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

Posted by: Loranna Mar 12 2005, 09:54 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:

Loranna has just learned that a large group of vampires is purportedly hiding outside of Ald Raathim's limits, and she is heading off with her companions to investigate the veractiy of this information.

Posted by: Tricrux Mar 12 2005, 09:56 AM

Shai, asleep in Ald Raathim.

Marein, waiting at the gates. Vampires await.

Celeste, approaching Red Mountain. Plotting your doom.

Posted by: Teleran Mar 12 2005, 09:57 AM

Teleran is waiting for everyone to arrive at the main gate, relaxing against a wall under the effects of a chameleon enchantment.

Posted by: w0nders Mar 12 2005, 09:58 AM

Summary-

Dante, somewhere in Ald Raathim, sharpening his sword.

Illidan, with the assorted vampires.

Brum, Inzoliah, Merciander, an island.

Posted by: Nalion Mar 12 2005, 09:59 AM

Nalion was present when Loranna learned of the vampires and agreed to come with her to investigate the matter.
The thought of a possible meeting with a bunch of 150 vampires by night was quite worrying. The mark he had set earlier to quickly recall back to Ald Raathim was his last resort if things went wrong.

Posted by: Aki Mar 12 2005, 09:59 AM

Summary
Raddin Brastier, AKA Raddin the Wolf, has met with the remaining contigent of WHOT members, and plans to put them to use in any planned strike against the Azurites.

Eya is with Raddin, helping him.

Tohe is uh..doing something to amuse himself...

Reichi is at the gates of Ald Raathim, ready to go find some Vampires with Loranna, Nalion, Teleran, Marien Nigh scar...

He just kinda standing there, looking cool with his sun-glasses like Resin Goggles.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 12 2005, 10:15 AM

Loranna briefly goes over a basic strategy: "All right; we'll fly out there but I think we should approach the mine itself on foot, preferably with a scout or two investigating first. If these people are there and thinking then they'll have guards posted, so we'll try to avoid them until we know the lay of the land."

"Reichi, you're our best tracker; you think you can pick up their scent once we get on the ground?"

Posted by: Aki Mar 12 2005, 10:18 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2005, 03:55 AM)

"Probably, Vampires have a pretty unique scent," Reichi replied casually.

Posted by: Teleran Mar 12 2005, 10:23 AM

"Well let's get to it then. This way, right?" Teleran gestured with his barely visible arm before rocketing into the air in the direction he had indicated.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 12 2005, 10:25 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Mar 12 2005, 04:03 AM)

"Well let's get to it then. This way, right?" Teleran gestured with his barely visible arm before rocketing into the air in the direction he had indicated.

"Tel dear wait till we want to be unseen before using that enchantment ..." Loranna sighs, signalling for the others to follow ...

Posted by: w0nders Mar 12 2005, 10:33 AM

The mine entrance was connected into the side of a large, grassy hill. Atleast 10 feet around the mine, in all directions was plain, open fields. Beyond that was some light forestation, atleast three vampires roamed the open field. Dressed in fine armour and draped with cloaks.

Two more vampires, very similar to the previously mentioned ones. Stood on either side of the door, their spears pointing towards the sky. Illidan, Janis, Volrina and the bosmer entered the mine, single file. The others would be arriving soon.

Posted by: Nalion Mar 12 2005, 10:33 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2005, 09:05 AM)

"Tel dear wait till we want to be unseen before using that enchantment ..." Loranna sighs, signalling for the others to follow ...

Nalion takes the two potions of levitate Loranna offered him, one for the current trip, one in case of a fast retreat.
"I appreciate that, Loranna" the mage said with a smile, then downed the potion. The potion took effect immediately, and Nalion seemed to stand an inch taller, levitating over the grass.
"Very well, I think we should follow Teleran. Given his luck, he'll run into the vampires in no time." The mage waited for the party to move, then followed them, taking care of the rear.

Posted by: Tricrux Mar 12 2005, 10:38 AM

The shadowy figure flew up into the sky with the rest of them.

Posted by: Aki Mar 12 2005, 10:39 AM

Reichi takes his levitation potion floats slowly into the sky, floating on his back. "Heh."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 12 2005, 10:46 AM

Outskirts of Ald Raathim

Loranna starts having serious doubts as to the wisdom of providing her companions with powerful potions, and briefly wonders if she shouldn't have just done this recon herself - with Jazbet's ring and her bracelet and potions she could be as unnoticed as most anything could hope to be and not had to worry about people making it hard for her to keep track of them ...

The terrain leading to the mine did not afford much by way of cover; a couple miles from the mine Loranna signals for everyone to land by a small copse of trees.

" ... All right; here's where we start scouting," she says, looking to Reichi. "Any scent on the wind?"

Posted by: Aki Mar 12 2005, 10:50 AM

Reichi grasped the dagger of senses firmly, then sniffed, floating closer towards the ground. "Yeah, theres some out here alright, one smells kinda...new too," he said.

Posted by: Teleran Mar 12 2005, 10:56 AM

"Not had its first meal yet? If that is the case, we may have to kill that one, it won't have the wherewithal to resist its thirst," Teleran muttered. "Well, how many can you sense? And where are the closest ones to us?"

Posted by: Loranna Mar 12 2005, 10:56 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Mar 12 2005, 04:30 AM)

Reichi grasped the dagger of senses firmly, then sniffed, floating closer towards the ground. "Yeah, theres some out here alright, one smells kinda...new too," he said.

"Hmm," Loranna says. "All right, so we know there's at least some vampires around these parts. Next thing to do is to get some people to scout the mine itself, and to figure out what to do about the guards. If we're actually going to consider their proposal then we need to be careful not to break their people."

She looks to her friends. "We need one or two people to scout the mine, and a couple people at least to keep tabs on the guards. I can go invisible and float so I don't make a sound, so I'll check the mine."

Posted by: Nalion Mar 12 2005, 10:58 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2005, 09:36 AM)

Nalion looks worried, but he nods to Loranna. "I can do that, too. I don't like it, but we need to know what's going on in there. Count me in."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 12 2005, 11:01 AM

Loranna nods to Nalion. "Right," she says, looking over to Teleran.

"Try not to kill them yet - but don't die on me please," she tells the Dunmer half-breed.

"Reichi, you Tel and Night-Scar deal with the guards," she tells the werewolf. "Nalion and I will be back here in thirty minutes with our report; if we're not back by then, head back for home and look for us - and raise the alarm."

She turns to Nalion. "Okay, let's do this," she says, rubbing her ring and vanishing ...

Posted by: Nalion Mar 12 2005, 11:04 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2005, 09:41 AM)

Nalion nodded gravely. In a short sequence, Nalion began to shimmer green as he touched his sanctuary ring, then purple as a protective shield engulfed the Breton, then green again. After that, invisibility folded around the mage like a cloak.
Careful not to touch anything that could hint at a movement of the mage, he headed slowly towards the entrance, waiting for the right time to enter.

Posted by: Tricrux Mar 12 2005, 11:15 AM

Marein waited for Reichi to say something

snip

Posted by: Loranna Mar 12 2005, 11:16 AM

The Mine

It didn't take long for Loranna to reach the mine proper, and she frowns as she sees the door and the two guards. There wasn't any other way into the mine.

Time for a slight change of plan, she thinks to herself. Hope Nalion is on the same page as I am, and keeps himself under wraps.

Landing a good thirty feet away from the guards, she allows her invisibility to fade and stares at the two vampires.

"Greetings," she says. "You called?"

Posted by: Aki Mar 12 2005, 11:20 AM

The vampire guard suddenly felt something poke him in the ribs, but when he looked there was nothing there. Several secounds later he felt it again, he spun around in confusion, recieving several pokes.

Little did he know, Reichi was right above him. Now, i know what it is like to be a cliffracer...hah-hah!

Posted by: w0nders Mar 12 2005, 11:23 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2005, 04:56 AM)

The two vampires looked at each other a long moment, before moving closer and whispering to eachother. After a short moment's silence one of the vampires entered the mine, leaving the other outside to continue watching the door. The lone vampire now began to kick the dirt, all the while cursing and hissing under his breath.

The other vampire finally returned through the door. Pulling it open widely as he stepped outside. He motioned for Loranna to enter, whilst keeping his spear gripped firmly in hand.

Posted by: Nalion Mar 12 2005, 11:23 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2005, 09:56 AM)

If Nalion had been visible, one would see him lifting an eyebrow at Loranna.
"I don't know what she's thinking, but I really hope she has a plan." Nalion kept his invisibility around him, but went through the formula of a drain fatigue spell. Striking from invisibility would give them a suprise moment, one which could prove important if anything went wrong. He wasn't very able with drain spells, they were not his favourite ones, but in this situation, a fireball or anything else destructive would be way too loud. And that is the least they wanted now.

QUOTE(w0nders @ Mar 12 2005, 10:03 AM)

Just as the door shut behind the vampire with the spear, Nalion slipped through the entrance still invisible. He wouldn't leave Loranna alone in there.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 12 2005, 11:25 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Mar 12 2005, 05:03 AM)

Loranna frowns. "I don't suppose I could ask to speak with one of your leaders out here, in the fresh air?" she asks. "It's a lovely night, after all."

Well Nalion, you at least have an open door now, she thinks to herself.

Posted by: w0nders Mar 12 2005, 11:29 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2005, 05:05 AM)

The vampire grunted loudly, in annoyance. Before storming back into the mine. The other guard glared at Loranna the whole time he was down there.

When he returned, he returned alone. "No." He stated, flatly. Stepping out of the way.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 12 2005, 11:32 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Mar 12 2005, 05:09 AM)

Loranna sighs. "Well, that's a shame," she says, stepping forward. "Thank you for asking, though."

Loranna steps into the mine, casting a small light spell.

Posted by: Teleran Mar 12 2005, 11:36 AM

Teleran came upon the third vampire and started things off by shaking the boughs to the vampire's left, when the vampire approached a tree limb bent down to touch its head. As the Vampire leapt back and pushed it aside something rustled the undergrowth behind him. Then the noises began to occur all around the vampire. A withered old tree reached for its robes the Vampire yelped as it ran towards the mine. The bushes and shrubs in the way moved as if something was charging it. The vampire turned to attack the bushes but the noise stopped as the sword whistled through the brush. Just as suddenly, the sounds and movement began again behind the vampire. It turned to attack the new sound but came to a sudden stop as it was thwacked solidly by the shaft of an ebony spear. With a resounding crack the vampire crumpled to the ground.

Teleran took the sword from the vampire's grasp, as well as a few smaller blades on its person. Grudgingly he moved the body into a hollow in the base of one of the trees. Leaving the vampire out here for the sun to rise would have been as good as killing it. He walked towards the mine and recast the chameleon enchantment as he neared the edge of the forest.

Posted by: Nalion Mar 12 2005, 11:36 AM

The Breton mage entered the mine through a long tunnel deeper into the ground. He kept close to one wall, as not to be an invisible obstacle for anyone wandering through the mine.
The tunnel led into a rather large pit, with wooden stairways winding down. It seemed that this had once been an iron ore mine, remnants of rocks containing the metal were strewn out on the floor. The mine had been abandoned for quite some time.
Not taking the stairs, Nalion floated directly downwards, hoping to find the main room where the vampires gathered before his invisibility spell expired.

Posted by: w0nders Mar 12 2005, 11:44 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Mar 12 2005, 05:16 AM)

The tunnel heading towards the pit had the odd vampire lounging in it, though there wasn't much room for that. The pit room had far more vampires, some gathered on the top and bottom platforms, and some were sitting on the steps themselves. At the bottom of the stairs was a large open area, this is where the majority of vampires were.

From here there was one other door, leading into an office type room. Rather small, actually. in it there was a desk, which Volrina was seated behind. Illidan stood on one side of her, whilst Janis stood on the other. There were also more guards, much like the ones from outside. atleast 7.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 12 2005, 11:54 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Mar 12 2005, 05:24 AM)

Loranna says " ... Wow. The note was right ..."

Great; well Nalion, I hope you made it inside too, she thinks to herself. We've about twenty minutes or so before the others are supposed to head back and raise the alarm, so I better keep this brief.

The office room door is opened for Loranna, who elects to stand in the doorway for the moment. "Greetings," she says to the three vampires at the desk, looking at Illidan oddly. He seemed a bit familiar ...

"Your note reached Ald Raathim; I've come to confirm that it was not in fact a prank," she says, her tone reaching for politeness. "I see now it spoke truly. I'm Loranna; I've come to talk."

Posted by: Nalion Mar 12 2005, 12:07 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2005, 10:34 AM)

Nalion had seen Loranna being escorted to the office room and he used his chance to slip into it right after the escorting guard had entered.
He knew that Loranna didn't know he was present, so he moved close behind her and breathed against her hair, hoping she would catch the hint. Even if she flinched upon that, it wouldn't make a great difference. Who wouldn't flinch when one was surrounded by a large group of vampires?
After that, he moved away from her into a corner watching the scene, a spell in mind to distract the vampires in case they needed to get out of here very fast.

Posted by: w0nders Mar 12 2005, 12:15 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2005, 05:34 AM)

As Loranna entered the room, Illidan immediately looked at the floor, and lightly bit down on his lower lip. "Greetings to you, Loranna" Volrina said, stretching out her legs from beneath the desk.

"Greetings" Janis added shortly after, blowing her a kiss, not a pleasent one, either.

"Mmmrffdff..." was the greeting Illidan gave, between pursed lips and gritted teeth.

"Well...since we're here to talk, let's talk." She began, "As you know, we wish to ally ourselves with you. I believe we have as much of our own individual needs to want to destroy these Azurites. And that we could be very helpful to eachother..."

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

QUOTE(w0nders @ Mar 12 2005, 05:55 AM)

Loranna is momentarily distracted by the spectacle of a vampire acting like he doesn't want anybody to recognize him. Janis's blown kiss merely makes her raise an eyebrow.

"Well yes, let's talk," Loranna says, looking back to Volrina with a 'who the heck is that guy?' look in her eye. "But this talk can't last too long; my sojurn here is on a timer and if I don't report back in soon that you're truly looking for an alliance - well, you can guess."

"Anyway, yes the Azurites are a common foe," she continues. "My immediate concerns, shared by my companions, are how we can hope to sustain such a sizable number of your people here without clashing over blood rights, as it were. Perhaps you could quickly outline for me what you people had in mind, that I may relay this to the others?"

Posted by: w0nders Mar 12 2005, 12:31 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2005, 06:01 AM)

"Yes, yes...of course, we'll keep this as short as possible." Volrina began, "Actually, I know very little of the reasoning for this logic, perhaps the mer who came up with this idea could fill us in, in full. How's that sound to you...Illidan?"

Hearing his name being spoken, Illidan gave a start, then gave Volrina a quick glare. "Well...um, you see...Loranna, it is not necessary for us to stay in the town. After all...it would probably slow us down more than anything."

Janis nodded in agreement, "It would probably be safer, for both of us. If we kept our forces divided for the time. As to not stir the townsfolk. I can only imagine how they would take having a vampire deliver their milk every early morning, for example."

The guards around the room began to snicker. Illidan shot them all quick glares aswell. "What we want..." He began, "Is to help, basically...and kill as many Azurites as we can along the way."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 12 2005, 12:41 PM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Mar 12 2005, 06:11 AM)

Loranna's eyes widen in surprise as she realizes who the odd vampire is ...

" ... ILLIDAN!?!?!?" she cries, walking right up to the vampire and glaring.

"Okay, so you bring all these vampires to our front doorstep, you send us a note tied to a rat - said rat currently being someone's supper for all I know - you promptly let me go against my better judgement and walk into your little hideout instead of, say, waiting outside to see if any of your old companions might come by and recognize you and possibly NOT think that this is all a prelude to a massive blood hunt ... and to top it all off, you only have a fourth of an idea of what you wanted your newfound companions to do!?!?"

Loranna grabs the nearest wooden object and bops Illidan on the head with it. "Isn't it bad enough your brother nearly gave me multiple heart-attacks a few weeks ago?"

Her rant ends quickly, and she mutters " ... Sorry all. All right; you want to help out, you don't exactly have a firm plan as to how, other than to 'kill Azurites wherever.' Fine. I'll go tell the others you've made the offer; I can't make any guarentees, but maybe we can work something out."

She shakes her head and sighs. " ... Couldn't you have at least signed the note you sent, Illidan?" she asks. "Okay, we probably would have dismissed it as a trick, so never mind. But still ... you know we can't keep you all here for very long at all? If even a rumor of you being here gets out it'll go badly, and no offense meant to present company but we don't have too many Azurites wandering around these parts, if you follow my thinking. Most of the ones we want destroyed are back on Vvardenfell."

Posted by: Teleran Mar 12 2005, 12:46 PM

Teleran arrived at the entrance to the mine and looked at the entrance. Two guards flanked the door, which was shut tightly for the moment. He looked around for other means of entrance but could not see anything that would serve as an entrance to the mine apart from the guarded door. He tried to get closer to the mine and looked at the guards, no chance of knocking them both out without them alerting vampires inside, and distractions would just get an alarm raised.

He sat atop the entrance to the mine and activated an intelligence charm from his dagger as he mulled over where Loranna and Nalion could be. Unfortunately, the only answer he could come up with was that they had asked for admission from the guards, so much for a stealthy approach. The chameleon enchantment wore off, but he wasn’t making noise, and the guards weren’t worried about things coming from the direction of the door.

Posted by: w0nders Mar 12 2005, 12:59 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2005, 06:21 AM)

"Well...I was trying to help out, the only way I could..." He responded to her first accusation, only to be slammed in the face with another. "Hey, hey...I did not send that rat, thankyou very much. That was some prissy bosmer 'round her somewhere." He became silent as she continued yelling, every now and then muttering "sorry."

Then, he got whapped in the head. "Ow..." He moaned, rubbing his cheek softly. "What's this about Dante?"

"Well...firm plans are rather hard to come by in dire times, miss." Janis interrupted, "Though none of us are war generals, we may be natural killers but that doesn't make us geniouses on the battlefield. But yes, you should tell them about the offer, and they should accept. If they know what's good for them."

"Rumour wouldn't need to be spread, as you and your companions are the only ones who know. And it's not so likely that too many villagers will be leaving the town's borders anytime soon." Illidan said, pausing as he took in a deep breath. "If Azurites are not here, then why do you stay? should you not of left for them yet?" He asked, "Besides...we were under the impression that you were trying to stop them. And that's why we came."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 12 2005, 01:06 PM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Mar 12 2005, 06:39 AM)

"We are," Loranna says, her eyes narrowing. "And time is running rather short, I know. And we are doing what we can - and planning."

She closes her eyes and sighs. "And like your Redguard companion has noted ... firm plans are hard to come by," she adds.

"All right Illidan; I'm going to go talk to Allie first chance I get. It may take till morning for me to reach her though. Till then we'll keep this quiet ... and peaceful as can be."

" ... I need to go tell the others in my group that we don't need to call out the guards," she tells the others. "If I may be excused? I'll be back with an answer as soon as I can."

Posted by: w0nders Mar 12 2005, 01:10 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2005, 06:46 AM)

"You may go, yes." Volrina said, motioning to the open door one of the other vampire's in the room had opened earlier. Janis waved as she left through it.

Illidan however looked back down at his feet, somewhat ashamed, muttering "bye" under his breath as she left.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 12 2005, 01:15 PM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Mar 12 2005, 06:50 AM)

Looking over her shoulder, Loranna says to Illidan " ... We were in the vault of a lich king, with all his zombie minions kneeling before him and offering obessiance. You brother gets the bright idea of trying to imitate a zombie and shuffling his way on his knees to the lich king to go for a sucker punch."

"Take heart dear; I am glad to see you again, even if you just took ten years off my life."

Not that that will impact my promise or anything given my luck, Loranna thinks darkly to herself as she heads out, pausing only long enough to give Nalion a chance to catch up with her as she leaves and goes to the others.

Posted by: Nalion Mar 12 2005, 01:21 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2005, 11:55 AM)

Nalion follows Loranna quickly, he had a feeling that the invisibility spell would wear off soon. He spotted a small niche where miners had tried to follow a metalliferous lode and used its cover to renew his invisibillity spell.
"I'm no spy, but I should work on refining invisibility - or better: chameleon. That would be more useful." the Breton mage thought and made a mental note. Fighting while being under camouflage could prove useful in the future.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 12 2005, 01:29 PM

Outside, Loranna heads back to the copse of trees, having a few minutes to spare. She shakes a little on the trip back, once she is out of sight of the vampires.

" ... Okay; that was a sight dumber than I let myself stop to realize," she mutters.

"People, listen up. For right now, the vampires seem ... reasonably willing to work with us, or at least semi with us. I'm going to tell Allie what happened here tonight ..."

I'm going to go find Allie and say "Oh, I just found out, Illidan, our friend, has somehow become a vampire. He brought about a hundred and fifty of his fellow vampires to a mine outside our borders to propose an alliance between us and them to kill the Azurites. Is there any real way we can make use of their help, presuming they are as trustworthy as Illidan is hoping, or should we tell them to go to VVardenfell and take out any Azurites they can find? she thinks to herself.

" ... and we'll figure out where to go from here in the morning, and pick up from there," she concludes. "For right now though - let's get back home ..."

Posted by: Nalion Mar 12 2005, 01:38 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2005, 12:09 PM)

Once out of sight of the mine, Nalion lifted his invisibility and takes a deep breath. Keeping calm and unmoving, especially when Loranna whacked Illidan had been hard. And being in the presence of vampires was ... unsettling, to say the least. He pitied Illidan, he wondered how he had catched the disease. Something terrible must have happened so that he couldn't be cured within three days. And the mage couldn't imagine how someone wanted to embrace it out of free will.
Nalion shook his head.
"We should report back, yes. I'll not fly back though, I'll use the recall. No need to waste this potion." With that, he vanished and reappeared in his room in Jazbet's estate.

Posted by: Tricrux Mar 12 2005, 07:18 PM

Marein recalled back home...to his bedroom - which was now belonging to a certain helf-Bosmer girl...

After a certain amount of comic confusion, he was relocated to a different place.

Celeste, meanwhile had arrived, and was approaching Ghostgate not far behind Sadene and Dar'Var (but she had no idea who they were) and she is now waiting to find out what she saw.

Posted by: Arynel Mar 12 2005, 09:54 PM

OOC: The Breton Arynel is wandering through the woods around
Ald Raathem.

OOC: Looks like some good stuff's been going on in the RP, I'll join in as soon as I can, which will hopefully be Monday.

Posted by: Aki Mar 12 2005, 10:25 PM

Reichi sighed, and chuckled, and bregan floating back toward ald Raathim on his back, looking up at the moons. "Its funny," he said to himself. "These people have several werewolves in their midst, and im the only one of which has 'total' control his disease. Yet, Vampires, beings who aren't driven to kill everyone but rather have a thrist for blood scare them much more..." he mused.

"Crazy."

Posted by: Temple of the Dawn Mar 12 2005, 11:19 PM

Red Mountain, Pillar of Azura:

"Be careful. Even wearing slave bracers, he is dangerous."

"He is unconscious, my Lord, as you ordered."

"Even unconscious, he is still dangerous." Alandro Sul reached through the bars of the hanging cage and touched the sleeper's face. "He is aware of us even now. If you had given him warning, you would never have been able to take him."

They stood on shelves jutting out from the interior of the mountain, within the chamber of the volcano itself. Beneath them was red, glowing haze, from which emerged the pillar of Azura, taller than a silt strider now and growing still, as the constant chanting of Telvanni mages fed more and more magicka into it. It pulsed a low, steady blue, like a heart.

Alandro Sul continued. "That is the way with honorable men. They must be defeated by betrayal. Because they are loyal themselves, they expect others to be loyal to them. They make the deadly error of trust. That was how Nerevar fell, poisoned by those who dared not face him in battle, even when he had been grievously wounded. The greatest of the Chimer, murdered by his wife, and his best friend, and his adopted son. I curse Vivec's name, even as I give thanks for the lesson he taught me."

The mer who had brought the prisoner wore a body which had once belonged to Tusamircil, Altmer apprentice at the Mages' Guild in Sadith Mora. His mind, however, had once belonged to one of Alandro Sul's loyal Azurites, slain in battle. He looked closely at the prisoner, as at some dangerous and unknown species of animal. "What is he, my Lord?"

"He is the power that will destroy the unbreachable Ald Raathim."

Alandro Sul laughed. He had a musical laugh, a laugh that made you want to laugh with him. He spoke now to the unconscious prisoner.

"Loyalty and trust. There can only be trust between two powers when both are subject to a higher one. Nerevar understood that. In bondage to Azura, we are free, we are powerful, as the mer whose body this once was is free in bondage to me. Because we both desire the same thing, we are stronger. You, you are one of those who would break the chains that bind us. Foolish creature - I have had three thousand years to reap the consequences of such folly. Do you think I am not a true member of my race? Do you think I pretend to altruism? I am as selfish as you. But wise enough to know that my selfishness is best served by following the path of one stronger than myself. The Blessed Mother Azura is stronger than I, stronger than Vivec, stronger even than you.

"Struggle against me. Cry out. Curse my name. I don't care. In the end, whether you agree or not, you will belong to Azura. You will see what your will is, what your self is, and you will cry out in despair at your own tininess, and then you will come to me with open arms, rejoicing at your salvation."

Alandro Sul turned away from the prisoner. He stood for a moment with his head bowed, his arms wrapped around himself as if he were cold, though here, so near to the lava, they were all dripping with sweat. The roomful of Azurites watched in silence.

"You see what a wondrous thing service to Azura is," Alandro Sul said quietly, this time to them all. "I can trust you to do this thing to me, because I know that we all serve my mother Azura. Very well. I am ready. Let it be done."

Ghostgate, New Temple of Azura:

The cry went out, preceded by the music of the desert horns.

"ALANDRO SUL IS DEAD! ALANDRO SUL IS DEAD!"

The body was carried out by slate-eyed slaves accompanied by blue-robed virgins, their heads shaven in mourning. High above the crowd they bore the litter with its burden - the body of a young, powerfully built, beautiful male Ashlander, with his hair braided in the style of the First Era. He was flawless in every way. But dead.

The people of the Temple were put to work building the pyre of a fallen hero.

Posted by: Aki Mar 12 2005, 11:27 PM

Sadene and Dar'Var watched the scene with interesting. From where they were, neither could get a good look at Alandro Sul however, to see why he was dead. Sadene moved towards the pyre, followed shortly by Dar'Var.

She nudged a Azurite, "What happened to him?" she asked.

Posted by: Temple of the Dawn Mar 12 2005, 11:40 PM

QUOTE(Aki @ Mar 12 2005, 03:07 PM)

The man turned to her. He was well-armed, and Imperial. One of those taken prisoner at Fort Moonmoth. Now, though, his eyes were slate and his soul was that of a loyal Azurite who fell in that same siege.

"I do not know, but all things are Azura's will. Perhaps he has returned to our Prince's side. It is not my place to question."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 13 2005, 12:06 AM

Library of Jazbet's castle: Allerleirauh

"Once upon a time, there were nine brothers who lived in the same house with their mother and father. The mother was brought to birth with a tenth child, and the youngest boy was sent to the well to draw water for the birth. At the well, he overheard a busybody neighbor say, Poor child. If the child that is born is a daughter, he and all his brothers will be disinherited and thrust out into the world..."

She was telling stories to the simulacrum. She and Arynel had been taking turns here and at Solunastra, keeping company with Tamne. It left them little time for each other. Though perhaps that wasn't a bad thing. Love, this fragile thing, soaking in the rays of the sun to find strength to fly - she might easily crush it with too much affection. The world was a friend, even when it didn't seem so.

Matters with Tamne were improving. Today the little girl had, unbidden, climbed on her lap. Allerleirauh suspected some new plan on the little girl's part, perhaps to earn her trust in preparation for another escape attempt. But it seemed more that the child had simply wanted to be held by an adult, any adult, even a wicked one who didn't worship Azura. Your hair looks pretty today, the child had said, and Allerleirauh had taken it for a sophisticated insult. But no. You look like a real person, not like you're trying to be scary, Tamne had said. Well, then, I need to try harder to be scary, Allerleirauh had replied, laughing, and the little girl had laughed too, the first laugh she had ever heard from her. So. Progress.

"The little boy ran back and found his brothers and told them what he had overheard, and they waited eagerly to see if the child would be a girl, and it was, and then they took thought and decided to run away and make their own way in the world, rather than waiting to be thrust out by their parents. So they fled into the woods, and made a home there, and they swore an oath that any woman who came among them would be killed, because of the sister who had driven them from their inheritence.

"The little girl grew older and never knew about her brothers until one day the same busybody told her how she had once had nine brothers, but all had run away for some reason when she was born. So she ran away too, and went looking for her brothers, to tell them it was safe to come home.

"She came to the house of the brothers when only the youngest was there, and he saw the pretty child, and could not bring himself to kill her, and so he hid her behind a barrel. And when the men were away during the day hunting in the forest, she would sneak out from behind her barrel and clean the house for them, and gather wildflowers and put them in vases, and sew things that were torn, and make all things beautiful. And so it was that the eldest brother became suspicious and lay in wait one day to see who did these things and caught her. And he presented her to his brothers and reminded them of their oath.

"But the brothers said she was too pretty to kill, and besides they liked the fresh flowers, and so they said they would not break their oath, but they would kill her tomorrow. And on the morrow they said they would kill her the next day. And so it went. And they were very happy together."

Allerleirauh stopped. There was more to the story, but the sun was shining; she thought she would walk out in it, and let the sun shine on the simulacrum.

She leaned her head against the belly of the woman of brass.

"Well, Sen-Yedda. I danced to show you the love like the sun, sometimes harsh and sometimes gentle and sometimes hidden by clouds, the love of a mother for a child. And Arynel has shown you the love like moonlight, which waxes and wanes, impermanent as our bodies, but like them a symbol of something truer and realer, the love of man and woman. Now it's up to Solin to show you the purest love of all, the love like starlight - for the stars, you know, shine even during the day, though we cannot see them because our eyes are full of lesser, closer lights. Aren't you the luckiest baby, to have two such godfathers as Arynel and Solin?"

She sighed, and went to the window. Perhaps it wasn't safe just now to walk abroad with the simulacrum. Who cares. Time enough for stories when the sun was down and the birds not singing.

"Come," she said to the simulacrum, and they ventured outside, into the pure sweet light.

Posted by: Tricrux Mar 13 2005, 01:16 AM

Celeste was excited to be here, at the center of it all. She did her work with gusto. With all of the fervor around her, the less conniving part of her mind took over. She was here to serve Azura in a moment of glory...

Posted by: Loranna Mar 13 2005, 03:34 AM

Jazbet's Castle

Loranna had returned to Ald Raathim just as the sun was rising; figuring Allie is probably in the library with the simulacrum, she makes her way to the castle.

Seeing Allie standing outside, with the simulacrum, surprises Loranna a tiny bit. Seeing the bronze woman in the light of the sun was an impressive sight, especially with Allie standing next to provide an interesting contrast.

"Hi Allie; hi Sen-Yedda," Loranna says, walking up to them. "Er, Allie, got a moment? A new development's come up; we may have some new albiet slightly unusual allies in our struggle."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 13 2005, 03:36 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2005, 08:14 PM)

"Let me guess," Allerleirauh said. "Illidan came through for us. How many, and where are they keeping themselves?"

Posted by: Loranna Mar 13 2005, 03:39 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 12 2005, 09:16 PM)

"Let me guess," Allerleirauh said. "Illidan came through for us. How many, and where are they keeping themselves?"

Loranna stops, blinks, and for a moment her jaw hangs open.

" ... Purportedly a hundred and fifty; I can't confirm the number with an actual headcount but I definitely saw a large number of them," she says. "They're in an old abandoned iron mine outside our border, 'bout seven miles from here; I can show you the way at your leisure ..."

" ... Wait; you knew he was coming?" Loranna asks, feeling rather confused. "Then, why the rat with a note, with no mention of ..."

She shakes her head. "And here we were thinking at first this was a prank or a trick or something ..."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 13 2005, 03:45 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2005, 08:19 PM)

"I have not ceased having spies," Allerleirauh said. "And the vampire clans joining together like this is sufficiently unusual to have alerted Skein. It was Mirea who told me about Illidan, however. There is a cure, or there used to be. I don't know the right people to seek, these days. But I will find out. Is he here, and does his brother know yet? It was important to him to keep the secret from Dante."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 13 2005, 03:53 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 12 2005, 09:25 PM)

"He is here; thus far only Nalion and I have actually seen him and I haven't mentioned his presence to anyone else," Loranna says, suddenly frowning. "But neither did I think to tell Nalion to keep it quiet yet; I better go do that ..."

"You've had advance warning of this event, then; did you have any ideas in mind for when they approached us? Any strategies to suggest we jointly embrace? Right now they've apparently little specific in mind, other than to join forces and fight Azurites."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 13 2005, 03:57 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2005, 08:33 PM)

"Joining forces and fighting Azurites sounds like an excellent idea."

Allerleirauh gave Loranna a crooked smile. "I'm far too dependent on Skein. She hasn't fallen unconscious, as Jazbet has, but neither can she see into our future. The truth is, with so many powerful people in one place, almost anything might happen. The fabric of the universe is strained. Perhaps when Sen-Yedda is born, the pressure will ease. Until that time - almost anything we do, or don't do, might be the wrong thing."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 13 2005, 04:02 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 12 2005, 09:37 PM)

"Joining forces and fighting Azurites sounds like an excellent idea."

Allerleirauh gave Loranna a crooked smile. "I'm far too dependent on Skein. She hasn't fallen unconscious, as Jazbet has, but neither can she see into our future. The truth is, with no many powerful people in one place, almost anything might happen. The fabric of the universe is strained. Perhaps when Sen-Yedda is born, the pressure will ease. Until that time - almost anything we do, or don't do, might be the wrong thing."

"Allie hun you are not exactly inspiring confidence in me," Loranna says with a quiet, deadpan voice.

Then, she shakes her head, laughing a little. "I'm sorry; I've been feeling a little strained myself. Part of me says I'm doing everything I could be expected to do and there's no use worrying about the rest, and the other part of me feels like I ought to be doing something more to fight the encroaching disaster."

" ... Was it like this for you, the first time you found yourself part of something so sweeping as this?" Loranna asks Allie suddenly.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 13 2005, 04:10 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2005, 08:42 PM)

"Is this sweeping? I hadn't noticed."

Allie grinned, suddenly.

"Loranna, I'm older than I look. I saw the end of the last era. That's why the end of this one doesn't frighten me. People will perish in misery; other people will rejoice. Both evil and good that we can't yet dream of will emerge. What I fear is a world in which it's much harder to walk a path that doesn't shame you. There are times in the world when almost all men, even good men, do evil. Because of - well, that's religion."

She had neatly, Loranna might have noticed, steered the conversation away from her own personal experience.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 13 2005, 04:18 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 12 2005, 09:50 PM)

Loranna looks at Allie thoughtfully for a moment.

" ... I see," she says, closing her eyes for a moment. When she opens her eyes, she looks a little more relaxed.

"What say we let our new allies get some sleep, tell them we've discussed the matter and are happy to have them early tonight," she suggests. "Get some food in a bit, enjoy the sun like you and Sen-Yedda were doing before I showed up, see what else the day has to offer us. The evil times will come when it's time for them to come, right? We'll be ready for them; for right now, it's a nice day out."

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 13 2005, 04:22 AM

(Ald Raathim, Jazbet's Castle:)

The heavy door swung open, and Helseth's messenger stepped out into the hall and took a deep breath.

He had been a messenger for the King of Morrowind for nearly four decades now, had seen and heard many things, and yet still, he had been haunted by the message that he bore from Mournhold. Were such things even possible? Did his king feel that the Azurite situation was truly that out of hand? Would this be the end of his country?

He had sneered upon seeing the band of rebels, outlaws, and refugees that he was to deliver his message to, and had expected an ill-conceived refusal from a chief of outlaws. Instead, he had received no answer at all, and from a Nord that had sat in the small study like a wolf in a birdcage; barely contained by its walls.

His grey forehead was sweaty.

He was to await an answer, at the Nord's pleasure. Two more northern giants waited in the hall to lead him to his room. He was tired, but he was certain he would not sleep well.

Aricyn had listened to the message from Helseth, carefully not letting his surprise show on his face. The message was full of bravado, of course, but the king was obviously desperate. He feared for his throne, and as well he should.

This was opportunity knocking. The king was afraid, the means to destroy the Azurites within reach, and the entire country of Morrowind was falling apart at the seams. Aricyn had left Skyrim, in his own words, to wrap Morrowind up with a pretty bow and make a gift of it. It seemed that fate had beaten him to it, and was now handing it to him, pretty bow and all.

He already knew what Allerleirauh would think of Helseth's deal. He only cared insofar as he knew that she was the one person who could stop him... If she knew.

There was a lot to think about.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 13 2005, 04:27 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2005, 08:58 PM)

"Vampires don't sleep," Allerleirauh said.

"The thing is, Loranna, there is no 'enough.' But the stakes are different from what you believe they are. Your potions - I think you learned a little of what I mean. How strong a potion could you make, if you kept drinking intelligence boosters until you puked, then made stronger intelligence boosters while under the influence of those potions, and so on? There's no limit, or if there is, I have yet to reach it. But there comes a time when you must question what you are really doing with your time. I can make a potion that will allow me to heal faster than anyone can harm me. Yet there are rooms in the Clockwork City that will kill me if I set foot there, no matter how many potions I drink. I can slay mighty Vivec in a stroke, but should I? And all this power will not help me sing an 8 year old to sleep."

She turned her face to the sun, feeling the warmth on her skin.

"So, yes, let's enjoy the sunlight. That is the deed we are given to do. As far as I can tell, for the moment."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 13 2005, 04:35 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 12 2005, 10:07 PM)

"Right now, the one thing I most want," Loranna says, looking down for a moment, "no potion I can make can provide. And I was shown just a while ago that any potion I make can be stripped off of me - and thought about how to stop that, which led to thinking about how someone would try to counter that, and so on and so on until it started looking like it was all going to boil down to a slugfest."

"I want to be stronger, but I don't want to just spend all my time making myself so nothing can hurt me," she says. "I wanted to be stronger so I could protect those I care about, ensure we'll be able to be together and not have to worry the big bad monsters are gonna tear us away from one another. And ... this sort of strength can only do so much for ensuring that."

Eyes closed, she turns her face to the sun. " ... But at least the sunlight still feels nice, right?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 13 2005, 04:38 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2005, 09:15 PM)

"Yes," Allerleirauh said. "The sunlight still feels nice. And I suppose that's the answer to the question I didn't answer. At the beginning, long ago, I learned that when all things have been taken from you, there are some things that cannot be taken from you."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 13 2005, 04:41 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 12 2005, 10:18 PM)

Loranna smiles, and holds out an arm to Allie in invitation for a friendly hug.

"Thank you for sharing that with me," she says.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 13 2005, 04:43 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2005, 09:21 PM)

Loranna smiles, and holds out an arm to Allie in invitation for a friendly hug.

"Thank you for sharing that with me," she says.

Allerleirauh hugged her. The two women made a pretty picture, dark skin against skin like snow, grey locks and golden, in the slanting light of late afternoon.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 13 2005, 04:45 AM

(Ald Raathim:)

The old Nord gave a broken-toothed grin as he spotted Tris. Aricyn was right, he was the "pretty Breton".

Still laughing at the private joke, he approached Tris and bowed slightly.

"Begging your pardon, Sir." he cleared his throat and put on his 'formal voice'.

"Chief Aricyn requests your company in his chambers."

He smiled another pleasant smile that showed just how many times he'd been hit in the mouth.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 13 2005, 04:50 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 12 2005, 09:25 PM)

A few moments later Tris appeared in Aricyn's room. He glanced around, never having been here before. It was certainly a Nord's room, every cloth object of furnishing had been replaced by some sort of furred, dead animal. Tris wondered where all the furs had come from.

"Did you need me?" Tris asked.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 13 2005, 04:57 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 12 2005, 08:30 PM)

Aricyn sat in the window seat, staring out at the mountains. He smiled but didnt' look up. When the door was closed, he spoke.

"That big, black bastard... Leseth? I want to meet him, in private."

He looked away from the window to Tris.

"I think you can help me do that. Would you?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 13 2005, 04:59 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 12 2005, 09:37 PM)

Tris's pleasant expression disappeared. But he didn't say no.

"I wonder if you know what you're asking," he said. "Leseth took my foot. Did you know that? What makes you think you can deal with him safely?"

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 13 2005, 05:03 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 12 2005, 08:39 PM)

Near the cold hearth, the grizzled old wolf snorted in his sleep.

Aricyn frowned. "Does he often remove people's feet for no reason? I merely intend to talk to him, and I don't intend to say anything that would get me dismembered."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 13 2005, 05:06 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 12 2005, 09:43 PM)

"He's hard to get to know. And he had a reason, and a good one. When I freed Ciel from Elysana's palace, I almost got caught. Leseth respects the General, and he respects me - now. I see no reason he would respect you. Do you still want to speak with him?"

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 13 2005, 05:09 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 12 2005, 08:46 PM)

Aricyn thought long before answering. Leseth respected the 'General'...

"No," said Aricyn, finally.

"I see what you mean. Thank you, for your advice and your time."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 13 2005, 05:12 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 12 2005, 09:49 PM)

Aricyn thought long before answering. Leseth respected the 'General'...

"No," said Aricyn, finally.

"I see what you mean. Thank you, for your advice and your time."

Tris bowed, and waited a moment to see if Aricyn would say anything else. Then he left.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 13 2005, 05:20 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 12 2005, 08:52 PM)

Tris bowed, and waited a moment to see if Aricyn would say anything else. Then he left.

Aricyn watched the man go, then turned back to the window. It had turned cloudy outside, or the window was dirty, either way it was darker... and cold.

The old wolf awoke with a start, bristling to twice his size and snarling at the dark corner by the wardrobe.

A heavy, mailed foot rang on the wooden floor.

"Why do you wish to speak to me?" a cold, deep voice said from beneath a black hood.

Posted by: w0nders Mar 13 2005, 05:23 AM

Ald Raathim-

Dante strolled through the busy streets, uncontrollably fiddling with the hilt of his sword. Almost removing it multiple times. He had gotten the sudden urge to go test it out on something, ever since he had returned it to it’s former sharpness, or…close to it. His indoril boot stepped down upon something he found quite odd. A faded red ribbon…

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 13 2005, 05:55 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 12 2005, 09:00 PM)

"Why do you wish to speak to me?" a cold, deep voice said from beneath a black hood.

Aricyn thought the creature was easier to bear at a distance. Here, in the small stone room, there was too much blackness.

The old wolf circled the room to Aricyn's side, still growling, and pressed himself against his friend's leg.

"I had decided against it, actually," Aricyn said.

The cold voice chuckled. "My attentions are not so easily toyed with, even by you."

Aricyn stood up from his seat. He was almost a match for the monster's height... almost. "Very well, then. I know that you want the Eidolon used, for your own reasons, as do I. There are many who would work against us, and so I thought it wise for us to work together."

The cold voice seethed from under the hood. "You wish to deceive the General, for she is the only opposition you fear, and you wish my help in dealing with her."

Aricyn relaxed his shoulders. Loose muscles were better than tense ones, if quick action was required. He noted the angle of his sword, laying at hand.

"You are what you are," Leseth said, simply. "but I will not help you in this. I do not need to. Play your games, fulfill your prophesies, succeed or fail, I do not care. Such power as the Eidolon does not exist without being used."

Aricyn's eyebrow twitched.

"As for the General," Leseth continued, "she is only the enemy of those who do wrong. If she were not against you, would your own brother not stop you?"

"You..." said Aricyn, but his next word was to himself, for he was alone in the room.

Posted by: Temple of the Dawn Mar 13 2005, 06:34 AM

“A waste,” drifted the sneering words across the air to where they eventually meet the khajiiti ears of Dar’Var.

A mer had spoken them. Radiant blue eyes stared out from underneath a pair of resin goggles, surrounded by soot and ash smeared scarves. Several sacks of varying size and make along with a slender glass long blade were tied to his belt. A servant concealed by scar-covered chitin armor crouched low behind the speaker. Peculiar odors intermingled with the native ash and gases of the mountain.

The khajiit felt a light tickle against his fur, almost as if someone had reached out a hand and stroked him like a domestic animal. The speaker’s head turned and is shining blue eyes lighted on the pair. Cocking his head to one side, he spoke.

“It is a shameful to dispose of a fine example of merish strength in this manner,” he rasped. If his face had not been covered by scarves one would have easily seen the sneering grin.

Posted by: Aki Mar 13 2005, 06:44 AM

QUOTE(Temple of the Dawn @ Mar 13 2005, 12:14 AM)

"But, is it not the traditional way for Dunmer?" The Khajiit replied, looking over at the mer. He wondered what that tingle had been. Sadene remained quiet.

Posted by: Temple of the Dawn Mar 13 2005, 06:57 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Mar 12 2005, 10:24 PM)

"But, is it not the traditional way for Dunmer?" The Khajiit replied, looking over at the mer. He wondered what that tingle had been. Sadene remained quiet.

“Tradition changes, Khajiit,” he snorted gesturing about the mountain. “Come Hogithum all of Tamriel will know that.”

Dar’Var felt a tickle through his fur again, like the rustling of the wind. The mer reached up and pulled his scarves away from his face revealing ashen dunmeri lips. He was grinning wickedly.

“My former Master had a penchant for Khajiits you know,” he rasped. “Before the Dawn. Not all of them, mind you, just what he could make a blanket out of, the rest he gave to me.”

There the feeling was again, it was definitely something.

“Best keep you’re eyes open or the same might happen to you.”

He began to turn away.

Posted by: Aki Mar 13 2005, 07:06 AM

Dar'Var strained to hide a snarl. "Yes Sera," Dar'Var replied, intentionally using Sera instead of Serjo. His restrained snarl twisted into a restrained smirk. Sadene looked at the two, wonder if she should cart the Khajiit off, or hope the Dunmer didn't hear what the feline had said.

Posted by: Temple of the Dawn Mar 13 2005, 07:18 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Mar 12 2005, 10:46 PM)

Laughter echoed over the funeral site causing heads to turn.

“Careful Khajiit,” he didn’t bother to look at Dar’Var now. “Someone might take offense to your moon addled prattling and put out those pretty eyes of yours out. Serve the Mistress well or someone will find a better use for you. Like my friend here.”

The mer gestured to the chitiny figure behind him, who had not stirred once so far.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 13 2005, 08:09 AM

Ald Raathim

After enjoying the sun for a while, Loranna goes to gather the people who know about the vampires' offer and explain to them that they'll be accpeting the alliance, and that Allie will be accompanying them to the mine this time.

Again gathering outside of the town's gate, Loranna leads the party back to the mine; the late afternoon wanes as the party travels, until dusk is upon the land.

Posted by: Nalion Mar 13 2005, 08:15 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 13 2005, 06:49 AM)

"One would think we would better be able to deal with vampires when we can safely retreat into broad daylight. But since we're polite people, we don't press our preferences on our... guests." Nalion mutters as they approached the mine. From the sound of his voice, one cannot make out if he is serious or not.
"They seemed desperate enough, though, back in the cave. But if a vampire is hungry..." Nalion shuddered. "Let us aim for a solution quickly."

Posted by: w0nders Mar 13 2005, 08:19 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 13 2005, 01:49 AM)

Night had settled, and the vampires returned to their positions outside the mine. Although they had stationed two extra guards outside, after the strange happenings of the night before.

The two guards by the mine entrance noticed the group approaching the mine. "Looks like they've finally come to a decision..." One muttered over his shoulder, fixing his posture as they grew closer.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 13 2005, 08:21 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Mar 13 2005, 12:59 AM)

Allerleirauh bowed to the guards.

"Hail and well met, though in very strange circumstances. Where is your leader?"

Posted by: Loranna Mar 13 2005, 08:24 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Mar 13 2005, 01:55 AM)

Loranna looks over at Nalion. "Nal dear, relax," she tells him. "I met with them the night before; if they were going to jump whoever came in response to the note, they could have tried jumping me then. Yeah, the thought of a hundred and fifty hungry mouths is a little disconcerting, but any hungry person can be a beast, so relax. Besides, you still have the healing potions I gave you last night and we're not exactly helpless in the face of danger, real or imagined."

QUOTE(w0nders @ Mar 13 2005, 01:59 AM)

Loranna bows as well, letting Allie speak.

Posted by: w0nders Mar 13 2005, 08:24 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 13 2005, 02:01 AM)

Allerleirauh bowed to the guards.

"Hail and well met, though in very strange circumstances. Where is your leader?"

"Inside" One scoffed, cocking his head towards the door. "And you would be...?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 13 2005, 08:26 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Mar 13 2005, 01:04 AM)

"Inside" One scoffed, cocking his head towards the door. "And you would be...?"

"The General," Allie said with an easy smile. "And I'm here to see your general. So make haste."

Posted by: w0nders Mar 13 2005, 08:28 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 13 2005, 02:06 AM)

"The General," Allie said with an easy smile. "And I'm here to see your general. So make haste."

The vampire smirked. "Alright..." He shot a quick glance at Loranna, before opening the mine door and stepping in. "This way..."

Posted by: Nalion Mar 13 2005, 08:31 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 13 2005, 07:04 AM)

Nalion gives the vampires a short, but not impolite nod. Bending over to Loranna, he answered "You haven't seen me, but I was present in that office. Thanks for laving the door open." He smiled. "Sometimes, the sound of reason gains control over me, forgive that. Or maybe it's not reason, but prejudice in this case? Anyways, let us see what Allerleirauh plans."
The Breton mage prepares to follow the group into the mine, this time visible, but once more not unwary.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 13 2005, 08:32 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Mar 13 2005, 01:08 AM)

The vampire smirked. "Alright..." He shot a quick glance at Loranna, before opening the mine door and stepping in. "This way..."

"Thank you," Allerleirauh said, following him.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 13 2005, 08:33 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Mar 13 2005, 02:11 AM)

"We can't afford prejudices anymore," Loranna says to Nalion. "Though caution is still worth considering. But yes, let's go."

She gives the guards a small smile and follows Allie inside.

Posted by: Aki Mar 13 2005, 08:34 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Mar 13 2005, 02:08 AM)

The vampire smirked. "Alright..." He shot a quick glance at Loranna, before opening the mine door and stepping in. "This way..."

Reichi followed afterall, walking as if he wasn't bothered at all the Vampires. He wasn't really, afterall, if they were going to jump anyone, they'd have done it before. Besides, night time worked him aswell.

Posted by: w0nders Mar 13 2005, 08:39 AM

The vampire guard led the group inside the mine and down the stairs in the pit room. All the while getting strange looks from some vampires as they passed by. Once they reached the office door, the vampire entered alone.

He returned shortly however and ushered the group inside.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 13 2005, 08:42 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Mar 13 2005, 02:19 AM)

Loranna notices the strange looks from the passing vampires and wonders if it's simply the novelty of seeing their group or an indication that Illidan's plan is not universally regarded as the height of wisdom.

Once inside the office, she bows to Volrina, Janis, and Illidan. "Greetings once more," she says.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 13 2005, 08:45 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 13 2005, 01:22 AM)

Loranna notices the strange looks from the passing vampires and wonders if it's simply the novelty of seeing their group or an indication that Illidan's plan is not universally regarded as the height of wisdom.

Once inside the office, she bows to Volidon, Janis, and Illidan. "Greetings once more," she says.

"Illidan," Allerleirauh said, smiling and offering him her hand. "Mirea gave me your message."

Posted by: w0nders Mar 13 2005, 08:49 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 13 2005, 02:22 AM)

The three vampires all gave their greetings as would be expected. "So...have you come to a decision?" Volrina asked.

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 13 2005, 02:25 AM)

"Illidan," Allerleirauh said, smiling and offering him her hand. "Mirea gave me your message."

Illidan took her hand, "Good...but they're are more important things to discuss right now." He said, giving the top of her hand a light kiss before releasing it.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 13 2005, 08:52 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Mar 13 2005, 01:29 AM)

The three vampires all gave their greetings as would be expected. "So...have you come to a decision?" Volrina asked.
Illidan took her hand, "Good...but they're are more important things to discuss right now." He said, giving the top of her hand a light kiss before releasing it.

"Pleasantries are always important," Allerleirauh said, still smiling. "Yes, I believe we have a decision. Although there wasn't much of a choice to be made. You gentlefolk are going to continue to exist whether we decide to work together or not; we might as well work together."

Posted by: Aki Mar 13 2005, 08:53 AM

Reichi thought that Vampire was familar, esspecially that hair, when Allerleiruah had said his name, it clicked. Reichi blinked, looking surprised. "Illidan? Wjhat the hell happened to you?" he blurted out.

Posted by: Nalion Mar 13 2005, 08:54 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Mar 13 2005, 07:29 AM)

The three vampires all gave their greetings as would be expected. "So...have you come to a decision?" Volrina asked.

Illidan took her hand, "Good...but they're are more important things to discuss right now." He said, giving the top of her hand a light kiss before releasing it.

Nalion moved into the office room and greeted the vampires. He shot a questioning look at Illidan, wondering how he fared. He hoped that they would eventually be able to search for a proper cure for him, but as cruel as it sounded, there were more pressing matters needing their attention.
He assumed the same position as last night, in a corner where he could watch the scene and leaned casually at the rocks forming the wall.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 13 2005, 08:54 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 13 2005, 02:32 AM)

"And, as you pointed out before, we have a common goal," Loranna adds, looking over at Reichi with a frown at his outburst.

Posted by: w0nders Mar 13 2005, 08:59 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 13 2005, 02:32 AM)

QUOTE(Aki @ Mar 13 2005, 02:33 AM)

Illidan joined Loranna in the frowning. "Does it really have to be said? I think it's rather obvious, don't you?"

Posted by: Aki Mar 13 2005, 09:03 AM

Reichi shrugged, "Sorry, force of habit to, you know, wonder why someone somehow turned into a vampire..." he replied. He shrugged again and was silent.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 13 2005, 09:04 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Mar 13 2005, 01:39 AM)

"That's good to hear." Volrina said happily, although it was a dark happiness. "Now we just need to know what we could do to help, we haven't gotten that far in the planning unfortunately." She added, looking over her shoulder at Illidan.
Illidan joined Loranna in the frowning. "Does it really have to be said? I think it's rather obvious, don't you?"

"Don't snap at poor Reichi. It was a shock to all of us," Allerleirauh said. "Your name is Volrina? I have tried to contact Mannimarco; he and I know each other, of a time. But he seems to be incommunicado at the moment. Still, I can't think he would be happy that souls are being tampered with by another deity. That is the gravest problem before us now. Perhaps you are best suited to help solve some of the lesser problems - Azurites keep wandering into Daruhn. Your people would be excellent at keeping their numbers down and acting as an early warning system. What may we offer you in return?"

Posted by: w0nders Mar 13 2005, 09:13 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 13 2005, 02:44 AM)

"Sorry...forget about it Reichi, it doesn't matter." Illidan apologised, one would expect something better of an apology. But...respecting other people's feelings isn't something that comes natural to a vampire.

"Smaller problems...?" Volrina asked, "We could very much be able to deal with them. What we'd like in return however, is something that I am not sure of." She grew silent.

"Well...I guess we could use certain equipment." Janis said, stepping forward, "I mean...alot of us are equipped with very inefficient gear. Not to mention the lack of scrolls and potions we've been having lately."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 13 2005, 09:17 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Mar 13 2005, 01:53 AM)

"As I understand it, healing potions reduce your need for blood," Allerleirauh said matter-of-factly, aware that this was a taboo subject. "And we are very good at making them. What other potions and scrolls do you have need of? Make me a list. And a list of other equipment you need. As well as simple decencies of living; we don't expect you to squat in a cave without amenities, if you're fighting to defend our lives. We want you to be strong for our own sake, as well as for yours."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 13 2005, 09:23 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 13 2005, 02:57 AM)

Loranna speaks up. "You may also need other services from time to time - armor and weapons repaired, an actual healer to look at combat injuries sustained, that sort of thing. We should establish some means of you letting us know when you need such, that we can get someone down here to help, or to procure whatever else you need for you."

Posted by: w0nders Mar 13 2005, 09:29 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 13 2005, 02:57 AM)

"Very good." Volrina praised, smiling a little. "If a list is what you want, then a list is what you shall recieve." She waved at one of the guards in the room, who hastily left and returned with a piece of paper.

Volrina opened the desk and fetched out a small ink well and quill. She began to quickly scratch words down on the paper, looking rather strained. obviously out of practise when it came to things like this. Every now and then Illidan or Janis leant down and whispered in her ear. Either giving her more items to place on the list, or reminding her how to spell a certain word.

"There" She said finally, handing Allerleirauh a list filled with miscellaneous items and weapons. She turns to Loranna, "Yes...that would be very helpful, much of our current equipment is already damaged. Maybe we can set up a messanger system...which doesn't involve rats."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 13 2005, 09:33 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Mar 13 2005, 02:09 AM)

"Very good," Allerleirauh said, taking the paper. "I will have my own list delivered, of intelligence you may find useful in making your rounds. If our business is concluded, I'd like to speak with Illidan for a few minutes."

She gestured to Illidan to join her on the far side of the room, leaving the specifics of the arrangements about delivering messages to Loranna.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 13 2005, 09:37 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 13 2005, 03:13 AM)

"Eh yeah; the rat thing did kind of throw me for a loop," Loranna admits, looking a touch embarrassed.

"We should establish a letter drop at the very least, where you can leave word that you need something; I can check it every day and make whatever arrangements are needed," Loranna says. "As we were coming here last night I think I noticed a good spot for leaving messages ..."

Loranna speaks with Volrina about an out of the way spot she noticed on her earlier trip, one which would be perfect for leaving messages or a small number of packages.

"Do you have any wounded in your party?" Loranna asks Volrina. "I'm a healer; I'll go tend to them now if you wish."

Posted by: w0nders Mar 13 2005, 09:43 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 13 2005, 03:13 AM)

Illidan nodded and followed Allerleirauh, "yes?"

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 13 2005, 03:17 AM)

"Eh yeah; the rat thing did kind of throw me for a loop," Loranna admits, looking a touch embarrassed.

"We should establish a letter drop at the very least, where you can leave word that you need something; I can check it every day and make whatever arrangements are needed," Loranna says. "As we were coming here last night I think I noticed a good spot for such ..."

Loranna speaks with Volrina about an out of the way spot she noticed on her earlier trip, one which would be perfect for leaving messages or a small number of packages.

"Do you have any wounded in your party?" Loranna asks Volrina. "I'm a healer; I'll go tend to them now if you wish."

"Hm...sounds good enough to me, though we may want to try and mark it somehow." She paused for a moment, thinking on her next question. "I am not sure, though...you may be able to find some wounded, if you look hard enough."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 13 2005, 09:48 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Mar 13 2005, 02:23 AM)

Illidan nodded and followed Allerleirauh, "yes?"

"How are you holding up?" Allerleirauh asked. Illidan had once been handsome; now he looked like a handsome person who had died a day or so ago. She forced her instinctive reactions down and put her arm around him. "No one here has told your brother about you. But I'm afraid with so many knowing, word will get out. I wanted you to know: there is a cure. I know the right people to speak to in the Daggerfall area; give me a little time and I'll find the right connections here. Don't give up hope."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 13 2005, 09:52 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Mar 13 2005, 03:23 AM)

Loranna considers. "Hmm ... well, we can try tying a ribbon to the nearby tree perhaps; tie it in the branches so that only someone who knows to look for it will notice it easily."

She frowns at Volrina's answer to her second question. "Well, shall we go mention to your people that we have an agreement, and let me offer my services as a show of our willingness to work with you?"

Posted by: w0nders Mar 13 2005, 09:59 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 13 2005, 03:28 AM)

"I'm holding up alright, for now thanks." He answered firstly, listening intently and nodding as she continued. "Well...that's good to know, if rumour spreads, it spreads. Nothing much you can do about that." He paused for a moment, mostly out of happiness, "Thankyou...take all the time you need."

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 13 2005, 03:32 AM)

"The ribbon idea would work." She said, "Of course, spread the word! just to make sure the vampires don't think this is a joke. Take Janis with you, he'll help get the message across."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 13 2005, 10:01 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Mar 13 2005, 03:39 AM)

"The ribbon idea would work." She said, "Of course, spread the word! just to make sure the vampires don't think this is a joke. Take Janis with you, he'll help get the message across."

"The end of the world is coming; I hope we're not joking," Loranna says with an attempt at a Nordic Grim Smile. She looks over to Janis. "Let's go let the troops know; we're allies now."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 13 2005, 10:04 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Mar 13 2005, 02:39 AM)

"I have many things I must do right now," Allerleirauh said. "But time is of the essence for you, too. Drinking blood to live is not good for your spirit; I want you to be able to live with yourself, when you live again. Well. I think it might be best if your brother learns from you, and not by accident. But it's your judgement. Take care of yourself, Illidan."

Posted by: w0nders Mar 13 2005, 10:08 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 13 2005, 03:41 AM)

"The end of the world is coming; I hope we're not joking," Loranna says with an attempt at a Nordic Grim Smile. She looks over to Janis. "Let's go let the troops know; we're allies now."

"Indeed." He stated quickly, following Loranna outside the office, his own steps in timing with hers.

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 13 2005, 03:44 AM)

"Of course, I am trying to keep the blood drinking down to a low...so far it's been alright. I haven't killed that many people." He paused a long moment, thinking on what Allerleirauh had said. "You too..."

Posted by: Nalion Mar 13 2005, 10:09 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 13 2005, 08:41 AM)

"The end of the world is coming; I hope we're not joking," Loranna says with an attempt at a Nordic Grim Smile. She looks over to Janis. "Let's go let the troops know; we're allies now."

The Breton mage had listened quietly to the negotiations. A part of him was glad that matters were settled peacefully and to both sides gain, the other part still felt strangely worried and doubtful. He would have to work on that part, Nalion knew that. Despite he had seen many wondrous, strange and horrible things during his travels with his friends, it was hard for him to think that particular matter through.

Nalion frowned at Lorannas first comment, though."Grave thoughts, dear Loranna. The end of the world may come, but we will live through it. I don't want to give up what we have gained. There's much good to do yet."
The mage pushed himself from the wll and followed outside the office, assessing the vampires in the pit room.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 13 2005, 10:11 AM

(Jazbet's Castle, Ald Raathim:)

Aricyn grinned widely at Magnilde. "Oh, I see. My, what other news do you bear?"

"It's no joke, and I'm not fond of being laughed at," she scolded. "I swear to Kyne it's true. They're parleying with vampires."

Aricyn had to be told to lower his eyebrows.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 13 2005, 10:15 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Mar 13 2005, 03:49 AM)

"Trust me Nalion dear," Loranna says, "I've no wish to give up what we've fought for yet either. I still have a promise to keep."

Outside the office, Loranna looks at the various vampires staring back at her, Janis, and Nalion. The strange looks were still present.

"We've agreed to work with you," Loranna tells the assembled crowd. "As part of our agreement, I offer my services as a healer to tend to your wounded. Any who bear wounds, come forward so they may be healed."

She lets Janis speak to confirm her words.

Posted by: w0nders Mar 13 2005, 10:19 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 13 2005, 03:55 AM)

"It's true..." He began, "If you are wounded, line up to be healed. And keep it orderly damn it!" A small amount of vampires moved towards the three. Some with more noticable wounds than others.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 13 2005, 10:20 AM

Allerleirauh spoke briefly with several of the other vampires about their skills and their familiarity with the area.

The thing about vampires was - they were people. Or they had been people. Each one of them had a tragic history, a life cut brief by untimely death and continued after the grave. There was no "typical" vampire. If anything was typical, it was the will to survive which had allowed them to become infected in the first place instead of being cut down in the encounter with the one who had infected them.

She wondered briefly what would happen when the present crisis was over. Would the vampires become the next new crisis? Well, they would deal with that when it happened.

She had to wait on Loranna to finish. Not going to risk leaving any of the party here. Though vampires showed a remarkable solidarity, due to their need to rely on their clans to survive, they were only people; there might be criminals who would break a treaty for a bite to eat.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 13 2005, 10:26 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Mar 13 2005, 03:59 AM)

"It's true..." He began, "If you are wounded, line up to be healed. And keep it orderly damn it!" A small amount of vampires moved towards the three. Some with more noticable wounds than others.

Healing vampires was, in some ways, no different than healing living folk; the magic worked on vampiric flesh as well as it did on living flesh. In other ways though, it was somewhat different; most living folk are not accustomed to thinking of their healer as a source of food, and most undead are not accustomed to thinking that a living person would actually want to help a vampire.

Still, Loranna casts her spells, and says some words of encouragement; these people were her allies now even if one or two of them gave her a sinking feeling. With the ease born of continued practice, she heals the wounded vampires in short order.

Once done tending to the wounded, she looks to Allie and the others. "All set here," she says.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 13 2005, 10:29 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 13 2005, 03:06 AM)

Healing vampires was, in some ways, no different than healing living folk; the magic worked on vampiric flesh as well as it did on living flesh. In other ways though, it was somewhat different; most living folk are not accustomed to thinking of their healer as a source of food, and most undead were not accustomed to thinking that a living person would actually want to help a vampire.

Still, Loranna cast her spells, and said some words of encouragement; these people were her allies now even if one or two of them gave her a sinking feeling. With the ease born of continued practice, she heals the wounded vampires in short order.

Once done tending to the wounded, she looks to Allie and the others. "All set here," she says.

"All right, let's get home," Allerleirauh said. "Although I'm not in favor of paranoia, there's no need to be foolhardy, either. Anyone who wanders off alone is begging to become a snack."

The party headed back to Ald Raathim.

Posted by: Solin Mar 14 2005, 06:10 AM

Solin took a few steps away from the door of the relatively new Mage’s Guild of Ald Raathim. The painted eye on the guild sign watched the mer as the crowds on the street quickly surrounded him. His cloak was wrapped tight around his shoulders, its hood was raised to cover his head. There was a mix of all races, a result of the incoming refugees, mostly Dunmer, though.

As he walked, Solin noticed the townspeople at work. He passed a Dunmeri merchant attempting to negotiate the purchase of a horse from a rather large Nord, he didn’t seem to successful. Another lounged against a large overstuffed pack nearby, obvious waiting for a non-Nord customer.

The path forked. One branch would take a walker down to the sea, the other to Jazbet’s keep. Solin began down the trail to the eastern shore but shook his head before he got to far. He had business at the keep and turned around to go and attend to it.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 14 2005, 07:09 AM

(The Dome of Wayrest:)

Herwyn Brand sat in his office, reading yet another report concerning the escape of Sir Dolbinen. This new office was starting to become familiar to him, but the reports held new little surprises each time he turned a page.

Tris Gaerington... The Queen wants you dead, your own father wants you dead, and yet you would risk your life to free Sir Ciel Dolbinen.

Why?

It's not difficult to guess why the Queen did not tell me of the necklace that you left when you invaded her chambers. Her hairdresser noticed it, though, and the toothless old man who looks after the Queen's cellars told me that he recognized it from the Queen's childhood.

Given the personal nature of the unmentioned necklace, I wonder if the Queen accurately reported the contents of your, now non-existent, note. Ah, well, that's part of the game, isn't it? Personally, I think you meant it as a peace offering. How did you come to possess it?

A useless son of a rich man who spent your youth causing trouble and running... literally running... with a pack of other wealthy brats. How did you become the man who can walk through walls? How does a man do that?

That black monster... you and he are connected. How?

Ah, well, I'm indulging myself with the hard questions. I should start with the easy ones.

Where are you?

Sir Dolbinen was dispatched to stop the self-proclaimed incarnate of the Daedra Azura, and although he handled the situation perfectly, he was condemned for it.

And you saved him.

So, you knew that his actions were justified, just as I do. How did you know? Because you were there? Did Sir Dolbinen save your life? Is that why you chose to risk yours to free him? Again with the hard questions...

Where are you?

Reports, if any reports from Vvardenfel can be trusted these days, say that the Daedra Azura was cast out from her mortal host at Vivec. True or not, that woman now dwells in a small holding on mainland Morrowind. A holding that has been the center of much attention, as of late. Also, a place with many, many refugees, one or two of which just happen, not by coincidence, to serve my Queen.

You were with this 'incarnate' woman once. Are you again? I say yes. And where you are, I suspect I'll also find Sir Dolbinen. If I'm wrong, someone in Ald Raathim is still sure to know of you.

Where are you? Yes, that's the easy question.

Who are you? One thing at a time.

Herwyn Brand, newly appointed Spymaster for Elysana, Queen of Wayrest, picked up a pen...

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Mar 14 2005, 09:11 AM

Blacklight

A group of Azurites walk down the barren, empty streets of Blacklight, picking up stray trash, and trying to make the town somewhat presentable.

“So tell me what happen again?” One of the taller Azurites says, picking up a dismembered arm that was laying in the street.

The oldest looking blue eyed Dunmer in the group replies with an attitude. “I’ll tell you for the last time. They all left.”

The tall Azurite shakes his head defiantly. “I still don’t get it. That doesn’t make sense, after all this talk about fate, and hope, that they would just up and leave us. It JUST doesn’t make sense to me! Somethings up!”

The older Dunmer motions to the group and they all shift into a close circle. High above them a cloud sweeps in front of the sun shading the group in darkness. The shadow of the cloud covers them like a ominous, undetected observer.

“Before I tell you this, you all must know that this is only a rumor.” The aged Dunmer looks around at the face of every Azurite standing around him, making sure that they see the seriousness in his eyes.

“The thing I heard about the prophets was that they have a gift. A gift to see the future. Before they left Blacklight, word spread around the town that the prophets had seen something. And we’re not talking about your run of the mill, I see us dominating over our enemies type of prophecies. This was something big, so big that their fate in Azura wasn’t prominent enough to keep them here. This is all hearsay of course, but If whatever they saw was big enough for that,” The sapphire, eyed devil solemnly clears his throat. “then may Azura help us all.”

The Azurites continue cleaning up the town as a chilling wind sweeps over Blacklight.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 14 2005, 09:25 AM

Loranna's Journal

One week until Hogithum.

We as of yet have no news from our spy in Red Mountain. Allie has not heard from some of the people she has tried to call upon for aid in our struggle, nor have I heard lately from dear Dagoth regarding the aid he has been seeking. Jazbet remains comatose, his body kept alive by our magic and alchemical knowledge.

One week until the holy day of Azura.

Refugees continue to come to Ald Raathim; I and the other healers never lack for work. I myself also am on call to help our newest, secret allies, and help brew potions for the general weal as well as in preperation for future battles. Ald Raathim itself continues to grow, and gird itself, as do my companions. Plans remain afoot even if I do not see them or know of them, on both the enemy's side and our own.

One week until Mundus and Moonshadow may touch once more.

Could we be doing more? Perhaps; we could if we really wanted make every man and mer in Ald Raathim as strong and as undying as our mightiest warriors or even beyond, find them weapons and armor and powerful souls to use to enchant their new equipment. Are we going to? Allie answered that for me already, when she told me what I was starting to see myself; it's not really worth it. It's ceasing to live in favor of merely surviving, putting the domination of any threat to oneself above any other goal; the enemy might as well have already won by then.

I read over my earlier entries just now; I've been pining for one thing since Vivec - time. Time to collect my thoughts, time to train myself, time to prepare for keeping my promise. As Doll pointed out, I'm always stop and go, stop and go, wanting to slow down. And time has never been in the abundance I've wanted; we slew the Azurites on our land, we built up Ald Raathim, I trained hastily over a span of days before rushing to Gemin, we took a day off before making our arduous way back, we have but days before the time for our enemies to unleash their secrets.

... And I'm one of the best healers in Ald Raathim now, and second in alchemy only to Allie. I've been asked to teach others how to heal; my former mentor has asked me to help him with injuries his magic could not quite heal. I've helped forge an alliance for our mutual benefit and I've welcomed people to our home, made them fit and strong once again, and they have turned their strength to helping us build.

I didn't need the time I was asking for; I had all the time I really needed, and good friends to help me along the way, and lessons that will remain vivid in my mind for a long, long time. I got what I wanted ... at least as far as becoming the person to fulfill my promise.

One more week ... I know not what Hogithum will bring, nor what the world will be like after, nor even if I will be around to see the new world. But if I do live, I will be ready for that new world; I had all this time to prepare for it. And the sun will still feel nice upon my skin.

Posted by: Arynel Mar 14 2005, 07:03 PM

Emerging from the woods Arynel happened upon an Imperial who was carrying a stack of books towards Jazbet's keep. The Breton retrieved a folded paper on which he had written a letter, for the Imperial to take to the keep with him.

My friend,

I find it has been a long time, too long, since we could speak openly, there is too much to bear at present. I do not think, though, that there is no hope for us, no, perhaps I do not have the age behind my brows that others may have, perhaps my eyes have not seen pain as other may have, but still I find I am not without hope, perhaps I am a fool, we will see.

So many threads, each unraveling one after another and I wonder if they are not all connected. There is an end coming upon us, this path will not go on forever and whether its ends us in good or ill I do not know, though perhaps if we pluck the strings just so, and the notes are rightly played.

I fear that I have been pressed for time and have not been in your presence as much as I would like. I promise I will join you as soon as I am able. For the moment I would ask that you continue as I know you have been, working with such pervasiveness as is not commonly found among men or mer. Speak with Allerleirauh if you are able, she is never without a burden, though she will set aside a moment for use of an ear.

I will join you whenever I am able.

Arynel, Humble Breton Traveler

Posted by: Aki Mar 15 2005, 12:26 AM

Ghost Gate....

Sadene and Dar'var moved throughout the area they were allowed, Sadene acting like the typical Azurite fanatic, but managing to slip some subtle questions into conversations with Azurites. Trying to gain information. Around the other dunmer, she treated Dar'Var poorly, to gain their trust, near the Khajiit she treated him much better. In all, she tried to blend in, while asking questions.

Dar'Var meanwhile, followed her around and acted like a bodyguard, and remained silent.

Ald Raathim, a section of makeshift tents somewhere within town

"Eighty, thats all theres left?" Raddin said. Afinhager, his brother, the Nord with greying black hair who had lead the remaining contigent of WHOT to Ald Raathim nodded. "Yeah, but we got the last of Equipment too, everything. The 'Last Resort' stuff, the good stuff, and not-quite-ready stuff," replied the brother.

"The Halberds, they're not the fire kind right? Theres MANY Dunmer Azurites, it won't work well," Raddin said.

"No, they're all lighting enchanted."

"Good, only ones who'll get any NATURAL resistance against those will be Nords and Bretons."

Ald Raathim, Tavern

"Got a week left," Reichi said, sipping his drink. Eya nodded and sipped hers in turn. "How are we gonna get to Red Mountain from here in time?" she asked. "Well, Blacklight is susposed to have a mages guild, if we could get the mages' guild guide there, we could likely get teleported to like, Ald'Ruhn. Maybe. Im not sure if it'll work without a guild guide on the OTHER side, as i doubt a town so close to Ghostgate would be left unravaged," Reichi replied.

"Bah."

Posted by: Jakut Mar 15 2005, 01:48 AM

Ald Raathim, Section of Refugee Tents

Didryn sat in his tent, shaving off small pieces of wood from his handcrafted bow. Convinced it was looking very nice, he slipped on his old looking robe and stepped out into the bright sunlight. He looked over the massive section of refugee tents that seemed to span for miles. Turning further, he notices the tavern and, though he is against alcohol, decides to spend some time there. Maybe they don't only sell alcohol. He strings his bow and hangs it over his back, sealing up the tent. He heads toward the tavern, weaving in between the other refugee tents. He weaves past the last few tents, and heads directly towards the tavern. Approaching it, he opens the door.

Posted by: Aki Mar 15 2005, 01:58 AM

QUOTE

Approaching it, he opens the door.

As a dagger whistles by and embedds it's nearly glowing blue blade into the door frame. "Oh Shiii...nto..." muttered a voice. The voice happened to belong to a Dunmer with hair of a dirty silvery coloration, who oddly, had eyes similar to a wolf's, but retaining the dunmeri red coloration The Dunmer wore the robes high ranking Morag Tong members did, like Eno Hlaalu, but he was no longer within that organization.

The Dunmer, Reichi, grinned sheepishly, and gestured towards a target near the door. Nearly a foot from the door frame.

"Told ya you couldn't hit it..." said the other occupant of his table, a female nord with long black hair and blue eyes. Eya, the female nord, smirked. Reichi sighed, "I shouldn't have used the Dagger of Senses, i think.."

"Yeah, im sure the shortsword would have made it across the room without killing someone..."

"Meh.."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 15 2005, 02:11 AM

Ald Raathim

Thus far, Loranna's day had been reasonably busy but not overly so; she had quietly gone off to check the secret message drop she set up with Volrina, cloaked by Jazbet's ring to avoid notice, and made the rounds with the new refugees in need of healing.

More and more, she found herself actively speaking with passers by as she went about her business; some faces she at least remembered as people she had tended to when they recently arrived, while others were recognizable from simple familiarity. She still was referred to by some as Accursed Mother, and she wondered if she should not try to discourage people from calling her that, but for the most part people seemed at least not unhappy to see her.

Of course, she was aware people spoke about her in hushed whispers, wondering if she still had some touch of Azura in her or telling how she had gone into the legendary Vault of Gemin and slain hundreds of winged demons or marveling at how she faced off Daedra unflinchingly. She thought back to the Imperial Governer's reaction to her and chuckled ruefully.

It was a good time to take a small break, get something to eat. Loranna heads over to the tavern, in time to hear Reichi apologize for nearly killing the man blocking her path.

" ... Um ..." she mutters behind Didryn.

Posted by: Tricrux Mar 15 2005, 02:14 AM

Marein looked up from his drink, catching a nap as usual. "Holy - "

There was a young man, about his age, standing in the doorframe with Reichi Sari's blue Dagger of Senses quivering next to him. Blasted werewolf...

"REICHI!"

Then he winked and burst out laughing.

Posted by: Jakut Mar 15 2005, 02:25 AM

Ald Raathim, Tavern

Didryn flinches as the glowing dagger whistles by, missing his face by six or seven inches. He turns his head to look at it, pulls it out of the doorframe, and throws it. It hits a table and digs deep into it, just missing the hand of the Dunmer who had thrown it in the first place.

"Dang, I missed."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 15 2005, 02:29 AM

QUOTE(Jakut @ Mar 14 2005, 08:05 PM)

" ... Okay, enough fun for now," Loranna says from behind Didryn. "No more flying knives please ..."

She looks over at Reichi, frowning. "Is that any way to say hello?" she asks.

Posted by: Aki Mar 15 2005, 02:32 AM

QUOTE(Jakut @ Mar 14 2005, 08:05 PM)

"Hey- thanks!" Reichi replied with a smirk, he wrenched the dagger free of the table and pocketed it. When Loranna spoke he smiled. "I was aiming for the target, not my fault someone hung it by the door..."

"Yer, that be mine fault!" remarked a random Bosmer as he walked out of the Tavern.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 15 2005, 02:37 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Mar 14 2005, 08:12 PM)

The barkeep glowers, muttering under his breath "Annoying little fetcher ..."

"I see; allow me to work a bit of magic," Loranna says with a grin, taking the target from its current spot. "There! No more reason to throw things at the door!"

"Serjo, forgive my friend please; he's not a bad sort," Loranna says to Didryn, adding "Even if he occasionally leaps before he looks. Please, let me get you a drink for your trouble, on me."

She pauses. " ... We met the other day did we not? You were talking with Teleran when Shai showed up all bloody; forgive me, your name has skipped my mind ..."

Posted by: Jakut Mar 15 2005, 02:41 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 14 2005, 08:17 PM)

"Teleran..?" Didryn says as he makes an attempt to recall. "Oh, yes. I was. It's all right, I don't think anyone has ever remembered my name the first time they heard it. It's Didryn, nice to meet you."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 15 2005, 02:48 AM

QUOTE(Jakut @ Mar 14 2005, 08:21 PM)

"Nice to meet you too Didryn; I'm Loranna," the ashen-skinned Nord answers. "Barkeep, a drink for Didryn here; whatever he wants. And a plate of meat for myself with some water."

She looks to Didryn. "You hungry?"

The barkeep turns his eyes to Didryn. "What'll it be?"

Posted by: Aki Mar 15 2005, 02:51 AM

"They don't got milk or stuff here?" Eya asked. Reichi grinned. "No mammals here, er, save you know, man mer, and Khajiit, and the rats," he replied. Eya blinked, "Why not?"

"The flora and Fauna aren't exactly.....safe.....for most."

Posted by: Arynel Mar 15 2005, 02:56 AM

The tavern door came open and a silent figure adorned in a simple traveler's cloak stepped inside. The Breton scanned the area and then took a seat.

Posted by: Jakut Mar 15 2005, 02:59 AM

Didryn turns toward the barkeep and says, "I'll have a water, too, please. I don't drink alcohol."

Then, turning to Loranna, he speaks up again; "So, I'll bet you're wondering what I'm doing in Ald Raathim, aren't you?"

Posted by: Loranna Mar 15 2005, 03:04 AM

QUOTE(Jakut @ Mar 14 2005, 08:39 PM)

Loranna smiles, thinking to herself The same thing we're all doing - living as best we can and hoping to make it through the upcoming crisis?

"I'd be interested in hearing if you wish to tell," she says aloud, nodding in greeting to the Breton as she looks for a seat. "You're a more recent arrival, yes?"

Posted by: Aki Mar 15 2005, 03:06 AM

QUOTE(Jakut @ Mar 14 2005, 08:39 PM)

Didryn turns toward the barkeep and says, "I'll have a water, too, please. I don't drink alcohol."

"Why not?" Reichi asked. "Get hit in the head with a bottle of sujamma as a child?" he smirked. When he saw Lor looking for a seat he casually kicked a couple chairs out from the table. "Need a seat?"

Posted by: Jakut Mar 15 2005, 03:31 AM

Hearing Reichi's 'ingenius' comment, Didryn responds, "No, my oldest brother was an alcoholic, and died drunk during a raid from ashland rogues." Then, turning to Loranna, he begins to explain his story of have come to Ald Raathim...

Posted by: Teleran Mar 15 2005, 03:59 AM

Teleran walks into the bar and looks at the target. He looks at the people seated and greets them. "Hi Marein; Reichi; Eya; Lor; Didr...rin? How have you been? Got the arrows okay I take it? Sorry I left you hanging back there, but ...things came up. Are you telling a story? Don't let me interrupt.

"Bet I can beat you in a game of darts Reichi; best of ten throws, cumulative scoring?"

Posted by: Aki Mar 15 2005, 04:02 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Mar 14 2005, 09:39 PM)

"Bet I can beat you in a game of darts Reichi; best of ten throws, cumulative scoring?"

"As i previously demonstrated," Reichi started, pointing towards the hole left in the doorframe from the Dagger of Senses' throw. "Im not the best throw..." he grinned.
"I'd prolly throw it and it'd fly to Red Mountain and nail Alandro Sul in the forehead."

Posted by: Tricrux Mar 15 2005, 04:03 AM

"I'd take you up, Teleran, but I've since learned that you're a telekinetic," said Marein playfully. "Dirty cheater..."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 15 2005, 04:04 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Mar 14 2005, 09:42 PM)

"Now that would be a strange way for all this to end," Loranna chuckles, "presuming of course that his death would end things."

"What news have you, Teleran, Marein, Reichi, Eya?" Loranna asks. "Any new developments?"

Posted by: Teleran Mar 15 2005, 04:10 AM

"I don't cheat, unless you haven't told me the rules." Teleran replied to Marein. "No news from me Lor. I suppose that may be for the best, no disappearances as of yet. None that I can verify anyway."

Posted by: Arynel Mar 15 2005, 05:34 AM

Arynel had split his attention between listening to the conversations going on around him, and figering through a book which was laid out and spread open on the table at which he was seated.

"Quite a good read, I do say," the Breton said with a chuckle upon finishing the book.

He got up, leaving the book where it was and made his way towards the door.

Fanildil, A Great Mer, May He Always Be Remembered

There was a mer, once, upright and tall and handsome with a gold hued complexion. Not a statesman, no, not an aristocrat in any sense, but nonetheless quite stately. His name was Fanildil. Details of the Altmer’s life are sketchy at best, as is so often the case those who knew him as a youth were not so divined as to know of his eventual worth, we will forgive them of this, although it is a pity how much of his life may have been lost to us.

The first documented display of his undeniable quality comes from a time when Fanildil was scarce but a babe, laying so peacefully, it seemed, when there erupted a ruckus in the house as a Bosmer thief of unusually inadequate stature was spotted by an elderly Altmer who promptly let out a scream and then fainted. The scream was heard by the other Altmer present, which were the mother, father, and older sister of Fanildil (whose names are at this time unknown). Upon hearing the scream, the would be thief realized his plans had been thwarted and made for a quick getaway and perhaps would have made it out, had not the infant Fanildil tossed a wooden toy towards him, scoring a direct hit on the top of his skull, dazing the Bosmer long enough to be apprehended and taken to the authorities.

Another display of Fanildil’s exemplary conduct as a youth dates back to a time, at the unpolished age of thirteen, in which a poor, defenseless Altmer lass of similar age was being paid uncalled attention by an Imperial male, also of like age. The young mer responded to the Imperial’s ghastly rib poking by such foolishness as giggling (it is presumed by some that the young lady was acting in such a way as to not hurt the Imperial’s feelings, which should be a lesson to all mer concerning how one is to conduct oneself if in such a situation themselves). The Imperial, far too stupid to realize the young mer did not wish for his attention at all, proceeded to not only continue his incessant poking, but to place his fingers on the underside of her arms and move them in a strange vibrating motion, which caused the horrified Altmer girl to produce a high pitched squeal of laughter. What more horror the Imperial would have brought upon that girl is anyone’s guess (though the author would rather not dare think of it), but we shall never know, for it was about this time that Fanildil stepped forward, cast what was purportedly an absorb fatigue on touch spell, and left the foolish, improper Imperial to lay where he was, out cold. The young Altmer girl was so horrified as to the event and the abuse visited upon her from the Imperial that she was froze stiff for quite some time, staring at the unconscious Imperial on the ground before her.

Perhaps Fanildil’s best known exploit happened on a chance visit to the homeland of the half breeds, the Breton Providence of High Rock. It was there in a tavern where Fanildil overheard a group of obviously drunk Breton’s who were discussing which of them was the better mage (what Fanildil was doing in a tavern frequented by half breeds is unknown, but surely such an upright mer as he had goodly justification for his presence in such a locale). The loud and boisterous Bretons continued their petty bickering for some time, until at last Fanildil silenced the argument through the use of a telekinesis spell and a number of bottles which made forceful contact with the heads of said Bretons. Although many a lesser man or mer on attempting a similar feat would have himself become entangled in a brawl, and many good mer would have simply left the establishment and allowed the half breeds to continue on with their pointless squabbles, Fanildil proved himself to be of the greatest stock of mer there ever have been, by succeeding not only in ending the argument then in there, but making a bold, and quite true, statement as to the superiority of the Altmer race.

[The text continues, but it is faded and unreadable.]

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 15 2005, 06:12 AM

In her bedroom in Jazbet's castle, Allerleirauh continued telling her tale to the simulacrum.

"I told you before the tale of a young girl whose nine brothers had been disinherited by her birth; they fled into the woods, and she followed them there, and there she became their housekeeper. The brothers, who had sworn to kill any girl who set foot among them, decided that her company was pleasant and spared her life, for the moment.

"Although the young girl cooked and cleaned and washed clothes and did all the work of the household for nine active, sweaty young men with large appetites, she still found time to make things pleasant. And her greatest joy was in plucking fresh flowers and bringing them into the house, and arranging them beautifully. But soon she grew bored with the flowers near the little cabin, and she ventured farther and farther into the woods, in search of new beauty and new delights.

"One day, under the shade of a tall tree, she found a flower like no other, tall and graceful, and it was of a color that had no name. It was king of all flowers, surely. And there was only one of its kind in the whole woods. She was loathe to pluck it, but at last she decided that it must be hers. She cut the stem with a little knife and carried the flower back to the little house and there she set it up in water.

"Her tall, elegant, eldest brother came back from the day's hunting, which had been unfruitful. When he saw the flower he turned pale. What is that? he cried, and she said, I found it in the woods. I have seen my fate, the young man said, and he turned into an eagle, and he flew away into the sun, and though she tried to watch him as he went, the young girl's eyes were too dazzled.

"When the other brothers came home from their day's work, they asked where the eldest brother was, and the young girl was afraid to say what had happened. He went away without saying where, she said, which was the truth, after all. Well, I like that, said the second brother in a rage, he has left us to travel to the city, where there are bars and beautiful women and horseraces and all kinds of things to do. So the other eight brothers continued their life in the woods without their brother.

"For a time after that, the young girl was too afraid to venture very deep into the woods. But one day she smelled a scent that made her long for far away countries and grand adventures, and she followed it, until she came to another flower she had never seen before. So she plucked this one and took it home, and this time it was her second oldest brother who came home first, and he said, I have seen my fate! and he turned into a heron and flew away into the shadow of the trees, and her eyes were not sharp enough to pick out where he had gone. And once again she said nothing to her other brothers but that he had left without saying where he was going. They were disgruntled that he was no longer there to carry his share of the work, but they kept on.

"Well, you can imagine the rest. The same thing happened seven more times, with seven different flowers, and the brothers flew away as a singing lark and a brilliant colored pheasant and a cunning raven and a silent-winged owl with a face like a flower, and a swan, and a wild goose, and at last she was left alone with her youngest brother, and he became a kingfisher, blue as Magnus's cloak, and he cried, What have you done? All of my brothers have lost their inheritence, and you are the cause, you deceiver! and then he lost his voice and flew away too.

"Well, the girl was ashamed, and sad, but mostly frightened, for she did not want to live in the woods alone, surrounded by wild beasts. So she started walking, and she walked until she came to the edge of the woods, and what do you suppose she saw? A castle, the most wonderful castle in the world, and it glittered gold in the light so that she could barely look at it, and the battlements were made of diamonds. She thought that perhaps they needed a girl to help in the kitchen, and she had gotten good at cooking for her brothers, so she went to ask. But she went by the wrong door, and she met the prince of the castle who was riding out with his friends, and he said, Princess! Have you been robbed on your long journey? Why are you so ragged? Come in, let my people give you better clothes.

"So the girl went with him, and put on the clothes of a princess, and she went down to dinner with the company to a great feast in her honor. And all the time she said nothing, for she feared her harsh peasant voice would betray her. And the king said, My, isn't she demure? She is the perfect bride, she would never talk back. And the queen looked, and she thought, but she kept her thoughts to herself."

Allerleirauh paused for breath.

"Little one, are you as tired of the sound of my voice as I am? I miss Solin, and Arynel. Perhaps I should sneak down to the kitchen and cook something. War is like this, little one - a lot of waiting for information. But it's terrible not to wait, for to do the wrong thing might cost lives, and more than lives."

She decided to go in search of the others. Taking the simulacrum by the hand, she slipped out into the hall.

Posted by: Arynel Mar 15 2005, 06:20 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 14 2005, 09:52 PM)

She decided to go in search of the others. Taking the simulacrum by the hand, she slipped out into the hall.

Arynel made his way back to Jazbet's castle, where the Breton found Allerleirauh, who he greeted in the usual manner, saying:

"How does the path treat you?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 15 2005, 06:24 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Mar 14 2005, 11:00 PM)

Arynel made his way back to Jazbet's castle, where the Breton found Allerleirauh, who he greeted in the usual manner, saying:

"How does the path treat you?"

"Better and better," Allerleirauh said, smiling. She glanced discreetly to the right and to the left, and then she brushed his neck with her lips.

"In truth, my day was tedious, before I saw you. But in a week I shall wish for tedious days. I wonder if Vehk's child will be as difficult to manage as he was. And you, how have you been?"

Posted by: Arynel Mar 15 2005, 06:30 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 14 2005, 10:04 PM)

A look of suprise appeared on the Breton's face, but was quickly replaced by a smile.

"I am well," Arynel said, "I imagine the child will be difficult, it is their way, and I would be more worried if it were not so. We must play our hands as best we can. Tell me, friend, have you any thoughts on what we can do? The present threads unravel in such manner that I find I am uncertain as to what path to take. I fear I am not so adept at knitting, and these strings may be beyond my skill."

Posted by: Jakut Mar 15 2005, 06:32 AM

Didryn's Story

"I was born in a small Dunmer village, constantly under attack by ashland rogues. By the time I was six, I had learned to be a marksman and a craftsman. I crafted my own bow and made chitin arrows for it. When I was 7, my brother died drunk during one of the raids. When I was 12, my younger sister, Aahnslei, was born. My mother died giving birth to her. My father and I buried her and made her gravestone together. Then, a few days later, my father was killed by rogues, and as I stood over his body, I was attacked by another ashland rogue, leaving me with this scar. I buried my father after the attack and cared for my sister, taught her how to use a bow. When she was 12, she died of the blight. I buried her, too. Eventually, Azurites started attacking instead of ashland rogues. They were more powerful, numerous, and attacked more often, so just days before my 26th birthday, I fled my village. The day I arrived in Ald Raathim and met Teleran was my birthday. And now, here I sit."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 15 2005, 06:37 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Mar 14 2005, 11:10 PM)

"If you mean by that that you have no idea what is going to happen and what we should do about it, I am the wrong person to ask," Allerleirauh said. "Skein sends word to you. She told you to watch my back. Isn't that a cheerful message? The only clues I have come from my dreams. I dreamed of Alandro Sul, looking for us, and of falling starlight. The stars fell, and left only blackness in their place. It seems to me that we are doing what we must. If a new goddess is to be born, a new princess, a new hope for all people, our place is here, whatever the threat may be in other places. What are your thoughts?"

Posted by: Loranna Mar 15 2005, 06:40 AM

QUOTE(Jakut @ Mar 15 2005, 12:12 AM)

Loranna's smile gradually fades as Didryn recounts his tale.

"A tragic story," she says quietly. "To lose even one member of your family hurts a lot ..."

"I hope you are able to find happier times here in Ald Raathim, dear - or at least that a happier path starts here for you."

Loranna gives Didryn what she hoeps is a reassuring, friendly smile, reminded of Allie's comment about how all the mega potions and Void Ranger power in the world couldn't help her sing to an eight year old. Similarly, there were no healer spells to mend a tragic past.

The mealtime grew relatively quiet after that.

Posted by: Arynel Mar 15 2005, 06:45 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 14 2005, 10:17 PM)

Arynel nodded, listening.

"Perhaps," the Breton said. "I do not like this, there is a danger rumbling like a storm in the distance and fast approaching. I have given up running from the storm, and I do not think I could run from this storm if I choose to. I fear if we do nothing the storm will be merciless, though I know not what to do, perhaps it is best to wait, I fear what may be if we choose wrongly. If I am to watch your backside, that I will do, though my trust in seers is somewhat sceptical, I know of this one's words to be full of meaning, though which it is in this case I do not yet know."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 15 2005, 06:49 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Mar 14 2005, 11:25 PM)

Allerleirauh couldn't help it, she burst into laughter. "Skein said to watch my back. If you want to watch my backside, that's another thing entirely. She's very trustworthy, you know. She doesn't see the future; she sees what is happening now. All the threads, and the direction they seem to be leading. Sometimes that means you can predict events quite accurately. Other times, not at all. CHIM can never be pinned down in such a way."

Posted by: Arynel Mar 15 2005, 06:54 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 14 2005, 10:29 PM)

Arynel smiled.

"Definition is the death of mystery, mystery propogates possibility." The Breton said. "Now, though, to say it without killing it, that is a gift beyond measure. If Skein has any word for us I will give my ear. My eyes of course I give to attending to your back, and my hand if need be, though I do not know what help I could be to any who may prove a challenge to you."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 15 2005, 06:59 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Mar 14 2005, 11:34 PM)

"I have blind spots," Allerleirauh said, quite seriously. "Some of them I even know. It's part of being what I am; if I chose to be otherwise, I would forfeit part of my power. There are some tasks that must be done by other hands than mine. Someone is fighting us, love; someone stops the voice of the hawk on high, which leads me to believe that our strength together is the only possible salvation. Do you remember what I mean?"

Posted by: Arynel Mar 15 2005, 07:07 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 14 2005, 10:39 PM)

"There is a whispering in my thoughts," Arynel said, "though not enough to bring them to my lips. In this I think you know more than I, though I find that I am a liar in part."

The Breton leaned forward and placed his lips against Allerleirauh's cheek.

"A liar, perhaps, or a fool, though the fool may be the uprooting of even the best laid plans."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 15 2005, 07:13 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Mar 14 2005, 11:47 PM)

"There's nothing more dangerous than a sword in the hands of someone totally untrained," Allerleirauh said. "He might lop off his own foot - or, if you rely too much on your own training and not on paying attention to whatever is happening right now, he might just lop off yours. Sometimes the fool is the saving grace."

She laughed, and stepped away. "Unless we plan to turn day into night, we should go and find company. Where is Solin, have you seen him?"

Posted by: Arynel Mar 15 2005, 07:18 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 14 2005, 10:53 PM)

"No, I have not," the Breton said, "though I have sent him word to speak with you. Perhaps he will come to us. I do believe he is in the keep, if you wish to look for him."

Posted by: Solin Mar 15 2005, 07:31 AM

Surrounded by the musty smell that only a great congregation of books can produce, Solin sat writing. The small desk was one he had oft used in the past. On it's surface was a small red volume, open and filled with notes.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 15 2005, 07:34 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Mar 15 2005, 12:11 AM)

"That wasn't hard," Allerleirauh said, smiling. "You're where you usually are. How have you been?"

Posted by: Solin Mar 15 2005, 07:41 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 14 2005, 11:14 PM)

"That wasn't hard," Allerleirauh said, smiling. "You're where you usually are. How have you been?"

"Where else would I be?" Solin returned. A small smile played across his lips. "I am quite well given the possible circumstance. A bit distracted, preperation for the fast approaching Hogithum but, of course that work will keep us all busy."

He brushed the book aside into his pack.

"And yourself, Allie," he asked. "Has anything new arisen?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 15 2005, 07:48 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Mar 15 2005, 12:21 AM)

"Only the sun this morning," she said. "Or at least, it looked new to me."

She smiled. Then leaned forward and whispered something in his ear.

Posted by: Solin Mar 15 2005, 07:57 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 14 2005, 11:28 PM)

"Only the sun this morning," she said. "Or at least, it looked new to me."

She smiled. Then leaned forward and whispered something in his ear.

"Is that the way of it?" Solin raised an eyebrow, the smile was still firmly attached to his grey lips.

"I would hope this new dawning stays ever plesant then."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 15 2005, 08:46 AM

Wayrest: Tris

Earlier, Tris had slipped inside his old home, the giant Gaerington manor on the edge of the dockworker's district. It was given over entirely to offices now. Deserted, at night, except for the heavy tread of his father's guards. His father now lived in a new house, a bigger house, the house of a nobleman. The house of Sternhart. Count Sternhart.

He wasn't sure why it had surprised him to learn that his father had remarried. His father had never stopped trying to have more children. A second wife was exactly what he would do. A stepmother. Tris had a stepmother.

Now Tris stood within the Void, watching his father write in a journal. Once he had mocked the old man and his delibertate recounting of his days. Now Tris had a journal himself.

Alistaire Gaerington wore a velvet dressing gown, heavily lined with fur. Although this was his bedchamber, his new wife was nowhere to be seen. He thought that only peasants slept in the same bed together. Akatosh forbid he be seen to do anything like a peasant. Even though his own family had been farmers and shipwrights a scant two generations ago.

Tris could feel his mouth tightening as he watched the old man.

The pen dipped in the inkwell, tapped, deliberately bit into the vellum. And then the old man doubled over, coughing, and black ink spattered on the page. His face was red, almost purple, as he wheezed and choked.

Without thinking, Tris stepped into the room with him, put his arm around him, and patted his back.

If Tris had stopped for thought, he might have worried about frightening the old man into a heart attack. But he had no reason to worry. His father might be older and more fragile, but he was still the same man. He looked at Tris from beneath curling grey brows and struggled to speak, furious with his own weakness. And when he could speak, his first words were:

"How did you get in here?"

"I snuck in," Tris said, avoiding any mention of how. His father would make assumptions. Tris and his friends had almost been arrested for sneaking into a girl's chamber using chameleon spells, to watch her undress.

"No one else saw you come?" the old man said, with a sharp look.

Tris shook his head. His eyes were full of tears, surprising him. Maybe it was the smell, old velvet, and smoke, and the smell of the counting house, and the smell of the docks.

"I heard you were lame," his father said.

"I am," Tris said, standing up. "This leg, it's an illusion. It doesn't matter, father. I'm here, how are you, how is everyone?"

"Life caught up to you," the old man said. "Slowed you down finally. So, you need money? How much?"

"I don't need money," Tris said.

"Oh?"

The old man looked at him without blinking.

There was a long pause before Tris said, "I heard you were looking for me."

"I have news for you," Alistaire Gaerington said. "Your brother Oro is alive and well, hard-working, does well in school. Already he has a head for business, people like him, he's a natural leader of his peers. And the seer at the temple says my wife is carrying another boy, a healthy boy. How much would I have to pay you to go away?"

"What?" Tris said. "Papa... wait, listen."

"No. You listen, for once in your life. You haven't a clue what I'm worth, not even to the nearest million septims. Not enough, by far, to last you, and too much, by far, to watch you and your fast friends go through it like water. I'll give you more money than you've ever seen in your life, all at once, if you sign away the rights to the rest, and promise to stay wherever you've been all this time, comfortably out of my business."

Tris felt, suddenly, sick to his stomach. He felt six years old. "Papa, I said I don't want money."

"Cleared your account out in Hammerfell, didn't you? Of course you want money. Why else would you come here?"

"I came because..." Tris said, and found himself unable to finish the sentence. Why was he here, exactly? He stood gulping air like a fish, under his father's hard eyes.

His father named a figure. "Is that enough? I can have the paperwork drawn up by tomorrow. And in return, you forfeit the right to any interest in the business when I die. You know I'm being generous because you're my son. I could have you declared incompetent. There's plenty of evidence, with the lifestyle you lead. I have agents in Cyrodiil, they've looked into it. But I don't want to shame you publically. You are my son, you know."

"Yes, Papa," Tris said. "I know." He was having trouble breathing. While the old man seemed to be gaining strength from the encounter every moment.

"I have to go," Tris said suddenly, and pushed past him to the door.

Behind him the old man was calling for his guards, to have Tris shown out of the house.

Ald Raathim:

He almost hadn't come back. He had thought about going to Daggerfall, to Solunastra, maybe to see Dragon. He had thought about leaving altogether, going someplace with new faces and new laughter, where no one knew him. But he had come home after all. Ciel was out with the parraptons. Tris had told Ciel he was going to see his father. After their argument about Leseth, that was the right thing to do. Tris watched the flight of parraptons swoop by, from within the Void.

Then he went back to his room in the castle and fell into bed. It was only midafternoon - he had been gone half a day, as well as half the night - but he fell asleep instantly.

Posted by: Solin Mar 15 2005, 09:05 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 15 2005, 12:26 AM)

A knock echoed throughout Tris's room, the parrapton's had returned. Ciel's voice carried though the door.

"Tris?" he called. "Have you made it back yet? It's been sometime."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 15 2005, 09:10 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Mar 15 2005, 01:45 AM)

A knock echoed throughout Tris's room, the parrapton's had returned. Ciel's voice carried though the door.

"Tris?" he called. "Have you made it back yet? It's been sometime."

Tris woke with a headache from sleeping too long.

"Come in," he said blurrily, getting up.

Posted by: Solin Mar 15 2005, 09:18 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 15 2005, 12:50 AM)

Tris woke with a headache from sleeping too long.

"Come in," he said blurrily, getting up.

The door swung open and the knight stepped into the room. He had taken a few moments to make himself more presentable before coming. Neat and orderly, clean. Without a word he quietly shut the door.

"Did you meet with your father?" he asked quietly. He knew the answer, of course. "Did you talk long?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 15 2005, 09:24 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Mar 15 2005, 01:58 AM)

"Yes," Tris said. "I mean, not long."

Even talking about it made him feel ashamed of himself. He wanted Ciel to put his arms around him but he didn't want to ask. That was his father talking. And damn it, his father wasn't here right now.

Tris buried his head in Ciel's shoulder and waited for a while. It took some time. But eventually he started to feel better.

"Ciel... he makes me feel about six years old. He thought I wanted money. I haven't seen him in three years... He tried to bribe me. He offered me money to forfeit my inheritence."

Posted by: Solin Mar 15 2005, 09:37 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 15 2005, 01:04 AM)

Ciel's first reaction was to blink taken aback a tiny bit by the reaction, almost surprised. He wrapped an arm around Tris while he regained his composure.

The Breton Knight had talked about Tris's father some in the past. Actually, given what Tris had told him it wasn't all that surprising that the man wanted to oust him.

Ciel felt the curious sting of familiarty.

"What are you going to do?" he asked after a moment. His mind was a swirl with recalled memories of a not to distant origin.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 15 2005, 09:46 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Mar 15 2005, 02:17 AM)

"Do?" Tris said.

He wasn't sure where the question came from. It didn't seem to have any application.

It occured to him for the first time that he could fight for his inheritence, that he could make his father's life very difficult, that his father's threats about having him declared incompetent were entirely empty because his father had always been much more ashamed of him than he was of himself.

But he had been telling the truth when he said he didn't want his father's money. He certainly didn't want his business. And he didn't really have anything against his little brother - how old was he now, anyway?

"I guess I need to grow up. Just accept that I don't have a father." Tris coughed, took a deep breath. "I have another little brother on the way. Ciel, I feel so stupid. He doesn't care anything about me, so why do I care what he thinks?"

Posted by: Solin Mar 15 2005, 10:22 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 15 2005, 01:26 AM)

Ciel nodded. He clenched his jaw for a bit and then relaxed it.

"It's a matter of who you are, where you are, and where you came from," he said at last. "There are somethings that can't be altered no matter what we do. Dwelling on them to long only causes more hurt than it's worth."

He put on a broad grin, placed a hand on the younger man's shoulder, and looked into his eyes.

"Besides, there are better things to think about."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 15 2005, 10:24 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Mar 15 2005, 03:02 AM)

"You're right," Tris said, looking back. "There are."

Posted by: w0nders Mar 15 2005, 10:55 AM

Ald Raathim, Tavern-

“You kids today, you’re nothing but little runamucks. Rebels without causes, you are.” One aged, Breton man said, running his fingers through his long, grey beard, Small crumbs falling from it as his fingers ended their travel.

“Why, back in my day we respected our parents, did what we were told, and became fine adults because of it. But no…you lot, you like all this ‘fun and games’ nonsense!” As the man said this, a small array of spittle escaped his mouth. The group of children around him began to look at him strangely.

“When we had a job, we did it, if you were having a bad day, too bad. It’s just what you had to do. It’s the same way now, but I wouldn’t expect any of you to understand.”

“I remember this one job I always had to do, fishing it was. Going down to the old creek with my father to catch that night’s supper. Although, a lot of the time I went alone. And this one time…oh boy! This one time I had to go down there, and I had a broken arm, and a fractured wrist. Do you have any idea how hard it is to fish like that? Well…anyway, I caught 3 fish that day. Pretty damn good given the circumstances.”

“So anyway, as I was saying…” The man continued his stories, and little by little the children around him began to get up and leave.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 15 2005, 11:14 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Mar 15 2005, 04:35 AM)

Loranna and her companions had finished their meals and drinks and were heading off one by one; Loranna pauses to look at the book Arynel left for a moment, and thus overhears the old Breton talk to the young children.

"Don't be too harsh on the little ones good sir," Loranna says, smiling to the old man. "In times like these we need to treasure what little happiness and laughter we can find. The work will get done still, don't worry; let the children have a bit of time to play."

Posted by: w0nders Mar 15 2005, 11:21 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 15 2005, 04:54 AM)

"I...I suppose you're right." He said, pausing a moment, "It just gets to me sometimes...I'm a very particular man, miss. And to be honest, am not one to like change. I just find it quite aggrivating when I see these youngin's laughing and playing, whilst so many others suffer needlessly."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 15 2005, 11:27 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Mar 15 2005, 05:01 AM)

Loranna's expression becomes sad. "I understand," she says, "but you can't fault the children; they don't know what we've learned through suffering and sacrifice yet."

"Try not to think of it as them ignoring the pain and suffering around us all. Think of it as that pain and suffering having spared them up till now. They, at least, can laugh and play freely, for now. And someday, they'll learn as we learned; they may be learning this lesson all too vividly in less than a week's time."

Loranna smiles. "For what it's worth though, I am inspired by how dedicated you were as a kid; I know I could never have caught those three fish with a broken arm."

Posted by: Teleran Mar 15 2005, 11:31 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Mar 15 2005, 01:01 AM)

“Aww, let ‘em have their fun serjo.” Teleran said, “No sense in making everyone miserable because there is someone else who is miserable. Besides, that’s half the reason to accept suffering, to let others live free of it. The other half is to get to the time where you aren’t suffering either. ”

Posted by: w0nders Mar 15 2005, 11:42 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Mar 15 2005, 05:11 AM)

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 15 2005, 05:07 AM)

"I suppose they are quite young still, and have much to learn, I think I'll take your advice. And teach them respect in a more...sympathetic way." He looked over his shoulder, and noticed that all the children once sitting there, had left. "After all, in a week's time their worlds will be turned upside down, I should take it upon myself to make their lives less guilt ridden up until then."

He smiled at Loranna's last comment, "A broken arm, AND a fractured wrist m'am." The man bowed, and headed outside the door.

After a moment, a small Altmer child ran out from behind a crate of alcohol and gave Loranna a large, warm hug. Pressing his cheek against her stomach.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 15 2005, 11:45 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Mar 15 2005, 05:22 AM)

Loranna nods politely to the old man, thinking to herself that he possibly wanted to be told what she just said, given how receptive he seemed to her advice.

When the Altmer child runs out and hugs her, Loranna blinks in surprise but reaches down and hugs the boy back, saying "Hello there."

Posted by: w0nders Mar 15 2005, 11:53 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 15 2005, 05:25 AM)

The Altmer boy let go of Loranna, and looked up at her. He remained silent a long moment before saying, "Hello..." He fell silent again, before smiling at Loranna. He then turned away and ran, back to his hiding place in the bar, Giggling the whole time.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 15 2005, 11:56 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Mar 15 2005, 05:33 AM)

Loranna thinks back to the note Arynel showed her in Stormhold, and wonders if this is the same boy who wrote that.

"I have to get back to work now," she says to the boy's hiding place, "but if you like, after that, I can talk and play for a bit. Take care, hun, and don't tease the old fuddy duddys too much. They don't get it sometimes."

Chuckling, Loranna heads back to handle her alchemical duties, humming softly to herself as she leaves.

Posted by: Jakut Mar 16 2005, 01:28 AM

Ald Raathim Streets

Having slipped out of the tavern after telling Loranna his story of having come to Ald Raathim, Didryn wanders the streets and notices the fletcher's shop. Having not gotten any better arrows since he met Teleran, he goes in. Speaking to the shopkeep, he decides to test out a few silver arrows and a bow or two. He gets a large quantity of silver arrows, deciding that they are his best bet to fight the Azurites and their damned Winged Twilights. Testing out a few of the bows he has, he discovers that his handcrafted bow is better than all of them, surprisingly.

Posted by: Arynel Mar 17 2005, 05:27 PM

Arynel drew out a sheet of paper and began to inscribe a note, which he left unsigned as proper, but in his own way indicated who had written it. The Breton indicated to a passing worker to take the letter, which he had sealed, to the Breton Mage Nalion.

My friend, and of like blood,

You spoke, as I recall, of meddling with the pillar-pulse of dawn, in the crater of Red Mountain, which has become a center yet again. You pondered, perhaps, at the use of tones, such as the Dwemer with their solid sounds. And see this, you, friend, an interest in scholarly pursuits, a pondering at tonal architecture, and which deity is it that you call patron? Is it only jesting when I say you may destroy us all in your tinkering? I think though, that you have another part in this, though you are somewhat fitting, and thereby improving, upon the usurped model thus presented by the deep folk. And what role will you play in this, if not to destroy us? That I cannot say, or will not say, or fear by saying to choke it off.

I must inquire, then, have you considered this prospect further, of tones and proper-set vibrations? Perhaps it would be not so unwise to ponder these things, and look into their workings. If we find they will not serve us, then may we leave them as if undone, thought if we find they will do good to serve us then we may find reason to rejoice in the undertaking. Set your mind to pondering, and your hands to labor, and if you find the labor more than you are apt to do properly then seek for another who may be better fit, I see that many hands may be needed. This, then, I will give to you; the very essence of the world is a reverberation, the wheel spoked in resonating imperfections, scarab framed with vibrating tendencies. Eight. Sixteen. Eight. Sixteen. Every single one below. Every single one above.

Posted by: Temple of the Dawn Mar 18 2005, 12:07 AM

Red Mountain:

They wore somber armor, colored of orange and purple and red, to honor those who had fallen at the Dawn. They were the most elite of Azura's elite warriors, the Indoril, and no one could withstand them in battle.

And they could read minds.

Now one of them stood beside Sadene Ules and Dar'Var and put his hand on their shoulders. There were several more with him.

"You are disloyal to Azura," the helmeted Dunmer said quietly. "You will come with me, or you will be killed where you stand."

Posted by: Aki Mar 18 2005, 12:17 AM

Sadene and Dar'var's eyes went wide. Both knew escape was impossible here, only Dar'Var had the speed to keep himself alive long enough to cast Recall, but he knew none of what Sadene knew. There was no choice.

They went with the Indoril.

Posted by: Temple of the Dawn Mar 18 2005, 12:53 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Mar 17 2005, 03:57 PM)

The guards took Sadene and Dar'Var into the New Temple, into the presence of Gilvas Barelo, the Archcanon. He was old for a Dunmer, with skin like pitted stone. He had the air of a scholar. Though he wore rich robes, he was not imposing.

"Thank you," he said to the guards who had escorted the prisoners. "Leave us alone, please. Don't worry about me, I am under Azura's protection."

When the guards had gone, Barelo said, "You are disloyal to Azura. Who are you loyal to, then?"

Posted by: Aki Mar 18 2005, 01:01 AM

QUOTE(Temple of the Dawn @ Mar 17 2005, 06:33 PM)

Sadene kept silent, but Dar'Vr spoke up. "The Sugar!" he exclaimed. The Khajiit had a rather disturbing ability to remain rather clownish, even in the face of grave danger. Of course, that may be a side effect of the moonsugar he had.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 18 2005, 01:08 AM

Tris's Journal, 17 First Seed:

I don't know why, but last night Ciel and I talked about... everything. Maybe because my father is such an spotted owl, I started thinking about family. About the future. Yeah, I know. Tris thinking about the future. What's the world coming to?

And it occured to me that Ciel has every right to ask what I plan to do about my inheritence. After all, it's his money, isn't it? Everything I have is his. And so I said so. Finally.

I said everything I've been meaning to say, that I can't imagine not being with him in ten years, in twenty. And he said that he wasn't sure he would be. That he was older than I was. And sure, I've thought about that, but it wasn't something we could talk about. Can I see myself caring for an old man, sitting beside his deathbed? And yes, I can. I want to marry a woman someday, to have children. But I don't want to lose him. And he said, well, that ought to be interesting.

Any woman who would marry me is going to have to like it when things get interesting anyway. So maybe it won't be a problem.

He said, When it comes to the end, I'd rather you go away, and enjoy life. And I told him it's not up to him, he doesn't get to pick. He can't send me away, I won't go. And he said, I know, I just don't want you to stop when I do. Which, you know, took my breath away. But it doesn't work like that. I have to believe it doesn't, that when we love someone the important part stays with us forever, whatever happens to our bodies.

I don't just believe that. I know it.

I'm going to go back to see my father today. To tell him I don't want his money, but I do want the money that's coming to me from my mother. Ought to be interesting, as the phrase goes.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 18 2005, 01:11 AM

Jazbet's Castle: Dragon

Dragon bumped into Ciel in the hallway of the castle, on his way back from the armory. He was carrying a crate bigger than he was, clearly using feather to lift it.

"Well met!" he said, laughing. "How have you been, old man? The General's got me serving as a pack mule, as you can see."

Posted by: Solin Mar 18 2005, 01:19 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 17 2005, 04:51 PM)

Ciel laughed while given Dragon a good look over. It had been sometime since they had last seen each other. Hammerfell or Colovia, if Ciel remembered rightly.

"As well as can be expected in these tenuous days," came the knight's reply. "A pack mule? That's hardly the role I envisioned you in but, I suppose it helps all the same. Well met, indeed."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 18 2005, 01:32 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Mar 17 2005, 05:59 PM)

"Let me get this set down," Dragon said. "This is... not a crate of weapons. I swear, if I labeled anything properly, I don't know what would happen. Follow me to the kitchen."

The crate proved to contain cured meat.

"Can't beseige a town with Void Rangers in it," Dragon said, winking. "It's not glamorous work, but at least no one's starving. I'm about to lose my mind, though. The General won't let me off her leash, says she needs me at Solunastra too much to let me go out fighting."

Dragon embraced Ciel tightly, then held him at arm's length. "You look well. Good."

Posted by: Arynel Mar 18 2005, 01:51 AM

Arynel stepped into Jazbet's castle and began walking down a hall. The Breton found himself near Dragon and Ciel, whom he nodded to in greetng.

Posted by: Solin Mar 18 2005, 01:51 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 17 2005, 05:12 PM)

Ciel smiled a bit and glanced about the hall.

"No I suppose one can't," he said. "Everyone is glad for the service. You, all of the Rangers, deserve our thanks."

He shifted his weight while standing in place.

When his fellow Breton appeared he returned a polite nod to the bard.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 18 2005, 02:03 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Mar 17 2005, 06:31 PM)

Dragon nodded to Arynel, and sat down on a bench.

"I should be getting back," he said to Ciel. "But it feels good to go somewhere for a change. Glad we bumped into each other. I get news from that boy, of course, but it's not the same thing. You making any plans for after the world ends? The guildhouse is open to you, you know. If you aren't too allergic to the idea of spending time in Daggerfall."

Posted by: Solin Mar 18 2005, 02:12 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 17 2005, 05:43 PM)

"Daggerfall?" Ciel asked with an incredulous stare. "No... No I haven't given it too much thought."

He was silent a moment.

"I hadn't thought about returning to High Rock at all to tell the truth," said at last.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 18 2005, 02:21 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Mar 17 2005, 06:52 PM)

"Not even queens live forever," Dragon said. "I don't blame you for feeling kicked in the head, but there's something about your own land that doesn't leave you. Or maybe that's just my romantic notion. I grew up in an orphanage in Cyrodiil, never really had a homeland. Anyway you can't live your whole life as if something's chasing you. Daggerfall's probably the safest place in the world to hide from the wrath of Wayrest."

Posted by: Arynel Mar 18 2005, 02:24 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 17 2005, 06:01 PM)

Arynel's brow lifted and the Breton opened his mouth as if to speak, but then shut it tightly.

At last he found voice to speak.

"What is this, so fast planning our retirement?" He said with a smile, "I do think there is much to do at present, let us be concerned with the future when it is finally upon us."

Posted by: Solin Mar 18 2005, 02:51 AM

"You're right," Ciel shook his head. "Both of you. There's much to be done yet and time does not wait for no one."

He looked up at both his conversation companions and then shook his head again.

"The guild hall is certainly an interesting thought," he added. "What would I do there, though? Ah well, perhaps it is just as well the present is so pressing."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 18 2005, 04:20 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Mar 17 2005, 07:31 PM)

"When you're as old as we are, you'll be thinking about a place to put your feet up too, lad," Dragon said to Arynel.

"It's not just Void Rangers at the guild house," Dragon said to Ciel. "Never has been. For one thing, someone has to do the cooking and start the fires in the morning, and for another, we tend to pick up associates with talents. When we first moved into that house twenty years ago there were two dozen associated adventurers, less than half Rangers. You'd be welcome for your own sake, for the risks you've taken in trying to make things right, even if it weren't for Tris, and well, you'd be welcome for Tris's sake if you brought no talents besides your good looks and charm."

Dragon grinned. "Besides, you can always have my job, and welcome to it. I've been trying to tell Our Lady that her castellan need not be a Void Ranger, but she wants someone who can carry messages back and forth in an emergency. Fair enough. But I hate being tied down. It's not in my nature."

Posted by: Arynel Mar 18 2005, 04:28 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 17 2005, 08:00 PM)

Arynel looked at Dragon and an impish smile stretched over the Breton's lips.

"By your own lips you have made a puzzle, your very words confuse eachother! You say first that an old man wishes for a place to put his feet up, and then also that you do not wish to be tied down!"

Arynel chuckled.

"Ah, but I am most evil then, aren't I? I would say something to this, of stepping in a footward manner, path led and ever turning, but then you already know what I would say. As for myself, I dare say my feet if ever put to rest would cease to serve me, and I find I am quite fond of the service."

Posted by: Solin Mar 18 2005, 04:33 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 17 2005, 08:00 PM)

Ciel used a hand to reach up and scratch at the back of his head. He was a bit surprised by Dragon's answer.

"A castellan," the old knight said quielty. "Something to think on. It would be an honor, of course, to live amongst such an esteemed, if secret, group. I would not mark the future so hastily at present though."

He gave a hesitant smile.

Posted by: Temple of the Dawn Mar 18 2005, 04:42 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Mar 17 2005, 04:41 PM)

Ghostgate, New Temple:

Gilvas Barelo did not look amused by Dar'Var's outburst.

"I don't suppose it matters who you're loyal to. In the end, even a sugar-addled Khajiit will be loyal to his own interests. I only hope your friends are powerful enough to save us."

The Archcanon fiddled with several sheets of vellum on his desk.

"The mortal woman Loranna was driven insane by sharing a body with Azura. I do believe that our goddess Azura was also driven insane by Loranna. Or perhaps... perhaps we were wrong about everything. Perhaps Vivec was a better lord than we knew. No. I don't know. In any case, this can't be allowed to continue.

"You've seen the flashes of azure light coming from the mountain at dusk and dawn? That is the Pillar of Azura. It is the largest soul stone ever seen. It was grown from fragments of Azura's Star which was shattered last Hogithum. It can hold many, many souls, or one great one. And it rests where the Heart rested, before the Nerevarine destroyed it. Some say the Heart still exists there, only invisible, some say it was shattered here in our world but not in the other worlds, because the Heart pierces all worlds, like a Tower. The location is not an accident.

"On Hogithum there will be a great sacrifice to summon Azura. If the sacrifice is allowed to take place, she will have more power than any Daedra Prince has ever had. And she will use her power as she has used the power of the Pillar so far - to take over the minds, bodies and souls, not just of the Azurites, but of every soul on Tamriel, as far as the dawn's light touches. Mortals will be slaves. No, not slaves, because even a slave can long for freedom. Worse than slaves. They will be nothing..."

The old Dunmer closed his eyes. "Perhaps I am wrong to resist her, perhaps I should have more faith. She says that this will be perfect freedom, that when we follow her will entirely without struggling, at last we will know true happiness. But those sound to me like the words of the slavish Altmer, in thrall to their Aedra. Our people were never like that. What am I doing, debating theology with a peasant and a sugar-addled Khajiit. Can you help me? Will you? Do you understand what is at stake?"

Outside, the sound of footsteps ringing on the stone floor of the temple's hallways reminded them that the other Azurites were never very far away.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 18 2005, 04:46 AM

(Vvardenfel, Castle Ebonheart:)

Far below the moonlit banners which flutter from the battlements, far below the stone and tapestry chambers where soldiers and nervous noblemer sleep, and far below even the dank dungeons in which so many prisoners dream of freedom, there stands a door.

It is a heavy, iron-bound door, and two specially chosen mer stand watch day and night over it. Each hour they open the door and insure that what was there is still there.

Beyond the door is a single room. The room is stone, and featureless but for the object that rests in its center.

A long, smooth spheroid; as tall as a man's waist and as long as a small boat. It's skin is like metal, etched with long swirls of ancient runes. None living knows what is beneath that skin, but the thing is warm to the touch, and throbs gently. It is like a coffin, or a womb, or both at once.

The small torches that lit the little room flickered and died. Delicate, girlish fingertips that were not really there caressed the surface of the metallic thing.

"This is it; the key to my prison," Bosriel said in the Void.

Leseth watched the fragile, tiny girl. She was luminous with excitement.

"And the key to it," Bosriel said, "that gem, they have it now? Oh, Leseth, let's go take it from them!" Her flaming eyes were wide with pleading. "Why don't we? Why do we wait?"

"Patience, Little One..." Leseth began, his voice as cold and dark as ever.

"'Patience little one!'" The tiny girl shouted in the soundless Void. "Patience! That's all you ever say! I have been here for thousands of years! Cold, trapped. I am tired, Leseth, so tired of being patient."

A heavy, icy tear rolled down her white cheek.

The black-skinned giant put a heavy arm around the little girl, hugging her as best he knew how.

"I know, Little One," the cold voice said. "But do you truly want to begin your freedom by making such powerful enemies? I have told you before, neither of us could stand against the General." He paused. "And I would not see you hurt."

"I know," the tear-strained little voice said. "You are always thinking about what would be best for me. I know." She sniffed back her tears. "I'll try to be patient, just a little longer. I'll try to be good."

Leseth petted her hair, his frown hidden from the ancient little girl.

The clock struck two, and, as they did at every hour, the two mer that guarded the door turned the lock and stepped inside the little room. A wave of such inexplicable, instinctive horror met them that they could not retreat to the torchlit hallway fast enough.

Quickly locking the door behind them, they stood in silence, neither wishing to discuss what they had felt.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 18 2005, 04:51 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Mar 17 2005, 09:08 PM)

QUOTE(Solin @ Mar 17 2005, 09:13 PM)

Dragon met Arynel's smile with one of his own. "I can't say I know what she sees in you, lad, but for once, it's not my problem. You'll make a fine old man, you've already mastered being cantankerous and confusing. Now you just need the authority to carry it off in public. A few grey hairs and all your faults suddenly become virtues."

He laid a hand on Ciel's shoulder, standing up. "Think on it. You'd be perfect. Tris could do the running, you wouldn't mind staying put, and I could go out scalping Orcs again. Or whatever it is we're allowed to kill these days without pretending to be ashamed of it, since Orcs are fine citizens of the Empire now. And now I really have outstayed my welcome. I'll be in and out over the next few days as usual. Keep well. Both of you."

Posted by: Aki Mar 18 2005, 04:55 AM

Both nodded. "Azzurah must be stopped then. Dar'var likes his mind as his own," The Khajiit said. Sadene looked grim, Of them, Sadene was the only one that had considered the possibility that he was trying to trick them into saying something incriminating. She waited.

Posted by: Arynel Mar 18 2005, 04:57 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 17 2005, 08:31 PM)

Arynel nodded to Dragon.

"If ever a foot walked, it so took a path you yourself do know by heart." The Breton said. "Perhaps one not walked by your own very feet, but one you know well enough by association. That is to say, the very old have benefit of having seen so much. May you be well when next we meet."

Posted by: Solin Mar 18 2005, 05:00 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 17 2005, 08:31 PM)

"And yourself," Ciel gave a grin. "I'll give it thought. Till next time we meet."

Posted by: Temple of the Dawn Mar 18 2005, 05:16 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Mar 17 2005, 08:35 PM)

"Then you best be gone, now," Barelo said his tone becoming more urgent as the footsteps drew closer. "Tell them, bring help!"

The noise of something heavy slaming into the chamber door signified that the other Azurites had arrived. A familiar rasping Dunmer voice drifted into the room.

"Open the door Givlas and your passing will be quick," it said.

"Go," Barelo said with a shake of his head.

Posted by: Arynel Mar 18 2005, 05:23 AM

Arynel dismissed himself and made his way down the hall. The Breton continued walking towards his destination, and kept his eyes open.

Posted by: Aki Mar 18 2005, 05:25 AM

Dar'Var looked Sadene, he tossed her a Recall Amulet. "Dar'Var is fast, he may just escape. You have the Info, you must get away!" he excalimed. Sadene didn't argue and in a flash of light, she was gone, arriving in Freetown.

Dar'var drew his Dwarven mace(acquired at Freetown), and looked anxiously at the door. He a whispered word, and a familar shriek, a Winged Twilight stood next to him. He drew forth a scroll from a pouch at his side.

The Twilight slowly opened the door as Dar'Var read the scroll, and the parchement disintgrated. His armor made him one of the fastest things in Morrowind, if not Tamriel. That scroll made him a adept leaper too.

If Dar'Var was going to die today, there would be no doubt he'd pull many down with him.

Posted by: Solin Mar 18 2005, 05:30 AM

Solin sat in the library with Allerleirauh. The pleasant conversation left a smile on the Dunmer's ashen lips.

"Where is the Breton?" the mer asked, red eyes dancing.

Arynel was not in attendance at the moment.

"Perhaps you should seek him out and enjoy the day," Solin suggested. "I can watch Sen-Yedda, besides, I have been lax in my responsiblities to her."

He looked over to where the simulacrum sat, clad in its mantle, his face was saddened slightly.

"I would very much like to do right by her."

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 18 2005, 05:33 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Mar 17 2005, 09:05 PM)

(Freetown:)

It only took a moment for a watchman to reach the flash of light that preceeded the Azurite woman's appearance. He called for his superior, and was immediately joined by a well-armored Redguard; the sergeant in charge of the watch in that area.

"The spy has returned!" the sergeant shouted to another watchman. "Go inform the Captain!"

The sergeant insured that Sadene was safe and uninjured, and then led her toward the garrison tower.

Posted by: Arynel Mar 18 2005, 05:33 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Mar 17 2005, 09:10 PM)

An instant after Solin spoke, as if he had been summoned, the Breton stepped into the library.

"How does the road greet you?" Arynel asked the two before him.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 18 2005, 05:37 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Mar 17 2005, 10:13 PM)

An instant after Solin spoke, as if he had been summoned, the Breton stepped into the library.

"How does the road greet you?" Arynel asked the two before him.

"Love like starlight," Allerleirauh said softly. She kissed Solin on the cheek, then turned to Arynel.

"I am well enough," she said. "Except that I cannot decide on the end of my story. The basic shape of it is clear enough... the girl must suffer, and learn a lesson, and then she saves her brothers. That part is always the same."

Posted by: Arynel Mar 18 2005, 05:43 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 17 2005, 09:17 PM)

Arynel smiled. "Punished for picking flowers..." the Breton said. "Perhaps her brothers disappearance was punishment enough? I see though that you may wish for more than that, very well, tell the story as you will. a pity one cannot unpick a flower."

Posted by: Temple of the Dawn Mar 18 2005, 05:44 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Mar 17 2005, 09:05 PM)

The shriek of Dar'Var's Winged Twilight was joined by a second as Barelo called his own. More echoed from the hallway.

"What are you doing?" the old Dunmer asked drawing a scroll from a case at his side.

The door swung open, pushed further aside by a screaming blue ball of daedric fury. Azura's messengers were pouring into the small chamber.

Barely visible inbetween the flapping wings and flailing limbs was the mer Dar'Var had met by Alandro-Sul's pyre. His blue eyes glinted darkly.

"I warned you Khajit."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 18 2005, 05:45 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Mar 17 2005, 10:23 PM)

"Life is like that," Allerleirauh said. "It's almost always the innocent who suffer. The guilty don't have as much to lose."

Posted by: Solin Mar 18 2005, 05:47 AM

Solin had fallen silent at the bard's entry. He still wore a smile and listened intently.

Posted by: Arynel Mar 18 2005, 05:50 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 17 2005, 09:25 PM)

"Life is like that," Allerleirauh said. "It's almost always the innocent who suffer. The guilty don't have as much to lose."

Arynel nodded.

"Very much a conundrum, the world is." The Breton pondered. "Does guilt precede punishment, or the other way? Are they so inexorably fused as to be interchangeable? Ah, but there is no need to rub your tongue raw on this, let be what is and play your hand when your foot is set in proper fasion."

He eyed Solin for a moment.

Posted by: Aki Mar 18 2005, 05:51 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 17 2005, 11:13 PM)

Freetown

Sadene followed the sergeant to the garrison tower, and asked who she should report to, and where they had gone.

Ghostgate

QUOTE

Dar'var spared Barelo glance and a "Why wait for the inevitable?" before the chamber was flooded. "Use the scroll!" he cried. Seeing the mer he had met before Dar'Var grinned. The Khajiit yelled something vulgar out in Khajiit, and rushed towards him, his speed and mace clearing Winged Twilights out of his way violently. He swung the heavy mace, aiming for the mer's face.

Dar'var's Twilight meanwhile, busied herself fighting with the other Twilights.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 18 2005, 05:58 AM

Wayrest: Tris

Tris stood in his father's office, waiting for the old man to come in for the morning. He couldn't help looking through his papers. Maybe being a spy had given him bad habits. Or maybe he had always been nosy.

Oh, wonderful. The queen had a new spymaster. And his father had written to him.

Behind him, the well-oiled, heavy oak door opened silently. Tris was enveloped by a flash of green light. A moment later a feminine voice said in his ear, "There's a knife at the back of your neck. A little twitch will sever your spine. Tell me why I shouldn't just kill you."

Crap. Paralysis. No one but his father should have had the key to this room. His father never let anyone have his keys.

Tris knew that he could use his Void Ranger abilities to free himself from the paralysis and escape. But he was too curious to leave, and besides, he didn't want to risk more people finding out about his abilities. So he waited.

When he could speak, he said, "It's hard to answer questions when you can't move."

He turned his head and found himself looking into the dark brown eyes of a Breton girl perhaps three years younger than himself, eyes serious, intelligent, surrounded by deep purple circles of weariness. She wore a dressing gown of deep blue taffeta which almost concealed the fact that she was heavily pregnant. He knew instantly who this must be. What he hadn't expected was the way it made the bottom drop out of his stomach.

"You have a key to this room?" Tris said, forgetting the knife at the back of his neck in his surprise. "Mother never did..."

"Mother?" the girl said. Her eyes widened in comprehension. "You're Tris, then."

"Countess Sternhart," Tris said, taking her hand and bowing over it. "I don't know your name."

"Ymalna," she said. "It's a family name..."

They stood for more than a minute, astonished by each other. Tris had formed an image of 'stepmother' which was mostly taken from old fairy tales and from the sacred image of his mother and the wickedness of any woman who might replace her and from his father's advanced age. He could see that the girl had formed her own image of Tris, the usurper who threatened the welfare of her unborn child, a chip off the block of her elderly, strong-willed husband, Tris the worthless and profligate. She hadn't expected him to be so handsome. He hadn't expected her to be so young, so unpretty, so lacking in guile.

Tris was still holding her hand when his father arrived.

"My security in this building is worthless," Alistaire Gaerington said. "Ymalna. Go to your room. Call Syballa to you and wait with her there until I come to you."

Without another glance at Tris, the girl left the room.

"Now, boy," Tris's father said. "Have you reconsidered my proposal? That's a lot of money."

Posted by: Aki Mar 18 2005, 06:04 AM

Sadene...

Sadene saw Cyndaruis, who she really admired and liked, and then had a boat acquired for her. She immediatly set out for Ald Raathim, the journey would have a half day at the least. Not like the news was terribily different from what the group expected.

It still meant if they didn't stop what was going to happen, everyone loses.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 18 2005, 06:06 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Mar 17 2005, 10:30 PM)

"I am a great believer in innocence," Allerleirauh said. "But innocence is not freely given; it's something you must take, by force."

Posted by: Temple of the Dawn Mar 18 2005, 06:07 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Mar 17 2005, 09:31 PM)

Freetown

Sadene followed the sergeant to the garrison tower, and asked who she should report to, and where they had gone.

Ghostgate
Dar'var spared Barelo glance and a "Why wait for the inevitable?" before the chamber was flooded. "Use the scroll!" he cried. Seeing the mer he had met before Dar'Var grinned. The Khajiit yelled something vulgar out in Khajiit, and rushed towards him, his speed and mace clearing Winged Twilights out of his way violently. He swung the heavy mace, aiming for the mer's face.

Dar'var's Twilight meanwhile, busied herself fighting with the other Twilights.

Barelo opened his mouth to give response while raising his defenses. His voice, along with the rest of him, disappeared behind a wall off blue skin whatever he had said lost amidst the shrieks.

A chitin covered hand reached out from the hallway, now crowded with blue eyed Azurite warriors, and seized the khajiit by the throat with a strong, cold grip, stopping him midswing. Momentum shifted and Dar'Var was being carried back into chamber.

The scarf clad mer in the hallway simply grined as the space between the khajjit and himself was filled by Azurites.

Posted by: Aki Mar 18 2005, 06:16 AM

"GRAH!" The Khajiit called out, and tried to beat a way through the Twilights, this time to Barelo. He didn't ignore the Azurites behind him, infact, he made a habbit of using his free hand to toss Twilights, at a considerable speed, into the Azurites.

His own Twilight attempted to distract the Azurites by throwing furniture at them. Esspecially trying to hit the scarfed dunmer.

Posted by: Arynel Mar 18 2005, 06:17 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 17 2005, 09:46 PM)

"I am a great believer in innocence," Allerleirauh said. "But innocence is not freely given; it's something you must take, by force."

Arynel looked at Allerleirauh silently for a time.

"I hope then, that the hand with force sufficient to bring freedom is well sculpted to know when to strike. Mercy indeed." The Breton said. "Is it take that you mean, or win? Rather, do you imply innocence must be earned through winning, that it is such as the prize of victory, or that it exists already, but must be earned through taking it from where it lies already, and thus divided among us?"

Posted by: Solin Mar 18 2005, 06:17 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 17 2005, 09:46 PM)

"I am a great believer in innocence," Allerleirauh said. "But innocence is not freely given; it's something you must take, by force."

Solin raised an eyebrow. An intrigued look crossed his face.

"How so?" he asked still smiling. "Can one take innocence by force and still be innocent?"

The small red volume he had been writing in earlier had returned to the desk.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 18 2005, 06:21 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Mar 17 2005, 10:57 PM)

QUOTE(Solin @ Mar 17 2005, 10:57 PM)

"What I mean is simple enough," Allerleirauh said. "The ravisher and the destroyer will always say that it is your fault he destroys. You must be strong enough to say, No. And make him own his crime. That is innocence. Without strength there is no innocence, only shame."

Posted by: Arynel Mar 18 2005, 06:22 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 17 2005, 10:01 PM)

Arynel nodded.

"And who is he?" The Breton asked. "The ravisher and the destroyer?"

Posted by: Temple of the Dawn Mar 18 2005, 06:26 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Mar 17 2005, 09:56 PM)

Several of the Twilights vanished in brief flashes of light, returning to Oblivion. The occansional snap of wood or bone could be heard over the furious shouting as furniture colided with fleshy targets.

Barelo was revealed as the Twilights about him parted. The mer lay on the floor in a heap, covered in talon slashes and spilt blood. He was shaking violently, the scroll he drew earlier was still clutched tightly in his hand.

His mouth was moving but was inaudible.

A quick glance at the doorway would reveal that the scarfed mer was gone. The hallway was deserted for the moment. Azurites lay moaning, bowled over in the twisted wreckage that had been the room's furniture. The chitin covered mer who had siezed the Khajiit lay still on the floor. All was relatively calm.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 18 2005, 06:27 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Mar 17 2005, 11:02 PM)

Arynel nodded.

"And who is he?" The Breton asked. "The ravisher and the destroyer?"

"Not you, little bird," Allerleirauh said, catching Arynel's hand in hers. "That's all I know about it. Well, maybe I know a little more. Lorkhan says it's Akatosh, Akatosh says it's Lorkhan. I say they both stink to high heaven. And your innocence is different from mine, hard won, yet in a different way."

Posted by: Arynel Mar 18 2005, 06:29 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 17 2005, 10:07 PM)

Arynel gazed at Allerleirauh silently for a moment.

"I had guessed one of those, though the other too holds his own gavel." The Breton said. "I wonder, though, when he comes, who will stand against him, or even if that is the best way to go about things."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 18 2005, 06:33 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Mar 17 2005, 11:09 PM)

"Does it matter?" Allerleirauh said. "Stand. Stand for something, not against something, and let them all go hang."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 18 2005, 06:33 AM

Wayrest: Tris

"I have considered your proposal," Tris said. "I don't want your money."

He waited for his statement to have some effect. It didn't. His father was a better card player than he ever had been, and he was good.

"I want my money," Tris said. "I want one half of the money my mother brought to your marriage, on your death. That leaves the other half, the accumulation, and the business for Oro, and the Sternhart money for any children you have with your new wife. That's what I want. That's all I want. You draw up something that says that and I'll sign it. And then you never have to see me again."

He had started out steadily enough, but his voice broke on the last line. It didn't matter. His father wouldn't be impressed by anything he did anyway.

But his father did sound impressed.

"That's a lot more money than I offered you," his father said.

"I know," Tris said. "But your offer was for money now, and mine is for money after your death. I could contest for it anyway, dower money can't be alienated. The contract you wanted me to sign wouldn't stand up if I challenged it."

"'Dower money can't be alienated...'" Count Sternhart repeated. "So you were awake in class, all those years ago. Maybe you are my son, after all."

"You know it, and I know it," Tris said. "Even when it makes me want to plunge a knife in my chest."

"There's no need to be so melodramatic," Count Sternhart said, picking up a sheet of vellum and a quill and writing rapidly. "I'll send for my lawyers. We'll have this done before time for dinner."

Posted by: Aki Mar 18 2005, 06:35 AM

Ghostgate
Dar'Var siezed the scroll and knew what it was. The Khajiit grinned. He read the words written upon it and vanished. His Twilight was left, wondering what happened.
Freetown

Dar'var was rudely deposisted in Freetown by the scroll. He mumbled something and stood, looking around. "Hah! Eat that stupid Scarf-Guy!" he shouted, drawing some attention to himself.

Posted by: Arynel Mar 18 2005, 06:37 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 17 2005, 10:13 PM)

"Does it matter?" Allerleirauh said. "Stand. Stand for something, not against something, and let them all go hang."

Arynel looked up toward the cieling in thought for a moment.

"What a proposal," the Breton said at last, "that I would be so duty bound in hopes to at last be freer still than the present rules allow."

He looked to Allerleirauh.

"Have you any thoughts of the present circumstances?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 18 2005, 06:42 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Mar 17 2005, 11:17 PM)

"My care at the moment is for Sen-Yedda. If she is a goddess, she will have power over the future of Tamriel greater than any of us have. If she is a mortal child, she will need fed and changed and bathed. She is both, and more than enough care for me at the present time."

Posted by: Solin Mar 18 2005, 06:47 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 17 2005, 10:22 PM)

"Ah, perhaps then it would be best to share?" Solin asked from his desk. "You have watched the child for sometime now. Arynel and I can lighten any burden placed on you."

He once again flipped the red book closed.

"Let me care for the simulacrum this evening," he suggested. "Surely there are other matters that need attending."

The mer raised an eyebrow and glanced towards Arynel.

"What say you?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 18 2005, 06:51 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Mar 17 2005, 11:27 PM)

"You've been caring for her beautifully all this time," Allerleirauh said. "I wonder how well you'll do with a squalling baby, though. Have either of you gentlefolk even seen a baby?"

Posted by: Arynel Mar 18 2005, 06:52 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Mar 17 2005, 10:27 PM)

Arynel looked to Allerleirauh. "A goddess with no world to love her is of little worth, nor a child."

"I am not busy." The Breton said, turning to Solin. "It will do me no ill to be here at present, unless I am needed elsewhere, or elsewhere lies something to catch my interest. Though of course I am not one to stay still for long, perhaps I will go, but not quite yet, I think, unless I am needed elsewhere."

Arynel chuckled at Allerleirauh's comment, but did not answer.

Posted by: Solin Mar 18 2005, 06:56 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 17 2005, 10:31 PM)

"You've been caring for her beautifully all this time," Allerleirauh said. "I wonder how well you'll do with a squalling baby, though. Have either of you gentlefolk even seen a baby?"

Solin broadened his grin.

"Vvardenfell has been devoid of children for sometime," he said. "But I have not spent all of my years there."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 18 2005, 07:07 AM

... And here seems a good point to move on to the next topic.

LOCK ON!!!

Loranna