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The Elder Scrolls Forums _ Elder Scrolls Lore _ RP: High Rock Hijinks

Posted by: Loranna Apr 30 2005, 12:19 PM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you, and have fun!

===

Info for Loranna:

Race: Nord
Sex: Female

Summary for Loranna:

Loranna is in Llainfair, about to go with Tris to speak with the local lord and see how to get Nalion out of his current straits.

Posted by: Sir Radont Apr 30 2005, 12:20 PM

OOC: Radont: Noble Imperial Knight Bachelor, Male. Currently travelling with Loranna and group, about to find some bandits.

Posted by: Nalion Apr 30 2005, 12:25 PM

OOC Summary:
As was revealed in the last thread, Nalion, male Breton mage, decided to visit his parents in a village called Llainfair to settle differences from years ago. Unfortunately, his adversary in this matter, Joslin Tailas, local noble of Llainfair objected against a peaceful settling of the dispute and took him into an inconvenient custody, threatening to let him pay for the supposed abduction and murder of his daughter and Nalions love Lirielle.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Apr 30 2005, 12:26 PM

ooc:

Tris is in Llainfair getting ready to visit the local lord, Lord Tailas, to discuss Nalion, bandits, and other matters.

Posted by: Aki Apr 30 2005, 12:29 PM

OOC: Reichi, the male Dunmer Werewolf is with the group in Llainfair, ready to kick some bandit spotted owl.

Tohe however, would rather stay with the group going to the lord's estate thingy...

Posted by: Nalion Apr 30 2005, 12:55 PM

Tailas Manor
The manor of Lord Joslin Tailas could best be depicted with the old Breton saying "Find a new hill, become king!". The manor was located about a mile outside the village and consisted of various building, the largest one being the actual living quarters themselves.
The manor was walled in, but could in now way be called a fortification of any sorts. Two guards stood at the gate, clad in light armour, spears in hand and broadsword at their hips.

Forest east of Llainfair
The scents of the bandits Reichi tracked led deep into a forest, away from any signs of regular travel. The trees began to grow closer together so that the canopy of leaves above blocked most of the sunlight. After some time of breaching through underbrush which showed signs of recent passage of the bandits, they arrived at a hidden entrance to a cave, barred with a stout wooden door.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Apr 30 2005, 12:58 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Apr 30 2005, 05:55 AM)

Tailas Manor
The manor of Lor Joslin Tailas could best be depicted with the old Breton saying "Find a new hill, become king!". The manor was located about a mile outside the village and consisted of various building, the largest one being the actual living quarters themselves.
The manor was walled in, but could in now way be called a fortification of any sorts. Two guards stood at the gate, clad in light armour, spears in hand and broadsword at their hips.

"We're visitors, here to pay our respects to Lord Tailas," Tris said smoothly. He had brushed his hair and put on a decent jerkin, not the he'd been traveling in.

Posted by: Sir Radont Apr 30 2005, 01:02 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Apr 30 2005, 06:55 AM)

Forest east of Llainfair
The scents of the bandits Reichi tracked led deep into a forest, away from any signs of regular travel. The trees began to grow closer together so that the canopy of leaves above blocked most of the sunlight. After some time of breaching through underbrush which showed signs of recent passage of the bandits, they arrived at a hidden entrance to a cave, barred with a stout wooden door.

Radont walked up to the door and attempted to open it. "Locked," he said taking a step back. With a solid kick of his steel boot the door broke free of it's hinges and fell forward into the cave.

Posted by: Nalion Apr 30 2005, 01:02 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 30 2005, 12:58 PM)

"We're visitors, here to pay our respects to Lord Tailas," Tris said smoothly. He had brushed his hair and put on a decent jerkin, not the he'd been traveling in.

One guard eyed Tris and his companions suspiciously, then shrugged. The guard inquired after the names of Tris, then escorted them past a garden and stables into the manor.
In the manor itself, a man clad in dark clothing took over, asked them to wait a bit and disappeared into another room.
A few moments later, he reemerged at the side of a Breton man with short, dark hair streaked with white at the temples. While he wasn't taller than Tris, he gave of an air of looking down on the companions. With a voice underline with self-confidence and a touch of arrogance, he introduced himself.
"I am Lord Joslin Tailas. Nevren, my advisor told me you wished to speak with me and pay your respects? What matters might that be?"

Bandit's cave

QUOTE(Sir Radont @ Apr 30 2005, 01:02 PM)

Radont walked up to the door and attempted to open it. "Locked," he said taking a step back. With a solid kick of his steel boot the door broke free of it's hinges and fell forward into the cave.

The door crashed loudly on the floor of the cave. Almost immediately, curious shouts of "What happened?" and various curses can be heard. The distinctive sound of blades being drawn echoed through the tunnel ahead of Radont.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Apr 30 2005, 01:19 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Apr 30 2005, 06:02 AM)

"Tris Gaerington of Wayrest," Tris said. No harm in dropping names; if this fellow was involved in Wayrest politics, he might well know that the Gaeringtons of Wayrest City were one of the wealthiest and most influential families in the Iliac Bay. "Hear you've been having bandit trouble."

Posted by: Nalion Apr 30 2005, 01:27 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 30 2005, 01:19 PM)

"Ah, a citizen of our capital! I think we should talk about that!" Upon hearing the word 'bandits', his face darkened. "We might postpone talk about recent news from the capital though. Yes, I have to sadly admit that we currently have serious issues with bandits. They were daring enough to attack my village in the night just two days ago! My guards were unfortunately unable to keep track of the bandits once they managed to flee into the woods. Sadly, we have to mourn a villager, a lad who was in the barn. Very sad. What I was told is that he was promising."
The noble shook his head.

Posted by: Sir Radont Apr 30 2005, 01:27 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Apr 30 2005, 07:02 AM)

Bandit's cave

The door crashed loudly on the floor of the cave. Almost immediately, curious shouts of "What happened?" and various curses can be heard. The distinctive sound of blades being drawn echoed through the tunnel ahead of Radont.

Radont ran down the short, dimly lit tunnel and rounded a corner. There was a group of bandits in a small cavernous area. They charged at the steel clad knight but were out matched. Radont easily stepped into the rabble blocking swords with aplomb. One bandit was unlucky enough to have his stomach cut open, spilling his intestines onto the ground before colapsing into a bloody heap. Radont stepped over the body and removed the head from a second bandit then slipped behind the group in a flash of steel to let Teleran in on the fun.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Apr 30 2005, 01:30 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Apr 30 2005, 06:27 AM)

"Then we can do you a favor," Tris said. "This little lady is Grier, and this is Tohe. Together with the rest of our group I think we can root out any bandits you have. Is there a bounty? Perhaps we could donate it to the family of the boy who was killed."

Posted by: Nalion Apr 30 2005, 01:39 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 30 2005, 01:30 PM)

"Pleased to meet you, mylady, sir." the noble answered and indicated a bow. "So you are freelancing mercenaries seeking the supposedly quick coin? I have not put out a public bounty on this matter, I am confident in my guards skills to keep them at bay until we have completed our search in the woods. We will eventually find them, I am sure. I put some more guards into town and they will patrol during the night. A donation you say? This would be a gesture most appreciated. Tell me, would you find thse who we are searching for for two days already?"
Tailas turned towards Loranna.
"If I may ask you mylady, what has made a woman so beautiful as you join freelancers?"

Posted by: Loranna Apr 30 2005, 01:46 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Apr 30 2005, 07:39 AM)

Loranna gives the noble her most winsome smile. "Thank you for your kind words, my lord," she says, privately promising herself to playfully get Tris later for the 'little lady' comment.

"As for how I came to be part of my current group of friends ..."

Short short version; I was stupid enough to play vessel for a Daedra Prince that Lord Vivec smacked and thus sent the world into the maw of conflict and fire; these good folk are the people who followed me around and smacked some sense into me, Loranna thinks to herself.

" ... It's a way to help others," she says, diplomatically. "And to meet new people, of course."

She winks.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Apr 30 2005, 01:48 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Apr 30 2005, 06:39 AM)

QUOTE(Loranna @ Apr 30 2005, 06:46 AM)

"Who has been missing for two days?" Tris asked. "And what news from the Capital?"

Posted by: Nalion Apr 30 2005, 01:52 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 30 2005, 01:48 PM)

"Who has been missing for two days?" Tris asked. "And what news from the Capital?"

"We have no missing people here. My men are searching the woods for the bandits. And I would like to hear news from the capital."

Posted by: Teleran Apr 30 2005, 01:55 PM

QUOTE(Sir Radont @ Apr 30 2005, 04:27 AM)

Radont ran down the short, dimly lit tunnel and rounded a corner. There were 6 bandits in a small cavernous area. They charged at the steel clad knight but were out matched. Radont easily stepped into the rabble blocking swords with aplomb. One bandit was unlucky enough to have his stomach cut open, spilling his intestines onto the ground before colapsing into a bloody heap. Radont stepped over the body and removed the head from a second bandit then slipped behind the group in a flash of steel to let Teleran in on the fun.

Teleran walked into the room placidly, looking for all the world like he was simply walking along the streets of a market. Then several things occurred that boded ill for the bandits. The first thing that happened was a sturdy wooden door following Teleran in. The second and more immediately threatening occurrence was the sudden appearance of several daggers circling around Teleran and a crown floating towards his head. Another event that only the front most bandits noticed was a malicious change in Teleran’s demeanor, and an eerie light emanating from his dagger.

A few seconds later one of the bandits was suspended against the wall by several daggers, dead eyes staring across the chamber. Another was crushed beneath the door frame, or rather in the process of being crushed, it seemed even the weight of a stone golem on top of it couldn’t make the door accelerate faster than gravity allowed. A third bandit found himself with a new hole for a mouth, grinning ear to ear.

Teleran chuckled softly at the carnage as Reichi finished off the remainder. 'Much better than vampires. Much, much more satisfying. They bleed, it pours from them.'

Teleran abruptly stopped laughing and the dagger he held ceased glowing. He snarled and threw it into the door.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Apr 30 2005, 01:57 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Apr 30 2005, 06:52 AM)

"We have no missing people here. My men are searching the woods for the bandits. And I would like to hear news from the capital."

"Queen Elysana looked well the last time I saw her," Tris said, smiling. "She's sponsoring a new play. And the Dome of Wayrest is worth traveling to see, it's quite unusual. Now that we have the pleasantries out of the way, let's move on to the unpleasantries. I'm terribly sorry to speak to you of the loss of your daughter. I know you must be upset. But you have the wrong man in prison. Lirielle died of disease, not murder."

Posted by: Nalion Apr 30 2005, 02:12 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 30 2005, 01:57 PM)

"Ah, news are always welc---" Tailas stopped dead in mid-sentence, his face turning white with surprise. Then anger broke through the mask of politeness he had been wearing.
"What do you know about what happened? I don't know you. My daughter was murdered! This foul Leoriane, finally I got him!"
Joslin Tailas' fists clenched and Nevren, the councilor took a step to the side.
"You have no idea what I made through, I sent out my most trusted guards to find the one who stole my daughter out from this very house. She deserved a better place and this vile murderer prevented her from leading a happy life. He took her away from me to plot his foul plans. All those years I yearned for revenge, but he proved elusive. Lirielle has been murdered by that one. He will pay for it!"

Bandits cave
Once the feeble resistance of the bandits was crushed by Radont and Teleran, they could see that the cave led into a cavern which was filled with crates and chests of various sorts. To the side stood a crude wooden table. Aside from some food, there was a scribbled note pinned under a dagger. It contained exact schedules when which guards would patrol which area of the village.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Apr 30 2005, 02:17 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Apr 30 2005, 07:12 AM)

"Nalion loved your daughter," Tris said. "He didn't kill her. And he's worth more, at the moment, in a purely monetary sense, than this entire little village on a hill. It's a shame your daughter didn't live to see it. She picked a good man. But I doubt I can change your mind with facts, since you made it up without facts."

Posted by: Sir Radont Apr 30 2005, 02:24 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Apr 30 2005, 08:12 AM)

Bandits cave
Once the feeble resistance of the bandits was crushed by Radont and Teleran, they could see that the cave led into a cavern which was filled with crates and chests of various sorts. To the side stood a crude wooden table. Aside from some food, there was a scribbled note pinned under a dagger. It contained exact schedules when which guards would patrol which area of the village.

Radont picked up the note and read it then handed it to Teleran, "Looks like these bandits are getting their orders from somehwere higher up. That or they are decent scouts but I never knew bandits to have much patience."

Posted by: Nalion Apr 30 2005, 02:34 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 30 2005, 02:17 PM)

"Hah, no matter how much he seems to be worth of you, he will pay for what he has done. He has assaulted my manor and abducted her. That is reason enough for me to condemn him. You have no idea. You are young, you have no children, so you can't imagine how a father feels when his daughter is taken forcibly away from him. I wanted only her best. She would have a pleasant life with a neighbouring noble that asked me for her hand. He would have cared better for her than a commoner ever could."
Tailas was enraged, face now darkened with anger.
"Nalion will remain in my custody until he will see his judgement."

Posted by: Teleran Apr 30 2005, 02:34 PM

QUOTE(Sir Radont @ Apr 30 2005, 05:24 AM)

“Whatever, scouts great,” Teleran muttered. He didn’t feel like thinking at the moment, not at all. He pulled off the crown and refocused on what had just been said. “Bandits are patient, they have to be if they don’t know stuff like that ahead of time. You have to wait for a break in the guard’s rotation before sneaking in to take whatever it is you are going for. It looks like these ones cheated.”

Teleran handed the letter back to Radont and headed back to the surface.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Apr 30 2005, 02:39 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Apr 30 2005, 07:34 AM)

"Your daughter wasn't abducted," Tris said. "She went with him of her own free will. And although I don't have children, I do have a stubborn old father who doesn't approve my choice of paramour; I know perfectly well how that operates."

Posted by: Loranna Apr 30 2005, 02:43 PM

Loranna's face darkens for a moment, but she keeps her voice calm.

"I was pregnant not all that long ago, my lord," she says quietly. "Like you, I want only the best for that darling little girl ..."

" ... But I'm not the one who can give her that," she says, looking to the noble with sad eyes. "I'd be willing to give her anything I had, but I'm not the one who can give her what she truly needs. It hurt more than I let on to let her go, but I knew it was the only way for her."

She shakes her head. "We want the best for our children; I know that. Sometimes though ... we have to realize, we're not the ones who can give our children what they truly need. Please my lord, as a fellow parent ... please understand this."

I hope that came out the way I meant it ... Loranna prays.

Posted by: Nalion Apr 30 2005, 02:58 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 30 2005, 02:39 PM)

QUOTE(Loranna @ Apr 30 2005, 02:43 PM)

"I've had enough of it. A daughter has to listen to her father. She knew that I would offer her the best chance she would have. I am tired of this discussion. I will now ask you to leave, if you will not go freely, my guards will see you out."
With a dismissive gesture, the noble folded his arms across his chest and stared at Tris.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Apr 30 2005, 03:00 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Apr 30 2005, 07:58 AM)

"I've had enough of it. A daughter has to listen a to her father. She knew that I would offer her the best chance she would have. I am tired of this discussion. I will now ask you to leave, if you will not go freely, my guards will see you out."
With a dismissive gesture, the noble folded his arms across his chest and stared at Tris.

"Very well," Tris said. "I remind you that in High Rock, under Wayrest law, trial comes before judgement. Even if in this case you've already decided your verdict, it isn't lawful to murder someone without a public trial. Skip this step and my friends in the capital will hear how you enforce her Majesty's laws."

Outside he said to Loranna, "I'm going to find Nalion, tell him there's nothing to worry about."

Posted by: Sir Radont Apr 30 2005, 03:01 PM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Apr 30 2005, 08:34 AM)

Radont searched through the various crates and barrels in the cave. He broke the lock of one particular havey crate and heaved open the lid. Inside were five glass jinkblades. The Imperial raised his eyebrows. Standing, he put his shield on his back and hefted the crate onto his shoulder. He walked just outside the manor, set the crate down, and sat on it triumphantly while waiting for the group inside, ignoring the quizical looks from the guards stationed outside.

Posted by: Loranna Apr 30 2005, 03:03 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 30 2005, 09:00 AM)

Loranna rises, her face carved from ice.

"Good day my lord," she says.

---

Outside, Loranna thrusts her clenched fists into her robe's pockets, muttering darkly.

" ... That's a good idea," she says, nodding to Tris. "I wonder if the boys left any bandits ... nah, no chance of it. Crud ..."

QUOTE(Sir Radont @ Apr 30 2005, 09:01 AM)

Loranna raises an eyebrow, though to Radont she looks decidedly displeased, her eyes shining like a tigeress sizing up her next meal.

"Hello dear; new seat I see," she says, managing a weak grin. "How'd it go?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Apr 30 2005, 03:07 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Apr 30 2005, 08:03 AM)

Tris kissed Loranna on the cheek, then ran at the wall in front of him and skidded through it, into the Void.

It wasn't hard to find Nalion. It would be difficult to talk to him, however. He was chained to a wall in the cellar, under guard. This was clearly not one of his better days.

Tris made himself invisible, then slipped gingerly into the room. He put his mouth close to Nalion's ear and whispered.

"Nalion. It's Tris. Don't jump. We're here to help you, the whole group."

Posted by: Sir Radont Apr 30 2005, 03:10 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Apr 30 2005, 09:03 AM)

"Hello dear; new seat I see," she says, managing a weak grin. "How'd it go?"

"I could give you all the gory details but you've had enough adventures with Teleran to know whats left of the bandits," The Imperial tried.

He noted Loranna's expression, cleared his throat and continued.

"We found this note and it would seem that someone is smuggleing glass jinkblades through the area," Radont nudged the crate with his foot. "Not sure if this was their final destination or not."

Posted by: Loranna Apr 30 2005, 03:17 PM

QUOTE(Sir Radont @ Apr 30 2005, 09:10 AM)

Loranna looks at the note, raising her eyebrows, Tris's kiss still feeling warm on her cheek.

"I see; interesting," she murmurs. "More jinkblades, huh? Can always use another one of those ... sorry; I don't mean to glower at you dear."

She fiddles with the note for a minute, getting her thoughts back into a more coherent and less volcanic form. "Wait here a moment dear; I'm going to go see if the guards are a bit more reasonable than their lord," she mutters.

Putting a smile on her face, Loranna goes to confer with the guards, noting as how they were good lads who worked hard, and suffered from the all-too common maladay of not making the wages they truly deserved, and perhaps she could help them out there, and they perhaps could help out a fellow Breton by seeing to it that he got a decent meal to help make his unpleasant stay in the basement go a little easier. Everyone deserved a decent meal in what may be their final days, after all ...

Posted by: Nalion Apr 30 2005, 03:17 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Apr 30 2005, 03:07 PM)

Tris found Nalion bound in chains with shimmering bracers clasped to his wrists. His face was bruised and his clothes were ragged. Despite Tris' warning, Nalion shook in surprise.

"How? What?" Then he nodded, tension leaving his body.

Outside the manor

QUOTE(Radont)

Inside the chest, hard to spot, was another small piece of parchment:

QUOTE(scribbled note)

Deliver to Moonguard, after the 30th of Rain' Hand. Mind the schedule given by Nevren.

Posted by: Sir Radont Apr 30 2005, 03:22 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Apr 30 2005, 09:17 AM)

Radont didn't see what the big deal was about jinkblades, he could slice any living organism open well enough with his enchanted long blade. He reached down and picked one up to examine it and noticed the small paper buried in the box. He picked it up and read it then looked around for someone to show it too, finding no one he closed the crate and sat down again, whistleing an old Imperial Legion tune.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Apr 30 2005, 03:22 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Apr 30 2005, 08:17 AM)

Tris rested a hand gently on Nalion's shoulder. "We'll get you out, I promise. Trying to do it without blowing the place up, so it may take a while. I talked to your dad, he's fine. What made you do this by yourself? Never mind. Just don't worry. Talk to you later."

Posted by: Nalion May 1 2005, 06:21 AM

It was late as the companions, after having found pieces of evidence that could get Tailas into trouble, retreated into the Lion's Roar Inn. The chest of glass blades were stashed safely away in one room.

After a calm night in comfortable beds, the group was woken by the sunlight flowing through the windows. After a brief but filling breakfast, the group was ready for the day.

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 1 2005, 06:24 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Apr 30 2005, 11:21 PM)

Tris, as usual, had spent the night at home in Daggerfall. He joined the others as they were gathering.

"I think we should talk to Nalion's father about the bandits," he said. "Find out what he thinks we should do with the information. And make sure that bastard Tailas plans to hold a trial promptly."

Posted by: Loranna May 1 2005, 06:27 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 1 2005, 12:24 AM)

Loranna raises her eyebrows at Tris; his idea is reasonable, and vaguely familiar.

A small smile coming to her lips, she says "Yes, let's do that."

Posted by: Nalion May 1 2005, 06:34 AM

Loranna and Tris found Nolan Leoriane in his smithy, honing a blade. He wore a worried expression and gave off an air of failing hope.
At their entrance, he looked up.
"Welcome again." he greeted. "You left suddenly yesterday, do you have news? I heard some of you visited the lord? What did he say? How is Nalion?"

Posted by: Loranna May 1 2005, 06:39 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ May 1 2005, 12:34 AM)

Loranna smiles. "Good morning and well met," she says to Nalon. "Yes, we have news ..."

"We did go to see the lord yesterday," she continues, her smile evaporating. "He was ... not inclined to hear any other words about Nalion than the ones he said himself. I'm afraid he is not too happy with us right now ... and he'll be even less happy if he tries to skip the due process of law."

"We did however find some interesting tidbits from the bandits ..." she adds, passing Nalon the notes the party recovered. "And some pretty glass blades as well."

Posted by: Nalion May 1 2005, 06:45 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 1 2005, 06:39 AM)

Nolan took the notes and read them, eyes widening. "I never... this bastard!" he held up the note with the guard schedule. "This is Nevrens handwriting, he is Tailas' councilor and not very well liked here. I know this script, he's issued order to me for weapons and armour so we could compare. The other note mentions him, also. He must have at least been the contact to the bandits."
The smith shook his head, desillusioned.
"I never thought anyone here would collaborate with the bandits!"

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 1 2005, 06:48 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Apr 30 2005, 11:45 PM)

"Lord Tailas is willing to murder your son, why wouldn't he murder other people?" Tris said. "That's the thing - this note proves someone connected to Tailas is responsible for the death of that boy in the barn, as well as smuggling. Who do you think would be interested in knowing that, as well as able to do something about it?"

Posted by: Nalion May 1 2005, 06:54 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 1 2005, 06:48 AM)

"There is the possibility to appeal to a higher court with that." Nolan took a breath. "This is terrible, the thought that Dandric died because someone ordered the barn to be burned down."
The old smith took another thought. "We could use this to put Tailas in the defensive. He has to explain himself and the involvement of his councilor in this matter. This would seriously weaken his position in the village and turn some of those who are currently believing in Tailas."

Posted by: Aki May 1 2005, 06:56 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 1 2005, 12:39 AM)

"We did however find some interesting tidbits from the bandits ..." she adds, passing Nalon the notes the party recovered. "And some pretty glass blades as well."

"Im wondering how glass got all the way out here," Reichi said. "Usually you only see glass weaponry in Morrowind or at least, near it. We're on the other side of Tamriel for crying out loud."

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 1 2005, 06:58 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Apr 30 2005, 11:54 PM)

"Who's a respected person we could show this to?" Tris asked. "If it comes from your family, people might be less willing to believe it."

Posted by: Nalion May 1 2005, 07:06 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ May 1 2005, 06:56 AM)

"Im wondering how glass got all the way out here," Reichi said. "Usually you only see glass weaponry in Morrowind or at least, near it. We're on the other side of Tamriel for crying out loud."

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 1 2005, 06:58 AM)

"Who's a respected person we could show this to?" Tris asked. "If it comes from your family, people might be less willing to believe it."

"You are right. I myself have a good standing, but I am biased in this conflict. I wish master Mebestian could be with us. People would listen to him. You might want to talk to Junien, our local trader. I trust him, he's a good man. Mebestian, Jenien and I have settled minor conflicts various times together, brawls and the like. Things a lord wouldn't bother to handle personally. Those were better days, though."

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 1 2005, 07:10 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ May 1 2005, 12:06 AM)

"Yes, an interesting thought. If it weren't for the circumstances, I'd like to have a look on them out of professional curiosity. On the black market, these items would surely be greatly prized in High Rock."
"You are right. I myself have a good standing, but I am biased in this conflict. I wish master Mebestian could be with us. People would listen to him. You might want to talk to Junien, our local trader. I trust him, he's a good man. Mebestian, Jenien and I have settled minor conflicts various times together, brawls and the like. Things a lord wouldn't bother to handle personally. Those were better days, though."

"Right, we'll go see Junien," Tris said.

"I got in to see Nalion last night. Don't worry about him, he's a strong man. Grier spent a little money to see that he gets decent treatment from now on. And we're going to make sure Lord Tailas holds a public trial soon."

Posted by: Loranna May 1 2005, 07:11 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ May 1 2005, 01:06 AM)

"Thank you for your advice," Loranna says, smiling to Nolan.

(whee, pie! )

Posted by: Nalion May 1 2005, 07:19 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 1 2005, 07:10 AM)

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 1 2005, 07:11 AM)

"Thank you for your advice," Loranna says, smiling to Nolan.

"I don't know how to thank you. A public trial with the evidence we have here could turn the odds in our favour. The trader is in this direction. I'll lead the way"
A short walk over the village square and a turn brought them to the trader's shop. They knocked and entered. Jenien stood behind his desk, odering parchments and ticking inventory lists.
As they entered, he looked up. Jenien looked puzzled upon seeing Nolan and the party. "Greetings my friend. Do you bring news about your son? I fear I may be of next to no help."

Posted by: Loranna May 1 2005, 07:24 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ May 1 2005, 01:19 AM)

"Greetings good sir," Loranna says, introducing herself and her companions.

"We wanted to show you something interesting that we managed to find," she continues, passing Junien the notes found from the bandits. "You might be able to help Nalion after all, once you see these ..."

Posted by: Nalion May 1 2005, 07:30 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 1 2005, 07:24 AM)

"I am pleased to meet you and your companions, Lady Grier."
Jenien quickly read over the pages, eyes widening, the puzzled look changing into a frown.
"This may change the odds. With this, we can put Lord Tailas into the defensive, we can directly attack his most trusted advisor. Coming from a third party - no offense to you, Nolan - this might be the piece we need. We should confront Tailas with that."

Nolan nodded. "And we should press him into holding a trial very soon."

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 1 2005, 07:34 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ May 1 2005, 12:30 AM)

"I am pleased to meet you and your companions, Lady Grier."
Jenien quickly read over the pages, eyes widening, the puzzled look changing into a frown.
"This may change the odds. With this, we can put Lord Tailas into the defensive, we can directly attack his most trusted advisor. Coming from a third party - no offense to you, Nolan - this might be the piece we need. We should confront Tailas with that."
Nolan nodded. "And we should press him into holding a trial very soon."

"We can do both at once," Tris said. He smiled at Nolan. "You should probably make yourself scarce. Jenien, how about we see if this information will make Lord Tailas more amenable to pressure?"

Posted by: Nalion May 1 2005, 07:43 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 1 2005, 07:34 AM)

"We can do both at once," Tris said. He smiled at Nolan. "You should probably make yourself scarce. Jenien, how about we see if this information will make Lord Tailas more amenable to pressure?"

Jenien nodded
"Very well. I don't feel comfortable myself confronting Lord Tailas, but Nalions is a good lad. I remember him always trying to get Nolan buy him sweets. We should go and get the people raised. Best we get this done as soon as possible. Nolan, you know those who I want up at the manor, I think."
He motioned them out and donned a cloak.
A short while later, the villagers began to gather, mumbling about what was to happen. Once there was a sufficent and convincing mass of people, the party made their way up towards the manor.

--

Tailas manor, a short while later
The guards had seen them from afar and notified Joslin Tailas. He was already waiting on the steps to the main building, Nevren, the councilor one step from his side.
Guards could be seen nearby, alert.
"What is this?" he asked the crowd, then spotted Loranna and Tris among them. His voice turned cold.
"Against better judgement, you have returned. I believe I don't have anymore to say than I had yesterday..."

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 1 2005, 08:07 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ May 1 2005, 12:43 AM)

"This man reminds me of my dad," Tris said to Loranna quietly. "I noticed that yesterday, he gets my back up instantly."

He wanted to grin, but forced his expression to remain sober. A young man had died, after all.

"While we were talking yesterday, some of our people were tracking down and eliminating your bandit problem," Tris said. "They won't be bothering your village again. They weren't particularly tough or hard to find, either. But Radont here - he's an officer of the Imperial Legion - found a few interesting things in their hideout."

He motioned to Jenien to speak up.

Posted by: Nalion May 1 2005, 08:15 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 1 2005, 08:07 AM)

It was one matter to be a part of the shouting crowd and a completely different one to step out in front of it to speak before a lord. Jenien swallowed heavily and summoned his courage.
"My lord, evidence was brought to me of smuggling and, what is worse, information about how these smugglers managed to avoid patrols." He took a deep breath, then held up the two notes. "These two pieces were found by the imperial officer, stating detailed guard schedules for days, which no one would know without first hand knowledge..."

"..The other note clearly states that a delivery of glass blades were due to Moonguard, with a reference to this guard schedule naming your councilor Nevren as supplier of this piece of information."

Jenien hesitated to directly blame the lord, looking uncomfortable.

The assembled crowd gasped. Angry voices of those that were able to make the connection between the smuggling, the bandits and the tragic death of Dandric could be heard. The tension grew tighter.

Posted by: Loranna May 1 2005, 08:25 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 1 2005, 02:07 AM)

Loranna gives Tris a tight smile, thinking to herself that her friends did not have much luck with fathers these days. t didn't bode well for her own plans to find her father.

However, there were other things to worry about this moment. Junien's speech had moved the crowd; wether the movement was going to be enough remained to be seen - or wether it would be too much, perhaps.

She looks to Tailas, and frowns; she asks "Perhaps the good lord would be so kind as to explain how these arrangements came to be? How his trusted advisor could be in league with the bandits?"

Posted by: Nalion May 1 2005, 08:38 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 1 2005, 08:25 AM)

During Jenien's speech, Tailas maintained a face of stone, trying to show no emotion, The careful observer though could see that this was a great effort to him.
Nevren instead did not have the willpower to maintain an unmoving face and as his name was mentioned. He was shocked and a guilty expression showed up on his face.
"I.. I can explain! We needed to... the revenues! Good gold through this business..." Then he realized he just confessed that he was involved.

Joslin Tailas instead took one step backward. Anger seemed to show behind the mask, his face turning slightly darker. Then, Tailas pointed towards the councilor. "Traitor, you will pay for that. You have cheated on me and abused my trust? Allowed smuggling on my territory?"

Nevren looked appalled and began to stammer "But... you ordered it! You made me confer with the smugglers! You told me it would serve the coffers! You told me.. told me to kill him! I can prove it!"

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 1 2005, 08:41 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ May 1 2005, 01:38 AM)

"If you can prove it, you probably should," Tris said. He was watching Tailas carefully, ready to cast a paralysis spell into the room if anyone acted to kill Nevren before he spoke.

Posted by: Nalion May 1 2005, 08:52 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 1 2005, 08:41 AM)

"If you can prove it, you probably should," Tris said. He was watching Tailas carefully, ready to cast a paralysis spell into the room if anyone acted to kill Nevren before he spoke.

"He's lying, trying to blame his own faults on his lord. Guards, take him into custody." Tailas interrupted.

Nevren stared at Tailas, anger swelling up.
"You what? Call me a liar? You, who issued the orders? I thought we were in this together! If I go down, you will do so, too."
He paused shortly, obviously summoning what courgae he had to confess.
"There's a note... in my room in a chest on the desk. I kept it in case... things went wrong. Tailas wrote it. He feared to loose influence to Mebestian. Tailas told me he knew too much. He gave me the means to kill the old man."

Posted by: Loranna May 1 2005, 08:54 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ May 1 2005, 02:52 AM)

"I'd like to see this note," Loranna says, flexing her fingers; should anyone try to silence anyone else, she was ready to calm the crowd - or put them to sleep, if need be.

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 1 2005, 08:56 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ May 1 2005, 01:52 AM)

"Mebestian was murdered then," Tris said. He wondered if Nevren realized that murder was murder, even if someone hired you.

"Come with me," he said, pointing to Jenien, one of Tailas's guards, and a random villager who seemed bolder than the rest. "Let's see what's there."

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero May 1 2005, 08:58 AM

Anyone with a keen nose would begin to smell the sweet, scent of honeysuckle, as a tranquil wind sweeps over the crowd...

Seconds later, Wind appears surprisingly close to Tris, licking on what seems to be an ice-cream cone.

Posted by: Aki May 1 2005, 09:01 AM

QUOTE(Arrogant_Hero @ May 1 2005, 02:58 AM)

Reichi blinked. "That smells good..." he said.

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 1 2005, 09:02 AM

QUOTE(Arrogant_Hero @ May 1 2005, 01:58 AM)

Tris was too used to unusual comings and goings to jump. But he blinked, hard. "Wondered where you'd run off to," he said quietly.

He returned his attention to the matter at hand, but it was obvious his mind was spinning.

Posted by: Nalion May 1 2005, 09:03 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 1 2005, 08:56 AM)

Tris, Jenien and the villager quickly found the chamber of Nevren and the note buried deep under other parchments the chest.
Tris could read the following.

QUOTE

Nevren,
this old Mebestian is far too suspicious of us. I'll give you a potion which you will use to poison him. He's old and it will look like his heart failed. Use it two or three times with his food so it will look more natural. Don't fail me.

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 1 2005, 09:07 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ May 1 2005, 02:03 AM)

Tris, Jenien and the villager quickly found the chamber of Nevren and the note buried deep under other parchments the chest.
Tris could read the following.

Tris picked the letter up.

"Someone go get a letter of Lord Tailas's," he said. "To compare the writing. Sir," he said, "Can you explain this letter?"

Posted by: Loranna May 1 2005, 09:09 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 1 2005, 03:07 AM)

Tris picked the letter up.

"Someone go get a letter of Lord Tailas's," he said. "To compare the writing. Sir," he said, "Can you explain this letter?"

Loranna, having been more focused on Tailas than Tris, only now just notices Wind, and she blinks. "Hello again ..."

Hearing Tris, she says "I will go; you there, come with me please ..."

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero May 1 2005, 09:11 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 1 2005, 03:09 AM)

Loranna, having been more focused on Tailas than Tris, only now just notices Wind, and she blinks. "Hello again ..."

Hearing Tris, she says "I will go; you there, come with me please ..."

Wind gives a faint nod, to Loranna, as he continues eating.

“Looks like you got more important things to worry about, Sunshine.” Wind says to Tris, shoving his cold treat in his mouth, and swallowing it in one big, glutenous, gulp.

“But, you know I always show up...” The ebony, Bosmer suddenly hunches over and grabs his temples. “Damn! I hate that!”

Posted by: Nalion May 1 2005, 09:23 AM

The guards Tailas called just a moment ago glanced at each other, shrugged and did nothing. Obviously, they have been kept unknowing in this matter.

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 1 2005, 09:07 AM)

Tris picked the letter up.

"Someone go get a letter of Lord Tailas's," he said. "To compare the writing. Sir," he said, "Can you explain this letter?"

The facade of souvereignity slowly fell from Tailas as he saw the letter.
"You don't have an idea how much it costs to run an estate... The additional revenues would benefit me..." he glanced at the townfolk, which seemed increasingly angered. Fists were up and shouts with curses were directed at him.

"He told me that we should give the simple folks an enemy and they will focus on them. Then, we are free to mind our own business. That's what he said. Politics as it is practiced everywhere else. When you can profit from your 'enemy' even, the better it is." added Nevren, who's weak resistance was broken. The councilor swallowed hard, hoping for mercy by his confession.

Posted by: Loranna May 1 2005, 09:26 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ May 1 2005, 03:23 AM)

The guards Tailas called just a moment ago glanced at each other, shrugged and did nothing. Obviously, they have been kept unknowing in this matter.

The facade of souvereignity slowly fell from Tailas as he saw the letter.
"You don't have an idea how much it costs to run an estate... The additional revenues would benefit me..." he glanced at the townfolk, which seemed increasingly angered. Fists were up and shouts with curses were directed at him.

"He told me that we should give the simple folks an enemy and they will focus on them. Then, we are free to mind our own business. That's what he said. Politics as it is practiced everywhere else. When you can profit from your 'enemy' even, the better it is." added Nevren, who's weak resistance was broken. The councilor swallowed hard, hoping for mercy by his confession.

Loranna enters, followed by the guard she spoke to the other day; in her hand she holds a couple of letters.

"I have the ..." she starts to say, before catching the tail end of the conversation.

"I missed something it seems," she says mildly. "Oh well; it seems the matter has been determined."

She sighs. "Except for one remaining part ..."

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 1 2005, 09:35 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ May 1 2005, 02:23 AM)

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 1 2005, 02:26 AM)

Tris smiled a barely visible smile at Wind. "Yeah. We were trying to get Nalion out of jail when we stumbled into this. You know, just because you have a big mouth doesn't mean you have to eat the whole thing at once."

"I don't know why you're trying to impress us," Tris said to Nevren. "We're not the law here."

He held up his hand, to get the attention of the clamoring villagers.

"You're good people," he said. "Decent, hard working, not murderers. If you do anything to your lord, the army of Wayrest will come down here and wipe this village off the face of the map, so that's not going to happen. Lord Tailas needs to stand trial in the capital city with a jury of his peers. And since he's unable to preside over Nevren's Trial, the village elders should consult the book of village law about who can try him. And then there's the matter of Nalion - he's still in prison, and his guilt or innocence needs to be proved."

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero May 1 2005, 09:45 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 1 2005, 03:35 AM)

"Thanks for the clip-notes, Mate.” Wind replies, before his voice drops to a whisper, that only Tris can hear. “And I’ll let that “big mouth” crack side, since, I have to respect my older, and slower elders.”

Before Tris can respond Wind slips into the crowd and vanishes.

Posted by: Nalion May 1 2005, 10:20 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 1 2005, 09:35 AM)

Nolan, who kept himself in the background, shared a glance and a nod with Jenien, then he left the manor in the direction of the village. The trader, encouraged by the fact that Tailas would not be able to harm anyone here, spoke up.
"As you said, friend Tris, we will send Joslin Tailas to the capital, along with the evidence and Nevren as witness. As they were accomplices in the same crime, I think they will be tried and sentenced together."
Jenien made a pause.
"Nevertheless, we have a more urgent trial we have to hold right now, as has already been said. Nalion, accused of the murder of Lirielle Tailas, has to be judged innocent or guilty."
He selected two of the guards and motioned them to fetch Nalion.

"Normally, the local lord would sit as judge over matters this grave. In the absence of the lord when no representative is at hand, the village council is entiteld to hold a trial, which we will do now. Two of the councils members are already present, Nolan Leoriane and myself. The captain of the village guards and two respected members of our village are being fetched in this very moment."

The guards sent to bring Nalion reappeared from the manor, leading the mage between them. He was chained with a pair of shimmering bracers, apparently draining him from any magicke he might have wanted to call to his aid. Nalion looked weary and ragged, bruises showed on his face, signs that he had not been treated gently by his guards. In his eyes shone new hope though, now that he saw his friends. At least, it seemed that he was well fed, the guard Loranna had bribed had lived up to her bidding.

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 1 2005, 10:26 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ May 1 2005, 03:20 AM)

"I told you we'd get you out," Tris said, grinning and patting Nalion on the back. He wanted to heal him, but the bruises made it more convincing that he was falsely accused. "There's going to be a trial, you'll get to clear your name in front of everyone."

He told him briefly about the events involving Tailas and the bandits.

Posted by: Nalion May 1 2005, 10:41 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 1 2005, 10:26 AM)

Nalion smiled weakly and listened to Tris. He shook his head and glanced over to Tailas, and a tear formed in the corner of his eye.
"I understand, Tris..."
Nalion could not speak out loud what he felt, gratitude, sorrow, anger and pain all mixed together, but his eyes told everything there needed to be told right now.

Meanwhile, Nolan returned with his family, Cienne and Relie, and another flock of villagers. The captain of the guards Estien Almand and the two other village councilors Idrin Garand and Philis Franc gave their names to the group assembled.

Posted by: Loranna May 1 2005, 10:45 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ May 1 2005, 04:41 AM)

Loranna finds herself moved to tears; to think Nalion had helped save the world, and to see him battered and brought forth in chains - because of anangry father's refusal to see past his own plans for his daughter ...

It was heart-wrenching and maddening all at once; Loranna pointedly does not look at Tailas, not wanting to glare daggers at the man. That wouldn't make things any better.

Instead, she focuses on the trial itself; she hopes the council will see Nalion's innocence.

Posted by: Nalion May 1 2005, 10:52 AM

Cienne and Relie were relieved to see Nalion alive, but troubled as well as they beheld his condition. They both embraced him briefly before they let him asume position before the council, the guards still standing behind the mage. Relie broke into tear and clutched her daughter tightly, Nolan, bracing himself for what would come, stepped besides the council members.

Jenien, the vilages trader took the lead in the council and began to speak.
"My dear friends, ill and serious events have been revealed to us today. Nontheless, the head behind these events has a formal claim to make. Today we have to hold trial of Nalion Leoriane, son of Nolan Leoriane, who is accused of murder and abduction of Lirielle Tailas, daughter of Joslin Tailas. Are there any objections against the proceedings?"

Jenien paused for a short while.

"...If not, the accusant may make his case."

---

Joslin Tailas had regained his composure, anger shining in his face. He had more reasons to hate Nalion now that he he has lost his position and this anger focused on one person. Nalion.

"Seventeen years ago, this man Nalion Leoriane took undue interest of my beloved daughter Lirielle and violated my decree not to see her again. He then created a foul plan in his sorcerer's mind to shame Lirielle and my person to abduct her from this very manor. The assault succeeded and the foul man managed to escape with her, covered by magic and malicious cunning.

As his first plan succeeded, he was able to subdue Lirielles free will into obedience and continued his plan to murder and sacrifice her to demons for his own ambitious goals. News of her death and the flight of the guilty Nalion have reached me only years after.
All I wished for Lirielle was to lead a happy life. She deserved a better place, sheltered in the land she loved, married to a caring hand of a man of noble birth. This vile murderer prevented her from leading a happy life."

He took a pause, then fixed Nalion with his eyes.
"I accuse Nalion Leoriane of murder of my daughter Lirielle."

Posted by: w0nders May 1 2005, 11:41 AM

Ald Raathim-

Illidan sat in his chamber. Looking over a small piece of parchment rolled out over his desk, poorly drawn pictures of different weapons covering it.

Firstly, was a long blade. Well…I did get some experience with this weapon back in the Azurite battle… he thought to himself, scrawling a small ‘+1’ next to the picture.

Next, was a poorly scrawled staff. Ah…I grew up using this weapon, although…a lot of the time I only used it to get money from feeling sorry for me. Illidan shrugged, before placing a little ‘+2’ near it.

After that, there was a bow; next to it was a small arrow, with a banana curve in it. Illidan sat…staring at the image for a good five seconds. Before simply putting a ‘-100’ next to it, he moved on.

Short Blade, Illidan grinned as he thought about this weapon…running it all through his mind he put a small ‘+1’ down, followed by three others, and a ‘+5’ for good measure.

“And I shall learn Short Blade.” He said to himself, climbing out of his chair whilst holding an imaginary weapon out in front of himself. He began to sing, loudly and badly…whilst swinging the weapon around himself.

“There’s no-o-o-o-o way, you can eva-a-ade.
MY SHO-ORT BLADE!”

Illidan cleared his throat, before sitting back down.

Posted by: Rhedd May 1 2005, 11:44 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ May 1 2005, 02:52 AM)

He took a pause, then fixed Nalion with his eyes.
"I accuse Nalion Leoriane of murder of my daughter Lirielle."

The assembled villagers broke into murmers and one or two arguments at the word 'murder', but stern looks from the elders quieted them quickly, and most sat back down on the soft grass.

Posted by: Loranna May 1 2005, 11:50 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ May 1 2005, 04:52 AM)

Loranna looks to Tris, her expression a mix of idisbelief and disgust.

"Tris dear, did he just basically say "This son of a blacksmith took a liking to my daughter and she went with him instead of some nobleman I picked out for her, so of course he was out to murder her all along?" she asks, her eyebrows fighting to pop off her head.

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 1 2005, 11:50 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ May 1 2005, 03:52 AM)

"Arrogant spotted owl," Tris whispered, leaning towards Loranna. He wished he could say that he wasn't nervous. Everything could go wrong, or everything could go right.

"My dad at least has more sense than that. He grew up as a dock worker, he knows noblemen aren't inherently better than others. The only true nobility in this world is heroism."

Posted by: Nalion May 1 2005, 12:03 PM

Tailas shot a glance at the villagers and continued speaking.
"It is evident that my daughter was taken from me against her will. If Lirielle would have been going with Nalion, she would have sent me a letter or any other message. She always was a responsible girl. You knew and remember her all! All these years, until this present day, no news from herself have arrived here. No sign of life, no sign of approval. I have sent out my guards to search for her, trying to track down traces, tying to save her. She would have taken the opportunity to drop a message. Tell me, wouldn't you tell your parents if you are happy?" I have been denied this knowledge and this speaks ill of her fate."

Posted by: Loranna May 1 2005, 12:09 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ May 1 2005, 06:03 AM)

Loranna rises. "If the council permits, may I comment on Lord Tailas's recent argument?"

She sees one of the council members nod to her; Loranna turns to face Lord Tailas, though her eyes look to the crowd now and then.

"You say it is obvious that your daughter was not happy, for she would have sent word to you if she were - yet not a moment ago, were you not telling the assembly how your daughter was in defiance of your wishes by seeing Nalion? Would a daughter, wishing to remain with the man her father so obviously disaproved of, send any form of corespondence that could be used to trace her?"

She shakes her head. "Or would she have elected to remain silent, and thus prevent her from being found and torn away from the man she loved?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 1 2005, 12:12 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 1 2005, 05:09 AM)

Tris also asked for, and received, permission to speak.

"More to the point, I think. Lirielle died. She wasn't able to write her father. But how does death prove murder?"

Posted by: Sir Radont May 1 2005, 12:54 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ May 1 2005, 06:03 AM)

... I have sent out my guards to search for her, trying to track down traces, tying to save her...

Radont grunted at the comment and mutters under his breath "Your guards couldn't track down the bandits, how would they find a rebellious daughter?"

Posted by: Nalion May 1 2005, 01:22 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 1 2005, 12:09 PM)

"You are twisting the words in my mouth. I said 'he violated my decree not to see her.'" Tailas answered, glaring at Loranna.

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 1 2005, 12:12 PM)

Tris also asked for, and received, permission to speak.
"More to the point, I think. Lirielle died. She wasn't able to write her father. But how does death prove murder?"

"Taking into accout the abduction and the silence and lack of news show that she was taken from here against her will. I will not have my daughter taken away from me without seeing the one who was initially responsible for her demise punished..."
Tailas paused.

A faint shimmer, as if from the heat over a hearth, began to appear besides Tailas, unrecognized by most.

Nalion
Nalion used the break, returned the gaze and spoke calmly.
"I have long been away, too long, in truth. Open wounds that should have been mended as soon as possible have festered. But if I have learned anything in all these years, then it is that true love will have no barrier that can't be overcome. Be it physical distance, be it distance between classes, be it the foundations of the world itself. Love will find a way. I have found mine. In Lirielle."
Nalion took a pause.
"I have come back for two reasons. First, to see my family again. But the reason most important to you is that I felt obligated to speak with you, as father of the woman I loved. Neither did I want that things turned out the way they did, nor did I want to tell this story in public."

"I loved Lirielle the first time I saw her all those years ago. You cannot imagine my joy when she told me that she shared the feeling. And you cannot enjoy my pain when you locked her away. I admit. I was in anger, I was hurt. A person that I valued higher than everything else in my life was taken away from me. We are not that different from each other, Joslin. We both loved Lirielle."
Nalions voice began to tremble.
"It was not easy for me to decide to free her, knowing that I would have to leave the village I was born. Lirielle though told me that she would go with me wherever I would go and this strengthened my will. We both fled, of free will, to live a life of our own. Together. Forever."
A tear began to roll over his cheek.
"The pain I felt as she died two years later, by a disease neither my feeble skills in healing nor any other priest or alchemist could cure, was more than I could bear. After she was buried, I fled, seeking solitude and consolation."

"I could never have hurt her even for the sake of my own life. All I ask is to settle the differences we two had between us to finally let her rest in peace."

Posted by: Loranna May 1 2005, 01:36 PM

Loranna checks again with the council for leave to speak, and then addresses Tailas again.

"So, you saw Nalion interested in Lirielle, you forbade Nalion to see her, wanting Lirielle to marry a nobleman of your choice," Loranna says. "By Nalion's story, Lirielle was happy with him and willing to flee with him; by your story she wasn't."

She looks to the council, gathering her thoughts. "There's the crux of this - a disagreement between Tailas and Nalion. But I fail to see any proof of Tailas's allegations that Nalion kidnapped Lirielle for demonic sacrifice offered here ..."

Posted by: Rhedd May 1 2005, 01:38 PM

The crowd seemed to have an opinion on this, as well, but a creaky, yet solid voice of one of the elders drowned them out.

"It seems to me," he said, casting a deep frown at Nalion, "that this is a rather simple matter.

"This Lord, here," he motioned toward Tailas, "had a fine and lovely daughter, whom he loved and protected.

"This... rogue, plied her with lies and false promises, and turned her will against her loving father, and she, as innocent children are wont to do, followed her 'suitor' into folly.

"And now, the girl is dead and the father, daughterless.

"Did this man that stands before us now cast the blow that killed her? How are we to know, truly? None here witnessed it but for the accused himself, and he has, by dint of earlier actions, already shown himself to be a liar.

"BUT... it matters not, as I see it. The girl was protected and safe, and he took her away from that. Now she is dead.

"If a shepherd leads his flock into a dark, wolf-infested wood, do you not blame the shepherd for the deaths of his sheep?

"Here, though, does not even stand a shepherd, but a thief. One who stole from another man and took his ill-gotten gains into utmost danger.

"And it was no sheep, but an innocent girl!

"Besides, I daresay that he did kill her himself, if it comes to that, but it hardly needs to.

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 1 2005, 01:43 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ May 1 2005, 06:38 AM)

This time Tris didn't wait for permission to speak.

"Lies and false promises? WHAT lies? He told her he loved her, nothing but the truth, and if I know Nalion he didn't sugar coat the life they would lead together. With a father like that, she probably jumped at the chance to get away from him, what if she had run off on her own without Nalion, how long do you think she would have lasted? And what kind of life is it being a prisoner of someone else anyway? What kind of loving father makes his daughter a prisoner? The very same man who murdered your Mebastian, who murdered that boy in the barn, that's what kind of 'loving father' she had, a man in love with nothing but his own will!"

He stopped himself. His face was red, and he was losing his temper.

Posted by: Loranna May 1 2005, 01:47 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 1 2005, 07:43 AM)

Loranna puts a hand on Tris's shoulder, giving him a quick shake of her head. "Calm, Tris; not worth blowing your top ..."

To the council, she says "Tris is right; Lirielle's will in this situation is as important as anyone else's - more so even, for it was her life. A life to choose to live as she wanted - with the man who she loved. Or are we to say she had no right to choose who her heart yearned for?"

Posted by: Rhedd May 1 2005, 01:49 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 1 2005, 05:43 AM)

The old man coughed, which only made his frown deeper.

"You, young man, you strike me like exactly the sort that would steal a man's daughter. It is no wonder you are friends with this murdering liar."

He smiled, just a bit, but still the frown did not fade.

"Tell me, then, who among us has not disciplined our children out of love? Who of us here feel that our children deserve death to escape our horrible mistreatment of them? I for one, would not wish such a thing on my children.

"I quiver to think of the poor girl's last moments. When, at last, she realized her mistake... Alas, by then, it was too late."

The old man shook his grey head.

"Far too late."

Lord Tailas seemed pleased by the man's words.

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 1 2005, 01:52 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ May 1 2005, 06:49 AM)

The old man coughed, which only made his frown deeper.

"You, young man, you strike me like exactly the sort that would steal a man's daughter. It is no wonder you are friends with this murdering liar."

He smiled, just a bit, but still the frown did not fade.

"Tell me, then, who among us has not disciplined our children out of love? Who of us here feel that our children deserve death to escape our horrible mistreatment of them? I for one, would not wish such a thing on my children.

"I quiver to think of the poor girl's last moments. When, at last, she realized her mistake... Alas, by then, it was too late.

The old man shook his grey head.

"Far too late."

Lord Tailas seemed pleased by the man's words.

"Noblemen's daughters try to steal me, not the other way 'round, and I'll have none of them," Tris said hotly. Part of his brain was trying to listen to Loranna, but the other part was in charge right now.

"If Nalion murdered Lirielle, why come back here at all? He didn't have to tell her fate to her father, didn't have to try to make peace with him."

Posted by: Nalion May 1 2005, 01:56 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ May 1 2005, 01:38 PM)

Tailas smiled as he heard the words of the elder.

Nalion instead, directed his words at the councilor.
"Have you ever been ill, councilor? So ill that you were unable to rise from your bed - and this in your very own house? Who did you blame for your illness? Your wife who attends to you when you have terrible dreams in your fever? When she sits by you to lay wet cloths onto your brow for cooling? When she tries to feed you soup? Tell it here in front of your wife and your fellow villagers: do you blame your wife when you fall ill and she dedicates all her strength to help you?"
The pain was visible on his face.

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 1 2005, 01:43 PM)

The shimmering behind Tailas intensified.

Posted by: Loranna May 1 2005, 01:57 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 1 2005, 07:52 AM)

"Exactly," Loranna says, feeling herself growing heated. "The only reason Nalion is forced to defend himself now is because he came back, on his own free will, to try and make peace with his past. Is this how a murdering, roguish man thinks? Is this how a thief and a liar acts - to walk right back into the lair of the man he knows hates him?"

"Honered elder, with all due respect - I would fear for any child raised by your care; if you think Lord Tailas is an example of a good father, then you have spent too much time among sheep and not enough among men and mer. No child can stay in the house of their parents forever, and trying to hold them back is like clipping a bird's wings to keep them from flying into danger - sure it works, but you don't have much of a bird left after, do you?"

Posted by: Sir Radont May 1 2005, 02:02 PM

Radont looks to the others in the group and asks "Anyone else notice that shimmer up there? That's not normal..." The knight puts his hand on the hilt of his sheathed sword.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich May 1 2005, 02:03 PM

Slyvos was kinda standing in the back, listening and watching. He wouldn't stand out too much.

'very strange that shimmer is... and indeed it's magic of some kind.'

Posted by: Rhedd May 1 2005, 02:05 PM

"Ah," said the elder, "so now, suddenly, as I have spoken of simple fact, I am now the enemy of you all? Well, I shall count that as a compliment.

"I do not say that Lord Tailis is what I would consider my ideal of a man. His actions recently have more than proven otherwise. But his integrity is not on trial here, so do please stick to our purpose.

"It is a simple fact, Nalion. My wife does the best she can for me when I am taken ill. You, however, did not. Did this poor girl, whom you claim succumbed to illness instead of murder... did she have the benefit of the finest doctors that a Lord's money can buy? Did she lie warm and comfortable in her ancestral home? Or, as is most certainly the case, did she die in some pitiful little place you pretended was 'cozy'.

"No, you did not do what you claim. Your actions were selfish, that is all.

It did not seem like the man was making himself particularly liked with the other villagers, but still he continued.

"And it is quite clear why you would come back. You knew that eventually, Lord Tailis's men would find you, and you would reap your reward. So, you came back with a story in the hopes of tricking him in the same way you tricked his daughter. You came back to lie and say that you were guiltless, when we can all see otherwise."

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 1 2005, 02:09 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ May 1 2005, 07:05 AM)

"Lord Tailas's integrity is on trial here, as he's the only accuser," Tris said strongly.

"And Lord Tailas does not have resources to reach Nalion in Skyrim where I met him. He doesn't even have resources to reach as far as Daggerfall."

He had noticed the shimmer, now that it had been pointed out to him. He spoke up.

"If that's some magic you're planning to escape justice for murder, Tailas, it won't work."

Posted by: Nalion May 1 2005, 02:29 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ May 1 2005, 02:05 PM)

Nalion
"Is is now the judge's part to accuse the one standing in trial?" Nalion shook his head. "You are forgetting one thing and this is the free will of two persons who love each other. Have you ever thought about living your dream, becoming what you want to be, to be free instead of being imprisoned in a golden cage? To take life into your very own hand to shape rather than let others determine your days?"
After a small pause, Nalion continued.
"I have spoken with Lirielle about many things, this among them and I know for sure, that a life bound in courtly regulations would have killed her very personality."

Tailas
Tailas looked pleased with the present situation and began to speak again.
"It is a comfort to live with a husband who has the means to properly treat a woman. As you all have seen, Nalion has arrived here with only his clothes and some weapons and a small pouch of money? He obviously is a wanderer by nature. He would have gone away at some time and a wife would have hindered him. Would his so called love stop him from what he obiously seemed to enjoy for the last 17 years? Would my daughter want a life on the road, constantly in danger... ?"

The shimmering took the form of a young woman. Her dark hair flowed back over her shoulders and her face wore a woried expression.
"If it was a life with Nalion, yes, gladly, willingly and with great joy! Let go, father."

Posted by: Loranna May 1 2005, 02:32 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ May 1 2005, 08:29 AM)

Nalion
"Is is now the judge's part to accuse the one standing in trial?" Nalion shook his head. "You are forgetting one thing and this is the free will of two persons who love each other. Have you ever thought about living your dream, becoming what you want to be, to be free instead of being imprisoned in a golden cage? To take life into your very own hand to shape rather than let others determine your days?"
After a small pause, Nalion continued.
"I have spoken with Lirielle about many things, this among them and I know for sure, that a life bound in courtly regulations would have killed her very personality."

Tailas
Tailas looked pleased with the present situation and began to speak again.
"It is a comfort to live with a husband who has the means to properly treat a woman. As you all have seen, Nalion has arrived here with only his clothes and some weapons and a small pouch of money? He obviously is a wanderer by nature. He would have gone away at some time and a wife would have hindered him. Would his so called love stop him from what he obiously seemed to enjoy for the last 17 years? Would my daughter want a life on the road, constantly in danger... ?"
The shimmering took the form of a young woman. Her dark hair flowed back over her shoulders and her face wore a woried expression.
"If it was a life with Nalion, yes, gladly, willingly and with great joy! Let go, father."

Loranna's eyes widen in surprise, but she looks to the council members.

"I think," she says, "someone wishes to speak ... very, very badly."

She's lovely ... Loranna finds herself thinking.

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 1 2005, 02:35 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ May 1 2005, 07:29 AM)

Nalion
Tailas
Tailas looked pleased with the present situation and began to speak again.
"It is a comfort to live with a husband who has the means to properly treat a woman. As you all have seen, Nalion has arrived here with only his clothes and some weapons and a small pouch of money? He obviously is a wanderer by nature. He would have gone away at some time and a wife would have hindered him. Would his so called love stop him from what he obiously seemed to enjoy for the last 17 years? Would my daughter want a life on the road, constantly in danger... ?"
The shimmering took the form of a young woman. Her dark hair flowed back over her shoulders and her face wore a woried expression.
"If it was a life with Nalion, yes, gladly, willingly and with great joy! Let go, father."

Tris had started to interrupt Tailas to answer him: "Nalion wandered because nothing meant anything after she died...!" when the ghost of the young woman appeared.

He gasped. And thought of Dom. How many of the old ghosts of people's pasts really were old ghosts? If Nalion had never returned to settle his problems, would this girl's spirit have wandered, homeless, forever?

Posted by: Rhedd May 1 2005, 02:38 PM

Of the villagers closest to the apparition, most yelped and jumped back, or hid their faces in their hands and prayed. Some, however, stood in awe of the spirit, lovely even in death, and waited to see what would be said.

The disagreeable old elder looked sincerely frightened.

Ghosts had a habit of telling the truth.

Posted by: Loranna May 1 2005, 02:46 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 1 2005, 08:35 AM)

Loranna puts a reassuring hand on Tris's shoulder. "Dear, this time, I think it will go much less violently ..."

She looks at Tairas, muttering " ... well, I hope ..."

She squeezes his shoulder, ther eyes saying Your ghosts are laid to rest love; it's okay ...

Posted by: Nalion May 1 2005, 02:56 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ May 1 2005, 02:38 PM)

"I had hoped you two were able to settle your differences peacefully for it would also mean my final rest. Please, I love you both and I do not want to make both of you suffer. I went with Nalion of my own free will and gladly would do it again and again. I had grown out of my childs days and I realized I would have to follow my heart."

"For two years, we lived through times of hardships and times of joy until we finally found a place where we would live our life. We built up our existence with our own hands and we both never felt so good when seeing what we had accomplished."

"I fell ill, and though Nalion tried everything that he could and called upon the help of experienced healers, the disease could not be cured. What he told you was true. I do not regret any moment I spent with him, but I regret that I was cause for so much bad blood."

She stretched both her hands out, one towards Nalion, one towards her father.
"Let this matter between you - let me - finally rest."

Nalion stood there like stone, tears running freely over his cheeks now.
He looked into Lirielle's eyes and offered his left hand to her.
"Forgive me, Lirielle, for not having attempted to speak with your father sooner. I took too many excuses until I finally could make myself decide to clear up our past."
His right hand was stretched out towards Tailas.
"Joslin, forgive me for not coming sooner, it may have made it easier. Can we settle our differences?"

Posted by: Loranna May 1 2005, 02:59 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ May 1 2005, 08:56 AM)

Loranna feels tears flowing down her cheeks, and a smile comes to her face.

"Nalion dear, you humble us all with your strength and heart today," she says sincerely, bowing to Nalion and to Lirielle. "My lady, you humble us too; thank you."

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 1 2005, 02:59 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ May 1 2005, 07:56 AM)

Tris blinked tears from his eyes.

"Remember the Lovers," he said. All Dibellans knew this story. "Polydor and Eloisa. If anyone had shown them kindness and given them a place to rest, it would be springtime forever."

He hoped Tailas could make the right choice, for one moment of his life, the important one.

Posted by: Nalion May 1 2005, 03:13 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 1 2005, 02:59 PM)

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 1 2005, 02:59 PM)

Nalion smiled weakly towards Loranna and Tris, then looked into Tailas' eyes again, a question on his face.

Tailas instead was shaking, shooting glances from Lirielle, to Nalions outstretched hand, to the companions present. The battle that was fought in him was tremendous. Hatred, built up from years of careful nourishing lost its fire, slowly, but steadily.
Words reverberated through his mind. "Let me rest." "Forgive me." "Kindness."
He took the ghostly hand of Lirielle. Was there a really the feeling of actually touching her? Joslin looked at her otherwordly reflection, then at Nalion.
Reluctantly, his left reached out to him, halting in mid-air. "Let go.

His hand clasped around Nalions and the three of them formed a triangle.

A light breeze flew over the presence, carrying with it a scent of springtime.
"I love you both. Thank you."

The breeze went as swiftly as it had come and left two men clasping their hands. Lirielle though, was gone.

Posted by: Loranna May 1 2005, 03:16 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ May 1 2005, 09:13 AM)

Loranna couldn't help it; the tears kept flowing. It was an absolutely lovely scene and terribly, terribly sad.

She looks to Slyvos, her expression sorrowful; she holds out her hands to him.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich May 1 2005, 03:18 PM

Slyvos smiles, his eyes just a bit moist, and takes Loranna's outstretched hands in his own.

Slyvos: it's sad really... yet, at the same time one of the most beautiful things you will ever see...

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 1 2005, 03:20 PM

Tris, watching the scene, thought that there would be more bitterness than beauty, when the moment had passed.

Nalion was alone. And seeing Lirielle again would surely open old wounds.

Lord Tailas was still a murderer, off to the capital city to be tried and beheaded.

Posted by: Rhedd May 1 2005, 03:20 PM

"I do believe," said Jenian, "that the answer of Nalion Leoriane's innocence has been answered. If," he said, with a solid stare toward the still-pale old man, "there are no other arguments to the contrary."

There weren't.

Posted by: Loranna May 1 2005, 03:28 PM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ May 1 2005, 09:18 AM)

Slyvos smiles, his eyes just a bit moist, and takes Loranna's outstretched hands in his own.

Slyvos: it's sad really... yet, at the same time one of the most beautiful things you will ever see...

Loranna smiles, saying quietly "One of, yes ..." For a moment, she simply stands in Slyvos's presence, letting his touch relax her.

QUOTE(Rhedd @ May 1 2005, 09:20 AM)

Letting Slyvos's hands go, Loranna turns and looks to Nalion, offering a small smile.

Though, she thinks, none of this changes Tailas's fate; however, for this one moment of truth, he had done the right thing. Some people couldn't even claim that much.

Maybe that would be enough; for now though, Loranna goes and heals Nalion's wounds, and calls for his chains to be undone.

Posted by: Nalion May 1 2005, 03:36 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ May 1 2005, 03:20 PM)

Nalion still looked into Tailas eyes.
"We will talk, talk about how Lirielle was in life, to honour her remembrance."
Tailas nodded, tears finally finding their way across his cheek.

Nalions bruised appearance was quickly healed by Loranna's skill.
Upon her call and the elder's words, the guards released the bracers, finally letting Nalion breathe freely. Now that he wasn't restrained by the breacers anymore, strength began to flow back. He rubbed his wrists to help the circulation of his blood.

Then, Cienne and Relie were around him and hugged him before he could properly thank his companions. Instead, he shot them a glance telling how glad he was that they had been there for him. His father approached slowly, but he also had a tear in his eye. He squeezed his son's shoulder, then embraced his wife.

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 1 2005, 03:42 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ May 1 2005, 08:36 AM)

Tris smiled, seeing Nalion at last surrounded by his loving family.

"Nalion," he said quietly, "Lord Tailas is still not at liberty. And I think it's best he return to the manor house, under guard... some of these people here are getting restless at the sight of him, and their grief is only a few days old, still hot."

He gripped Nalion's shoulder briefly, hoping to let him know he would be there later. Right now Nalion had a lot to catch up on.

Posted by: Nalion May 1 2005, 03:50 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 1 2005, 03:42 PM)

Nalion nodded with understanding and pointed to the guards under the command of the captain and the trader Jenien, that were already moving towards Joslin. The noble stood alone, lost to his own thoughts and feelings and went with the guards without resistance.

Nalion knew there would be plenty of time to talk to his friends, so he turned his attention back to his family. Indeed, we have a lot to catch up."

Posted by: Nalion May 1 2005, 04:04 PM

Nolan, the practical smith, released his daughter and wife and approached Tris and Loranna.
"I cannot thank you enough for what you have done, for our village and for Nalion and us. I am only a simple smith, but if I can be of any service, I would be glad to help you out."
He thought a moment.
"Maybe it is best to retreat to some place more private for all the participants. May I offer our garden for talk and rest? Relie loves roses and they are a beautiful sight. And as I have experienced myself more often than my wife would like to see it, the inn has a formidable selection of fine drink and food. If you would tell me your preferences, I would gladly see that we have enough for all of us."

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 1 2005, 04:08 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ May 1 2005, 09:04 AM)

"Please let us treat you, I insist, this is a day for a celebration," Tris said. "You have your son again!"

He sent to the inn for abundant foodstuffs, wine, and ale. The sausages in this part of the country were famous. The grill behind the smithy was heated up, and they cooked and talked and ate.

"That was a little miracle, I think," Tris said to Loranna. "An evil heart turning from the path of destruction."

His voice was subdued, thoughtful.

Posted by: Loranna May 1 2005, 04:14 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ May 1 2005, 10:04 AM)

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 1 2005, 10:08 AM)

Loranna's expression is happy, hopeful, and thoughtful all at once. "A moment of CHIM perhaps," she says to Tris. "Who knows? We've seen several times that even the most seemingly lost can still find the strength to do the right thing."

She quiets down. " ... Which makes me feel a new touch of sadness for those we just destroyed in Balmora, for they'll never have that chance now - at least in this existance. But like you said - you can only help those who want it ..."

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 1 2005, 04:18 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 1 2005, 09:14 AM)

"That is a good idea - and like Tris said, it's our treat," Loranna says, smiling. "I do have some questions for you later if I may, Master Nolan; just some questions about armor upkeep techniques is all."
Loranna's expression is happy, hopeful, and thoughtful all at once. "A moment of CHIM perhaps," she says to Tris. "Who knows? We've seen several times that even the most seemingly lost can still find the strength to do the right thing."

She quiets down. " ... Which makes me feel a new touch of sadness for those we just destroyed in Balmora, for they'll never have that chance now - at least in this existance. But like you said - you can only help those who want it ..."

"My dad tried to kill me, Lor," Tris said, forgetting for a moment not to use her name in public. If anyone nearby heard, they gave no sign of noticing. "I keep asking myself, what ghost from the grave could possibly make him change his mind? My mother? He never cared what she said when she was alive. I still love him, that's the sick thing. He's like a cough you can't get rid of no matter how much you rest."

He shook his head at himself and changed the subject. "After seeing this, I'm going to keep trying to scrub those nasty spots in my past. I have a letter to write - to Bryn, my first lover. He taught my alchemy, we used to run together. I know he's alive and I know where he is and it's a safe bet he doesn't want to see me again. But I'm going to write him and apologize for being a selfish little jerk."

Posted by: Loranna May 1 2005, 04:22 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 1 2005, 10:18 AM)

Loranna blinks, and she wraps her arms around Tris, squeezing him gently in a comforting hug. "I didn't realize ..." she says, holding him for a moment.

When she lets Tris go, she nods. "Hopefully those remaining stains won't be as ... unique as the ones we've been encountering of late," she says, forwning.

" ... You know, speaking of dads, my own was never terribly fond of Dark Elves," she says, going on a tangent. "Makes me wonder how he'll react when he sees what I look like nowadays ..."

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 1 2005, 04:27 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 1 2005, 09:22 AM)

"Well, hell," Tris said. "You did become a legendary adventurer, he should be proud."

He laughed. "Bryn at least is alive, which means he can't haunt me. I guess I should forgive myself a little for the things I did to him - considering I was only sixteen years old. We had one of those toxic passions that involved a lot of running up and down stairs screaming at each other and threatening suicide. I tell you, thinking of him makes me appreciate Ciel."

"So, you're off to Skyrim? You should go home first, see how the place is running, put your feet up."

Posted by: Loranna May 1 2005, 04:31 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 1 2005, 10:27 AM)

"Actually, from what I'm told he's headed to Soltheim," Loranna says. "To meet the Skaal. I'm definitely going home first though; I have things to discuss with Kallen again."

" ... You know, it's funny," she mutters. "You and I both sound like we've had some not-so-healthy relationships before we got involved in ... well, before I got us all involved in our big adventure. And now we both have some very good relationships, both friends and lovers ..."

She thinks of Jazbet for a moment and gets that sad-yet-happy look she always gets when thinking of him.

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 1 2005, 04:34 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 1 2005, 09:31 AM)

"Any good part of me is because of Ciel," Tris said. "I mean that."

Posted by: Loranna May 1 2005, 04:38 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 1 2005, 10:34 AM)

"Any good part of me is because of Ciel," Tris said. "I mean that."

"Tris dear, remember the boat ride to Vivec?" Loranna asks. "You and Ciel both finally got me to think straight, but it was you who pushed me that last little step. Maybe Ciel helped you reach being able to do that, but that was still your doing hun - something good from your own heart."

"And yes I know, you were being very not friendly then, but that doesn't change the fact that what you did was right and it was your doing," she adds.

Posted by: Arynel May 1 2005, 04:41 PM

A cloaked figure steps into the garden, he wears simple traveling clothes and the hood pulled up over his head disguises his face. The figure stands silently on the edge, swiveling his head back and forth over his shoulders, until finally he reaches up with his hands and pulls the hood down.

Arynel smiled and walked up to Nalion.

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 1 2005, 04:42 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 1 2005, 09:38 AM)

"I was only there because of him," Tris said, smiling so that deep creases formed around his green-grey eyes. "Following his dream. This bit, here, this is me floundering again, trying to find my own way. I seem to do all right, and yet there are plenty of times I find I don't like myself very much. Long way to go still."

He put his arm around Loranna's shoulders. "You - you've come so far since that day yourself. I'm so proud of you."

Posted by: Nalion May 1 2005, 04:46 PM

QUOTE(Arynel @ May 1 2005, 04:41 PM)

Nalion saw Arynel approaching him, turned to his parents and excused himself.

"Welcome my friend, welcome." he greeted him with a smile, subduing the obvious question how he came here.
"Please, make yourself comfortable!"

Posted by: Loranna May 1 2005, 04:50 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 1 2005, 10:42 AM)

"Dear you're doing fine," Loranna says, beaming; she puts her hand on Tris's hand and laughs a bit.

"I'm at the point where I'm amazing myself, remembering how I used to think and feel, and seeing myself now thinking and doing in ways I never thought I would - but at the same time, realizing that part of me was trying to push to this all along, just the rest of me was looking to the wrong source for inspiration ..."

She pauses a moment. " ... I owe so much to you, to Allie, to everyone ... and I'm proud of all of us, too. That crazy mixed-up barmaid who thought she was Azura has actually gotten one of her wishes; the people around her she found so fascinating and wonderous did find new strength within themselves. Even herself, though it meant dying for her."

She laughs again. "Okay, now I'm being really silly," she says. "Talking about an old part of myself like that ..."

Posted by: Arynel May 1 2005, 04:50 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ May 1 2005, 08:46 AM)

"Comfortable? I can assure you I have been for quite some time." Arynel said. "Tell me, friend of like blood, what cause be there for celebration? The festivities would make me thing a captive was set free, an old rift was mended, or an old love was rekindled, which is it?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 1 2005, 04:55 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 1 2005, 09:50 AM)

"It's not silly at all," Tris said. "You're not really the same person. When Ciel came to Daggerfall, I took him to the tavern where all my friends hang out. It was always a fun place, poets and athletes and actors. And after about five minutes I was wondering what the hell was wrong with me that these people were my friends. Someone made a rude comment about... well, me, and the alley out back, and how they'd miss that now that I was with Ciel... and Ciel smashed him in the nose, and we ended up having to dodge the watch all the way home after getting thrown out."

Posted by: Nalion May 1 2005, 05:01 PM

QUOTE(Arynel @ May 1 2005, 04:50 PM)

Nalion blinked away his surprise, then he reminded himself that it was Arynel standing in front of him.
"My friend, it is a little bit of these three things together that make up the whole story, and I might add, also some lessons learned."

Posted by: Loranna May 1 2005, 05:03 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 1 2005, 10:55 AM)

Loranna chuckles. "I can picture it in my mind so clearly," she teases. "But you're right; none of us are the same as who we used to be. And so far, that's been a good thing."

"Hopefully it will remain a good thing," she adds. "I admit I scare myself a little sometimes. I never thought of myself as ever being the warrior type for so long, for example, yet back in Balmora I was feeling very inclined to break some skulls, and I almost went to go find the bandits just because I was still feeling a bit antsy for action. I never thought I'd actually feel that way, and I kinda worry I'll go overboard some day."

She shrugs. "But ... I'm not the little girl who whispered into children's minds and then wondered why a massacre happened anymore. Like you said, I'm a legendary hero ..."

Posted by: Arynel May 1 2005, 05:03 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ May 1 2005, 09:01 AM)

Arynel smiled.

"A victory come and a lesson learned? Why, this has the makings of a delightful tale." The Breton said. "Tell me, friend, what are your plans, will you stay here now, or seek after other locales?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 1 2005, 05:08 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 1 2005, 10:03 AM)

"I see Arynel," Tris interjected. "We should congratulate poor Nalion - hope he's okay after all the excitement wears off."

He walked up behind Arynel and patted his shoulder. "I have Guild news," he said quietly into his ear. "No hurry. Whenever you're at liberty."

"It does make a good tale," he said in a louder voice, smiling. "Maybe someone will write a song about it."

Posted by: Loranna May 1 2005, 05:11 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 1 2005, 11:08 AM)

"Good point," Loranna says, turning and smiling to her friends. "Well met Arynel, and congratulations Nalion ..."

Posted by: Nalion May 1 2005, 05:12 PM

QUOTE(Arynel @ May 1 2005, 05:03 PM)

"It is a tale both beautiful and sad. I feel at peace now that a weight dragging on my heart has been lifted. I should have done this earlier, I know. Lirielle has a great heart to forgive me that."
Nalion gestured invitingly to a table laden with food and drink, motioning to Arynel that he was free to choose what he wanted. He saw Loranna and Tris joining them and gave them a smile.

"As to my plans in the future? I will stay here.. for a brief time. Talk, share memories. I promised to talk with Tailas, too. But then, look, this garden was big as I was a child, I could hide behind those small bushes from Cienne's sight. I have grown though, and eventually, the garden became too small for me."

Posted by: Arynel May 1 2005, 05:15 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ May 1 2005, 09:12 AM)

Arynel smiled at Nalion, "Very good, and perhaps one day you will be of such stature that no garden can hold you."

The nodded towards Loranna and turned towards Tris, "I have ears, speak, if you may."

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 1 2005, 05:19 PM

QUOTE(Arynel @ May 1 2005, 10:15 AM)

"You should come visit us in Daggerfall sometime," Tris said to Nalion. "Whatever happens, we need to stay in touch."

Tris gestured with his head for Arynel to step away from the others, where they could have a private word. He spoke low, and quickly.

"You see that awkward dark-skinned Bosmer boy?" he said. "Calls himself Wind. He has an interesting way of getting from place to place lately. Almost too familiar, if you catch my meaning. I haven't seen the General, I owe her a report. But I thought you'd be interested to know that. Keep your eyes open."

Posted by: Arynel May 1 2005, 05:23 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 1 2005, 09:19 AM)

Arynel swallowed, and looked out towards the Bosmer Tris had indicated. "I see." The Breton said, though he added nothing else.

Posted by: Nalion May 1 2005, 05:23 PM

QUOTE(Arynel @ May 1 2005, 05:15 PM)

Nalion did not speak in return, but nodded, still smiling.

QUOTE(Allerleirauh)

"You should come visit us in Daggerfall sometime," Tris said to Nalion. "Whatever happens, we need to stay in touch."

"I believe we will stay in touch, my friend." Nalion answered. "It will be interesting to visit Daggerfall some time." A question was on the Breton mages tongue, but it remained unspoken.

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 1 2005, 05:11 PM)

"Good point," Loranna says, turning and smiling to her friends. "Well met Arynel, and congratulations Nalion ..."

"My thanks, dear Loranna, I seem to stand in my friends' debt once more. Before you dress me down for simply running off alone, I apologize for all this. I cannot express my gratitude though. I was confident that I would be able to peacefully talk with Joslin after I talked to my family. Things went quite wrong after that. Hearing Tris' voice gave me hope where it seemed to fail."

Posted by: Loranna May 1 2005, 05:29 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ May 1 2005, 11:23 AM)

Nalion did not speak in return, but nodded, still smiling.
"My thanks, dear Loranna, I seem to stand in my friend's debt once more. Before you dress me down for simply running off alone, I apologize for all this. I cannot express my gratitude though. I was confident that I would be able to peacefully talk with Joslin after I talked to my family. Things went quite wrong after that. Hearing Tris' voice gave me hope where it seemed to fail."

Loranna sighs a little, but she smiles. "It's all right Nalion," she says, " ... well okay, it's not all right, but it's not your fault it wasn't all right. I can understand why you went alone though; that's a lot of grief and pain you carried all these years and it's not a burden lightly shared with others, even good friends."

She pulls him into a brief hug. "We all owe each other our lives a dozen times over anyway; what's one more between friends, right?" she teases.

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 1 2005, 05:32 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 1 2005, 10:29 AM)

Tris returned to the others.

"I wanted to go visit Dom's grave by myself, and what a mess that would have been, eh? Let's be thankful for friends, and humble enough to know we need them."

Posted by: Nalion May 1 2005, 05:37 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 1 2005, 05:29 PM)

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 1 2005, 05:32 PM)

Tris returned to the others.

"I wanted to go visit Dom's grave by myself, and what a mess that would have been, eh? Let's be thankful for friends, and humble enough to know we need them."

"You can't imagine how glad I am that I can call you friends..." Nalion answered, blinking repeatedly to fight a tear of joy.

Posted by: Loranna May 1 2005, 05:49 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ May 1 2005, 11:37 AM)

"You can't imagine how glad I am that I can call you friends..." Nalion answered, blinking repeatedly to fight a tear of joy.

Loranna snags a glass of wine and raises it in a toast. "To friendship, to love, to the humility that reminds us how necessary both are," she says.

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 1 2005, 05:52 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 1 2005, 10:49 AM)

Loranna snags a glass of wine and raises it in a toast. "To friendship, to love, to the humility that reminds us how necessary both are," she says.

"Amen to that," Tris said, throwing back a glass of wine. He made a face, then caught himself and laughed. He vowed to send Nalion's parents a crate of some decent lowland vintage, and called for ale to fill his glass again.

Posted by: Nalion May 1 2005, 06:03 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 1 2005, 05:49 PM)

Loranna snags a glass of wine and raises it in a toast. "To friendship, to love, to the humility that reminds us how necessary both are," she says.

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 1 2005, 05:52 PM)

Nalion raises his glass to his friends and joins the toast. At Tri's face, he frowned in mockery, then joined his laughter.
"I fear, some of your high standards for wine we can't fulfill here in Llainfair, Tris, but I promise, the beer is great here."

Posted by: Sir Radont May 1 2005, 08:22 PM

Radont walked to where Nolan was standing, "Before I head out I wanted to compliment your apprentice, he is worthy to be a smith and I commend him on the job he did on my armor. He could be a valuble asset to this town but if he has a mind to travel he could easily find work in the Imperial Legion."

Posted by: Nalion May 1 2005, 08:56 PM

QUOTE(Sir Radont @ May 1 2005, 08:22 PM)

"Well, good Sir, it would befit him well to do good work, or else he would have to clean the furnace from the ashes again by himself as he did last month when he messed up the armour of a local guardsman! He's usually fine, but, you know, just sometimes he gets unconcentrated and hits the wrong part of the armour when hammering out dents! You were a lucky one yesterday!"
Nolan laughed, giving no clue whether he had spoken in jest or in earnest, then his expression turned serious again.
"I have to give my thanks for the valuable help you and the companions at the bandit's cave have provided. The evidence you have found was very valuabe to weaken the position of Joslin Tailas. Without it, only the gods would know what could have happened. I owe you one on that. Please, feel free to join the merriment, there's food and drink aplenty. Be sure to taste the sausages!"

Posted by: Sir Radont May 2 2005, 09:14 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ May 1 2005, 02:56 PM)

Please, feel free to join the merriment, there's food and drink aplenty. Be sure to taste the sausages!"

"If you insist," Radont said, smiling as he grabbed an ale. He held it up in a toast to Nalion and his family before downing it and picking up a sausage.

Posted by: Nalion May 2 2005, 11:24 AM

Llainfair, Tailas Manor:

While the celebration in Nolan's garden continued and everything indicated that it would last well into the night, Tailas Manor was quiet. Two watchmen sat on their stools near the door to the study where Joslin Tailas was kept in chains.
"Strange, isn't it? Right this morning, we had this mage - how was he called? Nalion? - in custody because of Lord Tailas' orders and now we keep Tailas himself in prison." the first watchman said.

"Yeah, and don't forget the councilor Nevren. Jenien ordered them to be kept separate, right down the stairs where we kept this mage. I'd be glad when they're gone from here, hope the council will send them off to Wayrest quickly." the other guard replied. "Strange happenings today."

"Right, mate. I'll be glad when these strange folks are gone. I tell you, even in this remote villages, you aren't safe anymore."
Both watchmen nodded.

"Safety is an illusion." a figure said stepping into the room, looking into the watchmen's surprised faces.

Properly trained guards would have long bared their blades at the sight of a person so suddenly entering, but those two just managed to rise from their seats.

"What the -- Ah!" one guard shouted until he calmed his voice. "Oh, you're the mage, Nalion is it? What do you want from us?"

"I would like to speak with Joslin." the mage told them, in a tone that was still polite but determined enough to make clear that he would not accept a 'no' as answer.

"I suppose you won't let him go free, will you?" the guard asked suspiciously.

"No. Please open the door for me." the mage answered with a smile.

"Well, yes... I mean there you are, sir." The guard fumbled with the key to the study and opened the door.
Tailas, sitting in a heavy chair was chained with the same bracers Nalion had worn not so long ago. The noble looked tired and showed signs that he had cried recently. The noble's head rose and his eyes widened.

"I am sorry to come unannounced," the mage said gently as he entered, "but I think we have a lot to talk about, Joslin."

"Yes, I believe we have to do so... Nalion." Joslin answered and nodded.

The mage wove his hand and after a whispered a word, the heavy door to the study fell into it's lock, leaving the guards outside. The only sound that they could hear from within the room was the unintelligible humming of quiet words spoken.

The guards shrugged and resumed their tables.

"If I was that mage, I'd kill my enemy on the spot and wouldn't apologize for entering his prison!"

"Hah, you're just good in beating down tavern brawls, not real killing!"

"Shut up, fool!"

Posted by: Aki May 4 2005, 02:37 AM

"That was...weird..." Reichi said. "In my expierance...ghosts generally are all skeletal, and wearing fancy ghostly robes..."

"Thats because you only know ancestor Ghosts, twit," Tohe said.

"Ah, right. So what do Breton Bonelords look like?"

"Oi..."

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 4 2005, 09:11 AM

Solunastra, Void Ranger Guildhouse: Daggerfall

In the grotto under the building, the women of the Void Ranger's guild were taking a bath. Delicate, dark-haired, Akaviri-featured Doll sat submerged to her neck in the warm water, scrubbing Allerleirauh's back. Although Allerleirauh had told the young girl that she was now an adult, full-fledged member of the Guild and no longer had to draw water or attend her like a servant, Doll insisted that she enjoyed it. And she was probably telling the truth, for Doll was never more content than when quietly doing something in someone else's service.

Allerleirauh, long-limbed, slender, her close-cropped silver hair long enough now to push back from her face, relaxed in a rare moment of peace. Although she hadn't been adventuring, she had been working, non-stop, ever since the arrival of Sen-Yedda, to ensure the infant goddess's safety and welfare.

The infant goddess herself was relaxing too, happily naked as all babies prefer to be, on the woven mats near the fire, while little Tamne tickled her and talked to her and her nurse, the Redguard woman Jalian Hawkford, looked on.

Tamne, a child of seven years old, once Dunmer, now one of only a handful of Azurites with flaming blue eyes and the ability to summon her very own Winged Twilight, was Allerleirauh and Arynel's adopted daughter. Tamne had gotten in trouble in school today for fighting. Allerleirauh was so proud of her; fighting was a step forward. Less than a month ago, she had refused to speak to other children at all.

The last member of the group, Skein, an Imperial woman no longer young but not yet old, threw scented herbs onto the fire where stones were heated to drop into the grotto's pools. Although she had cast aside her formal crimson robes to bathe, her heavy dark hair hung nearly to the ground, giving the same impression.

In the flickering firelight, the women whispered and laughed and splashed each other, their voices echoing off the distant vault of the natural cavern.

"He's asked to see you again?" Allerleirauh said to Doll.

"He has," Doll said solemnly. They were discussing Herwyn Brand, spymaster of Wayrest and Mirror's arch-nemesis. Herwyn Brand, until now a total enigma except for his loyalty to Queen Elysana. Herwyn was smitten. With sixteen year old Doll. There was no other word to describe it.

"I'm not sure I approve," Allerleirauh said. "From what Tris has told me, the man is dangerously clever. I don't want him taking an interest in us."

"He's not that clever," Doll said. Doll was difficult to impress. She had seen more of men, of all shapes, sizes, and races, at the age of sixteen, than most women could hope to see in a lifetime, and she saw nothing to interest her. "I'm not worried. If he finds out about the Guild, he won't say anything to Elysana."

"Why is that?" Allerleirauh asked. Skein was watching them, listening, her dark eyes lost in the shadows of her face.

"Herwyn is in love with Elysana," Doll said. "And he knows she is paranoid and insane. He believes deeply that his job as a loyal spymaster is to keep Elysana from knowing anything that would make her unhappy. He will fight us, if he has to, but only if there's a danger that we would disturb Elysana's peace."

"That's..." Allerleirauh had no words to finish the sentence. Crazy? A dangerous game? "He won't keep his head long, with that attitude. Look at what happened to Ciel, to the three spymasters before Herwyn."

"Herywn has Tris to to talk to though," Doll said. "And Tris has a big mouth. Herwyn knows already that Elysana cannot find out anything unless he tells her. He knows her attention is elsewhere and he grieves. And he knows he and I and Tris and Elysana are different from anyone else he's ever met. It's why he's decided he's in love with me. If he had met Skein first, he would be in love with Skein."

Skein laughed, low and soft.

"Tris is playing a dangerous game too," Allerleirauh said. "Tris will get us all killed, not just himself, if he's not careful."

"That's not what will happen," Skein said, speaking up at last. Skein could see the threads, how they drew together, and from them predict the future. "What will happen is that Leseth will kill Herwyn, if Herwyn comes too close to us."

The women were silent a moment. The stillness was split by Sen-Yedda's cooing cry. The nurse, Jalian, bent to tend her, and little Tamne wrinkled her nose and ran to join the group in the pool.

"Do you like him though? This guy who likes you?" Tamne demanded of Doll. They were all startled, for, like many adults speaking in front of children, they had assumed Tamne wasn't really listening.

Allerleirauh laughed at the absurdity of the question. Doll didn't like anything with... three feet. But Doll wasn't laughing.

"I don't know," Doll said.

The silence stretched awkwardly, the other women trying not to stare at Doll.

Doll stood up quickly, splashing water everywhere.

"I miss Master Solin," Doll said. "You women are too nosy."

ooc: I did a http://home.wnm.net/~bgriff/allie/doll_portrait.jpg Check it out.

Posted by: Loranna May 4 2005, 10:15 AM

Ald Raathim

After all the traveling and adventuring the party had undergone in High Rock, Ald Raathim was a welcome sight to Loranna's eyes. Tris had been right; it would be good to sit back and put her feet up for a little while, and enjoy being home.

But first, there were a few things to take care of.

She checked in with Kallen again, as Jazbet had done many times before her; the young Dunmer's skills as sceneshal were as great as any man or mer twice his age or more, and Loranna was reminded several times of how much she was still learning about being the Lady of Daruhn. Kallen was nothing if not perfectly professional however; Loranna was grateful to have him around, and she felt he found working with her acceptable as well.

The estate's finances were doing well enough, for now; Kallen had also seen to it that the finds Loranna had brought back a short while ago were invested into good banks, and the two talked further of Loranna's plans for building her fortune and managing her new wealth. Loranna wondered when she would be required to deal with other nobles from House Dres, but Kallen assured her that when the time came for that, he would have prepared her as best as one could expect. In the meantime, Daruhn continued to run; for the House, with the ravages of the Blue Dawn still felt in many areas, that was all they needed to know for now.

Loranna's personal purchases were easy enough to handle; she saw to it that she had some armorer's tools to practice what Nalion's father Nolan had taught her with such practised skill, and she made plans for some shopping trips to purchase some new outfits, ones meant for her lover's enchanting skills and others meant simply to let her have something other than her armor and her traveling robes to wear while passing through cities. As lovely as her ice armor was, it wasn't quite the most suitable outfit for speaking with the local lords and ladies ...

There were other matters which needed tending to as well, but those matters she didn't want to tend to alone. One such matter she set into motion now, seeking out her companions to see who was up for a little trip to a small abandoned mine outside Ald Raathim's borders.

It was a good time to see if there remained any leftover Balmorian vampires in her lands, and to ask them - firmly - to vacate. One way or another.

Posted by: w0nders May 4 2005, 10:26 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 4 2005, 05:45 PM)

Dante accompanied Loranna to the mine. Illidan wasn't too sure that his presence at the mine would really help the vampires disposition towards his companions. Hence, he stayed back.
----------------------

Outside of the mine was plain and boring, where before ebony clad guards once stood at night, now it was empty. The entrance to the mine swung slowly back and forward in the gentle breeze.

Posted by: Loranna May 4 2005, 10:40 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ May 4 2005, 04:26 AM)

The Mine Outside Ald Raathim

Loranna pauses for a moment to cast a couple or protective enchantments on herself and her companions, even though the party had proven able at handling the vampires back at Balmora. She was a tad overcautious, she knew; it shouldn't matter as far as she could tell, though.

"Well, let's do this," she says, using telekenesis to open the door wide and casting light to illuminate the mineshaft. The direct approach seemed suitable for this excursion.

Posted by: Solin May 4 2005, 10:45 AM

In the eastern stretches of the old Kingdom of Wayrest, as it existed before Queen Elsyanna spread her holdings and pushed back the borders in common struggles for territory in High Rock, a small graveyard sits amidst the sparse woods not far from the Bjoulsae River. The distant view draws one’s eye to a squat slab of stone pointing to the heavens from a bare hill overlooking the oft traversed waterway.

Lord Ferin’s Tower had somehow miraculously survived Tiber Septim’s bid to clear trade tariffs during the early days of the Empire’s conquest. A small garrison held the fortification and a nearby small village tended a tiny dock which received supplies.

Ciel and Tris stepped through the opening in the low wall that surrounded the grave markers and monuments. The remains of roses were scattered about the grass, strewn by wind and weather. He had been here several times before, more than several in fact; it had been many years since the passing of his wife. There were not many markers here, given the style and size of those that were one could speculate that this place was for the castellans of the tower and their families.

The former knight of the rose stopped before a familiar monument, one befitting a Knight of the Rose. It looked as it did when he had departed for the capital, it felt longer than the months that had passed. He placed his hands on small ledge that surrounded a central column of stone, which tapered to a point and felt the simple rose design carved into marker as he sat in the grass at the base.

“My lady,” Ciel began. “The passing of years has not diminished what I feel for you, nor will it ever.”

The former knight’s eyes held tears.

“As they have passed, though, I have found that I’ve been given and taken a chance to be born a second time, to rewrite the pages of my life. I held my doubts and regrets as I was thrust into the darkness of being new again. Then you came, and they passed as my shadows turned into light. Your guiding hands, your acceptance in my darkest moments, will ever leave their imprint on my spirit and tempered my pain with a joy. You opened the cage and set me free to wander this life and love anew. Thank you, my love.”

A few drops of water splashed against the stone and Ciel wiped at his eyes. Rising to his feet, he returned one hand to the marker.

“Goodbye, Rianele,”

The old castellan’s head bowed in a moment of silence after the words left his lips.

The breeze picked up, it carried the scent of fresh roses and Ciel felt fingers brush across his hand. For a moment, the image of an indefinite woman, like a cloud of mist or dust, hovered before him, holding his hand looking into his blue eyes with her green. The wind shifted and she moved with it. She smiled as she passed Tris and bowed her head causing a shimmer of red as her hair floated in the air, the young Breton felt a kiss on his cheek. Then she was gone, disappearing like ash on the wind.

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 4 2005, 10:50 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ May 4 2005, 03:45 AM)

Tris was left standing with his mouth open.

He dared not disturb the moment. But his mind was racing.

That's three ghosts in a week. Something's wrong...

Posted by: w0nders May 4 2005, 10:57 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 4 2005, 06:10 PM)

"Alright." Dante said quickly, before leading the way into the mine. He rounded several corners before finding the room with the large, circular staircase.

He began to descend, the sound of hissing and snarling became more evident.

Posted by: Loranna May 4 2005, 11:04 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ May 4 2005, 04:57 AM)

Loranna follows Dante, ready to cast as needed.

It sounded like there were vampires hiding here still; Loranna had kind of hoped they would have figured out she and the others would be coming by sooner or later and split. Oh well; she wasn't going to let a bunch of vampires hang out outside Ald Raathim, not with any more common enemy for both of them to fight ...

Posted by: w0nders May 4 2005, 11:17 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 4 2005, 06:34 PM)

Strangely enough, many of the vampires had the common sense to leave. Not too many were left now, mostly the injured vampires. Who the others had neglected to heal.

Upon seeing the party, they leapt into action. The vampires which were in better shape leaping up towards the stairwell, behind the party, and making a run for it. Others attempting to edge past them.

Posted by: Loranna May 4 2005, 11:25 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ May 4 2005, 05:17 AM)

Loranna leaves the vampires who try to edge around the party for Dante; his sword would be enough to take them down.

Instead, she casts an area effect Absorb Health on the vampires who leapt for the stairwell, not wanting any of the vampires to get away. Wounded vampires loose in the woods would be a bad thing.

Abandoned by their own 'kin'; poor wretches, Loranna thinks to herself. I'm somewhat surprised they weren't used as cattle for the stronger vampires ...

Posted by: w0nders May 4 2005, 11:35 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 4 2005, 06:55 PM)

Dante cut down two vampires, and sent another hurtling back down the stairs. Where upon a throwing star found it's way from his pouch to the vampire's skull in one swift motion.

He turned in time to see several vampires fall to Loranna's spell. One last vampire managed to withstand the spell's affects long enough to reach the door, only to fall to it's affects at this time. As the vampire slumped to the ground, a ring rolled off it's finger and towards the stairwell.

Posted by: Loranna May 4 2005, 11:39 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ May 4 2005, 05:35 AM)

Loranna quickly scans the room to make sure all the vampires are down, and casts Detect Creature to sense for any remaining vampires in the mine.

"Nicely done dear," she says, her eye drawn to the ring which had rolled off. "Hello; what's this?"

Posted by: w0nders May 4 2005, 11:49 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 4 2005, 07:09 PM)

The ring was finely made silver. A tiny gem rested on it in the shape of, you guessed it, a red coda. The vampires had obviously had their own enchanter among them. The enchantment seemed to be a fortify of some kind.

"What you got there?" Dante asked, approaching Loranna.

Posted by: Loranna May 4 2005, 11:54 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ May 4 2005, 05:49 AM)

"Not sure," Loranna says, telekentically picking the ring up and dropping it into a pouch. "I'll ask Slyvos to look at it later."

She looks around. "We should clear out anything actually worth saving and keep our eyes open for the next night or two for any that might have found another hiding hole nearby ... though I suspect the smart ones have fled to parts unknown, or maybe even back to their old hiding places."

She starts searching the mine, after bringing the bodies of the slain outside to be destroyed in the light of the sun. "Lend me a hand dear? Feather potions notwithstanding I've only got two arms," she asks with a smile.

Posted by: w0nders May 4 2005, 12:03 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 4 2005, 07:24 PM)

Dante nodded, before helping with any left over corpses. Once they were all placed outside, he searched the rest of the mine, but found nothing of interest. Besides from what the people of Ald Raathim had given the vampires before the Azurite battle.

Posted by: Nalion May 4 2005, 01:02 PM

Tailas Manor, Llainfair, High Rock
The door to Tailas study opened, hours had passed since Nalion entered. The guards rose as the Breton exited the study and looked curiously into the room, checking whether Tailas was still bound in chains. The short look they managed to shoot at him showed Joslin Tailas in his chains looking after the man he had despised and hated for such a long time. The look the noble wore now though, was different and very unusual for the ambitious and easy to anger man that he used to be. Tailas wore a face that was calm and seemed at peace with himself and his surroundings, gazing at the back of Nalion with a look both puzzled and amazed.
Then, the door shut behind Nalion and the guards looked at the Breton questioningly.

The mage's face looked weary, yet something indicated that he was content somehow. As a guard opened his mouth to adress him, Nalion waved at him to stop and shook his head. Slowly, Nalion left the manor and made his way back towards the village, deliberately taking his time.

Inside, Nalion felt a mixture of sorrow, love, compassion, satisfaction and determination. It would take a while to sort through what he had felt when he first was confronted with Tailas, when he faced Lirielle's ghost and offered Tailas his hand in peace and about the conversation with Tailas he just had.
He knew though, that he would not be alone in this. He had a family - or rather, had his family back - and he had friends to share thoughts and feelings.

It was time now to speak with his family to share memories and tales, to form a bridge over years of absence. Yet, he still had to tell them that he would not be able to stay, but it was a pleasantly comforting feeling to know that he would be able to come back and see them whenever he wanted to now. It was important to him that they understood why he had to go, though. So much had happened to him, so much things had changed around him - had changed him - so that the words he spoke to Arynel were literally true. The garden of his family had grown too small for him.

There was so much left to do still, he thought about paying a cautious visit to Wayrest once Joslin Tailas was put to trial there, he thought after all that happened, he owed him this last consolation. He also had Tris' invitation to Daggerfall in mind, Ald Raathim waited with its library and some unfinished notes and there was still the feeling that with his friends, new adventures would come whenever they took a turn on the road together...

These and other thoughts on the recent days roamed through his mind. Nalion arrived at the village and strolled over the village square towards the smithy of his father. The ringing of steel on steel could be heard, the apprentice seemed to be working on horseshoes this time. The Breton mage entered the house and, with a smile on his face, joined his family.

Posted by: Aki May 4 2005, 11:52 PM

QUOTE(w0nders @ May 4 2005, 06:03 AM)

"Perhaps someone should track down the rest of the vampires, ya know, to get our stuff back," Reichi said, with a slight grin. If he hadn't been a Dunmer, a ex-Assassin, and a Werewolf, killing the vampires without trying to subdue them and ask if they want the cure might have troubled him. Of course, being all three of those, he didn't feel a shred of guilt in butchering them like pigs.

Posted by: Lord Sephirus May 5 2005, 02:21 AM

Cyrcius returned to the witches cave to find that the party had left. After questioning the witches and learning that the party had teleported to Morrowind, he let out an exasperated sigh.

"Let me see, if i combine the money I have now, with what I can make on the road, I should be able to pay my way across the map via guild guide. As he rode to the nearest Mages Guild, he overheard two men gossiping about a trial that involved an unusual crew, including a gorgeous redhead, a Khajit, and several Dunmer. Quickly riding to Llainfair, he questioned the peasants, who after some convincing that he was a friend, directed him towards the smithy. He walked into the front cautiously, calling out to whoever was inside.

Posted by: El_Ahrairah May 6 2005, 05:38 AM

The sun sat easy, like a experienced rider slowly trotting through a familiar amalgamation of trees. Although the Knights of Agr's Rest had warned Bob of the foreboding terror, the hideous and disenchanting dangers of the world outside the enclave, the man dressed in irreproachably normal clothes looked onto the metropolitan oasis of Cyrodiil with an untoward grin. The idealistic youth of every generation forgets the most strident cautions of its forebears.

No, one would not say the Bob's mission was one of personal danger, as the unknown is as blurry as hindsight is twenty-twenty vision. To the humble and modest, a small prize can hold the bounty of a thousand gold pieces, or even more. Bob was curious, as the young is, to taste the world. His ambition was to feel the joy of baked goods. To be exact, pie.

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 6 2005, 07:29 AM

Ald Raathim: Tris

Tris went looking for Loranna. He found her in Jazbet's study, the site of so many crucial strategy meetings. Her study, Tris reminded himself. Ald Raathim was hers now.

"Got you doing paperwork?" Tris said, smiling, stepping through from Outside.

Posted by: Loranna May 6 2005, 07:31 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 6 2005, 01:29 AM)

Ald Raathim

Loranna looks up smiling at Tris. "Not quite as exciting as clearing out mines and blowing up cities but demanding all the same," she says, holding out her hands to Tris to offer a hug. "Hi dear, how are things?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 6 2005, 07:35 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 6 2005, 12:31 AM)

Tris returned her embrace.

"Strange," he said, in response to her question. But did not expound immediately.

"Allerleirauh sent me to invite you - and the others - to Solunastra. The place isn't quite ready for the symposium. The East wing still needs renovation, and apparently there are labor problems in Daggerfall, and... anyway. You're invited. And everyone else who's, you know, part of the group."

He looked as if he had something else to say, but hesitated to say it.

Posted by: Loranna May 6 2005, 07:38 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 6 2005, 01:35 AM)

Loranna smiles. "That's perfect; I was going to ask Allie if I could visit to see Sen-Yedda," she says.

Then, she pauses, looking at Tris curiously. " ... Is there something more to the not quite ready-ness and labor problems?" she asks. "Or something else?"

Posted by: Nalion May 6 2005, 07:39 AM

Ald Raathim, Jazbet's Manor
With a flash of light, a cloaked figure with his hood up appeared in Nalions chamber in Jazbet's manor. Water was dripping from the cloak, creating a pool under the figure's feet.
"It's First Seed, not Rain's Hand! It's been bucketing down at home!", the figure muttered under his breath and withdrew the hood, revealing Nalion.
He unbuttoned his cloak and hung it into a closet and brushed up his robe.

Nolan had told him that Loranna had taken her leave from him and returned to her village. "Her village." Nalion thought and smiled. After he had made himself halfway fashionable, he decided to have a look into the study, where they had gathered so many times before.

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 6 2005, 07:41 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 6 2005, 12:38 AM)

"At least you have your mirror," Tris said.

"It's... a little something else. Dom's ghost, that was pretty strange, eh? And then... Nalion's dead wife appears. Well, two is a coincidence, three is a pattern. Ciel and I went to visit the grave of his wife. And she appeared, briefly, just for a moment. Does that sound... maybe I'm making too much of a small thing. For all I know, ghosts are common and I just don't get out enough."

Posted by: Loranna May 6 2005, 07:47 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ May 6 2005, 01:39 AM)

Loranna looks over, smiling when she sees Nalion reveal himself. "The weather catching you off guard dear?" she asks, chuckling. "Welcome back; how are things back home going?"

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 6 2005, 01:41 AM)

" ... Well, for all I know ghosts may be common," Loranna says. "But running into three in so short a time seems just a little odd, especially since we weren't looking to meet any ghosts half the time ..."

Posted by: Nalion May 6 2005, 07:50 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 6 2005, 07:41 AM)

"Other ghosts? You mean you encountered your own ghosts, too?" Nalion murmured. "It seems that it has been time for each of us to lay issues of the past to rest... in peace."

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 6 2005, 07:53 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ May 6 2005, 12:50 AM)

"I am all right, Loranna. It was good to spend time with my family, we have worked together to literally familiarize ourselves again. I know I can come back any time now and visit them. It's a good feeling. I have also seen to that Joslin is off to Wayrest..."
"Other ghosts? You mean you encountered your own ghosts, too?" Nalion murmured. "It seems that it has been time for each of us to lay issues of the past to rest... in peace."

"That's what I was thinking," Tris said. "But are ghosts of the past usually... ghosts?"

He shook his head.

"Nalion, I was just telling Loranna here. Everyone's invited to Solunastra, to rest and revel and make ready for the symposium. There's going to be a gathering of scholars... eventually. But this is just a gathering of friends under one roof."

Posted by: Loranna May 6 2005, 07:57 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 6 2005, 01:53 AM)

"If they are then I have a lot of ghosts to meet and answer to," Loranna says, her lips pressing together in a thin, grim line for a moment.

Then, she shakes her head. "Friends gathering and celebrating is good; Illidan's back among the living, Nalion's a free man and reunited with his family, ... any excuse for sweetrolls is good for me ..."

"Nalion dear let's get you dried off and tell the others; Tris hun, this just a day or two or more of a week-long get-together?"

Posted by: Nalion May 6 2005, 07:59 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 6 2005, 07:53 AM)

"It's both, laying those ghosts to their final and peaceful rest and laying our own hearts to rest on this matter, I think." Nalion said thoughtfully. "It is freeing ourselves from burdens we took upon us."

The mage smiled upon the invitation.
"I am honoured by the invitation, Tris. I would love to see the others who were not with us in High Rock again."

The mage smiled at Loranna's comment. "I'll be fine, Loranna. Give me some minutes to change and I will be ready."

Posted by: Loranna May 6 2005, 08:15 AM

Ald Raathim

The word was spread, through Kallen the incomprable Dunmer sceheschael, Loranna the Lady of Daruhn, and others; all who were part of the party were invited to Solunastra, to rest, rejoice, and remember.

Loranna made an especial effort to make sure everyone knew that Everyone She Knew And Counted As A Traveling Companion Was Invited; sweetrolls and dancing were reputed to be involved, and at least one angry glare ...

(OOC: Ahem; fear not, for wherever your character is, our dedicated band of invitation-bearers can and will find you, and ensure you have the means to get to Solunastra safe, sound, and on time. You may consider yourselves as relaxing with the rest of us )

How can we do this, you ask? Well ...

(High Rock News Flash! This just in; apparently the former Incarnate Mother and current Lady of Daruhn, Morrowind, one Loranna Pyrel, was seen running through the streets of Daggerfall wearing nothing but an enchanted two piece bikini and some jewerly, pushing a wheelbarrow full of groggy people and running at magically-enchanced speeds. When the High Rock Frog asked what was going on, she promptly cast an Absorb Fatigue spell with a range of Hug, squished the poor frog with a Nordic Barmaid Bearhug, and tossed him onto the pile of groggy people, yelling "Don't make me late! There's sweetrolls to eat!" Scholars are already pondering the signifigance of these events and their relation to the events at Red Mountain, though popular opinon is that the Daedra Prince Azura is directly involved in this mysterious event. )
===

Moving right along ...

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 6 2005, 08:31 AM

Daggerfall

The Mages's Guild in Ald Raathim took the party directly to the Mages's Guild in Daggerfall City.

Although Daggerfall and Wayrest were mortal enemies, you wouldn't have known, from the people passing in the street, whether you were in one or the other. Fashions were the same, although Daggerfall was perhaps a little more risque than Wayrest, governed by conservative Elysana.

"It's straight East across the city from the Mages's Guild," Tris said. He rented a carriage for them; Daggerfall was a huge city, bigger than any in Vvardenfell, too far to walk comfortably. "There's a carriage house which backs on to the Guild house."

They drove to what was known as Royal Row, a street originating at Castle Daggerfall itself and leading straight to the dockyard district. Along the way it passed elegant neighborhoods, where individual houses with yards were set back from a street lined with statues, fountains, and courtyards with iron gates. Then less elegant, where blocks of solid merchant's houses clustered together. Finally, at the dockyard, the houses were those of the working poor, single rented rooms in tumbledown wooden shacks.

Solunastra, the Guildhouse, was in the wealthy district, nearest the Castle. It was one of four identical manors, elaborate in architecture, set far back from a public square. Outside it flew the sun, moon and stars banner of Solunastra.

Within, massive columns carved with statues of Nirn flanked an enomous feast hall. At the head of the high table were three throne like chairs, the chairs of the three resident masters. Behind them, a single live tree, lit by dappled light from stained glass windows soared to the ceiling.

http://home.wnm.net/~bgriff/NWN/NWSolHall01.JPG

Posted by: Solin May 6 2005, 08:45 AM

A Dunmer sat leaning back with one leg draped over another in the right most chair at the high end of the table, he was dressed in a red robe of a light, well made cut. He was waiting. The garment’s hood was down and the ash scarf was unwrapped revealing the wearer’s face. His race and messy black and white hair identified him immediately as Solin. One hand rested on the table before him and the other supported his chin from the arm of the chair. From his seat he watched as the newcomers entered the hall an expression of curiosity was writ on his features.

He looked as if he was expecting someone.

Posted by: Loranna May 6 2005, 08:46 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 6 2005, 02:31 AM)

Daggerfall
http://home.wnm.net/~bgriff/NWN/NWSolHall01.JPG

Solunastra ... Allie's Home. A place Loranna had thought about several times, back in the days when she was the vessel and puppet of Azura. A place she at first had thought of as the home of the Void Rangers, as cold most likely as that deep unknowable abysss they all passed through while peering down at the world, then later as the headquarters of those who would resist what she had to do, was trapped into doing, and finally as the refuge of those who would hopefully save the world from her, a place where good people who were forced by stupid people to suffer went to rest and plan, away from the prying mind of a clueless barmaid and the demon she took within her.

She had never thought she would ever see Solunastra until very recently, after Hogithum; at first, she hadn't wanted to see it, then later she simply thought herself unworthy. Today, she walked in, invited, a welcome guest, and the idea of being invited into Allie's house brought tears to her eyes, before the majesty and beauty of the place even had a chance to fully set in.

"It's lovely ..." she whispers, covering her mouth as she started laughing soundlessly; she was being very foolish, getting all worked up over feelings that had no place in her anymore. But there they were and they all came out and if she kept acting like this she'd make everyone wonder about her - well, more than usual.

She wipes her eyes, and takes a deep breath, and feels fine - though in the back of her mind, she thinks to herself I feel like a little girl again ...

QUOTE(Solin @ May 6 2005, 02:45 AM)

"Solin; well met," Loranna says, smiling at the Dunmer. "How have you been?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 6 2005, 08:51 AM

"Welcome to Solunastra," Allerleirauh said, rising from the centermost chair and coming to greet them. She wore golden robes. "Sen-Yedda is sleeping; her nurse, Jalian, is with her now."

Posted by: Arynel May 6 2005, 08:52 AM

Opposite Solin, seated in the left most chair was a Breton, his expression, mannerisms, and attire were not noticably different, save for one critical distinction - they were as if seen previously through a window, and now the glass had been shattered.

Posted by: Sir Radont May 6 2005, 08:54 AM

Radont entered, dressed in his best casual clothes. Even with the layers of cloth piled on him he still felt naked without his armor though he tried not to let it show too much. He looked around the room and admired the architecture, "Nice Place" he said to a wall or anyone in hearing range.

Posted by: Nalion May 6 2005, 08:56 AM

Nalion entered the manor and took in the scenery.
"It's beautiful." he thought.

Solunastra. He had heard only few bits and pieces of it. Allerleirauh's home and stronghold - and more?

He straightened.
The Breton mage had done what he told Loranna and changed his clothes. He did not use fine clothes often, given the adventures they recently had, but now he was clad in a blue robe on his shoulder. A matching blue cloak with a hood was slung around his shoulders. The equipment he usually carried with him remained in Ald Raathim, he carried only his staff and the Dagger of Senses with him.
On each of his middle finger gleamed a ring, one with a small inscription on it, the other shining in an eerie green colour if the light fell on it in the right angle.

Nalion bowed towards Allerleirauh, Solin and Arynel in a formal manner.
"Lady Allerleirauh, it is both an honour and a great pleasure to be here. It is good to see you again."

"Masters Solin and Arynel, it is a pleasure to meet you again, too." he added with a smile.

Posted by: Loranna May 6 2005, 08:59 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 6 2005, 02:51 AM)

"Welcome to Solunastra," Allerleirauh said, rising from the centermost chair and coming to greet them. She wore golden robes. "Sen-Yedda is sleeping; her nurse, Jalian, is with her now."

QUOTE(Arynel @ May 6 2005, 02:52 AM)

"Allie; you look radiant," Loranna says, "thank you for inviting us all over. I've missed you this past month, you and Sen-Yedda both."

She nods to Arynel, saying "Hello again friend; how does the path greet you?"

QUOTE(Sir Radont @ May 6 2005, 02:54 AM)

Hearing Radont, Loranna gives Allie a small 'If He Only Knew' grin, and a wink.

Posted by: Arynel May 6 2005, 09:02 AM

Arynel nodds towards Nalion, and then the Breton turns towards Loranna saying, "The world goes on as it does, and I also, wherever so my feet may trod."

Posted by: Solin May 6 2005, 09:04 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 6 2005, 01:46 AM)

"Solin; well met," Loranna says, smiling at the Dunmer. "How have you been?"

Solin nodded to Loranna and then to the others in acknowledgment.

"Well for the moment, busy in the not recent past. Tending the darkened places in the Arena."

Posted by: Rhedd May 6 2005, 09:06 AM

"Well!" said Rodastyr, "this is more elegance than you deserve, Master Gaerington!"

Rodastyr had seemed rather surprised to be invited as well, and had been quiet on the trip to Tris's home. The reverence with which everyone spoke of Solunastra had made him wonder what sort of place awaited them.

Quite used to courts and banquet halls, he swept across the long floor and bowed sweepingly to the masters of the house.

"Greetings, fine Sirs and most noble Lady. Rodastyr Masterhouse, at your service."

Posted by: w0nders May 6 2005, 09:06 AM

Illidan stepped inside the guildhall, dressed in exquisite clothes. Ones he had purchased shortly before leaving. His hair was tied back with a larger, more extravagent bow and was tossed over his shoulder. "Pretty sweet set-up you've got here." He said, running a white glove along one of the walls, in a search for dust.

"It is very nice." Dante added, shortly after. He was also wearing expensive clothing, though the sleeves were bunched up rather unattractively. "It's good to see you all again."

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 6 2005, 09:15 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ May 6 2005, 01:56 AM)

QUOTE(Loranna @ May 6 2005, 01:59 AM)

QUOTE(Rhedd @ May 6 2005, 02:06 AM)

Allerleirauh embraced Loranna. "You look well yourself."

She turned to Nalion and offered him her hand. "Well met, my dear good friend." Then smiled at Dante and Illidan.

"Illidan, I see you are fully recovered! How wonderful. I hope you appreciate what a fine brother you have."

To those she had not met before, Radont, Rodastyr, and the others, she bowed and said, "I am the mistress of this house. Call me Allerleirauh. This is an adventurers guild, where those who save the world come to have their reward. Each of you has had his share in saving the world, or little bits of it, yes? If not, you are welcome anyway. There is a fire in the music room, and instruments with which to divert yourself; the servants will bring food when you ask for it, and dinner is at sundown promptly. Tonight we are informal."

She gestured to the grand stone staircase. "The guest rooms are upstairs. I ask that none of you venture up to the third floor. My magical experiments take place there, and it may be dangerous."

Posted by: Nalion May 6 2005, 09:27 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 6 2005, 09:15 AM)

Allerleirauh embraced Loranna. "You look well yourself."

She turned to Nalion and offered him her hand. "Well met, my dear good friend."

The Breton mage took her hand and looked firmly into her eyes. "I can only return this, dear Allerleirauh, with my thanks for the invitation." Then he made way for her to greet the others.

QUOTE

She gestured to the grand stone staircase. "The guest rooms are upstairs. I ask that none of you venture up to the third floor. My magical experiments take place there, and it may be dangerous."

Unrecognizably, Nalions right eyebrow lifted slightly, then he smiled and withheld a chuckle.

Posted by: Loranna May 6 2005, 09:33 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 6 2005, 03:15 AM)

Allerleirauh embraced Loranna. "You look well yourself."

"Thank you," Loranna says, her blond hair, grey skin, and blue dress making a notable contrast between Allie's silver hair, white skin, and golden robe.

Letting Allie go, she says "When you have a moment, I've something to tell you, Allie."

She briefly wonders what magic experiments Allie is involved in right now, or if 'magic experiments' was a euphemism for a hole leading to the Void; she makes a mental note to make sure natural feline curiosity doesn't get the better of someone.

Then, she wonders how the sweetrolls in Daggerfall are ...

Posted by: Sir Radont May 6 2005, 09:37 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 6 2005, 03:15 AM)

... There is a fire in the music room, and instruments with which to divert yourself; the servants will bring food when you ask for it, and dinner is at sundown promptly. Tonight we are informal."

Upon hearing this, Radont walked into the music room and picked up a guitar. He looked it over admiring the craftsmanship before sitting down and strumming out an old Imperial tune.

Posted by: w0nders May 6 2005, 09:44 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ May 6 2005, 04:45 PM)

"Illidan, I see you are fully recovered! How wonderful. I hope you appreciate what a fine brother you have."

"Thanks," Illidan said, grinning. "And I do, this little guy's great." He added, scruffing the back of Dante's hair.

Dante gave a sheepish smirk, before nudging Illidan in the ribs.

Posted by: Arynel May 6 2005, 09:49 AM

QUOTE(Sir Radont @ May 6 2005, 01:37 AM)

Upon hearing this, Radont walked into the music room and picked up a guitar. He looked it over admiring the craftsmanship before sitting down and strumming out an old Imperial tune.

If Radont perchance looks down, he may find a piece of music lying about.

Posted by: Sir Radont May 6 2005, 09:58 AM

After a few warm up cords, Radont settles back into his chair and starts singing in a voice that seemed like it should be coming from a professional musician instead of a Knight Bachelor of the Imperial Legion. He had found a song befitting the occasion.

Off a street in Daggerfall
Sets a large and comely hall
Spoke of’en of by many a citizen
Who have come to know the will of its patrons
T’is the place where gather near
Those of worth and extraordinaire

The heroes they will tell a tale
Of a place of rest for them to find
They imagine it with sunlit veil
Though the stars and moon join in the light
You will find this place in Daggerfall
Where by the road sets a hall

Those who frequent this place are not
The usual personage tot
For here gathers those who’s feet hath trodden
Many a path left so often virgin

Three are the masters there
Though they are not so high to forget the cares
Of those around indeed their skill
Stems from recognition of mortal ills
And travesties borne with agents of fate
Which they combat by being awake

Posted by: Loranna May 6 2005, 10:06 AM

QUOTE(Sir Radont @ May 6 2005, 03:58 AM)

Loranna had been munching on a sweetroll when she hears Radont strike up a song; finishing the last bite of the delectable treat - they knew how to make a good sweetroll in Daggerfall, or else Allie knew a good place to find them - she heads into the music room, smiling at Radont.

Loranna begins swaying a bit, feeling an urge to dance; this was a time to relax and revel, after all. She spies a tambourine and soon is shaking it in time with the rhythm of Radont's song, dancing as she had learned to dance back in Cyrodiil, as a barmaid.

Closing her eyes, a smile on her lips, Loranna dances; she had meant to learn more formal dancing for quite some time now, but at this moment she relaxes, confident that she knows enough to move her feet without tripping. Natural grace and poise, tempered by adventuring, lends her movements a simple but acceptable air, heightened by her beauty to create a pleasing spectacle - especially for the menfolk.

Posted by: Teleran May 6 2005, 10:09 AM

Teleran walked into the guildhall wearing plain but well woven navy-blue clothing, his usually unruly hair combed into a semblance of order, though it was quickly reverting to its usual chaos. He had even polished his left arm so that it shone in the light. He still carried his usual pack of potions and enchanted items and an excess of daggers on his person though. As soon as the initial greetings were exchanged he disappeared upstairs to the guest rooms. He reappeared downstairs a few minutes later without his pack on his back or his daggers at his belt.

He found the nearest servant and started to ask for some lightly spiced Nix Hound meat, before realizing that there wasn’t likely to be any in High Rock. He started again, “Can I have a serving of the meat off one of those branch-horned horses? Eer or something like that.”

Posted by: S'reddit May 6 2005, 10:10 AM

Daggerfall Castle, Daggerfall

Nulfaga sat in the corner and watched her great grandchildren at play. It was Cameron’s 8th birthday, and he had all the noble children of the realm, together with his big brother Lysandus and two little sisters Akorithi and Mynisera in the throne room, playing war. Lys, Cam, Aka, and Myn, children again, playing the game that had started the whole black, bloody business.

Nulfaga could not help but frown.

Gothryd was in Sentinel, talking to his brother-in-law King Lhotun. Aubk-I was in the Imperial City on another diplomatic mission. They were a good ruling team, Nulfaga thought, even if there was little love between them. And precious little attention for their children.

Akorithi ran into her great grandmother’s arms. They were close. Akorithi had power within her, magickal strength like Nulfaga’s.

‘You tried to bring grandfather back to life because you love him?’ Aka asked.

‘Yes,’ Nulfaga nodded. ‘He was my son. Lysandus, like your brother.’

‘I wouldn’t bring him back to life,’ Aka grimaced.

Nulfaga laughed. ‘Probably just as well. Resurrection’s trickier than it seems …’

Posted by: Allerleirauh May 6 2005, 10:17 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ May 6 2005, 03:09 AM)

The servant girl was young, barely older than a teenager, with pale hair, pale skin, pale eyelashes... in fact she was all pale, like a sketch that the artist hadn't blocked in yet. She was also shy, and she stammered a little in telling Teleran that dinner wasn't until later, and she was afraid of the cook.

Tris, overhearing the conversation, laughed. "She's right, I'm afraid of Igba and I've faced down liches. If you get hungry between meals in this house, your best bet is to run down to the nearest tavern. We have two good ones. The Rat's Satchel... well, let's just say they probably aren't your kind of crowd. And the Emperor's Jewels, where all the old retired soldiers hang out. Yes, the Rat's Satchel is a place for men looking for men, and the Emperor's Jewels is for the other kind. The irony's not lost on me."

Posted by: Nalion May 6 2005, 10:20 AM

Nalion silently admired the tunes, the voice and the text of the song. He felt the urge to add a line of his own, but he felt uninspired and his own feeble skills seemed not to fit this occaison.
Thus, he remained silent and enjoyed the song and Loranna's dancing, sipping at a glass of wine he had snatched from a servant.
"Well, Tris is right, the wine in this region is much better than at home." he muttered, smiling to himself.

He looked at Tris, who was commenting on the recently arrived Teleran and joined the laughter.

Posted by: Attrebus May 6 2005, 10:24 AM

200+ posts.