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

Posted by: Loranna Jun 17 2005, 09:57 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 is in Ald Raathim celebrating Early Harvest Festival, and trying to cope with vengeful spirits who threaten to destroy her lands, gruff Dres nobles who wish to put her through the third degree, and a potential assassin running loose with at least two murders to her credit today.

She is currently heading to her room to get ready to look for the latter.

Summary for Gram:

Gram has embarked on a quest to find true Nordic Mead in Daggerfall, and deals with ghosts, drunks, and the occasional pickpocket with equal aplomb - or perhaps that's ineberition

Posted by: S'reddit Jun 17 2005, 10:04 AM

Update

Elysana, Queen of Wayrest, continues to engineer the closing of the Mages Guilds with the help of the Archmagister Hannibal Traven and King Gothryd of Daggerfall.

Bosriel, the former Void Vampire now fear-feeding vampire, is in Solunastra, still planning a boat trip to Balfiera.

The handsome Dunmer noble Dres Obael is at the Early Harvest Festival dance, being manhandled by the Harvest Princess.

Dres Vendama, Obael's beautiful twin sister and co-ruler of Bodrom Mora, is also at the dance. With her brother, she has been supporting the idea of a Dres territory – like Ald Raathim – free of slavery, so that they can do the same to their land.

Dres Minsero, the traditionalist, powerful senior council member of the Dres Council, the mer Loranna has most to impress, has gone to bed.

Kethiah, the assassin, likely responsible for the accidents that befell a Mages Guild alchemist and a parrapton rider at today’s Early Harvest Festival is … somewhere …

Posted by: Loranna Jun 17 2005, 10:12 AM

Ald Raathim - Loranna's Room

If an assassin needed to stay near the scene of a crime for some reason, the best place to be would be the places no one would think to look, especially when you could reasonably expect a hunt to be on for you. Kethiah knew Shaka, the Argonian Battlemage, had recognized her earlier today, and that sooner or later he'd realize the slipup she had made at the Mages Guild. Therefore, Kethiah was either long gone by now or else in a place no one would think to look.

It occured to Loranna as she was dancing with the handsome Lord Obael that she'd not be inclined to look for an assassin in the dungeons; what criminal goes to hide in a jail? Of course, she didn't have any proof for this inspiration, but there seemed no reason not to check into it; it was a better place to start looking than 'somewhere in Ald Raathim where no one's looking right now'.

But first ... no need for her second best dress to get dirty or worse; Loranna exchanges her outfit for one more suited for looking into dangerous places, namely her armor with a nice but practical robe thrown over it. Between invisibility and illusion she could disguise her outfit from the eyes of the guests.

Her mace was a little too conspicuous, but her shortsword could fit under her robe; Loranna double-checks her potions and enchanted items and downs a potion to enbue her with Allie-esque levels of physical strength. She didn't know if Kethiah would actually try to attack her, but it didn't seem wise to take too many chances.

Thus prepared, she made her way to the castle dungeons, hidden from the eyes of the guests.

Posted by: S'reddit Jun 17 2005, 10:20 AM

Ald Raathim -- The Cellar

The dungeons of Ald Raathim had been the centerpiece for many horrors in the days of Dres Raithmat and before, but since the era of Raithmat’s more benign daughter Seresina and her heir, Loranna’s late husband Jazbet, they had largely been used as storage for the castle. The only exception to this had been the time they were used for Azurites during that time, not too very long ago.

Now they were back to being storage. Hardly anyone came down there anymore. The first chamber consisted of miscellaneous seasonal furniture and decoration, and then the wine cellar full of huge floor to ceiling vats, before the proper dungeon began.

It was dark, it was dirty, and it was filled with shadows.

Posted by: Shardie Jun 17 2005, 10:24 AM

Might update just cause I need too... I shall be away for a fortnight, so intill then, my characters shall follow the main party around...

Posted by: Loranna Jun 17 2005, 10:24 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 17 2005, 04:20 AM)

Loranna, under the invisibility of Jazbet's ring, pauses for a brief second as she reaches the dungeons, her encounter with Raithmat's ghost coming back to her. The tortured shadows that had flickered on the walls; most of them had doubtless been born here ...

She pushes the memory away; right now she had a mortal adversary, not a spectral one. She didn't know if Kethiah would be imediately hostile or simply holing up, but she was going to try and be cautious.

Floating a bare inch above the floor, Loranna begins her search, thankful that Jazbet's ring confered night eye as well as invisibility. The wedding band was almost perfectly suited for this situation, now that she thought of it.

Posted by: S'reddit Jun 17 2005, 10:32 AM

The dungeons stretched on far beneath the castle on a slow decline. Cell after cell with tiny barred windows, chains, the smell of ancient pain and death trapped in the air like a memorial.

At the end of the long hall was the torture chamber. More chains, an iron maiden, rusted knives and pokers of evil design.

In the center of the room was a table with manacles where hundreds of slaves had met their end.

Kethiah lay on the table. She was not wearing a wig or another disguise. Short black hair, and a tight black catsuit.

She didn't see or hear Loranna approach.

Posted by: Loranna Jun 17 2005, 10:45 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 17 2005, 04:32 AM)

Loranna felt a rising disgust in her belly as she ventured further on; this place was ugly, in several senses. It inspired an instictive sense of revulsion in her to look upon tools designed to inflict such pain and suffering on other people.

It also did little to help put Loranna in a frame of mind conducive to peaceful conversation - then again, she was down here looking for a known assassin who had been linked to at least one murder today, two possible, maybe even more ...

She comes upon Kethiah more abruptly than she had thought, the atmosphere having lent itself to a sense of nightmarish foreboding and lingering terror. For half a second, she wonders what course of action to take - and then realizes her subconscious had already chosen a course of action.

Kethiah sees Loranna fade into view as a Calm spell - with a subtle Absorb Fatigue to help keep a person from getting too rambunctious - attempts to quell any sudden thoughts of attack or other violent action.

"Kethiah, I arrest you on suspicion of the murders of Furglom and Lord Borjaja," she says. "Kindly keep your hands where I can see them, dear."

Posted by: S'reddit Jun 17 2005, 10:56 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 17 2005, 01:45 AM)

"Kethiah, I arrest you on suspicion of the murders of Furglom and Lord Borjaja," she says. "Kindly keep your hands where I can see them, dear."

‘Hello, Loranna,’ Kethiah smiled, flipping over on the table into a crouched position. ‘Here are my hands. I have no weapons on me. But I can’t be arrested. I’ll either have to escape, kill you, or kill myself. That’s just my code, my dear. Nothing personal.’

It was hard to tell if the absorb fatigue spell was working. Kethiah stayed in her crouched position on the table, her hands in front of her, steady. Her eyes did not leave Loranna's, and her smile was not unpleasant.

Posted by: Loranna Jun 17 2005, 11:01 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 17 2005, 04:56 AM)

"I understand, some," Loranna says, one hand dropping to her sword. "And my duty is clear too - good luck."

Her duty - protect her people; Kethiah needed to be stopped, though perhaps she might be able to learn what she wanted anyway.

"I take it there's no chance you'd enlighten me as to why?" she asks. "Why those particular two, or why in general?"

Posted by: S'reddit Jun 17 2005, 11:06 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 17 2005, 02:01 AM)

"I take it there's no chance you'd enlighten me as to why?" she asks. "Why those particular two, or why in general?"

"I would love to, but that would be highly unprofessional," said Kethiah, not moving, keeping her eyes locked onto Loranna’s. "If I explained why those two not-entirely-upstanding members of your society had to die, and die quickly, with no panic, no obvious signs of foul play … That would reveal who my employer is, and that is something I make it a point to never reveal. I can, however, assure you that I am done for now in Ald Raathim … if that is any consolation."

Posted by: Loranna Jun 17 2005, 11:10 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 17 2005, 05:06 AM)

Loranna pauses for half a second, her eyes staying on Kethiah's. Kethiah could, perhaps, tell what her opponent was thinking - a charm spell, an absorb willpower spell, and she could perhaps get the knowledge she sought anyway. It would even perhaps not totally be foul play - surely Kethiah would expect Loranna to use magic ...

" ... Do you have writs for the deaths of those two?" Loranna asks, her tone belying the fact that she expects to be told no, but is asking anyway. Her sword, Caress, clears the sheath and falls into a defensive position.

Posted by: S'reddit Jun 17 2005, 11:18 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 17 2005, 02:10 AM)

" ... Do you have writs for the deaths of those two?" Loranna asks, her tone belying the fact that she expects to be told no, but is asking anyway. Her sword, Caress, clears the sheath and falls into a defensive position.

"No writs," said Kethiah, slowly standing up on the table, her hands still open and in front of her. "These were not sanctioned assassinations. What need does one have for writs in planned accidents? Trust me on this. The only people who would care about the deaths in Ald Raathim today are very, very bad people."

Kethiah took a step forward on the table towards Loranna. "I do not know you well, Loranna, but I knew and loved your husband. I would not spill a drop of your blood for any reason but my code. Do not force me into a corner."

Posted by: Loranna Jun 17 2005, 11:35 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 17 2005, 05:18 AM)

Loranna stands her ground, but an odd expression comes over her face. "I don't know you very well either Kethiah," she says. "But one thing that I've been learning lately is everyone loved Jazbet, and I know he held you in high esteem."

She suddenly grins. "He really is an amazing man ..."

Her face returns to a more serious expression as she lowers her sword. "You said your business is done and I believe you - which then of course begs the question why you're lounging in this dreary dungeon instead of having Recalled to a safe place with an actual warm bed. And if I recall, the law in Morrowind states that a man's life is worth a little over a thousand drakes so long as the person being fined hasn't gone on a massive killing spree."

She sheathes her sword. "I'm still learning my duties as Lady and am improvising certain parts as I go along; I'd ask of you one thing before this matter is dropped, Kethiah dear."

Posted by: S'reddit Jun 17 2005, 11:42 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 17 2005, 02:35 AM)

She sheathes her sword. "I'm still learning my duties as Lady and am improvising certain parts as I go along; I'd ask of you one thing before this matter is dropped, Kethiah dear."

‘I needed to stay close by to make certain that the deaths were properly recorded as accidents,’ said Kethiah, jumping down to the floor. ‘Until just now, for example, I didn’t know that Lord Whatshisname’s body had been found … And then, of course, there was that ridiculously stupid slip-up in the alchemy laboratory with Shaka … And you finding me in here, which I thought was a very clever place to hole up in the thick of things … I’m afraid I’m getting too old for this. Too many mistakes …’

Kethiah leans against the table casually. ‘What is your question, Loranna? I’ll answer it if I can.’

Posted by: Loranna Jun 17 2005, 11:47 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 17 2005, 05:42 AM)

"The spirit of Lord Raithmat has recently attacked me and one of my people, promising a watery doom for us all if his demands aren't met," Loranna says. "He's reminded me painfully how untutored I am in resisting vengeful ghosts, and this failing rankles me."

She sighs. "Lord Obael suggested talking to you to look at the glyphs of warding on the castle, citing the Tong's skill in dealing with the restless dead. If you could share this knowledge with me, or at least look at the wards and strengthen them if possible, I would appreciate it."

" ... And I notice that the archmagister is rather insistant that Furglom died by accident and that our parrapton flyer is not widely known to have swallowed a too-sharp branch; I think the secrecy can be maintained," she adds.

Posted by: S'reddit Jun 17 2005, 11:50 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 17 2005, 02:47 AM)

‘Of course,’ Kethiah grinned. ‘Lead the way, I’ll do what I can.’

Posted by: Loranna Jun 17 2005, 11:56 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 17 2005, 05:50 AM)

‘Of course,’ Kethiah grinned. ‘Lead the way, I’ll do what I can.’

Loranna grins back. "Well, you might want to throw something else on; the guards are kind of on the lookout for you right now," she says. "Though I know the Lady of this Castle; lemme see if I can't get her to call them off."

The festivities had by now died down considerably, and a quiet word or two to Kallen and the guards paves the way for Kethiah to take a look at Ald Raathim's glyphs of warding.

And Loranna has a chance to reflect on the various lessons she's learned today - bith about being a Lady and about herself.

Posted by: syronj Jun 17 2005, 04:14 PM

(edited)

Posted by: Aki Jun 18 2005, 12:35 AM

Summary

Reichi is in Solunstra, relaxing after having taught Nalion some unarmed skills, and contemplating how lately he has helped two of the more magic dependant members of the party learn some martial disciplines. Tohe is resting in his room, having finally returned to solunastra.

Posted by: Dumbkid Jun 18 2005, 12:38 AM

Summary

Samuel, the flying Dreugh, is currently underwater at an undisclosed location dinning on slaughterfish and mudcrabs.

Posted by: Loranna Jun 18 2005, 12:53 AM

Loranna's evening had, thankfully, included some rest - though not before finishing her inspection of the castle and its ghost-warding glyphs with Kethiah, and talking to Slyvos about recent events. When her eyes opened next, though, it was just a little before dawn; Slyvos seemed to still be sleeping.

Loranna smiles at her lover, thinking about their conversation last night - they'd have to sit down and talk more about their plans for Raithmat's ultimation and the general weal of Ald Raathim later, once they both had a chance to wind down from all the excitement. Trying to talk while stressed tended to make her a bit pushy, she reflects ruefully.

Freshening up and dressing in her third best dress, Loranna elects to head out and see Ald Raathim before the day grows too frentic.

Posted by: syronj Jun 18 2005, 01:06 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 17 2005, 06:53 PM)

Freshening up and dressing in her third best dress, Loranna elects to head out and see Ald Raathim before the day grows too frentic.

Shaka was discussing the newest orders and rumors with the castle's Watch. When he had risen that morning, the battlemage decided to don his dragonbone cuirass and other armor again. The harvest festival was winding down, and he passed tired but contented farmers and entertainers making their way out of town as he headed in the opposite direction.

He was still trying to accept that the wild chase of yesterday was unnecessary, and that Kethiah had apparently more official sanction than he thought. Trust that one to land on her feet, he thought with something like affection.

Posted by: Loranna Jun 18 2005, 01:18 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 17 2005, 07:06 PM)

"Good morning, my Lady," Dram says in his measured tones.

"Good morning Dram," Loranna says. "All is well?"

"Nothing has happened yet to make things otherwise, my Lady," replies the Dunmer guard with a slightly raised eyebrow; Loranna smiles, and discusses a couple of matters with Dram before moving on.

Moments later she comes upon Shaka, and she raises her eyebrows. "good morning dear," she says. "Are you leaving us so soon, not even staying for breakfast?" Her eyes glance at Shaka's armored torso questioningly.

Posted by: syronj Jun 18 2005, 01:27 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 17 2005, 07:18 PM)

Moments later she comes upon Shaka, and she raises her eyebrows. "good morning dear," she says. "Are you leaving us so soon, not even staying for breakfast?" Her eyes glance at Shaka's armored torso questioningly.

"Actually, my lady, I was hoping to remain on to help however I can. With the harvest festival over, it seemed time to don my 'working clothes' again."

Posted by: Loranna Jun 18 2005, 01:39 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 17 2005, 07:27 PM)

"Actually, my lady, I was hoping to remain on to help however I can. With the harvest festival over, it seemed time to don my 'working clothes' again."

"Oh?" Loranna asks, intrigued; the Argonian had struck her as a well-meaning sort, even if she had some questions about some of his information.

"Well, this does dovetail nicely with my wish to ask about your background; you did make something of an impression on Lady Vendama and myself yesterday at breakfast," Loranna says, smiling. "First things first though; I wish to thank you again for lending your aid with the situation yesterday. The situation has been resolved and we may let ourselves relax; the two unfortunates who died shall be buried and their deaths a reminder to us all to be more careful about mixing our potions and leaping off of parraptons to showboat."

Loranna smiles, changing the subject. "Now, if I may ask good Shaka, would you share some of the tales of your adventures? I'm curious as to how you met Kethiah especially."

Posted by: syronj Jun 18 2005, 01:53 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 17 2005, 07:39 PM)

Loranna smiles, changing the subject. "Now, if I may ask good Shaka, would you share some of the tales of your adventures? I'm curious as to how you met Kethiah especially."

The battlemage was silent for a moment, remembering his trip to Mournhold and brief audience with the doomed Almalexia. "You know that my ... avocation is exploring the ruins of the past. I confess I never did want to hold down a job and pay taxes like those good people leaving the festival ..... but at the same time, I'm no thief." Much, he mentally added. Ahanassi had been his link to that world as well.

"At any rate, I was slogging through the ruins of Old Mournhold and somehow managed to survive the various undead and even goblins infesting it. Helseth's guards caught me and the king, after briefly seeing me for himself, appointed Kethiah as my minder. I think he wanted another pair of eyes in Almalexia's temple more than he did a corpse that day."

"Kethiah never let me too far into her thoughts, but she taught me more about the vulnerable nerve points of various races, useful in unarmed combat. You know the story of how Almalexia finally snapped and with what results, but I had slipped away before the Nerevarine shifted the balance of power in that city."

Posted by: Loranna Jun 18 2005, 02:04 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 17 2005, 07:53 PM)

Loranna listens attentively, the emerging dawn's light catching her tearstreaks.

Ah; so Kethiah was working with or for Helseth ... Loranna thinks. Or, perhaps, she was working for her own interests in his court; I can think of a few reasons why she'd have at least some interest in the clipped one's business ...

"So you've met Alemlexia?" she asks. " ... I envy you; even though she was trapped in madness in the very end, I wish I could have met her. And Lord Vivec and Sotha Sil as well."

"What ruins have you explored?" Loranna asks, curious.

Posted by: syronj Jun 18 2005, 02:27 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 17 2005, 08:04 PM)

"What ruins have you explored?" Loranna asks, curious.

Before recounting them, Shaka said, "I wish you could have seen her. The charisma of those would-be gods .... We just weren't meant to be more than mortal. Her praetorian guard, the Hands -- I could smell the mingled lust and awe from them. They would have died for her without hesitation."

"Anyway. I only explored a few of Solstheim's barrows, too damned cold as you can imagine. I was away from Vvardenfell when Red Mountain went up. Still catching up with all the changes, though I managed to salvage some of my collection from Caldera."

"I fought half the Aundae and Berne clans, it seemed. You should have seen the sun gleam off the Galom Daeus observatory. The war hymns of the Ordinators as they fought the daedra cultists in their greatest shrine, Ald Daedroth; I was one of the few officially allowed to sort through their treasure afterward."

"But most of my life wasn't so dramatic. I studied at or worked with half the guilds in Vvardenfell more than I explored, and if I had a drake for every run-of-the-mill skeleton with a claymore in his hand. .... Ah well."

Shaka turned to study Loranna. "My lady, what's more important is what you've brought to the world, to the Beast Races. Tell me what you and your late husband hoped to accomplish, if I'm not too bold."

Posted by: S'reddit Jun 18 2005, 02:40 AM

Kethiah was gone in the morning, Loranna did not know when or how she left, but there was a note.

L,

Glad we didn’t have to resort to blood. As a matter of fact, I much prefer gardening to killing, but you should see how bad I am at that. If you ever need to reach me, everyone in Vas in northern Vvardenfell knows my name.

Please give my apologies to Shaka. I would have loved to have met him again when I’m not on a business trip.

K

Dres Minsero was at the beach, completing his morning swim.

Dres Vendama was at breakfast.

Dres Obael was in his bed. So was the Harvest Princess.

Posted by: Loranna Jun 18 2005, 02:44 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 17 2005, 08:27 PM)

Before recounting them, Shaka said, "I wish you could have seen her. The charisma of those would-be gods .... We just weren't meant to be more than mortal. Her praetorian guard, the Hands -- I could smell the mingled lust and awe from them. They would have died for her without hesitation."

"Anyway. I only explored a few of Solstheim's barrows, too damned cold as you can imagine. I was away from Vvardenfell when Red Mountain went up. Still catching up with all the changes, though I managed to salvage some of my collection from Caldera."

"I fought half the Aundae and Berne clans, it seemed. You should have seen the sun gleam off the Galom Daeus observatory. The war hymns of the Ordinators as they fought the daedra cultists in their greatest shrine; I was one of the few officially allowed to sort through their treasure afterward."

"But most of my life wasn't so dramatic. I studied at or worked with half the guilds in Vvardenfell more than I explored, and if I had a drake for every run-of-the-mill skeleton with a claymore in his hand. .... Ah well."

Shaka turned to study Loranna. "My lady, what's more important is what you've brought to the world, to the Beast Races. Tell me what you and your late husband hoped to accomplish, if I'm not too bold."

The woman who stood on Red Mountain on Hogithum and mantled Dibella twice so far gives a small, mysterious smile when Shaka goes on about how mortals were never meant to be more than mortal.

She does laugh, though, when Shaka speaks of his time in Solstheim. "My dear, don't let the ashen skin fool you; I am pure Nord stock by birth. Snow is a plaything for me that I often miss."

At the mention of Vvardenfell's recent changes, her expression becomes more serious, her tearstreaks lending an air of sorrow to her features. "Much needs to be rebuilt still," she says. "I am glad to hear you didn't lose everything; you were very fortunate."

She seems to lose herself in thought for a moment; Shaka's last inquiry brings Loranna back to her senses.

"What had we hoped to achomplish?" she asks. "Just to have a land where people could work and live freely, prospering and enjoying the fruits of their own labors. A place to call home, with kindred spirits."

She grimaces a bit. "To be honest, Jazbet was always better at saying this than I am; I tend to either try too hard and say something too flowery or else I try to be minimalist and end up not saying enough. Yesterday's Festival speaks more clearly of my husband's dream than I can; you could see it in the eyes and hearts of our people."

Loranna looks down at her navel for a moment. "Ah, my stomach protests; Shaka, join us for breakfast?"

Posted by: syronj Jun 18 2005, 02:57 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 17 2005, 08:44 PM)

Loranna looks down at her navel for a moment. "Ah, my stomach protests; Shaka, join us for breakfast?"

"A pleasure," said the battlemage. "Maybe I can be more polite with Dres Vendama this time, if she's still around." Shaka nodded to Dram and entered the castle, following half a step behind Loranna from habit. Old Legion habits died hard, even if he had only been a shrine sergeant for the Imperial Cult.

The morning sun slanted through the stained glass of the refectory as they approached the table.

Posted by: S'reddit Jun 18 2005, 03:02 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 17 2005, 05:57 PM)

The morning sun slanted through the stained glass of the refectory as they approached the table.

Vendama had eaten everything on her plate, which surprised her. ‘I must have danced too much and eaten too little last night,’ she was saying to herself when Loranna and Shaka came into the dining room.

‘Good morning, Loranna,’ said Vendama. ‘And to you, good sir, whose name I never got … And whom I hoped to see at the dance last night, but did not … Loranna, my dear, you should grab some food and get down to the beach. Minsero is most anxious to talk to you. I will happily entertain …’ Her eyebrows raised, waiting for the Argonian’s name.

Posted by: Loranna Jun 18 2005, 03:06 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 17 2005, 09:02 PM)

"Lady Vendama, allow me to introduce Shaka, Argonain battlemage and traveler," Loranna says, a polite smile revealing the eagerness she feels in meeting with Minsero.

She turns to Shaka. "Alas, business calls," she says apologetically, reaching for scuttle and bread. "I hope to speak with you both later; by your leaves ..."

Loranna heads down to the beach, eating her food on the way and brushing the crumbs off of her dress. She pauses for just a moment, readying herself as much as she is able.

Just one more meeting ... hopefully Minsero had not saved the best stone for last.

Posted by: S'reddit Jun 18 2005, 03:12 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 17 2005, 06:06 PM)

Just one more meeting ... hopefully Minsero had not saved the best stone for last.

The old Dres nobleman sat on a rock – the same rock Sylvos sat on to play his flute – looking out to the bay. He looked in Loranna’s direction with a rather blank, noncommital expression as she came down the path.

"Ah, Loranna," Dres Minsero said. "I hope you had a pleasant Early Harvest Festival as I did. Now, before I go off on a rant, I thought you might have questions for me. I know I am gruff, but I want to hear your thoughts about the last couple of days … really, anything you’d like to say to me …’

Posted by: syronj Jun 18 2005, 03:16 AM

"Shaka, my lady," he said, giving a bow worthy of a Mournhold courtier. He did not add, And you're looking too damned good for a non-Argonian this morning as well. "If I had known the lands of the Dres had such charms, I should not have waited a lifetime to visit them."

Out of respect, he didn't sit while Loranna was still present. "My lady, I hope your talk with Dres Minsero goes well. His reputation and ... holdings .... precede him. But from what little I saw, he seems no Helseth-like schemer."

Posted by: S'reddit Jun 18 2005, 03:19 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 17 2005, 06:16 PM)

‘I’m sorry I won’t be able to stay long enough to hear all your flattery, Sera Shaka,’ smiled Vendama. ‘We are supposed to leave today. What are your future plans?’

Posted by: Loranna Jun 18 2005, 03:24 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 17 2005, 09:12 PM)

An interesting stone indeed; Loranna smiles, bowing lightly to Lord Minsero.

"My Lord, I have had a wonderful Festival, and a very educational one as well," she says truthfully. "These past two days have shown me more than I could have imagined - about my husband, my people, and what it means to be Lady of these lands."

She thinks for a moment. " ... I have thought long on the differences between my views and those of the rest of the House," she says slowly. "I ... have realized something that I always knew, but have only fully realized these past few days. And I have you to thank for it in part, my Lord."

"You told me of my husband's upbringing, and we both agree that it was horrible. Still, in the end, he came back, willingly, to devote himself to protecting and promoting these lands. And I understand now in my heart why, despite everything that would have detered him otherwise."

Loranna clears her throat. "I ... hope I do not come across wrongly, my Lord ..."

Posted by: S'reddit Jun 18 2005, 03:28 AM

Minsero actually smiled. 'That was not a question, Loranna ... But you have deflated my rant. It will be difficult to be gruff with you now.'

Posted by: Loranna Jun 18 2005, 03:35 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 17 2005, 09:28 PM)

Minsero actually smiled. 'That was not a question, Loranna ... But you have deflated my rant. It will be difficult to be gruff with you now.'

Loranna smiles back, laughter dancing in her eyes. "We will have to work together to find something to let you be gruff about, my Lord," she says.

She is quet again for another moment, thinking about what to say next. " ... There are still concerns that others will have, at least," she says. "Some of which I've even tried to find answers to."

Posted by: S'reddit Jun 18 2005, 03:36 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 17 2005, 06:35 PM)

Loranna smiles back, laugher dancing in her eyes. "We will have to work together to find something to let you be gruff about, my Lord," she says.

She is quet again for another moment, thinking about what to say next. " ... There are still concerns that others will have, at least," she says. "Some of which I've even tried to find answers to."

‘Did you know,’ said Dres Minsero, looking into Loranna’s eyes carefully. ‘That your late husband Jazbet saved my life? No, do not try to deny that knowledge. I am an old man, but I know people’s eyes … I say this not because I feel I owe you for your husband’s actions, but because I am impressed that you did not try to use that knowledge to influence me. You did it on your own … for better or for worse. I think many Dres born and bred would not have been so noble and brave, they would have taken advantage.’

Posted by: Loranna Jun 18 2005, 03:42 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 17 2005, 09:36 PM)

Loranna blushes just a little.

" ... Some may say I was foolish for letting such a chance slip through my fingers," she says, rubbing the back of her neck. "I still sometimes wonder if there will come a time when I need to be more opprotunistic, or else put my loved ones and my people in danger."

" ... But ... well, speaking plainly my Lord, this whole week I've been reminded of one very simple lesson; a gruff exterior does not necessarily mean an inimical interior. Why treat you like an enemy to start with and ensure that we will be enemies, when we only just met?"

Posted by: S'reddit Jun 18 2005, 03:46 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 17 2005, 06:42 PM)

‘I am an old man, and perhaps sometimes too stuck in the past, too concerned with tradition. But, like I said, I am still not blind. I did not come here as your enemy, but I know I seemed so. I have used these old eyes, and I know that Ald Raathim has been a success with your vision and Jazbet’s vision too. I have many concerns still …

I do not think you are well-suited to leadership, but for that matter, I do not think Jazbet was either. You will make difficult decisions, I think, but you will make them too slowly, and you will listen to your heart too much, and your head too little … I think you are too easily distracted and too easily overwhelmed …

I think your relationship with this Slyvos confuses your subjects … They do not know whether he is to be your consort or their ruler as well, and his resemblance to Jazbet makes many of them uneasy, something they may not have told you, but it is the truth – you can ask Kallen if you do not want to take my word on that. He is a good lad, very loyal to you, but he is honest as well.

I think you are too seldom here, observing life in your land, making laws, settling disputes …

I think you are brave, and I admire that in you. I think you have good insights. I think you care about your people.

I think you have power, and you have powerful friends, but I do not know what you intend to do with that power … because I do not think you know yourself. That is chiefly what concerns me.

I do not know yet what I will say to the Council about the future of Ald Raathim. But I will address you henceforth as Dres Loranna.’

Dres Minsero smiled again. ‘Others will follow. Some, like me, stuck by tradition, wanting to see what your intentions are. Others, like Obael and Vendama, looking to new ways … Your future is not certain, but I would say you’ve avoided desolation at least at the hands of House Dres for now.’

Posted by: Loranna Jun 18 2005, 03:57 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 17 2005, 09:46 PM)

Loranna listens, attentively, thinking back to her discussion with Slyvos before going to bed last night. How she had said she needed him not just as a lover, but as the Lady of Daruhn ...

A slight grimace comes to her face as she realizes that Lord Minsero has good points; she hadn't been around much since heading to High Rock, she only recently started making full use of the Mage Guild for fast transport and the recent closure of the Guild in High Rock made that problemic - and then of course there were her trips to Cyrodiil as well.

Kallen's words concerning slavery come back to her. Tris's words about thinking without constraints some back as well, but she reflects that Tris is not currently the Lord of a land. She was still an adventurer, and still had quests to perform for her people and the Dunmer, but Minsero was right too - she needed to remember where the balance lay.

The grimace fades, and Loranna feels humbled; she bows to Minsero. "My Lord, Dres Minsero, thank you for your insights," she says, rising with a sad but determined smile. "You are right, and I have much to do. And much to decide, as well. You are always welcome in Ald Raathim."

Posted by: syronj Jun 18 2005, 03:59 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 17 2005, 09:19 PM)

‘I’m sorry I won’t be able to stay long enough to hear all your flattery, Sera Shaka,’ smiled Vendama. ‘We are supposed to leave today. What are your future plans?’

Shaka had no honeyed words for this. He considered the noblewoman thoughtfully before replying, "I'm honestly not sure, for the long range. I've never stayed in one city for long; too much to see before the grave. But there is something different about Ald Raathim and this woman."

"Humble beginnings, of course, and I sense a deep mystery into the bargain. But what is a humble start to me, who kept his arms from the slaver's shackles since Black Marsh? .... I should be sorry to see you leave though."

Posted by: S'reddit Jun 19 2005, 03:49 AM

Early in the afternoon, Dres Minsero, Dres Obael, Dres Vendama, and a couple dozen of their servants set sail for the south.

As a parting gift, Obael left Loranna with one of his slaves, now freed but in Loranna’s employ, a Dunmer pastry chef named Thianas, who, he said, could make delicious sweetrolls. Thianas was middle-aged and quite fat, and he and Razbiah had flirted quite a bit during their stay and even shared a dance during the Early Harvest Festival. She thought him a terrible influence, and would never let him share the power of the kitchen, but she had to admit, after licking the sweet sticky honey sauce from his fingers, that he could make an occasional dessert. For special occasions.

Obael also left the Harvest Princess with a beautiful coral necklace and a broken heart.

Vendama left Loranna with her silver gray gown she had worn at the Harvest ball. She had sent it to one of Ald Raathim’s tailors to have it altered, since she was slightly taller and had slightly smaller breasts than Loranna. It would suit the Lady of Ald Raathim’s coloring and figure, she said, better than it would suit the Lady of Bodrom Mora’s.

Vendama also left Shaka with a kiss. And a wish of good luck in his future.

Minsero left Loranna the deed to a townhouse in Kragenmoor, the Dres stronghold and seat of the senior Council in southern Morrowind. He told it would be fully staffed with three servants, not slaves, two housekeepers/cooks and a major domo, in case she ever needed to appear before the Grand Council.

Posted by: syronj Jun 19 2005, 04:07 AM

Shaka put down his full bag of gear with a sigh. Loranna had been gracious enough to give him a guest room for the time being, and he sat on the bed for a moment in early evening.

He smiled slightly at the memory of Dres Vendama's kiss. Shaka took out his scroll case for a moment and looked at the hidden compartment. He took out an oft-creased letter and read it again.

To my love,

It has been five years since your last visit, and I do not think we will see each other again in this world. I say this without regret. The face gazing back from my looking glass is shot through with silver threads now, a stranger who, they tell me, is a respected elder among the Thieves.

I remember the day you first walked into Pelagiad. We needed no pillow-book for our sport in those days.

There are few enough of us now who remember your face. I have heard Khajiit swear you were one of their breed when you freed slaves innumerable, and a Redguard told me you were one of his warrior race when together you cleared the daedra worshippers from their greatest shrine. You're out there somewhere in Vvardenfell even now on your Walkabout that will last a generation.

I know that you will never return to the mainland. Helseth offered you employment -- he will always covet the Emperor's throne, though perhaps never get it -- but you chose to be once again the puppet who cut his strings.

The dunmer give us of the "beast races" more sidelong glances these days; we are less than n'wah to them, slaves who have somehow temporarily kept our arms from shackles. The Argonians sense it too. With the withdrawal of the Legions, I cannot predict the future.

I let you go with a full heart. You placed a slave manacle on the arm of Time itself.

With love .......

"Ahanassi," he whispered. A tear of blood rolled down, and he wiped it away before smiling at a memory. You must be a Rogue, she had said ....

"Because you've stolen my heart."

Posted by: Loranna Jun 19 2005, 06:19 AM

Loranna saw her guests off with a graceful wave of her hand and wishes for their safe journey back to their lands, as well as promises to be in touch soon. The gifts they had left her brought warmth and a smile to her face, and she had thanked them for their genorosity, protesting that she could not hope to match such gestures fully. Still, she had found something to offer to show her appreciation of their kind gestures and friendship. Lord Obael left with an ebony dagger with a decorated sheath, a secondary weapon for a smartly-dressed nobleman, while Lady Vendama received a beautiful platinum star-shaped pendant, enchanted with protection from magical attacks, that went well with many outfits. Lord Minsero left with a supply of Razbiah's more portable culinary treats, and a deceptively simple-looking ring of gold which bore a healing enchantment.

Loranna smiled as she saw Razbiah and Thianas getting into a hearty exchange about the proper way to prepare food, remembering the way they had flirted earlier. Thianas's girth made her briefly think of the only other Dunmer she had met who was portly, the reknowned playwrite who had been so eager to hear the tales of her adventures and relations with the Khajiit. She wondered for a second how the old fool was doing nowadays. Then she simply thanked the Nine and the ancestors for guiding Thianas to Ald Raathim, already anticipating the extra excersice she'd be doing to burn off the sweetrolls ...

There was still much that needed to be done; the letters carved on her chest still bore a trace of the chill from Raithmat's appearance, Minsero's points still remained foremost in her mind, sooner or later her friends in Solunastra would need her and the Amulet of Specters remained firmly on her person, awaiting her finding the one to bear it. However, for right now, the servants deserved a nice, warm thank you for their work and grace under pressure, and Loranna thought she knew the best way to express it:

"My dears, a wonderful job all around; tonight, we have another party, in your honor. We still have some of our best wine to finish off."

She had learned many lessons in these past few days; come the morning, she would begin the hardest part of her new education - putting the lessons together. But for tonight, it was again time to celebrate.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jun 19 2005, 03:21 PM

Slyvos sat on the beach, again in his usual spot, looking up to the sky and thinking to himself.

I've done so much I regret, so much I wish I could go back and fix. I realize now... these things happened for a reason. Again the wheels of prophecy had steered my course, and tore from me everything I had worked to gain... and yet I have so much more then I could ever desire now...

He sat up a bit, and picked up one of the rocks lying in the sand, throwing it into the water and making it skip along the surface a few times.

the two loves I've had in this existance of mine, the more recent the more confusing... and yet I love that evil little nord girl, who was able to warm my heart even when it did not exist. So much to make up for, so much taint to cleanse, and already I've taken a step towards doing that... but is it right?

Posted by: syronj Jun 19 2005, 04:48 PM

Slyvos sensed someone watching. Shaka walked closer and picked up a rock smoothed by the water. "That looks enjoyable, Sera," he said and attempted to skim it across the waves, but shrugged as it sank after two skips.

"Ah well," said Shaka. "I will not disturb you further, Slyvos. I just wanted to apologize if I was short with you when we were chasing Kethiah. I sometimes forget that I'm no longer a shrine sergeant for the Imperial Cult."

As he turned to head for town, Shaka said: "By the way, I could tell you weren't comfortable in the crowd. I know how that is. I try to filter out all the sounds and smells myself. The dunmer don't know how intense it is for us, do they."

Shaka left Sly to his thoughts. He had been asked to make sure of the supplies for the evening party to come, so he walked down the hill to the market, which was recovering from the feverish activity of the festival. A red-haired Breton at a flower stall caught his eye. She waved him over.

"Me?" he mouthed, looking behind him to see if another customer was the target, but she nodded in affirmation. Shaka walked closer to the stall with its jumble of flowers, bundles of dried herbs hanging above.

"Unsheathe it, my lord," she asked with a smile.

"Excuse me?" said Shaka, feeling for a moment that he had walked into a second-rate Mournhold farce. Realization dawned --- "You must be the one who placed a gold canet on the Spear's case that day. Thank you for that, but don't call me lord, I work for a living," he added in the old quip.

"My name is Solange," the woman said. Her skin was the white of the true redhead. She was somewhat tall for a Breton but had the cheekbones of one. Her nose was strong in profile, leading him to guess Imperial blood as well.

"Shaka, my lady, " said the battlemage and didn't attempt to play the courtier. "I would be glad to show you the Spear, but let us go inside your home. Bitter Mercy is ... disturbing if you haven't seen artifacts touched by the daedra before. Don't worry, I'm not giving you a line," he added with a smile.

Once inside her living room, Shaka unslung the Spear and paused for a moment. "What are you doing?" asked Solange.

"Something I do every time I unveil the Spear, Solange. I'll tell you in a moment where she comes from." May nothing but Good come from my efforts, he thought in the old prayer, and took Bitter Mercy from its fringed case.

The Spear gleamed like silver and had four razor-sharp flanges into the bargain. It was disturbing to look at directly, seeming to flicker in Time. Many a foe had been impaled by it while distracted by that. Solange's eyes were wide at the Spear, so he replaced it in the ash vampire skin.

"I'll never be proud of how I got the Spear, Solange. The only time in my life that I spoke to the daedra -- or rather, that they spoke through me. I had killed a nest of cultists in Vivec City's sewers, stumbling across them by accident."

"When I touched the idol of Sheogorath, he possessed me briefly and set me a challenge. I was younger then and foolish enough to take that trickster god up on it. Some weeks later, I stood before a brother Argonian, a holy fool in his Sheogorad hut ....." Shaka began to tell the tale.

Posted by: syronj Jun 20 2005, 02:54 AM

Shaka looked at the hermit with pity. He obviously was barely taking care of himself, judging from the smell and disarray of his hut and his gaunt look. The hermit had been either damned by Sheogorath, or was in the Prince of Madness' favor, or both.

His fellow Argonian at last led Shaka into a storage room, whereupon Shaka stared in astonishment. He had seen smaller armories in Imperial forts. Lining the walls was a collection of spears and halberds. Shaka walked slowly as he examined them.

Was that a dwemer halberd? This copper and brass-colored weapon alone was worth a year's income, and for a town-dweller, not a peasant. Shaka was briefly tempted to lift a few polearms, but was ashamed of the thought. The daedra prince had sent him to this hovel for one artifact alone, a special fork.

Shaka had seen examples of fork weapons before -- the four-tined gladiator weapon of the arenas, for one. But when he stood appalled before the most unique weapon in the collection, it occurred to him that Sheogorath's whimsy might be aimed solely at Shaka's death. The Fork of Horripilation looked no more imposing than a cooking utensil.

Shaka stayed with the hermit for a few days while he hunted for the next object of his quest, attempting to get the hermit to eat better while knowing it was futile ....

-----------------------

It was a typical Sheogorad morning when Shaka knew he had found the netch; windy with a fog and diffuse light. He stood on a beach and measured the bull netch with a look of respect. The Fork was stuck in his sash, but Shaka knew he wouldn't survive the battle with it as his sole weapon, as commanded by the daedra prince. But no one had said he couldn't soften the target up first.

As Shaka climbed to higher ground, he began to regret what he was about to attempt. The bull netch had survived decades and avoided both domestication and hunters. What right did he have to kill a beautiful survivor like this? Shaka leapt from the cliff onto the bull's back.

The next half-hour was a blur when recalled years later. Had Shaka wielded a Glass claymore that day? He could no longer be sure. For a while, the netch had dragged him through the water as he attempted to flee, and Shaka would have surely drowned if he had not been able to free a talon long enough to cast the Water Breath. He remembered screaming in pain as the netch neurotoxins lashed his scales, even with a cuirass. Had it been a Betty netch, he would have stood no chance.

At last he had driven the sword near what he hoped was a brain, and the netch began to spiral to earth. Shaka drew the Fork to finish the netch as commanded.

"Yield, yield," he had begged, and at last the Fork had done its task. The netch collapsed into the sand as Shaka rolled away, retching with pain. He prayed for the netch's soul to travel to the next life, if one existed.

He wearily made his way back to Vivec City by ship and spell. At last he stood before the idol again to claim the prize. After a brief possession by the god, he found himself standing with the Spear of Bitter Mercy in hand, one leg curled around it as a support in the way of his people. He dimly remembered the stance from childhood though he had not used it for many years.

Shaka concluded his story to the sympathetic Breton. "I swore never to kill in waste, Solange." He lifted a hand to her face. She took it in her own and held it, closing her eyes.

"I haven't travelled as you have, Shaka. My life is of little interest or value."

"No one is without value, my deva," he said gently.

But it was time to return to the castle.

Posted by: Loranna Jun 20 2005, 09:21 AM

During a quiet moment, Loranna sits down to pen a letter to the people back in Solunastra:

My dear friends, and father,

I hope this letter finds you all in good health and cheer.

We have recently had Early Harvest Festival here in Ald Raathim; never have I seen home look so festive nor energetic. Most everyone had a wonderful time, and I hope for many more Harvest Festivals for us in the future.

Among the guests to our Harvest Festival were several nobles of House Dres; our initial meetings have given me hope that Ald Raathim's unique policies can find a home in Dres lands, but there are many matters which need to be attended to to ensure our continued prosperity. Also among the guests was one who has passed beyond the pale; our ghostly guest has created a situation which I must attend to lest disaster strike. Slyvos, Kallen, and I are working on this even now ...

Nonetheless, I remain ready to lend my aid for when the time comes, and I think of you all often. I hope to see you again soon; may that the Mage Guilds in High Rock cease being closed shortly.

If my father is still in Solunastra, tell him I love him and hope he doesn't get himself killed before I see him again, or else I shall be very cross with him.

Your loving friend,

Dres Loranna Pyrel, Lady of Daruhn

Posted by: Nalion Jun 20 2005, 11:05 AM

Summary: Solunastra Guildhouse, Daggerfall

Nalion just finished breakfast as a messenger arrived bearing a letter hailing from Ald Raathim. As it was adressed to all companions currently residing in Solunastra he opened the letter and began to read.

The mage knew not whether to smile or frown upon the content of Loranna's letter. On the one hand, he was glad that the relationship of Ald Raathim with the rest of House Dres seemed to be at relative ease for the time being, on the other hand, Loranna's implications about the ghost did not forebode well, especially the word "disaster" caught his eye.

He leaned back on his chair, chin cupped in his hand. On the one hand, he was very reluctant to leave Solunastra - for various reasons - on the other, Loranna might need help in Ald Raathim. He folded the letter and placed it onto the table, for everyone to read, as he rose. He had made a decision.

Preparations did not take long. His few belongings that he had taken with him to Solunastra were quickly stowed away, he only took what was needed. After all, he was used to traveling with light luggage. As he descended the stairs, he took one of the servant maids to the side and informed her of the letter and where he was going, along with many thanks to Allerleirauh, Arynel and Solin for their hospitality over the last weeks.

Hoping that the chamber he was offered all those weeks ago in Ald Raathim had not been occupied by someone else, he cast a recall spell and vanished from Daggerfall, only to appear a second later in one of Ald Raathim's rooms. The Breton wasted no time and stepped out on the aisle, looking for Loranna.

Posted by: Loranna Jun 20 2005, 11:20 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jun 20 2005, 05:05 AM)

Solunastra

Gram Pyrel, called Gram the Wild, came into the Guildhall bearing a traveling pack and a large grin. "Ah my friends, fortune smiles upon me! A trip to northern Skyrim I've managed to arrange, full of adventure and ... I say, where is everyone right now?"

"Begging your pardon Sir," the servant privy to Gram's boisterous entrance said, "but a letter from your daughter has recently arrived ..."

"Eh? Where is this letter?" Gram demanded, soon reading Loranna's missive. A frown creased his redbeared face. " ... Morrowind; land of bugs and oppresive heat the likes of which to make your beard run off your face ..."

He sighs. " ... Tis been a long time since I've been back in Skyrim ..." he mutters.

"Sir?" the servant asked, as the fierce Nord scowls and turns upon him.

" ... Sigh; tell me lad, how does one get from here to Ald Raathim without wasting a season crossing the Empire?"

Ald Raathim

Nalion's old room had been used as a guest room, but the servants had fixed it up already so that it remained as it had been; fortunately Nalion hadn't left any trinkets there. Word is soon sent to the Lady of the castle that Master Nalion has returned to seek her audience, and soon Nalion is wrapped in a fond Nordic Barmaid Bearhug.

"Nalion dear, good to see you," Loranna says as the servants leave the two heroes to their business. "How is everyone back in Solunastra? How is Sen Yedda doing? Allie? My dad?"

Posted by: Nalion Jun 20 2005, 11:38 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 20 2005, 11:20 AM)

Ald Raathim

Nalion's old room had been used as a guest room, but the servants had fixed it up already so that it remained as it had been; fortunately Nalion hadn't left any trinkets there. Word is soon sent to the Lady of the castle that Master Nalion has returned to seek her audience, and soon Nalion is wrapped in a fond Nordic Barmaid Bearhug.

"Nalion dear, good to see you," Loranna says as the servants leave the two heroes to their business. "How is everyone back in Solunastra? How is Sen Yedda doing? Allie? My dad?"

Ald Raathim
Nalion returned the hug with a smile.
"Dres Loranna?" the mage chuckled. "That will take time to learn."
His expression grew quickly serious again.
"It's calm in Solunastra and this is what worries me. So far, there haven't been any ghosts in the guildhouse itself, but I am sure they are still there. The matter is unresolved as of yet. Allerleirauh, Solin and Arynel are reclusive, but I guess and hope they are as well as they can be. Sen Yedda is well, too. She's in the best care there is, I think." Nalion answered.

"The others are occupying themselves with whatever they find worth doing. You father seems to be gone adventuring, at least he left Solunastra some time ago with what seemed his typical determination to do great deeds."
The mage made a small pause.
"I took the liberty to spread the word of your letter in Solunastra. People should know what is going on here as well. Which brings me to the question I am here to ask. How are things here in Ald Raathim? Your letter spoke of trouble? To be honest, I am worried."

Posted by: Loranna Jun 20 2005, 11:51 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jun 20 2005, 05:38 AM)

Daggerfall

"Now see here you sea-dog," Gram rumbled. "I'd sooner walk across Tamriel than step foot into one of those murky Mage Guilds, but I'm pressed for time. My daughter's gotten herself in some sort of trouble over in the land of the ash-skinned devils and the good King of this fair land has seen fit to close down the Mage Guilds - a wise decision which I applaud and may those bentback greybeards get some fresh air for once in their lives but it leaves me pressed for time. So, don't tell me this ship doesn't leave for Sentinel when I can clearly tell you're just waiting to haul anchor."

"And if you'd let me get a word in edgewise you overgrown Nordic Windbag, you'd a heard me say that we're already carrying a full compliment of crew and passangers," she surly Breton sailor grumbled, having been waiting to speak for what seems like ages. "So just be patient and wait for the next boat; there'll be another by tomorrow, so what's the rush?"

" ... What did you call me again ...?" Gram asked, eyebrows raised, and the conversation took a somewhat more universal tongue ...

Ald Raathim

Loranna's face shows a faint trace of disappointment in hearing her father already left.

"Well," she says, making sure she and Nalion are alone, "here's the situation ..."

Loranna recounts her confrontation with Raithmat, concluding by tugging on her collar so Nalion can see the still unhealed scars which trace the word HARLOT on her chest.

"We have less than a month now, and only a small lead or two," Loranna concludes. "Slyvos is here and a new Argonian I've met seems a trustworthy anskilled enough fellow to ask to help, but knowing how things go with us it couldn't hurt to have a couple more people helping out - especially since I have been recently reminded that Ald Raathim sees little of its Lady nowadays."

Posted by: Nalion Jun 20 2005, 12:06 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 20 2005, 11:51 AM)

Ald Raathim

Loranna's face shows a faint trace of disappointment in hearing her father already left.

"Well," she says, making sure she and Nalion are alone, "here's the situation ..."

Loranna recounts her confrontation with Raithmat, concluding by tugging on her collar so Nalion can see the still unhealed scars which trace the word HARLOT on her chest.

"We have less than a month now, and only a small lead or two," Loranna concludes. "Slyvos is here and a new Argonian I've met seems a trustworthy anskilled enough fellow to ask to help, but knowing how things go with us it couldn't hurt to have a couple more people helping out - especially since I have been recently reminded that Ald Raathim sees little of its Lady nowadays."

Nalion's expression grew more and more worried during the time Loranna recounted the story of the past days. As he saw the scars on Loranna's chest, he swallowed hard.
"Things are more worse than I already feared then." he answered. "Maybe others will come when they read the letter. Nontheless, we are working in a small timeframe here. One month can pass quickly and this ghost will not joke."
Nalion affectionately put a hand on Loranna's shoulder.
"We'll do what we can. People are right, you should stay at Ald Raathim, not only because you are the lady now, but because we need someone here to investigate the matter further."
The mage's expression grew thoughtful. "Our best hint on Seres seems to be the northern ashlander camps, maybe we should investigate there. This only covers the 'son of the daughter' part, though. I am doubtful though, that we can find him alive though, considering what happened..."
His voice trailed off.

Posted by: Loranna Jun 20 2005, 12:16 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jun 20 2005, 06:06 AM)

Loranna coughs a bit. " ... Seres might cover both," she mutters. "Jazbet never told me about any sons or daughters he may have had - but he did tell me something of his past. Before he came to know Seresina to be his half-sister, the two of them fell for one another; when he learned the truth, that's when he ultimately left."

" ... I think the Lady Vendama knows something more of Seres; I was planning on taking a trip to see her in a short while," Loranna continues, after a small and grimacing pause. "In the meantime though, I would ask that you and Slyvos and Shaka the Argonian investigate Seres's last-known whereabouts; the Dunmer woman Kethiah knows people in the area and Shaka knows Kethiah from previous experience. And yes, I'm well aware Seres may already be dead; at this point I'm just following what leads I can."

She pauses for a moment, then asks " ... How is Doll doing, dear?"

Posted by: Nalion Jun 20 2005, 12:32 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 20 2005, 12:16 PM)

QUOTE

She pauses for a moment, then asks " ... How is Doll doing, dear?"

A shadow seemed to cover Nalion's face for a brief moment, a shadow of yearning - and of doubt.
"I haven't seen her in days. She asked me to give her time and I fear I am pushing her too hard. I don't know what to do. I miss her."

Posted by: Loranna Jun 20 2005, 12:36 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jun 20 2005, 06:32 AM)

"Well, this sheds new light on the whole matter.", Nalion replied, trying to fit the newfound piece into the puzzle. "Yes, we should split and visiting Lady Vendama sounds like a good idea, not only because of Seres, but so that you can look at how the slave situation is in Bodrom Mora. I hope we can help them, too..."

A shadow seemed to cover Nalion's face for a brief moment, a shadow of yearning - and of doubt.
"I haven't seen her in days. She asked me to give her time and I fear I am pushing her too hard. I don't know what to do. I miss her."

Loranna closes her eyes for a moment. " ... I wish I knew what to suggest, but I don't know how Doll feels in situations like this," she says quietly.

... May it work out for you both, dears, Loranna silently prays.

"... I forget my manners," she continues, opening her eyes and shaking her head with a rueful smile. "This isn't the proper way to welcome a dear guest; come dear, let's get you some food and wine and discuss lighter matters for a bit. I've been doing some research on Mysticism that I wanted to discuss with you ..."

Posted by: syronj Jun 20 2005, 04:34 PM

Solange looked into the warm eyes of Shaka, which were hazel and surprisingly human. A blue blaze ran between his eyes, and the battlemage had a red-orange dewlap at his throat. "You can visit anytime, Shaka," the Breton said. "You'll find that I'm a good listener."

One of the better ones since a certain thieving minx long ago, he thought. "I'd like that, Solange. I'm going to return to the castle. Truth be told, they probably sent me to town in order to get me out from underfoot."

He stood and slung the ash-vampire leather case on his back. Shaka loped out of the living quarters in back of the shop and into the Ald Raathim afternoon.

Posted by: Arynel Jun 20 2005, 05:43 PM

Beginning at the beach near the water’s edge and meandering up towards Ald Raathim proper was a line of footprints, and at the end was a cloaked figure, a Breton adorned in what appeared to be simple traveler’s clothes. Arynel continued making his way towards Jazbet’s castle.

Posted by: Loranna Jun 21 2005, 12:08 AM

A servant finds Shaka and says "Sera, the Lady of the castle wishes to speak with you."

Arynel is greeted at the castle by the Dunmer guard Dram; recognizing Arynel, he gives a slight nod. "Welcome back," he says simply, before going to inform Loranna of Arynel's pressence.

Meanwhile, somewhere in Sentinel ...

"The gods must be testing me," Gram decides after being forced to explain the basics of respect to a couple of cutthroats. "I ask a simple question, where is the blasted Mage Guild in this city; surely someone can point me in the right direction ..."

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jun 21 2005, 12:17 AM

Slyvos was looking for Loranna by now, kinda wandering around the manor absentmindedly. He had to admit, he still wasn't sure of his way around yet...

Posted by: Loranna Jun 21 2005, 12:22 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 20 2005, 06:17 PM)

Slyvos was looking for Loranna by now, kinda wandering around the manor absentmindedly. He had to admit, he still wasn't sure of his way around yet...

Slyvos manages to nearly bump into the armored figure of Dram, who was heading to find his Lady.

" ... Master Slyvos," he says, nodding politely. "Is something wrong, serjo?"

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jun 21 2005, 12:28 AM

He looks over to Dram, shaking his head.

'nothing, just looking for Loranna is all. You know where she is?'

Posted by: Loranna Jun 21 2005, 12:34 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 20 2005, 06:28 PM)

He looks over to Dram, shaking his head.

'nothing, just looking for Loranna is all. You know where she is?'

"I am looking for the Lady now, to inform her of the arrival of Master Arynel to the castle," Dram says, his helm mostly hiding the slight rise of his eyebrow.

"I heard she's heading for the study," Loranna says as she comes upon Slyvos and Dram. "Did I hear correctly Dram dear? Arynel is here?"

"My Lady," Dram says, giving a small, polite bow. "Indeed ..."

Loranna smiles. "Thank you Dram; I'll meet him in the study."

As Dram takes his leave, Loranna gives Slyvos a hug. "Hi love; Nalion's here too, to catch up." She looks at Slyvos with a slight frown. " ... Your eyes look troubled dear ..."

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jun 21 2005, 12:38 AM

He diverts his eyes a bit away from Loranna, a solemn look on his face.

'I was doing some thinking... about us, about my old life... and about my unlife; what I'm going to do in this current life... I can't get the thoughts out of my head.'

Posted by: Loranna Jun 21 2005, 12:40 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 20 2005, 06:38 PM)

Loranna frowns a bit. She opens her mouth to say something, but closes it immediately, perhaps thinking better of it.

"What have you been thinking?" she asks, leading the way to the study.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jun 21 2005, 12:42 AM

He frowns a bit.

'I've been thinking... about my old life, what drove me to hate everything that lived... I realize now... my opinion of that has hardly changed, Loranna. I've met a few decent people and that's about all... I know my darkside isn't here to bug me anymore, but it's still a normal part of me...'

Posted by: Arynel Jun 21 2005, 12:44 AM

Arynel makes his way to the castle, looking for anyone the Breton may recognize, or who may recognize him.

Posted by: Loranna Jun 21 2005, 12:52 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 20 2005, 06:42 PM)

Loranna turns her head sharply to Slyvos, her expresison hard to read.

... Loranna, why are you so shocked by this? she asks herself.

Gradually, her expression softens; she takes Slyvos's hand. " ... Dear, you and I should talk about this more - but not while standing around in the corridor, with friends over to inquire about our recent situations," she says, squeezing Slyvos's hand reassuringly.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jun 21 2005, 12:53 AM

He sighs, but nods.

'alright love, let's go see what arynel wants...'

Posted by: syronj Jun 21 2005, 12:57 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 20 2005, 06:08 PM)

A servant finds Shaka and says "Sera, the Lady of the castle wishes to speak with you."

Shaka thanked him and headed for his quarters with a thoughtful frown. This sounded like official business with the Lady of the Castle. He left his cuirass and pauldrons in his room and changed into more formal garb, a mottled rust and brown robe that he had taken off a Telvanni necromancer some years previously.

Shaka found Loranna and Slyvos talking in the corridor, and stood back to give them some privacy.

Posted by: Aki Jun 21 2005, 12:59 AM

Solunastra
"Ohh...someone left the mail out," Reichi said, grabbing the letter off the table Nalion had left it on. The Dunmer read the letter, quickly realizing it wasn't some secret love letter to someone there or something equally worth nabbing, reading, and then laughing at the person about. He placed the letter back where it belonged, and pulled his Amulet of Recall out of his pocket, it was still set back in Ald Raathim. Near the Parrapton Stables. He activated the amulet.

Ald Raathim

Reichi arrived in the exact location of his mark, and instantly was reminded of how Morrowind, even on the mainland, was much warmer than Daggerfall, and began regretting wearing his armor. He began heading to the castle, to find out more about this insanity. He also made a note to get a better mark location, like one indoors.

Posted by: Arynel Jun 21 2005, 01:01 AM

Arynel found Loranna, Slyvos, and another which he did not recognize.

"Greetings." The Breton said.

Posted by: Loranna Jun 21 2005, 01:08 AM

Loranna takes a deep breath, hiding the troubled look on her face. She nods to Shaka in greeting, and smiles to Arynel. "Hello again Arynel; how does the path greet you?"

"Arynel, this is Shaka, battlemage and traveler," Loranna says by way of introduction. "Shaka, this is my friend Arynel, also a traveler.

Dram, back at the main gate of the castle, raises his eyebrow slightly at the appearance of Reichi. "Welcome back," he echoes, wondering why several of Loranna's friends are coming to see her after the Early Harvest Festival instead of during. "The Lady of the castle is heading for the study; I believe several of your companions are already there."

Posted by: Arynel Jun 21 2005, 01:13 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 20 2005, 05:08 PM)

Arynel nodded to the group, saying to Loranna “My travels are at present without destination, which is to say my sorrows are few.”

Turning towards Shaka the Breton spoke again, saying, “Well met, then, I see by both your arm and attire you are well ventured.”

Lastly, the Breton turned to Slyvos, saying “Greetings, you seem somewhat depressed, may I inquire what's troubling you?”

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jun 21 2005, 01:14 AM

He shook his head.

'it's not important right now, besides, I'd rather not discuss it with too many people in the room.'

Posted by: Aki Jun 21 2005, 01:17 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 20 2005, 07:08 PM)

Dram, back at the main gate of the castle, raises his eyebrow slightly at the appearance of Reichi. "Welcome back," he echoes, wondering why several of Loranna's friends are coming to see her after the Early Harvest Festival instead of during. "The Lady of the castle is heading for the study; I believe several of your companions are already there."

"Gotcha," Reichiu said, heading past Dram and into the castle. He continued to the study, noting how little sound his boots made on the floors of the castle. The armor obviously had another viture to it other than its' unnatural sturdiness. He found, that he didn't remeber the castle too well, and began wandering about.

Then he noticed a odd group in a hallway, a Ashen skinned Nord female, a Ohmes-Raht Khajiit, a Breton Travlever, and a Argonian. All but the Argonian were familar to the Dunmer and he moved closer. "Hiyas," he said. "What'd i miss?"

Posted by: Loranna Jun 21 2005, 01:23 AM

Loranna turns to greet the white-haired Dunmer, smiling. "Reichi; welcome back to Ald Raathim. You missed a party, among other things; we had a wonderful Early Harvest festival."

" ... But the corridor is no place to talk; to the study with us," Loranna says, hanging back just long enough to give Slyvos a questioning look, her eyes asking him if he wishes to go with them, promising she'll understand if he says no.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jun 21 2005, 01:24 AM

He nods his head, and continues to follow. He would follow, if only to have first hand knowledge of the situation...

Posted by: Loranna Jun 21 2005, 01:51 AM

Once everyone reached the study, Loranna has wine brought for her guests.

"Thank you all for coming," she says, thankful for having such good friends and friendly new acquaintences. "I'll get right to the point. During our recent Early Harvest Festival, I was visited by the ghost of one of the former lords of Ald Raathim, Lord Raithmat. Lord Raithmat was a cruel and domineering mer in life, and he was also my husband Jazbet's father, having forced himself on Jazbet's mother."

"In death, Lord Raithmat has not become much more pleasant; he has threatened to flood Ald Raathim in less than a month's time, unless the son of his son, or the son of his daughter, or both, lay claim to the title of Lord of these lands. Right now the only information we have about the daughter's son is that his name was said to be Seres, that his mother Seresina had him by an unknown slave, and that she gave him to the Ashlanders eighteen years ago due to the scandal, to a tribe up in the Sheogorad region."

She pauses for a moment. " ... There is a little more that I suspect which I have discussed with our friend Nalion, regarding Jazbet's possible son. There is someone I can speak to who may know more about that, and there's a Dunmer named Kethaih who is well known in Northern Vvardenfell; she may know something of Seres."

Posted by: Arynel Jun 21 2005, 01:55 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 20 2005, 05:51 PM)

Arynel listened quietly, and spoke after Loranna had finished.

"By what power does this spirit claim to allow him to flood this whole city?" The Breton asked. "Placing that inquiry aside, I say we find one of these heirs."

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jun 21 2005, 02:03 AM

'Don't underestimate the power of the dead, friend. They have more influence when unrestful then you can imagine...'

He spoke of this from firsthand knowledge.

Posted by: Arynel Jun 21 2005, 02:05 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 20 2005, 06:03 PM)

'Don't underestimate the power of the dead, friend. They have more influence when unrestful then you can imagine...'

He spoke of this from firsthand knowledge.

Arynel's eyes shifted in his skull, moving his gaze towards Slyvos.

The Breton smiled lightly, but did not speak. Instead, he returned his attention to Loranna.

Posted by: Loranna Jun 21 2005, 02:07 AM

Loranna clears her throat. "His exact words ..." she says, closing her eyes and letting Raithmat's last words return to her.

"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."

She pauses. " ... Technically, he isn't claiming to be the one to do the flooding, though he was the sort of mer to beat his slaves to death for the slightest infraction," she muters. "But his last line seems to offer his reasoning; he doesn't see me as the legitimate Lady."

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jun 21 2005, 02:14 AM

Slyvos just shook his head a bit.

'that makes no sense. Jazbet was the true lord of this place and he wanted you to take care of it... ' gah, this is why I hate people...

Posted by: Aki Jun 21 2005, 02:19 AM

"Great," Reichi muttered. "So he wants us to either find a guy who has a extremely high chance of being dead, or bhaving been a Azurite and wiped out with all of them, in Vvardenfell. Or, the son of his son, that is, Jazbet's son, and to my knowledge, Jazbet didn't have one."

"Damn Ghost."

Posted by: Loranna Jun 21 2005, 02:20 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 20 2005, 08:14 PM)

Slyvos just shook his head a bit.

'that makes no sense. Jazbet was the true lord of this place and he wanted you to take care of it... ' gah, this is why I hate people...

Loranna sighs. " ... Jazbet did not know that Seresina had a son," she explains. "Technically, Seresina's child was the one to inherit Ald Raathim, being the direct inheritor - though one could also argue that Jazbet, being Raithmat's son, had as much a claim on the land as Seresina did, or at least Seresina's child."

" ... But I doubt that Raithmat is looking at things that way," she says. "I remember Jazbet telling me he suspected Seresina had her father poisoned, and if that's true, Raithmat would see Jazbet as an usurper, stealing away the land and his daughter's loyalty. Seresina and Jazbet were .. good friends."

QUOTE(Aki @ Jun 20 2005, 08:19 PM)

Loranna gives a pained smile to Reichi. " ... I'm looking into Jazbet's possible son," she says. "Like I said, I told Nalion a bit more ..."

She clears her throat. " ... Eh, I'm being foolish, not coming out and saying it. Jazbet grew up here in Ald Raathim not initially knowing Raithmat was his father; before he left he and Seresina fell for each other, neither knowing they were half-siblings. Finding out was the reason Jazbet fled Ald Raathim initially."

Posted by: syronj Jun 21 2005, 03:04 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 20 2005, 08:20 PM)

She clears her throat. " ... Eh, I'm being foolish, not coming out and saying it. Jazbet grew up here in Ald Raathim not initially knowing Raithmat was his father; before he left he and Seresina fell for each other, neither knowing they were half-siblings. Finding out was the reason Jazbet fled Ald Raathim initially."

Shaka said little during the others' discussion. He swirled the wine for a second in the crystal goblet and inhaled the pungent smell. Finally Shaka said, "I wonder how Raithmat gained such power after death. Could he have been dabbling in necromancy, or made a deal with evil powers during his life? Regardless, Lady, I am with you and this company."

He sat forward. "I have grown to like the people of Ald Raathim, as well as your new dunmer allies. It is outrageous that this man can continue to terrorize his people even after death. What should we do?"

Posted by: Loranna Jun 21 2005, 03:13 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 20 2005, 09:04 PM)

"Well ..." Loranna started to say, when suddenly there was a knock on the door.

"My Lady," Dram's clipped voice calls out, "there is ..."

"By Kyne, it's too damn HOT here!" Gram Pyrel, Hero of Southern Cyrodiil, declares, loud enough to make the door shake. "Why couldn't you take over lands in more northern climes anyway? Now what's all this about ghosts threatening a Pyrel and ash-skinned devils plotting behind your back?!"

Loranna gets a long-suffering expression. "I thought he left already ..."

Gram pounds on the study door. "Well? Are you going to let your father in or must I stand out here for longer? Open up I say; I have traveled far to smite these ghosts and I can smell wine being drunk in there."

"Dad ..." Loranna grumbles, waving her hand to open the door; the tall, redhaired, chainmailed, axe, shield, and twohanded sword carrying Nord bursts into the room and gives Loranna a toothy grin. "Daughter! Now is that High Rock vintage I smell ..."

Seeing others in the room, Gram nods. "Slyvos; a pleasure to see you again. Reichi, Arynel, I see you too have come. Scaly person I have not yet been introduced to, welcome and well met; Gram Pyrel, called Gram the Wild and Gram Twilight Slayer, at your service. Now, tell me, what plans have we to strike at these dead devils who threaten my daughter?"

" ... Dad your timing is horrendous," Loranna sighs.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jun 21 2005, 03:18 AM

Sly just nods in Gram's direction, rolling his eyes.

now I see where Loranna gets the silliness from.

Posted by: syronj Jun 21 2005, 05:27 AM

Shaka's eyes bulged. "What am I doing with wine in me claw? Which one of you bloody mages gave me that?" He winked at the others while Gram couldn't see.

"Now you, sir, look like someone who knows his drink. What can ye tell me aboot this thing called 'mead'?"

Posted by: Loranna Jun 21 2005, 05:30 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 20 2005, 11:27 PM)

Gram raises his eyebrows appreciatively. "Ah; mead friend is only the best thing in life next to women and glory, and is best sought in the northern climes ..."

Loranna just gives her father a look. Gram returns the look with a grin.

" ... Meh; sit down Dad, and I'll fill you in," Loranna says, calling a servant to bring up a bit of the Nordic Mead she had requisitioned for herself.

"I don't believe I caught your name lad," Gram says to Shaka.

Posted by: syronj Jun 21 2005, 05:39 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 20 2005, 11:30 PM)

"I don't believe I caught your name lad," Gram says to Shaka.

"Sir, the Nine preserve ye and I'm answerin to the name Shaka. Arr," he added.

Posted by: Loranna Jun 21 2005, 05:52 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 20 2005, 11:39 PM)

"Sir, the Nine preserve ye and I'm answerin to the name Shaka. Arr," he added.

Loranna gives Shaka a bit of a bemused glance, wondering when the Argonian became a pirate.

"Anyway," she says, "that's the situation we face, and I am faced with both this situation and matters of a more mundane sort to tend to, as Lady of Daruhn."

"So ye want us to look for this Seres fellow in Vas," Gram rumbles. "Anyone ever been there?"

Posted by: syronj Jun 21 2005, 06:02 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 20 2005, 11:52 PM)

"So ye want us to look for this Seres fellow in Vas," Gram rumbles. "Anyone ever been there?"

Shaka, who was running out of improvisations to humor Gram, paled at the thought that he might actually have to team up with Loranna's father, however good-intentioned he seemed.

"I've seen a letter from a lass I knew, Kethiah, who claims she can be found in Vas. The Fighter's Guild once sent someone tae help a green Buoyant Armiger kill a necromancer there, but that was years ago. Perhaps Kethiah made her home there, tis remote enough." Help me out here folks, his glance said.

Posted by: Loranna Jun 21 2005, 06:12 AM

"Huh," Gram says, stroking his beard and looking to Loranna, who smiles and nods slightly.

"Simple enough then; we catch the first ship to VVardenfell and find this Kethiah woman," Gram says. " ... There still a lot of bugs in that area since the mountain blew?"

Loranna just gives her father another look. "That's what I thought," Gram says, sighing. "Guess I'll learn how bugs taste ..."

Posted by: Rosenphelia Godot Jun 21 2005, 05:11 PM

Ophelia:

Name: Jordan
Race: Breton
Gender: Male
Class: Bard
Age: 42
Faction: Hlallu
Personality: Whimsical, if that, is probably what best defines Jordan's sense of appreciation for the world around him. He'd often stop to examine a mire on the road, a peculiar strain of stoneflower, or whatever piques his interest at the time, which would launch him suddenly into a long train of thought that tours the entirety of Nirn until, truth be told, he completely forgot what it was in the first place that interested him. It is entirely possible, that somewhere, somehow, betwixt some segments of such long trains of thought there is something worthwhile, a sort of truth or paradigm that makes one say "Ah HA!" (if, dear reader, one could indeed travel beside him on such cerebral journeys, but heaven forbid if you should stay awake for the whole thing), but it would be such a rare occasion for most of the time, it was much fanciful thinking about nothing much at all.

--------------------

It wasn't a particularly sunny day for the sky was blanketed with clouds, but nor was it an aberrant day where flashes of lightning or thunder shook the ground and made a general fuss of things, so it boggles the mind what Jordan meant when, with great purpose, he stepped outside and claimed "What a marvelous day!", but that, some say, was the nature of Jordan just as it's the nature of the willow anther to attract pesky butterflies in the winter.

With such ungraceful strides that amalgamated the sporadic twitching of a bull netch with the desperate kicks of a drowning khajit, Jordan stepped into his garden, which overlooked the road to a blistered Balmora. It was still early in the day, which meant less travellers, which was just as well, since he held somewhat of a whimsical antipathy towards such travellers. He lived an ascetic life of stagnance, and found all forms of hurried travel to be pointless and a waste of good pondering time.

Godot: ...

Posted by: Rosenphelia Godot Jun 21 2005, 05:23 PM

Rosencrantz:

Name: Nimmy
Race: A Breton at times, or a Dunmer, at other times.
Gender: Female
Class: Probably a figment of Jordan's imagination, but Nirn IS very big, after all, and it's entirely possible the above is entirely untrue.
Age: Who knows?
Background:

Four hundred years ago, a famous Breton anatomist once caught a large bull netch and dissected it. In his recordings, he noted that the bull netch's brain weighed only about two stones, while its testicles weighted 400 stones. Therefore, he came to the conclusion that, though he knew not whether Bull Netches were capable of thinking, but if they were, he certainly know what they were always thinking about. It wasn't much different with males of the sentient races, for though their brains and testicles weighed far less than those of a bull netch, the proportion is nonetheless the same. It was of no surprise, then, that if a man were to have an imaginary friend, the friend would doubtless be female, of a very attractive physique. Therefore, it boggles the mind why Jordan would choose Nimmy to be his imaginary friend, for Nimmy was about as wide around the girth as a guar and about as ugly as one, too. She has, in her arsenal of facial expressions, two weapons: the angry stare, and the condescending look, both of which annoy the living hell out of Jordan, but for the life of the poor bloke, he can't seem to drive her out of his mind. It's a curse, really, if it were not for Nimmy's sharp wit and an equally liberal propensity to dish it out, which made Jordan's perspective on death a much more optimistic and hopeful one.

Godot: ...

Posted by: Rosenphelia Godot Jun 21 2005, 05:45 PM

Rosenphelia:

Jordan enjoys this part of his morning, which consists mostly of walking around the garden and tending to his flowers, while pondering much about nothing, which is just the way he likes it, until, of course, the occasional rustling of hooves and a passing traveller interrupts his thoughts, or, in the worst case...

"Fool! Shouldn't you be gettin' yaself to work now? Whaz that? You 'xpect me to hold this house up all by meself? Stop loiterin' around and DO SOMETHING USEFUL!"

... Nimmy.

Sigh. Not the dreamy kind of sigh, oh no, that kind of sigh has waved good bye to him long ago and boarded the Silt Strider for Vivec, where it sat itself atop the highest canton it could find, and leapt to its death, all around the time when Nimmy appeared.

"But dear, you can't even hold up a parchment, you see. You don't actually exist. You're just a figment of my imagination."

Imagine throwing a pile of shalk dung at a piece of Guar hide and have it bounce back to hit yourself in the face.

Weapon number one: Angry Stare.

"Is 'at how you 'ink o' me ya ungrateful bastard? I been around ye for TEN YEARS 'n all you tell me is I dun' exist? I aught ta give ya a good spankin' I aughta. Now GIT YESELF TA WORK!"

Sigh. This is the is resigned sigh, one of his oldest and closest friends. He shudders to think where he'd be without it. Work? Yes, that would be a good diversion, and it would be quite enjoyable too, if it didn't involve shiny disc-like metal things which were more tools of bondage than the valuable glitter everyone thinks they are, everyone, that is, except Jordan.

Jordan didn't care for money, but nor does he deny its neccessity. He sells flowers for a living, but he doesn't like to think of it that way. He likes to think of it as sharing a piece of his Tamariel with others, a delusion that'd be much more resistant to shattering had it not involve the trading of money. Nonetheless, business is good, mostly because of his undeniable knack for coaxing things to grow out of the ground.

Nimmy stomps them back down.

So off to work he went, and with him, four baskets filled with the most fragrant flowers ever to exist north of Vivec.

Considering the scars that rake across the torn land, and the depressions hammered into the ground by engines of war, one would think not very many would find the time nor the money to purchase flowers. Thankfully, such an assumption was false, for business usually went surprisingly well. Soldiers would often pander by and make a purchase, just in case a vixen or a damsel in distress should suddenly strike their fancy, or perhaps so his comrades would not need to work very hard to find decorative things when digging his grave. Material contractors, which passed by quite often, would purchase a few willow anthers (Jordan's favorite by far) to give to their daughters or wives, whom they're going to visit. He hasn't got very much money, but not much is needed to maintain a small shack in his corner of the world worrying about nothing other than a small garden patch and an overactive imagination.

Godot: ...

Posted by: syronj Jun 22 2005, 04:47 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 21 2005, 12:12 AM)

"Simple enough then; we catch the first ship to VVardenfell and find this Kethiah woman," Gram says. " ... There still a lot of bugs in that area since the mountain blew?"

Loranna just gives her father another look. "That's what I thought," Gram says, sighing. "Guess I'll learn how bugs taste ..."

Shaka stood up. Dropping the comic-opera dialects, he shook Gram's hand. "Sir, I was only jesting with you before. Anyone who could father someone like our Lady is a man I would be proud to fight beside."

He fixed the others with a serious look. "I'm only a hedge-wizard next to this company, but there's something I hope you will think on. Even if or when we find this Sares, we have to stop playing Raithmat's game and start making him play ours. He must die the final death, torn apart and sent so deep into Oblivion that he can never cause suffering again."

Posted by: Nalion Jun 22 2005, 05:10 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 22 2005, 04:47 PM)

"I fear this option might not be available to us." said a voice from the background. During the discussion, Nalion had slipped into Loranna's study, an apologetic expression on his face. Whether he was surprised to see Arynel, Reichi and Gram in the room, one could not tell. He was used to the fact that friends would show up when a member of the company was in trouble.

"Don't underestimate this ghost is all I can say, from what Loranna has told me. This is not a normal ghost one would expect in ancestral tombs. I do not think that we should fight this wraith, lest we risk our already short timespan. But I am not the one to properly deal with wraiths."

Posted by: syronj Jun 22 2005, 05:27 PM

Shaka measured the newcomer for a second and nodded. "Sir, I know time is short. I had not planned on fighting this Raithmat directly like some run-of-the-mill tomb guardian. But this slavemongering scum, this rapist, must not be kowtowed to. Please help us with all the advice you possess." He sat down again.

Posted by: Nalion Jun 22 2005, 05:38 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 22 2005, 05:27 PM)

"Loranna told me what happened and I think this wraith has a weak point and this is his son. This is, in my opinion, the best way to appease him. This wraith has a purpose here with which he haunts us. But as said before, I am not the one who can give proper advice on the nature of the spirit realm and those who traverse the boundaries between our plane and theirs. As I see it, we should make our way to northern Vvardenfell, to Vas and Kethiah and to the Ashlander camps. Loranna might have another lead to follow."

Nalion eyed the Argonian, then smiled briefly.
"I fear these grave matters have taken their toll on my courtesy, though. I apologize. I am called Nalion, pleased to meet you."

Posted by: syronj Jun 22 2005, 05:48 PM

"Shaka," said the battlemage as he shook Nalion's hand. "I can be packed and on the road as soon as our Lady bids it. I've never seen Vas personally, but I glanced through the archives of the Fighters Guild on more than one occasion.

Standard Velothi tower layout, as far as I know from the account. In a way, I'm not surprised that Kethiah would end up in Sheogorad; she didn't seem the sort to be comfortable in towns for long."

Posted by: Aki Jun 22 2005, 08:11 PM

Reichi yawned. "As i said before, Damn Ghost," he said before smirking. He look to the Argonian who had introduced himself as Shaka. "I'm Reichi, though if you wanna be formal, Reichi Sari, or Mr. Sari, or something like that."

"Vas, a velothi dome in Sheogorad you say? Grand. We'll probablly end up stumbling into several other domes before finding the right one. Happened to me before. I go after some Velothi tower to kill a Wizard or something, end up killing six or seven tower's worth of bandits and stuff..." Reichi grinned.

Posted by: syronj Jun 22 2005, 08:35 PM

"I think we're past the formalities by now, Reichi," said Shaka, smiling, and shook hands. Shaka paused for a moment and looked Reichi in the eye. He could smell something that would elude human or dunmer noses. Lycanthropy? thought the Argonian. Ah well, if he's one of this company that's good enough for me.

Posted by: Aki Jun 22 2005, 09:11 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 22 2005, 02:35 PM)

Reichi's eyes were not particularly Dunmeri, not anymore. In the past, before Reichi attained a full control over his Lycanthropey, or even acquired the curse itself, they had been a solid feild of red, now they had taken on a Wolf like quality, identical to the eyes of one, except a crimson red.

"Yeah, perhaps we are," Reichi said at last, shrugging. Despite not looking it, he had caught Shaka's moment of hesistation when he looked into Reichi's eyes. He wondered on it for a moment. Nah, he couldn't have just figured it that easily, right? he thought. Well, he hasn't pulled out a silver weapon and tried to skewer me yet, nor is he cowering in fear or running for the hills. Or anything else most people would do.

So, either he was just taken back by my Eyes, or he did just figure it out somehow and isn't much bothered, Reichi continued to ponder, wishing to draw the Dagger of Senses, then his would be on par with the Argonian's, perhaps greater. He didn't particulary know how great Argonian's senses were.

Oh, waits, thats how. D'oh. He smelled it of course. But, that would imply being familiar enough with Lycanthropes to recognize one by scent, which doesn't much line up with the 'not bothered' line. People with that much expierance usually have a dim view of such creatures. Well, well, this is a rather unique Argonian indeed.

Maybe i'll have a bit of fun with this. Reichi grinned wickedly. Later.

"So, Shaka, you sure seem to know a bit about Vas, what exactly was it before Kethiath started taken residence in it?" he asked.

Posted by: syronj Jun 22 2005, 09:50 PM

QUOTE(Aki @ Jun 22 2005, 03:11 PM)

"So, Shaka, you sure seem to know a bit about Vas, what exactly was it before Kethiath started taken residence in it?" he asked.

Shaka was starting to like Reichi's cockiness; it reminded him of some of the thieves he had known. "The usual Telvanni rat's nest. Chapel on the ground floor, necromancer in his top floor study. The fighter who wrote the log was anonymous, but it sounded like Ulyne Henim was a handful -- he had all he could do to keep her from getting them both killed. She wanted to be a Buoyant Armiger but was so green she wore chitin armor and wielded an iron staff, if you can believe that.

After taking out some guardian bonelords and skeletons, they talked to three House hirelings. The fighter didn't catch the oldest one's name because he tried to introduce them to his axe. The other two, a healer and a spellsword, were quicker on the uptake and practically drew a map for them how to find the necromancer."

Shaka paused for a moment. He had always admired the dunmer in many ways -- their independence, their ancient culture -- but he had always had a certain loathing for the arrogance of the Telvanni, known for their enthusiasm for slavery and intrigue in equal measure. Shrugging, he continued: "Anyway, the fighter's log was the usual from there. They sanctioned the necromancer and walked away from the Velothi tower. But there was one thing the fighter mentioned offhand that might help us with this quest: the island wasn't that far from the Sanctus shrine. I don't know what the Shrine's status is these days . . . ."

Posted by: Aki Jun 22 2005, 10:08 PM

"Sanctus Shrine, well," Reichi said, rubbing his chin. "It stands to reason theres a good chance the Azurites and other hostiles missed it, so it should still be standing. Otherwise methinks it'll be burned to the ground. Eitherway, there'll be something there to tell us where to go. Be it a building or wreckage."

"Sounds like a simple enough building, but who knows, Kethiath might've added traps."

Posted by: syronj Jun 22 2005, 10:15 PM

QUOTE(Aki @ Jun 22 2005, 04:08 PM)

"Sounds like a simple enough building, but who knows, Kethiath might've added traps."

"Count on it," nodded Shaka. "Kethiah will either be living there or out on assignment, but either way she'll have wards and guardians. Her letter sounded as if she's on retreat this month, so we should be able to find her. She was close-mouthed about her personal protections with me, though, so we'll have to stay on our guard."

Posted by: Aki Jun 22 2005, 10:19 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 22 2005, 04:15 PM)

"Well, Assassins tend to close-mouthed about stuff," Reichi replied shrugging. "She might be more open when not on the clock. Then again, maybe not."

Posted by: Loranna Jun 23 2005, 12:05 AM

While Reichi, Nalion, and Shaka had been talking, and Gram muttering into his beard about Argonian humor, Loranna had received a message from one of the servants, and now turns to the others with a small smile.

"The boat is ready to go in an hour," she says. "You'll be going to Vas by way of Dagon Fel. Potions and other supplies have been arranged."

Gram looks ready to say something.

"No Dad; no mead, just wine," Loranna says.

"Grah," Gram mutters. "Well then, no matter; we go now, to Dagon Fel!"

Posted by: syronj Jun 23 2005, 12:37 AM

Shaka had just enough time to pack and say goodbye to Solange. He decided against telling her why he was travelling this day.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jun 23 2005, 02:34 AM

Slyvos was sitting on the edge of the dock, throwing rocks into the water, and thinking quietly to himself as he was before...

Posted by: Loranna Jun 23 2005, 02:44 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 22 2005, 08:34 PM)

Slyvos was sitting on the edge of the dock, throwing rocks into the water, and thinking quietly to himself as he was before...

Loranna was walking to the docks with the Breton Arynel, quietly filling him in on her last encounter with the Dunmer Thadas.

" ... and then he vanished, probably went directly back home there and then," Loranna finishes explaining. "A preferable ending to what I had thought might happen. I have been curious of late though, if perhaps his coming at this time might not tie in somehow with our overarching ghost situation - perhaps the amulet may be of help there, or the shaman someone to speak to about ..."

She notices Slyvos sitting on the dock and pauses, sighing a little. Love ... she thinks.

Posted by: Arynel Jun 23 2005, 02:52 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 22 2005, 06:44 PM)

Arynel listens quietly while Loranna speaks. After Loranna finishes, the Breton replies.

“And what did you think may have happened? Distrust and a bad temperament don’t equate to harmful intentions. As for the ghosts, you over complicate things, Thadas told you what the amulet was for; it’s a symbol for the Dunmer who will lead the work in rebuilding Vvardenfell, who will be appointed by you.”

Posted by: Loranna Jun 23 2005, 02:59 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jun 22 2005, 08:52 PM)

"I just thought I'd ask, on the off chance," Loranna replies, Arynel's comment about distrust and bad temperment echoing what she herself had thought on the boat ride to Sentinel. "Right then ..."

"Slyvos love, everything ready?" Loranna asks the Khajiit as they approach, watching Slyvos's reaction with concerned care.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jun 23 2005, 03:01 AM

Slyvos looks up at Loranna, smiling sadly.

'depends on how to define 'alright'... I see all of these people, and I feel no sympathy or concern... I try, but it just isn't there...'

Posted by: Arynel Jun 23 2005, 03:06 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 22 2005, 07:01 PM)

Slyvos looks up at Loranna, smiling sadly.

'depends on how to define 'alright'... I see all of these people, and I feel no sympathy or concern... I try, but it just isn't there...'

Arynel stood silently for a moment, before speaking.

“And why should you?” The Breton interjected, “What are they, and who, to earn your sympathy? Will men be anymore than men? I would not think it probable that a man could be more than human.”

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jun 23 2005, 03:12 AM

Slyvos sighed, knowing by now that Arynel would say something like that. Unlike Loranna, he had payed attention to how people behave when he had his telepathy...

'It's not just the lack of empathy... I hate them. I hate them all... every last one of them..'

His fist was clenched tight.

Posted by: Loranna Jun 23 2005, 03:13 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 22 2005, 09:12 PM)

Loranna puts a hand on Slyvos's shoulder, squeezing. " ... Not every last one of them," she reminds him.

Posted by: Arynel Jun 23 2005, 03:16 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 22 2005, 07:13 PM)

Loranna puts a hand on Slyvos's shoulder, squeezing. " ... Not every last one of them," she reminds him.

Arynel nodded.

“Yes, of course,” the Breton said, “Hate them all. What are they deserving of, if not loathing? Tell me; are any of them the better because of your dislike?”

Posted by: Loranna Jun 23 2005, 03:20 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jun 22 2005, 09:16 PM)

Arynel nodded.

“Yes, of course,” the Breton said, “Hate them all. What are they deserving of, if not loathing? Tell me; are any of them the better because of your dislike?”

Loranna tosses Arynel a small glare, but it lasts but a brief second.

"Just answer him honestly love," she says to Slyvos. "Better to talk about this now than to let it stay unsaid for overlong."

Of course, the boat leaves in forty minutes, she thinks.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jun 23 2005, 03:24 AM

He raised an eyebrow.

'any better because of it? I ask myself, truthfully, why would I even care? There... I said it. Let most of them die and those I love stay for all I care."

He sounded like he didn't like saying that, but he did so...

Posted by: Arynel Jun 23 2005, 03:44 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 22 2005, 07:24 PM)

Arynel nodded again.

“You have no charge to feed the world until you are able to do so, no burden to change the hearts of men until men’s hearts can be changed.” The Breton said, “Besides, even those you love may one day die themselves, why should a better fate befall those you do not?”

Posted by: Loranna Jun 23 2005, 03:55 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jun 22 2005, 09:44 PM)

Loranna gives a grim smile.

" ... Slyvos, I'd been thinking about some of the things I said the other night, when we were both ... antsy," she says, rubbing her chest a bit. "I think maybe it'd be better to rethink what I was asking of you then."

She offers Slyvos a smile. " ... Wasn't thinking as clearly as I should have."

Posted by: Arynel Jun 23 2005, 04:04 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 22 2005, 07:55 PM)

Arynel said nothing for a time, before speaking again.

“However,” the Breton said, his gaze fixed over the waters, “it is better to make a friend of your enemy, than to make an enemy of your friend. It is your eyes which deem whether one is fit for your approval, it is upon your scale which you weigh their value. See a man for who he is, and then do unto him as if he were the man you would like him to become. What you cannot touch leave be, there are some you cannot change, and some better left to their own guises, a battle well picked is victory in itself.”

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jun 23 2005, 04:12 AM

Slyvos sighs, not exactly getting the meaning.

'I'm not sure I understand exactly... all I know is, they've done nothing to redeem themselves in my eyes, knowingly or not... and I'd rather get rid of an enemy then keep them close cause then betrayal is always at hand. I'm a wreck..'

He got up, and started walking away a bit, not exactly wanting to hear anymore of Arynel's 'wisdom'.

Posted by: Loranna Jun 23 2005, 04:17 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 22 2005, 10:12 PM)

"Slyvos wait," Loranna says, stepping after him.

"Love, not everyone is actually your enemy, is the thing," she says. "That's what he's getting at."

She takes a deep breath. "You used to feel that the whole world was your enemy, but you learned differently, right?" she asks him. "Some people proved themselves to be companions, or more."

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jun 23 2005, 04:19 AM

He sighed, nodding in defeat at that fact.

'you're right on that... but just because they aren't my enemies doesn't mean I don't hate them Lor... I'm sorry but I can't help it. Only a few people actually mean anything to me and you're one of them.'

Posted by: Arynel Jun 23 2005, 04:21 AM

Arynel stood silently for a moment, and then spoke.

“If we waited for men to redeem themselves, there would be no love at all,” The Breton said, “Every man is dead, and brought to life through love, the fact that this has led itself to literal performance only validates the truth of it. Truly, take what love you have and spread it where you can, which may only be one person, leave all else be, only do not build up coals against yourself, and do not forsake the love you do have.”

Posted by: Loranna Jun 23 2005, 04:27 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jun 22 2005, 10:21 PM)

Loranna chuckles a bit, looking at Slyvos with sad yet happy eyes.

"There's one person eager to accept all the love you have to offer," she tells him. "And that one will do anything she can for you."

She pulls him into a hug. " ... We've both talked about redeeming ourselves before, I know," she says quietly to him. "Arynel's got a point; just love where you can and don't let hate build up barriers in you like it once did before. All else, we'll take as it comes."

She turns to look at Arynel, her eyes shining with gratitude; she whispers 'thank you' to him.

Posted by: syronj Jun 23 2005, 05:56 AM

Shaka walked out of the castle gates and down the street to the docks. He wore the dragonbone cuirass and had slung other armor and weapons in a gear bag. A black anther flower had been stuck on the Spear's sheath as a good-luck charm.

He smiled as he thought of Solange. Shaka didn't know what to call his friendship with her. Not love yet, nor lust. Perhaps still something of the confessor relationship. Shaka had not told her why the party was leaving Ald Raathim, but he had told Solange he would return.

Maybe he was connected to Solange as a way of connecting to the community. The map of Ald Raathim was written in her honest face.

As he loped downhill to the dock area, he saw the sails and felt some of the old excitement again. The road beckoned, not for glory and not for treasure.

Posted by: Aki Jun 23 2005, 07:46 AM

Reichi saw Shaka appproach the docks, raising a eyebrow. The dragonbone Cuirass, and the spear of Bitter Mercy. "Impressive armor and weapon there," he said by way of greeting.

Posted by: S'reddit Jun 23 2005, 07:54 AM

The sky was blue as a sapphire, not a cloud for miles.

Posted by: Loranna Jun 23 2005, 08:18 AM

"Ah, beautiful sailing weather," Gram says as he comes down to the docks, putting a meaty hand on Loranna's shoulder. "We'll be back in no time."

Loranna smiles briefly at her Dad, but Gram's hand does not move for a moment. " ... Your man all right?" he asks quietly, making Loranna's face fall a bit.

" ... He's a lot on his mind," she simplifies.

Gram looks at her, then nods once and says "I'll keep my eye out for him; don't you worry." Then, he bounds onto the boat while Loranna watches.

Posted by: S'reddit Jun 23 2005, 08:24 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 22 2005, 11:18 PM)

Gram looks at her, then nods once and says "I'll keep my eye out for him; don't you worry." Then, he bounds onto the boat while Loranna watches.

"Where are we heading again?" asked the captain, a middle-aged, thin Dunmer with wild hair and a slight limp. "Down the Inner Sea to Ald Horroth, then upriver to Bodrom Mora, yes?"

Posted by: Loranna Jun 23 2005, 08:33 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 23 2005, 02:24 AM)

"Where are we heading again?" asked the captain, a middle-aged, thin Dunmer with wild hair and a slight limp. "Down the Inner Sea to Ald Horroth, then upriver to Bodrom Mora, yes?"

Gram looks at the captain with a slight expression of incredulty. "No sir, we be heading up, to Dagon Fel; didn't you hear ..."

"They're heading to Dagon Fel," Loranna explains. "I'm heading to Bodrom Mora."

Gram says "There, you see? You got the wrong shipful of passangers, sir. Not that it matters much; a day like today is perfect for sailing anywhere." He chuckles with Nordic Mirth, his red hair spilling over his shoulders.

Posted by: syronj Jun 23 2005, 08:37 AM

While the captain was speaking with Loranna, Shaka said quietly to Gram: "Don't worry, they say Dagon Fel is filled with Nords. You can bet they'll know where to get some mead .... ." Shaka had a mischievous gleam in his eye, but kept his face straight while Loranna was out of earshot.

Posted by: S'reddit Jun 23 2005, 08:52 AM

"Ah, yes," said the captain, reviewing his charts. "I’m sorry, milady. Hate to make you nervous, but I had my schedule confused. Well, all aboard."

The captain directed everyone aboard the ship, nodding apologetically towards the Lady of Daruhn.

"Hurry now. There was a storm off to the south. Don’t want to be caught in that."

Posted by: Loranna Jun 23 2005, 08:56 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jun 23 2005, 02:52 AM)

Loranna waves her companions off, while Gram gives Shaka a bemused grin and says "Lad, yer trying too hard; but come, while we outrace this southern storm let us share tales of our adventures. And you can tell me how you came to meet my daughter."

As the boat sets off, Loranna finds herself wondering about the storm in the south, and whether it's just a rainstorm or a thunderstorm.

Posted by: syronj Jun 23 2005, 09:00 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 23 2005, 02:56 AM)

Shaka smiled sheepishly. "You have the better of me, sir. As for the Lady, it started when I had gotten into town late one night and smelled blood in a bucket of water thrown by a servant ...."

Posted by: S'reddit Jun 23 2005, 09:49 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 23 2005, 12:00 AM)

Shaka smiled sheepishly. "You have the better of me, sir. As for the Lady, it started when I had gotten into town late one night and smelled blood in a bucket of water thrown by a servant ...."

'Oh, ladies toss blood all the time,' the captain said nonchalantly, steering the boat out beyond the breakers that marked the mangrove swamps of Ald Raathim. 'That just means they ain't pregnant.'

Posted by: Nalion Jun 23 2005, 02:13 PM

Nalion had always enjoyed sea voyages. He stood at the bow of the ship, watching the vessel plough through the waves. The creaking ropes of the rigging, the shouts and obligatory curses of the sailors, the wind in his face, the lonely shriek of a seabird, the distinct scent of salty water, these things always had a soothing effect on Nalion, clearing his mind.

It was one of these times where the mage could feel that he was adventuring again in the truest sense of the word. As much as he had tried to settle down in the past, after some time, there was this longing to see - and feel - the world again, something that drove him onwards. He had felt like that on the day he had left Tel Uvirith all these months ago, following a whim. He had wanted to see snow again, so he set out, on a ship, to visit Skyrim. And it was then, where all this began.

Despite the perils, horrors and pains all of them had to suffer through, Nalion smiled. It seemed, that before these events, he had not been really alive, only as he grabbed the opportunity, he felt that he finally did something that truly mattered. And there were of course his friends, with whom Nalion had shared so much: fear, sorrow, pain, but also courage, hope and joy...

The Breton's thoughts continued to wander back in time, musing about the decisions he had made - or was forced to make?
What if he had never left Llainfair, had given in to the will of Joslin Tailas not to see Lirielle again? Would he then have stayed confined in this village?
What if Lirielle had not died fifteen years ago? As heavy a blow her death was to him, but didn't her death lead him towards what he was now? After all, Nalion had finally worked out his grave differences with her father, thus setting Lirielle's ghost - and both Lirielle and Nalions hearts - at peace.
What if he had not followed his feelings as he started on his journey to Skyrim and listened to "reason" instead, feeling safe and sound as a merchant in Tel Uvirith?

Tracing the story from Lirielle's death, his random travels, the trek across Skyrim, the parade in Morrowind, the hunt for Flamekiss in Black Marsh, it did not quite seem to be a coincidence that the events at Red Mountain happened the way they did - and with the people that shaped this event...

The mage blinked as he woke from his thoughts, needing a moment to become aware again where he was and why. He did not know how long he had stood there, but it did not matter now. There was a task ahead and many people relied on this party succeeding in it. Nalion would partake in this task to the best of his abilities...

Posted by: Loranna Jun 24 2005, 02:10 AM

The Boat to Dagon Fel

The Captain, despite having gotten his charts mixed up while at port, proved an able seaman once the boat was sailing; the ship made good time as it sailed the Inner Sea, northward bound. The weather remained lovely, though as he remarked to Nalion at one point, "The trip out's beautiful weather to be sure, but then I get to sail back into the storm coming up; I always liked getting the rough weather out of the way and relaxing on the tail end of the trip, you know?"

As the day passed into night, and back into day again, the western coast of VVardenfell came into view; the Captain nimbly directed the ship until it circled around the northwest corner of the island providence, entering the Sheogorad region and finally setting ashore at the port of Dagon Fel.

"Friendly looking bunch here," the captain remarked, nodding to Gram. "Used to adventuresome folks like yerselves."

"Hah; good for them then," Gram smiled. "They'll be all the more appreciative of our tales. Now then, where's the tavern here? All I see are fisherman shacks."

The Captain pointed to one of the few buildings more permanent looking than a wooden hut. "End of the World; that and the trader next door's about all there is in the town itself. Most of the interesting things you gotta go searching for on the island, you see."

The disembarking party drew a few glances from the locals; Gram frowned mentally, noting that the folk around here didn't look quite as friendly as the Captain's relaxed tone would suggest. There was a faint furtiveness on their faces that didn't sit well on Nordic counterances, a wariness that spoke of people expecting things to jump out of shadows.

"Must be the ghosts ..." Gram muttered to himself.

Posted by: syronj Jun 24 2005, 02:33 AM

"Well, look at that," remarked Shaka to the group. "I haven't seen this many dwemer towers in one place before." A few miles to the north and northeast, the outlines of the ancient bronze-colored dwemer ruins could be seen, half-obscured by the mist. "The whole town must be built on top of them."

He raised his head for a moment. Shaka could smell the brisk air of the north, reminding him of the time he had quested for the Spear. That had been much farther west than this port, though.

Posted by: Aki Jun 24 2005, 04:11 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 23 2005, 08:33 PM)

"Indeed," Reichi replied. "I remeber having to get rid a target who had hidden himself in one tower. Odd how little the inhabitants care that they practically live on ruins."

Posted by: syronj Jun 24 2005, 04:57 AM

Shaka took Reichi aside for a moment. "So you're an assassin as well? Getting so you can't swing a Khajiit without hitting one lately.

I wanted to explain to you how I knew ... what you are. I didn't stay long in Solstheim, but one of the mead halls there had a skin on the wall they claimed had been taken from a werewolf. I could smell it on you; not on you, like on a hunter, but in your blood.

I don't know that much about your breed, but I'm starting to respect this band of travellers so much that I'm going to wait and see." Shaka opened his gear bag for a moment to show an Ebony axe inlaid with silver. "Now how did that get in there."

He clapped Reichi on the shoulder and added one more thing: "A lot of dunmer look at me and think: hod-carrier, swamptrotter, lizard. So maybe I know to look beyond the surface."

Posted by: Aki Jun 24 2005, 05:33 AM

Reichi eyed the ebony axe with silver inlaid in it warily. Silver wasn't harmful to him in this form, but a weapon was still a weapon. He grinned, "So thats how huh?" he asked. "Well, works for me," he shrugged. "Looking beyound the surface eh? Perhaps."

"Maybe you get to physically look beyound it one day..."

Posted by: syronj Jun 24 2005, 05:48 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Jun 23 2005, 11:33 PM)

"No problem, Reichi. And let me know when I get too pompous. I'm saving the axe for vampires anyway, just in case we run into any."

Posted by: Aki Jun 24 2005, 05:50 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 23 2005, 11:48 PM)

"No problem, Reichi. And let me know when I get too pompous. I'm saving the axe for vampires anyway, just in case we run into any."

"Vampires?" Reichi questioned. "Doubt they'd touch you much, don't think they like Argonians much. Cold blood and all."

"Oh, and for the record, silver doesn't do anything special to Vampires, the ebony alone would have been sufficient," Reichi added with a grin.

Posted by: syronj Jun 24 2005, 05:53 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Jun 23 2005, 11:50 PM)

"Oh, and for the record, silver doesn't do anything special to Vampires, the ebony alone would have been sufficient," Reichi added with a grin.

Damn, thought Shaka to himself with a wince. And after I spent all those drakes on the inlay....

Posted by: Aki Jun 24 2005, 07:33 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 23 2005, 11:53 PM)

Damn, thought Shaka to himself with a wince. And after I spent all those drakes on the inlay....

Reichi raised a eyebrow when Shaka winced. "Ya okay?" he asked.

Posted by: syronj Jun 24 2005, 08:19 AM

Shaka grinned wryly. "Couldn't be better. I'll have to concentrate on flame and Spear once more against the vampires, apparently." He walked back over to the rest of the group. "So are we heading for the inn first, or looking into our travel options?"

Posted by: Loranna Jun 24 2005, 08:36 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 24 2005, 02:19 AM)

While Reichi and Shaka were talking, Gram was busily getting a feel for the town, and he comes over with a frown.

"I've been asking; there's no direct boat to Vas proper," he says. "Some of the fishermen might be able to give us passage, though we're a bit of a large group to be riding out on fishing boats."

Posted by: syronj Jun 24 2005, 08:48 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 24 2005, 02:36 AM)

"I've been asking; there's no direct boat to Vas proper," he says. "Some of the fishermen might be able to give us passage, though we're a bit of a large group to be riding out on fishing boats."

"There seem to be several trails to the west and the south," said Shaka. "We could try overland on foot. It's up to the group as far as I'm concerned."

The locals, mostly Nords, glanced at the group as if measuring them, but continued about their own errands without speaking. Dagon Fel seemed a typical fishing village in its reticence. Rolling mountains stretched to the west and south, their upper reaches misted in. But Shaka had missed some of the signals from the Nords that Gram had picked up -- the furtive looks.

Posted by: Loranna Jun 24 2005, 10:39 PM

Ald Raathim

The storm the Captain had predicted reached Ald Raathim; it turned out to be a rainstorm, the sort that makes farmers smile as they mutter how the crop will look after the rain passes, and little children laugh and go run out to dance in the rain or jump in the puddles, so that their mothers can scold them and fret over them and do what mothers do.

It was a nice rainstorm, without a hint of thunder; Loranna began to feel foolish after the first half hour of rain, and relaxed. No thunder today, just rain.

The Captain would be back within a day to take her to visit Dres Vendama and Obael, as she had planned. In that time, as Kallen quietly suggested, there were matters that she should attend to. There was some concern about overfishing the waters, and a bit of dispute over distribution of land ...

Loranna listened to the concerns brought to her by Balam Barelo, a weathered farmer who proudly explained to his new Lady how his family had worked in Ald Raathim's lands for three generations. He told Loranna that he and his family were simple, honest folk, and that they did not ask for much, just what they had and the freedom to work for their living - and how what he had was just enough to let him and his family live as they were. Loranna then listened to the points of Tedril Aralas, one of the refugees that fled to Ald Raathim from the surrounding lands when the Azurites had first attacked. Tedril thanked his Lady and his former Lord for their compassion in taking him in and said he, too, did not ask for much, just for a plot of land where he could build a farm, and raise good crops for himself and his Lady, and raise a family that would be proud to be part of Ald Raathim, the greatest land in all of Morrowind.

And those were just the first two people who spoke to Loranna that day; there were others, but many of their tales were of the same kind though others brought different concerns to Loranna. The healers who had remained in Ald Raathim after the fall of the Azurites, people Loranna had worked alongside during the Blue Dawn, had been making due with the temporary accomodations made for them for some time now, and wished for something a bit more permanent - and rainproof. One scholarly fellow, a Breton by the name of Maniel, was compiling a history of the rise and fall of the Azurites and was hoping the lovely Lady of Daruhn would share her experiences as Incarnate Mother to Azura and as one of the heroes of Red Mountain. The storehouse workers complained that rats had gotten into the walls again this year and needed to be dealt with, which would require money to get them exterminated properly and ensure they didn't find their way back into the storehouses ...

By the time the day drew to a close, Loranna was wondering how Jazbet handled all this; she had told the farmers old and new that she understood both their concerns and would work on a plan to offer land to all fairly, promised the healers she would speak to the right people to get them a more permanent place, had a brief talk with Maniel in which she said little but promised to work in a time for discussing his history book, and made arrangements for the storehouse to be properly de-ratted and made rat-proof - again. Not that men or mer had ever kept the rats out forever ...

After dinner, Loranna retired to the herb garden, to relax and think of her companions in Dagon Fel. She wished she could be with them now, especially Slyvos ...

Posted by: syronj Jun 25 2005, 04:47 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 24 2005, 04:39 PM)

Ald Raathim

After dinner, Loranna retired to the herb garden, to relax and think of her companions in Dagon Fel. She wished she could be with them now, especially Slyvos ...

Shaka studied the mountains a moment longer while Slyvos, Gram, and the others finished discussing their options. If only they still had the Shrine to Stop the Moon, he thought; crossing the mountains would have been nothing.

He had used the Shrine twice, many years ago, in order to reach sites in the Grazelands and the West Gash more quickly. It had been like being a god; for the price of a sacrificed potion of levitation, he had soared as fast as a cliffracer for twenty-four hours. He would never forget the sight of dawn over Tel Vos, the ground blurring below while, exulting, he calculated how long he had before the blessing wore off.

Shaka looked away from the mountains. He had since heard second-hand stories that the Shrine and the Moon suspended above it were long gone, gone forever. He had an amulet in his gear that would allow levitation, but for brief minutes only. Suddenly he had an odd thought: in those days, why had the skies not been filled with pilgrims?

Could the Shrine have selected out all but a relatively small number of adventurers?

Shaka waited for the consensus to emerge.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Yesterday, 03:48 AM

Slyvos was lurking near the tower of what once belonged to a Sorkvild the Raven. The old necromancer was gone when he entered. As he entered the tower, he could see somewhere near the door was the skeleton of a bosmer, still decaying but not fully gone.

'that's what happens when you disturb the dead...'

He eventually reached a ladder, and started climbing up it, til he reached a certain room. It was quite a mess in here, but it had necromantic supplies and such all in and around it. He grimaced, and threw one of his custom-made fireball spells, burning the materials and books in the place in a magical blaze.

The entire room was filled with the flames soon, the pages of books having been scattered all over, burning in piles that Slyvos had put them in.

'let it all be gone... no bones... no books... no life...'

He made his way down the hatch, intentionally making a trail of lamp oil as he walked along to the exit. The took a flint, and made a spark, lighting the oil aflame, walking out to the side of the water, and letting the insides of the tower die away into ashes...

Posted by: Nalion Yesterday, 03:56 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 26 2005, 03:48 AM)

Slyvos was lurking near the tower of what once belonged to a Sorkvild the Raven. The old necromancer had been dead for a few years. As he entered the tower, he could see somewhere near the door was the skeleton of a bosmer, still decaying but not fully gone.

'that's what happens when you disturb the dead...'

He eventually reached a ladder, and started climbing up it, til he reached a certain room. It was quite a mess in here, but it had necromantic supplies and such all in and around it. He grimaced, and threw one of his custom-made fireball spells, burning the materials and books in the place in a magical blaze.

The entire room was filled with the flames soon, the pages of books having been scattered all over, burning in piles that Slyvos had put them in.

'let it all be gone... no bones... no books... no life...'

He made his way down the hatch, intentionally making a trail of lamp oil as he walked along to the exit. The took a flint, and made a spark, lighting the oil aflame, walking out to the side of the water, and letting the insides of the tower die away into ashes...

Nalion sat on a stone near the tower. He had followed Slyvos, for various reasons. The burdens of the past... he knew them well.
"At least, this tower will not be used by necromancers anymore... at least not in the near future."
The mage looked at the Khajiit.
"I would like to speak with you, Slyvos, if you wish. Would you take a walk with me? There will soon be villagers around, curious about what just happened."
The Breton motioned northwards.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Yesterday, 04:00 AM

He looked to Nalion, nodding a bit, but saying little as he followed the fellow mage towards... well, where-ever.

'I intended to fade from view before they came...'

Posted by: Nalion Yesterday, 04:08 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 26 2005, 04:00 AM)

He looked to Nalion, nodding a bit, but saying little as he followed the fellow mage towards... well, where-ever.

'I intended to fade from view before they came...'

The Breton led Slyvos to the east side of the harbour of Dagon Fel. The waterline caressed the beach with each wave and a mixture of scents, mostly salt and fish hung in the air. Nalion sat down on a stone and looked at Slyvos.
"I noticed that you are keeping yourselves away from company and I can feel your uneasyness whenever you are around people.", the mage began.

"...even around those who would call you 'friend'.", Nalion added.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 04:09 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 25 2005, 09:48 PM)

As the flames consume the necromantic materials, the locals look out at the tower in vague awe ...

"The Raven's tower burns ... have we finally been delivered of his evil?" asks one middle-aged Nord, his bushy eyebrows rising.

"The Raven is dead! Finally our loved ones may rest!" a plump redhead woman cries, tears of joy streaming from her eyes.

"The Raven's been dead for over a year now," sneered one blond youth. "Old Sorkvild met his end back when everyone was talking about that Nerevarine guy."

"Don't say that name aloud!" hissed the woman known as the Peacock. "And who else would be bringing poor Helvig and Freya back from the dead to stare forlornly into the sky, night after night!"

"I always figured some other necromancer set up shop there - and I heard Sorkvild fled up to Solstheim to find some robe or another," muttered a guard.

"Just's what is this?" demands a second guard. "Reckless adventurers setting fire to Dwemer towers - Imperial property! We will not stand for this in Dagon Fel ..."

Everyone turned to look at the loudmouth guard, who turned red but yelled "Everyone thinks they can bend the law wherever they like! Well, this ends now; that tower burner is under arrest for damaging Imperial prop ..."

Gram, having floated up to the guard during the ruckus, lashed out; a mighty Nordic Fist sent the guard crashing to the ground.

"About time someone shut him up," the first guard sighed. "Forty gold for assaulting an Imperial Guard, and then I'll buy you a drink."

Gram chuckled as people began chanting 'Hail the redbearded one!'; Gram replied "Well said lad! Here's fifty gold for your trouble and show me the best mead your good town has to offer ..."

Meanwhile ... unseen eyes watch the burning tower from somewhere above Dagon Fel ...

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Yesterday, 04:15 AM

Slyvos sighed, avoiding eye contact.

'While I call them "friends", they can do little to help me here... 4000 years of guilt... so much hate. And I still hate them most of them... the smell of betrayal and false promises... though I have tried, even with the help of the one I love, I cannot get this feeling out of the dark part of my heart...'

Posted by: Nalion Yesterday, 04:32 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 26 2005, 04:15 AM)

Nalion kept his gaze fixed at Slyvos.
"You must not forget your past, for from your past, you can learn for your future. Yet, you don't need to burden yourselves with it either, anymore."
In a flash of remembrance, the mage saw himself back on Red Mountain, with the parade at Ghostgate, talking to Arynel...

"With what you are doing now, here with us, you help set things right that are wrong."

"It is you who chooses which burden you carry, Slyvos. What has happened after Red mountain, with your very being and Jazbet's soulless body was more than just a transfer of a soul. It was a rebirth.", the mage continued.

"Hatred is such a strong feeling, it is consuming, like a fire in a forest and when there are no trees anymore, all there is left is emptiness, for the beauty of it is gone. I do not want to see you loose that which you have already gained in this fire."

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Yesterday, 04:37 AM

He looked back towards the tower, smoke was leaking out from the opened door.

'You say this from experiance Nalion? Or are they the ramblings of one who has never embraced a single emotion in it's entirety, even just once?'

Posted by: Nalion Yesterday, 04:49 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 26 2005, 04:37 AM)

"I believe that a single emotion cannot make you see the whole picture. It makes you blind. It's like colours. If you only see blue, you miss most of the rainbow."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 04:54 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jun 25 2005, 10:49 PM)

"I believe that a single emotion cannot make you see the whole picture. It makes you blind. It's like colours. If you only see blue, you miss most of the rainbow."

Gram eventually finds his way to the two mages, carrying several bottles in his hands.

"Managed to talk the innkeep into selling some of their stock from Skyrim," he grins, passing Nalion and Slyvos a bottle each. "Now this is mead. Good for your health."

He takes a swig and lets out an exclamation of pleasure, nodding to Slyvos. "Lot of people were impressed by that little fire you set; no one caught much of a look of you but you're a minor hero in this fishing town now. Not bad given we've barely been here an hour; you've bested my own record so far."

Posted by: Arynel Yesterday, 04:54 AM

A figure stepped through the smoke, away from the smoldering tower and towards Nalion and Slyvos. When the figure reached the two of them conversing he reached up and pulled the hood of his cloak away from his face, revealing a familiar Breton.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Yesterday, 04:55 AM

Slyvos sighs, raising his hands the lob a fireball at an approching cliffracer, turning the thing to ash rather quickly.

'Hate is a flame and flame can both create and destroy. I use it for both... and yet there is some truth to what you say.'

As he notices Gram and the bottle of mead, he shrugs, not really caring much right now what the hell the stuff did to his head, gulping it down.

Posted by: Arynel Yesterday, 05:00 AM

Arynel’s gaze moved from the smoldering ruins of the necromancer’s tower to Slyvos and Nalion.

“I do believe,” the Breton began, “that what a man hates the most is often an aspect of himself.”

Posted by: Nalion Yesterday, 05:05 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 26 2005, 04:55 AM)

"Hatred will eventually consume you again, as you should know better than I do."

QUOTE(Arynel)

"Well met, my friend!" Nalion greeted the fellow Breton. "... and well spoken. As always, you are far better in words." the mage added with a smile.

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 26 2005, 04:54 AM)

"You should get used to this, Gram. Events shape around us, no matter if you wish it or not." Nalion answered, smiling and accepting the mead gratefully. He took a well measured swallow.

Posted by: Arynel Yesterday, 05:09 AM

Arynel nodded to Nalion, "We each have our ways of walking," the Breton said, "There are many paths, only know always where you step."

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Yesterday, 05:12 AM

Slyvos drank down most of the mead quickly.

'damn that stuff's better then I thought it would be...'

He glanced first to Gram, then Arynel, and finally Nalion.

'you are right again Nalion. There is a difference between feeling the emotion though, and letting it take over. I just happen to have it in abundance.'

He bent down and put the empty bottle down, giving everyone a last look, and wandering off yet again saying only one more thing as he goes.

'thanks for the mead.'

He slipped into an invisibility spell once again...

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 05:12 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jun 25 2005, 11:05 PM)

"You should get used to this, Gram. Events shape around us, no matter if you wish it or not." Nalion answered, smiling and accepting the mead gratefully. He took a well measured swallow.

Nalion and Slyvos get a taste of some authentic Nordic Mead, albiet a bit on the strong side; Gram offers Arynel a bottle while grinning to Nalion.

"Aye, I'm familiar with the feeling," he says. "That's how it happens in the sagas, and that's how it happens in the world."

Turning to Slyvos, he says "The lad here might be right, Slyvos; though I imagine more than a few people would champion you turning your ire on necromancers. Still ... you've got more than just hate now in your life; no reason not to enjoy what you do have. A fiance, good friends, a body that can appreciate the warmth of the sun on your skin and the wind in your hair ..."

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jun 25 2005, 11:12 PM)

"My pleasure," Gram says wryly as Slyvos vanishes.

" ... Arrrhhh, now I know I've no right to call myself any sort of father but I am worried for my future son-in-law," he mutters as he takes another swig of his own mead. "He's a good man under all that rage; I've seen it in his own eyes and in my daughter's. So ... how do we get him to realize this?"

Posted by: Nalion Yesterday, 05:17 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jun 26 2005, 05:09 AM)

Arynel nodded to Nalion, "We each have our ways of walking," the Breton said, "There are many paths, only know always where you step."

"And therein lies the difficulty and the challenge.", Nalion nodded. "But what is not earned in one way or the other has no flavour in itself."

Posted by: Arynel Yesterday, 05:20 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jun 25 2005, 09:17 PM)

"And therein lies the difficulty and the challenge.", Nalion nodded. "But what is not earned in one way or the other has no flavour in itself."

Arynel nodded to Nalion, and then leaned over near him.

“As I recall, friend, you have already found your feet,” the Breton whispered, “Or is wisdom so quick to forget himself?”

Posted by: Nalion Yesterday, 05:31 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jun 26 2005, 05:20 AM)

Arynel nodded to Nalion, and then leaned over near him.

“As I recall, friend, you have already found your feet,” the Breton whispered, “Or is wisdom so quick to forget himself?”

Who could say whether Arynel knowingly or unknowingly had touched a point that Nalion had turned around in his own mind every so often after Hogithum.
Turning towards Arynel, he lowered his voice and whispered back.
"Wisdom has not forgotten himself, no." Nalion answered. "Yet still, I somehow feel that my feet are resting at times to invigorate themselves. I will continue my path..."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 05:33 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jun 25 2005, 11:31 PM)

Gram just looks back and forth at the whispering Bretons, and chuckles slightly.

"Would ye prefer the old battleaxe find himself a lusty wench to woo while you two ... discuss things?" he asks, a smile pulling at his lips.

Posted by: Arynel Yesterday, 05:35 AM

To Nalion, Arynel simply said, “Walk the path as it is given.”

The Breton turned to Gram, “I believe that is all I have to say for the moment, unless something piques my interest.”

Posted by: Nalion Yesterday, 05:42 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jun 26 2005, 05:35 AM)

To Nalion, Arynel simply said, “Walk the path as it is given.”

The Breton turned to Gram, “I believe that is all I have to say for the moment, unless something piques my interest.”

"I will, Arynel. But take my thanks nontheless.", the mage nodded to Arynel.

"Since we are here together now, we should forge plans as to how to proceed with the task at hand.", Nalion began, raising his voice again.
"Lest we accidentally stumble upon other tasks to do and force the populace to build statues to our honours." the mage added with a smile and a glance towards Gram.
"To be honest, I would prefer a trip by boat, surely we can convince a fisherman that it is more profitable to take up business as a ferryman instead of fishing."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 05:48 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jun 25 2005, 11:35 PM)

To Nalion, Arynel simply said, “Walk the path as it is given.”

The Breton turned to Gram, “I believe that is all I have to say for the moment, unless something piques my interest.”

"I'll try not to pique your interest too much," Gram says wryly.

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jun 25 2005, 11:42 PM)

"We've a bit of goodwill in this town now; I think with a few drakes we could get ourselves some boats," Gram says. "Probably need two for all of us. We should be able to handle it though."

He adds with a wink "And if we're short on funds to pay for two boats, well I have it on good authority that there's gold in the hills around here - if you know where to look."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 06:48 AM

Bodrom Mora

"I hope you found the meal to your liking," Vendama asked Loranna as the two women sat at the table, sipping wine and letting their stomachs settle.

"It was delicious," Loranna assured the copper-haired Dunmer noblewoman. "Your cook is excellent."

Vendama grinned, and nodded her head, keeping a comment about Loranna's cook to herself out of politeness. " ... If I may, my Lady, you have a look in your eye that suggests you didn't just come to be sociable."

Loranna smiled. "True, I'm afraid; we never got a chance to talk more about certain matters at Early Harvest like I had hoped."

Vendama's expression grew more solemn. " ... Yes; Obael mentioned your difficulties ..." She sighed, turning away from her guest for a moment, long enough that Loranna became worried this was a rather taboo subject.

Eventually though, Vendama said "Minsero didn't get all the details right; it wasn't just the son who was sent away, Seresina was as well. At least at first; after a while she came back, obviously - without Seres."

Loranna nods. "Right," she says, watching Vendama; the young Dark Elf seemed acutely uncomfortable. " ... Dear, are you ..."

"I'm fine, I'm fine ..." Vendama grimaced for a moment, then went on. "I was present when Seresina came back; I was just a young girl at the time. Lord Raithmat was at the docks, all made up formally; Seresina came off the ship with a look of despondency I've never seen since ... she came off the ship and bowed to her father, speaking ancient pleas for forgiveness in the Velothi tongue - right out of the history books, but her face was so sincere you couldn't doubt she was trying to put everything behind her."

"I used to wonder what she went through while she was away, what she must have felt, leaving her infant son behind. I remember asking my own mother about it once and being told not to ask such foolish questions," Vendama continues. "I never forgot the look on Seresina's face that day when she returned ... nor Raithmat's; he kept a mask of stone on his face but there was something in his eyes he couldn't hide ..."

Vendama falters for a bit, then says " ... Word got back eventually that the camp she had stayed at got attacked. Werewolves, must have stowed away from Solstheim; no one survived. Seresina never smiled again after that, not that I ever saw - least not while her father lived."

Loranna's face betrays her shock. " ... Her son ..."

"You know of the Curse of Seed your own daughter broke," Vendama asked quietly. Loranna nodded, her eyes showing nothing more needed to be said. Vendama noticed how Loranna's tearstreaks caught the light, showing the moistness in her eyes.

" ... She was standing by the docks herself when she heard; the Captain of the vessel broke the news to her as gently as he could but it didn't help. She sank to her knees and trembled violently and had to be helped back to the castle, and all she said for days was a single word - Seres ..." Vendama shivered. "And I never knew that last bit until Early Harvest, when I lay in your guest room; I saw everything through her eyes, as I lay sleeping."

Loranna and Vendama had not known each other for very long, yet Loranna did not hesitate to wrap Vendama in a protective embrace - nor did the Dunmer woman object. The conversation turned to other matters from there.

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 06:50 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jun 25 2005, 11:48 PM)

He adds with a wink "And if we're short on funds to pay for two boats, well I have it on good authority that there's gold in the hills around here - if you know where to look."

Shaka was watching with folded arms, a slight smile on his face. He had always gotten along well with Bretons, who seemed to take themselves less seriously than the stiff-necked dunmer race, or Imperials. As for Gram, Shaka had seen more than a few Nords in the Legion and Fighters Guild -- overgrown boys, half of them. He already liked Gram's straightforward approach to life. Maybe a little quick with the fists, he mentally added.

Shaka was beginning to see an assembly of adventurers turn into a cohesive group. Maybe they were starting to remember themselves and their past camaraderie. For himself, Shaka knew he would always be something of an outsider, an observer. If he let himself forget that, there were always civilians happy to remind him he was of a Beast race.

"Perhaps we would save time by boat instead of foot, at that," he finally spoke up. "Maybe you can pass me some of that mead while I try to get used to it."

Posted by: Argonians rule Yesterday, 07:00 AM

Falco Redflash, the argonian rouge, was hunched over a bottle of brandy within the end of the world inn. His last bit of gold had gone towards the brandy and he didn't know what he would do next. His thoughts were only ones of despair nowadays. He bagan to ponder how he had gotten into his sad new state of mind.

Falco was born into a wealthy merchant family of Cyrodill. There Falco was raised to learn to continue in the merchant trade of his father. He learned the many manners and ceremonies of the aristocracy. Back thenthough, his name was: Thinks-Much-Of-Himself. His father was basically a good man, who made an honest living at the merchant trade. But his father had a severe weakness: Gambling. He had gambled away the family's oney until he had nothing less. Yet he still had debts. Those who he owed money to gre impatient. They took Falco's father and mother to morrowind and sold them off as slaves. Falco Was left at the age of 17 with no money and no one to raise him. The only possessions he did have were a a flame-red set of silk clothes a Flame-red silk cloak, large red hat, and a fine steel saber. He decided that the only way to make a living was to steal. He had decided that his old name was one for the person he had been before. He chose instead Falco Redflash because of his red clothes, and he also thought it made him seem rather dashing. He also realized that he wouldn't last long in the imperial province. He chose the most remote place possible, Vvardenfall. There he began a carreer for 10 years as a bandit. He terrorized the Ascadian isles. Word spread of the bandit with the impecable manners of a noble, who often managed to talk his victims out of their gold before they realized they were being robbed. But ever since the Azurites had attacked buisness had been bad. People no longer traveled much. Even when they did travel it was always in large well-armed groups. The career of the infamous bandit semed over.

He now took any job he could. He worked as a thug for the local criminal syndicates a mercenary, and a guide. But these jobs were few and far beetween. Money had slowly dwindled until he had almost nothing left. Now the bandit was in hisearly thirties turned to drinking as of late, hence his present situation.

Falco downed the brandy. He left the inn, knowing he couldn't afford the board for the night. Perhaps He'd have to sleep outide. He saw a group of locals gossiping about a few adventurers that had entered town.

Perhaps these adventurers have need of guide? Falco thought. He walked towards two bretons and a large nord who looked to be drinking heartily. He spoke from behind them, startling the group, " Good evening friends! It ha come to my attention that you are or a are part of an advernturing group. Would you be so kind as to enlighten me to the nature and purpose of this group. As I believe that I could offer my services to you and your group."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 07:05 AM

Gram was passing Shaka the last bottle of mead when the new Argonian approaches the group; he raises his eyebrows.

"Well met my scaly friend; Gram Pyrel, called Gram Twilight Slayer, at your service," he says. "You have a bold look to your eyes; pray tell what trade do you call your own?"

Posted by: Argonians rule Yesterday, 07:11 AM

Falco removed his hat and bowed to the nord.

"I am Falco Redflash, Adventure, swindler, guide, mercenary, and romancer of young maidens. That would be the most accurate description of my occupation. Now might I have your names?"

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 07:15 AM

QUOTE(Argonians rule @ Jun 26 2005, 01:11 AM)

Rolling his eyes up, Shaka walked away from the group for a moment. "Shaka," he threw back over his shoulder. And if the softskins hire you for a guide, he thought, they're not as experienced as they seem.

Posted by: Nalion Yesterday, 07:17 AM

Nalion remained seated on his stone, greeted Shaka and watched the newly arrived Argonian with curiosity.
"Welcome, Falco, and well met. You seem to have a variety of skills." the mage answered with a smile.
"If I might introduce us, the nordic hero here is Gram Pyrel, as he has already said, my fellow Breton here is Arynel and I am called Nalion. Pleased to meet you. Shaka here already introduced himself."

"What brings you into these parts of Vvardenfell, if I might ask?"

Posted by: Argonians rule Yesterday, 07:22 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 25 2005, 09:15 PM)

Falco eyed the other argonian. " Friend, pray tell why you do not accept any services offered by myself. Of course tis' your choice wether or not to hire myself, but I never actually specified wich services I offered. For all one such as you knows I could be pitching Slaughterfish-catching lessons. Of course should I offer those in the near future, you should certainly turn them down, as I do not know the first thing about slaughterfish-catching. But I am getting off-topic. Greetings Gram, Shaka, Arynel, and Nalion."

Posted by: Arynel Yesterday, 07:25 AM

QUOTE(Argonians rule @ Jun 25 2005, 11:22 PM)

Arynel's gaze settled on the Argonian.

"What services are you advertising?" the Breton asked.

Posted by: Nalion Yesterday, 07:25 AM

QUOTE(Argonians rule @ Jun 26 2005, 07:22 AM)

The Breton mage chuckled.
"Obviously, the first thing in slaughterfish-catching is not being caught oneself."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 07:27 AM

QUOTE(Argonians rule @ Jun 26 2005, 01:22 AM)

Gram listens to Falco, then laughs. "A self-admitted rogue and swindler; I can appreciate a honest thief," he says. "After thirty years of traveling the open road in search of adventure, I've learned to appreciate companionship wherever you may find it - though forgive me if I take what you say with a pinch of salt, sir."

" ... But I see my mead is gone and one must have proper provisions for the road ahead; Nalion, Arynel, and Shaka, if you wish this lad to join our group I've no objection. Now, if you'll excuse me."

Gram gives a shallow bow and heads off.

Posted by: Argonians rule Yesterday, 07:28 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jun 25 2005, 09:25 PM)

Arynel's gaze settled on the Argonian.

"What services are you advertising?" the Breton asked.

The argonian smailed rougishly, " Why a guide of course."

Posted by: Arynel Yesterday, 07:31 AM

QUOTE(Argonians rule @ Jun 25 2005, 11:28 PM)

The argonian smailed rougishly, " Why a guide of course."

Arynel nodded.

"Well then," the Breton said in jest, "you must certainly be a skillfull guide, offering up your services so quickly. Tell me, where did you plan on guiding us to?"

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 07:34 AM

Grudgingly, Shaka turned back to the group and shook Falco's hand. "Falco, it's true we're pressed for time and don't know the Dagon Fel area that well. But you need to realize that we're on a serious quest. If the others decide to hire you, are you prepared to risk much, perhaps all?"

This is the end of the line for you, eh brother, Shaka thought to himself. Well, at least you're the first local who had the courage to approach us.

Posted by: Argonians rule Yesterday, 07:40 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jun 25 2005, 09:31 PM)

Arynel nodded.

"Well then," the Breton said in jest, "you must certainly be a skillfull guide, offering up your services so quickly. Tell me, where did you plan on guiding us to?"

Falco listened and replied simply, " To a place you are unable to reach wthout me. I would have thought that was obvious, as it is the purpose of any guide. And Shaka, I have risked my life before many times. I must confess I have no money left. I would travel and seek my fortune elsewhere, but I can't afford to pay my fare on a boat. So unless I acquire additional currency I am stuck on this isle. So yes I will be prepared to take risks."

Posted by: Arynel Yesterday, 07:42 AM

QUOTE(Argonians rule @ Jun 25 2005, 11:40 PM)

"I have twenty five Septims with me, if you need money," Arynel said, "Perhaps the others would be able to lend you some more."

The Breton opened his mouth as if to reply a second time, but said only, "unable to reach," before his voice trailed off.

Posted by: Nalion Yesterday, 07:42 AM

QUOTE(Argonians rule @ Jun 26 2005, 07:40 AM)

"So then I have to inquire what this place is that we are unable to reach without you. There have been many places deemed unreachable by most that we already have trodden." Nalion asked with a raised eyebrow.

Posted by: Argonians rule Yesterday, 07:44 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jun 25 2005, 09:42 PM)

His smile dissapeared. "I'm afraid I can't accept chariy. It has to do with the way I was raised. I would always be willing to earn my keep.

Posted by: Arynel Yesterday, 07:46 AM

QUOTE(Argonians rule @ Jun 25 2005, 11:44 PM)

His smile dissapeared. "I'm afraid I can't accept chariy. It has to do with the way I was raised. I would always be willing to earn my keep.

"It would appear you make a poor thief, then," Arynel said.

"Tell me, though," the Breton said, "What sort of place will you be taking us? I am most interested."

Posted by: Argonians rule Yesterday, 07:50 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jun 25 2005, 09:46 PM)

"It would appear you make a poor thief, then," Arynel said.

"Tell me, though," the Breton said, "What sort of place will you be taking us? I am most interested."

Falcoo chuckled. "A poor thief? Did I ever say I was a thief. The sort of place I can take you to is the sort of place you can't reach without myself.

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 07:51 AM

Shaka wondered to himself if the rogue had ever heard of Vas. Would he have any contacts within Kethiah's community? Shaka tried to catch Nalion's or Arynel's eye so that they could discuss this among themselves.

Posted by: Nalion Yesterday, 07:56 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 26 2005, 07:51 AM)

Nalion looked at his flask of mead, then at Shaka's.
"My, it seems that we ran out of mead. Care to accompany me, Shaka? You have to tell me since when Argonians like nordic mead. Next one's on me!", the Breton grinned wryly.

Posted by: Arynel Yesterday, 07:57 AM

QUOTE(Argonians rule @ Jun 25 2005, 11:50 PM)

Falcoo chuckled. "A poor thief? Did I ever say I was a thief. The sort of place I can take you to is the sort of place you can't reach without myself.

The corners of Arynel's lips lifted up into a smile. The Breton opened his mouth as if to speak, but merely chuckled instead.

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 08:08 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jun 26 2005, 01:56 AM)

Shaka walked off with Nalion for a moment. "I have to admit it's a little sweet, this honeyed mead," he admitted. "But when around Nords, do as the Nords do."