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

Posted by: Loranna Feb 13 2006, 03:09 AM

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

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

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's 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. If you cannot get on the channel for some reason, or if the player whose 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.

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 http://www.tc.umn.edu/~rhod0091/lrp/temp.html. 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 post of Allerleirauh http://www.elderscrolls.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=141737&view=findpost&p=2871855, dealing with some of the above mentioned rules, as well as the hints on character generation done by Loranna http://www.elderscrolls.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=141737&view=findpost&p=3828224. 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!
===

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 Ald Raathim, heading to see Kethiah to congratulate her on the birth her her beautiful baby boy, though Loranna's mind is troubled by vague fears she cannot identify, and a nagging suspiscion that her friends in Tel Dresori are in danger ...

Gram is returning from his excursion in the Velothi Mountains, having labored to make the Dwemer Ruin the heroes explored there suitable for Ald Raathim's purposes. He will doubtless slap Isidor heartily on the back for becoming a father and tell him some old Nordic secrets for putting the blush of Kyne into a baby's skin to give it a healthy pink hue. It likely involves pinching his nose shut and blowing into his mouth real hard.

And continuing the saga of Dayla, Bathogorgen vampire and mater of Anya; Dayla, after being used by her mater Ashana and having her own wants brushed aside, and unable to bring herself to kill Anya like Ashana commanded, has betrayed her mater and now is chained to the dungeon walls like all the other heores, having tasted Ashana's wrath and fed Ashana with her blood. She has been having a long talk with her filia Anya, and has ... been re-evaluating many aspects of her life.

NOTE: THE PARTY THAT WENT TO TEL DRESORI HAS BEEN CAPTURED AND THROWN IN THE DUNGEONS; THEIR GEAR HAS BEEN STRIPPED FROM THEM AND THEY ARE CURRENTLY UNABLE TO ESCAPE.

Posted by: S'reddit Feb 13 2006, 03:32 AM

Summary

Kethiah, former assassin and currently co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin tavern in Ald Raathim is in her bedroom atthe tavern, nursing her new baby boy.

Kingston Mune, Korgari vampire, stepped into a water trap in a tunnel in Tel Dresori and revealed that he was no mere "Vampire Expert." The water burned him, as it burns all members of his peculiar tribe, the ancient enemies of the Diodata Tribe who have taken Tel Dresori, and he is apparently dead, even for the undead.

The Volunteers of the Ald Raathim Mages Guild are awaiting their fate in the dungeon of the castle in Tel Dresori with the rest of the heroes. Four of the twelve are definitely dead, and more likely met that fate ... We shall see ...

Posted by: syronj Feb 13 2006, 08:06 AM

Summary: Shaka, an Argonian battlemage, is waking up in the Tel Dresori dungeon.

Shaka focused his eyes to find that he was chained to a wall in a dungeon cell with several of the other adventurers.

The serenity given him by the claymore was wearing off; Shaka was almost nauseated when he realized his armor and weapons were gone. He had failed the group, failed Slyvos and Loranna as well.

We were taught a long time back that you protect your mages in a battle, not just charge in blindly like a berserk Nord. Now the swords dedicated to St Meris are gone, not to mention all our other chances.

He looked at his manacles with loathing. Shaka had managed to avoid slavery in his life, but now he was only one more Betmer. The manacles were draining him, making it difficult to focus his thoughts or form spells.

Shaka could probably speak and summon Loranna's mirror, but he wanted to keep that as a last resort. No sense having Loranna charge in to Tel Dresori and probably lose the baby and her life. Shaka had wanted to rescue Slyvos before the Duchess even knew he was captured. . . .

The Diodata were one step ahead of us from the beginning. But I don't get why they thought they could succeed in taking over an entire domain. Even if we failed, others will come until the Diodata are wiped out.

Shaka leaned his head back against the stone wall and tried not to give in to despair. He had always known he would check out one day, but not like this.

Kind of a blur now, but Dayla was here and fighting Anya before the mist took us all out. Was Dayla screaming 'Mater' to it?

Posted by: Shardie Feb 13 2006, 08:12 AM

Llana's Diary

Caught a nice perch today, and I finished those fake bank notes for my latest client. Once more, I went to the Nymph and Noggin to have fish, they make good fish yes, but thier cook freaks me out. It seems people are celebrating the birth of the owner's new child. I dont get humans. Returned to my cabin and read a bit. Kinda boring, perhaps I would have had more fun if I went to this Tel Dresori place? Oh well, Im sure the people that went are having a good time... I wonder what they are doing there? Perhaps I shall ask the twins when I see them next.

Posted by: FireMaster Feb 13 2006, 08:53 AM

Summary:

Erenius, also amongst those chained below, is still trying to wonder just how it happened.
====
'Mayhaps following Shaka in that blind charge was a bad idea,' Erenius thinks to himself, weary of the fighting that had landed them in these dark places of captivity the cuffs about his wrists also drained him slightly, but only because he never really bothered to strengthen his magickal afinity, preferring instead to leave his abilities in the realm of the real, and not tied to Aetherius. 'Had we just stayed back and forced our way in the other direction...or simply paused a bit longer to hear whatever Nalion had to say back then.'

But regardless, Erenius was chained to the wall like, he assumes, many of the others. It seems he can do little but wait calmly and await whatever may.

Posted by: Stargazey Feb 13 2006, 09:06 AM

ooc: Isidor, male nord, is celebrating the birth of his baby boy, with his wife Kethiah.

Ingmar, Isidor's brother, is celbrating being locked in a Vampiric dungeon, with a crazed Chimer that wants to kill him and his companions. Oh well.

Posted by: Osano Feb 13 2006, 09:38 AM

Athaso Sethen, Dunmer Rogue, is awakening in the dungeons of Tel Dresori

You can sleep when you're dead; get up. HIs thoughts reverberated through his head. Athaso opened his eyes for a moment, his vision blurring in and out, then closed them. Open your eyes! This is no time for sleeping. He groaned and leaned his head back on the wall of the cell when what exactly had happened hit him.
"Damn. This sucks. Stupid vampires." he said hoarsely, his words resounding through the dungeon.

Posted by: apocolipseLater Feb 13 2006, 11:33 AM

OOC:Summary
Dar'Tessir is in the Nymph & Noggin, celebrating the free drinks as a result of the birth and generally feeling guilty and disappointed that he isn't in Tel Dresori with his freinds. Guilty because he couldn't help anyone here, disapointed because he heard there would be vampires there and vampires had allways interested him. At least the Cyrodiilic Brandy was good.

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 13 2006, 01:54 PM

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 13 2006, 04:09 AM)

Summary for Loranna: Loranna is in Ald Raathim, heading to see Kethiah to congratulate her on the birth her her beautiful baby boy, though Loranna's mind is troubled by vague fears she cannot identify, and a nagging suspiscion that her friends in Tel Dresori are in danger ...

The celebrations in the Nymph and Noggin were loud and raucous, everyone toasting the new child, and arguing whether his name would be Dunmeri in deference to his mother or Nordic in deference to his father.

Loranna was led up to her room by one of the tavernmaids.

Posted by: Slashes-With-Claws Feb 13 2006, 02:58 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 13 2006, 02:54 PM)

The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
The celebrations in the Nymph and Noggin were loud and raucous, everyone toasting the new child, and arguing whether his name would be Dunmeri in deference to his mother or Nordic in deference to his father.

Loranna was led up to her room by one of the tavernmaids.

Commander Slashes-With-Claws took the oportunity to relax from his work and had a drink in the Nymph and Noggin. He used the celebration as an excuse to delay one of the duies he did not want to do; he would have to beat the dunmer who had deserted, as part of his punishment.

Posted by: stargate525 Feb 13 2006, 03:59 PM

Summary for Reeds: Reeds is in the dungeons of Tel Dresori.

Reeds felt weight on his arms. Still not wnating to open his eyes, he shifted them about a bit, eliciting a click and rattle of chain. Reeds did not want to get up. The last thing he remembered was passing out in the hall of the castle. Fervently hoping the last hours were only a bad dream brought on by too much alchohol, and he was in his bed in Ald Raathim, he opened his eyes. He was in a cell, Shaka chained to the wall across from him, as well as others in the party in a similar situation.

Cursing to himself, he slumps his head against the wall behind him.

***

Summary for Valerius: Valerius, leiutenant under Cmdr. Slashes-With-Claws, has heard of the new child given to the owners of his favorite tavern, and has come, like some, to congratulate them, and like many others, for the free drinks.

Posted by: vaanic~one Feb 13 2006, 04:04 PM

Vaan's Summary:

We can presume that Vaan has gone to the far north-east of Morrowind, probably to Port Telvanni. This is possibly to re-assert himself as a full dedicated member of House Telvanni.

(OOC: My computer imploded, so right now everything is really screwed up, including the internet, which is going so slowly and is so unstable that I can't even get onto chatspike, so I won't be doing any proper RP'ing until this sorts itself out. Chow.)

Posted by: Loranna Feb 13 2006, 04:05 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 13 2006, 01:54 PM)

Loranna heads up to Kethiah's room, her misgivings temporarily abated by the high spirits of the celebrating tavern patrons. She joins several people in a round of cheering, and is drinking from a mug of mead as she walks in to see the new mother and her child ...

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 13 2006, 04:12 PM

Kethiah's Room, The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 13 2006, 05:05 PM)

Kethiah was nursing the child for the first time, and Tyradil and Tilitalia were by her side, chatting about their new half-brother.

"Ah, welcome Your Grace," Kethiah smiles. She is tired, but radiant. "Come to say hello to Ald Raathim's newest adventurer?"

Posted by: Loranna Feb 13 2006, 04:16 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 13 2006, 04:12 PM)

Kethiah's Room, The Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim
Kethiah was nursing the child for the first time, and Tyradil and Tilitalia were by her side, chatting about their new half-brother.

"Ah, welcome Your Grace," Kethiah smiles. She is tired, but radiant. "Come to say hello to Ald Raathim's newest adventurer?"

Loranna smiles, thinking to herself That'll be me in a few months .... Her own baby chooses this time to give a kick, promting Loranna to smile again.

"Hello Tyradil, hello Tiltalia," Loranna says, "and helloand congratulations Kethiah; yes, I have. Let me see him ..."

Loranna walks over to Kethiah's bedside, resting a faintly-glowing hand on the Dunmer woman's shoulder to lend her some strength.

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 13 2006, 04:22 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 13 2006, 05:16 PM)

Kethiah holds out the baby boy so Loranna can see him better. His eyes are only half-open, showing little slits of Dunmeri red behind them. He is large for a Dunmer babe as well -- no doubt he will be a Dunmer with the physique of a Nord. Fine black hair is on his head, and his tiny fists grab at Loranna's fingers in a firm grip.

"Feel that?" Kethiah laughs. "You can tell both his parents are good with a sword."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 13 2006, 04:34 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 13 2006, 04:22 PM)

"He's beautiful," Loranna says, playfully tugging on the baby's hold, admiring the strength he already possesses. "And strong; he'll be a double handful for you both, and cut a swath through Ald Raathim's ladies."

Loranna stares at the baby for another few moments, letting him keep her fingers for now, her mind drifting to thoughts of her own upcoming baby. "Born in the month of the Warrior ... aye; he's going to be a fiesty one ..."

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 13 2006, 04:46 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 13 2006, 05:34 PM)

"No doubt we're going to need all the help we can get," Kethiah grinned. "We asked Shaka to be his godfather, and he agreed. Then, there is the issue of the godmother ..."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 13 2006, 04:51 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 13 2006, 04:46 PM)

"No doubt we're going to need all the help we can get," Kethiah grinned. "We asked Shaka to be his godfather, and he agreed. Then, there is the issue of the godmother ..."

A vaguely uneasy look comes to Loranna's face as Kethiah mentions Shaka, as she thinks to herself It's getting close to Dusk ...

"Who have you been considering for that?" Loranna asks, raising her eyebrows and trying to get her fingers back.

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 13 2006, 04:56 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 13 2006, 05:51 PM)

"Anya, for one. She would certainly be a ferociously devoted godmother," Kethiah smiled a little uneasily, and then chuckled as the baby took a handful of her hair and pulled. "But she has not exactly been herself lately. The other person who seems the most obvious choice is a wise noblewoman who might be too overwhelmed with her own upcoming childbirth to accept ..."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 13 2006, 05:05 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 13 2006, 04:56 PM)

" ... A wise noblewoman?" Loranna asks, laughing. "Oh Dibella ... I ..." she starts, trying to figure out what she means to say.

"... Uh, has Anya said how she felt about the offer, either way?" she finally asks, admitting to herself she's too taken aback to know what she feels yet; her eyes shine with surprise and yet her smile reaches for her ears.

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 13 2006, 05:10 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 13 2006, 06:05 PM)

"I think Isidor was going to talk to her, but he hasn't done it yet," Kethiah replied. "It's a difficult subject to broach ... I doubt Anya even knows if she's up for the responsibility, as overwhelmed as she is by her new condition ... But I wanted to know if you'd consider it too. I don't want to put you on the spot. I know you have your own overwhelming responsibilities ..."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 13 2006, 05:15 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 13 2006, 05:10 PM)

" ... I don't know what to say," Loranna admits. "I'm honored - I'm flattered. I just ... don't know yet; I haven't even given thought about my own child's godparents ..."

" ... I'll think about it," Loranna promises. "When the others get back I'll talk with Slyvos about it, see if it's feasable. When do you need to have an answer?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 13 2006, 05:21 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 13 2006, 06:15 PM)

"Take all the time you need," Kethiah smiles, and then looks more concerned. "Have you heard from Slyvos and the others about how the mission is going?"

Posted by: Loranna Feb 13 2006, 05:27 PM

Tel Dresori

Ashana stands in the highest tower in the castle, looking out onto the domain with a scowl.

" ... In all my years, one lesson I should have learned; whether they win or lose, so-called heroes are nothing but trouble," she mutters, sighing. "How many fledglings did you say we had left again?"

The Diodata elder standing next to Ashana replies "Less than a third that we started with; there are still quite a few in the outlying farmlands though ..."

"Yes - the dregs of the dregs," Ashana says dismissively. "The damnable forces of Ald Raathim have cost us Tel Dresori; we lack the strength to hold it now. We are pulling out; instruct my liutenents to gather the prisoners for their execution, and the remaining fledglings to shore up the castle for a seige. They will cover our escape. Oh, and bring the heroes' items too; I could find use for many of them."

For once, the Diodata elder hesitates. " ... Even the swords?" he asks.

"You've locked them up in iron boxes; yes the swords too," Ashana says, glaring. "Now go."

The Diodata elder bows and walks out, though his skin crawled at the thought of going anywhere near the sacred swords of Saint Meris, even if they were safely locked away ...

Sighing, Ashana heads down to the dungeons, starting with Slyvos's cell. "Hello again Father," she says, looking at the chained Khajiit with a smug smile. "I have gathered your friends, that you may see their deaths and know that I'm not just making things up. I've even brought a large soul gem or two with me; I think the werewolf's soul will fit quite nicely into it. What do you think, hmm?"

Posted by: Loranna Feb 13 2006, 05:30 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 13 2006, 05:21 PM)

"Take all the time you need," Kethiah smiles, and then looks more concerned. "Have you heard from Slyvos and the others about how the mission is going?"

Loranna shakes her head, her own worries returning.

" ... I don't know what to do ..." she says. "If I haven't heard in another hour, I'll try calling Shaka. It's almost dusk."

She hesitates, looking like she intends to say more, but holds her tongue. Kethiah didn't need any more worries right now, not with her baby sitting in her lap.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 13 2006, 05:37 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 13 2006, 05:27 PM)

Slyvos groaned, still feeling groggy from the earlier torment he had suffered. Never had he felt so betrayed, not even when his first wife had been murdered by that bastard of a father he had. His own daughter, had shown him things, and done things to him, that were just too much for any sane person to bear all at once.

He let out a soft growl, looking up at Ashana just enough that he could see her face. "I'd have let you live before... I'll have your soul in a jar and cast it into Oblivion by the time I get out of here..."

He has obvious had better days, from the looks of him. His skin beneath his fur was extremely pale from unhealed bloodloss, and his mattered fur had what appeared to be bloodstains covering it. "wretched little girl..." the rest of what he said was just semi-sane gibberings of hatred and murderous intentions, as he could barely hold on to the little source of sanity and light left in him. loranna.. when I get back, you'll be safe...

Posted by: Loranna Feb 13 2006, 05:45 PM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Feb 13 2006, 05:37 PM)

"I see you're finding your old fire again," Ashana smirks. "Good; I would hate to think I managed to completely break you already after a mere few hours. I think I will enjoy the next few weeks very much, despite all the trouble your friends have caused me."

She releases Slyvos from the chains on the wall, slapping slave bracers on him and staring at him with intense eyes. "Now be a good little bleeding kitten and come along quietly; I've had my fill of dramatic heroics for the next decade."

With spell and sheer strength, Ashana takes Slyvos to Anya's and Dayla's cell, looking upon Dayla's freed arm with a scowl. Dayla stares back at her mater with a look of disgust and hatred.

Ashana's eyes turn from Dayla to Anya, noting the dead rat at Anya's feet. " ... My filia freed her arm, to nourish you?" she asks, rhetorically. "What manner of mer are you, that you can inspire my favorite filia to turn on me so?"

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 13 2006, 05:51 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 13 2006, 04:45 PM)

Ashana's eyes turn from Dayla to Anya, noting the dead rat at Anya's feet. " ... My filia freed her arm, to nourish you?" she asks, rhetorically. "What manner of mer are you, that you can inspire my favorite filia to turn on me so?"

Anya snarled, baring her fangs in contempt, her eyes darting from the pale figure of Slyvos to the haunting form of Ashana. She tugged at her manacles again, with the results being no different from before, spitting at Ashana. "A wretch like you wouldn't understand, if that's how you would treat you're own family!" Anya's foot shot out, kicking the rat carcass at Ashana.

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 13 2006, 06:04 PM

pie

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 13 2006, 06:06 PM

more pie

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 13 2006, 06:07 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 13 2006, 05:51 PM)

Slyvos glanced up at Ashana, his eyes filled with contempt, with dark lines showing exhaustion under the lids. "you see, i'm not the only one that hates you now for what you've done..."

He looked towards Anya a bit, which let him realize really who it was that was there in that cell. "Anya.. promise you'll get to help kill this wretch, when we get out..." He had no idea how he would pull that off though...

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 13 2006, 06:17 PM

QUOTE(stargate525 @ Feb 13 2006, 04:59 PM)

The Diodata lieutenants, the Argonian, Nord, and Dunmer vampires that were fighting the party earlier, step into the dungeon. Without speaking, they began taking the limp, weak bodies of the heroes down from their chains, and slapping slave bracers on them to keep them weak, but able to be transported.

Two Elders, a haughty male and female Dunmer in ebony armor, who had before been hacking at the mages, joined them. They each carried a heavy iron chest, seemingly effortlessly.

"Come along now," the lieutenants said to each hero as they pulled him or her down. "It's time for your death."

Posted by: Nalion Feb 13 2006, 06:17 PM

Tel Dresori, Dungeons
He was feeling so light, like a feather gliding on the soft winds of a morning breeze, with the sun shining on a sandy beach. Birds were singing in the trees, greeting the sun. He walked along the beach, the soft rolling waves were caressing his naked feet. He blinked into the sun and enjoyed the dawning of a new day when the hammer struck.

Boom. Once.

Boom. Twice.

Boom. Thrice.

Boom. More.

The hammer began striking in rapid succession, hitting him over and over again. The sun vanished and was replaced by utter darkness. The waves took a hold of his feet with an iron grasp. The birds' songs turned into horrified shrieks. Pain dragged him down. His limbs felt leaden, unable to move. His body was a single bruise, throbbing in the heartless and unrelenting beating of the hammer.

The hammering continued.

Boom.

Boom.

Doom.

Boom.

Doom...

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 13 2006, 06:21 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Feb 13 2006, 07:17 PM)

"Come on, stop stumbling," the Argonian Diodata hissed at him through the fog, pushing him to his feet and down the stone corridor towards Anya's cell. "Our mistress will want to see you before you die."

Posted by: Nalion Feb 13 2006, 06:24 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 13 2006, 06:21 PM)

Nalion woke as the guards took off his chains and put the slave bracers on. He stared at them open-mouthed and in disbelief, clearly having troubles in assessing the situation after the blow he received on the head in the battle. With effort he began to move forward.

One word lingered and resounded in his head. "Death"

The mage began to frantically try to clear his head as he began to slowly move forward.

Dana wriggled in her chains, she had not been hit as badly as Nalion, but still, she had received painful wounds. Her eyes were wide and filled with horror.

Posted by: syronj Feb 13 2006, 06:24 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 13 2006, 07:17 PM)

"Come along now," the lieutenants said to each hero as they pulled him or her down. "It's time for your death."

Shaka glared at the lieutenants but was unable to overcome the slave manacles. The most he was hoping for at the moment was the chance to sink his teeth into one of their throats before dying, doing his best to tear it out . . . . But if the Diodata were smart, they'd keep their distance while killing the adventurers.

I hope Loranna can find some more heroes, and come down here with, say, a Legion, he managed to think. Hell of a note, to be killed like animals in a slaughterhouse.

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 13 2006, 06:28 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Feb 13 2006, 07:24 PM)

The Nord had Shaka and Dana in one powerful hand each. It was like being held by steel. He pushed them into Anya's cell.

"Mistress," he said to Ashana. "Do you want them to die here?"

The other lieutenants and Elders followed in, with the rest of the prisoners.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 13 2006, 06:28 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 13 2006, 05:51 PM)

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Feb 13 2006, 06:07 PM)

"Keep telling yourself that Father; you've just ensured Anya will be the first to die before your eyes," Ashana says, tossing the rat carcass behind her.

As the others are brought to Anya and Dayla's cell, Ashana nods. "Good; welcome everyone. For those of you who don't yet know, let me explain why you are to die tonight." She points to Slyvos. "It's because of this man, and the sins he has never bothered to atone for. While your souls are briefly in the afterlife, contemplate what this man has wrought upon you all."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 13 2006, 06:30 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 13 2006, 06:28 PM)

"Thank you; yes, they shall die here. I shall do it personally," Ashana says, smiling a bit at Slyvos. "I prefer the personal touch ..."

Posted by: Osano Feb 13 2006, 06:30 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 13 2006, 07:17 PM)

"Come along now," the lieutenants said to each hero as they pulled him or her down. "It's time for your death."

Athaso felt sick to his stomache. Only once had he been in a situation where he was this close to death, something he wished to forget. "Bastards," he said to the vampires as they pushed him as well as some others down the hall.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 13 2006, 06:35 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 13 2006, 06:28 PM)

Ashana catches the thrown rat carcass with careless grace. "Ah yes, the typical hero's response. See someone doing something you don't approve of and immediately assume you know everything about them, passing moral judgement on their actions," she says, twirling the rat by its tail. "Then jump in and make a mess of everything, and leave it up to the survivors of your games to pick up the pieces of their world. Yes, I know who you are now; thank you, my dear, for helping to destroy what family I've actually made for myself over the centuries."

"What family?" Dayla snaps. "You never actually loved me ..."

"Never loved you ..." Ashana actually looks hurt for a second. "If you hadn't betrayed me, Dayla, I would have forgiven you. Even now, I'm tempted to say let's put this all past us ..." She shakes her head. "I'm sorry; I will miss you terribly Dayla. There will never be another like you."
"Keep telling yourself that Father; you've just ensured Anya will be the first to die before your eyes," Ashana says, tossing the rat carcass behind her.

As the others are brought to Anya and Dayla's cell, Ashana nods. "Good; welcome everyone. For those of you who don't yet know, let me explain why you are to die tonight." She points to Slyvos. "It's because of this man, and the sins he has never bothered to atone for. While your souls are briefly in the afterlife, contemplate what this man has wrought upon you all."

Slyvos just used the little strength he had managed to regain to try and hit Ashana in the stomach, desparate to try anything. unfortunately, he was not strong enough to even make her feel anything but a slight sensation to let her know that she had been hit. "don't you dare kill her or the others... I'm the one you want, not them..."

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 13 2006, 06:36 PM

Anya pulled at the manacles again, "Stupid woman. When did I ever pass judgement? I just said if that's how you would treat your father, then you wouldn't understand, you manipulative [censored]."

Anya's eyes moved over everyone else, the anklets preventing her from looking normal in their eyes. She didn't care that the few didn't know, now understood, she just wanted to break free.

Posted by: syronj Feb 13 2006, 06:39 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 13 2006, 07:28 PM)

Shaka glared at Dayla and Ashana; he hadn't yet pieced together all the puzzle, but he was beginning to catch a few things. . . .

"I feel sorry for you, woman. You've had centuries, maybe millennia, of unlife; think of the good you could have done with it. The places you could have travelled, the beings you could have helped. Instead all I see are vermin."

"I would have had a few more decades at best, but at least I loved. What do you have?"

Posted by: stargate525 Feb 13 2006, 06:39 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 13 2006, 05:30 PM)

"Thank you; yes, they shall die here. I shall do it personally," Ashana says, smiling a bit at Slyvos. "I prefer the personal touch ..."

Well crap... Reeds thought to himself. Dieing was not seomthing he had planned on doing this week, nor for a very long time. He thought of all the people he would never see again. Isidor and Kethiah; he still owed them money, not to mention his living in Ald Raathim, two debts he would never get to repay. Loranna, taking him into confidence on occasion, he even considered her a friend. Slashes, a good friend; never see him again. Glacia... Glacia? Why she was coming to his mind was beyond him, they had hardly met...

Reeds knew there was nothing he could do. He hung his head, hoping to be picked first to die; he didn't want to hear his friends' deaths.

Posted by: Nalion Feb 13 2006, 06:41 PM

Nalion stood slumped and weak in his chains, his eyes closed. His brown hair hand gown in dirty strains, his face was a mask of pain and covered with a mix of sooth, sweat and blood. The little clothing that the vampires had let him keep were torn and stained.

In his mind, he fought to clear the mist and the hammering, to banish it to the back of his head. He desperately needed to think clearly. And to listen. To listen for clues that might provide the even slightes chance for them...

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 13 2006, 06:47 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 13 2006, 07:36 PM)

Four mages guildmembers were brought into the room by the lieutenants as well: Vitus, the Cyrodilic battlemage; Xyllina, the Altmer illusionist; Ward-Backs, the Argonian mystic; and Zadion, the Archmagister. They looked around as they entered, as if hoping to see more of their company arriving.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 13 2006, 06:51 PM

Ashana seems almost amused by Slyvos's attempt to punch her, catching his hand easily and grabbing him by the throat with her other hand. She stares at him for a moment, smiling with her lips parted just enough to let her fangs show, and then pushes him aside, letting one of the Diodata grab him.

"As I promised - the unlawful filia shall be the first to die," Ashana says, moving up to Anya.

"DAMN YOU!!!" Dayla screams, punching at Ashana with her free hand; Ashana growls a bit in annoyance and catches Dayla's arm by the wrist, causing Dayla to cry out in pain. "Amendment; Anya and Dayla both shall be the first to die."

She holds up her free hand, a fanged maw appearing in her palm, and reaches to grab Anya by the arm ...

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 13 2006, 07:01 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 13 2006, 07:51 PM)

"DAMN YOU!!!" Dayla screams, punching at Ashana with her free hand; Ashana growls a bit in annoyance and catches Dayla's arm by the wrist, causing Dayla to cry out in pain. "Amendment; Anya and Dayla both shall be the first to die."

She holds up her free hand, a fanged maw appearing in her palm, and reaches to grab Anya by the arm ...

The barely glowing torch on the opposite wall suddenly sparked, and then exploded outward in an audible boom.

The flames enveloped around the male Diodata Elder, and he shrieked as fire arched through every joint and crevasse in his ebony armor, roasting his undead flesh. Smoke poured out of his helmet and with his last effort, he managed to pull it off.

The fire burst once more and the blackened face of the Elder cracked and fell away to dust. Behind it was another burned and scarred face, the blond hair mostly burned away from the scalp, fangs fully exposed behind splintered lips.

It was Kingston Mune, now wearing the armor of the Elder who was no more.

He was closest to Zadion, so he unlocked his slavers chains.

Zadion, in turn, cast a massive unlock spell that enveloped the room.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 13 2006, 07:04 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 13 2006, 07:01 PM)

As Kingston immolates the Diodata elder, the large iron box he ha been carrying falls over, spilling its contents as the unlock spell takes effect.

Five gleaming white blades can be seen within, as well as some other weapons ...

"WHAT!?" Ashana screams, staring at Kingston - and then Dayla stretches her neck to sink her fangs in Ashana's throat ...

Posted by: Nalion Feb 13 2006, 07:06 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 13 2006, 07:01 PM)

Nalion's and Dana's shackles fell to the ground. Dana stared at her now free hands in disbelief, then gathered herself to cast healing spells at the party.

Nalion's eyes flashed open as he felt himself released from his chains, burning with determination. The Breton's birthsign absorbed one of Dana's spells and so he soon threw a fireball at the closest jailor.

Posted by: stargate525 Feb 13 2006, 07:10 PM

Reeds felt the chains on him unlock, then fall to the ground. He looks around quickly for something to use as a weapon.

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 13 2006, 06:04 PM)

Five gleaming white blades can be seen within, as well as some other weapons ...

Those'll work.

He ran forward, snatching one of the white swords from the ground and swinging it at the argonian vampire. "I beleive we have unfinshed buisness, you and I."

Posted by: syronj Feb 13 2006, 07:10 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 13 2006, 08:04 PM)

Shaka dove for the swords, and tossed one to Reeds. "Heads up, brother!"

Wielding the claymore again, Shaka swung at the vampire Argonian, aiming for a diagonal slash from collarbone to hip . . . .

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 13 2006, 07:12 PM

Anya snarled, her hands alreay growing claws and her face hardened with anger and determination. One hand snatched the anklet that bound her, and she dove for Ashana's legs. Anya hoped that Dayla would provide enough of a distraction.

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 13 2006, 07:13 PM

pie

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 13 2006, 07:13 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 13 2006, 07:04 PM)

Slyvos grinned, a small chuckle escaping his throat as he took the time of Ashana's shock to pull away. He almost collapsed onto the ground from his exhaustion though, the healing spells not having gotten to him yet. "DIE YOU LITTLE [censored] OF A DAUGHTER!"

Thankfully, a healing spell got to him in time for him to be able to stand upright now, his face showing obvious rage, and an uncontrollable desire to kill. His magicka had returned now, which heralded the beginning of Ashana's end...

Posted by: Osano Feb 13 2006, 07:13 PM

As soon as he realized what had happened, Athaso darted over to the chest that had opened up onto the floor, grabbed the same enchanted blade he had had before and leaped at the nearest enemy vampire, which happened to be the other ebony clad. Athaso thrust the blade towards the vampires' neck at the crack between the helmet and cuirass.

Posted by: stargate525 Feb 13 2006, 07:14 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Feb 13 2006, 06:10 PM)

Shaka dove for the swords, and tossed one to Reeds. "Heads up, brother!"

Wielding the claymore again, Shaka swung at the vampire Argonian, aiming for a diagonal slash from collarbone to hip . . . .

Reeds, having just brought the one sword to bear, looked to see a second one tossed up from the pile. He snatched it out of the air and brought it to join its partner in readiness for combat. To Shaka he replied, "Let's take this marshfiend down together shall we?"

Posted by: FireMaster Feb 13 2006, 07:18 PM

Erenius, suddenly free, darted towards the chest, grabbing the sword he has from earlier. Turning about, he scans the room for an opening, before heading off to there, headed off in a full run towards the Nord vampire, his sword extended to meet his foe's abdomen.

Posted by: Stargazey Feb 13 2006, 07:22 PM

Cursing as all the holy swords were snatched up, he grabbed for the Spear of Bitter Mercy and took it in his hands. Immediatly, he realized he was no master with it. Seeing Anya's quiver, he picked it up and yelled, "Catch!" as he threw it at the Bosmer.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 13 2006, 07:24 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 13 2006, 07:12 PM)

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Feb 13 2006, 07:13 PM)

"Damn you ... KILL THEM ALL!!!!" Ashana shrieks, her body trembling as though racked by some massive force from within. Dayla slips out of her grasp and strikes again, but Ashana replies by blasting Dayla into the wall with a lightning bolt.

"I WILL make you pay, Father!" Ashana promises, turning her hands toward the Khajiit and unleashing another lightning bolt. "You, all of you ... YOU WILL DIE!!!"

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 13 2006, 07:29 PM

QUOTE(stargate525 @ Feb 13 2006, 08:14 PM)

Reeds’s sword swing at the Argonian had not connected. The reptilian Diodata had jumped back, its beady red eyes open in fear as it saw it coming, so it ran right into Shaka’s blade. Blood spurted from its neck wound, and it leapt back, hissing.

QUOTE(Osano @ Feb 13 2006, 08:13 PM)

The ebony-clad female Elder saw where Athaso was heading, and though she didn’t have a chance to stop him from grabbing the sword, she was able to dodge the swing with ease.

Zadion cast a Drain Agility spell on her, which would hopefully make her less nimble.

Xyllina cast a Silence spell on her to prevent her from casting spells.

Wards-Back began casting a strange sigil in the air, a withershin.

Vitus cast a shield spell at Slyvos.

Posted by: Osano Feb 13 2006, 07:35 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 13 2006, 08:29 PM)

With his target weakened, Athaso pressed even harder and swung again with the enchanted blade, low this time, aiming for the break in armor in the elder's knees.

Posted by: syronj Feb 13 2006, 07:37 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 13 2006, 08:29 PM)

Shaka and Reeds circled the Argonian Diodata warily. Shaka tried to distract the vampire by lashing out with his tail, aiming for the vampire's face and neck. At the same time, he tried to bring the claymore up and into the monster's gut . . . .

Posted by: FireMaster Feb 13 2006, 07:37 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 13 2006, 07:29 PM)

Erenius turns his head as the Diodata flew past him, into the door. Rushing over to him, Erenius strikes at the Nord, plunging his blade into the vampire's chest.

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 13 2006, 07:38 PM

Anya shrieked, her claws raking at Ashana viciously, "Leave them alone!"

Anya fell back, trying to avoid any backlash from the lightening spells being tossed about. She nearly stumbled over something, as she neared the upturned pile of weapons, that make her smile.

Anya picked up her quiver and without a second thought tore it apart, snatching one arrow out of the mess of arrows that fell through the air that she needed.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 13 2006, 07:38 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 13 2006, 07:24 PM)

Dayla and Ashana were wrapping their arms around each other, Dayla shifting into a more snake-like form and Ashana simply growing half again as tall as they struggled. Both had their fangs sunk into each other's hide, maws sprouting from their hands ...

And then, as Ashana is straddling Dayla and pulling at her head, Anya snaps the anklet around Ashana's leg. Ashana replies by kicking at Anya with viscous force, but the vampiress's eyes widen as she sees the shapeshifting-inhibiting anklet binding her leg ...
"Damn you ... KILL THEM ALL!!!!" Ashana shrieks, her body trembling as though racked by some massive force from within. Dayla slips out of her grasp and strikes again, but Ashana replies by blasting Dayla into the wall with a lightning bolt.

"I WILL make you pay, Father!" Ashana promises, turning her hands toward the Khajiit and unleashing another lightning bolt. "You, all of you ... YOU WILL DIE!!!"

Slyvos growls ferally, throwing a simple fireball at the lightning bolt, preventing the attack from making contact with him, and began to cast another spell without even giving himself a moment to rest. He was too angry to calm down, only wanting to death of that shapeshifting daughter of his.

"You can't kill me! NO ONE CAN KILL ME!" He shouts as he hurls a powerful shock spell at his daughter, knowing that she would still have some measure of resistance to fire.

Posted by: Nalion Feb 13 2006, 07:38 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 13 2006, 07:29 PM)

Nalion’s fireball flew out at the Nord, and midway in its flight, it caught Kingston’s eye. It suddenly expanded to twice its size, and when it struck the Nord Diodata, it hurled him across the room, past Erenius, smashing him against the door. It continued to burn, like a giant hand holding him, as his flesh crackled and the door began to give way …
Reeds’s sword swing at the Argonian had not connected. The reptilian Diodata had jumped back, its beady red eyes open in fear as it saw it coming, so it ran right into Shaka’s blade. Blood spurted from its neck wound, and it leapt back, hissing.
The ebony-clad female Elder saw where Athaso was heading, and though she didn’t have a chance to stop him from grabbing the sword, she was able to dodge the swing with ease.

Zadion cast a Drain Agility spell on her, which would hopefully make her less nimble.

Xyllina cast a Silence spell on her to prevent her from casting spells.

Wards-Back began casting a strange sigil in the air, a withershin.

Nalion's eyebrows shot up as he saw Kingston "riding" on his fireball.
"Way to go... Korgari...", he muttered, then he engulfed himself in a shield, an ability that every Breton is born with.
Thus armoured, he turned his attention to the female Elder and added his own health absorbing spell to the barrage that the vampire was facing. From the corner of his eye, Nalion saw the strange sigil taking shape in front of the Agronian.

Dana herself focused on healing duties, shifting her attention to Slyvos.

Posted by: Stargazey Feb 13 2006, 07:39 PM

As spells and bodies fly around him, Ingmar redirects his spear towards the last untaken Vampire, a dunmer. He begins to run at the mer with all of his speed and strength behind the spear charge.

Posted by: stargate525 Feb 13 2006, 07:40 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Feb 13 2006, 06:37 PM)

... as Reeds brought his two swords down onto the argonian's sword arm with all the strength he could muster.

Posted by: Aki Feb 13 2006, 07:51 PM

Reichi, armed with the Dagger Of Senses and his sword Bloodfang, charged the same Vampire as Ingmar, holding the dagger more defensively and swinging with Bloodfang.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 13 2006, 08:10 PM

The Nord, engulfed in Nalion's Korgari-enhanced fireball, screams; even immolated, though, he manages to parry Erenius's attack, stabbing visciously with his silver claymore with unhuman speed, his face a twisted mask of agony.

The Argonian, throwing curses at his two living marshbrothers, takes Shaka's tail to the face, and all three sword blows to his unprotected scaly hide. He reacts by biting into Shaka's tail, however, in the brief moment that Shaka swatted him, and grabbing Shaka's tail with his supernatural strength to use as a bludgeoning weapon against Reeds.

The remaining ebony-clad Dunmer, slowed by Zadion's spell, already fending off the youthful Athaso and his holy sword, cries out as the swordof Saint Meris sinks into her flesh. She flinches away, but throws a kick at Athaso's legs, hoping to break his leg with her strength and give her the advantage

Badenes, the unarmored Dunmer, finds Ingmar's and Reichi's attacks too much to bear. Pierced and slashed all over, he crumples, though as he falls he tries to bite into Igmar's leg, desperate to heal himself with his lifeblood.

Ashana, maws appearing all over her arms and legs, drains Dayla dry, throwing the unmoving Dunmer vampiress to the side. The wounds Anya inflicted heal, but Slyvos's lightning bolt makes her wince and take a step back, her eyes looking around the room wildly.

"Why can't heroes ever acknowledge when they're BEAT!!!" she roars, casting telekenesis to grab Badenes's fallen blade and swing it at the anklet encicling her leg ...

Posted by: stargate525 Feb 13 2006, 08:13 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 13 2006, 07:10 PM)

The Argonian, throwing curses at his two living marshbrothers, takes Shaka's tail to the face, and all three sword blows to his unprotected scaly hide. He reacts by biting into Shaka's tail, however, in the brief moment that Shaka swatted him, and grabbing Shaka's tail with his supernatural strength to use as a bludgeoning weapon against Reeds.

"Holy..." Reeds lept out of the way as Shaka came flying by him, "if you want to beat me to death, use a flail like every other sane person!" Reeds continued to dodge, trying to get an opening. He was slightly perturbed that the vampire had just taken two gashes from holy weapons and wasn't even fazed.

Posted by: FireMaster Feb 13 2006, 08:14 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 13 2006, 08:10 PM)

Erenius grimaces as the blade strikes him in the shoulder. Luckily most of the strike was absorbed by his armour in that area, but a part the blade pierced the armour and struck to his left shoulder. In pain, Erenius backs off for a moment to recover before coming back, thrusting his weapon instead into the Nord's thigh.

Posted by: Stargazey Feb 13 2006, 08:15 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 13 2006, 08:10 PM)

Badenes, the unarmored Dunmer, finds Igmar's and Reichi's attacks too much to bear. Pierced and slashed all over, he crumples, though as he falls he tries to bite into Igmar's leg, desperate to heal himself with his lifeblood.

Ingmar kicks out at Badenes yelling "Bad Vampire! No blood for you!", while positioning his spear above the dunmer's neck.

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 13 2006, 08:18 PM

"Mater! You [censored]!" Anya lept at inhuman speeds, Ashana providing an easy target with her larger than natural size.

Anya hit her back, claws digging deep into her flesh for purchase. "Let her go!" The muscles on Anya's back tightened as her arm raised. In little more than a blur, just fast enough that a vampire could still register the faint glow of enchantment in the arrow, Anya stabbed Ashana, a bright flare erupting as the Arrow of Slaying used itself up.

Posted by: syronj Feb 13 2006, 08:18 PM

QUOTE(stargate525 @ Feb 13 2006, 09:13 PM)

Shaka hit the dungeon floor trying to roll with it, but still had the breath knocked out of him. Soon he was up and running for the Argonian vampire, pausing to pick up the claymore again.

Shaka abandoned caution and ran at the Diodata, leaping the last few yards and attempting to bring the claymore down into a neck and shoulder . . . .

Posted by: Osano Feb 13 2006, 08:19 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 13 2006, 09:10 PM)

The remaining ebony-clad Dunmer, slowed by Zadion's spell, already fending off the youthful Athaso and his holy sword, cries out as the swordof Saint Meris sinks into her flesh. She flinches away, but throws a kick at Athaso's legs, hoping to break his leg with her strength and give her the advantage

Athaso reacted as fast as he could by trying to jump backwards, but the vampire was to fast. Her foot connected strongly with Athaso's right knee creating a distrubing cracking sound. He fell to the ground supporting himself by his left knee, and held his sword up in a block, anticipating the worst.

Posted by: Aki Feb 13 2006, 08:20 PM

"This is for Zara, that is for Lheres, this is for Vitus, that one is for The Orc, and THIS is for Tel Dresori!" Reichi yelled at the down Vampire, punctuating each 'this' or 'that' by stabbing at Badenes with Bloodfang.

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 13 2006, 08:23 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 13 2006, 09:10 PM)

The Nord, engulfed in Nalion's Korgari-enhanced fireball, screams; even immolated, though, he manages to parry Erenius's attack, stabbing visciously with his silver claymore with unhuman speed, his face a twisted mask of agony.

The Argonian, throwing curses at his two living marshbrothers, takes Shaka's tail to the face, and all three sword blows to his unprotected scaly hide. He reacts by biting into Shaka's tail, however, in the brief moment that Shaka swatted him, and grabbing Shaka's tail with his supernatural strength to use as a bludgeoning weapon against Reeds.

The remaining ebony-clad Dunmer, slowed by Zadion's spell, already fending off the youthful Athaso and his holy sword, cries out as the swordof Saint Meris sinks into her flesh. She flinches away, but throws a kick at Athaso's legs, hoping to break his leg with her strength and give her the advantage

Badenes, the unarmored Dunmer, finds Igmar's and Reichi's attacks too much to bear. Pierced and slashed all over, he crumples, though as he falls he tries to bite into Igmar's leg, desperate to heal himself with his lifeblood.

Ashana, maws appearing all over her arms and legs, drains Dayla dry, throwing the unmoving Dunmer vampiress to the side. The wounds Anya inflicted heal, but Slyvos's lightning bolt makes her wince and take a step back, her eyes looking around the room wildly.

"Why can't heroes ever acknowledge when they're BEAT!!!" she roars, casting telekenesis to grab Badenes's fallen blade and swing it at the anklet encicling her leg ...

Wards-Back sigil is completed, and he seems as surprised as everyone that it went off successfully. Along the wall, fissures of light leap forth and a ten foot by ten foot section of it simply vanishes, filling the room with the last dying light of the setting sun.

Zadion seeing what Ashana is trying to do, using telekinesis to pull the blade back and stop her from freeing herself.

Vitus casts a drain health on the remaining Diodata Elder.

Xyllina cast Blindness on the Argonian Diodata.

Kingston Mune concentrated on the fire holding the Nord to the door, giving it one last burst of power to vaporize the creature, calling out to Erenius, "Get back!"

Posted by: Nalion Feb 13 2006, 08:25 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 13 2006, 08:10 PM)

The Nord, engulfed in Nalion's Korgari-enhanced fireball, screams; even immolated, though, he manages to parry Erenius's attack, stabbing visciously with his silver claymore with unhuman speed, his face a twisted mask of agony.

The remaining ebony-clad Dunmer, slowed by Zadion's spell, already fending off the youthful Athaso and his holy sword, cries out as the swordof Saint Meris sinks into her flesh. She flinches away, but throws a kick at Athaso's legs, hoping to break his leg with her strength and give her the advantage

Nalion nodded with satisfaction when his spell hit home. The mage now focused on helping out Athaso dealing with the ebony-clad Dunmer vampiress. After a short incantation and a gesture later, a spell of absorb health lashed out towards the enemy.
"Dana! Athatso's in trouble!", the mage shouted.

Dana herself had already spotted Athaso on his knee and was weaving a healing spell to help him.

Posted by: Osano Feb 13 2006, 08:34 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Feb 13 2006, 09:25 PM)

Athaso felt a bit of relief in his knee that had not been injured for more than a minute. Taking advantage of the vampire who was a bit stunned by the sudden inlet of sunlight and Nalion's spell, Athaso rose quickly, thrusting his sword up aiming to pierce through the elder's thick armor in one motion.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 13 2006, 08:35 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 13 2006, 08:18 PM)

Slyvos took a few steps back, his body showing the signs of being affected by a Jump spell, and leapt at his foul daughter. The khajiit landed directly below her massive form, and pounced onto her with magically enhanced strength so that only anya's hold on her back prevented her from loseing balance.

From the massive damage the arrow had done, he could notice Ashana becoming greatly weakened; seeing his opportunity to get his revenge at this abomination of his creation, he grabbed onto Ashana's arms and dug his fingers into her flesh, refuseing to let go of the wretch.

"this is for threatening Loranna, you little [censored]!" He screamed as loud as he could, as his arms became surrounded by magical lightning, channeling the shock damage directly into his daughter's weakened body. "die... die.... DIE!"

His mind was a haze of flaring emotions; all that drove him as he attempted to finish Ashana off was hate, rage, betrayal... and sorrow. A tear ran down his face from the effort, as he fell off of her finally, the spell finishing. "as my spirit was your beginning, let it so be your end..."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 13 2006, 08:43 PM

As the last light of the sun shines into the dungeon, the Swords of Saint Meris grow with an even greater light, seemingly soaking up the rays of Mangus and filling the room with an aura of tranquility and calm purpose. The wounds inflicted by the Swords glow with white light, swiftly engulfing the Diodata, who disintegrate on the spot, save for the Nord who was already engulfed in a firey explosion of Korgari power.

When the Arrow of Slaying struck Ashana, she froze in place, the sword she was trying to pull to herself yanked from her telekentic grasp. A look of pure horror came over her face, an Anya could hear her whisper in a child's voice "No ... I can't ... I won't die from this ..."

Then, she can only stare as Slyvos poured his wrath into her, her body shrinking as she was blasted by the full force of his magic. "Father ... I hate ... ha-te... ymm ..."

Ashana's body begins to burn, Mangus's rays and the holy aura of the Swords overcoming her at long last. Her last cry was a childlike wail of pain and fear, and haunting sorrow.

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 13 2006, 08:48 PM

Anya fell, hitting the ground hard next to Dayla, as Ashana began to burn from the sun. With her own bracers gone, she could feel her health burning away too. It wasn't a concern of her's yet, though. Anya found Dayla unconscious, and cradled her head, if not in the most loving of manners.

"Wake up dammit! Don't do this now! Wake up mater..."

Posted by: Nalion Feb 13 2006, 08:49 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 13 2006, 08:43 PM)

Nalion gaped in shock at the fury of Slyvos' attacks on Ashana, his own daughter. Vampire that she was and having tortured them all, he still was struck by the hatered Slyvos showed, much like the hatred that had burned in the cold heart of the lich he once was...

Nalion did not make a move towards Dayla, and so did Dana, who was breathing hard from the effort.

Posted by: syronj Feb 13 2006, 08:49 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 13 2006, 09:43 PM)

Ashana's body begins to burn, Mangus's rays and the holy aura of the Swords overcoming her at long last. Her last cry was a childlike wail of pain and fear, and haunting sorrow.

Shaka, his eyes narrowed against the glare, ran to Anya and Dayla, limping somewhat. Ashana's cries would haunt his memory for a long time to come, despite her evil. . . .

It was strange, but a few months ago Shaka would have rejoiced to see Dayla destroyed, would have wanted to finish the job himself, for what she had done to Anya's life and his own. But he felt no triumph at the prospect now. Shaka looked to see what was left of Dayla . . . .

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 13 2006, 08:50 PM

Kingston walked past Ashana, Dayla, and the blackened corpses of the Diodata vampires and looked out the barred window facing west. The fires were raging across the river.

"They'll be fording the river soon, and be across," he said, and then crossed the room, knocking Zadion aside.

Looking through the square open hole in the wall that Ward-Backs had crafted, he could see east and the last of the setting sun. He could also see sails in the Tel Dresori harbor below.

"The Redoran have arrived," he added. "There will be a hell of a clash soon. Even worse than this one."

Posted by: FireMaster Feb 13 2006, 08:55 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 13 2006, 08:43 PM)

Erenius, taking a breather just feet away from where he was wounded, also watches in horror as SLyvos did as he did to Ashana. When Ashana disappeared in flame and light, Erenius was glad it was finally over, yet wonderred if this respite were but a dream, for since their arrival earlier that day there had been few, if any true rests as the one they might have the chance to enjoy shortly. As that happens, he absently drops the sword on the ground, grateful for the final respite.

"We got everyone?" Erenius asks, scanning the wreckage from the battle, four charred half-corpses, the elders, and what remained of Ashana's clothing. "Let's head back at once to Ald Raathim. I'd rather not stay any longer, now we got done what we came to get done."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 13 2006, 08:56 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 13 2006, 08:48 PM)

" ... Bloood ... pleaasee ..." Dayla moans, coming to; she licks her bloodstained lips and shudders, looking like she was in pain still.

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 13 2006, 08:50 PM)

Dayla struggles to her feet, squeezing Anya's hand as she does. " ... There's still some Diodata in the castle, but ... I might be able to bluff them into letting us go," she says, shifting slowly into Ashana's form. "You're heading for the Mage Guild, right? Or did you set Marks in Ald Raathim?"

Posted by: stargate525 Feb 13 2006, 08:56 PM

"They still have pie stashed around here somewhere. Shouldn't we find it?" Reeds asks.

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 13 2006, 08:56 PM

QUOTE(FireMaster @ Feb 13 2006, 09:55 PM)

"We got everyone?" Erenius asks, scanning the wreckage from the battle, four charred half-corpses, the elders, and what remained of Ashana's clothing. "Let's head back at once to Ald Raathim. I'd rather not stay any longer, now we got done what we came to get done."

"What about Dres Minsero?" asked Zadion, looking to Kingston and then Erenius. "He could be anywhere in this place ... and is likely dead ..."

Posted by: syronj Feb 13 2006, 08:57 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 13 2006, 09:50 PM)

"The Redoran have arrived," he added. "There will be a hell of a clash soon. Even worse than this one."

Shaka looked up at Kingston. "I didn't have the chance to thank you. . . . You could have saved yourself after you disappeared from the water trap. We can't repay you enough for this."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 13 2006, 08:59 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 13 2006, 08:56 PM)

"What about Dres Minsero?" asked Zadion, looking to Kingston and then Erenius. "He could be anywhere in this place ... and is likely dead ..."

"No," Dayla-Ashana says, shaking her head. "The east tower, in his former study. We left him there; he's hurt but alive."

Posted by: Nalion Feb 13 2006, 08:59 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 13 2006, 08:50 PM)

Nalion looked at the Korgari, then at the fires outside.
"So your brethren have arrived.", he stated, almost emotionless. The mage still didn't like that he was kept in the dark about his presence. However, Nalion knew that they all owed their lives to the vampire.

Turning to the others, he spoke up.
"We should leave now. But we need to return these swords first, too. I'll take them back to the temple as I promised.", the mage said, looking at those who had fought with the sacred weapons.

Posted by: FireMaster Feb 13 2006, 09:01 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 13 2006, 08:56 PM)

"What about Dres Minsero?" asked Zadion, looking to Kingston and then Erenius. "He could be anywhere in this place ... and is likely dead ..."

"Then lets go get him and leave," Erenius says.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 13 2006, 09:01 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 13 2006, 08:43 PM)

Slyvos collapsed to his knees, his mouth agape at what he had just done. His anger began to abate, slowly, as he watched his only surviving daughter perish and burn from his efforts. He had done it... and yet he felt no joy, no happiness... and no contentment. Nor did he feel remorse... he did what he had to do. He felt empty, as his rage left him, his eyes getting slightly glassy from the emotional strain.

He said nothing, he did nothing, as he sat there, staring at Ashana's ashes with a blank look on his face.

Posted by: stargate525 Feb 13 2006, 09:01 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 13 2006, 07:59 PM)

"No," Dayla-Ashana says, shaking her head. "The east tower, in his former study. We left him there; he's hurt but alive."

Reeds shuffled through one of the iron boxes, taking out two divine intervention scrolls. "I'll go get him, meet you back at the Imperial Temple. If anyone wants to come with...?"

Posted by: syronj Feb 13 2006, 09:03 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Feb 13 2006, 09:59 PM)

Turning to the others, he spoke up.
"We should leave now. But we need to return these swords first, too. I'll take them back to the temple as I promised.", the mage said, looking at those who had fought with the sacred weapons.

Shaka handed the sword to Nalion; he would miss its clarity and peace. But he had promised with the others in the saint's tomb.

"Reeds, let's get Minsero out of there," he said.

Posted by: stargate525 Feb 13 2006, 09:04 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Feb 13 2006, 08:03 PM)

Shaka handed the sword to Nalion; he would miss its clarity and peace. But he had promised with the others in the saint's tomb.

"Reeds, let's get Minsero out of there," he said.

"Glad to have you with. Don't really want to run around the creepy vampire lair alone..."

Reeds handed the two holy blades to Nalion, picked up his two weapons, and moved into the castle, taking the first set of stairs he came to.

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 13 2006, 09:07 PM

Anya stood up, strapping the rest of her equipment on and hissing in relief as her armor and bracers began to heal her. Her eyes dulled back to their green color, and her skin grew tan again.

"We're not leaving the people still in the dungeons."

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 13 2006, 09:09 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Feb 13 2006, 09:57 PM)

Shaka looked up at Kingston. "I didn't have the chance to thank you. . . . You could have saved yourself after you disappeared from the water trap. We can't repay you enough for this."

"Foolish, I know," Kingston smiled, his face burned and ghastly, a true monster. "But like I told Anya, a predator has to rely on his instincts."

QUOTE(Nalion @ Feb 13 2006, 09:59 PM)

"Yes, my brethren will be shortly," Kingston replied. "You should not be."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 13 2006, 09:09 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 13 2006, 09:07 PM)

Dayla-Ashana says "Then I'd better go make sure the other Diodata aren't coming down - good luck all of you ... and ... thank you."

Looking at Anya, she says " ... I've ways of getting out of here on my own; get home and rest, you'll hear from me soon, I promise. We'll settle things between ourselves one way or another."

Then, she heads off, back upstairs to throw the remaining Diodata into confusion to aid the party's escape.

Posted by: Stargazey Feb 13 2006, 09:10 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Feb 13 2006, 08:59 PM)

Strapping his axe to his back, he turned to Nalion. "I'll bring them back with you, if you want." He said, picking up one of the swords that had fallen during combat.

He turned to Slyvos, who was still on his knees.

"You all right there? We're going to return the swords, why don't you come along?" He asked, pressing a sword into the khajiit's hand, hoping the positive feeling would fill him.

Posted by: Aki Feb 13 2006, 09:11 PM

Reichi picked up his armor from the equipment spilled from the iron boxes, and quickly began putting it on, as well as his satchel with what scrolls and potions he had brought along. The flask of water was missing. The Diodata must tossed it, they had no need for water before now, Reichi reflected, watching the fires in the distance.

"Alright, to the dungeons then.."

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 13 2006, 09:13 PM

QUOTE(Aki @ Feb 13 2006, 08:11 PM)

Anya's cheek twitched, her feelings and emotions conflicted and unreadable. "Goodbye Dayla..."

Anya turned, making her way to the door, pausing to grab a stachel full of Divine Intervention scrolls, "Let's go Reichi, and make sure to grab some scrolls."

Posted by: Nalion Feb 13 2006, 09:19 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 13 2006, 09:09 PM)

"Foolish, I know," Kingston smiled, his face burned and ghastly, a true monster. "But like I told Anya, a predator has to rely on his instincts."
"Yes, my brethren will be shortly," Kingston replied. "You should not be."

"We're leaving right now. I for myself have no wish to suffer once more through such and ordeal... if it can be helped.", Nalion answered, then turned to Isidor's brother.

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Feb 13 2006, 09:10 PM)

Strapping his axe to his back, he turned to Nalion. "I'll bring them back with you, if you want." He said, picking up one of the swords that had fallen during combat.

The mage pulled a scroll of Almsivi Intervention out of his pocket and handed it to Ingmar.
"This will bring you to the temple as swiftly as possible.", Nalion said as he gathered two of the swords, leaving the others to the Nord. "We'll recall out from the temple to Ald Raathim. I hope you have your mark set there."

"You all, hurry, see you in Ald Raathim."
Nalion cast an intervention spell of his own and vanished in a flash of light.

Dana heard Anya, still shocked that the Bosmer was a vampire herself, but the cries of pain she had heard from the dungeons overwhelmed her fear of the Woodelf vampire.
"I'll help you get the rest of the prisoners out. Let's move. I've got some scrolls with me and I can fix them up at least so that they can move."

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 13 2006, 09:21 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Feb 13 2006, 10:19 PM)

Dana heard Anya, still shocked that the Bosmer was a vampire herself, but the cries of pain she had heard from the dungeons overwhelmed her fear of the Woodelf vampire.
"I'll help you get the rest of the prisoners out. Let's move. I've got some scrolls with me and I can fix them up at least so that they can move."

The sounds of fists hammering against solid wood echoed off through the hallway.

“Help me! Father, Mother, and Wizard, help me!”

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 13 2006, 09:22 PM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Feb 13 2006, 09:10 PM)

The sword did little to abate his weariness, or the empty feeling within, but it helped enough to allow him to get himself off the ground, and go along the follow with the others.

He still said nothing though, and most likely wouldn't unless spoken to the entire way back...

Posted by: syronj Feb 13 2006, 09:26 PM

Shaka, his armor and weapons returned, reached the top of the east tower steps. He and Reeds had brought several intervention scrolls, more than enough.

Cautiously Shaka approached the door to the study, not knowing what to expect of Dres Minsero's condition . . . .

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 13 2006, 09:28 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Feb 13 2006, 10:26 PM)

The hammering continued.

"Let me out! By all that is holy, let me out!"

Posted by: Aki Feb 13 2006, 09:28 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 13 2006, 10:13 PM)

Reichi nodded, grabbing some Divine Intervention scrolls and running after Anya.

Posted by: Stargazey Feb 13 2006, 09:30 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Feb 13 2006, 09:19 PM)

Nalion answered, then turned to Isidor's brother.
The mage pulled a scroll of Almsivi Intervention out of his pocket and handed it to Ingmar.
"This will bring you to the temple as swiftly as possible.", Nalion said as he gathered two of the swords, leaving the others to the Nord. "We'll recall out from the temple to Ald Raathim. I hope you have your mark set there."

"You all, hurry, see you in Ald Raathim."
Nalion cast an intervention spell of his own and vanished in a flash of light.

Ingmar took the scroll, nodded to Nalion, and then turned back to Slyvos.

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Feb 13 2006, 09:22 PM)

"Uh .. hmm. We're going to the temple. And unless you want to run through the vampire infested streets, I suggest you cast Almsivi Intervention, to get there. I know you're not feeling well ... but it's better than feeling dead." Ingmar said, taking a breath.

Posted by: stargate525 Feb 13 2006, 09:30 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 13 2006, 08:28 PM)

The hammering continued.

"Let me out! By all that is holy, let me out!"

Reeds turned to Shaka, "This might be a trap, be ready if it is."

"Stand back from the door!" Reeds shouted a moment or two before kicking it in.

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 13 2006, 09:32 PM

Anya walked trough the dungeon, motioning for Dana and Reichi to take a series of doors.

Anya stopped at the first door, her prodding claws making quick work of the latch. Shoving the cell door open, she stared at the people trapped inside for a moment, before tossing them scrolls. "Hurry, it's Divine Intervention. Leave while you can."

Posted by: Osano Feb 13 2006, 09:33 PM

Athaso was still stunned by what had happened, mostly stunned at himself however.
You haven't killed that many people since... Hah! Ever.
They weren't people, they were monsters.
Don't kid yourself.
He seemed to argue with himself in his own head as he gathered up a divine intervention scroll, but didn't even bother to grab his old weapons. Athaso decided to wait a moment to see if he was needed before departing...

Posted by: Nalion Feb 13 2006, 09:34 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 13 2006, 09:21 PM)

The sounds of fists hammering against solid wood echoed off through the hallway.

“Help me! Father, Mother, and Wizard, help me!”

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 13 2006, 09:32 PM)

Dana hurried into the prison cell after Anya, letting the vampire deal out the scrolls while she began to talk soothingly, her hands weaving healing spells.
"Night's falling, and there's still enemies about. Hurry!", she urged.

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 13 2006, 09:35 PM

QUOTE(stargate525 @ Feb 13 2006, 10:30 PM)

Reeds turned to Shaka, "This might be a trap, be ready if it is."

"Stand back from the door!" Reeds shouted a moment or two before kicking it in.

Dres Minsero was not as Shaka had remembered him. He was gaunt, wild-eyed, frightened, close to madness. He was dressed in rags, and chained to chunks of wood which must have once been an item of furniture but which he had undoubtedly destroyed.

From the window of the tower, they could see down into the village, and a mighty battle. The Redoran battlemages were clashing with someone in the farmlands -- undoubtedly the Diodata that were stationed there.

"Please help me, friend!" Minsero begged them. "I don't know what I'm doing here!"

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 13 2006, 09:37 PM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Feb 13 2006, 09:30 PM)

Ingmar took the scroll, nodded to Nalion, and then turned back to Slyvos.
"Uh .. hmm. We're going to the temple. And unless you want to run through the vampire infested streets, I suggest you cast Almsivi Intervention, to get there. I know you're not feeling well ... but it's better than feeling dead." Ingmar said, taking a breath.

Slyvos only said one thing to Ingmar, and it was disturbing for him to say to anyone he wasn't angry with. "shut up."

He used what little effort his weary mind would allow him to use, to cast Almsivi Intervention, causeing him to appear right outside the temple. He went inside, and took a seat on the floor, right near the door. He would just try to pull himself together, no matter how long it took...

Posted by: syronj Feb 13 2006, 09:40 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 13 2006, 10:35 PM)

Shaka knew that it must be even more disorienting to the old noble that two Argonians had burst in on him. He tried to make his voice calming.

"My lord, we serve the Duchess, Dres Loranna. You're safe now. Please take this scroll of divine intervention, and all will be explained after you've rested and been healed."

Shaka knew the noble hadn't noticed him when Shaka had first appeared in Ald Raathim over a year ago, so he didn't try to mention that day.

Posted by: Stargazey Feb 13 2006, 09:41 PM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Feb 13 2006, 09:37 PM)

Ingmar said, "Ok then." And read the words off the scroll, teleporting him to the temple, the three remaining swords in hand. Noting Slyvos's position, he walked the swords foward through the temple, and seeing Nalion. He waved to the Breton.

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 13 2006, 09:42 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Feb 13 2006, 10:40 PM)

"Loranna?" Minsero asked, bewildered, taking the scroll. "I don't know who you're talking about, friend, but thank you ... "

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 13 2006, 09:44 PM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Feb 13 2006, 10:41 PM)

Ingmar said, "Ok then." And read the words off the scroll, teleporting him to the temple, the three remaining swords in hand. Noting Slyvos's position, he walked the swords foward through the temple.

Ingmar heard footsteps, soft and quick, running along the upper story of the Temple. A Redoran scout.

Posted by: Nalion Feb 13 2006, 09:45 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 13 2006, 09:44 PM)

Ingmar heard footsteps, soft and quick, running along the upper story of the Temple. A Redoran scout.

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Feb 13 2006, 09:41 PM)

Ingmar said, "Ok then." And read the words off the scroll, teleporting him to the temple, the three remaining swords in hand. Noting Slyvos's position, he walked the swords foward through the temple.

He quickly walked down the steps to the crypt in quick strides until he stood before the statue of Saint Meris.
He placed the two swords he carried between the white feet of the saint's statue and motioned Ingmar to do likewise. Then, he bowed to the statue.

"Thank you. May these blades rest in peace here."

Posted by: stargate525 Feb 13 2006, 09:47 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 13 2006, 08:42 PM)

"Loranna?" Minsero asked, bewildered, taking the scroll. "I don't know who you're talking about, friend, but thank you ... "

"Someone has tampered with his mind," Reeds said, pulling out an intervention scroll, "One of us should stay with him until we can get him some help. I'll get him on the other side..." Reeds read the scroll and dissapeared in a flash of light.

Posted by: syronj Feb 13 2006, 09:54 PM

QUOTE(stargate525 @ Feb 13 2006, 10:47 PM)

Somehow seeing the dignified Dres Minsero turned into a frightened amnesiac touched Shaka worse than some of the other events of the day; he felt a tear in his eye. Shaka was glad Loranna wasn't there to see the old noble in this condition; not yet.

Minsero had lost everything but his life. His army, by Barenziah's order; and now his land and most of his people, to the vampires.

No time for regrets. Shaka wiped his eyes and hurried downstairs to check on Anya and the others freeing the prisoners, before he left himself. Shaka had long ago learned three kinds of intervention spells anyway, counting Recall.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 13 2006, 10:02 PM

Slyvos sighed, closeing his eyes. The images from that day still haunted his memory, and perhaps always would, somewhere in his nightmares. He would never be fully free of the shadow this event has placed over him...

He casted Recall, and appeared within his library in the castle once more. He did not feel like meeting up with the others with Divine Intervention... he didn't feel like much of anything, anymore.

Any servant that was close enough to the door of the library, would hear the distortion of the air that the Recall spell created, and would know that the duke had returned.

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 13 2006, 10:17 PM

Anya's recall brought her back to the mine, where she slumped against the door, the sun setting enough to be only a mild irritation. Her mind whirled, unable to cope with all that occured so soon. Her intense hatred of Dayla was gone, a throbbing ache left in it's place.

Anya's tongue brushed her fangs. She had proffessed to hating her new form, but not she didn't even feel that way anymore.

Anya huffed, and sat up. She stripped her armor and most her weapons and left them in the cave. She walked back to Ald Raathim with only her clothes, black cloak, and a few daggers.

Posted by: syronj Feb 13 2006, 10:21 PM

Shaka found that the remaining captives and their rescuers were already gone, so he Recalled to his yurt. He didn't feel like talking to anyone until he had had some time to wind down from the battle.

After a while, he left the Dragonbone Cuirass and the Spear in locked chests, and walked to Ald Raathim.

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 13 2006, 10:21 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Feb 13 2006, 10:45 PM)

Nalion, having taken his belongings before he cast the intervention, was now again clad in, admittedly rather ragged clothing, his staff strapped to his back to free his hands to carry the swords. He looked up and listened for a moment.
"Hurry, we shouldn't remain here for a long time!", Nalion whispered. "No time to explain to the Redorans that we are not Korgari.

He quickly walked down the steps to the crypt in quick strides until he stood before the statue of Saint Meris.
He placed the two swords he carried between the white feet of the saint's statue and motioned Ingmar to do likewise. Then, he bowed to the statue.

"Thank you. May these blades rest in peace here."

"I find that very unlikely," Zadion sighed, stepping into the crypt from above. "I would imagine this temple will be razed to the ground when the two side collide."

In the distance, there were indeed sounds of battle coming closer.

Posted by: Nalion Feb 13 2006, 10:27 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 13 2006, 10:21 PM)

The mage turned rapidly, lifting a hand until he recognized the Altmer Magister.
"Zadion, I promised to return these blades.", Nalion said. "If there was a way to seal this crypt, though, to prevent it from being destroyed..."

Posted by: Aki Feb 13 2006, 10:29 PM

Reichi founds himself suddenly in his room in the castle. With a sigh the Dunmer slumped onto his bed, and started pulling his bloodstained armor off and resting it on the floor with his weapons. "Deal with cleaning and fixing later..." he muttered. "First, a good rest..then a drink or two..."

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 13 2006, 10:29 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Feb 13 2006, 11:27 PM)

Xyllina joined them. "We could magically lock the door, and cast an illusion to disguise it," she said.

"It's marble," said Kingston Mune, joining them in the crypt. "Maybe it'll survive the fire if there isn't a battle inside ..."

Posted by: Nalion Feb 13 2006, 10:34 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 13 2006, 10:29 PM)

"This is probably the best thing we can do with the little time that is remaining. I think I can seal the door with a spell, but I cannot properly hide it from prying eyes. You seem much better suited for this, Xyllina.", Nalion answered. "Let's hurry. I heard footsteps earlier. The battle must start any moment."

Nalion cast a last view on the statue, then left the crypt, waiting for the others to do likewise while preparing a spell to lock the door to the tomb.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 13 2006, 10:43 PM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Feb 13 2006, 10:02 PM)

A servant is sent to the Nymph and Noggin, to inform the Duchess that her husband has returned via magic to the castle.

Excusing herself from Kethiah and her baby, Loranna heas back to the castle, to see Slyvos, an hopefully the others ...

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 13 2006, 10:46 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Feb 13 2006, 11:34 PM)

Xyllina, Zadion, and Kingston joined him, and after Nalion and Zadion had most cast Lock spells on it, Xyllina used her mastery of illusion to make it vanish from sight.

Outside the sound of the battle was coming closer. The very ground in the Temple was trembling.

"You need to go," Kingston said, looking at them, his face still burned and blackened. "Now."

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 13 2006, 10:47 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 13 2006, 10:43 PM)

Loranna would find slyvos in his library, sitting at his desk like a statue. He just kept replaying the scenes from earlier over and over again in his head...

The door was, surprisingly, unlocked, as the khajiit didn't have the motivation at the time to even bother with it. It felt... pointless, right now.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 13 2006, 10:51 PM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Feb 13 2006, 10:47 PM)

Loranna approaches Slyvos, her eyes betraying worry; the last time she had seen this look in his eye was ... when? When he had bemoaned his existance as a lich? When he had feared to touch her because of the darkness still within him?

" ... Love?" she asks, coming closer. "Slyvos? What happened?"

Posted by: Nalion Feb 13 2006, 10:52 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 13 2006, 10:46 PM)

Nalion nodded.
"See you in Ald Raathim then.", the mage said to the mages guild members, then waved his hands. With a flash of light, Nalion vanished and reappeared an eyeblink later in his room in the castle. Finally, he could let go of the tension in body and mind that had kept him up and he collapsed on the floor.

Dana had seen the last remaining prisoners take their scrolls and vanish one by one until she herself cast a recall spell and reappeared in the Nymph and Noggin. Tumbling up to her room, she began to cry.

Posted by: Osano Feb 13 2006, 10:54 PM

Soon enough, Athaso was back in Ald Raathim, weaponless and armorless. Exhaustion plagued his entire body, and his knee was still slightly swollen and stiff, despite the healing he had recieved. Slowly, he made his way to the Nymph and Noggin to buy himself a drink; he found he had no money. So Athaso slept, leaned back in a chair in a secluded corner of the tavern.

Just like old times, you could never hold onto your cash, could you?

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 13 2006, 10:58 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 13 2006, 10:51 PM)

He barely looked up to acknowledge Loranna, his mind flashing back directly to the scene where his daughter had tortured Loranna in those many different ways, the memory still haunting him.

"you wouldn't understand, what happened, Loranna..." he said slowly, his voice feeling hollow, emotionless. There was something holding on in him by a thread, just barely, but that was all that prevented him from being unable to someday sort himself out.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 13 2006, 11:02 PM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Feb 13 2006, 10:58 PM)

Loranna wraps her arms around Slyvos, wondering just what had befallen her friends; if Slyvos, who had seen so much pain and evil already in his life, was so traumatised by what happend, then ...

What have I sent my friends into? Loranna asks herself, feeling a cold chill squeeze her insides.

"It's all right; you're safe now," Loranna says soothingly to Slyvos. "You're back, you're with me now. It's over ..."

Posted by: stargate525 Feb 13 2006, 11:04 PM

Reeds had given Dres Minsero to the care of the preists at the temple, with orders to inform the dutchess of his location and condition. having no more duties to fulfill, he staggered back to his shop and collapsed in his bed, clothes and all. He was exausted, dirty, bloody, and injured. However, he had two last thoughts before drifting to sleep. One of which was on just how close he had come to dieing that afternoon, and the second; Damn, I left my armor in the palace...

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 13 2006, 11:04 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 13 2006, 11:02 PM)

He slowly put his arms around Loranna, his body and mind no longer fully used to being embraced comfortingly; it was too befuddled by the memories of the physical torments his daughter put him through.

"my dreams... my dreams were rightl... left behind and all alone, that little wretched [censored]..." he whispered to himself, a tear going down his face from the thought of it.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 13 2006, 11:10 PM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Feb 13 2006, 11:04 PM)

"Your dreams ..." It had been a long time since Slyvos had mentioned his nightmares to Loranna, but she still remembered the look on his face when he told her of his dream - the reliving of the moment that made him turn his back on life, the vague feeling that something was wrong, that he had missed something important ...

Her mind was full of confusion, but her heart could clearly feel the horror and pain Slyvos was going through; her own eyes grow moist as she holds him, whispering "My darling ... my love ..." with trembling lips.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 13 2006, 11:14 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 13 2006, 11:10 PM)

"I missed the most important thing... made me kill her, why did she make me kill her... wretched vampire..." he said, not really sure what he was gibbering about. A few of the things in between were random bouts of insanely murderous intentions, followed by questionings of why he had to do it, why this always happened to him...

Posted by: Loranna Feb 13 2006, 11:20 PM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Feb 13 2006, 11:14 PM)

As Slyvos babbles, Loranna gradually puts together a fragmented picture of what happened, and that's when the horror truly takes hold of her.

Dibella ... what have I sent my husband into?

She couldn't fully comprehend what Slyvos was saying, what her own conclusions were suggesting; all she could do was hold onto him, and try to keep her tears from staining his shoulders, and offer him whatever comfort she could right now ...

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 13 2006, 11:23 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 14 2006, 12:20 AM)

Zadion first checked on Minsero before heading up to the castle.

On being informed that the Duchess was with Slyvos, he told the servant to give them some time. He'd wait. They had a lot to talk about.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 13 2006, 11:29 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 13 2006, 11:20 PM)

Slyvos groaned, his mind finally giving into his weariness, started to slowly slip into a deep, hopefully healing sleep. "ugh... Ashana, don't hurt loranna... kill you..." were his last words as he drifted off, his head resting on Loranna's shoulder.

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 13 2006, 11:31 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 13 2006, 10:23 PM)

Anya rounded the corner, and upon seeing Zadion, hesitate. "Um... you're here to see the Duchess too?"

Anya took a seat, noticably keeping her distance from the Magister.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 13 2006, 11:34 PM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Feb 13 2006, 11:29 PM)

Loranna, with the help of a servant, gently takes Slyvos up to bed, instructing the servant to keep an eye on the Duke and inform her if there's any problems at all.

Stripping Slyvos out of his torn rags, Loranna is horrified to see the marks on him that Ashana left, and berates herself for not noticing them when she first saw Slyvos. Healing him as best she can, she tucks him in ...

Once she's assured Slyvos is sleeping peacefully, Loranna goes to her study, and signals for Zadion and Anya to both come and see her. The two will find Loranna looking stunned, outright horrified.

" ... What happened?" she begs them.

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 13 2006, 11:36 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 14 2006, 12:31 AM)

Anya rounded the corner, and upon seeing Zadion, hesitate. "Um... you're here to see the Duchess too?"

Anya took a seat, noticably keeping her distance from the Magister.

"Yes," said Zadion awkwardly. "Can I ask you -- does Her Grace know about ... your condition?"

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 14 2006, 12:34 AM)

Zadion doesn't have a chance to get his question answered before he is ushered into the office.

"Hard to know where to begin ..." Zadion replied.

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 13 2006, 11:40 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 13 2006, 10:36 PM)

"Yes," said Zadion awkwardly. "Can I ask you -- does Her Grace know about ... your condition?"

Anya nodded quitely to his question.

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 13 2006, 10:36 PM)

Zadion doesn't have a chance to get his question answered before he is ushered into the office.

"Hard to know where to begin ..." Zadion replied.

Anya pursed her lips, unable to think of what to say, finally just stating the obvious in an even tone. "We killed the final False Tribunal member, and Tel Dresori is now in the middle of a three-way battle between the Redorans, the Kagori, and the Diodata."

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 13 2006, 11:43 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 14 2006, 12:40 AM)

Anya nodded quitely to his question.

Anya pursed her lips, unable to think of what to say, finally just stating the obvious in an even tone. "We killed the final False Tribunal member, and Tel Dresori is now in the middle of a three-way battle between the Redorans, the Kagori, and the Diodata."

"Yes," Zadion nodded slowly, looking at Anya and then Loranna. "And we've brought back a handful of survivors including Dres Minsero, who is at the Tribunal Temple here right now. His mind has suffered from the ordeal ... He doesn't seem to know who he is or what has happened. Besides what happened to your husband and Anya here ... We lost eight of the twelve Mages of my Guild."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 13 2006, 11:44 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 13 2006, 11:40 PM)

Loranna looks at Anya, then at Zadion, then back at Anya.

" ... Slyvos is gibbering about having to kill his daughter," she says after a moment, "and his body was covered with ... I don't even want to think about some of the wounds he had." She shudders.

"Please dears ... what did I just send you all into? Did anyone else get that ... that ..." Loranna gestures helplessly, looking pleadingly at the two mer.

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 13 2006, 11:43 PM)

" ... My god," Loranna says ...

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 13 2006, 11:48 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 14 2006, 12:44 AM)

"Slyvos's daughter, Ashana, is dead," Zadion said quietly, looking at Loranna and then Anya. "Anya and Slyvos killed her together in the dungeons at Dres Minsero's castle."

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 13 2006, 11:54 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 13 2006, 10:48 PM)

"Slyvos's daughter, Ashana, is dead," Zadion said quietly, looking at Loranna and then Anya. "Anya and Slyvos killed her together in the dungeons at Dres Minsero's castle."

Anya's face remained passive, attempting to hide her emotions. A single blood tear formed in her eye though, "She tried to kill me, and... and..., well she wanted to use us to torment Slyvos."

Her eyes wandered to Slyvos' sleeping form. "I wasn't going to let her live after all she's done. Because of this, the Diodata have lost their leadership, as well as the Redoran/Indoril Alliance."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 13 2006, 11:57 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 13 2006, 11:48 PM)

"Slyvos's daughter, Ashana, is dead," Zadion said quietly, looking at Loranna and then Anya. "Anya and Slyvos killed her together in the dungeons at Dres Minsero's castle."

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 13 2006, 11:54 PM)

Loranna feels pieces of what Slyvos said falling into place. "It was a revenge scheme against him all along," she mutters. "She must have meant to use Goranthir to get close to Slyvos and I ...'

She pauses. " ... The whole impersonating the Tribunal ... she did it just to get back at her father ..."

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 13 2006, 11:58 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 14 2006, 12:54 AM)

"Yes," Zadion nodded slowly, looking at both Loranna and Anya. "Had I known the full extent of what we were facing, and who was on our team, who Anya, and Slyvos, and Kingston are ... I might have done things differently ... And might not have caused offense ... But overall, as terrible as it was, it seems to be a hard-fought victory."

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 14 2006, 12:07 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 13 2006, 10:58 PM)

Anya glanced at Zadion, a mix of apologetic and glaring looks, "Yes. We did what was needed. And learned a great many things in the process."

Anya's eyes, however, were clear to read. She was fine letting Zadion and his mages know of her secret, not that it was pure choice. But there was a hard edge, letting him know she wanted to be left alone.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 14 2006, 12:09 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 14 2006, 12:07 AM)

Loranna gets up to wipe the blood tear from Anya's cheek, her eyes silently asking What else happened? as she looks over to Zadion with a sorrowful expression.

"Forgive me dear," she says quietly. "I know several secrets, but not all of them are mine to share. And you can imagine how some people might have felt when Morvath was in the city."

" ... A hard-fought and dearly paid victory; we will honor those who fell this day," Loranna says. " ... But, right now, if the two of you can ... tell me, everything that happened. And what has become of the others, Kingston included."

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 14 2006, 12:14 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 14 2006, 01:07 AM)

Zadion nodded. His expression was equally mixed. He had always thought of vampires as monsters, and recently had his belief in that strengthened by the horrors of Tel Dresori. On the other hand, he saw two vampires who fought bravely beside him ... Thinking of that, he added. "Kingston Mune, your Vampire Expert, is still in Tel Dresori. He's keeping his eye on a holy site, the tomb of St Meris, to try to protect it in the battle that must be raging around it at this very moment."

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 14 2006, 12:25 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 13 2006, 11:14 PM)

"Kingston..." Anya mumbled, looking concerned, "I'm glad he lived, I do hope he'll be okay though."

Anya's eyes caught Loranna's, showing her inability to sort her feelings. "I, um, I found Dayla again."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 14 2006, 12:28 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 14 2006, 12:14 AM)

Loranna looks surprised. "A Breton vampire protecting a Dunmer holy site? Our friend Kingston is full of surprises ..."

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

"I hope to see him again too," Loranna assures Anya, though the mention of Dayla causes her to stop short, frowning.

" ... Did she try to hurt you again?" Loranna asks, her eyes full of concern.

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 14 2006, 12:30 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 14 2006, 01:28 AM)

Loranna looks surprised. "A Breton vampire protecting a Dunmer holy site? Our friend Kingston is full of surprises ..."

"It's a very special site, worth protecting," Zadion replied. "You should see it, your Grace. It is dedicated to peace between the Houses ..."

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 14 2006, 12:34 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 13 2006, 11:28 PM)

" ... Did she try to hurt you again?" Loranna asks, her eyes full of concern.

Anya's eyes creased in confusion, the pity and concern she felt for Dayla showing through.

"No, no she didn't. She helped us. Dayla is a very selfish creature, but she only acts out of her need for intimacy. I wanted to kill, I hated her, but I couldn't do it."

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 14 2006, 12:37 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 14 2006, 01:34 AM)

Zadion nods sadly. "There were tragedies on top of tragedies, your Grace. Slyvos in revenge for the slaying of his wife abandons his daughter Ashana. Ashana in anger at her father rejects Dayla and attacks Anya and her both. Dayla out of loneliness and desperation embraces Anya ... So much hate born out of sorrow ..."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 14 2006, 12:38 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 14 2006, 12:30 AM)

"It's a very special site, worth protecting," Zadion replied. "You should see it, your Grace. It is dedicated to peace between the Houses ..."

"I always wanted to visit Lord Minsero's lands," Loranna says, nodding slightly. " ... And right now, such a site would be a worthy place for many of us to visit. I hope it survives the battle."

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 14 2006, 12:34 AM)

Loranna looks into Anya's eyes for a moment. " ... You hated her, but now you don't know, I take it," she asks gently. "What was Dayla doing there?"

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 14 2006, 12:44 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 13 2006, 11:37 PM)

Anya nodded in agreement with Zadion absently.

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 13 2006, 11:38 PM)

"I always wanted to visit Lord Minsero's lands," Loranna says, nodding slightly. " ... And right now, such a site would be a worthy place for many of us to visit. I hope it survives the battle."
Loranna looks into Anya's eyes for a moment. " ... You hated her, but now you don't know, I take it," she asks gently. "What was Dayla doing there?"

"Has this ever happened to you? She ruined my life, she killed me! But after Ashana died, I ran to her side. In her eyes, all she did was give to me." Anya said, her fists clenching. Anya's eyes darted, as if she was unwilling to admit to her feelings.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 14 2006, 12:45 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 14 2006, 12:37 AM)

Loranna's eyes light with understaning. "And it's led to even greater sorrow; Slyvos is devestated by what's happened and many lost their lives today, not to mention all those who died at Tel Dresori when the Dioata took it over, and those who died by Ashana's orders as Almalexia. Hate and sorrow often feed on one another; it takes true strength to break the cycle."

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 14 2006, 12:44 AM)

Anya nodded in agreement with Zadion absently.
"Has this ever happened to you? She ruined my life, she killed me! But after Ashana died, I ran to her side. In her eyes, all she did was give to me." Anya said, her fists clenching. Anya's eyes darted, as if she was unwilling to admit to her feelings.

"No, it hasn't," Loranna says, shaking her head. " ... But I've been in Dayla's position before, too selfish to realize what it is I was really doing."

" ... It doesn't forgive her for what she did to you, though," Loranna continues. "She still has to answer for what she's wrought, one way or another."

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 14 2006, 01:00 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 13 2006, 11:45 PM)

Anya frowned, her fists still clenched. She nodded to Loranna, her anger for Dayla flaring momentarily, "I- I understand, Loranna."

She failed to mention that Dayla would be coming for her to meet soon, though.

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 14 2006, 01:04 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 14 2006, 02:00 AM)

"This is all none of my business," Zadion said, feeling uncomfortable. "I should probably go."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 14 2006, 01:14 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 14 2006, 01:04 AM)

"This is all none of my business," Zadion said, feeling uncomfortable. "I should probably go."

Loranna sighs. "Zadion, tomorrow, you and I should talk," she says, feeling bad for the poor, maligned Magister. "I ... well, if you've any further questions, it's the least I can do to hear them."

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 14 2006, 01:25 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 14 2006, 02:14 AM)

Loranna sighs. "Zadion, tomorrow, you and I should talk," she says, feeling bad for the poor, maligned Magister. "I ... well, if you've any further questions, it's the least I can do to hear them."

"Thank you, Your Grace, I'll take you up on that," Zadion bows, and then bows to Anya. "And thank you, Anya, for showing me that undeath, like life, is rarely simple."

With that, the Magister of the Mages Guild leaves Castle Daruhn.

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 14 2006, 01:26 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 14 2006, 12:25 AM)

Anya's face cracked a small smile, "Ah, your welcome..."

Anya watched him go, wondering what he was going to do now.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 14 2006, 01:31 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 14 2006, 01:26 AM)

Anya's face cracked a small smile, "Ah, your welcome..."

Anya watched him go, wondering what he was going to do now.

" ... I think we've been less than fair to Magister Zadion," Loranna says quietly. "After what he's just endured on our behalfs, it seems cruel that I didn't suggest you and Kingston tell him of your true natures ..."

She shakes her head. " ... Nine above, I sent you all into a nightmare ... I was telling Zadion yesterday how we were going to teach the Diodata why vampires aren't supposed to play conquerer, and all along they were waiting for us ..."

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 14 2006, 01:35 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 14 2006, 12:31 AM)

Anya's cheek twitched with irritation, "He was working with a sadistic vampire hunter. I had no reason to trust him and Kingston's identity is no more to give then mine is for him."

Anya hesitated, searching for the right words. She spoke up, and for the first time in a while she spoke as a fact instead of trying to convince herself it's true. "The- the Diodata are monsters. They turned the children and let them starve. I'm not like them, I'm no monster. And they're not like us."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 14 2006, 01:42 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 14 2006, 01:35 AM)

"He was frightened out of his wits and didn't know who to trust," Loranna counters, though she adds quickly " ... though he could have screened his potential allies better, yes. You're right ..."

"No, they're not like us," Loranna agrees, smiling a little at the conviction in Anya's voice. "Monsters led by even greater monsters; they had to be stopped. ... I just wish I had considered the idea that they were laying a trap for us ..."

Loranna hugs Anya briefly. "Who else suffered?" she asks, her voice cracking a bit. "Who else is going to be plagued by nightmares because of this?"

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 14 2006, 02:02 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 14 2006, 12:42 AM)

Anya slowly brought her hands slowly to embrace Loranna, her body taunt.

"I- I don't know Loranna. Dana seemed the most wracked by this, I don't know if the bard's walking away without her own set of scars, not that anyone will walk away unchanged. Except maybe Reichi. We managed to save as many people as we could find, though there weren't many left. They turned an entire schoolhouse of children into mindless, bloodthirsty creatures, Lor."

"I don't know what happened, but Ashana was trying to break Slyvos. She used us, and an image of you. How is he?"

Posted by: Loranna Feb 14 2006, 02:09 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 14 2006, 02:02 AM)

"Sleeping now; he keeps alternating between raging against Ashana and asking why this had to happen," Loranna says, grimacing. "... I don't know what to say to him; he felt distant in my arms ..."

Loranna pauses, gathering her wits. " ... He had dreams foretelling this, months ago. Dreams of the time he killed his father, of something remaining unfinished. I told him they were just his anxieties, his newfound compassion sitting uneasily with what he once was." She shakes her head. "I was wrong."

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 14 2006, 02:14 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 14 2006, 01:09 AM)

Anya stared at Slyvos with a haunted look, "The last member of his family just died, killed by mine and his hands..."

"Loranna, why does family bring the greatest harm along with joy? I can only imagine his torment, I never killed my sister."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 14 2006, 02:17 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 14 2006, 02:14 AM)

A shadow passes over Loranna's face, and she slowly lets go of Anya, frowning.

" ... The ones we love most are the ones who can most easily hurt us," Loranna says, flexing her fingers. "Even when they don't realize what they're doing ..."

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 14 2006, 02:26 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 14 2006, 01:17 AM)

Anya frowned, not responding. Her hands came up and rubbed her arms as if to combat a chill.

Anya quickly changed the subject, finishing the full report. "Um, when we got there, were ready for us." Anya went through how they began clearing the houses, fighting the ambush teams. She explained the schoolhouse, her voice shaking as she spoke of the children and Slyvos being capture. She told how the entered the tunnels and how Kingston was presumed dead.

She went through the castle storming, the capture, and how she met up with a battered and nearly broken Slyvos. "Kingston suprised her, otherwise we couldn't have won. I stabbed Ashana with the Arrow of Slaying, and Slyvos killed her, such hatred... Dayla, she, she helped us. She felt betrayed by her mater."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 14 2006, 02:30 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 14 2006, 02:26 AM)

Loranna listens soberly, muttering "Four thousand years of hatred, and no one to quicken her heart ..."

" ... From what you tell me, I can imagine she would feel that way," Loranna says, her expression sorrowful. Her tearstreaks gleam in the faint light, looking oddly fresh.

" ... Thank you dear; I think we had both get some rest now ..."

Posted by: S'reddit Feb 14 2006, 06:52 AM

Tel Dresori

The battle had lasted some hours, but it was still nightfall as Kingston Mune made his way through the ruins of the village. You wouldn't have known the time of day, for the fires burned high. The schoolhouse, the marketplace, all would be nothing but ash, but for now they were a glorious inferno.

He was gluttonous, feeding on the dying Diodata, Redoran, and his own Korgari as he wound his way through hell. From time to time, he'd find a healthy mortal soldier or Korgari, and he would leave them alone, let them go about scavenging like him, eventually leaving east or west, wherever their fate demanded.

He could have healed himself, but the burns on his face he felt suited him right now. There was no pretense about being a "Vampire Expert." He could be the monster tonight.

Eventually, he found himself at the foot of the castle. Like the Temple he had watched over during the battle, it would survive the cleansing flames that swept over Tel Dresori. Its sturdy rock would be around for many years to come.

Still, there were parts of it that were destroyed. The wooden stairwells. The doors. The stables.

Up a stone stairwell then he went, until he found himself on the topmost tower. And there he found he was not alone. Dayla was there.

He took a seat next to her, not saying a word, but smiling through his burned, scarred face, as they watched Tel Dresori burn below them.

Posted by: One87xe Feb 14 2006, 02:36 PM

*...Summary: Osa has recently gone out to explore the new Zenithar Shrine, and take a closer look inside the Mages Guild...*

Posted by: Stargazey Feb 14 2006, 02:50 PM

Ingmar walked into the Nymph and Noggin, his sprits somewhat darkned. But as soon as he saw the celebration, and heard the news, his spirits lifted.

He walked up to Kethiah's room, and knocked on the door.

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 14 2006, 03:01 PM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Feb 14 2006, 03:50 PM)

As soon as he stepped in, Kethiah grinned.

"Eodir," she said to the baby in her arms. "Say hello to your Uncle Ingmar."

Posted by: Stargazey Feb 14 2006, 03:09 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 14 2006, 03:01 PM)

As soon as he stepped in, Kethiah grinned.

"Eodir," she said to the baby in her arms. "Say hello to your Uncle Ingmar."

Ingmar smiled broadly.

"Looks just like you and Isidor. Congratulations, Kethiah." Pulling up a chair, he said, "Has anyone told you what happened at Tel Dresori yet?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 14 2006, 03:12 PM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Feb 14 2006, 04:09 PM)

Ingmar smiled broadly.

"Looks just like you and Isidor. Congratulations, Kethiah." Pulling up a chair, he said, "Has anyone told you what happened at Tel Dresori yet?"

"No," Kethiah said, looking at Ingmar's expression. "Tell me."

Posted by: Stargazey Feb 14 2006, 03:14 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 14 2006, 03:12 PM)

"No," Kethiah said, looking at Ingmar's expression. "Tell me."

He explained everything to her, from the mages guild, to Kingston's firey save.

"Slyvos was very upset, and still is ... Wouldn't talk to anyone about what happened. I hope he's allright."

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 14 2006, 03:15 PM

Anya left Loranna to tend to Slyvos, not feeling particularly sociable herself.

The night air helped to ease Anya, as she stepped out of the castle. She made her way to the tavern slowly, not in a hurry to be anywhere at the moment.

Eventually, she walked through the door, and found a nice booth out of the way.

Posted by: syronj Feb 14 2006, 03:17 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 14 2006, 04:15 PM)

Eventually, she walked through the door, and found a nice booth out of the way.

"Evening, elf," said Shaka, standing with a pitcher of sujamma. "I couldn't sleep yet, too keyed up still. You mind some company?"

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 14 2006, 03:18 PM

~dream~

"daddy!" Said a young, red haired girl, rushing forward to meet her father. He welcomed her with open arms, embracing his child "daddy, something wrong?"

The father just smiled, as his wife ran up next to him, her hair the same color as their daughter, and her eyes a deep shade of green. "Don't worry dear, your father is fine, see?"

The girl smiled, and as the day went on, it seemed like a perfect time...

Until the happy images began to fade, and his wife collapsed to the floor in a pool of blood. The blood was on the husband's hands. "no..."

And the little girl, wasn't so little anymore... "Hello Father..."

~fade dream~

The events from earlier that day played out in Slyvos' mind as he slept, preventing him for sleeping soundly. The occasional growl could be heard from his throat, scareing several of the servants that were in the room to tend to him.

He woke up suddenly, his eyes clouded over, and he let out a scream for real this time, as he began to rip and tear the pillow his head had rested on apart in his dellusional state. "why..."

The servants didn't dare approach him, as he sat there staring at the feathers and cloth strewn across the bed, his mouth agape. "why Ashana..."

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 14 2006, 03:19 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Feb 14 2006, 02:17 PM)

"Evening, elf," said Shaka, standing with a pitcher of sujamma. "I couldn't sleep yet, too keyed up still. You mind some company?"

Anya shook her head, and motioned at the empty seats of the booth, "Take your pick."

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 14 2006, 03:19 PM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Feb 14 2006, 04:14 PM)

He explained everything to her, from the mages guild, to Kingston's firey save.

"Slyvos was very upset, and still is ... Wouldn't talk to anyone about what happened. I hope he's allright."

Kethiah nodded soberly throughout the tale, asking questions for clarity, but not making many comments.

"He has to find his own way, with Loranna's help," Kethiah replied quietly. "Though this is much to burden them both with. If he won't talk about it, we should talk to her and see what we can do to help. I know he was helping her with some diplomatic work ... Maybe we can lighten that load for a while ..."

Posted by: syronj Feb 14 2006, 03:23 PM

Shaka sat down, his eyes showing that the drinks were taking the edge off a little, despite the Argonian resistance to poison. But many drinks had always been more than poison anyway: beer, wine.

"I won't tell you everything's okay; that would be stupid, given what the group just went through. But I'm glad to be home anyway."

Shaka's eyes were steady, a little sad.

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 14 2006, 03:26 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Feb 14 2006, 02:23 PM)

Shaka sat down, his eyes showing that the drinks were taking the edge off a little, despite the Argonian resistance to poison. But many drinks had always been more than poison anyway; beer, wine.

"I won't tell you everything's okay; that would be stupid, given what the group just went through. But I'm glad to be home anyway."

Shaka's eyes were steady, a little sad.

Anya studied Shaka's face, her eyes creased along the outside edges. Then she went back to studying the table. "How are you doing?"

Posted by: Stargazey Feb 14 2006, 03:30 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 14 2006, 03:19 PM)

Ingmar nodded. "I'd be more than happy to do anything to help out, especially now that you have a child to take care of ... Is someone filling in for you, in the Spymaster capacity?"

ooc: Back in fifteen minutes.

Posted by: syronj Feb 14 2006, 03:34 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 14 2006, 04:26 PM)

Anya studied Shaka's face, her eyes creased along the outside edges. Then she went back to studying the table. "How are you doing?"

"Better than some of the others like Dana and Slyvos." And you used to be able to read that on me. "I'll be all right. Maybe I can talk to Loranna sometime, let her know that the company succeeded, when you think about it."

"The price was heavy, of course. What was it, eight out of the twelve mage volunteers killed?" Shaka brooded for a moment. "I hope they were taken by their various gods, to some kind of a reward. Sounds stupid, doesn't it. They were brave men and women though."

Shaka found himself remembering Baoriah, the dunmer who had felt awe and pride in St Meris' tomb. A strong and charismatic woman there. Muthog, the orc shaman who had fought bravely. All the others.

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 14 2006, 03:35 PM

Kethiah's Room, the Nymph and Noggin

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Feb 14 2006, 04:30 PM)

Ingmar nodded. "I'd be more than happy to do anything to help out, especially now that you have a child to take care of ... Is someone filling in for you, in the Spymaster capacity?"

"Yes, got a couple people filling in for me there, and Isidor's doing the work of two people in the inn," Kethiah smiled. "Though I imagine he's getting antsy ... No, I was just thinking if there's something that Loranna needs help with ..."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 14 2006, 03:59 PM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Feb 14 2006, 06:52 AM)

Dayla, in her prefered snake woman form, was not smiling; her cheeks were stained with blood, and her eyes looked ... hollow. Still, Kingston's presence brought Dayla out of her reverie a little, and she greeted him through bloodstained lips.

"Been busy, I see," she says, idly looking down on the flames engulfing the city. She snorts suddenly, muttering "And we were going to use those dolts to attack Ald Raathim; suddenly the whole damn thing just reeks of desperation and sloppy planning ..."

Posted by: Stargazey Feb 14 2006, 04:04 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 14 2006, 03:35 PM)

Kethiah's Room, the Nymph and Noggin
"Yes, got a couple people filling in for me there, and Isidor's doing the work of two people in the inn," Kethiah smiled. "Though I imagine he's getting antsy ... No, I was just thinking if there's something that Loranna needs help with ..."

Ingmar nodded. "Anything in particular you could think of, that she'd need help with?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 14 2006, 04:07 PM

Tel Dresori, Night

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 14 2006, 04:59 PM)

"We vampires are a bit of contradiction," Kingston said thoughtfully. "We're predators, creatures of instinct. But we're also immortal, so we'll take eons to make our plans ... and then ruin them with our passions ..."

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 14 2006, 04:09 PM

Kethiah's Room, the Nymph and Noggin

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Feb 14 2006, 05:04 PM)

Ingmar nodded. "Anything in particular you could think of, that she'd need help with?"

"Just meeting with various people, the Mages Guild, the Imperial Embassy, the Royal House of Morrowind," Kethiah replied. "Diplomacy takes up most of a noblewoman's time."

Posted by: Stargazey Feb 14 2006, 04:19 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 14 2006, 04:09 PM)

Kethiah's Room, the Nymph and Noggin
"Just meeting with various people, the Mages Guild, the Imperial Embassy, the Royal House of Morrowind," Kethiah replied. "Diplomacy takes up most of a noblewoman's time."

Ingmar smiled. "Well, you can let her know that I'm happy to help out when I can ... Anyway, I'll leave you alone with your lad now." He said with a wink.

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 14 2006, 04:22 PM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Feb 14 2006, 05:19 PM)

Ingmar smiled. "Well, you can let her know that I'm happy to help out when I can ... Anyway, I'll leave you alone with your lad now." He said with a wink.

"I will, and thank you," Kethiah smiled, holding her baby close to her.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 14 2006, 04:35 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 14 2006, 04:07 PM)

Tel Dresori, Night
"We vampires are a bit of contradiction," Kingston said thoughtfully. "We're predators, creatures of instinct. But we're also immortal, so we'll take eons to make our plans ... and then ruin them with our passions ..."

Dayla snorts again. "Four thousand years worth of pent-up passion ... yeah, you're right." She sighs. "We were lucky; Ashana wasn't at her full strength. Somehow, when Vivec fell, Ald Raathim's people managed to kill her two oldest filia and hurt her, like truly hurt her. If not for that ..."

A shiver runs through her serpentine form. " ... I can't believe she's gone ... I can't believe I helped kill her."

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 14 2006, 04:47 PM

Tel Dresori

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 14 2006, 05:35 PM)

A shiver runs through her serpentine form. " ... I can't believe she's gone ... I can't believe I helped kill her."

"She had been dead for a long time, in my view," Kingston nodded. "A member of a tribe capable of changing her body, but not her soul. An immortal who thought only of the past, not the future ... I hope you and your fila learn from her, Dayla, and do things differently."

Posted by: syronj Feb 14 2006, 04:53 PM

Shaka surfaced from his thoughts and looked at Anya's sea-green eyes. "More important to ask how you're doing. The whole Dayla and Ashana history . . . It sure is complicated, from what I've been piecing together."

"It's strange, but you finally got to use the Arrow of Slaying, and in my lifetime. It makes you wonder if I was meant to find it that night in Solstheim. Maybe we'd all be dead now if not for you and that artifact, have you thought of that?"

"I wanted to kill Dayla for a long time; and I was worried about Kingston Mune and . . . you. But both sentiments seem unworthy now."

"Dayla's your mother, your sister and lover. Kingston Mune . . . has a lot going for him. You realize that with him, you could live long into the Fourth Era, together?"

"The hell with it, the booze is loosening my tongue too much. It's just that I want you to know that you're free, Anya. You're not that frightened little girl, or that wandering Rogue, the rootless woodelf. You're something more now."

For the first time that evening, Shaka stretched out a hand and grasped Anya's.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 14 2006, 04:56 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 14 2006, 04:47 PM)

Tel Dresori
"She had been dead for a long time, in my view," Kingston nodded. "A member of a tribe capable of changing her body, but not her soul. An immortal who thought only of the past, not the future ... I hope you and your fila learn from her, Dayla, and do things differently."

Dayla is quiet for a long moment.

"I remember when I first met her," she says quietly. "She was the most beautiful and wonderful person I'd ever met, we both loved the same things ..."

"Six hundred years, all I ever wanted was a full belly and to know she loved me," she continues. " ... and all that time ... she never really felt the way I did ..." Her tail lashes out suddenly, slamming the floor behind her with a thunderous crack, and blood tears trickle down her face.

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 14 2006, 05:02 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Feb 14 2006, 03:53 PM)

For the first time that evening, Shaka stretched out a hand and grasped Anya's.

Anya squeezed Shaka's hand, staring hard back at him. She held back some tears, as they stood out too much in a public place.

"I hate her so much, Shaka, but I ran to her when she was hurt. I still have the urge to kill her, but I don't want to go through with it."

"I don't understand you anymore, Shaka. You show affection for me, but every chance you get, you speak doom and gloom, pointing out who would be so much better than a babbling pessimistic such as you. Don't you have any hope for us at all?"

Anya pulled her hands back, straightening up in her seat, "I just don't understand my own feelings anymore."

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 14 2006, 05:03 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 14 2006, 05:56 PM)

"That's the spirit, break some things!" Kingston shook his head. "Did you hear nothing I said, Dayla? You have to stop obsessing about the past, or you'll end up like Ashana."

He stood up.

"I think the sun's coming up pretty soon, best to get inside."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 14 2006, 05:10 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 14 2006, 05:03 PM)

Dayla glowers at Kingston, muttering "My own filia hates me; aren't I already my mater?"

She starts slithering back for the shelter of the castle. " ... I don't want to be Ashana anymore, but I don't know anything other than what I've been these last six centuries," she says, almost pleading. "I've already lost everything I once held dear; if I lose what little I still have, where am I going to be?"

Posted by: syronj Feb 14 2006, 05:16 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 14 2006, 06:02 PM)

"I don't understand you anymore, Shaka. You show affection for me, but every chance you get, you speak doom and gloom, pointing out who would be so much better than a babbling pessimistic such as you. Don't you have any hope for us at all?"

Anya pulled her hands back, straightening up in her seat, "I just don't understand my own feelings anymore."

Shaka nodded. He wouldn't insult Anya by apologizing for his words, as he had apologized to her so many times in the past. " I have hope, or had once. But as a Ra'Gada, not an Argonian."

He stood up. "Too little sleep and a few too many. I'm going to see if the Nymph has a spare room. Take care of yourself, Anya; Magnus will be up soon."

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 14 2006, 05:18 PM

Tel Dresori

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 14 2006, 06:10 PM)

“Maybe what you’ll be is free for the first time in your life,” Kingston smiled, his blackened scarred grin lighting up as he cast a small ball of fire in the palm of his hand. “You know, we Korgari think of our fire as being a great cleansing force. We wipe away what is weak and untrue, and leave behind only what is strong and real. Sometimes that’s nothing, but it’s better to begin again, clean and clear, that to build yourself on what cannot last.”

Posted by: Loranna Feb 14 2006, 05:23 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 14 2006, 05:18 PM)

Tel Dresori
“Maybe what you’ll be is free for the first time in your life,” Kingston smiled, his blackened scarred grin lighting up as he cast a small ball of fire in the palm of his hand. “You know, we Korgari think of our fire as being a great cleansing force. We wipe away what is weak and untrue, and leave behind only what is strong and real. Sometimes that’s nothing, but it’s better to begin again, clean and clear, that to build yourself on what cannot last.”

Dayla turns and looks back at Kingston, her expression betraying a hint of bemusement.

"Do they now, or are you just saying that to cheer me up?" she asks, her lips curling into a faint smile.

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 14 2006, 05:30 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 14 2006, 06:23 PM)

Dayla turns and looks back at Kingston, her expression betraying a hint of bemusement.

"Do they now, or are you just saying that to cheer me up?" she asks, her lips curling into a faint smile.

"A little of both," Kingston winked, blinking out the flame. "Frankly, there's nothing more tiresome than 'The Tragic Vampire.' And I find cheap metaphors are good medicine for that ..."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 14 2006, 05:37 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 14 2006, 05:30 PM)

"A little of both," Kingston winked, blinking out the flame. "Frankly, there's nothing more tiresome than 'The Tragic Vampire.' And I find cheap metaphors are good medicine for that ..."

"I see," Dayla says, stroking her chin. "So, the Korgari decides to fight cliches with cliches. As a good little Bathogorgen I must mirror you perfectly now so you never notice your reflection is defining you, not the other way around."

Her tone, and her eyes, betray a growing hint of playfulness.

"Seriously, though, those burn marks do very little for you; you should fix them, or let me fix them for you," she opines. "Shall we go inside? I find myself tempted to make bad puns about my curiosity being aflame."

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 14 2006, 05:53 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 14 2006, 06:37 PM)

"To which I would say, be careful, you're playing with fire," Kingston laughed, and walked with her back inside. Once there, he put a blue glowing hand over himself, and healed. There were still a few marks on his face and neck, but his handsome features had replaced the monstrous visage. "That better? I sometimes like to play the monster."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 14 2006, 06:00 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 14 2006, 05:53 PM)

"Bah, I'm Dunmer enough still to dance in the fire and not get that badly burnt," Dayla smirks, nodding. "Much better; cheerful philosophising sounds terribly wrong when you look like a burnt zombie."

She holds up a hand and casts a healing spell of her own for Kingston, and says "Now, while I'm waiting for the sun to go back down ... let's talk.

===

and while we're waiting to see what happens next, it's time to

LOCK ON!!!

Loranna