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

Posted by: Loranna Dec 29 2004, 08:59 AM

In the previous installment of this thread, the main procession reached Ghostgate, where troops of the Empire lay in wait. Despite the fierce pride of the Dunmer girl sitting in for Azura, cooler heads managed to prevail - the sight of hundreds of Ashlanders popping up suddenly helping a bit in keeping a fragile sense of peace.

Loranna, Doll, and Dagoth, meanwhile, travelled and had a strange encounter on the road, one leaving Ordinators and Dremora-summoning children dead. Loranna closes in on Ghostgate, her mind burdened.

The Temple, meanwhile, waits to proclaim new doctrine to change the course of history, and Maranda lies in wait in Vivec ...

As always, mirc irc.ChatSpike.net 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 Loranna about any plot ideas or scene-effecting actions they have in mind; I will try to answer you with all possible speed.

Part Thirteen begins ...

Posted by: Aki Dec 29 2004, 09:05 AM

Summary-
Reichi has waited in Ghostgate for the main group of Loranna's followers, joine dback up when they arrived. Meeting a strange man, with astranger blade.

Dar'Var has done pretty much the same thing, except he smoked some skooma instead of meeting people.

In Vivec, The Hunters set down plans for a ambush at The Shrine to Stop the moon.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 29 2004, 09:09 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 29 2004, 01:47 AM)

"I like having you with us, otherwise I'd miss a good Nordic sense of humor.

"No, I believe that the reason Loranna can't read my thoughts is that Azura isn't the ONLY goose in the pond. And," he says with a frown, "personally I'd rather burn this ugly place than rule it, so no, I have no intention of fulfilling 'ancient Nordic dreams". NEW Nordic dreams... maybe.

"You are right, however; I don't actually want the place to fall into chaos so deep that it can't be pulled out, by the right person. Thank you for the advice."

Smiling suddenly to break a thoughtful look, he adds, "You know, I stopped trying to figure you out a LONG time ago. I rest better now. You should try to do the same. You're starting to look tired."

"Oh, I'm easy," Allerleirauh said. "I'm a typical Dunmer hating Nord, just like yourself. Only I fell in love with Vivec. And the wretched little son of a netchiman taught me to care about his people, and his dream. Does that help at all?"

She smiled, and brushed his platinum hair back from his forehead. Suddenly he looked very young to her.

"I think I'll run down and check on Loranna now," she said.

Posted by: Marquis Dec 29 2004, 09:10 AM

Phyrdalion was sitting, laughing and having a good time, but it still bothered him what Mharakin had said. He did recall hearing something about Loranna leaving the group. Best to speak with Aricyn, just to be safe. Phyrdalion stood, and dusted himself off. It's probably not the best for my appearence to be sitting on Red Mountain. Actually, it's probably not the best to be on Red Mountain. He strode over to Aricyn "Aricyn, is that really Loranna in there? My friend says he saw a Dunmer behind the veil, and his eyes never lie. Just what are you doing?"

Posted by: Arynel Dec 29 2004, 09:11 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 29 2004, 12:59 AM)

Arynel eyed Allerleirauh.

"Perhaps I shall glimpse a few more threads this day." The Breton said.

He walked out after the Nord woman.

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 29 2004, 09:15 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 29 2004, 02:59 AM)

Inwardly Aricyn scowled at Allerleirauh smoothing his hair. If he had ever needed a mother, it certainly wasn't one like HER. Outwardly, however, he smiled a woman-slaying smile, and winked.

He watched her go. He hadn't asked about her motiviations, but he wasn't sorry to have some insight.

Familiar fur brushed up against his leg. Aricyn looked down at the old wolf.

"Where have YOU been?"

"Whuff..."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 29 2004, 09:19 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 29 2004, 02:01 AM)

Arynel eyed Allerleirauh.

"Perhaps I shall glimpse a few more threads this day." The Breton said.

He walked out after the Nord woman.

"Race you," Allerleirauh said, winking at Arynel. She waited until they were around the turn, away from the main body of people, then whispered a string of power. "Seht - Ekem - Tayem - Seht - Payem...."

She finished the string and was gone, moving faster than a horse.

Posted by: Meridia Dec 29 2004, 09:22 AM

A letter came... Maranda opened it, and pondered the contents whilst pacing in the central room of the Puzzle Canal... the King had offered them support... and the problem with the Temple was not too bad... there were a ungodly number of conservitive Priests and Ordantors who would not follow the order, even if it was by the Archcannon himself... too traditionalist they were... she had a few allies from the temple searching out allies for her plan... the number had actually grown quite large, nearly twenty Priests and Ordanators had given her thier support for disposing of this desecration, the heritic that dared mock the glorious Tribunal, and desecrate of the sacred rites of the Dunmer... at least in thier eyes... Maranda kept the fact of who she worshiped a secret... Now it seemed that the King was offereing support, as well as Royal Guards to assist... things were starting to look up for a change...

Posted by: Arynel Dec 29 2004, 09:22 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 29 2004, 01:09 AM)

Arynel stood montionless for a time. He opened his mouth as if to speak, but no words were born from his tongue.

Shaking his head, the Breton walked towards Loranna.

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 29 2004, 09:24 AM

QUOTE(Marquis @ Dec 29 2004, 03:00 AM)

Turning from watching Allerleirauh, Aricyn looked down at Phrydalion.

He frowned.

"'Just what am I doing?' At this point, whatever I please, it seems," he said, with a not too pleasant smile.

"If your friend saw a Dunmer under the veil, I'd say it was a miracle, wouldn't you? Questioning whether or not that's really the true Incarnate might get a person lynched in our present company."

The old wolf shook the dust from his grey fur, creating quite a cloud.

"Who, exactly, are you, Sir?"

Posted by: Solin Dec 29 2004, 09:29 AM

Solin looked up from his side conversation with the pilgrim. Allerleirauh and Arynel were going to check on Loranna. The Dunmer glanced towards the veiled woman receiving gifts. Smiling to the proper guards and making the proper motions of worship to her “priests” he slid close to palanquin. It wasn’t hard, the crowd was quite large. Solin always sat on the outer edge of things watching, for the most part unnoticed. That was his way, he was lurker in the shadows.

Posted by: Loranna Dec 29 2004, 09:30 AM

Loranna walks, her ever-shifting eyes semi-closed as she ponders what she overheard through Allie's mind. Beside her Dagoth walks, wanting to ask what she's thinking but keeping himself from doing so ...

Loranna glances at Dagoth and smiles a little; he was really very sweet to keep his questions under wraps. He longed for her in more ways than he even realized sometimes, she knew - longed to have her as a lich would have any other possession, longed to have her as his loving partner, longed to be her slave even. Her own heart mirrored his feelings more than she said aloud, but she felt joy in the fact that he still kept himself from surrendering himself totally to her even as she wrapped him in her thoughts.

Still, right now, he couldn't offer her much advice; it was fairly obvious to Loranna how Azura felt about the current situation at Ghostgate, and the only real question in Loranna's mind was what to do about it - preferably something that did not offend ...

Loranna looks up as she senses Allie approaching, and pushes her hood back, letting her ashen face and tearstreaks greet Allie. She smiles a little, though her expression remains somewhat aloof, and she motions for her companions to stop.

" ... Hail, Allie," she greets when the Nord is close enough.

Posted by: Marquis Dec 29 2004, 09:36 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 29 2004, 03:14 AM)

"I am Phyrdalion Fortinimus, knight of Standaar. Please, there is no need for threats here. Or lies. I simply came for a question. What are you doing with false incarnate? A little reckless, don't you think?" Phyrdalion moved to even ground with Aricyn and the two stood level.

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 29 2004, 09:39 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Dec 29 2004, 03:19 AM)

The girl behind the veil cradled the protruding front of her gown, and inclined her head nobly toward each person as they offered her gifts. As soon as an offering was placed at her feet, it was taken by a priest to be added to their baggage.

Between offerings, her red eyes glanced sideways beneath the veil, and she looked directly at Solin. The girl was sharp, and long ago her father had been assasinated by just such a person, lurking on the edge of a crowd. She had seen the look in the man's eyes as he killed her father, and she did not see that look in the eyes of this man, but it was always best to be prudent.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 29 2004, 09:41 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Dec 29 2004, 02:20 AM)

"Interesting," Allerleirauh said, in response to Loranna's appearance. "Not unattractive. And possibly more Dunmer-friendly. The woman Aricyn has with him now is a Dunmer, perhaps this will smooth things over."

Doll bowed to her, and Allerleirauh smiled. Although her impulse was to embrace the child, Doll preferred to be treated as a professional. "Very nicely done," she said. "Master Solin asked after you at New Life. He's a valuable friend to have made."

She greeted the Lich with a cautious nod.

"Loranna, have you been well?"

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 29 2004, 09:42 AM

QUOTE(Marquis @ Dec 29 2004, 03:26 AM)

"HAH!" said Aricyn, slapping the man forcefully on the shoulder. "I'm a Nord, Knight of Stendarr, we are always reckless.

"No need to concern yourself with the Incarnate, though, my friend. Her ways are not for us mortals to understand," he says, smiling.

Posted by: Loranna Dec 29 2004, 09:46 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 29 2004, 03:31 AM)

"The Invocation said it best, mayhap," Loranna says, chuckling a little. " ... I've been ... doing well enough. We've stayed safe despite the hazards of the road, we're one more shrine down on the pilgrimage, we're ... a little more Dunmer-friednly, as you pointed out."

She sighs a little. "Though one particular Dunmer girl is not earning herself much friendship right this moment - while the Incarnate was a way, she helped Azura in her own way, but now ..."

... I'm all right, all things considered, she says mentally. Still thinking more than is healthy for a girl but what can I do. But I am worried about what will happen when we get to Ghostgate ...

Posted by: Solin Dec 29 2004, 09:49 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 29 2004, 01:29 AM)

Solin bowed deeply to girl on the palanquin and proceeded to seat himself on the dusty ground nearby but, not to close as to be alarm the gift givers. He gave a smile, the same private smile he had been smiling in the Guild House, and nod to her and continued to observe.

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Dec 29 2004, 09:56 AM

A tall, bulky, Ashlander stands out from the rest of the group. He slowly moves toward the palanquin, with a gift in his hands.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 29 2004, 09:56 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Dec 29 2004, 02:36 AM)

"Azura is jealous but not foolish," Allerleirauh said. "She can restrain her hatred when it suits her needs, as when she permitted herself to become known as the Anticipation of Sotha Sil. It would serve no good purpose for her to put this girl to public shame."

Posted by: Arynel Dec 29 2004, 09:58 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 29 2004, 01:46 AM)

"I agree with Allerleirauh." Arynel chimed in. "Let the girl go home. Treat her well, and send her off without commotion."

The Breton snapped his jaw shut again, and resumed listening.

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 29 2004, 10:01 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Dec 29 2004, 03:39 AM)

The girl behind the veil nodded back to Solin, but kept her eye on him, only barely paying attention to the endless procession of gift-bearing netch-herders.

Posted by: Loranna Dec 29 2004, 10:02 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 29 2004, 03:46 AM)

" ... Heh ..." Loranna gets a rueful expression.

"All right; we'll head back and I'll keep myself obscured until we can have a quiet word with the girl," she says, cracking her neck. "I can feel the devotion of the crowd from here; maybe this will be done and over with quickly ..."

She waves to Arynel when he makes himself known. " ... Hello again; good to see you still well," she says.

Posted by: Solin Dec 29 2004, 10:03 AM

QUOTE(Arrogant_Hero @ Dec 29 2004, 01:46 AM)

A tall, bulky, Ashlander stands out from the rest of the group. He slowly moves toward the palanquin, with a gift in his hands.

Solin noticed the unusual Ashlander immediately, he gave a quick glance to the girl on the palanquin and then returned to watching this gift-giver with a frown.

Posted by: Arynel Dec 29 2004, 10:04 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Dec 29 2004, 01:52 AM)

She waves to Arynel when he makes himself known. " ... Hello again; good to see you still well," she says.

"Perhaps you should do the same, Nord." The Breton says.

Arynel steps back and resumes listening to the conversation.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 29 2004, 10:06 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 29 2004, 02:54 AM)

"Perhaps you should do the same, Nord." The Breton says.

Arynel steps back and resumes listening to the conversation.

"If you start calling both of us 'Nord,' how shall we know to whom you speak?" Allerleirauh said lightly.

Posted by: Loranna Dec 29 2004, 10:09 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 29 2004, 03:56 AM)

"If you start calling both of us 'Nord,' how shall we know to whom you speak?" Allerleirauh said lightly.

Loranna had been looking at Arynel as though somewhat confused by his words, and opened her mouth to say something like "Uh ... right ..."

Hearing Allie, however, she blinks. " ... Well, I suppose I'm more a half-breed now, or at least I look like one. Maybe I'm the AshNord?"

Not a word, love ... Loranna cautions Dagoth. He seems a little testy and I get the impression he's been through a lot recently.

Posted by: Arynel Dec 29 2004, 10:09 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 29 2004, 01:56 AM)

"If you start calling both of us 'Nord,' how shall we know to whom you speak?" Allerleirauh said lightly.

Arynel eyed Allerleirauh for a time.

"One demon that will devour the world, but leave me standing." The Breton began. "A second demon that will devour me, but leave the world intact."

He paused, giving his words spacial significance.

"I will leave them both as they are, and make my path to go neither way."

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Dec 29 2004, 10:12 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 29 2004, 03:51 AM)

The girl behind the veil nodded back to Solin, but kept her eye on him, only barely paying attention to the endless procession of gift-bearing netch-herders.

Left Hand was never one to miss an opportunity, no matter how dire the consequences would be.

Seeing the incarnate occupied with other things Left Hand sees his opportunity. He throws off the ashlander cloak he was wearing, wraps himself up in magicka, and rises from the ground, with the speed of lighting, onto the palanquin. He quickly slices the incarnates throat, then pulls his arm back, and jabs it deep into her chest.

Posted by: Marquis Dec 29 2004, 10:17 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 29 2004, 03:32 AM)

"Your incarnate just died..." Phyrdalion said calmly, waiting for Aricyn's response to the action "I suppose we have an issue now, don't we?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 29 2004, 10:18 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 29 2004, 02:59 AM)

"You know as little of devouring as you know of... horses," Allerleirauh said, with a tiny smile. "At night, when you were a child, your closet was very frightening to you, before you opened the door and shone a light inside. But no more of this. Surely you can be courteous, even to your enemies?"

Posted by: Aki Dec 29 2004, 10:18 AM

QUOTE(Arrogant_Hero @ Dec 29 2004, 04:02 AM)

Reichi watched, stunned. The scent of blood was definatly dunmer. It wasn't the real incarnate, but a attempt had been made none the less.
He drew his shortblade, and readied himself.

To Dar'var however, it looked more like a Guar dancing with a Cliffracer by moonlight. Of course, Dar'var was very high.

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 29 2004, 10:18 AM

QUOTE(Arrogant_Hero @ Dec 29 2004, 04:02 AM)

Out of the corner of his eye, Aricyn saw the cloak fall. He had learned, being mercilessly beaten with a wooden sword by his foster father at an early age, that the worst enemy of speed was distance.

His sword had cleared the scabbard before the stranger's cloak hit the ground, he had covered ten paces before the first priest, attending the Incarnate, had blinked in surprise, and his swing had started in the first hearbeat after the huge man left the ground, but still... he was simply too far away.

He watched as the girls throat was slit, and as the man's hand snapped her ribs, his foot finally touched the palanquin. His blade was not far behind, and the very air froze at its touch.

Phyrdalion's words were far behind him.

Posted by: Issa_Yojimbo Dec 29 2004, 10:19 AM

QUOTE(Arrogant_Hero @ Dec 29 2004, 04:02 AM)

The glyphs on Issa's sword change. The blade begins to glow. It glows with a light that is only seen around the blade but encompasses the universe. This light defies the spectrum of color. It defies all spectrums. This light mocks and laughs at the idea of Time. This light wraps itself around Loranna.

Posted by: Nalion Dec 29 2004, 10:19 AM

QUOTE(Arrogant_Hero @ Dec 29 2004, 09:02 AM)

Nalion stands in shock at the sudden move, then he is engulfed by a Dragon Skin spell, the ability the Bretons are born with.
He quickly tries to get to higher ground as to not harm other people when firing spells and casts levitation.

Posted by: Arynel Dec 29 2004, 10:20 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 29 2004, 02:08 AM)

"Enemy?" Arynel began. "I am unsure..."

The Breton stopped speaking, and grew silent.

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 29 2004, 10:20 AM

The Aslanders were unsure what was happening, and priests aren't known for their fast-thinking. More organization could've been seen at a rabbit herding contest, as everyone tried to decide which way to run.

Weapons were being drawn, though. That, everyone seemed to agree on.

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 29 2004, 10:20 AM

.....
(ooc: well, that was strange.)
Oh, pie.

Posted by: Loranna Dec 29 2004, 10:23 AM

QUOTE(Issa_Yojimbo @ Dec 29 2004, 04:09 AM)

Loranna had been watching Arynel and Allie speak, and was about to ask Allie what was goin on, when suddenly her mind heard a scream of terror and death, then more screams of horror, betrayal, world-shattering truth ...

" ... Oh no; something's happened!" she breathes - and then she's bathed in the light wrapping around her. " ... What?"

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Dec 29 2004, 10:27 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 29 2004, 04:08 AM)

Left Hand sensed the Nord before he got to him. The magicka in the air screamed a loud shriek to him. Left Hand quickly retracts his hand from the girl’s lifeless body, having found his prize… her heart. With his off hand he unsheathes his sword and parries the Nord’s powerful attack. A deep voice blasts from his mask.

“My quarrel was with the incarnate. It’s not with you. Stand down, fool!”

Posted by: Solin Dec 29 2004, 10:28 AM

Solin dusted himself off as he picked his person up off the ground. The poor girl had not known what hit her. Now Aricyn and the stranger were facing one another. The Dunmer pulled the magicka about himself and sent it whirling about himself creating a protective barrier.

Posted by: Arynel Dec 29 2004, 10:29 AM

Arynel suddenly recalls he had a pie in the oven.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 29 2004, 10:29 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Dec 29 2004, 03:13 AM)

"Loranna, what is it?" Allerleirauh said. The light seemed not to be harming Loranna. She felt her muscles tense, ready for anything.

Posted by: Marquis Dec 29 2004, 10:32 AM

Mharakin jumped to his feet when he realized what was happening. He ran over to Phyrdalion "What the hell just happened?"

Phyrdalion points to the dead dunmer and to Aricyn and Left Hand "I think he can handle this himself, but keep your daggers ready, this is not a natural foe." Phyrdalion unsheathed his sword and moved close to the fight, ready to strike. He shouted to Aricyn "Shall we assist?"

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 29 2004, 10:35 AM

QUOTE(Arrogant_Hero @ Dec 29 2004, 04:17 AM)

Aricyn could hear other people yelling, and he could see them moving... so slowly. He and the masked stranger danced their dance in isolation, though, isolated by speed.

Left Hand could feel the cold of the Nord's blade through his own as he parried, but the two weapons barely touched. Aricyn's sword slid down with a spark, and it's point was instantly heading for the assassin's chest, as Aricyn smoothly switched hands and spun.

Posted by: Loranna Dec 29 2004, 10:35 AM

Loranna samples some of Arynel's pie ...

Posted by: Nalion Dec 29 2004, 10:42 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 29 2004, 09:25 AM)

Seeing the incredible fast movements of the both combatants, Nalion is unable to get a sure hit on his target. The Dunmeri girl that posed as false incarnate sadly was beyond his help now.
Instead, the Breton mage tries to keep innocents away from the clash of Arycin and the unknown assassin.

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Dec 29 2004, 10:44 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 29 2004, 04:25 AM)

Left Hand looked out of his peripheral vision, as he fought with the Nord, and took in the crowd. People where starting to come to their senses, and his cover was blown. Left Hand is good but he’s no God. He needed to make like the winds, and fast.

Left Hand made a slight motion with his weaponless hand, and his speed increased ten-fold. Left Hand grabbed up a wave of magicka and sent it at the Nord. The blast swept the mighty Nord off balance, and that was all it took. Left hand make another slight gesture, and he was gone. All that remained was a pool of blood from the heart.

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 29 2004, 10:47 AM

QUOTE(Arrogant_Hero @ Dec 29 2004, 04:34 AM)

Aricyn had never been able to keep from blinking. Oh, he knew that fireballs, lightning, and anything else a wizard could throw at him wasn't going to hurt, but he still couldn't help blinking when it hit.

When his eyes opened again, the assassin was gone.

Sprawled on the palanquin was the young girl, her veil matted to her face with her life's blood.

Posted by: Marquis Dec 29 2004, 10:48 AM

QUOTE(Arrogant_Hero @ Dec 29 2004, 04:34 AM)

"So then, that takes care of that. I told you he could handle it." Phyrdalion looked down at Mharakin before moving to Aricyn "Now hold still, this will tingle." Phyrdalion's hands lit up with a blue light as he cast a healing spell on Aricyn, the spell simply disapeared and Aricyn was unaffected. "Odd. In any case, who was that?"

Posted by: Loranna Dec 29 2004, 10:49 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 29 2004, 04:37 AM)

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 29 2004, 04:19 AM)

"Loranna, what is it?" Allerleirauh said. The light seemed not to be harming Loranna. She felt her muscles tense, ready for anything.

"Death ..." Loranna says, and in the light surrounding her Allie can see grey come into Loranna's eyes, and her expression change, becoming less the tavern girl's and more ...

When Loranna speaks next, her voice rolls across the badlands, reverberating through the two towers, lancing into every ear.

The enemies of the Dunmer people have often attacked our flesh and our spirit, but they have never succeeded in taking our Pride. Through Pride in our strength and our achievements, no defeat is eternal; like Dusk passing on to Dawn, we rise again ...

Loranna raises her hands ...

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 29 2004, 10:54 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Dec 29 2004, 04:39 AM)

The screams of the confused crowd are stopped short by the voice of their Prince. They stop, and stand in wonder...

Posted by: Aki Dec 29 2004, 10:54 AM

Reichi sheathed his sword and edged towards the edge of the crowd. Not wanting to get caught in a riot if one broke out.

Dar'Var, too high to care, merely stared at the moons.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 29 2004, 10:55 AM

Allerleirauh saw the look in Loranna's eyes.

She spoke a string of power, and departed, reappearing outside the Ghostfence, where she had first arrived.

Posted by: Issa_Yojimbo Dec 29 2004, 10:55 AM

Issa Yojimbo watches in awe of what is going on around him. His sword had done strange things before, but never something to alter the fabric of Time itself.

Suddenly, he was alone. Alone in a vast nothingness. He saw Loranna. Or was it Azura? Yojimbo could not tell. The world around him was a black nothingness, but Azura was clearly standing before him. Issa began to crack under the strain of supernatural events before him. Azura turned and spoke to him, but he did not understand her. She spoke in a tongue which only the Daedra and Aedra may understand. But somehow, it was comforting to him.

He blinked once and found himself back at Ghostgate, and the events surrounding him...

Posted by: Nalion Dec 29 2004, 10:56 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Dec 29 2004, 09:39 AM)

When Loranna speaks next, her voice rolls across the badlands, reverberating through the two towers, lancing into every ear.

The enemies of the Dunmer people have often attacked our flesh and our spirit, but they have never succeeded in taking our Pride. Through Pride in our strength and our achievements, no defeat is eternal; like Dusk passing on to Dawn, we rise again ...

The sound of Lorannas voice rings in Nalions ears. His concentration on the levitation spell is broken and he falls the two feet he was hovering over the ground. He manages to catch himself and straigthens.

"Just right in time, or we would have trouble in explaing to those people what just heppened here..." he thinks.

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 29 2004, 10:58 AM

QUOTE(Marquis @ Dec 29 2004, 04:38 AM)

"I have no idea..." says Aricyn, and then the voice of Azura distracts them all.

Posted by: Loranna Dec 29 2004, 10:59 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 29 2004, 04:44 AM)

The screams of the confused crowd are stopped short by the voice of their Prince. They stop, and stand in wonder...

At the palanquin, a brilliant white light suddenly appears, temporarily blinding any who look ...

When the light fades, there is no blood or dead body - simply Loranna, her cloak billowing and her hood down so that all may see her ashen skin and blond hair, and her silver tearstreaks shining under grey eyes.

Behold the majesty of Azura, which no blade can end and no spell can destroy, she intones, her hands held out wide to encompass everyone present. Behold the shining power of the Dunmer peoples' Pride; see how our enemies can not hurt us and rejoice! Sheathe your swords, for this is a joyous time, not a bloody one!

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 29 2004, 11:04 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Dec 29 2004, 04:49 AM)

At the palanquin, a brilliant white light suddenly appears, temporarily blinding any who look ...

When the light fades, there is no blood or dead body - simply loranna, her cloak billowing and her hood down so that all may see her ashen skin and blond hair, and her silver tearstreaks shining under grey eyes.

Behold the majesty of Azura, which no blade can end and no spell can destroy, she intones, her hands held out wide to encompass everyone present. Behold the shining power of the Dunmer peoples' Pride; see how our enemies can not hurt us and rejoice! Sheathe your swords, for this is a joyous time, not a bloody one!

Aricyn reached behind him and sheathed his blade.

Quietly, to Loranna, he said, "By the Wind, am I glad to see you."

He hadn't actually LOOKED at her, yet.

The crowd roared with renewed fervor, and like waves on the ocean, all fell to their knees in adoration.

Posted by: Aki Dec 29 2004, 11:05 AM

Reichi raised a eyebrow. Thinking What the hell happened to her? Shes gone all ashy....musta rolled around on the ground on something...

Dar'Var shouted a 'YAH!!!', before falling off the cart he had been sitting on.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 29 2004, 11:08 AM

"Oh, wonderful," Allerleirauh said. Now this might tempt the Dunmer to the worship of Azura. She wondered if there was any point in seeking an audience with Saryoni.

Far down the foyada, Doll started running towards them as fast as her short legs would carry her. She wasn't venturing into the Void, not after the events earlier with the children.

Posted by: Issa_Yojimbo Dec 29 2004, 11:09 AM

Issa walks up to Loranna, pushing through the crowd.

"Who are you? What happened just now? Do you know what this is?"

Issa presesnts his glyph-marked blade to Loranna.

Posted by: Marquis Dec 29 2004, 11:10 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Dec 29 2004, 04:49 AM)

"Well, that was quite the entrance, don't you agree?" said Phyrdalion to Mharakin, still in his alcohol induced calmness. "If you had any doubts, discard them. You can see from her face she has recieved the same punishment as your kin."

Mharakin looked at Loranna in awe, the scar on his hand burned. "Mephala sees her, and she tells me that Azura is here indeed. She does look like one of us, but with your foul, yellowed hair. This should be interesting." Mharakin could not take his eyes off of Loranna, it was amazing that someone could wield so much power with such grace.

Posted by: Sheogorath Dec 29 2004, 11:14 AM

The Void

Leseth and Bosriel had been watching the King of Morrowind plot and plan for some time now. Not everything he said and did was very interesting. Much of the daily business of sovereignty is in the details. Reviewing laws and wills and ministerial appointments. Discussing taxes and harvests, mining contracts and court gossip of no interest to anyone.

Bosriel was a child when she was made into a Void Vampire a millenia ago. She had aged in many ways, but she still possessed the patience of a little girl. The minutiae of government bored her, and as the hours passed, she began to feel hunger again. She had gorged herself not so very long ago, but with nothing to distract her, she found herself watching the king's counselors and even the king himself, and smelling the blood pumping through their veins. She knew better than to act on this instinct, but it was difficult.

It was interesting when the one called Ayum or He-Who-Hunts-Elves met with the King though. That might be something that Elysana would want to know about.

Still, they waited in silence in the Void for some hours after, just watching.

Leseth was patient, but Bosriel finally asked him, 'How long should we watch?'

Posted by: Loranna Dec 29 2004, 11:17 AM

QUOTE(Issa_Yojimbo @ Dec 29 2004, 04:59 AM)

Issa walks up to Loranna, pushing through the crowd.

"Who are you? What happened just now? Do you know what this is?"

Issa presesnts his glyph-marked blade to Loranna.

Though others in the crowd react with horrified dismay at Issa, Loranna holds up a hand and gazes at him with grey eyes.

Behold Azura, Prince of Moonshadow, she says to Issa.

Your blade's secrets you must learn on your own eventually, but know this; you hold prophecy honed to razor's edge.

Unseen by most, Dagoth Lich hovers at the crowd's edge ...

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 29 2004, 11:22 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Dec 29 2004, 05:04 AM)

Leseth was patient, but Bosriel finally asked him, 'How long should we watch?'

(THE VOID:)

"I am sorry," said the quiet voice of Leseth, hanging in the darkness. "You are hungry, no doubt.

"Careful, though, Little One. We will not make the same mistake with this monarch that Mirror made with the queen. We shall give not one hint of our presence here.

"Come," he says, smoothing back her dark hair. "Let us find something for you to eat. Someone that won't be missed."

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 29 2004, 11:26 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Dec 29 2004, 05:07 AM)

Aricyn turned and looked at Loranna, standing tall on the palanquin, her dark arms outstretched. Whatever went through his mind at her appearance did not show on his face.

He turned and raised his voice to the crowd, "ALL HAIL AZURA! Here lies the Shrine of Pride of victory over old enemies, and she has conquered the oldest enemy of all! DEATH!"

The crowd's reaction was just what he expected.

Posted by: Sheogorath Dec 29 2004, 11:30 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 29 2004, 05:12 AM)

(THE VOID:)

"Come," he says, smoothing back her dark hair. "Let us find something for you to eat. Someone that won't be missed."

Bosriel nodded. Perhaps a thief breaking into someone's home. A beggar sleeping in a dark alley. An adventurer investigating an ancient dungeon. A lost child. The banquet of Tamriel's doomed citizenry.

But she could still taste Arynel's blood. She would not hunt him, for Leseth told her not to. But the part of her that was savage and didn't care yearned to devour the beautiful man.

Still, she obediently followed Leseth towards more suitable prey.

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Dec 29 2004, 11:31 AM

Left Hand materializes far away from Ghostgate, but is still close enough to hear the real incarnate’s voice.

QUOTE(Loranna @ Dec 29 2004, 04:49 AM)

...Behold the majesty of Azura, which no blade can end and no spell can destroy, she intones, her hands held out wide to encompass everyone present. Behold the shining power of the Dunmer peoples' Pride; see how our enemies can not hurt us and rejoice! Sheathe your swords, for this is a joyous time, not a bloody one!

“Damn, it all!” Left Hand yells as he throws the heart down. It hits the ground with a sickening, splat.

“I knew something was wrong. I felt it. I should have trusted my senses and not my eyes. I knew something felt wrong about her.”

Left Hand lets out a string of curses, before he is interrupted by a voice touching his mind. Before the voice can speak, Left Hand is down to one knee.

“My, Lord…” Left Hand begins with his head down.

“I already know. I see all.” A voice only Left Hand can hear states, strongly. “Your actions do not disappoint me. If that was the true incarnate you would have made me proud. Treat this failure as a lesson,”

Left Hand cringles, unnoticeably at the word... failure.

“And do not let it happen again. I expect you back in three days with the heart of the real incarnate.”

Left Hand feels the voice leave him, and he rises to his feet. His Lord has never used the word failure with him. Never in over a thousand years in service. That word struck him deep, and brought up feelings he thought he buried a long time ago. This was no longer, a regular mission. Left Hand would mark this day in his memory and always remember it. It was the first time his Lord used the word “failure” and it was the first time, in a long time, Left Hand truly, felt hate, and vengeance. This was no longer just to please, his Lord, this was personal. No one made Left Hand look like a failure in front of his Lord… no one.

Posted by: Solin Dec 29 2004, 11:32 AM

Solin turned his back on the goddess wearing the same smile he wore in front of the "false" one. He tread away from the planaquin towards Allerleirauh and the two towers of Ghostgate. He looked down at his boot as he crossed the dust covered landscape. His brown boots were gray with the ash of his homland. The Dunmer laughed and continued towards the towers.

Meanwhile.

Liris stood in the doorway of the tower of Dusk slack-jawed. The mug of ale which he had been drinking from lay strewn across the ground in more than a dozen pieces. His servant Faril tugged at his sleeve, he had interupted the Lord's drink summoning him to the assassination.

Posted by: Issa_Yojimbo Dec 29 2004, 11:32 AM

Issa walks down to the back of the crowd. Turning to his first friend, he says

"Reichi, I have never been more confused in my entire life. I'm going to have a drink or four. If something more dramatic than what just happened happens, don't wake me. Tell me tomorrow."

Issa slowly walks into the Tower of Dusk.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 29 2004, 11:35 AM

Allerleirauh watched the audience reaction with a face that might have been carved from stone. She was thinking. Whatever happened had happened quickly, too quickly for Aricyn to stop it. She herself hated escort missions; ordinary people were far too fragile.

She would have to take steps to assure that the real Loranna did not die as the false one had.

She noticed Solin approaching and went to speak to him.

"Lies are nothing new," she said. "The Tribunal Temple was established by lies; whatever comes after it will be established by lies as well. But behind Vehk's lies there was truth, and behind these... nothing. What did you see? Who was the assassin and how did he strike?"

Posted by: Aki Dec 29 2004, 11:36 AM

QUOTE(Issa_Yojimbo @ Dec 29 2004, 05:22 AM)

Reichi nodded and watched Issa head into the tower. Wondering if he should get some rest as well.

Posted by: Loranna Dec 29 2004, 11:48 AM

For right now, it seems Loranna and Azura are simply accepting the devotion of Azura's worshippers, though within the ashskinned Nord's body, Loranna quietly watches everything, thinking to herself From here, all that remains is Vivec - and all the obstacles along the way.

Posted by: Solin Dec 29 2004, 11:56 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 29 2004, 03:25 AM)

She noticed Solin approaching and went to speak to him.

"Lies are nothing new," she said. "The Tribunal Temple was established by lies; whatever comes after it will be established by lies as well. But behind Vehk's lies there was truth, and behind these... nothing. What did you see? Who was the assassin and how did he strike?"

The Dunmer's jovial face smoothes out into it's usual more serious affection at Allerleirauh's question.

"The assassin was fast, well schooled in magicka and in weapons. Experience perhaps. I'm afraid his ease of attack was partially my own fault," Solin said somewhat somberly, "The girl was distracted by my presence and the assassin saw his openning and struck faster than a well baited Kagouti."

The mer paused a moment as he considered.

"The man was confronted by Aricyn and turned his blade aside. He fled intead of making a stand before the crowd."

Posted by: Issa_Yojimbo Dec 29 2004, 11:58 AM

Issa, in fact, did not even touch any of the 4 jugs of Mazte he ordered. He only though of the events surrounding him and Azura's words.

"Maybe I'm finally in over my head."

Looking out the window to the hundreds of people needing a bed, Issa decides to grab one and get to sleep before all the rooms are taken.

Soon, he is fast asleep.

His dreams haunt him.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 29 2004, 12:00 PM

QUOTE(Solin @ Dec 29 2004, 04:46 AM)

"Well, Sen-Yedda isn't easy to slay, or Arynel's poison would have killed her," Allerleirauh said. "I hope her resilience will give us a few moments of warning."

She smiled. She was not at all certain that Solin shared her goal of keeping Loranna alive. But that was fine. Their true goals were almost identical, and she liked knowing that one cleverer than herself sought alternate solutions to the problem of Azura's incarnate on Nirn.

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Dec 29 2004, 12:12 PM

Dressed in the clothes of an Ashlander, with a large, midnight black, hooded cloak, Left Hand stays to the back of Loranna’s party.

“There’s too many of them now, and stronger ones have joined. Now is not the time to make my move.” Left Hand smiles under his cloak. “But I have time... I can wait.”

Left Hand clouds his mind, and disappears into Loranna’s group blending in with the crowd.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Dec 29 2004, 02:53 PM

After seeing all that had happened Dagoth was still in a state of confusion and delerium. Yet he also felt something else, anger. Much anger. The cause of the anger, is not yet known to any but him.

'Grrr....'

Posted by: FireMaster Dec 29 2004, 03:56 PM

*Erenius had pretty much been all asleep the previous night after returning from Suran*

*When Erenius awoke he looked about, and almost immediately saw Dagoth, whom he walked towards*

"Havent seen you in a long while," Erenius says, extending a hand. "How fare you, and I must apologize about shadowing you last night after I left Suran...but how could I have resisted using my modest tracking skills to follow you?"

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Dec 29 2004, 04:08 PM

'Hello. Erenius.' Dagoth said with a lackluster and almost emotionless voice, much unlike how he normally sounds. 'Things have..... not been going so well. But I would rather not speak of such things at the moment.'

Posted by: FireMaster Dec 29 2004, 04:23 PM

*Erenius merely nods*

"As you wish, Dagoth," Erenius says as he starts to leave, helping to finished loading the supplies he bought in Suran onto the various supply carts throught the large group.

"If only this procession wasnt such an event," Erenius mumbles, frustrated at the sheer size of those at the party, and the massive money sink his role was, considerring not one person was likely to reimburse him either now, or later.

Posted by: Attrebus Dec 29 2004, 04:35 PM

*The Imperial Palace, Mournhold*
Helseth looked over some reports. Excellent he thought. Elysana is travelling exactly where the spy said she would. I wouldn't want her to arrive without being greeted.

Posted by: Arynel Dec 29 2004, 05:22 PM

Arynel gazes towards Loranna, and whispers to the wind.

"Can you not be done with this?" The Breton begins. "Can you not let this cease? Has not enough death been wrought? Have not enough lives been lost? You call yourself queen. Goddess! You would make yourself to rule over these people, over this land, and yet your are blind to them. You know not their needs. You scarcely know you're own schemes. You wish to rule righteously? You should have let them be at the first."

Posted by: Anghardel67 Dec 29 2004, 08:10 PM

Azrael walked along for quite some time, over ashen skeletons of adventurers long forgotten, tangled plant roots, and clumps of dirt. He was forced to do battle with a pair of seemingly mating cliffracers, which he slaughtered without hesitation, and with the sun as well. As he moved forward, he could feel it's rays beating down on him, threatening to render his life forfeit, if it wasn't for the small bit of water he had decided to carry with him. He wondered now why he hadn't given the strider a few more coins to take him directly to the ghostgate, rather than into this deep crevasse of silt. Making his way over a small hill, he finally spotted the Ghostgate, appearing nearly magestic against the gray background of the land. He was where he should be, now he had only to wait for Loranna.

Ang

Posted by: niceguy5 Dec 29 2004, 08:17 PM

"Dane...waht are you doing?" Jekk asked curiously "...Dane contorl yourself now"

It was to late Jekk's warnings could not reach the were-vamps ears. Dane engulfed the rat with his jaws, sucking the blood out the innocent creature. Dane shurgged his borad shoulders.

"What?..." He said pulling a move, what he called an "Loranna eye trick" As his orange eyes switched back to its normal brown glow.

Jekk made a disgusted face as he stood up, out from his chair "Let's go outside. I want to see the Incarnate"

Dane waited a moment letting the rat digest, after putting a few drakes on the table Dane then left after Jekk.

Posted by: Aki Dec 29 2004, 11:48 PM

QUOTE(FireMaster @ Dec 29 2004, 10:13 AM)

Reichi saw Erenius unloading carts alone and wandered over. "You need any help mister?" he asked.

Posted by: FireMaster Dec 30 2004, 12:23 AM

"Sure," Erenius replies. "Anything to help, seeing as how all these Dunmer do most of the time is eat, sleep, and gape at Loranna."

Posted by: Loranna Dec 30 2004, 12:25 AM

For a brief second, Loranna meets Arynel's gaze, though it's hard to tell what color her eyes are - and by the time he could try to discern their hue, Loranna had turned her gaze away to look over the crowd once more.

Outwardly continuing what she'd been doing, Loranna sighs inwardly, having heard the words whispered on the wind. She wonders what, if anything, to reply to the Breton when there's a moment to speak to him ...

Could she be done with this, let this cease? By now, would her stopping what she was doing actually cease the events that so upset him? Azura's binding was weakening but still strong enough to keep her from Oblivion; stopping now wouldn't do anything more than delay Azura's quest - eventually she'd make Loranna return to finish the job, or if not Loranna, then someone else. The assasin that had struck but a short while ago probably didn't know it, but Azura's words were true - mortal weapons weren't going to stop her, and if Loranna had been the one to fall prey to his blade, then all that meant was someone else would become the new Incarnate sooner or later.

Has there been enough loss of life already? What kind of question was that - more lives than she herself would have wanted to see pass away died back in Cyrodiil, on Tales and Tallows. Of course there had been too much life lost already - she already knew she started her journey to fulfill Azura's quest badly, and that a lot of people have suffered because of it. If she could bring them back, she would; if she could go back and change what she did so that lives need not have been lost in the first place ...

... well, perhaps that she wouldn't do. As terrible as the path she had taken to this point had been, who was to say that another choice would have been better or worse? She wished she had been smarter about starting this whole mess off, but having stumbled along the way, she had at least seen some glimmerings of true goodness coming from her journey, and had begun to feel that perhaps there wasn't really anything anyone could do to prevent catastrophe totally.

She'd be queen and goddess to the Dunmer? No; that was Azura, not her, and Azura was already their goddess. She herself was going to die giving birth to Sen-Yedda; perhaps her daughter would be queen, but unless the third prophecy came true in a rather dramatic way, Loranna saw herself being taken out of the picture once Hogithum past. Was she blind to them? Maybe; she didn't claim to fully understand what the Dunmer people truly wanted yet, though she was slowly coming to know them.

Did she want to rule rightously? ... She didn't really want to rule at all; that wasn't who she saw herself as. If as Incarnate she was ruling in Azura's name, then she knew she wasn't doing the best of jobs but she was trying to learn, because the Dunmer deserved at least a half-decent ruler. Still, they had a mortal king already, and they had the Daedra for their gods - they didn't need a Nordic barmaid for either. Still ... if she wasn't going to be taken out of the picture, then she'd try to do right by them ...

She should have let them be from the first? ... Sigh; what a totally useless thing to say at this state of events. She felt a pang of ... disappointment ...

Other thoughts began to catch her notice; she could feel Dagoth's unhappy mood, caught a bit of Erenius's dismay about feeding the procession. There were matters that would need her attention soon ...

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 30 2004, 01:30 AM

Allerleirauh touched Arynel gently on the shoulder.

"We should return to Artaeum, if we can, and check on Master B. Do you think you can take us to him again? Artaeum has powerful magics, but if you can find him in Oblivion, surely you can find him there."

Posted by: Arynel Dec 30 2004, 01:35 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 29 2004, 05:20 PM)

"The Psijic?" Arynel began. "Yes, I can find him, threads will run where they will, but they do not decieve, where the thread ends, there he will be."

He paused.

"She may still be there, but that is a risk we must take."

The Breton whispered a string of power

He sifted through necessity

And shattered past the window-barriers

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 30 2004, 01:37 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 29 2004, 06:25 PM)

Allerleirauh spoke a string of power, and followed Arynel.

Posted by: Arynel Dec 30 2004, 01:39 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 29 2004, 05:27 PM)

Allerleirauh spoke a string of power, and followed Arynel.

Once inside the void, Arynel's cloak became an array of colored threads. Pure magicka from Aetherius tracing out the paths of the universe.

The Breton closed his eyes and lifted a finger. Slowly, he brought the finger down, finding a thread which he began to follow and is twisted and turned...

Arynel's finger came to a halt, and the Breton's eyes snapped open.

Silently, he turned, and exited the void.

Posted by: Celarus Dec 30 2004, 01:43 AM

Artaeum, Summurset

Celarus left the patient’s bedside and went out to the garden outside. It was a sweet little patch of herbs, crafted for their medicinal use, not for decoration, but it was beautiful nevertheless, like all things on the island. The plants that required sunlight were on one side, the ones that required shade found shelter under a kiosk supported by pillars. Everything in its place, everything balanced.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 30 2004, 01:43 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 29 2004, 06:29 PM)

Allerleirauh whispered another string of power, and followed Arynel into the world.

"He's still sleeping," she whispered.

Posted by: Arynel Dec 30 2004, 01:46 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 29 2004, 05:33 PM)

Allerleirauh whispered another string of power, and followed Arynel into the world.

"He's still sleeping," she whispered.

"He should rest." Arynel said. "Unless there is a reaon to wake him?"

The Breton paused, looking off to the side for a moment.

"What do we do now, wait?"

Posted by: Celarus Dec 30 2004, 01:49 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 29 2004, 07:36 PM)

"He should rest." Arynel said. "Unless there is a reaon to wake him?"

The Breton paused, looking off to the side for a moment.

"What do we do now, wait?"

Celarus heard the whispers, and stepped back into the cottage. He didn't seem at all surprised by the sudden appearance of people who had mere moments before not been there.

"Good afternoon."

Posted by: Arynel Dec 30 2004, 01:52 AM

QUOTE(Celarus @ Dec 29 2004, 05:39 PM)

Celarus heard the whispers, and stepped back into the cottage. He didn't seem at all surprised by the sudden appearance of people who had mere moments before not been there.

"Good afternoon."

"Oh, hello." Arynel said, turning towards the stranger. "Who are you?"

The Breton's gaze remained on the Celarus.

Posted by: Celarus Dec 30 2004, 01:54 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 29 2004, 07:42 PM)

"Oh, hello." Arynel said, turning towards the stranger. "Who are you?"

The Breton's gaze remained on the stranger.

"Celarus," the old Altmer said without a smile. "I don't believe we've met ... Though I remember your pretty companion here from some time ago ... Mercy, is it?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 30 2004, 01:55 AM

QUOTE(Celarus @ Dec 29 2004, 06:39 PM)

Celarus heard the whispers, and stepped back into the cottage. He didn't seem at all surprised by the sudden appearance of people who had mere moments before not been there.

"Good afternoon."

Allerleirauh bowed deeply. "Loremaster Celarus? Forgive us for our intrusion. We were concerned about our friend. Yes, I was Mercy, though I more often call myself Allerleirauh."

Posted by: Celarus Dec 30 2004, 01:57 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 29 2004, 07:45 PM)

Allerleirauh bowed deeply. "Loremaster Celarus? Forgive us for our intrusion. We were concerned about our friend. Yes, I was Mercy, though I more often call myself Allerleirauh."

"Your friend, is he?" Celarus nodded. His eyes were still friendly, but he frowned. "Perhaps you can explain things to me then. I have talked to a dozen people about what happened, and received two dozen explanations."

Posted by: Arynel Dec 30 2004, 01:58 AM

QUOTE(Celarus @ Dec 29 2004, 05:44 PM)

"Celarus," the old Altmer said without a smile. "I don't believe we've met ... Though I remember your pretty companion here from some time ago ... Mercy, is it?"

"Celarus..." Arynel pondered. "I have heard that before..."

The Breton paused, scratching his chin.

"Altmer, and a Psijic, I assume? That is part of it, but not enough. A name is scarcely an identity."

"What happened? You refer to the Nord-demon. Many things, too horrible to mention."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 30 2004, 01:59 AM

"He's very young," Allerleirauh said quickly. "I will be happy to tell you what I know."

Posted by: Celarus Dec 30 2004, 02:00 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 29 2004, 07:48 PM)

"No, but it's a start," he replied. "You likewise did not supply me with your complete biography upon your intrusion onto the island I have been entrusted with."

To Allerleirauh, he added, "Please go on."

Posted by: Arynel Dec 30 2004, 02:03 AM

QUOTE(Celarus @ Dec 29 2004, 05:50 PM)

"I am called Arynel." The Breton said. "I am a traveler, and humble. That is all there is worth telling."

He fell silent, listening to Celarus and Allerleirauh converse.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 30 2004, 02:05 AM

QUOTE(Celarus @ Dec 29 2004, 06:50 PM)

"Sir, I have a journal which Master B gave to me, which is magically tied to his journal. Most of what I can tell you comes from his notes. He means to find a way to stop or control the incarnation of Azura, Loranna; and he went to Oblivion seeking Azura's True Name. There we found him, in the midst of making a contract with one whom we could not see. We fought the guardian of the place - I do not know what realm we were in - and returned, and then he fell into this state, as you see."

Posted by: Marquis Dec 30 2004, 02:06 AM

Phyrdalion put his hand on Mharakin's shoulder and pointed to Erenius and Reichi "Let us see if we may be of some assistance. It is wise to be useful." the two walked over to Erenius and began unloading the cart. Phyrdalion spoke to Erenius "I think we need more carts, perhaps they will have some in one of the towers."

Posted by: Celarus Dec 30 2004, 02:09 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 29 2004, 07:55 PM)

Celarus frowned. "Yes, I heard that explanation. But of all the stories I was told, that seemed the most likely to be fictional. Is he mad?"

Posted by: FireMaster Dec 30 2004, 02:09 AM

*Erenius turns to Phyrdalion*

"Very well then," Erenius says. "Go to the tower and see if they have two-dozen spare carts, and additional parts."

*Erenius then pointed to Mharakin*

"You, help here and unload the carts so the items may be redistributed," Erenius requests.

Posted by: Arynel Dec 30 2004, 02:11 AM

QUOTE(Celarus @ Dec 29 2004, 05:59 PM)

Celarus frowned. "Yes, I heard that explanation. But of all the stories I was told, that seemed the most likely to be fictional. Is he mad?"

"Mad? The Psijic?" Arynel mused under his breath. "No more or less than any of the others."

The Breton chuckled to himself, and shook his head back and forth.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 30 2004, 02:13 AM

QUOTE(Celarus @ Dec 29 2004, 06:59 PM)

Celarus frowned. "Yes, I heard that explanation. But of all the stories I was told, that seemed the most likely to be fictional. Is he mad?"

"He is not mad, sir, merely desperate. If you had traveled through Skyrim with us, you would not ask if we were mad. And the dead of Skyrim are the least of it. When Loranna slew her mother she tampered with the nature of Azura herself; we all felt it, as the wheel shuddered. It is for that reason, he said, that he took such a risk. And he asked me not to talk him out of it, and I respected his wishes."

Posted by: Nalion Dec 30 2004, 02:13 AM

The trouble and uproar around the palanquin of the "Incarnate", caused by the assassination of Loranna's double, had calmed down. Now, Loranna was bathing in the admiration of her worshippers.
Their belief seemed to grow more intense since Loranna had appeared out of nowhere, skin ashen-gray, while still bearing the features of her true nordic self.

Nalion steps out of the growing shadow near the entrance of the Tower of Dusk where he had been sitting. Evening falls on the valley of Ghostgate and Azura's star begins its rise across the firmament.
Resting his eyes a moment on Loranna, the Breton mage ponderes the last words Loranna had spoken and grows contemplative:
"The inscription on the shrine of the Grace of Pride says:
'Here, Vivec, Sotha Sil, and Almalexia used many soul gems to create the Ghostfence, an unwavering symbol of Dunmer pride.'
The Ghostfence has fallen and is not needed anymore..."

Nalion spied Erenius near some supply wagons, looking forlorn.
"Erenius, it is good to see you again." Nalion gazed at the goods that the wagons carried. "I have never thanked you properly for managing this trail and doing those tasks that are easily forgotten when no stomach growls. If I may be of assistance, I would gladly help. If you could play your connections with Fort Buckmoth's quartermaster, I could perhaps provide fast travel to Ghostgate..." he said while approaching Erenius, a smile on his face.

Posted by: Celarus Dec 30 2004, 02:16 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 29 2004, 08:03 PM)

"What good did he think would come from slaying a Daedra Prince?"

Posted by: FireMaster Dec 30 2004, 02:16 AM

"Yes...soon as Phydralion returns with the two-dozen carts I asked him to get," Erenius says. "But when he returns, you can help me and his companion, as well as whatever Dunmer wish to help us, redistribute the goods between the carts."

Posted by: Arynel Dec 30 2004, 02:20 AM

QUOTE(Celarus @ Dec 29 2004, 06:06 PM)

"What good did he think would come from slaying a Daedra Prince?"

"Too much has gone awry." Arynel said under his breath. "Too much as to be irreversable. It should not be this way, as it is now. He choose right, though perhaps his method was not. The demon cannot continue to walk Mundus in a mortal vehicle. She must be sent back."

The Breton frowned, and continued listening.

Posted by: Celarus Dec 30 2004, 02:24 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 29 2004, 08:10 PM)

“We had a man here once,” the old mer said. “A Chimer named Sotha Sil, who could construct the most astonishing devices. It was before my time, but I’ve been told he would spend years at each one until they were perfect, but many a time, by then, he wouldn’t know its purpose. He spoke to the Daedra too, and felt he was doing good work, but I would caution you and your friend not to assume you can fix a machine when you don’t know its rhythm.”

Posted by: Arynel Dec 30 2004, 02:26 AM

QUOTE(Celarus @ Dec 29 2004, 06:14 PM)

"Perhaps tis so, I cannot claim to know." Arynel said. "The road goes where it will, and we each walk as our feet doth choose to trod. Still, I do not think it should be this way. I have seen more than I ought to."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 30 2004, 02:28 AM

QUOTE(Celarus @ Dec 29 2004, 07:14 PM)

Allerleirauh thought of Solin, wandering through the Clockwork City, wandering in his mind.

"Sir, surely Azura does not belong on earth, in the person of a Nordic barmaid. And... more than that. Loranna herself suffers. She is not great enough in spirit for the task she has chosen; Azura's true nature appalls her. For so many reasons, this needs an end."

Posted by: Marquis Dec 30 2004, 02:31 AM

QUOTE(FireMaster @ Dec 29 2004, 07:59 PM)

Phyrdalion walked off and into the tower of dawn. He looked around for someone of use. At last he found the single person who had been left behind to keep shop and hadn't gone to see Loranna. The dunmer was sleeping with his feet propped up on the table he was at. Phyrdalion cleared his throat, and the dunmer awoke, startled.

"Wha, what do you want?" said the mer, yawning as he stood up. "Did the incarnate leave?"

"No, she's still here." said Phyrdalion, walking close to the counter "I would like to purchase some fine carts for carrying supplies. Do you have any?"

"We have lots, the Ashlanders have been buying them in droves. How many do you need?" the clerk looked down at his inventry sheet to make sure he was right.

"I require two-dozen carts, and guars to pull them. How much would that cost?"

The clerk looked at Phyrdalion wide-eyed "That's quite a number, it is going to be expensive. Let me think... 85,000 Septims, a high number indeed." the clerk shifted around with excitement at making such a large sale.

"Yes, little too high. These are for the Incarnate and her procession, I'm certain you can give me some sort of a discount. Perhaps half that?" Phyrdalion smiled a regal smile.

The clerk looked dissapointed at Phyrdalion's response "I can't do that, even for the incarnate. 60,000 is as low as I can sell them, and that's the best deal you'll find on Vvardenfell."

"Well, I understand your position, I guess I'll have to settle for 60,000 then." Phyrdalion kneeled down and searched in his sack for his money. He pulled out some of his most valuable coins and handed them to the clerk. "You may count it, it is all there. Where can I get my carts?"

The clerk counted the gold quickly, and said to Phyrdalion "Take this paper and give it to the herdsman over the hill, he will give you your carts and your guar."

Phyrdalion walked out, and over the hill.
___

Mharakin was helping to unload the supplies, and taking mental inventory of everything they had. "You sure this will be enough?" said Mharakin to Erenius.

Posted by: Celarus Dec 30 2004, 02:31 AM

To Arynel, Celarus said: "“Your friend was on the cusp of joining his ancestors, but we have nursed him back. Perhaps that was, as you would say, a poor path to take, if he does have the name of Azura inside. His life might bring despair. But he will live when his healing sleep is done.”

To Allerleirauh: "You may be right. Would you slay the girl?"

Posted by: FireMaster Dec 30 2004, 02:35 AM

*Erenius thought it over for a moment, looking first at the supplies unloaded, then at those still on the carts*

"Yea, but theres also the ones in the two carts over there, that I brought from Suran," Erenius replies, finishing his duty before herding those other two carts.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 30 2004, 02:35 AM

QUOTE(Celarus @ Dec 29 2004, 07:21 PM)

"I... would rather not. And besides, it's not easy. Arynel and I together tried to kill the child within her, using the greatest magics I know, and much secrecy, for Loranna can read the minds of those around her. But I would rather end one foolish girl's life than see Vehk's people go backwards, returning to the worship of the Daedra. He dreamed of them going forwards. Or so he said to me. And I love him. I should tell you that, so you understand at least some of the ways in which I am a fool."

Posted by: Celarus Dec 30 2004, 02:40 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 29 2004, 08:25 PM)

"We are all fools,” said the old man, smiling at last. "Are you hungry?"

Posted by: Marquis Dec 30 2004, 02:43 AM

Phyrdalion walked down the hill and saw a small ranch to his right "Well, that wasn't there last time I was. He found the herdsman and handed him the paper. The herdsman moved 24 of the finest carts into two lines and roped them together. Phyrdalion stood on the back-most cart and whipped the guars into motion. They began to run with great speed, making their way quickly up the hill. It sounded like thunder when he arrived, The carts kicked up dust and befor elong, Phyrdalion was riding in his own lottle ash storm, smiling as he went.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 30 2004, 02:43 AM

QUOTE(Celarus @ Dec 29 2004, 07:30 PM)

"We are all fools,” said the old man, smiling at last. "Are you hungry?"

"A little," she said, smiling herself. She bowed again.

Posted by: Celarus Dec 30 2004, 02:45 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 29 2004, 08:33 PM)

"A little," she said, smiling herself. She bowed again.

"Come with me then," he said, leading them out of the cottage into the bright sunlit meadows of Artaeum. "I do not know all answers to all questions, but I do know that when you are hungry, you should eat."

Posted by: Arynel Dec 30 2004, 02:48 AM

QUOTE(Celarus @ Dec 29 2004, 06:35 PM)

"He is either wise behind measure." Arynel chuckled. "Or he cannot comprehend that which is beyond the length of his shadow."

The Breton followed after Celarus and Allerleirauh.

"Perhaps I am no different, though. There is much I cannot understand."

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Dec 30 2004, 02:49 AM

The fire in the cave, danced, and swirled as the Redguard told his story to Kasha and Dur’el. To anyone watching them from the outside it would look like two kids sitting around a campfire listening to ghost stories told by their father.

The old Redguard grabs some dirt from the cave ground, and showers it over the fire. Colored images of demons and people sprout from the fire, and begin to tell a story. One image slowly takes the shape of a demon with horns, standing over a globe.

“From wherever in Oblivion Molag Bal sits, he saw you,” The Redguard says as an image that resembles Dur’el pops up.

“And he watched you for years. From a little boy, all the way up, to where you are now. And while he was watching, he saw something in you, and thought you could be of great use to him. I mean, a really good asset, like the only servant on this mortal plain, he would ever need. But in order for you to reach your true potential, it would require years of training, and servitude under him. But as we all know, if its one thing Gods have little of, its patience. So he devised a plan to go back, and corrupt you when you where the most susceptible… when you where a child. So he watched, and waited, and waited.” The images die down and a new scene forms, as the Redguard continues.

“Then the day came when he saw what Loranna’s revelation did to you, and he chose that time to strike. In your mental state at that time you where a perfect target for manipulation. So he possessed you. Then he lured you into the ancient, tomb in Gnisis. He did this because he knew of what the tomb held, and what it held changed your life.” The fire story wavers to show Dur’el walking inside of a tomb.

Lighting strikes outside, in the ferocious, tempest as the Redguard contiunes the story...

Posted by: Celarus Dec 30 2004, 02:55 AM

Artaeum, Summurset

A stew was brewing in a cauldron in the loremaster's tower. It was venison simmered in wine, spicy and warm, and just a bit sweet. If beauty was a flavor, it was this.

"I do not know how long your friend will sleep," said Celarus. "Was your visit here purely to see if he lived still?"

Posted by: Aki Dec 30 2004, 02:56 AM

QUOTE(Marquis @ Dec 29 2004, 08:33 PM)

Reichi watched the Ash Storm aproach. Sitting on a crate.

Posted by: FireMaster Dec 30 2004, 02:57 AM

*Erenius finishes bringing the guars to him as Phydralion's companion helps with unloading the carts and Phydralion himself rounds a hill with the guars and their carts in tow*

"At last...make sure its all ready by the time he arrives," Erenius mumbles, estimating his arrival at about ten to fifteen minutes.

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Dec 30 2004, 02:58 AM

The old Redguard continues the story, not missing a beat, as the storm continues raging outside of the dank, clammy cave.

“The tomb held an old Dwemer device that could affect time itself.” The Redguard continues. “Molag Bal gets you in the tomb, at the right time, in the right place, makes you start the machine, and bam, your time is broken.” The fire images form one line, and then the line explodes on the dancing, tips of the fire.

“And in that split second that your fate is scrambled, and time is trying to right itself, Molag Bal reaches into your past, and seduces you to worship him, when you where a child. Molag Bal knows that in the split second of the break, your fate is wide open, and he can affect you at any time period.” The images collect to show the demon with horns, reconstructing the destroyed line, as two images of Dur’el stand on the line.

“So now Mephala’s web is broken and there are two outcomes to your life. The way you lived it, and the way Molag Bal made it. Well, Mephala and Akatosh can’t have that. So Akatosh reaches out and picks one of you to be the true timeline. And Molag Bal’s Dur’el, wins the drake toss, because he’s the one Akatosh finds first, as a child.”

“So in summary, Molag’s Dur’els history overlaps yours, while you, the way you are now, gets sent here. In the time between times, where unused, time abnormalities get sent. And here’s the grandest part,” The old Redguard says sarcastically. “Time moves much faster here. Seconds in Nirn are years here. So a passing of four days in Nirn, is a whole lifetime here. It was, and is, the perfect plan. Molag Bal gets what he wants, an unstoppable, unequaled servant to do his biddings in the mortal plain. You’re out of the way, you die within a few days after it happens, and no one is the wiser. Not even Mephala, and Akatosh themselves.”

A long silence sweeps over the cave as, Dur’el, and Kasha take in this astounding amount of revelation.

Posted by: Nalion Dec 30 2004, 03:01 AM

QUOTE(FireMaster @ Dec 30 2004, 01:47 AM)

Nalion continues to help unloading the carts, here and there casting levitation spells if barrels or chests with supplies were too heavy to carry alone.
The work proceeded steadily and Nalion guessed that it would take some time until all of the food and drink were properly unloaded and sealed to keep them fresh.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 30 2004, 03:03 AM

QUOTE(Celarus @ Dec 29 2004, 07:45 PM)

"I heard rumors of your cooking, and wanted to know if they were true," she said, smiling. "It's been years since I had such good venison, your deer must feast on flowers all the year long. I won't pretend that it doesn't thrill me to be in a place I've only heard legends about. But our real business was with Master B. I am no loremaster, merely a warrior with a few enchanter's tricks."

She thought. "There is one thing. A friend of mine... Solin. He has journeyed to the Clockwork City of Sotha Sil. And something deeply troubles him, he is not right in his mind. I have no power to help him. But my heart tells me I should give him this."

She fished in her pouch for a small, hemispherical stone. "The other half of this stone I made into the Stone of Wonders, which is in the ring B has on his hand. The property of the Stone of Wonders is that when you gaze upon it, whatever happens next, you are able to remember. But its companion stone has no property that I can discern. Perhaps if you were to give it to your people, they might find some hidden virtue."

Posted by: Arynel Dec 30 2004, 03:09 AM

Arynel silently ate, eyeing the stone.

"The stone of wonders makes you remember..." The Breton mused, a whisper given off to no one in paticular. "Perhaps the other makes you forget."

He resumed eating.

Posted by: Celarus Dec 30 2004, 03:11 AM

Artaeum, Summurset

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 29 2004, 08:53 PM)

"You are very charming to say so," smiled the old mer. "We do not feast like kings in Artaeum, but we savor what we have."

QUOTE

"Perhaps if you were to give it to your people, they might find some hidden virtue."

"Let me see it closer," Celarus said, holding out his hand.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 30 2004, 03:17 AM

QUOTE(Celarus @ Dec 29 2004, 08:01 PM)

Artaeum, Summurset
"You are very charming to say so," smiled the old mer. "We do not feast like kings in Artaeum, but we savor what we have."
"Let me see it closer," Celarus said, holding out his hand.

Allerleirauh placed the small hemispherical stone in Celarus's hand.

"Thank you for everything," she said. "For your hospitality to strangers who came under your roof without invitation."

Posted by: Arynel Dec 30 2004, 03:19 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 29 2004, 07:07 PM)

Allerleirauh placed the small hemispherical stone in Celarus's hand.

"Thank you for everything," she said. "For your hospitality to strangers who came under your roof without invitation."

"Yes." Arynel conceeded. "All thanks for food and hearth, given so freely as is not so common in the world."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 30 2004, 03:24 AM

Tris: In the House of Dibella, Cyrodiil City

She was, in his opinion, the most beautiful living creature in the place, a petite Imperial woman of about 50 years, merry grey eyes brilliant against her deep-toned skin. Back when he was still young enough to think he knew something, she had taught him more about the relations between men and women than most men could forget in a dozen lifetimes.

Having made his confession, he lay with his head in her lap, while she played with his hair.

"I don't think I have a libido right now," he said. "When I lost my foot it just sort of went away like water sinking into cracks in the earth. Except for these sort of wild flurries which knock me off my feet."

He winced at his verbal misstep, and she bent to kiss him, upside down, laughing deep in her throat.

He continued. "Ciel - well, I can tell he doesn't hate the idea. But something's holding me back, and it's not reverence for his long-dead wife. Right now he feels guilty. He feels he owes me something. And that's not fair."

"You feel unworthy beside him," she said. "This is the true humility of a lover. Now what you need is a lover's boldness. Have you thought of something? The Mad God sent someone to make you an offer. That makes you a person of some standing."

He laughed, bewildered. "If that were true, every crazy beggar in the town square would be a nobleman in disguise."

"Aren't they? My dear child, every crazy beggar is a loss greater than you or I can possibly dream. Madness is the water that rushes in to fill the hole Shezarr left in the world, and there's a reason he's called the god of human endeavor. Salute the mad ones and pay reverence to the great mystery."

"I will if you ask it of me," he said, kissing her again, on the base of her throat.

"Dear boy, do you think I make love to you out of pity, or because of my duty as priestess? You are my delight, no less so than the last time I saw you."

"But you're not like an actual person," he said. "You're like a goddess, or at least a saint."

There followed a certain amount of scuffling, wrestling, and horseplay.

Afterwards he lay listening to his own heartbeat echoing in his head. "There is something," he said. "Nenius - when I met him on the street - he's such an idiot. I wanted to rip his head off and stuff it up his fundament. But there was something else, a more familiar feeling, as if I were moving faster than he possibly could, as if I'd gone past him and turned to look back and seen him falling behind me."

"Hold on to your anger," she said. "You are not nearly as angry as you should be. How long has it been since you last slept well?"

"I can't remember," he said. "My foot hurts more now than when it happened. Sometimes I wake in the middle of the night so crazy with it that I want to tear my own leg off, but then, you see, it's already gone."

"It does look shocking," she said, running her hand down his leg and over the fierce red stump. "You just stop. It offends the senses. Well, Tris. Dibella will have nothing under her roof that is not beautiful. But I am not willing to concede this battle yet. Now I am going to put you to sleep. Rest well, without pain, and remember that Dibella does not forsake her worshippers."

"I love her," he said. "And you. I love you."

His words faded under the influence of her magic, as her hands wove a spell and cast him into deep, dreamless sleep.

Posted by: Celarus Dec 30 2004, 03:26 AM

Artaeum, Summurset

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 29 2004, 09:09 PM)

"Yes." Arynel conceeded. "All thanks for food and hearth, given so freely as is not so common in the world."

"Is it not, my boy?" the old man sighed. "That is a shame."

He looked at the stone carefully. "Yes, perhaps it does have a purpose. May I keep it for a little while? One does want to be sure ... And I wouldn't worry about your friend. We'll take good care of him. If he survived Oblivion, he should even be able to withstand my anger." The old mer chuckled.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 30 2004, 03:31 AM

QUOTE(Celarus @ Dec 29 2004, 08:16 PM)

Artaeum, Summurset
"Is it not, my boy?" the old man sighed. "That is a shame."

He looked at the stone carefully. "Yes, perhaps it does have a purpose. May I keep it for a little while? One does want to be sure ... And I wouldn't worry about your friend. We'll take good care of him. If he survived Oblivion, he should even be able to withstand my anger." The old mer chuckled.

"Of course you may, sir."

To Arynel she said, "I should return to Loranna. Whatever killed her double may still be near."

Posted by: Arynel Dec 30 2004, 03:35 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 29 2004, 07:21 PM)

"Of course you may, sir."

To Arynel she said, "I should return to Loranna. Whatever killed her double may still be near."

"Yes, we must return to the others." Arynel said. "When this is all over, my desire is that I have no more need to meander about in this fasion, but have need only to go where my feet can take me."

"That is not the way of things, as of now, and so it cannot be that way." The Breton said. "Let us return to Loranna."

Posted by: Celarus Dec 30 2004, 03:36 AM

Artaeum, Summurset

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 29 2004, 09:21 PM)

"Of course you may, sir."

To Arynel she said, "I should return to Loranna. Whatever killed her double may still be near."

"You are welcome back anytime," murmured Celarus, not looking up from the stone. He was, after all and above all, a scholar, and when there was something to study, he was less than polite. “Farewell, but be careful as you travel. Particularly you, my boy. But you knew that, didn’t you?”

Posted by: Arynel Dec 30 2004, 03:38 AM

QUOTE(Celarus @ Dec 29 2004, 07:26 PM)

Artaeum, Summurset
"You are welcome back anytime," murmured Celarus, not looking up from the stone. He was, after all and above all, a scholar, and when there was something to study, he was less than polite. “Farewell, but be careful as you travel. Particularly you, my boy. But you knew that, didn’t you?”

"Oh, why yes, of course." Arynel muttered. "Of course I knew to be careful, didn't I? Don't I? Truly there is a danger in any path, no trail is without it's trials..."

The Breton fell silent, he stared off to the side, and began to scratch his chin.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 30 2004, 03:42 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 29 2004, 08:28 PM)

"Safety in numbers," Allerleirauh said. "What Dragon described was a creature who depends on surprise and fascination, neither of which work well on more than one person at a time. Shall we go, Arynel?"

She bowed again to Loremaster Celarus.

Posted by: Celarus Dec 30 2004, 03:43 AM

Artaeum, Summurset

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 29 2004, 09:32 PM)

“Mmm,” the old mer said, with an absent-minded wave.

Posted by: Arynel Dec 30 2004, 03:45 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 29 2004, 07:32 PM)

Arynel nodded to Allerleirauh, and began to whisper a string of power.

The Breton appeared outside of Ghosgate.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 30 2004, 03:47 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 29 2004, 08:35 PM)

Arynel nodded to Allerleirauh, and began to whisper a string of power.

The Breton appeared outside of Ghosgate.

Allerleirauh also whispered the string of power that would take her directly to Ghostgate. The less travel in the Void, the better.

She looked around. People seemed to be equipping for a journey.

Posted by: Loranna Dec 30 2004, 03:49 AM

Allie and Arynel will find Loranna sitting on her litter, the procession of gift-givers seemingly having died down for now. She's looking over the preperations for the journey from her vantage point and occasionally glances around, her eyes seeking someone.

Posted by: Arynel Dec 30 2004, 03:53 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Dec 29 2004, 07:39 PM)

"See the queen of the Dunmer!" Arynel curses under his breath. "See them at their labor, uplifting their goddess in her mobile throne."

The Breton shook his head and snarled.

"Where are the sacrificial fires? The bound virgins? Surely her majesty would require more than merely making as slaves these people she claims to serve."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 30 2004, 03:57 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 29 2004, 08:43 PM)

"Now, if you're going to be angry, be angry at the right person. The palanquin was Aricyn's idea," Allerleirauh said.

She refrained from saying that it made a certain amount of sense, for a pregnant woman who needed to travel.

Posted by: Arynel Dec 30 2004, 04:01 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 29 2004, 07:47 PM)

"Perhaps." Arynel conceeded.

The Breton opened his mouth, but no words came forth. He turned and began to walk, in no direction in paticular, singing:

So many notes played
And the song is yet the same
So many steps made
But the road forever stays
So many threads sewn
Always true the woven way...

Posted by: Loranna Dec 30 2004, 04:03 AM

Loranna's eyes turn toward Arynel and Allie, and her expression droops slightly.

Figiting a bit, she moves off the litter, speaking softly to the few people who start bowing and kneeling once she moves.

Posted by: FireMaster Dec 30 2004, 04:09 AM

*Erenius finishes packing the belongings as he makes his way carefully towards the front of the group, namely towards Loranna*

Posted by: Meridia Dec 30 2004, 04:12 AM

Puzzle Canal, Vivec

'Maranda, do you mind if I head out on a walk?' Shardie asked
'Whatever, just don't be out long...' Maranda replied, facinated with a strange scroll she had picked up recently, and only paying half attention...
Shardie left the canal, and made her way down the stairs of Vivecs Palace, wondering where the great God King had gone... she made it to the Temple Canton and caught a gondella to the Mainland, Ebonheart in paticular. Her contact was there, where he always was.
'It rarely snows on Red Mountian' Shardie said to this stranger
'Only during the winter it snows' replied the contact
'But why not summer?' Shardie asked
'Because it is too hot...' replied the stranger
'Here is your package, take it to the master... indeed things are getting quite hectic, somthing big is going to happen in Vivec,' Shardie said
'Indeed they are... I do hope this false incarnate thing settles down soon.' the stranger replied
'I do not think she is false...'
'Nether the less, we must remove her from being... the Master shall get back to you, Shardie, good work' the stranger turned and returned to the shadows... Shardie took the gondella back to the Temple Canton...

Posted by: Loranna Dec 30 2004, 04:13 AM

QUOTE(FireMaster @ Dec 29 2004, 09:59 PM)

*Erenius finishes packing the belongings as he makes his way carefully towards the front of the group, namely towards Loranna*

Loranna, who seems mostly to be stretching her legs, looks at Erenius as he approaches.

"Hail; how fare thee?" she asks the Imperial.

Posted by: FireMaster Dec 30 2004, 04:17 AM

*Erenius stops*

"I am well," Erenius replies. "And you?"

Posted by: Loranna Dec 30 2004, 04:21 AM

QUOTE(FireMaster @ Dec 29 2004, 10:07 PM)

*Erenius stops*

"I am well," Erenius replies. "And you?"

" ... I am doing well, thank you," Loranna says, her eyes flickering back to the carts.

" ... You've done good work I see; thank you," she says, her tone softening a little. "We should talk with Lord Liris and with Aricyn soon to finalize the details of the next leg of our journey."

" ... Have you noticed anything strange tonight?" she asks, frowning.

Posted by: FireMaster Dec 30 2004, 04:25 AM

"Good...good," Erenius replies. "Nothing seems out of place...save your skin, obviously...what, if you dont mind telling, happened?"

"And you are quite welcome for my services," Erenius says. "However, the post I have taken is but a money sink. But I will make it clear that I shall give whatever coin is needed now, so long as I have enough for after these events are ending."

Posted by: niceguy5 Dec 30 2004, 04:26 AM

Dane wasn’t sure if the color scheme of his robe was too bright but it provided much warmth for the were-vamp. He opened the door of the Tower of Dusk. There was a slight breeze as Dane walked out the tower. It would be nearly be impossible to find Jekk in this crowd so instead he searched for a camp fire, someone willing to lend any food.

Posted by: Loranna Dec 30 2004, 04:30 AM

QUOTE(FireMaster @ Dec 29 2004, 10:15 PM)

Note to self; when heading large parades of people across the wilderness, see that funds are provided for beforehand, Loranna thinks to herself.

"Your generosity is noted and shall be rewarded," she says, frowning. "Anyway, it's growing late; should you see Aricyn, please tell him I wish to speak to him as soon as possible ..."

A small, gentle smile slowly comes to Loranna's lips. " ... It will all work out in the end, dear."

Posted by: FireMaster Dec 30 2004, 04:33 AM

"If you insist, M'Lady," Erenius replies as he turns to tend the supplies, to take final inventory of it as well as watch it.

*Erenius then stops, remeberring something*

"Also, may I suggest a ration of sorts for the majority here?" Erenius asks. "If only to prevent excessive food issues later on should we run low, unable to get to a nearby settlement."

Posted by: Arynel Dec 30 2004, 04:35 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Dec 29 2004, 08:20 PM)

A small, gentle smile slowly comes to Loranna's lips. " ... It will all work out in the end, dear."

"It will all work out in the end, you say?" Arynel muttered. "In the end, if we are lucky, this will be over, and the Nord-demon will be no more."

Posted by: Loranna Dec 30 2004, 04:36 AM

QUOTE(FireMaster @ Dec 29 2004, 10:23 PM)

Loranna says "Hmm ... I will consider that. Thank you for the idea."

... Should probably see about sending a few people ahead to Vivec, figure out what Helseth and Maranda have been setting up, Loranna considers. Who to ask regarding that ...

Upon hearing Arynel's muttering, Loranna turns to look at him, her smile turning to a frown.

... He keeps talking like that and it won't just be my Lady wanting to bash his head with a rock ... Loranna notes.

" ... So noted," she says to Arynel, her tone reserved. "Until then though, we still have our paths to walk."

A tiny sigh escapes her lips. " ... And it doesn't hurt to be courteous to our fellow travellers," she adds.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 30 2004, 04:39 AM

One heart at a time, Allerleirauh thought, watching the sea of people. Anyone can turn a mob. But the heart of a hero is always individual.

There were a handful of heroes here. She noted them, watching with her eyes slitted against the late afternoon sun, watching their paths spread out in all directions.

What she needed to do... what Vehk had tried to do, with his Sermons... was to make more heroes. Well. She was good at that, wasn't she? That was what pretty girls were best at, making heroes.

Allerleirauh made her way through the crowd and into the Tower of Dusk. Several of the Buoyant Armigers were in the bar. She made her way into the midst of them. She had something in common with them - they loved Vehk as passionately as she did. And they spoke, to a certain degree, the same language.

She started up a conversation.

One heart at a time...

Posted by: FireMaster Dec 30 2004, 04:40 AM

"Thank you," Erenius says, swiftly turning about, leaving at last to double check the supplies.

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Dec 30 2004, 04:40 AM

Lurking among a group of Loranna worshippers, Left Hand stands, heavily disguised, in Ashlander clothing. He clouds his mind and stares at Loranna emotionless, as he waits tolerantly for his moment.

Posted by: Sheogorath Dec 30 2004, 04:43 AM

QUOTE(FireMaster @ Dec 29 2004, 10:23 PM)

"Thank you," Erenius says, swiftly turning about, leaving at last to double check the supplies.

“Pardon me, sir,” said a Dunmer, whose clothes were simple, but his accent unmistakably noble. “I couldn’t help overhearing. My name is Dres Gaor. I come from the mainland together with many others to follow our Goddess. We assumed that there would be a tithe towards the construction of Azura’s temple, and were only waiting to be asked. If that would help you financially.”

Posted by: Arynel Dec 30 2004, 04:46 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Dec 29 2004, 08:26 PM)

Upon hearing Arynel's muttering, Loranna turns to look at him, her smile turning to a frown.

... He keeps talking like that and it won't just be my Lady wanting to bash his head with a rock ... Loranna notes.

" ... So noted," she says to Arynel, her tone reserved. "Until then though, we still have our paths to walk."

A tiny sigh escapes her lips. " ... And it doesn't hurt to be courteous to our fellow travellers," she adds.

"Keep still your tongue." Arynel called. "You see my thoughts, what need of you to place them on public display?"

The Breton shook his head.

"Courteous to our fellow travellers? Tis a fine lesson, perhaps one you should consider for yourself."

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Dec 30 2004, 04:48 AM

The time in-between time…

“So you’re telling me… that another version of me… is living in my place on Nirn, now?” Dur’el says raising an eyebrow.

“You got it.” The old, Redguard replies watching the fire.

“That’s very confusing.” Kasha mumbles after a long silence from her.

“No, it’s not. I understand it perfectly… I’m doomed.” Dur’el says lowering his head.

“No… you’re not.” The old Redguard states quickly. “There is one ray of light, in this, bleak, squall of a story. Its one thing Molag Bal didn’t count on. The Daedra bastard didn’t consider the break he made might try to fix itself.”

“Continue.” Dur’el says listening attentively.

Posted by: FireMaster Dec 30 2004, 04:54 AM

"As of yet," Erenius replies to the Dunmer. "No donations are being collected, but I will speak to the incarnate soon as possible about such a possibility if many others wish to donate."

Posted by: Sheogorath Dec 30 2004, 04:57 AM

QUOTE(FireMaster @ Dec 29 2004, 10:44 PM)

"As of yet," Erenius replies to the Dunmer. "No donations are being collected, but I will speak to the incarnate soon as possible about such a possibility if many others wish to donate."

"Forgive my impertinence on the matter. I know that money can be a touchy subject but we would consider it an honor to contribute," said Dres Gaor, with a bow, moving back into the crowd with a hearty. "Hail Azura!" which was echoed over and over again.

Posted by: Loranna Dec 30 2004, 04:57 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 29 2004, 10:36 PM)

Loranna's eyes narrow, a bit of grey coming to them ...

Fine; then I'll speak to your thoughts instead of talking, she says, her tone as civil as she can make it.

... You don't like me; I understand that, but going around muttering how bad I am isn't going to make anything better, and is only going to invite trouble. I'm sorry things have gotten to this point that we can't talk but I ask for everyone's sake - let's keep our glowering to ourselves. Nothing good ever came from growled curses.

Her thoughts leave Arynel's and she sighs again. " ... Good luck to you on your chosen path, Arynel," she says, brushing hair out of her eyes. "If you'll excuse me, I need to find a few people now to discuss things. Pleasent evening to you."

She turns to walk away, hoping that is the end of that ...

Posted by: FireMaster Dec 30 2004, 04:59 AM

"Very well then," Erenius says, moved by their devotion. "I shall take your coin and bring it to her, to be used as she sees fit, and I will speak to her of the possibility of a temple. Of that I will assure you."

*With that Erenius takes the collections and places them in an empty redware jar which he passes about those gathered to put the coin in*

Posted by: Sheogorath Dec 30 2004, 05:04 AM

QUOTE(FireMaster @ Dec 29 2004, 10:49 PM)

The jar begins to fill rapidly, and many are the voices who ask, as they contribute, about the possibility of a temple. Has Azura chosen the Towers of Dusk and Dawn to be the center of her kingdom in Mundus? They seem sturdy enough, only some slight modifications need to be made … This man is a carpenter ... And so is this man ...

(It is a sad fact of fund raising that everyone contributing a drake feels his or her opinion should be considered)

Might a wing of the new Temple be dedicated to a family member of mine, now deceased? What should be its colors? Will it need a knightly order to defend it? How can I join as a warrior or a priest?

Before long, the jar is full, and once emptied, is filled up again.

Posted by: Arynel Dec 30 2004, 05:06 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Dec 29 2004, 08:47 PM)

Before the connection ends, a few of Arynel's spare thoughts, like a worm, enter into Loranna's mind.

See the stone worn by the sands of the ages ever woven thread-universe and footworn path traced out by mortal leg-lengths and traced by immortal irreverence.

See the death-life of the web-universe and the forced path of the irreconcilable multifacited-solidarity.

See the man-god axis and world-convulsion and the stone worn by the sands of the ages ever woven thread-universe and foolish...

Posted by: FireMaster Dec 30 2004, 05:07 AM

*After several passings of many jars, Erenius places them in a single basket and brings them to Loranna*

"A goodly number of Dunmer have donated to your cause," Erenius says. "They wish for a temple to be built here, but it is up to you. If you decline such, I am sure you can find other uses for the coin."

Posted by: Sheogorath Dec 30 2004, 05:10 AM

QUOTE(FireMaster @ Dec 29 2004, 10:57 PM)

Lord Dres Gaor approaches, bowing low, averting his eyes, "And, in addition to coin, I would donate my season's crops to feed your people, and my land to build another temple on the mainland ... if it pleases you, Goddess ..."

Posted by: Loranna Dec 30 2004, 05:12 AM

QUOTE(FireMaster @ Dec 29 2004, 10:57 PM)

The worm seems to have been crushed rather quickly; Loranna shows no sign of having considered what Arynel said as she turned to leave.

As Erenius shows her the donations, she blinks, murmuring " ... That's ... quite a generous showing ..."

Temple? It makes sense, but ... Loranna thinks, trying to weigh matters in her mind. Right now, there's still the last three shrines of the pilgrimage to visit, the binding to finish undoing so Azura can resume her throne in Moonshadow. A temple ...

" ... This matter, like the others, shall be discussed soon," Loranna says. "There are still other matters which require dealing with ..."

Seeing Lord Dres Gaor, Loranna does her best to look regal and politely appreciative. "My thanks, my Lord; your devotion and generosity are a shining example ..."

Posted by: Sheogorath Dec 30 2004, 05:20 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Dec 29 2004, 11:02 PM)

Seeing Lord Dres Gaor, Loranna does her best to look regal and politely appreciative. "My thanks, my Lord; your devotion and generosity are a shining example ..."

"I only think of your followers too old or infirm to journey with you, if they could have some place to learn of you and worship, I know many more would come," the Dunmer said, his eyes still averted to the ground. "But you are wisdom itself. I only speak what seems clear to me. Forgive the intrusion."

With that, he walks back into the crowd, still bowing as he goes.

Posted by: FireMaster Dec 30 2004, 05:22 AM

*Erenius goes forth several more times, wanderring the camp, not searching for donations, but instead to take a tally of those in the camp should Loranna take his advice of a ration of food, if only for the time being*

"So that makes just under 1500," Erenius says, tallying his current numbers, noting he was just about a full half or so of the entire group.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 30 2004, 05:22 AM

Allerleirauh liked Armigers much better than Ordinators. Of course, she liked Vivec better than she had liked Almalexia.

"Dres?" one of the Armigers said, in response to a few quiet words from one of his fellows, who had just come in. "What's he doing here?"

Allerleirauh listened to the news. A temple for Azura. Of course it would be Dres. Dres had always been traditionalists. Word of Loranna's pilgrimage was spreading, then.

She trusted Doll. Doll, wherever she was, was doubtless all eyes and ears. She would report on the activities outside.

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Dec 30 2004, 05:28 AM

The time in-between time…

“Even though the plan was perfect, Akatosh knows that something is wrong. Even thought time has a filler for your slot, Akatosh just feels the truth. And so, the corrupted timeline breaks itself, every four Nirn days, to give you a chance to right the wrong. Take back your place, so to speak. And that leads to me. It’s my job to prepare you for that time. When both Molag’s Dur’el, and you meet, for it is already too late for me. I have already failed."

“What do you mean failed?” Dur’el replies, looking at the old men peculiarly.

“Akatosh is trying to keep you alive, to find out what’s wrong with your timeline. So, if you fail to beat your double, and die here, he goes back, and grabs you from the point of the original break, and loops you here to try again. And because I lost, you got sent here to retrace my steps, and try to succeed where I have failed. The loser of the fight gets send back here, to die and the loop continues, until Akatosh feels that time has righted itself. In other words the loop continues until you win the fight.”

“So, I have an infinite number of times to right my timeline?” Dur'el asks.

“No, Akatosh is not going to wait forever. The break will stop trying to fix itself, and Akatosh will just accept the timeline Molag has made. And if he does, evil wins. You will be stuck here, Molag wins, and you die.”

Another bolt of lighting, strikes outside and shakes the little cave. Meanwhile in Morrowind, Left Hand, adjusts his cloak, as he feels a minor chill.

Posted by: Loranna Dec 30 2004, 05:38 AM

Loranna listens to the crowd's thoughts for a few moments, confirming that Lord Dres wasn't the only one who thought the temple idea was good - and the sheer number of suggestions for the temple she heard in the span of thirty seconds convinced her to keep her thoughts in her own head for a little bit.

The lord had a good point though - there were simply too many people here to keep dragging them all the way across Vvardenfell, even if her pilgrimage had but one major stop left. Not only that, but people were going to need to be fed and housed; no one here was doing much to earn a drake right now.

On the other hand, Helseth was still, far as she knew, opposed to her; it was one thing to set up a temple, another to give the King of Morrowind a nice shiny target to seige. Azura's goals wouldn't be served by putting her worshippers in one place to be slaughtered, so either Helseth would have to be disuaded from opposing her or else defenses prepared beforehand ...

Azura was wisdom itself; Loranna was a tavern girl carrying Azura and Sen-Yedda inside her. There was a lot to think about, and a lot to discuss - and right now, the people she would think to talk to first were all busy.

Loranna returns to the litter, not wanting to walk around randomly through the crowd; the assasin from before could still be around ...

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Dec 30 2004, 06:06 AM

The time in-between time…

Kasha listens on, fighting off her headache, while Dur’el and the old Redguard have their conversation.

“So, all I have to do is defeat this double of me, and take my place back. Sounds easy to me.” Dur’el states.

The old Redguard lets out a little chuckle. “No, it’s not going to be easy. It’s going to be damn, near impossible. Molag Bal’s influence can do terrible things to a person. And in your special case, he has had thousands of years, to perfect you as his ideal servant. So that makes this double, you have living in Nirn right now, almost unstoppable. This will probably be the hardest fight you ever have. Many have tried to defeat him, and failed. Like I said, all this, the story, your responses, everything we have talked about, has been said before… many times.”

“How many before me have failed, then?”

“Seven, eight-teen, twenty-seven, a hundred? I don’t know, but the number is high. I failed, the one before me, and the one before him, and so on. But now the time for talk is over. There is much to do. I must teach you everything that has been taught to me, so you may have the chance to finally succeed where many have failed.”

A small moan comes from behind Dur’el. Allimar finally wakes up. The chubby Bosmer, rubs his eyes, and sits up.

“Did I miss anything?”

And so, the seconds in Nirn, turn into years for Dur’el and his party…

Posted by: Meridia Dec 30 2004, 06:11 AM

'He-who-hunts-elves' knelt on one knee and kissed Maranda's Signet Ring
'I have arrived with good news, mistress,'
'Yes, you may get up now, I got your letter...'
'But I did not send a letter...'
'How odd... anyway do you know when the king will arrive?' Maranda asked, as Shardie sneeked back into the room
'Not as yet, but he sent a contingent of his Royal Guard for your disposal...'
'Very well, I shall meet them shortly, now go... Krazzt?' Maranda asked, turning to the Dremora behind her
'What is it? Do you have a silver longsword for me?'
'Don't be silly, I leave the moon riever in your care for the time being... put it where you put all those other Silver longswords...' Maranda said, leaving Shardie and Krazzt alone...
'Where do you put all those Longswords?' Shardie asked

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 30 2004, 07:25 AM

Tower of Dusk

"The shrine to the Valor of the Dunmer people is turning into the Shrine of Azura," Allerleirauh said. "I know you know that the first act of valor of the Dunmer was defying Azura. So perhaps it's appropriate. Perhaps the age of the valor of the Dunmer is over now."

The Buoyant Armigers were pretending not to listen; one leaned against the table; another watched her from hooded eyes. But no one else had talked for some time.

"What about this baby? Whose Nordic brat is it? That big fellow, white all over?"

"It's Vehk's, he gave it a name," she said. "Or rather, the Void Ghost did. I was there, I heard."

"Sen-Yedda? Sounds familiar," one of them mused.

"I know we don't need Outlanders from Dres traipsing in and repainting the Tower of Dusk in their favorite colors," another Armiger said.

"What I'm waiting to see is how she herds that lot through the Ascended Sleepers and Ash Zombies out there," another said. "We've had our hands full since the Ghostgate came down, let me tell you. It's not a park, it's a battleground. And will be for the next decade."

"So," said one who hadn't spoken yet. The others instantly fell silent. "What are you suggesting we do? We take our orders from Him, not the Temple, not Saryoni or even Azura. But he hasn't done a lot of talking lately. Are you our very own monkey prophet to translate his words from above?"

"I hear him sometimes," Allerleirauh said. "He shapes the shrieking of cicadas and the wind in dried branches to make a voice for himself. But I'm not asking you to listen to me. I'm asking you not to forget him. You were his friends and lovers and playmates, not his puppets. Azura will make you slaves again."

The room was quiet for a moment. Then the one who had spoken last let out a heavy, Dunmer sigh. "It's my watch," he said. "I'd better go see what the mob is up to."

They dispersed. And she rejoined the others outside.

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 30 2004, 07:27 AM

Aricyn, having run into the Dres gentleman, had discussed a more formal way of collecting offerings to Azura, and had then taken to walking the camp, shaking hands, returning bows, and making the new members of their group feel welcomed and appreciated by their Prince.

He noticed Arynel standing off from the crowd, watching with not-so-subtle disapproval.

"Whruf," said the old wolf at his side.

"Yes, that one again. I suppose so," Aricyn replied.

He approached Arynel, his hands folded loosley behind him. "I can't help but notice that you don't look happy, my friend. Does the sight of honest men working for their patron sit poorly with you?"

Posted by: Arynel Dec 30 2004, 07:31 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 29 2004, 11:17 PM)

"Honest work?" Arynel began. "Their patron? What has Loranna done for these people, to justify them bowing to her every wim?"

The Breton relaxed.

"I am well, though, as much as could be expected. I am of sound mind, and able bodied as I ever was, I give my thanks for that."

Posted by: Loranna Dec 30 2004, 07:37 AM

Loranna, looking up, notices Aricyn - talking to Arynel; she decides to wait a little longer before speaking to the Nord warrior.

Looking around, she sees Allie coming out of the Tower of Dusk and wonders what she's been up to ...

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 30 2004, 07:41 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Dec 30 2004, 12:27 AM)

"I see you're not dead yet," Allerleirauh said to Loranna by way of greeting. "I've been speaking to people about your would-be-assassin. He's very fast, too fast for me to save you should he try again. So be on your guard."

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 30 2004, 07:43 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 30 2004, 01:21 AM)

"What has any king done for his people, when he first takes the throne? Nothing, in case you couldn't answer that yourself," He says with a smile.

"What will she do? Who knows. I don't even care, but I do know you can't judge whether the people are right or wrong at this stage. You'll have to wait to see if their service is justified.

"HAH!" he exclaims suddenly, and shakes his head, obviously at his own words.

"I will say this, boy; Leading men is harder work than being led. That's why I don't do it often, myself."

Posted by: Loranna Dec 30 2004, 07:44 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 30 2004, 01:31 AM)

Loranna raises her eyebrows; Allie can see a suspicious light in Loranna's ever-shifting eyes, a tightening of her jaw ...

... and then, Loranna's face relaxes, and she gives a rueful smile.

"... Perhaps," she says, "we should make that be our standard greeting among ourselves. Thank you for alerting me."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 30 2004, 07:46 AM

Tris and Ciel: Cyrodiil, the House of Dibella

When Ciel entered the room, Tris was standing with his back to him, naked in front of a full length mirror.

His nakedness wasn't shocking; they had been traveling together in close quarters for several days now, and Ciel had just brushed shoulders in the hallway outside with a naked priest holding a censer, and a female temple dancer wearing nothing but a pair of finger cymbals. What was shocking was that Tris was standing upright without crutches on two perfectly ordinary feet.

Posted by: Arynel Dec 30 2004, 07:46 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 29 2004, 11:33 PM)

"I am unsure about this." Arynel mused. "There are many things I do not know, many paths I cannot trace, and many roads I cannot follow. I do not know how this will end."

The Breton paused, considering his words.

"And yet I feel that this is wrong, that this is not how things should be. Perhaps I am a fool, I do not know."

Posted by: Meridia Dec 30 2004, 07:48 AM

Shardie was tired of trying to get conversation out of the Dremora, so she decided to head out for a walk... she still had not replaced that Ebony Longsword she lost when they were ambushed near Ghostgate, Her purse was full of gold, another privilage of working for two masters, two pay cheques... so she decided to head to one of the House Cantons and search for someone to purchase a weapon from... Since she had associations with House Redoran, she decided to make her way to thier canton to purchase a new sword... but just off the temple canton, somthing caught her eye... curious, Shardie changed direction and headed towards the stranger looking at her from a distance...

Posted by: Solin Dec 30 2004, 07:58 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 29 2004, 11:36 PM)

"Master craftsmen, indeed," the knight mumbled glancing down towards the new leg. Ciel was dressed in his usual wear, which was ofcourse unusually much for a house of Dibella. He had been concerned when he first entered but, he kept reminding himself that all here were doing some service to the goddess.

"How does it fit?" he asked tenatively.

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 30 2004, 07:58 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 30 2004, 01:36 AM)

"Well, much as it shocks me to find myself agreeing with... or even understanding... anything you say, you've got THAT right, at least.

"There IS something very wrong, but everywhere, not here. This may be one of the few things going right, at least so I hope.

"I'll tell you a secret, boy, I don't give a breeze about Dunmer. I do care about men, though, and this is for us, not elves. This whole circus may just end up being one of the most important things you witness in a lifetime."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 30 2004, 08:01 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Dec 30 2004, 12:48 AM)

"It looks good, doesn't it? Until I try to move."

Tris turned towards him, awkwardly, then collapsed onto a cushioned bench.

"It feels so heavy, after having nothing. Here, touch it, I want to know what someone with a reasonable amount of willpower feels."

He lifted his leg onto the bench and ran his hand down it.

"I feel my old leg back... but then, I really want to believe in the illusion..."

Posted by: Arynel Dec 30 2004, 08:02 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 29 2004, 11:48 PM)

"Well, much as it shocks me to find myself agreeing with... or even understanding... anything you say, you've got THAT right, at least.

"There IS something very wrong, but everywhere, not here. This may be one of the few things going right, at least so I hope.

"I'll tell you a secret, boy, I don't give a breeze about Dunmer. I DO care about men, though, and this is for us, not elves. This whole circus may just end up being one of the most important things you witness in a lifetime."

Arynel's eyes opened wide, and then returned to their normal state.

"You think you can make the mer seem foolish, by following this incarnate?" The Breton asked. "Will the Nord that is with her, the champion of her cause, not also make men look foolish?"

Posted by: Issa_Yojimbo Dec 30 2004, 08:09 AM

Issa Yojimbo stumbles out of the Tower of Dusk. He glances around and sees that it is still night, and work is already being done to continue the procession.

"How long did I sleep? I had strange dreams."

He glances over at Reichi and the others helping out with the carts.

"Hey, can I help with anything?"

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 30 2004, 08:11 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 30 2004, 01:52 AM)

"Make them seem foolish? Hah! I don't think anyone needs my help for that, boy... but no, that's far from my goal.

"You talk too much about roads, but you're right, you know? You can't tell what's at the end of the path until you get there. You just have to trust whoever sent you down that path.

"Lucky for me," he says, scratching the old wolf's head, "I don't have to trust. I know."

He grins widely at Arynel.

Posted by: Arynel Dec 30 2004, 08:12 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 30 2004, 12:01 AM)

"Oh really?" Arynel inquired with a smile. "How, my good Nord, do you know?"

The Breton crossed his arms over his chest, awaiting an answer.

Posted by: Solin Dec 30 2004, 08:13 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 29 2004, 11:51 PM)

Ciel stripped a riding glove off his hand and reached out to touch the limb. He almost snatched his hand away at the first touch, it felt like a leg, with a bit of grim determination he managed to come off unsure instead. Feeling again, it was cold, solid, and dense. The knight reported as much. His eyes definitely decieved him.

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 30 2004, 08:14 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 30 2004, 02:02 AM)

"Oh really?" Arynel inquired with a smile. "How, my good Nord, do you know?"

The Breton crossed his arms over his chest, awaiting an answer.

Aricyn looks genuinely surprised at the question.

"Because I was told."

He smiles again.

Posted by: Arynel Dec 30 2004, 08:14 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 30 2004, 12:04 AM)

Aricyn looks genuinely surprised at the question.

"Because I was told."

He smiles again.

"Oh?" Arynel inquired. "Who told you? And what did they say?"

Posted by: Loranna Dec 30 2004, 08:15 AM

Loranna decides to ask Allie a question.

" ... Regarding the assasin, Allie dear ... your healing potions; are they safe for a pregnant woman to use?"

Posted by: Aki Dec 30 2004, 08:18 AM

QUOTE(Issa_Yojimbo @ Dec 30 2004, 01:59 AM)

Reichi shrugged. Most of the work was done by now. "You can help us finish up...." he said trailing off. "But theres no more than ten or so crates left.."

Reichi mumbled something about overly heavy crates.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 30 2004, 08:19 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Dec 30 2004, 01:03 AM)

"Here," Tris said, and made meaningless motions with his hand. The illusion was broken as he unbuckled the limb; he proffered it to Ciel wordlessly. It was carved of ivory, surprisingly realistic, and covered with golden magical symbols. The foot was hinged at the ankle.

"The carving is old, the magic and the articulation new," he said. "In fact it was originally the lower extremity of the statue of Saint Deothur the Shepherd, from the private collection of the temple. Which cost an amount of money that can't be valued in coins. Emaera - my confessor - said she was looking at my other foot and noticed that it was a perfect match. It struck her as an omen.

"I think they're all a little crazy," he said, smiling, suddenly shy.

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 30 2004, 08:20 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 30 2004, 02:04 AM)

"Oh?" Arynel inquired. "Who told you? And what did they say?"

"Boy, if there's one thing I know, it's that people are told what they need to do what's needed. You want me to explain myself so you can judge? I can't see how that'd help me one bit.

"You go through your life working overtime not to hear what people say. I know, I've noticed you. So why should I think that what I might say would be any different?

"No, it's easier for you if you just go on believing that I'm some nut that wants a Daedra to rule these elves with an iron hand. You keep on thinking we should be stopped. You go to sleep at night content that the Emperor will protect us all forever, and be happy."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 30 2004, 08:22 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Dec 30 2004, 01:05 AM)

Loranna decides to ask Allie a question.

" ... Regarding the assasin, Allie dear ... your healing potions; are they safe for a pregnant woman to use?"

"Healing potions are safe for everyone to use," she said. "And that's a good idea. It will make you almost impossible to kill, for a time."

She searched in her satchel and retrieved several blue vials, giving them to Loranna.

Posted by: Arynel Dec 30 2004, 08:25 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 30 2004, 12:10 AM)

"I do not care for the emperor." Arynel said. "He does what he will, and I do what I will, he is not my concern. My eyes have not set upon him, nor his upon me."

The Breton paused.

"I do not much care who these Dunmer worship, be it daedra or anyone else, this world is full of people, all worshipping whomever they please, and I say let them be as they will be. Still, I am bothered by this, who are they following, Loranna or Azura? This is not the Azura of their ancestors, this is a confuzed and scared Nord Bar wench, playing house to a demon who has been dethroned."

Posted by: Loranna Dec 30 2004, 08:26 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 30 2004, 02:12 AM)

Loranna accepts the vials with a small smile. "Thank you," she says quietly. "Today's miracle is not one I feel like forcing Azura to repeat; I've no clue if Sen-Yedda would go to another vessel with her or not."

Loranna sighs. " ... If I may ask, has Arynel been all right recently?"

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 30 2004, 08:27 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 30 2004, 02:15 AM)

Aricyn rubs his hand across his chin, remembering what Allerleirauh had said about him needing to shave.

"So?" He said to Arynel.

Posted by: Arynel Dec 30 2004, 08:27 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 30 2004, 12:17 AM)

Aricyn rubs his hand across his chin, remembering what Allerleirauh had said about him needing to shave.

"So?" He said to Arynel.

"Yes?" Arynel inquired. "What is it?"

Posted by: Meridia Dec 30 2004, 08:30 AM

Shardie approached the stranger, who smiled, and gestured her to follow... into the sewers… Shardie did not know why she followed him, but she did anyway… the stranger stopped near a door and smiled… pulling down his cloak to reveal a Dunmer face…
'You are after quality stuff, are you not?'
'What do you mean by "stuff" I don't take Moonsugar…' Shardie replied
'Heh, not here…' he opened the door to reveal a room full of weapons and armour and other nice things…
'How… how did you get all these things?' Shardie asked in amusement
'Well, I adventuring to the East of here, and was killing mud crabs and… well one had quite a stash on him for some reason…'
Shardie looked at the Dunmer sceptically
'Heh, that is a lie of course, you could say this equipment fell off the back of a cart, if you know what I mean…' he said moving behind the counter, 'You have money, you have bee hanging around the white clad one… that I know, and I am sure that you will not snitch… Look around, and tell me if you see anything that you like'
Shardie started to look around the room at the impressive range of weapons

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 30 2004, 08:30 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Dec 30 2004, 01:16 AM)

"Arynel is as well as he ever has been," Allerleirauh said. "Woe to the nation with a child for king; I fear I pushed him towards his inheritance too early. But he will do well enough, in time."

Posted by: Loranna Dec 30 2004, 08:34 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 30 2004, 02:20 AM)

"Arynel is as well as he ever has been," Allerleirauh said. "Woe to the nation with a child for king; I fear I pushed him towards his inheritance too early. But he will do well enough, in time."

Loranna sighs. " ... Ah; that explains it," she says, frowning. " ... He was ... well, let's just say this: he was starting to grate on my nerves - and you can imagine how he sounded to other ears."

" ... But you're probably right," Loranna says, tucking all the vials away but one and downing it. "Two days, right?"

Posted by: Rhedd Dec 30 2004, 08:34 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Dec 30 2004, 02:17 AM)

"Yes?" Arynel inquired. "What is it?"

Aricyn laughs loudly.

"No, boy, SO? As in, so what if, and I quote, 'this is a confused and scared Nord bar-wench, playing house to a demon who has been dethroned.'"

Posted by: Solin Dec 30 2004, 08:35 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Dec 30 2004, 12:09 AM)

Ciel handled the prosthetisis with care. It was of impressive workmanship without the illusion.

"Perhaps," Ciel began cracking a light smile, "But she has a good eye."

The Breton couldn't help but think of the coincidence himself, the barefoot saint, a gift from Dibella, and the young man across from him. It was a match... and a great loss.

Posted by: Arynel Dec 30 2004, 08:36 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Dec 30 2004, 12:24 AM)

Aricyn laughs loudly.

"No, boy, SO? As in, so what if, and I quote, 'this is a confused and scared Nord bar-wench, playing house to a demon who has been dethroned.'"

"Why should the Dunmer worship a her?" Arynel asked. "What right does she have to treat them as such, obeying her every command, worshipping the ground she walks on? Why can she not let them be?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Dec 30 2004, 08:39 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Dec 30 2004, 01:24 AM)

"Two days," Allerleirauh said. "Perhaps a little longer. This was a good batch."