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

Posted by: Loranna Feb 24 2005, 02:58 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 Stormhold, in the Mage's Guild. Having recently been informed that the Imperial Governer of the East March had declared Jazbet and her companions rebels against the Empire for their campaign against the Azurites, and having had an eye-opening conversation with Tris, she currently is sitting down and taking time to practice her alchemy, with big plans for some potion formulae.

Posted by: Solin Feb 24 2005, 03:03 PM

Summary:

Solin remains at the now dying battle on the eastern shore of Jazbet’s domain.

Ciel is reading a book in the mages guild of Stormhold.

Ald Raathim’s eastern shore, four days ago:

A bright flash of purple light signaled that Solin had lifted off the sinking ship.

There were still other ships in the lagoon. Other mages and even a few peasants who carried enough enchantments to endure had taken to Solin’s tactic and were engaging.

The battle on the shore had progressed well so it seemed. While it was hard to tell the littered corpses apart at his distance the mer could see that the Azurites had fallen back to their boats.

Solin flitted in and out helping these others where he could and standing alone where there were no others. Masts snapped, planks burned, and hulls where cracked open like egg shells.

Any captain with an able ship had already ordered a withdrawal. Pity for them, the tide seemed to be receding.

The lagoon was filled with wreckage and drowning soldiers.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 24 2005, 03:04 PM

OOC summaries:

In the present time, Tris "Hi I'm a male Breton" Gaerington, aka Mirror, is in the Mages' Guild in Stormhold, in Black Marsh, helping Loranna practice alchemy. He has recovered his Void Ranger abilities.

Four days ago, Allerleirauh, Doll, Mirea, and Dragon were all present at a battle in Ald Raathim.

Allerleirauh is stalking the woods as a Welwa, picking off the last of the invading force from the West.

Doll dealt with the dead raised by necromancers.

Dragon led the right flank of Aricyn's army, managing to hold them together, with stunningly few casualties, due to his advanced Void manipulation.

Mirea travels between the different commanders of Jazbet's forces, carrying messages back and forth between the commanders and Lord Jazbet, who can predict the future.

Skein and Tamne remain at the Void Ranger Guildhouse in Daggerfall.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 24 2005, 03:12 PM

QUOTE(Solin @ Feb 24 2005, 07:43 AM)

Ald Raathim’s eastern shore, four days ago:

A bright flash of purple light signaled that Solin had lifted off the sinking ship.

There were still other ships in the lagoon. Other mages and even a few peasants who carried enough enchantments to endure had taken to Solin’s tactic and were engaging.

The battle on the shore had progressed well so it seemed. While it was hard to tell the littered corpses apart at his distance the mer could see that the Azurites had fallen back to their boats.

Solin flitted in and out helping these others where he could and standing alone where there were no others. Masts snapped, planks burned, and hulls where cracked open like egg shells.

Any captain with an able ship had already ordered a withdrawal. Pity for them, the tide seemed to be receding.

The lagoon was filled with wreckage and drowning soldiers.

Ald Raathim, four days ago: Mirea

"Hey, Dark elf," Mirea shouted from the shore. She was trying to get Solin's attention. But practically everyone here was a dark elf. She shrugged. He looked okay, he wasn't dead. But those ships seemed to be getting away.

She had an idea about that.

Moments later, Mirea appeared near Aricyn.

"Hey, white haired guy!" she shouted. "The ships are escaping, go do something about it!"

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 24 2005, 03:23 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 24 2005, 06:52 AM)

(The Foothills North of Ald Raathim, Four days ago:)

Aricyn, having just ridden down from a bloody battle in the mountains, and followed now by a group of Nordic horsmen, looked at the abrupt Bosmer girl with surprise as she suddenly appeared and shouted in his ear.

He paid heed to what she said, though, and peering down the foothills, saw the broken masts of ships, limping away home.

She was right. Nobody escapes.

He slid from his saddle, threw aside his cloak, and began removing his hauberk.

The middle-aged, copper-haired Nordic woman that rode beside him slid from her own mount and set to helping him. It was a familiar task to her. She was Magnilde, known as the Large-Breasted Widow of Chief Bolverk, whom Aricyn had killed, and she had often had cause to help him undress.

Although some of the non-Nords in his army murmered about his fading sanity, within moments Aricyn stood naked on the mountainside.

He opened his mouth and shouted, and the sound of his voice reached the shore, and beyond.

"Friends of Jazbet! Leave the ships! Land if you fly! Lie down if you walk! The Wind comes!"

He raised his arms to the sky and sang.

Moments later, the sky itself tore at the fleeing ships. With a bone-shaking crash, one of the ships veered into another. Masts cracked, water poured through planks, and both ships did a dance of death on the tossing waves as the soldiers on board threw themselves into the water.

Most were crushed by swirling tide and broken wood.

The sudden storm did not cease until the last hull disappeared beneath the white-capped sea.

Only then did Aricyn lower his arms, as Magnilde helped to redress his sweating body.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 24 2005, 03:23 PM

Stormhold, Mage's Guild

Present Time

Once you started getting into the thick of it, there really wasn't anything all that complicated to alchemy. You learned how to sense the magical properties of a given ingredient by scent and by mystic feel or by taste for the foolishly brave, and from there it was just a matter of matching up ingredients with like properties and distilling them down to harness the magic into a more usable form and level. Drawing out the energy grew easier and easier with each potion Loranna made, until she was making brews which could match the strength of some of the strongest spells known to the learned masters of the mystic arts.

But it was still just the bare beginnings. The magic in potions was magic, after all, and magic could be manipulated by the will of those with the right knowledge. With practice and study a mage could alter a known spell to make it stronger by infusing more magicka, or learn to spread an effect out over a longer period of time to nurse the usefulness of a spell; it was the same with alchemy, once you stopped and thought about it. Few people really did, however; it was easier to simply mix the ingredients and take what you got.

Loranna's notes become more personalized and in depth as she works; she mutters and chants, using the basic techniques for altering a spell's parameters spellcrafters use, applied to the magic in the potions. With each successive potion she makes, she refines her chants a little more, until she reaches a point where it's a spell all to itself.

And at that point, she starts experimenting with mixing not just ingredients, but whole potions ...

===

Eventually, Loranna puts down her mortar and pestle and wipes her hands clean of the residue of ingredients. Before her lie several batches of various potions, all labeled with names which have meaning to her at least - though some of the names are easy enough to intrepret, such as her new Potion of Parrapton Flight.

Loranna carefully looks over her notes, nodding and amending them here and there; she had figured to keep a record of her progress to help her repeat it later, but she found the knowledge she had discovered stayed with her even more than she anticipated. She had found a bit of her true magic of which Tris had spoke; the notes weren't necessary, though she packed them away for now.

" ... Well," she says, rubbing her temples and looking to Tris, "I figured out the secret - or a secret, at least. Now for the big moment." She reaches for three particular potions.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 24 2005, 03:41 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 24 2005, 08:03 AM)

Stormhold, Mage's Guild

Present Time

" ... Well," she says, rubbing her temples and looking to Tris, "I figured out the secret - or a secret, at least. Now for the big moment." She reaches for three particular potions.

"Big moment?" Tris said, stretching and yawning. The benches at the Mages' Guild weren't a very comfortable place to catch a nap.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 24 2005, 03:45 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 24 2005, 09:21 AM)

"Big moment?" Tris said, stretching and yawning. The benches at the Mages' Guild weren't a very comfortable place to catch a nap.

Loranna frowns. "Dear, you should have told me I was putting you to sleep," she fusses. "Here; I'll give you a backrub in a moment."

She drinks the three potions she made, and puts the empty vials down, blinking a bit and saying "Whoo ... well, I don't feel like I'm going to keel over, so I must have succeeded."

She smiles, a truly radiant smile; she stretches a bit herself, arms spread as if to embrace the world. "Now, your back ..."

Posted by: Nalion Feb 24 2005, 03:47 PM

Nalion, Stormhold Mages Guild:
Nalion had quietly followed the group to the Mage's Guildhall. He had expected a short trip via the guild guide to Tel Silgrad, but then, political short-sightedness would force them once again to choose other paths.
As it was likely that the party would stay a while at the guildhouse, the mage began to barter with a spellmaker. A few coins changed their owner and the spellmaker and Nalion retreated to a quiet corner, engaged in an intense conversation, interspersed only by gestures which the spellwright demonstrated and Nalion tried to imitate. For another handful of gold pieces, Nalion was handed a key to an adjacent summoning room that was already equipped with some restore magicka potions.
He entered the room and closed the heavy door, reinforced with iron, behind him. The sound of a heavy bar being placed to lock the door can be heard from inside. After the bar had been placed, there was an eerie silence within.

After a short while, the muffled sound of a creature's scream can be heard through the door. A series of explosions followed. Then, the eerie silence returned.

Once again, a unearthly scream, once again an explosion, once again silence. Scream - Explosion - Silence. Scream - Explosion - Silence...

Some time later, Nalion emerged from the summoning room, sweat upon his brow. A small speck of soot can be seen on his right cheek, unnoticed by the mage. The rolled-up sleeves of his shirt revealed remnants of blood on his arms, but no wounds beneath them. The pouch he wore on his belt bulged and under its fabric the outline of crystals can be seen. In his palm, he held a soulgem, humming with the otherworldly power trapped within.
With a satisfied smile on his face, Nalion approached the local enchanter...

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 24 2005, 03:49 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 24 2005, 08:25 AM)

"A woman who can give a good backrub is a precious jewel," Tris said, turning his back to her. "And a man who can catch a nap anytime, anyplace, is a man who's never bored."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 24 2005, 04:01 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 24 2005, 09:29 AM)

"A woman who can give a good backrub is a precious jewel," Tris said, turning his back to her. "And a man who can catch a nap anytime, anyplace, is a man who's never bored."

Loranna moves herself into position, and starts with Tris's shoulders. Tris will find that Jazbet has been a fairly good teacher for Loranna; she knows just how much pressure to apply to help melt away the stiffness in his back.

"It worked; I found a bit of my real magic," she tells Tris with a happy tone. "It was like finally standing up to my full height and seeing the top of the table, and there I saw a platter full of sweetrolls and a note saying to help myself, so I did, and I took the ones that I thought would appeal to me most right now, but there's still a whole platter to enjoy, at my leisure ..."

"And then I realized I just equated a secret of the universe to a platter of sweetrolls and I laughed my head off mentally," she giggles.

Posted by: Arynel Feb 24 2005, 04:22 PM

Ald Raathim, 4 days ago:

Arynel spent his time near the Simulacrum, as battle was not his forte. Even so, a shock troop of Azurites was able to make their way towards Jasbet's castle. They were well disciplined, and that is to say without cognicance, and that is to say automaton. It was not hard, then, for Arynel to stir things up.

"For what purpose are we risking our necks on this suicide run?" The Breton called from his hiding place. "How is it that we must run straight into the guzzle of our foe?"

There were few enough of them that they could get in this far, but a large enough amount that they could not be so sure it wasn't one of themselves who had said this, and so they assumed it to be so. Arguments rang out almost immediatly, but having been said, murmmurings of despleasure were sounded. Killing the N'Wahs was mentioned, as well as execution in the name of Azura, but this protest was quickly challenged, and but to rest, by the notion that there were more people to kill on the battlefield, and more still far, far away from this lowly resistance--the voice, of course, sounded not unlike that of a Breton.

The Azurite shock troop left and returned to the main forces, or perhaps disbanded, or perhaps went home, or perhaps there were those among the group that did each. In any case, there was no more trouble to come near the Simulacrum after that.

Posted by: B Feb 24 2005, 07:44 PM

Isle of Artaeum, Summerset

In an idyllic orchard, the Psijic known simply as B sat quietly staring at the sky. It was a beautiful day; not a rain cloud in the sky. Then again, it never really rains on Artaeum.

B removed a small, leather-bound journal from his robe and opened it. As he ran his finger along the page, words began to appear. Simultaneously, the very same words appeared in the journal that was in the possession of Allerleirauh:

Allerleirauh,

It has been a long while since we last spoke. I just wanted to let you know that I am doing well. I have resumed my duties as an instructor on Artaeum, and the initiates are busy with their classes.

I hope all is well with you and the others. I spend my free time thinking about everyone and what we accomplished. I am somewhat aware of the situations that you now face, but I am writing to seek further enlightenment.

My thoughts are with you,

~B

Posted by: Aki Feb 24 2005, 09:18 PM

Summary
Reichi is with the group in stormhold....

Tohe is off at some hunter-camp.

Camassim is somewhere in Sykrim. Cold.
-------------------------------------------------

Reichi had gotten two things from the Mage's Guild. The first was a ring of Waterbreathing, and the second was something he'd never have expected to find in the Black Marsh. It was one of the robes high-ranking Morag Tong members wore, aparently the enchanter had acquired it from some Morag Tong Assassin who needed money after losing his mark in the Argonian swamps. Reichi was glad to see the familar colors.

Reich doned the robe and slipped the ring on the hand that didn't have the ring which kept his transformations in check. He'd heard something about how if you put more than one ring on your hand it nullfied both ring's effects. Reichi wasn't to keen on finding out if that was true. Reichi then remebered something, the Soul of that fiend from Suran, he could use that for something.

Several moments later, some gold, and his Daedric Shortsword had a nasty absorb health enchantment.

Posted by: Teleran Feb 24 2005, 09:26 PM

Teleran is with the group in the Stormhold Mage Guild and he just used a fair amount of his loot getting some nice enchantments placed on his new dagger and ring, he also has a water breathing amulet now. He has figured out how to do a healing cantrip (finally) after being taught what he was supposed to do by Loranna, though he can't maintain his telekinesis at the same time as he casts spells at the moment. Oh well, he'll figure it out eventually.

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 25 2005, 03:03 AM

Flashback: 3 Days Ago

Ald Raathim

The battle had not gone as they had planned. That was putting it mildly.

In every direction, at every corner, the Azurites had been routed, beaten back by this tiny little group. Nothing had gone right. Until now.

The group of Azurites had gone to the castle for one purpose, and now here he was. Bloodied, unguarded, here alone in the woods was the improbable liege of the land they called Daruhn, a blind Khajiit called Jazbet.

The ten surrounded him quickly.

“Where is your guard, o Lord?” asked Zyniel with a grin.

“Dead,” said Jazbet. “Are you going to kill me?”

They couldn’t. Not yet. They might need a hostage to get them out from behind enemy lines, but they didn’t say that. Zyniel merely laughed and spit in the Khajiit’s face.

Or, at least, he meant to. The spittle missed Jazbet’s face by a half an inch and hit Moalacher. It almost seemed like the Dres knight moved to avoid it, but that was impossible. He was blind.

They shoved him forward, deeper into the woods towards the east. The further they went, the more it weighed on Zyniel’s mind: why was Jazbet not acting frightened? Was he just trying to be brave, to give them no satisfaction, or was it possible that this was planned? That was as plainly impossible as Jazbet ducking the spit: with their initial plan to attack him at the castle foiled, they were improvising. This couldn’t be planned. The Azurite was simply imagining things, so rattled was he from the army’s annihilation.

When they reached the gravemounds, however, Zyniel found himself worried again. This was the perfect spot for an ambush … if Jazbet had planned it.

“Get him next to the mounds,” the Azurite said. At least, if there was an ambush, Jazbet would be shielding them.

He was right. It had been planned. All foreseen. The camouflaged trenches were the precise distance from the mounds so Jazbet could easily avoid them, but the Azurites couldn’t. The spikes at the bottom killed them, but not instantly. They had time to think and suffer.

The hidden guards joined Jazbet, and they made their way back to the castle.

Posted by: Lorièn of Silvenar Feb 25 2005, 03:22 AM

Lorièn looked around the Mages Guild to see if there was anything he needed. At that moment, nothing caught his eye.

Posted by: Glensather Feb 25 2005, 03:53 AM

Summary:

OOC:

Since I've been away due to ... circumstances beyond my control...

Keffe-Zel has been quiet (mostly), but has stuck with the others.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 25 2005, 03:58 AM

(The Foothills North of Ald Raathim, Three days ago:)

Aricyn rode slowly through the now-quiet foothills, watching intently for movement. Not for the movement of enemies, but for any signs of life from those that had fallen.

Behind him were wagons and a team of quiet, serious Nords. One by one they sorted the bodies; Azurites in these wagons, allies in this one.

By the time they came back down the hill, carts full and grisley job finished, the wagon holding friends creaked under the weight of twenty-two corpses.

Twenty-two. It didn't seem like many, when Aricyn said it to himself, but their group was small enough to begin with, and each one of those twenty-two people was just that; a person. People with livlihoods and families. People someone would miss.

Aricyn stood by the place designated for the mass grave, watching as the pit slowly filled.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 25 2005, 04:04 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 24 2005, 08:38 PM)

near Ald Raathim, three days ago: Dragon

The "Tiberine" (or his herald and servant) looked very young to Dragon. As young as Dragon had been when he graduated, as young as he had been when he had his first command position.

Dragon laid his hand on Aricyn's shoulder.

"You were trying to keep their spirits up, eh?" he said.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 25 2005, 04:14 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 24 2005, 07:44 PM)

(Near Ald Raathim, Three days ago:)

Aricyn started at the touch of the older man's solid hand.

"This was the largest battle I've ever been in.

"They seemed so nervous, at first. I didn't expect them to charge forward so... unstoppably.

Nearby, hard-faced Nords and other volunteers unceremoniously dropped Azurite remains into one pit, and carefully laid out friends and family in another.

"I saw that your flank held it's ground, Dragon. My thanks for that, but I'm left to wonder why my men did not."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 25 2005, 04:21 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 24 2005, 08:54 PM)

near Ald Raathim, three days ago:

"My troops are always luckier than they should be by rights. It's not fair, it's just the way the world works."

Dragon watched the dirt shoveled into the grave with the eyes of one who had seen many such burials. The Dunmer dead were placed on a fire, and doused with flammable liquid.

"It's all right, lad. Next time, you won't let them get ahead of you."

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 25 2005, 04:28 AM

(The Foothills North of Ald Raathim, Three days ago:)

Aricyn stood listening to the thump, thump of bodies for a long moment, then gave Dragon an intentionally Nordic smile.

"'Next time!' After seeing us in battle those blue-eyed bastards will think twice before 'next time'."

He laughed, mostly to clear his own head.

"This was a victory over impossible odds, and as I understand it, some folks are celebrating it instead of standing here. I'd say I owe you at least one drink, Sir!"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 25 2005, 04:31 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 24 2005, 09:08 PM)

near Ald Raathim, thee days ago:

Dragon thumped Aricyn on the back. "One drink? After that, you owe me a barrel! Lead on, lad."

Posted by: Temple of the Dawn Feb 25 2005, 04:31 AM

New Temple of Azura, near Ghostgate: present time

Alandro Sul always seemed too big to be indoors. It wasn't that he was large, for a Dunmer; in fact the Ashlander who had taken on Alandro's spirit by wearing the Wraith Mail was slender and wiry. But he had an air of authority, and his antique hairstyle, braided with beads, and his heavily decorated leather cloak, added to the effect.

Right now he was in an office of the New Temple, seated across from Tharivor.

"Your skills impressed me," Alandro Sul said. "You'll need them all, to do what I'm sending you to do. I understand that you've met the Accursed One?"

By this he meant Loranna.

"She has powerful people with her. Our seers tell us that Sen-Yedda is still with them, bound within a magical vessel. We need that child. The situation is intolerable, the child of the goddess in the hands of infidels.

"Don't think of your own strength. Don't think of your own courage. Only think of Azura, and what you owe to her, and all of your plans will fall into place perfectly."

He gave Tharivor a sheaf of papers, containing all the information the Temple spies had gathered about Sen-Yedda's present location.

Posted by: Glensather Feb 25 2005, 04:57 AM

Outside the New Temple of Azura:

"You, and you, and you," Tharivor said, walking down the row of two-hundred or so people he had lined up. "You, the one with the daggers, and you at the end, come here," the eleven people he selected stepped forward, whilst the others stepped back.

"I have orders from Sul, so listen up," he commanded. Instantly, the men straightened up, standing tall. "It is time we acquired someone important, men. We are going to the stronghold where the Accursed One is. We are going to go in, find the child of our Goddess, and take her with up. Then, when the day comes, when Azura comes to us from Oblivion, we will praise her glory and her child,"

"We act on Azura's will, but we still need raw skill; the skill we have honed through our lives. I have selected you because you are the best we have. However, I am not your commander, and this is purely voluntary. I won't order you to do this mission, and if you come with me then each of us will help the others to achieve our goal,"

The other men nodded, but none back down.

"Very well," Tharivor said, a twinge of... something... underneath his cool exterior. Stop it. he thought to himself, then look up to the sky, taking a breath. "Men, we're to head for Daruhn..."

Posted by: Issa_Yojimbo Feb 25 2005, 05:14 AM

Issa had been wandering in the Maze of Iron for days now. He was hungry, thirsty, and tired. His mind began to wander from him. Every time he tried to sleep, he would dream of the great iron walls and wake up. He kept walking on in hope of finding anything.

He began to think about the air above, and the Flamekiss, and Guar Steak Sandwiches...

He was just about to lose it, when he turned a corner that he hadn't before, and saw a room that he hadn't before.

It was a rather large pile of gold, rubies, diamonds, and other expensive gems.

In his half-mad state, this overjoyed him. He took off his weapons and placed them at the entrance to the treaure room, and dove into the pile of wealth.

"Gehehe....gehahahaha"

Issa laughed somewhat maniacally, and his laugh echoed throughout the Vaults of Genim.

But someone else was in the cave.

Someone who now knew where Issa was...

Posted by: Attrebus Feb 25 2005, 05:33 AM

The laugh echoed throughout the vaults. The sound died down quickly and was replaced by another sound. This was constant, rhythmic and getting louder. It was the unmistakable sound of boots marching in time.

A small group of soldiers entered the treasure room in perfect step and seeing Issa alone, drew their weapons. Most of thier armour had seen better days - the dents and scratches obviously created by encounters in the Vaults. Marked cleary on each soldier was Helseth's insignia.

"Drop your weapon and surrender!" ordered the Captain.

"Atleast it's not monkeys." mumbled a soldier towards the back.

Posted by: Issa_Yojimbo Feb 25 2005, 05:39 AM

QUOTE(Attrebus @ Feb 24 2005, 11:13 PM)

"What? Who are you guys?"

Issa throws his hands in the air, frightened to death.

One of the soldiers notices Issa's weapons lying on the ground near the entrance, and picks them up.

Posted by: Attrebus Feb 25 2005, 05:43 AM

"We are solders under the employ of King Helseth of Morrowind and you are now our prisoner." With that, two guards moved towards Issa to bind his hands behind his back. They kept their weapons ready even though he was un armed - just incase.

"What in Oblivion are -you- doing here?" spat the Captain.

Posted by: w0nders Feb 25 2005, 07:55 AM

Summary-

Dante, on the road to Ald Raathim, should be arriving soon.

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

Brum, Inzoliah, Merciander, and friends, on an island...yay.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 25 2005, 08:13 AM

Stormhold Mage Guild

Present Time

Making potions was relaxing, enjoyable, profitable, and just simply fun; Loranna finds she could happily brew and mix away for hours, chanting her secret incantation to manipulate the magic in the potion to her desire. Eventually, she starts semi-humming the chant, letting her will flow into the ingredients and manipulate the magic. Healing potions, fatigue potions, flying and swimming and running potions - all useful for their upcoming escapades, and some water breathing potions to sell back to the Guild to help recoup her gold. This was wonderful; she had in her hands the tools for making good on her promise now, with a ready supply of sellable items that went for good prices ...

It was around this time that Loranna realizes that most of her potions were made from fungi and plants, as her eye happens to fall on the fine features of Lorièn. Blushing a bit, Loranna takes a break to gather up some sellable potions and go haggle for meat-based ingredients.

Haggling was noticably less enjoyable than making potions, though; Loranna finds herself wishing the alchemist in the Guild would just give her a decent opening price and be done with it, instead of starting off at a measly fraction of the potion's worth and forcing her to name a high price to get haggle room. It was almost like arguing, only a bit more polite ...

===

Flashback

"Do you love me anymore?" Dagoth had demanded, his tone quiet but his eyes flashing.

"How can you even ask that? Of course I love you still," Loranna had replied, her tone growing hot. "After all we've been through, how can I not love you?"

"Yet you turn to Jazbet - and Tris?" Dagoth had sounded not just upset, but honestly confused. Loranna shook a little; she thought they had been over this already ...

"Dear, I love you and I love Jazbet," she had said, slowly. "And yes I love Tris and the others too - but they're different sorts of love. Tris is a friend; he's flirty, like I am, but he has Ciel and he and I both know it. You and I are the same, as we've both known all along. And Jazbet ... Jazbet is ..."

Dagoth had simply stared, and Loranna could have sworn she could hear a voice whispering {She lies; she doesn't love you. She's throwing you aside for these others. Kill them for getting in your way; kill her for her treachery ...}

Dagoth's hands had flown to his skeletal temples, as the whispering voice had cackled with malicious laughter. Loranna's eyes had widened in fear, as she realized she wasn't just talking to the Dagoth she knew as a friend ...

===

"Is that acceptable?" the alchemist asks Loranna, starlting her back to the present.

" ... Uh ..." The Argonain stands in front of her patiently, but she gets the feeling he was starting to get annoyed. "Yes; that price is acceptable," she says, exchanging potions for swamp rat meat, various insect parts, and wriggling worms that brought to mind the glowing worms from the Vaults for just a second.

" ... Thank you," Loranna says weakly, hoping the worms retained their freshness long enough for her to get back and start brewing, as she quietly absorbed their life into herself. She notes that after making some potions for Lorièn, a few lessons in altering some of her favored spells was in order.

Posted by: w0nders Feb 25 2005, 08:53 AM

Somewhere, on a long, dirt path-

Dante continued along the path, watching his feet as he walked. Not daring to look up, he didn't much feel like seeing what lied ahead. It would be a long while until he reached Ald Raathim again. He did have a recall amulet, which could take him directly to the tavern, but, he didn't use it. He wanted to walk, he needed time to think.

He wondered what would be waiting for him back in Daruhn. He doubted anything ordinary. But still...he couldn't help but wonder.

Posted by: Attrebus Feb 25 2005, 09:37 AM

QUOTE(Attrebus @ Feb 25 2005, 01:53 PM)

"Not talking huh? That will soon change." Said the Captain as Issa's hands were bound. It would appear as though someone's else was looking for the gem. The soldiers marched their captive back through the maze, not before taking as much of the treasure as they could carry. Eventually, they exited the Vaults.

Two more groups of soldiers were waiting.

"Sir, we've searched the entire structure as much as we can, and there's no sign of the gem." reported one of the soldiers.

"Either the gem has been hidden better than we thought, or whoever he was with has it now. I suspect the latter." was the response from the Captain. "We shall report our findings to Helseth immediatly and let him know about our 'guest'. We shall depart as soon as you are ready."

The soldier looked relieved. He'd seen things in the Vaults that most people just shouldn't see. Everyone made arrangements to leave the acursed place.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 25 2005, 10:30 AM

Four days ago, Solunastra, Daggerfall: Tamne

Tamne was telling a story to her friend.

"And then mommy and daddy will come back from Moonshadow riding on a magic ship that flies through the air, and Prince Azura will kill Arynel, and Allerleirauh, and Dragon, and Skein, and Timmon, and all the other bad people, and they'll beg me to spare their lives, and they'll cry, and I'll look them right in the eye and say 'No.' And then Prince Azura will say, 'Well done, Tamne, my good and faithful daughter,' and she'll take us both to Moonshadow and we'll be princesses there."

She sighed. She had schoolwork now, she was supposed to be practicing her letters. Arynel had said she should write a story. She thought about writing down her story and it made her almost smile. But no. The bad people must never know what she was thinking.

It was dark outside. She noticed that she was hungry, and no one had come to give her a bath. Where was everyone?

She didn't care. She hated them all, she would be glad if they never bothered her again.

But no matter how much she told herself that, she did care. Being alone reminded her of being in the swamps of Daruhn. All alone there. No, she hadn't been alone. She had just been waiting, that's all, for her mother and father to wake up and take her back with them, back home.

"Hello?" she called, experimentally, going to the edge of the stairs, the place where you could see the darkness.

No answer.

"You better answer me!" she yelled, angry now. "You better answer, or I'll... I'm breaking things, I broke your jewel box, you stupid witch, WHERE ARE YOU?"

She threw the jewelry box, which she loved to play with, hard at the floor. Part of the hinges popped off, and rich necklaces, amulets, bracelets, more jewelry than she had ever seen in her life before she lived there, spilled out.

Still no answer.

After a few more minutes, Tamne started crying.

She was interrupted by a familiar groaning shriek.

"Lakshi?" she shouted, overcome with joy at the sound of her familiar Winged Twilight. "Lakshi, is that you? Why didn't you come before?"

"I was imprisoned," the Twilight said. "Come quickly, all the people of this house are gone except for one woman, and she is outside in the garden."

"I can't come!" Tamne screamed, crying. "I can't get down the stairs, the darkness is in the way, come get me, please Lakshi, I love you."

"I cannot cross the darkness," Lakshi said, holding out her taloned hands, her beautiful face filled with concern. "You must come to me, Tamne."

Tamne remembered the cold, remembered the terror of the darkness, a place which was exactly like what you were afraid of as a little, little child when you wouldn't go to sleep at night and you made your mother turn on a light. The darkness was like a wall, as far as she was concerned.

But her mother wasn't here anymore. There was no one here who loved her, only horrible people who were mean to her. And Lakshi would take her away.

When she was frightened, her mother had taught her to sing songs. Now Tamne closed her eyes and concentrated. Then she sang a song.

"Azura, Azura, shining bright, Azura, Azura, turns the night into brightest day... help me fly away..."

With a tiny squeak, like a mouse, Tamne leaped across the seventh step from the top, into the Void. She opened her eyes in the Void, and panicked, screaming. For a moment it was like drowning, which she remembered from the ship. But just as on the ship she had clawed her way out of the hold and to the surface and swum ashore, now she screamed and clawed and kicked, and was back inside again, on the other side of the steps.

Lakshi enfolded her in a chill embrace.

Tamne was so happy.

The little girl took the Winged Twilight's hand, and together they ran downstairs and slipped out at the back door, into the streets of Daggerfall.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 25 2005, 10:50 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Feb 25 2005, 01:33 AM)

present time: Mirea

Mirea had important news she was supposed to take to the party with the Flamekiss jewel. But the sight of Dante walking through the swamps distracted her.

She watched him for a while as he miraculously navigated around lairs of poisonous eels, ground that looked like ground but was really quicksand, and a tree which sent tentacles crawling towards his feet. Dante walked on, oblivious of them all, as if not looking at danger someone protected him.

Finally she could stand it no longer. She popped in, and poked her head from behind a giant tree.

"Why are you out here?" she said. "Did you get in a fight with everybody else?"

Posted by: w0nders Feb 25 2005, 10:57 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 25 2005, 04:30 AM)

Hearing a faintly familiar voice, Dante stopped, and looked around himself. His search stopping as he spotted the young bosmer girl's head poking out from behind a tree.

"A fight? no, no..." He stated quickly, unable to keep a small smirk from crossing his lips. "I'm...uh, heading back to Ald Raathim, to be honest. I couldn't wait around out here any longer, I have um..somebody I'm trying to find back there" He said, the smirk vanishing almost instantly.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 25 2005, 11:02 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Feb 25 2005, 03:37 AM)

"It's a long walk to Ald Raathim," Mirea said, raising one eyebrow. "Do you even know where you are? Are you drunk again? Where's your stupid brother, I'll go get him and tell him to take care of you."

Posted by: w0nders Feb 25 2005, 11:09 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 25 2005, 04:42 AM)

"Not drunk...no, according to the map I looked at before leaving, this was the way back. Although I could have lost my way, I'm not sure however, but not drunk, my no..."

Hearing the mention of Illidan, Dante shuddered slightly, something alot like a drop of ice water ran down his spine. "Well...um, that's--that's sought of who I'm going back to look for. He has been missing for an absurdly long time. Longer than the times he's usually been gone."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 25 2005, 11:16 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Feb 25 2005, 03:49 AM)

"Look," Mirea said, stabbing her finger at the map. "This is Black Marsh, and this is Ald Raathim, and this," she said, stabbing her finger at the distance marker, "is a day's travel on foot. It would take you 'til midsummer to walk there. When did you lose your brother? What's his name again?"

She had been introduced to Illidan, but she had better things to keep in her head than names.

Mirea thought a minute. She didn't remember seeing Illidan at Ald Raathim. And she usually did notice him, he was always doing something funny.

Posted by: w0nders Feb 25 2005, 11:29 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 25 2005, 04:56 AM)

Dante chuckled nervously, "Well, I didn't really think about how long the trip would take. I was just in more of the walking mood, I guess..."

He allowed his laughter to subside before answering, "Illidan" He stated flatly, before continuing "I'm not sure if the two of you have met previously. Not that he has mentioned, atleast."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 25 2005, 11:34 AM

Daggerfall, four days ago: Tamne

Daggerfall was nothing like her village in Morrowind.

It was cold here, there was white stuff on the ground. Tamne kicked it and the white stuff got on her leg and it was wet and cold.

There were lanterns all up and down the street. She went and looked at one of them, they looked different from the lanterns at home.

She found a store, but the door was locked. It had a sign, which she could read after several minutes of sounding out the letters.

Open for business 9 am. Thank you! Please come again.

"Stupid store," Tamne said, kicking the door. "Stupid lazy N'wahs."

She kept walking. Her legs were tired and it was cold and she was still hungry. She should have taken some of that lady's jewelry to sell for food. She had to stop thinking of the Cursed as people, they were just slaves.

Lakshi had gone away to Oblivion so she was alone again. Tamne started singing a little song to keep herself company. That place looked open, there were people inside, and loud noises and music, and she smelled food. Rotten nasty Breton food that made her want to puke. She stuck her tongue out at the tavern sign, but she went inside anyway.

The customers at 'The Dead Griffin' tavern weren't used to seeing children, especially not after dark. It was noisy and smoky and smelled like cheap ale, and the song Tamne had heard from outside had lyrics not fit for a child's ears. But they weren't bad people there.

"Message for me?" the innkeep said, smiling at her and holding out his hand. Children often carried messages for a few coins. Then he frowned, noticing the Dunmer girl's dusky skin.

"I..." Tamne whispered, looking at the ground. She plucked up her nerve. "I'm hungry, I want something to eat. I don't have any money."

"Is that a Dark Elf?" someone muttered, in the background.

"No beggars," the innkeeper said, his smile vanishing in an instant. "I'm sorry, but times are tough all over and I can't be giving away my wares. Now be off, and I won't tell the watch I saw you."

Tamne looked up at him, lips trembling. She had forgotten not to look up.

"Curse me, look at her eyes!" the barmaid shouted, and the innkeeper gasped. Tamne gasped too and turned to run. A meaty hand caught her by the arm, and she panicked and called for Lakshi.

Lakshi stayed behind to help her get away, while she ran out into the street.

"Watch! Someone call the watch! Sweet murder, it's a bloody Daedra in my bar!"

"HALT!" a watchman cried, fortunately not at her but at the well dressed man rushing out of the bar after her. Tamne was able to escape by climbing into a delivery bin, although she heard the terrible screams of poor Lakshi being slaughtered behind her.

She curled up tightly in the dark, cold bin, listening to the guards shouting and searching for her.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 25 2005, 11:42 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Feb 25 2005, 04:09 AM)

"I've met you both together," Mirea said, cocking her head. "Are you sure you're not drunk? You didn't drink a bad potion like that other Dunmer, did you? Look, maybe I should look for your brother. When did you see him last?"

Posted by: w0nders Feb 25 2005, 11:48 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 25 2005, 05:22 AM)

"Ah, now I remember, back in Balmora" He replied, grinning. "That was a great party."

"I'm telling you, I'm not drunk, I haven't drank anything in a while, actually." He scoffed, juggling the flask of mazte around in his pouch, trying to obscure it from vision.

"Would you? would you help me look for him?" His grin became larger, "Oh, thankyou...this means so much to me, really!"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 25 2005, 11:51 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Feb 25 2005, 04:28 AM)

"Sure!" Mirea said. "I'm not doing anything else interesting!"

She had completely forgotten the urgent message she was supposed to deliver to the Mages' Guild in Stormhold.

"Um, I don't think he's in Ald Raathim," she said. "I just came from there. There was a big battle, a lot of people died, but no one really important. I'm pretty sure I didn't see him in that big pile of people they set on fire."

Posted by: w0nders Feb 25 2005, 12:02 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 25 2005, 05:31 AM)

"Thankyou...again" He said gratefully, giving her a light, awkward pat on the shoulder. Saying he wasn't good at these types of things was an understatement.

"Oh, ok...well, that kind of brings up the question of 'what now'?" He stated, slightly depressed. "Well, I hope he wasn't one of the corpses burnt on a pile of corpses" He added, his tone growing even graver.

"I don't suppose you know any sort of 'tracking' tricks, do you?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 25 2005, 12:05 PM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Feb 25 2005, 04:42 AM)

"That's what I do," Mirea said, kicking a stump. The stump suddenly shot up out of the ground, revealing itself to be not a stump at all but some type of large, lumpy lizard. Mirea screamed and hopped backward, poking at it with her short sword.

Posted by: w0nders Feb 25 2005, 12:11 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 25 2005, 05:45 AM)

Dante's eye shot open as the stump jumped up and began to go after Mirea. He quickly withdrew his sword and thrust out, both their blades impaling the creature at the same time.

"You okay?" He asked shyly, sheathing his sword and stifling a giggle.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 25 2005, 12:13 PM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Feb 25 2005, 04:51 AM)

"I hate Black Marsh," Mirea said, glaring at the dead lizard. "You killed it, right? I didn't kill it. You killed it so I don't have to eat it. You still haven't told me where your brother is. Maybe we can use some temple Interventions to get you where you need to go."

Posted by: w0nders Feb 25 2005, 12:17 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 25 2005, 05:53 AM)

"Heh, I think it's safe to assume that I killed it, if you like." He said, smiling. "I have no idea where my brother is, if I did, I wouldn't be trying to find him. Although the last place I saw him was at Jazbet's estate."

"Temple interventions eh? well, anything that can get me away from where I am right now would be good."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 25 2005, 12:25 PM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Feb 25 2005, 04:57 AM)

Mirea thought for a moment. She looked funny when she thought hard; she had a habit of sticking her lower lip out, and frowning.

"Okay, why don't you wait here a minute. I have... um... business in the woods. You know what I mean. You can cook that dead lizard. And then we'll go find your brother."

As soon as she was out of sight, she whispered Illidan's name, and disappeared into the Void.

Posted by: w0nders Feb 25 2005, 12:38 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 25 2005, 06:05 AM)

"Erm...yes, ofcourse, I'll wait here." He replied, blushing slightly. Once she had left he sat on the ground, staring at the dead lizard. Rather hesitant to try and cook the thing.

A dark room, somewhere-

Illidan still knelt in the centre of the room. Luckily the tortures had subsided, though a small number of cultist's remained in the room. Sluggishly standing guard.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 25 2005, 12:49 PM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Feb 25 2005, 05:18 AM)

It took a moment for Mirea to recognize Illidan. He looked terrible.

But she knew evil when she saw it. She nocked an arrow, and loosed it into the room. She hated killing people, they took too long to eat. How could she manage though?

The other cultists looked up as the first one fell to the ground with a thud, a hornet-striped arrow sticking out of the back of his knee. They ran around screaming but couldn't find her.

Then she hopped through at the far end of the hallway, around the curve. "This way, dummy!" she cried, and the cultists ran down the hallway, away from Illidan, as she disappeared into the Void again.

She reappeared next to Illidan. He really did look terrible. And he smelled worse. His hands were tied. She cut the rope. The cultist with the wounded knee screamed something obscene and tried to crawl toward them.

"Where's your Mark?" she said. "Take this amulet, I'll follow you there."

Posted by: w0nders Feb 25 2005, 01:01 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 25 2005, 06:29 AM)

The rope falling from his wrists, Illidan began to slowly clench his knuckles. When he did this they produced large cracking noises. He looked up at Mirea, he whipped his head to the side, his knotted, bloody hair sweeping away from his face.

For a moment his colourless, pearl-like eyes locked with her green ones. "Hello, beautiful" He said weakly, his dried, cracked lips parting into a smile, revealing his fangs.

He wearily climbed to his feet, stumbling back and forth many times. "No mark, never used those type, or any spells in my life." He added darkly, turning to face the approaching cultist. His stomach grumbled.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 25 2005, 01:08 PM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Feb 25 2005, 05:41 AM)

Mirea reeled back from Illidan with a shriek.

He was a vampire!

Her first thought was to escape into the Void immediately, go tell his brother he was dead - it was true, wasn't it? - and leave him there to kill the cultists.

But the General wouldn't like that. She should kill the vampire, not just run away.

But the vampire was Illidan. They had partied together.

Mirea chose this moment to remember the important message she had forgotten to deliver to the Mages' Guild in Blacklight. That was what was the matter. If only she hadn't gotten distracted, Dante would have drowned in the swamp, and none of this would be her problem!

"Oh, why me?" Mirea shouted to no one in particular. Then she made up her mind. She walked over to the wounded cultist and grabbed him by the hair, kicking him a few times, until he lay still.

"Go ahead," she said to Illidan. "But then we've got to get out of here, fast!"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 25 2005, 01:11 PM

Daggerfall, three days ago: Allerleirauh

Allerleirauh was furious. Not with Skein, Skein had been watching the battle. Not with Tamne, Tamne was a child and therefore not to be held responsible for doing stupid things. She was furious with herself for leaving the child in her room, for not spending enough time with her to impress on her an understanding of her situation.

Spent the night in a wood scuttle. Poor little girl. In sub-freezing weather. Found by the scullery boy in the morning.

Well, she wasn't going to repeat Tris's mistake. No one would know that the little girl had escaped from prison. No one would even remember she had been there. It was a massive misuse of a Void Ranger's power, but sometimes that was necessary to recover from a disaster as complete as this one. Allerleirauh hoped there would be no unforseen consequences. The only path here that couldn't be tampered with was Tamne's own.

Tamne looked up, blue eyes blazing, her breath misting the chill dawn air in the little cell.

"I'm here to take you home, Tamne," Allerleirauh said.

Posted by: w0nders Feb 25 2005, 01:15 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 25 2005, 06:48 AM)

Illidan smirked greedily, making his way to the cultist and squatting down next to him. He placed both his hands over the top of the man's ears and lifted his head up slightly. Illidan let out a vicious snarl before lunging his head forward, feasting on the cultist shortly then letting his limp, dead body drop to the floor.

"Ok...let's go." He stated in between breaths as he stood, wiping a large amount of blood from his lips.

Posted by: w0nders Feb 25 2005, 01:37 PM

::oops::

Posted by: Arynel Feb 26 2005, 06:55 AM

Arynel had not gone with the others to the Stormhold mages guild; instead the Breton had backtracked and returned to the inferno. The others were already accustomed to his awkward comings and goings, so he did not speak of his departure to any other members of the group.

Arynel remained at the Inferno for a time, but not very long, he grew anxious if he stayed in one place for too long. The Breton, upon leaving the Inferno headed west away from Stormhold. The Breton encountered various life forms, many of which he didn’t recognize, though a few plant varieties bore resemblance to those found along the Bittercoast of Vvardenfell.

He quickly learned to be cautious when around swampy waters, having been surprised more than once by a dagger-toothed filled maw rising out of the depths when he had ventured too near. Although his alchemy skill was not without par, the Breton was able to determine that many varieties of plants and fungi were toxic, though perhaps could be made into a potion with beneficial affects.

Arynel was an experienced enough traveler that, although he was unfamiliar with the region, was for the most part able to stay out of harms way. The Breton encountered numerous native fauna, lurking whenever possible out of view of the subject of his curiosity, many of the creatures he found were obviously amphibious, and well adapted for life in the swamps.

One thing the Breton did not expect was that not only the animals, but also some of the local plant life could bite back at him. There was the self named blood vine, red with purple tinted leaves, hanging down from the branches of enormous, swamp dwelling trees, three inch blood red thorns, purple at the tips, grew from the vines, which would snap forward whenever a passing object brushed against their leaves, which could be anything from a frog, a Breton, or a gust of wind.

The place was wet, murky, and otherwise miserable. Arynel would have to have his clothes cleaned when he next was able, but for now he knee deep in swamp.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 26 2005, 09:25 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Feb 25 2005, 05:55 AM)

When Illidan straightened up, Mirea was looking right at him, with the most serious look he had ever seen on her face.

The look disappeared quickly, though, as the sound of the cultists returning was heard from the hall.

"Come on, let's get out of here!" Mirea shouted, drawing her shortsword and rushing the ranks of cultists.

Posted by: w0nders Feb 26 2005, 09:33 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 26 2005, 03:05 AM)

Illidan watched Mirea rush the cultists, blankly. He remained stationary a moment before following, staying out of the combat. Which was probably a better idea than what it seemed, he had found a door.

Without muttering a single word, Illidan stepped through. He found himself in yet another hall. At one end there was a plain door, at the other was an area alot like a bar, also having a door with it. "Umm...I think I've found an exit...?" He muttered back through the passage.

He considered helping Mirea in the fight, but, he wouldn't be of much use, not with his bare hands atleast.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 26 2005, 09:40 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Feb 26 2005, 02:13 AM)

"Run!" Mirea shouted to him. "Go go go! I'll meet you when you get out."

She jumped high in the air, kicking off against the ceiling, launching her attack on the cultists from above, screaming like a mad cat. The cultists stared in shock, then scattered as one of them fell to the ground, the stump of his neck pumping blood.

She wasn't the biggest fighter in the world, or the best, but she prided herself on being one of the scariest. Soon the cultists were scrambling to get away from her, as she chased them, bouncing off walls and ceiling like a ball, laughing her high, shrill cackle.

Posted by: w0nders Feb 26 2005, 09:51 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 26 2005, 03:20 AM)

Illidan nodded sharply, and limped down the hallway to the bar area. There were two cultists sitting gingerly at a table, having some sort of conversation. Blissfully unaware that their latest prisoner had escaped.

Illidan quickly dispatched the two however and kicked open the door, revealing a dank, dark forest Impeding his path. "Well, atleast it's not bright out.." He muttered to himself happily, oh how wrong he was.

Although the forest had been blocking most of the sun, there was still a large presence of it. Illidan hissed as he jumped back inside the bar, he would need to find something quick. And to his luck, he did, A large folded umbrella leant idley against the door frame, how convenient.

He opened it up wide and covered himself with it. Finally he stepped outside, now unaffected by the sun. "Alright, let's roll!"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 26 2005, 10:03 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Feb 26 2005, 02:31 AM)

"Ah, rats," Mirea whispered, leaning over the dead cultist. She stuffed his head into her pack, then grabbed his body and threw it over her shoulders. She stepped through the corner of the room into the Void and left the body there, then stepped out near Illidan.

"Are you okay? You smell bad. You're cooking. I don't think that sunshade works. Can vampires drink potions? Drink this. Oh, no! What am I going to tell your brother?"

Mirea stared at Illidan in dismay after handing him a healing potion - one of the General's long-term healing potions.

They were on the mainland, a little east of Vvardenfell. Surely there was a cave around here somewhere. An ancestral tomb. An abandoned shack. Someplace with a roof, anyway.

"Come on," Mirea said. "Let's find someplace out of the sun, quickly!"

Posted by: w0nders Feb 26 2005, 10:16 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 26 2005, 03:43 AM)

"Not really" He replied flatly to her first question. He then quickly bent foreward and took a couple of whiffs from his armpit. "Hoo! you were right about that!" He said playfully, not having drank enough blood must be playing with his mind, he was laughing.

Illidan took the potion and downed it quickly, "thanks" he started, quickly adding. "And about Dante...don't" He stared back momentarily, before walking further through the forest.

"Come on! help me find some sought of cabin, will ya? there must be a fishing hut somewhere along the shoreline."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 26 2005, 10:30 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Feb 26 2005, 02:56 AM)

They found a shack at last. Mirea ducked inside to be sure it was abandoned. It wasn't the greatest protection from the sun, since light crept through the rough fitted boards, but it would have to do.

"I gotta get back to your brother," Mirea said, looking anxiously at Illidan's face. "He thinks I'm peeing in the woods, he probably started looking for me by now and he'll fall in a hole and drown. Oh, Illidan, what are you going to do?"

Posted by: w0nders Feb 26 2005, 10:35 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 26 2005, 04:10 AM)

Illidan walked in and placed the now folded up umbrella onto a desk. "You should probably do that...who knows what he could think you're doing out there."

He stopped on her last question, truthfully, he didn't quite know. "Nothing I can accomplish on my own..." He started, staring at the floor. "Could I ask something of you...? that is, if it wouldn't be to much trouble."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 26 2005, 10:39 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Feb 26 2005, 03:15 AM)

"Sure," Mirea said.

Posted by: w0nders Feb 26 2005, 10:44 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 26 2005, 04:19 AM)

"Sure," Mirea said.

"Well...I could use as much books and notes on vamprism as I can. Well, as much as you can find, atleast. I need to study for some cure, shouldn't I? I've heard the stories about the person that had been cured of it earlier."

He paused for a moment, smiling, he now had an answer to that question. "And between the times I'm studying, I'll take up trying to find what I'm good at, really discover my talents, you know."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 26 2005, 10:47 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Feb 26 2005, 03:24 AM)

"You're good at ripping people's throats out with your teeth and drinking their blood," Mirea said matter-of-factly. "Go with your strengths. I'm going to tell the General about you, maybe she can fix it, she fixes everything. Do you want me to tell your brother you're dead?"

Posted by: w0nders Feb 26 2005, 10:52 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 26 2005, 04:27 AM)

Illidan sighed, "I suppose you're right." He moved over to an old wooden chair and sat on it. "I hope she can fix it...I'd hate to be like this any longer, I mean, look what it's done to my hair."

He gave himself a mental slap across the face, he was making terrible jokes again. "no..." he started, "don't...don't tell him that I'm dead, if you must tell him anything let him know you couldn't find me. I'll hide out here for as long as I have to."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 26 2005, 10:55 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Feb 26 2005, 03:32 AM)

"Then tell me something so he stops looking for you," Mirea said. "Like you found a nice girl and settled down or something. Or had to do some business somewhere. And give me something so he believes me."

She grinned. "If you can still laugh you aren't all dead. There must be some way to fix this, and we'll find it! Don't worry about staying right here, those cultists will come looking for you and I can find you if I need to."

Posted by: w0nders Feb 26 2005, 11:03 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 26 2005, 04:35 AM)

Illidan rubbed his chin, and began to think. "Tell him I...went to visit our fathers grave, he'll understand. I've dissapeared there for whole months many times before. And usually then I'll just drift around the island for a couple more weeks."

He smiled back, "Thankyou, I'll probably leave once night settles. Maybe even take a dip in the lake, I could use a good bath." He trailed of in though for a moment, before speaking again "Oh, and Mirea...I'm sorry for the ways I've treated you in the past, truely I am."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 26 2005, 11:07 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Feb 26 2005, 03:43 AM)

Mirea looked puzzled. "What did you do? Because if you put something rotten in my pack in Suran I wouldn't have seen it, I dropped my whole pack in the river and had to get another one. Okay, I'll tell him you went to visit your dad's grave. Gimme a letter in your own handwriting."

She pulled out a scroll - night eye, who needed that? and turned it over, offering him the back of it to write on, and a pen.

Posted by: w0nders Feb 26 2005, 11:14 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 26 2005, 04:47 AM)

"No no, nothing like that, just...in general, like when we first met back in the cave. I regarded you awfully, and I'm sorry for it."

He took the scroll and pen, and scrawled a very Illidan-esque message on the back:

Dear Dante,

I've headed back to Vvardenfell for a little while. You know the reasons, I've explained it enough times to you already. So stop worrying, I'll be fine. And yeah, sorry I left so abruptly back at the estate, without telling you or anything. This was just something I needed to do suddenly.

Regards, Illidan.

He rolled the scroll back up and handed it to Mirea. "There, that should do the trick."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 26 2005, 11:22 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Feb 26 2005, 03:54 AM)

"Okay, great!" Mirea said, bouncing to her feet.

She looked at Illidan doubtfully, one last time. She had always thought he was kind of cute - for a Dunmer. Now he looked ghastly. Well, he was dead. Dead people could be expected to look bad.

She stopped at the cultists' hideout to retrieve the body of the one she had killed. Dunmer. Nasty stringy gamy Dunmer. She shouldn't have let herself get carried away.

She wondered momentarily if Dante would help her eat.

Dante was where she had left him.

"No fire yet?" Mirea said. "No woman's going to want a guy who can't build a fire, you know. And I need a big fire."

She dumped the headless body of the cultist in front of Dante.

"Your brother's fine, he went someplace to see your dad's dead body or whatever it is you Dunmer do with dead people. Here, I have a note from him. And I brought dinner."

Posted by: w0nders Feb 26 2005, 11:28 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 26 2005, 05:02 AM)

Dante looked tremendously confused. He grasped the note and read it "But...but...how?" He asked dumbstrucked. "I thought you were just going back there to...um, you know."

Despite this, he did go about making the firepit, looking rather embarrased. Eventually it was finished, "Um...you have a light?" He asked sheepishly, looking over the note a second time. How...?

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 26 2005, 11:32 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Feb 26 2005, 04:08 AM)

"Look," Mirea said, lowering her bright red eyebrows, "Handling the firestick is the MALE JOB. I'll hold the tinder for you if you can't do it properly by yourself."

She showed him how to make a fire by using a bow to twirl a firestick. It wasn't easy.

"It's a little embarrassing," she said. "I have a friend who's an invisible dragon who lets me ride on his back, and he flew me to Vvardenfell. He's really shy. So, what are you going to do now?"

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 26 2005, 11:35 AM

(Stormhold, Black Marsh:)

The locals had been quite surprised when the odd foreigners asked about transportation North other than the Mage's Guild. They had talked among themselves, in their clicky, rattly tongue, for some time before answering.

No, rafts wouldn't do. The way northward alternated between long stretches of murky water and long stretches of rough, muddy land. No, there were no proper roads that didn't lead the travellers far out of their way.

After much deliberation, and not a small bit of gold had passed hands, the locals led the group down to a low platform of the city, and out onto a mucky stretch of solid land.

There, a number of solidly-built Argonians were loading barrels onto a huge, very unfamiliar beast. It was a bit like the common crocodile that haunted the swamps, but as long as eight horses, end-to-end, smooth-skinned, and posessed of a leathery, turtle-like shell that covered it's back and belly. Heavy rings had been driven into this shell, and it was to these that the barrels were being lashed.

The creature, although it's jaws were huge and it's teeth like daggers, seemed extremely docile, and the Argoninans took little care around it.

"That one asssured uss that it could breathe water, yess?" said the Argonian that had led them here to the group.

Motioning toward the beast and the workers he continued, "Those go to Narsis, in the North. Those agree to take ssmoothskinss with barrelss."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 26 2005, 11:39 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 26 2005, 05:15 AM)

Loranna thinks to herself that Tris must be loving this turn of events right now; she herself is wondering if the novelty of the experience will be greater than the potential drawbacks of traveling as cargo.

However, she was still in a rather good mood from having learned a bit of her own real magic, so she nods, saying "Yes; we're all able to breathe water," with a polite smile - hopefully polite smiles meant something at least similar to Argonians as they did to man and mer.

She looks to her companions. "Well, here we are; shall we?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 26 2005, 11:42 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 26 2005, 04:19 AM)

"I think we've been here too long already," Tris said. "Especially if other people are looking for - you know."

Posted by: w0nders Feb 26 2005, 11:43 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 26 2005, 05:12 AM)

"Alright...thanks" He replied quickly, sounding a little hurt. After a few minutes of cursing, burning and more cursing, there was fire started.

"An invisible dragon you say? well...that's certainly interesting." He paused for a moment, considering what he had just said in the logical side of his mind. "I have no clue what I'm going to do now, Illidan seems to be ok, more or less. I suppose I try and find my way back to the group. Or failing that, continue my long walk back to Ald Raathim."

Posted by: Teleran Feb 26 2005, 11:51 AM

Teleran looked at the creature, it was much bigger than he had expected. Though it looked like it would be a cramped journey. Being transported as cargo, that seemed unpleasant to say the least.

He wondered what was in the barrels, maybe he could get a look inside one on the journey. The teeth looked decidedly vicious, he decided that he might ask before touching anything. That thing looked like it could eat him in a single bite, even if it did not appear particularly inclined to at the moment.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 26 2005, 11:52 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Feb 26 2005, 04:23 AM)

"Well, we've got a fire now, we might as well eat," Mirea said, spitting the lizard and setting it up to cook, then starting to work butchering the Dunmer. "If the girls I grew up with knew I started a fire with a Dunmer, they'd never let me hear the end of it."

Posted by: Solin Feb 26 2005, 11:57 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 26 2005, 03:22 AM)

"I think we've been here too long already," Tris said. "Especially if other people are looking for - you know."

"I must agree," Ciel added. "The sooner we leave the sooner we can put the gem into better hands."

While the swamps had their unique appeal, the enviroment had begun on the knight's senses. It was so exotic and he wished to be some place more familiar.

Posted by: w0nders Feb 26 2005, 12:01 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 26 2005, 05:32 AM)

"Quite." He stated flatly, watching as Mirea set the lizard above the fire. He smirked slightly at her last comment. "So...they're like that are they? Well, they certainly sound like they have a habit of taking things the wrong way."

He smiled, and began to rotate the lizard. "Don't worry...I won't tell anyone."

Posted by: Nalion Feb 26 2005, 12:05 PM

Nalion looked suspiciously at the "transportation" they were offered and lifted an eyebrow. He carefully kept a distance to the big mouth of the creature.
Then, he began to put everything valuable he possessed into the water-proof case he carried with him. A few soulgems joined the parchment and writing equipment, followed by a filled purse. The breton mage made sure that everything was fastened tight, then strapped his staff to his back.
"I'm ready." he mumbled to noone particular and looked around and watched the preparations dor departure.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 26 2005, 12:10 PM

The Argonian teamsters were actually quite accomodating. They wove ropes in a style that matched one tied around the huge creature's neck. That one was for the Argonians who drove the beast, but the new one was woven to provide handholds for the group of foreigners.

The drivers, with much hissing laughter, taught the smoothskins how to place their legs and hands through the rope loops, and how to turn their heads to the side and still look forward.

The eldest of them, a heavy, frilled, dark-brown creature, went down the line and removed a number of items from each foreigner. Loose objects, sharp objects, things that were poorly secured and could flop around. All these he placed in a large leather satchel which was slung to the creature's back.

When all was made ready, the brown Argonian went to each new passenger and insured that they had gotten 'in the saddle' properly.

With a shrill whistle from a driver, the beast rose on it's feet, surprisingly high off the ground, and made for the North. It was rather slow and ponderous on land, but it trudged deeper and deeper into the surrounding water. When its legs could no longer reach the bottom, it shot off through the water at a surprising speed, and a moment later it dove.

Everyone learned very quickly why they were supposed to keep their heads turned. It was to keep it from being ripped off by the water, for that was what it seemed would happen if one raised his head.

The barrels clattered and thumped in the current, as onward they traveled.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 26 2005, 12:14 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 26 2005, 05:50 AM)

Loranna makes very, very sure that her pack is secured, and is somewhat adamant about not letting it out of her sight; fortunately, she had the foresight to buy a well-made pack, one which wouldn't flop around.

The experience was breathtaking; Loranna had never moved through the water at such a speed. She briefly wonders if the potions of swift swimming she made would be useful considering the punishment her body goes through should she turn her head the wrong way on this creature; how strange, the places where one learns such lessons ...

Might as well lie here, hold on for dear life, and enjoy the ride, she tells herself ...

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 26 2005, 12:44 PM

(Jazbet's Castle, Two days ago:)

Aricyn lay on top of the heavy fur that covered his bed. His ears still rang from trying... and failing... to drink Dragon under the table.

"I missed you," Magnilde said, shifting her soft, warm weight from his arm to his chest.

At the foot of the bed, the grizzled old wolf snorted and shifted his own weight away from the two. He was still unhappy about not taking part in the battle. Aricyn had worried that he was getting too old for that sort of thing and set him to guarding the castle. The animal held a grudge.

"I should explain about riding Stian," she said.

Stian was Aricyn's sturdy, shaggy war pony. When Aricyn had left him in Skyrim, he had dutifully made his way home. The copper-haired Magnilde, known to all who knew her as The Large-Breasted Widow of Bolverk, had appeared yesterday riding the brave animal. She and her people had descended on the Azurite army like Death itself.

Aricyn's ears continued to buzz pleasantly.

"Those blue-eyed bastards are everywhere, these days," Magnilde continued. "We had some trouble on the way, and my own horse was killed. It was either ride yours or slow everyone down."

"I don't mind," Aricyn said groggily. "He's yours for now. We have few enough mounted warriors the way it is. I'm not going to give one up over petty horsethievery," he said as he pinched a particularly soft part of her.

She yelped, as was expected.

She and Aricyn had known each other for some time. Her former husband had been the chief of their village. When Aricyn had come down from the mountains, like a hero from the Sagas, Bolverk had scoffed and treated him like a puppy. They had dueled, and Aricyn had killed him, which bothered Magnilde only a little. Bolverk was strong, but he used that strength in everything he did, and that is to say he was a brute.

The present situation suited Magnilde just fine. If, at almost fourty years of age, her beauty was still striking enough to satisfy such a young hero, then her position was secure, and that was enough for her.

"We all would have been here sooner," she said, "If not for the witch."

Aricyn raised an eyebrow to look at her.

"The old hag, Viggrid, you remember her? One day, she dared come into the village, right up to the well, if you can believe that. Well, young Dalla, daughter of Ffir... she was always so hotheaded... says to her, 'Get you gone, you ugly old thing. Nobody wants to see you here.'

"At that the hag raised her head, and her eyes were as blue as the sky, and a great demon appeared at her command, and rent poor Dalla limb from limb.

"All the men tried to stop her, but we had nothing that could hurt the monster, and the old hag just laughed.

"When many of the best men lie dead, and the rest had given up trying, she went back to her hut. However, the demon watched us all like an eagle, and we could do nothing.

"The hag demanded that every day, a village man be sent to her, and cut her wood, and light her fire, and spend the night in her hut.

"We would all still be there today if not for young Helgi. When it was his turn to go, he did as he was bidden, and he sang sweetly to the old hag, and she, being old, tired early. She bid him stoke the fire, and he did. He piled on the wood and stoked it high. He piled on more and more wood. Then, when the hag snored, he quietly left the hut, making sure to fasten the door solidly behind him.

"Presently the hut caught fire.

"We could hear her screaming inside for quite some time.

"With her death, the demon died as well, and so we are here and Helgi has earned himself a good name."

"So he has," Aricyn said.

"As I said yesterday," Magnilde said, "Gunnar will be along in a few days. He refused to come, at first, but after the hag... He's gone 'round to gather more men from surrounding villages."

"Just like him," Aricyn said. "By the time he gets here, there'll be nothing for him to do."

Magnilde smiled and layed her copper head on Aricyn's white chest.

Posted by: Solin Feb 26 2005, 12:54 PM

[Eastern shore of Jazbet’s domain: Solin, two days ago]

Solin sat with his eyes closed and listened. The gentle waves lapped at the sand and a faint reverberation could be heard bouncing off the twilight lit cliff face. He was facing the west with his back was to the east, the inner sea. The rock he was using as a seat was quite large, in fact several Azurites had died trying to fight their way around to get off the shore. They were long gone, as were most of the corpses that had been recovered. More would probably wash up on the shores for weeks. That is, if the dreughs didn’t get them first.

The mangroves didn’t normally allow the dreugh this close to the keep but the ritual tide that had allowed the passage of ships had also opened the gates to other things and then trapped them with its recession. Given time a short time they would probably die or be hunted out of their prison. In the mean time, the mer didn’t think many would wish to swim in the wreckage ridden waves.

In front of him, Solin had laid out several gems, soul gems, of varying size and shape, each trembling with content. Along with them gems was a small book with brown leather bindings and coverings, for notes, which lay closed. Shunting flows in weave, redirecting them, dispersing them. Turning gears and whirring cogs. While the calm image he presented may not show it the mer was hard at work.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 26 2005, 12:59 PM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Feb 26 2005, 04:41 AM)

Dunmer were hard to cook, and raunchy to eat raw. Mirea sliced the meat into thin strips and laid it atop a wet log to smoke. If you skinned them first, most of the fire-resistent properties were in the skin, which she could roll up and stuff in her pack to sell later.

She buried the head in the hot ashes to roast.

"I should be getting back to Stormhold, I guess," Mirea said, offering Dante a share of the meat. "I had a message to give everyone but I kind of got distracted finding your brother. They're building a new Mages' Guild in Ald Raathim; if everyone sits tight for a couple of days, they can get home that way."

Posted by: w0nders Feb 26 2005, 01:09 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 26 2005, 06:39 AM)

Dante swallowed sickly, all this skinning of Dunmer was making him nauseous. He took what could only be described as the cultist's arm and began to nibble it, timidly.

"Well...you should go whenever it is you must." He started "I'm sure you're message will be just as valid as it is now, unless of course everyone..." He began to chuckle "just got up and left."

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

(Narsis, Southern Morrowind:)

Water breathing potions; they allow one to breath water. They do not, however, stop one from feeling beaten by angry Orcs with big sticks after a day's travel through thick, debris-filled water on the back of a speeding monster.

The short respites from this horrible beating had come when the beast emerged on dry land for a spell, but then the buffeting water was replaced by biting insects. Tiny, horrible beasts that seemed to prefer the warm blood of foreigners far more than the cold blood of the Argonian teamsters.

Now, the black walls of Narsis... to say that its spires and sharp walls were forboding was an understatement... were a joy to the eyes of the weary travellers.

The beast hauled itself and its cargo out onto a short stone pier in the shadow of the great walls, and the Argonians unlashed the barrels and travellers from its back.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 26 2005, 01:23 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 26 2005, 06:01 AM)

"There's an Imperial embassy here," Tris said. "I'm not sure if we should check in there first, or avoid the place."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 26 2005, 01:23 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 26 2005, 07:01 AM)

Loranna wearily reclaims her things and mutters to Tris "Right; from now on, any fast travel potion I make includes a nice strong Fortify Endurance effect to deal with the battering ... let's find a place to rest up from that and figure out where we head next, yes?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 26 2005, 01:28 PM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Feb 26 2005, 05:49 AM)

When they were finished with their meal, Dante and Mirea began the walk back to the Mages' Guild in Stormhold.

Posted by: Solin Feb 26 2005, 01:29 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 26 2005, 05:03 AM)

"There's an Imperial embassy here," Tris said. "I'm not sure if we should check in there first, or avoid the place."

"I would rather not check in at the embassy," Ciel said quietly. "It probably isn't horribly prudent to leave a trail as such for others to follow."

Posted by: Nalion Feb 26 2005, 01:32 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 26 2005, 12:03 PM)

Nalion climbed down from the beast. Drops of brackish water whirled around as he shook his brown hair. Rubbing his ears and tilting his head from right to left, he tried to get rid of the water in them.
He looked at the wet clothes which needed to be cleaned soon.
"Uhm, yes Loranna, we should get a solid roof over our heads and a warm fire for our clothes. Something to eat wouldn't be bad also." He grinned, then sneezed.
"Narsis doesn't really look inviting, eh? We better be careful, this is Morrowind territory. Under an imperial governour, supposedly, but still. We all know what has happened."

He nodded towards Ciel. "I concur, Ciel, better keep a low profile."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 26 2005, 01:32 PM

QUOTE(Solin @ Feb 26 2005, 07:09 AM)

"I would rather not check in at the embassy," Ciel said quietly. "It probably isn't horribly prudent to leave a trail as such for others to follow."

"Besides, right now we can be tracked by scent anyway," Loranna points out, wringing her hair out and fishing out pieces of swamp. "Even if we did want to go to the embassy, we need a clean up ..."

Posted by: w0nders Feb 26 2005, 01:32 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 26 2005, 07:08 AM)

When they were finished with their meal, Dante and Mirea began the walk back to the Mages' Guild in Stormhold.

The walk seemed like it would take awhile, and it was disturbingly quiet. "So...you spoke to Illidan, then? Did he have anything interesting to say?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 26 2005, 01:38 PM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Feb 26 2005, 06:12 AM)

The walk seemed like it would take awhile, and it was disturbingly quiet. "So...you spoke to Illidan, then? Did he have anything interesting to say?"

"To be honest I stopped listening when he stopped talking about how nice I look," Mirea said. "So, how long have you been brothers?"

Posted by: w0nders Feb 26 2005, 01:46 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 26 2005, 07:18 AM)

"To be honest I stopped listening when he stopped talking about how nice I look," Mirea said. "So, how long have you been brothers?"

"Oh..." He stated plainly, his face twisting into an awkward expression once hearing her next question.

"Well...now that you ask, me and Illidan have been brothers ever since that day I took my first dance lesson. I had a strange fascination with tap, you see. Now, Illidan, he liked tap aswell, I think. And he liked the way I danced SO well, he found my parents and demanded that he be adopted into the family. Well, naturally, they accepted...naturally."

He smiled, he wondered how long it would take her to figure it out.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 26 2005, 01:47 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 26 2005, 06:12 AM)

"Besides, right now we can be tracked by scent anyway," Loranna points out, wringing her hair out and fishing out pieces of swamp. "Even if we did want to go to the embassy, we need a clean up ..."

"I guess I better find an Argonian who speaks common," Tris said. He spoke to the teamsters briefly, then returned.

"This isn't a very friendly city for people who aren't native," he said. "And they've had Azurite trouble, so they're even less friendly than usual. Speaks-his-mind says to stay on the foreign street and we should be all right; there's an inn for traders, and a foreign bank, and the embassy, and a few shops. He also drew me this sign."

Tris held up his journal, with several letters written in Daedric on it.

"That means 'holy' and it's supposed to mean no one but the priests goes into the consecrated parts of the town. Narsis is one of the places Dunmer bring their dead. But in practice, all adult Dunmer count as priests, and all outlanders don't, and they use it on restaurants and so forth to mean 'N'Wah stay away!'"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 26 2005, 01:48 PM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Feb 26 2005, 06:26 AM)

"Oh my gosh! You tap dance?" Mirea said breathlessly. "That's so exciting! You have to show me, as soon as we get somewhere with enough people! I won't take no for an answer."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 26 2005, 01:50 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 26 2005, 07:27 AM)

Loranna frowns. "All right; let's find a friendly inn and check in," she says. "Hopefully we can get our clothes cleaned at least some; those of us who can catch diseases may not want lingering swamp goo caked on their stuff. If we have to, we'll use my potions tomorrow to travel instead of taking local transportation; it'll make tracking us a little harder anyway."

Posted by: w0nders Feb 26 2005, 01:53 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 26 2005, 07:28 AM)

"Oh my gosh! You tap dance?" Mirea said breathlessly. "That's so exciting! You have to show me, as soon as we get somewhere with enough people! I won't take no for an answer."

Dante's jaw dropped, "Well...I...um...sure." He said finally, rubbing his open palm down the front of his face. Stretching out certain parts funnily for a moment.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 26 2005, 01:59 PM

The buildings inside Narsis were as black and forboding as the walls outside. The city rose like a sharp mountain from the surrounding lands, streets cutting back and forth on themselves, each turn taking a traveller higher by the height of a house.

The foreign sections of town were low, but away from the main gate and main roads... Tucked away in a corner where they wouldn't bother real people.

Here there was a huge inn. A long building with many small windows, it stretched down the street, curving slightly to fit.

The proprietor was Dunmer; even in the foreign section of town it was only Dunmer who were allowed to run businesses. He gave the newcomers a most displeased scowl, as many of those in the common room started laughing.

"Look what the Argonian's drug in this time! Swamp rats! Hahaha."

"Sniff, sniff... Do I smell lizard dung?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 26 2005, 02:01 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 26 2005, 06:39 AM)

"No, I'm pretty sure that's just me," Tris said agreeably. "A bath, and a room, and the services of a laundress, if that's all right, Serjo."

He offered the Dunmer proprietor more than enough coin.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 26 2005, 02:04 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 26 2005, 05:41 AM)

"No, I'm pretty sure that's just me," Tris said agreeably. "A bath, and a room, and the services of a laundress, if that's all right, Serjo."

He offered the Dunmer proprietor more than enough coin.

With a scowl no less displeased than before, the Dunmer nodded toward the back hall, as he desposited the money in an iron box.

"Draw your own water. Well's in the back," he said, tersely.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 26 2005, 02:07 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 26 2005, 07:44 AM)

With a scowl no less displeased than before, the Dunmer nodded toward the back hall, as he desposited the money in an iron box.

"Draw your own water. Well's in the back," he said, tersely.

Considering how things could hae gone, the proprieter's response was better than Loranna had feared.

With a quick, polite smile, she mutters a thank you and goes to the well to draw water for bathing and laundry.

Posted by: Nalion Feb 26 2005, 02:15 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 26 2005, 12:44 PM)

With a scowl no less displeased than before, the Dunmer nodded toward the back hall, as he desposited the money in an iron box.

"Draw your own water. Well's in the back," he said, tersely.

"We should be grateful that you accepted our coin, is it that?" Nalion though, eyeing the innkeep and the regulars warily and hiding a frown.
Aloud he said a polite "Thank you, Serjo." and followed the others to the well.
He drew a bucket of water for himself and channeled a stream of heat into it. Then he began to clean up himself fisrt. He could see Tris talking to some imperials about "laundry". After that, a quick check he made on his equipment revealed that it had 'survived' the voyage and was in good condition.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 26 2005, 02:17 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 26 2005, 06:47 AM)

Tris rested his hand on Loranna's arm.

"My dear, there's more than one way to skin a cat... or a Dunmer."

He spoke quickly and quietly to a middle-aged Imperial couple sitting off to one side in the common room, with their bedding and blankets, too poor to hire a private room. Soon they struck up an agreement and the man went to draw water for them, while his wife went down the street for the necessities to do laundry.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 26 2005, 02:21 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 26 2005, 07:57 AM)

Loranna stops at Tris's touch, and gives a small smile. " ... Guess some habits die hard," she says. "I'm still used to thinking these things have to be done myself - even after everyone telling me all along otherwise."

She acquieses to Tris's arrangements. "Right; so, food ..."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 26 2005, 02:32 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 26 2005, 07:01 AM)

The Imperial woman returned with inexpensive, but dry and clean, robes for everyone.

"Food can wait until I don't smell like lizard dung," Tris said, smiling.

Even with the Imperials they had hired as servants, heating and drawing water for all of them was going to be a chore. And there weren't enough tubs to go around. There weren't enough rooms to go around either; some of them would have to double up.

But, eventually, they were all clean and dressed.

"Food, Serjo?" Tris asked, with his best Dunmer manners. Not too ingratiating, that only annoyed Dunmer. But not haughty either, because Dunmer loved nothing better than cutting foreigners down to size.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 26 2005, 02:34 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 26 2005, 06:12 AM)

The Dunmer innkeep scowled even more at Tris, now that he was clean.

"Ever heard of a food-stall, s'wit? Do I look like a scullery maid to you?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 26 2005, 02:39 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 26 2005, 07:14 AM)

The Dunmer innkeep scowled even more at Tris, now that he was clean.

"Ever heard of a food-stall, s'wit? Do I look like a scullery maid to you?"

"Pardon me, Serjo, I mistook you for an innkeeper running a business," Tris said, with a quick, Breton bow.

There was a picture of food on the sign outside.

He returned to the other foreigners. "Is there something I should know to do business here? Some secret password?"

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 26 2005, 02:42 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 26 2005, 06:19 AM)

The denizens of the common room stared at him. Finally, a large, black-haired Nord in the corner spoke up.

"Food's scarce here, Boy. King's got something up his bum. War's on... food's short... we're the one's that go hungry. That old bastard may be too proud to admit it, but his inn serves outlanders, so he gets shorted too."

The Dunmer innkeep shook his fist at the Nord. "Watch your mouth, Dog!"

The big man scoffed and went back to his mug.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 26 2005, 02:47 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 26 2005, 08:22 AM)

... Should have thought of that, Loranna thinks to herself. Can't bribe or pursuade people to offer what they don't have ... hrn; chances are then the local shops will be short on supplies too.

Her own food supplies were low right now; she had figured the party would pick up what they needed here or else forge off the land if need be. She should have thought to buy some more food in Stormhold; this was a good lesson to take to heart, as her stomach begins to wonder where dinner is.

She looks to her companions; who among them was good at hunting again? Oh, wait - this wasn't Vvardenfell, this was settled area ...

"What now?" she asks.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 26 2005, 02:50 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 26 2005, 07:27 AM)

"Ciel and I have military rations for a week, of course," Tris said. "But that's nasty eating when you're under a roof somewhere. Let me see what I can manage. Don't do anything to get arrested, if food is short I guarantee hunting is restricted."

He said softly into Ciel's ear, "Time to see who you bribe around here, I guess. Want to come with me?"

Posted by: Solin Feb 26 2005, 02:53 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 26 2005, 06:30 AM)

Ciel put on a grim smile and gave a slight nod to indicate that he did.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 26 2005, 02:57 PM

QUOTE(Solin @ Feb 26 2005, 07:33 AM)

Ciel put on a grim smile and gave a slight nod to indicate that he did.

"No rest for the wicked, eh?" Tris said.

He kissed Loranna's cheek.

"We'll be back - hopefully with food."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 26 2005, 02:59 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 26 2005, 08:37 AM)

"No rest for the wicked, eh?" Tris said.

He kissed Loranna's cheek.

"We'll be back - hopefully with food."

Loranna touches Tris's hand fondly. "We'll wait here and be good little children," she promises. "See you soon."

She heads to her room, and sits down to rest for a spell.

Posted by: Aki Feb 26 2005, 10:51 PM

Reichi regarded the innkeeper cooly. Reichi wasn't a outlander, he actually had grown up in Balmora, yet this s'wit insisited on treating him like he grew up in Valenwood or something. Reichi quelled a growl and tried to look at something more pleasant.

Bloody s'wit.....

Posted by: Teleran Feb 27 2005, 02:33 AM

There had been little opportunity to move on the trip, much less find out what was in the barrels. Teleran wondered what the argonians had thought when they had come across his arm, probably just took it as another strange thing about foreigners.

He started trying to cast the healing cantrip to heal the bruises from the trip, that was about all it was good for, after a few tries it worked and he felt less beat up, even if he still felt drained. Of course with the bruises gone he could now concentrate fully on the biting insects, it seemed to him that now that they were out of the water the flying denizens of the swamp planned to eat him alive.

He followed the group over to the inn and cleaned up. After hearing that there would be no food for sale from the innkeeper he slipped out of the inn for a bit to find some food.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 27 2005, 04:14 AM

Sitting quietly in her room, Loranna takes out her journal and begins to write:

Loranna's Journal

It is both amazing and yet somehow strangely, perfectly appropriate that so soon after taking for myself the beginning of my true power I find myself wondering from wence my next meal shall come. How silly of me to forget to pack some extra rations, thinking that we'd get food along the way; another lesson learned and I am grateful, almost exuberent, to have learned it - when my tummy isn't pestering me for a sweetroll, of course.

How sad though, to see this innkeeper glare at us with such overt distain and contempt; how utterly foolish he seems to me now, especially now. Yes he suffers as do his clients, yet surely there must be some better way of dealing with his situation than to bark at outlanders as though each were personally responsible for his misery? Perhaps I am being overly optimistic; I do not know the true nature of his situation - yet I can't help but feel that there are things he could do, yet he just doesn't do them. Maybe it really is easier to just yell at us ...

Hahhh ... it will work out in the end. We will get something to eat, even if it's just more rations, and we'll make our way home and get some well-deserved rest and something hot in our bellies. Or we'll go hungry for a while and get home and find yet another adventure waiting for us that must be done immediately, and I'll pine for sweet Jazbet, but we'll manage somehow even then. Did we not find the Flamekiss? Did we not all come out alive despite death and near death claiming us all at one point or another? We will be all right.

Dagoth ... dear Dagoth, can you hear my thoughts right now? We grew closer in our efforts to wrest your darkside down; I can at least tell you are still brooding over what happened, what we said to one another days ago. Hear me now my dear, my beloved friend; it is as Tris said, there is no reason to be jealous of anyone, ourselves especially. We are all heroes, and we will all be all right in the end. Reflect on what I realized when I knelt to Vivec's shrine in Kummu; the greatness of any one being does not in any way diminish the greatness of any other, and greatness in any form should be honored, cherished ... at least acknowledged. Pray such greatness never follows a path to ruin ...

===

Loranna pauses in her writing for a moment, thinking:

===

Flashback

"Loranna ... leave me, quickly," Dagoth had pleaded. "I am a danger to you; don't stay and let yourself get hurt ... please do not. My heart could not bear the thought ..."

{Hear him beg; hear him plead and grovel,} the mocking, hollow voice had sneered into Loranna's mind as Dagoth spoke. {See how he treated others who might have been hurt by him, before ...}

Loranna had opened her mouth to speak, when the visions swarmed before her eyes ...

Dagoth, surrounded by a sickly green aura of vile magic, floating over a village of Dunmer; men yelling, throwing spears and spells, women crying out for mercy; a wave of green power rolling off of Dagoth, enveloping everyone and everything in its path, causing flesh to melt and slough off of bones and stone and metal to twist and shrink and suffer decay - and the screams of a child as he watched the bones of his parents rise up from the bubbling goo that had seconds ago been their ashen flesh ...

Dagoth, flames all around, sending lightning bolt after lightning bolt into a castle, raining rubble down on frightened soldiers, all the while yelling out for smoeone to come out and stop hiding behind fleshy toys, to face him in the open. Flames, all consuming, burning farmland and house and peasant alike, none noticed at all by the blazging-eyed lich ...

Dagoth, cooly facing down a crying Breton battlemage as she leaned over the corpse of her Nord companion, demanding to know how Dagoth could be so cruel, to use such a noble soul for a plaything. Dagoth, tilting his head, replying that he hadn't used the Nord for a plaything, but for study - and now, she too would join her friend in teaching Dagoth just how much pain the living could endure, so he could finish crafting a spell he had been researching for the past decade ...

It was impossible to react to the scenes before her with anything but horror, disgust, anger ... and the mocking voice had laughed and said {This is what you call friend; this is what you embraced to your naked bosom. This is what you bared your soul to ...} And Loranna had cried out, yelling for it to stop ...

===

Loranna's Journal

You had two loves in your mortal life - your family and your magic. House conflicts stole from you the first, leaving you with naught but bitterness and pain, and so you threw yourself into the second ... only to find you went too far, down the wrong path, out of grief and a need to see the ones who hurt you fall to age and sickness and death. A choice made unwisely, in passion, and soon discovered to be nothing like you thought it would be ...

After a while, it was easier to just give in to the despair and bitterness, let it flow out over any who would cross your path; you felt trapped, helpless to be anything other than the monster your inner demons told you you were. Yet even after thousands of years of being like that, there remained in you the ghost of the mer you had once been - reclusive yes, awkward in many ways, but noble and caring, and giving to those you loved. And after so very long, a chance meeting with a foolish barmaid gave that ghost the chance to quicken itself; how could I leave you Dagoth, when you still needed me?

Your darkside was wrong; those images were not the real you - not the total you. They were you at your worst, but I had seen you at your best; I pray your musings lead you to remember this fact dear Dagoth, for I do miss you and I hope you will continue to be with us.

Till then, my friend, may the moment we shared continue to give you strength as it does me; let not fear sap you of resolve, nor prejudice turn you into the very thing people decry. You are more than that, much more, just like the rest of us ...

===

Loranna puts down her pen and puts her hand over her ebony ring, holding it close to her heart for a moment and smiling. They would all be all right.

Posted by: w0nders Feb 27 2005, 05:59 AM

The walk was long, but having company somewhat eased Dante’s mind. Maybe it eased it too well, as an old visitor took this time to invade his personal space.

Hey, what’s going on?

What?! When the hell did you decide to start talking again?

Oh, I won’t be talking ever again, after this…of course.

Huh? What do you mean?

I’ve found what I’ve been looking for, and I’m going to grasp at it whilst I still can.

I…see, well…good luck with that.

There was an odd moment’s silence inside his head, and a second later he felt as if it were empty. The voice had left, or so it would seem, maybe it was all in his mind. Something he had to discard himself, but somehow he doubted that. Something was different though, and it had nothing to do with the voice in his head.

He withdrew his sword, just a little bit, showing a portion of the blade. It had turned a rough, whitish colour. And the enchantment that used to reside in it had disappeared. Now it was just an ordinary ebony long sword, which just happened to of taken on a worn white colour.

Meanwhile-

Somewhere along the mainland, in a small farmhouse, among the mountains and hidden from Azurites. A farmer’s wife had given birth to a beautiful, baby Dunmer lad. His skin having an enchanted tint to it, paricularily on his left arm.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 27 2005, 08:30 AM

Narsis: Tris

Procuring food for the group had been even more difficult than Tris and Ciel expected. They were posing, as they had during the past, as a wealthy young crippled man and his able-bodied companion, a man not to be trifled with.

Several layers of negotiations had taken them at last to someone with access to food and the willingness to trade it for money - the local Tong: crime bosses, no lovers of outlanders, but sensible businessmen. They were the real power in charge of the foreigner's section of town.

They weren't willing to transport illegal food to the Inn, but they were willing to allow Loranna's group into their private club to eat and gamble. Tris left a list of names with the proprietor there so that they would know who to admit, then returned to the Inn.

Tris beckoned Loranna over. "We have a place to eat. Keep it low, they're serious about the rationing. Apparently there's been war in the countryside and the army came through and demanded all the stored goods."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 27 2005, 08:39 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 27 2005, 02:10 AM)

Loranna gives Tris a small smile. "Understandable; thanks," she says, quietly going to summon the rest of the party.

Once everyone has been made aware, she gathers her things and gets ready to follow Tris and Ciel to the club.

Posted by: Aki Feb 27 2005, 08:46 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 27 2005, 02:19 AM)

Once everyone has been made aware, she gathers her things and gets ready to follow Tris and Ciel to the club.

Reichi dressed in his Chitin armor, with the exception of his pauldrons and gloves, then threw his Morag Tong robe over that. He looked as if he didn't wear armor, and the loose armor peices were dumped in a satchel under his robe, while his Dagger and Shortsword were tucked into the folds of his robe. He wouldn't look dangerous, except for his newly cleaned robe. His robe also hid his collar well, though, his ring showed rather prominatly.

Hopefully, none of the local 'Tong members held any grudges against the Morag Tong. Then again, if they did, they'd probably just glare. Few people would assualt an Assassin of the Morag Tong. Assassins made their lives killing, it isn't wise to attack one. Then again, the Tong owned the club they were goining too. Tongs were powerful, best not to agravate them.

With that, Reichi followed the group, trying to look as un-imposing as possible.

Posted by: Nalion Feb 27 2005, 08:46 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 27 2005, 07:19 AM)

Nalion had lifted an eyebrow as Loranna briefed him from where they would get their food. His stuff was gathered quickly. The Breton draggled along reluctantly, his conscience felt a little bad, but his stomach betrayed that sentiment.
"We should rout that Tong out and give out those foodstuffs to those who need it most." he muttered to himself, but audible enough so that the companions close by could hear it. "But THAT would also cause a lot of attention towards us... Nothing's ever easy." The mage sighed.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 27 2005, 08:50 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Feb 27 2005, 02:26 AM)

"One thing at a time, dear," Loranna says quietly to Nalion. "Right now we need to focus on getting home; some other time, that can be ... addressed. Maybe."

Where was Teleran? Loranna thinks, not having found him ...

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 27 2005, 08:50 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Feb 27 2005, 01:26 AM)

"The Tongs have a long history," Tris said. "This place isn't like High Rock, with sensible laws and a sensible lord to administer them. The Tongs take care of the lower class people, that's why they still exist - the people love them. They do distribute the food, it's through them that the keeper of this Inn isn't starving. And he would be if it was up to the House Nobles."

He led them to the club - an unassuming building that looked like a wealthy private house from the outside.

Posted by: Nalion Feb 27 2005, 08:58 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 27 2005, 07:30 AM)

Nalion was just about to answer to Loranna as Tris began to speak.

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 27 2005, 07:30 AM)

Nalions frown was replaced by a surprised expression. "That is astonishing. I guess I jump to early conclusions when hearing 'crime syndicate'. I never guessed that they actually helped the lower class people. On other thought, a basis of support from them would benefit an organization that needs to hide its activities from the authorities..." The mages expression turns to deep thought as he pursues some ideas, then he smiled at Tris. "I wonder where you got this insight in that short time. It's good to have you with us on our side. I will not take action in a rush, rest assured. Let's have a look at it!"
With that, the Breton entered the club.

Posted by: Teleran Feb 27 2005, 09:06 AM

Teleran was somewhat disheartened by his search, nobody had had any food to sell. At least no one lacking the “holy” sign over their stall, and they took one look at his eyes before turning him away, sometimes with more than a shove. He came into view of the inn, “I guess I’ll have to settle for some rations,” he grumbled as he looked at the street. He walked past a group of people heading the opposite direction and did a double-take when he recognized Loranna, then looked up and saw Tris leading the group.

Teleran wondered where they were off to; he joined the tail end and followed to what looked like a private residence. ‘I wonder who we know in this city.’ Whoever it was, they looked wealthy. He went in with the rest of the group.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 27 2005, 09:10 AM

(Narsis:)

The club was, in a word, swanky. Fine glass lamps hung from the dark ceiling, and rich paint covered the walls.

The man at the door, rather fat for a Dunmer, frowned when they entered, but his attitude quickly changed after he found their names on his list.

A short way inside, a wide screen opened and a giggling Dunmer girl exited, carrying a tray. Behind her, a large group of men, gathered around a gambling mat on the floor, called after her and made rude suggestions.

Farther down the hall was a lovely room meant for dining. Here, the outlanders were ushered to cushions around a low table, and bowls of fresh water and cups of wine were brought to them while they awaited their food.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 27 2005, 09:16 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 27 2005, 02:50 AM)

Loranna looks at the decor, finding it interesting - though it was hard not to also think on Jazbet's taste in decor and compare the two.

The giggling Dunmer girl makes her reflect a bit on her old life as a barmaid; had she been like that? Yes, she had; maybe not quite as much but she had - and to be honest she wouldn't mind being relaxed enough to giggle openly right now, come to think of it. Not here, though, not now; later.

Loranna opts for water right now and takes a long sip, smiling a bit. That felt better ...

"Ah; I feel better now," she says quietly.

Posted by: Aki Feb 27 2005, 09:17 AM

Reichi took his seat with a "Thank you". Reichi sipped his wine and watched the club with some curiosity as he waited for the food. "Interesting place" he said. "Heh, the Morag tong never had stuff this swanky. Then again, assassins don't usually start up restaurants.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 27 2005, 09:22 AM

The man who had led them to the table watched with what could only be described as horror as Loranna took a delicate sip of water from the bowl.

It tasted a bit like lemons.

He said something in a Dunmeri dialect that most at the table couldn't instantly understand.

A girl, just coming through the door bearing a tray of food, almost dropped it in a fit of giggles at the scene.

Posted by: Nalion Feb 27 2005, 09:22 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 27 2005, 07:50 AM)

The Breton mage was surprised about the sophisticated ambiance. He wasn't used to luxury. After all, he was a son to a smith and spent most of his days wandering.
Still, he chose a comfortable looking cushion and sat on it, straigthened his robe. He took a cup of wine and admired its colour.

QUOTE(Aki @ Feb 27 2005, 07:57 AM)

Nalion hid his smile in his cup and took a swallow, letting the wine wash along his tongue to perceive the taste.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 27 2005, 09:25 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 27 2005, 03:02 AM)

Loranna puts the water bowl down, her expression growing very carefully nuetral. She looks over at Reichi.

" ... So, just how big a fool did I make myself look?" she asks him, having deduced one wasn't supposed to drink the water ...

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 27 2005, 09:25 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 27 2005, 02:02 AM)

Tris frowned and raised his hand.

"Some water for the lady, please," he said.

Then he proceeded to use the finger bowl as it was meant to be used - for washing his hands.

To Nalion he said, "My father did a lot of trading, I was brought up to learn all I could about the customs of different places."

Posted by: Aki Feb 27 2005, 09:28 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 27 2005, 03:05 AM)

"Juding from the reaction, a pretty big one. The Bowl was for washing your hands," Reichi replied, sipping from his wine again. "Its kinda like grabbing the Nix-Hound's bowl of water and drinking it."

Posted by: Teleran Feb 27 2005, 09:30 AM

Teleran smiled at the breech of etiquette, and silently gave thanks that he hadn't done something equally foolish, he had never given much heed to lessons of etiquette.

As he heard Tris's explanation of his father's trading, he thought, 'Oh, that must be how we know the owner, Tris's father.'

Posted by: Loranna Feb 27 2005, 09:32 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Feb 27 2005, 03:08 AM)

Loranna says " ... Oh ..." and begins to chuckle, then to giggle, her hand coming up to cover her mouth. Mirth shone in her eyes and her silver tearstreaks caught the light.

"Thank you Tris," she says, thinking to herself that she ought to take the time to learn these things herself. "Well, at least the serving lady got a good chuckle out of it," she opines philosophically.

Posted by: Nalion Feb 27 2005, 09:33 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 27 2005, 08:05 AM)

"Yes, I suppose knowing the culture you deal with is simplifying conversation - and gives a certain bonus in negotiation. My father was a smith. I didn't show much interest, nor skill, in that trade though."
Nalion seemed to be absent for a brief moment. He put the cup of wine back to the table.
Imitating Tris, he dipped his hands into the finger bowl. Seeing Loranna, he couldn't help but to smile.
"Lucky you, Nal. If you hadn't decided that one cup of wine would do well with this dinner, you'd stumbled into that little trap, too!"

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Feb 27 2005, 09:36 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 27 2005, 02:50 AM)

Narsis

...a large group of men, gathered around a gambling mat on the floor, called after her and made rude suggestions...

"That's seven, again."

A lavish dressed Dunmer playing dice exclaims. A loud collective protest escapes the crowd. A masked Dunmer sitting next to the lavish winner, quickly pulls out a dagger and slices the Dunmer’s throat. The hemorrhaging Dunmer drops motionless, dead before he even hit the floor. A long silence passes, then the group of men continue playing dice as if nothing happen.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 27 2005, 09:40 AM

QUOTE(Arrogant_Hero @ Feb 27 2005, 03:16 AM)

Loranna stops giggling, and quietly rinses off her fingers as one is supposed to, before taking a sip of water from the correct glass this time.

... Keeping a low profile is more important, she tells herself. This isn't the time to get all worked up over injustice ...

Posted by: Aki Feb 27 2005, 09:43 AM

QUOTE(Arrogant_Hero @ Feb 27 2005, 03:16 AM)

"You'd think they'd have cleaned up the body," Reichi said, sipping from his wine. It was pretty cold to act in such a way, but afterall, they were dealing with criminals, such was expected of him. He had to blend in. "The Blood'll stain the floor..."

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 27 2005, 09:49 AM

Presently, after quite a fine selection of food has been placed on the low table, an arrogant looking Dunmer dressed in elegant armor enters.

He wanders casually about, ambling over to the gamblers, he says something into the ear of the dealer.

Within a short moment, the diners find themselves completely alone in the room, except for the finely armored gentleman, who stands near the door.

When Reichi gives him a suspicious look, he nods politely in return.

Posted by: Teleran Feb 27 2005, 09:50 AM

Teleran looked over at the dice game, "Bloody..." He trailed off, that was unexpected who exactly were the preprieters of this establishment. "I would hate to have a run of luck in here," he muttered. He put his hand to his newly enchanted dagger and activated it's fortification enchantment, he didn't want to be making any foolish mistakes in here. As his hand returned to his wine he thought about how that motion could have been misconstrued.

Posted by: Nalion Feb 27 2005, 09:50 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Feb 27 2005, 08:23 AM)

Nalion felt a shudder running down his spine, cold and... cruel. He looked questioningly ate Reichi, who played the event off very casually. His outward remained calm, but the sad glint in his eyes betrayed it a bit. "I really hope they clean it up before dinner arrives. He took a deep swallow from his winecup to wash away a strange taste on his tongue.
"Death for cheating? As much as I would like to appreciate a criminal syndicate for helping poor commoners, I'd like to deal with the criminal part of them.
A very faint "Necessity." can be heard from Nalion as he placed the cup back on the table.

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Feb 27 2005, 09:52 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Feb 27 2005, 03:23 AM)

Right after Aki’s comment, two large Dunmers grab the dead, bleeding body and drag it from the room leaving a trailing blood stain, to little reaction.

A barmaid quickly runs up and begins the arduous task of blood cleanup.

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 27 2005, 03:29 AM)

The group of men hesitantly get up and begin to leave.

“Game was just getting good.”

"Who does he think he is? I'll kill em'"

"Good luck."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 27 2005, 09:53 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 27 2005, 03:29 AM)

Presently, after quite a fine selection of food has been placed on the low table, an arrogant looking Dunmer dressed in elegant armor enters.

He wanders casually about, ambling over to the gamblers, he says something into the ear of the dealer.

Within a short moment, the diners find themselves completely alone in the room, except for the finely armored gentleman, who stands near the door.

When Aki gives him a suspicious look, he nods politely in return.

Loranna frowns slightly.

"Tris hun, keep your cure spells ready," she says quietly to the Breton, herself trying to think on how to cast resist poison spells without drawing notice. Something else to study later ...

Fortunately for Loranna, she had already made herself immune to poisons, though admittedly not to what other surprises may await. She hides her tension best she can, wishing she were still telepathic.

Posted by: Aki Feb 27 2005, 09:56 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 27 2005, 03:29 AM)

Reichi nodded back and began eating, grabbing something he recognized to be hound meat. He grabbed a few other foods and placed them on his plate and began to eat, stopping only to take a sip of wine. As he ate, he wondered who the armored man was. He concluded he was a bouncer, or a enforcer.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 27 2005, 10:15 AM

After a few short, tense moments, the portly man from the front door enters from the kitchen, along with another man dressed in fine, long robes.

Just as the door opens, the richly dressed man stops short, a look of surprise on his face, and turns to the other and says something that the diners can't quite hear, in an angry and quick tone. The other man seems apologetic, and the robed man regains his composure and strides into the room.

"Good day to you all!" he says, jovially. "I trust the food is to your liking?"

A pile of cushions is brought for him, and he joins everyone at the table. When seated, the older, yet quite handsome, Dunmer's straight, black hair reaches to the floor.

"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Bradas Othril."
He looks squarely at Loranna.
"You, of couse, need little introduction. The ex-Incarnate, I believe?"

His smile was very charming.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 27 2005, 10:20 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 27 2005, 03:55 AM)

And this Lor is why you should have been practicing those illusion spells more in the Vaults, Loranna thinks to herself with a resigned bemusement.

She didn't trust the good Bradas to be as friendly as his demeanor suggested, but this was not a time to fail at being polite.

"Yes; emphesis on the ex of course," Loranna says with a small, polite smile. "A pleasure to make your acquaintence, serjo; we are more than pleased with the food provided us today."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 27 2005, 10:22 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 27 2005, 03:00 AM)

"I told you we had V.I.P's with us," Tris said, smiling. He didn't comment on the gamblers; obviously there was a limit to how much you were allowed to win here.

Posted by: Aki Feb 27 2005, 10:25 AM

Reichi nodded. "Yes serjo the food was very good," he said. He acted very respectfully. This man seemed to be very important. A mistake could cost one their life in this place.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 27 2005, 10:25 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 27 2005, 02:00 AM)

"Yes; emphesis on the ex of course," Loranna says with a small, polite smile. "A pleasure to make your acquaintence, serjo; we are more than pleased with the food provided us today."

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 27 2005, 02:02 AM)

"I told you we had V.I.P's with us," Tris said, smiling. He didn't comment on the gamblers; obviously there was a limit to how much you were allowed to win here.

"Yes you did, young Sir, but you didn't say they were quite this... famous."

He smiled as his own wineglass was filled by the portly man. All the serving girls seemed to be elsewhere.

"I apologize for the state of things here," he said to Loranna. "War has unfortunate side-effects."

He lit a small, thin pipe from a nearby brazier, then said, "So, coming from Black Marsh, eh? Nasty place. What took you there?"

Posted by: Nalion Feb 27 2005, 10:29 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 27 2005, 08:55 AM)

Covered by a polite smile and nod to their host, Nalion takes a good look on him, trying to assess him. Trusting him would be very bad right now. He quickly ran through a series of possibilities how to deal with potential dangers. "Best to be wary now." he thought. "If we give them a list with our names, we should expect those 'surprises'."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 27 2005, 10:32 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 27 2005, 04:05 AM)

"It is all right, serjo; I understand," Loranna says, a note of regret creeping into her voice. "War does, as you say, have side-effects."

A war I helped inadvertantly cause, she thinks to herself briefly - but now was not the time to dwell on that.

"Actually, it was some of the side effects of this war that led us down to the Marsh," Loranna explains. "A most intriguing place actually, far removed from both my native Skyrim and your homeland. And very, very wet."

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Feb 27 2005, 10:34 AM

Bradas Othril’s forceful room clearer, the imposing, arrogant looking Dunmer in elegant armor, stands by the kitchen door, arms folded, eyeing all of Loranna’s companions with a self-important smirk.

Posted by: Solin Feb 27 2005, 10:37 AM

Ciel sat sipping from his glass of wine. He made all the appropriate noises and smiled when necessary but for the most part he remained silent.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 27 2005, 10:39 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 27 2005, 02:12 AM)

"Actually, it was some of the side effects of this war that led us down to the Marsh," Loranna explains. "A most intriguing place actually, far removed from both my native Skyrim and your homeland. And very, very wet."

"Ah," he says, puffing on his sweet-smelling pipe, "Must be dire business indeed to take you to that muck-bucket!"

He laughs, and the portly mer laughs too.

"You should be careful, Sera," he says to Loranna. "Many people would love to have you in their... homes, as I do, and this town can be quite unfriendly to strangers."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 27 2005, 10:43 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 27 2005, 04:19 AM)

"These are days filled with dire business all around, I fear," Loranna concurs, smiling in response to the mer's laughter.

"Your words of caution are most appreciated and taken to heart, serjo; these are desperate times and people are ... distressed," she says.

Posted by: Teleran Feb 27 2005, 10:50 AM

Teleran started furtively looking at the exit, then to Radras Orthil and the portly mer serving him. He hoped that he was just reading into things too much with that last satement. He continued eating as before, but now his eyes kept returning to the entrance, and the smirking guard.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 27 2005, 10:54 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 27 2005, 03:23 AM)

"It's a good thing we have you taking care of us," Tris said. "I hope it won't cause trouble for you, the Incarnate being here."

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 27 2005, 10:57 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 27 2005, 02:23 AM)

"Your words of caution are most appreciated and taken to heart, serjo; these are desperate times and people are ... distressed," she says.

"Oh!" he says, carefully tapping out his pipe, "They weren't just words, Sera, it was a business offer."

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 27 2005, 02:34 AM)

"It's a good thing we have you taking care of us," Tris said. "I hope it won't cause trouble for you, the Incarnate being here."

"Yes, I am a man of actions, not words. I'm blessed to be in a position to help you avoid the pitfalls of your fame, and would be pleased to do so.

"I suspect that any trouble you cause me will be more than amply made up for by the benefits of meeting you," he said with a disarming smile.

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Feb 27 2005, 11:01 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 27 2005, 04:37 AM)

After this response is spoken, a deep, soft laugh comes from the direction of the kitchen door.

Anyone who looks towards the kitchen door would see the elegant armored Dunmer's smirk grow bigger.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 27 2005, 11:03 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 27 2005, 04:37 AM)

"Oh!" he says, carefully tapping out his pipe, "They weren't just words, Sera, it was a business offer."

"Yes, I am a man of actions, not words. I'm blessed to be in a position to help you avoid the pitfalls of your fame, and would be pleased to do so.

"I suspect that any trouble you cause me will be more than amply made up for by the benefits of meeting you," he said with a disarming smile.

"Of course," Loranna says, mentally kicking herself. Someday Lor you'll learn; try not to get yourself and the others killed doing so, you did so well in the Vaults that to die here would be a shame.

"And now is the time for us to do business, yes?" she asks politely.

Posted by: Teleran Feb 27 2005, 11:05 AM

“What benefit do you expect from meeting us, or rather from meeting her?” Teleran asked, he glanced at the kitchen when the laughing reached his ears. “I dislike tricks.” He added to himself, ‘Unless I am the one playing them.’

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 27 2005, 11:05 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 27 2005, 02:43 AM)

"And now is the time for us to do business, yes?" she asks politely.

The handsome mer smiled, ignoring Teleran's abrasive question from across the table.

"Right to the matter. I like that in a woman.

"A greedy man would simply ask for half of whatever took you all the way to Black Marsh..." he said, watching people's reactions.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 27 2005, 11:09 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 27 2005, 03:45 AM)

The handsome mer smiled.

"Right to the matter. I like that in a woman.

"A greedy man would simply ask for half of whatever took you all the way to Black marsh..." he said, watching people's reactions.

"We've had a long day, Serjo," Tris said. "And the Incarnate doesn't like to be troubled over such trivial matters. If you need more money, you should have asked me on the front end. I doubt you want half of what took us to Black Marsh. I thought you dealt in more substantial goods."

He glanced at Ciel. Perhaps the man needed a show of force, in order to leave them in peace and respect them. He and Ciel could arrange something.

Posted by: Teleran Feb 27 2005, 11:10 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 27 2005, 12:45 AM)

"So what do you ask for?" said Teleran.

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Feb 27 2005, 11:12 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Feb 27 2005, 04:45 AM)

The Dunmer’s smirk disappears like a sinister mirage, and he takes a step forward. An evil scowl is then aimed at Teleran. If looks could kill Teleran would have died instantly.

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 27 2005, 04:49 AM)

This response gets a similar look. If anything was to go down the Dunmer would be ready.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 27 2005, 11:14 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 27 2005, 02:49 AM)

"Yes, my apologies. You have had a long day, I'm sure. And, I am not a greedy man.

"You are, I assume, trying to get through this country, without being noticed by either the Azurites or the King. I am offering to help you in that, in exchange for simple business. 'Substantial' business, as you said, Sir.

"The Azurites are not good for business, I'm afraid, so I believe we have a common enemy.

"You are not popular, no offense, but truth is truth, and yet you will need things. Things I can provide for you. Weapons, equipment, information. I am certain that we can work out a fine deal which would be profitable for me, in return."

Posted by: Solin Feb 27 2005, 11:15 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 27 2005, 02:49 AM)

Ciel was still silent, sipping wine between bites of food. He was, however, now listening very intently to Bradas.

The knight caught Tris's glance and gave the merest of nods in acknowledgment.Ciel would be ready if Tris needed him for something.

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

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 27 2005, 03:54 AM)

QUOTE(Solin @ Feb 27 2005, 03:55 AM)

"That sounds like a profitable arrangement," Tris said, with the slightest of smiles. "Our pockets are deep but not bottomless, and we have, as you can imagine, unexpected expenses. I have an idea you weren't thinking just of money, though. Although we're in a touchy political situation at the moment, we do have some very powerful friends. What exactly were you looking for?"

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 27 2005, 11:30 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 27 2005, 03:01 AM)

"Bottomless pockets can be handy things, but you are right. I'm rich, and I didn't get that way by asking for money," he says with a smile.

"The government here is more unstable than usual these days, and therefore more troublesome to my business. I could use people on the mainland... 'very powerful friends'.

"I think we might find we have many common enemies.

"For instance, I hear that a certain Imperial Governor isn't very fond of your actions at the moment. It would thrill me to no end to see that cease.

"Permanently cease.

"That is, of course, just one example of how a good working relationship might benefit us both."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 27 2005, 11:42 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 27 2005, 05:10 AM)

"Bottomless pockets can be handy things, but you are right. I'm rich, and I didn't get that way by asking for money," he says with a smile.

"The government here is more unstable than usual these days, and therefore more troublesome to my business. I could use people on the mainland... 'very powerful friends'

"I think we might find we have many common enemies.

"For instance, I hear that a certain Imperial Governor isn't very fond of your actions at the moment. It would thrill me to no end to see that cease.

"Permanently cease.

"That is, of course, just one example of how a good working relationship might benefit us both."

Understanding slowly dawns; Ald Raathim was becoming more than just a refuge for people escaping from the Azurites, but a growing power in Morrowind, and the Tong wished to make arrangements with that growing power now, while they were still new and in need of allies. Or so she thought, at least.

Loranna wishes that she knew the game of politics better, had paid more attention to what had been going on while she sat on a litter and was carried all over Vvardenfell. Still, she had to say something.

"I think you may be right, serjo," Loranna says. "A good working relationship could be of great value to both of us. Surely we would both like to see the Imperial Governer withdraw and let us do what we have to do - for our mutual benefit."

"... We can make no final arrangements now, you understand," she continues. "We must, after all, convey the idea of a business arrangemnt to our allies so that such final arrangements can be made. But I think we can all come to a mutually beneficial agreement; your aid in procuring us safe passage back home will be a potent token of good faith for us to present to our own allies, and will pave the way for such."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 27 2005, 11:47 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 27 2005, 04:22 AM)

"Loranna," Tris said softly, "It's the Imperial governor who's keeping us from getting safe passage back home that he's talking about."

He hated himself for it - slightly - but he did what he felt needed to be done here, which was give the Tong leader a slight inclination of his head to indicate that although the woman was a necessary figurehead of the group, she wasn't to be regarded as having brains.

"We aren't lacking in power, or ability," he said. "In fact there are several people sitting at this table who could take on anyone in Tamriel. But we don't know the territory. That's where you can help us. You give us information, we apply force, and it works well for both of us."

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 27 2005, 11:53 AM

Bradas Othril smiled an easy smile. The day went better than he expected.

"It sounds, then, like we can work together.

"Well," Bradas said, rising to his feet, "I do hope I didn't disrupt your meal too badly. Please, continue to eat, and save a bit of room. The ices are divine."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 27 2005, 11:59 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 27 2005, 05:33 AM)

Divine, no doubt - just a little on the pricy side, Loranna thinks, giving Othril a small nod.

Well, Lor, you tried; guess there isn't any way around killing this Imperial Govertwit, she reflects. Guess your new strength will be put to the test more strenuously than expected ...

Ah, stop it; things will work out, somehow, she tells herself, sipping her water. Still, she was very quiet.

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 27 2005, 12:02 PM

Bradas left the group to their meal, followed by his long straight hair, and the still smirking guard.

Presently, a group of very pretty, brightly dressed Dunmer girls came out and joined everyone at the table. They were quite outgoing and affectionate things, and they brought alcohol.

Loranna got her very own handsome Dunmer boy, heavily tattood, and bearing a cup for her, too.

Posted by: Nalion Feb 27 2005, 12:07 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 27 2005, 10:33 AM)

Nalion had listened intently to the conversation, searching for notions if or when it would turn towards a more unfriendly tone. He kept silent for himself, he wasn't a negotiator, he'd do more wrong than right in this case. Nevertheless, he rather enjoyed the food, the thought of poison cast aside for now.
He lifted an eyebrow for a brief moment as the topic came to the assassination of the local governour. It's sad we couldn't avoid that. And talking to the governour would likely be in vain.
He continued to eat, but made sure he saved some room for those ices.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 27 2005, 12:16 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 27 2005, 05:42 AM)

Loranna manages a small, polite smile to the Dunmer boy, and accepts her drink, sipping it conservatively. She remains quiet, thinking over the situation.

They were carrying around not just one but two powerful, potentially devestingly dangerous artifacts, one of which was prophesized to cause disaster - disaster she was gifted to have seen twice already - and they were about to go take a side trip to pursuade some fool who had made getting home a hassle for them that he wanted to stop playing hardball and learn to get along ... with the grave, from the way the Dunmer man had sounded to her.

Loranna sighs quietly; well, maybe they would luck out and the Imperial Governdolt would back down without having to die. Might not go over so well with Bradas but then Loranna had no real grudge against the governer other than his making her getting back to Jazbet needlessly complicated.

Loranna takes another sip of her drink and slowly lets the tension melt away; worrying was silly, after all. They'd work something out ...

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 27 2005, 12:28 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 27 2005, 04:56 AM)

"It's all right, Loranna," Tris said. "There's always more than one way to deal with any situation. He just wanted to make sure we were more valuable alive than dead - and we are."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 27 2005, 12:31 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 27 2005, 06:08 AM)

"It's all right, Loranna," Tris said. "There's always more than one way to deal with any situation. He just wanted to make sure we were more valuable alive than dead - and we are."

"Oh," Loranna says, in the classic I'm A Silly Barmaid tone. She gives Tris a sheepish grin.

" ... So, dancing, cooking, and politics," she mutters. "And some swordsmanship too, just a bit. Not too much to learn when we get home, huh?"

"Now then, what would be the best way to deal with this situation?" Loranna wonders.

Posted by: Nalion Feb 27 2005, 12:43 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 27 2005, 10:42 AM)

The graceful girl quickly engaged Nalion into a lively conversation over trivial matters. The attentive overserver though would see Nalion blush slightly at some sentences shared. Part of him wanted to take the offered drinks and spend the night in joy, for a brief time being oblivious of the surrounding dangers and events, to forget his task for a while in the arms of a woman...
"You know that you can't do this, Nalion. You have a task at hand. There may come a time when you have peace of mind to do this, but not now, not here."
The mage steered the conversation back to cursory matters and politely refused the Dunmer girl's offers to drink more alcohol. The one cup of wine he had was enough, no need for the harder stuff available in Morrowind.

Posted by: Aki Feb 27 2005, 12:52 PM

Reichi didn't have nalion's will about keeping focused. The Dunmer had a big grin plastered on his face as he chatted with the Dunmeri girl, drinking the alcohol she had offered. Relatively quickly Reichi had forgotten about pretty much everything other than the girl, she was, afterall, quite lovely, oh, and the alochol helped.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 27 2005, 12:53 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 27 2005, 05:11 AM)

"We won't know that until tomorrow," Tris said. "The easy way, I'm thinking, is to get rid of the guy. But the easy solution has repercussions. The main thing is that this nice gentleman can give us background it would take us 30 years to gather on our own."

He smiled at Nalion. "Relax, we're safer here than anywhere else in Morrowind."

The young Dunmer girl pouring his drinks was more than acceptably pretty; the one pouring for Ciel was less so, mature, almost matronly, which made him suspect she had other talents.

Posted by: Solin Feb 27 2005, 01:05 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 27 2005, 04:33 AM)

When his glass was full Ciel waved the hostess back and took another bite of his meal. He shook his head.

"I think it best if we explore the harder solutions then," he said quietly looking into the wine. His lips were set in a grim line.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 27 2005, 01:06 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 27 2005, 06:33 AM)

"Hmm, true," Loranna says, glancing over at Reichi and mouthing 'Oh Boy' so that only Tris and Ciel can see.

She briefly considered wether to bed the Dunmer boy, but a monent's thought put that out of her head; she didn't really know him and at this point, all he could really hope to do is remind her she isn't home with Jazbet yet. Not terribly fun, for her or for the boy. However, he at least did seem easy enough to talk to, and was willing to tell her about the tatoos he had, and other interesting trivial matters.

Posted by: Nalion Feb 27 2005, 01:07 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 27 2005, 11:33 AM)

He smiled at Nalion. "Relax, we're safer here than anywhere else in Morrowind."

"I see you enjoy yourself, Tris" Nalion laughed. "You're right, we should relax." He shot a glance towards the Dunmer girl sitting besides him. "Uhm, dear, well, I'm not that fond of the hard stuff, but if you'd drink a cup of wine with me. I guess one more wouldn't hurt, what do you think?"

After his cup was filled, he began to chant a little tavern song from High Rock, much to the amusement of the dunmeri girl.

Ho, dear fellows, lift your glasses,
Cheer to ev'ryone who passes!

Praise the brewer and his thought,
To create this 'freshing draught!

Food is served on plate and bowl,
This night will no stomach growl!

Lute is played and pipe is blown,
When the fair bard's skill is shown!

Listen friends, you hear the sound?
Dance with maidens, whirl them 'round!

Dance on tables, stomp on floors,
Drunken ones do that on fours!

Look they're merry, eyes are bright,
This tavern fun will last all night!

Posted by: Teleran Feb 27 2005, 01:09 PM

Teleran took the drink from the Dunmer girl gladly and set it on the table, he remembered, or rather he didn’t remember (which was a bit more worrying), what had happened last time he had met a beautiful girl who had a ready supply of drink on hand. He felt his tension from the earlier meeting with Radras fading as he chatted with the girl.

She noticed his arm and started a little at it, but not so much as to discomfort him. When she asked about it he explained the finer points of telekinesis and the interesting things one could do with it for entertainment, one could not actually move another person with it, but other than that it was quite flexible. She giggled at that and plopped herself down in his lap running her hand through his hair. She came up with many rather ingenious suggestions, some of which made Teleran’s face burn, he had not actually thought of using it for that type of thing before. They were quite interesting ideas; perhaps they could give some of them a try. She certainly seemed pleased with that prospect.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 27 2005, 01:12 PM

QUOTE(Solin @ Feb 27 2005, 05:45 AM)

When his glass was full Ciel waved the servant back and took another bite of his meal. He shook his head.

"I think it best if we explore the harder solutions then," he said quietly looking into the wine. His lips were set in a grim line.

Tris tilted his head. It always surprised him when Ciel reacted like this; by now it shouldn't. He had spent the better part of his life enforcing the law, and was never going to be comfortable breaking it.

"Think though," he said quietly. "This is the man who's declared Daruhn a province in rebellion. Dozens if not hundreds of people have already died trying to pass in and out of Jazbet's territory. People are starving, or he's trying to ensure that they starve. He's burning lands, slaughtering herds. People die because of a bad governor, and he's immune to repercussions just because he doesn't have to raise his own hand to do it?"

He took a deep breath, and smiled at Reichi.

"Business is business. My suspicion is that this Governor has a long and profitable relationship with other members of House Dres, members who would be happy to get rid of Jazbet. The thing that will turn a businessman is to make him a better offer. We can probably do that, if we can get through the layers to the right person."

He paused a moment, to listen to Nalion's song.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 27 2005, 01:18 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 27 2005, 06:52 AM)

Loranna smiles. Tris was very good at explaining things in a way she could understand. Of course, that made her earlier words now sound all the more foolish, but that's what happens when you focus too much on what you think someone is asking for that you don't want to do ...

"And that, like you said, we won't be able to tell until we're given the information later," she says. "So right now, all we can really do is decide to try making a counter offer when we finally reach him."

Posted by: Rhedd Feb 27 2005, 01:35 PM

The older courtesan, the one on Ciel's arm, added her own, well-trained voice to Nalion's, singing along in a different language, but lovely harmony.

Tris, meanwhile, was being fed some scuttle-like pate' from a young girl's dark fingertips. His conversation was interrupted at intervals as she fed him more.

Posted by: Solin Feb 27 2005, 01:41 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 27 2005, 05:15 AM)

The older courtesan, the one on Ciel's arm, added her own, well-trained voice to Nalion's, singing along in a different language, but lovely harmony.

Ciel gave a small smile as he listened to the singing. It was, for him, more enjoyable than the discussion of the fate of the governor. A much better compliment for the meal.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Feb 27 2005, 01:45 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 27 2005, 05:58 AM)

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Feb 27 2005, 06:15 AM)

"Exactly," Tris said. "The thing is, you have to negotiate from a position of strength... you can't let someone drag you into a conversation when you're hungry and you just spent all day strapped to a... whatever the hell that thing was. Sera," he said, to the lovely young girl, "Ever ridden an Argonian lizard?"

The girl giggled and shook her head.

"No need to call her Sera, Serjo," said the older courtesan.

"Ah, do you have a name then?" Tris asked, just for the pleasure of seeing the young girl duck her head and giggle again in embarrassment at being addressed by a strange Breton man.

"It's Midali, Serjo," she said, giggling.

Tris glanced at Ciel, who seemed to have relaxed now that the conversation had shifted away from assassination. Ideas were growing in Tris's mind. He knew Ciel had been married once. But he wasn't sure what mood Ciel was in.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 27 2005, 01:49 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Feb 27 2005, 07:25 AM)

The lesson to be learned here, Loranna reflects once again, was that the adventuring hero should always labor to carry the necessities on him and whatever creature comforts he feels he cannot do without - and if at all possible to use private transportation that doesn't involve being carted around like a barrel on a crocidile.

The night was looking more enjoyable now; Loranna turns her attention back to her food.

Posted by: Attrebus Feb 27 2005, 01:51 PM

200+ posts, so locked.

Continued:
http://www.elderscrolls.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=63590