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The Elder Scrolls Forums _ Elder Scrolls Lore _ Evening Star Parade

Posted by: Loranna Dec 13 2004, 02:16 AM

In the previous installment of this RP, Loranna and company made their way to Koal Cave to pay homage to the Shrine of Courage. However, others went on ahead, and soon the attention of the Mad One was drawn by conflict in the form of a fantastic, horrific beast.

Challenged to prove the valor of Azura, Loranna blessed Aricyn as her chosen champion and offered Azura's strength to those who fought in her name. In the end, however, it was Loranna and Azura themselves - or, perhaps, they two and Sen-Yedda - who destroyed the beast, calling upon the power of courage.

Now, Loranna is being taken back to the others, laughing as she replies to Allie's last comment with "That's okay hun; I never could be Vivec anyway, just me."

As always, mirc ChatSpike channel #Loranna_RP is our official chatroom for the event. Everyone who plays is welcomed and encouraged to join the chat so that we may discuss plot developments and swap jokes about our characters Those who can't get into the chatroom are encouraged to PM me about any plot ideas or scene-effecting actions they have in mind; I will try to answer you wll all possible speed.

Part Four Begins ...

Posted by: FireMaster Dec 13 2004, 02:19 AM

*Erenius follows the party, noting that the Imperial guards have disappeared...*

"Loranna...something's amiss..." Erenius says to her. "The guards I arranged for at Fort Darius as part of my last orders seem to have abandoned us...and while it may not be of concern, if found out, it could panic the group...especially as we enter less familiar areas."

Posted by: Chex Dec 13 2004, 02:20 AM

Maji breathed deeply, enjoying the scent of the weakening rain.
She walked down the hill to the gathering, trying to make her hair presentable.

Posted by: Aki Dec 13 2004, 02:21 AM

((OOC summary thing: Dar'Var and Reichi 'joined' the battle late (neither really fought the beast..) and currently are standing outside koal cave, being rained on.))

Ic:
Reichi sheathed his dagger of Senses and sighed in relief. Then sat down on a Nearby rock. Dar'var noted that most of the group that had been in Skyrim was here. he jumped into a tree and a observed.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 13 2004, 02:25 AM

Allerleirauh remains at Loranna's side, in the vicinity of Koal Cave.

Doll, the young Akaviri human girl, is following Solin around, trying to get the distracted scholar to be more aware of his surroundings. She alternates between pretending to be a slave girl and wearing a netch leather helmet that hides her face.

Mirror, aka Tris, the handsome Breton, has plans involving Elysana, which involve a necklace retrieved from the Void in the location of her destroyed Palace in Wayrest. He's looking for Elysana now.

Dragon, the old Nord man, is riding cross-country with Ciel in the neighborhood of Sutch.

Skein, Imperial woman and seer, remains at Solunastra Guild House in Daggerfall.

With Mirror off on his own, Mirea, the red-headed Bosmer girl, has the burden of carrying messages back and forth for Allerleirauh. She's starting to get grumpy.

Posted by: Loranna Dec 13 2004, 02:29 AM

Loranna listens to Erinus and says " ... I see; I'm going to need some time to recoup fro mthis and the people following us are probably going to want to see me too. While I'm doing that, see what you can learn of this development please? Our next steps need to be taken with some care."

Posted by: OriontheHunter Dec 13 2004, 02:32 AM

*He was free...the weight that had been holding him down now for long had been lifted. He could feel the magicka being dissolved into his vains as he walked slowly east. He had so many thoughts going on life, poetry, and the future which seemed very bright indeed for there was not a cloud in the beautiful lucid sky*

It's wonderful...just perfect

*He recited a poem*

Love is an anchor ,Love is a chain
As dangerous as fire and playful as rain
It easily comes and painfully goes
As sharp as a needle and sweet as a rose
Haunted by grief and plagued by desire
Stirring the coals transformed by the fire
Grief is a word no man can explain
Known for its evils, described by its pain
Love is just grief covered up by a rose
But, inside are thorns the plotting foes
In side your heart the thorns will eternally be
From the highest mountain to the bottomless sea
Of one's one loss that would be thee
From the highest mountain to the bottomless sea

*He continued along the unmarked trail...and saw in front of him...the stronghold Berandus...he could hear shouts and cries echoing from the stone. He quickly rushed towards it.

Posted by: FireMaster Dec 13 2004, 02:34 AM

"As you wish, Loranna," Erenius says as he goes to the rear of the group.

"I have no idea what exactly has brought this forth...but that creature in Koal cave likely is a cause..." Erenius mumbles as he is in deep thought.

"Imperial," a Dunmer clad in an odd mixture of bonemold and chitin says as he steps from teh group and proceeds to speak in a whispered tone. "You look for the legionaires?"

"Yes...they were to be an additional guard should the majority of us be elsewhere," he replies.

"Well...I saw something odd...the Orc...well, he seemed to order them to go towards the ocean...almost as if driven by a madness..." the Dunmer responds.

"Interesting...so they are either drowned, deserted the Legion, or have recieved orders otherwise from Darius?" Erenius asks, his interest piqued.

"Exactly...should I find more, I shall divulge it to you," the Dunmer says as he turns for the crowd following.

"Just one thing.,should they learn of this, the less-willful may verily leave, as will the elderly and those not confident in their blade-skills. Which, from the looks of it is sadly the majority here," Erenius says. "Good luck."

"Thank you," the DUnmer replies as he reenters the group at last, and Erenius returns to the front.

Posted by: w0nders Dec 13 2004, 02:38 AM

Dante walked off into a small clearing to practise his sword tecnique, meanwhile Illidan had pocketed his rose and now replaced it with a small canteen, he took a rather large swig of it "Ah, Colonel Illidans secret prime reserve" He chuckled to himself.

Illidan approached Reichi siting on the rock "You look a little dumbstruck lad, knowing you I suppose they must be a common occurence" He laughed to himself and sat next to him "Here, have a swig of this...you'll forget your troubles in no time" He said grinning and waving the canteen infront of Reichi

Posted by: Aki Dec 13 2004, 02:41 AM

Reichi seized the canten and eagerly took a swig of the liquid. "Ahh...true..but that thing was weird. Something i had never ever heard of." he said. " Something that swallows people whole like that is pretty scarey..."

Posted by: Celezar Dec 13 2004, 02:42 AM

*Celezar sat upon a damp rock, he stared aimlessly into the mud, still tromitized by the events that had recently taken place*

"Here you are, dear."

*A stout faced nurse said, wrapping a dense blanket around him cautiously, trying to hold back the horror instilled by his gruesome appearance. Celezar said nothing in reply, the horrible reality of it all was; he wasnt pulling the strings anymore, the fate of the trials and all events to come were out of his hands, his own fate pulled by the strings of unseen forces, never quite gaining the satisfaction of death. The puppeteer was now the puppet, and now he was forced to travel with those who had sought to slay him in the past, too weak to fight against his better judgement*

Posted by: w0nders Dec 13 2004, 02:49 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Dec 12 2004, 08:41 PM)

Illidan let out a low laugh "Fear is but a part of the mind, if you do not fear you are practically invincible, My father told me that when I was but the age of 5" H took the canister back and sipped from it "Heh, the old fool got killed many years later living by those words" Illidan handed the canister back to Reichi "But dont worry about it, I'm sure there will be much scarier things on this little journey that are waiting for us to encounter them" He said with a grin

Posted by: Aki Dec 13 2004, 02:52 AM

"Lack of fear might get you killed. Fear is something that should sometimes be followed. Other times it should be disregarded." Reichi said taking the Canister back and taking another swig before passing it back. "And i can't exactly do much other than use my Dagger...the one who are tagging along would try to slay me if i turned.."

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Dec 13 2004, 02:57 AM

'Loranna! Are you okay!!?? please tell me she is okay.....'

Posted by: w0nders Dec 13 2004, 02:58 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Dec 12 2004, 08:52 PM)

Illidan smiled and took another swig of the contents "True, fear should be followed...it could very much save your life one day, but it could just as easily end it" Illidan Handed Reichi the canister yet again "But words my friend, they are only but words...." Illidan shook his head from side to side slowly.

Posted by: Loranna Dec 13 2004, 02:59 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Dec 12 2004, 08:57 PM)

'Loranna! Are you okay!!?? please tell me she is okay.....'

I'm fine dear, Loranna replies to Dagoth, just rather tired. Thank you for safeguarding these people.

Ugh; monster drool ...

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Dec 13 2004, 03:01 AM

'Drool.... Let me take care of that.' *walks over to Loranna and conjures a towel* 'Here we go....' *starts wiping the drool out of Loranna's hair*

Posted by: Aki Dec 13 2004, 03:01 AM

Reichi nodded to Illidan. "I suspose the next shrine will be Ghostgate." he and looked in the Direction of Red Mountain. Even at this distance, the peak could be seen, a wisp of smoke rsising from it.

"Hopefully all of Dagoth's minions have left by now.."

Posted by: FireMaster Dec 13 2004, 03:01 AM

"Nothing...nothing at all," Erenius says to Loranna again as he returns. "Noone seems to know anything, save one older Dunmer wearing both Bonemold and Chitin armors. He said they went west from the cave soon as they saw the creature. He said it was as if they were posessed or something, but other than that...not a thing otherwise."

Posted by: Teleran Dec 13 2004, 03:05 AM

Teleran was stunned by the sudden events, but he was relieved that it was over. He saw that Reichi was talking to a Dunmer and came over to see what they were saying.

QUOTE

"And i can't exactly do much other than use my Dagger...the one who are tagging along would try to slay me if i turned.."

"I, for one, would not Reichi, but you are correct, the majority here would slay you on the spot." Teleran says as he reaches them, "How do you reconcile your following of Hircine with following Azura?"

'And what did Celezar do to me back there?' he almost added.

Posted by: w0nders Dec 13 2004, 03:06 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Dec 12 2004, 09:01 PM)

Illidan looks over towards the mountain, spotting out the smoke rising from the top "Ah, hopefully we'll be due in for smoother sailing this time" He said patting Reichi on the back. "Yes, I too hope his minions have moved on or died out or something, they've always given me the creeps" Illidan rubbed his chin for a brief moment "Atleast all the Ash Vampires are gone now I presume, I have only heard rumours...would never wanna meet one in person" Said Illidan dusting some small amounts of ash from his cloak. He gave Teleran a look suggesting 'that was abrupt'

Posted by: Aki Dec 13 2004, 03:09 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Dec 12 2004, 09:05 PM)

Teleran was stunned by the sudden events, but he was relieved that it was over. He saw that Reichi was talking to a Dunmer and came over to see what they were saying."I, for one, would not Reichi, but you are correct, the majority here would slay you on the spot." Teleran says as he reaches them, "How do you reconcile your following of Hircine with following Azura?"

'And what did Celezar do to me back there?' he almost added.

"Two things, first i know the word reconcile, but i forget the exact meaning so explain that word, THEN i can answer. Secound, i do not follow Azura, im merely tagging along for a lack of a better thing to do." He said grinning at Teleran.

In the back ground. Dar'var fell out of the tree where he had been lining up a shot on the assembled group and his bolt flew off and killed a random cliffracer.

Posted by: Loranna Dec 13 2004, 03:09 AM

QUOTE(FireMaster @ Dec 12 2004, 09:01 PM)

Loranna frowns. "Then it could have been the hand of you-know-who," she says.

" ... Let me rest a bit, and keep your ears open. I'll see what my own gifts can learn."

Posted by: niceguy5 Dec 13 2004, 03:09 AM

Dane outfitted himself with a green robe and Nordic fur boots, ideal for traveling. He sat on a rock, resting from the battle. That had to be a major marole boost to Loranna's followers Dane thought as he examined his sword which was untouched from the fight.

Posted by: OriontheHunter Dec 13 2004, 03:10 AM

*Upon entering the strongholds plaza he could see no bodies but the screams were getting louder..*

"WHAT IS THIS?"

*He reached for his sword but it was not there...*

"NO!...."

*The shouts were deafining and were now more and more. The perfect blue sky started to blacken. Orion collapsed on the ground in a pool of blood as it started to rain clasping his ears.*

"MAke it stop...make it stop...make it..."

*Everything was quite...nothing but the rain. Orion breathed desperatly as if his lungs were filled with water*

Why...why...why...what is going on?

*Suddenly a naked figure of a woman approached...It stopped in front of him.*

"Who...who are you?"

I am light and dark
Law and barbarian
Knight and demon
I worship life
but cause death
I am
You

*Violently the figure begins to shake. Her head snapping bake and forth. Orion notices the figure start to change into a pale ghost-like figure. The floor around the girl starts to run with blood. Suddenly she jumps onto Orion, her hands around his neck. He tries to scream but cannot. He hands burn like embers but are as cold as hate. The pain is enough to make him black out*

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

*He wakes up from his subconciousness*

Where am I?...Berandas...these dreams..I thought they would stop...and they are getting more realistic...I dont remember falling asleep.

*Gets up and walks briskly east...towards the sun*

Posted by: FireMaster Dec 13 2004, 03:10 AM

"Very well, Loranna..." Erenius says as he surveys the varius people take a cue from Loranna and sit down or pitch a camp...several smaller fires began through the crowd.

"I guess I'll leave it to morning," Erenius mumbles as he finds a clear patch and sets down his bedroll, pillow, and a moderately thick blanket.

Posted by: w0nders Dec 13 2004, 03:14 AM

Illidan took the canister back from Reichi to have another drink, upon placing on his mouth only 1 drop came out...he shook the bottle next to his ear and heard nothing "Son of a lich" He mumbled to himself putting the canister back into his pocket.

He noticed Dar'var fall out of the tree and started laughing hysterically so much in fact that he fell of the rock and started rolling around on the floor.

Posted by: Teleran Dec 13 2004, 03:16 AM

Teleran notices Illidan's look, "Sorry, I brought some Flin, here have it?" He then turns to Reichi and says, "Oh forgive me, I had assumed from your acquaintances that you did. In that case how does that ring prevent your transformation, I have not seen one like it before."

Posted by: Aki Dec 13 2004, 03:19 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Dec 12 2004, 09:16 PM)

"Not sure exactly. I do however suspect it is made of silver that may prevent transformation. Kinda makes sense..no?" Reichi said, examining the ring.

Dar'var meanwhile cursed, then was hit by the charred bones of the cliffracer he had shot. He cursed more, tossed the skeletal corpse away and
sat down on a rock. Pulling a bottle of Skooma from a small sack at his hip and drinking it.

Posted by: w0nders Dec 13 2004, 03:20 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Dec 12 2004, 09:16 PM)

Illidan broke free from his hysterics long enough to clasp the fin in his hand and have a quick swig of it. He continue laughing hysterically at Dar'var's mis-fortune.

Meanwhile Dante was vigorously practicing his tecnique, he thought in unison with his attacks slash, slash, chop, thrust He was thinking to himself, he exhaled heavily once he sheathed his sword.
Good work Dante, you gotta keep at it though A voice in his head bellowed...

Posted by: Arynel Dec 13 2004, 03:31 AM

Arynel watched, he had remained still during the beastial encounter, a rock and a feather.

"So horrid a thing." The Breton mused. "And so foolish the sword swingers, the heroes, the bold ones, who know not what they face. Headlong, headlong they charge, soldiers everyone into the frey. See the beast, it does not fall by a sword, but by a word, is not brought down by a blade, but courage solid made."

Posted by: Nord_Lover Dec 13 2004, 03:33 AM

OOC: Okay people. I just got my computer moved into a new room. I didn't we were gonna do it today, so sorry for not alerting you all. I have to have wireless internet on it, but it runs faster now. and I need to download mIRC. But I am not going to do that as of yet. So, what do I need to do? I read most of the posts so far, but not all. Oh, btw, Erenius, remember, Jaim is an Imperial Guard also, and he didn't abandon.

Posted by: Loranna Dec 13 2004, 03:34 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 12 2004, 09:31 PM)

Loranna turns upon hearing Arynel's words, and she smiles, her tearstreaks catching the fading light and giving her face a gentle shine.

Posted by: Arynel Dec 13 2004, 03:38 AM

QUOTE(Nord_Lover @ Dec 12 2004, 07:33 PM)

OOC: Google for mIRC downloads, or something to that nature, and find the download site (should be real easy) and download one of them, it doesn't matter which location. Then wait for it to load and an icon will appear on your desktop, log in and on the menu on the left find the channel option and choose chatspike (you may have to type it in manually), then log in and when the channel list pops up type in #loranna_rp. If you have any more quesiton, Sekka posted a link to a "Chatroom guide for dummies" in one of the intro threads, so look for that.

Posted by: Nord_Lover Dec 13 2004, 03:41 AM

OOC: I was afraid of that. I was going to try and get around that. I guess I will download it, but that will come later. So, what to do otherwise?

Posted by: Arynel Dec 13 2004, 03:44 AM

QUOTE(Nord_Lover @ Dec 12 2004, 07:41 PM)

OOC: I was afraid of that. I was going to try and get around that. I guess I will download it, but that will come later. So, what to do otherwise?

OOC: If you don't want to download mIRC, you can try to get on through the link to the chatroom in Archie's pinned post in community, but I can't help you with that because I can't get it to work. Some people can though so it is possible.

Posted by: Nord_Lover Dec 13 2004, 03:47 AM

OOC: Just tell me what has happened, so I can post.

Posted by: Arynel Dec 13 2004, 03:48 AM

QUOTE(Nord_Lover @ Dec 12 2004, 07:47 PM)

OOC: Just tell me what has happened, so I can post.

OOC: A big monster came out of Koal cave, and pretty much kicked everybodies tail, then swallowed Loranna/Azura. From inside, L/A managed to destroy the beast, and now we're all recuperating and planning to move on to the next shrine.

Posted by: Nord_Lover Dec 13 2004, 03:59 AM

OOC: Ok.

IC: Jaim still marched behind Loranna, recooperating after seeing and fighting that humongous creature. His hands weren't shaking, but he was shining in a sheen of sweat. It was hard fighting in this heavy armor, but he had gotten used to it a long time ago. His hands were still on the hilts of his swords.

Posted by: niceguy5 Dec 13 2004, 04:08 AM

Dane was having a conversation with his were-vamp alter ego in his mind.

"You almost got us killed Dane, you should of relied on our true power" A snarl came after the sentence.

"And risk the lives of the onlookers?"

There was a slient pause.

"But we havent tasted blood in ages, Dane" Dane could here it lick it's lips.

"We? you need to live on blood not me...I am and still human" after that Dane ignored his alter egos remark and shut him away from his mind. I need a drink

Posted by: Anghardel67 Dec 13 2004, 04:14 AM

Azrael followed the group to Koal Cave, after so long a journey; he had not remembered the way being so far from any civilized place, but alas, there it was, just off the road, on the way to Gnisis--from Ald Ruhn--half submerged in water. He noted part of the group entering the cave, but remembering how small it was, he decided not to, and found a comfortable rock on which he would sit and wait.

The Dunmer pulled out his Journal and began to scribble down his whereabouts:

"I have followed this band of mer, and the incarnate, to the Koal Cave shrine, most notable for it's. . .beastly wonders. I recall my own visit to this place, when I first arrived on this continent; I was not so fortunate as these, to travel in a group. . ."

As he finished the last word of the entry he heard a loud bursting noise from just inside the cave, accompanied by a chorus of echoing yells. He jumped to his feet, as did the mer who remained outside the cave, in time to see a hideous beast fly out in a fit of rage. Azrael immediately froze, remembering the orders he recieved from Adriana, feeling an urge to attack and kill the creature all the same.

The incarnate, and the Nord he observed closest to her, went at the creature fiercly; the tagalongs of the group remained back for a moment, before attacking as well. They moved in such an organized way for so spontaneous a battle; Azrael was amazed at the coordination he viewed now.

The Dunmer squatted upon the rock he had been previously seated upon, peering at the creature through the most peculiar mist, which had only just appeared in front of him; the cloud became thicker and thicker, until it engulfed his field of vision completely. He went into a confused cursing fit, no longer aware of anything other than this cloud which he could not see beyond.

Suddenly, he heard a voice, faint, but resonating inside his head as though it were nearly touching his ear:

Azrael; I see you, and though you do not see me I am well aware of your return to this place. You seek a past you know not of, in a place you know not of; fear not, for I am here, and you will find me when the time is right. For now, you know what you must do--continue your pursuit of these people, and think only of this task, for now. . .

The voice faded out as the mist cleared, and the world reverted back to the state of 'here', and 'now'. Azrael turned his attention once more towards the beast and it's challengers, and saw it dead, the incarnate and her band of companions seated, recovering breath wasted in the conflict.

He jumped down from his rock, and waded slowly through the knee-high water, seating himself once more on a rock near this shrine. In the back of his mind he wondered still about the voice; What was it? Where had it come from?.

He would find out, eventually.

(Ang)

Posted by: Aki Dec 13 2004, 05:00 AM

Dar'Var , bored and high, finally figured out that that Celezar was a Khajiit and not some weird monster or something. He wandered over towards him, stumbling a few times. "What happened to you man...you look like you some need Sssssssssskooooooma." he said.

Reichi meanwhile, had fallen into a light sleep.

Posted by: Celezar Dec 13 2004, 05:31 AM

*Celezar continued to stare aimlessly into the mud, not hearing the Khajiit's words, only feeling his pressence in the cold, lonely void his mind now drifted through. Though it was hot and hummid, Celezars burnt, hairless flesh grew cold and he shivered, pulling his blanket tightly around him in agony. With each breath Celezar's nostrils and shriveled mouth let out, the breath was visible in a foggy cloud*

"Leave, puppet...leave..."

*Celezar wheezed, obviously struggling through great pains left behind by his previous encounter with death*

Posted by: w0nders Dec 13 2004, 05:34 AM

Illidan finally breaking free from his hysterics rose to his feet to see Dante coming towards him. "Illidan, come I have a task I need your help with..rather simple actually" Illidan stared blamkly at Dante for a second "Sure, what do we need?" He asked.

"Just get those axes and come with me" Dante said vaguely pointing to 2 woodsmen axes. "Ok...lets get to work then" Said Illidan scooping up the axes and following Dante into a small group of trees. Chopping can be heard back at the site.

Posted by: Aki Dec 13 2004, 05:34 AM

Dar'Var mumbled something unintelligable and began to walk off. Then stumbled, and fell into the waters. Where he began swimming about. Singing a song in Khajiiti.

Posted by: w0nders Dec 13 2004, 05:43 AM

20 minutes later, Dante and Illidan returned....Illidan carrying a rather large pile of wood and the axes and Dante carrying 2 rats "Uh...Dante, you wanna give me a hand here?" Illidan asked, his voice rather strained and shaky "Why have you still got them? you can drop the now" said Dante, a small smirk visible.

Dante started to set up the fire pit while Illidan skewered the two rats on a sharp stick "Anybody here hungry!?" Yelled Dante out over to the group "It's pretty basic but it'll have to do" Illidan started working on getting the fire started and before long there was a rather pleasent flame at thetop of the hill.

Posted by: Loranna Dec 13 2004, 05:44 AM

By this point, the awed crowd is staging an impromptu celebration, and the still slightly soggy and tired Loranna is being pulled into it despite herself ...

Posted by: Aki Dec 13 2004, 05:44 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Dec 12 2004, 11:43 PM)

Dante started to set up the fire pit while Illidan skewered the two rats on a sharp stick "Anybody here hungry!?" Yelled Dante out over to the group "It's pretty basic but it'll have to do" Illidan started working on getting the fire started and before long there was a rather pleasent flame at thetop of the hill.

Reichi awoke from his slumber and sat near the fire. Dar'var leapt out of the water, and momentarilt looked as if he were levitating, before he hit the ground, seized one rat and began tearing into it. Reichi stared at the strage Khajiit and laughed.

Posted by: w0nders Dec 13 2004, 05:50 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Dec 12 2004, 11:44 PM)

Dante watched rather disgusted at the Khajiits display, Illidan just Slapped Dar'Var on the back and laughed Heartily along. "B-but the rat, it wasnt even cooked yet, or skinned" Ilidan looked over at Dante "Don't worry, I'm fairly sure he couldnt care less and besides, there is still one left" Dante node and gave a small smile at The Khajiit. "Eat up, friend...you look like you could use the extra strength" said Dante with a wink.

Posted by: Aki Dec 13 2004, 05:55 AM

Dar'var nodded quickly. Causing his helmet to fall infront of where he sat. Revealing the panther-like face of the Khajiit. He continued to eat the rat raw. Blood staining the fur around his mouth. " Rat is good." he said in between bites.

Posted by: Teleran Dec 13 2004, 05:56 AM

Teleran leaves as the crowd begins to become more active. He walks to the top of a rise and sits there thinking, 'What is hapenning? Today that Khajiit just tore me from my body and it felt...good. No, I cannot accept that. I will not allow myself to lose control again. And there's another thing, something is not right since then, it feels as though there is something with me. As if there is a presence that should not be here. What could it be? It is probably nothing. A mere shadow of thought perhaps, the surprise at being torn from my body.'

Teleran returns to the fire with the others, but stands a little apart, reticent and a little frightened by the strangeness of the past few days.

Posted by: Aki Dec 13 2004, 06:15 AM

After finishing with the Rat, Dar'var tosses what is left of it over his Shoulder, hitting Teleran with it.

Reichi meanwhile was drinking some Mazte...

Posted by: Teleran Dec 13 2004, 06:19 AM

Teleran is woken from his silent reverie and with snarl he lifts Dar'var into the air and holds him over the fire, "Never do that again Khajiit!"

Posted by: w0nders Dec 13 2004, 06:22 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Dec 13 2004, 12:19 AM)

Teleran is woken from his silent reverie and with snarl he lifts Dar'var into the air and holds him over the fire, "Never do that again Khajiit!"

Seeing this Dante's eye shot open "woah woah woah! take it easy fellas I'm sure that this was just a simple mis-understanding...we can work this thing out without violence" Said Dante, a rather pleasent yet stupid smile across his lips. Illidan simply went back to turning the rotissery

Posted by: Aki Dec 13 2004, 06:24 AM

Dar'var Yeowled and slipped from Teleran's Grip. Then made a rude hand gesture at him and speed off into the wild. Screaming " K'cuf ou'y! AHAHAHABWAHAHA!"

Reichi, meanwhile had fallen asleep again.

Posted by: Teleran Dec 13 2004, 06:29 AM

"Look what you made me do!" Teleran rounds on Dante his daggers glinting in the fire light. "Now he's escaped."

Teleran's blue eyes shine with a fury that is beyond mortal comprehension.

Posted by: w0nders Dec 13 2004, 06:33 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Dec 13 2004, 12:29 AM)

"Look what you made me do!" Teleran rounds on Dante his daggers glinting in the fire light. "Now he's escaped."

Teleran's blue eyes shine with a fury that is beyond mortal comprehension.

Dante stepped back a bit and drew his sword "Draw a blade on me will you fetcher?" He asks, His voice filled with anger. Illidan jumps to his feet and stands in the middle of them "Guys, guys calm down...I don't think any one of us wants any trouble agreed?" Dante mearly ignored Illidan and stared Teleran right in the eyes. Ah, finally another chance to test your mettle! A voice in his head boomed Oh...shutup, I have no intention of fighting the man was the reply Dante gave

Posted by: Arynel Dec 13 2004, 06:37 AM

"Is this path really a necessary one?" Arynel asks, rolling his eyes. The Breton voices a poem like the laughter of children:

Stow away both spell and blade
No need now to join the frey
Even as day turns to night
So onward we will travel by
Stow away both spell and blade
No need now to start the frey
See the little children dance
Take what joy is given hence...

Posted by: w0nders Dec 13 2004, 06:40 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 13 2004, 12:37 AM)

Dante's muscles became less tense, He slowly sheathed his sword and stepped back again.."Indeed, it was foolish for me to of done this" Dante sat back down on the floor and crossed his legs. Illidan remained infront of Teleran, using his hand as a s hield incase he trys something.

Posted by: Teleran Dec 13 2004, 06:42 AM

Teleran laughs maniacally as he sees Dante sheathe his blade. Reaches out with telekinesis to pull the sword away, but it stays. Seeing his chance as Dante lets his guard down he charges, shouldering past Illidan, "Now you die!" Teleran yells as he reaches Dante.

Just as the daggers are about to strike, Arynel finishes his spell. Teleran leaps back, lets out a scream as one damned and collapses.

Posted by: w0nders Dec 13 2004, 06:59 AM

Dante had a look of slight worry on his face "Why would he have that type of reaction to a calm spell?" He asked himself, rather loudly at that. He climbed to his feet and ran over to him, He studied him closely "This is all very strange"

"That guys got issues" Illidan interupted, Dante looked at him then shook his head "C'mon, help me carry him over here" He said clutching on to his wrists...Illidan grabbed his ankles and they carried him a good 5 metres away. "There, that should be far enough" mused Dante to himself

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 13 2004, 07:09 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Dec 12 2004, 11:59 PM)

Allerleirauh had quietly offered her portion of dreugh wax at the shrine of Ruddy Man; she thought about slaying the dreugh, but it seemed like murder after meeting Samuel the night before. The shrine itself, of all the places in the cavern, was the one with no people near it.

My Lord, she thought, You are far from obsolete. Be near me now.

She heard no reply; but saw in her mind an image of Vehk laughing. Wherever he was, he was enjoying himself, she felt certain.

She returned to the others.

"There's nothing near here," she said to Arynel. "I may return to Gnisis or I may not. In any case, I want a roasted ash yam from one of those vendors' carts. Will you join me?"

Posted by: Arynel Dec 13 2004, 07:12 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 12 2004, 11:09 PM)

"There's nothing near here," she said to Arynel. "I may return to Gnisis or I may not. In any case, I want a roasted ash yam from one of those vendors' carts. Will you join me?"

Arynel unconsciously brought a hand up towards his chin, he pursed his lips and stared off to the side.

The Breton's posture returned to normal and he eyed Allerleirauh.

"That would be most wonderful." He said, walking towards her.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 13 2004, 07:18 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 13 2004, 12:12 AM)

Outside, vendors had sprouted like mushrooms after an overnight rain. The smell of roasting ash yams was pleasant, one of the better smells of Vvardenfell, Allerleirauh thought.

"Illidan, Dante," she called. "Have one, it's on me."

She gave the Dunmer manning the ash yam cart several coins in addition to the price of her food. "Your wares are free to those who ask, until you run out," she said. "It may be a financial hardship on these people, to follow Loranna."

She smiled at Arynel, shifting the leaf-wrapped yam from hand to hand to keep it from burning her fingers. "Have you noticed who else is following our little group? I need to have a talk with my small runaway. But not right now. How are you keeping yourself?"

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 13 2004, 07:21 AM

Not far away from Dante's fire, a subdued Aricyn sat on a stone, holding his great sword gently in both hands. He bent over the blade, almost kissing its frosted surface, his voice coming steadily from deep in his chest. Sometimes it was like a quiet hum, sometimes like a whispered song that almost had words.

The grass at his feet swayed under his breath.

The monster's impossible hide had blunted what could not be blunted, but as Aricyn's voice rolled over the blade, it slowly returned to razor-sharpness.

Nearby, the old wolf stood staring at the stars.

Posted by: Arynel Dec 13 2004, 07:21 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 12 2004, 11:18 PM)

She smiled at Arynel, shifting the leaf-wrapped yam from hand to hand to keep it from burning her fingers. "Have you noticed who else is following our little group? I need to have a talk with my small runaway. But not right now. How are you keeping yourself?"

"Has he? I had not noticed him since we were last together." Arynel answered. "Perhaps I'm not paying enough attention..."

The Breton paused.

"I am well. As well as applicable, in any case." Arynel eyed the hot leaf-wrapped yam. "Would you have something to hold that with, a cloth perhaps?"

Posted by: w0nders Dec 13 2004, 07:22 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 13 2004, 01:18 AM)

"Ah, thankyou very much" Said Dante sifting the coins in his hands "I feel as though I should repay you somehow, but alas, I have nothing to give" Dante shrugged "I know a way" Interupted Illidan "Here you are miss Allerleirauh" Said Illidan placing the white rose in her hand "That's a very special rose, may it come in handy for you in future situations" He said bowing. The 2 of them walked off to order some ash yams

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 13 2004, 07:29 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 13 2004, 12:21 AM)

Allerleirauh bowed to Illidan, and then fished in her pack. She did indeed have cloth; she always had cloth. She gave Arynel a kerchief.

"I didn't see Solin," she said. "Which gives you an idea of how well my people are keeping me informed. But I can spot Doll at 100 paces; she's entirely too young to be involved in this."

She took a bite of the ash yam. "I find I am not unhappy. Perhaps because I heard my Lord's voice the other day. The Dunmer people are stronger than I expected, and weaker. I talked for a long time with them about Loranna and what they thought of her. They think they want to be a strong nation; they don't think of the heavens at all, either more or less."

Posted by: Arynel Dec 13 2004, 07:34 AM

Arynel picked up a piece of cooked ash yam--even with aid of the kerchief the Breton had trouble holding the hot leaf-wrap.

"Too young?" The Breton said looking up at Allie. "Does the void favor the hardened?"

Arynel blew on the leaf-wrap to cool it.

"You say you heard your Lord's voice," Arynel began, questioningly. "I did not know you followed one, which is it?"

Posted by: w0nders Dec 13 2004, 07:35 AM

Upon buying their ash-yams the 2 brothers returned to the small fire and sat down. Just as Illidan went to bite into his Ash-Yam he noticed the faint shadowy figure of Aricyn "Good Lord!" He cried out clutching his hand to his chest as though he was having a heart attack, shortly followed by "AIEEE!"

"Damnit Illidan, what now!?" Asked Dante turning around rather quickly "Ash-Yam, burnt my chest" He said in a tight voice...He then pointed to the shadowy figure sitting across from them "All you have to do is ask Illidan, yeesh" Dante turned to the figure "Hello? who are you stranger?" He asked trying to get a better view.

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 13 2004, 07:40 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Dec 13 2004, 01:35 AM)

Upon buying their ash-yams the 2 brothers returned to the small fire and sat down Just as Illidan went to bite into his Ash-Yam he noticed the faint shadowy figure of Aricyn "Good Lord!" He cried out clutching his hand to his chest as though he was having a heart attack, shortly followed by "AIEEE!"

"Damnit Illidan, what now!?" Asked down turning around rather quickly "Ash-Yam, burnt my chest" He said in a tight voice...He then pointed to the shadowy figure sitting across from them "All you have to do is ask Illidan, yeesh" Dante turned to the figure "Hello? who are you stranger?" He asked trying to get a better view.

Slowly, Aricyn looks up from his blade, "What, man, do you not recognize me? I must be doing something wrong." His smile is faintly visible in the moonlight.

He stands, sheathes the greatsword, and walks over to the fire.

"Dante, and your brother, correct? You have been with us quite some time now."

He sits down in the light of the warm fire, his face looking rather tired.

"Hand me your sword, son."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 13 2004, 07:43 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 13 2004, 12:34 AM)

Allerleirauh looked down at her yam, turning it in her fingers. Was she blushing?

"I don't mean 'Lord' as in Master, or Lord as in god," she said. "I mean my sweet Vehk, whom I miss every day without ceasing. He will not pass this way again; at least, not in the flesh that I loved. But the other day I heard him laughing. And of course I have spoken with the Void Ghost, who is the template from whom all of us are taken. Remember, my friend? That was not a dream, though it seems like one, when we stand in the Grey Maybe."

She looked up at him. "As for youth... you all seem very young to me. I was young once, and I wish all these things could be easier."

Posted by: w0nders Dec 13 2004, 07:46 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 13 2004, 01:40 AM)

"A-Aricyn i that you? I havent seen you in awhile, well yes this is my brother" He says motioning with his hand over to Illidan "How ya' doin?" He asked while frantically rubbing searing mushy ash-yam off of his chest.

"My sword eh? sure why not" Said Dante unsheathing his sword and holding it out. Oh sure your sword now is it? your going to rot in oblivion for that whopper Dante grasped the sword firmly for a moment, then offered it to him again He couldn't be doing anything that bad to it

Posted by: Arynel Dec 13 2004, 07:47 AM

"If you wish it, then long shall your days be youthful." Arynel said to Allie with a smile. "Perhaps as long as the wheel doth spin, I do not know, that is for you, not me."

The Breton unwrapped the leaf-wrap and broke off a small peice of ash yam with his fingers, and promptly consumed it.

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 13 2004, 07:55 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Dec 13 2004, 01:46 AM)

Aricyn took the sword, and holding it under his mouth, he whispered along its edge, up one side, and down the other.

"So," he said to the two men, as he plucked a long blade of grass from between two rocks, "What is your reason for staying? I want to know... what do you, a Dunmer, think of our Lady Loranna?"

He holds Dante's sword steady in his hand, and drops the blade of grass on it's upturned edge. The grass floats slowly down onto the sword, divides neatly in two, and continues without pause to the ground.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 13 2004, 07:59 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 13 2004, 12:47 AM)

"I'll miss you too, if you ever go," Allerleirauh said, smiling with her eyes only. She took another bite. "Do you have a plan? Or are you just an observer? You have such strength, if you ever chose to use it. I know you don't want to be a leader of groups of men. But a leader of individual souls... there you excel me. The right song, the right story... you can make them see. I know you can. If I can whisper fairy tales by firelight and ghost stories about cracks of light streaming in to tiny rooms beneath the stairwell, then you... I can't even begin to guess what you can do. But I still see you crowned with stars, whenever I glance in your direction."

Posted by: Arynel Dec 13 2004, 08:06 AM

"You crown me king." Arynel said with a vacant expression.

"A plan, you ask?" The Breton mused, scratching his chin and looking off to the side.

The Breton's expression returns to normal, and he smiles.

"In my travels, I came upon a man once who would throw bottles, and spin them around, first three, then four, then five. He spun them around so fast I could hardly see them. There is a bottle or too I keep a hand in moving, but I find I am not as talented as he, many I let fall as they will. Be not king nor servant."

Posted by: w0nders Dec 13 2004, 08:06 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 13 2004, 01:55 AM)

"My reason for staying? I guess you could say that there is a little voice inside my head telling me to strive onward" He pauses for a second then continues "I suppose I want to be a well known hero, try and earn some money y'know, try and look after my family better"

"What do I think of Loranna? I think she could well possibly be the incarnation of Azura, I don't know what good that could possibly bring to Morrowind though, Perhaps alot of good...perhaps none, we can only wait and see" He sat more so upright then continued with his little speech "Our family was never one to beleive in Daedra worship, The tribunal used to serve us fine but now they say that they are gone? I guess we really have no choice but to beleive them, But yet I am not too fargone into religious beleifs..I do not beleive in prophecy and fate...It just makes life pointless once you think about" Dante layed back on the grass "So that's me and how I stand on this whole thing, I couldn't really care either way on the matter...I am here for personal gain, yet for the help of others."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 13 2004, 08:19 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 13 2004, 01:06 AM)

"I am guilty of what Vehk would call the crime of benevolence," Allerleirauh said. "But then, although I love him, I think Vehk is mistaken about some things."

She looked at Arynel a long moment; she was thinking about kings and crowns.

"I should tell you what happened to the princess," she said. "The one from the story, with the cloak of many furs. The story didn't end with the wedding."

Posted by: Arynel Dec 13 2004, 08:20 AM

"I remember that story, from the Hearthfire Ball." Arynel said. "Do tell the rest of it, I am quite fond of well woven tales."

Arynel smiled, and waited.

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 13 2004, 08:23 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Dec 13 2004, 02:06 AM)

"Your family, eh? I am here for my family as well. Of course, for them I'll change the world. Simple, as long as everything acts as it should. When flesh no longer yields to steel, and the wind no longer blows from the mountains, and barmaids start acting like gods, then things get... complicated.

"It's good to have something to fight for, Dunmer. There comes a time in every man's life when he's willing to give himself up to fate, but having something else, something that you can never yield up, no matter what the odds, that's what makes a man continue.

"So, I'm pleased you're still here, for your family. Let's hope that when this matter is at an end, it still means as little to you as it does now."

Aricyn smoothly turns the sword in his hand and gives it back to Dante, hilt first.

"Be more careful with that than your brother is with yams," he says with a smile.

Posted by: w0nders Dec 13 2004, 08:33 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 13 2004, 02:23 AM)

Dante lets out a small chuckle "Indeed I shall" He says taking the blade and slowly sheathing it. "I hope that too, I just hope I don't get too attacthed to all of this and that it has little bearing on my future"

Illidan walks over to Dante and Aricyn "Hey you, Aricyn was it? you look kinda hungry, here have this" Said Illidan Holding out the skewer with the rather badly charred rat on it "Sorry about the state it's in but....y'know"

Dante scratches the back of his neck and says "So you and Loranna, you two are kinda of close eh? It's amazing how much the two of grew close after such a short amount of time, tell me, how is this so?"

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 13 2004, 08:46 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Dec 13 2004, 02:33 AM)

Noticing that Aricyn now had food, the old wolf pads up and sits by his side.

Aricyn tears the rat in half, and gives the best half to the animal, tearing at the other end himself.

"Close? I daresay she knows me less than anyone else, and I know her less than I think I do. Supposedly, her every waking moment is filled with the thoughts of those around her, and theirs with her thoughts, but not me. I've never heard her mind... until today, when I was fighting.

"We aren't close, Dunmer. Don't mistake a working relationship for a friendship. Nevertheless, her goals and my goals are the same, and that is more than enough."

"You want to find glory and riches, Dante? I assume your brother here wants much the same thing. Lend your swords and lives to this cause, and I'll insure you get both. Already, by your presence here, you've probably done enough to be remembered in history."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 13 2004, 08:49 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 13 2004, 01:20 AM)

"I remember that story, from the Hearthfire Ball." Arynel said. "Do tell the rest of it, I am quite fond of well woven tales."

Arynel smiled, and waited.

"It's a long tale, perhaps a tale for more than one night," Allerleirauh said.

"When the princess married the king, she wasn't a princess any longer; she was a young queen. And she still had enemies. Her father, from whom she had fled, still searched for her; but her golden hair had become silver like an old woman's hair, and he did not find her, even though he was a guest at her wedding banquet.

"There was an old queen too; her husband's mother. And the old queen, who was still beautiful, and young enough to marry again if it had been allowed, was not pleased to become 'the old queen', and a guest in someone else's household. When the steward gave the keys to the young queen, the old queen went to her room and threw herself on her bed, and tore at her hair, and pretended to be sick until her son came to her in concern for her health.

"And the old queen said, 'You have taken a monster under your roof, a many-furred animal, and much joy may you have of her. If you trust your mother and know that she loves you and has only your best interests at heart, you will send her away.'

"And the young king laughed, which was a grave error. He loved his wife, and he felt certain that his mother would forget her troubles.

"And so the two young people were in love, and they were beautiful, and they ruled the kingdom together. And the young queen became patient and wise, slowly, and she would have been beloved by all, but for one thing. She had no children. Her husband never reproached her, but he heard the complaints of his advisors, and they saddened him, and he went more and more often to war, leaving her alone with his mother.

"One day the young queen went walking in the garden, and she met an old beggar woman trespassing there. The queen did not call for the guards, for the old woman offered to tell her fortune. And what do you suppose she said? She said, 'Something evil is in your past, some sin that lies within you, and until it sees the light, no children of yours will see the light.'

"The young queen turned pale, for she did, still, have a secret. No one knew who her father was or of his shameful love for her. 'What shall I do?' she cried. 'I cannot speak my secret; my husband would cast me away.'

"'Eat of this fruit that I shall give you,' the old woman said. It may have been that the old woman was a witch; or some tales have it that she was the old queen in disguise; or some have it that she was not the old king's widow and the mother of the young king at all, but Kyne, widow of Shor, who breathes life into all heroes. In any case she gave the young queen an apple which was silver in color, dusted on one side with gold, and she warned her to eat only the ripe, golden half. And then she went her way.

"Well, the young queen remembered the warning. But when she had eaten the golden half of the apple, she found she was so famished that she ate the other half without thinking. And then she threw the core aside."

Allerleirauh paused, and took a drink.

Posted by: w0nders Dec 13 2004, 08:54 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 13 2004, 02:46 AM)

"Forgive me, I did not mean to make such an assumption" Dante Apologised and thought on the things Aricyn had just told him "Glory, yes...Riches, that only sweetens the deal, But ofcourse I would like both...what man wouldnt?" Dante began fiddling with his pauldrons a little "I've seen you fight Aricyn, That was amazing how you cut open that beast whilst no other man could, I'm quite the fan of swords Aricyn, and yours I must say...has caught my eye..Do tell me how you came across it"

Illidan rolle his eyes "I see where this conversation is going, I'm not one to talk about weaponry gentlemen, I think I'll go for a walk" With that, Illidan climbed to his feet and alked of down the shore line.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 13 2004, 09:07 AM

Having moistened her throat, Allerleirauh continued.

"The queen soon found herself with child. At that time, her husband was called to war for the Emperor, for this was at the dawn of the Third Era when all men and mer fought together. He had to go, and he had to take men, though he was sad to leave his wife behind at such a time. He charged his mother to take good care of her, and his words were like poison in his mother's ears, for he spared no words for concern for his mother. And he rode away.

"Now, I should have mentioned before that the prince was a Redguard... his skin was dark like velvet, and his eyes lustrous and brown, and his large hands were the most comely of all men's hands. Which made it strange that when the queen was brought to bed, she was delivered of two children whose bodies shone like starlight. They lit up the chamber in which the young queen lay, near death, for the birth of twins had nearly killed her, and for some days she wandered in her mind and knew no one.

"And the old queen, who had insisted on attending on the young queen at the birth, alone, looked at these twin boys, she knew that they were not the sons of her son, and she had a new reason to hate the young queen and destroy her. So she took the babies and threw them off a cliff, and they were killed, and ravens devoured their bodies. And then she went out into the kennels of the King's hunting dogs, and took two puppies of a litter that had just been born, and she wrung their necks, and she gave them to the beasts of the menagerie to tear, and then she took them back - for all things feared her, even wild beasts - and she laid the torn bodies beside the body of the young queen as she slept and smeared her mouth with blood, and then she called the councillors to witness the birth.

"'She is an animal, you see! Though she has taken the form of a fair maiden, her true form is revealed at this birth. She has borne dogs, not men, and she has torn them with her teeth. You must exile her from our kingdom.'"

Allerleirauh paused again. Her deep-set eyes, in the dim light, looked darker than they really were.

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 13 2004, 09:11 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Dec 13 2004, 02:54 AM)

Aricyn kept one ear on the story of Allerleirauh. It was oddly familiar to him, but he spoke to Dante.

"How I 'came across' it? This seems to be a night for stories. Alright then...

"I was raised in an old tower, on a mountain ridge in highest Skyrim, by an old man whom I called father, even though a father's love was beyond his understanding. I should thank him, I suppose, since my skill with a sword, my knowledge of the Thu'um, it all comes from him. I didn't thank him, though, and I still don't. Every day I wished that he would somehow forget that I existed, and would leave me be, just one day without his lessons, and his beatings.

"Too early for me to remember, he had stolen a young girl from a village in the valley, and took her to his tower to serve as my nursemaid. She had grown old and bitter as I grew older, and although she bore me no love whatsoever, she bore pure hatred for the old man that had imprisoned her."

Aricyn pauses for a moment, to listen to Allerleirauh's story of the Queen's birth, then continues...

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 13 2004, 09:24 AM

"One day... I remember the snow was falling thickly that morning... when he had beaten me until he tired of it, and beaten her until she couldn't stand, she told me...

"He was not my father, she said. He had bragged to her once while drunk, how he had taken me from my crib, from a noble house, under the nose of Lord and Lady who were my true parents.

"Of course, I confronted him on this, as she intended...

"He only laughed when I drew my sword. I think, though, in that last moment, he suddenly felt fear for what lie waiting for him in death, for he poured all of his magic, which was considerable, into saving himself."

Aricyn drew the greatsword from its metal scabbard, and dropped it. It drove itself a foot into the stone and stood, almost arrogantly, ice forming and melting along its blade.

"So, there he is, by his own will, trapped in the thing that ended his life, cheating death forever.

"It is his hatred, his foul spirit, colder than any winter in Skyrim, that gives the blade it's power. So now, at least, he serves me, instead of me serving him."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 13 2004, 09:26 AM

Allerleirauh took a deep breath. "Forgive me, for I know the next part only in part.

"The councillors feared the wrath of the King, should they harm his wife. And perhaps they mistrusted the king's mother, for all of them had seen her wicked envy. In any case, they sent word to the king, and the king was troubled, but sent word back that his wife should be cared for gently until his return."

Allerleirauh stopped suddenly. Then began again, in a different tone.

"Arynel... I can't. The next part of the tale... country folk will tell it that a tree grew in the courtyard where the apple core had fallen, with silver and gold leaves. And some will tell it that the ravens who ate the children's flesh bore eggs of silver and gold, and two tiny boys were hatched by the ravens and raised in their nest, and that they came in the end and saved their mother and revealed the old queen's treachery. But the truth is my sons are dead, and when I searched the spot years later I found not even bones. I did not know myself if the tale was true, for I still remember nothing of those days when I lay half dead after they were born, nothing but red fever and suffering. I cannot lie about it.

"The truth is that in the end the queen's envy turned to madness and she slew her own son, and when she was in power she cast me out, and I was young then and helpless with grief and I went. And I would tell a tale of the transmigration of souls, of the eternal brothers, of Lorkhan and Auriel, and the sun and the moon and the stars, but I cannot lie to you, my dear one. Something precious was lost. It was destroyed and if it found a home somewhere else, I have not heard tidings of it."

She took a deep draught of her ale. "Forgive me. I'm sorry, you weren't meant to hear this. And it is all a very long time ago."

Posted by: Arynel Dec 13 2004, 09:32 AM

Arynel listened to Allerleirauh's story until she finished speaking.

"You say I was not meant to hear this," the Breton began. "And yet I have, and still live, and quite well about myself. What do you say to this?"

Arynel finished off the rest of his ash yam.

Posted by: w0nders Dec 13 2004, 09:35 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 13 2004, 03:24 AM)

Dante sat staring at the blade for a few seconds "That is quite the tale you tell" He began "I am truly sorry for what your father has put you through" Dante trailed off in thought for a second "That is truly a wonderful sword" Dante's eye traced it up and down the blade and around the handle "And your story telling skills aren't that bad either" He says with a small chuckle. "I only wish that I had some half-decent memories of my child-hood"

Dante reached into Illidans small pack and pulled out a full canteen "Care for some Flin? Illidans is always good" He asks with a smile, holding out the canteen.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 13 2004, 09:38 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 13 2004, 02:32 AM)

Allerleirauh smiled. "I say again that I adore you. Thank you... for not being kind. You understand me."

Posted by: Sheogorath Dec 13 2004, 09:39 AM

Wrothgarian Mountains, High Rock

The Queen of Wayrest, Elysana, with a wave of her hand, sent the architects away. The foundation of the new palace had been laid. Artisans were gathering from around the kingdom to begin construction on the Dome of Wayrest.

Lord Castellian had died, despite the ministrations of the healers. It was a pity, but he might have moved faster to find Lord Ciel. He was not an effective spymaster, clearly. There was another Castellian – a young lad named Ryvan, who would replace his brother … and his sister who had come before. She had already sent for him.

Now, where were Leseth and Bosriel with their report from Hammerfell? It maddened the Queen that she wouldn’t know if the Void walkers were miles away or in the room with her.

When she heard the creak on the floorboards, she thought it might be them.

But when she turned, it was Sheogorath.

“My sweet Queen,” he said, walking slowly towards her. “I’ve come to collect the first part of our bargain.”

Elysana screamed and her world turned to darkness.

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 13 2004, 09:39 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Dec 13 2004, 03:35 AM)

Aricyn takes the canteen, and drinks deeply before handing it back to Dante.

He had become very quiet since the end of Allerleirauh's story.

"'Wonderful' swords can also be great burdens. I tried to melt it down once, you see, that's why the hilt is twisted and black, but the blade wasn't touched. The old bastard.

"I hear there's a story behind your sword, as well."

Posted by: Arynel Dec 13 2004, 09:48 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 13 2004, 01:38 AM)

Allerleirauh smiled. "I say again that I adore you. Thank you... for not being kind. You understand me."

Arynel opens his mouth to speak, but then snaps it shut again.

The Breton's stands silent for a time, and then speaks.

"If you are who you say you are, and you do adore me, then perhaps I am rightfully crowned."

Arynel pauses.

"Yet even so..." he begins.

I stand upon no pillars but mine own
On no throne I sit save for the road
No crown I bear my locks unblemished
One signil only do I wear
Always and forever
humbleness..

Posted by: w0nders Dec 13 2004, 09:49 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 13 2004, 03:39 AM)

"This old thing? pah, It's simple but it is still a story" Said Dante Unsheathing his own sword and handing it to Aricyn pointing out the Daedric letters on the hilt "You see, the only one I can make out is the first letter 'G', all the other letters are two worn due to the long time it has been underground."

"Well let's see, I beleive I found this sword when I was 15, This sounds crazy but a voice in my head led me to it" He let out a low laugh "As soon as I got that sword I was amazed at the extremely high reflect enchantment on it...also, the weapon being made of Ebony I thought it strange to of had Daedric symbols written on it, I predict these symbols spel out the name of this swords previous owner..and the now current resident of my head." He pused for a brief moment

"So now I guess I'm trying to unravel the mystery of that sword." He took a swig of the canister and placed it back in Illidans pack, winking to Aricyn.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 13 2004, 09:52 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 13 2004, 02:48 AM)

"I wish I were worthy of your crown as you are of mine, little dear one," she said, still smiling. "Yet perhaps even humbleness can become a kind of pride, when you hold too fast to it."

Posted by: Arynel Dec 13 2004, 09:56 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 13 2004, 01:52 AM)

"I wish I were worthy of your crown as you are of mine, little dear one," she said, still smiling. "Yet perhaps even humbleness can become a kind of pride, when you hold too fast to it."

"I wish to be only myself, only I and that alone." Arynel said.

The Breton paused, rolling his tongue and glancing towards the sky.

"I wish for freedom, and so I do not rule. I wish not to be a slave, so I will not become a king."

Posted by: Solin Dec 13 2004, 10:32 AM

Outside the fire light a masked Dunmer sits with a young companion. Star and moon light are caught on the glossy surface of the helm's goggles. The two eye pieces gleamed softly. He rest against his large easily identifiable pack. His chest rhythmically moved up and down with his breath. It was hard to tell whether he was pondering, listening, or dreaming.

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 13 2004, 10:39 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Dec 13 2004, 03:49 AM)

""So now I guess I'm trying to unravel the mystery of that sword." He took a swig of the canister and placed it back in Illidans pack, winking to Aricyn.

"And the mystery of what, or who, is inside your head...

"I see how you hold that sword, boy. You'll never understand it, never be able to use it properly, until you stop thinking of it as something apart from you... something you'd prefer to drop.

"I think when you understand that to use a sword it must be part of you, then you'll understand more about what's rattling around in that skull of yours.

"Of course, I've had a bit to drink tonight..."

Posted by: w0nders Dec 13 2004, 10:47 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 13 2004, 04:39 AM)

Dante nodded than said "Perhaps you are correct, I have been needing to practise my sword tecnique more lately" He grabbed his sword and sheathed it "Thankyou for the advice Aricyn, now, if you have any more questions you are more than welcome to ask them.

Posted by: Sheogorath Dec 13 2004, 10:53 AM

Wrothgarian Mountains, High Rock

Vonnod barred the door, locking the Queen in her study.

Within, he could hear her laughing, weeping, and singing, as she threw chairs at the door.

A voice that could have been Elysana’s when she was but a child sang:

But fancy a dally or dilly
In a land that’s quite hilly
Wearing underclothes frilly
You’re just gilding the lily
And it’s so rudely cyrodilly

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 13 2004, 10:55 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Dec 13 2004, 04:47 AM)

"I'll let you keep your secrets for now. Every man needs secrets.

"You have done more this evening by listening than you probably realize.

"And you're right. Your brother's flask is well-filled."

He stands, and bows. Taking one moment to look back at Allerleirauh, glowing in the firelight, he turns and walks away from the camp.

The old wolf follows.

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 13 2004, 11:15 AM

(AN INN, HAMMERFELL:)

Outside, insects sung their nightly lovesongs, but inside the small inn, all was dark and quiet. What few patrons there were slept. The innkeep dozed in front of a fire.

In a small, secluded hall, the darkness took form. Where there was silence, mailed feet scarred the floorboards.

Leseth bent to examine the doorframe where, until recently, there was a door.

"He was here," he said to the darkness. "And others that walk no paths."

The shadows reclaimed the huge form of Leseth, and the hall was again silent.

The innkeep awoke suddenly from a nightmare, but it did not end.

A cold, iron grip clasped his neck, and a quiet, cold voice whispered in his ear, "There were men here, from Wayrest. The bodies... where did they take the bodies?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Dec 13 2004, 11:21 AM

(In the Void just outside the inn in Hammerfell)

Leseth could feel the hand on his arm, though no one was there. She was between the walls. The little girl with lank black hair floating in a sea of nothingness, the Void Vampire Bosriel.

The dust in the air seemed to form words just for Leseth’s eyes and then disappear.

‘I smell blood in the Void. Not very recent, but within a few days. Someone passed through here, and he or she was injured.’

Within the Void, at but a gesture, tiny red droplets rose from below where they had been endlessly falling. She touched them, and licked her fingers.

‘A young man,’ she said, closing her eyes, biting her lips in an ecstasy of hunger. ‘I will know him when I see him.’

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 13 2004, 11:31 AM

(CASKETMAKER'S, SOMEWHERE IN HAMMERFELL:)

Unbothered by the lightless room, Leseth looked over the bodies of the Queen's men, one by one.

Swordcuts on this one, this one arrow-shot, and another with a face crushed, as if by a horse. Leseth held the arrow to his nose, and breathed deeply.

"No need to track the injured, Little One," he said to the dark, "his name is Mirror, and I know where he will go.

"The man, Ciel Dolbinen, still lives. We should inform the Queen."

In the other room, the casketmaker hid his head, and prayed.

Posted by: Nalion Dec 13 2004, 11:37 AM

Nalion had witnessed the events at Koal Cave standing near Erenius on a crest, but had taken no active part. Seeing how various spells and blades bounced off its hide without effect, he withheld his spells, despite the charm of courage Loranna sent through those who offered to help her, and kept to watching and taking care not to be hit by anything.
The moment the beast swallowed Loranna whole had left him shocked...
But then, as the wave of courage and glory of Azura shattered the beast, he felt relieved.
Relieved.. for a threat had been overcome.
Relieved.. that the storm was ebbing down.
And relieved.. that this time destruction like in Solitude had been prevented duly.

As the party gathers in front of the cave, the Breton mage steps down the crest, too, seemingly deep in thought and ignoring everything around him. When the scent of ash yams reaches his nose, he moves over to a merchant's cart and buys one for himself. Juggling the hot yam between his palms, he walked over to a rock in the shade of the hill a bit away from the party, only barely noticing the conversations of Arycin and Dante or Allerleirauh and Arynel. The Breton mage finds a small dry place to sit down and begins to eat. After he finished his meal, he produces a scroll of parchment and begins to write, deep in thought...

Posted by: Attrebus Dec 13 2004, 11:47 AM

Mournhold, Palace:

Helseth had finished talking to his advisors.

"This is a rather perplexing turn of events. It would appear as though this Loranna must be taught a lesson. All in good time."

Posted by: Sheogorath Dec 13 2004, 11:47 AM

Casketmaker’s, Somewhere in Hammerfell

Coins dropped from the casketmaker’s pocket noisily to the floor. He froze, petrified that he’d been heard, but there was silence from the other room. Keeping his eye on the door, he quietly picked up the coins, one by one. The last one had rolled into a corner of the room.

As he bent to retrieve it, he felt his arm go numb. The skin paled in a wave from his hand to his face, as his veins and arteries burst, a stream of crimson pouring out, in a straight line into the corner of the room. He could hear, or he thought he could hear, a sweet, lady-like sipping sound from the shadows behind. He pulled back, as best as he could but he was held as if by a vise. He tried to scream, but nothing more than a piteous groan escaped his lips as he collapsed to the floor.

Bosriel paused while drinking to answer Leseth, ‘Yes, let us tell the Queen everything. I want her to be pleased with me.’

Posted by: Loranna Dec 13 2004, 01:29 PM

Surrounded by hundreds, Loranna feels alone.

Smiling Dunmer, Ashlander and civilized alike, offer her praises and ask her for advice and blessings, and her being her she tries to answer as best she can. Many people ask to touch her, especially her swollen belly, and she hides the vague uneasiness in her grin as she's reminded of similar words spoken by drunken adventurers in a tavern back in the Imperial City. Still, she can tell these folk wish something a little different, so she acquieses, though she does put her foot down when she feels the baby should be left alone.

It grows easier for her to listen to many voices tonight, and so Loranna's advice is more specific than it may have been - still not as helpful as she'd want but it was a little improvement. Offerings are once again made to her, though this time she demurs slightly, and pats her belly, suggesting that while Azura is indeed their mother and happy for their gifts, they might want to remember Azura's got a baby coming ...

Still, Loranna feels alone. She couldn't sit and talk with Aricyn, nor Allie, nor even Dagoth - even her lich friend she had lost in the crowds finally. They were all around of course, and she could hear them - or, in Aricyn's case, hear those hearing him which was close enough - and she felt slightly more alone than before, because while all the celebration was going on, quiet, heartfelt words were being shared among those who were the closest thing she had to a family and close friends.

The fact that the words she heard both helped her understanding of her companions while at the same time reminding her how little she truly understood them didn't help, though she had grown enough over the past few months to at least smile appreciatively at the irony. Maybe she was just born in the wrong Age or something.

During a moment when no one is asking for her attention, she looks back toward the cave itself, a small bit of dreugh wax held in her fingers. She hadn't actually made an offering per se at the srhine - nor the previous one, now that she thought of it - and while Azura wouldn't exactly be interested in doing so now, Loranna finds herself thinking of the father of her child anyway.

She was prophecised to kill that which she loved most; she'd done that already. She was prophecised to die giving birth to her child; she was certain that would come to pass. She was also prophecised to die and yet never die - and she really wasn't sure how that was going to come about, but depending on how it did come to pass, maybe she'd pass by Koal Cave again someday, for her own reasons rather than Azura's.

Posted by: FireMaster Dec 13 2004, 06:52 PM

*Erenius wakes and looks about, noting those whom may have joined the party*

"Guess the previous night made some realize they don't really want to partake in such a journey..." Erenius mumbles as he prepares a quick fire to cook some goods he brought with him.

"Anyone care for a bite?" Erenius asks to his companions nearby as the meal finishes cooking.

Posted by: Adanorcil Dec 13 2004, 09:21 PM

OOC: Need something to do, so. I hope you don't mind, FireMaster.

Adanorcil turned his head as he heard the Imperial speak and immediately walked up to him.

"Well, I'm not exactly hungry," he said, "but maybe we can make a trade. He pulled a bottle of flin out of his backpack and passed it to the Imperial. "Share it with everybody. I can't finish it on myself anyway. The name's Adanorcil by the way."

Posted by: FireMaster Dec 13 2004, 10:18 PM

(OoC: NOt at all, Adanorcil)

"As you wish," Erenius replies as he hands a few pans of food to him. "Pass it about, and make sure those wishing to have some, take some. And I thank you for the drink."

Posted by: Adanorcil Dec 13 2004, 10:21 PM

QUOTE(FireMaster @ Dec 13 2004, 09:18 PM)

I actually ment the bottle of flin to be distributed, but anyway.

Posted by: FireMaster Dec 13 2004, 10:22 PM

(I know...I was gonna do such...but take a pan for yourself and pass the others out)

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Dec 13 2004, 10:45 PM

'This crowd is enormous...... and even I can't seem to find Loranna. Maybe it is time to put my undead intimidation to good use?'

Posted by: FireMaster Dec 13 2004, 10:47 PM

'Only if you wish,' Erenius says to Dagoth. 'Last I saw Loranna, she was near I...but wandered off, to the thickest of the crowd...check there.'

Posted by: Celezar Dec 13 2004, 10:59 PM

*Celezar sat upon his rock sniffling, he glared at the merry parade angrily, turning his scalded head instead towards to calm ocean, his mind still piecing together what exactly had happened to him. Within his withered fingers he gripped his grey, shriveled rose, pettles crumbling to dust slowly. The past few hours he had spent quietly praying to his master, the pain of being caught here by his enemies was something he did not wish to add to his already troubling condition*

"The puppets dance...but do they know....the stage is set, and they shall dance...."

*Celezar rasped, his voice still dry and hoarse. Quickly, Celezar drew his blanket tighter accross his body, he shivered a bit and closed his eyes, shutting out all merry activities the parade offered*

Posted by: niceguy5 Dec 13 2004, 11:55 PM

Dane stabed the dead slaughterfish with his saber then rotated it in the fire. When it was charred Dane attacked it with his teeth. Satisfied with his belly Dane looked about the camp, nearly hundreds were here, and swarms of people around Loranna. From a distance Dane could see an ash strom brew up with his enhanced eyes.

Posted by: FireMaster Dec 14 2004, 12:19 AM

*Erenius passes the flin about, handing it to whomever wishes a drink, before standing up and placing what little remains in his bag*

"I'll save the rest for later, " Erenius mumbles as he packs his things and stands up to look about the crowd, for either the deserting Legionaires, or any other less desirables.

Posted by: OriontheHunter Dec 14 2004, 12:24 AM

*Orion had been travling towards the sun for a while but it was now after noon and he was obviously lost....*

"Holy crap where am I?....grrrr...."

Posted by: FireMaster Dec 14 2004, 12:32 AM

*Erenius looks around for Loranna, and manages to get closer*

"Loranna?" Erenius asks. "Need you anything done right now?"

Posted by: Loranna Dec 14 2004, 12:39 AM

Loranna looks over at Erenius for a moment, her blue and gren shifting eyes regarding him with a mixture of curiosity, relief, and warmth.

" ... You know, now that you bring it up ..." Loranna says thoughtfully, " ... I think maybe it's time I started learning my lessons from Skyrim."

She casts her eyes around the crowd, continuing to talk to Erenius as she does. "I'm here to help the needs of the Dunmer people after all, and up till now I've been mostly focused just on the aspects that pertain to getting Azura out there. I think it's time we started trying to meet peoples' needs in advance - and in so doing, avoid some bloodshed."

" ... How well," she asks Erinius, "do you know Balmora and the nearby fort?"

Posted by: FireMaster Dec 14 2004, 12:42 AM

"Not that well, honestly..." Erenius admits. "The majority of the assorted Imperial guilds are in teh city proper, the Fort is but a waystation to protect the roads between Seyda Neen, Pelagiad, Balmora, and Gnisis, as well as a bridge into the Molag Amur. Save that, I know little of the city and its fort. However, should you require me to go forth to the city and fort, I shall."

Posted by: Aki Dec 14 2004, 12:43 AM

Reichi stood far enough away from the fire so that if he stumbled he wouldn't catch fire. Not that being injured by fire was easy for dunmer. They resisted it very well. Reichi praticed his his Dagger of Senses. Swinging the elegant and beautiful shortblade about in swift practiced, slashes, chop, and thrusts.

Dar'var meanwhile, stumbled back into a crap. His helmet in hand, and his panther-like head completely visible. The Cathay took a seat next to the fire, and ossed his empty skooma bottle in.

"Shoulda smoked it...Drinking makes it works too fast.." he mumbled. "Ugh.. Dar'Var's poor head feel like it gonna erxplode.."

Posted by: Loranna Dec 14 2004, 12:44 AM

QUOTE(FireMaster @ Dec 13 2004, 06:42 PM)

"I would ask this of you, yes," Loranna says, "but not just you; let's gather some of the others who have been traveling with us for a while and discuss our next moves. I'd like ensure our passing through Balmora is accepted by as many as possible beforehand ..."

Ideas that had been laying quietly in the base of Loranna's mind now start rising to the fore, and she smiles. She scans the area, her thoughts touching upon people here and there - including a certain member of the Mage's Guild ...

Posted by: FireMaster Dec 14 2004, 12:46 AM

"As you wish, M'Lady," Erenius says as he looks about the crowd. "Seems like these here follow for their reasons, but none realize exactly why they are here, and even I do not know why I still follow despite all from the past..."

Posted by: OriontheHunter Dec 14 2004, 12:50 AM

*He had been stumbling along over hills and paths until he had finally stopped.*

"What was that...Loranna?"

Loranna can you hear me?...are you talking to me?...can you...

*The wind whipped briskly through the air as he sat stretching his mind as far as he could*

Posted by: Anghardel67 Dec 14 2004, 12:52 AM

Azrael, who had been sitting only feet from the incarnate for the duration of her discussion, suddenly felt himself wrapped up inside of her; he sensed her, in essence, and knew that she meant to speak with him of this trek to Balmora. Hoping to catch her eyes again, he called out to her, using his own mind.

"Yes, lady Azura, if you are as you have proclaimed. I will follow you; you need only lead me there."

He stood up, cleaning off his robe, and walked back a few paces, quietly, to lean on the rocky wall composing the cave entrance, waiting for her to respond, hoping desperately that she knew; knew what he wished.

(Ang)

Posted by: Loranna Dec 14 2004, 12:58 AM

" ... You'll find your reasons for being here sooner or later Eeinius dear," Loranna says, smiling sadly. "You have a good heart; trust to it."

She calls out to Orion and Azrael. Yes dears, I'd like to speak with you for a bit, if you may. I'm thinking it's time to be looking ahead to our path to the next shrine ... and I think I should talk with you and others about some of the obstacles along the way.

... Um, feel free to come over here and chat aloud if this mind speech sits uneasily with you, she adds with a small mental blush. I sometimes forget not everyone's used to it.

Posted by: Anghardel67 Dec 14 2004, 01:03 AM

The dunmer continued leaning, and suddenly, he heard it, once more feeling as though he were wrapped up in an endless void, nothing but the voice of Azura, in her incarnate body.

"Yes", he responded, conversing still in his mind, forcing the words out of his soul, "I will come and speak with you. However, I would wish to remain private; the others need not know of me, only you."

Azrael trailed off, and regained his vision, finding his former self planted firmly against the wall, still. He had not yet become used to speaking in such a way, but knew it was imperative to the stealth of his mission, the secrecy of his presence.

He picked up his feet carefully, and strode gently over to Azura, a trail of light prints left in the sand that created the patch which the group sat on in front of the Shrine.

(Ang)

Posted by: FireMaster Dec 14 2004, 01:04 AM

"True," Erenius says. "Let me know when everyone is ready, and I'll set forth with them tomorrow morn, unless there is more you require."

*Erenius lifts his bag, and notices its quite heavy*

"Need to clean through this some day," Erenius says while looking inside and noticing the bottles of liquor he had inside. "Care for a bottle or two, for yourself, either now or later?"

Posted by: OriontheHunter Dec 14 2004, 01:06 AM

This whole mental thing is actually a bit creepy Loranna, but I don't have the comfort of sitting around a campfire with friends now, for you see I am lost. I do think I am much south of your position for I am just north of Andasreth...Please...just tell me where you are headed and I shall meet you there...and if there's any errands that need doing I will take care of them...

*He was pacing around his small camp, very hungered and lonesome.*

Posted by: Loranna Dec 14 2004, 01:14 AM

Loranna smiles at Erenius, saying " ... I'd love to but I'm on strict orders to avoid alcohol while pregnant; maybe Aricyn would like some of the non Dunmer drinks though. We'll need to confer with him anyway; he's got this thing about not being kept in the loop."

To Orion, Loranna says ... Yes; I guess it is creepy ... anyway, I wish to ask you to do some things for me in Balmora, where we'll be traveling soon. It's time the arrival of Azura in a major town not cause violence and chaos, and to best serve that, I think we should see about appeasing the people's concerns beforehand. ... Do you think you could help in this, approach one of the Guilds and see what they might require, that we can do in return for their goodwill while in town?

To Azrael, Loranna says I see ... erm, sorry about this being so overwhelming; it wasn't quite such yesterday ...

Loranna continues. ... If I hear your heart correctly dear, you're here on behalf of the Mage Guild, yes? I would wish to ask what it is the Guild wants of me.

Posted by: FireMaster Dec 14 2004, 01:19 AM

"As you say, Loranna," Erenius replies. "But should you require anything, I'll be somewhere in the camp."

*With that, Erenius closes his bag, still remaining, still watching over the camp*

"And there is yet any news about those deserting guards," Erenius says, slightly detached. while watching the area, noting fewer and fewer outlanders, save those few that were already with the party before Gnisis.

Posted by: Anghardel67 Dec 14 2004, 01:21 AM

Azrael had not expected for this incarnate to ask that particular question, but after contemplating this day, he realized he should have figured as much. What was he to do? After much debate in his own mind, most of which he was sure this incarnate was aware of, he decided he would reveal to her why he was following this band of mer.

"Azura, incarnate, I follow you on behalf of the Mages guild, you have found out this much on your own. Why do I follow you? I do so because it is what I have been instructed to do; I cannot reveal the true reason for this tracking of your band of companions, as that information has not yet been revealed to me--however, I can provide you with what information I do have; know first that I am neither for, nor against you in this trek, and now, take this parchment. It contains my orders, which you must decipher for yourself if you wish to know more."

With this, Azrael approached the woman, and casually lifted his robe, placing a small scroll in a pocket on her dress, blood red, and very fine. He backed away, resuming his former position on the rocks the formed the cave entrance, watching as she pulled the parchment out, and unfurled it. He would wait for her to respond now, hoping that he had not jeopordized the mission with his actions.

(Ang)

Posted by: Loranna Dec 14 2004, 01:34 AM

"I see," Loranna says to Erenius, nodding. "Thank you for your diligence dear; I'll catch up with you later."

Looking around, she adds " ... I suspect they'll come back when we reach Ghostgate; for no, they go to spread the tale of today's acts."

After reading Azrael's orders, she frowns thoughtfully, pondering for a moment.

Hmm ... I see; I should have suspected this.

She takes a deep breath.

... I myself the mortal vessel of Azura have nothing against the Mage's Guild; I've little complaints against anyone at all, really. My Lady's will you have by now probably surmised; she wishes to help the Dunmer resume thier old ways as they would have done with the fall of the Tribunal, and redress what wrongs have been done to them.

... I don't think there's any reason for your Guild and I to be enemies; I don't want the events in Skyrim to repeat themselves. I'd ask of your Guild that they simply continue to remain nuetral in this matter as they seem to do, and not try moving against us like they did in Skyrim. ... I'd be willing to listen to any questions you would like to ask in your pursiut of your duties as a sign of my desire for goodwill; ... I can't promise I can or will be at liberty to answer all of them but I will at least listen. Do you think we can come to an understanding, dear?

Loranna walks as she speaks mentally toward Koal Cave, sensing someone in need of a little healing ...

Posted by: FireMaster Dec 14 2004, 01:37 AM

"Very well, Loranna," Erenius says as he picks his way back to his little site and sits there, reading a map of Balmora and its surroundings he bought for 10 coin from one who overheard part of the conversation between Erenius and Loranna.

"Best some sleep would be in order," Erenius mumbles as he replaces his bedroll, pillow, and blankets as he lays down on it and looks up at the sky, thinking.

Posted by: stratigo Dec 14 2004, 01:40 AM

Zaldaar drifted in and out of conciousness. He was delirious and was reliving moments from his past. Many of which he wished to forget. When he was concious the pain was unbearable. When he was unconcious, it was even worse.

Posted by: Anghardel67 Dec 14 2004, 01:42 AM

Azrael, once more, as he had the previous three times this incarnate had addressed him, was exhumed from the world he knew, and placed in a void-like dream-state, aware only of the voice in his head. He heard it, clear as a bell, resonating, lasting. To it, he replied:

"Lady Azura, I feel what power you exhude, but am skeptical still. So far as I have been told, my guild wishes to remain nuetral still, though they are quite ready to take action should they see the need to. The time is nigh for you to share with me what information you will on these plans to aid the Dunmer, so that I may share it with my guild's Mistress, and do what I can for you, and your cause. I have no specific questions; I would not dare contend with the will of any god or goddess--I leave this, our next move, up to you. . ."

He finished his dialogue with the incarnate, seeing her walking now, closer to him than she had been before. Attempting to hold his pose, he felt suddenly a weakness, and fell to his knees, biting his lip so as to not make a noise; 'why was this mental dialogue affecting him so?'. He picked his body up, and steadied himself, aware, and ready for a reply now.

(Ang)

Posted by: Teleran Dec 14 2004, 01:49 AM

Teleran awoke to find Loranna standing over him and gave a slight start, "Loranna?" he said, "I was having such a nice nap. Is the party still going? I feel much better now, I wonder what Illidan is doing. Has he found any more drink? I'm thirsty.

"Thank you, Loranna," he says. 'But what'd I need healing from?' he thinks to himself. "Thank you for you aid." He then bows to Loranna and walks into the party.

'Wow, I feel great, maybe I was just imagining things earlier, I don't feel anything strange nearby at all.' he thinks, 'I know. I'll find Illidan, or maybe his brother.'

Teleran walks in search of Dante and Illidan.

Posted by: Loranna Dec 14 2004, 01:50 AM

QUOTE(Anghardel67 @ Dec 13 2004, 07:42 PM)

Loranna sighs, frowning a bit as she feels Azrael stagger.

... You sure you want to continue this talk now? she asks, trying to restrain her presence in his mind as much as she can.

After helping Teleran, Loranna blinks a bit, looking bemused. " ... Take care ..." she says, looking over at Zaldaar with a worried expression.

" ... Still gotta learn how to listen well," she mutters to herself, enacting another healing spell.

Posted by: Anghardel67 Dec 14 2004, 01:55 AM

The Dunmer, strong, and stubborn as well, attempted a communicae with the incarnate once more:

"Yes, incarnate, I wish to continue this conversation now. Worry not about my wavering; yes, I know you feel it as I do. I will make my body used to this mental conversation, eventually. I would ask, however, that for now you follow me out of the sight of your group, for I must rest, and wish to gather my information sooner, rather than later."

With this, Azrael grabbed the stone wall he had been leaning on, finding a crevvace to hold himself up with; he stood for a moment, and began to trudge off, up a small hill, to stand among a grove of thick trees, waiting for the incarnate to follow, hoping she would agree.

(Ang)

Posted by: w0nders Dec 14 2004, 01:55 AM

Illidan noticed Teleran searching around the campsite "Dante, you best not say anything more unless you wish to anger him again" Dante looked up and noticed him aswell "Hopefully he is in a better mood than what he was earlier tonight" Replied Dante.

"Look just stay here and look after yourself" Said Illidan standing to his feet. "Pass me my canister, best to try and say hello" Dante handed Illidan his canister and he began to approach Teleran "Ah, I see you've awaken, in a better mood now are we?" Asked Illidan with a wink.

Posted by: Aki Dec 14 2004, 01:57 AM

Upon seeing Teleran Dar'var vaguely remebers some of las tnights events and leaps on Reichi, and tries to hide behind him. "Crazy dunmer, he angry...angry, very angry with Dar'Var.." he mumbled.

Reichi raised a eyebrow, and attempted to Remove the Feline from himself. "Get off me furball!"

Posted by: stratigo Dec 14 2004, 02:01 AM

Zaldaar was standing in a ancient stronghold. He didn't reconize it. He turned and saw someone. He scwinted, "Manread..." He whispers. Zaldaar wonders where he could be. "Am I... dead?", He asks. Manread smiled, "No my friend. It isn't your time yet. You must go back. Tamerial still needs you." Zaldaar started to weep, "It has been so long. I'm so sorry." Manread put his hand on Zaldaar's shoulder, "It's okay my friend. You must go back now." Suddenly white lite swallowed Zaldaar.

Zaldaar sat straight up. "Manread..." He gasped, then looked around. He suddenly remembered where he was. He looked down. His wounds were healed. He looked up at Loranna's. "Thank you." he says. Then he stands and walks out of Koal Cave. Tamerial still needed him.

Posted by: Teleran Dec 14 2004, 02:05 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Dec 13 2004, 03:55 PM)

"Look just stay here and look after yourself" Said Illidan standing to his feet. "Pass me my canister, best to try and say hello" Dante handed Illidan his canister and he began to approach Teleran "Ah, I see you've awaken, in a better mood now are we?" Asked Illidan with a wink.

"Better mood...What are you talking about? Anyway, got any brandy on you by chance, flin, matze sujamma?

"Oh, hey there's Dante how's he doing?" Teleran trails off as he looks more closely, "Why's he so edgy?"

Posted by: Aki Dec 14 2004, 02:07 AM

DAr'Var continued to cling to, and hide behind Reichi. Who was wrestling with the Khajiit, in a attempt to remove him. Dar'Var kept mumbling, "Crazy dunmer, he angry with Dar'Var..!". While Reichi kept smacking the Khajiit and telling him to get off.

Posted by: w0nders Dec 14 2004, 02:08 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Dec 13 2004, 08:05 PM)

"Here have this" Illidan said holding out the canteen for Teleran "It's my own home mix, has a little of everything it" Said Illidan, a smile on his lips.

"Why he is edgy? dont you remember about last night? the two of you nearly ripped each other to shreds..Luckily Arynel was there with that Calm spell, but it was strange the way you reacted to it."

Posted by: Loranna Dec 14 2004, 02:10 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Dec 13 2004, 08:07 PM)

Loranna smiles at Zaldaar, saying "You're welcome; might want to rest up some more, though ... Oh; what the ... er, excuse me ..."

As Loranna walks over to Azrael, she passes Reichi and his ... companion, ans her eyebrows go up in a "What Are You Two Doing?" expression more eloquent than words.

Reaching Azrael in a private spot, Loranna sighs. " ... Right; you wanted to know of my Lady's plans, you said ..." as she starts talking very quietly ...

Posted by: Teleran Dec 14 2004, 02:16 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Dec 13 2004, 04:08 PM)

"Thanks, for the drink," Teleran says as as takes a swig. "Wait, what did you say about a fight? Calming Spell? Have you had a little too much to drink?"

Teleran's begins to have a sinking feeling, then he notices a Khajiit wrestling with a Dunmer and he almost laughs. "What's the deal with them?" he asks Illidan.

Posted by: stratigo Dec 14 2004, 02:19 AM

Zaldaar placed his head on the rock. He felt overwelming sorrow. Why couldn't it just end. He had done so much, why couldn't he be released. Still he knew he had work to do. everything counted on it.

Posted by: w0nders Dec 14 2004, 02:21 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Dec 13 2004, 08:16 PM)

"You seriously don't remember? That spell must of done more to you then it seemed" Illidan turned around for a second to notice Reichi wrestling with Dar'Var "Oh, the Dunmer is Reichi...don't know who the Khajiit is though" He thinks back to the incidents of last night "Oh yeah, that's the Khajiit you tried to throw into the fire befor Dante stepped in"

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Dec 14 2004, 02:51 AM

'I need to find Loranna.' *sends a mental message to Loranna* 'Are you okay?'

Posted by: Loranna Dec 14 2004, 02:52 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Dec 13 2004, 08:51 PM)

'I need to find Loranna.' *sends a mental message to Loranna* 'Are you okay?'

I'm okay; just ... trying to set things up right now, Loranna answers tiredly. ... Soon as I'm done, we'll talk in private. I can feel events moving ever faster even as we speak ...

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Dec 14 2004, 02:55 AM

'Okay, take your time Loranna. I have all the time in the world to wait. Just... when you are ready, call out to me.'

Posted by: w0nders Dec 14 2004, 02:57 AM

Meanwhile back near the fire Dante places a few more pieces of wood onto the flames, His other hand wrapped firmly around the hilt of his sword. He let out a sigh Hm...I wonder when things are going to start to pick up His thought was shortly answered by Well, it's not if you just sit around thinking about it all day, go ask somebody

Posted by: Aki Dec 14 2004, 02:59 AM

Somehow, Reichi and Dar'Var had ended up drinking together near the fire. Not even Hermaeus Mora could tell how.

Posted by: Teleran Dec 14 2004, 03:07 AM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Dec 13 2004, 04:21 PM)

"What? You're serious aren't you!?!" Teleran exclaims. 'I wonder if that presence has something to do with this. Could I really have tried to kill people and not remebered it?' "Well I suppose I better go over and apologise to your brother."

Teleran walks over to Dante and, drops to his knees in front of him, "I beg your forgiveness for any wrongs I have done you."

Just then the thought crosses his mind, 'If Illidan is joking around I really will kill him.'

Posted by: w0nders Dec 14 2004, 03:12 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Dec 13 2004, 09:07 PM)

"That would probably be a good idea" replied Illidan, watching as Teleran walked towards Dante.

Dante watched, wide-eyed as Teleran begged for his forgiveness, slowly Dante removed his hand from his sword hilt and placed it on Telerans shoulder "It is ok my friend, we al lose sight of reality every now and again" At that Dante removed his hand and returned it to his side.

Posted by: Sheogorath Dec 14 2004, 03:14 AM

Wrothgarian Mountains, High Rock

Ryvad Castellian waited in a small, undecorated antechamber in the Queen of Wayrest’s hidden mountain palace. The atmosphere in the place was hushed, the servants looking at him and one another with frightened eyes, the keepers of secrets. They were cleaning up a room that he couldn’t enter, but he could see through the half-opened door that the place had been torn apart. All the furniture was in tatters, and the walls were scored with scratch marks. What wild animal had been in there lately?

At last, the Queen was ready to see him. He was escorted to an outside courtyard, blanked it in snow. The Queen was bundled in fur, held steady by her sage Vonnod. Her eyes were circled in black and unfocused as if she hadn’t slept.

"Pardon me for meeting you outside, sir. I needed some fresh air."

“Are you ill, Your Majesty?” he asked, bowing.

Elysana laughed weakly. “You are not going to flatter my beauty? That’s an excellent start. Let me begin by saying that you have my condolences for the death of your brother …”

“I thank you, Your Majesty,” said the young man. “But I did not much care for him. He was arrogant and ineffective. I hope to someday give you an opportunity to prove myself as your chief spymaster.”

“The opportunity is now,” smiled the Queen.

Posted by: Anghardel67 Dec 14 2004, 03:28 AM

Azrael saw Loranna approaching, and unmasked himself, removing the amulet from his neck and pocketing it. In this light Loranna showed her true nature to him, with a glance, as they began to discuss her plans. . .

"Yes, now that we are here, alone, I would like to know a bit about your plans to place the Dunmer in their rightful spot again.", he stated, grabbing the notebook once more from the pocket of his robe.

The Nord began to speak, in a voice not common to her race; much softer, much more eloquent, with grammar to compliment. Azrael noted all that she said, scratching bold letters for one line of particular interest:

"Bear in mind, Azrael, that Azura is Azura, and I am not; even her vessel is not yet privy to some things."

When she finished, Azrael nodded, "Very well, incarnate. I will report these things that you have shared with me back to my Mistress, and meet you in Balmora, if you would wish it, and, perhaps, even if you would not.

Loranna noticed a striking look in his eye, that of a fear, and suggested, lightly, "Dear, do not fear this thing that you do not know. Wait, for it may yet save you."

Azrael looked at her once more, as he turned around, muttering, "I fear not; this is as all else, and will take time before it is completely revealed. I shall see it through, I shall. . ."

The Dunmer dug the amulet back out of the pocket he had dropped it into, and returned it easily to his neck, rubbing the small gem in the middle and vanishing, suddenly, into his surroundings. He dashed off, away from the incarnate and her followers, towards Gnisis, towards his Mistress. He looked back once, to see Loranna emerging from the brush, striding back towards Koal cave; as he did this, he tripped--over what, he did not know.

Cursing, Azrael fell to the ground, planting his face squarely in the dirt. He went to lift himself, but could not--he tried to move his arms and legs, but could not. The dunmer was pinned by some force he could not see, unable to move at all; as suddenly as the dirt had cleared, be began to feel dizzy, and saw his vision restricted, funneling light out, until he was once more enshrouded in a mist.

"Azrael. . .", a faint voice said, and suddenly he was aware of what was transpiring.

"What is it?! What do you WANT?!", he screamed, moving his lips. He tried to force the words out, but no sound escaped.

"Azrael. . .fear not, there is no reason for fear. You will go to Balmora, and I will meet you there. Soon enough, you will find an answer to one of the questions you have asked. Return to your pursuit, and worry not. The next time we speak, you and I, you will find what you are looking for. . ."

The voice faded out, and Azrael was once more returned to full consciousness. More agitated than concerned, he could not wait to reach Balmora now, to confront this 'informant', and wrench from it the answers that he had, for so long, been deprived of.

(Ang)

Posted by: Marquis Dec 14 2004, 03:31 AM

Meciander sat on a hill, out of the sight of the crowd. He clutched his breastplate, feeling the pain beneath his skin. He cried tears of blood, which dripped onto his hands. Everywhere the blood fell, small burns appeared. Meciander began to rock back and forth, still gripping hard onto his chest. He felt as the poisons of Molag Bal tore through him like razors.

You have failed me, Meciander. Not only were you incapable of defeating a small servant of Sheogorath, but you have glorified Azura. Now you shall suffer for your incompetence. Fail me once more, and I will end your pathetic life. Now, you must atone for what you have done. You are no more. You now belong totally to me.

With that, Molag Bal siezed Meciander's body, and forced him to stand. He pulled a small dagger from Meciander's belt and began to cut at the palms of his hands. The blood ran in rivers from his hands, spilling into the ground and being absorbed into the soil. Soon the color changed from red to black. "The transformation is complete." said Molag Bal through his new body "It is soon time." the wounds on Meciander's body healed quickly, and his hair changed back to white. His face seemed to glow with power, and every move was as fluid as a serpent. "I guess I had better return, those fools must be wondering where I am." Molag Bal walked back to the rest of the group and joined in the festivities.

Posted by: Arynel Dec 14 2004, 03:34 AM

Arynel stood silently, eyeing Loranna and the others around her. The Breton motioned with his hands, and his form wavered--and vanished.

Invisible, Arynel began traveling away from the group.

Posted by: w0nders Dec 14 2004, 03:45 AM

Dante stood to his feet "Forgive me, but I have other buisness to attend to" He walked away from the fire and looked around the campsite, A look of terror and shock crept over his face as a Ordinator started heading his way.

When he finally reached Dante, an Infuriated voice escaped his helm "Where did you get that armour!?" The ordinator stamped his feet and formed 2 fist to show he was serious "What do you mean? I-I'm an Ordinator" He said with a grin "Oh really fool? then what are you doing out of Vivec?" Dante began to look from side to side frantically.

"I'm uh....escorting a priest" He answered with a smile "What priest!?" Dante's eye shot open "Uhh...hmm...that one behind me" He said motioning to Illidan "How ya doin?" Was the response Illidan gave.

"Very well, carry on then....fetcher" And at that, the ordinator went back to his buisness.

Posted by: B Dec 14 2004, 03:49 AM

Daggerfall, High Rock

The Psijic wandered the streets looking for Allerleirauh’s Guild House. She had written to him about it and said that he would be welcomed there. He would like to visit with her.

He didn't have much luck finding it through conventional methods, so B decided to try something else. As he raised both arms in the air, his hands began to glow. Closing his eyes, he visualized the Guild Hall. The aura around his palms began to expand. All of a sudden, the aura exploded in a blast of blinding light. When the light subsided, the grey cloak was gone. He had slipped into a place called Solunastra.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 14 2004, 04:13 AM

QUOTE(B @ Dec 13 2004, 08:49 PM)

Allerleirauh's night had been interesting. She had danced with some Ashlander performers, old dances, learned from Vehk and for Vehk. She had lectured and listened to Doll, and considered the welfare and health of Solin. She had lost track of Arynel. She had learned that her seneshal, her second in command, Dragon, was not safely at Solunastra taking care of business but riding through Colovia on an errand of the heart.

Now she sat down to write in the journal she shared with B. There was already an entry from him waiting for her. She read it, and returned to the Guildhouse - not the house in Daggerfall, but the true, awakened Solunastra, adjacent to the Provisional House whose master had departed.

"Welcome to my home. You have many unforseen talents, my friend," she said, smiling. "But I suppose you are a Psijiic, after all. Don't take up Void Rangering, you are far too sincere in your concern for other men, and it demands a healthy disrespect for everyone, including yourself. Have you been to the Dreaming Cave?"

Posted by: B Dec 14 2004, 04:18 AM

The sight of Allerleirauh makes B smile. It seems like ages since he last saw her. “It’s good to see you again. I bet you have been just as busy as I have been.”

Gathering his thoughts, B answers her question, “No, I haven’t been back to Artaeum yet. I wanted to discuss things with you first. How vital is Azura’s Name?”

Posted by: Teleran Dec 14 2004, 04:21 AM

Seeing Dante leave Teleran rises and wanders through the crowd. He hopes to run into Loranna, 'I need to get away from her, if I lose myself now I may kill everyone around me before I come to. I hope there is is some way I can be of use without endangering her.'

His eyes drop to the ground and his search becomes forgotten as he tries to remember the events of the night.

Posted by: Solin Dec 14 2004, 04:25 AM

“You’re a good, loyal man, Elben,” Liris finished, emptying his drink. He gave the guardsman a pat on the back and set his now empty glass of flinn back on the vendor’s cart. The lord slapped more coins into the vendor’s palm and large decanter was placed in front of Elben.

Leaving the drunken guard behind, Liris rose and walked out into the crowd, he needed to find Faril.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 14 2004, 04:26 AM

QUOTE(B @ Dec 13 2004, 09:18 PM)

The sight of Allerleirauh makes B smile. It seems like ages since he last saw her. “It’s good to see you again. I bet you have been just as busy as I have.”

Gathering his thoughts, B answers her question, “No, I haven’t been back to Artaeum yet. I wanted to discuss things with you first. How vital is Azura’s Name?”

"Not vital enough to risk your soul over it," she said quickly. "You know what I feel about deals with daedra; those who touch dirt become dirty. You have a clean, good soul, my friend, and I would help you keep it if I can."

Her expression softened. "I have a gift for you. I've been longing to see you also. I dreamed of you, did you know?"

She moved quickly, catching his hand in both her own, and pressed it. When she released it, it held a ring of plain dark metal, which looked to the casual glance like what is called a poison ring... a small lidded container. Yet the hinged lid was simply a device to hide the stone set in the ring.

Posted by: B Dec 14 2004, 04:37 AM

He took the ring from Allerleirauh and slipped it onto his right hand. B looked down to admire its beauty. He lifted the top and looked at the Stone of Wonders. When he was finished, he closed the ring and looked up at Allerleirauh. “Your gift means a lot to me. I cannot thank you enough.” He was already devising ways to put the ring to good use.

“Where do we go from here? I mean, I feel like I have lost my focus. Do I journey through the Dreaming Cavern or not? Should this Psijic help Loranna or hinder her? My way has become clouded.”

Posted by: OriontheHunter Dec 14 2004, 04:48 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Dec 13 2004, 06:14 PM)

*It took Orion a long time top fully understand this message for he was not used to phsycic communication*

Yes...of course Loranna...I'm about halfway to Balmora now...I figure I'll head over to the fighter's guild to make sure they are "persuaded" to be jubiliant at the coming of Azura!...I also hope to see you safe and sound when you get here

*Orion continued walking southeast, passing the Dunmer stronghold of Andasreth, he was becoming quite fatigued and hungry and decided to rest under an old tree....he dozed of quite quickly...unaware of the coming storm*

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 14 2004, 04:54 AM

QUOTE(B @ Dec 13 2004, 09:37 PM)

"The child has a name now - Sen-Yedda. And I was right in what I told you before - the monstrosity with tear-streaked eyes, crying out for meat and roses, is another mask of Loranna and not the true nature of the child. My cicadas tell me that Sen-Yedda means something, if you can learn what it means."

The two of them stood, now, in a small patch of meadow. A strong sapling shot up from the ground; water flowed from its roots. Allerleirauh knelt to dip her fingers in the water.

"Loranna - that I can't answer. Loranna's vision of Azura continues to alarm me by being even less... humane... than Azura without Loranna. But Loranna's Azura will not last after Loranna's death. The Dunmer people are very thick-headed. I've talked to some of them. They want an excuse to kick the Imperials out of Morrowind. They want power, and they want magic. They have no interest in their own souls, and how this might affect them. I think the best thing I can do to thwart Azura from reclaiming the hearts of the Dunmer is to give Loranna as much freedom as possible.

"Do you know she punished the N'wah and drove them from the land... and the punishment was all in their minds? No one bled, no one's head bounced off the dirt, no one was dragged behind a guar. When Loranna isn't physically standing in front of them, the Dunmer people resent her already."

Posted by: niceguy5 Dec 14 2004, 04:58 AM

The rat was teasing him now. Dane's alter ego pressured him into eating it but not infront of the civilians Dane thought he didn't want anything to spark up while he feasted on the rat. Dane planned it out he would let his alter ego take over for it to eat the rat. Dane stalked the rat up a small hill which was surrounded by boulders, good for cover. After awhile of focusing the were-vamp snapped into Danes body.

"Ah...."

The were-vamp approach the rat stealthy, a moment of slicence went by the the were-vamp snapped at it with super-human speed crushing it's bones and sucking the juices out.

"That was tastey"

"Yeah for you" Dane spat out the nasty taste from his mouth as he walked back to the camp. Eww rat guts

Posted by: Loranna Dec 14 2004, 05:07 AM

QUOTE(OriontheHunter @ Dec 13 2004, 10:48 PM)

... Try to be peaceful and polite about this - and above all discrete, Loranna says. The idea is to make friends, not intimidate people ...

Posted by: OriontheHunter Dec 14 2004, 05:09 AM

*While lying down to sleep*

Yes maam...of course!

Posted by: B Dec 14 2004, 05:13 AM

B listened to Allerleirauh as she spoke. He was focused on her every word. Sadness began to overtake him.

“As much as I love it here with you, I will have to leave. I will come again if you will have me. While I’m gone, I will see what I can learn about the name Sen-Yedda. There may be some significance behind it.”

B continued to ponder what Allerleirauh had said about Loranna. “All of that doesn’t surprise me in the least. She is hungry for power. Most fear those more powerful than themselves. Loremaster Celarus once said that people like that pose a threat. He went on to say that they should be crippled, humiliated, impoverished, or imprisoned. I am ashamed to say that I am beginning to think along those lines. I am heading back to Artaeum. You know how to reach me.”

B looked at Allerleirauh. In case something happened to him, he wanted to remember her just the way she was now. B wrapped his arms around her and embraced her tightly. “Wish me luck.”

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 14 2004, 05:22 AM

QUOTE(B @ Dec 13 2004, 10:13 PM)

Allerleirauh returned his embrace fiercely. It was good to touch him, after so many words had passed without his physical presence.

"You don't understand Loranna, and neither does Celarus," she said. "Loranna is something entirely outside your experience. All she's hungry for... is sweetrolls. Which doesn't make her less dangerous."

She found she was almost in tears, and laughed out loud to cover the awkward moment.

"My prophetess says you are in very grave danger. Walk with care, my dear friend. I will be in touch."

Posted by: Marquis Dec 14 2004, 05:33 AM

Molag Bal looked around, raising Meciander's nose to the air. He smelled magick. He continued to wander until he found the sourse of the scent. A group of Mabrigash was camped a distance from the city. ""Well, these will make quite the feast. Won't they my pet?" Meciander could hear Molag's thought inside his own head. "Get... out... you foul beast!" Meciander had summoned all his strength to retake that much control of his body. "Foolish mortal. You swore yourself to me, that is a pact which you will take to your grave. Very soon.."

Molag Bal descended upon the camp of Mabrigash, his eyes blazing like hot embers. They attacked him instantly. The first fell upon his right hand, which had been twisted by evil into a claw. The claw dug into her stomach, and she appeared to grow thousands of years older, as the life was drained from her body. The other two saw this and began to run. One was struck down by a bolt of lightning, incapacitating, but not killing her. The other was swallowed up by the earth and buried alive. Molag walked calmly over to the unconcious dunmer and placed his clawed hand on her head. Grabbing a fistful of her red hair, he pulled her neck to his mouth and began to feed. He fed in the way only the most deprived wretches feed. He drank her blood from her still beating heart, feeling every one of her pulses in his throat. When he was done, he set the camp a blaze, and cleaned himself up. He then walked back to Gnisis, and the Madach tradehouse to claim the room that Meciander had rented earlier. As he lie in the bed, Meciander's skin turned a dark green mingled with black. The illusion had fallen, and evil lie with the heroes.

Posted by: B Dec 14 2004, 05:35 AM

B saw that Allerleirauh was near tears and had to contain his emotions. Saying goodbye to her seemed so difficult.

“While I think I understand what you are trying to say about Loranna, I cannot begin to even imagine what she might do. However, I promise I won’t do anything too rash without talking to you first.”

B decided to ignore the comment about being in grave danger. That would have to wait for another time. “Thank you again for the ring. I will treasure it always.”

And with a nonchalant wave of his hand, B vanished.

Posted by: Attrebus Dec 14 2004, 06:27 AM

Palace, Mournhold.

Helseth sat at his desk writing on a peice of paper. He stopped for a moment before re-reading what he had written, placing his quill down once satisfied. "Yes, this will do." Helseth muttered to himself. A servant stepped out of the shadows as Helseth rose. "Duplicate this and give it out to each city in Vvardenfell. Make sure it's not connected to the Palace in any way, or something 'unfortunate' may happen to you."

The servant bowed and left Helseth alone in his bed chamber. "This distraction may be more amusing than I first imagined." thought Helseth.

Posted by: Chex Dec 14 2004, 07:21 AM

Maji, with her eyes closed, her ears open, lays prone by her fire, listening.
The sounds of the night fill her conciousness. The speak and snore of Azura's followers foremost, the cry of hound and crab next, then the ever-present swish of the sea.
With a great sigh, she pulls herself inwards, and can only recognize the sound of her own heart.

What was she doing here? On earth she had never trod, a step behind a supposed incarnate of a daedra she had never worshipped?
Curiousity seemed the obvious choice, but she had never been the type....
Her own foolish pride then, urging her to laugh as this girl fell beneath her burden...
Selfishness? Wishing to have the right to claim that she had been, and she had seen?
Or was it because she didn't trust this girl to lead the dunmer, her, Maji's people? What superiority did a Skyrim-raised maid have over a house member and native, even if they were both outlanders?

Maybe this process of thought could use a few drops of brandy...

Eyes closed, she grins and reaches for her pack...

Posted by: Glensather Dec 14 2004, 07:34 AM

I hate parades. Hence, why I didn't join the ensamble headed for the Koal Cave.

After having a nice long talk with the local Tribunal temple about everything under Lorkhan's Moons, I step out into the light. Silently, I walk toward the Koal Cave along the path a thousand pilgrims have taken. In the distance, I see the people who have begun to follow Loranna on her quest; stragglers, for the most part. I hop over the low rope rail and forge my own path to the cave.

A run-in with a Nix-Hound leaves me with a bit less in my magicka reserves, but I don't mind. I see the arch of the Koal Cave in the distance, along with all the people of the parade.

Damn, I think. The mob doesn't disperse. I hate to see the soul that wants to plant a Fireball in the middle of that crowd. I walk around to the back of the cave, sure that no one sees me. Looking about one more time, I put my back to the cave.

I suppress groaning in pain as I feel my wings retract into my back with a slurp, my clothes hiding the holes they normally protrude out of. The tattoos on my face shift slightly the acommedate the tightening and loosening of skin on my body. My vision blurry slightly as my eyes turn from blue in color to red.

As the Phase Shift ends, I lean up off the wall and breathe. No one can find me this way, assuming they're looking for me in my normal guise. I look much different, though my tattoos look much the same. Due to the uncomfortable nature of my skin and my off-balanced walking style due to no wings pulling me back slightly, much of my quick fighting style is reduced, but I can still cast spells.

Checking under my clothing at the half-glass armor, I step around and mingle with the crowd, keeping a silent vigil as I walk around and between people. If something happens to Loranna, I'll know.

A peasant walks up and attempts talking to me. I begin to converse back, but in this setting, I'm still uncomfortable.

And I still hate parades.
______________________________

EDIT:
OOC: From here on out until I come back, my character acts like one of the crowd (albeit an an uncomfortable member of the crowd) who always stands within 15 feet of Loranna. If she leaves the crowd, then he keeps his eyes on her. Should something happen, then hopefully I'll be around when that happens.

Posted by: Meridia Dec 14 2004, 07:34 AM

'So,' asked Shardie, leaving the Televanni Sorcerors, shaking her now freed fingers, 'where abouts are they?'
'They are still at Koal Cave... I mean, cant they go any slower? (subtile hint, Loranna! he he)' Maranda said angrily, 'now, Shardie, have you learnt your lesson?'
'Yes, madam...' Shardie replied in a singsong tone...
'Very good then, don't play with Daedric Finger Traps ever again... but keep a hold of this, it might come in useful sometime... I would say we stay here, and wait for them to arrive to us. We shall confront her then...' Maranda finished
'But by the time she gets here, she will have a massive angry mob behind her... how will you try to defeat her like that?'
'I shall not. I shall win via a bluff, or I shall loose. ether way my Master's goal will be achived... Come, Shardie, we must prepare...' Maranda said, making thier way to the Temple Canton...

Posted by: FireMaster Dec 14 2004, 07:00 PM

*Erenius wakes up, and notices that much of the camp is still barely stirring, despite it being just a touch after dawn*

"FIgured there'd have been more activity by this time," Erenius mumbles groggily as he stands up and puts his belongings away.

*Erenius then proceeds to put his things on a spare guar cart, awaiting the order from Loranna to go forth to Balmora and surrounding environs to secure a path*

"All I must do now...is wait," Erenius says.

"Imperial!" the Dunmer from the previous day called forth.

"Yes?" Erenius replies.

"I was out hunting, saw two slain, an Orc and a rather scrawny Breton..." he replies. "Both were slain, mangled horribly at the Kagouti den a ways east."

"Thank you, any other information?" Erenius asks.

"Nothing...but it does seem like they were using it as shelter, and angered the animals," the DUnmer replies.

"Thank you...if you find anything else, let me know," Erenius says, handing that Dunmer a few dozen coin.

Posted by: Meridia Dec 14 2004, 11:10 PM

'So will that work?' asked Maranda
'No. Even if we do that, the barrier will not last long enough' the priest replied,
'Then how about paralizing? A large spell of Paralizing...'
'Far too hard, outlander, do you know how many people we would have to effect?'
Hmm, this is hard... Shardie?'
'Yes, Maranda?'
'Head to Balmora, and find out what is happening... you have permission to interfere if you so want to'
'Indeed, I shall' Shardie left for the mages guild

Posted by: OriontheHunter Dec 14 2004, 11:40 PM

Posted by: FireMaster Dec 14 2004, 11:41 PM

[Kagouti/Alit den in West Gash near Gnisis]

*Two Kagouti rummage about the area, carefully guarding their two treasures...an Orc and a Breton, the other humanoids that had come to this area had fled long ago, leaving those two to be slain by the animals*
===
[Somewhere in the Ashlands near Bal Isra]

"Redan, we honestly need some shelter....and far from that crazy Nord lady as possible," the Dunmer legionaire says as he sits down on a rock a few hundred meters from Indarys Manor.

"Lets try the manor...I'm sure we can get lodging for but a night," Redan, the Redgaurd replies as the two make their way through the storm to the manor....

Posted by: Celezar Dec 14 2004, 11:50 PM

*Celezar suddenly found himself in a back alley, pressumably in Balmora. The alley had apparently been turned into a makeshift Sheogorath shrine, the grimy walls lined with torn curtains and in the corner a rickety wooden altar sat. There was a small clay statue of Sheogorath there as well, a suprisingly well drawn face grinning upon its brown head. The sudden teleportation had gave Celezar quite a startle, his condition didnt make it better either. Rapidly, his semi-digested heart began to give out, Celezar gripped his mutilated chest with his withered, mummifies hands, hushing and calming himself down. Despite his current pain, Celezar was thrilled to hear news from his master once more, it was the only thing that brought joy to his life anymore, much like a drug*

"Celezar is quite the party planner, indeed he is..."

Posted by: Sheogorath Dec 14 2004, 11:55 PM

QUOTE(Celezar @ Dec 14 2004, 05:50 PM)

"Celezar is quite the party planner, indeed he is..."

"Remember Celezar," said the statue in a tiny little voice. "Let Celezar do all the talking. He is the master of speechcraft and persuasion."

Posted by: OriontheHunter Dec 14 2004, 11:55 PM

*Orion had been sleeping for quite sometime...Suddenly he woke up..panting*

"What...what happened?...I can't remember anything"

*He look up and saw a figure standing above him...It was light skinned, dark blonde hair and looked to be Breton. However above all his ice blue eyes stood out.*

"What?!? How can this...NO!...it's impossible...you...are..."

I am the sea
I am the night
Drowning all hope
And draining your might
Tainting your soul
With a dreadful blight

"But...but...you look just like me....but that's impossible...its not.."

*Orion falls to the ground*

"Its...just...stop!...leave me alone...STOP!"

*Suddenly the humanoid starts to change. The seemingly noble face starts to blacken. His hair turns black and grows wildly, untamed.His hands turn to claws and out of the tops of his wrists two long golden bladelike things protrude from his skin. His eyes turn into two small drops of lead and his teeth grow and turn a sickly brazen color. His back starts to arch and long spines emit from his back.*

I am your hunger
All your greed
Your Envy
Your lust for power
Make me go on...
In this damn'ed existence
and for that...
You must suffer

*Orion jumped up as fast as he could while the beast tore across the ground at him*

What is going on?...what is this thing he thought as he ran as fast as he could.

*Down a hill over a boulder, past some trees, but no matter how fast he went the thing was still right behind him, golden teeth gleeming.*

Its never going to stop...for it's not real...none of it is..

*While running he trips and falls...... Waiting to feel the creatures claws impale into the back he sat whincing...but it did not come*

Im dead...im dead already......

*He stands up and look around*

Nothing...It wasnt real...but...Im still awake

Posted by: Meridia Dec 15 2004, 12:05 AM

SHardie arrived at the Balmora mages guild, very much disliking the trip... she had never liked Guild Guides that much, nor traveling by Magic... but despite that, she was here... The town was strangly quiet, as the few people who were around the city ran from site... Shardie slowly made her way to a nearby cornerclub to prepare for what her master asked her to do...

Posted by: Celezar Dec 15 2004, 12:06 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Dec 14 2004, 05:55 PM)

"Remember Celezar," said the statue in a tiny little voice. "Let Celezar do all the talking. He is the master of speechcraft and persuasion."

*Celezar winked at himself merrily*

"Is Celezar ready for a party, then?"

*Celezar's voice then changed in accent slightly, his manner more polite"

"I do say, Celezar, I'm quite ready for a merry festival of meats!"

Posted by: FireMaster Dec 15 2004, 12:12 AM

"Erenius?" someone calls from the distance...

"WHom might...you AGAIN?" Erenius moans, realizing that it was Apinia, the annoying Colovian from prior days, that had called for him.

"Just here to make sure you don't do anything stupid..." she says as she walks towards him.

"I told you in Ald Velothi not to follow...and I told you that it was for your good," Erenius says.

"Maybe so, but I came simply to see the party fail," Apinia replies.

"Speak your words now, before I have you removed," Erenius says, impatient at the disturbance.

*Several Dunmer around them turn and look, obviously perturbed at the situation*

"Those Dark Elves have no need for the Nord girl...merely her ideas, and her contents...namely Azura," Apinia says.

"Continue," Erenius says, listening, yet only believing half of what she states.

"Well...soon as they realize that she IS an outlander, yet carrying their patron, whats to prevent them from killing the girl and having Azura herself lead them in spirit, and not from here, but instead from dreams and other such?" Apinia says. "Like she has done many times before, or so I've heard from my Dunmer culture assistant."

"You hired a 'culture assistan?'" an elderly Dunmer woman says, standing to face Apinia. "You truley are ignorant of these lands, and believe that all here are akin to those of the Ashlands inside the island...and even they are not nearly as barbaric an inhuman as you make them seem, by hiring a 'Cultural assistant!'"

"Out of my way, Dunmer," Apinia says, shoving her to the ground as she turns and leaves. "Erenius...I have given my warning...take it as you will."

*Erenius stands there for a few moments, not quite believing Apinia's actions, or her words*

"And I never would have thought," Erenius mumbles as he sits down and drinks some of his half-empty Flin that Adornical gave him earlier in the day.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Dec 15 2004, 12:20 AM

'These filthy Dunmer are nothing like the chimer they used to be. As soon as they think of it they will turn on Loranna. They don't care what happens to her, just what happens to Azura. If I find that even one of them has any ideas of harming her I'll.....' *thinks of different ways of punishment*

Posted by: FireMaster Dec 15 2004, 12:22 AM

'Dagoth, you and that Colovian speak the truth likely...but while I believe it, there is certainly a way to prevent this for now...and maybe for a time being later on also,' Erenius says to Dagoth. 'But how sure are you of this?'

Posted by: Loranna Dec 15 2004, 12:22 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Dec 14 2004, 06:20 PM)

Loranna looks up from whomever she had been speaking with to glance at Dagoth ...

... Love, she says, sounding somewhat dull, I'm prophecised to die giving birth as it is ...

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Dec 15 2004, 12:24 AM

'But I won't let you die before the prophecy comes to pass. If you die because of petty worthless reasons, than all this is for naught! That and..... I just don't want to lose you.'

Posted by: FireMaster Dec 15 2004, 12:29 AM

*Erenius walks about the camp, thinking of something, but showing none of his thoughts to others*

"Lord Indarys wished for me to send this to you," a Dunmer well clad shouts as he runs across the camp to Erenius.

"Lord Indarys? I have no idea whom he is, but I shall take his message," Erenius replies, taking the letter.

QUOTE

Erenius:

I am Lord Banden Indarys, Lord of Bal Isra, Redoran Councilor. I come forth to you with this correspondance regarding roughly a half dozen Imperial legionaires of varying races coming to here seeking shelter.

Now, while I am aware that you are with the Nord who believes to be Azura, and we are taking such matters to consideration, I felt it only necessary to speak to you immediately of this. Lord Ramoran only knew of this due to his usual correspondances with both the Hetman of Gnisis and General Darius himself.

~Lord Banden Indarys~
~~Lord of Bal Isra~~
~Redoran Councilor~

*Erenius read the letter and pocketted it, before making his way to Loranna to speak of two things*

Posted by: Loranna Dec 15 2004, 12:31 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Dec 14 2004, 06:24 PM)

'But I won't let you die before the prophecy comes to pass. If you die because of petty worthless reasons, than all this is for naught! That and..... I just don't want to lose you.'

Loranna smiles, but only briefly, as she looks over the crowd with her constantly-shifting eyes.

... I love just about everyone here, everyone I've met, she says quietly. ... But I don't think I understand anyone here, except you - some days, I don't even know if I understand myself.

She sighs mentally. ... Is there a solution to any of this that doesn't involve trampling all over people, making good men and women get hurt or killed over stupid things, sets things back the way they should be - or at least the way they were before I showed up? she asks, mostly rhetorically. Or am I really stuck trying to stop myself from causing total chaos and watching me just make things that much worse down the line, and knowing most of the people I call my close companions are shaking their heads and wondering how I can be so monstrous?

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Dec 15 2004, 12:36 AM

'You are not a monster Loranna. You are trying to help these people. If a few people get hurt, it is because of others trying to stop you. No one would get hurt if they just listened and stopped trying to get in the way. Try not to worry so much. Worry will only make things get worse. Trust me on this, I know. You are a good person Loranna, despite what you say about yourself.'

Posted by: Celezar Dec 15 2004, 12:39 AM

*Celezar rest for a momment, letting his over excited heart calm down, listening to the bustling folks of Balmora go about their bussiness in the distance, echoed by the walls of the alley. It had only just occured to him that his only possession was a thick blanket, leaving him near naked and coinless*

"Hmmmm....where would this puppet go now, without his precious gold?"

*Celezar eyed the shrine a bit, his expression hidden by his torn up, withered face. At last, something caught his eye upon the rough altar's surface, a small guar skin purse containing several septims which lie half spilled out of the purse for Celezar to see. As quick as his shriveled body would take him, Celezar hurridly brought himself to the old alter, scooping the coins back into the purse which he held carefully underneath his blanket*

"Ah, it seems fate has smiled upon this puppet today..."

"Or rather our master, Celezar, do not be to quick to push aside all possible conclusions."

"Indeed, Celezar is quite intelligent in the way puppets are..."

"Quickly, now, Celezar, let us make haste to the nearest clothier, it shall be dusk soon and our decrepid condition is not helping us move any faster."