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

Posted by: Loranna Feb 2 2005, 04:32 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!

Posted by: Tricrux Feb 2 2005, 04:39 AM

Summary
Celeste was revealed to have awoken early enough to become an Azurite; having not been subjected to spells of checking, she was able to slip in and out unnoticed. She has rejoined an Azurite "village" a few miles from here.

Marein Night-Scar heard Celeste's Twilight scream, and is trying to find Allie to repor the development - a nearby Azurite group.

Posted by: Aki Feb 2 2005, 04:45 AM

Summary
Reichi, Tohe, Camassim, and Eya are hanging around in the Ald Raathim tavern.
------------------------
"Bored..." Tohe whined, dropping his face onto the table. Camassim made no complaint, he had fallen asleep, Reichi also was resting his head on the table. "Fruggin hangovers.." he murmered. Eya smirked and watched them.

"We could go.." Tohe started to say but was cut short by a firm "No". The breton slumped his head back onto the table.

Posted by: Teleran Feb 2 2005, 04:46 AM

In the lat thread Teleran got drunk, sobered up a bit, almost got beat to death by the refugees twice and had a heart to heart with his dagger. Then he sat in on a strategy meeting that ended abruptly due to Jazbet's abrupt departure. He did manage to put himself on the wrong side of the Morag Tong representative at the meeting though. Right now he is wandering around somewhere, he should really stop doing this, it only gets him in trouble.

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 2 2005, 04:53 AM

Summary

*****

Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest, is in Skyrim, her ship slipping through the icy rivers en route to the Bjoulsae and home. With her are twenty of her knights and the playwright Baloth-Kul.

A fleet of twenty ships will be in the Sheogorad region of northern Vvardenfell to pick up the remainder of her army by early tomorrow morning.

******

Bosriel, the little dark-haired girl with the hungry red eyes, the Void Vampire, is in the Void with Leseth. They have recently overheard Helseth speaking with his mystic Lliryth about a mysterious object called the Eidolon, which he had stolen from Queen Elysana. It is essentially a spiritual siphon, capable of destroying all sentient life for miles around. It is activated with a gem called the Firekiss which has been missing for millenia.

Leseth has said they are going to Allerleirauh with this information and for Bosriel to be on her very best behavior. In other words, don't eat anyone.

******

Jazbet, the blind, precognitive Khajiit Knight of House Dres, is the host for the group in his estate on mainland Morrowind. Notable features of the place are the village of Ald Raathim -- currently filled to capacity and beyond by refugees fleeing from the Azurites in the neighboring domains -- and the castle itself. All else is farmland, wilderness, and sea.

The domain's defenses more or less arranged, he has pitched a move towards launching an offensive against the Azurites. The first move is to get some spies throughout Morrowind to report on the Azurites' movements. With him is a new force, a cold Dunmer woman who is a member of the Morag Tong named Kethiah.

On leaving the strategizing meeting, Jazbet was overcome with a vision, and fainted. He remembers nothing of the vision on awakening except for the smell and feel of fire, and heavy metallic footsteps. When last we saw him, he was in bed with Loranna, and there was a discreet fade out..

******

ooc: I won't be on tonight, so these characters are more or less in a holding pattern until tonight. Have fun!

Posted by: Issa_Yojimbo Feb 2 2005, 04:55 AM

Some mare rie?
Sun mer Ree!
Soon my roe...

Issa hasn't done anything really, he arrived in Ald Rathaam and hung out with Reichi's group.

Posted by: Aki Feb 2 2005, 05:01 AM

QUOTE(Issa_Yojimbo @ Feb 1 2005, 10:45 PM)

Issa hasn't done anything really, he arrived in Ald Rathaam and hung out with Reichi's group.

"So WHAT did you do to the sword, Issa?" Reichi asked at last, jabbinghis finger at the sword, which was no longer a Katana. "Get Boethiath to eat it or something?"

Posted by: Issa_Yojimbo Feb 2 2005, 05:11 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Feb 1 2005, 10:51 PM)

"So WHAT did you do to the sword, Issa?" Reichi asked at last, jabbinghis finger at the sword, which was no longer a Katana. "Get Boethiath to eat it or something?"

"Some Moth Priests changed it, saying that this was it's 'true form'. It has a lot more power..."

Issa swings Prophet's Edge, and a white energy arc flashes throughout the room, then he sheaths it.

"...but I still like the style and finesse of a katana, which is why I had them make me these."

Issa unsheaths the two Katanas from his belt.

Murasame and Masamune, two masterfully crafted katanas sharpened to the finest point, enchanted with damaging magick on Masamune and healing protective magick on Murasame. Issa weilds Murasame with his left hand, holding it in front of him, while Masamune is held overhead. Murasame's main purpose it defensive, so it is thicker than Masamune, but not as sharp or long.

Issa juggles both swords with ease, gracefully spinning every so often, sometimes letting a sword drop below his waist just to kick the hilt and bring it back up to him.

"And I've studied your dual-weilding technique."

Posted by: Aki Feb 2 2005, 05:19 AM

"Impressive," Reichi replied, Eya chuckled. "Swords, who needs 'em? The body is the perfect weapon. It can't be taken away, it is a natural weapon from the start, and with the proper techinques, one can even beat the most heavily armored foe," she said.

Camassim fell out of his chair, and continued sleeping, snoring loudly.

Posted by: Issa_Yojimbo Feb 2 2005, 05:25 AM

"Well, I like to fiddle around with blades sometimes."

Issa sheaths them, sits down, and pulls his fat lute from behind his back.

He gently plucks an old Ashland tune.

"Oh- I'm a poor wayfaring stranger
Traveling through this world of woe
And there's no sin or toil or danger
To that world to which I go

I'm going back to meet my mother
I'm going back to see my friends
But there's no sign of any other
On this cursed road that never ends."

Issa stares off in the distance out the window, puts his feet up on the table, and tries to fall asleep.

"Wake me if anything happens..."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 2 2005, 05:38 AM

Loranna's Journal:

It seems my usual gasping for air when waking is not bad enough to disturb Jazbet; he remained peacefully asleep even when I got out of bed. Then again, perhaps his vision yesterday left him feeling tired still, even with his nap and a night's sleep.

Poor dear; I hope his visions don't become any more painful for him. With everything he's already been through and everything we are likely to face, he's already suffered enough. Maybe it's simply the times we're passing through now which cause his visions to assume such violent energy ... hopefully I and Wisp and the other servants can help him ...

We had a meeting yesterday, to discuss plans of action; it sounds as though people are already setting upon their courses even though Jazbet made clear he wasn't ordering anyone to do anything yet. We have the Morag Tong among our allies now, and while I'm not the greatest lover of assassins, if they can take out the Azurites' leaders and thus prevent mass conflict then we all benefit. The woman Kethiah seemed to have at least some past with Jazbet; I'll have to ask him about that later.

Come to think of it, I think I should tell Jazbet more of my own past. He deserves to know, if he wants. I'll talk to him about it later.

Aricyn seemed subdued at the meeting; I'm guessing the Tiberine situation still weighs on his heart. I don't think I've ever seen him quiet so ... disquieted ... by anything before; it's a sobering thought. Arynel seemed pretty quiet at the meeting too, but then Arynel sometimes gets quiet anyway.

I haven't heard from Dagoth in a while; I wish I knew how he was doing. It makes me miss my old telepathic powers again, but those are gone - and even though I could probably find some sort of magical substitute, I don't feel quite ready yet to try. I still need to learn more about understanding people with my own, normal ability.

It's time to go back to my training; hopefully my current mentor will be willing to start showing me more magic soon. I don't know how much more time remains before we come under fire here.

===

Her latest journal entry finished, Loranna heads back into the village to resume her healer training.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 2 2005, 06:37 AM

Jazbet's Castle: Allerleirauh

Tamne hadn't eaten. She'll eat when she gets hungry, Dragon had said. Children have a remarkable survival instinct; they'll ally themselves with whoever is responsible for their safety, in less time than you'd think. I know, I was one of them.

Which had led to a conversation about Dragon's childhood, ten minutes during which she had learned more about her old friend than she'd learned in forty years previously.

She believed him. Still, she was quiet and thoughtful as she threaded her way through the halls of Jazbet's castle. Aricyn had suggested a hunting party, earlier. Take a few young boar. Cook them - without the intervention of Jazbet's cook. Raise everyone's morale.

Now, it remained to be seen if her diplomatic skills were up to the task of persuading Jazbet's cook to let her use Jazbet's kitchen...

Posted by: Tricrux Feb 2 2005, 06:46 AM

Night-Scar dashed around frantically. Where was Allerleirauh when you needed her? He tried her bedroom, the library, the office...

Finally, sprinting past the kitchens, he almost ran right into her.

"Allie," he gasped. "Azurites...near..."

He stopped to catch his breath.

Posted by: Arynel Feb 2 2005, 06:48 AM

QUOTE(Tricrux @ Feb 1 2005, 10:36 PM)

Arynel ate a cherry.

"Azurites?" The Breton said under his breath. "Interesting."

He said no more, but listened.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 2 2005, 06:52 AM

QUOTE(Tricrux @ Feb 1 2005, 11:36 PM)

"They can't be too near," Allerleirauh said. "There are border guards, and patrols on parapptons. What have you heard?"

Posted by: Tricrux Feb 2 2005, 07:04 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 1 2005, 11:42 PM)

"They can't be too near," Allerleirauh said. "There are border guards, and patrols on parapptons. What have you heard?"

"Sorry, I should explain. I have very strong hearing, and I know I heard a shrieking Twilight. It sounds as though it would be about 15 kilometers from here, pretty far." Night-Scar said anxiously.

Posted by: Arynel Feb 2 2005, 07:07 AM

QUOTE(Tricrux @ Feb 1 2005, 10:54 PM)

"Sorry, I should explain. I have very strong hearing, and I know I heard a shrieking Twilight. It sounds as though it would be about 15 kilometers from here, pretty far." Night-Scar said anxiously.

Arynel chuckled to himself, and ate another cherry.

"Strong hearing indeed," the Breton said under his breath in jest. "He can hear a twilight scream at fifteen kilometers, and judge its distance as such. What skill, one could make a fortune with such ability."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 2 2005, 07:19 AM

QUOTE(Tricrux @ Feb 1 2005, 11:54 PM)

"Sorry, I should explain. I have very strong hearing, and I know I heard a shrieking Twilight. It sounds as though it would be about 15 kilometers from here, pretty far." Night-Scar said anxiously.

"That's outside Jazbet's borders, then. I'll let someone know what to expect. You do have remarkable hearing; are you sure you weren't dreaming?"

Posted by: Tricrux Feb 2 2005, 07:22 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 2 2005, 12:09 AM)

"That's outside Jazbet's borders, then. I'll let someone know what to expect. You do have remarkable hearing; are you sure you weren't dreaming?"

"I suppose it is possible. But I doubt it. The combination of Northern-Skyrim Nord and Central-Valenwood Bosmer blood make for an interesting combination. That being said, I can't hear from far distances - it's the pitch that gets me. The high-pitched noises I can hear for a very wide radius..."

His face furrowed in thought.

"Could we use that as a form of short-range communication?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 2 2005, 07:26 AM

QUOTE(Tricrux @ Feb 2 2005, 12:12 AM)

"People could use it to communicate with you, obviously, if they had a way of making such a noise. But you wouldn't be able to communicate with them," Allerleirauh said, smiling. "I think it's more sensible for us to train huntsmen in the use of the horn."

Posted by: Tricrux Feb 2 2005, 07:31 AM

"That is true...well, that's all for now. I'm heading back to my room. If anything significant happens, even if you don't hear from me, I'll be there."

Posted by: w0nders Feb 2 2005, 07:52 AM

Summary-

Dante, somewhere around Ald Raathim...

Illidan, he's at....um.....uh...

Brum, Inzoliah, Merciander, and friends, somewhere in the middle of the ocean.
--------------------

A dark room, somewhere-

Illidans’ eyes snapped open, the natural colour from them had been drained, leaving two, large white spheres in their place. He had had the strangest dream; large gaping wounds covered his body, blood still flowing gingerly from them, but he didn’t care, he couldn’t.

The vampires had kept their part of the deal, but weren’t to shy about leaving their marks. Illidan sat up, surveying the black around him, he felt…hungry, very hungry…he felt like he hadn’t eaten in weeks.

The door burst open, filling the room with light another time, the vampires surrounding Illidan scattered to escape its touch, Illidan stared blankly at the door, the light causing him to squint. “The master wishes to have a word…” The imperial stated briskly, as two cultists threw a small rope ladder down from the doorway.

“Would you speak with him? There are many things to discuss.” Illidan watched absent mindedly as he strolled away, the two cultists remaining at the door, hands clutched tightly around their weapons. “Very well…” He muttered softly, standing up, pieces of tattered fabric falling from his clothing.

He peacefully climbed the ladder, and followed the cultists to the room in which he was to ‘talk’ with their leader, The only pauses in the trip was that of which to drag the ladder back up and to shut the large door.

Posted by: Solin Feb 2 2005, 08:19 AM

In the Ashlands

Grey ash blew through the air as three chitiny mer climbed the steps of the crumbling fortress. Quivers full of resin arrows bounced on their backs along with similar bows of similar make. Built into the face of an outcropping of rock, a natural wall, the ill maintained fort was easily defensible. The netch leather clad scout stood at the top waiting. He waved to the trio’s not so distant pursuers. The piercing shrieks already split the air.

The small group’s leader, one of the three new arrivals, wore a long slender blade of green volcanic glass at his side. He knelt in the layered ash covering and quickly drew the sign of the triune. Briefly he touched the bottom most corner of the symbol, covering his chitin gauntlet’s fingers in the ash, and then brought it to his scarf covered face and kissed it leaving a smudge of grey soot on the cloth.

The shrieking grew closer; wings could be heard beating on the wind. Unslinging well made bows of bonemold, the three choose their positions on the ruined battlements. The fourth mer likewise strung a chitin short bow but, his quiver was empty. One of the subordinates passed the lacking mer a bundle of his own.

The mob formed outside the bow range of the fortress’s defenders. Twilights circled in the air overhead, diving and climbing and diving again. Glossy resin eyes looked on. There was a great shouting and clamoring among the Azurites. Their hated foe stood here. Defilers of Azura, they would be rend limb from limb.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 2 2005, 08:31 AM

Jazbet's Castle, library: Allerleirauh

"Solin," Allerleirauh said. "I brought you something decent to eat. The cook's flavorless food certainly isn't going to help protect you against Void Sickness."

The plate she sat down, steaming, filled the library with rich aromas.

"My cook assures me this is a Telvanni recipe."

Allerleirauh turned her attention to the simulacrum. "It's funny, isn't it? You've been here all this time, protecting her, while we go and do other things. It's not the dynamic I would have expected. I made something - for Loranna - and I have altered it to suit this simulacrum."

Over the shoulders of the simulacrum she placed a rich mantle. It was the sort of mantle mainland Dunmer used to dress ancestral images with. On the mantle could be seen images of the constellations, and pictures of animals; the wheel, and the gods, and all sorts of other things. The work was done in threads of different colors of gold, so thickly coating the background that the black ground cloth was barely visible,

"It was a shroud when I made it," she said. "It's proof against evil spirits, meant to stand against the many, many dead who had the right to demand vengeance against Loranna. And proof against Azura's ill-will in particular. Loranna could have been reborn as - well, nothing very pleasant. I'm not sure what it will do here, around the simulacrum's shoulders, but it felt right to bring it, and Skein confirmed my feelings."

Posted by: Arynel Feb 2 2005, 08:34 AM

"How does the road treat you, friend?" Arynel said to Solin.

The Breton reached into his handerchief, and drew out a small red fruit, which he held out to Solin.

"Have a cherry, they're wonderful."

Posted by: Solin Feb 2 2005, 08:53 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 2 2005, 12:21 AM)

Solin raised an eyebrow but accepted the food, and the cherries, with a small smile. He brushed aside a few scrolls so the steaming plate could be set on the desk. Readily edible food, it made the elf wonder how long he had been enjoying the cook's recipes. In truth, he didn't enjoy Telvanni cooking often enough.

"I did not expect it myself," the Dunmer replied. "It's strange, I feel an attachment to the workmanship but it goes beyond that."

He tasted the offered cherry. It was overripe but, as the Breton had told the truth. It had been ages since Solin had last eaten a cherry.

"Loranna has..." the mer paused a moment his smile faded. "Her unique sins to weigh out, as most do."

"If Skein foretold it then I'm sure it is the truth," he added the grin returning to his face. "Lovely crafting."

He rose to inspect it closer.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 2 2005, 09:04 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Feb 2 2005, 01:43 AM)

The mantle was stiff to the touch, it was so heavily decorated.

"I really only know how to do one thing, in different iterations," Allerleirauh said. "This is the all-mother's mantle. In Skyrim they call her the servant of Kyne, which is true, and says something about Kyne, and something about humility, and something about heroism and motherhood. It has not always been so, and there will be a day in the future when it is so no longer."

She laid a finger on the simulacrum's bronze cheek. "She is beautiful, Solin. Gestated in suffering, just like a human being. Which brings me to my next question, and I'm glad Arynel is here now: what shall we do for Sen-Yedda? It shriveled my soul to think of Vehk's child, princess of her people, gestated by the simplest of human mortals, yet here we are doing no better."

Posted by: Arynel Feb 2 2005, 09:10 AM

"We should raise her, I think." Arynel said. "Is not the duty of the father to pass his wisdom onto the son, and likewise the duty of the mother to pass her wisdom onto the daughter? Let us, as best we can, deliver a portion of our wisdom to this one, who is like a child to all of us."

The Breton looked towards the Simulacrum. "I fear though, I know very little."

Posted by: Solin Feb 2 2005, 09:16 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 2 2005, 12:54 AM)

Solin raised a questioning eyebrow and turned his head to Allerleirauh, curious about Skyrim's customs, but he did not say a word.

When her talk turned to more to the Simulacrum his smile broadened.

"I was inspired by a master craftsman," he said quietly and then as Arynel gave his suggestion the mer listened and nodded. When the Breton had finished Solin spoke again.

"What provisions can we give her?" he asked motioning at the simulcarum with his hands.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 2 2005, 09:22 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Feb 2 2005, 02:06 AM)

"I have been asking that question," Allerleirauh said. "When Loranna was carrying the child I fed her good food, and potions, and ... anything but sweetrolls and ale. Does this creation of yours eat? How is the body of the child drawn from its substance, how is the materia generated, and is it a closed system?"

To Arynel she said: "If you know that you are not wise, you know something worth teaching. I have my doubts, however, that you truly know that as well as you say you do."

She winked.

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 2 2005, 09:32 AM

The Void

The Void Vampire looked at Allerleirauh, her red eyes wide. She had seen her at a distance before, and heard Leseth talk of her power, and had in mind a horrible, ugly giantess.

'She's beautiful,' Bosriel said, and instinctively reached across the space with her telekinetic touch to 'feel' Allerleirauh's silken white hair. Thinking better of it at the last moment, she held back, causing the candle in the room to flicker and gut out with a plume of black smoke.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 2 2005, 09:37 AM

Aricyn, alone in his room except for the old wolf sleeping peacefully by the hearth, looked down at the parchment in front of him. He was finished. The handwriting on the spotless white page was superb. He had taken his time.

The task hadn't come easy to him. His head was not one for figures, and orgaization, and planning. It made him realize what it would be like to be Emperor of all who walked Tamriel. It made him thankful he wouldn't have to do the job... not for long.

Aricyn carefully rolled the parchment, and then rose to dress. His gleaming scale hauberk, given to him by an old hag in his homeland, had been carefully polished. He pulled on his best breeches, a new pair of boots, and after strapping on two swords, his heavy white cloak, newly laundered and shining as white as his recently washed hair.

His horse, Kynidius, would be waiting for him at the castle gate. He had told one of Jazbet's servants to saddle him and make ready, and the servant had run to do as he commanded. Aricyn had frowned at the man's eagerness.

He remembered the words he had spoken many times to Loranna. After today, he would not be saddling his own horse.

Aricyn unlatched the door and strode outside, the old wolf rising and following him wordlessly.

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 2 2005, 09:39 AM

The Castle

Jazbet woke alone in his bed. It had been a dreamless night, or he could not remember his dreams. It bothered him that his visions did not always stay in his conscious mind.

He did remember one thing a little more clearly. The color red, intensified around something, a round object, like a gem. It meant nothing.

He rose, drank his tea, and went to meet again with Kethiah in his office.

Posted by: Solin Feb 2 2005, 09:40 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 2 2005, 01:12 AM)

"I will tell you what I know," Solin replied falling back into his seat. His grin shifted and took a deep breath.

"The Simulacrum’s prime motivation is inaccessible to the outside. It is based on a fluid system that is regulated as to not quench or let over abundance cause rampant waste harming the development. Time-based for the gestation, it will run its course, however, all the appropriate mechanisms for alchemical process-”

The Dunmer stopped as the candle guttered and plunged the room into darkness.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 2 2005, 09:41 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 2 2005, 01:22 AM)

(The Void:)

"She is your doom," Leseth said, seriously. "You are very close to freedom, Little One, do not risk that, here and now.

"Stay and be patient. I will return shortly."

With a crack like thunder, Leseth entered the world Inside.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 2 2005, 09:44 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 2 2005, 02:31 AM)

(The Void:)

"She is your doom," Leseth said, seriously. "You are very close to freedom, Little One, do not risk that, here and now.

"Stay and be patient. I will return shortly."

With a crack like thunder, Leseth entered the world Inside.

Allerleirauh had been opening her mouth to reply to Solin when the candle went out. Instinctively her hand went to her sword hilt; then she felt the terrible chill of the child within the Void. It didn't please her that Leseth was so near Sen-Yedda.

"Leseth," she said. "Why are you here?"

Posted by: Solin Feb 2 2005, 09:49 AM

Blue light flickered as Solin activated the enchantment on his silver ring, the matching colored glass set in it glowing. He glared at the interloper, having only seen him once the Dunmer wasn’t certain he knew who Leseth was. Allerleirauh knew him though so the mer held his tongue for the moment.

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 2 2005, 09:51 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 2 2005, 03:31 AM)

'It was not -- ' Bosriel began with a stammer. It was too late. Leseth was gone.

Many times over the centuries, she had peered in on mothers and fathers and happy families. They always infuriated her in a way that she could not and never tried to understand. This odd group of people discussing a child only fascinated her. For one more time in an infinity of times, Bosriel longed to step through the coldness and join them.

She would not hurt anyone ... well, no promises ...

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 2 2005, 09:58 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 2 2005, 01:34 AM)

"Forgive the interruption, General," Leseth's quite voice said.

"I have news. News of great importance."

He looked through the dark of the room to Solin and Arynel.

"The device that the Queen of Wayrest unearthed to free Bosriel, the Eidolon, has fallen into the hands of the King of Morrowind. It is dangerous. Very dangerous.

"If activated, it will kill everything... it absorbs life. I do not know exactly how large it's effect, but an ancient text spoke of "thousands of thousands" dying.

"The King cannot activate it. It requires a key, and he knows not it's location. The key is a large red diamond, called Flamekiss. It is known that the Queen of Hegathe held it in ages past, but it was stolen by an Argonian many lifetimes ago, and is lost.

"If the King finds this key, you are in danger."

Leseth stood quietly, waiting for orders from the General.

Posted by: Solin Feb 2 2005, 10:15 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 2 2005, 01:48 AM)

"The King cannot activate it. It requires a key, and he knows not it's location. The key is a large red diamond, called Flamekiss. It is known that the Queen of Hegathe held it in ages past, but it was stolen by an Argonian many lifetimes ago, and is lost.

Flamekiss. The name evoked memories of a short age spent perusing the libraries of Cyrodiil. Moldy ill kept, ill copied tomes of knowledge and history. A gem from Hammerfell and an Argonian thief, it only made sense. Danger?

Solin spoke out before Allerleirauh.

“Blackmarsh,” he said. “I recall texts which recorded word of a jewel matching that description. The Vaults of Gemin was the where the trail of witnesses ran cold, or so it was speculated. A perilous place, deep in swamps like most of the Marsh”

The Dunmer’s red glare was abated, a little, for the moment. He wore a slight smile akin to someone enjoying a private joke.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 2 2005, 10:21 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Feb 2 2005, 03:05 AM)

Flamekiss. The name evoked memories of a short age spent perusing the libraries of Cyrodiil. Moldy ill kept, ill copied tomes of knowledge and history. A gem from Hammerfell and an Argonian thief, it only made sense. Danger?

Solin spoke out before Allerleirauh.

“Blackmarsh,” he said. “I recall texts which recorded word of a jewel matching that description. The Vaults of Gemin was the where the trail of witnesses ran cold, or so it was speculated. A perilous place, deep in swamps like most of the Marsh.”

The Dunmer’s red glare was abated, a little, for the moment. He wore a slight smile akin to someone enjoying a private joke.

"The Vaults of Gemin," Allerleirauh said. "I've heard of the place. Leseth, can you go there and get this key?

"I am not in danger," she added. "Why should Helseth seek to kill me? And in any case, I can flee very quickly, as you know. But I'm certain I don't wish the thing to be used."

She paused. A terrible thought had struck her.

"Do you, Leseth?"

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 2 2005, 10:35 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 2 2005, 02:11 AM)

"I did not mean to imply that you were in danger, General, but your group here would be.

"Of course I will get it for you."

Leseth hesitated, obviously stunned by the question.

"And of course, I have no wish to see people die needlessly."

Posted by: Solin Feb 2 2005, 10:43 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 2 2005, 02:25 AM)

Solin laughed. “You think you’re dealing with some amateur burglar?” he asked. “The Argonian stole from a Queen of Hammerfell and kept the diamond hidden all this time.”

His eyes danced with private amusement.

“The thief was not ordinary, particularly if he hid his treasure in the Vaults of Gemin,” the mer continued. “No, simply arriving to procure it will fail. It is a vault after all. Likely he didn’t hide the gem there at all but, displaced it somewhere else with powerful magicks. The key to motivating it back is what the thief hid. A complex puzzle or trick of some kind would unlock the vault.”

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 2 2005, 10:45 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Feb 2 2005, 03:33 AM)

"Wonderful," Allerleirauh said. "Is there some reason we must go looking for the thing? As long as Helseth doesn't know where it is, it's safer there than anywhere else."

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 2 2005, 10:52 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 2 2005, 02:35 AM)

"Wonderful," Allerleirauh said. "Is there some reason we must go looking for the thing? As long as Helseth doesn't know where it is, it's safer there than anywhere else."

Leseth frowned.

"Things lost do not stay hidden. The king will use everything at his disposal to find it. It troubles him, so he will not stop until it is found.

"We know of its location. He soon will, as well."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 2 2005, 10:55 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 2 2005, 03:42 AM)

"Very well, then."

Allerleirauh sighed. "I have too many things to do. I need to care for this unborn child, and for a child already born. I have a duty of honor to visit one who died in Loranna's service. This place needs to be defended. And the Azurites must be fought, all over the world."

Posted by: Solin Feb 2 2005, 11:08 AM

The Ashlands

The burning sun watched from its high perch in the sky above as the first golden missile arched over the dusty land between the mob and the fortress. It caught one of the blue-eyed Azurites in the chest. The assault had begun.

More followed but the attackers was numerous. Enraged by the inherent defiance of defense, the Azurites pressed their advantage.

Arrows and streams of magicka streaked upwards from below, catching the old fortifications and clattering, or detonating, harmlessly away. Azura’s messengers were not so harmless.

The scout, a Redoran, was struck from behind by the quick swoop of a winged twilight. He let out a scream, muffled by his boiled leather helm as he was flung from the battlement down the sloping side of the fortress. The netch hide clad dunmer landed in a heap at the base and did not move. This did not keep the fanatics from rushing from the safety of their distance to stab at the fallen mer. His fellow, who had offered up a portion of his arrows to the scout, spent his remaining few slaying what few of the attackers he could. It was not enough; clubs, daggers, and assorted other blades rose and fell in a rhythmic motion as the Azurites surrounded the Redoran. If he had not been before he was most assuredly dead now.

Letting his bow fall to the wayside, the arrowless archer stood and drew his short, metal blade and moved to defend the steps. A pair of circling daedra descended upon him.

The first came from the front. It dived, razor talons extended. They left deep scars in the mer’s armor but did not subdue him. His blade snaked out catching the twilight’s head as it attempted to maneuver above him once more. The air became suddenly chill and the creature’s breath came in a mist. Contempt and hatred radiated from the daedra’s eyes as they iced over and its skull collapsed.

The second seeing her sister’s demise knocked the mer to the ground from the rear. Wrapping her claws around the mer’s mask she prepared to give a might tug. The daedra’s strength would be more than enough to remove the dunmer’s head.

A spark passed before her eyes, though, and a small glass dagger blossomed in her chest, sunk all the way to the hilt. The shock was terrible and the twilight collapsed in a heap and then winked out of existence. The second subordinate had tossed the blade while his commander expended his arrows. It was a costly move, the throw had exposed him to the incoming missiles, mundane and otherwise. He was dealt like wise with the electrical that he gave and now his off arm hung limp at his side, given time its use may return to him.

The glass long sword was drawn. Out of arrows at last the three remaining defenders approached the steps under the cover of the battlements to wait for the Azurites. Their position, their duty offered no reasonable escape but to fight. The menace needed confrontation. The fanatics obliged them and mounted the fortress’s stone stair.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 2 2005, 11:18 AM

Outside the castle, Aricyn mounted his horse and rode toward the little town of Ald Raathim.

Like the last time he had come this way, the refugees gathered around him as he rode. This time he wasn't confused by their reaction. Let them come.

"You, Boy," he said, leaning down to a healthy looking Dunmer, gleefully running alongside his horse "run ahead. Tell everyone to gather at the town. Tell everyone that I come. I come with words on my tongue."

The boy looked awestruck at being spoken to, then ran off to do as he was bidden.

"That's my brother! That's my brother, there!" a Dunmer girl shouted proudly to the crowd.

The wind whipped his hair and Aricyn rode on.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 2 2005, 11:24 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 2 2005, 04:08 AM)

Tris had found Ciel, and suggested the guard for the fishing party. Now if he only knew where the fishermen had gotten off to.

A young boy ran past them, shouting, "The Tiberine is coming! He has words for us - he wants everyone to gather in town!"

Tris felt his left eyebrow go up. "Now he's calling himself that, is he? Let's go listen to the 'Tiberine,' then."

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 2 2005, 11:49 AM

Aricyn rode into the town. It seemed like there were even more people here than last time. Refugees kept filtering in from the surrounding lands.

Societies are infinitely adaptable, and, with many arguments and more than a few fights, the mer and men here had defined their pecking order. The leaders of this makeshift society awaited the Tiberine in the middle of town, each dressed as richly as they could manage.

Hunting horns were blown in tribute. Aricyn did not look up. He was not surprised.

His hair shone and his mail gleamed as he rode the prancing Kynidius into the center of the crowd.

He raised his hand, clutching the parchment he had written, and the crowd grew nearly silent. It was not necessary.

"Hear me!" he shouted, and his voice rattled resin windows all over town.

"I have said that those who came here would find not shelter, but service! You remain, and so I now call upon that service. You will not work, however, for the good of foreign kings or corrupt lords. Your service shall be for your own good!"

The crowd wasn't yet sure what he meant, but that sounded good, and they cheered.

"Some of you have no shelter, many of you are hungry, and all of you are afraid. That will change! I have seen to it. I have here my commands to you all," he said, still holding the parchment aloft.

"You will follow them, and you will find the going easier, your bellies fuller, and your enemies farther away!"

The crowd cheered again. This was easier to understand.

"I will call you now, by profession, and you will hear what is required of you from my own mouth!"

He unrolled the parchment, and began, riding to a spot by a gnarled tree "Bakers! Assmble here! You will provide thirty-score loaves per day!"

They gathered, but a voice rose up from the crowd, "But, Serjo, where will we get the grain?"
"And the firewood?" another said.

Aricyn smiled, and rode over to the man who spoke first. He leaned down from his horse, and placed a huge, warm hand on the man's shoulder. The man smiled back.

"It will be provided for you," Aricyn said to the man.

Straightening in the saddle he said to the crowd, "All will be provided for you!"

"Fishermen!" he continued...

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 2 2005, 11:51 AM

Aricyn heard the pleas of the fishermen for guards. Many Azurites came from Vvardenfel by boat, and the waters were not safe.

"Guards shall be assigned, then."

He noticed that the knight, Ciel, and Tris stood, already prepared to fulfill that function.

"Sirs! Do us the honor of accompanying these brave fishermen on their first day out, and assess the danger. It may be necessary to continue having such an escort, or the duty may be later given to militia."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 2 2005, 12:02 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 2 2005, 04:41 AM)

Tris stood up - he had been sitting on a wooden railing. His feelings were mixed. For one thing, he was being ordered to do what he had been doing on his own. For another - this wasn't the Emperor. The real Emperor was the old man he had almost stayed to see in Cyrodiil City.

He wished for a moment that he had stayed just one day longer. Then he could compare old Uriel Septim VII to this - admittedly breathtaking - young man before him.

It was good to have someone in charge, wasn't it? As long as he wasn't doing anything wrong?

He glanced at Ciel, wondering what Ciel was thinking.

Posted by: Solin Feb 2 2005, 12:09 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 2 2005, 03:41 AM)

Ciel wondered after the Nord man. He had chased him through Skyrim. It was an odd feeling. Yet the crowd loved him and he was giving much needed organization to the refugees, albeit some of his orders were already being carried out. For the moment it seemed alright. He turned to Tris, who looked preoccupied, and nodded towards the fishermen.

"The people are hungry, we best get to it," the knight gave a warm smile, hopefully reassuring smile.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 2 2005, 12:13 PM

QUOTE(Solin @ Feb 2 2005, 03:59 AM)

Aricyn smiled in return.

"Our thanks, Sir.

"When you return this evening, I'd like to speak to you further. I intend for you to take charge of what soldiers we have."

He smiled again.

"May the Wind bless you on the seas today."

Posted by: Solin Feb 2 2005, 12:15 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 2 2005, 04:03 AM)

Aricyn smiled in return.

"Our thanks, Sir.

"When you return this evening, I'd like to speak to you further. I intend for you to take charge of what soldiers we have.

He smiled again.

"May the Wind bless you on the seas today."

Ciel raised an eyebrow at the mention of a command.

"Of course," he replied still wearing a smile. He gave a respectful bow and then departed to help the fishermen.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 2 2005, 12:19 PM

QUOTE(Solin @ Feb 2 2005, 05:05 AM)

Ciel raised an eyebrow at the mention of a command.

"Of course," he replied still wearing a smile. He gave a respectful bow and then departed to help the fishermen.

"Right," Tris said, more or less to himself, following Ciel.

Aricyn was a good judge of character, then. He certainly didn't want to be in charge of anything. But he couldn't help feeling slightly put out.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 2 2005, 12:19 PM

When Aricyn had gone down the list and called for hunters, watching the rougher looking men gather with bows and spears, he raised his voice and called again,

"Teleran! Come forward, sir."

Posted by: Teleran Feb 2 2005, 12:29 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 2 2005, 02:09 AM)

When Aricyn had gone down the list and called for hunters, watching the rougher looking men gather with bows and spears, he raised his voice and called again,

"Teleran! Come forward, sir."

'How the bloody hell did he pick me out from the ...bloody eyes. Only blue ones on a Dunmer to be seen for miles if I'm lucky.' Teleran moved to the front of the crowd and stood in front of Aricyn. "I suppose you want me to guard them then. I will do as you ask Tiberine." He smiled wryly at the title.

He turned to the hunters, "Do any of you know this area well?" He recognized a few of the faces from the previous day, he hoped none of them were the ones who had attacked him.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 2 2005, 12:33 PM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Feb 2 2005, 04:19 AM)

"Actually, sir," Aricyn said with a smile, "I'm putting you in charge of them.

"Keep them safe from harm, certainly, and see that that they do as is required of them.

"Wind guide you, out there. Beware of those with blue eyes," he said with a wry smile

He continued calling for professions.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 2 2005, 12:39 PM

"Woodcutters!" he called, in its turn.

A number of strong, solid looking men and mer gathered with axes at the call.

"Dante!" Aricyn called, spotting the man in the crowd.

"These men will provide fuel for the labors of others, but must go deep into the hills to do so."

He rode to Dante, and smiled at him.

"I would put them in your charge. Keep them safe from our enemies."

Posted by: w0nders Feb 2 2005, 12:43 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 2 2005, 06:29 AM)

"Woodcutters!" he called, in its turn.

A number of strong, solid looking men and mer gathered with axes at the call.

"Dante!" Aricyn called, spotting the man in the crowd.

"These men will provide fuel for the labors of others, but must go deep into the hills to do so.

He rode to Dante, and smiled at him.

"I would put them in your charge. Keep them safe from our enemies."

Hearing Aricyn call his name, Dante turned to face him, he knew he now had to do something important, he frowned.

Once Aricyn approached he smiled weakly, "I'll do the best that I can" He stated boldly, approaching the woodcutters.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 2 2005, 12:45 PM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Feb 2 2005, 04:33 AM)

Aricyn leaned from the saddle and put his hand on Dante's shoulder.

"I know you will."

He continued calling and assigning duties, until each man, woman, and child had a job to perform.

There were some people that he wished to speak to that he didn't see in the crowd, but the town and camps were now moving with organized purpose.

Aricyn circulated through the refugees, encouraging them, reassuring them. Today was not a day for him to hide from Fate.

Posted by: Teleran Feb 2 2005, 01:08 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 2 2005, 02:23 AM)

"Thanks for the advice," he muttered as he went over to the group of hunters assembling their tools. 'Most of those I'm worried about have red eyes.'

"Alright, now I assume that you all have at least some experience hunting or you wouldn't have come over here." Not waiting for a response he continued, "Now I would like those of you who know the area to come over here so that we can find prey quickly."

A few mer came over and explained what they knew of the area, the usual patterns of migration in the area, where the fresh water was, any other details they knew of the terrain; eventually they felt they had explained things adequately and fell silent. Teleran nodded, the good hunting was a little further from the town than he'd hoped and they'd been driven further out by the sudden influx of people into the region.

"Alright, now I want at least one of you with each group, you two are from further South, so you take your groups South make use of whatever you know. When you have made a big kill, bring back whatever will be of use to this camp. I don't want any encounters with Azurites if it can be avoided." He looked specifically at one of the men who had been in the group that jumped him. "Understand? If you see an Azurite, head back here, if they see you, run. I see some of you have horns, use them; if an Azurite spots you blow as hard and clear a note as you are able, and get the hell out of there. I'll deal with them, but we'll be spread out, so I won't be able to get there immediately."

He broke them into groups and took his group the most in the direction of the Azurite village that had been raided earlier. He made sure to keep those that had jumped him seperate. At least, those he recognized. They headed off into the surrounding wilderness, hunting their next meals.

The first kill was quick in coming, but it was such a small critter that Teleran ordered his group to keep going. No horns sounded yet...

Posted by: Loranna Feb 2 2005, 01:08 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 2 2005, 06:35 AM)

Aricyn leaned from the saddle and put his hand on Dante's shoulder.

"I know you will."
He continued calling and assigning duties, until each man, woman, and child had a job to perform.

There were some people that he wished to speak to that he didn't see in the crowd, but the town and camps were now moving with organized purpose.

Aricyn circulated through the refugees, encouraging them, reassuring them. Today was not a day for him to hide from Fate.

Loranna had been watching Aricyn from the very back of the crowd; she and her healer mentor had gotten accidentally shouldered to the sidelines and from there she had watched the Nord bring massive organization to the town.

... Shouldn't Jazbet have been part of this? she wonders, frowning a little. ... And wasn't Aricyn trying to avoid doing something like this before? Still, it seems like a good thing for the moment ...

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 2 2005, 01:13 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 2 2005, 04:58 AM)

Loranna had been watching Aricyn from the very back of the crowd; she and her healer mentor had gotten accidentally shouldered to the sidelines and fromthere she had watched the Nord bring massive organization to the town.

... Shouldn't Jazbet have been part of this? she wonders, frowning a little. ... And wasn't Aricyn trying to avoid doing something like this before? Still, it seems like a good thing for the moment ...

Aricyn rode over to Loranna and dismounted. Someone instantly took the reins and held Kynidius.

"Loranna," he said, "I would talk to you for a moment, in private."

He led her toward the nearest building, a small house, and the occupants instantly left, bowing, to make room for the Tiberine.

"I hear you're studying healing," he said.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 2 2005, 01:16 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 2 2005, 07:03 AM)

Loranna follows Aricyn to the nearest house, giving the occupants a polite smile. She wonders what Aricyn wants to say.

Upon hearing him, Loranna thinks ... Hmm; maybe Jazbet was part of this already, or else Aricyn's been asking around.

"Well, yes," she says, nodding. " ... It seemed the best way for me to help out, considering I'm not really a warrior and know nothing of spying or diplomacy."

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 2 2005, 01:24 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 2 2005, 05:06 AM)

Aricyn looked thoughtful.

"I'm pretty certain that the best way to help these people is not to spend your days with a stuffy old man in a library," he said with a smile.

"You don't need to study to be useful. You already are.

"I'd like you to do something for me. Study in the evenings if you like, learn what you wish, but these people are living day-to-day at the moment. What they need will be provided for them now, but it will still need to be distributed.

"I would like to see you help in that. Go among them, make sure that everyone gets what they need. Make sure they are fed, and housed, and clothed. Insure that the sick get medicine and the old get fed.

"This doesn't take any training at all, but it would be helping. Helping to actually make these people's lives better today.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 2 2005, 01:28 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 2 2005, 07:14 AM)

Loranna listens to Aricyn, a slight frown coming to her face - but the frown looks more thoughtful than anything.

For a moment, she ponders Aricyn's words ... and then, her frown turns to a smile, and then she starts chuckling, shaking her head and saying "Hahhh ... Aricyn, how do you do it?"

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 2 2005, 01:30 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 2 2005, 05:18 AM)

The edges of Aricyn's eyes crinkled in a smile, but he looked shockingly noble at the moment.

"How do I do what?"

Posted by: Loranna Feb 2 2005, 01:35 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 2 2005, 07:20 AM)

The edges of Aricyn's eyes crinkled in a smile, but he looked shockingly noble at the moment.

"How do I do what?"

" ... Know what to say," Loranna replies, raising her eyebrow. "And know how to say it too, to leave me feeling only slightly silly instead of kicking myself in the rear."

"I'll see that the provisions get distributed properly," she tells Aricyn. "It'll be good for them and for me."

A small frown creases her face. " ... Hmm; need to go out, start asking people what they need; probably help to organize a few people to help with that, give each either a specific provision to distribute or a specific area to work in ... my mentor can help with the medicine, he knows a good deal about that already ..."

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 2 2005, 01:40 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 2 2005, 05:25 AM)

Aricyn smiled.

"I already have lists. They'll have what they need, and people have already been organized. You'll have help. What you need to do is give them what's required. Make sure they get it. Insure they get no more than their share.

"And yes," he said" It will be good for both them and you."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 2 2005, 01:46 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 2 2005, 07:30 AM)

"So this is why you've been so quiet lately," Loranna says.

" ... Is there anything else on your mind you want to talk about?" she asks, tilting her head slightly at Aricyn. "Before we get to work?"

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 2 2005, 01:48 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 2 2005, 05:36 AM)

"So this is why you've been so quiet lately," Loranna says.

" ... Is there anything else on your mind you want to talk about?" she asks, tilting her head slightly at Aricyn. "Before we get to work?"

"Why I've been quiet lately?"

Aricyn laughed.

"I already am at work. Let's introduce a few people to you so that you can say the same."

He led her out of the house, which the proud owners quickly returned to, and introduced her to others that would be helping distribute goods to the people.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 2 2005, 01:54 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 2 2005, 07:38 AM)

Loranna raises her eyebrows at Aricyn, then shrugs. He had a point earlier; she had been locking herself away these past few days. He had every right to laugh at her not knowing what he'd been up to.

Loranna smiles and greets those Aricyn was assigning to work under her, their awe and respect for the Nord making the meeting go that much smoother. Within a short time, she was already getting things moving, and practising the art of saying 'no' in a friendly yet firm manner.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 2 2005, 04:32 PM

Mangrove Edge: Tris

On their parraptons, Tris and Ciel swept back and forth along the shore of Jazbet's estate, to establish that no threats were nearby. Then they settled in at some distance from each other to keep an eye out while the fishermen began their work.

Tris lounged on the back of his parrapton, watching the bodies of large fish moving beneath the shallow water, emerging from within the roots of the trees in response to the heavily scented bait. Then the fishermen, from raised platforms, would spear them and bring them struggling to shore. They weren't a fish he recognized; he wondered what they tasted like, then decided it probably didn't matter, since anything served in Jazbet's house would be boiled into Oblivion before he ever tasted it.

Watching them soon grew boring, and right now he wanted something more active to distract himself from his own thoughts. He followed the adventures of a tiny crab scooting sideways along the upper branches of a mangrove, at head level to him, and tried not to think too far beyond the present moment.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 2 2005, 04:42 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 2 2005, 08:22 AM)

Mangrove Edge: Tris

Watching them soon grew boring, and right now he wanted something more active to distract himself from his own thoughts. He followed the adventures of a tiny crab scooting sideways along the upper branches of a mangrove, at head level to him, and tried not to think too far beyond the present moment.

Aricyn had seen Loranna settled in as far as could be expected, and then resumed riding to an fro, insuring that all went according to plan. It wasn't really necessary; everyone was working to the best of their ablilities. For the most part, he was simply making his presence felt.

He rode along the mangrove-choked shore, watching the fishermen at work. Their guardians buzzed overhead, watching for any sign of trouble.

Aricyn had noted the look on Ciel's companion, earlier, as he had declined to give him some specific order. That was a misunderstanding, and so, seeing the man hovering above on his parrapton, he decided that this was as good a time as any to explain.

He rode into the mangroves and hailed the man.

Posted by: Arynel Feb 2 2005, 04:47 PM

Arynel did not have a task, per say, but the Breton was quickly able to find one to suite his needs. He made his way to the library, and gathered ink and quill and sheet of paper, and got the attention of a man working nearby. "Serjo, I am going to write, and would think it wonderful if the story could by copied, and spread around to be read. It will not be an epic, no, only a tale like children would learn from their grandparents on a rainy night with little else to pass the time. That indeed, is to be its purpose, with the young and strong at work, the very young and elderly are sure to feel displaced, you understand, of course."

The man nodded, "Yes, I understand, write the story now for me, and I will see that, assuming it is well written and acceptable material for children, it is copied and given out."

Arynel went to work, and the Breton began to write:

___________________________________________________________________

The Haughty Charlatan

Theonus Scephulan was a rogue and a charlatan, infamous for his numerous exploits at the local tavern, it was even said that even visiting royalties, dukes and lords stopping for a drink at the tavern in Gorren would add their earnings to Theonus’ pocket book. Theonus went on with his business, and few people complained, saying “He takes only from fools and those who are foolish,” even though, mind you, he had taken gold from those very people who said it, but in their vanity they could never admit to being duped, “And besides, he never takes too much, he leaves behind enough for food and drink and such, quite kind in contrast to other such characters.”

So Theonus Schephulan went about his schemes, and everyone was a hit, he would sweet talk and gamble, tell jokes and throw darts, he’d scheme and glean and play with underhand conviction, and he always wound up on top. The local law enforcement, having all been taken in themselves at one time or another, did not try to stop him, for fear that they would be exposed as having been tricked themselves.

One day there arrived in town a young Breton lass named Namia Socaters, she was not quite noble, no, not royal in the least, but she wore expensive clothes, and walked with sophistication whenever she was able. So of course Theonus immediately picked her out as a good mark, saying “She is adorned in fine dress, with expensive shoes and extravagant amulet, surely she must have money to spare.” So Theonus planned and schemed, and then after thinking made a plan.

Namia Socaters was going to the bakers, buying a loaf for a meal to come, when Theonus barged in, saying to her, “Friend, or perhaps not yet, but I would hope could be someday soon, you are quite the catch and my eyes cannot keep away, nor my tongue be still.”

Namia turned and stared at him, loaf in hand and face a grin, “Thank you, kindly, friend indeed, I am truly flattered, would you like anything?”

“Yes, I think, if you are able, come to eat tonight at 8:00, the tavern is my favorite frequent, with food and drink of all varieties.” Theonus said, tossing a few coins to the man behind the counter to pay for the loaf of bread.

So on that eve, at 8:00 exact the two arrived at the tavern, and upon taking their seats, Theonus began to speak, saying “I think tonight, it would be most good of us to have a drink to celebrate you’re arrival in Gorren and your stay here with us.”

Namia smiled as her glass was filled, “I cannot think you enough, for your hospitality.” So she drink to this, and Theonus as well. The two of them, that night until half past 10:00, they ate and drink and had their fill, in small portions spread out mind you, to get from getting stuffed as some heavy eaters are inclined to do.

Then, at last, it was time to go, and Theonus offered his hand to her, saying “Namia, dear, it’s been wonderful truly, but I fear our time has passed and we must go, I hope to see you again very soon.”

Namia smiled, and took Theonus’ hand as he helped her out of her chair. “Think you, Theonus, for a wonderful eve; I hope to see you again soon if I am able.” So Theonus helped Namia up, and as she rose his hand slid and took from her a money purse which he quickly stole away in his pocket.

When he at last arrived back home, Theonus laughed at said to the mirror “Such a fool was she, beauty lacking brains, when she return home she will find her finances a bit short.” So Theonus drew forth the stolen money purse and loosened its draw string, but he found only one piece of gold, and a rolled up parchment.

Understandably confused, Theonus unrolled the parchment, and read the message written upon; “Theonus, my thanks, for seeing my to dinner, and my thanks also for being such an easy mark, I do hope your pocket book is not too light for too long, I left you a bit to get by for the moment.”

Theonus retrieved his own money purse, and dumped the coins out on the table, all but five had been taken from him.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 2 2005, 04:47 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 2 2005, 09:32 AM)

Tris waved to Ciel to indicate that he was taking a break and dropped down to ground level. Aricyn's horse seemed nervous at being so near his parrapton, so he dismounted and told it to hover above and come when called. He had learned several more commands since his first day out; keeping his palms dry enough to be audible at a distance was still a problem for him, though. He supposed Dunmer really were as dry and ashy as they looked.

"Hey," he said, approaching Aricyn. "New orders?"

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 2 2005, 04:52 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 2 2005, 08:37 AM)

"Perhaps, in a way," Aricyn said, dismounting.

"I noticed your reaction earlier when I said I wished to speak to Sir Ciel about commanding the soldiers...

"I did not mention a task for you, then, not because I can't think of any use for you, but because I didn't think you were a man for pompous speeches.

"I would talk with you now, though."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 2 2005, 04:53 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 2 2005, 09:42 AM)

"Well," Tris said, smiling, "You're talking."

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 2 2005, 04:57 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 2 2005, 08:43 AM)

"Well," Tris said, smiling, "You're talking."

Aricyn noted the distinctly cool tone in the man's voice.

"Yes...

"So tell me, what are you good at? I have no urge to set you to a task that doesn't suit you, and well, quite frankly, I don't know you that well."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 2 2005, 04:58 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 2 2005, 09:47 AM)

"I'm told that I'm charming," Tris said, still with the same smile. "But I'm not sure that the people who say that know me quite well enough to form valid opinions. Oh, and I'm terribly loyal."

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 2 2005, 05:01 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 2 2005, 08:48 AM)

"I'm told that I'm charming," Tris said, still with the same smile. "But I'm not sure that the people who say that know me quite well enough to form valid opinions. Oh, and I'm terribly loyal."

"Charming can be quite useful," Aricyn said with a smile of his own, "and loyalty is a fine trait as well, but I have this odd feeling you aren't referring to loyalty to me.

"Who, then? You obviously wish to say something. Say it."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 2 2005, 05:05 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 2 2005, 09:51 AM)

"Charming can be quite useful," Aricyn said with a smile, "and loyalty is a fine trait as well, but I have this odd feeling you aren't referring to loyalty to me.

"Who, then? You obviously wish to say something. Say it."

"Right then," Tris said. He could feel his face getting hot.

"I'm sure Arynel would say something about forging my own chains, and the General - well, I have no idea what she'd say. She's something above the Emperor, maybe. I'm not. I don't even grasp what those people are talking about when they say the Dunmer rejected the Aedra and moved on to reject the Daedra and then rejected the Tribunal and now they're almost free. Free to be stupid and suffer, as far as I can tell. I worship Dibella, I made my profession when I was thirteen years old. And from the time I was old enough to say my prayers, every night I've said one for the health of the Empire and the health of the Emperor."

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 2 2005, 05:09 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 2 2005, 08:55 AM)

Aricyn's smile changed, but didn't fade.

"I'm not asking for you to pray for my health, and I suggest you continue your prayers for the health of the Empire. It's going to need them.

"I'm not the Emperor. I'll tell you that flatly. I know perfectly well who is. It is not the dying man sitting on the Ruby Throne, though. Any history lesson should convince you of that."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 2 2005, 05:11 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 2 2005, 09:59 AM)

Aricyn's smile changed, but didn't fade.

"I'm not asking for you to pray for my health, and I suggest you continue to pray for the health of the Empire. It's going to need them.

"I'm not the Emperor. I'll tell you that flatly. I know perfectly well who is. It is not the dying man sitting on the Ruby Throne, though. Any history lesson should convince you of that."

"There are words for people like you," Tris said.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 2 2005, 05:18 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 2 2005, 09:01 AM)

"There are words for people like you," Tris said.

"What? A pretender? An usurper? No. Those words are better used for the man who sits in the Imperial City than for me.

"I will happily, with tears of joy in my eyes, step aside and hand any power I have to the one who is the True Emporer, when the time comes for that."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 2 2005, 05:20 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 2 2005, 10:08 AM)

"What? A pretender? A usurper? No. Those words are better used for the man who sits in the Imperial City than for me.

"I will happily, with tears of joy in my eyes, step aside and hand any power I have to the one who is the True Emporer, when the time comes for that."

"You rate yourself too high," Tris said. He could feel that his face had gone from red to white. "The word I was thinking of was traitor."

He drew his sword, leveling it at Aricyn's chest.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 2 2005, 05:24 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 2 2005, 09:10 AM)

"You rate yourself too high," Tris said. He could feel that his face had gone from red to white. "The word I was thinking of was traitor."

He drew his sword, leveling it at Aricyn's chest.

Aricyn eyed the man calmly.

"Put your sword away, man. I don't intend to kill you today."

He turned his back on Tris and stepped to his horse. Kynidius stood grazing on the long weeds under the silent mangrove trees. The wind had died, and it was very still.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 2 2005, 05:28 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 2 2005, 10:14 AM)

"Don't turn your back on me," Tris said through his teeth.

His anger seemed to be bearing him up like wings. Without thinking, he scooped up rocks and dirt with his foot - the bad foot - and kicked them at the horse. A largish pebble struck the horse's rump, and Kynidius started and skittered away, pulling up to look behind him at a distance.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 2 2005, 05:33 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 2 2005, 09:18 AM)

Aricyn watched the horse leap out of his reach. Kynidius always had been rather hot-blooded for his tastes.

He turned, and looked at Tris. All of the man's blood had left his cheeks.

Aricyn knew what would happen next. Next he would turn back to the horse, and then he would hear a quick footstep. The man behind him would swing, and he would draw his own blade and disarm him. He had done it more times than he could count, and by his stance, this man was no swordsman.

He hoped he would be wrong, and he would reach the horse peacefully, but he doubted it.

Aricyn gave the man a slight smile, and turned his back on him again...

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 2 2005, 05:39 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 2 2005, 10:23 AM)

If Aricyn had been a Breton, he would never have turned his back on Tris. It was a deadly insult. But then, a Breton would never have been imitating the Emperor.

"Turn and fight, traitor," Tris cried, lunging forward with his sword. His foot didn't bother him now; the leg minded its own business, and the foot of St. Deothur somehow seemed almost alive, responding to his will. He lunged to stab Aricyn in the back - a stab wound in the back was the mark of a coward everywhere - then changed the angle of his thrust as Aricyn drew his sword.

The clearing was very still, as if Time itself had stopped, not just the wind.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 2 2005, 05:47 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 2 2005, 09:29 AM)

If Aricyn had been a Breton, he would never have turned his back on Tris. It was a deadly insult. But then, a Breton would never have been imitating the Emperor.

"Turn and fight, traitor," Tris cried, lunging forward with his sword. His foot was forgotten now; the leg minded its own business, and the foot of St. Deothur somehow seemed almost alive, responding to his will. He lunged to stab Aricyn in the back - a stab wound in the back was the mark of a coward everywhere - then changed the angle of his thrust as Aricyn drew his sword.

The clearing was very still, as if Time itself had stopped, not just the wind.

The huge greatsword cleared its scabbard gracefully, freezing the air as it swung faster than the eye could follow. It's arc was unstoppable.

Only then did Aricyn turn.

The Breton's sword did not fly from his hand to land in the mangrove trees. Instead, the frozen greatsword went sailing through the dead air, falling flat on the ground with a clatter where it lay, frosting the grass.

Aricyn felt a warm, sharp pain in his hand. Blood poured from the backs of his knuckles and stained his white cloak.

Aricyn looked at the man before him who stood, still white-faced and breathing heavily, but not advancing.

"Well..." said Aricyn calmly, "It looks as if the Gods agree with you."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 2 2005, 05:50 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 2 2005, 10:37 AM)

The huge greatsword cleared its scabbard gracefully, freezing the air as it swung than the eye could follow. It's arc was unstoppable.

Only then did Aricyn turn.

The Breton's sword did not fly from his hand to land in the mangrove trees. Instead, the frozen greatsword went sailing through the dead air, falling flat on the ground with a clatter where it lay, frosting the grass.

Aricyn felt a warm, sharp pain in his hand. Blood poured from the backs of his knuckles and stained his white cloak.

Aricyn looked at the man before him who stood, still white-faced and breathing heavily, but not advancing.

"Well..." said Aricyn calmly, "It looks as if the Gods agree with you."

If Tris gave himself a moment to think, he would start trembling. So he didn't give himself a moment.

Aricyn was a better swordsman than he by far. Aricyn had fought the General to a standstill on a rain-soaked street. Tris was a clumsy swordsman at best, and besides he had only one foot now, which meant he was slow and off-balance.

Don't be foolish, the wind in the trees seemed to tell him. That wasn't your hand.

Tris bowed, quickly and precisely, and flicked the blood from the tip of his blade before returning it to its sheath. Then he rubbed his hands together to summon his parrapton.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 2 2005, 05:54 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 2 2005, 09:40 AM)

Aricyn, ignoring the gash on the back of his hand, retrieved his sword from the ground and slid it back into its home.

He turned and gave Tris a small smile, and watched as he silently mounted his parrapton and returned to watching the fishermen.

Aricyn whistled, and Kynidius came to his side as if nothing in the world had happened.

Posted by: FireMaster Feb 2 2005, 07:34 PM

*Erenius finally awoke in the garden after contemplating all of the past day or two...*

'...Daruhn...' Erenius thinks. 'Where have I heard that before? Something is familiar of that name, but I'm not sure where I have heard it...'

*Erenius stands up and then walks towards the fortified manor, questions in his mind and much distrust against Jazbet and the Dres...*

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 2 2005, 10:57 PM

Dagoth again stood by the sea, contemplating the present situation. He hadn't spoken with Loranna in a few days, probably for the best, for she didn't seem to even care... but this might just be the first tints of jealousy reforming within him, just as his other emotions became to remerge.

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 2 2005, 11:43 PM

Ald Raathim

Jazbet, his seneschal Kallen, and the Morag Tong assassin Kethiah walked through the village. Kallen described the activity, and Jazbet spoke to a few people, hard at work.

'They are working, so they they have less time to get in trouble or fear or complain,' said Jazbet. 'And they are actually helping the situation. We may have a functioning economy for the first time in years.'

'Lord Aricyn might've told your lordship what he was planning to do,' Kallen frowned.

'What does it matter?' asked Jazbet. 'It was something good. You talk as if he's led a revolution against me, when he's merely helped these people help themselves.'

'Something bad always begins as something good,' said Kethiah. 'It is the way of things.'

Jazbet laughed and shrugged off the voices of doom.

Posted by: Aki Feb 3 2005, 12:07 AM

Reichi sat outside in the street, alone. Eya, Tohe, and Camassim had gone off hunting, being that it was daylight, Reichi wasn't able to join them for the type of hunt they planned. Instead Reichi watched as Jazbet, Kallen, and of course, Kethiath walked through the village.

He smiled, his former Brothers and Sisters, the Morag Tong, had survived. Undoubtedly not without a few casualties of course. "Heh, i wonder how the other Daedric Princes feel about Azura's deeds, no doubt she has stolen more than a few of thier worshipers, and her followers killed a great deal more.." he mused aloud.

Reichi was getting sick of seeing Winged Twilights, he wanted to see Dremoras, Ogrims, Atronachs, hell, he'd even settle for one of Mephala's spider Daedra by this point. Azura's minions were grating on his nerves.

"Winged Twilights are replacing Cliffracers as the annoying flying objects in morrowind.."

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 3 2005, 01:32 AM

Dagoth felt an unusual loneliness; not speaking to Loranna for a few days was getting to him negatively.

'Loranna.... you busy?'

Posted by: Loranna Feb 3 2005, 01:37 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Feb 2 2005, 07:22 PM)

Dagoth felt an unusual loneliness; not speaking to Loranna for a few days was getting to him negatively.

'Loranna.... you busy?'

Loranna, in the midst of finishing up the distribution of provisions and medicines for the day, perks up noticably when she hears Dagoth's thoughts.

Dear, she says, reaching out to try and embrace his thoughts, I've been bad about keeping in touch, forgive me; I'll be free in a few minutes, meet me down at the tavern? I could use some hot food.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 3 2005, 01:38 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 2 2005, 06:27 PM)

Dagoth just mentally nodded. 'Sure love... sure. I should be there before you even leave...'

Posted by: Shardie Feb 3 2005, 01:41 AM

Although she knew he was at the tavern, it took Shardie a while to find the place, and even then, he was long gone... Maranda sighed, and relaxed in the snow. Winterhold in Winter was not a nice place to be, she thought, she found a room, and stayed the night. The next evening, Maranda returned to the tavern, the Hungry Wolf Tavern it was called. She enqired at the bar of this mans location, and was pointed to a corner booth. Maranda slowly walked over, and asked
'Do you mind if I sit here?'
'I knew you would come, Maranda Dorana' Malzar said, pulling down his red cloak, and revealing his old, raggard nordic face. Maranda, on the other hand, was in complete shock... Dorana? How did he know that name? Her true sirname, she had not told it to anyone...
'But how, you are thinking, Miss Dorana, do I know your name? I am a spy, that is what I am paid to do. Please, sit,' Malzar said, guesturing to the seat, Maranda sat down as the old Nord continued, 'However, I am surprised that you managed to track me down so fast. have you come to finish what you started in Narsis?'
'What did I start in Narsis?' Maranda asked
'You do not remember? You killed a part of me. Now it is time to settle the score, come, let us finish this...' he said standing up
'But I don't want a fight!' Maranda said
'But I do...' Malzar replied as he left the tavern onto the snowy street, Maranda followed, 'for the death of my daughter...'

Posted by: Loranna Feb 3 2005, 01:43 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Feb 2 2005, 07:28 PM)

Dagoth just mentally nodded. 'Sure love... sure. I should be there before you even leave...'

Loranna frowns a little, which confuses the people around her.

All right; I'll be there in ten minutes, she tells Dagoth, turning and smiling to the last few people she has to deal with today. "All right; now then, these supplies are for the Dinneri ..."

Eventually, Loranna finishes up and heads for the tavern, her stomach growling slightly.

Posted by: Shardie Feb 3 2005, 01:47 AM

'Let us take this somewhere else, somewhere so no one will get harmed' Malzar said, slowly walking down the snowy street… the snow, was melting, despite the clear night, to the west, fierce storm clouds were brewing… This was an ominous sign, thought Maranda, as she followed the aged captain towards a Cathedral Tower. The wind started to blow heavily, as they reached the gate, the priest gladly opening the door for old Malzar and his Breton Mistress, as he thought of Maranda, at his first look, but was perplexed to see the two of them make their way, not into the main temple to Kyne, but to the stairs leading to the bell tower. The priest put this concern to the back of his mind as he resumed cleaning duties. Maranda and Malzar, on the other hand, climbed the tower to its absolute Pinnacle, and pulled themselves onto the small roof of the ancient Cathedral. The Storm was rolling in fast, lightning struck a nearby tree, as the heavy rain, and hail started bucketing down. Malzar drew his ebony Longsword, and his Ebony Shield, and turned to face Maranda. Maranda drew her sword, no, Shardie's Sword more correctly, in reply.
Malzar whispered something under his breath… 'For those unforgettable days, For them, I live…'

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 3 2005, 02:01 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 2 2005, 06:33 PM)

Dagoth appeared in an empty, and open, room in the tavern, and made his way over to the room where 'normal' people entered, disguised of course.

'Now I just wait for her to show up...'

Posted by: Loranna Feb 3 2005, 02:04 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Feb 2 2005, 07:51 PM)

Dagoth appeared in an empty, and open, room in the tavern, and made his way over to the room where 'normal' people entered, disguised of course.

'Now I just wait for her to show up...'

Loranna appears moments later, and sees Dagoth in disguise. She smiles at him and quickly orders herself some mead and meat.

"Hi," she says, sitting down at Dagoth's table. " ... Things have been busy around here; how have you been, love?"

Her tone conveys a note of concern.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 3 2005, 02:06 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 2 2005, 06:54 PM)

Dagoth's illusion smiles a bit. 'I have been... well, lonely... but otherwise fine.... I think.'

Posted by: Shardie Feb 3 2005, 02:08 AM

Seven years ago, Winterhold…
She ran, and ran… no matter how far or fast she ran, they would always catch up to her… It was a mistake joining the Imperial Cult, even more of a mistake reporting that incident to the Priest, all that time back in Sentinel Now Father Sirius's allies were closing in on her, once more… However, this time, she could tell from their last encounter, they were really angry. She could not be confident of holding off Sirius's allies again… they were close, she could hear their mailed footsteps right behind her. Her sword was blunted, her Shield was unusable, her armour was in ruins… there was someone in front of her, who was it? No matter, He was on horseback, and he was her only hope. She fell to the ground in front of him, and whispered weakly a single word, 'Help'
The Knight looked down at the girl, and then looked at her perusers, before dismounting, and Drawing his Ebony Longsword, on which, was the symbol of the Royal Guard of Winterhold. As the blade left the bodies of her perusers, the knight bent down on one knee to look at the poor Redguard girl before her.
'What is your name?' He asked
'Shardie' was the weak reply

Posted by: Loranna Feb 3 2005, 02:10 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Feb 2 2005, 07:56 PM)

Dagoth's illusion smiles a bit. 'I have been... well, lonely... but otherwise fine.... I think.'

Loranna looks a little sad. " ... I've been kind of running around doing my own things, I admit, and spending my nights ..." she says, trailing off.

" ... Too bad no one else really knows you well enough to talk with you; it's no good being all alone especially at times like this," she mutters, squeezing Dagoth's hand.

Posted by: Shardie Feb 3 2005, 02:12 AM

Five years ago, Winterhold
'Why must I go?' Shardie asked her Mentor, ever since that day, she had been like his own daughter, thought Malzar, happily, and like all children, she would have to leave the nest at one point
'This is your first mission for your monarch, Shardie,' Malzar said, a smile on his face indicating his feelings of Joy at this moment, 'an important mission. The infidels in Morrowind have been our ancient enemies for Centuries. You must infiltrate one of the Great Houses and send back intelligence for your king.'
Tears started to swell in Shardie's eyes, 'I do not want to go, though! You have been so kind to me, you have treated me like your own daughter! I shall miss you dearly!'
'Then take this Ebony Longblade as a memento of mine,' Malzar said, handing her his sword, 'May it bring back the memories of those unforgettable days… however, a chick must leave its nest, as must you,' Malzar clutched a sliver locket around his neck, holding back his tears as best he could, 'Go, and make me proud!'
As Shardie left the room, Malzar slumped into a chair, and burst out in tears

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 3 2005, 02:16 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 2 2005, 07:00 PM)

Dagoth knows what Loranna was going to say when she trailed off, without reading her thoughts. 'I understand Loranna... you are right, being alone is worse then being dead... and for a while, I was both... but I don't wish to upset you anymore then I have.'

He says telepathically, while trying to wrap his thoughts around Loranna's, and trying to comfort both her and himself.

Posted by: Shardie Feb 3 2005, 02:17 AM

Fifteen Days Ago, Narsis
'Oh, I am so happy to see you, papa' Shardie cried, as Malzar walked into the tavern
'As am I, my dear,' Malzar replied, as they embraced, and made their way into the tavern, 'A mead please!'
'A water please,' Shardie shouted to the bartender, who begrudgingly went to get their orders
'Your mission has been a success, my dear, you are to return to Winterhold at once, I shall observe the situation from hence fourth in…' Malzar said, as his mead was served to him, he looked at the sword by Shardie's side, it was a nice blade, yes, but it was not the Ebony Blade he had given her all those years ago, Shardie spoke first,
'I lost it in a battle, not too long ago. I am sorry, papa' Shardie said, tears forming in her eyes, 'I tried to find it again, but I bet it was looted'
'Do not fear, once I return from Vivec in a few days, we can relive those wonderful days of the past… I must go, I have to meet a contact…' Malzar left the tavern, noticing a young white robed Breton enter as he left. He circled the block a couple of times, before entering the allyway where he was to meet his contact, who stood there, looking at the body laying before them,
'I came too late,' the contact said, 'I saw a Breton in a White Robe flee the scene with a gold sword…'
'It does not matter, follow that Breton, and keep me up to date…' Malzar said, slowly bending over the body of Shardie, laying there, looking serine even in death. 'What is my reason to live now?' he asked himself… since the death of his wife, Shardie was the only thing he lived for, whilst those long years she was posted in Morrowind, those unforgettable memories, kept him going, but now, it was all gone. He had no reason to live now… but this was not the time to grieve, not the time for vengeance, he had a mission to acomplish…

Posted by: Loranna Feb 3 2005, 02:24 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Feb 2 2005, 08:06 PM)

Loranna sighs, her expression growing serious.

... Dear, I'm the one who has let her heart fall for two men, she says to Dagoth. It's not a question of you upsetting me.

... Jazbet has needed someone to comfort him recently; the stress of events and his visions are a great burden - but you deserve attention too. I do think it would help if you could find some way to connect more with other people, but we've bared our souls to each other; we should try to do more together, or at least come to some sort of understanding about how much time we can spend together. I do love you; it's not the same love I feel for Jazbet but it's there just the same. I don't want to leave you feeling alone and abandoned.

Posted by: Shardie Feb 3 2005, 02:25 AM

Winterhold, Bell Tower, Cathedral of Kyne
'You robbed me of my meaning, my very reason for being on this planet, the Memories that sustained me for so long have now vanished, as have their source, Maranda, prepare for my divine Vengeance!' Malzar charged towards Maranda, his sword ready to strike. Anticipating this, Maranda parried this blow with her White-Gold Sword, but even using one hand on the blade to supress the blow still pushed her back. Malzar spat, bulling his sword back for another strike, but Maranda Ducked, and launched herself at Malzar. However, Malzar had taught Shardie everything he had known, and was an expert with the shield. Blocking the blow was childsplay, and allowed Malzar to easily counter, Maranda managed to block this heavy blow, but it pushed her to the edge of the small roof of the bell tower. Seeing herself in a corner, Maranda cast slowfall, and jumped onto the roof of the Cathedral, Malzar followed. He swung his sword once more, but Maranda skillfully dodged this blow, delivering a slash of her own, yet Malzars superior Block skills easily withstood this attack. Maranda Jumped back, and circled her opponent. Now, the tower was at her back, there was no where to go but forward. Maranda Charged with a flurry of Slashes, each one easily deflected by Malzar's shield, but the force of the blows forced the old warrior to the edge of the roof, the busy street below… Maranda took a step back, closed her eyes, and fired a Fireball at Malzar, the force of which threw him off the roof. Maranda jumped after him, her sword facing down… Malzar had cast Slowfall, so she easily caught up to him, her sword found its way in a chink of his armour, and pierced his heart, the force of her falling speeding the prosess. As she approched the ground, Maranda cast Slowfall. She hit the ground slowly, and drew her sword from his armour
'For those unforgetable days… for them, I lived…' were the last words out of his mouth. Maranda said a small prayer to this departed hero's soul. He was at a better place, indeed… She cast her recall spell

OOC, there, I have finished. Maranda is out of the RP intill the time I get an Internet Connection at my new place. Have fun RPing, everyone!

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 3 2005, 02:25 AM

Solunastra:

Dragon had solved the problem of Tamne summoning her guardian Twilight. He simply took the sleeping child - she didn't wake in his arms - to the dungeon, and woke her there. When she summoned the Daedra, he yanked her out of the cell, leaving the Twilight inside, and set magical wards that would hold a Daedra. The Winged Twilight screamed in fury, the child bit him, but their efforts were futile.

"Well, miss," Dragon said, picking the little girl up under one arm and starting up the stone stairs with her. "Now I suppose you'll try being civil."

He set her down in the common room. She rushed him, then as soon as she saw that her fists and teeth were making no impression, she backed into the corner, trembling and so pale, beneath her dusky Dunmer skin, that she looked like a granite statue. For several long minutes she seemed to be having a fit, or going into shock, alternating gulping breaths with long intervals in which she didn't seem to breathe at all. Then she rushed at the fireplace, reaching in to grasp a flaming brand, and hit him with it as hard as she could.

Skein, who had been quietly reading, looked up and raised her hands to cast a sleep spell. Instantly the little girl let out a wail.

"No! I'll be good. Please don't put me to sleep again."

Dragon was hard put to it to keep the admiration off of his face. Clever child, to think that fire would hurt him worse than it would hurt her, with her Dunmer fire resistance. He slapped the sparks from his clothes, pried the flaming brand from her fingers, and saw that her little palms were reddened, but not scorched. She drank a healing potion without a struggle, although she made a face like a cat being dosed. And when they ate, she ate too.

With the Twilight safely locked away, Tamne could be given the freedom of the house - although she was never truly alone, and Skein's prescience provided an early warning system.

Igba gra-Buznak, who normally didn't allow anyone in her kitchen, made an exception for Tamne.

"She's probably looking for an opportunity to get a knife," Dragon warned her.

"Bless the child, she can't hurt me," Igba said. And so Tamne played on the floor, quietly, while the heavy-set Orc woman stepped around her and went about her business.

There was another child in the kitchen: Timmon, the page. A pleasant Breton lad of about nine years old. One of the General's projects, although a small one.

Timmon was shy; it took him all of one day to work up the nerve to speak to Tamne.

"Is it true you have no parents?" he whispered. "I haven't either. I never had a father and then my mother died of sickness."

"Oh?" Tamne said. "Why are you here?"

"I came here on my own," Timmon said. "And the mistress was good enough to take me in, even though I was too young to do any work then and no one else would make a place for me."

"So you're a servant?" Tamne said. "You should have sworn to Azura, then no one would dare to make a servant out of you. You see your mistress didn't make me into a servant."

"That's not because she doesn't dare," the boy said. "It's because you're a girl and girls don't have to make their own way in the world. So they can grow up useless and no one minds, as long as they're pretty."

"Am I pretty?" Tamne asked, leaving aside the question of whether she was useless for this more fascinating question.

Timmon considered her impartially. "You'd be all right, if your eyes didn't stare so."

Tamne let out a shriek not unlike that of her imprisoned Twilight. "LIAR! You take that back or I'll scratch your eyes out!"

The scuffle brought Igba instantly and Dragon in a few moments.

"Now then, what's this?" Dragon demanded, pinning Tamne's arms and speaking to Timmon. "What did you do to upset her?"

"She can't hurt me, she's only a little girl," Timmon said loftily. "I only said I didn't like the look of her eyes."

Dragon frowned. "You'll apologize, and that right suddenly, or I'll let her recoup her honor on your face, lad."

"I won't lie, now will I?" Timmon said. Although normally a cool-headed child, he was inclined to be strong-willed when he felt himself in the right.

"It's not a matter of lying," Dragon said. "You don't insult a lady's looks. You had done better to have held your tongue."

"Well, then, I'm sorry, I'm sure," Timmon said. The pinioned Tamne let out another unearthly shriek, and Timmon stepped back a pace. He seemed to reconsider. "Now, I didn't mean it, and just when we were getting to be friends."

"You're not my friends," Tamne said, in such a fury that she could barely get the words out. "I hate you all."

"And on that pleasant note, I think we'd better put you to bed," Dragon said. "Where's the General when you need her? You need a bath, young lady, and you're too old for me to give you one."

"I can bathe her," said the housekeeper, who had come into the room. "But perhaps you should go and get the Mistress."

"I'll return shortly," Dragon said. He let go of Tamne's shoulders experimentally, and the child didn't rush at Timmon. She simply drooped. Dragon said a string of power, and emerged in the General's quarters in Jazbet's castle.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 3 2005, 02:29 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 2 2005, 07:14 PM)

Dagoth's illusion's eyes appear to moist a bit. 'I understand... but when everyone else just shuns me, fears me, hates me, or uses me, or all of these at once, it becomes hard to connect with anything. All I've had were a bunch of dead things and magic and dusty tomes to keep me company before I met you. I just... *sigh* I know you don't want me to feel alone... but the feeling can creep in sometimes when you aren't around. My emotions have been... rampant as of late. Ones I forgot I even had are remerging....'

Posted by: Loranna Feb 3 2005, 02:34 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Feb 2 2005, 08:19 PM)

Loranna frowns.

... Perhaps there's something you can do to help out here, she suggests. Something to let you get back in contact with people again. Or at least those of us who understand you're not someone to be feared or shunned, but accepted as a good soul.

We could talk to either Aricyn or Jazbet about this; I'm sure either of them could suggest something. I'd imagine your wealth of magic knowledge could be helpful; heck, I ...

Loranna blushes a bit. ... I've been wanting to ask you if perhaps you could tutor me in some protective spells, so I can be of more use around here when and if the fighting reaches us again ...

Posted by: Arynel Feb 3 2005, 02:35 AM

Arynel silently entered the tavern. The Breton noted Loranna speaking to a stranger, but said nothing, instead he took a seat and began tracing the woodgrain of the table.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 3 2005, 02:41 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 2 2005, 07:24 PM)

Dagoth holds Loranna's chin, sorry that he is burdening her with his problems, though he doesn't say it out loud. 'Well... for the first thing, we'll see. For the tutoring thing, I would be happy to help as much as I can...' He smiles as he mentions the tutoring thing.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 3 2005, 02:46 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Feb 2 2005, 08:31 PM)

Loranna grins, and raises her mug to Arynel in greeting.

We might as well try; maybe getting back into the thick of mortal events for a bit will help you feel less lonely, she says. Tutoring me will definitely give us more reason to spend time together too ...

"Arynel, quick question if I may," Loranna asks. "Have you seen either Aricyn or Jazbet recently, and if so, where were they?"

Posted by: Arynel Feb 3 2005, 02:48 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 2 2005, 06:36 PM)

Arynel looked up from the table, and turned his attention briefly to Loranna.

"No, I have not seen them in quite some time." The Breton said. "If you would like to see Jazbet, then I would suggest you visit his estate, surely they will know where to find him, if you would like to see Aricyn, mention the Tibererine, as I am sure some loyal zealot will point the way."

Posted by: Aki Feb 3 2005, 02:51 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Feb 2 2005, 08:38 PM)

"I am sure some loyal zealot will point the way."

Reichi, who had been quietly suffering from a severve case of boredom, began sounding out the word 'zealot' in diffrent ways. "Zel-ot, Zeal-ot, Zealo-t, Zelo-t, Z.." he rambled on.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 3 2005, 02:56 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 2 2005, 07:36 PM)

He smiles a bit more with this. 'I figure you're right... teaching always was something of a hobby of mine before I met you... and spending time with you always is a pleasure... I'll do it... if you find the time.'

Posted by: Loranna Feb 3 2005, 03:00 AM

Loranna gives Reichi a modestly funny look. "Er, huh ..."

Smiling at Dagoth, she promises "I'll make the time, don't worry; I've been meaning to practice brewing fatigue restoring potions anyway ..."

Frowning at Arynel, Loranna says " ... and on a slightly related note, thinking over what I said last time, it occured to me I spoke more out of a reflexive need to try and say something rather than having something fully formed to say - and thus I only made a bad situation worse. I apologize for that."

Posted by: Arynel Feb 3 2005, 03:03 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 2 2005, 06:50 PM)

"Apologize? Don't." Arynel said.

The Breton tapped on the wooden table top.

"Say what you will, but make sure you know what you're saying, and don't leave a thought half finished, take the path to its end or do not set foot in the first place."

Posted by: Teleran Feb 3 2005, 03:05 AM

The hunters were moving well through the area, many of the groups had already returned laden with hides and meat, but a few had yet to return. Teleran was beginning to think that the day would pass without event, when a horn was blown in the distance. Teleran called Vilyanna to him and leapt astride her.

'Dammit,' he though to himself, 'They better not die on me.' He sped into the sky and soon came upon the band of hunters running disorganizedly toward Ald Raathim. There were no winged twilights in sight as Teleran surveyed the area, there was no trace of any Azurites. He swooped down next to the running mer, hoping they would have the wherewithal to recognize him before jumping at the sight of the parrapton so close. He was reminded that they would have ample warning from the buzzing a parrapton made when they turned to look into the skies and waved frantically at him.

"What happened?" he demanded as they hailed him.

"Th-thing in the wo-oods, f-f-faster tha-an a s-silt stri-ider. It ra-ran upri-ight l-l-like a ma-man, bu-b-but it ha-had a snout w-with gle-gleaming f-fangs. It wa-was a monster." Said one of the hunters, shaking like a leaf.

"Not an Azurite then, good. I'll take care of it, you just head back to camp, do you still have what you caught?" Teleran asked, relieved that there were not Azurites here, if there were, there would be a battle, and many of these men would have died. They were his responsibility.

'I'm going to have to talk to Reichi about this, his friends need to be more careful when they change. It's not even night yet, dammit; in the middle of a refugee camp, they are going to get themselves killed if they don't watch it.' Teleran thought to himself.

'I know a way to make sure they don't harm a soul.' stated the voice.

'No. They just have to use a bit more self-control. I dread to think what would have happened if they had actually run into the hunters.' Teleran muttered to himself, skimming the treetops, hunting wolves.

Posted by: Aki Feb 3 2005, 03:05 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 2 2005, 08:50 PM)

Loranna gives Reichi a modestly funny look. "Er, huh ..."

"Sorry; really bored..." Reichi replied with a slight grin. Luckily, he had recently cleraned his teeth, so he didn't have chunk of flesh stuck in his teeth. Something that wouldn't have been too hard to explain, unless someone was able to discern what the meat came off of.

Reichi began juggling the Dagger of Senses while leaning back in his chair.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 3 2005, 03:10 AM

"Ah," Loranna says to Reichi. "I see ..."

To Arynel, Loranna replies "That's good advice; I'll follow it. Thank you ..."

She looks like she's considering saying something more, then shakes her head. " ... Might as well start now," she says, more to herself.

Posted by: Arynel Feb 3 2005, 03:13 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 2 2005, 07:00 PM)

Arynel said nothing more to Loranna, and the Breton merely returned his attention to the wooden table top.

Posted by: Aki Feb 3 2005, 03:16 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Feb 2 2005, 08:55 PM)

'No. They just have to use a bit more self-control. I dread to think what would have happened if they had actually run into the hunters.' Teleran muttered to himself, skimming the treetops, hunting wolves.

Through the treetops a black shape could seen speeding through the forest. Obviously startled by the sound of the parrapton. A 'hand' movement was made and two other shapes, one that could only be discerned as white, and vaguely lupine from the distance and its speed and other, smaller but a light brown lupine as well, scattered in diffrent directions.

The black shape stopped, and stood, its shape became more recognizable, resembling a wolf, but it walked on two legs. It looked at the Parrapton, red eyes staring for a moment, upon recognizing the rider, the beast took off at full speed.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 3 2005, 03:20 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 2 2005, 07:50 PM)

Dagoth just smiles and says. 'Okay then... sounds good. When you make the time, you know where to find me... and incase you don't, I'll be by the beach.' He says this, slightly strengthening his mind's embrace around Loranna.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 3 2005, 03:23 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Feb 2 2005, 09:10 PM)

Loranna grins at Dagoth as she returns the mental embrace. Well, I definitely know where to find you now, she says.

I should finish eating and then check up on some stuff, then I figure I can take a couple of hours or so to be tutored. The beach sounds as nice a place to do so as anywhere so long as it's quiet.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 3 2005, 03:29 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 2 2005, 08:13 PM)

Dagoth nods. 'Don't worry, I know just the place. When you get done, come find me. I'll have a few things ready...'

Posted by: Loranna Feb 3 2005, 03:31 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Feb 2 2005, 09:19 PM)

Dagoth nods. 'Don't worry, I know just the place. When you get done, come find me. I'll have a few things ready...'

All right, Loranna says, turning her attention back to her food.

... We can chat about little things while I eat, if you like ...

Loranna and Dagoth make small talk for a bit while Loranna eats, and when her meal is finished the two head out to their respective tasks.

Posted by: Teleran Feb 3 2005, 03:31 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Feb 2 2005, 05:06 PM)

The black shape stopped, and stood, its shape became more recognizable, resembling a wolf, but it walked on two legs. It looked at the Parrapton, red eyes staring for a moment, upon recognizing the rider, the beast took off at full speed.

Seeing the shapes rear up from the forest Teleran urged Vilyanna to increase her speed. "This is more than enough Camissan, Eya, Tohe, change back before I do something you'll regret." Teleran's words were lost even to his own ears as he sped through the air giving chase. There was no way even a werewolf could match a parrapton's pace for any legth of time. He would catch up soon enough, though he was not sure what he would do if they didn't transform back. Actually, come to think of it, he didn't know whether they could change back at will. 'I had to go and accept responsibility for the hunters, didn't I? Now what am I gonna do?'

'I already told you what you are going to do, you are going to-'

'Unacceptable.' It would be a matter of moments before he was directly over the werewolves, he drew his spear, 'I hope they don't force me to do ...something.'

Posted by: Aki Feb 3 2005, 03:39 AM

Seeing the drawn spear, The large black werewolf suddenly veered of his course to intercept the brown one's. The white werewolf had gone missing.
When the small brown one and black one met, then continued onward as if nothing happened.

Suddenly, a barrage of rocks issue from a tree, aimed at the parrapton's wings. Insect wings, while their fast beats allowed for a hovering capacity, were notoriously fragile.

The white werewolf leapt from the tree and ran after the others.

Posted by: Teleran Feb 3 2005, 04:01 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Feb 2 2005, 05:29 PM)

Vilyanna moved quickly after the brow and black wolves, whe a barrage of rocks came flying at ther from the side. A few of the rocks bounced harmlessly off of her carapace, but they were mostly headed for the wings, not that it was easy to aim for a parrapton flying at that speed.

'I'll have to congratulate to the white one on her aim if I ever get the chance,' he thought as he rapidly gained altitude to avoid the barrage, and halted the rocks he could not avoid in midair, before sending them rapidly downwards at the three wolves, his aim wasn't so bad either.

He hoped they would give up running soon. If they didn't he would just have to chase them until they turned back to humans, even if he had to do it on foot. He did not give up the chase easily. Looking to the horizon he realized it was not far to the Azurite village he had raided. He refocused on his quarry.
---------
Almost all of the hunting parties, excepting a few stragglers, had come back to Ald Raathim. Rumors started to spread among them of an evil in the forest. With each telling it grew, until at some point that no one could discern, Teleran became the beast, he had command of the mother of all winged twilights, and he had carried off some of the hunters as food. The ones who had actually seen the beast laughed this off, but the men who had jumped him earlier began to claim that they had seen it coming, something wrong with him, he was diseased and could not be allowed to survive. Yes, he was an Azurite-spawned monstrosity. He was here to kill them all. For the moment the story stayed among the hunters.

Posted by: Aki Feb 3 2005, 04:11 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Feb 2 2005, 09:51 PM)

They were done running. All three stopped, the brown one getting hit with several rocks of the rocks. They came into better focus now, the brown was was crosscrossed with scars, most notable of course, were the five diagonal slashes across his face, the white one had patches of black fur marring her otherwise white coat, and ice blue eyes. The black one, aside from his large frame and red eyes, had one distinguishing feature, dreadlocks. Tohe, Eya, and Camassim.

The Tohe and Camassim snarled fearsomely, Eyamatained a blank expression. Despite the expression, she was, if not more, ready as the other two.

Posted by: Teleran Feb 3 2005, 04:21 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Feb 2 2005, 06:01 PM)

They stopped. Teleran overshot them but came around and leaped from Vilyanna to land on the ground, out of reach of a quick pounce. 'I may respect the Hounds, but I have no wish to be one.' Teleran fell into a defensive stance and yelled to them. "Change back so we can talk, I don't want this to end in blood." His spear pulsed with ready enchantments, he could get of here if things turned ugly, but he didn't feel like running.

'Once again you talk when you should kill, not even a werewolf can survive having his throat torn out, and it would serve you well to remember that you can't either.'

Posted by: Aki Feb 3 2005, 04:28 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Feb 2 2005, 10:11 PM)

All three looked at each other, then to Teleran. Tohe made a sort of chuckling noise, as if amused, Camassim shrugged at Teleran, Eya made an attempt at speach, "Crhufft" was all that came out.

Meanwhile, back in Ald Raathim, Reichi played a game of throwing daggers at a board. The Dagger of Senses helped immensely, he could have thrown the dagger blindfolded.

Posted by: Teleran Feb 3 2005, 04:36 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Feb 2 2005, 06:18 PM)

Teleran stood staring at the three wolves, they had not moved towards him, but they had not changed back to human form yet either. Were they planning an attack, or laughing at his stupidity for asking them to do something impossible. He wished he could understand what "Crhufft" meant. He relaxed his stance, but he still gripped his spear as tightly as ever, and he began searching the surroundings for natural weapons to be utilised if they did attack. "Can you change back? Do so if you can, say whatever it was you just said if you can't."

'GET ON WITH IT!'

He waited for a response. Hoping it would not be a lunge for him.

Posted by: Aki Feb 3 2005, 04:46 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Feb 2 2005, 10:26 PM)

"Crhufft", was the response, the 'word' had no meaning. Just the result of trying to speak a normal word. Tohe stopped his laughing and sat down, the other two remained standing.

Posted by: Teleran Feb 3 2005, 04:55 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Feb 2 2005, 06:36 PM)

"Crhufft", was the response, the 'word' had no meaning. Just the result of trying to speak a normal word. Tohe stopped his laughing and sat down, the other two remained standing.

"Well, at least you can understand me well enough. Listen, You just had a very close thing with some of my hunters. I don't want you killing them and I don't think you want to die either, and that's what it would come down to if you had actually come into contact with them. Now if this were the night of the full moon and you had no other choice, I might understand, but you did this yourselves. That could have ended very badly. As it is I don't know how I'll explain what they saw to them." Teleran was, if anything, unnerved by the seeming relaxation of the werewolves. In the back of his mind he heard grumblings that could not be made into words, but they sounded angry.

"If you need to eat, we're entering Azurite territory. I'm sure I can lure some Azurites over here, they seem to have a worse case of bloodlust than any werewolf. And no one back at camp will miss them."

Posted by: Aki Feb 3 2005, 05:02 AM

The three grinned at the same time, and nodded. Tohe stood, brushing himself off. Camassim motioned for Teleran to lead the way.

Posted by: Teleran Feb 3 2005, 05:13 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Feb 2 2005, 06:52 PM)

The three grinned at the same time, and nodded. Tohe stood, brushing himself off. Camassim motioned for Teleran to lead the way.

Teleran grinned maliciously and the dagger stopped mumbling and seemed to be anticipating the coming battle. Teleran shook his head at Tohe and incicated that he would not be walking. Teleran leapt for the heavens and almost reached them. He spied the remains of a fire pit to the West, and a small band of mer heading this way had just some around a hill from that direction. What drew Teleran's attention the most were the creatures that were holding their belongings. Winged twilights for packhorses, that could mean only one thing, Azurites. As he landed a few dozen meters towards the group of mer. He announced to Camassim, that there was a small group of Azurites just over a mile distant to the West. Then he turned to run towards the Azurites' location, it would only be a few minutes. He wondered if he could keep pace with the werewolves, he doubted it.

'At least I'll get to kill something today.' muttered the dagger, 'It was getting downright dull.'

Posted by: Tricrux Feb 3 2005, 05:20 AM

A Good Deal Less Than Fifteen km South of Ald Raathim

Celeste felt the bloodlust surging through her, knowing that the five of them were moving against Ald Raathim at last, infiltrating. Her Twilight was beside her, bearing her weapons and supplies to live off the land.

It was only a matter of time, now...

None of them saw or heard anyone else nearby.

Posted by: Aki Feb 3 2005, 05:28 AM

Teleran was right to doubt his ability to keep up with the Werewolves; they took off with incredible speed. Soon enough however, they slowed, seeking a stealthy aproach. While the Werewolf was a killing machine, it was designed for hunting, not massive battles. Even if it was a small skirmish, it wasn't wise to run straight into combat. Ever.

The Werewolves surrounded the Azurites. Tohe and Eya remained hidden ahead of the group, Camassim circled from behind. Suddenly, the massive black beast leapt out, jumping onto an Azurite, claws tearing into and through his back.

Posted by: Teleran Feb 3 2005, 05:34 AM

Realizing he could not match the speed or the stealth of a werewolf Teleran backed off his pace so he would not break the werewolves concealment. As he saw Camassin tear into one he leapt into the air hir spear splitting the air before him. He came down with tremedous force, the wind whistled, protesting his descent, and a winged twilight found itself pinned to the ground before it could react.

'My turn! MY turn! MY TURN!' yelled the dagger.

Posted by: Tricrux Feb 3 2005, 05:36 AM

Celeste whirled, shrieking. A werewolf attack! This was entirely unexpected. They had been told to expect border patrols, perhaps, but sheerly bloodthirsty hunt beasts were something else.

From her right she saw a werewolf in the air, on its way to her. Its fang sank into her as she moved away, ripping into her skin and dress. She stumbled, then fell. On the ground, she fumbled for her Recall Amulet. Her Twilight by this time had dumped her equipment. The next slash from the werewolf was met with a wing. The Twilight died on the spot, and the spell ended.

Celeste activated the amulet.

She stumbled into camp.

Posted by: Aki Feb 3 2005, 05:43 AM

One had gotten away, Camassim snorted, a minor setback, of course, he was thinking in the short term. A Twilight and Azurite fell as Tohe and Eya leapt from their posistions.

Posted by: Teleran Feb 3 2005, 05:45 AM

Teleran crushed the next twilight's skull with his gauntlet before it could drop the bags it held, but when he turned for the next it had vanished, disappearing with the death of its master. Teleran whirled his spear making a razor sharp circle around his position, splitting an Azurite's belly open and releasing her entrails. He leapt out of the battle as he recognized that being in the middle of a rout with werewolves may lead to difficulties in telling friend from foe. He called to Vilyanna who caught him before he landed.

Posted by: Tricrux Feb 3 2005, 05:58 AM

A Good Deal Less Than Fifteen km South of Ald Raathim

Cuts-Many-Throats, the Argonian, was the only Azurite standing in their stealth party. His Twilight spread its wings around him protectively. As the wolves swarmed around, Cuts-Many-Throats turned and fled. Panic surged through him, adrenaline and anger.

Azura would protect him, he thought. He could run. He would make it back to camp...

But he wouldn't. He would not get far.

Posted by: Aki Feb 3 2005, 06:07 AM

The Argonian was pounced upon by Tohe, while Camassim kept the Twilight busy. The werewolf hooked a clawed hand around the Argonian's throat, and ripped it open. The Argonian fell, dead, cold blood spilling on the warm ground. The Twilight vanished. The only other suriviving Azurite, currently lying on the ground with a belly split open by Teleran's spear gasped and tried to flee as best as she could.

Eya had administered a similar fate to the Azurite before that could happen. Then the Werewolves fed. Unlike the Azurites, these three knew they couldn't count on their patron Prince for support.

Ald Raathim

Reichi meanwhile, in a fit of boredom, trying to picture what a Argonian transforming into a Werewolf would be like. It would definatly look very odd. Reptile to mammal, lizard to wolf.

Posted by: Dumbkid Feb 3 2005, 06:19 AM

The old Dunmer, adorned in his netch leather leggings and moccasins, as well as his bone breastplate and skin patterned with ceremonial hues, stepped into the tavern in Maar Gan. The mer behind the counter looked up, grunted, and then returned his attention to his work, wiping an old rag up and down the length of the counter.

The old Dunmer eyed the crowed, the tavern was sparsely filled, and he approached the man behind the counter. “Is there any news?” The old Dunmer asked, “Any rumors going around?”

“Biggest news of late concerns that business down in Vivec City, and the blue eyed devils.” The mer behind the counter answered, before returning to his work.

“I don’t know your face.” A Dunmer seated at a nearby table said. “Name yourself, or go back to your yurt.” Three other Dunmer seated throughout the tavern moved suspiciously in their seats.

The old Dunmer turned his attention to the Dunmer who had spoken. “I am Ald-Card-Julan.” He said.

The tavern grew immediately silent, and the Dunmer who had spoken turned his attention to the table at which he was seated. The mer behind the counter dropped a plate.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 3 2005, 08:16 AM

Inside was the last place Aricyn wanted to be after his confrontation with Tris. He wanted to feel the wind on his cheeks, and so he rode Kynidius back up the familiar hill. When he dismounted, however, he could no longer feel the wind, for the air was dead still.

He sat on the cool rock with a bone needle and twine, stiching up the gash on the back of his right hand.

'The Gods agree with you...'

All Nord men could sew. This was the reason why. He tied off the end of the grisley darning, cut the twine with his teeth, and flexed his hand.

'Not deep enough to have cut anything important. I'll live.'

Suddenly, the wind awoke from its slumber and whipped over the hilltop, bringing with it the scent of a stranger. The old wolf sat up and whuffed.

Aricyn stood, and watched a young boy run up the hill, waving something as he ran.

"Serjo! Serjo!" he called as he got closer. "A letter for you, Serjo."

The boy reached the top of the hill and breathlessly pressed a sealed letter into Aricyn's hand. Aricyn gave him a coin, and he was back down the hill as fast as he'd come.

The wind pulled at the letter in Aricyn's hands as he opened it...

Dearest Brother,

It's been too long since we last spoke.

I'm now stationed in Morrowind. We're guarding a brand-new town, founded by freed slaves, if you can believe that. The Emperor gave them an island and sent us to prevent any trouble. So far it's been peaceful enough.

I hear you're in Morrowind as well. It would be wonderful if we could meet again soon.

I also hear you've been doing some extremely heroic things. People speak very highly of you. I sit and listen to their stories, and I'm sure they don't do justice to your adventures. It makes me terribly proud to be your brother.

Well, my love to you as always, and I do hope that we can meet soon, since we're practically next door to each other now!

In the Emperor's Service,
Cyndarius

The sky broke, and rain started to pour from heaven. It mingled with the water that was already on Aricyn's cheeks.

He carefully tucked the letter inside his hauberk, and stood listening to the Wind.

Posted by: w0nders Feb 3 2005, 09:33 AM

A small forest, on the outskirts of Ald Raathim-

“Okay everybody, get to work, we shouldn’t waste any more time out here than we have to…” Shouted Dante, watching as the woodcutters spread themselves out wide, yet, surprisingly organized.

Two large trees fell; producing large thuds, an assortment of the men made their way towards the fallen trees and began to remove the branches from them. More trees fell; the men and mer began to show slight signs of fatigue as they ran around franticly, thrusting their axes into anything with leaves.

Dante sat down on a tree stump, and let out a large huff, he began to tap his fingers gently against the side of the stump, trying to amuse himself anyway he could. Well, this is safe enough…boring, but still safe. He thought, retrieving a small canister he had in his pouch, which, he stocked before leaving.

The sun started to lower, and peoples shadows began to dissipate, Dante found himself sighing again when the voice bellowed; Tomorrow’s going to come far too soon…

Posted by: Attrebus Feb 3 2005, 09:59 AM

Jaster, having finally returned from the border patrols, sat in the tavern. He had heard of this Tiberarine from almost everyone.

"Tiberarine! Ancient prophecies are one thing, but applying the Nerevarine prophecy to Tiber Septim being re-incarnated? Madness!" Muttered the Dunmer, before turning to his meal.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 3 2005, 11:05 AM

Allerleirauh returned to Jazbet's castle from Solunastra, bearing a gift, courtesy of Dragon.

Dragon had been right about Tamne. No wrestling matches tonight, just a bone-weary, miserable little girl. In some ways violence had been better.

Now - she still had to visit Dres Gaor's family - if they weren't all dead by now. And she had a new problem of preventing King Helseth from destroying the world.

She found Jazbet in the village, with the Morag Tong woman.

"Jazbet," she said, smiling. "I need to speak to you privately."

Her decision that she and Jazbet should be naked before each other did not stretch to Kethiah.

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 3 2005, 11:10 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 3 2005, 04:55 AM)

"Jazbet," she said, smiling. "I need to speak to you privately."

Kethiah smiled and withdrew into the crowd.

'Privately is a hard adverb these days,' smiled Jazbet. 'Walk with me back to the castle. I tried to help the woodsmen and the fishermen, but I'm really just in the way. Tell me when you spot privacy ...'

It was sometime down the road before the crowds cleared and no one was in sight.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 3 2005, 11:18 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 3 2005, 04:00 AM)

"Better," she said. "I'm not sure that everyone's hearts would be cheered by what I have to say. First, news that isn't dire - my seneshal bought a huge bag of oranges in Sentinel - enough for the people at the castle, anyway. He says they're in season there, and wonderfully cheap. I brought them here for you.

"Next: the Azurite girl's name is Tamne. She's doing as well as can be expected, sleeping on top of the bed now instead of under it.

"And the real news."

She told him, at some length, about King Helseth and the Eidolon, about Leseth and Bosriel, and more importantly, about the Flamekiss gem, hidden somewhere in the Vaults of Gemin.

"My instinct is to leave it there - I've read one too many novels in which the heroes find the unfindable item only to have the evil king who could never have found it himself snatch it from their hands. Leseth seems to be agitating for me to find it. I'm not entirely sure I can trust him; he may be willing to use it, despite what it will do, for the sake of Bosriel. He's always been considered people who don't travel in the Void not quite real. What do you think? Do your visions show you anything?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 3 2005, 11:29 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 3 2005, 05:08 AM)

"My instinct is to leave it there - I've read one too many novels in which the heroes find the unfindable item only to have the evil king who could never have found it himself snatch it from their hands. Leseth seems to be agitating for me to find it. I'm not entirely sure I can trust him; he may be willing to use it, despite what it will do, for the sake of Bosriel. He's always been considered people who don't travel in the Void not quite real. What do you think? Do your visions show you anything?"

Jazbet thought about it a while.

'I had already had a vision about it,' the Khajiit said simply. 'Remember our strategizing meeting when I left suddenly? I was burning up, and I had a vision of a red gem, exactly like what you're describing. I understand I was ill, but Loranna and my servants took care of me ... And I couldn't remember what I saw until now ...

'Allerleirauh, you know I see possibilities in my visions. They tell me things like Aricyn's death as probabilities, events that will happen unless something is done. This is different, which is why it was so strange and, frankly, devastating.

'The Eidolon will be triggered, and soon. That future is definite. I only think is a matter of where and when ...'

Jazbet stumbled a bit in his step. He could hold it back, but the vision of fire was on him again as it had been before. He felt warmth, and sweat ran down his face.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 3 2005, 11:36 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 3 2005, 04:19 AM)

Jazbet smiled at the mention of oranges.

'I was in Black Marsh, and they have something like oranges there, which were delicious ... I was told that the real things are even better. Thank you, I can hardly wait ...'

He laughed at the update on Tamne.
Jazbet thought about it a while.

'I had already had a vision about it,' the Khajiit said simply. 'Remember our strategizing meeting when I left suddenly? I was burning up, and I had a vision of a red gem, exactly like what you're describing. I understand I was ill, but Loranna and my servants took care of me ... And I couldn't remember what I saw until now ...

'Allerleirauh, you know I see possibilities in my visions. They tell me things like Aricyn's death as probabilities, events that will happen unless something is done. This is different, which is why it was so strange and, frankly, devastating.

'The Eidolon will be triggered, and soon. That future is definite. I only think is a matter of where and when ...'

Jazbet stumbled a bit in his step. He could hold it back, but the vision of fire was on him again as it had been before. He felt warmth, and sweat ran down his face.

Allerleirauh took hold of his arm to steady him.

"Don't be frightened," she said. "It's real, but it's not happening now; you're here with me. Tell me what we should do. If it is triggered - I'm not certain whether it's best to be in control of it ourselves, or to at least not have it on our conscience."

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 3 2005, 11:43 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 3 2005, 05:26 AM)

Jazbet took Allie's arm gratefully but with an embarassed groan. 'I know it's not real, but I can't quite believe it. I still trust what I see and feel. I will have to work on that ...'

The Khajiit concentrated and found that he could distance himself from the screams and the heat, rising above the vision.

'I don't know what must be done, but I can say that if we do nothing, we will certainly die.'

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 3 2005, 11:50 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 3 2005, 04:33 AM)

"Then someone should go after the Flamekiss," Allerleirauh said. "I don't want it ending up in the hands of people I can't trust, so I should go after it myself, or send my own people. Solin says our Void Ranger tricks won't work, because the gem isn't in a real place - it's an event - which makes locating it resistant to all but the highest level Void Rangering, which tampers with the very nature of the world itself. And I don't do that unless I have to."

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 3 2005, 11:59 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 3 2005, 05:40 AM)

'I don't see ... I don't see anything,' Jazbet stammered. 'Wait ...'

The Khajiit stopped and stared in the direction of a wildflower meadow, but what was behind his blind eyes was a series of overlapping visions he had to concentrate on to make sense of.

'The one possibility I don't see is the Flamekiss being taken by the acts of Void Rangers alone ... I see many people of different skills and abilities ... They will find it, whether it is the people with us, or Helseth's men ...'

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 3 2005, 12:04 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 3 2005, 04:49 AM)

Allerleirauh frowned. It was against her nature to be happy with situations she couldn't control.

"Then I suppose we should tell people," she said. "There are - some - people who have been with Loranna all along, who I suppose I trust."

She rubbed his back, between the shoulderblades. "Not everything is our fault, or our responsibility, I suppose." She forced herself to smile, and surprised herself by finding it wasn't at all hard. "Another planning meeting. Tomorrow. And I have to try to sneak in a few journeys in the meantime."

She was already making up a mental list of people to recruit.

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 3 2005, 12:09 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 3 2005, 05:54 AM)

She rubbed his back, between the shoulderblades. "Not everything is our fault, or our responsibility, I suppose." She forced herself to smile, and surprised herself by finding it wasn't at all hard. "Another planning meeting. Tomorrow. And I have to try to sneak in a few journeys in the meantime."

'No,' Jazbet smiled. 'Not everything is our fault or our responsibility. So many of us -- you, me, Loranna, Aricyn, many others -- need to remind ourselves of that from time to time.

'Yes, another meeting would be good, and this one should end with a plan ...'

Jazbet and Allerleirauh continued their walk into the castle.

Posted by: Aki Feb 3 2005, 09:55 PM

As day lengthened into night, the three Werewolves resumed their normal forms. Then, of course, dressed themselves with any piece of clothing left intact from the Azurites. That done, the three looked to Teleran, then began walking back towards Ald Raathim.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 3 2005, 10:05 PM

Wayrest, Wayrest:

The temporary administrative offices were inside the wall of the city. In an antechamber - rough in design but rich in decoration - sat a visitor, waiting to be seen.

The old Breton man had a formidable countenance. A nose, many times broken, which bore witness to a youth spent as an overseer in the warehouses; full lips, with a decided turn downward; heavy brow overhanging the rest of his face; and remarkable, pendulous earlobes. Subtract forty years from his age and he resembled Tris more than that young man would have liked to admit. Indeed, in his youth he had been handsome, in a florid, beefy way. Now he was majestic, stout and rosy as the king in a deck of cards, bald-pated but with a thick fringe of grey hair that flowed from beneath his cap to lay, along with his beard, on the sable collar of his green velvet robes, in perfect shining waves. His quick grey eyes bore testament to his intelligence, and his tricky temper.

"Sir, her majesty is not in residence," the steward told him.

"Blast it, you fool! I know she's not in residence. I need to see her!"

This conduct would have caused any other visitor to be turned out into the snowy street. But this was no ordinary visitor; the steward hastened to mollify him with a glass of Wayrest's finest vintage and expensive sweetmeats.

Now, you might have thought, given the prominence of his father, that Tris would have hesitated to reveal his last name to Queen Elysana in a letter. There were two reasons he had: first, he hadn't exaggerated when he said that the Iliac Bay area was brimful with Gaeringtons. Gaerington wasn't an uncommon name for a village. They came from all different families, in all different provinces, and most were not even related to each other. Second, no one called his father Gaerington. They called him Sire Sternhart - now that he had remarried, Count Sternhart.

For the elder Gaerington was, you see, past president of the Venerable Guild of Shipwrights and Dockworkers, and current master of the Brotherly Association of Municipal Bankers, and it was he who the queen had turned to when she needed funding for her wars against her brother, and more recently when she needed to tear down her palace and build a new one. When a king needed a king's ransom, it was to him, or rather to his house, the House of Sternhart (whose crest was a stag's head and a ship's wheel) that the king would turn. His continued good will was important.

Recently he had been ill - a troubling illness, caused by old age and not by infection, and thus resistant to magical treatment - fluid accumulating in his lungs due to the sluggish action of his heart. The wine brought on a coughing fit, and the coughing fit brought on a bout of tears.

It was the tears, so uncharacteristic, that alarmed the steward into action. "Her majesty is not in residence, but I know how she can be reached by letter."

The letter was quickly written, with the proper headings and salutations. The meat of it was this.

Madam,

You may remember that in the past, it has been my pleasure to assist your majesty in business matters. I say this, not to imply a debt - for indeed it has been my honor to be of use to the crown - but in hopes of putting your majesty's thoughts in charity towards me. Your majesty is known for the great love she feels for her children and the wondrous harmony of her family life, truly worthy of being taken as an example by all your majesty's subjects. It is in regard to my own child that I write now.

Several years ago, my eldest son and I had a falling out, due to my own fault, and he left my household. I had no news of him for three years and believed him dead. Imagine my joy when I learned that he still lived. However, by the time my agents reached the place where he had been seen, he had moved on. Although they were able to pursue his trail for a short distance, they have now lost track of him, and my resources in this matter are exhausted.

I have been in poor health lately and would like to see him before I die, to make amends. It may interest your majesty to know that if he survives me, he stands to inherit all my concerns in Wayrest.

He came to the notice of my agents in Hammerfell when he withdrew money from his account there; questioning of his past associates reveals that he was then seen in the Imperial City. Some ill-fate has crippled him; he has now only one leg. No doubt a long illness is at the back of why he has been incommunicado so long. Details of the discoveries of my agents are appended.

Your majesty can see that this is a sensitive matter. I would not presume to impose upon your majesty's good will by such a letter as this if it were not for your majesty's reputation as the stalwart champion of families and justly lauded talents as a mender of quarrels.

May Akatosh find you well,

Alistaire Gaerington,
Count Sternhart

Queen Elysana would understand his letter well enough. The bond between them was, if not friendship, as near as one could come to friendship when one party was a sovereign. They knew each other's ways and were sure of each other.

He trusted that Elysana would be as horrified as he to think of his flighty son at the helm of the Sternhart fortunes. Would she remember the boy? Probably not, although Elysana had a remarkable memory for people. The child had been sixteen when he left home. However, Elysana might well remember the Carnival party at which the boy had scandalized society by offering a cloven fruit to the mayor of Elmhurst on a dare. Cloven fruits were a traditional holiday game among the young people, passed back and forth in exchange for a kiss. To be sure, the mayor had laughed heartily and kissed the boy on both cheeks, but the mayor's wife had not laughed. There had been rumors. Rumors that were not quelled when the boy dodged every titled heiress his father threw at him. It had taken the elder man's own remarriage to finally crown the House of Sternhart with the dignity of a noble title. That was always the way - any duty he assigned to his son, he ended by doing himself.

Alistaire Gaerington, Count Sternhart, hoped the messenger with his letter would speed well.

Posted by: Teleran Feb 3 2005, 10:09 PM

Teleran landed and joined the three werewolves walking back to Ald Raathim. They were back in human form, finally. He wondered whther it was necessary for a were wolf to eat before returning to human form, or if it was simply time related. Night was falling as they headed back, not a full moon tonight, luckily. "Have a good meal? You need to clean yourselves up, Eya you've got some scales stuck in you teeth."

Posted by: Aki Feb 3 2005, 10:19 PM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Feb 3 2005, 03:59 PM)

"Theres a river between here and Ald Raathim, you would have noticed it if you weren't flying around after us," Eya responded, plucking the scales from her teeth. "It was a gud enuff' meal," Camassim said.

Posted by: Teleran Feb 3 2005, 10:33 PM

"Yes, flight does make the terrain blur together somewhat, but the thrill of flying along at speeds that surpass any that can be acieved on land more than makes up for it. You're the white one, right Eya? Nice throws back there, almost got me with those rocks." Teleran smiled, the hunt was over and it had been successful. They'd also managed to stop a group of Azurites. "I think we sould get a move on, or else we won't be back in Ald Raathim by morning. I hope the ones who spotted you have been keeping quiet. No telling what a rumor of werewolves would do to the morale of the refugees."

Posted by: Aki Feb 3 2005, 10:40 PM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Feb 3 2005, 04:23 PM)

"They probably don't even know what a Werewolf is, or even a normal wolf for that matter," Tohe said, with a slight grin. "Nix-Hounds are the closest things to a canine i've seen around here, and i doubt most of the refugees, even the hunters, go outside of morrowind to hunt."

Eya nodded, "Yes, im the white one. I only threw rocks because i didn't want to hurt that...wasp thing of yours. Too badly that is. You're persitant, though, i'll give you that."

Tohe and Camassim had liberated weapons from the Azurites as well, Camassim had a silver mace, Tohe had a iron longsword. Eya didn't use weapons, so was had none.

Posted by: Teleran Feb 3 2005, 10:48 PM

"More foolhardy than persistent, I just don't like losing my quarry, due to any circumstances, though I've had my share of failures in that regard." Telran looked at the weapons they carried, a silver mace, "Good thing that one didn't get a chance to use his weapon. Let's see if you can keep up with me when you're not transformed." Teleran started off towards Ald Raathim at an easy jog then built up his speed to a fast run, almost a sprint.

Vilyanna, deciding that she would not called upon again tonight, headed back to the keep for some rest.

Posted by: Aki Feb 3 2005, 10:52 PM

The three began running after Teleran, Camassim, being the tallest of the three had the advantage of longer strides and began gaining on Teleran, but was soon passed by Eya. Tohe, meanwhile, trailed behind.

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 4 2005, 12:28 AM

Sheogorad, Vvardenfell, Morrowind

An armada of Wayrest (though without flags flying), twenty ships, manned by the barest skeleton crews, set anchor. They at once began launching row boats to shore to meet with Elysana’s army’s camp.

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 3 2005, 03:55 PM)

Alistaire Gaerington, Count Sternhart, hoped the messenger with his letter would speed well.

Dragonstar, Hammerfell

As the Queen’s small ship came into harbor, Elysana felt a twinge of annoyance. Why must her voyage home be slowed further down? They had moved at a snail’s pace through the half-frozen rivers of Skyrim, and now half of her men were ill. She, of course, was not. She had never had so much as a cold. But if Elysana wanted to arrive back in Wayrest without a boat full of corpses, they would have to stop and be healed.

It had been a while since she had been in the Reach, however. Perhaps it would not be a total waste to pay a surprise visit on her agents there. There might also be messages from Wayrest which could not wait until she was home in a few days' time.

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 4 2005, 01:06 AM

Ald Raathim

The seneschal Kallen began the slow process of finding people to bring to the strategizing meeting at the castle. He knew many people would be found in the castle itself, many more in the tavern and town. It was a moment where he must exercise discretion, but emphasize the urgency -- a duality he was an expert at conveying.

'You are requested at the castle in Lord Jazbet's office in the tower,' he would say, and let his eyes convey the importance.

Posted by: Aki Feb 4 2005, 01:13 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 3 2005, 06:56 PM)

Kallen had reached Reichi in the Tavern shortly after Tohe, Camassim and Eya had returned, they had cleaned and gotten their own clothes and equipement back, which they had hiden under a tree previously, one marked with a claw mark. Now under that tree, the discarded Azurite's clothing and weapons lay.

And so, the four headed to Jazbet's Estate, the journey was uneventful, with the exception of a Kwama forager, or rat attacking. Inside the Estate, Reichi entered the office first, the others followed somewhat reluctantly, unsure if they should be there.

Posted by: Arynel Feb 4 2005, 01:15 AM

QUOTE

Ald Raathim

The seneschal Kallen began the slow process of finding people to bring to the strategizing meeting at the castle. He knew many people would be found in the castle itself, many more in the tavern and town. It was a moment where he must exercise discretion, but emphasize the urgency -- a duality he was an expert at conveying.

'You are requested at the castle in Lord Jazbet's office in the tower,' he would say, and let his eyes convey the importance.

Arynel had been seated at the tavern, and upon hearing the news the Breton made his way to Lord Jazbet's office.

Posted by: Solin Feb 4 2005, 01:15 AM

Arcius Crito, Sheogorad

Arcius looked on as the small boats made their way over the small ocean waves to shore. Soldiers and guardsmen scurried about packing up what would not be needed for the embarking. The imperial captain climbed down from his perch on an outcropping of rock where he had watched the ships sail in from.

He saw a number of messengers leaving through Faril’s open tent flap. They dispersed across the entirety of the camp, in all directions carrying the lord’s words. One nearly bumped into him as he strolled by the great pavilion Faril had setup as a command center. The lord’s smaller tent wasn’t far from there.

Crito bowed his head to clear the low opening. Faril was crouched over a brazier stirring the remains of what ever he had just burned. “Captain,” he said rising, “Have you heard? The fleet has arrived.”

Crito nodded.

“Good,” the Breton lord said with a smile. He handed Arcius a large urn. “The late Lord Liris, I trust you can have him sent to the proper estate?”

The captain accepted the rather heavy urn and tucked it under his arm.

“Of course, Milord,”

He bowed and then exited the small tent.

Solin, Ald Raathim

Solin merely nodded at the seneschal’s message and packed away his things. Everything neatly where it should be, he left the small library and headed for the lord’s tower.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 4 2005, 01:15 AM

Jazbet's castle: Tris

Tris and Ciel ignored Kallen's knock. They were pretending to be elsewhere; eating the last of the cherries and toasting scuttle on the tip of a dagger in the fire. Supposedly scuttle tasted like cheese; Tris thought that was stretching a point. Scuttle tasted like scuttle. However, it did taste, and it could be sneaked out of the kitchen and eaten peacefully in their room - with seasoning and bread - almost like real food.

"I did something stupid yesterday," Tris said. "When Aricyn called me aside. I fought a duel."

Posted by: Teleran Feb 4 2005, 01:19 AM

Upon his return Teleran checked to make sure that all the hunters had come in safely, which they thankfully had, the last few stragglers coming in a few minutes before Teleran made it. A few of the hunters were glaring at him as though he had slain their best friend then used to necromancy to make him dance on the graves of their ancestors. He did not stay long and went towards the tavern.

Teleran met Kallen on his way to the tavern and set off for the estate at a run. He got to the estate a few minutes later and went to Jazbet's study to the meeting.

Posted by: Solin Feb 4 2005, 01:19 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 3 2005, 05:05 PM)

Ciel
"A duel with Aricyn?" Ciel asked surprised. "You must have done well, I didn't see a scratch on you."

He paused a moment then spoke again.

"Why?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 4 2005, 01:20 AM

Allerleirauh joined the others in Jazbet's study.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 4 2005, 01:22 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 3 2005, 06:56 PM)

Loranna had been with Dagoth on the beach, having a magic lesson that had been going much better than she had expected.

When Kallen finds them and relays his message, Loranna finds herself thinking He has very expressive eyes; he really is a wonder ...

"I understand," she says to Kallen. "I'll go immediately; thank you."

Turning to Dagoth, Loranna says " ... To be continued; this sounds important ... shall we?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 4 2005, 01:23 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Feb 3 2005, 06:09 PM)

Ciel
"A duel with Aricyn?" Ciel asked surprised. "You must have done well, I didn't see a scratch on you."

He paused a moment then spoke again.

"Why?"

"Because he called the Emperor a usurper..."

The knock at the door came again, more insistently. Tris tucked away the rest of his thoughts; how impossible it was that he had defeated Aricyn in combat, how he had forgotten his foot, almost felt it move as if it were alive.

"Damn, they aren't stopping," he said. Shoving the last of the toasted scuttle in his mouth, he pulled his boots on and he and Ciel hastened to join the others in the study.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 4 2005, 01:27 AM

Kallen had learned, by now, where to find Aricyn if he wasn't to be seen, head and shoulders above the crowd, in Ald Raathim.

The old wolf always stared at him very disconcertingly when he approached the hilltop, but he had a message to deliver, and deliver it he did.

Aricyn pulled his cloak around him and rode to the meeting.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 4 2005, 01:28 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 3 2005, 06:12 PM)

Loranna had been with Dagoth on the beach, having a magic lesson that had been going much better than she had expected.

When Kallen finds them and relays his message, Loranna finds herself thinking He has very expressive eyes; he really is a wonder ...

"I understand," she says to Kallen. "I'll go immediately; thank you."

Turning to Dagoth, Loranna says " ... To be continued; this sounds important ... shall we?"

Dagoth looks around a bit. 'I'm coming with you this time. Just in case something were to happen that I need to know...'

Posted by: Loranna Feb 4 2005, 01:29 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Feb 3 2005, 07:18 PM)

Dagoth looks around a bit. 'I'm coming with you this time. Just in case something were to happen that I need to know...'

Loranna nods. "Maybe this will be a way to help get you more involved, help you meet more people," Loranna says, though with a worried frown; Dagoth can hear her thinking that Kallen looked a little more urgant than that ...

Together, Loranna and Dagoth head to Jazbet's office, Dagoth keeping his preferred illusionary disguise in place.

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 4 2005, 01:35 AM

Jazbet is alone in the office, and as each person enters, he offers them a glass of wine, a smile, and a greeting.

Posted by: Arynel Feb 4 2005, 01:38 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 3 2005, 05:25 PM)

Jazbet is alone in the office, and as each person enters, he offers them a glass of wine, a smile, and a greeting.

Arynel smiles and nods his head, but declines the wine.

"No, I do not think it the right time of year for that." The Breton says, before moving on to make room for the next person.

Posted by: SEKKA Feb 4 2005, 01:39 AM

"what do you mean were gonna make some money....weve slept in that castle....wel...well they wont think its strange that were in there....its been a week since weve slept there....has anyone cared that were here yet...well i guess not...it seems there are lots of people here already...you idiot, or cource there are people this is a CASTLE...i know but there seem to be alot of IMPORTANT people in there....well then dont you think we should see what they are up to....well we can...shut up both of you, lets follow that Aki fellow and his friends we saw earlier....they went in that room...ok." Sekka slides into the back of the office, so far unnoticed among the people there and slides into the shadows in the corner, this room was rather full for its size and Sekka figured noone would notice if he was in the back corner.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 4 2005, 01:41 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 3 2005, 07:25 PM)

Jazbet is alone in the office, and as each person enters, he offers them a glass of wine, a smile, and a greeting.

Loranna accepts her glass of wine with a soft smile. "Thank you Jazbet dear," she says, sipping her drink.

Looking around, she nods to the people she knows, holding back her questions until the meeting is underway. Jazbet will tell them what's on his mind soon enough ...

"Sekka, good to see you again," Loranna says, smiling. "You look more rested than the last time, good to see."

Posted by: Aki Feb 4 2005, 01:46 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 3 2005, 07:25 PM)

Jazbet is alone in the office, and as each person enters, he offers them a glass of wine, a smile, and a greeting.

Reichi declined the wine, remebering his recent hangover. Camassim, Tohe and Eya however took their own glasses of wine, each saying "Thank you" as they did. The four sat down near a window.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 4 2005, 01:48 AM

"Dear old Sekka," Allerleirauh said, smiling. Sekka was not nearly as invisible as he thought he was.

She wondered which time of year was the right time for wine. It tasted pleasant to her at this very moment.

She nodded to Jazbet. Although she was the source of the news, he was the one who should be leading the meetings in his own castle.

Posted by: SEKKA Feb 4 2005, 01:48 AM

"umm...hi Miss Loranna and...Miss Allie.....umm..." Sekka gives an embarrased smile "your so dumb....how cold we get caught...its those stupid boots...shut up they havnt kicked us out yet."

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 4 2005, 02:05 AM

'Other may yet arrive,' said Jazbet at last. 'But we should begin now.

'In the province of Black Marsh, in a dungeon called the Vaults of Gemin, there is an artifact that must be found. It is a red diamond called the Flamekiss. The perils of this quest are not to be taken lightly. My visions have shown many possibilities, and there is no one in this room I have not seen in one future possibility or another, greatly hurt or killed in this endeavor.

'If, however, we do not send a group to recover this artifact, I have but one vision: our complete annihiliation.'

Jazbet took a sip of his own wine. There was perspiration on his brow, but he could put the vision back, and continue.

'Allerleirauh brought this matter to me yesterday,' Jazbet said. 'She and Solin know more than I do the particulars of this. I can only say that we will need all of you, and more, to survive this, and recover the Flamekiss.'

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 4 2005, 02:10 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 3 2005, 06:55 PM)

"Solin knows more of the Vaults of Gemin than I," Allerleirauh said. "I only know that the Flamekiss presents a deadly danger to all of us, should it fall into the hands of our enemies. I would ask you to swear an oath now - but those who would betray us would not be any truer, just because of an oath. I only hope that you all understand that being with us, being associated with us, has put you in sufficient danger that to band together is our only hope for survival."

Posted by: Arynel Feb 4 2005, 02:13 AM

Arynel listened and nodded in contemplation.

"So we have to go get it?" The Breton asked.

Posted by: Aki Feb 4 2005, 02:14 AM

"The Black Marsh is riddled with dangerous diseases, those going in would need protection from such elements firstly," Reichi said. At Allie's mention of an oath he looked to her. "I would gladly swear an oath such as that. Theres no way im backing out now."

Tohe, Cmassim, and Eya nodded, none spoke however.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 4 2005, 02:14 AM

Loranna frowns, noting the look on Jazbet's face and the seriousness in Allie's voice.

Turning her gaze toward Solin, she asks "What can you tell us of these Vaults, master Solin?"

Her mind is already mulling over other questions to ask, in a few moments.

Posted by: Arynel Feb 4 2005, 02:16 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Feb 3 2005, 06:04 PM)

"I agree with Reichi." Arynel said. "I sat foot in Black Marsh briefly once, many years ago, we need to be sure to be well prepared."

The Breton went silent again.

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 4 2005, 02:17 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Feb 3 2005, 08:03 PM)

Arynel listened and nodded in contemplation.

"So we have to go get it?" The Breton asked.

'Why does a simple question from you make me nervous?' Jazbet said with a slight smile. 'Yes. We will need everyone we can get. The Flamekiss has been hidden away for thousands of years, and many have tried to recover it. Like I said, it is a most dangerous quest.'

Posted by: Teleran Feb 4 2005, 02:18 AM

"Well, I don't feel like dying, so lets go find it. Besides I need to leave here, too many people." Teleran said, his eyes shone eagerly. "I don't suppose we'll get to keep the parraptons with us for the journey."

'Don't I get a say in it.' grumbled a voice in the back of his head. 'You didn't even draw me last fight.'

Posted by: Solin Feb 4 2005, 02:24 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 3 2005, 06:04 PM)

Turning her gaze toward Solin, she asks "What can you tell us of these Vaults, master Solin?"

Solin was standing off to one side of the room.

“There is little enough to tell of the Vaults,” the Dunmer began his response. “They are vaults, make no mistake. Very perilous, no one has entered and returned from their confines to tell tales. It wouldn’t be a good store house for treasures otherwise, would it?”

A small smile played on his ashen lips.

“There’d be no way of knowing the gem was there but for a scant few witness accounts that contained a matching description.”

Posted by: Loranna Feb 4 2005, 02:28 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Feb 3 2005, 08:14 PM)

Loranna's ashen face furrows into another frown. "I see," she says, "Hmm ... what do we know of the artifact itself and its abilities, and what would be our likely travel route? And who else is searching for this artifact, that we know of?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 4 2005, 02:31 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Feb 3 2005, 08:08 PM)

"I don't suppose we'll get to keep the parraptons with us for the journey."

'It is a long flight for a parrapton to make,' said Jazbet. 'I would suggest taking a ship. I have a couple of them, and one of them would be large enough for the entire group.'

To Loranna, he adds: 'The gem itself has little power, except for its value. It is a trigger for an artifact of great destructive power that is in Helseth's possession. He knows of the gem, but not its location ... not yet ..."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 4 2005, 02:36 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 3 2005, 07:21 PM)

"Jazbet," Allerleirauh said. "There's more than one way to die; little deaths, one by one, are just as permanent as big deaths. Is it really what you intend to withdraw the whole group from the defense of your property? If that's true, then we're talking about abandoning the place, telling the refugees to flee elsewhere, and cutting our losses."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 4 2005, 02:40 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 3 2005, 08:26 PM)

"Allie does have a point," Loranna concurs. "As vital as this mission you are describing sounds, we still have the refugees and our other plans already suggested to consider too."

" ... How many of us do we think we can realistically spare from our tasks here?" she asks in general. "The work I've been doing can be delegated to others without too much trouble, so I can volunteer my services to this, but what of everyone else?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 4 2005, 02:43 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 3 2005, 08:26 PM)

'We have guards, we have practically the entire Mages Guild of Blacklight, a Fighter's Guild, and the Morag Tong to protect this land,' said Jazbet. 'Thanks to you, many of our citizens are well-armed, and thanks to Aricyn, they are well-organized and self-sufficient. That said, I would not want them left alone for long. With hope, those who leave on this quest will return in short time.'

Posted by: Aki Feb 4 2005, 02:44 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 3 2005, 08:26 PM)

"If Helseth has a weapon of mass destruction, then he may accidently set it of and take ALL of Morrowind with it. Even if he doesn't he could most certainly cause destruction with it on anyone he choses to. That thing could allow him to conquer the world. Provided he doesn't turn it to dust," Reichi replied. "I don't know about you, but i'd rather not leave the possibility of the world being conquered or destroyed open."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 4 2005, 02:50 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 3 2005, 08:33 PM)

Loranna nods. "Well, that's a good point," she admits. "So, we would go to Black Marsh by boat, seek out the Vaults, retrieve the Flamekiss, and ..."

She frowns. "Are we planning on trying to destroy the artifact so Helseth can't ever use it?" she asks.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 4 2005, 02:51 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 3 2005, 07:40 PM)

"That's a very good question," Allerleirauh said.

Posted by: Arynel Feb 4 2005, 02:54 AM

"I think it best we be careful whatever we do with it." Arynel said. "We could accidently set it off if we try to destroy it."

The Breton again fell silent.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 4 2005, 02:59 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 3 2005, 08:41 PM)

"That's a very good question," Allerleirauh said.

Loranna scratches the back of her neck. " ... Well, if the goal is to keep it out of Helseth's hands, then I can only think of one other place that would be safer than these Vaults are for keeping it from him," she says, giving Allie a small but meaningful stare.

" ... So, we retrieve the Flamekiss and then keep it out of Helseth's hands while we decide what can be done with it," she concludes. "As well as anyone else's who may hear of what's going on."

Posted by: Issa_Yojimbo Feb 4 2005, 03:24 AM

Suddenly, there is a knock on the door, followed by a crash of a houseplant, and then the opening of a door, revealing Issa laying on the ground covered in dirt and shrubbery.

Issa stands up, brushes off, and walks through the room, hoping no one saw what had happened.

"Well hello everyone! Did you miss me? What's going on?"

Issa then noticed the serious expression on everyone's faces.

"Something I can help with?"

Posted by: Loranna Feb 4 2005, 03:27 AM

QUOTE(Issa_Yojimbo @ Feb 3 2005, 09:14 PM)

... and as the Real World Loranna sweatdrops at Issa's entrance, she aslo calls for ...

LOCK ON!!!

See you next thread

Loranna

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 4 2005, 03:27 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 3 2005, 08:49 PM)

" ... So, we retrieve the Flamekiss and then keep it out of Helseth's hands while we decide what can be done with it," she concludes. "As well as anyone else's who may hear of what's going on."

"That's right," Jazbet nodded. "We can discuss our other options once it is in our possession ..."