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The Elder Scrolls Forums _ Elder Scrolls Lore _ RP: Playing Houses

Posted by: Loranna Oct 12 2005, 04:06 AM

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

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

Newcomers, we ask you to http://www.elderscrolls.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=141737&view=findpost&p=2871855 before starting up; everyone will be happier for it Also, read http://www.elderscrolls.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=141737 as soon as possible; this will give you an idea of who is in the RP.

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, Chatspike server). 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, on the Chatspike server. 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.

If you do not have MIRC, you can http://www.chatspike.net/?p=javairc. Enter in a nickname where prompted and hit Submit. You'll be asked if you want to trust the signed applet. Hit Yes, and you'll be in the main chatspike channel. From there, type /join #Loranna_RP

You'll enter our chat channel and we can talk to you.

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

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

===

Summary for Loranna: Loranna is in Ald Raathim, continuing to help with and oversee the construction. She has recently met a newcomer to Ald Raathim, another Argonian, and has informed him of the local bandit problem.

Posted by: Stargazey Oct 12 2005, 04:11 AM

ooc: Isidor, male nord, is with his lover Kethiah, in their newly bought tavern, the Nymph and Noggin.

Tyradil and Tilitalia, Isidor's kids, are in school.

Tsei is ... soemewhere.

"So," Isidor said, after Shaka had left, "do you think we've earned a little break?" He asked her, with a sly smile.

Posted by: SpartanShea117 Oct 12 2005, 04:11 AM

QUOTE(Nordic_bandit @ Oct 11 2005, 06:58 PM)

He takes a seat and orders a Brandy.

"I've have been fine. Worked at the Arena yesterday, and got drunk last night." He rubbed his temples a little..." and still feeling the after-effects this morning..."

"Mournhold, eh? Tell me, what's it like there?"

Summary:

Kratos is in the Drunken Guar, chatting with the Imperial Officer Joshua Fergusson.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------
"Nothing special, it's a nice little city." Kratos said.

"I used to enjoy going there alot more than I do now, however."

The thought was still burning in his mind of the Indoril attack. Although he had more ties to the Temple, he still worried his House might be destroyed for their rebellion.

"Heretics ...,"he muttered under his breath.

"Isn't the Hawkmoth Fort in chaos without you?" He asked, sipping his sujamma.

Posted by: syronj Oct 12 2005, 04:14 AM

Summary: Shaka, an Argonian battlemage, has stopped by the new tavern, the Nymph and Noggin, to see Isidor and Kethiah. He's now walking within Ald Raathim after the visit.

Posted by: Aki Oct 12 2005, 04:33 AM

OOC Summary

Reichi Sari is Ald Raathim, doing construction work a lack of something better to do.

Posted by: Xyber02 Oct 12 2005, 04:35 AM

Summary: Anya is doing Anya things. Most likely helping with construction.

Posted by: Nordic_bandit Oct 12 2005, 04:50 AM

QUOTE(SpartanShea117 @ Oct 11 2005, 09:11 PM)

"Nothing special, it's a nice little city." Kratos said.

"I used to enjoy going there alot more than I do now, however."

The thought was still burning in his mind of the Indoril attack. Although he had more ties to the Temple, he still worried his House might be destroyed for their rebellion.

"Heretics ...,"he muttered under his breath.

"Isn't the Hawkmoth Fort in chaos without you?" He asked, sipping his sujamma.

Summary: Joshua Fergusson is in the Drunken Guar with the former Ordinator Kratos.

"Honestly, I do not know. In my absence, they have probably promoted the officer that was 'under my wing'... I wish I could get back, but I do not have the knowledge of the waters to get back, and I have no way to communicate with them..." He took a few sips of Brandy and stared into the grains of the table, losing himself in thought.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Oct 12 2005, 05:20 AM

ooc summaries:

Mirea is watching Quill climb around on Laurent Lyonswurst's roof. Not a very smart place for Quill to be, especially since he's signed away his status as Count, which might have protected him. But it's smarter than where

Tris is. Tris Gaerington is inside Laurent's house. Flirting with him. Sort of. Laurent is being very creepy and Tris is very nervous. Tris came in to distract Laurent from whatever he was doing in hopes of preventing Quill from making an ill-advised attempt on Laurent's life. The longer he stays, though, the more he wonders what sort of game he's playing.

Allerleirauh is doing some spying of her own, to find out where Laurent gets his playthings from.

Dragon, when last seen, was playing ball in the new Arena of Ald Raathim. Yay! The stands aren't up yet, just the scaffolding, but the surface is finished.

Posted by: Argonians rule Oct 12 2005, 05:24 AM

Falco Redflash, male argonian rogue, is currently in his ship's cabin with a member of his crew, Heelja

The rest of the crew of the Red Falcon is currently celebrating their first successful act of piracy, minus one female argonian, who is with their catain.

Eats-With-Claws, male argonian rogue is currently dredging the harbor with the other laborers.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Oct 12 2005, 05:26 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 11 2005, 07:02 PM)

Lyonwust House
"Is that a fact?" Laurent asked, a grin slowly working its way along his face. He reached over, unbuttoned the middle buttons of Tris's shirt, and placed his hand on Tris's chest, feeling his heart beat. "Why, I do think you are frightened."

"What do you think is going to happen?" Laurent asked, his eyes shining, his smile wide. His teeth were very small and very white. "Do you think I'm going to make you scream?"

"There's not a lot that can shock me," Tris said, which was true. "But I don't like pain."

He was wondering how far he could take this before losing control of the situation. He knew from experience that Laurent was stronger than his appearance suggested. Tris was also strong. But it probably wasn't physical strength Laurent relied upon, at least not when dealing with men. Potions, or magics, or servants. The possibilities were countless.

Mirea wasn't far, he reminded himself.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Oct 12 2005, 05:35 AM

Every Void Ranger has a Story to Tell, part Four:
Mirea's Story

For almost twenty years they fought, across half a continent, far from their homes. "Historically mercenary," the official account says, which is missing the point. What was money to them, the tree-sap people?

Other things mattered to them. Pride. Comradeship. The singing of the bones of the earth, and the old magics reawakening.

The legends tell fearful stories of the dead who marched. But the living were more frightening than the dead. Imagine them laughing, as thousands of shafts in brightly painted family patterns flew from the trees. Imagine them dancing alongside bonfires made without wood, roasting the flesh of Men. Imagine their hair brightly braided with feathers, their ornaments of Breton bone.

In Dwynnen they were defeated.

Almost twenty years, since they left their forest homes to answer the Usurper's call. At Dwynnen the Usurper's army broke open like a coffer falling from the back of a camel.

Many things were spilled. Blood. Secrets. Treasures. Traditions and recipies and family stories and spells handed down for generations. Black-fletched arrows, the shafts painted yellow and black, like wasps.

Children.

All these things spilled onto the ground of High Rock. Some seeped into the earth and were lost forever. Some remained to be picked up by opportunists, and scavengers.

Which was how a two year old Bosmer child was given to the charitable care of ten elderly priestesses of the Benefice of Mara in Whitecroft.

It wasn't an orphanage, exactly. No real orphanage wanted a Wood Elf orphan corrupting decent Breton children. A child already long-legged, running like a colt, climbing anything within reach, with eyes green as a parrot's feather from Hammerfell and bright red hair that stuck straight up.

The priestesses tamed the child's hair by yanking at it with a comb until it could be imprisoned in two pigtails tied with bright ribbons. With the child's spirit, they had less success.

Any clothes that restrained the movement of her lithe, restless limbs ended up on the floor - or in a tree, in a puddle, in the road. The patient old women washed the clothes and mended them, explained again and again that she could not run naked through the fields, that it was a disgrace to the goddess, to the Temple, to herself. At first, dark-bearded villagers caught the child and brought her back to the Temple, laughing, when she wiggled through a gap in the cellar window, or ran from the cowshed, or tipped over her stool and fled from lessons in the kitchen. But quickly the villagers learned that she would bite, if given reason.

After that, it was only food that brought her back.

She never would eat plants. That much she remembered of her parents, although it would be decades before she met another Bosmer who could explain the reasons for it. She remembered to eat only meat; and she remembered her family's arrow, wasp-colored, her father's beautiful, not-Breton face, serious by firelight, as he painted each arrow with lacquer made from insect shells.

Years passed. The priestesses had given up on reason; now they whipped her, when they could catch her. She was 'bad', which meant that although she had succumbed to the inevitability of Breton clothing because it was easier than throwing rocks at all who laughed, she would not wear underpants; she did only what amused her - which was often climbing in trees for eggs and setting snares for rabbits and arranging elaborate household accidents, and very rarely anything that resembled work or study; she went where she pleased when she pleased, whether in a duke's castle or up a tree or to a peasant festival to learn flips from the acrobats; and she took anything that appealed to her, discarding it when it was no longer interesting.

It was this last habit that got her in trouble.

Even as a child, she learned to watch people because they were predictable, and to take what she wanted when people weren't around. She learned the incredible freedom of not having a routine. The world was a thousand times bigger if you didn't mind getting your feet dirty by stepping off the path.

She was very rarely caught. People missed things, however, and the more things that went missing, the more people tended to blame her. Cows dry of milk, pretty dresses, antique brooches, strings of fat sausages.

In the end, it was easier just to go someplace where people hadn't heard of her.

She spent years thus, hanging around a new place, squeezing the juice out of life, then tossing the pulp aside and moving on. Learned, from a Khajiit boy, how to make a proper horn bow. Eavesdropped on other Bosmer until she understood about her ability to speak to beasts, the Earthbones, her instincts, her reality. She didn't care much for other Bosmer, though, and they didn't care much for her. Why should they? She wasn't kin to them. She wasn't anyone's kin.

It was an inconsequential town... Longmarket? Long...something. Nasty little town, full of suspicious people. All she had to do was pick one thing up from the shelf and they called the guards on her. Who would have guessed that such a small town could hold so many guards? There were more guards than people!

Mirea took to the rooftops. She didn't want to kill anyone. If she killed even a single guard, she'd be stuffing herself for days. For a while it was a merry chase, the guards thundering after her on the ground, shouting "HALT!" as she jumped from roof to roof, fruitless as trying to halt the sun or the rain. But there were no trees within leaping distance of the buildings; she could not escape without coming down. And the guards were not giving up.

Eventually she missed a jump, slipped, and then they were chasing her on the ground. The guards cornered her in the shell of an abandoned building damaged by fire.

It happened when she stepped back, when her foot went through the rotting wood. For a moment she thought she was inside the walls. When she realized the truth she laughed and laughed and laughed.

The world had always been her playground. But from that moment on, she was QUEEN of the playground. Mirea the Edgewalker. Mirea the Void Ranger. Mirea the dancer at the edge of everything. Mirea the tweaker of the noses of guards. When dogs barked, she barked back at them.

How long had it been since the Camoran Usurper? Mirea could never remember dates. Was it really that long?

Long enough to get a little bored, and a little lonely. And then the General bumped into her while she was clearing out a shop. And the General offered her all new games to play.

Posted by: Shardie Oct 12 2005, 11:56 AM

ooc, Maranda has just confronted her arch nemisis, the Lich Manavrio, who has used the dreaded artifact, the Skull of Corruption on our heroine, before dissapering, laughing like the Archfiend he is. She now must face a duplicate of herself in a final battle... who will win, will the evil fiendish other Maranda win, or will the real Maranda win? which one IS the real Maranda? Well to tell the difference, the fake one has a silver streak down her hair... well, its battle time!

The two Marandas stared each other down, each with thier own copies of thier own swords in thier hands, each with the same equiptment. The Real Maranda pounced on the fake Maranda, slashing her sword in thin air, whilst the fake Maranda easily dodged this blow, thankful for her recent unarmoured training.

The real Maranda cursed at this, as the fake Maranda brushed her finger over her ring... and chanted, 'Hefhed, Lyr, Ayem, Meht, Ekem, Yahkem! I summon thee, Flamey!' The Penticle appeared as the real Maranda prepared for the worse. The Giant flame monarch crashed to the ground, 'ROAR!!!! he yelled angry at being disturbed so soon after his last summoning. The mighty beast looked around the room, seeing one Maranda in one corner, and another in the other. 'Roar?' he asked questioningly.
'Just go back to Oblivion, Flamey, your not needed here' the Real Maranda said slowly
'Roar.' said flamey resoulutly, as he dissapeared. The Real Maranda who was paying attention to Flamey did not notice the fake and silver haired Maranda sneek around her and with a swipe, the real Maranda was on her knees, a cut in her back.

The fake, silver haired Maranda laughed evily, as she prepared to strike the real Maranda, on her knees, defeated, and swung her sword... the Real Maranda closed her eyes... preparing for a strike... she heard a clink of metal, and nothing else. Maranda slowly opened her eyes, to look at what had happened...

Posted by: S'reddit Oct 12 2005, 06:01 PM

Update

Goranthir, Prince of Firsthold, is in Ald Raathim, helping construct new fortifications on the castle.

Kethiah, former assassin, is also in Ald Raathim, at the new tavern she's going to be running with Isidor, the Nymph and Noggin.

Quill, as said above, is at Lyonswurst House in High Rock, watching from the eaves of the house the scene happening with --

Lord Laurent Lyonswurst, court wit, councilor to kings, man about town, and psychopath. Countless men and women, boys and girls, have gone through hell in his red and black marble mansion, and now he is chatting with his old childhood acquaintance, Tris Gaerington, about what would make him scream.

Posted by: Sheogorath Oct 12 2005, 07:15 PM

Lyonswurst House, High Rock

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Oct 11 2005, 11:26 PM)

Laurent laughed. It was the pleasant, warm laugh of a good friend.

"Pain is your friend," he said, still chuckling. "Pain is the messenger. It is nothing more than a warning. Without it, how would you know you are in trouble?"

He pulled his hand out from Tris's shirt, and the fingertips were wet with blood.

Posted by: stratigo Oct 12 2005, 07:15 PM

summary: Alexi is asking if there is any bandits for him to kill after he dozed off in the Drunken Guar.

Alexi was greated with silence and a few odd looks. Guess these people weren't used to others asking to fight, or at least others as richly dressed as him. Well he had always heard the Dunmer were some suspicious people. Alexi shrugged and stepped out into the day. Probably he could go out and see what there is to be seen. He had heard there were some fairly nasty wildlife around.

Posted by: vaanic~one Oct 12 2005, 07:24 PM

OOC: Vaan is Limping around Ald Raathim, taking in the atmosphere quietly.

Posted by: Sheogorath Oct 12 2005, 07:44 PM

The Nymph and Noggin

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Oct 11 2005, 10:11 PM)

"So," Isidor said, after Shaka had left, "do you think we've earned a little break?" He asked her, with a sly smile.

In reply, Kethiah closed the shutters of the room, so the workers couldn't see them "taking a break."

(Fade Out / Fade In)

"I wish I were an artist," Kethiah said, looking at Isidor, as she lay across him. "I would paint you ..."

Then she laughed. "And now I'm thinking that we need to get paintings for the tavern ... Sorry, darling, I go on a romantic notion and it immediately gets practical ..."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Oct 12 2005, 08:41 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 12 2005, 12:15 PM)

Lyonswurst House, High Rock
Laurent laughed. It was the pleasant, warm laugh of a good friend.

"Pain is your friend," he said, still chuckling. "Pain is the messenger. It is nothing more than a warning. Without it, how would you know you are in trouble?"

He pulled his hand out from Tris's shirt, and the fingertips were wet with blood.

For a few moments the whole room got very quiet, and very warm.

Don't faint, you idiot, if you faint you're in trouble...

"How... did you give me something?" Tris asked, staring at Laurent's hand.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Oct 12 2005, 08:46 PM

QUOTE(stratigo @ Oct 12 2005, 12:15 PM)

A Redguard construction worker touched Alexi's arm and pointed.

"There's the man you need to see about work," he said.

Dragon was a Nord, no longer young, heavily built. Right now he was laughing and joking with several other Nords, as they walked to the tavern.

"Still plenty of bandits on the road to Blacklight," Dragon said, after he heard what Alexi was looking for. "You a warrior? I heard you were a merchant type."

Posted by: Slashes-With-Claws Oct 12 2005, 08:48 PM

Slashes approached a nord. He looked the nord over. He appeared like he might be the one Slashes was looking for.

"I could not help hearing your conversation. Are you the one called Dragon? I was told to come and see you about work as a hired sword. I may be able to help you with those bandits."

Posted by: Sheogorath Oct 12 2005, 08:59 PM

Lyonswurst House, High Rock

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Oct 12 2005, 02:41 PM)

Laurent licked the blood off his fingers, his eyes still mild and friendly. "Give you something? You mean, are you drugged, numb?"

He pinched Tris lightly on the thigh with his now clean fingers. Tris felt it, but it didn't hurt.

"I want you to feel."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Oct 12 2005, 09:00 PM

QUOTE(Slashes-With-Claws @ Oct 12 2005, 01:48 PM)

"We're working on the road to Blacklight," Dragon said. "Surfacing so it doesn't require a rowboat in places, settting watchtowers. The problem is that bandits keep interrupting the construction, and the last lot I sent to deal with the bandits, I never heard from again. Sound like a task you'd be interested in?"

Posted by: stratigo Oct 12 2005, 09:03 PM

Alexi looked at the man, and then to the Argonian and then back to Dragon. "Eh, so there are some bandits. Oh and yes I am a merchent type, but I wasn't always. Been a while since I actually got to have some fun. Cyrodiil is pretty calm, even with the recent troubles."

Posted by: Slashes-With-Claws Oct 12 2005, 09:04 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Oct 12 2005, 03:00 PM)

Ahh, a chance to really try his skills.

"Yes, I would be very interested. what can you tell me about these attacks? Are they durring the day? Do they have a mage?"

Slashes-With-Claws began thinking up a plan to stop the raiders.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Oct 12 2005, 09:07 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 12 2005, 01:59 PM)

Lyonswurst House, High Rock
Laurent licked the blood off his fingers, his eyes still mild and friendly. "Give you something? You mean, are you drugged, numb?"

He pinched Tris lightly on the thigh with his now clean fingers. Tris felt it, but it didn't hurt.

"I want you to feel."

Laurent had drunk the same brandy; did that mean he couldn't feel pain either?

"Laurent..." Tris said slowly. "There's something I've been wondering. It didn't take me long to learn about you. It's an open secret. And it's not just street urchins you bring here, it's people of your own rank, and even higher. Does that mean... the Queen knows about this?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Oct 12 2005, 09:10 PM

QUOTE(stratigo @ Oct 12 2005, 02:03 PM)

QUOTE(Slashes-With-Claws @ Oct 12 2005, 02:04 PM)

"I think we're seeing attacks from more than one source," Dragon said. "That road has always been dangerous. The most recent attacks were during the day, no mage. But other reports say different things. If you want to do this, I'll set you up with a wagon, and you can pick a handful of fighters to go with you. Pretend to be merchants, travel the road, and wait to be attacked."

Posted by: Slashes-With-Claws Oct 12 2005, 09:14 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Oct 12 2005, 03:10 PM)

"I was thinking the same plan. Let me get some of my equipment from my room."

Slashes departed and returned a few moments later with a quiver and bow.

"I am ready."

Slashes looked at the other fighter. "Will you be going too?"

Posted by: stratigo Oct 12 2005, 09:15 PM

Alexi shrugged "Shouldn't be to hard, being a merchant is what I do. But do you know any good men to hire round here. I've hired some men for protectionof the items I did bring with me, but they don't seem the best fighters on Tameril. No need to worry about paying me though. I have my own funds." He looked over to the Argonian, "So I guess your coming along too. You look a good type. Maybe you could pose as a fighter."

Posted by: Stargazey Oct 12 2005, 09:20 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 12 2005, 01:44 PM)

The Nymph and Noggin
In reply, Kethiah closed the shutters of the room, so the workers couldn't see them "taking a break."

(Fade Out / Fade In)

"I wish I were an artist," Kethiah said, looking at Isidor, as she lay across him. "I would paint you ..."

Then she laughed. "And now I'm thinking that we need to get paintings for the tavern ... Sorry, darling, I go on a romantic notion and it immediately gets practical ..."

"Whatever makes you happy, beautiful." Isidor said, smiling at her. "I love you," He added, still smiling. "and if you're happy, I'm happy. Though, I doubt the patrons would like a painting of me above the bar."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Oct 12 2005, 09:25 PM

QUOTE(Slashes-With-Claws @ Oct 12 2005, 02:14 PM)

QUOTE(stratigo @ Oct 12 2005, 02:15 PM)

Dragon laughed. "I'm hoping he can BE a fighter, not just pose as one!"

He went over their equipment with them.

"You two sound like you have everything you need."

He made arrangements. Soon the wagon was ready, and three Dunmer guards, two male and one female.

Posted by: Slashes-With-Claws Oct 12 2005, 09:29 PM

QUOTE(stratigo @ Oct 12 2005, 03:15 PM)

"So I guess your coming along too. You look a good type. Maybe you could pose as a fighter."

Slashes glared at Alexi.
"I'll have you know I can moe then pose as I fighter. I was a soldier in the army of the people of the root. My father was a soldier and trained me from a young child."

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Oct 12 2005, 03:25 PM)

"You two sound like you have everything you need."

He made arrangements. Soon the wagon was ready, and three Dunmer guards, two male and one female.

"I shall depart imediately." Slashes left the tavern and boarded the coach.

Posted by: Sheogorath Oct 12 2005, 09:30 PM

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Oct 12 2005, 03:20 PM)

"Just imagine the walls lined with portraits of the great heroes of Ald Raathim," Kethiah smiled. "You included, of course. And maybe some day, Tyradil and Tilitalia."

Posted by: stratigo Oct 12 2005, 09:31 PM

Alexi chuckled and shrugged, before bording the coach as well.

After about 15 minutes Alexi turned back to the Argonian. "So, what is your name? I didn't catch it."

Posted by: Slashes-With-Claws Oct 12 2005, 09:35 PM

QUOTE(stratigo @ Oct 12 2005, 03:31 PM)

Alexi chuckled and shrugged, before bording the coach as well.

After about 15 minutes Alexi turned back to the Argonian. "So, what is your name? I didn't catch it."

Sitting in the coach as it bumped along Slashes looked about then looked at the imperial. "I am Slashes-With-Claws. And you are?"

Posted by: stratigo Oct 12 2005, 09:36 PM

"Ah I am Alexi Armonov. Pleased to make your aquate..." This was the time that an arrow thudded into the space next to Alexi. He jumped off the coach and came up rolling. "Damn it, they are good." He muttered.

Posted by: Slashes-With-Claws Oct 12 2005, 09:41 PM

Slashes-With-Claws hissed and jumped from the wagon, notching an arrow.
He scanned the hedges along the road. He fired an arrow towards what appeared to be a target. He swore in hist when the arrow missed its mark.

"I see at least ten, perhaps more."

Posted by: Stargazey Oct 12 2005, 09:43 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 12 2005, 03:30 PM)

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"Just imagine the walls lined with portraits of the great heroes of Ald Raathim," Kethiah smiled. "You included, of course. And maybe some day, Tyradil and Tilitalia."

Isidor smiled and said "They'll be great, I can see." He brushed his hand against her face and smiled again. "I guess we should be getting back to work now, though."

Posted by: stratigo Oct 12 2005, 09:44 PM

"Yeah, I see them too. Try and distract them for me." Alexi muttered a spell, which cause him to dissapear from sight.

The dunmer also jumped from the wagon. One knocked and arrow and let loose. The other 2 held their sheild up defensively.

Posted by: Rhedd Oct 12 2005, 09:48 PM

(Daggerfall City:)

Herwyn Brand watched from the Void as Allerleirauh left one of the many places she had investigated in connection with Lord Lyonswurst's foul desires.

He wasn't terribly surprised to see her turn onto a side street and stop, obviously waiting for him.

Herwyn made certain no one else could see, and stepped out of nowhere onto the cobblestone street.

Flipping down the collar of his grey jacket, which he habitually raised to keep out the impossible cold of the Void, and nodding politely, he said, "Forgive the intrusion, Lady, but I'm afraid today may be the day we find ourselves at odds.

"You... and your people... must stop interfereing with Lord Lyonswurst at once."

Posted by: Slashes-With-Claws Oct 12 2005, 09:49 PM

QUOTE(stratigo @ Oct 12 2005, 03:44 PM)

"Yeah, I see them too. Try and distract them for me."

"I can do that."

Slashes reached into his quiver for a special arrow, he only had a few but they were a great distraction.

He let loose the arrow which sailed through the air striking one of the bandits in the leg, normally not a fatal injury.

There was the explosion of a fire ball for several feet around the arrow.
The bandit who was hit lay dead, heavily burned.

The rest of the bandits were unhurt, or lightly singed, but the explosion got their attention.

Posted by: stratigo Oct 12 2005, 09:54 PM

Until one sprouted a sword from his gut. Alexi reappeared behind the dead man and cut down another bandit before the others could react. The four nearest him pulled swords of various types. Another let off an arrow than glanced off the chainmail alexi wore under his tunic.

The 3 dunmer took this time for an attack as well. On carefully knocking an arrow into her bow and taking down a bandit, while the other two charged at them, getting another bandit. Soon Alexi, 2 dunmer, and 7 bandits were engaged. the remaining 4 continued to shoot arrows. One hit the dunmer woman in the leg, effectively taking her out of the fight.

Posted by: Slashes-With-Claws Oct 12 2005, 10:07 PM

Slashes put his bow back over his shoulder and drew the weapon he was best at using.

Charging towards a couple of bandits that were shooting arrows while they were distracted with the dunmer guards.

Slashes was able to get in too close for them to use their bows properly. He took the head off of one before they noticed him. The other dropped his bow and drew his sword. Slashes expertly paried his slashes before finally putting a large rent in the man's chest.

He heard a gasp and moan. Looking toward the source he saw one of the dunmer guards clutching an arrow in the side of his chest. The dunmer fell to his knees and then fell backwards.

slashes turned just in time to see an arrow flying towards him. He felt a sharp pain in his shoulder. Blood ran down his armor.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Oct 12 2005, 10:07 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Oct 12 2005, 02:48 PM)

Allerleirauh was a tall woman, even for a Nord. Herwyn Brand was also tall... for a Breton. She looked down at him, with an expression that was not unpleasant.

"You are one of my people, Herwyn Brand," Allerleirauh said. "Or you can be nothing; I leave you the choice. Now, tell me why I should do this thing. And understand, before you speak again, what you are asking. This is a matter I would take personally even if it touched none of my people."

Posted by: Sheogorath Oct 12 2005, 10:07 PM

Lyonswurst House, High Rock

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Oct 12 2005, 03:07 PM)

"I don't know," Laurent smiled, taking off his cape and hanging on the chair behind him. "We haven't discussed it. She might know everything, or nothing, or something ... No one who I've spent any real time with has ever blackmailed or extorted me. I suppose I'm just lucky with my choice of guest."

Something flickered behind his face just for a moment. Eyes that were not his.

Posted by: stratigo Oct 12 2005, 10:12 PM

Alexi was buisilly engaged with 4 enemies. He blocked one blow and peirced the man's throat whith the dagger in his other hand. One of the bandits got a good hit on Alexi's leg. Alexi hissed in pain and brought his sword around, his blade dinging off the bandit's weapon.

The reamaining guard used his shield to bash one of the 2 on him. He brought his sword up in time to block a third man coming in from the other guard.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Oct 12 2005, 10:20 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 12 2005, 03:07 PM)

Lyonswurst House, High Rock
"I don't know," Laurent smiled, taking off his cape and hanging on the chair behind him. "We haven't discussed it. She might know everything, or nothing, or something ... No one who I've spent any real time with has ever blackmailed or extorted me. I suppose I'm just lucky with my choice of guest."

Something flickered behind his face just for a moment. Eyes that were not his.

"That little Countess killed herself because of you, you know," Tris said. "I understand why she killed herself. What I don't understand is, what took her so long? Why did she keep coming back, after the first time? That's why I'm here. I want to understand why people come back to you."

He hadn't missed the flicker. It answered a question. Half the potential to humiliate and cause suffering lay in who was watching. Mirea had wondered why the Countess hadn't healed her wounds; Tris knew more about this sort of thing. But he wasn't willing to admit he knew.

They were marks of ownership, memorials of past pleasures. In short, Lelia didn't heal her wounds because Laurent had asked her not to. And she obeyed him because, somehow, Laurent had set marks of ownership deep in her soul, so deep that she felt the only freedom was death.

Posted by: Slashes-With-Claws Oct 12 2005, 10:21 PM

Slashes wrenched the arrow from his shoulder sending a surge of pain through him.

Ignoring the pain he cast a healing spell closing the wound.

As Slashes readied his bow to take out the archer a bandit charged him screaming.

With quick reflexes and speed slashes grabbed one of the steel knives on his belt and hurled it at the bandit. It thuded into the bandit's chest.

Notching another arrow Slashes fired at the archer, scoring on his side.

As the bandit was distracted with teh arrow Slashes charged him and swung his claymore.

The bandit clutched the bleeding stump of his arm, a quick thrust to the heart ended him.

Posted by: Rhedd Oct 12 2005, 10:22 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Oct 12 2005, 02:07 PM)

"Because his life is mine, General," Herwyn said.

"Don't worry that he'll continue in his ways. I assure you he won't.

"I'm investigating him on behalf of my Queen. He's the key to exposing a conspiracy that we would all like exposed. This matter is drawing to a close, but I need him alive for a while longer, yet. If he were to be killed now, it would ruin everything.

"I ask you to call off your agents... Quickly."

Posted by: stratigo Oct 12 2005, 10:24 PM

Alexi's leaped back, favouring one leg. He cursed as the 3 men advanced. Soon he found himself back to back with the dunmer guard. Alexi growled and blocked a thrust, his dagger warding another off and he ducked a swipe. He sworded stapped through the man who overextended himself. Alexi sighed as the life drained out of the man and his leg wound healed.

Posted by: Slashes-With-Claws Oct 12 2005, 10:31 PM

Two bandits advanced on the dunmer with the wounded leg.

Slashes charged them, growling.

They turned their attention towards him.

Knocking the one bandits sword to the side Slashes struck him in the forehead with the pommel of his sword knocking him out.

Bringing his sword around in a sweeping arc the other bandit jumped back.

the reach of the sword was long, it tore the bandit's belly open. He fell to the ground moaning. With a quick chop he was dead.

Slashes noticed the wounded dunmer with the arrow in his chest was still alive and approached.

Posted by: stratigo Oct 12 2005, 10:35 PM

The remaining dunmer clubs a bandit's sword down and stabs him through the throat.

Alexi whirls in between the two remaining bandits, kicking one in the back of the leg, taking him to his knees, and hamstringing the other. Alexi then beheads the kneeling one and brings his sword to the wounded one's throat. "Now, tell where you leader is, and how many of you there are."

Posted by: Slashes-With-Claws Oct 12 2005, 10:42 PM

Slashes bend down to examine the wounded dunmer. He is breathing in ragged gasps, blood trickles from the arrow wound.

Muttering magicka words in Hist he touches the dunmer near the arrow wound and pulls out the arrow.

A gout of blood pours from the arrow wound. Slashes concentrates, the wound begins to close. The dunmer's breathing becomes more steady.

the dunmer opens his eyes and looks at the argonian. Realizing he is no longer dieing he reaches the obvious conclusion, "You saved my life. thank you."

"Rest now" Slashes tells the guard.

Slashes then turns his attention to the other dunmer and heals her leg.

Finally, oblivious that Alexi already is interogating a bandit, he grabs the unconcious bandit and slaps him awake. "You have some questions to answer."

Posted by: stratigo Oct 12 2005, 10:45 PM

Alexi knicks the bandit, draining his life a bit. His eyes widen. "Yes, feels awful doesn't it. Now answer me."

The bandit whimpers. "The leader is a Nord, the only one, There are at least 30 others." He said.

Alexi shrugs, "Thank you." Then he cut off the bandit's head.

Posted by: Slashes-With-Claws Oct 12 2005, 10:54 PM

Slashes grabs the bandit by the throat with his clawed hands. Grinning slightly to show his sharp teeth he says, "Tell me where your leader is."

The bandit shook with nervousness. "That way." He gasped pointing through the woods. "In a cave."

"Excelent." Slashes sinks his teeth into the bandit's throat. Very fresh meat indeed.

Posted by: stratigo Oct 12 2005, 10:56 PM

Alexi looks at Slashes, "That is disgusting." He said. "But we're going to need a plan to take on 30 some bandits."

Posted by: Slashes-With-Claws Oct 12 2005, 11:00 PM

QUOTE(stratigo @ Oct 12 2005, 04:56 PM)

Alexi looks at Slashes, "That is disgusting." He said. "But we're going to need a plan to take on 30 some bandits."

"I still have two flame burst arrows left. Perhaps I could fire them into the cave?"

Posted by: stratigo Oct 12 2005, 11:02 PM

"Yeah, that would help. clear a few rooms." Alexi said. "Well lets move out." He said, starting toward the caves.

Posted by: Slashes-With-Claws Oct 12 2005, 11:10 PM

QUOTE(stratigo @ Oct 12 2005, 05:02 PM)

"Yeah, that would help. clear a few rooms." Alexi said. "Well lets move out." He said, starting toward the caves.

Slashes moves through the woods silently, the three guards following behind.

They soon arrive at the cave.

Slashes notches a silver arrow and creeps towards the cave entrance.

Aiming towards a bandit guard he waits for Alexi to get in position.

Posted by: stratigo Oct 12 2005, 11:15 PM

Alexi casts invisibility and sneaks behind the guards slowly. He appears suddenly killing 2 of them at the same time.

Posted by: Slashes-With-Claws Oct 12 2005, 11:19 PM

Slashes fires, making a killing hit to the head.

Notching another arror he fires at the final guard, the guard falls with an arrow in his neck.

"Well done Alexi."

Slashes examines the cave interior. He sniffs the air.

"I think they are that way." He says pointing.

Posted by: stratigo Oct 12 2005, 11:22 PM

Alexi nodded, and then summoned the two dunmer with sheilds to get in front. "For protection." He said.

Posted by: Slashes-With-Claws Oct 12 2005, 11:26 PM

QUOTE(stratigo @ Oct 12 2005, 05:22 PM)

Alexi nodded, and then summoned the two dunmer with sheilds to get in front. "For protection." He said.

"Good thinking."

Slashes quietly proceeds through the caves.

"Stop. Do you hear that?" He wispers.

The sounds of people talking can be heard nearby.

Posted by: Stargazey Oct 12 2005, 11:40 PM

The Nymph and Noggin
As Isidor and Kethiah worked on the tavern, doing different odd jobs, Isidor remarked to her, "We must be almost done by now, right?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Oct 12 2005, 11:44 PM

Lyonswurst House, High Rock

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Oct 12 2005, 04:20 PM)

"There are experiences which can't be explained in words," Laurent replied kindly, stepping behind Tris's chair, and placing his strong, fat fingers on his shoulders. "The Countess came to me an innocent, and I shattered that, I admit. What is left behind when innocence goes is a kind of hunger, and I was the only person who she could go to be fed. She didn't kill herself because of me, though. She killed herself because of herself."

The fingers on Tris's throat were soft, but there was power behind them, like a tiger on a frayed leash.

Posted by: Sheogorath Oct 12 2005, 11:50 PM

The Nymph and Noggin

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Oct 12 2005, 05:40 PM)

As Isidor and Kethiah worked on the tavern, doing different odd jobs, Isidor remarked to her, "We must be almost done by now, right?"

"Well, we still need a sign and those portraits," Kethiah said, lowering herself down from the second level of the tavern where she had been putting in a hanging chandelier of a dozen candles which could be lowered or raised. "And we need our liquor and food ... but we're in pretty good shape. And you haven't had a drink in -- how many days now?"

Posted by: Stargazey Oct 12 2005, 11:58 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 12 2005, 05:50 PM)

The Nymph and Noggin
"Well, we still need a sign and those portraits," Kethiah said, lowering herself down from the second level of the tavern where she had been putting in a hanging chandelier of a dozen candles which could be lowered or raised. "And we need our liquor and food ... but we're in pretty good shape. And you haven't had a drink in -- how many days now?"

Isidor smiled and said "Oh, it's been nearly a week now. Maybe more. Hmm, when is the food and liquor due in?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 12:01 AM

The Nymph and Noggin

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Oct 12 2005, 05:58 PM)

Isidor smiled and said "Oh, it's been nearly a week now. Maybe more. Hmm, when is the food and liquor due in?"

"The basic stuff should be in tomorrow, and I bet that means the day after tomorrow," Kethiah said, sliding into a chair. "That's just the food and drink one could get anywhere in Morrowind. The more exotic vittles will arrive next week. Jagga and rothmeth for the Bosmer, High Rock wine ... that kind of thing ..."

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 12:05 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 12 2005, 06:01 PM)

The Nymph and Noggin
"The basic stuff should be in tomorrow, and I bet that means the day after tomorrow," Kethiah said, sliding into a chair. "That's just the food and drink one could get anywhere in Morrowind. The more exotic vittles will arrive next week. Jagga and rothmeth for the Bosmer, High Rock wine ... that kind of thing ..."

"Ah." Isidor said, sitting in a chair next to her. "I wonder how the Guar will take to some competition. Well, it's all in the interest of Ald Raathim expanding."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 12:07 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 12 2005, 04:44 PM)

Lyonswurst House, High Rock
"There are experiences which can't be explained in words," Laurent replied kindly, stepping behind Tris's chair, and placing his strong, fat fingers on his shoulders. "The Countess came to me an innocent, and I shattered that, I admit. What is left behind when innocence goes is a kind of hunger, and I was the only person who she could go to be fed. She didn't kill herself because of me, though. She killed herself because of herself."

The fingers on Tris's throat were soft, but there was power behind them, like a tiger on a frayed leash.

Tris closed his eyes.

Tris found power seductive. He had watched, every night, while Dom cleaned his sword, and said his prayers, and then came to bed. But he had outgrown that, hadn't he?

She wasn't innocent; she came here seaching for something harder than hard, realer than real, more painful than pain, because she knew that she wasn't innocent. The world gets dirt on everyone.

He doesn't know, Tris realized. He doesn't know himself. There's no secret he can give me.

His nerve broke.

"My friends know I came here," Tris said. "I don't know what you're going to do but I want to walk away."

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 12:10 AM

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Oct 12 2005, 06:05 PM)

"Ah." Isidor said, sitting in a chair next to her. "I wonder how the Guar will take to some competition. Well, it's all in the interest of Ald Raathim expanding."

"I had an interesting talk about that just an hour or so ago, out in the garden," said Kethiah thoughtfully. "A woman came to me and said she represented the Guild of Prostitutes, who have allied themselves, appropriately enough, with the Fighters Guild and are looking at Ald Raathim for possible ... ah, franchise expansion. They were looking at the Nymph being a better location for their work than the Guar, because we'll likely cater to temporary visitors, and the Guar will be preferred by the locals. Because, let's face it, no matter how nice we make the Nymph, the Dunmer like their traditions."

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 12:17 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 12 2005, 06:10 PM)

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"I had an interesting talk about that just an hour or so ago, out in the garden," said Kethiah thoughtfully. "A woman came to me and said she represented the Guild of Prostitutes, who have allied themselves, appropriately enough, with the Fighters Guild and are looking at Ald Raathim for possible ... ah, franchise expansion. They were looking at the Nymph being a better location for their work than the Guar, because we'll likely cater to temporary visitors, and the Guar will be preferred by the locals. Because, let's face it, no matter how nice we make the Nymph, the Dunmer like their traditions."

"Ah, hmm. Well, people have to learn and ebb and flow. Nothing is forever, that's for sure. Would you be all right with um, prostitutes in here? What did you tell the woman? Loranna did mention that a House of Dibella would be coming soon, so maybe the guild should look elsewhere."

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 12:17 AM

Lyonswurst House, High Rock

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Oct 12 2005, 06:07 PM)

"My friends know I came here," Tris said. "I don't know what you're going to do but I want to walk away."

The fat fingers pinched a cluster of nerves between Tris's throat and sternum with surprising speed, and Tris's arms and legs went numb.

With the fingers still in place, Laurent kissed the back of Tris's neck in a precise way he knew would run down his spine in bursts of warmth.

"What makes you think it's up to you?" Laurent whispered in his ear. Tris couldn't see his face to know his expression, but it sounded less friendly than before. "I'll tell you when you must go, but for now, you must stay."

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 12:20 AM

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Oct 12 2005, 06:17 PM)

"I don't know if we have much choice about prostitutes coming to a tavern, particularly one along the waterfront," Kethiah shrugged. "At least if we deal directly with the Guild, we can make certain they meet a certain standard of dress and behavior. But I just told her I had to talk with my partner. Nothing we need to decide right away."

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 12:22 AM

Lyonswurst House, High Rock

Quill watched as the servants retired, closing the doors behind them. He looked down at Tris and Laurent, and then noticed a window that had been left open that led to the third floor of the library.

He started into it.

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 12:25 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 12 2005, 06:20 PM)

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"I don't know if we have much choice about prostitutes coming to a tavern, particularly one along the waterfront," Kethiah shrugged. "At least if we deal directly with the Guild, we can make certain they meet a certain standard of dress and behavior. But I just told her I had to talk with my partner. Nothing we need to decide right away."

"True." Isidor wasn't too thrilled about the thought of prostitutes in a place where his children slept, but didn't say anything. "Was there anything else you needed to discuss with me?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 12:28 AM

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Oct 12 2005, 06:25 PM)

"True." Isidor wasn't too thrilled about the thought of prostitutes in a place where his children slept, but didn't say anything. "Was there anything else you needed to discuss with me?"

"Don't we sound business-like all of the sudden?" Kethiah teased him. "What is it, darling? It sounds like you have something you want to discuss with me ... We could walk up to the Guar, and check out the competition, if you want. Maybe have a chat with the innkeeper there to make sure we're not stepping on any toes ..."

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 12:31 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 12 2005, 06:28 PM)

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"Don't we sound business-like all of the sudden?" Kethiah teased him. "What is it, darling? It sounds like you have something you want to discuss with me ... We could walk up to the Guar, and check out the competition, if you want. Maybe have a chat with the innkeeper there to make sure we're not stepping on any toes ..."

"Well, I just want to make sure everything is going to work out all right. Truth be told, I'm a bit nervous about this whole thing." Isidor smiled and said "There are a lot of things I'd like to discuss with you, but now is neither the time, nor the place. Would you like to go down to the guar, though? Sounds like a good idea to me."

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 12:36 AM

Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Oct 12 2005, 06:31 PM)

Kethiah looked at him curiously. What is the time and the place? she wondered.

But she took his arm and walked through the village to the Drunken Guar, admiring all the construction that had been completed while they had been working on their own little corner of it.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 12:39 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 12 2005, 05:17 PM)

Lyonswurst House, High Rock
The fat fingers pinched a cluster of nerves between Tris's throat and sternum with surprising speed, and Tris's arms and legs went numb.

With the fingers still in place, Laurent kissed the back of Tris's neck in a precise way he knew would run down his spine in bursts of warmth.

"What makes you think it's up to you?" Laurent whispered in his ear. Tris couldn't see his face to know his expression, but it sounded less friendly than before. "I'll tell you when you must go, but for now, you must stay."

Tris wished, for a moment, that he had Arynel's gifts. Arynel could reach into the Aether, could see written there the sigils that bound a man to the world. Could make a man drunk or sober, poisoned or hale, just like that.

Tris had done it himself once, when Ciel died. Had reached out and changed the writing in Arkay's book of life and death.

And that had turned out just beautifully, hadn't it?

String of power. With a whispered string of power, he could push free, into the Void. But then Laurent would see, and wonder...

He was thinking at half-speed, his brain as numbed by panic as his body was numbed by Laurent's touch.

You'll be all right, he won't harm you permanently, he doesn't want to be caught...

Then a thought struck him, a thought which made him sick and cold all over.

What if he doesn't care? You said yourself, it's an open secret. What if he wants to be caught?

Something burst in his brain, and he understood the secret. The demon secret, Sanguine's secret, the secret Vivec learned at the Pomegranate Banquet with Molag Bal.

This is the hard part. You're still looking for a way out. When he takes away your last way out, it will be easier, because then you won't have to do anything. You can surrender, surrender yourself, surrender CHIM, and it all becomes very easy from then on. Nothing is your responsibility, so nothing can be your fault.

Except - the secret was a lie. Of course it was his fault. Because he was the moron who had put himself here in the first place.

Tris's breathing was quick and shallow; the pupils in his pale green eyes were so contracted that his eyes looked icy, not warm as they usually did.

He wasn't screaming yet. But he felt certain they would come to that part.

In the Void, watching, Mirea made a small sound, like a frightened rabbit. She couldn't see what was happening. The voices were quiet, calm, and Tris hadn't moved. But she could see his fear, and she didn't know what she was supposed to do about it.

Behind her, something flashed in the Void, like a star walking. It was General Light. She put a hand on Mirea's shoulder.

"Move softly, and tell your friend it's time to go," General Light said. "I'll see what I can do about rescuing our idiot."

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 12:44 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 12 2005, 06:36 PM)

Ald Raathim
Kethiah looked at him curiously. What is the time and the place? she wondered.

But she took his arm and walked through the village to the Drunken Guar, admiring all the construction that had been completed while they had been working on their own little corner of it.

When they arrived at the Drunken Guar, Isidor pushed open the door, and walked over to the bar. "Um, do you want to do the talking, or should I? You're a better business person then I am, anyway."

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 12:47 AM

Lyonswurst House, High Rock

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Oct 12 2005, 06:39 PM)

He wasn't screaming yet. But he felt certain they would come to that part.

Quill, half in and half out of the window, stared down to the first floor of the library trying to make sense of what he was seeing. Laurent was behind the other man, holding his neck, but not strangling him. The other man wasn't moving, but he was still breathing, he could see that. He didn't even move when Laurent Lyonswurst sunk his teeth deep into his shoulder, drenching his chin with blood.

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 01:02 AM

The Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Oct 12 2005, 06:44 PM)

When they arrived at the Drunken Guar, Isidor pushed open the door, and walked over to the bar. "Um, do you want to do the talking, or should I? You're a better business person then I am, anyway."

"I don't think so," Kethiah winked. "Maybe a little more aggressive than you ... Anyhow, this is about being diplomatic and friendly, and no one's friendlier than you."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 01:08 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 12 2005, 05:47 PM)

Lyonswurst House, High Rock
Quill, half in and half out of the window, stared down to the first floor of the library trying to make sense of what he was seeing. Laurent was behind the other man, holding his neck, but not strangling him. The other man wasn't moving, but he was still breathing, he could see that. He didn't even move when Laurent Lyonswurst sunk his teeth deep into his shoulder, drenching his chin with blood.

Mirea stepped In from the Void, slipped her ring of chameleon on her finger, and scrambled up beside Quill, making as little noise as possible. So far Quill hadn't tripped any magical wards, apparently... lucky...

"Quill!" she whispered. "We need to get out of here, now!"

"Laurent..." Tris said, his voice sounding drugged and distant to his own ears. He forgot, before he started speaking, what it was he had wanted to say.

Why? That was the last piece of the puzzle, the last thing he wanted to know. How did this happen? He barely remembered Laurent as a boy. Fat, even less attractive than he was now, witty... one of a sea of faces that made up the Powerless. Sometimes Tris had stooped from above, like a god looking down, to help one of them, when the teasing got too rough. More often he had laughed and gone on his way. Was that why? Could the simple-minded brutality of children lead to this?

No. Too easy. Stop trying to make it make sense in mortal terms.

"Dibella," Tris whispered, wondering why it had taken him so long. "Goddess, I'm sorry... help me..."

Allerleirauh pulled her cloak around her, the cloak made of a thousand kinds of fur, a bit of the hide of every living thing in the realm. She became a creature of horns and hair, tusks and hooves and mighty paws, with a tufted tail like a lion, taller at the shoulder than a horse, and with a heavy muzzle like a mastiff.

The Welwa stepped Inside Laurent Lyonswurst's library, and it filled with mist, cold and so thick that it was impossible to see from the seat to the bookshelves.

"Let me show you what it feels like to be seized by the neck," the Welwa said, rushing on all fours, black as a thunderhead, out of the mist, to grasp Laurent.

As soon as Laurent released him, Tris Gaerington whispered his words of power, and fell into the Void.

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 01:09 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 12 2005, 07:02 PM)

The Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim
"I don't think so," Kethiah winked. "Maybe a little more aggressive than you ... Anyhow, this is about being diplomatic and friendly, and no one's friendlier than you."

Isidor smiled, then addressed the barkeep. "Um, hi there. You might recognize me, as I used to get drunk on your floor every night ... Anyway," he said, realizing that probably wasn't the best way to start the converstion, "Would you mind terribly if there was another tavern in town? Would it bother you?"

Posted by: Shardie Yesterday, 01:12 AM

Gideon; Argonia

What happened?
She had no idea... it was all still a blur.
All she knew is that HE saved her.
But why?
Why would the villian of her life, the one who had her exiled, help her?
Did he feel like he owed her for getting her kicked out?
No.
That was not like a Daedra
she remembered somthing he said, in the blur that was her mind
'You are still just a puppet, a useful puppet, but a puppet none the less'
She put her hand on her back, and felt where there should have been a scar.
It was not there.
Her torn clothes were also mended
She remembered seeing him, and blacking out, waking up here in Gideon, a soft bed underneath her
The taverns keeper could say nothing of the hooded man who brought her uncontious body in
But Maranda knew it was him, it was Drevious...
She had failed, and the enemy had siezed the skull.
She must report the actions of the previous night to the Knights at once...

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 01:20 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Oct 12 2005, 07:08 PM)

The Welwa stepped Inside Laurent Lyonswurst's library, and it filled with mist, cold and so thick that it was impossible to see from the seat to the bookshelves.

"Let me show you what it feels like to be seized by the neck," the Welwa said, rushing on all fours, black as a thunderhead, out of the mist, to grasp Laurent.

As soon as Laurent released him, Tris Gaerington whispered his words of power, and fell into the Void.

Lord Laurent Lyonswurst, though a monster, did not transform into a beast. He did not turn into the embodiment of the Daedra Prince Sanguine, laughing, and rippling with power.

He did not even look insane. He looked just like an average man would look if a beast out of his nightmares suddenly appeared in his home. He released Tris, and scrambled for sanctuary behind a desk, whimpering, his eyes wide and frightened and very sane.

Except his face was covered with Tris's blood.

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 01:24 AM

The Drunken Guar

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Oct 12 2005, 07:09 PM)

"I dunno," said the innkeeper, serving up drinks. "Supposing I said, yes, it bothers me?"

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 01:29 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 12 2005, 07:24 PM)

The Drunken Guar
"I dunno," said the innkeeper, serving up drinks. "Supposing I said, yes, it bothers me?"

"Well, erm, if it did bother you, sort of shutting the other tavern down, what could be done to make the situation more agreeable?" Isidor was smiling, though nervously.

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 01:36 AM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Oct 12 2005, 07:29 PM)

"Well, erm, if it did bother you, sort of shutting the other tavern down, what could be done to make the situation more agreeable?" Isidor was smiling, though nervously.

The innkeeper's frowning face turned into a grin, and he punched Isidor lightly on the shoulder. "I'm just joking with ya, Isidor. Mighty nice of you to come and ask me, real decent. I'm turning away folk left 'n right here, especially since some of her Ladyship's folk expect, seeing how they're heroes what keep saving the world, that there should always be a room for 'em. Now, I'm for keeping things friendly between you and me, so why don't we say here and now that we won't change our prices and our services to try 'n steal one another's customers. If I'm full up, I'll just say, 'Go to the Nymph, same price for a room' and you'll do the same. Make sense?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 01:37 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 12 2005, 06:20 PM)

Quill didn't hear Mirea at first. He was still watching, mesmerized by the slow blood-letting he was witnessing. It was not an attack, or not like any attack he had ever seen. The small pool of blood under the other man's chair was barely even noticeable.

Then he heard Mirea's voice again, and turned to her, white-faced. He let her help him back out of the window, not speaking.
Lord Laurent Lyonswurst, though a monster, did not transform into a beast. He did not turn into the embodiment of the Daedra Prince Sanguine, laughing, and rippling with power.

He did not even look insane. He looked just like an average man would look if a beast out of his nightmares suddenly appeared in his home. He released Tris, and scrambled for sanctuary behind a desk, whimpering, his eyes wide and frightened and very sane.

Except his face was covered with Tris's blood.

Although Allerleirauh wanted to seize Laurent and shake him until his neck snapped - or at least until he wet his pants - the instant Tris was gone, the Welwa vanished too.

If they were lucky, Laurent would think just that - that a beast from his nightmares had appeared to him. The less to be explained, the better.

Mirea held her tongue until she and Quill were safely on the ground again. "You jerk!" she whispered. She didn't trust herself to say more.

Tris Gaerington fell swiftly into endless, bottomless blackness. No one in all the worlds was fast enough to come down here after him. He was the only thing alive fast enough to reach these deep places and then return. And his arms and legs wouldn't move.

Feeling came back to his limbs slowly. And with it, a hot, stinging pain in his shoulder that made it hard to move his arm.

He found his ring of levitation, stopped himself falling. Then he whispered the string of power that would give him speed to shoot back up to the realm of light and life.

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 01:40 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 12 2005, 07:36 PM)

Isidor laughed in relief and said "Sounds good to me. And, if I ever run out of mead, I know where to come." He shook hands with the man, and then turned to Kethiah, a bright smile on his face. "That went well, huh?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 01:44 AM

Outside Lyonswurst House, High Rock

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Oct 12 2005, 07:37 PM)

Mirea held her tongue until she and Quill were safely on the ground again. "You jerk!" she whispered. She didn't trust herself to say more.

Quill looked at her, and nodded his head. "I had to see."

He had a horse he had tied to a tree in the woods just inside the estate's fence. "What's going to happen now?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 01:46 AM

The Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Oct 12 2005, 07:40 PM)

Kethiah grinned proudly. "See? You doubt yourself too much." She kissed him, and then whispered "Of course, if he reneges on his promise, we'll run him out of business in a heart beat" and then winked.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 01:51 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 12 2005, 06:44 PM)

Outside Lyonswurst House, High Rock
Quill looked at her, and nodded his head. "I had to see."

He had a horse he had tied to a tree in the woods just inside the estate's fence. "What's going to happen now?"

"That was my guild brother in there getting bitten," Mirea said, hopping on the horse behind Quill. "The one who knows Laurent. He went in there because he wanted to stop Laurent doing whatever he might be doing to someone else, and because he didn't think you'd try to kill Laurent with a stranger there."

Mirea knew that Tris was safe, if the General was here. But she let Quill worry a moment longer, because she was angry.

Allerleirauh laid cool, healing hands on Tris's shoulder and whispered a spell.

"I am going to punch you in the face and break your nose," she said, calmly. "And then I am going to heal you, and then I am going to do it again."

"Allie..." Tris said. And then laid his head on her shoulder, shaking with sobs.

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 01:52 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 12 2005, 07:46 PM)

The Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim
Kethiah grinned proudly. "See? You doubt yourself too much." She kissed him, and then whispered "Of course, if he reneges on his promise, we'll run him out of business in a heart beat" and then winked.

Isidor smiled, and blushed slightly. "Thanks." He mumbeled "Anyway, back to work now?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 01:53 AM

Lyonswurst House, High Rock

Hiding behind the desk, Laurent screwed his eyes shut, as he felt the hot blood cool on his lips and chin, he chanted his little prayer:

Small and mild, timid as a mouse,
I stopped beneath the harlot’s house.
The shadows raced across the blind,
Like black leaves wheeling in the wind,
They sidled through the slow quadrille,
Their laughter echoed thin and shrill,
And sometimes they seemed to try to sing.
Upon the steps like a live thing,
The dust was whirling with the dust
Love passed into the house of lust,
‘Til the shadows ceased to wheel and whirl,
I crept on like a frightened girl …

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 02:01 AM

Outside House Lyonswurst, High Rock

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Oct 12 2005, 07:51 PM)

"My sister's skull was shattered, every major bone was pulverized by the fall ... There was no blood left, and very little flesh after the birds had gotten to her ... Even her eyes were gone ... No one can say what she went through before she killed herself, except for that man in there," Quill voice was hollow. "And I don't care what he has to say -- what he did, or why he did it. I just want him to stop. I want your guild brother out of there, even if he does gain valuable information ..."

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 02:04 AM

The Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Oct 12 2005, 07:52 PM)

Isidor smiled, and blushed slightly. "Thanks." He mumbeled "Anyway, back to work now?"

"I think we pick up the kids from school now," Kethiah laughed. "And make them do all the work."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 02:08 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 12 2005, 07:01 PM)

Outside House Lyonswurst, High Rock
"My sister's skull was shattered, every major bone was pulverized by the fall ... There was no blood left, and very little flesh after the birds had gotten to her ... Even her eyes were gone ... No one can say what she went through before she killed herself, except for that man in there," Quill voice was hollow. "And I don't care what he has to say -- what he did, or why he did it. I just want him to stop. I want your guild brother out of there, even if he does gain valuable information ..."

Mirea relented. "He's already gone, that's why we needed to go, so he could make his escape. Come back to the Guildhouse with me, the others are going to meet there. It'll be good to talk to someone who knows what's going on. And we can plan how we're going to kill him."

Posted by: Shardie Yesterday, 02:10 AM

Cyrodiil, The house of Dibella

One Guild Guide away and Maranda was back, back to the mistress in arms, slowly and carefully explaining what happened, About the Lich, Manavrio, his siezure of the Skull, how he created a copy of her, and dissapeared, laughing evily. How the copy summoned a Flame Monarch and stabbed her in the back, how a Daedric Duke slew the copy and rescued her, and most importantly about the five stones in the animals... A cat, a dog, a ferret, an owl, a rat... and that Manaviro was seeking the final stone, the stone within the ferret. Her Ferret, she added. The Mistress at arms was quite upset to learn the skull had fallen into the hands of Manavrio, a Lich who was supposivly slain 3 years ago, but not upset at Maranda, she knew that a single woman could not stand up to a powerful demi-lich with the skull of corruption. She dismissed Maranda and left the room immediatly to inform the High Priestess of what just happened...

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 02:13 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 12 2005, 08:04 PM)

The Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim
"I think we pick up the kids from school now," Kethiah laughed. "And make them do all the work."

Isidor winked and said "Sounds like a plan." Isidor and Kethiah walked arm in arm to the school, where Tilitalia stood, talking with a friend. After she was done, Isidor asked "Where is Ty?"

Tilitalia knew where Tyradil was, but she carefully lied to her father. "He's staying after school for a little while, to do some more practice on his illusion."

Isidor raised his eyebrows slightly, but nodded, and together the trio made their way back to the Nymph and Noggin, where Tilitalia raced up to her room.

Meanwhile ...
Tyradil, was in fact, kissing Davala under a tree near the school.

ooc: Out of here for two hours, or so.

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 02:20 AM

Outside Lyonswurst House, High Rock

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Oct 12 2005, 08:08 PM)

"Thank you," Quill said, getting on his horse, and holding out a hand to pull Mirea up.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 02:32 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 12 2005, 07:20 PM)

Outside Lyonswurst House, High Rock
"Thank you," Quill said, getting on his horse, and holding out a hand to pull Mirea up.

Igba gra-Buznak had taken one look at Tris and sat him down in front of a crackling fire in the back hall while she made a pudding. His bloodstained clothes had been taken away by a servant; he wore a robe, pulled off one shoulder, and Allerleirauh was scrubbing at him with hot water from a basin. He sat, enjoying being fussed over.

Mirea led Quill through the grand main hall into the private, dark back hall, where Allerleirauh's loom stood, a half-finished tapestry on it, and the seats were low, worn, and well-cushioned.

Allerleirauh stood as Quill came in, rinsed her hands, and dried them on a towel, before offering her hand to him. "You are Dygbal of Ivytyde? Or do you prefer Quill? I am called Allerleirauh - the mistress of this house. Mirea has told me of your troubles."

Tris did not rise. He nodded to Quill, and smiled.

"Tris Gaerington," Allerleirauh said. "Although I'm thinking he should be surnamed, 'the Foolhardy.' Won't you sit down?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 02:40 AM

Solunastra

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Oct 12 2005, 08:32 PM)

"Thank you, I do prefer Quill," he said, taking a seat. To Tris, he added. "That was a remarkable distraction, considering I'm a stranger to you. Whatever you'd do to protect an actual friend, I shudder to think."

"My life is very simple," he added, looking towards Allerleirauh and Mirea now. "I would kill Laurent Lyonswurst. My trouble is that Mirea won't let me until I've talked to her friends."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 02:49 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 12 2005, 07:40 PM)

Solunastra
"Thank you, I do prefer Quill," he said, taking a seat. To Tris, he added. "That was a remarkable distraction, considering I'm a stranger to you. Whatever you'd do to protect an actual friend, I shudder to think."

"My life is very simple," he added, looking towards Allerleirauh and Mirea now. "I would kill Laurent Lyonswurst. My trouble is that Mirea won't let me until I've talked to her friends."

"I have just been talking to Tris about that," Allerleirauh said. "I understand your head must lie very uncomfortably on your pillow while that man lives. But I have received word today that he is at the center of a band of conspirators of the same type. He is under investigation, and if he is killed now, the others will go free."

"I can't believe you did something so foolish!" Mirea said to Quill, speaking over the General. "You're not a housebreaker. Men who live in houses like that have magical wards, they have guards, they have dogs. You could have been killed!"

"I owed Laurent a visit," Tris said, waiting for them to finish speaking "I've known him since school days. And I owed you. I knew what he was, and I haven't done anything before now. But I never thought - he told me he usually pays his victims. I never thought he would have dared touch a woman of his own class. Not an unwilling woman."

"You should probably," Allerleirauh said, with a look that left no doubt as to her opinion about the distinction between women of one class and another, as suitable victims, "Shut up."

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 03:02 AM

After Tilitalia, Isidor and Kethiah had come home, Isidor slipped out of the tavern, and to the shops, to buy a small, black book. He stuck the book in his pocket, and got back to work, smiling at Kethiah, as she worked.

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 03:11 AM

Solunastra

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Oct 12 2005, 08:49 PM)

"Mirea, I grew up in a house like that," Quill said. "And I'm as much of an acrobat as you are. I only wanted to see what you saw -- when you said you wouldn't go there at all ..."

He wasn't making himself clear. "I told you to stay away from him first."

And then he blushed, realizing how ridiculous he sounded. Normally Quill could laugh at himself, but not today.

(Outta here for a couple hours)

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 03:21 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 12 2005, 08:11 PM)

Solunastra
"Mirea, I grew up in a house like that," Quill said. "And I'm as much of an acrobat as you are. I only wanted to see what you saw -- when you said you wouldn't go there at all ..."

He wasn't making himself clear. "I told you to stay away from him first."

And then he blushed, realizing how ridiculous he sounded. Normally Quill could laugh at himself, but not today.

"You two are perfect for each other," Tris said dryly. "Allie. I didn't mean that the way it came out. What I mean is - the man was dancing at a wedding with the Queen. I knew intellectually what he was supposed to enjoy doing, but it didn't feel plausible. Didn't feel like something that happened in the same universe I lived in."

"It never does," Allerleirauh said. "That's why Sheogorath is portrayed as a banker."

"But I never listen to anyone!" Mirea said to Quill. "You should know that by now."

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 03:35 AM

Shaka was sitting in the Drunken Guar, watching the fire and remembering when the world had been young. He set the tankard of stout down on the floor by his chair and nodded off for a second.

He stood in front of a mirror and reached up to touch the lighter green of the scar on the left side of his face. Shaka noticed a scale was loose, and it came away in his hands. More were peeled off, until a warm brown shade was revealed . . . .

With a yank, Shaka pulled the flesh off his skull, to reveal a Redguard face. Shaka straightened from the permanent half-crouch of the Argonian, the rest of his flesh cracking and splitting off, until he stood tall before his image.

Shaka's hair was braided now, and tied back with the Akaviri clasp. The crows' feet at the corners of his eyes had been earned long ago, whether through laughter or sorrow. His eyes were unchanged, dark but almost hazel.

He studied himself. Something was wrong.

Was he ordinary now?

Shaka woke with a start as he pulled off the Redguard head, revealing an Argonian. The dream was already fading, slipping through his talons as he tried to figure it out.

Am I that small, he managed to think, that I'd rather be unhappy?

Posted by: Argonians rule Yesterday, 04:20 AM

The Red Falcon, somehwere Northeast of winterhold

Falco lay in his bed next to a member of his crew, Heelja. The female argonian was still asleep with Falco when a shout came from the deck, "CAPTAIN IMPERIAL SHIP!"

Falco shot straight up, dresed himself ,and grabbed his saber: all in about thirty seconds. The pirate left his cabin. All around him the crew was rousing from their drunken slumber, confused and unable to comprehend what the hell was happening. The night lookout was screaming at the top of his lungs to rouse them all and prepare for swift evasive sailing.

"Where's the ship!?" Falco yelled.

"South East 'o' here Cap'n!"

The qargonian quikly scanned the ocean in that direction, it was still dark and foggy, but he could still make out a ship of imperial design a few miles away. Falco silently cursed then began yelling out orders to his crew, "Unfurl the sails! Hoist the anchor! Get the bloody ship ready! We've gotta move fast!"

The crew scurried here and there, carrying out orders noisily.

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 04:51 AM

Tyradil returned to the tavern shortly after the trio, and waved quickly to Isidor and Kethiah, before going into his room and closing the door.

Isidor laughed and looked at Kethiah, as she worked. "There was one other question, that I wanted to ask you. I understand if you don't want to answer. Did you have ... many lovers, before me?"

He wasn't sure why he was asking this, or if it was any of his business, but, it was said now.

ooc: Gone for the night.

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 04:56 AM

Shaka walked to Diamond's shop. If she didn't prove to be home, he would leave a letter for her. It read:

I'd like to commission a carving from you as a gift for Kethiah and Isidor. It would be a sign for the "Nymph and Noggin", though not the sign that will hang outside their tavern.

I pictured something that might hang on a wall. Maybe a nymph with one hand on someone's head, and a tankard in the other (thus the double meaning of "noggin"). If you come up with a better idea, that's fine too.

Thanks,

Shaka

Posted by: Draak Yesterday, 05:18 AM

QUOTE(Argonians rule @ Oct 12 2005, 09:20 PM)

The Red Falcon, somehwere Northeast of winterhold

The Imperial Warship had a favorable wind and was closing in fast. Of course this also meant that the Red Falcon would have the same wind if they could make sail quick enough.

As the ship grew closer another moved from behind it and angled off in to take a flanking position. If they can complete the manouver the Red Falcon will not have a chance. Whoever is in command of the task force clearly knows what they are doing.

Posted by: Tri Yesterday, 06:26 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Oct 12 2005, 06:56 PM)

Diamond returned to the shop and found Shaka's letter. Pleased, she went up into the studio and began digging through her raw materials boxes for the sort of things she was looking for.

Wood. Sandalwood, about three feet by two, and a few inches deep would provide the base for the relief, which would be set within a frame that was part of the block. The nymph, who would be placed on a rock rising from the sea, would wear a jeweled dress with real rubies embedded in the structure. The rubies would continue down each sleeve to the head and the tankard. With the plan laid out, she got to work.

Pulling out the large block of sandalwood and the required rubies, Diamond realized that she was running dangerously low on some supplies.

Why, she wondered, couldn't she just have stolen some money when she ran away from home?

***

Meanwhile, Diamond's parents were in Valenwood, but they were about ready to leave. They had looked everywhere, but found nothing. Just as the party packed it's last bag, a guardsman walked up, with a surly looking Imperial striding behind him.

The Imperial looked young, as though he had just begun to age. He had a doused blaze in his eyes that stemmed from years of revolution and rebellion in his past, that was just seeping away. There was a scar on his neck that he had gotten five years ago, in the raid of a slaveowner's plantation. He was large, muscular and intimidating.

"Your Lordship, this man may have information that will help our search," said the guard.

The Imperial glared up at the Lord.

"You, little one," said the Lord vaguely, "I'm looking for a man - an elf, actually, a little Bosmer. He's about this tall, dresses in black, has more money than he could possibly need. He carries a dagger, has dark brown hair in which he wears a leaf...heavily scarred."

The Imperial froze mentally - he made a point to keep tabs on all his old contacts - but kept his cool under fire. "I know of whom you speak, 'sir,'" he said, "The last I heard of that chap he was making some riot up in Morro - more o' north of here. Southern Hammerfell."

"Was he traveling with a girl? A young woman of higher stature?" asked the Lady, leaning forward eagerly.

"He may have been," said the Imperial, intentionally hesitant. So, that was the story: the bloke had run away with some rich man's daughter. "Can I go now?"

The Lord and Lady didn't even notice as he walked away.

Posted by: Nirreln Yesterday, 07:28 AM

On the outskirts of Ald Raathim, a large orc paused and surveyed the buildings and going-ons of the city. One building drew Na'grok's interest and by its construction he knew it was a blacksmith's shop.

Na'grok quickly made his way to the blacksmith's shop. It had been months since his last stop at a smithy. The time he spend traveling through the wild lands of Tamriel had been hard on his armor and axe. Scratches and dents marred the surface of the finely crafted orcish armor. His axe, of similar construction, was tarnished and there were several notches only the edge.

The orc sighed heavily. "Na'grok," he said to himself," You have a lot of work ahead it will take at least three days for you to repair the damage."

ooc: back after a good nights sleep

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 07:46 AM

Some mornings, Shaka would wake to see Lotus perched in his treehouse. The reminder of Anya finally made Shaka decide to visit the Arena construction site to see how the rogue was faring these days.

As Shaka drew closer to the Arena site, he could see for himself the dirt floor overlying the pens and other operational areas below. The walls of the Arena were still mostly scaffolding. He wasn't surprised to see Anya working in the scaffolding as nimbly as in any forest.

Posted by: Xyber02 Yesterday, 07:55 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Oct 12 2005, 11:46 PM)

Anya glanced to the ground and noticed Shaka. She finished putting the brace in place, and climbed down to greet him, "Hello, Shaka. We haven't... talked much, have we?"

Anya reached to her chest and pulled out an amulet. She grabbed his hand, and hesitantly placed it in his, "I gave this to you once before, and I want you to hold onto it again." He would find the Akaviri amulet in his hand.

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 08:01 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Oct 13 2005, 01:55 AM)

"Your amulet . . . ," he murmured; but after a second's hesitation, he hung it around his neck.

"Yeah, I've been keeping my distance lately; didn't want to be pining away for you and all. You don't need that nonsense from me these days. . . . But you're looking good, elf."

He grinned wryly. "Sweaty woodland creatures. Always a plus with me."

"I visited Isidor and Kethiah briefly. Their place has a lot of potential."

Posted by: Xyber02 Yesterday, 08:18 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Oct 13 2005, 12:01 AM)

Anya smiled, "It's good to break a sweat. I've never could see myself prancing around in frilly dresses like so many women."

Anya scrunched her brow, "Um, listen... I've been avoiding you too. I love you, Shaka, I really do, something I never suspected I would ever do. I need to help myself.

"I might be going away, maybe for a bit, maybe for a long while. I really don't know what I need to do. I do know we will never go anywhere until I do. We always seem to end up with both of us fustrated no matter what we try. I need you to stop pushing for a while," She silently cursed herself, pushing sound like a harsh word. Anya sighed quielty and continued, "at least until I fix a few problems with myself."

"Why couldn't we be as we were in the spheres." She murmered. Her eyes widened when she realized she said that outloud, though she wasn't sure if Shaka had heard her. She took an involuntary step backwards.

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 08:27 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Oct 13 2005, 02:18 AM)

"I might be going away, maybe for a bit, maybe for a long while. I really don't know what I need to do. I do know we will never go anywhere until I do. We always seem to end up with both of us fustrated no matter what we try. I need you to stop pushing for a while," She silently cursed herself, pushing sound like a harsh word. Anya sighed quielty and continued, "at least until I fix a few problems with myself."

"Why couldn't we be as we were in the spheres." She murmered. Her eyes widened when she realized she said that outloud, though she wasn't sure if Shaka had heard her. She took an involuntary step backwards.

His head was bowed slightly as she spoke. "I'll try to stop pushing, Anya."

When she mentioned the Spheres, his head raised. "Funny you would say that . . . I had a strange dream recently, but I won't try to explain it to you yet. Not sure I completely understand it myself."

"Don't ever be afraid to tell the truth to me like this. I ... I'd better let you get back to it. Good luck with the travels you're talking about."

Shaka turned to leave while he still had control of his voice.

Posted by: Xyber02 Yesterday, 08:31 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Oct 13 2005, 12:27 AM)

His head was bowed slightly as she spoke. "I'll try to stop pushing, Anya."

When she mentioned the Spheres, his head raised. "Funny you would say that . . . I had a strange dream today, but I won't try to explain it to you yet. Not sure I completely understand it myself."

"Don't ever be afraid to tell the truth to me like this. I ... I'd better let you get back to it. Good luck with the travels you're talking about."

Shaka turned to leave while he still had control of his voice.

"Shaka... it's just that I miss that kiss. There was no pain, no pent up fustration, no memories... just you and me..." Her voice trailed off as he left. Her eyes sparkled as tears began to form.

She turned to work on construction again, kicking at a clump of dirt as she cursed at herself. Sighing, she quickly returned to the task she had paused, she had spent enough time talking as it was.

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 08:42 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Oct 13 2005, 02:31 AM)

He walked away from the budding Arena, with memories flashing through his mind for a moment.

("Hey Isidor, is that a cliffracer attacking that woodelf?" and his feet pounding across the Gnaar Mok boardwalk . . . . The first times they had fought side by side . . . The first time she had laid her head against his chest, clinging like a shipwreck survivor to a rock . . . Laying her sister's tormented and tormenting spirit to rest . . . The quest through the Spheres of the gods themselves . . . And the day he had shown her the waterfall.)

Shaka didn't feel despair somehow. All the days behind Anya and him might yet prove part of some design.

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 09:26 AM

Solunastra

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Oct 12 2005, 06:21 PM)

"But I never listen to anyone!" Mirea said to Quill. "You should know that by now."

"That's actually not true," replied Quill. "You do listen. When we arranged the ballet of the Crowns and Forebears, you listened carefully, and you obeyed instructions to the mark, because if you didn't, it wouldn't have gone beautifully. When we sent guars at you, we said exactly where the trainers would have the creatures roar, and when you would leap ... And I imagine that when your mistress asks you to do something, or not do something, you at least think about it before you disobey ... Mirea ... It's me. I'm not a military commander, I'm a circus man. And if you're going to be cross with me about not following your orders, well, need I remind you that technically unless you've quit, you are my employee?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 04:23 PM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Oct 13 2005, 02:26 AM)

Solunastra
"That's actually not true," replied Quill. "You do listen. When we arranged the ballet of the Crowns and Forebears, you listened carefully, and you obeyed instructions to the mark, because if you didn't, it wouldn't have gone beautifully. When we sent guars at you, we said exactly where the trainers would have the creatures roar, and when you would leap ... And I imagine that when your mistress asks you to do something, or not do something, you at least think about it before you disobey ... Mirea ... It's me. I'm not a military commander, I'm a circus man. And if you're going to be cross with me about not following your orders, well, need I remind you that technically unless you've quit, you are my employee?"

Tris gave a long, low whistle, and Allerleirauh laughed.

"Quill, she disobeys me as freely as she disobeys anyone else. I could try to give her orders... but ordering a Wood Elf is about as useful as ordering the cat. If I want Mirea to do something, I have to give her a good reason, which keeps me on my toes."

Mirea made a rude noise with her lips. "I don't care if you do what I say," she said. "I just don't want anything to happen to you."

The food arrived, and the non-Bosmer members of the group were served Ibga's black current pudding, with spiced wine. Ibga grumbled that no one had told her Mirea was there, disappeared, and returned with an egg custard sweetened with honey, not sugar. Jalian brought the baby down.

Tris wanted a long, hot soak in the grotto beneath the Guildhouse. And he wanted Goranthir. Wanted him in almost the same way he wanted the food, and the bath - something cleansing and real, to help him feel grounded again. In times past, Ciel would have been that to him. But Ciel hadn't come down. And Tris was a little sad about that, but not too sad. Really.

Then Ciel did come down, with fatherly concern for his wounded shoulder. Fatherly. That was the right adjective. Fatherly. Which led to whole new realms of sadness, and trying not to be sad.

Tris had his soak in the grotto. It gave him time to think, or not think, which was even better.

He and Allie went back to Ald Raathim together. If Goranthir had been worried that the two of them were at odds, seeing them walking to the tavern would set his mind at rest. Allerleirauh's arm was around Tris's waist, and he was leaning his head on her shoulder. She twisted her fingers in his dark gold hair.

"Your hair's too long again," she said.

"I know," Tris said. "I lost another shirt today. I should just hire a full-time tailor to make shirts, and be done with it."

"Like Reichi and his armor."

"Yeah," Tris said.

"Tris? What were you waiting for?"

"I've been thinking about that. I wonder if it has anything to do with my father. You know, it's impossible to make him love me, and I've been trying all my life. So I'm drawn to anyone incapable of love. With Dom, it was the ultimate feeling of satisfaction, making the cold-hearted murderer adore me. But then he did adore me, so I had to move on to a harder challenge. I think I might be a little crazy."

"Oh," Allie said, teasing. "Is that all."

Posted by: Tri Yesterday, 04:54 PM

A few miles from Ald Raathim, the lithe figure of a young elf was running along the countryside, looking around, taking it all in...she didn't know where she was going, but she knew her final destination: discovery, and home.

Spotting a low-hanging sturdy branch, she leapt up to it and did a few pullups, then dropped down and kept running again. She allowed herself to open up, to feel the joy and motion of the wind, the life of the dirt beneath her bare feet, and even to smell the rotting agony of a dying cliff racer in its last throes - for death, too, was part of life.

She was going to see the world.

At the Drunken Guar, the barkeep had been given instructions (and gold) to alert a certain blue-eyed Dunmer woman a succinct message scrawled on a scrap of paper.

I'm leaving. Someday I'll be back. I don't know when.

There was no signature, nothing distinctive in the handwriting, but Telera would know.

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 06:31 PM

The Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Oct 13 2005, 07:23 AM)

He and Allie went back to Ald Raathim together. If Goranthir had been worried that the two of them were at odds, seeing them walking to the tavern would set his mind at rest. Allerleirauh's arm was around Tris's waist, and he was leaning his head on her shoulder. She twisted her fingers in his dark gold hair.

"Your hair's too long again," she said.

"I know," Tris said. "I lost another shirt today. I should just hire a full-time tailor to make shirts, and be done with it."

"Like Reichi and his armor."

"Yeah," Tris said.

"Tris? What were you waiting for?"

"I've been thinking about that. I wonder if it has anything to do with my father. You know, it's impossible to make him love me, and I've been trying all my life. So I'm drawn to anyone incapable of love. With Dom, it was the ultimate feeling of satisfaction, making the cold-hearted murderer adore me. But then he did adore me, so I had to move on to a harder challenge. I think I might be a little crazy."

"Oh," Allie said, teasing. "Is that all."

In the realm of coincidences, it wasn't a great one, but while Tris was soaking at Solunastra, Goranthir was swimming in the bay by the castle in Ald Raathim. It was hard, dusty work constructing fortifications on the castle, and after he had cleaned himself up with the swim, he walked back through town, stopping at his tailor's to order some new clothes (most of his wardrobe being aboard the Akarvina, which was still a few days away from making it to port), and then into the Guar for lunch.

It was funny, when he was with Tris, he wanted Tris. When he was with Allerleirauh, he wanted Allerleirauh. When he was with neither, and he saw them both together -- well ... his thoughts became a little more greedy.

He squeezed in between them at the bar, and ordered his drink.

"I'm sorry, am I crowding you?" he smiled at them, putting his arms around both of them.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 06:45 PM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Oct 13 2005, 11:31 AM)

The Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim
In the realm of coincidences, it wasn't a great one, but while Tris was soaking at Solunastra, Goranthir was swimming in the bay by the castle in Ald Raathim. It was hard, dusty work constructing fortifications on the castle, and after he had cleaned himself up with the swim, he walked back through town, stopping at his tailor's to order some new clothes (most of his wardrobe being aboard the Akarvina, which was still a few days away from making it to port), and then into the Guar for lunch.

It was funny, when he was with Tris, he wanted Tris. When he was with Allerleirauh, he wanted Allerleirauh. When he was with neither, and he saw them both together -- well ... his thoughts became a little more greedy.

He squeezed in between them at the bar, and ordered his drink.

"I'm sorry, am I crowding you?" he smiled at them, putting his arms around both of them.

Tris transferred his head to Goranthir's shoulder, nuzzling his neck, kissing the spot at the base of his throat, which was one of his favorite spots. All of Goranthir was pretty, but there, where you could see a pulse beating, where the black skin was so glossy and smooth... that was Tris's idea of perfection.

"Tris Gaerington, you behave worse in public than anyone I know," Allerleirauh said.

"But I wanted to be in the middle," Tris said. "Don't I deserve to be in the middle?"

"Goranthir, smack him, I can't reach," Allerleirauh said. But she didn't move away, and her voice was warm as spiced mead.

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 07:55 PM

The Drunken Guar

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Oct 13 2005, 12:45 PM)

In response to the nuzzle, Goranthir gave a deep, low, growly purr, which he did whenever Tris nuzzled his throat. He knew it made that base vibrate and Tris said gave him shivers. It was Senche Tiger, and though Goranthir had never translated it for him (like most things said in foreign languages, the translation -- which was "This carcass is so delicious, I doubt the scavengers will have anything" -- was less romantic than the original), still its meaning was easily understood. Plus, it was low enough that it didn't attract the sort of attention in a crowded bar that a full-throated roar would have.

"My nurse always said we never get what we deserve," Goranthir said. "And we should thank the Gods for that."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 08:10 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 13 2005, 12:55 PM)

The Drunken Guar
In response to the nuzzle, Goranthir gave a deep, low, growly purr, which he did whenever Tris nuzzled his throat. He knew it made that base vibrate and Tris said gave him shivers. It was Senche Tiger, and though Goranthir had never translated it for him (like most things said in foreign languages, the translation -- which was "This carcass is so delicious, I doubt the scavengers will have anything" -- was less romantic than the original), still its meaning was easily understood. Plus, it was low enough that it didn't attract the sort of attention in a crowded bar that a full-throated roar would have.

"My nurse always said we never get what we deserve," Goranthir said. "And we should thank the Gods for that."

"Amen," Tris said, shivering a little, both with pleasure and with the thought of what he really deserved, if you took a proper tally.

He whispered an urgent suggestion in Goranthir's ear.

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 08:18 PM

The Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Oct 13 2005, 02:10 PM)

"Amen," Tris said, shivering a little, both with pleasure and with the thought of what he really deserved, if you took a proper tally.

He whispered an urgent suggestion in Goranthir's ear.

"Really?" Goranthir almost dropped his glass, and then laughed. "No, what Allie said was I should smack you."

Then he turned to Allerleirauh, and barely believing he was doing it, whispered the suggestion to her.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 08:35 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 13 2005, 01:18 PM)

The Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim
"Really?" Goranthir almost dropped his glass, and then laughed. "No, what Allie said was I should smack you."

Then he turned to Allerleirauh, and barely believing he was doing it, whispered the suggestion to her.

Allerleirauh gave Tris a sidelong look.

She could almost hear Arynel, if he were here, telling them to get a room.

Actually, she believed Goranthir already had a room. But they probably shouldn't use it. She wasn't about to go up the stairs with these two in full view of the tavern.

"Come on then," she said, standing up. "But I'm taking my drink."

She knew a place. It wasn't too cold out. And both the boys had cloaks.

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 08:39 PM

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Oct 12 2005, 10:51 PM)

Kethiah was in the back, getting started on her garden. Most people would consider the soil along the shoreline to be bad for growing anything, but it was better than what she worked with at Vas. And she took a particularly delight in growing plants where no one else would.

"I don't know what number constitutes 'many,'" Kethiah said, looking at Isidor. With the hood over her eyes, it was difficult to tell her expression, but her voice sounded conversational. "I'll give you an exact number and you can tell me, but you have to tell me why it matters."

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 08:44 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 13 2005, 02:39 PM)

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah was in the back, getting started on her garden. Most people would consider the soil along the shoreline to be bad for growing anything, but it was better than what she worked with at Vas. And she took a particularly delight in growing plants where no one else would.

"I don't know what number constitutes 'many,'" Kethiah said, looking at Isidor. With the hood over her eyes, it was difficult to tell her expression, but her voice sounded conversational. "I'll give you an exact number and you can tell me, but you have to tell me why it matters."

"Well," Isidor said, "it doesn't really matter. I guess I was just ... curious. Interested in your past." He said with a smile.

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 08:47 PM

Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Oct 13 2005, 02:35 PM)

Despite the cloak and the clement weather, Goranthir felt a shiver.

And his smile was so wide it almost hurt as he followed Allerleirauh to the place she knew.

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 08:50 PM

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Oct 13 2005, 02:44 PM)

"Well," Isidor said, "it doesn't really matter. I guess I was just ... curious. Interested in your past." He said with a smile.

"Hmm," Kethiah said, and Isidor could see the smile even if he couldn't see the eyes. "I think my love life is the least interesting thing in my past. I've had 17 men before you. You're the 18th, and I'm not planning a 19th. Not exactly pure, but not too much of harlot, I hope ... On the other hand, I don't know the number of men I've killed."

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 09:02 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 13 2005, 02:50 PM)

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"Hmm," Kethiah said, and Isidor could see the smile even if he couldn't see the eyes. "I think my love life is the least interesting thing in my past. I've had 17 men before you. You're the 18th, and I'm not planning a 19th. Not exactly pure, but not too much of harlot, I hope ... On the other hand, I don't know the number of men I've killed."

"I hope," Isidor said with a laugh "that you don't kill the men you love."

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 09:05 PM

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Oct 13 2005, 03:02 PM)

"I hope," Isidor said with a laugh "that you don't kill the men you love."

Kethiah laughed back. "No, only the ones who ask me silly questions. Now, do you want to brag about how many hearts you've broken?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 09:06 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 13 2005, 01:47 PM)

Ald Raathim
Despite the cloak and the clement weather, Goranthir felt a shiver.

And his smile was so wide it almost hurt as he followed Allerleirauh to the place she knew.

"You have to climb a little," Allerleirauh said, tucking her skirts around her legs and starting up the smooth-skinned tree. Here, fifteen feet above the ground, the massive trunk splayed to form a sort of nest. In fact, it looked a great deal like a nest; it was filled with what looked like silk floss, and torn bark.

"What is this?" Tris asked.

"Old chrysalis, wild cousin of the parrapton," Allerleirauh said. "I took the useable silk from it earlier. They don't come back to the sites."

It smelled like silk, too, and something more exotic, something Tris recognized as an essense he had smelled at the incense shops in Narsis.

It was very comfortable, and warm, and surprisingly delightful to be invisible to anyone who might pass below them. Allerleirauh shrugged free of her dress, folded it, and put her arms around both their necks, pulling them down with her.

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 09:12 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Oct 13 2005, 03:06 PM)

It was very comfortable, and warm, and surprisingly delightful to be invisible to anyone who might pass below them. Allerleirauh shrugged free of her dress, folded it, and put her arms around both their necks, pulling them down with her.

In the vast nest of silk under the open sky, Goranthir melted into his lovers' arms.

Fade Out.

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 09:17 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 13 2005, 03:05 PM)

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah laughed back. "No, only the ones who ask me silly questions. Now, do you want to brag about how many hearts you've broken?"

Isidor frowned and said, "There was only woman before you, and that was the twins' mother. And that," he said with a smile "didn't turn out very well. It was my fault, mostly, though."

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 09:23 PM

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Oct 13 2005, 03:17 PM)

Isidor frowned and said, "There was only woman before you, and that was the twins' mother. And that," he said with a smile "didn't turn out very well. It was my fault, mostly, though."

"Really?" Kethiah thought about that. "I wouldn't have guessed. I thought you Nords had partners galore, if only to keep warm."

She stood up, and touched his face with a muddy hand. "You're the best I've ever had, with no close seconds."

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 09:27 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 13 2005, 03:23 PM)

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"Really?" Kethiah thought about that. "I wouldn't have guessed. I thought you Nords had partners galore, if only to keep warm."

She stood up, and touched his face with a muddy hand. "You're the best I've ever had, with no close seconds."

"Well, my exile sort of got in the way of my social life." Isidor said, with a smile. He put his hand on Kethiah's and said "You're not bad, yourself." He winked.

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 09:57 PM

The Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim
The woman that entered the tavern could be called one of two things, and she had been called both, during her life.

One, was beautiful. She had long, dark hair, that trailed down her back, and dark, almond shaped eyes. Her figure was attractive, and her face bore a smile.

Two, was dangerous. Next to her mane of long dark hair, was a silver claymore, strapped to her back. She wore a simple red, robe, with a gold design, on the front.

Her name was Sosile, and she wanted a drink.

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 10:01 PM

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Oct 13 2005, 03:27 PM)

"Well, my exile sort of got in the way of my social life." Isidor said, with a smile. He put his hand on Kethiah's and said "You're not bad, yourself." He winked.

"That would depend on your definition of 'bad,'" Kethiah grinned, painting a moustache on him in mud.

As she moved in for a kiss, there was a knock on the front door. Tilitalia answered it, and called back that it was the man with all the food and liquor.

"They're early," Kethiah sighed.

Posted by: Tri Yesterday, 10:01 PM

Marein walked over to the bar, hoping there was someone to talk to. There was, once again, a twinkle in his eye; it was just a little bit smaller.

The woman in the red robe looked like a warrior, an independent spirit; she was also breathtaking.

Walking up next to her, he said, "You know, that sword on your back is really intimidating."

Posted by: Nirreln Yesterday, 10:02 PM

QUOTE(Nirreln @ Oct 13 2005, 12:28 AM)

Na'grok approched the door and knocked. Hopefully the owner was in and let him use the forge.

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 10:04 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 13 2005, 04:01 PM)

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"That would depend on your definition of 'bad,'" Kethiah grinned, painting a moustache on him in mud.

As she moved in for a kiss, there was a knock on the front door. Tilitalia answered it, and called back that it was the man with all the food and liquor.

"They're early," Kethiah sighed.

Isidor was closing his eyes to kiss her, when the man knocked. "Damn, I guess they are early ..." He walked over to the door, and then said back to Kethiah "Um, where should we put it? Behind the bar?"

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 10:06 PM

QUOTE(Tri @ Oct 13 2005, 04:01 PM)

Solise looked up at the bosmer and said "Well, maybe that's what it's there for."

Posted by: Tri Yesterday, 10:07 PM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Oct 13 2005, 12:06 PM)

Solise looked up at the bosmer and said "Well, maybe that's what it's there for."

"Maybe it is, maybe it's not," he replied, smiling roguishly. "After all, you could just have it there to impale mudcrabs."

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 10:08 PM

QUOTE(Tri @ Oct 13 2005, 04:07 PM)

"Maybe it is, maybe it's not," he replied, smiling roguishly. "After all, you could just have it there to impale mudcrabs."

Solise laughed, a pleasant laugh, and said. "Mudcrabs aren't what I'm impailing."

Posted by: Tri Yesterday, 10:10 PM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Oct 13 2005, 12:08 PM)

Solise laughed, a pleasant laugh, and said. "Mudcrabs aren't what I'm impailing."

Marein put his hands up and backed away, mock fear and wariness etched comically across his face. "I see," he replied sarcastically, "so you are in fact a scrib hunter. You know that they only attack you if you attack them?

"My name's Marein, by the way..."

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 10:11 PM

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Oct 13 2005, 04:04 PM)

"We'll inventory it in the cellar," said Kethiah, pointing the man towards downstairs, while he and his fellow workers brought in crate after crate of mazte, flin, sujamma, brandy, mead, wine, and other staples. The food made Kethiah frown a little. "We need to hire some cooks ... Unless you can cook, 'cause I can't."

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 10:13 PM

QUOTE(Tri @ Oct 13 2005, 04:10 PM)

Solise laughed again and said "Scribs can be dangerous, what with that paralysis spell ..." She extended a hand to the man and said "Nice to meet you, my name's Solise.

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 10:14 PM

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim.

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 13 2005, 04:11 PM)

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"We'll inventory it in the cellar," said Kethiah, pointing the man towards downstairs, while he and his fellow workers brought in crate after crate of mazte, flin, sujamma, brandy, mead, wine, and other staples. The food made Kethiah frown a little. "We need to hire some cooks ... Unless you can cook, 'cause I can't."

"Ok. As for cooking ... well, I cooked for myself for ten years. I'm not saying it was good cooking, though."

Posted by: Tri Yesterday, 10:16 PM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Oct 13 2005, 12:13 PM)

Solise laughed again and said "Scribs can be dangerous, what with that paralysis spell ..." She extended a hand to the man and said "Nice to meet you, my name's Solise.

He shook her hand firmly, looked her in the eye, and sat down. "So, what brings you out here, anyway? I've not seen you around this town before."

As he spoke, the old twinkle restored itself, just a bit.

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 10:17 PM

QUOTE(Tri @ Oct 13 2005, 04:16 PM)

"I'm just passing through, I'm afraid. I'm on my way to Tear, on business."

Posted by: Tri Yesterday, 10:20 PM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Oct 13 2005, 12:17 PM)

"I'm just passing through, I'm afraid. I'm on my way to Tear, on business."

He nodded, a bit disappointed. "Business? What, are they overrun by scribs? Off to slay a few and save the day?"

His meaning was clear: What is your business? Are you closer to the Morag Tong or Fighter's Guild? Who are you going to kill, and to what ends?

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 10:21 PM

QUOTE(Tri @ Oct 13 2005, 04:20 PM)

"My business is ... not a pleasant one. Something I'd rather not discuss. And no," She added with a smille "it does not involve scribs."

Posted by: Tri Yesterday, 10:22 PM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Oct 13 2005, 12:21 PM)

"My business is ... not a pleasant one. Something I'd rather not discuss. And no," She added with a smille "it does not involve scribs."

"I know your type," he said wryly. "What, do you work alone?

"If it's such unpleasant work, why do you do it?"

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 10:24 PM

QUOTE(Tri @ Oct 13 2005, 04:22 PM)

"I know your type," he said wryly. "What, do you work alone?

"If it's such unpleasant work, why do you do it?"

"If I worked with someone else, it'd wouldn't work well. As for why I do it," she said, with a frown "I suppose, because I'm trying to help."

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 10:30 PM

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Oct 13 2005, 04:14 PM)

"Ok. As for cooking ... well, I cooked for myself for ten years. I'm not saying it was good cooking, though."

"I should have thought about this," Kethiah frowned. "The food at the Drunken Guar is good, and so is the food at the castle ... We can't settle for good enough ..."

She grabbed a large wooden board, and painted the word NOTICE on it. And she wrote under that: "Wanted -- Excellent Cook, Stewards, Barmaids, and Chamber Maids. Inquire Within The Nymph & Noggin."

As she was putting it up, Kallen, Loranna's castellian was passing by, watching the dredging of the harbor.

"Would you mind if I borrowed your board?" he asked.

Kallen added a map to it, showing new visitors to Ald Raathim where they were, and how to get where they are going. He added notes for workers (the literate ones) saying what needed doing in the construction efforts.

By the end of the day, people knew to check with the Notice board at the Nymph and Noggin for news.

Posted by: Tri Yesterday, 10:31 PM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Oct 13 2005, 12:24 PM)

"If I worked with someone else, it'd wouldn't work well. As for why I do it," she said, with a frown "I suppose, because I'm trying to help."

"Well, help what? Help whom? Come on, you can't be so cryptic and expect to hold a conversation. Or would you rather we talked about something else? Some weather, hmm?"

The tavern, Marein couldn't help but notice, was awfully empty.

Where was everyone?

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 10:35 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 13 2005, 04:30 PM)

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"I should have thought about this," Kethiah frowned. "The food at the Drunken Guar is good, and so is the food at the castle ... We can't settle for good enough ..."

She grabbed a large wooden board, and painted the word NOTICE on it. And she wrote under that: "Wanted -- Excellent Cook, Stewards, Barmaids, and Chamber Maids. Inquire Within The Nymph & Noggin."

As she was putting it up, Kallen, Loranna's castellian was passing by, watching the dredging of the harbor.

"Would you mind if I borrowed your board?" he asked.

Kallen added a map to it, showing new visitors to Ald Raathim where they were, and how to get where they are going. He added notes for workers (the literate ones) saying what needed doing in the construction efforts.

By the end of the day, people knew to check with the Notice board at the Nymph and Noggin for news.

"That was a good idea," Isidor said, sitting on a chair near the bar, "it'll attract people, and give them some information." He smiled at Kethiah and said "I'm looking foward to our grand opening. I haven't see everyone since the wedding, and it'll be a nice get together."

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 10:36 PM

The Drunken Guar, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Tri @ Oct 13 2005, 04:31 PM)

"Well, let's just say, I work for powerful people. Very powerful people."

Posted by: Dinylos Yesterday, 10:42 PM

QUOTE(Tri @ Oct 13 2005, 03:31 PM)

The tavern, Marein couldn't help but notice, was awfully empty.

Where was everyone?

Gidar Neras, one of the few other patrons, sat back in his chair enjoying a brandy in the relatively quiet tavern. He sipped idly on his glass trying but failing to ignore the foreigner’s conversation. Ald Raathim was a growing town, no, city. What with the fortifications under construction and all. The dunmer sighed. More and more strangers like this new woman, good for his business but troublesome all the same.

“Fetcher,” he cursed under his breath.

Another new face entered the Drunken Guar. It was a man, a young man. Gidar couldn’t determine from where at a glance, perhaps a mixed breed from in the northern crossroads of Tamriel. He watched as the newcomer slipped by the other patrons of the tavern and made his way to a barkeep. The lad passed a note and a sack to barkeep, who read it, scratched his head, and asked an inaudible question to which the young man’s only response was to shake his head and gesture furiously at the tavern’s well used door. The proprietor nodded his head and stepped into his back room stores to fetch something leaving the lad to wait.

Gidar merely “Pfft!” finished his brandy and left the Guar in a bad temper.

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 10:49 PM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Oct 13 2005, 04:35 PM)

"Simple solution with good benefits," Kethiah grinned. "Now even people who live in town have a good reason to come down to the docks, to read the latest news. Loranna can use it to issue proclamations, quell rumors, anything she needs to convey. And ..."

"And" was the knock at the door for the people coming to interview for positions at the Nymph and Noggin Tavern. It took them the better part of the rest of the day to get through them all.

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 10:51 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 13 2005, 04:49 PM)

When the interviews were over, Isidor let out a sigh and said "So, who'd you like? The first dunmer man seemed like he knew what he was doing ..."

Posted by: Aki Yesterday, 10:52 PM

Reichi walked in after a man who looked to be a in particularly foul mood left. His ashen skin glistened with sweat, and his normally disheveled hair was, somewhat more dishelved. He noticed Marien, and a beautiful woman talking, and beautiful woman with a large silver claymore. Yet, she wore a robe, instead of armor. Maybe there was a suit hidden beneath, perhaps light armor. Something close to the skin, sort of like Dark Brotherhood's armor.

"Hiyas Marein, who's your friend?"

Posted by: Tri Yesterday, 10:53 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 13 2005, 12:49 PM)

Diamond went down to the tavern to study the notice board. She was taking a break from the carving, and her her financial situation was really getting on her nerves.

So, the Nymph and the Noggin had job openings? Couldn't hurt...

She interviewed with Kethiah and Isidor.

***

In the Guar, Marein turned to Reichi and said "This is Solise. She's on her way to do some top-secret business in Tear."

Posted by: vaanic~one Yesterday, 10:56 PM

Vaan limped into the Drunken guar, one hand softly grasping chest, the other firmly planted on his walking stick.

He always liked to make dramatic entrances in the past, but his current physical condition, and his recent epiphany, prevented such behaviour this time around.

And thus, our dear Chaos Sorceror quietly limped over to the bar.

"Ehm, Barkeep?" he rasped.

"what is it? Com....comb...comberry!"

"Some Comberry Brandy please?"

Vaan had a confused look on his face, he wasn't much of a drinker, and thus, was not familiar with certain drinks.

As soon as he got this drink, he turned to a pouch that he was holding, emptying the contents into his palm. Out fell three glowing stones, and a puerile smile came onto Vaan's lips.

Only, he didn't really know how to use their magick yet, those mages were clever.

And thus he sat in the Drunken Guar, thinking how to unleash the magick of these stones. Wincing and sipping Comberry Brandy occasionally.

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 10:59 PM

QUOTE(Aki @ Oct 13 2005, 04:52 PM)

Solise looked back at the dunmer who entered, but said nothing.

QUOTE(Tri @ Oct 13 2005, 04:53 PM)

***

In the Guar, Marein turned to Reichi and said "This is Solise. She's on her way to do some top-secret business in Tear."

"Yes. Top secret scrib business." Solise smiled.

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 11:02 PM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Oct 13 2005, 04:51 PM)

When the interviews were over, Isidor let out a sigh and said "So, who'd you like? The first dunmer man seemed like he knew what he was doing ..."

"I know, but he didn't seem comfortable with the idea of doing more exotic varieties, which I think we want," Kethiah frowned.

QUOTE(Tri @ Oct 13 2005, 04:53 PM)

When Diamond came in, she smiled. "What kind of work are you looking for?"

Posted by: Dinylos Yesterday, 11:04 PM

QUOTE(vaanic~one @ Oct 13 2005, 03:56 PM)

As soon as he got this drink, he turned to a pouch that he was holding, emptying the contents into his palm. Out fell three glowing stones, and a puerile smile came onto Vaan's lips.

The young man, who had been listening to the trio who seemed to be only folks conversing in the tavern while he waited for the other barkeep to return with his things, widened his eyes as he say the glowing stones in the strangers hands but remained quiet.

Posted by: Aki Yesterday, 11:06 PM

"Top secret scrib buisness?" Reichi asked, his eyebrows raising. "But, scribs aren't hostile, nor very dangerous..." something told him scribs weren't really the buisness, and not just his suspiciousness of anyone who would while a silver blade when there were other blades far stronger for use on normal creatures, on men and mer, and still were capable of damaging spirits and Daedra without being enchanted. There was little, save Daedric that could parrel one of the skaal's silver blade for anti-werewolf use. Reichi knew first hand, he still had the scar. "In, Tear..."

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 11:07 PM

QUOTE(Tri @ Oct 13 2005, 04:53 PM)

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 13 2005, 05:02 PM)

"I know, but he didn't seem comfortable with the idea of doing more exotic varieties, which I think we want," Kethiah frowned.
When Diamond came in, she smiled. "What kind of work are you looking for?"

When Diamond came in, Isidor looked up and smiled. "Where did you dissapear off to?"

Posted by: Tri Yesterday, 11:10 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 13 2005, 01:02 PM)

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Oct 13 2005, 01:07 PM)

When Diamond came in, Isidor looked up and smiled. "Where did you dissapear off to?"

"I've been working on my art, and my leg," said Diamond. "But between you and me, this whole art thing is actually getting a bit expensive. So when I heard there would be barmaid positions available here, I thought it would be perfect: I can keep on top of the news, mix with the people, make a bit of money and even get some art in at a slow hour."

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 11:21 PM

QUOTE(Tri @ Oct 13 2005, 05:10 PM)

"Ah. Is your leg better? As for the job, sounds good to me." Isidor looked at Kethiah.

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 13 2005, 05:22 PM)

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah smiled. "Of course we'll hire you on. But we were actually just talking about the need for some artwork for the place. We were thinking it'd be a nice tradition to have portraits of the heroes of Ald Raathim lining the walls ... But a barmaid is what we need too ..."

"Yep, what she said." Isidor said, with a grin.

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 11:22 PM

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Tri @ Oct 13 2005, 05:10 PM)

Kethiah smiled. "Of course we'll hire you on. But we were actually just talking about the need for some artwork for the place. We were thinking it'd be a nice tradition to have portraits of the heroes of Ald Raathim lining the walls ... But a barmaid is what we need too ..."

Posted by: Tri Yesterday, 11:29 PM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Oct 13 2005, 01:21 PM)

"Ah. Is your leg better? As for the job, sounds good to me." Isidor looked at Kethiah.

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 13 2005, 01:22 PM)

Diamond smiled, thinking of Shaka. "Well, that's an interesting idea," she said carefully. "I think that I can work flexibly. Still, if you're not overflowing with applicants for this particular position, I might like to get down and do something a bit more...gritty. You can get back to me.

"As far as my leg, it will never be quite right, I'm afraid, but it has improved since I started walking again."

Posted by: stratigo Yesterday, 11:31 PM

QUOTE(Slashes-With-Claws @ Oct 12 2005, 05:26 PM)

"Good thinking."

Slashes quietly proceeds through the caves.

"Stop. Do you hear that?" He wispers.

The sounds of people talking can be heard nearby.

Alexi listened closely, "Hmmmm, yes I do. Maybe you should use one of thos fire arrows of yours." Alexi whispered.

Posted by: Arynel Yesterday, 11:34 PM

Arynel had not been in Ald Raathim since Barenziah was last entertained, indeed, the Breton had gone off on his way to where those familiar shores gave way to foreign waters, and beyond to where the sequins of the sky became the threads to sew history, moving out beyond the needle point that pierced the chaos of reality and forged it into something tangible, where mortals would not perish too soon.

Could here he find a golden loom?

It could only make a bitter tune.

He left that place, then, and returned to the waiting world, to Ald Raathim. He headed first to the Drunken Guar, but seeing another tavern was being built, the Nymph and Noggin, he went in that direction.

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 11:34 PM

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Tri @ Oct 13 2005, 05:29 PM)

"Obviously we would pay you as both a barmaid and an artist," Kethiah said. "I just thought you might like to use the tavern as your gallery ... And we would make it a great honor to be immortalized by you on these walls."

"But if you want gritty, look around," Kethiah laughed, pointing to the unfinished walls. "We have a lot to do, but hopefully we should have our Grand Opening in the next day or two."

Posted by: Tri Yesterday, 11:36 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 13 2005, 01:34 PM)

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"Obviously we would pay you as both a barmaid and an artist," Kethiah said. "I just thought you might like to use the tavern as your gallery ... And we would make it a great honor to be immortalized by you on these walls."

"But if you want gritty, look around," Kethiah laughed, pointing to the unfinished walls. "We have a lot to do, but hopefully we should have our Grand Opening in the next day or two."

Diamond smiled. "I'm honored, I assure you. Where do I begin?"

Posted by: Teleran Yesterday, 11:38 PM

Telera found her way through the construction to where Anya was working. “Heya Anya,” She called from slightly above Anya, suspending herself in the air through levitation, “I was wondering, if you wouldn’t mind, If we could have a spar and a drink, I think I’ll give you a better fight this time.”

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 11:44 PM

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Tri @ Oct 13 2005, 05:36 PM)

Diamond smiled. "I'm honored, I assure you. Where do I begin?"

"We just got all our liquor inventoried in the cellar," said Kethiah. "Let's try to keep it organized so we know in advance when we're running low, but if you'd take charge of stocking the bar and preparing the lists, that'd be a great start."

When Arynel entered, Kethiah, not recognizing the bard, said, "I'm afraid we're not open quite yet, sir, or have you come about work?"

Posted by: Draak Yesterday, 11:48 PM

Gnisis

The Council was ready to recieve the Indoril Emissary, everything had been properly prepared to make a solid impression. Drakar finaly had some spare time and had hoped to do some shopping in Blacklight, but as things go for him in the useual way something came up that required his attention.

Smugglers and Pirates were rare enough theese days. Most areas in the Redoran territory had been cleared out and they were no longer much of a ploblem. Squaters however were slowly starting to move in. Nord squaters and they seemed to be under the impression they could just settle wherever they pleased. There were few times that force was required to remove them, some had even made the required applications for a homestead and lived peacfully thereafter. There was now a situation that was proving to be difficult. Several Nords had established a small 'village' on the the ruins of an anciant Dunmer settlement near Yasammidan. The Nords were being very uncooperative and were holding up workers that were there to consruct a outpost and lookout tower there. The reasoning they had was that they were there first and they refused to leave the area. Guards had the place surrounded and it looked like there was going to be violence so Drakar was dispatched to make a last attemt at a peacful eviction.

When Drakar arrived he simply walked right into the middle of the hastily assembled fortifications, compleatly unarmed, much to the amazement of the Nords. He walked up to the strongest of the men, who appeared to be the Headman, and gave him a warm smile and a warm handshake. The stunned Nord barely returned the handshake. In his low and calm voice he informed the Headman that they were to remove themselves immediatly and return to Nord territory or force would be used against them. They would be allowed them to keep their possessions and weapons if they complied, if not everything would be confiscated and survivors would be sent to the nearest imperial prison. They had two hours to decide. As Drakar turned to walk away one of the men charged him and yelled "This IS Nord territory !"

Drakar had his own duality of sorts. He was a mer of peace and a diplomat, he would use words to avoid conflict and to settle differences. Violence was a last resort, but if it came to violence Drakar compleatly commited himself to it, he transfromed from a soft spoken diplomat to a thing of destruction. Drakar knew there were few words that would convince the Nords, they only respected strength. He knew some form of violence would be required to settle this, he only hoped that he could stop himself when his point had been made clear.

As the Nord man ran at him Drakar could clearly hear his boots stomp accross the ground, he knew exactly that some fool would take advantage of the opportunity that was presented. Drakar simply turned and stepped aside then grabbed the charging brute and sent him flying into a wooden barrier. The man stood up, shook off his surprise, raised his axe, and prepared to charge again. Drakar only lifted his hand towards the oncomeing man and sent him flying back into the barrier with a mightly crash. A red glow surrounded the man and all life drained from him. The rage was still etched on the man's face as he layed there with dull eyes staring up at a blue sky. Drakar turned to the others and said in his low calm voice "I would appreciate it if you would start preparing to leave."

Drakar returned to Gnisis to await the arrival of the Indoril Emissary. He did not bother to stick around to see if they would listen to sound reasoning, well as sound as Nord resoning goes. It was time to stop being nice. Being 'nice' was a weakness in the eyes of the Nords and they would act on it. Orders were given that in two hours if they were not leaving to arrest them and confiscate everything. Withing two hours the Nords were in their boats heading to Solstheim and Drakar was back with the council.

Posted by: Arynel Yesterday, 11:49 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 13 2005, 03:44 PM)

When Arynel entered, Kethiah, not recognizing the bard, said, "I'm afraid we're not open quite yet, sir, or have you come about work?"

Startled, Arynel looked towards Kethiah.

“No,” the Breton answered, “I have other ways of making due; I meant to observe the growth of the city. Perhaps, after the tavern is finished, I will come offer my services.”

Posted by: Tri Yesterday, 11:50 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 13 2005, 01:44 PM)

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
"We just got all our liquor inventoried in the cellar," said Kethiah. "Let's try to keep it organized so we know in advance when we're running low, but if you'd take charge of stocking the bar and preparing the lists, that'd be a great start."

When Arynel entered, Kethiah, not recognizing the bard, said, "I'm afraid we're not open quite yet, sir, or have you come about work?"

So, the Grand Opening was in just a few days. She would probably have to work nights on the carving, then, if she wanted to finish it by then. That was fine, though. She went to work on the bar-stocking.

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 11:50 PM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Oct 13 2005, 05:49 PM)

"Hello, Arynel!" Isidor said, rising from his chair, and extending his hand to the Breton. "How have you been, as of late?"

Posted by: Xyber02 Yesterday, 11:51 PM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Oct 13 2005, 03:38 PM)

Anya blew a strand of hair out of her eyes. She looked at Telera as she counted off the hours, and smiled as she was due for a lunch break. She wasn't getting paid for this either, so she was under no requirement to work a certian amount of hours either.

She had left most of her weapons and armor in her room, though she still had her daggers strapped around her belt.

Crouching, and with a smile of anticipation, she weaved a small jump spell, and launched at the floating figure.

Posted by: Arynel Yesterday, 11:53 PM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Oct 13 2005, 03:50 PM)

"Hello, Arynel!" Isidor said, rising from his chair, and extending his hand to the Breton. "How have you been, as of late?"

Arynel looked towards Isidor, and forced a smile.

“Wandering,” the Breton answered, “from here to there and farther still. I see this world still claims you, are the shackles good or ill?”

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 11:54 PM

Allerleirauh leaned on her hand, regarding the people passing at a distance. They weren't far into the woods, only a few dozen yards, but no one had even glanced in their direction. And no one ever thought to look up. Delicious, to be off the path.

"We should have picked a taller tree, you noisy boys," she said, mostly to Goranthir, who had his head in her lap. "It's lucky no one came this way."

"Pot, kettle, you know the rest," Tris said, looking at the two of them upside down, squinting against a single shaft of sunlight which filtered through the canopy of leaves to strike him right in the face. He had been napping, before the sun woke him.

Napping, and Laurent had been chasing him. But the nightmares fled as soon as he opened his eyes.

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 11:56 PM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Oct 13 2005, 05:53 PM)

Arynel looked towards Isidor, and forced a smile.

“Wandering,” the Breton answered, “from here to there and farther still. I see this world still claims you, are the shackles good or ill?”

"The shackles are as good as shackles can be. In fact," Isidor said, "they might not even be called shackles."

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 11:57 PM

The Nymph and Noggin Tavern, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Arynel @ Oct 13 2005, 05:53 PM)

Arynel looked towards Isidor, and forced a smile.

“Wandering,” the Breton answered, “from here to there and farther still. I see this world still claims you, are the shackles good or ill?”

Kethiah laughed, and narrowed her eyes at Isidor. "Careful with your response, killer."

Posted by: Arynel Yesterday, 11:59 PM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Oct 13 2005, 03:56 PM)

"The shackles are as good as shackles can be. In fact," Isidor said, "they might not even be called shackles."

Arynel nodded.

“You are truly blessed,” the Breton said, “may fortune yield wisdom, for one will outlast the other.”

Arynel bid his goodbye, and went to explore the rest of the growing city.

Posted by: Teleran Today, 12:04 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Oct 13 2005, 02:51 PM)

Bobbing slightly in surprise Telera caught Anya. They flew backwards a few meters before coming to a stop. Smiling Telera held onto Anya as she began to descend.

Attempting to hold back laughter she looked serious for a second, “If you don’t give me warning then I might not be able to catch you. You could have-” before breaking into laughter at the stunt and murmuring, “Don’t ever stop doing that.”

Telera didn't mention how nice it felt to be holding her, she didn't think Anya would appreciate it.

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 12:06 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Oct 13 2005, 05:54 PM)

Goranthir responded with a whistling mating call of a tropical gull. "Yes, lucky is right. This branch wouldn't hold many more if passers-by tried to join us."

He stretched out to take up as much room as possible in the silken nest, letting his hands explore his lovers' skin. He had noted the bitemark on Tris's shoulder before, and looked at it again, curiously, not sure whether he had done it or not ...

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 12:12 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 13 2005, 05:06 PM)

"Aha," Tris said. "I think it's that time."

"Tris," Allie said, "You don't have to do this naked."

"No, it's easier," Tris said. He took a deep breath. He didn't know what he would do if Goranthir told him he didn't want to hear it again. "Remember Laurent? The little Countess. I told you he drove her to kill herself. Well, her brother is a friend of Mirea's, and he went to Laurent's place. To kill him, we thought. So I wanted to distract him, and I didn't think Quill would assassinate Laurent with me there... and he, well, he bit me."

An abbreviated version, to be sure. Tris told the tale with his eyes closed, because that way he didn't have to watch Goranthir's face.

Posted by: Xyber02 Today, 12:12 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Oct 13 2005, 04:04 PM)

Anya laughed, "Landing would have been the easy part." Anya let go when Telera touched ground. "You're reflexes have certainly improved, from last time."

"So how's your training coming, with magic? Ready to use daggers again?"

Posted by: Teleran Today, 12:18 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Oct 13 2005, 03:12 PM)

“Mostly working on my Alteration spells recently,” Telera replied. “I’m almost as good with those as with mysticism now.”

Pausing a moment, Telera continued, “I’m only ready to use daggers if you’re ready to keep them from finding your flesh. My healing abilities aren’t quite up to the task if we manage to do anything too severe, but most cuts should be fine. Besides I found some very nice potions we can use if things get too rough.”

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 12:21 AM

(Daggerfall City:)
Herwyn Brand stood under the wide branches of a maple tree, somewhat sheltered from the cool drizzle that shrouded the park.

He heard the sharp rhythm of horse's hooves before the black carriage emerged from the fog.

As it neared where he stood, a young woman's voice called to the driver, and the carriage stopped under the tree.

Herwyn opened the door and smiled at the passenger; A shockingly beautiful young Breton woman, with strawberry hair and a face that would make angels feel guilty.

"So he's asked for you, then?" Herwyn said.

"Yes, M'lord," she replied, her voice sweeter than her face.

"Good. Remember, Edlyn, you'll be perfectly safe..."

The girl smirked.

"... and also, once your inside, there's no real reason to be at your most subtle. Try to give the servants something to remember later."

The young woman pouted exaggeratedly. "But I so want to do a good job."

Herwyn blushed slightly, despite being accustomed to the girl's manner. "In this instance, being a bit sloppy is doing a good job.

"Now, on your way, then."

The girl swooped and landed a red kiss on Herwyn's tight brow before closing the carriage door.

The Spymaster of Wayrest watched the carriage disappear into the mist before stepping toward a monument and disappearing, himself.

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 12:21 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Oct 13 2005, 06:12 PM)

Goranthir kissed him while his eyes were closed, and then tenderly kissed the bite marks.

"He chewed you, Tris," he whispered. "It looks like something a wild animal would have done. I wish I had been there."

Posted by: Xyber02 Today, 12:31 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Oct 13 2005, 04:18 PM)

"Alteration is excellent, in my humble opinion. I'm discovering the joys of sheilding spells."

Anya pulled out her Dagger of Judgment, "People tend to move faster when facing a sharp weapon, it'll help you learn to react even faster."

Anya felt the goosebumps on her skin, but brushed it aside not connecting two and two. She turned her body into a relaxed ready position, "Whenever you're ready, dear."

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 12:33 AM

Lyonswurst House, High Rock

Laurent Lyonswurst stepped out of his bath, and let his servants powder and dry him. His fat but muscular body required a lot of powder and a lot of toweling.

He wasn't smiling. He didn't know what happened with Tris Gaerington, but it hadn't been a dream. The blood he had wiped from his face, and the blood that the servants had mopped up in the library said that something happened.

But somehow a beast out of his nightmares had appeared, and Tris had vanished, and the creature had too. Was the beast something Tris had summoned? The pinch on his neck should have prevented that sort of spell ... it always had before ...

Most of all, Laurent was hungry. He had a bite, but wanted more.

The girl would have to be the meal he was denied. Then with his appetite sated, he could decide what to do about the pretty Breton boy who got away ...

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 12:35 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 13 2005, 05:21 PM)

"You didn't need to be there," Tris said, pulling Goranthir snugly against him.

"He's not a kind man," Allerleirauh said. "We're going to take him down."

"That's what I don't understand," Tris said. "You were there, you could have scattered his bones. Why let someone else do it? Is there... a whole Sanguine cult... or something?"

"Herwyn Brand wants him," Allerleirauh said. "For his own reasons. Mirea will be angry with me because I didn't help Quill. But Quill doesn't need any more blood on his hands."

"I feel bad for Quill," Tris said. "I almost told him last night that if that poor stupid girl had had a brother to turn to, she'd still be alive. But what good is that to say? It doesn't bring back the dead. It's just miserable, the whole situation."

Posted by: syronj Today, 12:36 AM

Shaka was raising funds to pay Diamond. He didn't want to use his savings yet, currently kept in Loranna's treasury.

The apprentice mage walked with him to one of the Mage Guild's summoning chambers. He thanked her and walked inside, pulling a scroll from his scrollcase.

"Katie, bar the door," he said.

The massive door closed behind Shaka, and the silence in the room was absolute. He unsheathed the Spear and steeled himself for a moment. Shaka leaned the Spear of Bitter Mercy against a lectern for a second, and broke the seal on the scroll, reading it aloud.

The lettering on the scroll faded away as the Golden Saint took form. As ever, Shaka had to tell himself: She's not human; when you kill her, she only returns to Oblivion. If she kills you, you're finished.

The Saint was to all appearances a voluptuous, golden-skinned woman in armor, wielding a Glass claymore. Shaka could kill her as soon as she coalesced, but it wasn't his way.

"Kill me," he ordered her, gripping the Spear.

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

Some while later, he finished the injured Saint with his Glass kukri. As ever, the Spear had pierced daedric armor as if it were steel, and pierced steel armor like netch leather. He trapped the Golden Saint's soul within a gem and rested for a moment, worn.

Posted by: Teleran Today, 12:39 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Oct 13 2005, 03:31 PM)

“Drink this potion first, it’s a regenerative effect so it’ll keep you alive if we do happen to mess things up,” Telera said, tossing a potion to Anya. She took out her stahlrim dagger and set herself to attack, waiting for Anya to drink the potion and ready herself again before sliding within range to take the first strike.

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 12:43 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Oct 13 2005, 06:35 PM)

"I'm sure that didn't need to be said, it had to be on his mind," Goranthir said quietly. "How could it not be? Feeling guilty about things we couldn't prevent -- that's the mortal condition."

Posted by: Xyber02 Today, 12:47 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Oct 13 2005, 04:39 PM)

Anya snatched the potion, then looked at Telera's clearly defined feminine features, "You sure this is the right one?" she teased. She quickly finished it off.

Anya slipped back into ready with practiced ease. She readied a second dagger in her left hand, one balanced for throwing.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 01:05 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 13 2005, 05:43 PM)

"I'm sure that didn't need to be said, it had to be on his mind," Goranthir said quietly. "How could it not be? Feeling guilty about things we couldn't prevent -- that's the mortal condition."

"Well, I was in a bastardly mood at the time," Tris said. "But not bastardly enough to say it out loud. Poor little girl. She thought she was a wolf, but she wasn't. Not half. Goran, I was alert, I was planning to walk out the moment I started to lose control of the situation. But I lost control of the situation instantly. Laurent's a professional. There's no counting how many times he's done this."

"Laurent, whatever he was once, is a demon now," Allerleirauh said. "There's an old fairy tale I could tell, about a girl who kept vigil in a temple for three days, while her father came every night to try to rape her, and at the end of the three days, the Daedra that was tormenting her father appeared and she put him on a chain. I have heard this story. But when I tried it myself, it didn't work."

"You don't know," Tris said. "Of course you don't. It's literally true, Allie. I saw something flicker in his eyes. There's someone in there, someone not him."

"Did you think I was joking?" Allerleirauh said. "Long ago Laurent surrendered his soul to Sanguine. Sanguine sent him a familiar spirit, to guide and protect him, closer than his soul. It's why he has such fortune with everything he touches."

She stroked Tris's thigh. "Be still now, enough. Let Herwyn Brand do his work. Even a devil's day does not last forever."

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 01:13 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 13 2005, 04:33 PM)

Edlyn pulled back the sheer curtain from the carriage window and scowled at the Lyonswurst manor's black and red marble facade. The place was distinctive, if far from tasteful.

Her scowl disappeared instantly as the carriage door was opened, and a Lyonswurst servant helped her down.

Remembering Herwyn's instructions, and squashing her professional instincts, she pulled out her best 'Northern Peasant' accent and said, "Than' ye... I mean, Thank you," she finished in a much more proper, but secretly just as artificial, accent.

Herwyn watched from the Void as she entered the house, then flitted to the back garden. Here, he watched carefully as a household guard, accompanied by a ferocious-looking hound, patrolled the grounds.

As he had often noticed recently, he barely had to watch to know where the guard would turn, where he would stop. It was as if most people in the world walked paths set in stone. Paths only he could see.

Travelling Outside the world, Herwyn could've easily avoided the patrol, but that wasn't the way the game was to be played today.

The guard caught a green flash out of the corner of his eye as his dog went stiff and silently fell over.

"Good afternoon," Herwyn said, before crushing the surprised man's throat.

He found a good hiding spot for the bodies amongst the chattering monkeys of Lyonwurst's atrium. Somewhere where it'd be found, but only in a day or so.

Stepping back into the Void, he entered the manor, looking for the room where he knew he'd find a ring.

Meanwhile in the entry hall, a young lady was bowing graciously before the Lord of the place, showing a glimpse of a young bosom with skin like satin.

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 01:16 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Oct 13 2005, 07:05 PM)

"He obviously was pretty far from normal when he first considered giving himself to Sanguine," Goranthir said. "Many of the Princes, well, I can see something positive in their sphere if I look hard enough. But a Prince dedicated to sex as humiliation, sex as torture ... I wonder if he began like you did, Tris ... Planning to get away, and then was instantly trapped ..."

"I remember him at the wedding though," Goranthir said, after a thought. "What a disguise he has."

Posted by: Teleran Today, 01:20 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Oct 13 2005, 03:47 PM)

Telera closed to engage Anya with a second dagger appearing in her hand also. She closed and engaged. Her first strikes were easily avoided by Anya and then they started back and forth, matching most of the feints and attacks with equally deft maneuvers of their own. Anya drew first blood with a light cut that managed to catch Telera’s arm, not too deep. Telera had soon returned the favor.

After fighting around each other for a fair time, Telera managed to catch both of Anya’s daggers and push them out wide. She dropped the daggers and tackled Anya to the ground casting an absorb fatigue spell on touch as she embraced Anya. Feeling giddy from the burst of recently acquired energy Telera swooped to kiss Anya.

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 01:24 AM

Lyonswurst House, High Rock

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Oct 13 2005, 07:13 PM)

Meanwhile in the entry hall, a young lady was bowing graciously before the Lord of the place, showing a glimpse of a young bosom with skin like satin.

"What a lovely sight," Laurent smiled charmingly, taking her in. He took a step closer and smelled. "When was the last time you had a bath, my dear?"

If the question was offensive, the eyes were still friendly.

Posted by: Xyber02 Today, 01:32 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Oct 13 2005, 05:20 PM)

Anya breathed heavily against the weight of Telera, arms spread eagle. Least of all, she wasn't expecting a kiss. Her eyes widened in suprise, and her hands curled into balled fists.

She was tensing her legs up, to push away, when she just closed her eyes and let the tension melt away. What is happening to me?

Anya pulled back, staring into Telera's oddly blue eyes, her breaths short and choppy. "Wha- What just happened?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 01:34 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 13 2005, 06:16 PM)

Allerleirauh chuckled, deep in her throat. "The disguise fell fast enough, when a Welwa jumped out of his bookcase."

"You're such a brute," Tris said, racing his fingers up her belly spider-fashion. She squealed, and there was a brief interlude during which nothing intelligible was said.

Tris yielded first, gasping for breath, waving his hands for mercy.

He knew he could explain to Goranthir. But perhaps it was better for Goranthir not to know some things.

"There's a lot of dark inside people," Tris said finally. "You mentioned certain animals. I guess the corruption runs close to the pleasure..."

"It's not a corruption," Allerleirauh interrupted. "Those two streams have run in the same bed since the very beginning. Anu and Padhome both had Nir; without either one, the world would not have been made. It's not a corruption, but the thing itself, trembling on the edge between darkness and light. If it is consumed in either one, it is equally an error."

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 01:36 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 13 2005, 05:24 PM)

Lyonswurst House, High Rock
"What a lovely sight," Laurent smiled charmingly, taking her in. He took a step closer and smelled. "When was the last time you had a bath, my dear?"

If the question was offensive, the eyes were still friendly.

The young girl blushed red as a beet, and looked at her toes.

"Does my perfume displease you, M'lord?" she said, very quietly.

Upstairs, Herwyn mouthed a quiet, sincere prayer to Stendarr, then drove the unsuspecting servant's forehead down onto the banister. There was a quiet crack, and she dropped her towels. Herwyn placed them, along with the servant, in the laundry chute, and stepped back into the Void in time to avoid the bored, liveried guard.

Herwyn surveyed the entirety of the manor from the Void, checking to see that Edlyn was still exchanging pleasantries, and looking for the room that held the ring. He noted that there were a couple of other rooms that he would have to insure were discovered, after Lord Lyonswurst was gone.

Posted by: Argonians rule Today, 01:38 AM

The Red Falcon, somewhere West of Sheogorad

Falco smiled as the Imperial ships followed him. All three were going as fst as the wind could carry them straight North. The argonian yelled out to his steersman the first step in his plan to rid the Falcon of such dogged pursuers, "Make a wide turn to the East. We'll lead'em to the Sheogorad region."

The Dunmeri sailor yelled back in surprise, "Are you mad!? Ships these large can't possibly navigate that region safely, especially at these speeds. Too many Islands and rocks. We'd be sunk fer sure!"

"No my good man. I have confidence we can navigate the region without too much difficulty. Besides they won't dare follow us in there, its not the imperial way to take risks. They'll back down and send for smaller ships. But by the time the smaller ones get there, a few days at best, we'll be gone for sure."

"Alright Cap'n, but don't say I didn't warn ye!"

"I have no intention to say that in the event we do fail this."

So the Red Falcon made a wide, sweeping arch Eastward, following a plan so risky many would consider it suicide.

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 01:41 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Oct 13 2005, 07:34 PM)

"It's not a corruption," Allerleirauh interrupted. "Those two streams have run in the same bed since the very beginning. Anu and Padhome both had Nir; without either one, the world would not have been made. It's not a corruption, but the thing itself, trembling on the edge between darkness and light. If it is consumed in either one, it is equally an error."

Goranthir lay across Tris's chest, and pulled Allerleirauh on top of them both. "I must be in error then, because I feel like I'm being consumed by light right now."

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 01:46 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Oct 13 2005, 07:36 PM)

The young girl blushed red as a beet, and looked at her toes.

"Does my perfume displease you, M'lord?" she said, very quietly.

"Tut tut, my dear," Laurent laughed warmly. "It is a perfectly fine perfume for a different lady. Perhaps we just need some fresh air ..."

He took her hand, and opened the front door.

Moonlight fell on the vast parkland surrounding Lyonswurst House. "Do you like to ride horses?" he asked.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 01:47 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 13 2005, 06:41 PM)

Goranthir lay across Tris's chest, and pulled Allerleirauh on top of them both. "I must be in error then, because I feel like I'm being consumed by light right now."

"Lucky you," Tris said, laughing. "I feel like I'm being squashed flat."

He did not, however, complain for long.

Posted by: Teleran Today, 01:52 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Oct 13 2005, 04:32 PM)

Telera was having her own problems breathing, “I-I don’t know. I just, I just-”

“I, I shouldn’t have, not my place, Shai, Shaka…” Telera stammered out.

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 01:58 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Oct 13 2005, 05:46 PM)

The young lady made sure to look like she was inadequately hiding disappointment, then said, "If that is your pleasure, M'lord."

Herwyn smiled as he opened the small box in Lyonswurst's study. There was the ring, as promised. Not much to look at, but as a mage, he could feel the power in his hand.

Regardless of its power, he was none too sure that the ring alone would be enough to convince his Queen of the man's guilt. Herwyn Brand was nothing if not thorough, and he wanted there to be no doubts in his Queen's mind.

Turning the ring over in his hand, a small smile played across his face. Why hadn't he thought of that before?

Smiling wider, Herwyn slid the ring over his left index finger and felt the power of the thing course through his body.

It was rather like being hit with a hammer.

Posted by: Xyber02 Today, 02:00 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Oct 13 2005, 05:52 PM)

Telera was having her own problems breathing, “I-I don’t know. I just, I just-”

“I, I shouldn’t have, not my place, Shai, Shaka…” Telera stammered out.

Anya stood up, brushing herself off. Her mind abuzz with emotions. She tried to change her train of thought, "You're, um, getting better. Much faster than last time. Yeah, much better."

"Um, how about that drink now?"

Posted by: Draak Today, 02:02 AM

QUOTE(Argonians rule @ Oct 13 2005, 06:38 PM)

The Red Falcon, somewhere West of Sheogorad

The ship that was going into a flanking position turned and angled up toward the Red Falcon. They were going to take advantage of a seemingly fatal mistake and were closing in rappidly. The other ship made a long arc to the east and continued the pursuit. Both ships were larger than the Red Flacon but they made masterfull use of wind and sail and were slowly catching up.

Instantly the commander knew they were being led straight toward the Sheogorad Isles. They knew that there was no way the Red Falcon could navigate through those waters, none of the ships were small enough to make it, definately not at theese speeds. They believed they had the pirate ship pinned and continued the chase. From the postions they now had if the Red Falcon made another turn in any direction they would have it.

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 02:04 AM

Lyonswurst House, High Rock

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Oct 13 2005, 07:58 PM)

The young lady made sure to look like she was inadequately hiding disappointment, then said, "If that is your pleasure, M'lord."

Laurent Lyonswurst escorted Erilyn across the lawn towards the stable. The hedges and bushes were formally laid out, perfectly trimmed, with not a dead spot or a stray leaf or twig. He picked her a red rose for her to carry as they walked.

"My private stables are right through the woods, past the well," Laurent was saying, smiling, and not dropping his expression, he punched her hard in the belly. "But you still stink."

He grabbed her by her hair to drag her towards the well.

Posted by: Archeopterix Today, 02:08 AM

Closie time!