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

Posted by: Loranna Feb 20 2005, 01:09 PM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For information on reaching #Loranna_RP via Mirc or Chatspike, look http://www.ravensky.org/irc/.

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

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

Thank you, and have fun!

===

Summary for Loranna:

Loranna is in the Vaults of Gemin, having just fought again with the foul shape-stealing fiends that inhabit the crypt room. She now stands in what seems to be their control room, hovering over the badly-wounded Ciel to heal him - or at least, he LOOKED badly wounded when she first entered the room

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 20 2005, 01:13 PM

OOC Summaries:

Allerleirauh and Doll are at Jazbet's Castle. Solin is looking for Allie. Some stuff has happened since the rest of the group left for the Vaults of Gemin, which will be revealed later.

Mirea is hanging around in Wayrest. She wants to try out Elysana's new "Void Ranger-proof" Palace and make one last fat joke at Baloth-Kul before returning to give her report.

Tris is in the Vaults of Gemin. He just discovered a string of power - and the experience is a little overwhelming. He is very glad to have Ciel with him, alive. He is unaware that his double is the one who stabbed Ciel and drained his health before Ciel killed him.

Skein, Dragon, and Tamne are in Daggerfall, in the Void Ranger Guildhouse.

Posted by: Aki Feb 20 2005, 01:13 PM

Summary

Reichi is with the group, after having felled a False Teleran and False Nalion.

Camassim is somewhere close to Skyrim's border by now...

Tohe and Eya are preparing for the Full moon, as Raddin closes in on the location of the Parrapton stables.....

Posted by: Teleran Feb 20 2005, 01:17 PM

Teleran is with the group, he really didn't have to do much fighting in this section, just the doppelgangers at the end, but they were not too strong without a stolen shape.

Posted by: w0nders Feb 20 2005, 01:23 PM

Summary-

Dante, Is in the rubbery fiend's control room, with the others.

Illidan, ..............

Brum, Inzoliah, Merciander and friends, recently found land.

Posted by: Nalion Feb 20 2005, 01:27 PM

Summary for Nalion
The real one, this time, but who's to say what's reality in the first place?

After a horrible hunt through mazes of ever-shifting stairways and halls and after an encounter with a not so gentle gauntleted fist, Nalion found himself reunited with his friends in a strange room with all sorts of apparatus responsible for Nalion feeling very confused at times. He is now quite content to rest a bit, seeing that Ciel is being cared for by Loranna.

The false Nalion, who proved to be unlucky in a few events, left only a few traces of himself on the shoes of Reichi and an adjacent wall. The rest of him will unfortunately happen to be a victim of natural decay...

Posted by: Arynel Feb 20 2005, 06:19 PM

OOC: The Breton Arynel is currently at the library in Jazbet's Castle.

Posted by: Tricrux Feb 20 2005, 10:12 PM

His eyes fluttered open.

"Where am I?"

Posted by: ChadFromCanada Feb 21 2005, 04:49 AM

Sven Gunnar arrives at Ald Raathim and waits while his eyes are checked, it appears as though he is not an Azurite.

Posted by: Dumbkid Feb 21 2005, 04:53 AM

QUOTE(ChadFromCanada @ Feb 20 2005, 10:29 PM)

Sven Gunnar arrives at Ald Raathim and waits while his eyes are checked, it appears as though he is not an Azurite.

A tall, heavily muscled Dunmer wearing bonemold armor approached the newcomer.

"You should be careful, what with these Azurite devils wandering around," a gravely voice said from behind the bonemold helm, "You don't know anything about them, do you?"

Posted by: ChadFromCanada Feb 21 2005, 05:00 AM

QUOTE(Dumbkid @ Feb 20 2005, 08:33 PM)

"Only that they have fiery blue eyes, as the guard informed me" mumbled Sven.

Posted by: Dumbkid Feb 21 2005, 05:04 AM

QUOTE(ChadFromCanada @ Feb 20 2005, 10:40 PM)

"Only that they have fiery blue eyes, as the guard informed me" mumbled Sven.

The Dunmer growled, starring at Sven.

"I don't trust you yet." He said.

The Dunmer reached towards the pit of his neck and drew forth an expensive amulet, which he held out towards Sven.

"Hold still."

There was a flash of purple light from the Amulet. The Dunmer eyed Sven for a few moments, and then returned the Amulet to its place between his clothing and the curiass.

"Move along, and stay out of trouble."

Posted by: ChadFromCanada Feb 21 2005, 05:19 AM

QUOTE(Dumbkid @ Feb 20 2005, 08:44 PM)

"Is there someone I confer with to begin to help your cause?" Sven grumbled, pushing his long brown hair back.

Posted by: Dumbkid Feb 21 2005, 05:22 AM

QUOTE(ChadFromCanada @ Feb 20 2005, 10:59 PM)

"Is there someone I confer with to begin to help your cause?" Sven grumbled, pushing his long brown hair back.

"Oh, so quick to join us, are you?" The Dunmer said, chuckling. "Go on and stay out of trouble, if you want to help, then get a job and pull your weight. Now get out of my sight."

Posted by: ChadFromCanada Feb 21 2005, 05:31 AM

QUOTE(Dumbkid @ Feb 20 2005, 09:02 PM)

"Oh, so quick to join us, are you?" The Dunmer said, chuckling. "Go on and stay out of trouble, if you want to help, then get a job and pull your weight. Now get out of my sight."

After speaking with a few people, and on the advice of one old but wise man, Sven Gunnar dons his white robe and makes his ways through the camp, meeting and talking with fellow refugee's and sharing stories of dungeons plundered and artifacts acquired.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 21 2005, 06:54 AM

Because Tris was in her way, Loranna wasn't able to reach Ciel to heal him, so it was fortunate that he didn't need healing. Ciel was fine.

The ghoulish form-stealers had stripped Ciel, preparing to eat him. Tris had draped Ciel's cloak over him. Now he was holding him tightly. He wasn't sure whether he was laughing or crying. He couldn't seem to get his breath.

He was just glad Ciel was alive. Everything else could wait until later.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 21 2005, 07:13 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 21 2005, 12:34 AM)

Loranna pauses for a second, not wanting to ask Tris to leave Ciel be but having sworn when she entered the room that the knight needed healing attention.

... Well, far as I can see, he's all right, Loranna thinks to herself. And I was going to ask Tris to help clean Ciel up anyway while I tended to the others, so ...

She turns away, leaving Tris with Ciel, a small smile on her face; seeing the two of them together always made her feel better, especially after a harrowing conflict such as the one they just lived through. They were lucky to be alive, again.

Her fingers running over the cat-shaped ring on her finger, Loranna goes to examine the others, to offer healing as needed - and an extra healing spell for good measure. She pulls out a potion for Nalion to save time and magicka, though.

Posted by: Solin Feb 21 2005, 08:17 AM

[Ciel]

No wind stirred in the dry empty corridor as Ciel dragged himself along against the wall. His sword was heavy in his hand, very heavy but, he couldn’t let it fall. He blinked his eyes, tired, he needed to stop. To sleep, but he couldn’t. Where was Tris?

A lone whisper crept down the hall. It was frighteningly unearthly. What was it? A name? Then silence.

The knight scanned the hall, it was dark. He must have had a weak spell cast on him because he could see dimly and he wasn’t carrying torch. It seemed like it was fading slowly. Where was Tris?

He continued on.

More whispers echoed down the hall. The first was different, the second the same. Then they came again. They came in phrases and pairs, no longer a single word. He wanted to shout, to say some something to silence them but he didn’t know if they would hear him, or if they should. The knight kept searching.

The whispers grew distant and faint as the knight moved on. Further and further until they ceased completely. It was very dark.

A howl echoed through the hall not unlike the whispers. It was joined by others. Hundreds of others. These were not so indifferent. They were much more physical, if that was the word. Ciel picked up his pace, driven along by noise. It grew louder with every slow step. He was approaching it and couldn’t turn away. Finally he was very close, it was if they were next to him.

The wall disappeared into inky blackness and he felt himself hit the floor. He must have opened an old wound in the fall because there was blood here. There were shapes coming at him out of the darkness, near invisible. They grabbed at him, clawing and tearing. He tried to mumble an apology, he desperately wanted to beg them for forgiveness.

But the dark came first.

What was it? A name?

Sunlight poured down through loosely knit tree branches. Ciel blinked. He was lying on a stone edge of a large reflecting pool. A warm breeze blew through the grove and stirred lightly the surface of the water. Suddenly the knight realized he had been resting his hand in the shallows.

He shook his head, as if trying to shake away the remnant of a dream, and sat up.

The small clearing was set apart from the green woods by large white pillars. There were men and women walking about the pool, which was raised off the forest floor by a large stone basin that Ciel happened to be sitting on. They gave him a brief happy smile as they walked by.

He opened his mouth to ask his questions but never said a word.

The knight’s attention was caught by playful laughter of children along with that of men and women. A familiar scent was carried in by the breeze. It evoked the color red from his mind. A woman’s laughter rose as the others fell away and then faded too.

Ciel’s leg bumped into his sheathed sword. Startled he turned to his side and saw the blade leaning against the basin next to his neatly folded armor. Ready to be worn. He stared perplex for a moment. A woman laughed at his confusion, one of those in the grove. She approached and the knight quickly saw that she was the most beautiful woman he had ever met.

She gestured at the reflecting surface. Ciel looked. There was Tris… looking down at him?

Posted by: Solin Feb 21 2005, 08:23 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 20 2005, 10:34 PM)

He was being held. By Tris. Where were his things and why was he on a... dinner table? Ciel felt a rush of images overcome him. Tris grining at him after stabbing him in the back, Tris lying dead on the floor cleaved by Ciel's blade.

Tris felt a rush of life as Ciel gripped him back.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 21 2005, 08:31 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Feb 21 2005, 01:03 AM)

"That farm in Colovia's starting to look pretty good, huh?" Tris said. He still had tears on his face, but his voice was under his control. "You're okay, we found the nest of those double things and killed them all. It got pretty confusing for a while there but we're all who we say we are now, I think - I almost killed the real Teleran by accident -"

He was babbling, so he stopped.

He had important things to say, things they needed to talk about. He wasn't sure what happened now, if there would be a price for the power he had used. If there was he and Ciel would deal with it when it caught up with them. The memory of Ciel's doppleganger dying, Ciel's eyes, full of betrayal, locked on his own, was fresh. Damn thing, trying to hurt him, even at the end.

He put his lips to Ciel's ear.

"Thank you for coming back to me," he whispered.

Posted by: Solin Feb 21 2005, 08:44 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 21 2005, 12:11 AM)

Ciel wasn't quite sure what to say. Still uncertain exactly what had occured, other than something extraordinary, he merely held back tighter not wanting to let go, leaving the embrace to express his reply.

Posted by: w0nders Feb 21 2005, 08:46 AM

Seeing Loranna begin to routinely heal people, Dante approached. "Well...I'm not really that injured, although quite fatigued." He stated quietly, with a small wink.

Posted by: Dumbkid Feb 21 2005, 08:49 AM

The mirror in Loranna's pocket, now almost forgotten, flashed with light.

An image struck in Loranna’s mind, like lighting flashing in the distance, but still too close for comfort. There was a little boy, Bosmer, throwing stones at a scrib along the Bitter Coast. A shift, and there was a lonely tree, big and bright and strong, its braches reaching out towards Magnus with leaves sprouting from every stem.

It began to whither; dark, thorny vines grew out of the ground and began to ascend the length of its trunk like parasites, choking it. Another shift, and the little Bosmer boy laughed as a bouncy Bosmer girl about his age poked his backside with a stick—the scrib scurried behind a large rock.

The tree came down with a crash, and the world shook, trembling like a lute string than had gone out of tune. All around, other trees began to whither, everyone turned to ash and collapsed over the earth, covering the ground with soot. There was a shift, and the two Bosmer children, boy and girl, stood crying, holding each other out of fear.

There faces were washed
Like water
Down a drain
Paper on a
Fire

Posted by: Loranna Feb 21 2005, 08:49 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Feb 21 2005, 02:26 AM)

Seeing Loranna begin to routinely heal people, Dante approached. "Well...I'm not really that injured, although quite fatigued." He stated quietly, with a small wink.

QUOTE(Dumbkid @ Feb 21 2005, 02:29 AM)

Loranna blinks, her posture going rigid. It only takes her a few seconds to guess from wence these images come ...

" ... All right; let's not tarry," she says suddenly, her tone noticably disturbed. "Everyone still needing healing, come here, now. We need to get moving."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 21 2005, 08:55 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 21 2005, 01:29 AM)

Dante gets a Hearth Heal, Rest of The Weary, Cure Disease, and Heal Impatient Adventurer spell all cast on him and a potion of pep.

"Dante dear, don't tell the healer you're not really injured or next time she may listen to you," Loranna says with an odd grin. " ... Glad to see you're still alive though, everyone; I was worried."

She decides there's no point in mentioning to Dante she just recently shoved a shortsword into a throat that was much like his ...
Loranna blinks, her posture going rigid. It only takes her a few seconds to guess from wence these images come ...

" ... All right; let's not tarry," she says suddenly, her tone noticably disturbed. "Everyone still needing healing, come here, now. We need to get moving."

"Has anyone learned anything about how those levers work?" Tris said, helping Ciel with his armor. Ciel was still bloody all over; but that was a problem that could wait for civilization.

Posted by: Solin Feb 21 2005, 09:04 AM

[Solin]

Arynel was easy to find as he had spent his time in the Library writing. Solin approached the Breton expression composed and calm.

“I fear I must interrupt your labors,” the mer greeted. “We need to find Mercy, a matter of importance has been presented to me.”

Posted by: Teleran Feb 21 2005, 09:04 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 20 2005, 10:35 PM)

"Has anyone learned anything about how those levers work?" Tris said, helping Ciel with his armor. Ciel was still bloody all over; but that was a problem that could wait for civilization.

"Not a clue, I would guess they cause the halls to move." Teleran said. "I think this one goes to where we were originally. Let me have a go at it." Teleran pulled the lever.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 21 2005, 09:05 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Feb 21 2005, 02:44 AM)

"Not a clue, I would guess they cause the halls to move." Teleran said. "I think this one goes to where we were originally. Let me have a go at it." Teleran pulled the lever.

Loranna gets ready to heal Teleran yet again, just in case ...

Posted by: Arynel Feb 21 2005, 09:06 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Feb 21 2005, 12:44 AM)

Arynel looked up from the table towards Solin.

"Yes, we should find her then, lead the way." The Breton said, rising from his seat.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 21 2005, 09:07 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Feb 21 2005, 12:44 AM)

"Not a clue, I would guess they cause the halls to move." Teleran said. "I think this one goes to where we were originally. Let me have a go at it." Teleran pulled the lever.

With a large CLUNK, a part of the chamber's wall slid in revealing a small section of stairs, removed from the hallway outside.

The glowing sphere in the center of the room shifted its view to show the confusing maze that the passages made.

With a bit of trial and effort, however, it looked like all of the hall pieces would join up and form a straight section leading to a way down.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 21 2005, 09:11 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Feb 21 2005, 01:46 AM)

Arynel looked up from the table towards Solin.

"Yes, we should find her then, lead the way." The Breton said, rising from his seat.

Jazbet's castle: Allerleirauh

Solin and Arynel found Allerleirauh in the kitchen. Only the dim light of the oven and a single candle revealed her work. She was making pies stuffed with cheese and savory meat. She jumped at their entrance, then relaxed when she saw who it was.

"Solin, what is it? You look grim," she said.

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

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 21 2005, 02:47 AM)

" ... Well, this shouldn't be all that hard ..." Loranna muses, walking over to the levers. "Hang on; this one seems to work that middle section ..."

Moments later, the party has a path leading downward. " ... All right, let's go," she says, leading the way to the stairwell.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 21 2005, 09:13 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 21 2005, 01:51 AM)

Tris followed Loranna. It took some effort to be farther than arm's length from Ciel; then he remembered what had happened earlier. What more was there to be afraid of, after that?

He smiled to himself.

Posted by: w0nders Feb 21 2005, 09:15 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 21 2005, 02:51 AM)

Dante nodded, following the group closely. Trying not to get to far ahead of them, he decided it would be better to stay in the somewhat, middle of everyone.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 21 2005, 09:15 AM

The hall led to a perfectly stable set of stairs, which led down into a large cave. A familiar, huge, golden pyramid stood in the center of the room, and a familiar creaky elevator hung in its usual place.

Posted by: Solin Feb 21 2005, 09:16 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 21 2005, 12:51 AM)

Solin checked to make sure the kitchen's privacy was assured before speaking.

"Something has happened," he began his expression shifted to that of worry. "A change has been wrought and I do not know why. She cries within the simulacrum."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 21 2005, 09:18 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 21 2005, 02:55 AM)

Loranna looks at the elevator. " ... Let's play this one safe; get torches people," she says. "Never know if there might be more of those spiders we missed last time."

I wonder if the shape-stealers are connected to this place, or perhaps trying to keep it sealed away ... she thinks as she helps gather torches for flinging into the shaft.

Posted by: Arynel Feb 21 2005, 09:18 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Feb 21 2005, 12:56 AM)

Arynel's mouth twisted into a frown.

"How strange..." the Breton began, "is there anything we can do?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 21 2005, 09:19 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Feb 21 2005, 01:56 AM)

Jazbet's Castle: Allerleirauh

"She what? Sen-Yedda?"

Allerleirauh shook her head at - Solin was a Dunmer, you couldn't call him a man - male creatures of all sorts and species. "Take me to her, right now."

She banked the oven, and rescued her already baked pie.

Posted by: w0nders Feb 21 2005, 09:20 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 21 2005, 02:58 AM)

"Good idea, but I doubt we'll be needing them..." Dante remarked cockily. He began to swing the torch around gently, in a pitching motion. Obviously stretching up for what would possibly need doing.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 21 2005, 09:20 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 21 2005, 01:58 AM)

"I say we send someone down there to fireball the place," Tris said.

Posted by: Teleran Feb 21 2005, 09:22 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 20 2005, 10:58 PM)

Teleran summoned a torch to himself, and flew it overhead. "Do you think any of them bother to climb on the ceiling anymore, or do they all remain below?"

Posted by: Loranna Feb 21 2005, 09:23 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Feb 21 2005, 03:00 AM)

"Good idea, but I doubt we'll be needing them..." Dante remarked cockily. He began to swing the torch around gently, in a pitching motion. Obviously stretching up for what would possibly need doing.

Loranna cringes inwardly ...

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 21 2005, 03:00 AM)

"I say we send someone down there to fireball the place," Tris said.

... and looks to Nalion and Dagoth. " ... That sounds like a good idea," she says. "Gentlebeings, may you do the honors? Tris, can you get the lever please?"

Posted by: Solin Feb 21 2005, 09:24 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 21 2005, 01:00 AM)

"I say we send someone down there to fireball the place," Tris said.

[Ciel]

Ciel followed along close to Tris, still silent. He gave a brief pause and stared at the headless and handless statue for a moment before joining the others.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 21 2005, 09:25 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 21 2005, 02:03 AM)

Loranna cringes inwardly ...
... and looks to Nalion and Dagoth. " ... That sounds like a good idea," she says. "Gentlebeings, may you do the honors? Tris, can you get the lever please?"

"Lever, at your service," Tris said, levitating up and pulling the lever.

He noticed Ciel's pause. Well, they'd be out of here soon enough.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 21 2005, 09:27 AM

As expected, the floor opened and the elevator platform clanked slowly downward into the cavern below.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 21 2005, 09:29 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 21 2005, 03:07 AM)

As expected, the floor opened and the elevator platform clanked slowly downward into the cavern below.

Dagoth, having been roused from his morbid musings, looks to Nalion, muttering something about watching himself while Dagoth uses 'a minor fire spell'. The two descend ....

One blazing inferno and crackle of magic power later, Dagoth and Nalion return, Nalion muttering something about being thankful for being born under the Atronach birthsign as a merry conflageration blazes in the shaft.

Posted by: Solin Feb 21 2005, 09:30 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 21 2005, 12:59 AM)

[Solin]

The mer nodded in response to Allerleirauh and glanced about the kitchen a second time.

"I do not know, Arynel," Solin replied to the bard. "I certainly hope that there is."

He lead the pair back through Jazbet's keep to the library where the simulacrum was. The closed door blocked entry. A few whispered words and a muted purple glow opened it.

The simulacrum sat where it did normally.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 21 2005, 09:33 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Feb 21 2005, 02:10 AM)

Allerleirauh knelt beside the simulacrum, singing softly, Dawn words, from her earliest memories.

Posted by: Arynel Feb 21 2005, 09:34 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Feb 21 2005, 01:10 AM)

[Solin]

The mer nodded in response to Allerleirauh and glanced about the kitchen a second time.
"I do not know, Arynel," Solin replied to the bard. "I certainly hope that there is."

He lead the pair back through Jazbet's keep to the library where the simulacrum was. The closed door blocked entry. A few whispered words and a muted purple glow opened it.

The simulacrum sat where it did in normalcy.

Arynel silently approached the Simulacrum, and leaned his head towards it, taking a deep breath.

"If I could I would fasion a ribbon from the joy of the world, to wrap around you like a maternal embrace, so you would always be safe and warm." The Breton said. "I fear though, I cannot do that, and I find I am blabbering, as I do not think you can hear me anyways."

Posted by: w0nders Feb 21 2005, 09:37 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 21 2005, 03:09 AM)

Dante let out a huff and placed the torch back onto the wall. "So, we just wait for the flames to die out? could take awhile."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 21 2005, 09:38 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Feb 21 2005, 02:17 AM)

Dante let out a huff and placed the torch back onto the wall. "So, we just wait for the flames to die out? could take awhile."

"That's what we do," Tris said.

It did not, however, take all that long.

"Going down," Tris said, flipping the lever again.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 21 2005, 09:40 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 21 2005, 03:18 AM)

"That's what we do," Tris said.

It did not, however, take all that long.

"Going down," Tris said, flipping the lever again.

Loranna prepares herself to cast shield and resist poison spells, drinking a restore potion to be topped off - there shouldn't be anything to worry about, but they had come too far to relax just yet ...

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 21 2005, 09:43 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Feb 21 2005, 02:14 AM)

"She can hear us," Allerleirauh said. "She'll be born in only a month. Children born more than a month early have lived, many times. And the unborn hear their mother's voice and heartbeat, in any case."

The child's crying had stopped.

"There," she said. "But the question is, what troubled her? I talked to her father just yesterday. But he is so far away, he cannot make himself think of our troubles in this world right now. Nor would I compell him to."

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 21 2005, 09:43 AM

The cave below stank of soot and smoke, but nothing in it moved. Anything that touched the floor or walls of the cave came back black as ink. Nalion and Dagoth had done their job well.

Beyond the blackened cave, the portal to the next section lie, shifting to between light and dark, light and dark.

The darkness was a familiar chasm, lit dimly by red-hot stone far below. The other area was blinding in the cave each time it flashed by. It was bright gold and red. A high, intricate room seemingly made all of solid gold, lit by flickering red light.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 21 2005, 09:46 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 21 2005, 03:23 AM)

Loranna holds her hand up to her face to shield her eyes. " ... Well, here we are ..." she says, her heart starting to pound in her chest; finally, they would find the Flamekiss - she hoped.

"Does anyone want the honor this time?" she asks, looking to her friends.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 21 2005, 09:49 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 21 2005, 02:26 AM)

"Ladies first," Tris said, gesturing for Loranna to enter.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 21 2005, 09:51 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 21 2005, 03:29 AM)

"Ladies first," Tris said, gesturing for Loranna to enter.

Loranna begins to laugh. "As you wish," she says, pausing just long enough to cast Shield on herself - she couldn't quite convince herself that things were smooth sailing yet.

Timing the flickering rooms, she steps through, squinting. She quickly turns to lay a spetim down in the usual manner.

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

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 21 2005, 02:31 AM)

Tris smiled at Ciel, then stepped through the door behind Loranna.

Posted by: w0nders Feb 21 2005, 09:54 AM

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

Once she had placed the septim, Dante stepped through the gateway and drew his sword. He took a few steps away from the door as to not impede the other people's path.

Posted by: Teleran Feb 21 2005, 09:55 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 20 2005, 11:31 PM)

Teleran stepped through, "Thank you for opening the way Lor."

He stepped aside from the portal and looked into the red light, "So that is-" He looked into the room to see the glittering gold.

Posted by: Solin Feb 21 2005, 09:56 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 21 2005, 01:33 AM)

Tris smiled at Ciel, then stepped through the door behind Loranna.

The knight follows quickly after Tris.

"Beware of traps," he said emerging in the other room. "This vault is likely as dangerous as the others... if not more so."

He shot a quick glance to Teleran and then turned back to the room.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 21 2005, 09:58 AM

The room was awe-inspiring. Countless golden pillars rose to form countless pointed arches. The top portion of each arch was filled by delicate golden lattice work in intricate patterns.

The floor beneath them was gold, and carved with long-tailed birds and bounding beasts of the forest.

At the center of the room, seven pillars, thicker than the rest, formed a circle. Between the pillars was a curtain of fine, golden chains which dangled from the ceiling, tantalizingly hiding the center of the room.

Most of the red light in the room came through the thin chains, although it was lit by other, unseen lights, as well.

The whole space glittered and shone with sun-like radience.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 21 2005, 10:01 AM

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

Loranna takes in the sight of the room, a little awestruck. This place was beautiful, and this was the only time she was going to see it; she wanted to remember the beauty.

" ... You know, I'm thinking the further away from the actual resting place we are the better," she says. "I suggest Teleran or Nalion levitate straight up and use telekenesis to move the curtain aside and bring the Flamekiss to us. Any objections to that plan?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 21 2005, 10:04 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 21 2005, 02:41 AM)

"Yes," Tris said. "That thing is really bright. It's so bright that it's almost blinding me peeking out from behind curtains. I would rather not be blinded. I say cast a partial blind spell on everyone to dim the light."

Posted by: Teleran Feb 21 2005, 10:08 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 20 2005, 11:41 PM)

"No objections form me," Teleran said. "Would you mind if I sent a dagger to precede the one who goes up, to avoid traps. Only for as far as I can see. Which in this light is not too far.

"Good idea Tris, not too strong though; don't want to be blind when we get somewhere dimmer."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 21 2005, 10:09 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 21 2005, 03:44 AM)

Loranna says " ... Good idea; I only know a weak blind spell though ..."

Dagoth raises his hands, and the room dims for everyone, light seeming to shy away from his bony fist. "Your eyes shall not be burned out by the light today," he says quietly.

Loranna gives Dagoth a small smile, saying " ... We should probably have a pouch or something ready to put it in quickly, just to be safe." She pulls out some rags from her sack. "All I got ..."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 21 2005, 10:12 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 21 2005, 02:49 AM)

"I have a pouch," Tris said, producing a small leather bag from inside his pack.

"Teleran, you're the telekinetic. Good luck with that."

He cast levitate on target on Teleran.

Posted by: Teleran Feb 21 2005, 10:15 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 20 2005, 11:49 PM)

Teleran takes the pouch and the rags, before drinking a potion of Rising Force and starting up, his dagger a few meters ahead of him. "Thank you, I think it will need all the covering we can find."

He moved the curtain aside from a distance and peered in.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 21 2005, 10:21 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Feb 21 2005, 01:55 AM)

He moved the curtain aside from a distance and peered in.

Behind the curtain it was bright. Blindingly bright. Even with the blinding spell, what was beyond the curtain burned itself into one's eyes.

Beyond the curtain was a solid gold platform, and on the platform was the most fantastically stunning woman anyone in the party could remember having ever seen. She reclined gracefully, her naked hip forming a curve that spoke of perfection. Her skin was golden, or tanned by the sun, or glowing like flame. Her hair was red, and flowed down over the pedestal.

Everyone present saw her dark-lined, golden eyes look directly at them. Each person heard saw her lips... lips as red as flame, as red as blood, as red as desire... The lips moved, and although no words were heard, all knew what they had said...

"Come to me. Claim me as your own. I will bestow upon you power that no mortal can endure."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 21 2005, 10:26 AM

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

Loranna feels her heart flutter; it had been a while since she had seen a woman who made her feel the way this woman did.

" ... That's Flamekiss?" she asks, as a way to keep herself from answering the call to claim the woman. Still, her own thoughts that she needed to be stronger to help her friends nagged at the back of her mind ...

... No; remember how that went with Azura, Loranna tells herself, over and over. But, still ...

Posted by: Teleran Feb 21 2005, 10:29 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 21 2005, 12:01 AM)

Telran started floating through the air towards the woman, damning the levitation for not being able to move faster. The dagger which had been floating in midair tumbled to the ground, away from the party fortunately, it's master was no longer giving it any thought.

He came through the curtains, his eyes burning in the light, but they did not shut he flew over to her. He reached down hesitantly to make sure that she was real before swooping down to kiss her.

Posted by: w0nders Feb 21 2005, 10:29 AM

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

Dante was nearly knocked over by the sight before him. He began to uncontrollably walk towards the woman, his hands dangling low by his waist. His sword had fallen to the ground some metres away. Anyone with a keen enough sight could probably notice a hint of drool run out of his mouth.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 21 2005, 10:30 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Feb 21 2005, 03:09 AM)

"Teleran! Stop!" Tris shouted, sending a lightning bolt - the spell he had ready - right at Teleran. It wouldn't kill him, hopefully. But he felt certain that 'power TOO GREAT FOR MORTAL TO ENDURE' was meant to be taken literally.

Posted by: Solin Feb 21 2005, 10:31 AM

Ciel's silence would have intensified if it could. He remembered laughter.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 21 2005, 10:32 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Feb 21 2005, 04:09 AM)

Tris's yell jolts Loranna to her senses, and she sees Dante running to the woman ...

Allie had once simply run her down and tackled her to the ground, back in Cyrodiil; Loranna uses the same strategy, fortifying her strength as she goes to pin Dante to the ground. "Hold it you!"

Posted by: Teleran Feb 21 2005, 10:35 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 21 2005, 12:10 AM)

He jerked to a stop, centimeters from her. "What? Tris? Well then how are we supposed to bring Flamekiss back if we can't touch her? I suppose you're right though."

He sighed longingly as he moved away, not too far, just a small ways. He could not tear his gaze from her.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 21 2005, 10:35 AM

The golden, perfect woman continued to look deeply into each person's eyes. She looked sad, and hopeful, and lustful, and lonely.

The red, red lips moved, "I will be yours. Yours alone. Come, claim me as your own. My power cannot be contained."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 21 2005, 10:37 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 21 2005, 03:15 AM)

"If your power cannot be contained, then how are we supposed to get you out of here?" Tris demanded, speaking to the woman as if she were a person.

She was certainly very lovely. But he had seen Dibella in the sphere of Dibella. He was not overwhelmed.

Posted by: w0nders Feb 21 2005, 10:37 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 21 2005, 04:12 AM)

Loranna's call didn't even cause Dante to turn his head, however the tackle she delivered sent both of them falling to the ground. He looked up from the ground to see the woman again, and let out a soft whimper.

"What are you doing?" He asked, puzzled, crawling out from underneath her. "I was just- oooooh" He continued his journey towards the woman, however this time crawling.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 21 2005, 10:39 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 21 2005, 02:17 AM)

"If your power cannot be contained, then how are we supposed to get you out of here?" Tris demanded, speaking to the woman as if she were a person.

The red lips moved...

"'We'? Forsake all else. Claim me as yours alone. Only then shall my power be released. With you, alone."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 21 2005, 10:40 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Feb 21 2005, 04:17 AM)

Loranna sits on the small of Dante's back, and wrestles his arms under her. "I'm trying to save your life - again!" she says loudly.

The woman's eyes were hard to deny. Loranna speaks. " ... Dear, you must be very lonely, being kept in here for so long ... but if someone does claim you untold thousands will die ..."

Posted by: w0nders Feb 21 2005, 10:44 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 21 2005, 04:20 AM)

Dante struggled momentarily, before giving up and relaxing. He let out a large, depressed huff and looked up at the woman again. He quickly planted his face into the ground however to resist further temptation, whimpering the whole time.

Posted by: Teleran Feb 21 2005, 10:46 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 21 2005, 12:19 AM)

The red lips moved...

"'We'? Forsake all else. Claim me as yours alone. Only then shall my power be released. With you, alone."

"Stay back!" Teleran snarled at Dante. He looked back at Flamekiss and was clearly once again under her spell. He started heading back towards her. His flight stuttered as he approached her, as though sense was trying to regain control, until he was once again floating at her side. He halted and gazed into her eyes, before shaking his head. "Forgive me, I cannot release you." He knelt on the air beside her.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 21 2005, 10:48 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 21 2005, 03:19 AM)

The red lips moved...

"'We'? Forsake all else. Claim me as yours alone. Only then shall my power be released. With you, alone."

Tris sent another lightning bolt into Teleran's hide. "Stop that!"

"No one is going to release your power," Tris said. "You're a gem, and you're going to be nice and look like a gem and get in the little bag, and we're going to take you where no one can use you to hurt anyone."

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 21 2005, 10:49 AM

The stunning face was even more beautiful when sad.

"We?

"You must claim me. I must be yours alone."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 21 2005, 10:52 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 21 2005, 04:29 AM)

The stunning face was even more beautiful when sad.

"We?

"You must claim me. I must be yours alone."

Loranna, satisfied that Dante was under control for now, sighs. "No dear; no one must claim you for theirs alone. Tris is right; please go back to being a gem instead of my idealized ... er, please be a gem or else we'll have to toss the curtain back over you until you're ready to do so."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 21 2005, 10:56 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 21 2005, 03:32 AM)

Tris glanced away from the beautiful woman for a moment to find Ciel's hand. When he turned his head against her light, he could see his own eyelashes, she was so bright.

"We," he said emphatically, "All of us in this company, order you to stop this nonsense and get in the little bag. You're a stone, act like one! We're taking you with us."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 21 2005, 10:59 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 21 2005, 04:36 AM)

"Exactly," Loranna says. "We all endured much to find you; we all enjoin you thus."

Posted by: w0nders Feb 21 2005, 11:03 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 21 2005, 04:36 AM)

"Um...yeah, that's...right" Dante stated weakly, not facing the woman. His eye was clamped tightly shut.

Posted by: Teleran Feb 21 2005, 11:03 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 21 2005, 12:36 AM)

Teleran was having trouble speaking at the moment, the combination of being tongue-tied before Flamekiss, as well as electric shocks running through him made it difficult to speak clearly. He started floating back towards Tris and Ciel, "Thas rite." He slurred as he came back.

Posted by: Solin Feb 21 2005, 11:04 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 21 2005, 02:36 AM)

Tris's grasp one his hand broke the knight's reverie.

"Indeed," Ciel nodded. "Everyone here has done something to come to this point, bauble. You are not to be claimed in the name of an individual but, more."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 21 2005, 11:05 AM

Loranna looks at Teleran and Dante, shaking slightly. "Did not my own folly with Azura show you nothing?" she demands hotly. "You KNOW to agree is doom! Hold steadfast!"

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 21 2005, 11:06 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 21 2005, 02:36 AM)

The woman sighed. She looked lonely and saddened beyond belief.

"You... all.

"'We'."

There was a blinding burst of flame.

A red gem, finely cut and as big as a Nord's fist, lay on the pedestal. At its heart, a flickering flame cast an uneven light.

All around, the golden room turned to rough grey stone.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 21 2005, 11:08 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 21 2005, 04:46 AM)

Loranna gets off of Dante, offering him her hand.

"We're sorry dear," she says softly, "but it must be thus. Teleran, place the gem in the pouch, please."

She looks to Tris. " ... Well played, dear," she says, smiling.

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

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 21 2005, 03:46 AM)

Tris darted forward to take the bag from Teleran's trembling fingers and slip it over the stone. "And... caught. I hope."

"Teleran, buddy, I'm so sorry," he said, turning to cast a healing spell on Teleran. Although, he thought, with a wry smile, that it paid Teleran back nicely for implaling him on spears in the chamber of the helm.

Posted by: w0nders Feb 21 2005, 11:12 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 21 2005, 04:48 AM)

Dante takes her hand, and climbs to his feet. "Indeed, no hard feelings eh?" After standing straight for a couple of moments, Dante had a stunning realisation, and hunched over slightly. He waddled awkwardley to his sword and sheathed it.

Posted by: Teleran Feb 21 2005, 11:14 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 21 2005, 12:48 AM)

"Thaks fur te hep," Teleran said, regaining his ability to speak with the time from the shock spell and the disappearance of Flamekiss into the bag. "Thank you for the help Tris. No worries, you probably saved me from doing something really stupid in there."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 21 2005, 11:14 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Feb 21 2005, 04:52 AM)

Loranna declines to comment on Dante's posture.

" ... Let's get back to the rafts," she says. "And decide if we're going to take the short or long way back home."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 21 2005, 11:21 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 21 2005, 03:54 AM)

Loranna declines to comment on Dante's posture.

" ... Let's get back to the rafts," she says. "And decide if we're going to take the short or long way back home."

Tris gave the bag with the Flamekiss gem to Loranna.

The last room was the fiery abyss. As before, they levitated down to the door, and out into the green swamp.

It was nighttime, warm, heavy-scented, and full of strange insects noises.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 21 2005, 11:23 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 21 2005, 05:01 AM)

Loranna carefully secures the pouch on her person, feeling a bit nervous.

Once outside, Loranna finds the sounds and scents of the swamp to be a welcome relief compared to the ordeals they had just endured. She sits down on a raft, letting out a long breath.

" ... We did it, and we all lived," she says, shaking her head and smiling tiredly. " ... You know, some hot food sounds real nice right now ..."

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 21 2005, 11:25 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 21 2005, 03:03 AM)

One of the Argonian raftmen waddled up to Loranna and handed her a large, raw, scaleless fish. They had been fixing their own supper.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 21 2005, 11:26 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 21 2005, 04:03 AM)

"Next stop, the Inferno," Tris said, grinning.

He was worried about Ciel. Ciel was always quiet, but he seemed more thoughtful than usual. Tris remembered his own vision of Dibella from the time he had almost died. What had Ciel seen?

"Time for a hot bath, and a good meal, and a private room," he said softly. "And a drink or two or three."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 21 2005, 11:28 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 21 2005, 05:05 AM)

One of the Argonian raftmen waddled up to Loranna and handed her a large, raw, scaleless fish. They had been fixing their own supper.

Loranna raises her eyebrows, noting the fish was scaleless naturally and not due to being cleaned. " ... Thank you," she says.

... Yes; cooking is an absolute must learn skill if I'm going to continue this sort of life, she thinks to herself, asking someone with better fire magic than her to help her cook her proffered meal.

Posted by: Solin Feb 21 2005, 11:30 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 21 2005, 03:06 AM)

"Next stop, the Inferno," Tris said, grinning.

He was worried about Ciel. Ciel was always quiet, but he seemed more thoughtful than usual. Tris remember his own vision of Dibella from the time he had almost died. What had Ciel seen?

"Time for a hot bath, and a good meal, and a private room," he said softly. "And a drink or two or three."

Ciel took a breath of the heavy air.

"Thank the Nine," he said suddenly smiling. "Yes, a suggestion of great sense."

Posted by: w0nders Feb 21 2005, 11:36 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 21 2005, 05:08 AM)

Thankfully by now, Dante's posture had returned to normal. Being the all around nice guy that he is, he offered to help Loranna cook her...fish. "I'm not great with fire spells...or any spells for that matter, but you're probably not going to get that thing cooked without the right work station."

He winked and began to build a small firepit, he would probably need some sought of pot, also.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 21 2005, 11:39 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Feb 21 2005, 05:16 AM)

Loranna waves her hand at Dante. " ... I'll wait till we get back to Stormhold," she tells him with a tired grin.

"Let's go," she suggests.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 21 2005, 11:41 AM

The Argonians weren't thrilled to pack up and take the rafts back in the dark, but their passengers didn't look like it would take 'no' for an answer.

They made the trip in record time, though, which was worth it.

After the dank, cold Vaults and the humid, seething swamp, the dry warmth of the Inferno was like heaven itself.

The waitress had no idea what she was letting herself in for when she asked if there was anything she could get anyone.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 21 2005, 11:46 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 21 2005, 05:21 AM)

Loranna lets the dry warmth of the Inferno sink into her skin, having returned the fish to the Argonian on the way back.

" ... Something hot and filling, and some mead to wash it down please," she asks, looking around the tavern with a curious expression.

... Lor, you realize, this time you're the adventurer, not the barmaid? she asks herself, a smile creeping onto her face. Hahahaha ... how about that girl? Of course, no hitting on the barmaids here; you're taken ...

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 21 2005, 11:50 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 21 2005, 04:26 AM)

Tris kissed Loranna on the cheek.

"Careful with that gem," he whispered in her ear. "Don't get drunk unless there's someone sober to keep an eye open."

Ciel was still covered in blood, beneath his armor. Tris sent the staff of the inn scurrying to fetch a hot bath for him, food, and drink. He took the tray, and disappeared behind the doors of their room.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 21 2005, 11:54 AM

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

Loranna smiles, the light making her tearstreaks sparkle.

"No worries; one mead for the night," she assures Tris quietly, watching him head off.

" ... And one sweetroll if they have them here," she adds afterward. "For old times sake."

I'll be careful Tris, she promises, waiting for her food. She looks to see what the others are up to.

Posted by: Teleran Feb 21 2005, 11:55 AM

"I second that, Lor. A round of drink to go with good food, things you miss in the depths of the swamp. I'll have some brandy if you have it." Teleran smiled. "I am glad to be out of the vaults, and still in one piece. A toast to Tris's level-headed thinking in the ...hey where'd he go?"

Posted by: Loranna Feb 21 2005, 11:57 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Feb 21 2005, 05:35 AM)

Loranna shakes her head, chuckling. "Don't go blabbing about what we just went through dear; I don't feel up to dealing with curious onlookers," she asks. "But otherwise, bring on the food."

She looks over to Dagoth curiously.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 21 2005, 12:01 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 21 2005, 04:37 AM)

Loranna shakes her head, chuckling. "Don't go blabbing about what we just ent through dear; I don't feel up to dealing with curious onlookers," she asks. "But otherwise, bring on the food."

She looks over to Dagoth curiously.

The lich looked left, then right, and noticed Loranna's curiosity. 'Is something the matter? You seem... questioning...'

Posted by: Loranna Feb 21 2005, 12:02 PM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Feb 21 2005, 05:41 AM)

The lich looked left, then right, and noticed Loranna's curiosity. 'Is something the matter? You seem... questioning...'

" ... Just thought you might like someone to chat with," Loranna says with a small smile. "We all went through a lot, after all."

her tone is gentle, but her eyes betray a hint of worry.

Posted by: w0nders Feb 21 2005, 12:04 PM

Dante ordered a glass of water and some bread, before making his way to a free table. He sipped the water slowly, almost choking on it's coldness. From his pouch he removed a small book, an oddly familiar one.

The hard leather cover had drops of dried blood on it, and was teared in multiple places. He opened it, the pages within having neatly written entries. The further back they went the more damaged and weatherworn they seemed. He flipped to the last page, and read over the scrawlings he had failed to decipher so many times before.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 21 2005, 12:05 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 21 2005, 04:42 AM)

" ... Just thought you might like someone to chat with," Loranna says with a small smile. "We all went through a lot, after all."

her tone is gentle, but her eyes betray a hint of worry.

Her worry does not go unnoticed by Dagoth, he knows her too well for it to. 'I'll be fine... I hope.... this has just been a rather disturbing trip. You seem... worried, about something... or someone...'

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 21 2005, 12:08 PM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Feb 21 2005, 04:35 AM)

Words could wait. For a bath, a little food, and to remember what exactly it was they had been fighting for. For an hour of sleep.

The shift in Ciel's breathing that said he was awake woke Tris instantly. Crazy. Was he even the same person anymore, the one whose friends had played pranks on him while he was asleep?

They had a lot to talk about.

Tris told him everything, because talking was the best way to get Ciel to talk. He told him about dying - had he died, if it weren't for Dibella? - and seeing the sphere of the goddess. About the thought he had, waiting to tell Arynel, that you could find the secret of the universe anywhere. You could worship one thing, love one thing fully, and everything else came with it. Like trying to pull out one thread from a knitted cloth.

He told him about the doppleganger, about searching for Ciel and thinking he was dead somewhere and then finding the fake Ciel and then killing the fake Ciel. How the dead face had looked like Ciel's, and how he hadn't hesitated to throw. How could he? Because the real Ciel would have wanted him to be brave, to keep himself alive.

And he told Ciel about the moment he saw the real Ciel's dead body. He hesitated here, for a long moment, before he could explain about how he had gone into another place, a place that wasn't the Void even, a place where strings of power were learned and used. How he was a Void Ranger again - if he wanted to be - and maybe something more.

"I feel like I should be frightened," he said. "But how can I be? If this is wicked, then I'm wicked. Maybe I am. But I can't play it that way. I just love you, that's all."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 21 2005, 12:12 PM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Feb 21 2005, 05:45 AM)

"I hope so too," Loranna says, as her food is brought; she smiles appreciatively at the sweetroll, thanking and paying the barmaid.

"You can feel what I'm worried about; it's what I usually worry about," she continues, giving a quick, sad smile. "We each had personal battles in that place, and yours I feel isn't yet quite finished. I promised once we got out we'd sit down and talk about that; come morning, would you still like to do so?"

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 21 2005, 12:13 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 21 2005, 04:52 AM)

The lich looked unsure for a moment, then nodded. 'Yes... that would help greatly...'

Posted by: Loranna Feb 21 2005, 12:16 PM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Feb 21 2005, 05:53 AM)

The lich looked unsure for a moment, then nodded. 'Yes... that would help greatly...'

Loranna reaches over to squeeze Dagoth's hand reassuringly, her fleshy hand radiating warmth into his illusion-covered, bony one.

"Good," she says, the light shining on her tearstreaks and making her look like she was crying, though her expression was mostly happy, if a cautious happiness. "For right now though ... is there anything of a lighter nature you'd like to discuss? Thoughts on what to do next, on how things went overall, of the nature of winged monkeys when frozen?"

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 21 2005, 12:18 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 21 2005, 04:56 AM)

Dagoth laughed at the monkey thing. 'Yes. rather odd creatures those monkies! Might as well put them on sticks and sell them as treats to kids now' It was his first slightly happy moment since the incident with his double...

Posted by: Loranna Feb 21 2005, 12:20 PM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Feb 21 2005, 05:58 AM)

Loranna raises her eyebrows, though her lips do curl a bit upward.

" ... I don't think that one would go over well with the general public," she says gently, shaking her head. "But I get the joke; they were rather odd, no? As were the shape-stealers; I wonder if there's any records of them anywhere?"

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 21 2005, 12:30 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 21 2005, 05:00 AM)

His head kinda looked down a bit at the mention of the doubles. 'Those are something... I'd rather avoid...' He gave up the impression that it wasn't the best subject to be on.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 21 2005, 12:35 PM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Feb 21 2005, 06:10 AM)

His head kinda looked down a bit at the mention of the doubles. 'Those are something... I'd rather avoid...' He gave up the impression that it wasn't the best subject to be on.

Loranna mentally kicks herself; she was more tired than she realized.

"Me too," she says, squeezing his hand again.

" ... It is probably not a good idea for me to be left alone with the gem for long periods," she says. "Might I ask you to keep an eye out while I rest tonight, make sure I don't try to claim the gem in my sleep or something? And then tomorrow, we talk in earnest, as I promised."

Including about what we're both skirting around now, she adds mentally, working on her food. It was hot, and delicious compared to the travel rations she had been living on for ... how long were they in the Vaults? Nearly a week? More?

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 21 2005, 12:38 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 21 2005, 05:15 AM)

The lich nodded a bit. 'Alright... just don't let me get it, or I won't be able to help myself...'

Posted by: Nalion Feb 21 2005, 12:38 PM

Nalion had entered the "Inferno" with the others. After what they had endured in the Vaults of Gemin, the warm dry air of the tavern was a delightful contrast to the damp and cold caverns and the damp and hot air of the swamps.
The barmaid approaching the mage just opened her mouth to ask what she could do for him as he interrupted her with a wave of his hand: "Hot bath!"
A few minutes later, the hot water in the tub in which he sat began to slowly ease the tension in his muscles. His mind was floating freely as was the steam in his room. The dirt and strain ran from his body and he felt refreshed and healthy. After a thorough shave, he felt like a newborn child. When he re-emerged from his room, the rather shabby-looking mage had changed back into a more respectable looking person.

As he entered the common room, he glanced at his friends and gave them a heartfelt smile. Not saying a word while he took a seat, he grabbed a slice of bread, put some meat on it and began to eat. At times, he washed the food down with a swallow of crystal-clear water.
As Nalion finished eating, he leaned back on his stool putting his feet on another chair. Feeling deeply at ease, he began to chant silently.

"Returning from perilous paths,
Adventurers rejoyce and rest,
Escaped they have from villain's wrath,
But now it's time for food and jest."

Great might be the price they pay,
But adamant their will remained,
With ease now hero's head may lay,
As there was more than treasure gained..."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 21 2005, 12:42 PM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Feb 21 2005, 06:18 AM)

The lich nodded a bit. 'Alright... just don't let me get it, or I won't be able to help myself...'

Loranna frowns. "I'm keeping it on myself, don't worry," she says. "I just don't want to find out it calls to me in my sleep and I do something incredibly dumb late in the night, is all."

Her main meal was done, and her mead still mostly full; Loranna had been sipping it conservatively. She takes up her sweetroll and bites into it, a girlish grin coming to her face. Tasty, and this one wasn't too sugary, and had a dash of something she couldn't quite identify but liked nonetheless. A good sweetroll, something she hadn't really had since ... Balmora, now that she thought of it.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 21 2005, 12:56 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 21 2005, 05:15 AM)

He just nodded. 'I'll help however I can... you know this...'

Posted by: Solin Feb 21 2005, 12:56 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 21 2005, 03:48 AM)

And he told Ciel about the moment he saw the real Ciel's dead body. He hesitated here, for a long moment, before he could explain about how he had gone into another place, a place that wasn't the Void even, a place where strings of power were learned and used. How he was a Void Ranger again - if he wanted to be - and maybe something more.

"I feel like I should be frightened," he said. "But how can I be? If this is wicked, then I'm wicked. Maybe I am. But I can't play it that way. I just love you, that's all."

Ciel let the flow of words run over him. He listened quietly. Tris was right though, the words drew out his own. The Void, and those who traversed it were an awkward subject for the knight but, Tris… He took a breath and spoke.

“Such great…” he began. “I’m glad I do not have such to bear. I would not be able to -to delegate –wield…”

Ciel fell silent in a hesitated moment.

“I fear tempering what you have,” he picked up again. “To muddy it with the mundane, it might do more harm than good.”

He took another breath.

“Something happened, though,” Ciel continued. “Back in that maze. What you did changed something.”

The knight related what he could of their separation in the Vaults. The false Tris stabbing him in the back and then being cut down, Ciel thought he was never going to see him again. The wandering lost in the maze. The ethereal voices both the seemingly indifferent and those that sought him. He spoke of how he woke up and it was all different.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 21 2005, 12:57 PM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Feb 21 2005, 06:36 AM)

He just nodded. 'I'll help however I can... you know this...'

"As will I, as you know," Loranna says with a smile.

"Dinner's over; let's call it a night."

Loranna gets up and arranges for a room for herself and Dagoth, and is soon up in a room, where the creature comfort of an actual bed awaits her.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 21 2005, 01:01 PM

QUOTE(Solin @ Feb 21 2005, 05:36 AM)

"No, no," Tris said. "You - you're my anchor. Don't you understand? Before I met you I was this rotten little boy who didn't care about anything. Now I almost like myself, sometimes."

The second part of what Ciel said frightened him though. He loved what they had, he was afraid of it changing. But people changed, didn't they? That's what people did. You had to learn to move along with it. Like riding a horse.

He had always been lousy at riding horses.

"I don't understand," he said. "What's different?"

Posted by: Solin Feb 21 2005, 01:16 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 21 2005, 04:41 AM)

Ciel gave a slight chuckle.

"I'm not sure it works that way," he said, his voice carried a happy note. No doubt he was smiling. "Everything and nothing. Not to be scared of, it's better now I am certain."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 21 2005, 01:20 PM

QUOTE(Solin @ Feb 21 2005, 05:56 AM)

The happiness in Ciel's voice was good enough for him. He thought in silence for a long time.

"We're both here because we choose to be," Tris said, in wonder. "Maybe that's what's different."

Posted by: Solin Feb 21 2005, 01:26 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 21 2005, 05:00 AM)

The happiness in Ciel's voice was good enough for him. He thought in silence for a long time.

"We're both here because we choose to be," Tris said, in wonder. "Maybe that's what's different."

Ciel thought for a moment. His mind focused on the image of Tris's face on the reflecting pool's surface.

"Perhaps so," he replied softly.

Posted by: Teleran Feb 21 2005, 01:27 PM

Teleran wandered around the Inferno chatting with the locals. They seemed much more amiable than he had remembered from his previous visit.

When he sat down he noticed that a number of them gathered around him and one of the barmaids plopped herself down in his lap. "Um, hi," he stammered as she giggled at him, playing with his hair. He felt someone pinch him and he looked behind him to see a patron of the bar being the only one in reach and he was looking right at him. A more mature woman sat down beside him and muttered about him needing a real women before resting herself against him.

Shortly he found himself engulfed in a small swarm of people. He expressed his deepest regrets that no, he could find his way into a quiet corner nor could he join them in a nice place where they could be alone, as he tried to make his way out of the group, which was hard with both arms full, and one needing delicate care so that it would not reveal that it was not truly there. He wondered idly whether letting that guise drop would scare them off, probably not, they would probably deem it a mark of heroism or somesuch nonsense.

Eventually he did manage to shoo most of them away. Finally only a single Breton girl stayed. "You handled them with great resraint," she said in an admiring tone. "Those miserable harpies, I would have given them a piece of my mind. Come now, I know a perfect place for you to rest, the accomodations are quite comfortable. I am sure you will feel right at home."

Teleran almost decided to just give in to exhaustian. He looked at his brandy, no more than a few sips gone, though come to think of it he didn't remember paying for it. "Do you know the game of the Daedra?" He inquired.

"Oh, you mean the hunt? Yes, I enjoy such things too, especially when I have my goal in sight." She stared at him with lovely brown eyes flecked with green.

"Ahem," he cleared his throat, that was not the angle he had intended to pursue. "Perhaps you would like to dance, I'm sure we can find some space to do that in here."

"That sounds nice," she smiled at him. "I am a very good dancer."

She wasn't lying either, several dances later Teleran was wondering whether he was going to get any rest that night. During the breaks between dances she proved more than willing to let him take a rest and have a drink. He was drinking, but there never seemed to be any less brandy in the cup. It didn't matter too much, he couldn't have had more than a cup, maybe two. She smiled companionably at him when he asked her about it.

Posted by: lochnarus Feb 21 2005, 02:48 PM

It was evening or thereabouts. "A hot humid evening" thought some of the patrons at the The Inferno, in Black Marsh.

"By chance spare some room for a lonely Nord?" a strange, tall man chimed in from the nearby shadows. He lifted up his wide brimmed black hat to reveal deep set blue eyes, obviously a Nord. He was wearing a brown leather (netch perhaps?) longcoat, gloves and boots of the same make. It looked to those gathered at this particular table that he was smiling, although they could not say under the shadowy lighting.

"Aye" said someone reluctantly, not revealing themselves or wanting trouble. They were not want to strange men asking to sit down with them, especially in these times.

The man took three unnaturally quick steps and sat down beside a pretty Redguard female peacefully enjoying her mead.

"Evenin' to ye." He tipped his hat with a slight smile. A broad-shouldered fellow he was. Long dark hair and a generous beard as well. He winked at the person directly across from him.

"Name's Lochnarus, but most people call me Loch. That is, until they die...then they have no words for me" The man named Loch flashed a wry grin that would make an old woman blush and feel secure, but set these gathered in an uneasy state.

No one said anything. They all looked at each other and down at the table.

"No worries for ye, meladies and gentlemens. I've got no ill-will t'ward you lot. I have a proposition for ye" With that, he raised his arm and flagged down a barmaid.

"Aye melady, mind fashioning me a flagon or two of that fine Nordic mead, been a while since I've tasted the swill." He winked at the Redguard again. She blushed and smiled down at the table.

"Coming right away sir." replied the barmaid from a few feet away. Those gathered noticed that as people came and went, they steered as clear of the Lochnarus fellow as they well could, keeping a distance. Even large Orc fellows would not make eye contact with him, as if they feared he would tear the whole place to shreds.

"Ah good then, a fine few drakes ye'll get." Lochnarus was idling through a small leather sack secured to his chest by a thin sash, presumably looking for coin.

A few of the gasthering resumed talking amonst themselves, somewhat relieved that Lochnarus had relayed he meant them no harm. But why had he sat down with them? What was his motive for striking up a conversation, some thought. Still he sat there with a mysterious grin on his face, as though he had stumbled upon friends he'd had for ages.

A few mintues passed and no one spoke to Lochnarus, who patiently waited for his beverage, which came forthwith. The barmaid strode up to the table and plopped down two large flasks of honey mead, as Lochnarus proffered a pile of drakes in his gloved hand. As the barmaid reached to take the gold, Lochnarus quickly grabbed her hand. She started, and then the strange Nord stood right up and proceeded to dance with her, who, after being slightly unwilling at first, seemed to relax and dance along with the man. This was indeed odd, as there was no music. Loch, turned and swayed with the girl and smiling all the while, which started her giggling and dancing more vigorously. The party at th table were wide-eyed at the display. In fact everyone in The Inferno had turned to watch.

"Come on then, no use standin' there looking foolish ye sods! Dance!" Lochnarus gleefully beckoned to the entire establishment. All the sudden one of the patrons brandished a lute and started into a jolly song, and soon the entire bar was in a festive mod, dancing and carrying on. After a few songs, Loch sauntered back over to the table where the party was sitting (with the barmaid on one hand) and leaned over to Dante to speak.

"Where are ye lot headed when ye leave this here establishment? I've a mind to accompany ye, looks like ye might be in need of a fellow like me. Whether ye know it or not."

Another wink. The barmaid whispered into Lochnarus' ear, which made his eyes gleam. He leaned in to Dante's ear again.

"Well, maybe on the morrow then, we'll talk." With this he nodded, this time with no smile, and led the barmaid to a nearby staircase and dissappeared.

The party could not help but think they would see him again. Soon.

Posted by: Dumbkid Feb 22 2005, 03:07 AM

The door to the Inferno came open and a sombre faced argonian stepped in. His scales were mostly blue, with some green, and even a bit of red, interspersed. His eyes darted from side to side, scanning the area, until at last he stepped further into the crowed.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 22 2005, 03:10 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 21 2005, 06:37 AM)

The Inferno, Stormhold

The night had passed for Loranna without incident, other than vivid dreams. She had woken and popped out of her room briefly at dawn, seeking food and bathing accomodations while Dagoth busied himself in the main tavern hall with trivial matters. After a while, the now refreshed Loranna beckons him back to her room and shuts the door.

Hours pass; passers-by can hear muttered voices raising now and again behind Loranna's door, once or twice a strangled cry or a wordless exclamation causes raised eyebrows. Then, for a while, all is quiet ...

Shortly after the passing of the midday, the door opens and Loranna steps out, looking weary, a tired smile on her face. She looks back in her room for a moment, then turns away, sighing very quietly. It was time for something to eat; she felt ravenous.

Heading down to the main area, touching the star pendant she found in the Vaults, Loranna orders herself a meal of beef and bread, though she eschews mead in favor of milk for her drink. She sits down and looks around to see if anyone she knows is around yet.

Posted by: Dumbkid Feb 22 2005, 03:19 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 21 2005, 08:50 PM)

Heading down to the main area, touching the star pendant she found in the Vaults, Loranna orders herself a meal of beef and bread, though she eschews mead in favor of milk for her drink. She sits down and looks around to see if anyone she knows is around yet.

The argonian slaps a few septims down on the counter before Loranna has time to pay for her orders. He turns towards the Nord woman.

"What brings you to our home, soft skin?"

Posted by: Loranna Feb 22 2005, 03:25 AM

QUOTE(Dumbkid @ Feb 21 2005, 08:59 PM)

The argonian slaps a few septims down on the counter before Loranna has time to pay for her orders. He turns towards the Nord woman.

"What brings you to our home, soft skin?"

Loranna is surprised to find an Argonain offering to pay for her meal, as her raised eyebrows show.

"Hi there," Loranna says, offering a small, polite smile. "Why am I here?"

She shrugs. "I had business to attend to here in the area, is all," she says. "Why do you ask?"

Posted by: Aki Feb 22 2005, 03:26 AM

Reichi meanwhile, warmed himself infront of one of the fires, not taking notice of the others's activities. "Mmmm....warmm...." he muttered.

Posted by: Dumbkid Feb 22 2005, 03:30 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 21 2005, 09:05 PM)

"Business...." the Argonian mumbled, as if weighing the word on his tongue, "soft skins do not come to Black Marsh often on business, unless it be very important business, but Stills-His-Tongue knows when not to pursue further."

The Argonian pauses, and pulls a shiny silver string from his pocket.

"I can do magick, would you like to see?"

Posted by: Loranna Feb 22 2005, 03:34 AM

QUOTE(Dumbkid @ Feb 21 2005, 09:10 PM)

"Er, that's all right," Loranna says, raising her hand. "Thank you for the offer though ..."

Her food arrives, and she accepts it. "By your leave sir?" she asks, taking her food and rising. "No offense meant to you but I've just had a very draining conversation with a friend and fear I am not really the most entertaining of company. I can reimburse you for the food, if you like."

Posted by: Dumbkid Feb 22 2005, 03:37 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 21 2005, 09:14 PM)

Stills-His-Tongue starred at Loranna blankly.

After a long moment he stretched out the string, ripping it into two pieces, letting them fall to the floor.

The Argonian turned around and disappeared into the crowd.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 22 2005, 03:45 AM

QUOTE(Dumbkid @ Feb 21 2005, 09:17 PM)

Loranna feels slightly bad, but between her recent adventures in Gemin, her talk with Dagoth, and the Flamekiss secreted on her person, the strange Argonian had set off alarm bells in her head - alarm bells which may have been unwarrented, though at the moment Loranna would prefer not to take chances.

... I'm not going to feel comfortable until we get this thing back home, she thinks to herself. And the others probably want to sightsee too; Stormhold's a new place after all ...

She sits close enough to others that she's not really by herself or easily isolated, and eats her meal, feeling her cautious optimism from before evaporate.

Posted by: Dumbkid Feb 22 2005, 04:05 AM

Outside of the Inferno, two enormous Argonians drew Stills-His-Tongue to the side in a rather unfriendly fashion.

“So, do you know anything about the soft skins yet?” One of them hissed through a fanged filled mouth.

“No, I couldn’t.” Stills-His-Tongue said, in a tone that sounded something akin to pleading.

“We thought we could trust you,” the other Argonian said, throwing the back of his open hand across Stills-His-Tongue’s face, “We thought you were good enough for us, perhaps we were wrong.”

Stills-His-Tongue’s hand came up to solace his aching cheek, but he forced it down and put forth an expression devoid of emotion. “Give me another chance.” He said.

“No, you’ve had your chance.” The first argonian said. “I pity those soft skins, pity that they have us to deal with.”

The two Argonians chuckled. Stills-His-Tongue said nothing, but turned and began walking away.

__________________________________________________________________

The two Argonians opened the doors to The Inferno and stepped inside. They looked at each other and nodded, and then went their separate ways.

The two Argonians made their way around the main hall, stealthily placing small fungi picked from deep in the swamp in the fire pits, near the edge of the flames. At last they made their way around the room, meeting at the other side, where they greeted each other once more.

“It’s ready.” One said.

The two Argonians made their way across the hall, and left the building.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 22 2005, 04:37 AM

QUOTE(Dumbkid @ Feb 21 2005, 09:45 PM)

Having been eating, Loranna didn't notice the two new arrivals come in, and besides Reichi - who looked like he was content to doze by the fireplace when she last looked - no one else seemed to be around.

Everyone else seems to still be sleeping; smart people, Loranna thinks to herself, getting up. ... Guess I'll try looking for people again in a couple of hours or something, go write in my journal, try to get my thoughts organized in my head ...

Loranna starts back to her room.

Posted by: Dumbkid Feb 22 2005, 04:47 AM

The two Argonians met outside of the Inferno, and began laughing, which was more akin to a hiss, but a laugh nonetheless.

"It is only a matter of time now, and very little." The first Argonian said.

"Yes, the heat from the fires will heat up our little presents, and the smoke will carry it around so everyone can have some." The second Argonian said.

The two laughed again.

"And when they can no longer fight back, they will be defenseless." The first one said.

The two Argonians stood silently, eyeing the flames coming from the Inferno, looking for the expected change of color.

They looked at eachother, and then approached the building, pulling open the door, inside, activity proceeded as normal. They shut the door, and backed off a pace.

"What's going on, why isn't it working?" The first Argonian hissed.

"I don't know, it should be working by now," the second Argonian said, "they must have dried out too soon."

The two Argonians cursed, and began walking away, cursing.

Posted by: Aki Feb 22 2005, 05:55 AM

The Woods near Ald Raathim

Two full moons hung in the night sky, as two Werewolves stalked the forest. Tohe and Eya, a scarred brown Werewolf, and a white one with flecks of black, and ice blue eyes.
However, they two were being stalked. A black armored figure stepped out in front of them.

The figure in black armor was none other than Raddin the Wolf. The elderly Nord was a veteran Werewolf hunter, and he was stalking Reichi, he had planned on waiting for that Werewolf to return, but he had heard these ones, and couldn't let them go free. The Nord brushed his long white hair from his face, and glared at the beasts with grey eyes.

"Sttop there, Fell beasts of the hunt!" He called, both stopped as told, and then turned on Raddin, running at him. The hunter smiled faintly, then drew his weapon, a great black axe, one side of the head was a silver axe blade, the other was a carved that looked like a wolf's head, with glowing red eyes. In daedric letters alongside the blade, read: Wolf's Bane. Raddin pulled a tower sheild from his back.

Tohe reached Raddin first, and swung at him with his claws, Raddin blocked with the tower sheild, and slashed the Axe into Tohe's side. The Werewolf howled in pain and drew back, the wound burning like fire. Eya tried her luck next, and managed to leave a shallow cut across the Hunter's cheek before his blade tore into her leg.

Raddin grinned, and charged at Tohe, knowing Eya wouldn't be able to move well with an injured leg. The Werewolf leapt on Raddin, trying to sink his fangs into Raddin's neck. Raddin's neck protecter began to buckle under the pressure, but he struck again, landing a blow on Tohe's left arm.

Tohe retreated, and began circling around Raddin. Raddin turned to keep facing, not noticing Eya who had recovered and was limping towards him, he however, DID notice was he felt four claws rip through his armor like tin-foil and tear into his back repeatedly.

Raddin spun, slashing at Eya, and knocked her from her feet as his blade clove a deep gash into her shoulder, Tohe took his opurntunity and struck at Raddin, tearing through the Tower Sheild as Raddin turned to face him again, his next strike tore through Raddin's cuirass's front plate. Raddin growled and chopped with the axe, Tohe went down hard, bleeding from a wound in his back.

"All too easy.." Raddin mumbled, despite that he was bleeding profusing from his back. The Nord turned, and advanced on Eya, He hefted his axe and brought it down as the Werewolf bit into his leg. Raddin cursed loudly in pain, and fell back onto his rear as he lost his grip on his axe from the bite. The Axe blade connected, and Eya went limp, the axe embedded in her throat. Raddin sighed and attempted to remove the beast's jaws from his boot.

Tohe rose, and advanced on Raddin again, Raddin freed himself, and grabbed his axe from Eya's corpse. He turned on Tohe, and swung again, putting all his power into the blow. Tohe slammed into the ground again, bleeding from gash in his chest. Raddin advanced on the young Werewolf, grinning wickedly. Tohe watched helplessly, his vision dimming.

Before everything went black, he saw Raddin cover his face and duck as arrows pelted him, then run off....he could hear footsteps, and voices. Then, darkness.

Posted by: Temple of the Dawn Feb 22 2005, 06:54 AM

Near a ruin, the ashlands

The figure of a mer stood on a small ash dune. It looked at the distant ruins with resin eyes. Bits of dead wood and rock along with the occasional root-plant were all that stood between them.

"Are you certain they are there?" rasped the masculine voice wrapped underneath several scarves. They were finely knitted, like the rest of the cloth that exposed it self at the joints of the neatly sewn netch hides.

"If I told you they would be there then they will be there," came the ethereal, hissed reply from seemingly everywhere.

The figure cocked its scarf wrapped and hooded head to one side.

"You aren’t telling the whole truth," he growled. A gloved hand drew a blackened skull from a large sack attached to a broad netch leather belt. It rested heavily in the figure’s palm, the foramen magnum showed signs of being stoppered.

"You wanted more slaves, these will serve."

"There are rules that hinder my work," the figure remarked. He raised a hand to his goggles and lifted them to his forehead. Sparkling blue eyes glared, surrounded by ashen skin.

There was a laugh on the wind.

"Rules I know, Master," said a whispy face materializing in a cloud of passing ash. "If you are so worried send your lovely pet to investigate."

The wind kicked up again blowing the ash away. With a flash of momentarily blinding light Azura’s messenger appeared. It first looked to its summoner for direction then suddenly jerked its head back hissing and clawing at the face that suddenly materialized in the passing ash before its own.

The laugh passed away on the wind again.

"A pleasure to see you again too, my dear."

...

Posted by: Teleran Feb 22 2005, 07:15 AM

Outside a Witch’s Coven in High Rock
It was early morning in High Rock when she appeared in a small forest in the foothills; an older woman approached her, “Welcome home sister. Did you find a suitable man? I hear you went quite far a field, what were you doing in Black Marsh.”

“No worries I found the perfect subject, besides it is not that far if you were not afraid of dealing with the mages. I would have gone to Morrowind, but there are disturbing rumors about events there, so I went to Black Marsh to get an Agonian,” she laughed lyrically.

“I cannot account for your tastes. Now where is he sister?” the old woman muttered.

The Breton lass blanched, “I-I mean, well, I-”

“You FORGOT!?!” croaked the elder. “How could you forget? We need him for tonight! Tomorrow will be too late.”

“I, well, there was just something about him, I couldn’t think straight around him. He was, he was beautiful,” She prostrated herself before the witch. “I will get another, I won’t fail-”

“No. It is too late for that. I should have sent someone with more experience. There is nothing to be done for it now, you know your duty,” The witch turned on her heel and headed back into the forest.

The Breton remained where she was on the ground for a few moments. Then when she thought the witch was far enough away, she stood and fled through the forest away from the ruined altars of the coven. She would not make it away, she had failed her sisters.

At the Inferno
Teleran woke from sleep and got up. His head was pounding from the night before. He wondered what had happened to the pretty lass he had been dancing with. He got dressed and made sure all of his daggers and potions were in their usual spots before heading out. He left his spear in his room, he wouldn't need it, he wasn't planning to go anywhere. He made sure that his arm matched up as usual and came out of his room.

He headed down the hall toward the tavern. He entered the main tavern and looked at the bar vaguely remembering being swarmed the previous night. He hoped to avoid that today.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 22 2005, 07:24 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Feb 22 2005, 12:55 AM)

At the Inferno
Teleran woke from sleep and got up. His head was pounding from the night before. He wondered what had happened to the pretty lass he had been dancing with. He got dressed and made sure all of his daggers and potions were in their usual spots before heading out. He left his spear in his room, he wouldn't need it, he wasn't planning to go anywhere. He made sure that his arm matched up as usual and came out of his room.

He headed down the hall toward the tavern. He entered the main tavern and looked at the bar vaguely remembering being swarmed the previous night. He hoped to avoid that today.

Teleran gets several looks from patrons he saw the previous night, though strangely he is not getting swarmed. In fact, it almost seems like people are purposefully avoiding him, and occasionally sniffing derisively at him.

Loranna, reaching her room, looks back and spots Teleran. She frowns a bit, seeing the Dunmer youth obviously hung over. Such a fool, leaving himself like that while the party still held the Flamekiss; what if he blabbed the wrong thing to the wrong person and got them all in trouble? Silly, silly Dunmer lunkhead, one who probably ought to be given a piece of her mind ...

Loranna catches herself. Stop that; you're letting your feelings about that creepy Argonian color your thinking girl. ... Though Tel probably could use a smack or three; might shake off the hangover ...

Loranna sighs; she was the party healer, and despite Teleran's actions he was still part of the party. She should go help him ... and, as she gets closer, she finds herself thinking Yeah, definitely need to get him out of that hangover; he looks terrible. What the hell did he do, sleep on his hair, rub ash into his face or something? Well, more ash ...

" ... Teleran?" she asks quietly as she nears him, making an odd face.

Posted by: Dumbkid Feb 22 2005, 07:25 AM

A chubby Bosmer, quite out of place in Black Marsh, wandered into the Inferno. On his back was a pack nearly as large as he was, and probably weighing even more.

"Oh, well, the place seems quiet today, no matter." He said, looking around.

The Bosmer turned around and headed for the door, he did not notice a small book falling from his back, and landing on the floor.

On the cover was written the title; A Spring Woven Duet.

Posted by: Teleran Feb 22 2005, 07:32 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 21 2005, 09:04 PM)

" ... Teleran?" she asks quietly as she nears him, making an odd face.

"Huh? Hi Lor. How are you doing today? I don't suppose you have a cure for hangovers do you?" Teleran asked. "Doesn't matter, my fault anyway. People sure are standoffish this morning, er, afternoon; not like last night at all."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 22 2005, 07:36 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Feb 22 2005, 01:12 AM)

"Uh, sort of; I can try a weak cure poison spell ..." Loranna mutters. Maybe it's the stupid look on his face?

The Bosmer catches Loranna's attention, mainly because it means she doesn't have to look at Teleran right now. Maybe he just didn't bathe? Oh, that wood elf dropped something ...

"Wait sir ..." she calls out to the Bosmer, trying to get his attention before he leaves.

Posted by: Dumbkid Feb 22 2005, 07:39 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 22 2005, 01:16 AM)

The Bosmer came to a hault, and turned around.

"Oh, that's quite alright, he hasn't arrived yet." The Bosmer said. "Or perhaps I have arrived late, I am forgetful so, you see, or perhaps this was not the right place, or the right date, or...no matter, I need to get going."

With that, the Bosmer turns and walks out the door.

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

Stormhold: Tris

Tris and Ciel had slipped out in the morning after breakfast without alerting the others and spent the day touring the city.

The young Argonian, Peel, had been only too happy to act as an escort.

The green mist which hung over the city constantly was beautiful. The dark waters beneath the platform were beautiful.

In fact, everything looked just a little better when you were alive to enjoy it, and hadn't expected to be. Tris found himself bursting into song, which made passing Argonians giggle. Tris made a sweeping bow, and they laughed even harder.

Peel had said the prettiest parts of the city lay underground, and that turned out to be true. Two simple rings were easily enchanted at the Mages' Guild to have a permanent waterbreathing and swift swim effect. With the swift swim, even Tris with his single foot could manage well enough. It still wasn't possible for the two men to talk underwater, however.

There were homes under the water, beautiful places, works of art. Creatures and plants and marvels Tris could never have imagined from looking at the surface of the water.

Later, he and Ciel returned, alone, to one particularly beautiful spot. They were interrupted by a pair of lovely young Argonians - one with a bright red crest, one with a sleek emerald head. The two Argonians made noises at them that, underneath the water, sounded like slow music, and disappeared into a nearby cave together, cloaked by trailing opalescent weeds. The cave disgorged a stream of fish who sparkled like jewels.

Much later, they were disturbed by a large Argonian in sleek armor, clearly designed to be worn underwater, carrying a javelin. Tris tensed. Were they going to encounter someone unfriendly, after such a pleasant day? But the Argonian merely shook his head at them and pointed towards the surface of the water. They obeyed his instructions.

Soon the Argonian couple surfaced as well. Followed by another pair of Argonians, clearly male and female.

Tris started laughing. "It's a park," he said. "The local lover's spot. And we just got rousted by the town watch."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 22 2005, 07:50 AM

QUOTE(Dumbkid @ Feb 22 2005, 01:19 AM)

"But .. .your book ..." Loranna says, her shoulder slumping. "Oh well, never mind ..."

Looking back to Teleran, she winces a bit, casts Cure Sloshed Sap, and says " ... Tel hun, no offense, but ... you look like utter crap today. Look, go, get a bath, soak in it for a good hour or two, scrub off your armor, get some hot food in you, comb your hair ... and stop staring with that lazy, droop-eyed stare that makes you look like you caught a disease or something. But seriously, clean yourself up, and soon ..."

Loranna hurries over to the dropped book, picking it up and dusting it off. " ... I've no clue as to the streets around here ... might as well ask the barkeep if that was a regular ..."

Posted by: Dumbkid Feb 22 2005, 07:55 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 22 2005, 01:30 AM)

"He's come here before," the barkeep said, looking up from his work, "but I can't say I know who he is. Do what you want with that book, it doesn't matter to me, but if a belongs to a Bosmer, it probably isn't worth much."

The barkeep returned his attention to his work.

Posted by: Solin Feb 22 2005, 07:59 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 21 2005, 11:26 PM)

Tris started laughing. "It's a park," he said. "The local lover's spot. And we just got rousted by the town watch."

Ciel shook his head and smiled.

"You've more recent experience at this," he said recalling Tris's stories of his somewhat delinquent past. "What should we do next?"

Posted by: Loranna Feb 22 2005, 08:04 AM

QUOTE(Dumbkid @ Feb 22 2005, 01:35 AM)

Shrugging, Loranna thumbs through the book, not being familiar with the title.

Posted by: Teleran Feb 22 2005, 08:07 AM

"Thanks L-" he started, but she had already turned her attention to the chubby Bosmer, that was certainly a change of pace. He was not sure if it was any better than being swarmed. He thought he had detected a slight sneer in her tone to him, but he dismissed it, she was probably just a little angry at him for getting drunk.

"What?" He asked when she started telling him to get himself cleaned up. "Thank you very much for the advice Lor." He muttered sarcastically. "What are you talking about? I am not staring. And what is wrong with my hair, I haven't changed anything. Lousy inconsistency, one day they won't leave alone, and now they sneer down at me. Maybe I should just head to Ald Raathim and wait for everyone to get over themselves."

He looked at the gauntlet and pauldron, they were slightly scuffed, but they were still in good repair and he had rinsed it off when he had gotten up, it was in quite good condition, not good enough for attending a king's court, but fairly well maintained. Well, the gaunlet was in need of a bit of repair, it was the only part of the armor that had actually seen much wear. He looked down at his clothes, they were fresh ones, they had not even been unpacked for the dungeon trip, if anything the clothes he had been wearing when he arrived should have gotten this response. As for his appearance, well there was no harm in washing up again.

Posted by: Dumbkid Feb 22 2005, 08:07 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 22 2005, 01:44 AM)

Shrugging, Loranna thumbs through the book, not being familiar with the title.

A Spring Woven Duet

Editors Note: The Following is a fragment of an old poem which consists of the call and return of a pair of young lovers. The young man is speaking first.

Oh, beating heart my chest cannot contain,
Bursting forth like a springtime blossom
At the sound of my amore, come calling sweetly
Like a bird in spring.

And how the bird sings, at the wake of
Morning, to greet her mate
Her love, will he come to her
Singing a song of his own,
A verse sang as one?

That he shall, as he is able
A song like the morning dew
Placed in his throat
When he speaks he spouts
Fountain gospel building up
Palisades of literature for his spring time
Dancer.

Literature? How couth and
Unnecessary, the songbird’s chorus
Is a hint at higher language,
That love is beyond the mortal
Tongue to tell.

How true, how so it is
I find my tongue a worthless thing
It deceives me so, but without it
What have I?
Truly, even a reaching so tainted
Is not without its merits?

Aye, my love, my sweet
Bird watcher, say what you must
Though your tongue deceives so
Readily, if you cannot speak truly
Then build a nest, where we can be safe
From the raging storm.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 22 2005, 08:11 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Feb 22 2005, 12:39 AM)

Ciel shook his head and smiled.

"You've more recent experience at this," he said recalling Tris's stories of his somewhat delinquent past. "What should we do next?"

"I guess we should head back and make sure Loranna hasn't been abducted," Tris said, smiling. "I think that fantasy of mine probably works better if you're an Argonian anyway. But at least I can say I lived to try it. That's one life long fantasy fulfilled... I need some new ones to put in my book now."

As Tris and Ciel departed, the Argonian guard surfaced, to be sure the two smooth-skins were headed in the direction of the safe neighborhoods. Another guard joined him with a flick of his finned feet.

"I don't know how those smoothskins tell each other apart," the first guard said in Argonian. "The males and females look just the same to me."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 22 2005, 08:18 AM

QUOTE(Dumbkid @ Feb 22 2005, 01:47 AM)

What a nice poem ... Loranna thinks, smiling. I'll have to read this to Jazbet when we get home, maybe show it to Tris and Ciel too ...

She looks up to see if Teleran has gone to clean up yet. "Why are you still standing around? Haven't you noticed you're making everyone uncomfortable?" she frowns. "Go on, get a bath; I'll pay for it, my treat."

Posted by: Teleran Feb 22 2005, 08:34 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 21 2005, 09:58 PM)

What a nice poem ... Loranna thinks, smiling. I'll have to read this to Jazbet when we get home, maybe show it to Tris and Ciel too ...
She looks up to see if Teleran has gone to clean up yet. "Why are you still standing around? Haven't you noticed you're making everyone uncomfortable?" she frowns. "Go on, get a bath; I'll pay for it, my treat."

Teleran aquiesced and headed off to the baths, at least his hangover was gone, well mostly cleared up anyway. He went over to the baths and despite Loranna's paying for it they charged him again. He clambered in and made sure to scrub every inch thoroughly eradicating anything that resembled dirt.

He made his way back to his room after cleaning himself up and polished the armor repairing the slight problems that had evolved around the gauntlet. He dressed in the best clothes he could find a very nice cloak that had not been taken from the rafts at the vaults and put it on over his perfectly serviceable shirt and pants. He made sure everything was in its best shape, the pauldron and gauntlet shimmered in the light. He trimmed his hair to be perfectly even and arranged it as nicely as he could.

He went back out to the tavern to present himself to Loranna. 'There, I've cleaned and repaired everthing I have, she better not be so damned snobbish about it this time.' He approached her and asked curtly, "Better?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 22 2005, 08:36 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 22 2005, 12:58 AM)

What a nice poem ... Loranna thinks, smiling. I'll have to read this to Jazbet when we get home, maybe show it to Tris and Ciel too ...
She looks up to see if Teleran has gone to clean up yet. "Why are you still standing around? Haven't you noticed you're making everyone uncomfortable?" she frowns. "Go on, get a bath; I'll pay for it, my treat."

Tris and Ciel entered the tavern. They were still mostly damp, but around here everything was mostly damp.

"Hey Loranna," Tris said. "We've been sightseeing!"

He looked at Teleran, and his lip curled in distaste. He still owed Teleran a good punch in the nose for setting off a trap in the dungeon earlier. Rotten bastard.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 22 2005, 08:40 AM

Loranna looks at Teleran, frowning. " ... Better, but that attitude is gonna scare people off too," she says, eyeing Teleran critically and sniffing.

" ... I don't get it; there's just something not right today about you," she sighs. "Did you annoy someone last night and get cursed or something?"

Hearing Tris and Ciel enter, Loranna turns and smiles. "Welcome back; I hope the sights were pleasing," she says, winking, though Tris might be able to tell something is on her mind.

Posted by: Solin Feb 22 2005, 08:42 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 22 2005, 12:20 AM)

Ciel gave a polite affirmitive nod to Loranna in response but then gave Teleran a frown.

"For the most part anyways," he added shaking his head.

Posted by: w0nders Feb 22 2005, 08:43 AM

A dark room, somewhere-

“Illidan!”

“What…?”

“How could you?”

“How could I what?”

He found himself at a table; across from him was an old dunmer man, with finely cut hair. His hand was pointing towards Illidan, or rather, the bloody corpse in front of him.

“That”

There was an awkward silence, Illidan’s hand rose to his lips and ran across them, picking up a trail of blood as they crossed. His sight shortly found it’s way to the corpse in front of him “who-“

“Who is it?”

“Yeah…”

The aged man’s eyes stared into Illidan’s a long moment, before breaking his gaze and staring to the floor.

“You’re mother…”

Illidan’s jaw dropped, revealing his blood-covered fangs, he didn’t speak, and frankly he didn’t really care one way or the other. But would never show it.

“You’ve killed me, son…”

After another long pause, the old man got up and left, never making another sound. Illidan stared down at the lifeless body, and smirked. You could say he was enjoying this greatly. After another moments pause, Illidan let out a shrill scream, snapping back into reality.

“Doze off, did we?” Asked the dunmer voice, in a playfully mocking tone. “Yeah…” Was the cold reply he received. Illidan squirmed on his knees a little, noticing a cultist standing behind him. In his hand was a long iron rod, attached to a simple wooden handle, the tip was turned a bright red colour.

“Good dream? Lot’s of killing I suppose…” Illidan looked up at him a long moment, clearing the knotted hair out of his face. “Yeah…well, it beats the ones I used to have about sloads.” He laughed loudly, his fangs making yet another appearance.

The dunmer man frowned, before nodding to the cultist. Who gave Illidan another taste of red-hot iron, he screamed once more.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 22 2005, 08:44 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 22 2005, 01:20 AM)

Tris could indeed tell that Loranna wanted to talk to him, but first things first.

"You never did tell me what you were thinking in that vault when you nearly got me killed," Tris said, stepping towards him. Normally he was a peaceful man, but damn, he had put up with Teleran long enough. The fellow was just annoying.

Posted by: Teleran Feb 22 2005, 08:49 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 21 2005, 10:24 PM)

“What is with everyone today? I’m getting sick and tired of everyone looking at me like I am guar droppings. I did not get cursed or anything like that; when exactly would I have managed that!?!” Teleran said irritably, growing frustrated with the treatment everyone was giving him today. “Oh just shove it, will you Ciel.”

“I thought we’d agreed that I wasn’t thinking and that it worked out fine this time, but that I better damn well avoid it in the future?" Teleran said, "At least that’s what I thought; though the way things are going, I suppose I must have been dreaming the whole thing up. I mean I remember people treating me like I was an actual person, not scum.”

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 22 2005, 08:54 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Feb 22 2005, 01:29 AM)

"People, meaning everyone but you, were focused on getting what they came for and getting out of there alive!" Tris said, feeling the heat spring to his face. "We're not in a dungeon now, there's no reason to make nice with you anymore."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 22 2005, 08:56 AM

Loranna watches Tris and Teleran argue, her expression slowly growing dour.

" ... Gentles, there are people already looking into us in this city," she says quietly. "Let's not give them any help in tracking us down, please?"

Posted by: Solin Feb 22 2005, 08:56 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Feb 22 2005, 12:29 AM)

Ciel glowered at Teleran. It was probably best that Tris was interposed between them. The knight gave pause and raised an eyebrow at Loranna's comment.

"What? Explain yourself," he asked frowning still.

Posted by: lochnarus Feb 22 2005, 09:05 AM

The Inferno, an upstairs room

"Hey." A hand prodded Lochnarus, who was sleeping.

It was the barmaid from the night before.

"Heeeey!" The prodding continued. Loch stirred, slowly opening his eyes and smiling at her.

"I've got to get to work. You want to meet after and escort me home?" The young Breton asked.

"Melady, I'm terribly sorry but I've got an important matter to attend to in the city. Maybe another time?" She pouted and slumped her shoulders.

"Ok, please come see me again wont you?" Her eyes seemed to ask him many questions, surely ones he would not answer.

"I will, melady. Ye not fear that I'll be leaving ye, now do ye?" Loch stodd up beside the bed and took her face in his hands, leaning over and kissing her.

"I must find the travellers I was with last eve. I have business with them." He walked over to a nearby chair and proceeded to put his clothes on. A quick dresser, and he pushed on his wide brimmed hat...all the while the barmaid watched him with sleepy, sad eyes.

"G'd bye for now, Elora. I'll return in a few days to see you. I promise."

With that he winked and walked gently through the door and downstairs. ALot was on Loch's mind. He needed to find the travellers he encountered. Being a tracker, it was not a problem for the mysterious Nord.

I bring you pain, death and torment, Elora. The men after me would kill you along with me if they found us together.

On this thought, Lochnarus stepped out into the damp street and started walking towards a group of Argonians, with questions soon on his lips.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 22 2005, 09:05 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Feb 22 2005, 02:36 AM)

"A native came by while you two were out and directly asked me as to my purpose in this city; when I tried giving a generic 'just business' answer he said he wouldn't pry but tried to sucker me into watching him do a 'magic trick'" Loranna explains. "He looked rather obviously like he was trying to set me up, and remember - one got away the first night, even if he was wounded."

She looks to Tris and Teleran. " ... Look, yes, Tel did some pretty stupid things in there; at one point or another, we were all reckless, pretty much," she says. "But that aside - we all fought to save each other, and I didn't fight to keep everyone alive to see us tear our own throats out afterward. We all have more to learn, some much more than others; let's leave it at that for now and wait till we're safely home to ring each other's bells, okay?"

Posted by: Teleran Feb 22 2005, 09:11 AM

“I made a mistake yeah, can’t argue that. Are you alive? Yes, and not much worse for the wear. Now I know I screwed that up really bad. I’ll admit it, but that does not give you the right to ride roughshod over me. I fought with you, I don't want to fight against you now,” Teleran fumed.

“Looking for us here Lor? Not Azurites, just some Argonians who took a disliking to us? Sounds manageable, though I think we should get out of town before they come back, no point in looking for trouble.” He looked angrily at Tris, thinking that he may very well want to find some trouble. “Maybe in Ald Raathim not everybody will look at me like I’m trash.”

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 22 2005, 09:13 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Feb 22 2005, 01:51 AM)

Tris glanced at Loranna. What a girl she could be sometimes.

"That doesn't sound very likely," he said to Teleran, and spat, carefully and calculatedly, on Teleran's shoe.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 22 2005, 09:17 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 22 2005, 02:53 AM)

Tris glanced at Loranna. What a girl she could be sometimes.

"That doesn't sound very likely," he said to Teleran, and spat, carefully and calculatedly, on Teleran's shoe.

Loranna looks at Tris, frowning, then looks to Teleran's shoe.

" ... If we're going to do this, the tavern doesn't strike me as the best place," she says quietly. "Did the two of you notice someplace quiet where this can be settled?"

Posted by: Teleran Feb 22 2005, 09:25 AM

Telran stared at Tris his eyes lit by rage. “Fine, you don’t like me, get over yourself. You can have that back by the way,” he said sliding the spittle off his shoe with and placing the globule on Tris’s foot without doing more than glancing down briefly.

“If he wants a fight I’ll give him one Lor, wherever the hell he wants it.”

Posted by: Solin Feb 22 2005, 09:30 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Feb 22 2005, 01:05 AM)

The knight loomed behind Tris. He placed a hand on the young Breton's shoulder but his other was balled into a fist.

"You better start thinking of avoiding mistakes now," Ciel said in a low tone to Teleran. "Because I can see you haven't yet."

Posted by: Teleran Feb 22 2005, 09:40 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Feb 21 2005, 11:10 PM)

Teleran stared back for a long moment some of the anger subsiding slightly, "I won't fight unless he keeps at this, alright? If he wants it who am I to argue? If you want this to stop, tell him to back off. I screwed up, but he's fine now. Tell him to get over it already, I won't do it again. I think I can handle that."

Teleran stopped briefly, "Oh and thank him for giving me that trick with the wall. It should prove useful in battle, I mean if it can crack stone, who knows what it can do to other materials."

He thought to himself, 'Like what happens if that much force hits someone's skull.'

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 22 2005, 09:48 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Feb 22 2005, 02:20 AM)

"I'm standing right here," Tris said. "I had to have a spear pulled out of my spleen because of you, and I haven't seen much to recommend you since then. Are you backing down? I know you're a cripple, but so am I - I would have thought you'd have the nerve to take a swing at least!"

Posted by: Loranna Feb 22 2005, 09:51 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 22 2005, 03:28 AM)

"Perhaps," Loranna says to Teleran, "it would be better overall for both of you do do this now. Much as I dislike seeing my friends get hurt, repressed resentments aren't worth either of your times. Better to get it all out now, and move on."

Posted by: Teleran Feb 22 2005, 09:56 AM

"Don't call me a cripple. If you want a fight, fine. Ciel, I told you I wouldn't do anything to endanger any of us after I tripped the trap. I am sorry, but I will have to ask you to disregard this in that reckoning.” Teleran stated coldly at Tris, not looking at Ciel even as he spoke to him. “You’re right Lor, no repressed resentments. We settle this now.”

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 22 2005, 10:06 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Feb 22 2005, 02:36 AM)

"Go for it," Tris said. He liked to let the other person take the first swing in a fight.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 22 2005, 10:08 AM

The patrons had all left their tables to come watch the brewing fight. The barmaid and innkeep had stopped working as well, and the cook had come out of the kitchen.

Everyone was waiting to see that horribly offensive Dunmer get the beating he obviously deserved.

Posted by: lochnarus Feb 22 2005, 10:12 AM

Stormhold, city streets

Loch was dumbfounded. With all his ability to track like a predator, he could not find any trace of the traveling party he had chanced upon back at the Inferno. No one in the streets had seen anyone he described. Suddenly it hit him.

Unless they slept in. Damn!

Then a voice from behind.

"Well...fancy mettin' you here, Loch. You coward."

Loch knew the voice well. He didn't turn, but stood ready for anything. Brows forrowed, he slowly pulled back his black longcoat and made ready a set of silver throwing knives. He knew Kravon was ready as well. A guess, Kravon was about twenty feet directly behind. Sod. Never was the type to take cover. Loch smiled.

"YOu know we saw you go into the Inferno last night, had you a good time, now?"

Then another voice. Loch's smile dissappeared and was replaced with the darkest look he had made in a while. Null was here as well.

Loch did not turn. He had taken Null's right eye the last they met.

Look on the bright side, locho. At least he has no depth perception.

Just then they charged. Both men came heavy and clanging, obviously wearing iron and carrying swords.

Haha, swords.

Before they reached within five feet of Lochnarus, he whirled and unleashed three knives into the air. The first hit Kravon square in the jaw, knocking him down. He writhed in pain as he tried to dislodge the barbed knife from his face. Null managed to dodge both knives sent his way, and being a decent swordsman, he ducked and swiped low on Loch.

CLANG!

Null's sword stopped short on Loch's leg. His face puzzled, he drew back. Loch saw his chance. With a swift kick to the face he sent the brute backwards onto Kravon. They both writhed on the ground with faces bleeding. Loch then retreived two of his knives from the ground nearby and went back over to the two incapacitated Imperials and grabbed Null by the shirt.He pulled the red bloody face up to his own and spoke.

"Alright, Null. You lost. No matter how long and far you chase me, I always beat you. Tell me where Gorethor is and I'll let you live." He spat on the ground and waited. Null's grimace turned to a smile, albeit a grimaced smile.

"You...wont kill me. I know...what you...were doing last night at that...tavern. Heard...the whole bit through a hole in the wall...you bastard. We've got you're...girl now. She's a pretty...one."

Loch bristled. He quickly looked around, as a few Argonians had stopped in the morning street to stare at the three men, and were obviously wondering why two were on the ground and bleeding.

I've got to find her and get out of here.

Loch thrust Null's head into the ground, driving the man unconscious. He stepped over to the bleeding Kravon, and wrenched the knife out of
the man's face, and started back toward The Inferno...keeping to the alleys and moving fast.

Gorethor, you're days are numbered.

Posted by: Teleran Feb 22 2005, 10:15 AM

"If you insist," Teleran said mockingly, 'pretentious s'wit.' He threw his cloak aside, he had seen Tris fight and he was fast, no sense making things more difficult than they had to be. How to deal with his speed, yes he was a cripple that's right. Teleran's gauntlet came up in defense and he focused on Tris. He located the foot and looked at Tris.

"Ready," He said as he pulled at the foot out from under Tris. He focused on taking it out from under him as he pulled his real arm shot out for Tris's gut.

Posted by: Solin Feb 22 2005, 10:23 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Feb 22 2005, 01:55 AM)

"If you insist," Teleran said mockingly, 'pretentious s'wit.' He threw his cloak aside, he had seen Tris fight and he was fast no sense making things more difficult than they had to be. How to deal with his speed, yes he was a cripple that's right. Teleran's gauntlet came up in defense and he focused on Tris. He located the foot and looked at Tris.

"Ready," He said as he pulled at the foot out from under Tris. He focused on taking it out from under him as he pulled his real arm shot out for Tris's gut.

Ciel wasn't quite sure when his balled fist swung. It was probably when he felt Tris disappear from underneath the hand he had placed on the young man's shoulder. The bastard was stealing the leg the Dibellans had given to Tris.

He gave no word of warning now. The knight had done that before, twice in fact. For the mere moment it took for his fist to travel across the span of air between Tris and Teleran's face, Ciel wished he knew how to dispel like Loranna so that he could pull the same trick.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 22 2005, 10:25 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Feb 22 2005, 03:03 AM)

Tris landed on his left side, hard, and cursed loudly.

A moment ago he had been hot, and spoiling for a fight with someone he found obnoxious. Now he was furious.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 22 2005, 10:28 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 22 2005, 04:05 AM)

Tris landed on his left side, hard, and cursed loudly.

A moment ago he had been hot, and spoiling for a fight with someone he found obnoxious. Now he was furious.

Seeing Tris buckle, Loranna grimaces; that was uncalled for in her mind, and her urge to slap Teleran hard was rising, more than was easily dismissed.

"Damnit, I said work out resentments not create them," she growls, her fists clenched and her teeth gnashing. Muttered profanity escapes her lips.

Still, Loranna keeps from joining the fight; someone wa sgoing to have to heal everyone up, or make sure outsiders didn't get involved ...

She kneels down at Tris's side, moving to put a warning hand on the Breton's shoulder. " ... Don't; it's not worth shedding blood no matter how much he needs his head rammed between a doorway," she says to Tris. "Let Ciel handle this and let me help you get back on your feet."

Posted by: Teleran Feb 22 2005, 10:32 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Feb 22 2005, 12:03 AM)

Teleran saw Tris go down hard. ‘Serves him right,’ he thought just before he felt something hit him hard in the face. The world spun as he reeled from the blow and fell to the floor. He managed to look back and see what had hit him and saw Ciel’s fist occupying the space where his head had been moments before.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 22 2005, 10:35 AM

Nobody had called the guards... everyone was wanting to see the Dunmer killed, but they came anyway.

Argonians could smell an angry smoothskin.

Two Argonian watchmen entered the tavern, sleek armor on their bodies, spears in hand, and frills turning red with agitation.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 22 2005, 10:38 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Feb 22 2005, 03:12 AM)

"Loranna," Tris said, getting to his knees, "Don't touch me right now."

There was murder in his voice.

"You son of a..." Tris said. "Didn't mention we were using magic, did you?"

He flexed his fingers and summoned a lightning spell. Then saw the two guards across the room and stopped instantly.

Posted by: Solin Feb 22 2005, 10:39 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 22 2005, 02:15 AM)

Nobody had called the guards... everyone was wanting to see the Dunmer killed, but they came anyway.

Argonians could smell and angry smoothskin.

Two Argonian watchmen entered the tavern, sleek armor on their bodies, spears in hand, and frills turning red with agitation.

Ciel was drawing back his boot to give the fallen Dunmer a seemingly appropriate kick when the guards burst into the Inferno. The knight gave pause and then resigned his boot back to the floor.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 22 2005, 10:44 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 22 2005, 04:18 AM)

Loranna backs off, turning to look at Teleran with a glare that could make a ravenous werewolf pause and reconsider its choice of meal.

Seeing the guards, she closes her eyes, saying nothing.

Posted by: Teleran Feb 22 2005, 10:44 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 22 2005, 12:18 AM)

Teleran looked up at the guards and wondered idly if he was going to end up in jail it would fit with the way the day was going. He got to his feet and looked at Tris, “When did we set the rules?”

He gave a small start at Loranna's glare.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 22 2005, 10:46 AM

One of the guards conferred with the Inferno's owner, while the other one headed toward the troublemakers.

Posted by: lochnarus Feb 22 2005, 10:50 AM

Stormhold, near the entrance to The Inferno

Loch strode up the street towards the Inferno. As he neared the establishment he could see that there was a scuffle inside, and guards were entering the place by the front entrance. He stopped, trying to think of a way inside without being noticed. He had to find Elora. Spotting a neaby water drainage pipe, he scrambled up to the top of the neighboring structure. Using his height he managed to traverse the rooftops until he was on top of the Inferno. Looking around, he noticed there were loose rafter flatboards, out came a knife and the board was dislodged. Inside there was an empty room, which loch scrambled down into. He heard lots of shouting from downstairs, apparently some sort of scuffle.

Loch slowly opened the door to the hallway to see if anyone was there. Nothing. He snuck out and down the hallway, pausing to look into the room he slep in the night before, hoping to see some trace of Elora or her captors. Nothing.

Downstairs, slowly. Noises grew louder, and the sound of shouting. Loch peeked around the corner of the stairwell and saw many people fighting.

He noted the travellers from their meeting the night before.

Ah, found you, at least

Guards. He wouldn't do anything yet. Where was the owner? She might have seen them taking Elora. He looked around but only saw chaos in the bar area.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 22 2005, 10:52 AM

The first guard joined his buddy, clicking and hissing in the Argonian native tongue.

"Isss all uninjured?" he said, turning to Tris, Ciel, and Loranna.

His companion grabbed Teleran solidly by the back of the collar.

Posted by: Teleran Feb 22 2005, 10:58 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 22 2005, 12:32 AM)

Teleran didn't give much of a struggle, mostly because he was still dazed by Ciel's punch, but partly because he figured that a prison would not be any worse than staying here. From the faces of the people in the room it looked like they would all join to beat him even if he did manage to win out against Ciel and Tris. He tried to keep up with the guard as he was dragged away.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 22 2005, 10:58 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 22 2005, 04:32 AM)

"Everyone is all right, sir," Loranna says in a too-calm, too-quiet tone; Tris can see a look of dawning realization come across Loranna's features, followed swiftly by an inscrutable expression.

Posted by: Solin Feb 22 2005, 11:01 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 22 2005, 02:38 AM)

"Everyone is all right, sir," Loranna says in a too-calm, too-quiet tone; Tris can see a look of dawning realization come across Loranna's features, followed swiftly by an inscrutable expression.

Ciel nodded. He was alright, of course. Looking first to Tris and then to the guards, he stepped over to Tris and then knelt down to help him up.

Posted by: lochnarus Feb 22 2005, 11:01 AM

Then he spotted her, the woman Novia. She was chatting with the guards. The scuffle had ceased, and many patrons were letting their guard down. One Dark Elf with blue eyes was being led away.

One less guard.

Loch decided it was time to move. Walking casually up to Novia and the guard, he tipped his hat and smiled.

"By chance might I have a word with ye, melady?"

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 22 2005, 11:02 AM

As soon as the guard was out the door and out of sight, he gave Teleran a good sharp poke in the ribs with the butt of his spear. Hissing with unkind laughter, he led him toward the city's prison.

The other stayed behind, talking to what he considered the victims of the crime.

"You wissh to make formal chargess againsst that one, yess?" he asked.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 22 2005, 11:04 AM

QUOTE(lochnarus @ Feb 22 2005, 02:41 AM)

"Does it concern this... this uproar?" Novia said, wringing her hands in obvious distress at a fight in her establishment.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 22 2005, 11:05 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 22 2005, 03:42 AM)

Tris was so angry that he considered telling the guards that Teleran had attacked him, unprovoked, using magic.

But for some reason, now that he was no longer in the room, Tris no longer felt as angry.

His foot - that was a low trick. But Teleran was a Dunmer; Dunmer didn't have honest duels, the way Bretons did.

His anger was rapidly ebbing, leaving a tide of puzzlement.

"It's all right, officer," he said. "Just a misunderstanding."

Posted by: lochnarus Feb 22 2005, 11:06 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 22 2005, 03:44 AM)

"Does it concern this... this uproar?" Novia said, wringing her hands in obvious distress at a fight in her establishment.

"Nay, melady. I wanted to ask what happened to the Breton, Elora. Have you seen her?" Not wanting to tell her what he knew, Loch kept the facts to himself.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 22 2005, 11:08 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 22 2005, 02:45 AM)

Instantly bored with the proceedings, the patrons went back to their cups and conversations.

"Aahhhh," said the guard, his unexplained anger ebbing. "We keep that one overnight, then releasse. No harm, no chargesss."

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 22 2005, 11:11 AM

QUOTE(lochnarus @ Feb 22 2005, 02:46 AM)

"Nay, melady. I wanted to ask what happened to the Breton, Elora. Have you seen her?" Not wanting to tell her what he knew, Loch kept the facts to himself.

"No," replied Novia, eyeing the large Nord critically. "I haven't seen her yet today, but she's not due to work until sundown. I'm sure she'll be around then, if you have business."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 22 2005, 11:12 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 22 2005, 04:48 AM)

Loranna nods in response to the Argonian guard, her eyes mostly closed. "Thank you officer," she says simply.

... That was a very, very stupid thing you stood back and allowed to happen, Loranna, she tells herself. Do you know how easily this could have been all of us arrested, our things confisicated, examined?

Posted by: w0nders Feb 22 2005, 11:13 AM

Dante came down the stairs whistling, a towel wrapped around his waist. He had just finished his bath and had come down to grab something he had forgotten. "What happened here?" He asked, shocked.

Posted by: lochnarus Feb 22 2005, 11:17 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 22 2005, 03:51 AM)

"No," replied Novia, eyeing the large Nord critically. "I haven't seen her yet today, but she's not due to work until sundown. I'm sure she'll be around then, if you have business."

Damn! She's still in the city, I know it.

With a tip of the hat and a smile, Loch turned and started towards the stairs. At the foot of the stairs, he turned to see the travellers gathered near the door.

Not yet.

Shaking his head and remembering the Breton girl, he strides up the stairs hopng to find a trace of the captured Elora. As he moves he sees the man he whispered to the night before....as the man passes, Loch pulled his hat over his face in a fake greeting and kept going, to the puzzlument of the stranger.

Not yet.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 22 2005, 11:20 AM

The guard nods to the group and turns to leave. Passing Ciel he stops and says, "Thiss one hopess your... what iss word... wife not hurt in fight. Good day to you."

Smiling a fangy smile at Tris, he leaves.

Posted by: Solin Feb 22 2005, 11:24 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 22 2005, 03:00 AM)

Ciel blinks a moment with a strange look on his face. After the moment has passed, however, he starts chuckling.

"That was strange was it not," he said with a small grin on his face.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 22 2005, 11:24 AM

The guards gone, Tris can see Loranna trembling, and her now open eyes look far angrier than he is used to seeing.

" ... I should strangle the lot of us, me included," she says, her tone hollow. "Do you know how close we just came to having our hard work and our sacrifices made naught because we got arrested and our things confisicated? How close someone else just came to hearing an offer they'd have no idea had to be refused ...?"

Posted by: w0nders Feb 22 2005, 11:26 AM

QUOTE(lochnarus @ Feb 22 2005, 04:57 AM)

Dante shot a glance at Loch, unfortunately not seeing any of his face. He did however, clamp his hand around the fold of his towel...just incase he, or anybody else, got any funny ideas.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 22 2005, 11:29 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 22 2005, 04:04 AM)

Tris waited until the guards were out of earshot to double over with laughter.

Loranna's words brought him up short though.

"Loranna, don't worry about that," he said. "If we have to play nice wherever we go, we won't get far. No one is going to be allowed to confiscate - you know. But that was weird. I feel like I just woke up from a dream. Do you think we were under a spell to provoke us?"

Posted by: Loranna Feb 22 2005, 11:31 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 22 2005, 05:09 AM)

"I was starting to wonder that before that all happened, but right now I'm too shaken with homicidal terror to be able to tell," Loranna says, rubbing her eyes. "Dear heavens though couldn't we have waited till we were on our own homeground before laying into him? He's a fool, who needs to be led by the hand through things even I am capable of figuring out on my own."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 22 2005, 11:34 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 22 2005, 04:11 AM)

"Teleran's not a bad guy," Tris said. "I've done my share of idiotic things in this lifetime. Listen to me, what the hell just happened here? Think we should go down and get him out of jail?"

Posted by: Loranna Feb 22 2005, 11:36 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 22 2005, 05:14 AM)

"Teleran's not a bad guy," Tris said. "I've done my share of idiotic things in this lifetime. Listen to me, what the hell just happened here? Think we should go down and get him out of jail?"

Loranna looks at Tris thoughtfully. "First, something I've been wanting to say - the next time I say Let The Armored People Take Point Tris hun, listen."

"As for Teleran ... well, if he has been cursed then we may fall under it again if we go to him now," she says. "Letting him stay overnight in jail might actually let the curse wear off - though I think we ought to at least go let him know something's up. If we're aware we can probably resist the curse."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 22 2005, 11:39 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 22 2005, 04:16 AM)

"I don't see what your problem is with him," Tris said. "You were all over him yesterday, I still feel bad for poor Jazbet."

Suddenly he shook his head. "He's not under a curse, and it's not going to wear off. But we can deal with it, now that we know."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 22 2005, 11:42 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 22 2005, 05:19 AM)

Loranna's face pinches into an unhappy expression. "Yes, I know I was all over him; I was starting to get a little flirty with you as well remember, though I found it easier to keep it more friendly."

She sighs shaking her head. " ... You know I'd greet you all with a hug instead of a hello, right? I just try not to because I know not everyone is into that. After everything we went through, I just ... stopped trying not to, with him, for some reason ..."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 22 2005, 11:46 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 22 2005, 04:22 AM)

"I feel silly for being the one to explain this," Tris said. "Am I the only one here with a rich daddy and a tutor from the Mages' Guild? Loranna, it was a potion. Remember when dipstick drank that big old potion without knowing what it was, and we all thought he was an idiot? It made him pretty, real pretty, and you weren't the only one wanting to feel him up. Now it's worn off and we're getting the rebound effect, that's all; it leaves a sour taste in your mouth. But if you can once get past it, he's still the same person he was to begin with. A dipstick who drinks potions at random. But, you know, one of us."

He kissed Loranna on the cheek. "And I know the difference between a friendly hug and hanging all over someone, you don't fool me, girl."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 22 2005, 11:53 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 22 2005, 05:26 AM)

Loranna pulls Tris into a hug suddenly, squeezing him tight. She lets him go just as suddenly, looking down at the floor.

" ... I tend to forget sometimes," she says quietly. "I have to work at reminding myself more than you'd think. I had to work at it earlier and the effort left me drained."

She rubs the back of her neck. " ... And yeah I figured out it had to have been that stupid potion about thirty seconds ago. Let's go see if we can convince the guard to let him out early, or at least let him know we're not out for his head."

Posted by: lochnarus Feb 22 2005, 11:55 AM

The rooftop of The Inferno

Loch pulls himself out of the hole made when he entered the building. It was still daylight, but in the Marsh one could never count on that to be of any help.

Surveying the city, Loch wondered where in the city they had taken Elora. There were no true roads out if Stormhold it seemed. As far as Lochnarus could tell there were raft services out to the neighboring cities and some kind of beast transpost system for smaller parties.

They'd be heading back to Cyrodiil. That's where the Brotherhood 'holed up' in their squalor. Loch kneeled, laced his boots up tight and started along the rooftops, surveying the wooden streets as he went.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 22 2005, 12:00 PM

... And that is when Loranna goes on a crusade to give each and every citizen in Tamriel a big Nordic Barmaid Hug!

.. or else she makes a new thread, or something. One of those

LOCK ON!!!!

Loranna