here when we move on." Teleran said his tone turning worried at the thought, but he shook it off. Then he turned to Arynel, "What do you mean what does it do!?! have you gone blind Breton? Or are you too high and mighty to enjoy a cantrip every now and then? I notice you didn't take a parrapton either, do you have something against flying?"

Teleran's indignation couldn't quite wipe the grin off his face even as he rounded on Arynel.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 27 2005, 07:41 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Jan 27 2005, 01:29 AM)

Loranna frowns. "Dear, calm down please," she says to Teleran. "And as for the mounts, they are still Lord Jazbet's remember, and he may still need them once we leave."

Posted by: Arynel Jan 27 2005, 07:43 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Jan 26 2005, 11:29 PM)

Arynel smiled, "I imagine there will be some uses for it, in the right situations."

The Breton paused, and pointed an index finger skywards.

"They key is to recognize those situations in which your tools are useful, and act accordingly."

Posted by: Teleran Jan 27 2005, 07:51 AM

"Oh," Teleran said, "I guess I see you're point, but still...

"What's wrong with having a little fun Arynel? Besides, it doesn't just make me go up, it helps me come down too. Indispensable if I find myself falling from a tower or a parrapton mid-flight. Besides, most people don't look up when they are searching for possible threats."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 27 2005, 07:55 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Jan 27 2005, 01:41 AM)

Loranna shakes her head bemusedly, putting a hand to her temple.

"Teleran dear; neither of us is saying fun is bad," she says. "In fact, being able to have moments of joy like you did just then is a very precious thing indeed. We're just advising you to keep your feet on the ground while your head scrapes the stars, is all. Have fun but keep in mind that's not the be all and end all, and like Arynel said, keep in mind when's the right time to use it and when is inappropriate."

Posted by: Arynel Jan 27 2005, 07:58 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Jan 26 2005, 11:41 PM)

"Fun," Arynel said, a smile stretching across the Breton's face. "I have seen magnus first stretch forth his robe from atop lonesome peaks, and my eyes have seen him pull it back come end of day. My feet have walked more paths than I know to count, and treated my eyes to all manner of sites both horrid and astounding. My hands have dug in dirt, rich and black and full of life, and I have washed them in pure streams, cold and clear. I have swept like a shadow over the edge of the world, I know its foundations, and I have left my mark on its deepest parts."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 27 2005, 08:00 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jan 27 2005, 01:48 AM)

Loranna looks over at Arynel, then back at Teleran.

This'll be interesting to watch, she thinks.

Posted by: Teleran Jan 27 2005, 08:04 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jan 26 2005, 09:48 PM)

Getting a little lost in the flow of the bard's words Teleran said, "I've travelled a fair distance in my time, all across Vvardenfell, and most of Solstheim. Never been here before, but I've seen plenty of sights, some not so happy as I had hoped. Foundations? I learned long ago not to touch those, things always try to fall down on me when I mess with those."

Posted by: Arynel Jan 27 2005, 08:06 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Jan 26 2005, 11:54 PM)

Arynel smiled, and slapped Teleran on the back in jest.

"The world is a song," the Breton said, "to each a note."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 27 2005, 08:07 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Jan 27 2005, 01:54 AM)

Loranna covers her mouth, chuckling a little.

"Here, Teleran, tell me how the spear works and I'll try it a couple times," she says, looking over to Arynel. "Dear, you want to jump after me?"

Posted by: Arynel Jan 27 2005, 08:09 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 26 2005, 11:57 PM)

Loranna covers her mouth, chuckling a little.

"Here, Teleran, tell me how the spear works and I'll try it a couple times," she says, looking over to Arynel. "Dear, you want to jump after me?"

Arynel looks at Loranna, and smiles slightly.

"Perhaps, on a later occasion." The Breton says.

Posted by: Teleran Jan 27 2005, 08:14 AM

"Sure thing, Loranna. To use just, well, think about using it, I can't really explain it any better than that. It just works. Oh yeah, I think it has some sort of Chameleon enchant on it, but I haven't gotten that to work yet." Teleran handed her the spear, "Just don't land on the pointy end. You scared Arynel?"

Posted by: Arynel Jan 27 2005, 08:15 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Jan 27 2005, 12:04 AM)

Arynel looks at Teleran blankly.

"I just ate." The Breton says in a monotonous tone.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 27 2005, 08:17 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Jan 27 2005, 02:04 AM)

"If he's scared of a spear I'm a blasted husk," Loranna says, nodding to Arynel and taking the spear. "All right, then; ... leap ..."

Loranna bends her legs and jumps, giving voice to a whooo! as she rises.

Once she hits the apex, she says " ... and float!" and lands on her feet, spear held horizontally to the ground over her head.

"It is a lot like flying the parraptors," she says, grinning and handing Teleran his spear back.

Posted by: w0nders Jan 27 2005, 08:29 AM

after delivering the documents to Kallen, and giving a rather long, awkward report, Dante and Illidan made their way outside of the estate, "I'm heading to bed Dante, see you in the morning..." Yawned Illidan, making his way back into the castle and into a spare room, where he drifted off into sleep.

Dante however, had decided to check out the nightlife down in Ald Raathim, maybe even do a little late night window shopping if he ever felt the desire. And so, he began his slow walk towards the city opposite the estate.

Posted by: Teleran Jan 27 2005, 08:29 AM

"Yes it is great fun," He nodded to Loranna. At least someone was aggreeing with him. All the fights with Azurites seemed to have sobered everyone a little. Even a hungry werewolf didn't cause the kind of bloodshed the Azurites were inciting. "Too bad I didn't get that Khajiit alive. I'd have liked to talk to him, to know why he's doing these things, killing those who don't fit...

"Nevermind, I shouldn't say things like that, its better that he isn't around to cause any more trouble. But still I want to know why, what it is they're trying to do, turn all of Tamriel against Azura? That doesn't make any sense, but that's all that they'll achieve this way."

Posted by: Arynel Jan 27 2005, 08:33 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Jan 27 2005, 12:19 AM)

"Yes it is great fun," He nodded to Loranna. At least someone was aggreeing with him. All the fights with Azurites seemed to have sobered everyone a little. Even a hungry werewolf didn't cause the kind of bloodshed the Azurites were inciting. "Too bad I didn't get that Khajiit alive. I'd have liked to talk to him, to know why he's doing these things, killing those who don't fit...

"Nevermind, I shouldn't say things like that, its better that he isn't around to cause any more trouble. But still I want to know why what it is they're trying to do, turn all of Tamriel against Azura? That doesn't make any sense, but that's all that they'll achieve this way."

"Zealousy is held above logic." Arynel said. "Walk the path as it is given, the road before your feet stretched out becomes a map to follow."

The Breton turns, and walks towards the tavern.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 27 2005, 08:34 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Jan 27 2005, 02:19 AM)

"Yes it is great fun," He nodded to Loranna. At least someone was aggreeing with him. All the fights with Azurites seemed to have sobered everyone a little. Even a hungry werewolf didn't cause the kind of bloodshed the Azurites were inciting. "Too bad I didn't get that Khajiit alive. I'd have liked to talk to him, to know why he's doing these things, killing those who don't fit...

"Nevermind, I shouldn't say things like that, its better that he isn't around to cause any more trouble. But still I want to know why what it is they're trying to do, turn all of Tamriel against Azura? That doesn't make any sense, but that's all that they'll achieve this way."

Loranna gives Arynel a slight questioning look, though realiztion dawns after a moment. When she looks back to Teleran, her expression is again sober.

"The ones I met and ultimately helped kill all acted like they were drunk on their newfound power," she tells Teleran. "I suspect a fair number of them think they're invincible, and don't forget, Azura promised them that those who refuse her would be reborn to serve them."

She gives a helpless shrug. "And that is probably not even the half of the whole story," she says. "It's stormy weather right now."

She gestures to the tavern and the retreating Breton. "Come on; let's go get something to eat, maybe hear a song or two," she tells Teleran.

Posted by: Arynel Jan 27 2005, 08:39 AM

Inside the tavern, Arynel takes a seat in the back, and waves his arms, summoning up a lute. The Breton begins a song.

Any story told in full
Becomes history to all who know
Any song poetically rhymed
Becomes a stone the wades through time
River flow on from end to end
Dragon born and wheel spin
That is a word cuts through the whole
Each letter a knife and onward grows...

Posted by: Teleran Jan 27 2005, 08:54 AM

Teleran waved off Loranna's invitation to follow her into the tavern and jumps up into the night glorying in the speed and the feeling of freedom in the air. He looked down upon the town and watched the lights dancing from the windows. As he was coming down he saw a figure on the road, coming towards town. He touched the ground only briefly before flying off into the night to land lightly a few feet in front of the traveler. "Hail, do you be friend or foe?"

Posted by: w0nders Jan 27 2005, 08:59 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Jan 27 2005, 02:44 AM)

Dante continued down the path, watching his feet as he walked casually down the small road, another habit that he had, he walked further down before he was cut off by the sound of a small thud, and a familiar voice.

He slowly looked up, the dim moonlight cascading off of his armour, making his face nothing more than a silouette, He noticed that it was Teleran greeting him and smiled, "Friend" He muttered stepping forward, letting the light show his face.

Posted by: Teleran Jan 27 2005, 09:03 AM

"Dante!" Telran exclaimed, "I thought you had your nose in some book you recovered from that farmhouse. Anything useful in there. By the way, if we hurry to the tavern we can catch Arynel singing. Not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. He certainly has the voice of a bard, but his rhymes can be as convoluted and nonsensical as anything the Prince of Madness could dream up."

Posted by: w0nders Jan 27 2005, 09:10 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Jan 27 2005, 02:53 AM)

"Ah yes, the book, nothing too informative was found in there, just a young woman's struggle with some Azurites, nothing more" He stated loudly, walking up to Teleran.

"The tavern you say? well, certainly, I don't see much things wrong with that...I'm always one to hear a good song every now and then..." He continued down the road next to Teleran, it wouldn't be too long until they reach the town.

Posted by: Teleran Jan 27 2005, 09:23 AM

A few minutes later they were in the tavern. The tavern's occupant's had settled down a bit since Teleran had been in last, but then again a half-dead man wasn't sprawled across the threshold at the moment either. He sat at the table nearest to the entrance and brought out the brandy that Arynel had rejected, no sense in it going to waste after all. He poured some for himself as Dante ordered a flin. They listened to the end of the Arynel's song. Teleran leaned back in his chair and sipped at his drink absentmindedly, thinking about Azurites and trying to fathom the reason for it all. In short order he had a pounding headache, though th drink helped soothe it somewhat.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 27 2005, 11:11 AM

Daggerfall, Solunastra: Allerleirauh

Dragon wasn't going to let anything leave his armory without a proper accounting. "You want Mirea to think she can come in here and take anything she wants?"

"She does anyway," Allerleirauh said. "But you have a point. Whoof, I don't think I realized the Guild was sitting on quite this much ebony. Where do Daedra get it, do you think?"

"I have no idea," Dragon said. "Daedric is easy to explain - they simply beat each other down, and the loser gets used as a dai-katana. My guess is they steal it from the dead, from long buried kings, and no one ever knows it's gone missing. Can you carry that?"

"I can with another feather potion," Allie said, lifting the crate of ebony weapons and moving it out of their path, so they could get through the doorway. "That's it, I think, leaving us just enough of everything for emergencies. Solunastra hasn't had a proper garrison in generations, and Nine forbid it ever needs one again."

"I could go out adventuring and replenish our stock," Dragon said. "I'm bored here, and it's lonely without you."

She started to laugh in reply, but he stepped into her path and turned, so that they were close together in the doorframe. She looked up into his face and saw that he was serious.

"You should go into town more often," she said.

"I do go into town. It's not the same as being with someone who knows. Ah, never mind me. I'm just grousing to listen to the novel sound of my own voice."

"Arynel comes here," she said.

"Arynel - I'm not sure Arynel notices us any more than reflections on passing windowpanes. You and he have won your great battle, you sent Azura back to Oblivion. Tell me, are you lovers yet?"

"Don't be vulgar," she said.

"Now it's vulgar, is it? Has he sought you out, spoken to you?"

A long pause. "He doesn't like to be chased," she said, helplessly.

"A two year old doesn't like being tied to a post either, but that's what my mother used to do to keep me out of the path of the oxen when she was plowing," Dragon said. "Arynel doesn't know what he needs. Chase him."

She was distracted from the subject of Arynel by Dragon's revelation - more than he had ever spoken to her about his past before. "Your mother used to tie you in the yard like a dog?"

"Not everyone was raised a princess, Princess," the old man said. He put his hand under her chin and kissed her, once, very softly, on the mouth. His deep blue eyes were surrounded by smile creases.

"Feel better, old friend?" Allerleirauh asked, after a moment.

"I do, yes. I wasn't joking about going out to do some fighting. A day of wandering through a Daedric ruin earns more money than an ebony mine nets in a month. And my skills are getting stale."

"I need someone here. It's not as if we can replace you with an accountant. An accountant can't come and fetch me if something should go wrong."

"Send Doll back. She needs to be back home in any case. Solin has his wits about him now, as much as he ever will. Doll can handle the figures as well as I can, she's got enough sense not to make decisions without asking someone first, and she's perfectly adequate as a messenger."

"I think Doll fancies herself a battlemage," Allerleirauh said. Dragon knew Doll had been attacked. Traveling through the Void was still dangerous.

Dragon said nothing. Allerleirauh knew she should have expected this. That was the trouble with a guild of Void Rangers - how to bind fiercely independent, free-thinking heroes into a group in which some must perform subordinate, essential functions. Dragon was the steadiest man in the world, almost comically steady, and he was old. But he was still a legendary hero, not a housekeeper.

"Be careful," she said at last. "You have great good sense, I expect you to use it. I need to start taking these weapons to Jazbet."

"Thank you, General," he said, with a cocky salute that made her laugh out loud.

She lifted a crate of weapons, spoke a string of power, and emerged in her room inside Jazbet's castle.

Posted by: FireMaster Jan 27 2005, 07:59 PM

*Erenius awakes from his slumber, wonderring just how he got into this current room he is in, sharing it with many crates of supplies*

"Just because I answer too slowly to the guards, they put me under a sleep spell and lock me down here?" Erenius wonders aloud, frustrated at the fact. "Something if far from correct...first Gaor and his heresy; then whatever happened to the other Lord Dres; and now this one has me locked down here without explanation, his guard stating only that I 'Responded too slowly to the question regarding the dispel scroll...'"

*Erenius paces his new confines; realizing that this room is really a cell that, due to a lack of prisioners, was converted to a storage room*

"Hmph...further decreasing the size of the room, making the inhabitant more uncomfortable," Erenius muses. "How clever of them!"

Posted by: Tricrux Jan 27 2005, 10:04 PM

Setzer was a Half-Nord. Although not entirely customary, it was not unusual for a Nord to change his name after a great battle. For instance, Alof Hard-Heart might become Alof Grahl-Scourge after a battle with a fearsome grahl.

So Setzer renamed himself as Maerin Night-Scar. He had gotten his scars in the night, and it was in the night that the seemed the most prominent. It seemed fitting.

He smiled to himself. His voice was still a whisper, weak, but he could speak. He was not as old as he claimed to be. In fact, he was at the tender age of seventeen - he claimed to be twenty-seven. The Setzer who had loved Celeste was his brother, and on his brother's death by complications of injury, a young Maerin had taken on that name in his honor. That had been fourteen years ago, and Maerin was ready to make his own mark on the world now.

"I am Maerin Night-Scar."

Silently he padded out of the Healer's ward, limping towards Jazbet's castle to reunite with the others once again.

The Azurites were a personal battle now.

Posted by: Aki Jan 27 2005, 11:43 PM

After giving his report at the estate, Reichi headed off towards Ald Raathim. It was a small town, but it did have a tavern. Reichi wandered through the street and eventually entered the tavern. As he had his way to the counter to order his drink, several people noticed that large slashes through in the back of his chitin armor. The wounds had healed, but the armor was still damaged.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 28 2005, 12:37 AM

It was going to be a bear of a day, and Jazbet had resolved not to make it worse by growling.

After getting up quietly and getting dressed, he had spent time with Jaster creating schedules and patrols for the guards on the domain's most easily accessible borders. Some craftsmen from the village were creating towers to shelter the patrols.

There was the prisoner in the dungeon he needed to see. Someone who claimed to know him, but had baulked when asked to submit to a dispel magicka. They had tested him once he was unconscious, and he was not an Azurite, but still, he might be a spy from Helseth or someone worse ...

There was the issue with the Azurite girl, but Jazbet had promised Loranna a little bit of time for an alternate solution to her execution.

But first, a meeting with an emissary from Lady Dres Zara, his neighbor to the north ... The Khajiit smiled and welcomed the diplomat into his study on the top floor of the tower.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 28 2005, 01:26 AM

Jazbet's Room

Loranna had returned to Jazbet's side after having had a small meal at the tavern in town, her goal of asking people about what to do with the Azurite girl needing to wait till she could talk to Allie or someone else she trusted to have helpful advice and discression. After everything they had been through, Loranna and Jazbet found a chance to temporarily forget how bad things were in each other's arms ...

Come the morning, Loranna wakes, as she usually does, with a great gasp, sucking in air to dispel the lingering sesnastion of being crushed. Groaning a little, she reaches over for Jazbet, and finds a sheet of parchment in his stead. " ... Huh? Oh; note, right ..."

Taking a moment to compose herself and wake up more, Loranna looks at the note; the handwriting was shaky and slanted strangely, and Loranna guesses Jazbet wrote the note himself, blindly. Half the letters seem unfamiliar to Loranna, which confuses her; she'd never had any trouble reading letters before ...

It took a while, during which time Loranna comes to realize that Azura was responsible for more than just her telepathy and her increased skill at magic. Her cheeks flush with chagrin at the thought of not being able to read anymore but she keeps trying and manages to make out:

My Dear,

I almost tried to wake you, but could not. I saw your sleep looked troubled, but felt you needed rest.

I have to see people this morning. I fear the day bears little joy, but I don't mind. Your soft kisses and warm embraces shall carry me through the day, come what may.

Get yourself some breakfast and relax a bit; I will speak with you again when time permits. Thank you again for fulfilling my happy vision.

Jazbet

Upon finishing reading the note, Loranna smiles, the memory of last night helping to dispel her chagrin. She looks over the note again, partly trying to get herself to recognize the letters more easily and partly just to hear Jazbet's voice in her head saying those words to her, his tone simple and forthright yet gentle and caring. Even through his shaky handwriting and her difficulty with reading, his spirit showed clearly in his words.

Loranna gets up and dresses, heading down to seek food and perhaps a dip in the sea to refresh herself. She had a lot to try and do today, including perhaps a trip to Jazbet's library to see about getting her nascant reading skills back up to snuff.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 28 2005, 02:31 AM

A figure runs across the wide green lawn in front of the castle, and plummets off the twenty foot tall cliff into the bay below.

A few seconds go by, and Jazbet surfaces. He can hear from the sound nearby that someone is treading water, and breathing, very nearby.

‘Good morning,’ the Khajiit says in their direction. ‘Sorry, I hope I didn’t startle you.’

Posted by: Loranna Jan 28 2005, 02:34 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 27 2005, 08:21 PM)

Loranna floats near Jazbet, staring in surprise and incredulty.

" ... Oh no, not startled at all; just a little terrified at seeing my lover drop out of the sky like that," she says in a small voice.

" ... Hi dear; nice dive," she adds, starting to chuckle. "Are you trying to escape some horrific paperwork?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 28 2005, 02:38 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 27 2005, 08:24 PM)

" ... Hi dear; nice dive," she adds, starting to chuckle. "Are you trying to escape some horrific paperwork?"

Jazbet laughs, surprised, "You're awake! I was going to come in and see you after a little swim. Speaking of paperwork, was my note legible at all? I'm sorry I had to leave you. Trust me. Nothing I would have liked better than to spend all day locked away with you."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 28 2005, 02:45 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 27 2005, 08:28 PM)

Loranna swims over to Jazbet, taking his hand in hers.

"Yes, I'm awake; I've been sleeping a little less since the affair at Vivec," she tells him.

"Your note ..." she pauses for a second. "It was legible; I was able to read it, though it took me a while. Seems I was leaning on Azura more than I let myself realize, but I was able to make the words out eventually. They were beautiful - simple but touching the heart, just like you."

She hugs him. "You seem to be in better cheer than last night; I'm glad."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 28 2005, 02:49 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 27 2005, 08:35 PM)

She hugs him. "You seem to be in better cheer than last night; I'm glad."

'And who do I owe that to?' Jazbet smiles and kisses her. 'The water feels delicious, doesn't it?'

Walking down the path to the beach was Kallen, Jazbet's seneschal, carrying with him a robe.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 28 2005, 02:54 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 27 2005, 08:39 PM)

'And who do I owe that to?' Jazbet smiles and kisses her. 'The water feels delicious, doesn't it?'

Walking down the path to the beach was Kallen, Jazbet's seneschal, carrying with him a robe.

Loranna kisses Jazbet back. "Thank you," she says. "And yes, it does."

Noticing Kallen, Loranna says "Ah; your seneschal's coming." She kisses Jazbet again very quickly and pulls back to let Jazbet swim for shore.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 28 2005, 03:03 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 27 2005, 08:44 PM)

Noticing Kallen, Loranna says "Ah; your seneschal's coming." She kisses Jazbet again very quickly and pulls back to let Jazbet swim for shore.

'Already?' Jazbet smiled, affecting a whine. 'Five more minutes, dad!'

'My Lord,' Kallen yelled. 'You told me to come for you in ten minutes, and --'

'No sense of humor,' the Khajiit whispered to Loranna. 'Enjoy the private swim while you can. This time tomorrow, this place is going be very crowded.'

Jazbet began swimming back to shore.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 28 2005, 03:08 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 27 2005, 08:53 PM)

" ... Huh?" Loranna asks as Jazbet heads for shore. "Why, are we having visitors?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 28 2005, 03:12 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 27 2005, 08:58 PM)

" ... Huh?" Loranna asks as Jazbet heads for shore. "Why, are we having visitors?"

'The two neighboring domains are overrun with Azurites,' Jazbet called back. 'We're going to be tripling out population with refugees, at least. I have to arrange for shelter and some kind of order ... Feel free to let people know that they might have to share a bit ...'

If it worried him, the Khajiit did not show it. He acted more like a host being ever-so-slightly put out because more people had come to his party than he had enough snacks for.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 28 2005, 03:16 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 27 2005, 09:02 PM)

" ... Oh," Loranna says, "I see ... of course, I understand. I'll head down to the tavern and spread the news."

Things sounded like they were going to get busy soon - and there was sitll the question of the Azurite girl to deal with. Loranna consouls herself to deal with one thing at a time.

"Did you want me to try finding anyone specific, send them to talk with you before the refugees arrive?" she asks Jazbet.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 28 2005, 03:22 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 27 2005, 09:06 PM)

"Did you want me to try finding anyone specific, send them to talk with you before the refugees arrive?" she asks Jazbet.

Jazbet was on shore, putting on his robe, and called back to Loranna, "I don't think there's much anyone can do right now. I'll tell the people I run into, and feel free to do the same. It's not a secret," he laughed. "I guess anyone who doesn't hear about it will sort of get the idea when Ald Raathim is a sea of tents."

The Khajiit blew her a kiss (roughly in the right direction of where she was), and followed Kallen up the path towards the castle.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 28 2005, 03:29 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 27 2005, 09:12 PM)

Loranna watches Jazbet and Kallen leave, thinking to herself Hmm ... well, things will probably be even livlier around here than they have been.

She swims by herself for a few more minutes, then heads for shore. Drying off and dressing, she makes her way down to Ald Raathim's tavern to start spreading the word.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 28 2005, 03:37 AM

Winterhold, Skyrim

After a meeting with the King, Queen Elysana of Wayrest concluded that she would have to continue her voyage towards her kingdom by the ocean. She had hoped that the rivers would be clear, but they were frozen solid.

With her soldiers well-fed, her ship restocked, and her playwright Baloth-Kul well into the second act of the revision of his play, Elysana boarded the boat and set sail for the west.

They would try again to break through to travel inland at Solitude.

Posted by: Attrebus Jan 28 2005, 03:50 AM

Jaster flew low past a patrol. It was pretty quiet for the moment, however he knew that would change quickly. The Dunmer hovered for a moment near the Captain. "Anything to report?" Jaster asked.

"Nothing much, Sir." Was the reply. "The first of the refugees have started to arrive and are being escorted to safety. Other than that, no sign of the Azurites."

"Good to hear. Stay alert - they don't appear to be very organized, however, they make up for it in other ways." Jaster had hoped to have more guards patrolling, but the extra weapons hadn't arrived in time. That would change soon enough. Thankfully there were enough dispell scrolls for the moment.

"Carry on Captain." Said Jaster taking flight to check on the refugee constructions.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 28 2005, 03:55 AM

Ald Raathim Tavern

Loranna enters the tavern and speaks with the publican; after a few moments the worthy fetches ink and pen and starts scribing a notice.

Loranna orders herself a meal of saltrice and meat, feeling a slight guilty pleasure at having food with more taste than Razbiah's cooking. She watches as the publican posts the new notice in a proeminent spot, where all incoming customers may see.

===

ATTENTION:

On word of Lord Dres Jazbet, refugees from our two neighbroing domains shall be arriving in our domain.

Please help to make these people feel safe and welcome, as they seek shelter from our common enemy the Azurites.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 28 2005, 04:05 AM

The wilderness of mainland Morrowind was not as dense as it was in Valenwood or even Cyrodiil, but it was not as sparse as on the island of Vvardenfell, where the volcano made the ground inhospitable to normal plant life. One could get lost in the woods here, and people did. The refugees came trudging in groups of ten and twenty, avoiding the main roads where the Azurites could see them.

“I never thought I’d see the day when I would set foot in Daruhn,” said one rather fastidious Dunmer to his wife, spitting out the last word as if it were dirt in his mouth. They were both carrying all the belongings they could, their pockets filled with gold.

His obedient wife nodded placidly, but her heart soared when she saw the guard tower ahead through the trees, and knew they would be safe.

Posted by: Tricrux Jan 28 2005, 06:33 AM

Marein Night-Scar, formerly known as Setzer, trudged onward towards the shore and the castle.

He arrived in the mid-morning, the healed scars glistening in the light. On entering, he limped towards his room. The castle seemed basically empty; he presumed most of the residents were down at the tavern, or elsewhere in town. That was all right with him. He could wait.

After a brief wait he decided that he might as well head on over to the tavern and see what was up. When he got there, he ordered himself some flin, briefly explained why he was born with the name Marein, and sipped his drink ever so quietly.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 28 2005, 06:40 AM

QUOTE(Tricrux @ Jan 28 2005, 12:23 AM)

Loranna, finishing her meal, raises her mug of mead in greeting to the now-renamed Marein, wondering what his other name was for.

"Hail; good to see you are recovered," she says. "You heard the news?"

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 28 2005, 06:42 AM

Some distance from the castle, Aricyn stood naked upon a high hill, looking north and west to his homeland. The wind from the Western Mountains, who's peaks could be seen like purple ghosts in the late morning haze, blew across his bare chest.

The old wolf sat nearby, watching his every move.

Aricyn wiped his blue-stained hand across his face leaving long, sweeping marks down his neck and across his chest. He dipped his fingers again in the woad, and drew them across his shoulders and arms.

The wind was increasing, and it was cold. The grizzled wolf sniffed it intently.

Now covered in coiling blue patterns, Aricyn raised his hands to his mouth. The wind whipped up the hillside and down the other side, making the banners on the keep below flap violenty.

He took a deep breath, and the sky darkened. His snow-white hair slapped at his bare shoulders.

Aricyn opened his mouth wide, and shouted into the wind. The clouds parted at the coming of his words as they swept over the mountainsides.

Somewhere far to the west, his words would fall again...

"Now," Aricyn said, turning to the wolf and gathering up his clothes, "it remains to be seen if they'll listen."

"Whuff."

Aricyn turned and went back down the hill toward the sea.

Posted by: Tricrux Jan 28 2005, 06:44 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 27 2005, 11:30 PM)

"Apart from the news that Azurites are murderous lunatics with ebony scimitars? Nope, none."

He looked at her, waiting.

Posted by: Arynel Jan 28 2005, 06:44 AM

In the back of the tavern, Arynel wove his arms, and a lute appeared in his hands. The Breton began to play:

A song is a poem they say of course
But one layered over a measure of notes
The underlying revelries
Coincide with both revelation and devilries
A song is a word embraced by its notes

Music is a language all of its own
The note is a letter as much as any known
The organizing syntax
Adds to the whole a new grain of resilience
A song is a word embraced by its notes

Posted by: Teleran Jan 28 2005, 06:50 AM

Teleran came over to where Night-Scar sat, "Not all of them have ebony scimitars Setzer, a few of them have no more than their own claws, and some of them have much more dangerous weapons. However, so far as I've seen, they are murderous, but not lunatics, they still can determine friend from foe."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 28 2005, 06:51 AM

QUOTE(Tricrux @ Jan 28 2005, 12:34 AM)

"Apart from the news that Azurites are murderous lunatics with ebony scimitars? Nope, none."

He looked at her, waiting.

"Ah ..." Loranna says. " ... Well, refugees from the neighboring domains are heading for these lands now; we'll be having many new faces soon. Things are bound to get lively around here."

Posted by: Tricrux Jan 28 2005, 06:54 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Jan 27 2005, 11:40 PM)

"Well, they sure can tell friend from foe, and there sure are a whole bunch of them with those scimitars, Tel. They assaulted me almost on sight, and absolutely took me apart. Oh, and I have been ceremonially renamed Marein Night-Scar in honor of my great defeat."

He took a great swig and set his bottle down, content. Then he turned to Loranna

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 27 2005, 11:41 PM)

"Ah ..." Loranna says. " ... Well, refugees from the neighboring domains are heading for these lands now; we'll be having many new faces soon. Things are bound to get lively around here."

"Oh, those; yea, I saw a couple coming around. They look like a pretty scared bunch."

Posted by: Arynel Jan 28 2005, 06:56 AM

QUOTE(Tricrux @ Jan 27 2005, 10:44 PM)

Arynel wove his arms, and the lute vanished.

The Breton walked up to Marein Nigh-Scar, and tapped him on the shoulder.

"Who? Who ceremonially renamed you?"

Posted by: Loranna Jan 28 2005, 06:57 AM

QUOTE(Tricrux @ Jan 28 2005, 12:44 AM)

Loranna smiles sadly. "I can imagine; they're fleeing their homes in order to survive. That's never a pleasant thing; homes are supposed to be places where you're safe, not hunted."

She looks over at Arynel for a moment, the words of his song running through the back of her mind. "Though one tiny consolation is that they'll have good music to hear while they seek shelter with us," she adds.

Posted by: Teleran Jan 28 2005, 06:59 AM

"You honor your defeat, a strange idea, Night-Scar." Hearing Arynel's query he looked to Night-Scar, interested to hear the answer.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 28 2005, 06:59 AM

Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 28 2005, 12:41 AM)

"Ah ..." Loranna says. " ... Well, refugees from the neighboring domains are heading for these lands now; we'll be having many new faces soon. Things are bound to get lively around here."

A group of five strangers, four Dunmer men and one woman, entered the tavern. They were weary-looking and dirty from travel. One of the men approached the tavernkeeper.

‘Pardon me, good sir,’ he said. ‘Is this the only place where one can get a hot meal in Daruhn?’

‘Yes, it be,’ the tavernkeeper said, gruffly. ‘And you’d be best get used to calling it Lord Jazbet’s domain as a well-mannered guest.’

‘I beg your pardon,’ said the Dunmer, returning to his friends who had already taken a table.

Posted by: Aki Jan 28 2005, 07:02 AM

Reichi meanwhile, drunk heavily of many diffrent types of alcohol, greef, sujamma, flin, cyrodilic brandy, shein, and anything else he got his hands on. For some reason he just felt like drinking.

Posted by: Tricrux Jan 28 2005, 07:05 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jan 27 2005, 11:46 PM)

Arynel wove his arms, and the lute vanished.

The Breton walked up to Marein Nigh-Scar, and tapped him on the shoulder.

"Who? Who ceremonially renamed you?"

"I believe I did, in fact. I was born under the name Marein in any case - It is the way of my tribe to change your title to boast your accomplishments. Not uncommon, really. On a good adventure I ought to have that kind of opportunity every week or so."

QUOTE(Teleran @ Jan 27 2005, 11:49 PM)

"You honor your defeat, a strange idea, Night-Scar."

"No, friend, I boast my survival."

He winked and motioned for a new bottle. "And Teleran - I still owe you all of my jewelry."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 28 2005, 07:05 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 28 2005, 12:49 AM)

Ald Raathim
A group of five strangers, four Dunmer men and one woman, entered the tavern. They were weary-looking and dirty from travel. One of the men approached the tavernkeeper.

‘Pardon me, good sir,’ he said. ‘Is this the only place where one can get a hot meal in Daruhn?’

‘Yes, it be,’ the tavernkeeper said, gruffly. ‘And you’d be best get used to calling it Lord Jazbet’s domain as a well-mannered guest.’

‘I beg your pardon,’ said the Dunmer, returning to his friends who had already taken a table.

Loranna hears the tavernkeeper's gruff reply to the newcomers, and says " ... Pardon me a moment gentlemen ..."

She walks over to the new refugees, offering a small smile. "Hello and welcome; please don't mind our keep's demeanor, it's been a very trying time for us all here, as I'm sure you can relate to. Welcome to Lord Jazbet's lands, serjos and sera."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 28 2005, 07:10 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 28 2005, 12:55 AM)

She walks over to the new refugees, offering a small smile. "Hello and welcome; please don't mind our keep's demeanor, it's been a very trying time for us all here, as I'm sure you can relate to. Welcome to Lord Jazbet's lands, serjos and sera."

The five stood and bowed politely.

'We are grateful to be granted sanctuary, my lady,' said the woman, who though bedraggled and travel-worn. 'If the rumors we have heard of the Tiberarine are true, we are truly safe.'

Posted by: Loranna Jan 28 2005, 07:12 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 28 2005, 01:00 AM)

Loranna bows back. "We are honored and in our own way grateful to be able to offer sanctuary in these times," she says.

" ... If I may ask though ... I have yet to hear of these rumors. Pray tell me me what you have heard of the ... Tiberarine?"

Posted by: Teleran Jan 28 2005, 07:13 AM

QUOTE(Tricrux @ Jan 27 2005, 08:55 PM)

"No, friend, I boast my survival."
He winked and motioned for a new bottle. "And Teleran - I still owe you all of my jewelry."

"Don't worry about that. At the moment I have enough for a lifetime, not that it'll last that long. Say, are these actual diamonds in this one, because I was thinking that if I could find an alchemist this would be a prime ingredient for an invisibility potion." Teleran replied.

Posted by: Tricrux Jan 28 2005, 07:15 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Jan 28 2005, 12:03 AM)

"No, no, I insist. I'm a rogue of my honor."

Posted by: Aki Jan 28 2005, 07:16 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 28 2005, 01:00 AM)

Reichi looked over to the five, a eyebrow raised. "Wha? Tiebarahrine?" He asked rather incoherrantly, slurring more than a few words.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 28 2005, 07:17 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 28 2005, 01:02 AM)

" ... If I may ask though ... I have yet to hear of these rumors. Pray tell me me what you have heard of the ... Tiberarine?"

The five looked at one another, confused and concerned.

'Perhaps we have heard wrong,' the woman frowned. 'The hero who slew Azura, who destroyed the cursed city of Vivec ... He is not among you?'

Posted by: Arynel Jan 28 2005, 07:19 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 27 2005, 11:07 PM)

The five looked at one another, confused and concerned.

'Perhaps we have heard wrong,' the woman frowned. 'The hero who slew Azura, who destroyed the cursed city of Vivec ... He is not among you?'

Arynel chuckled, "ah, I see, I see," the Breton said, "so every story becomes twisted by each mouth it leaves."

Posted by: Teleran Jan 28 2005, 07:20 AM

QUOTE(Tricrux @ Jan 27 2005, 09:05 PM)

"No, no, I insist. I'm a rogue of my honor."

"And I'm a thief, but that doesn't mean I take what I don't need, and can't use or carry. I prefer to be called a hunter, but I always end up with other people's things," Teleran grinned maliciously. "Give them to a pretty lady, with your face like that you'll need to do something to get their attention."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 28 2005, 07:21 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 28 2005, 01:07 AM)

The five looked at one another, confused and concerned.

'Perhaps we have heard wrong,' the woman frowned. 'The hero who slew Azura, who destroyed the cursed city of Vivec ... He is not among you?'

Loranna's eyes widen with realization. "Oh! Him ..." she says, ducking a little. "Sorry; I didn't realize ... the hero who sent Azura back to Oblivion is still here with us, though I'm not sure where he is exactly right now."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 28 2005, 07:25 AM

Jazbet's castle: Allerleirauh

"Kallen, is it you I should speak to, or is there someone in charge of supplies? I don't think you'll be disappointed - I find we have 38 glass jinkblades alone."

Allerleirauh set down a massive crate containing weapons, with a thud. "There are more in my room, if you'll send someone to help carry them out. Still not enough for every man, woman and child in Jazbet's domain, but more than enough to arm every soldier and at least one member of every household, from what I've seen. Is your lord about somewhere? I need to speak with him."

Posted by: Tricrux Jan 28 2005, 07:27 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Jan 28 2005, 12:10 AM)

Night-Scar stormed off to the corner, but not before throwing Teleran a wink. The new party seemed to be saying some pretty interesting stuff. Tiberarine...he resisted the playful urge to claim it was he and extort them out of their minds.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 28 2005, 07:27 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 28 2005, 01:11 AM)

The Dunmer sighed in relief, and looked to one another, smiling.

‘Oh, I would not presume to ask to see him,’ said the woman, pulling her fingers through her hair and taking out a leaf. ‘At least not now. I’m sorry, where are my manners? I’m Balensyna, and these are my brothers.’

The others rose, giving their names and greeting Loranna and the others in the tavern.

As they did, ten more Dunmer strangers entered the tavern. It was a large room, but already it was beginning to feel crowded.

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 28 2005, 07:29 AM

Aricyn dove again under the salty waves, washing most of the woad from his face and limbs.

The old wolf stood on the shore, barking at crabs and fish.

Posted by: Solin Jan 28 2005, 07:32 AM

The leather boots pounded away on the rocky, worn path. The smell of the salty sea was heavy in the air. It was nearby. A wave would come in, passing through the numerous menhirs, it caused the water to whisper like its namesake. Bounding off of a jutting rock the runner crested the hill line. The camp lay sprawled below. The Breton slid down the hillside causing a cascade of stones to bound after him.

The guards walking the perimeter were expecting his return, the let him pass without question. He strolled by the neatly lined tents. The winds shifted directions and the runner curled his nose. By the smell, they’d need a new latrine trench dug soon. His luck he’d be assigned to do that too. He had had it nice waiting at the inn in Dagon Fel. A warm soft bed was a thing to miss.

The large pavilion was propped up near the center. The ring of guards stopped him as he approached. Pulling the folded message out of its case he presented the seal to their eyes. It was addressed to Lord Faril. The guardsman made a face but waved him into the tent while pulling aside a heavy entrance flap.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 28 2005, 07:34 AM

Tris:

In the tavern, Tris was eavesdropping. It was hard to shake the habit of being a spy. He cut his eyes at Ciel with a look somewhere between alarm and disgust. Aricyn? Tiberarine? That sounded like - the incarnation of Tiber Septim - didn't it?

"Just what we need right now," Tris said quietly, leaning forward to speak just for Ciel's ears. "Between you and me, I know a lady who sees the future who says just that, that he's going to be walking the earth soon. But hopefully not as a loudmouthed Nord with white hair."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 28 2005, 07:35 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 28 2005, 01:17 AM)

"I am Loranna; it's good to meet you," Loranna says, smiling.

" ... These will be trying times for us all, even with the ... Tiberarine on our side," she says, smiling just a tiny bit at the thought of Aricyn being called such. "But we'll get through them; we just all have to be strong and endure the hard times, and be ready to defnd our lives and freedom."

Loranna looks over and sees the next influx of people. "Oh dear; hope the larder's been restocked recently," she mutters under her breath, almost out of reflex. Turning back to Balensyna, she bows again and says "By your leave serjos and sera, I will let you get back to your hot meal; it is a luxury well-deserved after your ordeals."

She turns to head back to Arynel and Teleran.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 28 2005, 07:35 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 28 2005, 01:15 AM)

Jazbet's castle: Allerleirauh

Allerleirauh set down a massive crate containing weapons, with a thud. "There are more in my room, if you'll send someone to help carry them out. Still not enough for every man, woman and child in Jazbet's domain, but more than enough to arm every soldier and at least one member of every household, from what I've seen. Is your lord about somewhere? I need to speak with him."

Kallen actually smiled.

Allerleirauh had never seen that on his young but austere face before.

‘B’Vek,’ the seneschal said. ‘I will let Jaster know immediately so we can begin the arming. His lordship is in his study. I believe his conference with the latest ambassador has just ended and he’s alone.’

Posted by: w0nders Jan 28 2005, 07:37 AM

Dante sat alone, at a small table not too far off from the main group, the light from the candle washing over his face, he was trying his best to block out the noisey commotion around him, so he could attempt to have a small moment to reflect.

He thought about that Brara woman, her diary entrys affected him a strange deal, in a sense he wished he could of met with her at some point, but, that would have never happened. His thoughts then crossed over to Yen, the Ordinator captain that had almost killed him, as strong as he was a warrior, that man was very weak willed.

Finally, his thoughts rested on Mirea, the bosmer woman that saved his life AND shared a dance with him. After a few minutes more thinking, a voice filled his head Dante! I had no idea you had thoughts like that about women!

Hearing this, his eye popped open, "Aaah!" He jumped up, bumping his knee on the table, knocking over his drink and extinguishing the candle.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 28 2005, 07:42 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 28 2005, 12:25 AM)

"Thank you, Kallen," Allerleirauh said.

She tapped on the door of Jazbet's study before entering.

"Jazbet? If I may - your weapons are here now. I think you'll be pleased. There were more than I expected; enough to arm your soldiers and at least one member of each household in your domains. If you have leisure, I have other business we need to discuss soon."

Posted by: Solin Jan 28 2005, 07:43 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 27 2005, 11:24 PM)

[Ciel]

Ciel raised a questioning eyebrow after rasing a mug in greeting to the new comers. He took a sip at the ale then set it down on the table.

"What do you mean?" the knight asked.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 28 2005, 07:43 AM

Ald Raathim

In the village square outside the tavern, tents were being set up by the villagers. They had heard the order of their lord to make the refugees welcome. More produce from the farms was coming in.

There were more than two hundred refugees who had found their way to Ald Raathim, and relations were cooly friendly. There was much history between neighboring domains, and not all of it was good.

For the time being, there was peace and order.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 28 2005, 07:46 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 28 2005, 01:32 AM)

"Jazbet? If I may - your weapons are here now. I think you'll be pleased. There were more than I expected; enough to arm your soldiers and at least one member of each household in your domains. If you have leisure, I have other business we need to discuss soon."

'That's wonderful news,' Jazbet beamed. 'Of course, our population, as you may have heard, is booming right now. We'll doubtless need to find other means of procuring weaponry beyond your generosity, but ... What is on your mind?'

He knew where the bottle of wine was and was able to pick it up with some grace. 'Would you like a glass?'

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 28 2005, 07:52 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 28 2005, 12:36 AM)

"Thank you," she said, smiling. "I used to know a blind man who made quite a show of pouring wine. He could tell how much he had poured by the sound, and would stop just as it reached the rim. I wonder how much he spilled, mastering that trick."

She sat down.

"Secrets - you told me one of yours. I have one for you. How I come and go, how my people come and go. You're not a philosopher, but you're fairly well read - you know the Void, which surrounds the Mundus. I can travel through it. It's dangerous, and there are limitations. But I travel very quickly. And locked rooms don't trouble me."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 28 2005, 07:56 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Jan 28 2005, 12:33 AM)

[Ciel]

Ciel raised a questioning eyebrow after rasing a mug in greeting to the new comers. He took a sip at the ale then set it down on the table.

"What do you mean?" the knight asked.

"The General - Allie. She had Vehk's ear for a while. Well, more than just his ears, if you know what I mean. He talks a lot, loves the sound of his own voice. And he says it's almost finished, Lorkhan is returning. He had a list of six names, which I can't remember because I used to get whipped on a regular basis for falling asleep in history class. Pelinal Whitestrake, Tiber Septim, some of the old Nord kings. All the same thing. And when the emperor dies - far be it from us - there will be another one. The last one."

It was treason to even suggest the death of the Emperor. His voice was still very low, his head quite close to Ciel's.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 28 2005, 07:56 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 28 2005, 01:42 AM)

"Secrets - you told me one of yours. I have one for you. How I come and go, how my people come and go. You're not a philosopher, but you're fairly well read - you know the Void, which surrounds the Mundus. I can travel through it. It's dangerous, and there are limitations. But I travel very quickly. And locked rooms don't trouble me."

Jazbet's eyes could, of course, not be read, hidden behind the black silk blindfold. But from the lines on his forehead and the expression on his face, it was clear, he would've been staring.

Then he chuckled.

'If a Khajiit had your power,' he smiled. 'There would be no gold left in anyone's home. It is magicka, some kind of a spell? Like Mark and Recall?'

Posted by: Arynel Jan 28 2005, 08:00 AM

Arynel sat down, and began tracing the woodgrain on the table with his fingers.

The Breton eyed Tris and Ciel, but said nothing.

Posted by: Solin Jan 28 2005, 08:04 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 27 2005, 11:46 PM)

Ciel looked a bit shocked. "The empire maybe in a state of disrepair but only one more Emperor?" he mumbled. "I dread to think what happens when there's no more."

He took another drink from the mug.

"Who is the next one? Did your seer know?"

Posted by: Loranna Jan 28 2005, 08:05 AM

The tavern was rapidly filling up; Loranna's goal of having spread the word was completed. She heads over to Arynel for a moment.

"I'm going to head back to the castle, into the library," she tells him. "If anyone comes looking for me, direct them there please?"

With a wave to the people she knows, Loranna heads out, back to the castle and into the library. She pulls out the note Jazbet wrote for her and reads it over once more.

" ... Let's see how well I can start relearning written words on my own," she says, eying the now faintly intimidating shelves of books ...

Posted by: Attrebus Jan 28 2005, 08:07 AM

Jaster entered the Tavern. The refugees had started arriving quicker than he had expected, and the shelters weren't keeping up. Atleast the tents would provide some respite until the structures were made. There was also the matter of food for all these people. He had collected as much from them to place in storage as he could - and that they would allow him to take, but it wasn't anywhere near enough. He didn't want to send guards out to hunt - they were needed to guard the boarder when the weapons arrived. He would have to check up on that.

Maybe the parraptons could help.

Jaster left the tavern with a mug of ale and headed to Jazbet's quarters.

Posted by: Arynel Jan 28 2005, 08:09 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 27 2005, 11:55 PM)

Arynel nods his head involuntarily, the Breton takes note, but doesn't seem very interested.

He eyes various tavern goers.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 28 2005, 08:14 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 28 2005, 12:46 AM)

"We had a Khajiit among us once," Allerleirauh said. "Gold lost its luster for him, and sugar its sweetness, and he died from taking foolish risks. There is no magicka in the Void. There is nothing there, only the Void Ghost - the shell of Lorkhan - and emptiness, and whatever gets lost by falling through the cracks. I could show you the cracks, if you had eyes; they aren't hard to see. But it's best, I think, that you not know. It's a cold place without light or love and it would change you in ways I don't like to contemplate. The Void is what's wrong with Arynel, and with Solin. And, perhaps, with me - though I had my own coldness, for my own reasons, before I ever set foot in the Void."

She smiled, and took a sip of her wine. "What you do need to know is how this works in practical terms."

And she told him, outlining her abilities and limitations, and how they could be used in the coming situation. She held a few things back - like the inability of Void Rangers to enter a moving ship - but not many.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 28 2005, 08:18 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Jan 28 2005, 12:54 AM)

"No, that's not it," Tris said, almost in a whisper. He felt that they were being watched. "It's not that it's the last Emperor - maybe it is, maybe not. It's the last piece of the puzzle, before Lorkhan himself walks on the earth again. As a man - or something more than a man, who knows. But it means the end of everything we're used to, and the beginning of something different. Skein - the seer - says these are the last days."

Posted by: Solin Jan 28 2005, 08:30 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 28 2005, 12:08 AM)

Ciel remained quiet and took another drink from his mug. The last Emperor, well, maybe not but... How many years would that be? The knight scratched at his itching face while thinking.

After a long silence he finally spoke.

"That'll be something to see, won't it?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 28 2005, 08:38 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Jan 28 2005, 01:20 AM)

"Hell of a story after the fact, not much fun to live through, is my guess," Tris said.

Tris had been scanning the tavern, trying to determine who was paying attention to their conversation. His eyes met Arynel's.

"Ah. Arynel!" he called, raising his voice to be heard around the jostling people. "Come join us!"

Posted by: Solin Jan 28 2005, 08:39 AM

Several hanging lamps lighted the interior of the tent. A man in mail stood hunched over a number of maps laid out on a makeshift table. There were several others in the pavilion too. The runner had interrupted an involved discussion it would seem. All eyes were fixed on him and the air was deathly silent.

It was broken when Faril waved a hand and dismissed the assembled men. All left but for a man who lounged in a corner, his boots were propped up on a sturdy chest.

“So it has arrived then?” Faril asked the runner.

“Yes, milord.”

The runner produced the sealed letter and placed it in Faril’s waiting hand. Then dismissed, the runner departed. The former aide smirked.

“Gather six good strong men, Captain,” he said to the lounging man. “You need to pick up some of the Queen’s unfinished business in Dagon Fel.”

Posted by: Arynel Jan 28 2005, 08:40 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 28 2005, 12:28 AM)

"Ah. Arynel!" he called, raising his voice to be heard around the jostling people. "Come join us!"

Arynel nodded, and rose from his seat. The Breton walked over to where Tris and Ciel were seated, and sat down.

"How does the road treat you?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 28 2005, 08:46 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jan 28 2005, 01:30 AM)

Arynel nodded, and rose from his seat. The Breton walked over to where Tris and Ciel were seated, and sat down.

"How does the road treat you?"

"It's better now that I'm flying over it instead of walking," Tris said. "What are you drinking? Arynel, I never thanked you properly for what you tried to do the other day. I'm more humble now, ready to listen. We should try it the way you tried first, the way with the fancy words. I acted like an idiot - telling the master how to teach - and I got socked in the nose for my pains."

Posted by: Arynel Jan 28 2005, 08:52 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 28 2005, 12:36 AM)

Arynel's lips stretched into a smile. "You call me master. I have been given many titles, but only one from my own mouth; traveler, take from it what you will."

The Breton's expression changed. "I'm not a drinker, for the most part. There is a saying, I think may apply here, 'Do not go to the realm of apology for absolution. Beyond articulation, there is no fault.'"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 28 2005, 08:54 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jan 28 2005, 01:42 AM)

"Okay, see, you've already lost me." Tris grinned. "Don't you get thirsty?"

Posted by: Arynel Jan 28 2005, 08:58 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 28 2005, 12:44 AM)

"Okay, see, you've already lost me." Tris grinned. "Don't you get thirsty?"

"Yes," Arynel said, smiling, "hungry too, although not so much at the moment, though I wouldn't mind a bite."

"Tell me," the Breton began, "what is the value of an old story long forgotten?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 28 2005, 09:01 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jan 28 2005, 01:48 AM)

"Yes," Arynel said, smiling, "hungry too, although not so much at the moment, though I wouldn't mind a bite."

"Tell me," the Breton began, "what is the value of an old story long forgotten?"

"If it's forgotten, it's dead, isn't it? I don't suppose it would have any value, until someone rediscovered it," Tris said.

He took a swig of his ale and looked at Ciel, wondering what Ciel thought of the enigmatic bard.

Posted by: Arynel Jan 28 2005, 09:04 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 28 2005, 12:51 AM)

"Ah, I see your mind-frame now, thank you." Arynel said.

The Breton took a breath. "I don't think that's quite right though, for one to consider something forgotten, they must recall its existence at the first, otherwise it would never have arisen from its sleep; a shell of a memory once known in full is a map for further investigation."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 28 2005, 09:09 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jan 28 2005, 01:54 AM)

"Ah, I see your mind-frame now, thank you." Arynel said.

The Breton took a breath. "I don't think that's quite right though, for one to consider something forgotten, they must recall its existence at the first, otherwise it would never arisen from its sleep; a shell of a memory once known in full is a map for further investigation."

Tris frowned. "I think I know what you're talking about. Pathing - if it has existed once, the paths are different from what they would be if it had never existed."

He took a sudden, sharp breath, as if he had thought of something.

Posted by: Solin Jan 28 2005, 09:09 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 28 2005, 12:51 AM)

Ciel for the most part sat in silence. He didn't know what to make of the bard personally. Seemed like the man had something to say but didn't want to. Regardless, they were moving onto a subject beyond the knight and that made him a bit restless. He rose with a smile and mentioned something about attending to the food and drink. With a slight bow before departing, he made his way towards the barkeep, who was undersantibly busy with his new customers.

Posted by: Arynel Jan 28 2005, 09:22 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 28 2005, 12:59 AM)

Arynel eyed Tris strangly.

"Yes, what is it?" The Breton asked.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 28 2005, 09:24 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jan 28 2005, 02:12 AM)

Arynel eyed Tris strangly.

"Yes, what is it?" The Breton asked.

"I'm not ready to say yet. Please, continue."

Posted by: Arynel Jan 28 2005, 09:29 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 28 2005, 01:14 AM)

"I'm not ready to say yet. Please, continue."

Arynel sat back in his chair, and frowned.

"I am unsure if I have any more to give you, without first knowing where you stand. I will say, however, that there are many roads to travel, and many sites to see, take note of the moment in passing and write a sonnet for each year coiled within."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 28 2005, 09:35 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jan 28 2005, 02:19 AM)

"See, until recently I would have called you an idiot," Tris said. "Well, maybe not called you an idiot. But I would have thought it. I never set pen to paper until after - I lost so much. But now I'm keeping a journal. I don't even know who I am, at the moment. So many things I thought were part of who I am are gone now."

Posted by: Arynel Jan 28 2005, 09:44 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 28 2005, 01:25 AM)

Arynel nodded.

"I feel much the same way," the Breton said. "I don't know who I am, a great deal of my life I have spent trying not to be anything; I am unsure if that is the right way of things, I have heard that Vivec's doubt made him the sword of the Tribunal, yet I also feel there may be something else, perhaps there is more to it than that, I do not know."

"You say you feel like a part of who you are is gone, I know that feeling, reptiles and insects shed their skin as they grow, if they do not shed a layer, they can never grow beyond their present stature. Let me be plain concerning this, that which is stagnant is void of possibility, dead."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 28 2005, 09:53 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jan 28 2005, 02:34 AM)

Arynel nodded.

"I feel much the same way," the Breton said. "I don't know who I am, a great deal of my life I have spent trying not to be anything; I am unsure if that is the right way of things, I have heard the Vivec's doubt made him the sword of the Tribunal, yet I also feel there may be something else, perhaps there is more to it than that, I do not know."

"You say you feel like a part of who you are is gone, I know that feeling, reptiles and insects shed their skin as they grow, if they do not shed a layer, they can never grow beyond their present stature. Let me be plain concerning this, that which is stagnant is void of possibility, dead."

Tris was quiet, watching more Dunmer refugees enter, frightened and desperate, and then relax under the influence of food and firelight and companionship.

"I don't think I was stagnant," he said. "I like who I used to be. This new fellow - I'm not sure of him. He and I aren't friends yet. 'No one knows what I am,' Vivec said - see, I have read the damn things - after he killed someone in a fit of pique. I used to be a good person. I feel sure of that. For a few minutes, a few months, I had it, I understood. Now I don't know. I want that feeling back, that sense of standing in the center, everything coming together like a sword in my hand. You know what I mean? Or am I making about as much sense as you usually seem to?"

Posted by: Arynel Jan 28 2005, 10:03 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 28 2005, 01:43 AM)

"Yes, I understand." Arynel said.

"I can tell you how I do it," the Breton said, "or you ask can someone else how they do it, Aller--the general would speak to you if you sought her out; but I don't think you should ask someone else how to do it, for guidance, yes, and motivation, but I think you need to recognize you were the person you wanted to be once, and though he seems lost now, the framework is still there, waiting to be pulled out and rebuilt, perhaps with a different design, my eyes are not nearly so good as to see that far; I will say this though, the symbolism of the prison always coincides with the mythology of escape, or perhaps rapture, or even exaltation, though I tremble to say it."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 28 2005, 10:07 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jan 28 2005, 02:53 AM)

"I think I can manage rapture and exaltation," Tris said, trying not to laugh. He and Mirea had talked at some length about Arynel and the various oddities of his personality. "I'm good at that sort of thing."

He grasped Arynel's shoulder warmly, and stood up. "That's enough for one day, I think. Take care, my friend."

He made his way over to Ciel. "How are they going to keep feeding all these people?" he said, under his breath. "We need to go out raiding, steal food from the Azurite territories."

Posted by: Solin Jan 28 2005, 10:16 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 28 2005, 01:57 AM)

Ciel turned from the bar and looked over the crowded inn. "Indeed," he replied while watching. "Lord Jazbet is going to be eaten out of his home if something is not done."

He pondered Tris's suggestion for a bit.

"A raiding party?" he asked. "That will require some organization, it would probably be best to speak with Allerleirauh about that. Jazbet knows the land, perhaps he could tell the prospective raiders where to search."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 28 2005, 10:28 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Jan 28 2005, 03:06 AM)

"Or we could just ask these people coming in," Tris said. "They're going to have a better idea of the situation where they came from than Jazbet could - and it's not stealing if you go and fetch someone's own property."

He joined the crowd of people discussing their experiences in fleeing the neighboring territories, asking questions, prompting, and finally pulling aside a strong-featured Dunmer matriarch.

"Midave Sendalas," he said to Ciel, introducing her. "She sounds like she knows what she's talking about. Her village has its crops in, and the share for the lord is sitting in a barn waiting to be collected. I wonder how good those bugs are at finding their way home without riders? We can set a mark here, grab as much as we can stand up with, and recall back."

Posted by: Solin Jan 28 2005, 10:42 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 28 2005, 02:18 AM)

Ciel watched as Tris diappeared into the crowd and then emerged leading the villager.

"That'll work," Ciel said, grinning, after the introduction. He turned to the Dunmer and questioned in formal tones, "Where about is your village in relation to Ald Raathim? How many Azurites were in your area?"

It would be best if they knew the area before jumping into action. Information on the layout of the barn and countryside would be welcome. An ambush would be disastrous in the unfamilar area. Once they knew all of the crucial infromation they could be on their way to fetch the needed foodstuffs.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 28 2005, 10:52 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Jan 28 2005, 03:32 AM)

There were several more refugees from the same village - they had come together, in an organized group. Apparently the villagers had been threatened by local ruffians with Winged Twilights backing them up, and had run to their local hetman, only to discover more of the same.

"I say we take one of these lads with us," Tris said. "And one of Jazbet's boys to come back with the parraptons. Anyone else want in?"

Posted by: Teleran Jan 28 2005, 10:57 AM

"A raid on Azurites? Stealing food from under their noses? What do you take me for?" Teleran said in mock outrage. "Of course I'll do it! Any excuse to keep Vilyanna with me a bit longer."

Posted by: w0nders Jan 28 2005, 10:57 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 28 2005, 04:42 AM)

Dante was busily whiping up flin with an old rag when he heard Tris, "I'm up for an adventure...when do we leave?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 28 2005, 11:04 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Jan 28 2005, 03:47 AM)

"A raid on Azurites? Stealing food from under their noses? What do you take me for?" Teleran said in mock outrage. "Of course I'll do it! Any excuse to keep Vilyanna with me a bit longer."

QUOTE(w0nders @ Jan 28 2005, 03:47 AM)

Dante was busily whiping up flin with an old rag when he heard Tris, "I'm up for an adventure...when do we leave?"

Tris grinned, and looked at Ciel. "That makes six of us - okay, don't forget to set your Marks - let's go, then!"

A discussion with some of Jazbet's men revealed that the parraptons could be sent back home, by someone who knew the right hand-rubbing command. "I need to work on those," Tris said. "I can barely get mine to land when I want it to."

The village was nearly 10 miles away - half a day's journey on foot, less than half an hour on the parraptons. They passed over more refugees, waved to a group of guards patrolling the border, and crossed out of Jazbet's territory.

Posted by: Teleran Jan 28 2005, 11:16 AM

"Marks? Oh, ummm, couldn't we just fly back? I don't know too much about magick, never had a need to learn. I could fly back with the parraptns maybe? I mean, unless you have a scroll I could use." Teleran mumbled, chagrined.

The grizzled soldier nearest him chuckled wryly, "Here you go boy. This one marks the spot and this is the one you use to get back."

"Thanks, but would you mind not calling me 'boy'. I have a name, you know. It's Teleran." Teleran said casting the mark scroll.

"Whatever you say, boy." the soldier responded.

Posted by: w0nders Jan 28 2005, 11:16 AM

Dante quickly cast a mark spell by the use of a particularly old scroll, he followed everyone out and continued awkwardley after the group on his parrapton.

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 28 2005, 11:23 AM

(Near the Azurite Village:)

The young local man yelled over roaring buzz of the parraptons, "So, do we land close but out of sight and try to sneak in, or do we forget about being subtle and fly right down their pants!?"

Posted by: Solin Jan 28 2005, 11:26 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 28 2005, 03:13 AM)

"How open is the barn?" Ciel yelled back while hefting a spear. After the last incedent he had made sure to bring one. His sword hung in his scabbard at his side adjusted for flight. "If we can't get in and out with ease we best sneak."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 28 2005, 11:27 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Jan 28 2005, 04:16 AM)

"Out's no problem!" Tris said. "And I'd rather fight something with wings while riding something with wings. If we're going to sneak, we better be planning not to fight anything."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 28 2005, 11:28 AM

'The child is showing signs of awakening, my lord.'

Jazbet did not want to think about it. It was truly, of all his troubles, the most personal -- the ones he most wanted to avoid dealing with.

'Put her back to sleep,' the Khajiit knight said.

'Muhsera, after a certain number of spells ...' the mage began to say.

'I know,' said Jazbet. 'Would you tell Bones that I'd like my parappton now?'

He turned his attention back to his guest.

Posted by: Teleran Jan 28 2005, 11:30 AM

"I say we try not to get spotted. We need to stay out of sight for as long as possible. The parraptons can't recall with us. So unless you think of them as disposable, the Azurites can't be allowed to know that they're here." Teleran glared at everyone as if they were saying the parrapton's were disposable.

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 28 2005, 11:30 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Jan 28 2005, 03:16 AM)

(Near the Azurite Village:)

"Well Sir," the man yelled, his mount swaying back and forth unsteadily as he tried to stay close to Ciel, "it's the tithe barn, where our Hetman keeps his share! He likes to keep that under lock and key, you understand! Not what I'd call 'open'!

"Still, I'd love to see the looks on their faces when we came swooping in, Sir!"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 28 2005, 11:37 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 28 2005, 04:18 AM)

Allerleirauh frowned, watching Jazbet's face. Her personal preference was for making decisions quickly - the more important the decision, the quicker she was to make it. Waiting and struggling with a decision was just more suffering.

"Where are you flying off to?" she said. "Jazbet - the child's future - what do your visions tell you?"

Posted by: Solin Jan 28 2005, 11:37 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 28 2005, 03:20 AM)

"Well Sir," the man yelled, his mount swaying back and forth unsteadily as he tried to stay close to Ciel, "it's the tithe barn, where our Hetman keeps his share! He likes to keep that under lock and key, you understand! Not what I'd call 'open'!

"Still, I'd love to see the looks on their faces when we came swooping in, Sir!"

"It would be exhilarating," Ciel shouted back. “Although, that’s a bit like poking the nest with a stick.”

The knight patted the back of his parrapton and smiled.

“Within the confines of the barn these fellows won’t be able to fly about,” he yelled. “Neither will our winged foes. Position two men to watch while the rest go in and get the food. If things turn for the worse the watchers could offer a distraction while they give flight.”

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 28 2005, 11:39 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 28 2005, 04:20 AM)

"We're sending someone back with the parraptons," Tris said. "Don't worry, I faced the Queen, the same as you, I don't want them killed!"

He didn't mention that he probably wanted them killed much less than Teleran did. The parrapton was his legs, for the moment.

"I just don't fancy fighting flying things on foot - and it's broad daylight, raiding a guarded barn. We can't very well sneak in and leave without anyone knowing."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 28 2005, 11:42 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 28 2005, 05:27 AM)

"Where are you flying off to?" she said. "Jazbet - the child's future - what do your visions tell you?"

'I didn't really want to talk about it,' Jazbet said after a pause. 'My visions ... are not optimistic. If the child lives, many people will die ... So ... so ...'

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 28 2005, 11:42 AM

(Near the Azurite Village:)

"Well, sirs," the guide said, still yelling over the giant insects and the wind "if you want to be sneaky, I'll head you toward the old bridge. It's the best place to land unseen! Otherwise, the village is coming up just over those hills!

"It's up to you!"

Posted by: Teleran Jan 28 2005, 11:47 AM

"I suppose the parraptons can take care of themselves. So lets just get this over with, this way's faster anyway." Teleran gained altitude on Vilyanna and drew his spear from its sling at the side of the saddle.

Posted by: Solin Jan 28 2005, 11:47 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 28 2005, 03:32 AM)

Ciel looked over to Tris and then turned back to the young local.

"You know the lay of it," he yelled. "If you say a direct charge would work, then I say we charge, grab as much as we can and then flee."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 28 2005, 11:48 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 28 2005, 04:32 AM)

'I didn't really want to talk about it,' Jazbet said after a pause. 'My visions ... are not optimistic. If the child lives, many people will die ... So ... so ...'

"I can't decide for you," Allerleirauh said. "But I can give you all the information I have, to help you make a decision. You didn't see that Aricyn would be saved, until it happened. That's CHIM. CHIM resists any effort to lock it down and define it. It defies the rules. It exists outside of prophecy, the way the Void exists outside the world. The child may well follow her pre-ordained path - or she may leap off it, or be pushed off it. Most people do follow their paths. And there's another question: is the death of an innocent child worth more, or less, than the other deaths you have seen? What do you see in your own future, if you do this? Will you be harmed by it, will you change who you are?

"I would not dare to tell you what to do. Sometimes the kindest decision is not one that looks kind, on the surface of things. But I also believe truly that if you do, in all situations, the best you can do, things will turn out as well as they could possibly have turned out. That may sometimes be very bad."

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 28 2005, 11:50 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Jan 28 2005, 03:37 AM)

(Near the Azurite Village:)

"Huzzah! Those fetchers won't know what hit them!" shouted the overenthusiastic Dunmer.

The village, moderately-sized but widely spaced out amongst bare fields, was just coming into view over the hills.

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 28 2005, 11:55 AM

(Azurite Village:)

The two bandits walked out of the house, laughing and stumbling over each other, trying to make the other spill his bottle of flinn.

"Yessir," said the taller, "you should've seen their faces when they went to the Hetman and said, 'Ooo, please saaave us from the terrible bandits!' and he s... BURP he said... 'They look like nice fellas, here, have a Daedra!' HAHA I'm tellin' ya, it was priceless..."

"Wish I could'a been there," said the other. "Stinking watch duty. What's gonna' bother us, anyway?"

"Ya' got me! We've got Daedra!"

"HAHA! Yea... say... what's that noise? D'ya hear it? I think my ears are buzzing."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 28 2005, 11:56 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 28 2005, 05:38 AM)

"I would not dare to tell you what to do. Sometimes the kindest decision is not one that looks kind, on the surface of things. But I also believe truly that if you do, in all situations, the best you can do, things will turn out as well as they could possibly have turned out. That may sometimes be very bad."

'You know that I was once a slave,' said Jazbet. 'And now I fear being a tyrant. But I would much rather be a tyrant, famous for killing a child, than to doom hundreds of people ... and that is the vision I have if the child lives.

I talked to Loranna about this, and she begged me not to kill the child until she talked to you and other people. I have seen what she has done. I saw her ask Arynel, who asked her what crime the child has commited.

The answer is none. But at this moment, the child is a mad dog, a poisonous serpent, and one does not say that the dog or the snake has commited a crime. They are killed because they will hurt people.

I am reluctantly the leader of this situation, and I know the worst thing a leader can do is not to act. Even if it is wrong, I must do something. If there is any practical solution, I would beg you, no riddles, no philosophy ... Just something I can do to spare the life of this girl, but also, more importantly, eliminate her threat.'

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 28 2005, 12:01 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 28 2005, 03:46 AM)

I am reluctantly the leader of this situation, and I know the worst thing a leader can do is not to act. Even if it is wrong, I must do something. If there is any practical solution, I would beg you, no riddles, no philosophy ... Just something I can do to spare the life of this girl, but also, more importantly, eliminate her threat.'

(Jazbet's Castle:)

Although Jazbet's study was technically private, Aricyn had quickly learned that the room at the top of the tower was the best place to find him.

He slowed when he heard Allerleirauh's voice, and entered the room quietly, so as not to interrupt. The conversation had made his face grow grim and serious behind the light smearing of blue woad still lingering from that morning.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 28 2005, 12:01 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 28 2005, 04:45 AM)

If you were a little smarter, you'd have the Daedra with you right now, Tris thought, leaning forward in his saddle and bracing himself. He guessed people didn't like the company of Daedra much, not even tame Daedra. Well, easy enough to take out two men before they could summon their pets.

He flicked his wrist, and a knife sped from his hand towards the throat of the first bandit who had spoken.

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 28 2005, 12:04 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 28 2005, 03:51 AM)

He flicked his wrist, and a knife arrowhead sped from his hand towards the throat of the first bandit who had spoken.

(Azurite Village:)

His companion turned and started to run, yelling for help as he did so.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 28 2005, 12:04 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 28 2005, 04:46 AM)

'You know that I was once a slave,' said Jazbet. 'And now I fear being a tyrant. But I would much rather be a tyrant, famous for killing a child, than to doom hundreds of people ... and that is the vision I hav if the child lives.

I talked to Loranna about this, and she begged me not to kill the child until she talked to you and other people. I have seen what she has done. I saw her ask Arynel, who asked her what crime the child has commited.

The answer is none. But at this moment, the child is a mad dog, a poisonous serpent, and one does not say that the dog or the snake has commited a crime. They are killed because they will hurt people.

I am reluctantly the leader of this situation, and I know the worst thing a leader can do is not to act. Even if it is wrong, I must do something. If there is any practical solution, I would beg you, no riddles, no philosophy ... Just something I can do to spare the life of this girl, but also, more importantly, eliminate her threat.'

"You cannot keep her prisoner with any success?" Allerleirauh asked. "Or have her adopted by someone who would care for her? Have you thought far afield - about giving her into the care of Arynel, say? He's a strange one, a child might force him to stop being so self-absorbed and look about him. And he wants her spared."

Posted by: Teleran Jan 28 2005, 12:06 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 28 2005, 01:51 AM)

If you were a little smarter, you'd have the Daedra with you right now, Tris thought, leaning forward in his saddle and bracing himself. He guessed people didn't like the company of Daedra much, not even tame Daedra. Well, easy enough to take out two men before they could summon their pets.

He flicked his wrist, and a knife arrowhead sped from his hand towards the throat of the first bandit who had spoken.

Teleran saw the watchman go down from Tris's throw, though he hadn't managed to see the actual throw. Vilyanna climbed through the air as Teleran leapt from her back Nehtayem flashed towards the second watchman taking him through throat and his scream became a gargle. Teleran sailed through the air to land about half the distance to the first guard's corpse, clutching his spear tightly.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 28 2005, 12:07 PM

Jazbet's Castle

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 28 2005, 05:54 AM)

Jazbet laughed and laughed hard.

'I could not imagine this subject would give me any cause to laugh, but ... are you serious? Give the child to Arynel, your dour bard?'

The Khajiit sat still for a moment, letting the visions come to him.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 28 2005, 12:10 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 28 2005, 04:57 AM)

Jazbet's Castle
Jazbet laughed and laughed hard.

'I could not imagine this subject would give me any cause to laugh, but ... are you serious? Give the child to Arynel, your dour bard?'

The Khajiit sat still for a moment, letting the visions come to him.

"If the answer were obvious, you would have thought of it already," Allerleirauh said. "Think of the things that seem outlandish or impossible. I find it nearly impossible that a Khajiit born a slave would grow up to live happily as a knight of House Dres, and yet it happened."

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 28 2005, 12:11 PM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Jan 28 2005, 03:56 AM)

(Azurite Village:)

The village was oddly empty for a long moment, then a bandit came running out of a nearby house, trying to juggle his spear and fasten his trousers at the same time. As another scarred Dunmer followed him out, he yelled, "Summon your Twilight, you fool!"

"But, I already have!" answered the other. "She's out fetching me a pretty young girl!"

"You s'wit!" The first said, dropping his spear and summoning his own Daedra.

Posted by: Solin Jan 28 2005, 12:14 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 28 2005, 04:01 AM)

Ciel watched as the two watchmen were taken down. Nodding his satisfaction he pressed forward on his mount and waved his spear at the barn for the others. The parrapton dropped low to the ground and picked up speed as they crossed the ground toward the recently emerged mer. A furious buzzing arose as the excited insect beat its wings hard. Ciel held the spear over his head as he charged, ready to throw it down at the seemingly confused Azurite.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 28 2005, 12:15 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 28 2005, 05:01 AM)

Tris's hand moved so swiftly it blurred, drawing another knife and flicking it through the air to stop the bandit mid-summons. There was a noise, like the snapping of a man's fingers. No one else heard it, but Tris knew what it meant. His knife was now sailing forever through the blackness of the Void. He said a foul word and drew another knife.

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 28 2005, 12:16 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 28 2005, 03:57 AM)

(Jazbet's Castle:)

"I have a suggestion," Aricyn said quietly.

"This girl's attitude and beliefs aren't the immediate problem. The only reason any adult is alive is because children are too small to wreck the havoc they wish. This girl; her beliefs might be changed, in time, but the problem seems simply to be how to keep her from summoning a Daedra in the meantime.

"I have a solution to that problem;

"Fit her with slave bracers."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 28 2005, 12:17 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 28 2005, 06:00 AM)

Jazbet smiled. 'Do you know what I was planning to do? I was going to toddle down to her cell, blind as I am, and choke the life out of her while she was still asleep. I couldn't ask anyone else to share my guilt with me. But, I had this strange vision ... if you and Arynel actually took the child under your wing ... it might turn out okay. Actually better than okay. The child has vast promise ...'

QUOTE

'Fit her with slave bracers'

'I would sooner kill her,' said Jazbet, losing his smile.

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 28 2005, 12:22 PM

(Azurite Village:)

The Hetman's barn was a large, heavily-built domed structure. The doors were solid, as was the lock.

The one Winged Twilight that had been summoned shot toward the group of parrapton-mounted invaders, while the scarred man ran back inside the house.

On the other side of the village, the leader of the bandit gang had been roused from his slumber, and he appeared at the door of the Hetman's house, along with a handful of well-armed Dunmer and an equal number of Daedra.

The air was filled with shrieks as they charged.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 28 2005, 12:24 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 28 2005, 05:07 AM)

"Life is hope, as a friend of mine is fond of saying," Allerleirauh said. "She might live through being a slave and turn out as well as - someone else I could mention. But it would be worse than death for you. I will speak to Arynel about her. Perhaps he will refuse. In any case she's not dangerous to us at this moment; we have time to consider."

She gave Aricyn a wry smile. "You have a gift," she said, "For making the most unpleasant things seem pleasant, in comparison to what you had in mind."

Posted by: Solin Jan 28 2005, 12:25 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 28 2005, 04:12 AM)

His target having retreated and their presence now obvious, Ciel waved onwards towards the barn. They need to get in and get the food before they were surrounded and cut to pieces by the supperior numbers of the enemy.

Posted by: Teleran Jan 28 2005, 12:25 PM

Teleran ignored Ciel and raced along the ground to meet the charging bandits, but he could not keep pace with the parraptons, not nearly, and so instead sent his left hand, along with a coterie of silver daggers led by a rather plain-looking dagger that nonetheless seemed to be the most dangerous of the grouping. He wondered what the Azurites would make of seeing that flying towards them.

Posted by: w0nders Jan 28 2005, 12:26 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 28 2005, 06:01 AM)

Seeing the twilight summoned, Dante hastily drew his sword, throwing the flightpath of the Parrapton off slightly. It let out a large screech and swooped towards Dante, it's claws narrowly missing his face.

The parrapton buzzed aggitatedly, circling around to face the daedra yet again. The twilght swooped back down, this time however, it's claws fastened tightly around Dante's pauldrons and hoisted him up and off of the parraptons back.

He began to wildly swing his sword upwards towards the Daedra, it found itelf only connecting with air. The daedra flew higher and higher, once it had reached an acceptable altitude, it loosened it's grip and sent Dante plummeting towards the streets below.

The parrapton, being the loyal critter that he is, moved to assist Dante, making his fall that much shorter. Dante however lost his grip on the insects saddle and fell further, luckily landing on the rooftop of the barnhouse.

He slid down the otherside of the roof, and clutched onto the edge desperately, he noticed only too late that the twilight had landed on the rooftop infront of him and was preparing to 'stomp' his hands.

Dante turned away, not wanting to watch his inevitable fate, shortly however, he heard the beast scream loudly in pain. He looked up to find it impaled on the parraptons stinger, "Phew."

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 28 2005, 12:27 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 28 2005, 04:14 AM)

She gave Aricyn a wry smile. "You have a gift," she said, "For making the most unpleasant things seem pleasant, in comparison to what you had in mind."

(Jazbet's Castle:)

"That's just what happens," Aricyn said dryly, "when you weigh all the options."

Posted by: Solin Jan 28 2005, 12:31 PM

Not being followed to the barn, Ciel pulls in on his parrapton's reigns and circles back towards the others. He wore a frown on his face as he readied his spear to make a pass on the Azurites.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 28 2005, 12:34 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 28 2005, 06:14 AM)

Jazbet was serious. 'I must make some decision about her by tomorrow morning. If my mages continue to cast sleep spells on her whenever she is waking ... well, no one is normal after that. Too much fantasy from dreams, and you are a slave, albeit without braces, of the dam dog.

'I do not understand how my visions work yet. I know that when I saw Aricyn burning, I knew, completely, that would happen. When I see you, Allerleirauh, and Arynel adopted this child -- I see something good. It is not definite, things can go wrong, but ... it is right ...

But you must tell me tomorrow what is your decision. And I -- or we, if you have a suggestion -- must decide what to do about all the other Azurite children we run across. If we could be like the five houses and bring them in, and assimilate them, that would be perfect ... and perhaps it is possible still ...'

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 28 2005, 12:35 PM

QUOTE(Solin @ Jan 28 2005, 05:21 AM)

Not being followed to the barn, Ciel pulls in on his parrapton's reigns and circles back towards the others. He wore a frown on his face as he readied his spear to make a pass on the Azurites.

"Remember, the Twilights vanish if you kill the one who summoned them!" Tris shouted. He wondered how dangerous a SMART Azurite would be - one who hid indoors and sent a Daedra out to fight. None of these were very smart.

His knives flew towards the best-dressed Dunmer, presumably the leader. He saw two men fall, before the Daedra, mounting into the air towards him, were so close that he had to break and flee. The parrapton was faster than the Daedra. Could he circle back, and get another pass in?

Yes. He could.

He found he wasn't thinking, just leaning, pressing the parrapton with his heels, throwing - it was good not to think, just do.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 28 2005, 12:39 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 28 2005, 05:24 AM)

"We will do all we can," Allerleirauh said. "Arynel is himself a child still; he may refuse to help us. I will put it to him. Jazbet, I had two other matters I wished to speak to you about. I would go and visit the families of Wyrloc and Gaor, before too much time has passed. And I want the services of someone who knows the plants of this area, and supplies, so that I can make potions for your army. I'm good at that, better than anyone I know. Where were you going, just now? I can ride with you and talk on the road."

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 28 2005, 12:40 PM

(Azurite Village:)

Bandits and their Twilights were showing themselves in force now. At first they came at a trickle, but now they poured out of the surrounding village. Their numbers were not great, however. Perhaps fifteen men, at most.

The latest group of them brought bows. While their Daedra swooped in for the kill, they stood back and took careful aim at the huge round parraptons.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 28 2005, 12:43 PM

Ald Raathim

It was inevitable.

Fights were breaking out between the refugees and the locals. At first, they were not serious fights. Someone did not acknowledge someone else who should have been considered of a higher caste in a different domain. Someone used the word 'Daruhn' around someone who respected Lord Dres Jazbet. Someone doubted the existence of the Tiberarine.

There were hundreds of reasons why the fights would have happened. Jazbet would have set extra guards to facilitate, but they were busy at the borders, so the fights continued, locals against refugees.

Posted by: Solin Jan 28 2005, 12:48 PM

Archers, wonderful Ciel thought. What happened to the barn?

He threw his spear catching a mer in the chest with it. As the elf collapsed to the ground a winged foe vannished from existance.

An arrow zipped by his head forcing him to duck. Hopefull the parraptons' chitiny armor would offer some protection from the archers.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 28 2005, 12:49 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 28 2005, 06:29 AM)

Jazbet smiled at first. 'You know, Arynel has been someone I've tried because of you to form some attachment with. I've sung duets with him, I've tried to make him laugh ... And yet somehow, I feel that the combination of you and him as 'parents' to the girl will neutralize her destuctive tendancies ...

You shall have the alchemist you need for your trip. Perhaps you need a diplomat as well to go to the estates of Gaor and Wyrloc? I wish I could go with you, but that is impossible with my duties here ...

I was planning on going to the village, to help assuage the situation with the refugees ... if that is at all possible.'

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 28 2005, 12:54 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 28 2005, 05:30 AM)

"Ignore the Daedra, get the bowmen!" Tris shouted. He was good at sanctuary magic; he used it now, surrounding himself and his parrapton. Some of his other tricks were coming back to him too. This was, he realized, suddenly a very dangerous situation, one they were unlikely to escape without losses. Unless he could fiddle the odds a bit.

But he could fiddle the odds. What had seemed impossible when he sat in a tavern with Arynel happened now automatically. He rolled some dice and changed some numbers. The universe gave a little pause and jerk, like a horse being brought up on a short rein. His parrapton was moving faster now; and good fortune followed it. The volley of arrows whizzed past, but none struck them.

Another knife. Another bandit. Another knife. Two. And three. And now he was too close again and had to break off and devote his attention to escaping the Twilights. He made a mental note to talk to some Dunmer about tactics - he wished he had fire to pour out on the heads of the attackers.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 28 2005, 12:56 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 28 2005, 05:39 AM)

"Is there trouble? Of course there is. I will ride with you, although my fair hair seems to annoy Dunmer on sight. Tomorrow is soon enough for my journey."

Posted by: Teleran Jan 28 2005, 12:58 PM

The Winged Twilights would reach him before his weapons reached their marks, but only for a few seconds, if he hit the right Azurite then he wouldn't have to worry about the claws streaking towards his face, as he made his daggers break for their targets.

Three Azurites found themselves holding their intestines in or trying to anyway and a fourth found himself having a difficult time breathing as a gauntlet smashed into his throat.

Four winged twilights winked out of this plane. Unfortunately, not the one that had been bearing down on Teleran. He manged to get his spear up to deflect the blow just wide enough that instead of losing a second arm there were only shallow gashes along his forearm.

The daggers that he had left whipped out from beneath his cloak, but he couldn't quite keep them on target, he must've been getting tired. The daggers ripped through the wings of the Twilight, but he had to dive out of the way as the Winged Twilight reached his position. Just then, the ground where he had been was pincushioned with arrows. The winged Twilight tumbled over on the ground, its wings shredded, and was dispatched by a quick thrust of the spear before it could recover.

Teleran turned to face the archers, but it was taking all he had left just to keep dodging, he felt thoroghly drained. This battle had to end soon, or he wouldn't see another.

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 28 2005, 01:05 PM

(Azurite Village:)

"DIE YOU STINKING, EGG-SUCKING FETCHERS!" Screamed the young man that had let the party back to his home village.

He pressed his mount forward and dove at the archers, the spear that had been given him, unfamiliar in his hand, held stiffly in front of him.

The archers turned, and lept aside, one luckily jumping right into the spear. A second was crushed as the young man and his mount went crashing to the ground, unable to pull up in time.

Posted by: w0nders Jan 28 2005, 01:06 PM

Dante flew down into a group of atleast three archers, all their twilights away chasing after other members of the party. They unleashed a barrage of arrows towards them, one connecting with Dante's cuirass, not going all the way through fortunately, but it didn't stop the damn thing sticking out like a Khajiit in an imperial bath-house.

"Son of a noble seamstress, bastard!" He yelled, the parrapton sailed down towards them and impaled an azurite through the skull with it's stinger. Dante hopped down from the insect as it flew higher in the air and in a matter of seconds two more azurites were down, both sporting nasty cuts.

Posted by: Solin Jan 28 2005, 01:12 PM

Ciel swore as the young mer and mount crashed to the ground. Reining in his own parrapton with his left hand he drew his blade with his right. He speed forward towards the remaining archers who had managed to dive free of the downed wasp. Pulling back on his reins he halted the insect before creating a second collision.

The archer dove to the ground fearing being bowled over by the mounted knight. He looked up in time to see the silver blade descending in a deadly arch.

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 28 2005, 01:14 PM

QUOTE(Solin @ Jan 28 2005, 05:02 AM)

"The Tiberarine bless you, Sir!" shouted the young man, pulling himself to his feet. His mount quickly righted itself and flew off, rather pleased to be rid of the mer, it seemed.

Posted by: Solin Jan 28 2005, 01:21 PM

The knight gave the young mer a baffled look before he turned and flew towards the barn.

Ciel dismounted by hoping off the back of the parrapton as it landed in front of the barn. The doors were locked. Solid craftsmanship in all elements of the obstacle at that. They’d have to either find the key or break in.

Posted by: Teleran Jan 28 2005, 01:26 PM

Teleran gathered up his weapons, only bringing them to him, instead of resheathing them as he usually did with telekinesis.He resheathed them laboriously, not all of the sheaths were properly placed for manipulation by his hands.

He walked over to the door at the front of the barn and tried to open it depite the fact that it was quite obviously locked. He sighed and stared at the door dumbly for a few seconds before announcing, "It's locked."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 28 2005, 01:27 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 28 2005, 06:04 AM)

"The Tiberarine bless you, Sir!" shouted the young man, pulling himself to his feet. His mount quickly righted itself and flew off, rather pleased to be rid of the mer, it seemed.

Tris steadied his mount for another swoop, but he could see no more bandits. Then he was broadsided by a Winged Twilight, one that hadn't come from the direction of the bandits.

The hetman, maybe. Careful what you wish for, he told himself. You wanted a smart Azurite, and lookie, you got one.

He kept his seat by clinging to the T-shaped pommel as the parrapton spun and righted itself, buzzing with fury.

Twilights were harder to face than people. He leaned forward, digging in his heels to make the parrapton to go faster, and they streaked towards Ciel, over by the barn. The Twilight caught him in the back with its claws. He felt no pain, just wetness. He dismounted in midair, flipping backwards over the parrapton's side, and landed ungracefully beside Ciel. The parrapton promptly swerved and shot off in the direction of Jazbet's castle, followed by the Twilight. The parrapton was faster, despite being stunned by the midair collision - it would escape.

"What kind of Breton are you?" he asked, grinning, and cast an unlock spell on the door.

Posted by: Attrebus Jan 28 2005, 01:30 PM

Locked.