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

Posted by: Loranna Mar 3 2005, 08:06 AM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you, and have fun!

===

Summary for Loranna:

Having faced the Azurites that stole the tax money - and their rather nasty Daedra companion - Loranna has finally returned to Ald Raathim, and was last seen at the side of Jazbet, who had passed out days ago from a powerful vision. She has given the Flamekiss to Allie and spoken to her of her adventures.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 3 2005, 08:10 AM

ooc sumaries:

Allerleirauh's once silver hair is grey now, after a ritual in which she infused her blood and light into the simulacrum bearing Sen-Yedda. She's at Ald Raathim.

Dragon, Skein, and Tamne are at Solunastra in Daggerfall.

Mirea and Doll are spying for Allerleirauh.

Tris is at Ald Raathim.

Posted by: Arynel Mar 3 2005, 08:17 AM

OOC: The Breton Arynel is now off walking through the woods and beaches near Ald Raathim.

Posted by: Tricrux Mar 3 2005, 08:17 AM

Shai is lying in her bed in Ald Raathim, wondering how to handle the 'situation' with Teleran.

Posted by: w0nders Mar 3 2005, 08:18 AM

Summary-

Dante, on the road to Stormhold.

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

Brum, Inzoliah, Merciander and friends, who really cares?
----------------------------------

The walk was taking a long time, longer than it took Dante to get out to the position Mirea found him in. He began to think that they were lost, but he didn’t bother speaking his mind. He rarely did.

Instead he merely walked faster. If certain doom were awaiting him at the end of the path, he’d rather meet it sooner than later. He reached into his pouch and retrieved the scroll Illidan had scrawled on. Dante’s stride stopped as he read it, his face cringing in disgust.

“Selfish bastard…” He muttered under his breath, scrunching the scroll up into a ball and throwing it into a nearby swamp. He continued on his path shortly after.

Posted by: Teleran Mar 3 2005, 08:18 AM

Teleran just had a heart to heart with the Bosmer half-breed Shai, whose quicksilver mood is confusing Teleran to no end, and he is now walking around the castle grounds trying to clear his head. He just sat down for a talk about why she was having trouble with him. Now he still doesn't quite know, but she doesn't seem to have quite the same problem with him anymore. So hey, things are going along a little better, at least she didn't slam the door in his face this time when he left.

Posted by: Solin Mar 3 2005, 08:23 AM

Summary:

Solin sits on the eastern shore of Jazbet’s domain.

Ciel is also in Jazbet’s domain, he’s probably seeing to having the hole torn through his armor’s shoulder repaired.

Faril returned to Wayrest long ago.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 3 2005, 08:32 AM

Ald Raathim, last night: Allerleirauh

Allerleirauh lay on her bed in her room in Jazbet's castle, looking at a small, golden ring with a loop of thread around it.

"Arynel," she whispered to herself. Then, "My hair..."

She buried her face in the pillow to muffle her choking sobs.

Morning:

Tris had spent the evening exploring the new sights of Ald Raathim, reacquainting himself with the friends he had made in Jazbet's guard before he left, getting a little drunk, singing and telling tales, and generally basking in the glow of a hero's homecoming. Ciel, as usual, seemed to enjoy watching him have fun, without feeling the need to do more than watch.

This morning Ciel was off somewhere getting his armor repaired. Tris went in search of Allerleirauh, to give his report.

"Oh, no," Tris said, at the first sight of her. "General... "

She laughed. "Tris, you're such a diplomat. It had to be done, I don't mind it."

He shook his head as if he were trying to clear his vision. "I'm sorry, you took me by surprise. Has Dragon seen you yet?"

She could see in his eyes that what he meant was, Are you all right? Should I be frightened? Tris had some understanding of what it was to be General Light, and knew perfectly well that her hair was only the surface sign of something deeper.

"I cut a piece of it first, to use in spellcrafting," she said, showing him the place where a long swath of hair had been cut, hidden underneath.

He stroked her hair, half to comfort her, half to reconcile himself to the loss. It had a different texture; coarser, curlier. "Still," he said. "No real person has hair like that, solid grey from tip to tail and four feet long and thick and heavy as a girl's. I suppose because no human lives as long as you, and no elf goes grey. How old are you, anyway?"

"It doesn't matter," she said.

Tris found Aricyn and his wolf near a creek, away from other people. That made things easier. He hailed him from a distance, so as not to walk up on him. Although the wolf had probably noticed him already.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 3 2005, 08:35 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 3 2005, 12:12 AM)

Aricyn waved in return, and met Tris halfway.

"Welcome back!" he said heartily.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 3 2005, 08:44 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 3 2005, 01:15 AM)

Aricyn waved in return, and met Tris halfway.

"Welcome back!" he said heartily.

Tris smiled, and walked a little more deliberately, to demonstrate that he could. He still limped more often than not. Summoning the image of his perfect self and making use of it wasn't something he could do consistently. But right now he made the effort, moving over the rolling terrain with every bit of his former grace.

He clasped Aricyn's hand in greeting.

"You know what the problem is with you," Tris said, laughing. "You need your own catchy name, then we won't be tempted to think of you as the 'Tiberine' anymore. Tiberine just rolls off the tongue. What are you, anyway? By the way, that woman - your ladyfriend - you're a lucky bastard, aren't you? Makes me want to take a trip to Skyrim. Here, I found something I thought you'd be interested in seeing."

From the heavy satchel he had traveled with, he produced a helmet. A shining golden helm. The faceplate was carved to resemble a stylized, bearded man's face, and upon the brow was a crown of nine eagles, wings outspread and sapphires in their sharp beaks.

"Careful," he said, handing it to Aricyn.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 3 2005, 08:50 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 3 2005, 12:24 AM)

He clasped Aricyn's hand in greeting.

"You know what the problem is with you," Tris said, laughing. "You need your own catchy name, then we won't be tempted to think of you as the 'Tiberine' anymore. Tiberine just rolls off the tongue. What are you, anyway? By the way, that woman - your ladyfriend - you're a lucky bastard, aren't you? Makes me want to take a trip to Skyrim. Here, I found something I thought you'd be interested in seeing."

From the heavy satchel he had traveled with, he produced a helmet. A shining golden helm. The faceplate was carved to resemble a stylized, bearded man's face, and upon the brow was a crown of nine eagles, wings outspread and sapphires in their sharp beaks.

"Careful," he said, handing it to Aricyn.

Aricyn was about to reply that it seemed to be the day for talkative Bretons bearing gifts, but his tongue stopped when he saw the helm.

The old wolf's ears perked up, and he stood stock still with his tail held high.

Aricyn took the golden helm from Tris's hands... he did not need to be told to be careful.

He looked steadily into the helm's golden visage.

The blue day seemed to grow much darker, and Aricyn's face looked fierce and hard, lit from beneath by the shining helm.

The helm spoke to him.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 3 2005, 08:53 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 3 2005, 01:30 AM)

For a moment, Tris was alarmed.

Aricyn looked kingly, like a leader of men. Maybe even like an Emperor. And not a nice one. Whatever kingdom he ruled would be a place where men were heroes, all right, and where men who were not heroes would have a well ordered place, a clearly defined use, as long as they didn't cause trouble.

Why was he so cold? There wasn't any wind to speak of.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 3 2005, 09:01 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 3 2005, 12:33 AM)

Aricyn smiled, and lowered the helm. The sky grew blue again. There were faint tears in his eyes.

"An amazing thing to have found, Sir. In the Vaults, I assume?

"I take this as a great portent. I will have it mounted upon a banner pole, for all to see, until a time comes when it's proper owner can claim it."

He put his free hand on Tris's shoulder.

"Thank you... for bringing it to me."

He laughed a loud, sudden laugh.

"Magnilde; that is the name attached to that mighty prow. In Skyrim, that's the way of things. It's why we all grow so tall, Breton; our children are well fed!"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 3 2005, 09:04 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 3 2005, 01:41 AM)

Tris laughed, in sudden relief.

"I thought you might have an idea who to give that to. It came from the vault we entered by accident. Some day, perhaps, we should go back and find out what's in the other 118 vaults. For now, though, I've seen enough of poison monkeys. Flying poison monkeys. Undead flying poison monkeys. It's a shame you missed it."

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 3 2005, 09:08 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 3 2005, 12:44 AM)

"Oh, it does indeed sound like I should be sorry," Aricyn said, walking toward the castle, carefully cradling the helm under his cloak.

"Here we just had armies of Azurites, as usual."

The walked some time in silence. Aricyn, with his free hand, reached in his pouch and produced a bit of sharp-tasting jerkey. He tore off a piece with his teeth and offered the rest to Tris.

"You were kidding about monkeys, of course... right?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 3 2005, 09:22 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 3 2005, 01:48 AM)

Tris shook his head, tearing off a piece of jerky.

"Monkeys. In the dark, in a cave. One bit Loranna when we were crawling through a hole one at a time, and she almost died and trapped us in there, like a cork in a nasty, smelly, wet bottle. Beautiful place. We almost lost Ciel to a bunch of dopplegangers, and I was bitten by a giant spider and had a vision of Dibella in paradise. Altogether I wouldn't have missed it for the world. Even the food wasn't bad, they had an inn staffed by Imperials.

"We ran into some smarter-than-usual Azurites on the way home. Some sort of Daedra, not a Twilight, probably a champion of Azura. Dispelled all our effects and almost made mincemeat out of us. If I learned one thing in the vaults, it's that none of these great heroes take orders from anyone but themselves. We need better organization, or we'll all be killed some day."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 3 2005, 09:24 AM

Castle, Jazbet's Room

She knew that there was nothing she could realistically do to help Jazbet recover more quickly, and she knew that once he awoke a servant would come fetch her as soon as he was up and about. However, Loranna decided to stay in Jazbet's room anyway, and keep a vigil over her Khajiit beloved. She was probably being girlish and silly, but she didn't care.

A cot and sleeping roll were brought at her request, and Loranna exhanged her armor for more comfortable clothes. Her journal she kept with her, as well as plenty of paper and ink; she had a lot to write about, to catch up on, both in her own annuls and with Jazbet. And so she spent the night sleeping in Jazbet's room, happy just to be in his presence again after being in dungeons, in strange cities, on the road and in swamps for so long.

Come the morning, she took a light breakfast and spent a little time looking outside the castle; Jazbet would want her to get fresh air after all. But for the most part she was in his room, by his side.

For a while, she wrote in her journal, and in private notes to herself; plans for future arrangements both personal and public she penned. She hummed quietly as she wrote, looking at Jazbet fondly and occasionally caressing his cheek or leaning over to kiss his forehead; she couldn't help it, she had been gone for so long she had to show her affection for him.

When her writing was done, she got up for a bit and began to dance around his room, apologizing with a slight blush to her sleeping lover but saying that she couldn't help it, that ever since she sat down in Stormhold and really began to work on her potioncraft she'd been burning with an urge to dance, laughing and floating and moving happily, freely. Of course she didn't know much about dancing, especially compared to someone like Allie, but she didn't care; she'd learn, yes she'd learn, and sometime soon, she'd take him in her arms and she'd cast a small spell on him and the two of them would dance in the air, letting the breeze ruffle their hair and being each other's whole world for just a spell.

" ... It's exuberant and frightening all at once, love," she says as she winds down, brushing her hair out of her face. "I really have only taken a small step forward - the Daedra reminded me just how mortal I remain - but it's still such a giant step that I can't help it. I hope you understand; I wish I could put it better ..."

She slides back into her seat, and takes his hand. She opens her mouth to say something but pauses, unsure what to say next. " .. .Heh; even lying asleep on the bed, you can still make me speechless; you silly lovely kitty ..."

She leans forward to kiss him on the forehead, then on the lips, gently. "You wonderful, strong, handsome man; the thought of how happy you make me feel frightens me so much and I love you for every shiver, every trembling moment. Please wake up soon dear; I really need to talk to you. I changed so much while I was gone, I have to show you who I am now ..."

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 3 2005, 09:29 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 3 2005, 01:02 AM)

"We'll probably all get killed some day, anyway," Aricyn said, chewing on a piece of jerky.

"I'm glad you had fun. It would be sad to recover a legendary treasure and not have at least ten good tales to tell about it."

Posted by: B Mar 3 2005, 01:53 PM

OOC:

B is hard at work at The Imperial Library in Cyrodiil. He working to complete his next project.

Posted by: Lorièn of Silvenar Mar 3 2005, 01:57 PM

Lorièn has taken a job offer; therefore, he has left the group. He may return someday.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 3 2005, 10:56 PM

Mirea had quickly gotten tired of being lost in the swamps with Dante. Well, he could recall back to Ald Raathim if he got desperate. That was where she went now, to give her usual report to the General.

For once she didn't forget a message. When she told Allerleirauh about Illidan becoming a vampire, she had tears in her eyes.

"You don't have to try so hard, I'm not going to give up on him," Allerleirauh said softly.

"Oh, good," Mirea said, ceasing to pretend to be upset. "I was worried you'd just go and kill him or something. What happened to your hair? You look terrible."

"Thank you," the General said, grinning.

"Now that you're a Void Ranger again I don't mind being seen with you," Mirea said, strolling through the streets of Ald Raathim with Tris. She was eating jerked meat, trying desperately to finish the Dunmer she had killed before three days were up. She offered him a piece.

Tris took it, thinking idly that during the blockade, almost everyone must have been reduced to eating jerked meat. A moment later he spat the mouthful out; Mirea caught it in her hand, looking furious.

"Mirea! What is that? How could you do that to me?"

She drew her eyebrows together and leveled her fiercest glare at him. "If I have to eat chewed-up meat with your spit on it, I'm going to kiss you first."

"Stay away from me, Meat-Breath!" he said, backing up.

A moment later he was on the ground, with her pinching a pressure point in his ear. She took her time kissing him, with a lot of tongue, then sat down on his prostrate body, legs crossed, and proceeded to eat her jerky.

Eventually Tris's eyes stopped watering from the pain of her pinching his ear. Within his field of vision was a small yellow bird, maybe a lark, which sat flipping its tail and singing its little heart out, to no one in particular. He watched the bird until he felt calm enough to speak up without starting a fight.

"May I get up now?"

"No," she said, and tore off another strip of meat with her teeth.

"It's like having a deranged little sister who's stronger than I am," Tris told Ciel later, reporting the encounter. "I grew up with an older sister; she's why I studied classic wrestling as a child."

Posted by: Aki Mar 4 2005, 12:37 AM

Summary
Camassim is off in Hammerfell, or Skyrim near Hammerfell, whichever...

Tohe is somewhere in Morrowind on the Mainland realtively close to Ald Raathim.

Reichi is havin a encounter with Raddin the Wolf, leader of the WHOT, and seems to to be related to Eya....
--------------------------------------------------------
"I've....i've killed my own Daughter...." Raddin mumbled, loud enough that Reichi could hear. The Nord clenched his fists. "..I...I...didn't know. How could i have?" he asked, though Reichi knew the question wasn't meant to be answered.

"Think, hunter, of how many others you've caused this pain," Reichi finally spoke, hiding his own grief better than Raddin. He hadn't knew Eya as well, but she had been his friend. "But don't take that to me acting like im innocent. I've killed thousands, even before i was a Werewolf."

Raddin slumped his shoulders. "I...see now. Men i've sent to their deaths, the werebeasts i've killed, all of them. Now, i've taken my own child's life," he said, head hung low. "She was all i had left, my only daughter, my wife died in her birth. By then i was high ranked in the WHOT, my father was the leader. He died soon after, killed by that which he hunted."

"I was made the new leader, and managed to divide my time between my new daughter and new posistion. Then, she headed off to Elseweyr to practice martial artistry of the Khajiit, and i fully devoted myself to my work. I never remebered hearing of her leaving Esleweyr.."

"...and now this." Raddin concluded.

"Well, wheres the body? At the least we can give her a proper burial," Reichi suggested.

"I'll show you. I was chased off, but i suspect the body may still be there," Raddin rose, gathered his axe and stomped off into the wood, Reichi followed. Soon they came to a particulary blood spattered area of wood. There was no body. Instead, there was a Eya, tending a fire.

"How....you're dead...this can't be.." Raddin said, stumbling back into a tree. Eya looked at Raddin with a look of surprise, "Father...what do you mean? what are you doing here?" she asked, looking confused. Reichi meanwhile, was on the brink of smashing his head against a tree. He was confused beyound comprehension.

"You were a Werewolf, and i didn't know, it was the full moon, i....killed you..." raddin said. Eya paled, then regained her composure, she pulled a amulet out of her pocket.
"I got this in Elseweyr, it was designed for combat practice purposes, it casts a powerful healing spell once the wearer is close to death, keeps people from dying in practice. I wore it that night, only problem is it uses so much of the charge that it only works once a day," she explained. "I awoke the night after the full moon here, there were tracks and blood everywhere, and Tohe was gone. I decided to wait here for him to come back..."

Raddin seemed to come to a understanding. The amulet must of activated when he sunk the axe into Eya's throat, and the wound closed up when the blade was removed, but bloodied fur kept all wounds concealed from what little time he had between turning his attention from his 'kill' to Tohe, who was going to try and kill him.
The powerful healing energies had kept Eya alive. The same way many powerful healing potions kept people alive even through the most terrible of injuries.

The ones who had come to save Tohe must have taken the ruined body of Eya for dead, and left it, and carried off the other Werewolf. Sloppy work, that or they had some plan. Knew something he didn't.

Reichi merely nodded. Raddin shook himself from trying to explain this to himself, then rushed forward and trapped Eya in a powerful hug. "I thought i had lost you," he said. Eya smiled. "I guess i shoulda told you what i'd became, might have saved us some trouble. "

Reichi sat down. "Yeesh, i learn people die, then they come back to life, Gah. This place is messed up," he shook his head.

"Yeah, well, i retire," Raddin said. "Someone else can deal with the WHOT, i can't very well continue with my job considering Eya's condition now. What was the nearest town? Ald Raathim wasn't it? There was rumors of people with GLOWING blue eyes, Azurites i think, killing anything that isn't with them. Maybe i should help deal with those..."

Posted by: Arynel Mar 4 2005, 07:08 AM

Arynel had spent some time making his way through the woods around Ald Raathim, stepping lightly, keeping his ears and eyes open and alert, taking note of everything, the animals scurrying about and the crawling insects and the plants ever Magnus reaching.

The Breton found himself on an elevated spot, where he could look out over the Inner Sea, out to where the water met the sky. He had seen something similar many a time during his travels, with the sky and the dirt, but there were obstructions, irregularities, rocks and hills and trees. This, though, was a view unblemished, a horizon spreading out before him.

Later, Arynel returned to Jazbet's castle and went to the library.

Posted by: Temple of the Dawn Mar 4 2005, 07:25 AM

(Vvardenfel, Red Mountain:)

Alandro Sul stood on an iron platform, silhouetted by red, volcanic light. Before him, rising from the glowing depths far below, stood the towering soulgem known as the Pillar of Azura.

He spoke ancient words of potent magic, and in a lurid flash, a red-armored Daedra appeared before him, it's sneering helm bowed in servitude.

"You have failed us," said the Immortal Son of Azura. His voice was without emotion.

The red-armored creature remained kneeling. "The gold was stolen, great Lord, while I fought..." Sensing his master's mood, he quickly added, "But I bring you news of our enemies."

"News?"

"Many who follow Azura on the mainland have gathered a great army, and laid siege to the stronghold of the Accursed One."

"And?"

"Well, Lord, they have died to a man at the hands of the Accursed One's allies."

"No matter," said Sul. "They were naught but a raindrop that heralds our storm. And, after Hogithum, it will not matter who opposes us.

"Go now, and rejoin your brethren."

Posted by: Dumbkid Mar 4 2005, 07:42 AM

The small hand mirror flashed, and an image invaded Loranna’s mind. There was a small kingdom, the castle nestled atop a mountain, with villages spreading out around it, and beyond those fields of crops of all kinds, and livestock of all variety, and it was altogether dreamy and cozy. Then, around the mountain and over top the castle, clouds began to gather, dark clouds full of thunder, and the clouds gathered over the castle on the mountain and stretched out over the villages and over the fields of crops and livestock, and there was thunder and lighting and the clouds rained down bile and the crops shriveled up and the animals died and the people’s flesh went limp with hunger. Then the kingdom became a wasteland, and in the center a great mountain that was a great volcano and the storm clouds became throngs of people, and a great cloud in their midst became a Dunmer of mighty physique who opened his mouth to speak, causing the whole image to shutter and fall apart like glass.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 4 2005, 08:03 AM

QUOTE(Dumbkid @ Mar 4 2005, 01:22 AM)

Ald Raathim, Jazbet's Castle

The longer Loranna kept her vigil, the quieter she had grown; her joy at being back slowly gave way to her growing concern about Jazbet not waking up yet. There wasn't anything she could do to wake hm that she knew of, and once her happiness at finally being home had a chance to cool off, she found herself wondering increasingly about what vision he could have had to leave him out for days. Whatever it had been, it had to have been something big; how did Allie put it again? He only suffers when he rejects his vision ...

Loranna was in the middle of trying to imagine what Jazbet could have possibly seen when the mirror flashed. Loranna gasps when the image invades her mind, shaking and crying out in surprise and fear.

" ... What?" she says, confused and frightened. "But ... we got the Flamekiss before Hel ..."

The answer was obvious; this vision wasn't of what was to come if she failed in her previous mission. Maybe the other visions she had before hadn't been of that at all to begin with ...

" ... What's today?" Loranna asks as she feels the ice ants crawling under her skin once more, ideas clicking in her head ...

She rises, looks down at Jazbet, and leans forward to kiss him gently on the forehead. " ... Excuse me, my love; I need to go do something ..."

Loranna heads out of Jazbet's room; she needed to find Allie, and Aricyn. Maybe call a full meeting of everyone, but first those two. She asks the nearest servant if anyone's seen either, her eyes hooded.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 4 2005, 08:07 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 4 2005, 12:43 AM)

Loranna found Allerleirauh outside, gazing skyward.

"I thought I heard something," she said, but did not explain what she meant.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 4 2005, 08:11 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 3 2005, 11:43 PM)

Loranna heads out of Jazbet's room; she needed to find Allie, and Aricyn. Maybe call a full meeting of everyone, but first those two. She asks the nearest servant if anyone's seen either, her eyes hooded.

Aricyn met them at the castle gate. His eyes darkened at the sight of Allerleirauh's hair.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 4 2005, 08:12 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 4 2005, 01:47 AM)

Loranna found Allerleirauh outside, gazing skyward.

"I thought I heard something," she said, but did not explain what she meant.

Loranna is trembling slightly. " ... I think," she says quietly, "that I know now what Jazbet might have seen ..."

She relates the vision she saw to Allie and Aricyn. " ... Help me get everyone together?" she asks afterward. "We need to do something, and we've barely two weeks before the logical time for this to pass comes."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 4 2005, 08:23 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 4 2005, 12:52 AM)

"It's a little longer than two weeks," Allerleirauh said. Her eyes were serious; it was obvious she'd been aware of the time. "I expect them to try for Sen-Yedda before then. Yes, let's get everyone together."

She went first to her rangers... Doll, Tris, and Mirea... and sent them to summon the others. They would meet in Jazbet's study as usual.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 4 2005, 08:25 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 3 2005, 11:52 PM)

Aricyn found Arynel where he walked by the sea, and called him to the castle.

When he had found all those that he could, he headed to the study, himself.

Posted by: Arynel Mar 4 2005, 08:26 AM

After hearing word of an urgent matter, the Breton Arynel made his way with all haste to Jazbet's study.

Posted by: Tricrux Mar 4 2005, 08:32 AM

Ald Raathim, Shai's Room

Shai heard the summons and slid off of the bed, hurrying over to the meeting.

As she closed the door behind her, a recall spell activated. Marein Night-Scar appeared with a flash on the same bed. "A meeting, eh?'

He jumped up and dashed off to the study.

Outskirts

Celeste lay now in the tent of a chieftaness - she had taken control of the local Azurites after the battle.

Hogithum was coming.

Ald Raathim, Jazbet's study

Shai walked into the study and took a position standing at the far wall.

Night-Scar came in soon after, saw the serious looks on the other's faces, and said "Nevermind, I'll explain later." He stood next to Shai.

He was still wearing his crown.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 4 2005, 08:34 AM

Loranna hurries to find everyone she can, her expression much too calm and her eyes much too troubled to leave any doubt as to the seriousness of the matter.

Within a short time, everyone was gathered in the study; Loranna takes a deep breath and nods to the group, starting the meeting off.

" ... I've just had a vision," Loranna explains. "A very frightening one. A small idyllic kingdom is covered in dark, thundering clouds, which stretch to encompass the kingdom's lands and rain suffering and ruination upon everyone and everything - and then, when all was wasteland, a great volcano rose and the storm clouds became throngs of people, and a Dunmer of impressive bearing rose to speak to them ... and then, nothing."

"I'm not an expert on translating visions, but I think this one is obvious; our foes at Red Mountain are coming back, as we could expect, and this time ... we're doomed. Unless we can figure out a plan and quickly."

Posted by: Teleran Mar 4 2005, 08:35 AM

Teleran heard the summons and came as quickly as he could; speeding down the halls with the air of a guar who knew the nix-hounds was not far behind. He came to the usual meeting place in Jazbet’s office. His eyes moved jerkily in all directions, this irrational fear was more than he could stand.

When his eyes fell on Shai he felt the cutting fear leave him, replaced by a mild confusion and a feeling of relief. It was alright, nothing bad had happened yet. He didn’t stop to ponder the incongruity of that thought with what he had felt earlier. He looked to Loranna and Aricyn, they must have called the meeting, the fear came back to the front, but it was controlled now, that of a hunter facing powerful prey that could gut him if he moved wrongly. He readied himself for what he assumed could only be bad news.

Posted by: w0nders Mar 4 2005, 08:37 AM

Dante appeared inside the Ald Raathim mages guild in a flash of glorious light. He wondered where everyone was. So without second guessing himself he began to head towards Jazbet's estate, not sure of where he would check first.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 4 2005, 08:39 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 4 2005, 12:14 AM)

"I'm not an expert on translating visions, but I think this one is obvious; our foes at Red Mountain are coming back, as we could expect, and this time ... we're doomed. Unless we can figure out a plan and quickly."

"'Coming back'?" Aricyn said. "Wasn't aware they'd left.

"At this point, I'm more worried about the entire world than I am about us."

Posted by: Solin Mar 4 2005, 08:40 AM

Called to the meeting Solin quickly made his way to Jazbet's study. He listened from the side of the chamber, silent for the moment.

Ciel merely listened and nodded.

Posted by: w0nders Mar 4 2005, 08:50 AM

After searching aimlessly around the estate, Dante finally deduced that the study would be a good place to check. He climbed the stairs of the tower, which led there. He reached the door shortly and knocked twice before entering. Not waiting for someone to usher him in.

He found everyone he expected to be in there…in there. “Hi, what’d I miss?” He asked sheepishly, brushing past multiple people to get inside the room.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 4 2005, 08:53 AM

After retrieving the stray members of the party, the three Void Rangers, Tris, Doll, and Mirea, met the others in Jazbet's study.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 4 2005, 08:58 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Mar 4 2005, 02:30 AM)

Loranna nods to the recent arrivals. "Hello all; as I just finished relating, I've just had a vision of doom, relating to our foes at Red Mountain. Hogithum is approaching and if we don't figure out a way to stop whatever they're planning ..."

Loranna doesn't bother finishing the statement; it didn't seem necessary to.

"Let's start at the beginning; what do we know of the Azurite's preperations and plans thus far?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 4 2005, 09:01 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 4 2005, 01:38 AM)

Allerleirauh nodded to Doll, who stepped forward.

"The Telvanni Azurites are growing a giant soul gem within Red Mountain," Doll said. "It's huge, bigger than any soul gem ever. And they have a statue of the goddess which speaks every sunrise and evening, which the priestess Nibani Maesa interprets. There are thousands upon thousands of Azurites gathered there. I could not learn who their leaders were, because it's not possible to travel as I do within Red Mountain, because of the overlap of time and space caused by the Heart."

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 4 2005, 09:02 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 4 2005, 12:41 AM)

"I thought this 'Heart' was destroyed," said Aricyn.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 4 2005, 09:05 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 4 2005, 01:42 AM)

"I thought this 'Heart' was destroyed," said Aricyn.

"It is destroyed," Allerleirauh said. "But when Vehk and the other two members of the Tribunal used it to make themselves gods, they caused a flaw in the structure of the universe there, a wound, if you will. There are two histories that meet at that point, one in which Vehk was born divine, and one in which he murdered Nerevar and stole the godhood."

She took a breath. "Arynel believes that the Heart cannot truly be destroyed, that it is only the enchantments on the Heart that were destroyed, and it is there somewhere, invisible. I believe he is mistaken, that what has been destroyed is the portion of the Heart that touches the Mundus... like destroying the part of an iceberg that is seen above water. The rest is still there somewhere. It must be. Because the Heart sustains all existence."

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 4 2005, 09:07 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 4 2005, 12:45 AM)

She took a breath. "Arynel believes that the Heart cannot truly be destroyed, that it is only the enchantments on the Heart that were destroyed, and it is there somewhere, invisible. I believe he is mistaken, that what has been destroyed is the portion of the Heart that touches the Mundus... like destroying the part of an iceberg that is seen above water. The rest is still there somewhere. It must be. Because the Heart sustains all existence."

"Always nice to know that our enemies sit on top of something that sustains all existence..."

"Whrff," said the old wolf.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 4 2005, 09:12 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 4 2005, 02:47 AM)

"Always nice to know that our enemies sit on top of something that sustains all existence..."

"Whrff," said the old wolf.

"Even nicer when the summoning date of one rather upset Daedra Prince is swiftly approaching," Loranna says, for one second wishing she could go back in time and strangle her younger self before she kicked off any of this insanity.

"Whatever the Azurites have in mind, we can't let it happen; we've been working to defend ourselves up till this point, but it's time to switch gears. One way or another, we need to disrupt whatever they're planning, and keep them from getting Sen-Yedda as well, for they mustn't ever get her."

She looks to her assembled friends. "Now, the question is ... how can we possibly do that?"

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 4 2005, 09:14 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 4 2005, 12:52 AM)

"That's simple enough; we kill them all."

Aricyns statement was flippant, but the look on his face was far too serious to be funny.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 4 2005, 09:28 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 4 2005, 02:54 AM)

"That's simple enough; we kill them all."

Aricyns statement was flippant, but the look on his face was far too serious to be funny.

Loranna feels an empty void in her stomach.

" ... Either them, or us and the rest of the world," she says, with a brief frown. "Next question - how?"

Posted by: Teleran Mar 4 2005, 09:31 AM

“An army of Azurites numbering in the thousands led by Alandro Sul himself, with Daedra for their shock troops...” Teleran spoke nervously. “Let’s give it a shot, I’m game.” He said in a tone that matched Aricyn’s face rather than his words.

“Not sure if this will help any, but what happens if you break a soul gem, shatter it I mean? Any idea what one that large could be used for?”

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 4 2005, 09:36 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Mar 4 2005, 02:11 AM)

"Loranna's vision didn't concern anything as simple as troops. I have several ideas, and I don't like any of them," Allerleirauh said. "Azura is the master of soul gems; the Azura's Star, her artifact, which was destroyed at the Trial, was a soul gem with special powers. It could do almost anything. But I confess I'm a little alarmed by the location. A soul gem in the exact location of Lorkhan's Heart... does that sound good to anyone here?"

Posted by: Loranna Mar 4 2005, 09:39 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 4 2005, 03:16 AM)

"Only if you're planning on trying something truly crazy," Loranna says. "And I'm guessing that's just what they're thinking of doing. Capture the energy of Lorkhan's Heart and they control the very power that sustains Nirn; what couldn't they do after that?"

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 4 2005, 09:41 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 4 2005, 01:19 AM)

"I don't think that's what they intend to capture..." Aricyn said quietly.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 4 2005, 09:52 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 4 2005, 03:21 AM)

"I don't think that's what they intend to capture..." Aricyn said quietly.

Loranna pauses a moment, thinking. Who else was associated with Red Mountain? There was the Tribunal, the Dwarves, Dagoth Ur the Tribunal's enemy ...

But all of those were either dead or elsewhere now; what, then, was Aricyn thinking?

"Who are you thinking, Aricyn?" Loranna asks.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 4 2005, 10:00 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 4 2005, 01:32 AM)

"Don't mind me," Aricyn said quietly.

Posted by: w0nders Mar 4 2005, 10:04 AM

"Well...it's probably a very far-fetched theory, but..." Dante trailed off momentarily, thinking on his words. "Couldn't they be trying to trap Azura, if anyone? I mean...they wouldn't really have much point in anyone else. And hogithum is coming soon."

He awaited an answer.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 4 2005, 10:06 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Mar 4 2005, 03:44 AM)

Loranna frowns. "Er, if they're planning on trapping their own god then Azura is probably going to notice, and if they're trying to give her another vessel to Nirn like she almost had with me, wouldn't it be easier just to have one of her loyal followers give his or her body over to her?"

Posted by: w0nders Mar 4 2005, 10:09 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 4 2005, 03:46 AM)

Dante shrugged. "Maybe this 'soulgem' has more to it than what we have seen."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 4 2005, 10:23 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Mar 4 2005, 03:49 AM)

Dante shrugged. "Maybe this 'soulgem' has more to it than what we have seen."

"Perhaps," Loranna says, glancing again at Aricyn for a brief moment.

Shaking her head, she says " ... Whoever the Azurites intend for that soul gem, we can't let them succeed. Allie, you said you had some ideas a few moments ago; would you please share them with us now?"

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 4 2005, 10:23 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Mar 4 2005, 01:49 AM)

Dante shrugged. "Maybe this 'soulgem' has more to it than what we have seen."

"If your enemy is building a giant, secret weapon," Aricyn says, "does it really matter what it is intended to do, exactly?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 4 2005, 10:26 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 4 2005, 03:03 AM)

"No," Allerleirauh said. "I won't share my ideas for how to destroy the world. Ideas, once spoken, take on a life of their own. To speak it is to bring it about.

"I think it might be more useful to discuss ideas about what to do. Doll has been to Red Mountain; it's almost impossible to scout there. The only real way we could do it would be to convert an Azurite to our side. And until we have better information, I stay here, with the simulacrum. I have the best chance of defending it; I'm the one who's hardest to kill."

Posted by: w0nders Mar 4 2005, 10:28 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 4 2005, 04:03 AM)

"If your enemy is building a giant, secret weapon," Aricyn says, "does it really matter what it is intended to do, exactly?"

Dante turned to face Aricyn, "No...but it tends to help, somewhat."

"Besides, there really isn't anything we can really do to stop it..." He began "As Allerleirauh has already pointed out, it's going to be close to impossible to get anyone down there. I think that for the moment we should work on our defences. Find some allies, at the least. We're very low on numbers and if what Doll says is true, we won't stand a chance against them alone."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 4 2005, 10:39 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 4 2005, 04:06 AM)

Loranna starts getting some ideas of her own about what Allie's unspoken ideas may be about. A deep frown comes to her face. ... Yeah, I think I see your point Allie ... she ponders unhappily.

"Well, that is one thing we could try," Loranna says. "Though, the timeframe is kind of tight for that, unless any of us know a sympathetic Azurite already."

She looks around the room, half-hoping someone will mention they do.

"We still should try to do something, even while we're looking for a mole," she continues. "Giving the Azurites something to worry about besides sitting in Red Mountain and perfecting their little superweapon, start stirring them up, keeping them off-balance. The more we can force them to divert their attentions, the easier, hopefully, it will be to make our move against the weapon itself once we do get some more information on it."

"And we probably shouldn't try to do all this on our own, either; the Azurites are not just our problem, they're everyone's. If any of us know of anyone they can call upon to lend aid, wether to help protect Ald Raathim and the simulacrum or to harry the Azurites, or especially to help us convert one of the Azurites to our side for scouting, speak up now."

Posted by: Solin Mar 4 2005, 10:46 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 4 2005, 02:06 AM)

Solin exhaled a quick blast of breath as if muffling a small laugh. He nodded his head.

"I would attend to other matters, given that the Simulacrum is under your ample protection," the Dunmer said simply.

Posted by: Aki Mar 4 2005, 11:12 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 4 2005, 04:19 AM)

Reichi, Eya, and Raddin had attended the meeting, but only now did Reichi chose to speak. "Thats it, we should get them to spread out and stretch themselves thin, hit and run strikes, feints, draw them away from their weapon. Then we can strike," he said. "Azura isn't liked by all, im sure theres a few still on Vvardenfell who would prove powerful allies. Some scouts could assess the situation in Vvardenfell, and perhaps get us some allies."

Raddin grinned, "I know that the WHOT will lend as much aid as possible. If these Blue-eyed devils plan to attack everyone, they're a big threat that can't be ignored by anyone," he said. Afterall, he hadn't informed the WHOT of his deciscion to quit yet, he was still the leader. "The main contingent is in Cyrodil, but a few mages guild trips and we could get them to Stormhold, from there they could get here within a few days."
----------------
Ald Raathim

Tohe wandered through the town, passing the now battle-hardened citizenry of Ald Raathim. He wasn't sure where everyone was, and as far he knew, Eya was dead. So he headed to the place everyone congregates; The tavern.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 4 2005, 11:59 PM

QUOTE(Aki @ Mar 4 2005, 04:52 PM)

Loranna finds herself wondering when Reichi befriended a member of the Werebeast Hunters of Tamriel. However, at this point, any extra allies were welcome.

Raddin's words cause Loranna to frown. She had herself been thinking along those lines a moment ago, but now it occurs to her that if the Azurites were confident in the power of their new weapon, they'd probably be inclined to simply hunker down and wait till Hogithum. Still, any extra people to help with what would doubtless be a desperate raid to destroy that weapon would be helpful, right? And there might still be a way to force the Azurites to divert their attentions ...

Her mind returns to Reichi's words. " ... Do we know of any Azurites who aren't aligned with the New Temple?" she asks.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 5 2005, 12:34 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 4 2005, 03:39 PM)

Her mind returns to Reichi's words. " ... Do we know of any Azurites who aren't aligned with the New Temple?" she asks.

"No," Aricyn said, a sudden wide smile coming to his face, "but my brother does.

"He sent a letter to me recently. He's the Imperial Garrison commander of a little city not far from here. There, Azurites live peacefully with their neighbors."

Aricyn looked at all of the raised eyebrows in the room.

"If you'd met my brother, you'd understand," he said.

"I'll write him. Better yet, we should just go and talk to him!"

"Whrf!" said the old wolf at his side, excitedly.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 5 2005, 12:44 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 4 2005, 06:14 PM)

Loranna smiles, saying " ... There's light yet to brighten this dark time ..."

Then, she puts a hand to her mouth. "Wait; if they have Daedra like that last one we met, that can read minds ..."

Even as she said that though, she adds " ... But we know there's ways around that; Elysana managed it somehow, as did Liris. And we know people who themselves have telepathy and magical power and knowledge. Dagoth, for one ..."

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 5 2005, 12:53 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 4 2005, 04:24 PM)

"Unfortunately, we... lost... Liris's body before we could discover how.

"I can only solve one problem at a time," he says, looking at Lich for ideas.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Mar 5 2005, 12:59 AM

The lich just though for a moment. Then, inspiration hit like a magically enchanted stone.

'Well... I do recall having something that can negate telepathy for a time. Though I'd have to dig through that old tower of mine for it...

Posted by: Loranna Mar 5 2005, 01:04 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Mar 4 2005, 06:39 PM)

Loranna smiles, and Dagoth can hear her thinking Didn't I tell you, you were helpful to others?

"If we're going to this city it will take us a bit of time to get there; during that time Dagoth can hunt down this item and meet back up with us. In the meantime though, let's be aware that more than likely, we're going to have to go to the Azurites to stop their secret weapon. We're going to need to prepare for the biggest conflict of this war yet - and keep in mind our enemy this time are NOT power-drunk locals who think summoning a Twilight is the be all and end all of fighting. Be ready to face mortal and Daedra, warriors and spellcasters alike; don't neglect your own defenses as I and others learned to our chagrin but a short while ago."

Posted by: lochnarus Mar 5 2005, 01:41 AM

Eastern Cyrodiil

Loch stood. He thought it was Tirdas, but couldn't be sure. It was raining, hard. His breeches were soaked and he had no replacement to wear. in fact, everything was soaked. He swore.

As many days I've been out here, and nothing.

He'd been searching for Elora and her Dark Brother hood captors for days, maybe a week. It was all wilderness and small towns. He'd visited and questioned villagers in at least 8 townships, no sign of the girl or her captors.

Loch, angry at himself for bringing the girl into this mess, had almost given up hope of finding her. His stolen (but paid for) horse was tired and it was apparent that it had not traveled this far before. It was a matter of days before it would need a long rest or die of exhaustion from being ridden across Eastern Cyrodiil.

Loch sighed and sat on a wet log overlooking a bluff that led into a shallow valley. It was indeed a beautiful sight, full of lush green flora and idyllic scenery, picturesue to anyone not in such a dire state. Loch did not even notice. He sat until the rain stopped and the clouds grew into early dusk.

A flock of birds were squabbling over some meal one had found amongst the grassy slope, and the sound was driving Lochnarus mad. He shook his head to block out the sound but still the birds trumpeted on, trying to out-screech each other, seemingly.

Just then the bird erupted into the sky as the sound of horses approached. Instinctively Loch took to the treeline and crouched.

Probably a merchant or noble traveling with an escort.

Loch was about to stand and relax when around the corner of the road came a huge mass of horsemen, all wearing black armor, and behind them rolled three large caravans, driven by men in the same garb. Loch lowered himself and shrank back into the shadows of the trees.

Ok, not a merchant or noble, for sure. An army? There's been no trouble 'round these parts for as long as I remember.

Just then one of the horsemen raised a hand and the entire mass stopped, in an instance. No word was given, and no one spoke. Then loch looked at their faces. They were Orcs. Every last one of them was wearing a helm, that mostly obscured the face, but Loch could see the tusks and the lime green skin.

Odd.

The door on the lead caravan opened. A person slowly stepped out of the caravan, and turned in Loch's direction, surveying the scene. Loch was floored.

Elora!

Posted by: Tricrux Mar 5 2005, 01:55 AM

The Study

"What if we had an inside spy?" Night-Scar suggested.

Shai responded quietly, "Hard to have a spy when they all have blue eyes and twilight buddies."

"So we do one of two things. We either send in our own man, with a bit of illusion magic and a Summon Twilight spell. We can do that with enchantments if we have to. Or we could get one of them on our side - preferably one we know, so that they don't kill us on the spot..."

He looked around the room. Most everyone knew what he was thinking.

"The way I see it, we have two more potential spies, that might be easier to access. Maybe we can even use them seperately - better to run two independent missions to lower the chance of getting caught right? So I think we should ask two people: Teleran and Celeste."

Posted by: Teleran Mar 5 2005, 02:07 AM

"My eyes don't quite work, though they do have the advantage that if dispelled I can get an illusion back up and it is not as jarring as the change from, say blue to red." Teleran said. "We were thinking of something like that before we found out about Flamekiss and Doll ended up doing the recconaissance.

"Spies like that couldn't get too near Red Mountain anyway, probably crawling with mind-reading daedra and even if it wasn't, the items would run short of enchantment sooner or later. The best option at the moment is definitely to find someone who is an Azurite do the spying, but it also needs to be someone we can trust not betray us to our doom. Celeste... the last I saw of her she was leading a band of Azurites, they are dead. She disappeared in the battle, don't know where to.

"Though I think illusions like that will probably be a necessity when we do move against them. I don't fancy fighting my way across half of Vvardenfell before facing Alandro Sul and his friends."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 5 2005, 02:10 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Mar 4 2005, 07:47 PM)

"My eyes don't quite work, though they do have the advantage that if dispelled I can get an illusion back up and it is not as jarring as the change from, say blue to red." Teleran said. "We were thinking of something like that before we found out about Flamekiss and Doll ended up doing the recconaissance.

"Spies like that couldn't get too near Red Mountain anyway, probably crawling with mind-reading daedra and even if it wasn't the items would run short of enchantment sooner or later. The best option at the moment is definitely to find someone who is an Azurite do the spying, but it also needs to be someone we can trust not betray us to our doom. Celeste... the last I saw of her she was leading a band of Azurites, they are dead. She disappeared in the battle, don't know where to.

"Though I think illusions like that will probably be a necessity when we do move against them. I don't fancy fighting my way across half of Vvardenfell before facing Alandro Sul and his friends."

Loranna frowns. " ... Do we have any reason to trust Celeste now?" she asks, looking at Night-Scar. "Assuming we could find her, that is?"

Posted by: Tricrux Mar 5 2005, 02:12 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 4 2005, 06:50 PM)

Loranna frowns. " ... Do we have any reason to trust Celeste now?" she asks, looking at Night-Scar. "Assuming we could find her, that is?"

"Doubtful. Definitely shaky ground, we'd have to get some sort of show of faith from her. Send a messenger to find her and ask - that would be me."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 5 2005, 02:14 AM

QUOTE(Tricrux @ Mar 4 2005, 07:52 PM)

"Doubtful. Definitely shaky ground, we'd have to get some sort of show of faith from her. Send a messenger to find her and ask - that would be me."

Loranna looks unhappy. "That's time to find her, time to determine if she's trustable, and then time to get her to Red Mountain; still, we're going to need a little time anyway to get to Aricyn's brother's city ..."

Posted by: Tricrux Mar 5 2005, 02:22 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 4 2005, 06:54 PM)

He shrugged. "I'll go independently. I'm the only man for the job, and I still think that the more routes we have to Alandro Sul and Red Mountain, the better - if they catch you, there'll still be this. And if they catch me? A small loss."

He gave a semi-playful salute to everyone in the room. "I'll go now...try to find her, try to persuade her. I'll see what I can do. I've got sources in town for all the supplies I'm going to need, and I'm already armed. I know that the last we saw her she was nearby."

He saluted again and stepped out the door. He smiled at Allerleirauh and Aricyn. "Good luck."

And then he was gone.

Posted by: Glensather Mar 5 2005, 07:44 AM

Tharivor and his men filed off the boat and spread out into a wide formation, sneaking to their next location.

Their objective was simple: Find their contact first, discuss a plan, and finally infiltrate the Castle and take what was rightfully theirs...

Posted by: Nalion Mar 5 2005, 08:32 AM

Nalion, Ald Raathim, Study

Nalion had joined the group in the study once the summons came. The mage had remained silent for the most part, only nodding sometimes when proposals were made.
He almost casually leaned in a corner, clad in a plain robe. His brown eyes were half closed, his chin rested in his hand. During the discussion, he had pondered an idea how to possibily solve their problem, but did not speak up yet. This matter needed some more thinking and more information.

The Breton turned his attention back to the group.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 5 2005, 08:39 AM

Aricyn had taken it upon himself to find passage to his brother's city. It wasn't hard to find a ship, for many small vessels sat in Jazbet's port now that the blockade was lifted, but it was a bit harder to find a captain that knew where Jaszra was.

A group of sailors discussed the matter between them, one finally saying, "You want Freetown, Muthsera. Only those scabby Khajiit call it Jaszra, and I can take you there. Good town to trade in, but I don't know why you'd want to visit. Whole town's no bigger than a snuffbox, and filled with EX-slaves," (at this he laughed).

Aricyn strongly considered breaking the man's nose, but if he was the type to say such things while standing on the docks of Daruhn, a punch probably wouldn't do him much good.

He did hire a different ship, though, and bid them be ready to sail at the next dawn.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 5 2005, 08:45 AM

The meeting in Jazbet's study had gone on for some time; many ideas were suggested, a number of which were taken apart almost immediately, some of which couldn't advance until later, and a few which seemed immediately promising.

In the end, the group of heroes agreed that visiting Aricyn's brother was a good starting point, and volunteers were called for. Loranna briefly considered staying behind, wanting to remain close to Jazbet, but she soon realized she could do little for the Khajiit until he recovered - and, for right now, she could be as helpful going to talk to Aricyn's brother as she could staying at home and pumping out potions. There would be time enough for that anyway, before all was said and done.

Loranna spent the night with Jazbet once more, kissing him softly on the lips and whispering "My love, forgive me if you wake up while I'm gone; this time, I should be back rather soon ..."

Come the dawn, Loranna shows up at the ship Aricyn chartered, ready for a sail.

Posted by: Nalion Mar 5 2005, 08:56 AM

Nalion arrived at the docking place of the ship. He looked a bit tired as if he had overslept, but his pack indicated that he had done his preparations. This time, he was prepared a little better for the trip than the previous one. Some potions of restore magicka were stuffed away at places easy to reach if needed, and a small amount of soulgems were ready for use. The Dagger of Senses hung at its place at his belt and the staff the mage held almost casually gleamed in its usualy purple colour, hinting at its enchantment.

Nalion saw Loranna standing near the ship and shot her a friendly glance. "Once more we set out, Loranna. Let's hope for a more peaceful trip this time." With that, he boarded the ship.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 5 2005, 09:10 AM

Aricyn stood by the docks in the early morning mist, watching the sailors load the ship.

He looked up with surprise at the approaching group.

"Well! I didn't realize this was such an outing! I suspect you'll all be bored out of your skulls, but you're welcome along."

Within the hour, the ship had slipped its moorings and headed south. It would take most of the day to reach Freetown.

The day proved to be a lovely day for sailing. Seabirds circled the ship, diving for fish stirred up in its wake. The sun was warm and the breeze was steady.

As evening approached, and the red dusk began turning a deep blue, the captain called his passengers to the deck.

"That's it," he said, pointing ahead of the ship to the black shape of a small island ahead.

At regular intervals, the sharp, golden light of a lighthouse winked at them from the island.

The ship rounded a rocky point, following the light of the lighthouse, and circled the tiny island. It was little more than a steep hill jutting out of the sea.

Beyond the rocky spike was the city of Jaszra. Bright golden lights twinkled throughout the city, reflecting off of the bay.

Drawing closer, it seemed that the entire city was built on huge, stone platforms that rose out of the bay, only touching land at one or two points.

At the farthest point from land, the silhouette of a castle rose from the sea. Some of its turrets were, as yet, unfinished.

Overlooked by the castle were the docks, lit by bright little tubes rising from rods set in the stone. Many ships were moored to the open stone platform here, and even in the evening, the docks bustled with activity.

The ship drew up to the platform, was secured to great iron rings set in the stone, and the gangplank was lowered.

"Here we are," Aricyn said, rather excitedly.

Posted by: Arynel Mar 5 2005, 09:16 AM

Arynel stepped off the boat and onto the docks of Freetown. The Breton's gaze swept over the place, but he remained silent and did not yet procede further into the town.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 5 2005, 09:17 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 5 2005, 02:50 AM)

Aricyn stood by the docks in the early morning mist, watching the sailors load the ship.

He looked up with surprise at the approaching group.

"Well! I didn't realize this was such an outing! I suspect you'll all be bored out of your skulls, but you're welcome along."

Within the hour, the ship had slipped its moorings and headed south. It would take most of the day to reach Freetown.
The day proved to be a lovely day for sailing. Seabirds circled the ship, diving for fish stirred up in its wake. The sun was warm and the breeze was steady.

As evening approached, and the red dusk began turning a deep blue, the captain called his passengers to the deck.

"That's it," he said, pointing ahead of the ship to the black shape of a small island ahead.

At regular intervals, the sharp, golden light of a lighthouse winked at them from the island.
The ship rounded a rocky point, following the light of the lighthouse, and circled the tiny island. It was little more than a steep hill jutting out of the sea.

Beyond the rocky spike was the city of Jaszra. Bright golden lights twinkled throughout the city, reflecting off of the bay.

Drawing closer, it seemed that the entire city was built on huge, stone platforms that rose out of the bay, only touching land at one or two points.

At the farthest point from land, the silhouette of a castle rose from the sea. Some of its turrets were, as yet, unfinished.

Overlooked by the castle were the docks, lit by bright little tubes rising from rods set in the stone. Many ships were moored to the open stone platform here, and even in the evening, the docks bustled with activity.

The ship drew up to the platform, was secured to great iron rings set in the stone, and the gangplank was lowered.

"Here we are," Aricyn said, rather excitedly.

Loranna looks upon the city that stands on stone platforms, feeling a touch of Aricyn's excitement. "So, this is Jaszra; I lived to see it after all ..." she says, smiling to herself. "You're lucky Aricyn; your brother is so close you could visit him easily whenever, were times more peaceful."

She smiles again, wishing they had the time to see the sights more fully; if they all lived past Hogithum, she was deinfitely coming back, to see the city founded by those she helped free.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 5 2005, 09:22 AM

Doll had gone with them, because of her familiarity with the politics of the city. She was wearing a Khajiit skirt and blouse, richly embroidered with the colorful traditional work Khajiit had developed during centuries of enslavement to the Dunmer.

As she stepped off the ship, the bent old Khajiit unloading the baggage grinned hugely and bowed to her. "Welcome, Bhusaren! Jazra is happy to feel the touch of your feet again!"

Doll bowed back, in response to her honorary Khajiit name, 'word-bringer.' "It is good to see you again, J'Sula! How are things in the city?"

"Oh, good, good," the old Khajiit said. "No sands here, but always warm."

Tris stretched and looked around him. He always felt so cramped on board ship.

Posted by: Nalion Mar 5 2005, 09:27 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 5 2005, 07:57 AM)

Nalion disembarks shortly after Loranna. He had always liked traveling by ship, the soft breeze and salty air, waves rustling along the ships bow and the groaning of the ropes in the rigging.

He gazes curiously at the town spreading before him. "It's good to see that things begin to work out well after all these events, it's a silver lining on the horizon. But the real storm will yet have to come before the sun will shine brightly again, I fear."

Posted by: Solin Mar 5 2005, 09:32 AM

Ciel stepped of the ship with the others and absorbed the city from the docks. It is a curious sight, such a new city. It would take time to see it in its fullest, time was in such short supply now. The knight continued his survey, he was interested in the source of Aricyn's apparent excitement. The Nord must care for his brother fiercely.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 5 2005, 09:33 AM

Aricyn stepped onto the dock. The old wolf stretched, looking comically like Tris, and followed him.

"Well," said Aricyn, looking around... completely at a loss.

"I see you all waiting on me, but I've never been here. So, I don't suppose you know where the Imperial Garrison is, do you, Doll?"

The old Khajiit she had spoken to stood, smiling, with his open hand outstretched... waiting.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 5 2005, 09:39 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 5 2005, 03:13 AM)

Loranna wonders how much she has on her right now; she had spent a fair bit back at Stormhold but she had made a good bit of that back once she started brewing up some potions ...

She reaches for her pouch and pulls out a good number of septims, looking at the Khajiit and smiling. "Warm day to you, friend," she greets, passing him the gold.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 5 2005, 09:45 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 5 2005, 01:19 AM)

She reaches for her pouch and pulls out a good number of septims, looking at the Khajiit and smiling. "Warm day to you, friend," she greets, passing him the gold.

The bent old Khajiit looked at his handful of gold, sighed pitifully, then put on a big smile for Loranna. He bowed, pocketed his gold, and moved to Ciel and Tris.

He would skip Doll; no one in the city would accept any gold from her, but to everyone else he extended his hand and waited.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 5 2005, 09:45 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 5 2005, 02:25 AM)

Tris, after a moment of confusion, came up with several septims. Usually dockworkers didn't expect to be tipped. But this was Freetown.

Posted by: Nalion Mar 5 2005, 09:53 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 5 2005, 08:25 AM)

Nalion raised a questioning eyebrow just before the old Khajiit turned from him. Then he greeted him with a smile, followed the actions of the others and fumbled at his pouch for some coin.
"May you always walk on warm sands!" he greeted him. "You have achieved quite a feat for now. I hope I will see your city in full glory someday."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 5 2005, 09:58 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 5 2005, 02:13 AM)

"I do," Doll said, "And I will take you there, but I have something I must do first."

She disappeared around the corner of a building, presumably to perform private functions. But in truth she was returning to Ald Raathim to tell Master Solin the ship had arrived.

When she returned, Solin was with her.

"It's not hard to find," she said. "The Garrison headquarters is the solid stone building that lies in the shade of the palace. And the palace -" she said, pointing, "is right there."

She pointed at http://home.wnm.net/~bgriff/MW_FT_05.jpg jutting out into the water.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 5 2005, 10:03 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 5 2005, 01:38 AM)

"It's not hard to find," she said. "The Garrison headquarters is the solid stone building that lies in the shade of the palace. And the palace -" she said, pointing, "is right there."

She pointed at an elaborate set of towers jutting out into the water.

Aricyn looked at the towers, and then at the hopeful Khajiit, hovering near him.

"You've already made a dockworker's wages for a year, here, old man. Be thankful and be off with you," he said, then headed for the stone garrison, his white cloak sweeping behind him.

The old Khajiit spat in Aricyn's general direction, and mumbled something under his breath.

Posted by: Solin Mar 5 2005, 10:05 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 5 2005, 01:38 AM)

"I do," Doll said, "And I will take you there, but I have something I must do first."

She disappeared around the corner of a building, presumably to perform private functions. But in truth she was returning to Ald Raathim to tell Master Solin the ship had arrived.

When she returned, Solin was with her.

"It's not hard to find," she said. "The Garrison headquarters is the solid stone building that lies in the shade of the palace. And the palace -" she said, pointing, "is right there."

She pointed at an http://home.wnm.net/~bgriff/MW_FT_05.jpg jutting out into the water.

The Dunmer made a pleased "Ahhh" as he over looked the town.

"Those are some interesting structures," he said to Doll with a broad grin. A raised eyebrow signified his curiousity with the Khajiit's displeasure but he said nothing.

Posted by: Nalion Mar 5 2005, 10:07 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 5 2005, 08:38 AM)

"I do," Doll said, "And I will take you there, but I have something I must do first."

She disappeared around the corner of a building, presumably to perform private functions. But in truth she was returning to Ald Raathim to tell Master Solin the ship had arrived.

When she returned, Solin was with her.

"It's not hard to find," she said. "The Garrison headquarters is the solid stone building that lies in the shade of the palace. And the palace -" she said, pointing, "is right there."

She pointed at an http://home.wnm.net/~bgriff/MW_FT_05.jpg jutting out into the water.

Nalion caught himself at rising an eyebrow again. He did that too often these times. He had reason to do so, though.
He greeted Master Solin with a smile, wondering how he came here, but placed that thought back for later pondering and gazed at the palace.
"Fascinating! Dwemeri ruins on an island in the sea. Much like those from Dagon Fel. I wonder what the Dwemer intended to do with it Might that be an observatory? Anyways, I like the combination of imperial and dwemer construction. It's so... contrastful...." Just now, Nalion realized he had spoken aloud.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 5 2005, 10:12 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Mar 5 2005, 02:47 AM)

"The Emperor himself had to grant a charter for Jazra to be built here," Doll said, trotting to keep up with Aricyn's long legs. "Well, it was his name on the paperwork anyway, if you ask me he never saw it personally."

She tapped Aricyn on the shoulder. "Aricyn?"

It was unusual for her to address an older person without using a title of some kind.

"I think perhaps you have never been a slave. If you had, you would understand why it is so important to these people to be paid for their work."

They had arrived at the gates of the garrison. Unlike most fortresses in Morrowind, the gates here were manned. You couldn't just walk in and out at will. But the two soldiers on duty, a Redguard and an Orc, looked pleasant enough.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 5 2005, 10:17 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 5 2005, 03:52 AM)

Loranna follows Aricyn, nodding in greeting to Solin when he arrives. Unlike Nalion, she didn't wonder overmuch how he got there.

"It does make for an interesting contrast," she concurs with the mage. "I don't think there's any city like this one anywhere on Tamriel."

She glances at Doll as she speaks to Aricyn, frowning just a little; she didn't know the young girl as well as she might have wished but she was pretty sure she had a strong interest and affinity for this city and its people. She hopes Doll isn't too upset.

Posted by: Solin Mar 5 2005, 10:23 AM

Solin gave Loranna a nod and hen returned the greetings he had been given each in turn.

"No, I doubt there are many if any places much like this," Solin said still smiling. He followed Doll for the most part but every now and then something would catch his eye and he would turn his head to investigate it more thoroughly with a glance.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 5 2005, 10:28 AM

Aricyn smiled at the young girl's statement on slavery, but it was a weak smile, and he didn't comment.

"Evenin'," said the Orc at the garrison door.

"We're here to see Commander Cyndarius Colla," Aricyn said.

"He's 'ere. Who might you be?"

"I'm his brother, and these are my companions."

"His... well I'll be the son of a drunken Bosmer and a ferret!" said the Orc. "So you would be, so you would!

"Come on, then, follow me!"

The Redguard smiled and the heavy door creaked open.

Inside was brightness and warmth, and the first sound to reach their ears was laughter. From a side room, a legionairre was telling a story that involved standing on chairs and gesturing wildly, much to the amusement of his audience.

As the Orc led them deeper in the building, they passed an Imperial woman; a maid.

"Evenin' Nan," the Orc said, and the maid smiled and demurely lowered her bright azure eyes.

"It's right up this way, 'ere," said the Orc, gesturing to a stair. "You wait 'ere and I'll pop up and see if'n he's in."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 5 2005, 10:34 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 5 2005, 04:08 AM)

The sound of laughter brings a small, wistful smile to Loranna's face, and the sight of the storytelling legionairre makes her chuckle.

Hair Aruza, she whispers to herself, thinking of Jazbet being in this crowd, laughing and enjoying himself. After thinking so much on what horror lay in store at Red Mountain, it was nice to hear free, heartfelt laughter again.

The Azurite maid catches Loranna's attention for just a second, this being the first time she's seen an Azurite who wasn't thinking of killing her in quite some time. She reflects that, when lacking a murderous light within, their glowing blue eyes were actually rather pretty.

"Quite a place," she comments to her friends, her smile widening a bit as she rouses herself from her own thoughts.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 5 2005, 10:39 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 5 2005, 02:14 AM)

The Azurite maid catches Loranna's attention for just a second, this being the first time she's seen an Azurite who wasn't thinking of killing her in quite some time. She reflects that, when lacking a murderous light within, their glowing blue eyes were actually rather pretty.

Loranna looked at the passing maid, and just for a second, the passing maid looked up and back at her.

She dropped her laundry.

"Oh! So sorry, ma'am," she stammered.

Aricyn smiled, and bent to help her pick up his brother's undergarments.

"That's alright," he said, "she has that effect on a lot of people."

The maid smiled, and looked up at him, ready to speak. When she saw him, she again dropped the abused laundry.

Eventually, she made her way down the hall, clutching an untidy, but complete, pile of clothes.

Posted by: Nalion Mar 5 2005, 10:42 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 5 2005, 09:08 AM)

[snip]
As the Orc led them deeper in the building, they passed an Imperial woman; a maid.

"Evenin' Nan," the Orc said, and the maid smiled and demurely lowered her bright azure eyes.

"It's right up this way, 'ere," said the Orc, gesturing to a stair. "You wait 'ere and I'll pop up and see if'n he's in."

Nalion had followed the others across the streets gazing curiously at the sight of dwemer street lamps and wondered how they worked. As they entered the building and passed the imperial woman, he flinched. He had seen too many bright blue eyes - fervent, aggressive, foreboding a battle - so it was a natural reaction that he mentally prepared for a defense. The meekness in her expression didn't do much to calm him. He took a deep breath and held a distance between the maid and himself, not too obvious as to seem impolite, but not particularly close either. He knew they were supposed to be peaceful Azurites there, but... he couldn't, nor wanted to express his feelings right now.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 5 2005, 10:43 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 5 2005, 04:19 AM)

"Seems I'm not the only one to have that effect on people," Loranna comments dryly to Aricyn.

Her brow, however, is somewhat furrowed. " ... Guess I should start getting used to it ..."

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 5 2005, 10:54 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 5 2005, 02:23 AM)

"Seems I'm not the only one to have that effect on people," Loranna comments dryly to Aricyn.

Her brow, however, is somewhat furrowed. " ... Guess I should start getting used to it ..."

"It's because we're so damned pretty," Aricyn said with a smile.

Above, the door opened and the Orc waved them all up, then returned to his post, saying, "Evenin' to you all."

Aricyn led the way up the stairs, and almost came tumbling back down.

As soon as he had entered warm, fire-lit room, he was tackled by a huge man in a nightshirt. Aricyn returned the hug just as fiercely. Words of greeting were mumbled into shoulders.

For a moment, all anyone could see of the man who bearhugged Aricyn was a golden head of curly short hair, then he raised his face, and it was obvious why the maid had been so surprised.

Other than the hair, the heaviness of build, and height, Aricyn and his brother were identical.

The man's flushed, smiling face turned to the others. "Well, if it isn't little Doll! So happy to see you again.

"And you must be Loranna.

"I'm sorry, but I don't think I know the rest of you."

Aricyn reluctantly released his hold on his brother, and introduced everyone.

"This is my brother, Cyndarius."

Posted by: Solin Mar 5 2005, 10:57 AM

Solin raised a curious eyebrow at the duo but smiled and allowed himself to be introduced.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 5 2005, 10:57 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 5 2005, 03:34 AM)

"It's because we're so damned pretty," Aricyn said with a smile.

Above, the door opened and the Orc waved them all up, then returned to his post, saying, "Evenin' to you all."

Aricyn led the way up the stairs, and almost came tumbling back down.

As soon as he had entered warm, fire-lit room, he was tackled by a huge man in a nightshirt. Aricyn returned the hug just as fiercely. Words of greeting were mumbled into shoulders.

For a moment, all anyone could see of the man who bearhugged Aricyn was a golden head of curly short hair, then he raised his face, and it was obvious why the maid had been so surprised.

Other than the hair, and the heaviness of build, and height, Aricyn and his brother were identical.

The man's flushed, smiling face turned to the others. "Well, if it isn't little Doll! So happy to see you again.

"And you must be Loranna.

"I'm sorry, but I don't think I know the rest of you."

Aricyn reluctantly released his hold on his brother, and introduced everyone.

"This is my brother, Cyndarius."

Doll curtseyed. "Congratulations on your promotion, Captain. This is Master Solin, who I told you about before."

She didn't seem bothered by the informality of meeting an Imperial Captain wearing nothing but a nightshirt.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 5 2005, 10:59 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 5 2005, 04:34 AM)

"It's because we're so damned pretty," Aricyn said with a smile.

Above, the door opened and the Orc waved them all up, then returned to his post, saying, "Evenin' to you all."

Aricyn led the way up the stairs, and almost came tumbling back down.

As soon as he had entered warm, fire-lit room, he was tackled by a huge man in a nightshirt. Aricyn returned the hug just as fiercely. Words of greeting were mumbled into shoulders.

For a moment, all anyone could see of the man who bearhugged Aricyn was a golden head of curly short hair, then he raised his face, and it was obvious why the maid had been so surprised.

Other than the hair, and the heaviness of build, and height, Aricyn and his brother were identical.

The man's flushed, smiling face turned to the others. "Well, if it isn't little Doll! So happy to see you again.

"And you must be Loranna.

"I'm sorry, but I don't think I know the rest of you."

Aricyn reluctantly released his hold on his brother, and introduced everyone.

"This is my brother, Cyndarius."

Loranna blinks, Cyndarius's features surprising her almost as much as Aricyn's had surprised the maid, but she smiles and mimics Doll's curtsey.

"Yes; a pleasure to meet you," she says, smiling at the show of brotherly affection between the two men. Was it just her or did Aricyn seem almost positively boyish for the nonce?

Posted by: Nalion Mar 5 2005, 11:02 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 5 2005, 09:34 AM)

[snip]
Aricyn reluctantly released his hold on his brother, and introduced everyone.

"This is my brother, Cyndarius."

Nalion was as surprised as the others at the similarity of the two brothers. When it was his turn to introduce himself, he gave a polite nod and smile and offered his name.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 5 2005, 11:08 AM

Cyndarius solidly shook each hand as it was offered.

"I'm pleased to meet you all. I'm sure that I'm in the company of great heroes, at the moment... And look at me! In my nightshirt!" he said with a slight blush.

"But tell me," he said, his face getting more serious, "what brings you all here without warning? I'd like to think it's just a surprise social call."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 5 2005, 11:09 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 5 2005, 03:48 AM)

Little Doll's face became serious.

"Captain, we have been told that Jazra is the only place in all of Tamriel where the Azurites live in peace with other people. We need the services of an Azurite, someone who can help us to protect ourselves, and fight against the evil that is growing in Red Mountain."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 5 2005, 11:13 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 5 2005, 04:49 AM)

Loranna's face also grows serious. "Doll is right, Captain," she concurs. "The Azurites at Red Mountain are preparing something, something which come Hogithum will cause great disaster for the rest of us. We need to know what it is they plan so that we may stop it ..."

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 5 2005, 11:23 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 5 2005, 02:49 AM)

Cyndarius, his face now deadly serious, started to speak, but there was a knock at the door, which opened before anyone could say so much as "who's there?", and a scruffy-looking Breton man in uniform entered, carrying a chair in each hand. Behind him were two other legionairres bearing chairs and a small folding table.

"I thought you'd need some more dam' seats," said the man.

"Indeed we do, Merey, thanks. I'm a terrible host."

"Right then," the man said, not leaving, and obviously curious.

"You can stay, Merey. They're here about Red Mountain," said Cyndarius. "Merey's my Lieutenant."

"Ah," said Merey, relieved to be informed. "Friggin' pleasure to meet all of you, it is."

There were enough chairs, and enough beer, for everyone.

"So you need a spy?" said Cyndarius after everyone was comfortable. "Most of the... Azurites, did you call them?.. that live here are simple farmers and such, but I can ask around, tomorrow. We might find some volunteers."

Posted by: Solin Mar 5 2005, 11:31 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 5 2005, 03:03 AM)

"So you need a spy?" said Cyndarius after everyone was comfortable. "Most of the... Azurites, did you call them?.. that live here are simple farmers and such, but I can ask around, tomorrow. We might find some volunteers."

Solin cleared his throat.

"Pardons, Captain," he began, his intrest about the settlement raised. "Farmers? Where might they turn soil on the sea like this?"

Posted by: Nalion Mar 5 2005, 11:34 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 5 2005, 10:03 AM)

Cyndarius, his face now deadly serious, started to speak, but there was a knock at the door, which opened before anyone could say so much as "who's there?", and a scruffy-looking man in uniform entered, carrying a chair in each hand. Behind him were two other legionairres bearing chairs and a small folding table.

"I thought you'd need some more dam' seats," said the man.

"Indeed we do, Merey, thanks. I'm a terrible host."

"Right then," the man said, not leaving, and obviously curious.

"You can stay, Merey. They're here about Red Mountain," said Cyndarius. "Merey's my Lieutenant."

"Ah," said Merey, relieved to be informed. "Friggin' pleasure to meet all of you, it is."

There were enough chairs, and enough beer, for everyone.

"So you need a spy?" said Cyndarius after everyone was comfortable. "Most of the... Azurites, did you call them?.. that live here are simple farmers and such, but I can ask around, tomorrow. We might find some volunteers."

Nalion took a seat and a mug of beer. He drank a swallow, then spoke. "Maybe a farmer is just what we need. We need one who doesn't attract attention, but can reach at least until Ghostgate unhindered. Red Mountain is far from being a hospitable place. With the new temple, they will need food, we have experienced such problems before." Nalion looked at Loranna and remembered how Erenius managed to feed them. "Maybe a former servant would also do, having a chance to peek into critical spots. We might not have time to build up a proper spy, though. And, if I might add, it's a great risk for the volunteer."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 5 2005, 11:35 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 5 2005, 05:03 AM)

Loranna nods to Merey, then turns to Cyndarius.

"We appreciate that, Captain," she says, frowning slightly. "We should inform you of what we do know of the situation at Red Mountain thus far. To quickly summarize, we know the New Temple has a large number of loyal Azurites there, including several with the powers of mind-reading - a friend of mine is looking for a magic item which ought to shield a person's mind from being read, so that a spy will have any chance at all. We know they've built a statue to Azura, and a giant soul gem, called Azura's Pillar, which is being used for ... something. What, we're not yet sure, but all portents point to a dire fate for anyone not of the New Temple acome Hogithum. And of course, we can expect Daedra there as well - possibly even champions of Azura beyond the standard Twilight."

" ... It is a lot we are asking," Loranna says, looking at Cyndarius seriously. "However, the situation is desperate; time grows short, and there is no realistic chance for a non-Azurite to pass as one in the heart of the New Temple's power ..."

She looks to the others to see if they have anything else to add.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 5 2005, 11:50 AM

"Oh, they aren't farmers here," Cyndarius said to Solin. "But they were before... They're still people, you know. I understand you've fought them a great deal, but they're still just people who made a bad choice. Some of them regret that choice.

"Let me tell you a story."

His golden eyebrows drew closer together.

"There's a nice couple who live here, came from the mainland. Their eyes might've been blue, but the woman was pregnant with their first child, and they were looking for a safe place to raise a family, just like everyone else. They came here and put their bad decisions behind them.

"The woman's in prison now, and her husband can barely speak. Yesterday they had their baby. A healthy son. The woman ate it. She tore the little thing into bits and ate it."

Cyndarius's face was very dark.

"She sits in her cell crying. She says that she had an overpowering urge to do it, and she doesn't know why. She cries and cries that she wants her baby back.

"Yesterday morning, at sunrise, Red Mountain flashed. Many people here reported seeing it, just at sunrise.

"These Azurites as you call them. They're people, just like you and me. I've made bad decisions too. We all have, but we're lucky. We can overcome them, put them behind us, move on.

"Something at Red Mountain is stopping people from doing that. It's robbing them of the right.

"I don't know what to do with the poor woman in my prison, but if you need my help against Red Mountain, I'll offer it freely."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 5 2005, 11:57 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 5 2005, 05:30 AM)

"Oh, they aren't farmers here," Cyndarius said to Solin. "But they were before... They're still people, you know. I understand you've fought them a great deal, but they're still just people who made a bad choice. Some of them regret that choice.

"Let me tell you a story."

His golden eyebrows drew closer together.

"There's a nice couple who live here, came from the mainland. Their eyes might've been blue, but the woman was pregnant with their first child, and they were looking for a safe place to raise a family, just like everyone else. They came here and put their bad decisions behind them.

"The woman's in prison now, and her husband can barely speak. Yesterday they had their baby. A healthy son. The woman ate it. She tore the little thing into bits and ate it."

Cyndarius's face was very dark.

"She sits in her cell crying. She says that she had an overpowering urge to do it, and she doesn't know why. She cries and cries that she wants her baby back.

"Yesterday morning, at sunrise, Red Mountain flashed. Many people here reported seeing it, just at sunrise.

"These Azurites as you call them. They're people, just like you and me. I've made bad descisions too. We all have, but we're lucky. We can overcome them, put them behind us, move on.

"Something at Red Mountain is stopping people from doing that. It's robbing them of the right.

"I don't know what to do with the poor woman in my prison, but if you need my help against Red Mountain, I'll offer it freely."

Loranna shivers, closing her eyes and thinking of the woman Cyndarius just mentioned.

" ... It's even worse than we knew ..." she says quietly, her silver tearstreaks gleaming in the light.

This is what you helped unleash ... Her expresison grows angry for a moment as she ponders Cyndarius's story. When she opens her eyes, she feels a little calmer but her face is still dark, much like his.

"Thank you Captain," she says, nodding slowly.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 5 2005, 12:03 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 5 2005, 03:37 AM)

Cyndarius looked at Loranna, his grey eyes very keen in the firelight.

"There's no use in dwelling on your part in this. Feel sorry for what you've done, but don't feel sorry for yourself.

"My story wasn't meant to be discouraging, and this isn't a time for sadness. This is a time for hope, and determination.

"As long as there are people, just like us, and just like you, who stand against evil in the world, then I can look forward to every morning."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 5 2005, 12:08 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 5 2005, 05:43 AM)

Loranna is silent for a moment, then nods.

"Yes," she says. "Tomorrow, as you said, we'll look for volunteers. By then I hope to have heard from my friend about the mind-shielding item. The New Temple will not succeed, so long as we keep hope."

Her expression clears. "Is there anything else anyone wishes to discuss - further questions you may have Captain, or further thoughts my friends? If not, then I recall that we have refreshment and comfortable accomodations here, and a most friendly atmosphere, one to be enjoyed."

She smiles.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 5 2005, 12:12 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 5 2005, 04:48 AM)

"Tomorrow is too late," Doll said. "There is a bad habit you have, Mistress Loranna, of going to a new place and then stopping and standing still for a while, and then starting again. I am not tired; and the city has lights, it is moving right now. Our enemies do not take vacations the way we do."

Tris had been listening to the conversation without speaking. Now he said, "Forgive me, Cyndarius. Am I understanding you correctly? You want us to go to Red Mountain to help the Azurites? I think you're going to be disappointed, I don't think that works that way."

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 5 2005, 12:20 PM

"Doll's right," Cyndarius said. "This city never sleeps, and judging by the bright looks on your scholarly friends' faces, it would be horrible to keep them locked up in here."

"Merey..." he said, but the man was already up.

"I'm already on it," he said. "Give me an hour and I'll have you more friggin' volunteers than you can shake your milkfinger at."

With that, he left.

Cyndarius turned to Tris.

"And why shouldn't it work that way?" he asked, simply.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 5 2005, 12:24 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 5 2005, 06:00 AM)

"Doll's right," Cyndarius said. "This city never sleeps, and judging by the bright looks on your scholarly friends' faces, it would be horrible to keep them locked up in here."

"Mery..." he said, but the man was already up.

"I'm already on it," he said. "Give me an hour and I'll have you more friggin' volunteers than you can shake your milkfinger at."

With that, he left.

Cyndarius turned to Tris.

"And why shouldn't it work that way?" he asked, simply.

Loranna closed her eyes at Doll's comment, thinking to herself that lately, even the quiet times had felt rushed. However, the girl had a point ...

Merey's comment, however, makes her raise her eyebrows, and she has to make some effort to keep the image of shaking milkfingers from creeping into her mind.

Promising herself that one of these days she'll learn to be better about keeping up with the world, she listens to the conversation between Tris and Cyndarius.

Posted by: Nalion Mar 5 2005, 12:24 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 5 2005, 10:52 AM)

"As much as rest and friendly atmosphere is desired, I have to agree with you, Tris. Time is critical. Hogithum is near. Something WILL happen and I for one know that it is not something we want to have. Alas, I am honest. I have encountered Azurites and they were definitely not friendly towards me or my friends. Granted, they have made a wrong decision and by all means I know that for I wavered at this moment, too. But with what is currently happening at Red Mountain, the side who doesn't want that the Azurites live their life by themselves and in peace is growing stronger even as we speak."
Nalion paused for a while, astonished by himself for speaking up loudly.
"If we do not act soon, we may well be beyond the point to do anything."

As Cyndarius sent Merey to gather volunteers, the mage gave him a sincere look. "Thank you."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 5 2005, 12:29 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 5 2005, 05:00 AM)

"It just doesn't," Tris said. "They gave up their souls to Azura, it's not like they can just change their minds and say, 'Oops, sorry,' and get them back. I feel bad for them too, I mean, there must be some decent people in Vvardenfell, although I sure didn't run into many on my trip across the island, but in a whole island there are bound to be a few honest people, and a lot of them got hurt. But it was their decision, and now they don't get to make decisions anymore. Whose fault is that? It's not Loranna's, no matter how often she beats herself up for it, she stood up in front of them and told them the truth."

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 5 2005, 12:40 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 5 2005, 04:09 AM)

Cyndarius smiled. It was completely unlike his brother's smiles.

"Every man's soul is his own, always," he said. "It's just hard for most people to remember.

"What you say is still true, though. They made a decision, and they don't get to make any more. The gave their souls to a Daedra, and now the deed is done.

"The woman in my prison right now, sitting on cold stone crying for her baby as we sit in front of a fire drinking beer... she can attest to the truth of your statement.

"But I ask you. Do they deserve it? Would you give them another chance if you could?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 5 2005, 12:43 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 5 2005, 05:20 AM)

Cyndarius smiled. It was completely unlike his brother's smiles.

"Every man's soul is his own, always," he said. "It's just hard for most people to remember.

"What you say is still true, though. They made a decision, and they don't get to make any more. The gave their souls to a Daedra, and now the deed is done.

"The woman in my prison right now, sitting on cold stone crying for her baby as we sit in front of a fire drinking beer... she can attest to the truth of your statement.

"But I ask you. Do they derserve it? Would you give them another chance if you could?"

"I'm not sure I'm in charge of things," Tris said. But he said it looking down at his feet, the real one, and the false one, unable to meet the eyes of the golden man.

Suddenly he was struck by someone they should have invited to the planning meeting back in Ald Raathim. Leseth. Leseth had gotten them the Flamekiss, and they had all forgetten him. The others could be excused, but Tris should have remembered.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 5 2005, 12:46 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 5 2005, 06:20 AM)

Cyndarius smiled. It was completely unlike his brother's smiles.

"Every man's soul is his own, always," he said. "It's just hard for most people to remember.

"What you say is still true, though. They made a decision, and they don't get to make any more. The gave their souls to a Daedra, and now the deed is done.

"The woman in my prison right now, sitting on cold stone crying for her baby as we sit in front of a fire drinking beer... she can attest to the truth of your statement.

"But I ask you. Do they derserve it? Would you give them another chance if you could?"

Loranna speaks. "There was once a mer who gave up his soul for power and revenge, and became a monster - literally, a sick darkness formed in his soul, driving him from atrocity to atrocity. And yet, after thousands of years of being a scourge upon the land, something happened, and he found he could have his soul again, if he tried. He's still wrestling with it, but it's there, within his grasp ..."

She takes a small breath. "If whatever the New Temple is doing is robbing the Azurites here of their will, then maybe, destroying that will let them have that chance, Captain. Azura will still be in their hearts, but other Daedra-Changed have managed to lead their own lives before. We know several such people, have adventured with them even."

Posted by: Arynel Mar 5 2005, 12:53 PM

Arynel had been waiting silently, listening to the conversation.

"Perhaps, as you say, the Azurites can turn off from the path they now walk and start on a new road, I will give you that for sake of imagining a string." The Breton said. "Have any of you a plan to change them? A great many paths seem to center on Red Mountain, and perhaps that is the place we will be apt to find ourselves. Other paths may reveal themselves, but we are pressed for time, have any a string at all well laid?"

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 5 2005, 01:03 PM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Mar 5 2005, 04:33 AM)

Cyndarius didn't raise his eyebrows every time Arynel spoke, like his brother did. In fact, Aricyn's eyebrows were reaching for his hairline right now, but Cyndarius just smiled.

"In my experience, strings are better for finding your way home than for leading you forward," he said.

"One man can't change another, he can only offer him the choice.

"Come now, though, here we all still sit, and me still in my nightshirt! Let's get some fresh air, show you the city. "You can jabber while walking as well as while sitting on your rump!" my ol' Dad always said.

Posted by: Arynel Mar 5 2005, 01:09 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 5 2005, 04:43 AM)

Arynel smiled sadly and nodded his head. "Offer him the choice, yes, I know that..."

The Breton changed his expression so that his face bore a less worrisom look. "I only worry that things will not go well, perhaps I needn't do so."

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 5 2005, 01:11 PM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Mar 5 2005, 04:49 AM)

"Exactly," Cyndarius said. "You don't need to."

"Now, everyone out of my room, shoo! Let me put some pants on and I'll meet you downstairs."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 5 2005, 01:12 PM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Mar 5 2005, 06:49 AM)

"Worrying about things we can't fully control is my job Arynel," Loranna says with a smile.

"Let's let the good Captain get himself dressed, everyone," Loranna says, rising and heading out.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 5 2005, 01:14 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 5 2005, 05:52 AM)

"Worrying about things we can't fully control is my job Arynel," Loranna says with a smile.

"Let's let the good Captain get himself dressed, everyone," Loranna says, rising and heading out.

"I wouldn't have minded staying to see that," Tris said, under his breath to Loranna, with a wink and a smile.

Posted by: Nalion Mar 5 2005, 01:15 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 5 2005, 11:52 AM)

"Worrying about things we can't fully control is my job Arynel," Loranna says with a smile.

"Let's let the good Captain get himself dressed, everyone," Loranna says, rising and heading out.

"And sharing and perhaps lifting the worries is the job of friends, Loranna." Nalion answered, drained his mug of beer and rose. He gave Loranna an ancouraging smile and a friendly pat on the shoulder.
"Let's have a walk."

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 5 2005, 01:16 PM

Outside Cyndarius's door, the last lines of a boisterous song echoed from the room downstairs.

"...but THAT'S just life with a Hiiiighrock maid!"

It was met with a roar of laughter.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 5 2005, 01:18 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 5 2005, 06:54 AM)

"I wouldn't have minded staying to see that," Tris said, under his breath to Loranna, with a wink and a smile.

"You and I both dear," Loranna whispers back with a wink.

QUOTE(Nalion @ Mar 5 2005, 06:55 AM)

Loranna smiles at Nalion. " ... Good point," she says. "A walk sounds good."

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 5 2005, 01:48 PM

Presently, Cyndarius joined them... wearing pants.

His doublet was a soft, natural yellow, not at all the flashy outfit Imperial Captains usually wore, but he looked like one, nonetheless.

"Shall we?" He said, as he laughingly offered both Doll and Loranna his arm.

Outside, the city was very much still awake. Buzzing lampposts lit the night with their steady golden light. High above a clocktower rang.

The stone streets would go for a bit, then it and the houses would drop away, leaving a wooden bridge overlooking the dark, starlit ocean. Each bridge led to yet another huge stone pylon a few yards away.

Below the level of the bridge, huge metal pipes connected the pylons, a distinct rushing, swishing noise coming from them, and above, towering smokestacks billowed clean white steam.

Everywhere were people, going about their nightly business, for, truth be told, the night was still young. There were Imperials, and Nords, and Dunmer, and all sorts, but mostly there were Khajiit and Argonians, although the two groups did not seem to mix well.

Everyone they passed said hello to Cyndarius and Doll, and some wanted to stop and talk. Cyndarius had a ready story for every place they passed, and he was obviously happy to show people around the peaceful little city.

Posted by: Nalion Mar 5 2005, 01:57 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 5 2005, 12:28 PM)

Outside, the city was very much still awake. Buzzing lampposts lit the night with their steady golden light. High above a clocktower rang.

The stone streets would go for a bit, then it and the houses would drop away, leaving a wooden bridge overlooking the dark, starlit ocean. Each bridge led to yet another huge stone pylon a few yards away.

Below the level of the bridge, huge metal pipes connected the pylons, a distinct rushing, swishing noise coming from them, and above, towering smokestacks billowed clean white steam.

Everywhere were people, going about their nightly business, for, truth be told, the night was still young. There were Imperials, and Nords, and Dunmer, and all sorts, but mostly there were Khajiit and Argonians, although the two groups did not seem to mix well.

Everyone they passed said hello to Cyndarius and Doll, and some wanted to stop and talk. Cyndarius had a ready story for every place they passed, and he was obviously happy to show people around the peaceful little city.

"This is a very interesting city, setting aside its beauty for now." Nalion began. "I've never investigated Dwemer ruins before in Vvardenfell, but these seem to be much more active outside the usual ruin compound. Are those steam vents driving something, as I heard that dwemer used hot air for their machines?"
Nalion stopped for a while to take a better look at a street lantern of dwemer origin. "How do you power these lamps? Enchantments?"

Posted by: Solin Mar 5 2005, 02:04 PM

Solin listened intently to the conversation but for the moment he prefered to remain silent and listen, taking in everything as it was given.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 5 2005, 02:11 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Mar 5 2005, 05:37 AM)

"This is a very interesting city, setting aside its beauty for now." Nalion began. "I've never been to Dwemer ruins before in Vvardenfell, but these seem to be much more active outside the usual ruin compound. Are those steam vents driving something, as I heard that dwemer used hot air for their machines?"
Nalion stopped for a while to take a better look at a street lantern of dwemer origin. "How do you power these lamps? Enchantments?"

"Well," Cyndarius said to the barrage of questions, "I'm no expert, but I'll tell you what of it I understand.

"I was heading in the general direction of the Lion's Shade. Old Albi Alberman owns the place, and he'll be happy enough to tell you his is the only building in all of Freetown completely run on what he calls thermo...whatsits energy. He'll talk your ear off about things I don't understand.

"Anyway, out in the bay there, there's what's called a Generator. It's all too active, actually. The reason that there was nothing here before Freetown is that thing killed every living creature that got near the island. Then, and don't ask me how, some Breton came and fixed it, at least so it didn't kill things.

"I don't think it's steam. It's terribly more complicated than that. Steam I can understand," he said with a rich laugh.

"We run a lot of things off of it; the lamps, the clock, some machinery down by the docks, and the pipes that keep the water level in the bay. There's still plenty of good, old fashioned candles and oil lamps here, though."

Posted by: Nalion Mar 5 2005, 02:27 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 5 2005, 12:51 PM)

Nalion listened to Cyndarius' explanations intently and makes a mental note to visit the Lion's Shade and Albi Alberman one time. After all, when all this would end well, he might want to rest a bit from the events and a small project in this city might be a good plan for the future.
"Thanks for this interesting information, Cyndarius! I'll be sure to visit again and do some more inquiries!" the Breton replied.
"I've not been very deeply into Dwemeri study before, but the potential use might be a worthy prospect."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 5 2005, 02:30 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Mar 5 2005, 07:07 AM)

"You're very optimistic," Doll said. "Assuming any of us will be able to go anywhere, when all this is over."

Her dainty features were set like stone as she led the way into the Lion's Shade. The inn hadn't been here the last time she visited Jazra.

Posted by: Solin Mar 5 2005, 02:32 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Mar 5 2005, 06:07 AM)

Solin had spent a great deal of time examining the various pipes and vents.

"Captain," the mer spoke up suddenly very interested. "Do you have any pyroil here in Jazra?"

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 5 2005, 02:40 PM

QUOTE(Solin @ Mar 5 2005, 06:12 AM)

Solin had spent a great deal of time examining the various pipes and vents.

"Captain," the mer spoke up suddenly very interested. "Do you have any pyroil here in Jazra?"

Cyndarius held the tavern's blue door open for Doll. She was always so cheerfully grim.

"I have no idea," he said to Solin as they entered the friendly tavern, "ask him..."

"Hello, Captain! Hello!" called a bald Breton as he grabbed a towel and wiped down Cyndarius's favorite table. "And with so many new friends, Sir... Welcome, welcome. Did I hear you mention pyroil? You must be a scholar, good Dunmer. Yes, I can see it in your face. Aye, we have pyroil. Whole island is a Dwemer device, it is, probably the most important one in all of Tamriel, if you ask me! Albi Alberman's my name, and welcome to the Lion's Shade!"

"Albi..."

"Yessir, I know. Drinks first, talk later, but maybe your friends would like to see the basement. The Lion's shade is the only building in town that's completely powered by thermoharmonic energy, you know!"

He rushed off to get clean mugs, and Cyndarius smiled.

In a short moment, the barkeep returned, bearing mugs and practically dancing at the idea of talking about his beloved inn.

Posted by: Solin Mar 5 2005, 02:43 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 5 2005, 06:20 AM)

"Hello, Captain! Hello!" called a bald Breton as he grabbed a towel and wiped down Cyndarius's favorite table. "And with so many new friends, Sir... Welcome, welcome. Did I hear you mention pyroil? You must be a scholar, good Dunmer. Yes, I can see it in your face. Aye, we have pyroil. Whole island is a Dwemer device, it is, probably the most important one in all of Tamriel, if you ask me! Albi Alberman's my name, and welcome to the Lion's Shade!"

"Yessir, I know. Drinks first, talk later, but maybe your friends would like to see the basement. The Lion's shade is the only building in town that's completely powered by thermoharmonic energy, you know!"

"Thermoharmic?" Solin asked no one in particular, puzzled.

"Of course I would," he then added after a moment.

Posted by: Nalion Mar 5 2005, 02:44 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 5 2005, 01:10 PM)

Nalion gave an encouraging glance at the young Akaviri girl and puts an arm on her shoulder.
"Such grave thoughts for one so young? If you don't have a hope for the future, what then keeps you going on, Doll? Why do you think you and I are here, fighting against a foe who seems unbeatable, against powers that could crush us with the blink of an eye? Look at this city, where you have had a major part in its foundation? Isn't it worth fighting for?"
Nalions expression grew serious and he looked into Doll's eyes.
"No, sincerely, I don't know if we make it through. But if I learned anything while being with this group here, then it's this: If you give up hope and your vision of a bright future, you give up yourself. I will NOT let it come to that."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 5 2005, 02:47 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Mar 5 2005, 07:24 AM)

Nalion gave Doll an encouraging glance at the young Akaviri girl and puts an arm on her shoulder.
"Such grave thoughts for one so young? If you don't have a hope for the future, what then keeps you going on, Doll? Why do you think you and I are here, fighting against a foe who seems unbeatable, against powers that could crush us with the blink of an eye? Look at this city, where you have had a major part in its foundation? Isn't it worth fighting for?"
Nalions expression grow serious and he looks into Doll's eyes.
"No, sincerely, I don't know if we make it through. But if I learned anything while being with this group here, then it's this: If you give up hope and your vision of a bright future, you give up yourself. I will NOT let it come to that."

Doll gave Nalion a look that could melt glass. Her almond-shaped black eyes were capable of a very intense glare.

"I have no difficultly understanding hope," she said. "Hope brought me out of a worse place than this one. It just that business is business, and no one here seems capable of focusing."

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 5 2005, 02:52 PM

QUOTE(Solin @ Mar 5 2005, 06:23 AM)

"Thermoharmic?" Solin asked no one in particular, puzzled.

"Of course I would," he then added after a moment.

"ThermoharMONIC," corrected the barkeep, with a self-important tone.

Below everyone's feet, beneath the wooden floor, some piece of machinery thrummed with a regular beat.

"It's what runs these here lights and all, Sir. Now, don't go asking me the deeper questions about how it works, but I know an intake clamp from a regulator flange! It's all rather simple, really, once you set your mind to understanding it."

"We're focusing," Aricyn said to Doll. The first words he'd spoken since greeting his brother. "But I'd rather focus on my enemy's death than my own."

"That's my brother," Cyndarius said with a warm smile.

Posted by: Solin Mar 5 2005, 02:58 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 5 2005, 06:32 AM)

Solin's expression turned from one of intrest to one of business.

"Of course," he said. "You mentioned pyroil was here. How much?"

Posted by: Nalion Mar 5 2005, 03:01 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 5 2005, 01:27 PM)

Nalion could stand Doll's look for a while, then he broke eye contact. He had almost flinched. He took a seat at a table in the Lion's Shade, opposite to Doll.
He wondered what had happened to Doll in her earlier life, the questions could be read on his face.
"I can understand what makes you so determined, the urgency is there, time's running against us. I, too, feel the pressure. But I also think that we mustn't hurry with rash actions which will lead us to a failure. As I see, we've got once chance to strike and this strike must hit the heart of our enemy. If we miss the heart only by the width of a finger, we have failed and all we have yet gained will be lost. We can't afford to take chances on this one."
He motioned to a barmaid for some water for him and questioningly eyed Doll if she wanted anything, too before he continued.
"I know, you'll ask why then do we sit here and talk and don't go studying anything. I say, we're in a unique group here and everyone has his unique strength. Knowing each other might be a key element for victory. I for one might have an idea of how to contribute to our cause, but I need more information on it. The fact that there is dwemer knowledge in employ here might help. I can't offer you more than that, though."

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 5 2005, 03:01 PM

QUOTE(Solin @ Mar 5 2005, 06:38 AM)

Solin's expression turned from one of intrest to one of business.

"Of course," he said. "You mentioned pyroil was here. How much?"

Albi's ears perked up at the question.

He sized up his customer, told him the price, and watched as the stoic Dunmer choked on his ale.

Maybe he'd miscalculated, but he still sensed a sale.

Posted by: Solin Mar 5 2005, 03:08 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 5 2005, 06:41 AM)

Albi's ears perked up at the question.

He sized up his customer, told him the price, and watched as the stoic Dunmer choked on his ale.

Maybe he'd miscalculated, but he still sensed a sale.

"Pardons again Captain," Solin turned to Cyndarius after taking another, more fluid, sip of his ale. "I haven't read the laws in some number of years and of course your city has a... unique stance on the issue. With its unique association with Dwemer equipment I can't recall if pyroil tar falls under the jurisdiction of the Empire's property. Could you refresh me?"

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 5 2005, 03:13 PM

QUOTE(Solin @ Mar 5 2005, 06:48 AM)

Cyndarius looked at Solin with a large smile.

"What? I'm sorry, my hearing is terrible, I'm afraid.

"You go on and discuss the price of ale, or whatever, and I'm going to go check the back room for... safety violations. Come on, brother, I could use your assistance."

He stood, patted Solin on the shoulder, and left the table. Aricyn smiled and followed him.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 5 2005, 03:21 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 5 2005, 07:53 AM)

"Interesting fellow," Tris said, smiling, to Ciel. "Wonder how he ended up a Captain. All the Imperial officers I've had the pleasure of meeting were humorless martinets."

Posted by: Solin Mar 5 2005, 03:21 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 5 2005, 06:53 AM)

"Of course, of course," the dunmer nodded and turned back to Albi taking another drink of the ale. "This is good ale."

He leaned forward resting his elbow on the table and putting the connected hand to his chin.

"Ah well, something to ponder a bit anyways. Perhaps you could tell me more of the great mechansim here. Why do you think it is the most important in all of Tamriel?"

Ciel, drinking his own ale, smiled back.

"I'd wager he has a few stories to tell."

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 5 2005, 03:28 PM

QUOTE(Solin @ Mar 5 2005, 07:01 AM)

"The Captain's a fine man, and make no mistake," Albi said seriously. "And the story of how he came to be Captain is one for five or six mugs full.

"But, he won't stay in the back room forever, you know. You want to buy some pyroil or not, good Sir? I'll make a deal for quantity."

Posted by: Solin Mar 5 2005, 03:36 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 5 2005, 07:08 AM)

"The Captain's a fine man, make no mistake," Albi said seriously. "And the story of how he came to be Captain is one for five or six mugs full.

"But, he won't stay in the back room forever, you know. You want to buy some pyroil or not, good Sir? I'll make a deal for quantity."

Solin raised an eyebrow.

"Business again?" he asked. "I suppose I could might be able to use a bit."

The mer bent over and ruffled through his large pack until after a moment he produced a small sack and placed it on the table. There were a series of clicks like several stones settling into place.

"I normally deliver these to a jewler friend of mine," he said unknotting the draw string revealing a large variety of precious and semi-precious stones. A handful of diamonds, several shards of volcanic glass, and even a small hunk of ebony were among the mix. "You can give an honest appraisal, how much tar do you think I could get for these?"

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 5 2005, 03:39 PM

QUOTE(Solin @ Mar 5 2005, 07:16 AM)

"With your knack for business, Sir? Not half of what I could." He laughed.

"How about I take that off of your hands, and give you, say..." he held up some fingers... "this many bottles for it?"

I see the Captain coming back Sir, is it a deal?

Posted by: Solin Mar 5 2005, 03:42 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 5 2005, 07:19 AM)

The mer smirked.

"Of course, Sir," Solin said quietly taking another sip of his ale.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 5 2005, 03:45 PM

QUOTE(Solin @ Mar 5 2005, 07:22 AM)

The mer smirked.

"Of course, Sir," Solin said quietly taking another sip of his ale.

"Good, good!" Albi said, sweeping the gems off the table as the two brothers returned.

"Why don't I show you the basement then, Sir. All sorts of interesting things down there to study."

Cyndarius smiled and sat back down.

Posted by: Tricrux Mar 5 2005, 04:26 PM

Ald Raathim, Outskirts

Celeste stood on her dais, a round one with a large setting sun attached to it so that the speaker would stand and be shadowed by Azura's glory. Her Azurites were numbered since the battle at Daruhn, but no matter. She still controlled all of the Azurites situated from anywhere within 32 km of Daruhn, thanks mostly to the slaying of their incompetent leader in battle. No matter, Alandro Sul had already sent a messenger - the great Alandro Sul sending a message to her! Her ambition - wild, ruthless ambition - was no secret to Sul or anyone else - but that was what made her so good.

No matter that they had lost the battle, because an Azurite named Tharivor had already landed and was coming to coordinate a strike on Daruhn...

Jazra, Lion's Shade

Shai didn't drink. She didn't see the point in doing something that would lower her alertness at all. Instead she sat in the corner of the tavern, musing.

Ald Raathim

Night-Scar glanced down at the empty silk billowing at the bottom of his robe. The Ghost beside him, ever his companion, boosted the levitation magic a little, so that they could move faster. Night-Scar was surprised they hadn't noticed.

A lot had happened since he had left (been pulled, really) from the Vaults of Gemin. He had risen up again in an ancient tower. The Ghost, now beside him, had been there. It was there that they had spoken first. The Ghost had once been a powerful, powerful mage. He had lived for thousands of years in this very tower. But then he attempted a task so great that it killed him - raiding the vaults of Gemin.

In his dying act he left the crown that now lay on Night-Scar's head. A curse, a powerful curse - a combination of a Teleportation spell and more complicated arcane arts. The Ghost now accompanied him with a powerful Command Humanoid spell. Night-Scar let him cast it at any time with warning, it was a part of their arrangement. The Ghost wanted to live a little more, and then leave him. When the alternative was death, Night-Scar agreed readily.

As they approached the edge of town, the Ghost of Gaius Antrinus, Imperial Mage, turned to face Night-Scar. "I leave you here," he said.

Night-Scar frowned. "But - our agreement -"

"Oh yes, I haven't forgotten that. I'm leaving you with the ability to take care of yourself, friend."

The word came to his mind instantly. "Magic."

"Yes..." murmured the Ghost. "Yes, I am leaving you with some of my magical abilities. There is not too much I can give you, but at least the power and skill to remain levitating and to operate the crown...and I leave."

Suddenly the Ghost was gone. Night-Scar fell forward, no longer levitating, and hit the ground hard. As he landed, the crown fell off of his head.

He was free, and weaker for it.

Posted by: Aki Mar 5 2005, 11:17 PM

Jazra, Lion's Shade
Reichi, Eya and Raddin had been with the group, and Raddin and Eya had seated them off at some table. Reichi meanwhile, wandered about the Lion's Shade, drinking from his mug of alcohol. He spotted a Khajiit in glass armor that glew with enchantment, a Cathay, he erembered that Khajiit. He had been in the Parade. The Khajiit, Dar'var, now had glowing blue eyes where his golden ones had been before.

Reichi shook his head, and looked down at the floor. He wondered what caused that thrumming sound. "Thermoharmonic..." he muttered. "Wonder what that is..."

----------------------------------
Ald Raathim, Jazbet's Estate

Tohe looked at the note, Reichi had left it and instructed one of the servants to deleiver it should Tohe return. The note explained what had happened, and where everyone had gone. Tohe managed to hide his surprise and nodded before heading out of the Estate, out into the night. "Well, someone has to keep the Azurites from attacking here."

"Meh."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 6 2005, 01:57 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Mar 5 2005, 04:57 PM)

Cyndarius was charming and personable, and he seemed very enthused about the city. It was hard not to share some of his excitement and cheerfulness, even with Doll's reminder of the need to focus weighing on the back of her mind.

Doll was right, Loranna reflected; she did have a tendency to stop and go, stop and go. It was a habit left over from her days as the Incarnate Mother, from her life as a barmaid who had never been anywhere for thirteen years, and had been too many places the nine years before those, yet somehow always finding herself in a tavern or a church. Before Azura left her, such habits might actually have had some use; it gave her friends time to form their plans against her, kept Azura from consolidating her power as much as she might have.

But her friends no longer needed to make plans against her, and Azura now had the freedom to move at whatever speed she liked - and plenty of people willing to work at her pace. It looked to be a good time to change her old habits, though a part of her felt a little reluctant. She had barely paid much attention to the cities she had passed through as Incarnate, now that she thought about it; she wanted to start actually noticing the world around her more.

Help save the world first, she tells herself, and then take the time to look around at your leisure. After all, if they did manage to win this war, she still has a lifetime promise to work on keeping.

Reichi catches Loranna's eye for a moment, and she notices him looking at a Khajiit Azurite in glass armor. She frowns a bit; did that Khajiit look familiar? Reichi seemed to recognize him.

Walking over to Reichi, Loranna asks " ... Acquaintence of yours?" with a slight nod to Dar/var.

Posted by: Aki Mar 6 2005, 02:08 AM

QUOTE

Walking over to Reichi, Loranna asks " ... Acquaitence of yours?" with a slight nod to Dar'var.

Reichi nodded slightly. "Kinda, don't know his name, but he was around during the 'parade'," Reichi said with a shrug. "Half the time i saw him he was high as a kite on Moonsugar..." he grinned.

Dar'var wasn't looking at Loranna or Reichi, he was more concerned with Raddin. Dar'var had informally 'quit' the WHOT, and followed the parade, rather than do as he was ordered to. Which was to kill those involved in the incident in Sykrim. The Khajiit tried not to make anyu sudden movements.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 6 2005, 02:12 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Mar 5 2005, 07:48 PM)

"Ah ..." Loranna says. So that's why he looked vaguely familiar.

"Well, maybe we should ask if he'd be interested in volunteering," she suggests to Reichi. "Though hopefully we'll catch him on the half the time he isn't on the sugar ..."

Loranna glances back at Dar'var, noting the Khajiit's body language. "Ern, he seems a bit tense ..."

Posted by: Aki Mar 6 2005, 02:18 AM

"Yeah, wonder why...." Reichi replied, then watched as the Khajiit slowly got up and began to walk towards the door, glancing over his shoulder every once in awhile. Reichi looked to Loranna, "Uh...should i ask...or would you rather?"

Posted by: Loranna Mar 6 2005, 02:19 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Mar 5 2005, 07:58 PM)

"Well, you know him better than I do and I tend to have a startling effect on Azurites," Loranna points out. "So you go first, but I'll talk with him too if it will help."

Posted by: Aki Mar 6 2005, 02:25 AM

Reichi nodded and walked over the Khajiit, halting his low speed escape. "Excuse me, mister," reichi began. The Cathay raised a eyebrow, "Yes?" he asked. Reichi tried to form a setenace, but couldn't think of one that didn't sound overly stupid, "Er...". So, naturally he did the next thing that came to mind, and nudged Loranna.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 6 2005, 02:28 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Mar 5 2005, 08:05 PM)

Reichi, Master Negotiator, Loranna thinks to herself.

"Hello dear," Loranna says to Dar'Var, giving a reassuring smile. "We wanted to talk to you about a mission that you could help us with, a very important one for all of us."

Posted by: Aki Mar 6 2005, 02:31 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 5 2005, 08:08 PM)

Dar'var smiled back. "What kind of mission?" he asked. A few moments passed before he said, "Funny, you look familar..."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 6 2005, 02:34 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Mar 5 2005, 08:11 PM)

Dar'var smiled back. "What kind of mission?" he asked. A few moments passed before he said, "Funny, you look familar..."

I look 'familiar'? Loranna thinks to herself. He must have been quite high on moonsugar.

"I hear that a lot," Loranna says. "As for the mission, it's a scouting and spying mission against the New Temple, before whatever they're doing at Red Mountain gets any worse."

"Sorry, where are my manners; I'm Loranna, and this is Reichi," she says, making the round of introductions.

Posted by: Aki Mar 6 2005, 02:39 AM

Dar'Var nodded. "Dar'Var is Dar'Var," he said, nodding to Loranna and Reichi. "Dar'var can spy, he done it before. Red mountatain area hell on fur though. Ash gets everywhere...."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 6 2005, 02:44 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Mar 5 2005, 08:19 PM)

Dar'Var nodded. "Dar'Var is Dar'Var," he said, nodding to Loranna and Reichi. "Dar'var can spy, he done it before. Red mountatain area hell on fur though. Ash gets everywhere...."

"I know," Loranna says, chuckling sympathetically. "It's not too good on the skin or clothes either."

"If you're interested then, you should speak with Captain Cyndarius," she tells Dar'Var, nodding to the handsome brother of Aricyn.

As Dar'Var goes to talk with the Captain, Loranna excuses herself from Reichi and sits down, closing her eyes and concentrating. Though she was still no longer telepathic, she retained some bond with Dagoth, one which their most recent conversation had helped strengthen ... a little.

Focusing her thoughts on their bond, Loranna calls out Dagoth ... Dagoth dear, can you hear me? What news of the item you went to find?

Posted by: Jakut Mar 6 2005, 02:51 AM

I feel pretty stupid joining this far into the RP, but I was wondering if anyone could tell me what's going on?

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Mar 6 2005, 02:52 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 5 2005, 07:24 PM)

Dagoth had just found the aforementioned item an hour or two ago.
'Well, I found the thing... it's a bit dusty, but otherwise it's in good condition.'

Posted by: Loranna Mar 6 2005, 02:57 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Mar 5 2005, 08:32 PM)

Dagoth had just found the aforementioned item an hour or two ago.
'Well, I found the thing... it's a bit dusty, but otherwise it's in good condition.'

Loranna smiles, and Dagoth sees a brief image of Loranna hugging him. As she does, Loranna sees an image of the item - a well-made belt which shines with enchantment.

Wonderful, she says, her tone brightening. All right; we're in the newly established city of Freetown, looking for volunteers.

Quickly relating the directions to get to Freetown, she bids Dagoth Come as quickly as you can with that; time is preccious.

She pauses for a moment, then asks Is it possible to make more of these, or is too difficult to make more?

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Mar 6 2005, 02:59 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 5 2005, 07:37 PM)

Dagoth mentally shakes his head.

'Had I a few months time I might be able to make more, but considering the time constraints, it would be too dangerous to jury rig any.'

Posted by: Loranna Mar 6 2005, 03:02 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Mar 5 2005, 08:39 PM)

Dagoth mentally shakes his head.

'Had I a few months time I might be able to make more, but considering the time constraints, it would be too dangerous to jury rig any.'

Ah, Loranna says. I see; so we're only going to have one protected spy, and no real chance to use these to keep our minds shielded when we make our assault.

All right; how soon can you get here?

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Mar 6 2005, 03:04 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 5 2005, 07:42 PM)

Dagoth searches a bit. He finds the spell he'll need to get as close as possible.

'Well... I'd give it about an hour or two... minus any time wasted on annoying cliffracers.'

Posted by: Loranna Mar 6 2005, 03:08 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Mar 5 2005, 08:44 PM)

Dagoth searches a bit. He finds the spell he'll need to get as close as possible.

'Well... I'd give it about an hour or two... minus any time wasted on annoying cliffracers.'

Grah, Cliff Racers ... Loranna thinks, mentally absorbing the life out of whole flocks of them and letting them plummet into the maw of Red Mountain.

All right; I'll be waiting, she promises. Any luck on contacting anyone you know who might help us?

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Mar 6 2005, 03:12 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 5 2005, 07:48 PM)

Dagoth shakes his head.

'I'm working on that, but trust me, I'll have some help by the time we are ready to try and pull this thing off..'

Posted by: Loranna Mar 6 2005, 03:18 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Mar 5 2005, 08:52 PM)

Dagoth shakes his head.

'I'm working on that, but trust me, I'll have some help by the time we are ready to try and pull this thing off..'

All right, Loranna says. I look forward to seeing you again.

She relaxes, letting her thoughts stay in her own head for now, and goes to tell Captain Cyndarius that they should have the magic item she mentioned within an hour or two. At this point, now, there was little more she could do than to wait for Merey to arrive with other volunteers, that they could pick the best one, and for Dagoth to arrive with the belt.

They were getting somewhere now; hopefully this would pan out.

---

About one hour and a baker's dozen Cliff Racers later ...

Loranna hears Dagoth's thoughts once more and gets up, stepping outside for a moment to find the lich standing there, his usual Dunmer illusion smiling a bit as she emerges from the tavern. Reaching inside his robes, he produces a softly shimmering belt with a finely-wrought buckle, which he holds out to her.

Loranna smiles back at Dagoth and accepts the belt, pausing for a moment to admire its workmanship. It's very pretty, she says to Dagoth.

... Well, I suppose it is, the lich replies back, chuckling just a bit. The belt will keep one's thoughts hidden that one wishes to hide; to keep telepaths from growing too suspicious I made it so that it lets some thoughts be readable.

Dagoth shifts his wieght from one leg to another. Well, I should go, he says to Loranna. We both have more preperations to work on ...

Loranna looks at Dagoth, hearing slight discomfort in his voice; Dagoth looks back at her and slowly shakes his head. I'm doing all right, he starts to say, when Loranna moves forward and hugs him.

Good luck, Loranna wishes Dagoth, her thoughts warm. Dagoth slowly hugs Loranna back, his mind partly missing the way her embraces used to feel, and partly enjoying the fact that she did still care enough to hug him at all, after what she had seen in his mind back at Stormhold.

You too, Dagoth tells Loranna. Don't let the giantess keep you underfoot now.

Loranna chuckles and lets Dagoth go. I won't, she promises, watching as the lich raised his hands and recalled back to his stronghold.

... Good luck dear; I wish I could help you understand this more ... Loranna thinks sadly, bwfore turning to head back inside and inform Captain Cyndarius that they now had the magic belt, and how it worked.

Posted by: w0nders Mar 6 2005, 09:44 AM

Vvardenfell, Ashlands-

Illidan strolled casually through the desolate place, his umbrella resting casually over his shoulder. His hair was draped down over his face again; he had learned to use it as a mask, somehow. He doubted he would need it, out here at least. But, as many times before, he was mistaken.

He had passed numerous Azurites out here. None of them paying attention to him, luckily. But he was now growing a tad bit nervous, there were two Azurites heading towards him. As they passed him, he felt a shoulder graze him, deliberately. “Well, well…what do we have here, Tintai?”

Illidan stopped dead, listening intently. He had no doubts that they knew something about him. “I dunno, but whatever it is its definitely causing trouble.” Replied the other, turning to face Illidan, along with his companion.

He turned as well, the hair mask obscuring his vision. Unluckily, it was about this time a gust of wind blew past the three, taking Illidan’s hair with it and revealing his vampiric face. “Gah! A vampire!” shouted one of them, as the two summoned their twilights.

Illidan held his umbrella out in front of him and released it. Forming a terribly weak, but affective shield. Affective in the sense he couldn’t see his enemy. Then, he ran, frantically searching for a place to hide. His search ended quite short, much to the happiness of Illidan.

He had been yanked inside an ancestral tomb, hidden from view by multiple natural intrusions. When he finally got a good look inside, he found a small group of vampires, huddled around the doorway. “Bloody Azurites.”

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 7 2005, 03:58 AM

Long before Freetown's clocktower struck the late hour of ten, Merey found Cyndarius in the Lion's Shade, discussing plans with Loranna.

"Captain," Merey said. "I went around to all the Azurites I could friggin' remember seeing, and told 'em what you said. If those that turned up don't please you then I'll be buggered by a parade. Better for you to see with your own friggin' eyes than for me to explain. I told the bloody lot of them to wait for you by the Tree."

Cyndarius was obviously well-accustomed to Merey's incredibly foul mouth. The scruffy Breton found ways to use vulgar language that was almost an artform, yet Cyndarius never batted an eye when they conversed.

"Thank you, Merey. More than one volunteer, then? That's good!"

Merey laughed, and led the way out of the tavern.

As dusk turned to night, a mist had rolled in off of the surrounding sea, cloaking the lights and lanterns of the city with broad, ghostly halos.

The 'Tree' was a huge tree at the center of the city's largest platform. It had grown large and heavy near the shore of the little island, but when the stone foundations of Freetown were being sunk into the sea, it had been shaken loose from its rooting and had fallen. Instead of letting it die, the workmen had planted it in it's own dirt-filled well in a stone platform, and it had flourished. Now it rose over the marketplace, brightly colored lanterns hung from it's limbs dancing in the cool sea breeze.

The market square was usually quiet by this time of night, but tonight dozens of men and women stood under the tree, their azure eyes glowing faintly in the misty night. Standing there, some armed and bearing lanterns, some roused from sleep and hastily dressed, was, as a matter of fact, every Azurite in Freetown. Having heard that Captain Cyndarius was looking for a volunteer, every last one of them had turned out. They all turned anxious faces toward the Captain as he appeared over the bridge.

"Merey," Cyndarius said, looking at the crowd, "you DID tell them this was a very dangerous, possibly suicidal undertaking, yes?"

"Bugger me if I didn't!" Merey said, amused at the look on his Captain's face. "Every one of them friggin' daft as the day is long, I suppose, but they all volunteered."

"Well, let's take a look at them, then," Cyndarius said to Aricyn, Loranna, and the rest. "It'll take all night to cut one from that herd."

"Begging your bleedin' pardon, Captain, but I think I can make that a bit easier. See, I think I know just the bugger for the job. Hold on, and I'll be right back."

With that, he jogged off into the mist.

He returned a moment later, leading a quiet, withdrawn Dunmer woman slowly by the arm. Her black hair was unkempt, and she wore a simple brown dress. She did not look up until Merey had led her right up to Cyndarius. Then, she raised her head, and in her tear-filled eyes was such a look of intense determination that only Cyndarius could easily return her gaze.

She took Cyndarius's broad hand in hers and said, "I would not fail you."

"I believe you," Cyndarius said. "Merey, dismiss the others."

Merey did as he was told, and Cyndarius turned to the group. "This is Sadene Ules. I mentioned her... and her family... earlier." His face was dark as he said this, just as it had been when he had told them the story of this woman, driven by Azura to devour her own child.

He put his hand on the woman's fragile shoulder. "She is who I would chose, and I vouch for her. You have found your spy."

Comfortable, homey rooms had been provided for everyone in the garrison, and a ship would be waiting to take them home early the next morning.

Aricyn and Cyndarius spent the entire night sitting alone by the fire in Cyndarius's room, talking. Although Cyndarius wrote to Aricyn frequently, his brother never wrote back, so the golden-haired man was full of questions. What fantastic places had Aricyn seen? Did he have a special woman? What was his home like? The list was long. As he listened to the answers, he wondered if Aricyn was truly happy. He worried about his brother often, although he would never say so.

All through the night, the clock in the center of the little town rang out the hours.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 7 2005, 05:56 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 6 2005, 09:38 PM)

...

The market square was usually quiet by this time of night, but tonight dozens of men and women stood under the tree, their azure eyes glowing faintly in the misty night. Standing there, some armed and bearing lanterns, some roused from sleep and hastily dressed, was, as a matter of fact, every Azurite in Freetown. Having heard that Captain Cyndarius was looking for a volunteer, every last one of them had turned out. They all turned anxious faces toward the Captain as he appeared over the bridge.

"Merey," Cyndarius said, looking at the crowd, "you DID tell them this was a very dangerous, possibly suicidal undertaking, yes?"

"Bugger me if I didn't!" Merey said, amused at the look on his Captain's face. "Every one of them friggin' daft as the day is long, I suppose, but they all volunteered."

"Well, let's take a look at them, then," Cyndarius said to Aricyn, Loranna, and the rest. "It'll take all night to cut one from that herd."

"Begging your bleedin' pardon, Captain, but I think I can make that a bit easier. See, I think I know just the bugger for the job. Hold on, and I'll be right back."

With that, he jogged off into the mist.

He returned a moment later, leading a quiet, withdrawn Dunmer woman slowly by the arm. Her black hair was unkempt, and she wore a simple brown dress. She did not look up until Merey had led her right up to Cyndarius. Then, she raised her head, and in her tear-filled eyes was such a look of intense determination that only Cyndarius could easily return her gaze.

She took Cyndarius's broad hand in hers and said, "I would not fail you."

"I believe you," Cyndarius said. "Merey, dismiss the others."

Merey did as he was told, and Cyndarius turned to the group. "This is Sadene Ules. I mentioned her... and her family... earlier." His face was dark as he said this, just as it had been when he had told them the story of this woman, driven by Azura to devour her own child.

He put his hand on the woman's fragile shoulder. "She is who I would chose, and I vouch for her. You have found your spy."

...

Upon seeing every Azurite in Freetown show up to volunteer, Loranna had felt a wave of emotion course through her; it was at once inspiring, humbling, and yet deeply, deeply sad to see such a display of courage. Upon seeing Sadene, however ...

Loranna had to force herself to return the Dunmer Azurite's gaze, and even then, tears welled in her eyes. She felt a need to say something, anything, but what could one say? How do you comfort a woman who was driven by a goddess to eat her own offspring?

Loranna's hands trembled slightly as she held forth the magic belt to Sadene. "You will need this," she said, trying to keep her voice even and gentle, "to keep your deeper thoughts hidden from the Daedra and the higher ups at Red Mountain. You will also need some basic supplies, to make the journey, and a means of recalling back to here when you've completed your mission. I'll provide you with these."

Freetown was indeed a city that did not sleep; what items Loranna felt the spy needed that she didn't have on her, they were able to find quickly enough. When Sadene was ready to go, Loranna looked at her one more time, again at a loss for words.

Words weren't necessary; Sadene didn't need to be comforted or reassured. She needed to do what she was about to do; words of comfort could wait till later perhaps, when they were all safe. If they ever could be.

As Sadene made her way off, Loranna returned to the garrison, to discuss more plans with her companions. Cyndarius had told them all he had known on the New Temple's forces on Vvardenfell, and she knew her friends were hoping to find something they could do to at least discomfort the Azurites, maybe make thier ultimate goals that much easier to gain.

Posted by: Teleran Mar 7 2005, 07:15 AM

Teleran looked for Loranna. When he found her near the Azurites who had come forward he waited for her to finish her business with the Azurite she was speaking to. The Azurite left with a shining belt. Teleran walked over to Loranna, a little bit hesitantly. “Um, Lor, I was wondering if we could try the healing spells again. I’ve been practicing the can-trip you taught me and I can get it right every time now and it’s nowhere near as tiring now as when I first tried it.”

He looked down after that statement and said in a much quieter voice, “Still can’t hold my arm at the same time, but I can fix that as soon as the spell finishes casting. I was wondering if you could teach me a heal other spell, or a healing spell that can do more good than a can-trip.”

Posted by: Loranna Mar 7 2005, 07:18 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Mar 7 2005, 12:55 AM)

Loranna frowns, and keeps her voice low. "Er, about that," she says. "I didn't stop to think about it back at Stormhold but technically I'm not supposed to teach others magic, since I'm not an official member of the Mage's Guild."

She looks at Teleran's arm and adds "That, and I think you'll want to seek more specialized training than I can offer, so you can learn to cast while keeping your arm intact. So you may want to actually speak to the Guild about some Restoration training and spell practice once we get back to Ald Raathim."

Posted by: Teleran Mar 7 2005, 07:26 AM

“Oh...” Teleran said, his enthusiasm somewhat deflated. “Well, could you explain the differences between casting a spell on another and on yourself? Just explain, not actually teach any spells. That wouldn’t infringe on the Guild’s monopoly, would it?”

Posted by: Loranna Mar 7 2005, 07:31 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Mar 7 2005, 01:06 AM)

"Depends on who you talk to," Loranna says to Teleran. "And for me, the difference isn't all that big; I just envision the wounds healing on the other person instead of on me, and it takes a bit more mental effort."

She smiles encouragingly. "Tell you what; when we get back to Ald Raathim I'll go with you to the Guild and see if we can't get you some specialized training, so you can work on how to cast while keeping your arm up. In the meantime, keep practicing with your cantrip; when you get the new training all that practice will pay off, trust me."

Posted by: Teleran Mar 7 2005, 07:45 AM

“Alright, I suppose that would be for the best, but I don’t think that they’ll be able to do much about my problem in multicasting,” Teleran said, not looking pleased at the prospect of having to go to the guild. “I think that is just because of the way I cast my telekinesis, and the way I do that right now I am not planning on changing. It’s only a few seconds where I’m open, I can probably evade long enough to get it back up. Thanks Lor, just see it healing the other person instead of yourself, maybe I’ll give that a try.”

Teleran walked off through the tavern. His fingers working through the now-memorized movements of the healing can-trip as he tried to visualize it healing other people. It was harder than he had thought it would be since he had always tied in how the healing felt when it effected him for the heal self, and he did not think it made the caster feel any different if you cast it on someone else.

Posted by: Tricrux Mar 7 2005, 07:57 AM

Outside Raathim

The first thing he noticed was that he could walk again. Complicated business, this whole thing. Paralyzed legs and all that. Cursing evil dead sorcerors and the like. He decided he might as well forget the whole thing, it was way above his head.

Of course there was also the complicated business with his Daedric Crown that the mageghost seemed to have spent much of his life developing. It was an item of immense power. He would probably never learn all about it. In fact it would likely kill him first.

But now he had to find Celeste. He wandered out into the wilderness, wondering where big scary Azurite types lived. And what he would say when he found her.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 7 2005, 08:08 AM

Loranna watches Teleran head off and briefly debates in her mind the merits of joining the Mage Guild. She swiftly decides to table that decision for a time when she isn't worried about the world as she knows it coming to an end in a couple of weeks.

Spotting Shai sitting quietly by herself, Loranna heads over to the group's newest member. "Hello," she says, "Mind if I sit with you a spell?"

Posted by: Tricrux Mar 7 2005, 08:10 AM

She smiled as softly as usual. "Sure, take a seat."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 7 2005, 08:13 AM

QUOTE(Tricrux @ Mar 7 2005, 01:50 AM)

She smiled as softly as usual. "Sure, take a seat."

Loranna sits down. "Thanks," she says. "Thought I'd offer to keep you company for a bit, talk about stuff. A lot's happened in the past few days."

She smiles. "How have you been doing? Holding out?"

Posted by: Tricrux Mar 7 2005, 08:16 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 7 2005, 12:53 AM)

Loranna sits down. "Thanks," she says. "Thought I'd offer to keep you company for a bit, talk about stuff. A lot's happened in the past few days."

She smiles. "How have you been doing? Holding out?"

"I'm a bit overwhelmed by the magnitude of all this, I guess. That girl only told me that you would offer me a home for the price of some help, pretty much, so it's a bit surprising that you are in the process of fighting a Daedric Prince. But then I try not to let things like that interfere with my actions. I try not to let anything interfere with my actions."

Posted by: Arynel Mar 7 2005, 08:18 AM

Arynel chuckled to himself, the Breton had been quietly listening to the conversation, but did not speak up just yet.

Posted by: w0nders Mar 7 2005, 08:18 AM

An evil Ancestral tomb…EVIL-

“Um…thanks” Illidan said sheepishly, bowing his head slightly. The vampires continued to stare at him. He was becoming nervous. There were at least three of them there, besides they were vampires, Illidan had nothing to fear as long as he was in their company.

They began to walk away, descending some stairs and entering a central room. Illidan probably would of taken it upon himself to leave this place if it weren’t for one of them ushering him along. When he entered, there were unmistakably more vampires to be found. Most were gathered around a rather important looking redguard, draped in long, dark robes. Each splitting into their own tattered shards at the end.

“Who’s this? A pauper?” Asked the redguard, turning to face Illidan. His face had some sort of decorative makeup painted on it. His cheeks looked as if they had been batted with a white powder, giving them a much more pale look. Around his eyes were dark rings, almost painted on. And his lips…they were…unique, to say the least. His upper lip was pitch black, like the colour of that circling his eyes. His lower lip was a white colour, matching that of his cheeks.

“No sir.” Illidan began “Just a vampire trying to make his way in this world, sir?” The room burst into hysterics, laughter sounding a lot like hisses emanated from the vampires.

“Well then…maybe you can help us.” The redguard said rising from his seat, he began to walk towards Illidan, his walk very feminine; Illidan began to wonder what exactly was going on.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 7 2005, 08:24 AM

QUOTE(Tricrux @ Mar 7 2005, 01:56 AM)

Loranna's expression turns sheepish. "Yes, well, to be honset, that girl really only knew we were going to take care of some financial business," she replies.

"That sounds like a good philosophy to take, though," she continues. "Don't let the enormity of what's going on interfere with what you need to do."

"I promise you though, when we're not engrossed with fighting the powers of Oblivion we're actually pretty decent folks to be around," she adds, with a smile.

Posted by: Tricrux Mar 7 2005, 08:26 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 7 2005, 01:04 AM)

She glanced at Teleran fleetingly. "I've...uh...noticed..."

The glance was very easy to see.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 7 2005, 08:28 AM

Loranna turns to follow Shai's glance ...

... and we cut away to the next topic, becuase I'm a meanie

LOCK ON!!!

Loranna

Posted by: tegger Mar 7 2005, 08:29 AM

Continued http://www.elderscrolls.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=67232.