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

Posted by: Loranna Jan 24 2006, 09:06 PM

Loranna's Notice: Yes, I know there are two sets of rules right now; we are currently revising the boilerplate intro section, and this is a work in progress.
RP Rules:

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:

Loranna's Roleplay, while an open roleplay where everyone is invited to join, is not a limitless or unregulated game. There are rules we have set ourselves that make roleplaying easier and more enjoyable for everyone of us. Please take the time and read the following guidelines carefully and, more importantly, act according to them.

1. Have fun!

2. Fun does not mean you can do whatever you want, though.

Let us please clarify some points. 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:

Affecting other characters:
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.

Major Events:
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.

For the purpose of coordinating this RP, backstage fun and discussing current and future events, we have established a chatroom on chatspike.net, chatroom #Loranna_RP. We strongly recommend that you have a glimpse in there, since it is the easiest and most convenient way to discuss characters and settings, explain rules, plan and give you the background information you need to play in this RP. You can find information on how to join the chatroom ((((//HERE\\)))).

Here are various other rules, tips and information you should take time to read before joining this RP:

1. Background History:

Loranna's RP has accumulated a rich background history. Of course, no-one can know all that has happened in this RP, but it is important that you have at least an idea about the major events that took place during the last one-and-a-half years. There are a few posts of Loranna that explain the history of the RP from her character's viewpoint and a summary of the events in the RP is in progress, you can find them ((((//HERE\\)))). Another summary is available as text file from Nalion, please ask via our chatspike channel or per PM to Nalion for the time being. We are working on a more permanent solution to provide this information.

The chatroom #Loranna_RP on chatspike is probably the best and fastest way to get yourself informed about the RP, just ask the moderators and long-time players there if you need any information. They will gladly help you. It is also very advisable to read up on the most recent posts and threads to become a grasp of what is happening right now in the RP. This will significantly help you in finding a way to join the action and will reduce the probabiliy of mistakes.

2. Reading and catching up on the RP:

We're a dedicated lot of players, and we love this RP. This means we put a lot of effort in our posts, do a lot of planning and discussing to create our plotlines. This requires time and dedication. And we require this of you as well. This means, take your time to read the posts of the other players and take the time to catch up on the plot if it progressed while you were away. This simplifies your rejoin into the action. It is also a sign of respect to the other players. If you don't have the time to read their posts, why should they bother with yours, then?

Again, please let me repeat this, for it is very important. If you are not able or willing to put time and at least reasonable effort in this RP, think again whether you want to join this RP or not.

3. Gathering information

Gather information about the RP, be it asking in chat, by reading older posts and getting up to date on the history or by asking via PM. No-one can know everything, sure, but everyone can ask about what happened. We're glad to assist! Again, this can not be done without some interest in the ongoings in the RP, effort and a good bit of dedication.

4. Roleplaying

Roleplaying doesn't just involve making your character say something (in-character chat). It also has a descriptive element. Motions and emotions of your character, worries, joys, mimics, movements... we want to see them! Describe how your character acts, this gives you a better grasp of your character and will help your fellow players build up a relationship to your character. It's not only action and big fights we have here in this RP, there is a major social aspect to it as well.

5. Posting

Try to take your time to post. Yes, we are aware that there are hectic scenes, like in big combats, where some things move faster, but is it in general a good idea to look over your post again to check it. Yes, we know it sounds stupid and obvious, but please care about spelling, punctuation and grammar. They are not just things you learned in school once to forget afterwards. We are no decryption experts. Those grammar rules have their meaning, and there are tools out there to help you(word spell checker for example). Again, the chat is a perfect way to ask for
time and coordinate with other players if you have problems.

6. Character control / multiple characters

Once more, about controlling characters that belong to other players: You cannot control a character that is not your own (with a few exceptions, like having talked to the player of the character beforehand). This means most of the time the following:

* In combat, you can only try to attack another character, but whether you hit him or how much damage is inflicted is up to the player of the character, and only him/her.

* This applies to healing or helping the character as well; feel free to try and offer help to a character, but let the other player describe the effects of the healing/helping.

* Especially in combat, you have to work closely with the other players, the chatroom is the best and easiest method to discuss these things.

Another thing related to this topic is referring or speaking to other characters whose players are not online. If possible, try to avoid involving characters when their player is not present. It ties down your character while waiting for the other player to come back, and you don't know whether the respective player has other plans when he is back.

Additionally, avoid generating scenes where you involve a character, affect him with an action and finish the action before the player can react (stealing, attacking, casting spells or similar actions). Example: No running up to someone, rob him and run away to safety all in one post. This is a no go.

Controlling multiple characters. We have no written limits on how many characters you may control; the limit is you. In general, it is very advisable that you stick to one character when you are new to RPing. When creating a character, it is VERY important that you consider your character carefully. Again, this has something to do with effort and dedication. It is generally a bad sign if you join up, post a couple of posts and then say you are bored with this character and make a new one. Other players might get annoyed greeting and introducing their characters to a new character when it is obvious that this character will not last long because the player gets bored with the new character. This RP is a social RP as well, and it is very difficult to socialize with a character that is badly played, where you can see by the style of writing that the player is already bored with the character and will throw him away at the next opportunity. RPing is all about characters and your character is your "representative" in this RP, your voice, your arm, your mind. Please take this into account when creating and playing your character.

As a general rule of thumb, use only one character until you feel comfortable with him, can control him, have fun with him and the character is established in the RP. The rest will run automatically after a while when you get more confident and experienced in RPing.

7. Secret plans

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. Examples: Your character suddenly remembers that he has a castles all over Tamriel and calls in troops to help. Or: Your character suddenly reveals he is a spy of the Emperor and knows everything.

8. Ingame consequences of character actions:

Morrowind the game was rather lenient when it came to direct consequences after a character's action. This is not the case in our RP. There are laws and local customs, and there are guards and other authorities that are there to enforce them. So, starting tavern brawls, stealing, murdering, open assault and all other related actions are very likely to be persecuted and punished (this can go up from your character ending up in jail, being banished or to be executed). This doesn't mean that there are no murders or thefts in the RP, but it does mean that if you do that, be aware of the consequences your character will have to deal with.

9. Additional helpful information:

Please make sure that you read the following posts of Allerleirauh ((((//link here\\)))), dealing with some of the above mentioned rules, as well as the hints on character generation done by Loranna ((((//link here\\)))). Please take the above mentioned rules and information into careful consideration, they will help you in joining this RP quickly and are useful to avoid problems. And more importantly: act according to them!

** Not following the above advice will only result in two things: your post is likely to be completely ignored by everyone else as if it did not happen and/or you are asked to leave the RP. This is obviously not good for anyone, so please, discuss major events before doing them and act according to the rules mentioned above. **
Thank you, and have fun!

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:

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE NEW!!!

===

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, 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.

To help you get up to speed, here is http://www.tc.umn.edu/~rhod0091/lrp/temp.html. This summary doesn't cover everything but it sums up some of the bigger events our campaign has covered. Note: She will probably update and edit this summary as time goes on.

===

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!

===

IMPORTANT: WE HAVE JUMPED SIX MONTHS INTO THE FUTURE; IT IS NOW SUN'S HEIGHT IN THE RP (i.e., July)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v622/Shardie/mapofmorrowind2.jpg is a map provided by Shardie showing the current division of territory between the forces loyal to the crown and the rebels in Morrowind, pre-attack on Ald Raathim.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v622/Shardie/MorrowindMap.jpg are the current borders, post-attack. Note; this map is a work-in-progress.
===

Summary for Loranna: Loranna is in Firsthold; the events of the previous night still fresh in her mind. Maranda dead, Goranthir in Mannimarco's grasp .... but Rinalla safe, at least, and Morgiah promising to do what needed to be done.

After an argument with her husband Slyvos over Loranna's tendencies to run into danger when people are threatened, Loranna and her companions met with the King to recieve his gratitude for their heroism, and his condolances for their loss. Despite some ... ill-advised words, the meeting went well, and now Loranna prepares to head home.

Posted by: Stargazey Jan 24 2006, 09:10 PM

ooc:

QUOTE

Isidor is back to work in the tavern, keeping in mind the brothers' request for any houses he knew of.

Ingmar, after some drinking, and lunch, has headed over to the House of Dibella to relax.

Tsei, on the other hand, is working her hardest to help the city of Ald Raathim rebuild.

Posted by: dentris Jan 24 2006, 09:14 PM

Summary for P'Rassha:

The huge 9 feet tall bipedal jaguar came to Firsthold with Lady Loranna, mainly to protect her from harm...Which was pretty useless considering her ability to save her own skin alone.

Even then, you never know when you need your local gargantuan feline storyteller...

Posted by: stargate525 Jan 24 2006, 09:15 PM

Summary for Reeds Saloat; Reeds is, after attending a royal metting where his presence was totally and completely unneeded, he is leaving instructions with the Innkeeper regarding Glacia, and considering staying one more day.

After finishing his discussion with the Innkeeper, which involved the transfer of a small sealed letter into the Altmer's care, he sits down at the bar, orders a drink, and strikes up a conversation with the nearest local.

***********
Summary for Valerius; He is, like the past few days, continueing to help where he can to rebuild the city.

Posted by: FireMaster Jan 24 2006, 09:19 PM

Summary for Erenius:

Always doubtful about the motives of others, Erenius spoke his mind before Reman and now regrets it. As of now unable to partake in more missions such as this trip to Firsthold, Erenius is in his room, thinking and packing his things, making ready to leave the city at the first possible moment for Ald Raathim.

Posted by: Shardie Jan 24 2006, 09:20 PM

Well well, lots of things happened whilst I was away! It was hard to find out what was fact and fiction, but I finally managed to piece together the truth. So Maranda was killed by the King of Worms... defending the princess of Firsthold... and Drevious suddenly appearing like that... anyway, I think thats that. I heard word from Llana, she's in Cyrodiil, her travel documents were found out to be forgeries, now she is being held by the Chancellor of Cheydinhal. silly girl, her work must be slipping

Faryon... I believe he is climbing a mountian today. You know, that big mountian that blocks Kragenmoors view of Red Mountian? I heard hes climbing that one. But I believe it will not be long before rumours of the events in Firsthold, most importantly the fact that the queen is sending a fleet of reinforcements gets to them.

Faryon, however, did seem delighted that Hesleth was sending troops to reinforce the Ald Raatham salient. He said somthing in his letter about sending troops away from the important parts of the kingdom. He also said that if he was in hesleths position, he would abandon Ald Raatham as undefendable.

Oh yeah, Landon visited Firsthold in a record visit... in and back to discuss funeral arrangements for poor Maranda. I think I might attend the funeral...

Posted by: syronj Jan 24 2006, 09:21 PM

Summary: Shaka, an Argonian battlemage, is preparing to return to Ald Raathim.

Shaka packed for the trip, but it didn't take long. Many of Loranna's delegation had travelled lightly for the cotillion and negotiations.

He was looking forward to the return. After a while, though, he paused during packing and thought about Morgiah and Reman's plight. The couple had had no choice, he reflected; maybe one of the first steps toward breaking the unholy pact with Mannimarco was to renounce Morgiah's spoils of the last twenty years.

But Shaka couldn't really understand it. Morgiah was no longer queen, and had returned with Barenziah to Mournhold. Living under her brother Helseth's roof, and with the mother that had probably always cast a long shadow over all her loved ones, whether Barenziah desired it or not.

Maybe this would be an opportunity for the two women to finally come to terms with each other as individuals, with mutual respect. And then, thought Shaka, there's always Dinara. Helseth's wife, a pure soul like Goranthir had been. Perhaps she would prove to be a younger sister for Morgiah. The prospect lifted Shaka's heart slightly.

Posted by: One87xe Jan 24 2006, 09:35 PM

*...Summary: Osa remains in Firsthold, now interviewing an Altmer with an apparent first-hand account of events that led up to the Ball being cancelled...the Altmer, still mystified by the events, clinches to a large jug of Shein...*

Posted by: Xyber02 Jan 24 2006, 09:40 PM

Summary: After a rousing night with Telera, Anya is doing thingies in town.

IC: Anya put on her bracers, and slipped on her blackened cloak. She paused for a moment, studying Telera's resting form. Anya didn't wish to disturb her, and she would know where to find her if Telera wished to. At any rate, she could always ask the argonians if she really needed anything.

Anya's mind drifted to the prospects of the brothers. She really wasn't sure what to do with them. So thoroughly chained were their minds, that long after many charm spells should have ended, they remained dull-eyed and loyal. Taking them into town wasn't an option, unless she wished to flaunt her posistion. Maybe she would talk to someone about them.

Anya paused at the door. Cracks of sunlight were showing through, and a bit of fear shown through her face. Despite her supernatural constitution, she was nearly weaker in the daylight than before Dayla had her way with her. Her concentration was short of null in the day, making it a chore of it's own to keep her facade up.

Her paused elicited a hiss from an argonian, and she just snarled back, brusquely pushing the door open. She quickly made her way to Ald Raathim.

Posted by: syronj Jan 24 2006, 09:53 PM

Shaka appeared on the Ald Raathim guild guide platform. Hoisting his gear bag over his shoulder, he stepped down and walked through the bustling guild. Wartime meant more work than ever for the mages.

Posted by: Shardie Jan 24 2006, 09:55 PM

'Your slipping in your work, Llana' the Judge smiled, 'But I guess now that your so well known for forgery, you will just be stopped wherever'
'Honestly, do you really think Im forging this? The paper is all wrong!'
'Ah, I know you...' but the Judge was intterupted,
'Sir, the Chancellor has ordered her immediate release!' the guard waved a letter in his hand which the judge painfully read.
'Very well, but your not getting away from me this easily' the judge said, as the guards undid the irons.
'Idiots' Llana said as she continued down the road to Tel Sigrid

It was three hours before the redfaced judge noticed that the message from the chancellor was a forgery

However, there was a bigger chalange. Why had Jana told her to go to Ald Raatham? To get there, she would have to pass through rebel territory, and the front lines of a war...

Posted by: Xyber02 Jan 24 2006, 10:02 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jan 24 2006, 08:53 PM)

Anya started after she pushed the door open and saw Shaka walking towards her, quickly gathering herself, she rushed foward and hugged him, "What are you doing back, is everyone else here?"

Posted by: syronj Jan 24 2006, 10:11 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Jan 24 2006, 11:02 PM)

Anya started after she pushed the door open and saw Shaka walking towards her, quickly gathering herself, she rushed foward and hugged him, "What are you doing back, is everyone else here?"

Shaka crushed her to him, and found he couldn't say anything for a few seconds. Anya's strength these days was so great that she probably wouldn't notice if he had used all his force, not that he had.

"Missed you, sweetheart," he said. "They're fine, they'll start to trickle back soon. But I have a lot to catch you up with."

He took her aside and explained quickly about Morgiah's separation from Reman, the attempt on Rinalla, and much else. Then he paused and took her hand.

"Anya, I have some worse news. Maranda . . . She died saving Rinalla. The Duchess and a number of us will go back for the funeral soon, I don't know when exactly. I'm sorry, angel."

Posted by: Xyber02 Jan 24 2006, 10:26 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jan 24 2006, 09:11 PM)

Anya pulled back and frowned. She kept herself from letting a tear roll down, she doubted people would understand crimson tears.

She opened her mouth to say something. She hadn't known Maranda for long, but she did count her as a good friend. And her kisses were treats she looked foward to when they had time to talk. Always keeping people at arms reach, this was only the third time someone's death struck a chord in her, after her family's murder and Vondicus' sacrifice. It was not a feeling she wished to repeat.

She closed her mouth, no words coming out. Her face contorted into a mix of fear and anger, as she looked at Shaka.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 24 2006, 10:27 PM

Summary

Kethiah, ex-assassin, co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin with her husband Isidor, is taking a hiatus from her job as the Duchess of Ald Raathim's excise and import/export agent (and secretly, her Spymaster). She is recuperating from a near fatal complication in her 8th month of pregnancy, and is stuck in bed, reluctantly given up her responsibilities.

Alas and Alack, former associates of the smuggling kingpin Goldcat, are Kethiah's first choice to take her responsibilities as Ald Raathim's Spymasters. They are enjoying themselves in the House of Dibella in Ald Raathim.

The Royal House of Firsthold has been torn apart, just when it was celebrating the Cotillion Ball of Princess Rinnala. King Reman and Queen Morgiah's first born child Goranthir now known as Geht, returned home as a pawn of Mannimarco, King of Worms. After killing the heir apparent, his cousin Aedrin, Geht turned on Rinalla. Though the 10-year-old girl was saved by Loranna and Maranda's sacrifice, Morgiah apparently decided the only way to save her son was to void the contract with Mannimarco she had made 20 years previously. Her marriage to Reman had been voided, and she and Rinalla are en route to Mournhold with her mother Barenziah.

On the other hand, the mission to Firsthold was a success: they are sending troops, ships, and gold to aid the effort against the Redoran and Indoril. An armada is en route now.

Posted by: syronj Jan 24 2006, 10:28 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Jan 24 2006, 11:26 PM)

She closed her mouth, no words coming out. Her face contorted into a mix of fear and anger, as she looked at Shaka.

He hadn't expected this reaction. "What is it, Anya? . . . It's a little like Vondicus, Maranda was able to go out fighting for others. I'm sorry," was all he could repeat.

Posted by: Xyber02 Jan 24 2006, 10:32 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jan 24 2006, 09:28 PM)

He hadn't expected this reaction. "What is it, Anya? . . . It's a little like Vondicus, Maranda was able to go out fighting for others. I'm sorry," was all he could repeat.

Anya steeled up when she heard both names spoken outloud. "She knew the consequences for her chosen path." she said curtly.

Posted by: syronj Jan 24 2006, 11:01 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Jan 24 2006, 11:32 PM)

Anya steeled up when she heard both names spoken outloud. "She knew the consequences for her chosen path." she said curtly.

He studied her sadly. "Don't, Anya. Don't close down as you would have, years ago. . . . All right, I won't push it today."

Shaka took her hand. "I found something for you in Firsthold, not to change the subject." He rummaged through his gear bag and handed her a gift-wrapped box.

Anya would find a black formal robe within, silk. The weaver had skillfully added flower patterns: the purple of black anther, the violet on green of noble sedge, and the dark blue of stoneflowers.

"I have a different one for Telera, also," he said.

Shaka spoke into Anya's ear. " ' Love is under your will only.' "

Posted by: Xyber02 Jan 24 2006, 11:14 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jan 24 2006, 10:01 PM)

Anya picked up the robe and placed it against her body to see how it would look, forcibly ignoring Shaka's remark, "It's lovely, thank you, love. Now I just need to find an event to wear it to."

She frowned when Shaka whispered in her ear, being forced to consider what he was saying, "I... that's not what I'm doing. You don't need to lecture me.

Posted by: syronj Jan 24 2006, 11:20 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Jan 25 2006, 12:14 AM)

"I'm not lecturing, Anya. Being a little blasphemous, maybe. That's from one of the Sermons."

"Look, let me start over. The important thing is that Morgiah and Reman came through for Helseth's side, our side. They've sent an armada. Our backs are still to the wall, but there's more hope now than before."

Shaka slung his gear bag over a shoulder. "I'm going to check out the property, see how overgrown it's gotten by now. Are you going to be all right today?"

Posted by: Xyber02 Jan 24 2006, 11:29 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jan 24 2006, 10:20 PM)

Anya nodded her head, "I'll be fine. I'm a big girl now."

"That is really a good thing, about the reinforcements from Summerset. We've been really pressed hard, and need the people. Which reminds me. Eventually I'll need to see Gistral and Loranna's father about breaking up parts of our siege."

"Look Shaka," Anya paused as she thought about what to say next, "I've learned a lot since I last saw my uncle, please don't worry."

Posted by: syronj Jan 24 2006, 11:34 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Jan 25 2006, 12:29 AM)

"I won't," he said. "Good luck with your investigations, too."

Shaka embraced her and prepared to gesture in the mudra of Recall. "You still don't know what a treasure you are, I think. I'll see you soon."

There was a flare of light, and Shaka was gone.

Posted by: syronj Jan 24 2006, 11:45 PM

Shaka appeared near the yurt. He pushed aside the door flap and left his gear bag. His armor and weapons were still back at the castle for safekeeping, for the most part.

He glanced at the calligraphic wall hangings for a moment, with their quotations. Thank whatever gods there were, the property had been overlooked by the Indoril and Redoran forces. The chameleon spells were working as planned.

Shaka walked to the nearby stream, to see Telera resting in the shallows.

He paused in appreciation of the sight, still a little awed by the Dunmer even after the passage of months. Telera's legs were in the water, her ice-blue eyes closed. The lithe beauty was unclothed, her long brown hair undone and trailing on the grass under her shoulders.

Shaka stripped off the ruined white clothing from Firsthold and balled it up, tossing it to the side. Not worth repairing, after the battle for Rinalla. His green and brown scales shone in the sun as he walked over to her and reclined in the sand of the shallows.

"Number-Two Wife, have you been keeping up the place?" he said lightly.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 24 2006, 11:49 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 24 2006, 10:27 PM)

There were many people Loranna needed to see upon her return to Ald Raathim; the King and Queen for one, Kallen for another, the high priestess of the House of Dibella for a third, her father and Gistral and Anya for a fourth.

However, the first person she actuall went to vist was Kethiah, to check on the womer's condition; Loranna paused only long enough to change into her now-favored midnight blue robes and ebony staff before heading to her fellow expectant mother.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 24 2006, 11:52 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 25 2006, 12:49 AM)

"Loranna!" Kethiah grinned when the Duchess came to her door. "Forgive me for not getting up. Healer's orders. Tell me everything. Isidor said that Morgiah agreed to send troops?"

Posted by: Loranna Jan 25 2006, 12:09 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 24 2006, 11:52 PM)

"Loranna!" Kethiah grinned when the Duchess came to her door. "Forgive me for not getting up. Healer's orders. Tell me everything. Isidor said that Morgiah agreed to send troops?"

Loranna enters, and sits by Kethiah's side, hugging Kethiah briefly. "Yes; there's an armada on its way with soldiers and gol to aid our cause," she says, sighing a bit. "... and enough action these past two days to fill the nobles in Firsthold for the rest of their lives ..."

She quickly checks to make sure no one is eavesropping, then speaks to Kethiah. "The first night, I end up dancing with the Crown Prince, Aedrin, who confronts me about Goranthir's fate, and me being me I tell him the truth. I just manage to talk him out of running up to confront the King about it, and the next morning he's found dead in his room, torn apart. Only, I felt something was out of sorts when he and I were talking the night before ..."

"So we go and speak to Morgiah, and she promises her aid immediately, no need to negotiate - and then asks me why I sent a ship from here for Morgiah to expect and then sneak in via Mage Guild. Given I was the last to see Aedrin, it looks pretty suspiscious - and I start wonering if I misread Morgiah, because I almost thought she was behind the death. No, I'm totally wrong; she and I both realize neither of us heard any brids the night before, in a city full of birds, and we suspect birds were used to kill Aedrin ..."

"So, the Princess's ball is that night, the mystery ship is supposed to arrive then. The Queen invites us to see who is on the ship, and lo and behold, it's Barenziah, come to confront her daughter about Goran! We get to watch the two of them face off over this, and it was intense ... but it comes out that Morgiah agreed to give up her firstborn in exchange for Mannimarco to leave Firsthold alone, then Mannimarco disappeared and she thought she was in the clear, so she had her children, thinking the God of Worms was gone for good."

"At this point, we all started suspecting who really killed Aedrin, and to help confirm our suspiscions, the God of Worms attacks Rinalla! Deadly birds everywhere, hideous worms from under the ground, wall of bones ... the works. Maranda somehow gets involved in the fighting, I run to helpdrag the Princess to safety ..."

Here Loranna pauses, both to catch her breath and because of a lump in her throat.

" ... I was overwhelmed; a worm snapped my neck, the Princess and I were going to get swarmed. Maranda was facing a shade from her past, got wounded - but she came over and freed us, only ... I couldn't heal her in time ..."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 25 2006, 12:15 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 25 2006, 01:09 AM)

" ... I was overwhelmed; a worm snapped my neck, the Princess and I were going to get swarmed. Maranda was facing a shade from her past, got wounded - but she came over and freed us, only ... I couldn't heal her in time ..."

Kethiah blinked, a little overwhelmed. Throughout Loranna's tale, she had been nodding, frowning, even smiling at times.

"Poor Maranda," Kethiah whispered. "What was the name of her girlfriend? Jelsia?"

Posted by: Loranna Jan 25 2006, 12:23 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 25 2006, 12:15 AM)

"I think; I'm going to inform the House shortly," Loranna says somberly. "The King is making arrangements with her family; I think she's to be interred with the other noble heores of Firsthold. I'll be attending the service when it's announced."

" ... Anyway, Morgiah has renounced her contract with the God of Worms and has divorced Reman; she and Rinalla are moving to Mournhold now. And I ... I just learned why I shouldn't bring zealous, paranoid companions to speak with royalty; we almost got Reman angry enough to turn red. Got me angry enough to threaten to rip someone's lungs out ..."

Loranna sighs. "But the King's still going to support us, so despite everything, the royalists have some renewed hope." She suddenly felt tired, and thirsty.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 25 2006, 12:27 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 25 2006, 01:23 AM)

Loranna sighs. "But the King's still going to support us, so despite everything, the royalists have some renewed hope." She suddenly felt tired, and thirsty.

Kethiah had been listening to Loranna seriously up until the end when her throat got a little hoarse. That made Kethiah laugh out loud.

"I'm sorry, that's mean of me," she said, motioning at the pitcher of water by the bed. "Help yourself. I wish all my spies gave me information as efficiently as you do ... Ah, speaking of which ... You might've heard I'm not in the position to do my intelligence-gathering duties right now. But I have someone else in mind as a replacement. Actually, two persons."

Posted by: Teleran Jan 25 2006, 12:29 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jan 24 2006, 09:45 PM)

Telera started lazily at the sound of a voice, “I wasn’t sleeping, I swe-”

Her eyes took a moment to focus, but when they did she perked up noticeably. She rose gracefully to her feet before pouncing on Shaka and holding him tightly, “Shaka!”

She took a second to consider what he had said, “Too early for numbers even if it’s past noon; it isn’t, is it? And, er, not nearly as much as was needed.” She had tended the garden a bit, but, save for a few areas where she had spent much care, it was at best half-kept.

“How was your time in Firsthold? I missed you,” She paused briefly and added with a giggle, “Not wearing white anymore I see.”

Posted by: Loranna Jan 25 2006, 12:40 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 25 2006, 12:27 AM)

Loranna gratefully takes a deep drink. "They're really concerned if they won't even let you have a decent pitcher of wine or milk," she mutters as she licks her lips after. "Hmm; they didn't chill it after boiling much either ..." She mutters a small frost cantrip and takes another swallow. "Eh, better ..."

"... Two people already? Kethiah, you're as amazing as Kallen," Loranna says, shaking her head. "I was still looking over what candidates I was going to suggest we interview... so who are these two prospective choices?"

Posted by: syronj Jan 25 2006, 12:41 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Jan 25 2006, 01:29 AM)

Shaka hugged her, holding her for a few minutes without speaking, unwinding further from the Firsthold journey. "It's okay, I'm just glad the place wasn't destroyed in the invasion."

He sat crosslegged, facing Telera, and began writing ideograms idly on her body, using nearby mud. "I missed you and Anya, every day. Firsthold was as Loranna mentioned more than once: dreamlike. The white banners hanging from every balcony and streetlamp . . . Everyone wearing white by tradition, like attendees of a wedding or a funeral . . . And more that I'll tell you of, later."

"But the dream ended in a nightmare battle." Shaka recounted the negotiations with Morgiah and Barenziah, the murder of Aedrin, the attempt on Rinalla.

"Maranda's . . . gone, Tel. What a waste. A woman that beautiful, even lusty. But she went out nobly, fighting to save the princess. Did you know her?"

He nuzzled the side of her face as he broke the news.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 25 2006, 12:46 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 25 2006, 01:40 AM)

"First, let me tell you what I was looking for," Kethiah said carefully, smiling a little in anticipation of telling Loranna who she had in mind. "I wanted someone who no one would suspect, by virtue of their appearance and personality. I wanted someone who had a shady background, for their contacts, but who is resolved to put that behind them. I wanted someone who is planning on settling down in Ald Raathim, so we can rely on them to be loyal ..."

She took a deep breath. "And then they walked in. Alas and Alack. They've left Goldcat, and want to settle here."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 25 2006, 12:51 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 25 2006, 12:46 AM)

Loranna listens, figuring out that Kethiah is obviously building to something ...

... but she's still totally floored by Kethiah's revelation. The next noises out of Loranna's mouth sound more like an Alit that just got a Nix Hound rammed up its butt than anything a good blooded Nordic woman should be making.

" ... Guah!?" Loranna finally says when coherence decides to flirt with her once more. " ... Huh, what? How ... wait, they left her? Why? ... Does this mean she's not coming into town again?"

The last comment was said as Loranna thought briefly of Goldcat's hair.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 25 2006, 12:56 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 25 2006, 01:51 AM)

Kethiah wasn't quite sure what Loranna would make of her suggestion, but the reaction stunned her, and made her laugh and laugh.

"Ow," she moaned, still laughing, holding her stomach. "He still doesn't like it when I laugh. Or maybe he's laughing too ... I hope so ... Oh, Loranna, I don't know. I only talked to them for five minutes. I had Isidor check their interest in the job, and they seemed pretty ambivalent, which is probably good. If they were too ambitious, I wouldn't trust them ... But if you want to interview them about Ya'Tirrje, you'll find them at the House of Dibella. Isidor told me they were on their way there. Poor thing, I think he wanted to go too ..."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 25 2006, 12:59 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 25 2006, 12:56 AM)

Loranna raises her eyebrows just a little, but mutters "Well, I have to go there anyway ... Wait a minute; Alas was really hitting on me the last time ... or was that Alack? Quick; which one's the non-tailed one?"

She casts a small spell to lessen Kethaih's pain. "Sorry about that dear; I guess I needed a good laugh too ..."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 25 2006, 01:07 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 25 2006, 01:59 AM)

"Oh, Loranna," Kethiah wiped her forehead, exhausting from laughing, but still giggling a bit. "If only you had slept with whichever one was flirting with you ... Then you could show up pregnant, and really hook him ..."

She laughed some more and managed to get herself to stop. "I'm sorry, Loranna. Truly. I'm going insane from boredom cooped up in this room. It's good just to be silly about really serious things somethings, you know?"

Posted by: Loranna Jan 25 2006, 01:13 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 25 2006, 01:07 AM)

"I never told you about the epic snowball fights we had on our way through Skyrim, did I?" Loranna asks, grinning a little and brushing Kethiah's remark about hooking the Khajiit aside. "Imagine the Incarnate Mother making a snow Vivec head using telekenesis and throwing it at Vivec's former lover to avenge a bunch of things I didn't really know about and one insane barmaid's bruised ego, all while the deadliest force on all Tamriel is merrily pelting itself with snowballs and catcalls."

"But I understand how it feels to be cooped up dear, really I do," Loranna continues, more seriously. "I'll try to find ways to help you relieve the boredom, but you really need to focus now on getting ready to be a mother. Hell, I need to start focusing on that too ..."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 25 2006, 01:18 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 25 2006, 02:13 AM)

"But I understand how it feels to be cooped up dear, really I do," Loranna continues, more seriously. "I'll try to find ways to help you relieve the boredom, but you really need to focus now on getting ready to be a mother. Hell, I need to start focusing on that too ..."

"I know," Kethiah sighed. "Isidor's been great, running the tavern, running all sorts of little errands for me ... His brother Ingmar, with whom, I think you'll recall, I have a 'history,' well, he's back, but he's been very sweet too ... I have absolutely nothing to complain about. And that's why I'm complaining. I feel I'm just a baby oven right now, lying here, waiting for the damn thing to pop out ..."

She winked. "Oh, I'm sure it'll be worth it in the end. It better be."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 25 2006, 01:24 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 25 2006, 01:18 AM)

"It will be," Loranna promises. "for both of us."

She sighs. "Kethiah, you and I somehow forgot the idea of relaxing somewhere along the way; please don't ever work yourself to the bone like that again. I'll never forgive myself." She lays a hand on Kethiah's belly, smiling a bit. "At least you didn't go charging headlong into the God of Worm's forces though," she adds ruefully.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 25 2006, 01:27 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 25 2006, 02:24 AM)

"Oh, I would have," Kethiah smiled. "Don't beat yourself up too much, Loranna. Other people will do that for you."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 25 2006, 01:32 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 25 2006, 01:27 AM)

"Oh, I would have," Kethiah smiled. "Don't beat yourself up too much, Loranna. Other people will do that for you."

"Other people alreay have," Loranna grins, sighing.

"Eh, no one expected the God of Worms to show up; it's not like I went out looking for a fight like at Molag Mar. And we saved the Princess, so it was worth it." She stretches a bit and sighs again.

"Damn though if those worms don't constrict hard; snapped my neck right through the shield spell," she mutters. "Of course, having birds peck away at the shield spell first doesn't help."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 25 2006, 01:35 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 25 2006, 02:32 AM)

"Damn though if those worms don't constrict hard; snapped my neck right through the shield spell," she mutters. "Of course, having birds peck away at the shield spell first doesn't help."

Kethiah shakes her head. "No one's relaxing much with the war, Mannimarco rising, and everything else going on, but this is the way it's always been ... They call Tamriel an Arena for a reason. You're going to have Slyvos take over some of your duties now too, like I've done with Isidor?"

Posted by: Loranna Jan 25 2006, 01:39 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 25 2006, 01:35 AM)

Loranna gets a wicked grin. "He has volunteered to help me with my duties," she says, winking. "Which is good because otherwise I was going to have to connive him into it comehow. He's still shy around people he doesn't know, but I think Kallen and I could teach him the more day to day administrative duties easily enough. I'll just make sure he and I both get time for arcane study somewhere."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 25 2006, 01:44 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 25 2006, 02:39 AM)

"Our men have such a lot to learn," Kethiah smiled and yawned. "Good thing we love them. I'm sorry, your Grace, I really need to rest now. I'm glad to hear the trip went well ... I mean ..." she frowned. "I'm glad the mission was accomplished."

Posted by: Shardie Jan 25 2006, 01:49 AM

The toothless man grinned, 'So its Ald Raatham you want to get to? Nah there is only one way through there and that is through Tel Sigrid'
'There is no other pass?'
'No other easy pass to traverse... I mean, you can still get across the mountians... I could guide you over them... for a price'
Llana pulled out a Bankers note, good for the Bank of Daggerfall, marked for 1000 septims, but the toothless man shook it away, 'what use do I have for banknotes? I only take coin, missy! About two thousand to cross the mountian,' he stroked his beard
Llana looked in her bag, she only had 1200 septims... and fake bank note or not, that was all she had. Wondering how she could make money when she got to the other side, she handed the moneybag, complete with a feather spell, to the toothless old man, who lead her over the mountians to the plains of Morrowind...
'I am SO going to kill Jana for this!'

Posted by: Loranna Jan 25 2006, 01:50 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 25 2006, 01:44 AM)

Loranna smiles and gives Kethiah one more hug. "I unerstand," she says. "Sleep well Kethiah; I'm going to go see if I can't track down a few Khajiit to talk to."

She picks up her staff and leaves, debating briefly whether to go to the Temple to look for Alas and Alack or to send a servant while she does things in the castle.

... I need to go there anyway, Loranna reminds herself, Recalling to her room to get her temple outfit.

===

The House of Dibella

The high priestess lit a brazier, her fierce Dunmer eyes turned heavenward; around her, the other priestesses began chanting, while Loranna knelt with a bowed head, for once her mind and soul only partially aware of a Dibellan ceremony.

The House of Dibella in Ald Raathim was consecrated in the Rite of the Flaming Passion of Dibella, a different rite than Loranna's own; where Harmann might have used incense or played a haintingly beautiful eulogy on his flute to convey the art born of the suffering from Maranda's passing, this temple used fire to show the burning spirit that shone in the hearts of the intitiated, and in the noble sacrifice of Maranda, Knight of the Lily, Protector of Beauty, who defied the God of Worms and denied him his prize.

Loranna cried, her tears making the flames dance even more wildly in her vision, and she chanted with the priestesses and other attendant worshippers, bidding their fellow sister farewell an safe journey to the heavenly paradise that awaited.

... and then, the short, informal ceremony was over, and Loranna rose, clad in her favored garments for worship, light blue veils that draped over her body, covering just enough with their translucent, shimmering surfaces. Silently, she walked barefoot to the paradise the House maintained, the scent and color of the flowers a balm for her senses. She knelt down in her favorite spot and relaxed, clearing her mind.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 25 2006, 02:13 AM

The House of Dibella, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 25 2006, 02:50 AM)

She knelt down in her favorite spot and relaxed, clearing her mind.

Alas and Alack rested in the temple pool after an afternoon’s debauchery. It was a mixture of water and oil that magically held together, softening and cleaning naked flesh. Candles lined the edges of the pool, casting a warm glow.

“’Zounds and ‘Struth,” Alack smiled, closing his eyes, and floating along the water’s surface on his back. “What I really likes the most about Ald Raathim be the devotional spirituality of its citizenhood. They be very accomedatious.”

“Aye,” Alas nodded, lazily propped up on the pool’s edge. “D’ye know, I thought for a mo I seed Isidor, like he decided to answer me invitation. But, no, it were another Nord, but it coulda been his brother.”

“Aye?” Alack grinned, not opening his eyes. “And how warm be yer Nord?”

“I ain’t found out,” Alas sighed. “I were distracted by a Breton lad what had a remarkable grasp of Dibellan theology.”

“Bet he weren’t nothing as good as the Dunmerian lass I met,” Alack laughed. “Such warm, supple convictions she had.”

"'Struth!" Alas laughed, a little too loud, causing some priests and priestesses to shush them.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 25 2006, 02:25 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 25 2006, 02:13 AM)

The House of Dibella, Ald Raathim
Alas and Alack rested in the temple pool after an afternoon’s debauchery. It was a mixture of water and oil that magically held together, softening and cleaning naked flesh. Candles lined the edges of the pool, casting a warm glow.

“’Zounds and ‘Struth,” Alack smiled, closing his eyes, and floating along the water’s surface on his back. “What I really likes the most about Ald Raathim be the devotional spirituality of its citizenhood. They be very accomedatious.”

“Aye,” Alas nodded, lazily propped up on the pool’s edge. “D’ye know, I thought for a mo I seed Isidor, like he decided to answer me invitation. But, no, it were another Nord, but it coulda been his brother.”

“Aye?” Alack grinned, not opening his eyes. “And how warm be yer Nord?”

“I ain’t found out,” Alas sighed. “I were distracted by a Breton lad what had a remarkable grasp of Dibellan theology.”

“Bet he weren’t nothing as good as the Dunmerian lass I met,” Alack laughed. “Such warm, supple convictions she had.”

"'Struth!" Alas laughed, a little too loud, causing some priests and priestesses to shush them.

It was impossible for anyone even slightly familiar with Alas and Alack not to catch their distinctive voices; Loranna's eyebrows wiggle on her forehead as she hears the two and is forced to hold back laughter.

Hmm, now how to go about this, Loranna wonders, weighing the merits of a simple, direct approach with something more ... suited to the spohisticated tastes of her two new prosepctive co-Spymasters. Unfortunately, inspiration was not with Loranna tonight - especially when she kept finding herself wondering if Alas really had almost dallied with Isidor's brother.

Ah well; hopefully the two brothers would not be disappointed with simple, direct, pregnant her; she rubs Jazbet's ring and fades from view as she pads silently toward the pool, intending on slipping into the water while the two prattled on before revealing herself.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 25 2006, 02:35 AM

The House of Dibella

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 25 2006, 03:25 AM)

Ah well; hopefully the two brothers would not be disappointed with simple, direct, pregnant her; she rubs Jazbet's ring and fades from view as she pads silently toward the pool, intending on slipping into the water while the two prattled on before revealing herself.

Loranna had a history of surprising Alas and Alack. When she told them who she was after Alack had flirted with her at the Nymph and Noggin, it caused the Khajiiti to fall backwards in their chairs. Revealing herself suddenly in the pool caused Alas, who was half out of the pool, to fall in, and Alack, who was in the pool, to leap out of it.

They made more of a racket, forcing more shushes from the priests and priestesses.

"Your ladyhood!" Alack cried.

Alas, rising from the water, cried. "Your Dukess!"

"Me brother and me, we was just discussing how archeologistically interesting this temple be," Alack said hastily. "And the finer, suppler parts of the Dibellan philosology."

"Like," Alas added, looking to Alack. "Like?"

"Beauty be ... pretty good," Alack suggested. "And you, your Dutchiness, you looks very good. Yer belly be so ..."

"Alack," Alas interrupted him, just shaking his head.

Alack got the hint and shut it.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 25 2006, 02:43 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 25 2006, 02:35 AM)

The House of Dibella
Loranna had a history of surprising Alas and Alack. When she told them who she was after Alack had flirted with her at the Nymph and Noggin, it caused the Khajiiti to fall backwards in their chairs. Revealing herself suddenly in the pool caused Alas, who was half out of the pool, to fall in, and Alack, who was in the pool, to leap out of it.

They made more of a racket, forcing more shushes from the priests and priestesses.

"Your ladyhood!" Alack cried.

Alas, rising from the water, cried. "Your Dukess!"

"Me brother and me, we was just discussing how archeologistically interesting this temple be," Alack said hastily. "And the finer, suppler parts of the Dibellan philosology."

"Like," Alas added, looking to Alack. "Like?"

"Beauty be ... pretty good," Alack suggested. "And you, your Dutchiness, you looks very good. Yer belly be so ..."

"Alack," Alas interrupted him, just shaking his head.

Alack got the hint and shut it.

"Perhaps it's a good thing I decided against the invisible strip tease before uncloaking," Loranna says in a tone only a Dibellan can properly achieve. "I would have been forced to cast Silence on you both lest you accidentally get yourselves thrown out, and that would be such a pity."

By Dibella, but after the past few days she had this was fun - and she files away the invisible strip tease idea for later, probably when Slyvos was feeling especially stressed out.

"Alack dear, please be careful; you're about to step on my clothes," Loranna points out, indicating the light blue veils that were just underfoot. "But thank you for complimenting my belly; you've just made me a happy woman."

"Hello again dears; welcome back to Ald Raathim - though things have changed a bit since you were last here," Loranna says, still talking amicibly. "I've been wondering how you and your former employer were doing; how is the Goldcat, and how have you two been? And what brings you back here?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 25 2006, 02:54 AM

The House of Dibella, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 25 2006, 03:43 AM)

"Hello again dears; welcome back to Ald Raathim - though things have changed a bit since you were last here," Loranna says, still talking amicibly. "I've been wondering how you and your former employer were doing; how is the Goldcat, and how have you two been? And what brings you back here?"

Alack decided, belatedly, to cover up his appreciation of Loranna's naked belly, using both hands. "Ya'Tirrje? She bides well. Shouldn't be too long afore she be back in Ald Raathim with her extralegal merchandization."

"Alack and me, we had enough of rolling around in the water," Alas added, rolling around in the pool. "I means, on a boat. And we gots enough gold that we ain't gonna be a burden on no one. But Kethiah --"

Alas looked around, and noticed that the priests and priestesses, wanting to rest somewhere quieter, had moved off. Still, he paddled over to Loranna to speak softer.

"We hears Kethiah is takin' a vacation from the dirty business. Her lad Isidor said we was bein' considered to take her place, least for a little while?"

(OOC -- Outta here for about a half hour)

Posted by: Loranna Jan 25 2006, 03:11 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 25 2006, 02:54 AM)

The House of Dibella, Ald Raathim
Alack decided, belatedly, to cover up his appreciation of Loranna's naked belly, using both hands. "Ya'Tirrje? She bides well. Shouldn't be too long afore she be back in Ald Raathim with her extralegal merchandization."

"Alack and me, we had enough of rolling around in the water," Alas added, rolling around in the pool. "I means, on a boat. And we gots enough gold that we ain't gonna be a burden on no one. But Kethiah --"

Alas looked around, and noticed that the priests and priestesses, wanting to rest somewhere quieter, had moved off. Still, he paddled over to Loranna to speak softer.

"We hears Kethiah is takin' a vacation from the dirty business. Her lad Isidor said we was bein' considered to take her place, least for a little while?"

(OOC -- Outta here for about a half hour)

Loranna has a brief moment of recrimition, remembering why she prefered not mixing business with her time in the temple; at this point, she probably could get Alack to swear eternal loyalty to her and maybe even Alas too if she tried. Which, given her track record, would be the kiss of doom.

This is what happens when you don't stop to think beyond 'Wouldn't It Be Fun If I Did This', Loranna tells herself. Hmm; let's see if I can both be fair to these two dears and have a little fun at the end, now that I've gone and jumped into the pool.

"I'm glad to hear the two of you are blessed with good fortune; may your riches last you a good long time," Loranna says, equally softly. "And yes, the two of you are being considered to step in for her, at least for a while. Of course, I would need some indication of your qualifications for such a role before I could approve anything ..."

Posted by: S'reddit Jan 25 2006, 03:39 AM

The House of Dibella, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 25 2006, 01:11 AM)

"I'm glad to hear the two of you are blessed with good fortune; may your riches last you a good long time," Loranna says, equally softly. "And yes, the two of you are being considered to step in for her, at least for a while. Of course, I would need some indication of your qualifications for such a role before I could approve anything ..."

"To be honest, we wasn't even thinking of workin' when we got here," Alas said. "It'd just be to help our mate Kethiah out. Though if you're askin', there's a couple lads in here what could vouch that I'm qualified fer most positions. We're lazy cats, but Alack has already confididated in me that he'd love ta work under you in any capacity."

"Why doesn't you tell us what you wants," Alack said. "And we can tells you if we gots it?"

Posted by: Loranna Jan 25 2006, 03:48 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jan 25 2006, 03:39 AM)

The House of Dibella, Ald Raathim
"To be honest, we wasn't even thinking of workin' when we got here," Alas said. "It'd just be to help our mate Kethiah out. Though if you're askin', there's a couple lads in here what could vouch that I'm qualified fer most positions. We're lazy cats, but Alack has already confididated in me that he'd love ta work under you in any capacity."

"Why doesn't you tell us what you wants," Alack said. "And we can tells you if we gots it?"

Oh you two want to make this hard for me, don't you? Loranna thinks to herself. Fine; let's see what I can do with this ...

"I appreciate you offering to help Kethiah out; that in of itself speaks well for you," Loranna says. "What else, hmm ... I was thinking ..."

She lets her eyes subtly look more and more downward.

" ... if you could provide me ..."

She flexes her shoulders a bit to relieve some back tension.

" ... with a juicy bite of ..."

She smiles.

" ... information."

Posted by: S'reddit Jan 25 2006, 04:04 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 25 2006, 01:48 AM)

" ... information."

"So, ye wants us to shows you our hands," said Alack, holding up his hands to demonstrate, and thereby, no longer covering himself up. "And show ye how willing we be to go deep undercover?"

"See, Alack be salutin' ye already," Alas grinned, propping himself up on the pool's edge again. "We gots all kinda means of meetin' folk. Why, I were only just a while ago meetin' a friendly lad, and under vigorious interrogatorions, he tole me he sawed the body of that Indoril Councillor they be looking for. Thedas. The bloke what tried to kill the Queen Mum. He seen him buried in our own Memorial Service, but were too shy to say nothing."

"Loosin' tongues be our speciality," Alack smiled.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 25 2006, 04:13 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jan 25 2006, 04:04 AM)

Loranna's eyes had widened appreciatively at Alack's salute - but the news of Councillor Thedas's death made her tilt her head, her expression turning thoughtful.

"Is that so?" she asks, stroking her chin. "Hmm ... interesting; this also bodes well for your future placement ..."

She looks at Alas for a moment, then turns to Alack. "Just one more question, then; how good are you two at the ... less hands on details? You know, keeping track of reports, maintaining contact...s, rooting out what's hidden between the lines ..."

Posted by: S'reddit Jan 25 2006, 04:28 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 25 2006, 02:13 AM)

She looks at Alas for a moment, then turns to Alack. "Just one more question, then; how good are you two at the ... less hands on details? You know, keeping track of reports, maintaining contact...s, rooting out what's hidden between the lines ..."

Alas swam over to Loranna, and pulled himself out of the pool, wiping the moisture out of his fur with his hand, while he stretched himself out luxuriously. "Goldcat put us through the motions. She wouldn't had kept us on if we hasn't an eye for detail. We know how to prod our contacts, and push just a little bit more, not too much, but just right."

"The other thing we knows," Alack added, kneeling in front of Loranna. "Is discretation. Never kiss an' tell."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 25 2006, 04:33 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jan 25 2006, 04:28 AM)

Loranna smiles, her eyes wandering over both Khajiit. "Well then," she says, "I believe this concludes the business part of the meeting. I'll speak with Kethiah tomorrow and, if you're still interested, we'll let you two show your stuff."

She floats a little closer to Alack, smiling. "Now, I seem to remember the two of you expounding on the deeper truths of Dibella before I showed up ..."

Posted by: Teleran Jan 25 2006, 04:39 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jan 24 2006, 10:41 PM)

Telera reeled at the news, struck dumb for a time, ‘Maranda dead?

‘Maranda is dead… but she helped me when I needed advice about how to deal with my feelings with Anya and helped me when I changed. Maranda is dead.

‘When was the first time I saw her? Ah, yes, she summoned that flame monarch that melted my daggers to unshaped ingots, that was, all the way back when Loranna was possessed by Azura, then I saw her later, but it was her friend that wouldn’t let my blades. That was so long ago, not that I talked to her much until a long time later, Lyssia’s wedding, , I got piss drunk, so much for a good impression. Maranda is dead!

‘I won’t see her again, she won’t-’ Telera buried her face against Shaka’s scales

‘Quit your sniveling, that time has passed,’ the dagger sneered. ‘Get the name of the killer then make them pay. Simple enough, grieving won’t get you anywhere. Make the bastard who did this pay. Blood pays for blood, it’s only reasonable.’

She spoke quietly, her voice further muffled by her speaking into Shaka’s neck, “How did it happen, who was after the princess? Who killed her?”

‘Now you could do something with that information,’ the dagger sounded satisfied, then its mood turned, ‘What are you – I said quit your crying!’

Posted by: S'reddit Jan 25 2006, 04:43 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 25 2006, 02:33 AM)

"Oh, we was just waggin' our tongues," Alack smiled. "What we can still do, but maybe ye'd help us delve deeper into Dibella's mysteries?"

"We're gentlemen of leisure," Alas added. "But we works hard, as you can see."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 25 2006, 04:57 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jan 25 2006, 04:43 AM)

"So I see," Loranna says, smiling prettily and provacatively.

Business was over now; she had no reasons remaining not to fully enjoy these two.

Elsewhere in the temple, a couple priestesses hear two splashes and the surprised sounds of Alas an Alack and shake their heas at one another. Some people just didn't understand the virtue of discression in Dibella's House. Ah well.

Posted by: S'reddit Jan 25 2006, 05:04 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 25 2006, 02:57 AM)

Ah well.

And FADE OUT.

(The boys ace their rigorous interview, in case you're wondering)

Posted by: syronj Jan 25 2006, 07:42 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Jan 25 2006, 05:39 AM)

‘I won’t see her again, she won’t-’ Telera buried her face against Shaka’s scales.

She spoke quietly, her voice further muffled by her speaking into Shaka’s neck, “How did it happen, who was after the princess? Who killed her?”

Shaka thought: If only Anya could have let herself grieve like this.

"I can't tell you that you will see her again someday; I can't say that you won't, either. Geht killed Maranda, because he's wholly under the control of the King of Worms now. But even if someone had demanded of me at Ald Sotha that I kill Goranthir before he became Mannimarco's puppet, I couldn't have done it."

"Goranthir was the best of us, he had a pure spirit. And now we have reason to fear, because he's not even out of his teens yet. If we don't stop him, he will be able to command legions of men and mer, not just animals. They won't even have to serve him from fear; they'll give their lives willingly, out of love. This must be a little of what people felt when they saw the Tribunal, the true one, for the first time."

"Telera, we've got to find Mannimarco and Geht soon. Morgiah renounced her marriage and thus her pact with the King of Worms, but it won't be nearly enough to stop this necromancer. . . . But enough for now. "

Shaka gave Telera her present. The formal robe from Firsthold was white silk, with gold kanets subtly embroidered on the back.

He sat with Telera on the riverbank and washed off the ideograms, smoothing over the Ascadian landscape of her body with each sacred word: PADHOME. CHIM. ALTADOON.

He erased a further quotation set in mud on her silken skin: Arkay is the weapon of the Dunmer, and wondered what the words meant.

Posted by: Argoniansoulpower Jan 25 2006, 08:33 AM

Stre-krel

Summary for Stre-krel: Stre-Krel is back in Ald Raathim, communing with the many Argonians of Slashes-with-claws command, he searches for an Armorer to re-shaft his broken spear.

Posted by: One87xe Jan 25 2006, 03:14 PM

<ooc: Damn you 'Ernesto', damn you for eternity...ooc>

*...Summary: Osa, finishing up her interview with the eye-witness account of an Altmer named Alidon, and preparing to follow the Legends back to their homebase of Ald Raathim...unfortunately the notes she had been working on were destroyed by one very drunk Imperial calling himself "Ernesto", upset although not visibly, she excuses herself and thanks Alidon for his time. She packs what little she has and makes off for the Mages Guild, wondering what she'll come across next...*

Posted by: vaanic~one Jan 25 2006, 03:38 PM

Vaan's Summary:

Vaan was back in Ald Raathim, and he had just put to the finishing touches to the proposals for the Muatramer Reform.

He smiled at this achievement, now all he needed to do was get everyone in one place at the same time.

Posted by: Slashes-With-Claws Jan 25 2006, 03:48 PM

Slashes-With-Claws is performing his usual duties, but hoping to hear news of what happened in Firsthold.

Jei-Set is working on helping with rebuilding the city.

Posted by: apocolipseLater Jan 25 2006, 03:54 PM

OOC: Summary
Dar'Tessir is in the Nymph & Noggin, doing nothing. He is interested in hearing news from Firsthold.

Posted by: Teleran Jan 25 2006, 05:36 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jan 25 2006, 05:42 AM)

‘The King of Worms and Geht; Maranda didn’t give her life easily,’ the dagger said, sounding respectful for once. ‘It’ll take some doing to kill them and with necromancers involved it’s never a simple process to kill anyone, there always has to be a second round that’s not nearly as entertaining and they don’t bleed nearly as much.’

“A bit late for that,” Telera said bitterly. “I don’t think Gods are in the habit of granting refunds once they have their prize in hand.”

QUOTE

Shaka gave Telera her present. The formal robe from Firsthold was white silk, with gold kanets subtly embroidered on the back.

He sat with Telera on the riverbank and washed off the ideograms, smoothing over the Ascadian landscape of her body with each sacred word: PADHOME. CHIM. ALTADOON.

He erased a further quotation set in mud on her silken skin: Arkay is the weapon of the Dunmer, and wondered what the words meant.

Telera was grateful for the distraction from her thoughts afforded by Shaka’s gift.

“Thank you Shaka,” Telera said, her tears had stopped for now. “The robe is lovely, Shaka. A bit too well-crafted for wearing regularly though, I’ll have to find a good time to wear it.”

‘You’re never going to get the bloodstains out of a white robe,’ the dagger laughed.

Telera watched Shaka washing the ideograms from her skin. She traced a single symbol in the place of what he had erased, I.

Posted by: syronj Jan 25 2006, 05:48 PM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Jan 25 2006, 06:36 PM)

“A bit late for that,” Telera said bitterly. “I don’t think Gods are in the habit of granting refunds once they have their prize in hand.”

Telera was grateful for the distraction from her thoughts afforded by Shaka’s gift.

“Thank you Shaka,” Telera said, her tears had stopped for now. “The robe is lovely, Shaka. A bit too well-crafted for wearing regularly though, I’ll have to find a good time to wear it.”

Telera watched Shaka washing the ideograms from her skin. She traced a single symbol in the place of what he had erased, I.

Shaka kneaded the muscles of Telera's back for a while. "You never know, you and Anya might need the kimonos for a wedding someday," he said.

"I agree that their separation is like closing the barn door after the horse has bolted, but it's not my call. . . . It was interesting, Tel. You could almost see Morgiah growing as this was decided, growing in soul at any rate."

A perfect midsummer afternoon. Farther to the west, a domesticated netch drifted; many of the Dren refugees had stayed in the area, though some had fled the warrior Houses' incursion. Shaka couldn't blame them. He ran an ivory-colored talon down the center of Telera's spine.

"I think I'll pick some of the Timsa-Come-By later today and take them to Kethiah. A peace offering for not visiting them when she was at her sickest."

Posted by: stargate525 Jan 25 2006, 06:17 PM

Reeds materialized in the Ald Raathim Guild Guide. Ignoring most of the people in there (exept one vile old man with a cane, who he steered far clear of), he headed for his Bookstore, his thoughts clouded with thoughts on noblewomen and politics of the upper class.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 25 2006, 06:40 PM

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(syronj @ Jan 25 2006, 06:48 PM)

"I think I'll pick some of the Timsa-Come-By later today and take them to Kethiah. A peace offering for not visiting them when she was at her sickest."

When he asked, Shaka was told that Kethiah was in her room, and not only well enough to see visitors, but eager to as well.

"I think she's going out of her mind with boredom," the barmaid smiled. "She's not herself at all."

Posted by: Teleran Jan 25 2006, 06:56 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jan 25 2006, 03:48 PM)

“Bull, she’s throwing a tantrum because she actually had to pay her side of the bargain,” Telera snarled.

She shivered slightly as Shaka’s claw traced her spine. “Damn it, Shaka, now is not the time. I, I need to go into town and restock my potions or, or something; there’s still a siege around Ald Raathim to kill or…”

She turned on Shaka, “Go get your bloody flowers!”

Telera stormed off towards town.

Posted by: syronj Jan 25 2006, 07:01 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 25 2006, 07:40 PM)

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
When he asked, Shaka was told that Kethiah was in her room, and not only well enough to see visitors, but eager to as well.

"I think she's going out of her mind with boredom," the barmaid smiled. "She's not herself at all."

"Thanks," said Shaka, holding the bouquet of intricate pink flowers. He still was trying to get used to Telera's storming off. What was the word, "tempestuous"?

Women, he thought to himself. If Tel had been there and seen Morgiah and Barenziah, maybe she wouldn't be so quick to judge. Shaka was going to have to think of a way to talk to Tel.

Shaka knocked on Kethiah's door before entering.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 25 2006, 07:08 PM

Kethiah's Room, The Nymph and Noggin

QUOTE(syronj @ Jan 25 2006, 08:01 PM)

Shaka knocked on Kethiah's door before entering.

"Ah, Shaka," Kethiah smiled from the bed. "They're beautiful! Thank you. How are you?"

It was evidently true that Kethiah was bored out of her mind. Right now she was balancing one dagger on her finger tip, and another one on top of that one.

Posted by: syronj Jan 25 2006, 07:14 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 25 2006, 08:08 PM)

Kethiah's Room, The Nymph and Noggin
"Ah, Shaka," Kethiah smiled from the bed. "They're beautiful! Thank you. How are you?"

It was evidently true that Kethiah was bored out of her mind. Right now she was balancing one dagger on her finger tip, and another one on top of that one.

Shaka put the Timsa in a vase and sat on the bed. "You're welcome," he said, smiling, though he eyed the daggers for a moment before turning his gaze back to the red and violet eyes of Kethiah.

"I'm sorry I didn't visit sooner. How are you doing, other than the bedrest?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 25 2006, 07:16 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jan 25 2006, 08:14 PM)

"I'm sorry I didn't visit sooner. How are you doing, other than the bedrest?"

"Don't worry, you're here now," Kethiah grinned, throwing the daggers up so they impaled in the ceiling. "Tell me, how was Firsthold? Are you happy to be back? Loranna told me about Maranda ... Such a shame. I keep feeling sorry for her girlfriend, Jelsia ... "

Posted by: syronj Jan 25 2006, 07:22 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 25 2006, 08:16 PM)

"Hard to know where to start, talking about Firsthold. But yes, I'm glad to be back." Shaka went on to tell his version of events to Kethiah.

"When I talked to Maranda briefly at the cotillion, it sounded as if she hadn't seen Jelsia in a while. I hope she's been told by now. Probably has. . . ."

"It's funny, the reunions with both Anya and Telera didn't go as I planned. They're both on edge these days, I guess. I tended to forget how serious our side's situation is, once I was away and playing diplomat."

It was interesting to see Kethiah's swollen belly; she still managed to seem regal, just as Loranna did.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 25 2006, 07:27 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jan 25 2006, 08:22 PM)

"It's funny, the reunions with both Anya and Telera didn't go as I planned. They're both on edge these days, I guess. I tended to forget how serious our side's situation is, once I was away and playing diplomat."

"You're a threesome consisting of a sorceress who used to be a man, a Bosmer who is now a vampire, and an Argonian who wants to be a Redguard," Kethiah winked. "If something goes as planned in your relationship, I'd be very alarmed. Were they more saddened by Maranda's death than you expected or what?"

Posted by: syronj Jan 25 2006, 07:33 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 25 2006, 08:27 PM)

"When you put it that way," he said with a twinkle in his eye. "An unlikely trio all right."

"Yes, it hit them harder than I expected. I could see Anya close down immediately, it reminded her again of losing her loved ones to slavery and later the Blue Dawn."

"Telera had known Maranda longer in some ways, and was able to grieve openly. But she went off about Morgiah; I made the mistake of sounding too empathetic about the ex-queen. If Telera had been there, though, maybe she'd understand how complicated the situation was."

"Can I get you anything? Are the baby and you going to be all right?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 25 2006, 07:42 PM

Kethiah's Room, The Nymph and Noggin

QUOTE(syronj @ Jan 25 2006, 08:33 PM)

"Can I get you anything? Are the baby and you going to be all right?"

"Oh, we're fine," Kethiah smiled. "Don't worry about us. There was a little scare, but Isidor's taking good care of me. And don't worry about your ladies too much. I can tell you from my perspective, my emotions are all over the place, and I'm just having a baby. I'm not a man turned woman, or a Bosmer turned vampire ..."

Posted by: One87xe Jan 25 2006, 07:43 PM

*...Ald Raathim, Mages guild...Osa appears on the "Eye" symbol and makes her way through the crowd...she sets down to look over her items and compose herself before making her way towards the door...*

Posted by: FireMaster Jan 25 2006, 07:47 PM

Erenius is in his room, provided courtesy of the Nymph and Noggin, as a rapping came at the door and his lieutenant, Markir enterred the room.

"Sir," Markir says, standing in the doorway.

"Come in, Markir," Erenius says, beckoning him in. "There is no need for formality here, this isnt the Legion."

"Sure aint," Markir agrees, pulling a chair from the desk across from Erenius' bed. "Any chance of striking the House forces any time soon?"

"No idea when, but all I know is that when it comes, it will be more than our forty and whatever volunteers we can gather," Erenius says.

"Really? How'd you manage that?" Markir wonders aloud.

"Seems the Altmer wanted in on this...and Loranna gave them in," Erenius replies. "I personally hate the idea of their forces here...yet theres not much I really can do about it. Damn well nearly screwed the entire thing up too when we spoke with King Reman when I took offense to his wording. Nothing thats sent by a foreign power to give aid should ever be permenant, and it seems I let my offense at this idea get the better side of me."

"I see," Markir says. "Well, lets just hope they come with all possible haste."

"Markir, your a House Dunmer, born and bred in Redoran lands before I found you near Skingrad. I just want to know...why is it are you so eager to take the fight to your former brethren?" Erenius asks.

"Its because, as that Nerevarine person was making his rounds about Vvardenfall, I was with the Redoran guard stationed at Shishi to try and get the Telvanni to come outta their tower there. Well, out they came out and we forced our way inside.." Markir says, obviously angry. "We were ambushed almost as soon as we got inside. Most of the party was killed, but a few of us survived. In our rage, the survivors killed the Telvanni servants there. Each and every one of them, sparing none. But, then the Telvanni came again...lost nearly everyone but four or so of us, we managed to limp back to Molag Mar. Seemed that the Redoran council, in all its wisdom chose not to send any help, even after we were trapped inside for almost a week, feeding on whatever rats we could find in the place. Soon as I got out, I helped my friends to Molag Mar and found the first ferry to the mainland. From there, I gathered a few hundred septims and found my way to Cyrodiil, where I made enough to support myself, yet always wanted to strike at the Redoran for what they did, forsaking my friends at Shishi..."

"Hmm...I see," Erenius says to the Dunmer as Markir stands replaces the chair before leaving the room. After his friend left Erenius lay back down on his bed, his sword beside him, unshethed, drowsy after the lack of sleep he had from Firsthold.

'It seems those restore fatigue potions are no substitute for sleep,]' Erenius realizes, staring at the cieling and starting to rest, the softness of the bed, stillness of air, and lack of anything distractions calmed and relaxed him.

Posted by: syronj Jan 25 2006, 07:50 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 25 2006, 08:42 PM)

Kethiah's Room, The Nymph and Noggin
"Oh, we're fine," Kethiah smiled. "Don't worry about us. There was a little scare, but Isidor's taking good care of me. And don't worry about your ladies too much. I can tell you from my perspective, my emotions are all over the place, and I'm just having a baby. I'm not a man turned woman, or a Bosmer turned vampire ..."

Shaka nodded and reached out, brushing Kethiah's hair back. "You've always been wise, Kethiah. . . . Try to hang in there, despite the boredom. I can picture you and Loranna someday, holding strategy sessions while nursing. Somehow neither of you seem the kind to hire a wet-nurse. . . . By then, you'll probably be back in the thick of it. Not to mention running this tavern."

He stood up. "I'll visit more often. It's really good to be back home."

Posted by: Stargazey Jan 25 2006, 07:53 PM

Ingmar left the temple, satisified, and went back to the Nymph and Noggin, to get something to eat.

Isidor on the other hand, went up to Kethiah's room, to check in on her and saw Shaka there as well.

"Hail, Shaka! Welcome back." He said with a smile.

Posted by: One87xe Jan 25 2006, 07:56 PM

*...Osa makes her way out into the street and gets her first glimpses of Ald Raathim...her growling stomache meanwhile reminded her it was time to eat...*

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 25 2006, 07:57 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jan 25 2006, 08:50 PM)

"I don't know how wise I am," Kethiah laughed. "But if you think so, and it makes you want to come to me for advise, I'll keep up the pretense of knowing what I'm talking about. Come back anytime, Shaka."

Posted by: syronj Jan 25 2006, 08:02 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 25 2006, 08:57 PM)

"It'll be a privilege," said Shaka. He hugged Isidor before leaving. "I know you're taking good care of the lady, Iz. Thanks, both of you."

Shaka felt better already as he walked downstairs and into the street.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 25 2006, 08:03 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jan 25 2006, 09:02 PM)

"See you soon," Kethiah smiled.

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Jan 25 2006, 08:53 PM)

Ingmar left the temple, satisified, and went back to the Nymph and Noggin, to get something to eat.
Isidor on the other hand, went up to Kethiah's room, to check in on her and saw Shaka there as well.

"Hail, Shaka! Welcome back." He said with a smile.

"You heard me saying nice things about you behind your back, darling?" Kethiah grinned, giving Isidor a kiss.

Posted by: One87xe Jan 25 2006, 08:11 PM

QUOTE(One87xe @ Jan 25 2006, 05:56 PM)

*...Osa makes her way out into the street and gets her first glimpses of Ald Raathim...her growling stomache meanwhile reminded her it was time to eat...*

*...Perhaps by her stomaches fierce growling, or her own inability to notice the things around her, Osa didn't notice that some sort of battle had taken place recently...she quickly removes these thoughts from her mind and returns her focus to the task at hand...namely finding food and shelter...*

Posted by: Stargazey Jan 25 2006, 08:11 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jan 25 2006, 08:02 PM)

Isidor hugged him back, and said, "We need to talk sometime." Before Shaka walked out.

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 25 2006, 08:03 PM)

"See you soon," Kethiah smiled.
"You heard me saying nice things about you behind your back, darling?" Kethiah grinned, giving Isidor a kiss.

Isidor grinend, and gave her a kiss.

"Just a brief reprieve from tavern work," he said. "I don't know how you managed to do this for so long ..." Noting the daggers in the ceiling, he said, "We really need to find something for you to do all day ..."

Posted by: Shardie Jan 25 2006, 08:13 PM

'What a view' and indeed it was a brilliant view. From this mountian, he could see all the way to Red Mountian over the Deshaan Plains, turning around, he could see the city of Kragenmoor in its river valley, the tall citidel of the city petruding high into the sky. The town was built on a bend in the river, making it easily defendable. The citidel in the centre was one of the tallest defensive towers in Morrowind, stretching unnessessarily into the sky... Faryon looked down the mountian to see an exausted paige running up with a satchel
'Ah, the daily bulliten' he said, as he sat on a rock and waited for the Paige to arrive
'Hmm, by the looks of things, Firsthold has thrown its hat in with the Royalists... oh, someone attempted to assassinate the Princess of Firsthold and succeeded in assassinating the Hier? Now that is interesting!' He read through the paper some more, 'rumours of divorce and that the queen mysteriously dissapeared? And also the queen mother was in firsthold...' He sighed, looking over the document and putting it back in the satchel, pulling out another, this time, on the search for High Councillor Thedas, 'So he was burried with the Royalists? That is not very nice of them... does the rest of the council know?'
'I believe they should know shortly'
'Then we must act fast... anything else?'
'Oh one more thing, apparently, soon after Dutchess Pyrel's visit to Firsthold, a small fleet left the harbour.'
'Well, make sure Bradas gets at least that. Anything important that will make me come down from this mountian?'
The Paige serched through his satchel, 'Nope'
'Then I shall be down by evening, I wish to admire this view some more'

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 25 2006, 08:16 PM

Kethiah's Room, The Nymph and Noggin

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Jan 25 2006, 09:11 PM)

"Just a brief reprieve from tavern work," he said. "I don't know how you managed to do this for so long ..." Noting the daggers in the ceiling, he said, "We really need to find something for you to do all day ..."

"You have plenty to do without having to worry about keeping me from going insane," Kethiah laughed. "I was thinking that right now wouldn't be a bad time to learn a little magic. Maybe we could get someone from the Guild to come in once a day, and teach me, and Tyradil and Tilitalia too?"

Posted by: dentris Jan 25 2006, 08:17 PM

P'Rassha was transported back to Ald Raathim later than he expected at first. The Huge Cathay-raht khajiit visited he city of Firsthold more than once, but some Altmer scholars convinced him to stay a little bit longer. P'Rassha had a long argument with them about the different khajiits breed, especially about the Mane and the Dagis...But that's another story.

P'Rassha finally arrived at Ald Raathim and took some time to wander in the city. The efforts of reconstruction were doing well. Not as well as they could, but the people suffered so much all the efforts they put is almost a miracle.

When the 9 feet tall bipedal jaguar once made the citizens of Ald Raathim flee, he is now able to walk, talk and enjoy a walk in the city with smiles along his way.

Posted by: Stargazey Jan 25 2006, 08:25 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 25 2006, 08:16 PM)

Kethiah's Room, The Nymph and Noggin
"You have plenty to do without having to worry about keeping me from going insane," Kethiah laughed. "I was thinking that right now wouldn't be a bad time to learn a little magic. Maybe we could get someone from the Guild to come in once a day, and teach me, and Tyradil and Tilitalia too?"

Isidor contemplated for a moment.

"Sounds like a good idea to me. Ty and Til have been keeping to themselves a lot lately, but free magic lessons might encourage them a bit ..."

Posted by: stargate525 Jan 25 2006, 08:25 PM

Reeds slammed down his quill in fustration, there was too much on his mind to get any work done, and buisness was slack ever since the Attack. He closed up shop and headed for the Nymph. When he arrived, he sat down at the bar, ordered his usual drink, and absorbed the atmosphere of the tavern.

Posted by: One87xe Jan 25 2006, 08:26 PM

*...Osa finally grows weary of her stomaches growling and stops the next person she sees asking where she can find a good meal...an Argonian seems to be the most perseptive and directs Osa to a popular Tavern called "The Nymph and Noggin"...reluctant she opens the door and walks in...*

Posted by: syronj Jan 25 2006, 08:27 PM

Shaka decided to stop by the Nymph part of the tavern for a drink. Maybe Anya and/or Telera would be there too. Though he had given the Timsa bouquet to Kethiah, Shaka had also brought a gold kanet along just in case.

He ordered his usual stout and glanced around the taproom.

Posted by: dentris Jan 25 2006, 08:44 PM

After a nice, refreshing walk, P'Rassha thought a nice, refreshing drink was more than welcome. He headed for the Nymph and Noggin and found several of his friends there.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 25 2006, 08:46 PM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Jan 25 2006, 09:25 PM)

Isidor contemplated for a moment.

"Sounds like a good idea to me. Ty and Til have been keeping to themselves a lot lately, but free magic lessons might encourage them a bit ..."

"Plus, if I'm confined in here, I might as well bond with our children," Kethiah grinned. "Whether they like or not ..."

Kethiah yawned. "I'm sorry, darling. I'm tired again."

Posted by: White Rhino Jan 25 2006, 08:53 PM

Kiseena slipped inside the Nymph and Noggin, letting out a faint sigh. This tavern was becoming familiar ground to her, dispite the number of new people around. With a faint smile, she heads over toward Anya's usual booth.

Posted by: Xyber02 Jan 25 2006, 08:59 PM

QUOTE(White Rhino @ Jan 25 2006, 07:53 PM)

Anya sat in her booth with a passive face, nursing the last bottle Telera had given her. She acknowledged Kiseena, but didn't say much.

Posted by: White Rhino Jan 25 2006, 09:12 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Jan 25 2006, 08:59 PM)

Anya sat in her booth with a passive face, nursing the last bottle Telera had given her. She acknowledged Kiseena, but didn't say much.

"Does Anya wish to be alone?" Kiseena asked quietly, standing by the end of Anya's booth. "If yes, Kiseena will do as friend Anya wishes."

Posted by: One87xe Jan 25 2006, 09:13 PM

*...Osa begins to grow agitated by being ignored by the Barkeeps, merely asking for a place to stay...finally she gets a Keep to notice her and pays the tab...now she sets waiting for her food to arrive...*

Posted by: Stargazey Jan 25 2006, 09:19 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 25 2006, 08:46 PM)

"Plus, if I'm confined in here, I might as well bond with our children," Kethiah grinned. "Whether they like or not ..."

Kethiah yawned. "I'm sorry, darling. I'm tired again."

Isido smiled. "It's all right, you need your rest." Giving her another kiss, he went back downstairs.

Posted by: dentris Jan 25 2006, 09:24 PM

P'Rassha was more than happy to recognize familiar faces and, not knowing who he shall talk to first, decided to speak out loud, just like he is used to do.

"Ladies, gentlemen and gentlemer, you won't believe what just happened to P'Rassha. 2 Altmers, confident in their knowledge, tried to convince P'Rassha that the Mane breed was closely related to the Dagi. As a proof, they told P'Rassha a story that supposedly came from the deserts.

Don't make P'Rassa laugh. The story was ridiculous, and considered the khajiits like animals. P'Rassha told them another story about how a single Senche-raht khajiit, the less intelligent, yet still fairly witty khajiiti breed, defeated a whole band of veteran Altmer mercenaries. Let P'Rassha tell the story to you.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 25 2006, 09:24 PM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Jan 25 2006, 10:19 PM)

Isido smiled. "It's all right, you need your rest." Giving her another kiss, he went back downstairs.

Kethiah smiled and went to sleep.

(OOC -- And she sleeps all through the night, 'cause I'm outta here 'til tomorrow. )

Posted by: FireMaster Jan 25 2006, 09:26 PM

Erenius comes down the stairs from the rooms in the establishment. As he hears P'Rassha give his call to silence, or at least draw attention to himeslf, Erenius orders a drink and sits at a table, listening to just how that could have come about.

Posted by: dentris Jan 25 2006, 09:35 PM

P'Rassha took his storytelling stance and let the patrons of the Nymph and Noggin gathered around him before continuig.

"The Senche-raht was named Iwha'nil. A strong, powerful and deadly female Senche. Her mother was a proud Pahmar, a tribe leader, but died giving birth. Very young, Iwha'nil was forced into exile by the tribe's new leader, a Suthay-raht named Ahfasharr, and had to survive with he own skills and wits. Do not be afraid. She was witty and skilled, P'Rassha knows.

One day, when Iwha'nil was 4 years old, she met a nice looking Senche. The kind of khajiit she wanted to share the rest of her life with. But life isn't always kind to the good souls. After only a few days, the two partners were seperated. Iwha'nil's lover went to hunt at dawn, but wasn't back way after dusk. Iwha'nil became anxious and followed the footsteps of her lovers. Fortunatly, no wind blew the sands of Elsweyr that day, and the track was fairly easy to follow. After 2 hours, the Senche-raht found a small encampment. She was used to see such camps. Dunmer slavers were common in Elsweyr and the smallest kitten learned to avoid them at all cost. But that was not a Dunmeri camp. The people living inside the huts were mers, but a lot taller and brighter than the dunmers. They were Altmers.

Posted by: dentris Jan 25 2006, 09:45 PM

"Ihwa'nil heard about tales. Tales of tall mers. (Not that tall, she thought, but being a Senche-raht, she was the size of a small house herself). They were not looking for slaves like the dunmers, but for thrill. They come to Elsweyr hunting the khajiits only for the fun of it. They called that a proof of their superiority. P'Rassha doesn't say all Altmers are like this, on the contrary. P'Rassha just means some mortals are really evil deep within their heart, including the elves.

The Senche-raht easily fooled the Altmers sentry and explored the camp a little bit. Three Ohmes-raht were lying on the ground near the firecamp, the throat slit and the heart pierce by an arrow. 1 Pahmar was hanged by the rear legs a few feet above the ground. His life departed many days ago, but the Altmers kept him as a trophy it seemed. And finally, IHwan'il found a cage with the khajiits in it. 2 Pahmar-rahts and Ihwa'nil's lover.

They were still alive, but prisonners. The cage wouldn't resist long against the Senche-raht claws, but the two mers guarding the cage would be a problem. In addition, she had other plans for them. The sight of fellow khajiits killed like this made her angry and she wanted to give the hunters a lesson they would never forget.

Instead of freeing the survivor, she waited in the darkness and listened."

Posted by: dentris Jan 25 2006, 09:52 PM

P'Rassha took a drink offered from a client, and continued his story.

"The hunters spoke in Aldmeri, a tongue a normal khajiit shouldn't know, even less a Senche-raht khajiit, often considered by men and mer like horses. But Ihwa'nil was a smart khajiit, a really smart khajiit. She wasn't able to read, nor able to understand the mer's language, but she knew how to decipher the non-verbal language.

The Altmers organized a hunt for some noble it seemed. One of them wasn't a real hunter, but wanted to taste the thrill of the desert chase. The three prisonners were going to be the noble's prey. They were speaking, it appeared, of traps and ranged attacks, to ensure the noble's security, and they even wanted to poison the prisonners' food to make sure they weren't fast enough to be dangerous.

That was an unfair hunt, and Ihwa'nil knew it. It gave her a good opportunity for vengeance though, and to free her lover at the same time. She left the camp unnoticed and used the remaining of the day and part of the night to prepare the desert. The Altmers were out for a surprise the next day..."

Posted by: dentris Jan 25 2006, 10:06 PM

"The next morning, the Altmers released the prisonners into the desert. They were poisoned, though, and they were slow. Still faster than a man or mer, but slow nonetheless. The Altmers gave them 20 minutes before chasing them.

They rode large beasts that looked like horses, but with a hump on their back called a dromadarian. These beasts were really stupid, no more intelligent than horses, but good beasts nonetheless. They were resistant and knew how to keep their body from dehydrating. One of the Altmer was taller, yet looked frail compared to the others. It was a noble called Illordell, the story says.

All the Altmers were equiped with bows and glass arrows, incredible light, yet incredibly deadly. The chase was going quite well. Just like the day before, no wind blew the desert, and the trails were easy to follow. The khajiits were slowly losing terrains to the Altmers and it was a matter of minutes before the poisoned Senche and the two Pahmars were within shooting range.

At that very moment, one of Ihwa'nil's trap was activated. The sand is a tricky ground to ride. It's even more tricky when ropes are hidden in it. Around every scarab nest, Ihwa'nil hid ropes and sharp rocks.

One dromadarian stumbled on a rope and it's rider felt on the ground. Usually, scarabs leave the khajjits alone, because the khajiits know not to fall directly on their nest, exciting the flesh-eating insects.

The poor hunter was transformed into a white skeleton before the other hunters could understand what happened. Unfortunatly, the noble was still on his dromadarian, and quickly left the horrible scene he just witnessed. The scarabs, calmly returned into the sands where they should have never been disrupted."

Posted by: dentris Jan 25 2006, 10:19 PM

P'Rassha stopped his story for a few seconds. He remembered the beauty of Elsweyr. In a way, he missed home, too bad he couldn't go back yet.

"Then Ihwa'nil rescued the 3 fugitives. She localised a nice tomb last night were the four of them could hide and give the Altmers quite a surprise. The tomb was known to Ihwa'nil, and it wasn't anybody's tomb. A legendary Mane called Gri'sholl was mummified there. The traps and secret passages alone were enough to repel any hunters, but it wasn't enough. Ihwa'nil really wanted the hunters to go back from where they come and convince everyone not to come back, ever.

Ihwa'nil's lover and his two new companions took refuge in a hidden room while the Senche-raht waited for the Altmers. After 10 minutes, the hunters finally found the entrance to the tomb and carefully, one scout came inside. Ihwa'nil knew that if she attacked the scout now, her chance of success would drastically decrease. She had to let them think they were in relative security...At first.

The scout finally went back outside and the 9 remaining hunters, including the noble came back inside, this time armed with dangerous katanas and Dai-katanas. Ihwa'nil never was that kind of weapon before, but she instinctively knew they were sharp and dangerous.

Fortunatly, nowhere in her plan she was going to close the Altmers."

Posted by: dentris Jan 25 2006, 10:28 PM

"A single rock from a single tomb had to be moved, and Ihwa'nil moved it herself. The tomb would do the rest.

The Altmers were slowly exploring a vast underground crypt when the "important" rock was moved. And all of a sudden, the walls were breached. From the openings, several mummified khajiit bodies emerged and attacked the Altmers. The hunters were good enough to repel most of them, but two elves felt under the assaults of the mummies.

What was even more frightening, though was the fact the Altmers were attacked by undead, it was the shrieking sound they heard after defeating the creatures in their room. A bigger, meaner and stronger creature just awoke...

The Altmers knew enough legends about the Elsweyr desert to get a hint of what was about to happen. A greater mummy rose when they stepped in the tomb. They all fled without asking for more.

A single Sench-raht khajiit defeated 10 Altmer hunters with her wits.''

P'Rassha knew the flaws in his story, and took the opportunity offered by the silence following the end of his story to explain it a little bit.

"You might wonder why khajiits rose as undead when they were buried in a sanctified place? What about Arkay, you might want to ask P'Rassha? And the answer is quite simple, tombs are dangerous, yes, but what is even more dangerous is your own mind. Illusion magic is very common in this tombs, so you never know if the treasure you see or the monster you face is the reality of just your imagination.

Now, a little question for you: if the mummies were illusions, how could 2 Altmers died under their assaults? P'Rassha knows, but do you know?

Posted by: Xyber02 Jan 25 2006, 11:14 PM

QUOTE(White Rhino @ Jan 25 2006, 08:12 PM)

"Does Anya wish to be alone?" Kiseena asked quietly, standing by the end of Anya's booth. "If yes, Kiseena will do as friend Anya wishes."

Anya glanced at Kiseena and gave a mellow smile, "No, you can sit. I'm not trying to drive people off, just... thinking."

Posted by: White Rhino Jan 25 2006, 11:18 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Jan 25 2006, 11:14 PM)

Anya glanced at Kiseena and gave a mellow smile, "No, you can sit. I'm not trying to drive people off, just... thinking."

Kiseena sits across from Anya, smiling back a bit. "What troubles Anya's mind so?" she asked. "Perhaps Kiseena can provide a different angle."

Posted by: Xyber02 Jan 25 2006, 11:25 PM

QUOTE(White Rhino @ Jan 25 2006, 10:18 PM)

Kiseena sits across from Anya, smiling back a bit. "What troubles Anya's mind so?" she asked. "Perhaps Kiseena can provide a different angle."

Anya giggled and shook her head lightly. She paused for a moment, a hollow look in her eyes.

"A special friend died, and I wasn't there."

Anya hesitated, and then grabbed Kiseena's furry hand, "Has Anya told Kiseena why she choose the life she did?"

Posted by: White Rhino Jan 25 2006, 11:27 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Jan 25 2006, 11:25 PM)

Kiseena frowns, giving Anya's hand a squeeze with her own. "Kiseena learns new things about friend Anya every day," she remarks. "And Kiseena is happy to hear Anya's words."

Posted by: Xyber02 Jan 25 2006, 11:54 PM

QUOTE(White Rhino @ Jan 25 2006, 10:27 PM)

Kiseena frowns, giving Anya's hand a squeeze with her own. "Kiseena learns new things about friend Anya every day," she remarks. "And Kiseena is happy to hear Anya's words."

Anya nodded. She swirled the bottle she held. It had grown cool, room temperature. It had lost it's taste too. She found blood to be succulent, invigorating, when warm, fresh from the person.

Anya started, what was she thinking?

She shook her head, and focused her thoughts, "I uh... I wasn't a very nice girl when I was younger. Slavery will do that to a person, I guess. My family was murdered. My sister, brother, and I being captured. At the time, I was too busy worrying about my life to notice how odd it was that bosmers would be captured."

"I was rescued, but not before... It was enough to make me not care. I was obsessed with power, strength. Determined to never let myself become helpless again. And look at where it lead me, fangs and all."

Posted by: White Rhino Jan 26 2006, 12:03 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Jan 25 2006, 11:54 PM)

Kiseena isn't sure she understands the last parts, but nods lightly in understanding. She gently rubs Anya's hand in both of her own. "Friend Anya isn't like that anymore," she prrs. "Anya is the furthest thing from helpless that Kiseena has ever seen."

Posted by: Xyber02 Jan 26 2006, 12:28 AM

QUOTE(White Rhino @ Jan 25 2006, 11:03 PM)

Anya smiled at Kiseena's outlook, and squeezed her hands, "Thank you. You wouldn't understand how much that helps me."

Anya looked at her still filled bottle, "It's not that simple though. My choices lead me to a path that I wonder if this curse only gave a name to. Believe me when I say this, I entered a realm where Anya the Vampiress is just a newborn kitten."

Posted by: White Rhino Jan 26 2006, 12:39 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Jan 26 2006, 12:28 AM)

Kiseena nods in understanding. "Kiseena promises that she will be here for friend Anya through as much as Kiseena can," she said, a smile gently curling from her lips. "And if friend Anya is ever feeling peckish... Anya can always nibble on Kiseena."

A soft purr escapes, cheeks fluffing from a blush beneath the fur. "That goes vampire or no-vampire," Kiseena said with a kitten grin.

Posted by: Xyber02 Jan 26 2006, 12:59 AM

QUOTE(White Rhino @ Jan 25 2006, 11:39 PM)

Anya's hand clenched, gouging the table lightly, she forcibly relaxed her arm. She wished her firends wouldn't keep offering themselves.

Anya smiled, a bit of sorrow leaking through her face, reaching over and rubbing Kiseena's cheek, "You're so cute, kitten" She leaned over and lightly kissed the tip of Kiseena's muzzle, "If you ever want some company for a night, you only have to ask."

Posted by: White Rhino Jan 26 2006, 01:01 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Jan 26 2006, 12:59 AM)

Kiseena purred faintly, but her eyes went to where she'd seen Anya's hand at the table. "Did Kiseena say something wrong?" she asks, an ear flicking. "Kiseena is sorry..."

Posted by: Xyber02 Jan 26 2006, 01:26 AM

QUOTE(White Rhino @ Jan 26 2006, 12:01 AM)

Kiseena purred faintly, but her eyes went to where she'd seen Anya's hand at the table. "Did Kiseena say something wrong?" she asks, an ear flicking. "Kiseena is sorry..."

Anya frowned, shaking her head. Her mind whirled with the prospects of feeding though, the urge to bite down and drink, and not just drink some bottle. It was enough to cause ehr fangs, which she normally kept hidden, to grow a bit, "No no no, kitten. Anya just has a few new urges and feelings she's learning to cope with."

She reached over and rubbed Kiseena's cheek again, genuinely smiling at her, her eyes rippling from green to glows, "I just don't want to hurt you."

Posted by: White Rhino Jan 26 2006, 01:30 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Jan 26 2006, 01:26 AM)

Kiseena purrs, turning her head to kiss Anya's palm. "The only way Anya could hurt Kiseena is if Anya said Kiseena meant nothing to Anya, honestly," she mewed. "But Kiseena does not believe Anya would ever feel that way. And Kiseena promises to do the very best in making sure friend Anya never feels that way, either."

Posted by: Xyber02 Jan 26 2006, 01:40 AM

QUOTE(White Rhino @ Jan 26 2006, 12:30 AM)

Anya giggled, the fur on Kiseena tickling her hand, remarking "Oh, you could be so much fun."

"Kiseena, I love you like a sister. You mean more than I think you could understand." She took her head, and lead her out of her booth. She wished she hadn't startled her, "Come her, you, there's no need for you to sit across from me."

Posted by: White Rhino Jan 26 2006, 01:44 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Jan 26 2006, 01:40 AM)

Kiseena purred softly, cuddling close into Anya's side. "Kiseena's potential for fun ends only where friend Anya wishes it to," she murred. She wasn't sure if it was the euphoria that came with the skooma mixed with worry over her dwindling supply or not, but she was finding it quite enjoyable to be close to Anya.

The khajiit smiled, tickling Anya's neck by flicking one of her silken ears against it.

Posted by: Shardie Jan 26 2006, 01:45 AM

'What a dump' she said as she walked down the street... at least, she thought, there were no bodies lining the street... but she was here, and she was broke. That crook guide took all her money leaving her quite broke. At least she still had her equipment... her first goal would be to find the local theves guild... although she did not know if this town even HAD one. Well, no matter, there was a tavern just ahead, the 'Nymph and Noggin' or somthing like that. As she entered, she wondered how people came up with these names. Looking around, she saw nothing of intrest, and slumped down at a table, pulling out her engraving set, and starting working on rebuilding her wealth

Posted by: Xyber02 Jan 26 2006, 01:54 AM

QUOTE(White Rhino @ Jan 26 2006, 12:44 AM)

Anya craned her head back, her skin quivering. She felt her fangs grow, elongating past their normally short length in anticipation, already wetted from Telera.

Her body quivered. Khajiit held a distinct smell, different from mer. Sweet and ripe, her mouth ached for a new tasted. Her eyes rippled from the scent.

This mixed with the pleasure she felt. Having finally broken the chains that kept her cowering from intimacy. Kiseena's fur was a new sensation, and she wanted to have her as much as her crimson blood. She hugged her close, both as a move for closeness, and to stop her from playing around, "Kiseena, hon, you're too much. One step at a time please."

Posted by: White Rhino Jan 26 2006, 01:59 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Jan 26 2006, 01:54 AM)

Kiseena ducked faintly, an apologetic smile on her face. "Kiseena is sorry, friend Anya," she mewed, ordering a drink for herself. "Kiseena feels practically born to cuddle, though Anya is the first she has been close to without going through their things.."

Posted by: Teleran Jan 26 2006, 02:01 AM

QUOTE(Shardie @ Jan 25 2006, 11:45 PM)

“Hey, whatcha you doing there?” Telera inquired curiously, coming over to look at the engraving set and poking at a piece that Llana was not currently using, “Detailing work?”

Posted by: Shardie Jan 26 2006, 02:06 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Jan 26 2006, 06:01 PM)

“Hey, whatcha you doing there?” Telera inquired curiously, coming over to look at the engraving set and poking at a piece that Llana was not currently using, “Detailing work?”

'I am making,' she said, not looking up, and continuing with her work, 'an engraving for a business card' she pulled it up and took a glance at the copper plate, and smiled. Her hands went into her bag, as she pulled out some card and a pottle of ink... 'I am Llana, no last name, just Llana. And you are?' she still didnt look up from her work

Posted by: Teleran Jan 26 2006, 02:13 AM

QUOTE(Shardie @ Jan 26 2006, 12:06 AM)

“I am Telera,” Telera said, looking interestedly at the card and ink. “A business card, what’s the business? Or is making things like that your business?”

Telera peered at the bag, wondering what other things were in there, inks might be some fun.

Posted by: Shardie Jan 26 2006, 02:19 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Jan 26 2006, 06:13 PM)

'I make documents... and other things... of intrest to people,' from her bag, she pulled a mysteriously large printing machine, and attached the copper plate to it, 'I am a little broke at them moment, some idiot friend of mine said I should come here... and the guide took all my money leading me over those mountians. I just dont see how someone of my profession can make a living in a warzone like this, Telera. I just need to make enough money to get out of here' she started to place the card on one end, and by winding the printing machine's handle, the business card came out the other end, "Llana; professional engraver and document authenticator" the business card read

Posted by: Teleran Jan 26 2006, 02:28 AM

QUOTE(Shardie @ Jan 26 2006, 12:19 AM)

“I’ve never seen one of these before,” Telera said looking at the press from every imaginable angle to figure out how it worked, after getting lost in the inner workings a couple times. Telera figured magic must be involved at some point in the process, though she didn’t see any enchantments on it when she surveyed it with a detect spell. “What else can you make it do?

“And what’s this bit mean: ‘document authenticator’ how would you do that? A document is authentic or it isn’t. How would you change one to the other?”

Posted by: Shardie Jan 26 2006, 02:37 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Jan 26 2006, 06:28 PM)

'Well, say you have a bank note from someone, like this,' she pulled out one of the bank notes, 'and you want to see if its the real deal. Well you hire me, and I could tell you in an instant that its fake or not... I can also make banknotes or passes or documents that could fool the best of the document authenticators,' she placed the banknote on the table, clearly showing its value, The Bank of Daggerfall, 1,000 septims, 'and this machine is a very rare item, a portable printing press... its got a feather spell enchanted onto it so its almost weightless. With it, I can print all types of document... of course, I would need an engravement plate first' she pulled out a Daedric Dagger and used the sharp edge to cut off twelve business cards, once she had done that, she picked up the engraving set and the printing press and placed it back in her bag, which also had a feather enchantment on it. She left the banknote on the table, and for the very first time looked at Telera, 'So tell me Telera, where may I find a place to lay my head for not too much?'

Posted by: Teleran Jan 26 2006, 02:53 AM

QUOTE(Shardie @ Jan 26 2006, 12:37 AM)

“It’s pretty packed in the city at the moment and, with the recent battle, some people are having to live in tents instead of buildings,” Telera started. “I think you might be able to get a room here if you can afford it, and if not you can find a guard and they’ll set you up in the tent city until we can provide accommodation for everyone. I don’t know whether they can accept bank notes from Daggerfall here though.”

She paused than added, “Actually, you can use my room at the castle; I have two other places I can sleep and you can set that machine up somewhere other than the floor there and get to business. Er, can you teach me how that works?”

Posted by: Shardie Jan 26 2006, 02:58 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Jan 26 2006, 06:53 PM)

'If you have three years to spare or so, I would happily teach you!' Llana laughed, 'if your willing to offer your room, then I would have to accept, and for that, I will owe you a favour, here, keep the banknote, dont worry, its a counterfit, so you cant use it. You've been very helpful, Telera,' she handed her a business card, 'make sure you tell your friends about my services, if you would like to lead the way?'

Posted by: Teleran Jan 26 2006, 03:06 AM

QUOTE(Shardie @ Jan 26 2006, 12:58 AM)

“Three years,” Telera said, emitting a low whistle, “Scribes won’t be out of a job anytime soon then.”

“A counterfeit? Well, I guess that is why it’s your job to identify them and not mine,” Telera grinned, “I’ll be sure to point them your way if they have need of your services or questionable documents for you to go over.”

Telera motioned for Llana to follow and walked towards the castle, “How’d you find yourself up here in the middle of this war anyway?”

Posted by: Shardie Jan 26 2006, 03:10 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Jan 26 2006, 07:06 PM)

Telera motioned for Llana to follow and walked towards the castle, “How’d you find yourself up here in the middle of this war anyway?”

'A trustworthy friend of mine, Jana, you know her? She seems to know everyone for some reason... Well anyway she said there was oppotunity to be made in Ald Raatham. I dont know WHAT she was smoking when she told me that, but the travel over here was just too auful. How can I make an oppitunity of myself in this warzone? I would do better business in the Imperial City, at least there my reputation is known' Llana ranted following Telera to the castle

Posted by: Teleran Jan 26 2006, 04:01 AM

QUOTE(Shardie @ Jan 26 2006, 01:10 AM)

“Ald Raathim is a growing port, plenty of opportunities for people interested in money, even with the war we’ve at least tripled in size since I first got here, we have a Mages Guild which keeps us in touch with the rest of the world, and we usually have fairly busy trade routes, though the Redorans have put the lock on that lately. You’re friend wasn’t lying, once we manage to break the blockade, there should be enough trade to support your profession, even if you’re only keeping tabs on foodstuffs and war supplies.” Telera said. As they neared the castle she started wondering at the increased activity from when she had last been here and then a though hit her, “Ah, excuse me for a second, would you.”

Telera ran forward to talk to a guard about accommodations in the castle and returned quickly looking like she had swallowed something that didn’t agree with her. “Well, never mind about that room,” she started apologetically. “I forgot that the overcrowding thing applied to me too. And like I said, I have two other places I can sleep with friends, so it was a bit extravagant for me to have my own room. Someone else needed it, so they got it.”

She gave a wry smile, “It appears I owe you one now for leading you to a dead end and wasting your time, there’s some temporary housing in the arena though that’s near bursting, too.”

Posted by: Shardie Jan 26 2006, 04:31 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Jan 26 2006, 08:01 PM)

'I'll find somthing, dont worry worry,' Llana said, grumbling under her breath as she walked off... what was Jana doing sending her here, anyway? Not even a place to sleep? She would have to do somthing about that!

Posted by: One87xe Jan 26 2006, 11:56 AM

QUOTE(dentris @ Jan 25 2006, 08:28 PM)

Now, a little question for you: if the mummies were illusions, how could 2 Altmers died under their assaults? P'Rassha knows, but do you know?

"This Khajitti asks a most perplexing question. There are two ways I can think of. Number one would be the Mummies were indeed flesh and blood and the Altmer didn't know it. Number two would mean that the assaults came from else where...hmm, maybe an enchanted item used for Tomb defense...like the Dunmeri Bonelord. That is a tricky question.

*...Osa's thoughts are then interupted by her food arriving...although a good deal of distraction was coming from behind her...something about bank notes she thought she heard...she takes a bite of the Cream of Crabmeat soup, burning her tongue and chasing it down with a gulp of water...before she takes her next bite she's sure to blow over the entire spoonful...*

Posted by: FireMaster Jan 26 2006, 12:28 PM

Erenius sips another drink, watching with some slight interest at Telera spoke with the new visitor. As Llana left the area, Erenius followed her out, keeping his distance, hoping not to be noticed.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 26 2006, 04:37 PM

The Nymph and Noggin

Alas, a silver-furred Khajiit, and Alack, a brown-woad-painted one, walk into the tavern, and inquire about meeting with Kethiah. A barmaid goes to check on her, but reports back that she's sleeping soundly.

"That be fine," Alas shrugs. "We can wait. Two skoomas and whatever ye got that's fried."

"We don't serve skooma!" the barmaid replies, shocked.

"That's good, because it be illegal," Alack nods seriously. "Two brandy and branch waters then."

Posted by: Stargazey Jan 26 2006, 05:53 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 26 2006, 04:37 PM)

Isidor, after taking care of some incoming shipments, came back into the bar.

"Hail!" He said, walking over to the brothers. "Make up your mind about the posititon yet?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 26 2006, 06:21 PM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Jan 26 2006, 06:53 PM)

Isidor, after taking care of some incoming shipments, came back into the bar.

"Hail!" He said, walking over to the brothers. "Make up your mind about the posititon yet?"

"We was interviewed rigorishly by Her Duchiness," Alas said mildly. He was always discreet. "And she were gonna talk it over with you and Missus Kethiah, but we're happy to do it."

"At least temporary-like," Alack adds. "See how we all likes it."

Posted by: Stargazey Jan 26 2006, 06:35 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 26 2006, 06:21 PM)

"Ah," Isidor said, nodding. "In that case, drinks are on the house." He added, with a smile. "Anything you lads need, just let me know."

ooc -- Off for a little bit.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 26 2006, 07:04 PM

QUOTE(SpartanShea117 @ Jan 22 2006, 03:21 PM)

Molag Mar

Kratos sat at his desk, proofreading the letter in his hands before turning it over, pouring wax on it, and sealing it with the mark of the Muatramer.

The letter read:

Dear Loranna,

I have been ever faithful to Almsivi, fighting for the very belief. I believe the Temple has fallen to shambles; Allerleirauh would not be pleased with the very thoughts I have now. I wish to leave Molag Mar, this war has taken it's toll on my mind and soul.

True Almsivi has been dead for a long while now, the one that exists in it's place is only a mirror to keep the people believing, believing that there is still hope, still hope that Morrowind can live at peace once more.

I long to see Ald Raathim again. It's beautiful shores still grace my dreams at night. I miss it horribly and I hope you don't object to my return. I have heard that Ald Raathim was hit pretty hard as well, I wish to bring aid in the form of ships and whatever troops follow me out of Molag Mar, they are fiercely loyal.

Maybe I will return to Molag Mar and take command again as soon as Ald Raathim gets back on it's feet, I don't know yet. All I do know is that I have grown tired of this war, I know that we all need to play our parts for the sake of Morrowind and I would have it no other way, but I don't wish to throw my men away needlessly for the sake of a dead cause.

I will not act until I have heard back from you. I hope everyone is doing well and hopefully I will be able to see you all again.

Sincerly,
Kratos, Grandmaster of the Order of War

He handed the letter to the courier and started off on a walk of Molag Mar's upper canton.

Loranna should find the letter on her desk when she returns from Firsthold.

Among the various duties Loranna resumes upon getting settled back in from her Firsthold trip, she finds the time to reply to Kratos's missive:

Dear Kratos,

I've been telling myself that we are fighting for freedom, and for the ideal of a world where we all can be part of something greater than ourselves. While I still believe in these ideals, I understand your weariness ...

Allerleirauh said it best, I think, at the end of the Dawn; the Tribunal are your strongest and truest ancestors, and so long as you are true to what they stood for, they will live in your heart. But in the fighting that's going on, I think many people have forgotten that; it saddens me, but I fear the Tribunal's ture glory is now reflected in shattered mirrors ...

I still have hope that someday, Morrowind can see peace - a peace I hope to share in, be part of. If Molag Mar no longer needs you and your men, I welcome you back as a friend and whatever aid you can bring as a grateful Duchess. I hope you are able to find some sort of respite for your weary spirit here on our shores; may your journey here be safe and swift.

We'll be waiting for you dear; give my regards to your son.

Dres Loranna Pyrel, Grand Duchess of Ald Raathim

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 26 2006, 07:15 PM

Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 26 2006, 08:04 PM)

Among the various duties Loranna resumes upon getting settled back in from her Firsthold trip, she finds the time to reply to Kratos's missive ...

Kallen was there to take the letter and have it sent by courier to Molag Mar, a circuitous route in this day.

"There are also the royal troops sent by Helseth to visit," the castellian said. "And the royal ambassador is in residence at the castle, and would like to meet with you too, when convenient. He understands how busy you are, and is likewise much occupied building up the new embassy."

Posted by: stargate525 Jan 26 2006, 07:17 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 26 2006, 03:37 PM)

Reeds noticed two familiar forms walk into the bar and stop to order not ten feet from him. They didn't notice him, but he noticed them.

"Please tell me you haven't changed your mind about those two slaves you had," he said to them after Isidor walked away, "I think they've both moved on."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 26 2006, 07:28 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 26 2006, 07:15 PM)

Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim
Kallen was there to take the letter and have it sent by courier to Molag Mar, a circuitous route in this day.

"There are also the royal troops sent by Helseth to visit," the castellian said. "And the royal ambassador is in residence at the castle, and would like to meet with you too, when convenient. He understands how busy you are, and is likewise much occupied building up the new embassy."

"And you and I and Slyvos need to sit down soon to discuss what duties of mine he'll be taking over as well," Loranna says, debating the merits of putting the ambassador off for another day and trying to rest some versus simply getting the meeting done and over with now and hoping to rest tomorrow. After a brief and quickly (though somewhat reluctantly) shelved toying with the idea of asking the ambassador to meet her in the House of Dibella, Loranna opts to get the meeting done now, like she usually does.

"Tell the ambassador I'd be happy to see him this afternoon," she says to Kallen. "What do we know of the ambassador so far?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 26 2006, 07:32 PM

The Nymph and Noggin

QUOTE(stargate525 @ Jan 26 2006, 08:17 PM)

Alas narrowed his eyes. “I remembers ye. Litter Ratperson.”

“No,” Alack corrected Alas thoughtfully. “Loverov Booques.”

“I think it be,” Alas rubbed his chin. “Biblyo File?”

Posted by: stargate525 Jan 26 2006, 07:36 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 26 2006, 06:32 PM)

The Nymph and Noggin
Alas narrowed his eyes. “I remembers ye. Litter Ratperson.”

“No,” Alack corrected Alas thoughtfully. “Loverov Booques.”

“I think it be,” Alas rubbed his chin. “Biblyo File?”

Reeds raised an eyebrow (or eye ridge in his case) at the two. "I'm glad your sense of justice isn't as reliable as your memory, otherwise the two of us might still be in chains." He looked at them a moment longer, "Senchal? attacked by four slavers? Ring any bells to you?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 26 2006, 07:37 PM

Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 26 2006, 08:28 PM)

"Tell the ambassador I'd be happy to see him this afternoon," she says to Kallen. "What do we know of the ambassador so far?"

"His name is Diano Asprenas," Kallen said. "He has a wife and two children back in the Imperial City which he might call for, if he believes it's safe here. He enjoys rich food and has a physique to match. I believe him to be a snob, but not a fool."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 26 2006, 07:41 PM

The Nymph and Noggin

QUOTE(stargate525 @ Jan 26 2006, 08:36 PM)

"Oh, I remembers the circumstances, just not yer name," Alack replied, holding out his hand. "Yer our ten mark investiment."

"Actually five mark, one fer he, and one fer his mate," Alas added, also holding out his hand. "I thinks I remembers yer name! Tome Raeder!"

Posted by: Loranna Jan 26 2006, 07:49 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 26 2006, 07:37 PM)

Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim
"His name is Diano Asprenas," Kallen said. "He has a wife and two children back in the Imperial City which he might call for, if he believes it's safe here. He enjoys rich food and has a physique to match. I believe him to be a snob, but not a fool."

"If you can call any part of Morrowind safe right now ..." Loranna mutters. "Just so long as he doesn't upset Razbiah we should be all right though. I can deal with smart people even if they are a bit on the snobby side."

"I'll take the meeting here; how's our stock of Wayrest vintage holding out?" she asks.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 26 2006, 07:53 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 26 2006, 08:49 PM)

"He's been taking most of his meals at the Nymph," Kallen replied with a shrug. "It seems to suit him. We have a few cases of the Wayrest wine left. It hasn't been touched since Isidor and Kethiah's wedding."

"Shall I fetch the ambassador and a bottle of wine?"

Posted by: stargate525 Jan 26 2006, 07:57 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 26 2006, 06:41 PM)

The Nymph and Noggin
"Oh, I remembers the circumstances, just not yer name," Alack replied, holding out his hand. "Yer our ten mark investiment."

"Actually five mark, one fer he, and one fer his mate," Alas added, also holding out his hand. "I thinks I remembers yer name! Tome Raeder!"

"Close enough." Reeds laughed, shaking both their hands, "Now we'll see if I can remember your names... Will Burr and Or'ville, Right? No that's not right... Tommah, Und'gerie? That's not it either... Alas, I must admit I cannot remember them. Alack, darned my bad memory."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 26 2006, 07:58 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 26 2006, 07:53 PM)

"Yes please," Loranna says, smiling a bit.

Posted by: syronj Jan 26 2006, 08:03 PM

Shaka saw Anya in her favorite seat in the Nymph, a corner booth. He walked up to her and sat down across from the Bosmer, laying a gold kanet flower before her.

"I'm not sure why, but I think I owe both you and Telera an apology," said Shaka. "I'm not the best when it comes to breaking news to people, such as Maranda's death."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 26 2006, 08:04 PM

The Nymph and Noggin

QUOTE(stargate525 @ Jan 26 2006, 08:57 PM)

"I ain't sure I remembers you sayin' you was from Ald Raathim," Alas smiled, shaking Reeds's hand.

"You doesn't happen to know any palaces on sale right now?" Alack asked, shaking Reeds's other hand. "We're Gentlemen Of Leisure now."

Posted by: stargate525 Jan 26 2006, 08:07 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 26 2006, 07:04 PM)

"I didn't tell you alot of things," Reeds replies to Alas, to Alack he says, "If you find one you'll be lucky, most of the buildings not destroyed are full of refugees. What brings the two of you to Ald Raathim anyway? Senchal too hot for you?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 26 2006, 08:08 PM

Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 26 2006, 08:58 PM)

"Yes please," Loranna says, smiling a bit.

The wine was brought in and opened before the ambassador arrived. As Kallen suggested, Diano Asprenas was a fat, middle-aged man but with aristocratic hauteur and a sort of finicky elegance of movement. He greeted Loranna with an extravagent bow that belied his corpulence.

"Your Grace," he said to the floor. "It is a rare honor to meet the legendary Dres Loranna Pyrel."

Posted by: Xyber02 Jan 26 2006, 08:16 PM

QUOTE(White Rhino @ Jan 26 2006, 12:59 AM)

Anya smiled at Kiseena, and tousled her head. Inwardly she was seething. She had figured the urges would become easier to handle as time went on, and even though it's only been a short time, if anything they were getting stronger.

"Kiseena is such a cute girl to cuddle, too." she replied, winking at her.

QUOTE(syronj @ Jan 26 2006, 07:03 PM)

Anya frowned for a moment, before putting the kanet in her hair. She took Shaka's hand.

"Shaka, it's just- well, I don't know. It's not your fault."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 26 2006, 08:20 PM

QUOTE(stargate525 @ Jan 26 2006, 09:07 PM)

"We likes Ald Raathim," Alack smiled. "The friendly people, the House of Dibella, the charming streets, the cosmopolitan atmosphere, the House of Dibella, the gentle farmland, and, of course, the House of Dibella."

Alas shook his head. "There ain't no palaces around fer sale? Nothin' with meaningless successions of drawing rooms, carved from dado to cornice, white marble chimneys, coffered ceiling, great staircases, gilded columns, multi-story libraries, and a huge parkland for entertainin'? I mean ... not to be too specifical?"

"We mights have to builds it," Alack frowned.

"Sure lookin' that way," Alas agreed.

Posted by: syronj Jan 26 2006, 08:22 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Jan 26 2006, 09:16 PM)

"Kiseena is such a cute girl to cuddle, too." she replied, winking at her.
Anya frowned for a moment, before putting the kanet in her hair. She took Shaka's hand.

"Shaka, it's just- well, I don't know. It's not your fault."

"Then tell me what it is. I ended up talking to Telera at the river, with worse results. She stormed off. . . . Though I admit a sky-clad Dunmer walking away isn't the worst view in the world."

Posted by: stargate525 Jan 26 2006, 08:25 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 26 2006, 07:20 PM)

"Don't forget the house of Dibella," Reeds mentioned to them, "And if you want that, you will definately have to get it built. I've only been here a few months, but Ald Raathim does not seem well know for its cheap and numerous exquisitely exessive mansions."

Posted by: Shardie Jan 26 2006, 08:26 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 27 2006, 12:20 PM)

"We likes Ald Raathim,"

'I frikken hate this place' Llana said to herself aloud after hearing what Alack said... 'a tent? was that the best they could give me? A TENT? That is so below me' she ranted to herself as she marched up to the bar and ordered a drink. Although she was a bosmer, she had long given up the green pact

Posted by: Loranna Jan 26 2006, 08:29 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 26 2006, 08:08 PM)

Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim
The wine was brought in and opened before the ambassador arrived. As Kallen suggested, Diano Asprenas was a fat, middle-aged man but with aristocratic hauteur and a sort of finicky elegance of movement. He greeted Loranna with an extravagent bow that belied his corpulence.

"Your Grace," he said to the floor. "It is a rare honor to meet the legendary Dres Loranna Pyrel."

"Your Excellency," Loranna says, quietly admiring Diano's dexterity; she carefully keeps her smile friendly yet curteous as she lightly bows back. "The honor is all mine; welcome to Ald Raathim."

She has two glasses of wine poured and offers the ambassador a goblet. "Forgive my not seeing you earlier; things have been a mite busy around here these days."

Posted by: Dumbkid Jan 26 2006, 08:30 PM

A jester danced in the road near the Nymph and Noggin laughing obnoxiously and making many rude gestures. Some of the people thought it quite grand; some thought it unwholesome and said it shouldn’t be allowed at a time like this, what with the war and all. The jester – he seemed like a man, but his face was painted turquoise and the rest of him clothed so it was hard to tell – began to sing a song.

I’m the queerest young fellow that you ever heard.
My mother’s a mer, my father absurd
With Tiber the Emp’ror I cannot agree,
So here’s to the warrior, the mage and the thief

If anyone thinks that I shouldn’t sing
He’ll get no free drinks from the Nymph by the sea
But have to drink water and wish it were not
Drawn up from the ocean where the Redoran rot

Goodbye, now, goodbye. Remember all that I sang.
And tell sweet Loranna I’ll be back with a bang.
What’s built here in Raathim cannot turn to fail
And war’s easy…to win, or, to fail.

OOC: Bonus points to anyone who knows the source of the song. I had to change a bit of the wording to make it fit the context, but the meter and rhyme scheme is mostly the same

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 26 2006, 08:32 PM

QUOTE(stargate525 @ Jan 26 2006, 09:25 PM)

"Hmm," Alas added. "Maybe we shoulda thoughts about that before we come."

"We gots gold," Alack added. "But buildin' takes time and workers. And I ain't that patient. Hmmm."

"Can we buys you a drink, o former slave?" Alas asked Reeds. "Though don't ask for no skooma, they ain't got any."

Posted by: White Rhino Jan 26 2006, 08:36 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Jan 26 2006, 08:16 PM)

Kiseena purred softly as she snuggled against Anya. She sipped her drink, though her cheeks fluffed faintly when Shaka sat down. She gave him a little wave, wondering what he might say to Anya and Kiseena being this close.

Though, at the seriousness of what her two friends were talking of, she kept quiet for now.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 26 2006, 08:39 PM

Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 26 2006, 09:29 PM)

"Quite all right, Your Grace," replied the ambassador, taking a sip of wine, and then smiling. "Oh, I say, isn't this special? ... What was I saying, you have bedazzled my senses, including my palate ... Ah, yes, I too have been busy. We have begun construction of the Imperial Embassy next door to the Mages Guild. I hope that location is acceptible to you? We have only barely begun, and can easily find another more suitable site ..."

Posted by: stargate525 Jan 26 2006, 08:41 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 26 2006, 07:32 PM)

"A drink would be marvelous," Reeds replies, "If you two were really desparate, you could renovate one of the warehouses that are still standing... either way, once you get your multi-floored library, I'll be glad to fill it." He looked at them, "For a price of course. "

Posted by: Xyber02 Jan 26 2006, 08:43 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jan 26 2006, 07:22 PM)

"Then tell me what it is. I ended up talking to Telera at the river, with worse results. She stormed off. . . . Though I admit a sky-clad Dunmer walking away isn't the worst view in the world."

Anya frowned more, "You want to know? It opened wounds I that were supposed to be healed. I thought I had finally learned how to accept this, but apperently not."

"It's just no something I'm used to, ok? Even simply caring about people, let alone loosing them."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 26 2006, 08:45 PM

QUOTE(stargate525 @ Jan 26 2006, 09:41 PM)

"Ah, fillin' a library, you must be a booksella," Alas nodded. "We'll look into the warehouse idea ... Not a bad one at all."

Posted by: dentris Jan 26 2006, 08:47 PM

After a good story, there is nothing like a good glass of Booze, P'Rassha thought. He went and asked a barmaid for a drink and sat down at a table, alone, disappointed his last tale didn't make such a good impression. Not a single congratulations made the huge Cathay-raht somehow depressive.

He kept drinking his glass until it was empty, and quicly ordered another one.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 26 2006, 08:48 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 26 2006, 08:39 PM)

Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim
"Quite all right, Your Grace," replied the ambassador, taking a sip of wine, and then smiling. "Oh, I say, isn't this special? ... What was I saying, you have bedazzled my senses, including my palate ... Ah, yes, I too have been busy. We have begun construction of the Imperial Embassy next door to the Mages Guild. I hope that location is acceptible to you? We have only barely begun, and can easily find another more suitable site ..."

Loranna was at least somewhat suseptible to flattery, and she smiles again. "At the moment we're renovating most of the city; that location sounds as good as any," she says. "Just the idea of Ald Raathim warrenting an embassy is enough to make me glow with pride; I trust your discresion in choosing a good location for it."

Even as she speaks, Loranna gets a somewhat thoughtful look in her eyes, considering what other buildings might be good to have built by the Mage Guild and the embassy. She'd have to talk to Kallen about that later, see what could be done.

Posted by: syronj Jan 26 2006, 08:50 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Jan 26 2006, 09:43 PM)

"Fair enough. Sorry to push it, Anya," said Shaka and continued holding her hand. "Hello, Kiseena."

So Kiseena's interested in Anya, thought Shaka. I'm beginning to see how vampire clans could form. But then Anya was a magnet even before she was Embraced by the shapeshifters.

Shaka was fond of Kiseena also, but as a friend.

Posted by: stargate525 Jan 26 2006, 08:51 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 26 2006, 07:45 PM)

"Ah, fillin' a library, you must be a booksella," Alas nodded. "We'll look into the warehouse idea ... Not a bad one at all."

"Didn't the name give me away?" Reeds asked them as he took the drink, "My parents sure thought it was a marvelous joke..."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 26 2006, 08:54 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 26 2006, 09:48 PM)

"I can show you the plans, Your Grace," Diano said, bringing some sheets out from his robe. The style of the building would, of course, be Imperial, but with some Dunmeri influences. Not too ostentatious. A villa-like structure surrounding a large open courtyard in the center. "It will take some months to complete. Your man Kallen said I might be able to stay in your castle before then, which I truly appreciate."

Posted by: Nalion Jan 26 2006, 08:54 PM

QUOTE(Dumbkid @ Jan 26 2006, 08:30 PM)

Dana, sitting outside the Nymph and Noggin, listened to the jester and smiled. She fluttered her eyelashes like birds' wings towards him and waved her hand. Following an urge, the Redguard woman drew forth her lute, and played a tune of her own. While she sang with a voice almost sweet as birds, the wind seemed to freshen up and made her dark red hair quivering in the fresh breeze.

"You're rather blasphemous, like some would say,
Though as a Redguard, I'm not fond either, of Imperial sway.
Your merry laughter and your fancy dress,
However,
Take the sting out of it,
And change it,
Into harmlessness!"

Posted by: dentris Jan 26 2006, 08:59 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jan 26 2006, 08:54 PM)

Even inside the Nymph and Noggin, the gargantuan Khajiit could heard the sweet voice of Dana and her beautiful poem. All of a sudden, his sadness and bad thoughts seemed to fade away as if they never existed. He listened with his keen ears and his mind felt in a realm known only to himself.

After a few seconds, he realized what happened and tried to hide the fact he is no longer sad...Obviously faking a sad face.

Posted by: Dumbkid Jan 26 2006, 09:04 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jan 26 2006, 09:54 PM)

The jester bowed in a circle but mostly towards Dana.
- And such a good thing from a Redguard is worth a thousand applauds.
Hitherwith wonder do I delight in the noise.
- For she has given back to me a song!
With a flash of light the jester was gone and in his place a shadow that melted in the sun.

OOC: Okay, enough of me trying to play Joyce.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 26 2006, 09:05 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 26 2006, 08:54 PM)

Loranna accepts the plans and looks over them, nodding to herself. She was coming to really like Dunmeri-influenced Imperial architecture, and the proposed villa would actually fit in well with the ecclectic yet distinctive style that marked Ald Raathim.

"Think nothing of it; it's my pleasure," Loranna says. "Hmm ... if I could just ask a few small questions about some details ..."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 26 2006, 09:09 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 26 2006, 10:05 PM)

"Of course, Your Grace," Diano smiled. "I have no agenda at this time rather than to make your acquaintance. What questions have you?"

Posted by: White Rhino Jan 26 2006, 09:15 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jan 26 2006, 08:50 PM)

Kiseena smiles softly at Shaka. "Hello, friend Shaka," she mrred. "Kiseena has not seen Shaka lately; are things well for Shaka?"

Posted by: Shardie Jan 26 2006, 09:19 PM

QUOTE(stargate525 @ Jan 27 2006, 12:51 PM)

"Didn't the name give me away?" Reeds asked them as he took the drink, "My parents sure thought it was a marvelous joke..."

Llana had been listening in on this conversation ever since she walked in, and found it quite amusing that she was not the only person with accomidation problems. But she decided to try her luck, 'so you own a bookstore, do you?' she asked the argonian

Posted by: stargate525 Jan 26 2006, 09:20 PM

QUOTE(Shardie @ Jan 26 2006, 08:19 PM)

"Yes," Reeds said turning, "Reeds Saloat at your service."

Posted by: syronj Jan 26 2006, 09:20 PM

QUOTE(White Rhino @ Jan 26 2006, 10:15 PM)

Kiseena smiles softly at Shaka. "Hello, friend Shaka," she mrred. "Kiseena has not seen Shaka lately; are things well for Shaka?"

Shaka reached across the table and squeezed Kiseena's paw for a second. "Not bad, Kiseena. Thanks. . . . After getting back from Firsthold, I had a good visit with Kethiah. And it's a real relief to be back home in Ald Raathim, battered as it is. How are you these days?"

Posted by: Shardie Jan 26 2006, 09:23 PM

QUOTE(stargate525 @ Jan 27 2006, 01:20 PM)

"Yes," Reeds said turning, "Reeds Saloat at your service."

'Llana, just Llana, Engraver, Document Authenticator, and Printer,' she handed over her card which she had created the previous day, 'Since you run a bookstore, perhaps you could help me... you see, Im down on my luck and need some money to leave this place... you wouldnt know anywhere where I could get a job, or atleast reasonable accomidations? I hadly can do printing in a tent'

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 26 2006, 09:25 PM

QUOTE(Shardie @ Jan 26 2006, 10:23 PM)

Alas and Alack looked at one another.

"Can ye sleep aboard a ship?" Alack asked.

Posted by: Stargazey Jan 26 2006, 09:27 PM

Ingmar made his way past the place where Reeds, Llana, Alas and Alack were talking. As he walked by, he recognized Alas, from the House of Dibella, the other night.

He smiled at him, and went to get a drink further up the bar.

Posted by: stargate525 Jan 26 2006, 09:27 PM

QUOTE(Shardie @ Jan 26 2006, 08:23 PM)

"Pleased to meet you," Reeds said, taking the little slip of paper offered him. Buisnesses on little peices of cardboard.... how novel. He stuck it in his pocket and continued, "If it's a job your looking for, I can't help you personally. But there are no printers here in Ald Raathim, you would have a monopoly should you decide to start a shop. You would get buisness from me as well, shipping, as you can imagine, is getting mighty expensive with the war."

Posted by: White Rhino Jan 26 2006, 09:28 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jan 26 2006, 09:20 PM)

Kiseena prrs gently at Shaka's squeeze, giving a gentle one back. "Kiseena is finding it very enjoyable to finally have friends," she says. "Especially when the friends are so interesting and unique."

Posted by: Shardie Jan 26 2006, 09:29 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 27 2006, 01:25 PM)

Alas and Alack looked at one another.

"Can ye sleep aboard a ship?" Alack asked.

'A ship?' Llana's long elven ears pricked up, 'That is somthing I could definatly do, if there is enough floorspace to set up my printing machine,' she turned to the Alack, 'however, good sirs, I would be unable to offer coin at this paticular time... the guide that lead me here took most of my money as payment. Thats why Im looking to start a business of some type to get myself on my feet again'

QUOTE(stargate525 @ Jan 27 2006, 01:27 PM)

'Oh, that sounds like a good job oppertunity. I dont think there are that many printers in the empire fullstop. Printing machines, especally of the portable type are notoriously expensive, plus most people are not willing to put in the time to learn how to use one properly'

Posted by: Loranna Jan 26 2006, 09:30 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 26 2006, 09:09 PM)

"Of course, Your Grace," Diano smiled. "I have no agenda at this time rather than to make your acquaintance. What questions have you?"

Loranna asks her questions quickly and softly, inquiring about the nature of the villa's defenses and the construction schedule Diano had in mind. After hearing what Diano had in mind, she gently suggests adding a few more guards, and mentions she would like to have one of her companions look at the plans in a little bit to offer ideas from "a learned perspective in building security."

Hopefully, Anya wouldn't mind.

"Well, things seem to be well in hand for the embassy, then," Loranna says after her questions are done. "This looks like it will work out well; I'm glad."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 26 2006, 09:30 PM

The Nymph and Noggin

While Alack waited for Llana's response, Alas turned slightly ...

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Jan 26 2006, 10:27 PM)

And smacked Alack's arm lightly, whispering. "That be the big slab o' Nord I saw last night. Cor ..."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 26 2006, 09:32 PM

QUOTE(Shardie @ Jan 26 2006, 10:29 PM)

Alack was slapping Alas back. "Extually, we has a little job we could use you fer. We was hoping to meet someone just like you. Why doesn't we show you the ship, and you can decide fer yourself?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 26 2006, 09:34 PM

Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 26 2006, 10:30 PM)

"Well, things seem to be well in hand for the embassy, then," Loranna says after her questions are done. "This looks like it will work out well; I'm glad."

"I agree, Your Grace," Diano bowed. "A most satisfactory meeting. I think we will make good partners, the Empire and Ald Raathim."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 26 2006, 09:38 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 26 2006, 09:34 PM)

Castle Daruhn, Ald Raathim
"I agree, Your Grace," Diano bowed. "A most satisfactory meeting. I think we will make good partners, the Empire and Ald Raathim."

"That is my fond wish," Loranna says, raising her goblet. "To the Empire and Ald Raathim; long may we be prosperous partners and friends."

Posted by: stargate525 Jan 26 2006, 09:40 PM

QUOTE(Shardie @ Jan 26 2006, 08:29 PM)

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 26 2006, 08:32 PM)

Alack was slapping Alas back. "Extually, we has a little job we could use you fer. We was hoping to meet someone just like you. Why doesn't we show you the ship, and you can decide fer yourself?"

"Well then Llana, it seems these two fine khajiit have got you covered, no need for me anymore it seems." Reeds said. He took his leave and enjoyed his drink.

Posted by: Shardie Jan 26 2006, 09:42 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 27 2006, 01:32 PM)

Alack was slapping Alas back. "Extually, we has a little job we could use you fer. We was hoping to meet someone just like you. Why doesn't we show you the ship, and you can decide fer yourself?"

'I think I might, but Thankyou, Reeds for giving me that sugestion, once I earn a bit of capital, I might set myself up. Perhaps Jana knew more than she said when she told me I'd find somthing good here, now, my dear kitties, would you like to lead the way?'

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 26 2006, 09:52 PM

The Senchal Rose, The Bay of Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Shardie @ Jan 26 2006, 10:42 PM)

It was not a very big vessel, but big enough to have taken Alas and Alack from Elsweyr to Morrowind, skirting the coast of Black Marsh. There were two cabins, but one was being used for storage.

"We can clears it out and put it in a warehouse," Alas said. "And you could has this cabin, and he takes the other ... At least until we builds our palace."

Posted by: Shardie Jan 26 2006, 09:59 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 27 2006, 01:52 PM)

The Senchal Rose, The Bay of Ald Raathim
It was not a very big vessel, but big enough to have taken Alas and Alack from Elsweyr to Morrowind, skirting the coast of Black Marsh. There were two cabins, but one was being used for storage.

"We can clears it out and put it in a warehouse," Alas said. "And you could has this cabin, and he takes the other ... At least until we builds our palace."

'A a palace, how ambitous!' Llana said servaying the room, 'This will do nicely, I spent half my childhood locked on a boat, where I learnt my trade, actually, so what would you have me do? Since your offering me a place to stay, I would naturally offer you this task for no extra charge, unless it was overly complex' She dropped her feather bag on the deck of the ship, and looked around at the cabin, it truly was a good place, reminded her of the Summerset Islands, for some reason

Posted by: Nalion Jan 26 2006, 10:20 PM

Ald Raathim

Nalion stepped out of the Mages Guild of Ald Raathim with fast strides. He was still clad in the white garments he had worn in Firsthold, but carried his bulged bag with him and an old book wrapped carefully in cloth could be seen sticking out.
The Breton had chosen not to accompany Loranna and the others on their way back, but had stayed in Firsthold for one more day. The revelations there had made the mage thought- and sorrowful, however, something he had read somewhere had caught his attention. Regarded in the light of recent events, this had become the reason that he had left Firsthold in a hurry to see Loranna as soon as possible.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 26 2006, 10:36 PM

The Senchal Rose, Ald Raathim Harbor

QUOTE(Shardie @ Jan 26 2006, 10:59 PM)

Alas began rummaging through the boxes in the second cabin, looking for something.

“Well, Llana of Cyrodiil, we has two jobs for you exactually. One what’s secret but legal, the other what’s secret but --” Alack said. “Unlegal. The legal one be we needs someone to let we know when people like us come along and asks you to do unlegal things. Say, they wants you to forge something for examples. You tells us when that happens, and you gets paid.”

“Now, for the unlegal one,” Alas added, handing Llana a sheet of paper. “We needs you to forge something.”

“Like I saids,” Alack smiled.

Posted by: Shardie Jan 26 2006, 10:41 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 27 2006, 02:36 PM)

The Senchal Rose, Ald Raathim Harbor
Alas began rummaging through the boxes in the second cabin, looking for something.

“Well, Llana of Cyrodiil, we has two jobs for you exactually. One what’s secret but legal, the other what’s secret but --” Alack said. “Unlegal. The legal one be we needs someone to let we know when people like us come along and asks you to do unlegal things. Say, they wants you to forge something for examples. You tells us when that happens, and you gets paid.”

“Now, for the unlegal one,” Alas added, handing Llana a sheet of paper. “We needs you to forge something.”

“Like I saids,” Alack smiled.

'It seems, my reputation preceeds me' Llana said scornfully, 'Ive never done work up here, but yet people know about my talents...' but she smiled, 'I think I might do both jobs. What, might I ask, does the unlegal job require? I may not have the tools on hand to do anything sophisticated...' she looked at the twins smiling

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 26 2006, 10:46 PM

The Senchal Rose, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Shardie @ Jan 26 2006, 11:41 PM)

It was pretty sophisticated. But within her abilities.

Posted by: dentris Jan 26 2006, 10:54 PM

After a fourth glass of booze, P'Rassha raised in his two feet, with some luck he managed not to stumble on his own chair and went back in the middle of the room. It wasn't clear if the khajiit was faking drunkness or not. 4 glasses shouldn't be enough to put a nine feet tall jaguar in such a state.

All the suspicion fade away when P'Rassha started to speak, with a perfect control over his voice. He wasn't drunk at all.

"Let P'Rassha tell you another story. A story that happened only a few years ago, when Dagoth Ur was still alive and well, and the true Tribunal still in place. P'Rassha and some friends were back from a really dangerous expedition. Almost all of them were there. When the destination was reached, though, P'Rassha's friend went all in opposite directions. All of them except one. An Altmer named Emarill.

In fact, Emarill isn't really a friend of P'Rassha, more like a prisonner. He attempted to kill a man just before P'Rassha once and your devoted storyteller stopped him in time. Since P'Rassha is no guard, he simply put slave bracers around his arms to prevent him from casting spells and wanted to escort him to Cyrodiil. Emarill was a known criminal in Cyrodil, but a free man in Morrowind. It happens when you happen to be a member of the Morag Tong. Your writs of executions gives you the right to kill.

Emarill and P'Rassha were alone, and a long journey by foot started from the city of Ebonheart. Ebonheart in the mainland, not in Vvanderfell."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 26 2006, 11:06 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jan 26 2006, 10:20 PM)

The ambassador and Loranna speak for a little while afterward, mostly small talk; by the time Diaro needed to leave Loranna had concluded that she should be able to work with him without too much trouble; he seemed a likable enough sort

Scant minutes after the ambassador takes his leave, Loranna is told Nalion is here to see her.

"Nalion?" Loranna says, perking up. "Show him in immediately." She pours a goblet of wine for Nalion and takes another sip of her own,

Posted by: dentris Jan 26 2006, 11:07 PM

P'Rassha waited for the last people in the inn to stop shouting and continued with his story.

"That was around the time the Nevarine was slowly getting known again. P'Rassha heard some stories, but P'Rassha was more preoccupied by his prisonner than by Morrowind local stories. Unfortunatly, if P'Rassha was preoccupied a little bit more by these stories, a series of unpleasant events would have never occured to him and to Emarill.

It wasn't long before Emarill and P'Rassha were caught by the darkness of the first night spent together, alone. P'Rassha wasn't a fool, he knew he couldn't trust the Altmer. Thus, P'Rassha took some rope and made sure friend Emarill would hug a tree during the night. A good wooden pillow was a good way to ensure P'Rassha's safety.

Unexpectadly, Emarill wasn't the one to disturb P'Rassha's sleep. When Magnus was way past the horizon, P'Rassha woke up when he heard some strange sounds from a nearby forest. He grabbed his axe, his armor and went to investigate. The sounds were getting louder and clearer. It wasn't random sounds, it was a song, and a pretty charming one.

P'Rassha continued to follow the sounds and found an entrance to an ancestral tomb. It was time to wake up Emarill and to do some explorations.

Posted by: Nalion Jan 26 2006, 11:13 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 26 2006, 11:06 PM)

Nalion was a bit out of breath from hurrying from the Mages Guild to the castle and climbing the stairs.
He nodded in greeting. "Good to see you, Loranna.", the mage said, speaking rather quickly. "I found something that you - and others - must know. On this regard, do you know where Morgiah and Barenziah currently are? But first things first: Remember, our talk about my little expedition into the Royal Library in Firsthold? That I said I found nothing of value?"

Nalion paused to take a sip from the glass of wine.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 26 2006, 11:17 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jan 26 2006, 11:13 PM)

"They were heading back to Mournhold; whether they went by boat or guild guide I'm not sure," Loranna says, frowning. "I'll ask the Queen about that ... but yes, I remember ..."

A tingle runs down Loranna's spine as she asks " ... Did you find something after all, dear?"

Posted by: dentris Jan 26 2006, 11:17 PM

P'Rassha took his axe and mimed a stealthy approach to a door. He put the axe back on the ground and continued.

"P'Rassha assumes many of you knows what an Ancestral Tomb looks like. They are pretty much all alike, but this one was different. The first corridors and rooms were just like any normal ancestral tomb, with skeletons and bonelords lurking and attacking unwanted visitors, ashes pits and urns. P'Rassha easily dispatched him, even with Emarill standing besides him, his magicka locked and unarmed. He was more an hindrance than an edge, but P'Rassha couldn't leave him alone in the middle of the night, close from the inner sea and Azura knows what monsters.

Emarill and P'Rassha made two unlikely companions, but it was the best that could be done at the moment. When a staircase was reached and the ancestral tomb seemed to continued deeper into the ground, that is where things started to get weird.

The walls were no longer made of worked stone, but instead became deadric carved materials. P'Rassha heard about such places. They were deadric shrines linked to tombs, but P'Rassha had not seen any deadric ruins around, nor heard about any for miles around. It was either a secret shrine, or something else.

After P'Rassha went down the staircase, it was clear it wasn't a normal shrine. Almost everything in it was destroyed: columns, statues, whole parts of walls and roofs. It was quite a mess. But P'Rassha noticed there was still a way around the rubbles and deeper into the ground."

Posted by: dentris Jan 26 2006, 11:26 PM

P'Rassha resisted the urge to transform the Nymph and Noggin into a mess just to add up a little something to the story. With a disappointed face, he continued:

"The deadric shrine soon left place for a much more inviting place. There, the music was even more beautiful and charming. The source was closer and closer by the second.

Emarill and P'Rassha entered a small room filled with rich decorations, scupltures and wallpapers. It was a complete different world from the room just besides it. Inside the room...More exactly a bedroom, considering the fact there was a richely ornamented bed in it...was the most beautiful Dunmer P'Rassha was ever given the chance to look upon. She was, in a word, perfect. Her skin seemed soft and appealing, her face was simple yet just wonderfully attractive, her garnment (leaving everything of interest to the eyes of everyone to see, if you understand what P'Rassha means) were made of silk embroidied with gold and her voice was simply amazing. She was the one singing.

Emarill, too, seemed to be enthralled by the Dunmer's presence. She had an immediate effect on both of us."

Posted by: Nalion Jan 26 2006, 11:27 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 26 2006, 11:17 PM)

"Yes, I did, but not what I had hoped for at first. This is why it took me so long to find out. Only in light of recent events, this has gained significance.", Nalion answered, unslung his bag and took out the tome folded in cloth.
"I hope the librarians in Firsthold won't miss that book for the short time I 'borrowed' it.", the mage shrugged as he carefully unwrapped the book. He opened it slowly, it's leather cover cracking with the movement and flipped open a page. He turned the book so that Loranna would be able to read it and pointed to a line.
"There.", he said. "What do you make of this?"

The script was ancient, but it was legible.

"On the Forging of Bonds

By the words and deeds and intent, between entity and entity, covenant is born and agreed upon and sealed before the high and low, and the subject-matters of the covenant, fate-sealed under the high and low, guarded by the pledges of each single entity and entity, shall be bound under the proviso of the covenant.
Whilst words, deeds and intent are upheld and honored by entity and entity each before the high and low, the covenant shall be regarded as binding to entity and entity and the subject-matters agreed upon."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 26 2006, 11:31 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jan 26 2006, 11:27 PM)

"A bit on the wordy side," Loranna mutters, "but it does sound much like the situation Morgiah was just in, does it not?"

She re-reads the line, frowning. "Whilst words, deeds, and intent are upheld and honored ... hmm ... wait; didn't Morgiah say the arrangement was Mannimarco would cease attacking Firsthold in exchange for her first-born?" Loranna asks, glancing back up at Nalion.

Posted by: One87xe Jan 26 2006, 11:32 PM

*...The Nymph and Noggin...Osa sits still nursing the goblet of Brandy she's been holding, and attempting to determine if the cream in the "Cream of Crab Meat Soup" she had eaten earlier had begin to turn...*

Posted by: Nalion Jan 26 2006, 11:34 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 26 2006, 11:31 PM)

"A bit on the wordy side," Loranna mutters, "but it does sound much like the situation Morgiah was just in, does it not?"

She re-reads the line, frowning. "Whilst wors, deeds, and intent are upheld and honored ... hmm ... wait; didn't Morgiah say the arrangement was Mannimarco would cease attacking Firsthold in exchange for her first-born?" Loranna asks, glancing back up at Nalion.

"This seemed to be the one part of the deal, yes.", Nalion nodded gravely. "However, this is only half of it. There is the other part. Morgiah's part."
The mage's tongue was dry, and he sipped eagerly on his wine.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 26 2006, 11:36 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jan 26 2006, 11:34 PM)

"Well, she means to break the contract she made; she's already divorced Reman," Loranna says. "So the intent behind her part of the contract has been anulled, no? Does the book have anything further to say on the nature of these bonds forged?"

Posted by: dentris Jan 26 2006, 11:38 PM

P'Rassha took a time to get back in his memory, revisiting the moment he set his eye on the dunmer lady he was talking about. It appears she was really wonderful. He went on with his story soon afterwards.

"Emarill was the first one to dare do something. He took a few steps forward and tried to touch the lady, As if he tried to believe she was real and not a dream. His braced hand touched her skin and she grabbed Emarill's hand and approached it from her heart. Emarill was too surprised to resist.

The lady was the first one to break the silence. She gave her name: Exia. A beautiful name indeed. And she told the problem she had for many centuries now. She was a prisoner. A prisoner of a bad daedra she didn't even know. A deadra that took her because of her beauty and hid her in this prison. A beautiful prison, but a prison nonetheless. She was overjoyed to see faces other than her own reflection for the first time and begged Emarill and P'Rassha to help. It was quite simple. Deeper into the deadric shrine lied a single, untouched shrine since even before the Tribunal was first born. An unknown Daedra Prince was revered in that place. It was neither a good daedra, nor a corner of the house of trouble. It was something different.

If someone, anybody went there and found a way to free her, she would be eternally grateful and she would do anything her savior would ask...Anything."

Posted by: Nalion Jan 26 2006, 11:41 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 26 2006, 11:36 PM)

"Yes, I do not know, but judging from this, both sides... have broken their part of the deal. 'Whilst words, deeds and intent are upheld and honored by entity and entity each before the high and low, the covenant shall be regarded as binding to entity and entity and the subject-matters agreed upon.' I wonder if this new situation now unbinds the subject-matter?", Nalion asked, scratching his head. Somehow, there was a gleam of hope in his eyes.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 26 2006, 11:46 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jan 26 2006, 11:41 PM)

"Barenziah did seem to think that the God of Worms would abide by the terms of his contract," Loranna says, frowning thoughtfully. "I, myself, think he's probably going to try and conveninetly ignore 'bothersome' details. However ... the actual bond he has on Goranthir's soul is another matter; if we can get Goranthir away from his influnece, he might be able to return to us, yes?"

The gleam in Nalion's eyes gave Loranna renewed hope as well, even if she was trying to not get over-optimistic.

Posted by: dentris Jan 26 2006, 11:46 PM

P'Rassha opened his arm and made his poor, helpless and naive eyes.

"Any man of any race would have done the same thing than Emarill and P'Rassha. Both hurried outside and went deeper into the dungeon. There was trouble between the destination and P'Rassha, though. Lesser deadras to be precise. P'Rassha's axe was stronger though, and the afore-mentionned shrine was soon within sight.

It wasn't a normal shrine, you already guessed. There was no statue, only a place for offerings. The power of a daedra could be felt, though, so it was clearly the place Exia was talking about. Emarill tried to reach the shrine before P'Rassha, but thanks to Violetta, P'Rassha was there first. P'Rassha'll let you guess the date this adventure occured with a simple hint:

P'Rassha was about to become a prey."

Posted by: One87xe Jan 26 2006, 11:46 PM

"Hmm, I wonder if the rooms here have fire pits?...I'd hate to be a burden but I'd feel a great deal more comfortable if I could prepare my own food. I'll ask when the food settles"

QUOTE

*...Osa was hesitant and let a slight burp as she raised her voice to answer the great Khajiiti's question...*

"I think I know the answer: It's the Bloodmoon, the 5th of Mid Year, correct?"

Posted by: dentris Jan 27 2006, 12:00 AM

QUOTE(One87xe @ Jan 26 2006, 11:46 PM)

"Hmm, I wonder if the rooms here have fire pits?...I'd hate to be a burden but I'd feel a great deal more comfortable if I could prepare my own food. I'll ask when the food settles"

*...Osa was hesitant and let a slight burp as she raised her voiced to answer the great Khajiiti's question...*

"I think I know the answer: It's the Bloodmoon, the 5th of Mid Year, correct?"

P'Rassha was more than happy someone in the audience could answer his question.

"Correct, the 5th of Mid Year it was. To those that doesn't know, it was Hircine's summoning date. P'Rassha didn't know, neither Emarill, but deep inside P'Rassha, someone knew what to do at that very moment and guided P'Rassha's paw. Emarill was anxious and nervous seeing what P'Rassha was doing, but calmed down when he saw the effects on his surrounding. In fact, he calmed down for a second when realizing it was working, but his anxiety bursted again when he realised he wasn't underground anymore, but in a luxuriant forest. A blood red forest, with P'Rassha and another figure, a tall, horned and intimidatin figure: Hircine.

He asked what we wanted, and P'Rassha said he wanted to free Exia. Hircine wasn't surprised by the request and gave Emarill and P'Rassha a simple quest for what they wanted: they had to survive a hunt.

Posted by: Nalion Jan 27 2006, 12:00 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 26 2006, 11:46 PM)

Nalion lifted his hands and shrugged. "As I said, there's implication that it might work this way, and perhaps there is a chance to make this pact void. After all, both parties do not hold 'true' to the contact anymore. Maybe this is where we just have to try our luck.", Nalion said, hoping like Loranna that it would not turn out in desaster.
"I want to look at the book one more time and change my clothes. Perhaps you could also talk to Barenziah at least and tell her about this book and its content. I just wanted to let you know about it as soon as possible."
Nalion finished his wine. "If you'll excuse me?"

Posted by: Loranna Jan 27 2006, 12:02 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jan 27 2006, 12:00 AM)

"Of course dear; we'll talk to the Queen Mother once you've finished pouring over the tome," Loranna says. "Good find Nalion; thanks. It sounds like we have something to work with after all."

Posted by: One87xe Jan 27 2006, 12:03 AM

QUOTE(dentris @ Jan 26 2006, 10:00 PM)

"Aghhh...that cant be good, the Soup doesn't seem to want to stay down, and the Brandy isnt helping matters...I'd better go sleep it off"

*...Osa then approached a Keep and paid rather hastily for a room...belching she makes her way into her new room...*

Posted by: dentris Jan 27 2006, 12:17 AM

"P'Rassha didn't have to kill the hunters, he just had to survive for a whole hour. It was not going to be an easy task, P'Rassha knew. They were given 10 minutes to hide and prepare as a prey. P'Rassha wanted to stay with Emarill, but Emarill thought otherwise. If they splitted, one of them was more likely to survive than the others.

P'Rassha punched him and grabbed his inconscious body over his shoulder. He knew Emarill thought a nine feet tall khajiit was clearly less stealth than an unarmored Altmer, but P'Rassha was a special Cathay-raht, the kind that knew how to hide.

Still carrying Emarill's body, he found a cavern within the blood forest. He put Emarill there and took refuge in the trees. Ten minutes later, one aspect of Hircine was searching for us. P'Rassha forgot to mention, Hircine never hunts with his complete self. It would be unfair to do so. Instead, he choose an aspect of himself and let it do the hunting alone.

P'Rassha didn't know which aspect he was facing, but P'Rassha knew it wasn't going to be easy. It wasn't long before Hircine found Emarill unconscious body, and P'Rassha was ready to leap on him, bur Hircine was no fool, he was ready for that. Before P'Rassha could act, he summoned a spear out of nowhere and threw it right in the direction of P'Rassha. Thanks to Violetta, P'Rassha was able to dodge, but felt to the ground, helpless. The only thing left was to run. Run as fast as he could.

Hircine was fast too, but only slightly faster than P'Rassha. This way, P'Rassha was able to keep the distance between the hunters for mre than 25 minutes of running in the forest. The worst 25 minutes P'Rassha ever had.

After 25 minutes, though, P'Rassha made a fatal error. He tried to jump over a gap, but miscalculated the distances he felt into a wide chasm, about 20 meters deep. P'Rassha broke his left leg during his fall and waited for Hircine to finish him. Hircine took his time to climb down the chasm and summoned a nice daedric axe to kill his prey.

A miracle for which P'Rassha never wished occured. A spear pierced through Hircine's leg and gave P'Rassha courage. P'Rasshe rose on her broken foot and continued the chase. It was painfull, but Hircine, too was hurt. After another 25 minutes of painfull running, and when P'Rassha says painfull, it means painfull, the blood forest faded away and both Emarill and P'Rassha were back in the shrine. P'Rassha heard in his head: I granted your wish since you survived my hunt.

Emarill insulted a few times P'Rassha, saying how stupid, how irreasonable the actions were, and Emarill said P'Rassha owed him his life. It was luck is he woke up soon enough, found the deadric spear Hircine threw at P'Rassha and followed them to throw it back at Hircine at the good moment."

Posted by: dentris Jan 27 2006, 12:32 AM

"P'Rassha asked to Emarill what P'Rassha could do to repay this debt to him, but unexpectedly for a murderer, Emarill answered that just like Baan Dar once told him, P'Rassha just had to give it forward to someone else. It was an answer P'Rassha was expecting from a benevolent priest, no a cold-blooded criminal. Maybe there was more the Emarill than what P'Rassha thought at first.

With the recent victory in hand and with a new friend, P'Rassha hurried to Exia. She was still there, but her room was completly different. The beautiful wallpapers were transformed into images of a Volcano, her bed morphed into a pillar filled with ash statuette and Exia was no more the beautiful Exia, she was a monstruosity. Her skin was deformed, her face hidden with a mask in the shape of a sun and her voice sounded as if she was from another world.

Exia was an Ash Vampire. Daedra Worshipper managed to create this elaborate prison to keep her at bay, but Emarill and P'Rassha, seduced by her illusionary beauty, freed her into the world.

P'Rassha took the axe and attacked the creature, but her skin was thick. The axe didn't even made blood spill. With a spell, the vampire paralyzed P'Rassha and the survival of the adventure was, again, in the hand of a spellless, unarmed nightblade.

Emarill rose a hand and tried to make a truce with the vampire. He said he wa P'Rassha's prisonner and that if the vampire had money, she could make a new Altmer friend instead of an enemy. Exia listened to what Emarill had to say and appeared to be really interested. He just asked for his bracers to be removed. Exia removed them with her bare hands, breaking them into unusuable metal chunks, and soon find herself immersed with a fire storm. She died burned to death by one of Emarill's spell.

He then dispel P'Rassha's paralysis and added P'Rassha now owed him two lives.

Emarill was given new bracers, and accepted to to judged for his crime afterwards. What happened to him, that's another story."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 27 2006, 12:36 AM

Several tavern patrons applauded P'Rassha's story, impressed by his ability to tell a mesmerizing tale. Whether anyone actually believed it was another matter, but that didn't stop the applause.

===

But it does signal the time to ...

LOCK ON!!!

Loranna

Posted by: summer Jan 27 2006, 12:44 AM

locked per request of OP.