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

Posted by: Loranna Jun 5 2005, 09:51 AM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you, and have fun!

===

Info for Loranna:

Race: Nord
Sex: Female

Info for Gram:

Race: Nord
Sex: Male
Hair: Red, full beard (think Red Hair from Conan the Barbarian)
Eyes: Blue
===

Summary for Loranna:

Loranna was recently kidnapped by the Daedra Duke Drevious, along with Reichi and Nalion, to be part of Meridia's final trial for Maranda. Trapped in a pocket of Oblivion, her magic and potions ineffective, she witnessed Maranda's eventual triumph. She was last seen drinking in a tavern, discussing the illusory combat with Nal and Reichi.

Summary for Gram:

Gram has found himself growing a bit restless, all this messing around with ghosts making him yearn for living opponents to rail against. After training with Loranna a bit in the eternal point and counterpoint of fighter versus caster, he has gone exploring the areas around Daggerfall to find adventure.

Posted by: Aki Jun 5 2005, 10:32 AM

Summary

Reichi, the male Dunmeri Werewolf is with Loranna and Nalion, relaxing after some training, and the encounter with Duke Drevious. Tohe, meanwhile, is still resting in that building.

Posted by: Nalion Jun 5 2005, 12:27 PM

OOC Summary:
Nalion, a male Breton mage currently sits with the pleasant company of Loranna and Reichi in the Emperor's Jewels tavern in Daggerfall, discussing the recent events.
In the back of his mind and heart, though, an image begins to reappear that was subdued but never gone during these events.

Posted by: dentris Jun 5 2005, 07:20 PM

Summary

P'Rassha, the big, fast and curious Cathay-raht khajjit is sleeping in his bed, dreaming about his lost love.

Posted by: Arynel Jun 5 2005, 07:38 PM

OOC:

The Breton Arynel has returned to Daggerfall and is making his way towards the guildhouse.

Posted by: w0nders Jun 6 2005, 11:38 AM

Summary-

Dante, male Dunmer, is around Solunstra...

Illidan, male Dunmer, former vampire, is around Solunstra as well...go figure, right?

Posted by: Shardie Jun 7 2005, 04:03 AM

Summary -

A marshy swamp outside the city of Daggerfall is where our heroes dwell after surviving the Gauntlet of Heroes, and the Fifth test, Maranda, her freedom newly won, wonders what to do with her life.

The Redguard Lacoriz is tending to his companions, his fellow "Seven Paladins of Justice" and his Liege, Lord Landon, all of whom are unconsious by the side of the swamp...

A summary

Maranda Biennie
The heroine of this RP, she is a 26 year old breton, hailing from Daggerfall City. Her class is that of a conjuror, but she has broadened her scopes to focus on Destruction Magic and Longblade. Her posessions are quite small, as she spends much of her time on the road, her White-gold sword, a powerful weapon that can absorb magika into the blade, and use that magika as an effect is her principle weapon. Her Ring of the Shadow Mind is a powerful item, allowing the user to summon a Flame Monarch once a day, as well as fortifying Magika at an unseemly high amount. Her Ocarina used to be able to summon fiends from Oblivion, but no longer has any power, and she has a lovely insulating White Wolf Cloak which keeps out both the cold and the heat, protecting her from flame and ice based magics

Now, a summary for Lord Landon and his seven Palidins? As I am too lazy to type a new one, cut and paste is my friend!

Lord Landon and his Seven Paladins of Justice (paladins in the French term, not the D and D term)

Landon
Race Imperial
Sex Male
Class knight

Lord Landon is unconsious in a swamp outside of daggerfall city
He is armed with an Ebony Broadsword, and full Ebony Armour, as well as a charm that increases luck by 10 every time it is used.

Seven Palidins
Race, Mixed
Sex, Six Males, One Female
Class mixed

Lord Landons seven Paladins are his loyal companions from his adventuring days in the Black Marsh, and are his close friends.

Issac is the leader of the group, armed with a Daedric Spear he captured from a Daedroth once, as he likes to boast, "with his bare hands" and posesses elven armour. His main skill is Mounted Combat with his spear. He has a ring, given to him by his late Mother, which enhances his skills with the spear. he is a Imperial, and grew up in the same town as Lord landon

Paul is next, his skill is with his ancient elven Daikatana. A weapon dating from the first era, how he ended up with it is anyones guess. he is a breton, and proud of it, and met up with the party in Black Marsh. he also specalizes in healing magics and is supposivly in a relationship with

Arisa, the only female member of the Palidins. A Spellsword, and a very good one at that too... Her princible weapon is a mace, of unknown origin, but it looks of Aldmeri design. She is, like paul, a Breton, and also is skilled in Destruction Magics, but Unlike paul, she was a servent at Lord Landon's Estate before his departure, she came with him to make sure he kept clean

Red is a Nord, and like all good male Nords, he is big, and likes to drink. His princible weapon is his steel axe, which he has two of, and fights best when drunk. If one was to call him a class, it would be a barbarian, but his bravery is unsurpassed. even in the Taverns of the Summerset isles is his brave deeds noted. He saved Lord landon by holding up a horde of Goblins that were chasing them in during the Black Marsh Adventure. He joined with Lord landon as a mercanry on his mothers request, to guard him, but has since become good friends with him

Elverere is a high elf. And that is strange. He is a pure mage too, which is even stranger. And the fact that he is traveling with the Paladins as one of thier number is amazing to most people who don't know him. But Lord Landon saved he, and his family's life one winters night on the road to Chorrol, from some bandits, and has since vowed to serve him. He has an Enchanted Daedric Dagger as his weapon, but his primary weapon is his powerful spells. Skilled in all the mystical arts, he is a valuble member to the party

Cerius, the Imperial is another strange member, a Nightblade, formally under the Emperor during the Thawn years, was thrown out of service as he was suspected of being a conspiritor with the deranged battlemage. He got a job as a servent in the Landon Estate, and joined Lord Landon from the begining

Lacoriz is the Redguad, and last member of the seven palidins. Not much is known of him, except he is unparreleled with the blade by all... it is rumoured by his companions that he can summon a spirit blade, as the mystical yokodans did, but uses a Daedric Daikatana as his primary weapon. How he joined the party is yet to be revealed...

Posted by: Shardie Jun 7 2005, 04:04 AM

sorrty, my mistake... if someone would deleate this

Posted by: Loranna Jun 7 2005, 08:57 AM

Unaware of his daughter's latest escapades, Gram Pyrel, called Gram the Wild and Gram Twilight Slayer, was taking in the sights of Daggerfall providence. Daggerfall was one of the more populated providences in High Rock, so Gram found little lack for company on the open roads and rolling woodlands.

Even better, much of this company was the sort that thought a well-used broadsword a most excellent conversation starter, and gold and treasures a worthy topic for discussion, or else the company was wild and rugged, versed in the languages of the rumbling belly and of claw and fang. To each Gram did present himself with wit and poise, politely meeting each greeting with the sound wisdom of Trueturner, and letting Frostkiss be his eloquent response to further entreaties.

One conversationalist, his companions having acknowledged Gram's superior speechcraft and gone silent, tried to formulate a proper response to the redbearded Nord with the broad smile and the flashing eyes.

"Wretched Nord, ye'll pay for this," he sneered, pulling a dagger from his boot to compliment his slim longblade. Sweat glistened from his furrowed brow and his unshaven features twisted into a mask of hate and bravado. "No one crosses Big Eddy's men and lives to tell the tale!"

Gram laughed; clearly his fellow conversationalist wished to share stories of high adventure. "And 'tis Big Eddy himself to whom I speak?" he asked, wiping frozen blood off of Frostkiss. "Surely then I have met a worthy opponent then; I, Gram Pyrel, hero of southern Cyrodiil and slayer of blue-eyed demons. Tell me friend, what has Big Eddy done, that I may tell the tale of our meeting properly to my tavernmates."

"You should have asked those tavernmates about me before you came wandering down my stretch of road," Big Eddy growled, pulling himself to his full height - a height which did not surpass Gram's, surprisingly enough. "Bigger men than you've met their end on the tip of me sword; that big shield of yours won't save you."

"Surely then you must be ten times the man your men were," Gram chuckled. "Ah lad, I'm a good-hearted man; take the first blow, on me."

Big Eddy sneered, and lunged; Gram brought up his shield to deflect the thrusting blade, though the Breton bandit noted that the loud-mouthed Nord wasn't as fast as he, and had a bad leg to boot. The axe Frostkiss whistled through the air, and Big Eddy ducked, grinning as he swiped at Gram's legs. Again Trueturner moved and again the sword was blocked, and yet again did Big Eddy duck a sweeping blow from Frostkiss.

Heh; the fool leaves his side open when he swings, Big Eddy noted. Just one more swipe for my head you overgrown carrot; I'll show you how Big Eddy finishes his fights ...

The Breton swung and Trueturner moved, but the Breton reversed the blow, forcing Gram to shift his weight awkwardly in order to block. The axe came up and Big Eddy got ready to duck, already envisioning his swift roll and stab that would end this fight.

The axe whistled through the air and Big Eddy ducked ... and Gram, smiling jovially, brought the hammer head of Frostkiss down on Big Eddy's skull, easily checking the blow and moving with unexpected speed. Big Eddy's skull cracked open and he was dead before he realized what had happened.

Another fruitful conversation had; Gram laughed and breathed in the fresh High Rock air, muttering "Poor lad, never assume your opponent is slower than you, nor that their blows will always follw the path you predict."

Still chuckling, Gram searched the bodies of the fallen, and something on Big Eddy caught his eye ...

Posted by: Loranna Jun 9 2005, 05:15 AM

Daggerfall: Solunastra

Loranna comes into the guildhouse, sighing. The day had been somewhat wearying, and she feels happy to sit down and rest for a bit.

" ... Hmm ..." she mutters, "wonder where my father went off to ..."

Frowning, she removes her magic mirror from her pocket, and focuses on it ...

Woodlands Outside Daggerfall

It had taken a while, but Gram had found the hiding hole of Big Eddy, an old abandoned dungeon like so many that littered the High rock landscape. The earthen mound with the single wooden door stood in front of him, looking less than welcoming ...

"A fitting place for a man of Big Eddy's stature," Gram chuckles to himself, hefting Frostkiss to pick the lock, Nordic style.

Posted by: Dumbkid Jun 9 2005, 05:34 AM

As evening approached the mood in the city of Daggerfall changed, but only slightly, indeed, what with so many deceased showing up it seemed even in broad daylight that it was drearily close to nightfall, which only made the nocturnal world that much more unwelcome. This early eve a traveler appeared in Daggerfall, and it was clear that he had traveled far, though from where was uncertain. He traveled alone, and the old cloak he wore over an equally non distinct robe kept his race and any hints at physical appearance safely hidden. His belongings, also, were undeterminable, save for a lump nestled between cloak and robe which seemed to be a traveling pack of some sort.

Stopping for a moment in the street, the figure stood stone still, as a transfixing memory from younger days had at that moment returned to him. Whatever caused his brief stillness, it dissipated as quickly as it had appeared, and he moved on, down the street. Were there any eyes around to take notice, they would have seen the figure disappear into an alleyway.

Posted by: Loranna Jun 9 2005, 05:47 AM

QUOTE(Dumbkid @ Jun 8 2005, 11:34 PM)

Loranna had stepped out of the guildhouse, having determined her father to be somewhere outside of Daggerfall and figuring to check in on him. Seeing the night fall, she pauses for a second, anticipating more ghostly sightings.

Hailing a carriage was a bit more difficult than usual tonight and so Loranna was forced to walk a bit, and so it came to pass that she happened by at the time the cloaked stranger stopped, looked transfixed, and headed down an allayway.

Curiosity getting the better of her, Loranna elects to follow, turning down the allay.

Posted by: ZeroSky Jun 9 2005, 05:49 AM

Kinda Late but

Summary-
Name- OakWell
Race- Wood Elf
Class- Theif
Sex- Male
Hair- Long and Blonde
Weapons- Dwemer Jinksword and wearing full set of Chitin Armor
Personality- Travels, Trying to find "Truth". Does not like to fool around and hates people who are bullies to younger people. He also hates other theifs and smugglers.

Posted by: Dumbkid Jun 9 2005, 06:05 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 8 2005, 11:47 PM)

The figure froze, though his mannerisms were entirely dissimilar from one who was lost in thought, instead, they were as with one whose back was in close proximity with a knife. The figure spun around quickly, the hood of his cloak hid all features save for a single eye that was not covered by the coarse material, which was a fiery red. A voice like two slabs of wood rubbed together appeared in the air.

“Who are you?”

Posted by: Loranna Jun 9 2005, 06:13 AM

QUOTE(Dumbkid @ Jun 9 2005, 12:05 AM)

Loranna's face expresses concern. "It's all right; I'm not trying to do anything," she says. "You just caught my eye is all; is everything all right, Serjo?"

Posted by: Dumbkid Jun 9 2005, 06:21 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 9 2005, 12:13 AM)

Loranna's face expresses concern. "It's all right; I'm not trying to do anything," she says. "You just caught my eye is all; is everything all right, Serjo?"

The single red eye stared out into the night from under the shadow of the hood on the figure's robe. He stood there silently for a moment before speaking.

“Do you mean to mock me outright, Nord, or are you in hopes of beguiling me into a false sense of trust?” The figure said in that same coarse voice. “I would advise you leave your tricks to those more foolish than I. Your name is what I asked, will you give it?”

Posted by: Loranna Jun 9 2005, 06:25 AM

QUOTE(Dumbkid @ Jun 9 2005, 12:21 AM)

Loranna frowns. "I mean to mock no one, sir," she says. "I was heading out, I saw you, something about you caught my eye. That's it."

"As for my name ..." Loranna considered giving her moniker for her current disguise as Grier, but decided against it. "Call me Loranna; might I know to whom I'm speaking?"

Posted by: Dumbkid Jun 9 2005, 06:29 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 9 2005, 12:25 AM)

“Loranna,” the figure repeated, titling his head up towards the night sky as if tasting the word, “Very good, very good.”

The figure’s head lowered and the single red eye was again staring right at Loranna, followed by a moment of still, and a whisper that echoed through the alleyway, “Yes, very, very good.”

The eye closed, for a moment, and then the lids parted, “I am Thadas Andrethi,” the figure said, “I have been waiting to meet you for a long, long time.”

Posted by: Loranna Jun 9 2005, 06:33 AM

QUOTE(Dumbkid @ Jun 9 2005, 12:29 AM)

Loranna gets a slight uneasy feeling. "Have you now?" she asks. "You're lucky I saw you then; I don't normally go around in allayways."

She gives a bit of a grin. "I prefer taverns and guilds; he food's generally better. So, serjo Thadas Andrethi, why have you been waiting to meet me?"

Posted by: Dumbkid Jun 9 2005, 06:36 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 9 2005, 12:33 AM)

The figure stood still again, though this time it seemed as if he had been struck with a paralysis spell. After a brief pause, he spoke.

“Again you mock me, Nord,” he said, the single red eye betraying no emotions save for utter determination, “Not waiting, no, searching, and now I have found you.”

Posted by: Loranna Jun 9 2005, 06:40 AM

QUOTE(Dumbkid @ Jun 9 2005, 12:36 AM)

"My apologies," Loranna says, feeling dumb; not many Dunmer were known for their sense of humor.

"Well, you've found me," she says, schooling herself to avoid making any witty comments. "I am curious as to why you were looking for me to begin with."

I hope this doesn't end in a fight, Loranna thinks to herself.

Posted by: Dumbkid Jun 9 2005, 06:46 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 9 2005, 12:40 AM)

“I have no intentions of violence,” the figure said as if reading her mind, “Though I would advice you to watch your tongue, Nord, I have reason enough already to end your life.”

The figure again went silent as his head tilted skyward, as if searching the stars for the right words, until at last he found some that suited his needs, and he spoke.

“Were you merely a simple n’wah that question would be more sensible, or are you not the talk of Tamriel? Perhaps you are so saturated with stories of your own manners that you are unsure of which I am concerned?”

Posted by: Loranna Jun 9 2005, 06:51 AM

QUOTE(Dumbkid @ Jun 9 2005, 12:46 AM)

Loranna frowns more deeply, biting back the first words that come to her lips.

"Let us cut to the chase then," she says. "You said you don't intend violence; what is it you do intend, then?"

Posted by: Dumbkid Jun 9 2005, 06:54 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 9 2005, 12:51 AM)

Loranna frowns more deeply, biting back the first words that come to her lips.

"Let us cut to the chase then," she says. "You said you don't intend violence; what is it you do intend, then?"

Again, the figure was still, this time as if holding back a raging fire burning through his innards. There was a long pause, and it was unclear whether he was unsure of what to say, or meant it for dramatic effect, in either case, that same rough voice shattered the silence.

“Reparations,” he said.

Posted by: Loranna Jun 9 2005, 06:56 AM

QUOTE(Dumbkid @ Jun 9 2005, 12:54 AM)

"I'm listening," Loranna says. Her tone was even, nuetral, as she regards the Dunmer standing before her.

Posted by: Dumbkid Jun 9 2005, 07:00 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 9 2005, 12:56 AM)

"I'm listening," Loranna says. Her tone was even, nuetral, as she regards the Dunmer standing before her.

The figure looked as if he had just cursed, though he had neither spoken nor moved.

“You are a puzzle,” he said at last, “Do you mean to fool me or are you really this much of a s’wit?”

Posted by: Loranna Jun 9 2005, 07:02 AM

QUOTE(Dumbkid @ Jun 9 2005, 01:00 AM)

The figure looked as if he had just cursed, though he had neither spoken nor moved.

“You are a puzzle,” he said at last, “Do you mean to fool me or are you really this much of a s’wit?”

Loranna sighs. "You say you want reparations," she says. "Fine then; I can understand that. Unless you want me to just randomly guess what reparations you felt were appropriate though I'd appreciate you telling me just what you were thinking."

Posted by: Dumbkid Jun 9 2005, 07:05 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 9 2005, 01:02 AM)

“So quick to pay your dues, are we?” The figure asked in a sarcastic tone that would have been humorous coming from nearly anyone else on any other night. “You are either very clever or very stupid, Loranna, are you even aware of the crimes for which you are repaying?”

Posted by: Loranna Jun 9 2005, 07:11 AM

QUOTE(Dumbkid @ Jun 9 2005, 01:05 AM)

Loranna sighs, rubbing her scalp; the Dunmer's anger was almost physically wearying.

For a long moment, she is simply quiet. Then, finally, she speaks.

"I'm going to start this conversation over," she says. "Hello, I'm Loranna; I hear you've been searching for me. Please serjo, tell me your tale so that I can know why you've come looking for me, with such a fire burning in your belly as to make every word you utter crackle with heat. I promise I will listen, and then after you're done, we'll talk."

Posted by: Dumbkid Jun 9 2005, 07:18 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 9 2005, 01:11 AM)

The figure stood still and emotionless, but the fiery red eye blazed beneath the hood of his robe.

“Insult me again, n’wah,” he said at last, “Having met you, I would not believe the tales of your exploits had I not myself been witness, and of your exploits I have heard much telling. I would suspect that your former success had been due entirely to luck, but you have come out on top too many times for that to be probable. Either you are so crafty as to take me as a fool, which I am doubtful, or you keep good company. Run along then, you will see me again, soon.”

With that, the figure stepped back a few paces and disappeared into the shadows.

Posted by: Loranna Jun 9 2005, 07:24 AM

QUOTE(Dumbkid @ Jun 9 2005, 01:18 AM)

Loranna groans. "So, did I just handle that totally badly, or is he honestly trying to get me to kill him ..."

She wastes a few moments looking for Thadas, but he had managed to leave the area without her being able to find him. Frustrated and annoyed, curious yet confounded, she pulls out her mirror, sights her father, then rubs her invisibility ring as she drinks a flying potion.

Hopefully, her father left a few bandits for her.

Posted by: Sir Radont Jun 9 2005, 08:59 AM

OOC:

Radont is a male Imperial, currently holding the rank of 'Knight Protector' in the Imperial Legion. He is donned in knight templar armor with an akaviri blade strapped securely at his side in an ornate sheath. He is in Solunastra waiting for the ghost business to clear up and looking for a quest to test out his new blade.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jun 9 2005, 08:49 PM

Update

Queen Elysana is in Wayrest, still concerned about the spate of hauntings which continue to increase in number. She is relying on her spymaster Herwyn to keep her apprised, and is working with the Archmagister Hannibal Traven to ferret out Necromancers who must surely be responsible. As a result of this, Mages Guilds through High Rock have been temporarily closed.

Bosriel is in Solunastra. She is no longer a Void Vampire, but something else, something that thrives on fear. She spends most of her time observing the other occupants of the guildhouse, and playing with Tamne. When she thinks she can get away with it, she hides in the kitchen. Though Bosriel can’t eat food, and Igba is not the friendliest sort, she has always felt most comfortable in the presence of orcs, and the delicious smells of the world beyond the Void are something she has not gotten used to yet …

Posted by: Loranna Jun 10 2005, 05:24 AM

Loranna's Journal

The dead still walk the world of the living, and the Mage Guilds here in High Rock still remain closed. Slyvos is beside himself, and I'm feeling a bit constrained as well. Thankfully Solunastra has a well-stocked library, but it's not quite the same.

Everyone's been keeping themselves occupied as far as I can tell; Slyvos is conducting his researches somehow, though he still seems a bit preoccupied when we're alone. I'm keeping busy helping out people with ghost problems; a healer with Calm spells and little fear of ghosts - and the occasional wits to spot a scam when she sees one - is welcome right now. Dad ... Dad's planning some sort of trip to Skyrim; he found some parchement in that bandit hiding hole I found him in last night and now he seems convinced that King Orgnum's Coffer can be found in some legendary yet mostly-forgotten dungeon back in the homeland.

He promised he'd be back in time for my wedding to Slyvos; he pointed out even that we haven't set a firm date yet. He has a point, and he has changed; I've seen it myself. Still, some small part of me is saying that he won't make it back in time, and I'll be left waiting, again.

---

This Thadas Andrethi fellow vexes me.

I've known that there are a lot of people upset at me still - and will be for a long time to come. I know that they have good reason to be upset; no one deserves to suffer what I brought down on people. And I did promise to try and make right what I had done wrong; that's the whole reason I've followed the path I'm on now, no?

... Well, maybe not quite; I want something more than just being a perpetual penitant. I want a family and I want to see Daruhn prosper and I want Slyvos to make the most of his new life, and for all of us to have happiness. Still ...

Maybe it's just his demeanor, the fact that nearly every word out of his mouth felt so insulting; I do enough calling myself stupid, thank you. And it's hard to get rid of the nagging feeling that all he really wants is to enact some revenge scheme on myself, maybe even those close to me too ...

... I don't even know if he's still alive or is yet another of the ghosts who have been coming back; sweet Dibella, all the ghosts I've seen so far and only one looking for me personally? After everything I did?

I just don't know enough about this fellow to know what I should be doing, if there is in fact anything I can reasonably do. Hrn ...

I'll look for him tonight, though I've no real idea where to look. I'll look anyway though, and if I find him I'll see if I can't come to some sort of terms with him. Then tomorrow, I think it's time to make a trip back to Ald Raathim and see how my home is doing; at least the Mage Guild in Sentinel is still open. Better go make sure Dad isn't planning on leaving while I'm gone without some idea of where he's going.

===

Her journal writing finished, Loranna heads out into Daggerfall to see what the day brings her.

Posted by: Arynel Jun 10 2005, 07:58 AM

The flames crackled in the fireplace as Arynel sat back in a cushioned chair. The Breton’s fingers were trailing over the words printed in a book, and his eyes followed suit. Now and again he would chuckle to himself or close his eyes and shake his head slowly from side to side, and then return his attention to the book.

He wore only simple traveler's clothes, and he bore no arm.

Posted by: Loranna Jun 10 2005, 08:10 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jun 10 2005, 01:58 AM)

As she's heading out, Loranna spots Arynel and pauses, smiling. "Hi Arynel; how has the path been treating you lately?" she asks.

Posted by: Arynel Jun 10 2005, 08:14 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 10 2005, 12:10 AM)

As she's heading out, Loranna spots Arynel and pauses, smiling. "Hi Arynel; how has the path been treating you lately?" she asks.

Arynel paused to put the book aside, laying it snuggly on the armrest, and then turned to Loranna.

“I am well, if that’s what you mean, though perhaps a bit anxious,” the Breton said, “And yourself?”

Posted by: Loranna Jun 10 2005, 08:17 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jun 10 2005, 02:14 AM)

"Much the same, really," Loranna admits. She pauses for a moment, her head tilted.

" ... Arynel, odd question for you; during our travels across Skyrim and Morrowind, did you ever happen to meet a Thadas Andrethi?" she asks.

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

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 10 2005, 12:17 AM)

Arynel paused, looking at Loranna blankly.

“No,” the Breton said, “I do not believe so. Perhaps I may have crossed paths with him, but no, the name is not familiar to me.”

Posted by: Loranna Jun 10 2005, 08:26 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jun 10 2005, 02:20 AM)

Arynel paused, looking at Loranna blankly.

“No,” the Breton said, “I do not believe so. Perhaps I may have crossed paths with him, but no, the name is not familiar to me.”

"Ah; that's okay," Loranna says. "Thought I'd ask, on the off chance."

She stands indecisively for a moment, thinking; her resolve to track down the mysterious Dunmer wavers for a moment, as she debates asking Arynel another question.

Posted by: Arynel Jun 10 2005, 08:28 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 10 2005, 12:26 AM)

Arynel’s eyes drifted slowly back to the book lying beside his arm, then his attention returned to Loranna.

“Yes, do you want something?” The Breton inquired.

Posted by: Loranna Jun 10 2005, 08:33 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jun 10 2005, 02:28 AM)

Arynel’s eyes drifted slowly back to the book lying beside his arm, then his attention returned to Loranna.

“Yes, do you want something?” The Breton inquired.

" ... Eh, he's someone I happened to bump into the other night who apparently wants reparations from me," she says. "Someone who's life got shattered by the Parade ot the Trail, I think. I mean to find him, try to talk to him with hopefully more success than last night; I just am not exactly looking forward to it, nor quite sure how to find him to begin with."

Posted by: Sir Radont Jun 10 2005, 08:37 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 10 2005, 02:26 AM)

Radont meanders into the room, he glances at Loranna and chuckles, "Leaving again?"

Posted by: Arynel Jun 10 2005, 08:38 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 10 2005, 12:33 AM)

“I see.” Arynel said, leaning back in the chair.

The Breton took a deep breath and stared up at the ceiling, then began to speak, “If he wishes to find you, and you wish also to oblige, then I say make yourself available, and he will come when he is ready. As for reparations, do you feel you must give payment as atonement for what occurred in Vvardenfell?”

Posted by: Loranna Jun 10 2005, 08:49 AM

QUOTE(Sir Radont @ Jun 10 2005, 02:37 AM)

Radont meanders into the room, he glances at Loranna and chuckles, "Leaving again?"

Loranna smiles. "Sir Radont, good to see you," she says. "Yes, I was thinking to." She turns to Arynel, listening to his words.

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jun 10 2005, 02:38 AM)

Loranna frowns. " ... I did make a promise way back when," she says. "Though to be honest, I feel I am making an atonement for past misdeeds by being who I am now. I made mistakes, I learned from them, I do what I can now to help instead of hurt."

She shrugs. "Just ... ehh, he sounds like he's let his anger consume him inside, that there's only this thought of getting reperations holding his temper in check," she says. "At the very least, he's not someone I want running around loose, to concoct elaborate revenge schemes on my friends to take from me what I took from him. At the best, he's someone who honestly needs help, and ..."

She stops for a moment, trying to pick her words. "Like I said, I try to help instead of hurt, now," she finishes.

Posted by: Arynel Jun 10 2005, 08:57 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 10 2005, 12:49 AM)

Loranna smiles. "Sir Radont, good to see you," she says. "Yes, I was thinking to." She turns to Arynel, listening to his words.
Loranna frowns. " ... I did make a promise way back when," she says. "Though to be honest, I feel I am making an atonement for past misdeeds by being who I am now. I made mistakes, I learned from them, I do what I can now to help instead of hurt."

She shrugs. "Just ... ehh, he sounds like he's let his anger consume him inside, that there's only this thought of getting reperations holding his temper in check," she says. "At the very least, he's not someone I want running around loose, to concoct elaborate revenge schemes on my friends to take from me what I took from him. At the best, he's someone who honestly needs help, and ..."

She stops for a moment, trying to pick her words. "Like I said, I try to help instead of hurt, now," she finishes.

“Thadas? Sounds like a Dunmer name, which goes a ways to explaining his behavior, I would think,” Arynel said, returning his gaze to Loranna.

The Breton paused to sit upright in his chair.

“Dear one, if I were to take the money from your purse today, and then tomorrow place it in this man’s here,” he said, indicating towards Lord Radont, “Would that be atonement? As for your new acquaintance, perhaps he does need help, but not all things are paid off so easily. Mindsets well set are difficult to alter.”

Posted by: S'reddit Jun 10 2005, 09:00 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 9 2005, 11:49 PM)

She stops for a moment, trying to pick her words. "Like I said, I try to help instead of hurt, now," she finishes.

'Me too,' said a little girl's voice from the shadows in the ceiling.

Posted by: w0nders Jun 10 2005, 09:03 AM

Solunstra, Dante’s room-

Dante sat on his bed, reading a poorly scrawled note he had found in the back pocket of his pants. After a third reading of said note, Dante stood up and walked over to his desk and picked up an amulet. One final look at the note and he scrunched it up, before activating the enchantment…soon enough he was back at his room in Ald Raathim, where he cast the note aside an began to rummage through a large chest in the corner of the room.

Posted by: Loranna Jun 10 2005, 09:06 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jun 10 2005, 02:57 AM)

Loranna ponders Arynel's words, smiling a little. "No, it wouldn't; it would simply be moving money around," she says. "Thank you Arynel; you've put this into perspective for me."

"And you're right; mindsets can be difficult to change once they're set," she continues. "And what others might suggest notwithstanding, he doesn't seem inclined to give anything I say any credence at all ..."

She looks over at Radont. "Sir Radont, have you any thoughts on this?" she asks. "And sorry for ignoring you for a moment there; I didn't mean to be rude."

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 10 2005, 03:00 AM)

'Me too,' said a little girl's voice from the shadows in the ceiling.

Loranna looks up. "Bosriel? Hello dear," she says. "How fare you?"

Posted by: S'reddit Jun 10 2005, 09:11 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 10 2005, 12:06 AM)

Loranna looks up. "Bosriel? Hello dear," she says. "How fare you?"

The little girl, dark but for her white eyes and lips, covered her mouth quickly. She had evidently not meant to speak out loud, and draw attention to herself.

Her eyes went to Loranna, and then to Arynel.

'I'm sorry,' Bosriel whispered, floating down from the ceiling and darting out into the hall. 'Pardon me.'

Posted by: Sir Radont Jun 10 2005, 09:12 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 10 2005, 03:06 AM)

Radont thinks for a moment then replies, "I'm not sure this Thadas fellow hears you because of his need for reparations, what I mean is physically he hears you, his ears, if he has any, pick up the sound but in his head your words may be twisted. If that is the case then it wouldn't be the first time I've seen this, we deal with a lot of... interesting people in the Legion. Be careful of where you step around this man."

Posted by: Arynel Jun 10 2005, 09:14 AM

“You have done no wrong here, stay if you would like.” The Breton said to Bosriel, then he chuckled hearing Sir Radont speak.

“Did you say anything to him which he should have given credence to?” Arynel asked loranna.

The Breton paused, running his hands through his dark brown hair, and then spoke, “I will ask again, do you think you must atone for what occurred in Vvardenfell?”

Posted by: Loranna Jun 10 2005, 09:20 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jun 10 2005, 03:14 AM)

"Arynel's right Bosriel; you're welcome to stay," Loranna concurs.

"As for what I said ... well, I forgot the Dunmer prediliction to not getting Nordic humor," she admits. "He said he was looking for me, so I asked why; he asked if I was truly so stupid as to need to ask, and I asked what he wanted. He said reperations and I said I was listening, and from there ... well, more of the same. It ended with me asking him to tell his story if he would and him promising I'd see him again."

She looks to Radont. " ... You're right, Sir Radont; I will be careful around him ... and I think I should simply keep doing what I'm doing, as far as atonement goes. I just thought, he came all this way to look for some sort of reperations, the least I could do was hear him out."

Posted by: S'reddit Jun 10 2005, 09:21 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jun 10 2005, 12:14 AM)

“You have done no wrong here, stay if you would like.” The Breton said to Bosriel, then he chuckled hearing Sir Radont speak.

Bosriel walked on uncertain feet back into the room. She almost seemed like a dancer walking on tip-toes, trying to hold her balance in a world with an up and a down.

'Thank you, Arynel,' the little girl said, smiling, and turning to Loranna. 'I find this conversation interesting. Will you kill Thadas before he kills you?'

Posted by: Arynel Jun 10 2005, 09:25 AM

“You never seem to answer my question, and it is a very simple one.” Arynel said, adding “It’s not a trick,” after a moment of silence.

The Breton chuckled listening to Bosriel speak, and then said, “She’s smart, that one. I would like to speak more on Thadas, truly, but first, do you think you must pay atonement?”

Posted by: Sir Radont Jun 10 2005, 09:29 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 10 2005, 03:21 AM)

Radont jumped back and nearly dropped his sword at the sight of the girl but regained his composure at the comments from the others in hte room. "Ah, hello there, M'am." He said awkwardly.

Posted by: S'reddit Jun 10 2005, 09:33 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jun 10 2005, 12:29 AM)

The Breton chuckled listening to Bosriel speak, and then said, “She’s smart, that one. I would like to speak more on Thadas, truly, but first, do you think you must pay atonement?”

Bosriel felt her warm skin warm even more at the compliment, but she did not look at Arynel. In terms of atonement, he had been one of her many victims, one of the few who had lived. She knew what Loranna had done, but she had not killed like Bosriel had.

QUOTE(Sir Radont @ Jun 10 2005, 12:29 AM)

Radont jumped back and nearly dropped his sword at the sight of the girl but regained his composure at the comments from the others in hte room. "Ah, hello there, M'am." He said awkwardly.

Bosriel looked towards Radont with a wide, toothy smile, her white eyes and white lips turning black to match the rest of her. 'Very pleased to meet you, sir.'

Posted by: Loranna Jun 10 2005, 09:35 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 10 2005, 03:21 AM)

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jun 10 2005, 03:25 AM)

" ... You're right Arynel," Loranna says. " ... No. I, like we all, did what we did; my promise was ill-worded. The proper thing to do is what I have been doing - make a new life for myself."

"And I should learn not to talk so much," she chuckles, turning to Bosriel. "Will I kill him? I'd rather it didn't come to that, but yes, I'll kill him before he kills me, or hurts those I care for. I was willing to listen to his claims, but I'm not going to give up my life just to satisfy his need for revenge."

" .. .I was thinking of heading back to Ald Raathim, and my weapons and armor are back there too," she says. "I should perhaps head back first, then return and seek him out and face him. Hopefully, he's not so far gone that he'll make it a fight to the death, but I'm rather doubtful."

Posted by: Arynel Jun 10 2005, 09:39 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 10 2005, 01:35 AM)

" ... You're right Arynel," Loranna says. " ... No. I, like we all, did what we did; my promise was ill-worded. The proper thing to do is what I have been doing - make a new life for myself."

"And I should learn not to talk so much," she chuckles, turning to Bosriel. "Will I kill him? I'd rather it didn't come to that, but yes, I'll kill him before he kills me, or hurts those I care for. I was willing to listen to his claims, but I'm not going to give up my life just to satisfy his need for revenge."

" .. .I was thinking of heading back to aAd Raathim, and my weapons and armor are back there too," she says. "I should perhaps head back first, then return and seek him out and face him. Hopefully, he's not so far gone that he'll make it a fight to the death, but I'm rather doubtful."

Arynel nodded, saying, “What you choose to do with Thadas is your choice and not mine.”

The Breton leaned over in his chair closer towards Loranna, and then spoke softly, “The greatest crime in the world is knowing not what you do, indeed, the ignorant are better off asleep.”

Posted by: S'reddit Jun 10 2005, 09:39 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 10 2005, 12:35 AM)

"And I should learn not to talk so much," she chuckles, turning to Bosriel. "Will I kill him? I'd rather it didn't come to that, but yes, I'll kill him before he kills me, or hurts those I care for. I was willing to listen to his claims, but I'm not going to give up my life just to satisfy his need for revenge."

" .. .I was thinking of heading back to Ald Raathim, and my weapons and armor are back there too," she says. "I should perhaps head back first, then return and seek him out and face him. Hopefully, he's not so far gone that he'll make it a fight to the death, but I'm rather doubtful."

'I could kill him before you get back, if you would like,’ the little girl said simply. 'And then you wouldn't have anything more to atone for.'

Posted by: Loranna Jun 10 2005, 09:49 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jun 10 2005, 03:39 AM)

Loranna nods at Arynel's words. " ... I've slept enough already in my life," she says, equally softly.

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 10 2005, 03:39 AM)

'I could kill him before you get back, if you would like,’ the little girl said simply. 'And then you wouldn't have anything more to atone for.'

Loranna finds herself smiling sadly, and she kneels down to be on eye level with Bosriel. "Dear, I appreciate your offer for what it is," she says. "But asking you to do my killing for me doesn't lessen my culpability; it just gets you tangled up in this situation too. "Thank you, but I will deal with Thadas; I'll talk to him and if he won't see reason ... then he'll have to endure my worst jokes."

Posted by: Arynel Jun 10 2005, 09:52 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 10 2005, 01:49 AM)

Loranna nods at Arynel's words. " ... I've slept enough already in my life," she says, equally softly.
Loranna finds herself smiling sadly, and she kneels down to be on eye level with Bosriel. "Dear, I appreciate your offer for what it is," she says. "But asking you to do my killing for me doesn't lessen my culpability; it just gets you tangled up in this situation too. "Thank you, but I will deal with Thadas; I'll talk to him and if he won't see reason ... then he'll have to endure my worst jokes."

“Dear one, there is a wisdom in your words, gruesome as they are,” Arynel said to Bosriel with a chuckle, “Though I would suggest staying your hand for now.”

The Breton turned to Loranna, saying, “Do what you will, if you have more to ask, I am here.”

Posted by: S'reddit Jun 10 2005, 10:02 AM

Bosriel nodded at Loranna and Arynel. She did not understand, but she felt she had not frightened them, and they had said nice things to her. That was good. She was not so odd, so horrible after all, maybe.

The dark little girl sat and listened.

Posted by: Loranna Jun 10 2005, 10:08 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jun 10 2005, 03:52 AM)

Loranna smiles, though her brow is still a little furrowed.

" ... You know, all this talk of confronting and possibly killing angry Dunmer is a bit depressing," she says. "Perhaps we should talk of other things for a bit; anyone have anything they wish to talk about?"

Posted by: Arynel Jun 10 2005, 10:16 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 10 2005, 02:08 AM)

Arynel said nothing, but shook his head from side to side, and then returned to his book.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jun 10 2005, 09:01 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 10 2005, 04:08 AM)

Bosriel waited until she was sure no one else had anything to say, and then said, "I have never been on a boat, and I would very much like to."

Posted by: Loranna Jun 10 2005, 11:24 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 10 2005, 03:01 PM)

Bosriel waited until she was sure no one else had anything to say, and then said, "I have never been on a boat, and I would very much like to."

Loranna considers. "Well ... hmm; I don't see any reason why we can't arrange for a boat ride sometime soon," she says. "You know though some people get sick their first tme on a boat, right?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Jun 11 2005, 12:26 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 10 2005, 05:24 PM)

Loranna considers. "Well ... hmm; I don't see any reason why we can't arrange for a boat ride sometime soon," she says. "You know though some people get sick their first tme on a boat, right?"

The little girl smiled, "I have a strong stomach. Can we go to Thras? Or Yokuda? Or Akavir?"

Posted by: Loranna Jun 11 2005, 12:42 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 10 2005, 06:26 PM)

The little girl smiled, "I have a strong stomach. Can we go to Thras? Or Yokuda? Or Akavir?"

Loranna's face goes from surprised to slightly non-plussed to bemused in rapid succession.

"Dear, I wish we could all go and see those places too," she says. "Right now though, this ghost situation still needs dealing with, and after that, I do have duties to attend to for Ald Raathim. But tell you what - we'll talk about that with the others after things settle down, okay? I know my father likes to travel; maybe he'd be interested in going."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jun 11 2005, 12:52 AM

Bosriel nods and then suggests, "Balfiera?"

Posted by: Loranna Jun 11 2005, 01:02 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 10 2005, 06:52 PM)

Bosriel nods and then suggests, "Balfiera?"

Loranna thinks for a moment. "The island in the Bay? I don't know much about it other than the Tower that's there. It is, however, notably closer than Yokuda or Akavir."

She smiles.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jun 11 2005, 01:04 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 10 2005, 07:02 PM)

Loranna thinks for a moment. "The island in the Bay? I don't know much about it other than the Tower that's there. It is, however, notably closer than Yokuda or Akavir."

She smiles.

Bosriel, on tip-toes, starts for the door, and then rises up into the air. Enough of the exhausting walking for the day.

She flies off down the hall, "Tamne! Tamne! Do you want to go to Balfiera?!"

Posted by: Loranna Jun 11 2005, 01:08 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 10 2005, 07:04 PM)

Bosriel, on tip-toes, starts for the door, and then rises up into the air. Enough of the exhausting walking for the day.

She flies off down the hall, "Tamne! Tamne! Do you want to go to Balfiera?!"

Loranna feels a sudden dash of fear run through her, as she imagines Bosriel and Tamne suddenly playing pirates on a raft heading to Balfiera and half the Void Ranger Guild, Leseth included, giving her the Look of Doom.

" ... Well, she'll at least be fed for tonight too," she says, trying to look on the optimistic side - from the left, with a heavy topspin.

Posted by: Loranna Jun 11 2005, 11:41 PM

Daggerfall

With the Mage Guilds still closed, getting back to Ald Raathim and then returning to Solunastra required at least one boat trip across the Bay; after a moment's deliberation, Loranna decides to move her Mark to Solunastra, and take the boat to Sentinel and their Mage Guild.

The near palpable gloom that had befallen the city was still present; the weather seemed to sense the mood of the city and was likewise dreary. With a sigh, Loranna heads to the docks, to book passage to Sentinel.

Posted by: Arynel Jun 11 2005, 11:48 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 11 2005, 03:41 PM)

All that day a cloaked figure plagued the docks like a vulture, though he had done nothing specific to draw attention to himself. He waited inconspicuously and when Loranna arrived he approached her, saying in a voice somewhat like two pieces of wood rubbed against one another, “I believe our business was left unfinished.”

Posted by: Loranna Jun 11 2005, 11:57 PM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jun 11 2005, 05:48 PM)

Loranna Raises her eyebrows. "Thadas," she says, wondering if he had been waiting for her to try and leave the city.

She sighs, her recent coversation with Arynel and Bosriel fresh in her mind. Her lips curl into a frown, as she looks the cloaked Dunmer over.

" ... Yeah, it was left unfinished," she concludes, her voice sounding tired. "I remember we left off being rather annoyed with one another."

Posted by: Arynel Jun 12 2005, 12:01 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 11 2005, 03:57 PM)

“I am not interested in building relations, Nord,” Thadas Andrethi said, “After I have what I seek I will return to Vvardenfell.”

Posted by: Loranna Jun 12 2005, 12:05 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jun 11 2005, 06:01 PM)

“I am not interested in building relations, Nord,” Thadas Andrethi said, “After I have what I seek I will return to Vvardenfell.”

"Reperations," Loranna says. "Something I owe no one and everyone ..."

She looks at Thadas evenly. "Just what were you thinking of, specifically, that you wanted from me?" she asks.

Posted by: Arynel Jun 12 2005, 12:08 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 11 2005, 04:05 PM)

"Reperations," Loranna says. "Something I owe no one and everyone ..."

She looks at Thadas evenly. "Just what were you thinking of, specifically, that you wanted from me?" she asks.

Thadas stared at Loranna for a moment, before saying “I do not care for riddles.”

The Dunmer paused, folding his bruise colored hands together over his chest.

“I need information, tell me, how did you summon these ghosts?”

Posted by: Loranna Jun 12 2005, 12:10 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jun 11 2005, 06:08 PM)

Loranna blinks. "Um, I didn't," Loranna says. "I've been working with my companions to figure out how to deal with the problem."

A sudden thought strikes Loranna: " ... How bad is the ghost situation in Vvardenfell?" she asks.

Posted by: Arynel Jun 12 2005, 12:13 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 11 2005, 04:10 PM)

“Do not lie to me, Nord,” Thadas said, ignoring Loranna’s question, “It is by your hand, or perhaps by one of your companion’s, that these spirits no longer rest, tell me what happened.”

Posted by: Loranna Jun 12 2005, 12:18 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jun 11 2005, 06:13 PM)

“Do not lie to me, Nord,” Thadas said, ignoring Loranna’s question, “It is by your hand, or perhaps by one of your companion’s, that these spirits no longer rest, tell me what happened.”

"Dear, I'm not lying to you," Loranna says, sighing.

"The very simple version is this: someone died, then they were brought back. In doing so, it weakened the borders between our world and the land of the dead. I personally was not part of the bringing back; I found out about it after the fact."

Posted by: Arynel Jun 12 2005, 12:22 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 11 2005, 04:18 PM)

Thadas stared at Loranna for a moment, before saying “You were there at the time, were you not?”

The Dunmer paused, shaking his head from side to side, “When will the problem be alleviated?”

Posted by: Loranna Jun 12 2005, 12:27 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jun 11 2005, 06:22 PM)

Thadas stared at Loranna for a moment, before saying “You were there at the time, were you not?”

The Dunmer paused, shaking his head from side to side, “When will the problem be alleviated?”

"I didn't recognize what had happened," Loranna explains. "Our companion had been captured and we went to save them. We got there, saw them lying to the side; I thought they were really badly wounded but they were actually dead - and then another companion made them not dead, so when I reached them to offer healing, they looked fine."

"As for when ..." she sighs. "Dear, we're working on that, but we don't know yet when we'll have the solution. We have parts so far - artifacts whose use I still am guessing at, plans which I've not been told in full yet and which are still half-finished."

Posted by: Arynel Jun 12 2005, 12:33 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 11 2005, 04:27 PM)

“Deer,” Thadas began, “I believe I saw those while traveling through the Imperial province, in any case, I am not an animal.”

The Dunmer blew out a breath of air in a displeased manner.

“Our ancestor spirits, whom we revere, do not rest, and until they do, they cannot help us. I would ask you to perform a task for me, will you do it?”

Posted by: Loranna Jun 12 2005, 12:36 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jun 11 2005, 06:33 PM)

Loranna coughs a bit to cover her strangled-off chuckle at Thadas's misintrepretation of 'dear'. "None of us can rest until this is resolved; what would you ask of me Thadas?"

Posted by: Arynel Jun 12 2005, 12:44 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 11 2005, 04:36 PM)

Loranna coughs a bit to cover her strangled-off chuckle at Thadas's misintrepretation of 'dear'. "None of us can rest until this is resolved; what would you ask of me Thadas?"

“While you posed as a goddess in my homeland,” Thadas began, reaching into his pack, “You stole the hearts of the Dunmer people. When the might of Azura cast you aside the hearts of my people were given unto her, and many were changed into monsters. There are those of us left, but we have no one to guide us, and we are unable to receive aid from our ancestors.”

The Dunmer paused, and from his pack he pulled out a mysterious amulet, which he held out towards Loranna.

“This is the Amulet of Specters, an artifact created by a Dunmer shaman shortly before Red Mountain erupted. Take this with you and keep it until after the ghost are dealt with, upon that time you will return with it to Morrowind and bestow it upon a Dunmer you find worthy of leading our people in rebuilding Vvardenfell. This is what I ask of you, will you do it?”

Posted by: Loranna Jun 12 2005, 12:49 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jun 11 2005, 06:44 PM)

Loranna looks at the amulet for a moment. "A shaman; ... I think I met him," she says. "He gave me a mirror by which I could see the future for a time ..."

She turns her eyes to Thadas. " ... This is a big thing you're asking of me," she says, feeling a small lump in the back of her throat.

Posted by: Arynel Jun 12 2005, 12:52 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 11 2005, 04:49 PM)

Thadas eyes Loranna for a moment before speaking.

“Very well then, I have no further reason to be here, I will go,” the Dunmer says, returning the amulet to his pack.

Posted by: Loranna Jun 12 2005, 12:53 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jun 11 2005, 06:52 PM)

Thadas eyes Loranna for a moment before speaking.

“Very well then, I have no further reason to be here, I will go,” the Dunmer says, returning the amulet to his pack.

"Thadas, I will do it," Loranna says. "I was just shocked that you would trust such an important task to me, given how you seemed to feel."

Posted by: Arynel Jun 12 2005, 12:55 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 11 2005, 04:53 PM)

"Thadas, I will do it," Loranna says. "I was just shocked that you would trust such an important task to me, given how you seemed to feel."

“I don’t trust you, Nord,” Thadas said, looking up at Loranna, “If there was another who could perform this task I would go to them, but I cannot.”

The Dunmer again retrieves the Amulet of Specters and holds it out towards Loranna.

“Here, will you take it?”

Posted by: Loranna Jun 12 2005, 01:01 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jun 11 2005, 06:55 PM)

Loranna takes the Amulet of Specters from Thadas. "Encouraging," she mutters. "I'll take that for what it's worth, then."

"Is there anything I should tell the future bearer of this Amulet you haven't mentioned yet?" Loranna asks.

Posted by: Arynel Jun 12 2005, 01:03 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 11 2005, 05:01 PM)

“What could you say?” Thadas asks, “You are not Dunmer, you would not know.”

With a flash of green light, the figure vanishes.

Posted by: Loranna Jun 12 2005, 01:09 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jun 11 2005, 07:03 PM)

“What could you say?” Thadas asks, “You are not Dunmer, you would not know.”

With a flash of green light, the figure vanishes.

" ... I suppose you're right," Loranna says, sighing. She tucks the Amulet of Specters away on her person.

Find a Dunmer worthy to lead the rebuilding of Vvardenfell; she should have asked if a non-Dunmer would do, thinking of Cyndarius. No; Thadas wouldn't have gone for that and this wasn't something to ask of Cyndarius to do, though perhaps he might have a farm story that applied to this situation.

Loranna chuckles to herself, making a note to visit the handsome Imperial soldier and catch up with him soon. In the meantime though, she had to check back in Ald Raathim and then help her friends solve this ghost problem - hopefully soon. Loranna turns back to the ships, to get started on her journey.

Posted by: Loranna Jun 13 2005, 11:45 PM

Loranna's Journal

It's amazing to think how quickly I have become dependant on the Guild Guide to get me from place to place; looking back, I can hardly believe that I seriously thought to sled across Skyrim to get to Morrowind, the whole 'the journey is as important as the destination' line of reasoning notwithstanding. I think it's time to pick up my researches into the intervention spells once again - or else hope that from now on all desperate adventures requiring me and my friends to get involved all happen in Dres territory.

I wonder if I'll cross paths with Thadas again, or the shaman who made the Amulet of Specters. Though, I probably should learn how to deal with angry people a little more gracefully before that happens; that first meeting really could have gone a lot better. I wonder also, if this Amulet will somehow affect our efforts to reseal the border between our world and the dead; I'll have to ask Allie or Arynel about that when I get back.

Hahh ... so much to do and so much of it seemingly on opposite ends of the Empire; my wedding, finding the Dunmer to bear the Amulet, Dibella Knows What Other Adventure will come up needing our attention, probably in Summerset Isle or Hammerfell or someplace equally remote ...

===

The cries of the sailors rouses Loranna from her writing; the ship was setting into port. Loranna gathers her things and disembarks, making way through the city of Sentinel to the Mage Guild, her thoughts turning to ponderings of what awaits her back home.

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 12:28 AM

Tel Dresori, Morrowind

The twins Dres Vendama and Dres Obael waited on their boat at the docks at Tel Dresori. This was the land of their cousin Dres Minsero who was accompanying them to Tel Raathim, the land sometimes called by the Council, derisively, Daruhn.

The boat they were taking was one of their smaller vessels. This little mission had to be handled with tact and diplomacy.

Dres Minsero appeared on the docks with his servants carrying his luggage, more than the twins’ baggage put together, as if he were going to clothe everyone for the Early Harvest Festival personally.

“Muthsera Minsero bought a lot of servants,” whispered Vendama under her breath.

“We brought a couple too,” her brother Obael whispered back.

“Muthsero Minsero has brought all Khajiit,” Vendama said. “All the exact same coloring as Dres Jazbet. I would say Minsero is interested in testing the Lady of Daruhn’s hospitality to the maximum.”

Obael sighed. He hoped this wouldn’t end badly.

The ship set sail for Ald Raathim an hour later.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 12:40 AM

Tel Raathim, Morrowind

From Sentinel to home in a single step; once the vertigo of teleportation had faded Loranna was smiling and offering greetings to the people in Ald Raathim's Mage Guild, asking that word be sent to the castle that she was back.

Stepping outside, Loranna takes a second to look around, get a feel for how her home has been doing since she was last here ...

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 12:48 AM

Tel Raathim, Morrowind

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 13 2005, 06:40 PM)

From Sentinel to home in a single step; once the vertigo of teleportation had faded Loranna was smiling and offering greetings to the people in Ald Raathim's Mage Guild, asking that word be sent to the castle that she was back.

Stepping outside, Loranna takes a second to look around, get a feel for how her home has been doing since she was last here ...

Razbiah, the castle cook, was in the market place, sneering at the excellent produce, trying to get the farmers to lower their prices just a bit. Usually she had one of the girls from the kitchen buy the goods, but she knew she could get the best deals.

Seeing Loranna, the old Dunmer woman, famous for miles for her fierce loyalty and bland cuisine, curtsied. "My lady, 'tis good to see you again. I hope you are well."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 12:51 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 13 2005, 06:48 PM)

Tel Raathim, Morrowind
Razbiah, the castle cook, was in the market place, sneering at the excellent produce, trying to get the farmers to lower their prices just a bit. Usually she had one of the girls from the kitchen buy the goods, but she knew she could get the best deals.

Seeing Loranna, the old Dunmer woman, famous for miles for her fierce loyalty and bland cuisine, curtsied. "My lady, 'tis good to see you again. I hope you are well."

Loranna smiles, saying "Razbiah; thank you, I am well. How fare things here at home?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 12:58 AM

Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 13 2005, 06:51 PM)

Loranna smiles, saying "Razbiah; thank you, I am well. How fare things here at home?"

"Not too bad, except for the unbridled greed of our farmers," Razbiah said, glaring at the man she was doing business with, who sighed and gave her the discount she had been asking for. As they walked away from the stall, Razbiah told her about all the castle gossip that she knew of, telling Loranna about the contents of the larder, all her plans for preserving, baking, and boiling, and her worries that the new spice fields would inspire people to put unhealthy seasonings in their foods for "so-called flavor."

"Of course, Kallen has the records of all this," Razbiah said. "And probably more. I think it will be our finest harvest ever -- but don't tell the farmers that. They're too proud as it is."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 01:09 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 13 2005, 06:58 PM)

Ald Raathim
"Not too bad, except for the unbridled greed of our farmers," Razbiah said, glaring at the man she was doing business with, who sighed and gave her the discount she had been asking for. As they walked away from the stall, Razbiah told her about all the castle gossip that she knew of, telling Loranna about the contents of the larder, all her plans for preserving, baking, and boiling, and her worries that the new spice fields would inspire people to put unhealthy seasonings in their foods for "so-called flavor."

"Of course, Kallen has the records of all this," Razbiah said. "And probably more. I think it will be our finest harvest ever -- but don't tell the farmers that. They're too proud as it is."

"After everything we've all been through, we have a right to be a little proud," Loranna says with a small grin, buying some produce for her own, less culinary uses - she had been curious about trying a few tricks with fresh components.

She also makes a mental note to check out the spice stalls when she's alone.

"It sounds like things have been doing well since I've been away," Loranna says as Razbiah finishes recounting the castle gossip. "So nothing unusual has een happening lately?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 01:15 AM

Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 13 2005, 07:09 PM)

"It sounds like things have been doing well since I've been away," Loranna says as Razbiah finishes recounting the castle gossip. "So nothing unusual has een happening lately?"

"Oh, you might hear some of the servants talk about ghosts they seen," Razbiah shrugged. "I think they ate something funny from the tavern, that's what I think."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 01:20 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 13 2005, 07:15 PM)

Ald Raathim
"Oh, you might hear some of the servants talk about ghosts they seen," Razbiah shrugged. "I think they ate something funny from the tavern, that's what I think."

Loranna feels a sudden wave of relief that Aricyn had come to Daggerfall instead of just waiting here in Ald Raathim.

"Do they now?" she says. "I see, I see ..."

Loranna is mostly silent after that, musing on ghosts; moments later the two women reach the castle.

"Ah, home," she says, smiling. "Thank you for filling me in Razbiah; I'll see you at mealtime."

It was time to hear Kallen's report, and discuss a few matters with him privately.

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 01:26 AM

Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim, Morrowind

In Jazbet's former office in the castle tower, Kallen received the two couriers simultaneously. The Lady Loranna was here, and the three emissaries from House Dres would be arriving shortly as well.

Kallen ordered the servants to prepare the bedrooms, tell Razbiah to make a feast, and checking over his accounts of the population in the town, had word sent out to a traveling bard troupe that they should come to provide entertainment. The seneschal then began arranging the financial and legal records for Loranna to see.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 01:35 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 13 2005, 07:26 PM)

As Loranna heads to the office, she notes that the castle seems to be unusually busy, even considering she just got back.

Suddenly, I find myself wishing I'd come a day or two earlier, she thinks to herself.

She finds Kallen as he's preparing his reports. "Well met, dear," she says, giving a friendly - but businesslike - smile.

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 01:54 AM

Jazbet's Office, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 13 2005, 07:35 PM)

She finds Kallen as he's preparing his reports. "Well met, dear," she says, giving a friendly - but businesslike - smile.

“Your ladyship,” Kallen bowed. “We have some correspondence to go over when you have a moment, the field records, and several persons have requested audiences on different matters, but I wasn’t certain when you’d be returning so I’ve made some arrangements which I hope will meet with your satisfaction however this is the matter that probably deserves your immediate attention …”

The seneschal handed Loranna the note from the courier:

Lady Loranna, Regent Holder of Ald Raathim, Estate of the Late Dres Jazbet, Servus Tyrannus,

I hope this finds you well. It has been a very trying time in the Dres lands, and in Morrowind in general, of course, so we have not had a moment yet to meet and discuss the future with you. Early Harvest Festival, however, is upon us, and we thought it a fine time to correct this.

Three emissaries from House Dres will be in Ald Raathim this evening. Sera Minsero of Tel Dresori and the surrounding lands is a senior member of the Council. Seras Vendama and Obael have more recently taken their parents’ rule at Bodrom Mora. All are eager to make your acquaintance in an informal setting. No Dres regalia or ceremony. We hope this is not an inconvenient time.

-- The Grand Council of House Dres

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 02:19 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 13 2005, 07:54 PM)

Jazbet's Office, Ald Raathim
“Your ladyship,” Kallen bowed. “We have some correspondence to go over when you have a moment, the field records, and several persons have requested audiences on different matters, but I wasn’t certain when you’d be returning so I’ve made some arrangements which I hope will meet with your satisfaction however this is the matter that probably deserves your immediate attention …”

The seneschal handed Loranna the note from the courier:

Lady Loranna, Regent Holder of Ald Raathim, Estate of the Late Dres Jazbet, Servus Tyrannus,

I hope this finds you well. It has been a very trying time in the Dres lands, and in Morrowind in general, of course, so we have not had a moment yet to meet and discuss the future with you. Early Harvest Festival, however, is upon us, and we thought it a fine time to correct this.

Three emissaries from House Dres will be in Ald Raathim this evening. Sera Minsero of Tel Dresori and the surrounding lands is a senior member of the Council. Seras Vendama and Obael have more recently taken their parents’ rule at Bodrom Mora. All are eager to make your acquaintance in an informal setting. No Dres regalia or ceremony. We hope this is not an inconvenient time.

-- The Grand Council of House Dres

Loranna takes the letter and reads it, her expression going from interest, to shock, to rueful laughter.

"Hope this is not an inconvenient time ... I can hardly believe this," she says, holding her hand to her temples and chuckling. "Ahh ..."

"That actually ties into some business I wanted to discuss with you, Kallen," she says. "I hear from Razbiah that some of the servants have mentioned seeing ghosts; based on what we're dealing with in Daggerfall I'm inclined to believe their tales. Tell me, have there been any uusual happenings here in Ald Raathim since I was last home?"

She glances at the date of the letter. " ... And, ahh, when should we be expecting our estimeed guests to be ariving?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 02:30 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 13 2005, 08:19 PM)

"No servant has come to me about ghosts," said Kallen. "And I have not told a soul about the one that was haunting me ... "

The seneschal shivered slightly, and took the letter from Loranna's hands. "This evening, the letter says. It's interesting that they do not mention how long the visit should last. That's unusual. I have given orders for a feast to be prepared, some entertainment, and the usual preparations for the Early Harvest Festival are, of course, under way."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 02:39 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 13 2005, 08:30 PM)

Loranna frowns in concern. "For the first, my ear is open and my mouth firmly closed, should you wish it," she says. "For the second ... hmm; perhaps they mean to see how long we will offer hospitailty, or perhaps they wish to see Ald Raathim in loving detail."

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 02:51 AM

Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 13 2005, 08:39 PM)

"The former lord of the land, not your husband but the lord before him, has come to me several times at the witching hour," Kallen replied, lowering his eyes slightly. "A malevolent spirit if there ever was one."

Kallen pauses and then unbuttons his shirt. His chest is scarred as if a taloned finger had pulled across his flesh, forming the word SLAVE.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 02:56 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 13 2005, 08:51 PM)

Ald Raathim
"The former lord of the land, not your husband but the lord before him, has come to me several times at the witching hour," Kallen replied, lowering his eyes slightly. "A malevolent spirit if there ever was one."

Kallen pauses and then unbuttons his shirt. His chest is scarred as if a taloned finger had pulled across his flesh, forming the word SLAVE.

Loranna shivers, her expression a mix of shock and anger.

For a long moment, she is quiet, too many words fighting to get past her lips.

" ... Not while I'm here," she finally says, her fist clenching though Thadas's words ring in her mind.

What could she do against a spirit whose business was left unfinished? What could she do other than protect her people - that was her job, no?

She looks at the scars, hoping they're not beyond her powers to heal.

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 03:07 AM

Jazbet's Office, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 13 2005, 08:56 PM)

Kallen began buttoning his shirt back up. "I should see to the preparations for tonight, milady ... and discreetly ask if anyone else has been having visitations, if you think that wise."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 03:20 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 13 2005, 09:07 PM)

Jazbet's Office, Ald Raathim
Kallen began buttoning his shirt back up. "I should see to the preparations for tonight, milady ... and discreetly ask if anyone else has been having visitations, if you think that wise."

Loranna sighs. "I am told by various sources that your ancestors do not rest; we should know just how restless the spirits here in Ald Raathim are, especially considering we have guests coming."

She frowns. "Hope this isn't an inconvenient time ... no more so than it is for the entire Empire, at least. I think the former lord of these lands is probably as interested in meeting me as our new guests, albiet with a more - direct - agenda."

She puts a hand on Kallen's shoulder briefly. "Thank you for everything you have done - when this is over, you and I should talk about how we can maintain communication even when official channels are blocked."

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 03:26 AM

Jazbet's Office, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 13 2005, 09:20 PM)

She puts a hand on Kallen's shoulder briefly. "Thank you for everything you have done - when this is over, you and I should talk about how we can maintain communication even when official channels are blocked."

"That would be wise," Kallen smiled, uncharacteristic for the dour young Dunmer.

A courier appeared at the door. "Begging your pardon, my Lady Loranna, my Lord Kallen, but Lord Minsero, Lord Obael, and Lady Vendama have arrived at the dock."

Kallen turned to Loranna, "I'll greet them. If you don't mind my saying so, you should probably put on your finest gown. I know the note said that it would be a casual meeting, but from my experience with House Dres Members, they are rarely casual people."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 03:40 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 13 2005, 09:26 PM)

Jazbet's Office, Ald Raathim
"That would be wise," Kallen smiled, uncharacteristic for the dour young Dunmer.

A courier appeared at the door. "Begging your pardon, my Lady Loranna, my Lord Kallen, but Lord Minsero, Lord Obael, and Lady Vendama have arrived at the dock."

Kallen turned to Loranna, "I'll greet them. If you don't mind my saying so, you should probably put on your finest gown. I know the note said that it would be a casual meeting, but from my experience with House Dres Members, they are rarely casual people."

"I understand," Loranna says, smiling back. "I'll be ready as soon as I can."

She sighs. "From ghosts to politics without even stopping; here goes ..."

She hurries to her room, selecting her finest gown; blue to match her eyes and trimmed with gold to match her hair, with a pair of well-made shoes to adorn her feet. She looks over her selection of jewelry, picking those that best match her outfit without calling too much undue attention to themselves, all while making sure she has enchantments covering those effects that her potions do not provide.

Her hair she brushes until it is presentable; she pulls it back into a loose ponytail, a token gesture to the 'casual' nature of this meeting. She pops a mint into her mouth to freshen her breath, looks herself over in the mirror, and nods, though her brow is slightly furrowed. The look was lovely, though slightly more formal than was her wont; perfect under the circumstances especially given the short notice, but it meant she would have to school herself to relax a bit while entertaining her guests, instead of being stiff.

Of course, she still had no idea what her guests were like; she repeats their names in her mind a few times, to help get her memory going.

Her preperations as complete as they can be, she heads out to the main hall to meet her guests.

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 04:07 AM

Ald Raathim

Kallen and Razbiah as the senior staff at the castle were prepared for any eventuality. Earlier they had planned on a quiet early evening, but unexpectedly, the Lady of the land had arrived together with three disintinguished guests and their servants for an extended stay just before the Early Harvest Festival. Within an astonishingly short span, the bedrooms had been prepared, the feast had been set, and the flags of Dres were unfurled marking the occasion.

Dres Minsero led the procession from the docks in full formal dress. He was a handsome, elderly man with eyes of fire and a face like a mask. Obael and Vendama walked behind him in deference to his seniority, well-scrubbed but dressed for travel, not diplomacy. They were young and beautiful reflections of one another. Two dozen servants followed behind with the luggage, largely Minsero’s retinue, two of whom were merely there to carry his lord’s shield and flag, as if they were needed.

“Welcome to Ald Raathim, distinguished guests,” said Kallen, twice, speaking first in old Velothi and then in Cyrodilic. Obael and Vendama’s jaws dropped, but if Minsero was impressed, he didn’t show it.

The seneschal showed the Dres Housemembers into the Main Hall where Loranna awaited them, while the castle servants organized the others, showing them where to bring the luggage.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Yesterday, 04:09 AM

Before Kellan got the quests into the room with Loranna in it, Slyvos walked into the room towards Loranna... he had a mark spell in that manor. He looked over to her, shaking his head.

'should give a kitten a warning next time you run off like that, Lor.'

He said this a bit jokingly.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 04:25 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 13 2005, 10:09 PM)

Loranna blinks, though she gathers Slyvos into her arms for a moment-long kiss. When she breaks the embrace, though, she is frowning.

"I thought I left a note," she says. " ... And we kind of have guests; House Dres has come for the Early Harvest Festivel. Plus ... there's at least one maleveloent ghost to be wary of, come the witching hour."

She hears the guests arrive, and frowns. "Dearie, time for your formal wear," she says, going to their closet to pull out one of Jazbet's old outfits. "This is going to be an interesting evening ..."

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 13 2005, 10:07 PM)

Once Slyvos was prepared, Loranna heads out to greet her new guests, putting on a pleasant smile; she does a good job of hiding her surprise at the size of the retinue, and the amount of luggage being brought. She takes some cheer in the fact that the two younger Dunmer look less formal than she was expecting, though the elderly Dunmer has her slightly concerned.

"Greetings, honored guests," she says.

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 04:39 AM

Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 13 2005, 10:25 PM)

"Greetings, honored guests," she says.

Dres Obael bows very deeply, his warm eyes sparkling, and a friendly grin on his handsome face: “My Lady, the tales of your great beauty and hospitality have done you no justice.”

Dres Vendama curstsies less effusively than her brother, her beautiful face and figure elegant and slightly restrained, but her smile too is genuine as his: “My Lady, I admire your courage and resourcefulness, agreeing to meet with us at such short notice.”

Dres Minsero scowls at Loranna, scowls deeper at Sylvos, and turns to Kallen: “Do you have anything to drink?”

A servant with a flagon of wine who had been standing in the shadows quickly runs over at Kallen’s signal.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 05:05 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 13 2005, 10:39 PM)

Ald Raathim
Dres Obael bows very deeply, his warm eyes sparkling, and a friendly grin on his handsome face: “My Lady, the tales of your great beauty and hospitality have done you no justice.”

Dres Vendama curstsies less effusively than her brother, her beautiful face and figure elegant and slightly restrained, but her smile too is genuine as his: “My Lady, I admire your courage and resourcefulness, agreeing to meet with us at such short notice.”

Dres Minsero scowls at Loranna, scowls deeper at Sylvos, and turns to Kallen: “Do you have anything to drink?”

A servant with a flagon of wine who had been standing in the shadows quickly runs over at Kallen’s signal.

Loranna keeps her smile friendly and polite, noting the various reactions the three Dres nobles give her - and Slyvos.

"My Lords and Lady, it is my pleasure to welcome you here today," she says. "I hope your journey here was safe and pleasant. Come, please, make yourselves comfortable. It promises to be a most enjoyable Early Harvest Festival."

Hopefully, even despite the grouchiness of some, she silently adds, noting Slyvos already fading into the background, giving polite greetings to those few who speak to him. She hides a sad smile; her love was even less comfortable in these sorts of gathering than she was. His presence doubtless would give the elderly Minsero more ammunition to use later, but she and Slyvos would have had to deal with the matter of his owership of Jazbet's body sooner or later.

She wonders how consciously Dres Obeal is flirting with her, already noting how Slyvos's smile grows slightly tighter when seeing the handsome Dunmer youth. A most interesting night, indeed; time to play the hostess ...

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 05:15 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 13 2005, 11:05 PM)

A most interesting night, indeed; time to play the hostess ...

Glasses of wine are poured for all, and the three visitors toast Ald Raathim, drinking -- in the tradition of the Dres -- not to a person but to the land, wishing it prosperity and peace.

Obael and Minsero then lapse into a semi-serious argument they had been having on the ship, about whether there was a "season" for certain types of fish. They resolve to go to the Ald Raathim docks the next morning to discuss it with the people who would know, the fishermen.

Vendama admires Loranna's gown: "It really is very lovely. Is it from a local seamstress?"

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 06:06 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 13 2005, 11:15 PM)

"Thank you," Loranna says, having been slightly bemused about the discussion of fish in season. "Yes it is, actually; she did a wonderful job."

She smiles at Vendama. "Would you like for me to introduce you to the seamstress later?"

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 06:16 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 13 2005, 09:06 PM)

She smiles at Vendama. "Would you like for me to introduce you to the seamstress later?"

"Be careful," Vendama smiled mischievously. "Or I’ll steal her away. We Dres are notoriously dishonest. I have to tell you, my dear Loranna – I knew Jazbet rather well. It was extremely disconcerting to see him standing there, and there being absolutely no recognition in his eyes for me."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 06:22 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 14 2005, 12:16 AM)

Loranna's smile fades somewhat, her expression growing more serious.

"I do understand," she says to Vendama. "We've all been disconcerted by the situation, myself included."

She stares into her wine for a moment, her mind racing ahead, thinking of various things to try to say and not say. Vendama's comment about Dres dishonestly slips into the back of her mind, looking for a place to grab ahold to and lodge.

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 06:28 AM

Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 13 2005, 09:22 PM)

Vendama's mischevious grin also fades, and her eyes flit to Obael and Minsero who, she seems to have noticed, were listening in on the conversation while continuing to talk about fish.

"I’ll tell you what is even more disconcerting," Vendama says. "How well-organized and efficient your household, and your region in general, seems to be. I was raised to believe that without slaves, it was impossible to get things done. But Ald Raathim seems to have proven otherwise."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 06:41 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 14 2005, 12:28 AM)

Ald Raathim
Vendama's mischevious grin also fades, and her eyes flit to Obael and Minsero who, she seems to have noticed, were listening in on the conversation while continuing to talk about fish.

"I’ll tell you what is even more disconcerting," Vendama says. "How well-organized and efficient your household, and your region in general, seems to be. I was raised to believe that without slaves, it was impossible to get things done. But Ald Raathim seems to have proven otherwise."

Loranna's gaze follows Vendama's; clearly it was now time to discuss the real reasons her visitors were here.

She takes a short moment to gather her thoughts. "The people here in Ald Raathim are exceptional people; we had to be, or else we wouldn't have survived."

She glances at the two male Dunmer, to see their reaction. Then, she looks back at Vendama.

"... That's even the truth, regardless of me having spent some time coming up with the line," she adds, a mischevious twinkle finding its way to her eye. "But perhaps I should just speak more plainly, rather than showing off fancy wordplay."

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 06:51 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 13 2005, 09:41 PM)

"... That's even the truth, regardless of me having spent some time coming up with the line," she adds, a mischevious twinkle finding its way to her eye. "But perhaps I should just speak more plainly, rather than showing off fancy wordplay."

"We are here," said Dres Minsero gruffly. "To see what kind of a girl has taken Dres House lands, and what the possibilities of our future relations might be. If you are a plain speaker, be so. If you are a poet, be so. We are here to see and hear you either way."

"And to drink all of your excellent wine while we’re at it," Obael quickly added with a wink, calling for the servant to refill everyone’s glass.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 06:59 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 14 2005, 12:51 AM)

"How horrible," Loranna says, giving Obeal a quick grin as a servant refills her glass.

"Speaking plainly then, the girl who has taken Dres House lands is the sort who simply wishes to see the lands of her dead husband thrive and prosper, as he himself worked hard to achieve," Loranna says. "This land has become my home; these people, like myself, endured much and lost much and yet we thrived. I would hope that future relations with the House could be prosperous, for both sides."

"Though I understand some find our methods a bit unorthodox," she says, looking back at Vendama.

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 07:07 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 13 2005, 09:59 PM)

""Though I understand some find our methods a bit unorthodox," she says, looking back at Vendama.

"That’s putting it mildly," Dres Minsero coughed, and took a long sip of the wine which he seemed to enjoy, though he offered no compliments.

"Jazbet was a hard worker," said Dres Obael. "He had enemies, plenty of them, but no one could deny he cared for his people. I only met him a handful of times, but I can say with honesty that I mourned when I heard he was dead."

"We all did, didn’t we, Serjo?" asked Dres Vendama, looking directly at Dres Minsero.

"That seems scarcely relevant," the old dunmer grumbled.

Kallen made a slight signal to Loranna which meant that dinner was ready, whenever she needed a break.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 07:13 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 14 2005, 01:07 AM)

"Jazbet was mourned by everyone who knew him," Loranna concurred, blinking a bit.

Seeing Kallen's signal, she clears her throat a bit. "My Lords and Lady, I am not looking to try and bring about a catastrophic change to our House. We've all endured enough catastrophic change for now; like I said, I simply wish to continue the work my husband so deeply cared for, to help the people he loved and I have grown also to love. I do intend to continue to run things as we do now, and I understand there could be conflicts that arise from that; I have given the matter thought and welcome a chance to discuss it at further length with you."

"But for the moment, I suggest we take this time to enjoy the fruits of our early harvest, and celebrate our good fortunes. And to give Obael more opprotunity to drink my entire stock of wine."

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 07:20 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 13 2005, 10:13 PM)

"But for the moment, I suggest we take this time to enjoy the fruits of our early harvest, and celebrate our good fortunes. And to give Obael more opprotunity to drink my entire stock of wine."

Obael laughed out loud at that.

"Loranna, of course, looks perfect, but I would be grateful if she would show me somewhere I could clean myself just a bit before dinner?" Vendama said.

"I will show my lords to the dining room," said Kallen, opening the door for Obal and Minsero.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 07:30 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 14 2005, 01:20 AM)

"Of course dear," Loranna says, "This way please." She leads Vendama to the proper chambers for freshening oneself up.

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 07:33 AM

Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 13 2005, 10:30 PM)

"Of course dear," Loranna says, "This way please." She leads Vendama to the proper chambers for freshening oneself up.

"I wish we could have come here without Minsero," said Vendama, as she splashed water on her face. "But in truth, he has power and we do not. I should explain who we are, who just showed up on your front door step. My brother Obael and I inherited our parents’ land very recently. They became Azurites, you see, and were destroyed. Before that, they were very cruel and despotic, among the very worst of the Dres. When you as Azura symbolically ‘freed’ the slaves of Morrowind, they randomly killed a third of their slaves, just to assert their power over them. Now, we have inherited the land, and we want to follow the ways you and Jazbet espouse. We do not want to rule a bloody land … but how can we change it? Speaking frankly, as you say, will our slaves turn on us and kill us if we free them? And if they don’t, will we be attacked by our own House?"

"You see," Vendama said very seriously, wiping her brow with a cloth. "We are here to support your way, not only for your sake, but for our own."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 07:43 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 14 2005, 01:33 AM)

Ald Raathim
"I wish we could have come here without Minsero," said Vendama, as she splashed water on her face. "But in truth, he has power and we do not. I should explain who we are, who just showed up on your front door step. My brother Obael and I inherited our parents’ land very recently. They became Azurites, you see, and were destroyed. Before that, they were very cruel and despotic, among the very worst of the Dres. When you as Azura symbolically ‘freed’ the slaves of Morrowind, they randomly killed a third of their slaves, just to assert their power over them. Now, we have inherited the land, and we want to follow the ways you and Jazbet espouse. We do not want to rule a bloody land … but how can we change it? Speaking frankly, as you say, will our slaves turn on us and kill us if we free them? And if they don’t, will we be attacked by our own House?"

"You see," Vendama said very seriously, wiping her brow with a cloth. "We are here to support your way, not only for your sake, but for our own."

"Ah," Loranna says, her brow furrowing. "I understand ... my condolances for your loss ..."

She notices her hand tremble a bit though, at the thought of what Vendama's parents did. For a long moment, she is silent.

"I wish I could offer an easy answer to this, dear," she says seriously. "I really do; let me start by asking this. Do your family's slaves know that you and your brother are not your parents, that you don't wish to follow their ways?"

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 07:52 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 13 2005, 10:43 PM)

"I wish I could offer an easy answer to this, dear," she says seriously. "I really do; let me start by asking this. Do your family's slaves know that you and your brother are not your parents, that you don't wish to follow their ways?"

"We have lifted most of the worst of the traditions of our land," replied Vendama. "But you have only to look at the people in the field to know they are filled with fear. If we simply free them, they might be – I know this is terrible to say about fellow sentient creatures, but it is our fear – they might be like animals. I have not come here seeking, as you say, easy answers, Loranna. I want to observe Ald Raathim up close, to see what the future might hold for our lands … and perhaps to gird up my courage to do what I believe to be right."

Vendama paused. "I should probably tell you more about Dres Minsero too …"

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 07:56 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 14 2005, 01:52 AM)

Loranna nods. "I understand dear; when Azura was still in me, I could hear the thoughts of the slaves I ordered freed. You treat a person like an animal long enough and they will start to act like one; that's part of my reasons for disliking slavery."

"As for courage - dear there are days when I find myself thinking defying Azura was easy compared to just facing daily life," she says, grinning. "But levity aside, tell me more about Serjo Minsero, please."

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 07:59 AM

Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 13 2005, 10:56 PM)

"As for courage - dear there are days when I find myself thinking defying Azura was easy compared to just facing daily life," she says, grinning. "But levity aside, tell me more about Serjo Minsero, please."

"If you were simply Jazbet’s widow," Vendama said. "Minsero would give you a gruff reception, and be done with it. But he does not trust outlanders, particularly Nords … particularly women. In his mind, this is what happened. You seduced Jazbet, got him to agree to marry you, had him killed, perversely had your lover ‘desecrate’ his corpse, and now you plan to lead some sort of evil, necromantic revolution … Well, perhaps he doesn’t quite believe that is what happened … Believe it or not, Minsero is one of the more moderate of the Dres council. If he can be assured that that’s not what happened, he can convince others of that, and all will be well."

Vendama took Loranna’s arm as they walked towards the dining room.

"The best you can hope for from Minsero is neutrality. That was his attitude towards your husband. On one hand, Minsero is a champion of tradition, slavery, the House lands staying in House hands … On the other, he admired your husband, as much as he is capable of admiring anyone. He more or less had to. Jazbet saved his life."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 08:07 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 14 2005, 01:59 AM)

Ald Raathim
"If you were simply Jazbet’s widow," Vendama said. "Minsero would give you a gruff reception, and be done with it. But he does not trust outlanders, particularly Nords … particularly women. In his mind, this is what happened. You seduced Jazbet, got him to agree to marry you, had him killed, perversely had your lover ‘desecrate’ his corpse, and now you plan to lead some sort of evil, necromantic revolution … Well, perhaps he doesn’t quite believe that is what happened … Believe it or not, Minsero is one of the more moderate of the Dres council. If he can be assured that that’s not what happened, he can convince others of that, and all will be well."

Vendama took Loranna’s arm as they walked towards the dining room.

"The best you can hope for from Minsero is neutrality. That was his attitude towards your husband. On one hand, Minsero is a champion of tradition, slavery, the House lands staying in House hands … On the other, he admired your husband, as much as he is capable of admiring anyone. He more or less had to. Jazbet saved his life."

Loranna's expression is a curious mix of disbelief, slight indignation, bemusement, and simple confusion.

" ... I see," she says as she and Vendama head to the dining room. " ... That's ah ... eye-opening."

Best to hope for is nuetrality and that Minsero will tell the Council Loranna is not some hideous she-demon out to lead armies of undead across the land. Loranna finds herself feeling that, for once, proving the truth would prove harder to do than proving a prefabrication.

"Saved his life?" she asks as they walk.

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 08:16 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 13 2005, 11:07 PM)

"Saved his life?" she asks as they walk.

"I’ll tell you about it later," Vendama said as they reached the dining room. "Don’t tell him I told you. I just wanted to let you know you’re on the right track when you talk about continuing Jazbet’s vision. That’s the best strategy to pursue to convince him."

The servants opened the door.

Razbiah was already putting food on the table. Obael stood up when the ladies entered the room, but Minsero remained seated.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 08:20 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 14 2005, 02:16 AM)

Loranna gives Vendama a quick smile, then drops the subject; she nods to everyone, smiling more broadly and not letting Minsero's snub get to her.

How encouraging; I'm on the right track on this it seems, she thinks to herself, as she sits herself down, by now fairly hungry.

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 08:27 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 13 2005, 11:20 PM)

Vendama and Obael ate with polite smiles on their face, quite clearly not enjoying the meal at all. Minsero, on the other hand, ate voraciously, even while he spoke, and when Razbiah looked in, he signalled for more food.

‘Your cook is excellent, you’re very lucky,’ said Dres Minsero, and then, changing the subject as if uncomfortable giving a compliment. ‘Now, tell me, do you know very much about the history of the land you’ve taken? Do you know who Jazbet took Ald Raathim from? Does that matter to you, history?'

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 08:34 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 14 2005, 02:27 AM)

Loranna, having had experience with Razbiah's cooking, fills her stomach with decorous speed; the secret to enjoying Razbiah's cooking was in knowing that the enjoyment came after the meal, not during, when the wholesome goodness had a chance to take hold and the taste the few moments of time it took to fade completely from your memory.

She finds it slightly odd that Minsero loves Razbiah's food, but is quietly thankful; Razbiah did mean well. "She is; thank you Serjo," she says, smiling. "We are lucky to have her."

"Jazbet has told me the story of how he came to be lord of these lands, my Lord," she confirms. "History does matter to me, yes, and I am always willing to learn more."

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 08:44 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 13 2005, 11:34 PM)

"Jazbet has told me the story of how he came to be lord of these lands, my Lord," she confirms. "History does matter to me, yes, and I am always willing to learn more."

Minsero grunted, and Vendama gave Loranna a quick wink as if to say ‘You scored a point, though he won’t acknowledge it.’

‘Dres Raithmat was not someone I very much admired,’ said Minsero. ‘Slavery, though you may not agree with me, is a necessity. For Raithmat, however, it was a pleasure. He enjoyed humiliating his people, beating them to death for the slightest infraction. Jazbet was born into that world, and I do not blame him at all for choosing to flee from it. It was a very good thing when old Raithmat died, and his daughter Seresina inherited Ald Raathim. Now, she was delightful. Did you know her, Serjo Obael?’

‘Yes,’ said the young Dunmer, smiling at Loranna. ‘Beautiful and very sweet-hearted. A tradition among ladies of Ald Raathim which continues to this day.’

‘Her way was orthodox without being excessively cruel,’ Minsero said, helping himself to more food. ‘There is the question, always, of why she gave the land to Jazbet and disinherited her own son. Thus, the nickname of Ald Raathim which you have doubtlessly heard, Loranna. Daruhn. Land of the Thief.’

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 08:58 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 14 2005, 02:44 AM)

Loranna draws in a slow breath at hearing the tale of Jazbet's father; she closes her eyes for a brief moment to keep from looking at Kallen, not wishing to bring up his burdens when he wished to keep them quiet.

"It seems we are in greater agreement than many would think, my Lord; no one, be they a proponent of slavery or free workers, benefits from a man who takes pleasure in such acts," she says.

" ... Jazbet did not go into great detail about the exact details concerning how he came to inherit these lands instead of Seresina's son," she says, giving Obael a polite nod of thanks. "And yes, I've heard the nickname; nowadays we look at it as having stolen victory from the jaws of an overwhelming foe - victory Jazbet played a crucial part in making possible."

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 09:06 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 13 2005, 11:58 PM)

" ... Jazbet did not go into great detail about the exact details concerning how he came to inherit these lands instead of Seresina's son," she says, giving Obael a polite nod of thanks. "And yes, I've heard the nickname; nowadays we look at it as having stolen victory from the jaws of an overwhelming foe - victory Jazbet played a crucial part in making possible."

‘Bravo,’ Obael laughed, clapping his hands together. ‘I like that. Take a negative association and turn it around --’

‘The fact of the matter,’ Vendama interrupted her brother. ‘Is that Seresina did not have any children when she gave the land to her general, her most trusted warrior, Jazbet, who had won battles for her, for all House Dres, for years in her employ. He did not tell you how he came to inherit the land out of modesty. He did it by acts of valor.’

‘Yes,’ Minsero agreed. ‘That is all true. However, Seresina did have a child, though she did not acknowledge him. That also is true.’

‘Mere gossip,’ Vendama sneered.

'No,' said Minsero. 'She had him by an unknown slave, and sent him away to live in Vvardenfell because of the scandal.'

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 09:11 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 14 2005, 03:06 AM)

Loranna finds her cheeks reddening slightly, and she covers her mouth as she laughs a little. " ... And he always said he was a lousy fighter," she mutters. "Oh Jazbet what will I do ... ah, uhh, hum."

" ... What happened to the son, my Lord?" Loranna asks. "Even if it is in fact just gossip," she adds, with a glance to Vendama, "I would like to know."

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 09:19 AM

Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 14 2005, 12:11 AM)

‘I do not know,’ Minsero shrugged. ‘I know she placed him in the care of the Ashlanders in northern Vvardenfell, near Sheogorad. That was eighteen years ago, and he is probably dead. I do not know that she ever spoke of him to any. Very likely, Jazbet did not know that he was being given a land for which there was another closer in line to inherit.’

‘Seres,’ said Obael.

‘Hush,’ said Vendama.

‘Well that was his name,’ he said. ‘So they say.’

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 09:28 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 14 2005, 03:19 AM)

Ald Raathim
‘I do not know,’ Minsero shrugged. ‘I know she placed him in the care of the Ashlanders in northern Vvardenfell, near Sheogorad. That was eighteen years ago, and he is probably dead. I do not know that she ever spoke of him to any. Very likely, Jazbet did not know that he was being given a land for which there was another closer in line to inherit.’

‘Seres,’ said Obael.

‘Hush,’ said Vendama.

‘Well that was his name,’ he said. ‘So they say.’

"I see," Loranna says, her tone growing thoughtful.

If the son had given himself over to Azura, then he was destroyed; if he had died before then however or had not given himself to Azura ...

Loranna makes a mental note to ask Kallen about this son after the meal, when she has a quiet moment.

" ... Thank you for telling me this history, my Lord," Loranna says. "I think I can see now even more clearly why Jazbet was so dedicated to his dream, and am even more intent to see that his lands prosper as he wished."

Silently, she adds ... and see a side to my love that I never realized; Jazbet, even in death you surprise me with your gentleness and strength. You and Slyvos both are so remarkable I am humbled by having fallen in love with you.

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 09:34 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 14 2005, 12:28 AM)

" ... Thank you for telling me this history, my Lord," Loranna says. "I think I can see now even more clearly why Jazbet was so dedicated to his dream, and am even more intent to see that his lands prosper as he wished."

"Well, it is getting late, for an old man like me," Dres Minsero said, getting to his feet. "We will continue this discussion tomorrow."

Without so much as a goodnight or a thank you, the old Dunmer nobleman left the room.

"Oh, he likes you," grinned Obael.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 09:38 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 14 2005, 03:34 AM)

Loranna laughs a little. "I'm flattered," she says, as she finishes off her glass of wine.

"My Lord and Lady, if it pleases you I would be happy to show you around the castle," she says. "Jazbet's herb garden remains a wonderful sight, a feast for the eyes and the nose alike."

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 09:42 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 14 2005, 12:38 AM)

"My Lord and Lady, if it pleases you I would be happy to show you around the castle," she says. "Jazbet's herb garden remains a wonderful sight, a feast for the eyes and the nose alike."

"Your castle has a herb garden," Obael laughed. "I never would have guessed … Um, no offense, but is your cook aware of its existence?"

Vendama grimaced. "Poor Loranna really had the worst luck in guests today. I for one would love to see this ocular and nasal feast ... "

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 09:52 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 14 2005, 03:42 AM)

Loranna laughs. "I should let you face gentle Razbiah's wrath, dear," she mock-threatens. "Razbiah's food's goodness is realized in the fullness of time, and stays with you a long time."

She leads her younger guests to one of her favorite parts of the castle, the alchemist and Dibellan both in her feeling wonderous to be back in the herb garden.

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 07:53 PM

Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 14 2005, 03:52 AM)

She leads her younger guests to one of her favorite parts of the castle, the alchemist and Dibellan both in her feeling wonderous to be back in the herb garden.

The sun was setting on the horizon, with just enough light to give the garden a wash of the pinks and blues of the dusk. The day blossoms were beginning to close, and the night blossoms were beginning to open, the competing scents mixing in the cooling air.

“Now this is the spot for a dalliance,” said Obael, smiling.

Vendama shot her brother a look. “I told Loranna about us, what we want to do with our inheritance, and what she can expect from Minsero.”

“Ah,” said Obael. “So that’s what ladies talk about when they go to powder their noses together.”

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 09:30 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 14 2005, 01:53 PM)

Ald Raathim
The sun was setting on the horizon, with just enough light to give the garden a wash of the pinks and blues of the dusk. The day blossoms were beginning to close, and the night blossoms were beginning to open, the competing scents mixing in the cooling air.

“Now this is the spot for a dalliance,” said Obael, smiling.

Vendama shot her brother a look. “I told Loranna about us, what we want to do with our inheritance, and what she can expect from Minsero.”

“Ah,” said Obael. “So that’s what ladies talk about when they go to powder their noses together.”

Sunset was always a lovely-looking time of the day; Loranna's senses drink in the sights and smells, and her face shows a contented joy.

Obael's remark makes her turn to look at her guests, saying "Sometimes, my Lord; sometimes," her face crinkling into a tiny grin.

... You two are such lovely dears, friendly and open, Loranna thinks to herself. Your past one I can emphesize with, your goals ones I share.

... I feel ashamed of myself somewhat to find myself wondering if this is not a trick to gain my confidence so I'll reveal the ways to quietly destabalize Daruhn and let the Outlander Nord abolitionist woman drop out of the picture. But that thought is there dears and so until I can satisfy myself that it's as ludicrious as Minsero's belief about me, what do I tell you two?

"Vendama has told me some of your story, yes," she continues. "As I said to her, my condolances for your loss, and my hopes that your lands will prosper and your fortunes as well."

" ... Minsero's words have made me realize how little I still know about Dres history overall," Loranna admits. "Something I would like to remedy; perhaps you could tell me a little bit more of House history? In particular for now, whether any other domains have ever tried following a path like Daruhn's, and how well they fared?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 09:48 PM

The Herb Garden, Ald Raathim, Twilight

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 14 2005, 03:30 PM)

"Vendama has told me some of your story, yes," she continues. "As I said to her, my condolances for your loss, and my hopes that your lands will prosper and your fortunes as well."

" ... Minsero's words have made me realize how little I still know about Dres history overall," Loranna admits. "Something I would like to remedy; perhaps you could tell me a little bit more of House history? In particular for now, whether any other domains have ever tried following a path like Daruhn's, and how well they fared?"

“Our loss?” Obael looked at Loranna and then his sister. “Surely, she doesn’t mean our parents? You didn’t tell her that we’re sorry they’re gone, did you? It’s like a prisoner being sorry his warden died …”

“She’s being polite,” Vendama frowned. “A personality trait you would be good to learn, Obael. As for the Dres, well, Loranna, you know we’re mostly located in the far south, on the border to Black Marsh. Your estate, and the surrounding ones, are relatively new to the House. Raathim is an old House that doesn’t exist anymore, though the Queen Mother Barenziah was born into it.”

“Of course, there have been a few rebellious types who tried to eliminate slavery in their lands,” said Obael. “Some were murdered by their slaves, others destroyed by their House … and others simply faded away, driven into poverty ‘til they eventually sold their land to their neighbors who still kept slaves.”

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 10:03 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 14 2005, 03:48 PM)

The Herb Garden, Ald Raathim, Twilight
“Our loss?” Obael looked at Loranna and then his sister. “Surely, she doesn’t mean our parents? You didn’t tell her that we’re sorry they’re gone, did you? It’s like a prisoner being sorry his warden died …”

“She’s being polite,” Vendama frowned. “A personality trait you would be good to learn, Obael. As for the Dres, well, Loranna, you know we’re mostly located in the far south, on the border to Black Marsh. Your estate, and the surrounding ones, are relatively new to the House. Raathim is an old House that doesn’t exist anymore, though the Queen Mother Barenziah was born into it.”

“Of course, there have been a few rebellious types who tried to eliminate slavery in their lands,” said Obael. “Some were murdered by their slaves, others destroyed by their House … and others simply faded away, driven into poverty ‘til they eventually sold their land to their neighbors who still kept slaves.”

"Vendama told me a bit about your parents, Obael," Loranna says, smiling a little. "My own parents were less than ideal, actually ..."

Young people rebelling against what their despised parents stood for? she thinks to herself, filing the thought away for later.

"The Queen Mother was born into Raathim? I never knew that," Loranna says, thinking of Helseth for a brief moment. "I met her son briefly during the last days of the Blue Dawn; ... an interesting fellow."

She listens to Obael's recount of the history of slaveless Dres lands. " ... I see," she says, thinking to herself I wonder if anyone has a bet going on how long Ald Raathim will last.

"It's a very big step you're thinking of taking then, to free your own slaves," she says. "Even if neither slaves nor the House try to attack you, the previous prospects don't look terribly good."

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Yesterday, 10:40 PM

Slyvos was just following behind everyone a little ways back, not the best for small talk with people he didn't know... and politicians confuzzled him.

ugh, why do I even bother trying to understand politics... oh wait, I'm a curious kitten that's why... hehe

He tried to avoid getting into conversation with the guests unless needed...

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 12:13 AM

Tirdas, 14th Mid-Year, the Season of the Steed

Tris Gaerington's journal:

Twenty years old today. Seems like a milestone. Today I'm no longer a teenager. Something else. Maybe a man I guess. Although it seems like a man would be at the Guildhouse, not sitting on a rooftop in Wayrest avoiding his friends and watching the brightly dressed people pass far below.

Told Ciel about Ymalna. I think it would be better if he ever lost his temper. Really lost it, yelled and hit me. Then I'd know where I stand. But when Ciel gets mad, he doesn't yell, doesn't hit, doesn't even lecture, just shakes his head. It's terrifying. Like there's no one there, I push and no one pushes back. And Ciel can gut me, without any effort at all, just by being who and what he is. I'm sorry, I said. You're always sorry about something, he said. Quiet-like. So, there's me, with my guts falling out on the floor, the wound so deep and neat I can't even feel it until it's over.

So. My little brother and I have the same birthday. I guess I should write about that.

Ymalna was getting bigger and bigger every time I saw her. Baby late, she was exhausted, starting to be frightened. Nothing much I could do to calm her fears; my mother almost died with me and did die with my stillborn sister, women having babies scare me to death. But I tried. Told her I loved her.

Herwyn Brand, bringing him his daily rose - I had skipped a couple of days, spending time with her - and he pulls me aside. Talks about Elysana, her wants, her fears, well I knew that. Talks about my dad. Dad knows about me sleeping with Ymalna. Plans to murder her as soon as the baby's born. Well that is news. And I feel like a moron, this mundane, earth-walker type telling a Void Ranger his own business. Like I've been half-asleep, lucky I'm not dead.

He even tells me how to save her. The right letters to the right people, sealed 'if I ever die, my husband killed me' letters, followed by a word to my dad. And it works, the hired poisoner is sent away, Ymalna lives, and after days of white-knuckle agony, there's a new little boy in the world.

My father put his arms around me, kissed me on the face. Strange to see him happy. Was he that happy when I was born, before I had time to sour things between us by being who and what I am? Will this little boy follow that same path, or will he be like Oro, father's favorite, who won't even meet my eyes when I speak to him?

Father doesn't remember today is my birthday. And I didn't mention it. Let this new little one have his day to himself. I gave him a handsome natal present, an enchanted sword, which it will be years before he can use. But that's the tradition in our family, held over from our founding Nord pirate ancestors, blonde haired fellows who liked the Iliac weather and decided to stay and steal money by legal means. Because of them I have fair hair and green-grey eyes, and my father has the ruthless heart of a conqueror.

I'd better go home. Allerleirauh never forgets a date, there's probably a party planned. For little Tris Gaerington, bringer of disaster, waker of the restless dead. I have good friends. I'm lucky.

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 01:15 AM

The Herb Garden, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 14 2005, 04:03 PM)

"It's a very big step you're thinking of taking then, to free your own slaves," she says. "Even if neither slaves nor the House try to attack you, the previous prospects don't look terribly good."

"We'll see how a big a step it is," said Obael. "It might be wise to take small steps first. We'll see ..."

Vendama looked to Slyvos following them. "I say, we haven't been properly introduced, but you know the tiny little scar just under your chin? I was there when Jazbet got it. He was showing off, jumping off some rocks right down on the beach -- I was just a little girl, and he was trying to amuse me -- and he bumped it while jumping backwards. There was so much blood, I was really scared, but he just laughed it off."

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Today, 01:19 AM

He put his hand to the scar subconsciously, that little statement reminding Slyvos once again that he was not supposed to really be alive anymore... but hey, the body was free, and Jazbet didn't mind, so here he is.

'I see... I never really knew the guy much... just the bits and pieces i was told, and a few things I found out myself. He was a great guy, but Azura got alittle too comfy with his soul...'

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 01:24 AM

The Herb Garden, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 14 2005, 07:19 PM)

'I see... I never really knew the guy much... just the bits and pieces i was told, and a few things I found out myself. He was a great guy, but Azura got alittle too comfy with his soul...'

"Dres Vendama," said the slim young Dunmer, holding out her hand, before winking at Loranna. "And don't worry, Loranna. That's the extent to the secrets I know about your man's body."

"Dres Obael," said her brother. "I didn't realize Jazbet was an Azurite."

Posted by: Loranna Today, 01:32 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 14 2005, 07:19 PM)

Loranna walks over to Slyvos, smoothing a crease out of his sleeve. "My Lord and Lady, my paramour, Slyvos," she says, giving Slyvos a small smile. "One of the heroes who resisted Azura during the Blue Dawn, and one of the people who, like Jazbet, helped me find the strength to finally do what was right."

Loranna's expression was difficult to read; sorrow at the thought of Jazbet's fate, protectiveness for Slyvos, a few other feelings flickered behind her eyes, but her face remained more nuetral, or perhaps just patient, waiting for her feelings to sort themselves out enough to pick a definite expression.

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 14 2005, 07:24 PM)

The Herb Garden, Ald Raathim
"Dres Vendama," said the slim young Dunmer, holding out her hand, before winking at Loranna. "And don't worry, Loranna. That's the extent to the secrets I know about your man's body."

"Dres Obael," said her brother. "I didn't realize Jazbet was an Azurite."

Loranna gives Vendama a smile. "I know Jazbet had many conquests in bed, dear; it doesn't bother me. But thank you for your assurance."

She looks over to Obael. "He was, yes; a choice he realized was a mistake the moment he made it," she says. "A choice he kept to himself for obvious reasons, though a couple of people realized it - some a lot sooner than others. But he remained Jazbet, even as an Azurite."

Her eyes were moist; she couldn't help it. She thinks of the last time she saw Jazbet, bright-eyed and smiling, and she feels a little better.

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 01:38 AM

Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 14 2005, 07:32 PM)

Loranna walks over to Slyvos, smoothing a crease out of his sleeve. "My Lord and Lady, my paramour, Slyvos," she says, giving Slyvos a small smile. "One of the heroes who resisted Azura during the Blue Dawn, and one of the people who, like Jazbet, helped me find the strength to finally do what was right."

Loranna gives Vendama a smile. "I know Jazbet had many conquests in bed, dear; it doesn't bother me. But thank you for your assurance."

She looks over to Obael. "He was, yes; a choice he realized was a mistake the moment he made it," she says. "A choice he kept to himself for obvious reasons, though a couple of people realized it - some a lot sooner than others. But he remained Jazbet, even as an Azurite."

Vendama yawned. “I’m sorry. I’m usually a nightowl, but it was a frightfully long voyage on the boat, and Minseros such tedious company, I’m exhausted. I think I should find my room.”

“I’m not very tired yet,” Obael shrugged. “But I expect Loranna and her paramour would like to get to that dalliance I mentioned earlier. I should say goodnight also.”

Posted by: Loranna Today, 01:43 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 14 2005, 07:38 PM)

Ald Raathim
Vendama yawned. “I’m sorry. I’m usually a nightowl, but it was a frightfully long voyage on the boat, and Minseros such tedious company, I’m exhausted. I think I should find my room.”

“I’m not very tired yet,” Obael shrugged. “But I expect Loranna and her paramour would like to get to that dalliance I mentioned earlier. I should say goodnight also.”

Loranna chuckles a little. "Then we shall meet again in the morning to continue our discussions," she says. "May you both have a restful and pleasant evening."

She glances at Slyvos, smiling - and thinking to herself that there was business to attend to yet before she could have that dalliance, though she does not say so aloud.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Today, 01:56 AM

Sly looked over to Loranna, concerned, after the two dunmer were out of earshot.

'I don't trust those two... course, I don't trust many people to begin with, but still..'

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 01:57 AM

Ald Raathim

Kallen made certain the dining room was cleared, and supervised the set-up for breakfast. Razbiah was with him, and they discussed the meal. The larder was full, and they could afford to put together quite a few feasts without restocking.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 01:59 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 14 2005, 07:56 PM)

Sly looked over to Loranna, concerned, after the two dunmer were out of earshot.

'I don't trust those two... course, I don't trust many people to begin with, but still..'

Loranna smiles and embraces Slyvos, leaning close to his ear.

"I would like to trust them," she says quietly, sighing. "But even I feel tonight's gone a bit too well to be believed. That, and we have ghosts in the castle; one I know is hostile."

"Love, I have a huge favor to ask; keep an unseen and watchful eye over the twins tonight. Make sure no ghostly presence tries to do them any harm - and let me know in the morning if they did anything suspicious. I must confer with Kallen about matters mundane and supernatural."

She lets Slyvos go, smiling, though her eyes show the seriousness behind her smile.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Today, 02:06 AM

Slyvo just sighed, and started getting those invisibility spells ready, along with a few of Lor's potions so he'd be more agile then he already was

He then started sneaking around making his way into the room of their guests through an open window, invisible of course, and with feather fall and levitate.

hope the breathing doesn't give it away...

Posted by: Loranna Today, 02:10 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 14 2005, 08:06 PM)

Loranna sighs to herself as Slyvos leaves her; she felt a little bad about springing the request on him on such short notice, but she needed to make sure everything was as it seemed. Slyvos had centuries of magical experience on which to draw and was, by nature, given to fading into the background unless he was busily blowing up the background; she trusted that he could keep an unseen eye on the twins as she asked.

Loranna finds Razbiah and Kallen in the dining room and smiles. "My dears, a wonderful job tonight," she says. "The food was filling and the evening went well, especially consideing how much notice we all had."

She locks eyes with Kallen for a brief second, her wish to speak privately with him clear.

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 02:11 AM

Dres Vendama's Room, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 14 2005, 08:06 PM)

He then started sneaking around making his way into the room of their guests through an open window, invisible of course, and with feather fall and levitate.
hope the breathing doesn't give it away...

The young Dunmer noblewoman had her servant undress her and, while a bath was being drawn, she walked naked around the room, admiring the art and the simple but well-wrought furniture.

"Such beautiful lines," she said, touching everything.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Today, 02:14 AM

Slyvos tried to keep his eyes from wandering, hard considering he was a guy, and still kinda insecure when it came to people he wasn't familiar with.

why does this kind of thing always happen?

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 02:15 AM

The Dining Room, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 14 2005, 08:10 PM)

Loranna finds Razbiah and Kallen in the dining room and smiles. "My dears, a wonderful job tonight," she says. "The food was filling and the evening went well, especially consideing how much notice we all had."

She locks eyes with Kallen for a brief second, her wish to speak privately with him clear.

"Thank you, milady," said Razbiah. "Lord Minsero seemed to enjoy it."

"The bard troupe will be here tomorrow night," said Kallen, as Razbiah left. "There are some old Velothi ballads I thought would be appropriate for the company."

Posted by: Loranna Today, 02:20 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 14 2005, 08:15 PM)

The Dining Room, Ald Raathim
"Thank you, milady," said Razbiah. "Lord Minsero seemed to enjoy it."

"The bard troupe will be here tomorrow night," said Kallen, as Razbiah left. "There are some old Velothi ballads I thought would be appropriate for the company."

"I'm looking forward to hearing them; I need to learn more about Velothi customs," Loranna says, nodding to Razbiah as she leaves.

Once she is assured she and Kallen are alone, she asks in a quiet voice "Your impression of our guests tonight, Kallen?" Her demeanor becomes more businesslike, yet at the same time more relaxed; discussing whether the world was out to get them all with her friends was something she was familiar with.

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 02:29 AM

Vendama's Room, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 14 2005, 08:14 PM)

Slyvos tried to keep his eyes from wandering, hard considering he was a guy, and still kinda insecure when it came to people he wasn't familiar with.

why does this kind of thing always happen?

There was a knock on the door.

"Just a moment," said Vendama, putting on a robe before opening the door.

It was her brother Obael. "So, what did you think?"

"I like her," said Vendama. "Though I do sometimes wonder if it's an act. She seems a little too perfect, yes?"

"I'll try to get to know her better," Obael said.

"I'm sure you'll try," Vendama laughed. "But don't cross her 'paramour.' Speaking of which, one of us should tell her not to call him that in front of Uncle Minseros. His head will explode."

The Dining Room, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Lorannach @ Jun 14 2005, 08:14 PM)

Once she is assured she and Kallen are alone, she asks in a quiet voice "Your impression of our guests tonight, Kallen?" Her demeanor becomes more businesslike, yet at the same time more relaxed; discussing whether the world was out to get them all with her friends was something she was familiar with.

"I think it went extraordinarily well," said Kallen. "Actually, Minseros is very polite to the servants. I thought you would appreciate knowing that."

Posted by: Loranna Today, 02:37 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 14 2005, 08:29 PM)

The Dining Room, Ald Raathim
"I think it went extraordinarily well," said Kallen. "Actually, Minseros is very polite to the servants. I thought you would appreciate knowing that."

"Thank you; I actually have a growing respect for Minsero," Loranna says. "For all his obvious intent to give me a hard time, he strikes me as being a relatively decent sort."

She tells Kallen the short version of her conversations with Vendama and Obael. " ... I rather want to believe their story, and I would be honored to help them if I could if it's true," she concludes. "At the same time, it did occur to me that their tale is almost perfectly suited to tugging on my heartstrings, and the twins are almost exactly the sort of people I'd be inclined to open up to - and so I want to ask what you know of them, and their family history and their relations with Jazbet, so I can assure myself I'm not actually being set up to tell the Council how to bring Ald Raathim down around our ears."

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Today, 02:41 AM

Sly knew it, just as he knew he would... Chimer, or dunmer, his former kind were always the same; paranoid and grim. They didn't trust Loranna.

knew it, just knew it...

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 02:44 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 14 2005, 08:37 PM)

She tells Kallen the short version of her conversations with Vendama and Obael. " ... I rather want to believe their story, and I would be honored to help them if I could if it's true," she concludes. "At the same time, it did occur to me that their tale is almost perfectly suited to tugging on my heartstrings, and the twins are almost exactly the sort of people I'd be inclined to open up to - and so I want to ask what you know of them, and their family history and their relations with Jazbet, so I can assure myself I'm not actually being set up to tell the Council how to bring Ald Raathim down around our ears."

"I'm afraid I don't know them well, not even by reputation," said Kallen. "And there are indeed some very horrible stories about their parents. I will make inquiries though, if you'd like."

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 02:49 AM

Vendama's Room, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 14 2005, 08:41 PM)

Sly knew it, just as he knew he would... Chimer, or dunmer, his former kind were always the same; paranoid and grim. They didn't trust Loranna.

knew it, just knew it...

"Your bath is ready, milady," said Vendama's maid.

"Thank you," said Vendama before turning to her brother. "Are you going to bed now?"

"I'm wide awake," said Obael. "I thought I'd walk down to the village, go to that tavern we passed. The locals might have some tales to tell."

"Don't get too drunk," laughed Vendama. "Or you'll be telling all the tales."

Obael rolled his eyes, and left his sister's room.

Vendama dropped her robe, and slipped her lithe, dark body into the hot water of the bath.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 02:51 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 14 2005, 08:44 PM)

"I'm afraid I don't know them well, not even by reputation," said Kallen. "And there are indeed some very horrible stories about their parents. I will make inquiries though, if you'd like."

"Inquiries are good, yes," Loranna says. "Doubtless they've made inquiries about me, after all. I would have before coming to the castle of the woman who ran around with Azura inside her for so long."

She considers for a moment. "Vendama mentioned Jazbet saved Minsero's life; I should ask her to tell me that in more detail later," she says. "The next question then - assuming they are telling the truth, and that their lands can be run similar to ours ... what will the Council say? The impression I get is that Daruhn was left as it was because it was relatively small and no one seriously considered it a role model; now though things have changed, and while it's a good change I don't want to casue a civil war in the House."

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Today, 02:54 AM

Slyvos couldn't keep an eye on both of them... and well, if the other was getting drunk, he wouldn't be much of a threat... so the girl was the target this night. He would watch... but not while she bathed, he was better then that.

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 02:56 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 14 2005, 08:51 PM)

She considers for a moment. "Vendama mentioned Jazbet saved Minsero's life; I should ask her to tell me that in more detail later," she says. "The next question then - assuming they are telling the truth, and that their lands can be run similar to ours ... what will the Council say? The impression I get is that Daruhn was left as it was because it was relatively small and no one seriously considered it a role model; now though things have changed, and while it's a good change I don't want to casue a civil war in the House."

"I think that's the very crux of Dres Minsero's concern," replied Kallen. "For which I certainly don't have an answer ... except that perhaps a civil war within the House may not be such a bad thing, as far as wars go. A battle for freedom is the noblest cause of all."

Kallen had been uncharacteristically effusive, and noticing a slightly tarnished candlestick, wiped the silver clean.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 03:07 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 14 2005, 08:56 PM)

Loranna watches Kallen with piercing eyes, a small but obvious fact rising back to the forefront of her mind.

"You may be right Kallen," she says slowly. "... But we will see what happens; I wasn't kidding when I said I felt we had enough catastrophic change for now. But I will keep this in mind."

" ... And, if I may say so," she adds, more gently, "I really don't think your scars suit you, no matter what ghosts say otherwise."

Be they actual ghosts or ghosts from the past, she silently adds, though perhaps Kallen might pick up on the thought in her eyes.

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 03:11 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 14 2005, 09:07 PM)

"You may be right Kallen," she says slowly. "... But we will see what happens; I wasn't kidding when I said I felt we had enough catastrophic change for now. But I will keep this in mind."

" ... And, if I may say so," she adds, more gently, "I really don't think your scars suit you, no matter what ghosts say otherwise."

"I will, of course, keep my revolutionary ardor to myself around our guests," said Kallen with a hint of a smile. "And thank you, milady. Will that be all for tonight?"

Posted by: Loranna Today, 03:16 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 14 2005, 09:11 PM)

"I will, of course, keep my revolutionary ardor to myself around our guests," said Kallen with a hint of a smile. "And thank you, milady. Will that be all for tonight?"

"Not quite," Loranna says. "The witching hour is still approaching and I intend to be ready should the former lord decide to appear again. Since he's seemed to been targeting you, I'd prefer to stay by your side tonight - and to take a few precautions."

She stretches a bit. "Come on; while we still have some time let's figure out where to greet the specter and what to do to help keep him from hurting you again."

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 03:22 AM

The Dining Room, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 14 2005, 09:16 PM)

“I’m afraid I am not much of a fighter, milady,” said Kallen. “Against the living or the dead. When I tried to push him, or it, away, my hands went right through it. But it, as you saw, is quite capable of touching us.”

Outside, the nightbirds began calling. The hour was approaching.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 03:29 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jun 14 2005, 09:22 PM)

The Dining Room, Ald Raathim
“I’m afraid I am not much of a fighter, milady,” said Kallen. “Against the living or the dead. When I tried to push him, or it, away, my hands went right through it. But it, as you saw, is quite capable of touching us.”

Outside, the nightbirds began calling. The hour was approaching.

Loranna frowns as she hears the nightbirds; there was but a couple hours left. "I see; hopefully then magic will work against him, or we'll figure out something if it doesn't."

She hands Kallen a vial. "Drink this; for the next few days you could be sliced in twain by a daikatana and be whole before the halves had time to fall away from one another. I'll cast some protective spells on us both, and ready my undead turning magics."

She pushes worry from her mind; now was not the time to question whether she could fight this ghost. She'd learned something of its history and had her magic on hand; that would be enough, or else she'd make it be enough ...

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Today, 03:58 AM

Slyvos had dropped down from the window, falling silently on his feet with the help of his magic. He made his way back to Loranna, still invisible, forcing the effect to end as he got quietly behind her. He wrapped his arms around her a bit as he appeared.

'well, I did like you asked, love. They are just as suspicious as we are...'

Posted by: Loranna Today, 04:03 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 14 2005, 09:58 PM)

Loranna jumps and Slyvos can feel an absorb fatigue spell wearing on his magical defenses for the brief second Loranna is surprised.

"Love I'm going to get you for that one later," she says, calming down and canceling her spell. "Next time when I'm getting ready to fight evil ghosts, don't sneak up like that, okay?"

She turns in his arms and kisses him briefly, on the cheek, her expression saying she is in a more businesslike frame of mind. She glances over at Kallen, but the quietly revolutionary Dunmer youth was attentively takign care of things on the other side of the room, impressing Loranna.

"So they're suspicious too; good to see we're no the only ones," she says with a tiny smile. "What specifically have they said so far, and what are they doing?"

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Today, 04:09 AM

It was obvious to Slyvos that his demon-nord sweetie was in a rather serious mood today.

'The male went to go get drunk... and will probably start blabing stuff he shouldn't later. The girl was er, well, getting ready for a bath when I started my little stealth observation... kinda caught her naked. A bit embaressing I must say... luckily, no one saw me up there, or they'd be REALLY suspicious...'

Posted by: Loranna Today, 04:11 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 14 2005, 10:09 PM)

"I see," Loranna says, thinking to herself that perhaps she should ask Tris to give her some pointers to pass on to Slyvos about the art of spying next time.

"What exactly did they have to say about us? What are they suspicious of?" she asks Slyvos, her tone calm and even.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Today, 04:16 AM

He sighed a bit, not getting real specifics.

'mostly, they think that you seem a bit too friendly to be genuine... and the think that you calling me your paramour would get you on the old man's bad side... he would just explode, as one of them put it so well.'

Posted by: Loranna Today, 04:23 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 14 2005, 10:16 PM)

Loranna grimaces a little. "Yes, well, some of the older House members still see what you did as a perversion," she says, letting out a tired breath. "For right now, let's downplay our impending nuptials; the main goal is to convince Minsero that I am basically what I say and not a necromancer aide plotting a revolution."

Of course, she may end up being a different sort of revolutionary in the end; that she would worry about later though, when ghosts weren't so heavy on her mind.

"Either I hid my own suspicions too well or I am simply too friendly for my own good sometimes," she decides. "All right; Obael you say has gone to the tavern and Vendama is still in the castle. Much as I'd like to know what Obael is up to, I think it'd be better to have you close for when the ghost arrives. We'll send a servant to the tavern to keep a casual eye on Obael."

" ... Was there any other detail mentioned you haven't said yet?" Loranna asks Slyvos. "Even if it seems minor; it may be important."

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Today, 04:26 AM

He thought for a second, and thought back to the little spy mission...

'Obael wants to get closer to you... probably just to find out what your true intentions are. or to be able to give an excuse to acuse you of being what the older members think you are, either one, that's just my paranoid side talking...'

Posted by: Loranna Today, 04:36 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 14 2005, 10:26 PM)

"That part I managed to figure out even on my own," Loranna notes with a wry grin. "He and his sister have a nice little interplay going on, him being flirtatious, she trying to keep him from going overboard. If they are in fact plotting my doom, then they're at least good company about it."

" ... All right; we'll send the servant and for now love, please continue keeping an eye on Vendama, and Minsero if you can," Loranna asks. "The ghost comes with the witching hour; be ready, just in case."

She kisses Slyvos. "Thank you for doing this; I fear I may be asking you to play spy again if we have guests like this."

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Today, 04:38 AM

He kisses her back, and smiles softly.

'anything for you, dear.'

And with that, he made his stealthy little get away back outside, so he could continue to spy on Vendama. Hopefully she would have clothes on this time, or he'd be rationalizing his uncontrollable thoughts all night...

Posted by: Loranna Today, 04:43 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 14 2005, 10:38 PM)

Loranna sighs, laughing to herself; Slyvos always surprised her, one away or another. It probably was a wise idea for the two of them to work out arrangements like this for the future, though.

She calls for a servant and gives him instructions to head to the tavern and keep an eye on their guest, and to report back to her in the morning before breakfast. Then, she turns her attentions to preparing for the arrival of the expected ghost.

Posted by: S'reddit Today, 09:44 AM

Ald Raathim, Morrowind

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 14 2005, 07:43 PM)

The moons were high in the cloudless sky, casting their light down upon Castle Daruhn.

Vendama slept, but Slyvos noticed, she did not sleep well. She tossed, in the throes of a nightmare, and once uttered the name, "Seres."

Minseros also slept, but soundly, the deep sleep of an exhausted old man, fighting against the future with every ounce of his energy.

In the tavern in the village, Obael was buying drinks for everyone. When the tavernkeeper threatened to close the bar, the young Dunmer nobleman bought drinks for him too, the most expensive Dagoth brandy in the house, so dear that the tavernkeeper couldn’t help but make an exception. After all, it was Early Harvest Festival … almost, anyhow.

In the empty dining room of the castle, Kallen touched Loranna’s shoulder to show her how the candlelight cast strange shadows on the wall. They were moving. Shades of long dead slaves, men, women, and children too who had been brutalized in this place, some in this very room in years past. They shook, and shivered, and dripped dying down the stone walls.

"This is how it begins," said Kallen, his breath coming out in a cloud, as the temperature in the room dropped to freezing.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 10:47 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 15 2005, 03:44 AM)

Ald Raathim, Morrowind
In the empty dining room of the castle, Kallen touched Loranna’s shoulder to show her how the candlelight cast strange shadows on the wall. They were moving. Shades of long dead slaves, men, women, and children too who had been brutalized in this place, some in this very room in years past. They shook, and shivered, and dripped dying down the stone walls.

"This is how it begins," said Kallen, his breath coming out in a cloud, as the temperature in the room dropped to freezing.

Loranna had been preparing herself while the witching hour still drew near, exchanging her best dress for more relaxed - and enchanted - wear, and she had given Kallen what protective devices and spells she could. As her eyes fall upon the shadows cast on the wall, however, she found herself feeling much like she did at Dom's grave, where she felt with a sinking certainty that her mortal magics were only of limited use against the encroaching darkness.

Being a Nord, she was innured to cold; regardless of her heritage and the inability of the frozen air to affect her, she could feel a shiver run down her spine. This cold was born not of the natural world, nor of magic shaping the natural world; it came from the other side, the void of the world of the dead.

For once since Jazbet assured her he would always be with her, Loranna wondered if she wanted him by her side now; this scene could only torture his happy spirit, and had he not endured enough ...

Loranna berates herself; find your courage Lor, she admonishes. "It's horrible ..." she says quietly, squeezing the hand Kallen laid on her shoulder.

" ... Have their spirits been trapped here, all along?" she asks, as she prepares herself. "What comes next?"

Posted by: S'reddit Today, 10:57 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 15 2005, 01:47 AM)

" ... Have their spirits been trapped here, all along?" she asks, as she prepares herself. "What comes next?"

"He comes," replied Kallen, his voice steady, but showing his fear.

The door to the hall, the very one Loranna and Vendama had come down a few hours before banged open. The candlelight sputtered out.

A silhoutted figure with a sickly green light illuminating stood in the frame of the door.

"Slave," it croaked in a voice from far beyond. "Slave, thief, and harlot."

Posted by: Loranna Today, 11:03 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 15 2005, 04:57 AM)

Loranna turns, facing the apparition; her fear was still with her but it faded to the background. The battle was joined now, one way or another.

"Restless spirit, your time on Nirn has already ended," she says, her voice steady now. "Haunt not the living; your business with them is finished."

Posted by: S'reddit Today, 11:10 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 15 2005, 02:03 AM)

The green fire that burned around the spirit faded away, plunging the room into darkness, and Loranna heard Kallen scream out in pain.

Suddenly there was a face next to her, a man of great evil and cruelty, skin stretched across bone, lit by green light, "Harlot. Harlot of the Thief."

Loranna could feel nails tear into the flesh on her chest.

Posted by: S'reddit Today, 11:17 AM

H - A - R - L - O - T

The letters torn in blood.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 11:17 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 15 2005, 05:10 AM)

Kallen! Loranna's mind roars in anger and shame, her seneshals's anguished cries cutting into her as deeply as the nails that rake her chest.

Her face twists, as she looks into the loathsome visage near her. "Wife of your own son - the previous Lord of Ald Raathim," she growls. "Is this how a Dunmer spirit treats his descendants?"

Posted by: S'reddit Today, 11:22 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 15 2005, 02:17 AM)

Her face twists, as she looks into the loathsome visage near her. "Wife of your own son - the previous Lord of Ald Raathim," she growls. "Is this how a Dunmer spirit treats his descendants?"

The horrific face glares, "The harlot of the thief … deserves only pain …"

But there is something there, a shimmering of human feeling … regret ….

Posted by: Loranna Today, 11:26 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 15 2005, 05:22 AM)

The horrific face glares, "The harlot of the thief … deserves only pain …"

But there is something there, a shimmering of human feeling … regret ….

Loranna's mouth tightens at the specter's words - but she sees the regret in those eyes, and the words that come from her mouth are softer than she thought.

"That won't ease your suffering," she says. "And we both know it; restless spirit, why do you not seek peace for yourself, instead of chaining your soul to inflicting torment that bites you as deeply as those your claws rake?"

Posted by: S'reddit Today, 11:33 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 15 2005, 02:26 AM)

"That won't ease your suffering," she says. "And we both know it; restless spirit, why do you not seek peace for yourself, instead of chaining your soul to inflicting torment that bites you as deeply as those your claws rake?"

The son of my son
Or the son of my daughter
Or both
Must take the title Lord of Ald Raathim
In one month’s time
Or the land of the thief will be swallowed whole by the sea
You cannot take what you were not given.

With that, the face fades away, and the candle sputters to life.

Loranna sees Kallen lying on the floor in a pool of blood, alive, breathing, awake, but fading into unconsciousness and death.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 11:41 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 15 2005, 05:33 AM)

Loranna kneels down, ignoring the blood staining her knees right now, healing Kallen with her magic; she can feel the wounds of the specter starting to close on her skin, the power of her potions kicking in now that the spirit has left.

The last words of Jazbet's father ring in Loranna's mind; one month, and Daruhn was doomed - unless she somehow appeased this vengeful ghost ...

===

... The curtain must now fall, and a new topic started.

LOCK ON!!!

Loranna