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

Posted by: Loranna Mar 18 2005, 07:06 AM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you, and have fun!

===

Summary for Loranna:

Loranna is in Ald Raathim, seeing to various matters.

Posted by: Tricrux Mar 18 2005, 07:08 AM

Summaries:

Marein, waiting for word of Celeste.

Celeste, plotting your doom.

Shai, being shy.

What else is new?

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 18 2005, 07:09 AM

ooc summaries:

Allerleirauh is in the Library in Jazbet's castle, talking to Arynel and Solin, along with the simulacrum containing Sen-Yedda.

Tris is in Wayrest with his father, Count Sternhart, discussing Tris's inheritence.

Dragon recently passed through Jazbet's castle and spoke to Ciel about his position as seneshal of Solunastra. He's feeling trapped there.

Doll and Mirea are spying for Allerleirauh.

Skein and Tamne are at Solunastra.

Posted by: Aki Mar 18 2005, 07:11 AM

Summary

Eya and Reichi have been drinkin' an' a talkin' in Ald Raathim's tavern. Reichi nearly killing one guy after throwing his dagger...woopsie...

Tohe is wandering the streets of Ald Raathim, bored out of his mind.

Raddin, Afinhager, and the WHOT prepare for battle, while Sadene the Azurite spy is heading to Ald Raathim with info on the Azurites. Dar'var is partying in Freetown, having done his job, hes just gonna relax until Hogithuim...

Posted by: Arynel Mar 18 2005, 07:11 AM

OOC: The Breton Arynel is in Jazbet's castle conversing with Solin and Allerleirauh.

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

Sumary:

Solin, the Dunmeri sorcerer, is having polite discussion with Arynel and Allerleirauh.

Ciel is in Ald Raathim, having recently conversed with Dragon.

Faril has disappeared in the countless turnings of posts.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 18 2005, 07:26 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Mar 17 2005, 11:36 PM)

Solin broadened his grin.

"Vvardenfell has been devoid of children for sometime," he said. "But I have not spent all of my years there."

"That's right," Allerleirauh said. "I forget you're not originally from Vvardenfell."

She smiled at Arynel, almost a shy smile. "Solin is trying to do us a favor; we should take him up on it."

She leaned over and whispered in Arynel's ear. Whatever she said, it was something that made her smile.

Posted by: Arynel Mar 18 2005, 07:29 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 17 2005, 11:06 PM)

A smile of his own spead over the Breton's lips.

Arynel nodded to Solin and headed towards the door.

Posted by: Solin Mar 18 2005, 07:31 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Mar 17 2005, 11:09 PM)

A smile of his own spead over the Breton's lips.

Arynel nodded to Solin and headed towards the door.

Solin returned the nod, face still lit with his own grin. He opened the red hide-bound book on the desk before him once more.

Moments passed only marked by the whirring noise of the simulacrum's inner workings. The Dunmer's smile slowly changed into one of personal amusement.

Solin swept the book and the writing implements into his pack and tied the straps shut. He left it on the desk. Rising, he approached Sen-Yedda's vessel and then presented it a cloak. It would obscure the simulacrum's unique features from the eyes of Ald Raathim.

He grasped the device's hand and stepped through the library's door.

The bustling crowds of refugees took no heed of either the mer or the figure he lead. An eye adorned the painted sign of the mages guild, the same that had watched him depart not to long ago. Now it watched Solin return. A handful of septims given to the guild guide, paid for the pair's passage. A moment later and nothing stood where they once had.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 18 2005, 07:49 AM

(The Dome of Wayrest:)

There was a polite knock at Herwyn Brand's office door. At a word from Herwyn, the door opened and one of the Spymaster's subordinates laid a letter on the desk.

"It is urgent," he said, and left the room, closing the door behind him.

In this wing of the palace, 'urgent' still held the full weight of its meaning.

Herwyn picked up the letter, noted the unbroken wax seal of Count Sternhart, and read the quickly penned note. It was the Count's own handwriting.

Herwyn Brand stood, donned his cloak, and called for men. Not palace guards, but men handpicked days before, just for this purpose.

With a flash of magic, the ex-battlemage and his men stood before the doors of Sternhart's manor...

Posted by: w0nders Mar 18 2005, 08:01 AM

Summary-

Dante, somewhere in Ald Raathim.

Illidan, hiding out in the mine.

Brum, Inzoliah, Merciander, and friends, who knows?

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 18 2005, 08:04 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Mar 18 2005, 12:11 AM)

It was Doll who first noticed Solin had gone.

She went to speak to him in the library as usual, having heard he had returned. Then she asked after him and found he had gone to the Mages's Guild.

Mages's Guild - to Balmora. The heart of Azurite country. Not far from Red Mountain. And he had been gone for hours.

Doll hesitated, then went to find Arynel and Allerleirauh.

"Master Solin and the simulacrum are gone," she said, and explained what she had learned.

Posted by: Arynel Mar 18 2005, 08:09 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 17 2005, 11:44 PM)

Arynel stood silent, a shocked expression on his face.

"I never imagined.. what is he thinking?" The Breton inquired half to himself. He turned to Allerleirauh. "We must go after him."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 18 2005, 08:12 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Mar 18 2005, 12:49 AM)

Arynel stood silent, a shocked expression on his face.

"I never imagined.. what is he thinking?" The Breton inquired half to himself. He turned to Allerleirauh. "We must go after him."

"Yes, we must," Allerleirauh said. "Use your cloak to take us to him. Doll, go and tell Dragon where we are, and tell him to rally the others at the castle."

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 18 2005, 08:14 AM

(Sternhart Manor:)

Herwyn knocked politely at the huge gilt doors of the manorhouse. It was quickly answered.

A servant led him through rich halls and up polished staircases to the Count's study. Along the way, one by one, his men took positions in the house.

The young Spymaster had chosen each man personally. Each was a veteran of both war and the secret war of spies, and each specialized in dispelling and anti-magic arts. They would stop Sternhart's wayward son from walking through walls, of that he was certain.

Herwyn explained to the servant what he should say when they reached the study door.

One of the two remaining men waited in the hallway nearby, while the eldest accompanied the Spymaster to the door.

The servant knocked. "Your barristers, my Lord."

Herwyn smiled and thanked the servant, who rushed off as the Count's voice could be heard beckoning them in.

So, this was the man who had scared his Queen so. Herwyn recognized him from Vivec. Recognized him well. How funny that they had taken a long boatride together.

He nodded politely to Tris and the man behind him closed the door.

Posted by: Arynel Mar 18 2005, 08:21 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 17 2005, 11:52 PM)

"Yes, we must," Allerleirauh said. "Use your cloak to take us to him. Doll, go and tell Dragon where we are, and tell him to rally the others at the castle."

Arynel nodded, and whispered a string of power.

Inside the void, the Breton placed a finger over a thread of light on his cloak, and followed it as it twisted and around, followed it as it went winding inbetween and occassionally passing over other threads. A tear traveled down Arynel's cheek as his finger moved.

At last, his head lifted up.

"Follow me." The Breton said to Allerleirauh, and then he turned to leave.

Arynel stepped out of the void and quickly ducked behind a rock. A short distance off in the foyada was Solin and the Simulacrum and a number of elite Indorils.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 18 2005, 08:23 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 18 2005, 12:54 AM)

Tris smiled at the man politely, but his heart skipped a beat.

This was the man who had been with Queen Elysana on the boat. He was sure of it. They had come face to face in Vivec city, on the way back from the reception for Loranna.

Perhaps he could face the situation out. As long as no one cast a spell on him. There had to be some way of getting out of the building without simply Void jumping in front of his father. Recall. He could recall back to Ald Raathim.

His father smiled at the newcomer. "Did you bring everything I asked with you?"

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 18 2005, 08:29 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 18 2005, 12:03 AM)

"Of course, my Lord," Herwyn responded, withdrawing an official-looking parchment.

"Mr. Gaerington, your father tells me you'd like some money from him..."

"I'm sorry, but that will have to wait. I'm afraid this is an order for your arrest, in the name of Her Majesty Elysana, Queen of Wayrest, I must take you into custody."

He gave a sharp, almost disapproving look at the Count and added, "Please don't try to run. I'd prefer to take you alive."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 18 2005, 08:34 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 18 2005, 01:09 AM)

"I remember you from the boat," Tris said. "Who are you, exactly? Next on the dead list? That's what, three spymasters down?"

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 18 2005, 08:40 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 18 2005, 12:14 AM)

"I remember you from the boat," Tris said. "Who are you, exactly? Next on the dead list? That's what, three spymasters down?"

Herwyn nodded gravely.

"Yes," he said. "I think it's about time for one that was actually loyal to her Majesty, don't you?"

The man behind him stepped forward threateningly, but Herwyn raised his hand.

"Would you put these on, please?" he said, holding out a pair of shackles to Tris.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 18 2005, 08:46 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 18 2005, 01:20 AM)

"You're a right old bastard, dad," Tris said, smiling.

"Sir - I don't know your name - you'll find out in due time that loyalty won't keep you off that dead list. I hope you sleep well at night."

He took the shackles. They were enchanted, naturally, to suppress the use of magic.

The fastest man in the world clasped a shackle around Herwyn Brand's wrist, quick as lightning. Then he dove under his father's desk, knocking the old man to the floor.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 18 2005, 08:52 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 18 2005, 12:26 AM)

The man behind Herwyn raised his hand, and with a flash, Count Sternhart's heirloom oak desk exploded into splinters.

Tris was nowhere to be seen.

Frowning, Herwyn fumbled to unlock the shackle from his wrist, his fingers shaking with adrenaline.

He could hear no shouting, no blasts of magic, no screams from anywhere in the house, so he assumed Tris was long gone. He, alone, knew where the man had fled; into that blackest of black spaces beyond thought.

"Count Sternhart," he said. "When you ask royalty for favors, you ask royal favors, don't you?"

He turned to leave.

Posted by: w0nders Mar 18 2005, 08:56 AM

Dear Dante,

As you may know--

Illidan paused, before scrunching the paper up into a ball and tossing it across the room. He shortly retrieved another and started over.

Hey Dante,

What’s up?--

He scrunched that message up too, before letting it join the other’s “What’s up? What the hell am I thinking?” He asked himself mockingly, retrieving yet another piece of paper.

Dante!

Hey hey hey, how’s things over at Ald--

He stopped again, this time slapping himself before discarding the paper. A vampire wandered into the room at this moment, looking for some supplies. “Hey! Don’t be wasting that paper, you hear?” He asked, starting up again, “other people have things they need to write too, y’know.”

Illidan frowned and put a large stack of paper sheets inside the desk draw, only leaving three left out to write on.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 18 2005, 09:00 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 18 2005, 01:32 AM)

Count Sternhart was too furious to speak for several minutes.

However, he did not forget his hospitality. He would drink with the man, not in the formal room as befitted an equal, but downstairs, as befitted a servant. Policemen were servants. Even highly placed policemen. This one would do well to remember that. Just as Count Sternhart had never forgotten that bankers were tradesmen, and noblemen were ... noblemen. Weren't they, now.

"My son has always been quick," he explained to Herwyn Brand. "I should have told you. I assume too much about what other people know. Particularly spymasters. He was legendary for his speed, when he lived here. Perhaps next time you'll snap the shackles around his bloody wrist, not bloody HAND THEM TO HIM!"

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 18 2005, 09:10 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 18 2005, 12:40 AM)

Herwyn smiled when he was led to the downstairs room. 'Count Sternhart' was certainly a man for the formalities of rank.

He drank his wine and smiled at his servants, and bore the man's anger with calm.

His son was certainly fast. Faster than fast. Did Herwyn feel that he had miscalculated? No, not really. It would have been nice to reel in a catch on the first cast, but Herwyn knew he was still learning to fish. Next time, he would have the right bait.

"Next time, my Lord, he'll happily put them on."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 18 2005, 09:13 AM

Ald Raathim:

Dragon went first to the people he knew - Ciel, and the other Void Rangers.

"We're in trouble," he said to Ciel. "Solin's gone rogue. Or mad. In any case, he's taken the simulacrum and he's halfway to Red Mountain with it. Go fetch the people you know and trust. Don't let the rabble find anything. Have you seen that jackrabbit Tris? I can't find the boy."

As if on cue, Tris appeared, breathing heavily.

"There you are," Dragon said. He repeated his message. "Get a move on. I'm going to go fetch Loranna."

The old man vanished, searching for Loranna from within the Void.

He had expected to find her in the usual places - the healer's tent in the village, the nearby tavern. But no. She was within the castle itself, tending to her unconscious lover.

Not that he needed much tending, poor man.

Dragon was in a hurry, but he wasted a few precious moments watching the tenderness and sorrow and fear on Loranna's face as she bent over the blinded, unconscious Khajiit. This was the man she loved. He was dying. And it was all her fault. Dragon was in a better position to understand how she must feel than most people.

He stepped out of the Void into the room beside her.

"Don't shriek, my girl," he said. "It's Dragon, I don't mean to startle you. Come up to Lord Jazbet's study, it's time for another meeting."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 18 2005, 09:18 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 18 2005, 01:50 AM)

Count Sternhart smiled his distinctive smile, the one that drew the corners of his mouth down.

"That's more like it. He's clever, but he's soft. If you want to outwit him, you shouldn't find it difficult. So - arresting him? That wasn't my understanding of the situation. Could be embarrassing for the family. I see her majesty has decided to help me for reasons of her own. What's he done, then?"

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

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 18 2005, 02:53 AM)

Loranna looks up at Dragon with a startled expression in her eyes, though she quickly gets over it. People popping out of thin air was part of her normal range of experience after all; she was more startled at being caught in a tender, private moment than anything else.

"Dragon ..." she says, giving him a slight bow. "I've heard of you; nice to finally meet you ..."

It's time for another meeting ... the spy must have finally returned, Loranna thinks to herself.

Her expression grows serious, businesslike. "I'll go there immediately; thank you," she says to Dragon, though she turns for one moment to the comatose form of Jazbet before leaving.

" ... Hopefully this is news that will help us save you, love," she says quietly, kissing him tenderly on the lips before standing up and nodding to Dragon. "Right; see you there?"

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 18 2005, 09:23 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 18 2005, 12:58 AM)

"I'm sorry, M'lord," Herwyn said, happily anticipating the look on the Count's face, "I'm not at liberty to discuss such things."

"Thank you very much for your hospitality, but I really must be getting back to my duties. If I sit still too long, I start hearing paperwork calling my name."

He stood and bowed.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 18 2005, 09:29 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 18 2005, 02:01 AM)

Dragon offered her his arm. He was a Nord, towering and barrel-chested, although he wore the clothes of a wealthy man of High Rock; older, with cream colored hair that had once been red, and heavy lidded eyes of a brilliant blue.

"It would be a pleasure to walk with you," he said.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 18 2005, 09:35 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 18 2005, 03:09 AM)

Dragon's offer takes Loranna a bit by surprise, but she finds herself smiling. "The pleasure is mutual," she says, taking Dragon's arm.

It occurs to Loranna that Allie has a way of drawing striking people into her circle; she smiles a bit at that thought, then clears her mind, mentally preparing for what she expects to be a meeting with Sadene. There was not much time left; she hopes Sadene brings some news that they can use to stop the Azurites before it's too late.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 18 2005, 09:42 AM

Aricyn hurried to the castle, wondering what it was this time.

"Just once," he said to Magnilde, jogging along beside him, "I'd like to be the one to know something first. I never get to call a meeting."

The sight of the Large Breasted Widow of Bolverk jogging could make grown men weep.

"Poor baby," she said.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 18 2005, 09:43 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 18 2005, 02:15 AM)

In Jazbet's study, they waited for the important people to arrive. All of those who had gone after the Flamekiss, all of those who had traveled with Loranna, and those who had joined after getting the Flamekiss were summoned to the room. Jazbet's seneshal, Kallen, was also there.

Tris, Mirea, and Doll carried the message to those in the town. Dragon waited until everyone had arrived before speaking.

First he introduced himself. "Dragon, Allerleirauh's seneshal."

He shook hands with Aricyn. Kallen already knew him.

"I'm calling this meeting on her behalf. It's not good news. Solin appears to have turned against us. Perhaps he's possessed, perhaps he's gone mad, perhaps he has some secret plan of his own. But he's taken the simulacrum and Sen-Yedda to Red Mountain. Allerleirauh and Arynel have gone after him."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 18 2005, 09:56 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 18 2005, 03:23 AM)

Loranna blinks, shock evident on her face. That certainly wasn't what she had been expecting, even if she had been anticipating bad news.

She looks to the others, muttering "We need to stop him, get Sen-Yedda back ..."

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 18 2005, 09:57 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 18 2005, 01:23 AM)

Aricyn returned the big Nord's firm handshake. He was pleased see the man again.

With his free hand he petted the old wolf's notched ears.

"There is NO good reason for him to have taken the simulacrum into the heart of the enemy, but I wouldn't panic just yet. If Allerleirauh and Arynel already hunt him, then I expect his will be a short trip."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 18 2005, 10:00 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 18 2005, 02:37 AM)

Aricyn returned the big Nord's firm handshake. He was pleased to have a face to go with the legend.

With his free hand he petted the old wolf's notched ears.

"There is NO good reason for him to have taken the simulacrum into the heart of the enemy, but I wouldn't panic just yet. If Allerleirauh and Arynel already hunt him, then I expect his will be a short trip."

"He's been gone for five hours already," Dragon said, smiling with one corner of his mouth. "I told you it wasn't good news. And the General isn't back yet, and it's been... as long as it took you good folk to get here. And that's not a good sign."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 18 2005, 10:06 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 18 2005, 03:40 AM)

"All right; assuming the worst for a moment," Loranna says. "Solin either betrayed us or else was taken over by the Azurites, and this was planned. In that case, Allie and Arynel have probably walked into a trap - and we still need to get Sen-Yedda back, somehow."

"My next question is, is this their main plan or just a diversion? ... Though what bigger prize than Sen-Yedda is there for them to seek?"

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 18 2005, 10:10 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 18 2005, 01:46 AM)

"None," Aricyn said, simply.

"It's not exactly in my nature to be humble, but I have to ask; If Allerleirauh has failed to bring him back, what are we supposed to do about it?

"She, Arynel, and Solin are gone... Our spies haven't reported back... Everyone that goes into Vvardenfel disappears."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 18 2005, 10:16 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 18 2005, 02:50 AM)

"Sen-Yedda is probably what they were after, but I know of a larger prize," Dragon said, looking into Aricyn's eyes with a directness that the younger man found uncomfortable. "We should be careful, we still have much to lose.

"I'm not the General, I'm not here to suggest strategies. In this instance my job is simply to be the bearer of bad tidings."

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 18 2005, 10:22 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 18 2005, 01:56 AM)

"Well," Aricyn said, a dark grin on his face, " there is ONE thing we have that they wouldn't expect...

"Helseth sent a messenger. I spoke with him. The noble king is scared witless of the Azurites, and is willing to cooperate with us. He says that the Eidolon is in Ebonheart, and he will insure safe passage for us and the Flamekiss if we agree to work together.

"I haven't given an answer yet. Frankly, I knew Allerleirauh would oppose such a plan, but... things have changed."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 18 2005, 10:25 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 18 2005, 04:02 AM)

Loranna had opened her mouth to speak, when Aricyn dropped his bombshell.

" ... We have no idea how powerful that thing is," she says, after a stunned moment of silence. "We could end up killing everyone in Vvardenfell, or even all of Morrowind itself - or worse. Not to mention Sen-Yedda ...!"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 18 2005, 10:25 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 18 2005, 03:02 AM)

Dragon was probably the only person in the room who could consider using the Eidolon without any emotional involvement at all.

"What does that mean, exactly?" he said. "Eidolon - it does - what? Something bad, something that made Jazbet see flames and collapse in fever. How will that help us? And how do we use it without hurting ourselves?"

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 18 2005, 10:28 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 18 2005, 02:05 AM)

"I'll be frank, we don't know nearly enough about what it does, or how. We know it'd be quite a show, and I, for one, would like to be a VERY long way away when it was used.

"We'll never know more, though, without being able to get near it, and Helseth is offering us that chance... without having to hack our way in.

"I'm willing to at least consider it as a possibility."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 18 2005, 10:32 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 18 2005, 03:08 AM)

"I intend to wait on the General. Until we know more, there's really nothing that can be said. I've said my piece - somehow the Azurites reached into Ald Raathim and took what they wanted. Be careful. Your friends may not be what they seem. You in particular, Loranna. They want you. Go in company, that's probably safest. Is there anything else that needs said?

Posted by: Loranna Mar 18 2005, 10:32 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 18 2005, 04:08 AM)

"I've had visions," Loranna says. "Visions of fire and every living thing in sight looking withered, or drained, or just plain used up and falling apart."

She sighs. "Not much more to go on," she admits. " ... I don't think we should be playing with the Eidolon unless there's absolutely no other way, and in any event - we can't let Sen-Yedda die, not after everything everyone's gone through."

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 18 2005, 10:34 AM

Aricyn stroked the old wolf's head, and said nothing.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 18 2005, 10:37 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 18 2005, 04:12 AM)

"I intend to wait on the General. Until we know more, there's really nothing that can be said. I've said my peace - somehow the Azurites reached into Ald Raathim and took what they wanted. Be careful. Your friends may not be what they seem. You in particular, Loranna. They want you. Go in company, that's probably safest. Is there anything else that needs said?

Loranna grows quiet, Dragon's words weighing on her mind. She feels for a moment like she did back in Gemin, in her second excursion to the crypt room.

Posted by: Aki Mar 18 2005, 10:56 PM

Ald Raathim

Sadene's boat landed at the docks near Jazbet's castle. If she hadn't explained herself as fast as she could, one of the guards might ave killed her because of her eyes, which marked her as a Azurite. The guards led her to the castle, and to the meeting, where she could tell what she had learned to those who needed to hear it.

Posted by: Nalion Mar 19 2005, 06:00 AM

Nalion, two days ago
The worker bearing Arynels letter found Nalion laying on his bed, staring at the blank wooden ceiling. He held the dagger of senses in one hand and traced the straight, double edged blade with his fingers.
"What is it?" the mage asked after the messenger had knocked and entered, but continued staring upwards.
"A message for you, Serjo.", the worker answered, eyeing the dagger warily.
The Breton turned his head towards the man. "A message for me?" He rose up from his bed and took the letter. Nalion fished a coin out of a pouch hanging on his belt and flung it towards the messenger. "Thank you. Please leave me now."
The messenger caught the coin, bit on it, nodded and stuffed it in his pocket. "Thanks, Serjo." He turned and left the room, closing the door behind him.

Nalion opened the letter and began to read. With every line he read, his expression became more worried, but at the same time he felt that he was not alone in this. The Breton walked over to the chair and small table near the window and read the letter again.
"I don't know what to say, my friend, but yes, my mind has been busy, but aimless until now. There are questions I have no answer for yet, there are risks and dangers - terrible dangers - of which I dont know whether I am strong enough to bear on my shoulders. And I will need help in this. Your trust in me is encouraging though. So be it."
The Breton took parchments out of a drawer, some were already covered with Nalions tiny writings from roughly two weeks ago, notes he had made concerning some books he read. The mage knew that he had to validate sources yet before taking action, but some thoughts, clarified with new ideas by Arynels letter, began to form in his mind...

Nalion, present time, Ald Raathim Study
The summons to the study had come surprisingly for Nalion, but he left his work, closed the door and joined the gathered group as fast as possible. He was shocked about the news, to say the least, some plans of him seemed to need adjustments.
The mage remained silent, mumbled some words and went over to a wall. He seemed idle as he leaned against it, but his face, chin cupped in his palm and the frown he wore spoke clearly of his feelings.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 19 2005, 06:01 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Mar 18 2005, 03:36 PM)

Sadene was led before the group in Jazbet's study.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 19 2005, 06:05 AM

(Jazbet's Castle, the Study:)

"Finally," Aricyn said upon seeing Sadene.

"Now we can find out what we're up against and where our enemy's weakpoint is.

"Don't stand on formalities, Lady, tell us what you've seen."

Posted by: Aki Mar 19 2005, 06:09 AM

Sadene looked at those assembled, and began her report. "Much happens at Red Mountain. Alandro Sul is dead, i saw them build a Pyre for him, and bring his corpse to it. A disloyal Azurite told us of the ultimate plan of the New Temple. At Hogithum a sacrifice to Azura will be made and she will be summoned. Then she will take over the mind minds of all mortals in Nirn. Not just the Azurites, everyone."

Sadene concluded her report. "Any Questions?"

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 19 2005, 06:11 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Mar 18 2005, 09:49 PM)

Aricyn lowered his eyebrows into a frown.

"Yes. You left out the weak point in their plan."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 19 2005, 06:13 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Mar 18 2005, 11:49 PM)

Loranna listens to Sadene's report and feels her insides churn ...

"Sacrifice?" she says, thinking of Sen-Yedda. " ... Alandro Sul's dead?"

" ... What details did you learn of this sacrifice? Is there anything we can exploit to stop it - is there any weak point in their defenses we can use?" Loranna asks.

Posted by: Nalion Mar 19 2005, 06:14 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Mar 19 2005, 04:49 AM)

Nalion pushed himself from the wall, eyes fixing on Sadene.
"Yes, I do have some questions. Have you seen the soulgem? How does it look like, what's its exact shape? Any visible weaknesses? How can you come near it? How is it guarded?"
The mage waited, concentrated.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 19 2005, 06:15 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 18 2005, 10:53 PM)

"Alandro Sul is the Immortal Son of Azura," Dragon said. "He's not dead. He's in a new body somewhere."

Posted by: Aki Mar 19 2005, 06:20 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 18 2005, 11:51 PM)

Aricyn lowered his eyebrows into a frown.

"Yes. You left out the weak point in their plan."

QUOTE

oranna listens to Sadene's report and feels her insides churn ...

"Sacrifice?" she says, thinking of Sen-Yedda. " ... Alandro Sul's dead?"

" ... What details did you learn of this sacrifice? Is there anything we can exploit to stop it - is there any weak point in their defenses we can use?" Loranna asks.

"Ghostgate still doesn't have the Ghostfence, and the temple has no fortifications i could discern. Of the Sacrifice i could learn little, there was little time i which we spoke with the Disloyal one before the Indoril arrived, and yes, Alandro Sul is dead. At least, the Azurites seemed to think so. If you could get to the crater you could probably stop the cermony."

QUOTE

"All i know is that it is located where the 'Heart of Lorkhan' was. At least, from what i was told. I beleive it is a pillar.."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 19 2005, 06:24 AM

Loranna looks to Aricyn and Dragon. She looks less than happy.

"Dragon, do you know if Alandro Sul could take over an unwilling person for his new body?" she asks the Void Ranger.

"Sadene, can you give us some idea of how many Azurites are gathered now at Red Mountain?" she asks the Dunmer woman.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 19 2005, 06:25 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Mar 18 2005, 10:00 PM)

Sadene frowned. "There doesn't seem to be one, or the disloyal one didn't tell me of it, there was no time. While they couldn't read my thoughts, i beleive they found his, and they attacked. I had to escape with what little i could gather," she replied. "But the pillar, which im told is a Massive Soulgem, must play a important role in this, or if you could stop the sacrifice..."
"Ghostgate still doesn't have the Ghostfence, and the temple has no fortifications i could discern. Of the Sacrifice i could learn little, there was little time i which we spoke with the Disloyal one before the Indoril arrived, and yes, Alandro Sul is dead. At least, the Azurites seemed to think so. If you could get to the crater you could probably stop the cermony."
"All i know is that it is located where the 'Heart of Lorkhan' was. At least, from what i was told. I beleive it is a pillar.."

"That ghost fence could be up in a matter of seconds... any time they wanted, I suspect. It'd be just as likely to trap us inside as to keep us out, and I'm not sure which would be worse.

"Stopping the ceremony sounds nice, but I'm kind of hung up on the wading-through-thousands-of-cultists-and-demons part.

"As for Alandro Sul, as I understand it, Dragon is perfectly correct. My guess that the dead body you saw was bare-chested at the time, yes? He's moved on, and we should definitely be wondering why... and where to."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 19 2005, 06:28 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 18 2005, 11:05 PM)

"Alandro Sul possesses whoever wears the Wraith Mail," Dragon said. "I don't believe the host has to agree, he just has to wear the shirt of mail."

Posted by: Aki Mar 19 2005, 06:29 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 19 2005, 12:04 AM)

"Hundreds, if not Thousands, i wasn't exactly taking a head count. But there are enough, and some are Telvanni mages," The Dunmeri woman replied.

QUOTE

"Well...theres always levitation," Reichi said, he had been quiet throughtout the meeting, but chose speak up now. "We'd need something fast, people tend to notice flying objects. That, or we could use powerful jump spells...like Teleran's spear has."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 19 2005, 06:34 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Mar 19 2005, 12:09 AM)

"Hundreds, if not Thousands, i wasn't exactly taking a head count. But there are enough, and some are Telvanni mages," The Dunmeri woman replied.
"Well...theres always levitation," Reichi said, he had been quiet throughtout the meeting, but chose speak up now. "We'd need something fast, people tend to notice flying objects. That, or we could use powerful jump spells...like Teleran's spear has."

"I can make a flying potion powerful enough to let someone fly fast as a parrapton," Loranna says in response to Reichi. "But making enough for a force capable of tackling thousands of cultists and Daedra?"

" ... Maybe the Azurites managed to capture Solin and force the Wraith Mail on him," Loranna suggests. "It would be the easiest way for them to reach Sen-Yedda unchallenged; after all this time, who of us would think to question Solin? If that's the case, then Allie and Arynel would be running right into the hands of Azura's son ..."

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 19 2005, 06:35 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 18 2005, 10:14 PM)

Quietly, the old wolf at Aricyn's side growled.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 19 2005, 06:43 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 19 2005, 12:15 AM)

Quietly, the old wolf at Aricyn's side growled.

Loranna looks at the wolf for a second, and sighs; she was likely about to make him growl again.

" ... And Allie," she says, her shoulder slumping, "has Flamekiss."

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 19 2005, 06:46 AM

"So, just to keep everything straight, here...

"The Azurites have a big soulgem, they have a big army, they have Solin, they have Allerleirauh, they have Arynel, they have Sen-Yedda, AND they have the Flamekiss.

"Remind me if I missed anything."

Posted by: Nalion Mar 19 2005, 06:46 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 19 2005, 05:23 AM)

Loranna looks at the wolf for a second, and sighs; she was likely about to make him growl again.

" ... And Allie," she says, her shoulder slumping, "has Flamekiss."

Nalion looks sharply at Loranna. "And the Eidolon still is on Vvardenfell. I hope nothing bad happens to both of them, for their - and our - sake."

"Your information on the soulgem might not be enough. I've heard that the Heart of Lorkhan was located in a cavern. Is it that big that you can see it from outside?" the mage asked Sadene.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 19 2005, 06:48 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 19 2005, 12:26 AM)

"You left out the part where you tell us of the secret plan you've been quietly hatching for just such an emergency," Loranna says, her tone matching Aricyn's note for note.

Posted by: Aki Mar 19 2005, 06:52 AM

Sadene shook her head. "No, not that big," replied. "Well," Reichi interjected. "They got the trigger for the Eidolon, now we can't even blow ourselves to Oblivion when worse comes to worse."

"Tricky Bastards.."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 19 2005, 06:58 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Mar 19 2005, 12:32 AM)

"And based on Sadene's report," Loranna says, hating herself for saying it, "the Eidolon was our only real hope; without any weak points in their defenses we have no chance of taking them out before Hogithum."

"Damn it ..." Allie had told her earlier that when everything was taken from you, some things you find cannot be taken from you; Loranna wonders if those untakable things were going to help now.

You saw the end of the last age Allie; you said that's why you didn't fear the ending of this one. I hope you weren't mistaken to think that way; it's hard not to wonder, from my young, naive perspective.

Posted by: Solin Mar 19 2005, 07:01 AM

Earlier:

Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of Azurites lined the foyada. A honor guard had been assembled and waiting for the unborn divinity in Balmora. They tromped through the grey, ash lined ravine past hundreds of scattered rocks. Solin walked alongside the simulacrum, still leading it by the hand, in the center of the small column.

Then there she stood in their path. The grey haired Nord, there were others about likely, it'd have taken quite a measure of fool hardiness to come by one's self.

Solin gave the metal mer's hand a small pat and then stepped to the head of the formation. On either side he was flanked by hand picked individuals. Knowing the capabilities of one's enemies is a key to victory. This move had been all but certain.

"Allerleirauh," the Dunmer called. "Turn away now and cherish what time Azura has alotted you to have."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 19 2005, 07:04 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Mar 18 2005, 11:41 PM)

"Solin," Allerleirauh said. "I know your heart as well as anyone knows it. Tell me, why have you done this thing?"

Posted by: Solin Mar 19 2005, 07:17 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 18 2005, 10:44 PM)

"Solin," Allerleirauh said. "I know your heart as well as anyone knows it. Tell me, why have you done this thing?"

"You know not, then?" Solin replied with a sneer. "A soul tires of being under your heavy sway. Your forceful hands crudly dominate those you would seek to cheerish. Look at your precious Breton!"

The column's interior was shifting, soldiers moving, rearanging their positions. All eyes were locked on the obsticle baring their passage to the Mountain. The scene was a sea of shifting ash and radient blue.

Posted by: Arynel Mar 19 2005, 07:19 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Mar 18 2005, 10:57 PM)

Arynel waited silently crouched behind a boulder. The Breton glances towards Allerleirauh, and then vanishes in a small flash of green light...

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 19 2005, 07:23 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Mar 18 2005, 11:57 PM)

"Azura's hand is far heavier than mine," Allerleirauh said. "I don't believe that you would turn to her, even if I were as you say. Where is your blue star, your strong spirit? We swore an oath together that we would not let Sen-Yedda fall into the hands of the Temple. I remind you of your oath, Solin. Help us withstand these people who surround us, and return with her."

She wasn't certain, yet, what she was dealing with. It was like light... you could not see the shape of it unless there was smoke. These words were smoke, that's all, to help her see the shape.

Posted by: Solin Mar 19 2005, 07:34 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 18 2005, 11:03 PM)

"In bondage to Azura I am free," the mer returned with a self satisfied laugh. "As with all of her's when this is done. We are strong and will be stronger. Snapping those chains-that is folly! In your freedom you would make slaves and then pillage their souls on the changing winds of your whims. For that your death is certain."

When the final word had passed into the ash laden air an Ashlander warrior lept from behind a concealing spire of twisted stone having crept there in secrecy during the banter. Several of his fellow did likewise, soon there were more than half a dozen spears arcing towards female Nord.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 19 2005, 07:46 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Mar 19 2005, 12:14 AM)

Allerleirauh snarled and leapt high in the air, most of the spears passing beneath her. One struck her in the back. Her healing potions kept her strength from suffering as a result, but it hurt.

She was struggling to reach Solin. She could almost touch him... but then her fingers closed on empty air. He knew, as she did, that cold high place, the True Solunastra. It was there that any battle between them must be fought. But though she called for him, she could not find him.

She struck the ground running. Towards Solin. She had a thought, an inspiration.

Her fingers closed all the front of Solin's tunic. She tore it, and saw black metal beneath.

Not Solin. Alandro Sul.

"LIAR!" she screamed. It was Vehk's name for him.

Was Solin alive? Was there any point in trying to save him? How could she fight him?

Posted by: Arynel Mar 19 2005, 07:48 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Mar 18 2005, 11:14 PM)

The Breton, hidden with an invisiblity spell, and protected with an added sanctuary aura, quickly came out from behind the boulder.

Arynel drew his sword.

Posted by: Solin Mar 19 2005, 07:57 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 18 2005, 11:26 PM)

Sul ripped the spear from the hands of the former Armiger at his side and cast it faster than a bolt of lightening at Allerleirauh. In the next second he was following it, a blade hidden by the cloak he wore was drawn in his hand.

The ashen sea of warriors surged after him and the sky was rent by the sound of a hundred shrieks.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 19 2005, 08:01 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Mar 19 2005, 12:37 AM)

Allerleirauh screamed in frustration and fury as the spear pierced her breast. He was good, very good - the spear tore through her, and thudded against the stone behind her. The hole closed.

She could not fight him. She drew her sword and turned to fight the Azurite warriors. Half a dozen fell at her first sweep.

Posted by: Arynel Mar 19 2005, 08:01 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Mar 18 2005, 11:37 PM)

Reflecting pool symmetry, balance, the water spilling out over the edge like a fall.

Arynel met Sul as he drew his blade.

A moment flashing past like the flickering image rising from water.

The Breton moved his own blade in an arc towards Sul.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 19 2005, 08:07 AM

(Jazbet's Castle:)

Aricyn stepped out onto the battlements and took a deep breath of the evening air.

He hated these... meetings. Too many people crammed into too small a room, discussing how bleak the future was and what they might do about it. He couldn't remember anything ever being solved by discussion.

Aricyn rubbed his chest. His ribs still ached from the shout that destroyed Lie Rock. Even Nordic bones healed slowly without magic.

Meetings always provided more questions than answers, and right now that was not what the world needed.

It was almost funny, really, that he had thought using the Eidolon a better plan with Allerleirauh absent, only to find that with her gone, so was the Flamekiss... Maybe they could toss the Eidolon at the Azurites and crush a couple.

Out on the bay, blood-red in the dusk light, he could see a single ship approaching. It was a longboat, its sail poorly raised. More refugees, no doubt.

Posted by: Temple of the Dawn Mar 19 2005, 08:11 AM

It was late. The last shivering red rays of the sun dropped below the horizon. The collossal bronze statue of Azura creaked and moaned, shaking the earth.

A frail, blue light spread from the caldera of Red Mountain, running into the foyada like water.

The Azurites fighting Allerleirauh had not summoned their Winged Twilights. Now they did.

The Twilights screamed, and surrounded the battling Nord woman. They did not attack her, however. They formed a circle - no, a sphere. Their shrieks rose, drowning out all sound. Their beating wings and thrashing bodies drowned out all light. She lunged at them with her sword, but they swept backwards, out of reach, and others closed in.

Within the sphere, Allerleirauh saw her own body begin to give off light. The light was sucked out of her - towards the distant mountain. Towards the Pillar of Azura.

Everything began to be grey and cold.

Posted by: Solin Mar 19 2005, 08:15 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Mar 18 2005, 11:41 PM)

Sul twisted midair to meet the shining arc. The Breton's blade sliced through the tumbling cloak as Sul swung his own in return. The flat of the mer's blade caught the Bretons hand and then momentum carried Sul away, the entangled sword torn with him.

Sul landed gracefully on his feet, cat like, with a grin on his face. He had the Breton's blade in his hand and then moved to return it violently to its owner.

Posted by: Arynel Mar 19 2005, 08:22 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Mar 18 2005, 11:55 PM)

The sword in the hand of his friend, his enemy, the blade of his own design, sliced into Arynel’s side. Where it struck the Breton an image rose up, flashing and contorting like lightning and there was a jewel, shinning like the sun and of such beauty and worth to be most desired, and then there were hands, reaching out to take it. As the hands reached forward the jewel was pulled away, as if in jest of the trembling fingers, which stretched out and became like strings going in all directions. The strings molded together forming a canvas that became a map marked with many things both certain and uncertain, and at that moment a thing like a knife went through its center, and it shattered into nothingness.

And as the image shattered, so too did the sword, shattering into eight pieces. And Arynel fell to the ground, unmoving.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 19 2005, 08:24 AM

(Ald Raathim, The Quay:)

"Grab those ropes there! Haul her in!"

As the longboat floated slowly toward the dock, the harbor guards could see that her oars were broken, her oarsmen slumped over, unmoving.

Countless spears and arrows jutted from the ship's sides, the deck, and the bodies of the oarsmen.

"Haul!" shouted the huge dockmaster, as men and mer alike put their shoulder to the ropes that had been thrown to the ship.

The deck was slick with blood as he lept aboard.

"News..." a weak voice called to him from the stern.

A hairy Nord, his shoulder pincushioned with dark-fletched arrows and huge bleeding gashes across his back, had lashed himself to the rudderstaff.

The dockmaster cut him free and cradled the dying man in his arms.

"What news, Cousin?"

The bloodied man coughed. "Gunnar... Gunnar Redtooth... He has fallen. Nearly two-hundred ships we brought to our Chief... we were set upon from above... All were lost."

The dockmaster's blue eyes were filled with angry tears as he turned to the guard beside him.

"Send word to the castle."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 19 2005, 08:32 AM

QUOTE(Temple of the Dawn @ Mar 19 2005, 12:51 AM)

QUOTE(Arynel @ Mar 19 2005, 01:02 AM)

Allerleirauh could see and hear, but there was nothing to see and hear.

Only an empty canvas.

Had anyone ever lived here? Who inhabited this shell of flesh? How could she touch with her fingers, without fingers to touch?

She felt glass, so smooth, so perfect. And the effortless ease of knowing she could do nothing about her own fate. It was all so simple. If you could do nothing, you were pure, you were innocent, like a storm, like a wind.

Transparent as glass and cold as stone.

Then she heard a cry. Not the cry of a man. The cry of a sword. Arynel's sword cried out as it shattered.

Arynel? Did she know someone named Arynel? Had she once?

"Solin," she whispered, stabbing feebly with her sword. When had she fallen to her knees? "Arynel... Sen-Yedda... LESETH! LESETH OF THE VOID, COME AND HELP ME! GENERAL LIGHT CALLS TO YOU!"

Posted by: Solin Mar 19 2005, 08:45 AM

Pie is good.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 19 2005, 08:48 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 19 2005, 12:12 AM)

(The Void:)

In the Void, there is nothing. No light. No sound.

In that dead silence, the words of the General were to Leseth as a thousand trumpets.

Without a word to Bosriel, he vanished.

She followed.

(Red Mountain, The Foyada:)

There was a crack like thunder on the mountaintops, and darkness descended upon the foyada.

Men wailed, daedra screamed in fear, and over it all, the constant, incessant drumming of Leseth's huge fists could be heard.

In the Void, warm, living bodies appeared before Bosriel like a banquet. One after the other Leseth knocked them out of the world, and she feasted.

The Azurites swarmed over the fallen champions like scavenger birds, but the great swirling, drumming darkness beat them back.

For one long heartbeat, Leseth's red eyes locked with the red eyes of Solin... of Alandro Sul.

Then the fallen couple were gathered in Leseth's huge, ebony-encased arms, and they were gone.

"Oh!" said Bosriel, "It's him! And he's bleeding."

Leseth snarled, spoke a string of power, and appeared in the study, in Jazbet's castle, in front of Dragon.

Posted by: Solin Mar 19 2005, 08:52 AM

Sul stood amidst his warriors and over the bodies of the fallen, over where Arynel had been. A moment passed after the red-locked gaze.

"We have the simulacrum!" he roared. "Our foes are fallen, driven like dogs from our field of battle! We are STRONG! This is the will of Azura, come Hogithum, the world will see it!"

The three-thousand year old Chimer then stepped over the limp form of an Azurite and approached the waiting simulacrum.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 19 2005, 08:58 AM

Ald Raathim, Jazbet's Study

Loranna was feeling worn out; her only real idea at this point involved getting Flamekiss back, and the only people who had a chance to do that had likely thought of it already.

When Leseth appeared, bearing the unmoving forms of Allie and Arynel, Loranna cries out in surprise - not at Leseth's appearance, but at the sight of Allie helpless and bleeding.

"Oh god ..." Loranna says, hurrying over to Allie and Arynel after a brief moment of stunned shock. She starts casting healing magic on both of them, praying that she can actually do something to help.

Posted by: Nalion Mar 19 2005, 08:58 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 19 2005, 07:28 AM)

Leseth snarled, spoke a string of power, and appeared in the study, in Jazbet's castle, in front of Dragon.

The darkness that filled the room was almost palpable. The shock made Nalion unconsciously press himself against the wall, then he perceived what Leseth carried.
A cold fist seemed to grip his heart as he saw the bodies of two of their best hopes in turning the tides of darkness.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 19 2005, 09:01 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 19 2005, 01:38 AM)

Dragon reached down and wrenched a spear from Allerleirauh's chest. The wound closed instantly.

The massive healing enchantments Allerleirauh always carried had not been dispelled; whatever had felled her was not a physical injury.

"Leseth," Dragon said. "What happened?"

Posted by: Aki Mar 19 2005, 09:03 AM

"What the..." Reichi mubbled as the massive armored beast that had appeared before the group before they entered the Vaults of Gemin the secound time appeared in the room. Seeing what it carried; his surprise, and confusion increased incredibily.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 19 2005, 09:04 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 19 2005, 12:41 AM)

Leseth spoke two snarling sentences before realizing that he was not speaking the tongue of Men.

"They fell at Red Mountain, to Azurites. I was not there."

Only then did he relinquish his hold on the two limp figures, lying each carefully on the blood-stained carpet.

"Her soul flees. Do something!"

The look on his black face was one of terror and helplessness.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 19 2005, 09:08 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 19 2005, 02:44 AM)

Loranna looks up at Leseth, and for a moment the expression on his face truly froze her to the core. She shivers, saying "Her soul ..."

She looks down at Allie, and tries casting a Dispel on her; whatever was drawing her soul out of her body might be suseptible to being dispelled. Loranna hopes that Allie doesn't have as powerful a defense against Dispel as she always figured she would have.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 19 2005, 09:15 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 19 2005, 01:48 AM)

The soultrapping magic was dispelled. Allerleirauh gave a little sigh, and lay still. She was breathing, but her spirit was elsewhere, stretched too thin for her to wake.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 19 2005, 09:21 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 19 2005, 02:55 AM)

The soultrapping magic was dispelled. Allerleirauh gave a little sigh, and lay still. She was breathing, but her spirit was elsewhere, stretched too thin for her to wake.

Loranna says " ... The dispel seems to have worked ... now all we can do is wait, and give her soul time to recover."

Under her breath, she adds " ... I hope ..." her expression still worried. But she couldn't think of much else to do now, beyond casting one more healing spell on Allie for good measure, in case Loranna had accidentally dispelled the healing potion at a bad time.

Loranna turns her attentions back to Arynel, to see if he is coming to. Her hands shake a bit, and a drop of cold sweat traces the tearstreak on her face.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 19 2005, 09:35 AM

Unlike usual, Leseth did not disappear again. He stood, black brow furrowed with worry, watching.

In the Void, Bosriel watched, too. He was so beautiful, so pale, lying there on the floor. She had eaten well, but she would have traded them all for this one Breton.

Posted by: Arynel Mar 19 2005, 09:37 AM

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

The Breton lies still, motionless, but his eyes are open.

Deep, deep in the depths of Arynel's eyes, there is a hint of focus.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 19 2005, 09:47 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Mar 19 2005, 03:17 AM)

The Breton lies still, motionless, but his eyes are open.

Deep, deep in the depths of Arynel's eyes, there is a hint of focus.

Loranna feels a bit of relief when she finally sees Arynel's eyes give a hint of focusing. It looked like he, too, would eventually recover.

Assuming, of course, that the world wasn't taken over by Azura by then.

"They're both alive, both look like they'll recover - in time," Loranna says. "Someone have the servants prepare rooms for them; the floor is no place for recovering souls."

Loranna stays near Allie and Arynel, watching their progress for any hint of improvement or degradation. Part of her still can't believe that this is really happening, that Arynel and especially Allie were taken down ...

Stop it Loranna; do what you can, don't worry about how it came to be. Help them get through this.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 19 2005, 09:55 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 19 2005, 01:27 AM)

"She may be able to recover," Leseth's cold voice said quietly, "but will she?

"It is her choice now.

"If it were mine, I might not return."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 19 2005, 09:56 AM

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

"Don't touch them," Dragon said. "You know nothing about it, Loranna. The man is in greater peril than anyone I have ever seen, and the woman is dead. She may recover by a miracle; but all the time in the world will not heal her."

Posted by: Arynel Mar 19 2005, 10:03 AM

He came first to a shore, where the earth met the water edge like a shard of glass. It was here he found a specter, a reflection of himself with outstretched arms, and on them were inscribed many paths ever winding as they went. Arynel reached out with his own arms and placed a hand on the specter’s chest, saying:

“I find then that I am my own enemy, a storm against its own self rages.”

And the specter, with arms spread wide, bowed his head and it became a globe, which he took and offered to the Breton. Arynel reached out to touch the globe, and as he did the whole of it rippled and became water and fell to the ground, at which point he said:

“The world, it seems, cannot be touched in such a manner, but must be caressed ever so gently.”

It was then that the specter shattered like sand, and the particles fell together into eight lines, which Arynel played like the strings of a lute, and as he played them they each produced a tone, and as he played them he was able to bend them just so, and to stretch them out, and at last to place them right again, each one equidistant from the center and radiating outward.

Once completed, the wheel folded in on itself and went into Arynel’s mouth, where it stayed hidden, and then a shadow rose up out of the sand and out of the water, with one foot on the earth, and one in the sea, and Arynel bowed to him, saying:

“This is the prize, then, that earth and sea may finally meet, a love so great as to become a pillar of the world. A gift I give, a soft caress not unlike the dance of shorelines and horizons from which the ancients made maps and myths that even now are entwined in the poetic and ever resonating like a beating drum that continues as it always has, beating like a heart.”

And he placed one hand on the earthward side, and he placed one hand on the seaward side, and the division was no more, the rift was mended.

Then the Breton was alone and he took the shape of a hawk and he flew skyward. He came to a place with many wraiths gathered together at a banquet, but they were tied down with shackles and chains and starving because they were not allowed to eat. So then he shed his feathers, which fell to the ground and became paths for the wise to read, and he became once more what he was, and he opened his mouth and the wheel came out and unfolded itself and the spokes became like knives that began cutting through the chains, and as the chains were cut so the shackles fell and shattered.

So it was then that Arynel reached out for a wraith whom he called “light.”

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 19 2005, 10:06 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Mar 19 2005, 02:43 AM)

The wraith turned to him. It was all grey, even its eyes.

"Go higher up," it said, in a voice that was also grey. "She is in the topmost room of the tower. Do not forget to drink the water there."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 19 2005, 10:08 AM

Leseth's and Dragon's words make Loranna shrink back. She had tried to help, done what she could do, thought they were if not all right then at least starting on the road to recovery now that they were back with ...

" ... But ... but ..."

Allie was dead; that couldn't be. She had lived through the end of the last age, right? She had gone through this before and survived the last time, right?

" ... She's gone ... he's all but gone ..." Loranna whispers, looking down at Allie and Arynel once more. Lying on the floor, quiet, still, dead to the world. Like Jazbet.

And there wasn't anything she could do to help them; she didn't know the first thing to try to do now. Like Jazbet.

She feels the tears come to her eyes, the tears one cries when watching loved ones slip away before you.

" ... Not good enough in the end after all ..." she berates herself, like she has once or twice before. With Jazbet.

Posted by: Arynel Mar 19 2005, 10:10 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 19 2005, 01:46 AM)

The wraith turned to him. It was all grey, even its eyes.

"Go higher up," it said, in a voice that was also grey. "She is in the topmost room of the tower. Do not forget to drink the water there."

Arynel nodded to the wraith and found himself at the uppermost chamber of the tower, and laying there before him was Allerleirauh, though her hair was golden like the sun.

The Breton stepped forward and placed his hand, warm, on hers, cold. He leaned forward and kissed her on the mouth.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 19 2005, 10:10 AM

Aricyn stood by the shore, the grey old wolf at his side, watching as the bodies of his countrymen were solemnly carried from the ship and onto land.

For each one here, two-hundred more had died and found their burial at sea.

He didn't recognize any of them, but still his eyes were full of tears.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 19 2005, 10:12 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 19 2005, 01:48 AM)

She feels the tears come to her eyes, the tears one cries when watching loved ones slip away before you.

" ... Not good enough in the end after all ..." she berates herself, like she has once or twice before. With Jazbet.

The cold, deep voice of Leseth spoke.

"I would like to meet the human that is 'good enough' to best Death."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 19 2005, 10:14 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 19 2005, 02:48 AM)

Tris was watching with his brow furrowed. He had been praying. But the General, if she died, probably wouldn't go to the realm of Dibella. Where had Ciel gone? To gentle Stendarr's realm?

These two were masters. Where did masters go? To Oblivion, to rule in Hell? To Aetherius, to shine as new stars? To the realm of the saints of Tiber Septim? Or somewhere outside the worlds entirely?

Tris placed his hand on Loranna's back.

"It's not your fault," he said. His voice came out hoarse. He leaned over to her, whispered in her ear. "Remember what I said about Ciel? Keep hoping, that's the main thing."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 19 2005, 10:25 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 19 2005, 03:54 AM)

Loranna was shaking, the fear and sorrow that she had simply pushed aside when Leseth brought Allie and Arynel back now running through her. When she hears Tris, she can't help herself; her lips curl into a snarl.

"Hope ... this whole night has been one long unending attack on any hope we had at all!" she seethes, her eyes blazing with anger. "The only hope now for the rest of us is that we don't blow up the whole world while trying to save it from Azura - and even if we manage to rescue Sen-Yedda who else could raise her ..."

It wasn't in Loranna to maintain anger for long, especially around her friends. Her face dissolves into pure sadness, her tears running down her face. She leans her head on Tris's shoulder, tries to wrap her arms around him.

" ... Help me," she whispers. "Help me keep from throwing hope away. They can come back from this; if anyone can it's them, right? Ciel came back; hell, even I came back ..."

"Jazbet can come back too ... they can come back ... oh Tris, why must we be left helpless all the time, with nothing but hope to keep us going? Why is it happening like this? Why can't we ever seem to help when our loved ones really really need it ..."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 19 2005, 10:29 AM

Allerleirauh's eyes fluttered, then opened.

She lay still for a long moment, like someone trying to remember a dream. Then she looked as if she might move. Then she thought better of it, and closed her eyes again.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 19 2005, 10:30 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 19 2005, 02:09 AM)

Leseth breathed, for what seemed like the first time.

To those nearby, his breath seemed cold.

Posted by: Arynel Mar 19 2005, 10:30 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 19 2005, 02:09 AM)

The focus in Arynel's eyes rose to their surfaces, until preception was hilighted on his irises. The Breton looked over to Allerleirauh, but did not try to get up.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 19 2005, 10:33 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 19 2005, 04:10 AM)

Leseth breathed, for what seemed like the first time.

To those nearby, his breath seemed cold.

Loranna turns at the sound of Leseth's released breath, her eyes still teary. Blinking, she sees Allie's eyes flutter closed and Arynel turn to look at her.

She squeezes Tris more tightly.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 19 2005, 10:36 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 19 2005, 03:13 AM)

Loranna turns at the sound of Leseth's released breath, her eyes still teary. Blinking, she sees Allie's eyes flutter closed and Arynel turn to look at her.

She squeezes Tris more tightly.

Tris's breathing was audible too.

Dragon said, "Now you can prepare rooms for them."

He turned and gave Loranna a strange, emotionless stare.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 19 2005, 10:42 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 19 2005, 02:16 AM)

Tris's breathing was audible too.

Dragon said, "Now you can prepare rooms for them."

He turned and gave Loranna a strange, emotionless stare.

Leseth carried the General to her room himself.

No one argued.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 19 2005, 10:44 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 19 2005, 04:16 AM)

Tris's breathing was audible too.

Dragon said, "Now you can prepare rooms for them."

He turned and gave Loranna a strange, emotionless stare.

With Leseth taking Allie, Loranna gently picks Arynel up, and follows after the black giant. She looks to Tris as she picks up Arynel, her eyes still moist and her expression hard to read.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 19 2005, 10:56 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 19 2005, 03:24 AM)

With Leseth taking Allie, Loranna gently picks Arynel up, and follows after the black giant. She looks to Tris as she picks up Arynel, her eyes still moist and her expression hard to read.

"Don't let Dragon bother you," Tris said quietly to Loranna. "He's not quite all there. It's not immediately obvious but you catch on after a while."

When Leseth had set Allerleirauh down, Doll plucked the giant black Orc's cloak.

"Please," Doll said. "Where is Master Solin?"

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 19 2005, 10:58 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 19 2005, 02:36 AM)

When Leseth had set Allerleirauh down, Doll plucked the giant black Orc's cloak.

"Please," Doll said. "Where is Master Solin?"

Leseth looked down at the tiny girl.

Any bad news, when reported in his deep, quiet, cold voice, sounded twice as grim.

"He is at Red Mountain. He is Alandro Sul, now."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 19 2005, 11:02 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 19 2005, 04:36 AM)

"Tris hun, I don't feel all here right now either," Loranna says, her expression settling into weariness.

" ... They made it, but we still have the sacrifice on Hogithum to worry about," she says to Tris, shaking her head. "And they have both Solin and Sen-Yedda still."

" ... And even if we somehow manage to get Solin and Sen-Yedda back, and cast that wretched Wraithmail into the darkest corner of the Void, I doubt that will deter the rest of the Azurites from just going ahead with their plan."

Loranna sets Arynel down gently on his bed, looking him over out of habit.

Posted by: Nalion Mar 19 2005, 11:02 AM

Nalion had been unable to speak or move. Terror, not because of Leseth's appearance, but because of Allerleirauh and Arynel, those who had been so strong, were now weak and helpless. He had often risked his own life in the adventures they had and this prospect never made him feel so afraid than seeing those two bearers of hope now. Until this moment, he hadn't realized how much of his own hope had rested on them, and this string of hope had been shattered severely.

In front of his inner eye, pictures showed, racing across his vision, just to disappear before conscious recognition. Sounds built up and shattered, ringing in his ears. Words were spoken without sound and silence rang in his ears like a shout. Colours turned to blinding black and darkest white.

Then, tears finally ran down his cheeks, now that Allerleirauh and Arynel were carried out.

He couldn't help here, the fate of both of them was not in his hands. But another fate was placed upon him.
"Uncertainty." he whispered.
The Breton walked back to his room, shoulders slumped. On the table near the chamber's window was Arynels letter...

Posted by: Aki Mar 19 2005, 11:43 PM

"Thats pathetic," Reichi said at last. "Hope may be non-existant, but i refuse to lay down and just wait for the world to end and us to become puppets to Azura," He snarled. "If the world is gonna end, im going to be there, and im going to my damnest to stop if, and if i can't im going to take as many of them bastards to Oblivion before i die!"

"We've come this far, only to give up?" he looked to those still left in the study.

Posted by: Tricrux Mar 20 2005, 02:06 AM

Marein looked in shock at the spear that had been embedded in Allerleirauh. He knew those markings, the carvings along the shaft...Celeste. She had betrayed him, betrayed them all! How foolish could he have been?

He decided that this was probably not the best time and place to say this - he could tell someone later.

Instead he nodded in agreement with Reichi.

***

The pieces of Arynel's shattered sword lay scattered, untouched. As Celeste milled around with the other Azurites, she kicked one without meaning to. Stopping suddenly, she stooped down to pick up the shard of the beautiful, powerful weapon. She held it up in the light and turned it curiously, then discreetly tucked it into her belt. She vowed to gather the other seven pieces before the day was done, and someday reforge the blade. So over the course of the day she did just that, deviating from the pre-ordained path six different times and as quickly as she could claiming the shard. The final piece she found in the hands of a Khajit Azurite. After following him around dogging him for an hour, then finally casually drawing her dai-katana and waving it in the air around him - taking care to not look the least bit forwardly threatening - she asked him one more time, and he handed it over.

Smug, content, Celeste took the shards of Arynel's blade to her bed that night.

Posted by: w0nders Mar 20 2005, 05:43 AM

Ald Raathim, borders-

Dante returned from the forest, where he had recently met with Illidan. His head was hung low, his eye was wide and teary, and he trudged towards the border guards, far slower than anyone had done before. He was checked at the borders and allowed entry, where upon he made his way to his room in Jazbet’s estate. He never left once he had entered.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 20 2005, 06:31 AM

Aricyn stood near the door in Allerleirauh's room. His face was pale and tired.

He stood, studying the way her grey hair lay on the white pillow.

He said nothing, since that was all he could think of to say.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 20 2005, 07:03 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 19 2005, 11:11 PM)

Allerleirauh's eyes opened.

It was very, very pleasant being in her own body, feeling the cool bedclothes against her bare legs, smelling the faint, strange scents of Morrowind, listening to the patter of rain outside the window. She wanted to stay here longer; she was so very tired.

"Aricyn," she said softly. "Tell Doll to come here, please. I need to get up. And get a ship ready to sail for Vvardenfell. We need to leave as soon as we can."

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 20 2005, 07:05 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 19 2005, 10:43 PM)

Aricyn started as if from sleep.

He didn't ask any questions about the ship, the answers would be obvious.

He found Doll as quickly as he could, then headed for the harbor.

Posted by: Nalion Mar 20 2005, 07:13 AM

Nalion appeared at the docks, looking out of shape. His robe was creasy, hair scruffled. His brown eyes were framed by dark rings. He clearly had not sleep at all in the past hours.
Still, his pack was bulged with the necessary equipment for the trip.
The mage greeted the people at the docks weakly and boarded. Still, a small, almost invisible smile can be seen on his face.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 20 2005, 07:13 AM

Tris opened the shutters of Arynel's bedroom to let light in. He studied the Breton's sleeping face before saying anything.

"Morning!" he said, sitting on the edge of the bed. "You feeling all right? I'm supposed to be getting you up and to the boat; we're headed to Vvardenfell. Allie's awake, she's not letting this one go."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 20 2005, 07:17 AM

Loranna appears at the dock, a shimmering robe covering her armored figure. On her back is a pack filled with various potions and whatever other supplies she thought prudent to bring on this journey.

Seeing Nalion, she gives a sad, tired smile, thinking of her own flame-filled dreams for a moment; she touches the Breton's arm in a gesture of friendly support before settling herself on the boat.

Posted by: w0nders Mar 20 2005, 07:17 AM

Dante made it to the ship, where he boarded hastily. He approached an out of the way part of the deck and sat, legs crossed. He buried his face in his hands.

Posted by: Arynel Mar 20 2005, 07:18 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 19 2005, 10:53 PM)

Arynel's eyes flew open and he jumped up in bed with a start, raising his arms before his face defensively.

The Breton blinked and then lowered his arms. He nodded to Tris, rose from the bed and dressed himself, and headed off towards the docks.

Posted by: Aki Mar 20 2005, 07:26 AM

Reichi arrived at the boat, followed by Tohe and Eya. they boarded, they had little more than their weaponr yand their clothing. Reichi had his Chitin armor as well, his robe was left in the castle, as it was of little use now.

Posted by: Arynel Mar 20 2005, 07:28 AM

The Breton stepped onto the docks. he was wearing his standard regalia, simple travelers clothing, a simple travelers cloak. Reaching down towards his side, his hand faltered as it touched nothing, and then became still. Arynel looked around, nodded to the others, and stepped onto the boat.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 20 2005, 07:39 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Mar 20 2005, 12:08 AM)

Mirea stepped on board, looked around quickly, and went over to Dante. She didn't touch him, simply sat down biting her lips and looking at him.

Allerleirauh stood in the stern of the boat, leaning on Doll's arm. Her once silver hair was grey now; and the radiant skin that had caused Vehk to call her 'snowskin' was pale and colorless. Her smile, though, was radiant, when she saw Arynel.

"I have been inside the pillar of Azura," she said. "I know its nature now. I know what they are planning. I know why Jazbet lies without moving. And I know Azura must be stopped."

Posted by: Arynel Mar 20 2005, 07:42 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 19 2005, 11:19 PM)

Arynel's eyes opened wide and a smile graced his face such as he had not had in a very long time.

"Yes," the Breton said, walking up to Allerleirauh, "what do you know, and what can we do?"

Posted by: Loranna Mar 20 2005, 07:42 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 20 2005, 01:19 AM)

Loranna listens to Allie, looking especially intent when the grey-haired Nord mentions Jazbet.

"What are they planning, then?" she asks Allie, "and how do we stop them?"

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 20 2005, 07:42 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 19 2005, 11:19 PM)

Nearby, Aricyn barked an order to the captain, then turned to Allerleirauh.

"That's a lot to know," he said.

Posted by: Nalion Mar 20 2005, 07:46 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 20 2005, 06:19 AM)

Nalion turned and looked towards Allerleirauh and Arynel. His weak smile strengthened a bit seeing them alive, but their shape spoke from suffering.
He moved towards Allerleirauh.
"It is good to see you. I hope you are as well as can be."
The mage tried to smile assuringly, but his worried expression spoiled it a bit. "You were trapped in the pillar?"
After a moment, the Breton added, "Yes, the demon must be stopped."

Posted by: w0nders Mar 20 2005, 07:48 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 20 2005, 01:19 AM)

Dante didn't look up, though he did acknowledge Allerleirauh's words. And he had the strangest feeling someone was watching him.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 20 2005, 07:50 AM

(The Void:)

Leseth looked hard at Bosriel. She had just eaten, which always put her in a more cheerful mood.

"What?" she said in response to his gaze.

"They go to use the Eidolon," Leseth's cold voice said, making Bosriel's face brighten noticably.

"They expect it to serve as a weapon in their war."

The tiny, ghostly girl shrugged and played with her hair.

"Tell me all you know of the Eidolon."

A smile widened across her luminous face, the smile of a child with a secret.

"Okay," she said. "Follow me."

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Mar 20 2005, 07:59 AM

Dagoth stood disguised on the dock, looking out on the water. It was a sight that seemed to calm him slightly. He still had trouble gettin all the changes through his head, all the things he was adjusting to.

' I think I'll go along with them once more in case I'm needed... '

He made his way to the boat.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 20 2005, 08:05 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Mar 20 2005, 12:22 AM)

Arynel's eyes opened wide and a smile graced his face such as he had not had in a very long time.

"Yes," the Breton said, walking up to Allerleirauh, "what do you know, and what can we do?"

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

Loranna listens to Allie, looking especially intent when the grey-haired Nord mentions Jazbet.

"What are they planning, then?" she asks Allie, "and how do we stop them?"

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 20 2005, 12:22 AM)

Nearby, Aricyn barked an order to the captain, then turned to Allerleirauh.

"That's a lot to know," he said.

QUOTE(Nalion @ Mar 20 2005, 12:26 AM)

"The Pillar is a giant soulstone," Allerleirauh said. "It is of the same nature as the mantella, and the Jewel which powered the Staff of Chaos, and the Heart itself. It is an image of the Heart of the world. And it is, because of its location, a bridge. The Heart cannot be destroyed entirely, without destroying the entire universe which was founded on it, as I am sure the loremasters among you already know. All that was destroyed was the section of the Heart that passes through the part of the world we can see - the part in the Mundus. The rest of it is still there, reaching through the planes. The Pillar bridges them so that the power of the Heart can be tapped again, although imperfectly. And there is one other small difference. The Pillar belongs to Azura. It was grown from the shards of the Azura's Star, which was shattered last Hogithum. So this Pillar is in place to allow Azura alone to wield all the power of the Heart, to make this a universe that belongs to Azura. Only one piece of the puzzle is missing, the spirit within the Pillar. It may be that Azura intends to sacrifice all Azurites. It may be that she wants Sen-Yedda as a sacrifice. But in any case, when a powerful enough spirit is in the Pillar, on Hogithum, when Azura can manifest herself in this world - she wins the game.

"The Great Game. The Game of the Arena. The Grand Experiment of Lorkhan. It ends, if she wins. And everything we call CHIM - or free will, or self-awareness - ends too. It will become Azura's game. And we will be nothing more than her puppets.

"Loranna," Allerleirauh said softly, turning to her. "Please be brave, my friend. What has happened to Jazbet is worse than anything we had imagined. He is gone. His soul has been cut off at its source, like a puppet with his strings cut. Azura could move him around and talk with his voice if she pleased; but for whatever reason, it does not please her. What has happened to him is only a foreshadowing of what will happen to all of us, if she wins. It may be that if the Pillar is destroyed Jazbet will return to us. Or he may be gone forever.

"As for destroying the Pillar - it is of the class of great Mythopoeic enchantments. Like the Heart before it, it cannot be destroyed by magic or force found within this world. Its nature must be attacked. It can only be affected by mythopoeic weapons. Fortunately, we have such a weapon within our reach. King Helseth has been so kind as to offer it to us.

"The Eidolon."

Posted by: Arynel Mar 20 2005, 08:10 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 19 2005, 11:45 PM)

"As for destroying the Pillar - it is of the class of great Mythopoeic enchantments. Like the Heart before it, it cannot be destroyed by magic or force found within this world. Its nature must be attacked. It can only be affected by mythopoeic weapons. Fortunately, we have such a weapon within our reach. King Helseth has been so kind as to offer it to us.

"The Eidolon."

Arynel stood silently, listening to Allerleirauh speak. When she finished, the Breton nodded, saying:

"Then we must go get the Eidolon."

Posted by: Aki Mar 20 2005, 08:14 AM

"Well, thats bad..." Reichi muttered. "Wait a minute, if it is a soul snare, then any who go to close would be soul trapped, or only those of us who lost Arkay's Blessing?" he asked.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 20 2005, 08:15 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 20 2005, 01:45 AM)

"Loranna," Allerleirauh said softly, turning to her. "Please be brave, my friend. What has happened to Jazbet is worse than anything we had imagined. He is gone. His soul has been cut off at its source, like a puppet with his strings cut. Azura could move him around and talk with his voice if she pleased; but for whatever reason, it does not please her. What has happened to him is only a foreshadowing of what will happen to all of us, if she wins. It may be that if the Pillar is destroyed Jazbet will return to us. Or he may be gone forever.

Loranna had been listening to Allie carefully, feeling disqueted. What Allie was describing as the fate of everyone if Azura won reminded her of her own dreams, only much, much worse. At least, in her nightmares, she could eventually cry out and break free, eventually ...

Allie's revelations of Jazbet's fate cause Loranna to simply ... freeze. The implications of what Allie just said hammer her brain, leaving her ears ringing. Jazbet was Azura's ...

For the second time, Loranna feels herself losing the man she loves. And experience did not make the second time much easier - perhaps it even made the second time slightly worse.

" ... Honor his memory ..." Loranna whispers to herself, closing her eyes and forcing herself to calm down. Allie had said there was still a chance, after all; she had to be strong to help make that chance a reality, and that was simply that ...

Numbly, Loranna nods. "I'll be okay," she says, her voice still a whisper.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 20 2005, 08:15 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Mar 20 2005, 12:54 AM)

"Well, thats bad..." Reichi muttered. "Wait a minute, if it is a soul snare, then any who go to close would be soul trapped, or only those of us who lost Arkay's Blessing?" he asked.

"I never had the blessing," Allerleirauh said, smiling. "Nor do you, if you are slain at certain moments, Reichi. But in any case the Pillar does nothing by itself. I was attacked by Winged Twilights who used a ritual to suck the soul from my body. The Azurites themselves go near it, so it is safe enough."

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 20 2005, 08:17 AM

(The Void:)

"What is that?" Leseth's cold voice held a note of surprise and wonder. He seldom encountered anything in the Void that was unfamilar to him, but the Void was infinity itself. No man could know everything.

The swirling, whispering thing in front of him certainly wasn't familiar.

"That's the Eidolon." Bosriel said, a look of superiority on her little face. "It leaks. That's how I found it, so long ago. Can't you feel the very essence of the World seeping in here? Doesn't it smell wonderful?"

Leseth frowned slightly.

Posted by: Nalion Mar 20 2005, 08:23 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 20 2005, 06:55 AM)

Nalion couldn't help but touch Lorannas shoulder in a feeble attemt to comfort her. He lowered his head and shut his eyes for a moment.

QUOTE(Arynel @ Mar 20 2005, 06:50 AM)

Arynel stood silently, listening to Allerleirauh speak. When she finished, the Breton nodded, saying:

"Then we must go get the Eidolon."

"Yes, it is time to take the war to the enemy."
Despite the news about Jazbet, despite seeing Nirn one step before the abyss, Nalion straightened himself. A part of the defiance he felt as he refused to succumb to Azura's call back all that time in Vivec, came back to him.
"Don't let the sacrifices we had to suffer in the past be in vain."

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Mar 20 2005, 08:25 AM

Dagoth then noticed Loranna's mental and emotional anguish. He knew he couldn't do anything to save him now... but he would try and comfort her as best he can.

'Loranna... are you... okay?'

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 20 2005, 08:26 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Mar 20 2005, 12:03 AM)

Nalion couldn't help but touch Lorannas shoulder in a feeble attemt to comfort her. He lowered his head and shut his eyes for a moment.
"Yes, it is time to take the war to the enemy."
Despite the news about Jazbet, despite seeing Nirn one step before the abyss, Nalion straightened himself. A part of the defiance he felt as he refused to succumb to Azura's call back all that time in Vivec, came back to him.
"Don't let the sacrifices we had to suffer in the past be in vain.

Aricyn was quiet. 'I told you to use the Eidolon.' would seem so shallow at the moment.

Still, he was relieved to hear that everyone agreed with him now.

The Eidolon just might even save them all.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 20 2005, 08:34 AM

Loranna feels Nalion's touch on her shoulder and she nods her thanks to him, trying to smile.

Hearing Dagoth, she draws in a breath, her attempts at smiling becoming more succesful. He was still confused, still unsure, she could tell; it may well be many long years before they both were fully comfortable with their new relationship to one another, but his honest attempts to comfort her, awkward as they were, were enough. She could feel him wishing her to be comforted, thus she was comforted.

She reaches out her thoughts to him as she used to, knowing he'll hear them despite her lack of telepathy. I'm okay now, dear. I have you and the others here.

She doesn't think it specifically, but Dagoth can tell she is realizing that now they're even more alike - both losing loved ones to the deprevations of others.

... Let's go free him, and all the others Azura's taken, Loranna thinks, speaking aloud "Nalion's right; let's go do this."

She wasn't going to give up Jazbet without a fight.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 20 2005, 08:41 AM

Ebonheart:

The Duke's city was on a war footing now. The boat had to stand off and be searched; they had to send a message ahead to Helseth. They were seached again at landing by Imperial Guards, and then at the castle by the Duke's guards, and then again before they saw Helseth by the Royal Guards.

But in the end, they were allowed to see Helseth. With less red tape than there had been before the war.

Helseth, after all, was expecting them.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 20 2005, 08:50 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 20 2005, 12:21 AM)

(Ebonheart:)

The makeshift throne room had been cleared of everyone but the King and one tall, stately Altmer, although guards no doubt lurked behind doors very close at hand.

"So," he said, his voice ringing in the stark stone chamber. "I see it did not occur to you to send my messenger back with your reply. You would prefer to show up unannounced."

The King toyed with a huge golden ring on his finger.

"So be it. Have you considered my offer? Have you brought me the Flamekiss jewel?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 20 2005, 08:52 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 20 2005, 01:30 AM)

"No, your majesty. We have not," Allerleirauh said, pleasantly.

She and Helseth had met before, although she did not expect him, unlike Elysana, to remember her.

"Instead we have brought you information, and a counter proposal of our own."

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 20 2005, 08:53 AM

(The Void:)

"I love the feeling of being near it," Bosriel said, "drinking it in. A long time ago, I found out it was coming from something in the World. I found it, but it was buried. How was I supposed to dig it out, trapped in here? Then that queen offered to do it for me."

"You know what it will do, don't you?" Leseth asked carefully. "Exactly what it will do?"

In the darkness, Bosriel spun around one toe, like a flying ballerina.

"Maybe..."

"What?" Leseth's voice was calm, but forceful.

"The elves call it 'foyson'. People call it 'essence', or something stupid." The tiny girl seemed almost too excited to talk, her words coming faster and faster as she imagined the event.

"The Eidolon will take all that away and it'll all come streaming through here and I'll drink it all up and I'll finally be full and not hungry and I'll go into the world and be free! Oh Leseth, really, really free!"

"All of it?" Leseth asked, his voice still quiet. "From everything?"

"I suppose," Bosriel said offhandedly, playing with the ends of her hair again and avoiding his hard eyes. "Why?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 20 2005, 08:58 AM

Ebonheart:

"Time is of the essence, your majesty," Allerleirauh said. "That is why we are here ourselves, instead of sending a messenger. The day after tomorrow is Hogithum, the summoning date for Azura, and on that day the Azurites will put their plan into action."

She explained to Helseth, and the others, what she had explained to the group in the boat.

"We need the Eidolon to destroy the Pillar. We are offering to get it there for you. We are your servants in this matter, your majesty."

She bowed.

Helseth liked flattery. But he liked self-preservation more. She was hoping he knew it when he saw it.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 20 2005, 09:01 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 20 2005, 02:38 AM)

Loranna decides to reinforce Allie's point that she and her companions are Helseth's servants in this matter, and bows as well to the Dunmer king.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 20 2005, 09:05 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 20 2005, 12:38 AM)

(Ebonheart:)

"So," the king said, sneering, "Your lovely words amount to this: You will take the weapon from me, keep the key to it yourselves, and take both into the heart of enemy territory?

"I do admit that you paint a dire picture of the future, Nord, but you might tell me how this plan of yours should put my mind at ease.

"All I see is you giving the enemy a new toy to destroy us with."

Posted by: Nalion Mar 20 2005, 09:05 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 20 2005, 07:41 AM)

Loranna decides to reinforce Allie's point that she and her companions are Helseth's servants in this matter, and bows as well to the Dunmer king.

Nalion felt uncomfortable in the presence of nobles. The first noble he had met many years ago was probably still very angry at him. Nonthelesse, he too a step forward and bowd.
"Your Majesty, we would act as the spearhead of your assault on Red Mountain to rid Morrowind of its greatest thread since Dagoth Ur."

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 20 2005, 07:45 AM)

"This assembly here, your Majesty, might be your sharpest blade here in this struggle. Peace needs to be restored in Morrowind. A peace by a glorious assault from your army."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 20 2005, 09:08 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 20 2005, 01:45 AM)

"Your majesty," Allerleirauh said, "The situation is as I have described. You can do nothing and die, or you can do something desperate and perhaps survive. But I suspect your majesty's advisor would like a few minutes to confer with you."

Here she bowed not to Helseth, but to the Altmer standing behind him.

It was good to have spies.

Posted by: w0nders Mar 20 2005, 09:09 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 20 2005, 02:45 AM)

"Ugh, you stupid bastard." Dante snarled, planting his feet and clenching his fists. "Are you really that untrusting?"

Posted by: Aki Mar 20 2005, 09:11 AM

Reichi blinked, and glareed at Dante. Eya on the other hand, kicked Dante square in the back of the knee.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 20 2005, 09:11 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Mar 20 2005, 02:49 AM)

"Ugh, you stupid bastard." Dante snarled, planting his feet and clenching his fists. "Are you really that untrusting?"

Loranna clenches her fist, but keeps herself from glaring at Dante; to be honest, Helseth's attitude didn't sit too well with her either, given what she knew of the danger they all faced.

"We are all under a great deal of stress," she says quietly. "No one, after all, wants to die. And we here are willing to fight for our lives and everyone's - as you can see from our ... spirit."

Posted by: w0nders Mar 20 2005, 09:14 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Mar 20 2005, 02:51 AM)

Reichi blinked, and glareed at Dante. Eya on the other hand, kicked Dante square in the back of the knee.

Dante's legs buckled as he fell forward, stopping himself from falling face first with his hands. He let out a small growl before standing up right again. Glaring at Eya.

Posted by: Arynel Mar 20 2005, 09:15 AM

Arynel looked to Helseth. The Breton began to speak:

"I see that you are one who knows the minds of men and mer, and I dare say you are not easily fooled by trickery, and are able to see oppurtunity when it rises like an island where others see only ocean. So then, in your foresite you would delay from offering to us what could be our salvation, for if we plan to take it into the heartland of the enemy, it may soon prove to be our destruction. However, the wise ruler, as undoubtably you are, would seek aid when his own prowess is incapable of producing desired results—you need us, and we need you. I would say, then, that we must work together, you have men, soldiers who can fight, and you have the Eidolon, and we have flamekiss, and knowledge of what will happen if we do nothing. I am no military man, no strategist, but I say give us Eidolon, and send your soldiers agaisnt the Azurites, to keep the Eidolon out of their hands. We will do the rest."

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 20 2005, 09:17 AM

(Ebonheart:)

Helseth laughed. It was a very cultured, practiced laugh.

"I see you brought all of your very best diplomats.

"And you," he said, waving a lose-handed wave at Aricyn, "you are certainly quieter than the last time you were my guest. What say you, little Tongue?"

Aricyn smiled. "I say that if you don't agree, I'll tear this rockpile down around your clipped ears, and scatter you to the nine provinces."

Helseth's smile faded.

"Brigands. You're nothing but brigands. I had heard that, and, for once, I was not misinformed."

"You would take the device to Red Mountain, you say?"

Posted by: Aki Mar 20 2005, 09:17 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Mar 20 2005, 02:54 AM)

Dante's legs buckled as he fell forward, stopping himself from falling face first with his hands. He let out a small growl before standing up right again. Glaring at Eya.

"You insulted a king in his prescence...are you mad?" She whispered to him. "You could have ruined the whole deal."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 20 2005, 09:19 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 20 2005, 01:57 AM)

"We are not diplomats, your majesty," Allerleirauh said.

"We are heroes. We are the most potent force in this kingdom. We are all that stands between you and the Azurites, and we are all that stands between you and Azura herself. We are willing to walk into Red Mountain and draw down the wrath of a god. Are you?"

Posted by: w0nders Mar 20 2005, 09:24 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Mar 20 2005, 02:57 AM)

"You insulted a king in his prescence...are you mad?" She whispered to him. "You could have ruined the whole deal."

"Mad...I must be, if I'm to insult a 'king'." He whispered back, turning from Helseth and heading towards the door. "I'll just leave the dealing up to you lot, I'm not much help here, not in my current mind set, at least."

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 20 2005, 09:30 AM

(The Void:)

The Eidolon would destroy everything. That's what she had said. She was ancient, but in the manner of the young girl which she resembled, she did not seem to understand the meaning of this.

"Little One," Leseth said, very quietly, "What would be left for you to be free in? What difference would there be between this Void, and a world emptied of everything and everyone?"

"But..." Bosriel said, tears coming to her burning eyes, "I'd be free... And, and I'd be full. Just for once, I wouldn't be hungry..."

***

(Ebonheart:)

"You have this all planned out, don't you? For how long have you plotted?

"No matter. You are all too aware that I have no choice but to agree, but I will tell you this; I would not trust you to take the device alone to the local pub, let alone Red Mountain. You are, no doubt, not as aware as I of the force that has been gathered there. You would merely lose it to the enemy.

"No, you will be accompanied by my army. All of it. Every man. I will not let this be the end of my kingdom. If Morrowind... MY Morrowind were to fall, what would it matter who still lived in it? Every man shall give his life to this endeavor, and we will put and end to these Azurites once and for all.

"Oh," he said, turning to the dark-skinned Nord, "And I should thank you, personally, for all your hard work in this. I do so appreciate it," he said with a sneer.

"Llirith!" the king called to the Altmer behind his throne, "Show them to the Eidolon."

The Altmer bowed.

Posted by: TrumGryphon510 Mar 20 2005, 09:32 AM

Melampus....training to become better. Training to become detached from people and intact with nature. He has gone through a metamorphisis that has changed his perception on the world.

He hasn't been seen in a long time. Some people thought he just disappeared. Some people thought he was killed. But now he has been awakened from his slumber by a terrible force. What is this force? Why is it here? All he knows is that he must help to stop it.

Melampus arose from his secret cave (really a large whole under a rock). To find himself sneaking around. He decided the only way not to stir up trouble was to use Divine Intervention. *whoosh* It took him to Ebonheart. He looked around and thought What do we have here?

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 20 2005, 09:34 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 20 2005, 02:10 AM)

***

"Your majesty is ever wise when it comes to surviving," Allerleirauh said, with not a trace of irony. She knew his family. He was indeed a survivor. If he hadn't turned, she would have had to work on his mother.

Allerleirauh followed the Altmer, Llirith.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 20 2005, 09:35 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 20 2005, 03:10 AM)

***

Loranna's expression becomes stony.

"You're welcome, Your Majesty," she says. "Your appreciation is itself appreciated."

She turns to follow Lirith to the Eidolon.

Posted by: Arynel Mar 20 2005, 09:35 AM

Arynel nodded his thanks to helseth. The Breton turned and followed behind Llirith.

Posted by: Nalion Mar 20 2005, 09:37 AM

Nalion gave Helseth a curt nod.
"Well, a king listening to reason. Maybe one small silverstreak on the horizon."
The Breton mage followed the counselour Lirith to the item which had such importance to their fate - and to the fate of the Mundus."

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 20 2005, 09:43 AM

(Ebonheart:)

Heleseth's unpleasant, nervous laughter echoed in the hall behind them as they followed the tall mer down a long flight of tower steps.

"The 'Eidolon'," he said to anyone who was listening, "is truly a remarkable object. I still haven't learned half of what I'd like to about it. Truly a work of art. Come on, just this way."

The path led far below the castle. The screams of prisoners could be heard as they passed through Helseth's prisons, and more than once a bloodied arm reached through some small hole as they passed, pleading for release.

Below that was another tunnel, and at the end, a heavy door, guarded by two red-armored guards.

They bowed to the Altmer and made to unlock the door.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 20 2005, 09:47 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 20 2005, 02:23 AM)

Allerleirauh looked at the maimed hand of a prisoner. She would be back this way, and she would free all who could be freed. The others she would kill.

No one had ever asked her for help and been denied.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 20 2005, 09:50 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 20 2005, 03:23 AM)

Loranna finds herself thinking dark thoughts as the screams of the prisoners echo in her head.

... We need his help, but Aricyn's goal of knocking Mister Clip-Eared Poisoner off his throne is starting to sound more and more attractive.

Loranna thinks of Jazbet for a moment, and grimaces; the thought of the Khajiit lying helpless in Azura's power while Helseth rambled on about how thankful he was for all she did makes her feel ill, and the screams of the prisoners weren't helping.

Chiding herself for wearing her heart on her sleeve, Loranna smoothes her features back to something approaching nuetral as they reach the Eidolon's chamber.

Posted by: Nalion Mar 20 2005, 09:53 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 20 2005, 08:23 AM)

It hurt Nalion deeply to see how the prisoners fared, no one should be treated like that - no torture.
He had a hard time to suppress thought and actions towards them, and he felt bad about it. But they had to focus now.
"If we don't succeed in our task, they are beyond out help anyway. So focus on succeeding and then we may help them."
Nalion shook his head. Then he focused on the door ahead.

Posted by: TrumGryphon510 Mar 20 2005, 09:56 AM

The guards see Melampus and seize him. They stare at his eyes. "Let go of me! What do you think you are doing." said Melampus.

They see that his eyes are just as red as any dark elf's eyes are. "Sorry about that sir. We just had to make sure you weren't an Azurite."

Melampus is guessing that this has to do with something that Azura did. Oh great, he thought. Lets just stick to myself for a bit until I can figure things out.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 20 2005, 09:57 AM

(Ebonheart:)

The heavy door creaked open, and the Altmer looked into the blackness beyond.

"Why in the world are the torches out?" he asked the guards.

Both declined to answer, remembering the feeling of horror they had experienced earlier.

"Bah! Useless," said Llirith, and, grabbing a torch from the hall, he led the way into the pitch dark room.

One could tell from the echoes it was not a large room, and there was a low, thrumming noise from within.

The Altmer's torch played off of bare stone walls, and something large and smooth in the room's center.

"Now, where's that torch bracket?"

The small pouch at Allerleirauh's waist was warm, and it was vibrating slightly to some unknown rhythm.

Without warning, the room filled with a throbbing sound and reddish-purple light.

Llirith screamed embarrasingly and dropped the torch, which flickered weakly on the floor.

The Eidolon rose upward on one end and blossomed, like a huge, luminous flower, filling the room with an eerie light.

Posted by: Aki Mar 20 2005, 09:59 AM

"Um.....is it susposed to do that?" Reichi asked, taking a step back, and placing his hand on the hilt of his Shortsword.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 20 2005, 09:59 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 20 2005, 03:37 AM)

Loranna steps back, taken by surprise; instinctively, she raises her hands to cast defensive magic for her friends, even though the chance that any magic she could conjure would affect the Eidolon's power was so slim as to be laughable.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 20 2005, 09:59 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 20 2005, 02:37 AM)

"Interesting," Allerleirauh said. She put her hand on the pouch. The stone showed no inclination to do anything farther.

"I don't think we want to use it here and now," she said.

Posted by: Nalion Mar 20 2005, 10:00 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 20 2005, 08:37 AM)

Nalion had followed Llirith into the Eidolon's chamber. As it blossomwed, he flinched back, hurling glances from Allerleirauhs pouch towards the Eidolon and back.
"No one touches that thing." he hissed, despite not knowing what exactly would trigger the weapon.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 20 2005, 10:02 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 20 2005, 03:39 AM)

"Interesting," Allerleirauh said. She put her hand on the pouch. The stone showed no inclination to do anything farther.

"I don't think we want to use it here and now," she said.

"I agree," Loranna says, slowly lowering her hands. "Doubtless though Flamekiss realizes the Eidolon is near ..."

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 20 2005, 10:07 AM

(Ebonheart:)

For no obvious reason, the Eidolon closed again, it's shining metal petals folding gracefully into a boat-sized ovoid object.

"Well," Llirith said in a shakey voice, lighting the room's torches, "It's certainly never done that before."

He screamed again as he lit the last torch. It illuminated a giant black figure, standing in the shadows of the room.

"There is a problem," Leseth said. "That thing will destroy everything. Everywhere. Every man, mer, tree, insect, castle, stone, candlestick. Everything."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 20 2005, 10:09 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 20 2005, 02:47 AM)

Allerleirauh held out her arm in a warning motion to Llirith and the guards.

"Leseth, I don't understand. How do you know this?"

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 20 2005, 10:10 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 20 2005, 01:49 AM)

Allerleirauh held out her arm in a warning motion to Llirith and the guards.

"Leseth, I don't understand. How do you know this?"

"Bosriel," he said.

The torches in the room flickered as if in a wind.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 20 2005, 10:12 AM

Even having seen the ebony-clad Leseth several times now, his presence still affected Loranna, and this time there were no wounded people in the room to draw her attention away from his looming presence.

" ... What do we do now?" she asks quietly, looking to Allie. The flickering torches make her look around with concern.

Posted by: Nalion Mar 20 2005, 10:20 AM

Nalion flinched at Leseths appeareance, of course. Then he looked doubtfully at Allerleirauh, Leseth and Loranna.
A thought came to his mind.
"When it will destroy everything, why do we need Flamekiss for it? Why not just put a lever on it to set it up? Why would another device be needed for it other than... maybe control it!"
The Breton mage looked at Llirith.
"You seemed to have studied the Eidolon. You are the one who has actually been able to touch it. Can you tell us what you have found out other than it is a weapon?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 20 2005, 10:23 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Mar 20 2005, 03:00 AM)

"The Flamekiss is a power source, if I understand it correctly," Allerleirauh said. "All I know about the Eidolon is that it was a mistake. It feeds on Ethos energy; that is, it destroys ideas. It was never used because it was considered too terrible. Are you saying that there is no control mechanism, Leseth?"

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 20 2005, 10:30 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Mar 20 2005, 02:00 AM)

The Breton mage looked at Llirith.
"You seemed to have studied the Eidolon. You are the one who has actually been able to touch it. Can you tell us what you have found out other than it is a weapon?"

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 20 2005, 02:03 AM)

"Yes, yes," said Llirith. "Quite right. The Flamekiss is a catalyst for the device. It feeds energy to the Eidolon, which amplifys and directs that energy in the proper way."

Leseth shook his black head, having no answer, himself.

"I am not certain that it was a mistake," Llirith continued, "truly, but it was never used. Perhaps its creators were horror-struck by their creation, just as we are.

"The device, you see, works on Mythopoeic principles." The Altmer seemed to enjoy a captive audience. "As the Nord said, it destroys ideas. I do not know how trustworthy your terrifying companion's information is, but it does seem logical that, undirected, it would destroy THE idea. In other words, everything."

Posted by: Aki Mar 20 2005, 10:34 AM

"Lovely, if we use it, the whole damn world goes boom," Reichi sighed. "So, we let Azura end the world, or do it ourselves..."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 20 2005, 10:35 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 20 2005, 04:10 AM)

Loranna shivers; the idea of a weapon that could destroy ideas was frightening. She had never even conceived of such an idea before ...

" ... Wait; you say it destroys ideas," she asks hesitantly. " ... Does that mean it could destroy a god, too?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 20 2005, 10:37 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 20 2005, 03:15 AM)

"That's not necessarily a good idea," Allerleirauh said. "It's like unravelling a sweater; one thread is connected to all the others. Destroy Azura, for example, and you bring down the whole wheel, or at the very least collapse two gods into one and totally reorder the universe."

She turned to Llirith. "There are methods of controlling mythopoeic enchantments. Don't you know any?"

Posted by: Loranna Mar 20 2005, 10:41 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 20 2005, 04:17 AM)

"That wasn't quite what I was thinking actually," Loranna says to Allie. "More just the threat of being able to do so ..."

She looks to Lirith, hoping he has some ideas; being able to control the Eidolon was preferable to trying to enforce a detente with a Daedra Prince anytime.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 20 2005, 10:42 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 20 2005, 02:17 AM)

"Well," Llirith said, rubbing his chin and smiling in a slightly patronizing manner, "This is far from hard science, you understand, but I suppose if you could tap the power of the Heart of Lorkhan, in a similar manner to the Tribunal's method, you could direct and control a Mythopoeic reaction.

"Of course, there is no heart anymore, so that's out of the question. I'm afraid I don't have a solid answer."

Posted by: Nalion Mar 20 2005, 10:44 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 20 2005, 09:03 AM)

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Mar 20 2005, 09:10 AM)

Then we have to preserve those ideas we want to keep in some way. What do you mean with THE idea?" The Breton thought a moment, then remembered Arynels letter.
"Creation?" he whispered.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 20 2005, 10:48 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Mar 20 2005, 03:24 AM)

Yes, if it is a power source, then we better don't put the Flamekiss into it right now." Nalion answered with a weak smile. Still, we need to figure out if we can aim it somewhere without affecting the entire world."
Nalion thought about his words...
"How easy to speak about the end of what we know." he shook his head.
Then we have to preserve those ideas we want to keep in some way. What do you mean with THE idea?" The Breton thought a moment, then remembered Arynels letter.
"Creation?" he whispered.

"Yes," Allerleirauh said. "Creation is the first idea."

She tossed her head.

"The Azurites will be hoisted by their own petard. I don't know how we're going to get the thing there, but we will use their own Pillar as a control mechanism. They built it to replace the Heart; let's use it to replace the Heart. Now if we only had a tonal architect like Kagrenac... and some tools. But one thing at a time."

Posted by: Nalion Mar 20 2005, 11:04 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 20 2005, 09:28 AM)

"The pillar - the connection to Lorkhan's Heart - as a control for the Eidolon?"
The Breton mage thought for a moment upon Allerleirauh's comment, then looked intently into Arynels eyes.
"I've received a letter recently. You might have noticed my absence -both part mental, part physical- in the past days. This letter was the reason why I was absent. I have given some thoughts to tonal architecture. But I haven't progressed as far as Kagrenac. Maybe it is better that way, though."

I still need clues and hints, but I have made some discoveries that might help us to do what we need. Pieces fit together even as we speak. I'm not ready to give up hope right now."
Nalion took a breath and straightened himself. He wasn't really comfortable with the thought of taking up this burden, but it needed to be done.
"With the help of you all, we will make it."

Posted by: Loranna Mar 20 2005, 11:09 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Mar 20 2005, 04:44 AM)

Loranna looks at Nalion, a slow smile creeping across her face. It seemed that Allie's earlier words to her about coming through the end of an age were right, after all - if they could get this scheme to work.

"Nor should any of us lose hope now," she says. "Whatever help you need, just ask dear."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 20 2005, 11:13 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Mar 20 2005, 03:44 AM)

"The pillar - the connection to Lorkhan - as a control for the Eidolon?"
The Breton mage thought for a moment upon Allerleirauh's comment, then looked intently into Arynels eyes.
"I've received a letter recently. You might have noticed my absence -both part mental, part physical- in the past days. This letter was the reason why I was absent. I have given some thoughts to tonal architecture. But I haven't progressed as far as Kagrenac. Maybe it is better that way, though."

I still need clues and hints, but the past days, but I have made some discoveries that might help us to do what we need. Pieces fit together even as we speak. I'm not ready to give up hope right now."
Nalion took a breath and straightened himself. He wasn't really comfortable with the thought of taking up this burden, but it needed to be done,
"With the help of you all, we will make it."

A slim figure stepped forward. It was not immediately obvious where she had come from.

Most of those present had not seen her before. She was an Imperial woman, not young anymore, but not yet old, with black hair like falling water, and black eyes like shaded pools. She wore a dark crimson velvet dress with hanging sleeves which puddled around her feet as she walked.

The guards jumped again, and again Allerleirauh held out her arm to stop them.

"My name is Skein," the newcomer said. "I came, General, to speak with Nalion. My message is simple. There are paths drawing together. Nalion must concentrate his efforts on the tones we must strike to control the Eidolon. The rest of you must concentrate your efforts on bringing the Eidolon to Red Mountain. If you do these things, and you do them with the right heart, the tools will be provided. I cannot see what the result will be."

Allerleirauh looked at Skein, then nodded.

"My seer," Allerleirauh said.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 20 2005, 11:16 AM

Aricyn muttered something about people literally coming out of the woodwork to help them, and the old wolf at his side voiced his agreement.

Posted by: Nalion Mar 20 2005, 11:22 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Mar 20 2005, 09:53 AM)

A slim figure stepped forward. It was not immediately obvious where she had come from.

Most of those present had not seen her before. She was an Imperial woman, not young anymore, but not yet old, with black hair like falling water, and black eyes like shaded pools. She wore a dark crimson velvet dress with hanging sleeves which puddled around her feet as she walked.

The guards jumped again, and again Allerleirauh held out her arm to stop them.

"My name is Skein," the newcomer said. "I came, General, to speak with Nalion. My message is simple. There are paths drawing together. Nalion must concentrate your efforts on the tones we must strike to control the Eidolon. The rest of you must concentrate your efforts on bringing the Eidolon to Red Mountain. If you do these things, and you do them with the right heart, the tools will be provided. I cannot see what the result will be."

Allerleirauh looked at Skein, then nodded.

"My seer," Allerleirauh said.

Nalion turned towards the seer, for once not flinching when people began to show up from nowhere.
"Skein." Despite Allerleirauh told Skein was her seer, he introduced himself. "I am the one called Nalion. It is a pleasure to meet you. Yes, threads seem to converge to a climax. I - we - have no time to waste. Let's get to work."
The mage nodded towards Skein and Allerleirauh, then looked around to his companions.
"Let us play the tunes of fate." he whispered.

Posted by: Loranna Mar 20 2005, 11:26 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Mar 20 2005, 05:02 AM)

Loranna nods to Skien, and then looks to Nalion.

"To work, then," she says. "For everything we have suffered, and everything we hold dear."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Mar 20 2005, 11:26 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Mar 20 2005, 04:02 AM)

"May the blessing of the Nine be upon you," Skein said. "You're going to need it. But this task is not beyond your ability."

She turned, and swept the others with her eyes. Skein rarely went out in public; she did not care for the company of strangers; strangers confused her vision. In fact, it was difficult for her to see people as people at all, she was so used to looking at the paths that stretched out before and behind them.

She found Tris in the crowd, and Mirea, and Arynel. She nodded to them. And she offered a tiny smile to Dante, for reasons of her own. Then she vanished as inexplicably as she had come.

Posted by: Rhedd Mar 20 2005, 11:28 AM

"I will leave this to you, then," Leseth said from the shadows.

"I have other matters that require my attention."

He stepped backwards, and he, too, was gone from sight.

Posted by: Attrebus Mar 20 2005, 11:34 AM

200+ posts, so locked.